According to security firm Trend Micro, hackers infected as many as 8.9 million phones from 50 different brands with malware.

Researchers at Sophos discovered a malware they dubbed Guerrilla, which was identified in 15 apps – all of which, surprisingly, were permitted entry into Google’s Play market

As reported by Ars Technica, the malware works like this:

• The malware opens a backdoor, pushing infected devices to communicate with a remote command-and-control server. 
• Then, the servicer sends malicious updates that collect data about the users. 
• Afterward, the threat actor, which Trend Micro calls the Lemon Group, can sell this data to advertisers. 
• Guerrilla also installs aggressive ad platforms that can deplete battery reserves and degrade the user experience.

People have discovered infected TVs on Amazon

TechCrunch reports that some Android TV boxes sold on Amazon contain hidden malware too.

Here’s how it works: T95 model boxes connect to a server, allowing hackers to install any app they want. They come with clickbot malware that secretly clicks ads to make money for the creators.

How does one protect themselves from malware-ridden boxes? It starts with the buying process. Don’t buy anything from unfamiliar brands.

Instead, go with folks like Samsung, Asus, or OnePlus. They have a proven track record of selling devices that, well, don’t come preinstalled with malware.

Which TV brands are affected by the malware?

In the TechCrunch report, brands such as AllWinner and RockChip are mentioned to have malware-infected TV boxes available on Amazon.

The affected models include AllWinner T95Max, RockChip X12 Plus, and RockChip X88 Pro 10. Amazon has yet to make any public comment on the matter.

Have any thoughts on this? Drop us a line below in the comments, or carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• Microsoft doubles down on Bing AI with new iOS and Android features 
• Android may finally split ringtone volume and notifications sliders
• Android users, malware riddled apps are flooding the Play Store
• New Android feature frees up storage when you really need it

The post Millions of Android TVs & phones could be preinstalled with malware appeared first on KnowTechie.

The video is your standard phone teaser, and it shows multiple Motorola Razr phones folding open and closing, with the camera panning around each device.

Usually, we would just include the video here via Blass’ tweet, but since his Twitter account is private, Twitter embeds aren’t an option.

Instead, you can find the video below or via The Verge’s article here.

Motorola will call the Razr 40 Ultra the Razr+ in the US, while the base model will just be called the Razr 40. Additionally, the non-Ultra device will have a smaller display on the outside versus a larger display on the Ultra model. 

Users can customize the built-in software

Motorola has upgraded some of the UI elements for its Android-based launcher. Users can customize font, layout, color, theme, and wallpaper.

Motorola also offers other types of devices as well

The company used to offer budget devices for quite some time. Recently, Motorola re-entered the smartphone market with more mid-range and higher-end devices.

These include the G Stylus and the Edge series. Details-wise, the G Stylus offers a more affordable version compared to the Samsung Note line.

The Edge and Edge Plus series features high-end options like curved displays and faster processors. 

The G Stylus 2023 is now available and can be picked up at Motorola and Amazon for roughly $199. However, Motorola is currently offering $50 off.

Additionally, customers can find the most recent Edge on the company website or Amazon for $349, which is significantly cheaper than the original $599 price tag. 

Motorola says both models will launch on June 1.

Have any thoughts on this? Drop us a line below in the comments, or carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• Is Samsung faking your Moon photos?
• Review Roundup: Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra – a minor upgrade
• The Galaxy S23 is stuffed with a ridiculous amount of bloatware
• Amazon will pay you $2 a month to monitor your phone

The post Newly leaked Motorola ad reveals the Razr 40 in all its glory appeared first on KnowTechie.

The company has seen significant growth since 2021, increasing 3x the number of clients it previously held.

The service is a remote assistant application for busy high-level employees. It unites executives with experienced part-time assistants and developed delegation tools to save time and stay attentive.

As a user, you can communicate with your heavily vetted assistant through the Double app or website. And what was once previously tailored to one-on-one connections expands to team full-on teams.

Double’s task assignment system allows C-suite members to focus on what they do best. As a result, executives can focus more on functions directly impacting their bottom lines, such as strategy and planning.

The result is fewer working hours, higher productivity, and improved mental and physical health for executives who use Double. 

“We were seeing so much additional demand from executives whose work and personal lives have been transformed by their Double, who wanted to quickly extend those benefits to their teams,” explained Alice Default, Co-Founder and CEO of Double. “

Double executive assistants, or “Doubles,” are locally US-based, thoroughly vetted, and hand-selected based on specific team needs.

With proprietary delegation tools, Doubles go above and beyond traditional EAs and virtual assistants, handling tasks such as email, scheduling, social media, events, and even personal tasks like managing fitness routines or Airbnb portfolios.

