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Showing posts from January, 2024

Beware of McAfee Google Chrome Pop-Up Scam: Fox News Warns

The McAfee pop-up scam is a common online threat that uses fear and panic to trick people into subscribing to fake antivirus software. The scam typically involves a pop-up appearing on a person's computer, claiming that their device is infected with viruses and that their McAfee subscription has expired. However, the pop-up is actually a fake one designed to steal personal information such as credit card details, addresses, and more. The scam can also download malicious software onto a person's computer, giving hackers access to sensitive information. To protect yourself from the McAfee pop-up scam, it's essential to be cautious when clicking on links or pop-ups, especially those that appear unexpectedly. If you see a suspicious pop-up, do not click on it. Instead, close your browser tab on which it is being shown to avoid any accidental download. Related read Beware of this McAfee Google Chrome pop-up scam - Fox News

Intel's Lunar Lake CPUs to Use Samsung's High-Speed LPDDR5X On-Package Memory

Intel is reportedly set to utilize Samsung's LPDDR5X on-package memory in its forthcoming Lunar Lake-MX mobile CPUs. This collaboration represents a significant achievement for both companies, as it has the potential to make a substantial impact in the PC market. By incorporating on-package memory, Intel's Lunar Lake CPUs are expected to experience performance efficiency gains, making them an appealing choice for the laptop sector. According to sources, the Lunar Lake CPUs will offer up to 16GB or 32GB of on-package memory configurations. The decision to collaborate with Samsung may be attributed to the latter's reputation for producing high-quality memory products, particularly the LPDDR5X variety. The Lunar Lake platform is designed to consume less power and boast smaller die sizes compared to conventional CPUs. Additionally, the platform will consist of a CPU + GPU chiplet, a system-on-chip tile, and two memory packages. The CPU chiplet is expected to integrate up to eig...

iOS 18: The 'Biggest' Software Update in iPhone's History?

Apple is planning to release iOS 18 with significant updates, including RCS support and generative AI technology. These advancements will enhance the functionality of Siri and the Messages app, allowing for more complex tasks to be automated and improved conversation capabilities. Apple has also been acquiring AI startups and developing its own AI technology, with a focus on improving its AI capabilities and enhancing the conversational experience. Additionally, the company is updating its hardware to support generative AI and hiring talent to catch up with rivals like Google and Microsoft. Related reads Apple is quietly ramping up its focus on AI Siri may be in for a massive upgrade at WWDC 2024 — will it be enough? iOS 18 Potentially 'Biggest' Software Update in iPhone's History - MacRumors Apple thinks iOS 18 might be the 'biggest' iOS update ever

Microsoft Cuts 1,900 Jobs in Gaming Industry Shake-Up

Microsoft is laying off 1,900 employees from its video game workforce, which includes 1,900 roles out of the 22,000 people on the team. The layoffs were made as part of a broader effort to align strategies and costs across the growing business. The affected employees have contributed significantly to the success of Activision Blizzard, ZeniMax, and the Xbox teams. Microsoft will provide full support to those who are impacted during the transition, including severance benefits informed by local employment laws. Additionally, Blizzard Entertainment President Mike Ybarra is leaving the company, and Allen Adham, Blizzard's chief design officer, is also leaving the company. The layoffs are happening after the $69 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard and $7.5 billion acquisition of Zenimax in 2021. Related reads Layoffs at Toys for Bob and Sledgehammer Games affect between 30% and 40% of staff, insider says - Eurogamer.net CWA says Microsoft's job cuts did not impact the staff...

Protect Your iPhone from Theft with iOS 17.3's Stolen Device Protection Feature

iOS 17.3 introduces a new feature called Stolen Device Protection, which helps protect iPhones from theft by requiring additional authentication when an unauthorized person tries to access the device. This feature is especially useful for preventing thieves from locking the device and accessing sensitive information such as passwords, payment methods, and Apple Cash and Savings. To enable this feature, users must have their iPhone running iOS 17.3 and go to Settings > General > Software Update, then search for and tap "Stolen Device Protection." Once enabled, the feature will require additional authentication when an unauthorized person tries to access the device, such as using a password or passcode, or when the device detects it's not at a trusted location. Additionally, the feature prevents certain changes, such as erasing all content and settings, applying for a new Apple Card, viewing Apple Savings, and turning off "Lost Mode." The feature only applie...

