The Chicago Journal

Flytrex: The Drone Delivery Company Making Waves in the Industry

Claire Peterson Claire Peterson on August 15, 2022

Flytrex is one of the most innovative delivery providers that has caused a sensation with the use of drones for its services in the United States.

The company is one of many to benefit from the technological innovations of the modern age.

Flytrex

Flytrex was founded in Israel in late 2013, but it wasn’t until 2017 that the company would start its operations.

The first regulatory-approved operational delivery services were offered in Reykjavik, Iceland, where it became a leader in on-demand delivery services via autonomous vehicles.

The company became the first in the world to offer complete end-to-end drone delivery solutions.

Read also: The Russia-Ukraine War: How the Drones Are Used

Drone capabilities

Flytrex drones can carry packages weighing up to 6.6 lbs or 3 kg.

Flytrex uses an attached delivery box to ensure customers receive their orders as packaged.

Using a fire release mechanism, the parcel is lowered 25m, ensuring quiet and safe delivery – from food and drinks to a dozen eggs.

Drone speed

They are also capable of covering a distance of around 6 air miles.

The drones typically fly at 52 km/h, allowing the company to reach customers in less than five minutes and keep food hot or cold at the destination.

Carbon footprint

Flytrex drones are also autonomous, meaning no one has to fly them.

The drones are fully electric and leave less carbon footprint compared to traditional delivery models.

Flytrex CEO and co-founder Yariv Bash said:

“It’s a lot faster and a lot quieter. We offer a much better solution for the customer and the restaurant. It’s a win-win for everyone.”

Despite its innovative concept, the company has a team of FAA-certified drone operators who oversee each delivery to ensure operations run smoothly. Flytrex app

The Flytrex app allows customers to order food from partner restaurants within the company’s delivery zone.

The app’s services are contactless, so users can order from the comfort of their home.

Flytrex Market

Yariv Bash said the company targets suburban markets as it is economically and strategically feasible to serve those areas.

However, he also discussed the process of obtaining permission from the FAA to fly drones, saying it was easier to protect them in the suburbs than in urban environments.

“This is a very nasty process,” Bash said of the FAA clearance process.

“Only three companies focused on home drone delivery are doing what we’re doing.”

Read also: Howard Schultz Tips Web3 Technology Inclusion for Starbucks’ Reward Program

Cities with Flytrex

Flytrex services are available in the following cities:

  • Granbury, Texas
  • Holly Springs, North Carolina
  • Raeford, North Carolina
  • Fayetteville, North Carolina

References:

Can autonomous technology power the future of restaurants?

Flytrex FAQ

Flytrax LinkedIn

The Russia-Ukraine War: How the Drones Are Used

Jason Robinson Jason Robinson on August 15, 2022

Russia and Ukraine used a wide range of weapons and technologies, but drones were the main weapon for both sides.

Thousands of drones were used during the invasion to locate, launch missiles and direct artillery fire on the enemy.

Ukraine

As both sides use different technology, Ukraine has deployed a military drone, the Turkish-made Bayraktar TB2.

Drones are the size of small aircraft with cameras and can be armed with laser-guided bombs.

Dr. Jack Watling of the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) research center says Ukraine started with Bayraktar’s fleet of “less than 50”.

Russia

According to Dr. Watling, Russia mainly used Orlan-10, a small and simple UAV.

“Russia started the war with some thousands of them, and may have a few hundred left,” he said.

Orlan drones have cameras and can carry small bombs.

Drone effectiveness

Two drones helped locate enemy targets and directed artillery fire.

“Russian forces can bring their guns to bear on the enemy within only three to five minutes of an Orlan-10 drone spotting a target,” noted Dr. Watling.

However, without it, the attack can last 20-30 minutes.

Dr. Marina Meron, a defense researcher at King’s College London, noted that drones have allowed Ukraine to expand its limited military.

“If you wanted to seek out enemy positions in the past, you would have had to send out special forces units to do it,” she says. 

“You might lose some troops. Now, all you’re risking is a drone.”

