Apple releases iOS 11.2.2, macOS 10.13.2 supplemental update with security fixes for Spectre vulnerability

Apple released major iOS 11.2 update last month with Apple Pay Cash, faster wireless charging and more, later it released  OS 11.2.1, another minor update, now it has released iOS 11.2.2 update to patch several significant security problems. It has also released macOS High Sierra 10.13.2 supplemental update, after the initial macOS 10.13.2 last month. The iOS 11.2.2 includes security improvements to Safari and WebKit to mitigate the effects of the Spectre vulnerability discovered earlier this month. The macOS 10.13.2 brings security improvements to Safari and WebKit to mitigate the effects of Spectre (CVE-2017-5753 and CVE-2017-5715). There is no hardware fix for Spectre, so Apple is addressing the vulnerability using Safari-based software workarounds. The iOS 11.2.2 update is available for iPhone 5s and later, iPad Air and later, and iPod touch 6th generation. Last week Apple confirmed all Macs and iOS devices are affected by Meltdown and Spectre vulnerabilities. It said: All Mac systems and iOS devices are affected, but there are no known exploits impacting customers at this time. Since exploiting many of these issues requires a malicious app to be loaded on your Mac or iOS device, we recommend downloading software only from trusted sources such as the App Store. Apple has already released mitigations in iOS 11.2, macOS 10.13.2, and tvOS 11.2 ...

Samsung and HARMAN unveil digital cockpit autonomous connected car platform

At the CES 2018 show, Samsung and HARMAN today unveiled a host of unique connected car solutions like the reinvented digital cockpit platform, new telematics solution, and an ecosystem of partners and solutions to further build out the Samsung open autonomous platform.  The Harman-Samsung solution leverages on Samsung’s global scale, R&D capabilities. The new cockpit platform includes a suite of flexible and scalable premium experiences that support today’s connected lifestyles. It is available in standard and advanced system configurations and seamlessly integrates the instrument cluster with the center console via voice, haptic feedback, and physical knobs and steering wheel controls in a single, center screen for all vital vehicle information and features. The new cockpit platform has support for a multi-modal approach for interactions with different human-machine interfaces to allow customization in terms of HVAC, media and user settings. It brings an entirely new generation of communication and ergonomics inside vehicles which allows drivers to focus on the road. This partnership will deliver the industry’s first 5G-ready automotive solution and multi-band conformal antenna to enable secure, fast and reliable data communications. The solution consists of a telematics control unit with a modular design accommodating a network access device (NAD) supporting LTE CAT 16 connectivity today and 5G in the future. Dinesh Paliwal, HARMAN President, and ...

Facebook M personal digital assistant shutting down on January 19

Facebook today announced that it is shutting down it's text-based virtual personal digital assistant M which was first introduced back in 2015. The human-enhanced M was available through bots in Facebook Messenger to just 2,000 people in California.  Facebook M was able to help users with day to day tasks like online hotel reservations, travel arrangements and so on. The M personal assistant powered by artificial intelligence is trained by people and could offer users with basic information like today’s weather, general knowledge questions, etc. Users will have to message M similar to any other Messenger or even record a message and send. Facebook launched M in beta and mentioned at that time that it would come to more users over time, but it never did. Upon shutting down the M, Facebook described it as an experiment and people who worked on the project will be offered other jobs at the company. However, The Facebook's personal virtual assistant M will now be dead after January 19th, 2018. Facebook in a statement to BuzzFeed said: We launched this project to learn what people needed and expected of an assistant, and we learned a lot. We’re taking these useful insights to power other AI projects at Facebook. We continue to be ...

Google to bring Assistant to Smart Displays, more headphones and Android Auto

At the CES 2018 event, Google announced wide-range of assistant enhancements and new features. In association with Qualcomm, Google will be bringing Assistant to 'smart displays' powered by the Android Things. We have already seen Lenovo Smart Display powered by the Qualcomm SDA624 SoC launch.  Google launched the Home Mini speaker back in October 2016 and today the company announced that that the Assistant is coming to new voice-activated speakers from Altec Lansing, Anker Innovations, Bang & Olufsen, Braven, iHome, JBL, Jensen, LG, Klipsch, Knit Audio, Memorex, RIVA Audio and SōLIS. Apart from speakers, Google will roll out Assistant to 'Smart Display' devices which lets access YouTube, video call with Google Duo, find photos from Google Photos and more. https://youtu.be/ARA0AxrnHdM JBL, LG, Sony (based on the MediaTek MT8173 SoM) will join Lenovo by launching Smart Display products later this year. Back in September 2017, Google rolled out Assistant to NVIDIA SHIELD TV and Sony Android TV, the company now mentioned that is roll out Assistant to AirTV Player, Bouygues Telecom, LG U+, TCL, Skyworth, and Xiaomi. Biggest announcement today is that Assistant will be coming to more headphones from Jaybird, JBL, LG, and Sony (WH-1000XM2, WI-1000X, WF-1000X, WF-SP700N, WI-SP600N, WH-CH700N, WH-H900N). Users can talk to the Assistant instantly with just ...

