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  • Security issues in DeepSeek app for iPhones

    Security issues in DeepSeek app for iPhones

    The DeepSeek app, which quickly became one of the top downloads on the Apple App Store, has been found to have several serious security issues.

    Past Concerns with DeepSeek

    DeepSeek caught everyone’s attention when it suddenly became the most downloaded app for iPhones. AI experts were amazed because it worked well even on phones with less powerful hardware. This led to a drop in stock prices for some big AI companies in the U.S.

    However, soon after, questions about privacy and security started to come up. Privacy regulators in Italy and Ireland began to question if the app followed European privacy laws, while U.S. officials looked into possible security risks. A major slip-up was when DeepSeek left a database unprotected, spilling over a million lines of user data, including private chats and secret codes.

    New Security Flaws in DeepSeek App

    NowSecure, a company that checks mobile app security, found that DeepSeek has turned off a key security feature on iPhones. This feature, called App Transport Security (ATS), makes sure that private information is sent safely. With ATS off, the app sends data without protection, which could be seen by anyone.

    The data might not look dangerous by itself, but when you put a lot of these pieces together, you can figure out who people are. This was shown in another case with Gravy Analytics where similar data was used to identify millions of people.

    Also, the app uses an old and weak method of hiding data, known as 3DES, which isn’t good enough to keep information secret anymore.

    Espionage Risks

    The app collects lots of little bits of information which, if combined with data from other apps, can be used to pinpoint specific users. For example, if someone is using DeepSeek on an iPad connected to a special network used by emergency services, they might become a target for spying.

    The report from NowSecure strongly suggests that the DeepSeek app for iPhones isn’t safe to use, and it warns that the version for Android phones might be even worse.

  • Apple and Starlink: What you need to know

    Apple and Starlink: What you need to know

    You might have heard on social media that Apple automatically added Elon Musk’s Starlink to all iPhones. That’s not true. Here’s the simple truth: The iPhone can connect to Starlink, but only under certain conditions. Right now, in the United States, only one carrier, T-Mobile, uses Starlink for additional coverage on the iPhone.

    Apple hasn’t directly teamed up with Starlink. T-Mobile uses its own frequency (band 25) to make this possible, and the iPhone supports this band. There’s nothing unique in iOS 18.3 related to Starlink; it just supports T-Mobile’s latest network updates.

    If you’re a T-Mobile customer and you don’t want to use Starlink, you can turn it off easily. Go to your iPhone’s Settings, then Cellular, find your carrier and switch off Satellite. Apple has also shared some info on how iPhones work with satellite services provided by carriers. This document explains how these services differ from Apple’s satellite network.

    To use these carrier satellite services, you’ll need:

    • An iPhone 14, 15, or 16
    • The newest iOS update
    • A compatible carrier
    • Possibly, a specific plan from your carrier

    When your iPhone uses these services, you’ll see “SAT” in the status bar. Remember, there might be extra charges or data limits, so check with your carrier for details.

    Starlink can provide internet like other companies such as Spectrum or Xfinity, for homes, on the go, or even on boats and planes. But with T-Mobile, it’s currently limited to sending texts when you’re out of regular network range. This is in beta, and you need to sign up on T-Mobile’s site to use it.

    In the future, T-Mobile might expand this to include more mobile data services through Starlink. But remember, Starlink isn’t a phone company; that’s why they work with T-Mobile. Don’t skip updating to iOS 18.3 just because of Starlink rumors. Updating keeps your iPhone safe and running smoothly with the latest features and fixes.

  • India gives Apple a tax break to boost iPhone manufacturing

    India gives Apple a tax break to boost iPhone manufacturing

    Apple is now enjoying a significant tax benefit in India, making it less expensive to put together iPhones right there in the country. This news came from the government just this past weekend.

    India, a Growing Hub for Apple

    India has become the second biggest place where Apple makes its iPhones, only behind China. There have been big plans talked about, suggesting that by 2027, half of all iPhones might be made in India. However, things haven’t moved as quickly as hoped.

    Last year marked a big change, though. According to Bloomberg, one out of every seven iPhones was made in India by April. The production of newer, high-end models was slower because they needed very specialized equipment. But with the iPhone 16, things got better as production in India started not long after the phone was first introduced.

    New Tax Benefits

    The Indian government has been slowly lowering the taxes on importing parts needed to make electronics in India. They’ve now made this even better by announcing more reductions. Reuters mentions that one of these changes is setting the tax rate to zero for printed circuit boards, which are crucial for phones like the iPhone.

    During the annual budget presentation on Saturday, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman shared that they’ve removed taxes on several parts needed for making mobile phones. This includes the assembly of printed circuit boards, parts for camera modules, and USB cables, which used to have a 2.5% tax.

    This tax cut is expected to reduce the cost of making iPhones in India, hoping that Apple will choose to do more of its manufacturing there.

    Source

  • Video Calls from Space: Coming to Europe and the USA soon

    Video Calls from Space: Coming to Europe and the USA soon

    This year, people in Europe will be able to make video calls using satellite technology, thanks to a successful demonstration by Vodafone working together with AST SpaceMobile. The service will soon expand to the United States through AT&T, although it might take a little longer there.

    Just like the current satellite options for texting and calling, this new technology will work in places where there’s no regular phone signal.

    Apple Paved the Way with Satellite Messaging

    For many years, satellite communication was only possible with special equipment. However, smartphones have now caught up. Apple started this trend with its Emergency SOS via Satellite feature in 2022, which lets you contact emergency services from spots with no cell service. They’ve even updated it so you can send messages to your loved ones. Apple started with Globalstar but has now teamed up with SpaceX and T-Mobile to use Starlink’s satellite system.

    Voice and Internet from Orbit

    In 2023, AST SpaceMobile showed that regular phones could do more than just send messages via satellites; they could also make voice calls and use mobile data. They proved this by connecting a call from Maui, Hawaii, to Madrid, Spain, using their BlueWalker 3 satellite. They also managed to achieve a download speed of about 14 Mbps in another test.

    Satellite Video Calls Are Here

    Vodafone and AST SpaceMobile have now shown that video calls are possible too, using typical 4G/5G phones. They made history with the world’s first video call from space, connecting a call from a remote part of Wales where there’s never been mobile internet before. This was done by Vodafone’s engineer, Rowan Chesmer, who called Margherita Della Valle, showcasing the potential for internet access and messaging in areas without coverage.

    Vodafone plans to roll out this service across Europe by the end of 2026, although they haven’t shared how much it will cost yet. Meanwhile, AT&T is testing similar services in the US, but they’ll probably start after Europe. This new technology could change how we stay connected, especially in the most remote places.

  • Apple TV+ brings ‘Sunday Soccer Night’ to fans with MLS games

    Apple TV+ brings ‘Sunday Soccer Night’ to fans with MLS games

    Apple TV+ and Major League Soccer have launched a new initiative called ‘Sunday Soccer Night.’ This means that every Sunday during the 2025 season, fans can watch a featured MLS game for free if they’re subscribed to Apple TV+. In the U.S., this service costs $9.99 per month or $99 yearly, and it’s also part of the Apple One package deals.

    Apple TV+ is expanding its sports lineup, now including ‘Friday Night Baseball’ for MLB fans and ‘Sunday Soccer Night’ for soccer enthusiasts.

    The new MLS season begins with the ‘MLS is Back’ weekend on February 22nd and 23rd, where all 30 teams will play. ‘Sunday Soccer Night’ will highlight the best games of the week, with special shows and better production quality. The first match-up will feature San Diego FC, the newest team in the league, facing off against the current champions, LA Galaxy, on February 23 at 7 p.m. ET.

    This exciting soccer night is also included with the MLS Season Pass subscription. For the 2025 season, this pass is available for $14.99 monthly or $99 for the whole season. It gives you access to not just Sunday games but also preseason matches, every regular season game, and the playoffs. You can watch these on Apple devices, smart TVs, and other streaming platforms, or online at tv.apple.com.

