Features

Why you should care about the Apple-FBI legal fight

Published

February 25, 2016

Nico Baguio

By now, you’ve probably heard of the San Bernardino shooting. If you haven’t, then let me refresh your memory. On December 2, 2015, 14 people were killed and 22 were seriously injured in an apparent terrorist attack at the Inland Regional Center in San Bernardino, California.

It’s one of the more prominent acts of terrorism that have hit the U.S. because of one important evidence: the Apple iPhone 5c used by one of the shooters that was found on the scene. It may or may not contain information, but the significance of that piece of technology is not about what it holds but what it represents.

Setting a bad precedent

A few weeks ago, the Federal Bureau of Investigation announced that they couldn’t unlock the iPhone 5c through sheer brute force, i.e., constantly guessing the 4-digit passcode until they get it right. The agency said they couldn’t risk wiping the data with more tries, a security feature built into the device by Apple.

And because the data on the 5c wasn’t synced with iCloud, the FBI had to find alternative methods of accessing it. Their idea — a radical one — was to ask Apple to create a special tool that:

allows the FBI to guess as many passwords as they like without the data on the phone being wiped; and
lets the iPhone connect to an external device, such as a desktop or laptop, where the FBI can run a script that guesses passwords quickly.

With the advancement of technology, it was only a matter of time before information security became a national security issue. The problem here is that Apple no longer has the ability to access encrypted data on iDevices running iOS 8 or higher.

Even if they could, Apple firmly believes they shouldn’t, as explicitly stated on their website via an open letter penned by CEO Tim Cook:

In today’s digital world, the ‘key’ to an encrypted system is a piece of information that unlocks the data, and it is only as secure as the protections around it. Once the information is known, or a way to bypass the code is revealed, the encryption can be defeated by anyone with that knowledge.

The government suggests this tool could only be used once, on one phone. But that’s simply not true. Once created, the technique could be used over and over again, on any number of devices. In the physical world, it would be the equivalent of a master key, capable of opening hundreds of millions of locks — from restaurants and banks to stores and homes. No reasonable person would find that acceptable.

The government is asking Apple to hack our own users and undermine decades of security advancements that protect our customers — including tens of millions of American citizens — from sophisticated hackers and cybercriminals. The same engineers who built strong encryption into the iPhone to protect our users would, ironically, be ordered to weaken those protections and make our users less safe.

The FBI invoked the All Writs Act of 1789 — a century-old U.S. federal statute that has been used to practically force technology companies to cooperate with the government — to get a court order.

Personal data in the wrong hands

Our phones hold an unbelievable amount of information. They have become windows to our lives. Our location, our messages, our pictures, bank records, statements, emails, and everything else in between? Chances are, all of them can be found on our phones.

In the wrong hands, that data could destroy our lives. Which is why the biggest smartphone OS developers — namely Google, Apple, and Microsoft — have made data security a big, if not the biggest, part of their respective feature lists.

With the FBI asking Apple to create a special system to bypass the tech company’s security setup, that system will be out there. That’s partly why Apple is afraid; even if they could create one, it would undermine everything they worked hard for. Once the system is created, nothing is stopping the FBI — or anybody who gets their hands on the software — to use it for personal or criminal reasons.

The FBI suggested solutions to the problem:

there will be a custom ID, i.e., each custom OS can only be installed on a specific phone;
operation of the software will be done only at Apple’s HQ in Cupertino, California; and
any software update needs Apple’s approval to install.

But most security experts agree this isn’t just going to be about one phone. From the Verge:

That’s a nervous-making thought for security professionals, since no single system is ever thought to be entirely impenetrable. New vulnerabilities pop up in software all the time, and for the iPhone, they can sell for as much as $1 million. iPhone security expert Jonathan Zdziarski says there’s a real concern that an undisclosed vulnerability or existing exploit could be used in a way that Apple and the FBI can’t predict. Even if the signature system isn’t broken outright, the same tricks used by the FBI’s tool could be repurposed to give malware a stronger foothold on a targeted iPhone. ‘It’s not about just stealing one tool,’ says Zdziarski. ‘There’s a lot going on in software like this, and having a direct tap into how Apple can disable functions moves [attackers] along at light speed.’

