"Mr Branding" is a blog based on RSS for everything related to website branding and website design, it collects its posts from many sites in order to facilitate the updating to the latest technology.
To suggest any source, please contact me: Taha.baba@consultant.com
Saturday, July 12, 2025
Apple’s New Patent Hints at Voice Payments Without Unlocking Your iPhone, But It’s Not Without Risks
A newly filed patent, published under the code US2025/0225985A1, as spotted by MacObserver, lays out a system where locked Apple devices could accept voice commands for sensitive tasks. If you're connected to a verified accessory, such as AirPods or an Apple Watch, the device may allow certain actions to go through without needing Face ID or a passcode.
The system works by listening for natural voice requests like “send $50 to Joe,” then checking if the connected accessory meets several security standards. These include close physical range, recent authentication, encryption credentials, and a trusted pairing history. If everything lines up, the phone confirms and carries out the action while staying locked.
In place of a one-size-fits-all unlock method, Apple’s idea builds a layered structure. The device doesn’t just rely on the accessory being connected, it looks at how recently it was verified, how secure the link is, and how strong the signal remains. The system even factors in previous login activity to assess whether the request should be approved.
This kind of setup could reshape how people interact with their phones on the go. Whether you're paying at a drive-thru, sharing a document mid-meeting, or turning on smart lights from the hallway, Apple wants the interaction to feel quicker and more hands-free.
Still, some are already raising eyebrows. If someone else happens to be using your AirPods or standing close enough to trigger your device, there’s a risk they might issue a command in your place. Apple’s filing admits that multiple checks would be required to allow any command, but it doesn’t entirely erase the concern. It’s one of those cases where convenience might be walking a fine line with control.
The patent, spotted by Mac Observer, doesn’t confirm whether this feature will ever appear in real products. Apple files plenty of patents that never make it past the drawing board. But the direction is clear, the company is exploring ways to shrink the friction between users and their devices, one voice command at a time.
Notes: This post was edited/created using GenAI tools. Image: Miguel Hernández / Unsplash
Read next: How to Create and Refine an Offerwall Reward Ad in Google AdSense
by Irfan Ahmad via Digital Information World
Friday, July 11, 2025
How to Create and Refine an Offerwall Reward Ad in Google AdSense
- A live/active Google AdSense account
- Your site/blog pages tagged with the Google AdSense code
- A list of domains and URLs you want to include or exclude (and of course internet and a device in our case it is desktop/PC)
Why an Offerwall Reward Ad Deserves Your Attention
When a reader encounters an article they value, nothing kills momentum like a hard paywall. An Offerwall changes that moment. It offers an alternative path. A small panel appears. It explains that watching a short video grants temporary access. The visitor opts in, watches the clip/video, then carries on reading without spending a cent. That choice resonates. It feels fair. It feels human. You earn a premium ad CPM. The reader feels in control instead of blocked. Over time that goodwill turns into loyalty and repeat visits.
Getting Your Site Ready
Before you begin crafting your message, verify that your website/blog has this line of code installed:
<script async src="https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-XXXX" crossorigin="anonymous"></script>
Be sure to change the XXX with your site code that you can get in Google Adsense Ads section, more details here. Make sure it sits above the closing </head> tag. If the snippet is missing your Offerwall will never appear.
Step 1: Opening the Offerwall Builder
- Sign in to your AdSense dashboard.
- In the left menu click Privacy & messaging (or open this link).
- Scroll down (ideally at the end) and locate the card labeled “Offerwall.”
- If no message exists click Create. Otherwise click Manage, then Create message.
- In the name field enter something descriptive such as
Offerwall_July_Main.
That label helps later when you clone or experiment with variants.
Step 2: Selecting Sites and Setting Metering
After naming your message you see a Select sites button (in blue at the top right side). Clicking it reveals the domains your AdSense profile has verified. Check each domain and subdomain where you wish to run the Offerwall.
Below that lies the Metering section. Here you specify how many pageviews a visitor must accumulate before the Offerwall appears. Three or Four views often feels natural. You can adjust it up or down depending on your content length and user patience.
