Netflix responds to its tracking of physical activity on some Android phones

Netflix has started requesting physical activity permission for its app on Android. This was discovered last week when a security researcher tweeted about it. Some Netflix users on Android check their app’s permissions and found that it was tracking physical activity. According to Netflix, this is part of a test that’s meant to help the company “improve video playback quality when a member is on the go.” And only some members are part of the test. Netflix says they don’t plan to roll out this feature to all users, which means the company is getting the data it needs right now. The company also hasn’t said how long the test will be running either.

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Apple releases fourth iOS 13 and iPadOS 13 public beta

Apple has just released a bunch of updates over the past few days. Today, we get the fourth public beta of iOS 13 and iPadOS 13 as well as the fifth developer beta of watchOS 6 and the fourth beta of tvOS 13. These come after the developer beta five of iOS 13 was released yesterday. For the public beta of iOS 13 and iPadOS 13, you can get the update via the Settings app on your device. It’s rolling out now and should come to most users running the public beta soon.

The notable changes that came with the fifth developer beta of iOS 13 and iPadOS 13 include being able to adjust the Home screen icon density. This means you can choose between having a 4 x 5 grid of apps or a 6 x 5 grid of apps. Other changes in beta 5 include new wallpapers in the Home app and a redesigned share sheet that now groups actions by apps.

Source: 9to5Mac

Disney+ will debut at D23 Expo

Those going to D23 Expo in Anaheim, California will get a special look at Disney’s upcoming streaming service, Disney+. Disney will show exclusive content through immersive show floor pavilions, live demos, and never-before-seen content, as well as special experiences at the event happening from August 23 to 25. The service is set to launch in the US on November 12. Guests will also be able to check out ESPN+ Original shows and get to see an interactive exhibit. There will also be costumes and show props from Hulu’s award-winning original content. Disney will also give attendees and D23 Members a chance to subscribe to the service with a special offer available exclusively at the event.

Aside from the showcase at the D23 Expo Arena venue, Disney+ will be debuted at 6,800-seat Hall D23 on August 23 at 3:30 p.m. The official description states, “Fans won’t want to miss this exclusive preview of Disney+ and its exciting slate of original films and series from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic, and more. Yvette Nicole Brown (Lady and the Tramp, Elena of Avalor) will host this star-studded presentation packed with never-before-seen content, surprise guests, performances, and reveals, including a first look at Lady and the Tramp, The Mandalorian, High School Musical: The Musical: The Series, and many more.

Source: Comicbook.com

Microsoft will drop Skype for Business Online to ease the transition to Teams

Microsoft is slowly transitioning its business customers away from Skype to move over to Teams. The company will be closing Skype for Business Online on July 31, 2021. As you can tell, the change isn’t happening immediately. But new users who log on after September 1^st won’t be able to access Skype for Business Online. Instead, they’ll be redirected to Teams. Microsoft won’t be making changes to the Skype version used by consumers or the Skype Business server edition either.

"Over the last two years, we’ve worked closely with customers to refine Teams, and we now feel we’re at the point that we can confidently recommend it as an upgrade to all Skype for Business Online customers," James Skay, senior marketing manager for Skype for Business, wrote in a blog post. "Customers who have already made the move tell us that Teams not only has helped them improve collaboration generally, it has also provided a rare opportunity to rethink the way work gets done in their organizations."