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How Do Internet Browsers Make Money?

In a recent survey where we were to be limited to just one mobile app, the Internet browsers won first preference over others. These humble software applications are usually taken for granted despite their immense contribution in making the Internet come alive. Considering that they provide a free service, how do these browsers even make money? Typically, we assume “ad money,” but that is just one part of the overall revenue mix. Here we examine a few popular browsers and their unique approaches to revenue. Related: 4 of the Best Web Browsers for Linux 1. Mozilla Firefox It will not surprise anyone that Mozilla Foundation does… Read more

How to automatically delete Google’s Web & App Activity data

ARTICLE – Google recently announced a new feature that allows users to automatically delete their web and app activity (CNET). You can choose from three options: “Keep until I delete manually”, “Keep for 18 months”, or “Keep for 3 months”. Once you go through the steps to automatically delete this data on one device, it will be set for all devices that are logged into that Google account.

Why might you want to delete this data? Because Google saves information about your searches, browsing, etc. when the Web & App Activity setting is turned on (Google support webpage):

  • Searches and other things you do on Google products and services, like Maps
  • Your location, language, IP address, referrer, and whether you use a browser or an app
  • Ads you click, or things you buy on an advertiser’s site
  • Information on your device like recent apps or contact names you searched for
  • Sites and apps you use
  • Your activity on sites and in apps that use Google services
  • Your Chrome browsing history
  • Note: Activity could be saved even when you’re offline

So, how do you delete your Web & App Activity automatically? Just follow the steps below for Android devices, PCs, and iOS devices. NOTE: all screenshots can be clicked on to view a larger image.

Android




To do this on an Android phone, you’ll need to go to your phone’s settings > “Google” > “Google Account” > “Data & personalization” tab > “Web & App Activity” > “Manage Activity” link > (shown in the screenshots above)…




…”Choose to delete automatically” > make your selection and tap on the “Next” button (your preferences will be saved) > “Confirm” button > then tap on the “Got it” button to complete the steps.

PC


On a PC you would do the following: launch Chrome > log into your Google account > click on the vertical ellipsis in the upper right corner of Chrome (overflow menu) > “Settings” > (shown in the screenshots above)…


…”Manage Google Account” > “Manage Your Data & Personalization” link >…


…”Web & App Activity” > “Manage Activity” link >…


……”Choose to delete automatically” button) > make your selection and tap on the “Next” button >…


…”Confirm” button > and tap on the “Got it” button to finish.

iOS

You can even get to Web & App Activity settings through Gmail’s settings as illustrated in the following iOS steps.




To automatically delete your web and app activity data using Gmail on an iOS device you need to do the following: open your Gmail app > “Menu” > “Settings” > tap on your account > “Manage your Google Account” > “Manage your data & personalization” >…



…”Web & App Activity” > “Manage Activity” link > “Choose to delete automatically” >…



…make your selection and tap on the “Next” button > “Confirm” button (your preferences will be saved) > tap on the “Got it” button to finish.

And if you don’t use Gmail, you can also use the Safari app on your iOS device and alter the Web & App Activity settings as shown in the following steps.



Tap on your Safari app > go to “google.com” > log into your Google account > tap on your profile picture located in the upper right corner of the screen > “Account settings” > “Data & personalization” tab >…



…”Web & App Activity” > “Manage activity” > “Choose to delete automatically” >…



…make your selection and tap on the “Next” button > “Confirm” button > and last, tap on the “Got it” button to finish.

I’m glad that Google is providing features like this so that people like me can have a little more control over their collected data!

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How to automatically delete Google’s Web & App Activity data originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on May 31, 2019 at 10:00 am.

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I love using Google Maps AR!

ARTICLE – On May 7, 2019, Google made available to Pixel devices the long-awaited Google Maps Augmented Reality (AR) feature. I have a Pixel 2 XL and my Google Maps AR states that it is a “Preview” of the feature.

I was on a trip to Austin, Texas – a place that was not familiar to me – and using the AR feature was awesome! It was lunch-time and I wanted to walk somewhere to get something to eat. I opened the Google Maps app on my phone, typed in Subway (the sandwich shop), I then tapped on “Directions”. Afterward, the lower part of the screen on Maps gave me the option to either tap on “Start”, “Start AR”, or “Steps & more”. After tapping on “Start AR”, Maps directed me to point my camera at buildings and streets. Initially, I was not near a street or any identifiable buildings so it did not know where I was. However, when I approached a street, it identified where I was and started guiding me towards my destination.

I chose a Subway that was really close to me, so the directions were really “straight” forward (see what I did there?).

And, for safety purposes, Maps warned me that I should keep my phone down while walking and pay attention to my surroundings so I don’t run into any hazards.

It was really cool to be able to see how close I was getting to my destination.


Getting closer…

I arrived!! I thought it was really entertaining to see the big red Maps location marker (pin) grow larger as I approached where I was going. This building housed several businesses on different floors so I had to go inside and ask exactly where the Subway was. In a couple of minutes, I found my destination, but no lunch for me! It was CLOSED!!! 🙁

Anyway, I truly love using Google Maps AR! It’s unquestionably helpful and super fun to use.

By the way, when Google first announced the AR feature, they presented an option to use a cute cartoon fox as an AR guide. He was sadly missing from my adventure. Perhaps he went to a Subway that was open.

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I love using Google Maps AR! originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on May 29, 2019 at 3:40 pm.

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Reclaim Your Privacy with These Privacy-Focused Alternatives to Google’s Services

We put up with Google because the apps are awesome. But there are downsides to living in the panopticon. If you’d prefer not to have a corporation and all its buddies breathing down your neck, consider these privacy-focused alternatives to Google’s services. Notes on Our Suggestions While free services were preferred in our analysis, paid services are the reality of the privacy-first space. Companies can’t make money off your data, so advertisers don’t pay the bills. It’s up to you to pay. “If you’re not paying for the product, you are the product.” We’ve recommended several Apple apps on this list, which might rankle those… Read more

Stop Sensorvault from Providing Your Location to the Police

Where were you on June 23, 2015? Don’t remember? Well, if you had an Android smartphone at that time, Google probably does. And if you were anywhere near a crime scene, they can turn your information in Sensorvault over to the authorities. What is Sensorvault? Sensorvault is a database of location history maintained by Google. Google apps disable “Location history” by default on Google apps, but you have probably been asked to enable it at some point, and you most likely did. Google uses GPS and other location information from your computer to store a timeline of your movements. They gather this data to provide… Read more