Source

While rumors suggested that this was on the cards with next gen Ryzen 8000 series, it looks like the current gen is already getting the hybrid treatment.

If you notice in the image above, the Ryzen 5 7545U is similarly specced as the previous 7540U though the difference is that some of those cores are Zen 4c on the new 7545U whereas they are all Zen 4 on the 7540U. If you are wondering, on the hexa-core 7545U, four of the cores out of six are Zen 4c while the remaining two are Zen 4. Meanwhile, on the quad-core Ryzen 3 7440U, two of the cores are Zen 4 while the other two are Zen 4c.

AMD says there is a 35% space saving with its Zen 4c cores compared to the full fledged Zen 4. While Zen 4 is designed for higher clocks (performance per core / single-core performance), Zen 4c is optimized for lower clocks (around 3GHz) for better performance per watt.

While at a quick glance, both AMD and Intel are targeting similar things with these hybrid chips, Team Red claims its design is the more versatile one as it will not require special optimization via hardware scheduler for the operating system, like for Windows or Linux.

In a slide (above), AMD explains why exactly this is the case. Essentially, what the company means is that Zen 4c, unlike the Efficiency Cores or E-Cores on Intel, are just like miniature versions of the large Zen 4 cores. Hence, stuff like simultaneous multi-threading (SMT), instructions per cycle (IPC), instruction set, among others, remain same. As mentioned above, only the cache size has been reduced.

This is very much unlike the E-cores on Intel which lack hyper-threading (SMT) and are quite differently designed than the P-cores which is why special optimization via Thread Director was necessary on Windows 11. Linux too has been integrating similar changes to make the Intel hybrid CPUs work better.

Source

So Android 14 has this pretty horrible storage bug for upgrading users. If you have multiple user accounts on your device, upgrading to Android 14 can actually lock you out of the device's local storage, which creates an incredible number of problems that are all pretty similar to getting hit with device-encrypting "ransomware" malware. Bugs are always going to happen, but the big problem with this is that Google has seemingly been ignoring it, and on Friday we wrote about how users have been piling up hundreds of reports for 10 days without an acknowledgement or fix promised by Google.

 

Apparently one more round of news reports was enough to get the gears moving at Google. Over the weekend the Issue tracker bug has been kicked up from a mid-level "P2" priority to "P0," the highest priority on the issue tracker. The bug has been assigned to someone now, and Googlers have jumped into the thread to make official statements that Google is looking into the matter. Here's the big post from Google on the bug tracker:

 

We are aware of an issue occurring on some Pixel devices (Pixel 6 and later models) that have both received the Android 14 update and have multiple users (other than the primary user) set up. Multiple users include users, guests, restricted profiles, and child users. However, it does not include having more than one Google account within the primary user or work profiles.

 

Depending on the device, this issue can result in the primary user being unable to access media storage. Alternatively, the issue can reboot the device with a “Factory data reset” message. If this message is accepted, data that is not backed up can be lost, and if it is declined, the device repeatedly reboots with the “Pixel is starting” message.

 

We’re continuing to work on fixes for impacted devices, and have already pushed out a Google Play system update that will help prevent this issue from being triggered on additional devices. To check if a Google Play system update is available for your device, follow the instructions in this Help Center article.

 

If you’re experiencing this issue: If your impacted device is unable to access media storage, we anticipate a system update will repair the issue and restore access to media files without requiring a factory reset. If your device is stuck in a "Pixel is starting" boot loop due to this issue, we are investigating methods that may be able to recover some data. We’ll provide more information as soon as it is available.

 

For users who are not experiencing this issue, or have already factory reset their device, we recommend avoiding creating or logging into a secondary user on the device until the OTA update is available.

 

We're sorry for the inconvenience this has caused, and we appreciate your patience.

The highlights here are that Google says the bug affects devices with multiple Android users, not multiple Google accounts or (something we thought originally) users with work profiles. Setting up multiple users means going to the system settings, then "Multiple users," then "Allow multiple users," and you can add a user other than the default one. If you do this, you'll have a user switcher at the bottom of the quick settings. Multiple users all have separate data, separate apps, and separate Google accounts. Child users are probably the most popular reason to use this feature, since you can lock kids out of things like purchasing apps.

 

Shipping a Google Play system update as a quick band-aid is an interesting solution, but as Google's post suggests, this doesn't mean the problem is fixed. Play system updates (these are alternatively called Project Mainline or APEX modules) allow Google to update core system components via the Play Store, but they are really not meant for critical fixes. The big problem is that the Play system updates don't aggressively apply themselves or even let you know that they have downloaded. They just passively, silently wait for a reboot to happen so they can apply. For Pixel users it feels like the horse has already left the barn anyway—like most Pixel phones have automatically applied the ~13-day-old update by now.