Goodbye, WordPad: Microsoft Set to Retire Legendary App After 28 Years

Microsoft is discontinuing the WordPad app, which was previously included in every Windows operating system since 1995. The app is being removed due to declining relevance and decreased usage, with Microsoft recommending the use of Microsoft Word for rich text documents and Windows Notepad for plain text documents. WordPad's functionalities can be adequately covered by other Microsoft applications, and its absence raises questions about its relevance in the company's evolving ecosystem. Additionally, Microsoft is removing the Steps Recorder tool from Windows 11, which has not received any updates in a long time. Three in-house alternatives are suggested for using the Steps Recorder: Snipping Tool, Xbox Game Bar, and ClipChamp. Related reads Microsoft to take workhorse app WordPad out back after 28 years - Boing Boing Farewell to WordPad! Microsoft likely to kill off 30-year-old legend in next Windows 11 update Microsoft bids adieu to WordPad Microsoft is removing a tool from W...

Intel Unveils Arrow Lake Gaming CPUs with AI Accelerators, Lunar Lake Brings Huge IPC Uplifts

Intel is releasing two new CPUs, Arrow Lake and Lunar Lake, in the second half of 2024. Arrow Lake is focused on gaming and includes an AI accelerator, while Lunar Lake offers significant IPC improvements and three times more AI performance on both the GPU and NPU than Meteor Lake. The Lunar Lake chip has one large die and two accompanying structures that appear to be on-package DRAM. Intel is already in the final stages of developing these processors and showed a brief glimpse of the Lunar Lake chip at CES 2024. Additionally, Intel introduced new desktop processors, including the Raptor Lake refresh for thin and light devices. Related reads CES 2024: Intel Briefly Shows Lunar Lake Chip; Next-Gen Mobile CPU Uses On-Package Memory - AnandTech Intel's Arrow Lake and Lunar Lake CPUs will arrive in 2024 - three times more AI performance for both GPU and NPU Intel Arrow Lake Gaming CPUs With AI Accelerators Coming This Fall, Next-Gen Lunar Lake Brings Significant IPC Over 3X NPU Uplif...

Samsung XR/VR Headset: The Future of Immersive Tech?

Samsung is reportedly developing a new VR/XR headset in partnership with Google, which is expected to feature impressive specifications such as the Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Plus Gen 2 chip and high-resolution screens made by Samsung Display. While the exact price and release date are unknown, rumors suggest it may fall within the range of $1,000 to $3,499 and potentially arrive alongside the Galaxy Z Flip 6 in 2024. The device is expected to offer improved passthrough camera quality, more cameras and sensors than the Meta Quest 3, and potentially utilize radar-based Soli sensor technology for near-body gesture tracking. Related reads Samsung XR/VR headset – everything we know so far and what we want to see Qualcomm's New VR Chip Gives More Power to Apple Vision Pro Competitors - CNET Qualcomm (QCOM) Launches Cutting Edge Snapdragon XR2+ Gen2 Chip

Harvard Spinoff Unleashes Solid State Battery Barrage on Fossil Fuels

Adden Energy, a Harvard University spinoff, has developed a new solid state battery that achieves 6,000 cycles and recharges in 10 minutes. The battery utilizes micron-sized silicon particles in the anode to restrict the lithium reaction and prevent dendrite growth. This innovation is expected to provide reliable and fast charging for electric vehicles. Related read Harvard Spinoff Lobs Solid State Battery Bomb At Fossil Fuels

BMW Unveils Innovative In-Car Gaming Features at CES

BMW is showcasing its "Digital Premium" subscription service at CES, which offers in-car gaming experiences through the AirConsole gaming platform. The platform allows owners to access games through the car's infotainment screen and play them via Bluetooth using their mobile devices as controllers. BMW is adding more third-party games to the platform and has introduced split-screen gaming capabilities. The subscription includes access to the ConnectedDrive Store, which offers entertainment and apps. The subscription comes with a 90-day trial period, after which users must pay monthly or annually for it. Related reads Now BMW Thinks People Want To Play Video Games In Their Car BMW turns inward for CES, announcing new gaming, streaming, AR, and AI features - The Verge BMW Lets You Play Split-Screen Games Using A Controller BMW Shows Off In-Car Gaming, Automated Valet Parking And More New Tech At CES

