RPRNA

Search results for: “X”

  • New Danger Alert: Harmful software hiding in the DeepSeek craze

    New Danger Alert: Harmful software hiding in the DeepSeek craze

    Are you tired of hearing about DeepSeek? This popular chatbot from China has taken over tech news and even topped the App Store charts. But with fame comes risk, as it’s now linked to scams, phishing, and dangerous software for Mac users. Here’s what you need to know.

    Welcome to our weekly security update, where we talk about keeping your Apple devices safe amidst the latest threats.

    Scams and Fake Apps

    Cyble, a well-known cybersecurity company, has been tracking various scams that use DeepSeek’s popularity. Scammers are tricking people into scanning QR codes for fake crypto deals or offering fake investments. There are also fake DeepSeek apps for Mac that look real, but the catch is, there’s no official DeepSeek app for Mac.

    Malware Alert

    The latest scam involves spreading AMOS, a notorious type of Mac malware, disguised as a DeepSeek app. AMOS, written in Swift, can work on both Intel and Apple Silicon chips. Hackers charge $1,000 a month to use this malware, which communicates with a cybercriminal’s server to steal your personal data like passwords, credit card details, and more.

    How It Works

    Here’s how you might get tricked:

    • You download a fake DeepSeek app from a website or an email.
    • The scammer tells you to open Terminal and drag a file into it.
    • What looks like a safe file actually runs harmful scripts, putting your Mac at risk.

    Protecting Yourself

    With macOS Sequoia, Apple made it harder for unsigned apps to run, but hackers have found ways around this by using Terminal. Remember, DeepSeek only has apps for iOS and Android, so any Mac version you see is not legitimate. Also, avoid using DeepSeek altogether because of privacy issues; in China, laws allow for extensive data access and censorship.

    Your Thoughts?

    Are you concerned about DeepSeek’s privacy issues? Share your thoughts with us.

    Stay safe out there, and keep your devices secure by being wary of what you download and where it comes from.

    For more on Apple security:

    • DeepSeek has raised privacy alarms, leading to investigations in the US and Europe, with the app already removed from Italy’s App Store.
    • Security flaws named SLAP and FLOP could expose your web tabs on Apple devices.
    • A court has put limits on how much data the FBI can search from tech companies under FISA.
    • Google Ads are still being used by hackers, despite Google’s advanced tech and resources.

    Stay informed and stay safe!

  • Apple to pay back early Apple Watch users in settlement agreement

    Apple to pay back early Apple Watch users in settlement agreement

    Apple has agreed to pay $20 million to settle a lawsuit about early Apple Watch models. The lawsuit claimed that certain models had a battery problem that made the screens pop or crack (as reported by CNET).

    The lawsuit was filed in a court in California. It involved the first Apple Watch, and the Series 1, Series 2, and Series 3 models. The claim was that these watches didn’t have enough room inside for the battery to expand normally. When the batteries swelled, they pushed against the screen, causing it to break or come off. Apple said they did nothing wrong, but they’ve decided to settle the case instead of going through a long court battle.

    Here’s how the settlement works: Apple will put $20 million into a fund to pay back people who had problems with their watch’s battery. Each person who qualifies can get $20 for each watch they had issues with, but this amount could go up or down based on how many people claim money. Some of the funds will also cover legal and admin costs.

    If you already told Apple about your battery problem, you don’t need to do anything extra to get paid. You’ll automatically get your money unless you decide you don’t want it by February 24, 2025. If you think you should get money but haven’t told Apple yet, you need to go to the settlement website and submit your details by April 10, 2025.

  • Apple nears decision on Foldable screen supplier

    Apple nears decision on Foldable screen supplier

    Apple is almost ready to pick a company to make the screens for their new foldable devices, according to a blog post by “yeux1122” on Naver. This person says they got the info from someone inside Apple’s supply chain.

