Tag: data

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Easy-to-use mobile app cuts cost on fisheries data collection


A fish cage at Lake Albert in Uganda. Fish value chain stakeholders in the country can now tell the performance of the sector easily and affordably through a mobile

An easy-to-use mobile application by Uganda researches is now cutting the cost of data collection and analysis in the country’s fishery sector by almost 80 per cent as compared to the previous manual system.

Through the mobile app, electronic Catch Assessment Survey (e-CAS), over 670 Ugandan stakeholders of the fish value chain are accessing comprehensive fisheries data from Lakes Albert and Victoria, in real time.

According to Patrick Bwire, systems administrator at the National Fisheries Resources Research Institute (NaFIRRI), since the system was set up, over 12,000 data records have been easily documented and consolidated at cheaper cost.

The previous manual approach cost the government about USh400 million (US$106,340) per year, according to Bwire, but e-CAS has brought the cost down to around USh80 million (US$21,270),” said Bwire adding that it would normally take two days to physically carry out and look at the census of the boats and the fish landed to make an estimate of the fish stocks.

Lake Victoria Fisheries Organization (LVFO), with financing from EU Implementation of Fisheries Management Plan (IFMP) project and Lake Victoria Environmental Management Project Phase Two (LVEMP-II), has been coordinating CAS on a regular basis from 2005 to 2015. However, due to the high cost of implementing the survey and limited funding, no CAS was conducted after 2015.

CAS has now resumed since the launch of e-CAS on 6th March 2020 in Nairobi and its recent adoption in Uganda.

The country’s lake management officials, researchers, and policymakers, among others, now can freely access fish value chain information to make informed decisions around fisheries management.

Trained data collectors consult with fishers to update the app with data such as fish catch quantity, type of fishing nets and boats used, and how much money the fishers expect to earn.

Data accommodation

With the potential to accommodate an unlimited number of data sets including fisheries surveys, aquaculture, socio-economics, and marketing, the system is an invaluable resource for the sustainable development of fisheries for wealth creation, employment, and food security.

“Before the app, we used papers to ask questions to the fishers. It was a tiresome job because it took a lot of time and could take weeks before an official agent would collect the files,” says Ocakacon Muhammed, a trained data collector based at Lake Albert.

Peter Enyou, another enumerator at Kikondo landing site on Lake Victoria, explains that the previous system often led to data inaccuracies, “With the paper system, someone could just sit at home and guess where a boat had been and what fish were caught, but with the e-CAS technology and GPS coordinates, even head office in the city knows where the boats are, so enumerators cannot make it up.”

The system design

The system is designed for real time data capture, analysis and timely reporting. It consists of two synergistic applications namely mobile and web.

The mobile is mainly to serve as a data capture in the field while the web application is best suited for reporting and system management.

e-CAS is now freely accessible through the Google Play Store and the benefits of the technology were immediately recognized by the NutriFish project in Uganda.

NutriFish, funded by the International Development Research Centre, Canada, and the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research, has developed and customized e-CAS to suit the local context by, for example, including local names for fish species.

“Under NutriFish, e-CAS was piloted at six landing sites on Lake Albert and further expanded to three landing sites on Lake Victoria in 2022,” says Jackson Efitre of the NutriFish project.



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Micro Mobile Data Centers (MMDCs) Market to Reach Valuation







New York, April 24, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Market.us forecasts that the micro mobile data centers market will exceed USD 14.3 billion by 2032 from USD 4.3 billion and is expected to achieve a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.1% between 2023 and 2032. Micro mobile data centers are compact, self-contained units that can be easily transported & deployed to remote or edge locations. They typically include all the necessary components of traditional data centers like storage, networking equipment, cooling systems, power supply, and servers, but in a smaller form factor which is designed for mobility. MMDCs are ideal for edge computing, where data processing is done at the edge of the network than sending the data back to the central location. They can be deployed in a variety of locations, like warehouses, retail stores, hospitals, factories, or outdoors for processing data in real-time and enabling faster decision-making. MMDCs are also useful for disaster recovery by providing a backup for critical data in the event of a disaster. Overall, MMDCs are a flexible & scalable solution for edge computing, cloud computing, disaster recovery, and IoT and their demand is expected to increase in the coming years.

micro mobile data centers market

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Key Takeaway:

  • Based on rack units, in 2022, the micro mobile data centers market was dominated by the above 40 RU segment owing to higher capacity and flexibility.
  • By application, in 2022, the edge computing segment dominated the largest market share in the application segment.
  • By enterprise size, in 2022, the micro mobile data centers market was dominated by the small and medium-sized enterprises segment.
  • Based on industry verticals, in 2022, the IT and telecom segment dominates the micro mobile data centers market.
  • In 2022, North America dominated the market with the highest revenue share of 52.4%.
  • Asia-Pacific is expected to have the highest CAGR among all regions, owing to the large and growing population and development of digital infrastructure.