Are Your Conversations Being Used to Fuel Ads? The Shocking Truth

There are some concerns about voice-recognition assistants, such as Siri, Bixby, or Alexa, potentially listening to users' conversations and using them to target them with personalized ads. To protect privacy, there are several measures, including turning off voice-recognition assistants, disabling microphone permissions for specific apps, using reliable antivirus software, and using a virtual private network (VPN) to encrypt internet traffic and prevent eavesdropping. Related read Are your out-loud conversations fueling ads pushed to your devices? - Fox News

McAfee Unveils Project Mockingbird: The Latest Tool to Combat AI Voice Clone Scams

McAfee has introduced Project Mockingbird, an AI-powered deepfake audio detection technology to combat the growing threat of AI-generated scams. The technology uses AI-powered contextual, behavioral, and categorical detection models to identify and protect against maliciously altered audio in videos. With an accuracy rate of 90%, Project Mockingbird aims to provide a solution to the problem of cybercrime caused by the rise of generative AI tools. The technology has various applications, including countering AI-generated scams and tackling disinformation. According to McAfee's survey, 84% of Americans are concerned about deepfake usage in 2024, and 68% are more concerned than a year ago. Related reads McAfee unveils tech that fights deepfake scams, 90% accuracy McAfee Project Mockingbird defends users against AI-generated scams and disinformation AI-generated scams are now a thing but this new tool can help McAfee unveils Project Mockingbird to stop AI voice clone scams - VentureBe...

AMD Integrated Graphics Might Beat Popular Nvidia GPU, Leak Suggests

AMD's upcoming Ryzen 5 8600G desktop processor may match or even beat Nvidia's GTX 1060 in terms of performance, according to recent Geekbench benchmark scores. The Ryzen 5 8600G is expected to feature integrated Radeon 760M graphics clocked at 2.8GHz, with eight compute units and 512 GPU shader cores. It may achieve a score of around 30,770 points in the Vulkan benchmark and 24,842 points in the OpenCL test. AMD's integrated graphics might beat the most popular GPU on Steam. AMD's upcoming desktop processors, including the Ryzen 5 8600G, might deliver significant improvements in gaming performance compared to their predecessors. The Ryzen 5 8600G and Ryzen 7 8700G integrate Radeon 760M and Radeon 780M graphics, respectively, which are based on the RDNA 3 architecture. The 8600G and 8700G are expected to be capable all-around performers, with six and eight Zen 4 cores, respectively. The new APUs are expected to be announced at CES in the coming days, with cheaper models...

Apple's Innovation Rut: Can the Tech Giant Get Unstuck?

Apple is facing challenges in growing its business due to headwinds in the technology sector. The company is under pressure to innovate and showcase its ability to succeed in the field of artificial intelligence. Apple is expected to announce earnings soon, and its stock is seen as being in an innovation rut. Competitors are introducing new form factors, such as AI pins and AR glasses, which are challenging the traditional form of the handset. Additionally, Apple is facing increased competition in China and India, where local companies have an advantage. Some experts believe that generative artificial intelligence could be the key to Apple's next big success, but it remains to be seen if the company will be able to gain traction with a hypothetical generative AI app store. Related reads Apple needs to get ‘unstuck’ on innovation to improve growth – analyst Apple's stock needs to get 'unstuck' — and its innovation rut may not be helping - MarketWatch

HarmonyOS Set to Surpass iOS in China in 2024: Huawei's Mobile Dominance Continues?

Huawei is set to release a new line of 5G phones, the Mate 60, despite U.S. sanctions. The company's homegrown operating system, HarmonyOS, is expected to surpass iOS in popularity in China this year and is projected to become the second-biggest operating system in China in 2024. Major Chinese companies are recruiting developers to create native apps for HarmonyOS, which is nearing completion and will launch next year. The operating system supports diverse applications and Huawei aims to extend it to more terminals. The company's CEO expresses gratitude for consumer support and emphasizes the company's commitment to delivering high-quality products and premium experiences through increased R&D innovation. Related reads Huawei's HarmonyOS set to top iOS as China's number two platform in 2024 Huawei to launch HarmonyOS on PCs next year · TechNode Huawei’s HarmonyOS tipped to beat Apple’s iOS in China in 2024: TechInsights - South China Morning Post

