Last November, we reported that Google is teasing a feature that lets Gmail track your shipments for you. It would allow users to quickly get info about their awaited parcels at a glance, while at the Inbox section of the Gmail app.
While a lot of time has passed since November, many users might have missed the memo which lets them know that the feature is live. Usually, that would come in the style of a card that shows up at the top of your Gmail app, as soon as it detects that you’ve gotten an email about tracking.
Well, here is your reminder, folks: Gmail is now able to track your shipments, and it has even gotten a refreshed look. The feature is available on both iOS and Android, as 9to5Google reported, and once you turn it on, you will start seeing tracking info in your inbox and more detailed views when you open up an email.
How to enable package tracking in Gmail?
Some example snaps, courtesy of 9to5 Google.
That’s great and all, but how do you enable the feature if you’ve missed the prompt? No worries, it’s pretty simple to do. Let’s start with Android:
Open up the Gmail settings from within the app
Tap on your email
Navigate to General -> Package Tracking
Presto! You are done.
And here’s what you do if you are more into iPhones:
Open Settings in the Gmail app
Scroll down to Data Privacy
For some reason, the Toggle is there
Now that you’ve enabled the feature, you’ll be able to see:
Delivery Date, as submitted by the courier
Order Number with tap-to-copy capabilities, but it doesn’t work with all orders
A quick “Track” button that leads you to the online, presumably more detailed tracking
Order status in three stages: Order placed, Shipped, meaning in transit, and delivered.
If you are just looking to quickly check what your delivery status is, you won’t need to open the email, as the expected delivery date will be visible from the inbox. If you open the email though, all of the above will be displayed in a dynamic card at the top of the app.
We have new functionality to look forward to as well. At an unspecified time in the future, users will be able to get an overview of all of their tracked shipments at the top of the app, and labels for delayed shipments will also be introduced. Isn’t it just swell when advancements like this make your day a bit easier?
Car manufacturers Kia and Hyundai have recently taken measures to address concerns over vehicle security following the viral popularity of TikTok videos demonstrating how to easily steal their cars.
In response, the companies are now offering car owners the option to install steering wheel locks and obtain a software upgrade to enhance the security features of their vehicles.
Last year, a trend known as “Kia Boyz” gained popularity on social media, making popular videos of car thieves taking fun rides in Kia vehicles after breaking into the vehicles.
It has been reported that the video clips showing thieves stealing cars have received over 70 million views on TikTok.
New Anti-theft Upgrade Offered
This trend brought attention to the issue of vehicle theft and the potential vulnerabilities of certain car models. A new technology upgrade will soon be available for almost 4 million vehicles as part of a service campaign, with the rollout set to begin on February 14th.
In order to ensure timely delivery of the software upgrade to the remaining vehicles affected, the software upgrade is scheduled to be available until June 2023.
This upgrade will be completely free and Hyundai dealers will perform the free upgrade and the installation is expected to take less than an hour.
After the upgrade process is complete, a window decal will be attached to each vehicle to inform potential thieves that the vehicle is now rigged with an advanced anti-theft system.
This measure is designed to deter thieves from attempting to steal the upgraded vehicles, as they will be aware that the new security measures will make it much more difficult to do so.
Here’s what the CEO of Hyundai Motor America, Randy Parker stated:-
“Hyundai is committed to ensuring the quality and integrity of our products through continuous improvement and is pleased to provide affected customers with an additional theft deterrent through this software upgrade.”
“We have prioritized the upgrade’s availability for owners and lessees of our highest-selling vehicles and those most targeted by thieves in order for dealers to service them first.”
Software Upgrade Details
The engine immobilizer is one of the standard safety features installed on all Hyundai vehicles manufactured since November 2021.
However, the upgrade software cannot be installed on some 2011-2022 model-year vehicles that do not have engine immobilizers.
The software upgrade that has been developed for Hyundai and Kia vehicles features standard “turn-key-to-start” ignition systems. So, the upgrade is designed to modify specific vehicle control modules to improve the functionality of the vehicles.
By using the key fob to lock the doors of the vehicle, the factory alarm will be set, and an “ignition kill” feature will be activated. If the vehicle is subjected to the popularized theft mode, then this feature will prevent the vehicle from being started.
