WhatsApp is working on a new interface design with changed colors and chat filters

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WhatsApp is working on a new interface design with changed colors and chat filters
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WhatsApp often releases updates, and while some may be minor, like, for example, avatar reactions to status updates, the upcoming WhatsApp update seems to be quite big, as it involves interface redesign.

As reported by Wabetainfo, WhatsApp is in the process of redesigning its interface. The latest WhatsApp beta for Android, version 2.23.18.18, available on the Google Play Store, reveals several enhancements to the top app bar for a future app update. These enhancements include altering the background color, modifying the top bar navigation, and introducing chat filters.

Earlier in June, an alteration in the background color from green to white was observed, and it’s now evident that this change will be included in a future app update.
 
Image Credit–Wabetainfo - WhatsApp is working on a new interface design with changed colors and chat filters

Image Credit–Wabetainfo

WhatsApp’s top bar is being redesigned to include an additional menu button to the right, next to your profile avatar. The background color of this area, as well as the top status bar, has transitioned from green to white. The WhatsApp logo on the app bar shifts its color from white to green.

Furthermore, WhatsApp is actively developing a new feature that will enable users to filter their conversations by sorting them into lists of unread messages, personal chats, or business discussions. This forthcoming feature aims to provide users with greater control when navigating their conversations.

It’s worth noting that similar changes are also in progress for WhatsApp on iOS. This indicates WhatsApp’s intent to align both apps with a similar interface and feature set, with both apps adhering to the Material Design 3 guidelines. Material Design 3 is the latest version of Google’s open-source design system that uses dynamic color, typography, motion, and components to create a more personalized and accessible user experience. Material 3 is designed to be used across a variety of platforms, including Android and iOS.

The new interface, featuring a white top app bar and a green app name, is currently in development and will be included in a future app update.


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Microsoft Says Goodbye to Wordpad, Snipping Tool, & Other Utilities

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Microsoft Says Goodbye to Wordpad, Snipping Tool, & Other Utilities
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Microsoft Windows announced deprecated features for Windows clients 11 and 10.

In this article, we’ll delve into the features and functionalities that are no longer actively developed for Windows clients. 

Please note that the information below is subject to change and might not encompass every affected feature or functionality.

WordPad (Deprecation Announced: September 1, 2023)

WordPad, the simple text editor, is no longer receiving updates and is slated for removal in a future Windows release. For rich text documents (.doc and .rtf), it’s recommended to use Microsoft Word, and for plain text documents (.txt), Windows Notepad is the way to go.

AllJoyn (Deprecation Announced: August 17, 2023)

Microsoft’s implementation of AllJoyn, a protocol for Internet of Things scenarios, has been deprecated. Customers seeking alternatives should refer to Iotivity.org for options like Iotivity Lite or Iotivity.

TLS 1.0 and 1.1 (Deprecation Announced: August 1, 2023)

In response to evolving security standards, TLS versions 1.0 and 1.1 will be disabled by default, starting with Windows 11 Insider Preview builds for September 2023. This shift encourages the adoption of modern protocols, enhancing Windows’ security posture.

Cortana in Windows (Deprecation Announced: June 2023)

Cortana, as a standalone app in Windows, is deprecated. However, Cortana remains available in various other forms, including Outlook mobile, Teams mobile, Microsoft Teams display, and Microsoft Teams rooms.

Update Compliance (Deprecation Announced: November 2022)

The cloud-based service Update Compliance for Windows clients is no longer under development. It’s been replaced by Windows Update for Business reports, accessible from the Azure portal.

BitLocker To Go Reader (Deprecation Announced: 21H1)

Reading BitLocker-protected removable drives from Windows XP or Windows Vista in later operating systems is deprecated. Associated items like ADMX policies and the BitLocker 2 Go Reader app may also no longer be available in future Windows releases.

The WMIC tool is deprecated in Windows 10, version 21H1, and the 21H1 General Availability Channel release of Windows Server. Windows PowerShell for WMI supersedes this command-line management tool.

Microsoft Edge (Deprecation Announced: 2004)

The legacy version of Microsoft Edge is no longer being developed.

