HEIF - The New JPEG! No more Storage Problem.

HEIF-The new IPhone standard. No More Storage Problem!

JPEG is an old image file format that has been around since the 80s, more than a quarter of a century ago. That’s a very long time in the technology world. One of the reasons why it’s still widely used today is simply because there’s nothing better to replace it. Yet.

JPEG stands for Joint Photographic Experts Group, and it’s a commonly used method of lossy compression for digital images, particularly for those images produced by digital photography. The degree of compression can be adjusted, allowing a selectable tradeoff between storage size and image quality. JPEG typically achieves 10:1 compression with little perceptible loss in image quality.

The format was created to utilize the processing power of the computer available back then. And even though it has evolved to keep up with the pace of technology growth, JPEG has shown its age and can’t fit the needs of today’s users and fully utilize the current technological advances available....

Introducing HEVC and HEIF  two new camera formats that are included in iOS 11. In using the new camera formats, Apple estimates users will be able to save up to 50% on storage needs, without any loss in image quality. This becomes the perfect solution for users on lower capacity devices, that still want to take advantage of the iPhone’s great camera..
For the past few years, camera videos on iOS have been using h.264 video compression and camera photos have been regulated to JPG. As the camera improves every year, and storage capacity needs increase, and Apple pushed towards a solution with compression and quality in mind.

It should be noted that neither of these new camera formats were originally built by Apple. HEIF is a relatively new system with technical specifications having been finalized in 2015, and HEVC being around for about as long. Apple is adopting HEVC and HEIF to tap into their strengths on their own systems.
By bringing in these new camera formats, Apple can continue to improve photo and video quality, while needing nearly half of the storage. That means savings not only in photos and videos taken in the camera app, but bandwidth from live streaming services too.


Basically, you’ll save 50% on storage when taking photos and videos using the iOS 11 camera app.

If you’re currently running iOS 11 beta 1, you can verify this by switching between the High Efficiency and Most Compatible formats under iOS Settings → Camera → Formats. Under the High Efficiency format, images will be saved as HEIC and movies as an HEVC .mov file. Under Most Compatible, images will be saved as JPGs and movies as an h.264 .mov file .

Water Cooling.???.... EXPLAINED......

Whether you're using a desktop or laptop computer, there's a good chance that if you stop what you're doing and listen carefully, you'll hear the whirring of a small fan. If your computer has a high-end video card and lots of processing power, you might even hear more than one.

In most computers, fans do a pretty good job of keeping electronic components cool. But for people who want to use high-end hardware or coax their PCs into running faster, a fan might not have enough power for the job. If a computer generates too much heat, liquid cooling, also known as water cooling, can be a better solution. It might seem a little counterintuitive to put liquids near delicate electronic equipment, but cooling with water is far more efficient than cooling with air.

So what is water cooling? How does it compare to air cooling? Is it even necessary?

The hotter your processor, the worse it performs--modern CPUs will clock themselves down and finally shut off before they damage themselves, but in the old days it was easy to fry your CPU by running too hot. You can increase the performance of your CPU (and your RAM, and your GPU) by overclocking and overvolting, but that requires more energy, and thus puts out more heat. Basically: the better you cool your components, the better they'll perform and the longer they'll last.

In a liquid cooler, liquid flows through channels carved directly into the top of the heat sink, and is pumped away from the CPU toward a radiator (which actually cools via convection). The radiator has a fan (or several fans) that constantly blow over its fins, heating the air and cooling the fins. The fins cool the radiator, which cools the water, which is constantly circulating through the loop and keeping the CPU cool. Whew.
Rather than having a two pound cube of metal fins hanging from your motherboard, you just have a small water block and some tubes leading elsewhere.

It involves a constantly circulating supply of liquid to keep the CPU cool, rather than just a hunk of metal, a closed-loop liquid cooling system is more complicated than an air cooler. A liquid cooling loop needs a water block,  a pump, a radiator, fans, a reservoir for additional liquid, and the tubes and fittings to connect all of these parts together.

ARM Cortex A75, Cortex A55, Mali G72 Explained

ARM has taken the wraps off the next generation of its mobile CPU and GPU design. This includes the flagship Cortex-A75 CPU, which will replace the A73 and the Cortex-A55, which will replace the A53. There will also be a new GPU, the Mali-G72.

