In an age where traditional wire transfers and steep fees once hindered international money transfers, the landscape of financial transactions has undergone a remarkable transformation. With the emergence of borderless banking platforms such as Wise, sending money across borders has been redefined. As this fintech trailblazer continues to disrupt the industry, it’s imperative to unravel the narrative behind Wise and understand its profound impact on travel and financial experiences in Malaysia and across the globe.

Born out of a desire to challenge the status quo of traditional banking and tackle the opaque and often exorbitant fees associated with cross-border transactions, Wise has emerged as a disruptive force in the digital finance arena. Its innovative platform has empowered millions of individuals and businesses worldwide to navigate the complexities of international finance with unparalleled transparency and ease.

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Through an insightful interview with Lim Paik Wan, Country Manager of Wise Malaysia, we delve into how the company harnesses the power of technology to reshape the travel and savings landscape in Malaysia and beyond.

The digital renaissance has brought transformative shifts in travel. How do you see technology shaping every aspect of travel beyond being a mere tool to smoothen the process?

Technology has now made travel more accessible and has allowed consumers to personalize their holidays, as people now take to blogs and social media platforms for inspiration. Additionally, consumers are now accustomed to instant and seamless experiences, with everything readily available through a few taps on their smartphones. This seamless digital connectivity has also changed how people make transactions for their travels. 

Lim Paik Wan, Country Manager, Malaysia at Wise

In years past, travelers needed to exchange cash physically and were usually required to pay for most meals and excursions in cash. Today, contactless payment options are offered almost everywhere, making it easier and safer for consumers to make international transactions. 

Even how consumers plan their travels has changed, with hotel bookings and flights done through travel apps. However, consumers still face challenges as the world transitions to a largely cashless society. A common one is a general unfamiliarity with international transaction fees, causing them to spend more than anticipated or budgeted for. Issues like these have led fintech providers to create solutions to make these processes smoother and more manageable. 

How do Wise’s digital cards and contactless payment solutions like Apple Pay and Google Pay enhance travel safety?

Today, contactless payment methods are widely accepted in many countries, lessening the burden of carrying large sums of cash. However, when used internationally, most traditional credit or debit cards tend to come with additional fees and hidden costs. Providers like Wise offer users the ability to hold money in over 40 currencies and make transactions at the mid-market exchange rate with no markups, helping travelers save money on international transactions. 

This relieves users of having multiple traditional cards, where they would have to bear the cost of foreign transaction fees and interest fees. Wise’s smart technology automatically converts the currencies you hold in your account for you, which have the lowest conversion fee; the card even allows users to withdraw money from ATMs with low fees while traveling.

Another great thing is that Wise users can start spending immediately with its digital cards, available instantly upon request in the app. Users can get up to 3 digital cards with different card details for an extra layer of protection. These digital cards can be deleted anytime, so customers can generate new card details when they need them. 

The cards can also be added to Apple Pay and Google Pay — these contactless payment methods are powered by NFC technology, which is generally more secure. Additional features on the account allow users to track their spending in real-time, ensuring smoother user and travel experiences. 

How has the pandemic impacted Wise’s services, particularly regarding international travel and cross-border transactions?

Digital adoption during the pandemic created the expectation for instant and real-time processes and a trend of contactless payment options. This has dramatically impacted the Malaysian market, as e-wallets and mobile payments are now expected payment options that businesses should offer. Additionally, we found that Malaysians are spending more time online, adopting more

Wise app shows that users can manage all their currencies all over the world. Source: Wise

international lifestyles, and traveling more frequently, leading to an increase in cross-border spending and shopping. 

These trends suggest a need for efficient cross-border payment solutions that offer faster, cheaper, and transparent international payments. Wise addresses these needs with its multi-currency account, empowering Malaysian consumers to seamlessly navigate global payments and lifestyles with no hidden fees and complete transparency. 

The recent launch of Wise on Apple Pay and Google Pay in Malaysia is part of our commitment to making international transactions more convenient and accessible for customers. A few other ways Wise is providing more convenience is by offering our users the ability to send money to popular e-wallets in the region, including Touch’nGo in Malaysia, GrabPay in the Philippines, and ShopeePay in Indonesia — being able to offer multiple money movement options makes moving money across borders even more convenient.

How does Wise promote financial literacy and awareness among users regarding currency exchange and international transactions?

A crucial part of our mission has been advocating for transparency in foreign exchange fees, empowering people with knowledge and insight into their transactions. This is reflected in our services and is why we support transparent and fair cross-border transactions. With Wise, all fees are transparently displayed to customers when they set up a transaction. 

Customers pay a single upfront fee, and the exchange rate they get is the one you see on Google with no markups or hidden charges. People also gain visibility into what’s happening to their money from start to finish when making cross-border payments, which includes the actual total cost to make the payment.

Wise also offers price comparison tools in the app, which allows our customers to compare the exchange rates and fees across a range of currency routes to make better decisions when choosing their preferred provider.

What upcoming advancements can users anticipate from Wise, and how will they improve travel and financial experiences?

Not to give too much away, but we are always looking to bring globally available features to Malaysia, such as Wise Business and Wise Platform. Wise Business accounts are for businesses that want to grow and operate internationally, making it easier to manage their finances across borders, such as paying overseas vendors and employees or receiving funds from clients.

Wise Platform is our infrastructure offering, which enables financial institutions and businesses to incorporate our global payment network into their platforms. As Wise operates globally, we’re always looking to see what would benefit Malaysian customers and work to solve their pain points. 

Lastly, in the rapidly changing landscape of digital finance and travel, how does Wise stay adaptive and responsive to its diverse user base’s dynamic needs and preferences?

At Wise, we constantly listen to our customers, and our goal continues to be making Wise as convenient, low-cost, fast, and transparent as possible. As more Malaysians look for cross-border opportunities, it’s vital that our users can use Wise to broaden their lifestyles globally.

