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Create custom visuals on your iPhone with Image Playground in iOS 18.2

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Create custom visuals on your iPhone with Image Playground in iOS 18.2

Apple’s new Image Playground feature is an excellent addition to the iPhone, allowing you to easily create custom visuals. 

This innovative tool transforms simple text prompts into images or animations in seconds, opening up a world of creativity right at your fingertips.

Image Playground feature on iPhone  (Apple)

Ensure compatibility before you start

Before diving in, ensure your iPhone is compatible. Image Playground works on:

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  • iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max
  • All iPhone 16 models
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Image Playground feature on iPhone  (Apple)

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How to update software to 18.2 or later on iPhone

To access Image Playground, update to iOS 18.2 or later:

  • Open Settings
  • Tap General
  • Select Software Update
  • Tap Update Now
  • Enter your passcode and agree to terms
  • Wait for the installation to complete
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Steps to update iPhone software (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

IOS 18’S NEW TEXT FORMATTING AND EFFECTS IN MESSAGES  

How to use Image Playground

Once updated, locate the Image Playground app icon on your home screen. It looks like a cute animal in a soap bubble. The app uses Apple Intelligence to combine concepts, text descriptions and people from your photo library to create stylized images. Here’s how to use it:

  • Open the Image Playground app
  • Where it says “Describe an image,” go ahead and type a prompt describing the image you want (e.g., “A cat wearing sunglasses”) or add a suggestion from the list 
  • Hit Enter and watch as Image Playground generates your image
  • Swipe through to select the image you want to use
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Steps to use Image Playground feature on iPhone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

  • You can click the three horizontal dots in the circle in the upper right of the screen to copyduplicate or add caption
  • Tap Done when satisfied
  • Click the share icon (up arrow in the square) in the bottom left to share
  • You can share via AirDropMessage or Email, or copy or save image to your iPhone.
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Steps to use Image Playground feature on iPhone  (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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Want to make it even more special?

You can create images based on your contacts. Here’s how:

  • Open the Image Playground app
  • Click the plus sign in the app.
  • Tap “Choose Photo.”
  • Click on the photo you want to use.
  • Customize it by typing what you want to add (like adding a hat) in the “Describe an image” field.
  • Tap the up arrow.

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custom visuals 6

Steps to use Image Playground feature on iPhone  (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

  • Swipe through the images to choose the one you like.
  • Tap the selected image and click Done.
  • Tap the “share icon” (up arrow in the square box) in the lower left of the screen to AirDropmessage or email the image.
  • You can also copy it or save it to your device.

custom visuals 7

Steps to use Image Playground feature on iPhone   (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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Kurt’s key takeaways

Image Playground allows anyone with a compatible iPhone to produce unique, personalized images in seconds. While the results may not always perfectly capture reality, the technology is likely to improve over time. This feature opens up new possibilities for digital expression and storytelling right from your pocket.

What fun and creative things do you think you could make with Apple’s new Image Playground feature? Let us know what you think by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact

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Nvidia is bringing a native GeForce Now app to Steam Deck

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Nvidia is bringing a native GeForce Now app to Steam Deck

Nvidia plans to release a native GeForce Now app for Steam Deck “later this year,” according to a blog post. It’s already relatively straightforward to get Nvidia’s cloud gaming service set up on Steam Deck thanks to a special script from Nvidia, but a native app should be easier to install and will support up to 4K resolution and 60 fps with HDR when connected to a TV.

Nvidia also plans to bring GeForce Now to some major VR headsets later this month, including the Apple Vision Pro, Meta Quest 3 and 3S, and Pico “virtual- and mixed-reality devices.” When GeForce Now version 2.0.70 is available, people using those headsets will be able to access an “extensive library of games” they can stream by visiting play.geforcenow.com in their browser.

The company also says that two major titles from Microsoft will be available on GeForce Now when they come out this year: Avowed, which launches February 18th, and DOOM: The Dark Ages, which is set to be available sometime this year.

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Turo rentals emerge as common thread in Las Vegas Cybertruck and New Orleans deadly incidents

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Turo rentals emerge as common thread in Las Vegas Cybertruck and New Orleans deadly incidents

In the early hours of Jan. 1, 2025, two horrific attacks shook the nation, raising serious questions about car-sharing platform security and potential terrorism links. In Las Vegas, a Tesla Cybertruck exploded outside the Trump International Hotel, killing the driver and injuring seven others.

Meanwhile, in New Orleans, a pickup truck, later identified as a Ford F-150, plowed into crowds on Bourbon Street, resulting in at least 15 fatalities and dozens of injuries. 

Both vehicles were rented through Turo, a peer-to-peer car-sharing platform, sparking intense scrutiny of the company’s operations and security measures.

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Image from Turo website (Turo)

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The Las Vegas incident

At approximately 8:40 a.m. PT on Jan. 1, 2025, a Tesla Cybertruck pulled up to the valet area of the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas. Within 15 to 20 seconds, the vehicle exploded, killing the driver and injuring seven bystanders. Investigators discovered that the Cybertruck was packed with firework mortars and camp fuel canisters.

The FBI is investigating the incident as a potential act of terrorism. Tesla CEO Elon Musk claimed on social media that the explosion was caused by large fireworks or a bomb in the bed of the Cybertruck and was unrelated to the vehicle itself.

