Category: Software

  • Huawei Unveils HarmonyOS: Key Features and Updates Explained

    Huawei Unveils HarmonyOS: Key Features and Updates Explained

    Huawei has just revealed HarmonyOS Next, the newest version of its operating system, at a recent product launch event. This fifth generation of HarmonyOS introduces major improvements, particularly in areas like privacy, security, and the overall user experience, making interactions more seamless.

    Major System Overhaul

    Touted as the most significant update in the history of HarmonyOS, this version boasts a newly designed architecture that operates independently from Android. This means a stronger emphasis on native functionalities and enhanced security measures.

    UI and Interaction Enhancements

    HarmonyOS Next brings forth the concept of “Pure HarmonyOS,” a fresh design philosophy that prioritizes visual beauty and smoothness. This is achieved through engaging lighting, gravity-based animations, and a focus on central-axis symmetry. According to Chief UX Designer Yang Zhiyan, six key elements—light, movement, color, force, time, and space—combine to form a unified digital experience. The user interface features lively wallpapers, smart digital clocks, and a seamless integration of themes. Notably, the lock screen adapts its cinematic look based on weather conditions, clock placement, and lighting effects, resulting in a more organic interaction for users.

    Tags: , ,
  • Flyby11: Update Windows 11 on Older Hardware Easily

    Flyby11: Update Windows 11 on Older Hardware Easily

    Known for useful open-source tools like the xd-AntiSpy privacy application and the now sadly discontinued ThisIsWin11 system tweaker, Belim has just released another helpful free tool for Windows users globally. This time, it’s a simple patcher that enables updates to Windows 11 24H2 on hardware that isn’t officially supported. The tool, named Flyby11, is not suitable for fresh installations, but it’s great for those looking to upgrade.

    How to Use Flyby11

    Flyby11 does not include an installer, so users who wish to use it must download the latest version from GitHub. After downloading, they need to extract the files into a folder, run the application, and then choose between two upgrade methods: server setup or registry changes.

    For the first method, users should select the Fido script option, and after downloading the most recent 24H2 ISO from Microsoft, the process should be straightforward, as it is well guided. If this method does not work, there is a second option that might be effective.

    Benefits of Flyby11

    Even for users with fully compatible hardware, Flyby11 can help automate the process of downloading the Windows 11 24H2 ISO, making the upgrade process quicker and easier overall.

    In other news, the second edition of Windows 11 For Dummies, written by Alan Simpson, is set to be released on Amazon on November 20th. Those who are interested can pre-order it now for $15 (Kindle edition) or $24.99 (paperback version).

    Flyby11 (available on GitHub, via gHacks Technology News)

    Tags: , ,
  • Android 15 Update Bricks Pixel 6 Devices After Private Space On

    Android 15 Update Bricks Pixel 6 Devices After Private Space On

    Recent user feedback on Reddit reveals that some Pixel 6 phones are experiencing issues known as "bricking" after the Android 15 update, especially when the new "Private Space" feature is utilized. While not everyone seems to be impacted, the increasing number of affected devices points to a significant problem, and Google hasn’t made an official statement yet.

    The Problem

    According to users, the trouble occurs when the Private Space feature is activated on their Pixel 6 models. Two Reddit users, GegoByte and Homer_95, shared their stories. GegoByte reported that their phone stopped responding right after opening an app in Private Space, while Homer_95 experienced a bricking issue during normal usage, even with plenty of battery life. Both described their phones as “totally dead,” and standard troubleshooting steps, such as pressing the Power and Volume Down buttons, were unhelpful. Connecting to a computer also failed to revive the devices.

    Early theories suggested that the problem might be tied to user profiles, similar to issues seen in the Android 14 update, but the exact reason is still unknown. As more reports of bricked phones continue to surface, it appears that the problem may extend beyond just the Private Space feature.

    New Features in Android 15

    Android 15 has brought forth numerous new features designed to improve privacy and security for users. The Private Space feature is particularly notable, as it enables users to conceal important apps and data in a protected, isolated space. However, this new functionality has resulted in unforeseen complications on some Pixel 6 devices.

    In addition to Private Space, Android 15 includes Theft Detection, enhanced multitasking for foldable devices, and better smart home device integration, as per Google’s official release. While the update has been rolled out for other Pixel models without major issues, the Pixel 6 seems to be facing unique challenges. This raises concerns about specific bugs or compatibility issues with this particular model, leading affected users to be cautious and refrain from using the Private Space feature until the matter is resolved.

