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New iOS 17.5 Beta Lets EU iPhone Users Download Apps Directly From Websites

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With the second beta of iOS 17.5 that’s available today, iPhone users located in the European Union are able to download apps directly from the websites of Apple app developers without going through the App Store or an alternative app marketplace.

Apple EU iOS Changes Orange 1
Since March, Apple has been working on support for downloading apps from websites, and the feature is finally ready for testing. Apple started letting developers offer their apps through alternative app marketplaces in the EU in iOS 17.4, but the website option adds a new method for acquiring apps.

App developers that want to offer iOS apps from their websites in the European Union need to meet specific criteria to ensure the safety of ‌iPhone‌ users. Apps must undergo Apple’s Notarization process, and developers need to be a member of the Apple Developer Program for two continuous years or more.

Only apps that have had one million annual first installs or more on iOS in the EU in the prior year are eligible for download from a website. Developers that meet these terms will be able to use an API for web-based app downloads. Apps downloaded through the web using the API can be backed up, restored, and updated as standard apps can.

When an ‌iPhone‌ user in the EU visits a website to install an app, users will need to grant express permission for that developer to install apps to Settings. A system sheet will display the app name, developer name, app description, screenshots, and more.

Developers are only able to offer apps from their developer account, and are required to publish transparent data collection policies so users are aware of how data is collected and used. Apps distributed outside of the ‌App Store‌ need to provide customer support, refunds, and offer a way to manage apps.

While developers do not have to pay a cut of app sales to Apple for apps distributed through websites, there is a 0.50 euro Core Technology Fee for each annual install over one million in the past 12 months. The fee is waived for nonprofit organizations, accredited educational institutions, and government entities.

Downloading apps outside of the ‌App Store‌ is limited to ‌iPhone‌ users who are located in the European Union, and Apple has implemented these options to comply with the EU’s Digital Markets Act. The functionality is not available on the iPad, nor is it open to ‌iPhone‌ users in other countries.

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iOS 17.5 Lets EU iPhone Users Download Apps From Websites

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Apple today released the first beta of iOS 17.5 to developers, and as expected, the update introduces support for downloading apps from developer websites in the European Union.

Apple EU iOS Changes
In iOS 17.4, Apple began allowing developers to offer their apps through alternative app marketplaces in the European Union to comply with the Digital Markets Act. Apple initially intended for apps to only be available through these marketplaces, but in March, Apple said that it would in fact be adding support for downloading apps directly from websites.

To offer an app for download from a website in the European Union, developers need to meet specific criteria. Developers need to be a member of the Apple Developer Program for two continuous years or more and must have an app with more than one million first installs on iOS in the European Union in the prior year. Other requirements include submitting to Apple’s notarization process and publishing transparent data collection policies.

Apple will provide authorized developers with an API that allows them to offer their apps for download via the web. Apps downloaded this way will be able to be backed up, restored, updated, and more.

This is the first time that Apple has sanctioned downloading an app directly from a website. Support for this feature will allow apps like Spotify, Fortnite, and others to be downloaded directly on iPhones should the developers behind those apps opt in to Apple’s terms.

Apps offered through the web do not have to pay any commission to Apple, but they are subject to the 0.50 euro Core Technology Fee.

As with alternative app marketplaces, app downloads from the web are available in the European Union only under the terms of the DMA. Note that apps can only be downloaded this way on the iPhone as the changes do not apply to the iPad.

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Apple Announces Ability to Download iPhone Apps From Websites in EU

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Apple today announced three further changes for developers in the European Union, allowing them to distribute apps directly from webpages, choose how to design in-app promotions, and more.

Apple EU iOS Changes
Apple last week enabled alternative app stores in the EU in iOS 17.4, allowing third-party app stores to offer a catalog of other developers’ apps as well as the marketplace developer’s own apps. As of today, Apple is allowing third-party app stores to offer apps solely from their own catalog. For example, a games studio could create an app store on iOS that exclusively offers their own games.

When directing users to complete a transaction on their website, developers can also now choose how to design their in-app promotions, discounts, and deals. Apple’s templates for designing these links out to websites are optional as of today.

