Month: December 2024

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Samsung One UI 7 Beta: Enhanced Security, Privacy, and Device Integration

Samsung’s One UI 7 operating system has officially launched in beta, with a strong focus on security and privacy enhancements—critical in today’s digital landscape.

Key Features and Improvements:

1. Enhanced Security with Knox Matrix

One of the major updates in One UI 7 is the deeper integration of Samsung’s Knox Matrix security protocol. First introduced in 2023, Knox Matrix uses a secure private blockchain to continuously monitor devices and display their security status through a central dashboard. This dashboard shows the security health of all connected Samsung devices, including phones, tablets, TVs, and appliances.

Green status: If a device shows as green in the dashboard, that means that it’s “up to date and no risks are detected.” If something is at risk, Knox Matrix will provide actionable recommendations. All Samsung devices will soon fall under the One UI umbrella, which should make this integration more seamless.

2. Cloud Data Protection

One UI 7 improves cloud data protection to ensure that all connected devices remain secure and synchronized. The Enhanced Data Protection feature allows users to set up a robust backup plan to safeguard against potential data loss. Additionally, users can now sign in to new devices by verifying the credentials of their previous device, enhancing both security and convenience.

3. Passkeys and Network Controls

To strengthen account security, One UI 7 introduces passkeys for Samsung account logins, providing a more secure alternative to traditional passwords. Users are also given more control over network connections, including:

  • The ability to block 2G networks, which are considered insecure.
  • Preventing automatic connections to unknown Wi-Fi networks, enhancing protection against unauthorized access.

4. Improved Privacy for Texts and Photos

One UI 7 introduces several privacy features aimed at protecting personal data:

  • Location data removal: Users can strip location data from photos before sharing them.
  • Text message security: Hyperlinks in text messages can be blocked to prevent phishing or malicious content.
  • Shared album privacy: Users can lock shared photo albums and disable automatic attachment downloads.
  • USB security: Users can block USB connections for anything other than charging, adding an extra layer of protection.

5. New Theft Protection with Identity Check

Samsung adds a new Identity Check feature to improve device theft protection. If a user’s PIN becomes compromised, this opt-in software forces them to verify their identity to access the device. This adds another layer of security for remote locking, which was already available in previous versions.

Design and Usability Updates

Simplified User Interface: One UI 7 features a cleaner, more streamlined design that focuses on usability and accessibility.

AI Tool Integration: Samsung has expanded its use of AI tools, enhancing overall device performance and user experience.

Redesigned Camera App: The camera app receives a refresh, making it easier to use and more feature-rich.

Teased Features

Samsung also teased an upcoming feature called the Now Bar, which is expected to transform the lock screen experience in a similar way to Apple’s Dynamic Island and Live Activities. However, this feature is not yet available in the beta version.

The One UI 7 beta is currently available for Galaxy S24 series devices in several countries, including the US, Germany, India, South Korea, and Poland. Interested users can apply for the beta through the Samsung Members program. The full release is expected to arrive in the first quarter of 2025.

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Apple and AWS: A Powerful Team-Up in AI

Apple is using artificial intelligence processors from Amazon Web Services to build and power some Apple Intelligence and other services.

While Apple has long used AWS for services like iCloud and Apple One, this relationship now includes AI, with Apple tapping into AWS’s cutting-edge processors to enhance its own offerings.Apple is also testing advanced AWS chips to pretrain some of its AI models as it continues its rapid pivot toward becoming the world’s most widely deployed AI platform.

Not a new relationship

Apple has used AWS servers for years, in part to drive its iCloud and Apple One services and to scale additional capacity at times of peak demand. “One of the unique elements of Apple’s business is the scale at which we operate, and the speed with which we innovate. AWS has been able to keep the pace,” Dupin said.

One of the standout features of this partnership is Apple’s use of AWS’s advanced chips. Dupin shared that Apple is using AWS’s Graviton and Inferentia processors for machine learning tasks, such as search and streaming. The results have been impressive, with a 40% improvement in efficiency compared to older systems. Apple is also exploring AWS’s Trainium 2 chips for pretraining its AI models, expecting a 50% jump in efficiency. These kinds of gains are essential for keeping Apple’s AI projects fast, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly.

AWS Powers Apple Intelligence

On the AWS connection to Apple Intelligence, he explained: “To develop Apple Intelligence, we needed to further scale our infrastructure for training.” As a result, Apple turned to AWS because the service could provide access to the most performant accelerators in quantity. 

