How to Disable Tracking Functionality in iOS 6

Apple’s sixth iteration of iOS has been out in the wild for over two weeks now and although it offers a number of new and impressive features and improvements for users, it appears that it also brings with it a new way for Apple to track users and their activity levels on the device. We should all remember the uproar that was caused last year when it became common knowledge that hidden files were stored on iOS devices that contained user location data, so this latest activity monitoring is sure to ruffle some feathers.

The monitoring that exists in iOS 6 isn’t just tracking activity for the sake of it and while it is likely to be greeted with distain, there is actually a purpose behind the tracking. It is being reported that Apple is tracking activity on the iOS 6 running devices using a relatively new technology called Identifier for Advertisers, or IFA for short. The technology assigns a randomly generated and anonymous number to an iOS device that allows advertisers to deliver targeted advertisements to them. The identifier is a temporary measure and works in the same way as a cookie on a website.

The main purpose of the technology seems to be allowing the advertising companies to get a relatively in-depth insight in to how that specific device is being used, concentrating on things like internet browsing history and any purchases that have been made from the iPhone or iPad. The intention is not to get any personalized information about the user, but instead to allow the companies to deliver very specific adverts within apps that they believe may be of interest to the user based on their usage habits. The theory is sound, but unfortunately it isn’t exactly make common knowledge that this is happening when we use an iOS 6 device and the menu items to disable this tracking are buried within the system.

It probably doesn’t come as a shock to know that the tracking is switched on as a default in the operating system so any device you have that is running iOS 6 will already be collecting this anonymous information. It is entirely possible to remove the tracking from the device but it looks like Apple have gone out of their way to bury the disable setting where users wouldn’t think to look for it.

Furthermore, the company asks users to disable tracking by enabling the "Limit Ad Tracking" option - a tricky bit of mental misdirection that may leave users who manage to track down the opt-out option believing that they're already opted out.

If you want to turn off device tracking using the IDFA on your iOS6 device, do the following:

1) Click on Settings.

2) Click on General to access the General Settings.

3) Click About

4) Scroll down and click on Advertising.

5) Set Limit Ad Tracking to "ON".

Don't forget to follow me on twitter for more techy updates...

Firefox Marketplace launched on Android

Mozilla has launched a preview version of its integrated Firefox Marketplace in Firefox for Android. The feature is now available in the Aurora development version of Firefox for Android and includes a number of what Mozilla calls "showcase apps" that users can install and test. Mozilla is hoping to gather feedback for further launches of the Marketplace in other versions of the browser and for Firefox OS in 2013.

The developers say that the current version of Firefox Marketplace is still in its "early days" and that they are working on adding payment options, ratings and reviews and other features. Mozilla is calling for early adopters and testers to install the application and share their experiences of how it performs through the built-in Feedback function.

The applications within Firefox Marketplace are written in HTML5, JavaScript and CSS and are designed to work cross-platform across all Firefox editions. Firefox Marketplace will be an integral part of Mozilla's Firefox OS mobile device operating system. That is currently in development and builds on the same technologies for its UI layer.

To install the Aurora branch of Firefox for Android, users will have to enable side-loading of third party applications on their phones – they can then download and install an .apk package directly from Mozilla. Side-loading is enabled by going to Settings ➤ Security and enabling "Unknown Sources - Allow installation of non-Market Apps"; after installing Aurora, it is a good idea to disable that same setting to avoid accidental installation of malware.

Once the user is running Aurora, the integrated Marketplace is accessible by going to the options menu and navigating to Tools ➤ Apps. The Aurora version of Firefox will install alongside the regular stable Firefox for Android version as a separate app. However, users should be aware that the Aurora branch of the browser should be used for testing purposes only.

Follow the team on twitter for more updates on the latest technology news...

How To Tutorial Manually Update Galaxy Nexus To Android 4.1.2

The Galaxy Nexus may now be a bit of a relic in comparison to the Galaxy S III and Galaxy Note II, but it still generates quite a bit of discussion amongst Android fans. The recent Jelly Bean 4.1.2 update, which has slowly but surely been trickling through to a large portion of Galaxy Nexus owners, has seen the once Ice Cream Sandwich-inclined smartphone thrust back into the news, and in the latest, those running “takju” iterations of the handset can now get their fill of 4.1.2.