But more than the system going into the wrong hands, it’s about that system ever existing in the first place. Because once the FBI wins the legal battle, it will set a terrible precedent for all tech companies. It tells them that the government, in their infinite benevolence, will be able to ask for the court order again and again. Once that’s possible, no matter what the FBI, the Central Intelligence Agency, or the National Security Agency says, they’ll have the power to lord over everyone’s privacy just because they’re the government.

And remember Edward Snowden, the former CIA contractor who leaked evidence of the U.S. government practically spying on everybody? Yeah.

That’s why you should care. If the court order holds and Apple can’t fight it back legally, then say goodbye to actual privacy, at least whatever is left of it anyway.

Whether you’re here in the Philippines or not, your privacy will be compromised. Whether it’s the government or some crooks who are spying on you, it won’t matter. Unless you stop using smartphones or any other devices that connect to the Internet, your privacy and your personal life will not be your own.

So pray that Apple wins this injunction and hope that you still hold control over your life after all of this is said and done. Because if they don’t, hackers will be the least of your worries.

[irp posts=”4932″ name=”Unhappy customer walks into Apple Store, destroys Apple products”]

Features

Why choose the MSI Claw?

Is it the gaming handheld for you?

Published

April 18, 2024

GadgetMatch

The MSI Claw is the latest gaming handheld from a major PC and laptop brand. The competition in this emerging gadget segment is tighter than ever. So, what is it about the MSI Claw that can scratch your gaming itch? Here’s a quick list.

Best grip in the game

One quick glance and it’s hard not to compare the claw with another popular gaming handheld. But a closer look and actually holding the thing will reveal that its grip easily feels better.

It has a slightly deeper groove that makes it easier to hold. So, MSI’s “Grip and Game” tagline isn’t all talk. Its design truly does provide one of the better feeling handles among its competition.

The overall design makes sure it’s made for extended gameplay sessions. The buttons are where you expect them to be. That includes the four mini buttons on the upper edges of the screen. These are the View, MSI Center M, Menu, and Quick Settings buttons.

In addition, the face buttons and d-pad all feel great. The face buttons, in particular, feel comparable to those of regular console controllers.

The rest of the buttons and triggers have a very satisfying tactile feel. It also uses Hall Effect technology to get rid of any stick drift issues.

Up top, you’ll find the power button, MicroSD Card slot, Thunderbolt 4 USB-C port, audio jack, and the volume buttons. These are intuitively placed and just makes sense given the overall design approach.

As cliché as it sounds, you’ll really think you got your money’s worth once you hold, touch, press, and grip the MSI Claw.

Dragon Vision

Now, MSI isn’t really calling it that but I thought it sounds pretty cool. A big part of the whole gaming experience is the display. Balancing resolution and frame rates is always tricky but the MSI Claw does it convincingly.

With this gaming handheld, you get a 7-inch display with a 120Hz refresh rate. Looks great on paper and it’s even better in real life. It’s the sweet spot in terms of both size and performance. There’s enough here to immerse you all while delivering a satisfying level of crisp and smoothness.

It’s comfortable to view whether you’re on the couch, on a desk table, or lying down getting a quick game in before you get some shut-eye.

Battery Life

At 53Whr, the MSI Claw has a 36% larger battery capacity than its contemporaries and promises 50% more play time.

MSI claims “elevated performance with extended endurance” using the Claw with faster charging capabilities.

These percentages are hard to measure in real life usage. What we can say for certain is that you get the expected performance and playtime typical of a handheld. That’s a little under two hours for graphically demanding titles, and close to four hours on less demanding ones.

The charging claim is legitimate. The MSI Claw juices up faster than most other handhelds, going from 20% to 100% in about a little over a K-Drama episode (roughly a little over an hour).

MSI Center M

Any self-respecting gaming handheld has its own software to make navigating the thing more manageable. While its direct competitors have an armoury crate and a space, MSI went with Center M.

The best part about MSI Center M is it puts your installed games front and center. Right when it launches, you get immediate access to the titles you have available on your machine.

MSI Afterburner is already the most commonly used app for taking a look at how your machine is performing while you play. That functionality is built-in to the MSI Claw. You can access it view the Quick Settings buttons.

Layout and functionality-wise, the MSI Center M is certainly one of the better Gaming Handheld softwares available right now.

