Home - h4ckers-news

Everything You Need To Know – Updated February 2024

Android

andreasc

-

February 10, 2024

Everything You Need To Know – Updated February 2024

[ad_1]

The OnePlus 10 Pro is no longer the latest and greatest smartphone from OnePlus. That title now belongs to the OnePlus 12.

The OnePlus 10 Pro initially launched in China on January 11, while the global launch followed on March 31. OnePlus opted to announce only one flagship this time around, the regular OnePlus 10 was not introduced, at all. There are some rumors that the OnePlus 10 Ultra is coming later this year, though. For now, however, OnePlus is putting all of its flagship hopes into the OnePlus 10 Pro.

The global variant of the device is quite similar to the Chinese one. It looks basically the same, while the internals are quite similar. One interesting change for North America is a decrease in charging speed compared to other markets. The global model also comes with global software, of course. In this article, we’ll try to provide you with a ton of information about the OnePlus 10 Pro, and hopefully give you enough information to decide whether you’d like to purchase it or not. Do note that we’ll focus on the US model here.

How much does the OnePlus 10 Pro cost?

The OnePlus 10 Pro surprisingly comes in only one RAM and storage option, in the US. You can only get an 8GB RAM model of the device with 128GB of storage. OnePlus, for some reason, decided not to offer the 12GB RAM model, nor offer more storage to its consumers in the States. The 12GB RAM variant with 256GB of storage will come at a later date.

In the UK, Europe, and India, you can get both 8GB RAM + 128GB storage and 12GB RAM + 256GB storage options. In Europe, the two variants cost €899 and €999, respectively. In the UK, you can get them for £799 and £899, while in India they cost INR66,999 and INR71,999.

Pre-order the OnePlus 10 Pro (OnePlus.com)

Should I wait for a price drop?

If you’re planning to get the OnePlus 10 Pro in the foreseeable future, no, you probably shouldn’t OnePlus does tend to discount its flagship offerings after a while, but that doesn’t happen as soon as it does for some other brands. OnePlus does it after quite some time, so if you do need a phone in the near future, waiting a couple of months won’t do you much good. The good news is, however, that the OnePlus 10 Pro is more affordable than its predecessor, a $100 more affordable from the get-go. For comparison’s sake, the OnePlus 9 Pro now starts at $799, while it was originally priced at $999. So, getting the OnePlus 10 Pro probably isn’t a bad idea from the get-go, if you’re planning to get it either way.

What offers are available at launch?

OnePlus.com:

If you do opt to pre-order the OnePlus 10 Pro from OnePlus directly, you can get a free pair of earphones. In other words, you can get the OnePlus Buds Z2 if you get the device during the pre-order period. The pre-orders start today, and will basically last until the phone goes on sale on April 14. This offer is applicable for purchases via OnePlus.com.

BestBuy:

BestBuy also has a launch offer for you: Whether you decide to pre-order the phone, or get it once it launches on April 14, you can get a $100 gift card. You can, of course, spend it on whatever you want in BestBuy.

Amazon:

Those of you who prefer to get the device from Amazon, well, you’re in luck, as a pre-order offer is available here as well. Whether you pick the phone up during the pre-order period, or when it launches on April 14, you can get a free Amazon Echo Show 8 with it.

Where can I buy the OnePlus 10 Pro?

The OnePlus 10 Pro pre-orders start today, March 31. The phone will go on sale on April 14, in case you’re wondering. You can pre-order the device directly from OnePlus, at OnePlus.com, or get it from Amazon, BestBuy, or T-Mobile. That gives you plenty of purchasing options in the US, to say the least. The device may be available via other retailers in the States as well, but these are the options OnePlus officially mentioned at launch.

What carriers support the OnePlus 10 Pro?

The OnePlus 10 Pro is being sold by T-Mobile (in addition to other retailers and OnePlus itself), so you will be able to use T-Mobile’s 5G network, both low-band and mid-band. T-Mobile’s 5G network does best in the mid-band sector, so you’re good to go

When it comes to Verizon, well, the company is still working on getting the phone certified, that was the situation at launch. Verizon’s 5G should become compatible by the time the phone launches, or soon after that. You won’t be able to take advantage of 5G mmW, though, as the device doesn’t support it in the US. That won’t be a problem for many people, though.

If you’re set on buying the OnePlus 10 Pro and using its 5G capability, you may want to avoid AT&T. OnePlus doesn’t want to get the OnePlus 10 Pro certified with AT&T 5G, so you’re out of luck.

Which carriers will sell the OnePlus 10 Pro?

Only one carrier in the US will sell the OnePlus 10 Pro, at least from the get-go. As is usually the case, the carrier that will do it is T-Mobile. That was the case last year, and the same is the case this year.

What colors are available?

The OnePlus 10 Pro launched in two color options in the US, and other markets outside of China. Those two colors are Volcanic Black and Emerald Green. The device also arrived in the White color in China, but that variant didn’t launch globally, at least not for now. It’s possible OnePlus will add more color options later on, though. Do note that some retailers may not offer both color options.

What are the specs of the OnePlus 10 Pro?

Below are the specs for the OnePlus 10 Pro, and next to it, you’ll notice specs for the OnePlus 9 Pro, for comparison’s sake.

	OnePlus 10 Pro	OnePlus 9 Pro
Display	6.7-inch QHD+ LTPO2 AMOLED 120Hz	6.7-inch FHD+ LTPO Fluid2 AMOLED 120Hz
Processor	Snapdragon 8 Gen 1	Snapdragon 888
RAM	8GB/12GB (8GB only in the US)	8GB/12GB
Storage	128GB/256GB/512GB (128GB only in the US)	128GB/256GB
Battery Capacity	5000mAh	4500mAh
Charging Speeds	80W (65W North America) fast wired charging 50W wireless charging Reverse wireless charging	65W fast wired charging 50W wireless charging Reverse wireless charging
Software	Android 12, OxygenOS 12	Android 11, OxygenOS 11 (upgradable)
Rear Cameras	50MP wide 8MP telephoto 48MP ultrawide	48MP wide 8MP telephoto 50MP ultrawide 2MP monochrome
Front Camera	32MP	16MP
Dimensions	163 x 73.9 x 8.6mm	163.2 x 73.6 x 8.7mm
Weight	200.5 grams	197 grams
Price	$899.99	$799.99
Colors	Volcanic Black Forest Emerald	Morning Mist Forest Green Stellar Black
Available	Pre-order	Yes

What new features did OnePlus unveil?