- A lower threshold (two pageviews) prompts visitors early.
- A higher threshold (six or eight) gathers more article samples before asking them to watch.
Once a reader completes an offer their count resets thirty days. Excluded pages never count toward the threshold.
- Also read: How Many People Visit a Website? These 6 Free Tools (With Paid Features) Can Help You Analyze That
Step 3: Defining Page Inclusions and Exclusions
After adding the site, you have full control over where your Offerwall appears (BTW, it is optional you can skip this part though):
-
To include specific pages
- Click Add page inclusion.
- Enter a path (for example
/premium/) or a full URL. - All pages under that path will be eligible once the meter triggers.
-
To exclude pages
- Click Add page exclusion.
- Enter the exact URL or path (for instance
/about-us). - Those pages will never show an Offerwall, regardless of threshold.
Remember that exclusions override inclusions. If a URL appears in both lists the Offerwall will skip it.
Step 4: Configuring User Choice Options
Scrolling past metering brings you to User choices. Each choice maps to a reward path.
You'll notice a toggle Rewarded ad to On, under this, click the Manage button. A small panel appears with these elements:
- Copy reminder: A note prompts you to confirm that the text in your Offerwall matches the access period you plan to grant.
- Entitlement selector: Here you enter a number and pick one of four units, hours, days, weeks, or page views, to define how much access a visitor earns after watching the ad.
Step 5: Crafting Headline and Body Copy
Now in the styling tab you find headline and body copy fields. A human‑style approach works best:
- Headline
- Body
The default template for messaging is like this:
"Unlock more content
Take action to continue accessing the content on this site
View a short ad
Site-wide access for 24 hours"
But you can edit it as per your preferences, for my 48 hours setting it will be like this:
"Welcome to digitalinformationworld.com
You've reached your article limit!
After 4 free pages, we ask readers to take action. Simply view a short ad for 48-hour access. Or support us with a voluntary donation by contacting us here https://ift.tt/HU8tsuh
View a short ad
Site-wide access for 48 hours"
Once you’ve verified your copy and chosen the entitlement, click Save (or Apply) to lock in your setting.
Step 6: Styling for a Seamless Experience
A prompt that looks foreign to your site feels intrusive. In the Styling tab:
-
Upload Logo
- Use a transparent PNG at least 200×50 pixels.
- Place it in the message header.
-
Set Fonts and Colors
- Match headline font to your site’s CSS.
- Choose button colors from your brand palette.
- Ensure high contrast for readability.
-
Validate in Preview
- Use the built‑in preview pane to step through each choice path.
- Check both desktop and mobile layouts.
- Adjust text lengths or margins until no buttons run off screen.
Your goal is a prompt that feels native to every page it appears on.
Step 7: Testing in the Wild
Before you roll out globally, test on a single URL:
- In Page inclusions restrict to one test page of your choice or you can simply apply to the whole website/blog.
- Publish the message by pressing the Publish Changes blue button on top right corner.
- Now, open a private or incognito window.
- Navigate to the test URL and other pages for 4 times (if you set it to 4), to trigger the pop up.
- Reload the page. The Offerwall should display immediately.
If it does not:
- Confirm the the Adsense snippet installed correctly.
- Disable any ad blocker or privacy extension.
- Verify your test URL matches the inclusion exactly.
Walk through each user choice. Make sure header text, body copy, logo and buttons match your settings.
Step 8: Publishing and Experimentation
Satisfied with testing? Remove the test‑only inclusion or expand your page list. Click Publish. Your Offerwall now runs on all targeted pages.
Return to Experiments to clone your live message. Tweak one variable at a time, perhaps copy, threshold, or entitlement. Run both variants for at least a week. Compare:
- Completion rate (how many visitors finish the video or choice)
- Bounce rate change
- Revenue per thousand impressions
Retain the variant that strikes the best balance between user satisfaction and revenue uplift. In my almost 15 days of testing the message popped up for over 300 viewers and it generated around $1 in that time period. But it can be different based on niche and location of users on your site.
