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Category: News

  • Critical iOS exploit impacts millions of devices from iPhone 4S to the iPhone X

    Critical iOS exploit impacts millions of devices from iPhone 4S to the iPhone X

    A newly discovered bootrom exploit in iOS, dubbed as ‘checkm8’, could lead to permanent jailbreak on iOS devices that run on Apple’s A-series processors.

    According to security researcher axiomX, the vulnerability affects hundreds of millions of iOS devices starting from the iPhone 4S, to the iPhone 8, as well as the iPhone X. The affected devices also include iPad models starting with the iPad 2 up to the 2017 iPad Pro.

    The vulnerability could give attackers deep access to iOS devices. axiomX claims that ‘checkm8’ is possibly one of the biggest news in the iPhone hacking community for years. Being a bootrom exploit, it affects devices at bootrom level instead of taking advantage of vulnerabilities in the OS or software. Now, this essentially means that Apple won’t be able to fix the issue with a simple patch or an update. To fix the issue, Apple would need to make physical changes directly to its A-series processors.

    As expected, the new flaw has some serious security concerns, as the vulnerability can offer root access to affected devices. Therefore, it’s possible that attackers could use the exploit to take control and delete sensitive information from other user’s devices.

    However, there’s some good news as axiomX explained that the vulnerability can’t be used remotely. Now, this means that attackers would need physical access to an iOS device to take undue advantage of this vulnerability. Therefore, just make sure you’re iPhone or iPad is passcode protected.

    Apple is yet to make any official statement regarding this exploit, though we’ll update you as soon as Apple responds to the matter.

    iPhone jailbreaking isn’t as popular as it was 7 years from now. During the early days of the iPhone, jailbreaking was primarily done to install third party apps that were not available via the App Store. Jailbreaking allows iOS users to add apps and other functions that Apple wouldn’t usually allow users to perform on their iPhones. iOS has rather strict limitations that are designed to protect users from malicious apps but also gives Apple’s more control over the ecosystem. Therefore, jailbreaking hurts your iPhone’s security, but at the same time gives users more control over the phone.

    The last jailbreak we heard was back in August this year when a new vulnerability was found in iOS 12.4. It was the first iOS jailbreak to be publicly revealed in years.

  • Facebook teams up with Ray-Ban to develop smart glasses

    Facebook teams up with Ray-Ban to develop smart glasses

    Facebook has reportedly joined hands with Ray-Ban to develop its augmented reality glasses. Code-named Project Orion, the project is expected to be ready for a commercial release between 2023 and 2025.

    According to the report, Facebook has been working on augmented reality glasses for the past couple of years now, however, several roadblocks related to the development of these smart glasses have left the company with no choice but to seek outside help. Hence, the social networking giant has teamed up Ray-Ban’s parent company Luxottica to complete the project.

    Notably, the report indicates these glasses are designed to replace smartphones. These smart glasses would look much like any typical sunglasses that are currently available in the market. However, they’ll be equipped with hardware that’ll allow users to take calls, show information to them on a small display, and have social networking features.

    Facebook has hundreds of employees at its Redmond office in Washington working on these augmented reality glasses. However, the company has reportedly struggled to shrink the size of these glasses to make them more practical and appealing to users. Facebook’s Project Orion smart glasses are expected to be ready for consumers before 2023. However, one can’t say whether the project is practical enough to be ready for a commercial release. With that being said, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg has reportedly asked the company’s augmented and virtual reality divisions to focus more on Project Orion.

    Elsewhere, Facebook is also working on a voice assistant to rival the likes of Amazon’s Alexa, Apple’s Siri, and the Google Assistant. Facebook envisions that its new AI assistant could be used with Project Orion, serving as user input for these glasses. In addition, Facebook is also working on a device code-named Agios, a ring-shaped device that allows users to interact via motion sensors.

