Contrasting Privacy Safeguards: ChatGPT, Gemini, and Various AI Alternatives
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Read MoreMarshall’s newest speaker elevates its sound and controls to a higher tier, making it an obvious choice.
Marshall continues its line of portable speakers with a new iteration in the Middleton series.
This morning (July 1), Marshall unveiled its latest Middleton II portable speaker. In terms of design, the Middleton II closely resembles the brand’s original Middleton and even features from the Emberton line. Marshall promotes the newest speaker as a compact device conveniently sized to be “packed into a bag at a moment’s notice.” Measuring 9.05×3.86×4.33 inches, the Middleton II serves as a small (yet powerful) companion for travel.
Additionally, Marshall emphasizes the speaker’s suitability for outdoor use. The device holds an IP67 rating for resistance to dust and water.
There is a significant amount of fierce rivalry in the mid-range market, but none can rival this smartphone.
For those seeking to purchase a new smartphone without exceeding $500 to $600, the OnePlus 13R is the finest choice available. In fact, I’m convinced that there’s no better value out there right now. This comes from a long-time OnePlus enthusiast who had completely given up on the brand, so my assessment can be trusted.
At present, the OnePlus 13R is priced at $549.99 on Amazon for the regular 12GB/256GB model. The typical retail price hovers around $599.99, offering a $50 savings. However, I strongly recommend you hold off for Amazon Prime Day to secure an even better deal on the device. Historical sales indicate a high chance that OnePlus will present us with a deliciously attractive offer.
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Read More### Optimizing macOS Application Management with Addigy’s Prebuilt App Catalog
The majority of enterprise applications used on macOS platforms are not obtained from the Mac App Store, resulting in considerable difficulties for IT teams responsible for overseeing these applications. The manual tasks associated with monitoring app versions, preparing for deployment, configuring permissions, and ensuring correct installation and updates can be laborious and inefficient. This not only complicates management but also introduces security vulnerabilities when applications fall behind on essential updates. To resolve these challenges, Addigy has launched a new Prebuilt App Catalog, now accessible to all users of its device management platform.
#### Designed for Automation and Security
The Addigy Prebuilt App Catalog is crafted to streamline the deployment and updating of macOS applications throughout Apple device ecosystems. The catalog includes a continually expanding array of frequently used applications that can be deployed and updated without requiring scripting or intricate profile setups. Each application comes prepackaged with all essential device management profiles, which include system extensions and Privacy Preferences Policy Control settings.
Jason Dettbarn, Founder and CEO of Addigy, highlights the time-intensive process of managing macOS applications. He remarks, “Many IT teams devote excessive time to managing macOS applications. With apps updating on their own timelines, the requirement to locate the most recent versions, create deployment scripts, and deal with annoying pop-ups while managing user permissions can feel endless. Now, with Addigy’s prebuilt apps, internal IT and MSPs can simply ‘set and forget’ — assured that users have updated applications which comply with security and regulatory demands, without the need for manual labor or scripting.”
#### Policy Management Without the Hassle
The Prebuilt App Catalog is customized for internal IT teams and managed service providers, featuring search and filter functionalities that allow for quick access to required applications. Administrators can control the update processes, opting to deploy a specific version or activate auto-updates that search for the latest releases every 30 minutes. Furthermore, an Update Only mode permits the updating of existing applications on a device, even if they were not initially installed through Addigy.
Compliance features are built in, allowing IT teams to schedule deployments and enforce update deadlines while reducing disturbances to user productivity. For organizations overseeing multiple groups or clients, Addigy supports inheritance and overrides, enabling a global structure with room for necessary exceptions.
Tim Pearson of CreativeTechs, an early user of Addigy prebuilt apps, expressed excitement for the new system, declaring, “It’s magical. It makes me want to do a dance and jump around the yard!”
#### New Applications Added Weekly
Addigy is dedicated to growing its Prebuilt App Catalog, with new applications being introduced weekly in response to customer input and security demands. As organizations increasingly aim to streamline their Apple device management processes, this cutting-edge catalog signifies a major leap forward for Addigy’s clientele, boosting both efficiency and security in application oversight.
Read MoreApple has initiated a legal action against Di Liu, a previous senior engineer for the Vision Pro, alleging that he purloined thousands of confidential documents prior to departing the company to take up a position at Snap, a competing entity. The suit asserts that Liu deceived Apple regarding his resignation, claiming he was leaving for health concerns while covertly orchestrating a transition to a similar position at Snap.
The accusations indicate that Liu retrieved a substantial amount of proprietary data merely three days ahead of his exit, utilizing his Apple credentials to move these documents into his personal cloud storage. This maneuver was reportedly enabled by Liu’s omission of his plans to join a rival, permitting him to maintain access to sensitive corporate information throughout the typical two-week notice timeframe.
Apple employs stringent internal security protocols aimed at detecting unusual access or downloading of documents, yet it appears these safeguards were ineffective in thwarting Liu’s endeavors. The company has a history of taking aggressive legal action against former staff suspected of stealing trade secrets. Past cases include lawsuits targeting former employees who transitioned to startups or competitors, with some facing harsh legal repercussions.
In this case, Apple is pursuing unspecified damages from Liu and demands the return of the appropriated information. The company is also asking for a court directive to inspect Liu’s devices to confirm compliance, as he reportedly tried to eliminate evidence of his misconduct.
At this point, Liu has not made any public statements regarding the lawsuit, and Snap has not been associated with any wrongdoing connected to the matter.
Read MoreBeginning today, Apple TV+ is reducing the seasonal pricing for the MLS Season Pass. Supporters can subscribe for $49 to experience the remainder of the 2025 season, which represents a 50% discount from the original price of $99. Even more appealing, Apple TV+ subscribers can acquire the MLS Season Pass for only $39.
Major League Soccer is currently commemorating its 30th season. Fans can witness stars such as Lionel Messi, Diego Luna, Hany Mukhtar, Benja Cremaschi, Denis Bouanga, and Cavan Sullivan prior to the MLS All-Star game, the third annual Leagues Cup tournament against Liga MX, and the autumn playoffs.
As always, matches are available in both English and Spanish. To enhance the experience for soccer enthusiasts, they can tune into MLS 360, dubbed by Apple as the “match day whip-around show.” It’s offered in both English and Spanish and includes live look-ins and highlights from throughout the league, as well as pre-match coverage, post-match analysis, highlights, player profiles, interviews, club content, match replays, and more.
One of the advantages of the MLS Season Pass is Sunday Night Soccer. These matches come with improved production and specialized studio programming, and they’re available for streaming by Apple TV+ subscribers following MLS Countdown and MLS La Previa. This weekend’s game showcases the Seattle Sounders versus the Columbus Crew.
Supporters can access the MLS Season Pass via the Apple TV app on Apple devices, smart TVs, streaming devices, set-top boxes, game consoles, or on the internet. Recently, Apple introduced the Apple TV app on Google Play, allowing millions of Android users to also benefit from this MLS Season Pass offer.
Apple Vision Pro users can enjoy the games alongside other applications in their physical environment, utilize Environments with a screen that appears 100 feet wide, and experience Spatial Audio for a more immersive viewing adventure.
Read More**Security Flaws in Brother Printers: An Urgent Notification**
Recent investigations conducted by cybersecurity organization Rapid7 have uncovered that close to 700 Brother printer models, alongside numerous models from Fujifilm, Toshiba, Ricoh, and Konica Minolta, are vulnerable to significant security flaws. These weaknesses could permit attackers to gain access to other devices within the same network and jeopardize sensitive files.
### Summary of Vulnerabilities
The analysis revealed eight vulnerabilities impacting 689 Brother printers and 46 models from various manufacturers. The primary concern relates to the default password generation system, which relies on the printer’s serial number. This weakness makes it easy for attackers to figure out the default administrator password.
Among the most serious vulnerabilities discovered is the authentication bypass, assigned CVE-2024-51978. This flaw permits a remote, unauthenticated attacker to expose the serial number of the target device using different methods. After obtaining the serial number, the attacker can create the default password, providing them unauthorized access.
