Category: All News

  • Apple Activates Controversial Privacy Feature Without Announcement

    Apple Activates Controversial Privacy Feature Without Announcement

    Since iOS 18 was released, the "Enhanced Visual Search" feature has automatically been turned on in the iPhone photo app. This tool lets the phone identify locations in user photos by comparing them to a global index that Apple manages. However, as developer and iPhone user Jeff Johnson pointed out in a recent blog entry, having this feature enabled by default raises privacy issues, yet it surprisingly didn’t get much attention when it launched.

    Apple’s Communication on the New Feature

    In his blog, Johnson outlines two occasions where Apple brings up this new function. The first mention is found on Apple’s website, which includes an update to the legal notice about photos and privacy. The second mention is in a blog entry titled "Combining Machine Learning and Homomorphic Encryption in the Apple Ecosystem." Both documents stress Apple’s commitment to security, but the blog gives a better understanding of how AI processes the photos that utilize "Enhanced Visual Search."

    How Enhanced Visual Search Works

    The process for enhanced visual search starts with AI analyzing a photo to see if it features a possible landmark. If a landmark is found, the phone generates a code that represents it, known as an embedding by Apple. This code is then encrypted and transmitted to Apple’s servers through third-party channels to obscure the user’s location. When Apple’s servers get the code, they look for a matching landmark in their database and send the information back for decryption. Finally, another AI on the phone identifies the best match for the landmark and labels the photo accordingly.

    Privacy Considerations for Users

    For some, this feature might be a great addition to their experience, but for others, including Johnson, it represents yet another risk to privacy. In the end, users have the choice to turn this feature on or off and weigh the privacy concerns involved. However, one should wonder how much control users actually have over their privacy choices when decisions might already be made without their knowledge.

    Jeff Johnson and Apple have brought this issue to light, but the conversation around user privacy in technology continues to be important.

    Source: Link

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  • Tecno Camon 40 Series Leaks: New Design and 4G/LTE Options

    Tecno Camon 40 Series Leaks: New Design and 4G/LTE Options

    Tecno is reportedly developing new smartphones in their Camon series. Unlike the OnePlus 13’s design, these upcoming models will feature three rear cameras positioned vertically. The Camon 30 5G currently starts at INR 22,999 (approximately $269) on Amazon.in.

    Design Inspirations

    The anticipated “Camon 40” series is expected to resemble the Samsung Galaxy S24 series in appearance. However, the rear panels of these devices are said to showcase a unique asymmetrical two-toned design, according to the latest Federal Communications Commission (FCC) listings.

    Connectivity Features

    The FCC documentation indicates that Tecno is set to introduce two new smartphones named CM5 and CM6. These devices will support Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, and 4G/LTE bands, but they won’t have 5G capabilities. This suggests that they could be marketed as the standard Camon 40 and the 40 Pro models.

    Battery and Charging Upgrades

    It’s a relief that they moved away from copying the flagship OnePlus design, as the battery capacity has seen slight improvements, reaching up to 5,200mAh. Furthermore, these models are expected to feature 45W wired charging, although Tecno does have a faster 70W charging technology available.

    The Camon 40 series might also include additional variants like the CM7 and CM8, which could be successors to the 30 Pro 5G and Premier 5G models. However, these particular devices have yet to show up in the FCC’s records.

    Source: Link

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  • Asus Prepares ROG NUC Mini PC with Nvidia RTX 50 Series GPUs

    Asus Prepares ROG NUC Mini PC with Nvidia RTX 50 Series GPUs

    Asus has introduced the ROG NUC, a new series of compact gaming PCs, in July 2024. Recent information suggests that Asus is gearing up to launch the next version of this lineup. The first generation boasted impressive specs, featuring up to an Nvidia RTX 4070 and the Intel Core Ultra 9 185H. According to the latest reports, the upcoming model is set to bring significant upgrades in both CPU and GPU performance.

    New Specifications

    The next version of the Asus ROG NUC is expected to come equipped with Intel Core Ultra 200H processors. In terms of graphics, this new gaming mini PC will utilize Nvidia’s RTX 50 series, with the highest configuration likely featuring an RTX 5070, while another option may include an RTX 5060. This suggests that users can look forward to enhanced gaming experiences with better graphics.

    CES 2025 and Pricing Speculations

    Asus has announced that the new NUC mini PCs will officially be unveiled at CES 2025, which is just around the corner. However, specific pricing details have not been revealed yet. Reports from 孤城Hardware on Weibo indicate that the pricing in China will be based on the 2024 model, but it remains uncertain if this will apply to other markets as well.

