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Google Chrome for macOS updated to fix high-severity zero-day bug

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Google released an update to Chrome on Friday that includes a fix for a high-severity zero-day bug that made it into the browser, an update that is available now for macOS.

The Chrome Team said on Friday there was a “Stable Channel Update for Desktop” that brings Chrome up to version 99.0.4844.84 on macOS, as well as Windows and Linux. The update is important, as it fixes a high-severity bug in the browser.

The issue, identified as CVE-2022-1096, is a “type confusion” weakness for Chrome’s V8 JavaScript engine, reports Bleeping Computer. Identified by an anonymous security researcher, details of the bug’s workings are being kept restricted until “a majority of users are updated with a fix.”

Google is being purposefully cagey about the details of the exploit, since it says it detected attacks actively using it. The team also insists that restrictions on the exploit’s details will stay in place if the same bug exists in third-party libraries that other projects rely on, that have yet to be fixed.

Type confusion refers to a bug that can crash a browser due to the reading and writing of memory out of buffer bounds. As well as causing crashes, the bug can also be used by an attacker to execute code.

Google didn’t say when it would expect to reveal details of the vulnerability, but that may depend on how long it takes for a sufficient number of users to update their browsers.

The update to the new version is available as an automatic update, though it can be manually performed in macOS by selecting “Chrome” in the main menu followed by “About Google Chrome.” Once the update has been downloaded, click “Relaunch.”

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Ikea introduces water-resistant Vappeby Bluetooth speaker lamp

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Ikea’s new Bluetooth Vappeby speaker lamp lets users easily bring their playlists everywhere with its water-resistant design.

The new Vappeby speaker features Spotify Tap functionality, allowing the user to instantly resume the music from where it was left off from the connected device with a single tap. It can also generate new suggestions if the button on the device is pressed again.

The speaker also has an LED bulb with two light modes built-in and the capability to output 360 sound. Its IP65 water and dust resistance rating makes it a perfect pool-side accessory and a must-have camping companion.

The speaker’s durable, lantern-inspired design and grip-friendly handle make it an excellent device for use at home or on the go. It reacharges easily using the included USB-C cable.

Finally, the Bluetooth functionality means it is just as easy to connect audio from other sources such as Apple Music and YouTube from an iPhone or iPad.

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EU to require iMessage, WhatsApp to communicate with smaller messaging services

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On Thursday, the European Union announced plans to enact new legislation that would demand major messaging services — including iMessage, WhatsApp, and Facebook Messenger — to send and receive messages, calls, videos, and files from smaller competitors.

The rule, part of the larger proposed Digital Markets Act (DMA,) would require major messaging platforms to allow their services to work with smaller messaging platforms. Services that would need to work between platforms include sending messages, making video calls, and even sending files.

The rule would apply to any company that has at least 45 million monthly active end users and 10,000 annually active corporate users in Europe as noted by TechCrunch.

Failure to comply with the new legislation could see violators incurring fines of up to 10% global annual turnover or up to 20% for repeat violations.

Naturally, this has many questioning the security of such an interoperable platform, but Andreas Schwab, the European Parliament’s Rapporteur for the file, believes it can be done safely.

“The Parliament has always been clear that interoperability for messaging has to come,” Andreas told TechCrunch. “It will come — at the same time, it also has to be secure. If the Telecoms Regulators say it is not possible to deliver end-to-end encrypted group chats within the next nine months, then it will come as soon as it is possible, there will be no doubt about that.”

The legislation would also force platforms to allow users to choose which web browsers, search engines, and virtual assistants they use.

The DMA has yet to be finalized, pending approval of the legal text by the Parliament and Council. Currently, there is no suggested timeline for when implementing interoperable features would need to occur.

Back in November 2020, Big Tech firms, including Apple and Google, were invited to participate in talks about the DMA.

The DMA’s primary goal is to curb anti-competitive growth for tech giants such as Apple, Google, and Meta (formerly Facebook Inc.) It is the same legislation that suggested Apple allow alternate app stores to enable fair competition on its platforms.

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Mac Studio teardown demonstrates relatively easy disassembly

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Repair company iFixit has done a teardown of the new Mac Studio, showing Apple’s intricate cooling system for the high-performance system and how to take apart the device.

