Category: Tech

Lighting technology pioneer Audi fields next-generation OLED technology. #AUDI #Motoring #Tech #OLED

In June 2020, the next generation of a lighting technology premiered in the Audi Q5: digital OLED technology. With organic light-emitting diodes (so-called OLEDs), Audi was a pioneer as far back as 2016. Now digitalisation is ringing in a new age. This technology promises to improve road safety and is the first to allow for personalisation of the tail light signature.

Dr. Werner Thomas, OLED technology project manager at Audi, explains: “Headlight technology has seen a rapid evolution at Audi in recent decades. In addition, we have been decisively driving the development of rear-lighting systems.”  In the latest milestone achievement, the brand is now the first car manufacturer to digitise the tail lights.

Why does Audi focus on OLED technology?

OLED light sources are panel radiators – unlike point light sources such as LEDs using semiconductor crystals. There are many benefits of OLEDs including their light being extremely homogeneous. It is infinitely dimmable and achieves very high contrast. It can be split into segments. These segments are individually controllable and can develop diverse levels of brightness, with minimal gaps between the segments. The lighting unit does not require any reflectors, optical fibers or similar optics. This makes OLED units very efficient, lightweight and flat, which considerably increases design freedom.

An OLED lighting element is just one millimetre thin, while conventional LED solutions require much greater installed depths of 20 to 30 millimetres. The energy requirement of an OLED is once again significantly lower than that of LED optics if the latter are to achieve similar homogeneity. Audi’s OLED technology made its production debut in the tail light of the Audi TT RS* in 2016. Up to now, Audi models using OLED lighting technology have had up to four individually controllable, complex lighting segments that could be used for an individual, defined lighting design.

What benefits do Audi’s new digital OLEDs offer?

The larger number of individually controllable segments can now be randomly activated, with continuous variability of brightness. In the Q5, three tiles of six units each, in other words 18 segments per lamp, are currently used. The high precision and great variability offer light designers a wealth of opportunities, using just one type of hardware. Q5 customers opting for digital OLED technology have a choice of three signatures in the tail lights when purchasing their car. In the “dynamic” Audi drive select mode, the lamps additionally switch to another signature. Moreover, animation effects such as coming-home/leaving-home lighting scenarios can be implemented, plus the dynamic flashing light has been integrated in the new lamp units as well.

How exactly do digital OLEDs differ from established OLED technology?

“Up to now, we have been using OLED segmentation with the Audi TT RS* and A8 for designing signature lighting. This has changed with the Q5,” says OLED technology project manager Dr. Werner Thomas. “Here the tail lights turn into a kind of display on the outer shell, which will provide us with ample opportunities and prospects in terms of design, personalisation, communication and safety going forward.” Thus, the year 2020 marks the threshold of a new age: a pure medium for signal functions is now additionally becoming a medium for displaying diverse types of content.

 

How do digital OLED lamps improve road safety?

In the new Q5, Audi has implemented a proximity detection feature for the versions using digital OLED tail lights. When another road user approaches a stationary Q5 from the rear within less than two metres, all the OLED segments light up. When the Q5 starts to move, it returns to the original light signature. This is just an initial example of the Q5’s car-to-x communication with its surroundings. Subject to legislative approval, predefined warning symbols are conceivable in the future as well. The development and approval of the first dynamic turn signals is a good example of Audi’s effective engagement in collaborating with approval authorities.

The developers present potential technologies and then adapt them as needed – which facilitates the homologation and approval of new ideas and concepts. Audi also shaped the developments around the digital OLEDs in advance in a way that made legislative approval possible for the Q5 in spite of differences in tail light design. Thus, the roads are becoming safer with lighting technology from Audi.

How will the development in this area continue?

Going forward, clearly more segments per tail light are conceivable, allowing for even greater personalisation of signature lighting. For instance, predefined symbols might be displayed to provide other road users with early warnings of hazards such as slippery roads or the tail ends of traffic jams.

Let the new Sharp party speakers turn up the heat. #Speakers #Tech #Sharp

The sun is shining, the temperature is rising, Summer is finally here, and you can’t wait to get outside and enjoy it! Whether it’s a barbecue in the garden, chilling out by the lakeside or meeting friends in the park, Sharp can provide the backing track for your Summer fun with its new PS-919 and PS-929 portable party speakers.

