Apple releases iOS 17.3 with AirPlay hotel support, Stolen Device Protection and more
iOS 17.3 has been one of the more eagerly awaited iOS updates from Apple in some time, and now it is finally here. This is a significant update that brings, among other things, major new security features.
One of the biggest additions is Stolen Device Protection which makes a stolen phone more difficult to use by adding extra security when the handset is in non-typical locations. It will not, however, stop someone from stealing your iPhone in the first place. Other new features include collaborative playlists and the arrival of AirPlay hotel support.
Amazon offers MAJOR savings on Plugable products
Amazon is currently hosting a can't-miss sale on a range of Plugable products, offering significant discounts. Tech enthusiasts and bargain hunters alike will find something to love in this sale, which runs through the end of January.
Starting with the TBT3-40G80CM, a premium 40Gbps Thunderbolt 3 cable, now available at just $24.95, this sale cuts across various product categories. This cable is essential for those needing high-speed data transfer and is now more affordable with a 10 percent discount.
Linux Mint 21.3 'Virginia' gets an 'Edge' ISO for new hardware compatibility
In a recent announcement by developer Clement Lefebvre (aka Clem), Linux Mint has released an "Edge" ISO image for its 21.3 “Virginia” version. This update targets users with newer hardware that may not be compatible with the 5.15 LTS kernel included in the standard Linux Mint 21.x series. The Edge ISO addresses this issue by instead featuring the newer kernel 6.5.
This release aims to enhance the compatibility of Linux Mint with the latest hardware, potentially broadening its user base. For those interested in learning more about the Edge ISO and its features, further information is available on the Linux Mint User Guide.
Sony launches SRS-XV500 portable Bluetooth karaoke party speaker
Sony Electronics has launched the SRS-XV500 Bluetooth party speaker, which focuses heavily on karaoke. The SRS-XV500 is engineered with two X-Balanced Speaker Units, ensuring robust, high-quality bass with minimal distortion. Alongside these, two tweeters enhance the speaker's ability to deliver clear vocals and an expansive sound field, creating an immersive listening experience.
A significant advantage of the SRS-XV500 is its impressive battery life. Offering up to 25 hours of playback, this speaker is ideal for extended events. Its quick charging capability is a bonus, providing 2.5 hours of usage with just 10 minutes of charging. Additionally, the Battery Care function prevents overcharging, prolonging the speaker's longevity.
Shatter the closed-source shackles of Microsoft Windows 11 and embrace open-source freedom with MX Linux 23.2
MX Linux users, brace yourselves for an exciting update! The MX-23.2 version is now available, offering a ton of enhancements and updates. This release marks the second major refresh of the MX-23 series, primarily focusing on bug fixes, kernel updates, and application improvements. Importantly, for existing MX-23 users, there's no need for a fresh installation as all updates are accessible through regular update channels.
Key highlights of MX-23.2 include the transition to Debian 12.4 “bookworm” base, ensuring users benefit from the latest and most stable Debian offerings. Additionally, this update introduces several new and updated applications, enhancing the overall user experience.
How your voice could be used by phone scammers
We've all become used to scam phone calls of various kinds, but it seems AI is allowing them to become more sophisticated.
According to NordVPN, scammers are now able to create realistic voice clones from samples collected online and use them to extort money and data from victims' friends, relatives, or colleagues.
Businesses call on EU to defend encryption and privacy
In March this year, EU countries' interior ministers are due to vote on the introduction of mandatory client-side scanning for all providers in order to identify child abuse material.
But an open letter, published today, from a group of privacy-focused companies warns of the risk of opening up a backdoor and calls on ministers to defend citizen's right to privacy and strengthen the position of EU companies.
How to reduce generative AI's risks to data [Q&A]
Generative AI models like ChatGPT are creating a lot of enthusiasm for what they can do for businesses, but they are generating just as much fear over what can go wrong with the data they handle. There is a lack of trust between large companies that have the data and the AI startups that want to use them.
