Hisense Introduces S6 FollowMe

Posted in Commentary with tags on January 2, 2026 by itnerd

Hisense today announces the launch of the Hisense S6 FollowMe display, a new addition to the brand’s growing Lifestyle TV lineup that reimagines how and where screens are used in the home. Designed to move seamlessly from room to room, the S6 combines intuitive mobility, touchscreen interaction and smart connectivity in a sleek, freestanding form.

Built for modern lifestyles that demand flexibility and ease, the S6 FollowMe display transforms the traditional television into a portable, interactive, touch-enabled hub. Whether streaming content, video calling, browsing recipes, showcasing artwork or controlling smart-home features, the S6 adapts effortlessly to daily routines and shared spaces.

The Hisense Lifestyle TV line is rooted in a simple belief: Screens should fit naturally into how people live, not dictate it. With the S6, Hisense extends this philosophy beyond fixed televisions, offering a dynamic display that follows users throughout the home and supports everything from entertainment to productivity to creative expression. Its minimal footprint, refined stand and portable form factor allow it to complement a wide range of interiors while unlocking new ways to interact with content throughout the home.

A Touchscreen Built for Everyday Flexibility

What makes the S6 FollowMe unique is its flexibility, with a display designed to tilt, rotate, lift and roll smoothly from one space to another. The 32-inch 4K UHD touchscreen delivers vivid visuals and responsive interaction, making it easy to enjoy content at eye level whether relaxing on the couch, cooking in the kitchen or working at a desk or table. Its fluid mobility allows the screen to transition effortlessly from floor to table height, thanks to the included adjustable pedestal base and easel stand. FollowMe is always positioned exactly where it is needed.

Designed for Wireless, Everyday Use

The S6 is built to keep up with modern, unplugged living. With a built-in battery providing up to 10 hours of use, users can enjoy uninterrupted entertainment and interaction without being tethered to a power outlet. An anti-glare low-reflection panel enhances visibility in a variety of lighting conditions, while integrated Wi-Fi 6 connectivity ensures smooth streaming, browsing and smart-home control.

Smart Features for Connection and Convenience

Equipped with a built-in camera and far-field voice control, the S6 makes it easy to stay connected hands-free. From video calls with family and friends to voice-activated commands and content discovery, the display is designed to be intuitive and accessible. DTS Virtual:X audio delivers clear dialogue and immersive sound, creating an engaging experience even without external speakers.

Availability

The Hisense S6 FollowMe display will be available in Canada in July 2026.

Experience Hisense’s full lineup of innovations firsthand at CES 2026, January 6th to 9th in the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC), Central Hall Booth 17704. For more information about the Hisense S6 FollowMe display and all of Hisense’s 2026 innovations, visit www.hisense-usa.com/ces-2026. 

For more information, please visit hisense-canada.com. 

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Punkt. unveils MC03

Posted in Commentary with tags on January 2, 2026 by itnerd

Punkt. will be present at CES with its latest model, the MC03. This unique device, powered by AphyOS and housed within a German-built precision handset, follows through on Punkt.’s well known commitment to intentional tech use and data ownership.

Like its forerunner, the MC02, the new model is a subscription-based smartphone that offers users the tools and apps that are most important to them in an environment where they control access to their data and usage.

Using the Punkt. MC03, users can put privacy first with two defined repositories for depositing data. The first is named Vault, a protected enclave containing only trusted, Punkt.-approved apps and offering maximum privacy by default with a calm, design-focused user interface. The second, termed Wild Web, provides the freedom to install any app, but with strict, visible safeguards that allow easy privacy controls and can prevent data triangulation and unauthorized data flows.

The MC03 features a new look and feel to its operating system allowing users to stay laser-focused on getting the best experience. AphyOS cuts out tracking and profiling technology, bloatware, hidden apps and unwieldy background services. It eliminates spying and runs hardened code to block attacks, assisted by a bank-grade Secure Element.

