Beware of romance scammers
Scammers asking for money or photos are a thing of the past. Romance scam methods have evolved.
Scammers asking for money or photos are a thing of the past. Romance scam methods have evolved.
The number of people using messaging applications exceeded 3.3 billion in 2023. WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger and WeChat are among the most used applications.
Scammers look to these platforms for the love of money or data. Messaging apps are becoming a platform for both phishing and online romance scams, among other threats.
From 2019 to 2022, the amount of losses attributed to romance scams reported to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission increased from $493 million to $1.3 billion. Social networks and messaging apps were the first communication platform for 59 percent of those who said they lost money to a romance scam in 2022.
Fraud methods are changing
As general digital security awareness increases, fraudsters’ tactics are also changing.
They send a risky phrase to their contacts: “Let’s go chat somewhere else.” Often the victim is redirected to a new and unknown app offered on third-party app stores or websites.
This allows the user to download spy tools that can read private data on the smartphone. In such cases, the most powerful weapon is to have a reliable cyber security solution that can detect suspicious activities of the application running in the background.
How do romance scams work?
scammers, assumes false identities on dating sites. By befriending lonely people, they establish a close relationship with these people and may even propose marriage to these people.
However, they may soon ask you for money or to open a new bank account that they can use. They use these accounts to further their scams, turning the victim of a romantic relationship into a money mule.
Red flags of romance scams
Making excuses to avoid meeting: The scammer will avoid meeting face to face despite repeatedly stating that he or she is willing to do so.
Things are moving very quickly: Your new “partner” will express deep interest/affection and perhaps a desire for intimacy, even though you have only been chatting for a few days.
Asking for money: Romance scammers often come up with a heartbreaking story about why they need money ASAP. They can also pose as wealthy people who can pay off their debts with interest but “cannot currently access their funds.”
Leaving secure communication: The scammer may ask to leave a dating service or social media site to communicate directly. When you only use reliable app stores with strict app review policies, your chances of getting scammed will decrease rapidly.
Life
WeWalk Introduces New Artificial Intelligence Supported Smart Cane 2
WeWalk Smart Cane 2 is a groundbreaking device that offers artificial intelligence-supported features and advanced ergonomics to facilitate the daily lives of visually impaired individuals.
WeWalk Smart Cane 2 is a groundbreaking device that offers artificial intelligence-supported features and advanced ergonomics to facilitate the daily lives of visually impaired individuals.
WeWalk Smart Cane 2 has the potential to improve the quality of life of visually impaired individuals with technological innovations. Although its price may seem high, the artificial intelligence-supported accessibility, ergonomics and durability make the device an investment. A unique option to provide guidance and independent mobility, especially for users with visual impairments.
Here are the highlights and details of the device:
Highlights
- Artificial Intelligence Supported Technology:
- Ultrasonic Sensors: It warns the user by detecting surrounding objects.
- ChatGPT Integration: Users can ask questions directly to the cane and get answers via the voice assistant.
- Environmental Information: It transmits surrounding information, such as restaurant and store names, aloud.
- Advanced Sensors:
- It collects high-precision data thanks to an ultrasonic time-of-flight sensor, barometric pressure sensor, and six-axis motion tracking.
- This data provides the user with directions and detailed information about the environment.
- Advanced Ergonomics and Durability:
- Thinner and Lighter Design: It weighs about the same as a traditional white cane.
- Tactile Buttons: It offers more accessible use by replacing the touch pad.
- Weather Resistant: Thanks to rainwater protection, it can be used in all weather conditions.
- Foldable and Portable:
- The cane can be folded and carried when necessary, thus providing convenience in daily use.
Pricing and Subscription Details
- Device Price:
- Smart Cane 2 is $850 with standard features.
- Unlock all features permanently open If you want, $1,150.
- Voice Assistant Subscription: $4.99 per month.
- Purchasing Options: It’s currently available for pre-order on the company’s website.
Life
Strava integration and new features announced for Apple Fitness +
A new series of updates were announced while enriching the user experience by adding new features and collaborations to the Apple Fitness + service.
A new series of updates were announced while enriching the user experience by adding new features and collaborations to the Apple Fitness + service.
