Ten brands will launch nearly 40 foldable devices in 2023

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Ten brands will launch nearly 40 foldable devices in 2023
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Market research firm Canalys recently estimated that foldable smartphone shipments could more than double this year to reach 30 million units. It appears we will have twice as many different models as well. Industry experts at DSCC (Display Supply Chain Consultants) say as many as ten brands will launch a total of 37 foldable devices in 2023.

According to DSCC, seven companies sold foldable smartphones in 2022: Samsung, Huawei, Xiaomi, Honor, Oppo, Motorola, and Vivo. Google, OnePlus, and Tecno will join this roster this year. In Fact, Tecno has already launched its first foldable device. It debuted the Phantom V Fold during the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2023 in Barcelona last week. OnePlus also took to the show to announce that it will launch a foldable smartphone in the second half of the year. Google’s rumored Pixel Fold is expected to arrive later this year too.

Overall, these ten companies will sell as many as 37 different foldable models this year. That’s almost double from 19 foldables sold last year, though most of those were limited to the Chinese market. DSCC also broke down the share of each foldable form factor in 2023. We will reportedly see 16 clamshell folding devices like Samsung’s Flip series, 20 in-folding (book-type) devices like Samsung’s Fold series, and one new out-folding device. Despite the popularity of clamshell models, companies seemingly see more incentive in making in-folding models.

Interestingly, DSCC is expecting total foldable shipments to just about reach 20 million units in 2023. It’s unclear if the firm is only considering sales of new models launched this year or 2022 and older devices too. Nonetheless, the foldable market is on the rise and growing rapidly. It may not be long before foldables become mainstream and compete with conventional candy-bar smartphones.

Samsung may finally have some competition in the foldable market

Samsung launched the world’s first globally available foldable smartphone, the Galaxy Fold in 2019. Since then, the company has gone on to launch seven more foldable devices. It will launch its fifth-gen foldables in the second half of this year. But all this while, the Korean firm hardly faced any competition in the market. As said earlier, most firms limited their initial folding phones to China. But several of them are going global in 2023, giving Samsung more competition.

Canalys recently reported that Samsung captured more than 80 percent of the global foldable market last year. That share may come down to 50-60 percent in 2023. Of course, the company will do its best to fend off the competition. It is introducing a new type of hinge that reduces the crease and makes the devices thinner. The Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Galaxy Z Flip 5 should also bring camera improvements among other things. The latter is expected to get a bigger external display as well. It remains to be seen who gives Samsung the toughest competition this year.


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Update to iOS version of WhatsApp adds multitasking feature already available on Android

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Update to iOS version of WhatsApp adds multitasking feature already available on Android
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The PiP works like this. When you are engaging in a video call and want to multitask by opening another app, exiting WhatsApp will minimize the video chat and allow it to float above other apps. You can move it around the screen with your finger while the video chat continues and the other app you wanted to open is underneath it. The feature might not work right away and WhatsApp says it will disseminate it over the coming weeks.
WhatsApp adds Picture-in-Picture support for video chat - Update to iOS version of WhatsApp adds multitasking feature already available on Android

WhatsApp adds Picture-in-Picture support for video chat

The update to version 23.3.77 also includes some other new features including the ability to add captions when sending documents to contacts in personal or group chats. You will also be able to use longer group subject names and descriptions when describing a WhatsApp group. Following the update, these names and descriptions can be as long as 2,048 characters which is a huge increase from the prior 512 characters allowed.

Stable-mates Facebook and Instagram allow users to create personalized avatars and now WhatsApp users will be able to do so as well. To create your own avatar, open the WhatsApp app and go to Settings > Avatar > Create Your Avatar. Follow the directions and tap on Done. That’s just the first step. To make your new Avatar the profile picture on WhatsApp, open the app and tap on your profile picture. Then tap on Edit > Edit.
Again, this update is for iOS only since Android users already have Picture-in-Picture capabilities for video chat on WhatsApp. If you want version 23.3.77 of WhatsApp for iOS right away, you can install the version of WhatsApp from the App Store since it already includes the aforementioned features including PiP for video chat.

