Strands is the NYT’s latest word game after the likes of Wordle, Spelling Bee and Connections – and it’s great fun. It can be difficult, though, so read on for my Strands hints.
SPOILER WARNING: Information about NYT Strands today is below, so don’t read on if you don’t want to know the answers.
Your Strands expert
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Your Strands expert
Marc McLaren
NYT Strands today (game #231) – hint #1 – today’s theme
What is the theme of today’s NYT Strands?
• Today’s NYT Strands theme is… Make yourself at home
NYT Strands today (game #231) – hint #2 – clue words
Play any of these words to unlock the in-game hints system.
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BELT
MELT
MEAL
SOIL
METAL
PLIER
NYT Strands today (game #231) – hint #3 – spangram
What is a hint for today’s spangram?
• Lounging around
NYT Strands today (game #231) – hint #4 – spangram position
What are two sides of the board that today’s spangram touches?
First: bottom, 3rd row
Last: top, 4th row
Right, the answers are below, so DO NOT SCROLL ANY FURTHER IF YOU DON’T WANT TO SEE THEM.
NYT Strands today (game #231) – the answers
The answers to today’s Strands, game #231, are…
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OTTOMAN
RECLINER
TABLE
SOFA
FIREPLACE
SHELF
SPANGRAM: LIVING ROOM
My rating: Easy
My score: Perfect
Today’s Strands gave me a good reminder not to jump to conclusions, which I guess is a good lesson for life in general. The theme clue of ‘Make yourself at home’ had already suggested relaxing in some way, so when I spotted OTTOMAN followed by RECLINER I was sure that ‘things you sit on’ would be the answer. When I followed up with TABLE I was slightly confused – but I figured maybe there was such thing as a table chair, and I just didn’t know the term. And then I got SOFA and my hunch seemed all but confirmed.
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At that point, however, I stalled. I couldn’t find any more words that worked and couldn’t see what the spangram could be. So I had another look and tried to think less literally. And there before me, obvious for all to see, was the spangram: LIVINGROOM. Everything made sense now, and I was able to add FIREPLACE and SHELF to complete the set.
Yesterday’s NYT Strands answers (Saturday, 19 October, game #230)
ZING
KICK
SPARK
PIZZAZZ
FIZZ
OOMPH
VERVE
SPANGRAM: EXTRASOMETHING
What is NYT Strands?
Strands is the NYT’s new word game, following Wordle and Connections. It’s now out of beta so is a fully fledged member of the NYT’s games stable and can be played on the NYT Games site on desktop or mobile.
I’ve got a full guide to how to play NYT Strands, complete with tips for solving it, so check that out if you’re struggling to beat it each day.
Sure, you can buy something from Apple, and for many years, the company offered many cases in its stores. And it still has a range of items in a range of materials, except for one: leather.
Thankfully, there’s an alternative. Many companies offer leather cases — including Mujjo, which has great sustainability chops — but none have the variety of cases that Nomad does.
The iPhone 16 Pro Max is a big phone, and while I love the more compact iPhone 16 Pro as my day-to-day iPhone, I sometimes go for the bigger iPhone. I’ve already written about the best thin case for my iPhone 16 Pro, but for the Pro Max, I wanted something different.
How do you make the big iPhone truly stand out from the rest, especially since it lacks the vibrant pop of the regular iPhone? Enter the Nomad Magnetic Leather Back.
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It’s the leather equivalent of a Dbrand skin, and a way to truly make your phone stand out. The magnetic attachment isn’t perfect, but it’s fun and unique. It’s ideal if you want an almost-naked experience, as there’s no case around the sides. It’s a slim leather back for your phone, and it probably won’t protect your phone that much in a drop. Still, if you want to spruce up your iPhone while adding as little bulk as possible, it’s a fun and unique solution.
The Magnetic Back isn’t for everyone, and there are times when I prefer a proper leather case instead. This is where Nomad’s traditional leather case comes in; it’s the leather iPhone case that Apple should have made, and it’s the perfect replacement for Apple’s own.
Nomad’s lineup is a little confusing, and the product you receive differs in a few key ways. If you’re going for the modern leather case like the one seen here, you’ll get a leather back reinforced by a plastic frame that offers eight feet of drop protection. The traditional leather case takes a full wrap approach but lacks the protection rating.
