Latest news with #Realtek
Miami Herald
28-06-2025
- Miami Herald
Microsoft makes huge change to Windows
When was Microsoft Windows great? Was it ever great? That will depend on your experience and age. The oldest version of Windows I tried was version 3.11. It wasn't great. Windows 7 was decent. I suspect most would agree Windows Vista and Windows 8 weren't. Related: How Apple may solve its Google Search problem The operating system is a huge program. It consists of many smaller programs. The graphical interface you see when you use it is just a shell or desktop environment. The main program that interacts with hardware and controls all the other processes including the graphical interface, is called the kernel. Why do I have such a low opinion of Windows? I'd probably need a couple of articles to express my opinion on just that topic. For now, let's focus on one key problem: Microsoft's approach to how applications made by other companies interact with the Windows kernel. pop_jop/GettyImages If you use Microsoft (MSFT) Windows long enough, you'll eventually witness its infamous Blue Screen of Death (BSOD). Why does the BSOD happen? It happens when the kernel enters a state where it can't recover from an error. Applications can run in two modes, user mode or kernel mode. The application running in kernel mode can do pretty much anything, and if the developer hasn't been very careful, it can break stuff easily. For example, if you have a sound card with a Realtek chip, you need drivers for it. As the kernel controls the hardware, this driver should ideally be part of the kernel. That is the default approach on Linux. Windows does it better, right? Related: Apple WWDC underwhelms fans in a crucial upgrade I'll simplify things a bit here, saying that Windows drivers are applications that run in the kernel mode. Unlike Linux drivers, which are not applications but code that has been vetted by Linux developers to be merged into the kernel, Windows drivers are applications that sometimes misuse kernel-mode "powers" and behave like they're in the Wild West. I can't remember how many times I had to remove Realtek sound drivers from someone's machine while I was still working in IT. They are my favorite cause of BSOD. More Tech Stocks: Amazon tries to make AI great again (or maybe for the first time)Veteran portfolio manager raises eyebrows with latest Meta Platforms moveGoogle plans major AI shift after Meta's surprising $14 billion move Talking about BSODs, do you remember the CrowdStrike incident? In July 2024, CrowdStrike released an update that caused hundreds of millions of computers running Windows to be stuck on a BSOD. Needless to say, the CrowdStrike application that caused the problem was running in kernel mode (It has a "kernel driver" to be technical). David Weston, vice president of Enterprise and OS Security at Microsoft, wrote after the incident: "Kernel drivers are often utilized by security vendors for potential performance benefits." It seems that the incident made Microsoft think about whether the performance benefits are worth it. Weston announced on Microsoft's blog on June 26th that the company will deliver a private preview of the Windows endpoint security platform to a set of Microsoft Virus Initiative partners in July. "The new Windows capabilities will allow them to start building their solutions to run outside the Windows kernel. This means security products like anti-virus and endpoint protection solutions can run in user mode just as apps do," wrote Weston. Related: Analyst sends Alphabet warning amid search market shakeup It will be interesting to see if Microsoft mandates in the future that all cybersecurity vendors use this new userspace system. If they do, it might cause some backlash, as Microsoft would be the only one left with a kernel-mode performance advantage for its cybersecurity software. The company is also simplifying the "unexpected restart experience" (a kind name for a BSOD). They provided the picture, and it looks like that BSOD will become a black screen of death. The company will also introduce Quick Machine Recovery (QMR), a recovery mechanism for machines that cannot restart successfully. In a widespread outage, Microsoft can use QMR to deploy fixes to affected devices via the Windows Recovery Environment. It should be generally available later this summer, together with the new BSOD experience. Related: OpenAI makes shocking move amid fierce competition, Microsoft problems The Arena Media Brands, LLC THESTREET is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc.
