Headlines that made us say “Whoa!” Google’s texting drama, video DJ, Samsung Messages breakup & more

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Headlines that made us say “Whoa!” Google’s texting drama, video DJ, Samsung Messages breakup & more
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Feeling a little out of the loop? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! We are back with another episode of “News You Probably Missed and Shouldn’t Have!” our weekly rundown of the tech headlines you might have missed. From the latest launches and announcements to big fails, we compiled a comprehensive weekly roundup to bring you back up to speed. So, buckle up, grab a cup of coffee, and get ready to catch up on the headlines that have been making waves.

Google Maps gets a major UI update on Android

Google Maps for Android is getting a makeover! Say goodbye to those pesky full-screen menus that always seemed to block your view of where you were going. Now, you can swipe up from the bottom to see them in fresh new sheets, like magic! Searching for directions is still the same old full-screen affair, but once entered, you get a newer UI. The update makes Google Maps less cluttered and more user-friendly. Let’s just hope they don’t accidentally hide the “directions” button altogether!

Fairphone announces Android 14 for Fairphone 5

Is your Fairphone 5 feeling a bit behind the times? Well, fret no more! It’s getting a software update that’s like a makeover for your phone. No more fumbling around in the dark with a not-so-dark dark mode. Now you can customize your phone by swapping buttons on the navigation bar, like rearranging the furniture in your house but with way less effort. And for those of us who are forgetful, our phones can now flash like a disco ball to remind us of notifications. Watch out for the Android 14 update in the coming weeks and let the good times roll (or should we say, flash)!

Google Photos readies an updated built-in video player

Google Photos is working on a feature that lets you be the DJ of your videos! You can finally speed up those boring vacation montages of your uncle staring at pigeons, or slow down that epic squirrel chase to make it look like a dramatic action movie. Just imagine chipmunks with tiny mustaches and sunglasses in slow motion – hilarious! But be warned, with great power comes great responsibility. Too much fast-forwarding might make your grandma dizzy, and slow-mo everything could turn a five-minute video into an overnight movie marathon. Use this power wisely!

Google Photos video player update

Google Messages brings back screen effects

Texting just got way more dramatic on Google Messages with the return of Screen Effects. Now you can send a “Congrats” and watch a confetti explosion. Feeling beachy? Text “Going to the beach” and witness a digital tsunami of pool floats and beach umbrellas. But beware, this feature can backfire. Text “Boo” with too few o’s and you might get a virtual shrug instead of a tomato barrage. And if you laugh too hard with just three “hahaha”s, well, you’ll be left disappointed. So unleash your inner drama queen responsibly, and remember, four “hahahaha”s are the minimum for a dancing tube man!

Samsung stops pre-loading its Messages app on Galaxy devices

Samsung is breaking up with its own messaging app! In the US, new Galaxy phones like the Z Flip 6 are ditching the pre-installed Samsung Messages app and going steady with Google Messages instead. Looks like Google’s RCS texts finally won Samsung’s heart (or maybe the Korean company just got tired of maintaining two apps). Fear not, Samsung fans! You can still download the old app if you miss it dearly. But for everyone else, get ready for a future filled with… uh… Google Messages?

YouTube Music now lets you mark podcasts as played

YouTube Music finally listened to users’ pleas (begging, really) and added a “Mark as played” feature for podcasts. It’s like they graduated Podcast 101 this week! Previously, your only option was to pretend to listen to the whole thing while fast-forwarding like a maniac. Now you can just tap a button and, voila, podcast progress gets a thumbs up. If you accidentally mark a podcast as played, fear not. There is also a “Mark as unplayed” button to undo the accident. Beware, not every accident can be undone.

YouTubew Music podcasts mark as played

Android Auto prepares to tune with your car’s built-in radio

Looks like Android Auto is finally moving out of its phone-based music bubble and getting ready to jam with the car’s built-in radio. No more switching between apps to change stations – Android Auto might soon be your one-stop shop for all things audio in your car. This is great news for drivers who want a smoother music experience. Imagine cruising down the highway, seamlessly switching between your Spotify playlist and the latest hits on the radio, all controlled from the same interface.

