Google expands Gemini in Google Messages to more devices, launches app in India

andreasc
-
0
Google expands Gemini in Google Messages to more devices, launches app in India
[ad_1]

Google announced earlier today a bunch of improvements to Gemini, as well as the expansion of the app to one more country: India. The search giant emphasized the importance of this market where Gemini had a prolific first year as many people across the country have been using AI in diverse ways.

Besides the launch of the Gemini app in India, Google removed the device requirement for Gemini in Google Messages. Until recently, the ability to chat with Gemini in Google Messages was limited to certain Pixel and Samsung devices, such as the Pixel 6 (or later), Pixel Fold, Samsung Galaxy S22 (or later), as well as Samsung Galaxy Z Flip and Z Fold series.

Google now says that it’s rolling out Gemini in Google Messages in English on select devices, which include all Android devices with 6GB RAM or higher. Obviously, your device must meet other criteria too, such as having the latest version of Google Messages installed, a personal Google Account, be 18 or over, and having RCS chats turned on.

Here is how you can start a chat with Gemini in Google Messages

  • On your Android phone, open Google Messages.
  • Tap the chat with Gemini, or tap Start chat Gemini.
  • For the first time, follow any on-screen instructions.
  • Enter your question or prompt.
  • The first time you chat with Gemini, you can explore different conversations. Just tap a suggestion above the message field.
  • Optionally, to add a photo to your prompt, tap Show attach media screen.
  • Tap Send message.

You can also delete your entire Gemini chat in Google Messages, or you can use “Your Gemini Apps Activity” to delete specific prompts from the Gemini chat.

In related news, Google announced that Gemini 1.5 Pro, its most advanced model, is being added to Gemini Advanced in nine Indian languages: Hindi, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Tamil, Telugu, and Urdu.

The Gemini app is now available in India, supporting English and the same nine Indian languages listed above. Keep in mind that if you want to access Gemini on Android, you must download the app or opt-in through Google Assistant. Gemini access for iOS users is rolling out directly from the Google app over the next few weeks, the search giant says.

[ad_2]
Source link

Motorola Razr 50 series price tags appear a week early

andreasc
-
0
Motorola Razr 50 series price tags appear a week early
[ad_1]

The Motorola Razr 50 series price tags have just appeared, a week ahead of launch. Prices for both the Motorola Razr 50 and Razr 50 Ultra are included. This information seems to be coming straight from Motorola, as some European sites jumped the gun.

The Motorola Razr 50 & Razr 50 Ultra price tags have just surfaced

Based on the information shared by ytechb, the Motorola Razr 50 will cost €899 in Europe. That will be the price for the 8GB RAM model with 256GB of storage, other variants are also possible, of course.

Motorola Razr 50 price leak 1

In regards to the Motorola Razr 50 Ultra, it will cost €1,199 for the 12GB RAM model with 512GB of storage. That basically means that Motorola has no intention of increasing the price tags.

Motorola Razr 50 Ultra price leak 1

The Motorola Razr 40 and Razr 40 Ultra had the same price points when they launched last year. That probably means that the price tags will remain the same in the US too. In that case, you can expect the Motorola Razr 50 to cost $699, and the Motorola Razr 50 Ultra $999.

The two devices will have different names in the US

Do note that the two phones will have different names in the US, though. The Motorola Razr 50 will be called the Motorola Razr 2024. The Motorola Razr 50 Ultra, on the other hand, will have the Razr+ 2024 name.

Both phones will become official on June 25. Motorola is planning to announce them both in China and globally on that date, by the way. That much has been announced by the company.

The Motorola Razr 50 is coming in Gray, Orange, and Sand colors. The Motorola Razr 50 Ulra will arrive in Blue, Green, and Peach options, based on what we know thus far. The official names of those color options will be different, though.

The ‘Ultra’ model will be the more powerful of the two, of course. It will ship with the all-new Snapdragon 8s Gen 3, 12GB of RAM, and two 50-megapixel cameras. Its main display will measure 6.9 inches, while the cover display will measure 4 inches.


