Pokemon Go Dialga Raid Guide: Best Counters, Weaknesses and Moveset - CNET

The legendary dragon Pokemon is back until July 31.

from CNET https://ift.tt/mb6U7WD

These 18 States Are Canceling Sales Tax - CNET

Tax-free weekends are intended to help with back-to-school shopping.

from CNET https://ift.tt/bXkKYgG

Latest Tech News

U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) has sent a letter to the CEOs of Apple and demanding the companies explain how they review and approve mobile apps for cryptocurrency trading and storing. 

The letter comes a few days after the FBI warned retail investors that their peers lost more than $42 million on crypto scams in less than a year.

“Crypto mobile apps are available to the public through app stores, including Apple’s App Store,” the senator wrote to Cook on Thursday, according to The Verge. “While cryptocurrency apps have offered investors easy and convenient ways to trade cryptocurrency, reports have emerged of fake crypto apps that have scammed hundreds of investors.”

Preventing fraud

Brown also wants to know if the companies monitor the apps they list in the stores, and how they stop them from “transforming” into phishing scams, as well as if the two companies notified their users about fraudulent crypto apps in the past.

“While firms that offer crypto investment and other related services should take the necessary steps to prevent fraudulent activity, including warning investors about the uptick in scams, it is likewise imperative that app stores have the proper safeguards in place to prevent against fraudulent mobile application activity,” the letter adds.

So far, Apple and Google have stayed silent, although they do have until August 10 to reply.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation recently warned American citizens to be extra careful when downloading cryptocurrency and investment apps, as some of them are malicious mobile apps and designed only to steal victim's money.

"The FBI has observed cybercriminals contacting US investors, fraudulently claiming to offer legitimate cryptocurrency investment services, and convincing investors to download fraudulent mobile apps, which the cybercriminals have used with increasing success over time to defraud the investors of their cryptocurrency," the Bureau said. The organization claims criminals have so far defrauded 244 victims out of $42.7 million.

Read more

> FBI warns against fake crypto apps that have already stolen millions

> Crypto scams are now a billion-dollar market

> These are the best bitcoin wallets right now

Even though the cryptocurrency world is in a deep bear market (Bitcoin has lost roughly two-thirds of its value since November 2021), cybercriminals are as active as ever. Some of them are using advanced techniques, such as deepfake videos, to trick people into thinking high-profile individuals endorse their projects. Others are stealing identities, creating fake social media accounts of attractive women, asking for “help” or inviting people into co-investing in projects that promise high returns on their investments.

Cryptominers, malware that mines cryptocurrencies, are as popular among cybercriminals as ever before, and tokens are still the number one payment method in ransomware attacks. The FBI urges everyone to be extra careful when downloading apps, to make sure they’re only downloading from legitimate sources (for example, Google’s and Apple’s mobile app repositories), and to have two-factor authentication enabled on all accounts.

• These are the best antivirus software right now

Via: The Verge

from TechRadar - All the latest technology news https://ift.tt/mYHSiXu

Best Installment Loans for August 2022 - CNET

Installment loan options can help you buy a car, consolidate your debt or finance a large purchase.

from CNET https://ift.tt/uTpHW1v

Latest Tech News

Google has announced new Play Store policies for Android developers in an effort to crack down on full-screen ads, VPNs, and fake apps impersonating genuine software.

Coming into effect from September 30, 2022, the Play Store will require developers to stop showing “Full-screen interstitial ads,” for example those that show during gameplay or during an app’s loading screen. Additionally, full-screen ads that cannot be closed after 15 seconds shall be banned.

The new policy will not include rewarded ads, such as in-app popups that users can opt into in order to unlock in-app content, which will continue to be permitted.

Google Play Store developer policies

There have been further revisements to the company’s FLAG_SECURE feature, which is intended to protect sensitive data by preventing or obscuring screenshots, and disallowing screen sharing and broadcasting. From November 1, 2022, apps will not be allowed to create workaround for the flagged content.

With effect from the same date, VPNs will also be subject to tighter restrictions. Only dedicated VPN apps will be allowed to “create a secure device-level tunnel to a remote server,” with some exceptions. 

