Saturday, 30 November 2024
Severe Cyber Attack at Dewan Farooque Motors Corrupts Data and Crashes Servers
A cyber-attack crippled Dewan Farooque Motors Limited (DFML), corrupting key corporate data and crashing servers.
The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) received notice of the incident on Friday. DFML told stakeholders that restoring its information systems and financial data, including information from the first quarter ending September 30, 2024, will be a lengthy process.
We regret to inform you that owing to malware and cyber-attack our IT servers have been crashed, and data have been corrupted badly, resulting in postponing the board meeting. Accordingly, you are informed that the board meeting has been postponed till the time of its restoration.
Finer details such as how much data loss occurred, the amount of monetary loss, or how long will it take to restore its data and other services remain unclear. However, the damage to the company’s publicly available financials was apparent.
In the wake of the cyber-attack announcement, DFML’s stock plummeted. Shares fell by Rs. 1.34, or 3.37%, closing at Rs. 38.44.
A cyber-attack, in which criminals use one or more computers to target computers or networks, can disrupt operations, steal information, or create a base for further attacks. This type of assault previously impacted Pak Suzuki Motor Company (PSMC) in April, when data was leaked following a cyber-attack.
At the time, PSMC stated that initial findings indicated data from a server, including HR and financial information, had been transferred to a public internet protocol address.
Haier Named Official Partner of the Australian Open for 2025-2027
Haier announced today it is the official TV and Appliance partner of the Australian Open and Summer of Tennis events. The two sides marked the partnership with an announcement ceremony in Melbourne, underscoring Haier’s global commitment to sports and enhancing quality of life worldwide.
Over the next three years, Haier will collaborate with the Australian Open—one of the world’s premier sporting events—to highlight its cutting-edge smart home innovations. The partnership aims to deliver immersive fan experiences by integrating advanced technologies in home appliances, including kitchen, laundry, and climate control systems, with the excitement of world-class tennis.
Li Huagang, Senior Vice President of Haier Group and Chairman and CEO of Haier Smart Home, commented on the alliance: “This partnership with the Australian Open marks a critical step in our globalization efforts, showcasing our commitment to sports and innovation. The Australian Open, as one of the four Grand Slam tournaments, aligns perfectly with Haier’s commitment to bring consumers worldwide more creations and possibilities, as well as groundbreaking smart home solutions.”
Craig Tiley, CEO of Tennis Australia, shared his enthusiasm for the new partnership, stating: “We are delighted to welcome Haier as an official partner of the Australian Open. Haier’s dedication to innovation and quality aligns perfectly with the values of our sport and events. This collaboration will not only elevate the fan experience but also introduce cutting-edge technology that adds a fresh and dynamic dimension to the summer of tennis.”
In recent years, Haier launched “Play with Number One,” a global initiative celebrating its legacy of quality and sustainability in smart home solutions. The spirit of “Play with Number One” embodies the same tenacity and pursuit of excellence that propels elite athletes – the relentless dedication to pushing boundaries and achieving greatness.
Just as tennis champions devote countless hours perfecting their serve and mastering every stroke, Haier’s entrepreneurial journey reflects a similar devotion to excellence – transforming from a small refrigerator factory into a global pioneer in smart home technologies. This remarkable evolution demonstrates the power of unwavering determination and bold innovation, qualities that resonate deeply with the sporting spirit of champions.
vivo S20 Series Launched With Upper Mid-Range Specs
The primary distinctions between these two smartphones lie in their chipsets, camera configurations, and battery capacities, offering choices based on user preferences.
Design and Display
The vivo S20 series boasts 6.67-inch AMOLED displays with Full HD+ resolution. Both models offer a 120Hz refresh rate, boasting a peak brightness of an impressive 4,500 nits, ensuring excellent visibility even in bright conditions. The S20 features a flat display, while the S20 Pro offers a quad-curved panel, giving it a more premium appearance and feel.Both Phones also come with in-display optical fingerprint scanners for an added layer of convenience.
Internals and Software
Under the hood, the vivo S20 is powered by the efficient Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 chipset. In contrast, the S20 Pro leaps forward with the flagship MediaTek Dimensity 9300+ SoC, which supports Wi-Fi 7 and 5.5G connectivity in China. Both smartphones operate on OriginOS 5, based on Android 15.
