Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 vs Google Pixel Fold

andreasc
-
0
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 vs Google Pixel Fold
[ad_1]

The Galaxy Z Fold 5 is the latest book-style foldable from Samsung. When it comes to the US, it doesn’t have many competitors, but we’ll compare it with one of them, the one from Google. We’ll compare the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 vs Google Pixel Fold. Both of these smartphones are book-style foldables, but they have somewhat different approaches to that form factor. They both look different, and feel different to use.

We’ll first list their specifications, and then we’ll move to compare them across a number of other categories. Checking out the design differences will be especially interesting. In addition to that, we’ll also check out their displays, performance, battery life, cameras, and audio performance. Let’s get to it.

Specs

– Screen size (main): 7.6-inch Foldable Dynamic AMOLED 2X display (120Hz, HDR10+, 1,750 nits / 7.6-inch Foldable OLED display (120Hz, HDR10+, 1,450 nits)
– Cover: 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X (120Hz) / 5.8-inch OLED (120Hz)
– Screen resolution (main): 1812 x 2176 / 1840 x 2208
– Cover: 2316 x 904 / 2092 x 1080
– SoC: Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy / Google Tensor G2
– RAM: 12GB (LPDDR5X) / 12GB (LPDDR5)
– Storage: 256GB/512GB/1TB / 256GB/512GB
– Rear cameras: 50MP (wide, f/1.8 aperture, OIS), 12MP (ultrawide, 123-degree FoV), 10MP (telephoto, 3x optical zoom) / 48MP (wide, f/1.7 aperture, OIS), 10.8MP (ultrawide, 121-degree FoV), 10.8MP (telephoto, 5x optical zoom, OIS)
– Front cameras: 4MP (under display, main display, f/1.8 aperture), 10MP (cover display, f/2.2 aperture) / 8MP (main display, f/2.0 aperture), 9.5MP (cover dsiplay, f/2.2 aperture)
– Battery: 4,400mAh / 4,821mAh
– Dimensions (unfolded): 154.9 x 129.9 x 6.1mm / 158.7 x 139.7 x 5.8mm
– Dimensions (folded): 154.9 x 67.1 x 13.4mm / 139.7 x 79.5 x 12.1mm
– Weight: 253 grams / 283 grams
– Connectivity: 5G, LTE, NFC, Wi-Fi, USB Type-C, Bluetooth 5.3 / 5.2
– Security: Side-facing fingerprint scanner
– OS: Android 13 with One UI / Android 13
– Price: $1,799 / $1,799
– Buy: Samsung / Google

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 vs Google Pixel Fold: Design

As already mentioned, both of these phones are book-style foldables. The thing is, the Galaxy Z Fold 5 goes for a tall, narrow shape, while the Pixel Fold is shorter and wider. That way the Pixel Fold feels more like a regular phone when folded, and has a horizontal layout when unfolded. The Galaxy Z Fold 5 is really narrow when folded, and it almost has a square shape when unfolded.

Considering these layouts, the two phones are considerably different in terms of usage. They are both made out of metal and glass, though. They both have a display camera hole on the cover display. It’s also worth noting that both of these devices do fold flat. The Pixel Fold is a bit thinner when both folded and unfolded, while it weighs more than the Galaxy Z Fold 5. You will feel that difference, as it weighs 283 grams, compared to 253 grams of the Fold 5.

Both handsets have three cameras on the back, though they look considerably different from the design standpoint (camera islands), and the hardware is also different. Samsung opted for an under-display camera on the main display, while Google hid the camera inside the bezel around the main display. Those bezels are noticeably thicker than the ones on the Galaxy Z Fold 5. In fact, its top and bottom bezels are thicker than the side bezels, which does look a bit weird.

