Samsung promises 'the future of cameras' in its next flagship handset

We only just reported about the Galaxy S6 Edge and its soon-to-be awesome benchmarking abilities, but the boss of Samsung's Camera R&D, DongHoon Jang, has teased that its upcoming 2015 flagship smartphone will have "the future of cameras".

Jang also said that the new flagship handset "will be intelligent and do all the thinking for users, allowing them to take amazing pictures under any conditions, without having to worry about anything more than just pressing the shutter button". Rear-facing cameras don't need to have the most megapixels, as we've seen with Apple's iPhones over the years. Let's hope that Samsung doesn't just throw in a 20-megapixel camera and hope to win, and that the software, speed, and the entire package is ready to be "the future of cameras".

Continue reading: Samsung promises 'the future of cameras' in its next flagship handset (full post)

NVIDIA's secret unveiling at GDC 2015 to be an Android-powered console

Anthony Garreffa | Gaming | Feb 12, 2015 12:51 AM CST

We know that NVIDIA will be hosting a special "Made to Game" event on March 3 during the Game Developers Conference (GDC) 2015, but the company hasn't said anything outside of the new product will "redefine the future of gaming". No details, not even so much of a tease of what it could be.

We know that it has been five years in the making, but what we're going to report is that it will be an Android-powered console. We're sure that it will be powered by a Tegra processor, most likely the Tegra X1 that NVIDIA unveiled at CES 2015 earlier this year. It would make sense, as NVIDIA has been pushing in that direction with its Shield line for a while now.

It wasn't long ago that we reported on a Tegra X1-powered Shield Tablet, but maybe it is the new Android-powered console that we here at TweakTown think it will arrive as? We have a Shield Tablet that would be close to an Android-powered console as it is, the Shield Controller which could connect to it, but a new 4K-capable gaming box that could bake down to 1080p 60FPS? Yes, please. This is all speculation until NVIDIA unveils the new device on March 3, which isn't too far away from now.

Continue reading: NVIDIA's secret unveiling at GDC 2015 to be an Android-powered console (full post)

Purported Galaxy S6 Edge thrashes Apple iPad Air 2 in new benchmarks

We are expecting a few new handsets to be unveiled at Samsung Unpacked 2015 on March 1, but there's a lot of time between then and now so we can enjoy some leaks regarding performance numbers in the meantime.

PhoneArena has noticed a new multi-core Geekbench result that sees the Galaxy S6 Edge, something Samsung hasn't even announced yet, beating the Apple iPad Air 2, which is the current champion of that benchmark - even though it's a tablet, the new Samsung smartphone beats it. PhoneArena reported: "[The Galaxy S6 Edge's] octa-core Exynos 7420 chipset managed to crush it with 1,492 points in the single-core, and 5,077 points in the multi-core test. To put things in perspective, this multi-core result is way higher than any other mobile at the moment, including the iPad Air 2, the reigning champ, which scores 4,532".

Switching the conversation over to the Galaxy S6, it was spotted on an AnTuTu benchmark where it blew the pants off of anything else on AnTuTu's database. We should expect the Galaxy S6 to rock Samsung's own Exynos 7240 processor clocked at 2.1GHz, 3GB of RAM, 32GB of flash storage, a 20-megapixel rear-facing camera, 5-megapixel front-facing snapper, Android 5.0.2 Lollipop and a 5.1-inch display with a resolution of 2560x1440.

Continue reading: Purported Galaxy S6 Edge thrashes Apple iPad Air 2 in new benchmarks (full post)

This phone doesn't do much and that's the point - OwnFone's US version

Chris Smith | Mobile Devices, Tablets & Phones | Feb 11, 2015 8:33 PM CST

With 37 days to go on their Kickstarter and £9,658 ($14,700 US) pledged out of a £200,000 ($304,880) goal - The OwnFone has an uphill battle to face. This device isn't exactly a new thing, seeing success in the English market - however they're now wanting to expand globally and are using this campaign as a launching platform. But what exactly is it?

Described as "the world's first 2D/3D printed mobile phone that calls the numbers you need," the OwnFone is a small, light and portable device that allows you to customize the face to suit exactly who you wish to dial. You can throw in pictures of your friends, simple catchwords like "Mum" and "Uncle" or even a short list of names.

With no screen, internet connectivity or text messaging services, the OwnFone sets out to be a great child phone or emergency alternative. It's perfectly safe for your children, meaning if they're stuck or lost they can take out the phone, press the "Dad" button and chat away.

Continue reading: This phone doesn't do much and that's the point - OwnFone's US version (full post)

Report finds automakers failing to secure connected cars

Michael Hatamoto | Hacking, Security & Privacy | Feb 11, 2015 7:10 PM CST

Automakers want to embrace connected technology in new vehicles, but have failed to ensure proper cybersecurity protocols are available, according to Sen. Edward Markey (D - Mass.). The Senator believes almost all connected vehicles are vulnerable to some type of security risk, according to Markey's staff.

