Latest news with #Plus
Mint
8 hours ago
- Mint
Your smart TV is watching you even if it's off! 5 privacy fixes to stop it
Ever imagined what your smart TV would say if it could talk? One thing is certain – it would spill everything about your daily routine. From your late-night binges to how many times you've rewatched that comfort movie, your TV is logging it all, behind your back. It's tracking what you watch, how long you watch, when you hit pause, which apps you open and even what you say within earshot of the screen. Welcome to the hidden world of Automatic Content Recognition (ACR), voice tracking and background data profiling. What is your smart TV really tracking and how? Most smart TVs today come with Automatic Content Recognition (ACR) enabled by default. This feature monitors everything that appears on your screen whether it's live television, a YouTube video or content from a connected gaming console. That information is then sent back to manufacturers or third-party advertisers to create a detailed profile of your viewing habits. In return, you're served 'personalised' ads and recommendations and that too without fully realising the extent of the data being shared. But it goes beyond just screen activity. Many smart TVs are equipped with always-on microphones that remain in standby mode, actively listening for voice commands. How are they a concern? These devices can misinterpret background conversations and begin recording unintentionally. In some cases, those audio snippets may be stored on cloud servers to 'improve' voice recognition. And if your TV includes a built-in camera, that adds yet another layer of intrusion, one that gives a literal view into your personal space. Unless manually disabled or covered, it remains an open channel in your living room. Turn off ACR and content recommendations ACR is the primary data collection tool on most smart TVs. To disable this, look for the option under Settings > General > System or Privacy. Disable any features labelled 'Live Plus,' 'Viewing Information Services,' or 'Content Recommendations.' Please note that steps may vary by brand. Disable voice assistant and microphone access If you rarely use voice commands, it's best to switch off the microphone feature entirely. On most TVs this can be done by going to Settings > General > AI Service > Voice Recognition Settings and turn off the function. Some TVs also include a physical mic switch. If yours does, slide it off to completely cut the microphone power. Cover or disconnect the camera on Smart TV If you have a TV with built-in camera, you can simply use the physical shutter if available. If not, you may use a simple opaque sticker or a webcam cover to stop it from recording anything at all. For external webcams, unplug them when not in use. Let's understand it this way. We never leave our laptop camera exposed, right? Well, our TV camera deserves the same caution. Limit sign-ins and app tracking Each time you sign in to your TV or a streaming app, you're sharing usage data. Avoid logging into unnecessary services on your TV. Instead, consider using external streaming devices like Fire TV Stick or Chromecast, which often offer better privacy controls and easier access to permissions. Power down completely when not in use Putting your TV on standby doesn't disconnect it from the internet. To stop background data activity, unplug the TV or switch it off at the wall. This ensures no silent tracking occurs while the device appears inactive
Time of India
9 hours ago
- Time of India
Samsung Galaxy S26 display leaked: Check out the expected specifications, and more
Samsung Galaxy S26 leaks: Samsung Galaxy S26 leak is sparking fresh buzz as rumours suggest Samsung may retire its long-standing Plus model in favour of a sleek new Edge variant for the 2026 Galaxy S lineup . Leaks indicate three models in the S26 series: the base Samsung Galaxy S26, the S26 Edge, and the expansive S26 Ultra, each offering tailored display sizes—6.27‑inch, 6.66‑inch, and 6.89‑inch respectively. This shift echoes Apple's strategy with its iPhone 17 lineup, emphasising premium design, refined performance, and slim form factors. As Samsung looks to streamline its flagship portfolio and sharpen its competitive edge, anticipation builds for the full reveal in early 2026. Stay with us for what could be a turning point in Samsung's flagship evolution. Samsung Galaxy S26 expected launch timeline We may anticipate the Galaxy S26 series to debut