Category: Software

  • Trump Signs Executive Order Pausing TikTok Ban Enforcement

    Trump Signs Executive Order Pausing TikTok Ban Enforcement

    On the day he was inaugurated, President Trump signed several Executive Orders. One of these orders puts a temporary hold on enforcing the TikTok ban for a duration of 75 days.

    New Legislation to Protect Data

    The Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act was passed with bipartisan support in Congress. Its purpose is to safeguard the personal information of U.S. citizens from being collected by ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company, and potentially misused by the Chinese government, which could pose a threat to American security.

    Instructions for Law Enforcement

    During this 75-day period, the US Attorney General has been directed not to enforce the Act. The Department of Justice is barred from taking any measures against entities for not complying with the Act. This includes actions related to distributing or maintaining foreign adversary-controlled applications as defined by the law.

    No Penalties for Violators

    Entities that violate the Act during this time frame are also shielded from penalties. Following this guidance, even after the specified period ends, the Department of Justice will refrain from enforcing the Act or imposing penalties on any entity for actions taken during the designated period or before the signing of this order, particularly from January 19, 2025, until the order was signed.

    As for what President Trump might do beyond the 75 days to protect TikTok, it remains uncertain since any changes to federal laws typically require congressional action. Meanwhile, access to the TikTok app and its services might still be restricted or inconsistent due to compliance with the law by various companies, like the Google Play store.

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  • Philips Hue Smart Home Automation Features Now Available

    Philips Hue Smart Home Automation Features Now Available

    A new automation feature has been introduced in the Philips Hue app. Users first noticed it after updating to version 5.33, but it wasn’t functional at that time. Now, the feature appears to be accessible, at least for those on iOS, likely coinciding with the rollout of version 5.33.1.

    Arming Schedule Automation

    The Arming Schedule Automation enables users to set their Secure system to arm or disarm automatically at selected times. You can find this tool in the Automations section of the app, where it’s typically located near the bottom of the list. Once you choose this feature, you can specify the days and times for your Secure devices to turn on or off. Each week can be customized with up to eight time slots, and you can set multiple schedules, which is handy for creating a holiday mode.

    Upcoming Features

    Signify, the parent company of the Philips Hue brand, has also shared news about additional features coming to the Secure line, which includes devices like the Battery Camera, currently priced at $179.99 on Amazon. This year, users can expect a new sound detection feature for smoke alarms. Additionally, iOS users will receive a new widget to view live video streams from their security cameras. However, it remains unknown when the Philips Hue app version 5.34 will be released and if it will include these new features.

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  • Microsoft Forcefully Upgrading PCs to Windows 11 24H2

    Microsoft Forcefully Upgrading PCs to Windows 11 24H2

    Windows 11 24H2 Update is Rolling Out

    The Windows 11 24H2 update has arrived and it’s headed for your computer whether you want it or not, sorta. Microsoft has changed its update plan for Windows 11 24H2, the newest version of its desktop OS. Since October 2024, this update has been available as an optional upgrade, but starting January 16, 2025, things will be different. Microsoft has started automatically downloading and installing Windows 11 24H2 on compatible devices running Windows 11.

    Who is Affected?

    This mandatory update is only for consumer PCs that are running Windows 11 Home and Pro editions. If you have an enterprise version, you can relax for the time being. Microsoft is also using a phased rollout, meaning not everyone will get the update notification at the same time. They plan to gradually distribute the update to a smaller group of users first, keeping an eye out for bugs and problems before making it available to more people.

    Why This Approach?

    The reason for this strategy appears to be to create a smoother updating process. By taking this careful route, Microsoft can find and fix any big issues that come up prior to a broader launch. This measured rollout also allows them to collect feedback from early users and tackle any compatibility issues that arise.

    If you’re eager to get the update sooner, you can manually check for it. Just go to Settings > Windows Update and click on “Check for updates.” If your device is compatible and Microsoft has enabled it for your account, you will see the option to download and install version 24H2.

    Glitches and Precautions

    Some users have reported glitches with Windows 11 24H2, especially concerning games, but Microsoft claims most of these problems have been sorted out with recent updates. However, the chance for new, unexpected issues still exists with significant updates. If you tend to be cautious, you can utilize the “Pause Updates” feature in Windows Update to postpone the update for up to five weeks. This gives you extra time to research and ensure that your essential software will work with the new version of Windows.

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  • iOS 19 Camera App Redesign Leak: What to Expect

    iOS 19 Camera App Redesign Leak: What to Expect

    iOS 18 was revealed back in June at the WWDC 2024 event, which means that iOS 19 is probably about six months away from being announced. A fresh leak has appeared online indicating that iOS 19 might introduce a revamped Camera app.

    Leak from a YouTuber

    A well-known YouTuber, fpt., mentioned that they have come across the new Camera app design. To keep the source safe, the YouTuber showcased the new look using visual representations.

    New Features and Design

    The revamped Camera app is said to have a more streamlined interface with rounded elements. This new version makes it easier to switch between the front and back cameras. It also simplifies the way users can access various features. For instance, instead of going into the settings menu, users can now adjust the resolution and frame rate directly within the Camera app.