Samsung prepares satellite connectivity for Galaxy phones

Looks like the Galaxy S25 is about to phone home… literally! Samsung might be joining the space race, equipping the S25 with satellite connectivity for emergencies. Imagine getting lost in the wilderness, phone signal kaput. But fear not, with the S25, you can send an SOS text that blasts off to a satellite and beams your message for help. Just be careful not to accidentally text your grocery list to aliens.

T-Mobile outruns the competition in the 5G speed test

T-Mobile is on a winning streak, crushing Verizon and AT&T in network tests like a boss! Download speeds are so fast on T-Mobile, it’s almost unfair. Imagine downloading a movie in the time it takes to say “network congestion.” The carrier might not be perfect (because let’s be real, no carrier is) but according to users, they’re at least the most likable of the bunch. Although, with speeds this fast, who needs friends anyway? You’ll be too busy streaming cat videos (or whatever it is you cool kids do these days) to care.

As the smartphone market grows, Samsung is still at the top

Hold onto your hats, smartphone fans! The global market grew a healthy 6.5% in Q2 2024, according to IDC. Looks like the future is still bright (and probably filled with apps). Samsung is still the world’s biggest smartphone vendor, capturing nearly 19 percent of the market. It sold 54 million smartphones between April and June this year. Apple, Xiaomi, Vivo, and OPPO, made up the top five brands. These companies left only 32 percent of the market for other players. Imagine the hustle between Google, Tecno, HMD, Sony, Motorola, Infinix, Lava, etc.

Q2 2024 smartphone market IDC


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Beware Grand Theft Auto Fans! Fake GTA VI Beta Download Spreads Malware

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Beware Grand Theft Auto Fans! Fake GTA VI Beta Download Spreads Malware
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Grand Theft Auto VI fans beware of Fake GTA VI Beta download ads! Don’t get scammed by fake GTA VI beta versions advertised on social media. Learn how to spot these phishing attempts and protect yourself from malware.

Grand Theft Auto (GTA) is a household name in gaming, and Rockstar Games, the developer behind GTA, has announced the release of Grand Theft Auto VI in Autumn 2025 for PS5 and Xbox Series, which has got fans all excited.

However, this presents threat actors with the perfect opportunity to exploit fans, with Bitdefender researchers detecting suspicious Facebook ads and promoting fake beta versions for free download on PC. 

Social media users, particularly those following GTA content, might encounter sponsored ads promising early access to a non-existent GTA VI beta. These ads often showcase tempting features, early release dates, and even include convincing-looking gameplay footage (likely stolen from 2022’s Rockstar data breach and other sources)

According to Bitdefender‘s report, between July 16 and 18, researchers came across a Facebook page promoting free access to the GTA beta version for the first 100 people through sponsored ads. This page was running three different ads all using the same message and visuals, targeting people aged 18-65.

The malicious domain used in the ad was created on June 27, 2024, and was also hosting another Ethereum scam. Users in Europe, including France, Poland, Romania, Germany, Spain, Hungary, Italy, Greece, the Netherlands, and Sweden were the primary targets. 

Security researcher Andrei Mogage’s analysis revealed that the MSI file downloaded through the Facebook ad impersonated a legitimate GTA VI installer and mimicked the installation process. The file shared similarities with FakeBat loader malware that deployed malicious payloads and PowerShell scripts to download next-stage malware like info-stealers and RATs.

Clicking the ad leads to a website mimicking a legitimate download page. Here, a user might be prompted to download an ‘exclusive beta client’ or complete a survey to gain access. These downloads aren’t beta versions; they’re malware in disguise. It is worth noting that Rockstar Games has not announced a beta program for GTA VI.

The three malicious samples available for download from the ads were “broken” and could not execute payloads or exfiltrate data. As of July 19, none of these malicious ads remain active.

