A recent study by researchers at the University of Michigan has highlighted the issue of political bias in content moderation on social media platforms, particularly Reddit. The findings illustrate the potential for moderator biases to create echo chambers that distort public discourse.

The political bias in Reddit’s content moderation

The research team, led by Justin Huang, examined more than 600 million comments across various subreddits. Their analysis focused on how subreddit moderators’ political preferences influenced the removal of user comments. The study found that comments with opposing political views were significantly more likely to be censored by moderators.

On a lean scale from 0 (stanch Republican) to 100 (stanch Democrat), average users scored 58, while moderators scored 62, indicating a left-leaning bias overall.

Huang stated that “the bias in content moderation creates echo chambers,” which are spaces characterized by a lack of divergent opinions. This situation can lead to a narrow perception of political norms, as users see only a homogenous perspective.

The study suggests that individuals may become radicalized and misinformed due to the insular nature of these communities, further eroding trust in electoral processes.

How are echo chambers affecting democracy?

The phenomenon of echo chambers poses a direct threat to democratic norms, impacting how citizens perceive political realities. When discussions are dominated by singular viewpoints, users can feel alienated, leading them to disengage. In extreme cases, these environments allow misinformation to spread unchecked, shaping public belief in distorting ways.

Huang and his team describe how moderators’ biases can inadvertently contribute to misunderstood political balances.

Groups are actively working to influence voters with tailored messages, increasing the urgency for social media platforms to reassess their moderation practices.

The study calls into question the potential for moderators to either consciously or unconsciously manipulate discourse by removing dissenting views.

There is a way out

To address the issues identified in the study, researchers propose several remedial strategies for social media platforms. First, establishing clear guidelines around acceptable reasons for content removal could provide a framework for moderation. By clarifying what constitutes appropriate action, platforms can promote fairness in user interactions.

Second, improving transparency regarding content removal is critical. Notifying users when their comments are deleted allows for accountability and trust in moderation practices. Furthermore, platforms should consider publishing data on removal volumes, which could invite public scrutiny and deter potential abuses.

New Reddit policy changes are a straight blow to community freedom

Lastly, implementing oversight measures could help track moderators’ political biases and their effects on discourse. By monitoring moderation decisions, platforms can flag potential biases and encourage a more balanced discussion environment.

Huang emphasizes the ongoing need for research and adaptation in online communities, noting,

“While subreddit moderators are specific to Reddit, user-driven content moderation is present on all major social media platforms.”

Actions taken now could influence the nature of political dialogue and user trust across platforms in a fundamental way, leaving the door open for further developments.

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Microsoft’s new Bing Wallpaper application has drawn significant criticism for including features that resemble malware behavior, leading to widespread concern among users. Released for Windows 10 and 11, the app automatically changes wallpapers daily but conceals multiple intrusive functionalities.

Software engineer Rafael Rivera reported these findings, prompting conversations about user privacy and application integrity.

The Bing Wallpaper app, available on the Microsoft Store, is designed to enhance user experience with a rotating selection of images. However, it has come under scrutiny for its darker functionalities. Rivera’s analysis revealed that the application installs Bing Visual Search without user consent and prompts users to make Bing their default search engine across various browsers, including Firefox and Chrome.

Moreover, the app incorporates code to “peruse and decrypt” cookies from browsers like Edge, Chrome, and Firefox, raising privacy concerns. It also accesses the geolocation web API, which likely collects location data without clear user notification.

On top of these invasive features, the application suggests making Microsoft Edge the default browser while actively launching tabs in other browsers that recommend activating a Microsoft Bing Search extension.

Rivera categorized Bing Wallpaper as employing several “nasty tricks” reminiscent of unwanted software. This discovery has led tech experts to label it a potentially unwanted program (PUP). Rivera’s findings have been substantiated by various reports, as several users express distrust towards the app’s intentions and functionality.

The backdrop to these accusations is not the first time Microsoft has come under fire for perceived privacy invasions. Similar concerns surfaced with the introduction of the Recall feature in Windows 11, which captured screenshots of user activities for creating a searchable timeline. Although this feature has been confirmed as optional and uninstallable, the current situation surrounding the Bing Wallpaper app signals ongoing issues with privacy protections in Microsoft’s offerings.

The community hated the Bing Wallpaper app

The online response has been largely negative, with many users advising against installing Bing Wallpaper. Rivera’s insights have prompted an array of discussions about the implications for user privacy and the increasingly invasive nature of formerly innocuous applications.

Commentators have noted that such behavior is typically associated with malware, enhancing the feeling of distrust towards the application. Social media platforms echo the sentiment, as users vocalize their discomfort with the app’s hidden agendas.

As users navigate these concerns, it remains unclear how Microsoft will respond to the backlash. Investigations into the cloud behavior of Bing Wallpaper and the broader context of consumer protection are ongoing, highlighting potential risks associated with trusting software applications.

The tech community continues to advocate for transparency and user autonomy, emphasizing that users should maintain control over their software environments.

Image credits: Microsoft

WhatsApp has officially launched a new feature that transcribes voice messages into text for all users, following a year of testing. This update allows users to read the contents of voice messages without playing the audio, enhancing communication in situations where listening is impractical. The feature will roll out globally and is accessible to users on iOS and Android.

WhatsApp launches voice message transcription for all users

With the transcription feature, WhatsApp processes voice messages on-device after the audio is downloaded, ensuring that transcription remains private. As noted in a recent blog post by Meta, the company aims to make connecting with friends and family more personal while recognizing that voice messages can, at times, be cumbersome to listen to, particularly in loud environments. This new capability allows users to catch important details without needing to stop what they are doing.

Currently, the automatic transcription supports only a limited number of languages, including English, Portuguese, Spanish, and Russian. Meta has stated that the feature’s global rollout should reach all users over the coming weeks. Users on iOS have broader support for multiple languages compared to their Android counterparts, with plans for ongoing expansion in language support.

The launch comes on the heels of a similar feature introduced by Apple for iMessage in iOS 17, which provides transcription for audio messages in various languages. While both platforms are incorporating this valuable functionality, it is still unclear if or how this will impact user preference between platforms.

To enable voice message transcription, users need to navigate to the WhatsApp settings, select “Chats,” and turn on the “Voice message transcripts” option. This feature is disabled by default to respect user preferences.

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Apple is developing a new version of Siri, powered by advanced large language models (LLMs), to enhance user interaction for iOS 19 and macOS 16, with a potential launch in spring 2026. The revamped Siri aims to offer a more conversational experience comparable to ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini.

According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the new assistant, referred to internally as “LLM Siri,” is currently being tested within a separate app structure and will eventually replace the existing Siri interface.

The upgrade intends to bolster Siri’s capabilities, allowing for advanced task handling and more human-like interactions. The integration of new AI models aims to enable Siri to summarize and write text, as well as provide more precise control over third-party applications via App Intents. This development follows the recent introduction of Apple Intelligence features in iOS 18, which enhanced Siri’s functionality but is viewed as the precursor to a bigger AI shift.

Apple plans to announce iOS 19 and macOS 16 at WWDC 2025, where further details about LLM Siri are expected. Meanwhile, ongoing improvements are set for earlier iOS versions, such as enhancements coming with iOS 18.2, currently in beta, which will include ChatGPT integration and performance upgrades.

Additionally, features to allow Siri to understand personal context and perform app actions are targeted for iOS 18.3 and subsequent versions.

VP says it is not a ChatGPT copycat

In a recent statement, Apple senior vice president of software Craig Federighi emphasized that while similarities may exist between Siri and OpenAI’s models, the two serve different functions. Federighi highlighted that Siri excels at practical tasks, like opening doors or sending messages, which are critical in everyday use.

This distinction sets the foundation for Apple’s goal to maintain user privacy while leveraging advanced AI capabilities—an area where the company aims to outperform its competitors.

While full details about LLM Siri remain under wraps, the strategic direction indicates a conscious effort on Apple’s part to enhance its digital assistant’s relevance in a rapidly advancing AI market.

Why Siri isn’t ChatGPT: Federighi on Apple’s approach to AI

By gradually rolling out improvements, Apple positions itself as a contender in the AI assistant space, attempting to integrate comprehensive functionalities in a way that aligns with its privacy-oriented philosophy.

Ongoing developments in AI capabilities are leading towards enhanced user experiences, with Apple firmly in the mix. As investigations continue into practical applications and user feedback, the landscape for AI-driven digital assistants is evolving, highlighting ongoing efforts from major players in the tech industry.

Featured image credit: Apple

YouTube has announced an expansion of its AI-powered auto-dubbing feature, designed to enhance content accessibility for creators and international audiences. This rollout comes as part of YouTube’s efforts to help independent creators break language barriers and reach wider audiences effectively. Creators can now automatically translate their videos into multiple languages, including Spanish, Portuguese, French, and Italian, among others, upon upload.

The auto-dubbing feature, first introduced last year, initially served a limited group of creators. Following the pilot, YouTube confirmed that it would expand access to hundreds of thousands of creators. The tool allows for the translation of videos originally in English and other languages to be dubbed automatically, with a simple opt-out option for those who prefer it. This expansion is expected to significantly benefit independent musicians and content creators who previously struggled to afford professional dubbing services.

YouTube’s auto-dubbing feature aims to provide a more natural-sounding audio experience, reflecting the creator’s tone and intonation. The latest enhancements include a development that preserves the ambiance of the original audio in the dubbed version, creating a more authentic and immersive experience for viewers. This improvement positions YouTube as a leader in leveraging AI technology to enhance user experience and accessibility.

Creators selecting the new auto-dubbing feature will notice its functionality when uploading fresh content. The automated system will not apply retroactively to existing videos at this initial rollout phase. Although the feature supports several languages, YouTube plans to incorporate additional languages in subsequent updates, further broadening its global reach.

YouTube is not alone in the arena of AI translation innovations. Competing platforms like Spotify and Meta have introduced similar tools designed to enhance user engagement through automated language translations and voice cloning. Spotify has developed a feature that aims to provide a personal touch to podcast listeners, while Meta recently launched a universal language translator named SeamlessM4T, capable of handling over 100 languages.

YouTube’s expansion of auto-dubbing capabilities

The ongoing developments surrounding YouTube’s auto-dubbing will undoubtedly expand access for creators hoping to maximize their reach globally. The AI-powered tool will automatically translate and dub English language videos into several languages, now including German, Hindi, Indonesian, and Japanese, effectively making it easier for content creators to cater to a multi-lingual audience.

All creators interested in enabling this feature will receive notifications via email as YouTube rolls it out, ensuring a smooth transition into a more inclusive content-sharing platform.

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The expectation of this tool democratizes the process of content creation on YouTube, making it accessible even for those without substantial resources.

While YouTube sets the stage for a more globally connected creator economy with its auto-dubbing feature, the ongoing performance and reliability of AI technology in accurately translating content remain in focus as advancements continue.

Further developments in this area are anticipated as the rollout progresses, keeping both creators and audiences engaged during this technological evolution.

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According to Android Headlines‘ exclusive article, Google plans to halt the development of its Pixel Tablet 3, as confirmed by multiple industry sources. This cancellation, revealed last week, involved communicating the decision to the teams involved, who are reportedly being reassigned to other projects.

Google cancels Pixel Tablet 3 development amidst strategy shift

Google’s foray into tablets has been inconsistent over the years. After announcing its exit from the tablet market in 2019, Google re-entered with the Pixel Tablet, released in 2023, only to revert to its earlier stance almost immediately. The Pixel Tablet was aimed at being a competitive alternative to Apple’s iPads; however, its reception revealed that Google was not fully committed to the tablet experience. The Pixel Tablet 3, internally codenamed Kiyomi, was anticipated as the next step in Google’s tablet evolution, but sources confirm it will not materialize.

The cancellation reflects a broader lack of faith in the tablet format within Google, evidenced by the company’s decision not to integrate substantial tablet-specific features into Android. The upcoming Pixel Tablet 2 is now expected to be the last device of its kind, at least for the foreseeable future. Despite these setbacks, development continues within the Android team to enhance features for existing and future tablet and foldable devices.

Sources highlighted that this decision significantly alters Google’s hardware plans, moving beyond mere internal discussions and beginning to impact external partnerships. The Pixel Tablet 2, while set to launch next year, is now viewed as potentially lacking any substantial upgrades since its successor has been scrapped.

The Pixel Tablet was marketed as a premium product but received criticism for its design, which some compared to cheaper alternatives. The device’s inclusion of a speaker dock was one of its few redeeming features. Unfortunately, the cancellation of its successor leaves the Pixel Tablet 2 somewhat obsolete before its release.

Google’s decision appears to focus on the integration of Chrome OS and Android, steering attention towards potential laptop developments.

Featured image credit: Google

Apple’s transition from the iPhone mini to the iPhone Plus is proving fruitful as the latter has garnered significant consumer favor. Reports reveal that the iPhone Plus achieved a 13% market share in 2024, contrasting sharply with the iPhone mini’s decline from 7% in 2022 to just 1% in 2023. Consumer Intelligence Research Partners (CIRP) has analyzed these shifts, indicating a clear trend towards larger iPhone models among users.

Why the iPhone Plus is outshining the Mini in 2024 sales

The latest data from CIRP highlights the performance of Apple’s current iPhone lineup, emphasizing a notable preference for larger devices. The statistics reveal the following breakdown for 2024 sales percentages: 42% for the base iPhone model, 26% for the iPhone Pro Max, 19% for the iPhone Pro, and 13% for the iPhone Plus. This demonstrates Apple’s strategy of prioritizing larger models is resonating with consumers, as both the iPhone Pro Max and Plus versions, despite being more expensive, utilize comparable components to the base models.

Given these trends, Apple’s decision to phase out the compact mini in favor of the Plus model appears strategically sound. This shift aligns with consumer preferences for larger screens, which are typically associated with a better user experience. Importantly, while the iPhone Plus has captured market interest, the base model maintains its lead as the best-selling category overall.

CIRP’s report sheds light on the nuances of iPhone sales. While it might seem surprising that the base model leads in overall sales, a closer look contextualizes this trend. Each year, Apple releases only one Pro and one Pro Max model at a time, while multiple base model variations are typically available. This discrepancy skews the perception of what it means to be a top seller in terms of individual models versus model classes.

Apple iPhone SE 4 will be on shelves in March 2025

In 2024, the base iPhone model’s sales reflect strong consumer preference not merely due to its affordability but also its range. Apple’s marketing strategy allows for multiple options within the base and Plus segments, amplifying their appeal. Despite often being perceived as a budget option, the base model’s popularity stems from its accessibility and the robust specifications that Apple maintains across its models.

This analysis also showcases the iPhone Pro Max as the frontrunner when isolated from the broader category sales. Instead of drawing conclusions based solely on aggregate numbers, the individual model performance highlights the success stories within Apple’s lineup. The iPhone Pro Max, celebrated for its high-end features, continues to attract a discerning customer base willing to invest in premium devices.

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WhatsApp is introducing options for users to unsubscribe from business marketing messages, addressing concerns over spam, TechCrunch reports. As the platform approaches 200 million business users, this change aims to enhance user experience while balancing revenue for the platform.

WhatsApp tests new unsubscribe options for business messages

WhatsApp has announced testing of features allowing users to manage their preferences regarding business marketing messages. The platform, utilized by over 200 million businesses, previously offered no means for users to selectively unsubscribe from communications without blocking the entire business account. Users will now be able to respond with options such as “interested/not interested” or “stop/resume” to provide businesses with feedback on the messages they wish to receive.

The update comes as WhatsApp seeks to improve user satisfaction by reducing the number of unwanted marketing communications that often clutter personal chat inboxes. The company plans to roll out these testing features globally, with users in countries like India and Brazil being primary targets, where WhatsApp serves as a significant communication tool.

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Currently, businesses communicate through WhatsApp’s API, categorizing messages into marketing, utility, authentication, and service types. However, customers lacked granularity in controlling which type of messages they would receive. Meta, WhatsApp’s parent company, is beginning to implement these additional controls, responding to criticism regarding the management of business messaging.

Meta’s VP of product management for messaging monetization, Nikila Srinivasan, remarked on the need for transparency in business interactions. She noted that users can express their preferences by blocking and reporting unwanted business contacts, emphasizing user control in shaping their experience on the platform.

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Threads has launched its custom feeds feature following a brief testing phase. This rollout allows users to create tailored feeds based on specific topics and accounts. Meta initiated the testing just days prior, and the swift deployment shows the competitive landscape of social media as Threads aims to counter the growing popularity of rival platform Bluesky.

Threads launches custom feeds feature to enhance user engagement

The custom feeds functionality enables users to track topics and accounts seamlessly in a single feed. By searching for topics and accessing the three-dots menu next to the search bar, users can create feeds that aggregate information about multiple subjects. This allows for a more personalized experience as individuals can also include specific accounts, enhancing the versatility of the content they see. Users can create up to 128 custom feeds, providing substantial customization options.

This rapid deployment follows Bluesky’s recent success, bringing its user base to over 20 million, with growth rates reportedly exceeding one million new users per day as stated by Bluesky CEO Jay Graber. As Threads aims to retain users who might be exploring alternatives, it remains significantly larger than Bluesky, boasting more than 275 million users, per recent statements from Instagram head Adam Mosseri. Mosseri also indicated that Threads is seeing more than a million daily sign-ups as well.

The introduction of custom feeds addresses criticisms surrounding Threads’ previous algorithmic approach, which some users found overly manipulated. Users had expressed frustration at the prevalence of low-quality engagement-driven posts in their feeds. The custom feeds feature allows for pinning topic-specific feeds to the home screen, providing a direct response to user demands for improved content curation.

Threads focus on enhancing user experience and meeting the needs of its growing audience. While Bluesky has made headway in attracting users seeking alternatives to the established platforms, Threads is actively pursuing measures to maintain its user base.

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The competition among social media platforms is intensifying as they scramble to offer features that will keep users engaged. With both Threads and Bluesky introducing custom feeds, it remains to be seen how these changes will impact user retention and overall growth. Meanwhile, Threads continues to emphasize user-centric features aimed at enhancing personalized engagement.

Threads’ user growth indicates a healthy trajectory, but with rival platforms innovating rapidly, the pressure to sustain momentum is evident.

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Apple is preparing to launch the iPhone SE 4 in March 2025, confirming recent rumors surrounding its release. Barclays analyst Tom O’Malley provided this information in a research note following a visit to Asian electronics manufacturers, MacRumors reports. The new model is expected to feature an Apple-designed 5G modem, a shift that aligns with Apple’s ongoing efforts to reduce reliance on Qualcomm.

iPhone SE 4 will reportedly feature Apple’s own 5G modem

According to O’Malley, Apple plans to unveil the fourth-generation iPhone SE toward the end of the first quarter next year. This aligns with information from Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman, who indicated earlier that Apple would start production soon, aiming for a March announcement. The SE 4 is reported to include a 6.1-inch OLED display, Face ID, and a USB-C port, addressing features that were missing from the previous models.

Current specifications speculate an A18 chip, alongside 8GB of RAM, which would enable enhanced Apple Intelligence capabilities. The phone is likely to sport a single 48-megapixel rear camera, with storage options starting at 128GB. Despite the upgrades, the price is expected to range from $499 to $549, representing an increase from the iPhone SE 3’s initial price of $429.

The evolution of the iPhone SE series reflects Apple’s strategy to appeal to budget-conscious consumers while offering updated technology. The third-generation iPhone SE, launched in March 2022, retained a design reminiscent of the iPhone 8, featuring larger bezels and a Home button with Touch ID. The new model appears to be a significant step forward in terms of aesthetics and capabilities.

Why iPhone SE 4 will rule affordable smartphone market

In terms of connectivity, the introduction of Apple’s own 5G modem is notable. Analysts have stated that this development could lead to improved integration of hardware and software, although it remains unclear if it will offer distinct advantages over Qualcomm’s existing offerings. Apple has been working on this in-house modem technology since 2018, a move that aims to strengthen its competitive edge in mobile technologies.

O’Malley’s research note also comes alongside historical context. Apple extended its licensing agreement with Qualcomm earlier this year, indicating that while Apple develops its modem, it still relies on Qualcomm for upcoming models, with agreements in place through 2026. This ongoing relationship is crucial as Apple transitions its modem supply chain.

As anticipation builds for the iPhone SE 4 launch, it is noteworthy that the budget model could now compete more directly with premium devices in terms of specifications and price, inviting a broader range of consumers to consider it. Additionally, the iPhone SE’s specifications may serve as a precursor for what to expect from future flagship models.

The iPhone SE 4 is poised for a March 2025 release, promising upgraded features and capabilities alongside a potential price increase. Apple’s strategic developments in modem technology could also play a significant role in shaping its upcoming devices and impact consumer choices in the smartphone market. Investigations are ongoing as more details are confirmed leading up to the launch.

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The Pixel Weather app is introducing a pollen count card and immersive weather vibrations in a new update. Google announced these features with the October 2024 Pixel Drop.

Pollen counts, presently allow users to monitor tree, grass, and weed pollen levels with a 3-5 day forecast. Immersive weather vibrations offer haptic feedback that syncs with animated weather conditions.

While these updates are rolling out server-side, users can expect further availability soon.

New features in the Pixel Weather app

The Pixel Weather app’s pollen count card can be found at the bottom of the weather feed. Users can tap on it to see pollen levels, which categorize counts for tree, grass, and weed pollen, along with a forecast that provides insights for the next few days.

Descriptions of pollen types prevalent on specific days accompany the data, enhancing users’ understanding of local conditions. Although the feature is limited to select markets, users globally can access the readings.

Developed for the Pixel 8 and newer, the immersive weather vibrations feature provides haptic feedback that corresponds to weather animations. These vibrations adapt in intensity based on precipitation density, creating a more engaging user experience. The haptic feedback is automatically enabled for these devices but can be toggled off in the settings menu.

Google has designed these new features with user safety in mind. Immersive vibrations will automatically turn off during severe weather conditions or when Battery Saver mode is activated.

Availability and updates for users

Currently, the pollen count feature is rolling out in the following countries:

• France
• Germany
• Italy
• United Kingdom

Google has indicated plans to broaden access, but no specific timeline has been provided. The app’s ability to let users view pollen metrics from different countries offers a glimpse into enhanced global usability, although the core feature remains location-restricted for now.

The Weather app has become widely downloadable via Google Play for devices starting from Pixel 6 and up. These updates, including the pollen count and immersive weather vibrations, are part of a server-side roll-out, indicating that users may see the changes appear gradually rather than all at once.

As the rollout continues, users in eligible regions are encouraged to explore these new features in the Pixel Weather app, ensuring they can take advantage of the latest advancements from Google.

The combination of actionable health data through pollen counts and an engaging user experience via immersive vibrations is expected to establish a new standard for weather applications on mobile devices.

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Apple has officially ended its butterfly keyboard repair program for MacBooks, a move that impacts many users dissatisfied with the notorious keyboard design. The program, which was active for nearly six and a half years, offered free repairs for affected MacBook models sold between 2015 and 2020. Customers facing issues with the butterfly keyboard will now need to explore third-party repair options, as Apple will no longer cover the costs of repair.

Apple ends butterfly keyboard repair program for MacBooks

The butterfly keyboard was introduced in March 2015 with the 12-inch MacBook, bringing a new low-profile switch mechanism, which Apple touted as thinner and more stable than previous models. Despite these claims, users quickly reported significant issues, including sticky and unresponsive keys. In 2018, Apple launched a Keyboard Service Program to address these widespread complaints, allowing users to get repairs at no charge for several models, including the MacBook, MacBook Air, and MacBook Pro.

The history of the butterfly keyboard’s problems

The problems began surfacing prominently after the introduction of the second-generation butterfly keyboard with the 2016 MacBook Pro. Complaints escalated to a class-action lawsuit in May 2018, alleging that Apple knowingly distributed defective keyboards. By June 2018, after acknowledging a “small percentage” of defects, Apple initiated the repair program.

The program included various models, specifically:

• Retina MacBook (12-inch, Early 2015 to 2017)
• MacBook Air (Retina, 13-inch, 2018 and 2019)
• MacBook Pro (13-inch and 15-inch models, 2016 to 2019)

Apple’s program covered specific keyboard issues, such as letters not appearing when pressed, sticky keys, and erratic character repetitions. While the window for free repairs was extended for up to four years past the retail sale of affected models, it officially concluded last week. With the discontinuation of the repair program, users must now handle any remaining keyboard issues at their own expense.

Settlement details following the class-action lawsuit

In addition to the ongoing complaints, a class-action lawsuit prompted Apple to agree to a $50 million settlement in July 2022. Affected customers could claim between $50 and $395 based on the extent and cost of their repairs. Payments from the settlement began flowing to eligible claimants by August 2024, providing some financial relief to users burdened by extensive repair costs. However, only users in select states like California and Florida were covered by the settlement, further complicating the matter for those outside the jurisdiction.

From 2019 onward, Apple began to shift away from the butterfly mechanism, notably with the release of the 16-inch MacBook Pro using a traditional scissor-switch keyboard. The transition to the Magic Keyboard continued through to the 2020 MacBook Air and 13-inch MacBook Pro, marking an official end to the butterfly keyboard era. Notably, all recent models equipped with Apple silicon chips have consistently used the scissor-switch design, which has seen far fewer reported reliability issues.

The repairs were strictly for malfunctioning butterfly keyboards; Apple did not automatically replace functional keyboards. As the final participating models were phased out, the program concluded, leaving many previous MacBook owners uncertain about their keyboard reliability moving forward.

The last remaining models featuring the butterfly keyboard were officially discontinued by November 2020. Apple’s current lineup comprises new models that integrate the more reliable scissor-switch mechanism—a move welcomed by many long-suffering users of the butterfly keyboard.

As many users now confront the discontinuation of free repairs, the experience surrounding Apple’s butterfly keyboard has left a lasting mark.

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Microsoft is set to revolutionize communication with a new AI interpreter feature for Teams, allowing participants to engage in meetings using their preferred languages. Announced on November 19, this update supports near-real-time voice interpretation in nine languages, including Mandarin, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese (Brazil), and Spanish. A limited testing phase is currently underway, with broader availability expected in 2025 for users with a Microsoft 365 Copilot license.

Microsoft Teams adds functionality to help users converse in different languages during meetings

The introduction of the AI interpreter aims to democratize access to interpreters, offering cost-effective solutions compared to human counterparts. According to Nicole Herskowitz, corporate vice president of productivity and collaboration for Copilot, the goal is to provide “a high-quality translation experience” for companies that may not have the resources for traditional interpreting services.

Consent from users is required for the interpreter to simulate voices during meetings. Users can opt out of voice replication, allowing the AI to use a default interpretation voice instead. The feature is designed to make multilingual meetings accessible, offering a seamless translation experience. Microsoft is expanding its capabilities in response to industry demands, as evidenced by similar offerings from companies like Google, Salesforce, and Zoom, all of which have introduced AI-driven products to enhance user experience.

The technology behind this AI interpreter stems from a rising trend in voice simulators. Notably, New York Mayor Eric Adams utilized AI simulators to promote local events in multiple languages, connecting with residents in ways he could not do fluently. This technology extends beyond business applications, aiding individuals with speech impairments to communicate effectively once again.

