Many online games operate on a ‘free-to-play’ model, promising an engaging experience with no upfront cost. However, as children progress in these games, they are often tempted to make in-app purchases to unlock extra benefits and progress faster. These transactions often involve virtual currencies like gems or stars, which must be purchased with real money. This can lead young players to lose track of the financial implications of their gaming.

“In-app purchases are designed to be seamless, making it difficult for children, and sometimes even adults, to resist spending. The excitement of the game, coupled with enticing offers and virtual rewards, can make it easy to overlook the financial consequences,” said van Vlaanderen. “More importantly, these purchases also provide a potential entry point for cybercriminals to exploit personal information.”

Consumer spending on app stores is expected to reach USD$200 billion (approx. UGX735.5 trillion) by 2025 with in-app purchases forming a significant portion of that revenue.

With more young people gaming during school holidays, parents should be aware that cybercriminals may also use online gaming as a platform to access data, which can compromise both the child’s and parents’ personal information. “Whatever screen limits you decide on, kids should not be left unsupervised online, especially during the long year-end holiday period when scammers and criminals are well aware that youngsters are online and prone to boredom,” advises van Vlaanderen.

How cybercriminals use in-app purchases for identity theft

• Phishing and social engineering

Cybercriminals often create fake in-app offers that appear enticing to users. When clicked, these offers can redirect users to fraudulent websites where personal details, including payment information, are collected. This data is then used for identity theft.

• Malicious apps and updates

Fraudulent apps masquerading as legitimate games may collect personal information through hidden malware. “These malicious apps often come with fake reviews and ratings to make them appear credible,” notes van Vlaanderen. “Parents should exercise caution when downloading new games, ensuring that apps are from reputable developers.”

• Exploiting in-app payment systems

During in-app purchases, users are often prompted to enter payment information. If these payment systems are not adequately secured, cybercriminals can intercept the details which are later used for fraudulent purchases elsewhere.

Also read:

• • Your digital hygiene: Are you as clean as you think?
  • OP-ED: Building a robust cybersecurity readiness for Africa’s digital future
  • Strategic cybersecurity paradigms: Technological insights for Finnish online gaming participants

Key strategies to creating a safer digital experience

• Control purchase options

Parents can control in-app purchases by disabling them through device settings. For example:

• • On iOS devices, navigate to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions to block in-app purchases.
  • On Android devices, use the “Purchase Approvals” feature in Google Play to manage and approve transactions.
• Monitor subscriptions regularly

Keeping track of subscriptions helps parents spot any unexpected or unauthorized charges.

• Utilise comprehensive security solutions

Security tools like the ESET Parental Control App allow parents to manage in-app purchases, block inappropriate content, and protect children from threats on their devices. The ESET Home Security Ultimate solution also helps secure digital activities by removing metadata from shared images, reducing the risk of personal data being exposed.

Parents should first contact Apple or Google to request a refund if a child makes an unauthorized purchase. Both platforms offer dedicated support for reversing such transactions. Sometimes, the app developer may also need to be contacted to assist with the process. “Explaining that the purchase was made by a child without permission can improve the chances of a refund,” van Vlaanderen adds.

While there are risks associated with in-app purchases, many apps offer great benefits for kids. When used responsibly, digital devices and games can be educational, inspiring, fun, and safer for young people.

The post In-App Purchases Are Compromising Children’s Online Safety and Privacy appeared first on PC Tech Magazine.

Decisions surrounding technology choice directly influence mobile app development process performance, scalability, and user experience. With many possible technologies offering their own benefits and drawbacks to choose from, making a decision can be challenging.

To help you head out of this backbreaking challenge, we share some paramount aspects of this decision-making and useful practices.

Tech stack overview

A tech stack refers to a fancy way of saying tools and technologies used in the app development process. It has primarily two different categories; the frontend, where users interact with—like buttons, pages, and menus, and the backend, where the behind-the-scenes stuff that makes your app work—like databases, servers, and logic.

It is paramount for experts in mobile app development services to catch on to different factors before making up their minds about technology.

1. What does your app need?

You should start with very basic, like the exact purpose you are supposed to do with the mobile app. These are the possible questions to ask for clarity:

• Is it a mobile app, a web app, or both?
• Does it need real-time features like messaging or notifications?
• What is the number of people your app will hit in the future?

With answers to these questions, you will have clarity on your specific goals to pick tools that fit the job.

