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Google has patched 47 security vulnerabilities in its February Android operating system update, including a critical vulnerability that was being actively exploited. The update not only improves device security, but also eliminates threats that could have seriously compromised user data.

Vulnerability discovered in 2024

The main focus of this security update is CVE-2024-53104, a high-severity vulnerability that affects the USB Video Class (UVC) driver in the Linux kernel.

The vulnerability, first discovered in November 2024, has a CVSS rating of 7.8 and could allow attackers to escalate system privileges, execute arbitrary code, or cause a device crash.

The issue dates back to 2008, when Linux version 2.6.26 was released, and involves improper processing of video frames—specifically, an out-of-bounds write error in the “uvc_parse_format” function.

Vulnerability also found in Qualcomm chips

This vulnerability was exploited in a limited but targeted manner, and the attack method involves a “physical” privilege escalation.

This suggests that the vulnerability could have been exploited in forensic tools to extract data from older devices.

In addition to CVE-2024-53104, Qualcomm has also fixed a critical vulnerability in its WLAN components, labeled CVE-2024-45569, which has a very high CVSS score of 9.8.

This vulnerability concerns a memory corruption issue caused by improper array index checking when processing network control frames. This poses a high risk of remote code execution.

Qualcomm chips are widely used in Android devices.

Google Pixel users will get access first

The Android security update includes two levels of patches - 2025-02-01 and 2025-02-05, giving Android partners flexibility to address common vulnerabilities.

The second update includes additional fixes for vulnerabilities in the kernel and third-party components, especially from vendors such as Arm, Imagination Technologies, MediaTek, and Unisoc.

As usual, Google Pixel users will get early access to these patches, while devices from other manufacturers often receive security updates more slowly, as they need to tailor security measures to their specially designed devices.

YouTube Creators announced that cross-platform video sharing has been made possible through a deal with Repurpose.io. This allows users to bring their short videos from other platforms to YouTube, revolutionizing content creation. However, this option is not for everyone.

How it worksThe new content sharing feature can be set up quickly with just a few clicks.Once set up, the feature will automatically share content from TikTok or Instagram to YouTube.The most interesting part of this deal is that YouTube videos are “future-proofed.” This means that it will remain relevant as the platform continues to evolve.The new feature is only available to select TikTok and Instagram users.

There are no clear eligibility requirements, so you’ll need to sign up to see if you’re eligible.Although the service is paid, the announcement states that it will be free for the first three months, with a subscription fee starting later.Content creators have welcomed the initiative, saying it makes sharing and customizing content easier than ever before.

Options offered to usersThe recent TikTok crisis in the US has caused a lot of misunderstanding among users, some of whom have still not returned to the app, despite the new Donald Trump administration lifting the ban.Such an offer could become extremely attractive to many TikTok users, as the future of the Chinese social platform remains unclear.Even if TikTok is eventually updated, having a “backup” platform like YouTube for video curation is definitely not a bad idea, and it certainly won’t hurt anyone.

In the wake of the cryptocurrency scandal, Haliey Welch, also known as "Hawk Tuah Girl", has seemingly disappeared from the map. Now she's opening up about what really happened.

Changes in the value of the token

The trouble started when Ms Welch, who rose to fame after a viral interview on the street last summer, announced at the end of last year that she would release her own cryptocurrency, memecoin, called $HAWK. 

The token was heavily promoted and its market value quickly rose to $490 million after its launch on 4 December. However, within just 20 minutes, its value plummeted to $50 million. In less than 20 minutes, the price of the coin plummeted to USD 1.5 billion.

Now, more than two months later, we finally have Mr Welch's explanation of what really happened.

What really happened?

In an episode of Talk Tuah with Richard Bengtson, founder of the e-sports brand FaZe Clan, she reported that she had been offered the idea of $HAWK as a long-term token.

She said that a friend of a friend came up with the idea. Ms Welch, who knew little about cryptocurrencies, fell for his plan - which, she said, turned out to be her biggest mistake.

Ms Welch also recalled that her friend's friend had acted a little strangely on the day of the token launch.