Mixed Reality Success on Quest: Meta CTO Shares Insights

Meta is making significant investments in mixed reality technology, with positive initial reactions and signals from consumers. Seven of the top 20 apps on the Quest Store are mixed reality apps, indicating popularity among users. The company's CTO expects mixed reality's progress to accelerate in 2024 as more people gain access to the technology and developers learn how to use it effectively. The intersection of AI and XR technologies could lead to a revolutionary new product: AR glasses with a built-in AI assistant. Long-term bets on research breakthroughs will enable Meta to release a string of industry-first products over the coming years. Mixed reality is still in its infancy, but it has potential in future. Related reads How I Replaced the Gym With the Meta Quest 3 in 2023 Mixed reality on Quest is seeing success, says Meta CTO The $50 Meta Quest 3 accessory that I can't live without (and how to get it for free)

Scientists Create Revolutionary Graphene Semiconductor with Unprecedented Mobility

Graphene, a two-dimensional structure composed of a single layer of carbon atoms arranged in a hexagonal lattice, exhibits exceptional properties such as high electrical conductivity, mechanical strength, and flexibility. As the demand for faster and smaller electronic devices increases, graphene has the potential to replace silicon in the electronics industry. Researchers at Georgia Tech have successfully demonstrated the chemical bonding of graphene to silicon carbide, showing semiconducting characteristics through extensive testing. The team also used doping techniques to test the material's conductivity, revealing that this novel graphene semiconductor has ultra-high mobility. Related reads Scientists make first-ever functional graphene semiconductor Ultrahigh-mobility semiconducting epitaxial graphene on silicon carbide - Nature.com

CISA Adds Newly Exploited Excel, Chrome Flaws to Vulnerability Catalog

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has added two vulnerabilities to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, which must be patched by January 23rd. The vulnerabilities include: CVE-2023-7101: a remote code execution vulnerability in the Spreadsheet::ParseExcel library (versions 0.65 and older) CVE-2023-7024: a heap buffer overflow vulnerability in Google Chrome's WebRTC (versions 120.0.6099.129/130 for Windows and 120.0.6099.129 for Mac and Linux) Related reads CISA warns of actively exploited bugs in Chrome and Excel parsing library - BleepingComputer CVE-2023-7024, CVE-2023-7121 Added To CISA Vulnerability List CISA adds Excel, Chrome flaws to its exploited vulnerabilities catalog

Apple Watch Saves Life After Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: A Miraculous Story

On January 2, 2024, a case of carbon monoxide poisoning occurred in Delaware, where a student's Apple Watch saved her life by activating the SOS feature and calling 911 for help. The student, Natalie Nasatka, experienced extreme exhaustion and lost consciousness due to carbon monoxide poisoning in her apartment. Firefighters were able to rescue Nasatka and her pet after arriving at the scene, and the carbon monoxide level in the apartment was found to be extremely high. Experts recommend having carbon monoxide detectors in all homes, especially during the winter months when heaters are in use. The Apple Watch has already saved someone's life this year, as it automatically dialed 911 and alerted emergency services in time to save Nasatka's life. Carbon monoxide is a "silent killer" as it has no color, odor, or taste, and sends 50,000 Americans to the emergency room and claims 400 lives each year. Early warning signs include dizziness, confusion, and vomiting. Nasat...

Pixel Update 2024: Camera and UI Improvements Arrive

The January 2024 Android security patch has been released for Google Pixel devices, which includes improvements to the camera and user interface. The update fixes four new changes, including a fix for camera crashes, flashing black screens during video playback, and issues with the setup wizard. The patch is rolling out in phases to unlocked Google Pixel models and carrier-branded models, and it focuses on bug fixes rather than major security updates. Related reads January 2024 Android security patch has arrived for Google Pixel devices Here's What Google Fixed in January's Pixel Update Pixel 8 and 8 Pro get camera, UI fixes with January 2024 update Google Fixes Nearly 100 Android Security Issues | WIRED UK

Facebook's Latest Privacy Nightmare: 'Link History' Exposes Your Online Activity

Facebook is introducing a new feature called "Link History" that stores all the websites users visit through the Facebook mobile app. The feature is turned on by default, and users can opt-out of it. However, the feature has raised concerns among privacy advocates and tech press, who see it as another example of Meta's data-gathering tactics. The feature may give users a false sense of privacy, as Meta already collects data on user behavior across its other products. The feature could lead to another inquiry from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Some have criticized Meta for its aggressive data collection practices, while others have expressed concern about the potential misuse of the collected data. Related reads Opting into 'link history' on Facebook and Instagram means agreeing to (more) ad targeting Facebook rolls out 'Link History' – and uses data for targeted ads Meet 'Link History,' Facebook's New Way to Track the Websites You Visit ...

