Social media led police straight to movie pirates
How can law enforcement agencies track down some of the world’s most (in)famous pirates? The same way that we find out how our school frenemies are doing: stalking them on social media. TorrentFreak has investigated the recent convictions of three of the UK’s biggest file-sharers to learn how exactly they were caught. It turns out that copyright enforcement officials are doing the same sort of armchair-sleuthing that we all do, only that they’ve got a hotline straight to the police.
For instance, 22-year-old Reece Baker was more commonly known by his online alias, Baker92. According to the report, his fatal mistake was to include a shout-out to his “baby momzie Ria” in an NFO (info) file. Officials at the UK’s Federation Against Copyright Theft guessed that Baker92 was a surname/year of birth combination. They then searched Equifax’s credit-rating database to find anyone born in 1992 with that surname and, potentially, a child with a woman named Ria.
Similarly, 24-year-old Sahil Rafiq posted torrents under a wide variety of usernames, including memory100, hail_alpha and sohail20. Unfortunately, the sohail20 identity was also used on the customer support website for an online retailer. Rafiq had posted a question concerning his laptop, but signed the piece “Kind Regards, Sahil Rafiq.” With his real name, authorities took very little time in finding his Facebook profile and, from there, were able to alert the police.
Facebook was also the petard by which 40-year-old Graeme ‘Reidy’ Reid was hoisted, since he used the same anonymous e-mail account on his profile as he did his piracy. FACT bods simply searched for his Hushmail address and his Facebook page popped up — where he’d obligingly listed his occupation as “encoder.” We’ve not checked, but presumably bank robbers are going to start making similarly honest alternations to their social media pages in the near future.
As much as FACT would like you to think twice about sharing illegally-obtained material around the web, there’s another moral here. After all, if enforcement officers were able to find these people with a few well-chosen Google searches, then perhaps the secret is to not be so forthcoming with your personal information.
Source: TorrentFreak, FACT
US Air Force allows enlisted ranks to fly drones
The US Air Force is hurting for drone pilots, and it’s willing to take an unusual step to make sure its unmanned aircraft are well-staffed: it’s letting the enlisted ranks fly. As of next year, non-officers can pilot the RQ-4 Global Hawk recon drone once they have the necessary training. The move (along with help from other branches) should give the Air Force more daily combat air patrols even as it grapples with the effects of budget cuts. It promises a morale boost, too, as everyone could get more training and better hours.
There’s precedent for this. Other branches already allow enlisted personnel to fly drones — the Air Force has just been persistent with its officer requirement until now. Also, this echoes the process that opened up ground spotting to non-officers. There are risks, of course. Enlisted ranks elsewhere rarely get to fly drones this big, and there’s a concern that this will diminish the prestige of flying in the Air Force. However, those sacrifices might be worthwhile if they keep officers from burning out.
[Image credit: Globe Newswire]
Via: Wall Street Journal
Source: US Air Force
Xiaomi Mi 5 spotted in video and press renders
Xiaomi fans probably feel that they have been waiting forever for the company’s Mi 5 flagship. Gradually, some new details are emerging and today a number of press renders and a leaked video have appeared, showcasing a fair bit about the upcoming smartphone’s looks.
The leaked pictures show off the Mi 5 in a variety of colors, including Black, Gold, Pink and White options. The phone appears to have taken on a more curved design than the Mi 4, with slightly rounded corners and an oval-shaped home button which reportedly houses a new fingerprint scanner, á la the Galaxy S6. The previously rumored 2.5D curved glass display and 3D glass back panel also seem to make an appearance.
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The short video clip, embedded below, which claims to show the Mi 5 in action reaffirms the look of these press images. However, this model doesn’t look quite as slim as the renders and the corners are noticeably more rectangular.
Previous hardware specifications have pinned the Xiaomi Mi 5 on a quad-core Snapdragon 820 processor, 4GB of RAM, a 5.2-inch QHD display, a 16 megapixel rear camera and an 8 megapixel front facing camera. The phone is also said to come with 16GB or 64GB of internal storage and a 3,030mAh battery. A Mi 5 Plus version of the phone with a 5.5 or 5.7-inch display has also been rumored, which may account for the slightly wider looking handset model on the video.
The Xiaomi Mi 5 is rumored to cost around 2500 Yuan ($390) when it finally launches, which would make the smartphone quite the bargain.
PSA: “Until Next Alarm” feature missing for many users due to apparent bug
A curious bug is afflicting users who relied on the “Until next alarm” feature of Android Marshmallow.
Numerous users are reporting that the “Until next alarm” feature, normally a part of the Do Not Disturb mode on Android 6.0.1, has suddenly and mysteriously gone missing.
Nexus 6P users over on Reddit first noticed the problem, but this doesn’t appear to be a device-specific issue.
To clarify for readers who haven’t used this functionality or don’t have Android 6.0.1, “Until next alarm” allows you to silence all notifications until the first alarm. This comes in handy when you want to turn off all notifications at night, but have them turn back on as soon as the alarm goes off in the morning.
