Recorded Monday, January 8, 2018

This week we discuss the Spectre and Meltdown CPU vulnerabilities, show how to tell if your iPhone has been slowed down, and review the new Google Pixel Buds.

Story 1: Spectre & Meltdown

Spectre and Meltdown are vulnerabilities that affect CPUs in all modern devices (except Apple Watch). While there are no know exploits, be sure to patch, patch, patch… because there eventually will be.

Steve Gibson discusses Spectre & Meltdown on The New Screen Savers (start at 11:08)

How the Spectre and Meltdown CPU flaws affect phones and tablets (includes Android information)

Meltdown and Spectre CPU flaws: How to protect your Mac and iOS devices

How to Protect Against the Meltdown and Spectre Vulnerabilities

Story 2: Apple iPhone Battery Replacement

After getting slammed for slowing down older iPhones, Apple announced a big discount on iPhone battery replacement for phones back through the iPhone 6. If you’re eligible, take advantage of the deal.

You can check your iPhone to see if it’s been slowed down using the Lirum Device Info Lite app.

How to check if Apple is slowing down your iPhone

Story 3: Google Pixel Buds Review

Jackie reviews the new Pixel Buds and demos the Google Translator function.

Pixel Buds on Google Store