WhatsApp, one of the most popular encrypted messaging apps, is gearing up for a significant update that could change the way users share media. The app is rolling out an HD quality default setting, a change that could make high-resolution images and videos the new norm.
This upcoming feature builds upon the app’s previous enhancements in media sharing. In August, WhatsApp introduced an HD image sharing option, followed shortly by HD video sharing. While HD doesn’t equate to uncompressed, it significantly improves the resolution of photos and videos compared to WhatsApp’s standard compression, which can often reduce media quality.
Previously, users had to rely on workarounds like attaching media as documents to bypass the compression, adding unnecessary steps to the sharing process. The new default setting eliminates the need for such workarounds, making sharing high-quality media seamless and intuitive.
According to reports from Android Police and beta users, the new default setting has been spotted in beta version 2.24.13.10 of the WhatsApp app. This suggests that the feature is in its final stages of testing and could be released globally soon. Users can check if they have the option in the app’s settings under Storage and data > Media upload quality.
The rumored WhatsApp default media upload quality setting is now live for me on Android.
Now I can finally send in HD by default without having to flip it on every time! pic.twitter.com/6sJSPXFPAE
While this feature is a welcome addition for many users, WhatsApp does caution that HD quality files can be significantly larger than standard quality files, potentially consuming more bandwidth and storage space. However, for users who prioritize image and video quality, this tradeoff might be worth it.
The introduction of an HD quality default setting aligns with WhatsApp’s continuous efforts to enhance its user experience and stay competitive. Looking ahead, it’s possible that WhatsApp will further expand its HD media features, however, there’s no official word on when or if these features will be implemented.
The next generation of Android flagships, including Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Ultra, may cost more than their predecessors. Not because of inflation or economic conditions, but a price hike from Qualcomm. The chipmaker reportedly plans to charge about 30% more for the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4. Android manufacturers may find it difficult to absorb the elevated cost and may pass it on to consumers.
The Galaxy S25 Ultra and other 2025 Snapdragon flagships may cost more
Last month, a noted industry insider claimed that Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 may see a significant price increase due to a higher wafer cost. Reputed TF International analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has now shed more light on what’s going on behind the scenes. According to Kuo, a process node upgrade will add to the manufacturing cost of the next-gen Snapdragon flagship, forcing Qualcomm to increase its price.
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (codename SM8650) used in Samsung’s Galaxy S24 series, OnePlus 12, Xiaomi 14, and many other Android flagships this year is fabricated on TSMC’s 4nm process node. Its successor, i.e., Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 (SM8750), upgrades to the more expensive 3nm (N3E) node. It’s the same process used for Apple’s A18 Pro chip for the iPhone 16 series and comes with cutting-edge technologies.
Kuo says this shift will increase the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4’s cost by 25-30% compared to the Gen 3. The latter is reportedly priced around $190–200, so the next-gen solution could cost as much as $260. If reports are true, Qualcomm increased the price of its current flagship chipset by a similar margin. Device makers may be unable to absorb the added cost for two consecutive years, increasing the prices of next-gen Android flagships.
This isn’t a given, though. Manufacturers could be exploring other ways to reduce the overall cost of materials. Some firms may also have room to cut their profit margin without severely impacting their finances. However, don’t be surprised if flagship Android phones cost more in 2025. Companies may try to justify the hike with improved AI processing capabilities brought by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4’s more powerful NPU.
The new Snapdragon arrives later this year
Qualcomm recently confirmed that the next Snapdragon Summit will take place between October 21-23 in Maui, Hawaii. The company will unveil the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 at this event. The chip will enter mass production in the second half of the year and start shipping inside Android flagships from Samsung, Xiaomi, OnePlus, and other firms after the Snapdragon Summit. Samsung’s Galaxy S25 series will debut in early 2025.
After smartphone makers like Google and Samsung, Adobe also added artificial intelligence to Acrobat back in February, enabling you to find information more easily and efficiently. It offers you AI-generated summaries of your document and a chatbot that can answer your questions.
