Google just released the latest Android 14 QPR3 Beta 1 update, so it doesn’t seem like the company is working on Android 15. However, that’s not the case. News about the next Android upgrade is starting to become more abundant. For example, Android 15 could make app archiving better on Android. According to a new report, Android 15 could make floating chat bubbles much better.
For a while, Android allowed you to house your chat conversations in floating bubbles on the display. This is something popularized by Facebook Messenger. Now, you’re able to place message conversations as chat bubbles by default on Android. What’s neat is that you can house multiple conversations inside the chat bubbles, and they will just take up a small part of the UI.
But, Android 15 could make folding tap bubbles even better
Since we are still so far away from Android 15 even hitting the developer preview stage, you’ll want to take this news cautiously. Right now, we’re not quite sure what features Google is going to bring or test out.
Surprising no one, this bit of Android inside baseball comes to us via Mishaal Rahmen via Android Authority. Hidden within the Android 14 QPR3 beta 1, Rahmen found code alluding to a chat bubble bar. Currently, your chat bubbles will float above the UI and remain there consistently until you get rid of it. However, it appears that Android 15 may give you the ability to hide the chat bubbles, at least on tablets.
He was able to get this feature activated and post screenshots. Looking at the screenshots, we see that the chat bubbles will collapse into a little bar on the bottom right of the screen. In order to access it, you have to swipe up on that bar. Then, you’ll see a little UI element that houses the chat bubbles. Simply tap on one of the bubbles to bring up a chat window.
This is a bit different than what we have now where, when you tap on a bubble, a floating window takes up most of the screen. With the new implementation, you’ll see a small chat window open up, but it looks like it will be anchored to the bubble bar. It will take up less of the screen, as you’re dealing with a bigger canvas.
It’s a tablet feature
Right now, we’re not quite sure if this is only going to be for tablets, as the code indicates that. We’re all wondering if this will be available for foldables as well. Hopefully, it is, as foldables and tablets go hand in hand.
Also, it would be neat if this came out for phones as well. Rather than having a bar on the bottom right of the screen, it could probably be on the top right or top left. Simply swiping in from the left or right could bring out a shelf holding the chat conversations. Hopefully, Google makes this available for phones as well. Only time will tell.
In the fast-paced world of fintech, automation promises convenience and profitability. Trading bots, algorithms programmed to execute trades based on predefined rules, are increasingly popular. However, within this exciting industry lurk malicious actors peddling trading bot scams, designed to exploit the hopes and naiveté of aspiring investors.
This article digs into the anatomy of these scams, equipping you with the knowledge to protect your hard-earned capital and make informed investment decisions.
The Rise of Trading Bots
With the advancement of technology and the availability of high-speed internet, trading bots, while focusing on price action, have become increasingly popular among both retail and institutional traders. These bots are designed to execute trades automatically based on pre-defined criteria without the need for human intervention. The primary goal is to remove emotions from trading, as emotions can often lead to impulsive and irrational decisions.
Unveiling the Scam: Red Flags to Watch Out For
Guaranteed Returns: Any investment promising consistent, risk-free returns is a red flag. Markets are inherently volatile, and no technology can guarantee profits. Be wary of claims like “double your money in a week” or “never lose a trade.”
Unrealistic Performance: Testimonials boasting astronomical returns or screenshots of fabricated charts are classic tactics. Remember, past performance is not indicative of future results.
Hidden Fees: Scammers often obfuscate fees and charges within complex terms and conditions. Scrutinize every cost associated with the bot, including subscription fees, performance-based commissions, and withdrawal charges.
Limited Transparency: Beware of bots with unclear trading strategies, proprietary algorithms, or lack of historical backtesting data. Reputable bots provide detailed explanations of their approach and demonstrate past performance with verifiable data.
Pressure and Urgency: Scammers employ pressure tactics to rush you into decisions. Phrases like “limited-time offer” or “act now before spots fill up” are warning signs. Take your time to research and understand the bot before investing.
Unsolicited Contact: If someone reaches out to you unsolicited, promising high returns from a trading bot, be extremely cautious. Legitimate financial services rarely resort to cold calling or aggressive online marketing.
