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Hindustan Times
10-06-2025
- General
- Hindustan Times
AI courses for free: Check out 5 free courses by SWAYAM on AI
By Papri Chanda Published Jun 10, 2025 Hindustan Times Education Photo Credit: Unsplash Unlock Now
Tom's Guide
08-06-2025
- Tom's Guide
5 Android settings you need to turn off right now because they're a huge security risk
One of the main reasons that people choose an Android smartphone over an iOS one, is the ability to customize and adjust every aspect of their device. From personalizing themes and icons to modifying aspects of the software, Android provides a vastly different landscape in which to play. So why then are so many of the security settings left on risky default modes? There are plenty of ways you can adjust and toggle your device, but one of the first ways you should familiarize yourself with your Android phone is to know how to lock down all the security features so that you can make sure that you are best protected. From checking out some of the best Android antivirus apps to knowing which settings need to be immediately shut off, it's up to you to make sure you're practicing good cybersecurity hygiene. Ideally, you're checking what permissions each app is asking for when you downloading them to see if it's reasonable and safe. After all, there's no reason for a Scrabble app to need access to your photos, or for a word processing app to require all your call logs, your location and your contact information. With the number of data breaches that occur, handing out more personal information than is necessary to apps is just waiting for identity theft to happen. To manage the permission of the apps that are on your phone, head over to Settings, then tap on Privacy, next Permission Manager. Select a permission type, tap an application then tap 'Don't allow' if you would like to remove the permission from the app. However, if you just don't want it to collect unnecessary data when the app is closed, you can choose 'Allow only while using the app.' Extend Unlock (formerly called Smart Lock) is a feature that allows you to keep your device unlocked when at home or near to a trusted device, which is convenient. However, it's also risky since it means it could also allow unauthorized access to your device if someone else were to pick up your phone. Turning this feature off doesn't (usually) add a huge amount of hassle to your experience, and it could make it harder for another member of your household to make an unapproved purchase on your device. Just go to Settings, then Security & Privacy, then select More Security & Privacy and tap Extend Unlock. Turn off three features: On Body Detected, Trusted Places and Trusted Devices. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. While seeing notifications on the lock screen can be handy, it can also be a huge security risk if those notifications reveal personal information like banking details, medical appointments, emails or sensitive work details that shouldn't be shared. Fortunately, those notifications can all be toggled off at any time, for any app. Simply head back to the Settings menu, then Notifications, choose Notifications on Lock Screen, then 'Hide silent conversations and notifications.' Then you can select 'Do not show any notifications' for any apps that you don't want to see alerts for. Of all the permissions, the one to be most strict about will be your location and personalized location. That's because your phone is always using your location and tracking your current position in order to provide that data to the apps that need it (maps or delivery services are good examples). However, because your phone also keeps a log about everywhere you go, you should make sure that apps that don't need that data (Duolingo or Pinterest perhaps), don't have access to it. Turn off location for apps that don't need it, and if an app does need it, only turn it on when using the app. Go to Settings, Location, Location Services, Tap on Google Locations History and then turn it off or you can opt to have it auto delete after a set period of time. Unless you're one of the very rare people who are thinking "you know what I need in my life? More ads!" then it's probably safe to assume that you are ready to turn off or block some of the ads on your phone. You don't need them personalized, you need them gone. Open Settings, then go to Google, next click on Ads and tap your Google Account. From there, you should be able to click through to Data and Privacy, then Ad Settings and Ad Personalization where you can opt out. You don't need to make their job easier — trust me, ads will find you.
Yahoo
06-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
I was running out of cash and needed to make ends meet. My home equity agreement saved me.