AI chatbot in Acrobat will soon be capable of multi-document analysis
Now the AI assistant is getting more useful with additional capabilities. Starting tomorrow, the AI-powered chatbot in Acrobat will offer multi-document analysis. It means the ability to analyze multiple documents at once. In practice, it can streamline research, and data analysis across various document types, including PDFs, Word, and PowerPoint files.
Adobe has integrated a conversational engine into Reader and Acrobat workflows. One of the features enabled through this addition is “Insights Across Documents.” It allows users to pull information from multiple documents and create cohesive content.
In addition to “Insights Across Documents”, Acrobat will also offer enhanced meeting transcript capabilities. It will help users automatically generate summaries of virtual meetings, highlighting main topics, key points, and action items. So all the participants will be able to stay informed even if they miss the meeting.
There will also be an AI-powered image generation feature going forward. The image generation model will reportedly be powered by the Adobe Firefly Image 3 Model.
Image-related features in Acrobat
The integration of an image model to Acrobat will offer two features “Edit Image in Acrobat” and “Generate Image in Acrobat.” As the name suggests, the first one will offer functionalities such as Generative Fill, Remove Background, Erase, and Crop. These functionalities will allow the user to easily edit the images in a document within Acrobat.
In addition to the image editing feature, the “Generate Image in Acrobat” will uplift the capability and the overall user experience of Acrobat to a whole new level. Users will be able to bring their imagination to reality with images within a document in Acrobat. According to Adobe, the generative image feature is designed to enhance documents with unique visuals quickly and effortlessly.
Their goal is to make it easier for users to create visually appealing content without needing extensive creative expertise. “With the new Firefly and AI Assistant capabilities in Acrobat, anyone can transform the information in their digital documents into actionable insights and visually compelling content – quickly and easily,” notes Abhigyan Modi, senior vice president of Adobe Document Cloud.
Adobe is once again redefining how we interact with digital documents by introducing new AI innovations to Acrobat. In a press release, Adobe has announced that both Reader and Acrobat users will soon be able to generate and edit images directly within PDFs using simple text prompts. This significant capability is powered by Adobe’s Firefly Image 3 Model, marking the first time generative image features have been integrated into a PDF application.Additionally, an enhanced Acrobat AI Assistant — a conversational engine integrated into Reader and Acrobat workflows — will allow users to ask questions, gain insights, and even draft content from information across a variety of document types, including Word, PowerPoint, text files, and PDFs. Enhanced meeting transcript capabilities within the AI Assistant are also on the horizon.
Image credit — Adobe
This announcement highlights the significance of Adobe’s contributions as the inventor and innovator of PDF, emphasizing that generative AI is set to revolutionize the field once more. With Firefly and the AI Assistant working together, Adobe states that users will have the ability to transform information within their digital documents into actionable insights and visually engaging content effortlessly and efficiently.For the first time, Adobe Firefly’s generative AI image capabilities are being integrated into Acrobat. This technology offers significant advancements in image generation quality, prompt understanding, and new levels of detail and variety, expanding creative expression and ideation possibilities. Users will be able to enhance existing images or generate entirely new ones within their PDFs using simple text prompts, all without leaving Acrobat.
Acrobat AI Assistant’s new features are designed to streamline research, studying, data analysis, and meeting note review, tasks where information often spans multiple documents and file types. The AI Assistant can identify key themes, trends, and relationships across a group of selected documents, combining and formatting information from various sources into meaningful content.
What about user privacy?
Adobe claims that in an effort to prioritize user privacy and security, Adobe Firefly is trained on moderated, licensed Adobe Stock images and public domain images where copyright has expired, ensuring commercially safe content generation for both individuals and businesses. The company also reiterated its commitment to ethical AI development as outlined in its AI Ethics guidelines, which also govern the selection and integration of third-party LLMs (Large Language Models).