Camera
The S20 comes equipped with a 50MP main camera featuring the OV50E sensor and optical image stabilization (OIS). Additionally, it includes an 8MP ultrawide lens, complemented by Vivo’s Aura Light circular LED flash. The S20 Pro has an upgraded 50MP main shooter (using a different sensor), also with OIS, and adds a 50MP ultrawide lens. It offers a 3x periscope zoom lens.
Battery and Pricing
The vivo S20 impresses with a substantial 6,500mAh battery, supporting 80W fast charging. Meanwhile, the S20 Pro features a slightly smaller 5,500mAh battery but compensates with even faster 90W charging.
The vivo S20 is available in three color options: Phoenix Feather Gold, Jade Dew White, and Pine Smoke Ink, with a starting price of CNY 2,299 ($317) for the 8GB/256GB model. The vivo S20 Pro offers color choices like Phoenix Feather Gold, Purple Air, and Pine Smoke Ink, with a starting price of CNY 3,399 ($468) for the 12GB/256GB variant.
Both models are currently available for pre-order on Vivo’s official Chinese website, with eagerly anticipated deliveries expected to commence on December 12, marking an exciting opportunity for consumers to experience these innovative smartphones.
Vivo S20 Series Specifications
| Vivo S20 | Vivo S20 Pro | |
| Chipset | Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 (4 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 9300+ (4 nm) |
| CPU | Octa-core (1×2.63 GHz Cortex-A715 & 3×2.4 GHz Cortex-A715 & 4×1.8 GHz Cortex-A510) | Octa-core (1×3.25 GHz Cortex-X4 & 3×2.85 GHz Cortex-X4 & 4×2.0 GHz Cortex-A720) |
| GPU | Adreno 720 | Immortalis-G720 MC12 |
| OS | Android 15, OriginOS 5 | Android 15, OriginOS 5 |
| Supported Networks | 2G, 3G, 4G LTE, 5G | 2G, 3G, 4G LTE, 5G |
| Display | 6.67 inches, AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, 1300 nits (HBM), 5000 nits (peak) | 6.67 inches, AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz 1300 nits (HBM), 5000 nits (peak) |
| RAM | 8GB, 12 GB, 16 GB | 12 GB, 16 GB |
| Storage | 256 GB, 512 GB, | 256 GB, 512 GB, |
| Card Slot | No | No |
| Main Camera | 50 MP, f/1.9, 23mm (wide), 1/1.55″, PDAF, OIS 8 MP, f/2.2, 106˚ (ultrawide), AF | 50 MP, f/1.9, (wide), 1/1.56″, PDAF, OIS 50 MP, f/1.9, (telephoto), 1/1.95″, PDAF, OIS, 3x optical zoom 50 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide) |
| Front Camera | 50 MP, f/2.0, 22mm (wide), AF | 50 MP, f/2.0, 22mm (wide), AF |
| Colors | Phoenix Feather Gold, Jade Dew White, and Pine Smoke Ink | Phoenix Feather Gold, Purple Air, and Pine Smoke Ink |
| Battery | Si/C 6500 mAh, non-removable, 90W Wired | Si/C 5500 mAh, non-removable, 90W Wired |
| Price | $317 | $468 |
Friday, 29 November 2024
Huawei Takes a Leap Toward Tech Independence with Mate 70 Smartphone
The Mate 70 smartphone series was introduced on Tuesday by Chinese tech giant Huawei Technologies. This marks a clear departure from U.S. technology and strengthens Huawei’s premium smartphone return. The series also showcases Huawei’s own operating system.
Following the devastating impact of U.S. export restrictions on Huawei’s business, the company is largely seen to have made a triumphant return to high-end smartphone combat with Apple with the debut of the Mate 70 series in August of last year.
Reuters reported on Saturday that the launch of the product coincides with rumors that the United States may unveil new export limits this week. These controls could restrict access to U.S. suppliers for up to 200 Chinese semiconductor companies, who might be included in a trade blacklist.
Richard Yu, head of the consumer business group at Huawei, called the phone “the most powerful Mate phone ever” during a launch ceremony in Shenzhen, the company’s hometown, which was broadcast live online and in-store.
According to Yu, the starting price of the Mate 70 will be 5,499 yuan ($758). In China, the most affordable iPhone 16 model is priced at 5,999 yuan.
The Mate 70 boasts a paging system using satellite, an upgraded processor, and the company’s own operating system, HarmonyOS Next, which enhances performance by 40% when compared to earlier models, according to Yu.