When the war broke out, the usefulness of Bayraktar drones was widely praised in Ukraine.

“They were shown attacking targets, such as ammunition dumps, and played a part in the sinking of the [warship] Moskva,” Dr. Miron said.

Though widely applauded, many Bayraktar were destroyed by enemy defenses over the course of several months.

“They are largely, relatively slow-moving, and fly at only medium altitude,” Dr. Watling pointed out.

“That makes them easy to shoot down.”

Non-military drones

The high price makes it difficult to replace the drone. For example, the Bayraktar TB2 is priced at $2 million.

As a result, Ukraine uses small commercial models like the DJI Mavic 3, which costs just over $2,000.

A Ukrainian drone manufacturer speculates that the country has deployed 6,000 drones, but there is no confirmation.

Commercial drones can be equipped with small bombs, but are mainly used to identify and directly attack enemy forces.

Commercial drones have a range of only 30km and a travel time of 46 minutes, making them less powerful than military drones.

“Ukraine doesn’t have as much ammunition as Russia,” says Dr. Miron.

“Having ‘eyes in the sky’ to spot targets and direct artillery fire means they can make better use of what they have.”

Drone suppliers

The White House says Russia has acquired Sahid military drones from Iran.

Houthi rebels in Yemen are using the same drones to attack targets in Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

Meanwhile, Ukraine has received a shipment of 700 “Kamikaze” Switchblade military aircraft from the United States.

Drones are filled with explosives and hover in the air until they find a target.

Elon Musk’s SpaceX also offers satellite communications in Ukraine which offers a safe relationship between drones and operators.

DJI stopped delivering drones in Russia and Ukraine.

Payments for Ukrainian drones

In addition to US donations, Ukraine has launched a crowdfunding campaign for the purchase of 200 military drones.

“As well as large drones like [Bayraktar] TB2, they are looking for small, fixed-wing reconnaissance drones,” said Dr. Watling.

Ukrainian winner of the Eurovision Song Contest “Kalush Orchestra” sold the trophy for $900,000.

They donated money to invite UAVs to purchase three Ukrainian PD-2 drones.

Reference:

Ukraine conflict: how are drones being used?

Taiwan-China Tensions Could Push iPhone 14 Unveiling Later Than Expected

Claire Peterson Claire Peterson on August 15, 2022

Apple loyalists may have to hold out a little longer, with reports circulating that the iPhone 14 may be delayed due to rising tensions between China and Taiwan.

The delay is attributed to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan last week.

Pelosi’s visit

Apple is the top customer of the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company or TSMC.

The company often supplies chips to Pegatron, where iPhones are assembled in China.

Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan only adds to the strained relationship between the two.

As a result, the Communist Party of China has issued new rules prohibiting any mention of Taiwan or the Republic of China in shipping documents.

The regulations suggest that some (if not all) of the hardware can be returned to Taiwan, delaying the launch of the iPhone 14.

Read also: iPhone 14 Rumored to Integrate South Korean Tech for Selfie Cameras

The “One China” policy

Pelosi’s visit was deemed a violation of the “one China” policy that the United States has followed for 50 years.

The policy states that the US government “acknowledges that all Chinese on either side of the Taiwan Strait maintain there is but one China and that Taiwan is a part of China.”

He also claims that the United States “does not challenge that position.”

While the United States has a formal relationship with the People’s Republic of China, it also has an “unofficial” relationship with Taiwan, which was made official with Pelosi’s visit, according to the People’s Republic of China.

The result

The visit prompted the People’s Republic of China to flex its military muscle, fly 68 fighter jets off the coast of Taiwan, send warships into the Taiwan Strait, and send drones to Japan.

The People’s Republic of China has also broken off talks with the United States over earlier projects.

Pegatron

Pegatron is a renowned Taiwanese electronics company specializing in computers, communications and consumer electronics.

During the visit, the company’s vice president and senior TSMC executives were seen with Pelosi, adding fuel to the fire.

Their actions could also lead to a bitter trade war between China and Taiwan, between which Apple and other US-based companies stand.