Fake Reviews and Endorsements: Online reviews and celebrity endorsements can be easily fabricated. Verify the authenticity of such claims before trusting them.
While the aforementioned scams target victims’ funds, malicious threat actors are also known for using malware disguised as fake trading bots to steal personal data. For instance, Fortinet researchers identified a fake Bitcoin trading bot that targeted users’ Bitcoin and personal data simultaneously.
Strategies for Secure Investments: Building Your Defenses
Educate Yourself: Before dipping your toes into the bot world, gain a solid understanding of financial markets, trading strategies, and the potential risks involved.
Do Your Research: Don’t blindly trust marketing hype. Conduct thorough research on the bot, its developers, and any associated platforms. Look for independent reviews, user testimonials (with a healthy dose of scepticism), and regulatory compliance.
Start Small: If you decide to proceed, invest a small, manageable amount initially. This minimizes potential losses and allows you to test the bot’s effectiveness before committing larger sums.
Never Grant Full Access: Avoid bots requiring access to your entire investment portfolio or exchange accounts. Opt for bots that integrate with reputable platforms and allow you to maintain control over your funds.
Diversify: Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Diversify your investments across different assets and platforms to mitigate risk.
Manage Expectations: Remember, the financial market is not a get-rich-quick scheme. Expect realistic returns and be prepared for potential losses.
Report Suspicious Activity: If you encounter a scam, report it to the relevant regulatory authorities and online platforms to help protect others.
Beyond Bots: Secure Investment Practices
Utilize Reputable Platforms: Trade only on licensed and regulated exchanges or platforms with robust security measures and user protection protocols.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication: Add an extra layer of security to your accounts with two-factor authentication to prevent unauthorized access.
Beware of Phishing Scams: Be wary of emails, messages, or websites mimicking legitimate platforms trying to steal your login credentials. Always double-check URLs and sender information before entering sensitive details.
Stay Informed: Keep yourself updated with the latest financial news, scams, and regulatory changes to stay ahead of potential threats.
Remember: Common Sense and Caution is Key
Cryptocurrency investments are lucrative but also risky. By understanding the anatomy of trading bot scams and adopting secure investment practices, you can navigate this complex world with confidence and protect your hard-earned capital. Remember, caution is key – educate yourself, research thoroughly, and never be afraid to walk away from anything that seems too good to be true.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Please consult with a qualified financial professional before making any investment decisions.
Bluesky has officially announced ditching its invite-only system. The platform has been operating in private beta since its inception to manage growth, but it’s now open for everyone to sign up.
Bluesky is a decentralized social media platform founded by former Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey in 2021. The platform, which was a Twitter internal project at first, gained significant traction following Elon Musk’s takeover of Twitter (later rebranded to X) and the drastic changes he made to the company. Bluesky is now a venue for any X user who wants to avoid coping with Elon Musk’s rules.
You can now sign up for Bluesky without a waitlist
Bluesky launched in beta last year, and it’s now estimated to have over 3 million users. The platform can now expect to host even more users by ditching the waitlist. Of course, it still has a long way to go to reach X’s 556 million active monthly users.
Decentralized platforms seem to be the future of social media. These platforms claim to be more secure and transparent than conventional centrally-controlled platforms. Reduced censorship and protection of free speech are other perks of decentralized platforms.
Bluesky CEO Jay Graber also believes the future of social media is open and decentralized. As he told Engadget, “This is something that we think is good for the public conversation overall.”
Bluesky is taking a different approach than Mastodon
While most decentralized platforms like Mastodon run on ActivityPub protocol, Bluesky has taken a different patch by laying out an exclusive standard dubbed “AT Protocol.” Later this month, Bluesky will let developers host their servers on AT Protocol. Bluesky CEO described AT Protocol as “an API that’s permanently open” and enables developers’er’s creativity flow.
The move allows developers to offer a unique experience to users that’s not controlled by the company. Graber said this would be a slow and smooth process to ensure the “network doesn’t change overall overnight.”
Bluesky, Mastodon, and Threads are three platforms that claim to be X’s alternative with a similar user experience. Meanwhile, Threads has over 130 million users; the rest are still struggling to increase their user base. Meta would also allow Threads posts to appear on Mastodon and any other service that relies on ActivityPub to catch up with the decentralization trend.
