Technology News: Tech Roundup: Malware Alert, App Clean-Up, iPhone 17, Nvidia AI Chip, Dyson Headphones, WhatsApp Username

CrowdStrike issued a warning following a recent attack on Windows PCs, which affected billions of devices. The security company alerted users Tuesday to possible follow-up threats, including emails and rogue websites that misuse the name of CrowdStrike. Those kinds of scammers could masquerade as people who fix issues like BSODs and pitch solutions actually to hijack devices or steal data. An extensive list of suspected websites and file names has been provided, together with a warning against impersonators who may call up and pretend to be the support staff.

August 31, and Google will start cleaning low-quality and non-functional apps left and right in the Play Store under its refreshed Spam and Minimum Functionality Policy. The target shall be apps that can do nothing but display a text or wallpaper; probably, such apps are really dysfunctional. This has seemingly been done to enhance the user experience in terms of app stability and engagement. It has given the app developers six weeks to meet its new standards. So far, in 2023, Google had blocked up to 2.8 million apps while banning a huge 333,000 accounts over policy violations and several other security concerns.

Although an iPhone 16 is on the way, what is really building up in customers' minds is something related to the 2025 iPhones: the iPhone 17 models. So, the 2025 iPhone 17 series should most probably bring major design and feature revamps by including ProMotion display technology with a refresh rate of 120Hz on even vanilla and Plus models. Variable refresh rates will also pop up on these models via LTPO tech. This may also include a 48MP camera sensor and bring some design refinements; these types of upgrades have the potential to raise the price of the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro.

A version of Nvidia's new "Blackwell" AI chips is being prepped for the Chinese market that would meet the requirements of U.S. export controls. The new chip, tentatively named the "B20," will distribute in China starting Q2 2025 through Nvidia's partner, Inspur. The reported plan arrives as the United States tightens semiconductor export restrictions to avoid China's advances in supercomputing. On the other hand, the sales of its H20 chips have been rising in China and are likely to top $12 billion this year for Nvidia, despite recent sanctions.

Dyson launched its very first proper wireless headphones with ANC, coupled with premium materials. Sell it at $499.99, about Rs 41,000 for these headphones; the high-grade aluminum outer caps are sold separately at $49.99, about Rs 4,000. It hosts the advanced ANC, noise reduction of up to 40 dB, real-time external noise tracking via the MyDyson app, and improved sound coverage with 40mm drivers. The OnTrac also touts a joystick for controls and a battery life of up to 55 hours with ANC.

WhatsApp is beta-testing some new features for its web client, and one of them is the inclusion of usernames as part of enhanced privacy features. This would mean that a user could be contacted via a username and not a phone number, resolving all problems related to privacy and unsolicited contact. The feature is still in the works but is coming soon. Another feature that WhatsApp has in line to roll out is voice message transcription, offering a text version of the audio messages. Both are features that better the user experience and privacy on the platform.