MIT’s ‘Enigma’ system uses bitcoin tricks to share encrypted data
The MIT Media Lab and two bitcoin experts have unveiled a prototype encryption system that lets you share it with a third party (or be computed with), without anyone else decrypting it. It means untrusted computers could still be tasked with dealing with sensitive data, but without putting said data at any risk. The trick is called homomorphic encryption, which MIT’s Guy Zyskind compares to a black box: “You send whatever data you want, and it runs in the black box and only returns the result. The actual data is never revealed.” It does this by hacking up the data into pieces and randomly spreading parts across hundreds of computers in the Enigma (the name of the prototype) network.
At each node of this network, calculations are performed before the user pulls all the constituent parts back together. The nodes, en masse, can collective do the thinking, even without seeing the rest of the orginal data. The system uses the same anti-fraud record that’s found in the bitcoin blockchain. As mentioned in Wired, this could lead to some very interesting conclusions: a search engine request that returns results, but never sees the user’s original search, the ability to share sensitive medical data with medical companies and advertisers without privacy risks. Oz Nathan, Enigma’s co-creator said:”No one wants to give their data to some company when you don’t know what they’ll do with it.”
“But if you have guaranteed privacy, data analysis can be a lot more powerful. People will actually be willing to share more.” Another notable part of this system is that computational power needed is less than 100 times that of the unencrypted calculation. They hope to reduce this to around just ten times the processing power.
App that hijacks phones to mine Dogecoin fined by the FTC
We all know that free apps are never really free, there’s usually some advertising and possibly a few in-app purchases to generate revenue for developers. Prized app developers Equiliv Investments and Ryan Ramminger had a slightly different approach, by using their app to secretly mine some cryptocurrency, such as Dogecoin or Litecoin, in the background. To make matters worse, the app was advertised specifically as malware free, which rather upset the FTC.
It turns out that Prized broke at least two US laws, the FTC Act and the New Jersey Consumer Fraud Act. To resolve the issue, the app developers settled out of court. They were fined $50,000 in damages, although $44,800 of that amount will be suspended once $5,200 has been paid and conditions are followed. The developers are also banned from created or distributing such software ever again and have been ordered to destroy all the user data that they collected through the app.
“Hijacking consumers’ mobile devices with malware to mine virtual currency isn’t just deplorable; it’s also illegal,” – Jessica Rich, Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection
The situation may not have been damaging to consumers in the usual ways, such as compromising security or data privacy. However, those who installed the app where left with sluggish handsets and a significantly shorter battery life, as mining for cryptocurrency is a processor intensive task.
In order to trick unknowing users into installing the app, Prized offered its users points for downloading apps or playing games, which could then apparently be exchanged for rewards once enough had been collected.
However, the app also mined crytocurrency in the background, despite claiming to include no malware. Unlike cash from your bank, cryptocurrencies, like Dogecoin, are created using complex algorithms that require a fair bit of computational resources to create. By combining the processing power of multiple smartphones, Prized’s developers could sit back and let others do the mining for them. We’re not sure how many people downloaded the app as it no longer appears on Google Play, but the FTC says the number was in the “thousands”.
This case is just the latest in the FTC’s ongoing effort to protect consumers from emerging financial technologies, which recently held a failed board game Kickstarter project to account.
Android Lollipop Preview available for Ascend Mate 2
If you’re waiting for Android Lollipop to land on your Huawei Ascend Mate 2, the wait is over.. sort of. Huawei has announced that the Android 5.1 Lollipop Preview for the Ascend Mate 2 is now available but you’ll need to download and flash it yourself.
Huawei say:
Starting today, Android 5.1 (Lollipop) is available to Huawei Ascend Mate 2 owners. This major update also includes Huawei’s new EMUI 3.1 software. Interested customers can download and install this first release version of the software now. Huawei will continue to enhance the software, even after this initial version is made available, to deliver the best experience to you, our customers. We look forward to your feedback.
