WhatsApp’s status section, usually used to share quick updates with friends and close contacts, was recently rumored to be integrating with Instagram. And now, it seems like there’s another update on the horizon.
According to WABetaInfo, a trusted source for WhatsApp updates, the Meta-owned messaging app is gearing up to enhance the interface for the updates tab. Thanks to the latest WhatsApp beta for Android 2.24.4.23 update, found on the Google Play Store, it’s revealed that WhatsApp is in the works for a new interface for the status updates tray.
Image Credit–WABetaInfo
In the attached screenshot, you can see a sneak peek of an upcoming update that lets users try out a redesigned interface for the status updates tray. The tray remains at the top of the updates tab, ensuring it’s easily accessible as soon as users open this tab.
What’s new? Well, the revamped interface allows users to preview the first shared status update through its thumbnail. This means you won’t have to open each update individually. The new interface for the status updates tray is currently in development and should be rolled out in a future update of the app.
The upcoming interface for the status updates tray could be a welcomed change to the user experience. Previously, many users were frustrated with the new horizontal layout for status updates, which replaced the convenient thumbnail preview of shared updates with the profile picture. This change made browsing less intuitive and efficient, as users had to open each update individually to view its content.
On a different note, WhatsApp is still experimenting with a feature that allows using usernames instead of phone numbers. The app is also exploring cross-platform functionality, potentially enabling users to send messages to other apps like iMessage, Telegram, Google Messages, Signal, and more.
The Russian cyber espionage threat group “Turla APT group” was discovered to be using a new backdoor for its malicious operations.
This new backdoor has been termed “TinyTurla-NG” (TTNG), which shares similarities with a previously disclosed implant, TinyTurla, regarding coding style and functionality implementations.
However, this new backdoor has been circulating since December 2023 with targets as Polish non-government organizations that were supporting Ukraine during the Russian invasion. Additionally, this backdoor also uses a PowerShell script for exfiltration purposes.
DocumentLive Account Takeover Attack Simulation
Live attack simulation Webinar demonstrates various ways in which account takeover can happen and practices to protect your websites and APIs against ATO attacks.
According to the reports shared with Cyber Security News, the Turla threat group was widely known to target several entities worldwide with multiple sets of offensive tools.
Their targets included the U.S., the European Union, Ukraine, and Asia. Moreover, this threat actor previously used CAPIBAR and KAZUAR malware families while targeting Ukrainian defense forces.
Nevertheless, researchers have discovered three different TinyTurla-NG samples in which the earliest compromise was found on December 18, 2023, and remained active till Jan 27, 2024. The latest campaign used WordPress-based websites as command and control (C2) endpoints for the TTNG backdoor.
All the attacker-controlled WordPress websites ran with a vulnerable version that allowed the upload of PHP files containing the C2 code. The PHP files had names like rss-old[.]php, rss[.]old[.]php or block[.]old[.]php.
TinyTurla-NG : PowerShell & Command Line
This backdoor is also similar to the previously used TinyTurla backdoor, which runs as a service DLL started via svchost.exe. Apart from the working, this new malware seems to be different and new, with several features distributed through multiple threads.
Thread initialization (Source: Talos)
Initially, the InitCfgSetupCreateEvent function in the malware initializes the config variables followed by two more threads via the CheckOSVersion_StartWorkerThreads function. These functions check the PowerShell and Windows versions, and the C2 is started with a campaign identifier and “Client Ready” message. Once the client is registered with the C2, the TTNG backdoor will ask the C2 for a task to execute.
This task is executed by the second thread, which was started with the CheckOSVersion_Start_WorkerThreads function, which waits until the TTNG backdoor receives the response from the C2.
In addition to this task execution, the backdoor also accepts the following command codes for the C2 as part of the administration of the implant or for file management.
timeout – changes the sleep duration between asking the C2 for new tasks
changeshell – switches the current shell (cmd.exe to Powershell.exe)
changepoint – tells the implant to switch to the second C2 URL
get – fetches a specified file from the C2
post – exfiltrates a file from the victim to the C2
killme – used to create a BAT file that is further used to delete a file from the disk of the victim machine.