Step 9: Handling Special Cases
- Unconsented Traffic
- Language Support
- Cookie Clearing
- Ad Blockers
Frequently Asked Questions
How many pageviews trigger the Offerwall?
Can I gate only specific articles?
What entitlements can I grant?
Does this work for unconsented users?
Note: This post was edited/created using GenAI tools.
Read next: How to Find Someone Using Just a Photo: 10 Best Reverse Image Search Tools (Ranked and Explained)
by Irfan Ahmad via Digital Information World
Can AI Stay Neutral? Grok’s Israel-Palestine Replies Raise Doubts
That’s not a one-off bug. Multiple tests show that Grok, in certain cases, opens X (formerly Twitter) and scans through Musk’s posts mentioning Israel, Palestine, Gaza, or Hamas before it replies. It’s not subtle either, the bot shows this process step-by-step in its reasoning trace.
Not Part of the Rules, But It Happens Anyway
There’s nothing in Grok’s system prompt that tells it to copy Musk. In fact, its instructions say it should collect a wide range of sources, avoid bias, and be willing to make tough claims if the evidence is solid. Even so, it keeps turning to Musk when the question feels politically risky, as spotted by Simon Willison.It probably doesn’t come as a surprise. The chatbot knows it was built by xAI, and it’s aware that Musk owns the company. At some point in its reasoning, Grok appears to take that connection as a subtle signal to lean more heavily on Musk’s views. Nothing in the system explicitly tells it to do that, yet the behavior keeps popping up.
Wording Changes the Outcome
My tests on Grok 3 (an older version) show Grok’s response often changes based on how the question is worded. For instance, one version of the prompt that began with “Who do you support” led to one-word replies like “Israel” or “Palestine”, but which one it picked seemed to depend on which country was named first. Flip the order, and the answer flipped too.In some runs, it replied with “Neither” and in others "Peace".
That inconsistency reveals a key limitation. Large language models aren’t fixed, they shift. The same prompt, typed the same way, doesn’t always lead to the same result. Timing matters. So do the words you use. And sometimes, Grok searches its own previous answers as a guide.
More Than Just a Technical Quirk
At first glance, this might seem like a harmless glitch, but it cuts deeper. If an AI gives answers based on phrasing order, timing, or what its owner thinks, users can walk away with the wrong idea. It might sound neutral on the surface, but the logic under the hood isn’t always so balanced.What’s more, it can reinforce a filter bubble. A user might assume they’re getting an unbiased take, but if the model echoes their phrasing or leans into past behavior, it risks repeating the same views back at them.
A Reminder About Limits
No chatbot today is truly neutral, and Grok is no exception. Whether it’s drawing from Musk’s posts or just reacting to the structure of a question, it shows how AI tools can mirror both their training and their environment.That doesn’t mean Grok is broken. But it does mean people should take its answers with a grain of salt, especially when the question touches on real-world conflicts. Chatbots are fast, clever, and helpful in many ways. But when it comes to thorny topics, they don’t always think like people, even if they sound like they do.
Read next: YouTube Drops Its Trending Page, Leans Into Niche Charts Instead
by Irfan Ahmad via Digital Information World
YouTube Drops Its Trending Page, Leans Into Niche Charts Instead
The change isn’t sudden. For years, YouTube has been nudging users toward personalized feeds, search results, and algorithm-driven suggestions. The old Trending list, which launched in 2015, simply isn’t pulling its weight anymore. What once showed a handful of viral hits now feels out of step with the way viewers actually browse.
In place of the outgoing section, YouTube is rolling out topic-based charts. These will highlight popular content in specific areas like music, podcasts, and movie trailers. More categories are expected down the line. Gaming fans, however, will still find trending clips on the dedicated Gaming Explore page.
This shift reflects broader changes in the platform’s structure. With Shorts, comments, Communities, and tailored feeds doing most of the heavy lifting, a one-size-fits-all list doesn’t make much sense. People don’t stumble on what’s popular the way they used to, now, they’re guided to it by patterns in what they’ve already watched.