Cortex-A75 and Cortex-A55 is the first processors launched on DynamIQ technology. Cortex-A75 delivers a substantial uplift for performance, with over 50% improvement in raw integer performance alone, and even greater gains for specialized workloads. The Cortex-A75 brings 22% additional performance over the A73 when compared at the same frequencies. It also has 33% higher FP and NEON performance and 16% higher memory throughput. In benchmarks, the A75 performs 48% better in Octane and 34% better in Geekbench. A75 is also more efficient than A73, which allows it to run at a higher clock speed while consuming the same amount of power. A75 has also been designed with notebooks in mind, such as Chromebooks and upcoming ARM based Windows machines, and can run at 2W power for even more performance...

A55 is the successor to the highly successful A53, which runs on 1.7 billion units worldwide. It is the highest performance mid-range CPU from ARM, with 2x more memory streaming performance and 14% higher Octane performance than A53. It has 18% higher single threaded performance than A53, 38% higher FP and NEON performance, and 20% higher Geekbench performance.Cortex-A55 provides the LITTLE to Cortex-A75’s big, with 2.5x the power efficiency of its predecessor, bringing performance to the edge across a variety of applications and performance points from IOT edge gateways to mainstream, everyday devices..

Both new CPU are the first from ARM to be based on the new DynamIQ technology. DynamIQ has been designed from the ground up for performing artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) tasks locally on the device instead of delegating them to the cloud.

ARM also announced the Mali-G72 GPU, which is the successor to the G71. G72 is built on the same Bifrost architecture as its predecessor and boasts of a 40% increase in performance over the G71. G72 also has 25% higher energy efficiency, 20% better performance density, and 17% better machine learning efficiency.

These new designs should start appearing in mobile devices by the end of this year.. 

Why Snapdragon 625 is Better option instead Of Snapdragon 650?

The Snapdragon 625 is an upgrade over from the deca-core MediaTek Helio X20 processor that is found in the Chinese variant.Intriguingly, Xiaomi also considers this to be an upgrade over the Snapdragon 650 which was found in the Redmi Note 3. However, many view this as a downgrade largely due to the fact that the Snapdragon 650 has twin ARM Cortex A72 cores which are faster than the A53 cores found on the 625.

Faster cores don’t always mean they are better... 

The Snapdragon 650 has a six-core setup which consists of two Cortex A72 cores clocked at 1.8GHz and four Cortex A53 cores clocked at 1.4GHZ, effectively employing ARM's big.LITTLE technology to distribute performance efficiently.

Yet, since the Snapdragon 650 was built on a 28nm architecture without FinFET transistors, it resulted in using not only more space inside phones it powered, but also drained the battery faster especially when the powerful A72 cores were being used. This is because the 28nm process uses a 2D channel to channel power through the gates that results in leakage in power. This also results in the phone getting heated up faster.

The Snapdragon 625, on the other hand, uses two quad-core clusters of Cortex A53 with the power cluster clocking max speeds of 2.0GHz. Qualcomm achieves this by using Samsung/Global Foundry's 14nm FinFet assembly process leading to 35 per cent lesser power consumption over its previous generations. Also, the FinFet transistors uses 3D channel that protrudes out from the surface, with the gate wrapping around the channel from all three sides minimising the power leakage even when the cores are not in use. In that sense, the Snapdragon 625 is definitely the faster and cooler sibling of the two.

The 650 has indeed twin faster high performance cores, but due to the 28nm older manufacturing process and the lack of FinFet transistors, it will heat up faster and guzzle more battery. 

The 625 thanks to its 14nm FinFet architecture is more efficient. It can run at its top 2GHz clock speed for longer and without heating up. While doing so it will also not drain out the phone’s battery.

Even if we remove the conversation about peak performance, Snapdragon 625 has support for some newer technologies and features which weren’t in the 650 for various reasons.

For instance, the Snapdragon 650 uses Adreno 506 graphics cores clocked at 650MHz while the Snapdragon 650 uses Adreno 510 cores clocked at 550MHz. The 100MHz boost may not visible to the naked eye and it may not matter much. However, the Adreno 506 supports OpenGL ES 3.1 while the Adreno 510 on the Snapdragon 650 doesn’t support this. This shows up in raw graphics performance games like Dead Trigger 2, Modern Combat and the likes as the games are optimised of the for the OpenGL ES 3.1 API. The performance boost is significant with faster loading times and no drops in frame rates.

Moreover, the Snapdragon 625 comes with a faster block of LTE modem; the X9 as compared to X8 LTE modem found in the Snapdragon 650. There is a performance boost in uplink speed as a result, provided the network supports.
In addition, the Snapdragon 625 comes with dual ISP support to the tune of high-resolution 24-megapixels. This was first introduced in the Snapdragon 820 and was then ported over to the mid-range Snapdragon 625 as well as the Snapdragon 650. Although the Snapdragon 650 can only support sensors up to 21-megapixels. This allows mid-range phones to come with high-resolution dual-cameras. This is again something of a superiority that the 625 has over the 650. 


