There are a ton of podcast platforms out there to listen to your favorite shows. As new ones pop up, others fade into the sunset. This is the story for the podcast platform Stitcher. According to Engadget, Stitcher is going to be shutting down pretty soon.
This is the platform that’s owned by SiriusXM. Stitcher has been around for some time, and it provided a platform for a bunch of small-time creators to get their start. While it’s a great platform, we can’t deny that it has some serious competition. Platforms like Pocket Cast and Spotify have amassed a ton of listeners, and it is hard to compete with platforms such as those.
Stitcher is shutting down soon
This news came from an announcement from SiriusXM itself. Folks who use Stitcher will have until August 29th to find another podcast platform to listen to. That’s just over two months from now, and you’re sure to find one by then. The only issue is that you will need to find another platform to track down all of your favorite shows. Most shows exist on more than one platform, however.
What’s more tedious than finding a new platform to listen to podcasts is finding a new one to host your show. If you have a show on Stitcher, then you’ll need to find a new platform and rebuild your following. That will be a pain in the neck. If you do own a show, then you’d best start making preparations now.
While this isn’t the best news, It’s not all bad. This is a move by SiriusXM to incorporate podcasts into its main subscription service. Listeners will have access to podcasts through the main SiriusXM app. So, Stitcher seems redundant when the company will be hosting podcasts on its platform.
Unfortunately, it doesn’t seem that SiriusXM is going to migrate Stitcher podcasts to its main service. The company suggested that you follow your favorite podcasts on social media to see where they’ll be going next.
While the launch date of the coming iPhone 15 series is still months away, production is already taking place. By starting production early, this device will be readily available for purchase once it launches in a few months. This will make access to the device easier than users found it with the iPhone 14 series that were quickly sold off after launch.
As a result of high demand and relatively low production, the 14 series was hard to come by after its launch. Apple is trying to work on that issue with their coming series, and they are also expecting high demand. Unlike the 14 series, Apple envisions that all devices in the iPhone 15 line-up will be in high demand by fans.
So to tackle this perspective of high demand, the Cupertino company is kicking off the production of their coming series. Reports already claim that mass production of this series could have already started. At this pace, the first batch of the 15 series should be available in a few weeks.
Factors that could influence the envisioned high demand for the coming iPhone 15 series
Ever since the launch of the iPhone 14 series, leaks about its successor have been making the rounds. From the available information, it is safe to say that Apple fans can expect some massive upgrades. This will not only affect the design and build quality but also the performance of all devices in the series in comparison with their successors.
On one end, fans might get to see the Dynamic Island arrive on the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus. The Pro series will get a fresh processor with major performance improvements, as well as a titanium frame for durability. For the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus, they will come with the processor found on the iPhone 14 Pro series, as well as a 48MP main camera sensor.
In the meantime, these details remain rumors since there is no official statement as confirmation. But definitely, the coming iPhone 15 series will come with major upgrades across the board. These upgrades will help increase its demand once it becomes available for purchase.
To accommodate the demand, Apple is turning to Foxconn, Pegatron, and Luxshare for the manufacturing of these devices. With all hands on deck, Apple can easily produce their target of 89 million units. Mass production will keep rolling out until the coming iPhone 15 series makes its official appearance in the fourth quarter of the year.
WhatsApp has been hard at work lately adding features and applying design tweaks in order to set itself apart from competing products and become more relevant in the U.S. market, where SMS/MMS/RCS and iMessage are king. The latest of these attempts being its apparent attempt to make its iOS and Android apps look more alike than ever.
In the latest update of WhatsApp Beta on Android (v2.23.13.16), as reported by WaBetaInfo, WhatsApp appears to be experimenting with a bottom navigation bar (also called an action bar) in the style of Material Design 3.
The navigation bar will replace the current tabbed interface that sits at the top of the chat list. This gives users the option to access Chats, Communities, Status, and Calls from the bottom by cycling through a more clearly labeled navigation system accentuated by its corresponding icons.
Current WhatsApp UI on Android | Source – Phone Arena
The bottom navigation bar switches between a dark and white color scheme, depending on your theme choice. This is the same navigation bar that is used on the iOS version of WhatsApp, and it is more in line with Google’s design guidelines for Android apps.