Competitive Performance

A defining trait of the MSI Claw is that It’s the first gaming handheld to be powered by Intel Core Ultra. With it comes Intel XeSS tech. What it does is leverage AI upscaling to boost the fps of select titles.

As of launch, 50 notable games are supported. That number will certainly grow throughout the device’s lifespan. Some of the titles include Hi-Fi Rush, Dying Light 2, Forza Horizon 5, Call of Duty Warzone 2.0, Returnal, and many, many more.

Naturally, results will vary depending on the game mode you’re using. But in general, AAA games get anywhere between 10% to 45% better frame rate performance with Intel XeSS.

For our part we played TEKKEN 8 and the recently launched Horizon Forbidden West. Both graphically demanding games played relatively well on the MSI Claw. Frame rate performance on TEKKEN 8 is crucial and we got a relatively consistent fps, never dropping below 40.

Horizon Forbidden West is a much more graphically demanding game. We were able to run it in Medium Settings and while it doesn’t look as incredible, it still played relatively well with a frame rate surprising for a gaming handheld.

Extras

MSI made sure that if you wanted to, you could get some extra stuff with the MSI Claw. Its separately sold accessory set includes the Claw Travel Case, Nest Docking Station, Claw Lanyard, and Claw Keychain.

On paper, the MSI Claw lists its ergonomic design, AI Engine, and App Player as distinct advantages over its competition.

Whether it’s the Gaming Handheld that matches your needs is still ultimately up to you. If you have the opportunity to test drive the device, we suggest you do so. That might just solidify your purchase decision.

Price and availability in the Philippines

The MSI Claw will be available in three configurations in the Philippines. There are priced as follows:

MSI Claw A1M-075PH (PhP 45, 995).

Intel® Core™ Ultra 5 processor 135H
512GB NVMe PCIe Gen4x4
LPDDR5 16GB, dual channel
Intel® Arc™ Graphics

Claw A1M-076PH (PhP 50, 995).

Intel® Core™ Ultra 7 processor 155H
512GB NVMe PCIe Gen4x4
LPDDR5 16GB, dual channel
Intel® Arc™ Graphics

Claw A1M-077PH (PhP 53, 995).

Intel® Core™ Ultra 7 processor 155H
1TB NVMe PCIe Gen4x4
LPDDR5 16GB, dual channel
Intel® Arc™ Graphics

Ongoing Promotion

You can still get your own MSI Claw with exclusive bundled freebies 𝐄𝐗𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐃 until 𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐥 𝟑𝟎, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒!

This feature article is a collaboration between GadgetMatch and MSI Philippines.

Accessories

Marshall Major V: Reasons Why I Love It

After a month of using

Published

April 17, 2024

GadgetMatch and Michael Josh Villanueva

I’ve got a new favorite pair of headphones.

They look good, sound good, last long, are compact and portable.

Most of all? They are from a brand that I truly love.

But I’m getting ahead of myself.

Here’s are V Major reasons why I love the new Marshall Major V!

Features

Fortify your home office or business setup with these devices

For the work-from-home go-getters

Published

April 15, 2024

GadgetMatch

Image generated using Copilot designer.

If the 21st century taught us something, it’s that fad trends don’t last but legitimate ones stick.

The concept of working from home is an idea deemed impossible before. Thanks to technology, though, it has become a practical alternative for professionals nowadays.

The pandemic magnified its potential even further over the past few years. Working or managing small businesses from your own place has proven to be convenient. It saves you time and money from having to commute or travel to a traditional workplace. It’s also easier to communicate nowadays with various devices and apps. Even ordering food or sending something somewhere has also become a breeze with transport apps.

It’s a trend that won’t go anywhere. For those planning on sticking to staying at home, these devices will give them enough leverage for a “future-proof” setup at the comfort of their own spaces.

Laptops

You cannot go wrong with the Lenovo Yoga laptops. They’re versatile and powerful, and should serve more than enough for light to medium tasks and overall productivity.

They’re powered by Intel Core processors and have ample memory and storage for multitaskers. Yoga laptops also have OLED screens for a crystal-clear view.

For the more budget-conscious professionals, the ASUS Vivobook line is very reliable for most office work software and basic multimedia needs. They come with powerful processors as well, and a multitude of features for your needs.

Of course, the MacBook Air with Apple Silicon is a go-to choice for those inclined on getting Apple devices.

