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House Democrats: DOGE is building a ‘master database’ of Americans’ sensitive information

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House Democrats: DOGE is building a ‘master database’ of Americans’ sensitive information

The Committee has also received reports about troubling, fumbling efforts by DOGE to combine sensitive information held by SSA, the IRS, HHS, and other agencies into a single cross-agency master database. Improving how federal agencies share data to improve outcomes and customer service is a longstanding and bipartisan goal in Congress. Information obtained by the Committee, however, indicates that DOGE is carrying out its work in a manner that disregards important cybersecurity and privacy considerations, potentially in violation of the law.

In an apparent attempt to sidestep network security controls, the Committee has learned that DOGE engineers have tried to create specialized computers for themselves that simultaneously give full access to networks and databases across different agencies. Such a system would pose unprecedented operational security risks and undermine the zero-trust cybersecurity architecture that prevents a breach at one agency from spreading across the government. Information obtained by the Committee also indicates that individuals associated with DOGE have assembled backpacks full of laptops, each with access to different agency systems, that DOGE staff is using to combine databases that are currently maintained separately by multiple federal agencies.

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The Nintendo Switch 2 sure seems to work just fine with a USB mouse

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The Nintendo Switch 2 sure seems to work just fine with a USB mouse

You’ll be able to use a USB mouse with the Nintendo Switch 2 in at least one game, as a Koei Tecmo developer commentary video for the upcoming Nobunaga’s Ambition: Awakening Complete Edition revealed this week. That’s great news if your wrists, like mine, started preemptively cramping the first time you saw video of someone tipping a Joy-Con 2 controller on its edge for mouse mode.

While demonstrating the game’s use of the Joy-Con 2 as a mouse, producer Michi Ryu stops and plugs in a USB mouse. The Switch 2 displays a message that says a mouse has been connected, and he continues to play with both a mouse and his left Joy-Con 2, switching between them seamlessly, the same way you’ll be able to go back and forth between gyro and mouse control in Metroid Prime 4: Beyond.

As VideoGamesChronicle notes, the original Switch had mouse and keyboard support, though only some games took advantage, like the Nightdive-developed Turok port. (If you own that game and never noticed the “Mouse” option in its input settings, go plug in a USB mouse and keyboard and try it out — you won’t want to go back.)

This time around, Nintendo is embracing mouse support more. For instance, the company published a video to its Nintendo Today app earlier this month, showing that when you put a Joy-Con 2 on its edge for mouse mode, an onscreen pointer appears for navigating the system’s menu.

So does the Nobunaga’s Ambition video, mean a standard mouse works interchangeably with a Joy-Con 2 controller anywhere where mouse control is supported? I sure hope so, but we don’t know that yet. And Nintendo didn’t immediately respond to The Verge’s email asking if that was the case.

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Support family from afar by controlling their screen with FaceTime

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Support family from afar by controlling their screen with FaceTime

Staying connected with family members who live far away can be challenging. However, with the latest update to iOS 18, Apple has introduced a game-changing feature that allows you to remotely control a family member’s screen during a FaceTime call. 

This can be incredibly helpful for providing tech support or guiding them through complex tasks on an iPhone or iPad. 

Let’s dive into how this feature works and how you can make the most of it.

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A woman on a FaceTime call  (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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Benefits of remote control

This feature is particularly useful for tech support because it allows you to help family members troubleshoot issues or learn how to use new apps. It also provides guided assistance, enabling you to walk someone through a process step-by-step, such as setting up a new device or configuring settings. Additionally, it enhances communication by making it easier to explain complex tasks without the frustration of miscommunication.

HOW TO PROTECT YOUR IPHONE AND IPAD FROM MALWARE

How to update to iOS 18

First, you’ll want to update your software to iOS 18. Here’s how to do it on your iPhone.

  • Unlock your iPhone and tap on the Settings app.
  • Scroll down and select General.
  • Tap on Software Update. Your device will check for available updates.
  • If iOS 18 is available, you will see an option to Download and Install. Tap on it.
  • If prompted, enter your device passcode.
  • Read through Apple’s terms and conditions, then tap Agree to proceed.
  • Your device will download the update and then install it. This process may take some time, so ensure your device is connected to Wi-Fi and has sufficient battery life or is plugged into a charger.

Once the installation is complete, your iPhone will restart, and you’ll be running iOS 18 with all its new features.