Exfiltration Capabilities & C2
The backdoor uses a PowerShell script consisting of a C2 URL and file paths. The script also specifically excludes files with the extension “.mp4” and focuses on password management software and key materials that are used to secure password databases.
The files are then converted into a ZIP archive and exfiltrated to the C2 server using HTTP/S POST request along with the activity log. The C2 servers were discovered to consist of legitimate vulnerable WordPress-based websites that the Turla threat group compromised.
These C2 servers will contain directories and some files, such as
C2 scripts (folder): This directory consists of PHP scripts ending with the extensions – “.old.php” and the URLs of these C2 servers were coded into the TTNG backdoors
Logging (folder): This folder contains three log files
_log[.]txt: contains the log of all infected endpoints beaconing into the C2.
result[.]txt: contains the log of all messages received from the TTNG backdoor.
tasks[.]txt: contains the log of all commands issued to the infected hosts.
A novel, very sophisticated mobile Trojan dubbed GoldPickaxe.iOS that targets iOS users exclusively was discovered to collect facial recognition data, intercept SMS, and gather identity documents.
The Asia-Pacific region includes the majority of those impacted by this harmful activity. On the other hand, two APAC countries that deserve particular consideration are Vietnam and Thailand.
The GoldPickaxe family, which comes in iOS and Android variants, is based on the GoldDigger Android Trojan (discovered in October 2023) and receives frequent modifications to improve its functionality and avoid detection.
“To exploit the stolen biometric data from iOS and Android users, the threat actor creates deepfakes using AI face-swapping services to replace their faces with those of the victims. This method could be used by cybercriminals to gain unauthorized access to victims’ bank accounts”, Group-IB researchers shared with Cyber Security News.
DocumentLive Account Takeover Attack Simulation
Live attack simulation Webinar demonstrates various ways in which account takeover can happen and practices to protect your websites and APIs against ATO attacks.
Timeline of GoldFactory’s Trojans
Group-IB has linked the entire threat cluster to a single threat actor known as GoldFactory, which has created an advanced collection of mobile banking malware.
Timeline of GoldFactory’s Trojans
The traditional Android banking Trojan GoldDigger exploits Accessibility Service to provide hackers access to the device. Another Android malware that increases GoldDigger’s capability is called GoldDiggerPlus.
GoldDiggerPlus features an embedded Trojan called GoldKefu, which contains web fakes and allows real-time voice conversations with victims. A Trojan called GoldPickaxe was created for the iOS and Android operating systems used to obtain and exfiltrate biometric data and personal information from victims.
GoldPickaxe.iOS Employs a Notable Distribution Scheme
Thai financial institutions extensively utilize facial recognition for login authentication and transaction verification. Because of this, GoldPickaxe’s facial recognition video capture and unique features give attackers the chance to access bank accounts without authorization.
GoldPickaxe Trojans extract money from victims’ devices
Hackers are using their own Android smartphones to install banking apps, and they are exploiting the captured face scans to get over facial recognition security measures and gain unauthorized access to victims’ accounts.
Screenshots displaying how GoldPickaxe for Android captures a facial biometric profile
Cybercriminals pose as government officials in Thailand and convince victims to utilize LINE, one of the nation’s most widely used chat services. The LINE user needs to add another as a friend to initiate a chat.
“Malicious links are distributed through messengers to encourage the installation of the app. Victims are then lured into a fraudulent application posing as a ‘Digital Pension’ app, purportedly enabling them to receive their pension digitally”, according to Thailand Banking Sector CERT (TB-CERT).
Researchers noticed in one instance the CryptoRAM campaigns, in which fraudsters disseminated fake cryptocurrency applications by using Apple’s TestFlight platform.
Another technique is manipulating Apple devices using Mobile Device Management (MDM). MDM is an all-inclusive and centralized approach to controlling and safeguarding mobile devices inside an organization, including tablets and smartphones.
Thus, a proactive and comprehensive strategy for cybersecurity must include user education and integrated current security techniques to proactively identify the introduction of new Trojans and alert end users.