As it has before with devices such as the 16-inch MacBook Pro, iFixit has done an initial teardown of Apple’s latest device. It’s done with the aim of discovering how repairable — or not — a device is.

At some point later, iFixit will ultimately produce a written and illustrated guide to precisely how a Mac Studio can be taken apart for repairs. For now, though, it’s done a quick video overview showing the Mac’s components.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TYF527DqnwY]

The cooling system takes up roughly half of the Mac’s internal space. The most noticeable part is the aluminum heatsink on the M1 Max version and the copper thermal module in the M1 Ultra edition.

The video also discusses the slotted storage in the Mac Studio. The company could swap out like-for-like on flash modules but had no success putting in a larger or smaller one.

A teardown of the Studio Display was also teased. The company noted that it not only looks like an iMac, but it comes apart in much the same way.

The Mac Studio was given a 6 out of 10 for repairability.

The possibility of repair is perhaps becoming more of an issue as Apple plans to roll out its Self Service Repair program for M1 Macs and iPhones. The program, announced five months ago, has still yet to be detailed.

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‘iPhone 15 Pro’ Face ID tech will be hidden under display

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Samsung Display is allegedly creating new under-panel technology designed to hide the Face ID module under the display in 2023’s “iPhone 15 Pro.”

Samsung is reportedly developing a new under-panel camera component that would allow Apple to effectively hide the Face ID module behind the screen.

The new technology will first roll out to Samsung’s Fold lineup in 2023, according to The Elec.

According to the report, Samsung is collaborating with Canada’s OTI Luminotics on the technology, which includes “a metal patterning layer that uses cathode mask materials.”

In April 2021, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo stated that he believed Apple would introduce a Face ID system that sits below the display in 2023.

Face ID isn’t the only technology rumored to be moving under-display, either. Many, including Kuo, have suggested that Touch ID will return to iPhone in 2023, but will be placed under-display rather than in a Home Button.

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Verizon expanding 5G Ultra Wideband to more cities

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Verizon has announced today that it has received early clearance to deploy its Ultra Wideband technology in more cities, including Washington, DC.

In a press release released March 21, 2022, Verizon announced that it had received an early clearance to deploy its C-band spectrum, which allows for greater bandwidth to serve its antennas in major population centers.

“This early spectrum clearance is just the latest development that allows us to bring 5G Ultra Wideband to our customers faster.” said Kyle Malady, Verizon’s EVP and President of Global Network and Technology.

“We’ve been able to accelerate deployment because we’re driving more efficiency and coverage from the C-band spectrum, leveraging opportunities like the one we are announcing today, and leveraging our already in place infrastructure. In my career with Verizon, I have never experienced a network deployment move so quickly.”

Verizon has been steadily expanding its 5G Ultra Wideband service to more cities, which promised better data speeds even during high-demand periods due to the increased bandwidth available.

According to Verizon, it will expect to deliver at least 60 MHz, and up to 100 MHz of signal spectrum to at least 30 additional major markets, which includes the following population centers:

  • Atlanta, GA
  • Baltimore, MD
  • Washington, DC
  • Denver, CO

The carrier network announced in January 2022 that it had covered 100 million people in over 1700 cities with its 5G Ultra Wideband service, with the aim of expanding the coverage to reach 175 million people by the end of 2022.

Many Apple devices can now take advantage of 5G networks, including the newly launched iPad Air 5 and third-generation iPhone SE. Apple first brought 5G to its devices in 2020 with the launch of the iPhone 12 lineup.

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Today only: Apple’s loaded MacBook Air (M1, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) is on sale for $1,449

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B&H Photo’s latest 24-hour Deal Zone includes a fantastic $200 discount on Apple’s current MacBook Air with an 8-core GPU, 16GB of memory and a spacious 1TB SSD.

Now priced at $1,449 thanks to a $200 cash discount, the premium model features Apple’s M1 chip with an 8-core GPU. It’s also equipped with 16GB of memory, double that of the standard 8GB found in the base configuration. Storage space is also substantial thanks to the 1TB SSD.

You won’t have to wait long for the system to arrive either as units are in stock with free expedited delivery on orders shipped within the contiguous U.S.

This flash deal is scheduled to end at 11:59 pm ET on March 21, or while supplies last. For the best MacBook Air deals on every other configuration, including the Silver and Space Gray models, be sure to visit our Mac Price Guide.

