Gadgets

Android users, government has an important warning for you: Details

Despite Google‘s attempt at pushing regular security updates and patches to these devices, there have been instances where Android has made some serious headlines about security lapses.
Recently, CERT-In has issued a new “high severity” warning for Android users. The government body has mentioned that “multiple vulnerabilities have been reported in Android which could be exploited by an attacker to obtain sensitive information, gain elevated privileges and cause denial of service on the targeted system”.
For those unaware, CERT-In is a government body responsible for addressing and managing cybersecurity threats, has flagged these vulnerabilities as high-risk and is urging immediate action.
Why these vulnerabilities exist
Android is susceptible to vulnerabilities stemming from deficiencies in the Framework, System, Google Play system updates, Kernel LTS, Arm components, MediaTek components, Qualcomm components, and Qualcomm closed-source components.
Exploiting these vulnerabilities successfully may empower attackers to acquire sensitive information, escalate privileges, and induce denial of service on the targeted system.
Android versions affected
According to the report, the new vulnerabilities have been found in Android 11, Android 12, Android 12L, Android 13 and even the latest version — Android 14.
What users can do about it
CERT-In has mentioned that users need to apply the latest updates to their devices to overcome these vulnerabilities.
In simple words, users are required to check for the latest updates, especially Android security updates, for their devices and install them if available without fail.
For this, head to Settings → Software update and check for the updates.
List of vulnerabilities found
CVE-2023-40106
CVE-2023-40107
CVE-2023-40109
CVE-2023-40110
CVE-2023-40111
CVE-2023-40114
CVE-2023-40105
CVE-2023-40124
CVE-2023-40113
CVE-2023-40100
CVE-2023-40115
CVE-2023-40104
CVE-2023-40112
CVE-2023-21103
CVE-2023-21111
CVE-2023-28469
CVE-2023-32832
CVE-2023-32834
CVE-2023-32835
CVE-2023-32836
CVE-2023-32837
CVE-2023-20702
CVE-2023-33031
CVE-2023-33055
CVE-2023-33059
CVE-2023-33074
CVE-2023-21671
CVE-2023-22388
CVE-2023-28574
CVE-2023-33045
CVE-2023-24852
CVE-2023-28545
CVE-2023-28556
CVE-2023-33047
CVE-2023-33048
CVE-2023-33056
CVE-2023-33061

Gadgets

WhatsApp: How the secret WhatsApp group chat with more than 100 top CEOs missed ChatGPT maker OpenAI CEO Sam Altman’s sacking

It seems that almost everyone was in the dark about the firing of ChatGPT creator Sam Altman. The list includes the CEOs of some of the biggest technology companies in the US, including Facebook parent Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg and Dropbox’s Drew Houston. According to a report in the New York Times, when news broke of Altman’s firing on November 17, a text landed in this private WhatsApp group of more than 100 chief executives of Silicon Valley companies.
What the text in WhatsApp chat group says
“Sam is out,” the text says. Little doubt that the thread immediately blew up with questions: What did Sam do? The flurry of messages that ensued, largely focused on speculation about what Altman might have done to get the chop.
Urgent call to Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella
That same query was reportedly being asked at Microsoft, OpenAI‘s biggest investor. As Altman was being fired, Kevin Scott, Microsoft’s chief technology officer, was said to have received a call from Mira Murati, OpenAI’s chief technology officer. She reportedly told Scott that in a matter of minutes, OpenAI’s board would announce that it had sacked Altman and that she was the interim chief.
Scott is said to have immediately asked someone at Microsoft’s headquarters in Redmond to get Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella out of a meeting he was having with top executives. A shocked Nadella reportedly called Murati about the reasons behind OpenAI board’s decision. Murati is said to have really no answers. Nadella then called D’Angelo, OpenAI’s lead independent director asking what could Altman have done. Nadella is said to have looked for reasoning behind the board’s such abrupt actions?
Was there anything nefarious, he is said to have wondered and asked. “No,” D’Angelo reportedly replied, speaking in generalities.
On its part, OpenAI’s board only said that Altman “was not consistently candid in his communications” with the board.