Hijacking Google Accounts with Sneaky Malware: New Exploit Allows Access Despite Password Reset

A recently discovered exploit that allows hackers to maintain access to Google services even after a password reset. The exploit uses an undocumented Google OAuth endpoint called MultiLogin to hijack user sessions and generate new authentication cookies. This allows threat actors to regenerate expired Google authentication cookies, even after the legitimate owner has reset their password or logged out. The vulnerability has been adopted by multiple information-stealing malware families and is currently being sold by six malware groups. Google has acknowledged the existence of the attack method but has not provided a solution to protect users. Related reads This dangerous malware is able to hijack your Google Account by reviving cookies New Google Cookies Exploit Allows Access After Password Reset Malware Using Google MultiLogin Exploit to Maintain Access Despite Password Reset - The Hacker News This sneaky malware lets hackers access Google accounts without a password — here's how...

Microsoft Updating a Key on Keyboard

Microsoft is introducing a new key on new laptops and PCs called the "Copilot" key, which will provide quick access to the company's AI-powered Windows Copilot experience. The Copilot key will replace the menu key on most keyboards and will be placed next to the right-hand alt key. If Windows Copilot isn't available in the user's country, the Copilot key will launch Windows Search instead. The existing Windows key can still open the Start menu or be combined with various other keys for shortcuts to Windows features and functions, but the Copilot key is specifically designed as a launch key for Windows Copilot. Microsoft is also working on a "Windows refresh" that will focus on new AI features, and the company has already started branding Microsoft Edge as the "AI browser." Related reads Microsoft's new Copilot key is the first big change to Windows keyboards in 30 years - The Verge Microsoft is adding an AI button to PC keyboards, their fi...

Teenage Tetris Master: Oklahoma Boy Becomes First Person to Defeat Unbeatable Game

A 13-year-old boy from Oklahoma, Willis Gibson, has achieved a remarkable feat by becoming the first human player to reach level 157 of the classic video game Tetris. This accomplishment comes nearly 40 years after the game's initial release in 1984. According to Guinness World Records, Tetris has been sold 100 million times, making it one of the best-selling video games of all time. The game's simplicity and enduring appeal have contributed to its popularity, with some experts likening it to games like chess or checkers in terms of its timeless nature. Related reads Oklahoma teenager finally defeats the unbeatable game: Tetris American boy, 13, becomes first person to beat Tetris

Apple's Shocking Move Leaves Fans Disappointed: No iPad Upgrade in 2023

In 2023, Apple did not release any new iPads, marking the first time since the product line's inception that no new iPads were launched in a full calendar year. This hiatus in new iPad releases may indicate a reevaluation of the device's strategy. Despite this, Apple did release the Apple Pencil with USB-C in 2023. In Q4 2023, iPad revenue declined by 10% due to a lack of new upgrades. However, Apple has planned several new iPad Pro and iPad Air models for 2024, which could give the company a boost. These new models are expected to feature the new A17 Pro chip based on TSMC's 3nm architecture and improved Vision Pro 2 displays. Additionally, Apple discontinued several devices in 2023, including iPhones, Macs, AirPods, and accessories. The iPad mini has not received an update since 2021 and is considered overdue for a refresh, while the AirPods Max have been largely ignored since their release in 2020 and are in need of a total rethink. The Magic Mouse also lacks Force Touch...

New Terrapin Attack Threatens SSH Protocol Security: What You Need to Know

Researchers from Ruhr University Bochum have discovered a vulnerability in the Secure Shell (SSH) protocol, known as the "Terrapin Attack." This attack allows an attacker to downgrade the security of an SSH connection by manipulating the sequence numbers during the handshake process. The attack can be used to remove encrypted packets from the beginning of an SSH session without detection, potentially leading to unauthorized access or data tampering. The vulnerability affects many SSH client and server implementations, including popular ones like OpenSSH, PuTTY, and KiTTY. The researchers recommend two changes to the SSH specification to address the issues: resetting sequence numbers to zero when encryption keys are activated and authenticating a hash of the full handshake transcript at the start of the secure channel. Related reads New Security Flaws Uncovered in SSH Protocol New Terrapin Flaw Could Let Attackers Downgrade SSH Protocol Security - The Hacker News New Terrapin...

