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Apple could develop AR glasses that can replace your phone

Tech

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June 24, 2024

Apple could develop AR glasses that can replace your phone

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Science fiction has been the cradle of multiple ideas that today are reality, while others seem much more possible than before. Until relatively recently, a decent VR experience was impossible or very cumbersome to enjoy. Another advanced technology that seems more viable today is AR glasses that replace your phone, and Apple would be looking for it.

According to Bloomberg, Apple is restarting a project to develop advanced AR glasses. These would be much lighter than the Apple Vision Pro, whose ergonomics are not its best virtue. However, the company would like you to be able to use the glasses all day, so they would have fairly contained dimensions. Its format would be similar to that of the Google Glass project from years ago.

Apple’s AR glasses could fully replace your iPhone

Apple already boasts of having a lot of experience in AR-based UX thanks to the development of the Vision Pro. According to the report, some of the Vision Pro technologies would be implemented in the lightweight AR glasses. Internally, a release date of 2027 has even been discussed. However, the source adds that even the development team sees that deadline as unlikely.

Apple has yet to decide whether to invest in everything that a project of this magnitude requires. The company must study the profitability that AR glasses capable of replacing iPhones would bring. So, they must consider key items such as development cost, public interest, and price for the user, among others. The company will surely be quite cautious after the failure in sales of its Vision Pro.

Apple has yet to decide on the viability of the project

Vision Products Group is the team in charge of all the company’s “Vision” projects. Recent reports suggest that they are focusing on a more affordable Vision headset. Bloomberg claims that the team will decide on the viability of AR glasses as they work on other things.

In its day, the Google Glass project had many factors that influenced its failure. Probably the most important factor was the starting price of $1,500. However, there were also serious regulatory challenges due to its video recording capabilities. It will be interesting to see if potential Apple AR glasses manage to overcome these challenges in the future.

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Instagram users can now livestream to close friends only

Apps

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June 24, 2024

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Instagram users can now livestream to close friends only

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Instagram has recently added the ability to livestream to a list of close friends. The new feature is now rolling out globally and makes it possible for Instagram users to broadcast from either Instagram Live or Live Room to the select followers on their Close Friends list.

As of now, it’s unclear how big the list of followers that you can stream to can be, but since Instagram didn’t mention anything about that, your Close Friends list can probably be very big.

Up until now, all your followers were able to watch a broadcast started from Instagram Live or Live Room, but with the new feature, only those included on the Close Friends list will be able to watch if you choose to stream only to your friends.

Instagram announced that this feature will be rolled out in waves to all users globally, so it might take a while until everyone gets access to it. You’ll be able to take advantage of the new feature once you see the “Close Friends” option, in addition to “Everyone” and “Practice,” when you want to start your broadcast.

This is a nifty little feature, which will encourage more Instagram users to take advantage of the livestream feature, without being afraid that some of their followers might not be interested in what they have to show and/or talk about.

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A week in security (June 17 – June 23)

Malware

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June 24, 2024

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Will AI wallpaper generators conquer the stock photo industry?

Tech

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June 24, 2024

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Will AI wallpaper generators conquer the stock photo industry?

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The digital world is our playground, and our wallpapers are the canvases we paint on. They’re a reflection of our personalities, our interests, and our moods. But for years, we’ve been stuck with the same options: stock photo websites overflowing with generic images or spending hours combing through user-generated content, hoping to find that perfect fit.

Enter the age of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and, with it, a new revolution in wallpaper creation: AI wallpaper generators. These innovative tools are poised to disrupt the stock photo industry by offering a faster, more affordable, and infinitely more customizable way to personalize our digital spaces. But how exactly do they work, and what advantages do they hold over the traditional methods?

The Stock Photo Industry: A Landscape of Limitations

Stock photo websites, including wallpapers, have long been the go-to source for visual content. They offer a vast library of pre-made images for download and use with varying licensing agreements. However, the stock photo industry faces several challenges that leave users wanting more.

– The Generic Trap: Stock photos often fall prey to a cycle of repetition. Think vast libraries of staged smiles in front of generic landscapes or sunsets. Finding a truly unique and captivating image can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack, especially with the rise of microstock pricing that incentivizes quantity over quality.

