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Mobile Syrup

Google to reportedly focus on hardware in bid to protect itself from Apple, U.S. regulators

Google CEO Sundar Pichai is betting on investing in Google’s devices as the best way to protect the company in a changing market.

Sources shared the details with The Information in the wake of developments that saw the iPhone take shares from Samsung, powered by Android. Antitrust regulators in the U.S. are also looking into Google’s deal with Apple that makes it the default search engine on Safari.

The publication reports Google is reportedly cutting back on investments in third-party hardware. Product development and software engineering staff have moved to work on Google-branded devices.

Google’s reported strategy change could explain the rash of developments and new products the company put forward, including its first smartwatch, the Google Pixel Watch, and the Pixel 7 series.

Source: The Information

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Mobile Syrup

What are Safari Tab Groups and how to share them on iOS 16

Apple introduced Safari Tab Groups to the iPhone last year with the release of iOS 15. The feature allowed users to group multiple Safari Tabs together and create a new tab group, which could be synced to the cloud, giving you access to your tab groups on other Apple devices, like a MacBook, or iPad, for example.

Now, with iOS 16, Apple is adding the ability to share Tab Groups, making research and collaboration among peers easier. Once shared, your peers can add tabs of their own to the group, and the same will reflect for you as well. So whether you’re working on a group project for school, or planning a trip abroad with your friends, everyone with the Shared Tab Group can contribute towards research visible to all.

Firstly, let’s go over how you can create tab groups on Safari on iPhone:

  • Open Safari and click on the ‘Tabs’ on the bottom right.
  • Tap on the middle bar that mentions how many tabs you currently have open.
  • Tap on ‘New Empty Tab Group’ and name it whatever you’d like. In my case, I named it “iOS 16 Tips.”

Check out the screenshots below for visual cues:

From there on, you can continue your research, and whenever you stumble upon a page that you think would fit in the tab group you created, long press the page URL, tap on ‘Move to Tab Group’ and select whatever you named your Tab Group. When multiple pages are added to the Tab Group, it should look a little something like the last screenshot below:

What you’ve read up until now can be done with devices running iOS 15. iOS 16, however, as mentioned above, iOS 16 adds the ability to share these tabs with your peers. All you need to do is open the Tab Group, tap the ‘Share’ button on the top right and select the person to share the Tab Group with.

Once shared, you’ll notice that the share button has been replaced with the profile image of the person you shared the Tab Group with. By tapping their profile icon, you can manage the shared Tab Group and add/remove people from it.

Check screenshots below for visual cues:

Categories
Mobile Syrup

Microsoft Edge now the second most popular desktop browser, overtaking Safari

Microsoft Edge is slowly climbing the ladder and has now stolen the second-place spot of the most popular desktop browser from Safari. What used to belong to Apple, now belongs to Microsoft as it inched its way past in market share.

According to data shared by Statcounter, Microsoft Edge saw a bit of a bump in usage since March 2021. Safari has now been dethroned as Microsoft Edge has 10.07 percent of the market share. Safari is not trailing too far behind in third with 9.61 percent. However, both wildly pale in comparison to Google Chrome with more than 66 percent of the user base.

Firefox and “Other” browsers fall short of the top three spots on the list. Firefox has roughly 7.8 percent of the market share, “Other” encompasses roughly 2.5 percent. Rounding out the list at the bottom is Opera with 2.44 percent.

There’s a fair bit to glean from this information. Microsoft has larger mindshare when it comes to desktops and the like over Apple. This likely translates to more users jumping to Microsoft Edge. Additionally, one can speculate whether or not Mac users are prioritizing time on Microsoft Edge over Safari as well.

Another factor potentially playing into the shift could be Apple’s new design of Safari. Late last year, Safari received a fairly substantial coat of paint. It adds the top bar’s colour-changing feature, smaller tabs, and more. This was then met with critical user feedback. These changes could have been a catalyst for users to migrate over to Chrome and Microsoft Edge.

Image credit: Statcounter

Source: Statcounter Via: 9to5Mac

Categories
Mobile Syrup

You should download iOS 15.3 to fix a bug that could reveal your browsing data

Apple dropped a series of updates on January 26th that fix a previously reported WebKit bug that could allow websites to see other sites you accessed on your Apple device.

If you use an iPhone or iPad, you’ll want to update to iOS or iPadOS 15.3 as soon as possible to fix the bug. There’s less of a rush for Mac users to update since they can mitigate the bug by using other web browsers — however, if you regularly use Safari on your Mac, you should download the Safari 15.3 update right away.

The bug, first reported to Apple in late November by FingerprintJS, affects web browsers that use WebKit, the open-source foundation for Apple’s Safari browser. Apple also mandates the use of WebKit on iOS and iPadOS, meaning any browser made for Apple’s mobile OS (including Chrome, Firefox, et al.) is also impacted by the bug.