OneSync Service Deprecation

The OneSync service, previously responsible for synchronizing data across the Mail, Calendar, and People apps, has changed. Microsoft integrated a sync engine directly into the Outlook app to enhance synchronization capabilities. This new engine offers the same robust data synchronization experience.

The Snipping Tool, a utility in Windows 10 for capturing screen content, has evolved with the introduction of Windows 10, version 1809. Microsoft introduced Snip & Sketch, a universal app that retains the screen-snipping functionality and brings additional features to the table.

This comprehensive list of deprecated features provides insights into Windows’ evolution and encourages users to adapt to newer alternatives. Keep an eye out for further updates and announcements as Windows evolves.

For more details on these deprecated features and additional information, visit Microsoft’s official documentation.

Keep informed about the latest Cyber Security News by following us on Google News, Linkedin, Twitter, and Facebook.


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HONOR Magic V2 global price hinted at by the CEO

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HONOR Magic V2 global price hinted at by the CEO
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The HONOR Magic V2 was originally launched back in July, in China. The phone made its first global appearance at IFA 2023 in Berlin. It managed to attract a lot of attention, for a good reason, more on that soon. The phone did get shown off on a global scene, but the company did not share its price tag. Well, the company’s CEO did give out a hint as to what HONOR Magic V2 price we can expect, though.

The HONOR Magic V2 global printed hinted at by the company’s CEO

This did not happen during the event, though. We were there, and the pricing was not mentioned. GSM Arena notes that it happened “at the sidelines of the event”. George Zhao allegedly said that the Magic Vs’ price tag is a good reference for the Magic V2’s price.

So, the HONOR Magic Vs did launch globally back in February, with a price tag of €1,599 for the 12GB RAM + 512GB storage model. That is the only model that was announced, actually. So, the Magic V2 may carry the same price tag, or something similar to it.

We still do not know when it’s going to arrive, though. We’d like to believe it’ll happen at some point this year, but Q1 2024 is also a possibility considering the Magic Vs launch timeframe. On the other hand, the Magic Vs launched in China in November, and to global markets in February, so… based on that difference, the Magic V2 should arrive by the end of this year to global markets. We’ll see.

The phone’s design is in focus here, as it’s unbelievably thin & light

In any case, the Magic V2 is a true powerhouse, but the main attraction of this phone are not the specs. The main attraction is its design. The device feels like a regular phone when it’s folded, and you hold it. Not only because it’s 9.9mm thick when folded, but because it weighs 231 grams, which is the weight of some regular, non-folding flagships these days.

The device is fueled by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SOC, while it also includes 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM and up to 1TB of UFS 4.0 flash storage. A 5,000mAh battery is also included, and the phone supports 66W wired charging.

A 50-megapixel main camera (OIS, Laser AF) is backed by a 50-megapixel ultrawide camera. A 20-megapixel telephoto camera (2.5x optical zoom, OIS) is also here. A side-facing fingerprint scanner is also a part of the package, and there are also two 120Hz displays on offer here. If you’d like to know more about the phone, click here.


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FBI Disrupts Qakbot (QBot) Malware Network – Frees Victim PCs

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FBI Disrupts Qakbot (QBot) Malware Network – Frees Victim PCs
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After years of malicious activities, the notorious QakBot (or QBot) malware finally meets its fate as the FBI disrupts the botnet network. Besides taking down the botnet, FBI also cleaned infected systems from the malware.

FBI Disrupts Qakbot Network

Reportedly, the FBI has dismantled the notorious Qakbot malware network in a recent operation.

Qakbot, also known as QuakBot and QBot, is a known malware that has executed numerous malicious campaigns alongside facilitating other threat actors for various activities, especially ransomware attacks.

Announcing the achievement, FBI officials explained how they conducted a large-scale operation across six countries to take down the botnet. These countries include the United States, Germany, France, the Netherlands, Latvia, Romania, and the United Kingdom.

According to the details shared by the US Attorney’s Office, the FBI and the Dutch National Police officials discovered multiple compromised account credentials, which they shared with the HIBP website for public accessibility.

The Bureau, after obtaining the due permissions following their application, traced down the threat actors’ physical location, alongside mapping out the botnet’s infrastructure. Moreover, they also identified 20 cryptocurrency wallets associated with the botnet.

