Category: Software

January 10, 2025
Samsung One UI 8.0 on Android 16 to Bring Back TouchWiz Features
Android 16 is set to arrive much sooner than expected, breaking from Google’s usual release schedule of recent years. Additionally, Samsung seems to be ignoring earlier predictions about its software and is taking steps to customize the next significant software update for its devices.
New Developments in One UI
SmartPrix has discovered hints about the next version of the user interface that will be featured on high-end devices like the Galaxy S24 Ultra, which is currently for sale on Amazon. The new skin, dubbed “One UI 8,” is rumored to bring back some nostalgic elements.
The latest code analysis reveals new references linked to a feature named Decal Shader. This element harks back to the days when TouchWiz was still in use, making it a throwback that hasn’t been seen in a long time.
Exciting Features Ahead
This “feature” is believed to improve the transitions on the home screen compared to One UI 7. However, the well-known leaker Ice Universe suggests that it might also introduce a new kind of lockscreen animation that features a ripple effect. If this leak holds true, it’s unlikely that it will be ready by the time the Galaxy S25 series launches in early 2025.
Source:
Link
Tags: Android 16, Galaxy S24 Ultra, One UI 8
January 10, 2025
Free Software Dominates Steam Charts, Not a Game
Desktop Mate is not a game; it’s a platform that allows users to have desktop mascots. This software brings anime characters to life, making them dynamic companions that can move around, sit on windows, jump between them, or even interact with the mouse. It creates a fun and engaging background for users.
Pricing and Features
The free version of Desktop Mate is available in both English and Japanese, but it only includes the official character Aiel-tan, an anime girl designed by developer Infinite Loop. For about $20, users can buy a paid DLC that adds Hatsune Miku, the famous virtual singer from the Vocaloid software, which is used for generating synthetic voices, to their desktop.
User Experience
Even though Desktop Mate doesn’t provide any useful functions, it offers a way for PC users to add some fun to their workspace. This has been well received on Steam. Since its launch on January 8, the software has gathered over 800 reviews, with 89% being positive. It is currently ranked first in Steam’s “Trending Free” category and leads in the “Trending Games” list on SteamDB.
Source:
Link

Tags: Aiel-tan, Desktop Mate, Hatsune Miku
January 10, 2025
Tails 6.11 Update: Key Security Fixes for Debian-Based Users
A recent security review by Radically Open Security found four vulnerabilities in Tails 6.10 and earlier versions. Thankfully, these issues have been resolved with the release of the 6.11 update. This new version also enhances the detection of partitioning errors. Moreover, several software packages have been updated, although they may not always include the very latest versions.
Details of Security Flaws
Here are the security issues that were identified, along with other significant changes introduced in the Tails 6.11 update:
To automatically upgrade, users must be on Tails 6.0 or higher. If you are using an older version or the automatic upgrade doesn’t work, you will need to upgrade manually. The complete changelog for Tails 6.11 can be found on their website.
Tags: online safety guide, security audit, Tails 6.11
January 8, 2025
Meta Ends Fact-Checking Program and Eases Content Restrictions
Meta has announced a significant overhaul of its content moderation approach for Facebook, Instagram, and Threads. The company is returning to its initial aim of promoting freer expression among users. They will be eliminating their third-party fact-checking system in the U.S. and introducing a new community notes feature, inspired by X’s model.
New Community Notes System
Mark Zuckerberg, the CEO of Meta, pointed out that the existing moderation framework has resulted in too many posts being removed—estimations suggest that 10-20 percent of these removals could be errors. The revamped community notes feature will require feedback from users holding diverse perspectives before adding any extra context to posts, which is expected to reduce potential bias in the moderation process.
Changes to Content Rules
The adjustments extend beyond just fact-checking. Meta will also remove restrictions on discussions surrounding topics such as immigration and gender identity. In future, the automated moderation system will primarily focus on identifying illegal content and serious violations, including terrorism, child exploitation, drug-related posts, fraud, and scams. Less urgent issues will not be flagged unless users bring them to attention.
Relocation of Teams and Political Content
In a significant shift, Meta is relocating its Trust and Safety and Content Moderation teams from California to Texas and other locations across the nation. They are also revising how they manage civic topics, which have been limited since 2021. The platform plans to provide users with more personalized political content based on their interactions, such as clicks and reactions. These updates are anticipated to be implemented in the U.S. over the next few months.
These alterations represent the most substantial change in Meta’s policies since the initiation of the fact-checking program in 2016, and they could potentially impact how billions of individuals engage with and share content on Meta’s social media platforms.
Source: Link
Tags: Community Notes, content moderation, Meta
January 8, 2025
Philips Hue App Update Enhances Customization for Gradient Lights
A fresh update for the Philips Hue app has just been released for both iOS and Android devices. The new version, 5.33, is a small enhancement, bringing one key feature for the smart lighting system. The last update, version 5.32, was launched in mid-December and introduced better support for multiple Hue Bridges along with the addition of new All-day scenes.
Enhanced Control Over Scattered Mode
In the update notes for version 5.33, it’s clear that users gained extra control over the Scattered mode designed for gradient lights. In this mode, assorted colors are spread out randomly along the light. While users already had the option to select colors, they can now also choose how many colors are included in this gradient effect. This newfound feature can be utilized with products such as the Philips Hue Gradient Signe Table Lamp, which is currently priced at $171.81 on Amazon.
How to Access New Settings
To adjust this new setting, simply head to the card for your gradient light. From there, click on the Style icon to change the number of colors, tap on a current color to remove it, or hit the plus icon to introduce an additional color. The Philips Hue app version 5.33 is ready for download from both the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store.
