Technologies

iOS 16.4.1: Download This Security Update Now

You should download the latest update to protect your device. Here’s how.

Apple released iOS 16.4.1 on Friday, a little more than two weeks after the release of iOS 16.4. The latest update brings security fixes and bug patches to issues that might be actively exploited on your iPhone. The update also fixes a few problems with iPhone features that some users might have experienced, like Siri not responding to requests.

You can download the update by going to Settings > General > Software Update and tapping Download and Install.

Here’s what you’ll get in the update and why you should download it.

Security fixes and bug patches

The most important things in the latest update are patches for two security issues that Apple said might be actively exploited.

Apple said in one instance, an app could execute arbitrary code kernel privileges. According to MalwareBytes, kernel privileges are a serious issue since they offer greater access than administrative privileges. That means someone could access your personal files, load their own malicious code or programs onto your device or alter your system however they want.

The other fix applies to a WebKit issue where some malicious web content may lead to a code execution. According to Okta, this is a form of hacking that can be used to execute commands on your device without your knowledge. It can be used to load a virus, alter software and cause other issues on your device.

Both of these issues can be exploited, compromising your iPhone and your personal information. However, iOS 16.4.1 should fix both issues and protect you and your device.

Siri and emoji fixes

The iOS 16.4.1 update also fixes two issues users have run into: Siri not responding to requests, and the new pushing hands emoji not showing various skin tones.

Here are Apple’s release notes for iOS 16.4.1:

This update provides important bug fixes and security updates for your iPhone including:

Pushing hands emoji does not show skin tone variations

Siri does not respond in some cases

Some features may not be available for all regions or on all Apple devices. For information on the security content of Apple software updates, please visit this website:

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT20122

For more, check out what you might have missed in iOS 16.4 and what could be coming in iOS 16.5.

Technologies

I Love Super Mario Bros Wonder and It’s at a New All-Time Low, but Only for Today

One of the most inventive Switch games made is down to just $40 right now.

The holidays are nearly here, and that means it’s time to lock in and sort out the gifts you need to get. If you’re looking to buy something the whole family can enjoy, then looking to the best gaming gifts makes perfect sense. There are some amazing deals on right now, and if you’re buying for someone with a Switch, this one is a must-have.

Woot has a deal that knocks the amazing Super Mario Bros Wonder down to $40, which is the lowest price it’s ever been. This is a whimsical and wonderful platform game that’s going to have you all laughing out loud in each level, but the deal is only on until the end of the day. So, if you want it, don’t wait around.

Super Mario Bros Wonder takes the classic platformer and puts an incredible twist on it in every single level. The story has you following Bowser as he causes chaos in a new kingdom, but with Wonder Seeds all over the place, reality itself often ends up changing. It’s a fun and intensely silly affair, and you can even play it with up to four players, making it the perfect game for the holiday season.

This being the lowest price we’ve seen for this amazing game easily makes it one of the best Nintendo Switch deals. It’s going to end tonight, though, so if you want it, get it quickly.

Why this deal matters

Super Mario Bros Wonder is undoubtedly one of the coolest Mario games we’ve had in a very long time, and one of the best games released for the Nintendo Switch. It’s rare to see first-party Nintendo games go on sale with this much off, so this is a very rare chance.

Technologies

Today’s NYT Mini Crossword Answers for Friday, Dec. 12

Here are the answers for The New York Times Mini Crossword for Dec. 12.

Looking for the most recent Mini Crossword answer? Click here for today’s Mini Crossword hints, as well as our daily answers and hints for The New York Times Wordle, Strands, Connections and Connections: Sports Edition puzzles.

Need some help with today’s Mini Crossword? Read on. And if you could use some hints and guidance for daily solving, check out our Mini Crossword tips.

If you’re looking for today’s Wordle, Connections, Connections: Sports Edition and Strands answers, you can visit CNET’s NYT puzzle hints page.

Read more: Tips and Tricks for Solving The New York Times Mini Crossword

Let’s get to those Mini Crossword clues and answers.

Mini across clues and answers

1A clue: Bullet ___ (insect known for its painful sting)
Answer: ANT

4A clue: Setting for the children’s book «Good Night, Gorilla»
Answer: ZOO

5A clue: Mixed-breed dogs
Answer: MUTTS

7A clue: Language that gave us the words «democracy» and «philosophy»
Answer: GREEK

8A clue: Untidy
Answer: MESSY

Mini down clues and answers

1D clue: Brilliant shade of blue
Answer: AZURE

2D clue: Classroom jottings
Answer: NOTES

3D clue: «100%,» in slang
Answer: TOTES

5D clue: Longtime movie studio now owned by Amazon
Answer: MGM

6D clue: Chicago W.N.B.A. team
Answer: SKY

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Technologies

Speed Across the Galaxy Next Year in Star Wars: Galactic Racer

Step aside, Skywalker. This is more than just pod racing.

After a surprise reveal of Star Wars: The Fate of the Old Republic to start The Game Awards on Thursday, another Star Wars game made its debut. But this one has no Jedi, no lightsabers, just people racing through treacherous terrain.

Galactic Racer is developed by Fuse Games, a studio created in 2023 and made up of former Burnout and Need for Speed developers. In the game’s description, races are run-based, meaning that once your vehicle is blown up, your race is over.

Galactic Racer will be released in 2026 for PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X|S consoles.

Don’t miss any of our unbiased tech content and lab-based reviews. Add CNET as a preferred Google source.

When does Star Wars: Galactic Racer take place?

According to the Galactic Racer Steam page, the game takes place after the Empire is gone, when the galaxy is rebuilding. The Galactic League has formed in the Outer Rim, and underground races will lead to fame and fortune for those racers fast enough to survive.

The trailer introduces Shade, «a lone racer with a dream of glory and revenge,» Fuse Games co-founder Matt Webster told StarWars.com.

«Your aim is to survive long enough to earn your shot at becoming an elite racing pilot,» he said. «Our races are high-stakes competitions where racers do everything they can to get to the front in the solo campaign and in our awesome multiplayer gameplay.»

What kind of vehicles will be available to ride in Star Wars: Galactic Racer?

The game’s trailer was short, but Star Wars fans will recognize a couple of landspeeders, skim speeders and speederbikes. Each vehicle type will have its unique handling and feel, with some able to squeeze through tight spaces and hug corners at top speed.

As the players progress, they will be able to upgrade their vehicles to their preferred style of play. By continuing to win, the better the vehicle can be made and the more races across different worlds will be available to race in.