RedMagic has confirmed the design of its upcoming gaming smartphone, the RedMagic 9 Pro. The company shared a bunch of images of the device on Weibo, a Chinese social media network.
The RedMagic 9 Pro images reveal similar design to the RedMagic 8S Pro
The RedMagic 9 Pro will look somewhat similar to the RedMagic 8S Pro, which is a good thing. Why? Well, because it looks different than the competition. The phone will have a square-ish shape, with extremely thin bezels, and an under-display camera.
That will basically allow you to be truly immersed in the gaming content. It will also include rear cameras that will be flush with the backplate, which is not something we see often these days, especially when it comes to high-end phones.
Speaking of which, this smartphone will be fueled by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC, Qualcomm’s latest and greatest chip. You can easily see that it will be made out of metal and glass.
All of its physical keys will be placed on the right-hand side, and that’s also where its shoulder trigger will sit, as they do on the RedMagic 8S Pro. That device turned out to be quite compelling without breaking the bank, so we’re expecting something similar from the RedMagic 9 Pro.
The phone will launch on November 23, and it is coming to global markets too
The RedMagic 9 Pro will launch in China on November 23. The company confirmed that quite recently. That smartphone will almost certainly be coming to global markets too, though, based on what happened with its predecessors.
It is worth noting that the RedMagic 9 Pro+ will also launch, the company has confirmed. The company has also confirmed that the device will be 8.9mm thick. As already mentioned, that will be the thickest point, as the cameras will not protrude on the back.
If you’d like to take a closer look at the phone, check out the images provided below.
Fitbit has decided to materialize some of the feedback it received from many customers still using its products. A handful of new features are now headed to the Fitbit app, which are expected to make a positive impact on both the Fitbit platform and app.
First on the list of changes coming the Fitbit app is related to the battery percentage. Besides seeing the battery under the “Devices Connected to Fitbit” in the app, the latest update also adds battery percentage on the Today tab so that users can easily see their battery level.
The US-based company also confirmed that this specific feature is not only coming to Fitbit devices, but also to Pixel Watch models for the first time.
The next new feature coming to Fitbit device is bringing improved goal celebrations. Starting this week, Android users should begin seeing celebrations as soon as they reach certain milestones. The same feature will roll out to iOS users in early January.
The next feature added in the latest update is not new. Steps streak has been removed in a previous update, but it’s now making a comeback per users’ request. Fitbit users can now tap the Steps tile on their Today tab to see the active streaks displayed below their steps chart.
Last but not least, focus metrics can be customized to highlight specific health and fitness goals. If the presets aren’t suitable, Fitbit users can now create their own unique Today screen.
Bitcoin, the trailblazing cryptocurrency, has come a long way since its enigmatic creation by the pseudonymous Satoshi Nakamoto in 2008. Initially viewed as a novel experiment, it has now become a global phenomenon, known to almost everyone. But what lies beneath the surface of this decentralized digital currency is a world of intrigue, controversy, and uncommon connections. In this article, we will delve deep into the secret life of Bitcoin, uncovering its ties to the dark web, geopolitics, cybercrime, unconventional uses, environmental concerns, and more. Selecting a secure trading platform, such as Immediate Alpha, is another key aspect of asset protection.
Bitcoin’s Underground Network
Exploring the Dark Web and Its Relationship with Bitcoin
Bitcoin’s early days saw it gain notoriety as the currency of choice on the dark web. Platforms like Silk Road, run by Ross Ulbricht, allowed users to buy and sell illegal goods using Bitcoin. The anonymity and decentralized nature of Bitcoin made it attractive to those operating in the shadows.
The dark web continues to be intertwined with Bitcoin, serving as a marketplace for illicit goods and services. Bitcoin’s pseudonymity provides a layer of protection for those engaged in illegal activities, making it challenging for law enforcement to trace transactions.
