Google could be working on a ‘Connected Flight Mode’ for Android

Airplane mode on Android phone stock photo 2

Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority
  • A new patent from Google appears to detail something called “Connected Flight Mode.”
  • The feature would be able to automatically switch airplane mode on and off when it detects you’re on a plane.
  • Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connections would still be supported in this mode.

Outside of apps specifically made for the purpose, Airplane mode has always been a feature you have to enable and disable manually on Android. But Google could be working on a new feature that will do it for you.

A new patent from Google has appeared online. According to the document, the patent is for a feature called “Connect Flight Mode,” which would work for mobile computing devices. That includes your phone, tablet, and laptop.

Nearby Share may soon let you scan a QR code to share files

  • Nearby Share lets you share text, links, or files with nearby devices.
  • It uses Bluetooth to scan for nearby devices, meaning sometimes devices won’t be picked up or may be hard to find.
  • As a fallback, Google may let you generate a QR code for the receiver to scan.

Android’s Nearby Share feature makes it easy to share files or links with other nearby Android devices, Chromebooks, or Windows PCs. All you need to do is choose what you want to send, hit the share button, and then select the Nearby Share option in the share sheet. As long as the device you’re trying to share with is close by, it should show up in the menu for you to pick — even if it’s asleep. On those rare occasions when you’re having trouble finding the right device, Google suggests you double check some settings on both devices or simply bring them even closer together. Soon, you’ll have another option to deal with these scenarios.

Google is preparing to upgrade Nearby Share with the ability to show a QR code on the sender’s device. This option will appear at the bottom of the dialog when the service hasn’t picked up any nearby devices. Selecting it will generate a QR code that the receiver can scan using an app like Google Lens. Scanning the code will immediately pair the two devices and initiate the transfer, as shown in the video embedded above.

Galaxy S24 Ultra could finally catch up to fast-charging phones from 2020

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra charger

Credit: Robert Triggs / Android Authority
  • A new leak suggests that the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and S24 Plus will get a battery and charging upgrade.
  • A new battery design could ensure that the next-gen Samsung flagships go up to 65W wired charging speeds.
  • The standard Galaxy S24 may not enjoy these benefits.

When it comes to fast-charging phones, Samsung isn’t the fastest kid on the block by a long shot. The Galaxy S23 Plus and S23 Ultra find themselves restricted to 45W wired charging in a day and age where we have 240W super-fast charging phones on the market. Agreed that the latter might not be the norm or the need of the hour, but Samsung could definitely do with a charging upgrade for its flagships. If a fresh rumor is to be believed, that upgrade might come as soon as next year.

YouTube blocking ad blockers: What you need to know

Google’s YouTube depends on advertising revenue, which should come as no surprise if you’re regularly skipping two-minute ad breaks for products you have no interest in. Ads can be so pervasive that many people have turned to blockers to watch uninterrupted. More recently, however, Google has been testing warning messages threatening to limit web playback unless people disable blockers or pay for YouTube Premium. In this guide we’ll get you up to date on the situation, and whether or not you might be impacted.

When did YouTube start blocking ad blockers?

People first started noticing warning messages in June 2023. On June 30, YouTube confirmed to Android Authority that a test was underway, and as of mid-July the test seems to be continuing. It’s not clear when the program might end or expand further.

VPN by Google One will no longer place you in Texas if you live in New York

VPN by Google One on Pixel 7 Pro notification stock photo

Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority
  • VPN By Google One is getting a new feature to improve your experience on location-based apps and websites.
  • It will soon set your IP location to a local region instead of a broader region by default.
  • You’ll still have the option to select the latter for more privacy.

VPN by Google One is getting an option to improve your experience with location-based services. If you subscribe to Google’s VPN, it will soon allow you to change your default IP address region from broad to local.