Both styles also come in several shades, and I like the lighter English Tan Nomad Leather. Not all options are available for each iPhone 16 model, although if you have the iPhone 16 Pro or Pro Max, you should be able to choose from the widest selection.
Nomad is unique as it has two distinct leather styles: Horween Leather and “Our New Leather.” They are vastly different and appeal to two entirely different sets of people, and which one you should buy depends on what’s more important to you.
Horween Leather comes from a partnership with the synonymous company from Chicago; the Nomad Leather is from Dannish Tannery Ecco. The former is made by hand, is softer, and develops a patina much faster, while the latter uses computers to ensure a more consistent and uniform design that develops a patina slowly over time.
Horween Leather has a stronger leather smell, while the Nomad Leather is less fragrant. Having tried both styles, I love the richness of the Horween Leather, but I prefer the Nomad Leather as it doesn’t scratch or mark as easily.
If you want an Apple accessory made from leather, there’s a strong chance you’ll find a Nomad option. I’ve had a few of these, and they’re all fantastic. The Passport Wallet Pen Edition is a great way to store your passport when traveling. There are also a few great options for wallets, cardholders, and cases for the Apple Watch and AirPods.
There is also a range of other leather iPhone cases. I’ve tried the leather folio case, and the detachable magnetic clasp is a novel approach to designing a folio for everyone. Similarly, there’s a huge selection of Apple Watch bands. From the traditional Modern Leather band to the Modern Slim Band, there’s a lot to choose from.
Apple may no longer make leather iPhone cases, but when Nomad’s options are this good, that’s fine.
Gaming only continues to prove its success as an entertainment medium as it moves from strength to strength. As developers and studios find more immersive and inclusive ways to play, the world of video game entertainment makes its way into more people’s lives.
It is no longer the hobby of computer fanatics and children, as it slowly becomes a mainstay of many homes. This is in no small part due to the range of gaming experiences offered by Android mobile devices, such as tablets, smartphones, and smartwatches. This handheld and affordable tech has created unique and innovative ways to play for many new players.
The advent of Android gaming
In the early days of video games, a large computer was needed. The software would often demand clunky hardware that could set the player back a significant amount of money. As hardware developed, however, and became more commercially available, computers grew smaller, featuring much more in people’s homes, offices and schools.
Going handheld
Now we have smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, and many other android devices in our pockets and homes. These versatile pieces of tech are capable of playing a huge range of games, from quick cookie cutter games like Candy Crush, to much loved 3D RPGs, and even online casino games, such as the ones available in this guide, offering players a variety of no-deposit bonus options for an exciting gambling experience.
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Android devices have brought the capabilities of gaming to many people who would probably never have touched a console before. Quick, simple, and easy to understand games have opened up mobile gaming for millions across the world, bringing more players than ever to the format.
PC gaming
With the introduction of commercially available computing came the ability to play computer games at home. However, they were still a niche entertainment, requiring some level of computing knowledge, and were reserved mostly for enthusiasts. Gaming was still something that existed mostly in the realms of arcades and computing culture.
The introduction of the console
However, when arcade boxes were made smaller, and consoles finally hit the market, gaming all of a sudden became something that could exist, unobtrusively, in the family TV room. Gaming was here to stay. Despite the meteoric rise in popularity from this point, it was still seen as an entertainment for children.
More than a few titles
There are many Android games out there to be played on phones and tablets that have become household names.
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1. Pokémon GO: Use your smartwatch to track nearby Pokémon, hatch eggs, and collect items.
2. Minecraft: Receive notifications about game events and chat messages.
3. Candy Crush: Connect the various candies to earn points and bonuses.
4. Ingress: Track portals, capture territories, and receive mission updates.
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5. Asphalt 9: Legends: Receive notifications about races, challenges, and social interactions.
What makes Android so special
Android has pioneered the movement in mobile gaming, allowing developers and tech companies alike to focus on gaming. Unlike Apple, Android is a much more open software, allowing developers significantly more freedom to create what they want.
Affordability
One of the driving forces behind the rise of the gaming population, especially through mobile platforms, is the affordability of many Android devices. Of course, it is possible to spend a small fortune on the top of the line, flagship Android models, but it isn’t necessary.