 

After what seems an age, the gradual relaxing of social distancing rules is cause to celebrate with our nearest and dearest and we can’t wait to experience that real party feeling again. Dance the night away with Sharp’s brand-new party speakers: PS-919 and PS-929! These high power, portable speakers both feature flashing DISCO lights and if you are lucky enough to have two, they can be paired together for True Wireless Stereo sound that makes for a next-level party!

 

The PS-919’s compact size and IPX-5 water resistance make it ideal for outdoor parties. It allows effortless music streaming via Bluetooth from a smartphone or tablet and can be used with other devices via the aux-in connection; you can even playback stored music through the USB port (which will also charge your phone). Thanks to the handy screw thread on the base, the speaker can be mounted on a tripod and with the latest lithium battery tech built-in playback is up to 14 hours – you won’t miss a beat.

 

When you want to throw the loudest party on the street, go for the PS-929. A max total output of 180 watts plus a SUPER-BASS function combine to deliver a truly thumping sound. Using the True Wireless Stereo function, you can pair two PS-929s together for an immersive stereo sound-stage which is more than twice the fun! For the complete party-solution the PS-929 includes a Microphone so you can sing-along or make that special announcement that everyone needs to hear…

 

Stacked with features, the PS-929 has 10 equaliser pre-sets to let you fine-tune the sound to your liking. Bluetooth, inputs for a second microphone or guitar, aux-in and USB (with charging functionality) provide maximum connectivity. The built-in battery offers great portability and when the juice runs low simply plug it in to the mains to keep the tunes playing and recharge – the PS-929 will definitely be the soul of your successful party!

 

For further information visit sharpconsumer.eu. 

 

The PS-919 and PS-929 party speakers are available for a recommended retail price of 149,00 € and 159,00 € respectively. Reviews coming soon on techbuzz..

Electric cars as part of the energy transition: Audi is researching bidirectional charging technology #Audi #Pv #V2H

Increasing network stability, lowering electricity costs, and contributing to climate protection is the vision that Audi and the Hager Group are pursuing. The incorporation of the electric car into the domestic grid is at the core of an innovative research project on bidirectional charging. This offers major advantages in combination with a photovoltaic system in particular. Excess PV electricity can be stored temporarily and output as needed.

Audi has committed to the objectives of the Paris Climate Agreement and is working on making its vehicle fleet CO2-neutral by 2050. In order to achieve this aim, the premium brand is pursuing a broad electric offensive that involves launching around 20 fully electric models by 2025. And not only that: The electric car is to evolve into part of an increasingly broad mobility offer and become an element of the sustainable energy transition.

In the first half of 2020, renewable energies contributed more than 50 percent to the German electricity mix for the first time. However, the increasing percentage is also accompanied by a basic dilemma of wind and solar power: The generation of electricity is not always constant. On sunny days and phases with strong winds, there is often a lack of capacity to store the generated energy that the grid cannot use.

As the number of registered electric cars increases, the number of mobile energy storage units also rises. This offers great potential, provided that the storage capacity can be used intelligently. This is why Audi and the Hager Group joined hands and developed a research and solution approach that creates financial incentives and offers greater security of supply: bidirectional charging. “Electric mobility is bringing the automotive industry and the energy sector closer together. The battery of an Audi e-tron could supply a single-family home with energy for around one week independently. Looking ahead, we want to make this potential accessible and make the electric car part of the energy transition as an energy storage device on four wheels,” says Martin Dehm, technical project manager for bidirectional charging at Audi.

The electric car as a flexible energy storage unit

The idea is as simple as it is genius: The high-voltage battery of the electric car is not only charged via the wall box at home but can also supply energy back to the house as a decentralised storage medium. If the customer has a photovoltaic system, the electric car serves as a temporary storage medium for the domestically generated eco-electricity. When the sun is no longer shining, the vehicle can supply the stored electricity back to the house. Bidirectional charging at home – also known as Vehicle to Home (V2H) – has great potential to reduce the home owner’s electricity costs and increase network stability.

As a further expansion stage in combination with a home storage unit, it is possible to achieve near complete energy independence and increased security of supply in the event of a blackout. “Using the battery of electric vehicles to contribute to climate protection while lowering electricity costs at the same time is a vision that we have found fascinating since the very beginning. And we have found an ideal partner in Audi,” explains Ulrich Reiner, project manager at Hager Group.