A short explanation is that WebKit’s implementation of a commonly-used JavaScriptAPI for storing web data on devices allowed websites to view the names of other sites that had stored data on a given device. Typically, browsers apply same-origin policy to prevent this. You can learn more about the bug and how it works here.

The iOS 15.3, iPadOS 15.3, and Safari 15.3 updates all include a fix for the issue. It’s good to see the fix applied, especially after FingerprintJS highlighted Apple’s lack of response earlier this month.

9to5Mac confirmed that a beta version of the update fixed the problem using a demo tool provided by FingerprintJS on its website.

If you use an Apple device, you’ll want to install the update right away. Here’s how:

  • iPhone/iPad – Open Settings > General > Software Update.
  • macOS – Click the ‘Apple’ menu in the top-left corner > System Preferences > Software Update > Update Now (You can also click ‘More info’ to view a list of available updates and specifically install the Safari update).

Source: Apple (iOS/iPadOS | Safari) Via: The Verge

Categories
Mobile Syrup

Bug affecting Safari on macOS, all iOS browsers, could reveal browsing history

Apple prepared a fix for a WebKit bug that could reveal users’ recent browsing history and possibly their identity. However, it’s not clear when the tech giant will release updates with the fix.

According to MacRumors, a WebKit commit (typically refers to a revision made to code) on GitHub fixes a bug. However, Apple has not said when users could expect macOS, iOS or iPadOS updates to arrive with the fix. A January 14th blog post from FingerprintJS noted that the bug was reported to Apple on November 28th, 2021.

MacRumors previously reported about the bug on January 16th, which involves a JavaScript API called IndexedDB, a commonly-used tool for storing data on people’s computers. Specifically, the bug exists in the way WebKit — the open-source engine powering Apple’s Safari browser — implemented IndexedDB.

In short, the bug allows any website that uses IndexedDB to access the names of IndexedDB databases generated by other websites. Put another way, a website can access a list of other websites you’ve visited (even from different tabs or windows) if they’ve stored data using this API. Typically, browsers apply same-origin policy to IndexedDB to prevent sites from accessing anything outside of their own IndexedDB database.

Moreover, sometimes websites include unique user-specific identifiers in IndexedDB database names. MacRumors pointed to YouTube as an example, which creates databases that include users’ authenticated Google User ID in the name. Malicious actors could use this identifier to fetch personal information about users through Google APIs, such as their profile picture or name.

The WebKit bug affects Safari on macOS Monterey, iOS 15 and iPadOS 15. On iOS and iPadOS, Apple also forces third-party browsers to use the WebKit engine — that means browsers like Chrome and Edge running on iOS/iPadOS 15 are also affected. However, the bug doesn’t affect older versions of macOS, or iOS and iPadOS 14.

Ultimately, that means iOS and iPadOS users can’t really do anything to protect themselves from the bug beyond installing the software patch whenever Apple makes it available. For macOS users, however, switching to another browser would work.

Those interested in learning more about the bug should check out a deep-dive on it from FingerprintJS.

Source: MacRumors, (2), FingerprintJS

Categories
Mobile Syrup

Here’s how you can move the Safari URL bar back on top in iOS 15

Compared to Android 12’s ‘Material You,’ Apple’s iOS 15 update didn’t bring as many visual changes to the iPhone’s interface, and the ones that it did add don’t seem to be highly appreciated. One of the not-so-well-received updates is the Safari redesign.

With iOS 15, Apple decided to move the address bar tools from the top of the screen to the bottom, right above the ‘Share,’ ‘Tabs’ and ‘Bookmark’ tools, a change that didn’t bode well with long-time Safari users whose fingers would automatically race towards to top of the screen to access the address bar.

Along with the repositioning of the top bar, Safari now automatically tints the address bar and matches it to the website colours. The latter is a change that I sincerely appreciate because of the unified look it provides, and the former I shun because it messes with my muscle memory.

Luckily, there’s a simple workaround that can allow you to move the address bar back to the top and disable it from tinting:

From Safari

Open a new tab in Safari and tap on the ‘aA’ tool located on the left of the address bar. A new pop-up menu will open where you can select ‘Show Top Address Bar.’ Tap it, and you’ll notice that the address bar moves to the top. Follow the same steps and tap on ‘Show Bottom Tab Bar’ to bring the address bar back to the bottom, if you’re feeling adventurous.

From Settings

You can also find an option to move the address bar from your iPhone’s settings. Head to settings, scroll down and tap on ‘Safari.’ You’ll see a toggle that lets you switch between the top and bottom address bar.

Website Tinting

While I believe that Website Tinting the address bar is a solid new addition to Safari, and I will be keeping it toggled on, those who want the authentic iOS 14 experience can disable the feature by heading to Settings -> Safari -> and tapping the Website Tinting toggle.

