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PhilHealth issue another “Urgent Notice to the Public” in connection to the Cyberattack last Sept 22.

PhilHealth has once again release an announcement that they are calling “Urgent Notice to the Public,” this is in connection to the Cyberattack that was made last Sept 22. The health agency reiterates that no member information have been taken and that membership database is intact and unharmed by the cyberattack last Sept 22.

They later reminded the public to be cautious in opening malicious contents online and on social media, which I suppose, is directed to PhilHealth’s employees. The agency is also working with the authorities to catch the perpetrators.

PhilHealth is currently working with multiple agencies that includes Department of Communication Technology (DICT), National Privacy Commission (NPC), Philippine National Police Cybercrime Division, Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) and the National Bureau of Investigation(NBI) to identify the perpetrators of the hacking.

Here’s the announcement by PhilHealth:

PhilHealth previously posted a Urgent Notice to the Public explaining what information have been compromised in the cyberattack that happened last Sept 22. Below are compromised PhilHealth member’s information;

  • Name
  • Address
  • Date of Birth
  • Sex
  • Phone number
  • PhilHealth ID number

The Health agency also recommended a number of steps that affected PhilHealth Members can take as a precaution.

The hackers demanded a ransom of $300,000 or approximately P17 million as payment to decrypt the files but according to a report by CNN Philippines, “The DICT confirms that some PhilHealth data affected in the Medusa ransomware attack have been published in the dark web after the deadline to pay ransom money to hackers lapsed.”

Valve launches Counter-Strike 2

Counter-Strike 2, the sequel to the popular first-person shooter game Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, was released on September 27, 2023. The game was developed by Valve and is available for free on Steam.

Counter-Strike 2 features a number of new features and improvements over its predecessor, including:

  • Built on the Source 2 engine, which provides sharper graphics, more realistic physics, and better performance.
  • Includes a number of new maps and weapons, as well as updated versions of classic maps and weapons from the 10 year old Counter-Strike: Global Offensive.
  • Together with the updated classic game mode, there will be new modes available in the CS 2.

To get the new game, you can download the 27GB CS2 for free from Steam.

DICT official statement on PhilHealth Ransomware Attack

Following the PhilHealth ransomware attack last September 22, 2023, Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has released an official statement.

Here’s the full text of DICT’s statement;

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), through its Cybersecurity Bureau, proactively responded to address a ransomware attack that targeted the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) last September 22, 2023.

Upon learning of the breach, the DICT Cybersecurity Bureau’s National Computer Emergency Response Team (NCERT) went to PhilHealth Head Office and implemented critical security measures which included the disconnection of workstations from the network, prompt coordination with PhilHealth to gauge the extent of the attack, and collection of relevant logs for thorough analysis.

As of September 25, 2023, PhilHealth’s critical web services are only accessible via their IP addresses and currently ongoing comprehensive security scanning. Efforts to restore the functionality of PhilHealth’s DNS server are underway.

The DICT condemns the ransomware attack carried out against PhilHealth in an attempt to illegally access the information of its members. We shall continue to investigate and monitor the acquired logs from PhilHealth’s affected systems. An extensive checklist has been prepared by the DICT to benchmark PhilHealth’s readiness to get their systems online.

The DICT is committed to ensuring the full restoration of security and stability in PhilHealth systems and to safeguarding government systems and infrastructure from malicious cyber threats.

Meta officially announce the Quest 3 – Next Generation VR Headset

Meta has just announced the Meta Quest 3, the next generation of its popular virtual reality headset. The Quest 3 is scheduled to be released next month, and it is expected to be a significant upgrade over the current Quest 2 headset.

One of the most notable improvements in the Quest 3 is its display. The Quest 3 has a higher 4K “Infinite Display,” a up to 30% increase compared to Meta Quest 2 along with better spatial audio. The Quest 3 also has 110 degrees horizontal and 96 degrees vertical field of view, which is wider than the Quest 2, which will make VR games and experiences feel more realistic.

Another major improvement in the Quest 3 is its performance. The Quest 3 is powered by a new Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 processor, which is double the GPU processing power for faster load times and more seamless gameplay compared to Meta Quest 2. This will allow the Quest 3 to run VR games and experiences at higher frame rates and with better graphics.

The Meta Quest 3 also has a number of other improvements over the Quest 2, including:

  • A more comfortable, lightweight and ergonomic design
  • A longer-lasting battery;
    • Up to 2.2 hours of usage on average
    • Gaming: 2.4 hours of usage on average
    • Social: 2.2 hours of usage on average
    • Productivity: 1.5 hours of usage on average
    • Media: 2.9 hours of usage on average
  • A new hand tracking system that is more accurate and responsive
  • A new pair of Touch Plus Controllers that are more ergonomic and easier to use

You can check the full specs of the Meta Quest 3 here.

Price for the new Quest 3 is $499.99 for the 128GB model and $649.99 for the 512 GB model. It is available for preorder and will be shipped by mid October, and for those will be preorder, a free copy of Asgard’s Wrath 2 will be included. For those preordering the the 512GB model, and you get the game plus six-month Meta Quest+ subscription.

Mobile User’s Name and ID to appear starting Oct 1st

The Communications, Space and Technology Commission (CST) of Saudi Arabia has announced that the new regulation requiring all mobile phone operators to display the caller’s name and ID will take effect on October 1, 2023.

This new regulation is aimed at reducing the number of spam and scam calls received by mobile phone users in Saudi Arabia. It will also help to improve the safety and security of mobile phone users.

Under the new regulation, all mobile phone operators will be required to display the caller’s name and ID on the recipient’s phone screen before the call is answered. If the caller’s name and ID are not available, the caller’s phone number will be displayed instead.

The caller’s name and ID will be obtained from a central database that is maintained by the CST. The database will contain the names and IDs of all mobile phone subscribers in Saudi Arabia.

Mobile phone users can choose to have their names and IDs displayed to all callers, or they can choose to have their names and IDs displayed only to callers who are in their contact list.

The new regulation also requires mobile phone operators to provide their subscribers with the ability to block unwanted calls. Subscribers will be able to block calls from specific phone numbers, or they can block all calls from unknown numbers.

The CST has stated that the new regulation is part of its ongoing efforts to improve the quality of mobile phone services in Saudi Arabia. The CST is also working to protect mobile phone users from spam, scams, and other forms of fraud. Mobily, STC, Zain and Virgin Mobile are the top mobile provider in the country and are expected to comply with this new regulation.

The new regulation is expected to have a positive impact on mobile phone users in Saudi Arabia. It will help to reduce the number of unwanted calls, and it will improve the safety and security of mobile phone users.