Tim Cook Responds to Heartwarming Stories of Apple Watch Saving Lives

Apple Watch has helped in detecting and preventing serious heart conditions. Two such instances where the watch saved lives by detecting irregular heartbeats and prompting timely surgeries. One story comes from Kansas, where a person's notification detected a dangerous heart rhythm, leading to a pacemaker surgery. Another story comes from North Carolina, where an Apple Watch user's elevated heart rate was recorded overnight, leading to emergency double bypass surgery. Both families expressed gratitude to Apple CEO Tim Cook, who responded promptly via email. This wearable technology is headed in the correct direction for heart health and is already saving lives. Related reads Apple Watch owners receive Tim Cook responses to 'thank you' emails In heartwarming news, Tim Cook responds after Apple Watches save 2 people's lives Two Apple Watch users get an email from Tim Cook after sharing their life-saving stories ‘Absolutely zero warning’: NC professor credits Apple Wa...

NASA's Earth System Observatory: A Push for Progress Despite Budget Uncertainties

Despite uncertainty about funding for the next year, NASA is moving forward with a multi-billion dollar series of Earth science missions. The agency is currently developing four missions as part of the Earth System Observatory: Atmosphere Observing System (AOS)-Storm, AOS-Sky, Surface Biology and Geology, and Mass Change, which has been renamed GRACE-Continuity or GRACE-C to emphasize its connections to previous missions. Additionally, a fifth mission, Surface Deformation and Change, is an extended study phase that will incorporate lessons learned from the upcoming NISAR mission. These missions aim to answer a range of questions in Earth science and provide integrated observations, science, and applications for societal benefit. Related reads NASA pushes ahead with Earth System Observatory despite uncertain budgets - SpaceNews

Protect Your Android from Banking Threats: Bypassing Fingerprint Unlock and Draining Bank Accounts

The Chameleon Android banking malware poses a significant threat to Android devices, capable of bypassing fingerprint and face unlock security measures and stealing sensitive financial data. The malware disguises itself as a legitimate app and tricks victims into granting it permissions, allowing it to monitor and intercept credentials. It can also disable biometric security features and display a fake lock screen to obtain the user's PIN. To protect against this malware, it is crucial to only download apps from legitimate sources, keep the device and antivirus software up to date, and change passwords for important accounts. If infected, immediate action is required, including changing passwords and monitoring online accounts and transactions for suspicious activity. Related reads How to protect your Android phone from the bank account draining Chameleon trojan - PhoneArena Scary! This Android Malware Can Steal All Your Money Without Raising Alarm How to protect your Android from...

OnePlus 12: Top-Tier Model Might Not Be Coming to the US

The OnePlus 12 will have different spec configurations for different regions, with the top spec configuration exclusive to China. The global release date is expected to be on January 23, 2024. The phone will have a 6.82-inch AMOLED display, running at a resolution of 3168 x 1440, and with a refresh rate of up to 120Hz. It will be powered by a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor from Qualcomm. The battery capacity will be 5,400mAh, offering 100W wired and 50W wireless charging. The cameras on the back will consist of a 50MP primary camera, and the US release date and price have not been announced yet. The Chinese version of the OnePlus 12 has already been revealed, but there are only two configurations available: 12GB RAM and 256GB storage, or 16GB RAM and 512GB storage. Related reads OnePlus 12's top-tier model might not be coming to the US The top spec OnePlus 12 phone may not be available to everyone - TechRadar OnePlus Ace 3 Boasts Record-Thin Bezels And Premium Craftsmanship | SPARRO...

WhatsApp Backup Changes: How It Will Impact Your Google Drive Storage

In 2024, WhatsApp will begin counting backups of WhatsApp chats and media towards users' Google Drive storage quotas. This means that if a user has a lot of WhatsApp chats and media backed up, it could consume their free storage allowance of 15GB. To avoid this, users can consider investing in additional storage through Google One, a subscription plan associated with Google Drive. There are three main plans available, including monthly and annual options, with prices starting at £1.59/ $1.99 per month for 100GB of storage. Alternatively, users can be space-efficient by backing up only text messages, excluding media files. Related reads WhatsApp Backup Changes: How It Will Impact Your Google Drive Storage Attention WhatsApp users, this feature will no longer be available for free in 2024 Millions of WhatsApp users warned over new ‘fee’ that will affect some Android owners in 2024 – prepare now... For WhatsApp users on Android, 2024 is the year they'll be like iPhone owners (tha...

