Category: Software

  • TikTok Creating US-Only Version of the App: Report

    TikTok Creating US-Only Version of the App: Report

    Key Takeaways

    1. TikTok is developing a US-specific version of its app, called “M2,” in response to US legislation regarding foreign-controlled applications.
    2. American users will need to download this new version to continue using TikTok, with a transition period lasting until March 2026.
    3. The new app aims to comply with US legal standards while allowing ByteDance to retain control in other areas, particularly regarding algorithms.
    4. A law requires TikTok to divest its US operations by January 19, 2025, or face a ban, with previous delays from President Trump.
    5. The new app could facilitate a sale of TikTok’s American business without transferring the algorithm, potentially satisfying US regulations and keeping the platform operational.

    According to a fresh report from The Information, TikTok is working on a version of its app specifically for the US as it approaches a potential agreement with an American partner.

    Response to Legislation

    This move comes as a direct reaction to the “Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act.” Internally, this initiative is referred to as “M2” and is expected to launch in early September. Once it becomes available, American users will need to download this new version of the app to keep using TikTok, with a transition phase lasting until March 2026.

    Details of the New App

    The exact ways that this US-only version will be different are still unclear, but it’s assumed that TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, is trying to keep full control in other areas while complying with US legal standards. These standards involve restrictions on foreign ownership and governance of the platform’s algorithms.

    News about this new application comes after President Trump announced he has a buyer ready for TikTok, described as a group of “very wealthy people.” The suggested deal would allow a collection of non-Chinese investors, including Oracle, to take a majority share in TikTok’s American business, with ByteDance keeping a minority share.

    Legislative Timeline

    A law signed by President Biden mandates the platform to divest by January 19, 2025, or face a ban in the US. President Trump has delayed this required sale three times. Any agreement still requires approval from the Chinese authorities, who have firmly stated that TikTok’s algorithm cannot be sold along with the app.

    This new app might be a solution that enables a sale without granting full access to the algorithm, which could satisfy US regulations while detaching the American operations from the main app.

    Future Outlook

    While there are not enough details to predict exactly how everything will play out, there are several indicators that suggest a resolution is on the horizon that allows TikTok to remain available in the US.

    With President Trump indicating that a buying group is nearly approved and TikTok preparing a distinct US access point, which is set to launch around the same time the current executive order extension expires, it seems a deal is becoming more likely.

    If the new version can maintain the engaging aspects of the current algorithm, it could lead to a favorable outcome for everyone involved.

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  • IKEA Dirigera Hub Update Turns It into a Matter Controller

    IKEA Dirigera Hub Update Turns It into a Matter Controller

    Key Takeaways

    1. The IKEA Dirigera Hub now acts as a Matter controller, allowing integration with other Matter-certified smart home systems.
    2. The update introduces Thread version 1.4 and is currently in beta testing; users need the latest IKEA Home smart app to participate.
    3. Manual changes to smart lights will disable Adaptive Lighting, requiring users to manually reselect this option.
    4. User feedback on Reddit shows dissatisfaction with the changes to Adaptive Lighting.
    5. The update includes minor bug fixes and is being rolled out to users in stages, with no specific timeline for full availability.

    IKEA has launched a fresh update for the Dirigera Hub. Users on Reddit have reported that software version 2.805.6 introduces a significant new feature to the smart home hub, along with a few minor adjustments.

    New Features in Dirigera Hub

    The IKEA Dirigera Hub now functions as a Matter controller. Thanks to an update from late 2024, the product became a Matter bridge, enabling IKEA devices to work with other Matter-certified smart home systems. With this latest update, users can connect smart home devices from various brands to the IKEA hub. This feature is in beta testing at the moment, and the update brings Thread version 1.4 along with it. To participate in the beta, users need the most recent version of the IKEA Home smart app (Android: 1.47.0, iOS 1.51.0) and can access the feature through The Workshop.

    Changes to Smart Lighting

    The change log also mentions an adjustment for smart lights. After this update, if a user makes any manual changes to a smart light’s brightness or color, Adaptive Lighting will be completely turned off. In the past, Adaptive Lighting would automatically restart when the light was switched off and on again; now, users must manually reselect this option. Many users have voiced their dissatisfaction with this change on Reddit.

    Minor Fixes and Rollout

    Additionally, this update is said to include some minor bug fixes, although specific details haven’t been shared. IKEA has stated that software version 2.805.6 is being rolled out to Dirigera Hub users in stages. The company has not yet provided a timeline for when it will be available to all users worldwide.