With the MC03, Punkt. is building a secure smartphone ecosystem where privacy is not an add-on, but the default. Supported by trusted partners such as Threema and, new for MC03, Proton, these services feature in the device’s Vault space.

Trusted services including Proton Mail, Proton Calendar, Proton Drive, Proton VPN and Proton Pass are available in an environment designed to minimize data exposure and tracking.

Punkt. and Proton are ideal partners, both leading within the Swiss Tech movement (with Swiss Tech you pay to retain your data, with Big Tech you pay with your data), operating independently and built around the principle that users, not platforms, control their own data.

Among other features of the MC03:

The App Hub

Two app stores are available:

  • A curated privacy-friendly store vetted by AphyOS and Punkt.
  • Access to all widely available apps, activated only when chosen by the user.

Premium Hardware

Manufactured at the Gigaset facility in Germany, the device delivers cutting-edge engineering for quality, security, repairability and sustainability, including:

  • 120Hz OLED HDR display
  • Removable 5200mAh battery
  • IP68 water and dust resistance
  • 64MP main camera

Digital Nomad

The MC03 retains its built-in VPN, Digital Nomad, protecting connectivity and privacy wherever users are.

Ledger

Users control app-specific privacy, from full access to full restriction. Ledger also includes a Carbon Reduction feature, giving insights into the energy impact of installed apps and control over background activity.

The Punkt. MC03 is priced at CHF / $ / €699.

If you don’t pay for a product, you are the product. With MC03, you pay to retain your data rather than paying with it.

A 12-month subscription to AphyOS from Apostrophy is included. After that, continuation requires a paid subscription:

Monthly at CHF / $ / €9.99

Subscription bundles are available, including a 3-year subscription at 45% discount and a 5-year subscription at 60% discount.

The MC03 is available to pre-order now, with deliveries in Europe at the end of January and North America from Spring 2026.

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Clicks Debuts Power Keyboard

Posted in Commentary with tags on January 2, 2026 by itnerd

Clicks Technology today announced Clicks Power Keyboard, a compact keyboard designed to bring fast, confident typing to smart devices plagued by slow, awkward, or frustrating input.

As phones, tablets, TVs, and headsets have gotten smarter, the way people interact with technology hasn’t kept pace. Touchscreens, remotes, and virtual keyboards leave users struggling to type, search, and respond when it matters most. Clicks Power Keyboard addresses that gap with a premium typing experience that helps people use their technology with greater purpose and intention.

Clicks Power Keyboard is available to pre-order for $79 USD with availability in the Spring.

Smart Devices Need Smarter Input

Input today often means fighting interfaces that were never designed for speed or precision.

“Whether you’re typing on a phone, entering a password on a smart TV, or trying to work on a tablet, input today is slow, cumbersome, and frustrating,” said Kevin Michaluk, President and co-founder of Clicks. “Power Keyboard brings a consistent, confident typing experience to all your smart devices, in a compact keyboard you can take anywhere in your pocket.”

The success of the Clicks Keyboard case for iPhone, Pixel, and Motorola Razr demonstrated strong demand for tactile input on modern devices, with more than 100,000 units shipped globally despite supporting a handful of popular smartphone models. Clicks Power Keyboard builds on that momentum, extending physical input to a far broader ecosystem of devices, including hundreds of millions of iPhone and Android smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, headsets, and connected screens.

Extending the Capabilities of Smartphones

Clicks Power Keyboard attaches to smartphones using a strong MagSafe or Qi2 magnetic connection and can be used with existing cases.

By moving typing off the touchscreen, Power Keyboard frees up valuable screen space normally consumed by on-screen keyboards. Familiar keyboard shortcuts supported by iOS and Android carry over seamlessly, making it easier to launch apps, navigate interfaces, and respond quickly on the go.

Multiple slider positions allow the compact keyboard to adjust to different phone sizes, from standard models to large “Ultra” and “Pro Max” devices, while landscape rotation enables more comfortable editing of documents, spreadsheets, and emails.

