Meta updated a note on the top of its Quest support site to say that a “software update issue” has been bricking Quest 2, Quest 3, and Quest 3S headsets. The company writes that while “most” people can now use their headsets normally, it’s “actively working on resolving the issue for all users.”

That Meta is now saying it’s working on a fix “for all users” may be good news for Quest 2 and 3 owners who’ve reported that Meta wouldn’t fix or replace their headsets because they were out of warranty. Some Reddit users say the company has emailed a confirmation that they were getting out-of-warranty service for the issue, and a Meta support forum community manager wrote in an update yesterday that Meta’s customer support “should have new directions on how to support users now.”

Meta posted on December 6th that there were software update issues affecting “some new Quest 3S devices,” but didn’t mention Quest 2 or 3 headsets or what software version was involved, either then or in an earlier version of the new support site message that UploadVR reported this week. The company announced on December 9th that it was rolling out its most recent update, Meta Quest v71, adding features like a revamped virtual desktop display connection method and keyboard passthrough support in virtual environments.

Get ready to level up your privacy game with Android 15’s latest feature, Private Space. 

This nifty addition is about to change the way you keep your sensitive apps and data under wraps. 

Let’s dive into what Private Space is all about and how you can make the most of it. (iPhone users, learn how to hide apps on your device here.)

GET SECURITY ALERTS, EXPERT TIPS — SIGN UP FOR KURT’S NEWSLETTER — THE CYBERGUY REPORT HERE

What is Private Space?

Private Space is Android 15’s answer to keeping your personal or sensitive apps away from prying eyes. Think of it as a secret vault within your phone where you can stash away apps you’d rather keep private, whether they’re work-related, financial, or just your guilty pleasure games.

Unlike hiding apps — typically done by moving them to a folder or using a third-party launcher, which still leaves them accessible from the app drawer — Private Space creates a separate, secure area within your phone that is completely isolated. Only you can access it using a unique passcode or biometric authentication, ensuring your private content remains truly private.

Private Space on Android. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

BEST ANTIVIRUS FOR ANDROIDS — CYBERGUY PICKS 2024

What you need

You can use Private Space when:

• Your device is running on Android 15 or higher.
• Your device has more than 6 GB of RAM.
• Your device isn’t managed by an organization.
• There’s no supervised account signed in on the main space.

WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)?

You can’t use Private Space when:

• It is disabled by the device manufacturer or Enterprise Admin.
• It is within a secondary user profile.
• Your device has more than four user profiles.

Note: You can only use Private Space as the main user of the device, not as a guest or secondary user. Consider creating a dedicated Google account for your Private Space. This helps prevent private data like notifications and files from appearing outside Private Space.

Which devices can use Private Space?

Private Space is available on devices running Android 15. As of now, this includes:

• Google Pixel devices (Pixel 6 and newer)
• Select devices from Samsung, Lenovo, Motorola, Nothing, OnePlus, and more (coming in the following months)

Android version 15 on device (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

ANDROID BANKING TROJAN EVOLVES TO EVADE DETECTION AND STRIKE GLOBALLY

How to get Android 15 on your device

Ready to upgrade? Here’s how to get Android 15:

Settings may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer.

• Back up your device data (just in case).
• Go to Settings.
• Click System.
• Tap Software updates.
• Then, click System Updates.
• If available, tap “Download and install.”
• Wait for the download to complete and your device to restart.

Steps to install Android 15 on your device (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Disclaimer: The availability of the Android 15 update may vary by device and region. If the update is not yet available for your Android device, please check with your manufacturer or carrier for more information on the release schedule.

ANDROID BANKING TROJAN MASQUERADES AS GOOGLE PLAY TO STEAL YOUR DATA

Setting up Private Space

Now that you’ve got Android 15, let’s set up your Private Space:

Settings may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer.

• Open the Settings app.
• Scroll to “Security & privacy.”
• Tap on “Private Space.”
• Verify your identity using your device’s unlock method.
• Tap the “Set up” button.
• Enter your Google account credentials.
• Agree to the terms and conditions.

Now, your Private Space is ready to use.

Steps to set up Private Space (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Using Private Space

Here’s how to move apps from your home screen into Private Space or install apps directly into Private Space from Google Play.

Settings may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer.

How to move your apps from your home screen into Private Space 

• Access Private Space by scrolling to the bottom of your app drawer.
• Tap the lock icon to unlock it.
• You’ll be asked to enter your passcode or use biometric authentication.
• To move apps to Private Space, long-press an app in your main drawer.
• Tap Install in private.
• Confirm your decision by clicking Install.

Steps to use Private Space on Android (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

How to install apps directly into Private Space from Google Play

• You can also click Install, where you will see the plus sign in the black circle, to install apps directly from Google Play into Private Space.
• Just click on the app you want to install into Private Space.
• Then click Install again.
• Head back to Private Space, and you will see the app installed there.

SUBSCRIBE TO KURT’S YOUTUBE CHANNEL FOR QUICK VIDEO TIPS ON HOW TO WORK ALL OF YOUR TECH DEVICES

Kurt’s key takeaways

Space is a game-changer for anyone looking to enhance their digital privacy. This feature provides a secure, dedicated area for your sensitive apps and data, ensuring that only you have access. With just a few simple steps, you can create your own digital vault and enjoy peace of mind knowing your private information is well-protected.

What role should the government play in protecting your privacy and data, and how should it react to growing public concerns? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact

For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter

Ask Kurt a question or let us know what stories you’d like us to cover.

Follow Kurt on his social channels:

Answers to the most-asked CyberGuy questions:

New from Kurt:

Copyright 2024 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.

The US Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Office for Civil Rights (OCR) is proposing new cybersecurity requirements for healthcare organizations aimed at protecting patients’ private data in the event of cyberattacks, reports Reuters. The rules come after major cyberattacks like one that leaked the private information of more than 100 million UnitedHealth patients earlier this year.

The OCR’s proposal includes requiring that healthcare organizations make multifactor authentication mandatory in most situations, that they segment their networks to reduce risks of intrusions spreading from one system to another, and that they encrypt patient data so that even if it’s stolen, it can’t be accessed. It would also direct regulated groups to undertake certain risk analysis practices, keep compliance documentation, and more.

The rule is part of the cybersecurity strategy that the Biden administration announced last year. Once finalized, it would update the Security Rule of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), which regulates doctors, nursing homes, health insurance companies, and more, and was last updated in 2013.

US deputy national security advisor Anne Neuberger put the cost of implementing the requirements at “an estimated $9 billion in the first year, and $6 billion in years two through five,” writes Reuters. The proposal is due to be published in the Federal Register on January 6th, which will kick off the 60-day public comment period before the final rule is set.