There was a ton of news over the last several days, not even counting the Apple event earlier today. I’ve covered that in a separate post here. Here are some of the other news stories I’ve found interesting over the past several days.
Group Attacks and Steals Data from Nvidia and Samsung
Last week a group had claimed to have hacked Nvidia and stolen an unspecified amount of confidential data from the company. The group demanded the company open source their graphics card drivers and remove the software that limits Nvidia graphics cards ability for mining the Eutherium crypto currency. There are rumours that Nvidia hired a firm to hack this group back and render the stolen data useless, but that is unconfirmed.
That same group also stole confidential data from Samsung over the weekend, holding about 190GB of data, which includes proprietary source code of Samsung Galaxy phones.
Why does this matter? Source code often contains ways for other exploits to be developed, potentially compromising other devices in the future.
Law enforcement agencies are investigating.
https://www.techspot.com/news/93663-nvidia-hackers-leak-190gb-sensitive-data-samsung.html
Android 12.1 is Complete
Android 12.1, previously know as Android 12L, has finished development. This version of Android is designed for later displays like tablets or foldable phones, and features user interface elements designed for larger screens and better app and window Management. Several companies are promising to roll out Android 12.1 to products in 2022, including Samsung, Lenovo, and Microsoft.
Anything that makes Android works better on tablets is definitely needed, I can’t wait to see what this looks like.
https://www.androidpolice.com/android-12l-now-rolling-out-with-big-screen-changes/
Samsung Ditching Chargers on Cheaper Phones
After dropping chargers from its Galaxy S and Z series phones in 2021, Samsung will no longer ship chargers in the box with the midrange Galaxy A and M series phones in 2022. Now, more phones will be sold without the ability to charge them out of the box. I understand the reasons given by Apple, Samsung, and others, but feel that chargers should be an optional free accessory. Let users choose, instead of having to spend another $20-40 on top of their phone just to charge it.
https://www.androidpolice.com/samsung-ditches-the-charger-for-its-new-a-and-m-series/
Samsung Phones Can Reduce Game Performance to Manage Heat, Battery
This was a big thing blowing up the internet last week, but something that I felt needed a bit of time for clarification, and clarification came. The initial news was that Samsung maintains a list of apps that it allows to run at full speed on pones, and a list of apps that it will reduce performance of. The internet was mad at Samsung for artificially limiting performance of apps on phones.
As always, the story was more nuanced. The system in question is the Game Optimization Service, which serves to mange game performance on phones. Game performance can be limited to manage power and heat in phones, as well as battery usage. The goal of the service is to provide a consistent experience instead of an experience where a game starts running at full speed but then must slow down because the phone gets too hot.
Samsung managing heat and performance on the devices is the right decision here, as it will be better for the devices in the long run. But the company should also offer the option for users that want it to disable that service, and all the pros and cons that brings. Samsung has issued a statement saying the company will issue a software update in the future that will do just that, though there is no timeline for said update at this time.
https://www.androidpolice.com/samsungs-galaxy-s22-throttling-apps-games/
Sony and Honda Partner to Build EVs
Sony has shown off a concept car at the last couple CES shows in Las Vegas, but it wasn’t clear what the company’s plans actually were. Now we know. Honda is partnering with Sony on an electric vehicle platform that may launch in the middle of the decade. A Honda car with Sony software could be… interesting.
Microsoft Will Bring Keyboard and Mouse Support to Xbox Cloud Gaming
The Xbox Cloud Gaming service is currently geared towards console gaming, with PC games not currently supported partially due to the lack of keyboard and mouse support for games that require it. Microsoft is looking to rectify that by adding Keyboard and mouse support to the service in 2022, which would allow games like Age of Empires IV to be offered as part of Cloud Gaming on PC. This is an important step for the service, and welcome.
https://www.theverge.com/2022/3/4/22961878/microsoft-xbox-cloud-keyboard-mouse-support-flight-sim
Disney+ Will Offer Cheaper Ad Supported Subscription in 2023
This is a ways away, but interesting because it’s the first streaming service in Canada to go this route. Disney+ will offer a less expensive version of its streaming service that will feature ads. No pricing was given, but it will be cheaper than the $12/month or $120/year that Disney+ currently costs in Canada. Would you pay, say, $6/month for Disney+ with ads? Several US only streaming services offer similar tiers, and they must be successful for other services to also be going this way. The ad supported version of Disney+ will launch in the US in 2022 and not until 2023 in Canada.
https://mobilesyrup.com/2022/03/04/disney-introduce-cheaper-ad-enabled-subscription-later-this-year/
Activision Blizzard Sued For Wrongful Death
I don’t have much to say here, except that this is another item of note in the Activision Blizzard saga. A lawfuit has filed that a toxic workplace that has been well documented at the company contributed to an employee’s suicide. This is tragic all around.
https://www.engadget.com/activision-blizzard-suicide-lawsuit-220515214.html?src=rss