While the AI interpreter in Teams aims to provide accurate translations, Herskowitz cautions that it may not always achieve 100% accuracy. To mitigate potential errors, Teams will soon offer a multi-language transcription service, allowing users to view the original spoken language alongside the interpreted version. This dual-display feature seeks to enhance understanding and comprehension during meetings.

Microsoft has plans to further enrich the Teams experience with additional features including Copilot Actions, which will automate recurring tasks like summarizing client interactions or providing updates for meeting preparations. This functionality is currently in private testing, reflecting Microsoft’s commitment to streamlining workflows for users.

Moreover, Microsoft is developing tools enabling users to create custom AI bots tailored to specific queries, leveraging knowledge from dedicated file repositories. This can improve team efficiency by enabling quick access to information relevant to particular projects or clients.

The AI interpreter’s capabilities set it apart from existing interpretation solutions. While platforms like Zoom have previously introduced options for live interpreters, Microsoft’s approach utilizes voice simulation technology to create a more engaging and personalized experience. Zoom’s interpretation feature, available since 2022, focuses on real-time audio channels for human interpreters and captioning in multiple languages.

By early 2025, users can expect features like Teams Super Resolution—to improve video call clarity during poor internet connectivity—and AI tools for image enhancement that will assist developers in refining visual content.

Featured image credit: Microsoft

Google has launched the Android 16 Developer Preview 1. Set for a general release in the second quarter of 2025, the developer preview introduces significant upgrades, including improved photo sharing, enhanced privacy measures, and an upgraded Health Connect app.

What’s new in Android 16 Developer Preview 1?

The Android 16 Developer Preview 1 is available now, surprising many as Google traditionally announces developer previews in February. This marks a significant shift from the usual timeline, allowing developers early access to test features and align with upcoming hardware releases. Matthew McCullough, head of Android Developer, emphasized the goal of creating “more frequent API releases” to drive faster innovation across apps and devices.

The new features include an embedded photo picker that simplifies sharing images and videos without granting apps full access to the user’s storage. This addresses a previous limitation where many apps avoided adopting such options due to a lack of direct integration. This innovation aims to enhance user experience significantly by making media sharing more seamless.

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Additionally, Android 16 integrates an upgraded Privacy Sandbox, which is a major aspect of Google’s ongoing efforts to replace Android’s advertising ID. While specific details about the updated Privacy Sandbox are limited at this stage, it signals a move towards better privacy and security measures on the platform.

A standout feature in Android 16 Developer Preview 1 is the revamped Health Connect app. Google has introduced an early version of APIs that allows applications to read and write medical records in FHIR format. This capability facilitates sharing medical data and records with various apps and devices, echoing similar features available on Apple’s iPhone health systems. Users will be able to grant explicit consent for data sharing, enhancing the ecosystem for health and fitness applications.

Projected timeline for Android 16 rollout

The developer preview is structured to include two additional previews and four beta releases before the final version rolls out. Notably, the Platform Stability phase is scheduled for March 2025, when APIs will be finalized to allow developers ample time to optimize their applications for the official release.

The anticipated timeline for Android 16 includes two developer previews and four subsequent beta versions leading up to the general release. Here’s the projected schedule:

• Today: Android 16 Developer Preview 1
• December 2024: Android 16 Developer Preview 2
• January 2025: Android 16 Beta 1
• February 2025: Android 16 Beta 2
• March 2025: Android 16 Beta 3
• April 2025: Android 16 Beta 4

With this timeline, the first public beta is expected in January 2025, leading to a final release after April, likely around Google’s annual I/O event where the latest Android updates are typically showcased. This is a strategic move aimed at reducing the release window for updates and enabling third-party manufacturers and devices to adopt new features without lengthy delays.

Images: Google 

Microsoft has introduced the Windows 365 Link device, a new $349 mini PC designed to stream Windows from the cloud. Announced on November 19, 2024, at Microsoft Ignite, this lightweight solution is aimed at businesses looking to reduce hardware costs while leveraging cloud technology.

Overview of the Windows 365 Link device

Windows 365 Link operates as a thin client, providing access to cloud-based Windows 11. The device is compact, fanless, and specifically engineered for business environments, allowing employees to use local monitors and peripherals. Pavan Davuluri, Microsoft’s head of Windows and Surface, emphasized that “the focus of Link is the Windows 365 part of it,” aiming for a streamlined and efficient user experience from setup to login.

Despite its small size, the Windows 365 Link is backed by a lightweight operating system designed solely for cloud connectivity. It supports a basic hardware configuration with an undisclosed Intel processor, 8GB of RAM, and 64GB of storage. The internal components play a minor role, merely facilitating the connection to the cloud.

On the back of the device, users will find two USB-A ports, one USB-C port, a DisplayPort, an HDMI port, and an Ethernet port. Additionally, Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 are included for enhanced wireless connectivity. This diverse selection of ports allows for easy integration with various peripherals.

Windows 365 Link is targeted towards corporate customers who benefit from hardware that can efficiently stream from cloud virtual machines. This approach reduces the need for expensive local computers, offering an economical alternative for organizations. Security is also a priority; all data remains encrypted within the cloud, minimizing the risk of offline data breaches. However, without an internet connection, the device becomes inoperative.

Microsoft stresses that the simplicity of the Link device in a corporate environment minimizes management overhead for IT teams. It integrates easily with Microsoft Intune, requiring little configuration. David Weston, vice president of enterprise and OS security at Microsoft, described it as “a super hardened version of Windows,” highlighting its security features designed to withstand potential cyber threats.

Lazarus Group targets macOS with RustyAttr trojan malware

While there are competitors like HP, Dell, and Lenovo offering thin client PCs at competitive prices, Microsoft positions the Windows 365 Link as a better alternative by focusing on the compatibility with its Windows 365 service. The device is designed for easy transitions between users, making it suitable for hot desking scenarios where different employees may need to access their customized setups quickly.

Pricing

Scheduled for release in April 2025, the Windows 365 Link will retail at $349 but requires a Windows 365 subscription, starting at $28 per month. This pricing structure ensures that while the device itself is accessible, ongoing service costs need to be considered for businesses looking to adopt the platform.

Moreover, Microsoft is anticipating further developments and expansions in the Windows 365 ecosystem. “We look forward to expanding offerings as well, scaling with our OEM partners in 2025,” Davuluri stated, indicating future collaborations and possibly different configurations of the device.

Image credits: Microsoft

Google is working on reducing notifications for Pixel devices when unlocked via smartwatches. This change will only prompt alerts based on the distance between the phone and the paired smartwatch, aiming to enhance user experience.

Google reduces unlocking notifications for Pixel smartwatches

Last year, Google introduced the Watch Unlock feature for Pixel Watches, allowing users to unlock their devices effortlessly while wearing a paired smartwatch. However, users have frequently complained about the incessant “Unlocked by your watch” notifications that appear every time the phone is unlocked. In response, Google is now refining this feature to alleviate user frustration.

An APK teardown of the latest beta version of Google Play Services (version 24.46.30 beta) reveals the upcoming adjustments according to an Android Authority report. The proposed system will minimize unlocking notifications to instances where there is a significant distance between the phone and the smartwatch. This change seeks to decrease unnecessary notifications when devices are in close proximity, effectively making the unlocking process smoother and less disruptive.

The steps being taken by Google are timely, given the growing number of users adopting smartwatches. Channeling their focus on user convenience, the updated Watch Unlock feature will alert users only when distance metrics indicate the need for a notification. By implementing distance-based calculations, Google appears poised to enhance the smartphone-wearable pairing experience significantly.

The motivation behind this change lies in creating a more refined interaction model between Pixel devices and their corresponding smartwatches. Presently, every unlock event triggers an alert—a scenario that many users find annoying. This revision, therefore, directly addresses a prevalent pain point in the user experience.

As an example of how this feature might work, if a user locks their Pixel phone and walks away from their smartwatch, an “Unlocked by your watch” notification may pop up if they are far enough apart. However, users won’t see this notification if their phone and watch are close together, thus cutting down on superfluous alerts significantly. Such alterations indicate how tech giants are increasingly attuned to the nuanced needs of their customer bases, especially as wearables become an integral part of everyday life.

If you bought a Pixel phone after 2017, you’re in danger

Google has not provided a definite launch date for the updated Watch Unlock notifications. However, users are encouraged to keep an eye on future updates from Google Play Services or relevant tech reports. This potential shift in notifications reflects a growing priority on user comfort and convenience in technological interactions, something that could greatly enhance user satisfaction across Google’s ecosystem.

Further updates will clarify when users can expect this refined feature to be available for all.

Featured image credit: Google

Apple may have not given up on TV sets, as recent reports indicate a renewed interest in developing its own television model. Over a decade after Steve Jobs envisioned a revolution in the TV industry, now Apple is reportedly reconsidering entering the market again. This re-evaluation comes amid speculation about a new smart home device expected in spring 2025.

Apple reconsiders launch of branded television set

Steve Jobs initially sought to transform the television landscape with an easy-to-use, Apple-branded TV set before his untimely death halted plans. According to Bloomberg, Apple is once again “revisiting the idea of making an Apple-branded TV set.” However, the company is still in the evaluation phase, leaving many details about potential product development unclear.

Currently, Apple markets the Apple TV streaming boxes, providing users with various features that integrate with the Apple ecosystem, including FaceTime calls and access to Fitness Plus. An Apple TV set would likely incorporate the tvOS software, potentially adding enhanced features like a built-in FaceTime camera. Despite this renewed interest, indications suggest that a launch is not imminent; the details remain vague, suggesting nothing concrete is on the horizon for the near future.

In the context of this speculation, Apple is primarily focused on releasing a new smart home device. This iPad-like device aims to serve as a centralized hub for users’ smart home technology, with a potential announcement planned for spring 2025. The shift in focus implies that while Apple is contemplating a TV set, the primary direction is toward enhancing smart home integration.

Apple’s first foray into smart home camera market

Despite the persistent rumors of a television product, analysts point out the challenges Apple would face entering the saturated TV market. For over 15 years, rumors have circulated regarding an Apple-built TV, with many considering the Apple TV as a “hobby” project rather than a primary revenue driver for the company. Tim Cook historically expressed disinterest in the television sector, emphasizing that Apple would need to bring something unique to the market to succeed.

The Apple TV+ streaming service, while gaining some traction, captured only 3% of the market share in 2022. This statistic illustrates the competitive nature of the streaming landscape, prompting Apple to broaden access to its services across various platforms. With numerous smart TVs now integrating Apple TV capabilities, it raises the question of how an Apple-branded television would differentiate itself.

Featured image credit: Kelly Sikkema/Unsplash

Kim Kardashian has once again captivated the internet, but this time, it’s not about her SKIMS empire or her personal life. On November 18, the entrepreneur and reality TV star introduced the world to her newest luxury gadget—a Tesla Robot.

Dubbed Optimus, this humanoid robot is the latest innovation from Tesla, blending advanced AI with practical functionality.

What does the Tesla Robot do in Kim Kardashian’s video?

In a series of entertaining social media clips, Kim Kardashian demonstrated the Tesla Robot’s impressive abilities. From mimicking hand gestures to playing Rock, Paper, Scissors, and even blowing kisses, the Tesla Robot showcased a range of interactive capabilities.

meet my new friend 🦾🤖 @Tesla pic.twitter.com/C34OvPA2dY

— Kim Kardashian (@KimKardashian) November 18, 2024

Of course, this isn’t just a toy —Optimus is designed for more than fun and games. Tesla CEO Elon Musk envisions these robots performing mundane tasks, potentially changing industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, and beyond.

Some of the things the Tesla Robot can do:

• Articulated motion: Optimus is equipped with multiple joints to mimic human-like flexibility.
• Task automation: It can perform repetitive or physically taxing tasks, making it ideal for factory work, household chores, or care settings.
• Interactive intelligence: Demonstrated in Kim Kardashian’s videos, Optimus can replicate gestures, respond to prompts, and even engage in light gameplay, such as Rock, Paper, and Scissors.

Optimus stands out for its humanoid design, which allows it to replicate human movements and perform tasks requiring precision and dexterity.

Kim Kardashian’s high-tech collaboration with Tesla

Kim Kardashian’s video sparked discussions about Tesla’s latest innovations and their mainstream appeal. In addition to the Tesla Robot, Kardashian flaunted a gold version of Optimus and a yet-to-be-released Tesla Cybercab, underlining Tesla’s knack for blending futuristic designs with practical utility.

Optimus is here to take mw for a ride in the Cybercab pic.twitter.com/gxOSbsY3vv

— Kim Kardashian (@KimKardashian) November 19, 2024

Whether these gadgets are personal purchases or part of a promotional collaboration remains unclear, but the buzz they’ve generated is undeniable.

Tesla Robot release date and price

As Elon showcased in the Tesla We Robot event, Optimus is currently in its second generation of development, with Tesla targeting full production by 2026. Internal testing may begin as early as 2025, particularly in Tesla facilities.

According to Tesla, the expected price range for the Optimus robot will be $20,000 to $30,000, a remarkably competitive figure for advanced robotics.

Optimus’s capabilities are powered by Tesla’s advancements in AI and hardware engineering:

1. Neural network-based AI: Leveraging Tesla’s neural network systems, Optimus processes environmental data to make context-aware decisions.
2. Autonomous functionality: Optimus incorporates elements of Tesla’s autonomous vehicle software, enabling it to navigate spaces, perform tasks, and adapt to new challenges without requiring explicit programming.
3. Energy efficiency: Optimus is designed for energy efficiency, utilizing Tesla’s proprietary battery technologies. This makes it capable of extended operation on a single charge.

Kim Kardashian’s playful demonstrations of Optimus have helped bridge the gap between technical innovation and mainstream appeal. By showcasing the robot’s interactive abilities, Tesla has effectively positioned Optimus as not only a tool for industrial efficiency but also a personal gadget with potential consumer appeal.

Humanoid robots and us

Tesla’s Optimus isn’t just a luxury gadget; it represents a pivotal moment in AI and robotics. The potential to integrate robots like Optimus into homes and workplaces poses significant ethical, social, and economic questions.

How will they impact employment? Can we ensure data privacy and security as these robots become part of daily life?

Elon Musk has compared Tesla’s advancements to fulfilling Leonardo da Vinci’s centuries-old vision of human-like machines. But as society embraces these innovations, it must also confront challenges like displacement of workers, privacy concerns, and the redefinition of interpersonal interactions.

Image credits: Tesla

Spotify is shifting focus from music to video content, revealing extensive changes for creators while leaving its long-awaited Hi-Fi music tier in limbo. The streaming giant plans to debut ad-free video podcasts in January 2025, enhancing its video offerings and monetization capabilities.

Meanwhile, financial reports indicate that Spotify’s growth strategy prioritizes podcasts as a primary revenue source over high-fidelity music streaming.

Spotify prioritizes video podcasts over music quality

In a recent earnings call, Spotify CEO Daniel Ek addressed the long-deferred Hi-Fi tier initially promised in 2017, acknowledging ongoing work but refraining from providing a specific timeline for its release. With Spotify depreciating its focus on improving sound quality, the company’s strategy leans heavily towards expanding video content. This includes launching ad-free video podcasts in January 2025, a move aimed at enhancing audience engagement. Spotify has amassed over 300,000 video podcast shows on its platform, underscoring its commitment to this format.

Spotify’s financial health appears robust; its latest report revealed a 21% increase in total revenue and a premium revenue rise by 24%. With monthly active users increasing and its profit margins reaching a record 31.1%, Spotify’s financial success diminishes the urgency to launch a Hi-Fi music service.

Ek suggests that instead of enhancing sound quality, Spotify’s attention is dedicated to cultivating podcast engagement as a significant growth driver. A former music business expert summed this sentiment concisely, indicating that music companies—Spotify included—tend to chase revenue over artistry, with Ek’s net worth of $6.9 billion eclipsing that of renowned musicians like Jay-Z and Taylor Swift. The disparity emphasizes Spotify’s evolving relationship with music, seemingly prioritizing user numbers and financial growth over artistic fidelity.

The launch of Spotify for Creators

At the recent “Now Playing” event in Los Angeles, Spotify introduced its new platform, Spotify for Creators. This all-in-one podcast hosting and analytics service aims to streamline users’ content management experience while offers essential tools for video integration. The upgraded mobile app includes analytics, enhanced monetization options, and features to boost creator-fan interactivity. The event, boasting significant attendance and participation from prominent creators, marked a substantial pivot towards video, reinforcing Spotify’s intention to grow its video presence.

The upcoming launch of uninterrupted video podcasts for Spotify Premium subscribers presents a fresh revenue opportunity for creators. Starting in January, eligible creators can earn revenue from video consumption among these subscribers, bolstering their monetization avenues. Ek emphasized that this new program would provide creators flexibility and financial benefits as viewer interest in video content grows—64% of listeners in 2024 expressed a preference for video podcasts, up from 43% in 2021.

Ek’s assertions included statistics revealing that more than 250 million users have engaged with video podcasts on the platform. He acknowledged the challenge posed by third-party ads in video content, affirming Spotify’s commitment to delivering a superior ad-free viewer experience. This aligns with user preferences while positioning Spotify to harness the benefits of video content alongside its traditional audio offerings.

As Spotify moves ahead with its strategies, the emphasis is increasingly on video engagement rather than the anticipated Hi-Fi audio experience. While the company continues to evolve its podcast portfolio, the anticipated luxuries of high-definition music remain unfulfilled, suggesting that Spotify’s trajectory may favor audience growth and monetization through video over traditional music quality enhancements.

Image credits: Spotify

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) is pushing for Google to sell its Chrome browser in an effort to address concerns over Google’s monopoly in the search market. The push comes after a judge ruled earlier this year that Google maintained an illegal search monopoly. This significant move aims to enhance competition and player diversity within the search engine sector.

Google faces pressure from DOJ to unbundle Android and sell Chrome

According to a Bloomberg report, the DOJ plans to request the trial judge overseeing Google’s antitrust case to mandate the divestiture of Chrome. As the world’s most popular browser, Chrome’s integration with Google Search has been identified as a significant barrier that restricts competition. The DOJ is advocating for measures that would separate Google Search from Chrome and the Android operating system, while stopping short of demanding the sale of Android itself.

The proposed requirements include the necessity for Google to share search data more freely with advertisers, granting them increased control over their ad placements. Furthermore, the DOJ suggests that Google should provide websites with better options to restrict how their content is utilized by Google’s AI systems. Additional recommendations involve the prohibition of exclusive contracts, which have been pivotal in the current case against Google.

In response to the DOJ’s actions, Lee-Anne Mulholland, Google’s Vice President of Regulatory Affairs, criticized the DOJ’s approach, stating that it represents a radical agenda that goes beyond the legal issues at hand. The DOJ’s latest steps appear to be a continuation of a broader initiative to curtail the dominance of large tech companies.

With Chrome being a gateway to various Google services, the government’s perspective is that its bundled nature creates unfair advantages and stifles competition. By selling Chrome, Google would theoretically remove a key tool that it uses to promote its search engine dominance.

The DOJ also seeks to separate Android from its well-established ecosystem, which includes Google Search and Google Play. Although previously the DOJ suggested that Google sell Android entirely, this notion has been revised to focus more on unbundling rather than divestment. This shift indicates a more measured approach to tackling what officials view as anti-competitive practices.

Google faces revived class action Chrome lawsuit over sync data collection

The DOJ’s recommendations also extend to licensing data and allowing rival companies to access Google’s search results. The next steps in this ongoing legal battle include a scheduled two-week hearing in April 2025 where the court will evaluate what changes Google must implement to address its anticompetitive behavior. A final ruling on the matter is expected to be delivered in August 2025.

Through enforcing recommendations that promote competition, the government may set a precedent with monumental implications for tech players and consumers in years to come.

Featured image credit: Growtika/Unsplash

Google is reportedly merging Chrome OS with Android to better compete against the iPad, which has been a dominant force in the tablet market. Sources from Android Authority reveal that this initiative comes as part of a long-term strategy to unify Google’s operating system development efforts. The transition is expected to leverage aspects of Android’s technological framework while phasing out Chrome OS as a standalone platform, aiming for a more comprehensive experience for users.

The decision stems from Google’s recognition of the overlap between their two operating systems, where both Android and Chrome OS have faced challenges in the tablet sector. Despite their successes in different domains, neither has managed to make a significant impact in high-end tablets, dominated by Apple’s iPad.

According to the Android Authority‘s report, Google aims to consolidate its operating systems to streamline engineering resources and address these competitive deficiencies more effectively.

Shifting the operating system market

In June 2024, Google announced plans for Chrome OS to incorporate components from Android, specifically mentioning the adoption of the Android Linux kernel and frameworks. This integration is not merely cosmetic; it reflects a deeper commitment to merging the functionalities of both systems. Chrome OS has provided some Android features, such as Bluetooth capabilities, through its existing tech stack, but the upcoming changes suggest a more radical transformation.

Sources indicate that Google is undertaking a multi-year project to fully migrate Chrome OS to Android. Future Chromebooks are expected to ship with Android as the core operating system. As a result, the anticipated “Pixel Laptop” is likely to be equipped with a new version of desktop Android rather than the traditional Chrome OS.

The intention is clear: Positioning Google’s hardware offerings to effectively rival the Apple ecosystem, particularly in terms of productivity and user engagement.

Enhancements for productivity and user experience

To enable this transition, Google is reportedly enhancing Android features to include more desktop-like functionalities, which are essential for laptop and tablet users. Key improvements in Android will focus on optimizing keyboard and mouse support, introducing external monitor compatibility, and allowing multiple desktops. These features represent significant strides toward achieving parity between Android and Chrome OS capabilities, which has been a goal for Google.

Moreover, this unification strategy is projected to expand the availability of applications across both platforms, thereby attracting more developers and increasing the usability of Android devices. With Apple’s reluctance to introduce robust productivity features on the iPad to protect its MacBook sales, the opportunity for Google to capture more of the productivity and creative market is more pronounced than ever.

Project Snowy: The reimagined Pixel Laptop

In tandem with these operating system changes, Google is also believed to be developing a new laptop known internally as “Project Snowy.” This upcoming device will ostensibly target Apple’s MacBook Pro and Samsung’s Galaxy Chromebook, re-entering a market that Google stepped away from in recent years. The nature of the operating system for the Pixel Laptop remains uncertain, with some reports suggesting it might run Chrome OS while others point toward an Android-based solution.

As Google contemplates its laptop resurgence, it faces competitive pressure from several key players in the tech space. Samsung’s recent Chromebook Plus has integrated advanced AI capabilities, including features powered by its new Gemini technology. This puts pressure on Google to deliver a similarly innovative product to regain its footing in the laptop market.

Despite the excitement and speculation around Project Snowy, it’s essential to recognize that these developments are in preliminary stages. As such, comprehensive details about specifications and release timelines remain sparse. However, with Google’s history of innovation, there is substantial interest in how this potential Pixel Laptop will integrate new AI tools and adapt to current market demands.

What does the future hold?

As Google transitions from Chrome OS to an Android-centric model, widescale implications for both its tablet and laptop offerings are anticipated. This move is essential not merely for competing against Apple’s iPad but also for consolidating Google’s resources to create a more cohesive user experience. The strategic shift signifies Google’s commitment to remaining a relevant player in hardware, particularly in the highly competitive landscape dominated by Apple and Samsung.

The unification of Chrome OS and Android can ultimately lead to a highly versatile platform that marries productivity and media consumption capabilities. Whether this initiative will position Google favorably against its competition will depend on the execution of these plans and the response from both the consumer market and developers. As these projects unfold, the shift represents a significant pivot point for Google in its long-term vision for hardware and software.

Featured image credit: Growtika/Unsplash

Users of Google Chat can now send voice messages, a feature previously reserved for Workspace accounts, enhancing personal communication. This rollout began on November 18, 2024, making audio messaging accessible for all Gmail users.

Google Chat now lets free Gmail users send voice messages

Earlier in 2024, Google Chat introduced voice messages for Workspace users. The recent update means that free, personal Gmail accounts can now utilize this feature, reflecting Google’s ongoing efforts to enhance user experience. When users click the send icon in a chat, they will see a microphone icon that enables immediate message recording with a simple tap.

Once recorded, the audio clip is sent instantly, complete with an integrated waveform and a counter to track recording length. Users can listen back to their messages before sending them, ensuring clarity and appropriateness. After a message is sent, both the sender and recipient receive a transcript of the audio, similar to the functionality found in Google Messages. This feature allows for convenient communication without the need for live conversations.

An interesting aspect of this implementation is its placement; the microphone icon is prominent and situated next to the text entry field. This contrasts with the more cluttered approaches seen in other messaging apps, streamlining the user experience. Google has also made the feature available across Android and iOS apps, as well as on the web interface, thus accommodating various user preferences. For users who do not see the feature yet, a force stop of the apps may be necessary for the update to take effect.

Voice messaging provides a more personal touch to online interactions, striking a balance between text messaging and live calls. Users can articulate complicated thoughts with more nuance than text, making communication easier and more effective in various situations. This feature aligns with current trends in remote communication, as voice messages can be less intrusive than phone calls while still allowing emotional context.

Voice message support arrives after a phased rollout for Workspace users according to Android Authority, with notable upgrades observed since its initial launch. One such upgrade includes automatic text transcripts for voice messages, contributing to the accessibility and integrative nature of the service. Despite some users still waiting for the feature to appear in their accounts, the rollout has been reported as actively progressing.

Gmail’s spam solution will have you using email aliases

The late arrival of this feature is curious, given Google’s enterprise-oriented approach to Chat. However, many users welcome the accessibility now extended to personal accounts without the barrier of having to pay for a subscription.

Voice messaging is not the only new feature being introduced to Google Chat. Recently, Google rolled out a split pane UI for web users, enhancing multitasking capabilities, while also incorporating various visual updates via Material You design principles. These features contribute to a more modern and user-friendly experience that encourages ongoing engagement with the platform.

The decision to open voice messaging for free Gmail account users aligns with Google’s strategy of enhancing user accessibility and engagement.

Featured image credit: Firmbee.com/Unsplash

Apple may soon discontinue the Lightning to headphone jack adapter, originally launched in 2016 with the iPhone 7. This potential move reflects Apple’s shift toward USB-C compatibility across its devices. The Lightning adapter is currently sold out in many countries, signaling a possible end of its production. Apple seems poised to make this change, which could affect users of iPhone 14 and earlier models that still utilize the Lightning connector.

Lightning to headphone adapter came out with iPhone 7

Introduced alongside the iPhone 7, the Lightning to headphone jack adapter was a response to the removal of the traditional 3.5mm headphone jack. Initially included for free with the iPhone 7, 8, and X, Apple later began selling it separately for $9 starting with the iPhone XS and XR. However, recent reports suggest that this accessory will soon be discontinued, as it is currently “sold out” on Apple’s online store in major regions like the US, Canada, and Australia.

Why iPhone SE 4 will rule affordable smartphone market

Although this wouldn’t directly impact iPhone 15 and later users, who benefit from the USB-C to headphone jack adapter, it presents challenges for those sticking with Lightning devices. MacRumors reports that while the adapter is out of stock online in various countries, it is still available in regions such as France, Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden. Such a situation is reminiscent of past discontinuations, like the USB SuperDrive, which showed similar signs before being phased out.

