If you’re an iOS user, you’ll receive new security updates from Google today. Among these updates are new cross-app alerts for security issues with your Google account. If Google notices a potential security issue with your account, it will alert you right away. The warning works with all Google apps. 

Google Security Alerts

The Verge reports that Google will release this update on iOS first before moving to other platforms. In a blog post, Google also said it plans to expand the alert “more broadly” in 2021. So, if you see a warning in whatever Google app you’re using, you don’t need to check your email or phone. Google adds that hackers can’t spoof these alerts. 

Google is adding cross-app account security alerts on iOS https://t.co/2hvcm38IFd pic.twitter.com/ijD3taefj4

— The Verge (@verge) October 8, 2020

Google Assistant

Moreover, Google says it’s adding a guest mode to Google Assistant. If you use guest mode, Google Assistant won’t save any requests to access your Google account. It’s simple to turn on, too. Just say “Hey Google, turn on Guest mode” to your phone to activate it.

If you have a Nest smart speaker or display, expect this new mode in the coming weeks.

Meanwhile, you can now simplify checking your Google account’s security and privacy settings. Searching for phrases like “Is my Google account secure?” should pull up your account settings.  

Google Safety Center

Finally, Google said it plans to update the Safety Center website. The website contains information on privacy and safety tools in Google products. With the update, the website can tell you information on 13 Google products. These products include Gmail, Chrome, YouTube, Android, and Pixel. Google also plans to add more products in the future. 

If you’re in the US, you can access the new site now. Google plans to put up the site globally soon.

The post Google Launches Cross-App Security Alerts on iOS Devices first appeared on Tekrati and is written by Irene Hawkins

Apple might be serious about not letting you play Fortnite on iOS anymore. After deleting the game from the App Store, Apple won’t even let you sign in to the game using your Apple ID. You’ll need to update your login information or risk getting shut out of the game. 

Apple vs. Fortnite

Gizmodo reports that Apple won’t let users log in to Fortnite using their Apple ID starting from September 11. On Wednesday, Epic Games had tweeted out the news as well. The company also warned users of this change on its website. In the notice, Epic said that users would have to update their login credentials to keep playing Fortnite on iOS. 

Apple will no longer allow users to sign into Epic Games accounts using “Sign In with Apple” as soon as September 11, 2020. If you used “Sign In with Apple”, please make sure your email and password are up to date. https://t.co/4XZX5g0eaf

— Epic Games Store (@EpicGames) September 9, 2020

Apple’s Moves vs. Epic Games

Earlier, Apple had already kicked Fortnite out of the App Store. The company had responded to Epic Games’ attempt to bypass its 30% commission from in-app purchases. For Fortnite, the company had tried to let players pay them directly for V-bucks.

Apple had already filed a countersuit against Epic Games. The company said Epic’s moves threatened the “iOS ecosystem.”  

What Can I Do to Keep Playing Fortnite on iOS?

Epic says that users who used to login to Fortnite with their Apple ID should update their primary login credentials right away. Or else, they’re going to get locked out of their accounts. If you’re still unsure what to do, check out more information on Epic’s website.  

The post Playing Fortnite Using Your Apple ID? Change Your Info Now first appeared on Tekrati and is written by Irene Hawkins

Xbox gamers who want to try out Microsoft’s Project xCloud on their iOS devices might have to stick with Android for a while. Microsoft has announced that it has closed xCloud’s testing period for iOS. Project xCloud will come out on Android devices on September 15. 

Project xCloud Not Allowed on Apple’s App Store

The Verge reports that Apple’s rules for the App Store may have barred Microsoft from testing the xCloud app. Following the App Store’s policies, Microsoft was only able to check  Halo: The Master Chief Collection for only 10,000 people. 

Microsoft isn’t the only tech giant facing roadblocks at the App Store. Project xCloud’s rival, Google’s Stadia, only offers a Stadia management app for iOS devices. Gamers can’t stream games on this Stadia app. 

Even the Steam Link app, from Valve, waited a year before Apple approved it for the App Store. The Verge says it’s unclear why Steam Link had to wait for a year since the app only streams games from home PCs to iOS.

Xbox's new streaming service doesn't look likely for iPhone, iPad users. https://t.co/GPyHvGl5cl pic.twitter.com/KBgVDJl8Yw

— Kotaku (@Kotaku) August 6, 2020

Possible App Store Roadblocks for Project xCloud

Kotaku also says that the App Store has a lot of policies that could have limited Microsoft’s xCloud testing. From those policies, the Verge says Microsoft could have faced difficulties with the App Store’s rules on in-app purchases. Apple also forces “remote desktop clients” to connect to another user-owned game console. Both the phone and console should be connected to the same network, too. 

Microsoft could work around the in-app purchase rule, but they probably could not overcome the “remote desktop client” rule. 

Project xCloud on Android Devices

On September 15, Microsoft will officially launch Project xCloud as part of the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate for Android devices only.  

The post Microsoft’s Project xCloud Won’t Come Out on iOS After All first appeared on Tekrati and is written by Sam Arnold

Surfing the web on your iOS devices would be better without ads and better privacy. So, it’s a good thing that Brave is now releasing an iOS browser with a firewall and VPN. Brave Software has teamed up with Guardian to create its own Firewall + VPN that affords mobile users privacy and security.

What Is Brave Firewall + VPN?

Gizmodo reports that the app should give users “a safer, more private browsing experience.” With the app, you can even browse the internet faster than other mobile browsers. In the report, the app can go “three to six times faster.” The Brave Firewall + VPN gets those speeds through its “blockchain-based digital advertising platform,” that blocks nearly all ads and trackers. You can use it for your  mobile browser, and you can also use it for other apps on your iPhone or iPad.

The latest version of Brave for iOS has a built-in VPN to better block ads and trackers https://t.co/MJu7M7kAFF pic.twitter.com/5JIIidIgVM

— Gizmodo (@Gizmodo) July 27, 2020

How Does the Brave Firewall + VPN Work?

With its Firewall + VPN, your mobile traffic goes to Guardian’s servers through the encrypted VPN. Once there, the servers screen your apps for ads that secretly track your data. Then, they block the tracking. You’d still be able to use the apps you want or browse the sites you want.  

Will Brave Firewall + VPN Still Share My Data with Brave and Guardian?

Better yet, Brave Software and Guardian claim that their app does not store user information. The app allows users to connect to the VPN without giving up user data to the app and Guardian. Both companies will not know anything about you.

However, this app is only available for iOS devices for now. You also have to pay $10 a month to use it, after a 7-day free trial.

The post Brave Upgrades iOS Browser With New VPN first appeared on Tekrati and is written by Sam Arnold