The feature first appeared in the M preview, but it was removed from Android 6.0 Marshmallow, and it reappeared with the Android 6.0.1 update at the beginning of December.
Thanks to the sleuth work of several commenters over at Android Police, we think that this is a straightforward programming error. If that’s the case, the “Until next alarm” feature will return after January 1, though the bug may rear its head again in the future. That said, Google will probably issue a patch for the issue with the next update.
If you absolutely must have this feature back, you can try changing the system date to a date outside the December 25-January 1 interval.
See also: Android 6.0 Marshmallow – New features explained
Dates and times seem to be especially tricky for Google’s engineers. You may remember the embarrassing incident from 2012 when the entire month of December disappeared from Google’s People app. More recently, Android 6.0 broke the system clock for some users, though the rather important feature was fixed with Android 6.0.1.
Have you encountered this problem?
JDI begins production of its 2nd-gen Pixel Eyes LCD display
Earlier today, JDI announced that it has begun mass production of its second generation “Pixel Eyes” LCD display modules, which are destined for premium mobile products. The new display boasts not only improved image quality, but also a thinner design and improved in-cell touch technology.
JDI’s in-cell touch technology integrates the touch sensor used in mobile device into the display itself, rather than requiring its own extra circuit. This removes the need to add an additional layer on top of the LCD display, which would further reduce the amount of light reaching the user. The latest iteration, combined with new build materials, has allowed JDI to achieve thinner display boarders, deeper black levels and a touch screen resolution that can detect even smaller inputs, down to a 1mm wide stylus touch. The company states that its border width has shrunk from 0.8 mm to 0.5 mm.
The second generation Pixel Eyes LCD is based on JDI’s LTPS technology and is designed primarily for common mobile display sizes. However, unlike the first generation module which stopped at 6-inches, this new display can also be used in devices up to 16-inches in size, making it suitable for tablet and laptop displays as well.
See also: Japan Display announces 17-inch 8K LCD panel
JDI has previously provided display modules to Sony, OnePlus and other smartphone manufacturers. With production now under way, JDI’s new display could begin to appear in products within the first half of 2016.
Engadget UK giveaway: win an Ollie bot and spine ramp courtesy of Sphero
The leftovers have been eaten and the games put away, but don’t let your festive spirit dwindle just yet. We know all too well what Christmas can be like for big kids. Sure, everyone likes a nice scarf and fresh underwear to see in the new year, but functional presents just aren’t the same as fun ones. Well, lucky for you, our friends at Sphero have supplied us with four of their smartphone-controlled bots to send out as belated Christmas gifts. We’ve got two of the white Ollie bots and two Darkside models up for grabs, with each winner also receiving an Ollie Spine Ramp for getting their trick on. As per usual, you can enter the competition up to three times via the Rafflecopter widget below, but don’t forget to give the rules a quick scan first.
- Entries are handled through the Rafflecopter widget above. Comments are no longer accepted as valid methods of entry. You may enter without any obligation to social media accounts, though we may offer them as opportunities for extra entries. Your email address is required so we can get in touch with you if you win, but it will not be given to third parties.
- Contest is open to all residents of the UK, 18 or older! Sorry, we don’t make this rule (we hate excluding anyone), so direct your anger at our lawyers and contest laws if you have to be mad.
- Winners will be chosen randomly. Four (4) winners will receive either one (1) Ollie or one (1) Darkside Ollie with one (1) Ollie Spine Ramp.
- If you are chosen, you will be notified by email. Winners must respond within three days of being contacted. If you do not respond within that period, another winner will be chosen. Make sure that the account you use to enter the contest includes your real name and a contact email or Facebook login. We do not track any of this information for marketing or third-party purposes.
- This unit is purely for promotional giveaway. Sphero and Engadget / AOL are not held liable to honour warranties, exchanges or customer service.
- The full list of rules, in all its legalese glory, can be found here.
- Entries can be submitted until January 1st at 11:59PM GMT. Good luck!
Source: Sphero
Kid opens PS4 on Christmas day, finds block of wood instead
It’s always a little awkward when a well-intended Christmas gift is a bit off target. But it’s down right cruel what happened to little Scott Lundy from Wakefield, MA. After (we imagine) weeks, maybe months, of anticipation and avoiding the naughty list, Lundy was rewarded with a PlayStation 4 under the Christmas tree. Or so he thought. Instead of unboxing a sick next-gen console (his parents opted for the Teen-rated Uncharted bundle), Lundy found a PS4-shaped bit of wood. What’s worse, instead of a quick start guide to read, the malcontent penned a surly seasonal greeting.
The message? Reportedly the Mature-rated “from c*ck and balls with love.” In case poor Lundy wasn’t sure what this meant, the crudely-nailed-together faux PS4 came with an illustration of the aforementioned anatomical parts scribbled on the underside. Lundy, understandably upset, reacted in a way only a 9-year-old who’s just had everything he knows about Christmas ruined could (tears and alone time). There is, at least, a cheery enough ending to the tale. Lundy’s parents took the offending woodwork to the branch of Target where they’d purchased it, and were given a legit console plus a $100 gift card for their son’s troubles. Whether that’ll make up for the loss of faith in Santa is unclear. Let’s hope next year’s Christmas is made extra special by that other carpenter.