Beware Grand Theft Auto Fans! Fake GTA VI Beta Download Spreads Malware
Malicious GTA 6 Facebook ads (Bitdefender)
Beware Grand Theft Auto Fans! Fake GTA VI Beta Download Spreads Malware
Malicious GTA 6 Facebook ad (Bitdefender)
Beware Grand Theft Auto Fans! Fake GTA VI Beta Download Spreads Malware
Clicking download leads to a malicious domain running ETH scam and also drops a malicious MSI file (Bitdefender)

Facebook’s history of approving malicious ads

While the reported malicious ads may be removed, there could be hundreds of such malicious ads currently running on social media, especially Facebook, which is known for approving malicious ads.

In February 2024, Savvy Seahorse, a DNS threat actor, was found using Facebook ads to promote and lure unsuspecting victims into its investment scams. In November 2023, Facebook displayed AI-generated “provocative” ads that spread NodeStealer malware.

Back in April 2021, Facebook approved an advertisement that displayed and distributed a Facebook Messenger phishing link. In April 2021, Facebook also displayed an ad that mimicked the Clubhouse app but, in reality, was malware.

But that’s not all. The severity of malicious Facebook ads is highlighted by a December 2020 report, which revealed that hackers phished more than 615,000 login credentials using Facebook ads.

Nevertheless, you can easily spot fakes in the gaming industry as these often make unrealistic promises, and poor grammar, and create urgency to download games. To stay safe, ignore sponsored social media ads, and download games from official sources like the developer’s website or trusted retailers.

You May Also Like…

  1. Hackers remotely interrupting GTA Online PC Gameplay
  2. Fake Ads Manager Software Target Facebook Accounts
  3. Fake ChatGPT and AI pages on Facebook are spreading infostealers
  4. Beware of Fake Facebook Profiles, Google Ads Pushing Sys01 Stealer
  5. Russian Hacker Exploits GTA 5 PC Mod to Install Cryptocurrency Miner

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With iOS 18, iPhone users can open any app without unlocking their phones

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With iOS 18, iPhone users can open any app without unlocking their phones
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Forgetting about Apple Intelligence for a minute, there are plenty of non-AI features coming to iPhone users this year thanks to iOS 18. You can lock an app and require Face ID or your Passcode to open it. Or, you can hide an app so no one sees it on your home screen. With iOS 18, you’ll be allowed to. customize the app icons on your home screen by moving them around or by selecting a color theme. When sending a message, you can schedule the time that it will be sent with “Send Later,” and there is finally support for RCS messages.
There are plenty more new features in iOS 18 including one that will allow you to open any app from the Lock Screen. This is possible because Apple will allow you to customize the  Lock Screen shortcuts that currently open the flashlight on the left side and the camera on the right side. Actually, with iOS 18, you’ll be able to launch any app without unlocking your iPhone. That’s pretty cool, eh?
You can wait until September when the stable version of iOS 18 is released, or you can roll the dice, install the iOS 18 Public Beta, hope that features you need aren’t impacted, and enjoy the new features. We suggest the Public Beta over the Developer Beta because the Public Beta is released after the Developer Beta has been dropped and Apple has had the time to patch any major issues.
You can have any of your apps open on your iPhone even with the device locked. | Image credit-Apple - With iOS 18, iPhone users can open any app without unlocking their phones

You can have any of your apps open on your iPhone even with the device locked. | Image credit-Apple

Once you install the iOS 18 beta, long press on the Lock Screen. You’ll see two “-” buttons, one next to the icon on the lower left and one next to the icon on the lower right. Press the button next to the icon you want to replace and then tap the “+” button. Select Open App and select the app you want to open from your Lock Screen. Tap on Done. And that is all there is to it.

To install the iOS 18 Public Beta on your iPhone, go to Settings > General > Software Update. Tap on Beta Updates, select iOS 18 Public Beta, hit the back button in the upper left corner, and you’ll see your invitation to update to the beta. Follow the directions to install it.


