The Swift X 14 is an impressive creator laptop that moonlights as a gaming laptop
Usually when you have a creator laptop that’s great for editing it’s not always the best choice for gaming, but Acer is giving you both with the recently announced Swift X 14 laptop. Now, to be clear, this isn’t the first laptop designed for creators and editing that would also be good for gaming. But a lot of the time those laptops can cost quite a lot. And that isn’t really the case with the Swift X 14 that Acer announced this week at CES. It starts at $1,399.99 and can get up to an RTX 4070 GPU inside, so you could end up with a configuration that is powerful enough for both your editing/creator tasks as well as gaming.
Making this a great editing laptop that can moonlight as a gaming PC during off hours. Now the model with an RTX 4070 GPU is going to cost more than the listed $1,399.99 starting price. But chances are it’ll be less than other comparable laptops with the same GPU and specs. The Swift X 14 also comes with a really nice display that’s 2.8K resolution and Calman-Verified for color accuracy. So if you do a lot of work with Photoshop or similar editing tools, you’ll like how things look on the Swift X 14. If you’re already in love with it, Acer says these will go on sale in February. But there’s more to love about it.
A clean, stylish, and minimalistic design that is easy to carry around thanks to its lightweight build
We’re suckers for powerful yet portable laptops, and the Swift X 14 is definitely both of those things. Acer has done a great job at keeping its Swift lineup as minimal as possible while refining bits and pieces of the exterior and interior. The result of this latest model is a laptop that can handle all the tasks you throw at it while being a very portable laptop. It weighs about 1.549 kg or just over 3.4 lbs. which is very lightweight. It’ll be easy to slide into a bag and carry with you wherever you go. So you won’t always be locked to working or studying in one place.
Moving back to the RTX 40-series GPUs, you’ll get DLSS 3 in games that support it. And that’s going to bump up the frame rate while allowing you to tune the graphics fidelity up a little bit. The end goal is to allow for some adjustment to bring graphics up without tanking the frame rate so gaming still feels smooth. And DLSS 3 really works wonders there.
Not only that but the Swift X 14 is now coming with Intel’s new Core Ultra processors that have baked-in AI features. This AI-powered CPU will help with battery efficiency and overall performance efficiency for a smooth user experience all around. All of these things plus the reasonable starting price are reasons why the Acer Swift X 14 earned the Best of CES 2024 award.
Software vendor Ivanti has warned customers about two actively exploited vulnerabilities in all supported versions of Ivanti Connect Secure and Ivanti Policy Secure Gateways. Successful exploitation would give an attacker the ability to run arbitrary code on Ivanti’s Virtual Private Network (VPN) system.
The warning is echoed by several international security agencies like CISA and the German BSI. Both are flagging active exploitation of these two chained vulnerabilities. Ivanti Connect Secure is a widely used VPN solution that allows users to connect to their organization’s network.
The Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) database lists publicly disclosed computer security flaws. The CVEs mentioned in these reports are:
CVE-2023-46805 (CVSS score 8.2 out of 10): an authentication bypass vulnerability in the web component of Ivanti Connect Secure (9.x, 22.x) and Ivanti Policy Secure, which allows a remote attacker to access restricted resources by bypassing control checks.
CVE-2024-21887 (CVSS score 9.1 out of 10): A command injection vulnerability in web components of Ivanti Connect Secure (9.x, 22.x) and Ivanti Policy Secure allows an authenticated administrator to send specially crafted requests and execute arbitrary commands on the appliance.
Ivanti Neurons for Secure Access is not vulnerable to these CVEs. However, the gateways being managed are independently vulnerable to them.
After attackers have used the authentication bypass to authenticate as an administrator they are able to install webshells on the VPN system to gain persistence, allowing them to execute commands on the compromised devices.
Active exploitation has been seen as far back as December 3, 2023. These attackers erased log files and turned logging off on the compromised system. Besides that, they had stolen configuration files, altered existing files, dropped remote files, and established a reverse tunnel allowing them unrestricted access.
