Apple patches major security bug for Macs
Apple fixes a flaw, Samsung targets gamers, and Facebook tweaks the newsfeed yet again.
I'm Bridget Carey and this is your CNET Update.
If you own any sort of Apple device, whether it's a Mac, desktop or an iPhone or iPad, you need to update your operating system right now to fix a serious encryption bug.
The security flaw known as the "Goto Fail Bug" makes it
really easy for nearby hackers to tap in to your device and read your e-mails, instant messages and spy on any website you visit even online banking sites.
But folks are only at risk when using a public Wi-Fi like at a coffee shop or airport.
But you can patch the problem now by installing the update on Macs that run Mavericks and Mountain Lion versions of the OS X operating system.
The patch for iOS on mobile devices has been available for a few days now.
So make a point to update.
And if you can't
update right away, then avoid using Safari on open Wi-Fi networks.
Moving on to gadget news, Samsung has a new game pad accessory for Android phones.
It hooks onto the phone so you can play games with an Xbox-styled game controller.
It doesn't have to be a Samsung phone, but it does need to run Android 4.3 and have Bluetooth 3.0.
The controller doesn't have the high quality precision feel that you may be used to within Xbox or PlayStation controller.
But if you wanna get it, it'll cost about
$80.
Another quirky gadget just announced is a GPS tracking bracelet.
It's called the "I'm Tracer".
Yes, it's odd to have a contraction in your product name but it's from an Italian company called, I'm Spa.
This water and shock resistant rubber bracelet has a GPS tracker and SIM card.
It uses GSM to triangulate your position.
It can report location to an app and it'll alert if the tracker leaves a set boundary.
Now this could be used for keeping track your kids or for
hikers.
It could also be put on a dog collar, but peace of mind comes at a high price.
It's more than $200 and you'll need a subscription plan for $8 a month to get the location alerts.
And Facebook is at it again, changing up its newsfeed formula.
You'll start seeing posts in your newsfeed from pages you don't follow.
Facebook thinks you want to see things that you didn't ask to see because it may tag a page that you do care about.
For example, if you like the basketball star Dwight Howard, you may see this post
from the Bleacher Report even if you don't follow the Bleacher Report.
It's really not that different than what happens now with your friends.
You may see posts that your friends were tagged in from strangers.
That is your tech news update, but you can get more details at cnet.com/update.
And be sure to follow along on Twitter.
From our studios in New York, I'm Bridget Carey.
Up Next
Download Netflix shows to watch offline
Up Next
Download Netflix shows to watch offline
Amazon's next Echo said to come with a screen
Amazon's next Echo said to come with a screen
Curved iPhone 8? Apple said to be exploring OLED screens
Curved iPhone 8? Apple said to be exploring OLED screens
Black Friday and other turkey traditions are evolving
Black Friday and other turkey traditions are evolving
Facebook drone accident under investigation
Facebook drone accident under investigation
Facebook needs you to fight fake news
Facebook needs you to fight fake news
Airbnb wants to be your travel agent
Airbnb wants to be your travel agent
Wait, how fast can Qualcomm charge a phone?
Wait, how fast can Qualcomm charge a phone?
Snapchat may be worth $30 billion with IPO filing
Snapchat may be worth $30 billion with IPO filing
Nintendo puts a price on Super Mario Run (and the Switch?)
Nintendo puts a price on Super Mario Run (and the Switch?)
Tech Shows
Latest News All latest news
What to Expect at Apple's May 7 iPad Event
What to Expect at Apple's May 7 iPad Event
Did a Week With the Apple Watch Make Me Use My iPhone Less?
Did a Week With the Apple Watch Make Me Use My iPhone Less?
How Google Tests the Cameras in Its Pixel Phones
How Google Tests the Cameras in Its Pixel Phones
Boston Dynamics' New Electric Atlas vs. Tesla's Optimus
Boston Dynamics' New Electric Atlas vs. Tesla's Optimus
What is the Fediverse?
What is the Fediverse?
The Missing Piece to Apple's Eco-Friendly Mission
The Missing Piece to Apple's Eco-Friendly Mission
Most Popular All most popular
First Look at TSA's Self-Screening Tech (in VR!)
First Look at TSA's Self-Screening Tech (in VR!)
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Review: More AI at a Higher Cost
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Review: More AI at a Higher Cost
'Circle to Search' Lets Users Google From Any Screen
'Circle to Search' Lets Users Google From Any Screen
Asus Put Two 14-inch OLEDs in a Laptop, Unleashes First OLED ROG Gaming Laptop
Asus Put Two 14-inch OLEDs in a Laptop, Unleashes First OLED ROG Gaming Laptop
Samsung Galaxy Ring: First Impressions
Samsung Galaxy Ring: First Impressions
Best of Show: The Coolest Gadgets of CES 2024
Best of Show: The Coolest Gadgets of CES 2024
Latest Products All latest products
2025 Audi Q6, SQ6 E-Tron: Audi's Newest EV Is Its Most Compelling
2025 Audi Q6, SQ6 E-Tron: Audi's Newest EV Is Its Most Compelling
Hands-On with Ford's Free Tesla Charging Adapter
Hands-On with Ford's Free Tesla Charging Adapter
Nuro R3 is an Adorable Self-Driving Snack Bar
Nuro R3 is an Adorable Self-Driving Snack Bar
First Look: The $349 Nothing Phone 2A Aims to Brighten Your Day
First Look: The $349 Nothing Phone 2A Aims to Brighten Your Day
Best of MWC 2024: Bendable Screens, AI Wearables and More
Best of MWC 2024: Bendable Screens, AI Wearables and More
This Concept Laptop from Lenovo Has a Transparent Display
This Concept Laptop from Lenovo Has a Transparent Display
Latest How To All how to videos
Tips and Tricks for the AirPods Pro 2
Tips and Tricks for the AirPods Pro 2
How to Watch the Solar Eclipse Safely From Your Phone
How to Watch the Solar Eclipse Safely From Your Phone
Windows 11 Tips and Hidden Features
Windows 11 Tips and Hidden Features
Vision Pro App Walkthrough -- VisionOS 1.0.3
Vision Pro App Walkthrough -- VisionOS 1.0.3
Tips and Tricks for the Galaxy S24 Ultra
Tips and Tricks for the Galaxy S24 Ultra
TikTok Is Now on the Apple Vision Pro