Near-series technology in use

What sounds simple in theory requires a high level of technical intelligence and coordinated interaction between different technical components in terms of infrastructure and in the vehicle in practice. An Audi e-tron with near-series charging technology was used in the research project. In the test grid, the fully electric Audi model operated with a DC wall box, which enables a charging capacity of up to 12 kW, and a flexibly extendable home storage unit with a capacity of 9 kWh. While it could provide additional flexibility in possible series production, it is not a necessary requirement for bidirectional charging. Thanks to the DC voltage level in the overall grid, the connection between the PV system and the vehicle does not require an inverter and is thus a particularly efficient solution.

Charging with PV electricity saves money 

Bidirectional charging focuses mainly on use cases where home owners use their own photovoltaic system to benefit from cost-optimised charging with their domestically generated electricity. The electric car stores the excess electricity from the PV system that is not used by appliances in the house. If the customer has variable rates, the electric car can supply the entire house in phases where electricity prices are high.

At night or during non-productive times of the rate, the car then uses inexpensive electricity to charge up to the desired target SOC (state of charge). Bidirectional charging also provides a security of supply that extends beyond pure cost optimisation: In the event of a blackout, the system can supply the house with energy via the high-performance HV battery or it can even operate a building without a grid connection independently in what is known as stand-alone operation.

Everyday usability in the focus of the developers

The developers made everyday usability a top priority. “Maintaining mobility is at the centre of our attention. Customers therefore don’t need to restrict themselves in order to make bidirectional charging suitable for everyday use,” Dehm describes the focus of the development. “The intelligent charging management manages the optimum use of the battery, thereby maximizing the cost-effectiveness of the overall system. The system is very easy for customers to use – all they have to do is plug in the car, and the rest happens automatically.”

The joint research project with the Hager Group has proven two essential things: Customers who have their own PV system can design their mobility to be optimised in terms of cost and CO2 consumption while taking some of the burden off the grid at the same time. As a positive side effect, customers who own an electric car from Audi can make an important contribution to the success of the energy transition. The intelligent use of the HV battery in the vehicle also opens up possibilities to use an existing resource that was previously used for mobility purposes alone in a sustainable way.

Twelve South introduces the TimePorter for Apple Watch. #AppleWatch #TwelveSouth #Tech

 Twelve South today introduced the TimePorter, a compact case and charging stand for the Apple Watch. Taking inspiration from a sunglasses case, not only can the neatly designed TimePorter hold all your essential Apple Watch accessories, it also acts as a charging and display stand. Whether users are travelling and need a case for protection or simply want a storage and charging solution that won’t look out of place on a bedside table, the TimePorter is the ultimate companion for the Apple Watch.

The TimePorter can hold everything needed to dress and power an Apple Watch, including the extra-long Apple charging cable, an additional Watch band, a USB charger and more. An integrated portal holds the magnetic charging disc flush with the roof of the TimePorter so users can simply slip their Watch band around the contoured leather case for charging. A built-in spool within the case feeds out just enough cable to reach the nearest power outlet and also stops it from tangling.

The TimePorter can also be used as a display stand due to its multi-angle case top that can be adjusted to give users the perfect view of incoming notifications and alerts whilst the Watch charges. For those who like to use nightstand mode whilst they sleep, just position the Watch horizontally across the TimePorter and angle to view. The magnetic charging disc will hold the watch in place.

The Twelve South TimePorter is available now for £44.99 at Amazon.co.uk.

Review – The Gatekeeper Halberd token. #GateKeeper #Security

The Gatekeeper Halberd token is a proximity-based 2FA technology which is a combination of the security key and password manager. This works on the principle that for a computer that is left unlocked with weak passwords ( in violation of many corporate policies on IT security ) the GateKeeper Halberd token use proximity-based authentication sensors via Bluetooth to Lock or unlock the Computer. This allows the automation of security taking the risk out of the individual user been automated. The Gatekeeper can be configured to one computer or the option to be configured to numbers as per the individual or corporate policies. Web accounts are similar in the passwords are stored on the gatekeeper centralised password manager removing the need to remember numerous passwords for 100’s of sites. The option of one time passwords is available.