– Customization Craving: Our desire for personalization also extends to our digital spaces. Stock photos offer limited flexibility. Do you want a specific color palette or a different artistic style? You’re stuck with what’s available.

– Copyright Concerns: Stock photo licensing agreements can be complex, especially for casual users. The fear of copyright infringement can be a nagging worry when using stock photos.

The User-Generated Content Uprising: A Desire for Authenticity

In recent years, there’s been a surge in user-generated content (UGC). This trend highlights a growing desire for authenticity and individuality. People are increasingly creating and sharing their visual creations, including wallpapers. While UGC offers a broader range of styles and perspectives, finding the perfect image and navigating copyright issues can still be time-consuming.

AI Wallpaper Generators: The Superpower of Personalization

AI wallpaper generators are the superheroes of the digital wallpaper world, offering a solution to the limitations of stock photos and UGC. These tools harness the power of artificial intelligence to create unique and customizable wallpapers based on user input. Imagine typing in a few words, like “dreamy underwater world” or “neon cityscape at night,” and having AI generate a stunning wallpaper that perfectly captures that vision.

Introducing ZMO.AI: Your AI Wallpaper Artist

ZMO.AI is one of the leading AI wallpaper generators. Designed user-friendly, ZMO.AI empowers everyone to become their own digital artist, regardless of technical expertise. Here’s what makes ZMO.AI stand out from the crowd:

– Intuitive Interface: No coding skills needed! ZMO.AI’s interface is simple and easy to navigate, making it accessible to anyone who wants to create stunning wallpapers in seconds.

– A World of Artistic Styles: ZMO.AI offers a vast library of artistic styles to explore, from classic paintings to futuristic landscapes. Find something that matches your taste, or experiment and discover new favorites!

– High-Resolution Output: ZMO.AI doesn’t compromise on quality. Your generated wallpapers will be crisp and stunning on any device, from your phone to your large desktop monitor.

Transform Your Space with a Few Clicks using ZMO.AI’s AI Wallpaper Image Generator

ZMO.AI’s AI Wallpaper Image Generator goes beyond just functionality; it unlocks creative possibilities. Are you looking to create a romantic ambiance? ZMO.AI can generate beautiful floral patterns or soft, pastel landscapes. Are you craving a touch of vintage charm? ZMO.AI can produce wallpapers with a nostalgic aesthetic, full of warm tones and retro vibes.

The beauty of ZMO.AI lies in its versatility. Need a wallpaper for your phone, computer, or even your home decor? ZMO.AI offers a wide range of styles and sizes to fit your needs perfectly. Adjust the size and aspect ratio to ensure your wallpaper looks flawless on any device or wall space.

Refrain from settling for generic stock photos or the limitations of pre-made content. ZMO.AI boasts a curated selection of AI-designed wallpapers for desktops, iPhones, Android phones, or even to decorate your home decor. But ZMO.AI isn’t just a wallpaper powerhouse! Did you know ZMO.AI also offers AI drawing generator? This handy tool can spark your artistic inspiration in ways that go beyond wallpapers. ZMO.AI empowers you to tell your own story! Incorporate your favorite quotes, add a personal touch, and create a wallpaper that’s truly unique to you.

Why AI Wallpaper Generators Trump Stock Photos Every Time

Let’s face it: stock photos can’t compete with the power and flexibility of AI wallpaper generators like ZMO.AI. Here’s how AI reigns supreme:

Customization Reigns:

Unlike stock photos, AI generators give you complete control. Want a specific color scheme, a touch of fantasy, or a motivational quote incorporated? You can tell ZMO.AI precisely what you want, and it will create a one-of-a-kind masterpiece just for you.

Uniqueness is the New Black:

Say goodbye to repetitive stock photos! AI generators create unique wallpapers that are indeed yours. You won’t find these images anywhere else, making your digital space a reflection of your individuality.

Speed Wins the Race:

Remember spending hours scrolling through endless stock photo libraries? With AI generators like ZMO.AI, creating a stunning wallpaper takes just seconds. It’s like having a personal artist on call, ready to whip up something unique whenever inspiration strikes.

Cost-Effectiveness is Your Ally:

ZMO.AI offers a free tier and affordable subscription plans, making it a budget-friendly option compared to stock photo licensing fees. It’s like having a free or discounted personal artist at your disposal!

