Summary
Overview
TechLink covers major tech news including Samsung smart TVs collecting user data through microphones and screenshots, Apple's repairable iPhone Duo facing screen cracking issues, Nintendo Switch games running natively on Apple devices, and various quick updates on iPad Mini refresh, Steam Deck CD-ROM support, Sony discontinuing Blu-ray players, PS5 Windows gaming, and Japan's robot lumberjacks.
Samsung Smart TVs Collecting User Data
Cybersecurity researcher Lodge4J discovered that Samsung smart TVs may be gathering extensive user data including audio recordings, screenshots, and other information for targeted advertising purposes. The investigation revealed that even TVs without built-in microphones could potentially use connected devices like soundbars to capture audio. While sound detection is an advertised feature, the extent of data being sent back to Samsung was not previously disclosed, raising significant privacy concerns similar to those recently identified with LG TVs.
- Samsung smart TVs reportedly collect audio, screenshots, and other data for targeted ads
- Models without built-in microphones may use connected devices like soundbars to pick up audio
- Similar privacy concerns were previously raised about LG TVs by Gamer's Nexus
- Findings haven't been fully independently verified and used OpenAI tools for analysis
" We used to call TVs the idiot box. Now the motherfuckers have started school, smartened up, they're taking notes. "
" Remember when your TV's only job was to entertain you, not to spy on you, and certainly not to snitch to advertisers? "
iPhone Duo Repairability and Crackgate
Apple released official DIY repair guides for the iPhone Duo, and iFixit named it the most repairable foldable smartphone they've tested, though it still only received a 5 out of 10 repairability score. However, reports of screens cracking along the hinge, dubbed 'Crackgate,' have emerged. YouTuber CuriousHaji's stress testing and teardown revealed a potentially problematic thinner hinge link that may be a weak point, though the exact cause of cracking remains unconfirmed.
- Apple released DIY repair guide for iPhone Duo, but genuine parts not yet available
- iFixit called it the most repairable foldable smartphone but gave it only 5 out of 10 score
- Reports of duo screens cracking along the hinge dubbed 'Crackgate'
- CuriousHaji discovered a thinner hinge link that may be a weak point
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