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The digital wall around iPhones that has prevented users from downloading non-App Store-approved software to their handsets is about to crack in Europe. But according to a new report, Apple is already planning to patch up the holes punched out by the European Union (EU) laws – meaning sideloading might not be as free as we hoped.

First, let’s step back to April 2022 when the EU – a collection of 27 European countries including France, Germany, and Spain – agreed on the Digital Markets Act. It went into force in November of that year and is designed to tackle issues surrounding Apple’s control of what apps can and can’t be downloaded to iPhones. 

By March this year (2024) platforms will need to comply with the EU’s or face disciplinary action.

The law won’t just apply to Apple. Google (which makes Android) and other platforms will also have to abide by the new rules but unlike iPhones, Android phones can already install software that isn’t on the Play Store – Android’s version of Apple’s App Store. By the way, this practice of downloading apps from sources other than the official app stores is called sideloading.

You’re about to experience a new Spotify if you live in the EU. One where you can see all subscription pricing, promotions or deals, and even make purchases, all seamlessly within the app. Find out what this means for you: https://t.co/j1hYRC3S5c pic.twitter.com/p1GDY6PNddJanuary 24, 2024

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Apple has fiercely defended its anti-sideloading stance saying it makes iPhones safer and relatively virus-free. Its critics – such as Spotify – will loudly call its system anticompetitive because the App Store takes up to 30% commissions on all purchases made through it and gives Apple’s apps an unfair advantage.

According to a Wall Street Journal report (behind a paywall), Apple’s current plans will still give it oversight of apps downloaded outside of the App Store. What’s more, it plans to take fees from these apps as well. So there might not be all that much difference between App Store and non-App Store apps.

The specifics haven’t yet been revealed but most probably Apple will be able to maintain this level of control by adding new rules to its dev tool license agreement. You need these tools to develop working apps for iPhones whether you publish them through the App Store or not. By altering the license agreement to include the checks and restrictions it normally imposes on the App Store, Apple could comply with the new laws without the situation changing all that much.

Your home screen might soon feature non-App Store apps (Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)

As with all leaks, we should take this report with a pinch of salt. We don’t yet know exactly what approach Apple will take, or even if the EU will see this leaked approach as compliant, but recent history suggests Apple will do the bare minimum it can. 

Earlier this year Apple was forced to allow developers to direct app users to payment systems that weren’t Apple’s – the one that currently takes 30% of most third-party payments made through it (small businesses pay a 15% commission). The kicker? Apple will put a 27% commission on payments made using an alternative system. Given the hassle and minimal incentive, many developers have complained this won’t change anything.

Not European? You should still care 

The App Store changes might not be EU-exclusive (Image credit: Shutterstock / BigTunaOnline)

If you’re in the US or a post-Brexit UK then you’re probably wondering what all this EU legal stuff has to do with you.

Well, firstly it wouldn’t be the first time EU action has affected the iPhone for everyone. The iPhone 15 models only made the USB-C port switch when they did because of EU legislation and discussions in European nations about tech repairability saw Apple preemptively launch Self Service Repair everywhere.

Even if Apple decides to digitally gate these App Store changes to just the EU it's likely other nations like the US and UK will consider following suit. And if you have one of the best VPN services installed there’s a chance you could make Apple think you’re in the EU and force it to give you access to non-App Store software.

So be on the lookout for changes to how you can use your iPhone in March, though don’t hold your breath for them to be anything too substantial.

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Ditch That Weird Little Apple TV Remote and Get This $25 Upgrade Instead - CNET

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Parrot traffic direction system (TDS), a malicious script that redirects website visitors to dangerous destinations, was observed evolving and becoming harder to detect.

Cybersecurity researchers Unit 42, from Palo Alto Networks, recently analyzed 10,000 Parrot landing page scripts, gathered between August 2019 and October 2023. 

They concluded the majority of the scripts (75%) were new, representing the fourth iteration of the code. Another 18% were of the previous version, while the remaining 7% were running older scripts.

Different payloads for different victims

Compared to the older versions, the fourth iteration comes with a number of enhancements, including improved obfuscation with complex code structure and encoding mechanisms. Furthermore, the fourth version has different array indexing and handling that disrupts pattern recognition and signature-based detection, and comes with a variation in the handling of strings and numbers. 

As for its efficiency and productivity, Parrot TDS remains as useful as ever. It profiles the victim’s environment and, depending on the conditions found, drops different payloads. Unit 42 found a total of nine different payloads who, among themselves, don’t differ that greatly. There are “minor obfuscation changes” and target OS checks. 