In order to deactivate the “ignition kill” feature on the vehicle, customers need to unlock their vehicle with their key fob.
Rollout schedule for the Service Campaign
Here below we have mentioned the complete schedule:-
Phase 1 will start on February 14, 2023, for the following vehicles:
2017-2020 Elantra
2015-2019 Sonata
2020-2021 Venue
Phase 2 will start on June 2023, for the following vehicles:
Find out how Google Ads have been spreading FatalRAT malware recently in fake utility, messenger and browser apps. Learn more about this alarming security issue and how to protect yourself.
Researchers from the Slovak cybersecurity firm ESET have discovered a new malware campaign targeting Chinese-speaking users in East and Southeast Asia.
According to a report published by ESET researchers, hackers are delivering remote access Trojans hidden inside malicious Google ads. These misleading ads appear in Google search results and download Trojans installers.
This should not come as a surprise, as Google Ads and Google Adsense have been abused lately to deliver malware around the world.
Researchers at ESET noted that the attackers remain unidentified. However, it is confirmed that they are targeting Chinese-speaking individuals. They have designed fake websites that look identical to popular apps like WhatsApp, Firefox, or Telegram.
Through these websites, the attackers deliver remote access Trojans, such as FatalRAT, first detected by AT&T researchers in 2021, to hijack the infected device. Some of the spoofed apps include:
LINE
Signal
Skype
Youdao
Electrum
Telegram
WhatsApp
WPS Office
Mozilla Firefox
Google Chrome
Sogou Pinyin Method
Researchers discovered the attacks between August 2022 and January 2023. The attack starts by purchasing an ad slot appearing in Google search results.
“The attackers purchased advertisements to position their malicious websites in the “sponsored” section of Google search results. We reported these ads to Google, and they were promptly removed,” researchers explained.
Users who search for popular apps are directed to rogue websites with typosquatting domains that host trojanized installers. These installers install the actual app as the user requires, to avoid raising suspicion.
Fake Google Chrome and Telegram websites spreading fake installers infected with FatalRat malware
The FatalRAT malware used in this campaign contains numerous commands to manipulate data from various browsers.
“The websites and installers downloaded from them are mostly in Chinese and in some cases falsely offer Chinese language versions of software that is not available in China,” researchers wrote in their technical report published today.
The downloaded installers aren’t hosted on the same server as the sites, but in Alibaba Cloud Object Storage Service, and are digitally signed MSI files. The installers were uploaded to the cloud storage on 6th January 2023.
After the malware is deployed, the attacker gains full control of the device and can execute arbitrary shell commands, run executables, steal data from web browsers, and log keystrokes.
This campaign has no specific targets, as the attackers want to steal exclusive user data, such as web credentials, to sell them on underground hacker forums or launch additional cybercrime campaigns. However, in their report, ESET researchers noted that most victims were located in the following countries:
China
Taiwan
Japan
Malaysia
Thailand
Indonesia
Myanmar
Philippines
Hong Kong
Detection and protection from fake malicious installers
Fake, malicious installers can be a significant threat to your computer and personal data. To detect and protect against them, here are some steps you can take:
First and foremost, use common sense when downloading files. Never download software, or anything else, from a third-party site. Download software only from trusted sources: Download software only from reputable websites, and avoid downloading from unverified sources.
Verify the authenticity of the website: Check the website’s URL for spelling errors, and look for security badges and trust seals on the site. For example, it’s Google.com, not ɢoogle.com.
Use reliable anti-virus software: Use reliable anti-virus software and keep it updated to protect your computer from malicious software.
Read reviews and comments: Read reviews and comments about the software before downloading it; this will give you an idea of the software’s authenticity.
Scan downloaded files: Use anti-virus software to scan the downloaded file before installing it. You should also use VirusTotal to check whether the file is malicious or if the URL you are about to visit is safe.
Use sandboxing software: Use sandboxing software that can run the installer in a virtual environment, keeping your system safe from any potential harm.
Enable security features: Enable security features on your computer, such as a firewall, to prevent unauthorized access to your system.
Samsung has released the Android 13 update for the Galaxy A04. The budget handset is getting One UI Core 5.0 along with the new Android version. This update has already been rolled out to the Galaxy A04s and Galaxy A04e, the other two models in the company’s entry-level lineup last year.