    Inspiration from VisionOS

    The design aesthetics of the new Camera app appear to take cues from VisionOS, which is Apple’s operating system for its mixed-reality headset. Based on what was shown of the Camera app, it looks like iOS 19 could undergo a significant overhaul. There’s a chance that iOS 19 will feature more rounded icons and a home screen layout inspired by VisionOS.

    Despite the YouTuber’s strong history of accurate leaks, there hasn’t been any official word from Apple regarding the redesign. The last major redesign of iOS took place with iOS 7, so it’s quite likely that iOS 19 will introduce noteworthy changes after such a long time.

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    iOS 19 Camera App Redesign Leak: What to Expect
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  • GoFundMe Accepts Crypto Donations for California Wildfire Relief

    GoFundMe Accepts Crypto Donations for California Wildfire Relief

    CNN is reporting that wildfires are still raging in Los Angeles, but efforts for cleanup and recovery have commenced. While many people focus on the celebrities and wealthy individuals who have lost their homes, there is a significant working-class community that is also affected. This includes areas like Pacific Palisades, Altadena, Pasadena, and Hollywood. These residents have faced the loss of their homes and jobs, leaving them reliant on government aid. It’s a tough situation, even in the best of times!

    Donations for Relief

    Blockchain.com is providing its users with the chance to make donations without transaction fees using Bitcoin or other popular cryptocurrencies to Gofundme.org for their Wildfire Relief Fund 2025. As of now, the fundraising efforts have approached nearly $4 million. Nevertheless, AccuWeather, which specializes in meteorology and its related impacts, estimates that the total economic and property damage could be between $250 and $275 billion.

    Important Donation Tips

    When giving to charities, it’s crucial to verify with your payment service or wallet if they provide any fee-free options. Additionally, be sure to review local, state, and federal laws regarding the potential tax benefits of your donations.

    Disclaimer: The information shared here is not intended as advice for personal investment choices. Notebookcheck does not provide guidance on cryptocurrency, NFTs, or any forms of trading, investment, or financial choices.

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    GoFundMe Accepts Crypto Donations for California Wildfire Relief
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  • One UI 7 Update Release Date for Older Galaxy Devices

    One UI 7 Update Release Date for Older Galaxy Devices

    After much discussion, Samsung has finally rolled out the One UI 7 beta for the Galaxy S24 series in early November, which is later than many expected since it’s close to the stable version launch. The full release is set to come with the Galaxy S25 series next week, meaning that the S25 models will come pre-installed with One UI 7. But what about older devices like the Galaxy S23 series and others?

    Release Schedule for Older Devices

    Samsung has not provided extensive information about the release and rollout of One UI 7 for older devices. The company did confirm that this latest version, based on Android 15, will launch alongside the Galaxy S25 series, a statement made back in October. Nevertheless, some new reports suggest that the rollout for One UI 7 might start in early February, possibly in the first or second week.

    Update Priority

    As usual, the latest high-end models will be the first to receive the new One UI update, followed by mid-range and budget devices. Therefore, the Galaxy S23, Galaxy S22 series, and Galaxy Z Flip 6/Fold 6 are expected to be among the first to enjoy the update.

    Key Features of One UI 7

    One UI 7 is a significant update that introduces numerous enhancements and features. The animations are now considerably smoother, making it easier to switch apps and multitask. The camera app has been simplified for easier navigation, allowing for more convenient switching between different camera modes and zoom levels with just one hand.

    A long-awaited addition is the vertical app drawer, which some users have been anticipating for a long time. Users can still opt for the horizontal layout if they prefer, although it seems likely that most will stick with the new design.

    One UI 7 also introduces the Now Bar, arguably the most important visual improvement in this update. This feature resembles Apple’s Dynamic Island, displaying useful information on the lock screen, including music playback, recording, stopwatches, reminders, and more.

    Furthermore, Samsung has enabled users to separate the notification center from the Quick Settings panel, a feature already found in many Chinese smartphones. Users can now access Quick Settings by swiping down from the right, while notifications can be accessed by swiping down from the left side of the selfie camera.

    The update comes with a redesigned battery indicator and new icons for built-in apps. Users can also select from various adaptive charging options, including an option to limit charging to 80%. Samsung has also introduced new widgets and enhanced Galaxy AI functionalities.

    Recent leaks indicate that Samsung is incorporating Gemini AI into its native applications like Samsung Calendar, Samsung Notes, and Samsung Reminder for streamlined access. There’s plenty to be excited about with the upcoming One UI 7, and I’m looking forward to it.

    One UI 7 Update Release Date for Older Galaxy DevicesOne UI 7 Update Release Date for Older Galaxy Devices
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  • Linux Mint 22.1 Released: New Power Modes and APT Updates

    Linux Mint 22.1 Released: New Power Modes and APT Updates

    At the close of July, Linux Mint upgraded to version 22. This version, referred to as “Wilma,” is based on Ubuntu Linux 24.04 LTS and, similar to its follow-up, known as “Xia,” which launched yesterday, it will receive support until 2029. Users still on the 21.x versions don’t need to hurry, as they will continue to get support until April 2027, assuming everything goes according to plan. However, those on Linux Mint 20.x might want to think about updating, since support for these older versions will wrap up after April 2025.

