Technology
Galaxy S23 likely to feature slightly thicker bezels than its predecessor
Seoul, Sep 16 (IANS) South Korean tech giant Samsung's upcoming flagship phone Galaxy S23 will reportedly come with slightly thicker bezels than the Galaxy S22.
Samsung will be widening all four bezels for the Galaxy S23 by 0.15mm. This will not make a huge difference, but it could make the device look slightly bulkier than its predecessor, citing a tipster, GizmoChina reported.
Recently, the tipster also revealed that the Galaxy S23 will have the same 6.1-inch display, but it will be slightly longer and wider than the existing model and the extra 0.15mm bezels explain how.
The upcoming Galaxy S23 series is said to feature no upgrades in terms of display size. However, they may feature better specs, like supporting a higher peak brightness level, lower power consumption, and more.
The S23 series may have three models -- Galaxy S23, Galaxy S23+, and Galaxy S23 Ultra. The top-tier S23 Ultra is said to feature some serious upgrades.
A recent report suggests the device will feature a 200MP primary sensor on the back having a size of 1/1.3 inches and 0.6Im sized pixels and a larger aperture of f/1.7 for getting in more light.
All the models in the series are expected to be powered by Qualcomm's upcoming Snapdragon 8+ Gen 2 Soc and will focus on battery efficiency.
The galaxy S23 series will launch in 2023.
--IANS
vc/dpb
Samsung will be widening all four bezels for the Galaxy S23 by 0.15mm. This will not make a huge difference, but it could make the device look slightly bulkier than its predecessor, citing a tipster, GizmoChina reported.
Recently, the tipster also revealed that the Galaxy S23 will have the same 6.1-inch display, but it will be slightly longer and wider than the existing model and the extra 0.15mm bezels explain how.
The upcoming Galaxy S23 series is said to feature no upgrades in terms of display size. However, they may feature better specs, like supporting a higher peak brightness level, lower power consumption, and more.
The S23 series may have three models -- Galaxy S23, Galaxy S23+, and Galaxy S23 Ultra. The top-tier S23 Ultra is said to feature some serious upgrades.
A recent report suggests the device will feature a 200MP primary sensor on the back having a size of 1/1.3 inches and 0.6Im sized pixels and a larger aperture of f/1.7 for getting in more light.
All the models in the series are expected to be powered by Qualcomm's upcoming Snapdragon 8+ Gen 2 Soc and will focus on battery efficiency.
The galaxy S23 series will launch in 2023.
--IANS
vc/dpb
Malware in 28 games like Roblox, Minecraft exploit 384K players’ financial data
New Delhi, Sep 15 (IANS) Popular games like Roblox, FIFA, PUBG and Minecraft are among 28 games that were exploited by malware between July 2021 and June this year, affecting more than 384,000 users via nearly 92,000 malicious files.
Other big series of games released during the last year -- Elden Ring, Halo, and Resident Evil -- were also actively abused by attackers who spread 'RedLine' malware under their guise, according to Kaspersky researchers.
RedLine is a password-stealing software, which extracts sensitive data from the victim's device such as passwords, saved bank card details, cryptocurrency wallets and credentials for VPN services.
"Cybercriminals are creating more and more new schemes and tools to attack players and steal their credit card data and even game accounts, which can contain expensive skins that can later be sold. For example, strikes on e-sports, which are now gaining huge popularity around the world," said Anton V. Ivanov, senior security researcher at Kaspersky.
In addition to the large number of downloaders that are able to install other unwanted programmes and adware, researchers also detected Trojan Spies - a category of spyware capable of tracking any data entered on the keyboard and taking screenshots.
Mimicking the whole interface of in-game stores for "CS:GO, PUBG and Warface", scammers create fraudulent pages, offering potential victims a decent arsenal of various weapons and artifacts for free.
To receive the gift, players need to enter login data for their social network accounts, such as Facebook or Twitter.
After taking over accounts, attackers are likely to search through personal messages for card details, or ask various friends of the victim for money, preying on their trust and carelessness, said researchers.
The number of users attacked by malicious software, which gathers sensitive data and spreads under the guise of some of the most popular gaming titles, has increased by 13 per cent compared to the first half of 2021.
