Author: Admin

  • AI Deepfake Ads: Tom Hanks, Gayle King Sound Warning

    AI Deepfake Ads: Tom Hanks, Gayle King Sound Warning

    Tom Hanks is pretty recognizable, whether he’s holding a box of chocolates in Forrest Gump or wearing a space suit in Apollo 13. But should you see a dental insurance ad with his picture, look twice. It’s not really the Oscar-winning actor.

    “Beware!” Hanks wrote on Instagram this weekend. “There’s a video out there promoting some dental plan with an AI version of me. I have nothing to do with it.”

    Hanks shared an image, which The New York Times reports to be an apparent screenshot from the ad, though he declined to answer the newspaper’s questions about what company ran the ad or whether he is planning legal action. The Times reported being unable to find the ad online.

    Hanks isn’t the only celebrity complaining about doctored footage of themselves being used in ads. CBS Mornings host Gayle King made a similar post on Instagram on Monday.

    “People keep sending me this video and asking about this product and I have NOTHING to do with this company,” King wrote. “I posted this video promoting my radio show on August 31 (swipe to see the original), and they’ve manipulated my voice and video to make it seem like I’m promoting it … I’ve never heard of this product or used it! Please don’t be fooled by these AI videos.”

    The stars’ faked images don’t seem to be helping make unknown brands famous, however. The King video is paired with an apparent company name, Artipet. But the Times reports that, as with the Hanks video, reporters couldn’t figure out what product was being promoted or what company was involved.

    King’s fans seemed thankful that the host pointed out the footage.

    “I knew it was fake the second I saw it yesterday,” one Instagram commenter wrote. “So frustrating! People fall for these scams all the time. Ugh! Thanks for pointing it out to everyone!”

    How to protect yourself from celebrity deepfakes

    Both the Hanks and King posts appear to reference “deepfakes,” images or videos that use artificial intelligence to make it look as if a person is doing or saying things he or she actually isn’t. As CNET noted in this article, the technology entered the mainstream in 2019 and since has evolved and improved.

    The European Union has strengthened its rules around how tech companies must deal with deepfakes with a revised Code of Practice on Disinformation, and in March, video-sharing app TikTok required that synthetic or manipulated media depicting realistic scenes must be clearly labeled as fake. TikTok’s changes continue to allow synthetic media featuring public figures under some circumstances, though abuse, political misinformation and commercial endorsements are now prohibited there.

    To avoid being fooled, there are practical things you can do when trying to determine whether something is generated by AI. Look for odd phrasing and facial movements, research if the source is reputable and Google the content to see if others are questioning its validity.

    Editors’ note: CNET is using an AI engine to help create some stories. For more, see this post.

  • Running Out of Google Storage? Use These Tricks to Avoid Paying Extra

    Running Out of Google Storage? Use These Tricks to Avoid Paying Extra

    If you have a lot of files, emails and photos stored in your Google account, you’ve likely gotten an annoying warning message saying you’re about to run out of room. The 15GB of free space that Google gives each user can go fast, especially if you’re using lots of Google services, like Gmail, Google Drive and Google Photos. If you want to avoid upgrading to a paid storage plan, or just want to make some room in your digital filing cabinet, here’s some tips on how to free up some space.

    CNET Tech Tips logo

    We recommend doing this on your desktop rather than a mobile device, as you’ll have an easier time sorting through and managing files, but we’ll walk you through both processes.

    1. Delete large files first

    If you want to keep the majority of your items in Google Drive and Gmail, you can free up space by sorting each service by file size and deleting only one or two large files instead of a few dozen smaller items. Deleting one or two videos that take up multiple megabytes of space is easier than sorting through hundreds of old documents of the same file size to decide which can be deleted.

    Here’s how to delete files by size in Google Drive on your desktop:

    1. Log in to your Google Drive account.

    2. Once you’re logged in, click Storage in the menu on the left side of the screen.

    3. The Storage page should list your files from largest to smallest, but if not, click Storage used on the right side of the screen. The files should now be ordered from largest to smallest.

    4. Click large files you want to delete to select them, then click either the trash bin that appears near the top of the screen once items are selected or drag the large files to Trash on the left side of the screen.