 

Users can force Play system updates to happen themselves by going to the system settings, then "Security & Privacy," then "System & updates," then "Google Play system update." If you have an update, you'll be prompted to reboot the phone. Also note that this is totally different from the usual OS update checker location, which is in system settings, then "System," then "System update." The system update screen will happily tell you "Your system is up to date" even if you have a pending Google Play system update. It would be really great to have a single location for OS updates, Google Play System/Mainline updates, and app updates, but they are scattered all over the place and give conflicting "up to date" messages.

 

Finally, it's really good news that Google has a solution in the works for people who have already been locked out of their devices. A factory reset has always been a solution that fixes the problem, but that will also erase all your data, and some people understandably don't want to do that. For people stuck in a "Pixel is starting" boot loop, Google sounds a bit sketchier, with Google planning a fix that will recover "some" data.

 

We'll let you know when any of these fixes come out. Google had better get to work quickly, as some Android partners are already rolling out Android 14 to a much wider audience. Samsung is rolling out Android 14 to the S23 in some regions today, and we really have no idea if this affects Samsung phones or not. Getting started on all of this 10 days ago probably would have helped.

 

Source

What you need to know

• An ex-head of the Windows Phone Developer Experience at Microsoft has revealed why Microsoft pulled the plug on the devices.
• The developer pinpointed the lack of interest by carriers as the main reason that led to the "untimely demise" of Windows Phone.
• In an interview, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella disclosed that cutting support for the device was one of the hardest decisions he has ever made, citing that it was a "strategic mistake."

Killing off Windows Phone might be perhaps one of the hardest (and worst) decisions Microsoft has ever made to date. Even CEO Satya Nadella recently echoed these sentiments in an interview, citing that pulling the plug on Windows Phone was a "strategic mistake."

While the Windows Phone ship has seemingly sailed off completely, avid fans and users of the "futuristic" device like our Managing Editor, Jez Corden, or Senior Editor, Zac Bowden, who can't seem to let it go, never had real clarity (or even, humor me, "closure") on why Microsoft decided to pull the plug.

But now, a former head of the Windows Phone Developer Experience at Microsoft, Brandon Watson, has shed more light on the matter. The developer took to X (formerly Twitter) to provide a more detailed account and reasoning behind the move in a reply to The Verge's Tom Warren.

Per the post shared by the developer, the company was struggling to get carriers to feature the phones with the sales team. This, in turn, prompted Microsoft to buy Nokia (throwback,) but still, it was an "uphill battle" to gain the attention of the sales personnel who were more focused on the iOS hype. Consequently, this negatively impacted in-store sales.

Watson explains:

"They would focus on us for a week or two around a launch, and then we got pushed to the corner of the store. The go-to answer was always to point to the size of the app store, which is just a lazy answer. Unfortunately, the sales people in the carrier stores would default to that answer, and then that's game over."

 

"We had a lot of the major apps, but if you're missing that one core app that a salesperson used in the top 50, that ripple effect from that one salesperson was a really rough go. The combinatorial math got out of control when you consider the number of salespeople and the likelihood of one of their required top 50 apps not being on the Windows Phone platform."

Why did Windows Phone fail?

As far as I can tell, there's no one answer to this question. Windows Phone, in my opinion, was years ahead of its time, running fast and fluid on basic hardware compared to most Android phones at the time. It was also unique and could potentially subdue Apple's and Google's duopoly in the mobile scene if only Microsoft held on a little longer.

Google and Apple were more invested in mobile compared to Microsoft. As such, this made it harder for the company to compete on an even playing field. For this reason, users were more inclined toward Apple and Google devices.

Lack of developer support was also a major pressure point for Microsoft. Windows phones weren't as popular as other operating systems like Android and iOS. As such, developers focused more on these platforms due to their massive user bases. 

Will Windows Phone make a surprising comeback?

(Image credit: Windows Central)

It's highly unlikely that Microsoft will reincarnate Windows Phone after pulling the plug on the project. Besides, if recent events are anything to go by, the chances of this happening are slim to none. In September, the company announced it was dropping official software support for the first-generation Surface Duo after just two Android firmware version updates.

For this reason, I'm sad to admit that I don't think Microsoft will bring back Windows Phone.

I've been following Windows Phone discussions on Reddit for quite some time now and stumbled on an interesting poll at the r/Windows subreddit asking users whether they'd like Microsoft to bring back Windows Phone. Surprisingly, out of the 1,936 votes, only 895 people want the phone to make a comeback.

Would you like to see Windows Phone make a comeback? Let me know in the comments.

Source

Every so often, a Microsoft executive likes to bring up the company's ill-fated mobile phone adventure. Depending on who is talking, killing off Microsoft Mobile was either the best thing the company ever did, or a major misstep.