Beyond Wallpapers: The Broader Implications of AI in Visual Content Creation

The rise of AI wallpaper generators is just the tip of the iceberg. AI has the potential to revolutionize the entire creative industry, making high-quality visual content creation more accessible than ever before. Here’s how AI is poised to change the game:

Democratizing Creativity:

Imagine a world where anyone can create professional-looking visuals regardless of artistic skill. AI tools can assist with tasks like generating ideas, selecting color palettes, and creating basic layouts. This opens up possibilities for individuals and small businesses needing more money to hire professional designers.

Enhanced Efficiency:

AI can automate repetitive tasks in the design process, freeing creative professionals to focus on the strategic aspects of their work. For example, AI can generate variations on existing designs or suggest potential layouts based on user input.

Personalized Content at Scale:

AI can help personalize content experiences for individual users. This could include generating custom product images based on user preferences or tailoring marketing materials to specific demographics.

The Rise of “Co-Creation”:

A future where humans and AI work together to create visual content is possible. AI can provide the foundational elements, and humans can add their creative touch to personalize it further.

The Future: A Co-Existing Landscape

Stock photos will be around for a while. They still have a place in the market, especially for users who need specific, high-quality images for commercial purposes. However, AI wallpaper generators offer a unique value proposition for users who crave personalization, speed, and affordability.

The future of visual content creation might be a co-existing landscape where stock photos and AI tools cater to different user needs. There’s also potential for collaboration between AI developers and stock photo companies. Imagine curated collections of AI-generated images alongside traditional stock photos, providing users with a more comprehensive range of options.

The Takeaway: A Brighter Future for Visual Content Creation

The rise of AI wallpaper generators is a testament to the exciting possibilities of artificial intelligence. These tools empower users to create unique and personalized visuals reflecting their styles. While the full impact of AI on the creative industry is yet to be seen, one thing is clear: the future of visual content creation is getting brighter, more accessible, and more personalized than ever before.

The Call to Action: Unleash Your Inner Artist with AI

Ready to explore the exciting world of AI wallpaper generation? ZMO.AI is waiting to be your digital artist. With its user-friendly interface and vast library of styles, ZMO.AI makes creating stunning wallpapers a breeze. Ditch the generic and embrace the power of AI to personalize your digital space! Let your imagination run wild and create wallpapers that are truly unique to you.

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Consulting Companies Pay $11M Failing Cybersecurity Requirements

Hacking

andreasc

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June 24, 2024

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Consulting Companies Pay $11M Failing Cybersecurity Requirements

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Two consulting companies, Guidehouse Inc. and Nan McKay and Associates, have agreed to pay $11.3 million to resolve allegations of failing to meet cybersecurity requirements.

Guidehouse Inc., headquartered in McLean, Virginia, will pay $7.6 million, while Nan McKay and Associates, based in El Cajon, California, will pay $3.7 million.

The allegations stem from violations of the False Claims Act related to contracts intended to ensure a secure environment for low-income New Yorkers to apply online for federal rental assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Cybersecurity Failures and Data Breach

In early 2021, Congress established the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) to assist eligible low-income households with rent and other housing-related expenses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The New York Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) administered the state’s ERAP.

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Guidehouse, as the prime contractor, and Nan McKay, as the subcontractor, were tasked with ensuring the cybersecurity of the ERAP technology.

However, both companies admitted to failing to conduct the required pre-production cybersecurity testing.

As a result, when the ERAP website went live on June 1, 2021, it was shut down just 12 hours after a data breach compromised applicants’ personally identifiable information (PII).

The companies acknowledged that proper cybersecurity testing could have prevented the breach.

Additionally, Guidehouse admitted using a third-party data cloud software program to store PII without obtaining OTDA’s permission, further violating their contract.

Government Response and Legal Actions

Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton emphasized the importance of cybersecurity obligations tied to federal funding, stating, “The Justice Department will continue to pursue knowing violations of material cybersecurity requirements aimed at protecting sensitive personal information.

” U.S. Attorney Carla B. Freedman for the Northern District of New York echoed this sentiment, highlighting the need for contractors to take their cybersecurity obligations seriously.

A whistleblower lawsuit filed under the False Claims Act by Elevation 33 LLC, owned by a former Guidehouse employee, prompted the investigation.