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Warning issued over Royal ransomware

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Warning issued over Royal ransomware
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In a Cybersecurity Advisory, CISA and the FBI have shared information about Royal ransomware, which despite being rather new has made a real name for itself.

As part of its StopRansomware effort, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has published a Cybersecurity Advisory (CSA) about Royal ransomware.

Royal ransomware is a Ransomware-as-a-service (Raas) that first made an appearance in January 2022. In September of that year, it began calling itself Royal ransomware, and then in November it really made a name for itself by boldly taking the lead in our monthly statistics.

After November, it handed back top place to Lockbit, but has remained one of the top five most prevalent ransomware strains. 

According to the CSA, the group behind Royal:

  • Have made ransom demands ranging from approximately $1 million to $11 million USD in Bitcoin.
  • Are known to disable anti-virus software on the affected systems.
  • Have targeted numerous critical infrastructure sectors including manufacturing, communications, healthcare, and education.
  • Steal data from infiltrated networks which they threaten to publicize on their leak site to increase the leverage on the victim.

screenshot Royal leak siteRoyal ransomware leak site

The Initial Access Brokers that cater to Royal are reported to gain initial access and source traffic by harvesting virtual private network (VPN) credentials from stealer logs. Other methods that are used to gain initial access to victim networks are:

For those interested, the CSA contains a wealth of Indicators of Compromise (IOCs) and techniques used by Royal to gain persistence and for lateral movement.

How to avoid ransomware

  • Block common forms of entry. Create a plan for patching vulnerabilities in internet-facing systems quickly; disable or harden remote access like RDP and VPNs; use endpoint security software that can detect exploits and malware used to deliver ransomware.
  • Detect intrusions. Make it harder for intruders to operate inside your organization by segmenting networks and assigning access rights prudently. Use EDR or MDR to detect unusual activity before an attack occurs.
  • Stop malicious encryption. Deploy Endpoint Detection and Response software like Malwarebytes EDR that uses multiple different detection techniques to identify ransomware.
  • Create offsite, offline backups. Keep backups offsite and offline, beyond the reach of attackers. Test them regularly to make sure you can restore essential business functions swiftly.
  • Write an incident response plan. The period after a ransomware attack can be chaotic. Make a plan that outlines how you’ll isolate an outbreak, communicate with stakeholders, and restore your systems.

Have a question or want to learn more about our cyberprotection? Get a free business trial below.

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Google I/O 2023 begins May 10 in Mountain View

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Google I/O 2023 begins May 10 in Mountain View
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Google I/O, Google’s annual developer conference that the company holds to showcase the latest and greatest in its software and hardware advancements, will return to Mountain View on May 10 for 2023.

Google’s CEO Sundar Pichai officially announced the start date of the conference on Twitter, noting that the event would take place in Mountain View at the Shoreline Amphitheater and online. This isn’t really a departure at all since Google did the same thing last year. Hosting both an in-person event and an online livestream of all the keynote speech. As well as various other talks throughout the day. Worth noting though is that the event this year is probably in-person for press and partners only as it was last year.

This year’s event will be happening one day earlier than last year, putting it just under 65 days out.

What to expect at Google I/O 2023

Google IO 2023 2

So far there’s not much official detail about what to expect from the event since it was just announced. But Google typically holds a separate event for its biggest hardware products in the Fall. So we shouldn’t expect to see anything regarding the next flagship Pixel phones. We could however see something along the lines of the Pixel 7a. And judging by last year, we might also get some information about the next version of Android.

In the past, this is also where Google showed off things like Wear OS 3, the Pixel Watch and Pixel Buds Pro, the Pixel Tablet and more. Registration for the event is already live having opened up on March 7. At the moment the site, which is live, doesn’t have any information about panels or what the topics will be. But you can visit it if you want to see Google’s fun little countdown this year.

And going forward, Google is likely to put up more information the closer it gets to the event date. Including a calendar for attendees to help plan which panels and other things to work into their schedule.


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iPhone SE 4 will use a $40 BOE display

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iPhone SE 4 will use a $40 BOE display
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According to a new report, the Apple iPhone SE 4 will utilize a $40 BOE display. As some of you may recall, a report that surfaced at the end of last month suggested that the iPhone SE 4 is not canceled after all.