The Dutch intelligence services have warned about a growing trend of threat actors targeting edge devices, such as VPNs, email servers, and firewalls, with the recent disclosure of zero-days in Ivanti VPNs providing threat actors an opportunity to infiltrate networks.
The warning comes after Dutch defence networks were infiltrated by Chinese state-backed spies using a new malware to steal sensitive information. The Military Intelligence and Security Service (MIVD) identified a China-sponsored actor as the attacker.
“MIVD & AIVD assess with high confidence that the malicious activity was conducted by a state-sponsored actor from the People’s Republic of China. This is part of a wider trend of Chinese political espionage against the Netherlands and its allies.”
Reportedly, the Chinese cyber espionage actors targeted the Dutch military by exploiting a FortiGate device flaw to remotely connect to networks. The initial intrusion began with the exploitation of CVE-2022-42475, a zero-day vulnerability that Fortinet warned was being exploited by advanced actors. After infiltration, the Chinese threat actors deployed a new “stealthy and persistent” RAT called Coathanger.
The RAT was installed on FortiGate devices using the high-impact vulnerability (CVE-2022-42475) in December 2022. The malware aimed to maintain network access, potentially using the RAT in combination with any FortiGate device vulnerability.
The actor conducted reconnaissance of the R&D network and exfiltrated the user accounts list from the Active Directory server. However, the intrusion’s impact was limited due to the targeted network’s segmentation from wider MOD networks. The Dutch military defenders foiled the cyber-espionage plot and its self-contained system did not cause any collateral damage.
Further proving revealed that the yet unpublished Coathanger malware has been specifically designed for FortiGate appliances. It is a stealthy and persistent RAT hiding through system calls and surviving reboots and firmware upgrades. This second-stage malware is named after a phrase used to encrypt disk configuration- ‘She took his coat and hung it up.’
After infecting FortiGate devices, the malware connects to a C2 server over SSL providing a BusyBox reverse shell. Any published or unpublished vulnerabilities can be exploited for initial network access, with Coathanger serving as a backdoor afterwards.
It is worth noting that the Netherlands has publicly criticized Beijing for state-sponsored hacking for the first time. The country’s Defense Minister Kajsa Ollongren emphasized the importance of publicly releasing a technical report on Chinese hackers’ methods, aiming to enhance international resilience against cyber espionage.
“For the first time, the MIVD has chosen to make public a technical report on the working methods of Chinese hackers. It is important to attribute such espionage activities by China,” Ollongren said.
MIVD notified Fortinet PSIRT of the malware’s existence. To mitigate these threats, organizations should regularly perform risk analysis, limit internet access, analyze logs for anomalous activity, install vendor security updates, and replace outdated hardware and software. This will help protect against potential attacks on public internet-connected devices.
Samsung is preparing to add two new mid-range models to its Galaxy A lineup for 2024. The Galaxy A35 and Galaxy A55 will sit above the Galaxy A15 and Galaxy A25, in that order. Last month, we exclusively leaked the official renders of the two upcoming phones. A leaked live photo of the former recently affirmed the design shown in those renders. The Galaxy A55 has also now popped up in live photos, confirming a Key Island design and metallic frame.
Galaxy A55 leaked in live photos ahead of launch
Samsung is in the process of gathering mandatory regulatory certifications for the Galaxy A35 and Galaxy A55 ahead of launch. A Korean regulatory body recently certified the former and uploaded a real-life photo of the phone to its website. The latter’s live photos have now been shared by TENAA, a Chinese certification agency. First spotted by MySmartPrice, the agency uploaded several photos showing the phone from multiple angles.
TENAA listings usually feature blurry photos of certified products and it is no different with the Galaxy A55. However, upon close inspection, we can see that the device has its frame slightly bulged around the area where the power and volume buttons reside. It is a relatively new design element that Samsung is using on its recent A-series phones. Called the Key Island design, Samsung introduced it with the Galaxy A15 and Galaxy A25 in December last year.
