Internet of Things Archives

Winsage

February 18, 2025

Windows Mobile Pos Terminal Market Size by Application, Type, Geographic Scope, and Forecast 2025-2032

The global Windows Mobile POS Terminal market is expected to grow significantly from 2025 to 2032, driven by the rise of mobile payment systems, digital transactions, and technological advancements. Key factors include the demand for flexible payment options in retail and hospitality, the increase in e-commerce and contactless payments, and ongoing innovations in security and software. Challenges such as high initial costs, regulatory complexities, supply chain disruptions, and market saturation in developed regions may hinder growth. Emerging trends include the integration of AI, automation, and IoT, a focus on sustainability, and a demand for personalized offerings. The competitive landscape features intense rivalry among key players, with a focus on product innovation and regional expansion, particularly in North America, Europe, and the rapidly growing Asia-Pacific region. Emerging markets in Latin America and the Middle East & Africa show potential for growth, despite facing economic and regulatory challenges.

AppWizard

December 21, 2024

Android Auto now supports weather apps for real time updates

Google has introduced support for weather applications on Android Auto and Android Automotive, currently in beta testing. Users can download select weather apps to check the weather while driving. This feature expands the app categories available, which previously included Media, Navigation, Messaging, POI, and IoT, with Android Automotive also supporting Video, Games, and Browsers when stationary. The weather apps allow drivers to receive real-time updates based on their location or route, aiding in trip planning and keeping them informed about changing conditions. This initiative was announced at the Google I/O event earlier this year, and several weather applications are already available for download.

AppWizard

December 20, 2024

Google is officially opening up Android Auto to weather apps, but you don’t have to wait

Google has introduced a new category for weather apps in Android Auto and Android Automotive, allowing users to access real-time weather information based on their location or travel routes. The supported app categories now include Media (audio), Messaging, Navigation, Point of Interest (POI), Internet of Things (IoT), and Weather. For parked vehicles, additional categories like Video, Games, and Browsers are available exclusively on Android Automotive OS. The Weather category is currently in beta, limited to specific testing tracks, and aims to provide weather updates along with navigation functionalities. Early adopters of this category include "Weather & Radar" and "MyRadar Weather Radar."

Winsage

December 17, 2024

FBI spots HiatusRAT malware attacks targeting web cameras, DVRs

The FBI has issued a warning about HiatusRAT malware that targets vulnerable web cameras and DVRs, particularly focusing on Chinese-branded devices lacking security updates. In March 2024, HiatusRAT actors conducted a scanning campaign against Internet of Things (IoT) devices in the US, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the UK. They exploit known vulnerabilities, including CVE-2017-7921, CVE-2018-9995, CVE-2020-25078, CVE-2021-33044, and CVE-2021-36260, as well as weak vendor-supplied passwords. Primary targets include Hikvision and Xiongmai devices with telnet access. Attackers use tools like Ingram and Medusa to exploit devices with exposed TCP ports such as 23, 26, 554, 2323, 567, 5523, 8080, 9530, and 56575. The FBI recommends limiting the use of affected devices and isolating them from broader networks. Previous attacks linked to HiatusRAT include targeting a Defense Department server and compromising businesses through DrayTek Vigor VPN routers. Lumen, a cybersecurity firm, noted that HiatusRAT is designed to deploy additional payloads and turn compromised systems into SOCKS5 proxies. The targeting strategy aligns with broader Chinese strategic interests as highlighted in the 2023 annual threat assessment by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence.

Tech Optimizer

October 29, 2024

How PostgreSQL Enhances Performance and Scalability in IoT Solutions

PostgreSQL is an open-source relational database system favored for its versatility, extensibility, and ability to handle large volumes of data and complex queries efficiently. In 2024, approximately 57,629 companies adopted PostgreSQL, reflecting its growing popularity in IoT applications. PostgreSQL supports scalable IoT application development through custom data types, advanced indexing options (like B-tree and GiST), and JSON/JSONB support for semi-structured data. Its indexing techniques enhance performance, particularly for geolocation data, while partitioning allows for manageable data handling in rapidly growing datasets. PostgreSQL effectively manages time-series data through TimescaleDB, optimizing storage and retrieval for historical information. High availability features, such as asynchronous replication and point-in-time recovery, ensure data integrity and resilience in IoT systems.