At the time of the launch, only 3% of the token supply was made available for trading, while 17% was for pre-sale to investors. These early investors collectively raised €2.8 million for their share. However, two thirds of them quickly cashed out and sold their shares to make an immediate profit.

"I am very sorry for all the people affected. It just didn't work out the way I planned," Welch said through tears.

Actions of the Welch team

At the time of the scandal, Mr Bengtson called on Mr Welch to sack his team, calling the chip a blatant fraud. Now he is calling for the same thing again, but for a very different reason.

He posted a message on the X network revealing that he had agreed to appear as a special guest on Welch's comeback episode under strict conditions, including "not to allow the markets to be manipulated by leaking information about the existence of this episode until a solution has been found" and "to find a real solution to the money earned, where it should go, and what should be done next with the $HAWK project".

However, according to Bengtson, someone on Welch's team leaked or used non-public information about the token, so he decided to cancel the episode immediately. 

However, it "unexpectedly" appeared in the public domain. Although the recording was quickly removed, Bengtson wrote that the price of $HAWK was going up, and that they had again completely ruined the situation.

He also once again called on Ms Welch to sack her team, adding: "Poor girl - I wonder how she got into this situation in the first place."

Tesla and BMW have brought actions before the General Court of the European Union to challenge the European Commission's (EC) decision to impose additional duties on electric cars made in China. This legal action reflects the growing opposition of car manufacturers to EU initiatives aimed at curbing Chinese government subsidies.

What customs duties apply?

According to bmwblog, the duties imposed last year following the EU investigation apply to all electric cars made in China, on top of the existing 10% import duty. 

BMW, which produces the electric MINI Cooper (J01) and Aceman (J05) models in China, faces a high duty of 20.7%. 

Tesla's electric cars assembled in Shanghai were subject to an additional tariff of 7.8%. 

Other Chinese manufacturers, including BYD, Geely and SAIC, have also been targeted. Duties on some companies are as high as 35.3%. Cars made in China and imported into the EU are also subject to a 10% import tax.

BMW offers

The EC bases its decision on the fact that China supports domestic EV manufacturers with subsidies such as cheaper land, favourable financing and support for suppliers. 

According to the authority, this allows Chinese manufacturers to sell cars in Europe at lower prices and compete unfairly with domestic manufacturers.

Both Tesla and BMW have criticised the duties, arguing that they undermine global trade, reduce the availability of electric cars in Europe and could slow the decarbonisation of the transport sector. 

Tesla has not commented publicly on its lawsuit, but Elon Musk has previously criticised trade barriers for disrupting supply chains and increasing consumer costs.

Difficult decisions

BMW and Tesla are faced with difficult choices - whether to absorb the extra costs, reducing profit margins, or pass them on to consumers and risk lower sales. Another option is to move production to Europe, which would be a costly and time-consuming alternative.

BMW has the opportunity to relocate part of its production, as some of its plants, such as those in Oxford and Munich, are already preparing to produce electric cars, while the Debrecen plant, which opened this year, will produce Neue Klasse models. 

For Tesla, the situation is more complex. In Germany, where it has long dominated the electric car market, sales fell by 60% in January and by 63% in France. In the UK, sales fell by 8%.

Medicine and technology go hand in hand today. From artificial intelligence diagnostics to advanced health monitoring devices, innovations are transforming not only the way doctors work, but also the way patients get better. Rapidly evolving solutions not only help to diagnose diseases more accurately, but also to create personalised health recovery plans. Family doctors and cardiologists today have access to tools that seemed like science fiction a decade ago, but are now an integral part of everyday treatment.

Digital medical tools are transforming diagnostics

The integration of technology in medicine starts with the simplest of things - diagnosis. Modern health monitoring systems allow real-time analysis of a patient's condition and the detection of the first signs of disease before it becomes a serious problem.

Recent trends show that more and more medical institutions are moving towards artificial intelligence solutions. Not only do they allow for faster review of test results, but they can also pick up abnormalities that may be difficult to spot with the naked eye. This is especially true for cardiologists who use algorithms to analyse arrhythmias and vascular conditions.

Five technologies transforming healthcare

Remote consultations - Increasingly, patients don't need to physically visit a doctor as many conditions can be assessed remotely using video calls and smart health monitoring devices.