In addition, developers will soon be able to distribute apps directly from their websites, providing they meet Apple’s specific criteria, such as being a member of the Apple Developer Program for two continuous years or more and having an app with more than one million first installs on iOS in the EU in the prior year, and commit to ongoing requirements, such as publishing transparent data collection policies. Apps distributed in this way must meet Apple’s notarization requirements like all other iOS apps and can only be installed from a web domain registered in App Store Connect.

Authorized developers will gain access to APIs to facilitate app distribution from the web, integration with system functionality, back up and restore, and more. Web distribution will become available following a software update later in the spring – allowing app downloads directly from a website for the first time on iOS.

The latest changes are part of Apple’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) compliance plan and only apply within the European Union.

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Build custom WordPress websites using AI assistants

Build custom WordPress websites using AI assistants

The digital landscape is constantly evolving, and with it, the tools we use to create our online presence. In the realm of website design, a new player is stepping up to the plate, promising to make the process of building a WordPress site not just easier, but more intuitive and tailored than ever before. Zip is on the cusp of unveiling an artificial intelligence (AI) powered website builder that is poised to reshape the way we think about crafting our digital spaces.

This innovative tool is designed to streamline the process of creating custom websites. It’s built to understand your needs and preferences, starting with the basics like your site’s name and its intended purpose. From there, the AI kicks in, suggesting a smart site map that incorporates the pages and sections you’ve outlined. But this is just the beginning. The AI’s suggestions are meant to be a starting point, a springboard from which you can leap into the design process.

You’re not locked into the AI’s initial proposal. Instead, you have the freedom to tweak and rearrange pages and sections until they align with your vision. The beauty of this tool lies in its intuitive drag-and-drop interface, which does away with the need for intricate coding. This means you can shape your site’s structure with a few simple clicks, ensuring it reflects your brand and objectives.

How to build WordPress websites using AI

Welcome to the AI Revolution for website creation. Simply describe your idea, and watch as a WordPress website is built before your eyes. Harness the flexibility and extendibility of WordPress using Zip to finish with a robust, open-source and flexible foundation for your website.

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As you delve deeper into the design process, the AI remains by your side, aiding you in refining your layout. You can play around with different section layouts and regenerate content as needed. Once you’re satisfied with each page, bringing your custom WordPress website to life is just a click away.

But the customization doesn’t stop at structure. The tool also offers a wealth of options for personalizing the look and feel of your website. The Adaptive Design Library is at your disposal, offering a selection of template kits that adapt to your site’s overall style. You can choose from a variety of typography and color schemes to ensure your website is not only functional but also visually striking.

It’s worth noting that this tool is still under development. The team behind Zip is committed to refining the builder to ensure it lives up to the high standards of web professionals. They understand the importance of getting it right and are working diligently to deliver a product that meets your needs.

The introduction of Zip’s AI-powered custom website builder is set to make waves in the world of WordPress web design. It promises to offer a level of customization that puts the user in the driver’s seat, allowing for the creation of pages and content that truly reflect the individual’s style and requirements. With an easy-to-use structural customization interface and a comprehensive design library at your fingertips, this tool is looking to deliver a personalized web design experience like no other.

Building websites using AI – Beginners Guide

Building custom WordPress websites using AI involves leveraging artificial intelligence to streamline the design, content creation, and optimization process. This guide provides a structured approach to harnessing AI for building sophisticated, custom WordPress sites that cater to your specific needs.

1. Planning and Conceptualization

Define Your Objectives: Start by outlining your website’s purpose, target audience, and the actions you want visitors to take. This foundational step ensures the AI tools and features you choose align with your goals.

Research and Inspiration: Gather inspiration from existing websites and note features you want to incorporate. AI-powered design inspiration tools can help generate ideas based on your preferences and industry trends.

2. Choosing the Right AI Tools

AI Website Builders: Select an AI website builder that offers WordPress integration. These platforms use AI to suggest designs, layouts, and content based on your site’s goals. Examples include Wix ADI (Artificial Design Intelligence) and Elementor’s AI-powered design. Although if you have the skills you can also create your own workflows with a little Python programming and AI integration to enable you to quickly create the elements you need.  However this is more of a beginner’s guide.

Content Creation AI: For custom content, utilize AI writing tools like OpenAI’s GPT-3 for generating high-quality, relevant text. These tools can help draft web copy, blog posts, and even product descriptions.

AI Design Assistants: Use AI-powered design assistants for creating logos, graphics, and visual elements. These tools can generate unique designs based on your brand’s style and color preferences.