Huawei also confirmed the Lollipop Preview can be installed on devices with the following firmware versions:
- MT2-L03 V100R001C00B126
- MT2-L03 V100R001C00B148
If your handset meets the requirements, you’ll need to backup your phone, either using the Backup application in EMUI, using Huawei’s HiSuite app for Windows or another backup application of your choice.
Once you’re backed up and ready to install, flashing the Lollipop Preview is rather straight forward. First, you’ll need a microSD card with 4GB space or more and then you’ll need to follow the steps below:
- Format the micro SD card (This is optional).
- Download then extract the B309.zip file.
- Copy the entire “dload” folder to the root directory of the micro SD card.
- Make sure your handset is powered off. Insert the micro SD card into the handset.
- Press and hold the VOLUME UP and VOLUME DOWN keys simultaneously, and then press the POWER button. Release power when you see the device turn on.
- The phone should boot and begin flashing. When the progress bar stops, the phone will restart.
- You may enter the Emergency Data dialog at the first boot. Choose the Factory data reset and click the Yes button. When the reset is done, reboot your phone.
The Android Lollipop update brings Google’s latest OS along with Huawei’s latest Emotion UI v3.1 interface, which initially launched on the Huawei P8. To download the firmware, visit the source link below where Huawei has also included instructions on downgrading your software if you’re not happy with the Lollipop update.
Zuckerberg reveals Facebook’s AI, VR and Internet.org plans
In a Q&A on his profile today, Mark Zuckerberg explained how he and his team are preparing Facebook for the future. In it, he revealed that he believes the ultimate communication technology will allow us to send thoughts to each other. “You’ll just be able to think of something and your friends will immediately be able to experience it too if you’d like,” he said. But until that happens, the company is focusing on developing (1) AI, because the company “think[s] more intelligent services will be much more useful” to consumers, (2) VR, as it’s the “next major computing and communication platform,” and (3) its internet.org project, since it’s “the most basic tool people need to get the benefits of the internet,” including jobs, education and communication.
Zuck says Facebook’s in the midst of building AI systems “that are better than humans at our primary senses.” They’re designing one to be able to detect everything in an image or video: people, objects, animals, backgrounds and locations, among others. If it can understand what’s in an image or video, it could, for instance, tell a blind person what it’s about. The other system they’re working on focuses on language, so that it’ll be able to translate speech to text and text from one language to another, as well as answer questions in conversational lingo. Of course, these AI systems’ most obvious application is being able to surface more relevant News Feed entries for users and giving everyone a new way to consume posts on the site.
The CEO thinks that VR glasses would be part of our every day lives in time, giving us the ability to share “experiences with those we love in completely immersive and new ways.” He also revealed that the company is working on drones, satellites and even lasers to expand its Internet.org project. “The idea is that in the future, we’ll be able to beam down internet access from a plane flying overhead or a satellite flying way overhead — and they’ll communicate down to earth using very accurate lasers to transfer data.”
One user asked Mark if Facebook plans to end the practice of requiring “real names” on the website. If you recall, it got a lot of backlash from the LGBT community and Native Americans after the company froze a number of accounts whose names were reported to be fake. Based on his answer, it doesn’t sound like the company has any plans to remove the policy, as it believes it helps keep people safe. “We know that people are much less likely to try to act abusively towards other members of our community when they’re using their real names,” he said.
However, he clarified that real name doesn’t have to be your legal name — it’s whatever you want to be called and whatever your friends and family call you. In order to prevent unjust banning, though, Facebook is working to conjure up more ways for a user to prove that his real name is what he says it is. Now, if all these sound trivial, as what you really want to know is why in the world the Poking feature ever existed, Zuck answered that, too: “It seemed like a good idea at the time.”
[Image credit: niallkennedy/Flickr]
Source: Facebook
Mojang killing Scrolls support, but you can play for another year
I am willing to bet most of you relate Mojang to Minecraft and Minecraft only. It would make sense, none of their other games have reached such popularity levels, but some of their less mainstream games happen to be a hit among fans. We have sad news about one of these popular titles – Scrolls is dying.
