What’s new
Apple will store China’s iCloud encryption keys on local servers
Apple has moved encryption keys for mainland Chinese iCloud users to China, potentially enabling much easier access to data for the nation’s authorities and worrying privacy advocates. The company has no choice if it wants to keep offering iCloud to Chinese users, as the law now requires that any cloud services have domestic ownership and store their data within China’s borders. The official changeover date is February 28, and Apple has emailed its customers in China to advise them that they can opt out of iCloud and just store data locally if they want.
You can read more here.
Microsoft and Xiaomi to collaborate on AI, cloud computing and hardware
Microsoft is planning to allow Xiaomi to use its cloud computing products, including Azure, to develop upgraded phones, laptops, and smart devices to bring them to an international market. At the same time, the partnership will also give Microsoft more reach and access to the Chinese market.
More info are available here.
New products
Nokia 8 Sirocco
The phone has Qualcomm’s 835 processor, 6GB of RAM, and 128GB of storage. It comes with a 5.5-inch pOLED display, a 12MP primary camera and a 5MP front camera.
More info here.
Samsung Galaxy S9
Samsung Galaxy S9 has 5.8-inch Quad HD + display, 4GB RAM and 64GB of internal storage. It comes with a 3,000mAh battery, and 8MP front camera and dual 12MP main camera.
More info here.
You might want to know about this
Russia was behind the cyberattack during the opening ceremonies for the 2018 Winter Olympics
The Post cited U.S. intelligence officials, who said the Russians tried to make the hack appear to be initiated by North Korea. The outage ended about 15 hours after it was discovered, a member of the Pyeongchang organizing committee said, and did not impact the opening ceremony or competitions.
You can read more here.
Android won’t be getting a ‘dark mode’
Google has stated that it will not be implementing a systemwide dark mode. Instead, the company is working to make it easier for third-party developers to implement the feature within their own apps.
More info can be found here.
Fun stuff
Nokia 8110 ‘banana phone’ made famous by ‘The Matrix’ returns for $97
Nokia unveiled the new 8110, a new feature phone that will come with 4G connectivity and a selected group of apps such as Google’s Assistant, Maps, and Search; as well as Facebook and Twitter (and yes, Snake). It also comes with a battery life of 17 days, with 9 days of talk time.
You can read more here.
