2018 June | AIVAnet

Jun

Scientists have mapped the genome of the most common cancer among younger men

Researchers from the University of North Carolina’s Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center and a consortium of other institutions have successfully mapped the genome of testicular cancer, the most commonly diagnosed cancer among men ages 15 to 44. The results could help physicians better determine future treatment options for the disease, as well as give patients information about the biomarkers to watch for if their cancer comes back.

Mapping the testicular cancer genome was carried out as part of the larger Cancer Genome Atlas Research Network, an initiative with the goal of comprehensively characterizing different types of cancer. For each cancer, a variety of sequencing techniques are used, including DNA, RNA and miRNA sequencing, along with other clinical data-gathering approaches. By studying the cancers in as much detail as possible, the researchers hope to better understand the relationships between these data types.

“Testicular germ cell cancers are highly curable; however, there is often extensive over-treatment or aggressive surgery,” Katherine Hoadley, assistant professor in the UNC School of Medicine Department of Genetics, told Digital Trends. “We identified miRNAs that are specific to different histology types. These represent a potential avenue for further research to develop minimally invasive serum markers to assess if the tumor has recurred, or to identify the likely histologic components which could help with treatment decisions.”

In the case of UNC’s testicular cancer mapping, researchers analyzed 137 testicular germ cell tumors to find unique molecular features. They discovered certain changes in the RAS gene family. These are the type of genes that make proteins involved in cell signaling pathways that control cell growth and death. Members of the RAS family include KRAS, HRAS, and NRAS, the most common oncogenes in human cancer.

“We identified distinct molecular events that were associated with different histological types of testicular germ cell cancer,” Hoadley said. “While we found recurrent mutations in KIT, KRAS, and NRAS, they were only discovered in a subset of seminomas. However, we noted strong epigenetic components — DNA methylation and miRNA — that are likely very important in testicular germ cell tumorigenesis. We also identified a previously underappreciated subset of seminomas defined by KIT mutations that likely occur early. These tumors had a complete global lack of DNA methylation that locks them in a state with similarity to primordial germ cells.”

Hopefully, this turns out to be yet another piece in the puzzle on the road to curing cancer once and for all. While we’re still a long way from that, mapping the genome of existing cancers will give scientists far more information about exactly what it is that they’re up against.

Editors’ Recommendations

An artificial beauty spot could warn you of cancer before symptoms emerge
Doctors successfully perform the world’s first robot-assisted spinal surgery
John Bain, better known to gamers as TotalBiscuit, dies at 33
Atari co-founder and video game pioneer ‘Ted’ Dabney dies at 81
A.I. detects skin cancer better than dermatologists in international study

Jun

FDM vs. SLA: Which type of 3D printer is right for you?

There’s currently a struggle between two very different 3D printing technologies, known as FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) and advanced SLA (Stereolithography). The two methods are very, very different, but they are both likely to stick around the 3D printing world. Each has its own important strengths and applications.

However, if you’re buying or learning how to use a 3D printer, it’s vital to understand the difference between FDM and SLA—so we’re going to talk about it!

Note: There are other types of 3D printing as well, such as polyjet and SLS. WE talk more about these in our comprehensive 3D printing piece. However, FDM and SLA tend to be more common, especially at the consumer market level, so we want to take a closer look at them specifically.

FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling)

If you watch a video of a 3D printer at work, you are likely to see a carefully programmed printing nozzle in a three-dimensional space, extruding a line of molten plastic to sketch out a clear shape. It’s a very popular image, and FDM is the most popular technique used by small 3D printers. It creates small layers that bond together to ultimately create an object. Let’s talk about how that works.

First, the printer has to be given the right information – essentially, a path to follow so that the deposited material will create the right object. This is done using a 3D model file like an STL or OBJ file, which contains information about how an object is “sliced” into layers that the FDM can apply one at a time. This is one of the simplest ways to program at 3D object, and you can use it for many different kinds of objects. Of course, the more complex or small the object, the finer it has to be sliced, and not all FDM printers are equipped to deal with complex objects.