The Galaxy A35 and Galaxy A55 will also feature this design. We already knew that from our leaked renders, and we now have a confirmation. Another key takeaway from those renders was the presence of antenna lines on the latter, hinting at a metallic frame. This has also been confirmed by the leaked live photos. We can see an antenna line above the buttons on the right side. The Galaxy A35 doesn’t have antenna lines, which should mean a plastic frame.
Samsung may also be readying a Galaxy C55 or Y55
Like before, Samsung is expected to launch the Galaxy M55 and Galaxy F55 as the M and F-series equivalents of the Galaxy A55. There are also rumors about a Galaxy C55 or Y55. TENNA certified the device with the model number SM-C5560. It might be the Chinese version of one of these phones. The device may not share the design with the Galaxy A55, as we see a Key Island design. The back panel also has curved edges. An official announcement may not be too far away now.
Android is widely appreciated for its open platform nature, allowing users to install apps from sources outside the Google Play Store. However, this freedom comes with its own set of risks. While users enjoy the flexibility of installing any app they desire, they also face the downside of potential fraud, particularly when downloading questionable apps from the internet.There’s no denying the issue’s existence, and Google is taking steps to address it. The tech giant is rolling out a new pilot program aimed at assisting Android phone users in avoiding scams targeting their money and personal information. In a blog post, Google shared it will soon start testing a feature to bolster fraud protection through Google Play Protect.
Continuing its strategic partnership with the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA), Google is set to launch the first pilot of this initiative in Singapore in the coming weeks. The upgraded fraud protection will analyze and automatically prevent the installation of apps that might exploit sensitive runtime permissions, commonly abused for financial fraud. This action will be taken when users try to install the app from sources outside the Google Play Store, such as web browsers, messaging apps, or file managers.
This enhancement will examine the permissions declared by the app in real time, focusing on four specific runtime permission requests: RECEIVE_SMS, READ_SMS, BIND_Notifications, and Accessibility. Fraudsters commonly exploit these permissions to intercept one-time passwords via SMS or notifications, as well as to monitor screen content.
Screenshots showing the feature in action (Image Credit–Google)
During the upcoming pilot, if a user tries to install an application from an internet-sideloading source and the app declares any of these four permissions, Play Protect will automatically block the installation and provide an explanation.
This upgraded fraud protection feature has been tested by the Singapore government and will be rolled out to Android devices with Google Play services, as said earlier, exclusively in Singapore. However, once the pilot program ends, users worldwide should anticipate the feature’s rollout, although Google has not provided a specific timeline.
The 2023 Global State of Scams report by the Global Anti-Scam Alliance revealed that 78 percent of surveyed mobile users experienced at least one scam in the past year. Among those surveyed, 45 percent reported experiencing more scams in the last 12 months.
The Global Scam Report also highlighted that scams were frequently initiated by sending scam links through various messaging platforms. The goal? Make users install malicious apps. Additionally, these scams often involved phone calls pretending to be from legitimate entities. If you’re interested in learning more about how to recognize and fight scams, click here.
WhatsApp is one of the most lauded messaging apps out there. And it plans to better its service as it complies with the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA). As part of a new arrangement, WhatsApp will likely introduce cross-platform usability which may allow users to send messages to other third-party apps like iMessage, Telegram, Google Messages, Signal, etc. But, the feature’s success depends on the willingness of other companies to participate. Not to mention the concerns about privacy and encryption.
WhatsApp cross-platform messaging with privacy & security
WhatsApp interoperability mainly focuses on exchanging text messages, images, voice, videos, or files between users on WhatsApp and those on other messaging platforms. This shift is a response to DMA regulations that consider Meta a “digital gatekeeper.” EU now requires WhatsApp to follow the rules promoting fair competition in digital markets. The DMA came into effect last year and gatekeepers were given until March 2024 to comply. The deadline is almost over.
Privacy and security are high on the company’s priority list. Information sourced from The Verge confirms that WhatsApp will only accept Signal encryption protocol for cross-platform messaging. But, they are open to alternative encryption protocols as long as they meet WhatsApp’s security standards. Companies wanting to integrate with WhatsApp will have to sign a contract with Meta, outlining the terms of the agreement.