Microsoft's Copilot App Now Available on iOS: Take Control of Your Digital Life

Microsoft has released an app for its AI chatbot, Copilot, available on both Android and iOS platforms. The app provides users with access to Microsoft's AI technology, allowing them to ask questions, draft emails, summarize text, and create images using the text-to-image generator DALL-E3. Unlike ChatGPT, which uses GPT-3.5, Copilot offers access to GPT-4, the latest large language model from OpenAI, without the need for a subscription. Additionally, Microsoft is rebranding Bing Chat as Copilot and is moving towards offering a standalone experience similar to ChatGPT. Related reads Microsoft's Copilot app is now available on iOS

iPhone Cellular Connectivity Issues Abound After iOS 17.2.1 Update: Here's What You Can Do

The latest iOS 17.2.1 update for iPhones has caused cellular connectivity issues for some users, with reports of being unable to connect to their network providers after updating. This issue is not limited to any particular iPhone model and Apple has yet to provide a fix. Additionally, some users have experienced overheating and battery draining issues after updating to iOS 17.2.1. Users are waiting for permanent fix for the issues. Related reads iOS 17.2.1 breaks iPhone cellular connectivity and more; here are some workarounds to try Is your iPhone not connecting to cellular after installing iOS 17.2.1? This might help iOS 17.2.1 Brings Major Issues To The iPhone As Update Breaks Cellular Connectivity, Overheating, More - Wccftech

Hackers Exploit 6-Year-Old Microsoft Office Bug to Spread Malware

A recent phishing campaign has been observed using an old Microsoft Office vulnerability (CVE-2017-11882) to distribute a strain of malware called Agent Tesla. The attackers are sending decoy Excel documents attached to invoice-themed emails to trick potential targets into opening them and activating the exploitation of the vulnerability. Once a user downloads a malicious attachment and opens it, if their version of Microsoft Excel is vulnerable, the Excel file will initiate communication with a malicious destination and download additional files without requiring any further user interaction. The malware uses a steganographic evasion tactic to evade detection and has been abused to load Quasar RAT in the past. Agent Tesla is a.NET-based advanced keylogger and remote access trojan (RAT) that can log keystrokes, capture screenshots, and steal stored passwords from various web browsers. The threat actors are distributing spam emails with malicious attachments in hopes that users on vulne...

GTA 6 Hype Train Rolls In: Everything We Know So Far

Grand Theft Auto 6 (GTA 6) is highly anticipated, with a release date set for 2025. The game's developer, Rockstar Games, has fueled excitement through small clues and hints, leading to various fan theories and predictions. The latest report suggests that the game will be around 35-40 hours long, shorter than Red Dead Redemption 2 but similar in length to GTA 5. The main campaign is estimated to take around 30-50 hours to complete, with completionist playthroughs potentially taking over 80 hours. The report has not received any comment from Rockstar Games at the time of publication. Related reads With the GTA 6 hype train in motion, 2024 will be the most exciting year for Grand Theft Auto in the series' almost 30-year existence GTA 6: everything we know about Rockstar's upcoming open world blockbuster GTA 6 Report Reveals How Long the Game May Be - ComicBook.com

Revolutionizing Web Browsing: How I Use ChatGPT in Opera for Faster, Smarter Interactions

To use ChatGPT in Opera, one needs the latest version of the browser and an OpenAI account. Adding ChatGPT to Opera takes less than 30 seconds and involves expanding advanced options in the settings window, enabling the ChatGPT listing in the sidebar, and signing up for an OpenAI account with a Google account. The author of the article found that Opera's Aria AI feature is more useful for research purposes than Google Search, as it provides relevant and accurate results without navigating through poorly designed websites or dealing with ads. The author prefers to use Aria instead of Google searches because it offers more targeted and useful results, and they do not want to read articles or listen to music created by AI. Overall, the author believes that Aria can often best Google at helping users find the answers they need for their queries, without worrying about which site they will be sent to. Related reads I replaced Google Search with Opera's Aria AI feature and I don...