Source: Link
Tags: app update 5.33, Gradient Signe Table Lamp, Philips Hue
January 3, 2025
Cloudflare, PrivadoVPN, and Others Removed from Indian App Stores
The Indian government has taken steps to remove various VPN applications from its app stores. Notable services impacted by these actions include Cloudflare, PrivadoVPN, and Hide.me.
Document Review and Requests
TechCrunch looked into the documents released by the ministry and found a notice from Google to Lumen, a database from Harvard that keeps track of government removal requests. A developer shared with the publication a message from Apple, which referenced a request from the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Center for the app’s removal based on a violation of local laws.
New Regulations for VPN Providers
In 2022, India introduced new regulations that mandated VPN companies to keep user data for a period of five years. This data includes IP addresses, names, email addresses, verified phone numbers, and physical addresses. Furthermore, these providers must supply information to the government when it is requested.
Impact on VPN Companies
As a result of these new rules, many VPN services like NordVPN, Surfshark, and ExpressVPN decided to close their local servers in India. Additionally, a group of cybersecurity experts urged for public discourse regarding the new regulations through an open letter to India’s Computer Emergency Response Team.
Previous App Bans
In 2020, India also prohibited 59 Chinese applications. Among those still banned are TikTok, UC Browser, WeChat, and ES File Explorer, which remain inaccessible in the country.
Source: Link
Tags: Cloudflare, Indian Cyber Laws, VPN Removal
January 3, 2025
Nick Clegg Exits Meta; Joel Kaplan Becomes Global Affairs Chief
Nick Clegg, who is the president of global affairs at Meta, has declared he will resign to allow his deputy, Joel Kaplan, to take the helm.
Background of Clegg and Kaplan
Before his role at Meta, Clegg was the deputy prime minister of the UK and led the Liberal Democrats party. Joel Kaplan, the new president, has been with Meta since 2011, where he managed US public policy. He has a history in politics, having worked under former US President George W. Bush.
Clegg’s Departure Announcement
Clegg shared his decision on Facebook, noting it was “the right time” for him to leave. He described his time at Meta as “an adventure of a lifetime!” and recognized the “significant scrutiny and controversy” the company has dealt with during his tenure.
“I feel proud of the work I’ve done leading and supporting teams throughout the company, ensuring that ongoing innovation can go together with greater transparency and accountability, along with new forms of governance,” stated Clegg.
Implications of the Leadership Change
Many observers interpret this change as Meta’s effort to rebuild its relationship with President-Elect Donald Trump, who is set to assume office this month. Trump had been banned from Facebook and Instagram in 2021 after the Capitol riots, but Meta reinstated his accounts in 2023.
Source: Link
Tags: Joel Kaplan, Meta, Nick Clegg
January 3, 2025
Telegram Introduces Third-Party Verification in Latest Update
Telegram has rolled out its first update of the year, introducing a verification system that enables users to quickly identify sources. This new feature allows official third-party services to attach additional verification icons to both their accounts and chats, making it easier for users to discern authenticity.
Enhancing Security and Trust
The company recently shared that it has achieved profitability for the first time, and it is optimistic that this new system "will help prevent scams and reduce misinformation." When users tap on the verification icon in profiles, they can access more details regarding the account’s verification status.
Telegram clarified that this verification is separate from the checkmark system used for public figures and organizations. Additionally, an account must first be verified by Telegram before it can offer third-party verifications. At this moment, individual user accounts are not eligible for verification on the platform.
New Collectibles Feature
In other news, users can now transform gifts into collectibles that can be traded on NFT marketplaces. Gifts consist of unique messages and emojis that users can send to each other using Telegram’s in-app currency. Recipients of these gifts can upgrade them into collectibles, which reveal a new look and a random secondary trait, such as background color, icon, or number.
Furthermore, users have the ability to react to service messages shown by the platform while receiving gifts, initiating video chats, or adding new members to a group. The update also brings enhanced search bar filters that allow users to narrow down their results into private chats, group chats, or channels. Lastly, custom emojis can now be utilized for naming folders.
Source: Link
Tags: NFT collectibles, Telegram, verification system
January 1, 2025
US Treasury Confirms Breach by Chinese Hackers
The US Treasury Department has reported that it fell victim to a cyberattack carried out by hackers considered to be sponsored by the Chinese government. In a letter sent to US lawmakers, which was shared via TechCrunch, the Treasury revealed that these hackers gained remote access to employee workstations and unclassified documents.
Security Breach Details
The point of entry for the hackers was a third-party software provider named BeyondTrust. This company disclosed that the hackers accessed a security key stored in their database. With this key, the attackers were able to remotely access user workstations that held unclassified documents. Currently, the service is offline.
Ongoing Investigation
The Treasury is collaborating with CISA, the FBI, and other intelligence agencies to assess the extent of the cyberattack. In their statement, the Treasury indicated that, "based on available indicators, the incident has been attributed to a China state-sponsored Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) actor."
China’s Response
Bloomberg reported that a spokesperson from the Chinese Foreign Ministry described these allegations as "unwarranted and groundless." During a press conference in Beijing, spokeswoman Mao Ning stated that China opposes "all forms of hacking, and especially, we oppose the spread of disinformation related to China that is driven by a political agenda."
TechCrunch | Bloomberg
Source: Link
Tags: BeyondTrust, cyberattack, US Treasury
December 30, 2024
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
Tags: ESP32, Ferris on Air, reverse engineering