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The iPhone privacy setting you need to turn off

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The iPhone privacy setting you need to turn off

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Your iPhone is a powerful device that can store and share your personal information, photos, videos, and more. 

It can also help you organize memories and thoughts by using an app like the Journal app. Apple’s new Journal app, helps you reflect on your everyday moments and special events, using on-device machine learning to create personalized suggestions for your journal entries.

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What are Journaling Suggestions? 

“Journaling Suggestions” can help you remember moments you may wish to write about in your Journal app.  Suggestions can include photos and videos from your library, including the date they were captured, completed workout details, an interaction you have with someone via the phone, including their name and contact photo, a place you visited, including its name and surrounding city, and more. Apple says this information is aggregated on your device and is not shared with Apple or any other users.

While this may be helpful for remembering moments in life, I am not convinced that a function of my iPhone to replay moments for me to write about is beneficial. In fact, I wonder if, instead, it could steer my own independent thought toward mundane details while missing the essence of memories that come from interactions and emotional experiences I would never want my phone to be able to measure and repeat back to me. If you are like me you can always turn off Journaling Suggestions in Settings and create journal entries from scratch and add your thoughts, memories, photos, and more. 

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The Journal app on an iPhone. (Apple)

Why should you care?

Imagine this: every photo you take, song you play, person you interact with over the phone, or place you visit is recorded and rehashed to you at a later time to refresh your memory so that you can log it down in the Journal.  

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For some, they may truly benefit from the prompting of your life’s personal interactions. For me, I’d like less influence from a machine steering my memories. However, it’s a feature intended to enhance user experience by suggesting content based on location, an interaction with a contact, photos taken, and activity data, which Apple’s developer site says falls within their “SuggestionPicker” guidelines.  Apple says this information is stored on your device and is not shared with Apple or any other users. 

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY, IPHONE SHORTCUT COULD SAVE YOUR LIFE

The Journal app (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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What does enabling “Discoverable by Others” do? 

“Discoverable by Others” is a setting within Journaling Suggestions that has raised concerns online about private data being shared. The reality is that the app may use contextual information to determine which suggestions may be more meaningful or relevant to you based on whether there are others around you, without knowing who they are or sharing any information with or about them. 

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Apple says this information is used to improve and prioritize your suggestions. It is stored on your device and is not shared with Apple or any other users. If you choose to turn the setting off, you can follow the steps below.

Turn off Discoverable by Others on iPhone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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How to turn off ‘Discoverable by Others’ feature

  • First, swipe down at the top of your phone and type Settings.
  • Tap Settings and then scroll down until you find Privacy and Security and tap it.
  • Scroll down again until you get to Journaling Suggestions and click on it.
  • Then switch off Discoverable by others.

Steps to safeguard your privacy on iPhone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

MORE: BEST ACCESSORIES FOR YOUR PHONE

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Kurt’s key takeaways

Apple’s Journal app uses machine learning to suggest journal entries people can make. The biggest concern I have is that it interrupts independent thought, letting an app make ‘suggestions’ about logging the interactions of my life. This makes me uncomfortable despite no private data being shared. I’m not convinced that allowing a machine to suggest what I should remember about personal moments in my life is good for me. I don’t want the history of my moments curated back to me by my phone. You can still benefit from recording and reflecting on life’s moments in the Journal app when you choose to disable personalized suggestions. 

How do you feel about the Journal app’s feature: would you enable your Journaling Suggestions or turn them off? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

For more of my tech tips & 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.

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Copyright 2024 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.

Editor’s note: The article has been updated to reflect Apple’s assertion that its “Discoverable by Others” Journal feature does not share personal data with Apple or other iPhone users.

Technology

Soundcore new Space 2 promise improved ANC and sound

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Soundcore new Space 2 promise improved ANC and sound

We finally have an update to the Soundcore Space One that launched two and a half years ago. At MWC 2026, Soundcore has announced the Space 2, which will be available in the US on April 21st in three colors — linen white, jet black, and seafoam green — for $129.99. That’s $30 more than the Space One’s original price.

