Samsung may bring solid-state batteries, often touted as “dream batteries,” to the market by 2027. Its battery development and manufacturing division, called Samsung SDI, has reportedly formed an internal team to accelerate the commercialization of the new type of battery. The Korean firm has already finalized its manufacturing strategies and set up a test production line.
Samsung is gearing up to commercialize solid-state batteries
The all-solid-state battery (ASB) technology will bring several advancements to the battery industry. These batteries feature a solid electrolyte, the medium through which ions flow to produce current or power. The current generation of batteries has a liquid electrolyte, which requires a separator between the positive (anode) and negative (cathode) electrodes.
A solid electrolyte doesn’t require a separator and allows for higher energy density, effectively leading to higher battery capacity in smaller packages. Moreover, there is a low risk of fire and explosion. These batteries are also said to retain the capacity for a longer period compared to existing lithium-ion solutions, i.e. better battery health. No wonder why they call them the “dream batteries.”
Research and development of ASB has been ongoing for over a decade now, with Samsung at the forefront of it. Earlier this year, the Korean media reported that the company was almost ready to produce solid-state batteries, though no timeline was available. The Korea Economic Daily now reports that Samsung has set up an ASB test production line at its Suwon research center.
The test production line was opened in March this year. The company has also formed a team to work on the commercialization of the solution. Go Joo-young, the head of the marketing team for Samsung’s battery division, will lead the new internal team. According to the new report, the firm is aiming for a market release of solid-state batteries by 2027.
Samsung SDI will use sulfide-based technology for ASB
Solid-state batteries use ceramic (sulfide or oxide) or polymer materials as the electrolyte—or composites combining ceramics and polymers. Samsung SDI will reportedly use sulphide-based electrolytes, which offer the best ion conductivity. It plans to develop batteries with an energy density of over 900 Wh/L.
Samsung is likely planning to initially make solid-state batteries for electric vehicles (EVs). It may later make ASB for smaller products such as smartphones. A previous report said that the firm will use oxide-based electrolytes for solid-state batteries for IT products. This is because oxides have greater stability and are suitable for making smaller batteries. We may get to learn more about Samsung’s ASB plans in the coming months.
Huawei could launch its budget foldableAndroid smartphone sooner than you think. Based on the latest information shared by Ross Young, that device is coming either later this month, or in early January.
Huawei could launch its budget foldable later this or next month
Ross Young, as many of you know, is a well-known display analyst. He’s rarely wrong when it comes to such predictions, so we have no reason to doubt him this time. It is rather likely that this device will launch in China first. We cannot know if it will make its way to global markets or not.
Either way, it will be more affordable in the company’s homeland, that’s for sure. That’s the case with every smartphone China-based companies release in its market compared to markets outside of China. It’s also not surprising due to taxes and everything.
Now, we don’t know much about this smartphone. A rumor appeared back in June, claiming that Huawei is working on a more affordable foldable phone. Back then, a tipster said that this phone could launch under the company’s ‘Nova’ brand.
That device could launch under the company’s ‘Nova’ brand
Huawei usually releases its mid-range phones under the ‘Nova’ brand, globally, so it would make sense. If we had to guess, we’d say that this is a clamshell smartphone, but we cannot be sure of that.
The device is tipped to cost between CNY4,000 ($563) and CNY5,000 ($703). Well, at least that was the case back in June. We’re still not sure if that rumor was credible or not, so that this info with a grain of salt.
The tipster also noted that the Snapdragon 778G could be used to fuel this smartphone. That’s basically everything we know at this point. Ross Young didn’t really share any information about the device other than the release window prediction.
Huawei launched quite a few foldables thus far, so the company has plenty of experience.
Apple’s top executive Steve Hotelling is retiring. You might not know him but his work speaks more than words; he is someone who shaped iPhones with multi-touch, Touch ID, and even Vision Pro. Bloomberg (via Phone Arena) reported that Hotelling is leaving the company after a long and prestigious career. But Apple hasn’t announced the retirement yet. Needless to say, there could be hundreds of patents after his name.
Steve Hotelling is mostly known for his key roles on iPhone and iPad touch screens. More importantly, he has played a major role in creating the Touch ID feature for Apple devices. The report also talks about how Hotelling led the team that works on the cameras at Apple and helped develop new technologies for making augmented reality more realistic.
Steve Hotelling’s contributions during his time at Apple are unparalleled
Steve Hotelling’s contributions at Apple extend beyond multi-touch technology. He played a vital role in developing Touch ID, which soon became an industry standard. And, influenced technologies like the 3D facial recognition system, Face ID, the 120Hz ProMotion display, and custom image sensors as the leader of the camera engineering team.