Many Android phones are the preferred brand due to their price. They can be picked up cheaply, especially when compared to the cost of a console or PC. With their current hardware, even cheap Android devices are capable of playing a huge array of games.
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Emulation and software
Many tech companies, such as Apple, are very protective of their code and software. This ensures that they have a stranglehold on any new programs that are released. By doing so, they can monitor quality, but also take a cut of any profits. Android, on the other hand, is very open with its software, encouraging developers to release updates, programs, and tweaks to improve the base code.
By doing so, it becomes very easy to develop games for Android devices. Companies can create full and immersive games that can be enjoyed on tablets, mobile phones, and even smartwatches, without having to fight against locked software and restrictions.
This open sourced approach to the hardware has allowed huge leaps and bounds in gaming. We are even seeing classic games, previously only available on console, being played on the hardware available in tablets and phones. Emulation of many of the much loved titles on various pieces of android hardware is all possible due to their approach to their code.
More than just phones
Android runs in the background of many pieces of tech around us. Everything from smart fridges to TVs use the Android operating systems to function. This brings a new element to gaming that we didn’t see until the rise of the mobile and Android focused revolution.
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Connected
Using Android along with a few other key elements has created environments for seamless gaming. Using a few different Android devices gives us the ability to have a whole new level of connectivity. Smartwatches, in particular, have added a fascinating new way to interact with our favourite games.
Feature
Benefits
Notifications
Receive alerts about game events, challenges, and social interactions.
Quick Actions
Access frequently used game functions, such as inventory management or character customization, with a simple tap.
Companion Apps
Enjoy additional features and content that complement the smartphone game.
Fitness Tracking
Monitor your gaming activity and progress towards fitness goals.
In the clouds
With cloud storage, it has become common to store data, such as save files, in the cloud. This means that when we are done playing a game on a tablet, for instance, it now becomes possible to start your daily commute, and continue where you left off on your mobile phone or smartwatch. The beauty of the Android gaming future is availability, mobility, and interactivity.
The future of Android gaming
I have no doubt that as Android continues to improve their software and are used on better and better hardware, the horizons will only broaden.
Even now, Android is being used in some of the most cutting edge gaming hardware, such as VR and AR experiences. Due to the open source nature of their hardware, they will often be the first choice for developers looking to get into the mobile gaming sphere.
Phasmophobia was one of the chief reasons a lot of gamers lost so much sleep during the pandemic. Now it’s finally headed to consoles after four years of frightening the hell out of us.
Kinetic Games’ ghost hunting game is heading to PlayStation 5, PS VR2 and Xbox Series X/S on October 29. Players on consoles and PCs through Steam can explore haunted places together in online sessions and discover the highest octave their voices can hit. Kinetic announced the game’s console release last year but unforeseen delays forced the studio to push back the date.
Since the game is launching on consoles just before Halloween, Kinetic Games is also holding a special in-game event. Teams will receive a special Halloween goal in which all teams playing on all platforms will work together to “permanently unlock the Blood Moon weather.” The achievement comes with a special badge and trophy and more reasons to scream your head off in future matches.
Phasmophobia is an addictive and horrifying four-player exploration game that came to life on PCs in 2020. As part of a team of ghost hunters, you’re dispatched to a haunted location to investigate and determine what type of horrifying soul is dispatching the living to the realm of the dead. Each team member uses various pieces of ghost hunting equipment and ethereal artifacts to determine the type of spirit doing the haunting and other required criteria about the entity, capture evidence of its presence and sometimes even make contact with the entity.
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These ghosts and otherworldly creatures don’t just make doors slam shut and yell “Boo!” before scurrying off into the shadows. There are 20 different types of entities like banshees, demons wraiths and revenants that can call out your name in the darkness, drive down your sanity and even kill your ghost hunter if you’re not careful.
When it comes to printers, the price of ink cartridges often becomes a major factor for both home and office users. While a cartridge might appear affordable at first glance, the real cost lies in how much ink you’re getting for your money.
The price of an ink cartridge can be deceptive – as a cartridge that costs $20 may only contain 2ml of ink, which might print around 100 pages. In contrast, a $50 cartridge could contain 20ml of ink, enabling you to print 1,000 pages. While the $20 cartridge seems cheaper, it may end up costing more in the long run due to the need for frequent replacements.