“My Double assistant has been a lever for productivity and growth, allowing me to delegate essential but time-consuming tasks to free up time for more strategic work,” said Julie Hansen, Babbel U.S. CEO and Double for Teams user. “Expanding this option to the wider team at Babbel was a natural and seamless way to continue growing while responsibly managing costs.”

To date, Doubles have saved executives over 250,000 hours, allowing them to prioritize tasks and drive business impact.

Double’s headquarters are in New York City, and it has raised $14.5 million in funding from investors like FJ Labs and Teamworthy Ventures. Learn more about Doubles here.

Have any thoughts on this? Drop us a line below in the comments, or carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• Meta’s ‘flat’ management structure is a pipe dream – here’s why
• Tech companies are losing female talent at alarming rates
• Three steps to better performing Facebook ads
• Five social channels under-utilized by businesses

The post Double, remote assistant service, expands with team-focused options appeared first on KnowTechie.

Of course, the company already launched this in other parts of the world like Canada, New Zealand, Portugal, and Spain. But now, it’s here stateside.

The company posted its official announcement today on its blog with an adamant warning, “A Netflix account is for use by one household.”

Here’s how it breaks down:

• With the $15.49/month Netflix Standard plan, you can add one user for $7.99/month.
• The Premium 4K plan allows up to two extra members at $7.99 each.
• However, Basic and Standard with Ads plans ($9.99 and $6.99/month) don’t offer this option.

When will this go into effect?

Currently, Netflix is emailing subscribers warning them of the change and suggesting they change their passwords and log unwanted users out of their accounts.

The streaming giant understands and already knows this will increase revenue for the company. In addition, users that share accounts make up a large percentage of the user base. So Netflix sees an opportunity here to make more money. 

In 2022, the company lost subscribers for the first time and they want to avoid falling back into a situation like that. And to be to fair, you can’t fault for them that.

Have any thoughts on this? Drop us a line below in the comments, or carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• Your TV may soon host Netflix’s gaming service
• Netflix doubles down on 40 more games nobody asked for
• Netflix kills the ‘Surprise Me’ button that no one uses
• Prime Video overtakes Netflix as the top streaming platform

The post Netflix’s password shakedown begins now, $8 per user appeared first on KnowTechie.

Speaking to Tom’s Guide, Google project manager George Hwang discussed the future of Pixel devices.

When asked about potential new developments, Hwang confirmed, “We’re always looking at different types of devices, different types of technologies, and it’s really interesting. We’re definitely looking at it.” 

Foldables like the Galaxy Z Fold and Pixel Fold have been grabbing headlines recently, along with other devices such as the Motorola Razr and Galaxy Z Flip.

Moreover, both Samsung and Motorola have consistently provided updates for these products on a yearly basis.

Cheaper foldables are coming

The Z Flip and the Motorola Razr flip phones are significantly cheaper than the Pixel Fold and Z Fold. Motorola has even decreased the price of the Razr 40 and Ultra, compared to the Razr 3 from previous years. 

Consumers can feel better about having more access to affordable tech that bends, which is a good thing. Spending $999 on a more compact device than a standard phone will also be nice.

Clamshell folding phones are cheaper

On the other hand, 2-in-1 devices have higher price tags which are probably why clamshell machines sell more. According to Derrek Lee from Android Police, the Galaxy Z Flip was the best-selling folding phone of 2022. 

With Google considering alternative designs for the Pixel line, launching a new device in this market could help increase overall sales for the Pixel brand. 

Competition in the market will create a better situation for all folding devices.

Google’s Pixel Fold is thinner than Samsung’s Z Fold. When things like this happen in tech, it usually pushes the other company to improve its own products to outmatch the competition. 

As Google explores other types of devices, it should help redirect traffic in the right direction for other Android manufacturers. 

Folding phones provide additional software enhancements

Companies typically improve their software when developing folding hardware.

For instance, upon launching dual-screen devices, Microsoft introduced Android 12L for the Surface Duo, while Samsung enhanced One UI by adding more multitasking capabilities.

As always, we will keep you updated on any new developments .

Have any thoughts on this? Drop us a line below in the comments, or carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• Lenovo’s new ThinkPad X1 Fold features a 16″ folding screen
• Apple might be working on a 20-inch folding screen for some reason
• Folding phones are causing people to switch brands in massive numbers, says Samsung
• Samsung’s new $999 Galaxy Z Flip 3 is the cheapest folding phone on the planet right now

Just a heads up, if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale. It’s one of the ways we keep the lights on here. Click here for more.

The post Google is considering diversifying its folding device lineup appeared first on KnowTechie.

Google announced this as an upgrade to its accessibility features in many of its products. Dyslexic readers often struggle to type and spell accurately, so the feature is particularly beneficial for them.

It’s also important to note that mistyped URLs can lead to dangerous websites. These sites can then target unsuspecting users with malware or scams.

What else is Google working on?

