Galaxy S24 Ultra destroys iPhone 15 Pro Max in terms of screen reflections

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Galaxy S24 Ultra destroys iPhone 15 Pro Max in terms of screen reflections
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The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is the company’s latest flagship, and it comes with new screen protection. Corning provided Samsung with Gorilla Armor, a new piece of hardware on top of the display. Corning claimed, in its announcement, that Gorilla Armor handles screen reflections like a champ. Well, we have proof now. The Galaxy S24 Ultra absolutely destroys the iPhone 15 Pro Max in terms of screen reflections.

The Galaxy S24 Ultra handles screen reflections a lot better than the iPhone 15 Pro Max

If you take a look at the two images below, you’ll see the two phones side by side. These images have been shared by Ice Universe, a well-known tipster. You’ll easily see that the Galaxy S24 Ultra is not affected by the reflection all that much, it’s easy to notice.

The display on the iPhone 15 Pro Max actually seems kind of washed out next to the Galaxy S24 Ultra’s. This is actually not the only example we have. Other sources shared different comparisons.

For example, Ahmed Qwaider shared the Galaxy S24 Ultra next to the Galaxy S23 Ultra. The difference here is also immediately noticeable. You can check out three images in the gallery below to see the difference.

The Gorilla Armor is making a huge difference, it seems

Based on what we see here, the Gorilla Armor makes a huge difference on the Galaxy S24 Ultra. We do hope that more smartphones will end up using this protection in order to battle screen reflections.

Just to be clear, the other two phones in the series do not include Gorilla Armor. The Galaxy S24 and Galaxy S24+ ship with Gorilla Glass Victus 2. That’s great protection, but it doesn’t handle reflections nearly as well.

As a reminder, Corning said that Gorilla Armor reduces reflection by up to 75%. On top of that, it’s supposed to be a lot more resistant to micro scratches, which is always good to hear. It’s nice to see Corning focusing more on something other than impact resistance.


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Iowa sues TikTok, wants only Iowans aged 17 and more to use the app

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Iowa sues TikTok, wants only Iowans aged 17 and more to use the app
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Are you under 17 and living in Iowa? Do you like TikTok? That’s an odd question to ask a 17-year-old. Soon, you might not be able to use it, so… carpe diem.

The state of Iowa is suing TikTok over claims that the app is not suited for kids of age 12+, but instead, it should be rated as 17+ (via The Verge).

The problem is the alleged presence of sexual content, drugs, alcohol, profanity, and other inappropriate material in the app that’s available for kids. The Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird filed the lawsuit and claimed TikTok is making this kind of content “easily accessible” to young users and the “12+” age rating on the Apple App Store is “inaccurate”.

The state of Iowa claims that if “correctly” rated, the content on the wildly popular app would (and should) receive a 17-plus label. The lawsuit is not OK with TikTok’s “T” for “Teen” ratings in the Google Play Store and Microsoft Store.

“TikTok has kept parents in the dark,” Attorney General Bird said in a statement. “It’s time we shine a light on TikTok for exposing young children to graphic materials such as sexual content, self-harm, illegal drug use, and worse. TikTok has sneaked past parental blocks by misrepresenting the severity of its content.”

An investigation done by the state found that users as young as 13 years old can “readily find” recipes for alcoholic drinks, “advice and encouragement” about using marijuana, music with profane lyrics, and “videos promoting eating disorders, suicide, and self-harm.” Additionally, the lawsuit claims TikTok’s Restricted Mode, which is supposed to limit content “that may not be appropriate for all audiences,” doesn’t work when enabled.


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DarkGate Malware Abuses AutoIT Scripting Payload Obfustication

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DarkGate Malware Abuses AutoIT Scripting Payload Obfustication
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DarkGate is a type of malware that employs Auto-It compiled loaders that cause a considerable threat because of its advanced evasion strategies and persistence within compromised systems.

By using obfuscated AutoIt scripting and multi-stage payloads, the malware makes it more difficult to identify using conventional signature-based techniques.

Meticulous detection and analysis are necessary due to their capacity to obtain command and control communications and exfiltrate sensitive data.