    For context, the 2024 Asus ROG NUC 14, featuring an Intel Core Ultra 9 185H, Nvidia RTX 4070, and 16 GB of RAM, was priced at $2,199. This was seen as quite high for a mini PC. At this price point, buyers could alternatively opt for a laptop powered by an RTX 4080, like the ROG Strix G18, currently listed at $2,199.99 on Best Buy. Nevertheless, mini PCs are often favored for setups where space is limited.

    Market Positioning

    If the reports are accurate, the high-end configurations of the upcoming ROG NUC with RTX 50 series GPUs will also likely be on the pricier side. This could position the gaming mini PC as a niche product in the market, appealing to a specific audience looking for compact yet powerful gaming solutions.

    孤城Hardware on Weibo via: VideoCardz and Tom’s Hardware

    Source: Link

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  • Huawei Enjoy 70X: First Kirin 8000A Smartphone with Satellite Messaging

    Huawei Enjoy 70X: First Kirin 8000A Smartphone with Satellite Messaging

    Huawei is reportedly getting ready to introduce a new smartphone in its mid-range series called the Enjoy 70X. This device is expected to feature advanced satellite messaging through Beidou in China, along with support for 5G, as mentioned by a well-known leaker.

    Camera Features

    According to Digital Chat Station, the Enjoy 70X may come equipped with Huawei’s 50MP RYYB sensors on the rear. This technology was previously only found in the company’s high-end models, including the Mate 60, which also features a distinctive Star Ring camera design that has been seen in recent leaks about this new device.

    Variants and Specifications

    Rumors suggest that the 70X will be released in both 5G and 4G/LTE-only versions. The 5G model, known as Huawei “BRE-AL80,” is expected to utilize the Kirin 8000A chipset, while the chipset for the 4G version remains unknown.

    The 70X 5G may be offered in green or white colors, while the 4G variant (BRE-AL00a) could come in a dark purple shade. There are also suggestions that one or both models might feature a curved display, contrasting with newer devices like the Mate 70 that have flatter screens. However, there has been no information regarding the launch date of the Enjoy 70X series so far.

    Sources of Information

    The details were shared by Digital Chat Station on Weibo and reported by GizmoChina, with additional insights from TENAA via Huawei Central.

    Source: Link

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  • Tesla Launches Portable Megapack Chargers for Holiday Congestion

    Tesla Launches Portable Megapack Chargers for Holiday Congestion

    Tesla has one of the largest public charging networks in the world but is working to make holiday travel simpler for electric vehicle (EV) owners. The company is addressing the issue of crowded public rapid charging stations by introducing the MegapackCharger, a portable charging solution.

    What is the MegapackCharger?

    MegapackChargers are like Supercharger stations that Tesla can set up quickly in various locations. Each unit features 8 V3 stalls mounted on semi-truck trailers. This design makes them flexible and easy to deploy in areas where there is a high demand for charging. A standout aspect of the MegapackCharger is its built-in batteries, which can hold up to 3 MWh of energy. This amount is sufficient to charge around 75 vehicles at a rate of 250 kW.

    Connectivity and Setup

    The MegapackChargers utilize SpaceX’s Starlink internet service for connectivity, showcasing the collaboration between the two companies. This connection allows drivers to check the chargers’ availability in real-time on Tesla’s navigation system, similar to how they would with standard Superchargers.

    Although Tesla could place these chargers anywhere, they are mainly being located near existing Supercharging stations that are already linked to the power grid. This strategic placement enables the batteries to recharge via a Supercharger cabinet during off-peak hours, like nighttime.

    Locations and Efficiency

    So far, Tesla has deployed MegapackChargers in states like California, Nevada, and Ohio. These new chargers can provide faster charging speeds compared to the nearby V2 Superchargers, which are limited to only 150 kW.

    Source: Link

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  • GTA 6 Trailer Absence Disappoints Fans and Sparks Speculation

    GTA 6 Trailer Absence Disappoints Fans and Sparks Speculation

    After the initial trailer for GTA VI was a hit, excitement grew among fans for a second one, expected on December 27, 2024. This hope was fueled by a close look at the first trailer, which many believed contained hints about what was to come; however, these theories turned out to be unfounded.

    Community Disappointment

    Fans felt a wave of disappointment when Rockstar Games posted about their Holiday Sale instead of the new trailer they had been waiting for. The Holiday Sale, which is happening until January 7, features discounts of up to 70% on various games and merchandise, but it didn’t bring any new info regarding GTA 6.