Features:

The Gatekeeper can come as an individual service, as a once-off purchase for the hardware/software etc or an enterprise version:

Setup:

The setup involved using 2 different software, one for Proximity and one for the password manager, For individual use – https://gkaccess.com/downloads/ (Mac also available )

The  software is installed  with the dashboard configured,

The token option is ticked, add

Add a new device, which connects to the Bluetooth device and the Halberd token ( no need to manually enter and details )

 

 

 

This can be configured to be set up for a new user via the dashboard,  the user can be given a four to 8 digit code to use the gatekeeper. IT departments have full access to set up individuals to a computer or allow multiple staff to access one computer.

 

In the event of loss / forget a Token,  this can be configured as a loan token or factory reset of the lost token removing the option to access the computer. Additional security can be set up to include proximity & a unique pin code for a user.

 

 

GateKeeper Password Manager

This is set up via the GateKeeper desktop application to provide proximity-based access to web passwords.  This is set up as a new  extension  on the chrome browser to allow OTP to your website,

 

 

A challenge for an individual user is where they use example Facebook,  LinkedIn and require to access this, this may involve info from an OTP which would not be accessible from a temporary computer which is not connected via a Token.

An optional additional USB Bluetooth Proximity Sensor can be supplied to allow proximity set up where the PC USB is inaccessible allowing for extended coverage set up.   

The individual user data is stored locally on the Laptop, in the event of loss of the token, the enterprise is stored on the network with a cloud version expected in the next few months.

 

Company:

Untethered Labs, Inc Gatekeeper is a USA company set up in 2015. They develop advanced wireless proximity access control solutions that act as the first line of defence for preventing unauthorized access to enterprise computers and websites.

They provide automated privileged access management solutions for a wide range of industries including healthcare, MSP/MSSPs, law enforcement, manufacturing, and finance. Their technology increases security and reduces support costs with touchless, proximity-based two-factor computer authentication, centralized enterprise password management, and auditing. They have partners in a variety of countries UK, France, Germany, and  Australia, the individual option can be purchased directly from GateKeeper,  the enterprise option is available directly or via their partner network.

 

 Overall:

The Gatekeeper Halberd token is ideal for those in a highly regulated environment while can be used in any environment which requires good security practice.  ISO27001 requires on leaving a laptop, the laptop should be locked, the proximity sensor is ideal for this as automating the process. Staff should be focussed on the day to day job not focussing on the IT department requirements for security. The ability to configure multiple workstations from one Halberd token is great allowing supervisor access to multiple systems in a controlled environment. Many articles on the web flag passwords are dead,  this product is another nail in the coffin for the traditional password allowing flexibility to use and multiple sites without the need for multiple passwords.  This is a dual-purpose device,  security to lock your PC and password protection for your websites.  Any technology that automates the cybersecurity process improves compliance, reduces support costs,  enhancing security and removing the weaker link of the human intervention is a winner.

 

https://gkaccess.com/store/

Health tech company Neurovalens raises more than £5 million for R&D and growth. #HealthTech #Belfast #Neurovalens

Neurovalens, a global healthtech company headquartered in Belfast and San Diego, has raised £5.1 million in funding, which will be used to expand on the success of its initial clinical trials and develop its technology’s application for other medical conditions.

The funding round was led by IQ Capital and also included investment from Wharton Asset Management Company, The Angel CoFund (ACF), Techstart Ventures, Co-Fund II managed by Clarendon Fund Managers and the UK Government’s Future Fund.

Neurovalens’ technology was created in collaboration with world renowned research facilities at the University of California San Diego. The vision of the company is to use technology that can influence the brainstem and hypothalamus in a non-invasive way to cure or treat neurological diseases, without the need for implanted electrodes.

 

CEO and co-founder of Neurovalens, Dr Jason McKeown said: “We are delighted to receive this investment and support at such a critical time for our business. Our work in the US and the success of the trials we have run to date have demonstrated the potential of our technology and encouraged us to pursue other applications. With this financing and the backing of our investors we can accelerate our mission of delivering effective and non-invasive solutions for some of the most common and debilitating medical conditions.”

The funding will be used for clinical trial research and development in the UK and abroad, as well as hiring additional staff. This will facilitate the development of Neurovalens’ technology – which is going through FDA and EU regulatory approvals – towards use as an approved medical treatment around the world. Neurovalens is already in the final phase of trials for obesity and aims to have approval for insomnia and anxiety devices in the next 12 months, with diabetes trials slated for 2021.