CREATE CUSTOM VISUALS ON YOUR IPHONE WITH IMAGE PLAYGROUND IN IOS 18.2

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Steps to update your iPhone software (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

TOP TABLETS FOR SENIORS: EASY, DISTRACTION-FREE AND WI-FI OPTIONAL 

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How to use remote control in FaceTime

With iOS 18, Apple has expanded the capabilities of FaceTime to include remote screen control. This feature is part of SharePlay, which was initially introduced in iOS 15.1 for content sharing. Now, it allows users to share their screen and even pass control to another person during a FaceTime call. 

To get started, both you and the person you want to help need to have iOS 18 installed on your devices. Before someone can remotely control your screen, that person must be saved in your contacts. Now, let’s say your mom calls you in a panic because she can’t figure out how to set up her new smart home device. No worries. Here’s how you can save the day:

  • Start a FaceTime call with her by clicking on the FaceTime app.
  • Then click “New FaceTime.”
  • Where it says “To:” type in the name of who you want to connect to, in this case, your mom.
  • Then click the FaceTime icon at the bottom of the screen.
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Steps to use remote control in FaceTime    (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

  • Now, tap the share icon at the top of the screen and select “Ask to Share” Screen.
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Steps to use remote control in FaceTime    (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

  • This will send a request to your mom, asking her to share her screen with you
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Steps to use remote control in FaceTime   (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

  • Once your mom accepts, her iPhone screen will appear on your device.
  • Tap on her screen to enlarge it, so you can see everything clearly.
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Steps to use remote control in FaceTime    (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

  • Here’s a great trick: You can use the markup tools to draw or highlight directly on her screen.
  • For example, circle the button she needs to tap
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Steps to use remote control in FaceTime    (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

  • Or draw an arrow to guide her. This way, you can visually walk her through each step.
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Steps to use remote control in FaceTime    (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

But what if the person you are FaceTiming with gets stuck?

Here’s where the real magic happens. You can actually take control of her screen.

  • Just tap the icon in the bottom right corner of her shared screen. This is the “Request Control” button.
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Steps to use remote control in FaceTime  (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

  • Your mom will get a prompt to approve or deny your request.
  • Once she approves, you’ll be able to tap, swipe and type on her iPhone as if you were holding it yourself.
  • You can move thingsopen apps and help her out directly.
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Steps to end remote control  (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

HOW TO SCHEDULE A FREE SESSION WITH APPLE SUPPORT  

How to end remote control

When you’re done playing tech support, ending the remote control is a breeze.

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  • Click on the horizontal oval shape at the top of the screen.
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Steps to end remote control   (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

  • Then, tap the “red circle with the X in the middle of it” where it says “End.”

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Steps to end remote control (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Privacy and security

Apple has implemented several safeguards to ensure your privacy and security while using this feature. Only trusted contacts can request control, and you have the option to decline any request. Additionally, certain sensitive actions, such as changing Apple ID settings or making payments, are restricted during remote control sessions.

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Kurt’s key takeaways

The remote control feature in FaceTime with iOS 18 is a powerful tool for staying connected and providing support to family members from afar. Whether you’re helping your parents navigate their new iPhone or guiding a friend through app setup, this feature makes it easier than ever to lend a hand, no matter the distance. So, next time a family member calls you for tech support, remember that, with iOS 18, you can be right there with them, virtually controlling their screen and making the process smoother and more efficient.

How do you think the new remote control feature in iOS 18 will affect your ability to stay connected and assist family members who live far away? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact

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The oldest Fire TV devices are losing Netflix support soon

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The oldest Fire TV devices are losing Netflix support soon

It’s finally time to upgrade for many owners of the earliest Amazon Fire TV devices, as Netflix is ending support for them next month, reports German outlet Heise.

The cutoff for US users is June 3rd, according to ZDNet, which writes that the company has been emailing those who would be affected by the change. Netflix is specifically ending support for the 1st-generation Fire TV streaming box and Fire TV Stick, as well as the 2016 Fire TV Stick with Alexa Voice Remote, ZDNet writes. If you didn’t get the email but want to be certain whether your Fire TV device is one of those reportedly losing Netflix, the outlet writes that you can check the “About” section under Settings > My Fire TV.

According to Heise, Amazon is offering discounts on new Fire TV Sticks to those affected by the change. Amazon didn’t immediately respond when The Verge reached out to ask whether that’s true for US users, as well.

In a FAQ added to a Netflix help page sometime in the last couple of months (March 15th is when it first showed up on The Internet Archive), the company says it may end support for devices that “can no longer get necessary updates from its manufacturer or support new features.” The company also added new references to error codes R4, R12, and R25-1.

Netflix did not immediately respond to The Verge’s request for comment.

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