Monthly Archives: September 2020

Apple, Hardware, iOS, iPad, iPhone, Privacy of Data

Apple releases iOS 14 and new Apple Watches

Apple announced the release of iOS 14, new Apple Watches, and other products and services at its September 2020 event.

iOS 14 has several new features, including a new Translate app with 11 languages, digital versions of car keys, and  Home app for smart home management.

iOS 14 also shows if an app is using the camera or phone. A green indicator will appear if an app is using the device’s camera, and an orange indicator will appear if the microphone is in use. App settings for hardware use can be changed under Settings > Privacy.   Apps running on iOS14 will also be required to obtain permission to track users starting in early 2021.

Apple has provided a list of compatible devices for iOS 14 and iPadOS.

New watches include the Apple Watch 6 Series and Apple Watch SE.  Watch OS 7 also includes sleep tracking and other health related features.

Amazon.com, Apple, Apps and Utilities, Azure, Facebook, Google, Internet Service Providers (ISPs), Microsoft Office, Microsoft Teams, Visual Studio

Downdetector shows outage information for websites and services

Downdetector shows outage information and status for widely used websites and services such as  mobile and internet service providers, social media sites, banking and financial services, etc.    This includes:

PowerOutage.us is a different website that tracks electricity power outage data from utilities all over the United States.

Android, Apps and Utilities, Google, Operating Systems, Smartphones

Android custom distributions (ROMs) for smartphones and tablets

Android custom distributions (ROMs) are replacement operating systems for Android smartphones and tablets.  This allows users to customize older devices that may not have available Android updates and extend their service life.   This may erase data and void your device’s warranty.  Available security updates are usually based on the Android Open Source Project (AOSP).  More information is at