Technology
Google might fix its fingerprint scanner woes with the Pixel 9
![Google might fix its fingerprint scanner woes with the Pixel 9](https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/cToHiLKSLAgp_H3_DnwTvaDGSFQ=/0x0:2040x1360/1200x628/filters:focal(1020x680:1021x681)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24992601/236828_Pixel_Watch_2_AKrales_0014.jpg)
Google’s upcoming Pixel 9 lineup will reportedly feature a faster, more reliable ultrasonic fingerprint scanner, according to Android Authority. It would replace the optical under-display fingerprint sensor that Google introduced on the Pixel 6 with the newer technology that’s capable of reading even wet or oily fingerprints.
The switch could also address some of the widespread issues that users have experienced when trying to unlock their Pixel devices, with some people saying that light levels and finger dryness can impact the reliability of the previous optical reader. Optical scanners are the oldest method of reading fingerprints. They work by flashing light against the user’s finger and then visually detecting patterns and ridges on the surface — meaning any changes like dirt or blemishes can interfere with the process.
By contrast, ultrasonic sensors read fingerprints with greater accuracy by bouncing ultrasonic pulses off of them, which also spares users from being blinded if they need to unlock their phones at night. According to the reliable leaker Kamila Wojciechowska, the Pixel 9 will use Qualcomm’s 3D Sonic Gen 2 (QFS4008), the same model found on the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra.
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Technology
Epic says its EU iOS app store is approved but that Apple wants a change
![Epic says its EU iOS app store is approved but that Apple wants a change](https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/PGHKfo-anEYmrQmzreV1zbrN_Yw=/0x0:2040x1360/1200x628/filters:focal(1020x680:1021x681)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23932925/acastro_STK108__03.jpg)
The Epic Games Store app for EU iPhones has passed Apple’s notarization process, putting the alternative app store a step closer to selling apps directly to iOS users outside of the App Store. AppleInsider reports that while Apple confirmed the app had passed, it has asked Epic to “fix the buttons” in a future submission to the company’s app review process.
But the approval is just “temporary,” posted Epic CEO Tim Sweeney, who puts Apple’s request differently. He says the company is “demanding we change the buttons in the next version,” vowing that the company will “fight this.” The apparently conditional approval is just the latest part of the back-and-forth saga between Apple and Epic. Previously, Apple reinstated Epic Games Sweden’s European developer license after EU regulators started investigating its decision to pull it.
Technology
Let's take your Windows PC's security to the next level with these simple steps
![Let's take your Windows PC's security to the next level with these simple steps](https://static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2023/03/Windows-10-11-computers.jpg)
Are you tired of the same old Win+L routine to lock your Windows PC?
There are some alternative security features you might not know about. From face recognition to dynamic lock, we’ve got a few other options to explore.
So, let’s dive in and discover how to lock down your Windows PC.
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Windows PC home screen. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
The basics: Accessing your lock options
First things first, let’s get to where the magic happens:
- Click the Windows icon in the bottom left corner
![Windows security 2](https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2024/07/1200/675/2-Lets-take-your-PCs-security-to-the-next-level-with-these-simple-steps.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
Steps to access your lock options. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
- Next, tap Settings, which looks like a gear icon
![windows security 3](https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2024/07/1200/675/3-Lets-take-your-PCs-security-to-the-next-level-with-these-simple-steps.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
Steps to access your lock options. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
- In the Settings window, look for “Accounts” and click on it
![windows security 4](https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2024/07/1200/675/4-Lets-take-your-PCs-security-to-the-next-level-with-these-simple-steps.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
Steps to access your lock options. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
- Now, find and click on Sign-in options
![windows security 5](https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2024/07/1200/675/5-Lets-take-your-PCs-security-to-the-next-level-with-these-simple-steps.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
Steps to access your lock options. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
- Here, you can find a list of standard options to lock your computer. You can set up Face Recognition and Fingerprinting (with compatible devices), PINs, Security Keys and Passwords. You can set up, change or remove any of these options.
![windows security 6](https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2024/07/1200/675/6-Lets-take-your-PCs-security-to-the-next-level-with-these-simple-steps.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
Steps to access your lock options. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
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Password: The classic choice
Don’t forget the good old password:
- Under “Password,” click “Add” if you haven’t set one up yet
- Create a strong password and confirm it
- You can also change or remove your password here, if needed
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PIN: Quick and easy
Want something simpler than a password? Try a PIN:
- Under “PIN,” click “Add”
- Create a PIN that’s easy for you to remember but hard for others to guess
- Confirm your PIN, and you’re all set
![windows security 7](https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2024/07/1200/675/7-Lets-take-your-PCs-security-to-the-next-level-with-these-simple-steps.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
Windows Hello PIN option. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
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Face recognition: Let your face be your password
If your device supports Windows Hello face recognition, here’s how to set it up:
- Under “Face Recognition,” click “Set up”
- Follow the on-screen instructions to scan your face
- Look directly at the camera and stay still while it does its thing
- Once done, you can use your face to unlock your PC. How cool is that?
