A man in the UK has become a medical first, though not in a great way. In a recent paper, scientists say he’s the first known person to have caught a newly discovered bacteria from a stray cat’s bite. Though the feline encounter resulted in a gnarly infection of his hands, the man was eventually treated successfully…
Mazda’s MX-30 is a strange EV, and it appears the company knows this. The automaker is pulling the small crossover from the US market after the 2023 model year. The company says it’s currently focused on “large platform” plug-in hybrids like the CX-70 and CX-90, and also offers conventional hybrids like the CX-50.
The MX-30 is Mazda’s first and only mass-produced EV to date, and it came to the country in fall 2021 as a California-only model. From the start, its prospects were limited by a number of unusual business decisions. On top of its small size, it had just a 35.5kWh battery with an estimated 100-mile range. This was supposed to make it feel more like a gas car and limit the car’s CO2 footprint, but the net result was a car that was both less exciting to drive and less practical than competing EVs costing significantly less than Mazda’s $35,385 sticker. The outgoing current-gen Chevy Bolt costs $9,000 less while delivering more performance and over twice the range.
Sales were accordingly poor. Mazda has sold just 571 MX-30 units in the US over three years. In some countries, the company has reworked the machine as a plug-in hybrid with a rotary gas engine and an estimated 53 miles of electric-only driving.
Mazda is rethinking its EV strategy. It plans to introduce cars based on both an existing platform as well as a new framework. There are claims the company might use a future Toyota platform expected to deliver over 600 miles on a charge. The MX-30 discontinuation isn’t the end, in other words — rather, it’s an acknowledgment that the company needs to be more competitive.
The move is also a reflection of Japanese brands’ general trouble entering the EV market. Honda might not replace its E compact car, and is refocusing on SUVs like next year’s Prologue as well as its collaboration with Sony. Toyota and Subaru, meanwhile, had problems launching the bZ4x SUV crossover and its Solterra equivalent. For now, they largely have to rely on hybrids to attract buyers.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mazda-stops-selling-its-only-ev-in-the-us-182657731.html?src=rss
In a significant discovery, security researchers from Trend Micro have stumbled upon a rare breed of Android malware called CherryBlos. This malicious software employs optical character recognition (OCR) to pilfer credentials displayed on the screens of infected smartphones.
What sets CherryBlos apart is the advanced techniques that allow it to remain stealthy and bypass typical security measures.
Image: “smartphone teen” by pabak sarkar
CherryBlos has been embedded into several Android apps available outside of the Google Play Store, specifically on sites promoting money-making scams. Although one of the apps was briefly available on Google Play without the malicious payload, the researchers also discovered suspicious apps created by the same developers on the platform, though these apps were free from malware.
The malware is designed to be elusive and cleverly disguises its malicious functionality. It employs a paid version of commercial software, known as Jiagubao, to encrypt its code and code strings, making it difficult to detect malicious activities. The malware also utilizes techniques to ensure its persistence on infected phones. When users open legitimate apps related to cryptocurrency services, CherryBlos overlays fake windows that closely mimic the authentic apps.
During financial transactions, the malware stealthily replaces the victim’s intended wallet address with one controlled by the attacker. CherryBlos was embedded into the following apps available from these websites:
| Label | Package name | Phishing domain |
|---|---|---|
| GPTalk | com.gptalk.wallet | chatgptc[.]io |
| Happy Miner | com.app.happyminer | happyminer[.]com |
| Robot 999 | com.example.walljsdemo | robot999[.]net |
| SynthNet | com.miner.synthnet | synthnet[.]ai |
The malware has been embedded into at least four Android apps available outside of Google Play, specifically on sites promoting money-making scams. One of the apps was available for close to a month on Google Play but didn’t contain the malicious CherryBlos payload
The most striking feature of CherryBlos is its novel use of optical character recognition. When legitimate apps display passphrases or sensitive information on the phone screen, the malware captures an image of the screen and then uses OCR to translate the image into a text format, effectively stealing crucial account access information. Once the credentials are acquired, CherryBlos uploads the data to a command-and-control (C&C) server at regular intervals.
To add to its evasive tactics, CherryBlos bypasses the typical screenshot restrictions often used by banking and finance apps. It does this by obtaining accessibility permissions, which are usually intended for users with vision impairments or other disabilities.
Image: “Malware Infection” by Visual Content
While OCR-based malware is a relatively rare phenomenon, CherryBlos represents a significant advancement in the techniques employed by malicious actors. The malware developers’ ingenuity lies in their ability to use advanced tools and evasion techniques to carry out their malicious activities.
The researchers at Trend Micro identified multiple other apps, most of which were hosted on Google Play, sharing the same digital certificate or attacker infrastructure as the CherryBlos apps. Though these apps did not contain the malware payload, their abnormal behavior warranted concern.
To safeguard against the threats posed by such malware, users can follow some best practices:
By adhering to these practices, users can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to malicious apps like CherryBlos. As threats continue to evolve, vigilance and awareness are crucial in ensuring mobile device security. Stay safe!
CherryBlos: Android Malware Uses OCR To Steal Credentials
, original content from Ubergizmo. Read our Copyrights and terms of use.
For those of us who want to delve into the bygone era of the 80s and 90s, behold this captivating announcement: imagine the possibility of charging your smartphone using a cassette tape! The illustrious accessories manufacturer Remax has devoted over a year of toil and ingenuity to bring forth this very interesting concept.
A curious array of power banks, boasting an impressive capacity of “10,000mAh,” now graces the market, reminiscent of the classic cassette tapes that once filled our Walkmans and boomboxes; Depending on your color preference — be it a vibrant yellow, a passionate red, or the spanking new green model for the year 2023 — you have the freedom to recharge these innovative power banks via USB-C, micro-USB, or even the venerable Apple Lightning cable.
