Samsung may bring back variable aperture with Galaxy S24 Ultra

andreasc
-
0
Samsung may bring back variable aperture with Galaxy S24 Ultra
[ad_1]

Variable zoom may not be the only big camera improvement Samsung‘s Galaxy S24 Ultra will bring next year. Rumors are that the company is considering offering a variable aperture as well. Its Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S10 phones featured this technology.

When Samsung launched the Galaxy S9 series with a variable aperture (f/1.5-2.4) in early 2018, smartphone camera enthusiasts liked the idea a lot. Photographers could get more manual control over the shot they want to capture, including the amount of light the lens receives. The company fitted the Galaxy S10 series in 2019 with the same camera setup. Once again, it offered a variable aperture of f/1.5-2.4.

However, Samsung quietly removed this feature with the Galaxy S20 series in 2020. The Galaxy S21, Galaxy S22, and Galaxy S23 series also lacked it, giving us the impression that a Galaxy device with a variable aperture may not arrive anytime soon, if at all. But it looks like the Korean firm will offer the technology on the Galaxy S24 Ultra next year. It’s unclear if other Galaxy S24 models will also get a variable aperture. We’ll have to wait for more details to emerge.

The Galaxy S24 Ultra may get a major camera upgrade

This rumor about Samsung offering a variable aperture comes just a day before Xiaomi launches the Xiaomi 13 Ultra on Tuesday, April 18. The new flagship offers this tech too, paired with a huge 1-inch camera sensor (Sony’s IMX989). Unfortunately, Samsung isn’t expected to equip its phones with a gigantic 1-inch camera anytime soon. It is developing a new 1-inch sensor but not for Galaxy devices. The Galaxy S24 Ultra will reportedly get an improved version of its 200MP camera.

Despite that, the new Samsung flagship will seemingly bring a major camera upgrade. As said earlier, the 2024 Ultra model is expected to offer variable zoom as well. You will get continuous zoom at all magnification levels between 3X and 10X. This also eliminates the need for two different zoom cameras. The Galaxy S23 Ultra or older Ultra models have a 3X zoom camera and a 10X periscope zoom camera. With variable zoom, one sensor will do the job of both, and even offer optical zoom between those two magnification levels.

All this said, remember that the Galaxy S24 series is still several months away. Since early rumors aren’t always accurate, we advise you to be cautious with this information. We will let you know as and when we have more information about Samsung’s 2024 flagships.


[ad_2]
Source link

Google in “panic” mode as Samsung considers switching to Bing

andreasc
-
0
Google in “panic” mode as Samsung considers switching to Bing
[ad_1]

Samsung is reportedly considering making Microsoft’s Bing the default search engine app on its Galaxy devices, switching from Google Search. Unsurprisingly, this has put Google into “panic” mode. The search giant is now scrambling to improve its service as the threat of Bing looms large.

For years, Google has hardly had any competition in the search business, which was worth $162 billion last year. It is the default search engine on Samsung’s Galaxy devices and Apple’s iPhones. The Google app also comes pre-installed on the vast majority of Android devices sold globally. Most people live with what they already have and don’t bother switching to alternatives like Bing or DuckDuckGo. This gave little opportunity for these firms to grow and fight Google.

However, things have taken an unexpected turn in recent months. Microsoft integrated the AI chatbot sensation ChatGPT into Bing in February this year and people immediately started thronging it. In just over a month, Bing saw a 16 percent growth in page visits. Google, on the other hand, declined by one percent during the same period. This must have been a worrying sign for Google but the worst is yet to come.

Samsung is considering switching to Bing, putting Google in “panic” mode

According to The New York Times, Google recently learned that Samsung is considering ditching it in favor of Bing. The Korean firm has kept Google as the default search engine on Galaxy devices for the past 12 years. The growing popularity of the new AI-powered Bing is seen as the reason behind Samsung considering a change. The decision shocked Google employees with some calling it a “wild” move by the world’s biggest smartphone company.