Light vs Dark Bottom Nav Bar | Source – Wabetainfo
The new bottom navigation bar is currently being tested with a limited number of users, but it is expected to be rolled out to everyone eventually. The change is likely to be welcomed by users who prefer a more simplified interface, and it will also make it easier to use WhatsApp with one hand.In addition to the new bottom navigation bar, WhatsApp has also been rolling out Material Design tweaks such as redesigned switches and floating action buttons with rounded menus. It is unclear when these changes will be rolled out to everyone, as they are currently available in beta and to a limited amount of users, but they are all part of WhatsApp’s efforts to improve the app’s user experience.
The modus operandi of this campaign involves luring victims with explicit OnlyFans content, specifically targeting users who engage with adult-oriented materials.
A malicious campaign targeting smartphone users has been uncovered, utilizing fake OnlyFans content to distribute a dangerous Remote Access Trojan (RAT) known as DcRAT malware. The campaign, which has been active since January 2023, poses a significant risk to users’ devices and personal data.
eSentire, a leading cybersecurity firm, has been at the forefront of uncovering this threat. The company’s Threat Response Unit (TRU) identified the presence of DcRAT, a variant of the widely available AsyncRAT, within a consumer services customer’s system. DcRAT is a potent remote access tool with info-stealing and ransomware capabilities.
OnlyFans Content Used as Lure
The modus operandi of this campaign involves luring victims with explicit OnlyFans content, specifically targeting users who engage with adult-oriented materials. Victims are enticed to download ZIP files containing a VBScript loader, which they manually execute, believing it will grant them access to premium OnlyFans content. Unbeknownst to them, this action initiates the installation of the DcRAT Trojan, giving hackers remote control over their devices.
DcRAT presents a multifaceted threat to compromised systems. It can perform keylogging, monitor webcams, manipulate files, remotely access devices, and pilfer web browser credentials, cookies, and Discord tokens.
Furthermore, DcRAT malware includes a ransomware plugin that encrypts non-system files, rendering them inaccessible without the decryption key, which threat actors will likely hold for ransom.
The ransomware plugin of the DcRAT malware analyzed by eSentire
How the Malware is Being Spread
The precise method of infection remains uncertain, but experts speculate that malicious forum posts, instant messages, malvertising, or search engine optimization techniques may serve as potential attack vectors. This underscores the importance of exercising caution while browsing the internet, avoiding unfamiliar links, and refraining from interacting with suspicious individuals online.
Protective Measures to Stay Safe
To mitigate the risks associated with this malware campaign, eSentire’s TRU team recommends several proactive measures. Users are advised to undergo Phishing and Security Awareness Training (PSAT) to identify and report potentially malicious content accurately.
Additionally, it is recommended to restrict the execution of script files, such as .vbs, and configure systems to open script files with trusted applications like Notepad.
Furthermore, maintaining up-to-date antivirus signatures and utilizing Next-Generation Antivirus (NGAV) or Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) tools can provide an added layer of protection against emerging threats. Users should also ensure their devices are regularly updated, as these updates often include critical security patches.
The Need for Vigilance and Awareness
The discovery of this campaign highlights the ever-evolving nature of cyber threats and serves as a reminder that users must remain vigilant to safeguard their personal data. By staying informed and adopting best practices for online safety, individuals can better protect themselves from the growing menace of malware and data breaches.
As the battle between cybercriminals and cybersecurity professionals continues, it is crucial to prioritize proactive measures and maintain a robust security posture in the face of evolving threats.
Many would say that Motorola’s Razr+ and OPPO’s Find N2 Flip are some of the most exciting clamshell foldables on the market at the moment. That is probably true. Motorola’s offering is brand new, while the Find N2 Flip originally launched back in December. It took the device some time to arrive to global markets. In any case, we’re here to compare these two phones, the Motorola Razr+ vs OPPO Find N2 Flip.
