Radcomm Weekly Tech Roundup 13/01/2018

Welcome to the Radcomm UK’s Weekly Tech Roundup. Here, you will find the latest and greatest tech stories all in one convenient spot; ensuring you are kept up to date with current events. If you wish to join our mailing list, feel free to drop us an email at [email protected] and we’ll sign you up straight away. Make sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter for news updates and exclusive online deals.

Now, in case you are wondering why no CES story has been included in this week’s news – fear not! Next week’s issue will be a CES featured special. We wanted to wait for the event to be over so that we would do justice to the event picking the top 5 stories from CES. So expect a CES focused newsletter next week.

1. Controversy as white noise video on youtube is struck with five copyright claims

Image result for whitenoise

The internet has unquestionably opened opportunities to countless numbers of individuals over the last two decades. Perhaps one of the best features the internet holds – is the ability to make money from products. With that being said – unfortunately, every so often – a story like this pops up

Introduce Sebastian Tomczak, a musician based in Australia – who recently uploaded a 10-hour long video titled ’10 Hours of Low Level White Noise’. The video in question can be found below. Be warned: it really is just 10 hours of white noise. We highly recommend that you don’t try to watch the entire video.

 

The BBC has reported that the accusing parties are not looking for the removal of the video; but instead, are demanding that any revenue made from advertising instead be paid directly to them.

On Monday, Tomczak confirmed via Twitter that Youtube had dropped the copyright claims, however, is still unsure at this time whether or not the accusing parties will further pursue their claims in court.

‘I will be disputing these claims,’ Tomczak told the BBC. ‘I am intrigued and perplexed that YouTube’s automated content ID system will pattern-match white noise with multiple claims

“If I were making substantial money from YouTube content, such a broken system may prove to be unusable,” he said.

To clarify where Mr. Tomczak stands legally in the eyes of the law, intellectual property lawyer Iain Connor at UK law firm Pinsent Masons stated the following on the matter:

‘Copyright does not protect the idea, but the expression of the idea.

‘If I record background white noise or if I have a random white noise generator and I record that, with me being the first person to fix that recording, then I am the owner of its copyright.’

Whilst at a glance, a case like this seem amusing and trivial, serious questions must be asked about the financial safety of content creators if such trivial claims can instantly put a temporary freeze on their income. Youtube currently use a complex Content ID system which compares sample files submitted by content creators against what is already up on their platform to check for any copyright infringement. It currently stands as a good (if not slightly flawed) system, with Google (Youtube’s parent company) claiming the rate of invalid claims is now below 1%. Whilst this low percentage may look encouraging, one has to consider the detrimental affect false claims may have on content creators with smaller channels who lack the following to be heard.

2. Pyeongchang Olympics targeted by hackers

Image result for Pyeongchang Olympics

Cybersecurity firm McAfee has confirmed that malware-infected emails were sent to organisations associated with the Olympics.  According to the BBC, these emails were sent from a Singapore IP address and contained instructions to open a text document written in Korean. The hackers posed as South Korea’s Nation Counter-Terrorist Center.

The hackers used a method called ‘steganography’, a covert method of tricking users to download Malware by hiding the virus in text and images. The document in question was titled: Organised by Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry and Pyeongchang Winter Olympics.

In a statement, McAfee warned that ‘The majority of these organisations had some association with the Olympics, either in providing infrastructure or in a supporting role,

‘The attackers appear to be casting a wide net with this campaign.

“Based on our analysis, this implant establishes an encrypted channel to the attacker’s server, likely giving the attacker the ability to execute commands on the victim’s machine and to install additional malware,’

Following the statement, McAfee reiterated the warning from the University of California to expect more cyber-attacks at major events around the globe in the future. This may become the norm (if it isn’t already).

 

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3. Carphone Warehouse data breach results in fine

Image result for carphone warehouse

Carphone Warehouse has been fined by the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) for a data breach which took place in 2015. The breach resulted in approximately 2.4m customers having their data being compromised which included their names, addresses, dates of birth and bank details. 

The ICO has determined that the ‘number of distinct and significant inadequacies in the security arrangements’ of Carphone Warehouse as ‘striking”’ and said that it was  ‘particularly concerning that a number of the inadequacies related to basic, commonplace measures’ as reported by The Guardian.