To help shed light on the true cost of printing, I surveyed 100 ink cartridges using publicly available information from the official websites of four major brands: HP, Canon, Epson, and Brother.
The hidden costs of Ink cartridges
To accurately analyze the long-term cost of printing, we assessed the price per litre of ink rather than focusing on the upfront cartridge cost. This approach provides a clearer picture of how much users will spend over time, as it factors in the volume of ink and the total number of pages each cartridge can print.
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Among the 100 cartridges surveyed, 31% were classified as cheap (< $1000 per litre), 51% as affordable (between $1000 and $5000), and 18% as expensive (> $5000). Interestingly, Canon and Epson each held a 35% share of the cheap ink data, with HP making up the remaining 30%. This suggests that all three brands ensure they have affordable options available.
However, Canon emerges as the leader in affordability, offering the world’s cheapest original ink by the bottle.
TheCanon GI-290 stands out with a price of only $171.29 per litre, making it the most affordable option on the market. Additionally, Canon’s GI-25series sells for just $9.99 per cartridge, translating to a price of $270 per litre making it also one of the most affordable in the surveyed data. These low prices highlight Canon’s focus on providing cost-effective printing solutions, especially for consumers who print frequently and want to minimize their ink expenses.
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While HP is often perceived as a cheap brand, the data tells a different story when you look at the cost per litre of ink.
HP dominates the affordable ink category, with 53% of its cartridges falling between $1,001 and $5,000 per litre. Canon follows with 43% in this range, while Epson and Brother contribute just 2% each. Interestingly, 18% of the surveyed inks are expensive and HP takes the entire 18%. This means that the American tech company produces some of the most expensive ink cartridges in the world.
Although HP cartridges often sell for between $20 to $60, the price per litre can be extraordinarily high, making these cartridges some of the most expensive to use over time. For example, the HP 65 and 67 Tri-Colour cartridges have a staggering price per litre of $9,995 and $9,495 respectively, the highest in the entire dataset.
While some cartridges may seem expensive upfront, they can offer significant savings for users who print in high volumes.
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Cartridges like the HP 32XL and Canon GI-290 have an exceptionally low price per page, effectively bringing the cost down to $0.00 in some cases. These cartridges are ideal for consumers who need to print large quantities of documents or photos, as they reduce the need for frequent cartridge replacements and save money in the long run.
High-capacity cartridges such as the Epson T636100 and Canon PFI-1000, which hold between 700ml and 800ml of ink, are also excellent choices for high-volume users. Though these cartridges have a higher upfront cost, their large capacity reduces the frequency of replacements and minimizes long-term costs.
Another interesting trend from the data is that black ink cartridges generally offer a lower cost per page and per litre compared to color cartridges.
Black ink is more commonly used for everyday document printing, which explains its lower cost. However, consumers who require color printing, such as for photos or graphics, face a much higher price per litre. For instance, color cartridges like HP 902 and Canon CL-276 have a much higher price per litre, especially for magenta, cyan, and yellow inks.
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Users with frequent color printing needs may want to consider brands like Epson, which offers more affordable options for color ink. The Epson T664220-S cartridges in cyan, magenta, and yellow, for example, are priced at around $177 per litre, making them a reasonable option for those needing a balance between black and color ink costs.
The analysis reveals distinct strategies among the four brands: HP offers products across all three price categories—cheap, affordable, and expensive—but its high price per litre for some cartridges indicates a focus on short-term affordability at the expense of long-term savings. Canon, on the other hand, prioritizes cheap and affordable inks, making it the best choice for cost-conscious consumers. Epson primarily targets the cheap ink market, while Brother plays a smaller role overall, offering fewer options across the price spectrum.
If you print large volumes of document or you run a small business that requires heavy printing, then ink tank printers are the way to go. They are designed for designed for large volume of printing, offer lower costs per page and you do not need to refill regularly.
Android 15 is now available for certain Android phones. It’s been in development since February, went through three phases, and is finally beginning to roll out, starting with Google’s Pixel phones. If you’re waiting for the latest software, well, you don’t have long to wait.
If you’re wondering when your current Android smartphone will get the Android 15 update, here are all the details so far.
As we mentioned already, the typical Android release cycle has three phases: developer preview, public beta testing, and the final release.