Dupin revealed that key areas where Apple uses Amazon’s services include fine-tuning AI models, optimizing trained models to fit on small devices, and “building and finalizing our Apple Intelligence adapters, ready to deploy on Apple devices and servers”.This collaboration allows Apple to roll out powerful new features seamlessly, whether they’re running on an iPhone, Mac, or iPad.

Apple Intelligence is a work in progress and the company is already developing additional services and feature improvements.As Apple expand the capabilities and feature of Apple Intelligence, the company will continue to depend on the scalable, efficient, high-performance accelerator technologies AWS delivers.

The Future of AI and Apple’s Ambitions

It’s clear that Apple’s increasing reliance on AI is part of a long-term plan. While CEO Tim Cook hasn’t shared specific details, he’s made it clear that the company is deeply committed to projects that are “years in the making.” Meanwhile, AWS is positioning itself as a strong alternative to Nvidia, offering AI processors that are both powerful and cost-effective.

But Apple being Apple, there’s always the question of whether it will eventually take this expertise in-house. With its track record of designing innovative hardware like Apple Silicon, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Apple developing its own server processors down the road to gain even more control over its AI systems.

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Samsung to discontinue DeX app for Windows PCs with One UI 7 update

Back in 2017, Samsung released the first showing of DeX (short for “desktop experience”) that allowed high-end Samsung Galaxy phones to plug into a special dock and be used like a desktop PC. In 2019, the dock was eliminated, and in 2020, wireless DeX came out — on Windows, Samsung DeX could be accessed via the DeX app.

But starting with One UI 7, the DeX app for Windows will no longer work; at that point, users are encouraged to switch over to Microsoft’s Phone Link app. One UI 7 is rumored to enter beta testing in mid-December and will likely start rolling out in the US early in 2025.

Spotted by Windows Central, the UK page for Samsung DeX now has a tiny footnote that says as much:

“The DeX for PC on Windows OS will end support from One UI 7 version. We encourage customers to connect mobile phone and PC through the Link to Windows feature.”

However, the US page for Samsung DeX has no such footnote. We’re not sure if this means the page hasn’t been updated yet, or that the outage will only affect some users.

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Google DeepMind launches GenCast AI tool With Impressive Speed and Accuracy

The field of weather forecasting has reached a significant milestone: researchers have introduced GenCast, an AI-driven weather prediction system developed by Google DeepMind. This system demonstrates faster and more accurate forecasts than the ENS model from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF), which has long been regarded as the global leader in weather prediction.

What are the advantages of GenCast?

Improved Accuracy

GenCast outperformed ENS by up to 20% in short-term weather forecasts and showed remarkable precision in predicting the paths of extreme weather events, such as hurricanes and cyclones, including their landfall locations.

Exceptional Efficiency

Unlike traditional physics-based models that require hours of computation on supercomputers, GenCast delivers results in just 8 minutes using a single Google Cloud TPU, a machine-learning-optimized processor.

Innovative Training

The model was trained on 40 years of historical weather data (1979–2018), encompassing a wide range of atmospheric variables such as wind speed, temperature, pressure, and humidity. GenCast builds on its predecessor, GraphCast, by producing probabilistic ensembles of 50 or more forecasts, offering greater reliability for predicting uncertain weather events.

Supportive Role

For now, GenCast is designed to complement rather than replace traditional physics-based methods, providing additional clarity for events such as heatwaves, cold spells, and high winds. Its applications could extend to sectors like renewable energy, where accurate forecasts help optimize power generation.

Implications for Weather Prediction

  • Enhanced Ensemble Forecasting: GenCast’s ability to generate larger and more reliable ensembles provides improved confidence levels for extreme weather predictions.
  • Reduced Computational Costs: The efficiency of GenCast makes high-resolution forecasts more accessible and reduces dependency on expensive computational resources.
  • Transformative Potential: Experts, such as Sarah Dance from the University of Reading, have noted that this technology represents a paradigm shift in forecasting methodology, paving the way for broader adoption of AI-based approaches.

Challenges and Questions

While GenCast’s performance is promising, certain challenges remain. The authors have not answered whether their system has the physical realism to capture the ‘butterfly effect’, the cascade of fast-growing uncertainties, which is critical for effective ensemble forecasting.

The data GenCast trained on combines past observations with physics-based “hindcasts” that need sophisticated maths to fill gaps in historic data.

There is still a long way to go before machine learning approaches can completely replace physics-based forecasting.It remains to be seen whether generative machine learning can replace this step and go straight from the most recent unprocessed observations to a 15-day forecast.

The Road Ahead

GenCast is unlikely to replace traditional forecasting systems in the near future. Instead, it is expected to serve as a powerful assistive tool, augmenting current models and contributing to more accurate predictions. National weather services and industries reliant on precise weather information, such as energy and disaster management, are poised to benefit significantly.