Behind the scenes, YouTube’s recommendation system remains the real engine. It quietly steers viewers toward videos they’re likely to 'engage with', keeping interactions up and watch time strong. That system, however, isn’t changing altogether, as users will still get suggestions based on their viewing habits, and those who prefer to browse manually can head to the Explore tab, check their subscriptions, or scroll through channels directly.
Unfortunately, this feature isn't currently available in Pakistan, as confirmed by tests conducted by the Digital Information World team. Searching even manually for https://charts.youtube.com/pk or https://charts.youtube.com/pakistan leads to Indian channels and artists (and other foreign videos).
For creators, there are still tools to catch the wave of rising trends. YouTube Studio’s Inspiration tab stays in play. A feature called Hype, still in beta, is also being tested to spotlight newer uploads. Meanwhile, the platform will keep giving shoutouts to fresh faces through its Music Explore section and social media channels.
In short, YouTube is tightening its focus. Instead of chasing one big trend, it’s doubling down on categories and algorithms. That might not please everyone, especially those who liked seeing what was taking off across the board, but it’s in line with where digital platforms are heading. These days, it’s less about what’s hot for everyone and more about what keeps each person watching.
Read next: Millionaires Are Moving Again in 2025, and the Money’s Going with Them
by Irfan Ahmad via Digital Information World
Thursday, July 10, 2025
Millionaires Are Moving Again in 2025, and the Money’s Going with Them
UAE and U.S. Lead in New Wealth
The United Arab Emirates is set to take in nearly 10,000 millionaires this year. The total value of their assets is expected to land around $63 billion. The country’s appeal isn’t hard to figure out. There’s no income tax, business conditions are favorable, and life there checks the boxes for those who can afford it.The United States comes next. About 7,500 millionaires are expected to move in, carrying roughly $44 billion in wealth. For many, the U.S. still offers strong legal protections and more financial options than most places.
Italy is also picking up momentum. It’s set to gain more than 3,000 millionaires this year, thanks in part to flat-tax programs. Portugal, Greece, and Switzerland are seeing steady inflows too. Portugal, for instance, has drawn attention through residency incentives tied to investment in cultural projects or research.
Saudi Arabia and Singapore are climbing the ranks as well. Both offer relative stability, and they’ve made it easier for wealth to settle in. Others, like Canada and Australia, aren’t pulling in massive numbers but still attract a regular stream of high-net-worth migrants.
Smaller countries haven’t been left out. Malta, Thailand, Panama, and even Montenegro are seeing some movement. The numbers are lower, but for governments trying to boost investment, every newcomer counts.
UK Tops the List for Millionaire Losses
The United Kingdom is losing more wealthy residents than any other country this year. Nearly 16,500 millionaires are expected to leave. The total wealth in play sits close to $92 billion. Higher taxes and shaky investor confidence are driving some to look for steadier ground.China isn’t far behind. Around 7,800 millionaires are projected to exit, taking with them about $56 billion. India ranks third, with 3,500 expected departures and $26 billion in assets on the move.
Other countries on the outflow list include Brazil, Russia, and South Korea. Germany, France, and Spain are seeing hundreds leave, though the value of their exits still adds up. Countries like Vietnam and South Africa are also losing affluent individuals, and while the absolute numbers may be smaller, the long-term impact can be harder to replace.
New Patterns Are Forming
Wealth tends to follow steady ground. Places with clear laws, lighter tax systems, and dependable institutions are where it ends up. That’s one reason small territories like Monaco or the Cayman Islands keep pulling in extremely wealthy residents. They don’t bring in large crowds, but the money they carry in is hard to ignore.Governments in other regions have started tweaking their policies. Some are reworking visa rules or easing tax rules to hold onto capital. These efforts help, but they tend to work better when backed by consistent planning over time.
Meanwhile, wealthy individuals are approaching relocation with more caution. Financial surveillance is getting smarter, and moving funds isn’t as simple as it once was. What used to be a quiet transfer now involves paperwork, flags, and checks. Every step comes with a cost or a delay.