Via: GameSpot
Source: Fox25
Xiaomi Android Marshmallow updates nearing release
A number of Android OEMs are gearing up to release Android Marshmallow updates to their smartphones in the new year, if they haven’t already, and the latest report suggests that Xiaomi is also in the final stages of preparation for its own update roll out.
Xiaomi’s MIUI Operations Manager has shared a little teaser on Weibo which shows off a new MIUI version number, 5.21.24, which is based on Android 6.0. Notably, the update is still designed around the existing MIUI 7 operating system which runs on Android Lollipop. Remember though, Xiaomi’s MIUI features are not tied to the underlying Android version. The update weighs in at a hefty 518MB, suggesting that Xiaomi has plenty of its own software bundle in on top.
The growing Chinese smartphone manufacturer had already indicated earler in the month that its Mi 4 and Mi Note smartphones will receive a Marshmallow update, so the latest teaser suggests that a release is nearing. A Marshmallow update for the Xiaomi Mi 3 also appears to be in testing right now, according to the release notes.
See also: Android 6.0 Marshmallow updates roundup – December 18, 2015
Now all we need is a public launch date and perhaps a word or two about Xiaomi’s extended smartphone line-up.
Report: Galaxy S7 to feature 5.2-inch display, Galaxy S7 Edge 5.5-inch
The Galaxy S7 and the S7 Edge will launch in different sizes, according to a report from Korea’s ETNews cited by Reuters.
The reports claims Samsung will increase the display size of the Galaxy S7 to 5.2-inch, up from 5.1-inch on the S6. There won’t be a similar-sized curved version, however; the Galaxy S7 Edge will measure 5.5 inches, which is slightly smaller than the S6 Edge Plus model that arrived alongside the Note 5 this fall.
Citing anonymous industry sources, ETNews reports that Samsung is preparing an initial production run of 5 million units, split between the two models at a 2:1 ratio: 3.3 million Galaxy S7 units and 1.6 million Galaxy S7 Edge units.
For comparison, unofficial sources said the initial production run for the S6 comprised four Galaxy S6 units for every S6 Edge unit. After consumers reacted surprisingly well to the S6 Edge, Samsung scrambled to manufacture more units, eventually approaching a 1:1 ratio. It looks like Samsung is expecting a milder reaction to the Galaxy S7 Edge, possibly due to its larger size.
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The report goes on to say that Samsung will finalize the development of the S7 and S7 Edge in January and kick off manufacturing in February. The announcement of the device is expected the same month, claim the sources. The WSJ recently reported that Samsung will likely unveil the Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge around MWC 2016, which starts on February 22.
Today’s report clears up some of the confusion surrounding the size versions that the S7 will be released in. Some rumors have previously pointed towards a Plus version of the S7, but it looks now that said Plus model is actually the S7 Edge.
It’s all but certain that the S7 and S7 Edge will feature AMOLED displays of Quad HD resolution. The devices will be powered by Snapdragon 820/Exynos 8890 processors (depending on the market) and will come with improved cameras. The Galaxy S7 will also come with a microSD slot. For more details, read our Galaxy S7 rumor roundup.
See also: Snapdragon 820 vs Exynos 8890: the 2016 mobile SoC battle begins
Thoughts on this report?
[Deal] Save over 30% on the ScreenStick Joystick
We’ve shared a few deals in the past that enhance the gaming experience on mobile devices and we are here again with another one today. The mobile gaming platform is growing extremely quickly and is becoming more and more popular. With more full-fledged games becoming available for our mobile devices, there are always tools and toys that can improve the experience overall.
The ScreenStick Joystick is one of those devices that can vastly improve your mobile gaming experience. Now, this won’t work with every game, but if you’re playing a game that has on-screen movement controls, the ScreenStick Joystick will definitely help. One thing to be weary of, when deciding whether the ScreenStick Joystick is for you; the suction cups attach to the side-bezels of the display. This could obviously cause issues if you’re trying to use it on your phones, but would be perfect for your tablets.
- Game like you’re at home even when you’re on the road
- Get a whole new mobile gaming experience w/ this 2-in-1 gaming & simulator stick
- Attach the stick to your phone w/ 2 suction cups
- Play almost any game w/ an on-screen joystick or d-pad
- Use it for years to come: made w/ high-quality, light & durable alloy
Normally priced at $25, you can head over to the AndroidGuys Deals page and grab the ScreenStick Joystick for only $16.99. With a savings of over 32% this should be on your list if you’re a mobile gamer, and want to step up your game a bit. There’s just something to say about the nostalgia of using a joystick to play video games on our modern devices, and this definitely does the trick.
AndroidGuys Deals: ScreenStick Joystick for Smart Devices
The post [Deal] Save over 30% on the ScreenStick Joystick appeared first on AndroidGuys.
AIVAnet 