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AI-powered malware targeting Macs increases, report finds

The debate over whether Macs are immune to viruses or whether they need antivirus software has been a longstanding one, and the rise of AI-driven malware has only added fuel to the fire. 

The Myth: Macs Don’t Get Viruses

Many Apple fans and users have long subscribed to the idea that Macs are immune to viruses, bolstered by macOS’s built-in security features like Gatekeeper, XProtect, and its Unix-based architecture. These features certainly make Macs more secure compared to Windows PCs, and indeed, Macs are less likely to be targeted by malware overall. But this doesn’t mean Macs are completely immune to threats.

Over the years, malware specifically designed for Macs has been on the rise. Mac users are still susceptible to phishing attacks, adware, spyware, trojans, and more, even if the incidence of traditional viruses is lower. The truth is, Macs can get viruses, and this is becoming increasingly clear as hackers target this growing user base.

The Reality: AI-Powered Malware and the Changing Threat Landscape

The introduction of AI tools like ChatGPT has added a new dimension to the cybersecurity landscape. Hackers, even those with minimal technical skills, are finding that AI can help them write malware more efficiently. This is where the Moonlock report comes in—highlighting the potential for AI-powered malware creation.

The report highlights examples of inexperienced hackers using ChatGPT to generate working malware. For instance, the hacker “barboris” posted examples of malware code generated through ChatGPT on a forum, noting how they had no prior experience in malware development but were able to leverage AI to create malicious code.

However, the effectiveness of AI-generated malware is not a foregone conclusion. While it’s true that AI tools like ChatGPT can help generate code quickly, the result often requires troubleshooting, debugging, and fine-tuning—tasks that would likely trip up an inexperienced hacker. In other words, ChatGPT is far from a foolproof malware creation tool, especially for someone with no background in cybersecurity.

That said, the ability for novice hackers to leverage AI to create malware represents a significant shift. As AI tools improve and become more accessible, the barriers to entry for malware creation are lower than ever before, which may lead to an increase in targeted attacks on Macs—and indeed, other platforms as well.

Should You Worry?

While it’s true that the threat of AI-driven malware is real, it’s also important not to panic. macOS has strong built-in security features, and Apple has made improvements over the years to protect users. Plus, even if novice hackers are creating malware with the help of AI, the actual risk to individual users is still relatively low—at least for now.

However, it’s important to remain vigilant. Even Macs are vulnerable to more sophisticated attacks, such as zero-day exploits (where hackers take advantage of security flaws not yet patched by Apple). Relying solely on macOS’s built-in defenses may not be enough if you engage in risky online behaviors, like downloading software from untrusted sources or visiting sketchy websites.

Antivirus Software: Worth It?

This is where the debate becomes more nuanced. Antivirus software on Macs is often seen as unnecessary by many users, especially since macOS’s built-in tools are generally effective at detecting and blocking threats. However, there’s no harm in adding an extra layer of protection—especially for those who might be less tech-savvy or are particularly concerned about the rise in AI-driven attacks.

Popular antivirus programs for Macs, such as Malwarebytes, Bitdefender, or Norton, can offer additional protections, particularly for adware, spyware, and more sophisticated threats that might bypass macOS’s built-in tools.

But the decision of whether or not to install antivirus software on your Mac comes down to personal preference and how much risk you’re willing to take. For most users, safe browsing habits and relying on macOS’s built-in security features are enough. However, for those who are particularly concerned about emerging threats or engage in riskier online behaviors, installing antivirus software can provide peace of mind.

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Apple Delays HomeKit Support for Robot Vacuums Until Early 2025

Apple users eagerly anticipating the ability to control their robot vacuums through Siri and HomeKit will have to wait a little longer. In a recent update to its Home product webpage, Apple quietly announced that support for robot vacuum integration has been pushed back to “early 2025.” This delay was first noted by MacRumors.

Promise and the Delay

During its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June, Apple unveiled plans to enhance the Home app with robot vacuum compatibility. The feature was expected to debut by the end of 2024, possibly alongside the iOS 18.2 release. However, the revised timeline indicates that the feature is still under development.

At launch, the integration will allow users to issue commands to robot vacuums via Siri in U.S. English and control their devices through HomeKit. Tasks such as initiating cleaning cycles, switching between sweeping and mopping modes, and monitoring the device’s battery status will all be supported. Additionally, users will be able to incorporate robot vacuums into HomeKit automations, enabling workflows like starting a cleaning session when the house is empty.