The scripting language AutoIt was created specifically for automating Windows GUI and general scripting tasks. It has been used for malicious purposes throughout history, including AutoIt-compiled malware dating back to 2008.

“Malware creators have exploited the versatility of AutoIT in a variety of ways, such as using obfuscated scripts for payload decryption, utilizing legitimate tools like BaSupportVNC, and even creating worms capable of spreading through removable media and Windows shares”, said Splunk researchers.

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Insights of DarkGate Malware and Its Use of AutoIt

Researchers discovered several campaigns using a loader intended for launching DarkGate on hacked systems. An instance of this would be the discovery of malicious PDF files that serve as carriers and cause a malicious CAB file to be downloaded. 

This CAB file, in turn, downloads a.MSI file containing and loading the DarkGate malware. This file appears to load a series of files, including two.BIN files, a DLL module, and the legitimate wndbg.exe, all of which are necessary for DarkGate to execute.

Malicious MSI Infection Flow 
Malicious MSI Infection Flow 

In a different variation, it adds another .CAB installer to the targeted host’s installation process, expanding its infection strategy. This enhanced strategy highlights threat actors’ ongoing attempts to avoid detection by highlighting the intricacy and sophistication of the infection mechanism they have chosen.

Four.png files are utilized solely as dummies or decoys to hide or mislead the observer from the important parts of the DarkGate operation.

.CAB Extracted Files
.CAB Extracted Files

“Within the .CAB file, a collection of files has been identified. Among these files, the pivotal components driving the initiation of DarkGate malware include windbg.exe, dbgeng.dll, data.bin, and data2.bin”, researchers said.

The subsequent stage of this malicious installation of the .CAB file entails the use of windbg.exe to execute a specifically designed dbgeng.dll via DLL side-loading techniques.

Data2.bin contains two encoded files, separated by the ‘splitres’ string. The first file to be decoded from the base64 process is a legitimate Autoit3.exe, which is used to run the second file, which is a script.au3 AutoIt script that has been constructed. 

The final loader encompasses both a shellcode and a .exe file designed to decrypt the DarkGate malware.

Hence, maintaining a strong defense against DarkGate’s shifting techniques requires constant monitoring in addition to updated defense systems.

Try Kelltron’s cost-effective penetration testing services to evaluate digital systems security. Free demo available.


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OnePlus Watch 2 could be revealed at MWC with Google’s Wear OS

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OnePlus Watch 2 could be revealed at MWC with Google’s Wear OS
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OnePlus is gearing up for the global launch of its latest flagship smartphone, the OnePlus 12, but it seems that the anticipated OnePlus Watch 2 won’t share the spotlight at the upcoming event.

OnePlus to reveal the OnePlus Watch 2 towards the end of February at MWC 2024

Tipster Max Jambor expects that the OnePlus Watch 2 will skip the January launch and make its debut at Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2024, scheduled for February 26 to February 29 in Barcelona, Spain.

Leaks suggest the OnePlus Watch 2 will come equipped with a 1.43-inch AMOLED display boasting a resolution of 466 x 466 and hardware buttons on the right side, powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 chip, the same processor found in the Google Pixel Watch 2, with a BES 2700 co-processor for more energy-efficient operations.

OnePlus has evolved significantly from its initial smartphone offerings, with recent successes like the OnePlus 11 and OnePlus Open. However, its first-generation smartwatch launched in 2021, the original OnePlus Watch, didn’t make a significant impact.

The successor will be OnePlus’s first watch with Google’s Wear OS

The successor will be OnePlus’s first watch with Google’s Wear OS 4, expected to mark a significant improvement, running on Wear OS instead of a custom operating system named RTOS. Wear OS is likely to address the limitations of the first OnePlus Watch, and a notable upgrade with the new OS will be the access to the Play Store.

While the exact pricing remains unknown, the original OnePlus Watch launched at $159, and it’s expected that the second-gen model with some significant improvements might carry a higher price tag. The January 23 event for the OnePlus 12 not featuring the OnePlus Watch 2 likely indicates that the product is still undergoing final preparations before hitting the market.

