It doesn’t seem like the developers behind WhatsApp ever stop to rest. The Meta-owned messaging app is consistently working on new updates to improve the functionality of the platform. In fact, just a few days after we reported the beta launch of a new sticker system, WhatsApp is already working on new chat filters that will allow users to sift through their conversations easier.
WhatsApp has started beta testing new chat filters.
According to WABetaInfo, the new chat filter is currently in the works for the release of version 2.23.14.17 of Android (via Android Police). Although it’s only in development, a screenshot shared by WABetaInfo gives us a glimpse of what the update looks like.
Based on the information provided, it looks like the feature will add three filters at the top of users’ chat lists. These filters will allow folks to sift through unread messages, personal chats and business-focused discussions. There’s no doubt that the update will allow users to more easily locate specific messages on the platform instead of having to browse through their endless amount of chats.
However, one limitation noted by WABetaInfo is that the chat filters only apply to one-on-one messages. This means that there is currently no filter in development for group chats, which are common among WhatsApp users. Nevertheless, once the chat filters are released, we can certainly expect to see the platform expand filters to group chats.
The new chat filters and sticker system are the latest in a long list of updates to improve WhatsApp’s functionality. A few months ago, the popular messaging app also started testing out side-by-side views for chats. Other recent updates voice transcriptions and the ability to update your WhatsApp status with a voice note.
Meanwhile, we eagerly anticipate the release WhatsApp version 2.23.14.17 with the chat filters, as well as any new features the developers have in store for us.
Samsung’s fans are over-the-roof regarding the coming Galaxy Z Flip 4 successor. This is a result of the design improvements that this clamshell folding device boasts of. Now fans are getting a glimpse of the design improvements coming to the Z Flip device line from dummy units.
When it comes to pre-launch device leaks, Samsung can’t help but let vital information slip out of the bag. Recent reports are already showing dummy images of this coming device, hence giving users an idea of what is to come. Asides showing off the foldable device’s design, this leak also points out a problem that users should expect.
This has to do with the hinge gap that the Galaxy Z Flip 4 successor will launch with. Netizens have had to deal with this issue over the past few years with each Galaxy Z Flip product launch. Samsung seems to be finding it a bit hard to close up the hinge gap found on their clamshell folding device entry.
The coming Galaxy Z Flip 4 will come with a noticeable hinge gap
As you should already know, foldable devices come with a hinge in-between the display. This enables the device to fold in half, making it more compact and easy to carry around. For the coming Flip 4 successor, Samsung is adding a massive cover display as a design and practicality improvement.
The design change visible from the leaked dummy images is an upgrade from the previous Z Flip model. It brings the coming Galaxy Z Flip 4 successor up to par with the competition. Motorola on their part has already launched a clamshell folding device with a massive 3.6-inch AMOLED cover display.
Samsung is now preparing to launch the Galaxy Z Flip 4 successor with a massive cover display as well. But the Korean tech giant is not paying attention to closing the hinge gap on its coming foldable device. The leaked dummy images show a clear gap between the upper folding half of the device and the bottom part when folded flat.
Over the past Galaxy Z Flip devices, this hinge gap has been a constant feature. Most other brands have been working hard with the clamshell folding device to improve upon their hinge technology. By doing this they strive to eradicate the presence of the hinge gap on their folding devices.
It seems as though Samsung doesn’t see the gap as a problem, but most tech experts will call them out for this. The coming Galaxy Fold 4 successor will launch in a few weeks. This launch will take place during the coming Samsung Unpacked event, slated to take place on July 26th.
The Galaxy Z Fold 2 is receiving Samsung‘s July 2023 update in the US. The company recently released the latest security patch for carrier-locked variants of its 2020 foldable. The device has yet to pick up the new SMR (Security Maintenance Release) anywhere else.
As of this writing, carrier-locked Galaxy Z Fold 2 users on T-Mobile and Sprint networks are getting the July update. The new firmware build number for the phone is F916USQS3JWF3. Samsung’s official changelog states that the foldable isn’t picking up any additional goodies. The update is all about the security fixes for this month.
