Welcome to 2004 Week
The world we live in is, in so many ways, 20 years old. Let’s go back and see how we got here.
Punjab Times
China calls allegations that it infiltrated US critical infrastructure a ‘political farce’
China has denied allegations by the US government and Microsoft that a state-sponsored hacking group called the Volt Typhoon has infiltrated US critical infrastructure, according to Bloomberg. The country’s National Computer Virus Emergency Response Center called the claims a “political farce” orchestrated by US officials in a new report. It also reportedly cited more than 50 cybersecurity experts who agreed with the agency that there’s no sufficient evidence linking Volt Typhoon to the Chinese government.
Moreover, the Chinese agency said that it’s the US that uses “cyber warfare forces” to penetrate networks and conduct intelligence gathering. It even accused the US of using a tool called “Marble” that can insert code strings in the Chinese and Russian languages to frame China and Russia for its activities.
Microsoft and the National Security Agency (NSA) first reported about Volt Typhoon back in May 2023. They said that the group installed surveillance malware in “critical” systems on the island of Guam and other parts of the US and has had access to those systems for at least the past five years. In February this year, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), the NSA and the FBI <a class="colorbox" data-i13n="cpos:4;pos:1" …read more
SimpliSafe’s new camera lets live agents watch your property
Home security company SimpliSafe has launched its new live monitoring feature — Active Guard Outdoor Protection. Announced earlier this year, the service is powered by a new outdoor camera that uses on-device and cloud-based AI to alert call center agents about potential threats on your property. The agent then gets access to a live view through the camera and can talk to any potential intruder and either deter the threat or call emergency services.
Active Guard has been running in a public beta since April of this year and is now available to all SimpliSafe users. It costs $49.99 a month for overnight live guard monitoring (8PM to 6AM) or $79.99 for 24/7 live guard monitoring. Both prices include SimpliSafe’s 24/7 professional alarm…
Arlo is launching its first wired floodlight camera
Arlo is releasing a new floodlight security camera that connects directly to your home’s Wi-Fi and power source. That allows the Arlo Wired Floodlight Camera to monitor and illuminate outdoor spaces 24/7 without interruption, unlike battery-powered security systems.
This is Arlo’s first hardwired floodlight camera, and it’s available to buy on the company’s website now for $149.99. Wired security systems are harder to install than battery-powered alternatives, but Arlo says its first floodlight system features a “simple, hardwired DIY installation.” It’s also more affordable than Arlo’s $250 wireless Pro 3 Floodlight Cam, which can be set up as either a wireless or hardwired system.
In fact, the Wired Floodlight Camera shares many of the…
This Amitabh Bachchan film was almost shelved, Jeetendra, Jackie were considered to replace Big B, movie was blockbuster
Directed by Tinnu Anand, Amitabh Bachchan’s Shahenshah was almost shelved at one point. Jeetendra and Jackie Shroff were considered to replace Big B, but they refused. The film eventually became a blockbuster. …read more
Mukesh Ambani loses Rs 38811 crore in just 6 hours, a day after…
On Monday, Reliance reported a 5 per cent fall in the July-September quarter net profit as weak oil refining and petrochemical business hurt operational performance. …read more
Maharashtra, Jharkhand Assembly Election 2024: CEC expresses concern over urban apathy, appeals voters to…
Assembly polls in Maharashtra will be held in a single phase on November 20, and in Jharkhand in two phases on November 13 and 20. The EC has been flagging the issue of low polling in urban centres including those like Mumbai and Pune in Maharashtra. …read more
First Indian minister to visit Pakistan in 9 years: S Jaishankar reaches Islamabad for SCO Summit, shares pics
Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar attends the SCO Summit in Pakistan marking the first visit in nine years amid stalled bilateral ties. …read more
How to stream via a VPN on your Google TV or Chromecast
Google TV is an easy to use operating system that provides access to all of the best streaming services in one centralized location. A growing number of modestly priced smart TVs have Google TV built-in. But even if your smart TV runs a different OS, you can get access to Google TV easily by buying a Chromecast for as little as $30, or a new Google TV box for closer to $100. But here’s an open secret: If you use a VPN (virtual private network) with your Google TV set or Chromecast, you can access even more content. Here’s how to set up a VPN on Google TV or a Chromecast and why you may want to use one.
Why use a VPN on Google TV or Chromecast?
For streaming purposes, VPNs have one clear benefit: spoofing your IP address to that of a different country so that you can access geo-restricted content. If you use a VPN and connect to a different country’s server, you can access its content library on any streaming platform.
Let’s say you live in the US but want to watch some award-winning BBC documentaries on …read more
Meet woman, who failed five times, then cracked UPSC exam by self-study, now a popular IAS officer, she is…
Hailing from Delhi, Priyanka pursued her B.Com. degree from Keshav Mahavidyalaya, Delhi University. Driven by her childhood dream of becoming an IAS officer, she began preparing for the UPSC exams after graduation. …read more
The Morning After: Our verdict on the Meta Quest 3S
Meta’s latest play to get you into VR is a cheaper VR headset almost as capable as the $500 Quest 3. The Quest 3S brings some but not all of the top features of the more expensive headset. Compared to the Quest 2, it has a more capable processor, better hand and controller tracking and lets you dip your toes into mixed reality.
Costs have been cut: There are lower-res screens and cheaper Fresnel lenses, but Meta has cleverly cherry picked the right specs to ensure the Quest 3S feels as capable as the more expensive option. You get the same subtle, comfortable controllers and the camera arrays to track your environment.
You can also use the 3S to play Xbox titles and even connect to your PC for VR games like Half Life: Alyx. The Quest 3S starts at $300 with 128GB of storage. If you’re intrigued, check out our full review.
— Mat Smith
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