Healthcare giant Norton breach leads to theft of millions of patient records

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Healthcare giant Norton breach leads to theft of millions of patient records
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Healthcare company Norton says a May breach led to the theft of data of around 2.5 million of its patients, as well as employees and their dependents.

Norton has more than 40 clinics and hospitals in and around Louisville, Kentucky. In a filing with Maine’s attorney general on Friday, Norton said that on May 9, 2023, it discovered an “external system breach.” While the attackers were in the system, Norton says, the sensitive data of the patients, and employees and their dependents was accessed.

In a security incident notice as well as the letter that was sent to potential victims, Norton said the attackers accessed certain network storage devices, but did not access Norton Healthcare’s medical record system or Norton MyChart, its electronic medical record system.

The leaked information included names, dates of birth, Social Security numbers, health and insurance information, and medical identification numbers. Some people also had their financial account numbers, driver licenses or other government ID numbers, and digital signatures also taken.

While Norton never called the incident a ransomware attack, according to databreaches.net the attack was claimed by ALPHV/BlackCat. We could not confirm this, since at the time of writing, the ALPHV leak site is recovering from an outage due to problems with their hosting provider.

Norton says it told law enforcement about the attack and confirmed it did not pay any ransom payment. ALPHV claims to have extracted 4.7 TB worth of data and posted dozens of files as proof to get negotiations underway.

ALPHV is one of the most active ransomware-as-a-service (RaaS) operators and regularly appears in our monthly ransomware reviews as one of the top five most active groups. Recently they made headlines when one of their affiliates, known as Scattered Spider attacked MGM. They also filed a SEC complaint about one of their victims for failing to disclose a breach.

Our podcast host David Ruiz talked to ransomware expert Allan Liska about the why of the SEC complaint.

Data breach

There are some actions you can take if you are, or suspect you may have been, the victim of a data breach.

  • Check the vendor’s advice. Every breach is different, so check with the vendor to find out what’s happened, and follow any specific advice they offer.
  • Change your password. You can make a stolen password useless to thieves by changing it. Choose a strong password that you don’t use for anything else. Better yet, let a password manager choose one for you.
  • Enable two-factor authentication (2FA). If you can, use a FIDO2-compliant hardware key, laptop or phone as your second factor. Some forms of two-factor authentication (2FA) can be phished just as easily as a password. 2FA that relies on a FIDO2 device can’t be phished.
  • Watch out for fake vendors. The thieves may contact you posing as the vendor. Check the vendor website to see if they are contacting victims, and verify any contacts using a different communication channel.
  • Take your time. Phishing attacks often impersonate people or brands you know, and use themes that require urgent attention, such as missed deliveries, account suspensions, and security alerts.
  • Set up identity monitoring. Identity monitoring alerts you if your personal information is found being traded illegally online, and helps you recover after.

We don’t just report on threats – we help safeguard your entire digital identity

Cybersecurity risks should never spread beyond a headline. Protect your—and your family’s—personal information by using Malwarebytes Identity Theft Protection.


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Carl Pei could announce the Nothing Phone (3) at MWC 2024

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Carl Pei could announce the Nothing Phone (3) at MWC 2024
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Nothing could announce the Phone (3) as early as the end of February during the upcoming Mobile World Congress. As usual, it will take place in Barcelona, Spain. It’d be interesting to see if Carl Pei brings the Nothing Phone (3) to the show and spills the beans. Android Authority mentions Nothing’s similar moves in the past to showcase the phones. For instance, it notes Carl Pei carried out the Nothing Phone (1) while meeting partners like Qualcomm. Similarly, Qualcomm and Pei partnered for a press release to confirm the Nothing Phone 2’s Snapdragon 8-series processor. And, it counts the upcoming MWC 2024 as a similar stunt.

The cryptic “Nothing to see” slogan (via Android Authority) and background image suggest it might be related to the Nothing Phone (3), potentially focusing on improvements in the camera department. Because the Phone (1)’s camera was considered a weak point, and with the Phone (2) addressing the processor concerns, it’s logical to expect camera upgrades for the Phone (3). It adds that something could be on the way: either a high-end sensor, AI-powered features (like Pixel 8 Pro, or Samsung Galaxy S24 series), or something entirely new.