Most recently, that executive was CEO Satya Nadella, who gave an interview to Business Insider where he was asked about a strategic decision that he regretted in hindsight. In response, Nadella brought up the company's acquisition of Nokia and subsequent exit from its smartphone efforts:

"The decision I think a lot of people talk about - and one of the most difficult decisions I made when I became CEO --was our exit of what I'll call the mobile phone as defined then. In retrospect, I think there could have been ways we could have made it work by perhaps reinventing the category of computing between PCs, tablets, and phones."

I'm sure it was a difficult decision, especially for someone who came to a CEO role that left very big shoes to fill. However, I don't think the problem was that Microsoft killed its smartphone project. I think the problem is the company never had a chance. 

The reality is that Microsoft never really got it right with mobile mostly because it underestimated the potential. More importantly, its business and focus was on the thing that made it money: Windows.

If Microsoft was going to build a smartphone it was going to with the bias that Windows on a laptop or desktop is always going to be the most important computer a person owns. Microsoft's problem is that its assumption was just wrong. 

The irony is that Microsoft might have been the one company that could have built the most useful device for a lot of people: A smartphone that you could carry with you in your pocket, but that you could also plug into a setup that lets you function as though you were working on a desktop computer.

Nadella alludes to as much when he talks about "reinventing the category of computing between PCs, tablets, and phones." That is sort of the ultimate dream of anyone who wishes they only had to carry one device with them.

Other companies have tried to do exactly this, but in most cases, their efforts aren't very good. Microsoft, on the other hand, should have been good at this, but it could not see past the thing that made all the money. It couldn't see past Windows on a desktop computer. 

It's one of the reasons Microsoft is trying so hard to establish itself in the A.I. computing world. The company is making a big bet that generative A.I. is going to be the dominant computing platform in the next five or 10 years, and it wants to own as much as it can.

"For me, the biggest opportunity we have is A.I.," Nadella said. "Just like the cloud transformed every software category, we think A.I. is one such transformational shift."

Listening to Nadella, it seems clear that the thing he regrets most isn't just the fact that he got Microsoft out of the smartphone business, it's that the company never really understood it in the first place. To be honest, killing off Microsoft Mobile was probably the right idea. It was already clear that iOS and Android had won the battle to become the smartphone platforms. 

By the time Microsoft wrote down most of the value of its Nokia acquisition, the smartphone landscape was pretty much settled. Looking back, however, it's easy to understand why Nadella and Microsoft see it as such a miss--the smartphone is the most important computing device in the world and Microsoft doesn't play much of a role, if any. That's far different from its position on desktop computers and the cloud.

The lesson is really pretty simple: The hardest thing to do is predict the future. The second hardest thing to do is imagine that there might be something in the future that is better than whatever made you successful in the first place. That's where Microsoft went wrong, and it's not hard to see why it would be one of Nadella's biggest regrets. 

Source

Source

Facepalm: London authorities aim to have the industry deploy smart meters in the majority of UK homes and small businesses, offering people and companies a convenient method for measuring their actual energy consumption. However, the rollout is still a considerable distance from completion, and a significant number of the smart meters already deployed will cease to function in the coming years.

Millions of smart meters installed in the UK use 2G and 3G networks, two aging mobile infrastructures that providers plan to phase out by the end of 2033. While the latest 4G and 5G networks offer faster and more reliable services, they also pose compatibility issues for meters designed to work on the older networks.

A recent report from the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) highlights how the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) missed multiple targets in the planned smart meter rollout. The original plan aimed to complete the rollout by 2019, but as of March 2023, only 57 percent of meters (32.4 million out of a 57.1 million-install base) were considered "smart."

Additionally, the UK Parliament's report states that around three million (nine percent) of these devices were not functioning properly, and approximately seven million more (a fifth of the total) "will lose functionality" when 2G and 3G mobile networks are phased out. These recently installed smart meters will require replacement or a "costly" hardware upgrade, placing the economic burden on billpayers.

The department has repeatedly delayed its targets and timeframes for smart meter deployment, the report continues. UK authorities are currently aiming for 74.5 percent of homes and approximately 69 percent of small businesses to have a digital meter by the end of 2025. A new regulatory framework intended to encourage further investments in the rollout was introduced in 2022, but only one major supplier was able to meet its installation targets for smart meters covering both gas and electricity supply.

Members of PAC are interested in understanding the actions that regulatory agencies (DESNZ and Ofgem) are taking to increase smart meter adoption and how they plan to address the upcoming issue with devices relying on 2G and 3G mobile communications. The UK Parliament is inquiring about the steps these agencies will take to compel suppliers to replace non-working smart meters and establish a new "timetable" for replacing the communication hub on those 2G and 3G smart meters.

The smart meter deployment program is estimated to cost £13.5 billion ($16.4 billion) from 2013 to 2034. The new devices have the potential to deliver significant cost savings (£19.5 billion or $23.6 billion) for homes and offices.

Source

You can check out what is new in iOS 17 in our dedicated article.

What is new in iOS 17.1?