sometime in early 2026, most likely in January or February, if Samsung follows its usual release timetable. Samsung Galaxy S26 display leaks The Elec, a Korean website, claims that Samsung is presently developing three Galaxy S26 versions. But there isn't a "Plus" model on the list. Rather, the Galaxy S26, Galaxy S26 Edge, and Galaxy S26 Ultra are reportedly in the works at Samsung. The leak also discloses the display sizes: the S26 Ultra is anticipated to have the largest screen at 6.89 inches, the S26 Edge may have a 6.66-inch panel, and the standard S26 may have a 6.27-inch screen. These dimensions are derived from manufacturing information for components that are currently in production. If true, the report represents a significant change for Samsung. Since the release of the Galaxy S8 Plus in 2017, the business has regularly introduced a Plus model each year. Prior to it, the Galaxy S7 Edge was the model with the bigger screen. To date, Samsung has released nine different Galaxy S Plus models. However, because the Galaxy S25 Edge was added to the list this year, it appears that this was more than a one-time experiment—possibly a test to gauge consumer reaction. The basic S25, S25 Plus, S25 Edge, and S25 Ultra are the four phones that Samsung now offers under the Galaxy S25 line. The Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset powers them all. The Ultra receives a 6.9-inch screen, the S25 Plus and Edge have 6.7-inch panels, and the S25 itself has a 6.2-inch screen. Therefore, the Edge would become the mid-size choice if the Plus were to disappear. Samsung Galaxy S26 expected specifications Design: Apart from possible name modifications, there isn't any verified information at this time on particular design components like color schemes, materials (glass, metal, or a combination), or general aesthetic preferences. The titanium frame, which is now only available on the Ultra and Edge, may eventually be used on other models. Performance: Which chipset will power the Galaxy S26 series and in which regions are still unknown. According to one source, Samsung would "definitely" resume giving its own Exynos CPUs first priority in the S26 series. In particular, it appears to be the Exynos 2600. It's unclear, though, if this would apply to North America, which has only recently embraced Snapdragon chipsets, even when non-Ultra variants with Exynos were offered in Europe. It would be shocking if there were no Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 devices available in any area. In fact, according to a different source, Samsung and Qualcomm are collaborating to create their own version of the next Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 flagship, most likely with the "for Galaxy" designation once more. Cameras: Up from the S25 Ultra's 50Mp periscope telephoto camera, the Galaxy S26 Ultra might include a state-of-the-art 200Mp camera. However, instead of two 200Mp sensors, there might be one. As more Chinese phone makers start integrating high-resolution periscope lenses into their top products, Samsung will be joining the trend. The S26 Ultra receiving such a significant telephoto improvement would be fantastic. In some places, the principal camera on the standard Galaxy S26 might have a variable aperture. This would adjust to various lighting situations, enhancing both low-light and bright daylight photography. Samsung has several options for implementing this feature. The tech behemoth might use a dual-aperture design similar to the 2019 Galaxy S9. More likely, Samsung would follow Xiaomi's example and provide a variety of aperture choices with the 14 Ultra. Although the exact sensor is unknown, an updated version from the same ISOCELL GN family is anticipated to replace the Samsung ISOCELL GN3, which has been in the last three generations of base models. The standard S26 is anticipated to keep the 50Mp main rear lens like its predecessor. Battery and Charging: A possible competitor for the S26 series is silicon-carbon battery technology, which offers the ability to increase battery capacities to the 6000–7000mAh range. Higher energy density is another possible benefit of this technology, which could result in longer battery life and quicker charging times. Even if the S26 Ultra makes the switch, it's still possible that its battery won't be more than 5500mAh. It's unknown if other Galaxy S26 versions will have silicon-carbon batteries or if the Ultra will be the only one with them.