OnePlus’ foray into wearables reportedly includes not only the upcoming OnePlus Watch 2 but also the India-exclusive Nord Watch and a fitness tracker released in 2021.


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WhatsApp to bring a new feature, allowing you to securely share files with people nearby

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WhatsApp to bring a new feature, allowing you to securely share files with people nearby
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WhatsApp is developing its own Bluetooth sharing feature for users nearby. It will be available in a future version of the app, which now more than 2.7 billion people use.

As per WABetaInfo, the trusted source for WhatsApp scoops, the Meta-owned app is in the works on a Bluetooth file-sharing tool for nearby users. To use it, both parties need to open the “Share Files” section and stay there until the transfer finishes. What is more, the end-to-end encryption remains intact for secure sharing, just like WhatsApp’s usual file-sharing method.

WhatsApp has recently introduced a feature enabling users to share files of up to 2GB in size, and now, in the latest WhatsApp beta for Android (version 2.24.2.20) update, available on the Google Play Store, it has been uncovered that WhatsApp is actively developing this new file-sharing feature for users nearby.
 

The screenshot makes it clear: users not only have to open the “Share Files” section for file exchanges but also need to shake their device to generate a share request. This controlled approach adds an interesting, although not very convenient, twist to the sharing process.

This feature could be handy for WhatsApp users, although with Google and Samsung’s recent Quick Share updates, its necessity might not align with Meta’s expectations. Google’s Nearby Share and Samsung’s Quick Share are set to merge into a unified app named Quick Share. This streamlined approach will simplify the process of sending photos, files, and text between Android phones.

Nevertheless, introducing a feature in WhatsApp for file-sharing with nearby users brings its own set of advantages. This feature allows users to swiftly share files with nearby individuals, perfect for situations demanding a quick and direct transfer. For instance, you can quickly share a presentation with colleagues at a meeting without an internet connection.

Plus, the privacy and security of users are maintained as the phone number stays hidden to non-contacts during every file exchange.

The upcoming file-sharing feature with nearby users is currently in the works and is expected to be included in a future app update. Meanwhile, WhatsApp is also cooking up another feature, enabling users to share polls in channels, and is introducing additional text formatting tools.


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Galaxy S24 Ultra S Pen not playing nice with some MagSafe accessories

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Galaxy S24 Ultra S Pen not playing nice with some MagSafe accessories
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Samsung has introduced the Galaxy S24 series flagships in the Galaxy Unpacked 2024 event and the new devices have already made their way to the hands of reviewers for initial testing.

However, a notable flaw has already surfaced for the most expensive model, the Galaxy S24 Ultra. The S Pen of the device suffers from interference with the magnets of the MagSafe/Qi2 compatible cases and its accessories… well, some of them. We’ve tested the issue on a number of them, and there’s really no problem with some of them. Examples below do prove that the problem exists, though.

M. Brandon Lee shared a video on X/Twitter showcasing the fact that when a MagSafe/ Qi2 accessory is attached to the case of the Galaxy S24 Ultra, for example, your wallet, the phone fails to register the movement of the S Pen on its display properly. Case manufacturers are reportedly trying to figure out how to fix this interference issue.

9to5Google notes that the predecessor or the Galaxy S23 Ultra didn’t have this interference issue with the magnets in the MagSafe-enabled cases and its accessories.

Samsung is yet to comment on the S Pen interference situation as of writing this article

The Galaxy S24 Ultra, however, does not support the Qi2 standard. Currently, you won’t have an issue at all as long as you don’t use the S Pen with the phone attached to a MagSafe accessory.

However, for people who use the S Pen with the phone attached to a MagSafe accessory, it presents a dissatisfaction factor with the latest ultra flagship, which is not ideal. Notably, the company has yet to share some words on the matter as of writing.

Although the Galaxy S24 Ultra isn’t leaving a perfect impression considering the MagSafe accessories, it houses the ‘for Galaxy’ branded slightly overclocked Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip all over the world. And if you feel concerned about the currently present imperfection of the ultra model, the Galaxy S24 might also be a good option to consider, especially if you prefer compact phones.

Nonetheless, the Galaxy S24 series devices come with a suite of AI features targeted at making the series more appealing and possibly re-gaining the first position in global smartphone shipments from Apple in 2024.