• AirDrop over the internet. Your iPhone can continue transferring content even after you step out of the AirDrop range.
• StandBy now lets you control the screen time out or keep it working all the time. The change is only available on iPhones with always-on-display support, namely the iPhone 14 Pro and 15 Pro lineup.

•  

• 

•  

• Apple Music improvements:
  • You can add songs, albums, and playlists to your favorites.
  • You can add new artwork to personalize your playlists.
  • Playlists now feature song suggestions at the bottom to "match the vibe."
• The Lock Screen Photo Shuffle now lets you pick an album instead of randomly selected photos from the entire photo library.
• Action Button improvements on the iPhone 15 Pro lineup to prevent accidental activations in pockets or bags using the proximity sensor.
• Flash Indicator on the Dynamic Island for the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max.

Other changes and fixes:

• Home key support for Matter locks
• Improved reliability of Screen Time settings syncing across devices
• Fixes an issue that may cause the Significant Location privacy setting to reset when transferring an Apple Watch or pairing it for the first time
• Resolves an issue where the names of incoming callers may not appear when you are on another call
• Addresses an issue where custom and purchased ringtones may not appear as options for your text tone
• Fixes an issue that may cause the keyboard to be less responsive
• Crash detection optimizations (all iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 models)
• Fixes an issue that may cause display image persistence

Which iPhones support iOS 17.1?

iOS 17.1 is compatible with all iPhones running iOS 17.1:

• iPhone SE (2nd and 3rd generation).
• iPhone XR.
• iPhone XS and XS Max.
• iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, and iPhone 11 Pro Max.
• iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12 Pro, and iPhone 12 Pro Max.
• iPhone 13, iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13 Pro, and iPhone 13 Pro Max.
• iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, and iPhone 14 Pro Max.
• iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max.

How to download iOS 17.1?

Launch the Settings app and navigate to General > Software Update.

Source

The Snapdragon® 8 Gen 3 Mobile Platform delivers premium-level performance across all your mobile experiences. Achieve newfound creativity using generative AI, intelligently capture one-of-a-kind content, get lost in console-defying 240 FPS mobile gaming, or jam out to boundless studio-quality lossless audio—all backed by the world’s fastest mobile connectivity. Possibilities, ignited.

The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 is a 64-bit, 8-core processor, with one prime core reaching up to 3.3GHz, five performance cores at up to 3.2GHz, and two efficiency cores operating at 2.3GHz for less-demanding tasks. Qualcomm says the new SoC delivers 30% better CPU performance and up to 20% better energy efficiency. As for RAM, the max amount now reaches 24GB.

On the GPU side, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 outputs 25% better performance and efficiency, plus a 40% increase in ray tracing. These CPU and GPU improvements result in the platform capable of delivering up to 240FPS gaming and up to 8K upscaling on external monitors. In addition, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 can generate frames for higher-quality scenes and double the frame rate without spikes in power consumption. It is also the first mobile platform to support Unreal Engine 5 Lumen global illumination and reflections.

Besides raw CPU and GPU horsepower, Qualcomm is making a big push into generative AI. The Qualcomm AI engine supports multi-modal generative AI models and on-device calculations for fast text, voice, and image input and processing. The built-in neural processor unit (NPU) boasts up to 98% better performance and up to 40% improved performance-per-watt ratio.

AI and image signal processor (ISP) improvements deliver advanced camera features, such as Video Object Eraser or Photo Expansion. The SoC can also place cryptographic seals to prove that your photos are real and not AI-generated.

The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 also has a built-in Snapdragon X75 modem with advanced 5G support, Wi-Fi 7, and Bluetooth 5.4.

Qualcomm says its newest mobile SoC will be available in smartphones from ASUS, Honor, iQOO, MEIZU, NIO, Nubia, OnePlus, OPPO, realme, Redmi, RedMagic, Sony, vivo, Xiaomi, and ZTE.

Source

We’ve previously and exclusively reported it’ll be the tech maker’s debut in a mobile platform designed specifically for generative AI, so there’s no denying that it could be the next big thing. 

The new smartphone chip will also be used in top-of-the-line phones from many different companies. Will it be the upcoming Galaxy S24 in February? Or will Google finally ditch Tensor for this?

Who knows, but one thing is for sure: the leaked internal document reveals some of the top brands, including ASUS, Honor, OnePlus, Sony, Vivo, Xiaomi, and Redmi — with the Snapdragon Seamless ecosystem (via Windows Report) coming soon, this will be a game-changer.

Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 vs Gen 2: Full comparison

The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 will have ray tracing and upscale cutscenes up to 8K, challenging the iPhone 15. Its CPU is a 64-bit architecture with 1 Prime core up to 3.3 GHz, 5 Performance cores up to 3.2 GHz, and 2 Efficiency cores up to 2.3 GHz.

