During Google I/O, the company spent a lot of time talking about its new innovations on the AI front, and that led a bunch of people to be excited. People wanting to test out these new innovations can sign up for the Google Search Labs waitlist. However, it seems like Google is randomly giving Pixel Superfans access to these tools.
During Google I/O, Google also unveiled its Pixel 7a, Pixel Tablet, and Pixel Fold. These are the newest additions to the Pixel family of devices, and you can read more about them on Android Headlines. They’re currently up for pre-order, so you can get your order in now in preparation for them shipping out next month.
People are randomly getting access to Google Search Labs
According to Android Police, Google seems to be giving random Superfans access to Search Labs. Some people are reportedly seeing the email letting them hop on and start testing out the features. There doesn’t seem to be any rhyme or reason to this.
Just like with Google Bard, there is a waitlist to get access to Google Search Labs. You can click here to get onto the waitlist. We’re not sure how long you’re going to be waiting, so you’ll just want to hang tight. Here’s a hint, however, if you want to jump ahead a few spaces, you can become a Pixel Superfan. You can learn more about becoming a Superfan here.
Also, if you want to jump ahead a few spaces in the queue, you can become a Google One subscriber. Becoming a Pixel Superfan or a Google One subscriber will not guarantee that you’ll get early access, however. This just may give you a little boost in the waitlist.
The rest of us will have to wait. If you are both a Google One member and a Pixel superfan, keep an eye out for any emails from Google. You never know if you were selected. A safe bet is to also check your spam email folder.
Researchers uncovered a financially motivated threat group known as ‘UNC3944’ which employs phishing and SIM-swapping techniques to seize control of Microsoft Azure admin accounts.
Enabling them to exploit Azure’s Serial Console on VMs for persistent installation of remote management software and covert surveillance through Azure Extensions.
UNC3944, an identified threat group, has been actively operating since May 2022, as reported by Mandiant. Their primary objective is to extract sensitive data from targeted organizations by leveraging the cloud computing service of Microsoft.
The notorious UNC3944 group, known for its malicious activities, was previously linked to the development of the following toolkits:-
STONESTOP loader
POORTRY kernel-mode driver
While all these tools were specifically designed to disable security software, they were a significant threat to computer systems.
Initial Access
Here, to sign their kernel drivers, the threat actors have utilized stolen Microsoft hardware developer accounts through which they operated their proceedings.
For initial access, the threat actors primarily rely on the compromised credentials of administrators or other privileged accounts.
The attacker uses SMS phishing and SIM swapping to impersonate privileged users and deceive help desk agents into providing multi-factor reset codes. Still, Mandiant lacks sufficient data to identify the specifics of the SIM swapping technique.
Here below, we have mentioned all the extensions used by the attackers:-
Azure Network Watcher
Guest Agent Automatic Log Collection
VMSnapshot
Guest configuration
Technical Analysis
UNC3944 employs Azure Extensions during the subsequent attack phase, employing covert surveillance and information-gathering techniques to camouflage their malicious activities as ordinary daily operations, effectively blending in with everyday activities.
Azure Extensions are additional features and services designed to enhance the functionality and automation of Azure VMs, offering an array of additional capabilities and task-automating options when integrated.
By being executed within the virtual machine and primarily utilized for legitimate intentions, these extensions possess an inherent stealthiness, making them appear less suspicious.
The threat actor exploited the inherent capabilities of Azure diagnostic extensions, specifically the “CollectGuestLogs” function, to gather log files from the compromised endpoint.
For direct administrative console access to virtual machines, UNC3944 leverages Azure Serial Console. This enables the threat actors to operate the serial port to execute commands via command prompt.
Mandiant’s observation reveals that the initial action taken by intruders is executing the “whoami” command to determine the active user and acquire essential data for advancing their exploitation tactics.
The threat actors employ PowerShell to bolster their presence on the virtual machine (VM) and deploy various remote administrator tools intentionally omitted from the report.
UNC3944 plans to establish a covert and continuous connection to their C2 server through a reverse SSH tunnel. This allows them to evade security measures by configuring port forwarding to enable direct access to an Azure VM via Remote Desktop.