The developer preview began on February 16, 2024. With the developer preview, app developers got a look at the upcoming changes so that they can familiarize themselves with the new software. This allows them to plan ahead to add new features to their own apps if desired.
On April 11, we had the first public beta of Android 15. This allows anyone who wants to try out the software ahead of release to test the new features. Beta testers can report issues and bugs to Google, which helps shape the final release of the software. The public beta versions are much more stable and less buggy than the developer preview builds, but remember — it was still considered early software, so it’s wasn’t perfect.
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As of August 20, Google has released Android 15 Beta 4.1 for eligible devices for those who are enrolled in Google’s beta testing program. This is available to the public, so you don’t need a special invite or account. Once you’re enrolled in the program, just download the Android 15 beta.
On October 15, 2024, Google began to roll out Android 15 to select devices. Since Android phones consist of several different manufacturers, major OS upgrades roll out at different times. As Google makes the Pixel hardware, it makes sense that Pixel devices would get Android 15 first.
Since each manufacturer is different, we’ll go over each one individually as far as when they’ll get the final Android 15 release.
The fastest way to get access to Android 15 is to have a Google Pixel device. That’s because Android is developed by Google, and the Pixel lineup is Google’s own hardware, similar to Apple’s iPhone and iOS, so it makes sense that Pixels would get it first.
Android 15 is available for the following Pixel devices:
Unfortunately, the Pixel 5 and earlier won’t be able to get the Android 15 update. But if you have any of the above Pixel devices, then you’re good to go.
Unfortunately, though we originally thought that the One UI 7 beta was to start rolling out soon, it looks like Samsung revealed in a keynote speech that it would be significantly delayed. How delayed? It will likely arrive with the Galaxy S25 launch in January, which means that this delay is around three months at least.
At the moment, Samsung has not announced any concrete plans about which of its devices will be able to get Android 15. But we can make some educated guesses.
First, Samsung offers at least two years of software upgrades, which it recently bumped up to seven for the latest Galaxy S24 lineup. With this in mind, it’s safe to assume that any Samsung device that shipped with Android 13 out of the box will be eligible for the Android 15 update.
Another set of devices that should get Android 15 are any flagships and midrange phones that launched with Android 11 and have four years of major OS upgrades, as that was Samsung’s policy prior to the change to seven years.
Here’s a list of possible Samsung devices that could get Android 15 based on those factors:
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Galaxy S Series
Galaxy Z Series
Galaxy A Series
Galaxy A73
Galaxy A55
Galaxy A54
Galaxy A53
Galaxy A35
Galaxy A34
Galaxy A33
Galaxy A25
Galaxy A24
Galaxy A23
Galaxy A15
Galaxy A14
Galaxy Tab Series
Galaxy Tab S9 FE Plus
Galaxy Tab S9 FE
Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra
Galaxy Tab S9 Plus
Galaxy Tab S9
Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra
Galaxy Tab S8 Plus
Galaxy Tab S8
There are also Samsung’s Galaxy F and M Series phones. In short, there are a lot of possible Samsung phones that will receive the Android 15 update. We just listed out some of the more popular and more recent devices, but as long as it falls within the criteria mentioned above, it should get Android 15.
We will hear from Samsung later with a confirmed list of supported devices for Android 15 and update accordingly.
OnePlus will announce OxygenOS 15, based on Android 15, at an event on October 24. At that time, it will reveal new features, but in the meantime, it’s highlighting how the software will focus on speed and AI. Also during the event, it will confirm which devices will be eligible, and when the new software will be released.
We can make educated guesses about which OnePlus smartphones will get OxygenOS 15, based on promises by the brand. They include the following:
OxygenOS 15’s arrival follows the availability of Android 15 as a beta for two OnePlus phones, the OnePlus 12 and the OnePlus Open, starting May 15, 2024. It required manual installation, and the specific steps were laid out for the process on the OnePlus forums. It was highly recommended that a backup was performed before installing, and the device needed to be running Android 14.0.0.610 or below.
Problems were reported after installing the Android 15 beta, so approach with caution if you plan to install it on your only phone. If that hasn’t deterred you from installing Android 15 Beta 2 on your OnePlus 12 or OnePlus Open, go ahead and check out how to install it on the forums.