Kerry Baldwin, Managing Partner of IQ Capital commented: “IQ Capital is delighted to further support Neurovalens on their mission to deliver medical technology that can transform the lives of those who suffer from metabolic or neurological diseases. This funding will allow Neurovalens to accelerate their entry into the US healthcare system and to establish the technology as doctor-prescribed treatments for four of the biggest global health epidemics.”

Gaby Salem, Managing Director of Wharton Asset Management Company said: “This is a very exciting time for Neurovalens as they approach their first medical device approvals. This round of funding will enable Neurovalens to primarily focus on gaining traction within the US reimbursement sector while also continuing to develop the technology for further US FDA approvals.”

Tim Mills, Managing Partner of the Angel CoFund said: “The Neurovalens team have developed a truly innovative technique to help people combat an array of health challenges. As such, they are a rare example of a startup that really has the potential to fundamentally affect the sector they are in, changing how clinicians treat certain conditions. It is exciting to see the team at Neurovalens continue to grow and the success of their clinical trials, and we look forward to seeing the team continue to push boundaries in health tech.”

Techstart NI and Co-Fund II are part of Invest Northern Ireland’s Access to Finance portfolio and part funded by European Regional Development Fund under the EU Investment for Growth and Jobs Programme 2014-2020.

Brian Cummings from Clarendon Fund Managers, which manages Co-Fund II, added: “Neurovalens is a highly innovative company and it is testament to the interest the company’s technology has generated that they have been able to close this significant funding round. The business has scaled rapidly since launching in 2017 and we are excited that this investment will help Jason and his team to apply their technology to the treatment of additional health conditions and make a real difference.”

Jamie Andrews, Investor at Techstart Ventures said: “At Techstart Ventures we want to back really exciting early stage technology companies with expert founding teams. Over time some of these companies and teams can prove themselves to have true world class potential and persuade other more specialist funders to come alongside us. This financing round, led by IQ Capital, demonstrates Neurovalens are doing just that. We are again delighted to support the Neurovalens team as they enter an exciting new growth phase.”

Sony. Wireless Handy TV Speaker SRS-LSR200 is a fitting solution to fully enjoy TV audio even when away from the TV #Sony #Tv #Tech

Sony has announced the launch of a wireless handy TV speaker, the SRS-LSR200 in Europe, available to purchase from July in the United Kingdom, Germany, Austria and Switzerland and from September in the rest of Sony’s European markets.

With SRS-LSR200 you can take the sound of the TV with you to virtually anywhere in the house*1. With three integrated speakers that deliver clear, crisp and natural sound, and innovative Voice Zoom technology that makes dialogue clearer and easier to hear, you’ll not miss a moment with the Wireless Handy TV Speaker. The device takes the sound from the TV and plays it back to you in crystal clear clarity, so whether the TV is difficult to hear, or you want to enjoy watching TV with your family or friends without needing to turn the TV volume up to a high level, the SRS-LSR200 will help you hear better the action and dialogue on screen.

The new handy speaker from Sony is sturdy and portable. It has a convenient handle to carry it around the house so that you can enjoy crystal-clear sound in your place of choice. For extra comfort, it has an integrated remote control, allowing easy changing of channels and inputs, and works with major TV brands. SRS-LSR200 is also drip-proof, so if you plan on cooking and watching your favourite show, you don’t have to worry about damaging the speaker by splashing water on it.

Main features

 

Voice speaker that clearly reproduces a person’s voice

SRS-LSR200 has a dedicated centre voice speaker positioned between the left and right stereo speakers. It mainly outputs the sound frequencies of the voice and suppresses the influence from the left and right speakers

which minimizes distortion and allows the reproduction of a crisp and clear voice.

 

“Voice Zoom” function to reproduce a person’s voice clearly

SRS-LSR200 is equipped with a “Voice Zoom” function that detects the components of the human voice and makes it stand out. In addition to the normal stereo playback mode, it offers “Voice Zoom 1”, which brings voice to the front, and “Voice Zoom 2”, which emphasises high frequencies. You can switch between the modes easily using a designated button.

 

Passive radiators, realistically reproducing the lower register of the voice, mounted on the left and right sides of the device

By outputting the lower register of the voice from the left and right speakers and passive radiators, the voice sounds naturally and realistically.