The potential discontinuation is interesting given that Apple continues to sell Lightning iPhones, including the SE 3 and non-Pro 14 models. As such, it may be more strategic for Apple to wait until the entire iPhone line transitions to USB-C, which is expected with future releases. This timing would allow users to adapt more seamlessly to the new standard without losing essential accessories abruptly.

Users looking for the official Apple adapter may feel urgency in making their purchase. While third-party options may continue to thrive, the specific Apple variant is becoming increasingly harder to find. Some retailers, like Best Buy, still carry it, but stock is likely to diminish rapidly as rumors of discontinuation circulate.

Various tech platforms have reported on this potential shift. Android Authority and 9to5Mac highlight the implications for users and the market’s response. With Apple’s prevailing trend toward wireless audio and USB-C integration, this move seems aligned with their broader strategy.

As Apple makes strides toward modernizing its ecosystem, fans and users of vintage tech are left with uncertainties surrounding compatibility and product availability. The future seems to lean towards total integration of USB-C across all devices, reinforcing Apple’s commitment to streamlining its product offerings.

Featured image credit: Mika Baumeister/Unsplash

Nvidia’s Blackwell GPUs face overheating challenges impacting major tech clients. The next-generation processors are struggling to perform effectively in server racks housing 72 GPUs, raising concerns for companies like Google, Meta, and Microsoft about timely deployment. Reports indicate that Nvidia is reevaluating its rack designs multiple times due to these overheating issues, which risk damaging components and limit GPU performance. The anticipated power draw for these configurations is up to 120kW per rack.

Insiders informed The Information that Nvidia’s Blackwell GPUs for AI and high-performance computing (HPC) have overheated in high-capacity servers, affecting launch timelines for clients relying on these technologies. In a bid to address the complications stemming from these overheating problems, Nvidia has requested its suppliers to modify the rack designs repeatedly. A spokesperson from Nvidia emphasized their collaborative approach with cloud services, describing the design changes as a routine part of the development process.

Adjustments in design to counteract overheating issues

Previously, delays in the Blackwell production ramp were attributed to a “yield-killing” design flaw. The Blackwell B100 and B200 GPUs utilize TSMC’s CoWoS-L packaging technology, which integrates two chiplets for enhanced data transfer speeds of up to 10 TB/s. However, a mismatch in thermal expansion characteristics among the GPU chiplets and other components led to warping and system failures. To resolve this, Nvidia made modifications to the GPU silicon’s metal layers and bump structures.

The result of these improvements only entered mass production in late October, with expected shipping dates pushed back to late January. This delay is critical for Nvidia’s clients like Google, Meta, and Microsoft, which depend on these GPUs to enhance their most powerful AI models. Nvidia previously touted the Blackwell chips as being 30 times faster for tasks such as responding to chatbot queries compared to earlier models.

Nvidia’s Blackwell chip revenue was projected to reach $6 billion in the next quarter, highlighting the high demand despite the ongoing supply constraints. Nvidia, recently surpassing Apple, is now the world’s most valuable company with a market capitalization soaring to $3.482 trillion. However, the continuous setbacks regarding the Blackwell processors threaten to disrupt the planned advancements in AI capabilities essential for major tech players.

Featured image credit: Nvidia

Apple’s upcoming iPhone SE may redefine the mid-range smartphone segment, potentially featuring advanced specs like an in-house 5G modem and support for Apple Intelligence. Tentatively set for a mid-March 2025 release, it could significantly impact market dynamics as competition intensifies.

The next-generation iPhone SE is expected to be a game-changer for Apple as it seeks to penetrate the mid-range smartphone market. 9to5Mac suggest that Apple will enhance the SE with features appealing to a broader audience, including a robust in-house 5G modem and expanded memory capabilities. These components are positioned to support Apple Intelligence, which aims to bring generative AI features like Writing Tools and Enhanced Photo Cleanup to more users.

Apple CEO Tim Cook has already increased memory in the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus to support Apple Intelligence’s demands. Following this trend, the iPhone SE is likely to receive similar upgrades, ensuring it does not lag behind in performance specifications. As the device is geared towards budget-conscious consumers, its enhanced features aim to compete directly with rivals such as Google’s Pixel 8a and Samsung’s offerings.

You can’t guess the best selling iPhone

Launch timeline and manufacturing insights

Industry insiders report that Apple is gearing up for a release in mid-March 2025. Lee Seong-jin from Ajunews notes that LG Innotek, a key supplier, is set to begin full-scale production of the iPhone SE’s camera components in December 2024. Historically, LG Innotek has initiated production roughly three months before an iPhone hits the market, supporting this timeline. The anticipated launch will coincide with the rollout of iOS 18.3 and the finalization of Apple’s generative AI suite, Apple Intelligence.

The existing iPhone SE’s price starts at $429 for the 64GB variant and $479 for the 128GB model. In comparison, the Pixel 8a is priced at $499 for 128GB, making a compelling case for the new iPhone SE’s entry into a competitive segment that attracts customers seeking value without sacrificing quality.

Key upgrades to look forward to

The iPhone SE 4 is expected to introduce several significant upgrades, including a new design and camera improvements. It may abandon the iPhone 8 design, which has been utilized since the iPhone SE 2, in favor of a more modern look inspired by the iPhone 14. This shift includes a 6.1-inch OLED display, a flat-edge design, and Face ID. Despite the redesign, the new model is likely to retain a single camera setup, differentiating it from the dual-camera system seen in its flagship counterpart.

Additionally, industry sources indicate that the upcoming iPhone SE could feature Apple’s A18 chip, along with 8GB of RAM, enabling it to handle the new generative features effectively. Significant upgrades in camera technology are also anticipated, with a 48MP rear sensor, paralleling the current iPhone 15, and a 12MP front camera, a notable enhancement from the previous 7MP setup.

Apple’s first in-house 5G modem, codenamed Centauri, is projected to debut with the iPhone SE 4. This new modem is integral to Apple’s strategy to reduce dependency on Qualcomm for modem components—an effort that began when Apple acquired Intel’s modem business in 2019. By integrating its technology, Apple aims to balance costs and enhance performance. The strategic shift not only targets price competitiveness but also positions Apple to better control the user experience by offering robust connectivity features across all devices.

The iPhone SE is rumored to be priced around $499, slightly above its predecessor’s launch prices, yet still competitive when stacked against similar models like the Pixel 8a. Should Apple discontinue older models such as the iPhone 14 after the SE release, a simplified lineup could ensue, with the SE becoming the entry point for customers looking for modern features without a premium price tag.

The anticipated introduction of USB-C compatibility for the iPhone SE could further streamline Apple’s product ecosystem, as it aligns with EU regulations mandating a unified charging standard for electronic devices.

The launch of the iPhone SE 4 is not just about introducing a new device; it represents Apple’s push to capture a more substantial market share in an area dominated by competitor Samsung, which currently holds an 82% share in AI-capable smartphones. As Apple works to bridge the generative AI gap with this release, the iPhone SE could potentially become a bestseller, allowing Apple to challenge industry rivals and reclaim ground in the fiercely contested mid-range market.

Featured image credit: felipepelaquim/Unsplash

Apple’s Vision Pro headset is set to make its debut in South Korea and the United Arab Emirates on November 15. This expansion follows its initial launch in the U.S. in February and its subsequent introduction in several countries including Australia, Canada, France, Germany, the U.K., China, Hong Kong, Japan, and Singapore. With these two new locations, the Vision Pro will be available in a total of 12 countries, marking a significant step in Apple’s vision of spatial computing.

The details surrounding the launch

Apple’s marketing chief Greg Joswiak announced the upcoming availability on social media, highlighting the excitement for customers in these regions to experience spatial computing first-hand. Pre-orders for the Vision Pro will open on November 4 at 5 a.m. local time in both countries, allowing eager customers to secure their devices before the official launch.

Apple Vision Pro is coming to South Korea and the United Arab Emirates on November 15! We’re excited that customers in a dozen countries and regions will get to immerse themselves in the world of spatial computing! pic.twitter.com/gqrlLfT8XG

— Greg Joswiak (@gregjoz) October 31, 2024

Freshly localized Vision Pro pages are now live on Apple’s websites for both South Korea and the UAE, providing tailored information for potential customers. The headset, priced at $3,500 in the U.S., remains a niche product rather than a mainstream device. This distinction is reinforced by CEO Tim Cook’s acknowledgment of its current status as an “early-adopter product,” emphasizing its appeal primarily to tech enthusiasts ready to engage with advanced technology.

Rumors had circulated for some time before the Vision Pro’s commercial release, highlighting both anticipation and skepticism among consumers. The product represents an advancement in augmented and virtual reality capabilities, but industry analysts expect sales to reflect its exclusivity. Estimates indicate that Apple may sell fewer than 500,000 units of the Vision Pro this year, primarily due to its steep price point.

Assessing consumer interest and market potential

Despite the Vision Pro’s high price tag, analysts are optimistic about Apple’s inventory capabilities. Current estimates suggest that Apple could produce up to 600,000 headsets by year-end, indicating a strong production outlook amid high demand. According to reports, Apple appears prepared to meet anticipated consumer interest at launch.

The Vision Pro promises to deliver unique experiences tying into the growing field of spatial computing, enabling users to engage with digital content in new and immersive ways. Though it may not yet cater to the masses, it’s designed to showcase tomorrow’s technology for those ready to invest in cutting-edge experiences. Apple intends for the Vision Pro to innovate the way users interact with their surroundings, possibly laying the groundwork for future products in this expanding domain.

Apple is broadening the reach of its Vision Pro headset, allowing more global customers to explore its innovative features. By targeting select markets like South Korea and the UAE, Apple is embracing an early-adopter model that capitalizes on technological advancements in spatial computing.

Featured image credit: Apple

Fitbit could soon tailor personalized sleep advice based on users’ logs and disruptions, potentially transforming how it assists users in improving their sleep quality.

New personalized sleep journal feature on the horizon

Recent updates to the Fitbit app indicate that users will soon gain access to a sleep journal designed to provide personalized sleep insights. As part of version 4.30.fitbit-mobile-110146981-694155636, this update focuses on allowing users to log daily factors that impact their sleep, further enhancing Fitbit’s existing features such as sleep tracking, bedtime reminders, and Sleep Score.

According to an APK teardown by Android Authority, the sleep journal will enable users to note and log aspects of their daily experiences that may interfere with their sleep quality. This capability will enhance the Fitbit app’s existing sleep-tracking features, as it encourages regular entries through friendly reminders like, “To get deeper insights and more personalized suggestions for better sleep, complete your journal each day.” Users can opt to type their entries or utilize voice-to-text functionalities, ensuring a seamless experience.

The feature promotes user engagement by nudging them to reflect on their daily habits and their effects on sleep. If a user skips the entry, they receive a gentle reminder, emphasizing the importance of sharing experiences to develop more personalized insights. When a user logs their sleep-related experiences, Fitbit will generate a customized sleep summary infused with AI-powered features, providing tailored tips and highlights based on that input.

The development hints at a nurturing, supportive approach toward user engagement, fostering a habit of logging relevant experiences nightly. The feature is suggested to be part of an exclusive section called “Sleep Labs,” where users may have the opportunity to delve deeper into various analyses regarding sleep patterns and disruptions. The app’s code also mentions that the “Sleep Lab” will allow the feature to leverage user data for enhanced tracking and predictions regarding sleep cycles, potentially opening up a wealth of knowledge about the relationships between sleep and daily behavioral patterns.

Fitbit’s AI boost with Google’s Health LLM

However, there’s a catch: this advanced feature seems to be a premium offering at first, positioned as an exclusive for Fitbit Premium subscribers. While the possibility remains that similar features may eventually become accessible to all users, early adopters of Fitbit Premium will have the first access to these innovative sleep management tools.

Beyond the sleep journal, Fitbit has introduced other improvements this year, including the addition of Fitbit Labs, which serves as a testing ground for experimental capabilities. One notable integration under this new umbrella is the Insights Explorer—this tool utilizes Google’s Gemini AI to analyze user data comprehensively, offering in-depth assessments of how activities affect sleep and other health metrics.

Further expanding its health tracking capabilities, Fitbit has also rolled out a blood glucose tracking feature designed for users managing diabetes. This functionality connects with compatible systems like OneTouch Reveal, allowing users to monitor glucose levels alongside other health statistics. Just like the sleep journal, the blood glucose tracking feature is relatively premium-centric, offering deeper insights for those who subscribe.

Overall, Fitbit is melding technology and personal health insights in a way that respects users’ individual experiences while providing tools aimed at fostering healthier habits. With these advancements, Fitbit is not just a fitness tracker but an integral companion on the journey to better sleep and overall well-being, aiming to make each night, and day, more reflective of personal needs.

Featured image credit: Kamil Switzalski/Unsplash

The Arc Search browser is now generally available for Android users, allowing access to its features beyond its initial iOS and macOS exclusivity. After an October beta release, The Browser Company has formally launched the stable version, promising to cater to millions of Android users.

Arc Search: Key features and enhancements for Android

This new version of Arc Search introduces several desirable features such as voice search, home screen widgets, and optimized performance for Android 12 and above. Users can select from various app icons, including a unique ‘Neon’ design exclusive to Android, allowing for a more personalized experience. The browser claims to provide a faster search capability compared to traditional browsing methods, which has started to attract attention in the competitive market.

During its beta period, Arc Search saw more than 100,000 downloads shortly after its launch on the Play Store, showcasing the growing interest in alternatives to mainstream browsers. The Android version, built on the same Chromium framework as Google Chrome, has eliminated many limitations seen in the beta version. Now users can enjoy enhanced functionalities, though some features like the “Call Arc” feature from the iOS version are still absent. This particular tool allows users to ask questions in a conversational tone by simply raising their device to their ear, a fun and accessible way to get answers on the go.

While the browser has managed to bring significant updates, The Browser Company is also mindful of the challenges it faces. Arc has differentiated itself with a unique interface that some users find difficult to learn and navigate. CEO Josh Miller acknowledged this in conversations with The Verge, admitting that despite a four-fold increase in user growth, Arc still struggles to capture a mainstream audience. This feedback highlights the delicate balance between catering to power users while trying to make the product more approachable.

AI-backed Arc Max browser has cool features

In anticipation of future growth, the company plans to shift focus towards developing new products that could resonate with a broader audience. The details regarding these upcoming products remain under wraps, but it carries an ambitious vision of enabling users to “glide around the internet” seamlessly, aided by AI enhancements. Concepts for a powerful command bar designed to guide users to the right information through intelligent suggestions have already been showcased in previous releases of the Arc browser.

While the Android version makes notable strides, it’s important to note that not everything has made it from iOS. For example, even with the inclusion of widgets and improved support for landscape mode, some users will miss the ‘Call Arc’ feature which remains exclusive to the iPhone version. Users see the potential but will continue to request additional functionalities that enhance user experience across all platforms.

Featured image credit: Arc

Micro-blogging startup Bluesky has gained substantial traction, with an impressive addition of 1.25 million new users reported in the week following the U.S. presidential election, according to Stats for Bluesky. This surge emphasizes changing social media habits as users seek alternatives to X, formerly known as Twitter, and Meta’s Threads. As of now, Bluesky claims a total user base of 15.2 million, a significant increase from the 13 million it boasted just a month prior.

The appeal of Bluesky in a shifting social media landscape

Bluesky’s recent growth is a clear indicator of its appeal as a viable alternative to more established platforms. CEO Jay Graber expressed excitement over welcoming new users seeking a different social media experience. However, despite this uptick, Bluesky’s total user count is still modest compared to its competitors. For context, while Bluesky is growing, X is drawing upon 600 million monthly users, and Threads enjoys about 275 million monthly active users.

The shifting user preferences come amid increasing dissatisfaction with X and Threads, particularly among journalists, politicians, and news enthusiasts. A report from Similarweb highlighted that many users switched to Bluesky due to concerns over Elon Musk’s political influence and the perceived transformation of X into a platform rife with misinformation. This sentiment was echoed by users on Bluesky who criticized X for its lean towards what they termed a “Trump propaganda machine.”

X marks the spot: Brazil’s standoff over Twitter ban and free speech

Bluesky’s rise in popularity has not been a one-off event; it experienced another notable increase of 2 million users in September when X faced a temporary ban in Brazil for non-compliance with local content moderation regulations. This incident shifted many Brazilian users to Bluesky, showcasing the impact of regulatory actions on social media platform dynamics.

The platform operates without advertisements and has yet to establish a concrete business model, although plans are underway for introducing paid subscription features. Despite this, Bluesky is currently the most downloaded app in the U.S. App Store, reflecting its growing popularity.

Citing statistics from Stats for Bluesky, the platform saw its user count climb from just 2 million to 15.2 million in less than a year, indicating that the startup is capitalizing on the changing preferences of social media users. The recent surge illustrates that many users are on the lookout for alternatives to platforms they feel no longer meet their needs.

As Bluesky navigates its ascent amid such a competitive landscape, maintaining user engagement will be crucial. Its origins trace back to a 2019 project initiated by Twitter, under then-CEO Jack Dorsey, who intended to explore decentralized social networking through Bluesky. However, under Musk’s leadership, the relationship between Twitter and Bluesky shifted from collaboration to competition when Bluesky became an independent entity in 2021.

It will be interesting to see how both the user dynamics evolve and how Bluesky positions itself as a credible alternative.

Featured image credit: Bluesky

A class action lawsuit against Apple has surfaced on ClassAction.org unresolved crackling issues associated with the AirPods Pro. Filed in November 2024, the lawsuit claims that these audio faults violate California consumer protection laws and constitute false advertising.

What’s the story behind the class action lawsuit of Apple?

The complaint stems from customer grievances that began soon after the original AirPods Pro launched in October 2019. Users reported persistent problems, including crackling, popping, and static sounds when the earbuds moved or vibrated, particularly during physical activities like walking or running. In response, Apple attempted to remedy the situation with software updates and eventually initiated a repair program for affected AirPods Pro users in October 2020. Unfortunately, many customers reported that the replacement units also exhibited similar audio problems, prompting the need for legal action.

The suit, titled “LaBella et al. v. Apple,” alleges that the ongoing audio defects contradict Apple’s marketing claims of “superior sound quality” and “pure, incredibly clear sound.” The plaintiffs argue that they would either have avoided purchasing the AirPods Pro or paid a lower price had Apple disclosed the devices’ known issues. As stated in the suit, “The AirPods Pro Gen 1 were thus not worth the premium price that consumers paid for them—as they contained an Audio Defect and did not live up to Apple’s advertising.”

Apple’s support documentation acknowledges users may hear crackling or static sounds in various conditions, including loud environments or while exercising. After acknowledging the widespread nature of these complaints, Apple extended its repair program to cover AirPods Pro for three years beyond the initial sale, highlighting its awareness of the issue.

Apple preparing for iPhone SE 4 launch in 2025

The lawsuit requests the court to certify the case as a class action and seeks relief for the affected customers. Claims include breaches of warranty under California, Ohio, Texas, and Pennsylvania laws, violations of the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, California Consumer Legal Remedies Act, California Unfair Competition law, and several Consumer Protection Acts. The plaintiffs demand damages for themselves and all affected AirPods Pro customers, along with pre- and post-judgment interest, as well as attorney fees.

While this lawsuit unfolds in court, Apple finds itself in a position where it must address the persistent dissatisfaction with its flagship wireless earbuds, potentially reshaping the future of its customer relations and product quality assurance strategies. As the company’s reputation hinges on that infamous blend of quality and innovation, how it manages these allegations could set the tone for similar product launches down the road.

Featured image credit: Omid Armin/Unsplash

Apple is gearing up for the launch of the highly anticipated iPhone SE 4, which may hit the market as soon as spring 2025. With new developments surrounding its camera modules and design, the excitement is building for this budget-friendly addition to Apple’s smartphone lineup.

iPhone SE 4: Key production updates

Ajunews reports that LG Innotek, the supplier for the iPhone SE 4’s camera modules, will begin mass production of these components in December. This aligns with the typical timeline where production starts around three months before a new smartphone’s launch. As per the economic newspaper Ajunews, LG Innotek is expected to produce the front camera module for Apple’s upcoming device, which supports rumors of a launch around March or April 2025.

Notably, Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has outlined an estimated production run of around 8.6 million units for the iPhone SE 4 through the first quarter of next year. This sharp focus on production suggests Apple is optimistic about consumer demand for its next-generation budget phone, which is slated to replace the third-generation iPhone SE released in 2022.

Why iPhone SE 4 will rule affordable smartphone market

Design enhancements and expected features

The iPhone SE 4 is rumored to feature design similarities to the iPhone 14, including a larger 6.1-inch OLED display. This is a significant increase from the current model’s 4.7-inch screen. In a notable shift, Apple seems to be phasing out the traditional home button with Touch ID, opting instead for Face ID. This aligns the iPhone SE 4 with the design scheme of more recent models, making it visually appealing to a broader audience.

Other expected specifications include an Action button, a USB-C connector, and an upgraded A-series chip, which could enhance performance and connectivity. However, specific features such as the Dynamic Island, introduced in newer iPhones, and support for Apple Intelligence might not make the cut for this model due to its budget status.

The anticipated price range for the iPhone SE 4 is competitive, likely falling between $400 and $500. This positioning places it below the starting price for the iPhone 14, which begins at $599, making the iPhone SE 4 appealing for budget-conscious consumers.

Apple clarifies how much RAM does your iPhone need to run Apple Intelligence

Camera specifications and technological updates

The camera is certainly a focal point for the iPhone SE 4, expected to include significant upgrades. A single 48-megapixel rear camera is likely, alongside the front camera module from LG Innotek. These enhancements reflect Apple’s commitment to providing powerful photographic capabilities even in its more affordable models.

This fourth-generation device will also incorporate 8GB of RAM, which should support new features and smoother operation of apps. Moreover, the inclusion of Apple’s first in-house 5G modem suggests that the iPhone SE 4 will be future-proofed for enhanced connectivity, allowing users to experience faster wireless speeds.

With the iPhone SE 4, Apple appears to be striking a balance between affordability and premium features. As the production timelines become crystal clear and consumer anticipation rises, it’s evident that this new model could redefine entry-level smartphones within the Apple ecosystem. The upcoming months will be critical as more details emerge, paving the way for what could be a highly successful product launch.

Featured image credit: David Zieglgänsberger/Unsplash

Apple faces a UK lawsuit concerning iCloud’s alleged monopoly, potentially costing the tech giant £3 billion (approximately $3.8 billion). A consumer rights organization has stepped up to challenge Apple’s cloud pricing and access, claiming millions were unfairly affected by its practices.

Which? is after Apple over alegged iCloud monopoly

A legal claim was filed against Apple by the U.K. consumer group Which?, representing about 40 million users of its iCloud service. The group alleges that Apple’s practices constitute a breach of competition law, effectively “locking” consumers into utilizing iCloud while providing preferential treatment to their own storage solutions. This lack of competition has led to inflated pricing, which, according to Which?, means U.K. consumers were charged “rip-off” prices for what is essentially a dominant service.

According to the claim, Apple encourages users to opt into iCloud for essential data storage, yet simultaneously complicates the process for those wanting to explore competing services. For example, customers are limited in their ability to fully back up data using third-party alternatives. As a result, once users exceed the free 5GB limit of iCloud, they have no choice but to purchase a subscription, progressively leading to higher overall costs.

Which? stated that Apple raised its iCloud subscription fees significantly in 2023, with increases ranging between 20% and 29%. The average compensation the group is seeking per affected consumer is estimated at around £70 (approximately $90), ultimately amounting to a colossal total of nearly £3 billion if successful.

Video: Which?

Under the opt-out collective actions regime established by the Consumer Rights Act of 2015, this lawsuit seeks to represent all U.K. consumers who have paid for iCloud services since October 1, 2015. Those outside the U.K. wanting to join the action must actively opt in. Which?’s spokesman emphasized that the definition of eligible users includes anyone who has used or paid for iCloud services during the last nine years.

The legal challenge is not the first of its kind. A similar lawsuit was initiated against Apple in the United States in March 2024, alleging monopolistic behavior in the cloud storage market. That case remains pending after Apple’s attempts to dismiss it were unsuccessful.

Which? is partnering with international law firm Willkie Farr & Gallagher to pursue the claim, which is being financed by Litigation Capital Management, a global player in litigation funding. The consumer group has publicly encouraged Apple to settle the matter amicably by refunding customers and making iOS more accommodating for third-party cloud services.

Anabel Hoult, the chief executive of Which?, pointed out the significance of this legal action, stating, “By bringing this claim, Which? is showing big corporations like Apple that they cannot rip off U.K. consumers without facing repercussions.” Given the current climate of increased scrutiny on large tech companies, the claim has the potential to set important precedents in consumer rights and market competition.

Apple has officially rejected Which?’s claims, asserting that users are not required to use iCloud, and many rely on a range of third-party services. The company insists that it works diligently to ensure data transfer is straightforward, regardless of the provider. Notably, Apple claims that nearly 50% of its customers do not require an iCloud+ subscription, asserting that their pricing aligns with other cloud storage options.

The next critical step in this legal saga awaits the decision from the Competition Appeal Tribunal concerning whether Which? can proceed as a class representative for consumers. This determination will dictate the future of the lawsuit and could influence broader discussions regarding competition and consumer protections within the tech industry.

As the legal battle unfolds, it highlights the growing scrutiny Big Tech faces regarding its market dominance and pricing strategies. Following a series of recent antitrust enforcement actions globally, this lawsuit serves as another chapter in the ongoing dialogue about fairness in the digital market.

Featured image credit: Medhat Dawoud/Unsplash

Law enforcement agencies are facing unexpected challenges as iPhones begin to automatically reboot while in custody, complicating access to potentially vital data. This recent development appears to stem from a new security feature in iOS 18.1, designed to secure encrypted data by returning the device to a more locked-down state after a period of inactivity.

Police alarmed by mysterious iPhone reboots

A newly acquired document by 404 Media reveals that police forces, particularly in Detroit, have encountered iPhones restarting unexpectedly after being removed from cellular networks. The authors of the document speculate that Apple’s latest update includes a security measure that prompts devices to reboot if they haven’t been connected to a cellular service for some time—a situation that could occur while a phone is being stored for forensic evaluation. This reboot is serious business for investigators because once an iPhone reboots, its state changes to Before First Unlock (BFU), where access is significantly more difficult through any forensic tools.

According to observations included in the law enforcement document, these unexpected reboots can occur within as little as 24 hours. Consequently, phones that are crucial for criminal investigations could become more cumbersome to analyze. One law enforcement official succinctly noted the situation’s urgency, stating, “The purpose of this notice is to spread awareness of a situation involving iPhones, which is causing iPhone devices to reboot in a short amount of time when removed from a cellular network.”

Additionally, Apple’s new “inactivity reboot” feature automatically re-encrypts data after prolonged idle periods, adding another layer of security and complicating recovery efforts for police. Jiska Classen, a researcher at Hasso-Plattner-Institut, explained that upon unlocking an iPhone—either through a PIN or Face ID—the operating system loads the encryption keys into memory. However, following a reboot, the device enters a state where it does not retain those keys, meaning that data is rendered inaccessible to investigators or malicious actors alike.

Apple has not readily confirmed the implementation of this new feature, although it has been noted that the mechanism operates at the system level. It acts as an additional roadblock against attempts to extract data from devices used by suspects. Reportedly, this process can also thwart traditional methods of extracting data, preserving user privacy even in contentious legal situations where the phone is key evidence.