What can we expect to see in the near future? We spoke with Katy Salamati, senior manager of the advanced analytics lifecycle at SAS, to find out.
Microsoft's next big release will be Windows 11 24H2; Windows 12 may not launch until 2025
Anyone holding out buying a new PC because they're waiting for Windows 12 should probably just bite the bullet. While many were hoping -- even expecting -- Microsoft to release Windows 12 in 2024, the latest rumors suggest that it's more likely to be in 2025.
But that's not to say 2024 is a write-off; far from it. Microsoft still has a lot in store for Windows 11 users, and the next big update -- codenamed Hudson Valley -- is thought to be dropping in September. Also known as Windows 11 24H2 ad the Windows 11 2024 Update, this is a major release which will Microsoft continuing to inject AI into the operating system.
Windows XP 2024 Edition is everything Windows 11 should be
It's the start of 2024, the year when -- if the rumors are to be believed -- Microsoft is set to deliver Windows 12. However, this year also marks an important milestone for one of the software giant’s most beloved operating systems.
Microsoft ceased support for Windows XP ten years ago. If you've ever wondered how that OS would look if was released today, we have the answer.
New tool lets you crash from Windows into Linux via a Blue Screen of Death
The Blue Screen of Death is so-called because it means that a critical error has occurred andy our current session in Windows has died. Ordinarily, this would necessitate -- at the very least -- a restart, but a new project highlighted by the makers of tiny11 could means that you have the option of crashing into Linux instead.
The project is known as BugCheck2Linux and it is a neat little software hack. It makes use of a software driver that can bee used to fire up RISC V emulator running Linux using a BugCheck callback. Could this be the solution to all of your Windows problems?
The Windows 11 Start menu will soon pester you with reminders for Microsoft Teams meetings
There is, it seems, no end of ways in which Microsoft can use and abuse the Start menu. Now a long way from the simple launcher for accessing apps, documents and settings, the bastardized version of the Start menu that appears in Windows 11 has become a clutter and chaotic mess over the years.
And now Microsoft is adding even more to the mix. Soon, the Recommended section of the Start menu -- already controversial for having been used to house advertising -- will be used to show reminders for upcoming meetings scheduled in Microsoft Teams.
The Deep Tech revolution -- Part 3: Bounty programs
So far in our 'Deep Tech Series,' we have explored ways for companies to share the more technical side of their work, with research-based publications such as white papers, and how to connect with their community through meetup events. While both initiatives have the purpose of reaching out and engaging with the target audience, one component that has been missing so far is that of a true call to action -- an invitation for the audience to become an integral part of these activities.
In 2022, Google awarded more than $12 million in bug bounties to security researchers who helped identify and fix over 2,900 issues and vulnerabilities. A bounty program is one of the most popular ways to achieve this, where vendors offer monetary rewards to anyone finding a security vulnerability in their products. In this particular case, vendors encourage security researchers to disclose their findings and let the company fix the security issue, instead of encouraging a black market for vulnerabilities that would be the only way for its authors to get some money out of their work. The bounties are open to individuals who have the right skill set to identify and potentially fix issues, work for which they can be economically rewarded.
PortableApps Platform 29.0 adds new license filter for app store
The best portable apps launcher just got a major upgrade with the release of PortableApps Platform 29.0. This latest release -- the third major update in as many months -- continues to refine the platform’s app selection tool with the addition of a user-specified filter to target apps by license type.
Users can access the new license filter via the Platform’s Options screen -- switch to the App Store tab where a new 'Freeware Apps' section is available. Users can opt to show all apps (Personal Use) or apply one of three filters: Educational, Business and Open Source Only.
Winter is coming and so are the hackers
A survey from Defcon 17 back in 2009 revealed that 81 percent of hackers are more likely to be active in winter.
It's easy to understand why this might be, with the holiday period bringing a spike in online trading as well as businesses closing down or operating on skeleton staffs.
Most Commented Stories
© 1998-2024 BetaNews, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy - Cookie Policy.