His role extended to the development of Apple’s Vision Pro spatial computer, set to launch next year. He later progressed to vice president and reported to Johny Srouji, Apple’s senior VP of hardware technologies. His departure leaves a legacy in touchscreen tech, health sensors, and Face ID, with seasoned Apple executives ensuring ongoing innovation.
There have been also wild rumors of Apple bringing back the Touch ID to the iPhone 16 line. However, what’s more likely is Apple bringing Face ID to its next iPhone SE line. While Apple’s plans for authentication remain unclear, the company may be experimenting with under-display technologies as seen in the OnePlus 11R or Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra. Rumors also hint at the potential implementation of both under-display fingerprint sensors and under-display Face ID around 2026.
Android 14 is available for more Samsung Galaxy users in the US. The Korean firm has released the big Android update with One UI 6.0 for the Galaxy Tab S8 series stateside. The update is also rolling out widely to the Galaxy S22 and Galaxy S21 series.
The Galaxy Tab S8 series gets Android 14 in the US
Samsung started pushing the Android 14-based One UI 6.0 update to the Galaxy Tab S8, Galaxy Tab S8+, and Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra in the final week of November. The new Android version was first released for the 2022 flagship tablets in Europe. The company has since expanded the release to more markets. It is now available in the US.
First reported by SamMobile, the update is rolling out to both Wi-Fi and cellular (5G) variants of the Galaxy Tab S8 lineup in the US. The new firmware build number for the tablets ends with CWK7, the same as global markets. Along with the new features and improvements brought by Android 14 and One UI 6.0, the update contains the November security patch. It fixes more than 60 vulnerabilities.
If you are using a Galaxy Tab S8 in the US, the new features and security enhancements will reach your tablet soon. For many, it might already have. You can check for new updates from the Settings app. Go to Software update and tap on Download and install. If you don’t see any updates today, check again in a few days. You may also get a notification when the OTA (over-the-air) release hits your Samsung tablet.
The update is widely available for the Galaxy S22 and Galaxy S21
Samsung’s Android 14 update is widely available for the Galaxy S22 and Galaxy S21 series in the US. The company started updating the former lineup a couple of weeks back but only covered carrier-locked units initially. It is now pushing the new Android version to unlocked variants too. The new build number is S901U1UEU3DWK5. The phones are getting the November security patch along with One UI 6.0.
The Galaxy S21 series, on the other hand, recently received this update on Verizon’s network. Samsung has now released it for carrier-locked units on other networks. The updated firmware version is G991USQU9FWK9. Unlocked units should join the party soon. The 2021 flagships are also receiving last month’s security patch with Android 14. We will let you know when Samsung releases One UI 6.0 for more Galaxy devices in the US.
Right now, generative AI is making its way into more corners of our lives, and it’s not stopping any time soon. Along with tech companies, fast-food companies are starting to see the usefulness of generative AI. McDonald’s just announced that it’s going to be implementing generative AI tools into its restaurants.
At the moment, we don’t know 100% what the company is going to do. This news came from a press release. Anyone who weeds through press releases knows to expect both a ton of information and ZERO information. Basically, there are a lot of words, but they don’t explain what the company is going to be doing. For the time being, we know that the biggest fast-food company in the world is teaming up with the biggest search company in the world to make this happen.
McDonald’s teamed up with Google to bring some generative AI tools
Mickey D’s is teaming up with Google, which just announced Gemini, to bring generative AI tools to several McDonald’s restaurants across the world. It will use Google Cloud to boost its establishments. Cloud offers AI-powered hardware and software solutions for companies. So, McDonald’s will be distributing new hardware and software solutions to thousands of its restaurants.
It’s unclear how this will directly affect the overall experience, but McDonald’s Executive Vice President and Global Chief Information Officer said, “Connecting our restaurants worldwide to millions of datapoints across our digital ecosystem means tools get sharper, models get smarter, restaurants become easier to operate, and most importantly, the overall experience for our customers and crew gets even better.”
So, to get an idea of what the company plans on doing, we’ll have to wait a bit. It’s going to provide its restaurants with these upgrades over the next year, so we most likely won’t see anything materialize for several more months.
We can’t ignore the elephant in the room
Let’s not mince words; AI technology puts a ton of jobs at risk. Artists, writers, musicians, content creators, and other creators are dealing with the stress of becoming obsolete in the near future because of generative AI. With this powerful technology coming to restaurants, especially a place like McDonald’s where many people have their first jobs, we can’t deny that there’s cause to worry a bit.
