Apple open-source code references ‘realityOS’

A reference to realityOS has been spotted in Apple’s open-source code.

RealityOS is the operating system that Apple is widely expected to use on its upcoming mixed-reality headset. However, it may end up being named xrOS (a reference to “extended reality”) when it reaches consumers’ faces.

This week, Apple posted various bits of code on GitHub with numerous references to realityOS:

https://twitter.com/aaronp613/status/1636096450097721344

Apple’s...

16 March 2023 | Consumer IoT & Wearables

Apple’s AR/VR headset plan causes internal divisions

Internal divisions are reportedly arising at Apple over its much-anticipated AR/VR headset.

Apple CEO Tim Cook and COO Jeff Williams are said to be pushing to launch the headset as soon as possible, even if its design isn’t optimal.

Designers at Apple are said to have disagreed with their leadership and want to wait until it's feasible to launch a product that is lighter and less expensive. Current price estimates for the headset are between $2,000 and...

13 March 2023 | Consumer IoT & Wearables

Minima and Inferrix partner to boost security on millions of connected devices

Minima and Inferrix, both innovators in blockchain and IoT infrastructure, have joined forces to spearhead a ground-breaking innovation in IoT connectivity and asset management for smart buildings and smart cities.

Through their partnership, Minima's cutting-edge decentralised mobile native blockchain technology will potentially be integrated with Inferrix's impressive array of IoT edge and AI products. These include wireless sensors, controllers, and intelligent gateways designed...

8 March 2023 | Applications

Matter creator CSA announces healthcare working group

The Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA) has announced the creation of a working group focused on accelerating the adoption of Matter for healthcare purposes.

Matter was released by the CSA last year with the promise of providing an interoperable standard that will finally unlock the full potential of the smart home.

The CSA’s member list is nearing 600 organisations – including Apple, Google, Amazon, Huawei, Samsung, IKEA, Schneider Electric, Signify, Bosch,...

10 February 2023 | Applications

Anker admits Eufy cams weren’t encrypted

Anker has finally acknowledged that its Eufy smart cameras weren’t end-to-end encrypted.

In November, security researcher Paul Moore highlighted that Eufy cameras were uploading data even when cloud upload settings were disabled. However, an even more concerning finding was that camera streams could be watched live through external video players.

Anker promoted local storage and end-to-end encryption as core features of its security cameras. Several publications have...

1 February 2023 | Applications

Apple finally activates HomePod Mini’s climate sensor

Apple has finally activated the humidity and temperature sensor in the HomePod Mini.

Earlier this month, Apple announced the second generation of its full-size HomePod. One of the new features was a sensor for detecting a room’s current temperature and humidity.

Back in 2021, the teardown specialists at iFixit disassembled the HomePod Mini. iFixit discovered a Texas Instruments HDC2010 humidity and temperature sensor that Apple failed to mention.

“The...

25 January 2023 | Applications

Google is reportedly creating an AirTags competitor

Google appears to be working on its own tracker to compete with Apple’s AirTags.

Bluetooth-based trackers like Tile have been available for multiple platforms long before AirTags. As is often the case with Apple, the company took an existing idea and created a far better user experience.

Anyone who has used a Tile will be aware that finding items can often be problematic. Bluetooth doesn’t accurately report distance and connecting to a tracker is often difficult...

18 January 2023 | Applications

SwitchBot jumps on the Matter train with Hub 2

SwitchBot has added support for the Matter smart home standard with its new Hub 2.

Announced at this year’s CES, the Hub 2 is a WiFi-based bridge that enables SwitchBot’s popular Bluetooth devices to work with other ecosystems.

The new hub now features a simple display that shows information such as temperature and humidity in the air. However, those features are secondary to its main function.

With the Hub 2, users of SwitchBot’s devices can use the...

4 January 2023 | Applications

Arlo criticised for new end-of-life policy

Netgear spinoff Arlo has been criticised for pulling support for several of its connected security cameras over a relatively short period.

In a new EOL policy, Arlo announced that it may end support for any camera that hasn’t been manufactured for four years old.

Arlo manufactures popular security cameras. Purchasers typically buy a security camera, set it up, and forget about it until it breaks. Every tech product reaches end-of-life (EOL) eventually but you expect...

3 January 2023 | Applications

Swatters used Ring cams to stream victims and taunt police

ring doorbell cyber security cybersecurity iot internet of things infosec

Prosecutors have charged two men with conducting “swatting” attacks that used Ring cameras to livestream the response and taunt police.

Swatters make a false report to law enforcement that prompts an armed response to an address. While often intended to be a sick form of entertainment, they pull resources from where they could actually be needed and — in several cases — have proven to be fatal.

Kya Christian Nelson and James Thomas Andrew McCarty compromised 12...

21 December 2022 | Consumer IoT & Wearables