Access to the USE_EXACT_ALARM permission will also be refined to primarily include only the apps that “requires precisely timed actions” (from July 31, 2022)

Read more

> Protect yourself with the best identity theft protection

> Over a billion Google Play Store app downloads could be infected by malware

> Microsoft steps back on controversial app store policies

Fake Google Play Store apps

Maybe of most interest to general consumers will be a change that is due to be enforced on August 31, 2022.

“We don’t allow apps that mislead users by impersonating someone else (e.g. another developer, company or entity) or another app… To ensure that Google Play remains a safe and respectful platform, we've created standards defining and prohibiting content that is harmful or inappropriate for our users," Google said in a blog post announcing the news.

The company recommends checking the developer name (displayed beneath the app title within the Play Store), that the logo matches the company’s logo, and that the name appears to be genuine and not mis-leading.

Further changes to the company’s app store include eliminating misleading health information, better subscription management, safer child-friendly ads, and further personal protection steps.

• Check out the best free and paid privacy apps for Android

from TechRadar - All the latest technology news https://ift.tt/t3XkJgH

Beyoncé's New Album 'Renaissance' Reportedly Leaks Early - CNET

The album officially drops at 9 p.m. PT Thursday.

from CNET https://ift.tt/VxSJjMi

Latest Tech News

We often see Roku sale prices falling well below MSRP, all thanks to the particularly competitive world of streaming sticks. Whether you're after a super simple HDMI plugin, or something designed to offer high quality 4K resolution and plenty of smart home features, you'll find all the best Roku deals right here.

Roku's Streaming sticks and boxes plug into your TV via an HDMI port, essentially turning any old HD/4K TV into a smart TV or boosting the number of apps on any modern smart TV that seems to be missing a few of your favorites. In a video streaming device world dominated by Amazon, Google, and Apple, Roku is the plucky underdog that continues to hold its own.

In addition to worldwide services like Netflix, Amazon, and Spotify, you'll find plenty of apps for your country. HBO Now, Hulu, Sling, and CBS All Access in the US and BBC iPlayer, All 4, and Now TV in the UK, for example. Frankly, Roku can't be beaten as far as the number and quality of streaming services it supports. And yes, there are options to view in 4K HDR too.

There are a lot of Roku devices out there in the wild, though, and some of them have been discontinued as they've been made obsolete by newer releases. Some, however, have an advantage or feature that new sticks don't cater for, so we've kept price comparison charts around for those models. 

Generally, though, we've cut down the list to include the most relevant Roku streaming devices that are readily available and represent great value of money for you.

• Check out the best cheap TV deals and sales of the week

Roku Express 4K Plus 2021

Roku's latest 4K HDR streaming device

Picture quality: HD, 4K, HDR10+ | Connectivity: Wireless | Remote: Voice with TV power and volume controls | Headphone jack: No | Storage expansion: N/A

Affordable

4K HDR (and HDR10+) streaming

Voice remote

The Roku Express 4K Plus was released in April of this year and allows you to stream your favorite content in 4K Ultra HD resolution with support for HDR10+. The affordable streaming stick includes a Roku voice remote so you can launch movies, search for titles and adjust the volume completely hands-free.

The 4K streaming device launched in the US and UK with a starting price of $39.99/£39.99. Even though the Roku Express 4K is a new release, we've already seen slight discounts on the streaming device, and we're hoping to see a record-low price during the upcoming Black Friday 2021 sale.

Roku Express deals

The best entry-level Roku streamer

Picture quality: 1080p HD | Connectivity: Wireless | Remote: Standard | Headphone jack: No | Storage expansion: N/A

Dirt cheap

Faster than the old cheap models

No 4K Streaming

This is the cheapest streaming device in the Roku family. The Roku Express is newer and cheaper than the other standard Roku Streaming Stick and does all the same jobs. If you want to turn any HDMI TV into a Smart TV for as little as possible - this is for you. 

However, we'd be tempted to keep an eye out for a good deal on the 4K version mentioned earlier just to avoid having to buy one once 4K content becomes the norm.

