Technology
I am once again asking you to update your Apple devices
Effectively, right here we’re once more: I’m writing an article to inform you that it’s best to actually replace your iPhone, iPad, or Mac as quickly as potential, as a result of the most recent software program for them fixes some fairly nasty bugs. The safety notes for iOS / iPadOS 15.6.1 and macOS 12.5.1 describe fixes for bugs within the OS’ kernel (principally the core that controls every little thing) and WebKit that might enable attackers to run malicious code in your machine. The notes additionally warn that the bugs might have actively been exploited.
That is, sadly, one thing just like the third or fourth time I’m writing a submit explicitly asking folks to replace their iPhones or Macs to patch some fairly critical safety flaws. And the reality is, I might’ve written this actual submit much more instances than that — there have been 13 updates to iOS 15 since its preliminary launch, and 9 of them have fastened some kind of arbitrary code execution bug. Oftentimes a few of these bugs would enable attackers to acquire kernel privileges.
What’s extra, 5 of these safety updates included the “Apple is conscious of a report that this concern might have been actively exploited” warning.
So whilst you’ve in all probability executed this loads of instances this 12 months (and, actually, the years earlier than that), I’m going to repeat the steps to replace your telephone: go to Settings > Common > Software program Replace. On the Mac, go to System Preferences > Software program Replace.
Fixed safety updates aren’t essentially a foul factor. Positive, they could possibly be a sign that a number of bugs are slipping into software program, however they might simply as simply imply that an organization has gotten actually good at discovering current points and stamping them out. The rationale I’m stating Apple’s current observe file isn’t to disgrace it, however to remind everybody that updates today are fairly necessary, and that they need to be put in ASAP.
Sure, it’s truly actually annoying to continually replace your laptop or telephone. Nobody desires their units knocked out of fee for the couple of minutes it takes to put in an replace. However Apple is engaged on a method to make necessary safety updates simpler and extra computerized.
iOS and iPadOS 16, together with macOS Ventura, will embody one thing referred to as “Speedy Safety Response,” which looks as if it’ll let Apple push safety updates to your machine that don’t require a restart. Whereas some updates will in all probability nonetheless require a reboot (it’s laborious to patch a difficulty with a kernel whereas the OS is operating), the characteristic might take away at the very least among the burden of retaining your machine safe.
The corporate’s additionally introducing an “excessive” safety setting referred to as Lockdown Mode, although most individuals gained’t need to flip it on. Apple says Lockdown Mode will flip off a number of options which are particularly susceptible to safety flaws, and that it’s largely meant for individuals who suppose they might be focused by professional hackers, equivalent to those employed by governments. If that’s you, the characteristic ought to be out there when iOS 16 and macOS Ventura launch. (Plus, wow, you sound very cool. Or very scary.)
The remainder of us, although, can simply be certain to maintain updating our units every time new safety patches come out — irrespective of how annoying that’s or how incessantly it occurs.
Technology
Here’s how the latest iPad Pro compares to the new iPad Air
Ultrawide: ƒ/2.4 aperture
(USB‑C)
(USB‑C)
(USB‑C)
(USB‑C)
(USB‑C)
(USB‑C)
(USB‑C)
for iPad Pro (M4)
for iPad Pro (M4)
Technology
Compression-mounted laptop RAM is fast, efficient, and upgradeable
The first laptop with LPCAMM2 memory is finally here. The folks at iFixit got their hands on the Lenovo ThinkPad P1 (Gen 7), which uses LPDDR5X memory in an LPCAMM2 module that you can upgrade or replace by simply unscrewing from the laptop’s motherboard.
That’s a major change from existing LPDDR memory in most modern laptops. This type of memory is typically soldered onto the motherboard, making it much more difficult to upgrade. LPCAMM2 — or Low-Power Compression-Attached Memory Module — offers modularity without losing the power efficiency of LPDDR.
Image: iFixit and Image: iFixit
Traditional DDR RAM uses SODIMM sticks that slot into the motherboard, much like on desktop PCs. As pointed out by iFixit, LPDDR is much more power-efficient, but it needs to be soldered directly to the mainboard, as close to the processor as possible. Up until now, manufacturers have had to choose between upgradeable RAM and power-efficient RAM. LPCAMM2 attempts to split the difference by cozying up to the motherboard with screws, rather than solder. And unlike SODIMM sticks, each LPCAMM2 module is dual-channel, so you only need one, not two.
