Weekly recap

Weekly Tech Recap - № 216 - DJI Osmo Action, foldable ThinkPad, security issue with Google Titan, BlackWidow Lite Stormtrooper, Starlink

By Laurent Gloaguen,

May 17, 2019.

DJI after the GoPro

Osmo Action. © DJI.

DJI, the well-known drone manufacturer, is breaking into the sports camera market with the Osmo Action, positioned to compete directly with GoPro’s high-end Hero 7 Black. Indeed, all of the DJI’s technical features are equal or slightly superior to the Hero 7 Black: waterproof to 11 metres compared to 10 metres, 1,300mAh battery compared to 1,220mAh, 4K UDH at 60fps and slo-mo 1080p at 240fps for both cameras, etc. But the Osmo Action offers extra goodies that GoPro can only wish for. First, it has a small front screen (1.4 inches) to see what you’re filming when facing the camera: no more blind framing or missed selfies; your head is exactly where it was meant to be. Second, a truly seamless user interface that is both intuitive and easy to use. Third, optional filters (including ND and polarizer) that screw onto the lens. Fourth, the “RockSteady” image stabilisation system, which is even more powerful than GoPro’s HyperSmooth. Finally, the Osmo Action sells for USD350 compared to USD400 for the Hero 7 Black. Under the hood, you’ll find the Ambarella H2 image processor and a 1/2.3” 12MP CMOS image sensor, probably a Sony IMX377. The camera is already available at the DJI Store.

⇨ Newsshooter, “DJI Osmo Action.”

⇨ The Verge, “DJI Osmo Action hands-on: GoPro should be worried.”

Portable, foldable PC

ThinkPad X1 prototype. © Lenovo.

Sooner or later, it was bound to happen. Surfing the latest craze for foldable phones, Lenovo has unveiled a functional prototype of a portable, foldable PC. And it’s not just a tech demo: Lenovo has been developing this for over three years and has plans to launch a finished device in 2020 as part of its premium ThinkPad X1 brand. The PC works with Windows and has a folding 13.3-inch OLED 1920×1440 screen made by LG that supports the Wacom pen. While the prototype runs on Windows 10, there are rumours of a foldable-specific version of Windows, and even of a specific interface. The device can be used in different ways: as a tablet, with the screen completely flat, as a traditional portable with the lower half of the screen turning into a virtual keyboard, or open like a book. Neither the price nor the release date are known.

⇨ Ars Technica, “Lenovo shows off the world’s first ‘foldable PC’.”

⇨ Circuit Breaker, “Lenovo shows off a folding-screen laptop, coming some time in 2020.”

Security issue with the Titan security keys

Titan security keys. © Google.

Google’s Titan Security Keys come in two versions: the USB version for computers and the Bluetooth LE version for IOS and Android devices. The latter version is the one that has revealed a security flaw that is rather embarrassing for a product that is supposed to bolster security. Due to a misconfiguration of the Bluetooth LE pairing protocols, it is possible for an attacker who is physically close at the moment the security key is used -- within approximately 10 m -- to communicate with the security key or with the device to which the key is paired. Google has temporarily stopped selling the Bluetooth LE keys and is offering a free replacement. The iOS 12.3 system, which Apple started deploying on Monday, doesn’t work with Google’s vulnerable keys, which has the unfortunate result of locking people out of their Google account when they disconnect. The company recommends users not disconnect until they’ve obtained a new key.

⇨ Google Security Blog, “Advisory: security issue with Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) Titan security keys.”

⇨ Ars Technica, “Google warns Bluetooth Titan security keys can be hijacked by nearby hackers.”

BlackWidow Lite Stormtrooper

Razer’s BlackWidow is an excellent keyboard that comes in several different versions, including the Huntsman Elite, at USD200. As of this year, you can get a new, more affordable model: the BlackWidow Lite, for USD90. This keyboard doesn’t have a number pad, nor the RGB lights that gamers love, but it is high-quality and silent. While it’s great value for money, it’s probably too visually low-key for gamers. But if you’re a Star Wars fan, you’re going to want to get a BlackWidow Lite because of the new, limited-edition Stormtrooper model! Priced at USD100 (guess how much the Lucasfilm/Disney license costs), it is being released along with a Razer Goliathus Extended Stormtrooper mat (USD35) and a wireless Razer Atheris Stormtrooper mouse (USD60). Unfortunately, this limited-edition product is not available in Canada. To get your hands on one, you’ll have to travel to the U.S., the U.K., Germany, France, Italy or Spain.

⇨ Circuit Breaker, “Razer’s Stormtrooper gaming gear is a mix of awesome and awful.”

SpaceX delays launch of 60 Starlink satellites again

After the wind delayed the launch of the first 60 satellites of the future SpaceX Starlink constellation from May 15th to 16th, problems with the satellite software forced the company to cancel the second attempt 24 hours later, which will delay the launch by about 8 days. The two-stage Falcon 9 rocket was scheduled to take off from Cape Canaveral, Florida on Thursday at 10:30 pm (local time), with a cap entirely filled with 60 satellites, each weighing 227 kg. According to Elon Musk, the system should begin to be operational with about 400 satellites at an altitude of 500 km, which will require 6 additional launches. If all goes well with satellite software updates, the Falcon 9 rocket could be ready for launch around May 22–24. SpaceX is licensed to launch more than 11,000 Starlink satellites, far more than the total number of satellites currently in orbit (about 2,000).

⇨ Ars Technica, “SpaceX scrubs second attempt to launch 60 Starlink satellites.”

⇨ Space.com, “SpaceX delays launch of 60 Starlink satellites again, this time for software checks.”