Source: Saudi Gazette

vivo V29 and V29e Launched in the Philippines with Improved Cameras and Performance

vivo Philippines has officially announced the V29 5G and V29e smartphones in the country. The two new devices come with improved cameras and performance over their predecessors, making them attractive options for those looking for a new mid-range smartphone.

The vivo V29 5G features a 6.78-inch mid-hole curved screen with a 2800×1260 pixels resolution it supports refresh rates of up to 120Hz and 2160Hz high-frequency PWM dimming, for a vivid and smooth visual experience. It is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G processor, paired with 12GB of RAM and up to 512GB of storage.

The vivo V29 5G has a triple-camera system on the back, consisting of a 50MP main sensor with OIS, an 8MP ultrawide sensor, and a 2MP monochrome sensor. On the front, there is a 50MP AF selfie camera.

Image: vivo V29e

The vivo V29e has a similar design to the vivo V29, but it features a slightly smaller 6.78-inch AMOLED display with 2400 × 1080 (FHD+) resolution. It is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 processor, paired with 8GB of RAM and up to 256GB of storage.

The vivo V29e has a dual-camera system on the back, consisting of a 64MP main sensor with OIS and an 8MP wide-anglesensor. On the front, there is a 50 MP AF selfie camera.

The battery for vivo V29 and V29e will be 4600 mAh (TYP) and 5000 mAh (TYP), respectively. Both vivo V29 and V29e supports 80W fast charging. They also run on Android 13 with Funtouch OS 13 right out of the box.

You can checkout the unboxing video below:

The vivo V29 is priced at ₱24,999 for the 12GB/256GB model and ₱26,999 for the 12GB/512GB model. The vivo V29e is priced at PHP 16,999 for the 8GB/256GB variant.

Toyota HILUX GR-S now in the Philippines

Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) has introduced the new Hilux GR-Sport (GR-S), a more performance-oriented version of the country’s best-selling pickup. The Hilux GR-S is inspired by the Dakar-winning Hilux, and it features a number of upgrades that make it more capable on and off the road.

The Hilux GR-S has a wider track and a raised ride height, which gives it a more imposing stance and improved stability. The truck also comes with new 17-inch alloy GR design wheels with All-Terrain Tires, and the GR Aero sports bar.

Under the hood, the Hilux GR-S is powered by a 2.8L diesel engine that produces 224 PS and 550 Nm of torque. Additionally, the New Hilux GR-S includes GR front and rear disc brakes with GR brake calipers, and monotube shock absorbers, enhancing overall driving experience on or off the roads. These upgrades improve the truck’s handling and braking performance.

Inside, the Hilux GR-S features a sporty black interior with GR-S suede and leather seats, a leather steering wheel with a GR-S emblem, and leather door trims with technical mesh and red seatbelts for that sporty feel. 9-inch Display Audio with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and a Wireless Charger add spirit to every adventure in the New Hilux GR-S, while functions such as Smart Entry and Push Start System offer convenience in each ride.

The Hilux GR-S will have Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) for additional safety features. It is also equipped with Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) and other safety features such as a Panoramic View Monitor (PVM), Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Hill-Start Assist Control (HAC), and Downhill Assist Control (DAC).

The Toyota Hilux GR-S is now available at all Toyota dealerships nationwide. It is priced at P2,166,000 for the Attitude Black Mica colorway and P2,186,000 for the Emotional Red and Super White II / Attitude Black Mica (2-tone) colorways.

The new Toyota Hilux GR-Sport is a great choice for pickup truck buyers who are looking for a more performance-oriented vehicle. The truck is also a good choice for buyers who want a pickup truck with a more aggressive and sporty appearance.

The Hilux GR-S is also a good choice for buyers who want a pickup truck that is capable of handling both on-road and off-road driving conditions. The truck’s wider track, raised ride height, and all-terrain tires make it well-suited for driving on rough roads and trails.

Delivery Hero to sell FoodPanda Business in South East Asia

On September 20, 2023, Delivery Hero, the parent company of Foodpanda, announced that it was in talks to sell its Foodpanda business in Southeast Asia. The move comes as Delivery Hero is facing increasing competition from other online food delivery platforms in the region, such as Grab and Gojek.

The potential sale of Foodpanda is significant, as the company is one of the leading online food delivery platforms in Southeast Asia. Foodpanda operates in eleven Southeast Asian countries, including Bangladesh, Cambodia, Hong Kong, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan and Thailand. The company has over 10 million users and over 60,000 restaurants on its platform.

The potential buyer of Foodpanda is reportedly Grab, the Singapore-based ride-hailing and super-app. Grab is already the leading ride-hailing platform in Southeast Asia, and it is also expanding into other verticals, such as food delivery, payments, and financial services.

The sale of Foodpanda would create a dominant player in the Southeast Asian online food delivery market. Grab would have access to Foodpanda’s large customer base and network of restaurants. This would give Grab a significant advantage over its competitors. The sale of Foodpanda would also have implications for consumers, since this will lessen the competition, which could potentially raise prices or reduce discounts after acquiring the food delivery company.

On the otherhand, the sale of Foodpanda could also lead to improved innovation and efficiency in the Southeast Asian online food delivery market. Grab could use its resources to invest in new technologies and improve its services. This could benefit both consumers and restaurants.

The negotiations are in their preliminary stages and it is uncertain and subject to various open points whether this will lead to a definitive agreement. However, the potential sale of Foodpanda is a significant event that could have a major impact on the online food delivery market in Southeast Asia.

PhilHealth hit by ransomware, Hackers demands $300,000.00

On September 22, 2023, the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) was hit by a ransomware attack. The attack was carried out by the Medusa ransomware group, which encrypts files and demands a ransom payment for the decryption key. The hackers responsible for the attack have demanded a ransom of $300,000 or approximately P17 million as payment to decrypt the files.

PhilHealth detected the attack early on Friday and immediately shut down all of its online systems, including its website, portals, and e-claims. The agency is currently working with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and other government agencies to investigate the incident and restore its systems.

In a statement, PhilHealth assured the public and its members that their personal and medical information was not compromised or leaked in the attack. However, the attack did disrupt the agency’s operations and caused some inconvenience to its members.

On September 25, PhilHealth announced they are working to restore all of its systems and that its members could now avail of its benefits again. The agency also said that it was implementing additional security measures to prevent future attacks.

