Author Archives: Will Shanklin

Twilio hack leaves Authy users exposed to text-messaging scams

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If you use Authy, update your app immediately. Twilio, the messaging company that owns the two-factor authentication service, confirmed to TechCrunch on Wednesday that hackers breached Twilio and acquired mobile phone numbers for 33 million users.

Twilio published a statement on its website also confirming the hack. “Twilio has detected that threat actors were able to identify data associated with Authy accounts, including phone numbers, due to an unauthenticated endpoint,” the statement reads. “We have taken action to secure this endpoint and no longer allow unauthenticated requests.”

The company added that there was no evidence that the hackers accessed Twilio’s systems or sensitive data. But updating to the latest version of the iOS and Android apps (on any devices you’re running) is critical as they include new security updates.

Twilio stressed that Authy accounts weren’t compromised. However, the hackers (and anyone they share the data with) could “try to use the phone number associated with Authy accounts for phishing and smishing attacks.”

If you aren’t familiar with the term, smishing is the text-message equivalent of phishing. So, if you have an Authy account, be extra cautious about any unexpected texts that appear to come from trusted sources, especially Authy or Twilio.

Rachel Tobac, a social engineering expert and CEO of SocialProof Security, illustrated to TechCrunch what that may look like. “If attackers are able to enumerate a list of user’s phone numbers, then those attackers can pretend to be Authy/Twilio to those users, increasing the believability in a phishing attack to that phone number,” Tobac said.

“We encourage all Authy users to stay diligent and have heightened awareness around the texts they are receiving,” Twilio stressed.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/twilio-hack-leaves-authy-users-exposed-to-text-messaging-scams-165156650.html?src=rss

New YouTube policy lets you request the removal of AI-generated content that uses your likeness

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YouTube quietly added a new policy last month that lets you request the removal of AI-generated content featuring your likeness. The new privacy violation policy, first spotted by TechCrunch’s Sarah Perez, allows you to flag videos that “used AI to alter or create synthetic content that looks or sounds like you.”

YouTube says several factors will determine whether it considers a removal, including whether the content is altered or synthetic (and whether it’s disclosed as such), easily identifiable as the person in question or realistic.

The company will also weigh whether it could be considered a parody or satire. Another factor is whether it includes a public figure (or other well-known individual) “engaging in a sensitive behavior,” like crime, violence or endorsing a product or political candidate. TechCrunch notes the paramount importance of the latter during this pivotal election year.

The new policy falls under YouTube’s privacy violations, not misleading content. The company now requires first-party claims in most cases. The most notable exceptions are when the individual is a minor, doesn’t have access to a computer or is deceased.

YouTube will give the alleged violator 48 hours to act on the complaint. If it’s removed during that window, it’s case closed. If not, YouTube will review it.

The documentation clarifies that removal means fully removing it (and removing the individual’s name and personal info from the title, description and tags, if applicable). Blurring out faces is another option. It also explains that making the clip private isn’t allowed since that would let the poster easily make it public again.

YouTube didn’t make noise about the change, but it did hint at it earlier this year when it laid out its policies for AI-generated video. At the time, it promised, “In parallel, as we previously announced, we’re continuing to work towards an updated privacy process for people to request the removal of AI-generated or other synthetic or altered content that simulates an identifiable individual, including their face or voice.”

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/new-youtube-policy-lets-you-request-the-removal-of-ai-generated-content-that-uses-your-likeness-211522438.html?src=rss

The Sims 4’s Lovestruck expansion lets you dive into a steamy polyamory sandbox

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The new Lovestruck expansion pack for The Sims 4 gives the decade-old sequel a shot of life by turning it into a full-fledged dating sim — including non-monogamous WooHoo-ing for the first time. In addition to polyamory, the $40 DLC adds an in-game dating app, an encounter-planning system, turn-ons and turn-offs and a swanky singles club where Leisure Suit Larry (apologies for the dated reference) would feel right at home.

The expansion pack takes your Sim to Ciudad Enamorada, “a gorgeous city in love and the perfect place for all of your romantic encounters.” It includes three neighborhoods for all the dangerous (if you’re into that) liaisons your Sim’s gibberish-speaking heart can handle.

Your Sim can meet, flirt, spark romance or even rent a room at “Beso Rápido” for a quickie WooHoo. They’re no longer boxed into monogamy, letting you set up dates with as many partners as your Sim wants.

