Shortly before The Verge published its review of the Apple Vision Pro, I put it on to sit for some photos. The review unit had been fitted for our editor-in-chief Nilay Patel, but I’d worn it a few times as a guest and had a surprisingly good experience. That afternoon, though, I foolishly decided to skip the typical guest setup, which involves about a minute of calibration for the Vision Pro’s eye-tracking cameras. I put the thing on, and it didn’t work at all.
Technology
Why does Apple make it so hard to share the Vision Pro?
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25255207/246965_vision_pro_VPavic_0081.jpg?ssl=1 "Why does Apple make it so hard to share the Vision Pro?")
The Vision Pro’s cameras, I quickly realized, were expecting somebody else’s eyes. The cursor darted around wildly or refused to move. It wasn’t an unexpected outcome, but it drove home an inconvenient fact: not only would I need to go through the setup again, I’d need to do it every time I wanted to use the headset.
As The Verge has covered the Vision Pro’s release, we’ve run into multiple ways that Apple hamstrings device sharing, from not supporting multiple accounts to making the process of buying extra parts a pain. This isn’t just a computer you use alone, it’s apparently one you own alone — for reasons that seem unnecessary at best and user-unfriendly at worst.
Despite its solitary reputation, the Vision Pro has obvious multiuser appeal
To set the stage here, I want to make a slightly counterintuitive claim: the Vision Pro, despite its solitary reputation, feels built for sharing. In its bulky, expensive first-generation form, it isn’t something most people will want to wear or carry around all day. Its clearest use is either as a special-purpose tool for tasks like 3D design, or as a personal entertainment device, like a virtual TV set-top box or game console. These are exactly the kinds of products that might often be used by one person at a time, but tend to be owned across a household — or workplace — and frequently passed around.
The Vision Pro’s hardware facilitates this surprisingly well. Unlike some VR headsets, the device’s Solo Knit Band is adjusted with a single simple-to-use dial; there’s no need to change the sizing by readjusting awkward velcro straps. Changing the bands is also easy, if needed. It requires a light seal that’s fitted to your face — and there are a whopping 17 possible sizes — but that’s attached with a simple-to-swap magnetic snap. There’s even a simple biometric login option: the face-tracking cameras mounted inside.
It’s easy to imagine a world where this translates into making the Vision Pro more valuable as a multiuser device. Like a lot of people, I tend to share electronics — my criteria for a good entertainment device include whether my husband will use it, too. I don’t see myself wearing the Vision Pro all day for work, but I could imagine putting one on for a couple of hours to play VR / AR games, then handing it off so he can watch TV on a virtual big screen after I fall asleep. Yet the Vision Pro feels designed to undermine that fantasy at every turn.
The most obvious problem is the lack of multiple accounts or profiles. The Vision Pro allows precisely one person to have a permanent account tied to their Apple ID. That’s similar to the iPad and iPhone, but unlike nearly every other computing device in my household, from my Android phone to my MacBook to my husband’s humble Nintendo Switch. Even the Meta Quest system, which tied hardware to personal Facebook or Meta logins a few years ago, lets you swap between up to four accounts!
On the iPhone, the single-user setup is annoying for privacy and customization reasons, but makes a good deal of sense. The lack of multiple user support on the iPad makes far less sense — we have complained about it for years — but at least some iPads are relatively inexpensive.
This headset is $3,499 and only one person in a household can use it fully
The Vision Pro is $3,499 and only one person in your household can ever use it fully, which makes no sense at all. The privacy issues are technically there on the Vision Pro — letting anyone else use it without setting restrictions in guest mode grants them access to everything you’ve got on the headset, including your messages. But as my experience demonstrates, they may not even be able to use it well enough to get that far. You can start a guest session by holding the Vision Pro’s left-side hardware button for four seconds, but you can’t store a second user’s information so they can log in quickly next time without calibration. Basically, imagine if every time you passed an iPad to somebody else in your family, they had to spend a minute poking colored dots.
Then there’s the matter of getting an extra light seal. As I mentioned, I felt fine using a Vision Pro not fitted for me, but others have had problems. Verge product manager Parker Ortolani, for instance, found the Vision Pro with Nilay’s seal size too small and said it leaked light into his eyes. An extra seal costs $199, and you can only buy it one of two ways: ordering online and scanning your face with a Face ID-equipped iOS device, or going in person to an Apple Store and getting a scan done there. Verge video director Owen Grove tried the latter, and his experience wasn’t great.