    Focus on User Experience

    Linux Mint 22.1 “Xia” emphasizes enhancing the user experience, both in functionality and design. Here are the key features of this new release:

    The update for Linux Mint 22.1 maintains the same kernel (6.8) and Ubuntu LTS package base as the previous version, and this will apply to all upcoming versions until 2026, providing a smoother upgrade path. Starting in 2026, the Mint team will begin developing a new base. The 22.1 release comes in three flavors: Xfce, Cinnamon, and MATE, all of which are available on the official page.

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  • GamersNexus Sues PayPal and Honey Over MegaLag Claims

    GamersNexus Sues PayPal and Honey Over MegaLag Claims

    GamersNexus typically focuses on graphics cards and PC cases, but recently, they have shifted their investigative efforts towards the widely-used browser extension, Honey, which is owned by PayPal. They align with MegaLag regarding accusations of Honey’s misconduct.

    Allegations Against Honey

    The allegations involve the misuse of online referral or affiliate links, potentially leading to revenue loss for influencers who deserve credit for the sales. GamersNexus has responded by filing a class action lawsuit against PayPal in the Northern District of California.

    Legal Actions Taken

    This new lawsuit is distinct from another case brought against Honey by YouTuber LegalEagle, also known as Devin Stone, who is a lawyer. Both lawsuits share the same goal: to seek compensation for those negatively impacted by the actions of the browser extension.

    Seeking Class Members

    The class action is being pursued in collaboration with the legal group CPM, which is currently looking for potential class members. Content creators who think they have been negatively impacted by Honey’s practices, as described in the lawsuit, are encouraged to apply.

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  • Outlook Vulnerability Lets Hackers Send Malware via Email

    Outlook Vulnerability Lets Hackers Send Malware via Email

    Microsoft Windows is facing a new major security risk. Named CVE-2025-21298, this issue is found in the Windows Object Linking and Embedding (OLE) feature, which allows documents and objects to be easily incorporated into different applications. However, this feature comes with a significant threat: just a quick look at an Outlook inbox or carelessly opening an email preview can lead to an open invitation for cyber intruders.

    Exploiting the Vulnerability

    Hackers can take advantage of the “use after free” flaw to seize control of the victim’s machine by sending a specifically designed email to the target. If the victim opens this email with a vulnerable version of Microsoft Outlook or views it through a preview pane, it can lead to remote code execution on their system.

    Potential Consequences

    The impact of such an attack can be severe, including data breaches, spying, or even total system encryption by ransomware. Multiple editions of Windows 10, Windows 11, and Windows Server are affected. The vulnerability has a CVSSv3 rating of 9.8 out of 10, marking it as “critical.” Yet, Microsoft claims that there have been no recorded exploitations of this vulnerability so far.

    Recommended Actions for Users

    Microsoft is currently deploying security updates to patch this vulnerability, and users are highly urged to apply these updates without delay. In the meantime, users should set their email view to plain text and, if on large LAN networks, limit NTLM traffic or turn it off entirely. By configuring Microsoft Outlook to display emails in plain text rather than rich text, users can prevent the display of additional content like images, animations, or unique fonts, which could be used to exploit the vulnerability.

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  • TikTok Set to Shut Down in the US This Sunday

    TikTok Set to Shut Down in the US This Sunday

    Currently, TikTok US is valued between $40 billion and $50 billion, but it faces a deadline of less than a week to keep its services running. This situation would leave about 170 million users in search of alternatives like Bluesky or X. In relation to X, there are hopes in China that Elon Musk might take control of TikTok’s US division. If this happens, it’s possible that the two platforms could merge. However, any takeover would require time for regulatory approval, meaning that for now, this is just speculation.

    Plans for Shutdown

    A report from The Information, cited by Reuters, states that “TikTok plans to shut off its app for U.S. users on Sunday, when a federal ban on the social media app could come into effect, unless the Supreme Court moves to block it.” Nevertheless, the law signed by President Biden last year does not enforce this shutdown. It would prevent new downloads from Apple’s or Google’s app stores but would still permit current users to access the app. In the long run, this could lead to a gradual decline in user numbers.

    User Notification Strategy

    In the event of a ban, TikTok has plans to show an in-app notification that will guide users to a webpage with more information on the situation. Additionally, they will offer users a chance to download their account data before they lose access. This approach aims to ease the transition for users if the app is restricted.

    Potential Consequences

    Regardless of the outcome on Sunday, a possible retaliatory ban from China affecting a US company like Micron might lead to negotiations between the involved parties soon. TikTok estimates that one-third of its 170 million US users would stop using the app if the ban lasts for a month, suggesting that there could be a resolution to this matter by mid-February, one way or another.

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