O'Grady's PowerPage

Tag: functions

  • Logitech issues updated driver to resolve certificate issue with Logi Options+ products on the Mac

    Logitech issues updated driver to resolve certificate issue with Logi Options+ products on the Mac

    If you’ve been cursing your Logitech mouse recently, this might come in handy.

    Logitech has issued a patch to fix a problem with its Logi Options+ software that causes its mice to stop working. “The problem was caused by an expired certificate required for the apps to run,” according to a Logitech support document. Given that the expired certificate also affected the installer, users will need to manually download the updated software and install it. The expired certificate issue also affected the company’s G Hub software.

    The updated Logi Options+ software requires macOS 13 Ventura or later to install and run, and is also compatible with macOS Tahoe.

    The issue itself stems from the fact that, in the case of macOS, some software requires a Developer ID certificate to run. These certificates are good for five years, after which they need to be renewed, or they’ll stop working. Logi Options+ allows users to customize the buttons and other functions of Logitech mice, and when the software stops working, so does the hardware.

    Over in a Reddit post focused on the issue, a user who went by the handle “ATXsantucci,” who stated they do “marketing @ Logi” according to their user profile, stated that “We dropped the ball here. This is an inexcusable mistake. We’re extremely sorry for the inconvenience caused.”

    If you’ve had a chance to download and try the updated drivers, please let us know about your experience in the comments.

    Via Macworld, Logitech (1, 2, 3), and Reddit

  • Rumor: All upcoming iPhone 16 models to incorporate Action button

    Rumor: All upcoming iPhone 16 models to incorporate Action button

    The rumor mill has it that all models of the next-gen iPhone will be getting an Action button.

    Whether or not this changes your life or makes you a billion times more productive, that’s a different thing altogether.

    Last September, Apple debuted its much-anticipated Action button with the iPhone 15 Pro models, offering faster access to a handful of functions, as well as the ability to assign Shortcuts. Apple is poised to include the feature on all upcoming iPhone 16 models.

    The Action button replaced the switch that activates the Ring and Silent modes on the iPhone 15 Pro models, wherein the standard iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus models retained the traditional Ring/Silent switch. By default, the Action button still activates these two functions via a long press, but users can also make it activate a range of other functions, including quickly opening the camera app or enabling the flashlight, activating Voice Memos, Focus modes, Translate, and accessibility features like Magnifier.

    So, if you love the Action button and hope to upgrade to an iPhone 16 this year, you might love it. If the Action button can be left behind in your opinion, there’s that as well.

    Stay tuned for additional details as they become available.

    Via MacRumors

  • Following the DOJ’s antitrust move, Apple hit by smaller class-action suits

    Following the DOJ’s antitrust move, Apple hit by smaller class-action suits

    Only a day after the U.S. Department of Justice filed an omnibus antitrust lawsuit against Apple, consumers filed a trio of class-action lawsuits for allegedly monopolizing the smartphone market.

    The DOJ filed its antitrust lawsuit against Apple as of March 20, following a five-year investigation into the company’s business practices. Almost immediately after, at least three attempted class-action lawsuits have been filed in California and New Jersey since the DoJ’s own lawsuit, according to Reuters. Filed in federal courts, the lawsuits accuse Apple of violating antitrust laws, and fundamentally costing consumers money.

    The suits cover a range of topics, alleging that Apple suppressed technologies for messaging apps, wallets, and similar functions and features, and that had it had made them more open, Apple could’ve increased competition in the smartphone market. As such, Apple allegedly allowed the cost of products and services to inflate.

    While Apple has not responded to the report’s request for comment.

    Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro, a law firm behind one of the new suits, claimed it was “pleased that the DOJ agrees with our approach.” The firm previously sued Apple over anti-competitive behavior over its mobile wallet, and previously reached settlements with Apple over App Store policies and eBook pricing.

    Stay tuned for additional details as they become available.

    Via AppleInsider and Reuters

  • Security firm notes GIMMICK malware for macOS spreading across Asia, offers preventative countermeasures

    Security firm notes GIMMICK malware for macOS spreading across Asia, offers preventative countermeasures

    A new strain of malware for the Mac has been noted as a hacking group out of China that identifies itself as “Storm Cloud” has released new malware known as GIMMICK.

    Security firm Volexity discovered the malware after retrieving it from the RAM of a MacBook Pro running macOS Big Sur 11.6. The device became compromised in late 2021 during a cyber espionage campaign.

    The firm stated that it had located Windows builds of GIMMICK in the past, and that the macOS variant is something new. The software has reportedly been released across Asia, and includes a hefty set of features that can adapt itself across multiple platforms. GIMMICK uses public cloud services, such as Google Drive, to obtain command and control (c2) channels. Volexity is able to find the virus in thanks to the bug using the same c2 channels across variants, as well as similar file paths and behavioral patterns.

    The malware also seems to be able to install itself deeply within both the operating system and macOS file structure, and can blend in by mimicking other typical system processes. GIMMICK also functions whenever the computer is running, and can use this run time to blend in with routine functions.

    Apple is aware of the situation, and has been working closely with Volexity in developing a solution. On March 17, Apple pushed new signatures to XProtect and MRT to combat GIMMICK.

    If you’re curious as to how to protect against GIMMICK, use the following steps:

    Go to System Preferences > Software Update > Advanced, and verify that Install system data files and security updates is enabled.

    Volexity has suggested taking the following additional steps:

    – Ensure that you regularly monitor and audit persistent locations, such as LaunchDaemons and LaunchAgents on endpoint MacOS devices. Essentially, make sure you only run software you trust. Volexity recommends using either BlockBlock or KnockKnock.

    – Monitor your network activity for anomalous proxy activity and internal scanning.

    – Ensure your Mac is running Apple’s XProtect and MRT software, and the software is up-to-date.

    Stay tuned for additional details as they become available.

    Via The Mac Observer and Volexity blog

  • Microsoft 365, standalone Office 2021 announced, will be released on October 5

    Microsoft 365, standalone Office 2021 announced, will be released on October 5

    In addition to Microsoft’s announcement of Microsoft 365, its standard subscription-based service, the company announced that Office 2021, the standalone version of its software, will arrive for PC and Mac on October 5.

    The company announced the following collaboration features for the new Office suite:

    • With real-time co-authoring, you can work with others in the same document at the same time. There’s no need to send extra notes or emails because everyone will be notified when a file is updated.
    • With Microsoft Teams, it’s easier to get connected with everyone in your life so you can make plans and manage tasks big and small, together. Chat and video call with anyone, meet virtually in a cafe or a family lounge, assign tasks to help with chores at home, create and respond to polls, and much more—without ever leaving the app.

    Other new features include updated inking tools, data types, functions, translation and editing tools, motion graphics, ease-of-use features, and more.

    For those looking to buy the Office suite in one fell swoop, Office Home and Student 2021 retails for $149.99 USD and includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, and Microsoft Teams for PC and Mac. Office Home and Business 2021 retails for $249.99, comes with everything in Office Home and Student 2021, plus Outlook for PC and Mac and the rights to use the apps for business purposes.

    Stay tuned for additional details as they become available.

    Via The Mac Observer and Microsoft