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How a fake video streaming app tricked Apple into giving it an App Store listing

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How a fake video streaming app tricked Apple into giving it an App Store listing
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We often hear about malware being discovered on an Android app that somehow managed to escape the Google Play Protect layer of protection. Last year, malware was downloaded from the Google Play Store over 600 million times according to cybersecurity firm Kaspersky. Apple also gets fooled by developers looking to pull the wool over the company’s eyes to obtain a listing in the App Store.

An app, recently removed from the App Store by Apple, was able to trick the App Store Review team to gain a listing in the iOS app storefront which it held for years. The developer employed the old ‘UI switcheroo’ technique. The app, titled “Collect Cards: Store box” appeared on the surface to be an app where an iPhone user might store and manage photos and videos. So far so good although we do note that the native Photos app and the Google Photos app are both outstanding on iOS.

The App Store listing for the app didn’t reveal much about it and the screenshots seemed to confirm that the app was designed to store users’ photos and videos. But the “Collect Cards: Store box” app had a secret dark side that helped it become the second most downloaded free app in the Brazilian version of the App Store. That alone should have set off some alarms inside Apple since you wouldn’t expect a rather plain-looking photo and video storage app to gain “must-have” status in one country.

Sure enough, the app would first determine the location of the user before fully loading. In the U.S., the app would load the basic UI of a photo and video storage app. In other regions, like in Brazil, the app was a pirate streaming service showing content from Disney+, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and HBO Max. To really rub salt in the wound, the app even displayed content from Apple TV+.

When Apple was vetting the app in the U.S., all it saw was a mild-mannered photos and video storage app. In other markets where Apple didn’t look, the app turned into an evil super anti-hero disseminating streaming content that the user usually had to buy in order to view. Apple did take down “Collect Cards: Store box” after 9to5Mac ran a story on the app and we hope that Apple has made a change to its app vetting process so, as the Who once sang, it won’t get fooled again.

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Ulefone Armor 25T Thermal Phone First Sale Price of $259.99 Ending Soon

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Ulefone Armor 25T Thermal Phone First Sale Price of $259.99 Ending Soon
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Tech enthusiasts and rugged smartphone devotees, take note: the world premiere sale of the Ulefone Armor 25T on AliExpress is about to draw to a close at the end of July 20(PT). Priced at an exceptional $259.99, this limited-time offer is set to end, marking the final opportunity to acquire the 4G version of the 5G-enabled Armor 25T Pro at this groundbreaking price.

The Ulefone Armor 25T has captivated audiences with its slim yet robust design since its debut. Ulefone’s dedication to creating a device that’s as durable as it is stylish is reflected in its stringent compliance with IP68/IP69K and MIL-STD-810H standards, fortified by the Ulefone defender structure.

A recently leaked durability test video on YouTube showcases the Armor 25T’s resilience like never before. In this compelling footage, the device undergoes a series of relentless challenges that would daunt most smartphones. It crushes walnuts with ease, serves as a makeshift hammer to drive nails into wood, and even faces the intense heat of a flame—yet the screen remains pristine.

The true test of the Armor 25T’s mettle comes when it’s plunged into the water, simulating a scenario that would spell disaster for lesser devices. It emerges unscathed, a testament to its waterproof capabilities. Dropped from significant heights, and dropped into sand, the Armor 25T demonstrates its shockproof nature, dusted off and ready for more.

Ulefone Armor 25T Pro (2)

Besides a durable structure, Armor 25T stands out with its dual vision technology, that is thermal imaging and infrared night vision capabilities. The thermal imaging sensor’s 160 x 120 high resolution and the highest 25Hz frame rate offer a diagnostic tool unmatched in the thermal rugged smartphone market, while the night vision camera, supported by OMNIVISION’s OV64B 64MP high-resolution sensor and Ulefone’s NightElf Ultra 3.0 algorithm, ensures clarity even in total darkness.