3. Building the Website

Setting Up WordPress:

  • Install WordPress on your hosting environment.
  • Choose a theme that supports extensive customization.

Customizing with AI:

  • Use your AI website builder to start the design process. Enter your website’s name, description, and follow the guided steps to choose layouts and elements.
  • For custom pages, use the AI tool to suggest layouts based on your content requirements. Adjust, add, or remove sections as needed.

Enhancing Content with AI:

  • Generate initial content drafts using an AI writing assistant. Refine the output to ensure it matches your brand’s voice and tone.
  • For images and graphics, leverage AI design tools to create or select imagery that complements your content.

4. Optimization and Enhancement

SEO Tools: Utilize AI-powered SEO tools to optimize your content for search engines. These tools can suggest keywords, meta descriptions, and other elements to improve your site’s visibility. You can even ask AI tools such as ChatGPT to help you write your Meta descriptions and other elements. Although when choosing your SEO keywords I recommend using tools such as ahrefs and SEMRush or similar

Performance Optimization: Use AI-driven plugins to analyze and enhance your website’s performance. These tools can suggest optimizations for faster loading times and better user experience.

5. Testing and Launching

User Testing: Before launching, conduct user testing to gather feedback on the website’s usability and design. AI tools can help analyze user behavior and suggest improvements.

Launch: Once you’re satisfied with the design and functionality, publish your website. Use AI-powered analytics tools to monitor performance and user engagement.

6. Continuous Improvement

Feedback and Iteration: Regularly review your website’s performance and use AI to analyze user feedback and behavior. Continuously iterate on your design and content based on these insights.

Stay Updated: AI technology evolves rapidly. Keep abreast of new tools and features that can enhance your website’s capabilities and user experience.

As we await the release of this promising tool, it’s clear that the future of web design is leaning towards greater flexibility and user control. The ability to craft a website that is not only efficient but also uniquely yours is becoming more accessible. Keep an eye out for Zip’s new builder, as it may just be the key to unlocking a new level of creativity and personalization in your web design projects.

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Build websites using Midjourney, Chat-GPT and Figma

Build websites using Midjourney, Chat-GPT and Figma

Imagine you’re about to create a new website. You might feel overwhelmed by all the decisions and technical stuff you need to figure out. But what if I told you that artificial intelligence (AI) could make it a whole lot easier? AI is changing the way we build websites, making it simpler and more accessible. Let’s dive into how AI can help you from the moment you come up with an idea for your site until the day you launch it.

When you’re starting out, you need to pick a name for your website. It’s got to be something that sticks in people’s minds and fits what your site is all about. There are AI tools out there that can help you with this. They look at data and trends to suggest names that are just right for your content and who you want to reach. Just type in some keywords that relate to your site, and these AI tools will give you a list of names to choose from. This can save you a lot of time and give you some great ideas.

  • Logo Generation: AI-driven graphic design tools use machine learning algorithms to create logos. Users often input basic information such as company name, industry, and preferred style or color scheme. The AI then analyzes this data, referencing a vast database of design elements and principles, to generate logo options. These tools can quickly produce a variety of designs, allowing for rapid iteration and customization.
  • Imagery Creation: Tools like DALL-E, an AI program developed by OpenAI, can generate unique images based on textual descriptions. This is particularly useful for creating customized graphics, illustrations, and even product prototypes. The AI interprets the text input, understanding the context and desired elements, and then constructs an image that aligns with the request.
  • Business Name Ideas: AI can assist in the brainstorming process for business names by using language models trained on a vast corpus of data, including existing business names, domain availability, and linguistic patterns. Users can input keywords or concepts related to their business, and the AI suggests potential names, often also checking domain availability in real-time.
  • Web Content Creation: AI can generate text for websites, including product descriptions, blog posts, and marketing copy. Using natural language processing (NLP), these AI tools can write coherent, contextually relevant, and engaging content. Users often provide a brief, keywords, or outlines, and the AI fills in with appropriately styled text. This can significantly speed up content creation and help maintain a consistent voice across various types of web content.

Designing and creating websites using AI

Once you’ve got a name, you need to create content that will make people want to stay on your site. AI can help you come up with catchy headlines and descriptions. It uses something called natural language processing to write content that’s both interesting and useful. You’ll get custom suggestions for different parts of your site, which you can tweak to make sure they sound like your brand.