Apple has made it clear to its supply chain that this is an urgent matter as the iPhone 14 series is being assembled.

Reports have also surfaced that the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Max are having issues with their screens and that the camera lenses are breaking.

Read also: Apple Revenue Reports Show iPhone Still the Bestsellers, Other Products Have Declined in Sales

Other problems

With the iPhone 14 series unveiled in a few weeks, the last thing Apple needs is for shipments bound for the training assembly line to be rejected by customs and sent back to Taiwan.

The “Made in Taiwan” label on import declarations or shipping cartons from China may also result in shipments being blocked or rejected.

In addition, a fine of 4,000 yen or 592 US dollars may also be imposed.

Meanwhile, Taiwan requires all export products to carry a label indicating the shipment’s origin, meaning they must be stamped as coming from Taiwan or the Republic of China, which Chinese customs don’t want to see.

Apple has warned Taiwan-based suppliers to develop contingency plans to avoid supply chain disruptions.

Apple has also instructed its supply chain to check and process labels on cartons and forms when needed for shipments from Taiwan to China.

While the chip shortage and supply chain problems remain a thorn on Apple’s side, the company must remain diplomatic.

References:

iPhone 14 could be delayed due to growing China-Taiwan tension

Apple caught between suppliers in Taiwan and assemblers in China; iPhone 14 delay possible

Howard Schultz Tips Web3 Technology Inclusion for Starbucks’ Reward Program

Leah Cooper Leah Cooper on August 8, 2022

According to CEO Howard Schultz, Starbucks will be making some changes to its rewards program – one of the most innovative ways for the company to retain customers.

Statement of Schulz

Howard Schultz recently announced that Web3 would be an integral part of the company.

“We have been working on a very exciting new digital initiative that builds on our existing industry-leading digital platform in innovative new ways,” said Schultz.

“All centered around coffee and – most importantly – loyalty.”

The disclosure arrived on Tuesday during Starbucks’ third quarter 2022 earnings call.

A unique experience

According to Schultz, Starbucks will unveil the new digital initiative on September 13 during its annual Seattle Investor Day. 

The initiative enables Starbucks to build on its current reward program. In addition, this relevant model introduces new ways to involve customers emotionally by broadening the digital community approach of third parties and offering a broader range of rewards.

Schultz shared that the rewards will include unique experiences and digital collection objects as a reward and community structure element.

“This will create an entirely new set of digital network effects that will attract new customers and be accretive to existing customers in our core retail stores,” he explained.

Web3

Employees are not very optimistic about the relationship of the coffee company with Web3 initiatives.

During a presentation about NFTS in May, an employee named Mark spoke against the plan regarding the environmental impact of NFTs.

“Blockchain, whether it’s proof of stake or proof of work, is not planet positive,” he said.

“It is going to destroy the planet… and it makes me, as a technologist, and I’m not the only one, very worried about that – that this company would go in that direction.”

“I don’t want to feel this way about Starbucks.”

Mark also pointed out that while NFTs are advertised as inclusive for people, they are more exclusive.

Starbucks and Blockchain

This won’t be the first time Starbucks has dipped into the blockchain scene, as they launched a bean-to-cup traceability project four years ago.

The project aims to support small farmers.

Whether customers, employees and investors will embrace the Web3 initiative remains to be seen, but Howard Schultz implemented it as part of a more extensive planned transformation for Starbucks.

“We are looking forward to fully showcasing the power and the opportunity of our reinvention plan,” he said.

Previous reward experience

The plans might not be too much for Starbucks Rewards members who talk about the program and its potential changes.

The last significant changes to the program were made in 2019, encouraging customers to air their grievances on social media.

The change means Starbucks is changing its star rating for free food and drink.

Since then, the rewards program has attracted over 10 million members; Each change affects several people.

References:

Starbucks teases Web3 updates to its popular rewards program

Starbucks just teased changes to its rewards program

Why You Should Consider Buying Your Next Phone from Your Carrier

Edward Anderson Edward Anderson on August 2, 2022

Every year, tech companies create the latest and best mobile devices that fit the needs of their customers.

