Microsoft Announces $20,000 Xbox Live Bounty to Identify Bugs

By

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January 31, 2020 9:07 pm

If you are good at identifying bugs and security threats in programs, here is a challenge for you. Microsoft is willing to pay a bounty of $20,000 to security researchers who can identify flaws in Xbox Live Networks and services. Most importantly, these flaws should be reproduced in the latest and fully patched version. If you can prove that the flaw you identified can be replicated on the latest version of the Xbox Live platform, you can rest assured that you’ll take home a cool $20,000 Xbox Live bounty.

Microsoft’s Xbox Live bounty is not easy to win

However, the bounties will only be paid at Microsoft’s own discretion. The vulnerability you discover needs to be severe enough, and the submission you make must impress Microsoft’s team. There are also some important terms and conditions that you will need to comply with. The bounty amount depends on how critical a flaw really is. It can range from as low as $500 to as high as $20,000.

To make sure you win the bounty, here is what you need to do:

Ensure that you have the skills to identify critical flaws and security threats in Xbox Live.
Identify flaws that are critical and make sure that you comply with the terms and conditions
Write a high-quality report which allows Microsoft’s engineers to quickly address the issue in hand
You can provide information in the form of a video, a write-up, or a description of the bug. Ideally, your submission should include all these features.
Make sure to include a proof of concept as well

Microsoft will not compensate for your time or attempts

While Xbox Live bounty seems like an easy way of making money if you know how to identify bugs, it is not so straight forward. You will probably need to spend hours decoding various programs and testing vulnerabilities before you hit the jackpot. In addition, Microsoft will not provide you with a free console or an Xbox Live subscription just for attempting to discover risks. Make sure that you have enough spare time to invest in something that may not fetch you reward ultimately.

Ford’s Lincoln Motor and Rivian to Work on an All Electric SUV

By

Jude Cavale

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January 30, 2020 4:22 pm

Ford’s luxury brand Lincoln Motor Company is working with Rivian to launch an all-electric vehicle. Lincoln and Rivian will work on a battery operated vehicle that’s part of Ford’s grand plan tho conquer the EV market. With that in mind, Ford had already invested $500 million in Rivian. It is now becoming clear why Ford chose to invest in Rivian.

Lincoln is Ford’s premium brand that previously had unveiled two plug-in hybrid vehicles. The vehicles, named Aviator and Corsair Grand Touring, were announced at the LA Auto Show last November. These vehicles were hybrid, and were not completely electric in nature. Lincoln’s new battery operated electric vehicle will be based on Rivian’s flexible skateboard platform.The idea is to slowly move toward a situation where the company will solely focus on electric vehicles.

Lincoln’s new vehicle will have several impressive features:

The vehicle will boast of zero emissions, making the air clean and pure
The offers effortless performance, giving urban dwellers the chance to own a premium electric vehicle that also runs quickly and smoothly
It offers intuitive technology, which enhances customer experience

What could the mystery electric vehicle be?

So far, Lincoln’s strategy has worked quite well. Its hybrid vehicles were received warmly. Its decision to work with Rivian is a smart one as it ill n ow have access to both technical know-how and manufacturing infrastructure. If we consider Rivian’s and Lincoln’s past strategies, the mystery vehicle is likely to be an SUV. The luxury EV may completely change the way people travel, and help in reducing carbon emissions. This may also prove to be Ford’s second coming.

Could this be Ford’s last chance at market success?

Ford has recently suffered heavy losses due to a stagnation in car sales. Car sales across the world have fallen down due to increased awareness about carbon emissions, and a gradual fading away of the idea of cars being status symbols. By making electric vehicles fashionable and premium again, Ford has a smart play in its hands. As it is, it has already invested in Rivian, and Lincoln is its own premium brand. Any vehicle resulting from Lincoln and Rivian will directly help Ford to boost its bottomline figures and make its investors happy.