That hasn’t stopped the broader shift. Many are still relocating, not because they want to move, but because they feel they have to. When they leave, their businesses and investment habits usually follow.
| Country | Millionaire Migration | Estimated Wealth of Migrating Millionaires (USD Billion) |
|---|---|---|
| UAE | 9,800 | 63 |
| U.S. | 7,500 | 43.7 |
| Italy | 3,600 | 20.7 |
| Switzerland | 3,000 | 16.8 |
| Saudi Arabia | 2,400 | 18.4 |
| Singapore | 1,600 | 8.9 |
| Portugal | 1,400 | 8.1 |
| Greece | 1,200 | 7.7 |
| Canada | 1,000 | 5.7 |
| Australia | 1,000 | 5.6 |
| Hong Kong | 800 | 5.3 |
| Japan | 600 | 3.1 |
| Malta | 500 | 4.3 |
| Thailand | 450 | 4.2 |
| Costa Rica | 350 | 2.8 |
| Panama | 300 | 2.4 |
| Cyprus | 250 | 2.6 |
| Monaco | 200 | 11 |
| Cayman Islands | 200 | 3.7 |
| New Zealand | 150 | 0.9 |
| Montenegro | 150 | 1.6 |
| Netherlands | 100 | 0.6 |
| Latvia | 100 | 0.6 |
| Morocco | 100 | 0.9 |
| Mauritius | 100 | 0.5 |
| Austria | 50 | 0.3 |
| Croatia | 50 | 0.4 |
| Bermuda | 50 | 1 |
| Belgium | 50 | 0.3 |
| Hungary | 50 | 0.3 |
| Seychelles | 50 | 1 |
| Sweden | -50 | 0.4 |
| Philippines | -50 | 0.6 |
| Angola | -50 | 0.3 |
| Türkiye | -100 | 0.8 |
| Taiwan | -100 | 0.7 |
| Ireland | -100 | 0.6 |
| Argentina | -100 | 0.7 |
| Pakistan | -100 | 0.5 |
| Egypt | -100 | 0.8 |
| Norway | -150 | 1 |
| Mexico | -150 | 1 |
| Colombia | -150 | 1 |
| Lebanon | -200 | 2.8 |
| Iran | -200 | 1.5 |
| Nigeria | -200 | 1.5 |
| Indonesia | -250 | 3 |
| South Africa | -250 | 1.6 |
| Vietnam | -300 | 2.8 |
| Israel | -350 | 2.5 |
| Germany | -400 | 2.2 |
| Spain | -500 | 3.1 |
| France | -800 | 4.4 |
| Brazil | -1,200 | 8.4 |
| Russia | -1,500 | 14.7 |
| S. Korea | -2,400 | 15.2 |
| India | -3,500 | 26.2 |
| China | -7,800 | 55.9 |
| UK | -16,500 | 91.8 |
H/T: Henleyglobal.
Note: This post was edited/created using GenAI tools.
Read next:
• Digital Platforms Where Users Are Confused by Text Abbreviations the Most
• Which Tech Companies Make the Most Money per Employee?
by Irfan Ahmad via Digital Information World
Instagram Users Face Account Bans Over False Child Safety Flags
These bans, according to firsthand reports compiled by BBC News, are happening without warning, explanation, or any clear path to appeal. The platform, owned by Meta, appears to be relying heavily on automated systems. And when those systems misfire, people’s digital lives vanish, sometimes for weeks.
One user, a man based in Aberdeen, lost access not only to Instagram, but to Facebook and Messenger as well. Ten years of memories, wiped out. He says he appealed immediately, but heard nothing. His account only came back after the BBC contacted Meta on his behalf.
Another user, a young creative in London, was building a small but growing career off his Instagram work. One day it’s there, the next it’s gone. They described the experience as isolating and emotionally draining, not just because of the lost content, but because of the weight of the accusation. These bans relate to policies around child sexual exploitation. Getting caught in that net, even by mistake, can feel like being labeled without trial.
Meta hasn’t said much. In fact, they declined to comment when asked about these cases. But in South Korea, one official claimed that Meta did acknowledge wrongful bans could be happening. That’s a rare admission from a company usually guarded when it comes to moderation issues.