With AI automation, there’s no telling what fast-food restaurant tasks can be automated for less money than an employee’s salary. As we take more steps into our AI world, it’s likely that we’ll see more companies implement the technology into their services. We’ll just have to wait and see if there’s reason to fear.
The Krasue Linux RAT is quite sophisticated, and equipped with the capability to evade detection through Rootkit and RTSP communication.
Group-IB, a leading cybersecurity company, has uncovered a sophisticated new Linux RAT (Remote Access Trojan) they have dubbed “Krasue.” The malware is actively targeting organizations, mainly telecommunication firms, in Thailand and has been active since 2021.
GroupIB’s Threat Intelligence unit researchers found that Krause operates by gaining access to the targeted network and uses its rootkit capabilities to maintain persistence and ensure stealthy access.
The researchers are still investigating the initial infection vector and the full scale of the RAT’s usage. However, they believe that potential methods include vulnerability exploitation, deceptive downloads, and credential brute force attacks.
A notable feature of Krause is that it uses the Real Time Streaming Protocol (RTSP) for communication with its C2 server. This is an unusual tactic and is most likely used to evade detection by security software.
Profile of Krasue RAT (Credit: Group-IB)
Report author Sharmine Low, Group-IB’s Malware Analyst, wrote that Krause is named after a nocturnal spirit mentioned in Southeast Asian folklore. It lets cybercriminals remotely access and control compromised systems and remain undetected for a significant period.
Krasue uses multiple embedded rootkits to ensure compatibility with different Linux kernel versions. Interestingly, as with several other Linux rootkits, Krasue’s rootkit draws its functionalities from publicly available sources, specifically incorporating code from three open-source Linux Kernel Module rootkits.
This embedded rootkit can hook key system calls like kill(), network-related functions, and file listing operations to effectively mask its presence and evade detection. Researchers believe that this RAT was created by the same person who developed the XorDdos Linux Trojan or someone who has access to its source code.
Benyatip Hongto, Group-IB’s Business Development Manager in Thailand, highlighted the company’s commitment and proactive efforts to fighting cybercrime, including the planned opening of a Digital Crime Resistance Center in Thailand and their partnership with leading cybersecurity distributor nForce.
Upon discovering Krause, Group-IB researchers promptly notified their Threat Intelligence customers and published a report with YARA rules, which was shared with Thai authorities including ThaiCERT and TTC-CERT.
This revelation underscores the ever-looming threat of cyber risks and the need for strong cybersecurity measures. Organizations must be aware of threats like Krause and implement suitable security measures like strict access control, regular patching, and advanced threat detection solutions.
Are you stumped on what to get the techie on your Christmas list this year? We’ve got you covered. A product that every techie would want this Christmas is the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra. It’s pretty expensive, but it is the best tablet on the market today. In fact, it won our Best Tablet of 2023 award.
Samsung’s Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra starts at $1,199. However, right now, you can trade in your tablet, smartphone, or watch and get up to $700 in trade-in credit. Of course, you can’t get $700 off for trading in a smartwatch, but you get the idea. If you can get the complete $700 off, that makes this a $500 tablet, and that is an absolute steal.
Samsung does offer three different variants of the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra. This includes the base model, which has 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. There is a 12GB/512GB model and a 16GB/1TB model that tops out at $1,619. We would recommend the base model unless you’re looking to make this your new laptop. Then you might want a bit more storage. Remember, there’s no micro SD card slot available here.
Samsung’s OLED display will blow your mind
Samsung has equipped the entire Galaxy Tab S9 lineup with OLED displays this year – previously, it was only available on the “Ultra” model. And it’s an incredible experience. I’ve been using the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra since it debuted in July, and I love it.
My use case mostly involves watching videos. I use it a ton to watch The Rookie on Hulu or Bar Rescue on Paramount Plus. And both of those shows look incredible on this OLED display. Not to mention videos from YouTubers like Casey Neistat and MKBHD.
But you can also use this tablet to get some work done. Keep in mind that it is a 14.6-inch display. Technically, it is larger than my MacBook Pro (M3 Pro). So I do use it from time to time to get some work done, send some emails, write some reviews for AndroidHeadlines, and such.
Speaking of work, DeX is included in the Galaxy Tab S9 series, and it’s an incredible experience. It essentially gives you a desktop-like mode, where you can have various apps open in pop-up window mode. A lot like what you’d get on a Windows PC or a Mac. Add in the included S Pen, and it becomes a productivity powerhouse.
The only downside to the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra is that it is such a large tablet. It’s a 14.6-inch tablet that is also incredibly thin. Making it pretty uncomfortable to hold, as I mentioned in my review in August. If you want to buy this particular tablet, it’s going to be best that you use it on a table or with a keyboard case instead of holding it and browsing on the couch.