Gadgets

Tech Mahindra Profit Drops: Toughest quarter in 5 years, says Tech Mahindra CEO as profit drops 40%

India’s fifth largest IT services company Tech Mahindra reported a rough first quarter (April-June) as net profit plunged due to a sharp narrowing of margins. The Mahindra group company had reported a net profit of Rs 1,131.6 crore in the same period last year. In the preceding quarter, the same stood at Rs 1,117.6 crore. The company’s revenues slid to Rs 13,159 crore in the reporting quarter.
Profit dips 40%
Tech Mahindra has reported a nearly 40% year-on-year (YoY) decline in net profit in the three months ending in June
Toughest quarter in five years
Chief executive officer CP Gurnani said that the quarter was marked by large-scale slowdowns, particularly across communication clients. “This quarter is probably one of the toughest quarters I have seen in the last five years, but we believe that we will be able to bring back our growth trajectory,” Gurnani said. “There’s a speed breaker right now and it has influenced the industry. Deal conversions have been impacted. The numbers are not satisfactory on the EBITDA front. My belief is some of the challenges are temporary and we will bounce back over the next few quarters, Gurnani said.
Earnings breakup
The communications, media, and entertainment (CME) vertical, which accounts for about 38% of its revenue, was down 8.2% from a year ago. BFSI revenue was down 3.2% sequentially and 5.4% on-year. Its Europe revenues were down 6.7% over the previous quarter, while US revenues were down 0.5% on-quarter. The Americas, Europe, and RoW (rest of world) all witnessed sequential declines in revenue. The number of active clients dropped by 42 sequentially.
CEO-designate and former Infosys president Mohit Joshi was part of the press conference to announce the June quarter results. Joshi will succeed CP Gurnani later this year.

Gadgets

10 Cool Holiday Tech Gifts And Gadgets For Grandparents

From a heated foot massager to a wireless record player, here are 10 cool tech gifts all grandparents will love.

This holiday season, let comfort and technology go hand in hand when it comes to giving gifts to grandparents. Although sweaters, socks and blankets make for a cozy gift, level up with easy-to-use tech gifts and gadgets anyone over 50 will love.

In fact, seniors are embracing technology more than ever. According to 2023 AARP research, the average adult age 50 and over is expected to spend $912 on technology purchases, up 11 percent from 2021 and up 130 percent from 2019.

The same research also showed that eight of 10 respondents said that technology has become a necessity in their lives. Of the 3,000 people over 50 years old surveyed, 86 percent own a smart phone, 70 percent have a smart TV, 59 percent use a tablet, 31 percent have a home assistant, 28 percent own a wearable device and 24 percent have a smart home -tech devices.

The survey also found that 94 percent text, 88 percent email, 74 percent are on social media and 67 percent video chat. The majority of respondents also said they’re on Facebook and YouTube.

So with most using technology in their everyday lives, amp up your gift giving this season gift your tech-savvy grandparent with a gift they’ll love.

From a collection of winter clothes with warming technology to a smart frame to a Wi-Fi-enhanced Roomba, here are 10 cool tech gifts and gadgets for grandparents for the holiday season.

Kindle Paperwhite

Price: $139.99

Where to buy: Amazon.com

The Kindle Paperwhite comes with eight gigabytes on a 6.8-inch screen and glows with an adjustable warm light. The newest model has up to 10 weeks of battery life and turns pages 20 percent faster. It has a flush-front design that reads like real paper, even in bright sunlight, and is waterproof.

With Kindle Unlimited, readers get unlimited access to more than 2 million books and audio books. Kindle Paperwhite can also be paired with an Audible subscription with Bluetooth headphones or speakers to listen to stories.

iRobot Roomba i3 EVO

Price: $226.96

Where to buy: Amazon.com

The latest iRobot Roomba can connect to Wi-Fi, and Alexa, and can tailor clean each room with smart mapping. The iRobot Roomba has a built-in, three-stage cleaning system with 10 times the suction power. With its Imprint Smart Map, Roomba can be scheduled to clean at any time while navigating walls and furniture. It also has a patented dirt detection technology that can pinpoint problem areas with more mess. Sensors are also used to identify where the small vacuum can and cannot fit.

