O'Grady's PowerPage

Category: Apps

  • Apple resumes testing of its Background Security Improvement feature for upcoming iOS, iPadOS, and macOS updates

    Apple resumes testing of its Background Security Improvement feature for upcoming iOS, iPadOS, and macOS updates

    Apple has resumed testing its new Background Security Improvement feature, which first debuted with its release of the iOS 26.1, iPadOS 26.1, and macOS Tahoe 26.1 updates. Following a previous test earlier this week, developers and public beta testers who are running iOS 26.3, iPadOS 26.3, or ‌macOS Tahoe‌ 26.3 can now install a second Background Security Improvement update for testing purposes.

    The company has stated that the feature offers additional security protections between software updates for its Safari, WebKit, and other system libraries.

    If you’re curious about trying them out, you can install them via the following steps, per MacRumors:

    “Background Security Improvements can be installed by going to the Privacy and Security section of the Settings app, scrolling down to Background Security Improvements, and selecting the “Install” option. If “Automatically Install” is toggled on, Background Security Improvements will be automatically installed when they come out with no need to manually install them.”

    Apple has also stated that users who choose not to install the Background Security Updates will receive the updates as part of standard software updates.

    Apple had previously used a Rapid Security Response update feature for delivering security improvements, although this wasn’t used often after its introduction in iOS 16. The feature was ultimately phased out in favor of the newer Background Security Improvements feature. At one point in 2023, there was a Rapid Security Response bug that prevented some websites from displaying properly.

    Finally, Apple has also warned that Background Security Updates can result in “rare instances of compatibility issues.” In these cases, the updates may be temporarily removed and enhanced in a subsequent software update.

    Stay tuned for additional details as they become available.

    Via MacRumors and support.apple.com

  • Logitech issues updated driver to resolve certificate issue with Logi Options+ products on the Mac

    Logitech issues updated driver to resolve certificate issue with Logi Options+ products on the Mac

    If you’ve been cursing your Logitech mouse recently, this might come in handy.

    Logitech has issued a patch to fix a problem with its Logi Options+ software that causes its mice to stop working. “The problem was caused by an expired certificate required for the apps to run,” according to a Logitech support document. Given that the expired certificate also affected the installer, users will need to manually download the updated software and install it. The expired certificate issue also affected the company’s G Hub software.

    The updated Logi Options+ software requires macOS 13 Ventura or later to install and run, and is also compatible with macOS Tahoe.

    The issue itself stems from the fact that, in the case of macOS, some software requires a Developer ID certificate to run. These certificates are good for five years, after which they need to be renewed, or they’ll stop working. Logi Options+ allows users to customize the buttons and other functions of Logitech mice, and when the software stops working, so does the hardware.

    Over in a Reddit post focused on the issue, a user who went by the handle “ATXsantucci,” who stated they do “marketing @ Logi” according to their user profile, stated that “We dropped the ball here. This is an inexcusable mistake. We’re extremely sorry for the inconvenience caused.”

    If you’ve had a chance to download and try the updated drivers, please let us know about your experience in the comments.

    Via Macworld, Logitech (1, 2, 3), and Reddit

  • Apple doubles 5GHz Wi-Fi 6E bandwidth for some devices via iPadOS 26.2, macOS Tahoe 26.2 updates

    Apple doubles 5GHz Wi-Fi 6E bandwidth for some devices via iPadOS 26.2, macOS Tahoe 26.2 updates

    This is pretty nifty.

    Apple apparently snuck a useful upgrade through with its iPadOS 26.2 and macOS Tahoe 26.2 updates, the new operating systems offering improved Wi-Fi speeds for select Macs and iPads that support Wi-Fi 6E.

    The M4 iPad Pro models, M3 iPad Air models, A17 Pro iPad mini, M2 to M5 MacBook Pro models, ‌M2‌, M3, and M4 MacBook Air models, and other Wi-Fi 6E Macs and iPads now support 160MHz maximum channel bandwidth when connected to 5GHz Wi-Fi networks, the same theoretical maximum throughput supported by 6GHz networks. Previously, these devices were limited to 80MHz.

    Under ideal conditions, the devices should see faster file transfers, quicker uploads, and smoother streaming. Wi-Fi 6E devices can take advantage of 6GHz networks, although 5GHz networks remain far more common. 6GHz networks require new router hardware, along with a machine that can take advantage of a 6GHz network.

    Through the upgrade, the devices can connect to 5GHz networks with a throughput approaching peak 6GHz speeds without having to connect to a 6GHz network. Users with a Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 6E network that supports 160MHz on 5GHz networks will be able to take advantage of the bandwidth improvement. Devices that have the updated 160MHz bandwidth limit will not see improvements when connected to 5GHz routers limited to 80MHz.

    While 5GHz bandwidth has improved on select Macs and iPads, 6GHz networks still offer less congestion and more spectrum to work with.

    Stay tuned for additional details as they become available.

    Via MacRumors and support.apple.com

  • Pioneer announces Sphera, looks to add advanced CarPlay features as an aftermarket package for existing cars

    Pioneer announces Sphera, looks to add advanced CarPlay features as an aftermarket package for existing cars

    If you wanted to add some extremely cool Apple CarPlay features to your existing car without having to buy a specific new car, Pioneer may have you covered.

    Over at CES 2026, the audio company announced its new Sphera aftermarket in-dash receiver with support for a premium CarPlay feature. Per 9to5Mac, the feature adds Dolby Atmos playback in CarPlay. To date, in-vehicle Dolby Atmos has been available only in models equipped with Dolby Atmos-enabled sound systems. With the Sphera package, this feature can be installed in millions of existing vehicles.

    From an audio perspective, the feature adds Dolby Atmos and Spatial Audio to all cars, utilizing an optimized 4-channel solution that leverages the existing front and rear speakers via Pioneer’s “Pure Autotuning” technology. This technology adds to the variety of sizes, shapes, and materials found within vehicle cabins, as Pure Autotuning precisely adjusts time alignment, frequency response, and channel levels to optimize performance and place the listener at the acoustical center position.

    Included with this is a 10.1-inch HD capacitive display that offers easy access to key features and controls. Other features include wireless CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth.

    The Pioneer Sphera package will be priced from $1,300 up and be available this spring.

    Stay tuned for additional details as they become available.

    Via 9to5Mac

  • 8bitDo teases FlipPad controller for gaming on smartphones

    8bitDo teases FlipPad controller for gaming on smartphones

    This is honestly pretty nifty.

    Just in time for this year’s CES, gaming company 8bitDo has begun offering the FlipPad, a unique controller for smartphone users who want to play their games in portrait mode.

    The FlipPad connects to iOS and Android devices via the USB-C port, and snaps onto the bottom half of the screen via a hinge mechanism, reminiscent of a classic flip phone keyboard.

    The controller offers d-pad, ABXY buttons, start and select buttons, and six buttons along the top and bottom corners that may turn out to be customizable. 8bitDo has stated that the FlipPad is “officially supported by Apple,” and will debut this summer. The company has yet to reveal an official price point for the device.

    Stay tuned for additional details as they become available.

    Via MacRumors, @8bitDo, and 8bitDo