Researchers have demonstrated a new type of fingerprinting technique that exploits a machine's graphics processing unit (GPU) as a means to track users across the web persistently.
Dubbed DrawnApart, the method "identifies a device from the unique properties of its GPU stack," researchers from Australia, France, and Israel said in a new paper," adding " variations in speed among the multiple execution units that comprise a GPU can serve as a reliable and robust device signature, which can be collected using unprivileged JavaScript."
A device fingerprint or machine fingerprint is information that is collected about the hardware, installed software, as well as the web browser and its associated add-ons from a remote computing device for the purpose of unique identification.
Fingerprints can be a double-edged sword. On the one hand, a fingerprint algorithm may allow a service provider (e.g., bank) to detect and prevent identity theft and credit card fraud. But it can also be abused to compile long-term records of individuals' browsing activity for targeted advertising.
Browser fingerprinting, in a similar vein, primarily relies on stitching together key pieces of information gleaned from the browser to create the fingerprint. The attributes run the gamut, spanning the browser's version, OS, timezone, screen, language, list of fonts, and even the way the browser renders text and graphics.
But browser fingerprints also suffer from one major drawback in that they can evolve over time, making it harder to track users for extended periods. That's where DrawnApart comes in.
It's not only the first-of-its-kind mechanism to explore and weaponize the manufacturing differences between identical GPUs, but also for reliably using the approach to distinguish between machines with identical hardware and software configurations, effectively undermining users' privacy.
At its core, the proposed tracking system involves measuring the time required to render different graphics primitives using the WebGL API, each targeting different execution units that comprise a GPU, to create a fingerprint trace that's then fed into a deep learning network to uniquely identify the specific device that generated it.
In an evaluation setup constituting 88 devices, including Windows 10 desktops, Apple Mac mini devices, and multiple generations of Samsung Galaxy smartphones, the researchers found that when used in conjunction with state-of-the-art fingerprint linking algorithms like FP-STALKER, DrawnApart extended the median average tracking period from 17.5 days to 28 days.
Countermeasures to block the GPU fingerprinting method range from script blocking to disabling WebGL, and limiting each web page to a single execution unit, or even turning off hardware-accelerated rendering — a move the researchers warn could severely affect usability and responsiveness.
Furthermore, the ongoing development into the WebGPU standard — currently available in canary releases of Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox — is expected to drastically reduce the time taken to collect the fingerprint, prompting the academics to conclude that the "effects of accelerated compute APIs on user privacy should be considered before they are enabled globally."
Oppo’s Find N is a very well-received Galaxy Z Fold 3 competitor that debuted recently, and the company seems to be going all-in on the foldable segment. It’s reportedly working on a clamshell foldable to compete with the segment-leading Galaxy Z Flip 3. The selling point? It will be cheaper than the Samsung clamshell device, making it more affordable for Chinese and perhaps other international markets. It will also be yet another device that U.S. customers can’t buy.
According to a report from 91Mobiles, tipster Mukul Sharma (@stufflistings on Twitter) has revealed that Oppo is working on its first-ever clamshell foldable smartphone. The upcoming phone will be a value-for-money foldable device, which means it would be cheaper than the Galaxy Z Flip 3. It is expected to hit the shelves in the third quarter of 2022. However, we don’t know if the launch timeline is for a China-only release or a global launch. While the name of the foldable clamshell smartphone isn’t known yet, it is touted to debut under the Oppo Find series brand.
Andy Boxall/Digital Trends
The report goes on to say that the Chinese company is also prepping to launch another foldable smartphone, perhaps a successor to the Oppo Find N. The current foldable has a lot going for it with a compact design that fits in the hand well and allows for a workable front display. However, it leads to a squarish foldable display that doesn’t fit as much content on the screen as the Galaxy Z Fold 3. There is no word if the successor would retain the design language, though we expect it to be built on the same compact design language.
The launch timeline of the next Oppo Find N device isn’t available, and like the clamshell device, we don’t know if it will be a China-focused phone or launch globally. We expect to hear more about the clamshell smartphone later in the year. It will be interesting to see how it competes with the Galaxy Z Flip 4 since it’s also expected to be launching sometime around October as well.