Additionally, Adobe says it explicitly prohibits third-party LLMs from training on Adobe customer data and maintains a strict policy against training its generative AI models on customer data. This is important to point out in light of recent controversies the company has been a part of involving the use of users’ creative content for the purposes of training AI, which Adobe has repeatedly clarified is not the case.To sum up, Adobe’s latest advancements in AI, particularly with Firefly’s integration into Acrobat and the enhanced AI Assistant, represent a significant step forward in how we interact with and utilize digital documents. These innovations promise to empower users with unprecedented creative control and streamline information extraction and utilization across diverse document types, all while promising to uphold ethical AI practices and safeguarding user data.
Before the arrival of new generations of products, it is common for brands to stop selling older models. It seems that this is what Samsung is doing, as they have discontinued the Galaxy Tab S8 series. The company is currently working on the Galaxy Tab S10 series, which will arrive later this year. Meanwhile, the Galaxy Tab S9 series is still available.
Samsung had already shown signs of wanting to discontinue its 2022 flagship tablets. A few weeks ago, you could find some amazing deals for these devices on the company’s official website. The most premium model, the Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra, was available for just $650. Considering its specs, it was one of the best options on the market.
Samsung is discontinuing the Galaxy Tab S8 series after stock cleaning
However, as of today, none of the Tab S8 deals are available. In fact, you can no longer buy any of these tablets on the company’s official website for the US. The sections dedicated to these devices are still live, including the “Buy” button. But you’ll get a message saying, “The device is no longer available for purchase on Samsung.com; however, please take a look at additional options in the Galaxy family.”
The Galaxy Tab S8 series has been discontinued on Samsung’s website in multiple countries. Such is the case in the United States, the Netherlands, and Germany. That said, it is still available in some markets, such as the UK and India. It seems that there is still some stock left in those countries, and the tablets will be discontinued once they are sold out. It seems unlikely that the brand will be able to replenish the stock of these tablets.
Just because the Galaxy Tab S8 series is not available on Samsung’s website doesn’t mean you can’t get it anywhere. You may still be able to purchase it from third-party vendors. These devices are still very capable, especially the Ultra model. Plus, they still have a couple of years of big Android updates left after receiving One UI 6.1. So, if you were looking for a tablet, this may be the ideal time to try to find a good deal.
Starting today, YouTube viewers can fact-check videos of their favorite creators by adding notes that offer relevant and easy-to-understand context. As per YouTube’s statement, the ability to add notes is meant to offer platform users a better understanding of what they’re watching.
For instance, added notes could clarify when a song is meant to be a parody, YouTube says. Also, a note added by a viewer can point out when a new version of a product being reviewed is available.
Last but not least, these notes are very useful when you want to let other viewers know when older footage is mistakenly (or on purpose) portrayed as a current event.
For the time being, the ability to add notes to a video is only available on mobile in the United States and in English language. It’s also important to mention that the pilot will be available to a limited number of eligible contributors.
Invitations will be sent via email or Creator Studio to those who meet the eligibility criteria, which also include having an active YouTube channel in good standing with the Community Guidelines. Here is how this note rating will work:
Notes will appear publicly under a video if they’re found to be broadly helpful. People will be asked whether they think a note is “helpful,” “somewhat helpful,” or “unhelpful” and why – for example, whether it cites high-quality sources or is written clearly and neutrally.
Finally, YouTube confirmed it will use a “bridging-based algorithm to consider these ratings and determine what notes are published.” This algorithm has been specifically designed to help identify notes that are helpful to a “broad audience across perspectives.”
🎶 Ready to know what Malwarebytes knows? Ask us your questions and get some answers. What is a passphrase and what makes it—what’s the word? Strong? 🎶
Every day, countless readers, listeners, posters, and users ask us questions about some of the most commonly cited topics and terminology in cybersecurity. What are passkeys? Is it safer to use a website or an app? How can I stay safe from a ransomware attack? What is the dark web? And why can’t cybercriminals simply be caught and stopped?
For some cybersecurity experts, these questions may sound too “basic”—easily researched online and not worth the time or patience to answer. But those experts would be wrong.