US approves Microsoft’s Activision Blizzard deal (Update: FTC appeals ruling)

Joes Xbox Series X 4

Credit: Joe Hindy / Android Authority
  • Judge Jacqueline Scott Corley has denied the FTC’s request for a preliminary injunction on Microsoft’s Activision Blizzard acquisition.
  • Microsoft can now close its deal before the July 18 deadline.
  • Microsoft and the UK Competition and Markets Authority have agreed to pause litigation to further negotiate.
  • The FTC has now filed an appeal to Judge Corley’s ruling.

Update, July 12, 2023 (8:00 PM ET): The FTC has filed a notice that it will appeal Tuesday’s ruling that cleared the way for Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard. The regulator will need the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals to issue an emergency stay to extend the existing temporary restraining order preventing Microsoft from closing the deal, which is set to expire at 11:59 PM PT on July 14th. The CMA also released a statement on Wednesday warning that any restructuring to Microsoft’s deal could lead to a new merger investigation, and talks between it and Microsoft are still in the early stages.


Original, July 11, 2023 (1:51 PM ET): After a week of testimony, Microsoft just got its biggest win of the year. Judge Jacqueline Scott Corley has sided with the tech giant and is allowing Microsoft to close its acquisition of Activision Blizzard.

Understanding the Distinction: Ethical Hacking vs. Cybersecurity

In today’s digital landscape, the need for robust security measures is paramount. Two terms that often come up in discussions regarding safeguarding digital systems are “ethical hacking” and “cybersecurity.” While both are essential components of protecting sensitive information and preventing cyber threats, there are distinct differences between the two. In this article, we will delve into the disparities and similarities between ethical hacking and cybersecurity, shedding light on their unique roles in maintaining a secure online environment.

1.Defining Ethical Hacking: Ethical hacking, also known as penetration testing or white hat hacking, refers to the practice of intentionally probing computer systems, networks, or applications to identify vulnerabilities. Ethical hackers, authorized by the system owners, utilize their skills to simulate potential attacks and expose weaknesses that malicious hackers could exploit. Their primary objective is to help organizations enhance their security defenses by providing actionable recommendations to mitigate risks.

2. Embracing Cybersecurity: Cybersecurity, on the other hand, encompasses a broader scope of protective measures and practices. It involves implementing various strategies, technologies, and protocols to defend computer systems, networks, and data from unauthorized access, breaches, and other potential threats. Cybersecurity professionals work diligently to create a secure infrastructure, develop robust policies and procedures, and deploy cutting-edge tools to safeguard against a wide range of cyberattacks.

3. Objectives and Approaches: The fundamental difference between ethical hacking and cybersecurity lies in their objectives and approaches. Ethical hacking concentrates on discovering vulnerabilities and weaknesses in systems to patch them before malicious hackers can exploit them. Ethical hackers utilize their skills to think like adversaries, at-tempting to breach systems from the perspective of a potential attacker. In contrast, cybersecurity aims to develop comprehensive security protocols and measures to prevent unauthorized access, detect intrusions, and respond effectively to security incidents.

4. Collaboration and Synergy: Despite their contrasting objectives, ethical hacking and cybersecurity are not mutually exclusive but rather complementary. Ethical hackers of-ten work closely with cybersecurity professionals as part of a larger security framework. The findings and insights gained from ethical hacking assessments provide valuable in-put for cybersecurity teams to fortify defenses and design effective security strategies. The collaboration between ethical hackers and cybersecurity experts strengthens overall security posture.

5.  Skill Sets and Training: Ethical hacking requires individuals to possess a deep under-standing of computer systems, networks, programming languages, and cybersecurity concepts. Ethical hackers must stay updated on the latest attack techniques, vulnerabilities, and security trends to effectively identify potential entry points. Conversely, cyber-security professionals encompass a broader skill set that includes risk assessment, policy development, incident response, network defense, cryptography, and compliance.