As shown in the hands-on video posted by iFixit, you can replace the LPCAMM2 in Lenovo’s new ThinkPad P1 by removing the laptop’s backing and then taking out the battery. From there, you can take out the LPCAMM2 by removing three Phillips-head screws.
In addition to Micron, Samsung and ADATA are also getting in on LPCAMM2. That will hopefully mean you’ll be able to upgrade your memory if it comes with a measly 8GB of RAM, but we likely can’t count on every manufacturer to make the shift.
Technology
Hollywood hijacked: The AI takeover of Tinseltown’s films to fake out Americans
If you’re a fan who counts down the days to upcoming movie releases for your favorite characters, you may also be a big fan of movie trailers. So, you may be quite angry if you believe you’ve stumbled on a secret movie trailer on YouTube that looks like the real thing, only to discover artificial intelligence duped you.
Although people have been creating fake movie trailers for quite a while and releasing them on platforms like YouTube, readily available artificial intelligence apps make the process far easier. A recent fake AI movie trailer for the James Bond movie franchise – that appeared to show Henry Cavill as the new Bond character – became quite popular, generating almost 4 million views in two weeks.
However, the trailer was a fake from KH Studio. Judging from the comments on YouTube, its quality was more than good enough to dupe many viewers who thought they were viewing the real thing. Because it generated so many views, other creators are sure to look to do something similar.
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Why fake AI movie trailers scare Hollywood
AI technology played a key role in the recent labor talks in Hollywood between studios and the actor’s and writer’s unions. The union members wanted guarantees about how studios would use AI that would protect their jobs and creative rights.
The fake movie trailers highlight some of the biggest fears of the creatives in Hollywood. They fear filmmakers could upload existing material into AI software, allowing the AI to generate new material without needing writers or actors. Perhaps AI software could even reboot original TV shows and movies from decades ago with images of the actors as they looked in their younger days.
Those generating fake AI movie trailers currently don’t have a film studio’s financial resources or computing power. Yet, they are already fooling some people into believing the trailers are real. Without safeguards in place, those studios could potentially use their significant resources in the near future to generate AI content that simply isn’t distinguishable from the real thing.
MORE: AI’S IMPACT ON HOLLYWOOD AMID ‘BARBENHEIMER’ EPIC FRENZY
The proliferation of fake movie trailers on YouTube
You don’t have to search hard online for advice and step-by-step instructions for creating fake movie trailers. Such instructions include information on mimicking the audio, graphics and video to make the trailer look realistic. They can even help you create a fictional description to accompany the YouTube upload.
Those who create these trailers often are simply looking for ways to show off their creativity – while generating plenty of views for potential monetization.
One creator well-known for these types of movies is Abandoned Films on YouTube. This creator uses a combination of AI and Photoshop to generate fake trailers for modern television shows and films that feature camera technology from the 1950s and 1960s.
Another YouTube creator, Curious Refuge, uses AI to generate movie trailers as if they’re filmed in the style of American filmmaker Wes Anderson.
MORE: REAL OR FAKE? AI PRODUCT REVIEWS ARE MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE TO KNOW THE DIFFERENCE
Protecting creativity and authenticity
As AI advances, the entertainment industry must work closely with technology companies to establish robust safeguards. This may involve developing digital watermarking techniques, improving trailer authentication processes, and ensuring that AI-generated content is clearly labeled. Preserving the integrity of the moviegoing experience will be crucial in this rapidly evolving landscape.
MORE: ARE AI DEEPFAKES THE END OF ACTING AS WE KNOW IT?
Kurt’s key takeaways
No one likes to have the wool pulled over their eyes, especially Hollywood stars. Whether you enjoy the creativity found in fake movie trailers generated with AI or you agree with users on Reddit’s YouTube forum who absolutely hate them, they aren’t going to disappear any time soon. With Hollywood concerned about how AI may affect the entertainment industry, these fake AI movie trailers will surely receive increased attention as they become more prevalent and look more realistic.
Do you believe fake AI movie trailers are something akin to fan fiction? Or do such trailers represent a violation of the rights of the creator of the original works? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.
For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter.
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