Cryptocurrency Laundering and Its Role in Obfuscating Connections
Criminals have employed various techniques to launder Bitcoin and conceal its origins. Tumbling services and mixing techniques blend legitimate and illegitimate funds, making it difficult to trace the source of the coins. High-profile cases, such as the Mt. Gox hack and subsequent laundering of stolen Bitcoin, highlight the challenges of tracking illicit transactions.
Bitcoin’s Connection to Geopolitics
The Influence of Nation-States on Bitcoin’s Adoption
Bitcoin’s relationship with nation-states is complex. Some countries have embraced it, while others have imposed strict regulations. China, for example, cracked down on cryptocurrency mining and trading, impacting the global Bitcoin market. On the flip side, El Salvador became the first country to adopt Bitcoin as legal tender, signaling a significant shift in the geopolitical landscape.
Bitcoin as a Tool for International Sanctions Evasion
Bitcoin has emerged as a means for countries facing economic sanctions to bypass restrictions. Iran and Venezuela have turned to Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies to access international markets and evade sanctions. This raises questions about the effectiveness of traditional sanctions and the challenges of regulating a global, decentralized currency.
The Influence of Bitcoin on Cybercrime
Ransomware Attacks and Bitcoin Payments
Ransomware attacks have surged in recent years, with cybercriminals demanding Bitcoin as the preferred form of payment. High-profile incidents like the Colonial Pipeline ransomware attack brought attention to the role of Bitcoin in facilitating cybercrime. The debate over regulating Bitcoin to curb such activities is ongoing.
Hacking and Exploiting the Bitcoin Network
Bitcoin itself is not immune to cyber threats. Vulnerabilities in wallet software, exchanges, and individual user accounts have led to hacks and thefts. The cryptocurrency community continually works to improve security measures, but the evolving nature of cyber threats remains a challenge.
Unconventional Uses of Bitcoin
Bitcoin in the Art World
Bitcoin’s influence extends beyond finance, infiltrating the art world through Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs). NFTs, built on blockchain technology, have revolutionized the way artists create and sell digital art. Creators now use Bitcoin and blockchain to establish provenance and ensure the authenticity of their work.
Bitcoin’s Role in Remittances and Financial Inclusion
In regions with limited access to traditional banking services, Bitcoin offers a lifeline for cross-border remittances and financial inclusion. Case studies in countries like Nigeria and Venezuela demonstrate how Bitcoin is used to send and receive money, providing access to the global economy.
The Environmental Controversy
Bitcoin’s Energy Consumption and Environmental Concerns
Bitcoin mining consumes a significant amount of energy, leading to concerns about its environmental impact. Critics argue that the energy-intensive Proof-of-Work (PoW) consensus mechanism contributes to carbon emissions. The sustainability of such energy consumption is a pressing issue.
The Debate Over Long-Term Sustainability
The debate over Bitcoin’s environmental sustainability continues. Advocates believe that Bitcoin can drive innovation in renewable energy, while others call for a shift to more eco-friendly consensus mechanisms. Balancing the benefits of a decentralized currency with environmental responsibility remains a challenge.
Conclusion
In the ever-evolving realm of cryptocurrency, Bitcoin stands as a multifaceted and enigmatic powerhouse. Its remarkable journey, from its origins in the dark web to its influence in geopolitics, cybercrime, and even the world of art, has left an indelible mark. Yet, Bitcoin’s environmental impact and the ongoing debate about its sustainability underscore its complex nature. As Bitcoin continues to adapt and redefine the financial and technological landscape, gaining a profound understanding of these intricate facets becomes imperative for those navigating the world of cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology.
Popular YouTuber Jerry Rig Everything is back again, this time with the Google Pixel 8 Pro Thermometer teardown video. In this new video, the YouTuber reveals one of the most impressive features that the new Pro device from Google comes with. From this video, netizens get a clearer look at the thermometer that is available on this device for some technical analysis.
At the moment, there are limitations to the usage of this thermometer by owners of the device. These limitations affect the ability to use the thermometer to read human temperature. Due to its lack of the FDA’s clearance, usage of this feature will remain limited for quite a while.