The team has published a blog post telling fans Echoes will be the last major content patch for the game. After that, they will simply keep a close eye on game balance. Though the game is losing support, Mojang promises the servers will continue running at least until July 2016, so you still have a year to play around until they truly shut it down. And maybe even longer, as the post does state “all future proceeds will go towards keeping Scrolls playable for as long as possible”.
For those of you who don’t know about Scrolls, it’s an online card-based battle game. Players take turns trying to destroy each other’s idols by using creatures, structures, spells and enhancements. It was an awesome game, really. And it has been pleasing a plethora of gamers since June 2013, when it was released for PC.
Sadly, us Android users didn’t get to enjoy it too much. Scrolls was released for Android only last December 11th! We didn’t get much time with it, and Mojang is not being direct about the reason behind ending support for Scrolls.
I have my suspicions that it’s about the legal victory they had over a case with Bethesda. After this case, Mojang was allowed to keep the name “Scrolls”, but they could no longer use it for future iterations of the game.
Could it be that they are planning a successor to be released under a different moniker? Seems possible! For now all we can do is get upset and keep having our Scrolls fun for another year. How many Scrolls players do we have around? Will you miss it? Do you think Mojang has another title in the works?
0800 numbers are now free to call from mobiles
Before dialling an unfamiliar service number, many of us feel an overwhelming sense of dread. Not just for 0800 and 0808 “freephone” numbers, which are now free to call from a mobile, but numbers starting with 084, 087 and 09 too. From experience, you know what they represent: expensive call charges. Worse yet, it’s almost impossible to know how much you’ll be spending. When the latter are advertised on TV, you’ll usually hear something along the lines of: “Calls cost 50p from a BT landline. Other landlines may vary and calls from mobiles may cost considerably more.” It’s confusing because the costs vary wildly depending on your operator and the number you’re calling, and neither charge is explained properly in advance. Most of us just dial the number anyway and hope for the best, or try to avoid the call entirely. It’s a mess, but from today everything is going to change. Ofcom has introduced a new system that makes call charges simpler to figure out.
How does it work?
Calling what are known as “non-geographic numbers” can involve a lot of different companies. Under the new system though, there are only two parties you need to care about: the company you’re calling, and your phone operator. They each have a rate, called the “access charge” and the “service charge,” which are combined for a final fee.
The “access charge” is set by the company behind your landline or mobile SIM. The number should be easy to find: Ofcom says phone operators are required to publish them “in a way that is prominent and readily accessible to customers.” That means on their website, on your phone bills and on the paperwork you sign for a new contract. The figure stays the same for every premium rate call you make, so it shouldn’t be too difficult to memorise — even if your family uses a landline and multiple mobile networks.
The second part is the “service charge” levied by the company you’re calling. Whenever you stumble across a service number, you should also find this rate — and again, it’ll stay the same regardless of whether you’re placing the call on a landline or mobile.
So from now on, you can expect to see something like this: “Calls cost 50p per minute, plus your phone company’s access charge.” If your access charge is 25 pence per minute, for example, the total cost would be 75 pence per minute for the duration of the call.
Why does this matter?
The new system should make it much simpler to work out what premium-rate calls will cost in advance. The introduction of a clear “access charge” should also make it easier to compare phone operators. Although most of us call non-geographic numbers infrequently, it could be a contributing factor when choosing your next phone contract.
Anything else I should know?
Yes, actually. As we mentioned earlier, you’ll no longer be charged for calling 0800 and 0808 numbers from a mobile. So if you don’t own a home phone or need to place a call when you’re out and about, freephone numbers are finally just that — free.
Filed under: Wireless
Source: UK Calling, Ofcom
Yahoo Aviate Launcher introduces Smart Stream
Aviate Launcher is a great home screen replacement which is known for its ability to self-customize your applications and services based on your relevant needs. The application learns from your habits and usage, making it a truly smart launcher. The Yahoo-owned launcher today gets even better at catering to your specific needs as the company announces the introduction of Smart Stream.
What is Smart Stream? You may ask. It’s actually quite a handy idea. The shortest way to explain it is that it’s a bit like Google Now on steroids. Yahoo mentions it’s a re-imagined Spaces. This new section of your home screen can now collect data on your usage, location, apps and relevant information. The app then formulates a stream of content you are likely to enjoy and take advantage of.