    Apple is being very picky about who can make these screens. They want them to be just as thin and curved as the best ones out there but also much tougher and with no creases. Some local companies are doing well at meeting these tough standards.

    They expect to choose a supplier sometime between the end of February and the start of April, but no final choice has been made yet.

    This screen could be for a foldable iPhone. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has said that Apple is still planning this foldable iPhone, with guesses that it might come out sometime between late 2025 and 2027. There’s talk that Apple might even launch a flip-style iPhone in 2026.

    Besides iPhones, Apple is also looking into bigger foldable gadgets. The Wall Street Journal mentioned that Apple is working on a 19-inch foldable device meant to be like a laptop. And Mark Gurman from Bloomberg talked about a huge foldable iPad possibly coming out in 2028, which would look like one smooth piece of glass with no crease in sight.

    Source

  • Apple Intelligence adds support for more languages in April

    Apple Intelligence adds support for more languages in April

    Apple CEO Tim Cook shared some exciting news during the company’s latest earnings report. In April, Apple Intelligence will start supporting eight new languages: French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, Japanese, Korean, and simplified Chinese.

    This update, expected with iOS 18.4, will also include tailored English support for people in India and Singapore. Until now, Apple Intelligence has only been available in English-speaking countries like the United States, UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and South Africa.

    Cook highlighted how crucial these features are, saying, “Once you begin using them, it’s hard to go back.” He pointed out the email summary feature as a standout, noting that he uses it every day to sift through his numerous emails.

    Apple Intelligence has been rolling out new tools since iOS 18.1, but its language options have somewhat limited its worldwide use. This expansion aims to make these helpful features accessible to a broader audience, enhancing user experience across different regions.

  • Apple Maps to add Tesla supercharger locations for Ford EV users

    Apple Maps to add Tesla supercharger locations for Ford EV users

    Apple Maps is getting a big update that will make planning trips easier for people driving Ford Mustang Mach-Es and F-150 Lightnings.

    The Apple Maps feature for electric vehicles (EVs) helps you plan your journey by adding stops for charging when you need them. It keeps track of your car’s battery and looks at things like how fast you’re driving, how high the road goes, and how quick the chargers are to figure out when you should charge and for how long.

    Right now, this feature only works with three cars: the Ford Mustang Mach-E, the Ford F-150 Lightning, and the Porsche Taycan. Last year, Ford started sending out adapters to let these Ford cars use Tesla’s Superchargers. These cars have a CCS charging port, and the adapter changes it to work with Tesla’s NACS plug.

    However, Apple Maps hasn’t known about this yet. It only shows you where to go for CCS stations. But, that’s going to change. Ford’s lead engineer for the Mustang Mach-E, Donna Dickson, mentioned in a forum post that the system will soon know about these changes.

    Soon, you’ll be able to see where compatible Tesla Superchargers are right from the navigation in the new 2025 Mustang Mach-E. These locations are already visible on Google Maps for Android Auto users and will soon appear on Apple Maps for those using Apple CarPlay.

    There aren’t a lot of details yet on how this will all work, but it’s expected that Ford drivers with the NACS adapter can tell Apple Maps they can use both CCS and NACS stations. This will help Apple Maps give better, more accurate advice on where to charge.

    As a Mustang Mach-E driver, I’m excited about this update. I hope Ford and Apple will share more soon.

    If you own an electric car, consider charging it at home with solar panels on your roof. To find a good solar installer, check out EnergySage. It’s a free service where you can get personalized solar quotes, compare them online, and get advice from Energy Advisers. This way, you can save money and make sure you’re getting a quality setup without the hassle of sales calls until you’re ready.

  • How to stop your Mac from automatically waking up

    How to stop your Mac from automatically waking up

    Apple’s latest Macs with their own special chips are set up to automatically turn on when you open the lid or plug them in. But if you’re not a fan of this, there’s a way to stop it in macOS Sequoia.