One of the dropped files contained a JavaScript that stole the credentials of users that logged in, which could also be used for lateral movement.
Mitigation
Patches will be released on a schedule based on versions, with the first coming out in the week of January 22. The last version will come out the week of February 19.
“We are releasing patches based upon telemetry information available to us from current installed solutions that notify us of the version number they are running. We are releasing patches for the highest number of installs first and then continuing in declining order.”
Until then, customers are under advice to apply a workaround and monitor their network traffic for suspicious activity and analyze the logs on their Connect Secure device.
The workaround requires importing a mitigation.release.20240107.1.xml file which can be obtained via the download portal (login required). The XML file is in the zipped format, so you’ll need to unzip and then import the XML file.
Navigate to Maintenance > Import/Export > Import XML
Use the Browse button to point to the unzipped XML file
Click the Import Button
Import of this XML into any one node of a Cluster is enough. A FAQ and more detailed instructions can be found in the Ivanti advisory article.
It is important to note that applying the workaround or a patch, when they are made available, is not enough to undo the effects of an attack. If you see signs that your instances have been compromised you should investigate or hire a specialized investigator to find out what the attackers may have obtained and what needs to be done to regain the required safety level.
CISA has added CVE-2023-46805 and CVE-2024-21887 to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities Catalog, which requires Federal Civilian Executive Branch (FCEB) agencies to remediate identified vulnerabilities by January 21, 2024 to protect FCEB networks against active threats.
We don’t just report on vulnerabilities—we identify them, and prioritize action.
A few days back, Samsung rolled out the Android 14-based One UI 6.0 update to the Galaxy A52 5G in the US. The initial release only covered carrier-locked units. The big Android update has now reached unlocked units too. Those with a locked Galaxy A52 5G, meanwhile, are getting a newer security patch, i.e. the January 2024 release.
Android 14 is widely available for the Galaxy A52 5G in the US
Samsung launched the Galaxy A52 in March 2021 with Android 11 onboard. The device received updates to Android 12 and Android 13. It is now picking up its final major update in the form of Android 14. International versions of the mid-range phone jumped to the latest Android iteration at the end of 2023. The US units followed shortly but the company initially only updated carrier-locked variants.
We can now confirm that Android 14 is available for unlocked Galaxy A52 5G units in the US. The update is rolling out with the firmware build number A526U1UEUCFWL3. Since it is a major update, there are plenty of new features and improvements to talk about. Samsung has made some changes to the UI, particularly the Quick Settings panel, to make for a more intuitive user experience.
Android 14-based One UI 6.0 also brings new camera features and editing tools, improved homescreen widgets, smoother system animations, improved stock apps, and more. Overall, this update will inject new life into your aging Galaxy smartphone. You will get to experience new features and improved visuals. This is the last major update for the Galaxy A52 5G, though. It may get One UI 6.1 but won’t add many new features.
Along with these goodies, the latest update for unlocked Galaxy A52 5G units in the US also brings the December 2023 Android security patch. Last month’s SMR (Security Maintenance Release) patches more than 60 vulnerabilities across the Galaxy family. These include seven critical Android OS vulnerabilities and dozens of high-severity issues. A few flaws are exclusive to Samsung devices and don’t affect Android products from other brands.
Carrier-locked variants are getting the January 2024 security patch
As unlocked units move to Android 14, users with a carrier-locked Galaxy A52 5G are getting the latest security patch. They are receiving the January 2024 SMR with the firmware build number A526USQSCFWL4. These units also picked up the December patch with Android 14, so unlocked variants should get the new security release in the coming weeks. This month’s patch contains 80 vulnerability patches, including one critical Android OS flaw.