Factors affecting the growth of the micro mobile data centers market?

Several factors can have an impact on the growth of the micro mobile data centers market including:

  • Adoption of edge computing: The adoption of edge computing is one of the key drivers of the micro mobile data center market. Many organizations move towards edge computing to process data close to the source, and the demand for mobile data centers is expected to increase.
  • Growth of IoT: The growth of IoT devices & sensors is a key factor driving the micro mobile data center market. As more IoT devices are developed at the edge of the network, the need for processing & analyzing data in real time is increasing.
  • Cloud computing: The increasing adoption of cloud computing is also contributing to the growth of the MMDC market. MMDCs can be used to provide localized cloud services, which enables organizations to process and store data close to the source.
  • Need for rapid deployment: The need for rapid deployment of data centers as MMDCs can be easily transported & quickly deployed in remote or edge locations, which enables organizations to set up new data centers quickly and cost-effectively.
  • Government regulations: Government regulations & policies may also impact the growth of the market. For instance, regulations related to data sovereignty & privacy may require organizations to process & store data locally.

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Market Growth

The micro mobile data centers market is expected to witness significant growth in the coming years because of the increasing adoption of edge computing, cloud computing, IoT, and rapid developments. The demand for micro mobile data centers is rising due to organizations looking for flexible & scalable solutions for processing & storing data closer to the source. Additionally, the need for disaster recovery solutions & government regulations related to data sovereignty & privacy is expected to drive market growth of the market. Overall, the MMDCs market is expected to witness strong growth in the coming years as organizations look for new ways to process & store data in a more efficient & cost-effective manner.

Regional Analysis

North America is accounted as the most dominant market in the global micro mobile data centers market with a market share of 52.4%, during the forecasted period. Due to the region’s well-established IT infrastructure, advanced cloud computing services, a large number of data centers, and high-speed internet connectivity. Additionally, North America has a huge customer base for mobile data centers including all-sized businesses, NGOs, and government agencies. Additionally, a supportive regulatory environment for innovation and investments.

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Scope of Report

Report Attribute Details
Market Value (2022) USD 4.3 Billion
Market Size (2032) USD 14.3 Billion
CAGR (from 2023 to 2032) 13.1% from 2023 to 2032
North America Revenue Share 52.4%
Historic Period 2016 to 2022
Base Year 2022
Forecast Year 2023 to 2032

 Market Drivers

Micro mobile data centers that can process and analyze such information in real-time have become increasingly essential as more data is generated at the edge of networks. As a result, demand for micro mobile data centers that can quickly be deployed to remote sites has surged. Micro mobile data centers have become an essential disaster recovery and business continuity solution, offering a portable and small option to protect IT infrastructure during times of crisis.

Micro mobile data centers, which can be situated virtually anywhere, have become increasingly sought-after due to the rise in remote work and mobile computing applications. These scalable, transportable solutions offer businesses and organizations an affordable, portable option. They have become indispensable components of modern IT infrastructure due to advances in edge computing, IoT, cloud services, disaster recovery processes, and mobile computing applications. Due to the growth of Internet of Things (IoT) devices and other connected gadgets, massive amounts of data must be processed locally. Micro mobile data centers offer an ideal solution for processing this info at the edge of networks.

Market Restraints

Micro mobile data centers may have limited capacity due to their small and portable design. For large data processing needs or resource-intensive applications, more robust and scalable solutions such as traditional data centers or cloud computing may be necessary to ensure successful business operations. Micro mobile data centers require both power and cooling to run optimally, which may not be available in remote areas with limited resources. Security is of the utmost importance for micro mobile data centers, especially when located in unfriendly environments. There is always the risk that sensitive data could be stolen or accessed without authorization. Furthermore, this could restrict interoperability between vendors, disadvantaging users from taking advantage of micro mobile data centers.

