All articles tagged with #usb
The FBI warns against using public USB charging kiosks due to the risk of malware attacks, known as juice jacking, where hackers can upload malware to devices. To stay safe, it's recommended to use power outlets instead of USB ports, opt for wireless charging pads, avoid sharing data when connecting to unknown devices, carry an external battery, and be cautious when using USB connections, especially when traveling overseas.
Microsoft veteran Raymond Chen recalls the USB Cart of Death, a wheeled cart loaded with every USB device available, used to test USB support during the development of Windows. The cart, connected through multiple USB hubs, would be wheeled into the office of a kernel developer, who would plug in a single cable and experience a blue screen of death when the cable was abruptly yanked. Despite the chaos it caused, the USB Cart of Death helped improve USB support in Windows.
Linux 6.7 introduces support for DisplayPort Alternate Mode 2.1 over USB Type-C, as well as Intel La Jolla Cove Adapter (LJCA) drivers. Other additions include hardware support for IPQ5018, RK3588, Realtek DHC RTD SoC, and SDX75 in the DWC3 driver. The Linux 6.7 merge window ends today with the release of Linux 6.7-rc1.
Google's VP of Engineering, Dave Burke, confirmed that the Pixel 8 series will receive support for lossless USB audio in a future release. This feature will ensure "bit perfect audio" by bypassing the audio mixer and processing effects. Android 14 already added support for lossless audio formats over USB wired headsets. Users will no longer need a DAC to enjoy high-quality music on their Pixel 8 devices. App developers will need to adopt the new API for lossless audio to take full advantage of this feature.
Linux is making another attempt to disable all Microsoft Remote Network Driver Interface Specification (RNDIS) drivers in the kernel due to security concerns. The latest patch in the rndis-removal branch makes the drivers depend on "BROKEN," indicating that they are insecure and won't build. If there are no serious objections, the drivers may be removed from the kernel tree in future updates. The Microsoft RNDIS protocol is considered insecure and vulnerable, and disabling the drivers aims to prevent their use on systems with untrusted hosts or devices.
The original iMac, released 25 years ago, was a game-changer for Apple and the computer industry. It was colorful, playful, and eschewed legacy connectors in favor of the then-new USB protocol. Though the iMac has evolved over the years, it remains Apple's standard-bearer for all-in-one desktops. The latest M1 iMac has returned to its roots with a colorful design and a starting price point of $1299, the same as its progenitor. While desktops may be less common than they once were, the iMac is a survivor and will likely stick around for years to come.