Besides that, it also supports Qualcomm Sensing Hub with dual micro NPUs for audio and sensors (just like its predecessor), and dual Always-Sensing ISPs to support two concurrent Always-Sensing Cameras. 

But, enough with the tech jargon. What’s the comparison like between Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and Gen 2? Take a peep at the table below.

Oh, didn’t we also mention that details of the upcoming high-end Snapdragon X Elite have been leaked? It’ll go wheel-to-wheel with the popular Apple M-series chipsets in terms of performance, featuring 12 Oryon high-performance cores, LPDDR5X memory that can support up to 136GB/s, and Adreno GPU that can deliver 4.6 TFLOPS with triple 4K display support.

Source

In his Power On newsletter, Gurman repeats what he has previously stated about Apple getting caught off guard with the rise of generative AI, led by its big rivals Microsoft and Google, along with OpenAI.

Gurman wrote today that Apple SVP Craig Federighi is leading the team to add AI features to iOS 18. He states:

There’s an edict to fill it with features running on the company’s large language model, or LLM, which uses a flood of data to hone AI capabilities. The new features should improve how both Siri and the Messages app can field questions and auto-complete sentences, mirroring recent changes to competing services.

We have reported on the previous rumors that Apple is creating its own LLM, which has the unofficial name Apple GPT. However, today's new report talks more about those plans and how the LLM could be used to improve its Siri digital assistant as soon as 2024.

The story also adds that Apple's head of services, Eddy Cue, is working to add AI features in the company's productivity apps:

Cue’s team is examining how generative AI can be used to help people write in apps like Pages or auto-create slide decks in Keynote. Again, this is similar to what Microsoft has already launched for its Word and PowerPoint apps.

There's also reportedly a debate inside Apple on how to offer its AI services. Some prefer to have it on devices like the iPhone, while others would like for it to be based in the cloud, and still others could support a hybrid solution. Whatever decision is made, it does seem clear that Apple is playing catch up with Microsoft and Google in this area, and it might be too little, too late to board the train at this stage.

Source

The tech maker boasts that the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 — its debut in mobile platform designed specifically for generative AI — is the most powerful and versatile mobile platform on the market. 

It’s perfect for users who want the best possible performance and features in their smartphone. The rumor’s still up in the air, but words on the streets say that we may potentially see the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 powering the upcoming Samsung Galaxy S24 in February next year.

Or, Google may be ditching its ARM64-based Tensor for this. 

One thing for sure is that the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 will definitely challenge iPhone 15’s ray-tracing capability. The tech maker says that its “console-defying” and “premium level” Gen 3 has a ray tracing feature, brought to you by Unreal Engine 5.2, and can upscale cutscenes up to 8K. 

Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3’s full specification

Generative AI is a type of artificial intelligence that can create new content, such as text, code, images, and music. It is still a relatively new technology, but it has the potential to revolutionize many industries, including smartphones.

Not too long ago, leaked internal documents also revealed the company’s upcoming Snapdragon X Elite SoC for Windows PCs. It will reportedly feature 12 Oryon high-performance cores and Adrenu GPU that can deliver 4.6 TFLOPS with triple 4K display support.

Take a peep at Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 full specifications below.

Will the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 be the next best thing?

To call this the next best thing is not too much of a reach: competitors like Apple and Samsung have been doing this closed ecosystem practice, respectively with the Airdrop file-sharing feature and the Galaxy Connect service, for so long. 

This is similar to an open source experience, because it is open to all manufacturers and it allows them to create their own custom solutions.

So, when the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 hit the market, smaller manufacturers that choose the chip to power their machines can potentially and easily create integrated experiences for their users across different devices.

Who knows? Only time will tell. In the meantime, do share your thoughts on this below!

Source

The tech giant says in an announcement that the new feature will be available on all Android devices with large screens including tablets and foldable phones.

To use it, simply tap on a link or attachment in your email, and it will open on the right half of the screen. The email will remain visible on the left half of the screen, so you can easily refer to it as you work with the attachment.

Take a look at how it works below:

Besides this, there are also a few notable changes, especially for apps in big screens. Layouts have been improved on apps like Dropbox and Adobe Acrobat Reader.

Zoom’s new foldable phone design makes hands-free meetings easier, with video in the top half and controls in the bottom.

Just like how it works on a desktop, Evernote, the popular note-taking application, now has a two-pane layout on large-screen devices.

Source

What is new in the October 2023 firmware update for the Surface Duo 2?

Here is the detailed information about the release:

Although you are unlikely to experience issues with the latest firmware update, you should keep in mind that it is non-uninstallable. Therefore, backup important data before installing the October 2023 update. If you are up for more exciting Surface Duo news, check out the latest DuoWOA update, which adds preliminary support for the Surface Dial display accessory and other improvements to make running Windows on the first-gen Surface Duo slightly better.