    With many reports surfacing about Pixel 6 devices becoming fully unresponsive, owners of this model are encouraged to take care, especially when exploring new features like Private Space. We can only hope that Google will address and fix this issue promptly.

    Image 1
    Image 1
    Tags: , ,
  • Huawei HarmonyOS Next Beta Launches for Eight New Smartphones

    Huawei HarmonyOS Next Beta Launches for Eight New Smartphones

    Earlier this month, Huawei released a public beta update for the Mate 60 series, Mate X5 series, and the MatePad Pro 13.2-inch series. Now, the company is extending this update to eight additional devices.

    New Devices Included

    The new devices that are eligible for the beta upgrade include the Pura 70, Huawei Pura 70 Satellite Messaging Edition, Pura 70 Pro, Pura 70 Pro+, Pura 70 Ultra, Pocket 2, Pocket 2 Art Custom Edition, and MatePad Pro 11-inch (2024). Owners of these models can apply for the beta upgrade via the “My Huawei” app, specifically in the “Early Access” section.

    A Major Shift in Software

    The latest version of HarmonyOS, named HarmonyOS Next, signifies a major transformation in Huawei’s software. It now operates on a single-framework architecture, meaning that it is no longer compatible with Android. This shift makes HarmonyOS Next a completely self-developed operating system that depends solely on the HarmonyOS kernel.

    Nonetheless, rumors suggest that Huawei might adopt a dual-OS strategy for the upcoming Mate 70 series, allowing support for both HarmonyOS Next and Android apps. This speculation, shared by leaker RuiPlaysDigital, aims to meet the needs of both Chinese users who are accustomed to HarmonyOS and global users who need Android compatibility, especially for Google apps limited by US trade rules.

    Evolution of HarmonyOS

    HarmonyOS was initially introduced in 2015 and officially launched in 2019, receiving four major updates since then. In January 2024, Huawei introduced HarmonyOS Next, which is designed for a fully native HarmonyOS experience, concentrating only on applications developed for the HarmonyOS environment.

    Currently, the top 5,000 apps in China are being developed natively for HarmonyOS, with the HarmonyOS Next App Store offering over 10,000 apps and services, covering nearly all essential usage requirements.

    Market Growth

    According to a recent report from Counterpoint Research, HarmonyOS has significantly increased its market share in China, rising from 8% in Q1 2023 to 17% in Q1 2024. In contrast, iOS’s market share decreased from 20% to 16% during the same period, positioning HarmonyOS as the second-largest operating system in China, overtaking Apple’s iOS.

    Huawei’s Xu Zhijun pointed out that for HarmonyOS to truly function as a mobile operating system, it requires a strong ecosystem. The aim is to enhance coordination among apps, the OS, and hardware, which would lead to a better user experience.

    Today, Huawei is hosting an event in China to officially unveil HarmonyOS Next alongside the Nova 13 series. The Mate 70 series is expected to be launched in November.

    Image 1
    Tags: , ,
  • PorteuX 1.7 Portable Linux: New Kernel, Smaller ISOs, Updates

    PorteuX 1.7 Portable Linux: New Kernel, Smaller ISOs, Updates

    Not to be mixed up with Porteus, PorteuX is a portable Linux distribution that is designed to be lightweight, incredibly fast, modular, and can be immutable if necessary. Drawing inspiration from Slax and Porteus, it offers users a choice of 7 different desktops: Cinnamon, GNOME, KDE Plasma, LXDE, LXQt, MATE, and Xfce. The latest version, 1.7, features the Linux kernel version 6.11.4, along with updated desktop environments, applications, smaller ISO sizes, and various fixes.

    Size and Features

    The KDE version of PorteuX is a bit larger than 500 MB, specifically 551 MB for KDE 6.2.1 and 502 MB for KDE 5.23.5, while the other versions remain under the 500 MB limit. The lightest version is the one based on LXDE 0.10.1, which is only 431 MB. It’s important to note, however, that there are no web browsers, email clients, or office software bundled with it. The distro includes packages such as glibc 2.40, gtk 4.16.3, gnome-shell 47.1, kmod 33, samba 4.21.1, wayland 1.23.1, qt 6.7.3, and Python 3.11.10. To maintain its lightweight nature, non-essential tools commonly found in other distros, like vim, have been excluded.

    Improvements in Version 1.7

    A significant number of fixes focus on addressing problems in Xfce 4.18, but improvements have also been made for GNOME, LXDE, and Cinnamon. The release notes highlight at least 45 changes, and the PorteuX team describes version 1.7 as "a big release" that aims to provide "an exciting and hopefully fast and stable system for everybody" who is willing to try it out.