In attempts to download new games from untrustworthy resources for free, players actually received malicious software, losing their gaming accounts and even money.
--IANS
na/vd
Other big series of games released during the last year -- Elden Ring, Halo, and Resident Evil -- were also actively abused by attackers who spread 'RedLine' malware under their guise, according to Kaspersky researchers.
RedLine is a password-stealing software, which extracts sensitive data from the victim's device such as passwords, saved bank card details, cryptocurrency wallets and credentials for VPN services.
"Cybercriminals are creating more and more new schemes and tools to attack players and steal their credit card data and even game accounts, which can contain expensive skins that can later be sold. For example, strikes on e-sports, which are now gaining huge popularity around the world," said Anton V. Ivanov, senior security researcher at Kaspersky.
In addition to the large number of downloaders that are able to install other unwanted programmes and adware, researchers also detected Trojan Spies - a category of spyware capable of tracking any data entered on the keyboard and taking screenshots.
Mimicking the whole interface of in-game stores for "CS:GO, PUBG and Warface", scammers create fraudulent pages, offering potential victims a decent arsenal of various weapons and artifacts for free.
To receive the gift, players need to enter login data for their social network accounts, such as Facebook or Twitter.
After taking over accounts, attackers are likely to search through personal messages for card details, or ask various friends of the victim for money, preying on their trust and carelessness, said researchers.
The number of users attacked by malicious software, which gathers sensitive data and spreads under the guise of some of the most popular gaming titles, has increased by 13 per cent compared to the first half of 2021.
In attempts to download new games from untrustworthy resources for free, players actually received malicious software, losing their gaming accounts and even money.
--IANS
na/vd
WhatsApp working to let users create polls in group chat
San Francisco, Sep 15 (IANS) Meta-owned messaging platform WhatsApp is likely working on a new update that will allow users to create polls in chat.
With this feature, which is under development, group participants will be able to share polls with other members of the group. It will be possible to add up to 12 options but this value may change before the release of the feature, reports WABetaInfo.
This feature is under development so it is not ready to be released to beta testers.
As per the report, an entry point for the feature will be available within the usual chat action sheet where you can find all other media sharing options and it opens the section that we spotted during the development of WhatsApp beta for Android 2.22.10.11.
A recent report said that WhatsApp is likely working on a feature that will add a new camera shortcut for iPhone users on their app.
A screenshot showed that the camera shortcut is placed within the navigation bar and it will show up for those users that can already create a community in the future.
It looks exactly like the one implemented on WhatsApp beta for Android (but since there was a bug, it has temporarily been removed in another update), the report had said.
--IANS
vc/ksk/
With this feature, which is under development, group participants will be able to share polls with other members of the group. It will be possible to add up to 12 options but this value may change before the release of the feature, reports WABetaInfo.
This feature is under development so it is not ready to be released to beta testers.
As per the report, an entry point for the feature will be available within the usual chat action sheet where you can find all other media sharing options and it opens the section that we spotted during the development of WhatsApp beta for Android 2.22.10.11.
A recent report said that WhatsApp is likely working on a feature that will add a new camera shortcut for iPhone users on their app.
A screenshot showed that the camera shortcut is placed within the navigation bar and it will show up for those users that can already create a community in the future.
It looks exactly like the one implemented on WhatsApp beta for Android (but since there was a bug, it has temporarily been removed in another update), the report had said.
--IANS
vc/ksk/
iOS 16 adoption slightly higher than iOS 15 adoption in 48 hours
San Francisco, Sep 15 (IANS) More people are using tech giant Apple's iOS 16 in the first two days compared to iOS 15, says a new report.
According to data shared by analytics company Mixpanel, iOS 16, released this week, is installed on an estimated 11.6 per cent of iPhones two days after it launched.
When iOS 15 was released last year, it was installed on just 8.5 per cent of devices at the two-day mark, which means people are installing iOS 16 at a more rapid pace this year, reports MacRumors.
iOS 16 is perhaps a more appealing update because of the visual changes it brings to the iPhone with the customisable Lock Screen and widget options. It also brings Messages features that include iMessage editing, undo send, and more.
At the current time, Apple is also giving people the option to stay on iOS 15.7, a move that can also keep people from installing the iOS 16 update.