Arabian Post
25-06-2025
- Arabian Post
Realtek Bluetooth SDK Flaws Expose Weakness in Device Pairing
A newly disclosed series of vulnerabilities in Realtek's Bluetooth Low Energy implementation jeopardises the stability and security of connected devices, with one issue rated medium and another deemed high severity. The exposed flaws, affecting the RTL8762E BLE SDK version 1.4.0 and its EKF‑EVB derivative, allow attackers to trigger denial‑of‑service conditions during the pairing process by injecting crafted packets at precise stages. The first flaw, identified as CVE‑2024‑48290, emerges from inadequate validation in the BLE protocol's termination routine. An attacker positioned within Bluetooth range can send a maliciously formed llterminateind packet, causing the target device's Bluetooth stack to crash and interrupt communications. Assigned a CVSS 3.1 base score of 4.3, the vulnerability affects devices using Realtek's standard RTL8762E BLE SDK v1.4.0. It requires no privileged access or user interaction, making it easily exploitable over adjacent networks. A second, more severe vulnerability—CVE‑2025‑44531—was added to the National Vulnerability Database on 24 June 2025. This flaw occurs earlier in the pairing exchange, when a crafted payload is delivered before the public key is received. The Bluetooth stack fails to manage the premature input, resulting in uncontrolled resource consumption and forcing a system crash. With a CVSS 3.1 score of 7.5, this vulnerability poses a high risk by enabling attackers with zero privileges and only network proximity to disrupt device functionality. ADVERTISEMENT Both issues affect the same SDK version and stem from fundamental flaws in protocol resilience. The latter vulnerability, categorized under CWE‑400, highlights a broader weakness in resource management during handshake procedures. Security analysts warn that the practical impact of these flaws depends on device deployment. The RTL8762E chip is used extensively in IoT devices such as fitness trackers, smart locks, wireless earbuds, and automation hubs. Disruption of Bluetooth services in such devices can compromise availability and user trust, particularly in environments where Bluetooth is integral to operation or security. Realtek has reportedly issued patches on its official communication channels, though timelines and distribution mechanisms remain unclear due to the closed‑source nature of firmware updates. Enterprises integrating devices with the affected SDK are strongly advised to consult their vendors for firmware updates or consider disabling BLE pairing until mitigation is confirmed. Independent researchers have recommended several interim safeguards. These include enabling rate limiting during pairing, enforcing stringent validation of early‑stage packets, and monitoring for abnormal pairing attempts. However, only confirmed vendor patches can fully rectify protocol loopholes at source. The fact that both vulnerabilities resurface around the same SDK version amplifies concern over code audit practices. Bluetooth protocol stacks are notoriously complex, and previous studies—such as the BLURtooth and Secure Connections Only research—have underlined long‑standing industry challenges in robust implementation. Even established chip vendors have struggled to prevent pairing or transport‑layer manipulation. In the context of BLE's expanding role, particularly in the Internet of Things and proximity‑based systems, exploitation of such low‑level vulnerabilities could become a vector for broader disruption. A stabilised BLE stack is foundational to ensure not only connectivity but also higher‑layer security features that rely on pairing integrity. The coordinated disclosure of these vulnerabilities underscores the need for continued scrutiny of common embedded SDKs. It also emphasises the importance of rapid patching by device manufacturers—especially when source code control is limited or obfuscated. Organisations managing fleets of BLE‑enabled hardware are urged to audit device firmware, liaise with vendors, and monitor for updates. While no evidence currently indicates active wide‑scale exploitation of CVE‑2024‑48290 or CVE‑2025‑44531, the low complexity and zero‑interaction requirements mean that trending threat actors could weaponise them quickly. Consequently, the window for mitigation before operational disruption is narrowing. Ahead of final vendor fixes, network administrators and system integrators may consider segmenting BLE traffic, deploying anomaly detection systems to flag improbable pairing behaviour, and applying stricter access controls on wireless interfaces. Such steps can reduce exposure while awaiting comprehensive SDK updates.
