Almost 1.6 million Android TV devices have been affected by the Vo1d malware.

      The "Apps only mode" on the Google TV homescreen simplifies the interface to its essentials and even less.

      According to a study by Xlab researchers, a new variant of the Vo1d botnet has been infecting Android TV devices globally. It peaked at nearly 1.6 million devices across more than 200 countries and regions on January 14, 2025. Although the active bot numbers have declined from that peak, there has been a rise in infections since February 21, bringing the daily active numbers to between 800,000 and over 1.1 million. The study notes that "Vo1d’s enormous scale and ongoing evolution pose a significant, long-term threat to global cybersecurity. Its ability to operate undetected for over three months underlines its stealth." Data collected from February 1 to 15 shows that Brazil accounted for the largest share of infections (24.97%), followed by South Africa (13.6%), Indonesia (10.54%), and Argentina (5.27%). The US and Canada do not appear among the top 15 countries by infection rate, with Ecuador ranking 15th at 1.04% of infections.

      While Vo1d malware has not significantly impacted North America yet, it serves as a reminder of the importance of practicing safe security measures with connected devices. It’s easy to forget that TVs are also continuously connected and can be just as vulnerable to online threats as computers and mobile devices.

      One of the most crucial steps you can take is updating any firmware or system operating system to the latest version available. For televisions, this is usually found in a System or About this TV menu. It's also advisable to ensure that system updates are set to install automatically, so you don't miss any urgent fixes that could safeguard your device. Additionally, only installing apps from the Google Play store and steering clear of questionable sideloaded apps is a good practice.

      John Higgins is the Senior Editor of A/V at Digital Trends, heading the team that covers all aspects of audio and video.

      This Hisense 65-inch QLED TV has just fallen below $1,000.

      There was a time when Hisense was lesser-known in the TV market. Now, it's difficult to avoid seeing Hisense models when shopping in stores or browsing online. Their popularity stems from producing reliable entry-level, mid-range, and premium 4K LED TVs at prices that are accessible to many. Currently, there are excellent TV deals, such as this QLED offer we discovered today:

      At the moment, if you buy the Hisense 65-inch U8N Series 4K QLED TV from Amazon, Best Buy, Brandsmart, and a few other retailers, you will only pay $948, with the full MSRP on this model being $1,500.

      An 85-inch Samsung QLED that usually retails for $4,000 is now available for $2,150.

      Samsung stands as one of the leading TV brands, and here at Digital Trends, we've provided highly positive reviews for numerous Samsung models over the years. If you are on the lookout for an exceptional deal on a large TV, consider this impressive Samsung promotion:

      Currently, when you purchase the Samsung 85-inch QNX1D 4K QLED TV through the manufacturer, you will only pay $2,150, down from its regular MSRP of $4,000.

      A smarter Alexa? I’m all in!

      It's likely an understatement to say that many have concerns about AI. From long-term anxieties regarding the technology's potential as it gains power and capabilities, to immediate worries from those in creative fields who feel like unpaid trainers of AI models (and its first casualties), there’s no shortage of valid criticisms. As someone who earns a living through writing, I’m acutely aware of the very real threat AI poses to my livelihood.

      However, if my smart speakers could finally evolve into tools that provide more than just a voice-activated timer—as Amazon claims with its new AI-driven Alexa+—I consider that a positive aspect amidst the looming AI apocalypse, rather than something to fear.

      From gimmick to utility

      Like many of you, I wasn't particularly impressed by Siri when it first launched with the iPhone 4S. While it had its novelty, and I know some individuals who still find real value in setting reminders, responding to texts, and making calls with their voice, I found Siri more of a gimmick, especially as someone who rarely drives and would be mortified to be heard issuing commands into my phone in public.