The trend is a double-edged sword, offering enhanced security but also inadvertently hindering law enforcement efforts. As iPhones not only guard personal information fiercely but also evolve continuously with updates, investigators are advised to adapt their methods accordingly. What this means for future forensic procedures remains to be seen, but it’s clear that if you’re planning a life of crime in the digital age, good luck getting around those increasingly clever iPhones.

Nvidia has reportedly halted production of nearly all its current-generation RTX 40 GPUs, leaving only the RTX 4050 and 4060 models in production. This strategic shift indicates that Nvidia is redirecting its resources toward the anticipated RTX 50 series, expected to launch early next year.

Nvidia kills the production line for the AD106 chip

According to a report on Board Channels, Nvidia has completely shut down the production line for the AD106 chip, which is used in popular models like the RTX 4060 Ti and RTX 4070. The only chip still in active production for the RTX 40 series is the AD107, responsible for the mobile versions of the RTX 4060 and the RTX 4050. This signals a significant transition for Nvidia as it prepares to unveil its next-generation GPUs.

The news follows earlier reports indicating that Nvidia has also ceased production of the AD102 chip, found in the high-end RTX 4090. This approach aligns with Nvidia’s typical launch strategy, where the higher-tier models often roll out first, followed by more affordable variants. By winding down the RTX 40 series, Nvidia sets the stage for the launch of the RTX 50 series, which could arrive as soon as January 2025.

Analysts suggest that the new RTX 5090 and 5080 graphics cards will be introduced at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. Speculation about further releases hints at the RTX 5070 launching in February and the RTX 5060 and 5060 Ti in the following months. This accelerated schedule is somewhat unexpected, as Nvidia typically takes its time releasing various models within a new series.

Given this rapid timeline, it is likely that gamers will see a mix of release dates within the RTX 50 family, with some models potentially hitting the shelves sooner than others. The RTX 50 series has been rumored for some time, and with the rigorous production changes occurring now, many hope for a more competitive pricing strategy across the upcoming models.

Despite the cessation of production for the majority of the RTX 40 series, Nvidia has not fully discontinued these GPUs, as existing stock will still be available in retail channels. However, reports indicate that the supply of mid-to-high-end RTX 40 models will gradually dwindle, signaling an end to new units being produced.

In summary, if Nvidia indeed moves forward with the launch of the RTX 50 series as planned, consumers can expect exciting advancements in performance and technology. Meanwhile, the phasing out of the RTX 40 series marks a significant shift for the GPU market. As always, gamers are keenly awaiting Nvidia’s pricing strategies and the overall performance of these incoming models to see how they stack up against the competition.

Google’s new Chrome update for iOS introduces four significant features designed to enhance user experience and compete aggressively against Apple’s Safari. With these enhancements, users can expect smoother browsing, more efficient storage management, and improved online shopping options.

Feature highlights of the latest Chrome update for iOS

The recent update, announced on November 12, 2024, offers several new tools aimed at optimizing Chrome use on iPhones and iPads. Chrome users can now search using both images and text simultaneously, effectively refining their search capabilities. This feature, powered by Google Lens, allows users to ask questions about what they see around them or to clarify visual searches by adding descriptive attributes. By tapping the camera icon in the Google Search bar, users can explore more targeted and relevant results, even receiving an AI Overview summarizing pertinent web information based on their queries.

Another significant addition is the ability to save files and pictures directly to Google Drive and Google Photos, which addresses a common annoyance for iPhone users: storage alerts. With the new “Saved from Chrome” folder in Google Drive, users can now bypass the constant “Storage Almost Full” warnings by easily moving files from the browser to the cloud, thus freeing up valuable device space. To store an image in Google Photos, users simply need to long-press the picture and select the appropriate option from the context menu.

Shopping Insights offers further convenience, particularly for users in the U.S. This feature alerts users to favorable pricing on products they are browsing, providing notifications like “Good Deal Now” right in the address bar. When users click on this notification, they can access insights such as price history and purchasing options, helping consumers make informed decisions. While this feature is currently U.S.-exclusive, Google plans to expand it into other regions soon.

Video: Google

Lastly, Chrome has streamlined navigation with a new mini-map feature. When browsing a site that lists an address, users can view a mini-map without switching to Google Maps. By simply tapping on the underlined address, a mini-map will appear within the Chrome browser, further enhancing the browsing experience without the need to juggle multiple applications.

These updates come at a pivotal time, as Apple has recently warned iPhone users about potential vulnerabilities in using Chrome, pushing for more Safari adoption. Google, however, counters this by enhancing its Chrome browser’s capabilities and actively seeking to recruit new users. Reports suggest Google aims to reroute approximately 300 million iPhone users from Safari to Chrome.

As the competition heats up, it’s clear that Chrome’s recent updates are not merely cosmetic; they are strategic moves in a larger battle for mobile browser supremacy. Both companies are aware that the stakes are high: Safari and Chrome together command a staggering 91% of the global mobile browser market, according to Statscounter. It remains to be seen how users will react to these changes and whether Chrome’s efforts will bear fruit in winning over Apple’s dedicated user base.

This updated Chrome experience aims not only to improve individual performance but also to challenge Apple’s stronghold on mobile browsing. In a marketplace where user trust and preference reign supreme, Google’s innovations and the timing of these features seem designed to keep the competition lively, if not heated. As Google positions itself as an alternative for iPhone users, the next few months will reveal if these features can sway a significant number of Safari users into Chrome’s fold.

Apple is making its first foray into the smart home camera market, with plans to release a security camera in 2026. This upcoming launch aims to reshape home security by offering seamless integration with Apple’s ecosystem, bringing privacy and advanced connectivity into focus.

Apple’s smart home camera could profoundly impact the current $7 billion home security camera industry, as Kuo notes, by delivering a device that works flawlessly with Apple devices like the iPhone, Apple Watch, and Apple TV. This would enable users to view feeds and manage security features directly within Apple’s interface, bringing a level of convenience and security unique to Apple’s ecosystem. Such deep integration may set Apple’s camera apart from competitors, enhancing user experience and potentially reshaping industry standards.

What Apple’s smart home camera brings to the table

With Apple entering the security camera market, the focus is on integrating HomeKit Secure Video, which already provides end-to-end encryption for third-party cameras. Apple’s own camera could leverage this technology to ensure secure video storage, giving customers peace of mind over their home data’s safety. Privacy has been a core value for Apple, and this camera could set new standards in an industry troubled by security issues, pushing competitors to enhance their own offerings.

Ming-Chi Kuo, a respected Apple supply chain analyst, remarked, “Apple is making its first foray into the smart home IP camera market, with mass production scheduled for 2026, targeting annual shipments in the tens of millions.” He further mentioned that Chinese company GoerTek would handle the assembly, adding to the credibility of the 2026 timeline.

Apple’s unique ecosystem for smart home security

Apple’s advantage lies in its ability to integrate devices seamlessly, creating a cohesive experience that other brands struggle to match. Apple’s camera will likely work wirelessly with other Apple products, meaning that users could access camera feeds on multiple devices with no extra setup. Kuo highlighted, “This strategic move demonstrates Apple’s continued exploration of growth opportunities in the home market,” which points to a future where Apple’s ecosystem becomes even more deeply rooted in people’s homes.

While other cameras on the market provide basic viewing options, Apple’s approach would allow users to control their smart home camera via Siri and potentially other AI-driven features. Apple’s use of advanced artificial intelligence, in combination with Siri’s capabilities, may give users enhanced control and insights into their home environment, a feature that could become central to Apple’s smart home strategy.

Apple might equip its AI cloud computers with M4 chip in 2025

Privacy and security as core selling points

The home security camera market is often marred by privacy issues, with many brands failing to protect customer data. Apple, however, has consistently prioritized security and privacy, and its new camera is expected to reflect this commitment. Apple’s HomeKit Secure Video already ensures end-to-end encryption, so a proprietary camera would likely extend this level of security, setting a high bar for privacy protection.

Kuo further speculated that Apple’s new camera could create ripple effects in the industry, forcing rivals to reevaluate their privacy measures. The integration of Apple’s camera within HomeKit would mean that users have a fully protected, cloud-based video solution, ensuring that sensitive footage is safe from breaches. For consumers who prioritize privacy, this could make Apple’s camera an ideal choice.

The future of Apple’s smart home expansion

Apple is not stopping with cameras. Reports suggest that the company is also developing a smart display to serve as a hub for smart home management, potentially rivaling Amazon’s Echo Show and Google’s Nest Hub. If Apple’s smart camera and smart display work cohesively, it could give users an all-encompassing solution for monitoring and controlling their home environments from one centralized device.

Featured image credit: Kerem Gülen/Ideogram

Disclaimer: The featured image is AI-generated and not an Apple product.

So you too found yourself asking where did my iPhone Notes go…

Losing Notes from your iPhone can be a frustrating experience, especially if you’ve relied on the app for years. Many users have reported that Apple’s iCloud sync issues may cause Notes to disappear seemingly at random.

However, other factors could also be at play, from accidental deletions to sync settings or even storage-related glitches.

If you ask yourself you ask yourself where did my iPhone notes go all of a sudden you are not alone. u/nowthengoodbad and many others have expressed their discomfort and annoyance on platforms like Reddit and X (Twitter) for a long time as this is a common issue.

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Where did my iPhone Notes go?

Here’s a breakdown of what could cause your notes to disappear and steps you can take to recover them:

1. Check iCloud Sync and account settings

If you have enabled iCloud for Notes, your notes should sync across all your Apple devices. However, a sync error can cause them to disappear temporarily.

Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud and ensure Notes is turned on. If you also use third-party accounts like Gmail, head to Settings > Mail > Accounts to confirm that Notes syncing is enabled for each account.

2. Recently deleted folder

Accidentally deleting a note is another common reason for asking, “Where did my iPhone notes go?”

In the Recently Deleted folder, Notes remain accessible for 30 days before permanent deletion.

Go to Folders > Recently Deleted in Notes and select the items you’d like to recover by choosing Edit > Select Note > Move.

3. Use the search bar

The Search function in Notes can help locate Notes that have moved to other folders. Tap the Search bar in Notes and use a keyword, title, or phrase from the note you’re looking for.

Be sure All Accounts is selected, as this will allow a search across all folders and connected accounts.

4. Check for storage issues

If your iPhone is low on storage, it can affect the performance of apps like Notes. Freeing up some space by clearing unnecessary files can help prevent any app-related glitches that might cause notes to disappear.

5. Access Notes via iCloud.com

Log in to iCloud.com to check if your Notes appear in the web version of iCloud. If they are accessible there, they might still be on your device and waiting to sync properly. Manually backing them up from iCloud.com by copying important notes to another document or storage service can ensure they are preserved.

6. Create backups to secure your Notes

Regularly backing up critical notes can save future headaches if you find yourself asking, “Where did my iPhone notes go?” Export notes to Google Drive, Dropbox, or save them as PDFs to secure them outside of iCloud.

7. Regular updates to avoid bugs

Apple frequently releases iOS updates to address bugs, including those affecting iCloud syncing. Regular updates can help avoid future losses, and you should make sure your device is running the latest iOS or macOS version.

8. Common causes of disappearing Notes

Sometimes a simple restart or a temporary iCloud sync error is the reason you’re asking, “Where did my iPhone notes go?”

Restarting the device or re-logging into your iCloud account may quickly solve this issue.

9. Apple Support

If you can’t recover your notes, reach out to Apple Support for assistance. They may have additional troubleshooting steps or be able to review your iCloud account for any sync or data loss issues.

By doing all these, you’re not only preserving your notes but also empowering yourself with reliable ways to keep them accessible, organized, and safe!

Keeping iPhone Notes secure involves staying on top of iCloud settings, regularly backing up important notes, and ensuring your device has sufficient storage and is updated. Regular backups can help avoid losing valuable data due to sync issues or accidental deletions, giving you peace of mind that your notes are safe.

Image credits: Emre Çıtak/Ideogram AI

Android 15 brings a cool feature to the forefront with the introduction of Wi-Fi Ranging, using the IEEE 802.11az protocol to offer sub-meter indoor positioning accuracy. Traditionally, tracking your location indoors with GPS has been unreliable due to signal obstruction by walls and other structures.

Wi-Fi Ranging tackles this issue head-on by using nearby Wi-Fi access points for pinpointing a device’s position. This breakthrough is set to redefine navigation within large indoor spaces—think sprawling malls, bustling airports, or conference centers—where GPS falters, offering Android users an unprecedented level of precision in indoor location tracking.

How does Wi-Fi Ranging work?

Wi-Fi Ranging builds upon older Wi-Fi-based positioning systems, such as Wi-Fi RTT (Round Trip Time) with FTM (Fine Timing Measurement). While Wi-Fi RTT achieved location accuracy of 1-2 meters, Wi-Fi Ranging enhances this with sub-meter precision, down to 0.4 meters. It does this by measuring the exact time it takes for signals to travel between a device and multiple Wi-Fi access points, using double the bandwidth (160 MHz), supporting the 6GHz band, and offering enhanced scalability and security.

Why is Wi-Fi ranging better than GPS for indoor tracking?

GPS relies on signals from satellites orbiting the Earth, which can be obstructed by walls and other structures, making it less effective indoors. Wi-Fi Ranging, on the other hand, utilizes local Wi-Fi access points to calculate precise indoor locations, overcoming the limitations of GPS in enclosed spaces. This makes it ideal for large venues like malls, airports, or convention centers where accurate indoor positioning is essential.

How is Wi-Fi Ranging different from Wi-Fi RTT and RSS-based tracking?

Wi-Fi Ranging is an evolution of previous Wi-Fi positioning methods. Earlier, Wi-Fi tracking relied on Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI), which could only achieve accuracy within 10-15 meters. Android introduced support for Wi-Fi RTT with FTM in Android 9, which improved accuracy to 1-2 meters by measuring the time-of-flight of RF packets between a device and access points. Now, Wi-Fi Ranging with 802.11az takes this further, offering accuracy within less than a meter by refining the timing measurements and using additional spectrum.

All confirmed and leaked Android 15 features

What devices will support Wi-Fi ranging?

Currently, only devices running Android 15 with Wi-Fi chips that support the 802.11az protocol can use Wi-Fi Ranging. Although many Android phones don’t yet have hardware support for Wi-Fi Ranging, Qualcomm’s new FastConnect 7900 chip is paving the way, enabling future phones to adopt this technology. It’s expected that compatible devices will become more common within the next few years as more manufacturers integrate this capability.

Do Wi-Fi access points need upgrades for Wi-Fi ranging?

Yes, for Wi-Fi Ranging to work, Wi-Fi access points must support the 802.11az standard. Many current Wi-Fi 6 access points may require firmware updates to enable this functionality. Until this update becomes more widespread, Wi-Fi Ranging will be limited to areas where access points have been upgraded or replaced with compatible ones.

How does Wi-Fi Ranging compare to UWB and Bluetooth channel sounding?

While Wi-Fi Ranging offers superior range and scalability, UWB (Ultra-Wideband) and Bluetooth Channel Sounding (BT CS) offer slightly higher accuracy. However, Wi-Fi Ranging has several advantages: it’s compatible with existing Wi-Fi infrastructure, has a more extensive link budget, and supports a larger number of clients, making it cost-effective and adaptable to various environments. According to Google engineer Dr. Roy Want, Wi-Fi Ranging is robust, secure, and capable of adapting to traffic conditions, making it an attractive option for many use cases.

What are the potential uses of Wi-Fi Ranging on Android 15?

Wi-Fi Ranging has several exciting applications. In retail, it could help customers navigate to specific products within a store. In smart homes, it could make automation more contextual, like automatically identifying which room you’re in to adjust the lighting accordingly. These use cases are just the beginning, as developers and businesses explore new ways to leverage precise indoor positioning for enhanced user experiences.

Featured image credit: Kerem Gülen/Ideogram

The Canadian government has ordered TikTok’s Canadian operations to shut down due to national security concerns. This decision requires TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, to close its offices in Toronto and Vancouver. However, Canadians can still use the TikTok app, as the order does not restrict access to the platform itself.

Industry Minister François-Philippe Champagne announced the order following a national security review. The review, conducted under the Investment Canada Act, identified ByteDance’s presence as a security risk. “The government is not blocking Canadians’ access to the TikTok application or their ability to create content. The decision to use a social media application or platform is a personal choice,” Champagne stated.

Canada’s action reflects rising concerns about ByteDance’s ties to the Chinese government. Authorities worry that these connections could lead to user data being accessed by Chinese authorities, sparking fears over privacy and national security.

TikTok plans to contest ban in court

TikTok responded by announcing plans to challenge the Canadian government’s order. A TikTok spokesperson said the shutdown will mean “the loss of hundreds of local jobs.” They confirmed the platform will stay available for Canadian users, allowing creators to find audiences and businesses to thrive. “We will challenge this order in court,” the spokesperson added.

Canada’s move mirrors actions in the United States, where national security concerns have also targeted TikTok. Former President Donald Trump attempted to ban the app, but the courts blocked the order. More recently, President Joe Biden signed legislation demanding ByteDance sell TikTok to a U.S.-based company or face a potential ban. This legislation is still under legal review.

In Europe, similar concerns over data privacy and security have prompted governments to reconsider their policies on TikTok and other Chinese-owned technology firms.

Michael Geist, an internet law expert at the University of Ottawa, noted that banning the company without restricting the app might reduce accountability. He stated, “The risks associated with the app will remain, but the ability to hold the company accountable will be weakened.”

Canada’s decision also comes as the country rolls out new digital policies, such as the Online Streaming Act and the Online Harms Act, which could impact TikTok’s presence and obligations in Canada. With ByteDance out of Canada, the enforcement of these policies could become challenging.

TikTok maintains it does not share data with the Chinese government. Despite these assurances, critics argue that TikTok’s Chinese ownership alone presents risks. Ron Deibert, a researcher at Citizen Lab, has stated that TikTok reflects the broader problem of invasive data collection by social media apps. He suggests that comprehensive privacy legislation is needed to address these issues fully.

While TikTok previously faced a ban on Canadian government-issued mobile devices, this new order escalates the action by targeting ByteDance’s operations. The platform remains accessible, yet ByteDance’s ability to operate in Canada is now restricted.

Featured image credit: Kerem Gülen/Ideogram

It’s undeniable that it’s a particularly hard time to be a woman in tech.

While the mass layoffs experienced in 2023 have steadied somewhat—according to tech layoff tracker Layoffs.fyi, 490 tech companies have made 143,142 workers redundant in 2024 compared to 1,193 tech companies making 264,220 employees redundant in 2023—women are still vastly underrepresented in the sector.

According to a new report by KPMG, women make up just over a third of the data and analytics (D&A) and artificial intelligence (AI) workforce. Despite more people graduating university with a STEM-related degree in 2024 compared to 2012, the amount of women graduating with a STEM-related degree has declined by 8%.

5 tech roles hiring across Germany

• Software Engineering Manager, 1&1 Mail & Media, Munich
• Head of Objectives and Strategies, Berliner Wasserbetriebe, Berlin
• Senior Verification Architect, Beckman Coulter Diagnostics, Munich
• Technical Contract Manager Turbine Technology and Heat Exchangers, BEW Berliner Energie und Wärme AG, Berlin
• Global Account Manager, Arrow Electronics, Inc., Germany

Mind the gap

Drilling down into the data, it’s clear that the problem isn’t just about gender parity but representation of women in senior roles.

KPMG’s report also highlights that the gender gap is more pronounced at senior levels, despite new roles being created in tandem with advances in AI and analytics, and the need for workers skilled in these fields growing at a rapid rate.

And the growing divide has picked up pace post-Covid with women’s representation in tech trending down across all levels in the last 10 years. In 2024, only 29% of senior D&A and AI roles were held by women, compared to 31% in 2008.

One way that organisations can tackle this issue from the ground up is through promoting visible leadership diversity; however, to truly remove the barriers preventing women from excelling in tech, more needs to be done at a grassroots level.

This includes mentorship and building a community of female employees, retaining more women by offering benefits including paid maternity leave, flexible working arrangements and helping women develop their own leadership skills.

Words of wisdom

“I believe that this study reflects the reality of what women in STEM fields experience. Throughout my career, I realised I worked harder, performed better, was paid less, moved up at a slower pace, and yet I made a conscious decision to keep going,” says Danielle Maurici-Arnone, global chief information and digital officer at personal care brand Combe Incorporated.

“At first, it was a personal challenge I set for myself and then it became a mission to try to make it easier for other women—for my own daughter, to achieve her dreams. I remind myself and tell my female colleagues and friends, ‘we need you, you matter, you are not alone, keep going, and stay passionate’.”

This sense of belonging doesn’t need to happen internally either, and expanding your professional network by reaching out to women who hold senior leadership positions in other companies is a great way to not only connect, but reinforce a sense of community.

“For many women leaders in data and AI, we are sometimes one of the only women in the room. Even outside the boardroom we can struggle to build and maintain a strong peer network and the community that we need to turn to for guidance, wisdom, and support,” says Nancy Morgan, CEO of Ellis Morgan Enterprises.

“If other women do not see women represented at every level of leadership, they may perceive that these roles are not for them or that they somehow do not ‘belong.’ Women need to find a community, in their organisation and/or externally, who can support them as they try out ideas, learn to make bold moves, and create a vibrant network of support.”

Find your next role in tech today on the Dataconomy Job Board

Meta’s social network, Threads, has hit a huge milestone, now boasting 275 million monthly active users (MAUs), as the company announced on Sunday. Launched back in July 2023, Threads has been on a steady growth path, largely fueled by users jumping ship from X after Elon Musk took over. It’s safe to say that Threads is making waves.

Adam Mosseri, the Meta executive leading Threads and Instagram, shared the big news, saying, “Yesterday we crossed 275M monthly active users on @Threads. A big thank you to everyone who’s helped us get this far. There’s a lot more to do, and plenty of things to fix, but there’s something exciting about this place.”

Threads’ rapid rise since launch

Threads has quickly turned into one of the biggest text-first social networks out there. By April 2024, the platform had already reached 150 million MAUs, and then it hit 200 million by August. That means Threads gained another 75 million active users in just three months. It’s clear that Threads is making a name for itself, especially as users keep looking for better alternatives to X.

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg also chimed in about Threads’ growth during Meta’s Q3 2024 earnings call, mentioning that about a million people are signing up for Threads every single day. That’s some serious momentum, and it shows just how appealing Threads is becoming.

Of course, it’s not all smooth sailing. Threads has had its fair share of issues, particularly with moderation, and that’s been a sticking point for some users. Meta knows there’s work to be done here, and they’re focused on improving moderation to make the platform a better place for everyone. It’s a big task, but it’s something they’re tackling as they continue to grow.

To sum it up, Threads has now reached 275 million monthly active users, showing incredible growth since its launch. With a million people signing up every day, the platform is solidifying its spot in the social media world. But there’s still a lot to work on, especially around moderation, to keep users happy as Threads scales up.

Featured image credit: Azamat E/Unsplash

Apple has delayed the release of a more affordable version of its Apple Vision headset, pushing the potential launch to beyond 2027, according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. The company had previously planned to bring a less expensive model to market in 2025, but it appears those ambitions have been put on hold.

The company has not provided a clear explanation for the delay, but it seems they are reconsidering the market’s readiness for a lower-priced headset. Apple is known for its meticulous approach to product quality and market timing, and this delay could reflect an effort to perfect the experience before offering a less expensive model.

As I understand it, production of the cheaper Vision Pro has been delayed beyond 2027 for a while now. This means Apple’s only new head-mounted display device in 2025 will be the Vision Pro with an upgraded M5 processor.

I think what really drove Apple to delay the cheaper…

— 郭明錤 (Ming-Chi Kuo) (@mingchikuo) November 3, 2024

Original plans for a cheaper Apple Vision headset

Earlier reports had suggested Apple was working on a cheaper Apple Vision headset, with a price point of around $2000, aiming to make spatial computing more accessible. The more affordable model was expected to feature cheaper materials, a lower-resolution display, and exclude the EyeSight feature—a visual element that lets others see the wearer’s eyes.

The EyeSight feature was initially introduced with the Vision Pro to create a more immersive experience by allowing those around the user to maintain a sense of connection. However, the cheaper version was set to do away with this costly feature to keep the price down. The plan was to offer a headset that would still deliver powerful augmented and virtual reality capabilities without some of the more premium features. However, those plans have shifted, and the timeline for making this technology available to more people has been extended.

Comparison to HomePod Mini and caution in market expansion

Kuo compared the delay to Apple’s earlier experience with the HomePod mini, explaining, “Even after launching the cheaper HomePod mini, Apple’s smart speakers failed to become mainstream products.” This comparison highlights Apple’s caution in launching lower-priced versions of its premium products. The HomePod mini was intended to bring smart speaker technology to a wider audience, but despite its lower price, it did not achieve widespread adoption.

Apple appears cautious about repeating this pattern with a $2000 headset, questioning whether the price reduction alone would attract enough buyers. The company seems to believe that simply lowering the price may not be enough to create the kind of market impact they are aiming for. Instead, Apple may be focusing on ensuring that the cheaper version, if it ever launches, offers compelling use cases that justify its existence beyond just being a cost-reduced alternative.

Best Vision Pro apps so far

Upcoming Vision Pro release in 2025 with upgraded M5 chip

While the cheaper version remains uncertain, Apple will still be releasing a new iteration of the Vision Pro in 2025. This version will include an upgraded M5 chip, but further hardware details are not yet clear. The new Vision Pro model is expected to enhance performance and potentially introduce new features that improve the overall user experience.

According to Mark Gurman, the cheaper headset could have featured the A18 Pro processor, a downgrade compared to the M2 chip in the current Vision Pro. This would have allowed Apple to cut costs while still delivering a capable device. Materials like plastic were expected to replace the aluminum and glass used in the premium version, making it a more affordable but less luxurious option. The Vision Pro with the M5 chip may also come with software enhancements that take advantage of the improved hardware, potentially positioning it as a significant step forward in Apple’s vision for spatial computing.

Vision Pro remains the premium offering in spatial computing

Apple’s Vision Pro debuted earlier this year at $3499, putting it out of reach for many consumers. The high price tag reflects the advanced technology and premium materials used in the device, including high-resolution displays, powerful processors, and the innovative EyeSight feature. With the cheaper model off the table for now, the Vision Pro remains Apple’s flagship spatial computing device, as the company focuses on refining its premium offering.

Apple seems committed to ensuring that the Vision Pro delivers a best-in-class experience, which may be why they are not rushing to release a less expensive version. The Vision Pro represents Apple’s vision for the future of computing, and by focusing on the high-end model, they can continue to innovate and set a high standard for what spatial computing can achieve. As Apple continues to iterate on the Vision Pro, it will be interesting to see how they address the challenges of making this technology more accessible without compromising on quality.

Summary of Apple’s Vision Pro strategy

To recap, Apple has delayed the release of the cheaper Apple Vision headset beyond 2027, opting to focus on improving the Vision Pro with an upgraded M5 chip in 2025. The delay suggests Apple is wary of repeating past experiences with lower-priced products like the HomePod mini, which failed to gain mainstream traction.

The company remains committed to delivering a premium spatial computing experience with the Vision Pro, while the possibility of a more affordable version remains uncertain. Apple’s strategy appears focused on ensuring that any new release—whether premium or budget—offers strong use cases and value to its users.

