Worst Passwords of 2017 Include ‘123456’ and ‘Password’

SplashData today published its annual list of the worst passwords of the year, using data pulled from over five million passwords that were leaked across 2017 by hackers.

Despite many well-publicized major data leaks in 2016 and 2017, many people continue to use weak passwords that are easily guessed. “123456” and “Password,” for example, were the two most popular passwords SplashData came across, as they have been for several years running.

Other passwords in the top 10 of the worst passwords list included “12345678,” “qwerty,” “12345,” “123456789,” “letmein,” “1234567,” “football,” and “iloveyou.” “Monkey,” “123123,” and “starwars” also made the list this year, as new easily guessable passwords people have adopted. Passwords made up of a single word or consecutive number string are dangerous because they’re so easy to guess.

“Unfortunately, while the newest episode may be a fantastic addition to the Star Wars franchise, ‘starwars’ is a dangerous password to use,” said Morgan Slain, CEO of SplashData, Inc. “Hackers are using common terms from pop culture and sports to break into accounts online because they know many people are using those easy-to-remember words.”

With data breaches from major companies so common, a strong password that consists of multiple random words or multiple numbers, letters, and characters is essential, and it’s also important not to use the same password for more than one account.

Safari has built-in password generating features, and passwords can also be stored in the Keychain and accessed on all of your iOS and Mac devices. Password management apps like 1Password, LastPass, or SplashID can also make remembering and managing multiple passwords simple.

SplashData publishes its annual list to encourage people to use stronger passwords. This year, the company’s data came primarily from North America and Western Europe, culled from data leaks. Yahoo data and data from adult websites was not included.

In 2017, there were several major data leaks from companies that included Verizon, Saks Fifth Avenue, Deloitte, and Uber, along with a huge Equifax breach that exposed the personal information of millions of people.
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Apple Launches iTunes Sale With 4K HDR Bundles Starting at $19.99 for Three Movies

Apple today launched a new iTunes Movies sale centering around 4K HDR bundles, allowing Apple TV 4K owners to further expand — or start — their 4K film collections at a cheaper price. The bundles are divided up by studios and further split into four main genre categories under each studio: Action and Adventure, Comedy, Drama, and Sci-Fi and Fantasy.

Most of the bundles are $19.99 for three movies, although some rise to $22.99 and $24.99 depending on the studio. For the most part, sale prices haven’t hit the SD versions of each collection, with some SD price tags still as much as double the price of the 4K versions of each bundle. Below we’ve listed each collection and the movies you will find in each:

Warner Brothers
– Action and Adventure ($19.99): The Accountant, Argo, Into the Storm
– Comedy ($19.99): Central Intelligence, CHiPs, Get Hard
– Drama ($19.99): Sully, Collateral Beauty, Live By Night
– Sci-Fi and Fantasy ($19.99): Blade Runner (The Final Cut), I Am Legend, Jupiter Ascending

Sony Pictures
– Action and Adventure ($19.99): Bad Boys, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, The Professional
– Comedy ($19.99): Ghostbusters (1984), Rough Night, Sausage Party
– Drama ($19.99): The Bridge On the River Kwai, Concussion, Inferno
– Sci-Fi and Fantasy ($22.99): Starship Troopers, Life, Passengers (2016)

20th Century Fox
– Action and Adventure ($24.99): Independence Day, Hitman: Agent 47, Assassin’s Creed
– Comedy ($24.99): Keeping Up With the Joneses, Snatched, Spy
– Drama ($24.99): Life of Pi, The Martian, The Revenant

Universal Studios
– Action and Adventure ($24.99): Lone Survivor, Everest (2015), The Great Wall
– Sci-Fi and Fantasy ($24.99): Warcraft, Snow White and the Huntsman (Extended Edition), King Kong (2005)

Lionsgate
– Action and Adventure ($24.99): John Wick, The Hunger Games, Saban’s Power Rangers

For the new sale, Apple said: “We’re so excited about movies in 4K HDR on Apple TV 4K that we want to help kick-start your collections. Explore a variety of specialty priced bundles,divided by studio and genre, and start building your library in this amazing picture quality today.”

iTunes Movies sales are frequent around the holidays, and there are also a few Christmas-themed movies in 4K being discounted right now, like Home Alone, How The Grinch Stole Christmas, and The Holiday ($9.99 each). You can visit iTunes Movies on macOS or iOS and the new 4K HDR collections should start appearing on the store’s carousel today.