With the file on the object layers sent to the printer, it has all the data it needs to get started. However, it still needs raw materials. The printer uses filaments made from raw materials that can be heated up and easily pushed out into ropes or threads. Typically the material is made of easily molded, relatively safe plastic—but there’s a lot of variance in filaments, which can also be combinations of other materials to give the printed object additional properties.

Following the 3D file, the printer now heats the materials and extrudes through the nozzle as it moves, one layer at a time. When finished, there’s usually a brief waiting time so that the layers can fully bond with each other. Then the object is ready to be used!

What it’s good for

Home 3D printers: FDM printers tend to be very affordable, relatively easy to operate, and their materials are widely available.
FDM has gotten more precise: FDM is easy to scale to more complex objects.
Durability: FDM printed objects can be used for a variety of purposes, and improved filaments continue to make them more durable.
Learning 3D printing: FDM is a great place to start when teaching students, learning how to code for 3D printing, or using your own 3D printer.

FDM negatives

FDM printers struggle with particularly fine detail, or objects that need moving parts, etc. It can’t really create high-end prototypes. They can also be quite finicky. The coding and calibration have to be very precise, or the printer won’t work correctly. This might mean that you have to do a lot of work to “teach” the printer how to start making a new object.

Jun

Samsung to use 100% renewable energy in the U.S., China, and Europe by 2020

The renewable energy will be used at the company’s factories and offices.

On Thursday, June 14, Samsung announced a big change in the way it powers all of its operations. By 2020, the company aims to use 100% renewable energy at factories, offices, and operational facilities throughout the United States, China, and Europe.

Samsung-logo-booth.jpg?itok=BwNQDBv-

While these three regions are Samsung’s main focus at the moment, it says it’ll “seek to further increase its use of renewable energy around the world.” in the medium-to-long term.

By 2030, Samsung says it’s on track to increase its use of renewable energy in Korea by 20%. To help kickstart that process, this year will see Samsung installing around 42,000㎡ worth of solar panels at its HQ located in Suwon. As for its campuses in Hwaseong and Pyeongtaek, Samsung will add around 21,000㎡ of both solar panels and geothermal power generation facilities in 2019 and 2020, respectively.

In the spirit of going all-in, Samsung also notes that it’s joined the World Wildlife Fund’s Renewable Energy Buyers’ Principles and the Rocky Mountain Institute’s Business Renewables Center.

Per Samsung’s Executive Vice President and Head of Global Public Affairs, Won Kyong Kim:

Samsung Electronics is fulfilling its duty as a corporate citizen by expanding and supporting the use of renewable energy. As demonstrated by our expanded commitment, we are focused on protecting our planet and are doing our part as a global environmental steward.

Best Samsung Phones in 2018

Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+

Galaxy S9 and S9+: Everything you need to know!
Galaxy S9 review: A great phone for the masses
Complete Galaxy S9 and S9+ specs
Galaxy S9 vs. Galaxy S8: Should you upgrade?
Join our Galaxy S9 forums

Verizon
AT&T
T-Mobile
Sprint

Jun

Samsung’s new Chromebook Plus is a smart move that keeps it competitive

hopper-image-for-pr-2.jpg?itok=lnKX6dFY

The Chromebook Plus will compete nicely with other products in its price range throughout 2018 thanks to a nice refresh by Samsung.

The Samsung Chromebook Plus holds the distinction of being our choice for the Best Chromebook since it was first made available last year. The price-to-feature ratio is simply outstanding, and while it was bested by other models in either category, none came close when considering both. That was about to change with the introduction of some really great Chromebooks in the $350-$450 price range in 2018 that offered just enough of a spec bump to slip past. Samsung just nipped that in the bud and made the job of finding the best Chromebook a lot more interesting.

The Chromebook Plus v2 is a fairly major refresh. It keeps the most important considerations of the original — price vs. features and a slim, light design — by making the changes that needed to be made without mucking up the rest. That’s tougher to pull off than we think and we all have seen other companies do it poorly. It takes careful consideration of what other companies are doing that makes their products better, then seeing what you can do to one-up it all. It’s especially challenging when the product has to meet a certain price point, which is critical when making a Chromebook that will be alongside very inexpensive models that look like they are just as good.