Apple Releases watchOS 6.1.2 for Apple Watch users

By

Netta Siach Lindenfeld

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January 30, 2020 4:17 pm

Continuing its stance of releasing frequent updates, Apple announced watchOS 6.1.2 for newer Apple Watch models. Just last month, the Cupertino giant had announced watchOS 6.1.1. WatchOS 6.1.2 comes with several bug fixes and performance enhancements, which make using Apple Watch a great experience. The update is free to download, and users can simply go to General, and hit on Software Update on the Apple Watch app on their iPhones.

Before installing watchOS 6.1.2, users need to take the following precautions:

Apple Watch should have at least 50% battery before the installation begins
The watch needs to be attached to a charger, and there should be a continuous power supply
The watch should also be within the range of the iPhone
Taking a backup is always a good idea, as data can sometimes go missing during updates
Make sure that your iPhone is charged completely or that it is connected to a power source

What features does watchOS 6.1.2 come with?

The new update does not come with any new features. Users who were expecting some grand improvements will probably be disappointed. However, the update comes with many bug fixes and security enhancements which make it quite important. It is not clear if this update has any hidden features that are yet to be discovered. Nevertheless, Apple recommends that everyone who uses an Apple Watch updates to this version if their device is compatible. This can be confirmed within the Apple Watch app on the iPhone. You can check out the release notes here.

Apple Watch continues to grow in stature and popularity

Apple Watch has been in demand lately due to its fitness-friendly features. Users often use it to track their sports and activity performance, measure heart rate and other vitals, and keep track of their health issues. In addition, Apple Watch is quite popular among those who want to use their smartphones less, and be hands-free all the time. As the watch allows users to answer calls and speak to people, one does not have to hold the phone all the time. Of course, Apple Watch will never replace the iPhone or iPad, but it does have a place of its own in the large family of Apple devices.

Niantic Confirms Pokémon Go Battle League Is Coming Soon

By

Ehud Riven

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January 30, 2020 11:43 am

If you are a fan of Pokémon Go, you would be pleased to learn that Niantic is finally bringing the Go Battle League that was promised last year. It allows players to fight other trainers across the world, based on their level. However, it may take some time before the feature actually arrives.

Niantic has temporarily stopped the release in order to make sure that the launch is smooth and free from server issues. When it finally arrives sometime soon, you will be able to play against other trainers in the Go Battle League preseason events.

What are the Go Battle League pre-season events all about?

There are three pre-season leagues, according to sources. These include the Master League, Ultra League, and the Great League. When people begin to play these leagues, Niantic will make enhancements and improvements depending on their behavior. Niantic will also decide the ideal season length based on these criteria.

Here is what players need to do in order to be allowed to play the leagues

Each player needs to walk a distance of five kilometers and unlock five online matches
This can be done thrice a day, but that will take a lot of physical effort
The more one walks per day, the more trainers one can battle
Those who are lazy and are not willing to walk can pay their way into the Battle Now feature by using PokéCoins.
The price depends on how far you are from your goal

Go Battle League promises many surprises and goodies

There are several surprises that come along with the leagues. For instance, users will encounter Pikachu Libre, when they play Go Battle League. Pikachu Libre is a Lucha libre-wearing Pikachu that looks quite surreal. Niantic will announce when the leagues will be finally thrown open to the public. For now, it only confirmed that the Go Battle League is definitely happening. Many fans had begun to assume that this was another of those hollow promises that game developers make. Thankfully, now we know that it is not a false promise. The Go Battle League is definitely coming.

Google Launches Android Tech Support on Twitter

By

Jude Cavale

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January 28, 2020 10:37 pm

Earlier today, Google announced that it will start answering Android-related queries on Twitter. Google elaborated its tech support initiative on Reddit, and all one needs to do is, tweet with the hashtag #AndroidHelp. The tech support will address concerns related to general troubleshooting, accessibility, security, authentication, and identity verification.

Google’s Android tech support seems promising

Google seems to have made the decision to provide public technical assistance in order to eliminate spam accounts. Letting people DM would mean, there would be a lot more spam than there would be if it were restricted to public messaging. In addition, it will serve as a public resource for all kinds of Android-related queries.