    For those interested in having multiple portable Linux distributions available on a single USB stick, there’s a 9-in-1 32 GB USB drive available on Amazon for $19.99. This stick, configured by EZISTOL, comes preloaded with Ubuntu, Mint Cinnamon, MX Linux Xfce, Elementary OS, Linux Lite Xfce, Manjaro KDE, Peppermint, Zorin OS Xfce, and Pop!_OS.

    Conclusion

    PorteuX is an appealing option for users seeking a lightweight and flexible Linux environment. It’s designed for speed and efficiency, making it a suitable choice for various computing needs. With the latest updates and a robust selection of desktop environments, it encourages exploration and use among Linux enthusiasts.

    Tags: , ,
  • WeChat’s Encryption Protocol Faces Intense Scrutiny

    WeChat’s Encryption Protocol Faces Intense Scrutiny

    The folks at the University of Toronto’s Citizen Lab recently took a look into WeChat’s encryption and found some potential security weaknesses. With more than a billion users logging in every month, WeChat operates a tailored version of the Transport Layer Security (TLS) 1.3 protocol, which they have named MMTLS.

    Two Layers of Protection

    WeChat’s encryption is designed with two different layers:

    However, even with these two layers in place, the researchers encountered several problems:

    Prior to 2016, WeChat only employed business-layer encryption for its requests. The addition of MMTLS was meant to improve the situation. Yet, while it enhanced the app’s security by making internal encryption more difficult to breach, the researchers claim it still doesn’t fully meet the modern cryptographic standards expected from an app of this scale.

    A Larger Issue in China’s Tech Landscape

    The report highlights a significant concern within the tech industry in China: developers often create their own encryption solutions rather than relying on established protocols like TLS 1.3 or QUIC, which typically results in less secure systems.

    Citizen Lab recommends that Tencent, which is WeChat’s parent company, should adopt a standard TLS configuration or consider combining TLS with QUIC to enhance their security measures.

    Tags: , ,
  • Discover What’s New in Oppo ColorOS 15: Exciting Features!

    Discover What’s New in Oppo ColorOS 15: Exciting Features!

    During the Oppo Developer Conference 2024, the well-known Chinese tech company unveiled the ColorOS 15, which is their official version of Google’s new Android 15 OS. This update comes packed with fresh features, design changes, and much more. Here’s a brief overview of what’s new and exciting.

    ColorOS 15: A Fresh User Interface

    ColorOS 15 has been designed with a focus on functionality that supports form, rather than just looking good. The new version is light and comfortable, promoting a natural and straightforward aesthetic. The aim is to make navigation simple while enhancing personalization options. The apps now transition more smoothly, with refined motion effects and responsive gestures that contribute to a more fluid navigation experience.

    Advanced AI Capabilities

    The newest version of Oppo’s Android skin integrates Artificial Intelligence in a significant way. This integration allows ColorOS 15 to carry out various smart tasks that are useful in everyday life. One of the standout features is Snap-and-Ask, which allows users to take pictures of objects or scenes and receive real-time information through the camera. The AI-driven user interface also includes Virtual Avatars that assist with activities such as language learning and storytelling.

    ColorOS 15 also enhances photography with AI Image Enhancement tools that improve image quality by eliminating unwanted blurs and reflections. For those who need to boost productivity, there’s an AI Voice Summary feature that can record and summarize important points from meetings or audio files for easier reference. Additionally, the AI Office Suite introduces new document management tools. Other notable AI features include Super Xiaobu Assistant, AI Notes, AI Sign, AI Translation, and AI Super Pixel.

    Prioritizing Privacy

    Among the many upgrades, Oppo focused on enhancing device privacy with ColorOS 15. The new version boasts improved encryption through its Trusted Execution Environment (TEE), which secures data transfer between the cloud and the device. Features like Smart Clipboard Protection and Calendar Write Permissions give users more authority over their data, ensuring sensitive information stays private.

    The latest iteration of ColorOS can even automatically delete OTPs after they have been used. Users can also restore original photos if needed. To guarantee total security, Oppo assures that all AI processing occurs within a secure environment dubbed AI Private Computing Cloud.

    Enhanced Connectivity with iOS

    While ColorOS has taken some cues from Apple’s iOS, it has also made strides in improving integration with iPhones. The new ColorOS 15 now supports the wireless transfer of documents, videos, and images between its platform and iOS devices.

