Quantum mechanics could save the blockchain from quantum computers

One of the biggest concerns of blockchain developers, is what happens when quantum computers become a viable alternative to modern computers? In theory, their computing power could invalidate the encryption that secures blockchains from tampering. One intriguing solution suggests leveraging quantum mechanics to protect the blockchain from quantum computers.

Blockchain technology is far from easy to get your head around. We have an in-depth guide that explains it, but in a nutshell, it’s a digital ledger which uses encryption to validate new entries and protect old ones. It’s most common use is as the backbone of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, but it’s also found use in government systems and board gaming tablets.

One of its biggest potential problems in the future though, is that the sheer power of a quantum computer could easily break the blockchain’s encryption safeguards, giving the computer’s owner control over a blockchain’s past and future.

While quantum computers aren’t yet viable in such a scenario, they will be in the future, which is why researchers like Del Rajan have been devising potential solutions. In a paper co-authored with Matt Visser, a fellow physicist at Victoria University of Wellington in New Zealand, the pair propose a blockchain that leverages quantum entanglement — the practice of linking two or more particles together. When entangled, each particle can influence the other simultaneously, no matter the distance between them.

Where traditional entanglement bridges vast distances to send information though, Rajan and Visser’s paper suggests entangling across time instead. They propose encoding the blockchain into quantum entangled photons, the most recent of which is summarily absorbed by the next one in the blockchain. In theory, this should make it possible to validate transactions, while preventing alterations to the blockchain, since the original entangled photon does not exist anymore.

Although the possibility would still exist for a hacker with massive quantum computing power to manipulate the latest photon (block), that would only invalidate that one block, making it obvious that a hack too place. Crucially though, they wouldn’t be able to tamper with the rest of the blockchain.

All of this exists in theory at the moment, though the two paper’s authors note that each component of the idea has been realized in experimental scenarios.

Perhaps the most intriguing claim of the whole paper though, is that such a system could be viewed in some measure as a “quantum networked time machine,” as Spectrum highlights.

Editors’ Recommendations

• Microsoft’s quantum computing language is now available for MacOS
• Google wants to push quantum computing mainstream with ‘Bristlecone’ chip
• Intel explores ‘spin qubits’ as the next wave in quantum computing
• Microsoft creates a particle promising a more accurate quantum computer
• ‘Quantum Break’ studio Remedy to release its secretive ‘P7’ in 2019

A recent leak says Windows 10’s next update has been pushed back to May 8

Are you wondering where the expected Windows 10 April update is? You would not be the only one. While the Redstone 4 update has been making its way through Microsoft’s Insider Program over the past few weeks, a leaked internal memory from the company now suggests it will not see a general release until May 8.

The next big update for Microsoft’s perennial operating system technically does not have an official name outside of Microsoft yet. Codenamed Redstone 4, it has been colloquially called Spring Creators Update by some, in line with previous Windows 10 updates. Regardless of its name though, it is expected to bring some intriguing new privacy tools and improved stability.

The release date though seems hard to pin down. It was initially thought likely to be released April, but as we approach the end of that month, many are wondering whether it will make it out before we hit May. Now, a leaked memo to Chinese vendors suggests it will land in that territory on May 9. That would make it a May 8 release in the U.S. — a Tuesday, so it would line up with previous ‘patch Tuesday’ releases from the company.

Initially published by ItHome, the translated memo reads as follows:

“Please note that from the morning of May 9, Windows RS4 update will start pushing, and storefront opportunities will be updated one after another. I strongly suggest that you prepare in advance for the recovery of U disk in case of need, restore the U disk.”

There are a lot of caveats there though, with Neowin highlighting that it’s not even concrete that the memo itself is real. Assuming it is though, it is equally possible that Microsoft will release Redstone 4 into Western markets before it is rolled out to China. Microsoft hasn’t released a statement in response to the supposed leak.

If it turns out that the memo is true, we likely won’t hear anything from Microsoft until May 7, when it runs its next Build event. With it set to run for two days, that would give it ample opportunity to debut the new build to the public with additional details.

Editors’ Recommendations

• Apple may launch three new Macs with Apple hardware inside in 2018
• Chrome design update may highlight rounded corners, darkened palette
• Most Windows 10 devices across the globe now have Fall Creators Update
• Microsoft focuses on stability in latest preview as Spring Creators Update nears
• When is your phone getting Android 8.0 Oreo? We asked every major manufacturer

To catch an online predator: New A.I. scours chatrooms looking for sex offenders

There’s a new weapon in the war against sex offenders preying on unwitting child victims online — and it comes in teh form of a smart algorithm.

Created by researchers from Purdue University, the artificial intelligence-powered Chat Analysis Triage Tool (CATT) is designed to help law enforcement more easily discover instances of grooming online. Because of the sheer amount of conversation that takes place on the internet, it aims to do a job that would be impossible to carry out without an entire army of dedicated humans: To monitor online conversations and highlight instances in which adults are behaving in a suspiciously inappropriate way.

“CATT analyzes the chats between minors and different types of child sex offenders, specifically offenders [who aim to] meet up with minors for sex in the real world, and fantasy-driven offenders [interested in] cybersex fantasy,” Kathryn Seigfried-Spellar, assistant professor of computer and information technology at Purdue, told Digital Trends. “Law enforcement are bombarded with cases of child sexual solicitation, so our tool triages these cases for law enforcement by analyzing the chats based on differences in language, to provide a risk assessment score on the likelihood that these individuals [might be] a contact-driven offender.”

The algorithm was developed by analyzing 4,353 messages in 107 different chat sessions that involved sex offenders who were later arrested. According to its creators, the tool is robust enough that it can understand messages even when they obfuscate their meaning using acronyms or shorthand — or simply just straightforward spelling errors.

In the future, the researchers say that CATT could also be used to teach undercover officers to better portray underage victims online by revealing constantly changing factors like language, emojis, and acronyms.

“This will be a free tool for law enforcement, and we ask that agencies who are interested in testing our tool reach out to us this summer,” Seigfried-Spellar said. “We are looking for partners to share data and test our tool, so we can have CATT ready for deployment by the end of this year.”

A paper describing the research, “Exploring Detection of Contact vs. Fantasy Online Sexual Offenders in Chats with Minors,” was published in the journal Child Abuse and Neglect.

Massive Gmail redesign rollout starts today for home and business

The rumored and leaked Gmail changes just became real. Early this morning,  April 25, Google released the official Gmail and G Suite rollouts.

Describing the changes as major improvements, Gmail Product Manager Matthew Izatt, set the stage for the rollout, “Email is a necessity for most of us. We use it to stay in touch with colleagues and friends, keep up with the latest news, manage to-dos at home or at work — we just can’t live without it.”

New Gmail features

Fewer clicks get the job done

The Gmail redesign focuses on boosting user productivity directly from your inbox, according to Izatt. With the new Gmail, you can open attachments without needing to move around the screen, hit a new snooze button to put less essential emails on hold, and jump to apps like Google Calendar and Tasks.

That string around your finger? Gmail will help you avoid letting emails saved for later from falling through the cracks. The program will “nudge” you to get it done with on-screen reminders that show up next to your email messages.

Gmail nudge feature

Gmail now has Google’s Smart Reply feature to help you respond more quickly. According to Google, Smart Reply uses machine learning to suggest responses to save time.

Two new features in Gmail promise efficiency improvements through smart filtering. Notifications for high-priority messages help you focus on your most important work.

Do you get way too many inbox-filling newsletters you once thought you’d find awesome to read every day?  Now Gmail will pay attention to frequent newsletters and suggest you give them the boot by unsubscribing if you stop opening them.

Gmail high-priority message notifications and newsletter unsubscribe suggestions

Gmail will also try to keep you and your computer safe with warnings when the program senses potentially risky email.