In cybersecurity, so much of the work involves helping people take personal actions to stay safe online. That means it’s on cybersecurity companies and practitioners to provide clarity when the public is asking for it. it’s on us to provide clarity. Without this type of guidance, people are less secure, scammers are more successful, and clumsy, fixable mistakes are rarely addressed.
This is why, this summer, Malwarebytes is working harder on meeting people where they are. For weeks, we’ve been collecting questions from our users about WiFi security, data privacy, app settings, device passcodes, and identity protection.
All of these questions—no matter their level of understanding—are appreciated, as they help the team at Malwarebytes understand where to improve its communication. In cybersecurity, it is critical to create an environment where, for every single person seeking help, it’s safe to ask. It’s safe to ask what’s on their mind, safe to ask what confuses them, and safe to ask what they might even find embarrassing.
Today, on the Lock and Code podcast with host David Ruiz, we speak with Malwarebytes Product Marketing Manager Tjitske de Vries about the modern rules around passwords, the difficulties of stopping criminals on the dark web, and why online scams hurt people far beyond their financial repercussions.
“We had [an] 83-year-old man who was afraid to talk to his wife for three days because he had received… a sextortion scam… This is how they get people, and it’s horrible.”
Today, Amazon has its stunning Omni QLED Series 55-inch TV back on sale. It’s now on sale for just $429. That’s going to save you $170 off of its regular price. For its regular price of $599, this was already a really great deal; now that you can get it for just $429, this is an incredible deal and one you won’t want to miss.
This QLED TV is running on Fire TV. That means you’ll get access to all your favorite apps on this TV. That includes Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Netflix, YouTube TV and much more. There’s also Alexa support here, and that includes hands-free Alexa.
This TV has multiple ports, including an ethernet port, a cable/antenna port, a USB port, an IR emitter, a headphone port, an optical port, two HDMI 2.0 ports, and one HDMI 2.1 port. This means that gamers who own PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X can easily connect their consoles to this TV using 4K120, which is excellent news.
This QLED TV from Amazon offers excellent viewing angles and color reproduction. Unlike LED TVs, the QLED technology does not use backlighting, so you won’t see grays where it should be black. Additionally, this TV features Dolby Vision IQ, which provides stunning visuals on the large screen. It also supports HLG and HDR10 standards.
I’ve enjoyed using this TV in my home, and while it’s not the best TV on the market, it is still a really good value.
In the fast-paced world of financial trading, binary options offer a unique opportunity for traders to capitalize on market movements with a clear risk-reward proposition. However, navigating the binary options market requires more than just intuition; it requires a solid strategy, precision timing, and the use of innovative tools to enhance decision-making and maximize profits. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the world of binary options strategies and explore the cutting-edge tools that can give traders an edge.
Understanding Binary Options
Before diving into strategies and the best tools available for Binary Options Trading, it’s crucial to understand what binary options are. Binary options are financial instruments that allow traders to speculate on the price movement of an underlying asset, such as stocks, commodities, indices, or currencies. The outcome is binary; either the trade finishes in the money (profit) or out of the money (loss), based on whether the asset’s price is above or below a certain point at the expiry time.
Developing a Solid Strategy
A successful binary options trader doesn’t rely on luck; they have a well-thought-out strategy that takes into account market analysis, risk management, and timing. Strategies can range from technical analysis, which involves chart patterns and indicators, to fundamental analysis, focusing on economic indicators and news events. The key is to find a strategy that suits your trading style and stick to it with discipline.
The Role of Innovative Tools
In the digital age, traders have access to a variety of tools that can significantly enhance their trading efficiency and effectiveness. Here are some of the most innovative tools for binary options strategies:
1. Technical Analysis Software
Technical analysis software provides traders with advanced charting capabilities, real-time data, and a plethora of technical indicators. These tools allow traders to analyze historical price action and predict future movements more accurately. Popular software includes MetaTrader 4/5, TradingView, and Thinkorswim.
