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We are still very far from that futuristic age where augmented reality almost becomes our reality, where every object or place can hold deeper value than what physical matter can contain. That doesn't mean, however, that we have to limit ourselves to fun but short-lived AR stickers and non-interactive dinosaurs. LEGO, the toy company that always puts itself at the STEM forefront, is showing what else can be down using AR with its new Hidden Side play theme, a ghost-filled experience that keeps one hand on the physical and another on the virtual, literally too.

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In 2017, Fujifilm launched the X-T20 that took its cues from the design and features of the X-T2 mirrorless camera. Today, it's making a similar addition to its X series, this time taking after last year's X-T3. While the new X-T30 comes in a lighter and more compact body, that doesn't mean it's any less capable. In fact, it combines the best of both worlds by inheriting the X-T3's 4th gen specs as well as the design and convenience features of the X-T20.

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Although Apple's iOS App Store is starting to show its holes, no thanks to Facebook and the whole Enterprise Certificate brouhaha, Google's Android counterpart has mostly been perceived has having too many holes for comfort. With a different set of standards and different methodology, Google Play Store, despite the canonical source of Android apps, has had so many lapses that weekly malware reports have become almost a joke. Google now reports how much of its security system has improved in 2018, which, to be fair, might be true. It still, however, might be below acceptable thresholds.

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The investigation that revealed Facebook's and Google's misuse of their Enterprise Certificates have opened up a can of worms on both sides. On the one hand, it reveals the extent companies will go to in order to collect user data, even paying them in the process. On the other hand, it has also revealed a chink in Apple's armor that has let apps be installed without its usual screening process. Now it seems that there are even more apps that have abused those Enterprise Certificates to get past scrutiny, including vice apps that would have never been allowed on the App Store otherwise.

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It has probably a frustrating start of the year for Apple. Never mind the ongoing iPhone ban in China and Germany or disappointing sales of its recent iPhone models. The company has recently been besieged left and right with privacy bugs and unscrupulous app developers. Fortunately, the company is mostly quick to act and put its foot down and it makes its stance regarding the latest screen recording exposé clear. App developers should comply with App Store Guidelines or be ejected from it.

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There is a lot of shenanigans happening online these days and many of them happen through our smartphones. From malicious apps both subtle and overt to websites we visit, it seems that anyone and everyone is out to get us, or at least our data. And while there is no shortage of apps and tools to protect our privacy even on mobile, not all of them are as easy as flicking a switch. To fill that need, Opera is now testing a built-in VPN for its Android browser so that you won't have to install anything extra just to get around eavesdroppers and even region locks.

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One of the side effects of promoting yourself as a staunch privacy advocate is that all your actions in that regard will be heavily scrutinized. Apple is indeed facing such attention in light of a major Group FaceTime bug and Facebook's misuse of its enterprise creds, but even the little things are getting some time in the spotlight. Apple is making some changes to the iOS version of Safari and while this removal of the "Do Not Track" setting may sound antithetical at first, it ironically protects users even more.

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Apple positions itself as a champion of privacy and security, especially on mobile, but recent events have shown that not everyone is on the same page. Both Facebook and Google have abused their Enterprise Certificates to get and pay users to install logging apps outside of the App Store. Now it seems that some highly-used iPhone apps are recording screen taps and swipes without informing the user, much less asking for their permission.

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Once the butt of jokes, Apple Maps has grown up to become a serious rival to Google Maps, especially for those deep into Apple’s ecosystem who have very little trust in the search giant’s ethos. Although it still does miss out on some features, Apple is fortunately not one to slack off. No major announcement has been made but Apple Maps’ coverage is growing bigger and stronger, especially with the addition of new indoor maps and transit directions both in the US and the rest of the world.

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It was really only a matter of time. Given how big the Group FaceTime bug has been, it was inevitable Apple would be slapped with a lawsuit. And since that has already happened, the next step would be to put the company under the microscope off the US government. That has also just happened with a letter sent by the US House of Representatives Committee on Energy & Commerce questioning Apple on its response to such an egregious security exploit.

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In 2017, fourteen-year-old Molly Russell took her own life. Her family laid part of the blame on Instagram when they discovered the teenager had viewed distressing images depicting self-harm or even suicide. Adam Mosseri, who took over Instagram in the wake of its co-founders’ departure, is promising to take action, primarily by putting a “sensitivity screen” to hide such content from view. That is until you consent to view it at your own risk and with full knowledge.

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It has been a little over a week since Apple rolled out the first beta for iOS 12.2 and the upcoming release of the mobile platform is already proving to be a treasure trove of features. But while most of the ones that have surfaced focus on what Apple is adding, a new “feature” that has come to light is talking about what Apple is somewhat taking away. While the iOS version of the Safari web browser will still let websites access data coming from the iPhone or iPad gyroscope and accelerometer, users will have to actually give the app permission to do so. Presuming, of course, they’re even aware it’s disabled by default.

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