Blog

FTC issues its first ban on ‘stalking’ apps

[ad_1]

The FTC’s decision affects three applications in particular: MobileSpy, created to keep an eye on employees’ and kids’ devices, as well as PhoneSheriff and TeenShield, which were specifically designed to monitor kids’ phones. Retina-X sold 15,000 subscriptions for its apps before it stopped selling them last year.

Retina-X apps bypass Android and iOS security restrictions, the agency explained, allowing them to collect sensitive data and exposing the devices to security vulnerabilities. The developer also didn’t bother to ensure the the apps were truly being used to track employees and children. That makes them a potential tool for spying, especially since the company provides purchasers with instructions on how to prevent the app’s icon from showing up on the phone screen, as well.

In addition, the FTC accused the company of failing to keep collected information secure. A hacker was able to break into its cloud storage account twice between February 2017 and 2018, accessing data collected through PhoneSheriff and TeenShield, which includes logins, text messages, GPS locations, contacts and photos. Since those apps were made to monitor kids, the FTC also accused Retina-X of violating the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) that requires companies to secure the information they collect from children under 13.

The developer can only resume selling its apps and subscriptions if it requires purchasers to prove that they will be used to monitor children, employees or other consenting adults. Further, the apps’ icons and name smust be visible on the phone screen, unless it’s a parent or a legal guardian deleting them from a minor’s device. The company must also launch and maintain a security program to protect the personal information it collects, subject to third-party assessments every two years.

[ad_2]

Source link

Fujifilm’s X-Pro3 can focus in almost complete darkness

[ad_1]

If that’s not weird enough for you, another selling point is the upgraded optical/electronic hybrid display. In rangefinder mode, you’re looking through an optical, rather than an electronic display. Because it’s offset from the lens, your subject will always appear at the wrong size and angle. Once you get used to it though (and use the parallax aids), you can theoretically shoot more quickly. If you’d rather an electronic view, it transforms into a fast and clear 3.69-million dot, 200 Hz OLED EVF.

Fujifilm X-Pro3 APS-C Mirrorless Camera

Otherwise, the X-Pro3 specs line up with recent Fujifilm models. Like the X-T3, it has a 26.1-megapixel X-Trans4 sensor and quad-core X-Processor 4 imaging engine. Fujifilm has yet to mention the total number of autofocus points, but it said that the AF will function in near pitch darkness at -6 EV, matching or even beating what Nikon’s full-frame Z 6 can do. As with the X-T3 and other X-Trans4 models, it should shoot well in low light, with an ISO range of 160-12,800 or 80-51,200 (expanded).

While the X-Pro3 will give pro photographers maximum control, it’s also using smartphone-like AI tricks to make things easier. The new HDR mode will automatically capture multiple shots and marry them in-camera “to produce an increased dynamic range in the image when compared to standard photo capabilities,” the company told Engadget. At the same time, the feature works “without causing exaggerated amplification of color tones.”

You get the usual array of (excellent) film simulations like Velvia, Eterna and Monochrome, but with the X-Pro3, Fujifilm has introduced two new ones: Classic Neg. and Monochromatic Color. The latter lets you choose a key color from a palette of warm/cool or magenta/green hues to give photos a personal touch. And if you really want to fine tune the look of photos, you can now adjust shadows and highlights on the tonal curve.

Fujifilm X-Pro3 APS-C mirrorless camera

On the video side, it can’t match the 60fps, 10-bit 4K of the X-T3 because it’s really not designed for that. Still, you get up to DCI 4K (4,096 x 2,160) video at 30 fps or 1080p at 120 fps max. The display flips down 180 degrees, but because it’s tilted backwards (for that whole “stay in the moment” thing), you can’t really use it for vlogging or selfies. There’s a 2.5mm microphone port, but no headphone jack.

As a nod to its target professional users, the X-Pro3 is extensively weather-sealed, has titanium top/bottom plates and uses “cold plasma” tech for a scratch-resistant finish on the “Dura” models. That makes it “one of the most durable camera bodies in Fujifilm camera history,” the company said. Other features include a single SDXC UHS II memory slot and USB-C 3.1 Gen1 slot.

This is not a camera for everyone, but it’s a strong draw for serious photographers with specific needs. The Fujifilm X-Pro3 will go on sale in late Fall 2019 for $1,800 in black, or $2,000 in Dura Black or Dura Silver.

[ad_2]

Source link

US Air Force gets its first anti-drone laser weapon from Raytheon

[ad_1]

Raytheon says the system can draw power from a standard 220-volt outlet and can deliver dozens — it didn’t mention an exact number — of laser shots on a single charge. However, it can also be paired with a generator if it needs to be on the field for an extended period.

The Air Force received the anti-drone system earlier this month and will deploy it overseas for a year-long experiment. It will train operators on how to use the system while testing how effective it is in real-world conditions. We’re guessing the laser-equipped buggy would be used to prevent enemy drones from collecting information on military bases or to shoot down weapon-equipped unmanned aerial systems.

Raytheon president Roy Azevedo said:

“Five years ago, few people worried about the drone threat. Now, we hear about attacks or incursions all the time. Our customers saw this coming and asked us to develop a ready-now counter-UAS capability. We did just that by going from the drawing board to delivery in less than 24 months.”