    5. Click Trash on the left-hand side menu to go to the Trash menu.

    6. Click Empty trash in the top-right corner of your screen.

    7. Click Delete forever and your files are gone.

    You can do this in the Google Drive app as well. Here’s how:

    1. Open your Google Drive app and log in to your account.

    2. Tap Files in the bottom-right corner of the screen.

    3. Tap Name underneath My Drive near the top of the screen.

    4. Tap Storage used. This will arrange your files from largest to smallest.

    5. Tap the three dots () next to the item you want to delete.

    6. Tap Remove.

    7. Tap the hamburger icon (three stacked lines) in the top-left corner of the screen next to Search in Drive.

    8. Tap Trash.

    9. Tap the three dots () in the top-right corner of the screen.

    10. Tap Empty trash.

    Gmail

    You can also arrange and delete files by size in Gmail on the desktop. Here’s how:

    1. Log in to your Gmail account.

    2. Type has:attachment larger:10MB, for example, into the search bar and hit Search. This will show you all emails that have attachments larger than 10MB, from largest to smallest. You can use this format to filter by other size files, not just 10MB files.

    3. Check the boxes to the left of each email you want to delete, then click the Trash icon in the top-right corner of the screen.

    4. Click Trash on the left side of the screento go to the Trash menu. If you don’t see Trash, click More and Trash should be in the expanded menu.

    5. Once in Trash, click Empty trash now at the top of the screen.

    Here’s how to arrange and delete files by size in the Gmail app:

    1. Open your Gmail app and log in to your account.

    2. Type has:attachment larger:10MB into the search bar and hit Search. This will show you all emails that have attachments larger than 10MB, from largest to smallest. You can use this format to filter by other size files too, not just 10MB files.

    3. Tap into the email you want to delete.

    4. Tap the trash bin icon in the top-right corner of your screen.

    5. Tap < in the top-left corner of your screen.

    6. Tap the hamburger icon in the top-left corner of the screen next to Search in mail.

    7. Tap Trash.

    8. Tap Empty trash now.

    Note that once a file goes to Trash, it’ll automatically delete after 30 days.

    2. Empty your Gmail spam folder

    It’s easy to forget about emptying your spam folder, and it can take up unnecessary data in your Gmail account. Emptying your spam folder — and your social or promotions folders — is another way to make space.

    Here’s how to empty your spam folder on your desktop:

    1. Log in to your Gmail account.

    2. Once you’re logged in, click Spam on the left side of the screen. If you don’t see Spam, click More and Spam should be in the expanded menu.

    3. In your Spam folder, click Delete all spam messages now.

    Here’s how to empty your spam folder in the mobile app:

    1. Open the Gmail app and log in to your account.

    2. Tap the hamburger icon in the top-left corner of the screen next to Search in mail.

    3. Tap Spam.

    4. Tap Delete all spam messages now or Empty spam now.

    Person under a pile of papers which have the word

    3. Clean up your Google Photos

    Google also includes Google Photos in the 15GB of free storage it gives its users. Photos and videos can take up more space than text-based files, especially higher quality ones, so it’s a good idea to go through and delete old photos and videos to make room.

    However, there’s no option to arrange your photos and videos from largest to smallest like in Google Drive and Gmail, so you’ll have to go through and delete items manually. You can check how much space a file is taking up by selecting it and clicking the “i” for information from the top menu.

    Here’s how to delete photos and videos from Google Photos on your desktop:

    1. Open and log in to Google Photos.

    2. Scroll your mouse over photos and videos you want to delete and click the gray check mark icon in the top-left corner of the photo or video.

    3. Click the trash icon in the top-right corner of the screen.

    4. Click Move to trash.

    5. Click Trash on the left side of the screen.

    6. Click Empty trash near the top-right corner of your screen.

    7. Click Empty trash again, and you’re set.

    Here’s how to delete photos and videos from the Google Photos mobile app:

    A heads up for Apple users: If your Gmail is linked to your iCloud account, the two digital storage spaces may be also linked. Meaning, when enabling the Backup & sync feature on Google Photos, all your local photos on your iPhone will be displayed on Google Photos. If you delete a photo on Google Photos, then the local photo on your iPhone will also be removed. And when the local photo is removed, it won’t show up on iCloud. You’ll be able to tell if this is you when you try to delete an image on Google Photos — a pop-up window will let you know you’re about to delete from both places.