The only place where the Snapdragon 650 is superior is the support for quadHD screens as opposed to Snapdragon 625 which can only support fullHD panels..

The Snapdragon 650 also comes with Qualcomm's Voice Activation technology that enables users to call up voice-assistants when the screen is locked. Again, this is something that’s bit of unused feature as Xiaomi  don’t have a true voice assistant, they only have Google Now, that too not in its entirety as Mi UI 8 doesn’t support Google Now on Tap.

On the Snapdragon 625, this feature is absent, however, it comes with HD noise cancellation technology so the audio in general sounds much better. This feature makes more sense in the context of the Redmi Note 4 which will will result in clearer calls.

Otherwise, both processor comes with mostly similar feature sets with support for 4K Ultra HD video recording at 30fps and playback using HEVC and AVC codecs. Both have support for Qualcomm's Quick Charge 3.0 as well as its security support.

Things You Need To Know About Internet Security ⚿

Leading Threats to Computer Security

Viruses/Worms

Software programs Trojan Horses designed to invade 

your computer, and 

copy, damage or 

delete your data. 

Trojan Horses

Viruses that pretend to 

be programs that help 

you while destroying 

your data and damaging 

your computer

Spyware

Software that secretly 

watches and records 

your online activities 

or send you endless 

pop-up ads. 

10 Things You Need To Know…

To Protect Yourself                        To Protect Your Computer

1. Use strong passwords            6. Use anti-virus software

2. Understand email is not        7. Use anti-spyware software

secure                                            8. Keep your computer updated

3. Recognize phishing                 9. Use a firewall

4. Make sure you use                 10. Backup your important files

secure websites

5. Prevent identity theft

Have You Been Hacked?

⏺️Hacking 

Hacking is identifying weakness in computer systems or networks to exploit its weaknesses to gain access . Example of Hacking: Using password cracking algorithm to gain access to a system

Computers have become mandatory to run a successful businesses. It is not enough to have isolated computers systems; they need to be networked to facilitate communication with external businesses. This exposes them to the outside world and hacking. Hacking means using computers to commit fraudulent acts such as fraud, privacy invasion, stealing corporate/personal data, etc. Cyber crimes cost many organizations millions of dollars every year. Businesses need to protect themselves against such attacks.

In this tutorial, we will learn-

⏺️Common Hacking Terminologies
⏺️What is Cyber Crime?
⏺️Types of Cyber Crime
⏺️What is Ethical Hacking?
⏺️Why Ethical Hacking?
⏺️Legality of Ethical Hacking
⏺️Summary

Before we go any further, let’s look at some of the most commonly used terminologies in the world of hacking.

A Hacker is a person who finds and exploits the weakness in computer systems and/or networks to gain access. Hackers are usually skilled computer programmers with knowledge of computer security.


⏺️Cybercrime?

Cyber crime is the use of computers and networks to perform illegal activities such as spreading computer viruses, online bullying, performing unauthorized electronic fund transfers, etc. Most cybercrimes are committed through the internet. Some cybercrimes can also be carried out using mobile phones via SMS and online chatting applications.

⏺️Type of Cybercrime

The following list presents the common types of cybercrimes:

Computer Fraud: Intentional deception for personal gain via the use of computer systems.

Privacy violation: Exposing personal information such as email addresses, phone number, account details, etc. on social media, websites, etc.

Identity Theft: Stealing personal information from somebody and impersonating that person.

Sharing copyrighted files/information:
This involves distributing copyright protected files such as eBooks and computer programs etc.

Electronic funds transfer: This involves gaining an un-authorized access to bank computer networks and making illegal fund transfers.

Electronic money laundering: This involves the use of the computer to launder money.

ATM Fraud: This involves intercepting ATM card details such as account number and PIN numbers. These details are then used to withdraw funds from the intercepted accounts.

Denial of Service Attacks: This involves the use of computers in multiple locations to attack servers with a view of shutting them down.

Spam: Sending unauthorized emails. These emails usually contain advertisements.

⏺️What is Ethical Hacking?

Ethical Hacking is identifying weakness in computer systems and/or computer networks and coming with countermeasures that protect the weaknesses. Ethical hackers must abide by the following rules.