Do note that the Razr+ is also known as the Motorola Razr 40 Ultra, it all depends on the market. They are similar in some ways, but different in other ways. We’ll first list their specifications, and will then compare their designs, displays, performance, battery life, cameras, and audio performance. Let’s get to it!
Both phones are made out of metal and glass (the Razr+ also comes in a variant with a vegan leather backplate), and both have a layer of plastic across the display on the front. These two phones are really easy to set apart, as they employ entirely different outer displays. The Motorola has a large, horizontally-oriented 3.6-inch cover display, while the OPPO Find N2 Flip has a 3.26-inch panel, which is vertically oriented. Both phones include two cameras on the back, with the same orientations as the cover displays.
Thin bezels are included on both phones, while both devices also have a centered display camera hole on the main display. Both of them hide the hinge entirely when unfolded, and both feel very satisfying to fold and unfold, actually, no issues there. These two phones also fold flat, unlike the Galaxy Z Flip 4. The Motorola Razr+ also comes with a water-repellent coating, while the Find N2 Flip does not offer any water protection.
The Motorola Razr+ is taller, narrower, and thinner than the OPPO Find N2 Flip. The difference is minimal, however, as it’s less than a mm thinner, and around 1mm narrower. The Razr+ also weighs less than the Find N2 Flip. Its vegan leather model weighs 184.5 grams, while the glass variant weighs 188.5 grams. The OPPO Find N2 Flip weighs 191 grams. Both devices feel premium in the hand, and seem like they’ll last quite a while.
Motorola Razr+ vs OPPO Find N2 Flip: Display
The Motorola Razr+ features a 6.9-inch fullHD+ (2640 x 1080) Foldable LTPO AMOLED display. That panel offers a 165Hz refresh rate, and can project up to 1 billion colors. It also supports HDR10+ content, and its brightness gets up to 1,400 nits max. The cover display measures 3.6 inches, and offers a resolution of 1056 x 1066. That is also an AMOLED display, and it projects up to 1 billion colors. It offers a refresh rate of 144Hz, and it supports HDR10+ content. Its brightness gets up to 1,100 nits, and this panel is protected by the Gorilla Glass Victus.
The OPPO Find N2 Flip, on the other hand, has a 6.8-inch fullHD+ (2520 x 1080) main display. This is a Foldable LTPO AMOLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate. It also supports HDR10+ content, and gets up to 1,600 nits of peak brightness. This panel has a 21:9 aspect ratio. The cover display on the Find N2 Flip measures 3.26 inches, and offers a resolution of 326 x 720. This is an AMOLED panel, and its brightness goes up to 900 nits max. It is protected by the Gorilla Glass 5.
Both phones have very capable displays. The main displays are very good, and bright enough. The Find N2 Flip’s is a bit brighter, but the difference is minimal. All displays are quite vivid, and offer good viewing angles, not to mention that the blacks are deep. The main difference is that the cover display on the Razr+ allows you to run any app to its full extent, while the Find N2 Flip does not. There is an app to alter that, however, which you can install on the device, even though it’s not the same. So… yeah, they could offer similar functionality too. Both companies did a great job in that regard.
Motorola Razr+ vs OPPO Find N2 Flip: Performance
Both the Motorola Razr+ and OPPO Find N2 Flip are fueled by the same SoC, the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1. That is not Qualcomm’s best SoC on the market, but it’s right next to it. Both smartphones also offer LPDDR5 RAM and UFS 3.1 flash storage. The Razr+ comes with up to 12GB of RAM, while the OPPO Find N2 Flip has up to 16GB of RAM, though the options are different in global markets.
The performance is excellent on both phones. Both devices offer flagship-grade performance, without a doubt. They simply fly through regular, everyday tasks, with minimal effort. We did not notice any outstanding lag or anything like that worth noting. They do get a bit warm when gaming, and that only increases the longer you play games, especially graphically-intensive ones. Neither phone got uncomfortable to use during our testing, though, so… there you go. They’re essentially on the same level performance-wise.