Of course, the idea is that Smart Stream becomes more familiar with your tastes as you use it, so it gets to know you intimately. It can present you with your favorite team’s scores, restaurants around your vicinity and more. It will even bring your music apps front and center when you plug your headphones into the headset jack (just as it always did with Listening Space). If you can’t find your specific card, you can also go ahead and search for it straight from your home screen.
Pretty convenient, right? Smart Stream is much more simplified and mainstreamed. You can go ahead and give it a go by downloading the app straight from the Google Play Store. It’s free and has no compromises, so you may as well try it! And for those who have already tried Smart Stream – how are you liking it? Hit the comments and let us know about your experience with it!
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Replace the ‘Apple Connect’ Tab with a ‘Playlists’ Tab in Apple Music [iOS Blog]
Earlier today, Apple launched their much anticipated Apple Music streaming service. The iPhone app includes dedicated tabs called “For You”, “New”, “Radio”, “Connect”, and “My Music”. The first two tabs offer areas for music discovery, while “Radio” provides themed stations as well as Apple’s own Beats 1 Radio. Meanwhile, the last tab, “My Music” provides you with access to the rest of your existing music catalog as well as any new songs you might add from Apple Music.
The “Connect” tab, however, is a new service from Apple which is described as a place where “musicians give their fans a closer look at their work, their inspirations, and their world.” Similar to a social network, it allows users to “follow” their favorite artists and see additional content.
If “Connect” doesn’t interest you, MacRumors reader Eric points out a handy tip to replace the “Connect” tab with a dedicated “Playlists” tab which he describes as “much more useful”.
Under Settings -> General -> Restrictions, Apple allows you to disable “Apple Music Connect” which removes the Connect tab and provides the alternate Playlist functionality.
Thanks Eric
New iOS 9 Beta Seed With Apple Music Coming ‘Early Next Week’
While Apple Music launched today with the releases of iOS 8.4 and iTunes 12.2, many members of Apple’s developer program are currently running beta versions of iOS 9 that do not support most aspects of the service. Apple’s Eddy Cue confirmed late last week that Apple will be releasing a new iOS 9 seed with Apple Music support, but he did not provide a timeframe for the release and one did not appear today.
In a pair of responses to Twitter users tonight, Cue has clarified the new iOS 9 seed with Apple Music support will be arriving “early next week.”
@D2007CAVS new iOS 9 beta coming early next week
— Eddy Cue (@cue) July 1, 2015
@jvdfrg @lokithorrrrr early next week
— Eddy Cue (@cue) July 1, 2015
The last beta seed came on Tuesday, June 23, so next Tuesday would mark Apple’s typical two-week interval for beta releases.
Cue is also answering a few other Apple Music questions from Twitter users tonight, noting users can “easily” turn off auto-renew on Apple Music to prevent unexpected charges when the free trial ends and that the bitrate of Apple Music streaming varies depending on whether the user is on a Wi-Fi or cellular connection.
AT&T Moto X (2nd gen) now getting Android 5.1 Lollipop
The unlocked and Verizon versions of the 2nd-generation Moto X have already started receiving their Android 5.1 updates. It’s only a matter of time before all other Moto X users get the sweet Lollipop treat. If you are using a Moto X on AT&T, today is your lucky day!
After announcing the AT&T Moto X (2nd gen) was getting Android 5.1 full soak test, this morning, Motorola’s David Schuster has just updated its original post giving us the good news. It seems the Android 5.1 Lollipop OTA update for the Moto X (2014) is ready and “open for pull”.
This should mean the update is now final and you can go ahead and grab it. You can check for updates within your settings, but remember these don’t always come right away. They are usually rolled out periodically, so you might not see it available at this point.
“UPDATE: Moto X (2nd Gen) on AT&T is open for pull for the 5.1 Lollipop upgrade” -David Schuster
Not sure what Android 5.1 Lollipop is all about? We have put together a detailed article with all the details you need. Check it out and come back to the comments section to tell us all about your experience. Have any of you gotten the update yet? How is it treating you?
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