TechAmok News Archive
AirPods 4 Come With or Without ANC - [gadgets]
03:53 PM EDT - Sep,09 2024 - post a comment Apple has announced the 4th-generation AirPods, which come in two versions that look identical but have very different features. As with the AirPods 3, they come with or without a wireless charging case. Both charging case options are now standardized on USB-C, but only the wireless charging version adds a speaker for use with Find My when lost. The pricier model is known as "AirPods 4 with ANC", which - as the name implies - come with Active Noise Cancellation. This includes advanced ANC features like Transparency mode (for hearing a blend of outside noise), Adaptive Audio (intelligent Transparency mode that adapts to a the noise environment), and Conversation Awareness, which lowers media volume when you start speaking to someone. AirPods 4 with ANC will sell for $179. The non-ANC AirPods 4 do not have these features, but sell for just $129. They do still have many new features, including Apple's new H2 chip, a "new acoustic architecture" for better sound, and Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking. They also have AI-powered background noise removal, and the ability to answer yes/no questions from Siri with a head nod. The USB-C case is also now smaller, while maintaining 30 hours of total battery life. |
Apple Watch Series 10 Puts Larger Display in Thinner, Lighter Body - [gadgets]
03:52 PM EDT - Sep,09 2024 - post a comment Apple has refreshed the Apple Watch in its tenth generation with a refined design that's both thinner and lighter, while making the display larger and adding multiple all-new features. The new display is up to 9% larger than the previous generation and offers up to 40% more brightness when viewed at an angle. The aluminum body is 10% thinner and 10% lighter. The premium material option is now polished titanium, which is 20% lighter than the previous stainless steel option. The hardware now includes a loudspeaker than can play music, a larger coil for faster charging (80% in 30 minutes), and a depth gauge + water temperature sensor that automatically activate in water. The new S10 chip that powers the watch includes a 4-core Neural Engine for AI features, including background noise filtering on outbound phone calls and a new Sleep Apnea detection feature. (The Sleep Apnea feature will also come to last year's models via software update.) New apps include: Translate, Tides, and Vitals. The Workout app gains a new kayaking mode. A new Photos face overlaps a person with the displayed time, much like the similar feature already on iPhone. Finish options for aluminum include an all-new polished Jet Black, plus brushed silver and rose gold. Titanium color options include gold, slate gray, and "natural". As usual, it's available in two sizes: 42mm and 46mm, which are compatible with 41mm and 45mm bands for older models (respectively). Pricing starts at $399 for the aluminum version; add $30 for the larger size and/or $100 for cellular connectivity. The titanium version is only offered with cellular, starting at $699; add $50 for the larger size. Pre-orders start now; shipping Sept. 20th. |
AirPods Pro Turn Into Hearing Aids with Software Update - [briefly]
03:51 PM EDT - Sep,09 2024 - post a comment Apple has announced a software update for the existing AirPods Pro 2 that will turn them into certified over-the-counter hearing aids for mild-to-moderate hearing loss. The update also brings a new Hearing Test feature that performs a detailed at-home hearing text in five minutes. Finally, a new Hearing Protection mode lets you hear your surroundings while dynamically adjusting for dangerously loud sound levels. |
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra tipped to be much thinner than initially expected - [mobile]
01:44 AM EDT - Sep,09 2024 - post a comment The Samsung Galaxy S25 series is expected to launch next year, purportedly in January. However, leaks have been pouring in for the Galaxy S25 series, especially the Galaxy S25 Ultra, quite frequently. A fresh one has now popped up, suggesting that the phone will be much thinner than previously anticipated.
According to IceUniverse on social media platform X, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra measures 162.8 x 77.6 x 8.2mm. In June, IceUniverse claimed that the Galaxy S25 Ultra would be 8.4mm thin, but the latest measurements show a difference of 0.2mm.
Either way, based on these measurements, the Galaxy S25 Ultra will be the thinnest Ultra phone since the Galaxy Note20 Ultra, which was 8.1mm thick. If the measurements turn out to be true, then it would also make the Galaxy S25 Ultra the thinnest Galaxy S series Ultra phone ever. |
I Used a CoPilot+ PC for 30 Days...So you Don't Have To - [briefly]
06:28 PM EDT - Sep,07 2024 - post a comment The Copilot+ PC trend is just starting and its already had a lot of controversy. With features like Recall being...recalled and a lot of Copilot options being online only, I decided to us a CoPilot+ laptop for 30 days as a daily driver so we can discuss battery life, performance and whether or not we can recommend these premium-priced laptops.
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WhatsApp's new feature lets you create a call link directly in group chats - [internet]
09:39 AM EDT - Sep,07 2024 - post a comment WhatsApp has added a new feature to its Android beta app that will be useful for group calls. The new feature lets users create a call link directly from group chats. The call link feature is introduced with version 2.24.19.14.
Currently, you need to go to the Calls tab to generate a link for voice or video calls within group chats. But now the Android beta version has gained the ability to create a call link directly from group chats, making it easier for group admins to connect with its members via voice or video calls.
This update also negates the need to ring everyone in a group to initiate a group call. Instead, you can generate a call link and share it in the group for others to join, all from within the group chat, allowing members to join by simply tapping the link.
According to WABetaInfo, the feature is only live in the WhatsApp Android beta app, which is available through the Google Play Beta program. However, this isn't the only feature WhatsApp is developing. |
The Biggest SNL Controversies In The Show's History - [off-topic]
06:02 PM EDT - Sep,06 2024 - post a comment Saturday Night Live has never been afraid to tell controversial jokes about pop culture, politics, or really anything; however, there have been times throughout the show's nearly 50 seasons when some of those sketches or punchlines landed flat. Sometimes, something on the show would be so offensive, thousands of viewers would send in complaints.
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Bluetooth 6.0 Adds Channel Sounding to Challenge UWB - [hardware]
05:59 PM EDT - Sep,06 2024 - post a comment The Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) has officially announced Bluetooth version 6.0. The new version of the specification adds several features, but the most notable by far is Channel Sounding, which brings "distance awareness". It is a way for two Bluetooth devices to measure their distance from each other with greatly improved precision. It will improve the performance and utility of Bluetooth-based "Find My" services. But it also offers similar functionality compared with current UWB (Ultra-WideBand) implementations in today's flagship phones. This will potentially enable precision finding and digital key functions using just the Bluetooth radio, instead of requiring extra hardware for UWB. Bluetooth 6.0 is finalized and being released to device developers this week; it will take some time for it to be supported in new devices. |
Boost's New Promo Offers Free Year of Service - [mobile]
05:57 PM EDT - Sep,06 2024 - post a comment Reversing the typical wireless carrier offer of a free phone with service, Boost Mobile has launched a new promo that offers a free year of basic service with the purchase of a 5G phone. The deal requires the up-front purchase of a phone retailing for at least $300. This gets you $300 in service credit, enough to cover Boost's $25 plan for a whole year, or a significant discount on pricier plans (spread over 12 months). The offer is available to both new and existing customers, and does not require a trade-in. |
Google Expands Earthquake Alerts Nationwide - [internet]
05:56 PM EDT - Sep,06 2024 - post a comment Google has released a new version of Android 14 today that brings several new features alongside the usual security updates. One is the expansion of the Android Earthquake Alerts System to all all 50 US states and six territories. The system automatically crowd-sources data using the built-in accelerometers in Android phones. It can then provide alerts to users when there's an earthquake, sometimes seconds before noticeable shaking starts. This can give users precious time to get to safety, such as a doorframe. On phones that can run the newest version of Gemini Nano currently just the Pixel 9 series the TalkBack screen reader can now use AI to describe on-screen images in detail. Finally, Google has added the ability to identify songs by audio to Circle To Search. |
Windows 11 23H2 Sucks! - [briefly]
06:36 PM EDT - Sep,05 2024 - post a comment For those wondering, previously I found 24H2 was 11% faster with the 9700X when compared to the 'bad install'. Compared to the 'good install' it's 7% faster on average, and if you remove the best 10 results from the 43 game sample it's just 4% faster. So the margins will depend heavily on the games used for testing.
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iPhone 16, Password Security, Facebook Censorship and PDP-11s: Shop Talk! - [briefly]
06:17 PM EDT - Sep,04 2024 - post a comment iPhone 16 product rumors, what to look for and how to use a password manager, and PDP-11 stories!
We dive deep into the latest tech rumors, including the upcoming iPhone 16 specs, featuring enhanced AI neural cores, a new graphene thermal solution to tackle overheating, and improved camera technology. The duo also explores password manager security, discussing how tools like these can protect against phishing by verifying SSL certificates before autofilling.
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How to Activate Windows permanently in 30 seconds - [briefly]
10:22 AM EDT - Sep,03 2024 - post a comment Using Microsoft software can be quite an adventure. It's especially fun when your previously activated copy of Windows or Office decides to de-activate itself!
Sometimes, the usual official routes of re-activation are useful. Other times, not so much..
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Microsoft is renaming its Remote Desktop app on certain platforms - [briefly]
05:33 PM EDT - Sep,01 2024 - post a comment Mac users recently noticed that Microsoft placed a small banner inside the app to warn about the upcoming renaming. Future updates will change the app from Microsoft Remote Desktop to just Windows App. There is also a link to the official Microsoft Learn website where customers can find more information about what the "Windows App" app can do on different platforms. In a nutshell, if you have a Mac, iPhone, or iPad, Windows App will let you work with Azure Virtual Desktops, Windows 365, Microsoft Dev Box, Remote Desktop Services, and Remote PCs.
As of right now, Windows App is in preview, and you can get it for Mac from the Download Center. It is also available in the Microsoft Store for Windows 10 and 11 systems.
This quiet announcement generated quite a lot of negativity among users. Many claim the new name would be very confusing when searching, working with the application, or providing tech support for inexperienced customers.
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Metallica - The White Album 2024 (FANMADE songs in the style of Metallica) - [off-topic]
05:14 PM EDT - Sep,01 2024 - post a comment This is NOT the new Metallica album, these are FANMADE songs. All music created by me (guitars recorded, drums and bass guitar are VST plugins). Vocals are made with 1991 James Hetfield IA RVC Model (my singing and convertion using weights.gg). Each song is inspired by one of the songs from The Black Album (1991) by Metallica.
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715hp BMW M2 v Manhart M3 Touring: DRAG RACE - [briefly]
07:18 AM EDT - Aug,31 2024 - post a comment It's time for a Manhart drag race!
The Manhart team has gone to town on a BMW M3 Touring and a BMW M2, and Mat's about to see how the two compare over the quarter mile!
So let's take a closer look at each car. Starting with the M3 Touring, it's usually powered by a 3-litre twin-turbo straight-six that produces 510hp and 650Nm of torque. However, it's had several upgrades added to it, and as a result, it now puts down 650hp and 800Nm! This power is sent to all four wheels via an 8-speed automatic gearbox, and the car weighs in at 1,865kg. If you want to pick up this exact car, it would set you back around £126,000!
Then we have the M2. The stock car has a 3-litre twin-turbo straight-six that can produce 460hp and 550Nm. However, just like the M3, it's had several mods added to it, so it now creates an incredible 715hp and 850Nm! An 8-speed automatic gearbox sends this power to the rear wheels, and the car tips the scales at 1,725kg. It also comes with a pretty hefty price tag of £110,000.
So the M2 has more power and is lighter, but the power is only sent to the rear wheels! Will this prove decisive? There's only one way to find out for sure... LET'S RACE!
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Unrealistic Expectations - Windows Updates on Ryzen 9000 - [hardware]
02:48 AM EDT - Aug,30 2024 - post a comment The Ryzen 9000 series benchmarks weren't the greatest but now there's a promised Windows Update (24H2) along with a new Optional Update for 23H2 that is supposed to change everything...again. We tested this and realized there were some serious problems with a clean install of 24H2 if we compared it to an identical 23H2 setup. And that caused us to have some very unrealistic expectations about these CPUs and what the update can achieve.
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Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra - These Two Changes Are MASSIVE! - [mobile]
06:42 PM EDT - Aug,28 2024 - post a comment The Galaxy S25 Ultra is getting a facelift this time around with flat sides and slightly rounder edges compared to the S24 Ultra. But that's not the only difference. A new leak hints that Samsung is tweaking two key hardware aspects that'll seriously change how the phone feels in your hand.
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How to Buy a Laptop - Ultimate Guide (2024) - [guides]
02:33 PM EDT - Aug,28 2024 - post a comment Back-to-school season is here! You might need a new laptop, but with all the options out there, it can make your head spin. That's why we came up with the ultimate guide on how to buy a laptop.
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China-linked hackers suspected of exploiting zero-day flaw in software used by ISPs - [security]
09:59 AM EDT - Aug,28 2024 - post a comment Black Lotus Labs has discovered a zero-day vulnerability in Versa Director servers, a virtualization platform widely used by ISPs and managed service providers. This vulnerability, potentially linked to Chinese state-sponsored hacker groups, poses a significant risk to these organizations.
Identified as CVE-2024-39717, this critical flaw was publicly announced on August 22, 2024, and affects all versions of Versa Director software prior to version 22.1.4. The vulnerability is particularly concerning for ISPs and MSPs, as they depend on Versa's software-defined wide area network (SD-WAN) applications to manage network configurations.
The vulnerability's discovery has caused alarm due to its potential to penetrate enterprise networks via Versa Director servers, which are responsible for essential network functions. Black Lotus Labs identified a custom web shell, named "VersaMem," that exploits this flaw to extract login credentials. A notable feature of VersaMem is its modularity, which allows it to load additional Java code directly into the server's memory, effectively evading detection.
Global monitoring data from Black Lotus Labs reveals that the vulnerability has been exploited through compromised small-office/home-office devices in attacks targeting four victims in the United States and one abroad. These attacks, primarily affecting the ISP, MSP, and IT sectors, have been ongoing since June 12, 2024.
The attackers initially gain access by exploiting an exposed management port on the Versa Director, designed for connecting Director nodes for high availability, which they then use to deploy the VersaMem web shell.
Black Lotus Labs suspects that Chinese state-sponsored hacker groups, known as Volt Typhoon and Bronze Silhouette, are orchestrating the exploitation of this vulnerability. Their analysis indicates that Volt Typhoon is actively targeting unpatched Versa Director systems. |
HW News - AMD 7600X3D & Intel 285K Leaks, Misleading RTX 4070, Black Myth Wukong Breaks Record - [hardware]
05:10 PM EDT - Aug,27 2024 - post a comment This hardware news episode covers rumors and leaks of Intel's upcoming CPUs, like the 285K, which might help the company get a fresh start. There were also rumors this past week of the 7800X3D and 9000X3D CPUs. In the news, Valve banned input automation in Counter-Strike, NVIDIA & Mediatek have a new G-Sync solution, Zotac's Zone handheld gets more coverage, and NVIDIA's misleading RTX 4070 GDDR6 is real.