I would recommend getting the Samsung Book Cover Keyboard Slim for the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra, which includes a pretty good keyboard. I’ve been using this one in particular for a few months. If you want something more versatile, the Book Cover Keyboard is a great option. The tablet can detach from the keyboard and still provide you with a kickstand. It’s quite pricey, though, at $349.
Which Galaxy Tab S9 should you buy?
Samsung does offer three versions of the Galaxy Tab S9. There is the Galaxy Tab S9, S9 Plus and S9 Ultra. The major difference between the three is going to be the size of the display and, of course, the battery. On the Galaxy Tab S9, Samsung offers a 8GB/128GB model, which allows it to come in at $799. While the Galaxy Tab S9 Plus is available in 12GB/256GB and a 12GB/512GB model, and the Plus starts at $999.
All three of these include the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy processor, with the S Pen included.
Samsung has also debuted the Galaxy Tab S9 FE earlier this fall. These are essentially cheaper models with lower-end processors and screens. If you can afford it, we’d recommend the regular Galaxy Tab S9 over the Galaxy Tab S9 FE. The experience greatly varies between the two lines.
Passwords are an integral part of daily life these days now that so much of our interaction is online. And with how much information we put out there, it’s important to have a strong password so sensitive information stays protected. The importance of a strong password is not a new concept. It’s been around for ages. But these days, more and more information is shared across the online landscape. From banking apps to social media sites, your passwords are everywhere. And chances are you have more than a few accounts where a password is required.
I myself have what feels like too many to count. You might think in that scenario that I would just make things easy on myself and use the same password for everything. Or similar passwords that are easy to remember. However, that’s a terrible idea and not very secure. Surprisingly, a recent survey on passwords revealed that 15% of respondents use a pet’s name or other personal identifiers as their password or part of their password.
This is also highly insecure. Yet many people use these types of passwords anyway. Likely because they’re unaware of how bad of an idea it is. Or even more likely because they’re just not aware of current best practices for cybersecurity.
What you should do is use a varied set of passwords for everything. Ensure every account has a different password, created to be strong so it’s less likely to be cracked. The problem is that it’s hard to remember so many different passwords. That’s why you should also use two different tools to aid in staying secure that can also ensure you have access to the passwords to log into your accounts across the web.
I’m talking about a password manager and two-factor authentication. You might already use both of these tools. If you don’t though, you should. And it’s more important than you might realize. It’s also not a terrible idea to use a VPN to further secure your passwords as you enter them.
The importance of using a password manager
The biggest reason is one we’ve already mentioned. It can help you keep track of everything. As noted above it’s highly insecure to use similar passwords for different accounts, or worse, to use the same password for everything. So, you use different passwords for all your accounts. Maybe you change them every few months or maybe you don’t because you know you have a strong, unique password. The issue there again is that it can be hard to remember all that information.
This is where a password manager comes in. Instead of remembering a dozen or more passwords, you only have to remember one. The main password that opens the password manager where you can access all of your other passwords. Just like with your other passwords ensure this one is strong and unique so it’s not easy to crack.
There are lots of password manager options out there, but some more popular options include Dashlane, NordPass, Keeper, and Bitwarden. Most of these will have either free trials or a low monthly fee. Some will even be completely free. Although they may offer fewer features on their free plan compared to a paid one. The takeaway is that you should use a password manager to keep all your other passwords secure. Then you have less to remember but aren’t risking your personal information.
Don’t forget two-factor authentication
The password manager is a good first step, but you should also be using two-factor authentication on every single account you have. It’s much too easy these days for passwords to be bypassed. Even when you have a strong password it’s not impossible to crack it. Using a strong, unique password only minimizes the risk of people figuring it out. It’s a drastic reduction in risk, but there’s still a risk.
Most accounts these days will have two-factor authentication you can set up. What this does is send you a one-time use unique password to log into your accounts every time you enter your username and password. The next time you log in, you’ll get a different one to use. This adds a second layer of security on top of your main password. And often these are sent through things like an SMS text message. You get a one-time code in a text, you enter that code into the designated field on the website you’re trying to log into, and then you’re good to go.
Another way to get a two-factor authentication code is by using an app like Google Authenticator. This is constantly generating unique one-time codes for you to use for login purposes. You have to set your accounts up with an app like this but once you do, the account you associate with it will simply tell you to “use a code” from your authenticator app to finalize the login process. It’s a quick and painless thing to do and putting your accounts into an authenticator only has to be done one time. From then on, you just have to grab that code when your accounts ask for it.