“I needed to set up an appointment for [a] demo I didn’t want to just buy an extra light seal,” Owen told me. He’d called beforehand to confirm the seals’ availability, only to discover after the half-hour demo that most were sold out, including his size, which the store told him to buy online instead. In general, not being able to simply buy a few different sizes and figure out what works best is inherently limiting for a single user — and makes it almost impossible to share with a few people in a family or workplace.
Things get even more complicated if one or more potential users wears glasses, although this feels like more of an inherent inconvenience than a deliberate roadblock. The Vision Pro uses Zeiss-made prescription lens inserts, which require initial pairing with a passcode stored in Apple’s Health app or a physical card. On the bright side, the interface lets you store multiple lens pairings, so it doesn’t seem like you have to do this every time.
Some of these annoyances might get ironed out over time, as Apple has removed other awkward Vision Pro design quirks with software updates. The company is clearly trying to familiarize people with a new class of computer, and right now that means controlling the experience as closely as possible. If the Vision Pro sees any level of success, things like the demo requirement could fade away. Apple may roll out more options specifically for business or education customers, too, like the Shared iPad feature that allows for some multiuser support.
But Apple has also held fast to the idea that its devices are made for just one person, and with the Vision Pro, it can enforce that idea in ways it couldn’t before. Even as the hardware gets cheaper and more streamlined, it could easily insist on a fundamentally single-user experience — and that’s a shame, when the Vision Pro seems built for so much more.
Continue Reading
We’re retiring our oldest plans, some of which were built nearly 15 years ago – in the 3G and 4G eras, and well before our 5G network was fully deployed. Customers will transition to modern plans that provide access to America’s best wireless technology, enhanced features and a 5-year price guarantee for peace of mind. Some customers will see no change to their monthly bill, while some will see a modest adjustment. Every customer moved to a new plan will keep their current benefits while gaining improvements in network and service experiences.
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
Buying a hunting or fishing license should feel like one of the safest things you do online. You pick the license, pay for it and get ready for your next trip outdoors. But now, a cyberattack tied to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has put personal information for more than three million license customers at risk.
The agency says the attack hit a vendor that handles the sale of hunting and fishing licenses. Texas Cyber Command detected the incident, and the state says an unauthorized actor may have obtained personal data from customer profiles. That is the part that should get your attention. Even when credit card numbers and Social Security numbers are spared, your license details, phone number and home address can still give scammers a lot to work with.
Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report
- Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox.
- For simple, real-world ways to spot scams early and stay protected, visit CyberGuy.com – trusted by millions who watch CyberGuy on TV daily.
- Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide free when you join.
FBI WARNS MICROSOFT USERS ABOUT PASSWORDLESS SCAM
Millions of Texas hunting and fishing license holders are being urged to monitor their accounts after a vendor cyberattack exposed sensitive personal data. (Photo Illustration by Thomas Imo/Photothek via Getty Images)
What happened in the Texas Parks and Wildlife data breach
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department says its license system vendor was hit by a cybersecurity incident.
The agency says the investigation found that an unauthorized actor may have obtained data tied to 3,087,721 Texas hunting and fishing license customers.
TPWD did not identify the vendor in its public notice. However, it says it has strengthened access controls for customer profile data and plans to add more security features.
In other words, this involved a state license system connected to millions of people.
What information may have been exposed
TPWD says the exposed information may include:
- Driver license information
- Passport numbers, if provided
- Email addresses
- Phone numbers
- Residential addresses
That mix of data can help criminals sound convincing. A scammer who knows your name, phone number, home address and license-related details can make a fake call or email feel very personal.
The agency says Social Security numbers, dates of birth and financial information, including credit card details, were not obtained. TPWD also says there is no evidence that customers under 18 were involved or that any specific group was targeted.
Still, this breach should not be brushed off. Driver license information and passport numbers can create serious problems if they fall into the wrong hands.
Why this breach can still put you at risk
You might hear that hackers did not get credit card numbers and breathe a sigh of relief. I get that. But scammers do not always need your full financial file to cause trouble. Personal details can help them impersonate a state agency, a license vendor or even a bank. One message may claim there is a problem with your license account. Another may ask you to “verify” your identity. A fake link can also look official enough to trick someone who is moving fast.
That is where this kind of breach gets dangerous. The more a scammer knows about you, the easier it becomes to lower your guard. A fake message that includes accurate personal details can feel legitimate, especially if it shows up right after a public breach.