As of this writing, the Android 13-based One UI Core 5.0 update for the Galaxy A04 is rolling out in Asia. To be precise, the update is available for users in Kazakhstan. The new firmware version for the phone is A045FXXU1BWB1. Samsung should expand the release to more markets in the coming days. The budget handset wasn’t sold in the US, but it arrived in Africa, Europe, and a few other regions.
Along with Android 13 and One UI Core 5.0, the Galaxy A04 is also getting the December 2022 Android security patch. It’s a fairly old SMR (Security Maintenance Release) now, given that the February 2023 patch has also been around for about two weeks.
The Galaxy A04s received the Android 13 update in December last year with the November 2022 SMR. It recently picked up the February patch as well. The Galaxy A04e, on the other hand, received the January patch with Android 13 a few weeks back.
The Galaxy A04 may not be getting a recent security patch, but there are plenty of other things to be excited about here. Launching with Android 12, this is the first major Android OS update for the phone. It brings a minor visual refresh and a host of new features and improvements.
Samsung has made system animations smoother to enable a more fluid navigation experience. You’re also getting new lock screen customizations that allow you to give your phone a unique look. You can refer to the official changelog here for more.
Galaxy A04, A04e, and A04s will not get One UI 5.1, but Android 14 will arrive
Samsung launched the Galaxy A04, Galaxy A04e, and Galaxy A04s in the second half of last year. All three models debuted with Android 12 out of the box. Android 13 is the first major Android OS upgrade for them. They will also get Android 14. However, Samsung’s One UI 5.1, which recently rolled out to dozens of Galaxy devices, will not reach the budget trio. The new One UI version is reserved for flagships and premium mid-rangers. Nonetheless, if you’re using the Galaxy A04, the latest update for your phone contains tons of goodies. Go to Settings > Software update > Download and install to check for updates manually.
There are different technologies that help improve the music-listening experience, and head tracking is one of the more sought-after ones. This adds a new level of immersion to the music you’re listening to, and it’s on several devices already. Google could be getting ready to launch head tracking on its Pixel Buds Pro.
This comes to us from an APK deep-dive by 9To5Google. Thus, you’ll want to take this with a grain of salt. This feature sits hidden within the code of Android, so Google could make changes or take it out at any point.
Google could add head tracking to its Pixel Buds Pro
Head tracking is one of the most interesting aspects of spatial audio. It’s meant to make you feel like you’re in the middle of the concert or recording studio. As the name suggests, it will track the motion of your head. It’ll change the audio based on your head’s position to make it sound like you’re actually there.
It’s a great feature to have if you really care about being immersed in your music, and it seems that Google is looking to bring it. The folks at 9To5Google were able to dig into the latest AKP for the Pixel Buds app. In it, they found code for the head tracking feature.
They were able to force the feature to work. In the Pixel Buds app, there will be an additional button on the Spatial Audio settings page. On the page, there are a few changes. Firstly, you’ll see the head tracking toggle on the bottom of the screen. In the screenshot, we see that it’s grayed out, however.
The other notable change is the addition of a demo that demonstrates spatial audio. It’s a short video that plays. The point of it is to compare the audio with spatial audio activated and deactivated. That’s a great addition because people could directly compare the audio.
At this point, we know that Google wants to eventually bring head tracking to the Pixel Buds officially, but we don’t know when the company plans on releasing this feature. In any case, this is a step in the right direction.
Apple has applied for a new patent that would allow iMessages to be read in the sender’s voice. And no, this is not Siri reading the message or a straight-up voice note. This is your phone reading the written words as it thinks they would sound and be said by the person writing them. (via PatentlyApple)For those of you who have used a VoIP service, this might remind you a bit of the Voicemail transcription some of those apps have, albeit working somewhat backward, as it is words being turned into audio and not the other way around.
As we already established, this would be nothing new practicality-wise, since Siri can already read out loud messages to you whenever you find it convenient. If this feature does end up reaching real implementation in Apple’s devices, it would serve more as a fun extension that would bring personality to iMessages, which might sound superficial, but these little details tend to be quite liked by most users.
How would iMessage to voice note work?