Roku Streaming Stick Plus deals

A tiny yet superb 4K streaming device

Picture quality: 1080p HD, 4K, HDR | Connectivity: Wireless | Remote: Voice with TV power and volume controls | Headphone jack: No | Storage expansion: N/A

Cheap 4K Streaming

Improved remote

Packed with apps

Roku continues to give rival streaming devices something to worry about as the new Roku Streaming Stick Plus is super modern, super small and, most importantly, super cheap. Not to mention, unlike many of the older models it's been released in the UK too. Now Brits can finally join the 4K Roku party like the US has been enjoying for years! You're even getting HDR content from supported apps too.

While Amazon's 4K Fire TV Sticks are similarly priced and have a more intuitive remote design, plus Alexa support, you might find the wider range of streaming services on the Roku more appealing.

Roku Ultra deals

The one with all the features

Picture quality: 1080p HD, 4K, HDR | Connectivity: Wireless or ethernet | Remote: Voice with TV power, volume and gaming controls | Headphone jack: Yes - on remote and box | Storage expansion: Micro SD and USB

Headphone jack on remote

Expandable storage

Gaming remote

More expensive

This Roku was not released in the UK. So don't expect many (if any) UK prices. The Roku Ultra is the most feature-packed of all the Roku media streamers. It has all the quality 4K and HDR streaming and ports of the Roku Premiere Plus. So what do you get for the extra cash? The remote control gets the most attention on the Ultra as it can be used for voice search, it has extra buttons to make it a handy game controller and there's even a little speaker to help you find it via a button on the console. There's also a USB storage slot and an optical out audio port.  We're loving the option for private listening via the bundled-in JBL headphones headphones that you can plug into the remote too. 

If you're not bothered about the extra audio ports, expandable storage and using the Roku for gaming, then you should opt for one of the Roku deals we mentioned earlier and save a big chunk of cash.

from TechRadar - All the latest technology news https://ift.tt/UpGhigA

Latest Gadgets News

The sudden disappearance comes just under two years after PUBG was banned in India, leading to the creation of BGMI.

from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/LvbIPDl

Best Grocery Credit Cards for August 2022 - CNET

With grocery prices much higher than a year ago, it's a great time to make sure you're maximizing your cash back.

from CNET https://ift.tt/Q9ZPWHV

Abortion Laws by State: Where Are Trigger Laws Being Challenged? - CNET

Judges in Wyoming and North Dakota have temporarily paused enforcement of abortion bans facing legal challenges.

from CNET https://ift.tt/Wnd7McN

Latest Tech News

A major chat log database belonging to popular messaging app JusTalk was left unprotected on the web for months, accessible to anyone who knew where to look. 

Cybersecurity researcher Anurag Sen uncovered the database, which did not have a password, storing unencrypted data including plenty of personally identifiable information, useful for cybercriminals looking to engage in identity theft, social engineering, or other forms of cybercrime. 

The data included the messages themselves, user phone numbers (both sender and receiver), call logs, all sorted out just enough to be able to identify specific people and specific conversations.

Millions of potential victims

In fact, while going through the logs, TechCrunch says it managed to find a pastor soliciting a sex worker who listed their phone number publicly. The log included the time, location, and price of the meeting. 

The database itself is “hundreds of gigabytes” large, and hosted on a Huawei server in China. In order to access it, the only thing a person would need is a browser, and its IP address. With the help of database search engine Shodan, the researcher discovered that the server was storing new data in the database as early as January this year, when it was first exposed.

It’s impossible to know exactly how many people have had their sensitive data exposed in this blunder, but we do know that JusTalk has roughly 20 million users. It also has JusTalk Kids, a separate app for minors, with more than a million downloads on Android. 

Read more

> These countries have the most exposed databases online

> Anti-vax dating site exposed data of thousands of users

> These are the best endpoint protection services right now

After Sen reported the problem to JusTalk, it apparently shut down the database, but also decided not to comment on the findings. 