  • Google announces expected Pixel 4 event for October 15: ‘Made by Google’

    Google announces expected Pixel 4 event for October 15: ‘Made by Google’

    Save the date. Google has finally announced its next big event for Tuesday, October 15, where we expect the company to take the wraps off the Pixel 4. The company has sent out press invites for the said date for its ‘Made by Google’ event. During last year’s event, Google announced the Pixel 3, Pixel 3 XL, a new Chromebook, and the Home Hub. Therefore, at this year’s event, we expect to see Pixel 4 revealed.

    Google’s upcoming flagship has already witnessed a barrage of leaks. And thanks to the bevy of online leaks, Google also confirmed back in June what the phone will look like. The company teased an image that revealed a large, square camera bump on the back of the device. Also, the image showed a phone without a rear-mounted fingerprint scanner. Google also showed off a bunch of features for the Pixel 4, which include motion-sensing technology and the ability to unlock the phone just by looking at it, much-like Apple’s Face ID feature.

    Dual-camera system incoming

    However, the one major upgrade this year is widely believed to be the new dual-lens camera system with a new telephoto lens capable of zooming in on subjects. The primary camera will also get the ability to take fast-action pictures with the new ‘Motion Mode’. Besides, there’ll be an astrophotography mode, which gives the phone the ability to take low-light shots with the Milky Way in the background.

    The other big feature is arguably the hands-free gestures to control the phone. With gesture controls, Pixel 4 users would have the ability to control the phone and apps with gestures from above the screen.

    As per earlier reports, the Pixel 4 is expected to get powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 855 processor. Besides, leaks also hint at 6GB RAM for both Pixel 4 models, which would be an upgrade on the 4GB RAM found on the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL. However, leaks suggest the Pixel 4 will be offered in 64GB and 128GB storage options, same as last year’s Pixel 3 range. The Pixel 4 is expected to be offered in black, white, and coral color schemes.

  • Microsoft Surface Pro 7 key specifications leaked

    Microsoft Surface Pro 7 key specifications leaked

    Microsoft is expected to unveil the Surface Pro 7 at the company’s hardware event on October 2. So far, not a lot of information has been revealed about this model in the form of leaks and rumors. That said, with less than a month to go before the official unveiling, a new leak has emerged purportedly revealing the hardware configurations that Microsoft will offer for the Surface Pro 7. According to a report by WinFuture, Microsoft plans to offer as many as five different models in order to attract as many buyers as possible.

    The leak indicates that the Surface Pro 7 will be powered by the latest-generation Intel Core i3, Intel Core i5, and Intel Core i7 processors. The leak further notes that the device wiil be offered in five different hardware configurations. These include:

    • Microsoft Surface Pro 7, Intel Core i3, 4GB RAM, 128GB SSD
    • Microsoft Surface Pro 7, Intel Core i5, 8GB RAM, 128GB SSD
    • Microsoft Surface Pro 7, Intel Core i5, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD
    • Microsoft Surface Pro 7, Intel Core i7, 16 GB RAM, 256 GB SSD
    • Microsoft Surface Pro 7, Intel Core i7, 16 GB RAM, 512 GB SSD

    In other related news, Microsoft is also expected to launch a refreshed Surface Go model alongside the Surface Pro 7. And a recent Geekbench listing suggests that the Surface Go might get upgraded with a new processor to boost overall performance. According to the Geekbench listing, the new Surface Go gets powered by the Intel Core m3-8100Y processor, unlike the Pentium Gold 4415Y chipset found on older models.

    Microsoft has already confirmed that its next hardware event is scheduled to take place on October 2 in New York City. The software giant is expected to take the wraps off several Surface models at the event.

    Besides, Microsoft is rumoured to be working on a foldable Surface device for a couple of years now. This dual-screen Surface model is said to come with two separate screens, and might also be unveiled at the October 2 event.

  • Apple Store down ahead of iPhone 11 pre-orders

    Apple Store down ahead of iPhone 11 pre-orders

    The Apple Store is down as the company prepares to kick off pre-orders for the new iPhone 11 range, which kick off today at 5:00 am PDT. Unlike previous years where Apple started taking pre-orders for new iPhones at noon, this year’s pre-orders begin at 5 am giving buyers more time to purchase. “Staying up late is so last year. The good news is, now you don’t have to. This year, pre-order begins at 5:00 a.m. PDT. See you then,” reads a message posted on the Apple Store website.

