Android tablets to get a split keyboard with two different Gboard options

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Android tablets to get a split keyboard with two different Gboard options
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The Gboard app from Google is currently rolling out an update in beta that includes a split keyboard layout specifically designed for Android tablets. In June 2022, a split keyboard was introduced for foldable devices, enabling users to type with greater ease on expansive displays.

The split keyboard functionality aims to enhance the convenience and ergonomics of typing on tablets. The ergonomics of operating larger tablets with a single hand while simultaneously typing on the screen can pose a challenge for users. Gboard’s “split keyboard” splits the keyboard into two halves, enabling users to type with ease using their thumbs, even while holding the tablet with both hands.

However, with Gboard’s implementation of the feature, you get two layout options: One where the keyboard allows for the exact same amount of keys on either side, resulting in repeated keys on both sides, or one where it is split at the cutoff without any repeated keys. This behavior can be controlled from Gboard’s settings by navigating to Preferences > Layout and toggling the “Split layout to include duplicated keys” option, as reported by 9to5Google.

Gboard's standard split layout with no duplicated keys - Android tablets to get a split keyboard with two different Gboard options

Gboard’s standard split layout with no duplicated keys

Gboard's split layout with duplicated keys - Android tablets to get a split keyboard with two different Gboard options

Gboard’s split layout with duplicated keys

Gboard's duplicated keys split layout toggle in settings (Screenshots from 9to5Google) - Android tablets to get a split keyboard with two different Gboard options

Gboard’s duplicated keys split layout toggle in settings (Screenshots from 9to5Google)


Although split keyboards have been available for some time, Gboard’s version is anticipated to provide a smoother and more intuitive user experience, particularly for those using Android tablets. This new layout is already available for some Galaxy Tab S8 users that are running the latest version of the Gboard beta app (version 12.9.21).

Of course, we can thank the upcoming launch of the Pixel Tablet for this update, as I’m sure Google will be doing everything in its power to improve the Android tablet experience and thus incentivize sales. The last time Google took a chance at creating and marketing its own tablet was back in 2018 with the Pixel Slate that ran on ChromeOS. This gamble didn’t quite work out for the company though, resulting in Google temporarily bowing out of the tablet space.

Thankfully, Google has revisited this decision and has put all of its efforts into Android tablets instead. Although the Pixel Tablet is not out yet, so far the UI choices made — including the split keyboard — make a lot of sense and is one that can be seen across all of Google’s growing ecosystem of devices.

Banner image source – Google


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Pixel phones will have a new ringtone for those who like jazz

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Pixel phones will have a new ringtone for those who like jazz
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Your phone’s ringtone can be a great way to express who you are and what you like. Well, if you’re a Pixel owner who likes jazz, then Google has something down the line that you might really enjoy. According to 9To5Google, Google will launch a new ringtone called Kenny Gingtone that’s inspired by the great Kenny G.

This ringtone is launching with the Pixel 7a. This is Google’s latest premium mid-range phone, and it’s a very capable device. You can read our full review of the Pixel 7a here. If you’re looking to buy it, you can pre-order the phone right here.

Google to launch the new Kenny Gingtone ringtone for Pixel owners

This ringtone is launching along with the Pixel 7a, but it will not be exclusive to this handset. It will be exclusive to Pixel devices, however, so those outside of the Pixel ecosystem are out of luck.

As stated, this ringtone is inspired by Kenny G. So, it’s a smooth and rather seductive soprano saxophone playing a short and sweet little melody. It’s not as robust as the entire suite of ringtones that were unveiled with the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro. That was an entire set of ringtones called the Natural Elements. The Pixel 7a, while it is a pretty big launch for the Pixel lineup, it’s not quite as significant as the main line Pixel phones.

However, this is still a nice thing to have. The ringtone is not out just yet, but it will be launching sometime in the near future. If you want to look for it, go to your ringtones, and click on the Pixel Sounds folder. When you do, Kenny Gingtone will be the third one down.

If you’re curious about other exciting Pixel devices coming out, then you should check out our coverage of the Pixel Tablet and the Pixel Fold. These devices were introduced at Google I/O, and they only boost the growing Pixel ecosystem.