Market Opportunities

Forecasters anticipate that the proliferation of IoT devices, smart sensors, and other connected gadgets will continue to drive demand for edge computing services. Micro mobile data centers are ideal for this trend, as their capacity to process and analyze data at the edge of networks in a compact, portable manner is ideal. Enterprises of all sizes must plan for disaster recovery and business continuity, as it helps ensure operations don’t stop due to natural disasters, cyberattacks, or other catastrophic events. Micro mobile data centers are an efficient and mobile solution to keep critical IT infrastructure running during disruptions. 5G networks offer fast, low-latency connectivity suitable for a range of applications. As 5G networks offer centralized processing and storage capabilities, micro mobile data centers will become increasingly important to meet the demands of 5G applications.

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Report Segmentation of the Micro Mobile Data Centers Market

Rack Unit Insight

The above 40 RU dominates the market with a revenue share of 46.5% in 2022, and this segment drives the market in the rack unit segment due to its higher capacity compared to smaller units which means they can accommodate more storage devices, networking equipment, and servers which allows for larger & more complex computing environments. Micro mobile data centers (MMDCs) with larger rack units can be easily scaled up to meet growing demands.

Application Insight

Micro mobile data centers’ market share is dominated by the edge computing segment with a share of 44%, due to it bringing computation and data storage closer to their intended use, improving latency, response time, and bandwidth. As more devices connect to the internet and generate ever-larger amounts of data, edge computing’s demand continues to grow rapidly.

Enterprise Size Insight

Large enterprises accounted for the largest revenue share in the market which is 56.4% in 2022, and this segment drives the market enterprise size segment due to they face various issues related to higher power consumptions & higher carbon footprints. Micro mobile data centers are highly efficient in terms of power & cooling which fit in the box instead of the entire physical infrastructure. MMDCs also help enterprises with easy and quick deployments and help them to expand their existing data centers.

Industry Vertical Insight

The IT & telecom holds a significant share in the industry vertical segment which is 26.5% in 2022, and this segment drives the market in the industry vertical segment due to the need for edge computing & the growth of the IoT. Micro mobile data centers can provide the necessary computing & storage capabilities for edge computing & IoT applications, which enables IT and telecom companies in processing data closer to the source and improve performance.

Recent Developments of the Micro Mobile Data Centers Market

  • In June 2022, Microsoft has signed a deal with Eaton which makes data centers’ backup power supplies systems a part of the electricity grid, supporting the integration of renewable energy sources. This grid-ready EnergyAware UPSs can respond to control signals from the electricity utility and offer power to the local grid.
  • In September 2021, Australian micro data center firm Zella DC has launched a microdata center-as-a-service offering. The new Service option is available for all its existing micro data centers and provides a new Opex model which provides companies with the option for processing more data at the Edge.
  • In November 2020, Eaton which is a global vendor and provider of power management solutions formed a partnership with the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Informatics of the University of Zagreb for developing micro data center solutions. The main aim of this partnership is to enable data centers with one to ten racks for getting more value from their IT infrastructure at lower costs and without complexity.

For more insights on the historical and Forecast market data from 2016 to 2032 – download a sample report at https://market.us/report/micro-mobile-data-center-market/request-sample/

Market Segmentation

Based on Rack Unit

  • Up to 20 RU
  • 20 RU to 40 RU
  • Above 40 RU

Based on Application

  • Instant Data Center
  • Remote Office and Branch Office
  • Edge Computing

Based on Enterprise Size

  • Large Enterprises
  • Small and Medium-sized Enterprises

Based on Industry Vertical

  • BFSI
  • IT and Telecom
  • Media and Entertainment
  • Healthcare
  • Retail
  • Manufacturing
  • Government and Defense
  • Other Industry Verticals

By Geography

    • Germany
    • France
    • The UK
    • Spain
    • Italy
    • Portugal
    • Ireland
    • Austria
    • Switzerland
    • Benelux
    • Nordic
    • Rest of Western Europe
    • Russia
    • Poland
    • The Czech Republic
    • Greece
    • Rest of Eastern Europe
  • APAC
    • China
    • Japan
    • South Korea
    • India
    • Australia & New Zealand
    • Indonesia
    • Malaysia
    • Philippines
    • Singapore
    • Thailand
    • Vietnam
    • Rest of APAC
    • Brazil
    • Colombia
    • Chile
    • Argentina
    • Costa Rica
    • Rest of Latin America
    • Algeria
    • Egypt
    • Israel
    • Kuwait
    • Nigeria
    • Saudi Arabia
    • South Africa
    • Turkey
    • United Arab Emirates
    • Rest of MEA

Competitive Landscape

The key players in this market have a strong market share due to their technological advancement solutions, wide customer base, and efficient services. They are focusing on collaborations & partnerships for expanding their market reach & enhance their product offerings. Overall, the micro mobile data center market is highly competitive and the key players are expected to continue innovating for maintaining their market share.