While there is the dilemma of choosing the perfect device, there is an even bigger question that people are asking: where should I buy my next phone?

While there are countless options, such as Amazon, flagship stores, and third-party stores, couriers often offer a better option.

Below we look at some of the pros and cons of buying from couriers.

Partially subsidized devices

When it comes to phone prices, buying directly from the official store can be expensive. Network operators offer devices at a partially subsidized price.

Subsidized phone programs generally offer lower monthly service costs.

Although official stores offer similar programs, they usually require the use of credit cards.

With carriers, phones can be paid for over the counter or through online banking, a more accessible feature that offers potential buyers convenience and fewer headaches.

Buyers also have the option to pay for the phone in full, but that would mean the device is locked to the carrier.

Read also: iPhone Users to Receive Two New Major Security Boost from Apple

It offers more inclusion and services

One of the biggest issues people face with their device is LTE network support or lack of signal in certain areas.

Network operators use different types of technologies to provide services, and the smartphones they offer usually have the necessary hardware and programming to detect carrier frequencies and technologies.

Some carriers also work with other carriers to provide extended coverage beyond their home network.

Meanwhile, phones sold by other sources may not have the same features that carriers offer on their devices.

Carrier phones also offer data plans that include voice, text, and data. Some subscription offers may provide a certain amount of data for different services, such as social media, video streaming, unlimited calls and SMS to all networks and a few minutes to other networks and landlines.

Read also: The New M2 MacBook Air Is Here, but Is It Worth the Hype?

Bill convenience

The biggest advantage of protecting a phone from operators is convenience.

With inflation looming, buying a carrier device means you only have to worry about one bill that covers the phone plan and the device.

Most devices are only available as an afterthought, and while the pricing can be intimidating at times, they often have additional perks that justify the price.

Cons

Buying a phone from a telephone operator has many advantages, but there are also some disadvantages to this decision, namely the phone lock and the lock period.

The phone is locked to the carrier

The main disadvantage of getting a phone from a carrier is that the device is locked to that carrier.

As with most companies, carrier devices are only blocked on their respective networks.

People who want to give their phone to relatives who use another carrier will find that the phone rejects the SIM card.

The contracts have a duration of 24 to 30 months, depending on the carrier plan.

Any attempt to unlock carrier devices will only result in termination of the contract and may lead to blacklisting.

After completing the contract, users are free to either unlock their phones to sell or give away.

References:

4 key advantages to buying smartphones from your carrier

The pros and cons of buying phones from your carrier

Should you buy your iPhone from Apple or your carrier?

Metaverse Headsets Showcase Zuckerberg and Meta’s Progress

Edward Anderson Edward Anderson on August 1, 2022

With the recent release of unfinished headset prototypes, it’s clear that Mark Zuckerberg and Meta are making more progress towards developing their Metaverse.

The Metaverse is an ambitious virtual world designed to elevate people’s interaction beyond the current social media platforms.

Read also: Anna Sorokin Reinvents Herself With the Launch of her NFT Collection

When Mark Zuckerberg announced that Facebook would be changing its name to Meta, it sent ripples through the tech world. The company’s goal is nothing short of exploring virtual reality and what lies beyond our screens in this new digital age we live in.

Meta’s Reality Labs division has been busy developing prototypes to achieve their goals.

Meta revealed some of the machines the team has been working on – prototypes that will lead to lightweight, hyper-realistic virtual reality graphics.

The designs, dubbed Butterscotch, Starburst and Holocake 2, are currently in their Quest 2 Display. The prototype headsets have a more slender design than before with finer details that will be seen soon.

With its sleek, goggle-like design and high resolution display, The Mirror Lake was meant to be the perfect headset for adventures in the Metaverse. However, it only remains a concept with no prototype developed.

“These prototypes, they’re custom and bespoke models that we built in our lab, so they’re not products that are ready to ship,” Zuckerberg said.