The fine; which totaled a staggering £400,000 (one of the largest fines ever issued by the ICO) matches that which was issued to TalkTalk in 2016 under similar circumstances. The ICO determined through their investigation that as many as 11 issues directly related to the Carphone Warehouse’s data protection and security practice were present. One of these failures alone would have breached the data protection act.

The list of infractions included using software which was several years out of date, whilst also failing to ensure appropriate security had been in place in relation to login details to their system as well as an absence of any antivirus software. The same root password was also present on every one of their servers which held valuable data.

‘A company as large, well-resourced and established as Carphone Warehouse should have been actively assessing its data security systems, and ensuring systems were robust and not vulnerable to such attacks,’ the Information Commissioner Elizabeth Denham said.

Image result for Information Commissioner Elizabeth Denham
Information Commissioner Elizabeth Denham

‘Carphone Warehouse should be at the top of its game when it comes to cybersecurity, and it is concerning that the systemic failures we found related to rudimentary, commonplace measures.’

In a statement, Carphone Warehouse said: ‘We accept today’s decision by the ICO and have co-operated fully throughout its investigation into the illegal cyber-attack on a specific system within one of Carphone Warehouse’s UK divisions in 2015.

‘As the ICO notes in its report, we moved quickly at the time to secure our systems, to put in place additional security measures and to inform the ICO and potentially affected customers and colleagues. The ICO noted that there was no evidence of any individual data having been used by third parties.’

4. Facebook to start prioritising humans over pages on news feed, but is there a sinister twist?

Image result for facebook

Facebook took a decision this Thursday to start prioritising what friends and family share on users’ news feeds in order to reduce the amount of content non-advertising publishers and brands share. 

The changes are set to be implemented over the next following weeks, with Zuckerberg explaining his decision due to the high number of posts from brands and businesses dominating users’ newsfeeds.

‘We’ve gotten feedback from our community that public content – posts from businesses, brands and media – is crowding out the personal moments that lead us to connect more with each other,’ Zuckerberg said in a post. You can read his full statement below.

Ultimately, there are two conclusions that we may draw from this decision. Conclusion A: Facebook are being honest and are trying to go back to their roots in an attempt to get their users to engage with other users instead of traffic being diverted to posts from fan pages. This decision will likely lead to people spending less time on the site, an admission Zuckerberg himself concedes.

Those who are slightly more cynical may opt for Conclusion B: how this decision will create a new incentive for business pages to boost posts, in order to not get lost in the high amount of daily posts. Let us not forget that every 60 seconds on Facebook: 510,000 comments are posted, 293,000 statuses are updated, and 136,000 photos are uploaded.This may turn  Facebook into a pay-to-play for businesses looking to grow their online following (more than it already is).

Remember, the proposed changes to prioritise real users will not have an effect on advertisers.

5. Amazon’s top-selling computer monitors: 2018

Every week, we’ll take a look at the highest trending products on the net, to let you know the hottest gizmos and gadgets out there. This week, we’ll be taking a look at the top 5 selling monitors on Amazon, highlighting the model, the price and the people’s verdict.

Image result for computer monitor

See below the top 5 most sold monitors currently on Amazon including features, price, rating and a hand-picked review from the Radcomm UK team.

5. AOC 21.5″ LED Monitor

Price: £79.97

Rating: 4 Stars

This 21.5″ display delivers a good performance for home users. It also helps them save costs with its modest energy consumption, and offers tilt and wall-mount options.

  • Display diagonal: 21.5″, Display brightness: 250 cd/m, Display resolution: 1920 x 1080 pixels
  • RMS rated power: 2 W. Color of product: Black, Feet colour: Black. Cable lock slot: Kensington, VESA mounting interfaces: 100 x 100 mm, Swivel angle range: 45 – 45
  • AC input voltage: 100-240 V, AC input frequency: 50/60 Hz, Power consumption (standby): 0.5 W. Visible Screen size -476.64 x 268.11 mm