Motorola Razr+ vs OPPO Find N2 Flip: Battery
The Motorola Razr+ has a 3,800mAh battery on the inside. The OPPO Find N2 Flip includes a 4,300mAh battery. The battery life is actually quite good on both smartphones. The Razr+ does have a smaller battery pack, but that doesn’t prevent it from doing good in the battery life department. The Motorola Razr+ provided us with around 7.5-8 hours of battery life, most days, which is in line with what the OPPO Find N2 Flip offers.
Your mileage may vary, as I always tend to say. My usage does not equal your usage, not even close. There are also two displays here to consider, not to mention different signal strengths, and so on. There are a lot of factors to consider. Do note that we mostly used both phones on Wi-Fi, and didn’t really play any games, outside of specific testing for performance reasons. Keep that in mind.
The Motorola Razr+ supports 30W wired, and 5W wireless charging. The OPPO Find N2 Flip, on the other hand, supports 44W wired, and reverse wired charging. The Motorola Razr+ comes with a charger in some markets, but not in the US. The OPPO Find N2 Flip includes a charger regardless of where you buy the phone.
Motorola Razr+ vs OPPO Find N2 Flip: Cameras
Both devices feature two cameras on the back. The Motorola Razr+ has a 12-megapixel main camera, and a 13-megapixel ultrawide unit. On the other hand, the OPPO Find N2 Flip has a 50-megapixel main camera, and an 8-megapixel ultrawide unit on the back. The performance of these cameras is quite different, actually.
Speaking of the main camera, the Motorola Razr+ tends to provide photos that are close to real life, but can look a bit washed out at times, and quite frankly uninspired. Also, we did notice some issues with HDR performance from time to time. The OPPO Find N2 Flip, on the other hand, likes contrasty images, and does provide more vivid shots in comparison. In the nighttime, both phones do a good job, and the Razr+ even surprises with how well it handles neon lights and lights in general. Both are up to the tasks in low light.
The OPPO Find N2 Flip has a wider FoV on its ultrawide camera, though we wish OPPO went for a different camera here. It should have included a larger sensor, and at least a 12-megapixel one. The Motorola Razr+ doesn’t exactly shine when it comes to ultrawide photography, but it does a good job overall. Either way, we’d stick with the main shooters on both smartphones, that’s for sure.
Audio
There is a set of stereo speakers on both of these smartphones. You’ll be glad to know that speakers on both phones do get loud enough, and they’re actually on a similar level when loudness is concerned. Both sets also provide nice, well-balanced sound, with no glaring issues. Don’t expect miracles, though, of course.
Neither company bothered to include an audio jack on the devices. You’ll have to utilize their Type-C ports if you’d like to connect your headphones via a wire. If not, both devices are equipped with Bluetooth 5.3.
Ex-Google CEO Eric Schmidt believes the social media inaction against increasing AI-generated fake content could turn the US 2024 election into a ” mess.” Speaking to CNBC’s Squawk Box, Schmidt urged social media companies to combat fake AI-generated content and misinformation proactively.
The US 2024 presidential election is approaching. And candidates from both Democratic and Republican parties will fight to enter the White House’s Oval Office. Misinformation and fake content is always a hot topic in the days leading to the election. The election for 2024 is no exception. After US Senators acted to evaluate the Big Tech layoffs in the upcoming election. An Ex-Google CEO is warning about the impact of AI and fake content generated by it.
Eric Schmidt, who served at Google from 2001 to 2011, said, “The 2024 elections are going to be a mess because social media is not protecting us from falsely generated AI.” The tech billionaire added that the platforms are still working on the problem, but nothing has been solved yet. Additionally, he said the safety groups on social media companies are getting smaller instead of getting larger to combat misinformation.
Ex-Google CEO Eric Schmidt warns about the impact of AI on the US 2024 election
Eric Schmidt already warned about the dangers of AI’s rapid development and lack of regulations. He recently labeled AI as an “existential risk” that could even be used for killing people. Schmidt also said that misinformation is a short-term danger to AI.
As the former CEO of Google and executive chairman of parent company Alphabet, Schmidt also reacted to YouTube’s recent move to allow users to question the validity of the 2020 election. He said social media platforms should allow “free speech for humans, not computers.” Google-owned YouTube recently announced it would “stop removing content that advances false claims that widespread fraud, errors, or glitches occurred in the 2020 elections.”