Upon gaining unauthorized access to a target virtual machine (VM), the attacker creates a new process, specifically C:\Windows\System32\sacsess.exe, which subsequently triggers the execution of cmd.exe.
Within the command prompt, the attacker executes the “whoami” command, revealing the username of the currently active user.
The rise of Living off the Land attacks, leveraging built-in tools to avoid detection, highlights the expanding threat landscape beyond the operating system layer, as demonstrated by attackers’ innovative utilization of the serial console.
Mandiant advises organizations to limit remote administration access and refrain from using SMS as a multifactor authentication option whenever feasible to enhance security measures.
This recommendation aims to mitigate potential risks by reducing exposure to unauthorized access and enhancing authentication protocols.
Foldable phones have been around for several years, but they’re still coming into their own. Companies are still figuring out how to squeeze their user interfaces into such drastically different form factors. Motorola just made a Leap forward in this respect. According to Evan Blass (via 9To5Google), the 2023 Motorola Razr will be able to run full apps on the outer display.
Right now, we don’t 100% know the phone’s name. Rumors pointed to it having the name Motorola Razr 40. However, it seems like that won’t be the case. According to information from Blass, Motorola might simply call it the Motorola Razr while the more premium version may have the”+” moniker.
You’ll be able to use full apps on the outer display of the Motorola Razr
Since the very first clamshell foldable, the outer displays have been gradually getting bigger as customers wanted more utility from them. They were tiny displays only capable of showing notifications, but Motorola is looking to completely change how you look at your phone’s outer display.
Evan Blass was able to share some leaked promotional images and a video from Motorola. The leaked video shows the Motorola Razr from all angles with an emphasis on the outer display. The outer display, as we’ve seen, will stretch to the bottom of the phone when it is closed fully encompassing the two outer cameras. There’s a bit of a forehead bezel, but it’s well worth it for such a large outer display.
Notably, we see full apps running on the outer display like Google Maps, a music app, TikTok, a messaging app, and a simple maze game. The apps themselves appear heavily reformatted to fit the screen, so we should expect mostly first-party apps to fully take advantage of this.
Also, we see the full Gboard being displayed. The keyboard picked up most of the display with a text field at the very top. This means that you’ll be able to check your notifications and respond to them using the outer display.
While we don’t know all of the apps that will support this, we did get a bit of a preview. The video shows an app list. In it, we see apps like YouTube, Google Duo, the camera, and the Google Play Store.
This new Razr phone is expected to be rather affordable, so, this could very well be your next phone. Stay tuned for more information on this phone as details pop up.
Samsung Display has acquired New York-based OLED microdisplay maker eMagin in an all-cash deal valued at approximately $218 million. The two firms expect this merger agreement to complete in the second half of 2023. They will remain separate and independent companies until then. According to eMagin’s press release, it will continue to operate from its existing facilities in Hopewell Junction, New York following the closing of the deal as well.
Samsung Display and eMagin reach a merger agreement
Founded in 1996, eMagin has expertise in the OLED microdisplay industry. Over the years, it has developed several industry-first microdisplay solutions, which are typically smaller than an inch and have an extremely high resolution or pixel density, as high as 2,600 PPI (pixels per inch). Smartphone displays typically have a pixel density of less than 500 PPI.
eMagin’s main strength is screen brightness, though. The company recently demonstrated the industry’s brightest WUXGA (1920×1200) full-color OLED microdisplay with a record-setting peak brightness of 15,000 nits. It surpassed its own brightness record of 10,000 nits set in 2021. The firm archives such high levels of brightness using a unique direct-emission OLED microdisplay technology. This approach allows for higher brightness than color-filter-based displays without damaging pixels.
Thanks to this unique technology, the firm received several multi-million investments from Apple, LG, Valve, and other tech biggies in the past. It has also worked with many industry giants, including Meta and Samsung Display. But the latter is now paying around ten percent higher than eMagin’s current stock price to outright acquire it. And it isn’t surprising. Samsung Display has been interested in eMagin’s OLED microdisplay technology for a while now. Reports of merger talks between the two firms have been doing around since at least October last year.