In a recent event that focused on the designs, Zuckerberg, Reality Labs chief scientist Michael Abrash, and members from Meta Reality Labs presented their works to an audience, which they described as “time machines.”

“I think we’re in the middle right now of a big step forward towards realism,” said the Meta CEO. “I don’t think it’s going to be that long until we can create scenes with basically perfect fidelity.”

“Only instead of looking at them on a screen, you’ll feel like you’re there,” he added.

Mark Zuckerberg expressed his enthusiasm about the headset and Metaverse’s progress, giving an update on their work:

“The issue today is that the vividness of screens that we have now compared to what your eyes see in the physical world is off by an order of magnitude or more.”

Read also: Capture Films Takes Content Creation to a Whole New Level

The New M2 MacBook Air Is Here, but Is It Worth the Hype?

Edward Anderson Edward Anderson on August 1, 2022

As with most gadgets, Apple’s M2 MacBook Air has received some significant improvements that position it as one of the most prospective gadgets on the market.

Since the original MacBook was discontinued over a decade ago, the MacBook Air has become Apple’s entry-level laptop.

Rather than giving it low-end features over the Pro models, the MacBook Air has seen significant upgrades.

M2 MacBook Air Specs

  • Brand: Apple
  • Memory: 256 GB
  • 8 GB of memory
  • Operating system: macOS
  • Battery: 18 hours
  • Processor: M2
  • Dimensions: 11.97 x 8.46 x 0.44 inches
  • Display size and resolution: 13.6 inches, 2560 x 1664
  • Price: $1,199
  • Weight: 2.7 pounds
  • Connections: 1 x MagSafe, 2 x ThunderBolt 4, 1 x 3.5mm jack

Design

For 2022, Apple has decided to redesign the MacBook Air.

The laptop measures 11.97 x 8.46 x 0.44 inches with a 13-inch screen, making it slightly larger than the iPad Pro.

The Air’s thickness is measured at 0.44 inches, a slight jump from the iPhone 13 Pro. The new Air also has an angular design with raised keyboards compared to older models.

Meanwhile, its notch is one of the most noticeable changes to the MacBook Air. As with recent iPhone models, the notch gives the Air more screen real estate.

Finally, the MacBook Air is one of the lightest devices on the market, weighing in at 2.7 pounds or 1.24 kg, making it one of the most portable laptops for those who want to work on the go.

Color options

Apple recently added more color options to its devices. While the MacBook series has always maintained a silver colorway, the MacBook Air adds more variants this year, such as Starlight, Space Gray, Silver and Midnight.

Although Midnight is the first dark-colored Mac, many reviewers have found that the back collects more fingerprints than other models.

Read also: Apple’s iOS 16 Update to Finally Bring Always-On Display

Screen resolution

The MacBook Air M2 has a Liquid Retina display with a resolution of 2560 x 1664 and a refresh rate of 60 Hz, which means that the ProMotion at 120 Hz of the Pro models is lost.

Without the notch in the screen, it would measure 13.6 inches, which is larger than any previous MacBook Air model. Additionally, the 2022 model has the brightest screen, with a brightness of 500 nits.

Apple’s display technology allows Air to support one billion colors and P3 Wide Color. In addition, the True Tone function also optimizes the white balance on the screen.

Camera and sound

While Apple’s iPhones have the best cameras, MacBooks have received mixed reviews.

For the Air, Apple gave it the 1080p webcam from last year’s MacBook Pros.

However, image processing doesn’t offer the same high image quality as the Pro, as images often have a grainy look that only worsens in low light.

Meanwhile, Dolby Atmos and Spatial Audio support have greatly improved the speakers.

Although the effects don’t work, the Air has better speakers than previous models.

Read also: Leaked Patent Reveals Apple’s Initial Plans to Integrate a Camera to the Apple Watch

Ports

The MacBook Air has a MagSafe connector on the left side of the model that allows users to magnetically connect the cable to charge the device.

It also has two ThunderBolt 4 ports for accessories added by MagSafe, which opens one of the ThunderBolt cables while charging. On the right is a 3.5mm headphone jack.