Image credits: Apple

Google has recently confirmed that the Android 15 QPR2 Beta 2 is set to roll out soon. This marks the next phase of the Android 15 beta program, building upon the improvements made during the QPR1 release cycle. Android 15 QPR2 Beta 2 will continue to refine the platform, including the latest bug fixes and performance enhancements.

The announcement follows the completion of the Android 15 QPR1 beta phase, which ended with Beta 3. Android 15 QPR1, which includes features like the redesigned Settings menu and a charging optimization to limit charging to 80%, is expected to launch publicly in December.

Users currently enrolled in the Android Beta Program have a few options as the Android 15 QPR2 beta cycle approaches. If they wish to stay on the latest beta builds, their devices will automatically update to QPR2 Beta 1 and beyond. However, those wanting to switch to the stable channel should opt out of the Beta Program before QPR2 Beta 1 is released.

Opting out now allows users to receive the stable Android 15 QPR1 build without losing any data, provided they do not install the downgrade OTA update. If users stay enrolled, they can expect the next opportunity to leave the beta program without a data wipe to come towards the end of the QPR2 beta cycle in early 2025.

Android 15 QPR2: The final major update

With Android 16 scheduled to launch in the second quarter of 2025, it appears that Android 15 QPR2 will be the final significant update for Android 15. The upcoming QPR2 release will include improvements to stability and performance, building on the features introduced in QPR1, such as new status bar chips for screen and call recording.

Google has also indicated that the timeline for Android 16 will be earlier than previous releases, with a launch expected in Q2, followed by a minor update in Q4. This accelerated timeline means that while Android 15 QPR2 Betas roll out, we may also see Android 16 Developer Previews taking place side by side.

How to prepare for the update

For those wanting to move away from the beta versions and stick to stable releases, the best course of action is to opt out of the Beta Program now. Google advises users to ignore the downgrade OTA update that will be offered after opting out, as applying it will result in data loss. Instead, users should wait for the stable release of Android 15 QPR1, which is due in December.

Those who wish to stay in the Beta Program will automatically be updated to QPR2 Beta 1, which is expected to include the same incremental improvements and bug fixes typical of these Quarterly Platform Releases. This beta phase will continue until early 2025, when Google will release the stable version of Android 15 QPR2.

The Android 15 QPR2 beta is set to be the last major update before the Android 16 rollout. Google’s commitment to providing timely updates and maintaining stability is evident in their focus on refining Android 15 while also preparing for the upcoming Android 16. As we move towards the next generation of Android, it’s clear that Google is working to balance both innovation and the needs of its users.

Stay tuned for more updates on Android 15 QPR2 and beyond as Google continues to share details and release schedules.

Featured image credit: Kerem Gülen/Ideogram

Google is bringing its tap-to-pay Wallet app to kids with Family Link accounts, starting in 2025. This move will allow supervised children to use their Android phones for contactless payments in stores. Google tested this feature earlier on the Fitbit Ace LTE smartwatch, receiving positive feedback from both kids and parents, 9to5Google reports.

How Google Wallet for kids works

With the upcoming feature, children with Family Link-managed Android devices will be able to make tap-to-pay transactions in stores. Google Wallet for kids will allow them to store gift cards, event tickets, and bank-issued debit and credit cards, but it will not support digital IDs or allow online purchases. Safety and parental supervision are central to this new service.

Parents will have full control over their child’s Wallet through the Family Link app. They will need to approve every payment card added to the Wallet, and they can monitor transactions, remove cards, or even block passes remotely. Google emphasized the safety features, including PIN, fingerprint, or facial recognition for payment authentication, ensuring that children’s spending is closely monitored.

A new way to handle pocket money

The introduction of Google Wallet for kids comes at a time when digital payments dominate the financial landscape in North America. Nearly 70% of payments in the USA and Canada are now digital, making it important for children to learn how to handle money electronically. By offering a digital platform for kids to manage pocket money, Google aims to help them learn financial responsibility while giving parents tools to guide and oversee their spending.

Parents will no longer need to scramble for cash or coins when giving their children money for various needs. Instead, they can simply add funds to their child’s Google Wallet, which the child can use in stores through tap-to-pay. The Wallet’s integration with Family Link gives parents confidence, knowing they can approve or remove cards and see exactly how their children spend their money.

Safety and supervision features

Google highlighted that the feature has been built with safety as a priority. Just like the adult version of Google Wallet, children will need to authenticate their payments using a device PIN, fingerprint, or facial recognition before completing any transactions. Parents will also need to approve the cards used by their children and will have the ability to track spending and intervene if needed.

Google has already built much of the necessary infrastructure for tap-to-pay for kids when they launched the Fitbit Ace LTE smartwatch for children. Following its positive reception, the company decided to expand the feature to Google Wallet. As Google puts it: “The new experience is built with safety in mind, and will allow parents to supervise their kids’ usage – including approving new cards, easily removing cards, and viewing transaction history.”

Featured image credit: Kerem Gülen/Ideogram

X, the social network owned by Elon Musk, made significant changes to its API pricing and access limits today. The company introduced new rates, updated limits, and added annual plan options. These changes impact how developers can use X’s API, including the cost of access and the limits placed on usage.

X API pricing increase: Everything you need to know

The price for the Basic API tier has doubled, increasing from $100 to $200 per month. With this increase, X has also promised enhanced features for the Basic plan. Developers using the Basic tier will see higher limits and have access to new endpoints like “reposts_of_me” and a community search feature.

We are changing our Self Serve X API with new pricing options and limits. Below are the highlights. 🎉

~ Launching Annual Subscriptions: available at discounted rates!

~ Basic: will increase from $100 to $200 monthly with higher limits and new endpoints

~ Free: Introducing…

— Developers (@XDevelopers) October 30, 2024

Despite these announcements, the comparison page and the plan purchase page for the API still list the old limits. This discrepancy might be an oversight, and the company has not yet responded to inquiries for clarification. It’s expected that these pages will be updated to reflect the announced changes.

The increase in pricing comes at a time when many developers are already feeling the financial strain of maintaining access to essential tools. The move from $100 to $200 per month could be seen as a barrier for small developers or startups who rely on X’s API to build or enhance their products. The increased costs may push some developers to reconsider their relationship with the platform, especially if the promised improvements do not translate into tangible benefits.

The added endpoints for the Basic tier are intended to give developers more functionality, but they are not without limits. The “reposts_of_me” endpoint, for example, will allow developers to better track how their content is being reshared across the platform. The community search feature could help apps and services provide more targeted content, which might improve user engagement. However, the real impact of these features will depend on how well they are integrated and whether they provide enough value to justify the increased cost.

xAI API is officialy launched by Elon Musk

Changes to free and paid plans

The X Developer account announced the introduction of an experimental read API for the free tier. However, this change comes with a catch: post limits for the free tier have been reduced from 1,500 to just 500 posts per month. The experimental read API will also be limited, allowing only 100 requests.

These changes make the free tier much less attractive for developers who previously relied on it for basic functionality. The reduction in post limits and the introduction of a capped read API mean that developers will now have fewer opportunities to experiment with and build on the X platform without committing to a paid plan. The free tier’s new limitations could force many smaller developers to either pay for API access or look for alternatives.

On the other hand, the introduction of annual plans for the Basic and Pro API tiers offers a slight cost-saving advantage for developers willing to commit for the long term. The Basic annual plan costs $2,100, while the Pro annual plan costs $54,000, offering discounts compared to paying month-to-month. This could be appealing to developers or companies who have already integrated X’s API into their workflows and expect to continue using it for the foreseeable future.

The Pro tier, priced at $54,000 annually, is clearly targeted at larger organizations or high-volume users. The features included in this tier provide significantly higher API limits and access to premium tools. However, the hefty price tag means that it is out of reach for most small to medium-sized developers. For many, the decision to subscribe to the Pro tier will likely come down to whether the increased functionality and support can justify such a high annual expense.

Top-up restrictions

Earlier in the year, X offered a top-up option for developers to increase their API request limits. Developers on the Basic tier could purchase up to 10 top-ups per month, while Pro users were limited to five. However, the company has now restricted the number of top-ups to just two per month for both Basic and Pro tiers. This change limits the flexibility developers previously had in scaling their API usage.

Top-ups were an important tool for developers dealing with occasional spikes in demand. By limiting top-ups to two per month, X is effectively reducing developers’ ability to handle surges in activity without upgrading their entire subscription plan. This could have significant consequences for apps or services that see unpredictable traffic patterns and need more flexibility in their API usage.

For some developers, this change may mean that they will need to upgrade to a higher tier or rethink how they manage API requests. The reduced flexibility could lead to increased costs for developers who need occasional extra capacity but do not consistently need the higher limits provided by a more expensive subscription. It also makes it more challenging for developers to manage unexpected growth or increased user activity without incurring substantial additional costs.

Featured image credit: Kelly Sikkema/Unsplash

Apple is preparing for a busy week ahead, with the much-anticipated Apple October event set to feature M4 Macs and software updates. The company has several major announcements planned, and it will also share its fiscal fourth-quarter earnings on October 31.

A “Mac” to remember

Apple’s marketing head, Greg Joswiak, teased the upcoming week by urging followers to “Mac” their calendars.

Mac (😉) your calendars! We have an exciting week of announcements ahead, starting on Monday morning. Stay tuned… pic.twitter.com/YnoCYkZq6c

— Greg Joswiak (@gregjoz) October 24, 2024

The tech giant is expected to announce updates to its Mac lineup, which will include new M4 versions of the iMac, MacBook Pro, and Mac mini. According to Mark Gurman from Bloomberg, these new Macs will be showcased at a hands-on event in Los Angeles on Wednesday for media and content creators.

Apple is hosting a hands on experience next Wednesday in Los Angeles for media/creators. So the new Macs of course need to be announced by then. https://t.co/6sshpckmbL

— Mark Gurman (@markgurman) October 22, 2024

The updated MacBook Pro is expected to come in two sizes, 14-inch and 16-inch, with options for M4 Pro and M4 Max chips. The entry-level model will feature an additional Thunderbolt port compared to its predecessor. The iMac will also receive an upgrade to the M4 chip, improving performance. The new Mac mini will likely have a smaller design, featuring two front-facing USB-C ports, and it will come with either an M4 or M4 Pro chip.

Apple’s updated Magic Mouse, Magic Trackpad, and Magic Keyboard are also rumored to get USB-C compatibility, which will help unify the charging ecosystem across Apple’s devices.

First round of Apple Intelligence features arrives

Apple is also set to release the first wave of its AI features, known as Apple Intelligence, through the iOS 18.1 update. These features will only be available for iPhone 15 Pro models and later. The AI tools, introduced during the Worldwide Developer Conference earlier this year, promise to enhance user experience by offering improved functionality in everyday tasks.

Apple CEO Tim Cook has spoken about Apple Intelligence in the past, describing it as “not first, but best.” During the third-quarter earnings call, Cook emphasized Apple’s focus on developing AI tools that truly improve users’ lives. In recent comments, Cook elaborated that the technology will be “profoundly different,” akin to the transformative nature of innovations like the iPod’s click wheel or the iPhone’s touch interface.

Craig Federighi, Apple’s head of software, explained that Apple prefers to roll out these AI tools in stages to ensure their quality and reliability. Some features, like notification summaries and a new photo-editing tool called Cleanup, have already started to make their way to users. The rollout of Apple Intelligence will continue throughout the next year.

A recap of Apple’s approach

Apple’s cautious strategy with AI sets it apart from competitors like Google and OpenAI, who have rushed to introduce products like Google Gemini and ChatGPT. Federighi highlighted that Apple’s approach prioritizes user privacy, with AI models running directly on devices rather than in the cloud. This local approach means personal data stays secure, which is a core value for Apple.

Apple’s earnings results for the fiscal fourth quarter are expected to shed light on the impact of Apple Intelligence and other product launches. Cook has expressed optimism regarding AI, noting that Apple’s continued investment in this space will provide significant value to users. The upcoming earnings call will likely provide more insight into how AI fits into Apple’s long-term growth strategy.

With new M4 Macs, updates to the iPhone lineup, and the gradual release of Apple Intelligence, this week’s Apple October event will be filled with announcements. As Apple continues to expand its AI capabilities, it remains committed to offering the best user experience—even if that means taking a slower, more deliberate path.

Apple’s Vision Pro headset also remains a focus, with Cook describing it as an “early-adopter product” for those wanting to experience future technology today. Like other iconic products, it may take time for the Vision Pro to become mainstream, but Apple’s long-term commitment suggests it sees substantial potential in augmented reality.

The week promises significant reveals and will be one to watch for tech enthusiasts and Apple fans. Whether it’s new Macs or evolving AI features, Apple’s October event is another step in the company’s journey to innovate responsibly and effectively.

Featured image credit: Kerem Gülen/Ideogram

The fediverse, a growing network of open-source and decentralized social platforms, is set to introduce its answer to TikTok. This week, Loops, a new app for sharing short, looping videos, opened its signups. Loops aims to bring the TikTok-style experience to the fediverse, which currently has over 11.6 million users, with more than 1 million monthly active participants. However, Loops is still in the early stages and hasn’t yet been open-sourced or fully integrated with ActivityPub—the protocol that powers other popular fediverse platforms like Mastodon, Pixelfed, and PeerTube.

Who developed Loops?

Loops was developed by Daniel Supernault, who is also behind Pixelfed, a federated alternative to Instagram. According to the Loops FAQ, the new video-sharing platform will operate under the Pixelfed project. Supernault has shared some early looks at Loops on Mastodon, and he’s inviting users to join and help shape the new community.

In addition to eventually being open source and distributed, Loops promises to protect users’ rights over their content. Users will retain full ownership of their uploaded videos, and Loops will not sell or provide their data to third-party advertisers. Nor will the platform use user-generated content to train AI models. Instead, users only give Loops permission to use their content on the platform, keeping their rights intact.

Funding and moderation plans of loops.video

Unlike most social platforms, Loops isn’t backed by investors. Instead, it will be funded through donations on platforms like Patreon, Open Collective, and Liberapay. The platform is also finalizing a grant to support its development for the next year.

Loops is placing an emphasis on moderation to keep the community safe. Users will receive a trust score, which determines how their content is managed. Videos from users with lower trust scores will be held for moderation, while those from trusted users will be posted immediately. This system also helps in filtering problematic comments and applying content warnings.

Human moderators will handle the review process, and Supernault has put out a call for moderators to join the platform. Videos will be categorized, but features like hashtags and mentions aren’t yet available. Additional functionalities, such as allowing Loops users to follow users from other platforms like Mastodon and Pixelfed, are still in the works.

Fediverse features

Once fully integrated, Loops will be part of the broader fediverse, allowing users from other platforms like Mastodon and PeerTube to follow Loops accounts and view their videos in their respective feeds. This type of cross-platform interaction is one of the major benefits of using ActivityPub. Remote followers will also be able to like, comment on, and share videos, provided their platform supports these features.

The app will allow users 13 years and older to follow others, like, comment on, and share videos. Future features planned for Loops include sound usage, remixing other videos, and pinned profile videos. Users will also have the ability to curate their comment sections, giving them more control over interactions on their content.

Fixed: Can’t log into TikTok with Twitter

The signup process for Loops opened after a monthlong countdown, and interested users will receive an email when they can begin using the platform. Supernault noted that due to rate limits, there may be a slight delay in sending out confirmation emails.

The Android version of Loops will be available as a side-loadable APK, while the iOS version will be launched through Apple’s TestFlight, which requires a free developer account for early access. Although a web interface for Loops isn’t a priority at the moment, it is planned for the future.

Supernault is actively seeking feedback from the community regarding Loops’ terms of service and privacy policy as development continues. This input, along with the platform’s reliance on community donations, shows a commitment to building a user-focused and transparent environment.

Image credits: Loops 

A new leak reveals the full color lineup for the entire Galaxy S25 series. The latest information comes from Ross Young, a well-known display analyst, who shared details about all the possible colorways for Samsung’s upcoming flagship phones: the Galaxy S25, S25 Plus, and S25 Ultra.

Galaxy S25 Ultra

The Galaxy S25 Ultra will likely be available in four colors: Titanium Black, Titanium Blue, Titanium Gray, and Titanium Silver. This matches an earlier leak by Ice Universe, suggesting Samsung is sticking to the same color options for the Ultra model. These shades are similar to what we’ve seen before, indicating Samsung’s preference for more muted, elegant tones with the Ultra series.

Samsung has maintained a pattern with its Galaxy phone color options over the past few years. They tend to release familiar colors initially, then add special editions later. For example, the Galaxy S24 Ultra received a Titanium Yellow version several months after its launch. The Galaxy S25 Ultra may follow a similar path, potentially offering new color options like Titanium Pink later in the product cycle.

Finally, S25 colors.
S25:
Moon Night Blue
Silver Shadow
Sparking Blue
Sparkling Green
S25+
Midnight Black
Moon Night Blue
Silver Shadow
Sparking Blue
Sparkling Green
S25U
Titanium Black
Titanium Blue
Titanium Gray
Titanium Silver

— Ross Young (@DSCCRoss) October 24, 2024

Galaxy S25 and S25 Plus

According to Young, the Galaxy S25 will come in Moon Night Blue, Silver Shadow, Sparking Blue, and Sparkling Green. The S25 Plus model will have these same options, with the addition of Midnight Black, giving it a slight edge in variety. These colors appear brighter and more vibrant compared to the Titanium shades of the Ultra model, possibly aiming to appeal to a broader audience.

Unlike recent launches from other smartphone makers, such as the Pixel 9 series, Samsung doesn’t seem to be including any unique pink or pastel shades for the Galaxy S25 launch. However, Samsung might add new colors after the initial release, just as they did with the Titanium Yellow for the S24 Ultra.

Confirmed with materials suppliers that the S25 Ultra will use M13 rather than M14 materials for cost reasons.

— Ross Young (@DSCCRoss) October 25, 2024

Display details for the Galaxy S25 Ultra

In addition to the color options, Young also shared some information about the Galaxy S25 Ultra’s display. It seems Samsung will continue using the M13 OLED panel from the Galaxy S24 Ultra. This is a well-tested option, known for delivering excellent visual quality. While some might have hoped for an upgrade to the newer M14 OLED panel, cost considerations seem to be a factor here.

Young explained that using the M14 panel would likely lead to higher costs for consumers. The M14 OLED panel, which Apple is expected to use in its iPhone 16 Pro, promises better efficiency and longevity, with a 30% improvement in energy efficiency and a 10-20% longer lifespan compared to the M13. However, Samsung appears to be focusing on keeping the price more accessible rather than pushing for the latest display technology.

Google Pixel 10 and Pixel 11 are leaked

Samsung’s color strategy with the Galaxy S25 lineup seems to be a blend of predictability and careful differentiation. The Galaxy S25 Ultra maintains the sophisticated Titanium finishes, while the Galaxy S25 and S25 Plus offer more colorful options that might appeal to different tastes. The decision to keep the M13 OLED panel shows a balance between providing a quality display and managing costs.

As the launch date approaches, it will be interesting to see if Samsung introduces any surprise features or additional color options. For now, the leaked information paints a picture of a lineup that sticks closely to what worked in the past, with a few small changes to keep things fresh.

Featured image credit: Kerem Gülen/Ideogram

OxygenOS 15, OnePlus’s latest software update based on Android 15, is bringing a host of new features and improvements to eligible devices.

All new OxygenOS 15 features

This update includes significant design changes, customization options, and AI-driven features. Let’s break down what’s new in OxygenOS 15 and which OnePlus devices will get it.

All confirmed and leaked Android 15 features

This update includes significant design changes, customization options, and AI-driven features (Image credit)

Design updates and customization

OxygenOS 15 introduces several design updates, including refreshed system icons, rounded corners, and new fingerprint animations. These visual changes make the user interface more modern and aesthetically pleasing, contributing to a smoother and more cohesive look. Users can also enjoy “Flux Themes,” which offer a variety of dynamic styles to personalize the home screen, lock screen, and Always-On Display.

These themes provide customization options that cater to individual preferences, allowing users to create a unique visual experience on their devices. The design changes extend to the notification and control center, which now separate into two distinct panels—notifications on the left and quick settings on the right—providing a more organized and accessible experience.

Lighter system and parallel processing

One major under-the-hood improvement with OxygenOS 15 is a reduction in system storage usage. The new update takes up about 8.1GB, compared to the previous 21GB, freeing up significant space for users. This reduction allows users to have more storage for their personal files, apps, and media, without worrying about system bloat taking up unnecessary space. Additionally, OnePlus has introduced “Parallel Processing,” which allows apps to perform actions simultaneously.

This means faster switching between apps, making the user interface feel smoother and more responsive. With Parallel Processing, users can run multiple apps without experiencing lag or delays, which is particularly useful for multitasking scenarios, such as streaming videos while browsing the web or using social media. The result is a more seamless and efficient user experience that enhances productivity and reduces frustration.

AI features and intelligent search

OxygenOS 15 includes several new AI features aimed at improving daily tasks and overall usability. For example, the “Intelligent Search” function can scan documents stored on the phone to answer questions directly, making it easier for users to find important information without having to manually search through files.

AI features in the Photos app, such as “AI Unblur” and “Reflection Eraser,” help users edit and improve photo quality easily. These tools are designed to enhance photo clarity and remove unwanted reflections, making it simpler for users to achieve professional-looking results without needing advanced photo editing skills.

Improved multitasking and control

The multitasking experience in OxygenOS 15 has been revamped with features like “Split View” and “Floating Windows.” These features allow users to manage multiple tasks more effectively, enhancing productivity and convenience. With “Split View,” users can run two apps side by side, making it ideal for activities like comparing documents, watching videos while messaging, or browsing while taking notes. Additionally, users can now save app pairs for quick access, making it more convenient to handle multiple tasks simultaneously

Notifications and quick settings have also been separated, allowing for better customization and quicker access to commonly used tools. This separation ensures that users can easily manage their notifications without accidentally changing important settings, resulting in a more user-friendly experience.

Battery and security features

Battery optimization features in OxygenOS 15 include a new charging limit, which stops the battery from charging past 80% if left plugged in for too long, helping prolong battery health. This feature is especially useful for users who tend to leave their phones charging overnight, as it helps prevent overcharging and extends the overall lifespan of the battery.

On the security side, OnePlus has integrated a new Theft Protection feature that locks the phone if it detects sudden motion and disconnection from Bluetooth devices, enhancing device safety. This feature helps protect users’ personal data and provides peace of mind in situations where the device might be stolen. Additionally, the update includes improvements to existing security features, such as enhanced app permissions and private data management, ensuring that users have greater control over their privacy.

OxygenOS 15 eligible devices

OxygenOS 15 is available for OnePlus 12 and will soon roll out to other recent OnePlus models. The update is expected to cover newer OnePlus flagships, though some features like “Intelligent Search” may only be available on future devices like the OnePlus 13. This rollout strategy ensures that users with the latest hardware can take full advantage of the new features and improvements, while also providing software support for slightly older models. OnePlus has a track record of supporting its devices with timely updates, and OxygenOS 15 continues that tradition by bringing meaningful improvements to a wide range of devices.

If you’re using a compatible OnePlus device, it’s worth looking into this new update to see how it can improve your experience.

Featured image credit: OnePlus

A major leak has revealed key details about Google’s future Pixel 10 and Pixel 11 smartphones, including specifications for the new Tensor G5 and G6 chips. The leak, reported by Notebookcheck, gives a glimpse into what users can expect from Google’s 2025 and 2026 flagship releases.

Leaked: Google Pixel 10 and Pixel 11 will feature Tensor G5 and G6 respectively

The leak indicates that the Pixel 10, set for release in 2025, will feature the Tensor G5 chip, which will be Google’s first processor produced by TSMC using the 3nm process. This chip marks Google’s move away from Samsung’s Exynos architecture. The G5, codenamed “Laguna,” will have a 1-5-2 CPU core configuration. This means it will include one high-performance Cortex-X4 core, five Cortex-A720 cores, and two Cortex-A520 cores, all supporting ARMv9.2. The G5 will also use an 8MB L3 cache.

The GPU in the Tensor G5 is a dual-core unit from PowerVR Imagination Technologies, clocked at 1,100 MHz. This is a change from the previous use of Mali GPUs. Notably, the G5 GPU will support ray tracing and GPU virtualization, aimed at delivering improved graphics performance.

In 2026, the Pixel 11 is expected to introduce the Tensor G6 chip, codenamed “Malibu.” The G6 will feature a new 1-6 CPU cluster, consisting of a Cortex-X930 performance core and six Cortex-A730 cores, which support ARMv9.4. This chip will also have an 8MB L3 cache but with a smaller 4MB system-level cache. The GPU will be upgraded to a three-core version, maintaining the 1,100 MHz clock speed but consuming 15% less power. According to the leak, ray tracing may be dropped in this version.

The leaked information includes expected performance benchmarks for the Tensor G5 and G6 compared to their predecessor, the Tensor G4. The G5 in the Pixel 10 is expected to achieve a Geekbench 5 single-core score of 1,532 points and a multi-core score of 5,111 points. For the Tensor G6 in the Pixel 11, expected scores are 1,760 points for single-core and 5,655 points for multi-core performance. These scores represent a substantial performance boost compared to the Tensor G4, which powers the current Pixel 9.

Other features and compatibility

The Tensor G5 and G6 will also bring enhancements in memory and connectivity. Both chips will support either LPDDR5X-8533 or LPDDR5-6400 RAM configurations. They will also offer USB 3.2 Gen 2 support, UFS 4.0 storage, and DisplayPort 1.4. The Tensor G5 and G6 will support internal displays of up to 4K at 120Hz and external displays up to 8K at 30Hz. Additionally, the Tensor G6’s image signal processor (ISP) will include five separate pipelines, allowing for improved low-light performance, cinematic bokeh effects, and up to 100x zoom.

Both Tensor G5 and G6 chips will be manufactured using TSMC’s 3nm processes—G5 on N3E and G6 on N3P—which is expected to provide significant power efficiency gains. These chips will also feature staggered HDR, 8K video recording, and playback support, catering to demanding imaging requirements.

One of the major shifts for Google’s next-generation Pixel devices is the move away from Samsung’s Exynos-based chips to an independent chipset manufactured by TSMC. The Tensor G5 and G6 represent a significant step in Google’s efforts to create a more controlled and optimized silicon architecture, aimed at better competing with other industry leaders like Qualcomm, MediaTek, and Apple.

This shift also underlines Google’s strategy to improve overall power efficiency and system stability. The choice of the 3nm process will likely help in reducing power consumption and heat output, addressing some of the concerns users had with earlier models that experienced high temperatures during demanding tasks.

The GPU in both the G5 and G6 will be sourced from PowerVR, moving away from the Mali GPUs used in previous generations. The G5 will come with a dual-core GPU supporting ray tracing, while the G6 will feature a three-core version. The leaked information suggests that Google may drop ray tracing support in the G6, but that is still unconfirmed.

The decision to possibly remove ray tracing from the Tensor G6 could be an effort to focus on efficiency, especially as ray tracing is a resource-intensive feature that might not align with Google’s goal to reduce power consumption. By removing or reducing features that aren’t widely used or don’t offer enough return in real-world scenarios, Google could optimize performance and battery life.