A person in a bedroom looks at their fun while three bubbles show various options.
EA

The Cupid’s Corner app (in the game, not on your phone) lets your Sim snap selfies, create a profile and set preferences for compatible partners. Potential connections will appear in the app’s Matches tab, where you can tap a heart to save and spark a chat.

The date planner lets you craft a night to remember with customizable date types, venues, group invites (ha-cha-cha), activities and goals. When you meet your match for the date, you can test the chemistry by playing games, chatting over a picnic, sharing food or cuddling (or something like that) in bed. Most importantly, EA added new options for kisses, sultry dances and three new WooHoo spots... because variety is the spice of life.

The expansion adds four romance types that will vary depending on the partners: wholesome, steamy, strained and unpredictable. Your Sim can level up their romance skills as they mingle and unlock spicy new interactions.

Still from the Sims 4 Lovestruck expansion. A bed with (unseen) people under the covers, with a heart emanating from above. Swanky bedroom.
EA

The Sims’ representation has evolved significantly since the base game’s inception. EA added gender customization in 2016, followed by Pride-themed content three years later. The ability to change your Sim’s sexual orientation finally arrived two years ago, not long after EA incorporated a pronoun customization option.

The Lovestruck expansion for The Sims 4 costs $40 and launches on July 25. Those who pre-order the DLC will get digital bonuses like a Cry Me a River Eyeliner (it wouldn’t be dating without a few broken hearts), Herbert Heart Plushie and, everyone’s favorite, the Basic Breakup Double Bed.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-sims-4s-lovestruck-expansion-lets-you-dive-into-a-steamy-polyamory-sandbox-193545470.html?src=rss

Google invests in Taiwanese solar company to boost green energy

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Google is investing in a Taiwanese solar company with plans to build a 1 gigawatt (GW) pipeline of sustainable energy in the region. The company is placing a stake in New Green Power (NGP), part of BlackRock’s investment portfolio, for the project. The move could help Google and Taiwan move closer to their climate goals while stabilizing green energy production in one of the most crucial semiconductor hubs of our new AI-infused world.

Google already has a significant presence in Taiwan, including a data center. According to Amanda Peterson Corio, Google’s global head of data center energy, fossil fuels currently generate nearly 85 percent of Taiwan’s power grid. “To help overcome these obstacles, companies can play a pivotal role in finding new strategies to grow the supply of available renewable energy sources and promoting emerging technologies that enable the full decarbonization of regional electricity systems,” she wrote.

Google expects to use up to 300 megawatts of solar capacity to power its data centers in Taiwan. In addition, Peterson Corio says the company “may offer a portion of this clean energy capacity to [its] semiconductor suppliers and manufacturers in the region.” She said that would help its partners meet their green energy goals and reduce indirect (Scope 3) emissions from Google’s supply chain partners.

“A significant share of our Scope 3 footprint can be traced back to the electricity grids that power our suppliers and users, which is why broad decarbonization — and partnerships like this — continue to be core to our net-zero goal,” Peterson Corio wrote.

Regulators haven’t yet approved the deal. Google hasn’t said how much it’s investing in NGP.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/google-invests-in-taiwanese-solar-company-to-boost-green-energy-171231205.html?src=rss

Prime Day deals include the Ring Video Doorbell on sale for $50

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Thanks to Amazon Prime Day, the second-generation Ring Video Doorbell is half off and on sale for only $50. That's the best price we've seen on the 1080p video doorbell that includes motion detection and night vision. The device also supports two-way audio, so you can communicate with anyone approaching your home.

This Ring model is battery-powered, so you won’t need to worry about a complicated wired setup. All you have to do is mount it and connect it to your Wi-Fi network through the Ring app. (You can still hardwire it to your existing doorbell system if you don’t want to bother with occasional recharging.)

When you pair it with the Ring app, you’ll receive notifications when someone rings the bell or triggers its motion sensors. The doorbell works with Alexa, including optional announcements when someone arrives. You can also view its live feed or recordings on Echo devices with screens and Fire TV products.

The doorbell has night vision for clearer shots when it’s dark. In addition, you can manually set its motion zones to avoid streets, sidewalks and other high-traffic areas outside of your home.

The Ring video doorbell comes with a mounting bracket and the tools required to get started. If you’re in a rental, you may want to consider a third-party mount that latches onto the side of your front door without requiring any drilling.

