TECH NEWS

Apple Firmware Fixes Severe Beats Mic Exploit As AirPods Get Mystery Patch

Apple has quietly released a wave of wireless audio updates, deploying critical software patches to its flagship AirPods and Beats devices to safeguard user data and optimize performance.

The most urgent update targets the Beats Studio Buds. Running on new firmware (version 1B211), this patch addresses an alarming security flaw tracked as CVE-2025-20701. According to support docs, the vulnerability stems from open-source code shared across Apple software platforms. It allows a bad actor physically located within standard Bluetooth broadcasting range to exploit a security gap when an unpaired earbud is actively scanning for a fresh connection. If successfully executed, the nearby hacker could silently hijack the microphone transmission and eavesdrop on ambient local conversations before the owner even secures the initial pairing block. 1B211 closes this open window, ensuring unauthorized devices can no longer tap into the hardware’s microphone during discovery mode.

Simultaneously, a separate maintenance package rolled out...

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Firefox for Android just got 3 useful browsing features - including an ad block tracker

Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google. ZDNET's key takeaways * The latest version of Firefox for Android now supports tab groups. * The settings screen is simpler, and you can see any blocked trackers. * Other features on the way include a VPN and a power-saving mode.

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We got free GTA V upgrades before GTA VI

Emma Roth is a news writer who covers the streaming wars, consumer tech, crypto, social media, and much more. Previously, she was a writer and editor at MUO. Rockstar Games will allow players to upgrade older versions of Grand Theft Auto V to PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X / S

OpenAI made $13 billion in 2025 and lost $21 billion doing it

Serving tech enthusiasts for over 25 years. TechSpot means tech analysis and advice you can trust. Bottom line: OpenAI's latest financial disclosures highlight a fundamental tension in the AI boom. The technology is scaling rapidly, but the cost of building and running it is rising even faster. The

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Microsoft's New Surface Pro Costs Nearly 50% More Than Its Predecessor

On Tuesday, Microsoft unveiled the new Surface Pro and Surface Laptop, which come in new colorways and contain an upgraded processor—but watch out for a steep price hike. The new 13-inch Surface Pro comes in Platinum, Black, and Dune (copper). It starts at $1,499 for a Snapdragon X2

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Firefox for Android just got 3 useful browsing features - including an ad block tracker

We got free GTA V upgrades before GTA VI

OpenAI made $13 billion in 2025 and lost $21 billion doing it

Microsoft's New Surface Pro Costs Nearly 50% More Than Its Predecessor