The whistleblower will receive a $1,949,250 share of the settlement amount.

The settlements underscore the government’s commitment to holding entities accountable for cybersecurity failures.

Acting Inspector General Richard K. Delmar of the Department of the Treasury and New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli stressed the importance of safeguarding personal information and maintaining the integrity of vital government programs.

The case, captioned United States ex rel. Elevation 33, LLC v. Guidehouse Inc. et al., Case No. 1:22-cv-206 (N.D.N.Y.), was handled by Trial Attorney J. Jennifer Koh and Assistant U.S.

Attorney Adam J. Katz, with assistance from the Department of the Treasury OIG and the Office of the New York State Comptroller.

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New RAT Malware SneakyChef & SugarGhost Attack Windows Systems – GBHackers on Security

Hacking

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June 24, 2024

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New RAT Malware SneakyChef & SugarGhost Attack Windows Systems – GBHackers on Security

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Talos Intelligence has uncovered a sophisticated cyber campaign attributed to the threat actor SneakyChef. This operation leverages the SugarGh0st RAT and other malware to target government agencies, research institutions, and various organizations worldwide.

The campaign began in early August 2023 and initially targeted users in Uzbekistan and South Korea. However, it has since expanded to include targets in a wider geographical area, including:

EMEA: Angola, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, India, Saudi Arabia, and Latvia
Asia: India, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan
Europe: Latvia and Lithuania

The attackers use decoy documents to impersonate government agencies and research institutions and lure victims. These documents include:

Government-themed lures: Circulars, reports, and announcements from various ministries and embassies
Research conference-themed lures: Abstracts, application forms, and invitations to conferences

Malware and Infection Chain

Two infection chains utilized a malicious RAR with an LNK file, likely delivered via phishing email.

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According tot the Talos report, The campaign employs the SugarGh0st RAT and another RAT dubbed “SpiceRAT.” The infection chain uses SFX RAR files as the initial attack vector.

When executed, these files drop a decoy document, a DLL loader, encrypted SugarGh0st, and a malicious VB script into the victim’s temporary user profile folder.

The VB script establishes persistence by writing a command to the registry key UserInitMprLogonScript, which executes when a user logs into the system.

The loader DLL reads the encrypted SugarGh0st RAT, decrypts it, and injects it into a process. This technique is similar to that used in a previous SugarGh0st campaign disclosed by the Kazakhstan government in February.

Despite initial disclosure in November 2023, the SneakyChef threat actor continues to leverage old and new command and control (C2) domains.

The C2 domain account[.]drive-google-com[.]tk was still active until mid-May, and a new domain, account[.]gommask[.]online, was created in March 2024.

Indicators of Compromise associated with this threat can be found here.

Mitigation and Response

The discovery of this campaign highlights the importance of robust cybersecurity measures. Organizations should:

Update security software to include the latest threat definitions.
Educate employees about phishing attacks and safe email practices.
Implement advanced network monitoring to detect unusual activities.
Maintain regular backups of critical data to mitigate the impact of potential breaches.

The ongoing activities of the SneakyChef threat actor underscore the need for continuous vigilance in the digital age.

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OnePlus new Glacier battery promises 4 years of high capacity

Android

andreasc

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June 23, 2024

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OnePlus has developed a new battery that, among its many perks, includes a 4-year good health promise. According to the company, the battery can maintain more than 80% of its total capacity after four years of use. It also has high energy density, ultra-fast charging support, and more.

The new 6,100 mAh Glacier battery is physically smaller than 5,000 mAh batteries

The company’s new smartphone cell is called “OnePlus Glacier battery” and offers an impressive capacity of 6,100 mAh. Lately, OnePlus has been betting on big batteries for its mobile devices. The OnePlus 12 and OnePlus 12R offer 5,400 mAh and 5,500 mAh batteries, respectively. However, the company has taken it a step further.

Although the capacity of the Glacier battery is much larger than what you usually see on phones, this does not mean that it takes up more space. In fact, OnePlus claims that it is physically smaller than most 5,000 mAh cells implemented in phones. The company achieved this thanks to the “high-capacity bionic silicon carbon material” used. The battery boasts an energy density of 763 Wh/L, which is up to 23,1% higher than that of other common graphite cells. Plus, it weighs only 14 grams.