One Keyboard for Tablets, TVs, and AR/VR

Power Keyboard is designed to work wherever text fields appear.

Paired with a tablet, it provides a practical typing solution without the bulk of a full-size keyboard, ideal for working on a plane, at a café, or in-class.

Connected to a smart TV, Power Keyboard replaces cumbersome on-screen keyboards and remotes, making tasks like entering passwords or searching for content fast and frustration-free.

In AR and VR environments, where virtual keyboards often limit productivity, Power Keyboard delivers tactile feedback that enables more confident input, helping immersive devices move beyond passive experiences toward more purposeful use.

A Premium Pocket Keyboard, With Power When You Need It

At its core, Clicks Power Keyboard is designed around input first.

It features ergonomically shaped keys with optimized key pressure, an intuitive QWERTY layout, directional keys, and a dedicated number row, making tasks like entering phone numbers or editing spreadsheets faster and more precise.

Power Keyboard also includes a built-in 2,150 mAh battery that powers the keyboard itself and can wirelessly top up a smartphone via MagSafe or Qi2 charging. This integrated battery ensures Power Keyboard is always ready when needed, while adding practical utility when connected to a smartphone.

Designed for Multi-Device Use

Clicks Power Keyboard can be paired with multiple devices at once and makes it easy to switch between Bluetooth profiles using a simple keyboard shortcut, allowing users to move effortlessly from phone to tablet to TV.

The keyboard can also be customized using the Clicks app, available on iOS and Android. The app enables personalization of settings such as key behavior, backlighting, and typing preferences.

Pricing and Availability

Clicks Power Keyboard pre-orders begin January 2, with availability expected in the spring.

  • Early-bird price: USD $79
  • MSRP: USD $109

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Clicks Introduces Communicator

Posted in Commentary with tags on January 2, 2026 by itnerd

Clicks Technology today announced Clicks Communicator, a new kind of smartphone designed to complement today’s flagship devices by doing what they increasingly don’t: helping people communicate clearly, act quickly, and stay focused in a noisy digital world.

As smartphones have become larger, more powerful, and more content-driven, many people have begun carrying a second phone – for work, travel, privacy, or simply to create healthier boundaries with technology. Clicks Communicator is purpose-built for that growing two-phone lifestyle, prioritizing communication over consumption and action over distraction.

Rather than competing with flagship smartphones like iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, or Pixel, Communicator is designed to work alongside them, excelling at messaging, triage, and responsiveness while leaving content capture and entertainment to primary devices.

Clicks Communicator will be available in three finishes: Smoke, Clover and Onyx, and offer a variety of interchangeable back covers for personalization. Reservations begin Friday, January 2nd for USD $199, with availability beginning later this year.

Built for Doing, Not Doomscrolling

Modern smartphones are optimized for big screens, cameras, and infinite feeds. Clicks Communicator takes a different approach, focusing on three core principles: context, input, and control.

The result is a compact, tactile phone that helps users quickly understand what matters, respond efficiently, and take action in the moment, without waiting to get back to a desk or being pulled into distractions along the way.

Whether used as a second phone alongside a flagship device or as a primary phone for people who prioritize communication, Clicks Communicator is built for doing, not doomscrolling.

Context That Separates Signal From Noise

At the heart of Communicator is a new Signal light, designed to surface meaningful messages without demanding constant screen attention. The Signal can be customized with different colors and light patterns for specific people, groups, or apps, making it easy to distinguish priority communications at a glance.

Integrated into the phone’s side-mounted Prompt Key, the Signal remains visible whether Communicator is face up or face down, reinforcing its role as a glanceable, low-distraction companion.

Clicks has partnered with Niagara Launcher, an Android launcher with over 12 million downloads, to co-develop a streamlined software experience focused on triage and action. Messages from apps like Gmail, Telegram, WhatsApp, and Slack are curated directly on the home screen, allowing users to review and respond quickly without navigating multiple apps.