And while the left side offers enough room for an SD card slot or an HDMI port, those two features are still exclusive to the Pro models.

M2 Chip

The most important feature of the MacBook Air M2 is its M2 chip.

The second-generation M2 chip is the first of 2022 and has an 18% increase in CPU performance and a 35% increase in GPU performance.

Additionally, Apple estimates that the M2 chip is 1.4 times faster than the M1 Air and 15 times faster than the latest Intel Air.

Pros

  • portability
  • New design
  • MagSafe functionality
  • Improved screen display
  • Faster M2 chip
  • Battery life
  • speaker

Cons

  • It supports an external display
  • Reserved port
  • Midnight color is a fingerprint magnet
  • Heats up faster thanks to the fanless function

Verdict

Given the pros and cons, it’s up to the buyer to decide whether the MacBook Air M2 is worth buying.

The new Air is lightweight and perfect for working on the go.

The M2 also allows users to use it for everyday use, from multiple tabs/apps open to photo/video editing.

While the new price tag can be intimidating, the design and performance justify the price.

References:

MacBook Air M2 review (2022): Apple’s near-perfect Mac

Marques Brownlee: M2 MacBook Air Review: More Than a Refresh!

M2 MacBook Air Review: A Soaring Entry-Level Mac Machine

Anna Sorokin Reinvents Herself With the Launch of her NFT Collection

Claire Peterson Claire Peterson on August 1, 2022

Anna Sorokin was on the verge of making a name for herself as Anna Delvey before she was convicted for swindling socialites from New York City and defrauding banks. 

However, while the mini-series “Inventing Anna” shines attention on her antics leading to her arrest, Sorokin has been busy at work developing NFTs to reinvent herself.

Read also: NFT and Blockchain Technology Allows Ukraine to Preserve Cultural DNA

Sorokin has announced that she will be launching her own NFT collection, including perks like direct access to Anna herself.

“I see this first drop as an opportunity to directly connect with my audience and to take charge of the narrative that’s been largely outside of my control, until now,” Sorokin wrote on the website.

Buyers will be able to reach out and interact with Sorokin through exclusive live streams, metaverse events, according to the Reinventing Anna website.

The website’s name is an obvious nod to the Netflix mini-series that follows Sorokin’s schemes and earned her nickname “Soho Grifter.” Reinventing Anna means she wants people to not only know about what happened in prison, but also how it has helped shape her into someone new.

“I’m trying to move away from like, quote-unquote scammer persona,” said Sorokin. “This is, like totally, has been pushed upon me by the prosecution and by the following media and by the Netflix show, but I’m trying to move away from that definitely.

Top holders will have a chance to speak with her on the phone and receive sketches, along with other personal items from behind bars. A representative shared that the physical tokens range anywhere between stationary or signed t-shirts all the way down to underwear.

The ten NFTs that she minted are credit card-like images designed by alternative comics creator Johnny Ryan, which illustrate scenes from her life. For example, the first drop shows an illustration of Sorokin in a prison call telling her visitor “You look poor.”

Anna Sorokin’s incarceration has not slowed her art career. In April, the artist collaborated with other artists to create a group show called “Free Anna Delvey” that featured one of her works for $10k.

Julia Morrison, the co-curator of this exhibit, has not yet been paid back for the $8k she put down as an investment. Additionally, her phone number has been blocked by Sorokin as well.

Read also: Qverse Becomes the Latest Addition to the Metaverse, Courtesy of Qatar Airways

Xiaomi Mi 12S Ultra, the Camera Phone That Can Finally Dethrone Apple and Samsung?

Jason Robinson Jason Robinson on August 1, 2022

While mobile phones were initially meant to help users communicate with friends and families, technology has allowed brands to elevate the devices and perform multiple tasks that were initially deemed impossible.

Modern times have seen people seek phones with improved cameras, and Apple has long been the leader in this sector. But there has been a shift in the industry as mid-range phones have been able to keep up with flagship features.