    Reactions Online

    While some fans responded with jokes, many comments across X and Reddit showed a strong sense of letdown. The community is not just upset about the missing trailer but also frustrated with Rockstar’s slow marketing tactics and their lack of clear communication. There are increasing concerns that the much-anticipated GTA 6 could be pushed back to 2027. A Reddit user summed up the feelings well:

    “They’re even delaying the announcement announcing that they’re delaying the game.”

    Speculation Continues

    Despite the disappointment, fans are still keen to predict when the second trailer for GTA 6 might drop. One user on X even calculated a possible release date based on the discount percentages from Rockstar’s Holiday Sale post:

    20+50+70+30 = 170. Divide that by 7, and you get 24. January is the first month of the year, so the next GTA VI trailer will come out in 25 days: January 21, 2025.

    While January could be a possible time for the second trailer, this is still just speculation. To avoid further letdowns, fans would do well to hold their excitement for the next GTA 6 trailer until Rockstar Games provides an official announcement.

    Source: Link

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  • Rust-Based Open-Source WiFi Stack Now Available for ESP32

    Rust-Based Open-Source WiFi Stack Now Available for ESP32

    An experimental open-source WiFi stack has been introduced for the ESP32. This project, named Ferris on Air (FoA), is created in async rust and serves as a proof-of-concept 802.11 stack. It aims to enable various interfaces using Embassy, a rust framework for embedded devices. The ultimate goal of this framework is to provide the ESP32 with features such as mesh networking and AirDrop. Although these features are thrilling, they were previously unattainable.

    The Challenge of Closed-Sourced Modules

    The ESP32 is mainly open-source, but its WiFi and Bluetooth modules are not, likely due to a hardware NDA that Espressif, the company behind the ESP32, is under. Thankfully, Espressif has agreed that the team could legally reverse engineer these modules and share the results under an Apache license. However, the process of reverse engineering is quite complex.

    The Reverse Engineering Journey

    To unlock the WiFi module, the team utilized Ghidra, a reverse engineering tool from the NSA, to study its code structure, logic, and function names—information that Espressif generously left in the code. This allowed the team to understand the roles of each hardware register that controls the WiFi Module. By combining physical and emulated ESP32 hardware analysis, they successfully reverse-engineered the WiFi module. Interestingly, the team had to create a DIY Faraday cage to separate the WiFi signals from the ESP32. For this, they constructed a wooden cube lined with conductive fabric, a fiberoptic cable to transmit signals to the ESP32, and a car battery to power the whole system.

    Future Developments

    Ferris on Air is still at the beginning of its journey but is rapidly developing and adding new features. More information about the reverse engineering process and additional project details can be found below.

    Check out Frosty314159 on GitHub and 38C3 for further insights.

    Source: Link

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  • Samsung Galaxy S25 Slim Not Launching at Early 2025 Unpacked Event

    Samsung Galaxy S25 Slim Not Launching at Early 2025 Unpacked Event

    Samsung is expected to launch a new Slim version in its Galaxy S series of top-tier Android smartphones in 2025. This model could feature the latest Snapdragon 8 Elite platform, similar to the S25, S25+, and S25 Ultra. However, it aims to be the thinnest in its range, as the name suggests, which may help it compete with Apple’s anticipated iPhone 17 “Air”.

    Release Date Speculation

    Rumors suggest that the “Galaxy S25 Slim” will make its debut on January 22, alongside its more conventional counterparts. This date is also likely to be when Samsung announces its first Galaxy Unpacked event of 2025. Nonetheless, this might not be accurate.

    Analysis of Recent Updates

    According to Android Authority, they have dissected the latest One UI 7 beta, which is a preview build for the upcoming significant update of Samsung‘s mobile operating system. They found no reference to the “SM-S937,” which is speculated to be the S25 Slim. In contrast, the build does mention the SM-S931U, SM-S936U, and SM-S938U, representing the US versions of the S25, S25+, and S25 Ultra. This could suggest an earlier launch for these models.

    Implications for the S25 Slim

    This new leak might be the strongest indication yet that the S25 Slim is set to take the place of a successor to the S24 FE, which is currently priced at $595 on Amazon. Despite this, the S25 Slim could still generate excitement during the upcoming Galaxy Unpacked event, allowing fans to prepare for its potential pricing in the meantime.

    Source: Link

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  • Huawei Launches Affordable First Consumer SSD at Low Price

    Huawei Launches Affordable First Consumer SSD at Low Price

    Huawei has taken a significant step into the consumer storage realm by introducing its eKitStore Xtreme 200E series SSDs. These drives are now up for grabs in South Korea, with a price that’s catching everyone’s attention. The 1 TB version is priced at around $32, which is a price that’s much lower than what current competitors are offering in the high-performance storage market.