In conclusion, ethical hacking and cybersecurity serve distinct yet interdependent roles in ensuring the integrity and security of digital systems. Ethical hacking focuses on proactively identifying vulnerabilities, while cybersecurity encompasses a broader range of measures to protect against potential threats. Collaboration between ethical hackers and cybersecurity professionals strengthens overall defenses, allowing organizations to stay one step ahead of cyber-criminals. By comprehending the differences and synergies between these two fields, organizations can enhance their security strategies and effectively safeguard sensitive information in the ever-evolving digital landscape.

The post Understanding the Distinction: Ethical Hacking vs. Cybersecurity appeared first on Cybersecurity Insiders.

Ransomware attack on Hayward City of California

Networked servers of the City of Hayward, California were hacked by a notorious ransomware gang demanding a double-digit figure in millions, only to be paid in cryptocurrency. Chuck Finnie, the Communications and Marketing Officer of Hayward City stated that the infiltration and information breach was detected in this week and assured to reveal more details after prima facie gets concluded.

Finnie stated that the employees dealing with various services were asked not to log onto their computers over the weekend and will be asked to do so until the malware gets removed or neutralized.

Ransomware is kind of malicious software that encrypts data until a ransom is paid. In double extortion attacks, the hackers who launched the attack steal data before encrypting and then sell it on the dark web, if the victim fails to pay the demanded sum on time. In attacks involving triple extortion, hackers threaten the victim of tarnishing their image among their customers, partners, and competitors.

In another incident like the one specified above, computers servers at ZooTampa, located in Tampa, Florida were also hit by malware disrupting the online services since early last week. Security experts suspect that the incident could involve ransomware, but are unsure about file encrypting malware infection.

Forensic experts have been hired by the Zoo authorities to investigate the incident and backup data will be used to keep the data continuity to various applications, intact.

As the zoo authorities do not store details of payments on its servers, such data is free from the attacks.

The post Ransomware attack on Hayward City of California appeared first on Cybersecurity Insiders.

Netflix announces new feature for victims of password-sharing crackdown

What to watch on Netflix

Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority
  • You can now transfer your Netflix profile to any account.
  • The Profile Transfer feature on Netflix no longer requires a new account.
  • The new feature especially benefits those affected by the platform’s new account-sharing restrictions.

Netflix has announced a new Profile Transfer feature for those who might have fallen victim to the platform’s recent password-sharing crackdown. Users can now transfer their Netflix profiles to an existing account instead of requiring a new account.

The best deals of Amazon Prime Day 2023

Amazon Prime Day 2023 has finally arrived. Along with Black Friday, this is one of the biggest sales events of the year and your chance to score huge savings on many of the best devices on the market. Everything from smartphones to coat hangers will be on sale, and you’ll find all of the best promotions on Amazon. But we know that you may not have time to peruse the thousands of offers available, so we’ve rounded up what we consider to be the best deals of Amazon Prime Day 2023. 

One of the quirks of Prime Day is that you have to be an Amazon Prime member to unlock many of the deals. If you’re not already signed up, you might well be eligible to get a free 30-day trial. This lets you take advantage of all the top Prime Day deals, enjoy some of the other perks of Prime membership, and cancel before the trial period ends.


The best deals of Amazon Prime Day 2023

While thousands of deals dropped today, some are much better than others. We’ll keep it short and focus on the best discounts on the most desirable devices in the following four categories:

Is Nothing making a foldable phone? Here’s what Carl Pei has to say

nothing phone 1 logo 1

Credit: Oliver Cragg / Android Authority
  • Nothing’s co-founder Carl Pei recently spoke about the company’s stance on foldable phones.
  • Pei said that consumers aren’t walking around wanting foldable phones.
  • He thinks foldables are still a niche product, something the company won’t be making any time soon.

2023 has definitely been the year of foldable phones. Between Google, OnePlus, OPPO, Motorola, Xiaomi, and Samsung, there’s hardly a smartphone brand that’s not launching a foldable device this year. But newcomer Nothing doesn’t seem to be in a rush to jump onto the bandwagon.