Use best practices for password security and you’ll be less at risk
If you weren’t already aware of how important cybersecurity is, hopefully, this article was able to provide a little more insight into why you want to take this stuff seriously. The last thing you want is to be the victim of a phishing scam and unknowingly give your password to someone who wants it for nefarious purposes.
By using best practices for keeping your passwords secure, like using a password manager and two-factor authentication, you leave yourself less open to security risks that could expose information you don’t want anyone else to have access to. In short, do yourself a favor and set these tools up as soon as possible. You’ll be better off for it.
Samsung has a new rugged Android tablet in the works. Presumably called the Galaxy Tab Active 5 Pro, the device will succeed the Galaxy Tab Active 4 Pro launched in September 2022. While we don’t have a launch date for the next-gen model, a certification listing has given us a real-life photo of the tablet, showcasing its front design.
Samsung’s Galaxy Tab Active 5 Pro certified in South Korea
A few days back, the FCC certified the Wi-Fi and cellular (5G) variants of the Galaxy Tab Active 5 Pro with the model numbers SM-X300 and SM-X306B, respectively. In the process, the American regulatory agency revealed a few key specs of the tablet, including 15W charging speed. The device has now popped up on the Safety Korea and KTL (Korea Testing Laboratory) certification websites in Samsung’s home country, South Korea.
Spotted by MySmartPrice, the KTL listing reconfirms that the upcoming rugged Samsung tablet will support 15W fast charging. Additionally, we see it packs a 4,900mAh battery. That’s a much smaller battery than the one found in the 2022 model (7,600mAh). This means the device will be smaller, something suggested by the real-life photo uploaded to the Safety Korean website as well.
It appears the Galaxy Tab Active 5 pro has a length of 210-220mm and a width of 120-130mm. In comparison, the Galaxy Tab Active 4 Pro is 242.9mm long and 170.2mm wide. The new model is notably smaller, hence it packs a smaller battery too. Naturally, we will get a smaller screen as well—roughly eight inches in diagonal. The 2022 rugged tablet has a 10.1-inch display.
Based on this, Samsung might be developing a less premium rugged tablet. Perhaps it could be simply called the Galaxy Tab Active 5 with no “Pro” at the end. The Galaxy Tab Active 3 (2020) had an 8-inch display and a 5,050mAh battery. The device we see in this photo also resembles the 2020 model more than the 2022 model. Samsung’s next-gen rugged smartphone (Galaxy Xcover 7) appears to be a less premium offering too—a direct sequel to the Galaxy Xcover 5 (2021) than the Galaxy Xcover 6 Pro (2022).
The new rugged Galaxy devices may debut in 2024
Samsung may be planning to unveil the Galaxy Xcover 7 and Galaxy Tab Active 5 (Pro) in early 2024, likely after the Galaxy S24 launch. The KTL website mentions a few additional model numbers for the latter, including SM-X308U. This confirms a US launch of the tablet. The Korean firm may be developing multiple variants of it. We should get to learn more about the new rugged Galaxy devices closer to their launch.
Shortly after Disney wrote a check to Comcast for their stake in Hulu, Disney has now rolled out a new beta update to the Disney Plus app, which brings Hulu to Disney Plus. Hulu on Disney Plus is in beta and available to bundle subscribers only. The new experience will launch in the Spring, and Disney says this is an “exciting next step for Disney and its streaming endeavors.”
Starting today, those that subscribe to both Disney Plus and Hulu through the same email address will see a new Hulu tile on the home screen. It will appear next to Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic tiles. Making it fit fluidly inside the app.
Once you click on the Hulu tile, you’ll be taken to the Hulu Hub. This is where you will find thousands of movies and series from Hulu’s library, available in the Disney Plus app.
Hulu and Disney Plus will continue to be available as standalone apps, as well as Hulu + Live TV only being available through the Hulu app. The full Hulu SVOD content library will remain in Hulu.
It’s a beta, so expect some bugs
As mentioned already, this is currently in beta, so expect some bugs with Hulu on Disney Plus. There are reports that there is no Continue Watching synchronization between the two apps right now. So if you start watching a show on Hulu and then open Disney Plus to continue watching, it won’t be synced up.
There is also currently no sidebar for easy navigation within the Hulu section of Disney Plus. Hopefully, that is something that Disney plans to launch soon. As there are many titles available on Hulu, a good navigation bar is going to be crucial.
As mentioned already, this Hulu Hub is not a replacement for the Hulu app. This is further explained by the fact that the entire Hulu library is not available on Disney Plus. The big question here is, how many Hulu titles will be available on Disney Plus versus those only available on Hulu’s app? I would venture to guess that the content Disney owns is available on Hulu, while licensed content is not.