While Samsung Galaxy S22 leaks have totally laid bare the upcoming Android phones, it's easy to miss the small details when given big leaks, and it sometimes takes otherwise-unimportant leaks to get us to notice the little things.
Case in point, hands-on pictures of cases for the entire Samsung Galaxy S22 range have leaked, via SamMobile. These wouldn't otherwise be noteworthy, as they look almost identical to phone renders we've already seen (and the Galaxy S21 cases for that matter), but the design of them shows a Galaxy S22 screen feature that not everyone will be happy with.
This feature is a flat-edge display. Previous flagship Samsung phones used curved-edge screens for a few generations up until the design element was dropped on the Galaxy S21, and it seems Samsung is sticking with its choice for the S22 and S22 Plus.
The leaked cases show edges that go all the way to the front, whereas cases for curved-side screens typically only cover part of the phone's frame.
Note we're talking about the standard and Plus models - the Ultra devices have always had curved-edge displays, and if the case leak is anything to go by, that's not changing.
So it seems likely that the Galaxy S22 series is sticking with the design of its predecessors, with screens that are totally flat even up to the sides, and Samsung hasn't decided to revert back to the curvy mode of design.
Analysis: good or bad?
Curved-edge displays typically prove rather divisive for flagship phones.
On one hand, mobiles with the feature are comfortable to hold, and the curving glass adds a level of premium elegance that you just don't get with a 'standard' smartphone.
On the other hand, curved-edge displays are very easy to press with your palm, so it's easy to accidentally select things you don't mean to when holding the phone. They make the mobile more fragile too, especially since cases cover less of the phone as a result.
So some people like the feature and others don't, and it makes sense for Samsung to cater to both audiences.
However, we typically see curvy screens saved for premium phones, and it sounds like the Xiaomi 12 and OnePlus 10 families, two contemporary rivals for the Galaxy S22, could go all-in on the rounded-glass design.
Since Samsung's only premium phone with a curved-edge screen could well be the Ultra model, which we're expecting to have a high price, people who want a phone with top-end specs and a premium design, but not a huge price tag, will find Samsung doesn't offer them what they need.
(Pocket-lint) - Oppo will reportedly enter the foldable flip phone market with a new device in its Find series to take on the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 and Huawei P50 Pocket.
Having already unleashed its first foldable, the Oppo Find N, it is said that the manufacturer is looking to offer an alternative with a clamshell design.
Online tipster Mukul Sharma (@stufflistings on Twitter) told 91Mobiles that the handset will be aimed at a more affordable price than peers.
He also revealed that it is likely to hit shelves in Q3 later this year, so sometime between July and September.
In addition to the potential flip-style device, 91Mobiles claims that Oppo is working on another foldable phone. It could very well be the Oppo Find N 2, which would make sense.
The first Find N was made available in December of last year, so this second-generation device will likely follow a similar launch pattern and come pre-Christmas this time around too.
Oppo has long developed different form factors using bendable OLED panels, including a rollable concept device shown in July 2021. The Oppo X 2021 has a screen that extends from a regular smartphone shape, effectively widening the handset rather than unfolding.
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This hasn't yet been used in a consumer release, however.
Chinese entrepreneur and engineer Ren Zhengfei is the founder and CEO of Huawei. It is the world’s largest manufacturer of telecommunications equipment, electronics and, smart devices. it is the 2nd largest manufacturer of smartphones.
The giant portfolio of Huawei has a history of partnerships with established brands for customers’ products. It started from the collaboration with South Korean eye-wear maker Gentle monster. They collaborated to make smart sunglasses.
The latest collaboration is with a French companynamed Devialet. Devialet makes audio equipment. This collaborative product they made isHuawei sound joy.
FEATURES OF HUAWEI SOUND JOY:
Portability:
Huawei sound joy is portable. It means you can carry them easily with you everywhere. You can put that extra portable design in your cycle bottle cage, backpack, and bottle holder of the car.
Design and colors:
The quality and looks go hand in hand. Huawei sound joy has a soft woven cover, which gives it a classy look. This design also helps to protect from all the outdoor excursions. It has five big buttons on its surface. It is available in two beautiful colorsObsidian Black and Spruce Green.