As a reminder, Microsoft stopped supporting the original Surface Duo in September 2023. Its successor, the Surface Duo 2, will get one more year of support, but chances of getting something more substantial than monthly security patches are extremely slim.

Source

In a major update, WhatsApp has introduced the ability to use two accounts simultaneously on a single Android or iOS device. Previously, users used workarounds like dual apps or the WhatsApp Business app to maintain separate personal and business accounts.

In September, WhatsApp beta on Android started a new interface with an "Add Account" plus button. So far, this feature has been limited to select beta testers.

The new feature eliminates the hassle of logging in and out of accounts. Users need to add a second profile through simple on-screen instructions in the Settings menu. To take advantage of this feature, a second phone number and SIM card are required on the device. Depending on device compatibility, this can be a physical secondary SIM or eSIM support.

Once the secondary number is activated, open the app and go to Settings. There will now be an option to click the arrow next to the existing account name. This will open the 'Add Account' option and set up the second profile. Both profiles can be managed independently with separate privacy, notification, and block list settings.

The multi-account feature is being rolled out gradually. If you don't see the arrow option, check the Play Store or App Store for pending WhatsApp updates.

On the other hand, the platform has warned users against downloading and using fake WhatsApp apps. These apps may promise additional features or functionality, but they are not secure and can put your privacy at risk.

As a reminder, only use the official WhatsApp and don't download imitations or fake versions to get more accounts on your phone. Your messages are only secure and private when using the official WhatsApp.

Another upcoming feature is an improved user interface, which has been in the works for several months and is inspired by Material Design 3. In addition, WhatsApp is currently testing a new reply bar for images and videos on Android.

Source

Apple Pencil has revolutionized note taking, sketching, and illustrating, unleashing endless possibilities for productivity and creativity. Combined with the versatility of iPad, the new Apple Pencil unlocks another great option to experience the magic of digital handwriting, annotation, marking up documents, and more.

Unlike the second-generation Apple Pencil, unveiled in 2018, the new budget-friendly variant does not feature magnetic charging and pairing. It uses a conventional USB-C port covered with a sliding cap—no more weird contraptions with a stylus sticking out of your iPad. However, you can magnetically attach the pencil to a side of your iPad for convenient storage.

Wireless connection and charging is not the only thing Apple has removed—there is no pressure sensitivity and double-tap for toggling between tools. Other than that, the tablet still features tilt recognition, low latency, high precision, and hover when paired with the latest iPad Pro models.

The new USB-C Apple Pencil works with the following iPads:

• iPad 10th gen
• iPad mini 6
• iPad Air 4 and Air 5
• iPad Pro 11-inch
• iPad Pro 12.9-inch 3rd generation and newer

Interestingly, the iPad 10th gen is the first and only iPad to support two generations of Apple Pencil: you can use it with the original Apple Pencil with a Lightning connector or the new USB-C model. However, the latter will not work with older iPads compatible with the first-generation Apple Pencil.

The $79 Apple Pencil with a USB-C port will be available in the United States in early November 2023. Students and educators can get it for $10 less. You can preorder it on the official Apple website.

Source

Traditionally, users sign in on Internet sites and in apps with a username and password. While easily set up, anyone with access to the information may sign-in to the account.

Passkeys use a different system. They are generated on the user's device and only public information is shared with services on the Internet and with apps. Users may then sign-in using face, fingerprint or pins, or hardware keys.

The main advantage in regards to security is that it eliminates phishing attacks and the leaking of user passwords in server breaches.

WhatsApp, a Meta-owned company, published the following information on Twitter: "Android users can easily and securely log back in with passkeys ? only your face, finger print, or pin unlocks your WhatsApp account".

The new functionality is rolling out to all users, but it may take some time before everyone gets the option. WhatsApp users on Android may check support for passkeys in the following way:

1. Open WhatsApp on the Android device.
2. Select the three-dots menu and then Settings.
3. Open Account.

A new Passkeys option should be visible as an option next to security notifications, two-step verification, change number and other entries. The user-generated passkey is stored locally in the Google Password Manager.

WhatsApp users may use the passkey to verify their identity using the selected authentication method, e.g., Pin or fingerprint. WhatsApp uses SMS to verify the identity currently. This method is insecure, as the code is submitted in plain text. Man-in-the-Middle attacks can exploit this weakness.

This feature adds another layer of security to the account. In particular, it prevents the unauthorized verification of an account, as the passkey is required to verify the identity.

Source

That is what Mark Gurman said in his latest PowerOn newsletter. So how is this going to work?

The Bloomberg journalist says that Apple has developed a proprietary pad-like device, on which stores can place boxes of iPhones on. This device will switch on the iPhones wirelessly, and install the latest software updates for the device, and power the phone down. There aren't more details about how it works. It is quite remarkable that a brand-new, sealed phone can be updated in such a way.