Both of these devices do offer an IPX8 rating for water resistance. They are both quite slippery, by the way, so using a case may not be a bad idea. They do both feel like premium devices, though.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 vs Google Pixel Fold: Display

The Galaxy Z Fold 5 includes a 7.6-inch 1812 x 2176 Foldable Dynamic AMOLED 2X display. That panel has a 120Hz refresh rate, supports HDR10+ content, and has a peak brightness of 1,750 nits. The second display on the phone is a 6.2-inch panel. That display has a 2316 x 904 resolution, and a 23.1:9 aspect ratio. That is a Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate, and it’s protected by the Gorilla Glass Victus 2.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 AH 15

The Google Pixel Fold, on the other hand, includes a 7.6-inch 1840 x 2208 Foldable OLED display. That display has a 120Hz refresh rate, and supports HDR10+ content. It has a peak brightness of 1,450 nits. The cover display on the phone measures 5.8 inches, and offers a resolution of 2092 x 1080. That panel has a 17.4:9 aspect ratio, and a peak brightness of 1,550. That is an OLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate, supports HDR content, and is protected by the Gorilla Glass Victus.

All four displays here are good, actually. There’s not much to complain about, to be quite honest. The Galaxy Z Fold 5’s main display does get a bit brighter, but the Pixel Fold’s is bright enough. The Pixel Fold’s cover display is more enjoyable to use, due to its aspect ratio and size. They both offer vivid colors, good viewing angles, and are more than sharp enough. You do need to decide which aspect ratio suits you better, though, mainly when it comes to main displays. These are considerably different foldables.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 vs Google Pixel Fold: Performance

The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy fuels the Galaxy Z Fold 5. Samsung also included 12GB of LPDDR5X RAM in the device, and UFS 4.0 flash storage too. The Pixel Fold, on the other hand, is fueled by the Google Tensor G2 processor. Google also included 12GB of LPDDR5 RAM inside this phone, and UFS 3.1 flash storage. Samsung does have the edge when it comes to sheer performance power.

The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 is more powerful than the Tensor G2, and it also offers better power consumption. RAM and storage modules are also newer and faster inside the Galaxy Z Fold 5. Is that something you’ll notice during your usage, though? Well, no, unless you compare them directly, and then you’ll notice that the Fold 5 is a bit snappier, and that goes for opening up apps too.

Where you will notice the difference, however, is in the gaming department. If you’re not a gamer, this won’t really interest you. Both phones do a great job with most games, but when it comes to the most graphically-intensive games, the Galaxy Z Fold 5 is the king. The Pixel Fold is not exactly made for gaming, and in games such as Genshin Impact, it can struggle a bit, at least in comparison to the Fold 5. Overall, though, both phones do offer good performance.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 vs Google Pixel Fold: Battery

The Galaxy Z Fold 5 has a 4,400mAh battery on the inside, while the Pixel Fold comes with a 4,821mAh unit. Google did manage to squeeze in a considerably larger battery inside its foldable, and it also has a smaller cover display. Considering everything, does it offer better battery life, though? Despite its SoC? Well, yes, it does, at least it did during our testing. Do note that your mileage may be considerably different, though. Your usage could end up being considerably different, as there are two screens here to think of. We did use the cover displays on both phones quite a bit.

In any case, crossing the 8-hour screen-on-time mark on the Pixel Fold was not a problem for us at all. The phone actually went to 8 and a half hours of screen-on-time without a problem almost every time. We’re still actively testing the Galaxy Z Fold 5, but its battery life also seems promising. We’re not seeing it to be as good as what the Pixel Fold offers, though. On the Fold 5, we’re getting closer to 7 hours of screen-on-time, 7 and a half. Do note that we’re not really gaming on our phones all that much, other than for testing purposes.

Now, in terms of charging. The Galaxy Z Fold 5 supports 25W wired, 15W wireless, and 4.5W reverse wireless charging. The Pixel Fold, on the other hand, supports 21W wired, and 7.5W wireless charging. Neither phone offers particularly fast charging, but if you’re planning on charging these devices wirelessly, the Fold 5 is the better option. Neither phone comes with a charging brick, though.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 vs Google Pixel Fold: Cameras

The Galaxy Z Fold 5 has a 50-megapixel main camera, a 12-megapixel ultrawide unit (123-degree FoV), and a 10-megapixel telephoto camera (3x optical zoom). The Pixel Fold, on the other hand, includes a 48-megapixel main camera, a 10.8-megapixel ultrawide unit (121-degree FoV), and a 10.8-megapixel telephoto camera (5x optical zoom).

