Sony applies for certification for new Xperia M4 Aqua and Aqua Dual update

Earlier today, Sony filed for certification on a new update it’s planning to roll out for the Xperia M4 Aqua and Aqua Dual. Unfortunately, judging by the details included in the documentation, it doesn’t look like a big update, but we should see a full fix for the Stagefright vulnerability.

Many Xperia M4 Aqua users have been reporting that their handsets have been getting extremely hot during extended use, so Sony most probably have included a patch to control the heat of the processor in order to keep the device running at a safe temperature in this upgrade, too.

The update carries build number 26.1.A.2.147 for the single-SIM model as opposed to 26.1.B.2.129 for the dual-SIM variant, and will be available for all carrier bands in the United States in the not-too-distant future.

Via: Xperia Blog

Come comment on this article: Sony applies for certification for new Xperia M4 Aqua and Aqua Dual update

Amazon Echo updated with news-reading ability

Amazon has started rolling out a rather nifty over-the-air update to all Echo units, which is primarily aimed at keeping you up-to-date with the latest news while you’re completing chores in and around the home.

Once the upgrade has been installed, you’ll be able to grab Echo’s attention and say “Read me the latest [sports] headlines.” You can, of course, change sports to whatever category interests you. The unit will then respond by providing you with a brief commentary on your chosen subject.

Obviously, you won’t receive a word-for-word dictation of a New York Times article, but you will get a breakdown containing all the relevant information, which is perfect in situations where you’re running around and just don’t have the time to pick up a newspaper.

The update also impacts Echo’s time-keeping abilities. You now have the facility to create, edit and delete alarms using your voice as opposed to its accompanying application.

If you’re having issues installing the upgrade, head over to Amazon’s Support Forum by hitting the source link below.

Source: Amazon

Come comment on this article: Amazon Echo updated with news-reading ability

Mandatory South Korean parental control app is a security nightmare

Back in April, South Korea required that wireless carriers install parental control apps on kids’ phones to prevent young ones from seeing naughty content. It sounded wise to officials at the time, but it now looks like that cure is worse than the disease. Researchers at the University of Toronto’s Citizen Lab have discovered 26 security holes in Smart Sheriff, the most popular of these mandatory parental apps. The software has weak authentication, sends a lot of data without encryption and relies on servers using outdated, vulnerable code. It wouldn’t be hard for an intruder to hijack the parent’s account, intercept communications or even scoop up the kids’ personal details. The worst part? Some of these vulnerabilities apply on a large scale, so a particularly sinister attacker could compromise hundreds of thousands of phones at once.

Citizen Lab was quick to notify the South Korean carrier association (MOIBA) that developed the app, and the group claims that the flaws have already been fixed. However, the discoverers aren’t buying that line. They believe that “very little” has been resolved, and that one of the fixes may have created a new hole. Oops. No matter what the scoop is, the findings underscore the risks involved in demanding that providers bundle apps — exploits that normally have a limited impact quickly turn into major issues.

[Image credit: AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon]

Source: Citizen Lab

The rate of Chinese hacking attempts is slowing down

There have been so many large China-based hacking attempts in recent memory that they’ve started to feel like daily occurrences. Mercifully, though, it appears as if the rate of intrusions is slowing down. Multiple security executives talking to Reuters believe that the rate of Chinese-origin data breaches in the US has been “tempering” in the past several months. This doesn’t mean that the hacking frenzy is over by any stretch, but Trend Micro’s Tom Kellermann says there’s been a distinct “consolidation” in activity.

Why the noticeable dip? It’s not completely clear, but the findings come just days before Chinese President Xi Jinping is due to visit the US. While this could be a coincidence, it also wouldn’t be surprising if China wanted to reduce the volume of state-backed breaches ahead of an important meeting where digital security is on the table. With that said, it’s doubtful that the problem will go away even if the Chinese government is putting on the brakes. There are still plenty of privately launched hacks originating in the country, and officials can only do so much to stop thieves, scammers and others focused on pure profit.

[Image credit: AP Photo/Andy Wong]

Source: Reuters