[ad_2]
Source link

Samsung Internet Browser for Wear OS update adds two new gestures

andreasc
-
0
Samsung Internet Browser for Wear OS update adds two new gestures
[ad_1]

Samsung often updates its Internet Browser app for phones/tablets, but the Wear OS version gets a lot less love. That said, in a rare move, Samsung silently updated its Wear OS browser for Galaxy Watch and non-Samsung Wear OS models with two important new gestures: back and forward.

The folks at SamMobile report that the update is now making its way to Galaxy Watch users all over the world. If you’ve been notified about Internet Browser 3.2.00.8 and installed the update, then you should already have the two new gestures available for use.

The small update has a very short changelog that only mentions the “back and forward feature,” so we don’t expect any other major new features or improvements to be part of it.

Now, if you own a Galaxy Watch, you should get the ability to forward pages with just a gesture. Non-Samsung Wear OS smartwatches are getting both the ability to go to previous webpages and forward webpages without having to set the back button to do that.

If you haven’t already updated to this version of Samsung Internet Browser, simply head to the Google Play Store, select My Apps, and make sure to choose to Update if you see a new version if available for download.

[ad_2]
Source link

Singapore Police Arrested Two Individuals Involved in Hacking Android

andreasc
-
0
Singapore Police Arrested Two Individuals Involved in Hacking Android
[ad_1]

The Singapore Police Force (SPF) has arrested two men, aged 26 and 47, for their suspected involvement in malware-enabled scams targeting Singaporeans since June 2023.

The suspects will be charged in court today.

The SPF, in collaboration with the Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF) and the Royal Malaysia Police (RMP), formed a joint investigation team in November 2023.

Over seven months, the team meticulously traced the complex web of criminal activity and online infrastructure hosting the malware.

The investigation revealed that the two men operated servers to infect victims‘ Android devices with a malicious Android Package Kit (APK) app, allowing them to control the phones and access sensitive information.

The suspects were arrested in Malaysia on June 12, 2024, with the assistance of the RMP, and were handed over to the SPF on June 14, 2024.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the stolen information was used to perform fraudulent transactions on victims’ banking accounts, leading to significant financial losses.

Scan Your Business Email Inbox to Find Advanced Email Threats - Try AI-Powered Free Threat Scan

International Cooperation and Arrests

The SPF’s efforts extended beyond Singapore’s borders.

Information shared with the Taiwan Police led to the takedown of a fraudulent customer service center in Kaohsiung City, Taiwan.

Four individuals were arrested, and assets worth approximately US$1.33 million were seized.

Additionally, the HKPF dismantled 52 malware-controlling servers in Hong Kong and arrested 14 money mules.

Deputy Director of the Criminal Investigation Department, Assistant Commissioner of Police (AC) Paul Tay, expressed gratitude for the international cooperation, stating, “The arrest of these malware operators and dismantling of scam infrastructure demonstrates the resolve of the SPF in fighting scams.”

Public Advisory and Precautionary Measures

The SPF urges the public to be cautious when downloading apps and to adopt the following measures:

  • ADD: Install ScamShield and enable security features like two-factor authentication (2FA) for bank accounts.
  • CHECK: Verify apps with official sources and only download from reputable app stores.
  • TELL: Inform authorities, family, and friends about scams and report any suspicious activity immediately.

If you suspect your phone is infected with malware, switch to flight mode, run an anti-virus scan, and check for unauthorized transactions.

Report any fraudulent activity to your bank and the police promptly.

The SPF remains committed to pursuing criminals, even those operating beyond Singapore’s borders, to ensure the safety and security of its citizens.

Free Webinar! 3 Security Trends to Maximize MSP Growth -> Register For Free


[ad_2]
Source link

Galaxy S25 could be Snapdragon-only due to Exynos yield issues

andreasc
-
0
Galaxy S25 could be Snapdragon-only due to Exynos yield issues
[ad_1]

Samsung’s Galaxy S25 series could be Snapdragon-only, not by choice but forcefully. A reputed industry insider claims the company is struggling with the yield of its next-gen flagship Exynos processor. The situation appears so bad that the Korean firm may have to ship the 2025 Galaxy S models with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 globally.