Its appearance and design reflect a modern aesthetic with a Kevlar texture back cover and a metallic frame, full of technology and a sense of future. Under the hood, the MediaTek Helio G99 SoC, up to 12GB of RAM, and 256GB of expandable storage provides the performance needed for demanding tasks, while the 6.78-inch Full HD+ display with a 120Hz refresh rate offers a smooth and immersive viewing experience.

The Armor 25T’s 6500mAh battery, with support for 33W fast and 30W wireless charging, enables users to power through their day without worrying about battery life. The inclusion of the latest Android 14 OS guarantees a secure and feature-rich user experience.

The clock is ticking on Ulefone’s world premiere sale for the Armor 25T on AliExpress! Don’t miss your chance to snag this exceptional rugged phone at its introductory price. The Armor 25T offers incredible value and performance, making it the perfect choice for anyone seeking a future-proof, tough thermal imaging smartphone.


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Pixel 9 Pro buyers to get a limited pre-order gift in some regions

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Pixel 9 Pro buyers to get a limited pre-order gift in some regions
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Google will launch the Pixel 9 Pro in August, and some lucky people will get a special pre-order gift. However, it seems that the promo will be available in just a few regions. The Google Store describes the gift as a “limited-edition collectible.”

The Pixel 9 Pro special pre-order gift will not only be limited in terms of regions but also in available units. For starters, only buyers based in Australia, Japan, Singapore, and Taiwan will be able to try to get it. Also, the Google Store says it will be a “special gift for our first orders.” It seems that just pre-ordering the device won’t be enough, so interested parties must act quickly.

Some regions will get a Pixel 9 Pro with gift and a special box for the first pre-orders

The Google Stores in Australia, Japan, and Singapore try to keep the gift a bit mysterious. They say it is a “piece of Google Pixel design history.” However, the one from Taiwan “ruins” the surprise a bit by saying that it could be a set of “original Google Pixel design posters.” Anyway, there may still be more surprises in the box.

Regarding the box, it will also be different from the normal one. According to the image, the box has a thicker cardboard cover, similar to a book. The cover is engraved with the multicolored “G” Google logo in the center and “Google Store” just below. Its interior is black, and it also appears to use a thick material. In general, the box is quite elegant and even decorative.

It seems that vanilla Pixel 9 buyers will not receive something similar. Google Stores say the gift is “exclusively for the first orders of our new Pixel 9 Pro phones.” Also, there is no news yet on special pre-order gifts for other markets. The company is likely to offer promotions such as discounts on Google products or even free accessories in multiple markets. However, it would be great if this special Pixel 9 Pro with a more elegant box and limited edition posters reaches more regions.

pixel 9 pro pre order gift box
Source: 9to5Google

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Google Pixel 9 series may include two years of Satellite SOS

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Google Pixel 9 series may include two years of Satellite SOS
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In recent years, terms like “AI” and “satellite connectivity” have taken the smartphone industry by storm. Apple popularized the latter by implementing support in the iPhone 14 series. Now, it seems that Google will enter the segment by offering a Satellite SOS feature in the Pixel 9 series.

The Android 15 beta 4 arrived recently, and its code is revealing potential new features that Pixel phones or Android devices in general will get. Android Authority found direct references to Satellite SOS telecommunications that would be present in the Pixel 9 series, which is expected to include the necessary hardware to support it. A leak from mid-April showed what the UI would look like while showing instructions to establish a connection with a satellite.

The Satellite SOS feature would be free for two years on the Pixel 9 series

According to the report, strings in the Android 15 beta 4 code mention the name “Pixel Satellite SOS.” This suggests that Google is working on support for emergency satellite telecommunications on Pixel devices. However, it will probably only be available on the Pixel 9 series and future models. This is because current and older models do not integrate the required hardware.