Google’s path forward with Pixel 10 and Pixel 11

Google’s next flagship devices, the Pixel 10 and Pixel 11, seem to continue pushing the envelope of custom hardware development. The introduction of the Tensor G5 and G6 chips indicates a clear attempt by Google to make its Pixel lineup more competitive with the major players in the smartphone space, focusing on high efficiency, custom performance features, and improved system control.

One of the most interesting aspects of these upcoming devices is the expanded use of a new ISP, especially in the G6. The improved ISP will enable better low-light photography, more advanced HDR capabilities, and increased zoom, which aligns with Google’s focus on leading the smartphone camera market.

No official confirmation from Google yet

It’s important to note that this information comes from a leaked source, not an official announcement from Google. While the leak has been reported by Notebookcheck and appears credible, it is still possible that the final specs could change as the development process continues. Google may also adjust the final design based on engineering challenges or strategic priorities.

With the expected release of the Pixel 10 in 2025 and the Pixel 11 in 2026, it’s clear that Google is planning far ahead to establish its presence in the smartphone hardware market. Shifting to TSMC and focusing on efficiency and feature improvements show Google’s intention to better compete with established brands, particularly in the premium smartphone segment.

For now, enthusiasts can only wait for more official announcements, but if these leaks are accurate, the future of Google’s Pixel lineup looks promising with a focus on better performance, power efficiency, and advanced imaging features.

Featured image credit: Kerem Gülen/Ideogram

A recent leak has given us a detailed look at what to expect from AMD’s upcoming Ryzen 7 9800X3D processor. According to a marketing slide obtained by VideoCardz, the 9800X3D will feature an 8% performance boost in gaming compared to its predecessor, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D.

Set to launch officially on November 7th, this new processor has been generating considerable interest among enthusiasts, and the leaked information offers some insight into its expected capabilities, compatibility, and features.

Gaming performance and multi-threaded improvements

The Ryzen 7 9800X3D is positioned as a successor to the Ryzen 7 7800X3D, a CPU that is widely regarded as one of the top gaming processors available today. The leaked slide claims that the 9800X3D will provide an 8% boost in gaming performance over the 7800X3D. This gain may not be game-changing, but it’s notable given that the 7800X3D already ranks highly among gaming CPUs. The focus on incremental improvement aligns with AMD’s approach to refining the 3D V-Cache technology for increased efficiency and performance in gaming scenarios.

In addition to better gaming performance, the 9800X3D is expected to deliver a 15% improvement in multi-threaded workloads compared to the 7800X3D. This indicates that AMD aims to make this processor attractive not only to gamers but also to those using their systems for more demanding productivity tasks, such as video editing or 3D rendering. The boost in multi-threaded performance is a key metric, especially in a market where consumers expect their hardware to perform across a range of applications.

Next-generation 3D V-Cache and boost clock

The leaked marketing slide also reveals that the Ryzen 7 9800X3D will be equipped with a new generation of AMD’s 3D V-Cache technology. The processor will feature a 96MB L3 cache, with improvements made to enhance thermal efficiency. The improved thermal performance allows the CPU to achieve clock speeds of up to 5.2 GHz. This is a notable development, as maintaining higher clock speeds while managing heat has been a major challenge for high-performance CPUs.

While some enthusiasts were hoping for even higher clock speeds, it appears that 5.2 GHz is the boost clock limit for the 9800X3D. AMD’s decision to cap the boost clock at this level likely reflects a balance between maintaining stability and optimizing the processor for the best gaming and productivity performance without pushing the thermal envelope too far.

The introduction of the next-generation 3D V-Cache also highlights AMD’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of CPU performance in gaming. By increasing the L3 cache size and improving thermal management, AMD aims to minimize latency and ensure smoother frame rates in gaming scenarios. The 3D V-Cache is a significant part of what differentiates the X3D lineup from other Ryzen CPUs, as it allows the processor to handle larger amounts of data quickly, which is particularly useful in games that require a lot of memory bandwidth.

Compatibility and memory overclocking

Another key detail revealed in the leak is the compatibility of the Ryzen 7 9800X3D with existing AM5 motherboards. AMD confirms that the new processor will work with all AM5 motherboards, including the recently launched X870E/X870 series and the last-generation X670(E)/B650(E) series, as well as the A620 motherboards, provided they receive the necessary BIOS updates. However, it is worth noting that AMD did not explicitly mention support for the B650 series in the leaked slide, which might raise some questions among those planning an upgrade.

The 9800X3D will also support memory overclocking up to 8000 MT/s, a significant capability for those who want to push their systems to the limit. This level of memory overclocking is becoming increasingly important in gaming and other high-performance applications, where faster memory speeds can lead to better overall performance. Some early testing has already shown that the 9800X3D can exceed this 8000 MT/s figure, suggesting that there may be some additional headroom for users looking to experiment with their memory configurations.

No pricing details yet

One key piece of information that AMD has yet to confirm is the pricing for the Ryzen 7 9800X3D. With the official launch date just around the corner, consumers and industry analysts are eagerly awaiting details about how the new processor will be positioned in terms of cost. Given its performance improvements over the Ryzen 7 7800X3D, the 9800X3D is expected to come with a price premium, but how much more it will cost remains to be seen.

Pricing will be a crucial factor in determining whether the Ryzen 7 9800X3D will be able to compete effectively with both AMD’s existing lineup and Intel’s offerings. The 7800X3D has been popular among gamers and content creators due to its balance of performance and price, so AMD will need to be careful in pricing the 9800X3D to ensure it offers a compelling value proposition.

The role of real-time data in competitive gaming

The Ryzen 7 9800X3D represents an incremental upgrade over the 7800X3D rather than a revolutionary leap forward. The 8% boost in gaming performance and 15% improvement in multi-threaded workloads are valuable gains, but they may not be enough to convince current 7800X3D owners to upgrade. Instead, the 9800X3D seems targeted at those who are building new systems or upgrading from older hardware and want the latest advancements in CPU technology.

AMD’s focus on refining the 3D V-Cache and improving thermal performance reflects a strategy of gradual enhancement rather than radical change. By building on the strengths of the 7800X3D and addressing some of its limitations, such as thermal performance, AMD aims to offer a more polished product that appeals to gamers and productivity users alike.

Featured image credit: Kerem Gülen/Ideogram

Apple seems ready to unveil its next generation of Macs featuring the new M4 chips, and it looks like we won’t have to wait much longer. Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman, who often has reliable insider information, recently shared that an “M4 Mac launch” is scheduled for next week. Although he didn’t give an exact date, it’s safe to say the tech world is gearing up for some big news.

In line with what I’ve been reporting for a while, Apple will very soon launch its new Macs. There should be some hands-ons outside of Cupertino and online video. I expect the M4 iMac, MacBook Pro, revamped Mac mini and USB-C accessories. https://t.co/I1bDoPjGiP

— Mark Gurman (@markgurman) October 22, 2024

What we know so far

Gurman posted that Apple has a “busy week” lined up, mentioning that it will start with “Apple Intelligence” on Monday, followed by the M4 Mac announcement, and then earnings results on Thursday. Additionally, Apple has invited journalists and content creators to a hands-on event in Los Angeles next Wednesday, which suggests that the M4 Macs will be announced before then.

While it is unclear whether Apple will hold an online event or simply issue a press release, the timeframe for inviting media to an online event is closing. Last year, Apple hosted the “Scary Fast” event online in late October, so they might take a similar approach this year. We’ll find out soon enough.

What to expect from the M4 Mac lineup

Based on Gurman’s information and other leaks, here’s what Apple is expected to announce:

• 14-inch MacBook Pro with M4 Chip: An entry-level model with an additional Thunderbolt port compared to the current version.
• 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro Models: These will come with options for the M4 Pro and M4 Max chips, offering greater performance.
• Updated iMac: Featuring the M4 chip, this new model will likely replace the current iMac with more efficient processing power.
• New Mac Mini: Rumored to have a smaller design, similar to an Apple TV, with two front-facing USB-C ports. It will offer options for both M4 and M4 Pro chips.
• USB-C Magic Accessories: Apple is also expected to update its Magic Mouse, Magic Trackpad, and Magic Keyboard to USB-C.

The entry-level 14-inch MacBook Pro has allegedly already been leaked through some unboxing videos earlier this month, where it was identified as a November 2024 model. If these videos are legitimate, it means that the first M4 Macs might not reach customers until next month, even if they are announced next week.

Is the Mac Mini arriving sooner?

Adding another twist to the story, well-known leaker Sonny Dickson claimed that the new Mac Mini could launch even sooner—possibly this week. Dickson’s track record is a mixed bag, though. While he’s shared some accurate details in the past, not all of his predictions have panned out, particularly when it comes to hardware releases. Still, it’s worth keeping an eye out.

Online event or press release?

It’s still a bit unclear how Apple plans to announce these new products. Last year, the “Scary Fast” event was streamed online, and Apple could take a similar route for the M4 Mac launch. However, there’s also a chance they could go for a simpler announcement on the Apple Newsroom website.

Regardless of the method, the window for sending out invites to an online event is closing quickly, so we’ll have our answer soon. What’s clear, though, is that Apple is pushing forward with the next generation of its Mac lineup, and the upcoming M4 Macs will be the latest step in their ongoing shift away from Intel processors.

Why the M4 Mac launch matters

The launch of the M4 Macs is significant for a couple of reasons. First, it continues Apple’s rapid progression in designing its own processors, with the M4 chips likely offering better performance and efficiency compared to the current M3 series. This means improvements in battery life, speed, and overall capability for users.

Second, it’s also about the competitive landscape. Apple is looking to stay ahead of the curve, and a new generation of Macs is a big part of that strategy. Competitors like Microsoft and Google are also pushing AI integrations and hardware improvements, so Apple is aiming to maintain its edge, especially among creative professionals and enterprise users.

What we’re watching for

For Apple enthusiasts and tech industry observers, next week will be one to watch closely. How much of a performance boost will the M4 Macs deliver? Will we see any surprises, like a major redesign of the iMac or the Mac Mini? And what about the hands-on event in Los Angeles—could it hint at something even more exciting?

Mark Gurman has been right before, and his updates provide some tantalizing clues about what’s ahead. But as always with Apple, there’s still a bit of mystery.

Featured image credit: Kerem Gülen/Ideogram

If you’ve been frustrated by the can’t log into TikTok with Twitter issue, you’re not alone. Many users have faced problems accessing their TikTok accounts linked to Twitter. Fortunately, there are several straightforward steps you can take to solve this problem and regain access to your account.

Why can’t you log into TikTok with Twitter?

The issue arises because TikTok no longer supports logging in or creating accounts using Twitter (now called X). In the past, you could use your Twitter credentials to sign in, but TikTok has since removed this option.

Why TikTok should be part of your marketing strategy

As a result, users who linked their TikTok accounts with Twitter might have trouble logging in after logging out or reinstalling the app.

Can’t log into TikTok with Twitter: Troubleshooting steps

If you can’t log into TikTok with Twitter, follow these steps to try to resolve the issue:

Step 1: Open the TikTok app

• Launch the TikTok app on your phone.
• Tap on the “Profile” icon in the lower-right corner of the screen.

Step 2: Access help options

• When you see the login menu, tap on the question mark icon in the top-left corner. This will open help options for logging into your account.

Step 3: Recover your account

• Choose the “Recover Your Account” option.
• Locate your account under the “Recent Logins” section and select it.
• Follow the prompts to verify your account and regain access.

These steps are usually effective in resolving the can’t log into TikTok with Twitter problem. If these methods don’t work, it may be best to reach out to TikTok’s support team for further assistance.

Additional tips for fixing the issue

If you’re still facing issues, there are additional things you can try. Here are some bonus fixes that might help you get back into your TikTok account:

Update the TikTok app

Ensure that your TikTok app is up to date. TikTok frequently releases updates to fix bugs and improve functionality. Using an outdated version might prevent you from logging in successfully. Go to your device’s app store and check for any available updates for TikTok.

Clear app cache

Clearing the app cache can resolve many login issues, including the “Can’t log into TikTok with Twitter” problem. To clear the TikTok app cache:

• Go to your phone’s settings.
• Find and select “Apps” or “Application Manager.”
• Locate TikTok and tap on it.
• Tap on “Storage” and then “Clear Cache.”

Reset your password

If you have a linked email or phone number, you can try resetting your password. This might help you regain access to your account without needing to use your Twitter credentials:

• Open the TikTok app and tap on “Log In.”
• Choose the “Forgot Password” option.
• Follow the prompts to reset your password using your email or phone number.

Use a different device

Sometimes, login issues can be device-specific. Try logging into your TikTok account using a different phone or tablet. If it works on another device, the problem may be with your original device’s settings or app configuration.

Reinstall TikTok

Reinstalling the app can also help resolve persistent issues. Delete TikTok from your device and then reinstall it from your app store. After reinstalling, try logging in again and see if the problem is resolved.

Contact TikTok support

If none of these methods work, consider contacting TikTok’s support team. They can provide personalized help and guide you through the recovery process. Provide as much information as possible about your issue to get the most effective assistance.

Hopefully, this guide helps you regain access to your TikTok account quickly.

Featured image credit: visuals/Unsplash

When managing custom monitor resolutions through the NVIDIA Control Panel, users sometimes encounter frustrating technical issues.

One Redditor called TheLazyDucky recently shared their struggle with a specific problem: after setting up a custom resolution for a portrait monitor, the resolution appears stretched. When they try to turn off this stretched setting through the NVIDIA Control Panel, the application crashes, preventing any changes from being saved. To make matters worse, the system logs an error, offering little clarity on how to resolve the issue.

The post of TheLazyDucky:

Quick fixes for custom resolution issues on NVIDIA Control Panel

Here’s a closer look at some potential solutions that could help.

Reinstall or repair the NVIDIA Control Panel

Sometimes, corruption in the control panel application can cause issues like this. Try reinstalling the NVIDIA Control Panel from the Microsoft Store or directly from the NVIDIA website to ensure you have the latest and uncorrupted version. You can also try repairing the app through the Apps & Features settings in Windows.

Recreate the custom resolution using the NVIDIA Control Panel

The issue might stem from how the custom resolution was created. Try deleting the current custom resolution and recreating it from scratch within the NVIDIA Control Panel. Be sure to test with different settings for scaling (like no scaling or preserving aspect ratio) and refresh rates to see if that resolves the stretching problem.

Check for GPU driver updates

Ensure your GPU drivers are up to date by downloading the latest drivers from the NVIDIA website. Often, driver issues can be behind crashes like this, especially when using custom resolutions. Updating might fix the underlying issue causing the crash.

Disable NVIDIA overlay or background services

NVIDIA GeForce Experience and other background services could be interfering with the Control Panel. Disable the in-game overlay feature in GeForce Experience or try stopping other NVIDIA background processes through Task Manager to see if that resolves the issue.

Roll back to an earlier version

If the problem started after a recent update, try rolling back to a previous version of the NVIDIA driver or the control panel app. Sometimes newer versions introduce bugs that may not yet have been addressed.

Featured image credit: Kerem Gülen/Ideogram

As we move further into 2024, excitement is building around the next iteration of Google’s mobile operating system and the new Android 15 featured.

After a comprehensive overview at Google I/O 2024, we now have a clearer picture of the features and improvements expected with this release.

What are the confirmed and leaked Android 15 features?

Here’s a detailed look at everything we know about Android 15 features, from enhanced privacy controls to improved accessibility options.

1. New security features

Enhanced security hub

Android 15 features an upgraded Security Hub designed to centralize privacy and security settings. This hub will provide users with a comprehensive overview of their security status, guiding them in setting up features like two-factor authentication, managing app permissions, and checking for security updates. The new “Security Checkup” tool will offer tailored recommendations based on user habits and settings, promoting better security practices.

Secure app sharing

Building on the platform’s commitment to privacy, Android 15 will introduce Secure App Sharing. Those Android 15 features will allow users to share apps without granting full access to sensitive data. Users can choose specific app functions to share temporarily, enhancing security while still allowing collaborative use of applications.

2. Cloud search support for photo picker

A notable addition coming to Android’s Photo Picker is cloud search support. Announced during Google I/O 2024, the new Android 15 features will enable users to search for photos stored both locally and in the cloud. The rollout is expected later this year, making it accessible to all devices running Android 11 and newer, and even some older devices through Google Play Services. This enhancement will streamline photo management and sharing, providing a unified search experience.

3. Enhanced confirmation mode

Android 15 will build upon Android 13’s Restricted Settings by introducing Enhanced Confirmation Mode. This new feature checks an allowlist of trusted packages that can install apps without the usual restrictions on accessibility and notification listener services. By closing a loophole from the previous version, this improvement reinforces app security while maintaining user convenience.

4. Accessibility enhancements

New screen magnification gesture

Android 15 introduces an intuitive new method for screen magnification: a quick two-finger double-tap. This will complement existing magnification options, including the on-screen accessibility button, volume key gestures, and the triple-tap feature. By streamlining the activation process, Android aims to enhance accessibility without compromising device performance.

Customizable mouse pointer

For users connecting their Android devices to keyboards and touchpads, Android 15 will offer new options for customizing the mouse pointer. Android 15 features will include different fill and stroke styles and a pointer size adjustment slider, allowing users to tailor their pointing devices to better suit their preferences.

5. Smart home integration

Thread network stack

As smart home technology becomes more prevalent, Android 15 will include a Thread network stack for devices equipped with a Thread radio. This enhancement allows Android phones to communicate directly with other Thread-enabled devices, eliminating the need for a separate Thread border router. This integration promises faster smart home actions and enhanced local control.

Bedtime mode APIs for third-party apps

Google is opening up Bedtime Mode APIs to third-party developers, enabling greater customization for users looking to manage their digital wellbeing. Apps will be able to dim wallpapers, minimize color saturation, and toggle Do Not Disturb modes, providing more flexibility in creating personalized routines.

6. Do not disturb mode improvements

Priority mode

Android 15 is set to enhance the Do Not Disturb (DND) feature by introducing Priority Mode. This new mode will allow users to create personalized DND schedules with custom icons, triggers, and display settings. The revamped UI will incorporate new toggles for grayscale mode, always-on display options, and dark themes, all leveraging the new ZenDeviceEffects API.

7. Health connect enhancements

During the “What’s new in Android Health” session at Google I/O, Google announced exciting updates for Health Connect. Users will soon be able to access their entire health data history, as the 30-day limitation for app data access will be removed. Additionally, the introduction of background reads will enable apps to sync data while running in the background. These Android 15 features come with new runtime permissions that users can manage, further enhancing user control over health data.

8. Backup and restore features

Health Connect will also introduce backup and restore capabilities, allowing users to back up their health data to preferred cloud storage providers. This feature will ensure that health information remains secure and accessible while giving users the flexibility to choose how they store their data.

9. Project mainline updates

Android 15 may introduce a new Project Mainline module called WebViewBootstrap, which will handle the core framework APIs that integrate WebView into applications. This shift aims to reduce reliance on OEMs for updates, allowing Google to manage updates more effectively and minimize fragmentation.

10. Privacy and security enhancements

New location privacy HAL

Android 15 will introduce a new radio HAL API, providing users with more control over how their location data is shared with carriers. This feature is crucial for enhancing location privacy, particularly in non-emergency situations.

Proactive alerts for insecure connections

In a bid to improve user awareness, Android 15 will notify users when a cellular network collects sensitive information like their IMSI or IMEI. It will also alert users if the network attempts to create an insecure connection, thus enhancing overall security.

Support for 16KB page sizes

To support evolving hardware technologies, Android 15 will provide OS support for devices with 16KB page sizes, making Android page-size agnostic. This change will facilitate better performance and compatibility across a range of devices.

Has Android 15 been released?

Android 15 release date is here as Google’s new OS has officially started rolling out to Pixel devices today, as confirmed by an early post on Google’s German Pixel Community forum that was quickly deleted.

This rollout is set to reach all supported Google Pixel devices currently running Android 14, with users receiving notifications based on their mobile carriers throughout the week. Additionally, this update is expected to coincide with the October Pixel Feature Drop, meaning new Android 15 features could be part of the package alongside the stable release.

Featured image credit: Google

Android 15 is confirmed to roll out to Pixel devices today, thanks to an early post on Google’s German Pixel Community forum. Though quickly removed, the news has already made waves through screenshots shared by Redditors who received emails about it.

Pixel users to enjoy Android 15 today

Below is a translated version of the message, shared by a Redditor:

“Dear Pixel Community,

This month, all supported Google Pixel devices running Android 14 will receive the software update to Android 15. The update is already available for some users today. Over the next week, it will gradually be made available on the devices via the mobile operators. You will receive a notification as soon as the system update is available for your device. We recommend that you check your Android version and update to the latest version.

For more information about this month’s security fixes, see the Android Security Bulletin: https://source.android.com/security/bulletin

Best regards The Google Pixel support team”

This whole story started with whispers about Android 15 coming soon, especially after the source code hit AOSP in early September. People speculated, and leaks pointed to mid-October, with October 15 marked as a likely date. Well, today is the day. Google, perhaps unintentionally, confirmed that Android 15 is indeed rolling out today, and it’s not just for a select few. If you’ve got a Pixel, chances are you’ll get that coveted OTA notification soon—if not today, then sometime this week, depending on your carrier.

For those stuck with carrier-locked phones, brace yourself for a little patience. Google’s post mentioned that the update would hit global carriers throughout the week. Translation: not everyone gets it at once, and some of you might have to wait just a bit longer.

OxygenOS 15 features and eligible devices

The timing? Well, if Google sticks to its usual routine, we should see the OTA go live around 10 a.m. Pacific Time. Alongside that, factory images will likely become available for those who prefer the hands-on approach of manual updates.

Google tends to keep the biggest surprises close to its chest until the very last moment. The official Android 15 beta has been around for months, but don’t be shocked if the final release throws in a few extra goodies. Rumors suggest that the Android 15 rollout will coincide with the October Pixel Feature Drop, which means new features could be part of the package—ones we haven’t seen in the beta version yet.

Not to be overlooked, the Pixel Watch is also likely to get some love in this update cycle. Wearables are becoming a bigger part of Google’s ecosystem, so expect new features here too. Google hasn’t let much slip on specifics, but if history’s any guide, the updates will be about more than just bug fixes.

If you’re running the Android 15 QPR1 beta, here’s a heads-up: you won’t be getting the stable build today. It’s kind of a catch-22—you’ll have to opt out of the beta program, but doing so will wipe your phone’s internal storage clean. Not ideal, but for those who want the polished experience, it’s the only way forward.

Google isn’t the only player in the Android 15 arena today. Reports out of India suggest that Motorola may be launching its Android 15 beta for select Moto Edge 50 Fusion users. If true, it’s likely that only a small group of users will get early access, but it’s a sign that other manufacturers are revving their engines.

Xiaomi, Vivo, Nothing, and other Android heavyweights aren’t far behind either. While no official dates have been announced, it wouldn’t be surprising to hear concrete details from these brands soon.

Android 15 compatible phones

As Android 15 starts rolling out, various manufacturers have confirmed which of their devices will support the update.

Here’s a breakdown of the compatible phones by brand:

Google

Google has outlined the Pixel phones that will receive Android 15, with the company’s newest devices leading the charge. These models are guaranteed to receive the update:

• Pixel 8a
• Pixel 8 & Pixel 8 Pro
• Pixel Fold
• Pixel 7a
• Pixel 7 & Pixel 7 Pro
• Pixel 6 & Pixel 6 Pro
• Pixel 6a
• Pixel 5a 5G (support until August 2024, which may include Android 15)

Unfortunately, older Pixel models won’t be getting the update. However, two new devices—the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro Fold—are expected to be released soon and will be Android 15-compatible.

Currently, the Google Pixel 8 Pro is one of the top models available, with competitive pricing around $649. This phone is a great option for those looking to experience Android 15 with the latest features.

Honor

Honor has confirmed that several of its phones will support Android 15, particularly models from its Magic and Honor series. The devices include:

• Honor 90
• Honor 90 Lite
• Honor Magic Vs
• Honor Magic Vs Ultimate
• Honor Magic 5 Lite
• Honor Magic 5 Pro
• Honor Magic 6 Pro
• Honor Magic V2

These models are expected to benefit from the Android 15 update, continuing Honor’s streak of delivering consistent software support.

Motorola

Motorola has also announced Android 15 compatibility for several of its devices. These include flagship models from the Razr and Edge series:

• Motorola Razr 40
• Motorola Razr 40 Ultra (Razr+ 2023)
• Motorola Edge 30 Ultra
• Motorola Edge 40 Pro
• Motorola Edge 40
• Motorola Edge 40 Neo
• Motorola Edge 50
• Motorola Edge 50 Pro
• Motorola Edge 50 Ultra

These devices will be among the first in Motorola’s lineup to receive the Android 15 update, providing users with the latest features and improvements.

Nothing

Nothing, a relatively new player in the smartphone market, has confirmed Android 15 support for its Phone (1), Phone (2), and Phone (2a) models. These phones are known for their minimalist design and user-focused features, and the update will only enhance their appeal.

Nokia

Nokia remains committed to delivering updates to its more affordable models. The following Nokia phones will receive Android 15:

• Nokia G22
• Nokia G42 5G
• Nokia G60
• Nokia X30
• Nokia XR21

These models are targeted at users looking for reliable, budget-friendly devices, and the Android 15 update will further enhance their value.

OnePlus

OnePlus has long been a favorite among Android enthusiasts for its fast and clean software experience. The following models are confirmed to receive Android 15:

• OnePlus Open
• OnePlus 11
• OnePlus 10 Pro
• OnePlus 10T
• OnePlus 9
• OnePlus 9 Pro
• OnePlus Nord 3
• OnePlus Nord 2T
• OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G
• OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite 5G

With these devices, OnePlus continues its tradition of supporting both flagship and mid-range models with the latest software.

Samsung

Samsung has the most extensive list of Android 15-compatible devices, covering both its flagship Galaxy S series and mid-range Galaxy A models. Here’s the list of confirmed models:

• Galaxy S24 / S24+ / S24 Ultra
• Galaxy S23 / S23+ / S23 Ultra
• Galaxy S23 FE
• Galaxy S22 / S22+ / S22 Ultra
• Galaxy S21 FE
• Galaxy S21 / S21+ / S21 Ultra
• Galaxy Xcover 6 Pro
• Galaxy Z Fold 5
• Galaxy Z Flip 5
• Galaxy Z Fold 4
• Galaxy Z Flip 4
• Galaxy Z Fold 3
• Galaxy Z Flip 3
• Galaxy A55
• Galaxy A54
• Galaxy A53
• Galaxy A73
• Galaxy A35
• Galaxy A34
• Galaxy A33
• Galaxy A15
• Galaxy A15 5G
• Galaxy A14
• Galaxy A14 5G
• Galaxy A13
• Galaxy A04s
• Galaxy M53 5G
• Galaxy M33 5G
• Galaxy M23
• Galaxy A05s
• Galaxy A05
• Galaxy M54
• Galaxy M34

Image credits: Kerem Gülen/Ideogram

Silicon Valley startup REMspace has achieved a historic milestone: the first-ever communication between two individuals within a lucid dream. Using cutting-edge neurotechnology, participants exchanged a simple message while asleep, marking a new frontier in dream-based communication.

How does REMspace’s lucid dream communication work?