Samsung has already published its updated security bulletin for July 2023. The new SMR contains fixes for a whopping 90 vulnerabilities. 38 of those are Galaxy-specific issues, while the remaining 50-odd fixes concern security flaws in Android OS and other partner components. At least three of those were critical vulnerabilities.
All of these security fixes will reach Galaxy Z Fold 2 users globally over the next few days. Samsung will gradually expand the rollout to factory-unlocked units in the US while also covering the phone in other markets. It has already updated dozens of other Galaxy devices to the July SMR. The Galaxy S23, Galaxy S22, Galaxy S21, Galaxy Note 20, Galaxy Z Fold 3, Galaxy Z Flip 3, Galaxy Note 10, Galaxy S20 FE, and Galaxy A53 5G have received the update in at least a few markets.
As usual, you should get a notification once the OTA (over the air) update reaches your Galaxy phone. You can tap on the notification and follow the on-screen instructions to update your phone. You can also manually check for updates from the Settings app. Go to the Software update menu and tap on Download and install. Repeat the steps later if you don’t see any updates today.
The Galaxy Z Fold 2 may not get the Android 14 update
The Galaxy Z Fold 2 debuted in August 2020 running Android 10 out of the box. Samsung has since updated the foldable to Android 11, Android 12, and Android 13. Unfortunately, that’s all it will ever get. The device isn’t eligible for Android 14.
The aging foldable will get security updates at least until August 2024, though. Samsung is currently pushing monthly updates to the phone. It may drop the Galaxy Z Fold 2 to quarterly updates later this year. The company usually lowers the frequency of security updates for its flagship models after three years. Rest assured, we will keep you posted with the latest updates for the device as long as they come.
California lawmakers are working on the AB 886 bill. This obligates Big Tech companies like Google and Meta to pay a fee to news publishers for using their content. The bill can transform journalism in California, but it’s already facing setbacks from companies.
Publishers worldwide are raising their voices against free content usage by major platforms. The big social platforms consume the publisher’s content without paying anything. The news organizations claim this way of business is leading to their bankruptcy. They need to make money from their content to cover regular expenses. In response, tech companies argue that they’re sending viewers to the publisher’s website for free.
So far, the European Union could successfully force Google to settle with publishers in the continent. In another case, the Australian Parliament obligated Big Tech to pay $200 million to news publishers. Of course, objections are also there. Meta threatened to pull news from Facebook and Instagram in Canada if the country ever force them to pay publishers for consuming their content.
Meta and Google must pay hundreds of millions of dollars to news organizations in California if AB 886 bill passes
The AB 886 bill in California now aims to make Big Tech settle with news outlets in the state. The bill requires major social platforms to share their advertising revenue with the outlets they get the news from. The money goes into a pool, and each news outlet gets a fair share through arbitration.
The bill is supported by the Media Guild of the West and the Pacific Media Workers Guild, two major California newsroom unions. Other media organizations in the state would certainly support the bill as it drives new money to their business. The AB 886 bill goes for a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on July 11, while it already passed Assembly with bipartisan support on June 1.
The news outlets that are eligible to get the fund must spend 70% of the money on newsroom jobs. This means no journalist will be laid off to cut costs, and new jobs might also be created. Additionally, the outlets must be transparent about how much funds they receive and how it’s spent.
As expected, Big Tech is not happy with AB 886 and similar bills. They argue that the bill could create a “slush fund” for big media enterprises outside of California and lead to a conflict of interest. The critics also claim the bill could tempt news outlets to promote “clickbait” stories to drive more traffic to their websites in order to make more money.
It remains to be seen how AB 886 takes effect in California and whether Big Tech agrees to pay a fair share to news outlets. However, news organizations in California are suffering from a lack of necessary funds to stay operational, and AB 886 could be a solution to it.
Pixel users are going to be getting some changes to their Call Screen features in the future, including what appears to be conversational AI elements.
These changes are currently in beta testing with a smaller number of Pixel device owners and aren’t quite ready to roll out the public. But they will be a little bit later this year according to Google Community Manager Kush M. over on the Pixel Help Forums.
