FBI Admits Fault in Locking iPhone and Other News

Here today’s edition of our tech news mashup!

FBI Admits Fault in Locking iPhone

The Apple-FBI case is really taking a turn every day. Although the final hearing is due sometime later, The Director of the FBI, James B. Comey Jr, has admitted to the public that it was, indeed, the FBI’s fault when it reset the iCloud password on Syed Rizwan Farook’s iPhone, the attacker in the San Bernardino attacks which left 14 dead and 22 injured.

“There was a mistake made in the 24 hours after the attack,” Comey said.

If the iPhone’s iCloud password had not been reset 24 hours after the attack, the authorities could have connected the iPhone to a previously-used WiFi network and a backup could have been created. This was done by the FBI in an attempt to access the data stored on the device. However, doing this had a converse effect, causing a complete lock-out from the device.

The FBI has locked horns with Apple in this worldwide debate. They believe that the information on the iPhone could be useful in deciphering the post-18 minutes of the attacks - where the attackers went and whom they communicated with. Recently, Apple were rumored to be creating a stronger encryption system for the iPhone.

Facebook VP of Latin America Arrested

Facebook VP of Latin America, Diego Dzodan, was arrested by Brazil Police and detained at the Provisional Detention Centre in Sao Paulo, Brazil, when the company could not release more data in connection to a drug trafficking investigation.

“We are disappointed that law enforcement took this extreme step. WhatsApp cannot provide information we do not have. We cooperated to the full extent of our ability in this case and while we respect the important job of law enforcement, we strongly disagree with its decision,” WhatsApp said.

McDonald's launches Happy Goggles as Happy Meal Boxes

As McDonald’s celebrates 30 years in Sweden, McDonald’s is going to launch Happy Meal boxes which can be converted into virtual reality goggles, much like the Google Cardboard. Using their parent’s phone, a child can view content using the Happy Goggles.

The company said it formulated the idea by folding the Happy Meal Box into various different shapes.

"Now we want to try to add a digital experience that focuses on play and learning…New generations are growing up in a world where smartphones and tablets are a natural part of life. Happy Goggles opens the door to virtual worlds, which of course is very exciting," McDonald’s said.

The device will be launched in 14 branches in Sweden, with only 3500 pieces in stock. Along with Happy Goggles, McDonald’s is launching a VR Ski game.