    Apple unveiled the new iPhone range on September 10. These include the iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, and iPhone 11 Pro Max. The iPhone 11 starts at $699 for the 64GB version, the 128GB version is priced at $749, and its 256GB version gets a price tag of $849.

    The iPhone Pro is priced at $999 for 64GB storage, the 256GB model is priced at $1149, and 256GB storage is available at $1349. The top-end iPhone Pro Max offers the same storage variants priced at $1099, $1249, $1449 respectively.

    Customers who are able to successfully pre-order their iPhone 11 will get it in weeks on September 20. Besides, the iPhone 11 range will also be available in authorized Apple Stores and resellers starting September 20.

    Along with new iPhones, Apple also announced its brand new smartwatch with Apple Watch Series 5. The newly announced smartwatch gets a bevy of hardware and software changes, along with a plethora of choices for cases and straps. It the first Apple Watch to come with an always-on display, which Apple calls the ‘Always On Retina display’.

    Apple’s latest smartwatch features a built-in compass and an updated Map app to give users a navigation device right on their wrist. There’s also a new compass app that displays latitude and longitude, heading, incline, and current elevation.

    The Apple Watch Series 5 starts at $399 for the GPS version, while its 4G version gets a price tag of $499. It is now available for pre-order via Apple.com and the Apple Store app, while it’ll arrive on store shelves on September 20.

  • New Google Pixel 4 XL hands-on video leaked

    New Google Pixel 4 XL hands-on video leaked

    It appears the upcoming Pixel 4 has already beaten its predecessor when it comes to leaks. So far, there’s been no shortage of rumors about Google’s next flagship, set for a release in October. Just last week, we came across a promo video of handset showcasing its camera prowess and gesture control features. Now, the Pixel 4 has shown up not one, but two hands-on videos, giving us the most comprehensive look yet at Google’s next flagship.

    The first video shows a six and a half minute clip of the white color model. It features a matte black panel as well as matte black sides. The black and white color scheme indeed reminds one of panda styling of the Pixel 2 XL.

    Elsewhere, the video suggests that the Pixel 4 will feature a display panel with a refresh rate of 90Hz, which falls in line with earlier rumors of the device. The video shows a menu setting for a setting called ‘Smooth Display’, which lets you switch from 60Hz to 90Hz, depending on what content is on display. To avoid battery drain, users will also get the option to turn off Smooth Display.

    Furthermore, the hands-on video shows an Ambient EQ feature, something similar to Apple’s True Tone display. It essentially adjusts the color temperature of the screen, depending on the ambient light.

    Finally, the video shows a hardware detection app running on the Pixel 4 XL, revealing key specs of the device. It shows that the handset has a 6.23-inch display with a resolution of 3040×1440 pixels. Powering the handset is the Snapdragon 855 processor paired with 6GB of RAM.

    The second video, on the other hand, reveals all three colors of the Pixel 4 XL. These include a white, black, and a coral/orange version.

    Image Credits: Rabbit TV (YouTube)

    Google is expected to announce the Pixel 4 range sometime in October officially. An exact date isn’t announced so far, though rumor has it that the event could take place on October 15. More leaks about the Pixel 4 are likely to surface as we near its official release. We’ll update you as soon as we hear anything new. Until then, keep checking back for more.

  • New Microsoft Surface Go variant spotted on Geekbench

    New Microsoft Surface Go variant spotted on Geekbench

    Microsoft has scheduled an event on October 2 where the company is expected to introduce several new Surface models. Along with Surface Pro 7, we might also see the introduction of an overhauled Surface Go model. A recent Geekbench listing suggests that the Surface Go might receive a refresh with a new processor to boost overall performance.

    According to the Geekbench listing, the new Surface Go gets powered by the Intel Core m3-8100Y processor, unlike the Pentium Gold 4415Y chipset found on older models.