The Pixel 2 XL is fondly remembered as being one of the best Pixel models ever. One way to summon Google Assistant on the phone was to squeeze the sides of the phone’s bottom half, a feature called Active Edge. Removing that feature really wasn’t a hardship for most Pixel users since they could press on the microphone icon found in the search bar at the bottom of the Pixel Launcher. But that access to Google Assistant is being removed by Google.
According to 9to5Google, now when you tap on the microphone icon in the Pixel Launcher’s search bar, you will see search results based on your queries. Search results are designed to answer your questions quickly, with links to websites included. Google Assistant uses conversations instead of links to websites in order to get your queries answered and tasks completed. Google originally made this change to the microphone icon on the Pixel Launcher’s search bar earlier this year but switched back as though it never happened until now.
Tapping the microphone icon on the Pixel Launcher now brings up Google Search, not Google Assistant
There are other ways to open Google Assistant on your Pixel such as tapping the Assistant icon on the home screen. If you don’t have the Google Assistant app pre-installed on your Pixel or Android phone, you can install it from the Play Store by tapping on this link and following the directions. You can also open Google Assistant by saying “Hey Google” which can be set up on your Pixel by going to Settings > Apps > Assistant > Hey Google & Voice Match. Make sure that Hey Google & Voice Match is toggled on.
On your Pixel, you can also activate Google Assistant by long-pressing on the power button found on the upper right side of the phone. And if you want to use Google Search on a Pixel, you can now tap the microphone icon on the search bar, or open the Google app and use the microphone on the app’s search bar).
Even iOS users can choose between Google Search and Google Assistant. The Google Assistant app can be installed on iOS via this App Store listing. The Google app can be installed from the App Store by tapping on this link. Google Assistant is superior to Siri when it comes to answering questions and as a result, when I do get a new iPhone, one of the first things I do is install the Google Assistant app on the phone.
Mandiant’s investigation unveiled that the attack was part of a larger operation known as “ClinkSink,” which employed a “Drainer-as-a-Service” (DaaS) model to steal Solana cryptocurrency.
Mandiant, a renowned cybersecurity firm and Google subsidiary found itself facing the very threat it combats on January 3rd, 2024. In an ironic twist, Mandiant’s own X account (formerly Twitter) was compromised through a brute-force attack, highlighting the ever-present vulnerability of even the most well-defended systems.
Hacked X account of Mandiant (Hackread.com)
The Breach: Phishing for Profits
The attacker, leveraging a brute-force method, cracked Mandiant’s X account password and gained access. With control in hand, the perpetrator swiftly transformed the account into a malicious tool, spewing links to a cleverly disguised phishing webpage.
This page mimicked a legitimate X login portal, luring unsuspecting users to enter their credentials. Upon entering their information, users were unknowingly redirected to a hidden page that would siphon their cryptocurrency funds if signed in – a digital heist unfolding right under the noses of cybersecurity experts.
“On January 3, 2024, Mandiant’s X social media account was taken over and subsequently used to distribute links to a cryptocurrency drainer phishing page. Working with X, we were able to regain control of the account and, based on our investigation over the following days, we found no evidence of malicious activity on, or compromise of, any Mandiant or Google Cloud systems that led to the compromise of this account.”
Mandiant
ClinkSink: The Drain Behind the Curtain
In a commendable display of transparency, Mandiant publicly acknowledged the breach and shared its findings in a detailed blog post published on Wednesday 11, 2024. The cybersecurity giant revealed that a “weak password” was the likely culprit, emphasizing the importance of password best practices. Additionally, they confirmed that only their X account was compromised and no other systems were breached.
Mandiant’s investigation also revealed the attack was part of a larger operation dubbed “ClinkSink.” This campaign utilized a “Drainer-as-a-Service” (DaaS) model, where pre-built phishing kits and tools are readily available for purchase by cyber criminals. ClinkSink specifically targeted owners of Solana cryptocurrency, a popular blockchain platform.
According to the company, so far, malicious threat actors have stolen hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of Solana cryptocurrency assets in the recent ClinkSink drainer campaigns.