    1. Open and log in to Google Photos.

    2. Tap the photo or video you want to delete.

    3. Tap the trash can icon in the bottom-right corner of the screen.

    4. Tap Delete.

    5. Tap Library in the bottom-right corner of the screen.

    6. Tap Trash.

    7. Tap the three dots () in the top-right corner of the screen.

    8. Tap Empty trash.

    9. Tap Delete.

    If you don’t click or tap Empty trash on either platform, the photos and videos you’ve deleted will automatically be deleted after 60 days.

    Bonus tip: You can reduce the file size of some photos and videos in Google Photos. Doing so will allow you to regain some space, but it will reduce the quality of your media. You can learn more about this from Google Support here.

    Google One Plan Upgrade when Google Photos Unlimited ends

    4. When all else fails, download your files

    If your storage is still almost full and you can’t part with any more items from your Google Drive, Gmail or Google Photos, you can download your items and store them directly on your computer.

    Here’s how to download your Google Drive files, Gmail messages and Google Photos for storage on another hard drive:

    1. Open and log in to your Google Drive, Gmail or Google Photos account on your desktop.

    2. Select the files, emails or photos you want to download.

    3. Click the three stacked dots in the upper-right corner of your screen.

    4. Click Download. Note that Gmail will download messages as a .eml file.

    5. Once the items are downloaded and moved onto your hard drive, feel free to delete them from your account and empty your trash bins.

    For more, check out these 10 Gmail tips and tools, nine Google Drive features you might have missed and five Google Photos features to try now.

  • Samsung Debuts $100 Galaxy Buds FE Noise-Canceling Earbuds

    Samsung Debuts $100 Galaxy Buds FE Noise-Canceling Earbuds

    A steady stream of online leaks over the past few weeks suggested Samsung was on the verge of releasing a new set of “affordable” earbuds, the Galaxy Buds FE. Now those buds have officially arrived and are available starting Oct. 5 in graphite and white for $100.

    The new buds feature a single 12mm driver, three mics on each earbud and active noise canceling. They appear to charge in a case that’s the same size and shape as what you currently get with all of Samsung’s latest Galaxy Buds, including the Galaxy Buds 2 and Galaxy Buds 2 Pro. And they look a lot like an updated version of Samsung’s discontinued Galaxy Buds Plus earbuds, which also came with a set of swappable fins that helped create a secure, comfortable fit. Like those buds, the Galaxy Buds FE are sweat-resistant with an IPX2 water-resistance rating that protects against splashes.

    The Galaxy Buds Plus were known for their comfortable fit and excellent battery life. Samsung says the Galaxy Buds FE are rated for up to six hours of battery life with noise canceling on and eight-and-a-half hours with it off. The Galaxy Buds Plus were rated for up to 11 hours.

    Read more: Best Wireless Earbuds of 2023

    We haven’t tried the new buds yet, but should be getting a review sample soon and will post a full review after we test them.

    The Galaxy Buds FE have stabilizer fins like the discontinued Galaxy Buds Plus

    Previously, the Galaxy Buds 2 were Samsung’s most affordable earbuds. They list for $150, but frequently sell for closer to $100. We won’t see discounts like that on the Galaxy Buds FE right away, but it wouldn’t surprise me to see them discounted during the holiday buying season by $20 or $30. While they likely won’t sound as good as the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro, which feature two-way drivers (10mm woofer, 5.3mm tweeter), the Galaxy Buds FE’s integrated fins should appeal to a lot of people who are looking for a secure, comfortable fit.

    Samsung also unveiled other new mobile devices in its more affordable “Fan Edition” line, including the Galaxy S23 FE, Galaxy Tab S9 and Tab S9 Plus FE.