In an interview with Wired, WhatsApp Engineering Director ‘Dick Brouwer’ acknowledged how tense it will be to offer compatibility with third parties while preserving the platform’s privacy, security, and integrity standards. But Brouwer seemed confident about his plan of action, stating, “I think we’re pretty happy with where we’ve landed.”
Implementation and global availability
We are yet to hear about the specifics of how third-party messaging will integrate with WhatsApp. Meta’s compliance with the DMA might initially take effect in Europe but eventually, it will happen in other regions. A credible publication points out that WhatsApp users can expect a new “Third-party chats” section in their inboxes soon. This will be where messages from other platforms will be grouped. The firm will provide more information about its interoperability plans in the coming month, with a phased rollout to follow after.
In September 2020, Walmart launched its own subscription service, Walmart Plus, to compete with Amazon Prime. It is essentially a service that you can pay monthly or yearly for, and get free and fast shipping, as well as a few other perks.
While Walmart has said many times that Walmart Plus isn’t meant to compete with Amazon Prime, it’s quite evident that it is precisely what this is. Walmart Plus is still fairly new, especially when compared to Amazon Prime, but the company has continued to add new perks and features since launching in 2020. Here’s everything you need to know about Walmart Plus.
What is Walmart Plus?
As mentioned, Walmart Plus is a subscription service from Walmart whose primary purpose is to give you unlimited fast shipping. That includes a discount to Walmart’s new Express two-hour delivery option. So if you forgot to grab something in your last Amazon order, you can use Walmart and have it delivered in just two hours.
Walmart is leveraging its 4,756 stores across the US to make fast shipping a reality. Considering everything that is part of Walmart Express shipping is available in the stores, it means that Walmart only needs to get it from their store to your home in less than two hours. Making it a lot cheaper and a lot more viable.
Walmart Plus also has a few other perks that are available like dibs on must-have deals, similar to Amazon Prime—and discounted gas.
You can sign up for Walmart Plus in a yearly or monthly membership.
Yearly, Walmart Plus is going to cost you $98, which puts it over $40 cheaper than Amazon Prime. If you’d rather pay monthly and not fork over $98 right now, there is also a monthly plan for $12.95, and that is very similar to Amazon Prime’s price per month.
Obviously, the yearly plan is a much better option, as per month, you’re going to be paying $155.40, nearly a third more than just opting for the yearly price.
Is there a free trial available?
Walmart does offer a free trial. It’s not quite as generous as some other services out there. But Walmart Plus does give you a free 30-day trial. That’s long enough to check out the service and figure out if it is worth it for you or not before you start paying for it.
If you already shop at Walmart (not Sam’s Club) a lot, then Walmart Plus is likely a good option for you.
How can I sign up?
You can sign up for Walmart Plus by clicking here.
You’ll be able to start your 30-day free trial, and afterward, it’ll charge your card either per month or yearly, depending on the option you choose.
There are a few perks available for Walmart Plus now, with more coming in the future. As Amazon did with Prime, Walmart is going to continue to add extras to make the yearly membership worthwhile for its customers.
Free Unlimited Delivery
The biggest perk for Walmart Plus is the free unlimited delivery, which can pay for itself with just two deliveries. And this works for over 160,000 items.
With the free unlimited delivery, you can get your delivery as early as the same day, and depending on your area, you can get it within two hours. Walmart also offers one-hour delivery windows. So you can plan ahead to be home for your delivery. Unlike Shipt or Instacart, Walmart Plus does not upcharge you for groceries. You’ll see the same low prices every day.
The process is very simple. Within the app, add products to your cart. This includes groceries, electronics, and anything else that Walmart sells. Then, you can choose your pickup or delivery time during checkout. And you’ll be able to get your items. If you select pick up, you can head to the store, and someone will come out with your items for you.
There are two caveats to the free unlimited delivery. Firstly, your order does need to be at least $35. Even if you are subscribed to Walmart Plus. Secondly, the Free Unlimited Delivery is not available everywhere. For instance, I am near two Walmart locations in my area, and the Walmart Plus website says that they are not available in my area. Luckily, you can use their website to see it.