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    IKEA Dirigera Hub Update Turns It into a Matter Controller
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  • Home Assistant 2025.7 Release Introduces New Ask Question Action

    Home Assistant 2025.7 Release Introduces New Ask Question Action

    Key Takeaways

    1. Introduction of the “Ask Question” action to enhance the Assist voice assistant’s conversational abilities.
    2. Revamped Area card design for better integration with the Sections dashboard, providing compact and detailed views.
    3. New integration sub-entries to speed up setup for certain integrations with shared authentication details.
    4. Design updates to the integration page for improved user experience.
    5. New integrations added, including Altruist air quality sensor, PlayStation Network, and Tilt Pi brewing hydrometer.

    The Home Assistant 2025.7 version has been released. This update is part of the regular monthly schedule for this open-source smart home automation platform. Just to remind you, the previous 2025.6 version introduced a new Bluetooth connection graph.

    Conversational Improvements

    In the latest Home Assistant 2025.7, a new Ask Question action has been added, which enhances the Assist voice assistant’s conversational abilities. This allows Assist to ask you questions instead of just waiting for your input. For instance, in a YouTube video demonstration, the voice assistant informs the user about hot weather and suggests that they close the shutters.

    Redesigned Features

    Another notable change is the revamped Area card, which now works smoothly with the Sections dashboard. It mimics the Tile card design, providing both compact and detailed views for users. Additionally, there have been enhancements to the Areas dashboard, making it simpler to view and control important devices in every room of your home from a distance.

    Streamlined Integrations

    Integration sub-entries have been introduced, which speeds up the process of setting up integrations that share the same authentication details, like extra calendars or AI agents. Nevertheless, this feature is currently available only for a select few integrations: Anthropic, Google Generative AI, MQTT, Ollama, OpenAI Conversation, and Telegram Bot. Moreover, the integration page has received a design update as well.

    New Additions

    Home Assistant 2025.7 brings new integrations such as the Altruist air quality sensor, PlayStation Network, Vegetronix VegeHub, and the Tilt Pi wireless brewing hydrometer and thermometer (currently priced at $135 on Amazon). You can check the full release notes for Home Assistant 2025.7 on the official website of the company.

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  • Exchange Code Leak Suggests Intent to Evade Regulation

    Exchange Code Leak Suggests Intent to Evade Regulation

    Key Takeaways

    1. Nobitex, an Iranian cryptocurrency exchange, suffered a cyberattack leading to a loss of $90 million and later had its source code completely exposed.
    2. The source code revealed anti-surveillance features designed to evade detection by regulatory agencies, particularly U.S. entities like FinCEN.
    3. TRM Labs found that Nobitex’s modular framework allows for easy replication by illicit operators, raising concerns about its use in other sanctioned regions.
    4. The investigation highlighted significant security flaws and operational intentions of Nobitex, complicating regulatory oversight.
    5. The findings underscore the challenges regulators face in monitoring sophisticated cryptocurrency systems that employ advanced privacy measures.

    In the wake of a politically driven cyberattack that resulted in the loss of $90 million from its wallets, the Iranian cryptocurrency exchange Nobitex faced an even larger security incident — the complete public exposure of its source code. An examination by the blockchain analysis company TRM Labs uncovered that the platform was not only created for trading purposes but also as an advanced tool for functioning discreetly within the global financial framework.

    Custom Anti-Surveillance Features

    The source code indicated that Nobitex had been developed with a variety of tailor-made anti-surveillance features that were specifically intended to counteract the blockchain analysis tools utilized by regulatory bodies and compliance teams. Per a leaked internal privacy document, these features aimed to avoid detection by US agencies such as FinCEN by anonymizing transactions and hiding user identities.

    Key Findings from TRM Labs

    TRM Labs’ investigation concluded that the exchange’s modular framework provided a “plug-and-play” model that could be easily replicated by other illicit operators. This raised concerns about the potential for its architecture to be cloned in other sanctioned regions, increasing the overall risk associated with its design.

    TRM Labs’ findings provide a detailed insight into the security flaws and operational intentions behind Nobitex’s platform, highlighting the challenges faced by regulators in monitoring such sophisticated systems.

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  • Windows 12 Release Delayed by at Least One Year

    Windows 12 Release Delayed by at Least One Year

    Key Takeaways

    1. Windows 11 version 25H2 is set to launch in late 2025, with Insiders already testing initial builds.
    2. Security updates for Windows 11 Home and Pro will last 24 months post-launch, while Enterprise and Education editions will receive updates for 36 months.
    3. Users of Windows 10 can access an additional year of security updates with a simple method.
    4. The focus of the 25H2 update is on improving stability and quality, rather than introducing many new features.
    5. 25H2 is an “enablement update,” allowing for a quick installation process by activating existing features in version 24H2.