The Glacier battery is the result of a joint development between OnePlus and Ningde New Energy. It was developed around the so-called “silicon carbon anode” technology. It is designed to support 100W ultra-fast charging. This will allow you to fill 100% of its capacity (from 1%) in just 36 minutes.

4-year battery health commitment for the OnePlus Glacier battery

Another notable aspect of the new battery is its durability or useful life. OnePlus promises 4-year battery health, retaining more than 80% capacity after four years of regular use. That means you would still have a battery of almost 4,900 mAh after that period. This is great, considering that most current smartphones come with around 5,000 mAh by default. In addition, current batteries usually maintain around 80% of their original capacity after only 800 charging cycles.

The first smartphone to use the Glacier battery will be the OnePlus Ace 3 Pro. This device will be launched next week in China as a more powerful version of the OnePlus Ace 3 (OnePlus 12R globally). It is not yet known if the Ace 3 Pro will get an international model, but in case it doesn’t, the OnePlus 13 will probably debut the new battery on the global market.

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Skinny iPhones & Chunky Watches? 📱⌚

Tech

andreasc

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June 23, 2024

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The news cycle spins faster than a hamster on a wheel, but let’s be honest, most of it’s just reruns of the same drama. That’s why we’re here with another episode of “News You Probably Missed and Shouldn’t Have!” – to dig a little deeper, uncover the weird, and unearth the stories that make you go, “Wait, what?” So, grab your favorite beverage, settle in, and prepare to be amazed (or horrified, we won’t judge).

The EU puts Meta’s AI training plans on hold

Mark Zuckerberg’s dream of turning Europe into a training ground for his AI robots just hit a snag. EU regulators said “Hold on there, cowboy,” because they’re worried Meta might be snooping on Europeans’ social media posts to feed its AI machines. Meta says it would only use public stuff, like grandma’s vacation photos (no worries, grandma! Or maybe worry a little), but the EU isn’t buying it. So, for now, Meta’s AI is stuck learning without all the juicy European gossip. Buckle up for a future where AI asks “What are those weird European trends?” and nobody knows the answer!

Steven Spielberg’s Apple Watch had a meltdown

Famed Hollywood director Steven Spielberg was giving a talk at a film festival when his fancy Apple Watch decided to throw a mini-tantrum. The watch thought Steven had taken a nasty tumble and started freaking out, prompting him to yell at it and toss it on the ground. But the watch wasn’t having it! It started blaring a distress signal, like a tiny alarm clock of doom. Spielberg eventually caved in and picked it up to silence the annoying device. Maybe the Apple Watch was auditioning for a role in Steven’s next drama epic.

Apple Watch Series X to get a redesign with a thinner build

Apple Watch apparently wants to be bigger but not chubbier! Leaks suggest the upcoming Series X will sport a thinner build with bigger screens. We might see sizes jump from 41mm and 45mm to 45mm and a whopping 49mm. Some folks say the bezels will shrink too, giving even more screen space. This is all according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who basically whispers secrets about Apple products in the dead of night. So, get ready for a potentially sleeker Apple Watch that might look a bit comical on your wrist, like a supersized version of the ones you already know.

Apple to slim down its iPhones

Apple’s on a mission to slim down its devices, and next on the chopping block is the iPhone 17! Forget chunky phones, the iPhone 17 is rumored to be super skinny, like a phone that skipped leg day at the gym. This follows their trend with the new iPad Pro, which is practically paper-thin. Imagine an iPhone that finally fits comfortably in your pocket without feeling like a brick! Analysts say this is just the beginning of a new sleek era for Apple. Let’s hope it doesn’t turn into a trend of sacrificing battery life for thinness!

Huawei’s HarmonyOS NEXT to break free from Linux and Android codes

Huawei’s HarmonyOS NEXT is apparently ditching the training wheels! The company is planning to toss out the parts borrowed from Linux and Android, aiming to be completely independent. Imagine a kid bike that suddenly throws away its stabilizers and yells “I got this!”. That’s what Huawei is doing to avoid potential scrutiny from American authorities. Some folks are worried it might become a wobbly mess, but Huawei says it’ll be a smoother ride than ever. We’ll have to wait and see if HarmonyOS NEXT can stand on its own two wheels.