    Improved Performance Metrics

    Oppo is introducing performance enhancements with ColorOS 15. The company claims that gaming and video calls can now achieve an average of around 116.7fps. App installation has become about 26 percent quicker, while loading times are 50 percent faster, responsiveness is up by 18 percent, and animations are now 40 percent more stable. Additionally, there’s a threefold increase in efficiency for dynamic cache allocation.

    Image 1
    Image 1
    Tags: , ,
  • ChatGPT for Windows: An Easy-to-Use Electron Web App

    ChatGPT for Windows: An Easy-to-Use Electron Web App

    Earlier this year, OpenAI launched the ChatGPT application for macOS. After a lengthy wait, the ChatGPT app is now available for Windows 10 and Windows 11. Nevertheless, it appears that the company didn’t invest much effort into its Windows release.

    Development Details

    As reported by Windows Latest, the Windows version of the ChatGPT app is essentially a web wrapper built within an Electron container. Microsoft suggests using WebView2 for creating web applications. However, OpenAI opted for the Electron framework, which results in a significantly higher resource consumption compared to apps created with WebView2. The report states that Copilot for Windows 11, which utilizes WebView2, is under 600KB. In stark contrast, the Electron-based ChatGPT app takes up nearly 260 MB.

    Missed Opportunities

    OpenAI could have provided a better experience by developing a native ChatGPT application for Windows as they did for macOS. Instead, they chose to release a web app. This choice seems particularly ironic given Microsoft’s substantial investment in OpenAI. Even if a full native app wasn’t feasible, at the very least, they could have used the WebView2 framework to create a web app that uses fewer resources.

    New Features and Limitations

    On a brighter side, the ChatGPT app for Windows 11 includes a picture-in-picture mode, allowing users to interact with ChatGPT in a smaller window by pressing Alt+Space.

    At present, the app is still in its early development stages, meaning its performance may not be ideal. Additionally, it is currently only accessible to Plus, Team, and Enterprise users.

    Image 1
    Tags: , ,
  • Firefox Restores Option to Remove “List All Tabs” Button

    Firefox Restores Option to Remove “List All Tabs” Button

    On October 10, a user named Postone began a conversation on Mozilla Connect about the inability to turn off or delete the "List All Tabs" button. He also brought up "Tab preview," but Firefox version 131.0.3 only fixed the first issue. Mozilla identified this situation as a bug rather than a planned modification.

    Bug Report Insights

    The Bugzilla page that discusses this matter shows that the problem appeared with Firefox 132. It was marked as a defect with a P1 priority and S2 severity level, but this issue is now resolved. The bug report was closed just eight days ago with a status of "fixed."

    User Experience Concerns

    Regardless of whether it was a bug, the fact that users couldn’t eliminate the "List All Tabs" option was a significant inconsistency in the Firefox user experience. While this problem persisted, those wanting to personalize their interface had the ability to remove nearly all other similar elements, including the "New Tab" button. Currently, things seem fine, but the initial comment from the Mozilla Connect user raises concern for the developers of this browser:

    "It appears, when you compare it to 10 or 15 years ago, things are getting worse and more complex instead of becoming simpler."

    A Nostalgic Read

    For anyone interested in revisiting the early days of the internet, they can find "Where Wizards Stay Up Late: The Origins of the Internet" on Amazon in four different formats. Prices start at $0.99 for the audiobook (with membership) and go up to $24.99 for the hardcover version.

    gHacks Technology News

    Tags: , ,
  • Philips Hue Update: Enhancements for Hue Bridge Released

    Philips Hue Update: Enhancements for Hue Bridge Released

    A recent update is being distributed to the Philips Hue Bridge. The new software version 1967054010 is being sent out to users around the world, enhancing the performance and dependability of the smart home device.

    Rollout Timeline

    According to the release notes, the update should begin in mid-October; however, the company hasn’t mentioned when the full rollout will be finished. Users are reminded to make sure they have the most recent version of the Philips Hue app on their smartphones. Additionally, it’s wise to confirm that automatic updates are turned on in the settings of the Hue Bridge, which you can access through the app.

    Upcoming Features

    This update does not seem to be the significant update that Philips Hue revealed in September, which is said to enhance compatibility with multiple Hue Bridges. There is no announced release date for that software yet. Additionally, Philips Hue has recently introduced software version 1.122.2 for all lamps and light fixtures, which adds support for the Scattered style in gradient lights and introduces four new light effects: Underwater, Cosmos, Sunbeam, and Enchant. These updates are also reflected in the brand’s newest app upgrade.

    Tags: , ,