More details are available in the following announcement video.

FBI Removes The Malware From Infected Systems

Alongside disrupting the botnet activity, the FBI also confirmed freeing up the victim machines from the malware infection.

The FBI Director, Christopher Wray, stated that QBot’s victim list includes various firms across different regions. FBI could identify over 700,000 victim machines, over 200,000 of which existed within the US.

The victims ranged from financial institutions on the East Coast to a critical infrastructure government contractor in the Midwest to a medical device manufacturer on the West Coast.

Hence, to relieve all the infected systems that inadvertently constituted the botnet, the FBI redirected its traffic to its servers. It then released an uninstaller file to the QBot victim machines to uninstall the malware and prevent further infection.

While the threat from QBot is seemingly over, the risk never fades as more and more malware families keep emerging online to target victims. Therefore, all users, especially organizations, must remain vigilant to prevent similar threats.

Let us know your thoughts in the comments.


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Google Photos about to get huge update in photo quality

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Google Photos about to get huge update in photo quality
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Back in May, we told you that Google had announced Ultra HDR which would allow compatible apps on devices running Android 14 could show photos with a wider range of colors and tones. According to Forbes, based on hidden code strings found in the Google Photos app (version 51.0.561138754), it seems that Ultra HDR compatibility is about to come to the Google Photos app.
The new code strings found in Google Photos include phrases such as:
  • Ultra HDR disabled
  • UltraHdrPreviewFragment
  • EDITOR_ULTRA_HDR_PREVIEW
  • photos_mediadetails_details_ultra_hdr
Now it goes without saying (although we will anyway) that if Google Photos is adding support for Ultra HDR, a future update to Google’s camera app will have to give Android phones the capability to shoot in Ultra HDR. Perhaps the Pixel 8 series will have the first cameras able to shoot in Ultra-High Dynamic Range.
Images in HDR will look much better in Google Photos than those using SDR or Standard Dynamic Range - Google Photos about to get huge update in photo quality

Images in HDR will look much better in Google Photos than those using SDR or Standard Dynamic Range

As we explained back in May, Ultra HDR adds an extra layer of information called a “gain map” to a standard JPEG image. The improvement in the quality of a photo in Ultra HD is said to be the same as watching television in standard SDR and improving it to Ultra HD. Since existing apps will be able to process and display Ultra HD pictures as though they were normal JPEGs, users can take photos using Ultra HD and share them without having to worry about whether other people could show them. 
Ultra HDR is backward compatible which means photos shot using this feature will still be able to appear on apps that don’t support the latest standard. However, on such apps the images will show up in SDR only. And you can look at the embedded image above to see the difference in photo quality.
While the code strings appear in the aforementioned version of the Google Photos app, Google will still have to activate the update to make the Google Photos app support Ultra HDR. We’d expect that update to quietly take place just a little before Google is expected to release the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro which is reportedly going to take place on October 11th.

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Sony announces the Xperia 5V, and it’s a beast

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Sony announces the Xperia 5V, and it’s a beast
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Times have changed since Sony stopped making smartphones for the average Joe. Now, its phones are made for the photography enthusiast, and the Sony Xperia 5 V continues this trend. This is the latest phone announced by Sony, and it brings some notable changes over last year’s iteration; this includes a slightly reduced price, according to Engadget.

The Sony Xperia 5 V has one fewer camera compared to last year’s iteration

In case you don’t know about the modern Xperia phones, these are beasts when it comes to photography. They really shine when you’re using them in their manual mode. The Xperia 5 V is also a camera-centric phone, but it’s now down to just two cameras on the back rather than three like last year.

This phone has a 52MP main Exmor T backside illuminated (BSI) Type 1/1.35-inch stacked sensor. This is the same sensor that came with the Xperia 1 V, and it’s been a tried and true sensor. What’s neat about this sensor is that it plays the role of two. It has the ability to switch between 24mm and 48mm focal lengths, just taking on the role of a zoom lens. It can create a 2x lossless zoom.

As for the other sensor, we’re looking at a 12mm ultrawide camera. This one has a 16mm focal length.

The main camera has OIS and can take up to 4K video at 120fps. Also, it can record in HDR. So, if you’re using this camera for content creation, you know that you’re going to have a great time.