Additional Apple deals

AppleInsider Price Comparison Guide

If you’re looking for the best deals on Apple hardware, it’s worth checking out our Apple Price Guide. Updated daily, there are hundreds of exclusive discounts on everything from iPads to MacBooks. Here are a few specials running this week:

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Boot Camp updated to support Apple Studio Display

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Intel Mac users who run Windows on their Mac can now update the drivers in Boot Camp to enable support for Apple’s Studio Display.

Apple updates Boot Camp periodically to introduce support for new hardware, along with typical compatibility and performance improvements. In a March update of the software, Apple has enabled Boot Camp to work with the new Studio Display.

The update that brings Boot Camp to version 6.1.17, spotted by Reddit, introduces two key elements of support. First, it adds compatibility for the Studio Display, ensuring Intel Mac users running Windows can still use the monitor without any issue.

The update also includes AMD graphics driver updates, changes that will be especially useful for eGPU users.

Boot Camp, Apple’s software for running Windows on Mac hardware, is available to use on Intel-based Macs. Apple Silicon Macs can run Windows within a virtual machine in macOS, meaning support for the Studio Display will be available by default so long as macOS is up to date.

While the Studio Display will work on Windows desktops, macOS-specific features like Center Stage for the webcam won’t function.

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Deal alert: 14-inch MacBook Pro drops to $1,749 at Amazon, cheapest 2022 price

AppleInsider is supported by its audience and may earn commission as an Amazon Associate and affiliate partner on qualifying purchases. These affiliate partnerships do not influence our editorial content.

Apple’s 14-inch MacBook Pro has dropped in price once more at Amazon, now coming in $250 under retail for both the standard 512GB model and the upgraded 1TB config.

Amazon has dropped the cost of the Space Gray 14-inch MacBook Pro with Apple’s M1 Pro chip (8-core CPU, 14-core GPU), 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD to $1,749 while supplies last.

For those that prefer more storage, the silver 14-inch MacBook Pro with the M1 Pro chip with 10-core CPU, 16-core GPU, 16GB RAM, and 1TB of storage is also $250 off, coming in at $2,249 while supplies last.

Additional Apple deals

Best Apple prices

If you’re looking for the best deals on Apple hardware, it’s worth checking out our Apple Price Guide. Updated daily, there are hundreds of exclusive discounts on everything from iPads to MacBooks. Here are a few specials heading into the Presidents’ Day weekend:

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Mac Studio discounts are here: save $200 to $400 on M1 Max, M1 Ultra models

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In celebration of Apple’s new Mac Studio, AppleInsider readers can exclusively save $200 to $400 on dozens of M1 Max and M1 Ultra configurations. These are by far the best discounts on the newly released desktop models.

Apple’s Mac Studio is in hot demand, but there is no better place to find the best deals on the brand-new desktops than right here at AppleInsider. For a limited time only, save $200 to $400 instantly with promo code APINSIDER.

You can redeem the coupon in two easy steps:

  1. Shop through this activation link and add a Mac Studio configuration to your cart.
  2. Look for a link to reveal the coupon code field in the Payments section and enter promo code APINSIDER to activate the exclusive discount in the same browsing session.

Need help with the coupon? Step-by-step activation instructions can be found here.

Compare Mac Studio prices

According to our Mac Studio Price Guide, which tracks the cheapest prices on the premium systems, this exclusive promotion offers the best Mac Studio deals available. And it’s available on every spec Adorama sells, so whether you’re looking for a loaded M1 Ultra configuration or the standard model, you can save hundreds of dollars instantly.

Save another 5% with Edge

Adorama Edge cardholders can further extend the savings by opting for 5% off. This means you can pick up a new Mac Studio with the coupon discount and Edge savings for as low as $1,709.05. These types of deals aren’t regularly seen on brand-new products.

Get up to $300 on MacBooks too

The same APINSIDER code knocks up to $300 off every M1, M1 Pro and M1 Max MacBook sold at Adorama (along with the M1 Mac mini). Simply shop through this activation link and apply the promo code using the step-by-step instructions near the top of this page to save on over 200 configurations.

Plenty of additional tech deals

Best Apple prices

If you’re looking for the best deals on Apple hardware, it’s worth checking out our Apple Price Guide. Updated daily, there are hundreds of exclusive discounts on everything from iPads to MacBooks. Here are a few specials heading running this week: