AllYouCanTech

Apple’s Latest $1,299 M4 iMac Upgrades Base Model to 16GB RAM at Last

# Apple’s Initial M4 Macs: A New Chapter in Performance and Aesthetics

Apple has officially introduced its first series of Macs that utilize the M4 chip, signifying a notable achievement in the company’s ongoing shift toward proprietary silicon. The new 24-inch iMacs, which are the first Macs to incorporate the M4 processor also seen in the iPad Pro, come with several enhancements, including upgraded accessories and an improved webcam. Pre-orders for these new iMacs commence today, with shipping anticipated to start on November 8.

## Main Features of the New M4 iMacs

### 1. **M4 Chip: A Significant Performance Boost**
The M4 chip serves as the focal point of the new iMac series. This processor, which made its debut in Apple’s iPad Pro earlier this year, delivers marked advancements in both CPU and GPU capabilities. The entry-level iMac, priced at $1,299, includes an 8-core CPU (comprising four performance cores and four efficiency cores) and an 8-core GPU. For users requiring more power, Apple provides a premium configuration featuring a 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU.

The M4 chip is designed to facilitate better multitasking, increased application speed, and improved energy efficiency, catering to both casual users and professionals. Whether you are editing videos, managing large datasets, or navigating the web, the M4 iMac is built to efficiently handle any task.

### 2. **Enhanced Base RAM: 16GB**
A major enhancement is the upgrade in base RAM from 8GB to 16GB, a first for Apple since the year 2012. This memory increase guarantees smoother operation, particularly when juggling multiple applications or engaging in memory-intensive processes. The entry price of $1,299 remains the same, effectively providing users with a $200 benefit compared to earlier M1 and M3 models.

### 3. **Revamped Accessories Featuring USB-C**
Apple has refreshed its Magic Keyboard, Magic Mouse, and Magic Trackpad accessories to now include USB-C ports for charging, replacing the previous Lightning ports. This change aligns with Apple’s shift toward USB-C throughout its product range, including the iPhone 15 series. Nevertheless, some devices, such as the iPhone SE, iPhone 14, and Apple TV remote, continue to feature the Lightning connector for the time being.

### 4. **Upgraded Webcam and Desk View Function**
The latest iMacs are outfitted with a 12-megapixel webcam, a noteworthy enhancement over older models. Video recording continues to be limited to 1080p, but the enhanced camera quality is expected to improve video calls and virtual meetings. Moreover, the webcam is compatible with Apple’s Desk View feature, allowing users to share a top-down perspective of their desk during video calls—ideal for presenting or demonstrating.

### 5. **Pricing and Variants**
Apple provides a variety of configurations for the new iMacs, catering to diverse needs and financial plans:

– **Base Model ($1,299):** 8-core CPU, 8-core GPU, 16GB RAM, 256GB storage, two Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports, and a Magic Keyboard without Touch ID.
– **Mid-Tier Model ($1,499):** 10-core CPU, 10-core GPU, 16GB RAM, 256GB storage, four Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports, gigabit Ethernet, and a Magic Keyboard featuring Touch ID.
– **Higher-End Model ($1,699):** Similar to the mid-tier model but with 512GB of storage.
– **Top-Tier Model ($1,899):** 10-core CPU, 10-core GPU, 24GB RAM, 512GB storage, and all features found in the higher-end model.

### 6. **Customization Choices**
Apple presents an array of customization choices for users desiring to personalize their iMac to fit their specific requirements:

– **RAM Upgrades:** The base model can be upgraded to 24GB of RAM for an additional $200. Higher-tier models can be configured with up to 32GB of RAM for $400, but only when accompanied by 512GB or more of storage.
– **Storage Choices:** The base iMac can be enhanced to 512GB or 1TB of storage for $200 and $400, respectively. The higher-end models allow up to 2TB of storage for an extra $800.
– **Display:** A nano-texture glass option is available for $200, reducing glare and boosting visibility in brightly lit settings.
– **Accessories:** Users can exchange the Magic Mouse for a Magic Trackpad for an extra $50.

### 7. **Color Selections: A Touch of Personality**
Apple maintains its offering of iMacs in a diverse range of vibrant colors, including blue, purple, pink, orange, yellow, green, and silver. Unlike previous generations, where certain hues were limited to higher-end models, now all colors are accessible across the board.

Kremlin-Supported Cybercriminals Release Fresh Windows and Android Malicious Software Aimed at Ukrainian Opponents

# “Civil Defense” Launches Hybrid Espionage/Influence Initiative Aimed at Ukrainian Military Recruits

## Overview

Researchers at Google have revealed a complex operation backed by the Kremlin that targets individuals considering enlistment in the Ukrainian military. This initiative combines espionage efforts with influence strategies, disseminating malware through posts on Telegram and a website masquerading as a source of useful software for Ukrainian conscripts. The campaign, which Google tracks as UNC5812, primarily focuses on Windows and Android systems, installing information-exfiltrating malware while also pushing anti-recruitment narratives to weaken Ukraine’s military enlistment drives.