A Telegram channel part of the ClinkSink attack campaign (Screenshot: Mandiant)
A Defender Breached: Lessons Learned
While Mandiant eventually regained control of its X account and the immediate threat was neutralized, the incident served as a harsh reality check and points out several crucial cybersecurity lessons:
No one is invincible: Even the most secure systems are vulnerable to determined attackers.
Password hygiene is paramount: Strong, unique passwords and robust two-factor authentication are essential defence mechanisms.
Vigilance is key: Constant monitoring and quick response are crucial in mitigating damage from cyberattacks.
Nevertheless, this is not the first time that a cybersecurity firm fell prey to hackers or was targeted by malicious threat actors. In March 2023, a Swiss technology and cybersecurity company, Acronis, experienced a data breach, with over 21 GB of files and folders being leaked by a hacker known as Kernelware.
In February 2023, the Singapore-based Group-IB cybersecurity firm revealed that it has been constantly targeted by malicious threat actors based in the People’s Republic of China. In February 2021, the French cybersecurity company Stormshield suffered a data breach in which its source code and customer data were stolen by unknown hackers.
At this point, there is hardly anything we don’t know about Samsung‘s Galaxy S24 lineup. The new flagships are still a week away—coming on January 17—but leaks have already revealed almost everything about them. Another massive leak is here to ruin the launch event, revealing more tidbits of information about the devices.
Massive Galaxy S24 leak bares it all ahead of the official launch
An X user recently shared four slides from what appears to be an official Galaxy S24 document Samsung used for training its employees before launch. The slides are marked “confidential,” so they weren’t meant to be seen by the public. But here we are. The first slide details the color options for the new flagships. The Galaxy S24 and Galaxy S24+ will come in Amber Yellow, Cobalt Violet, Marble Gray, and Onyx Black colors.
The Ultra will also be available in the same four hues. However, since it features a Titanium frame, Samsung is using the terms Titanium Yellow, Titanium Violet, Titanium Gray, and Titanium Black for its colorways. The Gray version is the signature color for the device (primarily used in marketing materials) and appears to be a slightly different shade of Gray than the other two models. Yellow is the signature color for the base model and Violet for the Plus.
The second slide confirms Samsung’s dual-chip strategy for the Galaxy S24 trio, with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and Exynos 2400 being the two chips. It doesn’t specify which model will get which processor. However, earlier leaks have revealed that the Ultra will ship with Snapdragon globally, while the other two models will get Exynos in most markets. Both chips bring massive CPU, GPU, and NPU improvements over the Galaxy S23’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2.
The slide suggests that the Galaxy S24 series will offer a more enjoyable gaming experience thanks to improved ray tracing and faster touch response. The new flagships bring a 12% improvement in the touch response speed. They also feature a larger vapor chamber for enhanced cooling performance. It is 1.9 times larger in the Ultra, 1.6 times larger in the Plus, and 1.5 times larger in the base model.
A massive brightness boost and 8K videos at 5x zoom are on the cards
The latest leak also confirms a massive display brightness boost for the Galaxy S24 lineup. All three models will have a peak HBM (high brightness mode) brightness of 2,600 nits and a maximum local rightness of 1,500 nits. The figures for the Galaxy S23 series are 1,200 nits and 1,750 nits, respectively. The phones will feature Vision Booster for enhanced color accuracy and contrast. You can manually adjust the color tone and temperature, though.
Last but not least, the leaked slides settle the confusion around the Galaxy S24 Ultra’s zoom cameras. The phone does feature a 50MP 5x telephoto zoom camera instead of the 10MP 10x lens found in the 2023 model. However, Samsung claims that you will still get optical zoom quality at 10x magnification. The device also features a 3x zoom lens and can capture lossless pictures at 2x magnification. You get up to 100x hybrid Space Zoom as well.