2. Can the app handle growth?

You might start small but want your app to grow without breaking. Look for technologies that are built to scale:

• For the front end, tools like React or Angular make building user-friendly and dynamic interfaces easy.
• For the backend, consider Node.js or Django if you’re expecting heavy traffic.

3. Time-to-market

If you’re working under tight deadlines, go for tech stacks with strong community support and pre-built solutions:

• Use Python or Ruby on Rails for backend development as they emphasize developer productivity.
• Opt for No-cod and Low-code platforms like Bubble or OutSystems for quick prototyping.

4. Team expertise

Conduct a solid assessment of your team’s existing skills for mobile app development. If they are proficient enough in JavaScript, consider using MERN Stack to keep development consistent.

5. Cost considerations

Budget constraints may influence your choices. Open-source technologies like PostgreSQL or MySQL for databases and frameworks like Laravel for PHP development can save licensing costs. Cloud services, such as AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud, offer scalable solutions but can become expensive. Start small and optimize costs as you scale.

Tech choices for mobile app development

Frontend tech stack

• js: A powerful library for building dynamic and reusable UI components.
• Angular: A framework suitable for large-scale applications.
• js: Lightweight and beginner-friendly, perfect for simpler projects.

Backend tech stack

• js: Known for its speed and ability to handle concurrent connections.
• Python (Django/Flask): Great for rapid development and machine learning integrations.
• Ruby on Rails: Ideal for startups seeking fast development cycles.

Database choices

• Relational Databases: MySQL, PostgreSQL (good for structured data).
• NoSQL Databases: MongoDB, Firebase (excellent for unstructured and real-time data).

Mobile app development

• Native Development: Use Swift or Kotlin for platform-specific apps.
• Cross-Platform Development: React Native or Flutter is excellent for building apps for iOS and Android with a single codebase.

DevOps and cloud platforms

• Containerization: Use Docker for packaging applications to ensure consistency across environments.
• CI/CD Pipelines: Jenkins, GitHub Actions, or GitLab CI/CD for automated deployments.
• Cloud Providers: AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud for hosting and scalability.

How to choose an ideal tech stack

Are You Struggling to Determine Appropriate Mobile App Development Technologies for App Creation Services? Well, then, look no further, as this guide offers advice to assist any indie developer or experienced firm when selecting suitable technologies available for mobile app development services.

• Start Small, Scale Smart: Focus on building a lean, functional tech stack that addresses your immediate project needs. Start with the essentials to create a Minimum Viable Product and ensure your chosen stack has the flexibility to scale as your application grows. This approach helps you avoid unnecessary complexities and keeps costs under control in the early stages.
• Experiment and Evaluate: Don’t rush into decisions—take the time to test your options. Build prototypes or small features using the technologies you’re considering. In this way, you will be able to evaluate the stack’s performance, usability, and compatibility based on your goals.
• Put Security First: Security is a core requirement in mobile app development. You are supposed to go with tools and frameworks that prioritize security. Strictly adhere to existing security guidelines such as those from OWASP. Integrating robust security measures from the start helps safeguard sensitive data, limit vulnerabilities, and build user trust.

Therefore, being fully aware of the key components of a tech stack and the factors — can influence your decisions for your project. There is no predefined tech set available for mobile app development; what works for others might be a failure for others. So precisely, make your choice perfectly match your goals and support.

See also: Benefits of partnering with a Node JS development company for startups

The post How Do You Choose the Right Tech Stack for Your Project? appeared first on PC Tech Magazine.

According to a source cited by Bloomberg, this new version to be released in 2026 is aimed at catching up with OpenAI’s chatbot, ChatGPT and will be similar to OpenAI’s Advanced Voice Mode but with all the same access to personal information and apps that Siri currently has.

The enhanced version, tentatively called “LLM Siri,” will fully replace the Siri interface that users currently rely on and is expected to be better at handling complex tasks, interacting with third-party apps through App Intents, and performing functions like summarizing and writing text using Apple Intelligence.

At the moment, Apple is relying on third parties to power the iPhone’s advanced AI features. While ChatGPT will become available inside Apple Intelligence in December, Apple has reportedly discussed similar deals with other AI providers, like Google and Anthropic.

The tech giant also debuted its much-ballyhooed Apple Intelligence platform last month, though it still lacks many of the features offered by other tech companies.

The post Apple is Building a More Conversational Version of Siri appeared first on PC Tech Magazine.

