#NewsBytesWeeklyRecap: Alexa spying, Facebook redesigned, inflammable batteries, and more
The fourth week of October brought some very interesting stuff for tech enthusiasts. First, we witnessed batteries that don't catch fire and Huawei's long-awaited Mate X foldable phone. Then, Apple and Google unveiled new software products as well as took down malicious apps thriving on their respective app stores. Let's look back at the biggest stuff that happened last week.
Lithium-ion batteries that don't catch fire finally developed
A group of researchers from John Hopkins University achieved a major breakthrough by developing a 'flexible' battery' that doesn't catch fire. They had been working on flexible batteries for a while, but just recently, the combustible materials of that cell were replaced with an energy storage tech and material that bears extreme conditions, including ballistic impact, and isn't flammable.
Apple TV on Fire TV devices, new 16-inch MacBook Pro
In another development, Apple expanded the support for its Apple TV app to Fire TV platform, giving people with Fire TV stick 4k, 2nd Gen, and Basic Edition a chance to watch content- rented/purchased from iTunes and Apple TV+ shows/movies on their TV. Additionally, reports have indicated that the Cupertino giant may be planning to launch a premium 16-inch MacBook Pro this month itself.
Google's new 'Digital Wellbeing' apps to curb addiction
Google did not add any new capabilities into its products but launched six new apps aimed at helping people tackle smartphone addiction. The apps - Unlock Clock, Post Box, Morph, We Flip, Desert Island, and Paper Phone, take their own approach to help you disconnect from the digital world and focus more on real people and things.
Facebook getting a new look, Instagram tackling 'stalking'
Facebook, on its part, took the major step of testing its new redesigned desktop website with a cleaner and whiter look, dark mode, and enhanced focus on communities, groups, and events, at the front and center. Additionally, Instagram removed the 'tab' that helped users see the activity of their friends and mandated login for viewing public profile photos.
Then, there were the security issues, vulnerabilities
A number of security issues were flagged this week, including a major Galaxy S10/Note 10 bug that allowed the phones' in-display fingerprint scanner to work with any finger. Then, there were reports that Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant can be hacked with skills/actions for spying, stealing passwords and iOS 13 update is breaking AirPods for some people.
Over 50 malicious apps removed by Google and Apple
In addition to this, Google and Apple also took down more than 50 apps from their respective app stores. The apps contained two different kinds of malware and served disruptive ads to users while stealing data from their phones.
Finally, some tempting hardware launches
In the hardware category, Huawei drew the limelight by launching Mate X foldable phone in China at a starting price of $2,400. Additionally, Xiaomi launched Mi Notebook Pro 15 Enhanced Edition and Lenovo-owned Motorola launched G8 Play and E6 Play smartphones in Brazil. Notably, ride-hailing giant Uber also added a 'Public Transport' mode into its app, promising an enhanced route planning guide to users.