Additionally, the Galaxy S24 Ultra can capture 8K videos with its 5x zoom camera. This is a massive upgrade over the previous-gen model, which can record 8K videos with its primary camera only. The Galaxy S24 and Galaxy S24+ lack a 5x zoom camera, though. Their optical zoom capability is limited to 2x and 3x magnification, while Space Zoom is limited to 30x magnification. The two models cannot capture 8K videos with their zoom camera.
As expected, Samsung will leverage AI to improve the camera performance of the Galaxy S24 series. At high zoom levels, the phones will use AI-powered multi-frame processing and Super Resolution based on deep learning to give you better pictures. The new flagships will also feature AI-powered photo and video editing tools, as well as AI translation of audio calls in real-time. Stay tuned for the official launch next week.
A few days back, Samsung put up giant billboards across several big cities worldwide to promote Galaxy AI, a suite of on-device AI features debuting with the Galaxy S24 series next week. The company has now announced Galaxy Experience Spaces to let fans get hands-on with Galaxy AI and the new flagships. These spaces will open following the Galaxy Unpacked launch event on January 17.
Samsung to open several Galaxy Experience Spaces globally
As of this writing, Samsung has confirmed plans to open Galaxy Experience Spaces in Bangkok, Thailand; Barcelona, Spain; Berlin, Germany; Dubai, the UAE; London, the UK; New York, the US; Paris, France; and Seoul; South Korea. These immersive spaces will showcase “how Galaxy AI enables new ways to connect, create, and play” on mobile devices. The exact locations of the venues are available here.
The venues will feature interactive zones where visitors can experience how Galaxy AI amplifies everyday activities. From discovering new places and capturing and sharing precious moments to communicating across language barriers, Galaxy AI assists you in everything. It enables you to do things in a whole new way. “Immediately upon entering these spaces, visitors will know they’ve stepped into a world of possibilities,” Samsung says.
Everything visitors experience at these venues will be available on the next Galaxy device, i.e. the Galaxy S24 series. The Korean firm hints at improved camera and gaming performance thanks to AI. “Fan favorites like Nightography and next-level gaming will captivate visitors,” it says. Visitors can also participate in exclusive giveaways, including an unspecified “special prize” for a lucky winner.
The spaces will open on the Galaxy S24 launch day
Except for Barcelona, these Galaxy Experience Spaces will go live in all aforementioned cities shortly after the Galaxy S24 launch on January 17. Since the launch event will take place in San Jose, USA, it falls late on January 18 in some regions due to the time difference. In Barcelona, Samsung will open the immersive space on February 15. It will welcome visitors to the venue till February 29. The venues in other cities close between February 11-16.
“Samsung Galaxy empowers people with new experiences and new ways to do what they love. With Galaxy AI, we’re redefining what’s possible on mobile devices,” said Stephanie Choi, EVP & Head of Marketing of the Mobile Experience Business at Samsung. “These spaces will give Galaxy fans the first opportunity to see a new era of innovation firsthand, and we can’t wait to see how Galaxy AI will empower people to unleash their potential.”
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.
In December, the ransomware scene saw 334 attacks, with the ALPHV shutdown saga continuing to grab the spotlight. In last month’s review, when we wrote about ALPHV’s infrastructure going offline, there was widespread speculation about law enforcement involvement, but no concrete evidence to confirm this. Now, the picture is becoming clearer.
The previous theories about hardware failures within ALPHV are now overshadowed by the confirmed law enforcement action: recent updates revealed that the FBI played a pivotal role in disrupting ALPHV’s operations. This intervention led to the seizure of their URLs and enabled the recovery of decryption keys for many victims.
The FBI’s recent operation against ALPHV has been a game-changer, not only disrupting the group’s activities but also denting their reputation in the cybercriminal community. The ripple effects? ALPHV affiliates are showing signs of mistrust, with some resorting to direct victim contact via email, and others shifting alliances to rival groups like LockBit.