Redmi Note 13 and 13 Pro announced with upgraded displays, cameras, and performance

Together with the Redmi Note 13 Pro Plus, Xiaomi also announced the Redmi Note 13 and 13 Pro, the latest additions to its popular Redmi Note series. The new phones feature a number of upgrades over their predecessors, including improved displays, cameras, and performance.

The Redmi Note 13 and Note 13 Pro have the same 6.67” FHD+ AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and 1080 x 2400 resolutions. It has a 5,000,000:1 contrast ratio and Touch sampling rate of “Instantaneous up to 2160Hz.”

RedMi Note 13 Pro

The Redmi Note 13 is powered by MT Dimensity 6080 chip while the Note 13 Pro will have the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen2 and come with up to 16GB of RAM and up to 512GB of storage.

The Redmi Note 13 has a dual-lens rear camera system with a 100MP main sensor and a 2MP depth sensor. The Redmi Note 13 Pro has a tri-lens rear camera system with a 200 MP Samsung HP3 flagship main sensor, an 8MP f/2.2 ultrawide sensor and a 2MP macro sensor.

Both phones have a 16MP front-facing camera for selfies and video calls.

The Redmi Note 13 and 13 Pro both have large battery capacity, 5000mAh and 5100mAh batteries, respectively with both supporting 67W fast charging.

RedMi Note 13

Here is a summary of the key features of the Redmi Note 13 and 13 Pro:

  • Display: 6.7-inch AMOLED display (Redmi Note 13 and Note 13 Pro)
  • Refresh rate: 120Hz
  • Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 (Note 13 Pro)/ Mediatek Dimensity 6080 (Note 13)
  • RAM: Up to 16GB (Note 13 Pro)/ Up to 12GB (Note 13)
  • Storage: Up to 512 GB (Note 13 Pro) / 256GB (Note 13)
  • Rear camera: dual-lens system with 100MP main sensor (Redmi Note 13), triple-lens system with 200 MP Samsung HP3 flagship main sensor (Redmi Note 13 Pro)
  • Front camera: 16MP
  • Battery: 5000mAh (Note 13) / 5100mAh (Note 13 Pro)
  • Fast charging: 67W

The Redmi Note 13 and 13 Pro are now available in China on September 22, 2023. Global availability and pricing have not yet been announced. As for the price, the Redmi Note 13 starts at CNY 1,199 (SAR 616.27) that’s for the 6GB+128GB model, while the Redmi Note 13 Pro model of 8GB+128GB is priced at CNY 1,499 or around SAR 770.47.

The Redmi Note 13 and 13 Pro are great options for mid-range smartphone buyers who are looking for a phone with a good display, camera, and performance. The phones are also well-priced, making them a good value for money.

Redmi Note 13 Pro Plus launches in China with MTK Dimensity 7200 Ultra SoC, 200MP Camera and 120W Super Fast Charging

The Redmi Note 13 Pro Plus is the latest and most powerful model in the Redmi Note 13 series. It features a number of upgrades over the Redmi Note 13 and 13 Pro, including a larger and more powerful display, a more advanced camera system, and a faster processor.

The Redmi Note 13 Pro Plus has a 6.67-inch OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and 1220 x 2712 resolution. The display is also HDR10+ certified, which means that it can display content with a wider range of colors and 1800 nits (peak) brightness, all covered in Corning Gorilla Glass Victus.

The Redmi Note 13 Pro Plus is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7200 Ultra CPU, which is one of the fastest processors available by MediaTek. It has up to 16GB of RAM and up to 512GB of storage. The phone also the series’ first-ever model to feature an IP68 water and dust resistance rating.

The Redmi Note 13 Pro Plus has a tri-lens rear camera system with a 200MP Samsung ISOCELL HP3 sensor, an 8MP ultrawide sensor, a 2MP macro sensor. The 200MP main sensor is the highest-resolution sensor ever used in a smartphone.

The Redmi Note 13 Pro Plus also has a 16MP front-facing camera for selfies and video calls.

The Redmi Note 13 Pro Plus has a 5000mAh battery with support for 120W fast charging. The company boasts that the phone can be fully charged in a matter of minutes.

Here is a summary of the key specs/features of the Redmi Note 13 Pro Plus:

  • Display: 6.7-inch AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate and curved design
  • Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 7200 Ultra CPU
  • RAM: Up to 16GB
  • Storage: Up to 512GB
  • Rear camera: tri-lens system with 200MP Samsung ISOCELL HP3 main sensor
  • Battery: 5000mAh with 120W fast charge.

The Redmi Note 13 Pro Plus is scheduled to be released in China on September 26, 2023. It has a starting price of CNY 1,999 (around SAR 1,027.47) for the 12GB + 256GB model and CNY 2,299 (SAR 1181.66) for the 16GB + 512GB model. Global availability and pricing have not yet been announced.

Source: Mi

Nikon Z f announced in Retro Body but Modern Internals

Nikon has announced the release of the Nikon Z f, a retro-inspired mirrorless camera with modern features. The Z f is the latest addition to Nikon’s Z-mount mirrorless system, and it is designed to appeal to photographers of all levels, from beginners to experienced professionals. The body is based on the Nikon’s iconic FM2 film camera.

The Nikon Z f features a Full Frame 24.5-megapixel sensor and the EXPEED 7 image-processing engine. It also has a vari-angle 8-cm touchscreen display, a built-in electronic viewfinder, and two memory card slots, one supporting SD cards and the other Micro SD cards.

One of the most striking things about the Z f is its retro design. The camera is inspired by Nikon’s classic FM2 film camera, and it features a number of retro design elements, such as a silver top plate, black body, and knurled dials.

Despite its retro design, the Z fc is a very modern camera. It features a number of advanced features, such as subject and autofocus detection, support focus-point VR, and 4K UHD video recording up to 60p.

The Z f is also compatible with Nikon’s wide range of Z-mount lenses. This gives photographers a wide range of choices when it comes to choosing lenses for their camera.

The Nikon Z f is a great option for photographers who are looking for a retro-inspired camera with modern features. It is a versatile camera that can be used for a variety of photography genres, including portraiture, landscape, and street photography.

The Z f is scheduled to be released in July 2023, and it will be available in six Premium Exterior colors;Black, Sunset Orange, Bordeaux Red, Indogo Blue, Sepia Brown, Moss Green and Stone Grey.

Here are some of the key features of the Nikon Z f:

  • Full Frame 24.5-megapixel sensor
  • EXPEED 7 image-processing engine
  • vari-angle 8-cm touchscreen display
  • Built-in electronic viewfinder
  • Dual SD card slots
  • Subject and autofocus detection, with Manual Focus Subject Detection
  • 10-bit 4K 60p Video
  • 8 stops of VR
  • Touch Fn settings control
  • Compatible with Nikon’s Z-mount lenses
  • Dedicated Black and White Switch
  • Pixel Shift Shooting up to Approx. 96mp

You can checkout the full specs of Nikon Z f here.