This is what Samsung faced and I think it did exactly what was needed to try and keep the Chromebook Plus at the top of every best list for 2018. There are a handful of changes. Some are obvious improvements, others not as obvious, and one that’s a significant downgrade that isn’t nearly as bad as it appears on paper.

What we will miss: That awesome display

samsung-chromebook-pro-in-hand.jpg?itok=

The display has taken a sizable hit in almost all areas. The original Chromebook Plus sported one of the best Chromebook displays available with its 2400 x 1600 pixel 3:2 panel. It’s the very same panel used for the Samsung Chromebook Pro and Google’s Pixelbook and always mentioned as a reason why both are priced higher — it’s a very expensive display. The new Chromebook Plus does away with the uber-expensive panel and substitutes a 1080p 16:10 display. On paper that’s a drop in quality.

Nothing compares with the original Chromebook Plus display, but that doesn’t mean the rest are all bad.

We’re dealing with a 12-inch class Chromebook here. The display is 12.2-inches diagonally. That’s not a tiny display in a world where 10-inch Chromebooks and tablets exist, but it’s not gigantic, either. A 1920×1080 resolution display on a 12-inch Chromebook can look wonderful, and you’ll find that most people who have looked at laptop displays day in and day out are going to agree. It’s certainly not going to be as nice as the 2400 x 1600 panel of the original, but few are. That display is an outlier that can’t be considered as normal. I will miss the 3:2 aspect ratio and extra screen brightness a lot more than the loss of pixels, but am almost certain that I’ll be fine with Samsung’s choice here.

What we will love: Intel power

samsung-chromebook-pro-folded-google-pla

The other obvious change is the processor. Like the rest of the products in its class, the Chromebook Plus now has an Intel CPU (Intel 3965Y) instead of an ARM CPU (Rockchip OP1). Both of these processors were designed for laptops like a Chromebook — easy on the battery, great processing speeds in bursts, and support for an onboard GPU that can power multiple displays. Originally, everyone assumed that the custom OP1 in the Chromebook Plus signaled the eventual ARM takeover of the mobile computer world, but now we’re not sure what is happening there.

Google has focused on working with Intel CPU compatibility with Chrome since the Chromebook Pro came with some “issues” at launch. They have been fixed, and in 2018 x64 is the way to go.

We do know that a mid-range Intel Celeron CPU that has a low TDP (Thermal Design Power, or how much extra power is wasted through heat), paired with an Intel 600-series GPU which makes for an outstanding Chromebook. In 2018 it’s what a moderately priced model needs to compete as a Snapdragon 800-series chip (along with all the various licensing fees) is cost-prohibitive. And Chrome OS has been tuned to work with Intel processors since the original Chromebook Pixel so things we don’t usually think about, like power management, work exceptionally well. The Intel 3965Y as used in the refreshed Chromebook Plus is a 1.5 GHz dual-core CPU with a TDP of 4.5 watts. Paired with an Intel 615 GPU, it fits the description of the perfect Chromebook CPU in 2018.

Other small changes, like the addition of a second “world-facing” camera and a USB Type-A port are welcome additions. And there are things we would have liked to see — a 64GB storage option and a backlit keyboard come to mind — that are missing. But the most important change that will let the Chromebook plus move forward with Chrome OS features is the x64 Intel CPU and it’s just what the doctor ordered. Don’t let the inferior display bother you too much, because it’s only inferior to the amazing panel its predecessor used and will likely stand up well among its peers.

I’m looking forward to some hands-on time with the refreshed Chromebook Plus to see if it can hold that coveted Best Chromebook overall title it has held for so long.

Chromebooks

The best Chromebooks
Chromebooks in education: Everything you need to know
Should you buy a Chromebook?
Chromebook Buyers Guide
Google Pixelbook review
Join our Chromebook forums

Jun

Apple’s TV App Gains Live Sports and News in Canada as FIFA World Cup Begins

Just in time for the FIFA World Cup, which began today, live sports are now available in Apple’s TV app on iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV in Canada.

