Apple rehires cryptography expert to boost security of devices

Cryptography expert Jon Callas is making his way back to Apple with hopes of boosting security of Apple’s products and keep both hackers and even the authorities from breaking in. It’s Callas’s third time back with Apple. He has since co-founded some well-known secure communications companies like Silent Circle, BlackPhone, and PGP Corp.

He rejoined the company this month. Callas’s first stint with Apple from 1995 to 1997 had him serving as Security Privateer and he helped create features such as “FileVault 2” full-disk encryption. During 2009 to 2011, he designed the encryption system for data on Macs.

Source: Cult of Mac

Samsung isn’t giving up on Android Wear just yet

The first and only Android Wear-based Samsung smartwatch, the Gear Live.

While Samsung hasn’t released anything Android Wear-related in the past two years, that doesn’t mean we can assume they’re done with it. Because according to the South Korean tech giant, they aren’t just yet. A recent Fast Company report cited an unnamed Samsung executive claiming that they aren’t working on any Android Wear smartwatches and they don’t plan to release any new ones either. But Samsung refuted this claim saying they “disagree with Fast Company’s interpretation. Samsung has not made any announcement concerning Android Wear and we have not changed our commitment to any of our platforms.” Samsung didn’t exactly make a strong case for making one though. The company could change their minds eventually, especially since its own Tizen platform gives them more control and ground to work with.

Source: Engadget

Toyota, Volkswagen back ride-sharing companies

Gett Chief Executive Shahar Waiser

Toyota and Volkswagen see the potential of ride-sharing companies join the list of investors. Toyota is backing Uber for an undisclosed amount. What they plan to do is explore trials in countries where the ride-sharing industry is growing. Meanwhile, the Volkswagen Group is getting behind Gett, a popular ride-hailing app in Europe. The automaker has invested US$300 million into the startup.

They aren’t the first ones to do this, though. General Motors, for example, has invested half a billion dollars into Lyft to help in the development of autonomous vehicles. BMW and Mercedes-Benz have also began pilot ride-sharing services, among others.

Source: The New York Times

Microsoft discounts Lumia 950 XL by $150, price in Canada is now $699

Microsoft's flagship Lumia 950 XL phablet is currently on sale for CAD $699.00 with a $150.00 discount on the octa-core 5.7-inch smartphone that brings many of the advantages of previous Nokia flagships including wireless charging, a 20 megapixel camera with OIS, expandable storage as well as the ability to run a desktop version of Windows using Continuum and a display dock accessory (this only runs Office, some universal apps and the Edge browser right now). 

Microsoft has been discounting and bundling both the Lumia 950 and the Lumia 950 XL (even bundling the smaller smartphone for free if one bought the phablet). This latest move is aimed at clearing inventory and getting more people to buy these Windows Phones perhaps in anticipation of new hardware.

Source: Thurott.com