The OnePlus 10 Pro comes with a brand-new design, and improved specs, of course. It does pack in some new features that are worth talking about, though. Some of these you’re probably familiar with, others, not so much. We’ll try to highlight some interesting ones here, that basically define the phone.

New cooling system

The OnePlus 10 Pro comes with a brand-new cooling system to boost its performance and keep its temperature at bay. OnePlus implemented a new 5-layer 3D Passive Cooling System here. The company says that this is “the most advanced cooling system ever in a OnePlus phone”.

Blazing fast charging

The OnePlus 9 Pro offered 65W wired, and 50W wireless charging. The same goes for the US OnePlus 10 Pro variant, but in Europe, for example, the device goes all the way up to 80W when it comes to wired charging. All those charging speeds are incredibly fast, and truth be said not many people will complain one way or the other. 65W SuperVOOC charging, for example, can get you from 1 to 100 percent in only 34 minutes, while 50W AirVOOC charging can do the same in 47 minutes. Not many people will care about the 65W to 80W difference, considering how fast this charging is.

Next-gen display

The OnePlus 9 Pro did arrive with an LTPO display which was able to refresh between 1Hz and 120Hz. Well, the OnePlus 10 Pro can do the same, but it can do it even faster. The device comes with an LTPO2 display, and it will consume less power than the panel on the OnePlus 9 Pro. It is still extremely bright, large, curved, and vibrant, while it also offers a great touch sampling rate.

HyperBoost Gaming Engine

The OnePlus 10 Pro also includes something called the ‘HyperBoost Gaming Engine’. That engine powers a number of gaming features on Android, as a result, you should get a better gaming experience. OnePlus specifically mentioned the General Performance Adapter (GPA) Frame Stabilizer and O-Sync. The GPA Frame Stabilizer should actually reduce frame rate fluctuation when you’re gaming. O-Sync increases the syncing speed between the OnePlus 10 Pro’s SoC and display.

Second-gen Hasselblad camera setup

OnePlus once again partnered up with Hasselblad. The OnePlus 9 series phones were the result of the first partnership, and the OnePlus 10 Pro is the second-gen product. Hasselblad’s color science is baked into the OnePlus 10 Pro, and the phone is capable of shooting in full 10-bit color. The device processes 64 times more color than smartphones that shoot in 8-bit color. It also captures photos using the DCI-P3 color gamut, and the phone’s ultrawide camera offers a 150-degree FoV. The phone also supports capture in 12-bit RAW on all three cameras and much more.

OxygenOS 12

Along with Android 12, OxygenOS 12 comes pre-installed on this device. We’ve already seen OxygenOS 12 in action on other phones, and all those goodies are now available on the OnePlus 10 Pro. There are a lot of features that OxygenOS 12 offers, but it shines in the customization department. You can even customize the dark mode on the OnePlus 10 Pro, if you don’t like the default shade. The Always On Display (AOD) is a part of the package as well, with plenty of options. OnePlus also updated its apps in OxygenOS 12, while this software also delivers all the major Android 12 features.

What cases are available?

OnePlus has announced three different cases for the OnePlus 10 Pro. All three cases are now available to purchase. Read more about them below.

Sandstone Bumper Case

The Sandstone Bumper Case is a well-known offering from OnePlus, and now it comes in a variant for the OnePlus 10 Pro. It’s supposed to mimic a sandpaper feeling, though a toned-down version of it, of course. This case is quite grippy, and really nice-feeling in the hand. This case costs $24 in the US.

Buy the Sandstone Bumper Case (OnePlus.com)

Karbon Bumper Case

The Karbon Bumper Case is also well-known to OnePlus users, as it has been in the family for generations. This case is also quite grippy, and it feels like rubbery plastic to the touch. This case costs $39 in the US.

Buy the Karbon Bumper Case (OnePlus.com)

Quantum Photography Bumper Case

The Quantum Photography Bumper Case is the newest addition to the OnePlus family. This is a silicone case with a really interesting-looking back cover. This case costs $29 in the US.

Buy the Quantum Photography Bumper Case (OnePlus.com)

Updated on February 9, 2024.

[ad_2]
Source link

Everything You Need To Know – Updated February 2024

Android

andreasc

-

February 10, 2024

0

[ad_1]

The HONOR Magic V is no longer the latest and greatest smartphone in the series. Its successor, the HONOR Magic V2 arrived, and it also launched globally, unlike the original Magic V.

The HONOR Magic V is HONOR’s very first foldable smartphone. This smartphone was rumored for quite some time, before HONOR officially announced it in January 2022. That being said, the first market this phone was launched in China. The phone will stay exclusive to China, unfortunately. Its successor, however, will arrive to global markets. That is something HONOR confirmed at IFA 2022.

That being said, in this article, we’ll try to provide you with some more information about the device. The HONOR Magic V is aiming its sights at the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3/4, obviously. It has a similar form factor, and it’s also quite powerful. The HONOR Magic V does have some things going for it, though, so read on if you’d like to know more.

Here’s everything you need to know about the HONOR Magic V.

How much does the HONOR Magic V cost?

In China, the only market it launched at thus far, the device comes in two variants. Both of those variants include 12GB of RAM but have different amounts of storage. The more affordable variant has 256GB of storage, while the more expensive one comes with 512GB of storage. The two models are priced at CNY9,999 and CNY10,999 in China, which converts to $1,569 and $1,726. As you can see, the device is not exactly cheap in its home country.

Should I wait for a price drop?

There is not really much to say here, as the device is available only in China. Chances are that we won’t see many discounts on this phone. HONOR would offer various deals in Europe, but sadly, this device won’t make its way to countries outside of China. It seemed like it would at first, but that won’t happen.

What trade-in offers are available at launch?

We don’t expect to see any trade-in offers. HONOR may surprise us, though.