Google Pixel Fold AM AH19

So, the Pixel Fold is closer to the Pixel 7a in terms of its cameras, than the Pixel 7 Pro, as far as hardware is concerned. It does have that telephoto camera unlike the Pixel 7a, however. Despite the fact its camera hardware is inferior to the Pixel 7 Pro, the pictures look great. Google’s image processing strikes again. The images are sharp, vivid, and have that Pixel look you’d expect, that contrasty look. The telephoto camera also does a really good job at 5x, and the phone didn’t exactly falter in low light either.

The Galaxy Z Fold 5 provides a bit more saturated images, and it’s less reliable than the Pixel Fold, in the general scheme of things. The skin colors are a hit-and-miss, for example. Still, the images it provides are sharp, vivid, and look good overall. The phone also did a good job in low light, while its telephoto camera is not as good as the one on the Pixel Fold, but it’s quite good nonetheless.

Audio

Both the Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Pixel Fold include a set of stereo speakers. Both sets of speakers are good, and loud enough. They are well-balanced, and there’s even some bass to speak of. These are not the best speakers out there, though, but they’re on the same playing field, and they’re good overall.

What you will not find on either phone is an audio jack. You will need to use a Type-C port on either phone in order to connect your headphones via a wire. If you prefer wireless connections, Bluetooth 5.3 is available on the Galaxy Z Fold 5, while the Pixel Fold includes Bluetooth 5.2.


[ad_2]
Source link

Brave browser rolls out a privacy-oriented media search feature

andreasc
-
0
Brave browser rolls out a privacy-oriented media search feature
[ad_1]

Ever since its launch back in 2016, the Brave browser has grown to be the go-to choice for internet surfers. This privacy-oriented browser is now home to over 50.2 million monthly users around the globe. Brave is now proud to announce its new media search feature that keeps users away from Google and Bing search engines.

The announcement of this new feature was given in a recent press release. For a while now, Brave has not been able to offer media results like pictures and videos for users. This is because the privacy-focused browser has long relied on either Google or Bing for media results.

By doing this, Brave exposes its user to privacy risks that it claims to protect them from. But all of that is changing as the browser is getting a new in-house media search feature. With this, users will be able to search for media-related issues and get results without relying on other browsers.

The new media search result feature on the Brave browser is here to improve privacy

At the heart of Brave’s services is privacy, and that’s one of the things users find attractive about the browser. The company refers to itself as the best privacy online. It also promises users better protection while browsing, outperforming what Google and Bing offer.

Brave helps to block web trackers and ads while users surf from one website to the other. To further solidify its privacy-oriented features, the browser is getting a new media (image and video) search feature. This new feature keeps all media searches within the Bing ecosystem and keeps users away from other browsers.

Previously, users of the Brave browser had to rely on API calls to Google and Bing before they could image search results. But all of that is coming to an end as the Brave browser can now source image search results on its own. This shows that Brave is ready to stand on its own and it started this break-off from Google and Bing early this year.

Brave also claims that providing its media search results with sourcing APIs will make the browser faster. This new privacy-oriented media search feature will also improve user privacy. The browser also promises to add a ton of new features to improve the media search results it gives users. These additional features will roll out in the coming future.


[ad_2]
Source link

Galaxy S20 FE flags off Samsung’s August security update run

andreasc
-
0
Galaxy S20 FE flags off Samsung’s August security update run
[ad_1]

Samsung has begun rolling out the August 2023 Android security patch to Galaxy devices. This month, the Galaxy S20 FE has earned the distinction of being the first to pick up the latest security update. Neither Google nor Samsung has detailed the content of the new SMR (Security Maintenance Release).

As of this writing, the August security update is available for the 4G/LTE version of the Galaxy S20 FE in a handful of Latin American countries. All-things-Samsung publication SamMobile first spotted the rollout, which is now live in Bolivia, Brazil, Guatemala, Panama, Paraguay, and Trinidad & Tobago.

The latest update for the Galaxy S20 FE (LTE) in the region comes with the firmware build number G780GXXS6EWG9. Samsung’s official changelog states that the device isn’t getting anything apart from this month’s security fixes. Unfortunately, as said earlier, we don’t yet have the patch details.

Google will probably publish the content of the latest ASB (Android Security Bulletin) on Monday. Samsung will subsequently update its monthly bulletin with those details, adding details about the Galaxy-specific vulnerabilities it fixed this month. As usual, the August SMR for Galaxy devices should bring several dozen vulnerability patches, including a handful of critical ones.