    Microsoft is getting ready to launch Windows 11 version 25H2, which is a major update for its operating system. Insiders can already try out the initial builds of this version, which is set to be widely available in the latter part of 2025. People using the earlier version, Windows 10, can access an additional year of security updates from Microsoft by employing a fairly simple method, which we will explain here.

    Update Details

    In a recent blog entry, Microsoft’s Jason Leznek shared insights about the upcoming update for Windows 11. He specified that security updates for both the Windows 11 Home and Pro editions will be assured for 24 months following the launch of 25H2, while the Enterprise and Education editions will receive updates for 36 months. Additional features will be rolled out over time after the update is released. This suggests that the company is currently concentrating on enhancing Windows 11, even though development on the next Windows version, likely Windows 12, is already in progress.

    Future Expectations

    As a result, users will need to be patient for a while longer before a new version of Windows arrives. Presently, it seems that private users might have to wait until October 2027, while businesses could be looking at October 2028 (assuming 25H2 launches at the end of Windows 10 support in mid-October 2025). There’s a good chance that Microsoft might push back this deadline again next year.

    Focus on Stability

    The main goal of this update is to enhance stability, improve quality, and resolve issues rather than roll out a multitude of new features. Windows 11 25H2 is anticipated to launch around the same time as the conclusion of support for Windows 10 in October 2025, facilitating a smooth transition for users to the newer operating system.

    25H2 is termed an “enablement update”, indicating that many of its new features are already embedded in the code of version 24H2 and can be activated with a minor update. This design aims to provide a particularly swift and efficient installation process that should not take longer than a typical monthly security update.

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  • Explore the Night Sky from Home with an Interactive Sky Map

    Explore the Night Sky from Home with an Interactive Sky Map

    Key Takeaways

    1. Researchers in the U.S. have created a detailed interactive map for exploring galaxies and stars from home.
    2. The concept of sky mapping dates back to the 2018 Gaia mission by the European Space Agency, which mapped billions of stars and asteroids.
    3. Caltech’s COSMOS-Web project has produced the largest interactive sky map to date, accessible to both scientists and amateurs.
    4. The map incorporates 1.5 TB of data from the James Webb Space Telescope, showcasing galaxies up to 13 billion light-years away.
    5. Users can easily navigate the map, similar to Google Earth, with filters available for a customized viewing experience.

    Observing the night sky filled with stars is something that many people around the globe love to do. However, this activity can become quite limited without the right tools like telescopes, binoculars, or astronomical glasses.

    Exciting Developments in Astronomy

    Luckily, there’s some great news! Researchers in the United States have created the most detailed interactive map that lets you explore galaxies and stars right from your home. This map also provides information about celestial objects that pique your interest, enabling you to expand your knowledge.

    A Brief History of Sky Mapping

    This type of map isn’t entirely new, as it has existed since 2018. Back then, the European Space Agency (ESA) launched a massive and intricate map during the Gaia mission. This map displayed the Milky Way, showcasing billions of stars, with some located 1.5 million kilometers away from our planet. Additionally, it included 14,000 asteroids that orbit our solar system.

    A New Frontier in Interactive Mapping

    Recently, under the COSMOS-Web project, Caltech in the United States has accomplished an impressive feat by producing the largest interactive sky map to date. This innovative tool is designed not just for scientists but also for amateurs and anyone curious about the universe.

    To create this remarkable resource, researchers utilized data from the James Webb Space Telescope, which is reshaping how we observe and understand the cosmos. A staggering 1.5 TB of data has been integrated into this map, resulting in a stunning visual experience. While it covers only 0.54 square degrees of the night sky, you can view hundreds of galaxies, some of which are an astonishing 13 billion light-years away, dating back to the universe’s beginnings.

    Using this map is as simple as navigating Google Earth or Google Maps. There are also filters available that let you show or hide different elements for a tailored experience.

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  • Microsoft: Windows 11 Claims 2.3x Speed Boost Over Windows 10

    Microsoft: Windows 11 Claims 2.3x Speed Boost Over Windows 10

    Key Takeaways

    1. Upgrading to Windows 11 offers a more secure operating system and a cleaner user interface, as well as better compatibility with AI-driven applications.
    2. Microsoft claims that Windows 11 PCs can be up to 2.3x faster than Windows 10 PCs, but this is based on a potentially misleading benchmark comparing different Intel processor generations.
    3. Actual performance may vary depending on device settings, with many experts suggesting that a fairer comparison involves similar hardware for both operating systems.
    4. Users may face significant costs when upgrading to Windows 11, especially if their current hardware does not meet the new system requirements.
    5. Microsoft has introduced the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, extending support for Windows 10 until October 14, 2025, to help users transition.