The OTA is coming – that is certain – but what isn’t so assured is the patience of the masses. Due to the fragmented nature of Android, updating is seldom what you could describe as a “picnic,” so if you don’t want to stand on ceremony waiting for your over-the-air, you can kick your device into action by following the usual steps to force-update.

Of course, we would never simply push you down the “usual route” without offering a few handy pointers, so here’s a micro-tutorial demonstrating what you’ll need to do.

Disclaimer: Please note that we will not be held accountable for any damage or loss of data beset upon your device as a result of following this tutorial. Proceed at your own risk, and ensure you follow each step with care.

Before you proceed; 

Your Nexus must be flashed with the takju firmware. If you brought your device from Google Play, then you’re running on the takju firmware. Ensure your device is rooted / bootloader unlocked, and ClockworkMod Recovery flashed.

follow this link to do so.

Now lets proceed;

Step 1: Navigate through Settings > About > System Update to ensure you’re not wasting your time.

Step 2: Download the required file from Google.

Step 3: Transfer the .zip file you downloaded above to /sdcard (root directory).

Step 4: Reboot into ClockworkMod Recovery.

Step 5: Take a nandroid backup.

Step 6: Select install zip from sdcard > choose zip from sdcard > (the one you downloaded in step 2)

After that, simply reboot, and you’ll be running the latest and greatest version of Android Jelly Bean on your Galaxy Nexus.

Quite simple isn't it...? let me know you mind, comment below or follow me on twitter.

Source

Can Dust Actually Damage My Computer?

The Question

During the last few days, my screen froze a couple of times. After opening the chassis I discovered plenty of dust beneath my mother board. I wonder if that can cause short circuits.

The Answers

1. Dust is a problem from the standpoint of blocking fan vents, or, if deep enough, actually insulating parts, causing overheating, but unless it contains substantial amounts of corrosive or conductive material (in which case you shouldn’t be breathing it), it won’t damage the electrical components (beyond any overheating damage).

What could happen, in some circumstances, is condensation inside the box, mixing with dust and creating a conductive sludge. This would generally only occur if you bring the box in from an extremely cold environment (below 0C, roughly) into a humid indoor environment. The protection from this is to wrap the box tightly in plastic before bringing it indoors, and leave it wrapped for a couple of hours, while it has time to warm up.

2. No way. Unless it over heats. Trust me, I have cleaned server motherboards deployed in Afghanistanor months with inches of dust caked on, still running fine. And as long as you keep them cool, they will survive.
Now, optical drives. That’s a different story.

While you’re at very little risk of a dust blanket shorting out your hardware, heat is the eternal enemy of computers and a good cleaning will help keep things cool (and extend the life of your computer in the process).

Follow me on twitter for more updates and the latest in the tech world.

SEGA Releases Sonic Jump for iOS

SEGA has released Sonic Jump for the iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.

Game Features Include;

MULTIPLE CHARACTERS

Play as your favourite characters including Sonic, Tails & Knuckles, each with their own unique abilities.

AMAZING WORLDS

Jump across the legendary Green Hill Zone or take to new worlds including Mountain & Jungle Zones. 

STORY MODE

Leap through 36 different levels on a quest to stop the evil Dr. Eggman. 

ARCADE MODE

Jump until you drop in the infinite Arcade Mode, where where it ends depends on how long you can jump for.

BOSS BATTLES

Fight in epic boss battles between Sonic and his arch-rival Dr. Eggman!

CHALLENGE FRIENDS

Compete against friends to see who can jump highest in Arcade Mode or set epic scores in leaderboards.

UNLOCK MORE

Collect rings as you play the game, or purchase them in store, to unlock characters, power ups and more.

You can purchase Sonic Jump from the App Store for $1.99 or here

Don't forget to follow us on twitter for more updates...