The Call Screen changes currently being in tested in a limited beta will be hitting devices “over the coming months,” Kush says. It’s also important to note that this post was made back in May. So Google might not be accepting new beta users any longer. Still, if you own a Pixel device, here’s what you have to look out for.
Call Screen on Pixel could be using on-device AI
Google doesn’t mention the use of on-device AI specifically in its post. However, 9to5Google points out that on-device AI is likely due to the device compatibility.
These new features for Call Screen are only available on the Pixel 6 or newer. The Pixel 6 was the first Pixel phone using Google’s in-house Tensor chip. Where on-device AI was present. That means it’s quite possible AI plays a somewhat central role in the changes. Per Kush M. in the community post, “Incoming callers might notice a more natural sounding series of voice prompts to determine who’s calling and why.”
The post also states that the changes are intended to reduce robo calls. As well as “help give time and peace of mind” back to the user. The beta is only available to users in the US at the moment. But anyone with a Pixel 6 or Pixel 7 series phone should be eligible.
Google also simplified the user interface of Call Screen in the settings. Google says it will share more about its work on these changes when the feature launches. Whenever that happens to be.
Ever since its announcement, the Apple Vision Pro headset has been all over the news, thanks in part due to the company’s implementation of spatial computing and immersive movie experience. And although Apple isn’t the only one developing AR devices, the Vision Pro’s launch has had such an impact that Samsung has now reportedly gone back to the drawing board on its XR headset.
According to a report by SBS Biz, the Samsung XR headset, originally planned for release in February 2024, will now launch at least six months later, pushing it to mid-2024. Sources suggest that this delay is mainly due to the influence of Apple’s Vision Pro headset, which has prompted significant changes in design, internal specifications, and performance. However, one of the key reasons for the delay is Samsung’s decision to incorporate higher-resolution displays in its headsets compared to Apple’s.
“I understand that the decision was made considering the specifications of Apple’s mixed reality (MR) headset ‘Vision Pro,’ a competitor. We decided to reconsider,” states the report.
Partnering with Google and Qualcomm
Although the Samsung XR headset is still a Samsung product, Google has reportedly abandoned its plans to develop its headset and is now partnering with Samsung to develop the software. This decision highlights the shared objective of Samsung and Google to position XR as a platform rather than creating a direct rival to the upcoming Meta Quest 3 headset or the Apple Vision Pro. Additionally, Samsung has joined forces with Qualcomm to develop a chipset for the upcoming device, although specific details remain unclear.
However, similar to Apple’s production challenges, developing a platform like this comes with its own set of difficulties, such as the need to establish entirely new production lines. Furthermore, unlike Apple, which has already generated widespread interest in its headset, Samsung’s success will depend on its ability to offer a more affordable price while delivering a comparable user experience.
The malicious version of the Telegram app containing Triada is cleverly disguised as the latest version of Telegram Messenger, specifically version 9.2.1.
Check Point Software Technologies’ recent research highlights a concerning trend: a circulating fake Telegram messenger app that infects Android devices with Triada malware upon installation. It’s crucial to be aware that, unlike other malicious apps, this app cannot be found on Google Play Store, but rather on third-party app stores.
Given the widespread popularity of Telegram as one of the most commonly used messaging apps globally, it comes as no surprise that scammers and cybercriminals target it for their malicious activities. If you have unknowingly downloaded this fake app, your device may have fallen victim to malware.
The malicious Telegram app operates by acquiring privilege escalation on the system to initiate the malware. This can be achieved if the user grants phone permissions during the signup process. Once this access is granted, the malware can effortlessly self-inject into other processes, enabling it to carry out a range of malicious activities.
Fake Telegram at work (Image provided to Hackread.com by Check Point)
Fortunately, Check Point’s security product, Harmony Mobile, plays a crucial role in safeguarding against Triada malware-infected apps. It scans for such apps and proactively blocks them from infecting the device or causing any additional harm.
It is important to highlight that earlier research on Triada has already demonstrated its persistence, with Google confirming the presence of this malware in inexpensive Android phones.
These affected devices include models from various companies such as Leagoo, ARK Benefit, Zopo Speed, Doogee, Cherry Mobile Flare, and several others. This further underscores the need for vigilance and security measures, as Triada’s reach has extended to a wide range of devices in the market.