At launch, Sportsnet, TSN, RDS, CBC, and DAZN will bring sports content from a large selection of major sports leagues to the TV app on iPhones and iPads with iOS 11.2 and later, the fourth-generation Apple TV, and Apple TV 4K.

Here is a list of the Canadian providers and services available in the TV app’s new Sports tab, which debuted in the United States last November:

Sportsnet — MLB, NHL, NBA, Premier League, WWE, Tour de France, and more
TSN GO — FIFA World Cup, CFL, PGA TOUR, and more
RDS GO — TSN content in French in Québec
DAZN — NFL, MLS, MLB Network, European soccer, tennis, and more
CBC — Calgary Stampede in July, rugby, and more

While it is already possible to simply open the apps listed above and stream sports content, the TV app provides a nice overview of live and scheduled content from each provider in one dedicated place.

If the Toronto Blue Jays are planning on Sportsnet, for example, simply open the TV app, tap on the play button, and the Sportsnet app will open and begin streaming the game. For an upcoming game, tap on the “Up Next” button to receive push notifications when it begins or when the score is close.

iPhone and iPad users can also ask Siri for real-time sports updates, including FIFA World Cup information, or ask to tune into a specific game.

Of course, users must have each provider’s app to stream, and some require a subscription or cable authentication. To stream games via the Sportsnet app, for example, users must have a $24.99 per month Sportsnet NOW subscription or authenticate with a cable provider like Bell, Rogers, Shaw, or Cogeco.

Live news in the TV app has also expanded to Canada. CBC News is available for free, or $4.99 per month without ads, while CTV News Go is offered through authentication with a cable provider like Bell or Rogers. Other networks available include CNN, BNN Bloomberg, and online news network Cheddar.

Related Roundup: Apple TVTag: CanadaBuyer’s Guide: Apple TV (Neutral)
Discuss this article in our forums

MacRumors-All?d=6W8y8wAjSf4 MacRumors-All?d=qj6IDK7rITs

Jun

Fiio Q5 HiFi Bluetooth-Capable Portable DAC review: The value to beat

5acb64bf14fb7.jpg?a=33173-4d9d2e&s=19491

Fiio has been killing it lately when it comes to performance for the price. Earlier in the year, the company gave us the chance to test drive two ends of their audio player spectrum, from the tiny $50 Bluetooth BTR1 DAC to the top-end $650 X7 Mark II Android-powered HiFi player. We were left impressed either way.

But being that Fiio’s has beginnings in the mobile DAC market, the most promise is held in its latest flagship DAC, dubbed the Q5.

Fiio Q5 DAC Unboxing the Fiio Q5.

Right from a glance, it’s apparent that Fiio is carrying over design cues from its metal-clad DAP (digital audio player) series. This is fine with us; we loved the brushed metal and chiseled aesthetics of the X7 II. We’ll examine what you get with the $350 Q5 DAC, and if it’s the right Fiio player for you.

Design

We’re tempted to sum up the Q5 DAC as a X7 II without a screen (especially with a brushed-metal panel on the front that looks like where a display should be). The two devices look very related, from their block-of-Aluminum form to that slit that glows an adjustable light.

We loved the X7 II’s premium feel and attractive, angular aesthetics, so we’re glad to see the same build quality in a device half the cost. That said, there are plentiful differences around the Q5’s exterior that give it its own identity.

Fiio Q5 DAC

For instance, turn it around and you’ll a substantial deviation – a classy-looking, black leather lining taking up most of the back. We love this contrast and break from the otherwise completely silver Aluminum look. The leather also helps the DAC stay still on a tabletop – a small contention of the smooth, relatively slippery X7 II. We also no longer have to worry about scratching the pristine metal surface.

Maybe this is why Fiio did not include a case in the box, like it did with the X7 II (or maybe it’s because the Q5’s lower price). We would’ve still liked to see a case, as the rest of the chassis is vulnerable to the elements. At least there’s a quality, draw-string bag for transport.