    Samsung Galaxy Buds FE key specs, according to Samsung

    • 12mm single driver
    • Active noise canceling and ambient sound mode
    • Battery life: Up to 6 hours (extra 15 hours in case) with ANC on, 8.5 hours with ANC off (extra 21.5 hours in case)
    • IPX2 water-resistance rating that protects against splashes
    • 3 mics on each earbud
    • 3 different sizes of ear tips, 2 different sizes of wingtips
    • Graphite or white colors
    • Price: $100
  • Samsung’s Galaxy S23 FE Arrives With Bigger Battery and Larger Screen

    Samsung’s Galaxy S23 FE Arrives With Bigger Battery and Larger Screen

    The $600 Samsung Galaxy S23 FE revives the company’s Fan Edition of phones, and it’s selling for a much lower price than the original $800 Galaxy S23. Samsung on Tuesday revealed the lower-priced flagship, which keeps many higher-end features like the inclusion of a telephoto lens for the camera and reverse wireless charging. There are noticeable changes, however, that might not affect the phone’s overall appeal, but reveal how Samsung was able to offer the phone at a $200 price difference. (International pricing wasn’t immediately available, but its US price roughly converts to 500 and AU$950.)

    The S23 FE’s release comes after Samsung paused the line in 2022, having released the Galaxy S21 FE early that year but decided to not release a Galaxy S22 FE. These phones have aimed to provide as much of the flagship phone experience as possible for less money, and in some cases improve by including a bigger battery and screen. While Samsung does offer a lot of Galaxy A phones priced at $450 and less, Samsung’s FE phones tend to focus on the most noticeable features from its higher-end line while making cuts in areas that could be less noticeable.

    Samsung Galaxy S23 FE with Galaxy Watch 6.

    In the case of the Galaxy S23 FE, Samsung decided to scale back by using last year’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor — but that processor is still quite powerful for most tasks and can be found in Motorola’s $1,000 Razr Plus foldable phone. There is also a noticeable change in the phone’s appearance, with the standard Galaxy S23 using a more glossy aluminum frame than the aluminum used on the FE.

    The Galaxy S23 FE has a 50-megapixel wide camera and a 12-megapixel ultrawide camer, similar to the Galaxy S23, but its 8-megapixel telephoto camera is a minor step down from the regular S23’s 10-megapixel zoom camera. The S23 FE also uses a 10-megapixel front-facing camera, versus the 12-megapixel one seen on the standard S23.

    Sample photo taken on Galaxy S23 FE of a fridge.

    However, the Galaxy S23 FE does include a slightly bigger battery than the original S23: 4,500 versus 3,900 mAh. The phone is also a little bigger than the Galaxy S23, with the FE including a 6.4-inch display that makes it a hair shorter than the 6.6-inch display on the S23 Plus. The S23 FE’s display can run at a 120Hz refresh rate, but will adapt between that 60Hz, depending on the phone’s activity, to save battery.

    But aside from those differences, the phone shares many similarities with the Galaxy S23. That includes Android 13, wired charging at a speed of 25 watts, wireless charging along with the ability to wirelessly charge other devices, an in-display fingerprint sensor and 128GB or 256GB storage options. Unlike the cheaper $450 Galaxy A54 5G, the S23 FE does not include expandable storage via microSD.

    The phone will be available in six colors at launch, with stores getting mint, purple, cream and graphite. Indigo and tangerine colors will also be available through Samsung’s website.

    In my brief time using the phone, I paired it with a Galaxy Watch 6, browsed websites and took a few sample photos at the Samsung 837 showroom in New York.

    Selfie photo taken on the Galaxy S23 FE
    Photo of muffins
    Close up of muffins

    While I’ll need more time with the phone to get a better impression, my initial thoughts put the Galaxy S23 FE as less of an alternative for “fans,” but more as an option to consider as a step up from the $499 Pixel 7A and the Galaxy A54. While camera testing will be needed to see how the FE compares to the 7A, the new Samsung phone does have a slightly bigger screen than Google’s phone. The S23 FE also includes a telephoto lens with a 3x optical zoom, which neither the 7A nor the Galaxy A54 include.

    The Galaxy S23 FE arrives in the midst of the busy fall phone season, debuting the night before before Google plans to unveil its Pixel 8 line. Samsung is also likely to reveal the Galaxy S24 early next year, only a few months from now.

    But the FE does provide a more premium option for someone looking to step up from phones that normally cost between $300 to $500, and it could provide all the essentials at that lower price.

