New Mac malware in the wild, Backdoor.MAC.Elanor – can steal data, execute code, control webcam

After the first ever example of Mac ransomware was found in the wild earlier this year, Bitdefender Labs has found what it tells us is only the second example of true Mac malware to enter circulation this year, which it has dubbed Backdoor.MAC.Elanor. The app is available on a number of reputable download sites such as MacUpdate.

The backdoor is embedded into a fake file converter application that is accessible online on reputable sites offering Mac applications and software. The EasyDoc Converter.app poses as a drag-and-drop file converter, but has no real functionality – it simply downloads a malicious script.

This is a nasty backdoor that can steal data, execute remote code and access the webcam, among other things …

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Filed under: Apple

Pokémon GO now available on iOS in the US, select other countries

After a brief field test in May, Pokémon GO is now available on iOS. The game, which was produced in partnership with Ingress-makers Niantic Labs allows users to collect, train, and battle Pokémon characters in an augmented reality world. Initially, the game appears to be limited to the United States, Australia, and New Zealand. It’s also now available on Android.

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Filed under: Apple

Nintendo betting big on mobile, potentially building hardware controllers for iPhone & iPad

Nintendo, which only just recently released its first game for iOS, is looking to continue its efforts on the platform. Speaking at the company’s annual general shareholder meeting, Nintendo’s general manager of entertainment planning and development, Shinya Takahashi, explained that the company is looking to dedicate a large portion of its resources to smartphones and tablets (via Polygon).

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Filed under: Apple

Hands-on: Kanto’s YU5 powered bookshelf speakers deliver big sound and flexible connectivity options [Video]

Back in May I published a post highlighting my voiceover and podcasting setup. In that post, I noted that I had recently switched from the KEF Egg Wireless Digital Music System to the Kanto YU5. While that may seem like an odd choice given how ridiculously good KEF’s drivers sound, I noted that the added flexibility made possible by the YU5’s connectivity options is what convinced me to make the switch.

The Kanto YU5’s offers Bluetooth connectivity along with auxiliary input and stereo RCA inputs. The speakers also offer dual optical inputs, a subwoofer output, and traditional non-proprietary speaker connections. There’s even a USB-port to be found on the back of the cabinet, although it’s used for charging only.

Needless to say, the amount of versatility offered by these speakers is a big reason as to why I considered them in the first place. In this area, the Kanto YU5 delivers well.

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Filed under: Apple

Report: Verizon will launch new plans w/ higher prices tomorrow, ‘Safety Mode’ for capped unlimited, rollover data & more

Verizon is planning an announcement tomorrow and CNET reports that it’s part of a big overhaul of its plans that will see increased data caps come alongside price hikes and other new features. Customers will also reportedly soon get access to unlimited usage through a new feature dubbed ‘Safety Mode’, rollover data options, and more. 

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Filed under: Apple

macOS 10.12 Sierra beta 2 for developers hits the Mac App Store

Roughly three weeks after releasing the first developer preview of macOS Sierra at WWDC 2016, Apple has pushed macOS 10.12 beta 2 through the Mac App Store for testing. macOS Sierra brings Siri to the Mac for the first time. Some new features like Apple Pay for Safari and Auto Unlock haven’t been available for testing yet so today’s release will be interesting.

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Filed under: Apple

Apple releases watchOS 3 beta 2 to developers

Three weeks after having released the first preview for watchOS 3, Apple has started pushing out the second beta version to developers. watchOS 3 beta 2 is available to download as a Configuration Profile from the Apple developer center. Release notes are not yet available, but should be up fairly soon.

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Filed under: Apple