Business Insider
12 hours ago
- Business
- Business Insider
Simulations Plus downgraded to Sector Weight from Overweight at KeyBanc
KeyBanc downgraded Simulations Plus (SLP) to Sector Weight from Overweight. Elevate Your Investing Strategy: Take advantage of TipRanks Premium at 50% off! Unlock powerful investing tools, advanced data, and expert analyst insights to help you invest with confidence. Make smarter investment decisions with TipRanks' Smart Investor Picks, delivered to your inbox every week. Published first on TheFly – the ultimate source for real-time, market-moving breaking financial news. Try Now>>
New Indian Express
12 hours ago
- New Indian Express
CHSE cautions students against fraud calls seeking money to increase marks
BHUBANESWAR: With the admission process underway in higher educational institutions and results of Plus II Instant Examination scheduled to be declared, the Council of Higher Secondary Education (CHSE) on Monday cautioned students against cyber frauds seeking money to increase their marks or facilitate their enrolment in colleges of their choice. The Council urged the students and their parents not to believe in such calls and issued helpline number 0674 2300914 requesting them to report such cases instantly. 'Simultaneously, they should report such matters at their nearest police station and cyber cell,' said CHSE controller of exams (CoE) Prasanta Kumar Parida. Parida said they have received multiple complaints about fraud calls to students and their guardians seeking money to increase their marks in instant exam. The cyber fraudsters are also trying to lure students with fake assurance of improving their marks through rechecking. 'The fake calls have so far been received from two numbers 9583477659 and 8918813082, mentioning that they are Panda sir and Niranjan Sethi from CHSE. The fraudsters had even tried to contact a few staff from the Council,' the exam controller said. CHSE sources said over 1,000 students have appeared for the Plus II Instant Examination in June and are waiting for their results. Besides, thousands of students are also taking part in the ongoing admission process at Plus II as well as Plus III level. Though the Council officials assured that the three SAMS portals being used for online admissions are secure, they urged students to exercise caution while using computers in cyber cafes or sharing their details such as identity proof, roll number and phone number with others for form fill-up.
Tom's Guide
a day ago
- Tom's Guide
Samsung Galaxy S26 leak just revealed huge shakeup — this model now looks dead
The Galaxy S25 Plus released earlier this year may prove to be the last of its kind. A new report out of Korea claims that Samsung will only have three variants for the Galaxy S26 series — and one of them figures to be a successor the Galaxy S25 Edge instead of a new Plus. The Elec posted an article today (July 14) saying that next year Samsung will release a 6.27-inch base model, a 6.66-inch Edge, and a 6.89-inch Ultra phone. That would seem to spell the end of the Plus model in Samsung's Galaxy S lineup. This isn't exactly a new rumor, and The Elec isn't the only place reporting this rumor today. Regular tipster Instant Digital posted (via MacRumors) on the Chinese site Weibo that the S26 lineup would consist of the S26, S26 Edge and S26 Ultra. Ever since rumors emerged about Samsung producing an Edge-style phone, it's been assumed that the ultra-thin phone was likely to replace the Plus model. The move would make each S series phone a distinct model, rather than the Plus just being larger version of the base model. Beyond thinness, both the S25 Edge the S25 Plus have a lot in common between a 6.7-inch display, 50-megapixel main camera and a Snapdragon 8 Elite chip. That said, the Edge has more of a premium feel with its titanium chassis and ultra-thin design. As for the rumored display sizes, The Elec's numbers point to similar displays as the S25 series For comparison, that is a slightly larger display on the S26 base model, with the Galaxy S25 having a 6.2-inch screen. The S26 Ultra is about the same size as the Galaxy S25 Ultra which we have listed at 6.9-inches. The rumored 6.66-inch Edge display is the same as the current Galaxy S25 Edge. Currently, the Galaxy S25 Plus features a 6.7-inch screen. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. It's been rumored that Apple and Samsung are following similar paths with their lineups. Most Apple observers assume the company will replace its Plus model with the much-rumored iPhone 17 Air later this year. That would make this year's coming lineup the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Air, 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max. Current leaks paint a picture of a slightly smaller Air with lower battery life than the long-lasting iPhone 16 Plus. The iPhone 17 lineup might launch between September 8 and September 12, if a new Bloomberg report is to be believed.
