Based on a study done by Xlab researchers, a new variant of the Vo1d botnet has been infecting Android TV devices worldwide. It reached its peak of just under 1.6 million devices across 200+ countries and regions on January 14, 2025. Active bot numbers have come down from that peak, but since February 21, there was a surge in infections that brought daily active numbers to between 800,000 and over 1.1 million. The study states “Vo1d’s massive scale and continuous evolution post a severe, long-term, threat to global cybersecurity. Its ability to operate undetected for over three months highlights its stealth.”
From data collected between February 1 to 15, the bulk of infections have in Brazil (24.97%), South Africa (13.6%), Indonesia (10.54%), and Argentina (5.27%). Neither the US or Canada show up on the top 15 countries by infection rate, with Ecuador at number 15 with 1.04% of infections.
Even though the Vo1d malware hasn’t hit North America in significant numbers yet, it’s a good reminder to have safe security practices with your connected devices. Sometimes we forget that TVs are also constantly connected and just as susceptible to online attacks as our computers and mobile devices.
One of the most important actions you can take, is updating any firmware or system OS to the most recent released version. For TVs, this can often be found through a System or About this TV menu. It’s also good practice to make sure system updates are automatic, so you don’t miss something urgent to protect your device. You also should make sure to only install apps from the Google Play store and avoid sideloading any questionable apps.
Instagram is making its way to yet another screen, and this time, Apple TV is getting a taste of the Reels rabbit hole. The company has launched a dedicated Instagram app for Apple TV, bringing Reels, longer videos, and live shows to the big screen. So, if watching one quick clip on a phone somehow turns into an hour of scrolling, there's now a much larger screen for that.
Instagram brings Reels and more to Apple TV
Audio-Technica, a brand well known for making some of the best studio and professional headphones on the market, has just come out with the ATH-AWX7000, which the company itself claims to be its "finest headphones ever." The new flagship closed-back headphone has debuted at an eye-watering price of $3,799. It combines hand-finished Japanese woodwork with a newly developed 58mm driver.
The earcups are made from Kiso cypress, a prized wood historically used for Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples. Each housing is finished by hand with traditional Echizen lacquer, which brings out the grain and is expected to darken over time. The frame and sliders are finished in a deep navy kachi-iro shade traditionally associated with samurai.
This post is brought to you in paid partnership with Best Buy.
Technology evolves every day, transforming how we live and work. Our devices are becoming more than tools we use. They are increasingly capable companions that help streamline day-to-day routines and spark creative ideas. If you have been waiting for the right moment to upgrade your tech setup, the Discover Samsung Shopping Event offers an opportunity to explore what connected, AI-powered living can look like.