    The upgrade to a new processor shouldn’t come as a surprise, as Microsoft itself planned to use an m3 chip on the original Surface Go model. However, the company eventually decided to stick with the Pentium Gold version to keep the costs down.

    The Geekbench listing indeed suggests a new Surface Go model might be incoming. That said, it’s unclear whether Microsoft will announce the device at its October event. For now, we can only speculate that it might be the case.

    Microsoft has already confirmed that its next hardware event is scheduled to take place on October 2 in New York City. The software giant is expected to take the wraps off several Surface models at the event. One of the models said to get a refresh is the Surface Pro, likely to be called Surface Pro 7.

    Besides, Microsoft is rumoured to be working on a foldable Surface device for a couple of years now. This dual-screen Surface model is said to come with two separate screens, and might also be unveiled at the October 2 event.

    Microsoft’s hardware event on October 2 is certainly worth keeping an eye on. Besides, more information about new Surface models is likely to show up before their official release. We’ll update you as soon as we hear anything new. Until then, keep checking back for more.

  • Apple Special Event 2019: How to watch iPhone 11 launch stream

    Apple Special Event 2019: How to watch iPhone 11 launch stream

    The iPhone 11 launch is almost upon us. Surprisingly, Apple plans to live stream the iPhone 11 launch event on YouTube, unlike previous years where streaming was limited to its own devices and browsers like Microsoft Edge. Therefore, anyone around the world can easily watch this year’s iPhone launch, regardless of the device or the platform they use. They can watch it on smart TVs, tablets, smartphones, laptops, desktops, as well as on Chromebooks and Linux PCs.

    Besides YouTube, Apple will live stream the event on Apple TV, so all Apple users can watch it on their iPhones and iPads using the Safari browser.

    As to what we can expect at the event. Well, it appears it is going to be a busy launch party. Apart from the trio of iPhone models, Apple is also expected to announce the refreshed Apple Watch. Unconfirmed reports suggest we may not see a new-generation Watch, but an upgraded Apple Watch Series 4 at the event.

    Apple is widely expected to introduce three iPhone models at the event. These will include successors to the current iPhone Xs, iPhone Xs Max, and iPhone Xr. That said, rumor has it that Apple plans to change the naming scheme for its 2019 iPhone lineup. Apple is said to announce the iPhone 11 as the upgraded iPhone XR, alongside the iPhone 11 Pro (iPhone XS successor) and iPhone 11 Pro Max (the top-end model).

    The upcoming iPhones are expected to get similar screens as the current-gen iPhone models, though with larger batteries. The top-of-the-line iPhone 11 Pro is expected to pack three rear cameras. Besides, the selfie camera might also get an upgrade, while one of the rear lenses is expected to boast a 14-megapixel sensor.

    Meanwhile, the iPhone XIR is expected to come with dual-rear cameras, as opposed to a single-lens primary camera found on the current iPhone XR. Besides, analysts at Citi Research suggest that Apple Pencil support might also arrive with new-gen iPhones.

    As far as the release goes, leaks suggest that Apple will unveil its 2019 iPhone range on September 11, while shipping is likely to commence on September 20.

    You can find the embedded YouTube version of the Apple launch event below. Besides, you can also open it via the YouTube app if you’re planning to watch the event on a smartphone or tablet. The event kicks off 10 am Pacific Time on September 10.

  • New Google Pixel 4 leak tips at major camera upgrades

    New Google Pixel 4 leak tips at major camera upgrades

    The Google Pixel 4 is all set for a release sometime in October. Past leaks have given us a fairly good idea about what to expect from Google’s upcoming flagship. Now, the latest rumor tips that massive camera upgrades are on the cards for the Pixel 4. A new report by 9to5Google suggests that the bulky camera on the back of the Pixel 4 will have a new feature called Motion Mode, allowing users to take high-quality action shots with the least amount of blur.

    The report further adds that the popular Night Mode would also get an upgrade. Therefore, users will be able to take even better photos in low-light conditions with the Pixel 4, such as shots of a starry night.