There is no information on when users of the Google Pixel 8 Pro will get access to use this feature on humans. But in the meantime, there is a video that shows this thermometer out from its housing in the device. Jerry Rig Everything’s video on the Pixel 8 Pro teardown gives users a clearer view of this new sensor.
Details on the Google Pixel 8 Pro Thermometer as seen from its teardown
From the teardown video, it becomes clear that the Pixel 8 Pro Thermometer isn’t part of the camera module. This sensor exists on its own, separate from the camera module that holds three sensors. These are the 50MP main sensor, the 48MP ultra-wide sensor, and the 48MP telephoto sensor.
Two out of all three members of the rear camera module come with optical image stabilization, and Jerry points that out in this teardown video. Taking the rear camera off reveals the thermometer, which exists separately from the rear cameras. This is because opening up the Pixel 8 series is done from the screen, hence users access the rear cameras before the thermometer.
However, the thermometer sits closer to the rear panel than the rear camera sensors. Lying above the thermometer is the rear flashlight; both are part of the same component. The temperature sensor itself is a tiny part of the device, but its functions are very important.
At this time, users can’t access the full potential of this sensor due to the lack of FDA approval. In the coming months, the full potential of this thermometer might come to users. Until then, users are to stick to the features that this sensor currently permits.
Once this thermometer gets permission for usage on human skin, Google will unlock that feature. But for now, this feature remains locked and inaccessible to users of the Pixel 8 Pro device. In terms of repairability, taking the Pixel 8 Pro apart didn’t seem to be an issue for Jerry Rig Everything.
In this article, we’ll compare the Google Pixel 8 vs Samsung Galaxy S23 FE. These two smartphones are quite different, and they’re even classified differently. The Pixel 8 is one of two flagships that Google announced, the inferior and smaller one. The Galaxy S23 FE is kind of a budget flagship from Samsung, it’s below the regular Galaxy S23 series phones that were announced early this year.
Having said that, these two smartphones do have a somewhat similar price tag. The difference between them is only $100, so comparing them does make sense. Chances are that quite a few consumers will consider getting both, so… let’s hope this comparison can help you decide which one to get. We’ll compare them across a number of categories, but first things first, let’s list their specs.
Specs
Google Pixel 8 vs Samsung Galaxy S23 FE, respectively
Both smartphones are made out of metal and glass. Neither has flat sides, though the backplate on the Pixel 8 is a bit curvier in comparison. It curves towards the frame on the edges, while the Galaxy S23 FE’s is completely flat, as is its display. Both smartphones have flat displays, in fact. What they also have in common are thin bezels, albeit not uniform ones. You’ll also notice a centered display camera hole on both devices.
All the physical buttons sit on the right-hand side of both of these phones, but in different spots. The Pixel 8’s power/lock key sits above the volume up and down buttons, while it’s the opposite on the Galaxy S23 FE. Some major differences are visible on the back sides of these devices. The Pixel 8 includes a camera visor there, which is covered by metal, and which connects to the frame on the sides. The Galaxy S23 FE, on the other hand, has three separate protrusions on the back, for each of its cameras.
The Pixel 8 has two cameras, which sit inside that camera visor. The camera visor does protrude quite a bit on the back, but it serves as a nice anchor for your finger when you’re holding the phone. The Galaxy S23 FE’s cameras are vertically-aligned in the top-left corner of the phone’s back. Both smartphones come with an IP68 certification for water and dust resistance.
The Google Pixel 8 is shorter, narrower, and slightly thicker. It’s also 22 grams lighter than the Galaxy S23 FE. You will notice the difference in size and weight here, but that’s not surprising considering that the Galaxy S23 FE does have a larger display. Both phones do feel really nice in the hand, they do have some heft to them, and are definitely premium-feeling.
