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Mobile

Do JBL’s earbuds really need a “smart” case?

JBL is one of the leaders when it comes to audio products. Its Flip 5 is still one of the best small speakers in my opinion. And, at its IFA event, JBL unveiled its new one-of-a-kind wireless earbuds aimed at disrupting the wireless audio market. The company launched its Tour Pro 2 wireless earbuds. While the earbuds themselves look like every other TWS in the market, it comes with a charging case that features a 1.45-inch LED touchscreen display.

That’s right: the case of the Tour Pro 2 comes with a full-fledged LED display that lets you perform a number of actions without picking up your smartphone. These include changing music, answering calls, sending messages, and even checking social media notifications and battery levels. When not in use, you can set it to show one of the preset wallpapers. JBL is advertising this as a productivity feature, especially for those who don’t already own a smartwatch or keep their phone in an easily accessible pocket.

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While the idea seems interesting, I’m not sure how the extra screen adds value to the product. If I have to take a device to switch songs and check notifications, won’t I just use my smartphone in the first place? It seems we’ll have to wait and see how practical the screen actually is, though having the option to control stuff from your case is also nice.

Even though the display seems a little gimmicky at the moment, the earbuds are not short on audio features (its primary purpose). The earbuds use 10mm dynamic audio drivers to create ‘pro’ sound. The earbuds also offer true adaptive noise canceling. It features am ambient sound mode using which you can focus on what is going on around you. For those who make tons of calls using earbuds, there is a six-mic combination on the earbuds that should ensure a crisp and clear voice call. They’re also future-proof, thanks to Bluetooth 5.3 and LE Audio support.


What puts me off

With great power comes great responsibility, and with new features comes a great price tag. JBL says the Tour Pro 2 earbuds will retail for $249 in the US or €249 in Europe. This means that the Tour Pro 2 would cost customers ~25% (or $70) more than Apple’s AirPods Pro or the new Samsung Galaxy Buds.

Does paying a $70 premium for a smart case make sense? Although it’s too early to judge — the device won’t be available until January of next year — I still have reservations about the practicality of the display. And the fact that an extra display could lead to somewhat increased weight, size, and overall weaker battery life (though JBL claims should last 40 hours on a single charge) also make me a tad bit wary about the device.

Nonetheless, we are not going to make our judgment solely based on price and specs. We will be covering these earbuds extensively when they are available in the US next year, so make sure to check back! In the meantime, tell us about your thoughts on the new JBL Tour Pro 2 earbuds. Do drop a comment and let us know!

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Apple

Users not seeing macOS Monterey 12.1 update on M1 Macs

Apple yesterday officially released macOS Monterey 12.1 for all users. However, the update, which comes with SharePlay, Apple Music Voice Plan, Hide My Email, and other enhancements, is not showing up for everyone – that’s what some M1 Mac users have been saying.

While the latest version of macOS 12.1 should be available to everyone, it seems that some users are unable to download and install it. More specifically, it seems that the issue has been affecting users of Macs with the M1, M1 Pro, and M1 Max chips.

Microsoft journalist and Senior Cloud Developer Advocate Christina Warren reported on Twitter that the macOS 12.1 update is simply not showing up in the System Preferences app. Other Mac users on Reddit also seem to be experiencing the same problem.

Anyone else having issues installing macOS 12.1 on an M1 Max? I get prompted for latest Xcode tools but nothing for macOS itself and I can’t force it. Some people on Reddit resort to recovery mode but I don’t want to do that.

Unfortunately, there doesn’t seem to be an easy workaround for this problem so far. 9to5Mac’s Bradley Chambers tried to download the full installer of macOS Monterey from the App Store, but the download gets stuck at 52%. Warren mentioned on Twitter that she had the same issue.

For now, the only solution to update affected Macs is to enter Recovery Mode and reinstall macOS, as the tool will download the latest version of the operating system. Apple is yet to acknowledge the issue.

Were you able to update your Mac to macOS Monterey 12.1? Let us know in the comments below.

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Gadgets

Fire Diffuser Portable Humidifier provides a cool mist and colorful glow for any room » Gadget Flow

Judging a gadget by its size is a mistake, and that’s especially true with the Fire Diffuser Portable Humidifier. This device may be little, but it provides a refreshing mist to humidify your space. Great for use at home, in the car, or at the office, it’ll look great in any space. Choose from black, pink, and white color options depending on your style. Or go for one of each to use in different spaces! It’ll act as an air freshener to provide delicious aromas depending on the season. Furthermore, this humidifier and diffuser combo device works with essential oils. So you can liven up your space with your favorite scents. Use the included USB cable to keep it powered up. And follow the included instructions to set it up with ease.