It remains to be seen what plans social media platforms have to battle fake AI-generated content and misinformation during the 2024 election. Lawmakers believe the layoffs could negatively impact the platform’s ability to deal with false content. The US senators also asked Meta, Google, and Twitter to see if they need to hire more people for their content moderation groups.
Today’s teens are digital natives in an Internet-centric world. They experience the benefits of online exploration, self-expression, and staying informed, but also encounter negative experiences like bullying and harassment. In a move to prioritize the safety and well-being of young users, Meta has unveiled a range of new parental control tools across Instagram, Facebook, and Messenger.Meta’s Family Center will offer new parental tools, featuring a hub in Messenger for parents to oversee their teen’s online activities. The tools also enable blocking unwanted messages on Messenger and Instagram to prevent harmful interactions and send reminders to teens to take breaks from their online engagements.
Image Credit–Meta
These newly introduced tools grant parents or guardians access to their teen’s privacy and safety settings, enabling them to monitor changes in the Messenger contact list and assess the amount of time spent on the app. Parents will also receive notifications when their teen reports someone.
Image Credit–Meta
If, for example, your teen reports someone, they can choose whether or not to notify you by sending a notification. And if you wonder how to react, Meta’s Education Hub is available to parents and provides guidance on addressing issues and supporting their child in the best possible way.
In addition to the parental control tools, Meta is implementing notifications to alert teens when they have spent 20 minutes on Facebook, encouraging them to set daily time limits, which can also be set by the parent. For Instagram users, the company is exploring a new feature that prompts teens to close the app if they have been scrolling through Reels late at night.
Image Credit–Meta
Given that teenagers spend an average of 7 hours and 22 minutes per day in front of screens, this feature might just be what all other online platforms should have.While Facebook has long provided parental controls for its Messenger Kids platform, the new tools are specifically designed for the main Messenger app, catering to parents with teenagers between the ages of 13 and 18.
It is important to note that using these parental control tools requires mutual consent and awareness between the parent and the teenager. Either the parent or the teen must initiate an invitation to enable the tools.
The new parental controls will be launched in the US, the UK, and Canada. However, Meta has expressed its commitment to expanding the availability of these tools to other regions across the globe. And this initial batch of parental supervision tools might be just the beginning, as Meta plans to introduce additional features and enhancements over the next year.
American Airlines and Southwest Airlines, two significant US-based aviation companies, have announced data breaches that have impacted their Pilot Credentials.
Pilot Credentials, a third party, manages various airlines’ pilot application and recruiting websites, including Southwest Airlines.
The Pilot Credentials issue, which only affected the third-party vendor’s systems and had no effect on the airlines’ networks or systems, was disclosed to both airlines on May 3.
The Findings Of The Data Security Incident
On April 30, an unauthorized person accessed Pilot Credentials’ systems and stole files comprising data offered by a few applicants in the pilot and cadet recruiting process.
Southwest immediately launched an inquiry and collaborated with the third-party vendor to learn more and respond to the problem. In particular, no networks or systems of the Southwest were impacted or compromised.
According to a third-party vendor, an unauthorized user gained access to its systems on or around April 30, 2023, and took certain data that had been given to them by some pilot applicants.
American Airlines and Southwest revealed that a total of 5745 pilots and applicants were impacted by the data breach, while the Office of the Attorney General for Maine received breach notifications from 3009 individuals.
“Our investigation determined that the data involved contained some of your personal information, such as your name and Social Security number, driver’s license number, passport number, date of birth, Airman Certificate number, and other government-issued identification number(s),” American Airlines said.
The airlines will now drive all pilot and cadet applicants to self-managed internal portals, even though there is no proof that the pilots’ personal information was intentionally targeted or exploited for fraud or identity theft.
“We are no longer utilizing the vendor, and, moving forward, Pilot applicants are being directed to an internal portal managed by Southwest,” Southwest Airlines.
Overview of Other Breaches
American Airlines has recently faced several issues, including this most recent data breach. Over 1,708 customers and team employees were impacted by a new breach that the firm announced in September 2022.