Other Delayed iOS 18 Features

Robot vacuum support isn’t the only iOS 18 feature facing delays. Apple has pushed back several other functionalities announced during WWDC. For example, the initial Apple Intelligence features rolled out in October, one month after iOS 18’s public release. Meanwhile, additional AI capabilities and a more advanced version of Siri are still in testing and are now expected in 2025.

Expanded HomeKit Capabilities

Despite delays, iOS 18 has introduced some significant enhancements to the HomeKit experience. These include simplified processes for inviting temporary guests to control HomeKit accessories and support for Ultra Wideband door locks.

iOS 18 is compatible with iPhone XR and later models. Users can update their devices by navigating to Settings > General > Software Update.

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Samsung may unveil augmented reality glasses at Galaxy S25 event

Samsung is poised to make waves in the tech world with the anticipated launch of its first smart glasses, a groundbreaking step in the wearables market. According to Yonhap News, these glasses are likely to be unveiled during the company’s January 2025 Galaxy Unpacked event, where the Galaxy S25 series will also take center stage. However, the smart glasses may steal the spotlight with their innovative features and sleek design.

Focus on Simplicity and Usability

Weighing approximately 50 grams, Samsung’s smart glasses aim to closely mimic traditional eyewear, providing a familiar and lightweight user experience. This design ethos aligns with the trend of creating subtle, unobtrusive wearable devices. Unlike earlier AR devices, these glasses reportedly forego complex hardware like built-in displays or projectors for augmented reality applications, focusing instead on functionalities such as gesture recognition, audio playback, and possibly payment capabilities.

This approach contrasts with Samsung’s ongoing collaboration with Qualcomm and Google on an ambitious XR device powered by smartphones. The new smart glasses, designed in-house, suggest a more conservative and refined take on wearable technology, emphasizing comfort and everyday usability.

Learning from the Past and Competitors

Samsung’s foray into smart glasses is not its first venture into high-tech eyewear. The company previously launched the Samsung Gear VR, a virtual reality headset co-developed with Oculus. While the Gear VR offered an immersive experience, it was hampered by its reliance on specific smartphone models, leading to its eventual discontinuation.

In crafting these new glasses, Samsung appears to be drawing inspiration from the success of Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses, which combine stylish designs with practical features. By leveraging its Galaxy AI technology, Samsung may incorporate advanced functionalities, potentially integrating AI assistants like those seen in Solos AirGo 3 smart glasses.

Anticipated Timeline and Competitive Edge

While the January Unpacked event will likely feature only a teaser for the smart glasses, a full launch is expected in the third quarter of 2025. Samsung’s history of unveiling innovative wearables, such as the Galaxy Ring in 2024, highlights its capability to deliver cutting-edge devices.

The introduction of these smart glasses signifies a growing competitive landscape in the wearable tech market. As Meta, Apple, and other players continue to expand their offerings, Samsung’s entry is poised to bring more choices to consumers, driving innovation across the industry.

By combining user-friendly design, innovative technology, and its established ecosystem, Samsung’s smart glasses could redefine what consumers expect from wearable devices, ensuring a competitive edge in this burgeoning market.

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Apple confirms use of Amazon AI chips for cloud services

According to CNBC, Benoit Dupin, Senior Director of Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence at Apple, spoke at Amazon’s AWS re:Invent conference in Las Vegas about how Apple leverages custom AI chips from Amazon Web Services (AWS) in many of its cloud services. Apple is also evaluating Amazon’s latest AI chips for pre-training its Apple Intelligence models.

“We have a strong relationship, and the infrastructure is both reliable and capable of serving our customers worldwide,” said Dupin.

Apple’s participation in Amazon’s conference and its adoption of the company’s chips signify a strong endorsement of AWS as it competes with Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud for AI investments. Apple also utilizes these competing cloud services.

During the event, Dupin highlighted that Apple has been using AWS chips, such as the Graviton and Inferentia, for over a decade to power services like Siri, search, the App Store, Apple Music, Apple Maps, and more. By leveraging these chips, Apple has achieved a 40% improvement in efficiency compared to Intel and AMD’s x86 chips.

Dupin further confirmed that Apple is currently testing AWS’s latest AI training chip, Trainium2. He stated that Apple expects “up to a 50% improvement in efficiency with pre-training” using the Trainium2 chip.

AWS CEO Matt Garman, in an interview with CNBC, mentioned that Apple was an early adopter and beta tester of the Trainium chips.

“Apple approached us and said, ‘How can you help us enhance our generative AI capabilities? We need infrastructure to build this vision,’” Garman told CNBC’s Kate Rooney. “They had a clear vision for developing Apple Intelligence.”