Samsung joins hands with tech students to develop Galaxy AI

Samsung is feeling the heat in the AI race, so it’s teaming up with some brainiacs from Seoul National University to develop super-smart AI for Galaxy phones. Think of it as hiring Hermione Granger to tutor your phone. These students will work on AI technologies that can run on the phone itself, without needing to call for backup from the cloud. Imagine a phone that’s so smart it can understand you even when you mumble! Well, that might be Samsung’s ultimate dream. The firm is hoping these students will cook up some ideas that will help it ace the AI exam.

Qualcomm admits its Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 isn’t an entirely new chip

Qualcomm is in hot water for trying to pull a fast one on phone lovers. It released this “new” chip called the Snapdragon 6s Gen 3, but it turns out it’s just a recycled version of a 2021 model, the Snapdragon 695. It’s like buying a new phone with a “super upgraded” processor, only to find out it’s the same engine as your old one with a fancy paint job! Qualcomm says it’s “enhanced” the chip, but some folks are saying it’s more like a phone salesman with a thesaurus. This whole thing is a confusing mess. Maybe next time they’ll just call it the “Snapdragon 695 2.0: Now with More Shine!”

Sonos assures it doesn’t sell user data

Sonos recently made a scandalous move, like your friend who borrows money and suddenly stops mentioning how trustworthy they are. It removed a line—”Sonos does not and will not sell personal information about our customers”—from its privacy policy. The company later assured everyone it’s not what they thought, but you can’t help but raise an eyebrow when the policy involves selling your data. It says it’s just a “spring cleaning” thing, but you remember that leather jacket you loved…

DOJ sues Adobe for almost-uncancelable subscriptions

Adobe’s subscriptions are like a subscription to a one-horse town. Seems easy to get in, but getting out? You’ll need a lawyer, a map, and maybe a night’s worth of sleep to avoid that early termination fee. The US government is saying Adobe makes it super hard to cancel its subscription, basically trapping folks in paying for software they might not even want anymore. The DOJ is making the software firm make rounds of the court and explain this fraudulent behavior.

Microsoft desperately wants you to use its Edge browser

Microsoft’s trying to win back your heart (or at least your eyeballs) with its browser, Edge. A cheesy new 3D pop-up banner begs you to ditch your current browser and switch to Edge. Imagine your computer screen turning into a bad 90s movie special effect, all to convince you that Edge is the ultimate browsing champion. Yeah, it’s not the smoothest move. It’s more like a desperate plea from a lonely kid at the school dance. Wonder if Microsoft will ever give up on this digital matchmaking. At least it’s not trying to hide the banner in the lunchroom with a tray full of cookies… yet.

Amazon fined $6 million in California for the lack of transparency

Amazon’s warehouse workers in California are feeling like hamsters on a punishment wheel—working ever faster but never getting anywhere. The state fined the company nearly $6 million because it failed to tell workers exactly what that “getting nowhere” quota even is. Apparently, keeping warehouse employees in the dark about expectations is a big no-no in California. Amazon says it’s innocent, but those excuses are about as believable as a free two-day shipping guarantee during the holidays.

AMD is investigating a potential data breach

AMD’s got a case of the Mondays, and it’s not even Monday! A hacker named “IntelBroker” is trying to sell the firm’s secret sauce online, like spilling the recipe for the world’s best CPU stew. Well, not exactly, but the hacker claims to have a lot of information about AMD’s employees. The firm is investigating if the claims are true. And if they are, this could be a disaster for AMD and its employees. Or maybe just a chance for its rivals to finally release a chip that can keep up!

Nvidia becomes the world’s most valuable company

In the tech world, there’s a new sheriff in town, and their name ain’t Bill Gates. Nvidia, the graphics card giant, has dethroned Microsoft as the world’s most valuable company! Microsoft is probably feeling like that kid who loses their lunch money—confused and maybe a little hangry. This is a huge win for Nvidia, who’ve been on a tear lately thanks to their dominance in the world of artificial intelligence. The firm’s stock has nearly tripled in value this year, which reveals what AI means to the tech industry today, and why lawmakers want to regulate the AI companies.