Google Pixel 8 vs Samsung Galaxy S23 FE: Display
The Google Pixel 8 includes a 6.2-inch fullHD+ (2400 x 1080) OLED display. That panel is flat, and has a 120Hz refresh rate. It supports HDR10+ content, and goes up to 2,000 nits of brightness at its peak. The display has a 20:9 aspect ratio, and it’s protected by the Gorilla Glass Victus.
The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE, on the flip side, features a 6.4-inch fullHD+ (2340 x 1080) Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel. That display is also flat, and it has a 120Hz refresh rate. HDR10+ content is supported here too, and the display goes up to 1,450 nits of brightness at its peak. It has a 19.5:9 aspect ratio, and it’s protected by the Gorilla Glass 5 from Corning.
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
Now, there’s not really that much to complain about here, on either panel. Both of them are really nice. They do offer very vivid colors, good viewing angles, and good touch response. They’re also more than sharp enough, even though they’re “only” fullHD+ in terms of resolution. These two displays are not exactly enormous, so… yeah, you won’t need more sharpness here, that’s for sure.
One notable advantage of the Pixel 8’s panel is… its brightness. It does get noticeably brighter than the Galaxy S23 FE’s display, even though the latter is not exactly dim… not at all. The bottom line is, chances are you’ll be happy with both panels, but in case you want a brighter one, the Pixel 8 is the way to go.
Google Pixel 8 vs Samsung Galaxy S23 FE: Performance
Google’s handset is fueled by the Google Tensor G3 processor. The Pixel 8 also includes 8GB of LPDDR5X RAM, and up to 256GB of UFS 3.1 flash storage. The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE, on the other hand, is fueled by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor. It comes with 8GB of LPDDR5 RAM, and up to 256GB of UFS 3.1 flash storage. So neither phone utilizes UFS 4.0 flash storage, but that’s not a big deal in this case. The Pixel 8 does come with a newer and faster RAM module, though.
When it comes to day-to-day performance, both of these phones are very snappy. That goes for basically anything you can throw at them, ranging from browsing, multimedia consumption, image editing, and so on. What we did notice, however, is heating issues with the Galaxy S23 FE. Yes, a game was required in order to cause that, but not even a graphically intensive game was required. The phone would get a bit too hot after 5 to 10 minutes. The same was not the case with the Pixel 8, even though the phone does get warm.
Both smartphones can run graphically-intensive games, and perform well during that (despite the heat from the Galaxy S23 FE). Even Genshin Impact is very much playable on both smartphones. So, what’s the cause of that heat? Well, the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 was a huge leap over the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 in terms of heat emission, so the chip is probably to blame, as the Galaxy S23 FE doesn’t have advanced cooling. All in all, if you’re planning to play games, the Galaxy S23 FE is probably not the best choice.
Google Pixel 8 vs Samsung Galaxy S23 FE: Battery
There is a 4,575mAh battery inside the Pixel 8, and a 4,500mAh unit inside the Galaxy S23 FE. Now, despite the fact the Galaxy S23 FE has a larger display, it has a smaller battery. Is that noticeable during usage? Well, no, not at all. In fact, the Galaxy S23 FE turned out to offer great battery life, which was a bit surprising.
We were able to get over 8 hours of battery life on the phone, even during heavier days. We’ve even been able to cruise past the 9-hour mark when games were not a part of the package. The Pixel 8, on the other hand, lingered at around 6.5-7 hours of screen-on-time, and that’s with only light gaming from time to time. We’d say that the Galaxy S23 FE definitely offers better battery life, at least in our experience. Your mileage may vary, of course.
Now, in terms of charging, the Google Pixel 8 offers 27W wired, 18W wireless, and also reverse wireless charging. The phone doesn’t include a charger in the box, however, and the same goes for the Galaxy S23 FE. The Galaxy S23 FE offers 25W wired charging, along with 15W wireless charging. You will need to get a charger separately here, the Pixel 8 supports PD3.0/PPS, while the Galaxy S23 FE offers support for PD2.0 charging.