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Air Cooling with MEMS Technology Could Make Phones Faster - [technology]
04:59 PM EDT - Aug,27 2024 - post a comment A new "Fan-on-a-chip" product could make active air cooling of phone processor chips more practical and common, giving higher-end phones faster sustained performance. The new "XMC-2400 uCooling" (microcooling) chip from xMEMS acts like a fan to move heat away from a processor chip using forced air, but is just 1mm thin. This makes it far more practical to integrate into a phone design than a traditional fan, like some current gaming phones have. Advanced processor and graphics chips have temperature sensors and automatically throttle down performance to avoid overheating. Active cooling systems can keep this from happening, improving sustained performance, such as during gaming sessions. The XMC-2400 uses the same chip technology as MEMS speaker elements used in some earbuds. MEMS technology is already common in many phone components, including microphones, accelerometers, and gyroscopes. |
California Mobile ID Coming to Apple Wallet, Google Wallet - [briefly]
04:58 PM EDT - Aug,27 2024 - post a comment This fall, California's existing mobile-ID (mID) program will expand to support an official state-issued ID within Apple Wallet or Google Wallet. (Currently, CA's mobile-ID only works within the state-issued app.) California will join Arizona, Colorado, Georgia, Maryland, and Ohio in supporting IDs in Apple Wallet. Most of those states also support mID in Google Wallet, as both companies' Wallet apps use the same international standard (ISO/IEC 18013-5) to implement mID. The primary use case today for mID is presenting ID to TSA at select airport checkpoints, including some terminals at LAX and SFO. It can also be used for age verification in some apps. When used in person, your phone stays in your possession. ID is presented by tapping your phone or showing a QR code. Only the limited information required is transferred, and you must give active permission. mID in Apple Wallet works on both iPhones and Apple Watch. |
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 movie debut trailer - [briefly]
04:57 PM EDT - Aug,27 2024 - post a comment Paramount Pictures has released the first official trailer for the Sonic the Hedgehog 3 movie, which will premiere in theaters on December 20, 2024.
The trailer contains a first look at Shadow the Hedgehog, who is voiced by Keanu Reeves.
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Why Linus keeps getting Hacked - [security]
08:31 AM EDT - Aug,25 2024 - post a comment Linus Tech Tips Twitter was hacked recently, through a targeted phishing campaign. As a cybersecurity YouTuber I receive similar attacks and wanted to document what being targeted by cybercrime looks like.
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Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra - Galaxy Note Comeback? Here's The Truth - [mobile]
04:40 PM EDT - Aug,21 2024 - post a comment Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra could be renamed as the Galaxy S25 Note according to latest reports. But let me tell you why it's not happening. The Galaxy S25 Ultra will still be called the Galaxy S25 Ultra. We also have other interesting information about the Galaxy S25 Ultra including the battery size, display size, and more.
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NVIDIA Geforce 560.94 WHQL driver released - [gaming]
11:19 AM EDT - Aug,20 2024 - post a comment NVIDIA has released a new driver for its graphics cards. As the green team noted, the NVIDIA Geforce 560.94 WHQL driver offers optimal performance in most of the latest and upcoming games.
The NVIDIA Geforce 560.94 WHQL driver provides the best gaming experience for games supporting DLSS 3.5 tech, including Star Wars Outlaws. Moreover, it adds support for games such as Black Myth: Wukong, FINAL FANTASY XVI, and Concord. In addition, this driver supports the launch of Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2.
NVIDIA Geforce 560.94 WHQL Driver Release Notes
Game Ready for Black Myth: Wukong & Star Wars
Outlaws
- This new Game Ready Driver provides the best
gaming experience for the latest new games supporting DLSS 3.5
technology including Star Wars Outlaws. Further support for new titles
leveraging DLSS technology includes Black Myth: Wukong, FINAL FANTASY
XVI, and Concord which support DLSS 3. In addition, this driver
supports the launch of Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2.
Fixed Gaming Bugs
- N/A
Fixed General Bugs
- [Octane Benchmark]: Unable to
finish octane benchmark [4744794]
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mATX Cases will Never Be the Same - [hardware]
02:48 AM EDT - Aug,20 2024 - post a comment The Lian Li A3 has everything you could possibly want in an mATX case. Good airflow, amazing build quality, space for huge GPUs, 360mm AIO compatibility and a really good overall build experience. But we also need to consider price and when it comes to mATX PC cases, a competitive price means more than features.
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Can Anything Fix Ryzen 9000? - [hardware]
03:33 AM EDT - Aug,18 2024 - post a comment There have been so many problems with the launch of Zen 5 and its 9950X, 9900X, 9700X and 9600X CPUs. But after all the reviews and testing, especially in gaming, is there anything at all that will "fix" Ryzen 9000...or was its performance intentional all along?
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