Technology · category
Mobile
- 1Dutch bank ASN blocks non-Google Android phones●Dutch 'idealist' bank ASN blocks non-Google Android, including GrapheneOS
ASN Bank, a Dutch bank known for its ethical and sustainable profile, is blocking access to its banking app on Android devices that do not run certified Google software, including privacy-focused GrapheneOS. The move has drawn criticism, particularly since the bank markets itself as idealist, with users arguing that privacy-conscious customers are being excluded from banking services for their software choices.
- 2Ask HN: How to get family onto self-hosted XMPP or Matrix▼Ask HN: How did you convince family and friends to join your XMPP/Matrix server?
Hacker News users are debating how to convince family and friends to leave mainstream messaging apps for self-hosted XMPP or Matrix servers. The discussion, started by developer mtlynch, focuses on the practical and social challenges of decentralised messaging: getting non-technical relatives to install new apps, switch habits, and stick with a server run by one person. Replies share persuasion tactics, onboarding friction, and mixed success stories.
- 3Apple's Diwali film shot on iPhone 18 Pro●Shot on iPhone 18 Pro: Celebrating Diwali with “Step Into the Light”
Apple India has released its latest 'Shot on iPhone' campaign for Diwali, titled 'Step Into the Light', filmed entirely on the iPhone 18 Pro. The festive short film highlights low-light and camera capabilities of the new phone while celebrating the festival of lights, and is drawing large audiences during the Diwali season.
- 4Smartphone Photos Already Look Good. Here's How to Make Them Look Even Better.●Smartphone Photos Already Look Good. Here’s How to Make Them Look Even Better.
The New York Times has published a guide on improving smartphone photography, arguing that phone photos are already strong and offering techniques to push them further. The piece focuses on practical ways everyday shooters can get better results from the cameras they already carry.
- 5Tech commentator says nearly everyone is wrong about the iPhone Duo●Almost literally EVERYONE is wrong about the iPhone Duo
A prominent tech commentator argues that popular opinion about Apple's latest iPhone Duo is almost universally mistaken, and set out the claimed errors in detail. The claim drew strong engagement, with viewers debating the verdict on the phones and whether mainstream takes on the devices really are off the mark. Apple fans and critics are arguing over what the phones actually get right and wrong.
- 6Japanese comedian Egashira claims Japan's fastest iPhone Duo purchase●[Latest] Egashira buys iPhone Duo in Japan’s fastest-ever purchase
Japanese entertainer Egashira 2:50 has bought the new iPhone Duo, presented as the fastest-ever purchase of the device in Japan. The stunt, shared through his Egachannel, has drawn more than 1.6 million likes. Beyond the headline claim, no further details about the purchase, the store, or the official timing involved are currently available.
- 7Developer ports Android 16 to a keypad phone for his blind mother●Porting Android 16 to my blind mother's keypad phone
A developer has written about porting Android 16 to a basic keypad phone so his blind mother can keep using a device she is comfortable with. The write-up, subtitled 'four hundred bucks of e-waste', describes the hardware hacking involved and why standard smartphones fail users with visual impairments. Readers are praising the effort as a mix of technical feat and accessibility critique.
- 8Users warned to switch off setting that doubles phone bills from November●【今すぐオフ】YouTubeのスイッチがオンだと携帯代が倍に…11月から勝手にオン。iPhoneもAndroidも今すぐ確認を！
A warning is spreading in Japan that a YouTube-related switch being on can double mobile data charges, and that it will be turned on automatically from November. iPhone and Android users are being urged to check their settings immediately and turn it off. The claim is circulating widely on social media, prompting many to review their phones.
- 9
A vlogger known as Neha, from the Soneha Sisters channel, says she bought an iPhone 18 Pro in day 163 of her ongoing 200-day daily vlogging series. The clip has drawn over 750,000 likes. Viewers are reacting to the claim of owning Apple's latest flagship phone and following the streak format that has kept audiences returning daily.
- 10Best iPhone Cases Compared: Apple, Spigen, OtterBox and More●Best iPhone Duo Cases: Apple, Spigen, OtterBox and More
CNET has published a round-up of the best iPhone cases that work as a matching pair, covering options from Apple alongside third-party makers such as Spigen and OtterBox. The guide compares protection, styling and price to help buyers pick a case for themselves and a second for a partner, friend or family member.