Sen was also apparently not the first to discover this database, as it contained a ransom note, meaning someone had tried to use it to extort money from the company, but whether or not they succeeded is unknown at this time.

• These are the best firewalls around

Via: TechCrunch

from TechRadar - All the latest technology news https://ift.tt/2YHybMj

FTC Blocks Meta's Acquisition of VR Fitness App Company - CNET

The Federal Trade Commission alleges that Meta already has a "virtual reality empire."

from CNET https://ift.tt/u7MhAKk

New Google Maps Feature Alerts Friends, Family When You Arrive Home Safely - CNET

The new feature can take the guesswork out of gatherings. Now you can find out when people arrive and when they are back home.

from CNET https://ift.tt/1PRmrSU

Marvel's 'Ironheart' Series on Disney Plus: Everything to Know - CNET

A trailer released on Saturday for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever includes Dominique Thorne, the star of Marvel's Ironheart TV show.

from CNET https://ift.tt/LWuGl50

Latest Tech News

Let me ask you a question: what does the name “Wi-Fi” mean? Considering how omnipresent Wi-Fi connections are, this should be an easy question to answer; especially if you work in the tech industry.

If your answer is “wireless fidelity”, that is actually incorrect despite what you were lead to believe, so keep guessing. Could it be “wireless fiber”? “Wishful firedrake”? 

Give up? It’s actually a trick question: the name doesn’t mean anything. 

An old 2005 interview with one of the founding members of the Wi-Fi Alliance has been making the rounds again and recounts the origin story of Wi-Fi. According to founding member Phil Belanger, the name was picked from a group of ten names that were created by consultancy firm Interbrand.

The original name for Wi-Fi was “IEEE 802.11b Direct Sequence” and the Alliance knew that name couldn’t be used. They needed something catchier if the standard was going to be widely adopted, so "Wi-Fi" was picked.

Mistakes were made

If you sincerely thought Wi-Fi stood for “wireless fidelity”, blame the Wi-Fi Alliance for that one. Belanger recounts that some of his colleagues felt the need to explain what “Wi-Fi” meant as they apparently couldn’t wrap their minds around the fact the name was just some marketing mumbo-jumbo meant to entice people. This led to the Alliance creating the tagline “The Standard for Wireless Fidelity''.

Belanger admits “this was a mistake and only served to confuse people... ” He called it “a clumsy attempt to come up with two words that matched Wi and Fi.” This mistake was exacerbated when the Alliance printed hats and shirts with the tagline. The tagline was so successful you even had people in the US military calling it “wireless fidelity”.

And if you stop to think about it, that name doesn’t make any sense, either. Fidelity, in a technical sense, refers to how well a device can reproduce a signal. High-fidelity (hi-fi) TVs, for example, can reproduce images that could be mistaken for the real thing. But Wi-Fi doesn’t do that; it’s just a way to connect devices to one another. You’re not reproducing anything. 

But why let facts get in the way of a popular misconception? In the nearly two decades since, people have embraced the inaccurate meaning and, if you ask them, would likely argue strenuously that Wi-Fi means “wireless fidelity”. Belanger, though, asks people to do their part and “forget the tagline” and its false meaning.

Wi-Fi accessories

Perhaps it's better to focus less on the meaning of the term, than on what the technology means for us.

Wi-Fi is an integral part of society and it’s hard to imagine life without it. How many times have we asked a friend what's the Wi-Fi password when you go to their house for the first time? And many of us get frustrated when the Wi-Fi suddenly goes out. 

If you frequently experience connection drops, we recommend getting Wi-Fi extenders. Also known as boosters, these devices push the signal beyond its normal reach. You should also look into getting a high-quality router to better deal with multiple devices that demand a large portion of bandwidth.

As for the future, multiple companies are hard at work establishing the Wi-Fi 7 standard. Qualcomm even claims its Wi-Fi 7 compatible chip will be able to achieve speeds of 5.8Gbps and sub-2 millisecond latency. And Mediatek promises its Wi-Fi 7 platform will achieve speeds that are 100 times faster than the current UK broadband standard.

from TechRadar - All the latest technology news https://ift.tt/CDg3nof