In most cases (70%), Parrot will drop the second version of the payload with doesn’t come with any obfuscation.

To remain secure, website owners should search their servers for suspicious php files. They should also scan the ndsj, ndsw, and ndsx keywords, and use firewalls to block webshell traffic. Finally, they should deploy URL filtering tools to block traffic coming from known malicious URLs and IP addresses. 

Parrot TDS was first discovered in April 2022, by cybersecurity researchers from Avast. It was then said that the script was probably active since 2019, managing to infect more than 16,500 websites.

Via BleepingComputer

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Various developers have spoken out against this year's Global Game Jam (GGJ) list of diversifiers and sponsors which incudes two AI tool websites. 

A Polish game developer, Sosowski, took to Twitter/ X to voice his disdain over the latest list of diversifiers at GGJ. "[I] didn't expect [GGJ] to be this tone-deaf," the developer admitted. 

Another indie game developer, Rami Ismail, explained on Twitter/ X that while "I understand needing sponsors to run an event that tries to do good, I really do - I get it. This is an incredibly unfortunate example, though, and I'm not sure any amount of income can offset the reputational damage here, especially amidst the student & dev audiences GGJ serves." 

The Global Game Jam is a nonprofit that was set up with the goal of giving indie developers a space in which to create and show off their games and designs. It's a place where many devs can come together to experiment and meet new people in a safe environment. 

The diversifiers are also an important part of GGJ as they act as sponsors for the event. "Diversifiers are a great way to add more fun or a challenge to your jam weekend," the official GGJ website explains. "Sometimes they can be very helpful to limit your scope or refine your ideas. It can help your game stand out from the crowd, and you can choose up to 4 when you submit." However, the website goes on to explain that these are totally optional additions that you can use and add to your GGJ game alongside the main focus of the theme. 

This year devs can use two AI tools in the GGJ. The first is ReadSpeaker, an AI plugin that can add "dynamic runtime voice dialogue, enhance player immersion, and make your games more inclusive," according to the GGJ website. There is also Leonardo.Ai, a tool that can enhance or generate images and 3D textures using AI. 

One of the biggest creators of free indie game assets, Kenny, spoke out against these tools on Twitter/ X: "I think what's the worst about Global Game Jams' questionable sponsors is that the event is held at schools and attracts a lot of young developers. Give them proper resources, please."

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It's official: The Marvels will finally make its way onto Disney Plus on Wednesday, February 7.

The Marvel Phase 5 film, which is the biggest box office bomb in Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) history, will make its official streaming debut on the Disney-owned platform early next month. The announcement was made via Marvel's social media channels, with the Disney subsidiary confirming its latest big-screen offering will be available to watch at home in just over two weeks (at the time of writing, anyway).

Hold on for an action-packed ride!#TheMarvels is coming to @DisneyPlus February 7. pic.twitter.com/0cSF1lgXofJanuary 22, 2024

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The Marvels' forthcoming arrival on Disney Plus comes two weeks after it was initially made available to rent and/or buy on select digital stores. Indeed, in early January, The Marvels received a streaming release date of January 9, but fans were left waiting for a confirmed Disney Plus launch as Marvel opted to distribute the superhero film on the likes of Apple TV, the Amazon store, and Google Play first.

Before then, we speculated on when The Marvels would make its Disney Plus bow and, not to blow our own trumpet, but we suggested the Brie Larson-starring flick would join the streaming's movie library in February 2024. We're glad, then, that we were proved right.

With its February 7 release date now locked in, The Marvels will follow its MCU brethren in debuting on Disney Plus around three months after its original theatrical launch. Even better (well, for us, anyway), we'll be able to give our new Disney Plus movies guide a proper update, as the Nia DaCosta-directed movie will be the first film to arrive on the service since The Creator on January 17 (on Disney Plus UK) and 2000's X-Men on January 5 (on Disney Plus US).

Yeah, the box office numbers don't make for great reading, Carol... (Image credit: Marvel Studios)

Unfortunately for The Marvels, we won't be adding it to our best Disney Plus movies article. As I mentioned, its theatrical performance was, particularly in Marvel movie terms, a disaster. Per Box Office Mojo, The Marvels made a paltry $206.1 million globally – a timid haul that made it the lowest-grossing MCU movie of all-time. With an eyewatering reported budget in the region of $270 million, The Marvels failed to recoup its production costs, let alone make a profit for Marvel.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, its critical reception, poor word of mouth, and general audiences' apparent superhero fatigue didn't aid its cause. But, considering it holds a positive 82% viewers' rating on Rotten Tomatoes, coupled with the prospect of fans waiting for it to debut on Disney Plus before watching it, The Marvels might surprise us all and draw in a sizeable audience next month. We'll be on hand to report on that possibility when The Marvels makes the superpowered jump from the big to the small screen in February.