Amazon also has other Ring devices and accessories on sale, including bundles with Ring Chime, Ring Stick Up Cam and more.

Your Prime Day Shopping Guide: See all of our Prime Day coverage. Shop the best Prime Day deals on Yahoo Life. Follow Engadget for Prime Day tech deals. Hear from Autoblog’s experts on the best Amazon Prime Day deals for your car, garage, and home, and find Prime Day sales to shop on AOL, handpicked just for you.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/prime-day-deals-include-the-ring-video-doorbell-on-sale-for-50-194202740.html?src=rss

Apple’s self-repair diagnostics tool expands to Europe

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Apple is expanding access to its web-based diagnostic tool. The software (officially called “Apple Diagnostics for Self Service Repair”) is now available in 32 European countries, including the UK, Germany, France and the Netherlands. They join the US, where the tool arrived in December.

As Apple describes it, the software “gives users the same ability as Apple Authorized Service Providers and Independent Repair Providers to test products for optimal parts functionality and performance.” It currently supports iPhone, Mac and Studio Display.

The tool can scan the device for display, camera, Face ID, software integration and audio output issues and tell you which parts may need repair. This is part of Apple’s recent push to be friendlier to self-servicing, likely to try to head off regulations.

The only catch is the diagnostics require a second Apple device. Both products need to be running iOS 17 or later or macOS Sonoma 14.1 or later. Beta software is a no-go. (Sorry, iOS 18 and macOS Sequoia early adopters.)

After initiating the process at this website from the second device, the tested one will be put into Diagnostics mode, and you can follow the prompts from there.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apples-self-repair-diagnostics-tool-expands-to-europe-202453216.html?src=rss

Apple’s self-repair diagnostics tool expands to Europe

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Apple is expanding access to its web-based diagnostic tool. The software (officially called “Apple Diagnostics for Self Service Repair”) is now available in 32 European countries, including the UK, Germany, France and the Netherlands. They join the US, where the tool arrived in December.

As Apple describes it, the software “gives users the same ability as Apple Authorized Service Providers and Independent Repair Providers to test products for optimal parts functionality and performance.” It currently supports iPhone, Mac and Studio Display.

The tool can scan the device for display, camera, Face ID, software integration and audio output issues and tell you which parts may need repair. This is part of Apple’s recent push to be friendlier to self-servicing, likely to try to head off regulations.

The only catch is the diagnostics require a second Apple device. Both products need to be running iOS 17 or later or macOS Sonoma 14.1 or later. Beta software is a no-go. (Sorry, iOS 18 and macOS Sequoia early adopters.)

After initiating the process at this website from the second device, the tested one will be put into Diagnostics mode, and you can follow the prompts from there.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apples-self-repair-diagnostics-tool-expands-to-europe-202453216.html?src=rss

Chrome for mobile adds handy action shortcuts for local businesses

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Google is making subtle quality-of-life improvements to the Chrome mobile apps. The Android and iOS versions of the browser now offer quicker access to crucial info, trending searches and live sports scores in the Discovery Feed.

Chrome Actions, preset tasks that appear in the browser’s address bar when cued by trigger words, now include one for local businesses. When you search for something like a nearby restaurant, a shortcut will appear at the top of the bar showing the eatery’s name and address, along with buttons to call, get directions or read reviews.

The feature is available now in Chrome for Android, and Google says it will arrive on iOS this fall.

Before and After screenshots of the Chrome mobile app search results.
Google

Chrome mobile is also getting new usage-based shortcut suggestions. If you typically type a particular phrase to get to a specific website, the browser will learn it and include a link to it high in your search suggestions. As the example above shows, if you usually enter “schedules” to see the City Metro’s webpage, its link will appear more prominently in the recommendations.

Mobile Chrome’s Discover Feed, the contextual cards you see when opening a new tab or the Google app on mobile, will now include live sports scores. When a team Google has learned that you like is playing, a Discover card now shows the live score, which will be automatically updated.

Trending searches, something Android devices already show in the Chrome address bar (before you type anything), are now available on iOS. Finally, the browser’s tablet address bar better matches the company’s Material You design language. The bar on tablets also now includes the current website at the top — always visible — to make it easier to stay put.