The Nikon Z fc is a great new addition to Nikon’s Z-mount mirrorless system. It is a retro-inspired camera with modern features, and it is sure to appeal to a wide range of photographers.

The Nikon Zf will be available in a Black finish starting in mid-October for $2,000 body only. Body and kit lens with the retro-styled Nikkor Z 40mm f/2 SE lens for $2,240 or a Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S lens for $2,600. For those who wants to buy additional color options; Sunset Orange, Bordeaux Red, Indogo Blue, Sepia Brown, Moss Green and Stone Grey, an additional $100.00 will be added to the $2000.00 price (body only). Color options will be available in limited quantities.

Sample Photos

Videos

Saudi pricing of the new Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2

If you are in Saudi and want to preorder the new Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2, below are the pricing from the top retailer in the Kingdom.


Apple Watch Series 9
Aluminum
41mm
GPS – SR1,849.00
GPS + Cellular – SR2,249.00

45mm
GPS – SR1,969.00
GPS + Cellular – SR2,379.00

Stainless Steel
41mm (GPS + Cellular)
Rubber Band – SR3,149.00
Stainless steel Band – SR3,349.00

45mm (GPS + Cellular)
Rubber Band – SR3,379.00
Textile Band – SR3,379.00
Stainless steel Band – SR3,579.00


Apple Watch Ultra 2 on ALL BANDS – SR3,599.00

Just like with the new iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pros, the new Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 will be available on Sept 22nd.

Philippine Pricing of the new Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2

Here’s the pricing of the new Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 in the Philippines;

Apple Watch Series 9

Aluminum
41mm
GPS – ₱26,490.00
GPS + Cellular – ₱32,490.00

45mm
GPS – ₱28,490.00
GPS + Cellular – ₱34,490.00

Stainless Steel
41mm (GPS + Cellular)
Rubber Band – ₱46,990.00
Textile Band – ₱46,990.00
Stainless steeel Band – ₱49,990.00

45mm (GPS + Cellular)
Rubber Band – ₱49,990.00
Textile Band – ₱49,990.00
Stainless steeel Band – ₱52,990.00

Apple Watch Ultra 2 on ALL BANDS – ₱54,990.00

Just like with the new iPhone 15s, availability of the new Apple Watch in the Philippines is yet to be announce.

Pricing of the new iPhone 15s and iPhone 15 Pros in the Philippines

If you are planning to buy the new iPhone this year, then you can checkout the Philippines pricing released by Apple or as posted in the Philippines Apple Online Store (https://www.apple.com/ph/store).


Iphone 15
128 GB – ₱56,990.00
256 GB – ₱63,990.00
512 GB – ₱75,990.00

Iphone 15 Plus
128 GB – ₱63,990.00
256 GB – ₱70,990.00
512 GB – ₱82,990.00


iPhone 15 Pro
128 GB – ₱70,990.00
256 GB – ₱77,990.00
512 GB – ₱89,990.00
1 TB – ₱101,990.00

iPhone 15 Pro Max
256 GB – ₱84,990.00
512 GB – ₱96,990.00
1 TB – ₱106,990

The availability of new iPhone 15s and iPhone 15 Pro is yet to be announced for the Philippine market. To know about the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus, you can go here and for the new iPhone 15 Pro and Iphone Pro Max, just read about the device here.

About that USB-C Connector in the new iPhones

The new iPhones will have USB-C ports. This is a major change from previous iPhones, which have used the Lightning connector. The switch to USB-C is being made in order to comply with a new European Union regulation that requires all new smartphones to have USB-C ports.

The USB-C port, as mentioned by Android users, is a more versatile port than the Lightning connector. It can be used to charge devices, transfer data, and connect to external displays. It is also the standard port used by many other devices, such as laptops, tablets, and cameras. This means that you will be able to use the same charger and cable for your iPhone 15 and other devices. It is however not yet confirmed if the new iPhones will be able to support external displays.

The switch to USB-C is a welcome change for many iPhone users. It is a more modern and versatile port that will make it easier to connect the iPhone to other devices and accessories. It is also a step towards reducing e-waste, as there will be no need to have separate chargers for different devices.

The iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus will have USB-C ports that support USB 2.0 speeds, though this is yet to be confirmed. This means that the new iPhones be capable to transfer data at a maximum speed of 480 Mbps. However, it is possible that Apple may release a later version of the iPhone 15 with a USB-C port that supports faster speeds.

Overall, the switch to USB-C is a positive change for the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus. It is a more versatile and modern port that will make it easier to connect the iPhone to other devices. It is also a step towards reducing e-waste.

Apple Watch Ultra 2: A Leap Forward in Smartwatch Technology

Apple has once again pushed the boundaries of wearable technology with the introduction of the Apple Watch Ultra 2. Unveiled on September 12, 20231, this new iteration of Apple’s most rugged and capable watch brings a host of performance updates and new features, setting a significant environmental milestone.

Powerful New S9 SiP
At the heart of the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is the powerful new S9 SiP1. This custom Apple silicon delivers system-wide improvements and introduces brand-new features. It includes a new double tap gesture and on-device Siri with the ability to access and log health data privately and securely. The watch also features a new 4-core Neural Engine that can process machine learning tasks up to twice as fast as the original Apple Watch Ultra.

Double Tap Gesture
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 introduces a new double tap gesture, allowing users to easily control the watch using just one hand and without touching the display. Users can tap the index finger and thumb of their watch hand together twice to quickly perform many of the most common actions on the watch. This double tap will also open the Smart Stack from the watch face, and another double tap will scroll through widgets in the stack.

Brightest Display Ever
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 boasts Apple’s brightest display ever, with an upgraded brightness of 3,000 nits. This makes it perfect for anyone who wants our biggest, brightest display, longest battery life, and best GPS of any Apple Watch.

Expanded Altitude Range and Advanced Capabilities
The watch offers an expanded altitude range, on-device Siri, Precision Finding for iPhone, and advanced capabilities for water adventures1. It also runs watchOS 10, which delivers redesigned apps, new cycling experiences, features to help explore the outdoors, and a new watch face — Modular Ultra3.

Battery Life
Despite all these advancements, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 maintains an impressive battery life. It offers a 36-hour battery life with regular use and up to 72 hours in Low Power Mode.

