TikTok used an Android security hole to collect MAC addresses
A Wall Street Journal investigation uncovered that the app collected users’ MAC addresses for 18 months. The tactic, which experts in mobile-phone security said was concealed through an unusual added layer of encryption, appears to have violated Google policies limiting how apps track people and wasn’t disclosed to TikTok users. It was done possibly for ad tracking, without an ability to opt out.
You can read more here.
Google is creating a worldwide earthquake detection system on Android
Google is adding earthquake warning tools for Android users. Most smartphones come with tiny accelerometers that can can sense earthquakes, Google says. If the phone detects something that it thinks may be an earthquake, it sends a signal to Google’s earthquake detection server, along with the location of where the shaking occurred. The server then combines information from many phones to figure out whether an earthquake is occurring.
More info are available here.
New products
Mi TV LUX OLED Transparent Edition
Mi TV LUX OLED Transparent Edition has a 55-inch transparent OLED panel. It comes with MediaTek 9650 processor and Xiaomi’s AI Master Smart Engine image processing system.
More info here.
Realme C12
The phone will have Helio P35 processor, 3GB RAM and a 6,000mAh battery. It will be launched on August 18.
More info here.
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Google and Qualcomm invested in Nokia phone maker HMD Global
HMD Global has raised $230 million from some of its existing strategic partners, including Google, Qualcomm, and Nokia consumer division Nokia Technologies, along with undisclosed investors. A spokesperson confirmed that HMD Global’s valuation has passed $1 billion.
You can read more here.
Mozilla laid off 250 employees an plans to focus on Pocket, VPN, and other privacy products
Mozilla is laying off 250 people, about a quarter of its workforce, and plans to refocus some teams on projects designed to make money. The company’s operations in Taipei will be closed as a result of the layoffs.
More info can be found here.