### Consequences of the Vulnerabilities
Brother has indicated that the default password generation flaw cannot be resolved via a firmware update, emphasizing the need for users to manually alter their printer passwords. The other vulnerabilities could be used to crash printers or, even more concerning, to access additional networked devices and services. In severe circumstances, attackers might retrieve stored passwords and confidential documents from cloud servers.
Another notable vulnerability, CVE-2024-51984, permits a remote authenticated attacker to uncover plaintext credentials for various configured external services, including LDAP or FTP. Exploiting this flaw could supply attackers with further credentials to penetrate a network, potentially resulting in the disclosure of sensitive information.
### Suggested Actions for Users
To lessen these threats, Brother recommends that users conduct firmware updates for seven of the eight identified vulnerabilities. Nevertheless, due to the nature of the default password generation flaw, users must change their printer passwords immediately if they have not yet done so.
### Final Thoughts
The security flaws uncovered in Brother printers underscore the necessity of upholding robust cybersecurity measures, particularly for devices linked to networks. Users should implement proactive steps to secure their devices, such as regular firmware updates and altering default passwords to protect against potential threats.
Read MoreWhen Nintendo finally revealed the Nintendo Switch 2 in early April, gamers were astonished to find the next-gen handheld console priced higher than anticipated. Most leaks and analysts indicated that $399 was the ideal price point, but Nintendo set the price $50 above that. A bundle including the Mario Kart World game was priced at $499.99. Switch 2 exclusives would also come at a higher cost than previously.
Then came the real surprise: Trump’s new tariffs. Nintendo promptly halted preorders for the North American market to evaluate the effects of the new tariffs. A few weeks later, the company declared a new preorder date for the US, maintaining the original prices for the Switch 2. However, certain accessories did see price increases.
Fast-forward to late June, and Nintendo reported a price rise for all Nintendo Switch 1 models sold in Canada. The brief statement mentioned that the Switch 2 price will remain unchanged for the time being. Nonetheless, fans globally have valid reasons to be concerned about potential future increases.
New Switch 1 prices
Nintendo released a statement regarding the impending price changes for Switch 1 products on August 1 in Canada:
Pricing for the original Nintendo Switch family of systems and products in Canada will be adjusted based on market conditions. This includes the Nintendo Switch – OLED Model, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch Lite, physical and digital Nintendo Switch games, and Nintendo Switch accessories. Other Nintendo products, such as amiibo and Nintendo Switch Online memberships, will also see price adjustments.
The company did not specify any new prices for Canada, so we will have to wait for another announcement in the upcoming weeks. Nintendo did mention that the Switch 2 system, accessories, and software would remain unaffected.
As Engadget highlights, prices for the Switch 1 models are already nearing those of the Switch 2:
– Nintendo Switch – CA$400,
– Nintendo Switch OLED – CA$450
– Nintendo Switch Lite – CA$269
– Nintendo Switch 2 – CA$630
Any price rise would make the Switch 1 less appealing compared to the newer Switch 2. On the other hand, acquiring the new console is challenging, with inventory depleting faster than Nintendo can restock.
Will the Switch 2 price increase?
Nintendo’s press release was succinct, but it made it clear that the Switch 2 would not be included in this wave of price increases. That being said, the price could potentially go up in the future, depending on how “market conditions” evolve.
Read MoreIn contrast to previous years, Apple has exhibited an unusually low profile following WWDC. Normally, right after the keynote presentation, we learn about several features in the upcoming iOS version that are anticipated to be available “later this year.” This year, however, the situation is different.
In fact, the company appears to be preparing all the functionalities revealed during the keynote for this fall. In this regard, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman indicates that at least two significant iOS 26 features were not disclosed during the keynote, yet they will still be accessible to iPhone users in the iOS 26 cycle, as he has reported previously.