And behold, for once charged, these marvels of technology can generously dispense up to 22.5W of power through either USB-A or USB-C, a true feat of swiftness to ensure your phone’s rapid revival:
However, with all these delights, it is fair to acknowledge that the price range, landing somewhere between $20 to $40, might not appear as economical as one might have hoped. Yet, fret not, for these power banks arrive in their very own transparent cassette tape cases, an alluring adornment that tugs at the heartstrings of nostalgia.
But do keep in mind that while they carry the essence of the classics we adored, they do boast a slightly larger physical presence and regrettably lack any spinning components for those fidgeting inclinations.
The original incarnations of yellow and red exhibited a minor deficiency — a dearth of convenient compartments to house your cherished charging cables. Nevertheless, the newest green variant resolves this issue, graciously accommodating pull-out, flexible 20W Type-C, and Lightning cables. Moreover, the green iteration has decided to part ways with a feeble LED flashlight and the micro-USB input, a strategic move indeed.
Despite the allure, one must exercise caution when pondering their charging capacity. The grandiose “10,000mAh” labeling is tempered by the fine print, revealing a “rated capacity” that stands at a more modest 5200mAh. Notably, the red variant carries a promise of only 300 charge cycles before its capacity begins to wane.
Yet, fear not, for these captivating power banks possess the potential to make for a delightful stocking stuffer, adding a touch of whimsy and charm. They possess the mettle to thoroughly charge a single smartphone at a time, making them a reliable companion for your mobile needs. For a tantalizing glimpse of their appeal, one may venture into the realm of YouTube, where a hands-on review from last year dives into some of the details:
While a modicum of wariness regarding their charging prowess is reasonable, the allure of these cassette tape power banks remains undeniably potent, beckoning the nostalgic hearts of the 80s and 90 kids and beyond. What do you think about these cool accessories? Which color would you get for yourself? Tell us in the comment section!
These Cool Retro Cassette Tape Power Banks Will Make Any 80s Fans Go Crazy
, original content from Ubergizmo. Read our Copyrights and terms of use.
In the pursuit of meeting our climate targets and achieving a seamless transition to renewable energy sources, we encounter a formidable obstacle: the need for efficient and sustainable energy storage, especially when relying on intermittent sources like solar and wind power. However, a beacon of hope emerges from Germany, where a research consortium led by Fraunhofer IZM has set its sights on tackling this challenge through groundbreaking zinc battery technology.
This remarkable innovation not only facilitates the storage of electrical power but also has the unique capability of producing green hydrogen on demand. To realize this ambitious vision, the research institutions have joined forces with two commercial partners, Zn2H2 and Steel PRO Maschinenbau, forming the Zn-H2 project.
Diverging from conventional lithium-ion batteries, the group chose to explore the potential of zinc batteries due to their economic advantages and the use of fully-recyclable and readily available materials: steel, zinc, and potassium hydroxide. The integration of alkaline water electrolysis into this battery composition resulted in a truly new technology.
Dr. Robert Hahn from Fraunhofer IZM provided insight into the chemical processes that take place within the battery:
“During charging, water oxidizes into oxygen while simultaneously reducing the zinc oxide to metallic zinc. Upon discharge, the zinc returns to its oxide state, and the water is once again reduced, releasing hydrogen. This intricate combination effectively marries the attributes of a standard battery with the functionality of a hydrogen source.”
Lab tests on individual battery cells have already been conducted to assess their efficiency and stability over multiple cycles, affirming the success of their innovative system. The team now sets its sights on testing eight interconnected cells, each boasting a capacity of approximately 12V and 50Ah, by the year’s end.
Anticipated results indicate promising figures, with an expected 50% efficiency in power storage and an impressive 80% efficiency in hydrogen production, all while offering an estimated life expectancy of a decade for the system.
Looking to the future, the researchers envision an industrially-scalable, electrically rechargeable hydrogen storage system that serves a dual purpose: storing energy as metallic zinc and converting it back into electrical power and hydrogen as needed. Furthermore, the cost-effectiveness of zinc batteries renders this technology an appealing and viable alternative for commercial green energy storage.
With the Zn-H2 project slated to conclude in September 2025, it seeks to make substantial strides in facilitating our transition to green energy.
Unlocking the full potential of green hydrogen, which currently comprises a mere 1% of global hydrogen production, holds the key to decarbonizing high-emission industries, including chemicals and steel manufacturing, while also providing electricity and heat for domestic consumption. We are excited about the possibilities ahead!
New Zinc Battery Tech Promises On-Demand Green Hydrogen With 50% Better Storage
, original content from Ubergizmo. Read our Copyrights and terms of use.
“When they die, it’s like an extended member of our family dies.”
Coinbase’s CEO Brian Armstrong reportedly told the Financial Times that the U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission asked him to halt trading in the exchange with all currencies except bitcoin. According to Armstrong, the suggestion came just before the SEC sued Coinbase last month.
Attention all R.A. Salvatore fans: the fantasy author will be returning to the world of DemonWars next year with a “sister series,” kicking off in April with Pinquickle’s Folly. Simon & Schuster will be marking the occasion by re-releasing all seven previous DemonWars books with updated covers. Today, io9 is excited…
Watching trailers for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem, one of the first things to come to mind is Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. Spider-Verse was such a game changer in animation that when you see any animated movie after it that looks a little bit different, it’s very easy to link the two. Especially…
Elon Musk’s lawyer sent a letter threatening to sue a hate speech research group in late July, accusing the organization of making “false and misleading claims” about Twitter in order to help the company’s competitors. Shortly after, Twitter unbanned Ye, the artist formerly known as Kanye West, whom Musk kicked off…
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