How Do Attackers Trick Users?
The malicious version of the Telegram app containing Triada (VirusTotal sample) is cleverly disguised as the latest version of Telegram Messenger, specifically version 9.2.1. To make the modified version appear legitimate, attackers have employed tactics such as using a package name (org.telegram.messenger) that resembles the genuine app and utilizing the app’s verified icon.
Upon initiating the downloaded app for the first time, users are presented with a login window that perfectly replicates the original app’s home page. To proceed with registration, users are prompted to enter their phone number and grant access to device permissions.
Subsequently, the malicious app inserts detrimental code into the device under the guise of an internal application update service. Operating discreetly in the background, the malware initiates its malicious activities, which involve gathering device information, retrieving configuration files, and establishing communication channels.
Triada Capabilities
In a report shared with Hackread.com, Checkpoint researchers outlined the various operations that Triada malware can carry out. These include enrolling victims in multiple paid subscriptions, displaying invisible and background ads, and making unauthorized in-app purchases using SMS and phone numbers. Additionally, Triada has the ability to steal sensitive data, including passwords, from compromised devices.
Researchers have observed a rise in modified versions of mobile apps in recent times. These modified apps entice users with new features and additional customization at low prices. However, once these apps are downloaded, they unleash malware onto the user’s device.
The risk of installing modified versions comes from the fact that it is impossible for the user to know what changes were actually made to the application code. To be more precise – it is unknown what code was added and whether it has any malicious intent.
Check Point
To ensure protection, it is crucial to refrain from downloading software from untrusted sources. Users should always verify the app’s developer and confirm the ownership of the company before downloading any application. This cautious approach can help mitigate the risk of malware infections and protect sensitive data.
57 years ago, it had its first comic, 6 years ago, it had its first movie, and now, it’s going to have its first game. The Black Panther series has been a popular Marvel character for years, and EA is currently developing a game surrounding the titular character.
There are several games based on Marvel characters on the market now. Insomniac made waves with its Spider-Man and Miles Morales titles. We’re now anticipating Spider-Man 2 and a Wolverine game from the company. There’s also the Avengers game from Square Enix on the market. We also can’t forget about the plethora of Marvel games on the mobile market.
So, we’re not starved for games surrounding Marvel superheroes.
EA is working on a Black Panther game
Electronic Arts and Marvel are teaming up to develop a game surrounding the Black Panther series, and fans are all for it. After the success of the MCU’s Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, fans are in for another taste of the franchise.
Both Marvel and EA Games announced this news. A new Seattle-based triple-A gaming studio called Cliffhanger Games will be developing this project. Since this news is just coming out, there’s not much to tell about the game itself. We’re sure the studio is still in the planning stages.
So far, we know that this game is going to be a third-person single-player title. It’s going to be set in the fictional country of Wakanda. We don’t know if the characters will venture outside of it at any point. However, Spider-Man didn’t need to venture outside of New York for his game to be great.
One thing that Kevin Stephens, the one leading the game’s production, said was that “Wakanda is a rich Super Hero sandbox” and that Cliffhanger Games’ mission is to “develop an epic world for players who love Black Panther and want to explore the world of Wakanda”. While the statement doesn’t say so, it almost sounds like the company is looking to make this an open-world game. That’s only speculation.
For the time being, things like the story, launch date, gameplay mechanics, playable characters, etc. are not known. We should get more information on this game over the coming years. In any case, this is still a good reason for people to get excited.
Google Messages is a fun place to chat with friends, and the coming animated emojis will make it more fun. Some users of the messaging app are already getting the opportunity to try out this feature. You can say that it is currently in its testing phase, and it aims to improve upon the overall user experience.
This new feature will add some motion to your emojis. However, there are certain conditions to be met before emojis move within the chat. With this feature in place, emojis act as though they are motion stickers and are fun to watch.
Google aims to improve the user experience while chatting with friends on the Google Messages app. Some users of the app have got to use this feature and have shared details on how it works with others. Here is all you need to know regarding this new animated emoji feature that is making its way to the Google Messages app.