    T-Mobile customers have a special treat; they can get the MLS Season Pass for free this season. They can claim this offer through the T-Life app starting February 18. Also, this season, Comcast Xfinity and DIRECTV subscribers can access the MLS Season Pass. This year is the third of a 10-year collaboration between Apple and Major League Soccer, aiming to bring more soccer action to viewers across the country.

  • The New X App: Coming soon for all your money needs

    The New X App: Coming soon for all your money needs

    When Elon Musk took over Twitter, he made a big change by renaming it to X. His goal was to turn it into something called the “everything app,” similar to WeChat in China.

    WeChat began as just a messaging app but has grown to include almost everything you can think of in daily life, like paying for things, booking cabs, or even checking your health stats. It’s like having a mini-internet inside one app where you can do so much without needing to switch apps.

    Musk wants to bring this idea to the West with the new X App. He’s talked about making it a place where you can handle all your money matters. This includes using it as a mobile wallet, sending money to friends, paying bills, and linking it to your bank.

    X’s CEO, Linda Yaccarino, has shared that we’ll see this app launch this year. They’ve already teamed up with Visa as their first partner for the X Money Account. Here’s what users can expect:

    • Secure and fast money transfers straight to your X wallet with Visa Direct.
    • Link your debit card for easy person-to-person payments.
    • Quick bank transfers to move money in and out of your account.

    This is just the beginning, with more big news expected. The phrase “LFG,” meaning “Let’s F*cking Go,” shows how excited they are about this launch. The focus seems to be on making person-to-person payments easy first, with plans to add more ways to use the app for shopping and other services later.

  • Keep your iPhone, iPad, and Mac safe: Update Now!

    Keep your iPhone, iPad, and Mac safe: Update Now!

    Apple keeps a close eye on security, and they’ve just released updates for iPhone, iPad, and Mac to tackle some security weaknesses. It’s wise to update your devices right away to keep them secure.

    iOS 18.3

    Available for:

    • iPhone XS and newer
    • Various iPad models from the 3rd generation Air onwards

    Security Fixes:

    • Photos Access: If someone could physically access your unlocked device, they might have seen your photos. This has been fixed with better security checks.
    • AirPlay: Several issues have been resolved, including risks of system crashes or memory problems when on the same network as an attacker. Also, remote attackers could mess with your apps or even cause them to crash, but not anymore thanks to these updates.
    • ARKit: Now, opening a bad file won’t crash your apps.
      CoreAudio and CoreMedia: Parsing risky files could lead to app crashes, but Apple has tightened up these areas.
    • ImageIO: Handling images won’t cause your system to slow down or crash.
    • Kernel: Apps trying to gain too much control or run harmful code have been stopped by new security measures.
    • Safari: Visiting malicious websites could trick you, but the update adds better protection against this.
    • SceneKit: There was a chance for user information to leak through file parsing, which has been fixed.
    • Time Zone: Now, sensitive contact details won’t appear in system logs.
    • WebKit: Web browsing could lead to privacy issues or system crashes, but these have been addressed.

    macOS Sequoia 15.3

    AirPlay, AppKit, AppleGraphicsControl, and More:

    • Like iOS, macOS has patched issues with AirPlay, preventing crashes or memory corruption.
    • AppKit and other components have been secured to prevent unauthorized access to user data or system crashes.
    • AppleMobileFileIntegrity: Several fixes ensure apps can’t tamper with protected parts of your system or access private data.
    • Kernel: Enhanced to prevent apps from gaining excessive permissions or causing system instability.
    • Safari and WebKit: Improved to safeguard against deceptive websites and ensure web content doesn’t cause disruptions.
    • SceneKit: Just like on iOS, file parsing is now safer.
    • Time Zone: Privacy has been bolstered to keep contact details out of logs.

    watchOS 11.3

    For Apple Watch Series 6 and Later:

    • Similar security enhancements have been applied, focusing on AirPlay, CoreAudio, CoreMedia, ImageIO, Kernel, and WebKit to prevent unauthorized access, crashes, or performance issues.

    Updating your devices is crucial for maintaining security. Always check for the latest software updates to ensure your iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch are protected against known vulnerabilities.