Member prices on fuel
This is going to be another big perk for Walmart Plus customers. At launch, this did not apply to Sam’s Club gas stations, but as of November 2020, that has been rectified.
You can get discounted gas at Walmart and Murphy Stations, up to $0.05 off per gallon. And access member prices at Sam’s Club fuel centers. That gives you over 2,000 convenient locations to fill up and save.
If you need to find a Walmart Plus gas station, you can click here and find one near you.
Mobile Scan & Go
This is a feature that has been available to Sam’s Club members for quite some time (and honestly, it’s one of my favorite features, and a big reason why I prefer Sam’s Club over Costco). Basically, this allows you to shop and checkout with your phone. Just scan, pay and be on your way. No more standing in long lines to checkout.
This feature was made for the pandemic that we are currently experiencing. As it’s a contact-free checkout, and it means less time at the register.
To do this, simply sign into your Walmart Plus account on the Walmart app – which is available on iOS and Android. Then open the app once you get inside your Walmart store. Scan your items in-store using the barcode. If you have produce, you will need to weigh those by the pound at self-checkout. Once you’re finished, head to a self-checkout register and scan your QR code to finalize the payment. Then, you’ll get an exit pass and an e-receipt.
As you leave the store, a Walmart employee may scan your exit pass – to make sure you did indeed pay.
And that’s it. It’s not quite as streamlined as Sam’s Club is – and that’s partly due to the products that Walmart sells versus Sam’s Club. But it’s still quite fast. This is particularly useful during the holiday season when stores will be packed.
Early access to deals
This is one of the few perks that Walmart Plus and Amazon Prime both have. And that’s the ability to get early access to deals. And with Black Friday and Cyber Monday right around the corner, that’s a big deal – no pun intended.
It hasn’t launched just yet, but it is expected to launch very soon. Possibly just before Black Friday on November 27.
Recently, Walmart has joined forces with Paramount, to offer Paramount Plus to all Walmart Plus members. You will get the Essential plan included in your membership, which is a pretty good value. Considering Paramount Plus Essentials does cost $6 per month on its own. With Paramount Plus, you can enjoy over 40,000 episodes, hit movies, live sports and much more.
More Perks
That’s not all, Walmart Plus has continued to add even more perks, like Walmart Plus Travel. Giving you up to 5% Walmart Cash for booking your travel through Expedia on Walmart Plus. You can also get free flat tire repair and a free road hazard warranty at Walmart Auto Care Centers.
Walmart is also offering the ability to do returns from home. Making returning things so much easier. You can check out all of the perks on this page.
How does it compare to Amazon Prime?
As it stands right now, Amazon Prime is the better option versus Walmart Plus. But that might not be the case for long.
While Walmart Plus is indeed cheaper, Amazon Prime does offer fast delivery, along with Amazon Prime Now for two-hour deliveries. Amazon Prime also has a lot more products than Walmart Plus does. However, as Walmart Plus expands, that will change.
Additionally, Amazon Prime comes with many other perks, like Amazon Prime Video and access to Amazon Music Unlimited, which can save you a boatload per year on things like Netflix and Spotify.
On the flip side, however, if you are a big shopper of Walmart, then Walmart Plus is going to be a really good option for you, not only for delivery, but also for the streamlined shopping experience and the discounted gas.
They both have their perks and very different perks, we might add. So the best bet is to really check them both out and see which one works better for your lifestyle and shopping habits. It really comes down to whether you drive a lot or stay at home a lot. If you drive and travel a lot, then Walmart Plus is better, and if you’re at home all the time, then Amazon Prime is better.
If you do a lot of shopping at Walmart, whether that’s delivery, pick-up, or in-store shopping, then it is more than worth it.
With the streamlined in-store shopping experience, plus the ability to get groceries (and more) delivered in as soon as two hours. The $98 per year fee is worth it. But make sure you sign up for the yearly or annual plan and not the monthly. At $12.95 per month, it is not worth the price, at least not yet as that is $57 more than the regular price of a year of the service.
The discounted gas is the cherry on top, particularly if you do not have a membership to Sam’s Club. As that membership is $40 per year, and gives you access to some other products. But now you won’t have to buy that and get a discount on gas. Sam’s Club normally has the cheapest gas in town. In my area, it is normally around $0.20 to $0.30 cheaper than every other gas station. So it’s worth it.