![windows security 8](https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2024/07/1200/675/8-Lets-take-your-PCs-security-to-the-next-level-with-these-simple-steps.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
Windows Hello Face option. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
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Fingerprint: Unlock with a touch
Got a fingerprint reader? Let’s put it to use:
- Under “Fingerprint Recognition,” click “Set up”
- Choose which finger you want to use
- Place your finger on the reader and lift it when prompted
- Repeat this process until your fingerprint is fully scanned
![windows security 9](https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2024/07/1200/675/9-Lets-take-your-PCs-security-to-the-next-level-with-these-simple-steps.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
Windows Hello Fingerprint option. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
Security Key: For the extra cautious
If you have a security key, here’s how to set it up:
- Under “Security Key,” click “Manage”
- Follow the prompts to set up your security key
- Insert the key when prompted and follow any additional instructions
![Windows security 10](https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2024/07/1200/675/10-Lets-take-your-PCs-security-to-the-next-level-with-these-simple-steps.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
Security Key option. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
The Dynamic Lock: Your phone becomes your key
Now, here’s a neat trick — using your phone to lock your PC automatically.
- Scroll down to “Dynamic Lock” in the Sign-in options
![windows security 11](https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2024/07/1200/675/11-Lets-take-your-PCs-security-to-the-next-level-with-these-simple-steps.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
Steps to use your phone to lock your PC automatically. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
Make sure your phone is connected to your PC via Bluetooth. If not, let’s do that:
- Click “Bluetooth & other devices” in the left sidebar.
![windows security 12](https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2024/07/1200/675/12-Lets-take-your-PCs-security-to-the-next-level-with-these-simple-steps.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
Steps to use your phone to lock your PC automatically. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
- Click “Add Bluetooth or other device”
![windows security 13](https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2024/07/1200/675/13-Lets-take-your-PCs-security-to-the-next-level-with-these-simple-steps.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
Steps to use your phone to lock your PC automatically. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
![wondows security 14](https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2024/07/1200/675/14-Lets-take-your-PCs-security-to-the-next-level-with-these-simple-steps.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
Steps to use your phone to lock your PC automatically. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
![windows security 15](https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2024/07/1200/675/15-Lets-take-your-PCs-security-to-the-next-level-with-these-simple-steps.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
Steps to use your phone to lock your PC automatically. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
- Verify the PIN on both devices
![windows security 16](https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2024/07/1200/675/16-Lets-take-your-PCs-security-to-the-next-level-with-these-simple-steps.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
Steps to use your phone to lock your PC automatically. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
- Now, tap “Pair” on your phone and “Connect” on your PC
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![windows security 17](https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2024/07/1200/675/17-Lets-take-your-PCs-security-to-the-next-level-with-these-simple-steps.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
Steps to use your phone to lock your PC automatically. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
- Go back to the Sign-in options by clicking the arrow pointing left in the upper left of the screen
![windows security 18](https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2024/07/1200/675/18-Lets-take-your-PCs-security-to-the-next-level-with-these-simple-steps.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
Steps to use your phone to lock your PC automatically. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
- Under “Dynamic Lock,” check the box that says, “Allow Windows to automatically lock your device when you’re away.”
![windows security 19](https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2024/07/1200/675/19-Lets-take-your-PCs-security-to-the-next-level-with-these-simple-steps.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
Steps to use your phone to lock your PC automatically. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
Now, your PC will lock itself when you walk away with your phone. How’s that for convenience?
HOW TO SAFEGUARD YOUR OLDER PC
Kurt’s key takeaways
There you have it, folks. A smorgasbord of options to keep your Windows PC locked up tighter than Fort Knox. Whether you’re all about that face recognition life, prefer the classic password or want your phone to do the work for you, Windows has got you covered. Remember, the best security is the one you’ll actually use, so pick the method that works best for you.
Have you ever experienced a security breach, and how did it change your approach to digital security? 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
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Technology
NASCAR shows off an EV prototype
![NASCAR shows off an EV prototype](https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/uaEHUbz-4cRmdCvFaLxa2uJENQ4=/0x0:1300x690/1200x628/filters:focal(650x345:651x346)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25520051/NASCAR_EV_car.jpg)
NASCAR showed off a new EV prototype stock car at the Chicago Street Race today as part of a presentation on its sustainability initiatives, which it has a new partner for in Swedish electrification firm ABB. The car, which looks more like a performance crossover like the Ford Mustang Mach-E, is in many ways a total departure from the traditional stock car. Don’t expect the ABB NASCAR EV Prototype to replace the fuel-burning V8 anytime soon, though.
NASCAR says the car has three electric motors — one in the front and two in the back — powered by a 78-kWh liquid-cooled battery that can generate 1,000kW “at peak power,” according to today’s announcement.
NASCAR writes that the EV sits on a modified version of the Next Gen chassis NASCAR introduced in 2022, which was designed with an eye toward transition to alternative fuels. Chevrolet, Ford, and Toyota helped with its development, the organization writes.
Before its unveiling, the $1.5 million prototype had only been driven by NASCAR driver David Ragan, reported The Associated Press. Ragan told the outlet that his fastest lap at Martinsville Speedway in Virginia was “two-tenths of a second slower” than a typical racer, despite it having almost twice the acceleration. Unsurprisingly, the weight was a big factor, slowing him down in the turns.
Traditional stock cars aren’t heading for their final left turn, though there are rumors it will introduce hybrids in a few years. Still, it could do something similar to the ABB-sponsored, all-electric Formula E series; NASCAR says it “may explore possibilities around high-performance racing,” according to NBC News.
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