AllYouCanTech

### The Xfinity Data Breach

In late 2023, a major cybersecurity event transpired involving Xfinity, impacting the personal information of around 36 million clients. The breach was attributed to a flaw in a product utilized by Xfinity, supplied by Citrix, a software vendor.

On October 10, 2023, Citrix disclosed the vulnerability and issued a patch to remedy the issue. However, it was later revealed that unauthorized entry to Xfinity’s internal systems occurred between October 16 and October 19, 2023, prior to the patch being applied. The investigation indicated that hackers likely obtained sensitive data, which included usernames, hashed passwords, names, contact information, the last four digits of social security numbers, dates of birth, and responses to security questions.

Post-breach, Comcast informed affected customers and a class action lawsuit was filed, culminating in a settlement of $117.5 million.

### How to Claim Your Payout

Customers impacted are eligible to claim their portion of the settlement. Comcast has reached out to all affected users, providing them with a unique settlement member ID number, which is required for the claims process. If customers cannot find the notification email, they may utilize a lookup form to retrieve their ID.

To file a claim, customers can opt for a flat cash amount, estimated at $50, or they may present evidence of any out-of-pocket expenses and time lost to potentially request a larger sum. The ultimate payout will be determined by the total number of claims received.

For additional information and to file a claim, affected individuals can visit the official claim submission page.

As Apple shifts from IPS LCD displays to OLED technology, the timeline for the iPad Air’s integration of OLED remains ambiguous. Initial predictions indicated a launch could happen this year, but later information pointed towards a potential release in 2027 or later. Nevertheless, recent insights from the supply chain suggest that production strategies are now in motion, with a possible unveiling in the spring of next year, perhaps as soon as March.

The upcoming OLED iPad is likely to follow the launch of a new iPad mini, which is also expected to incorporate OLED technology. Reports indicate that the iPad mini will be the first to adopt OLED, and Apple is simultaneously developing a new water-resistant design for this device.

While the OLED upgrade for the iPad mini seems more imminent, the timeline for the iPad Air remains less defined, with some sources speculating it may not debut until 2027. However, a recent report from ET News indicates that Samsung is gearing up to produce OLED display panels specifically for the new iPad Air model. Supply chain sources suggest that Samsung Display is poised to commence mass production of these panels by the end of this year or early next year, coinciding with an expected release in the first half of the year, likely between March and May.

It is crucial to highlight that while the iPad Air will come with an OLED display, it might not match the specifications of the more advanced iPad Pro models. The OLED panel for the iPad Air is expected to have lower specifications compared to those found in the Pro series.

Currently, the M4 iPad Air sits between the entry-level model and the iPad Pro. The addition of an OLED display may bring it closer to the Pro tier, but it is anticipated that Apple will withhold certain features, such as ProMotion support, solely for its high-end models.

A recent video from the Veritasium YouTube channel uncovers a specific loophole that may enable someone to steal $10,000 from a locked iPhone, though the risk remains minimal for most users.

### Veritasium Video Showcases Specific Security Flaw First Revealed in 2021

Apple frequently publishes security updates for the iPhone, publicly documenting these changes. Nevertheless, the new Veritasium video brings attention to a particular vulnerability that has lingered since 2021 without resolution.

Professors Ioana Boureanu and Tom Chothia found that a locked iPhone can be tricked into processing an NFC payment through a series of specialized hacks. This technique involves misleading the iPhone into thinking that a payment terminal is a mass transit terminal using Apple’s ‘Express Transit’ feature. The video explains how this method bypasses multiple security protocols established by Apple, allowing for the potential withdrawal of $10,000 from the device.

The vulnerability only applies when a Visa card is set as the iPhone’s ‘Express Transit’ option in the Settings, and does not apply to Mastercard or other card issuers. Apple has stated that the problem arises from an issue with Visa.

Visa has guaranteed that its cardholders are covered by a zero liability policy, which would compensate for any potential losses incurred from the exploitation of this vulnerability. Nonetheless, the company characterized the vulnerability as “very unlikely” to materialize in everyday situations, despite its feasibility in a controlled setting.

For more information, you can view the complete video on Veritasium’s channel.

### Best iPhone Accessories

[Check out the top accessories for your iPhone to boost its functionality and protection.]

The repercussions of MacBook Neo continue to resonate throughout the PC sector this week.

As noted by The Verge, Microsoft has launched a new initiative called the “Microsoft College Offer.” This program allows college students in the US to receive 12 months of complimentary Microsoft 365 Premium and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate with the acquisition of an eligible PC, along with a complimentary custom Xbox controller.

According to a blog post, Microsoft states that the leading PC manufacturers have agreed to join in, including Acer, Asus, Dell, HP, and Lenovo. Microsoft Surface laptops are also included in this offer.

Typically, a year of Microsoft 365 Premium is priced at $19.99/month or $199.99/year, while Xbox Game Pass Ultimate costs $29.99. However, the Microsoft College Offer promotion is only applicable for new subscribers. If you have previously subscribed to either service, you cannot take advantage of this deal.

“Microsoft generally offers back-to-school promotions on laptops during the summer, but it’s uncommon to see the company initiate deals this early,” Tom Warren remarks. “The timing seems like a preemptive response to the $599 MacBook Neo and the $100 discount that Apple provides eligible students in the US.”

College life is overflowing in every conceivable way. Full schedules, overflowing inboxes, and high expectations. The pressure to maintain pace, remain productive, and always be “on” is significant. Windows is simplifying preparations for all that college entails – from job hunting and exam studying to game nights and leisure with peers. Starting today, eligible U.S. students can enjoy fantastic deals on select Windows 11 PCs, in addition to the Microsoft College Offer, providing over $500 in added value for free.

MacBook Neo represents an excellent value at its retail price of $599 — but even better for educational purchasers, starting at $499.

I don’t believe this “Microsoft College Offer” will significantly impact the market. Even if you attribute full value to the Microsoft 365 Premium and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscriptions, it does little to affect the distinctions between these PCs and the MacBook Neo — both concerning overall quality and cost.

Moreover, the offering of free Microsoft 365 Premium will be irrelevant for certain college students. Numerous universities in the United States provide “free” access to students (or free access to an equivalent service they are mandated to use instead).