You can sign up for Walmart Plus here and take advantage of that 15-day free trial.
The launch of the Apple Vision Pro on June 5, 2023, marks a pivotal moment in technology, showcasing Apple’s ambitious entry into the mixed-reality market. This cutting-edge device, termed a “spatial computer,” represents Apple’s most significant product launch since the Apple Watch in 2015. The Vision Pro, with its advanced features like eye tracking, motion detection, and seamless integration with other systems, has captured the interest of gamers and multimedia enthusiasts worldwide.
However, the Apple Vision Pro faces stiff competition from other devices that blend digital media with reality. These competitors have already captivated a dedicated following among reality gamers and top technology blogs like CCN.com, potentially challenging the Vision Pro’s market penetration as it begins pre-orders on January 19, 2024. This piece will explore the top competitors to the Apple Vision Pro in 2024, examining their features, market positioning, and the challenges they present in the ever-changing landscape of technology.
Top Competitors for the Apple Vision Pro in 2024
As Vision Pro begins to carve its niche, it becomes imperative to explore its competitive landscape. Follow along as we discuss some of the top alternatives to Apple Vision Pro with solid recognition in 2024.
Meta Quest Pro
At the forefront of virtual and augmented reality innovations, Meta (formerly known as Facebook) has solidified its presence through its Oculus division. The Meta Quest Pro, an advancement of the Quest series, positions itself as a formidable rival to the Vision Pro. It focuses on delivering high-fidelity VR experiences augmented with sophisticated hand tracking, eye tracking, and mixed reality functionalities.
Its seamless integration with Meta’s extensive services and many third-party applications positions it as a strong competitor across consumer and enterprise domains. Moreover, it has a pair of hand controllers with a Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2+ Chip, which powers the core and provides incredible functions. Furthermore, this device is more comfortable than the Apple Vision Pro and has an excellent full-color display.
Microsoft HoloLens 3
The HoloLens 3, Microsoft’s latest mixed reality headset, diverges from the Vision Pro by emphasizing augmented reality applications, particularly in industry, healthcare, and education sectors. Equipped with cutting-edge spatial awareness technology and bolstered by Azure cloud integration, the HoloLens 3 offers developers and professionals a powerful suite of tools. Its focus on the enterprise market and a higher price point differentiate it from Apple’s consumer-oriented offering.
Valve Index 2
Targeting the high-end PC gaming market, the Valve Index 2 is a testament to Valve’s commitment to immersive gaming experiences. It excels with its superior refresh rates, expansive field of view, and finger-tracking controllers, catering to a niche but passionate segment of gamers in pursuit of unparalleled immersion. Though it doesn’t directly compete with the Vision Pro in mixed reality capabilities, the Index 2 vies for the same consumer attention and financial outlay in the wider immersive technology sphere.
HTC Vive Focus 3
Blurring the lines between virtual and real worlds, the HTC Vive Focus 3 is a standalone VR headset with a high-resolution display and a design conducive to prolonged use. It is a noteworthy competitor to the Vision Pro and is suitable for consumer entertainment and enterprise applications. Its comprehensive Vive Business platform and Viveport app marketplace provide a robust content creation and distribution basis.
Magic Leap 2
The Magic Leap 2, following its predecessor, targets enterprise users with its feather-light design and superior AR capabilities. With a focus on enhancing workplace productivity and creativity through applications like collaborative design and training simulations, Magic Leap 2 seeks to redefine professional workflows. Its specialized focus and proprietary technology differentiate it from the broader appeal of the Vision Pro.
Sony PlayStation VR2
The PlayStation VR2 by Sony, designed for the PlayStation 5 console, marks a significant advancement in console-based VR. Its integration with the PlayStation ecosystem offers a unique proposition for gamers, featuring exclusive titles and deeply immersive experiences. Though primarily focused on VR rather than mixed reality, the PSVR2 competes with the Vision Pro for entertainment dollars and consumer interest in immersive technologies.