Carbon Neutral Options
In a significant step towards environmental sustainability, customers can now choose a carbon neutral option for any Apple Watch model. This represents a significant milestone toward Apple’s plan to be carbon neutral across its entire business, manufacturing supply chain, and product life cycle by 20301.

The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is available for order today, with availability beginning Friday, September 22. It is priced at $799, making it both an impressive piece of technology and a statement of style.

Apple announces the new Apple Watch Series 9

Together with the new iPhone 15s, Apple also announced the new Apple Watch Series 9. The new watch features a number of improvements over its predecessor, including a brighter display, a faster processor, and a new double-tap gesture.


Faster Processor
The Apple Watch Series 9 is powered by the new S9 SiP, the new dual-core CPU has 5.6 billion transistors — 60% more than the S8 chip. Apple Watch Series 9 also has a new 4-core Neural Engine that can process machine learning tasks up to twice as fast, when compared with Apple Watch Series 8. The power efficiency of the S9 SiP allows Apple Watch Series 9 to maintain all-day 18-hour battery life.

Double-tap gesture
The Apple Watch Series 9 has a new double-tap gesture that allows you to control the watch without touching the display. Users can tap the index finger and thumb of their watch hand together twice to quickly and conveniently perform many of the most common actions on Apple Watch Series 9.


Brighter display
The Apple Watch Series 9 has a brighter display, it display up to 2000 nits — double that of Series 8. This will make it easier to see the watch in bright sunlight. With the new S9 SiP, the display is also more energy-efficient, so it will last longer on a single charge.

Notable features;

  • Always-on altimeter that measures elevation changes throughout the day
  • New fall detection feature that can automatically call emergency services if you fall
  • New ECG app that can detect atrial fibrillation
  • New blood oxygen app that can measure your blood oxygen levels

Apple Watch Series 9 is available in 41mm and 45mm sizes in starlight, midnight, silver, (PRODUCT)RED, and a new pink aluminum case, as well as stainless steel in gold, silver, and graphite cases. The Apple Watch Series 9 is priced at $399. The watch will be available for pre-order on September 15 and will start shipping on September 22.

Apple announces redesigned iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max with a new Action button, A17 Pro CPU and USB-C

Apple has officially announced the new iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, the company’s latest flagship smartphones. The new phones feature a number of improvements over their predecessors, including a new design, a more powerful A17 Bionic chip, a better camera system and USB-C!

“This is the most pro lineup we have ever created, with a state-of-the-art titanium design, the best iPhone camera system yet that enables game-changing new workflows, and the A17 Pro chip, which ushers in a new chapter of performance and games never before seen on iPhone,” said Greg Joswiak, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing. “iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max represent the best of Apple design and industry-first innovations to help enrich the everyday experiences of our users, while enabling them to unleash their creativity.”

Design
The iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max still using the same design language that Apple used since the iPhone 12, but with a few key changes. The front will be using Ceramic Shield and back glass is now made of titanium, which is stronger and lighter than aluminum. The phones are also slightly thicker and heavier, which helps to improve their durability.

The front of the phones is still dominated by the large display, which is now a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display on the iPhone 15 Pro and a 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display on the iPhone 15 Pro Max. The displays have a resolution of 2556‑by‑1179-pixel resolution at 460 ppi and support HDR10 and Dolby Vision.


USB-C
Just like with the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus, the new iPhone 15 Pros will feature a new USB-C connector. The switch to USB-C is being made in order to comply with a new European Union regulation that requires all new smartphones to have USB-C ports. The USB-C will be for charging and data transfer. iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max support USB 3 for data transfer speeds up to 10 gigabits per second, up to 20x faster than before.

Action button
Another new feature of the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max is the new Action button which replaces the replaces the “mute” switch. The new Action button is customizable that give you quick access to the camera or flashlight; activating Voice Memos, Focus modes, Translate and accessibility features like Magnifier; or using Shortcuts for more options.

Camera
The camera system on the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max is one of the biggest improvements over the previous models. The main camera now has a 48-megapixel sensor, which allows it to take sharper and more detailed photos. The ultrawide camera has also been upgraded to a 12-megapixel sensor with a wider field of view. Both cameras now support Night mode, which allows you to take great photos in low-light conditions.

The iPhone 15 Pro Max also has a new telephoto camera with a 5x optical zoom in and a 2x optical zoom out, that gives it a 10x optical zoom range with the digital zoom up to 25x. This is the first time that the iPhone has had a telephoto lens with this much zoom capabilities, and it will be a major boon for photographers who want to take close-up shots of faraway subjects.


A17 Bionic chip
The iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max are powered by the A17 Bionic chip, the most powerful chip ever used in an iPhone and the industry’s first 3-nanometer chip in a smartphone. The A17 Bionic chip offers up to 10% faster CPU performance and up to 20% faster GPU performance than the previous chip. The new iPhone 15 Pros will also features hardware-accelerated ray tracing — which is 4x faster than software-based ray tracing — iPhone 15 Pros offers smoother graphics, as well as more immersive AR applications and gaming experiences.

This makes the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max ideal for demanding tasks like gaming and video editing.

Battery Life
The iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max will have a longer battery life that the previous generation; up to 29 hours video playback and up to 95 hours in audio with support for magSafe wireless charging up to 15 Watts and Qi wireless charging up to 7.5 Watts. When using a 20W adapter (or higher) battery will fast-charge up to 50% charge in just 30 minutes. Just like with the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus, Apple uses 100% recycled cobalt in the battery. You can checkout the full specs of the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max here.

Notable features;

  • New design with titanium back
  • A17 Bionic chip
  • Improved camera system with 48-megapixel main camera, 12-megapixel ultrawide camera, and 6x optical zoom telephoto camera
  • Night mode for all three cameras
  • Customizable Action button
  • Cinematic mode for videos
  • LiDAR scanner for augmented reality
  • Larger battery
  • Support for 5G connectivity

The iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max will be available in black titanium, white titanium, blue titanium, and natural titanium finishes, and will be available in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB storage capacities. The iPhone 15 Pro will start at $999 and the iPhone 15 Pro Max will start at $1,199. The phones will be available for pre-order on September 15 and will start shipping on September 22.

Apple announced iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus with Dynamic Island, 48MP Main camera and USB-C

Apple today unveiled the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus, the company’s latest flagship smartphones. The new phones feature a number of improvements over their predecessors, including a new design, a more powerful A16 Bionic chip, and a better camera system.

The iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus have a similar design to the iPhone 14, but with a few key changes. The back glass is now color-infused with a stunning, textured matte finish, and a new contoured edge on the aluminum enclosure. The phones are also slightly thicker and heavier, which helps to improve their durability.

The iPhone 15 will be the smaller 6.1-inch, while the iPhone 15 Plus will feature a larger 6.7-inch display sizes. Both iPhone 15s will also feature the Dynamic Island, an innovative way to interact with important alerts and Live Activities. The Super Retina XDR display is great for watching content, streaming Apple Fitness+ workouts, and playing games.

Another big change that Apple made with the new iPhone 15 is the new USB-C connector. The switch to USB-C is being made in order to comply with a new European Union regulation that requires all new smartphones to have USB-C ports.

The new iPhone 15s uses the A16 Bionic chip, the most powerful chip ever used in an iPhone. With two high-performance cores that use 20 percent less power and four high-efficiency cores, the 6-core CPU is faster than the previous generation and the 5-core GPU now has 50% more memory bandwidth for smooth graphics for streaming videos and games.

The camera system on the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus has also been improved. Both models feature a powerful 48MP Main camera that enables super-high-resolution photos and a new 2x Telephoto option. This gives users a total of three optical zoom levels — 0.5x, 1x, 2x — for the first time on any iPhone dual-camera system, like having a third camera1. The ultrawide camera has also been upgraded to a 12-megapixel sensor. Both cameras now support Night mode, which allows you to take great photos in low-light conditions for a sharper and more detailed photos.

The iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus also introduce the next generation of portraits, making it easier to capture portraits with great detail and low-light performance. For the first time, users can take portraits without having to switch to Portrait mode. When there’s a person, dog, or cat in the frame, or when a user taps to focus, iPhone automatically captures depth information, so users can turn photos into stunning portraits later in the Photos app on iPhone, iPad, or Mac.

On the battery side, the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus now use even more recycled content, with 100 percent recycled cobalt in the battery. Up to 26 hours video playback and up to 100 hours in audio with magSafe wireless charging up to 15 Watts, Qi wireless charging up to 7.5 Watts. The battery also support fast-charge up to 50% charge in just 30 minutes with 20W adapter or higher.

You can find the full specs of the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus here.

The iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus will be available in black, blue, green, yellow, and pink. Price start at $699 for the 128 GB, $799 for 256 GB and $899 for the 512 GB variant. The phones will be available for pre-order on September 15 and will start shipping on September 22.

Source: Apple

Microsoft to remove WordPad in future release of Windows

Microsoft will soon remove WordPad in the coming release of Windows, this announcement was made by the software giant early this month after it published a “What’s New” article with a title – Deprecated features for Windows client.

In the article, Microsoft said that “Each version of Windows client adds new features and functionality. Occasionally, new versions also remove features and functionality, often because they’ve added a newer option. This article provides details about the features and functionalities that are no longer being developed in Windows client.”

The article further list at least 50 features and services available on Windows that will soon be removed in future update of the OS and one of them is the WordPad.

WordPad is no longer being updated and will be removed in a future release of Windows. We recommend Microsoft Word for rich text documents like .doc and .rtf and Windows Notepad for plain text documents like .txt.

WordPad was introduced 28 years ago, as a small windows application that can edit, read, format and print document files with Rich Text Format (RTF), it is basically the stripped down version of MS Word, which is why it is not surprising the Microsoft recommended Microsoft Word, its paid word processor.

It’s Official – Threads.net web version now available

As the the title goes, the web version of Threads.net is now available. The web/desktop version was already live last week, as reported by Yugatech but it was just today that it took effect here in Saudi Arabia.

This is the official announcement from Threads’ official account with addtional information on how to access or create your threads account and a features of the service in a post.

Post by @threads
View on Threads

Post by @threads
View on Threads

From my first hour in using the web app, it feels exactly like the app but since you have it on a separate tab on your browser, I find myself using the web version more than the app. It remains to be seen if it can surpass the daily and even the monthly active users of X/Twitter, now that the desktop web version is live.

Sony Announces PlayStation Portal Remote Player, a Dedicated Device for Streaming PS5 Games

Sony has announced the PlayStation Portal remote player, a dedicated handheld device that allows users to stream PS5 games to a different location in their home. The Portal features an 8-inch LCD screen with 1080p resolution and a refresh rate of 60fps, as well as two controllers that are similar to the DualSense controller.

The Portal connects to the PS5 via Wi-Fi and supports all PS5 games that are compatible with Remote Play. This includes both first-party and third-party games, as well as VR games. The Portal also includes a 3.5mm headphone jack for wired audio.

The PlayStation Portal remote player is scheduled to be released later this year for $199.99 or around . It will be available in black and white. Sony did not provide any details regarding the specs and other details of the remote player.

Aside from the PlayStation Portal remote player, Sony also announced the Pulse Elite wireless headset & Pulse Explore wireless earbuds.


Pulse Elite is our new wireless headset that offers lossless audio and comes with a retractable boom mic and AI-enhanced noise rejection capable of filtering background sounds. A charging hanger is also included with the product for a convenient charging and storage option. Pulse Elite will be available for $149.99 USD or around SAR 564.


Pulse Explore is our first set of wireless earbuds, providing a premium portable audio experience with dual microphones and AI-enhanced noise rejection capable of filtering background sounds. It also offers lossless audio and comes with a charging case. The Pulse Explore is the first device from Sony to provide wireless earbuds to the mass consumer market using planar magnetic driver technology. Pulse Explore will be available for $199.99 or around SAR 751.96. Sony will share more details such as specs, when pre-orders begin and launch dates.

In addition to the devices that Sony announced, the company unveil the PlayStation Link, a proprietary wireless technology that will seamlessly connect the Pulse Elite and Pulse Explore to the PlayStation Portal remote player. The PlayStation Link offers low latency, lossless audio and easy switching between multiple PlayStation Link hosts such as PS5 with the USB adapter and PlayStation Portal. A PlayStation Link USB adapter will also be sold separately as a standalone item, and can be used on PC and Mac, and be able to connect Pulse Elite or Pulse Explore to non-PlayStation device.

Another advantage of the PlayStation Link is that Pulse Elite and Pulse Explore can simultaneously connect to a PlayStation Link supported device (PS5, PC, Mac, or PlayStation Portal) and a Bluetooth supported device. For example, Pulse Explore can be connected to PS5 (via the USB adapter) using PlayStation Link and also to a mobile phone through Bluetooth at the same time. While playing on PS5, gamers can instantly answer a call and hear it through the same Pulse Explore earbuds.

