Thursday, September 3, 2020

Latest Tech News

When WhatsApp introduced a cap on forwarded messages, it claimed that fake messages came down by 70%. Perhaps buoyed by that experience, Facebook, which owns WhatsApp, is now following suit.

Facebook is introducing a forwarding limit on Messenger. It says a message can only be forwarded to five people or groups at a time now. Facebook expects this to slow the spread of 'viral misinformation and harmful content'.

The move comes on the back of a surge in spread of misinformation around the Covid-19 pandemic and election in the US.

The new feature is now live in a few countries, and by September 24 it will be live for users across the world.

Yet another layer of protection

Facebook says it has taken steps to provide people with greater transparency and accurate information. 

In a blog post, Jay Sullivan, Director of Product Management, Messenger Privacy and Safety, said: “We are introducing a forwarding limit on Messenger to help curb the efforts of those looking to cause chaos, sow uncertainty or inadvertently undermine accurate information”.

This new feature provides yet another layer of protection by limiting the spread of viral misinformation or harmful content, and we believe it will help keep people safer online, he added.

Earlier this year, Facebook introduced features like safety notifications, two-factor authentication, and easier ways to block and report unwanted messages.

FB under pressure

Facebook Messenger has more than 1.5 billion users around the world, and it’s probably the second most popular messaging app in the world after WhatsApp, which has 2 billion users on its platform.

As fake news threatens to tear asunder social exchanges, media platforms are under extreme pressure to crack the whip. Facebook recently had to remove seven million posts with COVID-19 misinformation, including a post shared by President Trump. 

Facebook is also planning to ban new political ads in the weeks before the US election. It has also launched election and corona virus info centers. 

Source: Facebook



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Latest Tech News

Xiaomi’s upcoming Redmi Note 10 series might just have been spotted in China clearing regulatory approvals, revealing key specifications of the next members in the popular budget series. 

The successor to the popular Redmi Note 9 series is, the Redmi 10 series is expected to launch in China soon. According to a post by Digital Chat Station on the Chinese microblogging platform, Weibo, the new Redmi series device with “M2007J22C” model number has received network approval. The tipster also suggested that this might be a Redmi Note 10 series device. 

(Image credit: Future)

The screenshot attached also shows that the device will come with support for 5G network in addition to 4G LTE connectivity. This also means that this will be the first Redmi Note series device to come with 5G support and we can thereby also expect a slight price jump in the Note series. 

The tipster further suggests that the Note 10 series will most likely be powered by the MT6853V/TNZA and the MT6875 chipsets which are the model numbers of the MediaTek Dimensity 720 and Dimensity 820 5G chipsets respectively. The Redmi Note 10 could be powered by the Dimensity 720 SoC and the Redmi Note 10 Pro might feature Dimensity 820. The same chipset is present on the Redmi 10X and Redmi 10X Pro which were unveiled in China a few months ago. 

Further, previous reports also suggest that the device will come with up to 8GB of RAM and will run on Android 10 OS which will most likely be on MIUI 12 skin. The Redmi Note 10 is expected to pack in a 48MP triple rear camera set up with an 8MP ultra-wide camera and a 2MP depth sensor. The Redmi Note 10 Pro is said to come with a 48MP quad-camera setup with an 8MP ultrawide, 8MP telephoto, and a 2MP depth sensor. Both the devices are expected to have 6.57-inch AMOLED screens and will offer up to 256GB of internal storage. 

With MediaTek Dimnesity, the Redmi Note 10 is likely to get a big performance leap compared to the MediaTek G85 SoC. MediaTek is yet to enter the non-Chinese market with the Dimesnity series, so it will be interesting to see if the SoC changes in other markets. 



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Latest Tech News

With so many shows and movies to choose from on Australia's major streaming services, it can often be difficult to finding the best new stuff that's been added each week. 

In an effort to make things easier, every Monday we'll be hand-picking the best new shows and movies to watch on Aussie streaming platforms each weekend, covering the likes of Netflix, Disney Plus, Binge, Stan and Amazon Prime Video.

Below, you'll find a list of this weekend's highlights, separated by streaming service, with binge-worthy new shows sitting alongside some great big-budget new movie arrivals – and a couple of oddball dark horse entries, just for some variety. 

This week is rather jam-packed in terms of new releases, with some extremely high-profile shows and movies to look forward to. Here are our streaming picks for week of September 4 to September 6, 2020.

Netflix

I'm Thinking of Ending Things (Movie – available September 4)

From the creative mind of Charlie Kaufman (Being John Malkovich, Enternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind) comes I'm Thinking of Ending Things, a film that's takes the filmmaker's unmistakable mind-bending style into darker territory. Based on Iain Reid’s acclaimed novel, the film sees a young woman (Jessie Buckley) accompany her boyfriend (Jesse Plemons) to meet his family for the first time. Right from the outset, something feels very off about these people...