Here’s what to expect from the Nothing Phone (3)

Nothing is believed to be less likely to bring a design overhaul with the Phone (3) launch. The transparent back design with Glyph “LED” lights is something that differentiates it from other phones in the market. It may focus more on bringing better processors and cameras this time. Meanwhile, the Nothing users expect to see a telephoto lens, Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 or 3, or at least Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 or 4.

Nothing prioritizes clean aesthetics and minimal software, offering customization without bloatware. While the Phone (2) added more themes, the Nothing Phone (3) is expected to follow suit. However, the current update promises to lag behind competitors, so longer support for the Phone (3) is something to hope for.

There’s no confirmed release date for the Nothing Phone (3), but based on previous releases, July 2024 is a possibility. This timing is unusual, as most brands launch phones in early January i.e. Samsung Galaxy flagships, or around September/October i.e. Apple iPhone launches and Google Pixel launches.

No word about the Phone (2a), though

Just recently, several rumors emerged hinting at a potential Nothing Phone (2a) release. The company’s X bio also said, “Something is coming this week.” But it turned out that Nothing had plans for its apparel lines, and the mid-range phone is still in the pipeline.


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Epic Games CEO says “Apple’s Next” after win against Google

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Epic Games CEO says “Apple’s Next” after win against Google
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Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney says an appeal to its case against Apple is in the works. An appeal is “in the queue for the Supreme Court to consider hearing,” Sweeney said on X. The leader of Epic Games, the company behind Unreal Engine and Fortnite, is riding high after Epic’s win against Google on December 11. In the landmark case, the jury came down with a verdict that Google’s Play Store and in-app billing system have illegal monopoly power.

The jury also decided that the tie between the two is illegal. And that Google’s secret lucrative deals that were designed to stifle competition and keep rival app stores down and out had hurt Epic. It’s still unclear what will happen to Google (if anything) following yesterday’s decision. Google has confirmed it will appeal the verdict. Judge James Donato will also have to decide on what Google’s remedy terms are. Which are supposed to begin in January 2024. But the way is clear for Epic and Sweeney. It’s “on to Cupertino,” the CEO said in another post on X.

Epic Games plans to appeal the Apple trial verdict

If you’re relatively new to the details of this case, the whole thing is about app store fees. It began with both Apple and Google and each company’s 30% fee for any in-app transactions that happened from apps downloaded through their stores. Epic felt these fees were too high and sued both companies. It went to trial with Apple first but that trial had a very different outcome. Apple was awarded the victory earlier this year.

Sweeney is not one to take a loss lying down, however. After a victory against the company that owns the largest app distribution platform globally, Epic is going back for another round against Apple. This time to hopefully win. Should that happen, both iOS and Android stand to go through massive changes with regard to the way apps are distributed.

Both Google and Apple could be forced to allow other in-app payment systems. They could also be forced to do away with or lower the in-app billing fees. It’s tough to say now without knowing for sure whether or not the Supreme Court will even heart Epic’s appeal.


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How to choose a free vulnerability scanner: Insights from an industry veteran

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How to choose a free vulnerability scanner: Insights from an industry veteran
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The cybersecurity market is awash with expensive, high-end solutions for detecting vulnerabilities in third-party applications. However, for smaller security teams, free vulnerability scanners offer a practical alternative.

But of course, free doesn’t always mean better—it’s crucial to thoroughly assess free vulnerability scanners before integrating one into your security protocols.

How to choose a free vulnerability scanner? Industry expert Robert Elworthy, NA Solutions Engineering Manager at ThreatDown, has the answers.

Robert has a wealth of experience from his tenure as IT manager at Langdale Industries, where he managed a network of over 500 endpoints. In this article, we’ll break down his advice on selecting a free vulnerability scanner

Let’s dive into the essentials.

Related: How to find vulnerabilities in your IT environment

1. Assessing your environment’s scale

Limits on the number of scannable endpoints are common with free vulnerability scanners. While a small business with a few devices might find them sufficient, larger enterprises with hundreds of endpoints could exceed these limits.

Elworthy, reflecting on his Langdale experience, highlights the importance of a tool capable of handling large-scale environments efficiently, a critical aspect for organizations with extensive networks:

“Free tools often struggle with large networks,” Elworthy said. “It’s important to choose a tool that can handle large-scale environments without compromising efficiency, especially for organizations with extensive networks, where the ability to scale effectively is crucial.”

2. Understanding scanning requirements

Different scanners have varied requirements. Some scanners need agents installed on each endpoint for in-depth insights, while others conduct less intrusive remote scans.