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We think that the sixth-generation iPad Air is likely to break cover at some point this year, and another big hint backing that up has arrived with leaked schematics for the bigger 12.9-inch size that's rumored to be in the pipeline.

These schematics come from 91mobiles (via 9to5Mac), purportedly showing CAD renders of the iPad Air 6. The images have been obtained through "industry sources", so there's no guarantee that this will indeed be the final design.

The biggest incoming change is of course that jump in maximum display size, from 10.9 inches on the fifth-generation iPad Air 2022 up to 12.9 inches this time around – though the understanding seems to be that both sizes will be available on the next version.

There also seems to be a little bit of a redesign in terms of the camera on the back. The current iPad Air has a very simple camera bump around a single lens, but these schematics show a bump around both the lens and the flash.

[Exclusive] 12.9-inch iPad Air design revealed in fresh CAD renders https://t.co/Yp8OdG9d9rJanuary 20, 2024

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Updates on the way

As on previous models of the Apple iPad Air tablet, we've still got the Touch ID button on the edge of the device, and the usual USB-C port and the buttons for power and volume are also visible on these leaked CAD renderings.

While 91mobiles refers to the tablet being powered by the M2 chip from Apple, other sources have suggested that the very latest M3 chip is going to be used instead. Either way, this will be a powerful device when it eventually does arrive.

With the new 12.9-inch size, there will be even less to distinguish the iPad Air from the more expensive iPad Pro models, which are currently available in 11-inch and 12.9-inch versions. Those tablets are also expected to get a refresh at some point this year.

The year 2023 was notable for Apple because it was the first year since the launch of the original iPad that no new Apple tablets appeared. As we've written before, that's all likely to change in 2024, with updates expected for just about every model.

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Minisforum, best known for its range of mini PCs, has launched the world's first 3-in-1 Windows tablet powered by AMD's latest Ryzen 8000 CPU. The tablet, named V3, also doubles as a portable monitor, offering flexibility for users on the go.

The 14-inch LCD screen has a resolution of 2560x1600 and a 165Hz frame rate and 500nit brightness. It supports VLink (DP-in video input), which allows the tablet to serve as a secondary screen.

The V3 is powered by a Ryzen 7 flagship processor backed up by AMD Radeon 780M graphics and up to 32GB of LPDDR5 RAM. Storage comes in the form of an M.2 PCIe 2280 SSD up to 2TB capacity.

Active pen and detachable keyboard

There are two USB4, full function, Type-C ports and one USB-C, VLink (DP-in) and a SD card slot. Connectivity is provided in the form of WIFI 6E (802.11ax) and Bluetooth 5.3.

It comes with a detachable keyboard with backlight and an active pen for writing and drawing.

One of the standout features of the V3 is its cooling system. It is equipped with dual fans and four copper tube cooling, which ensures sustained performance at 28W. This means users can expect the tablet to handle high-intensity tasks without overheating or slowing down. There are three energy modes on offer – power saver, balance, and high performance  - and you can switch between these using the system management dashboard,

In terms of software, the V3 runs Windows 11 Pro and is designed to work seamlessly with Microsoft 365 Copilot.

No word on pricing or availability at the moment, but Minisforum says it expects to start accepting pre-orders by the end of March.

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After much anticipation, preorders for the Samsung Galaxy S24 are finally open, and Verizon has one of the best opening deals we've seen for this new series of Android flagships.

Right now, not only can you get the usual trade-in rebate of up to $1,000, but the carrier is also throwing in a free Galaxy Watch 6 and a Galaxy Tab S9 FE with a new unlimited data line - two freebies that add up to $900 in value. On top of that, you'll also be entitled to a free storage upgrade, which is a common feature of this week's best Samsung Galaxy S24 deals at most retailers. 

Added together, there's a ton of added value here as part of the preorder promotion, although it's the trade-in rebate that's still the crown jewel of this deal. Unusually for rebates at Verizon, both upgraders and those looking for a new line are eligible for the maximum saving of up to $1,000 off - and you can trade in any Samsung model to get that rebate. This in itself is pretty rare and a great reason to jump on the bandwagon early with these devices.