Starlink Mini lets you carry the internet wherever you go

Space internet just got a whole lot more portable thanks to Starlink’s revolutionary new gadget called the Starlink Mini. This little guy is basically a satellite dish the size of a laptop that can bring you internet wherever you roam, as long as you have a USB power bank. Imagine chilling in the mountains and posting envy-inducing vacation pics to your friends and followers as you click them– all thanks to Elon Musk. Just beware of data roaming charges in space! We don’t have the details on the price yet, but hopefully, it’s cheaper than a rocket trip.

Pixel’s overheating warnings are getting more descriptive

Google Pixel phones are getting more chatty! Instead of the boring “phone getting warm” message, they’ll soon be giving you a friendly heads-up like, “Hey buddy, you’re running a bit hot! Maybe put down that game and step outside for some fresh air.” No more semi-cryptic warnings that leave you scrambling to Google what they mean. These new warnings will be like having a backseat driver for your phone’s temperature. They’ll tell you to chill out, close some power-hungry apps, and avoid leaving your phone baking in the sun.

YouTube caught people faking their location to get Premium cheaply

Imagine you’re trying to sneak into a fancy movie theater by pretending to be a toddler. But then the usher busts you and says “Uh uh uh, only real toddlers get in free!” That’s kind of what’s happening with YouTube Premium and VPNs. People were trying to trick YouTube into thinking they were in a country with cheaper subscriptions, but YouTube caught on and said “Nope, gotta pay the real price.” Some folks are crying foul, saying YouTube is being a bully. But others say hey, you can’t expect to waltz into the VIP section with a coupon for the kiddie meal.

EU isn’t happy about Apple’s inefficient compliance with the DMA

Apple’s in hot water with the EU again! The company is trying to follow the latest tech trends, but instead tripping over the Digital Markets Act (DMA). The EU says Apple’s changes to the App Store to comply with the DMA are just a fancy costume. Apparently, app developers can’t freely point users to cheaper deals outside the App Store, which is a big no-no in the DMA rulebook and could attract hefty fines. Apple says it’s a good rule follower, but the EU isn’t buying it. The iPhone maker might have to make bigger changes or risk emptying its piggy bank.

Galaxy Watch 6 buyers get a free MyFitnessPal Premium subscription

Looks like Samsung is trying to sweeten the deal on the Galaxy Watch 6 before the new Galaxy Watch 7 rolls in. It’s saying, “Hey, our watch might not be the most advanced toy anymore, but it comes with a free personal trainer in your pocket (kind of)!” This free MyFitnessPal Premium subscription is like getting a gym membership included with the watch. But instead of grunting bodybuilders, you get a creepy app judging your every calorie. Still, for three months, it’s not a bad deal! Especially if you’re looking to get in shape before the Galaxy Watch 7 arrives to make you feel more outdated than your current watch.

Apple says it didn’t make AI to force an early iPhone upgrade

Apple’s got this fancy new AI feature called “Apple Intelligence” that’s supposed to make your iPhone super smart. But guess what? You can only use it if you have the latest iPhone, which basically makes your older iPhone look nothing smarter than a box of rocks. Of course, Apple says it’s not trying to bully you into buying a new phone. It claims the new AI is like a super powerful athlete, and your old iPhone is just a couch potato. It wouldn’t be able to handle all the fancy AI stuff anyway, so it’s basically for its own good. Sure, Apple. Totally believable.

You must pay X to live stream a video

X is shaking things up again, and this time, it’s like the company is charging you to sing karaoke in your shower! It’s putting live streaming behind a paywall (a Premium subscription will do), making it the only social media platform where you gotta pay to unleash your inner broadcaster. Imagine having to tip yourself to watch your own epic gameplay. This move is about as popular as lukewarm pizza. Get ready for a lot of folks live streaming from other platforms to protest… for free!

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Galaxy device owners receive update for the Samsung Calculator app

Apps

andreasc

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June 23, 2024

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Galaxy device owners receive update for the Samsung Calculator app

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If you own a Galaxy handset, things are beginning to add up. What we are saying here is that Samsung’s Calculator app has been updated to version 12.3.05.8. The update weighs in at 4.05MB and it not only exterminates some bugs but it also gives users a smoother experience when using the app to perform calculations. The changelog doesn’t show any new features or changes coming to the app via the update.