This is a niche improvement, one that is unlikely to impress many users. But I think this might be a good idea. For one, it could save precious time, and offer a better out-of-the-box experience. Let's say you buy a new iPhone, you go home, boot it up and connect to the Wi-Fi to log in to your Apple ID. And then you get a prompt about an iOS update, and you're probably going to just plug the phone to the charger and walk away while it finishes installing the update.

On the other hand, if the operating system is already up-to-date, you may use the device for longer immediately, for example, to install your favorite apps, or even jump into video calls right away. There is another advantage to having the latest software on your new device, remember the recent overheating issues that were reported by iPhone 15 users? Those issues were fixed in the iOS 17.0.3 update. There was also the instance of iPhones being stuck on the Apple logo, which was caused by an issue with the backup / restore system. This bug was patched in iOS 17.0.2, but iPhones had to be updated to a specific version before the process was triggered. If a new phone came with the latest version out of the box, you may not even run into such critical bugs.

And not everyone is tech-savvy, some might get annoyed that their new phone is asking them to install something as soon as they started it, in this case an iOS update, while others may not be aware of what to do. Many customers who buy iPhones at a store, often ask the store's employees to help them set up their device. An up-to-date software can shave off several minutes during the set-up process, and help the employee finish their task more efficiently.

Now, there have been questions about the feature opening up possible attack vectors. While these concerns are valid, it should also be noted that iOS versions are digitally signed by Apple and the devices communicate with the company's servers to verify them, so the probability of sideloading an unsigned package (read malware) is likely very low. It all depends on the workflow, in this case, the Setup Assistant, which is likely used to manage the updates.

Apple is expected to roll out its wireless pad-like device to its stores before the end of the year, so the next time you buy an iPhone, it could already be running on the latest software.

Source

You've received your new iPhone 15, carefully unboxed it, applied the case and screen protector (unless you're an absolute rebel like me), given it some charge, and now it's finally time to give the new features a whirl. Oh, wait, what's that? A software update needs to be downloaded and installed. Better go and make a cup of tea.

It's an all-too-familiar scene for most iPhone users – but one that could soon become a thing of the past. According to new reports, Apple could soon do away with the need to update the phone after unboxing it, with a revolutionary new method of updating it while still sealed. 

Apple store employees could soon provide updates without opening the box (Image credit: Brooks Kraft LLC/Corbis via Getty Images)

According to everyone's favourite Apple leaker, Mark Gurman, Apple has created a "proprietary pad-like device," which an Apple employee could place the boxed iPhone on top of. This could turn on the iPhone, update the software, then turn it off – all without the box being opened. And Gurman claims it's coming to Apple stores before the end of this year (it isn't clear yet whether online orders can also be updated through the box).

It's pretty impressive sounding tech, which could not only save the inconvenience of having to update after purchasing, but also serve an important security purpose. Apple occasionally has to issue emergency updates when security flaws are discovered, and the new solution could ensure boxed iPhones remain secure. Unsurprisingly, the idea is already impressing fans:

Source

Here is what is new in Surface Duo Windows drivers version 2310.45:

• Preliminary WIP support for Surface Dial

   

• Addresses an issue where the phone may take longer to shutdown/reboot or show a bugcheck screen during shutdown/reboot

   

• Addresses an issue preventing Operating System upgrades from working for OS flights in the Windows Insider Canary Channel

   

• General system stability improvements to enhance the user's experience.

And here is the changelog for the Surface Duo 2 (still a Proof of Concept, so nothing extraordinary):

• Merges most generic changes from Surface Duo (1st Gen) to Surface Duo 2
• Resolves an issue where touch would not be functional in the most recent releases
• Updates some system drivers to their latest october versions
• General system stability improvements to enhance the user's experience.

You can download the new drivers from GitHub.

For those unfamiliar, Microsoft unveiled the Surface Dial in October 2016 alongside three compatible devices: the original Surface Studio, the Surface Book, and the fourth-generation Surface Pro (it received on-display support only in 2018). The idea was to give artists and other customers a new method to control tools and functions in compatible apps by rotating or pressing the dial placed directly on the display.

Microsoft seemingly gave up on the accessory since displays in the latest Surface devices no longer support the dial, and it never received a successor with new features or improvements. However, seven years after the announcement, the Surface Dial is still available on Amazon for $75.99, 25% off its original MSRP. Soon, thanks to the power of enthusiasm, you may be able to use this quirky display accessory with the Surface Duo, a device never made to work with such peripherals or run a desktop operating system.

We may earn an affiliate commission when you purchase through links on our site.

Source

Source

Source

Microsoft execs like its Xbox head Phil Spencer have not hidden the fact that the company sees the real future of gaming is expanding to the mobile device market. Getting access to King's popular games, like the Candy Crush titles, will help, along with other titles like Call of Duty Mobile and Diablo Immortal, among others.

