French Government Releases In-house IM App To Replace WhatsApp and Telegram Use

A year ago, the French government unveiled its plan to build its own encrypted messenger service to ease fears that foreign entities could spy on private conversations between top officials. That app, named Tchap, is now official for Android handsets and the iPhone. From a report: A web dashboard is also in the works. Only official French government employees can sign-up…

This YouTuber Has Designed a DIY ‘Full Automatic Virtual Sex System’

With a couple of VR headsets, controllers, and this device, two users can simulate sex.Source: https://motherboard.vice.com/en_us/article/mb8a4a/this-youtuber-has-designed-a-diy-full-automatic-virtual-sex-system…

Is It GOOD or BAD to Use a Dynamite-Triggered Avalanche for an Apple Ad? We Asked Scientists

Apple’s “Don’t mess with Mother (Nature)” video—produced by the Camp4 Collective to promote the iPhone XS—included footage of a man-made avalanche. Source: https://motherboard.vice.com/en_us/article/bj9xyz/is-it-good-or-bad-to-trigger-an-avalanche-with-dynamite-for-an-apple-ad-we-asked-scientists…

Apple, Qualcomm Settle Royalty Dispute

Apple and Qualcomm have settled their royalty dispute, the companies said on Tuesday. From a report: The settlement includes a payment from Apple to Qualcomm as well as a chipset supply agreement, suggesting that future iPhone may use Qualcomm chips. The two companies started proceedings in a trial in federal court in San Diego on Monday, which was expected to…

Mozilla Wants Apple To Change Users’ iPhone Advertiser ID Every Month

Mozilla has launched a petition today to get Apple to rotate the IDFA unique identifier of iOS users every month. From a report: The purpose of this request is to prevent online advertisers from creating profiles that contain too much information about iOS users. IDFA stands for “IDentifier For Advertisers” and is a per-device unique ID. Apps running on a…

iOS 13 To Feature Dark Mode and Interface Updates, Report Says

9to5Mac has learned of several new features expected to be included in iOS 13. From the report: Dark Mode: There will be a system-wide Dark Mode that can be enabled in Settings, including a high contrast version, similar to what’s already available on macOS. Speaking of macOS, iPad apps that run on the Mac using Marzipan will finally take advantage…