Smart watches and health trackers - these help monitor heart rate, blood pressure and even blood oxygen levels, and data can be sent directly to the doctor.

AI diagnostics - advanced algorithms help analyse medical images and perform detailed analysis to detect diseases at an early stage.

Advanced rehabilitation techniques - Patients recovering from heart or other diseases are increasingly turning to technological tools to help them recover faster and return to an active life.

Genetic analysis and personalised treatment - the latest medical trends make it possible to identify individual genetic predispositions to certain diseases and to design a prevention and treatment plan accordingly.

Effectiveness of the treatment and recovery process

Technology not only changes the diagnostic process, but also improves the quality of recovery. Patients who need long-term care or treatment after complex procedures can now benefit from the latest rehabilitation techniques. Modern therapies include not only traditional therapies but also smart systems that help restore body functions more efficiently.

"Modern health technology not only allows us to monitor a patient's condition, but also to predict possible changes in health. This is especially important for people recovering from heart surgery or other complex illnesses," says the GP."

Patients who use individually tailored recovery methods notice a significantly faster improvement in their physical condition. Many report feeling stronger and able to return to normal activities after just a few weeks, whereas with traditional methods this could take much longer.

How do I choose the right medical professional?

Not all facilities and doctors are equipped with the latest technology. To ensure that the treatment and recovery process is effective, it is important to choose medical professionals who use modern methods and tailor a treatment plan for each patient.

The doctor's experience and the technology used - does the doctor use modern diagnostic and treatment tools?

The health centre's approach to patient wellbeing - are services focused on innovation and long-term health improvement?

Personalised treatment plans - every patient is different, so it is important that treatment methods are tailored to individual needs.

Thanks to advances in technology, patients today can not only receive better quality treatment, but also a faster recovery process that avoids complications and allows them to return to a full life in less time.

It is important to pay attention to:

The doctor's experience and the technology used - does the doctor use modern diagnostic and treatment tools?

The health centre's approach to patient wellbeing - are services focused on innovation and long-term health improvement?

Personalised treatment plans - every patient is different, so it is important that treatment methods are tailored to individual needs.

Thanks to advances in technology, patients today can not only receive better quality treatment, but also a faster recovery process that avoids complications and allows them to return to a full life in less time.

German carmaker BMW has announced plans to unveil two new, exclusive versions of the BMW X3 at the end of February. These will be tailored specifically for the Chinese market.

BMW X3 popularity in China

The company said in a press release that the cars will be specifically tailored to the needs of Chinese consumers. They are being developed in China through BMW's joint venture BMW Brilliance Automotive (BBA). 

In 2023, the BMW X3 became the company's best-selling model worldwide.

Meanwhile, some 156 000 X3s have been sold in China. This figure represents around 40% of all BMW X model sales in the region. This is a perfect illustration of how popular the car is in China.

New versions of the BMW X3 for the Chinese market

Building on the popularity of the X3 in China, BMW has decided to design, develop and produce two additional versions specifically tailored to the needs of local consumers. 

Chinese customers can now choose between two four-cylinder petrol engines: the BMW X3 xDrive 25L Luxury and the more dynamic BMW X3 xDrive 30L. 

The BMW X3 xDrive 25L Luxury delivers 140 kW (190 hp) of power and 310 Nm (229 lb-ft) of torque, with a 0-100 km/h (62 mph) time of 8.7 seconds and a top speed of 214 km/h (133 mph). 

Meanwhile, the BMW X3 xDrive 30L generates 190 kW (258 hp) of power and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque, accelerating from 0-100 km/h (62 mph) in just 6.5 seconds, with a top speed of 239 km/h (148 mph).

Unique features and technologies

The design of the Chinese versions of the BMW X3 offers unique features tailored to Chinese consumers. 

With more space and a longer wheelbase, they are the first models to offer this enhancement, while retaining BMW's renowned handling precision and stability. 

In addition, the introduction of the new BMW iDrive, based on BMW Operating System 9, provides Chinese customers with an exceptional digital experience with a host of innovative services. 

These models will be produced locally at the Plant Lydia facility, which BMW operates through its joint venture BMW Brilliance Automotive (BBA).