How the new animated emoji feature on Google Messages app works
While most users might be excited and eager to make use of this new feature, there are some things to take to mind. First on the list is that the new animated emoji feature is only available to some users at this time. Next is that there are certain conditions to be met before emojis you send to friends would be animated.
Emojis are a part of lots of chats between friends, family members, and even workmates. For this reason, Google is adding some life to certain emojis you send to others while using RCS chat on the Messages app. By animating some emojis, Google is adding motion to them to sprinkle some life to the chat.
However, not all emojis are animated, as the available information shows off only the smiley collection. Also, to get these emojis to move within the chat, users will need to send them alone without any follow-up message or emoji. This means that a user should only send one smiley emoji before they can see its animated effect.
For the animations, the laughing emoji rolls, the crying emoji bursts into tears and so on. For now, there is a lot more to play around with and the source of this information only showed off the animations of two emojis. Other emojis in the smiley collection will have their unique animations, which will help spice up the chat.
Once this feature rolls out to more users, everyone will get the opportunity to use them while chatting. This new feature will join a host of other features that are rolling out to the Google Messages app. Users will be able to get this feature alongside others in future updates to the app.
The upcoming NATO summit is scheduled to be held in Vilnius, Lithuania from July 11th to 12th 2023.
The BlackBerry Threat Research and Intelligence team has discovered a new campaign in which the threat actor targets Ukraine and NATO supporters with the RomCom RAT (remote access trojan).
According to their analysis of the threat actor’s TTPs (tactics, techniques, and procedures), network infrastructure, and code similarity, the threat actor RomCom is behind the campaign. Therefore, the malware is named RomCom RAT.
For your information, the RomCom RAT is also tracked as Tropical Scorpius, Void Rabisu, and UNC2596. It is written in C and was recently spotted in cyberattacks launched against Ukrainian politicians working closely with Western nations and a healthcare organization in the USA that aids refugees who have fled Ukraine.
This campaign was launched just before the upcoming NATO summit, which is scheduled to be held in Vilnius, Lithuania on July 11-12 2023. Researchers noted that threat actors targeted the summit and an international organization supporting Ukraine with phishing attacks.
According to blog post published by BlackBerry, its cybersecurity team detected two malicious documents submitted on July 4, 2023, via a Hungary-based IP address titled:
Letter_NATO_Summit_Vilnius_2023_ENG(1).docx
Overview_of_UWCs_UkraineInNATO_campaign.docx
These documents are sent to the organization and pro-Ukraine guests invited to the NATO summit as a lure. This indicates that the threat actor is using fake documents pretending to attempt to lobby for Ukraine’s NATO accession and the probability of Ukraine becoming a member of the organization in the future.
BlackBerry researchers suspect that threat actors are trying to benefit from this event by creating and distributing a malicious document impersonating the Ukrainian World Congress website to target supporters of Ukraine.
These documents lure the recipient into clicking on a link, which redirects them to another fake website domain. The attackers use typosquatting to mimic ukrainianworldcongress(.) org, but with one change: instead of .org, they use .info at the end. This change is made to make the spear-phishing campaign successful.
Image: BlackBerry
If the victim clicks on the link, their device becomes infected by RomCom RAT, and the attackers can obtain sensitive system data such as IP address, username, and even location.
The malicious document essentially triggers a well-designed execution sequence. This sequence starts with contacting a remote server to retrieve intermediate payloads. After that, the attackers exploit the now-patched security flaw Follina (tracked as CVE-2022-30190), which impacts the Microsoft Support Diagnostic Tool. This exploitation allows them to acquire remote code execution.
“If successfully exploited, it allows an attacker to conduct a remote code execution-based attack via the crafting of a malicious .docx or .rtf document designed to exploit the vulnerability. That technique is effective even when macros are disabled, and a document is opened in Protected mode.”
The BlackBerry Research & Intelligence Team
Further probing of the internal telemetry, cyber weapons, and network data analysis led to the assumption that the campaign became active on 22 June. The attacker’s C2 server was registered and went live just a few days before.
Researchers haven’t yet determined the initial infection vector. However, they are sure that this is a geopolitically motivated campaign, and its prime targets include militaries, IT firms, and food supply chains.