Whenever one side sends a message via the iMessage app to another person who owns an iPhone, the phone would ask if they would like to attach a voice file. What is this voice file you ask? Well, the good news is that you don’t actually have to manually train some kind of voice model because you have already been doing that by talking to Siri.By using all that it has heard you speak, Siri would have already created and stored the file on your phone. Once you send that voice file, on the opposite side the recipient would get to choose whether they want to receive just your message or the file with it as well. If they decide to accept both, then going forward your messages will be read with a simulation of your voice, instead of Siri’s.
Keep in mind that this is a just a patent, so there is no certainty about the feature reaching actual implementation in the future. That said, it is easy to imagine, as it just seems like something Apple wouldn’t skip on.
Researchers have warned users about a new malicious campaign that scans and profiles potential victims before targeting. Identified as “Screenshotter,” the malware takes screenshots on the victim’s machines to share with the attackers.
Screenshotter Malware Campaign Active In The Wild
According to a recent post from Proofpoint, their research team has observed a malicious campaign in the wild that profiles potential victims.
The campaign, identified as “Screentime,” seems financially motivated and involves multiple malware to perform various activities.
One of these includes the “Screenshotter” that takes and shares screenshots from the victim machines to the attackers. Whereas the other malware is the WasabiSeed installer that executes an embedded VBS script to download Screenshotter and other additional payloads. Moreover, WasabiSeed also helps the threat actors gain persistent access to the victim device.
Briefly, the attack begins with phishing emails sent towards the target organization. To lure the employees, the emails include subject lines and messages imparting a corporate feel, such as asking the recipient to check a presentation.
Like always, the emails include the malicious URL, which triggers the download of the JavaScript file. If the victim clicks and the JavaScript runs, it downloads WasabiSeed, followed by Screenshotter malware.
Upon receiving the victim machine’s screenshots, the threat actors analyze whether to proceed with the attack. If the victim appears lucrative, the attacker installs other payloads to execute the attack, such as the AHK bot, which downloads domain profiler and data stealer.
Moreover, the attack also involves deploying a data stealer from the Rhadamanthys malware family. It can steal sensitive information such as stored credentials, web cookies, crypto wallets, FTP clients, Telegram and Steam accounts, and VPN configurations.
The researchers have shared a detailed technical analysis of the campaign in their post.
Possible Russian Origin
The threat actors behind this campaign, identified as TA886, seemingly have a Russian origin, given the presence of the Russian language in the codes.
Also, the campaigns, which have been ongoing since October 2022, typically aim at organizations within the United States and Germany.
While the campaigns appear financially motivated, the researchers do not rule out the possibility of cyber espionage associated with these attacks.
Android 13 has seemingly started rolling out to the Sony Xperia 10 III. This smartphone was launched back in 2021, and its time for the update came after some of Sony’s newer smartphones.
Android 13 starts rolling out to the Sony Xperia 10 III
The update with the software version 62.2.A.0.367 is rolling out to the global dual SIM variant of the phone. Based on the report, it is currently rolling out to a number of European and Asian countries.
With this update, you’ll be getting all the major features Android 13 brings, with some additions from Sony. Those of you who used Sony’s phones in the last couple of years know very well that Sony’s UI is rather light. Sony likes to keep it close to stock, which is a good thing, for the most part.
Now, this update will deliver you the benefits of Android 13, and will also boost the phone’s security. The update includes the Android security patch for January 2023. It’s not the latest one available, but still, it’s a quite recent one.
Needless to say, this update is rolling out OTA (Over-The-Air), and your phone will let you know once it’s available. You can also manually check for it via the phone’s settings, of course.
This phone launched in 2021, and originally shipped with Android 11
The Sony Xperia 10 III includes a 6-inch fullHD+ OLED display, while it is fueled by the Snapdragon 690 SoC. This phone originally launched with Android 11 back in 2021.
The device has three cameras on the back, and a 4,500mAh battery. It supports 21W charging, while it is water and dust resistant. It also has a side-facing fingerprint scanner, and more.
Do note that this will likely be the last major Android update for the device. Chances are the phone won’t get Android 14 after it launches.