The iPhone SE 4 will feature a $40 BOE display it seems

Back in September last year, reports started coming in saying that the phone is not happening. Well, it seems like Apple changed its mind, though we’ll have to wait until next year in order to get the phone.

This time around, things will be much different. The iPhone SE 4 will be a lot larger than its predecessors. Apple will finally ditch the iPhone 8 design. The iPhone SE 4 will be based on the iPhone 14 design, actually.

The device will utilize a 6.1-inch OLED panel

Therefore, it will utilize a 6.1-inch panel, just like the iPhone 14. That display will be provided by BOE if the report is to be believed, and it costs around $40. It will be an OLED panel with a 60Hz refresh rate.

By sourcing the display from BOE, Apple is trying to keep the price down, of course. For comparison’s sake, the display that Apple plans to use in the iPhone 15 models and the OLED iPads are set to cost around $100. Those panels will be provided by Samsung Display and LG Display, allegedly.

It could launch in March 2024

Not much is known about the iPhone SE 4, other than its design, and display info. The phone may, however, launch in March 2024. The iPhone SE 3 arrived in March 2022, so it would make sense. We’re only guessing, though.

Now, considering that the iPhone 14 chassis will be used, Apple will probably stick to some of the same components. For example, the phone may utilize the same battery pack. So, we may get a 3,279mAh unit.

We’re not sure what SoC Apple will be using, though. You can expect stereo speakers to be a part of the package, however, and, of course, the latest version of iOS available at the time.


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Update to Apple Store app improves your chances of getting gifted an Apple device you want

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Update to Apple Store app improves your chances of getting gifted an Apple device you want
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Sure, you know all about the App Store on your iPhone because, well, that is where you go shopping for apps. But did you know that there is an Apple Store app? This is where you go to buy Apple products. The app saves you from having to use a mobile browser on your iPhone to visit AppleStore.com. The Apple Store app (again, not to be confused with the App Store app) will allow you to make purchases from the online Apple Store while recommending certain Apple products to you based on the Apple devices you already own.
The app will also show you which accessories are compatible with the Apple products that you already own and will sign you up for a hands-on session at a physical Apple Store. You can even use the app to upgrade to a new iPhone if that is something that you are looking to do. While the Apple Store app is pre-installed on the iPhone, in case it has been somehow uninstalled, it can be downloaded from the App Store by tapping on this link.
The Apple Store app has received an update - Update to Apple Store app improves your chances of getting gifted an Apple device you want

The Apple Store app has received an update

Spotted by MacRumors, version 5.19 of the Apple Store app is now available in the App Store and contains the latest updates. This includes the ability to share your saved list of Apple products that you’re interested in owning with friends and family. This way, if you’re lucky and have generous friends and family members, you might be gifted that Apple device you really want. Your list of saved items will now be accessible from more places on the app.
And with version 5.19 of the Apple Store app, you can work with others to create a shopping list for friends and family. The update also will deliver more information about all of the Apple Store locations and their surroundings. This is the first update for the Apple Store app since November when version 5.18 was released. That update allowed iPhone users to have Memoji engraved on the AirPods or AirPods Pro. This is available exclusively through the Apple Store app.

Interestingly, the Apple Store app has garnered only a 3.5-star rating from users.


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PoC Exploit Released For Critical Microsoft Word RCE Bug

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PoC Exploit Released For Critical Microsoft Word RCE Bug
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PoC - Microsoft Word RCE Bug

There has been a proof-of-concept published recently for CVE-2023-21716 that analyzes this vulnerability. This vulnerability has been marked as “Critical” and has been detected in Microsoft Word which permits remote code execution (RCE).

Microsoft’s latest Patch Tuesday release in February patched the vulnerability, preventing it from being exploited. In ‘wwlib.dll’ of Microsoft Office, this RCE flaw was initially discovered by a security analyst, Joshua Drake Last year.

The researcher notified Microsoft immediately of his discovery after sending a technical advisory containing a PoC demonstrating that the vulnerability can be exploited.

The vulnerability could potentially be exploited by a remote attacker to execute code on a compromised system.

