Unboxing, Design and Build

The Shokz OpenFit Pro earbuds possess a luxurious feel, underscored by titanium incorporated into the frame. The earbuds feel heftier than earlier versions, and the case has enhanced durability. The Ultra-Soft Silicone 2.0 material guarantees comfort during prolonged usage, while the IP55 rating provides defense against sweat and mild rain.

Specifications

Noise Reduction

The OpenFit Pro incorporates open-ear noise minimization, a difficult achievement since traditional ANC isn’t feasible. The technology efficiently dampens mid-frequency sounds, making surroundings easier to handle without obstructing awareness. It’s suitable for workplace conversations and gym noise, yet not optimal for public transport or excessively noisy locations.

Sound Quality

Although it’s not tailored for bass-heavy genres, the OpenFit Pro delivers the clearest mid-range sounds among Shokz’s open-ear range. Sound quality is optimal in quieter surroundings, with outside noise impacting performance in more bustling environments.

Controls and Usability

Shokz has shifted to physical buttons, which respond well and offer customization options. Wear sensors provide dependable auto-pause functionality, improving usability during conversations.

Battery Life

The battery can last up to 12 hours per charge, reducing when noise reduction is enabled. Quick charging allows for four hours of playback after just 10 minutes, convenient for quick recharges during breaks.

Who Are These For?

The OpenFit Pro caters to users who require situational awareness, prioritize comfort, and prefer to avoid in-ear pressure. However, it doesn’t meet the needs of those who favor ANC or complete sound isolation.

Verdict

The Shokz OpenFit Pro represents advancement in open-ear audio with effective noise reduction and enhanced controls. While aesthetically premium, the $399 price may not be justified compared to traditional ANC options like the Sony WH-1000XM4.

Summary

The Shokz OpenFit Pro differentiates itself in the open-ear audio landscape with its innovative noise reduction and user-friendly design. Despite its shortcomings in noisy settings and a hefty price tag, it attracts those valuing comfort and situational awareness over full noise cancellation.

Q: What is the main innovation in the Shokz OpenFit Pro?

A: The primary innovation is the open-ear noise reduction that minimizes mid-frequency sounds while maintaining situational awareness.

Q: How does the Shokz OpenFit Pro compare to traditional ANC headphones?

A: While it provides noise reduction, it does not offer complete isolation like conventional ANC headphones, making it less effective in high-noise areas.

Q: Who is the Shokz OpenFit Pro best suited for?

A: It’s ideal for users who need situational awareness, seek comfort, and dislike in-ear pressure, rather than those who want full noise cancellation.

Q: What are the battery capabilities of the OpenFit Pro?

A: The OpenFit Pro provides up to 12 hours of battery life per charge, with rapid charging offering four hours of playback in 10 minutes.

Q: What is the price and availability of the Shokz OpenFit Pro?

A: Costing $399, the OpenFit Pro is available for pre-sale starting 6 January 2026 and will be on sale beginning 22 January 2026.

Brief Overview

• VoidLink is a recently identified Linux malware with a focus on cloud technology.
• The malware is exceptionally modular, incorporating more than 30 plugins.
• It is believed to have originated from a development ecosystem linked to China.
• The intent behind VoidLink is still ambiguous, as no actual implementations have been detected.
• Cybersecurity specialists advocate for proactive measures against potential risks like VoidLink.

Revealing VoidLink: A New Era in Linux Malware

Background and Discovery

Last December, Check Point Software analysts discovered a previously overlooked Linux malware, dubbed VoidLink. This malware appears to stem from a development environment tied to China, raising concerns within the cybersecurity field.

Framework and Features

VoidLink features a highly adaptable and modular architecture. It provides comprehensive command and control functionalities and includes a suite of over 30 plugins. Additionally, the malware incorporates operational security features and can identify primary cloud ecosystems, positioning it as a significant threat.

The Enigma of VoidLink’s Intent

Although it possesses advanced capabilities, the true aim of VoidLink is still enigmatic. No actual deployments have been recorded, indicating that it may still be in development. The detection of debug symbols and other development elements within the binaries supports this hypothesis.

Possible Consequences

Considering its cloud-centric design and sophisticated capabilities, VoidLink could serve multiple functions, ranging from legitimate security testing to potential malicious activities in the underground realm. Organizations are urged to enhance their defenses against such advanced threats.

Conclusion

VoidLink signifies a new phase in the domain of Linux malware, distinguished by its cloud-native strategy and complex architecture. Although its motivations remain uncertain, the discovery highlights the necessity for improved security protocols in both Linux and cloud infrastructures.

FAQ

Q: In what ways does VoidLink differ from conventional Linux malware?

A:

VoidLink is unique due to its cloud-first framework, modular design, and extensive plugin collection, making it more sophisticated than standard malware.

Q: Has VoidLink been utilized in any real-world applications?

A:

No, there have been no confirmed real-world applications of VoidLink to date.

Q: What measures should organizations take to safeguard against threats like VoidLink?

A:

Organizations ought to take preventative steps to secure their Linux, cloud, and container environments and remain alert against advanced threats.

Q: Is VoidLink regarded as a legitimate tool or a threat?

A:

The motives of VoidLink remain ambiguous; it might be utilized for legitimate security testing or for harmful activities.

Q: In what programming language is VoidLink developed?

A:

VoidLink is programmed in Zig, a new language noted for its performance and safety attributes.

Quick Overview

• Apple rolls out end-to-end encryption for RCS messaging in iOS 26.3 beta.
• Boosts security for messaging across iOS and Android platforms.
• Adoption influenced by regulatory pressures from China and the EU.
• RCS provides enhanced messaging features compared to standard SMS/MMS.