Easy-to-use integrated TV remote control

SRS-LSR200 comes with an integrated remote to control the TV from a distance. In addition, Sony’s new handy speaker features a big volume dial and easy-to-read buttons and is drip-proof.

Easy charging

You can charge the speaker conveniently by simply placing it on the charging dock. A 3-hour charge allows a continuous use of the speaker for about 13 hours*4.

Intuitive and easy-to-understand set-up

Both the charging dock and the connecting cables are labelled with colour-coded numbers making the set-up truly effortless even if you’re not great with electronic equipment.

Stable wireless connectivity

The transmitter and speaker units are connected by 2.4 GHz wireless transmission one-to-one, for a low latency connection with high resistance to interference. Hear sound from the TV and the speaker simultaneously for a natural listening experience.

 

Pricing and availability

Sony’s wireless handy TV speaker SRS-LSR200 will go on sale in the UK and Ireland from July priced at £159 and €189.

How to Start Trading Cryptocurrency Online.

Even though the digital landscape as we currently know it is only a few decades old, the world of digital currency that is based on it is constantly changing. This is especially clear with the recent influx of popular cryptocurrencies that have debuted on the market, much to the delight of investors operating at different levels of expertise. Trading cryptocurrency online offers a unique set of advantages to those seeking their investment’s growth, thus explaining its increasing popularity. If you are interested in understanding more about how to trade cryptocurrency online, then the following primer should be of assistance.

Research

To begin exploring the vagaries of this particular market, you need to become more familiar with the different order types. While apps offered by broker services might help, you still need to understand the lingo and get the difference between what a limit order or market order is. If you trade on an exchange, you should also be well acquainted with the idea of slippage since, if done improperly, you run the risk of losing quite a bit of money.

Finally, remember that crypto markets lack the traditional liquidity in the same sense we apply it to other investments, so you will need to be careful when placing big orders on the market.

Tech Savvy

We should get this out of the way: trading cryptocurrency requires a degree of fluency with technology that is not for the faint of heart. So, if you are not familiar enough with technical know-how, then make sure to brush up on it now since it will take time. However, if you are excited about the prospect and already identify as something of a computer nerd, then the rest should be easy for you.

Managing Technology Risk

Much of the technology used to support the trading of cryptocurrency is new and thus retains a great deal of risk. If you live in Australia, for instance, and are interested to find out more, then research is necessary. Experts will tell you that you should first search for the best crypto exchange Australia based platform that will protect your online investment. There are still a few unknowns when trading at such a large scale, and both brokers and the software can be reactive in a shaky market. So, be mindful when securing the assistance of a broker and technological tool when trying to trade cryptocurrencies, and only seek out those that are vetted and have a track record of reliability.

The Blockchain

Cryptocurrencies are based on blockchain technology. However, there are major differences between quite a few. Some notes to consider when deciding on how to trade is the transaction processing speed, the supply currently available, and, perhaps most importantly, if there is a use for this currency in the real world, which will secure its value.

Not to put too fine a point on it, but make sure that the backers have a good reputation, and that the software or the currency itself is viable and makes sense.

While it is all based on fairly new technology, it engenders a great deal of hope. There are many benefits, provided that you do the proper research first, and look only at the reputable and verified avenues before settling in on the trading strategy.

 

Learn How to Improve Your Apple Watch Security. #AppleWatch #Security

In case you have an iPhone and still do not wear an Apple Watch, then it is almost true this gadget is at the top of your wish list. First released back in 2015, Apple Watch evolved from a gadget that deeply relied on pairing with your iPhone to an intelligent and autonomous IoT device.

The latest version of Apple Watch is widely used to stay informed of social messages, pay for goods, manage a smart home, track your workout, monitor your health, and do plenty of other awesome things. It delivers really a seamless user experience. 

At the same, it stores a lot of your private data. It is in your best interest to safeguard it from evil eyes. Your text messages, your credit card details for Apple Pay, and your emails are just a few examples of what needs to be protected.

Although most people do know that they need to protect this sensitive data, the overall awareness of the watchOS built-in security mechanisms is not as high. 

This post will bridge the gap by providing you important tips to be sure your personal data stays safe even in a worst-case scenario.

Passcode Lock

Setting up a passcode is the most effective way to avoid unauthorized access to your device and its data.

