Tech Roundup: Apple WWDC, Fireball Malware & More

[A recurring feature on the latest in Science & Technology.]

• Researchers at University of Kent show that ransomware developers can increase their bottomline by building detailed profile of their victims and charge according to their income status.
• Check Point researchers discover a new Chinese malware dubbed Fireball that takes over target browsers and turns them into zombie computers capable of running any malware.
• Google confirms its contentious plans to introduce a built-in ad filter for Chrome starting next year.
• Russian search giant Yandex launches self driving car project called Yandex Taxi.
• Apple's rumored Siri-powered smart speaker enters production (right in time for its developers conference tomorrow) as it hopes to outdo rivals like Amazon and Google.

Apple Maps surfaces addresses mentioned in messages (first result, left), and those copied from other apps (right)

• Google updates Gboard app to search emoji by drawing, among other new features.
• Google rolls out a new Families page to "create a family group with up to six family members and get the most out of Google, together," that includes YouTube TV, Calendars, Keep, Play Music and Family Link. 
• Apple announces its global developer community to have earned over US$ 70 billion since the App Store launched in 2008. (While all this is good, can Apple fix the confusing interface for iMessage apps?)
• Microsoft overhauls Skype with chat add-ins, bots and its own take on Stories called Highlights.