Logo and branding

Your website’s logo and icons are important too. They’re like the face of your brand. AI can design these graphics for you, based on the style you want. Tell the AI what you’re looking for, and it will come up with unique designs that stand out. This is a fast way to get graphics that fit your brand perfectly.

AI art generators are a great way to generate inspiration, images and website elements :

Figma stands as an extremely useful tool during the product development cycle, offering a suite of tools designed to enhance collaborative efforts in design and prototyping. It provides a unique environment where teams can explore various design possibilities, create detailed prototypes, and effectively transition their designs into usable code. This all-encompassing approach to product development fosters a co-creative atmosphere, making it easier for teams to work together and share ideas dynamically.

Featured images and artwork

The hero image is the big picture that people see first on your homepage. It’s got to be really eye-catching. AI tools can create hero images that are just right for your site’s theme. They look through tons of images to find one that matches what you need, so you don’t have to spend hours searching and editing pictures yourself.

If you’re using Figma for web design, AI can make it even better. You can take all the graphics and text that AI made for you and put them into Figma. Then you can use Figma’s tools to make a layout that looks good and is easy to use. You can add things like a menu, a big title, a smaller subtitle, and buttons that tell your visitors what to do next.

AI website design process

Central to Figma’s appeal is its blend of powerful design tools and an emphasis on multiplayer collaboration. Teams can delve into the creative process together, benefiting from the ability to provide and receive quality feedback in real-time or asynchronously. This feature-rich environment ensures that ideas are not only explored but also refined with input from various team members, enhancing the final product’s quality and relevance.

Creating text and icons

Your website’s feature sections should clearly show what you’re offering. AI can help you set up these sections with text and icons that quickly tell people about your services or products. When everything is laid out right, it helps guide visitors through your site in a way that makes sense. After you’ve finished your design in Figma, you’ll want to turn it into a real website. There’s a plugin that can take your Figma design and turn it into a WordPress site. This is an important step because it changes your design from just a picture into a website that people can interact with.

Building websites using AI

 

Moreover, Figma revolutionizes the way designers bring their concepts to life. With its sophisticated prototyping capabilities, users can create highly realistic, code-free interactions right within the platform. This seamless integration of design and prototyping tools within a single tool allows for detailed fine-tuning of every aspect of the user experience. Iterations and testing become more efficient and effective, enabling designers to achieve a higher standard of user experience with less effort.

Coding your website using Figma

Additionally, Figma introduces Dev Mode, a dedicated workspace catering specifically to developers. This feature bridges the gap between design and development, allowing developers to access necessary details to translate designs into code within the same file. By integrating these workflows, Figma effectively eliminates the need for context switching, streamlining the development process and fostering a more cohesive product development cycle.

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FigJam complements Figma’s offerings as an online whiteboard platform. It serves as a versatile space where teams involved in product development can collaborate effectively. From initial kickoffs to regular stand-ups, and even through various team rituals and retrospectives, FigJam provides an inclusive environment for team members to brainstorm, plan, and execute their ideas cohesively. This platform not only enhances teamwork but also maintains workflow efficiency by offering visibility and interactive tools that cater to every team member’s needs.

Launching your new website designed using AI

Finally, when everything else is done, it’s time to launch your website. Choose a domain name that’s like the one AI helped you pick, and before you know it, your site will be up and running. AI has made every step easier, from coming up with the design to getting your site out there. Now you can launch a website that looks great without all the stress.

So, AI isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a set of tools that can really help when you’re building a website. It can help with everything from picking a name and writing content to designing your site and making it work. By using AI, you can put together and launch a website that will really make an impact online.

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How to Block Websites on Your Android Phone or Tablet

block websites Android

This guide will show you how to block websites on your Android Phone or tablet. In our increasingly digitalized world, taking control of your online experience has become a critical aspect of daily life, particularly in the context of safeguarding children from the plethora of harmful or inappropriate content that pervades the internet. Implementing website blocking on your Android phone or tablet is a proactive step towards this goal.