Elworthy emphasizes the need for scanners that minimize the complexity of agent installations, especially in large and diverse IT landscapes:

“Often, when you opt for a free tool, you might need to run the software on-premises or integrate it into your network. This becomes particularly challenging with remote work and constantly shifting targets,” Elworthy said. “How do you deploy an agent to gather the necessary information? It’s not always straightforward with free tools.”

3. Evaluating reporting capabilities

The effectiveness of a vulnerability scanner is largely measured by its reporting capabilities, but free vulnerability scanners might provide basic reports that overlook critical remediation details.

“You must consider how you can utilize the data once it’s acquired. Some tools may display the data, but offer limited reporting or feedback capabilities, which can be a significant limitation,” Elworthy said.

4. Checking ongoing support

Cyber threats evolve rapidly, and so must your scanner. Tools like OWASP ZAP are updated frequently but require users to stay on top of these updates manually, which could add to your team’s workload.

“Without ongoing support, free tools risk becoming outdated as new vulnerabilities are discovered,” Elworthy said. “To make sure your organization isn’t unaware of emerging threats, you should confirm a free vulnerability scanner has a process for frequently updating its vulnerability database.”

5. Integration capabilities

Integration with other security tools is crucial. Elworthy stressed the importance of tools that aid in both vulnerability identification and remediation:

“It’s important to have a scanner that not only detects vulnerabilities but also offers guidance on remediation.” Elworthy said. “Many free tools don’t automatically patch vulnerabilities found during scans since remediation is a separate process. Integrating with patch management is critical to easily fix any vulnerabilities found.”

6. Uncovering hidden costs

The labor involved in configuring, updating, and mastering free vulnerability scanners represents a substantial investment. Elworthy points out the hidden labor costs in using “free” tools, which can affect team efficiency:

“The time and labor required to maintain scans and update tools can be significant,” Elworthy said, reflecting on his time at Langdale. “There are often-overlooked costs associated with ‘free’ vulnerability scanners. They may not require direct financial investment, but the manpower and time needed for their effective operation can be substantial.”

Alternative: ThreatDown Vulnerability Assessment solution

For teams seeking a streamlined approach, the ThreatDown Vulnerability Assessment solution, free for all ThreatDown customers, offers:

Single, Lightweight Agent

To simplify security and reduce costs, Vulnerability Assessment deploys easily in minutes without a reboot, using the same agent and cloud-based console that powers all ThreatDown endpoint security technologies.

Quick Vulnerability Scans

Identifies vulnerabilities in modern and legacy applications in less than a minute.

Accurate severity ratings

Utilizes the Common Vulnerability Scoring System (CVSS) and Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) recommendations to evaluate and rank vulnerabilities for proper prioritization.

Security Advisor Integration

Our Security Advisor tool to analyzes an organization’s cybersecurity health—such as by assessment of current inventory and which assets are vulnerable—and generates a score based off what it finds. To improve the endpoint security health score, Security Advisor delivers recommendations to address discovered vulnerabilities: patching, updates, or policy changes.

Beyond the no-cost appeal

Opting for a free vulnerability scanner is about more than avoiding expenses. It’s about striking the right balance between cost, functionality, and available resources.

The ThreatDown Vulnerability Assessment solution simplifies the process with features like a lightweight agent, quick vulnerability scans, accurate severity ratings based on CVSS and CISA guidelines, and integration with Security Advisor for tailored recommendations and ThreatDown Patch Management for automated remediation.

Try ThreatDown Vulnerability Assessment today.

Interested in adding Patch Management capabilities as well? Check out ThreatDown Advanced, Ultimate, and Elite bundles.

Related: 3 benefits of ThreatDown bundles


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Spider-Man 2 Developer Insomniac Games Hit by Rhysida Ransomware

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Spider-Man 2 Developer Insomniac Games Hit by Rhysida Ransomware
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Rhysida ransomware, an emerging variant since May 2023, is demanding a ransom of 50 Bitcoins, equivalent to approximately $2 million at the time of writing.

Spider-Man and Spider-Man 2 developer Insomniac Games has apparently been hit by a ransomware attack perpetrated by the group Rhysida. This gang is currently auctioning off alleged stolen data for a starting price of $2 million in Bitcoin.

While the Rhysida ransomware gang claims the data is “exclusive, unique, and impressive,” details regarding its specific contents and volume remain unclear. “Low-quality screenshots,” shared by the group, appear to show confidential internal emails, passport copies, personal ID cards, and images related to game assets or gameplay.