Where can I buy the HONOR Magic V?

At the moment, it’s only available in China, and according to the latest information from the company, it will stay that way. Its successor is coming to global markets in Q1 2023, though.

What carriers will it support?

The HONOR Magic V would be an unlocked smartphone if it ever launched globally. That won’t happen, though. Its successor will be an unlocked phone, and it will launch in Europe, based on what we know now.

Which carriers will sell the HONOR Magic V?

The device is not coming to the US, so it won’t officially be sold by any carriers there. The same goes for carriers in Europe, of course, or any carriers outside of China. It remains to be seen what will happen with the next-gen model, though.

What colors are available?

The HONOR Magic V arrived in three color variants. HONOR announced it in Titanium Silver, Black, and Burnt Orange options. The first two variants offer an aluminum frame, and a glass back. The Burnt Orange model comes with an aluminum frame, and “eco-leather” on the back aka Vegan Leather. That makes the Burnt Orange model less slippery than the other two variants HONOR announced.

What are the specs of the HONOR Magic V?

A spec comparison with the Galaxy Z Fold 3 can be found below, while you can get more information on the HONOR Magic V specs by clicking here.

	HONOR Magic V	Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3
Display	Main: 7.9-inch 2272 x 1984 foldable OLED display (90Hz) Secondary: 6.45-inch (2560 x 1080) OLED display (120Hz)	Main: 7.6-inch fullHD+ (2208 x 1768) Dynamic AMOLED 2X Flex display (foldable, 120Hz) Secondary (Cover): 6.2-inch HD+ (2268 x 832) Super AMOLED display (flat, 120Hz)
Processor	Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1	Qualcomm Snapdragon 888
RAM/Storage	12GB (LPDDR5); 256GB/512GB	12GB (LPDDR5); 256GB/512GB
Camera	50MP (f/1.9 aperture, PDAF, Laser AF, 23mm lens) 50MP (f/2.0 aperture, 20mm wide lens, PDAF) 50 MP (f/2.2 aperture, 122-degree FoV, 13mm lens)	12MP (1.8um pixel size, Super Speed Dual Pixel OIS, f/1.8 aperture, 83-degree FoV) 12MP (1.0um pixel size, f/2.4 aperture, 45-degree view, 2x optical zoom, 10x digital zoom, telephoto) 12 MP (1.12um pixel size, f/2.2 aperture, 123-degree FoV, ultra-wide)
Battery	4,750mAh	4,400mAh, non-removable, 25W fast wired charging, 11W wireless charging, 4.5W Wireless PowerShare
Audio	Stereo speakers	Stereo Speakers
Authentication	Side-facing fingerprint scanner	Side-facing fingerprint scanner
Dimensions	Unfolded: 160.4 x 141.1 x 6.7mm Folded: 160.4 x 72.7 x 14.3mm	Unfolded: 158.2 x 128.1 x 6.4mm Folded: 158.2 x 67.1 x 16.0mm
Weight	288/293 grams	271 grams
Software	Android 12 with Magic UI 6	Android 11 with One UI 2.5 (upgradable to Android 12)
Price	Starts at $1,569 (China)	$1,799

What are the HONOR Magic V’s main advantages over the Galaxy Z Fold 3?

The HONOR Magic V comes with the so-called “gap-less” display when folded. In other words, much like the OPPO Find N, it doesn’t have gaps when folded. That’s not the case with the Galaxy Z Fold 3. Due to the way the phone’s hinge is made, it folds into a slight letter ‘V’, which leaves a bit of a gap in between the two sides when folded. That doesn’t look aesthetically pleasing, plus it allows for dust and whatnot to pile on inside.

The Magic V also comes with thinner bezels than the Galaxy Z Fold 3. If you take a look at the image below, you’ll see exactly what we’re talking about. That image has been provided by Ice Universe, by the way. The Magic V does look like a more premium device from the outside, because of those differences in bezels.

It has a wider cover display than the Galaxy Z Fold 3

The last direct advantage comes in the form of the width of its outer display. Narrower is usually better in this day and age when it comes to phones, but Samsung may have pushed things a bit too far. The Z Fold 3 is 67.1mm wide when folded, while the Magic V is 72.7mm wide. That is not a huge difference, but it’s enough to make typing more comfortable on the Magic V. We’re basing that opinion on devices that are similar in width, of course. We found that typing on the Z Fold 3’s secondary display is not that pleasant, due to the fact how narrow the display is (25:9). You can get used to it, but it’ll never be as comfortable as typing on a slightly wider display.

What features does the HONOR Magic V offer?

The HONOR Magic V is a flagship-grade smartphone, and it’s also a foldable phone at that. In this section, we’ll talk about the phone’s strong suits, including its main features/selling points. Do note that we still don’t have a full picture, as we’re basing this on a Chinese model of the device.

Truly powerful specs

HONOR didn’t really spend any cost when it comes to including top-of-the-line hardware here. The company used metal, glass, and eco-leather to create this device. On the inside, it included only the most powerful specs. This handset includes the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 SoC, Qualcomm’s most powerful processor to date.

In addition to that, LPDDR5 RAM is used, and UFS 3.1 flash storage. The company also included a 90Hz foldable display and a 120Hz regular display. Both of those displays offer really high resolutions 1984 x 2272 and 1080 x 2560, respectively. Android 12 is also included out of the box, and it will be on the global unit as well.

On top of all that, you’re getting extremely powerful camera hardware, with three 50-megapixel cameras, and really fast charging too. The HONOR Magic V includes a 4,750mAh battery and 66W fast wired charging. On top of that, reverse wired charging is also supported.

Foldable phone features

We didn’t really get to use the phone just yet, but HONOR did mention some foldable phones features are included. The main one that was mentioned is called ‘Multi-Windows’. As its name says, this feature enables you to open multiple windows on the display at the same time. So, when you unfold the HONOR Magic V, you can open your apps in windows, so that you have access to several of them at the same time. You can do some calculations while writing down the notes, and also message someone at the same time, without the need to switch between apps.

What’s best is that HONOR Magic V will actually automatically detect and recommend content for Multi-Windows based on your usage. It remains to be seen how well will this work, though, of course.

