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iOS 14.5 update has arrived and Facebook isn’t happy about it

Face ID now works with a mask on

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Apple first released iOS 14.5 and iPadOS 14.5 in February through its developer and public beta programs. A stable release is now rolling out for all users, and it contains a lot of new features that’ll make your life easier, but the same can’t be said about Facebook.

ATT

The update has a new privacy change that gives users more transparency and control over apps that want to track them for advertising. Apple is officially calling it App Tracking Transparency (ATT). Of course, it’s not just Facebook that will feel the impact of ad tracking being an opt-in feature; the entire advertising industry undoubtedly will also.

You can download iOS 14.5 or iPadOS 14.5 right now by going to Settings, followed by General, and finally Software Update. Just download and install the update, and you’re good to go. Once the device restarts, the new transparency controls are available under the Privacy banner in the Settings app.

If you allow apps to ask to track you, you’ll start to see prompts when you launch updated apps requesting permission to track your activity. Facebook alleges that Apple wants to reduce advertisements so that services are forced to opt for a subscription model, in turn, using App Store’s payment processing system.

FaceID with a mask on

The update also includes a nifty new trick that’ll come in very handy amid the Coronavirus pandemic. Due to a mask, Face ID doesn’t work, forcing users to depend on a passcode. Now, you can set up your Apple Watch to unlock your iPhone when you’re wearing a mask. A new “Unlock with Apple Watch” option is available in the Settings app.

iOS 14.5 has also upgraded Siri. There are now two voice options for those with English set as the main language on their devices. Siri will no longer default to a female’s voice, and you’ll be asked for your preference.

Gaming

Microsoft dictates that a new Fallout game is coming

Microsoft cancelled an Avowed sequel to focus on Fallout.

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Bethesda used to be a bastion for RPG experiences. Today, however, the company prefers living off its older properties such as Elder Scrolls Online and Fallout 76. For a while now, the question has been: When will Bethesda release a new game in either of their two biggest franchises? Well, according to a report, a new Fallout game might be coming soon.

As of late, Microsoft has been restructuring its studios. In fact, the company might shut down the studio behind the Dishonored series and the upcoming game based on Marvel’s Blade. Now, as part of that reshuffling (via Bloomberg), Obsidian Entertainment has been told to cancel a sequel to Avowed and focus on a new Fallout game.

It’s a huge change. Microsoft has notably stayed away from its more popular franchises for a while now. The latest Fallout game is still Fallout 76. The latest Elder Scrolls game has been in development for a long, long time now. Only DOOM, via last year’s The Dark Ages, got a new title recently.

To be clear, it’s unknown whether we’re getting the true Fallout 5 or another iteration of the online 76. If it’s really the fifth mainline entry in the franchise, it’s coming at a very opportune time. The franchise is currently on a high, riding the popularity of the TV series of the same name. Fans will surely enjoy a follow-up.

To fuel things further, Josh Sawyer, the director behind the universally lauded New Vegas, is reportedly spearheading the production of the new game.

SEE ALSO: Fallout on Prime Video: What inspired producers to create series

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New York becomes first state to ban smart glasses

The ban affects all courtrooms in the state.

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Excitement over new technology is normal. However, when the dust settles, the rose-tinted glasses come off and reveal the potential concerns of using this new technology. Smart glasses are going through that phase now. While these glasses are all the rage now, some concerned establishments are now banning them. Case in point, the entirety of New York has just banned smart glasses in all of its courts.

In the United States, it’s already prohibited to record video or capture photos inside a court building. Naturally, the world is more complicated now. Anyone can just flaunt eyewear that can capture images for them, leaving bystanders none the wiser. As a result, the state of New York, according to Syracuse, has introduced a blanket ban for all smart glasses in all courtrooms. It’s the first state to do so across all courts.

Under the ban, users will be forbidden from even bringing these wearables into the building. This also includes smart glasses with prescription lenses. Those with affected eyesight can come back with a regular pair of glasses.

It’s a very interesting time for smart glasses. Especially for creators, the wearables have become a popular way to discreetly record events. Users don’t need to fiddle around with their phones or bring a bulky camera around.

However, it’s also a concern for privacy and cybersecurity. Though most of these wearables have a distinguishable LED indicator when they’re recording, they can also be modified to disable these indicators. As a bystander, you can be recorded without your knowledge.

SEE ALSO: ARTMS Heejin shows KPop concert day through Ray-Ban Meta glasses

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HoYo FEST 2026 details announced; tickets on sale from July 16

Join the celebration

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HoYoverse’s annual flagship fan celebration in Southeast Asia, the HoYo FEST, as officially been announced with tickets selling starting July 16.

Fans across Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Manila, and Singapore can enjoy four days of interactive experiences, live entertainment, and more activities featuring HoYoverse’s famed titles:

  • Genshin Impact
  • Honkai Impact 3
  • Honkai: Star Rail
  • Tears of Themis
  • Zenless Zone Zero

In addition, the gathering will spotlight a first look at the upcoming Honkai: Nexus Anima. The game will be offered at the Experience Zone so visitors can be among the first to try through limited hands-on sessions.

Fans can expect the following experiences at each HoYo FEST:

  • Check-in Zone: Kick off your journey with activities across all six titles, plus exclusive freebies
  • Game Booths: Jump into immersive mini games inspired by the aforementioned titles
  • Hands-on experiences for Genshin Impact, Honkai: Star Rail, and Zenless Zone Zero
  • Merch: Grab fan-favorite HoYo FEST merchandise from event-exclusive standees and pillows to Character Giftboxes and more
  • Artist Alley: An even larger creative hub for artists and fans to showcase, sell, and share HoYoverse-inspired art
  • HoYo FEST Stage: Feel the excitement with Open Stage performances, the Cosplay Runway Walk, and vibrant community showcases

Tickets will be available in the following categories:

  • 1-Day Pass
  • 1-Day Fast Pass with priority access and exclusive collectibles
  • 4-Day Pass (3-Day Pass in Singapore)

Venue details:

  • Bangkok: Central Ladprao, BCC Hall
  • Ho Chi Minh City: Sky Expo, Hall A4
  • Jakarta: Pondok Indah Mall 3, City Hall
  • Kuala Lumpur: Pavilion Exhibition Centre Bukit Jalil, Hall 1-3
  • Manila: SPACE at One Ayala, Hall A-D
  • Singapore: Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre, Hall 403
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