    Microsoft has recently shared a blog post that talks about the advantages of upgrading from Windows 10 to Windows 11. The company claims that users will have a more secure operating system with a cleaner user interface and better compatibility with applications driven by AI. However, the claim that “Windows 11 PCs are up to 2.3x faster than Windows 10 PCs” is what has caught the most attention. Critics quickly pointed out that this statement is based on a possibly misleading benchmark.

    Benchmark Details

    The article mentions a Geekbench 6 multi-core test in the footnotes. Yet, the comparison is made between different Intel processor generations. Windows 10 PCs equipped with 6th, 8th, and 10th-generation CPUs are compared to Windows 11 systems that use 12th and 13th-generation processors. As noted by PC Gamer, some of these CPUs are up to nine years older than Intel’s newest offerings.

    Performance Variability

    The benchmark from December 2024 adds a note that actual performance can differ based on the device and its settings. Still, many observers feel that a fairer comparison would involve Windows 10 and Windows 11 PCs with the same hardware. Unfortunately for Microsoft, most comparisons show that the performance boost with the new operating system is quite small.

    Microsoft may be getting anxious to persuade users who have not yet upgraded to Windows 10. Gamers would be eager for the promise of 2.3x better performance, but they are smart enough to recognize that the new OS isn’t as groundbreaking as it sounds. Furthermore, these users have pointed out that the cumbersome nature of Windows 11 focuses on features that do not necessarily enhance frame rates.

    Upgrade Costs

    For those who do not frequently upgrade their PC’s hardware, the transition also brings along considerable costs. Customers who have a legitimate Windows 10 license can move to Windows 11 without any extra charges. However, the requirements for Windows 11 exclude older processors that lack support for TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot. Consequently, some users find themselves needing to buy new desktops or laptops that come with Windows 11 already installed.

    Microsoft has recently rolled out the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program. This initiative will prolong support for Windows 10 for an additional year. Otherwise, security updates will cease on October 14, 2025, which could leave PCs exposed to malware threats.

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    Microsoft: Windows 11 Claims 2.3x Speed Boost Over Windows 10

     

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  • Stellantis Recalls 8,400 Dodge Chargers for Excessive Quietness

    Stellantis Recalls 8,400 Dodge Chargers for Excessive Quietness

    Key Takeaways

    1. A recall for certain Dodge Charger Daytona vehicles is due to a software glitch in the amplifier, which may prevent the cars from making outside sounds, increasing accident risks.
    2. Affected Charger owners will receive notifications by July 10, 2025, and dealers will provide a free software update to fix the issue.
    3. Stellantis has a pattern of safety recalls, including the Dodge Hornet SUVs for faulty rearview cameras and over 300,000 Ram pickups for malfunctioning safety features.
    4. Stellantis also announced a major recall affecting over 250,000 Pacifica and Voyager models due to improperly sealed side curtain airbags, which can increase injury risks in accidents.
    5. The recall trend extends beyond Stellantis, with Honda recalling over 259,000 vehicles for unsecured brake pedal components and Ford advising against driving 2,345 trucks due to missing brake booster parts.

    The recall for certain Dodge Charger Daytona vehicles is prompted by a software glitch in the amplifier. This problem could stop the cars from making outside sounds, which is important for alerting pedestrians and other vehicles of their presence. Such a situation could lead to more accidents and injuries, particularly for those on foot and drivers who might not see the car coming. Owners of the affected Charger models should receive notifications by July 10, 2025, and dealers will provide a free software update to fix the amplifier issue.

    Recent Safety Oversight

    This recall is part of a broader pattern of safety evaluations by Stellantis. Back in May 2025, Dodge Hornet SUVs had to be recalled because their rearview cameras failed to show images when the vehicles were in reverse. In December 2024, over 300,000 Ram pickups were recalled due to malfunctioning safety features that could put drivers at risk.

    Another Major Recall

    In an ongoing trend within the auto industry, Stellantis announced on June 28th a significant recall involving over 250,000 vehicles in the U.S. Specifically, this affects 250,651 Pacifica and Voyager models from 2022 to 2025. The issue involves side curtain airbags that are not sealed properly. The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has indicated that airbags that don’t maintain proper pressure can raise the chance of ejection and injury in an accident. Dealers will inspect these airbags and replace them at no cost.