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Apple might have to dig deep into its pockets to pay off a fine being imposed on it by-who else-the EU. The fine, which could total 500 million EUR ($539 million), would be accompanied by a ban on certain App Store rules related to music streaming apps. The Financial Times (via Bloomberg) says that it has been told by five unnamed sources that claim to have knowledge of the matter, that the European Commission (EC) will announce the fines in a ruling to be released early next month.
Spotify squealed to the EU by filing an antitrust complaint against Apple in 2019; the music streamer complained about App Store rules then in place that prevented developers from sending customers links to alternative payment options. The alternative in-app payment platforms would have allowed Spotify to avoid having to pay Apple the 15%-30% cut it receives on in-app payments processed using the tech giant’s own in-app payment platform.
The Financial Times report states that the EC will say that Apple violated EU Anti-trust law creating “unfair trading conditions” for its rivals. Apple could consider itself lucky if the fine is limited to 500 million EUR since the penalty could have been as high as 10% of the company’s revenue for the most recent fiscal year. For the fiscal year 2023, Apple grossed $383 billion which means that the fine could have reached $38.3 billion.
Apple changed App Store rules in 2021 and the new App Store policy launched in 2022. It allowed developers of “Reader apps,” apps that provide content such as music, video, digital magazines, newspapers, books, and audio, to direct subscribers to the web to make payments and bypass the “Apple Tax.” But Spotify said this past summer that the changes made by Apple “were just for show.”
Spotify filed a complaint against Apple to the EU in 2019
Next month, with the release of iOS 17.4, iPhone users in the 27 EU states will be allowed to sideload apps from third-party app stores, use a mobile browser that runs on a different browser engine than Apple’s WebKit, and make in-app payments through alternative in-app purchasing platforms.
In-app purchases made through the EU App Store and processed through Apple’s platform will give the company a commission of 10%-17% of the transaction amount, down from the 15%-30% it collects in other parts of the world. Apple will not take any cut of in-app purchases processed through third-party platforms. But don’t start passing around a hat for Apple because it is adding a new Core Technology Fee for certain apps that are successful in the EU.
Apple states, “For developers who choose to agree to the new business terms in the EU, membership in the Apple Developer Program includes one million first annual installs per year for free for apps distributed from the App Store and/or alternative marketplaces. Developers who achieve exceptional scale on iOS in the EU will pay a Core Technology Fee of €0.50 (54 U.S. cents) for each first annual install over one million in the past 12 months.
The hackers, infamously known as IntelBroker and Sanggiero, claim to possess a trove of data from Robert Half, which is being sold for $20,000 in Monero (XMR) cryptocurrency.
In June 2022, Robert Half International Inc., a global staffing and business consulting service, filed a data breach notification with the Office of the Maine Attorney General. According to the notification, the company experienced a data breach in which hackers targeted more than 1,000 customers, successfully obtaining their names, addresses, social security numbers, and tax information.
Now, Hackread.com can confirm that individuals operating under the aliases IntelBroker and Sanggiero are claiming responsibility for another breach at Robert Half International. They claim to have successfully breached the company once again, bragging about the theft of a substantial amount of data.
The stolen data is currently being offered for sale on the notorious Breach Forums at the price of $20,000 in Monero (XMR) cryptocurrency. Notably, the data listing initially appeared on Thursday, February 8, 2024, and has remained active since then.
The hackers claim that they breached RobertHalf.com on the same day, indicating that this alleged data breach is separate from the previous one in 2022. However, it remains uncertain whether these are the same hackers responsible for the earlier breach.
IntelBroker on Breach Forum (Screenshot: Hackread.com)
Nevertheless, IntelBroker is already recognized for their high-profile and credible hacks, which include breaches of the Weee! Grocery, General Electric and the most recent data leak involving a partial Facebook Marketplace database.