Key Market Players:

Listed below are some of the most important micro mobile data center industry players.

  • Cannon Technologies Ltd
  • Canovate Group Eaton Corporation
  • Hanley Energy
  • IBM Corporation
  • Schneider Electric
  • Dell EMC Inc.
  • Hewlett Packard Enterprise Development LP
  • Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd.
  • Other Key Players

Related Reports

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UnitedHealthcare offers cash for your Apple Watch health data


New UnitedHealthcare rewards program

A new rewards program from UnitedHealthcare lets people earn money by completing various health goals using an Apple Watch or other wearable — with a giant catch.

UnitedHealthcare Rewards offers up to $1,000 per for eligible members, including spouses, by completing various daily health goals and one-time activities. Members can also use a smartphone capable of tracking health, such as an iPhone and Apple’s Health app.

UnitedHealthcare Rewards is now available to select employers with fully insured plans at the start of their new plan year. Later in 2023, more businesses with fully insured plans will have access, with the intention of allowing self-funded clients to buy UnitedHealthcare Rewards by the end of 2024.

The caveat is that UnitedHealthcare will need access members’ Health data, such as sleep and exercise activity, that they might not have had before. As an insurance company, UnitedHealthcare could use the data in various ways, such as using it to make healthcare decisions.



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Apple builds on privacy commitment by unveiling new efforts on Data Privacy Day





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Zoom starts cloud computing data center operations in Taiwan


Taipei, Jan. 18 (CNA) Cyber-conferencing company Zoom Video Communications, Inc. began operating its cloud computing data center in Taiwan on Wednesday after becoming the first American company to pass Taiwan’s Mobile Application Basic Security test.

Zoom has met the two main requirements for overseas cyber-conferencing companies set by Taiwan’s government in 2020 — having servers or being connected to servers in Taiwan and passing the cybersecurity test conducted by a third party, the company said in a statement.

Both the iOS and Android versions of its mobile applications passed the test conducted by Telecom Technology Center to meet the standards used in Taiwan, the statement said.

The establishment of the data center in Taiwan marked a milestone in Zoom’s development, said Velchamy Sankarlingam, Zoom’s product and engineering president, in the statement, and he expected his company to play a key role in Taiwan’s many sectors in the future.

The company’s security had previously been questioned by Taiwan’s government as recently as 2020.

The Executive Yuan, the administrative branch of Taiwan’s government, mentioned Zoom in an advisory warning people about compromising their information’s security on cyber-conferencing platforms, which surged in popularity in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Should it become operationally necessary to engage in video conferencing, the underlying video software to be used should not have associated security or privacy concerns, such as the Zoom video communication service,” the Executive Yuan warned at the time.



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Mobile Applications Market Size, Development Data, Growth Analysis & Forecast 2022 to 2028 -Google, Microsoft, CA, Cognizant, HP, SAP SE, China Mobile, Samsung Electronics, Apple, Opera Software


Mobile Applications Market Scope & Overview

Mobile Applications Market Research Report provides you with an in-depth analysis of the industry, covering significant facts and figures. The report is designed to help you understand the market, including market segmentation, market potential, significant trends, and market challenges. It also covers the target industry that has been carefully examined in the most recent research.

The Mobile Applications report provides a thorough overview of this industry. The important topics covered in the report’s key points will undoubtedly help the buyer in researching the market and analyzing key manufacturers’ competitive landscapes, trends, opportunities, marketing strategies, market effect factors and consumer wants.

Get Sample of Mobile Applications Market @ https://www.mraccuracyreports.com/report-sample/345992

The research study includes profiles of leading companies operating in the global Mobile Applications industry:

Google, Microsoft, CA, Cognizant, HP, SAP SE, China Mobile, Samsung Electronics, Apple, Opera Software

Market Segmentation Analysis

The research provides a thorough examination of the driving dynamics, risks, and business vendor. The research also emphasizes market fundamentals, industry development, regional markets, and market players. With regard to the component, functionality, end user, and geography, the study has provided thorough segmentation. The research report discusses the key market dynamics of the global Mobile Applications market. For each market segment, the most recent trends in the market are described in detail.