Gmail risky email warning

Early rumors about the rollout mentioned a new confidential mode — now we know what it’s supposed to do. When you compose sensitive email you can remove options to forward, copy, download, or print the messages. The option to protect your outgoing email with two-factor authentication — the recipient needs to log into their own email and click to receive an unlock code via SMS text to read the message you sent could help you sleep better at night if you later discover their email account was hacked.

You can also set up automatic expiration after a set time. With the clock ticking down on your messages, you can configure them to disappear when you want. Email forwards, for example, won’t spread your messages around the world forever.

How to get started with the new Gmail

Google’s Izatt wrote that you can start using new Gmail features today, April 25. Some features will show up during the next few weeks.

To get started with the new features, open Gmail and go to Settings (the cog wheel icon in the top right corner). Click on “Try the new Gmail.” If you decide you don’t need, want, or like the new features, you can go back to Settings late and select “Go back to classic Gmail.”

New G Suite security and intelligent features

Added G Suite features, also rolling out today,  focus on working safer, smarter, and more efficiently with the cloud-based collaboration and productivity apps collection. David Thacker, Google’s G Suite vice president of product management, stressed that today’s major updates are designed to help companies transform the way they work.

New Gmail security features

Following last month’s new phishing protections against Business Email Compromise (BEC) threats, G Suite is introducing a new approach. Gmail’s confidential mode lets companies set email expiration dates on earlier emails. If you set secondary authentication via text message in order to view an email, even if the wrong eyes see the subject line or the account has been hacked, only the text message recipient can open the email. Adding two-factor authentication, your recipient’s email login and text message code significantly heightens your email security level.

New Gmail security warnings are bigger, bolder, and give employees a clear call to action to help reduce risk. Google also wants you to know it doesn’t scan Gmail for ad targeting and G Suite customers don’t see ads.

Gmail security warning

A.I. helps you manage mail

Gmail can now remind you to follow up or respond to messages. Mobile notifications with Smart Reply can speed up responses while Newsletter unsubscribe helps you eliminate clutter and stay focused.

Gmail Smart Reply and Newsletter Unsubscribe features

Access other G Suite apps from your inbox

You can add and manage Calendar events and Tasks from a new inbox side panel.

You can also access third-party Gmail add-ons from the same side panel

Even without internet access, new Gmail offline capabilities let you search, write, respond, delete, or archive up to 90 days of messages.

G Suite’s Thacker also mentioned the new Tasks app that now lets you create tasks and subtasks along with due dates and notifications. Drag and drop an email into Tasks for a new to-do and into Calendar for messages with due dates.

Gmail Tasks update offline

How to start using the new G Suite today

Business in the G Suite Early Adopter Program (EAP) can turn on the new Gmail features in the Admin console. Offline support, confidential mode, nudging, high-priority notifications, and newsletter unsubscribe features will show up in the coming weeks.

Businesses that also use personal Gmail can turn it on in the Settings menu (upper right cogwheel icon). Just select “Try the new Gmail.”

G Suite customers are reminded to keep up with the latest updates in the G Suite Updates blog.

Updated April 25 with more info on text message two-factor authentication to protect sent emails.

Editors’ Recommendations

• Here’s how to get the new Gmail right this second
• Gmail to get much-needed visual updates and advanced security features
• DT Daily: Google reskins Gmail with an eye on privacy, security
• Google expands Project Fi roaming features to 170 countries
• Gmail will be AMP’d up using a speedy new tech that makes emails pretty

Latest Vivaldi browser fixes audio issues, provides more visual customization

A new version of Vivaldi is now available to download, bringing the browser up to version 1.15. The company says this latest release will feel smoother and more personal thanks to various bug stomping and enhancements to the tools, enabling better functionality and visual customization. Vivaldi originally launched in 2016 to appease users who loved Opera’s browser but didn’t like the company’s new direction after the release of Opera 12. Vivaldi is the spiritual successor. 

One of the selling points of Vivaldi is its tools for customizing the browser’s appearance. The company now introduces a Windows Background Image component, enabling you to choose any image you want and apply it to the browser’s background. Located under Settings > Appearance, the feature is toggled off by default and provides a stock repeated pattern. This feature merely changes the look of the very top area where the Vivaldi logo and minimize/maximize/close buttons reside. 