In addition, the strings suggest that Google would offer a period of free use similar to that of iPhone devices. That is, the Pixel Satellite SOS service would be free for two years. After the term expires, people would have to start paying a fee to continue using it. More specifically, the string says that “Satellite SOS is included at no charge for {two} years.”

The source suggests that “{two}” could be just a placeholder, so the actual free trial time could differ. However, it seems certain that the company will offer a time of use without having to pay.

The feature could arrive later with an update

Interestingly, another string mentions that “Your Pixel has been updated to support satellite communication.” So, the feature may not be available on the Pixel 9 series for launch. Instead, it would arrive later through an update.

Android 15 is just getting full support for satellite telecommunications. This means that the OS natively includes the tools necessary to use it and for other apps to detect it. However, it is up to each manufacturer to implement their own solution on their devices. They need to reach deals with telecommunications carriers to enable the service.


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Google teases Pixel 9 Pro Fold availability in 11 countries

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Google teases Pixel 9 Pro Fold availability in 11 countries
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Google has hinted it would expand Pixel 9 Pro Fold’s availability. Specifically speaking, the Pixel-branded foldable from Google could be available in 11 countries starting next month.

Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold to be available in multiple new regions

Google has a rather complex distribution strategy for its Pixel smartphones. The company doesn’t offer its Pixel devices across the globe.

The Pixel 9 Pro Fold could be one of the few series to have substantially wider availability than the Pixel Fold, which launched last year. Google restricted the availability of the Pixel Fold to Germany, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

Google has reportedly started teasing about the launch and availability of the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. According to the teasers posted on the Google Store, the upcoming foldable Android smartphone will be available in the following 11 countries. This includes Australia, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Japan, Singapore, Taiwan, the United Kingdom, the United States, and India.

Will all the variants of the Google Pixel 9 Pro be available in the new markets?

Google is gradually expanding in new markets. In other words, the Pixel-branded Android smartphones are officially entering new territories.

Google is allowing its Pixel line to be sold in new markets in Asia, Europe, and North America. However, not all the devices from the upcoming Pixel 9 series will be available in the 11 new markets, Google has hinted.

The Google Store in Italy and Spain is reportedly teasing the Pixel 9 Pro. In other words, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold appears to be missing. The Google Store page for Singapore does tease the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. However, it showcases just the Obsidian model. Several other regional Google Store pages, except India, are promoting the Porcelain Pixel 9 Pro Fold.

One of the biggest highlights of the upcoming Pixel 9 series of devices appears to be Gemini, Google’s Generative Artificial (Gen AI) engine. Google is hinting that the “Pro” variants of the Pixel 9 series would have a year’s subscription to “Gemini Advanced”, which is competing with the ChatGPT Plus Gen AI.


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July update lands on Galaxy A54, A34 and more Galaxy models

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July update lands on Galaxy A54, A34 and more Galaxy models
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Samsung marches on with its July security update rollout. Having already updated all eligible flagships and foldables in most parts of the world, the company is rapidly sweeping through the mid-range lineup. It recently released the new security patch for the Galaxy A54, Galaxy A34, Galaxy A15, Galaxy A14, and a few other models.

Galaxy A54, A34, and more Samsung devices get the July security update

The July security update for Galaxy devices, aka July SMR (Security Maintenance Release), contains over 60 patches. These include fixes for Android OS vulnerabilities from Google and partners and fixes for Galaxy vulnerabilities from Samsung. At least six security flaws patched this month are confirmed to be critical vulnerabilities, potentially allowing a threat actor to gain remote access to an infected Galaxy smartphone or tablet.

Samsung has already pushed the new SMR to dozens of Galaxy devices, including some mid-range models. A few more models recently joined the party. The Galaxy A54 is picking up the update in Samsung’s home country South Korea and the US. The new firmware build numbers for the phone are A546SKSS6CXG1 (Korean units) and S546VLUDS9CXG2 (US units on Tracfone’s network). A global rollout should be just around the corner.