Since the United States restricted Huawei’s access to Google services in 2019, the company has been actively working towards software independence, and the Mate 70 series marks the first big commercial release of HarmonyOS NEXT.
This year, Huawei started public testing of HarmonyOS NEXT, which is a radical departure from Android. Previous versions of Harmony OS kept Android compatibility, but this new version is completely separate.
Huawei said last week that its HarmonyOS ecosystem already has over 15,000 applications, with hopes to increase that number to 100,000 in the next several months.
Superior Chip
Both the Mate 60 and the Pura 70 series, which were released in April, contain advanced chips made by SMIC, according to teardown assessments. This shows that the country’s semiconductor skills are improving, even though Western countries restrict exports.
But Huawei (HWT.UL) hasn’t verified it. Usually, it keeps its chip innovations under wraps during product launch ceremonies, and teardown companies are the ones that usually find out about them afterward.
A source familiar with the matter has revealed that top Chinese contract chipmaker Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp (0981.HK), opened a new tab (SMIC) to make Huawei’s Kirin 9100 chipset. However, due to production challenges, this chipset may only be available in higher-end Mate 70 models. Huawei didn’t answer right away when asked for a comment on the chip.
Huawei’s Strong Recovery in China Fuels Competition with Apple
In China, the biggest smartphone market in the world, Huawei has been able to propel its market recovery due to the patriotic energy surrounding its technological accomplishment. This has also strengthened competition with other competitors, such as Apple (AAPL.O), creator of the iPhone (opens a new tab).
Research firm Canalys placed Huawei as the No. 2 smartphone vendor in China in the third quarter of 2024. The company maintained its lead with deliveries exceeding 10 million units for the fourth straight quarter.
This represents a considerable improvement from the 4.1 million units supplied in the second quarter of 2022. Counterpoint, a research organization, has predicted that shipments of the Mate 70 series will surpass 10 million.
iPhone 16 Pro Max vs. iPhone 15 Pro Max: A Detailed Comparison
Apple’s iPhone 16 Pro Max and iPhone 15 Pro Max share many similarities, yet the new model introduces subtle but meaningful upgrades. This blog provides an overview of how the two flagship models compare in terms of design, display, performance, and camera capabilities.
Design and Dimensions
The iPhone 16 Pro Max is equipped with a more durable Ceramic Shield, while both models maintain Apple’s signature titanium frame and flat screen design. The most significant distinction is in terms of size:
- iPhone 16 Pro Max: 6.9-inch display, dimensions of 163mm x 77.6mm.
- iPhone 15 Pro Max: 6.7-inch display, dimensions of 159.9mm x 76.7mm.
Despite having a larger screen, the 16 Pro Max’s streamlined bezels provide for a more pleasing viewing experience without drastically changing the phone’s overall shape.
New Camera Control Button
The iPhone 16 Pro Max features a capacitive Camera Control button that enables users to quickly access the camera and perform supplementary functions such as exposure adjustment and style toggling. However, its aesthetics have been criticized, as some users find it difficult to access.
Color Options
There are minor variations in the shades of the four color variants that both models are available in. Compared to the iPhone 15 Pro Max, the 16 Pro Max comes in a deeper shade of black. The more vibrant Natural Grey and White hues give the newest model a brighter look. A new fourth color, Desert, is also available on the 16 Pro Max; this hue replaces the blue pigment that existed on the 15 Pro Max before.
Display Improvements
The iPhone 16 Pro Max boasts the largest screen dimension ever seen on an iPhone, with a 6.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR OLED display. Significant enhancements consist of:
- Minimum brightness lowered to 1 nit for better low-light usability.
- Retained features: 120Hz ProMotion refresh rate and 2,000-nit peak brightness.
The iPhone 16 Pro Max’s screen is significantly warmer than that of the previous model, although the peak luminance has not changed significantly.
Performance and Software
With its new Apple A18 Pro chip, the iPhone 16 Pro Max is somewhat faster than the 15 Pro Max’s A17 Pro.
- Improved thermal management for efficiency.
- Enhanced GPU and AI capabilities via a new Neural Engine.
Camera Enhancements
The 16 Pro Max has an advantage in the following areas, even though both phones are equipped with a 48-megapixel primary sensor and a 120mm telephoto lens:
- Ultra-Wide Camera: Increased to 48 megapixels to improve clarity and low-light performance.
