Google will reportedly help improve Samsung’s TouchWiz interface

Samsung’s TouchWiz UI has been a resource hog in the past. Recently though, Samsung’s given users the option to disable pre-installed apps and performance is slightly better. But there is still a lot of room for improvement. With the Galaxy line deeply linked with the Android platform, it comes as no surprise that Google wants to help streamline the experience further.

According to a report from Samsung Viet, Google hopes to make TouchWiz faster, more stable, and come with fewer bugs. If there is truth to this, this won’t be the first time Google stepped into Samsung’s territory. It was rumoured before the Samsung junked its Magazine UX for the Galaxy Tab Pro lineup because Google wasn’t happy with the interface change.

Source: Samsung Viet | Via: Cult of Android

Audi offers ‘goodwill package’ to owners affected by dieselgate

Audi’s extending an olive branch to owners of the A3 2.0-liter TDI diesel models that were affected by dieselgate. These owners will receive two US$500 pre-paid gift cards and free roadside assistance for three years. The first pre-paid card can be spent anywhere you choose, while the second one is for in-dealership spending. It’s rather similar to the scheme VW has going. You need to register online with your vehicle’s VIN number, your driver’s license, and proof of ownership by April 30, 2016. Once registered, you should get the package within four weeks.

Unfortunately, those using the larger 3.0-liter TDI diesel engines are part of the program. Audi says they are working on a software repair for the larger diesel models, which the company estimates will cost it “mid-double-digit millions of euros.”

Source: Mashable

VW releases video showing how they will fix emissions-cheating engines

Volkswagen has started its long hard road to repair the damage caused by their emissions test cheating 'defeat device,' scandal. The company posted a video showing how they plan to fix millions of diesel powered vehicles in the 1.6 liter and 2.0 liter classes. Note that this video and the included remedies are for the UK, North American emissions regulations are different which means that this remedy, which takes 30 minutes per car to complete, may or may not apply here.

Source: The Verge

Norton study: 348 million identities exposed in 2014

“Consumer confidence was rocked in 2014 by an unprecedented number of mega breaches that exposed the identities of millions of people who were simply making routine purchases from well-known retailers,” said Fran Rosch, executive vice president, Norton by Symantec.

Norton released its its findings from the Norton Cybersecurity Insights Report, which sheds light on the truths of online crime and the personal effect it has on consumers.

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