If you do not implement this mechanism from the start, you may do it at any later point:

  1. Open the Apple Watch app on your paired smartphone
  2. Go to My Watch
  3. Press Passcode

Your passcode must be at least four digits long. You can also set a much more secure variant by entering up to 10 digits.

This process can also be done on the Apple Watch:

  1. Click Settings
  2. Tap Passcode
  3. Click Turn Passcode On
  4. Enter your code

It is important that the Apple Watch passcode does not match the passcode set on your iPhone. This way you will steer away from a single point of failure.

You are not obliged to enter the passcode every time you unlock the Watch (as opposed to the Passcode Lock feature on iPhones.) Your watch comes with a Wrist Detection function that automatically locks it once you take it off. The device will ask for the passcode when you put it on or restart the gadget.

To make things even easier, there is also the Unlock with iPhone feature. It is available from the Watch app on your iPhone. Once this feature is enabled, the watch will unlock whenever you unlock the smartphone.

Data Self-Destruction

To give your security an extra boost, you may set the number of unsuccessful unlock attempts after which personal data gets deleted from the device. By default, there is a one-minute delay after incorrect passcodes are entered six times in a row.

Although setting the device to erase all data may be like a scorched-earth tactic, it can really save you if an evil-minded person puts his on your device. 

On the other hand, this could be a serious problem. You may forget the passcode and quickly exceed the limit of wrong login attempts. Only having a backup to restore your data can save you in this scenario. It is recommended to use the Erase Data function only after weighing up all the pros and cons.

Activation Lock

Sometimes Apple Watches get stolen, sometimes people simply misplace it. Any security mechanism enabled beforehand is really a cold comfort as you may never see your digital pal again. However, you can always prevent your data from being obtained by third parties. Activation Lock does the trick. It makes the smartwatch completely useless for anybody who finds or steals it. Please mind it requires watchOS 2 or above.

Once enabled, Activation Lock just “bricks” the device. No malefactor will be able to unpair it from your iPhone or pair it with his phone or deactivate the geolocation function (unless he knows your Apple ID and password.)

In case the Find My feature is enabled, Activation Lock turns on automatically. Just check it one more time to be sure it is up and running:

  1. Open the Watch app on your iPhone
  2. Go to My Watch
  3. Tap the “i” icon
  4. In case Find My is listed there – it means the feature enabled

The good side of this function is that it does not require an Internet connection.

Lost Mode

As mentioned above, the Find My iPhone option has got your Apple Watch covered so that you can find your lost device. It is strange now, but the first generation of Apple Watch did not have the GPS module. So, its whereabouts could not be determined this way.

Starting with Apple Watch Series 2, the gadget was equipped with the GPS module but still relied on its paired iPhone to be found.

Beginning with Series 3, Apple Watch boasts LTE connectivity and so users can benefit from Find My feature to locate it based on signals from nearby cell towers. You do not even need to use the iPhone to find the Apple Watch. This option is available on iCloud.com.

Find My option provides another feature called Lost Mode. It permits to specify a short message to be displayed on the screen of the Apple Watch. In case some kind people find it, they may read your email address or phone number and contact you. Lost Mode is also good as it blocks Apple Pay on your smartwatch.

Screen Notifications

With so much of our data being collected by online services these days, and so many phishing attacks, privacy becomes our top priority. Many of you may want to hide personal messages and notifications from curious friends or snoops. Thankfully, Notification Privacy is one more remarkable feature available on watchOS. To turn it on:

  • Go to the Watch app on your iPhone
  • Click My Watch
  • Go to Notifications
  • Slide the Notification Privacy toggle to the right

From now on, the Apple Watch will still let you know there is a new message, but no actual details will be shown on the screen. To see the actual message, just tap the alert.

Conclusion

Not only does Apple Watch help you be well-organized and stay connected at all times, but it also goes with quite a few security features that protect your personal data and privacy from various attacks targeting Apple devices. Although some people fail to apply these simple security mechanisms, it is never too late to do it and enjoy both security and convenience.

David Balaban is a computer security researcher with over 17 years of experience in malware analysis and antivirus software evaluation. David runs Privacy-PC.com and MacSecurity.net projects that present expert opinions on contemporary information security matters, including social engineering, malware, penetration testing, threat intelligence, online privacy, and white hat hacking. David has a strong malware troubleshooting background, with the recent focus on ransomware countermeasures. https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-balaban/