EHA

Vulnerability Details

  • CVE ID: CVE-2023-21716
  • CVSS Score: 9.8
  • Severity: Critical
  • Flaw: Remote Code Execution (RCE)

A remote attacker could potentially take advantage of the issue to execute code. As a result, the attacker has the same permissions as the victim, who opened the malicious [.RTF] file with the same privileges.

A malicious file can be delivered to a victim by attaching it to an email, which is perhaps the easiest way to deliver it, but there are many other methods also available.

In an effort to prevent users from falling victim to this kind of attack, Microsoft warns that they do not have to open the malicious RTF document. The attacker can begin exploiting the system simply by loading a version of it in the Preview Pane.

According to the researcher’s findings, the RTF parser incorporated in Microsoft Word possesses a vulnerability to heap corruption. 

This vulnerability is activated when the software is handling a font table denoted by “\fonttbl” that consists of a considerable number of fonts marked by “\f###.”

An attacker could use a properly crafted heap layout to exploit the bug for arbitrary code execution after memory corruption occurs. To demonstrate code execution, the PoC does not launch the Calculator app in Windows to illustrate heap corruption.

The vulnerability does not appear to be exploited in the wild at the present time. At the present time, Microsoft believes that exploiting the issue is unlikely to occur.

Workaround

There is a fix provided by Microsoft for users that are not able to apply the fix. As Microsoft recommends users to read emails in plain text format. However, this fix is unlikely to be adopted since there will be no enhancements or improvements to the user experience.

There is also a workaround that can be used to make sure RTF documents don’t open when they’re from untrusted or unknown sources by enabling the Microsoft Office File Block policy.

In addition to requiring modification of the Windows Registry, this method also comes with some risks. However, there is no doubt that the best way to address this vulnerability is to install a Microsoft security update.

Network Security Checklist – Download Free E-Book


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Play ransomware gang leaks City of Oakland data

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Play ransomware gang leaks City of Oakland data
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After claiming responsibility for attacking the City of Oakland, California, the Play ransomware gang has begun leaking the data it stole.

The Play ransomware gang has begun partially publishing data they stole from the City of Oakland, California. The data were in multiple archive files with a collective file size of 10GB. According to the ransomware gang, the files contain “[p]rivate and personal information data, financial information. IDs, passports, employee full info, human rights violation information.”

“If there is no reaction full dump will be uploaded,” the gang wrote in a comment on their leak site. They also hinted that each file could be used independently.

Play ransomware gang’s leak page for the City of Oakland, California

Following the release of the data, the City of Oakland said in an updated statement:

“While the investigation into the scope of the incident impacting the City of Oakland remains ongoing, we recently became aware that an unauthorized third party has acquired certain files from our network and intends to release the information publicly.

We are working with third-party specialists and law enforcement on this issue and are actively monitoring the unauthorized third party’s claims to investigate their validity.”

The City of Oakland, California was attacked four weeks ago, bringing several City services to a standstill. This pushed Interim City Administrator G. Harold Duffey to declare a state of emergency. The Play ransomware group claimed responsibility for the attack.

How to avoid ransomware

  • Block common forms of entry. Create a plan for patching vulnerabilities in internet-facing systems quickly; disable or harden remote access like RDP and VPNs; use endpoint security software that can detect exploits and malware used to deliver ransomware.
  • Detect intrusions. Make it harder for intruders to operate inside your organization by segmenting networks and assigning access rights prudently. Use EDR or MDR to detect unusual activity before an attack occurs.
  • Stop malicious encryption. Deploy Endpoint Detection and Response software like Malwarebytes EDR that uses multiple different detection techniques to identify ransomware.
  • Create offsite, offline backups. Keep backups offsite and offline, beyond the reach of attackers. Test them regularly to make sure you can restore essential business functions swiftly.
  • Write an incident response plan. The period after a ransomware attack can be chaotic. Make a plan that outlines how you’ll isolate an outbreak, communicate with stakeholders, and restore your systems.

Have a question or want to learn more about our cyberprotection? Get a free business trial below.