This acquisition will boost Samsung’s microdisplay efforts
The Korean conglomerate wants to use the American company’s resources and technology to boost its microdisplay efforts for AR/VR devices. The plan is to begin mass production of OLED microdisplays by the end of 2024 or early 2025 as the AR/VR industry starts to flourish. Samsung is already working with Google and Qualcomm on a new VR headset. It is also developing MicroLED displays for AR and VR products, as well as smartwatches. The acquisition of eMagin will help the company in all of these next-gen display efforts.
eMagin, meanwhile, has had close ties with the US military. The United States Department of Defense (DOD) has funded the company on several occasions in the past. It makes microdisplays for various military equipment such as night vision goggles and head-mounted display systems. It remains to be seen how this relationship play out following the merger with Samsung Display. Samsung also makes exclusive products for the DOD, so eMagin may be able to maintain some of its current ties.
“By teaming with Samsung Display, we will be able to achieve the full potential of our next-generation microdisplay technology with a partner that can provide the resources and expertise we will need to scale production,” said eMagin’s CEO Andrew G. Sculley in a press release announcing this merger agreement. Moreover, our customers will benefit from resulting improvements to our production capabilities in terms of yield, efficiency, and quality control.”
Shortly after publicly releasing VirusTotal Code Insights, Google announced expanding its scope to include Linux and Windows script files. This move will further help the researchers in analyzing malicious scripts and sharing insights with each other.
VirutsTotal Code Insights Supports More Script Files
According to a recent post from Bernardo Quintero, founder VirusTotal, the service will expand its scope to include more scripts to facilitate better code analysis.
Specifically, VirusTotal Code Insights will now include Linux and Windows malicious scripts and help the cybersec community in malware analysis.
In April 2023, Google – the parent firm behind VirusTotal, announced introducing Code Insights as part of a dedicated “Cloud Security AI Workbench” security suite. At that time, Code Insights typically focused on PowerShell files.
But after the latest upgrade, Code Insights now supports more scripting languages. As Quintero mentioned in the post, the tool now supports Batch (BAT), Command Prompt (CMD), Shell scripts (SH), and VBScript (VBS).
Alongside this upgrade, the tool has doubled the supported file size limits, thus supporting large file analyses.
Besides, it also comes with an enhanced user interface, specifically limiting the amount of text displayed initially for analysis reports. As explained, it will now display only the first sentences of the report by default. Nonetheless, interested users can expand the display and read the report.
Despite these upgrades, Code Insights cannot still analyze executable files. But the service pledges to include this, and other file formats, soon.
Another major limitation that Quintero highlighted includes recognizing codes as the sole input. Without the context, it gets difficult to analyze the tool for potential maliciousness accurately. Nonetheless, the service is also working on expanding input to include other details, such as URLs and related file metadata, with the codes for precise analysis.
Besides sharing the details about the latest update, VirusTotal also asked the community for any feedback that can help improve Code Insights.
Wear OS 4 sems to be getting Material You dynamic theming, according to a recent report from 9To5Google. Google is keeping the changes to the new version of Wear OS pretty close to the chest, but it did share a couple of things about Wear OS 4 back at Google I/O.
Notably that there will be improvements to battery life and text-to-speech. Wear OS previously got battery life improvements with Wear OS 3. Though it still has a way to go and it seems Wear OS 4 will help push it a little further. Visually, one big design change coming looks to be Material You. The ability to apply dynamic theming was found in the early preview of the update that Google provided through the Android Studio Emulator.
However this isn’t something you can access on your watch for regular use. But that didn’t stop it from being discovered. So if you’ve wondered what Material You might look like on your watch, now you’ll know.
Material You on Wear OS 4 will have a dynamic theme toggle
With Wear OS 4 you won’t have to use the dynamic theming. Rather, there’s going to be a toggle that allows you to turn it on and off. So you can apply the theming when you want to and disable when you aren’t feeling it.
As you’d expect, enabling the toggle ends up pulling colors from your wallpaper and applying them to different parts of the watch UI. such as in Quick Settings. It’s not immediately clear where all these color accents will be present. And according to 9To5Google using a wallpaper from the Play Store turns the colors back to a default blue. So you may need to use one of the pre-installed wallpapers for the dynamic theming to work. That could always change though once the update is actually released to the public.
