Ashley Madison Hackers Release Stolen Data
Hackers who claim to have stolen data from Ashley Madison, the dating site for cheaters, recently posted nearly 10-gigabytes of said stolen data. That includes member email addresses, credit card transactions, and even profiles. This should be very interesting. The data can be found on the dark web, and those who’ve already downloaded it say they’re finding all kinds of juicy gossip. (One person searched for British government emails, for instance.) The hackers themselves, however, don’t seem at all miffed about this massive release of purportedly private and possibly damaging information. Because Ashley Madison’s parent company, Avid Life Media, refused the hackers’ demand to take down the site, they don’t think the users deserve privacy. Calling themselves the Impact Team, the hackers said: "We have explained the fraud, deceit, and stupidity of ALM and their members. Now everyone gets to see their data … Keep in mind the site is a scam with thousands of fake female profiles. See ashley madison fake profile lawsuit; 90-95% of actual users are male. Chances are your man signed up on the world’s biggest affair site, but never had one. He just tried to. If that distinction matters. …Too bad for those men, they’re cheating dirtbags and deserve no such discretion. Too bad for ALM, you promised secrecy but didn’t deliver.…"
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Google announces OnHub, a WiFi router that gets rid of wires and flashing lights
Just because you’re one of the biggest technology companies in the world doesn’t mean you don’t get annoyed by the blinking lights, tangled wires and changeable connection speeds of modern-day WiFi. This is exactly the mindset Google has taken on, with the internet giant announcing it is launching a WiFi router of its own: OnHub. OnHub has just a single status light, with most of the admin taking place through a new app called Google On, which will work on Android and iOS devices. The app will give users the ability to monitor signal strength as well as see solution options for any connection problems. But perhaps the most interesting aspect of the OnHub is the “smart” settings Google hints at. In the video, there are references to OnHub “constantly improving on its own”. What the router does is constantly monitor the airwaves for the best channel of WiFi signal and jumps to it to keep your connection fast. Google says you can even use OnHub to prioritise a device should you need the bandwidth in one place more than another. Clearly all this functionality has hit home for WiFi users, as the OnHub website, as well as some retailers, are showing the hub as being out of stock. It’s still only in pre-order phase. Google has said that for now the OnHub will be limited to the US and Canada.
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Apple drops appointment-only system for trying out Apple Watch
It's now easier for consumers to try on the Apple Watch: Apple stores now no longer require individuals to book an appointment to test drive the device. The change for Apple Stores in the US began this week, according to 9to5 Mac, and means consumers now don't have to book ahead either online or at a store to test out the Watch, and don't need to provide their name and Apple ID to Apple staff when they arrive. Ultimately this means a speedier process for consumers who do want to try on the Watch and an easier time for passersby who want to walk into a store and try out one on a whim. Apple has had the appointments system in place since it began selling the device through its physical stores this April, likely to help its staff and buyers cope with the variety of models, bands, and various other accessories, as well as experiencing the device's features and functionality. The only possible exception to the appointment system was for consumers who were interested in the $10,000 Apple Watch Edition. ZDNet has asked Apple whether it has also dropped the appointment-only outside of the US and will update the story if it receives a response. While it will be possible for consumers to walk in and try an Apple Watch without giving the company their details, those who are keen on a particular model can leave their details and preferences with Apple staff, which are saved to their Apple online store wish list. Given Apple is making it simpler to buy an Apple Watch, it might suggest the company has now calibrated supply with demand. The other evidence that Apple is relaxing its control over the Apple Watch sales process came this month when Apple began selling Watches through Best Buy . The retailer stocks most models except for the Edition Watch. Apple hasn't revealed how many of the devices it's sold so far, leading some to speculate the device is an absolute winner and others that it's a flop. Analysts' estimates of second quarter sales of the Watch have ranged from around three million up to six million. Whatever the figure, Apple CEO Time Cook has said that sales of the Apple Watch got off to a "great start".
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