Another visual tweak added to Vivaldi doesn’t target customization, but rather ease of use. You can now access your favorite bookmarks from the main menu while all the other options remain in place: The Bookmark Panel, the Bookmark manager, the Bookmark Bar, and Speed Dial. Needless to say, version 1.15 adds one more way to get to your favorite sites in seconds.  

Outside of those two major changes, the latest Vivaldi browser arrives with “better and improved” sound. Previously, the browser suffered “issues” based on HTML5 Audio that caused the sound to either play at the wrong speed, or not play at all. This latest release brings “significant progress” in addressing these issues, indicating that Vivaldi still has some work to do regarding HTML5 Audio playback troubles. 

Vivaldi made improvements to the full-screen mode as well. Now users will see nothing but the web page on hand that’s devoid of any browser-centric elements like the user interface and address bar. To access the user interface, you will need to use the CTRL + F11 keyboard shortcut. By default, shortcut keys for the Tab Bar and Address Bar are not set, so you’ll need to head into Settings > Keyboard > View to get your keyboard shortcuts up to speed before utilizing the tweaked full-screen mode. 

Finally, Vivaldi tweaked the browser’s Capture Page component. According to the developer, the last selected option now remains after restarting the browser. Capture Page is basically a built-in screenshot utility that will capture the entire page in PNG or JPG format, or send the image to the clipboard. You can also select a specific selection on the webpage or user interface with those three options as well. The tool resides at the bottom of the browser donning a camera icon. 

“Our features communicate the capability of our product, and our goal at Vivaldi is to make every feature valuable and flexible for each and every user,” Jon von Tetzchner, CEO at Vivaldi Technologies, said in a statement. “We are continually working on adding finer details to every aspect of the browser making Vivaldi better and better with each version.” 

You can read the full list of changes here.

Editors’ Recommendations

• The best web browsers
• Keep on clicking with the 10 best browsers for Android
• The new Opera Touch mobile web browser emphasizes single-handed browsing
• Here are the 16 most annoying LG G5 problems — and how to fix them
• How to enable cookies

Here’s how to get the new Gmail right this second

Google’s been teasing its new Gmail revamp for a while now, and you can get your hands on it today. As in right now. Right this second. If you’re ready for a clean modern update to the dusty old Gmail, you’re only a couple clicks away. Seriously, it’s really easy — here’s how to do it.

First if you’re a regular Gmail user (we’ll get to you G Suite users in a minute here), all you have to do is load up your Gmail inbox. Next, click on the little gear icon on the top right, then click “Try the new Mail.” That’s it. You’re in.

If it’s not there right away, try refreshing the page, and it should appear.

It’s a little trickier for G Suite  business users, in part because those Gmail accounts are managed by an administrator who has to get in on the action. Still, here’s how you do it if you’re a G Suite administrator. First, open your G Suite admin panel.

From there, navigate to your Apps, then Gmail, then Advanced Settings. Scroll on down till you see the option “Allow my users to access new the new Gmail UI and features,” then click on the little radial button there, hit save and you’re done. Now all users on your G Suite domain will be able to head into their Gmail and opt into the new version.

So, what does the new Gmail do? Well, first and foremost it looks a lot better. On top of that, you’ll have more customization options, you’ll be able to snooze emails right from your Gmail window, and Google went the extra mile by further integrating tasks and the already-revamped Google Calendar into Gmail a little more closely than before.

Gmail nudge feature

Additionally, the new Gmail will allow you to get more done right in your inbox window than ever before. Rather than clicking through into an email in order to archive or delete it, the new Gmail lets you just mouse over the email, and you can decide how you want to handle it right there with new options that pop up.

According to the Google blog post, the confidential mode features such as attaching expiration dates or two-factor authentication to emails “will begin to roll out to consumer Gmail users and a limited number of G Suite customers in the coming weeks (broader rollout following).”