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Gmail might soon simplify email drafting with AI assistance

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Gmail might soon simplify email drafting with AI assistance
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Last year, Google announced a new “Help me write” feature for its Gmail app, bringing in some AI magic to help you write emails with ease. And guess what? It looks like the tech giant is not done spicing things up.

According to TheSpAndroid (via Android Authority), an upcoming option on the “Help me write” feature will let you use your voice to draft an email or actually tell the AI what to write. You will simply have to speak out the prompt, and the Gmail AI will write that email for you.

Now, you might be thinking, “Hey, I can already draft with my voice,” but this new functionality is different. Instead of you dictating the text, the AI takes your prompt and crafts the email for you.
 

When you start typing a new email or replying to one, the voice typing setup pops up with a big mic button. Tap it, start talking, and your prompt shows up above the recording button. Hit “Create” when you are done, and voila – Gmail crafts you an email using its AI. If you decide to bail on the recording, no worries – there is a “Draft email with voice” button waiting at the bottom left of the email.

As for when this new option will be added to the Gmail app, it is still unclear. Chances are it might hit the Workspace Labs users first before hitting the mainstream. Currently, the “Help me write” feature is available in the Workspace Labs. Workspace Labs is a program that allows Google to test new features with a small group of users before they are rolled out to everyone.

If you want to try the “Help me write” feature, you can sign up for the Workspace Labs program, available only in US English. However, there is no guarantee that you will be selected to participate. Here are the steps on how to sign up for the Workspace Labs program:


  • Go to the Gmail Workspace Labs page.
  • Click the “Get early access” button.
  • Sign in to your Google account.
  • Select the features that you are interested in trying out.
  • Click the “Submit” button.

You will receive an email notification if you are selected to participate in the Workspace Labs program.


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A week in security (January 15 – January 21)

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A week in security (January 15 – January 21)
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Glass building against a blue sky with the Google logo on the building

January 20, 2024 – A nonprofit study claims that Google is failing to delete location history that reveals users’ physical trips to abortion clinics.

Google logo

January 19, 2024 – Google wants you to know you can still be tracked when you’re incognito.

January 19, 2024 – CISA has added two Citrix NetScaler vulnerabilities to its vulnerability catalog, with a very short deadline to patch.

Chrome

January 18, 2024 – Google has issued a security update for the Chrome browser that includes a patch for one zero-day vulnerability.

January 17, 2024 – Two vulnerabilities in Ivanti Connect Secure and Ivanti Policy Secure Gateways are subject to massive exploitation despite an available workaround.


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Google Chat brings star messages to iOS and Android platforms

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Google Chat brings star messages to iOS and Android platforms
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After releasing star messages on the web version of Chat back in November, Google announced over the weekend that the same feature is coming to mobile in the next few weeks.

Using an additional shortcut on the contextual menu in the redesigned navigation panel, Android and iOS users can now access any “starred” messages in Google Chat. It’s a useful feature if you need to return to a message in a chat later on.

In order to star a message on either Android or iOS, simply longpress on it and click the star. Of course, you can unstar a message from the original message or unstar messages from the shortcut.
Google Chat brings star messages to iOS and Android platforms

According to Google, starring message is unavailable in existing spaces organized by conversation topic (legacy threaded). The new feature is available to all Google Workspace customers and users with personal Google Accounts.

As far as availability goes, Google says that Android users should get the ability to star messages in Chat in the next two weeks starting on January 19. On the other hand, iOS users will be getting the new feature in the same amount of time but starting on January 16.

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Navigating Breakthroughs in Software Development

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Navigating Breakthroughs in Software Development
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We are now at the age of advanced AI assistants. This unique software significantly simplifies our everyday tasks, providing us with time to focus on the most important aspects of life.

This article will help you explore the history of AI’s evolution from the first chatbot to smart virtual assistants capable of making their own decisions. We’ll also share information about the future of the AI industry.

First AI Assistants

Software developers started working on the first virtual assistants in the late 1960s. These chatbots laid the background for future innovations and industry development.