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iPhone 15 may be hit with production issues due to a new camera

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iPhone 15 may be hit with production issues due to a new camera
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The iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus are said to get a new main camera sensor, and because of that, Apple may be struck with production issues. What exactly is going on here? Well, let’s start from the top.

The iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus may be struck with production issue because of the main camrea sensor

The iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus are said to include the same main camera as the iPhone 14 Pro series. In other words, a 48-megapixel unit will be included on the back. However, a well-known analyst, Jeff Pu, says that Apple may face production issues because of this.

In his May newsletter, the analyst said that Apple may have a problem getting timely deliveries of the stacked CIS (CMOS Image Sensor) for the 48-megapixel cameras. He said that he will “continue to monitor the risks of production schedule”.

The analyst did add that he doesn’t expect Apple to postpone the launch because of this, however. He still expects all iPhone 15 models to arrive in September, which includes both ‘Pro’ and non-Pro models.

All iPhone 15 devices will include a Dynamic Island cutout on the front, and all of them will feature a Type-C USB port at the bottom. These will be the first iPhone models to feature such a port. Apple is retiring the Lightning port, mainly due to the EU pressure to do so.

The iPhone 15 Pro models are expected to be made out of titanium

The iPhone 15 Pro models are said to include a Titanium body, and more powerful cameras, of course. They will also come with a more powerful SoC, the 3nm Apple A17 Bionic SoC is expected. The iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus will utilize the 4nm Apple A16 Bionic SoC.

Jeff Pu also added that the non-Pro iPhone 15 devices will arrive in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB storage options. The iPhone 15 Pro handsets will also have a 1TB option, on top of the aforementioned ones.

Do note that the iPhone 15 Pro models won’t include solid-state buttons after all, it seems. Apple decided to postpone that change until next year. The iPhone 16 Pro series will seemingly include such buttons.


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Gboard is finally getting split keyboard on Android tablets

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Gboard is finally getting split keyboard on Android tablets
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Google has finally started pushing out the split keyboard option for Android tablets, to its Gboard app, of course. This change comes almost a year after the feature first started rolling out to foldables.

The split keyboard feature for Android tablets is finally a part of Gboard

Do note that the feature is not yet available in the stable version of Gboard, though. Folks over at 9to5Google spotted the change in the beta version of the app. To be more accurate, in Gboard v12.9.21, while they were using it on the Galaxy Tab S8.

By default, when the keyboard is split, you’ll get an equal number of keys on the left and right side. The ‘Split layout to include duplicated keys’ setting is turned on by default. You can control it via Settings -> Preferences -> Layout, within the Gboard app.

This option, when enabled, does the following: “When the keyboard is set to split layout, some keys will be duplicated on both sides”, which is the best setting for most people, which is why it’s turned on by default.

You can easily switch between ‘Standard’ and ‘Split keyboard’ modes

You can switch between the ‘Standard’ and ‘Split keyboard’ options from the toolbar tile. Well, presuming that this feature is available to you, you’ll need a specific version of the beta app, as already mentioned.

This change was expected, as Google announced its tablet during Google I/O quite recently. Chances are that this feature will roll out to the stable channel by the time the Pixel Tablet goes on sale next month.

Now, some of you may recall that Google also rolled out a redesigned toolbar to Gboard beta recently. The change is not yet available in the stable version of the app either. It may arrive alongside the split keyboard feature for tablets, we’ll see.


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Roku launches new home monitoring system with TV integration

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Roku launches new home monitoring system with TV integration
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Roku has expanded its smart home hardware ecosystem with the launch of a new home monitoring system. It includes two entry sensors, a motion sensor, a wire-free keypad, and a central hub with a built-in siren. The company has also debuted a smart light strip and a solar panel, its first such product.

Roku’s new home monitoring system includes five devices

The Roku Home Monitoring System SE is an expandable setup that offers the flexibility of self-monitoring and professional monitoring. Priced at $99.99, you can install this system and use the Roku Smart Home app to monitor everything without additional cost. The two entry sensors can detect movements in and out through entry points such as the door and windows and notify you about it. You will also receive notifications when a door or window is opened, closed, or left open.