Google Pixel 8 vs Samsung Galaxy S23 FE: Cameras
The Google Pixel 8 includes a 50-megapixel main camera, and a 12-megapixel ultrawide unit (126-degree FoV). The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE, on the other hand, has three cameras on the back. It has a 50-megapixel main unit, a 12-megapixel ultrawide camera (123-degree FoV), and an 8-megapixel telephoto camera (3x optical zoom).
Google Pixel 8
How do they stack up? Well, the Pixel 8 does a great job across the board. You’ll get that contrasty look that Google became well-known for. The phone does an outstanding job in HDR situations, and generally provides a lot of detail. The Galaxy S23 FE also does great during the day, though its colors can be a bit oversaturated still. It also does a great job in HDR situations, by the way.
In low light, both smartphones do a good job, and manage to light up scenes quite a bit. Both tend to brighten up those scenes quite a bit, as opposed to keeping them closer to real life. The results are great on both, though we prefer the Pixel 8’s due to the fact it provides more detail in low light conditions.
The ultrawide cameras do a good job in general, though we prefer the Pixel 8’s as it is closer to what the main camera offers in terms of color reproduction. They do offer a similar amount of detail. Telephoto shots are better on the Galaxy S23 FE. The Pixel 8 doesn’t even have a telephoto camera, but its Super Res Zoom feature does a good job to compensate.
Audio
Both of these phones include stereo speakers, and both of them actually provide really good sound. They’re more than loud enough, and offer balanced sound across the board. We did not notice any distortion or anything of the sort.
What you will not find on either device is an audio jack. Both phones do have a Type-C port at the bottom, so you can easily hook up your headphones, but you’ll need a dongle. If you prefer wireless audio instead, do note that both the Pixel 8 and Galaxy S23 FE offer Bluetooth 5.3.
Google News has dropped a bombshell for magazine enjoyers, announcing the discontinuation of all support for magazine content starting December 18, 2023. Subscribers of magazine content through Google News now face the challenge of finding alternative means to enjoy their favorite content. However, Google is offering a lifeline, allowing users a window of opportunity, just shy of a month, to export and save their purchased magazine content.
Ashwarya, a member of the Google News Team, shared this update:
“Support for magazine content in Google News is being discontinued beginning on December 18, 2023, which means if you previously purchased or subscribed to magazines, access from Google News apps or news.google.com to your library of magazines will be removed.
To continue to access previously purchased magazine content, we are providing the opportunity to export and save each purchased issue. In some cases, purchased magazines contain interactive elements that cannot be downloaded and saved for future access, and we are offering a refund for this content”.
Google News has announced the discontinuation of all support for magazine content starting December 18, 2023
For context, Google News plays a pivotal role in the media landscape, supporting over 2300 news outlets. Monthly, it generates more than 24 billion clicks to publishers’ websites via Google Search and Google News. The abrupt demise of magazine support raises questions about evolving user media consumption habits.
To ease the situation, Google is allowing users to either download their purchased content or opt for a full refund, particularly for magazines with interactive features. Notably, this move follows Google’s discontinuation of its print-replica magazine service in January 2020. The removal of all print-replica magazines was also accompanied by refunds for users with outstanding subscriptions.
The history of magazine content on Google News, dating back to 2012, now ends abruptly. However, this does not signal the demise of magazines; rather, it marks the conclusion of their distribution through Google News. Users can continue to support their favorite magazines through alternative channels, such as direct access via the magazines’ websites.
Does this decision predict the extinction of magazines? Not necessarily. Instead, the decision indicates a clear shift in user consumption patterns on the platform, signaling Google’s reluctance to sustain a declining medium.
Google is rolling out a homepage redesign for the Drive mobile app. Both Android and iOS apps are getting a minor UI revamp to “help you more easily find the right file much faster.” The company was first spotted working on this UI redesign last week. The changes should reach all users within the next week or so.
Google Drive updated with a more compact homepage
Google Drive has a slightly different homepage UI for personal accounts and Workspace users. For personal accounts, the first two tabs on the bottom bar are called Home and Starred. For users with a Workspace account, they are Priority and Workspaces, respectively. It appears Google is changing this, calling the tabs Home and Starred for all users.