Privacy & Security

In addition to all the privacy features that Google included in Android 12, HONOR made sure to add some of its own. The HONOR Magic V comes with a dual-security system (HTEE+QTEEE), and it has an independent security chip on board. That chip will make sure to provide an extra level of security for passwords and biometrics, such as fingerprints. Yes, the device also supports facial scanning via its front-facing camera.

Advanced cooling system

The HONOR Magic V also comes with an advanced cooling system. It includes an “intelligent cooling system” which comprises of the latest third-gen graphene and an AI intelligent thermal management system. This cooling system is supposed to keep the phone performing its best at all times. Cooling phones with two displays is a bit different in comparison to regular smartphones, of course.

Which HONOR Magic V should I buy?

When it comes to the HONOR Magic V, you have not only a choice in terms of storage, but in terms of the build as well. The first thing that you need to decide is how much storage you need. Once you do that, you can get onto the color and material choices. Do note that it’s possible that the Burnt Orange model ends up being available with 512GB of storage only, once it arrives to Europe. It remains to be seen. In any case, you’ll probably want to opt for the Burnt Orange variant if you want more grip, if not, the other two variants will serve you just fine.

Updated on February 9, 2024.

[ad_2]
Source link

2023 saw record-high $1 billion in crypto ransomware payments

Tech

andreasc

-

February 10, 2024

0

2023 saw record-high $1 billion in crypto ransomware payments

[ad_1]

Cryptocurrency is not without benefits as a decentralized form of currency, but those same aspects make it a great target for scammers. In fact, according to a new report from Chainalysis, crypto-related ransomware payments reached record-high figures in 2023. It’s a significant downturn, as 2022 actually saw crypto ransomware payments drop notably from the previous year. However, the broader five-year trend of ransomware payments is sharply increasing. Last year, the total cost of crypto ransomware payments exceeded $1 billion for the first time. Hackers and scammers often target places like hospitals or critical infrastructure, where the decision to pay or not pay a ransom is a life-or-death situation.

The initial estimate for crypto-related ransomware payments in 2023 is around $1.1 billion. However, the real total is probably higher than that. When Chainalysis initially reported its 2022 estimates, its figure was $457 million in ransomware payments. The final total for 2022 was revised to report $567 million in crypto ransomware payments. For reference, the revised total for 2022 was about 24% higher than the initial estimate. If that trend holds for the 2023 numbers, the real amount of crypto ransomware payments could be near $1.5 billion.

In 2019, people paid $220 million in crypto-related ransomware payments. That number spiked to $905 million in 2020 and held steady at $983 in 2021. In a shocking turn, the amount of crypto ransomware payments decreased by nearly half in 2022. The final $567 million total ransomware payments, though still significant, was a positive shift. In 2023, the upward trend continues, completely canceling out the positive signs we saw in 2022. The overall trends show that ransomware using cryptocurrency is spiking, and it reached its highest point yet last year.

Chainalysis says that 2022’s figures may have been an anomaly caused by global conflicts, such as the war in Russia and Ukraine. The report speculates that hackers may have shifted from ransomware attacks to more politically motivated attacks. In modern warfare, cyberattacks have proven to be a common and devastating part of these conflicts.

The real cost of ransomware in 2023 exceeds the total payments

While this report focuses on the ransomware attacks that resulted in compliance, non-compliance has costs of its own. Often, these attacks shut down core business or infrastructure for a period of time, which can be costly. For example, the report notes a cyberattack targeting MGM resort properties cost the business over $100 million in damages. As such, it’s hard for people to avoid paying the ransom. If they don’t there could be serious financial or infrastructural consequences. It’s a double-edged sword. If people keep paying, the number will keep on rising.

[ad_2]
Source link

Galaxy Watch sleep apnea feature gets FDA approval

Android

andreasc

-

February 10, 2024

0

Galaxy Watch sleep apnea feature gets FDA approval

[ad_1]

The Galaxy Watch smartwatch devices will soon have yet another uncommon health feature in the form of sleep apnea detection. Samsung announced back in October 2023 that this feature was given approval by South Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety. Now it’s been given approval by the FDA in the US.

Samsung says this feature is the “first of its kind” to gain FDA approval, which makes this kind of a big deal. Not just for Samsung, but for anyone who might end up developing sleep apnea. If you’re unfamiliar with what sleep apnea is, it’s a sleep disorder that can manifest in two different ways — obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea. Obstructive is more common, and this type essentially closes up your airways making it more difficult to breathe. Central sleep apnea prevents your brain from sending signals to your breathing muscles.

In both types, the person affected ends up having trouble sleeping. Which can have a negative impact on long-term health. This new feature aims to help alert wearers of Galaxy Watch devices to possible signs of sleep apnea so they can catch it earlier on. Sleep apnea doesn’t have a cure but it is possible to lessen the impact it has on you. CPAP machines are one way you can do this. These stimulate positive airflow by keeping the breathing airways open during sleep. And with this new watch feature, you might be able to discover sooner if this is something you’ll need.

The sleep apnea feature on Galaxy Watch will detect obstructive sleep apnea only

Now that you’re aware of what two types of sleep apnea there are, here’s what you can expect from the feature on Samsung’s watches. It’ll attempt to detect signs of obstructive sleep apnea over a cycle of two nights. Users will need to enable sleep tracking on the watch and track their sleep for at least four hours. This has to be done twice in a ten-day period Samsung says. The watch will monitor for signs in people over the age of 22 who haven’t already had sleep apnea diagnosed. The feature will only detect OSA though and not CSA according to Samsung’s press release. The feature will however be able to detect signs of moderate and severe OSA.

This disorder often goes unnoticed and untreated, so Samsung is aiming to help people recognize this disorder more often. Sleep is a huge part of good health and it’s why Samsung and other brands have been so focused on providing better sleep monitoring features in their wearables. From tracking REM sleep to giving you pointers on how to improve your sleep in the future.

The feature will require a compatible Galaxy phone

Naturally, you’ll need a compatible Galaxy device to use the new sleep apnea feature once it goes live. Samsung doesn’t list when the feature will be rolled out though, or which phones will need to be connected to one of its watches. Furthermore, it doesn’t mention which watches will support this feature either.