Related Roundup: Apple TVTag: 4KBuyer’s Guide: Apple TV (Buy Now)
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Shazam Updates iOS App With Offline Mode

Shazam today updated its iOS app [Direct Link] with a new way to save song snippets when your iPhone or iPad is offline, automatically identifying them once your device is back online. To try out the new feature, place your iOS device into Airplane Mode, open Shazam, tap the central button to start listening for a song that’s playing, and then the app will prompt you with a message saying the Shazam has been saved.

Then, when Airplane Mode is deactivated and you open Shazam again, the app will automatically name the song and add it to the “My Shazam” section of the app. The company noted in the version 11.6.0 release notes that it will also send you a notification to let you know that the Shazam is ready when you are back online.

Shazam saves the song offline, then recognizes it and adds it to My Shazam when you’re back online

Keep Shazaming, even when you’re offline! Next time the music’s on but the WiFi isn’t, simply tap the big blue button and we’ll name that song as soon as you’re back online. Now we’ll notify you immediately, even it you don’t have the Shazam app open.

Shazam is continuing to be updated following Apple’s announcement last week that it intends to acquire the music recognition company. Although Apple did not disclose financial terms of the acquisition, a source speaking with TechCrunch said the deal could be worth around $400 million. Shazam is already integrated with Apple Music (saving songs you Shazam to a specific playlist) and it also has an iMessage app, so Apple is expected to further bolster its music services with the new acquisition.

Tag: Shazam
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Apple Seeds Second Beta of iOS 11.2.5 to Developers

Apple today seeded the second beta of an upcoming iOS 11.2.5 update to developers, one week after seeding the first beta and a week after releasing iOS 11.2.1, an update that introduced a fix for a HomeKit vulnerability.

Registered developers can download the iOS 11.2.5 beta from Apple’s Developer Center or over-the-air once the proper configuration profile has been installed from the Developer Center.

It’s not clear what new features, if any, will be included in the iOS 11.2.5 beta. We didn’t discover any noticeable outward-facing changes in the first iOS 11.2.5 beta, so it’s possible this update focuses mainly on bug fixes and security improvements.

If that’s the case, we may not know the extent of what’s in the update until it sees a public release. Apple is supposed to be releasing an iCloud Messages feature that was pulled from the iOS 11 release, but there has been no indication of when we can expect iCloud Messages to be reintroduced.

Should new features be found in the second iOS 11.2.5 beta, we’ll update this post. Apple has also released new beta firmware for the HomePod, which will be available to employees currently testing the device.

Related Roundup: iOS 11
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Apple Seeds Second Beta of watchOS 4.2.2 to Developers

Apple today seeded the second beta of an upcoming watchOS 4.2.2 update to developers, one week after seeding the first beta and two weeks after releasing watchOS 4.2, an update that introduced support for Apple Pay Cash.

Once the proper configuration profile has been installed from the Apple Developer Center, the new watchOS beta can be downloaded through the dedicated Apple Watch app on the iPhone by going to General –> Software update.

To install the update, the Apple Watch needs to have at least 50 percent battery, it must be placed on the charger, and it has to be in range of the iPhone.

We don’t yet know what features or improvements might be included in the watchOS 4.2.2 update, as no outward-facing changes were discovered in the first beta.

It’s possible this update focuses mainly on bug fixes, and if that’s the case, we won’t know the extent of the changes until it sees a public release complete with release notes.

Should new features be discovered in the second watchOS 4.2.2 beta, we’ll update this post.

Related Roundups: Apple Watch, watchOS 4Buyer’s Guide: Apple Watch (Buy Now)
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Honda delivers ‘The Ultimate Get-Well Card’ to sick kids via augmented reality

Santa Claus isn’t the only one bringing gifts and well wishes this holiday season. Honda is reprising its Happy Honda Days celebration, and this year, is leveraging augmented reality to deliver what it calls the “Ultimate Get-Well Card” to the little ones at the Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC). The AR holiday card features crowdsourced messages from well-wishers around the country for children battling illnesses.

As part of its initiative, Honda took over a CHOC hospital room, turning it into an “augmented reality winter wonderland” that featured messages from folks across the United States, all of whom sent their love and best wishes to the brave patients. Messages could be viewed through an iPad held in place by a specially designed holder that triggered a wintry AR experience.

“Sending warm wishes to others is one of the best traditions of the holiday season and through a little Honda innovation we’re using augmented reality to send messages that will brighten the lives of young patients at Children’s Hospital of Orange County,” said Susie Rossick, assistant vice president of Honda marketing.