According to Soundcore, the Space 2 have had a full-band noise cancellation upgrade with the focus of those improvements on the low-frequency sounds we all generally use ANC headphones to block — things like airplane, train, and bus engine sounds while traveling. The Space 2 use the same number of microphones as the Space One for noise canceling, instead relying on optimized mic placement and structure and materials improvements for the boost in performance.

Redesigned 40mm drivers incorporate dual layers in their design. There’s a silk diaphragm with metal ceramic that supposedly results in faster transient response — the driver’s ability to respond to sudden sound quickly and accurately — with better balanced sound reproduction. The Space One had great sound performance for the price, but I’m all for any improvement to sound performance accuracy. Like the Space One, the Space 2 will support LDAC high-res audio.

The headphones connect wirelessly over Bluetooth 6.1, although they do not support Auracast transmissions — an unfortunate exclusion. There’s also a 3.5mm jack for a wired connection.

Battery life has been increased to up to 50 hours with ANC and 70 hours with ANC off. This is up from 40 hours with ANC and 55 hours without ANC with the Space One headphones. With a five-minute charge the Space 2 get an additional four hours of listening.

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The Space 2 will include many of the features found on the Space One. You can use HearID 3.0 to go through a series of sound samples to tune the headphones’ sound to your preferences. It worked well for me on the Space One to get them closer to a sound I liked, with a bit of the edge taken off the higher frequencies. There’s also a sensor that detects when you remove the headphones and stops playback so you don’t miss any of your music or podcast. They once again come with a cloth bag that matches the color of the headphones instead of a case, which is one change I wish Soundcore had made, as the cloth bag doesn’t offer as much protection if you tend to throw your headphones into your backpack or bag.

The Soundcore Space One were among the best budget ANC headphones when they came out, and still hold up to more recent releases. But with the bump in price to over $100 for the Space 2, there’s a bit more expectation on them. ANC performance continues to improve — and products get cheaper — across manufacturers, so the Soundcore Space 2 has some competition from companies like Sony, EarFun, and JLab. If the ANC on the Space 2 stands up to current budget headphones and they still sound as good and are as comfortable as the Space One, you can expect to see the new Soundcore Space 2 on many recommendation lists.

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Tired of websites blocking your VPN? A dedicated IP fixes that

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Tired of websites blocking your VPN? A dedicated IP fixes that

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If you have ever turned on your VPN and suddenly could not log in to your bank, email, streaming service or work portal, you are not imagining things. In fact, this is one of the most common frustrations VPN users face today.

However, the issue is not that VPNs stopped working. Instead, websites have become far more aggressive about blocking traffic that looks suspicious.

As a result, the way your VPN is built now matters just as much as whether you use one at all.

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Shared VPN IPs often trigger red flags, which is why banks, email providers and streaming sites sometimes block access. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Why websites block many VPN connections

Most VPNs give you a shared IP address. As a result, hundreds or even thousands of people can appear online from the same address at the same time. From a website’s perspective, that traffic pattern raises red flags. When platforms detect too many logins, rapid location changes or unusual activity tied to one IP, they step in quickly. In many cases, they respond by:

  • Blocking access
  • Triggering captchas
  • Requiring extra verification codes
  • Temporarily locking accounts

Meanwhile, you did nothing wrong. Instead, you end up dealing with restrictions caused by other users sharing that same IP address.

What a dedicated IP does differently

With a dedicated IP, you get an address that belongs only to you. Unlike shared VPN connections, no one else uses it.

Each time you connect, you use the same IP address. As a result, you avoid sharing traffic, rotating locations or competing with random users whose activity could trigger blocks.

Because of that consistency, your connection looks much more like a typical home or office internet setup. And that simple difference can dramatically reduce website suspicion and login headaches.

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A dedicated IP gives you a consistent address that looks more like a normal home connection, reducing captchas and login alerts. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

What a dedicated IP can do that shared VPN IPs usually can’t

That consistency does more than reduce suspicion; it improves how smoothly you access the sites and services you use every day.