## The “Civil Defense” Character

At the heart of this operation is a character dubbed “Civil Defense,” which runs a Telegram channel (@civildefense_com_ua) alongside an associated website (civildefense

AI Fraud Mimics Police Chief’s Voice, Eliciting Worries Within Law Enforcement

# AI Fraudsters Mimicking Law Enforcement: An Increasing Menace

The swift evolution of artificial intelligence (AI) in recent years has delivered notable advantages across multiple sectors. Nonetheless, as with any formidable technology, it has also created opportunities for nefarious individuals to take advantage of unsuspecting victims. One particularly unsettling trend involves the deployment of AI to pose as police officers, producing extremely convincing scams that are tough to identify.

## Rise of AI-Crafted Police Impersonations

Reports have emerged globally, pointing out how scammers are leveraging AI to convincingly simulate police personnel. These scheming tactics frequently utilize voice replication, video alteration, and other advanced methods to trick victims into thinking they are communicating with genuine law enforcement representatives.

### Case Study: Salt Lake City Police Department (SLCPD)

Recently, the Salt Lake City Police Department (SLCPD) alerted the public about an AI-generated con that employed the voice of Police Chief Mike Brown. The scam featured an email sent to a resident, accompanied by a video of Chief Brown asserting that the recipient owed nearly $100,000 to the federal government. The video comprised authentic footage from one of Brown’s past television interviews, while the audio was crafted using AI to closely imitate his voice.

Although the scam was ultimately uncovered, SLCPD remarked that the AI-produced voice was remarkably convincing. The department highlighted subtle indicators that could have aided tech-aware individuals in spotting the scam, such as unnatural speech rhythms, peculiar emphasis on certain phrases, and varying tones. Additionally, the email originated from a dubious Google account instead of the legitimate police department domain, “slc.gov.”

### Tulsa Police Department Incident

Salt Lake City isn’t the sole location where AI-generated police impersonations have been reported. In Tulsa, Oklahoma, scammers used AI to mimic the voice of a local officer, Eric Spradlin. The fraudsters reached out to residents, utilizing the fabricated voice to solicit money or personal details. Myles David, a software engineer who received one of these phone calls, confessed that even though he was mindful of AI threats, the call still took him by surprise. It sounded so authentic that he felt compelled to reach out to the police for confirmation.

Contrary to the Salt Lake City instance, where the email address was a blatant hint, the Tulsa scam proved more challenging to identify. Cybersecurity educator Tyler Moore stated that it’s relatively simple for fraudsters to make a phone call appear to originate from a genuine police line, complicating matters for the victims.

## Worldwide Scope of AI Scams

The phenomenon of AI-generated scams extends beyond the United States. In India, a woman named Kaveri recounted her ordeal on X (formerly Twitter), wherein a scammer impersonated a police officer and threatened to take her daughter away unless she followed their orders. The scammer even replicated her daughter’s voice, amplifying the fear. Fortunately, Kaveri was able to ask pointed questions that exposed the scam, but others have not been as fortunate.

In another alarming trend, fraudsters have been employing AI to imitate beloved ones in crisis. These scams typically involve a cloned voice of a family member requesting urgent financial assistance, resulting in victims losing significant amounts of money. According to *The Indian Express*, numerous individuals have fallen victim to these scams, believing they were aiding a family member in distress.

## Understanding AI Voice-Cloning Technology

AI voice-cloning technology has advanced significantly in recent years. By scrutinizing a relatively small sample of an individual’s voice, AI algorithms can produce an impressively accurate recreation of that voice. This technology, which was primarily utilized for entertainment and accessibility needs, is now being weaponized by scammers.

Organizations like OpenAI, which have created sophisticated voice-cloning technologies, have voiced concerns about potential misuse. Indeed, OpenAI has postponed the broad distribution of some of its voice-cloning tools due to apprehensions that they may be utilized for harmful intentions, such as scams or impersonations.

## Safeguarding Against AI Scams

As AI-generated scams gain traction, it’s crucial for individuals to remain alert and take proactive measures to safeguard themselves. Here are several essential recommendations to avoid becoming a victim of these scams:

### 1. **Confirm the Source**
If you receive a dubious call or email purporting to be from a police officer or government representative, take the necessary steps to confirm the source. Reach out to the pertinent department directly using official contact details, rather than responding to the communication.

### 2. **Identify Warning Signs**
AI-generated scams may seem persuasive, yet there are often subtle hints that can betray them. Be observant of unnatural speech patterns, unusual stress on specific words, or inconsistent tone. In addition, examine the sender’s email address or phone number for irregularities.

### 3. **Pose Specific Inquiries**
Scammers might lack complete information to convincingly mimic someone. Ask specific questions