The motion sensor, meanwhile, offers motion detection up to 25 feet with a 120-degree range. It can be configured to automatically turn on lights when unusual motion is detected. If you have pets in the home, you can set the sensor to avoid sending notifications for pet movements. The central siren will go off if the system detects any unusual activity. You can use the wire-free keypad to control the siren. The keypad lets you manually sound the siren and control various system modes. You can also control the system through the app.

Roku has also promised integration with the Roku player or Roku TV. So you can now get alerts on your compatible TV as well. If you’ve set an alarm, your TV will also display the countdown. As said earlier, the Roku Home Monitoring System SE can be self-monitored using the Roku Smart Home app. But you can sign up for 24/7 professional monitoring through Noonlight. It costs $9.99 a month or $99.99 a year. If you sign up for the annual plan, Roku is offering a 50 percent discount for the first year. So you’ll get a year of a professionally monitored home security system for $150.

If you want to expand this system, Roku separately sells a pack of three entry sensors for $34.99. Likewise, you can add a motion sensor for $14.99, while the Roku Keypad costs $24.99. Unfortunately, despite Roku co-developing its smart home products in partnership with Wyze, the latter’s products don’t work with the former’s. Wyze’s Home Monitoring kit currently costs the same as the Roku Home Monitoring System SE and comes with three months of free professional monitoring. You don’t get TV integration, though.

Roku has a new solar panel and smart light strip as well

Debuting alongside the new home monitoring system is Roku’s first-ever solar panel and a smart light strip. The former is a $24.99 panel that will give virtually never-ending battery life to the Roku Outdoor Camera SE. It comes with an IP65 rating for dust and water resistance and features a 360-degree swivel mount. Roku says it needs just a few hours of sunlight every day to keep the camera powered on forever. The light strip, meanwhile, comes in two lengths and can display 16 different colors. The 16.4 feet strip costs $34.99, while the 32.8 feet strip will cost you $49.99.

Speaking of the camera, the Roku Cameras app for your Roku player or Roku TV now offers recorded events along with live views from your connected cameras. You need a Roku Smart Home Subscription for recorded events, though. It costs $3.99 a month per camera or $9.99 for multiple cameras. Wyze’s system doesn’t offer recorded events but livestreams are available on Google Chromecast TVs and Amazon Fire TVs. Roku devices are somehow not compatible with this feature as well. So much for co-developed products.

Meanwhile, Roku is giving the Roku remote and Smart Home app more power. You can now control Roku lights and smart plugs using voice commands through the remote or the app. This includes turning the lights on/off, changing their brightness, colors, and more. You can also use the Roku Voice-powered remote or the app to show live camera feeds on your supported TV. All of these new features will be available within the next few weeks. The Roku Home Monitoring System SE and the light strip are now available through Walmart and Roku’s online store. The solar panel will arrive next month.


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FluHorse Malware Targets Android Users By Mimicking Legit Apps

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FluHorse Malware Targets Android Users By Mimicking Legit Apps
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Researchers have warned Android users of a new malware that steals two-factor authentication (2FA) codes for various apps. Identified as FluHorse, the malware lures users by posing as legitimate Android applications and spreads its infections via phishing emails. Users must avoid clicking links received via unsolicited emails or messages to avoid falling victim to FluHorse.

FluHorse Android Malware Steals 2FA Codes

According to a recent report from Check Point Research, their research team identified a new malware, “FluHorse,” that targets Android users’ 2FA codes.

Briefly, the malware poses as various legit apps to trick users into downloading them. These include banking apps, dating apps, or even toll collection apps.

To reach target devices, the threat actors use phishing emails that seemingly take high-profile entities, like government officials, into the loop to add a sense of credibility to the emails.

Once installed, the malware seeks permission to access SMS messages, which empowers it to steal 2FA codes. On-screen, the app keeps showing the user a “system busy” message to avoid alerting the user. This gives time for the attacker to scan all the messages.