Honda has been collecting messages since September, when the company first sent out a holiday video inviting its large network to leave their best wishes via Facebook and Instagram. Hundreds of messages were sent in over the course of the last few months, and Honda selected the best few to load onto the virtual card alongside personalized videos from hospital staff.

Each child saw their name on the front of the AR card, which then opened to reveal contents on “paper” that then danced to life, filling the entire room. Children could interact with the card, which featured both text and embedded video, and of course, moving images.

And even if you weren’t around to help send a get well wish to the kiddos before, you can now help by liking or loving the video on Facebook — for each social media interaction, Honda is promising to donate $1 for up to $100,000 to both CHOC and the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation (PBTF). So if you’re looking for a way to spread some holiday cheer, this just may be your chance.

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Best messaging apps for Android of 2017

Which apps are worth using to stay in touch? We’ve got the scoop.

When it comes to keeping up with everyone involved in your life, staying in touch can be easier typed than spoken, right? If you’re trying to figure out the best messaging app to ensure you never miss an invitation, or always get the scoop from your best friends, you’ve come to the right place.

We’ve got the best messaging apps on Android for you right here!

WhatsApp

There is almost no contest. WhatsApp is an all-inclusive messaging app that’s all you need for staying in touch, no matter where you are in the world. WhatsApp merely relies on whether your phone has an Internet connection — whether that’s through cellular or Wi-Fi — so it’s great if you’re frequently traveling between regions. You can use WhatsApp to send and receive photos, videos, documents, and voice messages. It also supports group chats and voice calls.

If you’re looking for a formidable, all-in-one messaging that’s packed with more features than some of Google’s offerings, WhatsApp is the second-most popular messaging app available. Just remember that both parties have to be using the WhatsApp app to communicate, though all it requires to register is your phone number.

The truth is, that out of everything on our list Whatsapp is the best all around messaging app for Android, and one of the most popular messaging apps worldwide.

Download: Whatsapp(Free)

Google Hangouts

Text messages, video chat, group chats — it’s all there in Google Hangouts. We still don’t know where Google is taking its once heralded messaging app, but for now, we’re still using it to chat. Use it to easily multitask between conversations with your friends, family, and colleagues between your different Google accounts. You can even use Hangouts to make phone calls with your Google Voice number or download the Hangouts Dialer to make free Wi-Fi calls.

Google Hangouts is attached to your Google Account, which means that if you have an Android phone, chances are this app is already lurking waiting to be used. It has tons of functionality, and works whether you are on a computer, your phone, or a tablet.

For now, Hangouts is basically a required app if you’re planning to stay connected in the Google-verse. We’re not sure where Google is taking it (some are expecting it to see it become the next prized messaging app of the enterprise), but there are definitely more people using it than Allo or Duo.

Download: Google Hangouts(Free)

Messenger from Google

You’re already a Google user, so you might as well stay with the family when it comes to text messaging. Messenger from Google lets you receive SMS and MMS messages — simple as that! Messenger supports RCS messaging, audio messaging, emoji, location sharing, colored text threads, and message archiving. It even comes with its own batch of stickers!

Google Messenger isn’t actually one of the more talked about messaging apps, which is a shame. Everything it does, it does well, and that matters when you’re only really communicating via text. Of course, if you prefer audio but don’t want to actually make a phone call, you can also send audio messages to friends, along with photos or videos.

Messenger from Google is a great way to get access to all of the feature you want, while messaging over SMS instead of the internet. You can even block folks you don’t want to receive messages from, search for a specific person or thread, and US users will be able to take advantage of sending money via Google Wallet!

Download: Messenger from Google(Free)

Facebook Messenger

Chances are, you’ve got an overwhelming list of friends and family who’ve become suddenly available on Facebook. Keep up with them all by downloading Facebook Messenger. The app supports messaging from both your Facebook account and phone number. You don’t have to use the SMS feature if you don’t want to, but it could be helpful if you find yourself constantly jumping between apps.

Facebook Messenger is one of the more dynamic messaging apps. It offers a hefty number of sticker packs, not to mention stellar video chat functionality. The app also supports group chats — including group voice chats — audio messaging, read receipts, and location sharing services. You can even use Facebook Messenger to swap cash with friends. Additionally, there are features to make calls over Facebook Messenger which is handy for anyone who needs to actually call someone, but no longer has their actual phone number.

It’s also a great way to deal with group planning, especially since you can use Facebook Messenger from a mobile device, your laptop, or even a tablet. Granted downloading it does mean your mom will have an easier time getting a hold of you, since she’ll be able to see when you’ve read her messages.