However, it’s a pretty safe bet that the most recent watches will be compatible. This would likely include the Galaxy Watch 6 series and the Galaxy Watch 5 series. Likewise, with the phones, you can expect the Galaxy S24 series and the Galaxy S23 series to have support. That being said, it’s also highly likely that many of Samsung’s other Galaxy phones will be compatible as well.

[ad_2]
Source link

High-end audio brand Moondrop could launch a Hi-Fi phone

Android

andreasc

-

February 9, 2024

0

[ad_1]

Moondrop is a company that specializes in high-end audio products like headphones and in-ear monitors (IEMs), but it looks like the company may be looking to launch a Hi-Fi phone. What this will be exactly is anyone’s guess.

Phones that support Hi-Res audio are not so common these days although you can still find them around. For instance, As What Hi-Fi points out, the Sony Xperia 1V supports Hi-Res audio through the use of the included 3.5mm audio port. You can think of this as a Hi-Fi phone. More recently released devices like the ROG Phone 8 Pro Edition also support Hi-Res audio (as do the standard and regular Pro models) and have 3.5mm audio ports. Most phones though, especially those from the most popular brands like Samsung and Apple, have done away with headphone ports.

They’re essentially a thing of the past for the majority of brands. If you’re an audiophile, then you might be excited at the prospect of a company like Moondrop releasing a Hi-Fi phone. Especially since this is a company that specializes in high-quality audio.

The Moondrop Hi-Fi phone is being teased on the company’s website

It’s not entirely clear if Moondrop is releasing a phone, at least it hasn’t been confirmed by Moondrop. However, the company does seem to be teasing a phone release. Over on the official Moondrop website, there’s now a new “phone” category listed at the top of the page. When you click on it, you get a short message. It reads “5G HiFi Mobile Audio Device. Explore the integration of art and reason. Coming Soon.”

Now, this might not sound like a phone. Our first thought was that it sounds like something similar to Sony’s newer Walkmans powered by Android. After all, it’s a Hi-Fi audio device for listening to music and it is technically a “mobile” device since you use it while mobile. That might be splitting hairs. Sure. But it fits. All of that aside, the fact remains that Moondrop has this product listed under a phone category. So it would seem that it does indeed plan to reveal a phone.

There are no mentions about a reveal date, but it does appear Moondrop has a name for this device. A tentative name, at least. The phone appears to be called the MIAD01. An animated graphic of the device also sits on the page. Although this is just a silhouette of a phone-shaped device. You don’t get to see the actual design. It looks like the volume and power buttons may be placed on the left side of the device and it could end up having some form of RGB lighting.

The presence of RGB is unclear, but the image does have a trail of RGB lighting that travels along the edge of the device’s outline. Which may or may not be part of a feature tease. Either way, if you’ve been wanting a phone that focuses primarily on Hi-Fi audio, maybe this is what you’re looking for.

[ad_2]
Source link

WhatsApp will make it easier to block those annoying spam calls

Android

andreasc

-

February 9, 2024

0

[ad_1]

So, you’re shuffling to a busy business meeting, and you get stopped by an annoying spam WhatsApp call. You have to take your phone out, unlock it, open the app, and block the number. That’s inconvenient, but WhatsApp has a solution. According to a new report, WhatsApp will let you block spam numbers from your lock screen. This comes after news of WhatsApp letting people reply to Community Announcement messages.

Spam calls are very annoying, and having to unlock your phone and open WhatsApp to block the numbers is SUPER annoying. WhatsApp does a good job of blocking spam numbers, but some do slip through, and they manage to disrupt your workflow. People want a quicker way of swatting away these annoying messages and blocking the numbers associated.

Thankfully, WhatsApp now lets you block spam numbers from your lock screen

Now, blocking those annoying numbers is as easy as 1 2 3, and neither of those steps involves you unlocking your phone. The company posted a short video showing just how the feature works. The video comes complete with a fancy animation.

Basically, when you get a call from an unknown number, you’ll see a notification pop up. Simply expand that notification to reveal the additional options. These are the Reply button and the Block button.

When you tap the Block button, you’ll see another pop-up appear. This pop-up will give you the option to report that contact. Whoever, if you want to report it, you’ll have to check the checkbox on the pop-up. This option will actually send the last five messages sent from that number to WhatsApp so that the company can see what that user has put up to.

As for the availability, this feature is rolling out now. It should be available on your device already. However, if it’s not, then you will want to check to see if your app is updated. Sometimes, updates take a little while to reach certain devices based on region. So, if you don’t see the update, you may just want to wait a few days

[ad_2]
Source link

This rugged Android tablet is your outdoor companion

Android

andreasc

-

February 9, 2024

0

This rugged Android tablet is your outdoor companion

[ad_1]

If you like to spend time in the outdoors, you might not think about the kinds of devices you’d bring with you. After all, you’re probably more focused on what sorts of supplies you’re going to pack. But these days, devices like smartphones and tablets can be excellent items to carry along for whatever adventures you’re planning. This is where a rugged tablet like the HOTWAV R7 comes in. It’s a rugged Android tablet that was designed to be every bit as much of an outdoor must-have as an everyday useful tech device.

Thanks to things like its MIL-STD-810H certification, the HOTWAV R7 is built to take the bumps and bruises that can sometimes come with an outdoor excursion. Even if it’s a simple drop on the ground from waist height because it fell off your lap while you were resting in your camping chair. The R7 will be just fine as it’s resistant to shock. But it doesn’t stop there. It also has an IP68 rating so it’s resistant to water and dust. It has an IP68K rating as well. This means it can stand up to dust ingress, high temperatures, and high-pressure water. All things you could easily encounter while spending time outdoors.

To further enhance its outdoor usage, HOTWAV has added support to the R7 for multiple GPS technologies. Including Beidou, Galileo, Glonass, and GPS. Now, if you’re outdoors, chances are you might end up in a situation where it gets cold and you need to put gloves on. The good news with the R7 is that it was designed to work even while you wear gloves. So you can keep your hands warm and still use the tablet if you need to. There’s also support for facial recognition so you won’t always need to use the touch screen for unlocking the device.