The two fake apps used in this campaign garnered over 1,000,000 downloads each. One of these mimicked “ETC” toll collection app and aimed at Taiwan users, whereas the other one impersonated the “VPBank Neo” banking app, striving to target users in Vietnam.

These apps copied the exact layout of the original apps (with some minor differences) to ensure generating no alarms for the victim users. The malicious apps require the victim users to input their credentials and credit card details. Then, having access to the OTPs or 2FA codes empowers the attacker to successfully exploit the victims’ payment and login details even if the user had set 2FA on the respective legit apps.

The malware’s activity dates back to May 2022, which hints about how FluHorse managed escaping detection for about a year. The researchers have attributed the malware’s less complicated structure as its evasive strategy.

Check Point advised users to avoid downloading malicious apps by securing their devices with a robust antimalware.

Let us know your thoughts in the comments.


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It’s official, HTC will announce a new smartphone on May 18

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It’s official, HTC will announce a new smartphone on May 18
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HTC has been teasing the arrival of a new smartphone, and now its launch date is official. The company confirmed that the device will arrive on May 18, so in a couple of days.

The HTC U23 Pro is coming on May 18, the company brand new smartphone

This is an HTC U series smartphone, as it will allegedly be called the HTC U23 Pro. The last HTC U series phone that got announced was the HTC U20 5G. That device arrive back in June 2020.

That was a mid-range smartphone, and this upcoming device won’t exactly include a flagship SoC either, it seems. The Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 SoC is rumored, which is Qualcomm’s mid-range offering.

An AMOLED display is also expected, with a 120Hz refresh rate. The device will include at least 8GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage. You’ll also get a headphone jack here, it will sit at the top of the device.

It will include a 108-megapixel main camera, and offer some sort of VR support

A 4,600mAh battery is also expected, as is a 108-megapixel main camera. That is basically all the spec info that we have on this phone at the moment. Android 13 will be pre-installed on the device.

One thing to note is that HTC is using the ‘Viveverse’ branding with this smartphone’s teasers. That basically means this phone will offer some sort of VR support.

We also know what the phone will look like, thanks to Evan Blass. He shared images of the phone, albeit rather tiny ones. You can check out the device in two different color options in the gallery below.

White and brown colors are shown here, and as you can see, there are quite a few camera sensors included on the back. A display camera hole sits on the front, while the bottom bezel is noticeably thicker than the rest of them.

Everything will be revealed in only a couple of days, so stay tuned for that. May 18 is the day.


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Trafficstealer Exploits Container APIs for Malicious Redirections

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Trafficstealer Exploits Container APIs for Malicious Redirections
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Researchers caught Trafficstealer actively abusing Docker Container APIs to redirect users to malicious websites. The threat actors use this new piece of software for monetizing traffic while staying under the radar.

Trafficstealer – A New Software Abusing Docker Container APIs To Make Money

According to a detailed report from Trend Micro, they noticed a new software, “Trafficstealer,” exploiting the usual internet traffic for monetization.

Briefly, their honeypots detected a unique dataset that seemed different from a cryptominer or a Linux command for spying. Specifically, they found a container abusing their lab network to redirect traffic to malicious websites or ads. Despite facing abuse, the researchers could gather information about the attackers by analyzing the JSON honeypot logs. As stated in their report,

The attackers had turned our honeypot into a revenue-generating machine for themselves, but they also left some valuable information behind, allowing us to gain a better understanding of their tactics and gather valuable learnings from this experience.

Specifically, the attack begins by deploying container images on a target network to reroute traffic through this container app. In turn, the service promises the user (the “subscriber”) some profit. The subscriber’s device then works as a proxy, keeping the entire traffic rerouting activity undetected. While that sounds harmless, it is dangerous when executed for abusing victim’s networks for monetization.

Simply put, the concept behind this mode of operations resembles that of cryptominers. The difference is that cryptomining abuses the target device’s CPU or GPU, whereas this Trafficstealer container app activity abuses the target network’s traffic.