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Gadgets

COVE wearable device for sleep improves your sleep quality and reduces your stress levels » Gadget Flow

Take steps to improve your well-being with the COVE wearable device for sleep. This smart device helps to improve your sleep quality and lower stress levels naturally, without any harmful side effects. Its effectiveness is all down to the carefully calibrated vibrations which, when applied to the skin, elicit a calm, meditative state. As a result, you’ll feel more optimistic, relaxed, and rejuvenated. COVE offers 20-minute sessions to activate a calming pathway. Compared to competitive bedtime gadgets, you can use this wearable device throughout the day. So you schedule some self-care time to feel more relaxed in the day and rest better at night. Finally, sync this gadget to the app to track your heart rate, record your sleep, monitor stress levels, and more.


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Tech

Ajit Pai and Tom Wheeler agree: The FAA is behaving badly in battle against FCC

Then-Federal Communications Commission Chairman Tom Wheeler and FCC Commissioner Ajit Pai smiling and talking to each other before a Congressional hearing.
Enlarge / Then-Federal Communications Commission Chairman Tom Wheeler (L) and FCC Commissioner Ajit Pai talk before testifying to the House Judiciary Committee on March 25, 2015 in Washington, DC.

Six former chairs of the Federal Communications Commission yesterday criticized the Federal Aviation Administration’s fight against a new 5G rollout on spectrum that the FCC has studied and deemed safe to use. Republicans Ajit Pai and Michael Powell joined with Democrats Tom Wheeler, Mignon Clyburn, Julius Genachowski, and Michael Copps in writing a letter describing their concerns about how the FAA has tried to undermine public confidence in the FCC’s decision-making process.

“The FAA should work with the FCC and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA)… to assess and resolve the FAA’s concerns expeditiously, but this debate should not be fought publicly in a way that undermines consumer confidence in the process, nor should it require months of additional delays,” said the six former chairs’ letter, which was sent to FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel and NTIA acting Administrator Evelyn Remaley.

The “FAA position threatens to derail the reasoned conclusions reached by the FCC after years of technical analysis and study,” the former chairs also wrote.

AT&T and Verizon have already delayed their 5G launches on the new spectrum to assuage the FAA’s concerns, but the carriers plan to move ahead with the deployments next month.

No evidence of harm

Nearly 40 other countries are using C-band spectrum for 5G without any reports of interference to airplanes’ radio altimeters. As we wrote previously, the FCC in February 2020 approved mobile carriers’ use of C-Band spectrum from 3.7 to 3.98 GHz only after analyzing the aviation industry’s interference claims and finding no credible evidence of harm to altimeters, which use spectrum from 4.2 to 4.4 GHz.

To be safe, the FCC required carriers to follow power limits and created a 220 MHz guard band that will remain unused to protect altimeters from any possible interference from 5G transmissions. The FCC decision said the aviation industry’s research was unrealistic and that “well-designed equipment should not ordinarily receive any significant interference (let alone harmful interference) given these circumstances.”

Over a year after the aviation industry’s objections were dismissed by the FCC due to a lack of evidence, unnamed FAA officials tried to revive the debate by leaking their concerns to The Wall Street Journal. The FAA followed that up by issuing a November 2 bulletin that warned of “potential adverse effects on radio altimeters” even though the FAA bulletin acknowledged there have been no “proven reports of harmful interference” in the many countries where this spectrum is already used.

Former chairs say FCC acted on the evidence

The former FCC chairs’ letter said the agency’s 2020 decision on C-band spectrum “followed almost two years of careful review of the public record,” during which other federal agencies were given the chance “to raise—and defend with reliable data—their concerns about interference from transitioning spectrum to new uses.”

“At the end of this process, an FCC decision is reached that reflects the input of all stakeholders and its technical experts on the effective transition of spectrum, consistent with its statutory charge to ensure that new systems do not cause harmful interference,” the former chairs wrote. “In turn, this decision-making approach provides wireless companies or other license holders with the confidence necessary to invest in the networks that will deliver the innovation that will ensure the US remains the technology leader of the world.”