People have long depended on dubious sources of information in order to fix their Android-related issues. This has often led to unfortunate incidents such as malware planting, identity theft, etc. Google seems to have taken this approach to provide immediate answers to those who have problems with the most popular mobile operating system on the planet. While providing technical support to Android users was, in fact, a longstanding demand, it is not clear to many people why Twitter was chosen as the platform.

Here are some of the probable reasons for choosing Twitter as the platform to provide Android tech support:

Twitter provides an immediacy that other platforms lack
As Twitter is public, users can easily post queries without having to create additional accounts
Twitter queries are publicly visible, and so are the answers. This will act as a resource for Android-related queries
Google probably wants to play catch-up with other companies which already use Twitter as the de-facto customer service platform

Google’s decision to use Twitter for providing tech support is well-thought

Certainly, this comes as great news to most people who use Android. However, people who are not familiar with Twitter may find it difficult to approach Android’s brand new tech support. A large number of people still prefer Facebook over Twitter, and many others simply use other social tools such as Instagram. Of course, it is not possible for Google to provide tech support on every social platform. It has some valid reasons to choose Twitter as the sole tech support platform. Most certainly, fewer people will have problems with Android after this initiative.

Miso Robotics Unveils ROAR, a Kitchen Assistant for Restaurants

By

Netta Siach Lindenfeld

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January 28, 2020 4:32 pm

Miso Robotics just unveiled Miso Robot on a Rail (ROAR) to help restaurants automate their kitchen tasks. This is an improvement over Flippy, which was fixed to a ground-mounted base. Miso’s ROAR, on the other hand, is set on top of a movable rail. It also costs only 50% of what Flippy does, and restaurants can purchase it for $30,000. It can easily be installed on a floor or below a standard kitchen hood.

Restaurants will find that the robot will help automate many things that their staff often have to do, freeing up time and valuable man-hours. Most importantly, it will enhance kitchen productivity and boost revenue by processing more orders per hour.

How does Miso’s ROAR work, and what does it do?

ROAR can work two stations and communicate with a cold storage hopper. The robot runs on Miso AI, which is the Miso Robotics’s cloud-based platform. It comes with several cookable food categories such as potato wedges, corn dogs, cheese sticks, French fries, chicken tenders, etc. It can prepare hundreds of orders in less than an hour.

Here are some of the specific functions that the robot is designed to perform:

It uses multiple cameras and safety screeners to transform frozen food and cook it, with no human intervention.
When the recipe is cooked and ready, it notifies nearby workers so that they can take the orders to the customers.
ROAR also scrapes grills, drains excess oil and skims oil as well.
The inherent AI helps the robot to recognize and monitor items such as burger patties, which need to be treated differently.

Miso Robotics assures that its robots will not replace human workers

Miso Robotics is based in Pasadena, California, and the startup has already raised $15 million. While restaurants are eager to implement automation to reduce costs, employees often fear that automation will result in job loss. Miso Robotics assures those who are worried they may lose jobs, that such a scenario is not going to happen. It asserted that robots only boost productivity by working with humans, and not be replacing them.

One needs to wait and watch how true this claim is, as automation has already resulted in a decent number of job losses. However, robots have also helped companies to generate more profits and expand, giving new opportunities for job creation.

This Unique and New Frozen Watch Transforms Into a Robot

By

Jude Cavale

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January 27, 2020 4:12 pm

A curious product discovery has set the social media abuzz, and this time around, it is a Frozen watch that transforms into an Elsa robot. It looks like an innocuous watch at first glance, something that one might find in one of the many electronic stores in Tokyo. However, within a few seconds, one will realize that this is no ordinary watch. It quickly transforms into an Elsa robot that is uniquely wonderful.

The transformation from Frozen Watch to Elsa Robot is incredible

The watch is dedicated to children who love the popular Disney film Frozen. People love Frozen due to its main characters Elsa and Olaf, and thousands of Frozen-related products are already in the market.

However, this kid’s digital watch features Elsa and Olaf but quickly turns into a pink and white Elsa robot.

The robot’s arms stretch, out, finally revealing tiny hands. Finally, Elsa’s head pops out and it is too tiny for the size of her body. This makes the watch look surreal in a certain angle.

