OnePlus 5 pricing is expected to start at Rs 32,999 for the 6 GB RAM, 64 GB storage model

One of the most anticipated flagships of the year is headed to our shores and while many of the details are still shrouded in mystery, someone appears to have leaked the all-important price of the device.

True-tech.net claims to have received an anonymous tip from a “viable” source who suggests the following Indian prices for the upcoming handset:

OnePlus 5: 6 GB RAM, 64 GB storage – Rs 32,999

OnePlus 5: 8 GB RAM, 128 GB storage – Rs 37,999

 We haven’t been able to confirm the prices for ourselves, but the leaked pricing is in line with our expectations for the handset. We were expecting to see a 256 GB variant of the handset, though details of that variant aren’t out yet.
Regarding the rest of the specifications, the device is expected to be powered by the top-of-the-line Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 platform. The screen is set to be a 5.5-inch AMOLED screen with a resolution of 2560×1440. It’s protected by Gorilla Glass 5.

In terms of connectivity, we’re supposed to get Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 5.0 and even USB 3.1 with a Type-C connector.

Leaked and teased images have a very iPhone 7 Plus vibe to them, especially as we’re seeing a dual 12 MP camera on the rear of the device. The front camera is expected to be an 8 MP unit.

The device is expected to launch on 20 June worldwide, with an India launch happening on 22 June.

How to protect yourself from ransomware

The cyber attack that wreaked havoc across the NHS over the weekend, leading to patients being turned away from A&E and some operations being cancelled, has continued to spread.
By Monday afternoon, it the ransomware had targeted around 200,000 organisations in 150 countries.
 The "WannaCry" ransomware appears to have used a flaw in Microsoft's software, discovered by the National Security Agency and leaked by hackers, to spread rapidly across networks locking away files.

The attackers download malicious software onto a device and then use it to encrypt the victim's information. They threaten to block access to the files until a ransom is paid. It is common for criminals to ask for a fee between 0.3 and 1 Bitcoins (£400 - 1,375). Such attacks are mostly waged against businesses, but can also affect individuals.

 Here are some ways to protect yourself from ransomware .


Back up your files

 The greatest damage people suffer from a ransomware attack is the loss of files, including pictures and documents.
 The best protection against ransomware is to back up all of the information and files on your devices in a completely separate system. A good place to do this is on an external hard drive that isn't connected to the internet. This means that if you suffer an attack you won't lose any information to the hackers.Businesses often save copies of their data to external servers that won't be affected if their main network is attacked.

Be suspicious of emails, websites and apps 

For ransomware to work hackers need to download malicious software onto a victims computer. This is then used to launch the attack and encrypt files.
 The most common ways for the software to be installed on a victim's device is through phishing emails, malicious adverts on websites, and questionable apps and programs.
People should always exercise caution when opening unsolicited emails or visiting websites they are unfamiliar with. Never download an app that hasn't been verified by an official store, and read reviews before installing programs.

Use an antivirus program

An age-old computer security tip, antivirus programs can stop ransomware from being downloaded onto computers and can find it when it is.
Most antivirus programs can scan files to see if they might contain ransomware before downloading them. They can block secret installations from malicious adverts when you're browsing the web, and look for malware that may already be on a computer or device.

 Always install updates

 Companies often release software updates to fix vulnerabilities that can be exploited to install ransomware. It is therefore advisable to always download the newest version of a software as soon as it is available.

Never pay the ransom

 Victims of ransomware attacks are advised to never pay the fee as it encourages attackers and may not result in files being recovered. There are some programs that can help decrypt files. Or, if you have a back up, you can restore your device from that.

Samsung’s foldable super flagship is in the final stages of development

TECH NEWS 

Samsung’s long anticipated foldable smartphone is finally getting close to production. The Korean company plans to position this new form factor at the top of its product line, above current flagships, according to an ETNews report.

Thousands of prototypes:

Unnamed industry sources told ETNewsthat Samsung Electronics and Samsung Display aim to start prototype production in the third quarter of this year. Several thousand units will be made and seeded to major partners including carriers. The goal is to gather feedback and further test the foldable smartphone design ahead of mass production.

Behind closed doors, Samsung reportedly demonstrated its foldable smartphones design to a select number of partners at MWC 2017.

Illustration from one of Samsung’s many foldable device patents

Keeping an eye on competition:

Mass production of foldable smartphones could follow in 2018, barring any external interferences. Namely, Samsung is keen to be the first manufacturer to release a foldable smartphone, so the Korean company is keeping a close eye on competitors out of China that are also developing foldable displays.

Chinese display makers BOE, Visionox, and AUO have invested heavily into R&D in order to catch up with Samsung, the undisputed leader in OLED and flexible OLED technology. These companies are said to be working towards mass-production capabilities for folding displays.
One step higher than current phones:

Samsung wants to position its foldable devices “one-step higher than regular flagship smartphones,” ETNews reports. This new smartphone will offer “luxurious design and high-quality,” which will have a halo effect on Samsung’s entire line-up.

Samsung plans to expand the concept of folding devices to other product categories, provided that consumers embrace the idea on smartphones.

It sounds like Samsung is following the same strategy it employed with Edge displays. Following a test run on the Note Edge, Samsung expanded the concept on the Galaxy S6 Edge and S7 Edge, and now Edge design is set to replace flat screens completely on the Galaxy S8 and S8 Plus.

Edge displays have always commanded a premium, and that will likely be the case with foldable designs as well.

Long in the making:

Samsung has been teasing its foldable display technology for years. It gave us a peek of what to expect with the Youm concept from 2013. Ever since then, we’ve been hearing rumors claiming foldable smartphones are just around the corner.

Leaks from the past months suggest Samsung might market its first foldable smartphone as Galaxy X. Patent applications and leaks reveal this tentatively named Galaxy X device could transform from a regular smartphone into a 7-inch tablet by opening up, much like a book.

While it’s relatively easy to create a display that bends and folds, the challenge is to make it resilient enough to withstand thousands of bends over the device’s lifetime. Production cost is another major consideration. Let’s hope Samsung – or one of its rivals from China – was able to finally crack the problem.