ELIZA

In 1966, Joseph Weizenbaum developed the prototype of a virtual assistant. His chatbot was able to simulate a conversation with a real psychotherapist. Although the AI’s answers often didn’t sound natural, it was the first step toward developing digital companions.

PARRY

PARRY is another chatbot constructed in 1972. Unlike ELIZA, this AI was simulating a person who has paranoid schizophrenia. At the same time, it could understand the majority of user’s requests and provide corresponding answers.

Improved Digital Assistants

A new stage of AI’s development started with the release of the first personal digital assistants (PDAs). In the 1990s, many companies introduced compact devices such as Palm Pilot and Apple Newton. Although these companions couldn’t recognize the owner’s voice, they provided the possibility to manage information more efficiently.

Together with PDAs, IT experts worked on constructing and improving interactive voice response systems (IVRs). This innovation played a crucial part in the automation of customer service. It finally allowed companies to use computers to interact with their clients.

Software developers used the advantages of both PDA and IVR technologies while working on improved AI assistants. Later, these advanced digital companions became an integral part of all smartphones.

Siri

Apple introduced its virtual assistant in 2011. The release of Siri changed the AI industry and opened the age of new impressive developments. Unlike its ancestors, this digital companion could understand and respond to voice commands. Moreover, Siri could be used to write messages, set reminders, and look for helpful information on the Internet.

Google Now

After Apple’s invention, Google also launched its own assistant in 2012. Thanks to machine learning technology, Google Now could provide its users with personalized news, traffic reports, and weather forecasts.

Cortana

Finally, in 2014, Microsoft released Cortana. This AI assistant wasn’t as popular as Google and Apple’s products, but it could still understand voice commands and execute them.

Development of Voice Assistants

The rapid evolution of portable gadgets and smart AI companions inspired companies to develop special voice assistants. Most gadgets, such as speakers and laptops, were designed with them. This innovation significantly contributed to the evolution of artificial intelligence and the popularization of smart homes.

Amazon Alexa

Alexa became a virtual assistant developed for Amazon Echo in 2014. This companion could read news, turn on music on the connected devices, and manage smart home appliances.

Google Assistant

In 2016, Google replaced Google Now with an improved Google Assistant. This companion was implemented in Google Home smart speakers. This assistant had similar features to Amazon Alexa. At the same time, it could answer different questions, look for recipes, and set timers.

Modern World of AI Assistants

The massive popularization of AI assistants began with OpenAI’s GPT-3 release in 2020. The digital companion can generate human-like messages and discuss almost all topics. Additionally, GPT-3 can generate simple lines of code, articles, video plots, etc.

OpenAI has already developed GPT-4, which is even more intelligent than its predecessor. The upgraded AI assistant can also work with images and generate visual content.

The impressive popularity of OpenAI’s product resulted in the rapid development of other digital companions. ChatGPT’s main competitors are Microsoft’s Bing, Google’s Bard, and Baidu’s Ernie. However, dozens of other projects also aim to build powerful AI assistants.

Bright Future of Digital Companions

Many businesses use artificial intelligence software development services to implement AI companions in their online products. These assistants can significantly boost user experience by providing services that consider each client’s interests and preferences.

In addition, AI software is often used to develop smart voice-activated systems to deal with customer inquiries. Modern businesses use them as a cost-efficient substitute for traditional call centers.

Considering all the benefits of virtual assistants, the further development of this technology looks promising. It’s expected that 80% of businesses will adopt intelligent automation by 2025. Thus, we should expect to see smarter and more advanced AI companions in the near future. 

Conclusion

Virtual assistants evolved from simple chatbots to advanced digital companions. Now, they can provide more natural and useful answers due to the possibility of understanding our emotions and slang, and the development of new technologies and the growing popularity of AI software will undoubtedly lead to the release of even smarter digital companions.

  1. McAfee’s Mockingbird AI Tool Detects Deepfake Audio
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  3. Volkswagen Goes AI, Integrates ChatGPT into its Vehicles
  4. AI in Healthcare: ChatGPT Helps Boy Get Diagnosis After Doctors Fail
  5. How Collaboration Across Platforms Could Supercharge AI Performance

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