⏺️Get written permission from the owner of the computer system and/or computer network before hacking.
⏺️Protect the privacy of the organization been hacked.
⏺️Transparently report all the identified weaknesses in the computer system to the organization.
⏺️Inform hardware and software vendors of the identified weaknesses .

⏺️Why Ethical Hacking?

⏺️Information is one of the most valuable assets of an organization. Keeping information secure can protect an organization’s image and save an organization a lot of money.
⏺️Hacking can lead to loss of business for organizations that deal in finance such as PayPal. Ethical hacking puts them a step ahead of the cyber criminals who would otherwise lead to loss of business.

⏺️Legality of Ethical Hacking

Ethical Hacking is legal if the hacker abides by the rules stipulated in the above section on the definition of ethical hacking. The International Council of E-Commerce Consultants (EC-Council) provides a certification program that tests individual’s skills. Those who pass the examination are awarded with certificates. The certificates are supposed to be renewed after some time.

⏺️Summary

⏺️Hacking is identifying and exploiting weaknesses in computer systems and/or computer networks.
⏺️Cybercrime is committing a crime with the aid of computers and information technology infrastructure.
⏺️Ethical Hacking is about improving the security of computer systems and/or computer networks.
⏺️Ethical Hacking is legal.

Comparison of Processor

                  Qualcomm Snapdragon

             

  Qualcomm Technologies is a US based company. Qualcomm first became a known brand when they introduced CDMA technology in the market. 

Qualcomm is actively involved in technology related to semiconductor designing for mobile devices, tracking devices, satellite phones, Virtual Reality, wireless charging, communications etc. Qualcomm is now known for its Snapdragon brand which is responsible for releasing mobile processors and LTE modems.

Snapdragon’s first claim to fame in processor market was when it released the first 1 GHz processor, when the average speed of most smartphones was only 512 MHz.

Starting from 2005, Snapdragon went through a lot of series – S1, S2, S3, S4, S200, S400, S600, S800. The processor is going through S800 series as of 2016 end. 

S800 series already released S800, S801, S805, S808, S810, S820, S821. 

Most Qualcomm processors in medium to high end phone market is either a S820 or 821. The latest version is S821 .

After 821, Qualcomm announced 835 series which will be in market by early quarter of 2017. The chip size is going to be 10 nanometer against 14 nanometer in the previous version S821. The new processor will be 27% faster in performance, consume 40% less power and reducing size by 30%. 

The new chip is also equipped with Quick Charge 4.0 which can give enough power to your battery to last a day with just 5-10 minute charging.

Some of the devices using Snapdragon 821 are Google Pixel, Google Pixel XL, Asus Zenfone, OnePlus 3T, Xiaomi Mi 5s, Xiaomi Mi 5s Plus, LeEco Le Pro3.

Pros and Cons of Qualcomm Snapdragon processors

Qualcomm Snapdragon processors are popular with all mobile and tablet manufacturers except Apple.

Qualcomm Snapdragon processors are known for its performance. The processor handles multitasking very well and can handle heavy and intensive processing which is especially good for gaming. The presence of inbuilt Adreno graphics match the performance of processor. Snapdragon processors also produce less heat compared to other processors. Generally Snapdragon processors are costlier than other processors.

MediaTek

         

MediaTek is a Taiwanese semiconductor company providing chips for mobile devices, HDTV’s and other electronic devices.

MediaTek processors are built on 64 bit ARM architecture. The latest MediaTek processor supports up to 3 GHz speed. They come in variety of cores such as Dual Core (2 core), Quad Core (4 core), Hexa Core (6 core) and Deca Core (10 core).

The latest processor from MediaTek are Helio X20 and Helio X25 which are used in smartphones and tablets. MediaTek processors are mostly popular with Chinese manufacturer. Xiaomi, Meizu, LeEco Le, Yu etc use them on Smartphones. Acer, Asus ,Lenovo, Amazon Fire HD, QMobile are some of the manufacturers that use the processors in their tablets.

The company will be releasing Helio X30 and

Helio X27 which will be available in market by first quarter of 2017. They use 10 nm and 20 nm respectively. Both are deca core with 2 dual core and a single dual core built inside the processor.

Pros and Cons of MediaTek processors

Latest processors from MediaTek come with lot of cores. When combined with enough RAM, you can expect easy multi-tasking with good processing power. The PowerVR GPU of MediaTek is better than most of the processors. MediaTek produce less heat than Qualcomm and other processors. MediaTek processors are cheaper and so is the best option for budget devices with good performance.

The latest processpr from MediaTek Helio P25 processor