With these updates, DStv Stream provides seamless streaming, user-centric navigation, and innovative technology. With the new look and enhanced functionality, DStv Stream is dedicated to showcasing the wealth and diversity of its content library while keeping the viewer’s needs at the forefront.

As part of this new update, DStv Stream also introduces two impressive features designed to give users greater control and flexibility over how they watch: Reverse EPG and Cloud PVR Recordings.

Reverse EPG allows users to scroll back up to 24 hours on selected channels to watch anything they missed. Whether it’s a big sports event or a favorite show, this feature means viewers can simply go back in time and pick up where they left off. This feature is available on popular channels including SuperSport Football, SuperSport Grandstand, SuperSport WWE, SuperSport Action, ESPN, CNN Intl, and BBC World.

The Cloud PVR Recordings feature will allow viewers to save live content and enjoy it at their convenience. Recordings are kept for up to 30 days under “My Stuff,” giving customers the freedom to watch what they want when they want.

Starting this month, these features will roll out gradually across the DStv Stream apps on iOS and Android devices, as well as dstv.stream, and other supported platforms. Customers with auto-update enabled will receive these updates automatically, while others can manually update the DStv Stream app to access the latest features.

These changes are part of DStv’s effort to provide seamless streaming, easy navigation, and superior user experience. With Reverse EPG and Cloud PVR Recordings, DStv Stream continues to put customer needs first by offering more ways to stay connected and engaged with the wealth of available content.

The post DStv Stream Gets a Facelift With Exciting New Features appeared first on PC Tech Magazine.

The key benefits of implementing mobile technology for managing your assets:

1. Ease of access

Organizations must be empowered to monitor and control their access even in a BYOD environment. From location to condition to custody, mobile asset tracking gives real-time updates by attaching a GPS device or passive RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tag to your high-value assets. Mobile gives instant access to warehousing, utilities, logistics, and distribution through web applications and cloud services.

2. Low upfront cost

When you embrace mobile technology, you don’t need to invest in expensive system installations, new hardware, latest software solutions and employ an IT team to manage and monitor them. With mobile technology, you won’t have to spend time installing updated versions and checking for system requirements every few months.

3. Low maintenance

Mobile technology is user-friendly, fully functional, and easy to maintain even when you are managing complex projects. Mobile technology is increasingly interconnected which allows you to create an interactive brand experience and build constructive associations while managing operations at the lowest possible cost in the least time.

4. Reliable security

With mobile technology, you have all your sensitive business data and private information at your fingertips with first-rate security.

5. Instant upgrades

Mobile technology is upgrading at a stunning pace and with BYOD taking over enterprises, every worker needs a timely upgrade to track asset lifecycle at scheduled intervals. A mobile inventory management program that is up-to-date creates a satisfying and productive work environment. Mobile asset management solutions make it easy to update data, improve asset utilization and drive savings.

Successful enterprises know that boosting asset performance would bring down their costs and drive their ability to grow. They leverage the latest technologies to make the most of their assets which make a major source of business profitability.

Why choose low-code application development for deploying custom apps

Low-code app development is gaining ground in the market due to its time-to-market advantage and inherent business value, as organizations continue to adopt mobile apps. Processes that earlier took hours can now be accomplished in minutes with low-code app development. These platforms offer intuitive ways to develop and deploy asset-intensive apps while ensuring that management projects don’t transform into white elephants over time.

Asset management firms need a reliable and fast way to deliver apps —and low-code development platforms deliver maximum business value at the end of the tunnel by allowing apps to be iterated to integrate the end-user feedback in record time. With the rising demand for custom apps, low-code approaches are very much in demand. They eliminate the need to reinvent the wheel with every new project as they provide a single framework that is adequate to support the entire lifecycle of the app. From designing and building to deployment and iteration, their capabilities facilitate faster movement while ensuring greater software quality for better business outcomes.

Asset management companies can efficiently use low-code app development to create a dashboard that provides real-time reports for efficient management of workflow while exercising complete access control. This disruptive technology is driving innovations in many fields including utilities, oil & gas, manufacturing, life sciences, and public sector asset management. It has reduced rework by 20%, increased work capacity by 20% and productivity by 40%.

The post How Mobile Technology is Driving Massive Changes in Asset Management appeared first on PC Tech Magazine.

This early version of the Windows desktop app is currently available for testing only to paid subscribers including ChatGPT Plus, Enterprise, Team, and Edu.