Samsung Galaxy S24 Lineup Leaks via Authorized Distributor: A Camera Upgrade is Desperately Needed

The upcoming Samsung Galaxy S24 series is expected to offer various color options, including Amber Yellow, Onyx Black, Marble Gray, and Cobalt Violet. The Galaxy S24 Ultra is rumored to come with 1TB of storage space, while other storage configurations may also be available. The Galaxy S24+ is expected to have four color options, including the same colors as the Galaxy S24 Ultra. There may be a 256GB or 512GB storage model available for the Galaxy S24+. The release date of the Samsung Galaxy S24 series is still unknown, but some rumors suggest it may launch on January 18, 2024. The Galaxy S23 Ultra has been considered the most feature-rich and complete flagship phone of 2023. However, the camera of the Galaxy S23 Ultra is considered immature compared to newer flagship phones like the Vivo X100 Pro. The Vivo X100 Pro has a larger sensor, class-leading HDR, and special Zeiss lens coating, resulting in sharper and better-handling dynamic range photos. The Vivo X100 Pro's 10x zoom phot...

Hackers Target Unsecured Linux SSH Servers for Cryptocurrency Mining: A Growing Threat?

There is increasing threat of cyberattacks on Linux SSH servers, particularly those that are poorly secured. Cybercriminals are exploiting vulnerabilities in these servers to carry out cryptocurrency mining and distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks. Threat actors use brute-force attempts to guess SSH credentials and install malware, including scanners, to identify other vulnerable systems on the internet. The malware installed includes tools that can determine the number of CPU cores on a system. The findings highlight the importance of using strong, regularly changed passwords, keeping systems up-to-date, and exercising caution when updating security versions to mitigate the risks associated with these attacks. Related reads Hackers Attacking Linux SSH Servers to Deploy Scanner Malware Warning: Poorly Secured Linux SSH Servers Under Attack for Cryptocurrency Mining - The Hacker News

Nadella Named CEO of the Year by CNN Business for Leading Microsoft's Generative AI Charge

Microsoft's CEO, Satya Nadella, was awarded the CEO of the Year by CNN Business due to the company's significant investment in artificial intelligence (AI) and his exceptional leadership skills. Under Nadella's guidance, Microsoft has commercialized AI tools such as ChatGPT and has rapidly adopted AI technology, impressing the industry with its quick adoption. The company's stock has increased by 55% this year, indicative of investor confidence in Nadella's leadership and Microsoft's future prospects. Nadella's unique background, which includes being born in India and coming to the US to pursue his education, sets him apart from the typical Silicon Valley executive archetype. Related reads Microsoft's Satya Nadella is CEO of the year following his heavy investment in generative AI Microsoft’s Satya Nadella is CNN Business’ CEO of the Year - CNN

iPhone Backdoors: The Most Advanced Exploit Ever Uncovered?

The recent security threat known as the "Triangulation" campaign has revealed a previously unknown vulnerability in Apple devices' advanced memory protections. This vulnerability allowed attackers to bypass these protections and install full-featured spyware on compromised devices. The attackers were able to gain access to devices through a complex exploit chain that did not require any action from the recipient of an iMessage text. Once infected, the devices transmitted sensitive data such as microphone recordings, photos, geolocation, and other data to attacker-controlled servers. However, the infections did not survive a reboot, and the attackers continued to keep the campaign alive by sending new malicious iMessage texts shortly after the devices were restarted. Related reads 4-year campaign backdoored iPhones using possibly the most advanced exploit ever - Ars Technica

Apple CarPlay Takes Over Cars in 2024: A Whole-Car Integration Revolution

Apple CarPlay will integrate with vehicles starting in 2024, with Aston Martin and Porsche being among the first brands to offer this integration. This integration will allow for a privacy-friendly way for iPhone users to access their vehicle's sensor suite on the infotainment screen. The new CarPlay integration will display vehicle vitals such as speedo, tach, fuel level gauge, and coolant temperature. Aston Martin and Porsche have released renderings of how this integration will look in their vehicles, with Aston Martin's rendering looking like a regular manufacturer setup running CarPlay and Porsche's rendering hinting at greater widget integration. Next-generation CarPlay will provide deeper integration with the instrument cluster and climate controls, offering support for multiple displays across the dashboard, including customizable gauge cluster designs and layouts. Widgets will be available on the central screen and instrument cluster, providing at-a-glance informat...