The Galaxy S25 series could run the latest Snapdragon chip globally

In 2023, Samsung exclusively used a Snapdragon chip for the Galaxy S23 series. It didn’t even make a flagship Exynos chip last year. The company identified problems with its in-house processors and decided to take a break to fix those. It returned with a much-improved Exynos 2400 for the Galaxy S24 series. The chip powers the smaller two models in most parts of the world, excluding Canada, China, Japan, and the US. The Galaxy S24 Ultra runs the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 globally.

While Galaxy fans were initially skeptical about Samsung bringing back Exynos to its flagships, the Exynos 2400 turned out to be better than expected. It still lags behind the Snapdragon counterpart in some areas, but there is no longer a massive gap between the two. Early rumors say the Korean firm will further improve its chip game with the Exynos 2500. It could surpass the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 in power and performance thanks to Samsung’s second-gen 3nm process.

However, according to renowned analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Samsung is struggling with the yield of its first 3nm smartphone chip. The yield rate is lower than expected, so much so that the company may not be able to produce a sufficient amount of Exynos 2500 processors for the Galaxy S25 series. As such, it could exclusively use the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 for its 2025 flagships. Samsung may even forfeit the development of the Exynos 2500 if it has to go all-in with Snapdragon.

It’s both good and bad news

Galaxy fans may not complain if Samsung doesn’t launch an Exynos version of its Galaxy S25 flagships. Despite the rumored improvements, the Exynos 2500 may not pull a huge lead over the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 if at all. After all, Qualcomm is also hard at work improving its chip. The new Snapdragon will be manufactured on TSMC’s second-gen 3nm process. It will feature a more powerful NPU and other upgrades tailored for the next generation of on-device AI applications.

However, Snapdragon exclusivity for the 2025 Samsung flagships may be bad news too. The same source recently claimed that Qualcomm may increase the price of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 by up to 30%. The new chip could cost as much as $260, up from $200. If earlier rumors are accurate, it would be the second consecutive year of a big price hike. Samsung may not be able to absorb the added cost and pass it on to consumers, leading to a global price increase for the Galaxy S25 series.

All this said, the Galaxy S25 lineup is still several months away. Samsung must be working overtime to improve its 3nm yield. If things get better soon enough, it might not exclusively use the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 for its new flagships. The Exynos 2500 could power the phones, at least the Galaxy S25 and Galaxy S25+, in some markets. The Galaxy S25 Ultra could still be Snapdragon-only. Leaks and rumors about the 2025 Samsung flagships should get more elaborate in the coming months.


[ad_2]
Source link

Social media could get warning labels, just like cigarettes

andreasc
-
0
Social media could get warning labels, just like cigarettes
[ad_1]

Social media apps are growing at a very fast pace, and almost everyone is using them. While it has its own set of benefits, there are potential downsides too. The US Surgeon General therefore wants social media to come with warning labels. He says that warning labels should clearly state social media’s potential health impacts, just like ones on cigarettes.

US Surgeon General claims that social media is harmful to humans

The US Surgeon General, Vivek Murthy, has said in the op-ed in The New York Times that “Social media is an important contributor to the teen mental health crisis.” He further says that social media should have a warning label with all the potential health impacts mentioned on it. He gives an indirect reference to cigarettes and other tobacco products that have a warning label with the health impacts written on it.

Vivek Murthy says “It is time to require a surgeon general’s warning label on social media platforms. Social media is associated with significant mental health harms for adolescents. A surgeon general’s warning label, which requires congressional action, would regularly remind parents and adolescents that social media has not been proven safe.”

He not only wants warning labels, but also demands that it be well-researched.

Murthy is very concerned about the impact of social media on teens

Murthy has raised mental health concerns related to social media multiple times in the past. He has even issued an advisory where he claims that social media has “profound risk” to the teens’ mental health. He referred to various studies, one of which claims that higher use of social media increases the risk of anxiety and depression. A survey report also reveals that social media makes teens feel worse about their bodies.

