Here are the top trending news from the world of technology. News that every tech enthusiast should keep a tab on.
1)
All iPhone 17 models may soon feature Pro-level OLED displays
Unconfirmed media reports are claiming that Apple may extend its high-refresh-rate OLED display technology, known as ProMotion, to the entire iPhone 17 lineup. This is a departure from the previous strategy where this feature was exclusively available to only ‘pro’ version models. This rumour primarily stems from a leak by the well-known tipster Digital Chat Station on Chinese social media platform Weibo, which has a uncanny record of leaking reliable information about upcoming Apple hardware. Separately, there are also speculations all models in the iPhone 17 series may include an anti-reflective display that could be more scratch-resistant than the current Ceramic Shield technology.
2)
Volkswagen hit by a massive data breach
According to the German local media, the German auto giant Volkswagen’s subsidiary company Cariad has suffered a significant cyber-attack. The data leak has reportedly revealed the precise location information of approximately 460,000 electric vehicle (EV) drivers from Volkswagen and its subsidiaries, including Audi, Seat, and Skoda. The data of scores of electric vehicles remained accessible online for several months due to a misconfigured Amazon cloud storage system, the report claimed. The exposed data also included sensitive information such as movement patterns and contact details. However, Cariad claimed that no sensitive information such as passwords or payment details was compromised.
3)
Russia is trying to make its own version of PlayStation and Xbox
In a attempt to reduce overwhelming dependence on Western technology, Russia is actively developing its own gaming consoles. According to reports by the Russian media, it will utilize the Elbrus processor – a home grown Russian chip. The report further claimed that the console will run on Russian operating systems like Aurora or Alt Linux. Separately, Russian government is also developing a cloud gaming device named Fog Play. This device will allow users to rent high-end computing power from owners of powerful PCs, facilitating access to games through cloud services. However, its performance is expected to be below par as compared to more established gaming systems.
4)
Majority of US Southern states have blocked Pornhub
Popular porn website Pornhub has officially blocked access to its website in Florida, Tennessee, and South Carolina from 1st January, 2025. This is in response to new age verification laws aimed at regulating access to adult content. This move expands the list of states where Pornhub is banned to total 17 states, mostly consisting of Southern US states. Residents attempting to visit Pornhub from these states will encounter a message indicating that access is restricted. Critics and experts, however, argue about the effectiveness of this new laws. They argue that these new laws may prove ineffective in protecting minors but instead push them towards less regulated and potentially more harmful platforms.
