O'Grady's PowerPage

Category: Bluetooth

  • Microsoft Xbox wireless controller now available on Apple Store web site

    This is unexpected, but it’s still nifty.

    Apple recently began selling Microsoft’s Xbox wireless controller on its online store.

    The controller retails for $59.95, and arrives with two AA batteries. The unit is supported on iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV.

    You’ll need to be running iOS 13, iPadOS 13, tvOS 13, or later to use it with your Mac or device.

    The controller also offers a built-in 3.5mm stereo headset jack that can be used to connect any available headset.

    If you have a chance to snag this and try it out, please let us know about your experience in the comments.

    Via The Mac Observer and the Apple Store

  • iOS 13.2 code strings point to possible noise-canceling feature for third-generation AirPods

    Once again, it’s the beta code that shows some of the neat things down the road.

    According to reports, code strings have been found within the current iOS 13.2 beta that reveal that Apple may release in-ear AirPods with noise cancelation.

    The new AirPods may also have different listening modes so users can enable or disable the noice cancelation, called “Focus Mode.” An icon for this model is found within accessibility settings, and could work as hearing aids with Live Listen. The new AirPods have the model code “B298.”

    Some media reports have surfaced stating that Apple will hold an event later this month, and perhaps demo the updated AirPods alongside new products like the 2019 Mac Pro and Apple’s rumored Bluetooth speakers.

    Stay tuned for additional details as they become available.

    Via The Mac Observer and 9to5Mac

  • Apple releases iOS 13.1.2 update, iPadOS 13.1.2 update, focuses on Camera, iCloud Backup, other fixes

    The fixes are coming fast and furious, as Apple released iOS 13.1.2 on Monday.

    The update, offers the following fixes and changes:

    • Fixes a bug where the progress bar for iCloud Backup could continue to show after a successful backup
    • Fixes an issue where Camera may not work
    • Addresses an issue where the flashlight may not activate
    • Fixes a bug that could result in a loss of display calibration data
    • Fixes an issue where shortcuts could not be run from HomePod
    • Addresses an issue where Bluetooth may disconnect on certain vehicles

    The update can be snagged via Settings -> General -> Software Update.

    If you’ve had a chance to try the iOS 13.1.2 update and have any feedback to offer, please let us know about your experience in the comments.

    Via The Mac Observer

  • Intel unveils 10th-gen Core processors, looks to place chips in thin, light notebooks this holiday season

    Intel on Thursday unveiled its first 10th-generation Core processors, codenamed “Ice Lake.” The processors, which were built using a 10-nanometer production process, are designed for thin-and-light notebooks, and could potentially power future entry-level 13-inch MacBook Pro and MacBook Air notebooks.

    Intel says the Ice Lake chips have increased board integration, allowing manufacturers like Apple to release notebooks with sleeker designs. The chips also feature Intel’s all-new Gen11 graphics architecture for up to double the graphics performance, and integrated Thunderbolt 3 and Wi-Fi 6, aka 802.11ax. 

    The new chips will be introduced via the following model numbers and specifications:

    The company also announced its new processor number naming structure, which will begin with the first set of 10-gen Core processors, and does away with the Y and U series identifiers and instead focuses on graphics:

    The first notebooks with Ice Lake chips are expected for the coming holiday season.

    Stay tuned for additional details as they become available.

    Via MacRumors and The Verge

  • Researchers point out Bluetooth Low Energy exploit that can be used to access data in iOS, Windows 10 devices

    It’s theoretical, but it’s interesting.

    A pair of researchers have discovered a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) vulnerability that can affect Apple devices and allow for tracking and data leakage.

    Researchers Johannes K. Becker and David Starobinski wrote a paper called Tracking Anonymized Bluetooth Devices. They presented it yesterday at the 19th Privacy Enhancing Technologies Symposium in Stockholm, Sweden.

    The flaw allows an attacker to track a device and extract information such as the device type and other data. The vulnerability can occur when devices are paired using non-encrypted public channels to ping nearby devices. While BLE lets device manufacturers use a randomized address that changes constantly, the researchers were still able to find a way around it.

    Per the paper:

    “We present an address-carryover algorithm which exploits the asynchronous nature of payload and address changes to achieve tracking beyond the address randomization of a device. We furthermore identify an identity-exposing attack via a device accessory that allows permanent, non-continuous tracking, as well as an iOS side-channel which allows insights into user activity.”

    The exploit can work on Apple devices and Windows 10 devices, but not Android devices at this point.

    Stay tuned for additional details as they become available.

    Via The Mac Observer, The Next Web, and PET Symposium