Google Play Pass Launches in the Philippines, Offering Access to Hundreds of Games and Apps

Google Play Pass, a subscription service that gives users access to hundreds of games and apps without ads or in-app purchases, has launched in the Philippines.

The service is available for a monthly price of PHP 109 or receive savings if you pay for the annual pricing of PHP 999. It includes a curated selection of games and apps from different genres, including action, adventure, puzzle, simulation, and more.

Some of the popular games included in Google Play Pass are Stardew Valley, Monument Valley, Terraria, and Sonic the Hedgehog Classic. There are also a number of productivity apps available, such as Evernote, Trello, and Pocket Casts.

To sign up for Google Play Pass, simply open the Google Play Store app on your Android device and search for “Play Pass.” You can then sign up for a monthly or annual subscription. This subscription service is compatible with any Android device running Android 4.4 and above; and Google Play Store version 16.6.25 and above.

Google Play Pass is the equivalent of Apple Arcade and Xbox Game Pass.

Source: Yugatech

Meta to launch a web version of Threads

Threads, the twitter-clone of Meta, will soon launch a web version of the service. As of this posting, when you go to Threads.net, you will just get a QR code that when scanned will direct you to your phone’s app store to download the Threads app.

The web version is planned to be launch “early this week” but this is not totally final and could still change. Threads’ web version, a much-requested feature that may be exactly what Meta needs for users engagement within the service. The web version of Threads is currently undergoing internal testing at Meta Platforms and the official rollout may happen as early as the end of the week (August 25, 2023).

A reply by Adam Mosseri to a comment, further confirmed that the company is indeed working on a web version of threads;

Post by @mosseri
View on Threads

Threads initially took the internet by storm and rapidly reached 100 million downloads, making it the fastest app to hit that milestone. However, user engagement has since declined, partly it’s believed due to the lack of a web version.

A web version of Threads is the next logical move by Meta to compete more effectively with platforms like X, formerly known as Twitter. It would be interesting to see whether these move will help Meta stop the ever-decreasing user engagement on Threads, which has gone done by approximately 85% since its peak shortly after launch.

Reactions to Potato Corner Job Posts

The reactions to Potato Corner job ads are gold!

Potato Corner may have been fast in deleting the job post and publishing a reply, this is the most appropriate way to handle this situation but as we all know the internet is much faster in reacting to the post and these are just a few of them.

In no particular order! 🙂












Jobberbase Install Guide for Apache

Just archiving this here, since I always use Jobberbase as a reference CMS for job board.

You can download the PDF version of the steps here and the typical errors here.

Jobberbase Install Guide for Apache
Contents
1 Requirements
2 Install Procedure
2.1 Download
2.2 Database setup
2.2.1 Single database hosting
2.2.2 Multiple database hosting
2.3 Environment and code setup
2.3.1 Directory structure and permissions
2.3.2 Translations
2.3.3 Config and environments
2.4 Testing the site
2.5 Admin

Requirements
Before proceeding, make sure you have PHP 5+ and MySQL 4.1+ installed on your server. Also, Apache modulemod_rewrite has to be enabled and overriding default settings with .htaccess needs to be allowed.
If you are 100% sure that your server meets the requirements then you can skip the following lines and go directly to the first step, else please read on.

To mak sure you have at least PHP 5 and mod_rewrite active, create a file called phpinfo.php and paste the following code into it:

<?php phpinfo(); ?>

Upload it to your server and access it like this http://www.yoursitesnamecomeshere.com/phpinfo.php (Note: the path could differ in your case, specially if you’ve uploaded it into a subfolder)

The PHP version should appear in the page’s header. Make sure that it’s at least version 5.

Also, to see that you have mod_rewrite active, search in the page for the string mod_rewrite. If you don’t find it, contact your hosting and ask them to activate this module.

Install Procedure
If the requirements are met, follow these steps:

Download
Download the latest version from http://www.jobberbase.com/download (if you haven’t already done this) and unzip it.

Database setup
Before setting up the database, there are some things that you should be aware of: some hosting companies don’t allow you to have more than one database (usually in case of low-end (very cheap or free) hosting plans). If that’s your situation, follow the next step (Single database hosting), otherwise jump to step “Multiple database hosting”.

Single database hosting
If you know that this is your case, then please follow these steps:

You must decide for a string (you can use jb_, for example) which will be prepended to every jobberbase table name. You will have to set this string in the DB_PREFIX field that is described in step 3.

Open jobberbase.sql in a text editor of your choice and use its find & replace feature, as follows (Hint: in the find & replace dialog, there’s usually a button (Replace All, in case of Notepad) for replacing all the occurrences at once):

Replace all occurrences of CREATE TABLE IF NOT EXISTS ` (note the ` char ) with CREATE TABLE IF NOT EXISTS `THE_STRING_THAT_YOU_DECIDED_ON (for example, CREATE TABLE IF NOT EXISTS `jb_).

Replace all occurrences of INSERT INTO ` with INSERT INTO `THE_STRING_THAT_YOU_DECIDED_ON (for example, INSERT INTO `jb_).

Save your changes and then open phpmyadmin, select your database and then import your jobberbase.sql file.

Skip step “Multiple database hosting” and continue with “Environment Setup”.

Multiple database hosting
Create a new database and import db/jobberbase.sql into it (usually done from within phpmyadmin).

Note: PHPMyAdmin instructions: Create a new database (example: jobberbase) in the database window and no need to change any of the default settings. Click Go and the database is live. Now click import from the list of menu items in the top section and select the jobberbase.sql file from your local machine. After refesh you should see the list of example content tables on the left side panel. If any of these things did not work for you then you need read the manual that comes with PHPMyAdmin and try again).

Environment and code setup
In order to install jobberBase, you need FTP or SSH access, to upload all the files. jobberBase is software that you host on your server.

Directory structure and permissions
Upload the contents of the public folder to your server. Some users make the mistake that they upload the public folder, but instead you should only upload the files and folders contained in the public folder.

Make sure that the following folders have write permission:
/uploads (uploaded resumes are temporarily stored here)
/_templates//_cache (smarty cache) – by default, YourTheme is a folder called default
/admin/_templates/_cache (smarty cache)
Note: if you are testing it locally using wampserver or MAMP then do this: In windows machine go to folder options and un-check the ‘read only’ option to enable write access. In Mac OSX running MAMP local server first make sure you have administrator access then check to make sure you have full access for the files by clicking ‘get info’ in right click or command click pop up menu for each folder.

Translations
Translations are located under the theme folder, i.e. /_templates//_translations.