Sony WF-SP700N wireless noise-cancelling earbuds, WI-SP600N and WI-SP500 wireless in-ear headphones announced

Sony at the CES 2018 introduced three new wireless headsets -  WF-SP700N truly wireless earbuds, WI-SP600N and WI-SP500 in-ear headphones. Both the WF-SP700N and WI-SP600N come with with support for noise-canceling technology blocks out distractions to keep you focused, while Ambient Sound Mode lets you enjoy your music and still hear your surroundings. All these are splash-proof with IPX4 ratings. Sony also introduced MDR-1AM2 wired headphones. Sony WF-SP700N earbuds highlights and specifications Digital Noise Cancelling lets you listen without distractions 0.24" (Dome Type) driver unit Ambient Sound mode lets you hear essential sounds Secure fit earbuds sit and stay comfortably in your ears Easy hands-free calls at the click of a button Will be optimized for the Google Assistant with an update IPX4 rating for protection against splashes and sweat during workout Weight: 15.3g (Headset) / Approx. 45g (Charging case) Bluetooth 4.1, NFC (Case) Long Hybrid silicone rubber earbuds (SS/S/M/L), Arc Supporter(M/L) Up to 9 hours of battery life, with 3 hours of music playback and up to 9 hours play time with chargeable carrying case Sony WI-SP600N headphones highlights and specifications Digital Noise Canceling puts the focus on your music 0.24" (Dome Type) driver unit Ambient Sound Mode for more intuitive listening Lightweight design makes these wireless ...

Sony BRAVIA X900F and A8F 4K HDR OLED TVs with Dolby Vision announced

Sony at the CES 2018 show has introduced BRAVIA X900F and A8F 4K HDR OLED TV series designed to deliver enhanced color, contrast, and clarity. The A8F Series range from 65" and 55" models OLED 4K TVs, while the X900F Series include 85'', 75", 65", 55", and 49" 4K HDR TVs. The New A8F 4K HDR OLED TVs is the successor to the 2017's A1E BRAVIA OLED 4K HDR TV. The A8F incorporates Sony's unique 4K HDR picture Processor X1 Extreme and Acoustic Surface technology. It features traditional TV design with the enriched visual experience and wide viewing angles thanks to OLED panel's eight million self-illuminating pixels. Sony says that unlike the conventional LED TVs where the sound emanates from the bottom or sides, the A8F enables a fusion of image and sound, that makes it look like the sound is coming directly from the character on TV. It features TRILUMINOS Display with X-Reality PRO. On the other hand, the X900F4K HDR TVs with TRILUMINOS Display, series uses a new X-Motion Clarity technology that keeps fast action images smooth and lifelike. Both the series has support for Dolby Vision and the  X900F series also supports Dolby Atmos sound technology. Since Both the series are Android TV support, they come with Google Assistant built-in and is also compatible with Amazon Alexa as well. Sony didn't reveal ...

Xiaomi Mi Router 3C and Mi Wi-Fi Repeater 2 get a permanent price cut India

Xiaomi launched the Mi Router 3C, a budget router in India back in May last year for Rs. 1199 and the Mi Wi-Fi Repeater 2 was launched in June for Rs. 999 . During festive sales it offered discount on the router and the repeater, now it has announced a permanent Rs.200 temporary price cut for both. You can now get the Xiaomi Mi Router 3C for Rs. 999 across Mi.com, Flipkart and Amazon.in.  The Mi Wi-Fi Repeater 2 is available for Rs. 799 across Mi.com, Flipkart and Amazon.in. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dl5-Ak_SO78 Highlights of Xiaomi Mi Router 3C 300Mbps 802.11 a/b/n Wi-Fi 2.4GHz 2X2 MediaTek MT7628N processor 64MB DDR2 RAM, 16MB ROM 4 copper + PCB external omni directional antennas 80m WiFi range, Up to 64 connected devices MiWiFi OS (Based on OpenWRT) Real time monitoring, parental controls with Mi WiFi app on Android and iOS 2x LAN port, 10/100Mbps (Auto MDI/MDIX), 1x RJ45 WAN port, 10/100Mbps (Auto MDI/MDIX), 1x Power port Red/Blue/Yellow LED indicator The Mi Wi-Fi Repeater 2 has dual PCB antennas for strong signal strength and offers speeds up to 300Mbps. It lets you connect up to 16 devices, is flexible so that it can be rotated up to 180-degrees. You can set it up easily using the app and has a plug-and-play method so you ...