Looking ahead to 2024 and beyond, we’ve got a number of exciting things coming up in our product roadmap to improve the speed, convenience, and cost of cross-border payments for our customers around the world.

The post Wise: Revolutionizing travel and finance in Malaysia appeared first on Tech Wire Asia.

The battle against cyberthreats is becoming increasingly complex and demanding. Recognizing the imperative need for advanced security solutions, key industry players and regulatory bodies are stepping up their game to shield consumers from the ever-evolving landscape of cyber-risks. At the heart of this crucial endeavor is the synergy between technology giants and government agencies, a partnership that not only aims to protect but also to pioneer in the realm of digital safety.

This narrative unfolds as Google Singapore and the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA) embark on a groundbreaking initiative, setting a new benchmark in mobile security measures. Their collaborative effort marks a significant leap forward, underscoring the importance of unified strategies in combating cyber scams and malware, thereby ensuring a safer digital environment for all.

Strategic collaboration between Google and the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore

As the digital frontier expands, this collaboration between Google and the CSA becomes critical in safeguarding mobile users from the burgeoning threat of cyber-scams. Singapore is set to be the first country to pilot this advanced feature on Android devices in the coming weeks. Having undergone rigorous pre-testing, this initiative is a testament to the robust partnership between Google and CSA, emphasizing their commitment to fortifying cybersecurity and anti-scam measures, officially announced in October 2023.

In today’s digital age, mobile devices are the cornerstone for numerous digital and financial transactions, leaving users globally vulnerable to financial fraud. Cybercriminals often employ social engineering tactics to deceive users into compromising their security safeguards and disregarding proactive malware, scam, and phishing warnings.

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These deceptions, often disguised as financial incentives, savings, or urgent issues needing resolution, can lead users to inadvertently download malicious applications from various online sources, including web browsers, messaging apps, or file managers. This practice, known as internet sideloading, poses a significant risk as it can lead to the disclosure of sensitive personal information or the unwitting transfer of funds to fraudsters.

A recent Google Singapore 2024 Scams survey revealed that, despite Singaporeans’ confidence in their ability to identify and evade scams, 1 in 2 online users still succumb to them.

To counter these threats, Android has embedded multiple layers of protection to shield users from various security threats, including fraud, scams, and phishing. These protective measures include Spam Protection in Messages, Safe Browsing in Chrome, and the cornerstone of mobile security, Google Play Protect.

Real-time scanning: A key to advanced security

A notable enhancement to Google Play Protect is the introduction of real-time scanning, designed to fortify defenses against newly emerging malicious, sideloaded applications. These applications employ sophisticated methods, including artificial intelligence, to evade detection by altering identifiable features. Since its implementation, real-time scanning has identified over 515,000 new potentially harmful apps, issuing over 3.1 million warnings or blocks to protect users from potential harm.

The new enhanced protection feature on Android is geared towards providing Singaporean users unprecedented security. It operates by automatically blocking the installation of apps from internet-sideloading sources that request sensitive runtime permissions frequently exploited for financial fraud.

By scrutinizing the permissions requested by an app in real-time, focusing on permissions such as reading and receiving SMS messages, accessibility services, and notification listening services, Google Play Protect identifies and mitigates potential threats.

Google’s threat analysis reveals that a vast majority of malicious app installations, over 95 percent, originate from internet-sideloading sources, underscoring the critical need for this enhanced protection.

Scheduled to begin in coming weeks, the pilot of this enhanced protection feature will progressively roll out to users in Singapore. Users attempting to sideload apps that intend to use sensitive permissions will encounter a blocking prompt from Google Play Protect, accompanied by an explanatory message detailing the reasons behind the app’s blockage.

Google Play Protect Block prompt. (Source – Google).

Chua Kuan Seah, the CSA’s Deputy Chief Executive, emphasizes the importance of continuous innovation and collaboration in effectively combating online scams. This cooperation with tech leaders such as Google is crucial in bolstering Singapore’s defenses against scams and safeguarding citizens’ online safety and digital assets.

Eugene Liderman, director of Android security strategy at Google, highlights the company’s commitment to a secure Android experience. The partnership with the CSA and the Singapore government is critical to protecting users from financial fraud. This pilot in Singapore is part of broader efforts to enhance user safety, with ongoing evaluations for future refinements. Collaboration with industry partners and focusing on user education are essential in addressing the changing landscape of cyberthreats.

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Singapore’s Android users are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the new enhanced protection feature, becoming more informed and vigilant. Alongside this feature’s launch, Google continues to support the CSA with malware detection, sharing insights, and creating educational materials for users and developers. This includes working with industry partners and government agencies to increase user education and awareness.

Looking ahead: the future of cybersecurity in Singapore

Following the introduction of this innovative security feature, Andy Ng, vice-president and managing director for the Asia South and Pacific region at Veritas Technologies, offers a broader perspective on the importance of fostering trust in digital systems through robust cybersecurity measures and public education.

He emphasizes that the Singapore Budget 2024 must prioritize initiatives supporting the adoption of emerging technologies like AI and ensuring investments in comprehensive cybersecurity infrastructure, regulatory frameworks, and educational campaigns. These efforts are vital for building and maintaining trust among citizens, businesses, and investors, enhancing transparency, accountability, and the ethical use of data.

Ng’s commentary underscores the need for organizations to adopt a 360-degree defense architecture to bolster their cybersecurity posture, ensuring that data and applications remain safe and resilient across all environments. This approach necessitates significant financial backing to develop a practical defense framework through the judicious application of technology.

He also highlights the importance of collaborative efforts between the government, private sector, and academia in addressing emerging threats and preserving the integrity of Singapore’s digital ecosystem. The Cybersecurity Talent, Innovation and Growth (Cyber TIG) Plan, which earmarks S$50 million over the next three years, is cited as a timely and strategic investment to strengthen the cybersecurity ecosystem, enhancing the region’s economic opportunities.