  • MLB Playoffs: How to Watch the Wild Card Games Today Without Cable

    MLB Playoffs: How to Watch the Wild Card Games Today Without Cable

    After a 162-game season that began way back in March, a dozen teams remain with World Series dreams as the calendar turns to October. Baseball’s postseason gets underway today with a quartet of Wild Card series. Each series is the best of three games, with the higher seed hosting all three games.

    In the American League, the Texas Rangers and Tampa Bay Rays face off in one series, while the Toronto Blue Jays and Minnesota Twins play in the other. In the National League, the Arizona Diamondbacks take on the Milwaukee Brewers, and the Miami Marlins play the Philadelphia Phillies. The top two division winners in each league earned first-round byes: the Baltimore Orioles and Houston Astros in the AL, and the Atlanta Braves and Los Angeles Dodgers in the NL.

    Wild Card games will be shown on ESPN, ESPN2 and ABC. After Thursday, however, coverage shifts to Fox and FS1 for the ALDS and ALCS, and TBS for the NLDS and NLCS. The 2023 World Series will be shown on Fox.

    Bryce Harper of the Philadelphia Phillies strides toward the pitch

    What is the schedule for the Wild Card series?

    There are no off days for the Wild Card teams. The Wild Card round starts on Tuesday, with Game 2 of each series scheduled for Wednesday. Any Wild Card series that goes the full three games will be settled on Thursday. The Rays, Twins, Brewers and Phillies are the higher seeds and will host each series.

    Here are the times and channels for each series (all times ET):

    Tuesday, Oct. 3

    • Game 1: Rays vs. Rangers, 3:08 p.m. on ABC
    • Game 1: Twins vs. Blue Jays, 4:38 p.m. on ESPN
    • Game 1: Brewers vs. Diamondbacks, 7:08 p.m. on ESPN2
    • Game 1: Phillies vs. Marlins, 8:08 p.m. on ESPN

    Wednesday, Oct. 4

    • Game 2: Rays vs. Rangers, 3:08 p.m. on ABC
    • Game 2: Twins vs. Blue Jays, 4:38 p.m. on ESPN
    • Game 2: Brewers vs. Diamondbacks, 7:08 p.m. on ESPN2
    • Game 2: Phillies vs. Marlins, 8:08 p.m. on ESPN

    Thursday, Oct. 5 (if necessary)

    • Game 3: Rays vs. Rangers, 3:08 p.m. on ABC
    • Game 3: Twins vs. Blue Jays, 4:38 p.m. on ESPN
    • Game 3: Brewers vs. Diamondbacks, 7:08 p.m. on ESPN2
    • Game 3: Phillies vs. Marlins, 8:08 p.m. on ESPN
    2023 MLB postseason bracket

    You can see the full postseason schedule here.

    How to watch the Wild Card round without cable

    If you don’t have a cable or satellite TV subscription, you can watch all four Wild Card series with a live TV service. ABC, ESPN and ESPN2 are available on each of the five major streaming services, but not every service carries every local network in every area, so Rays and Rangers fans will need to check each service using the links below to make sure it carries ABC where they live.

    All of the live TV streaming services above offer free trials, allow you to cancel anytime and require a solid internet connection. Looking for more information? Check out our live TV streaming services guide.

  • Apple’s iOS 17 Live Voicemails Bring Back a Feature of Old-School Tech

    Apple’s iOS 17 Live Voicemails Bring Back a Feature of Old-School Tech

    Apple’s iOS 17 is here, and one of the new features is live voicemail, which allows iPhone users to read transcripts of voicemails being left in real time.

    This new feature functions a lot like an old answering machine, only with text. When you get a voicemail, you can see what the caller is saying in real time. As you’re reading along — before the call ends — you can pick up and be connected with the caller.

    For now, this feature is only available in English for US and Canada-based Apple users who have iOS 17. To check which operating system your iPhone is running, you can go to Settings > General > Software Update. If you’re in need of an update, this is where you’ll be prompted to do that (we can walk you through how to download iOS 17).

    Once you have iOS 17, you can turn this feature on (or off) through Settings > Phone > Live Voicemail. Then you’ll be ready to go once your phone starts ringing.