Mixpanel measures iOS adoption rates based on visits to apps and websites where its analytics metrics are used, and this is not official data from Apple, the report said.
Apple may not provide updated iOS installation numbers for some time as it has not updated iOS 15 information since May 31.
The data from Mixpanel suggests that 78.41 per cent of people continue to run iOS 15, and nearly 10 per cent have an older version of iOS.
--IANS
vc/dpb
According to data shared by analytics company Mixpanel, iOS 16, released this week, is installed on an estimated 11.6 per cent of iPhones two days after it launched.
When iOS 15 was released last year, it was installed on just 8.5 per cent of devices at the two-day mark, which means people are installing iOS 16 at a more rapid pace this year, reports MacRumors.
iOS 16 is perhaps a more appealing update because of the visual changes it brings to the iPhone with the customisable Lock Screen and widget options. It also brings Messages features that include iMessage editing, undo send, and more.
At the current time, Apple is also giving people the option to stay on iOS 15.7, a move that can also keep people from installing the iOS 16 update.
Mixpanel measures iOS adoption rates based on visits to apps and websites where its analytics metrics are used, and this is not official data from Apple, the report said.
Apple may not provide updated iOS installation numbers for some time as it has not updated iOS 15 information since May 31.
The data from Mixpanel suggests that 78.41 per cent of people continue to run iOS 15, and nearly 10 per cent have an older version of iOS.
--IANS
vc/dpb
GoPro unveils three new HERO11 Black cameras in India
New Delhi, Sep 14 (IANS) US-based action camera manufacturer GoPro on Wednesday unveiled three versions of its all-new HERO11 Black camera -- HERO11 Black, HERO11 Black Creator Edition and HERO11 Black Mini -- in India.
HERO11 Black is available in India for Rs 51,500. HERO11 Black Creator Edition will be available starting mid-October at Rs 71,500 and HERO11 Black Mini starting November, at Rs 41,500 on offline and online channels.
"All three cameras feature a new, larger sensor that delivers the highest resolution, highest 10-bit colour depth, the highest level of video stabilisation and widest field of view ever featured natively in a HERO camera," the company said in a statement.
"Each of the three new HERO11 Black cameras are designed to appeal to consumers in different ways, meeting the needs of their particular use cases," it added.
The new 1/1.9-inch sensor delivers over 1 billion colours in the 10-bit colour video at up to 5.3K resolution at 60 frames per second in both HERO11 Black and HERO11 Black Mini and 27MP photos in HERO11 Black for images that are truer to how your eyes perceive them in the real world.
The company touts HERO11 Black as the world's most versatile, powerful, and convenient camera.
HERO11 Black Creator Edition features all HERO11 Black's performance plus a long-lasting battery grip with built-in buttons for one-handed camera control and over four hours of 4K recording per charge.
It also includes an optional directional microphone, external mic input, HDMI port for connecting to external displays, a high-output LED light and two cold shoe mounts for mounting additional accessories.
HERO11 Black Mini is a smaller and lighter version of HERO11 Black that features all of the performance of its bigger sibling. The company said its smaller size and simple one-button design make it the perfect choice for people who want maximum simplicity without sacrificing even a hint of performance or quality.
--IANS
vc/vd
HERO11 Black is available in India for Rs 51,500. HERO11 Black Creator Edition will be available starting mid-October at Rs 71,500 and HERO11 Black Mini starting November, at Rs 41,500 on offline and online channels.
"All three cameras feature a new, larger sensor that delivers the highest resolution, highest 10-bit colour depth, the highest level of video stabilisation and widest field of view ever featured natively in a HERO camera," the company said in a statement.
"Each of the three new HERO11 Black cameras are designed to appeal to consumers in different ways, meeting the needs of their particular use cases," it added.
The new 1/1.9-inch sensor delivers over 1 billion colours in the 10-bit colour video at up to 5.3K resolution at 60 frames per second in both HERO11 Black and HERO11 Black Mini and 27MP photos in HERO11 Black for images that are truer to how your eyes perceive them in the real world.
The company touts HERO11 Black as the world's most versatile, powerful, and convenient camera.
HERO11 Black Creator Edition features all HERO11 Black's performance plus a long-lasting battery grip with built-in buttons for one-handed camera control and over four hours of 4K recording per charge.