You can read more about Google’s Chrome additions on the company’s blog.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/chrome-for-mobile-adds-handy-action-shortcuts-for-local-businesses-192248053.html?src=rss

Welcome to the future, where AI-generated Al Michaels reads you personalized Olympic recaps

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Who among us hasn’t lied awake at night during past Olympics, longing for personalized daily event summaries read in the dulcet tones of legendary sports broadcaster Al Michaels? Well, our moment has finally come. “Your Daily Olympic Recap on Peacock” will let you choose your favorite sports and highlight types for the 2024 Summer Olympics, and an AI-generated Michaels will read a 10-minute customized recap of the previous day’s events based on your preferences.

Michaels said he was understandably reluctant when NBC asked for his approval, but he ultimately came around to the AI-fueled vision. “When I was approached about this, I was skeptical but obviously curious,” the Hall of Fame broadcaster said. “Then I saw a demonstration detailing what they had in mind. I said, ‘I’m in.’”

Peacock shared a demo of one of the recaps with Engadget, and it’s easy to see why the Hall of Fame broadcaster came around. You’d be hard-pressed to tell the AI-generated speech from Michaels’ real voice. Even the clone’s subtle rhythms and intonations sound distinctly like him.

Screen showing Olympics and Al Michaelds
NBCUniversal

NBCUniversal says it trained AI Al on Michaels’ past appearances on NBC. The 79-year-old currently calls play-by-play for Amazon’s Thursday Night Football and holds an emeritus role for NBC Sports, where he’s worked since 2006.

Peacock’s recaps will draw from what it says will be 5,000 hours of live coverage from this summer’s games. They will cover up to 40 concurrent daily Olympic events and have the potential for “nearly 7 million personalized variants.”

NBCUniversal says its editors will review all of the customized content — including audio and clips — before sending it to users. If enough people sign up, that sounds like quite the undertaking. But given the embarrassing mistakes we’ve seen previous AI gimmicks make, it’s probably a wise choice.

You can opt into the recaps starting on July 27, when the first edition will summarize the previous day’s Opening Ceremony. The 2024 Summer Olympics kick off on July 26 in Paris. After the torch is lit, you can sign up for the recaps on Peacock’s Olympics website (it supports Chrome, Safari, Firefox and Edge) and in the Peacock mobile app.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/welcome-to-the-future-where-ai-generated-al-michaels-reads-you-personalized-olympic-recaps-170022286.html?src=rss

Samsung’s next Unpacked event is set for July 10

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Samsung’s next Unpacked event will be on July 10. The Paris showcase will be the company’s second of the year, following its Galaxy S24 unveiling (and Galaxy Ring render reveal!) in January.

Samsung’s announcement teases “the next generation of Galaxy AI and the ever-expanding Galaxy ecosystem.” The invitation noted the city’s trendsetting reputation, describing it as the “perfect backdrop for the rollout of our latest cutting-edge innovations.” January’s Unpacked was in San Jose, ideal for the AI features it debuted; perhaps Paris could set the scene for something fashion-related. 

Paris will also host the 2024 Summer Olympics starting later that month, and Samsung is a sponsor. So brace yourself for some potential promotional tie-ins, like the oh-so-exciting Olympic-branded editions of Galaxy S flagships.

A person wearing the Galaxy Ring wearable on their right hand as they hold a phone with their left.
Samsung

Samsung already let slip in a court filing that the Galaxy Ring will arrive in the US “in or around August of this year,” making launch details about the upcoming wearable virtually inevitable. (The company proactively sued Oura this month to try to prevent the startup from filing a lawsuit of its own.)

In addition to wearables, foldable phones tend to feature prominently in Samsung’s summer Unpacked events (replacing the Galaxy Note, which occupied that slot in the old days). Backing that up is SamMobile, which accurately reported the event’s date and location in April. The blog also claimed Samsung would reveal the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Galaxy Z Flip 6 at the event, along with new earbuds and more about the Galaxy Ring.

The company said it has a bonus for US customers who know they want one of the new devices before they’re announced. If you reserve an upcoming device from today through July 10 through Samsung’s website or Shop Samsung app, it will throw in a $50 Samsung Credit for your pre-order. Reservation orders will also be entered in a sweepstakes to win $5,000 in Samsung Credit.

Samsung will stream the summer Unpacked event on its YouTube channel, main website and Newsroom site. The event kicks off at 9AM ET on July 10.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/samsungs-next-unpacked-event-is-set-for-july-10-230032676.html?src=rss