“Today, ChatGPT Plus, Enterprise, Team, and Edu users can start testing an early version of the Windows desktop app,” wrote OpenAI in a post on X (formerly Twitter)

The ChatGPT on Windows can easily be accessed via a keyboard shortcut (Alt + Space), and similar to the macOS client, this version lets users ask the chatbot questions in a dedicated window that can be kept open alongside other apps. The early version also allows users to upload files and photos to ChatGPT, request the app to summarise documents, and create images via OpenAI’s DALL-E 3 image generator. Furthermore, it comes with access to a preview of OpenAI’s o1 model capable of “reasoning.”

“With the official ChatGPT desktop app, you can chat about files and photos,” the version’s description reads. “This app brings you the newest model improvements from OpenAI, including access to OpenAI o1-preview, our newest and smartest model.”

According to the listing, this ChatGPT Windows app is compatible with Windows 11 and 10 (version 17763.0 or higher).

While this unfinished version currently has limitations with “a subset of features available in the macOS and web version” missing including Advanced Voice Mode, and some integrations with OpenAI’s GPT Store aren’t functional, the company plans to make them available in their full release later this year.

The post OpenAI Launches a ChatGPT App for Windows appeared first on PC Tech Magazine.

Kinds of teleprompter app

Before you begin looking for programming, how about we iron out the two kinds of teleprompter you could experience:

1. Physical teleprompter

A physical teleprompter is a calculated mirror that sits before your camera focal point and mirrors a screen that shows your video script. If you’re utilizing this sort of gadget, you’ll have to pick programming that is viable with a physical teleprompter.

2. Virtual teleprompter

This product imitates the teleprompter pc impact and transforms your PC screen or cell phone into an understanding screen. It’s not quite as consistent as a genuine elevated monitor, since you’re not gazing straight into the camera, yet entirely it’s nearby. If you’re going to this course to make YouTube recordings or host a video webcast, search for programming that can transform your gadget into a teleprompter. It could be a teleprompter app for Windows or even a teleprompter for iPhone.

Why use elevated teleprompter software

Teleprompters used to be the restrictive save of lawmakers, superstars, television moderators, and commentators. We’re a piece past that at this point. With a decent mouthpiece, cell phone, stand, and a teleprompter for PC, you can make proficient talking head recordings without stressing over mistakes, or uncomfortable silences.

The following are two justifications for why you ought to utilize elevated screen programming.

• Further developed conveyance and certainty: During a live stream or while recording a video, it’s not difficult to get anxious and stagger over your words. Retaining ideas and introducing them before your crowd doesn’t ensure you’ll have everything focused on memory —like what has been going on with Jan Fisher, a previous anchor at 25 News.

Rather than taking a blind leap of faith or following a free diagram with no construction, elevated monitor programming can help you:

• • Keep your eyes on the camera while perusing the content.
  • Look up or down your screen at an agreeable speed.
  • Keep a cool head and convey your lines with certainty.
  • Lay out a more special interaction with your crowd.
  • Stay away from filler words or going excessively far off the script.
  • Diminished mistakes and further developed exactness.

Teleprompter software decreases the possibility of blunders brought about by memory slips. You won’t have to retain your lines or do over a million takes to get your conveyance right. Teleprompter apps likewise guarantee you stay on track and remain within the apportioned time.

That implies a quicker shoot and less altering time. Assuming that you want to alter the live video recording or reuse the substance for different stages, it’ll be more straightforward to pick and graft the great lumps.

• Flexibility and customization: Teleprompter software can show text, yet go about as an outer screen that allows you to gaze straight into the camera during Zoom calls and remote meetings. Virtual elevated monitor programming, then again, can transform your gadget into a compact monitor any place you are, so you can zero in on making an extraordinary substance that charms your crowd and consistent conveyance.

The best overall teleprompter software

Content creation is quickly changing, and makers who don’t adjust risk falling behind. The best Teleprompter for PC allows you to deal with all your video creation needs in a single stage, as opposed to paying for some devices.

Teleprompter apps are especially useful assuming that you battle with checking out at the camera while perusing your content. Not any more monotonous error-and-retake circles, retaining scripts, altering burdens, or innumerable hours of recording. For best results, the Teleprompter app by FDD is still the best teleprompter for PC you can always use a teleprompter online for free.

See also: How video transcript generators can improve SEO for your video content

The post Considering The Best Teleprompter Software For PC appeared first on PC Tech Magazine.

Launched to help customers save more through an easy-to-use points system, MyCLUB has become an essential part of Carrefour’s engagement strategy. Members earn points on their purchases, which can be redeemed for shopping and exclusive deals. As the program turns two, Carrefour is giving away 100 million MyCLUB points to its loyal customers.