Input Designed for Modern Communication

Clicks Communicator builds on the award-winning Clicks Keyboard case, featuring a real keyboard with larger, ergonomically contoured keys for fast, confident typing.

The keyboard is also touch-sensitive, enabling smooth scrolling through messages, lists, and web pages without reaching for the touchscreen.

For voice-first communications, the dedicated Prompt Key starts speech input. Press and hold to dictate a message, release to send. Outside of text fields, the same key begins a voice recording.

Looking ahead, the Prompt Key is designed as a platform for future collaborations with AI-powered applications (including note takers, voice recorders, and intelligent agents) enabling new ways to capture, process, and act on information.

Compact, Purposeful Design

Measuring just 131.5 mm tall and weighing 170 grams, Clicks Communicator is designed to fit comfortably in a pocket while feeling balanced in hand.

Design details like an elevated display and contoured chin improve ergonomics while protecting the keyboard, while a sloped back cover with chamfered edges gives Communicator a distinctive profile. Interchangeable back covers allow users to personalize Communicator and complement their primary phone.

Control and Choice, Reintroduced

In contrast to increasingly minimal smartphones, Clicks Communicator leans into choice and physical control.

Features include:

  • A 3.5mm headphone jack
  • A tactile kill switch configurable for airplane mode, Signal light behavior, keyboard touch input, and more
  • Expandable microSD storage up to 2TB
  • Physical SIM tray and eSIM

Designed with user control in mind, Clicks Communicator also supports applications built on the Android Strongbox API, enabling secure storage and hardware-backed encryption.

A Fully Equipped Companion Phone

While purpose-built for communication, Clicks Communicator is fully equipped as a modern mobile phone, featuring:

  • Android 16 with 5 years of security updates
  • Global 5G, 4G LTE, and 3G/2G support, unlocked
  • 4,000 mAh silicon-carbon battery
  • 256GB onboard storage plus expandable microSD
  • 50MP main camera with OIS and 24MP front camera
  • NFC with Google Pay, Bluetooth 5.4, Wi-Fi 6
  • USB-C and wireless charging

Pricing and Availability

Clicks Communicator will be available in Smoke, Clover, and Onyx at a special launch price of USD $499. Purchase your reservation before February 27 to lock in early bird pricing and priority access:

Clicks Communicator is expected to begin shipping later this year.

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Review:  TP-Link Tapo C560WS Security Camera

Posted in Commentary with tags on December 31, 2025 by itnerd

Outdoor security cameras are the in thing at the moment. For example here in Toronto, they are often used to watch over cars because car theft is a problem here, or to secure your home from break and enter scumbags. So I’m having a look at the TP-Link Tapo C560WS to see if this a viable option for your security camera needs. First some specs to get you started:

Resolution:4K

Connectivity: 2.4GHz + 5GHz Wi-Fi and Ethernet

Night Vision: IR + Full Color

Field of view: 326 degrees (horizontal), 53 degrees (vertical)

Storage: Up to 512GB via microSD + optional cloud storage

Two-way speaker: Yes

IP rating: IP66 (Water resistant against powerful jets)

Here’s a look at the camera itself:

It looks pretty much like any other security camera. There’s minimal branding on it.

There’s the speaker behind the camera:

Here’s the front of the camera with the IR illuminators that’s below the lens for night vision purposes and spotlight for lighting purposes. At the top is a rubber cover that behind it has the microSD card slot and a reset button.

So there is a cable that has two connections. When I saw the Ethernet connector, I thought “Oh this does Power Over Ethernet”. Well, it doesn’t. That’s a bit of a disappointment as I would rather run one cable to the camera rather than two to a camera. On top of that, for the best possible security you should connect this camera via Ethernet as car thieves in Toronto have been found to be using WiFi jammers to disable security cameras that are on WiFi. That’s clearly not going to happen if your camera is on Ethernet. The other connector is the power connector which appears to be a BNC or barrel style connector. That makes life easier if you have to run a power cable to the camera. Though I will note that the power adapter that comes with the camera has a pretty long cable.