Additionally, the company highlighted new Chrome additions in a blog post, which we detailed below:

• Lookout is adding a new feature called Image Question and Answer for a select group from the blind and low-vision communities. Users can use their voices to get additional information about images. 
• TalkBack users will receive a newly updated Chrome tabs window. This will enable them to use grouped tabs and reordering.
• Google updated Wear OS to include additional accessibility features. Users can use these new features to customize their watches.
• Live Caption will now use AI to offer more services. Google is adding this to Android tablets. 
• Furthermore, the company is expanding Live Caption for calls so users have more ways to communicate back and forth.
• Lastly, Google added additional languages like German, French, and Italian to Live Caption.

Google is updating Maps as well

Google Maps is making it easier for people in wheelchairs to access places that accommodate their needs.

In addition, Maps is getting an upgrade to reflect a wheelchair symbol for addresses that meet these accessibility standards. Before, it wasn’t available for all users, but it will be now. 

Local Guides is a feature that’s been around Google since 2015. This service is community-based and has helped local communities all around the world identify locations that people with disabilities can access.

For more information on all the accessibility Google is rolling out to Chrome and the Android ecosystem, check out the company’s blog post here.

Have any thoughts on this? Drop us a line below in the comments, or carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• Chrome users urged to update again due to “high severity” exploit
• Chrome users: Update now; critical security update rolling out now
• Microsoft adds aggressive Edge ad to Chrome download page
• Google Chrome finally adds memory and energy-saving modes

The post Google will finally correct your URL typos in Chrome appeared first on KnowTechie.

Furthermore, parents will be able to maintain control over their spending. The company states that teens aged 13-17 are eligible for accounts, hoping they learn money management through the Venmo app.

Erika Sanchez, Vice President of Venmo, describes why the company wants to venture into teen finance:

“Venmo is a natural place for teens to learn how to engage with money responsibly, especially considering 86% of Gen Z are interested in using an app to learn about personal finance.”

Venmo has also confirmed additional details about the service:

• An adult must link their account to a teen account
• The linked adult account can set spending limits, approve or deny transactions, and view their teen’s transaction history
• The linked account can also edit Privacy settings for friends lists and transaction history.
• Additionally, the linked adult account can also edit security information like PINs
• Mastercard issues the debit card
• There are no monthly fees, and in-network ATM withdrawals are free
• The teen account will allow direct deposit

Additionally, teens that use this service can also access financial education resources that will help them learn money management skills.

How can users sign up for Venmo Teen accounts?

For adults only, follow these steps: Venmo App > Me > Create a teen account > Teen Debit Card > Continue to enter information about your child.

Venmo Teen Accounts are rolling out to select customers from June 2023 and will be widely available in the coming weeks.

Additionally, parents have the option to choose a Teen Debit Card color and provide their teen’s details, such as name, date of birth, and address.

Can Venmo ensure teen security despite past privacy concerns?

A University of Southern California study found that 40% of Venmo users have had their personal information exposed on the platform, such as their names, addresses, and phone numbers.

Ultimately, criminals could use this sort of information to commit crimes.

Remember, Venmo isn’t your only option here. If you discover Venmo’s Teen accounts aren’t right for you or your teen,  this list of the top financial apps for teens is a good place to start.

Have any thoughts on this? Drop us a line below in the comments, or carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• Tap to Pay on iPhone will soon work with PayPal and Venmo
• Venmo is now accepted on Amazon
• Do you use apps like Robinhood, Venmo, and Coinbase? You might be owed some money
• Cash apps like Venmo and PayPal now required to report $600+ transactions to the IRS

The post Venmo teen accounts offer debit cards for ages 13+ appeared first on KnowTechie.

The update includes patches for three actively exploited vulnerabilities, which could have been used to steal data or take control of devices.

Speaking to Forbes, Sean Wright, a security engineer for Apple, said: “Chaining some of these vulnerabilities together could potentially allow an attacker to be able to remotely gain full control of a device”

Apple’s support document lists the three actively exploited vulnerabilities:

What devices are affected?

• iPhone 8 and later.
• All iPad Pros devices.
• iPad Air 3rd generation and later. 
• iPad 5th generation and later.
• iPad mini 5th generation.

How can hackers use these security issues to target people?

The Web Content security sandbox is a security feature that helps to protect users from malicious web content. By breaking out of the sandbox, an attacker could access the user’s device and steal data or install malware.

Furthermore, disclosing sensitive information could allow attackers to learn about users’ browsing habits or other personal information. Additionally, this information could target the user with phishing attacks or other forms of fraud.

Lastly, arbitrary code execution is a vulnerability that could allow an attacker to run any code on the user’s device.

How can I update to the latest version of iOS?

To update your device, go to Settings > General > Software Update. If you see iOS 16.5 available, tap Download and Install.