It also includes an optional directional microphone, external mic input, HDMI port for connecting to external displays, a high-output LED light and two cold shoe mounts for mounting additional accessories.
HERO11 Black Mini is a smaller and lighter version of HERO11 Black that features all of the performance of its bigger sibling. The company said its smaller size and simple one-button design make it the perfect choice for people who want maximum simplicity without sacrificing even a hint of performance or quality.
--IANS
vc/vd
Apple fixes new zero-day bug being actively exploited by hackers
New Delhi, Sep 14 (IANS) Apple has fixed fresh vulnerabilities in iOS and macOS, including a zero-day flaw being actively exploited by hackers.
The zero-day flaw, known as CVE-2022-32917, allows a malicious app to run arbitrary code on an affected device with kernel privileges, Apple said in a security update.
Apple fixed the bug in updates for iOS 15.7 and iPadOS 15.7, macOS Monterey 12.6 and macOS Big Sur 11.7.
Apple warned that it is aware that this flaw "may have been actively exploited".
According to TechCrunch, this is the eighth zero-day vulnerability fixed by Apple this year.
In addition to these fixes, Apple also released a fix for a Safari browser flaw that could lead to address bar spoofing.
The security fixes were released along with iOS 16, which brings several security and privacy features, including support for Apple Passkeys and Lockdown Mode.
"Keeping your software up to date is one of the most important things you can do to maintain your Apple product's security," said the company.
After a software update is installed for iOS, iPadOS, tvOS, and watchOS, it cannot be downgraded to the previous version.
Last month, Apple released new software updates for iPhones, iPads and Macs to fix two security vulnerabilities known by the tech giant to be actively exploited by attackers.
The two vulnerabilities were found in WebKit, the browser engine that powers Safari and other apps, and the kernel, essentially the operating system's core.
The tech giant had said the WebKit bug could be exploited if a vulnerable device accessed or processed "maliciously crafted web content (that) may lead to arbitrary code execution".
--IANS
na/dpb
The zero-day flaw, known as CVE-2022-32917, allows a malicious app to run arbitrary code on an affected device with kernel privileges, Apple said in a security update.
Apple fixed the bug in updates for iOS 15.7 and iPadOS 15.7, macOS Monterey 12.6 and macOS Big Sur 11.7.
Apple warned that it is aware that this flaw "may have been actively exploited".
According to TechCrunch, this is the eighth zero-day vulnerability fixed by Apple this year.
In addition to these fixes, Apple also released a fix for a Safari browser flaw that could lead to address bar spoofing.
The security fixes were released along with iOS 16, which brings several security and privacy features, including support for Apple Passkeys and Lockdown Mode.
"Keeping your software up to date is one of the most important things you can do to maintain your Apple product's security," said the company.
After a software update is installed for iOS, iPadOS, tvOS, and watchOS, it cannot be downgraded to the previous version.
Last month, Apple released new software updates for iPhones, iPads and Macs to fix two security vulnerabilities known by the tech giant to be actively exploited by attackers.
The two vulnerabilities were found in WebKit, the browser engine that powers Safari and other apps, and the kernel, essentially the operating system's core.
The tech giant had said the WebKit bug could be exploited if a vulnerable device accessed or processed "maliciously crafted web content (that) may lead to arbitrary code execution".
--IANS
na/dpb
Nokia unveils feature phone with in-built wireless earbuds in India
New Delhi, Sep 13 (IANS) HMD Global, the home of Nokia phones, on Tuesday launched a new 4G feature phone -- Nokia 5710 XpressAudio -- in India that comes with in-built wireless earbuds.
Priced at Rs 4,999, the new feature phone is now available on the company's official website and will be available across all online and offline stores from September 19.
"The Nokia 5710 XpressAudio is the latest addition in our Nokia Classics portfolio. The new phone delivers audio freedom through game-changing design," Sanmeet Singh Kochhar, Vice President, HMD Global-India and MENA, said in a statement.
"Nokia 5710 XpressAudio is designed for music lovers and the millions of people around the world who rely on feature phones for daily communication and are experiencing the rapid 4G takeover of 2G and 3G networks," he added.
The company claimed that the new phone comes packed with a 1450mAh battery that delivers hours of talk and playback time and lasts for weeks on standby.
