Study: Apple Watch trumps standalone fitness trackers in terms of privacy and security

Privacy and security aren't issues most of us have in mind when thinking about our fitness trackers. Mostly though of as 'dumb' devices or a collection of sensors that are designed around tracking physical activity, they don't seem like the types of gadgets that will be susceptible to attacks or data exploits. 

A recent study held by Open Effect called Every Step You Fake took a look at eight fitness trackers and wearables and determined that seven out of the eight fitness trackers emit persistent unique identifiers (Bluetooth media addresses, etc,). Many were shown to have vulnerabilities in their companion smartphone apps and some can even be used to create fake fitness band records. Apple's Apple Watch, which features activity tracking features, a hear rate monitor and various motivational features to keep user's moving, was the only device that did not exhibit security vulnerabilities. This is likely because, watchOS, as an extension of the ironclad iOS platform, surely has key security loopholes covered in their Watch products.

Check our the full report here.

Windows 10 will come as an automatic update for older machines

Whether you like it or not, Microsoft’s Windows 10 will be coming for your Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 machine. If you haven’t turned off the automatic updates for your Windows PC, the latest iteration of Windows will start installing on your machine. Recently, Microsoft started sending out notifications twice a day to remind users to upgrade their computers. But it seems that didn’t work so they’re trying this new tactic.

Source: SlashGear

Zagg purchases Mophie for US$100 million

It’s a joining together of mobile accessory makers. Mobile accessory manufacturer Zagg has bought phone battery case maker Mophie for at least US$100 million, which could change figures later depending on the sales figures of Mophie. “This strategic combination of two industry innovators with complementary product, brand and distribution platforms will enable us to deliver increased value for our customers and shareholders,” Randy Hales, president and chief executive officer of Zagg, said in a statement. Mophie first gained popularity as a battery case for iPhones but later expanded to Android devices and then to standalone battery packs.

Source: Engadget

Nikon contest wants you to highlight winter wonders of Toronto

Nikon Canada and the City of Toronto’s Parks, Forestry and Recreation are hosting another Snap & Share photo contest but with a rather specific theme. The new photo contest wants you to focus on the wonders of Toronto’s winter in its parks, ravines, and recreation spaces. The contest will be ongoing until February 29 with six different categories to enter including Colour in Winter, Family Fun, Walking in a Winter Wonderland, the Great Indoors, Winter Wildlife, and Toronto Walking Tour. There will be a People’s Choice component as well so your campaigning might come in handy. However, the Toronto Walking Tour category will be exclusive to participants of the photo walk in High Park led by photographer and Nikon Canada ambassador Kristian Bogner, which will happen on February 6^th.

Entries will be evaluated based on content, composition, impact, and technical criteria. Judges will review short-listed photos and winners will be notified in April 2016. The expert panel of judges for the contest includes Kristian Bogner, a world-class professional photographer and Nikon Ambassador; Ed Robertson, lead singer of Barenaked Ladies and an avid photographer; and Michelle Valberg, a wildlife and adventure photographer and Nikon Ambassador. Prizes include a Nikon D3300 HD-SLR camera with a two-lens kit and a camera bag, three Nikon COOLPIX AW130 cameras, two Nikon COOLPIX S3700 cameras, and a Photographic Rockstar Workshop with contest judge Kristian Bogner. Winning images will be exhibited at City Hall and other civic centres and featured on the City's website and in City communication materials.