Adding to the intrigue, there’s talk of an emerging “cartel” between LockBit and ALPHV, according to messages on the dark web forums. This potential alliance could mark a new era in ransomware operations, where rivals look to pool resources and expertise in response to increasing law enforcement pressure.
Known ransomware attacks by gang, December 2023Known ransomware attacks by country, December 2023Known ransomware attacks by industry, December 2023
In other news, LockBit’s attack on Capital Health last month was starkly reminiscent of events from a year prior. In December 2022, LockBit audaciously targeted SickKids (a hospital for sick children), impacting the hospital’s internal and corporate systems, phone lines, and website. Back then, LockBit’s unexpected apology for the hospital attack—blamed on a rogue affiliate, and self-forgiven with a free decryptor—was a rare moment of contrition in the otherwise ruthless world of cybercrime.
Fast forward to December 2023, and the echoes of LockBit’s past actions were resonate.
Despite their previous promises and operational policies against targeting healthcare institutions, LockBit has claimed the recent attack on Capital Health. And even though the gang claims they did not encrypt the hospital’s files, that didn’t leave the hospital unharmed.
“[The] hospitals and physicians’ offices experienced IT outages that forced them to resort to emergency protocols designed for system outages. Several surgeries were moved to later dates and outpatient radiology appointments were canceled.”
Or what ransomware gangs probably call a classic case of “no encryption, no problem” for creating havoc.
This juxtaposition of LockBit’s 2022 apology with their ongoing aggressive actions in 2023 highlighted the duplicity inherent in the ransomware landscape. LockBit’s activities served as a sobering reminder that despite occasional gestures that seem to indicate restraint or remorse, the fundamental nature of ransomware operations remains unchanged—driven by disruption, data theft, and financial gain at the expense of vulnerable targets, including critical healthcare services.
More broadly speaking, December saw a continuation of an unnerving trend of healthcare sector attacks we touched upon in last month’s review, with disruptive attacks on Massachusetts-based Anna Jaques Hospital and Liberty Hospital in Missouri. In a sector where timing and information can be a matter of life and death, such disruptions are more than mere inconveniences; they are potentially life-threatening.
New ransomware gangs
DragonForce
DragonForce is a new ransomware gang that published 21 victims to their leak site last month, including a significant attack on the Ohio Lottery on Christmas Eve. In that attack, the group claims to have encrypted devices and stolen sensitive data amounting to over 600GB. including personal information of Ohio Lottery customers and employees.
While details about DragonForce are limited, their Ohio Lottery attack and their sophisticated negotiation methods suggest that DragonForce might be a rebranded version of a previous gang.
DragonForce leak site
WereWolves
WereWolves is a new ransomware group that posted 15 victims last month across various countries, including Russia, the USA, and parts of Europe. WereWolves is unusual for targeting Russian entities and employs a variant of LockBit3 ransomware in its attacks. They are known to target a range of sectors, with a particular focus on large-scale businesses.
WereWolves leak site
Preventing Ransomware
Fighting off ransomware gangs requires a layered security strategy. Technology that preemptively keeps gangs out of your systems is great—but it’s not enough.
Ransomware attackers target the easiest entry points: an example chain might be that they first try phishing emails, then open RDP ports, and if those are secured, they’ll exploit unpatched vulnerabilities. Multi-layered security is about making infiltration progressively harder and detecting those who do get through.
Technologies like Endpoint Protection (EP) and Vulnerability and Patch Management (VPM) are vital first defenses, reducing breach likelihood.
The key point, though, is to assume that motivated gangs will eventually breach defenses. Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) is crucial for finding and removing threats before damage occurs. And if a breach does happen—choose an EDR solution with ransomware rollback to undo changes and restore files.
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:
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.
Samsung has announced the Galaxy Xcover 7, a new rugged Android phone. It is a mid-range device with a strong build capable of withstanding harsh environments and usage. The phone will go on sale in some markets later this month, with a wider release to follow in February.