The Alleged Stolen Data
Headquartered in Menlo Park, California, United States, and established in 1948, Robert Half International holds the distinction of being the world’s first and largest specialized talent solutions firm. With over 325 offices globally, spanning countries such as Australia, Brazil, the UAE, the UK, Germany, Japan, China, and Canada, the company presents a lucrative target for cybercriminals.
In their post on Breach Forums, IntelBroker disclosed that they managed to gain access to confidential records, employee documents, customer information, and configuration settings related to services such as OpenAI and Twilio.
The hackers additionally shared screenshots purportedly displaying the stolen data, Git repositories, and AWS-related system settings. One screenshot appears to reveal a client list, with companies listed under ‘Account Names,’ accompanied by full names, primary functional roles, titles, and phone numbers.
Sample data leaked by the hacker (Hackread.com)
The full scope of the breach and the number of affected individuals remain uncertain. Hackread.com has contacted Robert Half International Inc. for an official statement or clarification. As this is a developing story, the article will be updated accordingly.
Increasing Data Breaches
In the first two months of 2024, there has been a notable increase in data breaches affecting both companies and government organizations. Last week, Infosys disclosed a breach impacting over 57,000 Bank of America customers.
Earlier this month, two major US insurance companies, Washington National Insurance Company and Bankers Life and Casualty Company, reported a SIM-swapping-related breach affecting more than 66,000 customers.
In January, Jason’s Deli fell victim to a significant data breach, exposing the personal information of over 344,000 users due to a successful credential-stuffing attack. Also in January, hackers targeted Indian ISP Hathway, compromising the personal information and KYC records of over 4 million unsuspecting customers.
Google’s three apps that make writing and editing text such a breeze even on mobile devices, Docs, Slides and Sheets, have been updated earlier this week with a bunch of improvements to their comments system.
Over the weekend, the search giant confirmed that another important update is making its way to Android users. All three apps, Docs, Slides and Sheets, are getting a new formatting sidebar that reduces the number of taps needed to navigate to formatting options.
Basically, you’ll be able to arrange text, tables, images and more, much easier than before. The new formatting sidebar will be rolled out to Android tablets at the beginning of the next month, Google announced in a blog post.
According to the Mountain View company, the update will be released to Scheduled Release domains on March 6, while users enrolled in the Rapid Release domains should already be able to take advantage of the new formatting sidebar on their Android tablets.
It’s important to add that the new feature is available to all Google Workspace customers, Google Workspace Individual subscribers, and users with personal Google accounts. So, just about everyone who uses Google’s Docs, Slides, and Sheets apps.
In related news, Google announced that its Slides apps is getting another new feature that will allow users to easily drag and drop an image to replace the background in the app.
This feature is currently rolling out to Rapid Release domains and should be launched to Scheduled Release domains on February 26. It will be available to all Google Workspace customers, Google Workspace Individual subscribers, and users with personal Google accounts.
Remember Apple’s television ads for the iPhone 3G? The ad would tell you, regardless of any problem you need a solution for, “There’s an app for that.” When you think about it, for any subject matter that you have an interest in, there’s a podcast for that. And if you are an iPhone user, you probably use the Apple Podcasts app. But until recently, the app had a serious problem that was preventing users from listening to the latest episodes of certain Podcasts stored in the user’s library.
The bug prevents the latest episodes for affected podcasts from showing up as these episodes will not automatically be downloaded. This means that these podcasts won’t appear in the Up Next queue. If the user knows that a new episode for a podcast he/she follows has dropped, the episode can be discovered by looking for the new episode in the app’s search tab. But many podcast app users rely on getting alerted by the app whenever a new episode is ready and thanks to the bug, this is not happening.
Follow the workaround listed below to get the latest episode of a podcast you follow if it is affected by this bug
It’s unknown exactly how many podcasts are affected by the bug but complaints on social media seem to indicate that the problem is widespread. And there is the aforementioned workaround. Open the Apple Podcasts app and after tapping the Search tab on the bottom right of the screen type in the name of the podcast you want to hear the latest episode of and tap the blue “search” bar next to the space bar on the virtual QWERTY keyboard. Press the Episodes filter above the search results (which is also below the search bar) and the latest episode will be on the top of the list. Just press the play button on the right of the listing to hear it.