While it’s only a rename for the bottom tabs, the top tabs under the Home section are seeing a broader UI redesign. The Suggested tab no longer uses cards to show files. Those cards included a preview of the file and took up a large space on the screen. You could only see two files on the screen at a time. Google has replaced it with a more compact list view.
With this change, we can now see around ten recommended files on the screen. These are files that have been “recently opened, shared, or edited.” Google notes the most recent activity, such as who opened the file, edits, comments, and replies, underneath the file name, complete with a date or timestamp.
The Notifications tab at the top is also getting a new name—Activity. Google added an Activity feed to Drive on the web last month, so this appears to be a change to make the app more uniform across platforms. Interestingly, the company is using cards with file previews in this feed where you find items with pending access requests, recent comments, and approval requests. You can use chips to filter files.
There’s a new “camera” FAB too
This Google Drive UI update also brings a new “camera” FAB (floating action button). The circular button appears above the existing “plus” FAB, which has been changed from square to rectangle to add the text “New.” The camera FAB will make scanning documents faster. The feature previously resided within the plus/new button.
According to Google, this update also makes the app remember the last opened tab. “If you do not want to use the home tab, the app will simply open up on whatever tab you last used, such as Shared or Files,” the company said. This Google Drive redesign will be available to all Workspace customers and users with personal accounts. The rollout has already begun on both Android and iOS.
A sample of NVIDIA’s unreleased RTX 4090 Ti GPU has supposedly surfaced, with images popping up online that showcase some design qualities that are generally unique to NVIDIA’s Titan cards. In the leaked image you can see that the card carries that slightly gold color aesthetic. As of right now it’s not clear if NVIDIA actually plans to release a Ti version of the RTX 4090 graphics card. Though it’s been said as early as August that NVIDIA cancelled plans to release an RTX 4090 Ti GPU.
If this is the case and NVIDIA doesn’t plan to release such a card, then the one in this image is most certainly a sample that wasn’t intended to be used. And it may not even work without drivers.
The sample images come from a user on Reddit named gamer2live (via VideoCardz) who says they received the sample from an NVIDIA employee directly. That being said details are next to nil on if the card operates. Gamer2live says when receiving the sample it came with a paper label that said RTX 4090 Ti on it. Worth noting though is that the card has the “RTX 4090” etching on it. Sans “Ti.”
Sample or no, an RTX 4090 Ti GPU feels unnecessary
Let’s pretend for a second that NVIDIA didn’t reportedly cancel its plans for an RTX 4090 Ti GPU. Imagine a launch is in the works and NVIDIA is on track to sell one. This is likely a graphics card that is entirely unnecessary for gamers. The RTX 4090 that is available already delivers more than enough performance to power today’s most demanding games at max settings. Even the laptop variant of an RTX 4090 is capable of running games like Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty with full ray tracing. Not to mention the newly added path tracing features. At 4K resolution with a steady 50-60 frames per second on a large display nonetheless.
With a Ti model, gamers would simply be looking at a money sink. All for the purpose of having a card that can deliver slightly better benchmark numbers. That aren’t needed in the first place. All of that said, it’s interesting to see that NVIDIA may have gotten as far as having a complete sample worked up.
The IPStorm botnet targeted Windows, Linux, Mac, and Android devices and claimed victims in Asia, Europe, North America, and South America.
A Russian-Moldovan national has pleaded guilty to operating an illegal botnet proxy service called IPStorm, responsible for infecting thousands of internet-connected devices worldwide.
Sergei Makinin, 32, of Moscow, Russia, was arrested by the F.B.I. with the cooperation of law enforcement authorities in Spain and Bitdefender, which provided cybersecurity consulting, resources, and guidance to track the suspect.
Makinin pleaded guilty to “three counts of violating 18 U.S.C. § 1030(a)(5)(A) Fraud and Related Activity in Connection with Computers,” in a district court in Puerto Rico as per the U.S. Department of Justice press release.