At the moment, you can get the Android 15 beta on your Nothing phone, as long as it’s a Nothing Phone 2 or Nothing Phone 2a. Unfortunately, those who have an original Nothing Phone are out of luck.
If you have one of those eligible Nothing Phones, then you should head over to the Nothing Community forums to check out how to download the Android 15 beta on your device.
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Based on promises made by Nothing at the time of launching phones, we can expect Android 15 to be delivered to these devices:
Right now, the Android 15 beta is only available for the following devices from Honor:
If you have one of those devices, you can grab the Android 15 beta right now. Similar to OnePlus, there are some known issues, though a few of them have been fixed. As of July 30, it seems that the only real concern is that there continues to be a low probability of the phone restarting in certain scenarios.
Xiaomi gave its Android skin a complete overhaul — from visuals to the underlying code — with Android 14. In this process, it transitioned the majority of its devices from the landmark MIUI to the new HyperOS that is also slated to run across other smart devices, including its line of EVs.
Xiaomi has already rolled out Android 15 developer preview builds for its flagship, the Xiaomi 14, alongside the Xiaomi 13T Pro and its premium tablet, Xiaomi Pad 6S Pro (12.4-inch only). To download and install the respective firmware updates, head over to Xiaomi’s support page for Android 15 beta updates.
Although the company has yet to declare which devices (in addition to those above) will receive Android 15 updates, we can speculate based on earlier claims about the number of updates. For the sake of simplicity, we limit these to phones only available globally and not limited to specific regions.
Here is the list of phones from Xiaomi and its sister brands Redmi and Poco:
Redmi Note 13 (LTE and 5G variants), 13 Pro, and 13 Pro Plus
Redmi 13C
Redmi Note 12
Redmi 12 (LTE and 5G variants)
Poco X6 Pro
Poco F6 and F6 Pro
Poco M6 and M6 Pro
As previously with MIUI, Xiaomi’s HyperOS updates are not necessarily tied to Android updates. This means that two phones can get the same HyperOS versions with similar features while running different generations. This is good news for cheaper and older phones that are excluded from receiving Android 15 updates, such as the flagship Mi 11 and Mi 10 series.
Realme, OnePlus’ sister brand, is fairly popular in Asia and is slowly creeping up the charts in other parts of the world. Though the interface it runs is called Realme UI, the interface closely resembles OnePlus’ OxygenOS, which itself is drawn largely from parent Oppo’s ColorOS.
Just like OnePlus, Realme also has an Android 15 beta program, but specifically for the Realme 12 Pro Plus but only for users in India. The instructions are listed in a Realme community post if you have an Indian unit.
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However, a larger batch of devices in more regions can be expected to roll out following Google’s and Oppo’ release of their respective updates. Based on previous promises, here are all the Realme phones expected to get the Android 15 update:
Like Xiaomi, we have limited the list to devices widely available globally.
Though Google has officially released Android 15, only select devices have the final build, namely Pixel phones. Other manufacturers will be rolling out their own custom user interfaces based on Android 15 on their own schedules, and Samsung is typically the first one in this race, though its One UI 7 interface has faced big delays.
If you don’t have a Pixel, you could still access the Android 15 beta, but it’s important to remember to keep a backup of any crucial data just in case there are any malfunctions in the beta before the final version is released on non-Pixel phones.
In today’s hyper-connected world, mobile technology has become an integral part of our daily lives. From communication and shopping to banking and personal identification, smartphones and mobile applications are now central to the way we interact with the digital space. However, the rise of mobile technology has also brought with it an increase in cyber threats, particularly in the form of fraud. As cybercriminals develop more sophisticated ways to exploit vulnerabilities, businesses and individuals face growing risks to their financial and personal information.
In this landscape, identity verification services have become crucial for mitigating fraud in mobile technology. These services, which range from biometric authentication to AI-driven identity checks, serve as the digital gatekeepers, ensuring that the people accessing sensitive information or financial accounts are who they say they are. In this article, we’ll explore the different ways mobile technology both contributes to and combats fraud, while highlighting the importance of robust identity verification services in maintaining digital security.
The growth of mobile fraud
Mobile technology offers incredible convenience but also opens up new avenues for fraudsters. According to research, fraud committed via mobile devices has been on the rise, largely due to the increasing use of mobile payments, online shopping apps, and digital banking. These platforms are prime targets for cybercriminals, who exploit weaknesses in mobile apps, operating systems, and network security.