    In a helpful guide, Apple explains how you can tweak your Mac so it doesn’t start up when you’d rather it stay off. Here’s what you need to do:

    • Check your macOS: Ensure your Mac with Apple’s chip is running macOS Sequoia or a newer version.
    • Open Terminal: Find the Terminal app in the Utilities folder under Applications.
    • Enter the Command: Type one of these commands into Terminal, then hit Enter:
      • To stop startup when opening the lid or plugging in: [sudo nvram BootPreference=%00](https://x.com/i/grok?text=sudo%20nvram%20BootPreference%3D%2500)
      • To stop startup just when opening the lid: [sudo nvram BootPreference=%01](https://x.com/i/grok?text=sudo%20nvram%20BootPreference%3D%2501)
      • To stop startup just when plugging in: [sudo nvram BootPreference=%02](https://x.com/i/grok?text=sudo%20nvram%20BootPreference%3D%2502)
    • Password Time: You’ll need to enter your admin password (you won’t see the characters as you type), then hit Enter again.

    If you decide you want your Mac to wake up automatically again, just open Terminal and type [sudo nvram -d BootPreference](https://x.com/i/grok?text=sudo%20nvram%20-d%20BootPreference) to undo the changes.

    This little trick lets you control when your Mac decides to come to life, keeping you in charge of your device’s power management.

  • Tim Cook believes iPhones have lots more innovation ahead

    Tim Cook believes iPhones have lots more innovation ahead

    During a recent financial discussion for the first quarter of 2025, Apple’s CEO, Tim Cook, was quizzed about future iPhone designs. The talk was sparked by whispers about the new “iPhone 17 Air.” Tim Cook usually keeps quiet about upcoming products on these calls, but this time he was upbeat. “We’ve got a lot more in store,” he shared, sounding very hopeful about what’s coming next.

    He confirmed that the iPhone still has plenty of room for new ideas. “There’s still so much we can do with smartphones,” Cook remarked. Word on the street is that Apple is working on an incredibly slim iPhone to take over from the “Plus” version. It’s rumored to be just 5 to 6 millimeters thick, making it the slimmest iPhone ever.

    When asked if the ultra-slim design of the 12.9-inch M4 iPad Pro was boosting iPad sales, Cook clarified that wasn’t the driver. Instead, the iPad Air and the standard iPad were the ones pushing the 15% sales increase over the holiday season.

    This isn’t shocking considering the high price tag on the iPad Pro. There’s mixed chatter about how much the new slim iPhone will cost, but it’s expected to be cheaper than the Pro models. Apple seems set on making it more about design, with plans to use a less powerful chip and only one camera lens.

    This focus on a sleek design while keeping costs down could make the “iPhone 17 Air” a popular choice, offering a new look without breaking the bank.

  • Apple’s Global Reach: Over 2.35 billion devices now active

    Apple’s Global Reach: Over 2.35 billion devices now active

    Apple’s CEO, Tim Cook, announced during the latest earnings call that the company now boasts more than 2.35 billion active devices around the world. This update, which covers the first quarter of 2025, marks a new high for the tech giant.

    This impressive figure shows a growth from the last count in February 2024, when Apple reported 2.2 billion active devices. While specific numbers for each type of device weren’t shared, it’s known that Apple has consistently had over a billion iPhones in use globally.

    This growth underscores Apple’s strong presence in the market and its continued popularity among consumers. With products like the iPhone, iPad, and Mac, Apple has managed to keep users engaged and expand its ecosystem significantly. The company’s ability to maintain and increase its active user base is a testament to its innovation and customer loyalty.