    Key sources indicate that both Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL will pack a dual-lens camera for the first time – a standard 12MP lens and a 16MP telephoto lens. Rumor also has it that the telephoto lens will come with 8x zoom capabilities.

    As per earlier leaks, the Pixel 4 is expected to get powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 855 processor. Besides, leaks also hint at 6GB RAM for both Pixel 4 models, which would be an upgrade on the 4GB RAM found on the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL. However, leaks suggest the Pixel 4 will be offered in 64GB and 128GB storage options, same as last year’s Pixel 3 range.

    Another major feature of the upcoming flagship would be the ability to control the phone and apps with gestures from above the screen. Google teased a video a few months back, which shows off how users will be able to control the Pixel 4 without touching the screen, just by hand gestures. Besides, Google also plans to upgrade the face unlock mechanism with its new Pixel range. The latest video shows how a user unlocks the Pixel 4 by looking at it, similar to how Face ID works.

    Google is expected to launch the Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL sometime in October, while shipping is likely to begin later that month. More leaks about the Pixel 4 are likely to surface as we near its official release. We’ll update you as soon as we hear anything new. Until then, keep checking back for more.

  • Google Pixel users facing issues after Android 10 update

    Google Pixel users facing issues after Android 10 update

    Google recently began rolling out the latest Android 10 update to all Pixel devices. However, several Pixel users have reported issues related to sensors after updating their phones to the newest version of Android. Key sources suggest that some Pixel users are reporting dead sensors after updating to Android 10.

    Several users have come out and reported the issue on XDA Forums, Pixel Phone Help forum, and Google Issue Tracker. With this bug, users are experiencing problems with features such as Active Edge functionality, auto-rotate, auto-brightness, double-tap to wake, and lift-to-wake. Besides, it appears that Pixel 3 XL users are mostly facing the bug, as only one user has reported about the issue on his first-gen Pixel.

    “When I make a phone call, the screen goes dark and no swiping or pressing of the power button brings the screen back on. If the call goes to voicemail, you can’t see the dial pad to respond to prompts,” reads a user complaint on Google Issue Tracker.

    For now, it appears there’s no way to bypass the bug as Google is yet to release a fix for the same. Users affected by the bug have reported that downgrading to Android 9 Pie is one way to get your sensors up and running.

    That said, it doesn’t seem to be a widespread issue. In the meantime, if you haven’t updated to Android 10 on your Pixel yet, we’d suggest that you wait for a few days before going ahead with the update.

    Google started rolling out the latest version of its Android OS to Pixel phone users on Tuesday. As expected, Android 10 brings several tweaks and performance improvements. Some of the highlights in Android 10 include the new gesture system, improved Privacy Settings, new Focus Mode, along with the ability to save photos in HEIF format.

    Android 10 also happens to be the first version of Android that doesn’t have a dessert name. Google decided to ditch dessert-themed names, global users because global found it easier to relate to numbers instead of cookies or desserts.

  • Samsung Galaxy Fold release date announced

    Samsung Galaxy Fold release date announced

    The Samsung Galaxy Fold was originally slated for a release in April. However, the launch got delayed after early reviewers faced issues with the device’s screen. Samsung later officially announced that it had fixed these issues and the device is ready for a release. Now, the Korean manufacturer has revealed an exact release date of the handset. According to Samsung, the Galaxy Fold is now ready for launch and will be available starting September 6 in South Korea.

    The handset will arrive in the US ‘in the coming weeks, said Samsung in a press release. Rumour has it that the handset would launch in the US on September 27. As far as pricing goes, the handset is set to cost a whopping $2000.

    Besides, Samsung also plans to offer something called ‘Galaxy Fold Premier Service”. The service essentially gives Galaxy Fold buyers “”direct access to Samsung experts who can provide you tailored guidance and support over the phone any time, any day.” Key sources also suggest that buyers won’t have to pay for the service separately, as it’ll be included in the price of the Galaxy Fold.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E9ydQoi2VbA

    To recall, Samsung initially pushed back the handset’s launch after reviewers faced several hardware issues with the device. Though the company later confirmed that it had made several changes to the Galaxy Fold to resolve the problems with the screen discovered by early reviewers.