Apple has already released notes for iOS 16.6 beta, so the company is already getting a headstart on the next set of security vulnerabilities. Users can sign up for the beta program for Apple here. 

Have any thoughts on this? Drop us a line below in the comments, or carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• New iOS 16.5 & macOS 13.4 rolling out now – here’s what’s new
• Microsoft doubles down on Bing AI with new iOS and Android features 
• OpenAI now has an official ChatGPT app for iOS
• iOS 17: Apple fully commits to users ‘most requested’ features

The post iPhone users: Critical iOS 16.5 patch available, download now appeared first on KnowTechie.

Spacetop is a small, lightweight device that has no physical screen. Instead, it uses AR glasses to project a virtual screen in front of the user’s eyes.

This allows users to work on a large virtual desktop while using an included keyboard for typing. According to the company’s website, here are some of the critical specifications of the device:

• AR-based desktop functionality.

• Powered by a Snapdragon 865 processor

• 8GB of RAM 

• Allows 256GB of storage

• Also featuring an Adreno 650 GPU

• 100-inch virtual space

• 1080p resolution is offered per eye. 

The device dimensions are 1.57 inches in height, 10.47 inches in width, and 8.8 inches in depth, with a weight of 3.3 pounds. Its presence is comparable to a standard 3-4 pound laptop, ensuring familiarity for most customers.

All in all, these specs depict a device with exceptional multitasking capability. Correspondingly, it should be able to display everything in a good resolution.

How much is this, and when will it be available?

The Spacetop is available for pre-order now and will start shipping in July. 2023. Additionally, it starts at $1,999.

Why is this device important?

The Spacetop AR Laptop shows that the AR industry is growing up. We’ll likely see more AR devices with new features and purposes as AR technology improves.

I welcome tech like this because it will progressively improve remote work. Prices may be high now but will continue to go down.

Because of this, consumers will start to see more tech that mimics this sort of design. In time, you will see it become more widely accessible and more advanced.

How can I purchase the device?

Sightful is only selling 1,000 Spacetops to early backers. Prospective adopters can order here if available. Lastly, you can check out a video of the device in action below:

Have any thoughts on this? Drop us a line below in the comments, or carry the discussion to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• Alienware’s new lineup includes a massive 18-inch gaming laptop
• Alienware’s new laptop display has a ridiculous 480Hz refresh rate
• Corsair’s first gaming laptop has a mini Stream Deck touch bar
• Alienware just launched new Ryzen-powered gaming laptops

The post Sightful’s new AR laptop aims to change remote work forever appeared first on KnowTechie.

Here’s what’s new:

• Latest Sports tab in Apple News
• Refreshed sports-focused score and schedule cards
• Live stories, updates, and standings
• Essential Video highlights
• Player-focused profiles

Why is this important?

Apple promotes easy-to-use functionality across all its platforms. Apple has made it easier for users to find sports-related content, as news apps can often be cluttered and disorganized. This supports the company’s overall mission.

Users can also follow their favorite teams and leagues in the updated sports section to get the latest news and updates delivered to their devices.

What else is included in the update?

iOS 16.5 includes several bug fixes, accessibility upgrades, and performance improvements. For example, the update fixes an issue that caused Spotlight to crash on some devices. It also improves the accuracy of Screen Time reporting. 

macOS version 13.4 also improves Apple Watch connectivity issues and wireless keyboard reboots. Additionally, security is also essential for Apple devices, and iOS 16.5 tackles a long list of updates that should help users feel safe.

Apple has a detailed list of all security updates for iOS 16.5 located here. Another list can be found here for macOS 13.4.

How can I access the update?

iOS 16.5 is available now as a free update for all eligible iPhones. To download the update, go to Settings>General>Software Update. Detailed instructions are below.

How to update iOS on your iPhone

Pro Tip

While you’re still on the update menu, tap on Automatic Updates and make sure that both toggles next to Download iOS Updates and Install iOS Updates are green. By doing this, you’ll never have to update your iPhone again manually.

What is next for Apple and its OS?

Apple’s upcoming annual event, WWDC, where the company updates the world on the developments of its multiple operating systems, goes down on June 5th.

After a year of rumors and speculations, Apple will tell us everything we need to know.

Admittedly, the real star of the show is the company’s mixed reality headset, which according to countless reports and rumors, is the year Apple lifts the veil on the device, along with its OS, reportedly called xrOS.

For now, curb your cravings with a little iOS 17 coverage.

Have any thoughts on this? Drop us a line below in the comments, or carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• Apple unleashes Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro on iPad
• Apple’s USB-C charging speed cap gets a big “nope” from EU
• Apple Watch may be getting widgets back
• Paramount+ overtakes Apple TV+ in streaming wars

The post New iOS 16.5 & macOS 13.4 rolling out now – here’s what’s new appeared first on KnowTechie.