- Video Recording: Immerse yourself in the cinematic possibilities of the new 4K@120fps option.
Battery Life and Charging
The iPhone 16 Pro Max is distinguished by its exceptional battery life. It boasts:
- A custom test duration of 17 hours and 38 minutes, which is substantially longer than the iPhone 15 Pro Max’s 14 hours and 2 minutes.
- The iPhone 15 charges at a rate of 20% in 15 minutes and 41% in 30 minutes, while the iPhone 7 charges at a rate of 29% in 15 minutes and 56% in 30 minutes.
The iPhone 16 Pro Max is an optimal choice for power users due to its increased efficacy and larger battery.
Price
The iPhone 16 Pro Max is priced at $1199 (256GB), $1399 (512GB), and $1599 (1TB). For the iPhone 16 Pro, the prices are $999 (128GB), $1099 (256GB), $1299 (512GB), and $1499 (1TB).
The iPhone 16 Pro Max refines the formula established by its predecessor. While the upgrades in size, performance, and features like the Camera Control button may entice new buyers, current iPhone 15 Pro Max users might not find enough reason to switch.
Xbox Game Store for Android Hits a Roadblock Before Launch
Microsoft appears to have encountered a challenge in its efforts to launch an Xbox game store on Android, which would allow users to buy and play Xbox games through the Xbox app on Android.
It was revealed in October that Epic had won a case against Google, declaring the tech company to be in the monopoly category and ordering them to host third-party app shops within the Play Store for a period of three years. Developers like Microsoft are now free to use any billing method they like, as Google Play no longer requires them to do so.
Microsoft quickly said that starting in November, Xbox games will be available to buy in the Microsoft Store for Android, along with the option to play games in the app itself. But the functionality is still nonexistent, and we’re already in the midst of December.
A temporary “administrative stay” is preventing Microsoft from releasing the feature, despite the fact that the company claims to be prepared to do so.
Xbox Store Delay for Android Fans
“Our team has the functionality built and ready to go live,” Xbox president Sarah Bond said in a recent X (Twitter) post, but the company is currently facing delays due to an administrative stay imposed by the courts. Although the exact timing of the court’s judgment is unclear, Bond reiterated that functionality will be available once it is. “We are eager to launch and give more choice and flexibility to players,” said the CEO.
As a part of their appeal, Google has placed the decision under administrative stay, so Xbox lovers will have to be patient until they hear the final decision.
In a statement provided to The Verge, the tech giant from Mountain View believes that Xbox’s rushed endeavor might be disregarding security issues around the provision of a safe billing experience. Dan Jackson, a Google Spokesperson, stated:
Microsoft has always been able to offer their Android users the ability to play and purchase Xbox games directly from their app – they’ve simply chosen not to. The Court’s order, and rush to force its implementation, threaten Google Play’s ability to provide a safe and secure experience. Microsoft, like Epic, is ignoring these very real security concerns. We remain focused on supporting an ecosystem that works for everyone, not just two of the largest game companies.
Trump Explores the Idea of an ‘AI Czar’ Position
According to Axios, incoming President Donald Trump is considering the creation of an “AI czar” position within the White House.
This proposed role would be tasked with overseeing the coordination of artificial intelligence (AI) use within the government and managing federal regulation in this rapidly advancing field. A key aspect of this decision is that the appointment of an AI czar would not require Senate approval, enabling the administration to act quickly and move forward with its agenda.
In addition to the chief AI officers appointed by President Joe Biden’s AI executive order, the White House is allegedly considering creating a “crypto czar” position, which would complement the current AI czar position. Of course, Trump could decide to get rid of those officers and their posts in favor of a more top-down way of running the government.
So far, no candidates’ identities have been shared. Axios reports that the selection of the AI czar will be heavily influenced by Vivek Ramaswamy, co-leader of the non-governmental organization DOGE, and Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla.
Global Foldable Smartphone Shipments Decline in Q3 2024 Despite Samsung’s New Model Launch
Global foldable smartphone shipments experienced a 1% decline year-over-year (YoY) in Q3 2024, marking the first-ever Q3 drop in the segment’s history. This follows six consecutive quarters of growth, according to the latest data from Counterpoint Research’s Global Foldable Smartphone Market Tracker.