Translations for text elements in the site (except pages, job category names and others such as these) are located in an .ini file, in the translations folder, the default being translations_en.ini.

Email translations are stored in an xml file, under _translations/_emails, the default being emails_en.xml.

Config and environments
A single jobberBase instance/codebase can run under multiple hosting environments. The config system allows you to define environments (such as the one on your local/development machine, a staging environment and the live/production server).

These environments have to be manually defined in _config/config.envs.php, as PHP arrays. The default environment (suited for local hosting) looks like this:

$__instances['local'] = array(
// should be a unique part of the url (or the entire url if you wish)
'prefix' => 'localhost',
// mysql credentials
'db_host' => 'localhost',
'db_port' => 3306,
'db_user' => 'root',
'db_password' => '',
'db_name' => 'jobberbase',
'db_prefix' => '',
// your site's full url
'app_url' => 'http://localhost/jobberbase/trunk/public/',
// error reporting
'ini_error_reporting' => E_ALL,
'ini_display_errors' => 'On',
// environment setting 1 (use 'local' for localhost/testing OR 'online' for live, production environment)
'location' => 'local',
// environment setting 2 (use 'dev' together with 'local' in the previous setting OR 'prod' with 'online')
'environment' => 'dev',
//use 'apache_mod_rewrite' for Apache hosting or 'iis_url_rewrite', 'iis_isapi_rewrite' for IIS hosting
'rewrite_mode' => 'apache_mod_rewrite'
);

Each environment is defined as part of the $__instances array, with a unique key (e.g. local).

Note: Only change db_prefix if you’ve followed step 2.2.1 (single database hosting).

Note: some users are having trouble setting the db_host. To find out your database host, either ask your hosting company or login to phpmyadmin and you should have somewhere in the upper area the string Server and next to it an URL or IP. That’s what you should put as database host.

Testing the site
If you’ve went through all previous steps, you should be done.

Open up a browser and type in your site’s URL (e.g. http://www.yoursitesnamecomeshere.com/).

Admin
Assuming that your Jobberbase installation is located at http://www.yoursitesnamecomeshere.com/, you can access the administration panel by visiting http://www.yoursitesnamecomeshere.com/admin/.

This section is password protected, the username being admin and the default password admin.

After the first login, be sure to change your password!

In the administration panel you can:

change settings regarding site details, job pagination, mailing options, url options and lot more
view all the jobs, activate the new ones, delete jobs, edit jobs, post a new job
change the cities (add/edit/delete) that are included by default in Jobberbase
change the categories (add/edit/delete/reorder) that are included by default in Jobberbase
change the header/footer/sidebar links
view statistical information

Discord.io suffers data breached and will shutdown the service

Discord.io, a third-party service that enables owners of Discord servers to create customized, personal Discord invites, has announced that it would shut down until further notice following a “major data breach” from “unknown actors” on Monday evening.

The breach has affected 760,000 users and the stolen information could include your discord.io username and your Discord ID, your email-address, your billing address, and a salted and hashed password if you signed up in 2018 or earlier.

Payment details are said to be safe because all payments are processed through PayPal and Stripe and the company does not store any payment information on their servers, and this information was not leaked, the company said in an article posted on their website.

Discord.io has confirmed the authenticity of the breach, by an entity acting under the name “Akhirah.” It is important to know that Discord.com is not affiliated with discord.io, a spokesperson from Discord told Stackdiary, “Discord is not affiliated with Discord.io. We do not share any user information with Discord.io directly and we do not have access to or control of information in Discord.io’s custody.”

Discord has revoked the oauth authentication tokens for any Discord user that has used Discord.io, so that app can no longer perform actions on behalf of those users until they re-authenticate3. Affected Discord users should change their passwords and enable multi-factor authentication (MFA).

You can read the full statement of Discord.io on their website – Discord.io has suffered a data breach.

The website’s official twitter also encourages users to directly contact their support team, in connection of the breached.

OnePlus Showoff New Screen to Solve Wet Touchscreen Problem

OnePlus, the Chinese smartphone maker, has unveiled a new screen technology that is designed to solve the wet touchscreen problem. The new technology, called “Rainwater Touch Control,” uses a combination of silicon and a custom algorithm to determine finger placement and work around the issues with water, which conducts electrical signals, like the human hand.

A video 55 seconds video was published on Weibo, showing the still unannounced OnePlus Ace 2 Pro device, equipped with Rainwater Touch technology, on with a side-to-side video comparison with an iPhone 14 Pro, while in an artificial rain and fog. We can assume Rainwater Touch technology should help with recently washed or sweaty hands.


Source: Weibo via dotGAG

Aside from the new screen technology, other details of OnePlus Ace 2 Pro that was leaked are;

  • 6.7-inch OLED curved display with a resolution of 1.5K pixels, a 120Hz refresh rate, and a 1,600 nits peak brightness
  • Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor
  • up to 24GB LPDDR5X RAM and 1TB UFS 4.0 storage technology
  • Aerospace-grade three-dimensional cooling system called the Tiangong cooling system
  • 5,000mAh battery with support for 150W fast charging

The Rainwater Touch Control technology is set to debut on the OnePlus Ace 2 Pro, which will be officially unveiled in China later this week. The Rainwater Touch Control technology will be introduced to other upcoming OnePlus releases, this includes the phones from its parent brand, Oppo.

Source: 9 to 5 Google

Disney+ and Hulu Subscription Price to Increase this October

Disney has announced that it will be increasing the prices of its streaming services, Disney+ and Hulu, in October. The ad-free version of Disney+ will increase from $10.99 to $13.99 per month, while the ad-supported version will remain at $7.99 per month. The ad-free version of Hulu will increase from $14.99 to $17.99 per month, while the ad-supported version will remain at $7.99 per month.

The price increase is effective for new subscribers starting on October 12, 2023, and for existing subscribers starting on November 1 2023.

Disney has cited rising content costs as the reason for the price increase. The company has been investing heavily in new content for its streaming services, including original series and movies, as well as live sports. The price increase is likely to be met with some resistance from subscribers, but it is not unexpected. Streaming services have been raising prices in recent years, as they compete for subscribers and content.

“The strong momentum of our ad-supported plans in the U.S. demonstrates the importance of providing consumers with choice, flexibility and value,” said Joe Earley, President, Direct-to-Consumer, Disney Entertainment. “We are excited to expand that offering in more markets across the globe, including in Europe and Canada, and to launch a new premium duo bundle of ad-free Disney+ and Hulu this Fall, as we take steps toward making extensive Hulu content available via Disney+ later this year for Bundle subscribers.”