Categories
Mobile Syrup

Apple appears to offer both versions of Safari in macOS Monterey

It appears that after some backlash, Apple is offering users a choice regarding the look of macOS Monterey’s version of Safari.

When Apple revealed the upcoming macOS update, it showed off a colourful new Safari redesign with smaller tabs that blend more seamlessly into the webpage you’re currently visiting. For example, in the beta version, the browser even took on a red shade when visiting MobileSyrup.

Apple then reverted the design in a recent beta build of the software, giving users the old look as the default, with the option of switching to the new one if they want.

Now, on the official macOS Monterey page, the company is again using the older design in a promotional image alongside several larger images. This suggests that the new design I really like is once again slated to be the default option, but with the layout featured in the beta in mind, I’m not totally convinced.

I hope the new design is the default moving forward since I enjoyed the colour-changing aspects and the smaller tab designs.

Beyond a Safari browser that’s barely getting updated, macOS Monterey is coming out on October 25th with Focus modes, SharePlay and more.

Source: Apple 

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Dossier moyen (600 mots)

South Africa: Safari through national parks and nature reserves

An unforgettable emotional experience
No matter where you go in South Africa, you’ll experience unique, breathtaking moments as you discover the extraordinary non-stop evolution of extraordinary landscapes. The famous inhabitants of the South African “bush” can be viewed throughout the year. The best time to observe is early morning and dusk during one of your memorable day or night safaris.

Diversity of fauna
In many of the country’s national parks and nature reserves, the famous ‘Big Five’ (lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant and rhino) get special attention as the kings of a preserved natural environment. But you can still view an impressive number of cheetahs, antelopes, hyenas, hippos, baboons, zebras, warthogs and other crocodiles. South Africa is also home to an astounding variety of birds, with more than 900 different species. For a change of scenery, Walker Bay in the Cape Town region, between Hermanus and Gansbaal, is also home to colonies of penguins and whales between June and December.
   
The famous Kruger National Park
 Larger than Belgium, Kruger National Park is the largest in Africa, and famous for its 8,000 elephants, 20,000 buffalo, 140,000 impala, 30,000 zebras … and for its birdlife (500 species of birds). You can also admire the San rock paintings and archaeological sites such as Thulamela and Masorini. The best way to explore the Kruger National Park is to stay a few days in a ‘Restcamp’ like Olifants, Lower Sabie and Berg-en-Dal. Important: remember to book your accommodation a few days before your arrival, and you’ll be given all necessary contacts at the park entrance.

Exciting sites
If you’re really passionate about observing wild animals, other national parks like Hluhluwe-Umfolozi, Khahlamba-Drakensberg – a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, Pilanesberg, or the Greater St. Lucia Wetland Park – an amazing ecosystem that surrounds Lake St Lucia, all provide unforgettable moments.

Private nature reserves
Private reserves have two notable features. On the one hand, they’re known for upscale service and infrastructure; on the other, you’ll find at the heart, natural settings – whether savannah or rocky cliffs – possessing an undeniable beauty. They typically offer a chance to see the "big five" on a guided safari in a 4 x 4. Among those best known for their hospitality and ‘Out of Africa’ ambience: Madikwe, Mala Mala, Pongola, Singita, Sabi-Sabi (near the famous Kruger Park), and Londolozi, which Nelson Mandela declared: "This is a great place to safeguard the nature of our country."

Amazing flora
In South Africa, flora is no exception, since there are more than 22,000 different species of plants. The Cape region is home to more than 8,000 species not found anywhere else in the world. In the spring, the region of Namaqualand blooms with thousands of colorful flowers, each more beautiful than the next. A sight you don’t want to miss!

Categories
Nouvelles quotidiennes

Luxurious camping at the London Zoo

The London Zoo is offering a unique chance to pitch a tent on its grounds overnight for one week in May. Adulsts can enjoy luxurious camping – also known as ‘glamping’ – in one of ten safari tents.

Accommodation will sleep up to two people, and to make your stay as comfortable as possible, will include comfy beds with regular bedding, linens and towels, bedside table, and even a reading lamp.

Throughout the evening, guests will be wined and dined with a three-course dinner and fine wines while being entertained with exclusive animal and conservation talks… all hosted by a wildlife expert.

Each night can accommodate a maximum of 20 guests, who will be taken on a torch-lit tour around the zoo to find out what goes on when everyone else has left for the night. It’s surprising to see who’s still awake and actually more active at night than during the day.

In the morning, campers might be woken by a gibbon’s call or the roar from a lion, before enjoying a full English breakfast. Afterwards there’s a morning tour to watch the animals waking up. Guests are then welcome to spend the rest of the day exploring the zoo, which will safely store luggage until guests are ready to leave.

The one-of-a-kind experience will be something to remember, and at a price of $360 for one night, why not go a little wild?

You should know that you don’t have to go all the way to London for a night at the zoo. In Quebec, the Granby Zoo offers a similar package Safari Adventure for $135.