That’s how it’s supposed to work, but the FAA actions threaten to derail the process, the letter concluded:

In this case, the FAA position threatens to derail the reasoned conclusions reached by the FCC after years of technical analysis and study. We encourage all stakeholders to work together toward a speedy resolution of the issues in this band, and to ensure these surprises do not become a recurring feature of American spectrum management in the future.

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Mobile

Galaxy S21 FE colors leak as Samsung announcement inches closer

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Apple

Apple Watch users can ‘Ring in the New Year’ with fitness challenge

As Apple typically introduces Activity Challenges for Apple Watch users on commemorative dates, the company will soon be promoting a “Ring in the New Year Challenge.” The challenge will offer special achievements during January 2022.

Apple Watch Activity Challenges are meant to promote using the watch for fitness and act as a way for Apple to guide users into taking advantage of the workout tracking features. In order to win the next award, Apple Watch users must close all three activity rings for seven consecutive days.

That means standing for at least one minute of 12 different hours, meeting the recommended 30 minutes of exercise per day, and burning your personal goal of active calories throughout the day.

Start 2022 on a high note. Earn this award by closing all three rings for seven days in a row in January.

As usual, users who complete the challenge will receive not only a special achievement in the Fitness app, but also unique stickers for iMessage and FaceTime. The challenge will run from January 7, 2022 to January 31, 2022, and Apple Watch users will be notified a few days before the challenge begins.

Are you planning to close your rings in January to get the New Year Achievement? Let us know in the comments below.

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Tech

YouTube TV warns it may lose all Disney-owned channels amid contract dispute

YouTube app icon on a TV screen.

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YouTube TV yesterday warned that it could lose all Disney-owned channels after Friday because of a contract dispute and said it will temporarily reduce its price by $15 a month if that happens.

“We’re now in negotiations with Disney to continue distributing their content on YouTube TV so you can continue watching everything from your favorite teams on ESPN to The Bachelor to Good Morning America. Our deal expires on Friday, December 17, and we haven’t been able to reach an equitable agreement yet, so we wanted to give you an early heads up so that you can understand your choices,” the Google-owned YouTube wrote in a blog post.

“[I]f we are unable to reach a deal by Friday, the Disney-owned channels will no longer be available on YouTube TV and we will decrease our monthly price by $15, from $64.99 to $49.99 (while this content remains off our platform),” the blog post said. YouTube noted that users can pause or cancel their YouTube TV subscriptions at any time and subscribe to the Disney Bundle for $13.99 a month.

YouTube’s statement that it wants “equitable” terms indicates that it is seeking a most-favored-nation (MFN) clause from Disney. “Our ask to Disney, as with all our partners, is to treat YouTube TV like any other TV provider—by offering us the same rates that services of a similar size pay, across Disney’s channels for as long as we carry them. If Disney offers us equitable terms, we’ll renew our agreement with them,” YouTube wrote.

When contacted by Ars, Disney said that the contract is scheduled to expire on Friday at 11:59 pm ET and covers “the ABC Owned Television Stations, the ESPN networks, the Disney channels, Freeform, the FX networks, and the National Geographic channels.” Disney expressed confidence that the companies can avoid a blackout:

Disney Media and Entertainment Distribution has a highly successful track record of negotiating such agreements with providers of all types and sizes across the country and is committed to working with Google to reach a fair, market-based agreement. We are optimistic that we can reach a deal and continue to provide their YouTube TV customers with our live sporting events and news coverage, plus kids, family, and general entertainment programming.

YouTube settled disputes with NBC and Roku

YouTube’s demand for an MFN clause was also one of the sticking points in its recent dispute with the Comcast-owned NBCUniversal. In that case, the companies had to agree to a short extension to avoid a blackout when the original contract expired. One day later, they announced a multiyear deal to keep NBC on YouTube TV.

The YouTube/NBC negotiations were contentious partly because NBCUniversal asked YouTube TV to bundle Peacock, the NBC streaming service that has apparently failed to get many paying subscribers. A Disney spokesperson told Ars that Disney did not ask YouTube TV to bundle Disney+.

A recent dispute between Roku and Google resulted in the YouTube TV app being pulled from the Roku Channel Store. Google and Roku reached a deal to end that impasse last week, one day before the regular YouTube app would have been removed from the Roku store.