Frozen Watch uses pink and white as dominant colors

One must bear in mind that pink and white aren’t colors associated with Elsa’s character. However, this watch heavily borrows from these color combinations and looks almost magical due to the uniqueness. After all, there are a lot of products that people and journalists perceive to be “weird” when they originate from Japan. This only points towards labeling what one is not familiar with as “weird”. Japan’s culture is unique and is quite different from American pop culture.

“Weird” Japanese products such as Frozen Watch may help children become more inclusive

As American culture is dominant throughout the world, most people find Japanese culture exotic and otherworldly. While this may arouse curiosity and interest in some users, it may also lead to the othering of Japanese culture, which can have serious negative effects for Japanese people living in Western countries.

Products such as this Frozen watch might help people to get over this idea that what seems different and unfamiliar is “weird”. Hopefully, children who buy this Frozen watch that transforms into an Elsa robot will get more familiar with Japan’s products and culture, and thus become more inclusive.

Apple Announces Beta Versions of iOS 13.3.1 and macOS Catalina 10.15.3

By

Netta Siach Lindenfeld

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January 27, 2020 3:07 pm

Beta Versions of iOS 13.3.1 and macOS Catalina 10.15.3

Apple has just announced its third beta of iOS 13.3.1, and a new beta of its desktop OS, macOS Catalina 10.15.3 beta 3. It is not clear at the moment what the new updates entail. However, one can safely assume that both the beta versions will include important bug fixes and performance improvements. The final version of these operating systems will be launched in February, probably at the same time.

Installing beta versions can cause many issues

Apple users shouldn’t install beta versions of operating systems because they are specifically meant for developers. Developers usually test and launch applications once all performance issues are sorted. Apple advises regular users to wait until download notifications appear on their computers. Installing beta versions may cause instability and some users have reported data loss as well. Even testers should install these on secondary devices instead of on their primary devices.

Apple’s regularity in releasing new OS might be a marketing strategy

Apple has consistently been releasing newer versions of its operating system. But the reason why it has taken so much interest is its competitors do not release updates so frequently. This gives Apple a competitive edge. When rivals are also catching up with features and performance, ensuring that regular software updates are released is a smart marketing strategy. It is a tried and tested scheme that has always worked in Apple’s favor.

Before installing beta versions here is what you need to keep in mind

If you are as a regular user, do not install any beta versions of the OS. Wait for the public version in February
If you are a tester, do not install the beta on your primary device. Install it one a secondary testing device
Beta versions of OS can result in data loss. Make sure to backup everything even on your testing device
Certain enhancements can cause issues in older versions of applications. Developers need to be cautious while testing.

Final updates are coming next month

Apple plans to release the final versions of these applications next month. That release will likely include improvements from the beta versions, with a few additional features. One needs to wait and watch in order to find out what the new updates will feature.

Today is the 10th Anniversary of iPad’s Launch

By

Tomer Friedman

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January 27, 2020 3:06 pm

It’s been exactly 10 years since Steve Jobs announced the iPad on the 27th of January, 2010. This was the last product he unveiled before his death due to pancreatic cancer in 2011. While today marks the 10th anniversary of the iPad’s launch, there were a lot of skeptics at that time.

They argued that a tablet was an unnecessary product. However, Jobs remained confident. He explained that there was always room for a device that was in between a laptop and a smartphone as long as it was superior at certain tasks. True to his word, not only was the iPad successful, but even Apple’s competitors launched their own tablets.

iPad served as a prototype for future tablet models

Today, tablets have become very popular and are an integral part of how we choose to compute and browse the Internet. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that the iPad was the prototype for all future tablets. When Jobs announced the iPad, he referred to it as a magical and revolutionary device. He recommended everybody use the iPad to browse the web, send and receive an email, check photos, watch videos and listen to music, play games, read documents and ebooks, etc.

iPad had a very humble and modest beginning

The first iPad that he launched the game with the 9.7-inch display and 64 GB of storage. It had a single-core Apple A4 processor, 10 hours of battery life, 256 MB of RAM, Wi-Fi, and 3G connectivity, and a headphone jack. The initial iPads didn’t have cameras. People loved the iPads nonetheless because they were lightweight, and measured half an inch in thickness and weighed only 1.5 pounds. No notebook or laptop was as thin and lightweight as an iPad. Ever since Apple has continued to release a new iPad every year with several changes made to both software and hardware.