Xiaomi has been one of the brands making waves in recent years, and while it has always been behind other flagship models, the latest phone releases may indicate a tip in the scale.

Although Apple and Samsung still remain at the top of the food chain, their prices have prompted consumers to seek affordable devices with similar specs. Xiaomi managed to take advantage of the markets’ needs, creating devices that can satisfy their tech needs.

Read also: Capture Films Takes Content Creation to a Whole New Level

This year, Xiaomi is releasing the Mi 12S Ultra, which will feature a 6.73-inch screen and OLED display. The phone will be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 chip. However, fans are anticipating its updated camera features.

While software has always been the highlight of cameras in phones, it’s hard to ignore the giant lens the Mi 12S Ultra offers. Compared to the multi-camera setup on most phones, it will feature a giant lens not unlike that of a DSLR camera, containing three of the phone’s cameras.

The lens is home to the 48 mp ultrawide camera, the 48 mp telephoto camera with 5x optical zoom, and the 50 mp main camera that contains a 1-inch sensor. The attention-grabbing lens was designed in collaboration with camera giants Leica.

The company shared that it split the cost to develop the 1-inch image sensor with gadget titans Sony. However, while Sony only used part of the sensor for the Sony Xperia Pro-I phone late last year, the Mi 12S Ultra will use the entire sensor.

The Mi 12S Ultra may be packing a revolutionary camera, but its other features also add to the phone’s value.

The upcoming model has a 4,860 mAh battery supported by 67W wired fast charging. It also has IP68 water and dust resistance. Additionally, the Mi 12S Ultra packs a 120Hz refresh rate display that is prevalent among flagship models. The phone is also tipped to be the first Android device to shoot in Dolby Vision HDR.

The phone comes in two variants: the 8GB of RAM and 256 $900 model and the 12GB of RAM and 512GB $1,050 model.

The Mi 12S Ultra is accompanied by two models that are more affordable –  the 12S and 12S Pro. Although smaller, the two phones still pack a 120Hz OLED display and the Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 chip, pricing at $600 and $700, respectively.

Read also: 50 Million Unsold Units Indicate Samsung Overestimated Sales in 2022

iPhone Users to Receive Two New Major Security Boost from Apple

Nicholas Alexander Nicholas Alexander on July 11, 2022

Security has been an issue for many people as spyware has become more prevalent in the digital age, and Apple takes measures against cyber attacks.

Apple has unveiled two initiatives to protect users by introducing Lockdown Mode and macOS Venture.

Lockdown mode is the first of its kind and will be released this fall alongside iOS 16 and iPadOS 16. The new feature includes protections such as:

  • Block message attachment types, including link previews
  • Disable complex web technology unless the user excludes a site from Lockdown Mode
  • Invitations and service requests such as FaceTime calls will be blocked unless the user has called or made a request
  • Wired connections to computers or accessories are blocked when iPhone is locked
  • iPhones cannot enroll in mobile device management when Lockdown Mode is enabled, and configuration profiles cannot be installed

macOS Venture is optional protection designed to help users with severe threats. It strengthens device defenses, limits certain functionality, and reduces the attack surface that can be potentially exploited by rented spyware. 

“Apple makes the most secure mobile devices on the market. Lockdown Mode is a game-changing feature that reflects our unwavering commitment to protecting users from the rarest and most sophisticated attacks,” said Ivan Krstic, head of engineering and security architecture at Apple.

“While the vast majority of users will never fall victim to targeted cyberattacks, we will work tirelessly to protect the small number of users who are. This includes continuing to develop countermeasures specifically for these users, as well as supporting researchers and organizations worldwide doing the vital work to uncover the mercenary companies creating these digital attacks.

Apple will continue to strengthen Lockdown Mode and add new protections over time. The company has also created a new category within the Apple Security Bounty program to reward researchers who can find Lockdown Mode bypasses to improve security by inviting contributions and collaboration from the security research community. Prizes will be doubled for Lockdown Move, up to $2,000,000, the highest maximum payout for security measures.