Samsung Galaxy S24 series

Samsung Galaxy S24 series: up to $1,000 with a trade-in, plus free tablet and Galaxy Watch at Verizon
Verizon is stacking up some serious freebies with its opening Galaxy S24 deals, with the option to not only get up to $1,000 off with a trade-in rebate but also throw in a free Galaxy Tab and Galaxy Watch 6. The best thing about this deal, arguably, is that it's eligible when you trade in any Samsung model in any condition - perfect if you're looking to upgrade. The catch, however, is that you'll need a new line on an unlimited data plan to be eligible for the best savings and free devices. View Deal

• See more: check out all of today's phone deals at Verizon

What other Galaxy S24 deals are there today?

(Image credit: Future | Roland Moore-Colyer)

• Verizon: up to $1,000 off with a trade and plan
• AT&T: up to $1,000 off with a trade and plan
• Boost Infinite: plan plus device for $60/mo
• Best Buy: up to $1,000 off with a trade and plan
• Xfinity Mobile: up to $800 off with a trade and plan
• Amazon: add Pixel Buds Pro 2 for $149.99

Several sites are hosting Samsung Galaxy S24 preorders today with compelling options for early adopters. Samsung itself, for example, is offering a really great trade-in rebate of up to $750 off, up to $150 in store credit, and that free memory upgrade you'll also find at Verizon. Notably, Samsung is also offering TechRadar readers a nice little $50 bonus store credit right now - an exclusive deal that's only shared with a few other editorial sites. 

Galaxy S24 series: up to $200 gift credit, free storage upgrade, and up to $750 off with a trade-in at Samsung
Exclusive: TechRadar readers are among the lucky few to get exclusive access to a nice bonus Galaxy S24 deal at the official Samsung site. Not only can you get up to $750 off with a trade-in on an unlocked device at Samsung, a free memory upgrade, and up to $150 in store credit, but the official site is also gifting TechRadar readers an extra $50 in credit on top. Added together, you're getting a great deal on the phones themselves here and enough store credit to pick up some cheap accessories.View Deal

Another few honorable mentions include AT&T's trade-in rebates of up to $1,000, which are again available with a free storage upgrade and Boost Infinite's Infinite Access for Galaxy deal, which bundles together a device and an unlimited data plan for just $60 per month. Boost's promotion, in particular, is fantastic because not only is it cheaper than some standalone plans right now, but it entitles you to a free upgrade whenever the next generation of devices lands.

Check out our hub pages on the Galaxy S24, Galaxy S24 Plus, and Galaxy S24 Ultra to get a full low-down on these new flagships. Alternatively, see our hands-on Samsung Galaxy S24 review, Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus review, or Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra review pages for our initial thoughts on each device.

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Microsoft is looking to set new standards for PC hardware specs, as the tech giant is apparently planning to set a 16GB RAM requirement for any AI PCs.

This comes from a TrendForce market research report (reported on by TechPowerUp), with the reason most likely being to push AI PCs – PCs that use built-in AI acceleration for several AI features native to Windows 11 23H2. 

This is especially true of Copilot, an AI chatbot that automates and generates work. Microsoft has been pushing this feature especially hard, including a dedicated Copilot key on Windows keyboards similar to the Windows key. 

Copilot and Microsoft’s other AI tools will require certain hardware requirements for local acceleration, with the first being the NPU (Neural Processing Unit) that’s used for dedicated processing and the second being memory. Hence why Microsoft needs AI PCs to have at least 16GB of RAM at a minimum for both native and cloud-based Copilot features to function.

16GB should be the standard going forward

There are plenty of other Copilot announcements like the dedicated Copilot key, the Copilot Pro subscription service that adds additional AI tools such as ChatGPT Plus, as well as a feature currently being tested that would tailor Copilot’s chat responses based on previous chats by saving them. 

And though the aforementioned reveals have been on the controversial side, the 16GB of RAM requirement for all Windows AI PCs is easily one of the best announcements related to Copilot and Windows AI in general. 

In fact, 16GB should be a RAM standard for any Windows laptops and desktops going forward. With the rising costs of laptops that started during the pandemic and haven’t shown any sign of slowing down, it’s honestly unbelievable that any PC could be released with 8GB or even an abysmal 4GB of RAM.

Hopefully, not only will AI laptops and desktops see a baseline of 16GB in 2024 and beyond (with commercial PCs seeing 32GB or even 64GB standards), but this requirement will spread to non-AI PCs in general.  As manufacturers see customers expect computers to have such a standard, the shift could very likely happen.

Fingers crossed that this reported initiative from Microsoft will be the kick the PC industry needs to stop releasing machines with such low RAM, as it directly harms the performance of said machines.

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