While we wait for the patch details, Samsung may be already preparing to expand the availability of the August update for the Galaxy S20 FE to other regions. The LTE version didn’t arrive in the US but the Korean firm did launch the phone with 5G connectivity stateside. The company will also soon release the August SMR for other Galaxy devices, including the Galaxy S23 series.

If you’re using the Galaxy S20 FE or any other Galaxy phone, you can manually check for new software updates from the Settings app. Go to the Software update menu and tap on Download and install. Wait until the device finishes looking for new updates. If it doesn’t find any, check again a few days later.

The Galaxy S20 FE will not get the Android 14 update

Galaxy S20 FE users may be getting the August security update ahead of everyone else, but they don’t have major feature updates lined up for them in the future. Launched with Android 10 in the second half of 2020, this phone will not get Android 14. It will end its life on Android 13, which it picked up late last year. For those looking to upgrade, Samsung seemingly has the Galaxy S23 FE coming in a month or two. Stay tuned for its official launch.


[ad_2]
Source link

Snapdragon 8+ Gen 2 is here, but not really

andreasc
-
0
Snapdragon 8+ Gen 2 is here, but not really
[ad_1]

Qualcomm may have quietly launched the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 2 but without the “Plus” branding. The company is still calling it Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, though the new chip brings a faster CPU and GPU. And yes, it’s none other than the once-Samsung-exclusive version of the latest Snapdragon flagship.

If you recall, Samsung‘s Galaxy S23 series uses a Qualcomm processor globally. It’s an overclocked version of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. The chip itself has a “for Galaxy” suffix on its name and comes with a slightly different part number than the standard version available to other brands. More precisely, its part number is SM8550-AC, while that of the standard chip is SM8550-AB.

In terms of clock speeds, the “for Galaxy” version has its fastest CPU core operating at 3.36GHz and GPU at 719MHz. In comparison, the standard solution has its CPU and GPU clocked at 3.2GHz and 680MHz, respectively. Samsung used this supposedly exclusive processor in the newly launched Galaxy Z Fold 5, Galaxy Z Flip 5, and Galaxy Tab S9 series as well.

However, it turns out its exclusivity of the “for Galaxy” version ended long back. This overclocked chip is already found inside devices from other brands. Namely, ZTE’s Nubia RedMagic 8S Pro debuted a month back featuring this chipset. The folks over at XDA Developers checked its part number and clock speeds, and everything matched with the “for Galaxy” version.

The chip should be this year’s Plus version

Interestingly, both Qualcomm and ZTE still refer to the chip as the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. But since it has a faster CPU and GPU than the standard version, it should be this year’s Plus version. Qualcomm has been releasing mid-year refreshes of its flagship processors with the “Plus” branding in recent years. They brought nothing apart from faster clock speeds.

This year, there’s no sign of a chip officially called the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 2. By the looks of it, Qualcomm has quietly shipped the processor without a name change. In fact, this appears to be the company’s strategy going forward, though we aren’t very fond of this idea. It might get confusing for consumers to figure out whether a smartphone uses the original chip or the mid-year refresh.

“Given the minor adjustment to CPU prime core frequency, we’re treating this platform as a variant of the original platform (Snapdragon 8 Gen 2),” Qualcomm said in a statement to XDA following this discovery. “Our goal is to maintain our simplified naming structure that was introduced in November 2021 so it’s easier for OEMs and consumers to discover and choose devices powered by Snapdragon.”


[ad_2]
Source link

NY Couple Pleads Guilty to $4.5B Bitcoin Theft in Bitfinex Hack

andreasc
-
0
NY Couple Pleads Guilty to $4.5B Bitcoin Theft in Bitfinex Hack
[ad_1]

IN SUMMARY

  1. NY couple who stole $3.6B BTC from 2016 Bitfinex crypto hack pleads guilty.
  2. Lichtenstein used hacking tools to access Bitfinex and move 119K Bitcoin.
  3. The couple used false identities and crypto mixing to launder stolen funds.
  4. Morgan faces up to 5 years; Lichtenstein up to 20 years in prison.
  5. The case serves as a landmark in cryptocurrency cybercrime prosecution.

A New York-based couple, Ilya Lichtenstein and Heather Morgan pleaded guilty to their involvement in the infamous Bitfinex cryptocurrency hack of 2016.