Other specs

The Sony Xperia 5 V has a modest 6.1-inch OLED display with a 1080 x 2520 resolution. That sounds pretty standard, but Sony used its proprietary TV Bravia X1 image quality engine to create high-quality visuals. Basically, you should expect the content you watch to look amazing on the display.

Moving onto the internals, this phone uses the powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC. It’s backed up by 8GB/12GB of RAM and 128GB of onboard storage. The lower storage capacity might be a bummer if you’re looking to take a lot of high-quality video with this phone. However, there is microSD card expansion.

As for the battery, we’re looking at a 5000mAh battery keeping the lights on. Sony states that it will maintain more than 80% of its capacity after three years. This is great if you’re picking up this phone for the long haul.

Rounding out the specs, Sony put in a set of powerful speakers that offer “powerful deep bass”. The company also said that you won’t need your Bluetooth speaker- that’s a bold claim. Also, this phone will have microphones that will capture your voice and block others.

The Sony Xperia 5 V will drop at a price of £849 / €999 in the UK and Europe, which is lower than last year’s £1,299/€1,399.


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Samsung expands One UI 6.0 beta, releases Beta 2 for Galaxy S23

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Samsung expands One UI 6.0 beta, releases Beta 2 for Galaxy S23
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Samsung has released the second One UI 6.0 beta update for the Galaxy S23 series. It fixes several bugs present in the first build, allowing for a more stable experience. The company has also expanded the beta program to more markets.

One UI 6.0 beta is now available more widely

Samsung opened a public beta program for One UI 6.0, which is its Android 14-based custom software experience for Galaxy devices, in the second week of August. The beta update was initially available for the Galaxy S23 series in Germany, South Korea, and the US. The company later announced that it would expand the program to India, China, Poland, and the UK. It’s now live in India and the UK, with the other two markets expected to follow soon.

As usual, the first One UI 6.0 beta update released in these markets isn’t the same build that Galaxy S23, Galaxy S23+, and Galaxy S23 ultra users in Germany, South Korea, and the US got a few weeks back. Samsung has fixed several known bugs and is pushing a fresh build to them. The new build is essentially rolling out as the second beta update in the original three markets, though there may be a few differences.

The new beta update fixes several bugs

The second One UI 6.0 beta update for the Galaxy 23 series is rolling out with build version ZWHO. It fixes several bugs to improve the functional stability of the devices. The September 2023 Android security patch is also part of the package.

The official changelog supplied by Samsung mentions fixes or improvements for keyboard shortcuts, Netflix playback issues, Home app crash problems, Multi-Window stability issues in Secure Folder, Music Share, instability of S Pen actions, failed execution of Repair Mode, intermittent Reset issues, call sound issues with the Galaxy Buds, Samsung Health, and more.

The OTA (over-the-air) package for users in Germany, South Korea, and the US weighs about 1.7GB, though it varies according to the model and market. The download size is much bigger for Galaxy S23 users in India and the UK (almost 3GB), though. That’s because it’s the first One UI 6.0 beta for them.

If you’re using a Galaxy S23 phone in any of these countries, you can enroll in Samsung’s One UI 6.0 beta program through the Samsung Members app. You will find a banner about the enrollment process on the app’s home page. Tap on the banner and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the registration. The beta update will arrive as a regular OTA update shortly.


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TCL X11G Max is the world’s largest QD-Mini LED TV

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TCL X11G Max is the world’s largest QD-Mini LED TV
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TCL has launched a new QD-Mini LED TV. The X11G Max, as the company named it, is a 115-inch luxury TV and the world’s largest of its type. The Chinese firm previously launched the X11G in 75-inch, 85-inch, and 95-inch sizes in February this year.

TCL X11G Max QD-Mini LED TV specifications

The TCL X11G Max is a 144cm (approx. 57 inches) tall and 257 cm (approx. 101 inches) wide smart TV with a massive Quantum Dot (QD) Mini LED display measuring 115 inches diagonally. The display has over 20,000 individual Mini LED backlighting zones, four times more than the TCL X11G’s 5,000-odd zones. It boasts a peak brightness of 5,000 nits and a 5,000,000:1 contrast ratio, so you’ll get near-perfect blacks, bright whites, and a wide dynamic range.