Radcomm’s top review – CP

4. ASUS 27″ FHD Gaming Monitor 

Price: £159.97

Rating: 4 Stars

When it comes to design, ASUS always have customers in mind – the ASUS VP278H features the ASUS-exclusive GamePlus hotkey with crosshair and timer functions. Gamers can select four different crosshair types to suit the gaming environment; while the latter keeps players aware of the elapsed time in real-time strategy games. These tools allow gamers to practice and improve on their gaming skills.
  • 27 inch full HD monitor with 1 ms (GTG) quick response time to eliminate ghosting and tracers for more fluid video playback
  • ASUS-exclusive GamePlus provides crosshair and timer function for better gaming experience
  • The TÜV Rheinland-certified ASUS flicker-free and low blue light technologies
  • Extensive connectivity including, dual HDMI and D-sub ports; plus 2 W stereo speakers

Radcomm’s top review – Ipad Monkey

Bought this as an alternative to using my tv for connecting my PS4.
Setup was straight forward and initial inpressions were good. Works perfect with PS4, screen has great colours and depth and that was with the preset game mode within the monitors picture settings.
The monitor is very light and picture is great, sharp and clear no issues.
Make sure you sit an correct level or some of the screen can go dark but when on a table or desk it’s not really noticeable.
Only issue is that is has no headphone socket or optics connection only a audio in for if using the supplied vga cable, the speakers that are built in are very tinny, you can therefore only use headphones is you use the headphone socket from the PS4 controller, this does allow you to connect external speakers using the controller which makes all the difference.
Apart from this issue I am very happy with the monitor and would recommend to any gamer who wants to improve their set up and get the immersive gameplay that a small screen gives.
5* for me and for £159 you cannot get better for full hd display and 1ms response as well as 100,000,000 contrast ratio
Excellent buy

3. BenQ 23.8″ LED Monitor 

Price: £99.98

Rating : 4.5 Stars

The GW2470H VA LED monitor brings viewing pleasure to everyday work and play with exquisite details on the exterior and striking visual performance delivered by 3000:1 high contrast ratio, 178°/178°wide-viewing angle, dual HDMI and BenQ’s eye-caring design, which consists of BenQ‘s Flicker-free technology and Low Blue Light modes.

  • Flicker free and low blue light mode (TUV certified)
  • Narrow bezel 1.2 cm
  • 3000:1 native contrast ratio
  • True 8-bit colour performance
  • 178/178 degrees wide-viewing angles

Radcomm’s top review – Sue H 

2. BenQ 22″ LED Monitor 

Price: £95.95

Rating: 4.5 Stars

The GW2270HM monitor with Eye-Care design brings viewing pleasure to work and play with exquisite details on striking visual performance.
  • 3000:1 high contrast ratio
  • HDMI input
  • Built-in speakers
  • Flicker-free technology
  • Low blue light mode

Radcomm’s top review – James Ward

 

1.ASUS 24″ Gaming Monitor

Price: £113.97

Rating: 4.5 Stars

Delicate touches make a monitor truly great, VS248H Full HD LED monitor, with 50,000,000:1 high contrast ratio and HDMI interface, is optimized for the finest image and color quality. This approach extends to the sturdy stand and slim profile without compromising style in ensuring stability and durability.

  • 50,000,000:1 ASUS smart contrast ratio. Asus support line: 01442-265548 for queries related to the product.
  • Full HD 1080p (1920 x 1080) support
  • Quick response time of 1 ms (GTG) eliminates ghosting and tracers for more fluid video playback
  • Aspect control function allows users to select a preferred display mode
  • Splendid video Intelligence technology optimises video performance and image fidelity

Radcomm’s top review – Alba

Asus VS248HR 24 inch 1 ms Gaming Monitor, 1920 x 1080, HDMI, DVI, VGA, 250 cd/m2

– RADCOMM UK Promotion –

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January buy price: £̶1̶3̶9̶.̶9̶9̶   
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  • Superior Audio Clarity

  • Reliable Mechanical Design

  • Enhanced Speaker Protection

  • Added Benefit for Your Business

Grab yourself a bargain this January with the fully licensed TC-620 for an amazing £114.99!

If you were considering adding an additional radio to your fleet this new year, now is the time to do so. The TC-620 is available in both UHF or VHF and is therefore fully compatible with your licensed radio fleet. Don’t miss out on this great offer and take advantage today.

Email us at [email protected] or give us a call on 0115 952 2777 for further details.

– RADCOMM UK Promotion –