The Mobile Applications Market Major Segments and Subsegments Listed Below:

Mobile Applications Market Segmentation, By Type

Android, iOS, Other.

Mobile Applications Market Segmentation, By Application

Games, Social Networking, Healthcare, Books, Music, Navigation, Business, Other

COVID-19 Pandemic Impact Analysis

The part on how the COVID-19 epidemic has affected the market, both favorably and unfavorably, is exclusive to the Mobile Applications market. With the aid of this market research study, it will be simpler to implement the required business modifications. It continues to show how COVID-19 has wreaked havoc on several important businesses.

Regional Outlook

The market analysis provides important qualitative and quantitative data on the sector as well as further information about the research methodology. This analysis provides in-depth studies of significant market segments, trends, drivers, constraints, the competitive landscape, and other features. The geographical evaluation of the Mobile Applications business in the research report is an excellent resource for stakeholders looking for local markets.

Competitive Analysis

In the section on the competitive landscape, market share, position in the rankings, and key development activities are assessed. The top manufacturers in the Mobile Applications industry are listed in depth, along with particular information about each company, such as a description of the company, revenue breakdowns, a strategy analysis, and recent business triumphs.

Access full Report Description, TOC, Table of Figure, Chart, etc. @ https://www.mraccuracyreports.com/reportdetails/reportview/345992

Key Reasons to Purchase Mobile Applications Market Report

  • Players might obtain a competitive advantage over rivals in the industry and accomplish the finest outcomes for business growth by utilizing the appropriate market data.
  • In order to provide a comprehensive picture of many company sectors, the market research study strives to cover complex classifications and structures.

Table of Content – Analysis of Key Points

Chapter 1 Product Introduction and Overview

Chapter 2 Global Mobile Applications Supply by Company

Chapter 3 Global and Regional Mobile Applications Market Status by Type

Chapter 4 Global and Regional Mobile Applications Market Status by Application

Chapter 5 Global Mobile Applications Market Status by Region

Chapter 6 North America Mobile Applications Market Status

Chapter 7 Europe Mobile Applications Market Status

Chapter 8 Asia Pacific Mobile Applications Market Status

Chapter 9 Central & South America Mobile Applications Market Status

Chapter 10 Middle East & Africa Mobile Applications Market Status

Chapter 11 Supply Chain and Manufacturing Cost Analysis

Chapter 12 Global Mobile Applications Market Forecast by Type and by Application

Chapter 13 Global Mobile Applications Market Forecast by Region/Country

Chapter 14 Key Participants Company Information

Chapter 15 Conclusion

Chapter 16 Methodology

Continued…

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Conclusion

Organizations can evaluate sales performance, measure the quality of services offered by rivals, evaluate the level of market competition, and comprehend the communication methods rivals in the Mobile Applications market employ by using this thorough market study research.



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Apple advances user security with powerful new data protections





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How to use Advanced Data Protection & Apple’s other new security features


New security features for your devices



AppleInsider may earn an affiliate commission on purchases made through links on our site.

Learn how to start using Apple’s Advanced Data Protection feature and what you can expect from Apple’s other privacy-related announcements.

Apple recently announced a trip of new privacy and security features designed to help protect users and their data. The new features — Security Keys for Apple ID, iMessage Contact Key Verification, and Advanced Data Protection — have started to roll out to users already.

Let’s explore each in more detail with more information on what they do, when they’re available, and how you can start using them.

Security Keys for Apple ID

Security keys have been supported on Apple devices for quite a while, but now they are coming to Apple IDs directly. This adds yet another level of security when authenticating your account.

When you sign in with your Apple ID, you can opt to require a physical hardware security key to verify your identity. Something like a Yubikey, as well as two-factor authentication.

Hardware security keys can interface over USB for Mac and iPad and Lightning or NFC on iPhone. Many enterprise users will already be familiar with this security enhancement.

Designed for users who are worried about someone gaining access to their messages, this feature will ensure only your intended recipient sees your communication. It can send an alert if an exceptionally skilled hacker were to breach the cloud servers and eavesdrop on a conversation.

iMessage keys

iMessage keys

It also allows users to compare a Contact Verification Code either in person, on FaceTime, or via a secure phone call.