  • New Update for Luminar Photo Editor: Now works with RAW and iCloud on Apple devices

    New Update for Luminar Photo Editor: Now works with RAW and iCloud on Apple devices

    The Luminar Mobile app for photo editing has just added some cool new features. With the latest update, version 2.2, you can now edit RAW images right on your iPhone, iPad, or even the Apple Vision Pro. This is especially handy for Vision Pro users since the device doesn’t have its own photo editing tools in the Photos app. If you’re into editing photos, you’ll want to check this out.

    Here’s what’s new in Luminar Mobile 2.2:

    RAW Image Editing

    Now, you can edit photos from many big camera brands in RAW format. This means you get to use pro-level tools to adjust things like brightness, contrast, and color. You can make your pictures look just how you want with lots of detail.

    Keep Track of Your Changes

    Every edit you make is saved automatically. This way, you can go back to your work whenever you want. It’s like having a history book for your edits, so you can always see what you’ve changed and make further tweaks if needed.

    Sync Your Edits with iCloud

    If you use more than one Apple device, you’ll love this. Now, your edits will sync across your devices using iCloud. Start editing on your phone, and pick up right where you left off on your iPad or another device.

    Better App Design

    The app’s look and feel have been improved based on what users have said. It’s now easier to use, with a nicer layout. For those using an iPad, tools for adjusting color and adding effects are easier to find. There’s also a new button to go back to your original photo if you decide you want to start over.

    This update makes Luminar Mobile a great choice for anyone looking to do more with their photos on Apple devices.

  • UK Watchdog probes iPhone App Store dominance

    UK Watchdog probes iPhone App Store dominance

    The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has kicked off a thorough investigation into how mobile app stores operate, focusing on iPhone and Android systems.

    The study aims to look at whether Apple has too much control over the market and if they might be using this power in unfair ways. They’re checking how apps are sold to consumers and the rules developers have to follow to get their apps on the iPhone’s App Store.

    This investigation sounds a lot like what’s happening in the European Union, where they have rules to keep big tech companies in check.

    The CMA will look into how much competition exists between Apple and Google, including how hard it is for new companies to break into the market. They’ll check if Apple and Google are using their big influence over mobile operating systems to favor their own apps or limit choices in browsers. They’re also looking at the conditions app makers must agree to for their apps to appear in these stores.

    The investigation is set to wrap up by October 22, 2025. After that, we’ll know more about what might happen next. Possible outcomes could include penalties or changes in how these companies do business.

    In Europe, Apple was made to allow other app stores, let apps be downloaded from the internet, and give users more browser options. However, Apple also changed how they charge developers, which some big companies like Epic Games and Spotify say is still not fair. While the EU case continues, it’s likely Apple might use similar tactics when dealing with the CMA in the UK.

    Source

  • Nokia’s missed opportunity with the iPhone

    Nokia’s missed opportunity with the iPhone

    In a surprising turn of events, historical records recently uncovered reveal that Nokia had the foresight to recognize the iPhone’s potential threat, but failed to act on it. In 2007, just a day after Apple unveiled its revolutionary device, a small team of nine within Nokia penned an internal presentation highlighting the iPhone’s disruptive capabilities.

    At the time, Nokia was the king of the mobile market, boasting a 50% share and a reputation for cool, trend-setting design. However, this internal document titled “Apple iPhone: A Serious Contender” warned that the iPhone’s touchscreen user interface could redefine industry standards. The team noted, “iPhone touch screen UI may set a new standard of state-of-the-art. New UI paradigm that has a promise of unparalleled ease-of-use.”

    They also acknowledged the iPhone’s potential to capture the ‘coolness’ factor in the US market, a crucial aspect for brand perception among young consumers. The presentation emphasized the need for Nokia to develop its own touch interface to compete effectively, stating, “Nokia needs to develop touch UI to fight back.”

    Despite these insights, Nokia’s senior management did not heed these warnings. Seven years later, Nokia had to exit the smartphone market, a stark contrast to its former glory. This scenario serves as a poignant reminder of how pivotal moments can shape or break industry giants. If Nokia had listened to its visionary team, perhaps it would still be a player in the smartphone arena today.

    Source

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