Chef's Table: BBQ (TV series - available now) 

Does the thought of slow-cooked ribs and brisket make your mouth water like Mark Zuckerberg when he's near a bottle of Sweet Baby Ray's? You're going to love the latest instalment of Netflix's fantastic Chef's Table series, which is dedicated entirely to different types of BBQ from around the world. Better get your bib ready...

Amazon Prime Video

The Boys: Season 2 (TV Series – fnew episodes available now)

Arguably the best superhero show on television, The Boys returns for its highly anticipated second season, and early word has it that it's even better than the first. Following on from last season's bombshell reveal regarding the wife of Billy Butcher (Karl Urban), the boys ramp up their war on the 'supes'. Unfortunately for them, they have a new (and extremely volatile) supe to deal with in Stormfront (Aya Cash).

Disney Plus

Disney's Mulan (Movie – Premier Access available now)

It's official – the live-action Mulan is skipping theatres entirely to debut on Disney Plus, but it'll cost a hefty premium of AU$34.99 on top of your monthly subscription fee to watch it. Thankfully, this purchase, which Disney is calling Premier Access to Mulan,  will be permanently tied to your Disney Plus account, meaning you'll be able to watch it as many times as you like (so long as you're still subscribed to the service). If you aren't keen on spending extra for Premier Access to Mulan, you're in luck – it's been confirmed that Mulan is coming to all Disney Plus subscribers in December.

Earth To Ned (TV Series– available now)

Now here's a talk show that's out of this world! From The Jim Henson Company, makers of The Muppets and The Dark Crystal, comes Earth To Ned, a puppet-filled talk show hosted by alien commander Ned and his lieutenant Cornelius. Launching with ten celebrity-filled episodes, Earth To Ned features guests appearances from the likes of Billy Dee Williams (Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back), Joel McHale (Community), Gina Carano (The Mandalorian), Eli Roth (Hostel) and many others.

Binge

Doom Patrol (TV series – all episodes now)

The surprise hit of DC's original television lineup, Doom Patrol is a quirky superhero show about a team of outcasts who were brought together under the guidance of a mad scientist (Timothy Dalton). A hilarious comic book series for adults, Doom Patrol's second season looks even crazier than the first (in a good way).

Stan

Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure (Movie – available now)

Just in time for the release of Bill and Ted Face the Music in cinemas, Stan has added the film that started it all to its content library with Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure! Join Bill (Alex Winter) and Ted (Keanu Reeves) as they travel through time collecting famous historical figures in order to pass a crucial high school report. If they don't, Ted will be sent to military school, putting an end to the pair's band Wyld Stallyns, which is destined to bright world peace in the distant future. Needless to say, failing would be most heinous!

Power Book II: Ghost (TV Series – Season 1, Episode 1 available September 6)

Picking up after the shock ending of Power's sixth season, Power Book II: Ghost takes the story in an entirely new direction, acting almost as an entirely new series that's set in the same universe. In Ghost, we follow Tariq (Michael Rainey Jr.) as he navigates his new life while trying to shed his father's legacy. That said, he'll stop at nothing to protect his family.



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Latest Tech News

John Will portable monitor - $80.74 at AliExpress
(£62.36/AU$111.92)
If you've not heard of John Will, you're not alone. However, this portable 13.3-inch monitor is currently the cheapest on the market and could make an excellent remote working companion.View Deal

We scoured the web for the cheapest portable monitor on the market and came up with this John Will display, available at AliExpress for only $80.

With a 13.3-inch screen with full HD resolution, this monitor could be great for mirroring the screen of a smaller device or as a dedicated Zoom video conferencing display.

Weighing just under 1kg, its footprint is slightly bigger than a sheet of A4 paper and a mere 12.5mm thick - and it can also be powered by USB and a 12V adaptor. Plus, it costs way less than $100, which isn't bad for a new product line this side of Black Friday 2020.

The monitor features a micro USB port, mini HDMI slot, VESA mount, a pair of speakers, an 800:1 contrast ratio, and a 178-degree viewing angle. This model comes with a battery and metal stand, but no touchscreen capabilities.

Bear in mind, it can't connect directly to a smartphone, although you should be able to hook up a Google Chromecast dongle.

It’s worth checking the full list of supported devices before you buy; the good news is that it's compatible with gaming consoles, like the Nintendo Switch.

Bear in mind

  • If this product comes from mainland China, it will take at least a month to reach the UK or the US (and potentially more). You may be levied an additional tax either directly or through the courier.
  • If you've managed to find a cheaper product with equivalent specifications, in stock and brand new, let us know and we'll tip our hat to you.


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Celebrate the demise of your enemies with new Star Trek Klingon Bloodwine - CNET

Drink like a Klingon with the newest offering from Star Trek Wines.

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The best budget security cameras of 2020 - CNET

Want to keep an eye on your house for less money? We've got you covered.