The hack had resulted in the theft of a staggering amount of funds, and after years of investigation, the US Department of Justice (DoJ) achieved its largest-ever finance bust, seizing $3.6 billion worth of Bitcoin connected to the illicit activity.

According to court records, Ilya Lichtenstein, the mastermind behind the cyber attack, confessed to using a sophisticated array of hacking tools and techniques to breach the security defences of the Bitfinex exchange.

Once inside, he proceeded to carry out 2,000 unauthorized transactions, transferring a total of 119,754 bitcoins to his controlled wallets. To cover his tracks, Lichtenstein meticulously erased access credentials, logs, and any other digital evidence that could potentially lead to his identity.

Heather Morgan, Lichtenstein’s wife, was an active accomplice in the money laundering operation. The couple employed deceptive practices, setting up false identities on the darknet and various cryptocurrency exchanges to move and launder the stolen funds.

The couple, arrested in February of last year, employed crypto mixing services to obfuscate the origin of the bitcoins, making it exceptionally challenging for law enforcement to trace the illicitly obtained coins.

Furthermore, the couple created legitimate-looking businesses in the United States to conceal their nefarious activities. Morgan even went as far as promoting her ventures on social media, including TikTok, where she boasted about establishing a multimillion-dollar business without external funding.

Additionally, they allegedly utilized the stolen funds to purchase physical gold coins, which Morgan then buried in an attempt to further hide the money’s origins.

As a result of the criminal actions of Ilya Lichtenstein and Heather Morgan, they now face serious consequences. Lichtenstein pleaded guilty to the conspiracy to commit money laundering, which could lead to a maximum prison sentence of up to 20 years.

Meanwhile, according to the DoJ’s press release, Morgan admitted to one count of money laundering conspiracy and one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States, with each count carrying a maximum sentence of five years in prison.

The magnitude of the funds seized by the DoJ in connection with this case marks a significant achievement in the fight against cybercrime and money laundering in the cryptocurrency space. It serves as a stark warning to those who may attempt to exploit the anonymity and decentralization of digital assets for illicit purposes.

The plea hearing has sent ripples through the crypto community, reinforcing the importance of maintaining robust security measures in exchanges and other crypto-related platforms. It also emphasizes the need for increased vigilance and cooperation between industry stakeholders and law enforcement agencies to ensure the safety and integrity of the cryptocurrency ecosystem.

The sentencing of Lichtenstein and Morgan is scheduled for later this year, and it will undoubtedly serve as a landmark case in the intersection of cryptocurrency, hacking, and money laundering law. The outcome will not only impact the lives of the individuals involved but also set a precedent for future cases involving cybercrime in the world of cryptocurrencies.

  1. Husband – wife among ransomware operators arrested in Ukraine
  2. Gender Diversity in Cybercrime Forums: Women Users on the Rise
  3. Couple sold nuclear warship data hidden in peanut butter sandwich
  4. Couple Arrested For Providing Malware Encryption Service To Crooks

[ad_2]
Source link

The OnePlus Open underwent a big change before its launch

andreasc
-
0
The OnePlus Open underwent a big change before its launch
[ad_1]

Samsung, Xiaomi, Oppo, Google, Motorola, and Vivo have launched foldable phones, and now it’s time for OnePlus to throw in its chips. Dubbed the OnePlus Open, it’s going to be the company’s first foldable. Thanks to SmartPrix, we know that, just weeks before its official launch, the OnePlus Open underwent a major design change.

Right now, we’re following leaks and rumors surrounding this phone. This has been a pretty exciting year for OnePlus, as it launched its powerful OnePlus 11 along with its first tablet. Now, it’s looking to launch its first foldable. While the launch has been confirmed, you’ll still want to take this information with a grain of salt.

The OnePlus Open had a big design change

The OnePlus Open already looked like a compelling device before this change. However, SmartPrix, in partnership with OnLeaks, was able to show us how the device is expected to look when it officially launches.

The first CAD renders that we saw of the devices showed us a device that looked pretty similar to Oppo’s Find N2. After the change, it seems that this device will take on more of its own identity.

Starting off with the camera package, it’s grown considerably. The circular module will take up more space, and it will protrude from the device slightly more. That won’t help the thinness of the phone, but it will help the camera, as we expect to see a periscopic zoom lens. The Hasselblad logo could be replaced with just an “H”.

The frame of the phone is flatter than what we saw in the previous renders. Imagine if you were to take a modern iPhone and turn it into a foldable phone. Also, it looks like the phone itself will be a little thicker due to the flatter frame. The corners furthest from the hinge are much more rounded.

As for the overall shape of the phone, it looks like OnePlus opted for a shorter design. The new renders make it resemble a Pixel Fold. That’s a good thing because that design choice was well-received.

Opening up the phone, we see another notable change. The internal camera was on the left side of the display. That should come as no surprise, and OnePlus typically put its selfie cameras on the left. However, the new renders show that it will be on the right side.

Rumored specs

We expect this phone to come with the latest and greatest specs when it launches. The outer display could be 6.3 inches while the inner display could be 7.8 inches. According to the leak, they’ll both run at 120Hz.

As for the internals, we expect it to use the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC and be backed up by 16GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. For the camera, we’re looking at a 48MP camera accompanied by a 64MP telephoto camera, and an ultrawide camera.

Other specs include a side-mounted fingerprint scanner, a 4,800mAh battery, and 68W charging. We expect the OnePlus Open to launch on August 29th.


[ad_2]
Source link

FCC issues record $300 million fine for illegal robocall operation

andreasc
-
0
FCC issues record $300 million fine for illegal robocall operation
[ad_1]

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is going ahead with its record-setting $300 million fine against “the largest illegal robocall operation” it has ever investigated. Originally proposed in December 2022, the unprecedented fine of $299,997,000 takes into account the massive scope of the scam campaign that sold fake auto warranties to Americans.

According to the FCC, the crooks behind this campaign, led by Roy M. Cox and Aaron Michael Jones, have been running the operation since at least 2018. But they got excessively violent with their scam calls in 2021. The group made more than five billion robocalls within just three months in 2021, with over 550 million phone numbers receiving at least one call.

The total population of the US is 330 million, so every citizen received 15 robocalls on average during that period. That’s more than once a week, though the worst-affected Americans may have received multiple calls in a day. To avoid detection and trick users into answering the phone, the callers used more than a million different caller ID numbers. This helped them disguise the origin and intent of the call.

The robocall campaign also targeted healthcare workers and hospitals

The criminality of this campaign doesn’t end there, though. The multi-national enterprise behind the calls, which did business as Sumco Panama, Virtual Telecom, Davis Telecom, Geist Telecom, Fugle Telecom, Tech Direct, Mobi Telecom, and Posting Express, also sent pre-recorded voice calls and telemarketing calls to mobile phones without consent. The nefarious group even dialed numbers registered on the National Do Not Call Registry.

Moreover, the robocalls didn’t identify the caller at the start of the message and lacked a call-back number that could have allowed consumers to opt out of future calls. The FCC previously said that the group even spoofed the phone numbers of hospitals and called healthcare workers during a pandemic, causing confusion and chaos across “vital public safety institutions.”

The agency received complaints from consumers who described the calls as “incessant” and “harassment.” It concluded that this auto warranty scam robocall campaign met its criteria for “egregious violations” and deserves the proposed fine. In addition to the unprecedented fine, the FCC has also placed Cox and Jones, “two of the central players of the operation,” under lifetime bans against making telemarketing calls.

The FCC has already directed all US-based voice service providers to cease carrying traffic associated with the duo, as well as other members of the enterprise behind this campaign. The agency offered the parties a chance to respond, but they didn’t. As such, the regulatory body is proceeding with the proposed fine. Should they fail to pay the fine promptly, it will refer the matter to the US Department of Justice.


[ad_2]
Source link

Android malware apps master list — stay away from these titles at all costs

andreasc
-
0
Android malware apps master list — stay away from these titles at all costs
[ad_1]

Official app stores are without a doubt the best place to download software for your phone, particularly when it comes to security. For Android phone owners that place is typically the Google Play Store, but every once in a while malicious apps manage to break through the wall despite all the precautions and safety measures.Figuring out which app is not safe can be difficult though, as the developers that make the malicious ones implement tricky tactics to fool you before and after you tap on the download button. For that reason, we have compiled all of the latest reports containing information about flagged malicious apps on the Google Play Store in chronological order, starting with the most recent one.

Keep in mind that even if an app is removed from Google’s Play Store, that doesn’t mean it will disappear from your phone if you have already downloaded it beforehand. What’s more, many of these apps pop up on the Play Store under a slightly different name after being taken down.

Reports on dangerous Android apps

Cybersecurity firm CloudSEK research (June 1, 2023)


The Cybersecurity firm CloudSEK carried out research via their own proprietary software and discovered apps that contain or had previously contained malware. A total of 193 apps were found, with 43 of them still active on the Google Play Store at the time. These apps have the ability to obtain server addresses, as well as personal data and files.CloudSEK states that the number of users affected by these apps amounts to approximately 30 million, and that most of these apps are casual games that are easily forgotten after being installed and played a little. The researchers advise users to regularly scan their phones via an antivirus software to catch such malicious apps before they get the chance to do damage.

Top 10 infected apps based on number of installs:

  • HexaPop Link 2248 (+5 million downloads)
  • Macaron Match (+1 million downloads)
  • Macaron Boom (+1 million downloads)
  • Jelly Connect (+1 million downloads)
  • Tiler Master (+1 million downloads)
  • Crazy Magic Ball (+1 million downloads)
  • Bitcoin Master (+ 1 million downloads)
  • Happy 2048 (+1 million downloads)
  • Mega Win Slots (+500,000 downloads)

Full list:


GitHub list with SpinOk malware apps (May 29, 2023)

A list of 101 apps containing a SpinOk module with spyware features was shared in GitHub, a platform where developers store and manage their code.

The SpinOk module is presented as a marketing SDK. It collects information from the files on your phone and can then send that data back to the source. It can also gather sensor data from your phone’s sensors to avoid detection by security researchers, which makes it especially dangerous.

As you might notice from looking at the list below, most of the applications are either some kind of game or contain a “prize-winning” system. That is the disguise these apps use to trick users into downloading and engaging them afterward.

The apps listed below are reported to have been installed over 421,000,000 times when the list was uploaded to the website, so the chances are not that slim that one is living in your phone’s app drawer.

Full list:


Kaspersky discovers Android subscription malware (May 4, 2023)

The cybersecurity firm Kaspersky discovered a new family of Trojan subscribers on Google Play at the beginning of May this year, dubbing it Fleckpe. The malware is mostly seen in photo editing apps and wallpaper packs.

After downloading the app and it gets access to your notifications, it sends out a confirmation code. The malware then runs on your phone, contacting the source it came from and providing information about your location and mobile carrier.

Once the information is acquired, the hackers send a paid subscription page that the trojan opens via an invisible browser to sign the user up for a paid subscription using the confirmation code mentioned above. This whole process is completely hidden and the user never finds out about it while using the downloaded app.

Full list:

  • Beauty Camera Plus
  • Beauty Photo Camera
  • Beauty Slimming Photo Editor
  • Fingertip Graffiti
  • GIF Camera Editor
  • HD 4K Wallpaper
  • Impressionism Pro Camera
  • Microclip Video Editor
  • Night Mode Camera Pro
  • Photo Camera Editor
  • Photo Effect Editor

MalwareFox list of known Android Malware Apps (March 16, 2023)

MalwareFox is a company that makes anti-malware software programs, and in March it detailed a list of the latest Android viruses plaguing the Google Play Store. In their report, they talk about each virus and what it does to compromise security.

List of viruses and the top 25 apps some of them were found in:

Harly TrojanJoker SpywareAutolycos Malware
  • Fare Gamehub and Box
  • Hope Camera-Picture Record
  • Same Launcher and Live Wallpaper
  • Amazing Wallpaper
  • Cool Emoji Editor and Sticke
  • Simple Note Scanner – com.wuwan.pdfscan
  • Universal PDF Scanner – com.unpdf.scan.read.docscanuniver
  • Private Messenger – com.recollect.linkus
  • Premium SMS – com.premium.put.trustsms
  • Blood Pressure Checker – com.bloodpressurechecker.tangjiang
  • Cool Keyboard – com.colate.gthemekeyboard
  • Paint Art
  • Color Message
  • Vlog Star Video Editor
  • Creative 3D Launcher
  • Wow Beauty Camera
  • Gif Emoji Keyboard
  • Instant Heart Rate Anytime
  • Delicate Messenger


[ad_2]
Source link

Nothing OS 2.0.2 rolls out for Phone (2) with several new features

andreasc
-
0
Nothing OS 2.0.2 rolls out for Phone (2) with several new features
[ad_1]

Nothing has announced a major Nothing OS update for the Phone (2). The new phone is picking up Android 13-based Nothing OS 2.0.2 with several new features and improvements. It comes about two weeks after the Nothing OS 2.0.1 update.