The decline in the shipment of foldable smartphones was primarily attributable to Samsung’s subpar performance, as the brand regained its dominant position with a 56% market share after ceding ground to Chinese competitors last year. However, Samsung’s unit shipment experienced a -21% year-over-year decline since the products from its most recent Galaxy Z6 series failed to meet expectations.
The Galaxy Z Fold 6 in book form performed poorly, and the Galaxy Z Flip 6 in clamshell form did not outperform its predecessor in terms of sales. Despite its global dominance, Samsung’s share of the Chinese market was a mere 8%, which resulted in a significant decline in overall shipments.
Samsung faces growing competition in various regions, including North America, where Motorola’s sub-$1000 Razr flip foldables have gained traction, and Western Europe, where HONOR’s sleek and thin Magic V series has been popular. Huawei, meanwhile, continued to see growth in foldable shipments, particularly in China, with models like the Mate X5 and Pocket 2.
HONOR and Motorola both experienced year-over-year growth, with the introduction of new flagship products in mid-2024. Xiaomi achieved the highest percentage YoY growth of all brands, with 185%, following the release of its first clamshell model, the Mix Flip, and the expansion of its global presence beyond China. Since its entry into the market in Q1 2021, its foldable segment share has attained a record high of 6%.
Moving into Q4 2024, Huawei is anticipated to introduce additional new models, including the Mate X6, which could reignite interest in Foldable technology.
Kia Motors Launches Interest-Free Installment Plan for Sportage Across Pakistan
Kia Motors has announced a limited-time, interest-free installment plan for customers across Pakistan, making it easier to purchase the Kia Sportage through manageable monthly payments.
The plan encompasses three Kia Sportage variants: the Sportage Alpha, Sportage AWD, and Sportage Limited Edition, which are SUVs. Customers are now able to order their preferred model with a modest down payment of Rs. 3,775,000, with monthly installments commencing at Rs. 210,722.
This action offers a superior alternative and exceptional value to potential Kia Sportage purchasers in the country, and it can be considered a wise decision for enthusiasts of sport utility vehicles in the country. The following is a comprehensive analysis of the pricing and down payment options:
Sportage Alpha (FWD)
- Ex-factory Price: Rs. 7,300,000
- Minimum Down Payment: Rs. 3,775,000
Sportage FWD
- Ex-factory Price: Rs. 7,740,000
- Minimum Down Payment: Rs. 3,870,000
Sportage AWD
- Ex-factory Price: Rs. 8,470,000
- Minimum Down Payment: Rs. 4,235,000
Sportage Limited Edition
- Ex-factory Price: Rs. 9,000,000
- Minimum Down Payment: Rs. 4,500,000
The Kia Sportage has become a favorite among SUV devotees in Pakistan due to its unsurpassed comfort, advanced features, and elegant design. This offer guarantees that you will depart with an SUV that provides value, performance, and style, whether you are in search of an affordable alternative such as the Sportage Alpha or the premium experience of the Limited Edition.
The interest-free EMI plan is available at all Kia dealerships nationwide; however, it is only valid until December 10th, 2024.
Thursday, 28 November 2024
Wednesday, 27 November 2024
PTA Issues Advisory on Critical WordPress Plugin Vulnerability
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has issued a Cyber Security Advisory that alerts users to a grievous vulnerability in the WP Tools plugin for WordPress, which has been designated as CVE-2022-43453. This vulnerability enables remote authenticated attackers to circumvent security protocols as a result of an authorization lapse.
This vulnerability can be exploited by submitting requests that are specifically designed to allow attackers to override access controls. Version 3.41 of the WP Tools plugin is affected by the issue, which is designated as high-severity.
The PTA has encouraged WordPress site administrators and users to promptly update to the most recent version of the plugin, which can be accessed through the WordPress Plugin Directory, to mitigate the threat.
The PTA has underscored the significance of ensuring that systems and software are kept current to reduce the risks associated with known vulnerabilities. Users are advised to ensure their platforms are equipped with the latest security patches, which can significantly reduce the risk of exploitation. The advisory emphasizes the importance of proactive measures in protecting against prospective cyberattacks.
The PTA has promoted the reporting of any cybersecurity incidents to its CERT Portal or through the email address supplied to facilitate incident response. The objective of this measure is to facilitate a rapid response to potential intrusions and to improve collective security efforts. The advisory functions as a reminder for both individuals and organizations to prioritize cybersecurity best practices in their digital operations.
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