Also, for those of you who have trouble keeping up with emails, the new Gmail will “nudge” you now and then to reply to important emails you may or may not have forgotten about. There’s a lot more going on here, those are just the highlights. For a full rundown, Google goes into each and every new feature hitting the revamped Gmail over on the Google Blog.

Editors’ Recommendations

• Massive Gmail redesign rollout starts today for home and business
• Gmail to get much-needed visual updates and advanced security features
• Personalize your email by adding a signature to your Gmail account
• Inbox full of spam? Here’s how to block an email address in Gmail
• The best fitness trackers

Today’s best deals you won’t want to miss

Whether you’re looking for new tech gear or household items, we’ve got you covered.

Today you can get big discounts on the Amazon Echo Dot kids edition, LG and Asus monitors, the Instant Pot Duo Mini, and more! Don’t pass these up.

View the rest of the deals

If you want to know about the deals as soon as they are happening, you’ll want to follow Thrifter on Twitter, and sign up for the newsletter, because missing out on a great deal stinks!

How to get started with Google Daydream

Stop daydreaming and start, you know, Daydreaming!

Google Daydream takes your phone and turns it into a virtual world beyond your wildest imaginations, using a simple headset and controller. There are plenty of apps and games for your Daydream headset, but you can’t use those without setting the headset up first.

Here’s how to set up your new Daydream headset!

Take off the lens protectors

I’m listing this first because I used my Daydream headset for an hour or so before I realized just why the image was so blurry. There’s an imperceptibly thin piece of film covering each lens in the Daydream headset, so make sure you take these off before using the headset.

Grab some apps

Google’s Pixel phones give you the option to install the Daydream app during the initial setup, but other phones won’t have this. Before plopping your phone in the headset, make sure you download the Daydream and Daydream Keyboard apps.

While you’re downloading apps, check out some of the best apps for Daydream. You can get to the Play Store and download apps while you’re wearing the headset, but if you know you’re going to use a certain service, you may as well grab it while your phone is still in your hand.

Daydream app at Google Play

Daydream Keyboard app at Google Play

More: Five Great Starter Apps for Daydream VR

Set up your audio

Just a couple more steps before putting on the headset; time to make sure your audio is good to go. You can, of course, hear VR experiences through your phone’s speakers, but a good pair of headphones is going to be a whole lot more immersive. If you have a dedicated VR room with some fancy speakers, you can also use Chromecast to transmit your audio.

More: How to use Bluetooth headphones with Google Daydream

More: How to Cast Audio from your Daydream

Pair the controller

When you place your phone in the headset, you’ll be prompted to pair it with the included controller:

Press and hold the indented button on the controller to wake the controller up and start the pairing process.
Open the Bluetooth settings on your phone, then tap Pair new device.
You should see the Daydream controller listed under available devices; tap “Daydream controller” to pair.

When the controller is paired, you’re ready to move onto the next step.

Place your phone in the headset

We’re almost in business. There will be some setup screens once you put the headset on, but first we need to make sure the phone is placed in the headset correctly.

Put the tab on top to open the headset.
Place your phone down on the inside of the headset. If you don’t see the Daydream app launch, rotate your phone ninety degrees.
Close the headset, then re-hook the top tab.

The very last step is trying the headset on.

Test the fit

The headset may not be 100% comfortable, but that’s okay. Here are some tips to getting the perfect fit!

• Each strap has a plastic slider on it that tightens or loosens the strap. If the strap is too tight, move the plastic slider closer to the center. If the strap is too loose, move the plastic slider closer to the headset.
• The top strap can be removed if you’d like. To do this, unhook the strap from where it meets the side strap. Then, remove the interior cushion that rests against your face, and unhook the strap from inside the headset.

More tips

We have plenty more about Google Daydream, including the best apps in each category, tips on which headphones to use, and ways to keep the headset clean. Be sure to check out the Daydream Ultimate Guide for more!

More: Google Daydream: The Ultimate Guide!

What say you?

Did you have a hard time setting up your Daydream headset? Let us know down below!