It serves as a robust shield against the infiltration of malicious websites, ensuring that your device remains secure and free from potential cyber threats. Moreover, this practice plays a pivotal role in filtering out content that is unsuitable or irrelevant, thereby fostering a safer, more controlled digital environment. By restricting access to certain websites, you not only protect younger users from the dangers of the internet but also encourage responsible and mindful internet usage. This approach is essential in cultivating a healthy relationship with technology, particularly for impressionable minds, and ensures that the digital space remains a source of positive growth and learning.

Why Block Websites on Android

There are several reasons why you might want to block websites on your Android device:

  • Protect Children from Inappropriate Content: Blocking websites with violent, sexually explicit, or age-inappropriate content can help safeguard children from harmful material.
  • Enhance Productivity: Blocking distracting or time-wasting websites can help improve focus and productivity.
  • Filter Out Unwanted Ads: Blocking ad networks and pop-up websites can provide a cleaner and more pleasant browsing experience.
  • Restrict Access to Malicious Websites: Blocking websites known for phishing scams, malware distribution, or other online threats can protect your device and personal information.

Methods for Blocking Websites on Android

There are several methods for blocking websites on Android devices:

  • Built-in Parental Controls: Many Android devices come with built-in parental control features that allow you to block specific websites, set time limits for app usage, and filter content. These settings are typically found in the device’s system settings or the “Digital Wellbeing” or “Parental Controls” section.
  • Third-party Browser Extensions: Browser extensions like BlockSite, AdGuard, and Parental Control Ultimate offer advanced website blocking capabilities, including scheduling blocking times, setting password protection, and filtering specific content categories.
  • Dedicated Website Blocking Apps: Dedicated website blocking apps like Net Nanny, Kidslox, and Google Family Link provide comprehensive parental control features, including website blocking, time limits, app restrictions, and location tracking.
  • Router-level Restrictions: Configuring your home Wi-Fi router’s parental control settings can block websites across all devices connected to the network. This method is effective for controlling internet access for all family members.
  • OpenDNS: OpenDNS is a free DNS service that allows you to filter and block websites at the network level. By changing your device’s DNS settings to OpenDNS, you can block specific websites without installing any software.

Additional Tips for Blocking Websites on Android

  • Identify Websites to Block: Make a list of websites you want to block, considering your specific needs and preferences.
  • Use Multiple Blocking Methods: Combining multiple blocking methods, such as built-in parental controls and third-party apps, can provide stronger protection.
  • Educate Children about Online Safety: Teach children about the importance of online safety and the dangers of inappropriate websites.
  • Monitor and Update Blocking Rules: Regularly review and update your blocking rules to ensure they are effective and up-to-date.
  • Seek Professional Help If Needed: If you need more advanced parental control solutions, consider consulting with a technology professional or using specialized parental control services.

Summary

Implementing website blocking on your Android device stands as a powerful tool in managing and optimizing your internet experience. This strategy is particularly effective in several key areas: it helps in regulating internet usage, ensuring that both you and your family members, especially children, spend time online in a productive and healthy manner. Moreover, it acts as a crucial barrier against harmful content, shielding younger users from the myriad of inappropriate materials that can be easily encountered online.

Beyond these protective measures, website blocking significantly enhances your overall browsing experience. It allows you to eliminate distractions and unwanted content, thereby creating a more focused and efficient online environment. This is particularly beneficial for those who seek to use the internet as a tool for learning and productivity.

The beauty of this approach lies in its flexibility. Android devices offer a variety of methods to block websites, each with its own set of features and levels of control. This diversity enables you to customize your device’s settings to align perfectly with your specific needs and preferences. Whether you’re looking to create a child-safe digital space or simply aiming to improve your focus while online, these tools can be adjusted to suit your unique requirements.

However, it’s important to remember that technology is only part of the solution. Staying vigilant in monitoring online activities, especially for children, is crucial. It’s equally important to engage in open conversations with them about the importance of online safety and the reasons behind certain restrictions. This educational approach helps in fostering a sense of responsibility and awareness about the digital world.

Lastly, the digital landscape is constantly evolving, with new websites emerging every day. Therefore, it’s essential to regularly update your blocking rules and settings. This ongoing maintenance ensures that your online environment remains up-to-date with the latest safety standards, continuing to provide a secure and enriching experience for all users.