Google XR software lead quits, heavily criticizes company on way out

made by google logo 1

Credit: Rita El Khoury / Android Authority
  • The Google XR software development leader, Mark Lucovsky, has abruptly left the company.
  • Lucovsky criticized Google’s “unstable commitment and vision” in the space.
  • The XR team was blended into two other divisions, the same that oversee smartphones, wearables, etc.

The launch of Apple’s XR headset, known as the Vision Pro, has thrown the industry into chaos. Allegedly, Samsung slapped a significant delay on launching an XR headset it’s working on. At the same time, Meta tried to outgun Apple by launching the Meta Quest 3 right before Apple unveiled the Vision Pro.

It appears the Vision Pro lightning rod has hit Google XR teams, too. According to a self-penned tweet, Senior Director of Engineering — responsible for OS and Software Platform for AR and XR devices — Mark Lucovsky has left Google (h/t 9to5Google). In the tweet, Lucovsky slammed the door on the way out, metaphorically:

Xiaomi Pad 6 goes global with a big spec-sheet and small price

Xiaomi Pad 6 Pro on stage

Created with GIMP
Credit: Xiaomi/YouTube

  • Xiaomi has launched the Pad 6 tablet in Europe after previously launching it in China.
  • The 11-inch slate features a 144Hz refresh rate and is powered by the Snapdragon 870 platform.
  • Xiaomi hasn’t launched the Pro version of the Pad 6 in Europe just yet.

Update: July 9, 2023 (11:35 PM ET): Xiaomi has launched the Pad 6 tablet in Europe at a very attractive price. The tablet is now available in the region in three color options: Gravity Gray, Gold, and Mist Blue. The 6GB RAM and 128GB storage version starts from €399 (~$437), the 8GB+128GB option comes at €429 (~$469), and the 8GB+256GB variant is priced at €449 (~$491). You can read more about the Xiaomi Pad 6 in the original article below. Unfortunately, Xiaomi hasn’t launched the Pad 6 Pro with the Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 chip in Europe.


Original article: April 18, 2023 (9:15 AM ET): Xiaomi has offered its Pad tablets for years now, being among the best Android tablets on the market. Now, the company has announced the Xiaomi Pad 6 series in China, marking the latest entry in its long-running series.

Repairable headphones are the future, but they’re not perfect yet

Repairable headphones aren’t new. Audio stalwarts like Sennheiser have offered replaceable parts for ages. DIYers have been tinkering just as long. However, Fairphone is doing something unique with the Fairbuds XL headphones. (Yes, headphones, not earbuds). These wireless cans wed the right-to-repair movement with sustainability. They don’t look too shabby, either.

I’ve used the Fairbuds XL active noise canceling (ANC) headphones for a week. In that time, I’ve grown excited about the future of modular headsets. At present, though, there are some trade-offs to repairable, sustainable headphones.

The Apple Watch Ultra 2 needs more than a better display to win me over

An Apple Watch Ultra on a user's wrist displays the safety features menu including Siren.

Credit: Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority

Opinion post by
Dhruv Bhutani

I love my Apple Watch Ultra. It might be my first Apple Watch, but coming from a smorgasbord of the best fitness watches ranging from Fitbits to Garmin and Suuntos, nothing else has gripped me the way that Apple’s near-perfect marriage of fitness features and smartwatch…  err… smarts have. But I’m a compulsive upgrader, always on the lookout for the next big upgrade. Despite that, after reading all the Apple Watch Ultra 2 rumors, I’m convinced I’ll skip this one. If the leaks are to be believed, the biggest upgrade this year will be a larger display. Having used the Apple Watch Ultra for the better part of a year, that’s the last thing I want to be upgraded. Here’s why.

The Apple Watch Ultra is already a beast of a wearable, so I don’t expect Apple to increase the watch’s dimensions much, if at all. I suspect the increase in screen size from 1.92 inches to 2.1 inches might come from reduced bezels. That sounds great but also unnecessary. The Apple Watch Ultra has other issues that need sorting out before I’d consider parting with another $800.

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