Show of hands, how many of you are in the habit scrolling endlessly through Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram right before bed? Scrollaby is a new app that tries to hijack that unhealthy pattern by providing a feed of relaxing things to scroll though instead. Those include ambient sounds, mediations, dream-like stories, and hypnotic visuals.

I do wish the app offered more visual content to go with its audio components, such as poetry or other light reading material, but even in its current form, it beats reading about imminent doom just as you're turning out the lights. The app is available on iOS for now, with Android support coming soon.
 

Update your iPhone: iOS 14.4 arrived last week, and its most notable feature is a series of patches for major security holes. In theory, those vulnerabilities could allow a malicious app or website to bypass the security protections on your iPhone or iPad. (Apple is cagey about the details of what's at stake, but says attackers may have already used these exploits in the real world.) If you've been abstaining from iOS updates for whatever reason, now would be a good time to get on board.

The update also introduces a handful of minor new features and bug fixes. Try holding an iPhone 11 or higher next to a HomePod Mini to see some music suggestions and playback options.

Easier iPhone unlocking: In other iOS update news, Apple has developed a feature that will unlock your iPhone while you're wearing an Apple Watch and a face mask. It'll launch as part of iOS 14.5, which is now in early beta testing for developers. That should put it about a month and a half out from broad availability.

Android enthusiasts may gleefully note the similarities to Android's "Trusted Devices" feature, which can automatically unlock your phone when a smartwatch or other paired Bluetooth device is in range. I've wanted Apple to copy this feature for years, and trying to check my phone's grocery list at the supermarket while wearing a mask only solidified that desire. Let's hope Apple's unlocking feature sticks with us in a post-pandemic world (ideally without the mask requirement), whenever that might be.

Alexa's home security plan: Back in September, Amazon announced a premium version of its Alexa Guard service, which uses Echo speakers to monitor for potential emergencies. That version, called Alexa Guard Plus, is now available for $5 per month or $50 per year, though it's free for Ring camera users who are already paying for home monitoring.

The free version of Alexa Guard—activated by saying "Alexa, I'm leaving"—can turn connected smart light bulbs on and off, and can use Echo speakers to listen for broken glass or alarm sounds while you're not home. The paid version detects other noises, like footsteps or opening doors, and it can play some noises of its own through Echo speakers—dogs barking, sirens blaring—when a Ring camera detects motion. It also lets you say "Alexa, call for help" for access to a live helpline, which in turn can content local emergency services on your behalf.

I'm conflicted about the offering. While it makes sense for Amazon to tie its Ring and Echo devices together—and a voice-activated emergency line could be quite helpful for some folks—there's a distinct vibe of fear peddling that comes from this increasing focus on home security. I miss when smart speakers were more about playing music and automating appliances, rather than warding off a litany of perceived threats.
 

• Are Samsung's Galaxy S21 Ultra moon photos a hoax? Ray Wong investigates.
• Turns out lots of app makers are lying on their iOS privacy labels.
• Apple WatchOS 7 may have increased your resting heart rate stats.
• Here's a handy list of YouTube tricks that involve modifying the URL.
• Facebook may soon make your News Feed less political.

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