If a nefarious device is detected, an alert will display directly in the Messages app. These are concerns most users will not have to worry about but those that do, such as journalists and activists, can feel more secure.

Advanced Data Protection

Advanced Data Protection is the only one of Apple’s new features that are currently available to users. It’s an optional upgrade for users that will encrypt even more of their iCloud data.

While Apple has historically encrypted categories such as your health data, photos, messages, and more were not. This could allow Apple to gain access to user data should a court order compel it to.

Advanced Data Protection

Advanced Data Protection

If Advanced Data Protection is enabled, the number of encrypted categories expands to 23. Now your whole device backup, messages, iCloud Drive files, notes, photos, reminders, Safari bookmarks, Siri Shortcuts, voice memos, and wallet passes will be encrypted.

This encryption will prevent anyone — including Apple, hackers, or law enforcement — from gaining access to your data.

That only leaves email, contacts, and calendar unencrypted as they still need to interface with the larger systems outside of Apple’s control, such as your work’s email provider or your preferred calendar app.

Start using Advanced Data Protection today

By default, Apple’s new encryption feature is disabled. Apple says because of the additional burden on the user to protect their account with a recovery method adequately, the feature is opt-in.

Data responsibility

Data responsibility warning

Advanced Data Protection requires users to be on iOS 16.2, which is currently in the Release Candidate phase. If you aren’t running the RC, you’ll have to wait for the public release in the coming days.

You must upgrade all your devices

You must upgrade all your devices

Because it encrypts all of your backed-up data, all devices tied to your Apple ID are required to be updated too. This includes any Apple Watch, Apple TV, HomePod, Mac, or iPad that you are signed in to.

Still, the feature is very easy to enable assuming you meet the criteria.

How to enable Advanced Data Protection

  • Navigate to Settings > Apple ID > iCloud > Advanced Data Protection

  • Advanced Data Protection settings
    Tap

    Turn On Advanced Data Protection

  • If you don’t already have a recovery method set up for your account, your iPhone will prompt you to set up a recovery person or recovery phrase

  • That’s it, you’ve successfully enabled Advanced Data Protection

What’s coming and not coming in 2023

Currently, the new Advanced Data Protection feature is limited to users in the US. Apple has promised this will start to roll out to the rest of the world in 2023.

Additionally, the iMessage Contact Key Verification and support for security keys with your Apple ID will also be available globally in 2023, with security keys landing first in the “early” portion of the year.

What we won’t see in 2023 though, is Apple’s copiously-criticized CSAM program. After being announced in 2021, Apple has reversed course, abandoning its plans to scan user images for child sexual abuse material.



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Historic Market Revenue Data for 2021, Estimates for 2022, and CAGR Projections through 2027


Bloomberg

EU Rushes to Safeguard Domestic Firms From US Climate Law

(Bloomberg) — Time is running out for the European Union to resolve a dispute with the US over its massive subsidy program set to come into force in January, as the bloc weighs a series of measures to ensure European companies remain competitive.Most Read from BloombergBinance’s Zhao Flags Possible $1 Billion for Distressed AssetsMalaysia PM Anwar Plans Confidence Vote to Prove to Rival He Commands a MajorityElizabeth Holmes Judge Proposes Texas Prison, Family VisitsPanic Buying in Beijing as C



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Carriers should stop charging extra for using smartwatch data


The Garmin Forerunner 945 is the represents the best multisport option from Garmin.

Tech makers can be loathe to admit it, but one of the key benefits of a smartwatch — or at least, a watch-like fitness tracker — is the ability to detach yourself from your phone. With either kind of wearable, you can avoid pulling your phone out of your pocket quite so often, which also prevents doomscrolling and other distractions. A watch will let you take some actions without interrupting a conversation or even breaking your stride.

Some watches go a step further with cellular versions, letting you leave your phone behind for hours. Examples include everything from Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 5 to hardcore athletic products like the Apple Watch Ultra and Garmin Forerunner 945 LTE.

Many carriers expect you to pay monthly fees for wearable calls and data, however, never mind the upfront cost for the watch. T-Mobile US for example charges $10 or more for unlimited data. Canadian carriers Rogers and Telus both charge $10 CAD per month. French operator Bouygues Telecom wants €2 per month for a secondary data-only SIM, which doesn’t enable phone calls.