These updates include progressive strength training and a special conditioning program for pickleball. Additionally, a workshop-style yoga program that aims to learn yoga techniques in more depth and a breathing meditation program to reduce stress are also offered. The music-focused Artist Spotlight series is being expanded with famous artists such as Janet Jackson, Coldplay, Bruno Mars and Kendrick Lamar.
The new “Time to Walk” episodes also attract attention; Famous names such as Adam Scott, Rita Ora, Daddy Yankee and Tiffany Haddish appear in these episodes. Additionally, it was announced that Alex Wong will lead a special dance workout. Perhaps one of the biggest innovations is the Strava integration with Fitness+. Thanks to this feature, users will be able to share their Apple Fitness+ workouts via Strava and view rich details about their workouts. Moreover, new and existing Strava subscribers will be offered free Fitness+ access for up to three months.
Apple Fitness+ service is available for $9.99 per month or $79.99 per year and is in the same family five It can be shared by up to one person. It also appeals to a wider audience by being included in the Apple One Premier Plan. The new features will be available on iPhone, iPad and Apple TV on January 6. Apple Watch users will be able to track their progress with real-time measurements during training. Fitness+ is currently available in more than 20 countries and targets a wider user base with these updates.
Life
Thinq Lg, Promoting Smart Home Innovation
LG Electronics (LG) has fully opened up the Application Programming Interface (API) of its smart home platform LG ThinQ, allowing developers to easily create smart spaces with LG devices.
LG Electronics (LG) has fully opened up the Application Programming Interface (API) of its smart home platform LG ThinQ, allowing developers to easily create smart spaces with LG devices.
Recently, LG has opened the LG Smart Solution API Developer website to officially open the LG ThinQ API started. The API acts as a digital connector that allows different software to seamlessly switch functions. Developers can use the open API to integrate various features from LG AI devices into their programs or systems and enhance their services.
LG ThinQ API is divided into two categories: ThinQ API for individual users and ThinQ Business API for enterprise partners. ThinQ API enables remote control of LG devices installed in homes or buildings and facilitates integration with various platforms.
For individual users, ThinQ API supports controlling and monitoring AI devices registered in the LG ThinQ app from various smart home platforms. Using the ThinQ API, anyone can easily create a customized smart home that suits their lifestyle.
For example, users of the global smart home platform Home Assistant can now connect and control 26 types of LG AI devices, including refrigerators and washing machines, into their existing smart home environments. Home Assistant is described as a community-based open platform with nearly one million users worldwide who collaboratively develop a variety of smart home functions such as device automation and feature expansion.
For businesses, Thin Q Business API supports partners operating office or residential buildings to integrate and manage a variety of LG products, from appliances to commercial equipment such as HVAC and signage, with their existing applications. For example, large residential buildings can integrate LG devices into existing management applications for more convenient use.
Residents can reserve the use of LG washers and dryers in common areas through the building management app, or managers can use LG’s temperature and humidity sensors to detect abnormal conditions in the building and quickly respond to problems through alert functions.
Meanwhile, LG has accelerated the integration of external products and services into the LG Thin Q platform by acquiring smart home platform company Athom, known for its comprehensive IoT device connectivity. Homey, Athom’s smart home hub, currently connects more than 50,000 appliances and IoT devices, and the Athom app store has nearly 1,000 apps that connect and control products and services from global brands such as Philips and Aqara.
LG plans to integrate Athom’s comprehensive open ecosystem and IoT device connectivity into the AI home hub LG Thin Q On, aiming to realize an AI home where generative AI better understands customers and provides optimal space solutions.
-
Artificial Intelligence2 weeks ago
Apple Settled the Siri Lawsuit Filed Against It for $95 Million
-
Gaming2 weeks ago
Are Half-Life 3 Dreams Finally Come True?
-
Mobile2 weeks ago
Xiaomi 16 Comes with Major Camera Upgrade
-
Mobile2 weeks ago
What are the screen features of iPhone 17
-
Mobile2 weeks ago
Price, Processor and Battery Dimensions of Poco X7 Pro Officially Announced
-
Wearable Technology2 weeks ago
TOZO Announces New Premium Headphone Golden X2 Pro Ahead of CES
-
Mobile2 weeks ago
Galaxy S25 Series Will Come with Free Gemini Subscription and Car Crash Detection
-
Mobile2 weeks ago
Galaxy Z Flip FE May Appear as a Budget-Friendly Device