The cybercrime gang is currently offering the Burbank, California-based Insomniac a week to respond to their demands before releasing the stolen data to the highest bidder. Notably, the group only accepts Bitcoin for ransomware payments, with their current asking price exceeding US$40,000. The initial bid for the stolen data stands at 50 Bitcoin (approximately $2 million).

“With just seven days on the clock, seize the opportunity to bid on exclusive, unique, and impressive data. Open your wallets and be ready to buy exclusive data. We sell only to one hand , no reselling, you will be the only owner,” Rhysida posted on their Dark Web blog site.

This short deadline is a tactic commonly used by ransomware actors to pressure companies into paying the ransom demand. 

Rhysida, a relatively new player on the cybercrime scene, first emerged in May 2023. The US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) classifies it as a threat actor targeting “targets of opportunity” across various sectors, including education, healthcare, manufacturing, information technology, and government.

This notorious threat the group has targeted nearly 50 organizations over the past 12 months, including the Chilean government and the Prospect Medical Group. The group operates a profit-based ransomware-as-a-service (RaaS) and is believed to have connections to Vice Society, a group known for its attacks on education in the US, Canada, and the UK. 

The data exposed in the Rhysida ransomware attack on Insomniac Games extends beyond game assets and confidential emails, including highly sensitive personal information like passport scans of current/former employees, private details about actor Yuri Lowenthal, the voice of Peter Parker in Insomniac’s Spider-Man games.

Spider-Man Developer Insomniac Games Hit by Rhysida Ransomware
Screenshot from the dark web auction site of the Rhysida Ransomware group (Credit: Hackread.com)

This is precisely the data any company would strive to keep confidential under any circumstances. As witnessed with the recent Medibank leak, releasing a limited sample of stolen data is a standard practice for these groups to demonstrate their access and leverage their demands.

PlayStation Studios, Insomniac’s owner, is yet to respond to this incident. Hackread.com will update this post when the company releases an official statement.

  1. Online gaming and protection against cyber attacks
  2. Fake Cyberpunk 2077 Android App Delivering Ransomware
  3. Gaming controllers manufacturer exposed 1.1M customer records
  4. ALPHV Ransomware Used Vishing to Scam MGM Resorts Employee
  5. Capcom ransomware attack: Gaming details leaked; no ransom paid

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Update now! Apple issues patches for older iPhones and other devices

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Update now! Apple issues patches for older iPhones and other devices
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Apple has issued emergency updates that include patches for older iOS devices concerning the two actively used zero-day vulnerabilities that were patched last week in newer devices.

Updates are available for:

Safari 17.2macOS Monterey and macOS Ventura
iOS 17.2 and iPadOS 17.2iPhone XS and later, iPad Pro 12.9-inch 2nd generation and later, iPad Pro 10.5-inch, iPad Pro 11-inch 1st generation and later, iPad Air 3rd generation and later, iPad 6th generation and later, and iPad mini 5th generation and later
iOS 16.7.3 and iPadOS 16.7.3iPhone 8 and later, iPad Pro (all models), iPad Air 3rd generation and later, iPad 5th generation and later, and iPad mini 5th generation and later
macOS Sonoma 14.2macOS Sonoma
macOS Ventura 13.6.3macOS Ventura
macOS Monterey 12.7.2macOS Monterey
tvOS 17.2Apple TV HD and Apple TV 4K (all models)
watchOS 10.2Apple Watch Series 4 and later

The updates may already have reached you if you automatically update, but it doesn’t hurt to check if your device is at the latest update level.

If a Safari update is available for your device, you can get it by updating your iPhone or iPad or updating your Mac.

Automatic updates on, but scheduled

Owners of devices running iOS 16.7 and iPad iOS 16.7 are especially encouraged to update as soon as possible, since the fixed issues may have been exploited against versions of iOS before iOS 16.7.1.

Apple doesn’t disclose, discuss, or confirm details about security issues until an investigation has occurred and patches or releases are available. But both vulnerabilities were credited to Clément Lecigne of Google’s Threat Analysis Group (TAG). 

Recently we saw an update for the Chrome browser which included a patch for an actively exploited zero-day vulnerability. That vulnerability was reported by TAG’s Benoît Sevens and the formerly mentioned Clément Lecigne. These Google TAG researchers are renowned for finding and disclosing zero-day vulnerabilities used in state-sponsored spyware attacks.