Beyond that, Spencer has also stated in previous interviews that Microsoft wants to make a new mobile app store that will offer competition to Apple's iOS app store and the Google Play Store for Android games. In a chat with the UK Times back in February, Spencer stated:

We definitely get support from regulators when we talk about opening up mobile and being a credible third-party alternative on those devices — and we’re a long way from there today.

However, a new report from Windows Central, using unnamed sources, claims Microsoft is indeed working on that mobile game store. Part of the reason is that Apple is rumored to finally allow sideloading for iOS devices in the near future, thanks to the European Union's Digital Markets Act that was approved in 2022. (Google already allows for third-party app stores, like the Samsung Galaxy store on Android devices).

Apple has until March 6, 2024 to start allowing sideloading of apps and app stores on its mobile devices, according to the EU's rules. Windows Central claims Microsoft is getting ready for that day with its mobile game store project. It states:

Microsoft is building the "Steam of mobile," according to my sources, which will offer developers more favorable terms than what Apple currently does on iOS. Much like Epic Games' competing against Steam on the open platform that is Windows 11, Microsoft hopes that by offering developers a better deal, coupled with high-powered exclusives like Minecraft, Diablo Immortal, Warcraft Rumble, and Call of Duty Mobile, it can claw mindshare back from Apple.

It will be interesting to see how this Microsoft mobile game store will be received, especially by iPhone and iPad owners.

Source

WhatsApp's improved user interface has been in development for several months now, as per previous reports. The UI inspired by Material Design 3 brings new icons and colours onto the table. Other changes include a fresh look to the chat bubbles and floating action button.

The updated WhatsApp interface for Android shows the profile icon in the top-right corner along with other options such as Camera and Search. Also, the instant messaging app has updated the dark and light themes with a new green colour. WABetaInfo notes the new UI changes are also visible to a limited number of testers running the latest WhatsApp Business beta.

The feature is expected to roll out to more users in the coming weeks, as per the website. So, it could be possible that the new WhatsApp interface might take some time to land on your Android device, even if you are running the latest compatible beta update.

WhatsApp is also testing a new reply bar for images and videos on Android. Recent reports suggest that an iPad-compatible version of the instant messaging app is also on the cards. Last month, its parent company Meta joined hands with Microsoft to integrate Bing Search features into Meta's AI chatbot.

In recent months, WhatsApp added a number of new features to make the messenger stand firm against rivals. The list includes a revamped version for macOS, HD photos, HD videos, instant video messages, and multiple accounts on a single device.

After denying reports of ads coming to its platform, WhatsApp enabled businesses to take orders and book tickets without leaving the service. It launched a feature called Flows that allows businesses to create customizable forms and rich menus inside the app.

Source

Apple patches an actively exploited threat in iOS 16

You may be aware that Apple released the iOS 17.0.3 update last week to fix overheating issues on iPhone 15 and older models. The update shipped with two important security fixes.

The latest update for iOS 16 includes patches for the same issues. The first of the 2 bugs has been tracked under CVE-2023-42824. This is a kernel level security issue that a local attacker can exploit to gain elevated privileges to the iPhone. Of course to do that, they will need physical access to the device. Apple says it was able to patch the security flaw by improving some checks. The Cupertino company has confirmed that it is aware that the vulnerability may have been actively exploited by hackers on versions of iOS older than iOS 16.6.

The other security issue is tracked as CVE-2023-5217. Per the release notes that the company has published on its support portal, this bug is related to WebRTC, and it could allow a buffer overflow to lead to arbitrary code execution. Apple says it addressed the vulnerability by updating libvpx to 1.13.1.

The iOS 16.7.1 update is available for the iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone X and later. iPadOS 16.7.1 is available for iPad Pro (all models), iPad Air 3rd generation and later, iPad 5th generation and later, and iPad Mini 5th generation and later. The build number for the update is 20H30. The security patch is not exclusive to older device models. If your iPhone or iPad is eligible for the iOS 17 or iPadOS 16 upgrade, but you have chosen to stick with iOS 16, you should install the new patch as soon as possible in order to protect your device. To install the update, head to the Settings app > General > Software Update.

Interested in learning what's new in iOS 17? Check out the top features in it. And for those with a tablet, we have an article to highlight the best features in iPadOS 17.

I'm not sure whether delaying security updates for older devices is a good idea. Sure it may have only arrived a week later than the iOS 17.0.3 patch, but considering the fact that one of the 2 vulnerabilities has been exploited by attackers, I feel that Apple should have acted more responsibly by patching the flaws sooner. It is not clear whether the company will release a similar security patch for older versions of iOS, for context the last security update for iOS 15 was released a month ago. Apple may be renowned for long term OS updates, but Google plans to claim the crown from its rival, by supporting its Pixel phones for up to 7 years of OS updates. It is a bold commitment, and only time will answer if the Mountain View company will fulfill its promise.

Source