Download: Facebook Messenger(Free)

Signal Private Messenger

If your biggest concern when messaging with friends and family is security and privacy, then Signal Private Messenger is the one to take a look at. You can send and receive messages, start group chats, make calls over Wi-Fi, and more, without worrying that someone else is taking a peek at your conversations.

Signal is absolutely free and uses end-to-end encryption protocol to ensure your privacy with every message you send. It uses your already existing phone number, so there are no extra hoops to jump through like a new password or username. While both you and the message recipient need to be using Signal for it to work, this is just a tap away. Calls can be a little pesky, since, depending on your connection, they can go from seriously static-y to crystal clear, but for messaging it’s a fast and easy-to-use interface.

Security and privacy are the real features of using Signal. The app itself is very simple and pared down, because they want you to be able to chat away without worrying that there is anybody who can peer over your messages the way they can on Facebook Messenger or Instagram DMs.

Download: Signal(Free)

What’s your favorite?

Do you have a favorite app for exchanging messages? Did your pick make our list, or do we need to add it in here? Let us know about it in the comments below!

December 2017: We’ve updated this post with Signal on Android, as well as updates to these other great messaging apps!

Fitbit Ionic now £250 in the UK for a pre-Christmas treat

Looking to treat yourself to a Fitbit Ionic? It’s now a little more affordable.

The Fitbit Ionic is the fitness wearable makers first true smartwatch, but at £300 it’s a pretty pricey thing to have, especially for a platform that’s still building out.

But as we approach the holiday season you can pick one up with a solid discount of £50 right now, coming in at £249.99.

The discounted price applies to all the colors available right now, and there’s no telling how long they’ll last or when the price will go back up. So if you’ve been holding out for a discount, hit the link below and grab it while it’s hot.

See at Amazon

How’s your LG G6 doing?

Here’s how the G6 is holding up nine months later.

Pretty much everywhere you look in late 2017, there are numerous phones being released with near bezel-less displays – both flagships and even mid-rangers. It’s hard to believe that the LG G6 was the first mainstream phone to kick off this trend when it was launched back in late March, but the time certainly has been flying since then.

With all that time now passed, we decided to check in with some of our forum users to see how their G6s are holding up. LG’s had some trouble in the past with the aging of its devices, but that (thankfully) appears to be a different story this time around.

jhilker
12-12-2017 06:36 PM

“

Mine is still running smooth as butter. Looking forward to seeing how it handles with Oreo.

Reply

bobdob
12-13-2017 08:13 AM

“

I really have no complaints that I didn’t have from the start, other than lint getting in the headphone jack and usb-c port and affecting operation to a surprising extent. Which is not, strictly speaking, the phone’s fault. Everything else is just as pleasant to use as it was on day 1.

Interestingly, I just handed down my GS5 to my kids to replace their ancient and dying non-smartphone. I was…

Reply

Ian Bower
12-13-2017 09:53 AM

“

Battery life has taken a dip are the last update but would still have this phone more than any other bar pixel xl2.

Reply

idon12no
12-15-2017 09:46 PM

“

Still really liking it here too. I wish battery life and selfie camera were a bit better, but neither of those make me hate the G6. My wife has had hers a few months more than I have and she loves hers too. She doesn’t use her G6 as much as I do, so she gets through an entire day easily.

Reply

If you own an LG G6, we’d like to know – How’s the phone holding up all these months later?

LG G6

• LG G6 review!
• LG G6 specs
• LG G6 vs. Google Pixel: The two best cameras right now
• Everything you need to know about the G6’s cameras
• LG forums

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The newest iOttie car mounts are on sale for the first time today only

Mount your phone and drive safe with hands-free communication.

Several different iOttie Easy One Touch 4 car mounts are on sale today as part of Amazon’s daily deals. Whether you want to mount something to your dashboard, your air conditioner vents, or your CD player, iOttie not only has a device for that but the prices are super low today as well.

The Easy One Touch 4 is the newest of iOttie’s car mount series. We’ve shared deals on previous generations in the past but never this version.

Even the Easy One Touch 4 Qi Wireless car mount is on sale, which can mount your phone for safe hands-free communication and charge it wirelessly at the same time. It is down to $34.97 today when shipped and sold by Amazon. It normally sells for $50 and has never been discounted before.

Here are the other models of the Easy One Touch 4 also on sale:

• CD Slot car mount holder for $13.97 (from $20)
• Air vent car mount holder for $13.97 (from $20)
• Dashboard and Windshield car mount holder for $17.47 (from $25)

iOttie covers all these products with a one-year warranty.

See on Amazon