This piece has an easy setup process with an incredible display of immersive worlds. Sony products like the PS5 have sleek designs that make them unique, and VR2 boasts this feature. Moreover, the haptic feedback and wide variety of options are also good reasons this piece is a suitable competitor of the Apple Vision Pro.
Competitive Analysis and Future Outlook
The arena in which the Apple Vision Pro competes is characterized by a wide array of devices, from VR-centric headsets to AR and mixed-reality solutions. Each competitor brings unique strengths and strategic approaches, from Meta’s expansive social and gaming ecosystems to Microsoft’s focus on augmented reality for professional use. The Vision Pro’s success hinges on many factors, including the depth of its content ecosystem, the practicality of its mixed reality applications, and its ability to establish a distinct market niche amidst formidable competitors.
Apple’s history of crafting integrated hardware-software ecosystems and its commitment to privacy and user experience lays a solid groundwork for Vision Pro’s market penetration. Nonetheless, the device’s influence will ultimately be dictated by its reception among consumers and enterprises, the maturation of mixed reality use cases, and how competitors respond to Apple’s entry.
Concluding Thoughts
The Apple Vision Pro steps into a vibrant but highly competitive market as we stand on the cusp of a new era in mixed reality. With each competitor offering distinctive advantages and targeting different market segments, the race for dominance in mixed reality technology is wide open. The ongoing advancements in technology and shifts in consumer preferences will dictate the dynamics between these leading entities, sculpting the future landscape of immersive experiences.
A new malware called Ov3r_Stealer was found to be intended for stealing cryptocurrency wallets and passwords and then sending them to a Telegram channel that the threat actor maintains.
Identified early in December, the malware was spread via a Facebook advertisement for an account manager position.
The user was directed via weaponized links to a malicious Discord content delivery URL, which triggered the attack’s execution phase.
“The malware is designed to exfiltrate specific types of data such as GeoLocation (based on IP), hardware info, passwords, cookies, credit card information, auto-fills, browser extensions, crypto wallets, Office documents, and antivirus product information,” SpiderLabs shared with Cyber Security News.
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A weaponized PDF file is used for the malware’s first access and transmission. The file impersonates a shared file on OneDrive. A simple clickable OneDrive link was found on a fake Facebook profile purporting to be Amazon CEO Andy Jassy.
Another instance was seen applying for a Digital Advertising position through a Facebook advertisement.
Facebook ad for a job in Digital Advertising
Upon selecting the “Access Document” link on the Facebook page, a file ending in .url is downloaded to initiate the subsequent phase.
SpiderLabs at Trustwave found a quicker way to reach the [.url] in the job notification for “pink women’s magazine” on Facebook by utilizing the PDF file’s information.
The malware was downloaded in three files from a GitHub site utilizing a Powershell script that was run in the victim’s environment and pretended to be Windows Control Panel binary.
Researchers observed additional ways to install the malware onto the system throughout the malware family study. These methods included HTML smuggling, SVG smuggling, and LNK file masquerading.
After the malware’s three files are loaded and launched on the system, a Scheduled Task is used as a persistence mechanism to make the malware run every ninety minutes.
After the data is acquired, it is exfiltrated to a Telegram channel that the threat actor monitors. All of this data might end up in the hands of the highest bidder, or the malware might modularize and then be used as a dropper for additional malware or post-exploit tools, all the way up to ransomware.
Researchers have found striking similarities between the Phemedrone stealer malware and the Ov3r_Stealer malware.
Given the latest reports of this malware, it’s possible that Phemedrone was repurposed and given the new name Ov3r_Stealer. Phemedrone is written in C#, which is the primary distinction between the two.
The team discovered numerous aliases, communication channels, and repositories during their frantic search for information on the threat actors. Aliases like “Liu Kong,” “MR Meta,” “MeoBlackA,” and “John Macollan” were discovered in forums like “Pwn3rzs Chat,” “Golden Dragon Lounge,” “Data Pro,” and “KGB Forums,” where a regular gathering of “researchers,” threat actors, and inquisitive people takes place.
Mitigation
Engage Security Awareness Programs
Regular Application and Service audits and baselining
Application patching
Run continuous Threat Hunting through your environments for undetected compromises.