Fiio Q5 DAC

Contents include tool for changing out the amp module, Lightning to microUSB data cable, coaxial adapter, 3.5mm analog cable, optical adapter, microUSB to USB charging cable, and two sizes of rubber straps

Fiio Q5 DAC

Mesh carrying sac is thick and should keep the Q5 safe.

Speaking of the packaging, in typical Fiio-fashion, we get an array of accessories. Though, it’s not as extensive as we’ve seen before (like the omission of a protective case); basically what would be essentials for usability, like a charging cable and a couple I/O methods.

We were disappointed to only see a Lightning-to-MicroUSB cable for passing through the digital signal. Fiio is ignoring Android users, making us get our own digital cable before being able to use the DAC with our phones. It’s not a big deal, as these cables are cheap. But for a device that’s mobile and depends on that cable, it should’ve been included.

Back to the unit itself, we catch a lot of the same ports and controls around the perimeter as seen in its X7 II brother. The 3-button playback controls are on the left side, primarily consisting of back/forward track and play/pause in the middle button. This is also how you turn Bluetooth on and pair, by holding down the middle button.

Fiio Q5 DAC

The Q5 has separate microUSB ports for charging and digital audio pass-through (Boo for no USB-C). You’ll see the charging port under the playback controls on the left side, and the digital out is on the bottom of the device, in between the two headphone output options, 3.5mm standard or 2.5mm Balanced. Yes, Fiio carries over the capability of Balanced audio as seen in the X7 II.

On the right side, we see a rotary volume dial significantly larger than the one on the X7 II. There’s a dot indicator so you can see where the volume level is set. Right under that is the power button, with an LED at the center to indicate if the device is on or not.

Fiio Q5 DAC Volume dial firmly and smoothly rolls.

Function

Of course, the DAC can be used for better audio out of a computer (you can use the supplied USB-to-microUSB cable for this purpose, as well as charging the device).

Fiio takes flexibility a step further by making the Q5 Bluetooth-capable, and it remembered about the aptX codec for transmitting a higher-fidelity signal. However, it’s our opinion that any “HiFi” player today shouldn’t be incorporating any less than aptX HD bandwidth (352 vs 576 kbps). Both standards are a far cry from “high res” but if you’re going to do Bluetooth in this kind of device, you should be using the best standard available.

Fiio Q5 DAC There’s plenty of affordable USB-C to microUSB OTG cable options on Amazon.

However, first and foremost, the Q5 is meant for wired pairing with a mobile device. Once we got a USB-C to microUSB cable, getting the digital audio signal passed through from our Galaxy S9 worked like a charm.

At the top of the unit, you’ll see a couple other I/O options. One port handles all of the other input support: optical (using the supplied adapter), coaxial, and aux line in. The other hole is simply a line out, for sending the audio signal to another system.

Fiio Q5 DAC The top of the Q5.

This is also where the basic signal tweaks live. If you have higher impedance headphones and the volume level isn’t quite cutting it, you can toggle the gain to High. Similarly, if the bass isn’t tickling your fancy, there’s a one-setting boost.

Speaking of which, another feature that the Q5 borrows from the X7 line is the ability to change out the amp. It uses the same design/form as on the X7, so you have access to all the modules available for that platform. Pretty neat.

Fiio Q5 DAC The removable amp module is located along the bottom. Fiio provides a screwdriver for the screws on both sides. The Q5 comes with the same AM3A module as the X7 II, which can power most headphones and has Balanced output.

Via the presence of the X7 line, various different amp modules exist, providing different jack configurations and higher power output for more beastly headphones.

Going back to that glowing light on the front, Fiio added some functionality this time around. It has RGB access, and uses color coding for different things. When the unit is turned on and connected (but not playing), it’ll show as White. Different signal inputs light different colors, and the color Blue is used when Bluetooth is running.

Lastly, it will flash red when the battery is low or the device is charging. Though, we wish there was a way to know the battery status above that point.