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Mobile

WhatsApp now hides ‘Last Seen’ from strangers by default

Whatsapp featured

WhatsApp has been working on including a ton of features in the past few months, such as the disappearing messages, sticker creator, message reactions, redesigned apps, and so much more. In the latest release, WhatsApp is now rolling out a new privacy measure that will hide your “Last seen” status from people who you hadn’t added to your contact list by default, instead of letting “everyone” see when you were last online.


While the ‘new’ feature may actually be new to WhatsApp, it had been added to several other popular messaging platforms such as Telegram a long time ago. Needless to say, the more privacy options, the better, and it’s great to see this finally appear on one of the most popular messaging services (via WABetaInfo).

In a Twitter post, a user asks WhatsApp why they haven’t been able to see the “Last seen” information from other users. Another user replied, showing an email, explaining how the new feature works. The email says that WhatsApp is “making it harder for people you don’t know and haven’t chatted with from seeing your last seen and online presence on WhatsApp. This will not change anything between you and your friends, family, and business who you know or have previously messaged.”

The option previously allowed anyone to stalk you online, and see when you were “last seen” by default. A few third-party apps may have used this feature for other than what they were supposed to, and it’s good to know that this tracking information will be cut off by default from now. There will also be an additional “Nobody” option in settings, letting users completely hide from everyone when they were last online.

What are your thoughts about the new feature? Will you completely hide your online presence on WhatsApp, or still allow your contacts to see when you were last online? Let us know in the comments below!


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Tech

Hackers launch over 840,000 attacks through Log4J flaw

Hackers launch over 840,000 attacks through Log4J flaw

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Hackers including Chinese state-backed groups have launched more than 840,000 attacks on companies globally since last Friday, according to researchers, through a previously unnoticed vulnerability in a widely used piece of open-source software called Log4J.

Cyber security group Check Point said the attacks relating to the vulnerability had accelerated in the 72 hours since Friday, and that at some points its researchers were seeing more than 100 attacks a minute.

Perpetrators include “Chinese government attackers,” according to Charles Carmakal, chief technology officer of cyber company Mandiant.

The flaw in Log4J allows attackers to easily gain remote control over computers running apps in Java, a popular programming language.

Jen Easterly, director of the US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), told industry executives that the vulnerability was “one of the most serious I’ve seen in my entire career, if not the most serious,” according to US media reports. Hundreds of millions of devices are likely to be affected, she said.

Check Point said that in many cases, the hackers were taking control of computers to use them to mine cryptocurrency, or to become part of botnets, vast networks of computers that can be used to overwhelm websites with traffic, to send spam, or for other illegal purposes.

Both CISA and the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre have now issued alerts urging organizations to make upgrades related to the Log4J vulnerability, as experts attempt to assess the fallout. Amazon, Apple, IBM, Microsoft, and Cisco are among those that have rushed to put out fixes, but no severe breaches have been reported publicly so far.

The vulnerability is the latest to hit corporate networks, after the emergence of flaws in the past year in commonly used software from Microsoft and IT company SolarWinds. Both these weaknesses were initially exploited by state-backed espionage groups from China and Russia respectively.

Mandiant’s Carmakal said that Chinese state-backed actors were also attempting to exploit the Log4J bug but declined to share further details. Researchers at SentinelOne have also told media that they have observed Chinese hackers taking advantage of the vulnerability.

According to Check Point, nearly half of all attacks have been conducted by known cyber attackers. These included groups using Tsunami and Mirai—malware that turns devices into botnets, or networks used to launch remotely controlled hacks such as denial of service attacks. It also included groups using XMRig, a software that mines the hard-to-trace digital currency Monero.

“With this vulnerability, attackers gain almost unlimited power—they can extract sensitive data, upload files to the server, delete data, install ransomware or pivot to other servers,” Nicholas Sciberras, head of engineering at vulnerability scanner Acunetix, said. It was “astonishingly easy” to deploy an attack, he said, adding that it would “be exploited for months to come.”

The source of the vulnerability is faulty code developed by unpaid volunteers at the non-profit Apache Software Foundation, which runs multiple open source projects, raising questions about the security of vital parts of IT infrastructure. Log4J has been downloaded millions of times.

The flaw has existed unnoticed since 2013, experts say. Matthew Prince, chief executive of cyber group Cloudflare, said it started to be actively exploited from December 1, although there was no “evidence of mass exploitation until after public disclosure” from Apache the following week.

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