Winsage

October 3, 2024

What’s gone from Windows 11 24H2

WordPad has been officially deprecated as of 2023 and will no longer be included in any editions of Windows starting with version 24H2 and Windows Server 2025. Users are directed to use Microsoft Word for rich text documents and Notepad for plain text. Windows Mixed Reality has also been discontinued in Windows 11 24H2, with no support or updates after November 2026. Additionally, the AllJoyn framework has been removed from Windows 11 24H2.

Winsage

October 2, 2024

Microsoft: Don’t be surprised if your new Windows 11 24H2 PC doesn’t have WordPad

Microsoft has announced the removal of WordPad from all editions of Windows starting with Windows 11 version 24H2 and Windows Server 2025. The company recommends using Microsoft Word for rich text documents and Windows Notepad for plain text documents. Additionally, Microsoft has phased out AllJoyn, which included the Windows.Devices.AllJoyn API namespace and other related components. AllJoyn was an open-source protocol for Internet of Things scenarios, sponsored by the AllSeen Alliance until its merger with the Open Connectivity Foundation in 2016.

AppWizard

September 20, 2024

TRAI unveils new licensing regime, excludes WhatsApp, FB Messenger, Telegram

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has released recommendations for a new telecom licensing framework, excluding over-the-top (OTT) services like WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger. The entry fees for telecom licenses have been halved to ₹50 lakh in each telecom circle, and reduced to ₹25 lakh in Jammu & Kashmir and the North East. TRAI has introduced three categories of authorisations: Main Service Authorisations, Auxiliary Service Authorisations, and Captive Service Authorisations. It has also launched a 'Unified Service Authorisation' allowing entities to offer multiple services nationally. National Long Distance (NLD) and International Long Distance (ILD) services have been merged into a single 'Long Distance Service Authorisation.' A new 'Satellite-based Telecommunication Service Authorisation' has been proposed for commercial satellite services. TRAI recommends the establishment of a framework for financial accounting, resource numbering, and spectrum allocation at the national level.

Winsage

September 5, 2024

Microsoft’s WDDM 3.2 makes Windows 11 (24H2) video encoding even better with AV1 support

Microsoft is preparing to release the Windows 11 version 24H2 feature update, currently available for Copilot+ PCs and expected to roll out to more systems soon. The final testing and certification process for eligible systems began in May. This update introduces the Windows Display Driver Model (WDDM) version 3.2, which includes improved driver timeout detection and recovery (TDR) debugging to reduce display and graphics driver crashes. Additionally, WDDM 3.2 enhances Direct3D 12 video encoding by adding support for the AV1 codec, allowing for GPU-accelerated video encoding on Windows. This update extends the existing video-related framework to enable drivers to report AV1 video encoding support and capabilities, facilitating hardware acceleration for various applications, including IoT, cloud, media APIs, machine learning, and game streaming. Prior to Windows 11 version 21H2, Microsoft did not support hardware-accelerated encoding, but WDDM 3.0 introduced this capability.

Tech Optimizer

July 30, 2024

10 Situations When You Need Antivirus Software

Cybersecurity is a significant concern in the digital world, with antivirus software being essential for protecting data from cyber threats. Tech expert Krishi Chowdhary notes that effective antivirus solutions provide real-time protection against various threats, including malware, spyware, and ransomware. Antivirus protection is crucial in several scenarios: 1. Using Public Wi-Fi: Public Wi-Fi networks can expose devices to risks, making antivirus software vital for protecting sensitive activities like banking. 2. Downloading Files and Programs: Antivirus software scans downloads in real-time to block malware. 3. Opening Email Attachments: Many antivirus programs automatically scan email attachments to prevent harmful software from activating. 4. Visiting Unsecured Websites: Antivirus software warns users of potential threats from unsecured websites and blocks access to malicious sites. 5. Using Removable Storage Devices: Antivirus software scans SD cards and USB drives upon insertion to detect and neutralize threats. 6. Sharing Files with Others: Antivirus protection scans incoming files from social media or file-sharing platforms to prevent malware infections. 7. Using Online Banking and Shopping: Antivirus software protects against threats like keyloggers during online transactions. 8. Connecting to IoT Devices: Antivirus software secures connections between IoT devices and online services by eliminating malicious code. 9. Uploading Files to Cloud Storage: Antivirus software scans files during the upload process to block harmful content from spreading in networks. 10. Using Outdated Operating Systems: Antivirus solutions provide additional protection against malware exploiting vulnerabilities in outdated systems.