Image Credit: Daniel Romero

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7 AI tools to design websites from wireframe to final landing page

AI tools to design websites from wireframe to final landing page

Since websites started appearing back in the late 1990s, website design technology and applications used them have developed considerably. However in the last two years the explosion of Artificial Intelligence has significant changed website design tools in dramatic ways. Today a wealth of AI tools exist and new ones are being created and launched on a weekly basis, that can assist website designers and those with no official website design training to create visually appealing and user-friendly websites. This guide aims to highlight seven AI tools that can be used individually or combined to design websites from wireframe to final landing page.

The first step in the design process is to create a wireframe, which serves as a blueprint for the website layout. Here, an AI tool named Relume comes into play. Relume is a resourceful tool for designers and Webflow developers, offering a wide range of components that can be used to build a wireframe. The use of AI in this stage of the design process ensures a more efficient and streamlined approach, allowing designers to focus on the larger picture rather than getting bogged down in the details.

Using AI to design your website

Once the wireframe is established, the next step is to create a mood board for inspiration. This can be done on platforms like Dribble, where designers can gather visual ideas and inspiration. The mood board serves as a visual guide that can be incorporated into the wireframe using Relume’s library of components. This ensures that the website’s design aligns with the desired aesthetic and tone.

Other articles we have written that you may find of interest on the subject of AI tools and design :

 

The copy for the website is another critical component that can be generated using AI Relume Ipsum, an AI tool from Relume, is designed to create engaging and relevant copy. This tool not only saves time but also ensures that the copy aligns with the overall design and mood of the website.

After these initial steps, the wireframe is exported to a design tool called Figma. Here, the design is further refined and adjusted to create a more cohesive and visually appealing layout. Figma allows for seamless collaboration and offers a range of features that make the design process more efficient.

The branding of the company, including the color palette and logo, is an integral part of the design process. AI tools from AIColors.co and the Midjourney AI art generator can be used to create unique and visually appealing branding elements. The logo can be vectorized using Vectorizer.ai, and the company name can be generated using ChatGPT, the well-known OpenAI service designed for generating text, images and more.

The product photos for the website are also an essential aspect of the design. These can be generated using the Midjourney AI art generator. The backgrounds of these images can be removed using Photoshop AI, ensuring a clean and professional look.

7 AI tools to design websites

  1. Relume  is an AI-driven tool specifically tailored for designers assisting in the initial stages of website design by providing a comprehensive range of components to construct a wireframe, which is essentially the blueprint for a website’s layout. By automating and streamlining the wireframing process, Relume enables designers to focus more on the broader aspects of design, reducing time spent on intricate details. Its library of components can be integrated into various design phases, ensuring that the website structure is both efficient and aligned with the designer’s vision.
  2. Dribble functions as an online community and platform where designers can find inspiration and share their work. In the context of website design, it serves as a resource for creating mood boards. These mood boards are collections of visual ideas and concepts that help in defining the aesthetic and tone of a website. Designers use Dribble to gather and organize these ideas, which can then be incorporated into their design plans, ensuring that the final product resonates with the intended visual style and thematic elements.
  3. Relume Ipsum is a content generation tool designed to produce engaging and contextually relevant copy for websites. It leverages AI to automate the process of writing text content, such as descriptions, headlines, and other web copy. This tool is particularly useful in aligning the textual content with the overall design and theme of the website, ensuring coherence between visual and textual elements. It saves considerable time and effort in content creation, while maintaining a high standard of relevance and engagement.
  4. Figma Figma is a versatile design tool that is widely used for UI/UX design, including website design. After the initial wireframing and planning stages, the design is imported into Figma for further refinement. This tool allows for advanced design adjustments, offering features like collaborative editing, vector tools, and prototyping capabilities. It streamlines the design process, enabling designers to create, iterate, and share their work seamlessly, thus enhancing the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the design workflow.
  5. AIColors.co AIColors.co is an AI-powered tool used for generating and selecting color palettes for branding purposes. It assists in creating visually appealing and unique color schemes that are integral to a company’s brand identity. The tool uses AI algorithms to suggest colors that complement each other and align with the brand’s aesthetics, making the process of choosing the right color palette for logos, websites, and other branding materials both efficient and creative.
  6. Midjourney AI art generator The Midjourney AI art generator is employed for creating product photos and other visual content for websites. It uses AI to generate high-quality, realistic images that can be tailored to fit the specific needs of a website’s design. This tool is particularly useful in producing visual content when actual photographs are not available or when unique, custom imagery is required. It enhances the visual appeal of the website and ensures that the images align perfectly with the overall design and theme.
  7. Vectorizer.ai Vectorizer.ai is an AI tool used for converting logos and other graphic elements into vector format. Vector images are crucial in web design as they can be scaled without losing quality, making them ideal for responsive and high-resolution displays. This tool automates the process of vectorization, ensuring that logos and other branding elements maintain their clarity and quality across various devices and screen sizes.