10th anniversary of iPad’s launch proves iPad is a model for all tablets

Currently, iPads are the most important tablets and are representative of this type of gadget. Their processing power has increased, and iPad rivals notebooks and desktops in many manners when it comes to processing, ease of use, and features. Steve Jobs certainly left a very important legacy just before his passing. The 10th anniversary of the iPad’s launch is an ode to all the efforts that this man put to make computers more innovative and accessible.

Google Decides Cops Will Pay Legal Data Disclosure Fees

By

Jude Cavale

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January 26, 2020 3:27 pm

In what might irk a lot of government officials, Google has decided to implement legal data disclosure fees against law enforcement agencies when they place requests for information or enforce search warrants. Google explained that it made this decision in order to offset the costs of producing information related to subpoenas and search warrants. Google receives thousands of requests from law enforcement agencies across the world, every year.

The reason for Google’s legal data disclosure fees

Google sent out a circular to law enforcement agencies regarding the new fees on the 13th of January
These fees are legitimate, and US federal law permits corporations to charge reimbursement fees. These fees are not new.
Google isn’t the only company to charge government agencies fees for giving away information
Many telecom companies already charge fees legally

Google had complied several times in the past to divulge information but had not charged government agencies certain times. With data disclosure requests exceeding 26,000 and data preservation requests clocking in at 11,000, the company probably looks at this as a source of revenue.

Here are the details of Google’s legal data disclosure fees

Every subpoena will cost $45. These reveal details about the information shared in the past. This may include names used while creating a Gmail account, or IP address used while creating that account. The IP address used during sign and sign out may be shared as well.
A government agency can make an order for $150
A search warrant can be issued for $245. This can include information from Gmail messages, photos, documents, and YouTube videos.
Each PRTT (Pen register or trap and trace) order costs $60
Every wiretap order will elicit a bill of $60. In this situation, Google shares real-time data to law enforcement agencies.

The decision has received mixed responses

Certain requests are going to remain free. These include instances of life-threatening emergencies and child safety investigations. Some critics have noted that the fees may stop certain government agencies from seeking information, leading to security risks. Others have noted that this will put an end to excessive surveillance. It is also not clear if Google is charging these fees only in America at the moment.

Microsoft’s Xbox Live bounty is not easy to win

To make sure you win the bounty, here is what you need to do:

Microsoft will not compensate for your time or attempts

Lincoln’s new vehicle will have several impressive features:

What could the mystery electric vehicle be?

Could this be Ford’s last chance at market success?

Before installing watchOS 6.1.2, users need to take the following precautions:

What features does watchOS 6.1.2 come with?

Apple Watch continues to grow in stature and popularity

What are the Go Battle League pre-season events all about?

Here is what players need to do in order to be allowed to play the leagues

Go Battle League promises many surprises and goodies

Google’s Android tech support seems promising

Here are some of the probable reasons for choosing Twitter as the platform to provide Android tech support:

Google’s decision to use Twitter for providing tech support is well-thought

How does Miso’s ROAR work, and what does it do?

Miso Robotics assures that its robots will not replace human workers

The transformation from Frozen Watch to Elsa Robot is incredible

Frozen Watch uses pink and white as dominant colors

“Weird” Japanese products such as Frozen Watch may help children become more inclusive

Installing beta versions can cause many issues

Apple’s regularity in releasing new OS might be a marketing strategy

Before installing beta versions here is what you need to keep in mind

Final updates are coming next month

iPad served as a prototype for future tablet models

iPad had a very humble and modest beginning

10th anniversary of iPad’s launch proves iPad is a model for all tablets

The reason for Google’s legal data disclosure fees

Here are the details of Google’s legal data disclosure fees

The decision has received mixed responses

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