    To begin with, the top protective layer of the Infinity Flex display now covers the bezels as well. Hence, everything looks proper now as early reviewers assumed it was screen protector and tried to peel it off, thereby damaging the screen.

    Next, Samsung has added more metal layers under the screen to make it more durable. Also, the space between the body and the hinge has been reduced. Elsewhere, Samsung also claims there are additional reinforcements now to protect the screen from external debris. Finally, the company has strengthened the top and bottom of the hinge with more protective particles.

    “Samsung is conducting final product tests to make Galaxy Fold available to consumers starting from September in select markets. Availability details will be shared as we get closer to launch,” the company added in the press release.

    Hopefully, Samsung is now ready to launch the Galaxy Fold starting September 6, without any issues that were discovered in early review units of the handset.

  • Android 10 arrives on Pixel phones

    Android 10 arrives on Pixel phones

    Android 10 has officially arrived. Google started rolling out the latest version of its Android OS to Pixel phone users on Tuesday. As expected, Android 10 brings several tweaks and performance improvements. Though for the most part, Android 10 appears to be an incremental update as users may not notice some of the new features immediately.

    Some of the highlights in Android 10 include the new gesture system. For instance, you’ll need to swipe right from the screen’s left edge to back, instead of just pressing the back button found in earlier versions of Android. Users can also swipe left or right on the bottom of the screen to scroll through their recently used apps.

    Another significant change is the new Privacy settings. In Android 10, all privacy settings like app permissions, account activity, and personal data are found in one place. Now, this is much unlike Android 9, where users need to find app privacy settings within each app. With the latest version of Android, users can customize how apps on their smartphone access their location data. They can choose between three options; all the time, only when they use the app, or never. Moreover, it even reminds users if they allowed apps to access their location all the time.

    Elsewhere, Android 10 devices will get security updates like an app update in the Google Play Store. The whole idea is to make it faster and easier for users to get the latest security updates.

    Besides, there’s a new Focus mode, which allows users’ to temporarily pause apps which they might find distracting while performing som other tasks.

    Android 10 also allows users to save photos in HEIF format, which essentially uses less space without comprising on quality. Therefore, photos look just as good as the earlier JPEG format, without consuming too much space on the phone.

    There’s also a new app called Sound Amplifier. As the name suggests, it allows users to boost the sound they want to hear by filtering out the background noise. However, the feature only works with wired headphones.

    Android 10 also happens to be the first version of Android that doesn’t have a dessert name. Google decided to ditch dessert-themed names as global users found it easier to relate to numbers.

    As is usually the case with major updates, Android 10 will arrive in phases. Hence, not all Pixel users might have received the update right away. Users, however, can manually check if the update is available by heading over to Settings> System> Advanced> System Update.

  • State-backed effort responsible for the massive iPhone hack: Report

    State-backed effort responsible for the massive iPhone hack: Report

    Google’s Project Zero team recently found multiple flaws in iOS that allowed hackers to gain access to an iPhone. The attack involved a small group of websites which targeted visitors’ devices to gain access to their personal information, as well as location data. Besides, the attack could also gather encrypted information from apps such as WhatsApp, iMessage, and Telegram.

    According to sources, such websites have been running for two years, during which thousands of visitors possibly accessed them every week. Apple, however, was quick to roll out a fix for the flaw in iOS 12.1.4. Apple revealed in the update that the vulnerability, referred to as ‘memory corruption issues’, was fixed with ‘improved input validation. Hence, iPhone owners are most likely protected against these exploits, as a fix was rolled out for the same with iOS 12.1.4 on February 7.

    That said, the perpetrator behind these attacks remained a mystery. Now, thanks to some digging by TechCrunch, it turns out that the culprit behind these attacks was the Chinese government.