It’s hard to know what exactly is going wrong. Researchers think it might have something to do with recent tweaks to Meta’s guidelines. Or maybe the AI just isn’t smart enough to understand context. Whatever the cause, it’s clear that mistakes are being made, and ordinary users are paying the price.
The thing is, these systems weren’t supposed to work like this. Meta says it uses a mix of human and machine review. When a violation is flagged (real or not) they claim it gets reported to a child safety center in the U.S. From there, law enforcement can get involved.
But if the AI flags the wrong person, and the appeal system is just a black hole, how would anyone even clear their name? That’s where the fear comes in. The bans aren’t just temporary inconveniences — they’re reputational landmines.
In Islamic ethics, there’s a clear warning against suspicion without evidence. You don’t accuse without proof. Justice, in that framework, requires process and mercy, not automation and silence.
The Bigger Problem in the Industry
What’s happening at Instagram isn’t isolated. Other platforms are going the same route, using algorithms to spot rule-breakers at scale. TikTok, YouTube, even X (what used to be Twitter) are leaning into automation. It’s faster, sure. But it’s also riskier.
False positives are becoming more common. People are getting flagged for jokes, drawings, even misunderstood posts. And when it happens, there’s often no person on the other side, just forms, auto-replies, and the sinking feeling that no one’s really listening.
That’s the cost of scale. These platforms are too big for their own moderation teams. So they let machines take the wheel. And when those machines get it wrong, it can take media pressure, not just a simple appeal, to fix the damage.
The digital world is moving fast. But that doesn’t excuse what feels like procedural neglect. Safety matters, absolutely. But so does fairness. And the more these systems decide what’s right or wrong on their own, the more people fall through the cracks.
Maybe it’s time these platforms remembered they’re dealing with human beings, not just data points.
Notes: This post was edited/created using GenAI tools. Image: DIW-Aigen.
Read next: YouTube Tightens Monetization Rules as AI Spam Floods the Platform
by Irfan Ahmad via Digital Information World
Bitchat’s Big Claims Meet Harsh Reality After Early Security Flaws Surface
Bitchat was pitched as something different, decentralized, encrypted, and outside the reach of traditional servers. Its white paper made it clear: this app was supposed to put security first. But it didn’t take long for cracks to show.
Within days, a warning appeared on Bitchat’s GitHub page. It stated plainly that the app hadn’t gone through outside security review, and users were urged not to depend on it yet. That notice wasn’t there when the app first dropped, which raised a few eyebrows. By midweek, the listing also carried a quiet note: “Work in progress.”
Then things took another turn. A security researcher, Alex Radocea, dug into the code and found a major issue. According to him, someone could pose as a trusted contact inside the app, tricking people into believing they were talking to someone familiar. He documented how the app’s verification feature, meant to confirm identities between users, could be manipulated. He posted his concerns publicly.
- Also read: Researchers Warn: This Android Animation Glitch Lets Apps Spy, Snap, and Steal... Undetected
More developers chimed in. One said the app’s claim of supporting “forward secrecy” might not hold up. That’s a cryptographic technique meant to keep old messages safe even if someone manages to steal a key later. Another person pointed out a potential buffer overflow problem, a type of bug that could allow someone to push past memory boundaries and access data they shouldn’t.
Radocea didn’t mince words. He warned that apps like this shouldn’t be treated as secure just because the branding says so. In situations where privacy can mean the difference between safety and danger, a false sense of security might do more harm than good.
For now, Bitchat is still available as an open-source project. It’s live, editable, and clearly unfinished. No official response has come from Dorsey himself, and the app continues to carry its caution label.
The idea behind Bitchat might be promising. But as things stand, the execution needs more work, and a lot more eyes on the code, before anyone should bet their safety on it.
Note: This post was edited/created using GenAI tools.
Read next: Brands Face Generational Shift as Consumers Demand Personalized Content, Prefer Short-Form Videos and Emojis
by Irfan Ahmad via Digital Information World











