#NewsBytesWeeklyRecap: Nokia TV, Echo Input Portable, Android flaw, and more
In the first week of December, we saw some big developments in consumer tech, thanks to the launch of a Nokia-branded TV and Amazon's first wireless Echo smart speaker. The launches drew widespread attention, but, like every week, there were also some concerning security issues, including those in Android, iOS. Let's look back at the biggest stuff that happened in tech this past week.
First, NASA (via a Chennai engineer) found Vikram's crash site
The biggest news of the week was undoubtedly the discovery of India's Vikram Lander, which had been missing since attempting a landing on the Moon's south pole on September 7. NASA shared an image highlighting the potential crash site of the contraption and also credited Shanmuga Subramanian, the Chennai-based techie who found the first signs of the lander and informed the American space agency.
Then, Amazon and Nokia launched tempting new devices
After Vikram, Amazon and Nokia made major headlines. The Jeff Bezos-owned e-commerce giant debuted Echo Input Portable, an Alexa-powered wireless smart speaker that promises 10 hours of music on a single charge. Then, Nokia launched a 55-inch 4K TV with Dolby Vision support, JBL speakers, and a stock Android interface. It has been priced at Rs. 41,999 and will start shipping from December 10.
Security issues detected in iOS and Android, Airtel's app
Meanwhile, a critical bug was flagged in Android, an issue that allowed any malicious attacker to replace the screens of legit apps with fake overlays designed to steal login-passwords, other confidential information. Further, in two separate issues, Apple's iPhone 11 Pro was found collecting location without permission while Airtel's app suffered from a bug that risked personal data of over 300 million people.
Some developments from Facebook and Google
Next, new upgrades to Google and Facebook products were reported. Google, for one, was said to be working on ways to highlight well-lit roads on Maps and block app-sideloading efforts to boost Android security. Separately, Facebook launched a way to let users export their photos and videos to Google Photos, along with age-verification and stronger message controls on Instagram.
Finally, there were some smartphone launches
In the category of smartphones, Motorola launched One Hyper, Pablo Escobar's brother released an unbreakable foldable phone (no kidding!), and HMD Global launched Android One-based Nokia 2.3. Finally, tech giant Qualcomm held an event in Hawaii and unveiled two new mobile processors: Snapdragon 865 and Snapdragon 765/765G, with integrated support for 5G. Several smartphone makers also confirmed SD865 for their smartphones.