Easy to carry:
Portable and stylish Huawei sound joy have thecircumference same as the water bottle. This is the reason why we can put it into the bottle holder place of car and bicycles. That also makes it easy to carry.
Rings on Huawei sound joy:
Want to have a good music experience that sounds and also looks good and gives a luxurious look. This device fulfills both of these requirements.
To track the battery level see the glow flow on theHuawei sound joy by seeing the fullness of the ring. In the same way, you can check the volume level. The ring lightens up with the music tunes in multicolor.
Waterproof:
Come back from a party and have your portable musical device with you and it’s raining outside. Ops that will surely damage your device. It may not even work anymore and you have o buy another one. But not with Huawei sound joy because it is waterproofed, it can stay protected in up to 1 meter of water.
You surely want to spend your hard-earned money on something worth it. So it is completely ok to say they are very reliable and worth it.
Devialet’s SAM:
Sound joy has Devialet’s two-way speaker system. This means that Devialet’s SAM (speaker active matching) technology aligns the signals and acoustic output pressure. This makes your musical journey more mesmerizing.
Longer music experience:
Going for a long drive or having a long day out with your friends on which you want non-stop loud music. Then, this device is worth it. It has a long-lasting battery of 8,800 mAh battery. Which keeps the Huawei sound joy playing with a one-time charge for 26 hours non-stop, connected with Bluetooth.
So you can enjoy a good day out or any event uninterrupted.
40 W Fast charging:
Want to enjoy an event but forgot to charge your device. Oh No! Now you have to wait for hours to get it charged before you can use it. That type of charging surely will spoil your events, fun, and a particular moment. Everything you purchased with your hard-earned money. You want it to be the money well spent.
By purchasing Huawei sounds joy you don’t have to wait for hours to get it charged before you can use it. It takes 10 minutes to get charged. Yes, it is super-fast. So that means no more fun, event and moment spoiled, and the money well spent.
Stereo sound:
You can connect two sound joy devices by simply shaking them. So what are you waiting for? Boast your music experience with Huawei sound joy.
Instant connection:
Get your mobile or laptop close to the device. It will automatically connect your device with it. To confirm connecting you just have to click ok on the window that popups on your mobile or laptop. Let the fun begin instantly.
Control watch:
Get your Huawei control watch and control the sound, skip the tracks with it more easily and fast.
Some Specification:
It has 3 mics. G sensor is used toswitch between 2 horizontal and vertical sound pickup microphones
This device doesn’t support iOS devices. It supports android version 5.1 and later. HUAWEI AI Life APP supports HarmonyOS 2 (or later)
It supports NFC one-touch transfer by the android version of 5.1 and above that support NFC
It has 6 buttons on it. Power, voice, play and, pause, Bluetooth, stereo, and, volume key.
It has a height, width and, weight of 202 mm, 73 mm and, 680 g respectively.
The packing will include oneUSB-A to USB-C Charging Cable. Quick start guide and warranty card and of course the device itself.
Apple's latest macOS beta has hinted that a very exciting iPhone feature might soon be coming to its Mac lineup too.
As noted by 9to5Mac the latest macOS Monterey beta includes "the frameworks and daemons (which are parts of the system that runs in the background) needed to support ultra wideband technology", the very same tools Apple features in iOS 15 to provide support on devices like its iPhone 13 using the U1 chip.
So what does this mean? Well, it seems to indicate that one of the best iPhone features introduced in recent years is also coming to Macs, namely UWB support that could enable all sorts of exciting features. Apple currently uses UWB for its AirTags and Find My Network, but also for enabling faster AirDrop and AirPlay transfer of songs to devices like the HomePod mini.
It could mean that one day Apple's best MacBooks and maybe even its desktop Macs will be better equipped with support for Apple's Find My network and data transfers like AirDrop.
There might even be an application case for Apple's brand new Universal Control Feature, announced last year and also included in the 12.3 beta released this week. From that report:
After months of waiting Apple has finally made Universal Control available in the first betas releases of iPadOS 15.4 and macOS Monterey 12.3.
Both of the new beta updates can be downloaded and installed by developers right now and both will be needed by anyone wanting to take this new feature for a spin. Universal Control was first announced during WWDC in June 2021 and was originally expected to ship in September or October of the same year. The feature allows people to use a single mouse and keyboard to control Macs and iPads.
Apple recently rolled out public beta versions of its various operating system updates, including macOS. macOS Monterey version 12.3 brings Universal Control — one of the most awaited features — but it also reportedly gets ultra wideband or UWB to MacBooks.
According to a report by 9to5Mac, macOS Monterey 12.3 beta version has frameworks and daemons that are required to support UWB tech. The report says that these are the exact same tools that are used for UWB support on iOS devices.
What is UWB technology and its advantages?
Ultra wideband is a wireless protocol that uses radio waves for communications. For the uninitiated, Apple had first introduced UWB with the iPhone 11 two years ago. Apple put the U1 chip in the iPhone to make UWB work. The tech has made its way to Apple Watch, AirTags and HomePod mini.
UWB is used for precisely tracking location of devices that have support UWB. It also helps in faster AirDrop, AirPlay transfers and in countries where it supports, users can get CarKey authentication without taking the iPhone out of their pockets. Also, it helps in tracking the precise location of devices using the Find My network.
It will be interesting to see how Apple incorporates UWB in Mac computers. The new iPad models also don’t feature ultra wideband technology. So we can’t say whether the next MacBooks will have the U1 chip or what other plans Apple may have for UWB for its computers. Also, keep in mind that it is a feature that is found in the beta version and may not be rolled out for the public version at all. It gives an indicator that the Macs too could get the UWB in some form or the other in future.
Apple's latest macOS beta has hinted that a very exciting iPhone feature might soon be coming to its Mac lineup too.
As noted by 9to5Mac the latest macOS Monterey beta includes "the frameworks and daemons (which are parts of the system that runs in the background) needed to support ultra wideband technology", the very same tools Apple features in iOS 15 to provide support on devices like its iPhone 13 using the U1 chip.
So what does this mean? Well, it seems to indicate that one of the best iPhone features introduced in recent years is also coming to Macs, namely UWB support that could enable all sorts of exciting features. Apple currently uses UWB for its AirTags and Find My Network, but also for enabling faster AirDrop and AirPlay transfer of songs to devices like the HomePod mini.
It could mean that one day Apple's best MacBooks and maybe even its desktop Macs will be better equipped with support for Apple's Find My network and data transfers like AirDrop.
There might even be an application case for Apple's brand new Universal Control Feature, announced last year and also included in the 12.3 beta released this week. From that report:
After months of waiting Apple has finally made Universal Control available in the first betas releases of iPadOS 15.4 and macOS Monterey 12.3.
Both of the new beta updates can be downloaded and installed by developers right now and both will be needed by anyone wanting to take this new feature for a spin. Universal Control was first announced during WWDC in June 2021 and was originally expected to ship in September or October of the same year. The feature allows people to use a single mouse and keyboard to control Macs and iPads.
The Apple Watch 7 is an incremental update on the Apple Watch 6, with an almost identical set of core features married to a slightly larger display.
So where does this leave Apple’s value-oriented alternative, the Apple Watch SE? Unlike the Apple Watch 6, it’s still available to buy from Apple.
Here’s how these two smartwatches stack up. You might be surprised at our conclusion.
Apple Watch 7 vs Apple Watch SE: price and availability
The Apple Watch 7 went on sale on October 15, 2021. Prices start from $399 / £369 / AU$599 for the non-cellular 41mm model, rising to $429 / £399 / AU$649 for the 45mm model.
As for the 41mm cellular version, that’ll cost you $499 / £469 / AU$749, while the cellular 45mm model costs $529 / £499 / AU$799 – not counting the price of a data plan, of course.
The Apple Watch SE went on sale September 18, 2020. Unlike the Apple Watch 6, however, it’s still on sale. Pricing has remained largely the same, except for a drop for UK users due to currency adjustments.
Prices for the iPhone SE start from $279 / £249 / AU$429 for the 40mm GPS model. Adding LTE to that equation will cost you $329 / £319 / AU$429.
The larger 44mm GPS model costs $309 / £279 / AU499, while the 44mm LTE model costs $359 / £329 / AU$549.
Essentially each Apple Watch 7 will cost you a more than $100 / £100 premium over its Apple Watch SE equivalent. Is that price bump worth it?
Apple Watch 7 vs Apple Watch SE: design and display
Despite the price disparity, the design of the Apple Watch 7 and Apple Watch SE are similar. Apple’s ‘rounded square’ approach holds true of every Apple wearable, after all.
There are two essential differences here. The Apple Watch 7 has a tougher body and a bigger display.
The former comes in the form of an IP6X rating, which makes it dust-resistant, as well as a hardened sapphire crystal glass display that’s more resistant to scuffs and scratches than the Watch SE’s Ion-X strengthened glass. Both devices are water-resistant up to 50 meters, however.
In the latter’s case, the Apple Watch 7 display is 1.9 inches, which is 20% larger than the 1.78-inch Apple Watch SE equivalent. This grants a noticeably clearer view of content, and it also enables Apple to add things like a full keyboard and some more information-dense clock faces.
The Watch 7’s display curves away more than the SE’s. Apple’s new Contour watch takes advantage of this, making the numbers visible from the side.
The Apple Watch 7 in a range of shades(Image credit: Apple)
What you don’t get with the Apple Watch SE that you do with the Watch 7 is an always-on display, which instantly hands a pretty large usability advantage to the newer and more expensive device. It continues to frustrate that Apple didn’t implement this in the Watch SE, as it still has the low-temperature polycrystalline oxide (LTPO) technology that would make it possible.
Despite this larger display, the Apple Watch 7 as a whole is only a little bigger than the Apple Watch SE. It’s exactly as wide, 1mm taller, and a fraction of a millimeter thicker. The smallest Apple Watch 7 weighs 6g more.
There’s also been a millimeter added to both base strap sizes, but there really isn’t much in it overall.
More fundamentally, the Apple Watch 7 comes in aluminum or stainless steel, while the Apple Watch SE is only available in aluminum.
Apple introduced five new colors with the Apple Watch 7: Starlight, Midnight, blue, green, and Product Red. They’re hardly the most showy or exciting colors, but they certainly beat the Apple Watch SE’s meager gold, silver and Space Gray options.
Apple Watch 7 vs Apple Watch SE: fitness and features
The core feature sets of these two smartwatches are similar, with both watches running on WatchOS 8.
They also have a similar array of health-tracking sensors. Both watches support GPS and heart rate monitoring which makes them broadly competitive with most dedicated fitness trackers. They’re not quite as accurate or fully featured as the very best of these, however.
Another shared feature is sleep tracking, though it’s relatively basic in both cases.
Apple Watch SE(Image credit: TechRadar)
Where they really differ in this respect is that the Apple Watch SE lacks the Apple Watch 7’s electrocardiogram (ECG) and blood oxygen (SPO2) facilities. These were introduced in 2020 with the Watch 6, but didn’t find their way into the cheaper Apple Watch SE.
The ECG gives the Watch 7 the ability to read heart rhythm data and detect irregular heartbeats could potentially enable you to head off more serious heart conditions, if that’s a concern.
Of course, one of the biggest health and fitness features Apple has come up with in recent times is the Apple Fitness+ service, which gives you a full on platform of guided video content for your Apple TV, iPad or iPhone. And that’s available regardless of the device you’re using.
Apple Watch 7 vs Apple Watch 6: OS, power and battery
The Apple Watch 7 is powered by Apple’s latest wearable S7 chip, though it’s essentially the same as the S6 before it. This means that it’s only effectively a generation more advanced than the Apple Watch SE’s S5 chip.
Ultimately, you’re unlikely to notice any major performance difference between these two smartwatches. They’re both among the slicker, smoothest runners in the smartwatch field, thanks to Apple’s custom processor expertise and expert optimisation.
The Apple Watch 7 charges fast(Image credit: Apple)
You also get a generous 32GB of internal storage with both devices.