Moreover, Ng stresses the critical role of promoting digital literacy and empowering individuals with the skills to safely navigate the digital landscape. Educational and public awareness campaigns are vital to helping citizens recognize and mitigate online risks, thereby cultivating a culture of responsible digital citizenship.

Android sideloaded malware layered security UI. (Source – Google).

This emphasis on education and awareness is echoed in Google’s initiatives, such as the YouTube Creators for Impact program, which partners with local governments to leverage content created by The Smart Local and Sethisfy Personal Finance, among others, to raise awareness about digital safety topics. Google’s dedication to digital literacy extends to protecting vulnerable populations through collaborations with nonprofit organizations like RSVP Singapore and the Singapore Police Force on projects like Project PRAISE, aimed at educating seniors on scam prevention.

Additionally, Google organizes forums with financial services companies to share insights on combating scams and discuss tools that can help prevent malicious mobile security attacks, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to enhancing digital security and literacy across the community.

By prioritizing security, privacy, and user empowerment, Google and its partners are laying the groundwork for a digital environment where innovation and safety coexist, ensuring the online wellbeing of Singaporeans and fostering a resilient digital future.

The post Google and the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore forge a strategic alliance appeared first on Tech Wire Asia.

This week, Google ushered in a new era with the introduction of ‘Circle to Search,’ a gesture-based feature for Android smartphones. This functionality lets users effortlessly search for information within any app on their phones using intuitive gestures such as circling, highlighting, scribbling, or tapping. Google aims to enhance the naturalness and accessibility of search, starting with selected premium Android smartphones first.

To recall, when Google started venturing beyond traditional text-based searches, the tech giant allowed users to audibly pose questions, discover song titles through humming, and delve into the visual realm with Lens. Simply put, with each technological breakthrough, Google has drawn nearer to its aspiration of letting users to search effortlessly, adapting to their preferences regardless of the context. 

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“Today, we’re sharing our latest step toward that goal: Circle to Search,” Google said in a blog posting on January 17. While Circle to Search is launching on January 31, it will initially only be available on selected premium Android smartphones, including the Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, and the new Samsung Galaxy S24 series — in all languages and locations where they’re available.

Answer any❓with a ⭕️

Launching January 31st on #Pixel8 and Pixel 8 Pro, Circle to Search is a new way to search anything without switching apps. Just draw a circle around an image, text, or video, and Google AI finds it, so you can round up answers fast: https://t.co/01F0rHAc1T pic.twitter.com/a1HRnLRhDp

— Made by Google (@madebygoogle) January 17, 2024

How will Circle to Search work on Android?

Think of your phone as a gateway to endless information – whether pursuing a passion, solving a problem, shopping, learning, or just seeking a moment of joy. When you’re deeply engrossed in exploring something, it can be inconvenient to interrupt the flow by switching between apps to gather more information.

Circle to Search can help you quickly identify items in a photo or video. Relevant ads will continue to appear in dedicated slots throughout the page. Source: Google

That’s where Circle to Search by Google comes in. Now, with a simple gesture like circling, highlighting, scribbling, or tapping, users can select what interests them and instantly get more information without switching apps.

“For example, maybe you need help identifying a few items a creator wore in their ‘Outfit of the Day’ video, but they didn’t tag the brands. Just long-press the home button or navigation bar on your Android phone to activate Circle to Search. From there, you can select any item you see with your preferred gesture — like circling their sunglasses — to quickly find similar, shoppable options from retailers across the web. You could scribble the bag and tap on the boots to look those up, too — all without leaving where you are. When you’re done, swipe away, and you’re right back where you started,” Google noted.

That said, with multi-search and Google’s latest AI enhancements, searching with both text and images simultaneously, you can effortlessly grasp concepts, ideas, or topics by accessing informative content gathered from the web. 

“Simply circle the corn dog and ask a question, like “Why are these so popular?” You’ll quickly learn that these sweet and savory treats are Korean corn dogs. And they’re trending because of their unique combination of flavors and textures — including meat or gooey melted cheese surrounded by a crunchy exterior — and the growing popularity of Korean cuisine,” it added.

Even on YouTube, the Circle to Search feature would work, and according to the search engine behemoth, relevant ads will continue to appear in dedicated slots throughout the search page. 

The post Google’s ‘Circle to Search’: a gesture-based revolution on Android appeared first on Tech Wire Asia.

When Apple, renowned for pushing the boundaries of consumer technology, unveiled its groundbreaking Vision Pro headset at last year’s Worldwide Developers Conference, success in the niche market suddenly seemed less elusive. Known for redefining struggling gadget categories, Apple’s entry into the space garnered widespread anticipation. Priced ambitiously at US$3,499, the long-awaited mixed-reality headset is set to debut early this year. But Apple may not have anticipated that it might face formidable competition sooner than later. 

Last week, Qualcomm, a mobile processor powerhouse, introduced a new chip tailored for virtual and mixed-reality headsets. In short, the stage is set for a captivating showdown among tech giants in this evolving landscape. The Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2 chipset, a single-chip architecture that will likely power most headsets, is anticipated to be released early this year. Moreover, the San Diego chipmaker announced that the latest component, capable of supporting 12 or more high-definition cameras, will be integrated into products currently in development by Samsung Electronics Co. and Alphabet Inc.’s Google, among others.

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Other details surrounding Samsung and Google’s highly anticipated advanced mixed reality headset, poised to rival Apple’s Vision Pro, have been kept under wraps. To recall, Meta’s Quest 3 arrived last fall and was the first headset with Qualcomm’s first iteration of the XR chip, which boosted graphics, color passthrough camera quality, external camera support, and onboard AI feature possibilities.

Despite its somewhat perplexing jargon, the latest version of Qualcomm’s XR chips, the XR2+ Gen 2 chip, is strategically designed for an impending series of high-end headsets. It is positioned to directly contend with the Vision Pro by Apple in both features and pricing, signaling that there’d be more of these premium devices on the horizon.

How will headsets powered by Qualcomm differ from Vision Pro by Apple?

The features of Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2. Source: Qualcomm

Enhancing the features of the previously introduced Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2, the plus variant showcases notable improvements, featuring a 15% boost in GPU frequency and a 20% increase in CPU frequency. Additionally, it supports an impressive 4.3K per eye resolution at 90fps and the capability for headsets to incorporate 12 or more cameras with on-device AI. This facilitates more accurate tracking of user movements and surrounding objects, elevating the quality of virtual and mixed-reality experiences to a more immersive and harmonious level.

Hugo Swart, vice president and general manager of XR at Qualcomm, also noted that the Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2 unlocks 4.3K resolution, which will take “XR productivity and entertainment to the next level by bringing spectacularly clear visuals to use cases such as room-scale screens, life-size overlays, and virtual desktops.” In terms of efficiency gains, you can expect the same 50% improvement seen in the previous XR2 Gen 2 compared to the XR2 Gen 1 platform. In essence, there is no alteration on that front.

The Meta Quest 3 headset leverages groundbreaking mixed reality for immersive experiences, seamlessly integrating virtual elements into the physical world. Source: Meta

Quoting Qualcomm’s Said Bakadir, a senior director of product management, Bloomberg reported that the mobile processor giant is working with several partners in addition to Google and Samsung, and announcements from customers may come as soon as next week’s CES show with products available as early as this year, he said.

Will the VR/MR market finally take off to greater heights?

The Vision Pro by Apple is not merely a revolutionary leap forward; it stands poised as one of the most daring and ambitious launches in Apple’s storied history, teetering on the edge of risk and innovation. For Apple, the aim is to sustain the tech giant’s sales growth. In a familiar narrative reminiscent of the Mac, iPod, iPhone, and iPad launches, Apple aims to redefine an emerging industry. 

But it is worth noting that the Vision Pro will be debuting with a premium price tag, entering a market that has yet to strike a chord with consumers. While the iPhone maker’s VR headset “is expected to bring lots of attention” to the technology, International Data Corp. (IDC) projected that Apple “will likely ship fewer than [200,000] units in the year.”

So far, the VR space has been dominated by Meta, which captured 55% of the market share in the third quarter of 2023, according to IDC, with the Quest 3 headset. IDC anticipates a robust recovery in 2024 for AR/VR headset shipments, labeling it a year of significant resurgence. The optimism is driven by introducing new products from Meta and Apple, especially after a challenging 2023 for the industry. 

The post Is Qualcomm gearing up to rival Apple in the VR headset arena? appeared first on Tech Wire Asia.

In a strategic maneuver responding to the challenges posed by the US government’s inclusion of Huawei Technologies Co. on its Entity List, in August 2019, the company embraced HarmonyOS as its proprietary Android alternative. Now, four years on, the unfolding narrative is reaching a pivotal moment. HarmonyOS is now on the brink of surpassing Apple’s iOS, marking a transformative milestone in the evolving landscape of China’s operating systems.

According to a report from Canadian research firm TechInsights released on January 3, although Google’s Android and Apple’s iOS will maintain their dominance worldwide in smartphone operating systems, Huawei’s homegrown HarmonyOS is expected to gain traction against these giants in China.

The HarmonyOS adoption surge has found momentum in Huawei’s unexpected, successful re-entry into the 5G smartphone arena. This resurgence began with the unveiling of the Mate 60 Pro in late August 2023, featuring a cutting-edge, domestically developed 5G chip—a bold move in defiance of US tech sanctions designed to impede access to exactly this kind of advanced technology.

Heralding the era of 5G handsets in China, Huawei’s Mate 60 Pro series is poised to impact the country’s already-vibrant smartphone market. Estimates by Counterpoint Research projected sales figures ranging from five to six million units for 2023. This optimistic outlook is rooted in Huawei’s expansive base of HarmonyOS users, fostering a robust domestic ecosystem. 

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Experts believe the allure of these innovative 5G devices extends beyond loyal users, drawing in fresh customers and enticing those who have ventured into other smartphone realms in recent years. As Huawei emerges from the challenges of a strained supply chain, coupled with a return to regular product launches, the company’s trajectory paints a promising picture for the times ahead.

To top it off, the company’s product lineup has seen additional growth in the past week, marked by the introduction of new smartphone models within its mid-range Nova series. In other words, TechInsights expects Huawei to make a solid recovery in 2024, incluing a gradual alleviation of the company’s supply challenges, primarily attributed to the shortages of Kirin 9000 chipsets over the next few months. 

What’s next for HarmonyOS in 2024?

TechInsights believes that HarmonyOS is poised for a groundbreaking moment in 2024 with the unveiling of HarmonyOS Next, breaking away from the typical Android open source project (AOSP) code. Huawei is undergoing a significant shift by pivoting away from Android and emphasizing HarmonyOS more strongly. 

This means it features its unique system architecture designed to foster the development of apps exclusively for HarmonyOS. These apps must be HarmonyOS-compatible and use Hap format installation packages. Consequently, HarmonyOS will no longer support Android apps. Huawei’s venture into uncharted territory involves the release of a developer preview for HarmonyOS Next in the first quarter of 2024, collaborating with major Chinese companies to craft native apps tailored for the system. 

A new chapter for Harmony?. Source: X.com

Ant Group, the financial tech giant associated with Alibaba Group Holding, has already embarked on creating a new version of its mobile payment app, Alipay, based on HarmonyOS, while Alibaba is developing a revised edition of DingTalk, its workplace collaboration app, for this innovative platform.

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Leading Chinese internet entities, including JD.com, NetEase, and Meituan, have begun recruiting developers to build native apps on HarmonyOS, with McDonald’s China emerging as an early adopter of HarmonyOS Next, marking a significant shift for multinational food companies in mainland China. 

For TechInsights, one question lingers: will these endeavors trigger a ripple effect, propelling HarmonyOS to become the default operating system for smartphones, laptops, and cars across China? TechInsights remains watchful, noting that HarmonyOS currently powers over 700 million devices, with a robust community of more than 2.2 million third-party developers, as highlighted by Richard Yu Chengdong, CEO of Huawei’s consumer business group, during the company’s annual developer conference in August. 

The post HarmonyOS set to overtake iOS in China this year appeared first on Tech Wire Asia.

With over 2.3 billion users globally, the Android OS remains the most popular mobile phone operating system in the world. Given Android’s affordability, there are now hundreds of smartphone models, each catering to a unique market.

Yet, despite Android’s popularity among smartphone users, many still admire Apple devices, and particularly some of the features it offers in its iOS devices. While there is no possibility of running Android on Apple devices or vice versa, some app developers have developed applications that make certain features of Apple available on Android devices.

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Many developers have tried to create third-party apps that can support apps on both OS but many have failed.

That is until Beeper Mini arrived. The Android app has apparently been built specifically to send and receive messages from Apple iMessage on an Android device.

According to a blog post by the developer, the app allows Android users to join iPhone-only group chats, since people can add their phone number instead of their email address. It also negates the need of an Apple ID. All chat features like typing status, read receipts, full-resolution images or videos, emoji reactions, voice messages, editing, unsending, and more are supported.

“Unlike every other attempt to build an Android app like this (including our first generation Beeper app), Beeper Mini does not use a Mac relay server in a data center. Instead, the app connects directly to Apple servers to send and receive end-to-end encrypted messages. Encryption keys never leave your device. No Apple ID is required,” the company explained.

The app is all you need: no third-party servers, burner laptops, or Mac and iPhone hoops to go through.

iMessage for Apple users only

Following the launch of this third-party app, Apple decided to put a stop to this. The company has since taken steps to shut down third-party applications that let Android devices use the Apple iMessage service to communicate with iPhone users.

According to a report by The Verge, Apple released a statement citing the security and privacy concerns of its users.

“We took steps to protect our users by blocking techniques that exploit fake credentials to gain access to iMessage. These techniques posed significant risks to user security and privacy, including the potential for metadata exposure and enabling unwanted messages, spam, and phishing attacks. We will continue to make updates in the future to protect our users,” the statement said.

🤳 The app is all you need: no third-party servers, burner laptops, or Mac and iPhone hoops to go through:

🤯 Download Beeper Mini » set up your account » AND YOU’RE IN.

(Securely and end-to-end encrypted, with no outside “middle-man.”) https://t.co/02tdpcAzpU pic.twitter.com/exV4nxFZdw

— Beeper (@onbeeper) December 5, 2023

It’s not surprising that Apple would block the service, given the exclusiveness the iOS has. Even before iMessage, there have been attempts by other app developers to develop iOS apps for Android devices. Many have not even come close to what Beeper has achieved.

Beeper’s founder, Eric Migicovsky, said that he simply didn’t understand why Apple would block his app. “If Apple truly cares about the privacy and security of iPhone users, why would it stop a service that enables its own users to send encrypted messages to Android users, rather than using unsecured SMS?”

The Verge also reported Migicovsky stating that he’d be happy to share Beeper’s code with Apple for a security review so that it could be sure of Beeper’s security practices.

Senator Warren asking important questions of Apple.

The most secured OS?

Is Apple really focused on keeping its users secure by blocking Beeper and other third-party apps? Given the number of vulnerabilities and incidents involving Android devices, it can’t be denied that Apple is at least technically doing the right thing.

After all, app developers themselves are aware of the strict requirements set by Apple when it comes to developing any apps for the platform. On the other hand, cybercriminals often use loopholes on Android devices, such as enabling phones to still run older versions to get their victims’ data.

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Android users themselves have questioned the lack of an iMessage app for Android and acknowledged that third-party apps would be a security compromise. Apart from iMessage, some developers have tried to make iMovie and GarageBand available on Android. While there are APK versions for some of the iOS apps on the PlayStore, downloading them is still a big risk.

One hope for users is that Apple has recently said it would support rich communications services (RCS) next year. According to a report by Bloomberg, RCS will be the replacement for the standard SMS service that will provide an improved texting experience between platforms.

Ultimately though, Apple still wants to maintain its exclusiveness. Last year, Apple chief executive officer Tim Cook suggested that a user who wanted to easily message his mother on an Android should “buy her an iPhone” instead.

But that may all change in 2024 – in the EU at least. The Digital Markets Acts will require Apple to allow third-party app stores in the region.

Perhaps Beeper may have a chance again next year.

The post No iMessage on Android: Apple blocks third-party app appeared first on Tech Wire Asia.

Android users have faced their share of challenges, initially enduring mockery from iPhone users over perceived inferiorities in their devices. Now, they’re grappling with a new threat: the emergence of ‘SpyLoan’ apps in the app store.

This year has seen a worrying surge in deceptive Android loan apps, identified by ESET researchers. These apps masquerade as legitimate personal loan services, luring users with the promise of quick, easy funds. However, they’re designed to trick users through high-interest loans on misleading terms, while simultaneously harvesting personal and financial data for blackmail. ESET has labeled these apps ‘SpyLoans,’ reflecting their dual nature as both spyware and loan offers. These apps are disseminated via social media, SMS, scam websites, third-party app stores, and even Google Play.

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ESET uncovers surge in fake loan apps on Android

ESET’s vigilance led to the discovery of 18 SpyLoan apps, prompting them to alert Google. As a result, Google removed 17 of these apps from their platform. These apps had amassed over 12 million downloads on Google Play before being taken down. The remaining app altered its functionality, leading ESET to no longer classify it as a SpyLoan app.

Every SpyLoan app displays the same behavior regardless of where it is downloaded due to its identical underlying code. That means users encounter the same risks and features, whether the app is obtained from an unofficial website, a third-party app store, or Google Play.

The operators of these schemes restrict their activities to mobile apps, steering clear of web-based services. The reason behind this is that mobile apps offer more comprehensive access to the sensitive data stored on smartphones compared to web browsers, and that access is crucial for extortionists to execute their blackmail schemes.

ESET’s telemetry data reveals that the operators behind these apps, who resort to extreme measures like death threats for blackmail, are predominantly active in countries including Mexico, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, India, Pakistan, Colombia, Peru, the Philippines, Egypt, Kenya, Nigeria, and Singapore. ESET researchers suggest that detections in other countries likely stem from smartphones linked to phone numbers registered in these regions. No active campaigns are currently targeting Europe, the USA, or Canada.

These services go beyond data theft and blackmail; they’re a form of digital usury. Victims report that these loans’ total annual cost (TAC) is far higher than advertised, and repayment periods are drastically shorter. For instance, some borrowers were coerced into repaying loans in just five days, rather than the advertised 91 days, with TACs ranging from 160% to 340%.

The importance of vigilance against financial scams

Lukáš Štefanko, an ESET researcher who was vital in uncovering these SpyLoan apps, points out that these malicious apps exploit the trust users place in legitimate loan providers. They use intricate methods to deceive and extract various personal information.

Štefanko stresses the importance of vigilance and verification of financial apps and services. He advises users to rely on trustworthy sources, remain informed, and exercise caution to avoid falling prey to such fraudulent schemes.

ESET Research has traced the SpyLoan scheme back to its inception in 2020. When users install one of the fake loan apps, they’re immediately asked to agree to the terms of service and grant broad permissions to access their sensitive data. The apps’ privacy policies stipulate that failing to grant these permissions means the loan won’t be processed. Users must supply a wealth of personal information to proceed with the loan application.

In early 2022, ESET informed Google Play about over 20 malicious loan apps that had collectively amassed over 9 million downloads. Following ESET’s intervention, Google removed these apps from its platform. Additionally, the security firm Lookout identified 251 Android apps on Google Play and 35 iOS apps on the Apple App Store exhibiting predatory behaviors. Lookout communicated with Google and Apple about these apps and published a blog post detailing their findings in November 2022.

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Before Lookout’s report was released, Google had already removed most of these harmful apps, with two being withdrawn by the developers. These apps had been downloaded over 15 million times on Google Play, and Apple also removed the identified apps from its store.

ESET’s telemetry data shows a resurgence in SpyLoan app detections starting in January 2023, which continued to increase across unofficial third-party app stores, Google Play, and various websites. This uptick was highlighted in ESET’s Threat Report for the first half of 2023.

Heatmap of SpyLoan detections seen in ESET telemetry between January 1 and November 30, 2023 (Source – ESET).

Google’s 2022 security summary outlined measures the company implemented to protect Android and Google Play users. These measures included the introduction of new regulations for personal loan apps in several regions. Specifically, over the past three years, Google Play has significantly updated its policies on personal loan apps, implementing specific requirements tailored to countries such as India, Indonesia, the Philippines, Nigeria, Kenya, Pakistan, and Thailand. These targeted policy changes led to the removal of many fake loan apps.

Perpetrators promote these malicious apps through SMS and on popular social media platforms, including Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube, to attract victims. By tapping into these platforms’ vast user bases, the scammers target individuals who need money in a hurry.

Impersonation tactics in SpyLoan apps

While not a feature of every SpyLoan app examined by ESET, another worrying element is the impersonation of reputable loan providers and financial services. This deceptive practice involves misusing the names and branding of established, legitimate entities. To combat this, several authentic financial services have turned to social media platforms to alert potential victims about these deceptive SpyLoan apps.

The data exfiltrated to the Command and Control (C&C) server typically includes the user’s account list, call logs, calendar events, device details, installed apps, local Wi-Fi networks, and even file information on the device. Contact lists, location data, and SMS messages are also at risk. The perpetrators encrypt all stolen data before sending it to the C&C server. While legitimate financial institutions must collect personal information for identity verification and risk assessment, they use far less intrusive data collection methods. ESET Research suggests the true intent behind the permissions requested by SpyLoan apps is to spy on, harass, and blackmail users – and their contacts.

Code responsible for data exfiltration. (Source – ESET)

Once such an app is installed and personal data is harvested, the app’s enforcers begin pressuring victims to make payments, even if users didn’t apply for a loan or were not approved for one, as noted in reviews on Facebook and Google Play.

Štefanko explains, “There are several reasons behind the rapid growth of SpyLoan apps. One is that the developers of these apps take inspiration from successful FinTech — financial technology — services, which leverage technology to provide streamlined and user-friendly financial services.”

The rising threat of fake SpyLoan apps on Android platforms highlights a critical issue in digital security. This situation underscores the importance of vigilance and careful scrutiny of loan-related apps, especially for users in the most targeted regions. Staying informed and cautious is key to avoiding falling victim to these deceptive and harmful schemes.

The post Android users, beware of fake loan apps – because they will spy on you appeared first on Tech Wire Asia.

Over the past decade, Chinese consumers have gained a reputation for their unwavering passion for electronic gadgets, with mobile phones becoming an indispensable part of daily life. Apple, recognized for its performance and premium pricing, has enjoyed notable success in the Chinese market, particularly with the iPhone. It has seamlessly transformed a smartphone into a status symbol within the country’s social circles. However, a significant shift is underway as formidable domestic players Huawei and Xiaomi are rising to prominence. 

Armed with innovative features, competitive pricing, and diverse product offerings, these companies are reshaping the dynamics of the Chinese smartphone market and challenging Apple’s long-standing dominance. Smartphone sales in China surged by 11% compared to the previous year in the opening four weeks of October, giving a noteworthy indication of the market’s rebound from an eight-month decline. Even more notable though is the fact that leading domestic brands outpaced Apple in terms of growth during the period.

According to a report published by Counterpoint Research, Xiaomi, Honor, and Huawei Technologies were the main forces behind the growth in the Chinese smartphone market. Huawei saw sales rise 90% year-on-year (YoY) during the period. The increase in overall demand indicated that China’s smartphone market is close to exiting an extended slum.

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Apple has been under pressure to meet demand for its new devices, all while Huawei and Xiaomi released their latest flagship smartphones. “The clear stand-out in October has been Huawei, with its turnaround on the back of its Mate 60 series devices,” Counterpoint China analyst Archie Zhang said in the report, referencing the Shenzhen-based company’s latest handsets launched in late August, including the Mate 60 Pro. 

Despite US sanctions intended to stifle access to such technology, that device is equipped with an advanced made-in-China 5G chip. On the other hand, Xiaomi’s latest flagship, the Xiaomi 14, released on October 26, experienced a 33% sales surge in China within four weeks. The company achieved over one million unit sales in under two weeks, as Xiaomi founder and CEO Lei Jun reported on Weibo. 

Despite receiving less media coverage than Huawei’s Mate 60 Pro, the Xiaomi 14 is notable for being the world’s first device powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset and running Xiaomi’s new Android-based operating system, HyperOS.

Apple vs. Huawei vs Xiaomi: who did it better for Singles’ Day?

Source: Counterpoint Research Smartphone 360 Weekly Tracker, China. (*2022 spans Oct 31 – Nov 13; 2023 spans Oct 30 – Nov 12.).

During this year’s two-week Singles’ Day sales event, smartphone unit sales in China grew by 5% YoY, indicating a positive fourth quarter, according to Counterpoint’s report. “This is a good start to the rest of the quarter,” says Mengmeng Zhang, senior analyst for China. “Huawei is continuing its strong run along with Xiaomi, which is enjoying a further spike in sales with the launch of its new 14 series devices.”

Apple appears to be struggling from hiccups regarding supply, Ivan Lam, senior analyst for manufacturing at Counterpoint, added. He added that Apple is improving compared to last year. “Considering last November’s supply snafu was an anomaly, the YoY numbers could move into positive territory as current supply tightness normalizes,” he concluded.

A man tries out a newly-launched iPhone 15 mobile phone at an Apple store in Hangzhou, in China’s eastern Zhejiang province on September 22, 2023. (Photo by AFP) / China OUT

In total, the number of Apple smartphones sold declined 4% YoY during the two-week sales from October 30 to November 12, the research consultancy said last Thursday. In comparison, the number of units sold by Huawei and Xiaomi grew 66% and 28% YoY, respectively, over the same period.

A Reuters report indicated that the price for Apple’s latest iPhone 15 model starts at 5,999 yuan (US$832), while Huawei’s Mate 60 smartphones start from 5,499 yuan (US$763). Xiaomi’s latest Mi 14 smartphone is priced at 3,999 yuan (US$555). E-commerce giants like Alibaba and JD.com refrained from disclosing Singles’ Day sales figures this year, continuing a practice adopted last year.

JD.com did share that the transaction volume for Apple products on its platform exceeded 10 billion yuan (US$1.39 billion). Meanwhile, Xiaomi reported a cumulative gross merchandise value of more than 22.4 billion yuan for the shopping event.

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Apple is navigating a fiercely competitive landscape in China’s smartphone market, especially since the launch of the iPhone 15 collection.

Traditionally a dominant player, the tech giant is now contending with challenges posed by formidable domestic rivals, reshaping the dynamics of the world’s largest smartphone market.

The post Surprising shift: Huawei and Xiaomi surpass Apple in China’s Singles’ Day sales appeared first on Tech Wire Asia.

On April 29, 2022, Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) unveiled the five successful applicants for the country’s digital bank licenses. Successful candidates have been undergoing operational readiness, subject to BNM’s audit validation before starting operations. The process is expected to last 12 to 24 months since the April 2022 announcement. Last week, GXBank finally launched its beta digital banking app for an exclusive group of 20,000 Malaysians, marking the official debut of Malaysia’s inaugural digital bank. 

In other words, GXBank was the first to receive approval to commence digital banking operations ahead of BNM’s April 2024 deadline. This follows a successful internal testing phase conducted among GXBank’s employees and partners. GXBank is a subsidiary of GXS Bank, a digital bank joint venture in Singapore involving Grab, SingTel, and investors like Malaysia’s Kuok Group. 

Source: GXBank

Only limited to savings accounts – for now

GXBank’s primary constraint currently lies in its exclusive focus on savings accounts. It lacks options for DuitNow QR spending and does not offer debit Mastercard or Visa cards for online and offline transactions. Simply put, during the beta-testing phase, users can only create a GXBank Savings Account and up to 10 “Pockets.” 

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What are ‘Pockets’?

‘Pockets’ in GXBank.

“Pockets” serve as dedicated savings goals to foster a savings mindset for specific goals. Users can allocate funds towards various purposes, such as retirement, upcoming holidays, or a new home. Funds stored in “Pockets” accrue daily interest of up to 3% p.a., allowing users to track their savings progress and receive periodic tips to expedite their savings goals.

However, GXBank CEO Pei Si Lai shared that this is just the beginning of a whole suite of financial services, products, and benefits. “As we continue to test the stability of our app and gather user feedback, we hope to develop a digital banking experience and app uniquely tailored to the financial needs of Malaysians of all generations.”

How ‘seamless’ is the eKYC process?

For starters, one can access the app on both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store and register to join the waiting list. Any interested individual must provide their name and email upon the app download. Should they be among the 20,000 chosen Malaysians, they would be notified to explore the app.

While one might assume GXBank, as a digital bank, aims to serve the underbanked or unbanked communities with limited physical bank access, it’s essential to note that any interested parties must possess an existing account with a local bank to use GXBank. A minimum deposit of RM10 is mandatory and must originate from a bank account registered under the user’s name. This makes it only an option for individuals with a pre-existing bank account.

Registration process of GXBank.

Once the app is accessible, standard procedures include undergoing an electronic Know Your Customer (eKYC) verification using a local identification card and a one-time password (OTP). Additionally, users are prompted to configure security features, including facial recognition through biometrics. Existing Grab users can access GXBank directly within the former’s app.

1. Download the app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store
2. Upload a digital copy of the national identity card (MyKad)
3. Complete the eKYC process as stated in the app
4. Add a minimum of RM10 into the savings account and set up Pockets (if so desired)       

GXBank selling points

Source: X.com

Users can lock and secure their accounts in response to fraudulent or unauthorized transactions. They can even establish daily spending limits to adhere to their budget, facilitating enhanced financial management. Other notable advantages include a cashback reward of RM20, attained with a minimum deposit of RM100, and a complimentary GrabUnlimited subscription lasting up to six months.

All deposits are also assured with the protection of up to RM250,000 per depositor by Perbadanan Insurans Deposit Malaysia (PDIM). Additionally, GXBank said they will soon waive the RM1 processing fee for cash withdrawals at MEPS automated teller machines (ATMs) nationwide. The digital bank will also allow unlimited cashback every time they spend with GXBank’s debit card. 

Once it is officially launched, Lai said that the GXBank app will be updated to support other languages, namely Bahasa Malaysia and Mandarin. “As a bank built predominantly by Malaysians, we are uniquely positioned to understand and develop financial solutions that address the needs and challenges of the everyday Malaysian. We are one step closer to our nation’s vision of a financially resilient country where Malaysians can have equitable access to financial products that cater to their individual needs, without the intimation and hassle of elaborate paperwork, processes, and jargon,” Lai concluded. 

The post GXBank: Everything you need to know about Malaysia’s first digital bank appeared first on Tech Wire Asia.

The smartphone market in China, the world’s largest, has been experiencing an extended period of decline. The industry, struggling alongside a sputtering economy, has seen shipments shrinking every quarter since the start of 2022, with even local brands like Huawei, Xiaomi, Honor, Oppo, and others recording severe drops in sales. But now, numbers from the recently concluded third quarter suggest that the smartphone market in China may be nearing a bottoming-out phase. 

As IDC’s analyst Guo Tianxiang wrote recently, “The market could bounce back in the fourth quarter when Apple and its rivals typically release their latest devices.” His sentiment seems to be correct, as the smartphone market in China has been showing signs of a revival on the back of brisk demand for Huawei Technologies’ new 5G smartphone and Apple’s recently launched iPhone 15 series.

Significant growth in smartphone sales

A “significant” 15%year-on-year (YoY) growth in smartphone sales was achieved during the “golden week” holiday, from September 29 to October 6, celebrating China’s National Day, according to a research note last month by TF International Securities analyst Kuo Ming-chi. “The slump in the Chinese smartphone market will be over soon, with expectations of renewed growth,” Kuo wrote. 

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Echoing Tianxiang, Kuo indicated that handset shipments in the country, the world’s biggest smartphone market, will see growth resume in the fourth quarter of this year. For context, in the first six weeks of the Mate 60 Pro release, Huawei sold 1.6 million units, according to Counterpoint Research. Meanwhile, Honor, a brand that was also once prominent in the market, has regained the top position in the recent third quarter, securing an 18.3% market share, according to Counterpoint. 

Source: Counterpoint Market Pulse Service

Honor also achieved a 3% YoY sales growth, and its ascent is attributed to the successful launches of the Honor 90 and Honor X50 models. Additionally, Honor’s foldable models, particularly the Honor Magic V2, have performed exceptionally well, ranking first among all foldable models in Q3 2023 in China.

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In short, China’s smartphone market dynamics are evolving, and Q3 reports alone were enough to offer intriguing revelations. 

However, the race to dominate in terms of shipped units is getting more fierce in Mainland China. This week, the founder and CEO of Xiaomi, Lei Jun, posted on Weibo that the Chinese smartphone giant has sold more than one million units of its latest Xiaomi 14 in less than two weeks.

With back-to-back news of local Chinese smartphones setting new records, it could only mean one thing: the competition is intensifying in the domestic market, and recent Apple and Huawei releases were not isolated incidents. “It is true that [Xiaomi 14 sales] have surpassed 1 million units, but the shortage in stock remains severe,” Lei posted on Weibo on Tuesday, responding to another user’s question. 

Xiaomi 14 implements the world’s first Snapdragon® 8 Gen 3 Mobile Platform to provide superior performance and higher power efficiency with the most advanced processing technology. Source: Xiaomi

The Xiaomi 14, Xiaomi’s latest flagship smartphone, was introduced in China on October 26, following Huawei’s resurgence with its Mate 60 series in late August and the launch of the iPhone 15 in September. The latest handset from Xiaomi represents a departure from the brand’s previous focus on budget-friendly handsets, which have seen it appeal across China. Notably, it is the first smartphone powered by Qualcomm’s new Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset and features Xiaomi’s new Android-based operating system, HyperOS.

An impending “structural change”?

Although the iPhone 15 was launched on the usual month Apple would annually float its new models, this year’s sales have been different for the US tech giant in China. Kuo wrote on his X account that “the iPhone shipment decline in China is higher than expected.” Alongside Oppo and Vivo in China, Apple also experienced double-digit decreases in sales, based on Counterpoint’s data.

Considering that, Kuo believes China’s smartphone market will face “a structural change” with Huawei’s return and declining iPhone demand, which he believes will continue into 2024.

He based his prediction on Apple’s forecast of its 4Q23 revenue, which is anticipated to be similar to 4Q22, “suggesting that Apple’s 4Q23 momentum is weaker than expected, primarily due to a decline in iPhone demand in the Chinese market,” Kuo added.

TF International Securities analyst Kuo Ming-chi on X.

The post Xiaomi is heating the smartphone race in China. Here’s why appeared first on Tech Wire Asia.