It’s about time all these fees came to an end — here’s why they don’t make sense going into 2023.

Are you paying to enable cellular functions on a wearable device?

197 votes

The premise is fundamentally flawed

A Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro user follows an uploaded .GPX route.

Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority

The core issue should be obvious: If I’m using data or making calls on my smartwatch, I’m not doing that on my phone, and vice versa. In effect, we’re being charged for the privilege of owning an additional device, not actually consuming more bandwidth.

Smartwatches are stand-ins for our phones instead of a source of additional consumption.

Carriers might argue that your phone is still using a passive, separate stream of cellular traffic even when it’s sitting at home or in a gym locker. It’s probably connected to Wi-Fi in both places, however, in which case any cellular data is being sipped. Even when that’s not true, I’m not going to be doing anything heavy like Spotify streaming or OS updates on a device that isn’t with me.

This isn’t akin to having a second phone line, in other words. It makes sense to require a full mobile plan (calls and messaging plus data) for smartwatch service, but I think most people would agree their wearable traffic should be an extension of that plan, exactly as if they were using their phone.

See also: How to choose a smartwatch

Cellular access means better safety

Google IO 2022 emergency sos wear

One of the things that prompted this op-ed was thinking about Apple’s “Far Out” press event. The company spent a surprising amount of time talking about safety tech, including crash detection, satellite SOS on the iPhone 14 lineup, and a rescue siren on the Apple Watch Ultra. One long video montage was devoted to how existing Watch features had saved lives.

Even companies like Google and Samsung have bragged about tech like SOS alerts, though, which highlights another reason to drop extra cellular fees. That is, when it’s possible to communicate from anywhere at anytime, we’re inherently safer.

The best safety is being able to reach out for help at any time.

It’s common to offer some sort of emergency calling or messaging for free on cellular watches, including the Galaxy Watch. The problem is that these options are usually barebones. You can dial a service like 911, or send a burst of messages to emergency contacts, and that’s about it. You can’t, say, call your partner when it seems like someone’s following you, or message a friend to drive you home when you’re drunk.

High costs often deter people from buying a cellular model in the first place. If carriers and device makers want to prove they’re serious about safety, they should find a way to make wearable connectivity more accessible to everyone. On top of nixing monthly fees, that could mean adding cellular radios to every model and/or expanding options that don’t require a carrier plan.

Related: The best emergency apps for Android

Nickel-and-diming is probably hurting overall sales

fossil gen 5 lte review mobile lte data esim

Jimmy Westenberg / Android Authority

From an industry perspective, you have to imagine vendors would sell more cellular watches — regardless of whether they come at a premium — if shoppers weren’t worried about paying ongoing fees later. Those fees can sometimes be trivial, but in North America at least they tend to have some bite.

Assume for example that you’re looking at a watch with Verizon, which charges $10 per month (plus taxes and other fees) for an associated plan. If you keep service going for three years, that adds over $360 to whatever you’re paying for hardware. However useful cellular might be in safety and fitness, a lot of people (myself included) are willing to gamble with Wi-Fi/Bluetooth models to save that kind of money.

Free smartwatch plans could be a draw to a carrier’s other offerings.

Carriers of course are less concerned about unit sales than they are locking in continuous subscription revenue, which is why they offer so many “free” phones to customers. Free smartwatch plans could be a draw to carriers’ overall offerings, and might even be inevitable given competitive pressure. Long-distance calling went from being expensive to de facto, and all the major US carriers now offer unlimited data plans.

Can we expect smartwatch plans to be fixed?

A woman wears a Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 3 Ultra, Galaxy Watch 4, and an Apple Watch 7, all on the same wrist.

Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority

In the short term, I’d expect carriers to hold on to smartwatch fees with their teeth. They’re one of those simple sources of continuous revenue, so whether or not the practice is short-sighted, carriers will gladly charge money whenever they can convince people to pay.

All it would take is one carrier offering a free smartwatch plan bonus to trigger a competitive rush.

I’m optimistic in the long term, however, precisely because of that need to convince the public. Consumers are always looking to save cash, and the value proposition of smartwatch plans is weak in many non-emergency situations. Beyond being stand-ins for phones, smartwatches make plenty of feature and interface sacrifices for the sake of wearability. People who own them will still regularly pull out their phones to get some things done faster.