The detachable wireless earbuds deliver on convenience and when they are not in use they are housed beneath a sleek and robust slider on the back of the phone, the company said.
It will also be compatible with your smartphone should you wish to switch between devices, it added.
The feature phone comes in white/red and black/red colour combinations.
--IANS
vu/vc/vd
Priced at Rs 4,999, the new feature phone is now available on the company's official website and will be available across all online and offline stores from September 19.
"The Nokia 5710 XpressAudio is the latest addition in our Nokia Classics portfolio. The new phone delivers audio freedom through game-changing design," Sanmeet Singh Kochhar, Vice President, HMD Global-India and MENA, said in a statement.
"Nokia 5710 XpressAudio is designed for music lovers and the millions of people around the world who rely on feature phones for daily communication and are experiencing the rapid 4G takeover of 2G and 3G networks," he added.
The company claimed that the new phone comes packed with a 1450mAh battery that delivers hours of talk and playback time and lasts for weeks on standby.
The detachable wireless earbuds deliver on convenience and when they are not in use they are housed beneath a sleek and robust slider on the back of the phone, the company said.
It will also be compatible with your smartphone should you wish to switch between devices, it added.
The feature phone comes in white/red and black/red colour combinations.
--IANS
vu/vc/vd
K’taka govt ties up with Dell to enhance cyber safety practices among students, MSMEs
Bengaluru, Sep 12 (IANS) The Karnataka government's cyber security centre of excellence, CySecK, has tied up with IT major Dell Technologies to develop enhanced security practices in the state, especially among students.
After the MoU was signed on Monday, Dr CN Ashwath Narayan, Karnataka minister for higher education and IT/BT, said that the MoU will facilitate imparting cyber security awareness and practices to students, start-ups and public offices. He added that this will also benefit small and medium scale enterprises.
As per the agreement, Dell will provide learning of cyber safety practices through its interactive courses and will be available both in Kannada as well as in English, the minister informed.
Dell will also contribute to the start-up ecosystem of the state through its 'Ascend' initiative. This will help in expanding the start-up market in the state, he opined.
To achieve the target of the state becoming a 300 billion dollar digital economy by 2025, putting in place an efficient cyber security system is very necessary, Narayan stated.
Dr Karthik Rao Bappanadu, Head, CySecK, stated that the centre is working to expand the cyber security practices to tier 2 and 3 centres also.
--IANS
pvn/bg
After the MoU was signed on Monday, Dr CN Ashwath Narayan, Karnataka minister for higher education and IT/BT, said that the MoU will facilitate imparting cyber security awareness and practices to students, start-ups and public offices. He added that this will also benefit small and medium scale enterprises.
As per the agreement, Dell will provide learning of cyber safety practices through its interactive courses and will be available both in Kannada as well as in English, the minister informed.
Dell will also contribute to the start-up ecosystem of the state through its 'Ascend' initiative. This will help in expanding the start-up market in the state, he opined.
To achieve the target of the state becoming a 300 billion dollar digital economy by 2025, putting in place an efficient cyber security system is very necessary, Narayan stated.
Dr Karthik Rao Bappanadu, Head, CySecK, stated that the centre is working to expand the cyber security practices to tier 2 and 3 centres also.
--IANS
pvn/bg
Netflix, Ubisoft join hands to create 3 exclusive mobile games
New Delhi, Sep 12 (IANS) Popular video streaming platform Netflix and Ubisoft on Monday announced they have partnered to create three mobile games from some of the game franchises for Netflix, starting in 2023.
The three games will expand on the Valiant Hearts, Mighty Quest and Assassin's Creed universes and will be available exclusively on mobile to Netflix members worldwide with no ads or in-app purchases.
"We are thrilled to work with Ubisoft, whose track record creating memorable worlds for fans is unmatched," Mike Verdu, Vice President of Games, Netflix, said in a statement.
"This partnership will provide our members with exclusive access to some of the most exciting game franchises as we continue to build a catalogue of great mobile games for our members around the world," Verdu added.
A new Valiant Hearts game, a sequel to Ubisoft's multi-award-winning game Valiant Hearts: The Great War, is directed by the original core team and will retain the same DNA while featuring a new story. It will be available to Netflix members in January 2023.