You might not have to do this much longer because some users say that they are now getting new episodes automatically sent to their Apple Podcasts app. If so, that’s good news. If not, try the workaround until your Podcast app is working perfectly again. By the way, if you don’t have the app on your iPhone, click on this link to download it from the App Store.
The #MonikerLink vulnerability (CVE-2024-21413) holds a CVSS score of 9.8 out of 10, indicating critical severity and high exploitability, potentially enabling system compromise with minimal user interaction.
Check Point Research (CPR) has discovered a critical security flaw in Microsoft Outlook. Dubbed the #MonikerLink; the vulnerability allows threat actors to execute arbitrary code on their targeted device. The research, detailed in a blog post, highlights the flaw’s potential to exploit the way Outlook processes certain hyperlinks.
The exploit is tracked as CVE-2024-21413 with a CVSS score of 9.8 out of 10, which means the vulnerability has critical severity and is highly exploitable, possibly allowing an attacker to compromise the system with minimal user interaction. This could lead to complete system compromise, denial of service, and data breach. Furthermore, an attacker could execute arbitrary code, steal data, and install malware.
The issue occurs due to the way Outlook processes the “file://” hyperlinks, leading to severe security implications. Threat actors can execute unauthorized code on the targeted device. CPR’s research reveals that the #MonikerLink vulnerability misuses the Component Object Model (COM) on Windows, allowing unauthorized code execution and leaking of local NTLM credential information.
The vulnerability exploits a user’s NTLM credentials to enable arbitrary code execution through the COM in Windows. When a user clicks on the malicious hyperlink, it connects to a remote server controlled by the attacker, compromising authentication details and potentially leading to code execution. This allows attackers to invoke COM objects and execute code on the victim’s machine remotely, bypassing the Protected View mode in Office applications.
Researchers studied three attack vectors for MS Windows-Outlook 2021: the “obvious” Hyperlink attack vector, the “normal” attachment attack vector, and the “advanced” attack vector. The “obvious” Hyperlink attack vector involves sending emails with malicious web hyperlinks, posing security risks in browsers.
The “normal” attachment attack vector involves the attacker sending a malicious email and luring the victim to open the attachment. The Advanced attack vector, the Email Reading attack vector, triggers security problems when the victim reads an email on Outlook.
Microsoft Outlook, one of the world’s most popular Microsoft Office suite apps, has become a critical gateway for introducing cyber threats into organizations. Microsoft’s Threat Protection Intelligence team discovered a critical vulnerability (CVE-2023-23397) in Outlook in March 2023 which threat actor Forest Blizzard was exploiting to steal Net-NTLMv2 hashes and access user accounts.
According to CPR’s blog post, the company has confirmed the latest vulnerability in Microsoft 365 environments and notified the Microsoft Security Response Center. Microsoft is yet to respond to the issue. Hackread.com will update readers as soon as more details are shared with the cybersecurity community.
This vulnerability, which extends beyond Outlook, poses a significant risk to organizational security. Both users and organizations are advised to apply patches, follow security practices, and remain vigilant against suspicious emails.
UPDATE: The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 is now getting the Android security update for February 2024 in the US. You can read more about it at the very end of the article.
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On August 10, Samsung announced a bunch of new products. The Galaxy Z Fold 4 was arguably the most popular among them. This is the company’s new foldable flagship. it is not the only foldable smartphone that was announced during that event, but it is the most powerful one. As usual, there’s a lot to talk about when it comes to this phone. We already have a ton of content on the site, but this article will come in handy if you’d like more information about the device.
In this article, we’ll try to squeeze as much information about the Galaxy Z Fold 4 as possible. You’ll be able to read about its price, general availability, specifications, features, accessories, and more. The Galaxy Z Fold 4 surely is not a cheap smartphone, but if you’d like to experience a foldable smartphone properly, this is one of your best options. Let’s see what the phone has to offer.
When does the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 come out?
The Galaxy Z Fold 4 pre-orders start on August 10, the same day the phone launched. The phone will become available to purchase starting on August 26.