Mint
13-06-2025
- Mint
Blaupunkt launches new QLED Google TVs in India with 70W sound, starting at ₹10,999
Blaupunkt India has launched a new range of QLED Google TVs, available in various sizes starting from 32 inches all the way to 65 inches. They are powered by HDR 10, feature up to a four-speaker setup, and have a 70-watt audio output. The TVs come with support for various picture and sound modes, including Cinema, Sports, Vivid, and more. They also have various connectivity features. Here is all you need to know about Blaupunkt's latest lineup of QLED Google TVs. In the premium lineup, starters, there are 3 models, starting with 50 inches, 55 inches, and 65 inches. The specifications will differ depending on the model you choose. The TVs feature HDR10 and a wide colour gamut. The 55 and 65-inch models get a four-speaker setup, which is capable of a 70-watt sound output. As for the 50-inch model, it comes with a two-speaker setup capable of a 50-watt sound output. These models also get Dolby Atmos and Dolby Digital Plus support, along with six picture and sound modes: Cinema, Sports, Vivid, Music, News, and Standard. Powered by Android TV, they have support for the Google Play Store, a built-in Chromecast, and Google Assistant. For connectivity, there is dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth support, three HDMI ports, and two USB ports. While the above TVs are more premium, Blaupunkt has designed the 32 and 40-inch models for budget-conscious buyers. They feature Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby MS12 surround sound, and support 48-watt sound output with a two-speaker setup. The company says these models are powered by a Realtek processor. Despite being budget-oriented, they too get QLED panels, support various picture modes like Cinema, Sports, Vivid, Music, News, and Standard, and come with Android TV OS.
Mint
13-06-2025
- Mint
Blaupunkt launches new QLED Google TVs in India with 70W sound, starting at ₹10,999
Blaupunkt India has launched a new range of QLED Google TVs, available in various sizes starting from 32 inches all the way to 65 inches. They are powered by HDR 10, feature up to a four-speaker setup, and have a 70-watt audio output. The TVs come with support for various picture and sound modes, including Cinema, Sports, Vivid, and more. They also have various connectivity features. Here is all you need to know about Blaupunkt's latest lineup of QLED Google TVs. In the premium lineup, starters, there are 3 models, starting with 50 inches, 55 inches, and 65 inches. The specifications will differ depending on the model you choose. The TVs feature HDR10 and a wide colour gamut. The 55 and 65-inch models get a four-speaker setup, which is capable of a 70-watt sound output. As for the 50-inch model, it comes with a two-speaker setup capable of a 50-watt sound output. These models also get Dolby Atmos and Dolby Digital Plus support, along with six picture and sound modes: Cinema, Sports, Vivid, Music, News, and Standard. Powered by Android TV, they have support for the Google Play Store, a built-in Chromecast, and Google Assistant. For connectivity, there is dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth support, three HDMI ports, and two USB ports. While the above TVs are more premium, Blaupunkt has designed the 32 and 40-inch models for budget-conscious buyers. They feature Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby MS12 surround sound, and support 48-watt sound output with a two-speaker setup. The company says these models are powered by a Realtek processor. Despite being budget-oriented, they too get QLED panels, support various picture modes like Cinema, Sports, Vivid, Music, News, and Standard, and come with Android TV OS. The new Blaupunkt TV range will be available on Flipkart from June 13. Here are the various price points: the 32-inch model costs Rs10,999, the 40-inch model costs ₹ 15,499, the 50-inch model costs ₹ 27,999, the 55-inch model costs ₹ 31,999, and the 65-inch top-end model costs ₹ 44,999. Further, to sweeten the deal further, you can get a 10% instant discount by checking out with SBI credit cards.
AU Financial Review
01-06-2025
- Business
- AU Financial Review
Tech company collapse sparks shareholder battle with $14b chipmaker
A group of shareholders in failed ASX-listed technology firm Nuheara are battling to resurrect the once-promising hearing device maker, but must first defeat a legal challenge from $14 billion Taiwanese semiconductor giant Realtek. Perth-based Nuheara collapsed into administration last August after it was unable to refinance a $2.5 million loan from Realtek, which was its largest shareholder, amid struggling sales and consistent losses.
