There’s a misnomer about VPN networks and what they really do. Claims that they can make you “completely anonymous” online are almost always inaccurate, even if they may increase your privacy to some degree. Unfortunately, the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), in partnership with the University of New South Wales and UC Berkley, have learned of greater issues than that. In CSIRO’s research paper ‘An Analysis of the Privacy and Security Risks of Android VPN Permission-enabled Apps,’ the team investigated 283 Android VPN apps to explore their impact on user privacy and security.

Samsung Electronics is making a huge variety of devices, from MP3 players to refrigerators, and that’s not counting the products of other companies from the Samsung group. Among this myriad of products, Samsung manufactures several desktop computer models, including All-in-One models and the only Chromeboxes currently available on the market. Yesterday, the Korea Times, a website that often delivers insider information on the plans of Samsung, LG, and other Korean technology companies, wrote that Samsung is going to close down its desktop PC business.

The internet can be a frightening place, especially when dealing with personal information. If you’re worried about falling victim to data breaches or identity theft, you may want to try out a subscription to Blur Premium Privacy Protection – now available for 74% off in the AA Deals Store. Blur Premium Privacy Protection allows you to easily mask your personal information online by creating temporary addresses, credit card numbers and phone numbers, so you don’t have to give any sensitive information out to online merchants.

TL;DR Research firm eMarketer says Starbucks is leading the mobile payments app pack in U.S. users. It was said to have around 1 million more users than second place Apple Pay at the end of 2017 and is tipped to stay ahead into 2022. Though restricted to purchases in Starbucks, the app has a couple of key competencies that may have helped it gain a lead. Starbucks was said to have 20.

Intrigued by the Nexus 5X? Renders from case listings on Amazon may give you a good idea of what to expect in terms of appearance. The renders come from a familiar source: case manufactures looking for an early marketing lead who create unofficial renders of upcoming devices. These renders are based on product schematics that phone makers share with accessory companies ahead of new phone launches. The images are typically accurate in terms of the general dimensions and layout of ports and buttons, but case makers don’t know the finer details, like the material or finish of a device.

What makes a Nexus a “Nexus”? Some of the answers that come to mind include quick updates, the lack of carrier bloat, stock Android, lack of carrier branding and less control from the carriers. It seems that the Nexus 6 is challenging at least some of these assumptions, however. Just the other day it was suggested that the AT&T Nexus 6 features carrier branding on the back and on the boot screen.

The Mate 20 Pro for $470 is exceptional value, and you don’t have to worry about no Google apps nonsense. Available currently on Amazon, this Huawei Mate 20 Pro deal should definitely be on your radar if you’re looking for a new phone. I’ve been using a Mate 20 Pro for a full year as my daily driver, and I’ve been loving it. It’s fast, it’s powerful, the battery holds up great, and the camera is extremely versatile.

Facebook has just announced that it’s bringing free video calling to its Messenger application on both Android and iOS. The update, which is rolling out now in the Play Store, will allow you to simply tap the video camera icon on any existing Messenger conversation to instantly connect with your friends and family. The update is now available in the U.S., the U.K., Belgium, Canada, Croatia, Denmark, France, Greece, Ireland, Laos, Lithuania, Mexico, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Poland, Portugal and Uruguay.

The main component of the new campaign is the upcoming 30-day challenge. Starting January 1, the challenge nets you Heart Points from activities that you log or actively track with Google Fit. The app offers encouragement over the course of the month. Google also teamed up with 36 influencers from nine countries to show how they get their Heart Points. You can use the hashtag #GetFitWithGoogle on Instagram and YouTube to see how others approach the 30-day challenge and offer your own tips.

Google’s Flight Search service has been available across the pond for quite a while now, but finally we Europeans are being bought up to speed. If you reside in the UK, France, Italy, Spain or the Netherlands, then you’ll be able to make use of Flight Search to help plan your trips abroad. Using Flight Search you can search through, compare, and book flights from any of the countries listed above to any destination around the world.