On September 24, 2024, two individuals successfully communicated while in lucid dreams—dream states where the person is aware they are dreaming. This experiment was conducted remotely, with participants sleeping in their own homes while their brain waves and other sleep data were tracked via specially designed equipment. Once the first participant entered a lucid dream, a random “Remmyo” word was sent to him through earbuds.

The participant repeated the word in his dream, and the response was captured and stored on a server. Minutes later, the second participant, who had also entered a lucid dream, received the stored message and confirmed it upon waking.

REMspace’s innovative Remmyo system was pivotal in this breakthrough. Remmyo, a dream-specific language detected through facial electromyography sensors, allows the decoding of specific sounds made during dreams. This technology was first introduced in earlier research, but this is the first time it has enabled a real “chat” within a dream.

In addition to the two-person communication, two other participants successfully communicated with the server through their dreams, further proving the system’s effectiveness.

What triggers lucid dreams in REMspace’s tech?

REMspace’s innovative technology works by harnessing specific sensory cues to trigger lucidity within dreams. Participants wear devices designed to detect certain stages of sleep, particularly REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep, where dreams are most vivid.

Once this stage is detected, auditory signals or light patterns are introduced to remind the dreamer that they are in a dream state, thereby promoting lucidity.

This method, combined with their Remmyo system, facilitates a controlled environment where communication within dreams becomes possible.

Can you meet someone in a lucid dream?

Yes, it is possible to “meet” someone in a lucid dream, but the experience depends on how lucid dreaming works. In a lucid dream, you’re aware that you’re dreaming and can often control elements of the dream, including people and scenarios. While you can’t meet someone in the physical sense, you can encounter a dream version of them—this could be someone you know or a completely fictional person.

Some lucid dreamers report having vivid interactions with other dream characters, and they can shape conversations or even plan dream scenarios in advance. However, it’s important to note that these characters are projections of your mind, not the actual consciousness of another person.

With that said, as REMspace’s recent breakthrough shows, real communication between two people in lucid dreams is becoming a reality through emerging technology. This could evolve into a form of shared dreaming, though it is still in early stages of development.

Is communication in dreams something achievable?

The recent experiment by REMspace demonstrates that communication in dreams is no longer just a fantasy. By leveraging neurotechnology, the startup enabled two individuals to exchange messages within their lucid dreams.

Although this communication was basic, it represents a monumental step toward achieving real-time interaction in dreams. REMspace’s technology decodes speech-like signals within the dream, allowing messages to be transmitted and understood.

While full, fluid conversations in real-time are not yet possible, the company is optimistic that with further refinements, real-time communication within dreams could be achieved in the coming months.

What’s next for REMspace?

Michael Raduga, CEO of REMspace, views this breakthrough as just the beginning of what’s possible. He stated:

“Yesterday, communicating in dreams seemed like science fiction. Tomorrow, it will be so common we won’t be able to imagine our lives without this technology,”

Raduga believes that dream communication could become as transformative as artificial intelligence, unlocking countless commercial applications and reshaping how we communicate and interact in the dream world.

Building on this success, REMspace plans to push the boundaries even further. Their next goal is to enable real-time communication within lucid dreams—a far more complex challenge, but one they are optimistic about achieving within a few months. This advancement could revolutionize not only communication but also the understanding of the human mind and dreams.

What is REMspace?

REMspace is a neurotechnology company specializing in sleep enhancement and lucid dreaming. Their research focuses on innovative solutions like intelligent sleep masks and dream journals for dream sharing. Their previous research has shown that sounds, melodies, and even virtual objects can be controlled from within dreams. With this latest breakthrough, REMspace is positioning itself at the forefront of a new industry based on REM sleep and lucid dreams.

This exciting new frontier promises to change how we think about sleep, communication, and technology in the years to come.

Image credits: REMspace

Traditional virtual assistants like Siri are starting to feel outdated thanks to artificial intelligence models.

While Apple’s Siri is due for an upgrade with Apple Intelligence, many users are already switching to more advanced AI like ChatGPT.

Fortunately, you don’t have to wait for Apple’s updates to experience ChatGPT’s conversational abilities on your iPhone. By using the Shortcuts app, you can easily replace Siri with ChatGPT, giving you access to one of the most powerful AI chatbots available.

How to replace Siri with ChatGPT?

Replacing Siri with ChatGPT on your iPhone is a simple process that brings a modern, AI-powered experience to your daily tasks. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it.

Step 1: Set Up the Shortcuts app

To begin, you’ll need to set up a custom shortcut that allows you to call ChatGPT using your voice. First, ensure you have two essential apps: Apple’s Shortcuts app (available in the App Store) and the ChatGPT app. Once downloaded, log into your OpenAI account via the ChatGPT app.

Now, open the Shortcuts app on your iPhone and make sure you’re on the “Shortcuts” tab. Tap the plus (+) icon in the top-right corner to create a new shortcut.

Step 2: Create the ChatGPT shortcut

In the search bar at the top of the screen, type in “ChatGPT” and select Start voice conversation with ChatGPT. At the top of the screen, you’ll see an option to name your shortcut—rename it “Hey ChatGPT” to make the voice command easy to remember. After renaming, tap Done to save the shortcut.

Step 3: Add ChatGPT shortcut to your home screen

To make ChatGPT easily accessible, add it to your Home Screen. Hold your finger on the newly created shortcut, tap Details, and then choose Add to Home Screen. You can even customize the icon and color to match your preferences. Once you’re happy with the setup, tap Add in the top-right corner.

This places the ChatGPT shortcut directly on your iPhone’s Home Screen, allowing you to interact with it as easily as you would with any app.

Step 4: How to use ChatGPT as your iPhone assistant?

Once the shortcut is set, activating ChatGPT is simple. Hold the Side button on your iPhone and say, “Hey ChatGPT.” If you own an iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, or a future iPhone 16 model, you can use the phone’s Action Button to activate ChatGPT. Just press the button, and ChatGPT will be ready to respond.

The first time you use the shortcut, the app may ask for permission to access your microphone and other settings. Once configured, ChatGPT will begin listening for your questions or commands and respond out loud, just like Siri.

Step 5: Ending conversations with ChatGPT

When you’re finished interacting with ChatGPT, tap the red “X” button to end the conversation. Be sure to close the session properly, as ChatGPT may continue listening if you only exit to the Home Screen.

Every conversation you have with ChatGPT will be logged in the ChatGPT app as text, just like the interactions you’d have on OpenAI’s website. If at any point you prefer texting over voice commands, you can easily switch to typing out your queries. This flexibility allows you to interact with ChatGPT in whichever way you prefer.

Siri vs. ChatGPT

While ChatGPT is powerful and arguably more conversational than Siri, there are still reasons to keep both assistants on your iPhone. Siri remains essential for tasks that require deep integration with Apple’s ecosystem, like setting calendar events or managing reminders.

The good news? Adding a ChatGPT shortcut doesn’t remove Siri from your device. To summon Siri, simply hold the Side button and say “Hey Siri,” giving you the flexibility to use both AI assistants whenever you need.

By using Apple’s Shortcuts app, you can create a seamless way to access ChatGPT, enjoy more natural conversations, and take advantage of its deep learning capabilities.

Whether you’re navigating daily activities or exploring the capabilities of advanced AI, ChatGPT offers an exciting alternative to Siri. With just a few steps, you can start using this cutting-edge assistant on your iPhone today.

Featured image credit: Solen Feyissa/Unsplash

In today’s world, ensuring the safety and security of your building is more critical than ever. Choosing the right security camera system is a game-changer for safeguarding your residents and your property.

But with so many options on the market, where do you start?

To help you make an informed decision, we’ve outlined the key considerations when choosing a security camera system, the types of cameras, and the benefits of installing a comprehensive security camera system.

Considerations for security camera systems

When selecting a security camera system for your building, it’s essential to consider several factors to ensure you choose the best option for your needs.

Here are the top considerations when choosing a security camera system:

• Camera coverage: Ensure your security camera system covers all critical areas, including entrances, exits, common areas, and parking lots. As a result, giving you complete visibility into all activity at your property.
• Integration with existing systems: Choose cameras that can integrate with your current security, access control, and property management systems for a unified security solution. So, you won’t have to switch between countless dashboards while ensuring your property’s security is cohesive.
• Ease of use and maintenance: Opt for a security camera system that’s easy to install, use, and maintain. Consider whether your cameras offer features like remote access and automated alerts. As a result, enhancing security and convenience at your property.
• Data storage and access: Consider how footage is stored — whether on the cloud, locally, or both — and how easily you can access it when needed. Regardless, you want a system that will help you effectively respond to security breaches when they occur.
• Wired vs. wireless: Wired cameras offer a rock-solid connection with reliable, uninterrupted monitoring. These systems are less prone to interference and provide the stability needed for demanding environments. Conversely, wireless cameras offer flexibility for properties that need dynamic, adaptable security solutions. These security cameras are easy to install and can be easily moved or expanded as your needs change.

Security camera models

Choosing the right security camera system isn’t just about covering your property; it’s about enhancing the safety, efficiency, and overall experience of your building.

Each type of camera offers unique features and benefits, making it important to select the ones that best meet your property’s specific needs.

Dome cameras

Dome cameras’ unobtrusive design allows them to blend seamlessly into any environment, making them ideal for discreet security. Their wide field of view ensures broad coverage, reducing blind spots in your security camera system. The dome casing also protects against vandalism by making it hard to tamper with the camera’s lens.

Bullet cameras

Bullet cameras are the go-to solution for properties that require focused monitoring of specific areas, like entrances, exits, and long perimeters. For multifamily and commercial properties with extensive grounds, bullet cameras provide the long-range visibility needed to monitor large outdoor spaces effectively.

The highly visible design of bullet security cameras acts as a strong deterrent to unauthorized visitors, making them especially valuable in areas where a clear security presence is essential.

Smart cameras

Smart cameras can be connected to mobile apps, allowing users to receive real-time alerts, view live footage, and control their cameras remotely. Some smart cameras also have advanced features like facial recognition and motion detection.

Benefits of a security camera system for apartment buildings

Installing a security camera system in your building offers numerous benefits.

Top benefits of installing a security camera system at your apartment building:

• Enhanced safety and security: Cameras deter crime, monitor activity, and provide evidence in case of incidents. Thus, security camera systems offer a proactive approach to security while enhancing your peace of mind.
• Increased property value: A robust security camera system is an attractive feature for potential tenants, increasing your property’s overall value. So, your current tenants feel safe and secure at your property, and you garner higher tenant retention rates.
• Efficient incident resolution: With recorded footage, you can quickly and effectively resolve any security incidents. So, you always stay informed of what’s happening at your property and resolve issues promptly.
• Improved property management: Security camera systems provide insight into your daily operations and help you manage your property more effectively. In turn, you’ll more effectively run your property and streamline operations while maintaining a safe environment.
• Cost savings: Preventing theft, vandalism, and unauthorized access can save you money on repairs and insurance premiums. Therefore, you’ll avoid the unnecessary costs and risks associated with a lackluster security camera system.

Conclusion

Investing in a top-notch security camera system is more than just a smart decision — it’s a commitment to creating a safe and welcoming environment for your residents. The right security camera systems not only protect your building but also transform the way you manage your property. What’s more, knowing your building is secure and your residents are safe gives you the tools to handle any situation with ease.

Featured image credit: rawpixel.com/Freepik

Apple’s recent release of iOS 18 has introduced several notable changes, from enhanced customization tools to upgrades in Photos, Notes, and Messages.

However, one seemingly minor update regarding contact sharing has sparked concern among social app developers and could alter the balance for new entrants in the crowded market.

How iOS 18 privacy update will affect new social apps?

With iOS 18, Apple has revised how apps can access user contacts, shifting from a straightforward access request to a more granular permission system. Previously, when an app like Instagram or WhatsApp requested contact access, users had only two choices: grant or deny permission.

Now, users can select specific contacts they wish to share, which enhances privacy but complicates the onboarding process for social apps.

While this change aims to protect user privacy, it poses challenges for social apps that rely on contact sharing for user engagement. According to a New York Times report, data from startups reveals a significant drop in contact sharing since the update was implemented.

For some apps, the number of users sharing 10 or fewer contacts has surged by up to 25%.

In her conversation with The New York Times, Nikita Bier, a startup founder, noted that this reduction in contact sharing could hinder social apps, especially new ones trying to establish themselves against industry giants like Meta and TikTok.

The ability to quickly connect new users with their friends is crucial for user retention, as seen in Facebook’s early days, where adding seven friends within ten days significantly increased the likelihood of continued use.

A double-edged sword

Feedback from users reflects mixed feelings about the new contact-sharing process. While many appreciate the option to selectively share contacts, others express frustration with the lack of a way to create custom groups. The new system requires users to select contacts individually for each app, which can be time-consuming and cumbersome.

The iOS 18 update presents a double-edged sword. On one hand, Apple is promoting greater transparency and user control over personal information, which is essential in today’s data-driven landscape. On the other hand, the complexity introduced may inadvertently favor established apps at the expense of new competitors, making it more difficult for them to gain traction.

While it remains to be seen how developers will adapt to these changes, there’s room for improvement in the contact-sharing permission process. Apple could consider implementing a more user-friendly approach while maintaining its commitment to privacy.

Ultimately, the push for better privacy standards is commendable, but it’s crucial to ensure that these changes do not stifle innovation in the social app market.

One thing is certain: The contact sharing update in iOS 18 will have a massive impact on how users interact with social applications, highlighting the ongoing tension between user privacy and the need for seamless connectivity in the digital age.

Featured image credit: Freepik

Oura has just unveiled its fourth-generation smart ring, introducing several upgrades to its popular wearable. The Oura Ring 4 costs a bit more than the previous version. However, thanks to its slimmer profile and new features, it’s still as portable and comfortable as before and offers higher accuracy. Starting October 15, shipments will be headed your way, starting at $349 for the revamped model, now available for preorder.

The Oura Ring 4 sports recessed sensors, creating a smoother interior that eliminates raised bumps like you experienced in previous models. This change makes the ring’s readings better at both comfort and accuracy. In its claim, Oura says it has a 30 percent increase in accuracy of SpO2 measurements and better heart rate measurements, with a 7 percent reduction in data gaps throughout the day and 31 percent fewer gaps at night. While they recessed the sensors, Oura continued to stress that the device had become more accurate overall.

Improved sensing, longer battery life

Oura Ring 4 has improved sensor tech: accelerometers and photoplethysmography sensors that measure heart and respiratory rate. The ring also tracks blood oxygen, cycle tracking, cardiovascular age, and stress. This includes its long battery life, now up to eight excellent days between charges.

One of the previous models’ limitations is addressed by the expanded ring sizes to fit a wider range of users (4 to 15). It also comes in six colors, including the new “deeper black look,” ensuring both aesthetic appeal and functionality. The ring’s light titanium build remains, incorporating weight and durability balance as the ring weighs between 3.3 and 5.2 grams, depending on the size.

Advanced AI features with Oura Labs

Oura also continues to innovate with software and hardware updates. Oura Labs will now be available to Android users as the company’s platform for experimental features. Within the Oura app, the new Aura Advisor feature takes AI to the next level, using health data and tailored guidance for the user to reach their health goals. Another feature called Symptom Radar sends them early warning when they risk getting sick.

And Oura’s newly redesigned app showcases their dedication to user experience. It now features three main tabs: Vitals and My Health, which offer flat UI and deep, in-depth data about the biometric data.
The Oura Ring 4 represents the same experience you know and love, but in a slimmer shape, with improved accuracy and a wider range of sizes to fit a wider range of users.

Featured image credit: Oura/YouTube

The legal battle between Apple and Epic Games has taken a dramatic turn, with a second judge now implying that Apple may have lied to the court about its handling of key decisions.

This follows similar concerns raised by the original judge, who strongly suggested that Apple had not been truthful about the reasons for its updated App Store policy.

The second judge, tasked with overseeing Apple’s disclosure of key decision-making documents, expressed doubt over a court filing made by Apple, stating that it was “simply not believable”.

A quick recap of the Apple vs Epic lawsuit

The legal battle began when Epic Games introduced its own in-app payment system on iPhones, bypassing the App Store and Apple’s 30% commission. This breach of App Store terms led Apple to remove Epic’s products from the App Store.

The two companies then went to court, where the judge ruled that while Apple didn’t hold a monopoly, it must allow in-app sales outside of its store.

Epic Games Store wins: You can play Fortnite on iOS and Android now

Both Apple and Epic appealed the parts of the ruling they disagreed with, though the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear the appeals. Apple indicated it would comply but proposed charging nearly the same commission on external sales, a move Epic argued went against the judge’s intent.

The judge agreed, showing skepticism toward Apple’s claim that this decision wasn’t financially motivated.

Judge orders full disclosure of documents

Apple was ordered to submit all documents relating to its decision to continue charging commission on external sales, which led to the involvement of Magistrate Judge Thomas S. Hixson.

Apple initially reported that 650,000 documents were relevant, only to later reveal that 1.3 million documents matched the search criteria, just four days before the submission deadline. The judge rejected Apple’s last-minute request for an extension, calling it “bad behavior” and doubting the company’s claim that it had only just realized the increased document count.

The judge expressed concern that Apple may have known about the scope of the project much earlier and failed to disclose it in a timely manner. The late revelation left little time for the court to discuss solutions, such as hiring additional document reviewers.

The judge emphasized that Apple’s last-minute announcement gave the impression of irresponsibility, stating that the company, with its vast resources, could have completed the document review on time if it had wanted to.

Apple’s credibility takes another hit

This isn’t the first time Apple’s credibility has been called into question in this case. The initial judge had already expressed doubts about Apple’s compliance with the court’s orders, and this latest ruling only deepens those concerns.

The judge’s decision to require Apple to produce all documents by the original deadline indicates that the court is growing impatient with Apple’s tactics.

A battle far from over

The Apple vs. Epic Games lawsuit continues to be a high-stakes battle over antitrust, commissions, and app store control. With a second judge now doubting Apple’s transparency and compliance, the company faces increasing pressure to explain its actions and prove it is acting in good faith.

As this legal drama unfolds, Apple’s reputation and its business model remain under intense scrutiny.

Featured image credit: Emre Çıtak/Ideogram AI

New Reddit policy changes have quietly rolled out that severely limit the ability of subreddit moderators to switch their communities from public to private without admin approval.

The change had sparked concerns that Reddit aims to prevent large-scale protests like those seen last year when over 8,000 subreddits went private in response to controversial Reddit API pricing changes.

What’s the motive behind Reddit policy changes?

The company has not provided an explicit reason for the Reddit policy changes but did direct inquiries to a post on r/modnews by Reddit’s VP of community, u/JasonWaterfalls. They cited the potential for platform disruption as a key factor, noting that “the ability to instantly change Community Type settings has been used to break the platform and violate our rules”.

A change to Community Type settings
byu/Go_JasonWaterfalls inmodnews

The new Reddit policy changes for admin approval come in the wake of last year’s protests that disrupted the site, reportedly causing a significant outage. During those protests, thousands of subreddits went private in response to changes that increased costs for third-party apps, leading many, like Apollo, to shut down.

The protest impacted daily traffic and, according to Reddit, caused “stability issues”.

Interestingly, this is not the first time moderators have used community-type switches as a form of protest. Some subreddits have also switched their classifications to NSFW (Not Safe For Work), which restricts advertising and search visibility.

However, Reddit now requires admin approval for this type of change as well, further tightening its grip on how moderators can express dissent.

Google and Reddit’s control over internet communities

Google has long dominated the digital landscape, but recent trends show the tech giant tightening its grip on the internet in more subtle ways. From algorithm updates to its increasing reliance on AI, Google is steadily shaping how users find information online.

As it licenses to train AI models, Google is not just defining search engine results—it’s also defining the future of artificial intelligence, data accessibility, and online knowledge sharing.

As a matter of fact, the protests last year ultimately failed to stop Reddit from implementing its API pricing changes, and the new Reddit policy changes make it even more difficult for moderators to organize impactful protests. Adding to the frustration, Reddit recently signed a deal with Google to license its content for AI training, reportedly earning around $60 million annually. Meanwhile, the users who create this content see none of that revenue.

Reddit has struck a $60 Million deal with Google to Use its content for training AI models
byu/Yazzdevoleps ingoogle

In tandem with Reddit, Google’s actions are part of a larger movement where tech companies centralize control, influencing what we see, how we interact, and ultimately, the free flow of information.

In both Google and Reddit’s cases, the increasing control over how online communities and users interact highlights a growing trend: Platforms that once empowered users are now limiting them.

This shift not only affects the experience for millions but raises questions about who really controls the future of the internet.

Is this “the way”?

The Reddit policy changes reflect a broader shift where platforms like Reddit are increasing control over how communities function, making it harder for users and moderators to hold them accountable. For many, this represents a deeper erosion of Reddit’s once-vibrant culture of open dialogue and protest.

In reality, by limiting moderators’ power to make their subreddits private or protest through other means, Reddit has effectively removed one of the few ways they could pressure the company. Protests that can be easily ignored are not protests at all—and many feel that’s exactly the point of these Reddit policy changes.

And what exactly can we do about it? Can we support alternative platforms that prioritize user control? Can we develop new ways to hold platforms accountable for their decisions? These are questions we all need to consider as the future of the internet unfolds.

Featured image credit: Emre Çıtak/Ideogram AI

Have you sought affordable ways to enhance your small business operations with technology? Remote software solutions could be the answer.

You can gain efficiencies without breaking the bank with the right cloud-based and mobile apps. Applications designed for small businesses let you manage inventory, track finances, and communicate with customers and suppliers from anywhere.

Now, you can optimize processes, access real-time data, and save valuable time – all with software tailored to your needs and budget. It’s time to discover how affordable remote software can empower your business.

IT challenges for SMEs

Budget constraints are often the most significant hurdle in adopting advanced IT solutions. While technology offers immense benefits, costly systems may stretch your limited funds too far.

With smaller staff sizes, you also have fewer in-house experts to manage complex infrastructure. Whereas large enterprises have dedicated IT teams, many of you need more specialists to maintain complex networks or implement new technologies single-handedly.

Tight budgets and lack of technical expertise mean even essential upgrades can overtax limited resources within smaller businesses.

Cost-effective IT solutions for SMEs

Looking for ways to maximize your business processes while minimizing technology costs? As a small or medium enterprise, you have unique IT needs and budget restrictions compared to more giant corporations. Fortunately, flexible, scalable solutions are specifically designed for organizations of your size.

• Cloud services:

Cloud computing provides flexible, scalable resources for growing businesses on a pay-as-you-go model. By securely storing data and running programs in the cloud, you gain access anywhere while avoiding sizeable upfront hardware investments. Cloud services scale to your changing needs, allowing you to only pay for more storage space or server power as your operations increase.

• Managed IT services:

Outsourcing management of your IT infrastructure to experienced professionals helps ensure the smooth running of systems while keeping costs down. You offload the responsibility of maintenance, upgrades, and repairs to an external provider. This gives around-the-clock support for any issues from specialists, saving on hiring full-time in-house experts and their equipment expenses.

• Application publication:

Mobile and web apps allow you to streamline and automate business processes from virtually anywhere. Publishing suitable applications for your operations boosts productivity by facilitating tasks like time tracking, inventory management, and CRM on any device. Employees gain powerful digital tools to work smarter while you gain insight into workflows through analytics and usage reports.

Benefits of smart IT investments

As a small business owner, making intelligent technology investments is critical to minimizing costs while gaining valuable benefits. Strategically adopting affordable IT solutions tailored for companies of your size can maximize returns in several essential ways.

• Enhanced security:

Proper security doesn’t require huge budgets when implemented. Low-cost options like firewalls, malware protection, and password managers can safeguard systems and data while avoiding expensive breaches. The right layered technologies arm you with critical defenses on par with larger firms.

• Scalability:

Cloud-based apps and infrastructure delivered through a managed services model allow your IT footprint to match shifting operational needs smoothly. Resources scale up instantaneously to meet increases in users, storage, or bandwidth without substantial additional spending. You pay only for what you require as your business grows.

• Remote work capabilities:

Equipping dispersed employees for telework with affordable collaboration tools sustains productivity away from offices. Cloud-hosted telephony, conferencing, and file sharing keep teams seamlessly connected regardless of location. Whether times are standard or disrupted, continuity and flexibility for optimized workforce management pays off.

Strategic IT Planning for SMEs

A strategic IT plan is essential for guiding your technology decisions and ensuring they align with business goals.

Taking time upfront to evaluate your current and future needs allows you to select systems and solutions that optimize operations cost-consciously and thoughtfully.

With a plan in place, you can recognize where IT can make the most significant impact and budget appropriately to support planned improvements over time as your business evolves.

Real-world application and call to action

Remote software gives you robust mobility to manage business from anywhere.

With cloud-based apps, your teams can securely access files, productivity tools, and business systems online or from mobile devices. This lets you work productively outside the office and supports flexible arrangements like working from home.

Take the next step and research affordable remote software designed for organizations of your size. Better mobility and accessibility could significantly improve your operations.

Conclusion

The right affordable remote software solutions can streamline your operations, illuminate vital metrics, and elevate your small business.

With mobile applications connecting you anywhere, you gain back invaluable time otherwise spent on manual tasks. It is vital to take that first step to evaluate options tailored for businesses of your size.

Don’t be left behind—your competitors are likely already capitalizing on tech tools to work smarter. It’s time you tapped into cost-effective digital innovations to optimize efficiency.

Featured image credit: Andrew Neel/Unsplash

Some of the most popular songs on YouTube and YouTube Music have suddenly disappeared due to a licensing dispute with SESAC, the Society of European Stage Authors and Composers.

As of last weekend, tracks from artists like Adele, Nirvana, Kendrick Lamar, and Green Day are no longer available to stream, with users seeing a message:

“Video unavailable. This video contains content from SESAC. It is not available in your country.”

What is SESAC on YouTube?

SESAC is a performing rights organization responsible for licensing and managing the public performance rights of over 1.5 million songs. Though smaller than its competitors BMI and ASCAP, SESAC has a significant portfolio of high-profile songwriters and composers. Established in 1930, SESAC was acquired by private equity firm Blackstone in 2017.

It’s tasked with ensuring that its members get paid for the public performance of their works, including on platforms like YouTube and YouTube Music.

And the community’s reaction to the changes? Well, we will just let ChocoMingo‘s sarcastic comment speak for itself:

Man, I really love SESAC. Gotta be one of my favorite artists 😍 https://t.co/ZUsS0ayp9c pic.twitter.com/vZSdZeiCxL

— ChocoMingo 🦩 (@ChocoMingo) September 28, 2024

Why are songs disappearing on YouTube?

The issue arises from YouTube and SESAC’s failure to agree on a new licensing deal.

According to YouTube, they have been in “good faith negotiations” with SESAC but couldn’t reach an agreement before the current contract expired. As a result, songs licensed under SESAC are no longer available to U.S. users.

A YouTube spokesperson noted:

“We take copyright very seriously and as a result, content represented by SESAC is no longer available on YouTube in the U.S.”

However, YouTube added that negotiations are ongoing, and they hope to resolve the issue soon.

What artists are under SESAC?

