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  • Millions of Apple devices using AirPlay and CarPlay are at risk of wi-fi attacks

    Millions of Apple devices using AirPlay and CarPlay are at risk of wi-fi attacks

    A major security issue has been found that could let hackers take control of millions of Apple devices using AirPlay and CarPlay, all through Wi-Fi. This flaw affects Apple’s Wireless Direct Link (AWDL) protocol, which is the base for services like AirDrop, AirPlay, and Sidecar.

    Researchers from TU Darmstadt in Germany discovered that devices using these features are open to attack when Wi-Fi is turned on, even if users aren’t actively using AirPlay or CarPlay. This means a hacker nearby could exploit the flaw and possibly access or take control of your device.

    Worryingly, this issue doesn’t just affect iPhones. It also targets iPads, Macs, Apple TVs, and even HomePods. Once a hacker breaks in, they could do things like steal data, mess with apps, or even spy on the screen or audio shared through AirPlay or CarPlay.

    What’s worse is that the attack doesn’t require the hacker to be on the same network. They only need to be within Wi-Fi range. And since the protocol runs in the background, users likely won’t know anything’s wrong.

    The researchers shared their findings with Apple in 2023. While Apple has made some security updates since then, not all risks have been fixed. Experts recommend turning off Wi-Fi when not in use and avoiding AirPlay or CarPlay in public areas to stay safe.

     

  • Apple pushes to bring AirPods hearing help to Canada

    Apple pushes to bring AirPods hearing help to Canada

    Even though Health Canada gave the green light for AirPods hearing aid and hearing test tools at the national level in December, Canadians can’t use them yet. Stories from CTV News and the Toronto Star this month explain that each province has its own rules holding things up.

    Take Ontario, Canada’s biggest province, for example. There, you need a doctor or hearing specialist to sign off on hearing aids. That’s one reason the features haven’t arrived. The bright side? Apple shared with the Toronto Star that it’s teaming up with Canadian provinces to get the okay to offer these AirPods tools without a prescription. The company wants to roll them out fast but hasn’t said exactly when they’ll land.

    With the hearing aid tool, AirPods Pro 2 can boost nearby sounds. Apple says it’s built for grown-ups who notice mild to moderate trouble hearing—no extra charge to turn it on. Then there’s the quick five-minute hearing test. It checks how well adults hear different sound pitches. Once it’s done, you get a simple breakdown of any hearing loss and tips on what to do next.

    These two options first popped up in the U.S. and a few other places in late October. They’re still spreading to more spots around the world. Canada does have one AirPods hearing feature already: hearing protection. It’s ready to go for users there. All three tools—hearing aid, test, and protection—work only with AirPods Pro 2. Apple’s clearly working hard to get the full set to Canada soon. For now, folks are waiting to see when the provinces give the thumbs-up.

  • Apple’s new smart home device teased in tvOS 18.4 Beta

    Apple’s new smart home device teased in tvOS 18.4 Beta

    The latest tvOS 18.4 beta update has dropped some exciting clues about Apple’s upcoming smart home hub. People at MacRumors spotted something called the ChatKit framework in the tvOS code. This is interesting because neither Apple TV nor HomePod has a Messages app right now.

    The ChatKit feature in tvOS 18.4 brings things like reactions and alerts for iMessage tapbacks—think “John didn’t like this” or “Sara added a heart.” These don’t make sense for Apple TV or HomePod, which both use tvOS. But the new smart home hub, also running on tvOS, might use them.

    This “command center” Apple is working on could come with built-in apps, and Messages might be one of them. Since tvOS and iOS share some code, this ChatKit addition could just be a carryover from iOS. Still, it’s new to tvOS with this beta, so it’s worth paying attention to.

    Apple’s smart home device will be a control center for your connected gadgets. Beyond that, it’ll handle video calls, photo viewing, web browsing, music, news, and more. Picture a tiny iPad—just six inches wide—with a sleek, all-screen look. You could place it on a table or hang it on a wall, and it might pop up in multiple spots around your home. It’ll also have sensors to check the room’s temperature or notice when someone’s nearby.

    There’s no set launch date yet, but rumors point to sometime between April and September 2025. This little gadget could be a game-changer for Apple fans who want a smarter, more connected home. For now, the tvOS 18.4 beta is keeping us guessing about what’s next!

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