2. Economic Calendar
An economic calendar is an indispensable tool for traders who employ fundamental analysis. It lists upcoming economic events, such as GDP announcements, interest rate decisions, and employment data, which can have significant impacts on the markets. By staying informed about these events, traders can make more educated predictions about market movements.
3. Binary Options Signals
Signals are essentially recommendations or tips on binary options trades, usually based on technical or fundamental analysis performed by experienced traders or algorithms. While signals can be incredibly useful, it’s important for traders to vet the source of their signals to avoid scams.
4. Risk Management Tools
Effective risk management is crucial in binary options trading. Tools that help manage risk include position sizing calculators, which help traders determine the optimal amount to invest based on their risk tolerance and account size, and stop-loss orders, which automatically close out a trade at a predetermined loss threshold.
5. Automated Trading Bots
For those looking to automate their trading strategy, there are numerous trading bots available that can execute trades based on predefined criteria. While automated trading can save time and help maintain discipline, it’s important to monitor these bots closely, as market conditions can change rapidly.
6. Social Trading Platforms
Social trading platforms allow traders to follow the trades of more experienced or successful traders. This can be a great way for beginners to learn and for experienced traders to gain insights from their peers.
7. Mobile Trading Apps
In today’s world, being able to trade on the go is crucial. Mobile trading apps ensure that traders can execute trades, monitor markets, and manage their accounts from anywhere, at any time. Most reputable brokers offer mobile apps that are robust and user-friendly.
Combining Tools and Strategies for Success
The most successful traders don’t rely on a single tool or strategy; they use a combination to adapt to changing market conditions and enhance their decision-making process. For instance, a trader might use technical analysis software to identify potential trades, an economic calendar to avoid trading during volatile news events, and a position sizing calculator to ensure they’re not overexposed on any single trade.
Expanding Your Trading Toolkit: Beyond the Basics
While the tools mentioned are essential for every binary options trader, expanding your toolkit can significantly enhance your trading capabilities. Advanced charting tools, volatility trackers, and market sentiment indicators can provide deeper insights into market movements and trader behavior.
– Advanced Charting Tools: Beyond basic technical analysis software, there are platforms that offer more sophisticated charting capabilities, including customizable indicators and the ability to backtest strategies against historical data.
– Volatility Trackers: Tools that monitor and report on the volatility of assets can help traders anticipate significant market movements.
– Market Sentiment Indicators: Understanding the general sentiment among traders can provide clues about future price movements. Tools that aggregate sentiment from various sources can be particularly useful.
Comparison of Advanced Charting Platforms
The Importance of Community and Education in Binary Options Trading
Engaging with a community of traders and prioritizing education are critical steps for success in binary options trading. Through forums, webinars, and online courses, traders can gain insights, learn new strategies, and stay updated on market trends.
– Forums and Discussion Boards: Places where traders can share experiences, strategies, and advice.
– Webinars and Online Courses: Educational resources that cover various aspects of binary options trading, from beginner to advanced levels.
Key Benefits of Engaging with Trading Communities
– Access to a wealth of trading knowledge and experience
– The opportunity to learn from successful traders
– Support during challenging trading periods
Backtesting Strategies: The Key to Confidence and Improvement
Backtesting your trading strategies against historical data is crucial for refining your approach and building confidence. This process allows traders to assess the viability of a strategy before risking real money.
– Importance of Historical Data: Understanding past market conditions and how they affect your strategies.
– Tools for Backtesting: Software that allows traders to simulate strategies against historical market data.
Essential Components for Effective Backtesting
– A comprehensive dataset of historical price movements
– A clear set of trading strategy rules for entry, exit, and money management
– The ability to simulate trades under various market conditions
Navigating Regulatory Considerations and Ensuring Compliance
Binary options trading is subject to regulatory oversight, which varies by jurisdiction. Staying informed about these regulations and ensuring compliance is vital for traders to avoid legal issues and penalties.
Regulatory Bodies and Key Regulations in Major Markets
By incorporating these additional sections into the guide, traders can gain a more holistic view of binary options trading. Not only do they learn about the tools and strategies needed for success, but they also understand the importance of community, education, backtesting, and regulatory compliance in shaping a successful trading career.