Access more websites without blocks

Banks, government portals, healthcare sites, and streaming services are far less likely to block a dedicated IP because it does not show heavy or erratic traffic patterns.

Reduce captchas and security challenges

Those endless “prove you’re human” messages are usually triggered by shared IP abuse. A dedicated IP dramatically reduces them.

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Make banking and email logins smoother

Financial institutions and email providers often flag constantly changing IP addresses as suspicious. A dedicated IP stays consistent, so login alerts and lockouts happen far less often.

Support remote work and secure systems

Some employers only allow access from approved IP addresses. Shared VPN IPs cannot be approved. Dedicated IPs can.

Improve streaming reliability

Shared VPN IPs are often the first to get blocked when streaming services crack down. Dedicated IPs are less likely to be flagged because traffic looks normal and predictable.

What a dedicated IP does not do

A dedicated IP:

  • Does not remove encryption
  • Does not expose your identity
  • Does not weaken your privacy

Your traffic remains encrypted, and your real location stays hidden. You simply get a connection that websites trust more.

Who benefits most from a dedicated IP

A dedicated IP is especially helpful if you:

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  • Use online banking regularly
  • Travel and access sites from different locations
  • Work remotely
  • Stream often
  • Get tired of captchas and blocked pages
  • Want a VPN that feels normal to use

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With fewer blocks and smoother logins, a dedicated IP helps your VPN work quietly in the background instead of getting in your way. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

How to choose a VPN that offers a dedicated IP

If you want these benefits, look for a VPN provider that offers a dedicated IP option built directly into its service. Some providers include it in premium plans, while others offer it as an add-on. Either way, the process should be simple. You should be able to select your dedicated IP inside the app without advanced setup or manual configuration. Before signing up, check that the provider also offers strong speeds, reliable uptime and clear privacy policies. A dedicated IP improves access, but overall performance still matters.

 What to look for beyond a dedicated IP

A dedicated IP reduces blocks. However, a quality VPN should also deliver strong security and smooth performance.

Fast, stable connections: Speed matters for streaming, video calls and everyday browsing. Look for providers known for consistent performance.

Wide server coverage: More server locations give you flexibility when traveling and help reduce location errors.

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Clear privacy practices: Choose a VPN with a strict no-logs policy and independent audits when possible.

Secure server technology: Modern VPNs often use RAM-based servers that automatically wipe data on reboot.

Easy-to-use apps: Protection should feel simple, not technical. Clean apps across major devices make daily use effortless.

For the best VPN software, see my expert review of the best VPNs for browsing the web privately on your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices at Cyberguy.com

Kurt’s key takeaway

If your VPN keeps getting blocked, the problem may not be the VPN itself. It may be the shared IP address behind it. Websites are increasingly aggressive about suspicious traffic. When hundreds of users share the same IP, banks, email providers and streaming platforms take notice. That is when the captchas, verification codes and account lockouts start. A dedicated IP changes that experience. You still get encryption. You still protect your real location. But your connection looks stable and predictable, which helps you avoid constant interruptions.

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Should protecting your privacy really mean fighting with your bank, email, and streaming apps? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com

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Copyright 2026 CyberGuy.com.  All rights reserved.  

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Polymarket defends its decision to allow betting on war as ‘invaluable’

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Polymarket defends its decision to allow betting on war as ‘invaluable’
It might be World War III, but at least I won $20. | Image: Polymarket / The Verge

Polymarket has been allowing people to bet on when the US would strike Iran next. Obviously, now that it’s actually happened and people have died, the prediction betting market is feeling some pressure. The site has been at the center of controversy before, including suspicions of insider trading on the Super Bowl halftime show and the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.

In a statement posted on its site, Polymarket defended its decision to allow betting on the potential start of a war, saying that it was an “invaluable” source of news and answers, before taking shots at traditional media and Elon Musk’s X. The statement reads:

Read the full story at The Verge.

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