Qualcomm introduces new Home Hub platforms supporting Google’s Android Things

Qualcomm today announced two Home Hub platforms supporting Google’s Android Things; the SDA624 and SDA212 SoCs. The chips are designed with an aim to offer developers and OEMs a cost-effective way to develop home hubs featuring Google services such as the Google Assistant. The Qualcomm SDA212 SoC is designed to enable home devices and appliances such as refrigerators, ovens and washing machines with a digital assistant and audio capability. The SoC allows OEMs deliver comprehensively featured products that combine processing capability, connectivity options, voice user interfaces and premium audio technologies all in one platform. It also incorporates echo-cancellation, noise suppression and “barge-in” capability, supporting a richer voice user interface in loud or noisy environments. On the other hand, the Qualcomm SDA624 SoC adds edge computing capabilities by bringing multimedia capabilities like a video camera, touch display and more to Android Things devices such as smart displays, home monitoring cameras, smart thermostats and security panels. Qualcomm SDA624 SoC brings support for advanced tasks including video conferencing, remote video monitoring, movie and video streaming and more. It also adds support for Google Cast, Google Duo, and Google Maps. Connectivity on both the chips includes Wi-Fi 802.11ac 2x2 MU-MIMO and Bluetooth connectivity using Qualcomm Technologies’ QCA9379 chip. Lenovo is the first to launch a product dubbed as the Lenovo ...

Oculus and Xiaomi partner for Oculus Go and Mi VR Standalone VR headsets

Xiaomi and Oculus at the CES 2018 announced that they are working on two standalone VR headsets - Oculus Go and Xiaomi Mi VR Standalone that will be built by Xiaomi and will be powered the Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 Mobile VR Platform. These don't require cable, external sensors, or a mobile phone. Oculus said that it has worked with Qualcomm to deliver the highest possible level of performance to meet the high computing demands of the standalone VR product category. Oculus Go was introduced back in October last for $199. Both the headsets share similar design and specifications including  2K (2,560 x 1,440 pixels) fast-switch LCD screen, next-generation lenses and integrated spatial audio developed by Oculus, controller with touchpad and a trigger button. The audio drivers are built directly into the headset, making getting in and out of VR much faster and making the headset easy to share with someone else. These also have a 3.5mm headphone jack for a more private listening experience. Mi VR Standalone shares the same core hardware features and design as Oculus Go and supports the Oculus Mobile SDK, enabling existing Oculus developers to easily bring their content to the Mi VR platform in China and also has support for Mi VR SDK. Oculus ...

Lenovo Miix 630 always connected 2-in-1 PC with 4G LTE, Snapdragon 835 announced

Lenovo at the CES 2018 show partnered with Qualcomm to introduce the Miix 630 always connected 2-in-1 PC with Snapdragon 835 mobile PC platform. It is powered by the Microsoft Windows 10 S and comes with integrated 4G LTE making it a true always connected PC.  The Lenovo Miix 630 sports a 12.3-inch WUXGA+ touchscreen display and comes with Lenovo digital pen with 1,024 levels of sensitivity allows you to draw and edit. It is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 SoC with up to 8GB of RAM and storage options up to 256GB. It runs on Windows 10 S with Cortana voice-enabled intelligent personal digital assistant and has support for Windows Hello for secure log-in with your face. It also has a microSD card for memory expansion and has only single USB Type-C port. The Miix 630 can be used as a full-sized PC with a backlit keyboard or can also be used as a 2-in-1 detachable. The company is promising a battery life of up to 20 hours. It weighs just 1.33kg and measures 15.6mm with the keyboard. The Lenovo Miix 630 with keyboard and digital pen included starts at $799.99 (Rs.50,755 approx.) and is expected to go on sale from the 2nd quarter of 2018. The company says that it will ...