The Asurion article outlines how to manage various Apple "intelligence" features, which personalize and improve user experience but also collect data. It explains how to disable Siri suggestions, location tracking for specific apps or entirely, personalized ads, sharing analytics with Apple, and features like Significant Locations and personalized recommendations in apps like Music and TV. The article emphasizes that disabling these features may impact the functionality of certain apps and services, and offers steps for both iPhone and Mac devices.
The Asurion article, "How to Turn Off Apple Intelligence," provides a comprehensive guide for users of Apple devices who wish to limit the amount of data Apple collects for the purposes of improving its products and services. The article focuses on several key areas where data collection occurs and details the steps necessary to disable or restrict this collection. It begins by explaining that "Apple Intelligence" is a broad term encompassing various data gathering processes, not a single, monolithic feature that can be toggled on or off. Therefore, managing data sharing requires adjusting several individual settings across different areas of the operating system.
The article carefully outlines how to manage "Personalized Recommendations," which leverage user data to suggest apps, music, and other content. It explains how to disable these recommendations within the App Store, Apple Music, Apple Books, Apple Podcasts, Apple TV, and for News notifications. The article provides specific instructions for each, including navigating to the relevant menus and toggling the appropriate switches. For instance, within the App Store, users can disable personalized recommendations by tapping on their profile icon, then selecting "Personalized Recommendations" and toggling the switch to the off position.
Furthermore, the article addresses "Location Services," a feature that allows Apple and third-party apps to access location data. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the various levels of location access, including "Never," "While Using the App," "Always," and "Ask Next Time." The article thoroughly explains how to adjust these settings for individual apps, allowing users to granularly control which apps have access to their location and under what circumstances. The authors also highlight the "System Services" section within Location Services, which allows users to manage location-based system features such as location-based alerts, significant locations, and sharing location with family members.
The article then delves into "Siri & Dictation," explaining how voice data is used to improve Siri's performance. It guides users through the process of disabling Siri and Dictation entirely, or alternatively, opting out of sharing audio recordings with Apple for review and improvement purposes. The steps involve navigating to the "Siri & Search" section within the device's settings and adjusting the relevant toggles.
"Usage & Diagnostics," another significant data collection area, is also covered in the article. This feature shares diagnostic and usage data with Apple to help identify and resolve issues. The article explains how to disable the automatic sharing of this data by navigating to the "Privacy & Security" settings, then to "Analytics & Improvements," and disabling "Share [Device] Analytics."
Finally, the article briefly touches upon "iCloud Analytics," which analyzes iCloud data to improve services like Siri and Photos. The article explains how to disable this feature for specific services, such as Photos, by navigating to the respective app's settings within iCloud.
In conclusion, the article serves as a detailed manual for users who want to take control of their data privacy on Apple devices. It meticulously outlines the various data collection points, provides step-by-step instructions for disabling or limiting data sharing, and emphasizes the importance of understanding the implications of each setting.
Summary of Comments ( 79 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43040507
HN commenters largely praise Umami's simplicity, self-hostability, and privacy focus as a welcome alternative to Google Analytics. Several users share their positive experiences using it, highlighting its ease of setup and lightweight resource usage. Some discuss the trade-offs compared to more feature-rich analytics platforms, acknowledging Umami's limitations in advanced analysis and segmentation. A few commenters express interest in specific features like custom event tracking and improved dashboarding. There's also discussion around alternative self-hosted analytics solutions like Plausible and Ackee, with comparisons to their respective features and performance. Overall, the sentiment is positive, with many users appreciating Umami's minimalist approach and alignment with privacy-conscious web analytics.
The Hacker News post discussing Umami, a privacy-focused alternative to Google Analytics, has generated a substantial number of comments, many of which explore various facets of the software and its potential benefits and drawbacks.
Several commenters praise Umami's simplicity and ease of use, particularly in comparison to the perceived complexity of Google Analytics. They appreciate its straightforward interface and the fact that it provides essential website analytics without requiring extensive configuration or technical expertise. The self-hosting aspect is also frequently mentioned as a positive, giving users full control over their data and eliminating reliance on third-party services.
Privacy is a recurring theme in the comments, with many users highlighting Umami's commitment to data privacy as a key differentiator. Some discuss the ethical implications of using Google Analytics and express concern about the potential for data misuse. Umami's focus on collecting only essential data and avoiding tracking individual users is seen as a significant advantage in this regard.
Performance is another area of discussion, with commenters noting Umami's speed and efficiency. Some share their experiences using Umami and report noticeable improvements in website performance compared to using Google Analytics. The lightweight nature of the software is credited for this improved performance.
However, not all comments are entirely positive. Some users point out limitations in Umami's functionality compared to Google Analytics, particularly regarding advanced features and reporting capabilities. The need for technical expertise to self-host Umami is also mentioned as a potential barrier for some users. While the simplicity of self-hosting is praised by some, others express a preference for a hosted solution or raise concerns about the ongoing maintenance required.
A few commenters also discuss alternatives to Umami, mentioning other open-source analytics tools like Plausible Analytics and Fathom Analytics. Comparisons are drawn between these different options, with users weighing the pros and cons of each. The conversation often revolves around features, pricing, ease of use, and privacy considerations.
Overall, the comments reflect a general interest in privacy-focused analytics solutions and a positive reception to Umami's approach. While some limitations are acknowledged, many commenters see Umami as a viable alternative to Google Analytics, particularly for users who prioritize privacy, simplicity, and performance. The discussion provides valuable insights into the needs and preferences of website owners and developers looking for analytics tools that align with their values.