Both now run on WatchOS 8, so there’s no difference between the two beyond a few unique watch faces (like the Modular Duo face) that accentuate the Watch 7’s larger display. Features such as the new Portrait Mode photos watch face, handwashing notifications, and Assistive Touch are available to users of both wearables.
Apple claims that both watches can attain 18 hours of battery life. The Apple Watch can stretch beyond that to around 24 hours in our experience, and the Apple Watch SE can stretch even further.
We were able to get up to 36 hours on a single charge with the Watch SE. You can likely thank the lack of an always-on display and those advanced tracking features for this extended stamina.
The Apple Watch 7 hits back with faster charging. Thanks to the use of faster coils and a speedier USB-C charging cable, the Apple Watch 7 can charge from 0% to 100% in a speedy 64 minutes, which is about twice as quickly as the Apple Watch SE.
(Image credit: Apple)
Takeaway
The Apple Watch 7 is without doubt a superior smartwatch to the Apple Watch SE. It has a larger display that remains active at all times, a wider range of finishes and colors, ostensibly faster performance, and the ability to test with an electrocardiogram (ECG) and track blood oxygen (SPO2).
However, we suspect that these bonus features won’t matter to most potential buyers. Or at least, not enough to warrant a more than $100 / £100 price premium.
If you want the best wearable that money can buy, and a device that will be usable for many years to come, then the Apple Watch 7 is the best money-is-no-object smartwatch around.
If you’re simply looking for a compact, multi-functional smartwatch that grants access to basic fitness tracking and Apple’s unique apps and services – including Apple Fitness+ – then the Apple Watch SE will suit most people better.
Apple this week released the first beta of macOS Monterey 12.3, which comes with new features like Universal Control and secure notes in Safari’s password manager. The update also prepares Apple’s desktop operating system for new technologies, as internal system files hint at ultra wideband (or UWB) coming to the Mac.
The latest beta version of macOS 12 includes the frameworks and daemons (which are parts of the system that runs in the background) needed to support ultra wideband technology. These are the same tools already used to provide UWB support on iOS devices with the U1 chip.
For those unfamiliar, ultra wideband technology is a short-range wireless communication protocol that is used for space awareness. This way, two or more UWB devices in the same room can precisely locate each other.
Apple first introduced UWB technology to its devices with the iPhone 11 in 2019, and then expanded it to the Apple Watch, HomePod mini, and AirTags. In Apple’s ecosystem, it enables faster AirDrop, CarKey authentication without even having to take the iPhone out of your pocket, quick AirPlay transfer, and the precise location used by the Find My network.
These benefits could be extended to the Mac if Apple decides to bring the U1 chip to its computers. However, it’s worth noting that not even the latest iPad models feature ultra wideband technology, so the only certainty we have now is that Apple has been experimenting with UWB technology with more devices. It’s still unclear when exactly we’ll see Macs and iPads with the U1 chip.
Apple is rumored to be holding a special event this spring, so perhaps we’ll hear more about Apple’s plans to expand UWB technology across its devices at the event.
Your Mac will soon be able to update the firmware on your AirPods but you still won't be able to do the update manually — it's all system-controlled just like when iPhones and iPads handle the updates.
The recent release of macOS Monterey 12.3 in initial beta form has highlighted a change that will finally allow Macs to update AirPods. Currently, only iPhones and iPads are able to handle that task. And while we still won't be able to manually update AirPods even with macOS 12.3 installed, this improvement will be good news for AirPods owners who don't have an iPhone or iPad to handle updates for them.
The new change hasn't been announced, but 9to5Mac reports being able to get a Mac to do the business.
In our testing, we were able to successfully update a pair of AirPods Pro to the latest firmware version available using a Mac running macOS Monterey 12.3 beta. Unfortunately, the update process is triggered automatically just like in iOS, which means there's no way to know when there's an update available or when the Mac is downloading the update – at least not in an easy way.
While the macOS 12.3 beta is only available to developers right now it will eventually be made available to everyone else, likely this spring. We expect to see more developer betas released along the way and it's possible features will come and go before macOS 12.3 is ready for primetime.