The surgeon is soliciting support from Congress for the implementation of this initiative. He emphasizes that the addition of labels will not inherently render social media a safer environment for adolescents. Nonetheless, he asserts that such an inclusion would benefit parents, educational institutions, medical professionals, and the teenagers themselves.


[ad_2]
Source link

TikTok silently launches Whee, an Instagram-like mobile app

andreasc
-
0
TikTok silently launches Whee, an Instagram-like mobile app
[ad_1]

TikTok is determined to cover all aspects of social media with its apps. ByteDance, the company behind TikTok recently launched another social app that looks very much like an Instagram clone, Whee.

Spotted by Artem Russakovskii, Whee is now available for download on Android devices, but only in select countries. For instance, Whee is not available in the United States at the moment, but that’s just one of the many countries where Whee doesn’t seem to be up for grabs yet.

According to developers, Whee “is a new social app created to keep you connected with your close friends through life’s spontaneous moments.” Basically, this is an Instagram-like app that allows users to capture and share real-life photos with their friends.

The move is rather strange considering that ByteDance recently launched TikTok Notes, another app heavily inspired by Instagram. Granted, Whee takes a more personal approach by only allowing friends to see and interact with your pictures, the reason this app exists remains unclear when you already have another app that functions the same.

Since this appears to be a soft-launch of some sort, it remains to be seen if ByteDance will eventually make Whee available worldwide, or this is just a test meant to take the market’s pulse. If you live in one of the countries where Whee is available, you can download it for free on your Android device via the Google Play Store.

[ad_2]
Source link

Huawei is having issues with tri-fold smartphone development

andreasc
-
0
Huawei is having issues with tri-fold smartphone development
[ad_1]

It’s only a matter of time before we see the very first tri-fold smartphone on the market. Several companies are working on it, including Huawei. Huawei seems to be having issues with the development of its tri-fold smartphone, though.

Huawei seems to be having issues with the development of its tri-fold smartphone

Based on a report from X, that is the case. That report claims that Huawei is having thermal issues with its tri-fold smartphone. That’s not the only problem, though, the software also seems to be a stumbling block.

The source says that the software still has to be “perfected”. Considering that Huawei plans to ditch Android altogether, it’s easily possible this device is planned to launch later on, once Huawei’s HarmonyOS NEXT takes over.

He also mentioned that the device, in its current state, is fueled by a Kirin 9000 series SoC. We’re not sure what chip exactly, but it’s likely one of Huawei’s new 7nm processors. Huawei has to figure out an effective way to keep this phone cool.

Cooling seems to be one of the problems

Even when it comes to regular foldable phones, they’re able to cool more effectively when they’re unfolded. So the problems for Huawei probably occur when this tri-fold phone is folded.

It remains to be seen who will be the first to launch a tri-fold smartphone, but it will be exciting either way. New form factors are always fun to see and use, that’s for sure. With the tri-fold smartphones, OEMs have a number of new challenges.

In addition to heating and software, both of which were mentioned already, the thickness becomes a point of discussion too. It was an issue back when foldables first launched, but smartphone manufacturers managed to thin them down.

With tri-fold devices, however, you have yet another layer to think of. They’ll be thicker than regular foldables, that’s for sure. It remains to be seen how companies aim to tackle that issue.


[ad_2]
Source link

Instagram and TikTok could soon come with a label: they’re potentially harmful

andreasc
-
0
Instagram and TikTok could soon come with a label: they’re potentially harmful
[ad_1]

If you think social media like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok is bad (like, really bad) because it could be addictive and harmful, so does the US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy. He advocates for adding warning labels to social media apps, highlighting their potential harm to young people, especially adolescents. Murthy argues that while a warning label alone won’t make social media safe for the youth, it can raise awareness and influence behavior, drawing parallels to the impact of tobacco warnings. Implementing such a label would require legislation from the US Congress.

Murthy’s call for action aligns with longstanding concerns from youth advocates and lawmakers, who have criticized social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat for their detrimental effects on children.

These concerns include shortened attention spans, negative body image issues, and increased vulnerability to online bullying and predators.