Fiio Q5 DAC Red glow when charging.

Speaking of battery life, the Q5 packs a 3,800mAh capacity that reaches about 10 hours of playback. This is either using the DAC in wired or wireless mode.

Audio

Judging by the rest, we were expecting audio quality and a sound signature from the Q5 like that of the X7 II. This would be a fine thing. We adored the well-rounded and lively audio from the X7 II, and we’d be getting that top-notch experience at half the price with the Q5.

However, where the X7 II uses a SABRE ES9028Pro DAC for sound processing, Fiio opts for a solution from AKM for the Q5 – the AK4490EN, to be exact. Both mobile DACs are from trusted manufacturers (for instance, AKM is found in many of Astell & Kern’s high-end audio players). The AK4490EN is actually a dual-DAC chip, so we were really interested in how it sounded in comparison.

Fiio Q5 DAC The Shure SE846 have a gorgeous sound paired with the Fiio Q5.

Despite hardware difference, Fiio’s excellent tuning can still be heard in the Q5. That is, an exceptionally balanced spectrum and authoritative mid-range. The Q5’s price isn’t “cheap” in the grand scheme of things, but when you hear the cleanness, articulation, separation, and detail that this DAC pumps out, the reality comes into focus. This is true audiophile-grade quality that usually costs closer to $1K.

Like with the X7 II, we can’t say enough good things about the mid-range. Its in-your-face reproduction (in a good way) and exemplary airyness really enhances the listening experience.

You get engaged with the music in a level not achieved by most. None of the ranges miss the opportunity to utilize the open soundstage. Dynamical play is free-game, and if you have a high-end headphone that can resolve depth, you’ll hear the dimensional sound it’s capable of with the Q5.

Regarding specifics, the neutral sound signature may not suit bassheads. This is more true of sub-bass than mid-bass, of which there’s plentiful punch for us. The sub-bass is subtle, but you’ll hear its nicely rounded quality and rumble when the track dictates it. The mid-bass more tamed than what you may be used to, but it’s super clean in return (complimenting the mids perfectly rather than interfering with them). You have the bass boost option via the switch we talked about, but it bloats the low-end too much for us.

The treble range shares the same cleanness and articulated kind of response that we’ve noted of the rest. With many reproductions, the treble can get pushed back when there’s a lot going on. Not so here; it’s as present as the rest. Actually, its spacious and high-reaching quality and pin-drop clarity many times captured our attention most of all. You’ll be able to pick up detail you may not have heard before in your favorite music.

Ultimately, some folks may find that the Q5 is “light” in some ranges. But it’s apparent that that’s done for cleanness, detail, and balance, all of which is important for true, high-end audio. That said, the Q5’s overall sound is far from sterile. It’s very lively and pleasing. Fiio has become very skillful at this craft, and we’re glad that it is still standing by its “value” ideal, rather than continually upping its prices like its competitors do.

Final Thoughts

Fiio Q5 DAC

Suffice to say, the Q5 is a winner. It’s not just that it’s solidly constructed with premium materials and is packed with features, but its biggest success is in what it’s ultimately meant for – stellar audio. At $330, it may not seem like a great value to those new to this field, but it really is when you look at the high-end portable DAC market. The Q5 can stand toe-to-toe with them at half the cost. We’re really glad that Fiio is continuing to show them how it’s done.

Jun

Grayshift May Already Have iPhone Unlocking Solution for iOS 12’s USB Restricted Mode

iOS 12 introduces USB restrictions that effectively put an end to law enforcement access to iPhones and iPads using devices like the GrayKey box, but Grayshift, the company that makes the box, may have already developed a workaround.

VICE’s Motherboard shared an email from a forensic expert who planned to meet with Grayshift, which said the company had “gone to great lengths” to futureproof its technology and that USB Restricted Mode had been “already defeated.”

