To comply with the new European law, Apple is introducing APIs and frameworks that allow developers to distribute apps independently of the App Store.

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.

Google is shutting down its Podcasts app in the U.S. in a matter of days. The company has begun warning the app’s users they will need to migrate their subscriptions to YouTube Music by April 2 to follow and stream their favorite shows going forward. Users who don’t make the move immediately will still have […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.

The changes appear to confirm the earlier tests of NSFW communities spotted by various researchers and reverse engineers.

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.

In the wake of Universal Music Group’s (UMG) public spat with TikTok, which saw the label pulling its full catalog from the video app earlier this year, the company is doubling down on its deal with Spotify. On Thursday, UMG announced an expansion of its strategic relationship with the streaming music service that will focus […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.

With TikTok potentially poised for a U.S. ban, YouTube is touting how well its own TikTok competitor, YouTube Shorts, is paying off for creators. The company on Thursday said its short-form video platform now averages over 70 billion daily views and over 25% of channels in YouTube’s Partner Progam monetize their videos through revenue-sharing on […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.

Robinhood’s new credit card was revealed Tuesday, and though it’s only available for Robinhood Gold members, the Gold Card does have a feature that’s spurring headlines: the ability to invest cash back bonuses into investments. The announcement comes eight months after the acquisition of the startup X1 for $95 million, and it just so happens […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.

The dynamic nature of today’s workforce necessitates the use of mobile devices like Android tablets. However, concerns regarding proper management can often hinder their full potential. We’ve developed a practical guide to assist business leaders in effectively managing their Android tablets, empowering their mobile workforce while ensuring a secure and productive work environment.

Do:

• Use separate profiles – Recent versions of Android allow you to set up multiple accounts on one device. This means you can have a personal account and a work account on the same device without the two crossing over. Each account can be protected with a unique password and has its own apps and layout, an ideal setup for staff who use their personal devices for work.
• Pick responsibly – Android tablets come in all shapes and sizes, and with different versions of the operating system. That’s why it’s a good idea to do some research before you buy one for your business. Take the time to try and identify what you will be using the device for, what features you would like, and most importantly, if the device is compatible with your existing systems. We strongly recommend going with one of the big-name brands like Google, Samsung, or Asus.
• Develop a usage and management plan – Before you integrate the device into your system, plan ahead for how the device will be used and managed. Will each employee be in charge of managing their own device, or will your IT partner manage the devices for you? Develop a list of approved apps for work, including important ones like email and messaging. Then, make sure employees are trained to use these business apps properly and securely.
• Look into accessories – One common factor many businesses forget to look into when deploying Android devices is the numerous accessories available for tablets. In order to extend the life of the devices, it is a good idea to get protective cases and screen covers. Also, look and see whether or not the device you have chosen has a removable battery or SD card. If it does, you may want to invest in extra batteries and memory cards.

Don’t:

• Skimp on security – As Android tablets become more popular, they become more attractive targets for cybercriminals. You must mandate security measures on all devices. This includes an antivirus scanner and daily checks for app updates. Also, educate staff on how to spot fake apps, how to enable secure browsing on the web, and why they should avoid unsecured public Wi-Fi networks.
• Allow third-party app stores – Android is an open-source operating system, meaning you can install apps from almost any location. This has resulted in many third-party app stores (stores not run by Google) popping up. Some of these stores host a wide array of apps, including ones that may contain malware. To keep your business safe, prevent employees from installing apps from third-party stores and only allow apps that have been thoroughly vetted on Google Play.
• Worry about fragmentation – Yes, Android is very fragmented — devices are running different versions of Android. While this may seem like a big deal, it doesn’t have to be. We recommend limiting your tablet purchase to those with the most recent version of Android. Once you get used to the tablet, the issue of fragmentation will usually disappear, especially if everyone in the office is on the same version.

If you are looking for help in selecting and managing an Android device for your office, contact us today. We have a team of Android experts who can support you at any time.

As the popularity of Android tablets grows in the business landscape, particularly for mobile employees, concerns around device management also increase. This guide aims to equip business owners and managers with the knowledge to effectively manage their Android tablet fleet, ensuring optimal efficiency while safeguarding company data.

Do:

• Use separate profiles – Recent versions of Android allow you to set up multiple accounts on one device. This means you can have a personal account and a work account on the same device without the two crossing over. Each account can be protected with a unique password and has its own apps and layout, an ideal setup for staff who use their personal devices for work.
• Pick responsibly – Android tablets come in all shapes and sizes, and with different versions of the operating system. That’s why it’s a good idea to do some research before you buy one for your business. Take the time to try and identify what you will be using the device for, what features you would like, and most importantly, if the device is compatible with your existing systems. We strongly recommend going with one of the big-name brands like Google, Samsung, or Asus.
• Develop a usage and management plan – Before you integrate the device into your system, plan ahead for how the device will be used and managed. Will each employee be in charge of managing their own device, or will your IT partner manage the devices for you? Develop a list of approved apps for work, including important ones like email and messaging. Then, make sure employees are trained to use these business apps properly and securely.
• Look into accessories – One common factor many businesses forget to look into when deploying Android devices is the numerous accessories available for tablets. In order to extend the life of the devices, it is a good idea to get protective cases and screen covers. Also, look and see whether or not the device you have chosen has a removable battery or SD card. If it does, you may want to invest in extra batteries and memory cards.