Check out how the company’s anti-drone system works below:

[ad_2]

Source link

Mazda’s first electric car opens up thanks to ‘Freestyle’ doors

[ad_1]

Driving dynamics are a key feature in any Mazda and the MX-30 is no different, with “Electric G-Vectoring Control Plus” torque vectoring control that helps the car load its weight on the front going into a corner, then back to the rear as it exits. Its single electric motor is mounted up front along with other components, while its battery beneath the floor helps increase rigidity.

Despite its suicide door-opening — wonder how Elon Musk feels about that — Mazda says the frame surrounding the battery is connected to the body in 20 locations to make it diagonally rigid and reduce road noise. The battery has a refrigerant cooling system, and fast DC charging is possible using the either the CHAdeMO or COMBO standard, which will vary by region. The version we’re seeing is a European spec, but we’re still waiting for details on how much it will cost, how far it can go on a charge and when it will be available.

[ad_2]

Source link

Spay and neuter your pets — and then bank their stem cells

[ad_1]

In studies, stem cell therapy has been found to help dogs with conditions such as osteoarthritis. With Gallant’s approach, the stem cells are collected at the same time your dog is spayed or neutered. The advantage of this approach, according to the company, is that it allows vets to store your pup’s stem cells when the cells are young and healthy — as opposed to when they’re older and potentially already sick.

Like with most visits to the vet, freezing your dog’s stem cells a la Forever Young won’t come cheap. The initial procedure costs $395, and then there’s a storage fee, which you can pay for either through a one-time $595 lifetime fee or annually for $95. If you do end taking advantage of the stem cells, you’ll also have to pay your vet to use them. The cost of a follow-up procedure will obviously depend on what kind of help your dog needs down the line, but the way Gallant sees it is that there’s the potential for major savings since stem cell treatments can cost less than surgeries and drug prescriptions. The company is also waiving the initial fee for a limited time and has discounted the storage fees.

If you and your cat are sitting at your desk, reading this article and asking yourselves why there’s no feline equivalent, rest assured stem cell treatments for cats are on the horizon. Gallant says it recently acquired a company that was working on a treatment for chronic kidney disease in felines, and it’s moving forward with additional trials.

[ad_2]

Source link

SpaceX hopes to offer satellite internet to customers by mid-2020

[ad_1]

Shotwell added that the approval request for 30,000 extra satellites didn’t necessarily mean SpaceX would build and launch them all. It needs considerably fewer satellites (about 24 launches’ worth) to cover the planet. Rather, this is overhead that would let SpaceX offer customized service for clients. Elon Musk reiterated at the roundtable that SpaceX was testing encrypted internet services for US Air Force aircraft.

As before, there’s reason for SpaceX to hurry. Amazon is also hoping to deploy broadband satellites, OneWeb is delivering its own vehicles, and Alphabet’s Loon balloons have already seen service. If SpaceX takes too long, it risks losing customers to rivals that would be more than happy to fill the gap.

[ad_2]

Source link

‘NBA Now’ game offers a quick basketball fix on your phone

[ad_1]

There are some uncommon twists for games like this. Player ratings are based on real NBA stats that change from day to day. And if your NBA knowledge runs deep, you can earn perks for predicting winning teams. Multiplayer, meanwhile, should keep the game lively.

The title is available for free, although you likely know what that means: in-app purchases. Gamevil has loaded NBA Now with a virtual coin system and other purchases that suggest this could be a grind if you’re not willing to pay. Still, it’s not often that you see a basketball game that’s this optimized for on-the-go play. It might not hurt to give it a try if you think you could create a better team than the pros.

[ad_2]

Source link

Google Home update leaves some speakers unusable

[ad_1]

This doesn’t appear to affect the Home Max, displays like the Home Hub or Nest-branded speakers.

It’s not clear when there might be a fix. However, it’s a serious problem for those unfortunate owners affected by the glitch. While it’s a relatively minor hassle to get a speaker replaced under warranty, many Home and Home Mini devices are out of warranty. You might be forced to pay for a replacement even though Google is responsible for knocking your speaker out of commission.

[ad_2]

Source link

BYU researchers extend WiFi range by 200 feet with a software upgrade

[ad_1]

The researchers, led by Brigham Young Unviersity, have dubbed the protocol On-Off Noise Power Communication (ONPC). While WiFi typically requires speeds of at least one megabit per second to maintain a signal, the ONPC protocol can maintain a signal on as little as one one bit per second. That’s one millionth of the data speed typically required.

The protocol does this by allowing WiFi-enabled devices to send wireless noise as well as data. According to BYU, it allows the device to send a series of 1s and 0s, essentially turning on and off its signal in a specific pattern. That’s enough to tell the WiFi router that the device is still transmitting something (even if no data is being received) and maintain the signal.

“It’s basically sending 1 bit of information that says it’s alive,” says Professor Neal Patawri of Washington University in St. Louis.

When put to the test, the ONPC protocol allowed the researchers to extend the range of an off-the-shelf device 67 meters beyond the range of standard WiFi. Perhaps best of all, ONPC can be programmed on top of the existing WiFi protocol, and because it is entirely software based, it could be rolled out to almost any WiFi-enabled device through a simple software update, at least theoretically.

[ad_2]

Source link

Apple TV+ adaptation of ‘Foundation’ will star Jared Harris and Lee Pace

[ad_1]

It’s too soon to say when Foundation will premiere, although it’s not likely to be ready for a long time given that it’s still early days for the sci-fi show. This does illustrate Apple’s long-term thinking, at least. It’s increasingly determined to score major properties and secure deals with equally major personalities, and it clearly expects to be a serious contender long after TV+ debuts on November 1st.

[ad_2]

Source link