The HOTWAV R7 has a useful reverse charging feature

While the tablet’s ruggedness is certainly one of the more appealing parts of it, the rest of the specs and features are great for a more affordable tablet. For instance, think about everything you might bring with you that needs to recharge. Especially if you plan to stay out longer than a day or two. Chances are you might bring your phone, a smartwatch, and maybe even some wireless earbuds. All of these things have internal batteries that will need to be recharged at some point. Well, if you have the HOTWAV R7 on you, you’re in luck. It comes with a really neat OTG reverse charging feature.

This allows you to plug another device into the tablet and use the tablet to recharge anything that’s run out of battery. You’ll need a cable to connect the two devices. But that’s easy enough to find and pack with the rest of your stuff. What’s more, is that the HOTWAV R7 comes with a large battery. So it can easily double as a power bank if you need to juice other devices back up. And when we say large, we mean it. It has a 15,600mAh battery inside which HOTWAV says can last for up to 18 hours of constant video or up to 20 hours of constant music. And if you aren’t using it all the time it’ll last for up to 900 hours in standby. In short, the battery won’t be draining on you anytime soon.

Perfect for entertainment

Now when it comes to entertainment, the HOTWAV R7 is great for that too. It has a 10.1-inch HD+ display which is perfect for watching shows and movies, playing games, or reading. With 256GB of internal storage, you’ll have plenty of room to download apps and games or a bunch of movies and music. Now, 256GB can fill up fast, but the R7 also supports up to 2TB of expandable storage with a microSD card. So you’ll have all the room you ever need. It has up to 12GB of RAM as well so it should be perfect for handling multitasking.

Worth noting is that the R7 features 6GB of physical RAM and 6GB of virtual expansion RAM, using what HOTWAV calls RAM expansion technology. Additionally, it runs on Android 13 and has two SIM card slots with 4G LTE network compatibility. However, you may want to double-check to make sure it supports your carrier’s network bands. As for cameras, it has 16MP camera sensors on both the front and back. So you can use it for photos and video, as well as video calls. It also supports 5GHz Wi-Fi networks.

What’s more, is that it has Widevine L1 support which helps expand the amount of platforms where you can access HD streaming.

Keep it secure with the included strap accessory

What’s really neat about this tablet is that it comes with a strap you can attach to the back. If you look at the back of the tablet, there are these little screws on both the top and bottom. You can unscrew these and then fasten the top and bottom parts of the strap to the tablet thanks to these metal brackets that are attached to it. This works as a means of securing the tablet to your hands so it’s less likely that you’ll drop it.

You simply slide your hand into the strap and the tablet is easier to hold onto. You may have seen similar types of straps for things like DLSR cameras and such. And they work great because the straps are tight enough against the back of your hand to keep the camera secure. This is how it works with the R7 strap. So although it is rugged enough to withstand drops and shock, you can still easily prevent that with this included accessory.

Pricing and availability

The HOTWAV R7 tablet comes in two colors — Silver Gray and Vitality Orange — and it will be launched on Amazon on February 22 in the US, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, and Poland. The price of the first 150 pieces on the US site will be just $149.99. Until the 28th, the rest will be $174.99. This is down from the regular price of $249.99. In addition to this, Android Headlines readers can use the code 03androidhl to get an additional 10% off. On the European sites, a combined 180 first pieces will sell at 137.99€, the rest will be 160.99€ until the 28th(down from the regular price of $229.99). Don’t miss out on the big discounts!

[ad_2]
Source link

It looks like the Nothing Phone (2a) will have a Glyph Interface after all

Android

andreasc

-

February 9, 2024

0

It looks like the Nothing Phone (2a) will have a Glyph Interface after all

[ad_1]

It’s been kind of a roller coaster with the upcoming Nothing Phone (2a)’s design. We had a previous leak that pointed to the company having a Glyph Interface and leaks pointing to the phone completely ditching it. Well, it appears that the latter was false. The Nothing Phone (2a) will most likely get the Glyph Interface.

Recently, we got the news that the Nothing Phone (2a) was going to ditch the classic Nothing LED lights on the back. This confused everyone, as the lights really characterize Nothing and its phones. However, that news was proven to be false. The source received a fake render. However, the publication has since printed retraction, and all is well with the world.

The Nothing Phone (2a) could still have a Glyph Interface

The recently rejected render showed a phone that was rather rounded on the back. It still retains the transparent aesthetic, but it didn’t have any LED lights to give a character. This phone also had a camera package on the left side of the phone as opposed to the original leak we got left showed a center-mounted camera package.

Also, the original render showed us a heavily modified Glyph Interface. We’re certain that this is how the phone is going to look when it launches, but this is still a leak, so you will want to take this news cautiously. We will have to wait to see this phone officially unveiled to really get a grasp of the whole aesthetic that Nothing is giving it.

What are the rumored specs of this device?

We don’t have any official specs, but there were some rumors floating around. The only information we have is the potential processor, which could be the Dimensity 7200 SoC. This is a pretty decent mid-range processor from MediaTek. With proper software optimization, it should be able to give you some very smooth experience.

Meet the Nothing Phone (2a)!

Model: A142.
Codenames: Pacman / Aero(dactyl?).

Nothing’s next phone comes with a Mediatek SoC for the first time. The Mediatek Dimensity 7200. It has 3 Glyph parts, and a brand new design.

Launch event at MWC? pic.twitter.com/UTwk2bUjjA

— Dylan Roussel (@evowizz) December 15, 2023

As for the other specs, we are left in the dark. This is speculation, but we expect a very pocketable 1080p display with 6GB to 8GB of RAM and most likely 128GB of base storage.

There’s no telling what this phone will come with until we get the official unveiling. It’s possibly going to show up during MWC this year. So, this gives us something to look forward to

[ad_2]
Source link

Ransomware in 2023 recap: 5 key takeaways

Malware

andreasc

-

February 9, 2024

0

Ransomware in 2023 recap: 5 key takeaways

[ad_1]

This article is based on research by Marcelo Rivero, Malwarebytes’ ransomware specialist, who monitors information published by ransomware gangs on their Dark Web sites. In this report, “known attacks” are those where the victim did not pay a ransom. This provides the best overall picture of ransomware activity, but the true number of attacks is far higher.