Don’t:

• Skimp on security – As Android tablets become more popular, they become more attractive targets for cybercriminals. You must mandate security measures on all devices. This includes an antivirus scanner and daily checks for app updates. Also, educate staff on how to spot fake apps, how to enable secure browsing on the web, and why they should avoid unsecured public Wi-Fi networks.
• Allow third-party app stores – Android is an open-source operating system, meaning you can install apps from almost any location. This has resulted in many third-party app stores (stores not run by Google) popping up. Some of these stores host a wide array of apps, including ones that may contain malware. To keep your business safe, prevent employees from installing apps from third-party stores and only allow apps that have been thoroughly vetted on Google Play.
• Worry about fragmentation – Yes, Android is very fragmented — devices are running different versions of Android. While this may seem like a big deal, it doesn’t have to be. We recommend limiting your tablet purchase to those with the most recent version of Android. Once you get used to the tablet, the issue of fragmentation will usually disappear, especially if everyone in the office is on the same version.

If you are looking for help in selecting and managing an Android device for your office, contact us today. We have a team of Android experts who can support you at any time.

The rise of mobile workforces has led to a surge in the adoption of Android tablets. However, managing these devices across a distributed team can present challenges. To address this need, we’ve compiled a concise guide outlining best practices for Android tablet use within your organization.

Do:

• Use separate profiles – Recent versions of Android allow you to set up multiple accounts on one device. This means you can have a personal account and a work account on the same device without the two crossing over. Each account can be protected with a unique password and has its own apps and layout, an ideal setup for staff who use their personal devices for work.
• Pick responsibly – Android tablets come in all shapes and sizes, and with different versions of the operating system. That’s why it’s a good idea to do some research before you buy one for your business. Take the time to try and identify what you will be using the device for, what features you would like, and most importantly, if the device is compatible with your existing systems. We strongly recommend going with one of the big-name brands like Google, Samsung, or Asus.
• Develop a usage and management plan – Before you integrate the device into your system, plan ahead for how the device will be used and managed. Will each employee be in charge of managing their own device, or will your IT partner manage the devices for you? Develop a list of approved apps for work, including important ones like email and messaging. Then, make sure employees are trained to use these business apps properly and securely.
• Look into accessories – One common factor many businesses forget to look into when deploying Android devices is the numerous accessories available for tablets. In order to extend the life of the devices, it is a good idea to get protective cases and screen covers. Also, look and see whether or not the device you have chosen has a removable battery or SD card. If it does, you may want to invest in extra batteries and memory cards.

Don’t:

• Skimp on security – As Android tablets become more popular, they become more attractive targets for cybercriminals. You must mandate security measures on all devices. This includes an antivirus scanner and daily checks for app updates. Also, educate staff on how to spot fake apps, how to enable secure browsing on the web, and why they should avoid unsecured public Wi-Fi networks.
• Allow third-party app stores – Android is an open-source operating system, meaning you can install apps from almost any location. This has resulted in many third-party app stores (stores not run by Google) popping up. Some of these stores host a wide array of apps, including ones that may contain malware. To keep your business safe, prevent employees from installing apps from third-party stores and only allow apps that have been thoroughly vetted on Google Play.
• Worry about fragmentation – Yes, Android is very fragmented — devices are running different versions of Android. While this may seem like a big deal, it doesn’t have to be. We recommend limiting your tablet purchase to those with the most recent version of Android. Once you get used to the tablet, the issue of fragmentation will usually disappear, especially if everyone in the office is on the same version.

If you are looking for help in selecting and managing an Android device for your office, contact us today. We have a team of Android experts who can support you at any time.

Following Elon Musk’s xAI’s move to open source its Grok large language model earlier in March, the X owner on Tuesday said that the company formerly known as Twitter will soon offer the Grok chatbot to more paying subscribers. In a post on X, Musk announced Grok will become available to Premium subscribers this week, […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.

Artifact, the well-received AI-powered news app from Instagram’s co-founders, Kevin Systrom and Mike Krieger, may not be shutting down as planned. The company announced in January the award-winning app would be winding down operations as the market opportunity wasn’t “big enough to warrant continued investment.” However, despite an end-of-life date of February 2024, the app […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.

On home turf, Apple has enjoyed many years of relatively light regulatory scrutiny compared to Big Tech peers. The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) opened a monopoly case against Google back in October 2020, for instance. It followed with a second antitrust case at the start of last year, targeting Google’s adtech. While the FTC […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.