Google Daydream

• Daydream View review
• The ultimate guide to Daydream
• These phones support Daydream VR
• Every Daydream app you can download
• Catch up with Daydream in the forums!

Google

How to use FolderSync to manage all of your media

Move your files between your phone and the cloud so easily!

The way I consume music and other media is a little unusual. I share a Google Play Music and a Hulu subscription with a friend, as well as my own Netflix account. I have a rule when it comes to music; I will buy an MP3 of a song or album if I listen to it more than three times within a week. I maintain a Plex server on my home desktop to help wit this. There are some shows and movies I enjoy that streaming services don’t carry, but a much bigger part is that I’m a bit obsessive when it comes to the media I consume.

My most used application on any device is the music player. I listen to music at almost every hour, from a few minutes in the shower every morning to a playlist of specific songs I listen to when I sleep. I’m really picky about the way my music player looks and operates, and there are a few things about the Google Play Music app that bug me enough that I don’t want to use it.

I’m not in love with the idea of manually plugging my phone into my computer to transfer music because we’re not in 2009 anymore, so I was happy to find a way where I could easily get my music on any device — while still being able to use any music player I choose. That magical solution is an app called FolderSync.

FolderSync works by connecting to your cloud service of choice — Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox and a bunch more — and connecting to a given folder on your phone. You get to choose exactly which folders on your cloud storage sync to your phone, giving you the freedom to use whatever cloud storage and music player you use. CloudPlayer is a music player that also connects to cloud storage, but pulls in every MP3 file in your drive. This is a deal breaker for me, because it means my personal recordings get pulled in with my music library.

Here’s how to set up FolderSync to synchronize your music and other files!

FolderSync at Google Play (Free with ads)
FolderSync Pro at Google Play ($2.99)

Connecting your cloud storage

Launch FolderSync. You will need to allow the app access to your storage so it can properly synchronize your files.
Tap Accounts.
Tap the + button in the lower right corner of the screen, and select your cloud storage provider.
Name the account whatever you’d like — I just name mine Google Drive since that’s the service I use — and tap the Authenticate Account button.
Your default web browser will launch, and you’ll be asked to sign into the cloud service you selected.
After you authenticate the account, tap Save in the lower right corner.

Sync to your phone

The next step is choosing which folders to synchronize, and where you want those files to go on your phone.

Tap Create New Sync on FolderSync’s main page.
Since you can have more than one synchronization set up, you’ll need to enter a unique name for each sync. I have mine labeled “Music.”
Select which cloud service you want to use for this synchronization.
Choose the sync type. The files can sync to the local folder, to the remote (cloud) folder and both ways.
Select the cloud and local folders you would like to synchronize from or to.
Set up a schedule to decide when the files synchronize. The schedule can be as often as every five minutes, or as seldom as every month — if you want a schedule at all. You can always choose to manually synchronize as well. With that done, your files will begin syncing!

I use this to sync my music between a folder on my Google Drive and the “Music” folder on my phone,, but it can be used for literally any type of file: photos, application files, voice memos, and more. If you need to keep your files moving between your phone and the cloud, give FolderSync a shot!

How often do you backup important files? Let us know down below!

Amazon’s Echo Dot Kids Edition bundles make this smart purchase even more affordable

All of these devices are better bundled together.

Amazon just announced an all-new Echo Dot Kids Edition, and the company has already launched some bundles which help make it even more affordable. Simply pairing the new Echo Dot Kids Edition with a Fire Tablet can save you up to $50 versus buying them separately. The Echo Dot Kids Edition is still only available as a pre-order, but it’s scheduled to begin shipping on May 9.

The first bundle is two Echo Dot Kids Edition for $129.98, a savings of $30. Combining the Echo Dot Kids Edition with a 7-inch Fire Tablet Kids Edition saves you $40, and drops the price down to just $140. The bundle with a Fire Tablet HD 8 and Echo Dot Kids Edition is $20 more at $160. That’s a $50 savings. All of the bundles are available in a variety of different color combinations, so be sure to look for the one that your kids will like the most.

See on Amazon