Grayshift’s GrayKey iPhone unlocking box, via MalwareBytes

“Grayshift has gone to great lengths to future proof their technology and stated that they have already defeated this security feature in the beta build. Additionally, the GrayKey has built in future capabilities that will begin to be leveraged as time goes on,” a June email from a forensic expert who planned to meet with Grayshift, and seen by Motherboard, reads, although it is unclear from the email itself how much of this may be marketing bluff. “They seem very confident in their staying power for the future right now,” the email adds.

A second source that spoke to Motherboard said Grayshift addressed the topic of USB Restricted Mode in a webinar several weeks ago.

Coming in iOS 12, USB Restricted Mode prevents USB accessories from connecting to an iPhone or iPad if it’s been more than an hour since the device was last unlocked.

The setting is enabled by default and it will not allow USB-based accessories like the GrayKey box to connect to an iOS device until a passcode is entered, effectively disabling the current techniques law enforcement officials across the United States are using to access locked iPhones.

Motherboard’s sources did not share details on how Grayshift plans to avoid the new USB restrictions, so it’s not clear if the GrayKey box will continue to function or if Grayshift has another iPhone access solution in the works.

Despite Grayshift’s potential workaround, law enforcement officials are concerned about the changes Apple is implementing, and are said to be frustrated with the attention the GrayKey box has received in the media. “Some vendors are frustrated with GrayKey,” one researcher told Motherboard. “They feel the media hype brought too much attention to the attack vector.”

Apple yesterday confirmed its plans to implement new USB access restrictions in iOS 12 and clarified that it is aiming to defend customers against hackers, not frustrate law enforcement officials.

“At Apple, we put the customer at the center of everything we design. We’re constantly strengthening the security protections in every Apple product to help customers defend against hackers, identity thieves and intrusions into their personal data. We have the greatest respect for law enforcement, and we don’t design our security improvements to frustrate their efforts to do their jobs,” Apple said in a statement to MacRumors.

Note: Due to the political nature of the discussion regarding this topic, the discussion thread is located in our Politics, Religion, Social Issues forum. All forum members and site visitors are welcome to read and follow the thread, but posting is limited to forum members with at least 100 posts.

Related Roundup: iOS 12
Discuss this article in our forums

MacRumors-All?d=6W8y8wAjSf4 MacRumors-All?d=qj6IDK7rITs

Jun

Amid U.S. hurdles, Huawei may be banned from Australia’s 5G network

It looks like it’s one kick down after another for Chinese company Huawei. After years of security-related issues in the United States, the company could now be facing some similar issues in Australia.

According to a report from Australia’s ABC, Huawei has increasingly been considered a security risk to critical infrastructure — something that will likely result in the company being blocked from taking part in building out Australia’s 5G network.

It’s not the first move against Huawei in Australia. The company was banned from participating in Australia’s National Broadband Network, and it lost a contract to build cable between Sydney and the Solomon Islands after an Australian spy chief intervened.

Blocking Huawei from participating in Australia’s 5G network would be a pretty big move, especially considering the fact Australian carriers Optus and Vodafone both have partnerships with Huawei to develop their networks.

“On matters like the electronic spine of Australia, the new 5G network which will control the internet of things — automatically driven cars, lifts, medical technology — I don’t think it’s appropriate to sell or allow a company like Huawei to participate,” said Australian politician Michael Danby in an interview with the ABC.

There are plenty of parallels between this and Huawei’s relationship with the United States. For example, like in the U.S., there are some concerns that blocking Huawei would stoke tensions between Australia and China, which is Australia’s biggest trade partner.

The main fear here is that Huawei is working with the Chinese government to spy on citizens in countries like the U.S. and Australia. While Huawei as a company is independent from the Chinese government, the two have a long history of collaboration. In the U.S. Huawei isn’t the only Chinese company facing hurdles — the U.S. government also recently banned U.S. officials from using ZTE smartphones.

Despite hurdles in countries like Australia and the U.S., Huawei has grown to become the world’s third-largest smartphone manufacturer. Still, it’s hard to imagine the company growing much more than it already has given the challenges it faces in new regions. Recently, reports surfaced that Huawei would step back from its push into countries like the U.S., refocusing its efforts on other markets.