  • Apple’s record-breaking quarter in 2025: $124.3B revenue and more

    Apple’s record-breaking quarter in 2025: $124.3B revenue and more

    Apple recently shared its financial results for the first quarter of 2025, discussing performance details with CEO Tim Cook and new CFO Kevan Parekh. Here’s a simple breakdown of the key points from the call:

    iPhone Sales and Apple Intelligence

    While Apple’s services revenue increased, and they saw growth in Mac and iPad sales, iPhone sales dipped slightly. This quarter, iPhones brought in $69.1 billion, less than last year’s $69.7 billion. The new Apple Intelligence feature, introduced in iOS 18, has not yet sparked a big update trend. However, Cook noted that iPhone 16 models are selling better in places where Apple Intelligence is available.

    Cook believes that as more people upgrade to newer iPhones, which support Apple Intelligence, usage will grow. He also mentioned upcoming support for more languages in April, which should help. He finds the email summarization feature invaluable, receiving hundreds of emails daily.

    Best Quarter Ever

    Tim Cook announced that this was Apple’s best quarter yet, with a revenue of $124.3 billion, up by four percent from last year. Apple’s active device count hit a new high at over 2.35 billion worldwide. However, sales in China dropped to $18.5 billion from $20.8 billion last year.

    Services Revenue

    The services sector shone brightly, earning $26.3 billion, a 14 percent jump from the previous year’s $23 billion. They set new records in the Americas, Europe, and other parts of Asia-Pacific, with over a billion paid subscriptions now.

    Mac and iPad Sales

    Mac sales were up to $9 billion from $7.8 billion, thanks to the new M4 models. Both new users and upgraders contributed to this growth. iPads also did well, with a 15 percent sales increase, largely due to the iPad Air and the budget iPad models, with many sales going to first-time iPad buyers.

    Other Notes

    On the topic of DeepSeek and reducing computational costs, Cook sees efficiency-driving innovation positively. Regarding future iPhone designs, he hinted at more innovation to come. With potential tariffs on the horizon, Apple is keeping a close watch but had no further comments.

    Looking Ahead

    For the next quarter, Apple anticipates low to mid single-digit growth in revenue with a gross margin expected between 46.5 and 47.5 percent.

    This earnings call highlights Apple’s ongoing strength in the tech market, even with some challenges like in China, affirming their position as a leader in technology and innovation.

  • Apple tried Intel for iPhone chips, but Tim Cook wasn’t impressed, says TSMC Founder

    Apple tried Intel for iPhone chips, but Tim Cook wasn’t impressed, says TSMC Founder

    TSMC, a big partner for Apple, makes chips for millions of their devices each year. But, according to their founder, there was a time when Intel tried to make chips for the iPhone but didn’t do well enough to impress Apple’s CEO, Tim Cook.

    TSMC Founder Wasn’t Worried About Intel Competition for iPhone Chips

    In a recent conversation on the Acquired podcast, Morris Chang, the founder of TSMC, talked about the history of working with Apple. One key point was back in February 2011 when Intel was considered for producing iPhone chips.

    At that time, Intel already made chips for Apple’s Macs. However, their attempt at iPhone chip production didn’t go as planned. Chang mentions a talk with Jeff Williams, who said, “We need to take a break from our talks for a couple of months because Intel’s top people have approached Tim Cook to discuss making chips for the iPhone.”

    Chang wasn’t too concerned because, in 2011, Intel didn’t have the same strong reputation it once did:

    “Jeff was talking about the iPhone,” Chang said. “I wasn’t too worried because Intel wasn’t the big deal anymore. I had to agree to Jeff’s request, but I wasn’t really concerned.”
    Later, Cook met with Chang over lunch at Apple’s headquarters, where he reassured Chang by saying, “There’s nothing to worry about,” explaining that Intel didn’t have the right know-how to be a chip foundry. Chang found this response brief but reassuring.

    Chang also shared insights on Intel’s customer relations:

    “Before Apple became our customer, I knew many of Intel’s customers in Taiwan, like all the PC makers. None of them were fans of Intel. Intel often acted like they were the only game in town.”
    He added that these customers “all wished there was another supplier.”

    You can view the complete interview for more insights into the tech industry’s past.

More posts