“Since its launch, MyCLUB has empowered our customers to maximize their savings. This anniversary celebrates the program’s success and our appreciation for the loyalty of our customers,” said Christophe Orcet, Regional Director for East Africa at Majid Al Futtaim Retail.

Running from 21st August to 3rd September 2024, the “Dabo: The Reasons to Celebrate” campaign offers customers a chance to win points that can be converted into cash at checkout. Shoppers who spend UGX100,000 or more could win up to 100 million MyCLUB points, with new members receiving 50,000 instant points upon signing up and making a transaction at any Carrefour store.

With a growing community of over 58,000 loyal members, MyCLUB has distributed over 20 billion points since its launch. Mr. Orcet emphasized that the program was designed with customers in mind as a way to thank them for their support over the years.

“‘Dabo: The Reasons to Celebrate’ embodies our gratitude toward our customers. We’re excited to celebrate this milestone and continue offering exceptional value,” Orcet added.

See also: MyCLUB: your passport to exclusive rewards and unmatched savings at Carrefour

The post Carrefour Uganda Celebrates 2nd Anniversary of MyCLUB With Major Rewards appeared first on PC Tech Magazine.

Suno asserted in a Thursday court document, that intellectual property laws are designed to prevent monopolizing a form of artistic expression. “Our intellectual property laws have always been carefully calibrated to avoid allowing anyone to monopolize a form of artistic expression, whether a sonnet or a pop song.” The startup emphasized that while “IP rights can attach to a particular recorded rendition of a song in one of those genres or styles” they do not extend to the genre or style itself.

While Suno admits that training its model from data on the open internet indeed contains copyrighted materials, some of which are owned by major record labels, the company’s CEO and co-founder Mikey Shulman said in a blog post published the same day as the filing that it’s the same thing as a “kid writing their rock songs after listening to the genre — or a teacher or a journalist reviewing existing materials to draw new insights”

“Learning is not infringing. It never has been, and it is not now,” Shulman added.

The AI-powered music-making tool also went ahead and accused the world’s largest record labels of hiding behind copyright lawsuits to fend off competition from music written by generative AI adding that “the Plaintiffs in this lawsuit seek to shut Suno down”

“They frame their concern as one about “copies” of their recordings made in the process of developing the technology —that is, copies never heard or seen by anyone, made solely to analyze the sonic and stylistic patterns of the universe of pre-existing musical expression.” the court filing reads in part. “But what the major record labels don’t want is competition. Where Suno sees musicians, teachers, and everyday people using a new tool to create original music, the labels see a threat to their market share”

In a June 24 press statement made in coordination with the filing, the RIAA Chairman and CEO Mitch Glazier said, “The music community has embraced AI and we are already partnering and collaborating with responsible developers to build sustainable AI tools centered on human creativity that put artists and songwriters in charge,” further adding that “But we can only succeed if developers are willing to work together with us. Unlicensed services like Suno and Udio that claim it’s ‘fair’ to copy an artist’s life’s work and exploit it for their profit without consent or pay set back the promise of genuinely innovative AI for us all.”

See also: OpenAI’s GPT-4.0 sky voice sounds like ‘me’ — Scarlett Johansson

The post AI Music Startup Suno Admits Training on Copyrighted Music, Claims it is “fair use” appeared first on PC Tech Magazine.

Talking to Engadget, Spotify’s spokesperson said that the music service is always “testing and iterating,” adding that the company will be “expanding Lyrics availability for Spotify Free users so more people can enjoy viewing more lyrics, globally,” Plus, it will be available to all users “over the coming weeks.”

The music service first rolled out its real-time lyrics feature globally in November 2021 after only offering it to a select few countries. In September last year, Spotify began testing making lyrics a Premium-only feature but the wider rolling out started in May this year.

Spotify like any other music app has had a complicated history with lyrics. While the company currently works with Musixmatch to display song lyrics, the two parties in 2016 shortly parted ways. Spotify then opted to instead offer a “Behind the Lyrics” feature following its partnership with Genius.

However, this wasn’t the same thing. The feature was only offering background information on songs. It should however, be noted that at this time, the company was offering lyrics in some markets, like Japan where Spotify users had access to lyrics through a standalone deal with SyncPower, but the feature hadn’t received a widespread launch.

The post Spotify Song Lyrics Return to Free Status appeared first on PC Tech Magazine.