Apple RCS Encryption: A Transformative Shift in Messaging

The new iOS 26.3 beta from Apple aims to transform messaging security through the introduction of end-to-end encryption (E2EE) for rich communication services (RCS) messaging. This decision aligns Apple with Android’s secure messaging features, closing the gap between the two systems.

RCS integrated within Apple iMessage.

Apple

Regulatory Influence and Interoperability

The choice to implement RCS encryption follows considerable pressure from regulators in China and the European Union. Apple previously incorporated RCS support in iOS 18, but lacking E2EE, which left messages open to vulnerabilities. The recent beta signifies a move toward comprehensive encryption, improving user privacy and security.

Technical Insights and Implementation

A recent alteration in code identified by a user in France suggests the inclusion of E2EE for RCS across certain carrier networks. At present, this feature appears limited to French operators like Bouygues, Orange, SFR, and Free. Google has been providing E2EE for RCS on Android since it acquired Jibe in 2015, but this has been restricted to communication among its app users.

Universal Profile 3.0: Progress Towards Unified Messaging

In 2025, Apple and Google committed to endorsing RCS Universal Profile 3.0, facilitating interoperable E2EE across differing platforms. The GSMA standard is designed to replace obsolete SMS/MMS systems, offering capabilities such as high-resolution media sharing, read receipts, and typing indicators, thus ensuring smooth communication.

Regional Support and Availability

Although several North American and European telecommunications firms back RCS, in the Asia Pacific region, Apple’s backing is confined to a limited number of carriers in China, South Korea, and Japan. Users in Australia might have to wait for broader support as the rollout continues.

Conclusion

Apple’s introduction of end-to-end encryption for RCS messaging in the iOS 26.3 beta signifies a notable leap in secure cross-platform communication. This update addresses privacy concerns and improves the overall messaging experience for iPhone users connecting with Android users.

Questions & Answers

Q: What does RCS messaging refer to?

A: RCS (Rich Communication Services) is an advanced messaging protocol that upgrades traditional SMS/MMS by providing features like high-resolution media sharing, read receipts, and typing indicators.

Q: Why is end-to-end encryption crucial for RCS?

A: End-to-end encryption guarantees that messages remain confidential and cannot be intercepted or accessed by unauthorized entities, thereby enhancing user privacy.

Q: How does this update impact iPhone users?

A: This update permits iPhone users to send and receive encrypted messages with Android users, thereby improving both security and compatibility.

Q: Which regions currently enable RCS with E2EE on iOS?

A: Currently, only certain carriers in France have indicated support for E2EE for RCS on iOS, with broader accessibility anticipated in the future.

Q: Will this encryption feature be available worldwide soon?

A: While Apple is progressing towards global availability, the rollout of this feature will rely on carrier endorsement and regional regulations.

Brief Overview

• Telstra has experienced a 43% rise in mobile outages attributed to gaps in LEO satellite coverage.
• These outages affect remote populations as well as triple zero emergency services.
• Eutelsat OneWeb is actively working to launch additional satellites to enhance coverage.
• New regulations mandate that carriers report noteworthy local outages.
• Telstra is improving triple zero services by upgrading payphones and providing satellite kits.

Telstra’s Demand for More LEO Satellites

Telstra has underscored the urgent requirement for further deployment of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites in collaboration with Eutelsat OneWeb. This necessity stems from a striking 43% rise in mobile base station outages in remote locations, which depend significantly on LEOsat-based backhaul for connectivity. These disruptions greatly affect remote communities and the accessibility of triple zero emergency services.

Insights on the Outages

The outages, which have escalated from 3614 in 2024 to 5221 in 2025, are due to inadequate LEOsat coverage, resulting in mobile towers losing connectivity for as long as 35 minutes daily. This interruption affects critical services, including emergency calls, in remote areas.

Initiatives for Better Coverage

Telstra is joining forces with OneWeb to enhance satellite coverage by introducing additional LEO satellites. While improvement has been noted since mid-2025, with fewer outages, coverage gaps persist as a challenge, especially in the southern hemisphere.

Effects on Triple Zero Services

The outages mainly influence small populations, frequently indigenous communities, where access to emergency services is crucial. Telstra has taken steps to improve triple zero service availability, such as upgrading payphones and deploying Starlink kits for quick response.

Regulatory Actions and Upcoming Plans

As of June 2025, new regulations require carriers to report major local outages. Telstra, following these guidelines, has established “significant community impact” using strict criteria and is proactively enhancing network resilience through co-investment initiatives and infrastructure upgrades.

Conclusion

Telstra’s growing dependence on LEO satellites for remote connectivity has led to an increase in mobile outages, affecting remote communities and emergency services. The collaboration with OneWeb to enhance satellite coverage is continuously evolving, supported by regulations and infrastructure improvements aimed at mitigating these challenges.

Q: What is driving the rise in mobile outages?

A: The increase is attributed to coverage deficiencies in the LEO satellite network, which hampers backhaul connectivity for remote mobile base stations.

Q: In what ways are the outages impacting remote communities?

A: Outages disrupt critical services, including triple zero emergency calls, impacting communities that are entirely dependent on remote network connections.

Q: What actions is Telstra taking to resolve these problems?

A: Telstra is collaborating with OneWeb to deploy more LEO satellites and has enhanced its infrastructure by upgrading payphones and utilizing Starlink kits for emergency responses.

Q: Are there new regulations to address these outages?

A: Yes, since June 2025, carriers are required to report significant local outages. Telstra is complying with these regulations, concentrating on areas lacking alternative service providers.

Q: How long do the outages last on average?

A: The outages typically render mobile base stations unavailable for about 30 to 35 minutes each day, impacting the ability to make calls.

Q: Has there been any progress in diminishing these outages?

A: Yes, since mid-2025, Telstra has observed a decrease in outages as more satellites are deployed to enhance coverage.