Also included in the box is all the mounting hardware and screws as well as the waterproofing hardware for the cables.

Physically mounting the camera was pretty easy as I mounted it on my balcony. Then I used the Tapo app which is available for iOS and Android to get it onto my WiFi. I ended up using 2.4 GHz WiFi as it had better signal strength versus the 5 GHz network. I could then use the Tapo app to control it.

Let’s start with the visuals. I always got clear and detailed image when I tested it. Here’s a still image from the camera:

And here’s a video test:

One thing that I should point out is that I had the camera set to auto in terms of resolution. But the camera kicked into 4K mode for this clip. I could pick out snowflakes in the recording as well as footprints on the ground from 14 stories up. Very impressive!

I then did the same test at night. Here’s the still image:

And here’s the video:

I also tried the spotlight and it’s pretty bright based on this image:

What it also shows is that when spring comes around, I need to clean the glass on my balcony.

One thing that I should note is that black and white mode never triggered on this camera. I am guessing that this is because there was enough light to make going into that mode something that wasn’t required. But having said that, these pictures are outstanding.

Other highlights:

  • I could clearly hear audio from the camera and my voice was clearly audible. No issues here.
  • I did not test the AI features of this camera. But this camera is capable of recognizing faces on top of being triggered by motion. That can be handy to have the camera trigger actions based on who or what it sees. I should note that the AI features are on device.
  • Pan, tilt and zoom features were easy to use. The zoom was particularly impressive.
  • You get the option of TP-Link hosted cloud based storage via a subscription. That may be worth it if you want off device storage rather than using an microSD card inside the camera.
  • The camera supports Amazon Alexa and Google Home. But strangely, not Apple HomeKit.

The best thing about the TP-Link Tapo C560WS is the price. I found it for $120 CAD on Amazon. At that price, you could forgive the fact that it that it doesn’t have Power Over Ethernet for the best possible deployment. But if you look past that, this is a great choice for a security camera. It is easy to set up, has great video and audio, and has a variety of storage options. All for a pretty unbeatable price.

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Review: Targus Voyager EXP Backpack

Posted in Products with tags on December 30, 2025 by itnerd

Chances are that this backpack from Targus is going to my wife after this review. I’ll explain why in a minute. But the backpack in question is the Voyager EXP backpack which is intended for someone who needs to carry their tech as well as a change of clothes. Here’s a look at the backpack:

It’s basic black so it will not attract any unwanted attention. If you look at handle at the bottom, it has some reflective elements on it.

On the side, there’s an expandable pocket for a water bottle.

On the back, there’s a pair of shoulder straps that are well padded and a strap to slide the backpack through. The back is ventilated and padded.

On one of the shoulder straps there’s a hidden pocket for your ID.

Back to the front. There’s a pocket with a strap for your keys.

There’s a bigger pocket with an RFID protection pocket which protects your passport or credit cards from any nefarious activity. There’s also a hidden pocket for an AirTag which is a welcome addition.

There’s another pocket on the top for your sunglasses. I would make sure that the sunglasses are in a case though.

This compartment allows you to fit a change of clothes along with some toiletries in the mesh section.

You can put up to a 17″ laptop into the upper pocket which is suspended off the ground to protect the laptop. Other bits and bobbles can got in the lower pocket. As you can see, it is designed to fold flat so that you can keep your laptop in the pocket at airport security. I should note that a TSA compliant lock can be used to keep this section locked.

Now let’s get to the part about why this backpack is going to my wife. When she goes into the office, she tends to take her work laptop along with gym clothes for an after work workout. The second that she saw this backpack she wanted it as it fits her use case better than the backpack that she was using. So it’s her’s if she wants it. The Targus Voyager EXP is $120 CAD directly from Targus. If you need a backpack for your tech and is also good for a day or two of travel, or to carry a change of clothes for whatever reason, this is a backpack that you should seriously look at.