    In reviewing the new iOS 17 features, CNET’s Patrick Holland said that live voicemails are “powered by your iPhone’s neural engine in order to preserve your privacy,” comparing it to Google’s Call Screen feature on its Pixel phones.

    This function is one of many updates included in iOS 17. Other key features include StandBy mode, custom iMessage stickers, contact posters and offline maps.

    For more, check out CNET’s iOS 17 cheat sheet, how to fix annoying iOS 17 features and what to do if you don’t see the update for iOS 17.

  • Not a Fan of NameDrop? Here’s How to Disable Apple’s Latest Contact-Sharing Feature

    Not a Fan of NameDrop? Here’s How to Disable Apple’s Latest Contact-Sharing Feature

    Now that iOS 17 is available to download and the iPhone 15 series has hit shelves, Apple fans are getting their hands on all the new software these upgrades are bringing. While there are some features that are super helpful or fun to use, there are others that are, well… not.

    A special new feature that has Apple fans split is NameDrop. While some fans enjoy the ease of being able to simply raise their phone to share their contact info, others are wary of the ease at which contact information can be shared — or worse, stolen.

    Users on X (formerly Twitter) have brought up concerns about how the feature could jeopardize users’ safety. For instance, several women have raised concerns about being able to dodge creeps in public spaces. For instance, @ChanSteele tweeted, “How do you NameDrop a fake number? Asking for all women.”

    These concerns about safety are absolutely valid, and if you find yourself concerned and wanting to disable NameDrop, read on to find out your options for NameDrop management.

    For more, here’s how to fix the most annoying iOS 17 features and everything you should do before updating to iOS 17.

    So is NameDrop dangerous?

    The good news is, NameDrop isn’t necessarily dangerous. According to Apple, you’re able to select which pieces of information are shared when you NameDrop your contact to another person.

    You also only have two options when two iPhones are placed together and the option for NameDrop is presented. You can either Receive Only, which means that you will only receive the other person’s contact information, or you can Share. When you select Share you will send your contact information and receive the other person’s contact information.

    So if you somehow accidentally NameDrop with someone you don’t want to, you’ve got options. You can be ultraselective about what information you choose to share, or opt to receive only.

    However, if you still don’t feel comfortable with NameDrop, you can disable the feature. It’s important to note that NameDrop is automatically enabled when you download iOS 17 or purchase an iPhone 15, so you will have to turn it off if you don’t want it active on your phone.

    How do I disable NameDrop?

    If you want NameDrop disabled for good, then you’re in luck. It’s pretty simple to turn it off.

    All you need to do to disable NameDrop is:

    1. Open the Settings app.

    2. Tap on General.

    3. Navigate to the AirDrop tab.

    4. Once you open the tab, simply toggle the Bring Devices Together option off. It’s as easy as that. And if you have a change of heart and decide you feel comfortable with NameDrop and want to enable it, all you need to do is toggle the Bring Devices Together option back on.

    For more, here’s our review of the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus and the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max.

  • This Colorful Case-Mate 30W USB-C Charger Is Yours for Just $7

    This Colorful Case-Mate 30W USB-C Charger Is Yours for Just $7

    With fewer and fewer devices shipping with a charger in the box, buying a new one needs to be as cheap as possible. Right now, this Case-Mate 30-watt USB-C charger is a great option, and not just because it comes in some gorgeous colors. You can also pick one up at a hefty discount, too.

    Woot was already selling this charger at a massive 67% discount, but if you enter the discount code TECH3 when checking out you’ll save an extra $3. That brings the original $30 price all the way down to just $7, which might make this the best price we’ve seen a USB-C charger from a reputable brand sell for yet.

    Order now and you’ll be able to choose between vivid green, orange and frosted white when placing your order, but the charger underneath is the same no matter which color you pick. That means you’ll get charging speeds of up to 30 watts, which is more than enough to fast-charge some hugely popular devices, including the brand-new iPhone 15.

    Unlike some chargers, this one won’t take up a ton of room, thanks to the use of GaN technology, making it perfect for throwing in a bag or even your pocket between charges. Case-Mate says this thing also features smart programmable power supply technology, so it automatically adjusts the voltage to suit what it’s connected to.