We don’t just report on Android and iOS security—we provide it

Cybersecurity risks should never spread beyond a headline. Keep threats off your Android devices by downloading Malwarebytes for Android today. And keep threats off your iOS devices by downloading Malwarebytes for iOS today.


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‘Create Theme with AI’ in Chrome will be highly customizable

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‘Create Theme with AI’ in Chrome will be highly customizable
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Customizing your online experience is about to get a whole lot more exciting as Google Chrome embraces the power of generative AI to introduce a feature that lets you create personalized browser themes. This move comes on the heels of Google’s recent ventures into AI, including the introduction of the competitive ChatGPT 4 rival, Gemini. However Google admits that its Gemini hands-on video was staged.

Google Chrome, a browser known for its user-friendly features, has been an integral part of the digital landscape for over a decade. Chrome themes are will soon receive a significant upgrade with the integration of an AI-powered theme generator. Unveiled in the Canary releases of Google Chrome, the new feature, aptly named “Create Theme with AI,” allows users to fully customize themes using the capabilities of generative AI.

There will be an overwhelming number of options available for creating AI themes in Chrome

The steps of creating a personalized theme involves selecting a theme subject from an array of options, ranging from landscapes and buildings to food and nature. Once you choose a broad theme, you can delve into the fine-tuning process, selecting the art style, mood, and color options to create a truly unique browsing experience. However, as of now, the feature is not yet active, and users are eagerly awaiting the first glimpse of the final wallpapers.

While the feature isn’t live in Chrome Canary (unstable) by default and may not be easily accessible at the moment, its impending arrival underscores Google’s commitment to infusing AI into its products. This follows the recent revelation that Google Chrome is gearing up to introduce a “Help me Write” feature, leveraging generative AI to assist users in crafting posts, reviews, and more across the web.

This will be a great opportunity for Google to showcase the power of AI

The “Create Theme with AI” feature is a testament to the evolving role of artificial intelligence in enhancing digital experiences. By harnessing the power of generative AI, Google Chrome aims not only to improve user experience but also to showcase the potential of AI in shaping unique and personalized digital aesthetics.

As with any innovative feature, the upcoming AI-powered theme generator will likely undergo testing in the Canary build before making its way to the beta version and, eventually, the stable release. Users can anticipate this exciting addition to Chrome’s arsenal in the coming months.


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Galaxy S24 Ultra may have higher screen brightness than expected

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Galaxy S24 Ultra may have higher screen brightness than expected
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Samsung‘s Galaxy S24 Ultra may have higher display brightness levels than expected. A new rumor passed through X/Twitter says the phone will feature a peak brightness of 2,600 nits. Previous rumors suggested 2,500 nits of peak screen brightness for all three Galaxy S24 models.

The Galaxy S24 Ultra may have an extremely bright screen

Samsung is expected to unveil the Galaxy S24 series on January 17, 2024. The rumored launch date is still five weeks away but there is hardly anything that we don’t already know about the phones. Leaks have revealed everything from key design changes to detailed specifications.

Among other things, tipsters disclosed the screen brightness levels of upcoming Samsung flagships. According to those leaks, the Korean firm tested the devices with up to 2,800 nits of peak brightness. It eventually settled at the 2,500 nits mark for the entire lineup, including the base model.

However, another X tipster recently chipped in saying that the Galaxy S24 Ultra has a peak brightness of 2,600 nits. They didn’t shed light on the brightness levels of the Galaxy S24 and Galaxy S24+. It is unclear whether all three models will feature the same peak brightness or if Samsung will treat Ultra preferentially.

Either way, the next-gen Galaxy flagships are getting a lot brighter screens than their predecessors. The entire 2023 lineup tops out at 1750 nits of peak brightness. The Galaxy S24 series will also surpass its competition in display brightness. The iPhone 15 Pro models boast 2,000 nits of peak brightness while the Google Pixel 8 Pro goes up to 2,400 nits.

It is worth noting that display brightness is not measured on a linear scale but a logarithmic scale. For example, 2,000 nits of brightness isn’t twice as bright as the perceived brightness of 1,000 nits. Moreover, the peak brightness of a screen only kicks in during certain situations, such as displaying HDR scenes in videos.

