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.

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Microsoft purchases SwiftKey for $250 million

Microsoft has just bought popular Android and iOS software keyboard maker SwiftKey for $250 million. Although SwiftKey gained its reputation for creating innovative predictive keyboards that make using software keyboards on smartphones more efficient, it seems that Microsoft is after possible Artificial Intelligence applications. 

Once a paid app with 300 million users on Android and iOS, SwiftKey went for the premium model and has struggled to profit from a highly competitive segment of aftermarket predictive software keyboards. While it has yet to be formally announced, Microsoft will likely absorb the company’s 150 employees around the world are expected to join Microsoft Research. 

Source:9to5Mac

BlackBerry looks to focus on Android handsets for 2016

Updated on Wednesday, February 3, 2016 at 10:41AM by Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla

By Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla

After BlackBerry CEO John Chen confirmed that the company would only release two Android powered devices in 2016 behind the perceived success of the BlackBerry PRIV, Damian Tay, BlackBerry’s senior director of product management in Asia Pacific all but confirmed that BB10-powered BlackBerry devices are no longer a priority and are seen as transitory devices. “The future is really Android,” Tay said in an interview with Economic Time India.

“The PRIV device is essentially our transition to Android ecosystem. As we secure Android, over a period of time, we would not have two platforms, and may have only Android as a platform [for smartphones],” Damian Tay said. “But for now, we have BB10 and Android platforms for our smartphones.”

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March 15 being eyed for next Apple Launch Event

Tuesday March 15 is likely the date for this year's first Apple Launch Event that will likely focus on three product releases. A new 4-inch iPhone, the iPad Air 3 and more Apple Watch accessory bands are expected to be among the products that will be unveiled by Apple.

Apple is expected to diversify its iPhone portfolio with an updated 4-inch model that could be considered an entry-level or more affordable option for users coming from iPhone 4S or iPhone 5/5S/5C models. While the 4.7-inch iPhone 6S and 5.5-inch iPhone 6S Plus are widely popular, there are still over 60 per cent of iOS users who have not updated to the newer form factors and the larger size may be what is holding them back.

A new iPad Air is definitely in the books and expected to possibly bring some, if not most of the iPad Pro's marquee features. Having a smaller tablet that can take accessory keyboards via a Smart Connector plus Apple Pencil input, will certainly push various iPad and iPad Air users to consider upgrading, specially if a new iPad will feature the latest A9X processor. Apple Watch isn't expected to see a refresh until maybe later this year, but this doesn't mean that Apple won't release more accessory bands or introduce new collaborations with other fashion houses like it did with the Hermes Edition Watch. 

Source: 9to5Mac