Makinin was suspected of running an extensive botnet-for-rent operation called Interplanetary Storm (IPStorm) used for illegal activities from June 2019 through December 2022. Bitdefender first documented the operation in a research paper in October 2020.
The botnet targeted Windows, Linux, Mac, and Android devices and claimed victims in Asia, Europe, North America, and South America. IPStorm anonymized its users’ internet traffic, allowing them to conduct malicious activities such as hacking, identity theft, and fraud.
Countries targeted by IPStorm botnet based on the number of victims (Credit: Bitdefender)
In his guilty plea, Makinin admitted that he and his accomplices ran IPStorm from 2015 to 2019 and successfully compromised over 40,000 devices using the IPStorm malware and 23,000 “highly anonymous” proxies. The domains used by Makinin is the scam were proxx.io and proxx.net.
The IPStorm malware allowed Makinin hijack the devices and use them as a proxy. Cybercriminals preferred the service because it was inexpensive, easy to use, and effectively anonymized their internet traffic. Makinin also admitted to developing/distributing malware for infecting the devices, earning $550,0000, and laundering the money.
Makinin is the first to be charged in connection with IPStorm. He faces up to 10 years in prison and will have to forfeit the cryptocurrency wallets linked with the scam. The sentencing is yet to be scheduled. Meanwhile, the F.B.I. and DoJ will continue to investigate the service.
Prices offered by Makinin (Screenshot credit: Hackread.com)
Commenting on this development is the operation’s lead researcher and Bitdefender’s Investigation and Forensics Unit’s senior director, Alexandru Catalin Cosoi. Cosoi shared with Hackread.com that IPStorm was a “complex” botnet rented by cybercriminals for various nefarious activities:
“The Interplanetary Storm botnet was complex and used to power various cybercriminal activities by renting it as a proxy as a service system over infected IoT devices. Our initial research back in 2020 uncovered valuable clues to the culprit behind its operation, and we are extremely pleased it helped lead to arrests,” Cosio explained.
“This investigation is another primary example of law enforcement and the private cybersecurity sector working together to shut down illegal online activities and bring those responsible to justice.”
Makinin’s conviction is a significant victory for law enforcement in the fight against cybercrime. Botnet proxy services remain a serious threat because they are used to committing cybercrimes. This development sends a strong message to other cybercriminals that they will be held accountable for their actions sooner or later.
Google One VPN is among the best VPN services you can have on your device to protect web traffic from prying eyes. However, users discovered that the Google One VPN has become incompatible with Android Auto. The issue causes frustration for many users who rely on both services.
In September, a user on the Google support website reported that Google One no longer allows the selection of Android Auto for the VPN App bypass. The issue prevents Android Auto from connecting wirelessly unless the VPN is disabled.
Google One VPN incompatibility with Android Auto is fixed
Thankfully, Google acted swiftly to address the issue and released a fix for the compatibility problem, according to 9to5Google. In October, a Google support representative announced the issue was resolved, allowing users to use the Google One VPN with Android Auto once again without any issues. Users must also update the Google One to the latest version. Additionally, they need to manually add Android Auto to the VPN bypass list.
While the tech firm didn’t explain what caused the issue, reports from users reveal it was related to the Android Auto update. Some users noted rolling back to the previous Android Auto version could fix the issue.
Google released the fix on October 26. You need to update the apps if your Google One VPN and Android Auto are still incompatible. However, some Pixel 8 Pro owners said on the same topic that the issue still persists despite updating the apps. Google must clarify if the problem isn’t yet fully resolved on some Pixel-branded devices.
Android Auto lets users connect their Android device to the vehicle’s infotainment system to access navigation, music, and messaging. The feature works in both wired and wireless forms, and it’s found in almost every new car that launches on the market. Google is constantly improving apps and driving experience on Android Auto. The firm has recently redesigned the Map app for Android Auto with a sleek look and enhanced functionality.