2023 was an explosive year for ransomware.

While some ransomware trends hardly changed over the last year, such as LockBit’s continued dominance, ransomware criminals also challenged our fundamental assumptions on how ransomware gangs work, such as by exploiting zero-day vulnerabilities. Through thec onsistenciess and evolutions over the last year, one fact remains clear: 2023 broke records with its total number of 4475 ransomware attacks, a 70% increase from 2022.

Global ransomware attacks by month, 2022 vs 2023

Global ransomware attacks, 2022 vs 2023

Additionally, LockBit was responsible for a 22% of all ransomware attacks in 2023, over half as much as the next top five gangs combined. Together, the top 10 ransomware gangs were responsible for 70% of all ransomware attacks.

Top 10 ransomware gangs in 2023

Breaking 2023 ransomware attacks by sector reveals that 23% of all attacks were directed against the Services sector. Together, the top 10 sectors accounted for 80% of all ransomware attacks.

Top 10 industries attacked 2023

The USA was by far the most attacked country in 2023, with a whopping 45% of all ransomware attacks targeting the country.

Top 10 countries attacked 2023

Additionally, we’ve sifted through the backlog of our 2023 ransomware reviews to find the most important stories and trends from the last year. Here are five key takeaways from the ransomware world in 2023.

1. LockBit was… LockBit

LockBit remained the most prolific ransomware gang throughout 2023, responsible for several high-profile attacks (such as against Taiwanese chipmaker TSMC). As well, LockBit also unveiled a new variant, LockBit Green, and showed signs of expanding into macOS territory.

2. Law enforcement worked overtime

Despite 2023 being the worst ransomware year on record, law enforcement notched notable successes in taking down big-name groups, including the FBI’s shutdown of the Hive ransomware grou p and the seizure of ALPHV’s infrastructure.

3. Gangs seized the day with zero-days

Ransomware gangs, including Cl0p and ALPHV, aggressively exploited zero-day vulnerabilities (e.g., in GoAnywhere MFT, MOVEit Transfer, and Citrix appliances) to launch attacks on a unprecedented scale.

4. Big blows dealt to critical infrastructure

Critical infrastructure (as defined by CISA) took a beating in 2023, with sectors such as logistics, manufacturing, healthcare, and education accounting for almost 30% of all ransomware attacks in 2023. Education alone (a subsector of the Government Facilities sector) experienced a 70% surge in attacks in the past year, increasing from 129 incidents in 2022 to 265 in 2023.

5. New tactics and rebrandings emerged

Besides an increased focus on exploiting zero-days, ransomware gangs introduced other new tactics in 2023 such as CL0P’s use of torrents for distributing stolen data and innovative social engineering techniques by groups like Scattered Spider. We also saw notable rebrands (i.e Vice Society to Rhysida) and shifts in focus from encryption to purely data theft and extortion.

Looking ahead

2023 was a whirlwind year for ransomware: Attacks spiked by 70%, law enforcement landed key victories, gangs pivoted to exploiting zero-day vulnerabilities, and much more.

Going into 2024 it’s safe to say that the threat of ransomware looms large for all organizations—especially those with shrinking security budgets and overtaxed IT teams, organizations located in the US, critical infrastructure sectors like education.

Fighting off ransomware gangs requires a layered security strategy. Technologies such as Endpoint Protection (EP) and Vulnerability and Patch Management (VPM), for example, are vital first defenses to reduce the attack surface breach likelihood.

The key point, though, is to assume that motivated gangs will eventually breach any defenses. Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) is crucial for finding and removing threats before damage occurs. And for the ultimate assurance of uptime —choose an EDR solution with ransomware rollback to undo changes and restore files so that productivity continues.

How ThreatDown Addresses Ransomware

ThreatDown Bundles take a comprehensive approach to ransomware. Our integrated solutions combine EP, VPM, and EDR technologies, tailored to your organization’s specific needs, including:

ThreatDown EDR detecting LockBit ransomware

ThreatDown automatically quarantining LockBit ransomware

For resource-constrained organizations, select ThreatDown bundles offer Managed Detection and Response (MDR) services, providing expert monitoring and swift threat response to ransomware attacks—without the need for large in-house cybersecurity teams.

Experience ThreatDown Bundles

[ad_2]
Source link

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3: Everything You Need To Know

Android

andreasc

-

February 9, 2024

0

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3: Everything You Need To Know

[ad_1]

Update: Samsung just started to push out the February 2024 security update to the Galaxy Z Flip 3 (and Fold 3).

Samsung announced the Galaxy Z Flip 3 on August 11, 2021. It was announced alongside the Galaxy Z Fold 3. It is technically the third Flip smartphone to come out, though the second one was really just a 5G version of the original. And it marks the biggest changes to the Flip yet.

The Galaxy Z Flip 3 is currently the cheapest foldable smartphone on the market, coming in at $999. It’s also the only one that has broken the sub-$1000 barrier. Which means it will likely be one of the more mainstream foldables out there.

With the Galaxy Z Flip 3, Samsung made a few changes to the phone. The biggest one is the Cover Display. It’s now four times larger and a whole lot more usable among many other changes.

Before you run out and buy the Galaxy Z Flip 3, here’s everything you need to know about it.

How much is the Galaxy Z Flip 3?

The Galaxy Z Flip 3 is going to start at $999. That is for the 128GB model. Samsung will also be selling a 256GB model that will likely be around $50-$100 more expensive.

This phone is up for pre-order now and will be available everywhere starting on August 27. It does support all three carriers too. Including AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon.

For those that pre-order the phone, you will get a $150 Samsung credit which can be used on cases, headphones and even the new Galaxy Watch 4. You will also get a free year of Samsung Care+ included when you purchase a three-year plan.

What trade-in offers are available at launch?

Samsung is offering up to $500 in trade-in credit for your old phone. As usual, the full amount will depend on how old your current phone is. The newer the phone, usually the more you’ll get for trading it in.