The use of AI tools in the design process of a website offers a range of benefits, from efficiency and speed to creativity and uniqueness. However, it’s important to note that this process is experimental and differs from a typical client project, where AI tools would be used more for inspiration rather than heavily influencing the design process. AI tools should be seen as aids that can enhance the design process, not as replacements for the creativity and expertise of a designer.

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How to block websites on your iPhone or iPad

block websites iPhone ipad

This guide will show you how to block websites on your iPhone or iPad, you will be able to block specific websites and also specific types of websites, this can be done with Apple’s Screen Time feature and also with third-party apps and more. This is as good idea if your kids use your iPhone or iPad from time to time, if they have their own device then you can set up parental controls on their device.

In the modern era of constant online connectivity, it’s increasingly necessary to exercise control over the digital content accessible to us and our families. This is particularly crucial when considering the exposure of children to the vast array of content on the internet, some of which might be inappropriate or harmful. Apple’s iOS, the operating system used by iPhones and iPads, is equipped with various features and supports a range of third-party applications that enable users to block specific websites, thereby offering a more controlled internet experience.

Understanding the Importance of Blocking Websites

  1. Child Safety: One of the primary reasons to block websites on your device is to protect children from accessing inappropriate content.
  2. Productivity: Limiting access to certain websites can help in reducing distractions, thereby enhancing productivity, especially for students or professionals.
  3. Internet Addiction Management: Controlling website access can be a step towards managing internet usage and addiction.

Using Built-in iOS Features

Apple’s iOS provides built-in functionalities to help manage and restrict access to certain types of content, including websites.

Screen Time: A Comprehensive Tool

Screen Time, a feature integrated into iOS, is particularly useful for managing screen time and imposing content restrictions. Here’s how you can use it:

  • Navigate to the Settings app and select Screen Time.
  • If it’s your first time using Screen Time, you will need to activate it by following the on-screen prompts.
  • Within Screen Time, go to Content & Privacy Restrictions and enter your Screen Time passcode if you’ve set one up.
  • Enable Content & Privacy Restrictions by toggling the switch to the On position.
  • Choose Content Restrictions followed by Web Content.

Blocking Adult Websites:

  • In the Web Content menu, select ‘Limit Adult Websites’.
  • Under ‘Never Allow’, add the URL of any website you wish to block.

Blocking Specific Websites:

  • Alternatively, choose ‘Allowed Websites Only’ and manually enter the URLs of websites you want to permit.
  • For restricting explicit language, navigate back to Web Content and select ‘Explicit Language’, then opt for ‘Don’t Allow’.

Securing Your Settings with a Passcode:

  • To prevent unauthorized changes to these settings, use a Screen Time Passcode, which can be set up in the Screen Time menu.

Leveraging Third-Party Applications

In addition to iOS’s built-in features, several third-party apps offer enhanced capabilities for website blocking:

  • Freedom: Known for its comprehensive content filtering, Freedom allows users to block various online distractions.
  • BlockSite: This app is useful for blocking websites, apps, and even games.
  • Kidslox: Kidslox offers a broader range of parental control features, including website blocking.

Additional Factors to Consider

  • Workarounds to Website Blocking: It’s crucial to be aware that tech-savvy individuals, particularly teenagers, might find ways to bypass these restrictions. Therefore, it’s important to couple these technical solutions with open discussions about responsible internet use.
  • Regular Software Updates: Keep your devices updated with the latest iOS version to ensure you have the most current security features and bug fixes.
  • Transparent Communication: Discuss the implementation of website blocking with your family, especially children, to maintain transparency and understand their viewpoints.

By effectively utilizing tools like Screen Time, third-party applications, and fostering an environment of open communication, you can create a safe and focused online environment for yourself and your family on your iPhone or iPad. We hope that you find this guide helpful and informative, if you have any questions, tips or comments, please leave a comment below and let us know.

Image Credit: Daniel Romero