The updated Calculator app can be installed via the Galaxy Store. Open the app and go to Menu option >> Updates. The app is free and can also be installed on eligible Samsung phones running Android 14 from the Google Play Store. The update can also be installed via APKMirror although we’d suggest that you update through the Galaxy App Store or the Google Play Store.

Samsung also has some other apps it developed for its Galaxy handsets including Samsung Clock, Samsung Notes, Samsung Members, and Samsung Internet Browser. While most of these apps require that you use a Samsung device powered by Android, the Samsung Internet Browser, available from the Galaxy Store and the Google Play Store, can be used on all Android phones. Whenever I set up a new Android handset, this is the browser I install first. Yes, it is that good and is that loaded.

The Samsung Calculator app has received an update. Image credit-Samsung

Besides performing basic calculations like addition, subtraction, division, and multiplication, the Samsung Calculator app also handles engineering calculations and will convert units related to the area of an item, the length of an item, and the temperature. It also has a calculation history function that you can open by tapping on the calculation history icon. To close the calculation history panel, tap the keypad icon.

Since Samsung’s Galaxy devices run on Android, the apps developed by the Korean manufacturer compete with native Android apps with the same functions such as Google Calculator, Google Clock, Google Notes, and Google Chrome. Some of the reviews in the Galaxy Store and Google Play Store for the Samsung Calculator were extremely positive. This one five-star review sounds like it came from someone who never used a calculator app before:

“The way it calculates, breathtaking. It seemlessly solves the equation with minimum effort. I have never, NEVER seen something like it before. Then I put my phone into landscape mode. Oh, my, GOD. It let me access so many new ways to solve my equations, more things than I could have ever calculated. Don’t even get me started on the art style. Flawless. The colors, perfectly balanced for both light and dark mode. This is probably one of the best apps I have ever used. 10/5 stars from me.”

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Former and current female Snapchat employees will share a $15 million settlement

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andreasc

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June 23, 2024

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Former and current female Snapchat employees will share a $15 million settlement

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Social media platform Snapchat was once known for its Mission Impossible-like disappearing messages until it created the 24 hour Stories feature that was stolen by Instagram. Now, Snapchat is probably more famous for its silly photo filters and lenses. Recently, Snapchat parent company Snap Inc. settled a lawsuit filed by the California Civil Rights Department that accused the firm of discrimination.

The $15 million settlement will be split up and shared among female Snap Inc. employees. According to the U.S. Sun, Snapchat treated its female employees unfairly by subjecting them to sexual harassment while at work. Those victims of the harassment who complained had to deal with retaliation. Snapchat disagreed with the claims made in the lawsuit and in agreeing to settle the matter, Snapchat and Snap Inc. did not have to admit to the wrongdoings listed in the lawsuit.

In a statement, Snap said, “We care deeply about our commitment to maintain a fair and inclusive environment at Snap, and do not believe we have any ongoing systemic pay equity, discrimination, harassment, or retaliation issues against women.” The California Civil Rights Department has something to celebrate since it was able to get Snap Inc. to agree to the settlement on behalf of its eligible female employees.

Today, Snapchat is known for its Lenses and Filters

Kevin Kish, the director of the state’s civil rights agency said, “This settlement with Snapchat demonstrates a shared commitment to a California where all workers have a fair chance at the American Dream. Women are entitled to equality in every job, in every workplace, and in every industry. In California, we’re proud of the work of our state’s innovators who are a driving force of our nation’s economy.”

The majority of the $15 million settlement fund will go to women who worked at Snapchat between 2014 and 2024 and found themselves victims of discrimination. But more than money is involved here. The terms of the settlement force Snap Inc. to consult an independent reviewer who will report on the company’s compensation and promotion policies. In addition, an independent, third-party auditor will be hired to make sure that Snap Inc. is complying with rules against sexual harassment, retaliation, and discrimination. Staff will be trained on these issues and taught how they can be avoided in the workplace.

From 2015 through 2022, Snap grew from 250 employees to over 5,000 although females did not share proportionately in the growth of the company. According to the Civil Rights Department, female Snap Inc. employees “were told to wait their turn, were actively discouraged from applying for promotions, or lost promotion opportunities to less qualified male colleagues.”

The settlement still needs court approval and at that time the court will determine how much each eligible worker will receive.

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