How much does the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 cost?
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 comes in three variants, all of which include 12GB of RAM. The phone is available in 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB storage options. The phone’s pricing, for an unlocked variant, is set at $1,799. So, as you can see, its price is the same as last year. That was the price tag of the entry-level Galaxy Z Fold 3 when it launched a year ago. This time around, the options go all the way up to 1TB.
There are plenty of offers in the US for the Galaxy Z Fold 4. Do note that Samsung has some really neat offers, as do the US carriers. So, we’ll talk about those separately.
Samsung offers
Samsung has some pre-order offers in place for the Galaxy Z Fold 4. If you opt to pre-order the device between August 10 and August 25, you will receive a complimentary memory upgrade to double the storage. On top of that, Samsung will give you up to $1,000 off with an eligible trade-in, and a Standing Cover with Pen case. You’ll also get a $100 Samsung Credit.
Samsung also offers Samsung Care+ if you purchase this device, You’ll get 24/7 Samsung expert support, cracked screen repairs for as low as $29, protection against drops and spills, and more. Do note that coverage is available for $8 or $11/month.
AT&T offers
AT&T offers up to $1,000 off the retail price for the Galaxy Z Fold 4. You can get such a discount if you trade in your Galaxy phone. The discount will depend on the device you trade in, of course.
If you pre-order the phone from AT&T, you can get some added perks. Those perks include a free memory upgrade (double the storage), and a Samsung case.
Verizon offers
Verizon offers up to $800 off the Galaxy Z Fold 4 with a select trade-in on a qualified 5G Unlimited plan. You’ll also get a $200 Verizon eCard in that case, if you opt to sign up.
You can also get upgraded to the next storage tier for free if you pre-order the 256GB Galaxy Z Fold 4 from Verizon. The company is also offering, for a limited time, 50 percent off on select Samsung phone cases, 25 percent off select Samsung chargers, and if you buy the Galaxy Z Fold 4, you can get $75 off on the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro.
Where can I buy the Galaxy Z Fold 4?
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 will become available on August 26 from Samsung.com, Samsung Experience Store, and all major carriers and retailers. You can, however, already purchase the device, and some links are provided below.
What carriers support the Galaxy Z Fold 4?
All major carriers support the Galaxy Z Fold 4.
Which carriers will sell the Galaxy Z Fold 4?
The Galaxy Z Fold 4 will be sold by all major carriers in the country (US), and the world. In the US that goes for AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon.
Can I get an unlocked Galaxy Z Fold 4?
Yes, you can buy the unlocked Galaxy Z Fold 4. Both Samsung.com and Best Buy will sell it unlocked. Best of all, you’ll be able to use that device on any US carrier, and as well as MVNOs that run on those networks. So basically anywhere in the US.
What colors are available?
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 comes in three color variants. The company is using its semi-fancy names for these colors, which are Phantom Black, GrayGreen, and Beige. The first and last are kind of self-explanatory. You’re getting black and beige colors here. The second, well, that’s not the name we’d use for that color, but there you have it. The GrayGreen color is way more gray than green, it actually seems like a gray color with just a little bit of blue in it. In addition to those three colors, however, the Burgundy model is also available, but only exclusively from Samsung.com.
Folded: 155.1 x 67.1 x 15.8mm Unfolded: 155.1 x 130.1 x 6.3mm
Folded: 158.2 x 67.1 x 14.4-16mm Unfolded: 158.2 x 128.1 x 6.4mm
Weight
263 grams
271 grams
Price
$1,799
$1,799
Colors
Phantom Black Graygreen Beige
Phantom Black Phantom Silver Phantom Green Thom Browne Edition Wooyoungmi Edition
Available
Pre-order
Yes
What new features did Samsung unveil?
The Galaxy Z Fold 4 is a smartphone packed with features. Samsung’s One UI skin comes with plenty of added features, on top of what Android delivers on its own. We’ll talk about the most notable ones here, and do our best not to repeat some existing features/changes you’re quite familiar with.