    All of that makes this a great option or anyone who needs an extra USB-C charger — and at this price, it might be worth picking up a few of them, too.

  • iOS 17 Has Brought a Fix for All of Those Two-Factor Authentication Codes in Your Inbox

    iOS 17 Has Brought a Fix for All of Those Two-Factor Authentication Codes in Your Inbox

    iOS 17 is here, and it’s brought many new and exciting features to compatible iPhones, including the ability to create your own contact poster, the brand-new StandBy mode, the Journal app and more.

    Among these new iOS 17 features, is the ability to automatically delete all the two-factor authentication codes that wind up in your iMessage or Mail inboxes.

    Two-factor authentication is a simple way to protect your information. By having a service send a code to your device when logging in to your account, you can make it harder for your information to get stolen. But it can get a little messy when your messages app is constantly clogged up with all the codes that get sent directly to your messages or email inboxes.

    With this new feature, all you’ll need to do is toggle one setting, and then the two-factor authentication codes will be deleted from your account, freeing up your inboxes.

    Here’s how our take on the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max, and here’s a rundown of everything announced at Apple’s “Wonderlust” event.

    Go Inside the Apple iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro: See How the New iPhones Look and Work

    See all photos

    How can I automatically delete two-factor authentication codes?

    On iOS 17, if you want to turn on the option to automatically delete your two-factor authentication codes, you’ll first need to go into your Settings on your phone. After you’ve opened your settings, navigate to the Passwords tab. Then tap Passwords. (You may need to unlock your phone.) Now tap Password Options scroll down to the Verification Codes section and enable Clean Up Automatically.

    After you turn that one, you should be set. And don’t worry: This won’t automatically delete any unused authentication codes — it only deletes codes that you’ve already used. This also works in the Mail app, so all of your inboxes will be squeaky clean.

    For more, here are some hidden iOS 17 features you need to know and the most impressive features of iOS 17.

  • OnePlus Folding Phone Shown Off in YouTube Video

    OnePlus Folding Phone Shown Off in YouTube Video

    OnePlus, the maker of high-spec Android phones at sub-$1,000 prices, is already showing off its upcoming foldable phone to YouTube channel Unbox Therapy before it’s even ready, as per a video uploaded to the channel on Monday.

    In the video, Unbox Therapy host Lewis Hilsenteger spoke to Pete Lau, the founder of OnePlus and now chief product officer of Oppo. The unnamed folding phone’s major selling point is how flat the device can fold. According to Lau, OnePlus has filed 35 patents related to the new folding phone’s hinge, all meant to reduce the weight and size while also increasing strength.

    Compared with the Oppo Find N2, the OnePlus foldable has 31 fewer components in its hinge. It’s also 37% smaller. In demonstrations, the fold was tight enough to grasp a sheet of paper with the force strong enough to actually hold the weight of the phone as well.

    While the iPhone continues to dominate major markets around the world, such as the US and Japan, foldables have been one area Apple hasn’t yet touched. This allows companies like Samsung and Google to differentiate and potentially court Apple users. Foldables remain a growing segment in the smartphone market, which is in contrast to the rest of the industry. Even though overall global smartphone shipments declined 9% in 2023, foldables shipments increased 10%, according to Counterpoint Research. Even with the encouraging numbers, Samsung recently cut its foldable production targets, with the company currently sitting on eight weeks of inventory, according to The Elec.

    There’s been some criticism lobbed at OnePlus, accusing it of losing its core identity as the “never settle” phone company that also delivered great value. As OnePlus and Oppo have merged, critics have pointed to a sameness between the products from both companies and the gradual increase in prices.

    “After the merging, the R&D capability of the company is getting stronger,” Lau said. “We have launched many industry-leading technologies and are bringing products that have created a good reputation among consumers. For example, we have launched two generations of foldables under the Oppo brand and have also launched OnePlus 11, which has also received wide acclaim.”

    It does seem that this new foldable is harkening back to OnePlus’ original DNA. Back is the unlock slider. As for the camera, the unit sent to Unbox Therapy had the camera array covered. A release date hasn’t been set, but Indian actress Anushka Sharma was seen holding a folding phone that looked very similar to the OnePlus foldable.