Nothing OS 2.0.2 brings a host of camera goodies

The latest version of Nothing OS focuses heavily on camera improvements. According to the company’s official release notes, the Phone (2) will now capture better selfies thanks to enhanced photo clarity. The big update also improves the low-light selfies and HDR processing speed of the front camera.

The 50MP dual rear camera setup of the Phone (2) is getting similar photo clarity enhancements in high-resolution mode and low-light environments. Nothing has also improved the stability and contrast of videos and the contrast, Bokeh effect, and clarity of faces in photos when shooting in Portrait Mode. HDR processing of the rear cameras is also getting faster.

Elsewhere, the Nothing OS 2.0.2 update adds a temperature management feature that automatically kills apps if the device gets too hot. For a little bit of uniqueness, the volume controller menu is gaining different icons for each of the company’s audio products. The visuals that appear on the screen when the device runs out of battery have also been refined.

Additionally, Nothing has improved the haptic feedback strength when typing and the occasional sluggish responsiveness of the touchscreen. This update also improves the reliability of cellular networks on the Phone (2). Playing games in HDR should feel smoother too.

The July security patch is part of the package

Along with all of these goodies, the Nothing OS 2.2.2 update for the Phone (2) brings the July 2023 Android security patch. It contains fixes for dozens of critical and high-severity security vulnerabilities. The update also improves the overall system stability and reliability of the device.

Other bug fixes include issues with Dirac Audio and the “double tap to wake” gesture. Nothing says the gesture occasionally misbehaved and became unresponsive for some users. The Phone (2) also had issues with the Google Wallet in cloned apps, and the company has fixed those with the Nothing OS 2.0.2 update.

Last but not least, this update fixes an issue with the Bluetooth Quick Settings tile on the Nothing Phone (2). If you’re using the newly launched transparent phone, navigate to Settings > System > System Update to check for updates. The Phone (1) will get Nothing OS 2.0.2 later this month, though the changelog may vary slightly.


[ad_2]
Source link

Man tried to smuggle 68 iPhones by taping them to his body

andreasc
-
0
Man tried to smuggle 68 iPhones by taping them to his body
[ad_1]

A rather bizarre report has surfaced in China. A man tried to smuggle 68 iPhones by taping them to his body. He tried to smuggle all those phones into the country, by the way, not the other way around.

A man tried to smuggle 68 iPhones by taping them to his body

This happened on the night of July 31. The man was described to be wearing a dark-blue short-sleeved shirt. He has tried to cross the border by going into the ‘no need to declare’ late at the border.

Needless to say, he had a lot to declare, but he chose not to. His weird walking tipped off the customs officers, though. He was described to be walking in a very stiff and heavy way.

It didn’t take long for the customs officer to realize he was trying to smuggle something, as 68 iPhones were taped to his body. They were taped around his waist, stomach, and legs. You can see the ones taped to his legs in the image below.

iPhone smuggler image 1

This is not a rare occurrence in China

This may seem like an odd story, and it surely is, but customs officers do see situations like this quite often, especially in China. As GizmoChina notes, a man has recently tried to smuggle in 48 CPUs by hiding them in his shoes.

In any case, the iPhone smuggler will be processed, and his punishment will be decided following everything. We’re not sure what he’s facing at this point.

Speaking of iPhones, new ones are right around the corner. The iPhone 15 series is allegedly coming next month. There was some talk of a delay, but it’s possible that will impact one or both ‘Pro’ models, and only in terms of when the sales start. The entire lineup will still likely launch in September.

In fact, a recent report suggested September 13 as the launch date for the iPhone 15 series.


[ad_2]
Source link
1...1,0301,0311,032...1,477Page 1,031 of 1,477