Following a number of security-related incidents showed connected cars are vulnerable, Markey wants to know what safeguards are being put in place to keep car owners secure. The report indicated "there is a clear lack of appropriate security measures to protect drivers against hackers who may be able to take control of a vehicle or against those who may wish to collect and use personal driver information."

"Drivers have come to rely on these new technologies, but unfortunately the automakers haven't done their part to protect us from cyberattacks or privacy invasions," Sen. Markey said in a statement.

Continue reading: Report finds automakers failing to secure connected cars (full post)

Will 2015 be the 'year of the healthcare hack' wonder security pros

Michael Hatamoto | Hacking, Security & Privacy | Feb 11, 2015 6:20 PM CST

The recent breach of Anthem was a brutal wakeup call that cybercriminals want personal records, and healthcare data is near the top of their list. UnitedHealth Group, Aetna and other groups have issued cybercrime-related warnings since 2011, but it didn't seem like a major concern among members until recently.

"A name, address, social and a medical identity... that's incredibly easy to monetize fairly quickly," said Bob Gregg, CEO of ID Experts, in a statement published by Reuters. Cybersecurity experts have warned that health-related data tends to be extremely lucrative on the black market.

Organized groups will try to target healthcare providers in an effort to compromise insurance companies, hospitals, doctor's offices, and medical equipment makers - with companies urged to improve their cybersecurity protocols.

Continue reading: Will 2015 be the 'year of the healthcare hack' wonder security pros (full post)

Popular Android dating apps pose cybersecurity risks

Michael Hatamoto | Hacking, Security & Privacy | Feb 11, 2015 2:43 PM CST

More than 60 percent of popular dating mobile apps pose significant cybersecurity risks, with personal user information and corporate data at risk.

Twenty six of 41 dating apps available for Google Android had medium or high severity vulnerabilities, according to the IBM Security researchers. In addition, dating apps are being used to download malware, along with credit card data stolen and GPS information used to track movements.

"Many consumers use and trust their mobile phones for a variety of applications," said Caleb Barlow, VP of IBM Security. "It is this trust that gives hackers the opportunity to exploit vulnerabilities like the ones we found in these dating apps. Consumers need to be careful not to reveal too much personal information on these sites as they look to build a relationship."

Continue reading: Popular Android dating apps pose cybersecurity risks (full post)

Mobile payments expected to see boost in 2015, thanks to Apple Pay

A growing number of retailers are adopting various forms of mobile payments, and while consumers still prefer cash and debit/credit card payments, mobile payment could be on the upswing. US mobile payment volume will reach close to 15 percent, growing at 172 percent compound annual growth rate (CAGR) by 2019, according to a new Business Insider Intelligence report.

Apple Pay is the early leader among mobile payment services, though CurrentC and other platforms will be able to attract non-iPhone users. Google Android solutions, such as Softcard and Google Wallet, have seen increased interest following the launch of Apple Pay.

Mobile payments may still be in its infancy, and consumers are worried about security and ease-of-use, but providers will have time to work out the kinks. Meanwhile, additional retailers are expected to explore options available to give consumers more payment options at checkout.

Continue reading: Mobile payments expected to see boost in 2015, thanks to Apple Pay (full post)

Smartphone kill switch legislation has led to drop in phone theft

Michael Hatamoto | Hacking, Security & Privacy | Feb 11, 2015 11:10 AM CST

The introduction of smartphone kill switches by manufacturers and wireless carriers helped reduce the number of device thefts in New York City, San Francisco, and London, supporters say. Apple iPhone theft in San Francisco dropped 40 percent, reported incidents slid 25 percent in New York, and thefts in London were cut in half.

The software kill switch allows phone owners to lock lost or stolen devices, along with bricking devices so they cannot be used or sold on the black market.

"The huge drops in smartphone theft have occurred since the kill switch has been on the market are evidence that our strategy is making people safer in our cities, and across the world," said Eric Schneiderman, New York State Attorney General, in a statement.

Continue reading: Smartphone kill switch legislation has led to drop in phone theft (full post)

Nation states launching cyberespionage attacks becoming normal

Michael Hatamoto | Hacking, Security & Privacy | Feb 11, 2015 10:25 AM CST

It's not just the United States and UK launching sophisticated cyberespionage attacks against foreign government states, with China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, and other nations increasingly jumping into the fun. Groups in China and Russia have been linked to major data breaches, such as Target, The Home Depot, Anthem and Sony Pictures, with future breaches expected to happen.

China is the most active country involved in launching cyberattacks, routinely targeting US infrastructure - and other lucrative targets, such as financial institutions and government departments. As witnessed by CrowdStrike, skilled Chinese hacker groups are able to adapt their strategies while avoiding detection.

The Obama administration has publicly criticized China for its cyberespionage activities, but has been unable to launch any meaningful political crackdowns.

Continue reading: Nation states launching cyberespionage attacks becoming normal (full post)