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Tax-Themed Phishing Campaign Targeting India

Posted in Commentary with tags on December 26, 2025 by itnerd

CloudSEK’s has published their latest research report highlighting an active and sophisticated phishing campaign targeting Indian users using income-tax themed lures.

Their analysis reveals how the Silver Fox threat actor is leveraging malicious ZIP and EXE files to deploy ValleyRAT, using techniques like process hollowing and abuse of trusted binaries to evade detection. The campaign is actively targeting individuals and organisations during the tax season, posing a serious risk to both personal and enterprise environments.

The report can be found here:  https://www.cloudsek.com/blog/silver-fox-targeting-india-using-tax-themed-phishing-lures

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 Malicious NPM package called Lotusbail pulls of a supply chain attack to swipe data

Posted in Commentary with tags on December 24, 2025 by itnerd

Recently, a malicious NPM package called Lotusbail, masquerading as a WhatsApp Web API library, secretly intercepted authentication tokens, messages, contacts, and media from developers’ applications and exfiltrated the data after encrypting it to evade detection. The supply chain attack also hijacked WhatsApp’s device pairing process to give attackers persistent backdoor access to accounts, which remains even after uninstalling the package unless all linked devices are manually removed.

SecurityWeek has more on this here: https://www.securityweek.com/npm-package-with-56000-downloads-steals-whatsapp-credentials-data/

CEO of DryRun Security, James Wickett had this to say:

“Backdoors don’t just happen to other people. They happen inside real organizations, often through code that looks legitimate at first glance. Sometimes it’s a malicious dependency, sometimes it’s copied or AI-generated code, and sometimes it’s an internal actor abusing trust. As development accelerates, security teams need visibility into what’s being added to the codebase and the ability to flag suspicious behavior early, so risky changes get reviewed before they turn into credential theft or persistent access in production.”

Developers need to make sure that the code that they use is secure. Otherwise they will get into a situation that isn’t good for them or the people who use their apps.

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Surfacing Threats Before They Scale: Why Primary Source Collection Changes Intelligenc

Posted in Commentary with tags on December 22, 2025 by itnerd

 Flashpoint has published a new blog post on how Primary Source Collection (PSC) enables intelligence teams to surface emerging fraud and threat activity before it reaches scale. The article explores:

  • How Threats Actually Evolve
  • Why Static Collection Falls Short
  • A Different Model: Primary Source Collection
  • Making Intelligence Taskable
  • How Taskable Collection Works in Practice

Why does this matter? Threat and fraud operations are moving faster than ever. Barriers to entry are lower. Tooling is more accessible. Collaboration rivals legitimate software development cycles. Defenders cannot afford to move slower than the adversaries they are trying to stop.

Primary Source Collection is how intelligence teams keep pace. It aligns collection with mission needs, enables real-time tasking, and delivers insight early enough to change outcomes instead of just documenting them. The signals have always been there – what has changed is the ability to surface them while they still matter.

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Scam alert: Docusign phishing meets holiday loan scam

Posted in Commentary with tags on December 22, 2025 by itnerd

Forcepoint has a report that is literally hot off the press that covers something that I have personally experienced today.

With holiday financial stress peaking, Forcepoint has uncovered a sophisticated two-pronged scam campaign. Scammers are now pairing Docusign-themed phishing to hijack corporate credentials with convincing loan offer spam designed for identity theft.

The first threat uses spoofed ‘wine order’ documents to lure employees into entering logins on fake pages. Simultaneously, ‘Christmas Cheer Cash’ lures use professional marketing layouts to walk victims through a ‘loan application’ that harvests SSNs and bank details. I have received phishing emails matching the description of the first threat. These attacks are effective because they mimic standard end-of-year workflows.

You can get more details here: https://www.forcepoint.com/blog/x-labs/docusign-phishing-holiday-loan-spam

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