The Galaxy A34, a 2023 mid-range phone Samsung didn’t release in the US, is receiving the July update in Latin America. The new SMR is available widely in the region with the build number A346MUBS8CXF1 or A346MUBS8CXF2. The official changelog from Samsung says the device is getting some system stability improvements along with the latest security patches. Don’t expect any major new features, though.

The Galaxy A15 and Galaxy A14 are the other two Samsung smartphones that recently started getting the July security update. The update is available in various international markets but with similar changelogs. It’s only a security patch with no additional goodies. These budget and mid-range phones are unlikely to receive major new feature updates before Android 15 and One UI 7.0, which may arrive in early 2025.

Wider rollout for other models

Alongside these Galaxy A phones, Samsung is widely rolling out the July SMR to the Galaxy Note 20 series, Galaxy S20 FE, and Galaxy A53. The last Note phones first picked up the update in the US. It’s now available in other markets, including Europe. The latter two phones, meanwhile, initially received the July update in international markets. Samsung recently rolled it out to the US units. You can check for new updates from the Settings app.


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CrowdStrike update at center of Windows “Blue Screen of Death” outage

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CrowdStrike update at center of Windows “Blue Screen of Death” outage
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A faulty update from the cybersecurity vendor CrowdStrike crashed countless Windows computers and sent them into a “Blue Screen of Death” (BSOD), grinding to a halt the global operations of airlines, hospitals, news broadcasters, transportation agencies, and more.

The incident itself is not the result of a cyberattack. There is no evidence of a breach or of any cybercriminal involvement.

But, as Malwarebytes Labs has reported before, many major events can lead to follow-on threats of phishing and scams, and this global outage is no different. On July 19, the US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) issued an advisory on this same risk:

“CISA has observed threat actors taking advantage of this incident for phishing and other malicious activity. CISA urges organizations and individuals to remain vigilant and only follow instructions from legitimate sources. CISA recommends organizations to remind their employees to avoid clicking on phishing emails or suspicious links.”

As of reporting, CrowdStrike has already issued a fix.

What happened

On July 19, businesses in Australia began reporting that their Windows computers were restarting automatically into a BSOD, making them inaccessible to users. The reports were limited only to Windows machines and, as verified later by CrowdStrike, computers running Mac OS or Linux were not affected.

As IT admins in Australia scrambled to get their organizations back online, the same BSOD issue began greeting workers across Europe. The problem, it became clear, was becoming global, with reports of similar problems in Germany, Japan, India, and, eventually, the United States.

Hundreds of businesses were immediately impacted. Flights were grounded. Delays are being warned for package delivery provider UPS. Hospitals in the state of Maryland began cancelling procedures. And The Washington Post reported that, while many retailers were unscathed, coffee giant Starbucks was experiencing difficulties with its mobile ordering system.

What every affected business had in common was their use of Windows computers running CrowdStrike’s cybersecurity platform.

In the past 24 hours, CrowdStrike issued a faulty software update for Windows devices that included a problematic “channel file.” Windows devices that installed this update were then sent into a boot loop back into the “Blue Screen of Death” which kept users from accessing their own computers.

The fix

As of 05:27 AM UTC, CrowdStrike had identified the faulty channel file and issued a new, safe channel file for use. Deleting the channel file and installing the correct channel file, however, could require direct, physical access to a computer—a particularly time-intensive task as increasingly more businesses have adopted hybrid and Work From Home models.

CrowdStrike has a full statement on hox to fix Windows machines that are still stuck in the BSOD loop here.

Everyday users who are affected by this outage on their work machines or personal machines are not at heightened risk of a cybersecurity attack. Instead, people should simply remain vigilant about malicious emails and websites that promise fixes for the problem. For any and all maintenance, rely on CrowdStrike’s official statements and, if experiencing problems at work, rely on your IT admin.

Summer mega sale

Go into your vacation knowing you’re much more secure: This summer you can get a huge 50% off a Malwarebytes Standard subscription or Malwarebytes Identity bundle. Run, don’t walk!


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