TCL has equipped the X11G Max with technologies such as Dolby VisionIQ, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, and HLG. The TV also boasts MEMC motion smoothing and ambient light adaptation. All of this ensures an immersive, true-to-life viewing experience. The built-in 6.2.2 channel sound system from the Japanese firm Onkyo, coupled with Dolby Atmos and DTS (Digital Theater Systems), elevates your viewing experience with unmatched sound quality.

Powered by TCL’s LingYao M2 processor, this TV also features other proprietary chips for image enhancement. The company claims a response time of 1.0ms, so it’s super fast too. Along with media consumption, you can also use the Chinese firm’s new QD-Mini LED TV for gaming. TCL has taken care of this by adding support for FreeSync Premium Pro and other gaming features. The X11G Max comes with an HDMI port for connecting your gaming console.

The new 115-inch QD-Mini LED TV from TCL also supports an HDMI 4K 144Hz input, as well as HDMI 60Hz eARC, USB 3.0, and USB 2.0. Despite all the features and power, it comes in a slim form factor, allowing you to mount the TV on your wall. You can use the stand as well.

Price and availability

The world’s largest QD-Min LED TV is now available in TCL’s home country China. The company has priced the 115-inch X11G Max at 79,999 yuan in the country, which is equivalent to $11,000 at the current exchange rate. Interested buyers in China can grab it from the official TCL website. Unfortunately, there’s no telling if this TV will ever arrive in any other market. We will keep an eye on the matter and let you know as soon as we have more information.

 

TCL X11G Max QD Mini LED TV 1


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Apple creates a new website to promote its own apps

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Apple creates a new website to promote its own apps
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In a bid to promote its own apps, Apple has created a website titled “Apps by Apple” that mentions homegrown apps that Apple developed for its products such as the iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Mac, and Apple TV. Apple has a good reason to promote its own apps with iPhone units in the 27 European Union (EU) countries being opened for sideloading thanks to the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA).
Sideloading is the process of installing an app from a third-party app storefront. Apple has always claimed that its ban on sideloading was done for security reasons so that it could prevent users from installing malware-laden apps. But in some countries, the sideloading ban is seen as a way for Apple to force app developers to use its own App Store payment platform which gives Apple a 15% to 30% cut of in-app transactions and subscriptions generated in the App Store.
Apple promotes its own exploration apps available in the App Store - Apple creates a new website to promote its own apps

Apple promotes its own exploration apps available in the App Store

By promoting its own in-house selection of apps, Apple is hoping to keep these titles in the minds of Apple device users who might consider sideloading a similar third-party app from a third-party app storefront.

Apple has its apps divided into six major categories:

Communication: “Apps to keep you connected.” Such apps include Phone, Messages, FaceTime, Mail, and Contacts.
Creativity: “Tools for pros and passionate creatives.” These apps include Photos, Camera, GarageBand, iMovie, and Final Cut Pro for iPad.
Productivity: “All you need to make your work of art.” Apps in this category include Notes, Reminders, Calendar, Freeform, and Pages.
Exploration: “Discover the world and navigate it with ease.” Such apps feature Safari, Maps, Weather, Find My, and Wallet.
Entertainment and Home: “Brilliant ways to watch, read, listen, and relax.” Apps in this category feature Apple TV, Apple Music, Apple Arcade, Apple Music Classical, and Podcasts.
Health and Fitness: “Wellness for your mind and body.” Such apps include Apple Health, Fitness, Workout, Sleep, and Cycle Tracking.

Features: Siri, iCloud, CarPlay, Continuity, and Family Sharing.

Apple says that “Every app by Apple comes with powerful privacy features to help protect your data and give you control over your information.” The teach giant adds, “Accessibility features are built into every Apple product and app — to help all people learn, create, and do what they love.”

As for the App Store, Apple states, “The App Store has millions of apps that bring you amazing experiences. And every one of them meets Apple’s standards for privacy, security, and content.” If you do not live in one of the 27 EU member countries (the U.K. is not a member), you still will not be allowed to sideload apps on your Apple devices at this time.


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