World’s Largest Contract Chipmaker Recovering After Ransomware Attack

Taiwan tech firm and Apple chipmaker, TSMC, said it was recovering from a ransomware attack over the weekend. Apparently one machine was online when it shouldn’t have been and this lead to the infection of more than 10,000 of their manufacturing machines in multiple factories. The ransomware was a variant of WannaCry which is a type of ransomware cryptoworm used by bad guys to encrypt computer data and hold it for ransom. TSMC says they are now back in full production again.

Always make sure you have a good antivirus program installed and up to date! Just as important, make sure you have a good, solid back up of any data that’s important to you!

Source: Reuters

June 25, 2014March 30, 2018

Keynotes From The Google I/O 2014 Conference

Today, Android announced a bunch of great products that will be launching later on this year. Everything from a new update and interface to the way wearable tech is being used was discussed. For those of who missed this event, here is what went down:

The New Android Smart watches

Android gave the audience a sneak peek of the new smart watches that will be released later on this year. Like most smart watches out on the market, the watches will measure health analytics and alert the user when they have a notification through the use of sensors. But what distinguishes these new watches from the rest is the voice capability and the automatic sync from watch to phone. Another neat thing is when a user receives a call, a picture of the person who is calling will appear on the screen. The user can even dismiss or answer the call through voice, which is great for driving. Android is gearing up with other great companies, like Samsung and Motorola, to bring the latest in wearable technology to the public.

Android One

The new Android One smartphone will include a dual SIM card, 4.5 inch screen, and whole new interface. Android claims that the phone will cost under $100, which is a great price compared to other phones currently on the market. Developers wanted to create a whole new phone that changed the way pixels were used. Google’s SVP Sundar Pichai asked, “What if pixels not only had color, but depth?” and that is why Android decided to change the user interface. With the new L update, phones will have brighter colors along with a “ripple” effect.

Notifications will automatically show up on the main screen, and the user can seamlessly respond or dismiss the notifications. Another neat thing is the way users are able to unlock their phone. Android wanted to make the way users unlocked their phone more personnel by using wearable tech. For example, the user can unlock their phone will use of a blue-tooth enabled smart watch. All of the software and updates will come straight from Google, which will eliminate third party software that may be infected.

A Whole new Way to View Content

Through the use of Chromecast, users can display SMS messages,pictures,and videos on a TV without having to be connected to a Wifi hotspot. Which is great for those who have long passwords or just want to simply play it safe. Users can even access movies and video games straight from the Google Play Store! Video games are controlled by either the use of an Xbox look-alike controller or a tablet, which allows the user to play with the controller of their choice. Another great thing, is the new ambience backdrop. Android looked at blank TV’s as a canvas and decided to opt in for a more personal effect. The new backdrop will include pictures from artists and places from all over the world and will even provide information of when and where it was taken.

September 11, 2013March 30, 2018

Apple OS 7 To Release September 18th [VIDEO]

September 18th is the set release date for Apple’s new iOS 7. Apple is very excited about the release of the new OS calling it the “Biggest overhaul to the Apple iOS since the release of the iPhone”. iOS 7 will be available for download on the iPhone 4 and later, iPad Mini and 5th Gen iPad, and the iPod 2 and later.

There will be new fonts, icons, neon color palette and even gesture controls (some are crying out that this is catch-up to Android’s Keylime Pie). The new iOS is an overhaul not only in how it looks, but how it functions as well.

It can learn where and when you commute to keep you posted on traffic details.

“It has a new structure, applied across the whole system, that brings clarity to the entire experience,” Apple wrote on its iOS 7 webpage. “The interface is purposely unobtrusive. Conspicuous ornamentation has been stripped away. Unnecessary bars and buttons have been removed. And in taking away design elements that don’t add value, suddenly there’s greater focus on what matters most: your content.”

Among its new features is the Control Panel which allows you access to your most used apps at the swipe of a finger. It comes with Air-Drop for highspeed shareing with other iOS devices along with a refresh to Safari and the Multi-Task interface.

https://youtu.be/rT_OmTMwvZI

June 11, 2013March 30, 2018

5 Features That You’re Going To Love About iOS 7

Apple released the details on their new systems and OS upgrades. OS X Maverick has some major upgrades to free up processor usage and organizational file categorization that has the Apple fans cheering. But, the most anticipated features are those made to the mobile OS.

Here are some features that Apple users are going to love.

1. Design

Over the years, the look and feel of iOS hasn’t changed much. Functionality has been added and upgraded, but it still has that old textured look and feel. Now, they have done away with the textures, bevel, and all the other ‘old school’ designs. Now with a larger color palette and cleaner design, the new iOS will finally be something fresh to look at.

2. Control Center

They have taken a tip from android and built in a ‘Swipe Up’ control center that gives instant access to Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Airplane mode. You can also control your flashlight and music throught this feature.

3. Multitasking

It will still be the same old double tap to the home button to get to your apps, but now when you launch an app you will see a ‘card’ that shows you what’s happening with running apps. From there you can choose the app you wish to use. Swipe up to close similar to Android and WebOS.

4. Siri

Siri will have an upgraded digital voice. It will answer questions faster and even have a male and female voice. Siri will also be making its way into vehicles in 2014.

5. Photos/Camera

Brand new camera interface that will do away with the old look and feel. You will be able to apply filters to your photo on the fly. Using the new sharing option AirDrop users will be able to select other iPhone users and share photos with them via Wi-Fi.