The New Orleans attack

In the early hours of New Year’s Day, a pickup truck, later identified as a Ford F-150, rammed through police barricades on Bourbon Street in New Orleans’ French Quarter. The driver, identified as 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Jabbar, an Army veteran from Texas, mowed down pedestrians over a three-block stretch while firing into the crowd.

The attack resulted in at least 15 deaths and dozens of injuries. Jabbar was killed in a subsequent shootout with police. The FBI is treating this incident as an act of terrorism, noting that an Islamic State flag was found on the vehicle and improvised explosive devices were discovered inside.

The Turo connection to both incidents

Both vehicles used in these incidents were rented through Turo, a peer-to-peer car-sharing platform. This connection has raised significant questions about the company’s security measures and screening processes.

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What is Turo?

Turo is a peer-to-peer car-sharing platform that connects vehicle owners with people looking to rent cars. Often described as the “Airbnb for cars,” Turo allows individuals to list their personal vehicles for rent, providing an alternative to traditional car rental companies.

Founded in 2010 as RelayRides and rebranded to Turo in 2015, the company has grown into an international vehicle-sharing marketplace with more than 14 million users worldwide. Turo is available in more than 16,000 cities across the U.S., U.K., Canada, Australia and France.

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Image from Turo website (Turo)

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How does Turo work?

The Turo process is straightforward:

  • Listing: Car owners list their vehicles on the Turo platform, including details like make, model, price and availability.
  • Booking: Renters search for available cars in their desired location and dates, then book directly through the Turo website or app.
  • Verification: Both car owners and renters must verify their identities through the platform.
  • Pick-up: Renters meet the car owner to pick up the vehicle or arrange for contactless check-in.
  • Return: At the end of the rental period, the renter returns the car to the owner.

Turo handles payments and insurance options and provides customer support throughout the process.

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turo rentals 3

Image from Turo website (Turo)

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Turo’s security measures and response

In light of the recent incidents, Turo’s security measures have come under intense scrutiny. The company’s current screening process includes:

  • Identity verification
  • Background checks (though the specific extent of these checks is not clear)

Turo requires users to upload a valid driver’s license to the app to be cleared for use. In some instances, Turo may collect additional identity verification information such as photographs or scanned copies of driver’s licenses, passports or other forms of identification.

The company has stated that they were “devastated” by the recent events and that their trust and safety team is actively cooperating with law enforcement. Importantly, Turo said in a statement to CyberGuy, “We do not believe that either renter had a criminal background that would have identified them as a security threat, and we are not currently aware of any information that indicates the two incidents are related.”

turo rentals 4

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Regulatory landscape for peer-to-peer car-sharing platforms

The regulatory landscape for peer-to-peer car-sharing platforms like Turo is in a state of flux, with at least 13 states having enacted laws specifically governing this industry, distinct from regulations applied to traditional car rental companies.

Turo has been proactive in advocating for additional regulations in various states to establish clearer operational guidelines. A significant development occurred in 2022 when New York Gov. Kathy Hochul signed SB 6715 into law, providing a comprehensive regulatory framework for peer-to-peer car-sharing operations in the state. This legislation aims to expand transportation options and create economic opportunities for New Yorkers while addressing safety and insurance concerns.

Kurt’s key takeaways

These tragic events have highlighted potential vulnerabilities in the peer-to-peer car-sharing model. As investigations into these incidents continue, it’s likely that there will be increased scrutiny of Turo’s operations and security measures. The car-sharing industry may face calls for stricter regulations and enhanced screening processes. Turo and similar platforms might need to reevaluate and strengthen their security protocols to prevent such incidents in the future.

What are your thoughts on the safety and regulatory measures of peer-to-peer car-sharing platforms like Turo, and should there be stricter screening processes for renters and vehicles to prevent potential misuse or criminal activities? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

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

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Answers to the most asked CyberGuy questions:

New from Kurt:

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NBC’s Grimm series is being reborn as a Peacock movie

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NBC’s Grimm series is being reborn as a Peacock movie

Between Nosferatu and Wolf Man, it feels like Hollywood has come back around on good, old fashioned monster movies. And it seems like Peacock wants in on the action with a feature-length reboot of the long-dead Grimm series.

Variety reports that Peacock is moving forward with a new film based on Grimm, Stephen Carpenter, Jim Kouf, and David Greenwalt’s 2011 series about a Portland cop who discovers that he’s one of the chosen few meant to defend humanity from monsters. Josh Berman (Drop Dead Diva) is attached to write the movie as well as co-executive produce with Kouf and Greenwalt.

In its original run, Grimm ran for six seasons that saw Detective Nick Burkhardt (David Giuntoli) become a formidable Grimm (the show’s lingo for monster hunters) alongside his human partner Hank Griffin (Russell Hornsby) and werewolf ally Munroe (Silas Weir Mitchell). Peacock has yet to announce details about the movie’s plot or whether any members of Grimm’s original cast members might return. But given that this isn’t the first time NBC has flirted with the idea of resurrecting the IP, it feels pretty safe to say this time around, Grimm’s definitely coming back to the small screen.

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