Samsung is readying several new AI features for its next-gen flagships

Samsung plans to make the Galaxy S24 series the best AI phone ever. It is readying several new AI features for the lineup. The 2024 Galaxy flagships will be able to translate and transcribe audio calls in real-time, generate wallpapers based on text prompts, add weather effects to the lockscreen, fix and expand images, move objects within or across images, organize and summarize notes, and more. Samsung may push these features to older Galaxy devices with the One UI 6.1 update following the Galaxy 24 launch in January.


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A YouTuber shows that GPT-4 can do what Gemini had to fake

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A YouTuber shows that GPT-4 can do what Gemini had to fake
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Google, not being able to launch an AI model without some sort of drama, had to admit to some shady behavior. The company admitted to faking some elements of its Gemini hands-on video, and it’s gotten some flack for it. Well, Google just can’t catch a break, as a YouTuber showed that GPT-4 can do some of what the search giant had to fake.

The video that Google posted showed a person interacting with Gemini through real-time conversations. The company admitted to Bloomberg that the conversation we heard in the video never happened. The Google team actually used stills from the video and text prompts for the results.

One of Gemini’s co-leads, Oriol Vinyals, said that Gemini can do everything in the video, and that’s technically true. However, the video was rather misleading.

GPT-4 did what Gemini had to fake

So, Google’s gotten its slap on the wrist, but a YouTuber came by to deliver a slap to the face of Google. A newcomer to the YouTuber scene, Greg Technology, posted a video where he did a few of the same things that we saw in the Google video. The Greg Technology video was much narrower in scope in terms of the input that he presented. For instance, we didn’t see him ask GPT-4 to generate images with balls of yarn or create music based on a crude drawing.

Rather, he asked GPT-4 to identify a hand gesture, identify Rock-Paper-Scissors, and identify a picture of a duck. It did a good job with the exception of a slip-up at the beginning. Another thing to note is that GPT-4 took much longer to reply than what we saw in Google’s video. It shows that the technology still has a ways to go before it can achieve what we saw in the original Google showcase.

We’re, undoubtedly, going to see Google come out with something to resemble what we saw in the video. However, that day is not here.


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Samsung sets ambitious sales target for Galaxy S24 series

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Samsung sets ambitious sales target for Galaxy S24 series
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Samsung has set an ambitious sales target for the Galaxy S24 series. It is aiming to sell more than 35 million units of the three flagship models combined by the end of the next year. If achieved, it would mark a double-digit shipment growth over the 2023 flagship lineup.

Samsung targets double-digit sales growth for the Galaxy S24 series

According to industry estimates, Samsung shipped 25 million units of the Galaxy S23 series in the first nine months, i.e. till October 2023. The current pace is a healthy 23 percent ahead of the Galaxy S22 sales. By the end of this year, the total sales figure for the latest flagships may exceed 30 million. It is notable because neither the Galaxy S22 nor Galaxy S21 reached that figure.

However, Samsung believes its flagship market is bigger than that. The Korean media recently reported that the firm plans to ship at least 35 million Galaxy S24 phones next year. Noted X tipster Revegnus has now shared a detailed breakdown of the company’s plans. The tipster says Samsung’s initial target is to sell 35.2 million units of the new flagships before the end of next year.

As expected, the company sees the Galaxy S24 Ultra being the best-selling model of the trio. It is looking to ship 15.9 million units of the biggest and most expensive 2024 flagship. The figure accounts for 45 percent of total sales, which is in line with the current trend (the Ultra model accounted for 46 percent of total Galaxy S23 sales in the first nine months).

The base model should be the next biggest crowd-puller, with Samsung estimating to sell 13.5 million units (38 percent share) of the smallest Galaxy S24. The Plus model, which is more or less a bigger-sized Galaxy S24 with nothing special (the Ultra model has a lot of extras), is projected to sell 5.8 million units, accounting for 16 percent of all sales.

Samsung is betting heavily on AI features

Samsung is expecting customers to pick the Galaxy S24 phones for their unprecedented on-device AI features. It has baked AI into the system software. The new flagships will debut with One UI 6.1, which has AI in everything from cameras, Gallery, photo editor, and Samsung Notes to wallpapers, lockscreen, battery health management, and more.

One UI 6.1 can even translate audio calls both ways in real time and provide you with translated transcriptions. Time will tell whether Samsung’s bet on AI features pays off. Rumors say the Galaxy S24 series will go official on January 17, 2024. The launch event will take place in San Jose, USA. Pre-orders will begin immediately after launch, with general sales expected to kick off on January 30.


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