What Texas Parks and Wildlife says it has done
TPWD says immediate steps were taken to strengthen access controls for customer profile data. The agency also says it is working with the license system vendor to add more safeguards and enhanced monitoring.
In a statement to CyberGuy, TPWD said, “We recognize the seriousness of this issue and have identified and implemented additional security options to better protect customer information. Many of our staff are hunters and anglers and were affected by this incident. We are committed to working with the license system vendor to implement increased safeguards.”
Fishing guide Mike McBride of Port Mansfield, Texas, adds a third fish to his catch of redfish in the Lower Laguna Madre. (Bob Hood/Fort Worth Star-Telegram/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)
TPWD also said license sales will continue on schedule for August and the next license year, adding that it believes “current and future customer data are not at risk.”
That means customers should be able to buy hunting and fishing licenses as planned while the state works through the fallout from the breach.
Who should take action now
If you bought a Texas hunting or fishing license, use this breach as a reason to check your accounts and tighten your identity protections.
Affected customers can confirm eligibility for one year of free credit monitoring by calling the dedicated response line at 844-959-7123.
The enrollment deadline is Sept. 14, 2026. The call center is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. CT.
Do not wait for a suspicious charge or strange letter to show up. Breach cleanup works best when you act before someone tries to use your information.
How to protect yourself after the Texas Parks and Wildlife data breach
If you bought a Texas hunting or fishing license, these steps can help you reduce your risk and spot suspicious activity early.
1) Sign up for credit monitoring or consider identity theft protection
If you are eligible, sign up for the free credit monitoring before September 14, 2026. Credit monitoring can alert you when new credit activity appears in your name. It will not stop every type of identity fraud, but it can give you an early warning. If you were not affected by this breach, now is still a good time to consider identity theft protection. These services can help monitor your personal information, alert you to suspicious activity and guide you if someone tries to use your identity. See my tips and best picks on Best Identity Theft Protection at Cyberguy.com
2) Freeze your credit
A credit freeze is one of the strongest moves you can make after a breach. It makes it harder for someone to open a new account in your name. You need to freeze your credit separately with Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. It is free. You can also lift the freeze when you need to apply for credit.
EMPTY ENVELOPES IN YOUR MAILBOX? DO NOT SCAN THAT CODE
Texas officials say a vendor breach may have exposed driver’s license information, passport numbers and contact details, but not Social Security numbers or payment information. (Photo by Philip Dulian/picture alliance via Getty Images)
3) Add a fraud alert
A fraud alert tells lenders to take extra steps before opening new credit in your name. You can place a free one-year fraud alert by contacting one of the major credit bureaus. That bureau should notify the other two. This is a good option if you want extra protection but are not ready to freeze your credit.
4) Report identity theft if something looks wrong
If you see signs that someone used your information, report it right away. That could include new accounts you did not open, strange letters about benefits, unfamiliar bills or credit checks you do not recognize. The FTC’s IdentityTheft.gov can help you create a recovery plan based on what happened.
5) Remove your personal information from people-search sites
Your name, address and phone number may already appear on data broker sites. A breach can make that exposure feel even more personal. A data removal service can help reduce how much of your personal information appears online. You can also manually request removal from major people-search sites. Check out my top picks for data removal services and get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web by visiting CyberGuy.com.
6) Watch for driver’s license misuse
Because driver’s license information may have been exposed, pay close attention to anything tied to your ID. That includes notices about duplicate licenses, address changes, traffic issues, government benefits or accounts you did not request. If something feels off, contact the proper agency directly. Do not use a phone number or link from a surprise message.
7) Be careful with passport-related scams
If you provided a passport number, be extra cautious with calls or emails that claim there is a problem with your passport or travel documents. Do not give out personal information to someone who contacts you first. Go directly to the official agency website or call a verified number instead.
8) Watch for fake TPWD messages
Scammers may use this breach as bait. Be careful with any email, text or call that claims to come from Texas Parks and Wildlife, a license vendor or a credit monitoring service. Do not click links from surprise messages. Go directly to the official website or call the dedicated response line instead.
9) Use strong antivirus software
Scammers may use this breach to send fake emails, texts or links that look official. Strong antivirus software can help block malicious links, detect phishing attempts and warn you before you download something dangerous. Keep it updated on your phone, tablet and computer so it can catch newer threats. Get my picks for the best 2026 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices at CyberGuy.com.