    Industry-Wide Concerns

    The recall wave isn’t just limited to Stellantis. Recently, Honda recalled 259,033 SUVs and sedans (including Acura and Honda models) because a brake pedal pivot pin wasn’t secured correctly, causing the pedal to move unexpectedly. Additionally, Ford issued a “Do Not Drive” notice for 2,345 trucks this month after it was found that retaining springs for the brake booster pushrod were missing, which could result in a sudden brake failure.

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  • GerriScary Vulnerability in Gerrit Threatens Google Project Integrity

    GerriScary Vulnerability in Gerrit Threatens Google Project Integrity

    Key Takeaways

    1. A weakness in Gerrit could allow unauthorized code to enter important software projects without proper approval due to misconfigured permissions and review logic.
    2. Attackers can bypass manual code reviews by using automated systems to inject unauthorized code directly.
    3. At least 18 notable repositories, including Chromium and Dart, were identified as vulnerable to this issue.
    4. Google has updated configurations to fix the vulnerability and advised other users of Gerrit to audit their permission settings.
    5. No confirmed cases of exploitation have been reported, but the incident underscores the need for secure development practices in open-source projects.

    A recently uncovered weakness in Gerrit, the open-source code review tool utilized by Google and several other entities, might have made it possible for unauthorized code to sneak into important software projects without the usual approval steps. Security experts at Tenable found that the issue arose from badly set permissions and incorrect review label logic. In some setups, attackers could take advantage of a feature called “addPatchSet” to alter changes that had already been approved, allowing them to insert harmful code without needing to initiate a re-review.

    Automated Tools Bypass Reviews

    Another report from CybersecurityAsia.net validated that attackers could skip manual review stages entirely and use automated systems to inject unauthorized code without any user involvement.

    Vulnerable Repositories Identified

    At least 18 notable repositories were marked as vulnerable, including those related to Chromium, Dart, Bazel, and other essential infrastructure components. This problem also included a race condition in the automated submission process, which permitted attackers to act within a short time frame before the code was merged.

    As of the time the vulnerability was made public, no confirmed cases of exploitation had been seen in real-world scenarios. Tenable performed responsible testing with harmless code and did not execute a comprehensive end-to-end exploit of the vulnerability.

    Steps Taken by Google

    In response, Google has made configuration updates to address the issue. At the same time, Tenable has alerted other open-source projects that utilize Gerrit to check their configurations, as similar misconfigurations might be present in other places. They recommend that all Gerrit users conduct an audit of permission rules and label persistence policies to maintain code integrity. The underlying misconfigurations might also impact other organizations employing Gerrit, especially where default permission settings and automated code submission processes are utilized. This event highlights the continuing significance of secure development environments within the open-source ecosystem.

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  • Elegoo Jupiter 2: New 3D Printer with Smartphone App Launch

    Elegoo Jupiter 2: New 3D Printer with Smartphone App Launch

    Key Takeaways

    1. Elegoo has launched the Matrix app to turn smartphones into remote controls for their 3D printers.
    2. The app allows users to manage printing parameters, start/stop prints, and adjust the printer bed.
    3. Users can monitor print progress in real time and access detailed print logs for troubleshooting.
    4. The Matrix app is available for iOS and Android and currently works with the Saturn 4 Ultra 16K.
    5. Compatibility will expand to Mars 5 Ultra, Saturn 4 Ultra 12K, and Jupiter 2 later in 2025.

    Elegoo has introduced its first application today (June 27, 2025), designed to transform a user’s smartphone into a remote control for the company’s 3D printers.

    Control Options

    The app, named Matrix, is claimed to provide “precision” management over various printing parameters, such as layer settings, exposure durations, and additional configurations. Users can start or stop a print directly through the app, and it also allows for adjusting the printer bed if needed.

    Real-Time Monitoring

    Additionally, the app enables monitoring of the print’s advancement in real time, helping users ensure that the print doesn’t overheat or proceed too slowly. It can even offer a view into the printer, provided it has the necessary internal cameras. The Matrix app includes features for detailed print logs and historical data, which can help with troubleshooting and lead to smoother prints in the future.

    Availability and Compatibility

    Elegoo’s Matrix app is accessible for both iOS and Android devices and is compatible with the Saturn 4 Ultra’s 16K version, which is currently priced at $519.99 for Amazon Prime members.

    This compatibility is expected to expand to include the Mars 5 Ultra and Saturn 4 Ultra 12K in the third quarter of 2025, along with functionality for the Jupiter 2 upon its upcoming release.

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