We take a weekly look at mobile and tech stories from around the world. Headlines include… Mass IT outage affects airlines, hospitals, media and banks, Apple Vision Pro’s content drought improves with new 3D videos, Mobile banking: alarm as fraudsters take over handsets and raid accounts and more…
Mass IT outage affects airlines, hospitals, media and banks
BBC
A global IT outage has impacted numerous institutions, including hospitals, major banks, media outlets, and airlines, disrupting their services. Airports in India, Hong Kong, the UK, and the US have reported issues, leading to grounded flights and delays. Emergency services are also affected, with some hospitals canceling surgeries and Alaska warning about potential unavailability of its 911 system. Cybersecurity firm Crowdstrike identified the cause as a defective software update for its Microsoft Windows hosts.
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Apple Vision Pro’s content drought improves with new 3D videos
Ars Technica
Apple announced a series of over a dozen new Immersive Videos for its Vision Pro spatial reality headset, starting with the launch of “Boundless” tonight at 9 pm ET. These releases mark an end to a slow period for Vision Pro-specific content. Since the headset’s February launch, only a few videos have been added: a Major League Soccer highlight reel on March 28, an episode of “Prehistoric Planet” on April 19, and an episode of the “Adventure” series titled “Parkour” on May 24. More videos are set to follow in the coming weeks and months.
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Mobile banking: alarm as fraudsters take over handsets and raid accounts
The Guardian
Recent reports highlight the growing risks of mobile banking, with Guardian Money readers sharing incidents where fraudsters took over their mobile phones and drained their bank accounts. The issue has become more frequent, particularly with O2 being the most complained-about provider. In many cases, fraudsters first hack the victim’s email account or use malware to gain control of the phone. With access to the email and other personal data, they then impersonate the customer to reset passwords and order a replacement SIM card, facilitating unauthorized access to banking accounts. This trend underscores the need for heightened security measures and awareness among mobile banking users.
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Beyond GenAI frenzy: Crafting Value-Driven AI Solutions
Mobile Europe
The enthusiasm for Generative AI (GenAI) today is reminiscent of relying on duct tape for every problem—it’s an impressive tool, but not a universal solution. GenAI has undeniably transformed the tech landscape, enabling new content creation, scenario simulation, and altering perceptions of AI’s potential. Despite its groundbreaking capabilities, it’s essential to recognize its limitations. GenAI excels in generating prose or realistic images, but it’s not equipped to resolve every technological challenge, such as fixing database issues or optimizing network performance. Understanding GenAI’s specific strengths and limitations is crucial to leveraging its potential effectively without overestimating its scope.
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Biometrics, electronic devices and identity credentials converging
Biometrics Update
This week’s top stories on Biometric Update highlight the growing importance of biometrics in electronic devices and digital identity documents. Key developments include Google integrating new fingerprint scanners featuring Qualcomm and Suprema technology in its flagship smartphones and Fingerprint Cards securing a large order for enterprise security keys. In the U.S., mobile driver’s licenses experience mixed progress, while the UK explores digital ID possibilities. Emerging biometric passport standards also receive attention. Additionally, IDScan.net’s age verification technology is featured in a controversial new application, underscoring the expanding use of biometric solutions in various sectors.
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GSMA hails Africa AI potential, dissects key barriers
Mobile World Live
A report by the GSMA, titled “AI for Africa,” highlights that most AI use cases on the continent are centered around agriculture, climate action, and the energy sector. The report identifies over 90 AI deployments in leading technology markets such as Kenya, South Africa, and Nigeria. Agriculture represents 49% of these AI applications, a critical sector contributing an average of 17% to Africa’s GDP. The majority of these AI applications leverage Machine Learning (ML) to provide local farmers with data-driven advice, promoting environmentally friendly farming practices and optimizing productivity.
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RCS now works on iPhones running the iOS 18 beta
Computer World
With the release of Apple’s iOS 18 developer beta 2, iPhones now support the Rich Communication Suite (RCS), enhancing the messaging experience to be more platform-agnostic. This update is set to improve communication between work colleagues, partners, and friends, sometimes even via satellite. Defined by the Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA), the RCS standard upgrades traditional SMS messaging by incorporating features typically found on platforms like iMessage or WhatsApp, such as group chat, file transfers, and typing notifications.
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Under 2,000 people have paid to play Resident Evil 7 on iOS, estimates say
Mobilegamebiz
Appmagic’s estimates indicate that Resident Evil 7, recently launched as an iOS exclusive, has drawn fewer than 2,000 paying customers. Despite Apple’s promotion of high-profile console game ports like Assassin’s Creed Mirage, Resident Evil Village, Resident Evil 4, and Death Stranding to showcase their iPhones’ technical prowess, these titles have not performed well since their release. Resident Evil 7, released on July 2, follows this trend, with just over 83,000 downloads reported by Appmagic.
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