Eileen Perry, 57, was unemployed and struggling to buy groceries and pay her bills. She turned to a company that gives homeowners cash in exchange for a share of the home's future sale price. Perry will owe thousands when she sells her home, but says the relief she has now makes it worth it. This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Eileen Perry, a 57-year-old from North Carolina. Perry entered a home equity agreement with the financial services company Unlock to access her home equity. This conversation has been edited for length and clarity. I'm originally from New Jersey, where I lived with my husband and my son. In 2023, my husband passed away suddenly from pancreatic cancer. He left me well-off enough that I was able to buy a home in North Carolina for $260,000 outright, in cash. Unfortunately, timing is everything. I had an on-the-job injury; I broke my back, and I'm still suffering from back issues. I'm currently waiting for my permanent disability Social Security, so I have no income. My son, who lives with me — he's 27 — is also disabled and unable to work right now. So the two of us have no income. We've been in North Carolina for almost two years, and my sister has supported us. But I didn't want to keep relying on her. I knew I owned 100% of my home's equity and thought, "Maybe there's something I can do with this." I tried to get a home equity loan, or a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC). But because I have no income, and had fallen behind on all my credit cards and bills, my credit score took a major dive. I couldn't qualify. I even tried to get a loan with a cosigner, but my application was denied. It felt like everyone was closing a door in my face, but I still thought, "There has to be someone out there who can help me." I was scouring the internet when a home equity company, Unlock, popped up. I started researching home equity agreements and thought it could be a perfect fit for me. Unlock's home equity agreement (HEA) is different from a loan, HELOC, or reverse mortgage, which typically has an age requirement. Instead of owning the deed or title to a home, they place a lien on the property. Homeowners access their equity by receiving an investment payment from Unlock. In exchange, the company receives a percentage of the home's value. There are no monthly payments, and homeowners can buy out their agreement at any point within 10 years, either with partial payments or all at once. For many homeowners, the equity buy-back happens when they sell their home. To qualify for an agreement, I needed a valid ID, proof of ownership of my home, and a credit score of at least 500, which was great for me. I also needed current and up-to-date homeowner's insurance. My $45,000 home equity agreement became effective in September 2024. After paying $2,205 to Unlock for an origination fee, $340 for the home's appraisal, and $720 for settlement costs, I received $41,735 in October for my first HEA. In May 2025, I needed more funds for day-to-day expenses, so I canceled the original HEA balance and replaced it with a new HEA agreement totaling $93,500. My funds have paid off outstanding property taxes and other bills I wouldn't have been able to cover. They also helped us afford everyday expenses like groceries and gas. I finally have peace of mind and can sleep at night. It's been almost two years since my husband passed away. There were days when I didn't know how my son and I were going to eat, whether we would be sitting in the dark, or where we were going to live. Having a home equity agreement has truly been a gift — call it divine intervention. I'm now selling my house to move back to New Jersey. Of course, certain things are required to put your home on the market or pass inspection, like having an air conditioning system and bathrooms with good plumbing. In February, the plumbing in my house went out completely. I had no shower or toilet for almost two months. The bathrooms had to be completely remodeled because of severe water damage. The influx of money helped me pay for a new line when my homeowner's insurance wouldn't cover it. That line alone cost nearly $6,000, just for the plumbing. Without the money from the home equity agreement, I doubt I'd be able to sell my home. In May, my home was appraised at $290,000. Since I received a $93,500 investment — about 32.24% of the home's value — if I sell this month, I'd owe about $94,000 of my home's equity. Initially, my friends and family were hesitant about me taking on a home equity agreement because they feared I might get a much higher interest rate, or they were concerned about how I was going to pay the money back. But I knew I wasn't going to be staying in North Carolina forever, and putting my house on the market was going to be the next option. I didn't think getting an HEA agreement would be a problem because I would have a profit left over after I sold my home. This experience has been life-changing. Unlock was not involved in the writing of this story. The views contained within represent the author's personal views. Read the original article on Business Insider Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Business Insider
06-06-2025
- Business
- Business Insider
I was running out of cash and needed to make ends meet. My home equity agreement saved me.
This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Eileen Perry, a 57-year-old from North Carolina. Perry entered a home equity agreement with the financial services company Unlock to access her home equity. This conversation has been edited for length and clarity. I'm originally from New Jersey, where I lived with my husband and my son. In 2023, my husband passed away suddenly from pancreatic cancer. He left me well-off enough that I was able to buy a home in North Carolina for $260,000 outright, in cash. Unfortunately, timing is everything. I had an on-the-job injury; I broke my back, and I'm still suffering from back issues. I'm currently waiting for my permanent disability Social Security, so I have no income. My son, who lives with me — he's 27 — is also disabled and unable to work right now. So the two of us have no income. We've been in North Carolina for almost two years, and my sister has supported us. But I didn't want to keep relying on her. I knew I owned 100% of my home's equity and thought, "Maybe there's something I can do with this." I tried to get a home equity loan, or a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC). But because I have no income, and had fallen behind on all my credit cards and bills, my credit score took a major dive. I couldn't qualify. I even tried to get a loan with a cosigner, but my application was denied. It felt like everyone was closing a door in my face, but I still thought, "There has to be someone out there who can help me." An HEA was the right solution for me I was scouring the internet when a home equity company, Unlock, popped up. I started researching home equity agreements and thought it could be a perfect fit for me. Unlock's home equity agreement (HEA) is different from a loan, HELOC, or reverse mortgage, which typically has an age requirement. Instead of owning the deed or title to a home, they place a lien on the property. Homeowners access their equity by receiving an investment payment from Unlock. In exchange, the company receives a percentage of the home's value. There are no monthly payments, and homeowners can buy out their agreement at any point within 10 years, either with partial payments or all at once. For many homeowners, the equity buy-back happens when they sell their home. To qualify for an agreement, I needed a valid ID, proof of ownership of my home, and a credit score of at least 500, which was great for me. I also needed current and up-to-date homeowner's insurance. My $45,000 home equity agreement became effective in September 2024. After paying $2,205 to Unlock for an origination fee, $340 for the home's appraisal, and $720 for settlement costs, I received $41,735 in October for my first HEA. In May 2025, I needed more funds for day-to-day expenses, so I canceled the original HEA balance and replaced it with a new HEA agreement totaling $93,500. My funds have paid off outstanding property taxes and other bills I wouldn't have been able to cover. They also helped us afford everyday expenses like groceries and gas. I finally have peace of mind and can sleep at night. An HEA has changed my life for the better It's been almost two years since my husband passed away. There were days when I didn't know how my son and I were going to eat, whether we would be sitting in the dark, or where we were going to live. Having a home equity agreement has truly been a gift — call it divine intervention. I'm now selling my house to move back to New Jersey. Of course, certain things are required to put your home on the market or pass inspection, like having an air conditioning system and bathrooms with good plumbing. In February, the plumbing in my house went out completely. I had no shower or toilet for almost two months. The bathrooms had to be completely remodeled because of severe water damage. The influx of money helped me pay for a new line when my homeowner's insurance wouldn't cover it. That line alone cost nearly $6,000, just for the plumbing. Without the money from the home equity agreement, I doubt I'd be able to sell my home. In May, my home was appraised at $290,000. Since I received a $93,500 investment — about 32.24% of the home's value — if I sell this month, I'd owe about $94,000 of my home's equity. Initially, my friends and family were hesitant about me taking on a home equity agreement because they feared I might get a much higher interest rate, or they were concerned about how I was going to pay the money back. But I knew I wasn't going to be staying in North Carolina forever, and putting my house on the market was going to be the next option. I didn't think getting an HEA agreement would be a problem because I would have a profit left over after I sold my home. This experience has been life-changing.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Quantum Sensors Market to Hit USD 839 Million by 2031
BANGALORE, India, May 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Quantum Sensors Market is Segmented by Type (Atomic Clock, Gravity Sensor, Magnetic Sensor, Rotation Sensors, Imaging Sensors, Temperature Sensors), by Application (Defense, Oil & Gas, Transportation, Construction, Medical & Healthcare, IT & Telecommunication, Agriculture). The Global Quantum Sensors Market is projected to grow from USD 506 Million in 2024 to USD 839 Million by 2031, at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 7.6% during the forecast period. Claim Your Free Report: Major Factors Driving the Growth of Quantum Sensors Market: The quantum sensors market is expanding steadily as industries seek superior measurement, navigation, and detection capabilities. The convergence of technological miniaturization, rising investment, and real-world applications is accelerating commercialization. Key sectors such as defense, healthcare, aerospace, and infrastructure monitoring are integrating quantum sensors into their operational systems. The ecosystem is also maturing, with startups, academic institutions, and large corporations collectively shaping innovation. Growing awareness about quantum advantages and supportive regulatory environments further aid adoption. As barriers to cost and complexity reduce, quantum sensors are poised to move beyond niche applications into mainstream industrial and consumer markets, marking a transformative shift in precision sensing. Unlock Insights: View Full Report Now! TRENDS INFLUENCING THE GROWTH OF THE QUANTUM SENSORS MARKET: Magnetic sensors are a critical segment driving the growth of the quantum sensors market due to their unmatched sensitivity in detecting minute magnetic fields. Quantum magnetic sensors, particularly those based on nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers in diamonds or superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUIDs), offer significantly enhanced accuracy compared to traditional sensors. Their applications in medical imaging, such as magnetoencephalography (MEG), enable high-resolution brain activity mapping, fostering adoption in the healthcare sector. Additionally, they are increasingly used in geophysical surveys and mineral exploration where ultra-precise magnetic readings are required. As industries prioritize precise diagnostics and non-invasive techniques, the demand for quantum-based magnetic sensing grows, propelling market expansion in both research and commercial applications. Atomic clocks are a foundational application of quantum sensors, driving substantial market growth due to their unparalleled accuracy in timekeeping. These clocks, based on quantum transitions in atoms like cesium and rubidium, offer stability required for critical infrastructures such as GPS, telecommunications, and high-frequency trading. The need for enhanced synchronization across global networks has heightened demand for compact and portable atomic clocks. In defense and aerospace sectors, atomic clocks support advanced navigation systems, especially where satellite signals are inaccessible. Ongoing advancements in chip-scale atomic clock (CSAC) technology are making precise timekeeping more accessible, fueling commercial adoption. Their role in enabling robust and reliable digital systems underpins the broader expansion of the quantum sensor market. The defense sector is a major force driving the growth of the quantum sensors market due to its increasing need for precise navigation, communication, and surveillance capabilities. Quantum sensors are being deployed in inertial navigation systems for submarines, aircraft, and spacecraft, offering accurate location tracking even without GPS. Additionally, they are vital for detecting stealth objects and submarines using gravitational and magnetic field anomalies. Governments are heavily investing in defense research and development to incorporate quantum technologies into military applications, driving commercialization efforts. Collaborations between defense agencies and tech companies are accelerating innovation and deployment. This strong institutional backing and critical application scope make defense a key contributor to quantum sensor market growth. One of the primary drivers of the quantum sensors market is the rising demand for highly accurate measurement tools across industries. Traditional sensors often fall short in extreme or sensitive environments, whereas quantum sensors offer ultra-precise detection of changes in magnetic fields, gravity, time, and acceleration. Industries such as geophysics, aerospace, and navigation require these levels of precision for mapping underground structures, monitoring seismic activity, or guiding autonomous vehicles. As these sectors grow in complexity and scale, the need for precision instruments intensifies, pushing demand for quantum sensors that can operate beyond the capabilities of classical technologies. This demand is fueling research, investment, and commercial interest in quantum sensing solutions. Government and private sector investments in quantum technologies are significantly boosting the quantum sensors market. Countries like the U.S., China, Germany, and the U.K. are launching national quantum initiatives to develop and commercialize quantum-based solutions. These investments are not only funding academic and industrial R&D but are also facilitating collaborations between universities and enterprises. The result is a pipeline of innovations in quantum sensors, including miniaturized devices, improved stability, and increased portability. As funding becomes more widespread, barriers to entry are lowering, allowing startups and smaller firms to enter the quantum technology landscape. This influx of capital and innovation is accelerating product development and market penetration. Space exploration and satellite technology are emerging frontiers for quantum sensors, contributing to market growth. Quantum sensors are being used to measure gravitational variations, detect mineral deposits, and monitor environmental changes from space with unprecedented accuracy. They enable mapping of Earth's gravitational field, essential for understanding tectonic activity and sea-level rise. Additionally, quantum gyroscopes and accelerometers help in autonomous navigation of satellites and spacecraft without reliance on external signals. Space agencies and private space companies are investing in these technologies to enhance mission safety and data accuracy. As space missions become more complex and data-driven, the need for quantum sensors in orbital applications will continue to expand. Quantum sensors are playing a pivotal role in the advancement of autonomous systems and robotics, particularly in environments where GPS is unavailable or unreliable. Quantum inertial sensors provide precise movement and orientation data, making them valuable in self-driving vehicles, drones, and underwater autonomous systems. These sensors enable machines to navigate and respond to their surroundings with greater accuracy, enhancing safety and functionality. The global trend toward automation and robotics across logistics, defense, and manufacturing sectors creates a robust demand base for such cutting-edge sensor technologies. As autonomous solutions become mainstream, quantum sensors are expected to form an integral part of their sensor stacks, driving adoption. The ongoing trend of miniaturization in sensor technology is a significant growth driver for the quantum sensors market. Traditionally large and lab-bound, quantum sensors are now being engineered into compact, chip-scale devices suitable for integration into commercial and industrial systems. This evolution has made quantum sensors more accessible and practical for real-world use, especially in fields such as healthcare diagnostics, mobile communications, and wearable technologies. Portable quantum gravimeters, atomic clocks, and magnetometers are now being explored for field applications. Miniaturization also reduces costs and expands the scope of applications, helping quantum sensors move from research settings to commercial and consumer markets. Claim Yours Now! QUANTUM SENSORS MARKET SHARE North America dominates due to heavy investments in defense, space exploration, and quantum research, particularly from the U.S. Asia-Pacific is witnessing rapid growth driven by strong government support in China, Japan, and South Korea, along with rising demand from manufacturing and navigation sectors. Europe is a key contributor, with Germany and the U.K. spearheading R&D through public-private partnerships and EU-funded initiatives. Key Companies: Muquans SAS Microsemi Corp AOSense GWR Instruments Inc Oscilloquartz MSquared Lasers Ltd Cryogenic Limited Supracon AG Inquire for Discount: SUBSCRIPTION We have introduced a tailor-made subscription for our customers. Please leave a note in the Comment Section to know about our subscription plans. DISCOVER MORE INSIGHTS: EXPLORE SIMILAR REPORTS! PAR Quantum Sensors Market The global market for Spherical Underwater Quantum Sensor was valued at USD 121 Million in the year 2024 and is projected to reach a revised size of USD 172 Million by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 5.0% during the forecast period. Carbon Quantum Dots (CQD) Market Full Spectrum Quantum Sensors Market Underwater Quantum Sensors Market Quantum Dot Image Sensors Market The global market for Quantum System was valued at USD 28740 Million in the year 2024 and is projected to reach a revised size of USD 48430 Million by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 7.9% during the forecast period. Quantum Magnetometry Market The global market for Infrared Sensors was estimated to be worth USD 734.1 Million in 2023 and is forecast to a readjusted size of USD 1070.8 Million by 2030 with a CAGR of 5.4% during the forecast period 2024-2030. The global market for Cooled Infrared Sensors was estimated to be worth USD 215 Million in 2023 and is forecast to a readjusted size of USD 314.4 Million by 2030 with a CAGR of 5.5% during the forecast period 2024-2030. Quantum Cryptography Solutions market is projected to grow from USD 3824.8 Million in 2024 to USD 4811.7 Million by 2030, at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 3.9% during the forecast period. DISCOVER OUR VISION: VISIT ABOUT US! Valuates offers in-depth market insights into various industries. Our extensive report repository is constantly updated to meet your changing industry analysis needs. Our team of market analysts can help you select the best report covering your industry. We understand your niche region-specific requirements and that's why we offer customization of reports. With our customization in place, you can request for any particular information from a report that meets your market analysis needs. To achieve a consistent view of the market, data is gathered from various primary and secondary sources, at each step, data triangulation methodologies are applied to reduce deviance and find a consistent view of the market. Each sample we share contains a detailed research methodology employed to generate the report. Please also reach our sales team to get the complete list of our data sources. GET A FREE QUOTE Valuates Reportssales@ U.S. Toll-Free Call 1-(315)-215-3225WhatsApp: +91-9945648335Website: Logo: View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Valuates Reports Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