Ever since Elon Musk took over, Twitter has seen changes like never before. However, it looks like Musk’s erratic changes have negatively affected the platform, as according to a new study from Pew Research, around 60% of US users have decided to step away from Twitter over the past year.
The survey, which spanned a week in March, also revealed that Musk may not have succeeded in creating an addictive platform that compels users to engage on a daily basis. This is because, in comparison to Meta’s social apps, which boast a staggering 3.02 billion daily active users, many Twitter users are opting to avoid the app for extended periods.
“Six-in-ten Americans who have used Twitter in the past 12 months say they have taken a break from the platform for a period of several weeks or more during that span,” said Pew Research.
Demographic Patterns
Furthermore, the study highlighted demographic variations in Twitter usage patterns, indicating that women and people of color were most likely to take breaks from the platform. Among women, 69% reported breaks, while 67% of Black users did the same. In comparison, 54% of men, 60% of white users, and 54% of Hispanic users took breaks. This suggests that the platform’s relaxation of rules and Musk’s general amnesty for previously banned accounts might have disproportionately affected marginalized groups.
Twitter’s most active users might remain
While it appears that Twitter’s engagement and user numbers have started to decline, the study also suggested that Twitter’s most active users have not completely abandoned the platform, as only 25% of highly active users expressed a lack of interest in remaining on Twitter in the future.
However, it is important to note that Pew Research’s data does not definitively prove a decline in Twitter’s active user base, as there is no historical usage comparison. Additionally, with Elon stepping down and Linda Yaccarino, a former NBCU executive, being appointed as the new CEO, it remains uncertain whether she will implement new policies to regain people’s trust and encourage them to return to the platform.
The best monitors for Xbox Series X can make all the difference when playing your favorite games. And just because they’re the best doesn’t mean they have to cost you an arm and a leg. On the same token, it doesn’t mean they’ll be dirt cheap. More than likely, they’ll sit somewhere in the middle of all that.
Many monitors fit for gaming can also be less expensive than a TV. And chances are if you can get a TV for around the same price or less as a dedicated gaming monitor, it’s probably not the best option for gaming. Of course, it all depends on where you plan to keep your Xbox Series X. If your setup is in the living room, sitting on a couch, then a TV may be the way to go. Though keep in mind they have big-screen gaming monitors as well. And we even have a few on this list.
If your Xbox Series X is going to be set up on a desk however, then you want a monitor. In most cases they tend to be smaller screens, so it’s the more suitable option. You’ll save space on your desk which means more room for peripherals or little trinkets that liven up your space. Monitors are also ideal for those who don’t have a lot of space to begin with. With that all in mind, take a look at our list below for the best monitors for Xbox Series X.
We’re kicking this list off with a monitor that was designed for Xbox Series X. The Philips Momentum 279M1RV. Philips worked in partnership with Microsoft to create a gaming monitor that was purpose built for the console.
And the results of that are a 4K nano IPS panel with a 120Hz refresh rate and a 1ms response time. To take advantage of that 120fps at 4K you’re going to need HDMI 2.1 for the connection to the monitor. And as you may have guessed, this monitor delivers that. It was designed for Xbox Series X after all.
One of the other cool features is the Ambiglow RGB lighting on the back of the monitor. This helps make your gaming a bit more immersive thanks to the Ambiglow lighting colors matching what’s on screen. Other benefits include DisplayHDR600 and DisplayPort 1.4 if you want to connect a PC in addition to the Xbox. It’s definitely one of the best monitors for the Xbox Series X. Even if it’s a bit pricey.
Next up we have a very nice large monitor from ASUS. If you have a little extra room on your desk and you like a bigger monitor, the ASUS ROG Strix 43 (XG43UQ) is one of the best monitors for the Xbox Series X. There are a few reasons for this. For one it’s a larger display which means more screen real estate for your games. It also comes with a 4K panel, and has a 120Hz refresh rate with multiple HDMI 2.1 ports to take the most advantage of your Xbox’s graphics capabilities.
The max refresh rate is also 144Hz if you plan to hook up a PC to this monitor as well. And to help really make the colors of your games come to life, the monitor features DisplayHDR1000. It’s a big beefy boy, but it’s probably one of the best gaming monitors for the Xbox Series X that you’ll find.