GET STARTED


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Only two Android devices made it to best-selling charts in 2022

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Only two Android devices made it to best-selling charts in 2022
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According to research firm Counterpoint, only two Android devices made it among the top ten best-selling smartphones globally in 2022. Those were Samsung‘s budget handsets Galaxy A03 and Galaxy A13. The remaining eight spots were taken by Apple’s iPhones, with the iPhone 13 topping the chart.

Eight of the ten best-selling smartphones in 2022 were iPhones

Apple usually dominates these charts and that isn’t surprising. Since the company only launches a handful of models every year, people looking to buy iPhones don’t have many choices. They end up buying one of the recent iPhone models, thus driving volumes. On the other hand, the sheer amount of options in the Android space means there’s no default choice here. Whatever might be your budget or requirements, you’ll always find several models fitting all criteria.

It has been this way for several years now and it isn’t changing anytime soon. In fact, Apple is increasingly benefitting from the growing competition in the Android space. It had eight iPhone models in the top ten best-selling smartphones chart for the first time last year. The iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Pro Max were the monthly leaders from January to August, i.e. until the iPhone 14 series came along. The iPhone 14 Pro Max was the crowd favorite for the next three months, with the iPhone 14 topping the chart in December.

Overall, the iPhone 13 accounted for five percent of all smartphones sold last year. It was followed by the iPhone 13 Pro Max and iPhone 14 Pro Max. The Samsung Galaxy A13 sits in the fourth spot, followed by the iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 12, iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone SE 2022, and Galaxy A03. Counterpoint says the latest iPhone Pro Max model sold in more numbers than the Pro and base models for the first time.

“Major advancements in the iPhone 14 Pro series, such as dynamic island and faster processor, make it more attractive, as the base model is almost identical to the previous year’s model,” the research firm explains. In the Android space, Samsung’s Galaxy A13, which is the successor to 2021’s best-selling smartphone Galaxy A12, was a popular choice in the Caribbean, Latin America, and India.

Android OEMs are shrinking their smartphone portfolios

The top ten best-selling smartphones accounted for almost 19 percent of total shipments last year. Counterpoint estimates this share to grow in 2023. That’s because Android OEMs are shrinking their smartphone portfolios. Around 3,600 smartphones were active in the global market in 2022, down over 14 percent from more than 4,200 in 2021. This number may go further down this year. “Brands will focus on their portfolios’ premiumization to translate volumes into profitability,” Counterpoint states.

Best selling smartphones 2022 Counterpoint


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Amazon Prime Video will air a free NFL Game on Black Friday this year

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Amazon Prime Video will air a free NFL Game on Black Friday this year
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Amazon really wants to get more people watching Prime Video for Thursday Night Football, and this year, they are trying something new. They will be airing a game on Black Friday – that’s Friday, November 24 – at 3PM ET. And the game will be free to everyone. Which means that even if you don’t subscribe to Prime Video, you’ll be able to watch. Which is great news.

This is kind of like a “free sample” of Amazon’s Thursday Night Football broadcasts, and Amazon hopes will get more people into watching Football on Prime Video. It also shows a further extension of Amazon’s relationship with the NFL.

Prime Video’s vice president and global head of Sports, Jay Marine stated that “we’re excited to expand our relationship with the NFL and build a new holiday tradition for our customers with the first Black Friday NFL game. We’re so very proud of our Thursday Night Football production and all the teams in front of and behind the camera. As families look to spend time together over the holiday weekend, we are excited to provide an opportunity for everyone to enjoy this new day of NFL action.”

This could pose a threat to college football

Normally, for Thanksgiving week, we have three NFL games on Thanksgiving. Usually the Detroit Lions have the early games. With two more games later in the day. And then on Black Friday, there’s a good amount of College Football games, which kicks off Rivaly Week in College. Which continues onto Saturday. And the NFL week continues on Sunday and Monday.

But if there’s going to be a NFL game on Black Friday, that could take some eyes away from College Football. Though, luckily, the teams playing on that Friday in college are not the best teams. For instance, Michigan and Ohio State will always play on Saturday at Noon.

It’s an interesting thing for Prime Video to try out, and it’ll be interesting to see how it does for them.


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