However, here, if you have a Samsung foldable device, you’ll get even more cash. So if you are trading in a Galaxy Fold, Galaxy Z Flip, Galaxy Z Flip 5G or a Galaxy Z Fold 2, you’ll get the most money towards a new Galaxy Z Flip 3.

If you get the full value for your trade-in, that means you can get the Galaxy Z Flip 3 for just $13 per month for 36 months.

What carriers support the Galaxy Z Flip 3?

All three major US carriers will sell and support the Galaxy Z Flip 3. That includes AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon.

Samsung and Best Buy will also sell the Galaxy Z Flip 3 unlocked, which can still be used on any of these carriers, as well as MVNOs like Mint Mobile, Ting and others. The main advantage to getting an unlocked Galaxy Z Flip 3 is the fact that you won’t have added bloatware from the carriers installed and taking up precious space.

Where can I buy the Galaxy Z Flip 3?

You can buy the Galaxy Z Flip 3 pretty much everywhere that sells Samsung phones. As well as the three major carriers. Those include:

No matter where you buy the Galaxy Z Flip 3, you will be eligible for the different promotions and offers that Samsung is offering. However carriers and other retailers may offer some additional offers too. So it’s a good idea to look around.

What colors does it come in?

Samsung is offering the Galaxy Z Flip 3 in seven colors this time around. That’s a whole lot more than usual for Samsung. But there is a caveat here. Four colors will be available everywhere, while three will be exclusive to Samsung.com.

Every retailer and carrier will have the Galaxy Z Flip 3 in Cream, Black, Green and Lavender. While Samsung.com will have those, as well as White, Pink and Gray.

This means that it is likely a better idea to purchase your Galaxy Z Flip 3 from Samsung.com instead of a carrier. Keep in mind that you can still finance through Samsung. And Samsung typically gives you bigger promotions for trading in your current phone.

What about the specs?

Below, you can see the specs of the Galaxy Z Flip 3, and also how it compares to the Galaxy Z Flip and Z Flip 5G (which are essentially the same, minus the processor).

	Galaxy Z Flip 3	Galaxy Z Flip 5G
Display	6.7″ FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X Infinity Flex Display (2640×1080) 425ppi 1.9″ Super AMOLED Display (512×260) 303ppi	6.7″ FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X Infinity Flex Display (2640×1080) 425ppi 1.1″ Super AMOLED Display (300×112) 303ppi
Processor	Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G	Qualcomm Snapdragon 865
RAM/Storage	8GB with 128GB or 256GB	8GB with 256GB
Camera	12MP Ultrawide 12MP Wide 10MP front-facing	12MP Ultrawide 12MP Wide 10MP front-facing
Battery	3300mAh	3300mAh
Audio	Stereo Speakers, Dolby Atmos	Stereo Speakers, Dolby Atmos
Authentication	Fingerprint sensor (side), facial recognition	Fingerprint sensor (side), facial recognition
Dimensions	Folded: 72.2 x 86.4 x 17.1mm Unfolded: 72.2 x 166 x 6.9mm	Folded: 73.6 x 87.4 x 17.4mm Unfolded: 73.6 x 167.3 x 6.9mm
Weight	183g	183g
Software	Android 11, One UI 3.5	Android 10, One UI 2.5
Price	$999	$1199

What new features did Samsung add?

One of the biggest changes to the Galaxy Z Flip 3 is actually the Cover Display. It went from being a 1.1-inch ticker-like display, to a 1.9-inch display that takes up nearly half of the folded backside. And that’s where things get interesting.

Adding widgets to Cover Display

With the Cover Display being much larger this time around, you’re going to be able to do more with it. This includes seeing up to four lines of text, when notifications come in.

However, perhaps more interesting than that, is being able to adjust Quick Settings, use Samsung Pay and add Widgets.

Currently, we have not seen this in action just yet, so it’s unclear how well this is going to work. But it does look like it’s going to be pretty impressive. And add a lot of functionality to that Cover Display. Though still lack a bit of functionality compared to the Galaxy Z Fold 3’s. It’s also a quarter the size.

New Portrait Mode camera features from the S21

With the Galaxy S21 earlier this year, Samsung added some cool new features for Portrait mode. That included some AI-based improvements. Allowing the bokeh to look more natural. Now, that is coming to the Galaxy Z Flip 3 this year.

This works with Flex Mode too. So when you are in Flex Mode, the camera settings move to the bottom portion of the screen, with the upper portion being your viewfinder. Samsung said that on the original Galaxy Z Flip, about one in every five selfies was taken in Flex mode. So it is obviously very popular.

While talking about the cameras, you can still take selfies with the back cameras too. Using the Cover Display as your viewfinder as well.

120Hz refresh rate

The Galaxy Z Flip 3 is also getting 120Hz refresh rate on the main display now. Which puts it in-line with the other flagships from Samsung.

Like other flagships, this is an Adaptive Refresh Rate display. So it will not run at 120Hz all the time. This is done to conserve battery on the Galaxy Z Flip 3. And because you really don’t need 120Hz refresh rate when you are reading an email, or using the camera. But for scrolling and most other things, the 120Hz refresh rate will be very useful and look super smooth.

Stereo Speakers with Dolby Atmos

Samsung is also making the Galaxy Z Flip 3 a great phone to consume content on. It now has stereo speakers, and supports Dolby Atmos. Allowing you to watch your favorite YouTuber, or TV show on the go, with a great audio experience. Of course, pairing this with the Flex Mode panel makes it much easier to watch something and not have to hold your phone.

Should I buy the Galaxy Z Flip 3?

Samsung has made quite a few changes to the Galaxy Z Flip 3 this year, and has made it a pretty impressive foldable phone. But even though this is a much more durable phone than its predecessor, it’s still a foldable and is fragile. So keep that in mind before you do decide to purchase one.

At $999, the Galaxy Z Flip 3 is a rather impressive foldable. That puts it right at the same price of most non-folding flagship phones. And it’ll likely be cheaper than the Pixel 6. And it’s going to have a lot of people looking twice at the Galaxy Z Flip 3.

[ad_2]
Source link