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The best neck gaiters in 2020 - CNET

Whether you're looking for outdoor protection or a face covering, these neck gaiters are your best options.

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Latest Tech News

Xiaomi's latest affordable entry-level budget phone, the Redmi 9A will go on sale in India for the first time today. The device was unveiled recently along with new Redmi branded earphones. 

The Redmi 9A will go on sale at 12 noon today on Amazon.in and Mi.com. The base variant with 2GB of RAM and 32GB of storage is priced at 6,799 and the 3+32GB variant is priced at Rs 7,499. The device will be available in three colour options Nature Green, Sea Blue and Midnight Black. 

Check out Redmi 9A on Amazon

The Redmi 9A is the sixth device in the Redmi 9 family after the Redmi Note 9, Redmi Note 9 Pro, Redmi Note 9 Pro max, Redmi 9 Prime, and Redmi 9. The Redmi 9A comes under 'Make in India' initiative and is manufactured in India.

(Image credit: Redmi)

Redmi 9A specs

The Redmi 9A comes an Aura 360-design and flaunts a 6.53-inch HD+ display with a resolution of 1600 x 720 pixels, a dew-drop notch and a 20:9 aspect ratio. Just like the Redmi 9, the display is certified by TUV Rheinland for low Blue light. On the inside, the Realme 9A is powered by octa-core MediaTek Helio G25 SoC onboard clocked at 2GHz. It is paired with up to 3GB of RAM and 32GB of internal storage. 

As for the optics, the Redmi 9A comes with a single 13MP sensor. For selfies, you get a 5MP snapper on the device with 83-degree FoV. There is a single flashlight on the device to help in low-light scenarios.  It runs on MIUI 12 based on Android 10. 

Further, the device will have a 5,000mAh battery with 10W charging via micro USB port. Connectivity options on the device include Dual SIM 4G LTE, VoLTE, and you also get an expandable slot for expansion up to 512GB. Other features include Face unlock, P2i water resistance, and there is also a 3.5mm audio jack onboard. 



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Latest Tech News

Western Digital has announced its new G-Technology-branded external SSD aimed at content creators and people with confidential content that uses the company’s ArmorLock security platform.

The new platform combines sophisticated encryption algorithms with ease-of-use as well as remote management.  Instead of using on-device password-based authentication, Western Digital’s ArmorLock relies on biometric (face recognition or fingerprint scanner) or passcode authentication used on modern smartphones and a special app that issues a key which unlocks the drive wirelessly when it is connected to a PC. The sandboxed ArmorLock applications also support remote management enabling administrators to control access of multiple users to multiple drives. 

Such an approach eliminates passwords, makes the drive easier to use, and enhances security because at times people use too simple passwords that are not hard to guess (or even write passwords down on the back of the drive).

ArmorLock

Western Digital’s G-Technology ArmorLock encrypted NVMe SSD — the first drive to use the platform — comes with 256-bit AES-XTS hardware encryption and NIST P-256 elliptic curve-based key management. The drive features third party-audited core cryptography with side-channel attack mitigation for extra protection. Moreover, the product automatically updates its firmware when it is connected to the ArmorLock application.

(Image credit: Western Digital)

As far as performance is concerned, the G-Technology ArmorLock encrypted NVMe SSD is rated for up to 1000MB/s sequential read and write speeds, which is in line with other drives that use a USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-C interface.  

To top of sophisticated security technologies, the G-Technology ArmorLock encrypted NVMe SSD can protect the data physically. The drive comes in a rugged chassis that is IP67 dust and water resistant, can survive a 1000-lb crush as well as can be dropped from three meters. 

The G-Technology ArmorLock encrypted NVMe SSD is not cheap. The drive is currently available only in a 2TB configuration and is priced at $599 in the USA and £559.99 in the UK.

Source: Western Digital



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The best Wi-Fi routers of 2020 - CNET

Your router is the unsung hero holding your smart home together. From mesh to gaming to Wi-Fi 6, here are the best we've tested, for every budget.

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The 10 best TV shows to watch on Disney Plus - CNET

Searching for another great show like The Mandalorian? Let's round up Disney's best gems.

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Verizon engineers work to secure the 5G network - CNET

Storing data "fingerprints" in the blockchain and an artificial intelligence security framework are two projects the carrier is focused on.

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How to get HBO Max at a 20% discount - CNET

The newest streaming service is going on sale Friday for $12 a month.

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The Boys season 2 review: The perfect antidote to Marvel fatigue - CNET

Is Amazon's R-rated superhero show bigger and badder than ever? Short answer: Yeah.

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Online-voting company pushes to make it harder for researchers to find security flaws - CNET

Voatz, an e-voting company, tells the Supreme Court that security research should be done only with permission.

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Heat Domes and Surging Grid Demand Threaten US Power Grids with Blackouts

A new report shows a sharp increase in peak electricity demand, leading to blackout concerns in multiple states. Here's how experts say ...