A common method of mobile fraud is phishing, where criminals send fake emails, text messages, or push notifications that trick users into providing their login credentials. Another rising concern is SIM swapping, a technique where fraudsters hijack a mobile phone number by duping a mobile carrier into switching it to a new SIM card. Once the criminal has control of the number, they can intercept two-factor authentication (2FA) codes, granting them access to sensitive accounts.
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Moreover, mobile malware and spyware have become increasingly sophisticated, often going undetected on users’ phones while collecting data or even remotely accessing applications. This surge in mobile fraud is a pressing issue for businesses, financial institutions, and consumers alike.
The role of identity verification services
Identity verification services play a pivotal role in preventing fraud, especially in the mobile space. By verifying the identity of users before granting access to sensitive accounts or approving transactions, businesses can significantly reduce the chances of fraud. Here are some common methods used in modern identity verification services:
1. Biometric Authentication Biometric verification has become a standard in mobile security. Many devices now come equipped with fingerprint scanners, facial recognition, or even voice recognition features. These methods are highly effective because they rely on unique physical characteristics that are difficult to replicate. The convenience of biometric authentication also makes it a preferred method for consumers, as it streamlines the process without sacrificing security.
2. Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) 2FA is an added layer of security that requires users to provide two types of identification—something they know (like a password) and something they have (like a one-time passcode sent to their phone). This makes it much harder for fraudsters to gain access to accounts even if they have stolen the password. However, as mentioned earlier, SIM swapping has emerged as a threat to SMS-based 2FA, leading to the development of alternative methods like app-based authentication.
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3. AI and Machine Learning AI and machine learning are now widely used in identity verification services to detect anomalies in user behavior. For instance, if a user’s account is suddenly accessed from a different country or if there are attempts to make unusual transactions, the system can flag the activity as suspicious and require additional verification steps. Machine learning algorithms are continuously improving, making fraud detection faster and more accurate.
4. Document Verification Identity verification services often require users to upload official documents, such as a passport or driver’s license, to confirm their identity. These systems use optical character recognition (OCR) and other technologies to validate the authenticity of the documents. Advanced systems can even cross-check the information with government databases, ensuring a higher level of accuracy in the verification process.
How mobile technology can strengthen fraud prevention
While mobile technology introduces certain vulnerabilities, it can also enhance fraud prevention efforts when combined with robust identity verification services. Here are a few ways in which mobile technology is being leveraged to improve security:
1. Mobile-First Identity Verification Many companies are now adopting mobile-first verification systems that are optimized for smartphones and tablets. These systems offer a seamless user experience while still employing advanced security features like biometric verification and AI-driven risk analysis.
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2. Geolocation Services Mobile devices can track a user’s location in real time, adding another layer of security for transactions and account access. For instance, if a login attempt is made from a device that is far from the user’s typical location, additional identity verification steps can be triggered to prevent fraud.
3. Behavioral Biometrics This is an emerging field in identity verification that analyzes a user’s behavior, such as their typing patterns, swiping motions, or even how they hold their phone. By identifying and recording these unique behaviors, systems can detect when an unauthorized person is attempting to access an account.
4. Push Notifications for Fraud Alerts Mobile devices allow businesses to send real-time fraud alerts through push notifications. If suspicious activity is detected on a user’s account, they can be immediately notified via their smartphone, allowing them to quickly take action to secure their account.
The future of mobile fraud and identity verification
As mobile technology continues to evolve, so will the methods used by cybercriminals. In response, identity verification services will need to keep pace, adopting more sophisticated technologies to stay one step ahead. Blockchain technology, for example, holds promise in creating decentralized identity systems that are nearly impossible to hack. Meanwhile, advancements in AI will continue to refine the ability to detect and prevent fraudulent activity in real-time.
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In conclusion, mobile technology presents both challenges and opportunities in the fight against fraud. While cybercriminals are constantly developing new ways to exploit mobile vulnerabilities, identity verification services have risen to the challenge, using cutting-edge technology to ensure secure access to digital accounts. As these systems become more advanced, businesses and consumers alike can benefit from enhanced protection in the mobile era.
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