This breach happened due to a phishing assault that affected multiple staff email accounts in July 2022.
Additionally, in March 2021, American Airlines had a data breach after the global leader in aviation information technology, SITA, disclosed that hackers had accessed its servers and obtained unauthorized access to the Passenger Service System (PSS) utilized by many airlines globally.
Notably, the company has a massive network covering more than 50 countries and employs more than 120,000 people. Southwest Airlines, with operations in 11 nations. Furthermore, it employs almost 70,000 people and serves over 121 airports.
The security and privacy of the information belonging to its stakeholders are priorities for both American Airlines and Southwest Airlines.
The airline industry has to be diligent in protecting sensitive data and staying ahead of developing cyber threats while investigations into these breaches are ongoing.
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Last year, an app called BeReal came out, and it made some waves in the mobile app market. Not too long after, TikTok developed its own take on that app called TikTok Now. Well, according to The Verge (via Engadget), the company is officially killing off TikTok Now.
BeReal was an app that had a vendetta against Instagram. Seen as the antithesis of Instagram, BeReal challenged you to take a picture of yourself at a moment’s notice and with no preparation. This mentality contrasted the norm where people would gussy themselves up, pick the right lighting, strike a pose, and choose a filter before even hitting the shutter button.
BeReal challenges you to, well, be REAL. A contrarian idea, BeReal was able to gain some serious traction on the competitive social media landscape. In fact, it was the iPhone app of the year in 2022. That says A LOT because it was up against the likes of TikTok and other popular apps.
TikTok is killing off TikTok Now
It didn’t take long before BeReal had some real emulators. TikTok developed its own clone service called TikTok Now. As the name suggests, you’re challenged to take a photo or video with both your front and back camera. You’ll get notifications to do so, and these notifications could come at random points in the day.
While it seems that everything that TikTok does is a money-making machine, this idea is on its way out. Screenshots from several users show an update in the app that will remove the TikTok Now feature.
At this point, we don’t know when this feature will be dropped. One thing we know is a possible reason for this discontinuation. It’s not just that TikTok Now was losing traction, but BeReal was also losing traction.
The app has been on the decline over the past several months. While it was crowned app of the year, people most likely just got tired of it. It’s an interesting idea and very refreshing. However, people probably just tried it out, enjoyed it for a bit, and then went back to their usual social media posts.
Since people are getting tired of this type of social media sharing, TikTok Now also saw a massive decline. Now, it’s on the chopping block only nine months after it launched.
WhatsApp may be widely known as one of the world’s top encrypted messaging apps; but the Meta-owned platform has not been without its share of privacy issues. In the last few years, WhatsApp has fallen prey to malware scams, data leaks and other security breaches. Now, there appears to be a new scam out there targeting users with the promise of a new version of the app.
“Pink WhatsApp” is the latest malware scam to target WhatsApp users
According to 91mobiles, users of the messaging app have been receiving links prompting them to install what may seem like a version of the app but is actually malware. Dubbed “Pink WhatsApp” or “WhatsApp Pink,” the scam is suitably named so because it falsely advertises a spiffy new pink-themed version of the app.
Along with a more customized interface, the scam also tries to enhance users with promises such as enhanced security and privacy measures. But, sadly, this is not the case. In reality, clicking the malicious link results in malware being installed to your phone. This can then spread to other users you chat with. In addition to flooding your app with pesky ads. As a worst case scenario, it can allow hackers to gain access to your phone and its data.
The scam was also confirmed by Mumbai Police, which tweeted a warning to users of the app. However, what’s interesting is that “Pink WhatsApp” is nothing new as the scam appears to have started in April 2021. Once again rearing its ugly head.
Regardless, users are cautioned to remain vigilant of suspicious links. While also avoiding forwarding such links, and to only install app updates from the Google Play Store or App Store.
After all, this wasn’t the first scam to hit WhatsApp users. As another malware scam targeting WhatsApp backups made the rounds mere weeks ago. And it definitely won’t be the last that users can expect to see.
*… WHATSAPP PINK -A Red Alert For Android Users …*’
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