Galaxy Xcover 7 arrives with a rugged design
The Galaxy Xcover 7 features the MIL-STD-810H military standard build with a sturdy design for a stronger grip. The handset has bumpers along the edges to protect the screen and internal components during falls. It can absorb pressure from drops of up to 1.5 meters. The device also boasts an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, so it can survive underwater for up to 30 minutes at a depth of 1.5 meters.
Design aside, you get a 6.6-inch TFT display with an FHD+ resolution, a 60Hz refresh rate, and enhanced touch sensitivity. The display can read inputs even when the screen surface is wet or you have put on gloves. Samsung has slapped a Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ layer on top of the display for added protection. There is also a customizable XCover Key that can be used to execute any preset function.
Samsung hasn’t specified the chipset but the 6nm octa-core processor it is talking about could be MediaTek’s 5G-enabled Dimensity 6100+ with a peak CPU speed of 2.2GHz. The Korean firm has paired the chipset with 6GB RAM and 128GB built-in storage. The Galaxy Xcover 7 supports microSD cards up to 1TB for expandable storage. Don’t expect groundbreaking performance as the device is more about durability.
50MP camera, user-replaceable battery, and more
For imaging, the new rugged Samsung phone features a 50MP camera at the back with dual-LED flash. There is also a 5MP selfie camera. You get dual-SIM (physical SIM + eSIM) with LTE and 5G cellular connectivity here. Other connectivity options include Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth v5.3, and NFC. The Galaxy Xcover 7 also has a 3.5mm headphone jack and supports Dolby Atmos audio. Built-in GPS and a wide range of sensors are part of the package too.
The device is fueled by a 4,050mAh user-replaceable battery that supports fast charging via a USB Type-C port. You also get POGO Pin charging support, though the charging dock isn’t included in the box. Samsung won’t give you a USB-C charger either. The phone boasts Samsung Knox security with Samsung Knox Vault and face unlock support. The whole package measures 169.0 x 80.1 x 10.2mm in dimension and is relatively heavy at 240 grams.
Price and availability
Samsung says the Galaxy Xcover 7 will go on sale in select markets later this month, running Android 14 out of the box. It will cost €359 in Europe, or at least in Germany. The device is slated to arrive in Switzerland on February 2 with a recommended retail price of 329 Swiss Franc (CHF), which is equivalent to €352 or $387. There is no word yet on the US release of the new Xcover series phone from Samsung.
Satechi announced its slim mechanical keyboard and Qi2 wireless charging stands a couple of days at. This happened at CES 2024, and now the company is back with yet another announcement, which is also a part of CES. Satechi just announced a 145W 4-port GaN travel charger.
Satechi announces 145W 4-port GaN travel charger with interchangeable adapters
This can be a one-stop charging solution for all your travels. It offers plenty of power, it’s compact enough, has enough ports, and it also comes with four interchangeable international adapters (EU/AU/UK/US).
This charger comes with four USB-C PD ports which support a total power output of 145W. The charger utilizes the latest Power Delivery 3.1 protocol, and the entire design is travel-friendly, due to its narrow shape.
In case you’re wondering about power output between devices, don’t be. Satechi equipped this charger with smart power distribution. In other words, it will automatically adjust wattage between devices, and re-arrange it once new devices are plugged in.
You can use all four ports at the same time, and the charger will balance the output
Yes, you can use all four ports at the same time, without a problem. Just keep in mind that you can get a maximum output of 145W between them. So, based on what you have plugged in, you may not get full charge speed for all devices.
This is a GaN (Gallium Nitride) charger, so it’s rather compact for what it is. If it were not, it would be much larger. With this charger and its interchangeable adapters, you’ll also get a mesh bag for carrying.
You can check out what the charger and its interchangeable connectors look like in the provided images. This is a great solution, and a rather space-saving one.
Satechi’s 145W 4-port GaN travel charger is available as we speak. You can grab it from Satechi.net for $119.99, and if you act fast, you can actually use the code ‘CES20’ and get a 20% discount.