    A New Direction for Huawei

    Launched in June 2024, the eKitStore Xtreme 200E series marks Huawei’s shift from server-focused storage to consumer-oriented products. These SSDs come with notable specifications, featuring read speeds of up to 7,400 MB/s and write speeds that hit 6,700 MB/s using the PCIe 4.0 interface. While these numbers don’t match the latest PCIe 5.0 drives that can reach about 14,000 MB/s, they still hold their ground against other PCIe 4.0 options.

    What’s Inside the Drive?

    The details about the internal parts of the eKitStore Xtreme 200E are not fully disclosed, but it is known to utilize QLC NAND and operates without DRAM. The names of the companies behind the controller and NAND remain a mystery. Due to U.S. sanctions on Huawei, it’s likely that the components are sourced from local suppliers, potentially including companies like YMTC for NAND and MaxioTech for controllers. There’s also a chance that Huawei is using its skills in server SSDs to create its own controller.

    The 1 TB model’s price is set at 47,500 South Korean won (around $32), making it a strong contender in terms of price-to-performance ratio. However, there are lingering doubts about how long this pricing strategy can last and whether it will reach markets outside of South Korea.

    Analysts Weigh In

    Experts in the industry point out that keeping such a low price while still making a profit could be difficult, even with all components sourced from within the country. The current pricing might be a temporary or promotional tactic aimed at helping Huawei gain traction in the consumer storage sector.

    This launch represents Huawei’s ongoing strategy to broaden its consumer products lineup while dealing with international trade hurdles. This could potentially mark a new phase in the competitive arena of the global SSD market.

    Source: Link

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  • OxygenOS 15 Update Now Available for These OnePlus Phones

    OxygenOS 15 Update Now Available for These OnePlus Phones

    OxygenOS 15 is a major update that brings hundreds of enhancements, both large and small, to Android 15. The animations have received a substantial upgrade, resulting in a smoother and more responsive experience. New flux themes, additional customization options, and exciting AI features make OxygenOS 15 an appealing upgrade.

    Quick Release by OnePlus

    OnePlus has a reputation for being fast with operating system updates, and Android 15 is no exception. It was among the first brands to showcase the new OS through its beta program, and the stable version followed soon after. The OnePlus 12 was the first device to receive the stable OxygenOS 15 update, and since then, it has rolled out to a variety of other devices.

    List of Updated Devices

    To help you keep track of the rollout, here is a list of devices that have begun receiving the stable OxygenOS 15 update:

    • OnePlus 12
    • OnePlus 12R
    • OnePlus 11
    • OnePlus 11R
    • OnePlus Nord 4
    • OnePlus Nord CE 4
    • OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite 5G
    • OnePlus Open
    • OnePlus Pad
    • OnePlus Pad 2

    Currently, these devices have been upgraded to stable OxygenOS 15. However, since the rollouts happen gradually, it may take several days to weeks for the update to reach your specific OnePlus device. If you haven’t seen the update yet, check by going to Settings > System > System updates.

    Regular Updates Coming

    We will keep this list up to date as more OnePlus devices get the OxygenOS 15 upgrade. Feel free to return to this page for the latest information.

    Key Features of OxygenOS 15

    OxygenOS 15 introduces numerous significant changes, including greatly enhanced animations and improved rendering capabilities, all due to a new graphics engine. The new parallel processing feature significantly boosts animation interactions. The internal improvements ensure stability and smoothness in all situations.

    OnePlus phones now include the popular circle to search feature as part of OxygenOS 15. It also introduces flux themes, which are high-quality themes that allow for a personalized touch. The lock screen benefits from new customization options, including blurred wallpapers and AI depth effects, along with AI auto-fills.

    AI Innovations

    OnePlus OneTake offers a seamless visual experience by ensuring a fluid transition from the always-on display to the lock screen and then to the home screen. The Live Alerts feature, similar to Apple’s Dynamic Island, now supports more functions like hotspots, screen recording, and music playback.

    On the AI front, OxygenOS 15 adds various features, including AI Unblur for restoring details in blurry images and AI Reflection Eraser for eliminating glares in photos. The Notes app now incorporates AI to help structure, summarize, and generate text. You can also use AI to improve voice recordings, correct grammar mistakes, and rewrite text.

    OxygenOS 15 also introduces new icons and a charging limit feature that allows users to pause charging at 80%. Accessing notifications and Quick Settings is quicker now: simply swipe down from the top left for notifications and from the top right for Quick Settings. There’s a new OnePlus Share for easier file sharing with iOS devices, although it still requires several steps.

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