LG makes a great gaming monitor and if you don’t really need or want a bigger screen, consider LG’s UltraGear 27GP850-B. It’s a 27-inch panel with a QHD nano IPS display, up to 165Hz refresh rate (for PC), DisplayHDR400, and a quick response time of just 1ms.
Now it doesn’t have HDMI 2.1. But at the price of $399, there has to be some compromises and that was one of them. But if this is right around what your budget is, Xbox Series X games will still look good on this monitor and run at 60fps, which isn’t bad by any means.
Plus the small 27-inch form factor means you should have plenty of room on your desk.
There’s lots to love about this monitor and especially at this price range. For starters, it’s a curved 32-inch monitor but it isn’t ultrawide. Which means no black bars on the sides of your console’s picture. more importantly though it’s 4K, comes with HDMI 2.1 ports and has a 144Hz display. So you can get 4K and 120fps with your Xbox Series X games that support the faster frame rate. Keep in mind you will need an HDMI 2.1 cable though.
DisplayHDR400 is also present to really make the colors pop for your games.
Another great option here if you’re looking for something smaller that not only has HDMI 2.1 but also a 4K panel and a fast response time is the TUF Gaming VG28UQL1A from ASUS.
It’s a smaller display than the GIGABYTE one above and costs $20 more. So in most cases we would probably still recommend the GIGABYTE monitor over this one. Due to size and slightly higher cost with similar features. But, if you would prefer a monitor with a screen smaller than 32-inches, this is an excellent choice.
You’ll still get the features you need to make the most of your Xbox Series X and won’t pay much more. This is also a flat panel if you don’t care for the curved displays. At $599 this is one of the best monitors you’ll find for Xbox Series X.
Sticking with the smaller monitors, Acer’s Predator XB283K KV is $50 less than the ASUS TUF monitor above and offers many if not all of the same features. It comes with variable refresh rate support, multiple HDMI 2.1 ports, a 1ms response time and a 4K 144Hz panel.
So with an HDMI 2.1 cable connected to your Xbox Series X you can ensure you get the faster 120fps in games that support it with the higher resolution 4K visuals.
Should you need to get in and tweak any of the settings, the menu button is located in the bottom left corner so it’s super easy to reach. Though you shouldn’t have to fumble with much if any settings at all.
There’s a few reasons why we included this monitor. It’s definitely expensive. And because of that we feel there are better options on this list. But that doesn’t mean this isn’t a great option for use with the Xbox Series X. Cost aside, here’s what we really like about this one.
It features a 32-inch display with an ultrawide format, which means it’s great for PC games. The downside with that is you’ll end up seeing those black bars on the side when using this for the Series X. But if you can overlook that then there are tons of other good features. It supports HDMI 2.1, it’s a 4K panel, and it features Quantum HDR2000 which means rich, vibrant colors you won’t get on a lot of other monitors.
It’s pricey but worth it if you want something for Xbox Series X and PC, since it does offer the Ultrawide 21:9 aspect ratio.
A cheaper option from Samsung is the Odyssey Neo G7 43. If you have the space on your desk for a bigger monitor, this model comes in at $100 less than the one above. It still offers HDMI 2.1 and has a 4K panel. But best of all it comes with a 16:9 aspect ratio so your Xbox Series X picture will fill the entire screen.
Just like the model above it also comes with a 1ms response time. This is also a flat panel, and the display is matte so you won’t have to worry about reflections too much. It’s a solid buy if you’re looking for one of the best monitors for Xbox Series X in the 40+-inch size range.
Rounding out our list is another option from Acer. This time the Acer Nitro XV282K. This is a 28-inch screen with 4K visuals, a 144Hz refresh rate, HDMI 2.1 ports, and a 1ms response time. It’s fairly similar to the Predator model up above but you’ll end up saving some money going with this model. And you won’t really lose much in doing so.
That being said, the Predator model is on sale right now. So at only $60 more, it’s a better value. This monitor however is a great pickup when the Predator monitor goes back up to its full price. Some other things to consider are the MSRP of both Acer monitors when coming directly from Acer. The Predator model normally retails for $629.99. While this Nitro monitor is listed at $899.99. And at those prices, there are better options on this list.