Loop Digital Photo Frame

Price: $137.49-$169.99

Where to buy: Loopfamily.com

The Loop digital photo frame is the simplest way to share pictures and videos with friends and family on a 10-inch touch screen. The frame connects to Wi-Fi and has 16GB of storage. Loop uses the simplest technology with an easy two-minute set up. Grandparents can send pictures and invite friends to share photos directly through the app.

Amazon Echo Dot

Price: $22.99

Where to buy: Amazon.com

With three colors to choose from, the latest Amazon Echo Dot connects to SiriusXM, Amazon Music, Pandora, Spotify, Apple Music and Bluetooth. The Echo Dot has improved audio with crisper vocals, deeper bass and vibrant sound. It can play music, audiobooks and podcasts as well as provide weather updates, answers to questions and even hear jokes. Users can even set a timer and alarms hands free. Compatible smart home devices can also be controlled and prompted via Amazon Echo. A mic-off button is included added privacy controls.

Apple AirTags

Price: $29

Where to buy: Apple.com

Never lose your belongings again with the Apple AirTag. The AirTag can be attached to keys or placed in a backpack another which can be tracked via radar in the Find My app. Apple devices can also be tracked using the AirTag and can be shared with up to five people. To find a missing item, simply play the sound through the built-in speaker or speak into your Apple device by saying “Hey Siri, find my keys.”

Fieldsheer Mobile Warming Collection

Price: $80-$330

Where to buy: Fieldsheer.com

A pair of socks, gloves, shirts and jackets can all be heated by a simple mobile app. Different heat levels can be controlled through mobile-warming technology and is Bluetooth-based. The heating technology includes wireless pairing for its thin warming panels and a long battery life.

Lively Jitterbug Smart3 Smartphone

Price: $49.99

Where to buy: Bestbuy.com

The Jitterbug Smart3 is for the perfect grandparent who isn’t the most technology savvy or just simply doesn’t want to be. From video chatting to text messaging to getting directions, all of the prompts are easily listed on the screen with large text, no guessing required. The Android phone also has an Urgent Response button for emergencies. Voice typing makes it easier to text and some plans allow for an on-call care advocate for overall health and well-being.

Victrola Stream Onyx Record Player

Price: $399.99

Where to buy: Bestbuy.com

Play record favorites with the Victrola Stream Onyx that enables wireless streaming of vinyl records through Sonos systems. The modern design wireless record player has a matte finish and a slipmat that helps keep records in pristine condition. The Victrola Stream app allows for quick setup and connects the turntable wirelessly to the Sonos system in seconds. The turntable then fully integrates with the Sonos app with a light-up control knob for volume control.

Nest Hub Smart Display with Google Assistant

Price: $49.99

Where to buy: Bestbuy.com

The second-generation Nest from Google offers up a seven-inch display which makes it easy to listen to music and watch shows and videos. Smart home features such as alarm systems and lights can be controlled via Nest via simple tap and voice commands. The display even helps non-morning people wake up with a sunrise alarm. Keep in touch with family through its built-in speakers and broadcast messages through the house to tell everyone that dinner is read. Nest can also track sleep rhythms if placed next to the bed and detect movement and breathing changes using a Motion Sense feature. Access mobile apps through Nest and even book restaurant reservations by simple talk commands.

Renpho Foot Massager

Price: $99.98

Where to buy: Amazon.com

The Renpho heated foot massager offers deep kneading for tired muscles and plantar fasciitis and fits feet up to men size 12. The massager boasts a rotation ball, rolling stick and a heating foot massager offering a shiatsu foot massage. With multiple intensity features, the foot massager provides a comfort level for everyone. The remote-less model offers an easy-touch panel that can be controlled by one foot and has a removable washable cloth for easy clean-up.