It is time to require a surgeon general’s warning label on social media platforms, stating that social media is associated with significant mental health harms for adolescents

US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, June 2024

In January, the CEOs of TikTok, Snap, Meta Platforms (which owns Facebook and Instagram), along with representatives from social media platform X and messaging app Discord, faced intense questioning from US senators during a hearing on online child safety.

Republican Senator Lindsey Graham accused them of having “blood on your hands” for failing to protect young users from sexual predators. Senator Graham’s accusations of “blood on your hands” are hilarious in the context of his other stances, but that’s off-topic.

So, what now? Personally, I think things will go on without change, even if there’s a label on the Facebook app.

First, I’ve never ever seen a smoker that goes “Wow, these graphic pictures of smoking-related problems on the pack of my cigarettes really changed my mind, I’m done with smoking!”

Second, sorry to burst your bubble, but the damage has already been done. Instead of putting a red dot (or whatever) on (in) a social media app, the government could seek ways to punish parents who give two-year olds smartphones and tablets to play with all day, every day.

Right now, some US states are taking steps to protect children from the adverse effects of social media. For instance, New York state lawmakers recently passed legislation prohibiting social media platforms from exposing users under 18 to “addictive” algorithmic content without parental consent. Additionally, in March, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed a bill banning children under 14 from using social media platforms and requiring parental consent for 14- and 15-year-olds.


[ad_2]
Source link

CISA Conducts Tabletop Exercise on AI Cyber Incident Response

andreasc
-
0
CISA Conducts Tabletop Exercise on AI Cyber Incident Response
[ad_1]

On June 13, 2024, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) made history by conducting the federal government’s inaugural tabletop exercise focused on artificial intelligence (AI) security incidents.

This groundbreaking event, led by the Joint Cyber Defense Collaborative (JCDC), brought together key stakeholders from the private sector to address the unique challenges posed by AI in cybersecurity.

The AI Cyber Tabletop Exercise aimed to go beyond conventional cybersecurity incidents, focusing on the complexities introduced by AI-enabled systems.

Scan Your Business Email Inbox to Find Advanced Email Threats - Try AI-Powered Free Threat Scan

The primary objectives were to:

  • Explore information-sharing opportunities for cyber incidents involving AI.
  • Examine industry participants’ response procedures and best practices for multistage AI incidents.
  • Identify areas for improvement in AI incident response plans, information sharing, and organizational resilience.
  • Assess the capabilities, needs, and priorities for operational collaboration among government, industry, and international partners on AI-related cyber incidents.

Capturing Lessons Learned

CISA plans to incorporate the insights gained from this exercise into an AI Security Incident Collaboration Playbook.

This playbook will serve as a comprehensive guide for operational collaboration across government, industry, and international partners.

The goal is to enhance preparedness and response strategies for AI-related cyber incidents, ensuring a coordinated and practical approach.

A second tabletop exercise is already being worked on to test and validate the playbook.

This follow-up event will involve AI companies and critical infrastructure entities integrating AI into their operational environments.

The iterative process aims to refine and strengthen the playbook, making it a robust tool for managing AI cyber incidents.

Enhancing Public-Private Engagement

One of the key takeaways from the exercise was the importance of public-private engagement in addressing AI security incidents.

By fostering collaboration between government agencies and private sector entities, CISA aims to create a resilient cybersecurity ecosystem capable of responding to AI’s evolving threats.

The exercise highlighted the need for continuous improvement in information sharing, response procedures, and overall organizational resilience.

As AI continues to transform the cybersecurity landscape, initiatives like this tabletop exercise are crucial for preventing potential threats and ensuring critical infrastructure security.

CISA’s first-ever AI Cyber Tabletop Exercise marks a significant step forward in the federal government’s efforts to address AI’s unique challenges in cybersecurity.

CISA is paving the way for a more secure and resilient future by fostering collaboration and capturing valuable lessons.

Free Webinar! 3 Security Trends to Maximize MSP Growth -> Register For Free


[ad_2]
Source link
1...132133134...1,480Page 133 of 1,480