Trend Micro observed the said image being pulled 500,000 times from the Docker Hub alone, processing 15 MB within seconds. Given the stealthy nature of this attack that even doesn’t suspect the legitimate ad services gaining the traffic (because the traffic looks legit – only that it’s redirected), the researchers suspect numerous legitimate sites willingly running the image on their networks.

To mitigate such threats, the researchers advise employing zero-trust on all container environments, keeping container APIs secured, implementing container authorization policy, and ensuring regular anti-malware scans for container images.

The researchers will continue to monitor this activity to gather more information.

Let us know your thoughts in the comments.


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1Password Confirms No Breach After “Password Changed” Alerts

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1Password Confirms No Breach After “Password Changed” Alerts
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The password management service 1Password assured users of no security breach after accidentally sending “Secret key or password changed” alerts. As explained, the glitch happened due to technical database maintenance.

1Password Sent Erroneous “Password Changed” Alerts

A few days ago, 1Password users became panicked after receiving abrupt alerts from the service notifying them about some password changes.

Interestingly, it turned out to be a mere technical glitch instead of a severe security issue, as 1Password confirmed no data breach.

Explaining the matter in a blog post, Pedro Canahuati, 1Password’s Chief Technology Officer, stated about the database migration activity that triggered the glitch. During the maintenance time period, the service received multiple sync requests from the users, and instead of correctly addressing those requests, the app erroneously responded with sign-in rejections. As stated,

Our US servers returned an error code that was interpreted on our client applications incorrectly. The client applications displayed an incorrect message stating: “Your Secret Key or password was recently changed. Enter your new account details to continue.” In reality, neither the Secret Key or password had changed.

The glitch existed between 9:03 PM and 9:26 PM ET, affecting the service’s US environments. After this time window, the traffic returned to normal, halting any further sign-in rejections.

Besides sharing the details via the blog post, 1Password has earlier posted updates on its status page to inform users about the matter.

As evident from the timeline shared on the page, 1Password first informed the users about scheduled maintenance planned for April 27, 2023, on April 11, 2023. On April 27, the service posted a short message regarding the maintenance to be ongoing.

Then, within a few minutes of this stats update, the service posted another update informing users about the erroneous messages sent to them. It labeled the glitch as an “unintended side effect” of the activity, assuring the users no change in their passwords or Secret Keys.

Canahauti assured users of thorough safety, explaining that no security breach hit the service. Nor did the event expose any user information.

Nonetheless, since the erroneous messages stressed users, the CTO apologized for the inconvenience.


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Catch up on Google I/O 2023 in under 10 minutes: Video

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Catch up on Google I/O 2023 in under 10 minutes: Video
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Google hosted its Google I/O keynote yesterday, and it was a long event, that’s for sure. The company is aware of that, so it decided to cut up a much shorter video for people to watch. You can catch up on Google I/O 2023 thanks to that video that runs for less than 10 minutes.

Google I/O 2023 keynote is now available in a shorter video form, provided by Google

The company published the video on its main YouTube channel, and we’ve embedded it below. This video will basically give you the highlights from the event, in case you didn’t catch it yesterday, or you don’t plan on watching the whole thing.

Of course, it is recommendable to watch the entire keynote if you want to get all the details. Google managed to squeeze only so much content in this 10-minute video.

The company had a lot to say during the keynote, that’s for sure. Those of you who watched the entire thing, probably couldn’t help but notice that AI was in focus. Google used the word ‘AI’ as in ‘Artificial Intelligence’ a ton of times during the keynote. It managed to squeeze it into every section of the event, basically.

Google had plenty to say during the show

Google gave us updates on its various services, and presented some new features, while also expanding existing ones. Google talked about Immersive View, Magic Editor, and also ‘Help me write’ for Gmail.

The company also talked about Android 14 a bit, and announced new hardware too. The Pixel Fold, Pixel 7a, and Pixel Tablet got announced during the keynote. The Pixel Fold is the company’s very first foldable smartphone, and Google spent most of its time talking about that product, as far as hardware is concerned.

We’re only scratching the surface here. It was a long keynote, with plenty of details. The shorter video Google cut up actually does share a ton of info, so check it out below if you’re interested.


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