After the critically acclaimed The Mighty Quest for Epic Loot mobile game, The Mighty Quest will come to Netflix in 2023 with a new game. This time, the game will draw inspiration from the rogue-like genre to deliver an experience that celebrates the series' premiere hack-and-slash combat in a fresh and highly replayable format.
And for Assassin's Creed fans, they will be able to immerse themselves in the Assassin's Creed universe on Netflix in more than one way: in addition to the previously announced live-action series, an all-new mobile game is being developed exclusively for Netflix.
"As we continue to create great experiences on all platforms, we are glad to be partnering with such an innovative and creative partner as Netflix," said Jean-Michel Detoc, Chief Mobile Officer, Ubisoft.
--IANS
vc/bg
The three games will expand on the Valiant Hearts, Mighty Quest and Assassin's Creed universes and will be available exclusively on mobile to Netflix members worldwide with no ads or in-app purchases.
"We are thrilled to work with Ubisoft, whose track record creating memorable worlds for fans is unmatched," Mike Verdu, Vice President of Games, Netflix, said in a statement.
"This partnership will provide our members with exclusive access to some of the most exciting game franchises as we continue to build a catalogue of great mobile games for our members around the world," Verdu added.
A new Valiant Hearts game, a sequel to Ubisoft's multi-award-winning game Valiant Hearts: The Great War, is directed by the original core team and will retain the same DNA while featuring a new story. It will be available to Netflix members in January 2023.
After the critically acclaimed The Mighty Quest for Epic Loot mobile game, The Mighty Quest will come to Netflix in 2023 with a new game. This time, the game will draw inspiration from the rogue-like genre to deliver an experience that celebrates the series' premiere hack-and-slash combat in a fresh and highly replayable format.
And for Assassin's Creed fans, they will be able to immerse themselves in the Assassin's Creed universe on Netflix in more than one way: in addition to the previously announced live-action series, an all-new mobile game is being developed exclusively for Netflix.
"As we continue to create great experiences on all platforms, we are glad to be partnering with such an innovative and creative partner as Netflix," said Jean-Michel Detoc, Chief Mobile Officer, Ubisoft.
--IANS
vc/bg
WhatsApp may soon add camera shortcut for iPhone users
San Francisco, Sep 11 (IANS) Meta-owned messaging platform WhatsApp is likely working on a feature that will add a new camera shortcut for iPhone users on their app.
According to WABetaInfo, WhatsApp has submitted a new update through the TestFlight beta Programme, bringing the version up to 22.19.0.75. The version marked within WhatsApp Settings is 2.22.19.75 and the TestFlight build is 22.19.0.
A screenshot showed that the camera shortcut is placed within the navigation bar and it will show up for those users that can already create a community in the future.
It looks exactly like the one implemented on WhatsApp beta for Android (but since there was a bug, it has temporarily been removed in another update), the report said.
Since this shortcut is now under development, it is still not visible to users because WhatsApp plans to release it in a future update of the app, it added.
Earlier this month, a report said that WhatsApp is working on a new feature for businesses to let them manage chats from their linked devices in an upcoming subscription service from WhatsApp for businesses.
Under a new optional subscription plan called WhatsApp Premium, users will be able to use additional features such as the ability to create a custom business link and link up to 10 devices to their accounts in the future.
--IANS
vc/vd
According to WABetaInfo, WhatsApp has submitted a new update through the TestFlight beta Programme, bringing the version up to 22.19.0.75. The version marked within WhatsApp Settings is 2.22.19.75 and the TestFlight build is 22.19.0.
A screenshot showed that the camera shortcut is placed within the navigation bar and it will show up for those users that can already create a community in the future.
It looks exactly like the one implemented on WhatsApp beta for Android (but since there was a bug, it has temporarily been removed in another update), the report said.
Since this shortcut is now under development, it is still not visible to users because WhatsApp plans to release it in a future update of the app, it added.
Earlier this month, a report said that WhatsApp is working on a new feature for businesses to let them manage chats from their linked devices in an upcoming subscription service from WhatsApp for businesses.
Under a new optional subscription plan called WhatsApp Premium, users will be able to use additional features such as the ability to create a custom business link and link up to 10 devices to their accounts in the future.
--IANS
vc/vd