“The company aimed to avoid a repeat of WWDC 2024, where it unveiled various features — including some flagship technologies — that ended up being postponed for months or are still not available,” Mark Gurman wrote in his Power On newsletter. Nonetheless, Apple intends to introduce these two iOS 26 features: Live Translation of conversations via AirPods and syncing wireless network login details from several locations.
While Apple is already engaged in integrating Live Translation into the Messages, Phone, and FaceTime applications, the company aspires to enhance that technology further. As per the journalist, live translation of conversations using AirPods would link both devices, enabling users to converse with one another and hear the translation directly via their earbuds.
The second undisclosed iOS 26 feature allows for the synchronization of wireless network login information at hotels or gyms across devices. Presently, Apple is testing something akin to this with the iOS 26 beta; if I enter my credentials on my iPhone, an “Autofill” suggestion will pop up when I attempt to do the same on my iPad or Mac. Although it still requires user action, it is considerably more convenient than having to re-authenticate everything.
In addition to these two iOS 26 features, Apple is also working on a more intelligent Siri (potentially powered by ChatGPT or Claude). Currently, the upgrade for the personal assistant is anticipated to debut in the first half of 2026. Apple is cautious about setting high expectations for its users.
In the upcoming months, we can expect to see more iOS 26 features emerge. However, these may catch users off guard, as Apple is being prudent about not announcing any features prior to their readiness after a challenging past year.
Read More# Wispr Flow: An Innovative Dictation Keyboard
This article delves into the groundbreaking features and capabilities of Wispr Flow, a dictation keyboard that employs sophisticated Speech-to-Text AI technology. The experience of utilizing this tool, including its advantages and possible limitations, is thoroughly analyzed.
## Overview of Wispr Flow
Wispr Flow is a dictation keyboard crafted to improve the transcription experience by harnessing AI technology. The application enables users to dictate text effortlessly, capturing spoken words and translating them into written format without any manual typing. This article serves as a demonstration of its functionality, as the content was entirely dictated using Wispr Flow.
## Functionality
Wispr Flow functions through what the developers term “Flow Sessions.” Users can set these sessions to grant the app permission to access the microphone for specified time frames, from 5 minutes to 1 hour, or without time constraints.
To commence a Flow Session, users simply press the “Start Flow” button on the keyboard, redirecting them to the Wispr Flow app. Once initiated, users can begin dictating by pressing the microphone button. After finishing their dictation, they can conclude the session by pressing the check mark button or manually stop it using the menu button.
### Application Features
Within the Wispr Flow application, users can take advantage of several beneficial features:
– **Dictation History**: Users can review their entire dictation history for quick access.
– **Quick Notes**: A feature designed for recording quick thoughts or reminders.
– **Custom Dictionary**: Users can develop a custom dictionary to assist the app in recognizing particular words or phrases that are commonly used.
Furthermore, users can select their preferred languages, enabling multilingual dictation functionality.
## Privacy Issues
Privacy concerns are prevalent with AI applications. Wispr Flow tackles these issues by employing a mix of Meta’s Llama and OpenAI’s Whisper models. The company maintains a strict zero data retention policy, guaranteeing that personal typing data is neither stored nor shared with third parties unless users opt in.
The developers are also investigating new APIs to improve the app’s capabilities, with the possibility of integrating features such as shortcuts and action buttons in future updates.
## Efficiency and Accessibility
Wispr Flow has shown remarkable accuracy in converting spoken words into text. This positions it as an exceptional tool for individuals who depend on voice notes or need accessibility features. The app is compatible with MacOS and Windows, with future plans to extend compatibility to Android, Linux, and web platforms.
The app provides a free plan that permits up to 2000 words weekly, alongside Pro and Teams plans offering discounts for annual subscriptions. Custom enterprise plans are also on offer, accommodating different user requirements.
## Summary
Wispr Flow emerges as a notable dictation tool that merges AI technology with user-friendly features. Its capacity to produce precise transcriptions while emphasizing user privacy makes it a significant resource for individuals seeking to enhance their writing process. Whether for personal or professional use, Wispr Flow has the potential to revolutionize our interaction with text input. For more information, users can visit the
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