Smartphones

If you’re the ultimate workhorse, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5, OnePlus Open, and OPPO Find N3 are among the best recommendations.

Although they come with higher price tags, these devices ensure that you will have a smooth and seamless experience on your fingertips, whether it’s taking and editing photos, going on quick video calls, or organizing documents and other files.

There are also all-rounders like the HONOR 90 5G, OnePlus 11, and OPPO Reno10 Pro and solid mid-rangers like the POCO M-Series, Redmi Note series, and realme’s numbered series.

These more affordable phones can still deliver what is expected of them, especially for those who simply need a phone to aid them but do not necessarily have to literally rely on it for everything.

Epson CO-FH02 projector

It doesn’t hurt to have an extra screen at home. For those looking to consume digital content on a bigger scale, the Epson CO-FH02 projector provides an expansive view. This versatile lifestyle device can also be a realistic backdrop for presentations or livestreams, instead of just merely sharing the screen.

What’s great about the award-winning projector is it beams full HD resolution images, up to 3,000 lumens of brightness, and up to a 391-inch size. It suits many different scenarios and complements your space.

There’s also a handful of connectivity options for different devices. What’s great about the CO-FH02 is it has an Android TV 2 Dongle and Chromecast built-in. The dongle enables wireless connectivity, while Chromecast built-in technology lets you stream content right from the projector, making the viewing experience a breeze, minus all the annoying cables and wires. It’s surely a reliable tool to have, and doesn’t break your wallet.

Epson L11050 Printer

Meanwhile, the Epson L11050 Printer is an excellent choice for both small business owners or those simply needing important files to print. Unlike ordinary printers, the Epson L11050 can print documents up to the A3+ size, giving the printer a distinct advantage over other models.

The printer has a page yield of up to 4,500 pages for black and 7,000 pages for colored. It delivers fast and high-quality printing of up to 30 pages per minute in black and white and 20 for colored. Moreover, it has a large, 100-paper capacity so users won’t have to open it often to refill sheets. Users may also connect wirelessly using the Epson Smart Panel app for a more efficient printing process from your device.

Aside from the convenience it offers in delivering its purpose, the ink tank printer also contributes to a more sustainable world. It is powered by Epson’s Heat-Free Technology for lower energy consumption and lower carbon emission. And with Epson’s EcoTank technology, business owners will also simply have to refill the containers instead of disposing of cartridges. The spill-free process not only saves them operating costs, but makes the printer a sustainable choice as a result.

Epson DS-C330 Scanner

To complete your Epson setup, the Epson DS-C330 Scanner is a portable sheet-fed document scanner that is an absolute space-saver.

One simply has to insert the document they need scanned and the tool will do its work in just a few seconds. The scanner can work on hardcopy files up to legal paper size, even envelopes, IDs, and passports. It has a fast and efficient scanning rate of up to 30ppm and 60ipm, respectively.

It also comes with Vertical Path and Straight Path scan modes too. This means users can seamlessly select between the path modes so the scans come up desirably. With wireless connectivity, files can be saved instantly too. That saves time for uploading documentary requirements or helping customers save their own copies.

As the DS-C330 is also made from up to 34% recycled plastic, you are assured that you are minimizing environmental impact. It is the sustainable choice as far as scanners are concerned.

acerpure Cozy F1

Of course, where there is work, there should also be comfort. The acerpure Cozy F1 is a space-saving modern air circulator that uses an energy-efficient DC Motor and 3D AirFlow technology.

It has 12 touch-activated speed settings, and can project air for up to 15 meters away so it can reach every corner of a large room.

It’s also low-noise so users do not have to worry about getting distracted or bothered when keeping it cool and focusing on their everyday tasks.

Dyson V12s Detect Slim Submarine

After a day’s worth of hard work, it’s ideal to keep your workplace clean. Not only does it reflect yourself, but having a space that’s conducive for productivity always gives you the extra edge.

With the Dyson V12 Detect Slim Submarine, users get a compact and powerful stick cleaner that washes floors and surfaces from start to finish, using clean water.

The tool’s advanced vacuum system allows it to intelligently pick up dust and other debris. The multi-stage filtration system, meanwhile, ensures that even the smallest particles get picked up, leaving your spaces clean and healthy.