    The attack was apparently part of a campaign to gather surveillance on a minority Muslim group in China, the Uyghur community, residing in China’s Xinjiang territory. The Chinese government claims that Islamists militants and separatists target the country’s Xinjiang region. Reports indicate that China has forced nearly 2 million people from the Uyghur community and Muslim minorities into camps for indoctrination, prompting activists to call on China to stop such mass detention efforts.

    Google revealed in its disclosure that merely visiting the infected sites was enough for the exploit to attack your device. Therefore, even people outside the Uyghur community may have been affected by this state-sponsored spy effort. Key sources also indicate that not only iPhone users were affected by the attack, but even devices running Android and Microsoft’s operating systems. With thousands of visitors accessing such malicious websites, it allowed the Chinese government to capture their private data as well as their location data.

  • 2020 Ford Explorer Hybrid offers better mileage and more power

    2020 Ford Explorer Hybrid offers better mileage and more power

    The EPA has revealed fuel economy estimates for the 2020 Ford Explorer Hybrid, making it a viable option for those on the lookout for a green SUV. The estimates indicate that the rear-wheel-drive variant of the SUV offers a better fuel economy compared to its all-wheel-drive sibling.

    The rear-wheel-drive model of Ford’s latest hybrid churns out 27 miles-per-gallon in the city, 29 miles-per-gallon on highways, and 28 miles-per-gallon combined. In comparison, the all-wheel-drive model will deliver 23 miles-per-gallon in the city, 26 miles-per-gallon on highways, and 25 miles-per-gallon combined.

    The new Ford Explorer Hybrid certainly won’t disappoint when it comes to long trips. The rear-wheel-drive variant offers a range of more than 500 miles between fill-ups. The all-wheel-drive, on the other hand, has a range of 450 miles between fill-ups. Not only has it the ability to deliver on long trips, but it also has the towing power. The latest hybrid model has the power to lift up to 5,600 pounds.

    The 2020 Ford Explorer Hybrid will rival the likes of Toyota’s Highlander Hybrid SUV when it launches. However, sources indicate that Ford’s latest hybrid still can’t beat Toyota’s Highlander Hybrid when it comes to fuel economy. The Japanese automaker’s 2019 all-wheel-drive model churns out 28 miles-per-gallon combined, while its upcoming 2020 Highlander Hybrid is expected to deliver an estimated 34 miles-per-gallon combined.

  • FTC and AT&T settle data slowdon lawsuit

    FTC and AT&T settle data slowdon lawsuit

    The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and AT&T have reached an agreement over a data throttling lawsuit, which accused the carrier of slowing down data sent to wireless devices. A federal court ruling has revealed that the two parties agreed to a settlement on August 2, and requested a 90-day stay so that FCC can review and vote on the agreement. That said, the value of the settlement remains unknown. Key sources, however, suggest that the deal will include an injunction as well as a monetary payment.

    To recall, the FTC sued AT&T in 2014 for throttling unlimited data plans without clearly informing its customers. The commission stated that the carrier didn’t do enough to notify or warn customers that it massively slows down their data after it reaches a specific limit. FTC’s primary concern was AT&T’s integrity and honesty, as the carrier changed the terms of use for subscribers without providing them with proper information.

    In response, AT&T claimed that the FTC’s lawsuit was ‘baseless’ as only 3 percent of customers were affected by the change of terms, who were eventually notified of data throttling over text. That said, FTC argued that AT&T didn’t give its customers an apparent warning, which applied to users that subscribed to AT&T’s early unlimited data plans.

    While back in 2016, an appeals court stated that AT&T’S ‘common carrier status’ implied that they don’t need to reveal the throttle as per FTC. In 2018, however, a federal court allowed FTC to move forward with its case against AT&T, stating that data services weren’t part of the common carrier status.

    It remains to be seen what FTC’s settlement with AT&T would mean for the rest of the industry, as many carriers in the country now practice data throttling. New research claims that carriers in the US are involved in more aggressive data throttling practices than what they’ve led subscribers to believe. The study found that the big four carriers in the US aggressively throttle data, irrespective of network congestion.