This fall, Apple launched its first major generative AI product, Apple Intelligence, a suite of services that can summarize notifications, rewrite emails, and generate new emojis. According to the company, Apple Intelligence will integrate with OpenAI’s ChatGPT later this month, and Siri will gain new capabilities for app control and natural speech next year.

Unlike leading chatbots such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT, which rely on large clusters of Nvidia-based servers in the cloud, Apple employs a different approach. It processes as much as possible on local devices, such as iPhones, iPads, or Macs, and delegates complex queries to Apple-operated servers powered by its proprietary M-series chips.

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Honor X9c Smart:MediaTek Dimensity 7025 Ultra SoC, 108-Megapixel Main Camera

Honor X9c Smart has been unveiled in Malaysia with some interesting specs like the Dimensity 7025-Ultra and a huge battery. It resembles the Honor X60 but doubles the bet with an extra camera.

Honor X9c Smart Specifications

The Honor X9c Smart sports a 6.8-inch full-HD+ (2,412 x 1,080 pixels) display with a 120Hz refresh rate, 850nits peak brightness, and dynamic, DC flicker-free dimming. The handset is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 7025 Ultra SoC paired with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of onboard storage,and the virtual RAM feature is also present allowing you to take a portion of storage for an extra 8 GB of RAM. It ships with Android 14-based MagicOS 8.0 skin on top.

For optics, the Honor X9c Smart carries a 108-megapixel main rear camera sensor with f/1.75 aperture and 3x lossless zoom. The phone has a 16-megapixel selfie shooter as well. It is equipped with AI-backed imaging and editing tools.

The Honor X9c Smart is backed by a 5,800mAh battery with 35W wired fast charging support. Connectivity options include dual 5G, 4G LTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.3, OTG, NFC, GPS, and a USB Type-C port. The handset is said to come with a scratch-resistant build, which is claimed to endure 3,000 cycles of steel-wool friction. The phone measures 165.98 x 75.8 x 7.88mm in size and weighs 193g.

Notably, the Honor X9c has an IP65M-rated build for dust and 360-degree water resistance. But the Honor X9c Smart is not “professionally water resistant,” the official listing confirmed. Last, but not least, it comes with a side-mounted fingerprint scanner.

The phone is offered in Moonlight White and Ocean Cyan colourways.Honor has not yet announced the pricing details of the X9c Smart handset. However, the local price will be seen only on December 11, when the orders will begin.

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Tesla launches Apple Watch app to control electric vehicles in upcoming update

Today, Tesla confirmed that an official Apple Watch app is coming soon. As part of the 2024 Tesla Holiday Update, the carmaker will officially release a watchOS version of the Tesla app. It will start arriving as part of an over-the-air (OTA) update that starts rolling out next week.

The app will let users see the current battery charge level, open their car’s frunk, and remotely enable the climate control system. The most notable capability, however, will be using it as a phone key.

A phone key, which lives on smartphones via an application, allows users to lock, unlock, and start the vehicle. In Tesla’s car, the phone key communicates via Bluetooth signals and unlocks the doors as soon as a person pulls the door handle.

Likewise, when users walk away carrying the paired smartphone, the Walk-Away Door Lock system automatically locks the doors. Users have to go through authentication, and once a device is registered as a trusted phone key, they won’t even require internet connectivity to access all the features.

The number of authenticated phone keys allowed by a Tesla car is limited, presumably for safety reasons. Take, for example, the entry-level Tesla Model 3, which only allows up to three phone keys simultaneously.

Tesla cars also support NFC-based car unlocking, similar to the key card the brand offers. Tesla’s blog post doesn’t specify whether the watchOS app will rely on Bluetooth, NFC, or both.

In addition to releasing an Apple Watch app, the Holiday update will also let users watch and locally save clips recorded by their car’s cameras in Dashcam and Sentry Mode. Users will also be able to specify battery charging levels when they reach their destination and check the precipitation situation on the Map.

“When in Reverse, your vehicle will alert you if it detects a pedestrian or vehicle crossing behind you,” says the update note shared on X. In case a cross-traffic object is seen, the car will also issue an audible alert.

On the more playful side of things, there’s a new Emissions feature. It allows you to set any seat to “fart on contact,” which means a fart sound will play when someone sits on that seat. It’s a digital whoopee cushion and the third such fart feature from Tesla, which also has “fart on demand” and “fart on turn signal” settings.

Those are far from the only new features announced by Tesla. A post on X — Elon Musk’s version of Twitter — has the full details. Among the notable updates include the ability to set a preferred battery level upon arrival at your destination, a new alert for cross-traffic while in reverse, and Cybertruck’s “Santa Mode” that turns your car’s avatar into a sleigh.