10) Do not share verification codes
If someone calls and asks for a code sent to your phone or email, stop. That is a major red flag. Scammers use those codes to get into accounts. No legitimate support agent should pressure you to hand one over.
11) Check your financial accounts
Even though TPWD says financial information was not obtained, you should still review your bank and credit card statements. Look for small test charges, unfamiliar subscriptions or anything that seems off. Report suspicious activity right away.
12) Use strong passwords and two-factor authentication
This breach does not appear to involve passwords, but scammers may use exposed personal details to target your other accounts. Use a password manager to create strong, unique passwords. Turn on two-factor authentication (2FA) for important accounts, especially email, banking and shopping accounts.
WORLD CUP TICKET SCAMS TARGET DESPERATE FANS
A cyberattack tied to a Texas Parks and Wildlife Department vendor may have exposed the personal information of more than 3 million hunting and fishing license customers. (Photographer: Daniel Acker/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
Kurt’s key takeaways
This breach is a reminder that everyday government transactions can carry a lot of personal data behind the scenes. You may think of a hunting or fishing license as a routine purchase. But the information connected to that purchase can include driver’s license details, passport numbers, phone numbers and your home address. That gives imposters enough context to make a scam sound believable. The best move now is to stay ahead of it. Use the official response line, sign up for monitoring if you qualify, freeze your credit and be extra careful with any surprise message about your license or identity. The vendor may have been the target, but Texans are the ones left watching their information.
Should state agencies be required to publicly name vendors after a breach this large, or would that make future investigations harder? Let us know by writing to us at CyberGuy.com.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report
- Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox.
- For simple, real-world ways to spot scams early and stay protected, visit CyberGuy.com – trusted by millions who watch CyberGuy on TV daily.
- Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide free when you join.
Copyright 2026 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.
First announced over a year ago in April 2025, the Busy Bar will be available for purchase starting on July 14th when the device also starts shipping. Created by the same team behind the Flipper Zero wireless multitool, the Busy Bar is instead described as a “productivity multitool” that relies on a pixelated LED display to help reduce distractions and improve focus. The first 3,000 units purchased on July 14th will be discounted to $199, but the Busy Bar will normally retail for $249. Those who previously joined the Busy Bar waitlist will still be able to purchase one next month for $179.
The Busy Bar looks a lot like an alarm clock, but it’s designed to be used on a desk, perched atop a monitor or cubicle wall, or mounted to a wall or door. When installed in a place where it’s visible to coworkers, family, or roommates, the Busy Bar serves as a status display letting others know when you’re focusing on a task and shouldn’t be distracted.
At the push of a button, the Busy Bar will display a highly visible status message on its 72 x 16 LED pixelated screen that can include a countdown timer so potential distractors know when you’ll be available again. Alongside the status display, the Busy Bar can start a Pomodoro timer and mute notifications on other devices. The Busy Mode can be set to automatically activate through custom triggers, including when you join a phone call, start streaming, begin recording audio, or just open a specific app. It’s also Matter-compatible, allowing it to trigger smart home automations when you need to focus, such as dimming lights or playing music on a speaker.
Flipper Devices has created an open API for the Busy Bar so developers can create their own third-party apps to expand its usefulness and capabilities. You can potentially tie it into an office’s scheduling system to indicate when meeting rooms are booked or available, for example. There will also be accompanying apps available for the device on iOS, Android, macOS, and watchOS, with a native Windows app planned for later this year.
-
Denver, CO1 minute agoDenver Broncos Crack Top 10 in NFL Uniform Rankings
-
Seattle, WA8 minutes agoPHOTOS: Visiting all 12 stops during this year’s West Seattle Garden Tour
-
Milwaukee, WI18 minutes agoMilwaukee Barbecue: A Legacy of Smoke
-
Atlanta, GA23 minutes agoGeorgia Haitian communities face sudden July 27 deportation deadline
-
Minneapolis, MN30 minutes agoBroken A/C leaves 75-year-old cancer patient sweltering at north Minneapolis apartments
-
Indianapolis, IN33 minutes agoJazz saxophonist Jared Thompson shares journey of self-acceptance and artistry
-
Pittsburg, PA38 minutes agoTrash pickup schedules adjusted in Pittsburgh-area communities due to impending heat wave
-
Washington, D.C43 minutes agoD.C.’s July 4th fireworks will have “TSA-style” security, won’t start until 11 p.m.