Android 12L
Android 12L comes pre-installed on the Galaxy Z Fold 4. This is actually the very first smartphone to ship with Android 12L, in case you’re unaware. Google created Android 12L as a specialized version of its OS for large-screen devices. That includes both foldable phones and tablets.
Taskbar
With the Galaxy Z Fold 4, Samsung introduced a brand new ‘Taskbar’. Taskbar actually provides you with a layout similar to your PC. It allows you to quickly access your favorite and most recent apps, making you more productive in the process. Do note that this feature is supported on the main screen only.
Multitasking
Multitasking has also been improved on the Galaxy Z Fold 4. Not only because of the ‘Taskbar’, but the new swipe gestures Samsung introduced. You can instantly switch full-screen apps to pop-up windows or enter the split-screen mode. In order to use the new swipe gestures for multitasking, though, you’ll need to activate ‘Labs’ in the phone’s settings.
Improved cameras
The Galaxy Z Fold 4 was announced with the improved camera hardware. The main improvement is in the main camera, as a newer 50-megapixel sensor is used here. It comes with larger pixels, and this sensor allows for 23 percent more light to enter a scene. Samsung also says that image processing has been improved, and that is especially true for low-light scenarios.
Less visible under-display camera
The Galaxy Z Fold 3 was the company’s first smartphone with an under-display camera. That camera was still kind of visible, though, and looked quite odd at the same time. Well, Samsung decided to improve things in that department and claims that the under-display camera is now less visible than before. You can still see it, though.
What accessories are available?
Samsung launched several accessories alongside the Galaxy Z Fold 4, one case, and two S Pen accessories, at least in the US. You can read more about them below.
Standing Cover with S Pen
The Standing Cover with S Pen is the only case currently available for the Galaxy Z Fold 4. It comes with the S Pen, and a holster for it. It also has an adjustable kickstand to hold your screen up to a comfortable angle of 55 degrees. Graygreen, Black, and Sand color options are available, while the case is priced at $89.99.
The S Pen Fold Edition is Samsung’s S Pen stylus which is optimized for the Galaxy Z Fold 4. It has a precise 1.5mm tip, and low latency for easy and accurate writing, sketching, and drawing. It’s available in a black color only. This S Pen is priced at $49.99.
The S Pen Pro is a more advanced offering from Samsung, in comparison to the S Pen. How? Well, this one comes with Bluetooth built-in. That way, you can use it as a remote as well. The S Pen Pro can be yours for $99.99.
Samsung has started rolling out a new security update to the Galaxy Z Fold 4. Users in the US are now getting the February 2024 Android security update. The rollout is staged, and it’s coming over-the-air (OTA). It is now rolling out to factory-unlocked models. This update comes with a firmware version ‘F936U1UES4EXAD’, and the rollout started on Metro PCS and T-Mobile networks, but it will soon spread to other carriers. This update fixes 72 security vulnerabilities, but it doesn’t bring any new features, as expected.
Based on Deutsche Telekom’s statement, this AI assistant will “understand your goals and take care of the details”. So your voice commands are essentially supposed to get this AI assistant to do things for you.
It’s supposed to be able to conduct various tasks you ask of him, including planning trips, shopping, and even creating video clips, and editing images for you, if that’s what you need. This does sound great, but we wonder how well will it work considering the scope of actions you can do via your phone.
Now, Deutsche Telekom also says that it’s creating an interface where this AI assistant would be able to predict the next task you may ask of it. Needless to say, the AI aspect is powered by Brain.ai, one of Deutsche Telekom’s partners.
The cloud will play a huge part in how this device functions
All the smarts will be conducted in the cloud, so it shouldn’t put a strain on the phone itself. That would open the possibility of cheaper devices to use this technology.
So, yes, the technology will be demonstrated at MWC 2024, including some prototype phones. Those are not finished products, not at all. In fact, Deutsche Telekom was careful to state that the finished product would take some time to arrive.
Needless to say, this is a big challenge, and many would say that AI is simply not there yet. It will be interesting to see this device(s) in action, that’s for sure.