LED technology is greatly admired around the globe, and its value can be expressed by the fact that its inventor has awarded a noble prize in physics in the year 2014. Now it is widely used in televisions, phones, panels, blue-ray players, and many other gadgets. There isn’t any controversy about the usefulness of LED screens, especially in the advertising field. Almost every business prefers video ads and promotions, and their importance is out of the question in large exhibitions and product launching events.
A more convenient option for LED screens is that they can be built in custom designs compatible with the size and shape of the installation site. These screens catch the audience’s attention with their animated and colorful graphics and video content.
Customized displays are created to meet the client’s requirements and have lots of benefits. Let’s look at their benefits.
Multiple designs and sizes
If you want a custom LED display, there are lots of options to avail. These can be designed in geometrical shapes, alphabets designs, and curve shapes. These can be installed on round and rectangle pillars, curved corners, shop fronts, and also in hanging styles. Whatever your requirement is, it’ll be fulfilled.
Long-lasting
These screens have a long performing life span from 50000 to 100000 hrs. There aren’t any threats of burning out or damage due to long use. These can work 24/7 continuously. Outdoor LED units have high weather resistance and work excellently.
Time-saving
The installation of outdoor and indoor screens is very easy and quick. These screens do not require much maintenance and allow display content to be easily managed. These are mostly controlled and managed through cloud-based CMS, which allows quickly changing the content and scheduling multiple contents to display at multiple times. In this way, it saves lots of time in managing and running promotional content.
Cost-effective
These screens are lightweight, which thusly diminishes continuous maintenance. Moreover, LEDs contain no hazardous gases or glass tubes that can cause leakage and require maintenance for good performance. All this greatly reduces the cost and makes it highly convenient.
Unbelievable brightness
LED screens have high brightness and remain clearly visible 24/7. It enhances the content reach and engages more audience, and this results in an increase in your brand recognition and also improves sales.
Modernity
LED screens are the latest concept with advanced technology and are the first choice of educated individuals who have current preferences and are accustomed to perusing computerized media. On the off chance that your business focuses on this populace, specific LED screens will have a critical effect.
Eco friendly
These screens are eco-friendly because they don’t contain harmful gases like argon or mercury and can easily be recycled. Furthermore, as compared to other display gadgets are the most harmless to the ecosystem. Low energy utilization decreases the ecological effect of any undertaking. What’s more, the long performance life of the gadget thusly assists with saving materials, looking after expenses, and potential fixes. During activity time, LEDs produce light, and little intensity yet emanate no infrared or UV radiation.
Conclusion
In advertising, field LEDs have played a significant role, and their customization has made it more beneficial. These are environmentally friendly and highly cost-effective for running your advertisement campaigns, and their role in branding and business promotion is noticeable.
Last fall, images appeared on the Google Play Store of a planned redesign of the Fitbit app on Android. These screenshots showed the app taking on a Material You theme, keeping with the current trend of Google apps adopting its design language of choice. However, it appears that now those screenshots have been removed, calling into question whether the redesign has been scrapped.
The app redesign included a bottom bar shaped as an arc, which was highly distinct and undoubtedly original. This is in contrast to the solid bottom bar we see on the app now. Additionally, other sections were rearranged within the app, such as the “Today” tab which was moved from the first tab to the center of the screen, the word “Community” moved to the far right, and the word “Discover” moved to the far left.
The currently active tab of the app would also have its icon filled in, but it did’t look like plans were made to fit the fourth “Premium” tab that appears in the current app as pretty much just a placeholder to call out the features. However, as noted by 9to5Google, those screenshots are now gone from the listing and replaced with ones that match the design the app has now.
Current Screenshots vs Redesigned Screenshots (via 9to5Google)
The removal of these images from the Play Store listing prompts speculation that this redesign may not happen after all, or at the least has been delayed, perhaps so that its launch coincides with that of a new generation of Fitbit smartwatches. Still, I was looking forward to a new look in the Fitbit app, as it is starting to feel a bit dated and out of place with the rest of the Google apps.
Hopefully, the lack of updates to the Fitbit app are not due to Google’s recent layoffs as the company also struggles with antitrust lawsuits across the U.S. brought on by the Justice Department. Let’s hope the search giant’s recent issues does not affect its ability to continue innovating and bringing us helpful features.