Making the headlines across the internet is Oura’s acquisition of Proxy, and this is rather interesting. For starters, these two companies do not exist in the same niche, so this purchase brought Oura out of its comfort grounds. Although these two companies don’t operate in the same industry, merging their products will make the consumer’s life a bit easier.
Asides from profit-making, a big aim of tech firms is to make life a bit easier for the end users. This article will look at how Oura’s latest purchase will help its users purchase goods with contactless payment. In an official statement, the CEO of Oura pointed out areas where the purchase of Proxy will help users.
Some benefits of this purchase are payments, access, security, identity, and others. Of main focus of this article is the issue of payments and how this will benefit users. Let’s now look into Oura and Proxy and the service they individually offer.
Contactless payment with a ring might be made possible as a result of Oura’s acquisition of Proxy
You might already be familiar with Oura and their smart rings that help track users’ health. In the wearable industry, Oura is a top competitor in the manufacturing and retailing of smart rings. So in place of smartwatches, some users might opt for smart rings to monitor their health as they go about their daily activities.
Proxy, on the other hand, is a firm that concerns itself with the creation of user digital identity signals. These signals can be linked to a ton of products that a user accesses for usage from time to time. So, instead of using keys, cards, passwords, and so on to access these products, users can rely on their digital identity signal.
Oura aims to integrate Proxy’s services into its smart rings, hence expanding its usage. To make this work, Oura will need to work on the hardware and software of its smart rings. By doing this the integration of Proxy’s digital identity signals into Oura rings will be possible.
This integration might help users to pay for stuff with just their Oura smart ring. The Proxy’s digital identity signal should be able to link payment services such as Google Pay, Apple Pay, and so on to the smart ring. So purchasing items, an Oura smart ring user can pay with their ring instead of pulling out their smartphones or cards.
With time, the wearable industry will get to see the end product of Oura’s acquisition of Proxy. Achieving contactless payment on a smart ring will improve Oura’s business in the wearable industry. More information on the progress of Oura and Proxy as they work together will be available in the coming weeks.
Samsung‘s May 2023 update is now available for more Galaxy smartphones in the US. The Galaxy S22 series and Galaxy Z Flip 5G are widely picking up the latest security patch stateside, while the Galaxy S21 FE has joined the party too. The company has already pushed the May SMR (Security Maintenance Release) to most of its recent flagship models globally.
The Galaxy S22 series began receiving the May update in the US last week. Samsung initially updated the factory-unlocked variants of the Galaxy S22, Galaxy S22+, and Galaxy S22 Ultra stateside. Today, the company has released the May SMR for their carrier-locked counterparts. These phones are picking up the update with the firmware build number S90*USQS2CWE1 or S90*USQS2CWE2 depending on your carrier.
Like the unlocked units, the carrier-locked Galaxy S22 phones are also only getting the latest security fixes with this update. Samsung isn’t pushing anything else here. Perhaps there may not be many new feature additions to these phones in the coming months. The company would keep most big features for Android 14, which should arrive later this year along with One UI 6.0.
That said, the May SMR does contain plenty of security fixes. We are talking about more than 70 fixes, some of which are critical ones. These patches are now available to unlocked Galaxy Z Flip 5G users as well. Samsung is rolling out the update with the build number F707U1UES4HWE1 (via). The carrier-locked variants of the original 5G-enabled Flip phone received this update a few days back. And we repeat ourselves, the device isn’t getting anything notable apart from the latest security fixes.
The Galaxy S21 FE is also getting the May update in the US
Earlier today, Samsung released the May update for the Galaxy S21 FE in Europe. It followed the limited initial rollout in Latin America last week. The company has wasted no time to bring the May SMR the US-bound Galaxy S21 FE. As of this writing, the update appears limited to carrier-locked units on Comcast’s network. But it should just be a matter of time before Samsung covers units on other networks and expand the release to unlocked devices. The new firmware version for carrier-locked units is G990USQS6EWD8.
If you’re using any of these Galaxy smartphones in the US and haven’t yet received Samsung’s May update, you can manually check for it from the Settings app. Go to the Software update menu and tap on Download and install to see if you have a pending OTA (over the air) release. If not, wait a few days and check again. You may also get a notification when the OTA release hits your Galaxy device.