Mastering the Psychological Game in Trading
The psychological component of trading is as critical as the strategic and analytical elements. Achieving success in binary options trading demands not just a mastery of market analysis but also a deep understanding of one’s own emotions and behaviors. Emotional control is paramount, requiring traders to manage fear and greed effectively.
Developing a resilient trading mindset involves fostering qualities such as patience, discipline, and a commitment to ongoing learning. Additionally, incorporating stress management techniques like meditation, regular physical activity, and ensuring sufficient rest can help maintain mental clarity and emotional stability.
Traders must be wary of psychological pitfalls such as overconfidence following a series of wins, the urge for revenge trading after losses, and the confirmation bias, where one might only seek information that confirms pre-existing beliefs or predictions, potentially leading to missed signals or flawed decisions.
Staying Ahead: The Evolution of Binary Options Trading Tools
The landscape of binary options trading is continually transformed by technological advancements, making it essential for traders to stay informed about the latest tools and trends. The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning into trading algorithms is providing unprecedented accuracy in market predictions and the automation of complex strategies.
Meanwhile, blockchain technology is being increasingly utilized in trading platforms, offering enhanced levels of transparency, security, and trust. Innovations in mobile trading are also significant, with ongoing enhancements to apps enabling traders to execute decisions swiftly and stay updated with market movements instantaneously. Looking towards the future, emerging technologies such as quantum computing and augmented reality (AR)/virtual reality (VR) promise to further revolutionize the trading experience.
Quantum computing holds the potential for processing massive datasets at incredible speeds, offering a significant advantage in market analysis. AR and VR technologies could transform how traders interact with market data, providing immersive and intuitive ways to analyze trends and execute trades.
Incorporating an understanding of the psychological challenges of trading and staying abreast of technological advancements are crucial steps towards becoming a more proficient and successful binary options trader. These elements underscore the importance of a holistic approach to trading, combining effective strategy, psychological resilience, and technological savvy.
Conclusion
Binary options trading offers a unique opportunity for profit in the financial markets, but it comes with its own risks. By developing a solid strategy and leveraging innovative tools, traders can significantly increase their chances of success. Remember, the key to success in trading is not just in the tools you use but in the discipline, research, and continuous learning you apply to your trading practice. As the binary options market continues to evolve, so too should your strategies and tools, ensuring you remain at the cutting edge of trading technology.
Microsoft alerts organizations, particularly those using remote access features on their networks, to migrate to the ‘Always-On VPN’ feature as the tech giant deprecates the Windows DirectAccess solution.
Microsoft Deprecates Windows DirectAccess, Confirming Feature Removal In the Future
According to a recent announcement, Microsoft plans for Windows DirectAccess removal in future releases as it deprecates the feature starting this month.
Windows DirectAccess has long been a remote access solution widely used in organizations for securing remote access to the company networks. It facilitated direct secure connections, ditching the conventional procedure of connecting and disconnecting VPNs. Hence, a remote client could connect to the organization’s network without requiring a VPN, simultaneously allowing easy access to the IT admins to their systems.
However, Microsoft observed some limitations with DirectAccess, which modern VPN connections address better.
As highlighted, the ‘Always-On VPN’ functionality allows more secure connections without requiring recurrent connections/disconnections with Windows VPNs. Moreover, it offers better support for contemporary VPN protocols and empowers IT admins to choose which apps use the VPN connection. Besides, Always-On VPN works equally well for domain-joined and non-domain-joined users, unlike DirectAccess, which only works with the former.
Considering these strengths of the DirectAccess successor, Microsoft now recommends all users migrate to the Always-on VPN while the tech giant deprecates DirectAccess. The firm urges organizations to complete this migration at the earliest to avoid possible downtimes and connection issues in the future.
In future releases, Microsoft plans to completely remove this feature, leaving the Always-On VPN as the prime technology for securing remote network connections.
