Year: 2016

iOS 9.3.5 update patches three major security vulnerabilities

The just-released iOS 9.3.5 update patches three major security vulnerabilities, reports The New York Times. Apple was alerted to the flaws just 10 days ago by security researchers Bill Marczak and John Scott Railton, and is urging users to update.

Investigators discovered that Israeli-based digital arms dealer NSO Group was using the exploits in software it sells that can track smartphones. The program can read texts and emails, track calls and location, and can record sounds and passwords.

Apple releases iOS 9.3.5 to patch serious security flaws

Apple on Thursday released iOS 9.3.5 for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. It's a relatively small download, weighing just 40MB, and the release notes only say that it features an "important security update." You can install the new software via the Settings app on your iOS device, or grab it from our Download section.

DJI’s new iPhone-friendly Osmo+ gimbal camera has 7x zoom and shoots 4K video

The other day, whilst browsing an array of incredibly cool gadgets from Chinese drone maker DJI, it only took me like five minutes to decide to put their Osmo gimbal camera on my “wants” list. Good thing I didn't buy the thing right there and then as DJI today announced an upgraded versions, the Osmo+, with up to 7x zoom and 4K video capture.

If you're not familiar with premium-built Osmo imaging devices, these things sport an advanced gimbal which keeps the camera flat and steady no matter how you move it.

How to opt out of WhatsApp-Facebook account data sharing

As you may have heard, WhatsApp is starting to share some of users' account data with Facebook (things like your registered phone number and the last time you used the service) to improve targeted advertising and friend suggestions on Facebook and better fight spam on WhatsApp. Thankfully, you can easily opt out, right when the prompt goes up, or within 30 days of accepting the new terms, here's how.

WhatsApp begins sharing account data with Facebook to boost targeted advertising

Facebook-owned WhatsApp today updated its Terms and Privacy Policy for the first time in four years to reflect that the messaging service will start sharing select account data with Facebook in order to improve targeted advertising. Wait, does that mean that you're going to be inundated with ads on WhatsApp? In a word, no—at least for the time being. As per the amended terms of service, “We still do not allow third-party banner ads on WhatsApp.”

Sketchy leak reaffirms 32GB/256GB iPhone 7, no 16GB tier

A sketchy order assembly sheet leaked out by Twitter account @The_Malignant reaffirms many of the previously talked-about features that should come to the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus come this fall, including a 256-gigabyte capacity model and the lack of the widely criticized 16-gigabyte tier. First spotted by AppleInsider, note that the sheet doesn't bear any clear designation identifying Apple as the client.

YouTube’s new Backstage section will let you share photos, polls, text & more with subscribers

Just as we're processing today's news regarding an upcoming video-sharing app from Apple, a new report claims Google is set to enhance YouTube's social experience in the fall by unveiling a new Backstage section in the mobile app and on the web.

According to VentureBeat, Backstage will let YouTube users share not just videos, but also photos, polls, links, text posts and more with their subscribers.

Check out the star-studded lineup of Apple Music Festival 10

Apple Music Festival 10, which runs September 18-30 at the London Roundhouse, will be headlined by such acts as Alicia Keys, Bastille, Britney Spears, Calvin Harris, Chance The Rapper, Elton John and others, the company announced Thursday. The ten-day festival will be made available live and on-demand to Apple Music members in 100 countries.

Apple researching a system that would capture biometric data of thieves via iPhone sensors

An Apple patent application published Thursday by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) describes methods of capturing and storing biometric information of thieves via the iPhone's sensors, including fingerprints, photos, videos and a wealth of other forensic data.

Titled “Biometric capture for unauthorized user identification,” the proposed and somewhat controversial security system would leverage machine learning to proactively capture an unauthorized user's fingerprint and a picture after unsuccessful Touch ID/passcode attempts or if user-defined criteria have been met.