#NewsBytesWeeklyRecap: Surface Duo, Windows 10X, Fold, Android bug and more
The first week of October was full of surprises, both good and bad. On one hand, Microsoft unveiled new hardware and software, Instagram launched a messaging service, and Google rolled out handy privacy features. Meanwhile, on the other, there were some scary security concerns stemming from critical vulnerabilities in different services, platforms. Let's take a look at everything that happened this past week.
Microsoft launched dual-screen phone, tablet, Windows 10X
Microsoft held its annual Surface event and unveiled a refreshed Surface Laptop 3 and Surface Pro 7. It also debuted a slimmer Surface Pro X with an ARM-based SQ1 chip, a dual-screen tablet with an optimized Windows 10X, and a dual-screen Android phone called Surface Duo. The company also showcased its truly wireless Surface Earbuds at the event.
Google's privacy features, connected Levi's jacket
Separately, Google kicked off the Cybersecurity Awareness Month by adding an incognito mode into Maps, automatic watch history deletion feature in YouTube, and voice-based recording deletion in Assistant. In addition to this, we also witnessed the company's connected Jacquard technology in Levi's brand new Trucket jacket, which you can use with different gestures to control your phone's apps and features.
Instagram's new Threads, WhatsApp's disappearing messages
While Facebook largely stayed out of the news, its products, Instagram and WhatsApp, made headlines. Instagram debuted a new messaging service called Threads, with the creepy ability to auto-update status, as well as a way to Restrict bullies and use augmented Reality to try products. Meanwhile, WhatsApp was spotted testing automatically 'disappearing' messages for group chats.
Apple said to be planning cheaper iPhones, more
Though there's nothing confirmed, multiple reports have indicated that Apple is working on a cheaper iPhone, one that would feature A13 chip but with the chassis of iPhone 8. There's also speculation about a high-end iPad and MacBook with Mini-LED displays being in the works. Among other things, Apple also released iOS 13.1.2 fixing issues with iPhone camera, flashlight, iCloud backup, and more.
Security issues from OYO, Android, WhatsApp
Now, the bad news: OYO's Wi-Fi system was spotted leaking phone numbers and stay details of their guests. Google researchers flagged a critical Android zero-day that can be used by hackers to gain root access to phones made by Samsung, Huawei, and Xiaomi. Then, a bug was reported in WhatsApp, which allows hackers to gain access to your files/messages by leveraging malicious GIFs.
Tempting hardware launches from other giants
Finally, there were some tempting hardware launches, which included Samsung's Galaxy A20s (Rs. 12,000), long-awaited Galaxy Fold (Rs. 1,65,000), and HP Spectre x360 convertible laptop with a 13-inch 4k AMOLED display and Intel's 10th-generation Core series 'Ice Lake'.