But for Google, this would mean a potential loss of an estimated $3 billion in annual revenue. The company is now hurrying to bring its AI chatbot Bard, which launched publicly less than a month ago, to its search engine. It is also reportedly “racing to build an all-new search engine” to thwart the competition from Microsoft Bing and other rivals. These search engine improvements are in development under a new project titled Magi.

Google has put several designers, engineers, and executives in so-called sprint rooms where they “tweak and test the latest versions” of its new search engine. The company plans to offer a “far more personalized experience” than its current service. The idea is to anticipate users’ needs and give them a better search experience than before. “Not every brainstorm deck or product idea leads to a launch, but as we’ve said before, we’re excited about bringing new AI-powered features to search and will share more details soon,” the report cites Google spokeswoman Lara Levin as saying.

Google is also readying a fresh pitch to Samsung for its “new” search engine. It remains to be seen whether the Korean firm likes the idea or it sides with Microsoft, which has been bringing Bing AI to pretty much all of its mobile products, including the SwiftKey keyboard app. Google’s search engine contract with Apple, which is valued at about $20 billion in annual revenue, is also up for renewal this year. Time will tell if it manages to thwart Bing’s threat and renew the contracts with both Samsung and Apple.


[ad_2]
Source link

Hackers Selling ChatGPT Premium Accounts On the Dark Web

andreasc
-
0
Hackers Selling ChatGPT Premium Accounts On the Dark Web
[ad_1]
Hackers Selling ChatGPT Premium Accounts

As more stolen ChatGPT Premium accounts are traded, cybercriminals can circumvent OpenAI’s geofencing restrictions and gain unrestricted access to ChatGPT, according to Check Point Research (CPR).

One of the most thriving markets in the hacker underworld and on the dark web is account takeovers (ATOs) or stolen accounts to various online services.

Historically, this industry concentrated on stolen emails, social media, online dating sites, and financial services accounts (banks, online payment systems, etc.). 

Geofencing limitations are imposed by ChatGPT on access to its platform from specific nations, such as Iran, China, and Russia.

EHA

“ChatGPT accounts store the recent queries of the account’s owner. So when cybercriminals steal existing accounts, they gain access to the queries from the account’s original owner. This can include personal information, details about corporate products and processes, and more” Check Point.

Trade of Stolen Accounts of ChatGPT 

Cybercriminals frequently use the fact that consumers reuse the same password on various platforms.

Using this information, bad actors launch an attack on a particular online platform to find the credentials that match the login to the platform by loading sets of combinations of emails and passwords into specialized software (also known as an account checker).

A malicious actor seizes control of an account without the account holder’s consent in a final takeover.

Threads in underground forums around stolen ChatGPT accounts

Researchers say those accounts are sold; however, some actors also distribute the stolen ChatGPT premium accounts for free to promote their services or tools to steal them.

A web testing suite called SilverBullet enables users to send requests to a target web application.  This software can be used for various tasks, including data scraping and parsing, automated pen testing, unit testing using Selenium, and more. 

Cybercriminals also frequently use this tool to conduct credential stuffing and account-checking attacks against different websites and thus steal accounts for online platforms.

“As SilverBullet is a configurable suite, to make a checking or bruteforcing attack against a certain website requires a “configuration” file that adjusts this process for a specific website and allows cybercriminals to steal account of this website in an automated way,” Check Point research.

Cybercriminal offering openAI configuration file for SilverBullet

Another cybercriminal, calling himself “gpt4”, focuses solely on fraud and abuse against ChatGPT products. He advertises ChatGPT accounts for sale in his threads, along with a setup for another automated tool that verifies credentials.

An English-speaking online criminal began promoting a ChatGPT Plus lifetime account service on March 20th, guaranteeing customers’ total satisfaction.

“The lifetime upgrade of regular ChatGPT Plus account (opened via email provided by the buyer) costs $59.99 (while OpenAI’s original legitimate pricing of this services is $20 per month).

However, to reduce the costs, researchers explain that this underground service also offers an option to share access to ChatGPT account with another cybercriminal for $24.99, for a lifetime”.

Struggling to Apply The Security Patch in Your System? – 
Try All-in-One Patch Manager Plus


[ad_2]
Source link

A TikToker is using ChatGPT to rocket to a million followers

andreasc
-
0
A TikToker is using ChatGPT to rocket to a million followers
[ad_1]

ChatGPT has been available to the public for several months, but people are still discovering its potential. We’re far past writing code and editorials at this point, as one TikToker wants it to make him famous. Greg Isenberg is using ChatGPT, or TikTokGPT, to rocket him to a million followers on TikTok, according to Mashable.

Absurd? Well, with how powerful AI has gotten in just the past couple of months, it shouldn’t be. We’re seeing some downright impressive (and frightening) innovations, so asking an AI to make you TikTok famous seems par for the course.

So, is TikTokGPT making Isenberg a million followers?

Well, the experiment won’t be completed for another 26 days, but he’s already seeing some results. Isenberg announced to his Twitter audience that he was going to take ChatGPT’s advice on what to post each day for 30 days. He will blindly follow what it says and implement it.

He started the experiment on April 13th (four days ago as of the writing of this article, but he reported on his first three days so far), and it’s already netted him 1,000 followers. That’s quite impressive considering how saturated the platform is. However, we’ll have to see how this plan progresses over time. 1,000 followers in three days is impressive, but his daily follower increase will have to explode if he wants to hit the almighty million.

Things are a little hairy, however

There are some questions as to whether this experiment is actually valid. There are two factors that put this into question. For starters, Isenberg has 331K followers on Twitter. We can’t deny that some amount of the following came from Twitter. 300K followers on Twitter is nothing to sneeze at.

Also (and this is rather funny seeing as you’re reading this article), since he started the experiment, he’s gotten some significant media coverage. This could also lead to a boost in his follower count. The point is that he takes the advice that TikTokGPT gives him to reach a million followers.

However, now that so many people know about the experiment, we don’t know how many people are following him because of what GPT is telling him and because of how radical the experiment sounds. In any case, it’ll be interesting to see how many people are following him at the end of the experiment.


[ad_2]
Source link

QuaDream, Israeli iPhone hacking spyware firm, to shut down

andreasc
-
0
QuaDream, Israeli iPhone hacking spyware firm, to shut down
[ad_1]

QuaDream, an Israeli cyber mercenary, was recently exposed by Citizen Lab and Microsoft for developing spyware that hacks iPhones.

QuaDream, a rival spyware developer of NSO Group, is reportedly preparing to shut down its operations. Employees of QuaDream have been summoned for a hearing, and it has been revealed that the company plans to lay off most of its employees, retaining only a small fraction to oversee the closure.

This decision comes amidst a survival crisis faced by the Israeli cyberattack industry, with several companies, including the cyberattack unit of Cognyte and Nemesis, reportedly shutting down. NSO Group also laid off 150 employees in the previous summer.

It is worth noting that Hackread.com also published a report on QuaDream titled “QuaDream: Israeli Cyber Mercenary Behind iPhone Hacks,” based on the findings of Citizen Lab and Microsoft. These findings may have played a significant role in QuaDream’s apparent demise.

Here’s what Eva Galperin, the Director of Cybersecurity at EFF (Electronic Frontier Foundation), had to say about the recent development:

QuaDream, based in Ramat Gan, Israel, with around 40 employees, is known for its spyware used for hacking iPhones. Sources indicate that the company has notified its employees about the upcoming closure.

QuaDream’s operations have always been shrouded in mystery and came to the forefront recently after it sent a response letter to the Bat Yam Labor Court in defence of a lawsuit brought by a former employee.

Reportedly, in the letter, QuaDream cited a crisis in the cyberattack sector as the reason for laying off employees, with the industry’s downturn starting in 2018 when several companies publicly disclosed their activities, resulting in the blacklisting of Candiru and NSO by the US Chamber of Commerce in November 2011.

The crisis further deepened in early 2022 when the Israeli regulator announced a reduction in the number of countries where companies could sell their products, from 102 to 37, causing a severe economic crisis across the entire industry. By November 2022, businesses reported a significant negative trend, which also impacted QuaDream’s cash flow.

QuaDream was founded by Nimrod Reznik and Ilan Dabelstein, who still serve as senior managers. Its flagship product is an integrated software/hardware system that takes over local networks to hack phones connected to it.

Another popular product is software used for gaining remote access to phones. In 2022, Reuters reported that QuaDream had developed a no-interaction-based zero-click hacking tool similar to NSO Group’s products, which was in high demand among cybercriminals and espionage actors.

However, QuaDream faced a major setback when a report from Microsoft and Citizen Lab revealed that its hacking tools were used against advocacy organizations, journalists, and opposition figures in ten countries, including North America and Europe.

The report also suggested that the spyware used in these attacks was provided by QuaDream. Microsoft’s associate general counsel, Amy Hogan-Burney, emphasized the importance of publicly disclosing the activities of companies like QuaDream to hold them accountable.

Since the publication of this research, QuaDream has not been fully active, and its board of directors is now reportedly looking to sell its intellectual property.

  1. Zippyshare Quits Operation: 10 Best Alternatives
  2. Dark web market for stolen cards UniCC calls it quits
  3. Franco-Israeli Gang Linked to $40m CEO Scam Busted
  4. Israel Hit by Wave of Cyberattacks on Critical Networks
  5. Israeli Spyware Vendor Uses Chrome 0day to Hit Journalists
  6. European Spyware Vendor Sells Android & iOS Device Exploits

[ad_2]
Source link

Get the Garmin Instinct Smartwatch for Just $179 at Best Buy

andreasc
-
0
Get the Garmin Instinct Smartwatch for Just $179 at Best Buy
[ad_1]

If you’re a runner, then the Garmin Instinct Smartwatch is a really good option for you. And today, Best Buy has discounted it by $50. Making it just $179. This does bring it back down to an all-time low price here.

Garmin Instinct Smartwatch – Best Buy

Why you should buy the Garmin Instinct Smartwatch

The Garmin Instinct smartwatch is the perfect companion for your active lifestyle. It’s built to withstand the toughest conditions, so you can take it with you wherever you go. Whether you’re hiking, biking, swimming, or just running errands, the Instinct smartwatch will keep you on track.

Here are just a few of the features that make the Garmin Instinct smartwatch so great:

  • Rugged construction: The Instinct smartwatch is built to withstand the elements. It’s water-resistant to 100 meters and has a scratch-resistant display.
  • All-day activity tracking: The Instinct smartwatch tracks your steps, calories burned, distance traveled, and sleep quality. It also has built-in GPS so you can track your runs, bike rides, and hikes.
  • Smart notifications: The Instinct smartwatch receives notifications from your phone, so you can stay connected even when you’re away from your device.
  • Safety features: The Instinct smartwatch has a built-in incident detection feature that sends your location to emergency contacts if you get into an accident. It also has a barometer, altimeter, and compass for navigation.

The Garmin Instinct smartwatch is the perfect way to stay active and connected. It’s built to withstand the toughest conditions, so you can take it with you wherever you go. With its all-day activity tracking, smart notifications, and safety features, the Instinct smartwatch is the perfect companion for your active lifestyle.

If you’re looking for a rugged, all-purpose smartwatch that can keep up with your active lifestyle, then the Garmin Instinct smartwatch is the perfect choice for you.

You can buy the Garmin Instinct Smartwatch from Best Buy today by clicking the link below

Garmin Instinct Smartwatch – Best Buy


[ad_2]
Source link

LG Energy Solution batteries to be used in coming Samsung foldable devices

andreasc
-
0
LG Energy Solution batteries to be used in coming Samsung foldable devices
[ad_1]

LG Energy Solution batteries are common in the tech industry for gadgets and even electric vehicles. A new report claims that the coming Samsung Galaxy Fold and Flip 5 will come packed with LG batteries. This will bring LG into the production line of these devices as a battery supplier alongside others.

Samsung has long turned to LG as a battery supplier for most of its flagship devices. This is also true of other Asian battery manufacturing companies that Samsung does business with. Each major battery supplier to Samsung brings in a set quota of batteries that will facilitate the manufacturing of these devices.

For the coming Fold and Flip 5 devices to launch in Q4 2023, LG will supply some batteries. This will help strengthen both brands’ business ties and help boost development in battery technology for Samsung devices. What does this partnership mean for Samsung fans around the world waiting on the launch of the brand’s next-generation foldable devices?

The coming Samsung Fold and Flip devices will use LG Energy Solution batteries

Three major battery suppliers will have a share in the development of Samsung’s coming foldable devices. These three suppliers are LG Energy Solution, Samsung SDI, and China ATL. All three are not new in the business of developing and supplying batteries for Samsung flagship and midrange devices.

Each supplier will get a quota of battery supplies to make up for the manufacturing process. The available information regarding these supplies doesn’t state the quota for each supplier. Samsung fans can be sure that all suppliers would work to meet their allocated quotas to facilitate the manufacturing process of these devices.

Having three battery suppliers doesn’t mean that buyers of the coming foldable devices from Samsung will see different battery types on their devices. All Galaxy Fold 5s will come with the same capacity, charging speed, and life span expectancy. But three suppliers would work at making the batteries to be put to use on these devices.

LG Energy Solution batteries have gained a good name for themselves in the tech industry globally. A good amount of smartphone brands like Apple and other Android brands, even electric vehicle brands like General Motors, Ford, Audi, Volkswagen, Jaguar, etc use larger LG batteries.

All of these prove that LG batteries are a great option for the coming Samsung foldable devices. Leaks also claim that these batteries will be easy to replace, as Samsung is working on improving the sustainability of its foldable devices. More information on these upcoming foldable devices will be available in the coming months.


[ad_2]
Source link

Google Patched Zero-Day Flaw With Latest Chrome Release

andreasc
-
0
Google Patched Zero-Day Flaw With Latest Chrome Release
[ad_1]

Google has recently rolled out the latest Chrome release with a zero-day fix. This Chrome update marks the first patch for a zero-day flaw under attack, about which, Google hasn’t shared much details. Users should ensure to update their respective devices with the latest browser release to avoid any exploits.

Google Chrome Zero-Day Flaw

According to a recent advisory, Google has patched a severe security flaw in the Chrome browser.

Since Google confirmed the vulnerability as a zero-day under attack, the tech giant hasn’t shared many details about the Chrome issue. That’s what Google always does whenever disclosing a zero-day to ensure no potential exploits following a PoC.

Nonetheless, it confirmed the vulnerability as a type confusion flaw in the V8 engine. The high-severity bug, identified as CVE-2023-2033, first caught the attention of Clément Lecigne of Google’s Threat Analysis Group. The tech giant patched the vulnerability following the bug report.

Alongside this vulnerability, Google has also patched another security flaw in the browser that remained unexploited.

Google has released all security fixes with the latest Chrome update 112.0.5615.121 for Windows Mac and Linux.

However, the vulnerability doesn’t seem confined to the desktop browser only, since Google confirmed fixing similar vulnerabilities in Chrome for Android as well.

As stated in a separate advisory, the Chrome for Android version 112 (112.0.5615.100/.101) includes the same security fixes as the corresponding desktop release.

Hence now, all Google Chrome users need to update their respective desktop systems and Android phones to receive the patches. Nonetheless, Google has assured automatic roll-out of the latest release to all users.

With this vulnerability fix, Google has marked the first zero-day fix for the Chrome browser in 2023. That’s unlike the previous years when the firm had to tackle a bunch of zero-days right from the beginning of the year. That includes numerous type confusion vulnerabilities in the V8 component, amongst other bug fixes.

Let us know your thoughts in the comments.


[ad_2]
Source link
1...1,3061,3071,308...1,470Page 1,307 of 1,470