SESAC represents a vast array of artists across various genres. Here are some notable examples:

• Pop/Rock: Adele, Bob Dylan, Neil Diamond, RUSH, Jack Harlow, Ariana Grande, Disclosure, Zac Brown, Rosanne Cash, Hillary Scott of Lady A, Lee Brice, Margo Price
• Hip-Hop/R&B: Nicky Jam, Blanco Brown, Bryson Tiller, Tory Lanez, H.E.R.
• Country: Chris Stapleton, Luke Combs, Miranda Lambert, Blake Shelton, Old Dominion
• Latin: Bad Bunny, Daddy Yankee, Enrique Iglesias, J Balvin, Ozuna
• Electronic: Skrillex, Deadmau5, Kaskade, Tiësto, Marshmello

This is just a small sample. SESAC represents countless other artists, including songwriters and composers for film and television.

What happens to content from SESAC now?

Content licensed by SESAC is currently unavailable on YouTube and YouTube Music in the U.S. due to the ongoing dispute over licensing terms. As of now, songs from SESAC-represented artists have been removed, with users encountering a message indicating the content is blocked.

While negotiations between YouTube and SESAC continue, the platform has had to pull the content to avoid legal risks. SESAC has not made an official public statement, and YouTube remains hopeful for a resolution. However, until an agreement is reached, U.S. users won’t be able to access this music on YouTube.

This situation affects some, but not all, SESAC-licensed music, and the duration of this blackout remains uncertain.

How to bypass SESAC?

If you’re trying to access music blocked by SESAC on YouTube or YouTube Music in the U.S., you can bypass this restriction using a Virtual Private Network (VPN). A VPN allows you to mask your location by connecting to a server in another country where the music is still available. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Choose a reliable VPN service

There are many VPN services available, both free and paid. For optimal performance, choose a reputable VPN provider like:

• NordVPN
• ExpressVPN
• CyberGhost
• Surfshark

Paid options often offer faster speeds, more security, and reliable access to a variety of server locations.

Step 2: Download and install the VPN app

Once you’ve chosen your VPN provider:

1. Download the VPN app for your device. Most VPNs are available on Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS.
2. Install the app by following the installation instructions.

Step 3: Login and choose a server location

After installing the VPN:

1. Open the app and log in with your credentials.
2. Choose a server location outside the U.S., where SESAC-related restrictions are not in place. Countries like Canada, Germany, or Japan are good options for accessing international content.

Step 4: Connect to the VPN

Once you’ve selected a server:

1. Click Connect in your VPN app.
2. Wait for the VPN to establish a secure connection.

You are now virtually browsing from the chosen country.

Step 5: Access YouTube or YouTube Music

Now that your IP address reflects a non-U.S. location:

1. Open YouTube or YouTube Music in your browser or app.
2. Search for the content you want to view. The blocked songs should now be available.

By following these steps, you should be able to bypass the SESAC block and enjoy your favorite music from Adele, Kendrick Lamar, and more on YouTube.

Image credits: Emre Çıtak/Ideogram AI

If you’re using Microsoft Teams, it’s time to consider updating your computer to Windows 10 or Windows 11 if you haven’t already.

Microsoft has announced that Teams will soon stop working on older operating systems, and users will need to upgrade to keep accessing the software.

The ultimatum was officially communicated by Microsoft in its Admin Center.

No more access to Teams on outdated systems

Starting October 15, Microsoft Teams will no longer be supported on earlier versions of Windows 10 (21H2 and older), Windows 10 and Windows 11 LTSC, and macOS 11. Users running Teams on these systems will start seeing a banner urging them to update their operating system.

For macOS 12 users, this banner will appear a month later.

Although Teams will keep working for a short period after this warning, the clock is ticking. By January 15, 2025, the Teams client will permanently stop functioning on Windows 10 versions 21H2 and earlier.

Windows 10 and Windows 11 LTSC users have until August 15, 2025, before Teams stops working.

On macOS 11, Teams access will end on November 15, 2024, while macOS 12 users will lose access by March 15, 2025.

Key deadlines for Teams users

• Windows 10 21H2 and earlier: Teams will stop working on January 15, 2025.
• Windows 10/11 LTSC: Support ends August 15, 2025.
• macOS 11: Teams access ends November 15, 2024.
• macOS 12: Support ends March 15, 2025.

What happens after the deadline?

After these deadlines, users will no longer be able to use Microsoft Teams on these outdated systems. The program will automatically display a banner prompting you to update your device.

Microsoft and CISA say you must update Windows or face the consequences

In addition to the client software, Microsoft is also updating the requirements for the web version of Teams.

To continue using Teams WebApp, you’ll need the latest versions of major browsers: Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Mozilla Firefox (last three versions), or Safari on macOS (last two versions).

How to upgrade your operating system to keep using Microsoft Teams

If you’re still using an older version of Windows or macOS, it’s time to upgrade to keep accessing Microsoft Teams.

Upgrading to Windows 10 or Windows 11

1. Check your current Windows version
   • Open Settings > System > About.
   • Under “Windows Specifications,” you’ll see your current version. If it’s 21H2 or earlier, you’ll need to update.
2. Backup your data
   • Before upgrading, make sure to back up your important files, either using an external hard drive or a cloud service like OneDrive.
3. Upgrade to Windows 10 latest version
   • Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
   • Click Check for updates. If an update to a newer version of Windows 10 is available, you’ll be able to install it from here.
4. Upgrade to Windows 11
   • If you want to move to Windows 11, check if your device is compatible. You can download the PC Health Check app from the official Microsoft website to see if your computer meets the requirements.
   • If compatible, go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update, and you’ll see the option to upgrade to Windows 11.
   • Follow the on-screen instructions to install.

Upgrading macOS to the latest version

1. Check your current macOS version
   • Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen and choose About This Mac.
   • You’ll see your macOS version under the “Overview” tab. If you’re using macOS 11 or macOS 12, it’s time to upgrade.
2. Backup your Mac
   • Use Time Machine or another backup method to ensure your data is secure before starting the upgrade.
3. Download the Latest macOS Version
   • Open the App Store on your Mac.
   • In the search bar, type in the latest macOS version, macOS Sequoia.
4. Install the Upgrade
   • Follow the on-screen instructions once the new macOS version is downloaded. Your Mac will restart as part of the installation process.

Keep in mind:

• Storage space: Ensure your device has enough free storage to install the upgrade. Windows updates typically need around 20GB, while macOS may require 15GB or more.
• Time: Depending on your internet speed and device, the upgrade process could take from 30 minutes to a few hours. Make sure to start when you won’t need your computer for a while.

Upgrading your operating system will keep you up-to-date and ensure that you can continue using Microsoft Teams without interruptions.

Featured image credit: Ed Hardie/Unsplash

Tesla has officially begun inviting select shareholders and media representatives to its highly anticipated “We Robot” event, where the company will finally unveil its long-awaited Tesla Robotaxi.

The We Robot event is expected to showcase what Tesla calls “the future of autonomy,” marking a milestone in the company’s vision for self-driving technology.

What we know about the Tesla We Robot event so far?

Tesla’s invitation, labeled We Robot plays on the well-known science fiction title but emphasizes the very real advancements in AI and automation the company plans to reveal. The tagline evokes both excitement and curiosity, setting the tone for an event that will showcase Tesla’s most ambitious autonomous vehicle yet.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk has long teased the concept of a dedicated self-driving vehicle, referring to it as the Tesla Robotaxi.

While little has been confirmed about the vehicle’s specifics, some tantalizing details have emerged, offering a glimpse into what the future might hold for autonomous transportation.

• Design inspiration: Hints suggest that the Tesla Robotaxi will feature a “Cybertruck-like” design, giving it a futuristic, angular appearance similar to Tesla’s electric truck.
• No steering wheel or pedals: In line with the vision for full autonomy, the robotaxi is expected to omit traditional driving controls like a steering wheel and pedals. This reflects Tesla’s confidence in its self-driving technology and underscores the shift toward vehicles that no longer require human intervention.
• Prototype sightings: A prototype of the robotaxi, heavily camouflaged, has reportedly been seen in testing at the Warner Bros. studio lot in California, where the event will take place. While the vehicle’s full design remains a mystery, fans and industry watchers have speculated that a recent video showing the vehicle’s interior could offer a first glimpse at its layout.
• Smaller size: Compared to Tesla’s other vehicles, the Robotaxi is expected to be on the smaller side, possibly hinting at its role as an urban transport solution built for navigating busy city streets.

When is Tesla We Robot event?

We Robot event will take place on October 10 at Warner Bros. Studios, beginning at 7 PM PT.

Tesla has promised an unveiling of “the future of autonomy,” but beyond that, specifics about the program have been kept under wraps.

However, it’s clear that the focal point of the We Robot event will be the Robotaxi, which could redefine Tesla’s standing in the growing market for autonomous vehicles.

Watch out for Optimus

In addition to unveiling the Tesla Robotaxi, the event is also expected to include a demonstration of Tesla’s Optimus humanoid robots. First announced in 2021, Optimus is Tesla’s foray into robotics, designed to perform repetitive tasks with the goal of increasing productivity in various industries.

It wouldn’t be surprising if Tesla used this event to highlight advancements in both the Robotaxi and the Optimus robot, demonstrating how autonomy and AI could converge in future Tesla products.

Attendees of the We Robot event might get to witness both the Robotaxi and Optimus in action, demonstrating Tesla’s latest advances in Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology as well as humanoid robot capabilities.

If so, this would highlight Tesla’s ambition to dominate the intersection of AI, transportation, and robotics.

Tesla’s vision for autonomous transportation

If the Tesla Robotaxi does indeed lack a steering wheel and pedals, it would signal a bold move toward eliminating the need for human drivers altogether. This would be a major step toward the future Musk envisions, where autonomous vehicles operate safely and efficiently without human oversight.

Tesla’s emphasis on autonomy extends beyond cars and into robotics, making the upcoming event not just about transportation, but about the future of autonomous technology more broadly. The Robotaxi and Optimus robots together paint a picture of a world where machines take on more responsibility, performing tasks that once required human input.

Featured image credit: Tesla/X

Meta Connect 2024 is set to be one of the most anticipated tech events of the year, bringing together industry leaders, developers, and enthusiasts to explore the evolving world of virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), artificial intelligence (AI), and the Metaverse.

Hosted by Meta (formerly Facebook), the event showcases the company’s latest breakthroughs in these domains, offering deep insights into how these technologies will shape our future.

As the world looks toward what the next wave of digital transformation might look like, Meta Connect 2024 will be crucial in unveiling both the technology and philosophy behind the evolution of the Metaverse and the role of AI in making it accessible to everyone.

What to expect from Meta Connect 2024?

While the Metaverse concept has faced some skepticism, Meta remains committed to building out the virtual world. And with AI and AR becoming more prominent across tech, Meta Connect 2024 will offer insights into how the company plans to integrate these technologies in new and innovative ways.

Here’s what you can expect from Meta Connect 2024:

Cheaper Quest 3 variant: The Quest 3S

For those interested in VR, a more affordable version of Meta’s popular Quest 3 headset—likely named Quest 3S—is expected to make its debut at Meta Connect 2024. Leaked images and rumors suggest that the Quest 3S could come in at a significantly lower price point, perhaps as low as $299.

The Quest 3S is rumored to offer similar functionality to the Quest 3 but with some cost-saving adjustments. Meta may release it without bundled controllers or reduce the processing power slightly to make the headset more accessible. With the Quest 2 getting older and the Quest 3 sitting at a higher price point, the Quest 3S could hit the sweet spot for casual users and developers.

New AR glasses: Project Orion

Perhaps one of the most exciting prospects is Meta’s highly anticipated AR glasses, codenamed Orion. These glasses, teased by Meta executives over the past year, could revolutionize how we interact with the digital world. Unlike VR headsets, which immerse you fully in virtual environments, Orion AR glasses will overlay digital information and holograms onto the real world, creating a more natural, augmented experience.

Earlier hints from Meta’s leadership suggest that these glasses will be lightweight, potentially resembling normal eyewear, but capable of delivering rich, interactive AR features. Zuckerberg himself has called them one of Meta’s most exciting innovations to date. Although it’s unlikely these AR glasses will be available to consumers right away, Meta Connect 2024 could give us a first look at what’s to come.

Llama 3.1 and beyond

Meta is not just about AR and VR anymore—artificial intelligence will also play a significant role at Meta Connect 2024.

Meta’s AI capabilities have expanded dramatically in recent years, particularly with the release of its Llama language models. At this year’s event, expect more discussions around Llama 3.1, Meta’s latest open-source AI model, which is being positioned as a rival to Google’s Bard and OpenAI’s GPT models.

Llama 3.1 is rumored to offer major improvements in language translation, mathematical reasoning, and general knowledge. These AI advancements will likely be integrated across Meta’s hardware, from the Ray-Ban smart glasses to VR headsets, allowing users to interact more intuitively with their surroundings.

When is Meta Connect 2024?

Meta Connect 2024 is scheduled for September 25 and 26, 2024. The two-day event will start with a keynote on September 25 at 1 PM ET, where Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg is expected to showcase the company’s latest innovations in AI, AR, and VR.

How to watch Meta Connect 2024?

You can watch the event live on the Meta for Developers Facebook page or through Horizon Worlds, where Meta is creating a virtual event space for VR users. If you’re not able to tune in live, the event will be recorded and available to view on Meta’s YouTube channel after the event ends.

For AR, VR, and AI users, Meta Connect 2024 is a must-watch event, packed with product announcements, future tech insights, and development tools. Whether you’re looking forward to new consumer hardware or want to see how AI will shape the Metaverse, this year’s Meta Connect will provide a comprehensive view of what’s coming next.

Image credits: Meta

It’s estimated that around 18 million websites are built with website builders, and even more use a hosting provider with some website-building tools.

While they were once expensive and limiting, they’re now seen as highly economical. Some of the best website builders today have sign-up bonuses, competitive rolling monthly prices (many non-building hosts are annual contracts only), yet boast the ability to generate truly unique websites. In other words, it’s now difficult to tell who is using Squarespace and who has built their own. These website builders also provide a wide range of templates and customization options, allowing users to create websites that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. In addition, they often offer user-friendly tools for integrating SEO, e-commerce features, and mobile optimization, making it easier for businesses to manage their online presence effectively.

UX design principles in website builders

User experience (UX) is at the core of website builders. This is their primary value proposition, which is to make it exceedingly easy for users to build a site with no coding knowledge. A clunky UX would defeat the purpose of using a builder.

As a result, some basic design principles have emerged. Intuitive navigation and a clear information architecture are at the forefront. Responsive design is also a necessity, to make sure that the website can be edited and amended across various different devices (a truly cloud-based solution). Before a website builder can deliver good website visitor UX, it must deliver good UX to its paying customers using their drag-and-drop features.

Accessibility and inclusive design practices are something that is gaining more traction and slowly becoming the norm. We are slowly seeing the use of AI to create dynamic, user-centric experiences that speed up the process. While not a core practice yet, they’re slowly being integrated and could end up becoming a revolution to UX, making it a matter of speaking to a virtual consultant who will then follow your worded instructions.

This is, for now, just a springboard in which edits can be made afterward. Hostinger is one example of a provider that is trying out AI building.

The importance of end-user experience

What’s clear is that a strong UX on the builder itself can reflect in a good UX for the website visitors. Simpler building can lead to faster iterations, and pre-built assets have been tried and tested.

The importance that a websites visual design has on the user experience is clear. Research shows that UX plays a mediating role in usability and pleasure, ultimately leading to better outcomes for the website.

E-commerce revenues are at stake too, with UI and UX having a significant correlation with increased traffic and conversion rates, which ultimately led to more revenue growth. User-friendly interfaces created more customer loyalty and satisfaction, ultimately reducing things like abandoned carts.

Achieving such modern design from scratch is not only out of reach for most website owners, but it takes a large investment of time. Having no-code builders to with presets can mean focusing more on design and visual storytelling while knowing that UX is, to some degree, taken care of.

Personalization and user-centric features

As website builders evolved, they moved away from rigid themes and towards personalization. To some degree, it can be said that as you move from pre-built themes towards personalization, the greater freedom and creativity creates more scope for poor UX choices. More can go wrong.

However, the big difference here is the reduced time it takes to iterate. It’s possible to gain feedback on a website’s UX and make adjustments easily. This is because while there may be more assets and choices, it’s still baked into drag-and-drop techniques and the fantastic UX of the website builder itself.

This allows websites to focus more on brand identity and their target audience. More experimentation can occur, and it may also be possible to provide adaptive content depending on the end user. It’s also made incredibly easy to create a responsive site that accommodates the user’s device.

Looking forward

As we study and learn about user behavior and their preferences, website builders are generally quick to adapt. Because of their economies of scale, if they create a new iteration of a web asset like an FAQ page, it can reach millions of websites. This incentive means that they invest lots in R&D, and it’s much more profitable for them to make these efforts compared to when companies build websites in-house.

As a result, we expect website builders to remain on top of new trends and become increasingly relied upon. While LLM models may be able to produce simple static pages – and in the future, more complex websites – they remain difficult for non-coders to make edits and iterations. As a result, it makes more sense from a UX perspective for website builders to host AI features, but under the parameters of their own drag-and-drop framework.

Featured image credit: Dylan Gillis/Unsplash

As the LinkedIn professional network keeps having a positive momentum, its responsibility before the users is growing correspondingly. Every now and then, we see its Privacy Policy updates, as well as the adoption of new rules designed to limit the impact of the scammers’ and spammers’ activities.

The LinkedIn algorithms determine the maximum number of actions a user can perform weekly and measure specific account activity metrics to identify suspensions activities and bring in measures.

This article gathers the limitations of this social network and shares insights on how the platform allows bypassing some of them. Exclusively, we will also fortify the loopholes where LinkedIn automated outreach can save the day of your outreach managers without getting your account blocked.

According to LinkedIn

Before we go into the details, let’s emphasize that whatever activities you perform on LinkedIn have their limits.

Roughly, they can be divided into the following groups:

• The number of connection requests
• The number of outreach messages
• The number of interactions (clicks, likes, etc.)
• The number of characters for content: profile details, showcase page, InMails, invitations, etc.

According to the data publicly shared by LinkedIn, some of the limits any user of this network should bear in mind are as follows:

• Up to 25 daily connection requests
• Not more than 100 weekly invites
• Connections invites have a 288-character limit
• InMails should not be longer than 2,000 characters, and the available number depends on the purchased plan (Premium Career – 5, Premium Business – 15, Salas Navigator – 20, Recruiter Lite – 30)

These are not the only limitations available, especially regarding character limits. Whatever content you choose to publish on LinkedIn has its limits you will need to follow to get approved.

What actions can get you blocked

There are common reasons that make an account suspicious-looking. This is due to LinkedIn’s attempts to ensure the platform is as credible as possible.

While the most authentic activities can still get an account shut off, we’d recommend keeping a close eye on the following reasons behind getting your profile restricted:

1. Searching and interacting with too many accounts
2. Making too many clicks
3. Sending an excessive number of connection requests within a limited period
4. Having low acceptance rates for connection requests
5. Getting your invitations flagged as “I don’t know this person” from too many LinkedIn users
6. Unlawful account activities
7. Having an account hacked
8. Using automation tools that do not follow LinkedIn standards and limits*

These are just some major reasons that trigger LinkedIn algorithms to restrict or block your profile page. If so, and in the case of profiles with many connections, such a bummer can significantly affect your activities on this channel.

*Importantly, these are the storefront browser-based (Chrome primarily) tools that also can get your profile suspicious-looking and flagged by LinkedIn. You should be mindful when making your choice in favor of LinkedIn automation software and do your homework before activating it.

How to lift the limitations safely

Opting for the right LinkedIn automation tool can help you drastically adjust the platform’s limitations and increase the number of your outreach messages.

Let’s use Linked Helper 2 as an example.

The software’s algorithms allow you to bypass this social media’s weekly limitations and send up to 100 invites, not weekly but daily!

Nonetheless:

You will still need to have common sense and limit the daily number of your outreach messages. Believe it or not, extensive outreach looks suspicious and can cause trouble for your account no matter how well-programmed your automation tool is.

Tips on keeping your LinkedIn account from blocking

Now that you know the basics of LinkedIn limitations, how to overcome them, and what can get your account restricted, let’s highlight what you should remember when sourcing on LinkedIn:

• Mass outreach is awesome unless it turns into spam. So do your research and connect with people who meet the criteria only.
• Avoid suspicious automation tools with no usage history. Testing is acceptable if you are just starting. But if you have over 500 connections and years behind building your LinkedIn profile page, think twice before making your choice.
• Always stay professional and maintain a high level of commitment to your professional community. It takes years to build a reputation and 5 minutes to ruin it.
• Learn from your mistakes. Received a warning from LinkedIn? Reconsider your activities and revamp your outreach strategy right away.
• Keep your account safe. For that, make sure to update your passwords regularly and store the details safely.

Wrap up

They say that LinkedIn continues working on introducing more restrictions and limits. So if you use the KPI-based approach in your activities, the chances are the organic outbound prospecting can be challenging and not sufficient.

Now that you know LinkedIn outreach limitations and have the tool designed to beat them, it’s time to focus on your strategy and how to scale your sourcing efforts.

The best time to start growing your business using LinkedIn is now.

The game Minesweeper is not only great fun but also a puzzle that entails a lot of complex mathematics and algorithmic problems. This is a well-recognized Windows attachment since the earlier operating system versions needed the player to expose the squares on a grid without triggering the many hidden mines. The simplicity of its play belies the deep strategic thinking it demands, based on probabilistic models and game theory principles. In this article, we’ll look under the hood of the complex algorithms that power the game and see how these can be used in the game and, more generally, on computational and real-world matters. Providing detailed coverage of game mechanics will hopefully translate into a better realization and appreciation of the cognitive challenges presented by 1000mines.com.

Historical context and theoretical foundations

Minesweeper has deep origins in computational mathematics and is a useful application for the “P versus NP” problem, one of the most well-known computer science puzzles. The objective of the game is to clear the minefield without setting foot on any of the mines, as you have seen. The game reflects issues that are precisely parallel in the context of algorithm optimization uncertainty and risk management. This article presents a story of the development of Minesweeper from a straightforward video game to software used in practicing algorithmic thinking. Particular emphasis is placed on those critical academic studies using Minesweeper to demonstrate complex theoretical ideas.

Probabilistic models in Minesweeper

At the core, the game relies on probabilistic models of the player’s guessing possibilities of landmines carried in every square. The section will deal with the technical aspects of these models in terms of how Bayesian probability theory is applied to the game. Finally, it will discuss case studies where probabilistic reasoning found solutions for what seemed to be an intractable Minesweeper grid and, therefore, expose the practical application of these theories to elevate player strategy.

Game theory and strategic decision-making

Minesweeper also provides a good ground for studying game theory, especially when making decisions under uncertainty. Its structural model, famous as the Nash Equilibrium, has the game board partially filled up with each click to be carried out under partial information. This will show cases where the player is presented with multiple options, in some of which a risky move must be considered. This will clarify how the game accounts for simulating and how realistically these models paint the decision-making processes that work in life, such as investment choices or tactical planning.

Future directions and technological advancements

AI and machine learning applied to Minesweeper can open a new dimension of possibility in the game’s complexity. Development in this area may move toward an AI capable of performing better than a human in playing the game, incorporating sophisticated probabilistic models and real-time decision-making algorithms. The quantitative section, nevertheless, will keep in sight the challenges and ethical topics of such technologies, questioning if AI should be seated at the core of human decision-making and if it can be applied toward a solution in the real world for solving more complex problems.

Applying the knowledge—practical tips and advanced strategies

This section guides players interested in advancing their skills at 1000mines.com. It provides better tips for navigating the game’s challenges, from safe pattern recognition to sophisticated probabilistic deductions. Further, the tools and simulators that assist while practicing and fine-tuning techniques are also enlisted here, hence being very useful for both beginners and experienced players.

Conclusion

This investigation into the algorithmic foundations of Minesweeper shows the game to be the epitome of much larger computational and theoretical landscapes. Every part of the article has been expanded on the previous to provide readers with a comprehensive investigation of the depth of strategy and intellectual vigor the game of Minesweeper opens up. Players and scholars could apply the insights of such methods and theories in practice toward personal growth and scientific or professional challenges. Motivated by this discussion, a further inquiry into the lively, dynamic crossroads of games and theoretical models is profitable—if not imperative—for the progression of our problem-solving and strategic thinking skills.

Featured image credit: RDNE Stock project/Pexels

Amazon’s Alexa has always been about the ease of voice control, but a recent breakthrough takes that convenience to an entirely new level: controlling Alexa with your mind.

Synchron, a company that has been pushing boundaries in accessibility, has unveiled a new innovation that allows an ALS patient to interact with Amazon’s virtual assistant without using their voice, hands, or any other physical inputs. This revolutionary development highlights the growing capabilities of brain-computer interface (BCI) technology and its potential to transform lives.

How does Synchron’s BCI work?

A video shared by the firm showcases the patient controlling a tablet with just his thoughts. By moving a cursor on the screen, the patient navigates to the “Tap to Alexa” feature and successfully turns off a desk lamp. This isn’t just about flipping a switch—it’s a clear example of how Synchron’s technology opens the door to controlling an entire smart home ecosystem with the mind. The patient can access Blink security cameras, make video calls, and even operate a Fire TV, all without needing to lift a finger or say a word.

The implications of this technology are immense. While the patient in the video can still speak and theoretically perform these actions with his voice, the significance of mind-controlled technology for individuals with more severe disabilities is undeniable. For someone who has lost the use of their voice or limbs, controlling a smart home through thought alone could be nothing short of life-changing. It offers a new level of autonomy and independence to those who were previously excluded from the convenience of smart technology.

A game changer for accessibility

The vast majority of smart home systems today are based on voice or touch input, a setup that excludes a significant number of people with physical disabilities. Synchron’s brain-computer interface challenges this status quo by bypassing the need for these inputs altogether. Instead of relying on voice commands or the touch of a screen, the system sends signals directly from the brain, allowing individuals to control smart devices simply by thinking about the actions they want to perform.

Synchron’s BCI is currently being used by at least six patients across the U.S. It offers a less invasive alternative to Elon Musk’s Neuralink, another brain-computer interface company. Unlike Neuralink, which involves surgically implanting a chip into the brain, Synchron’s approach doesn’t require brain surgery. Instead, the company’s device is implanted in the jugular vein, where it sends signals to the blood vessels on the brain’s surface. This makes the procedure far less risky and more accessible to a wider range of patients, which is a huge advantage for those hesitant about undergoing major surgery.

While Neuralink has generated a lot of buzz with its ambitious goals, Synchron’s BCI appears to be leading the way in practical applications. Its non-surgical, minimally invasive approach represents a significant leap in making mind-controlled technology more widely available. And as this video demonstrates, the technology is already making an impact in real-world settings.

Featured image credit: Kerem Gülen/Midjourney

The SQL language, or Structured Query Language, is essential for managing and manipulating relational databases. It has become indispensable for those working with data across various industries.

Introduction to SQL language

SQL language stands for Structured Query Language. It was designed to retrieve and manage data stored in relational databases. This versatile programming language is widely used by database administrators, developers, and data analysts.

The primary purpose of the SQL language is to enable easy interaction with a Database Management System (DBMS). Whether you’re working with MySQL, SQL Server, or another DBMS, mastering this language allows seamless data manipulation and retrieval. For an in-depth understanding of this powerful tool, check out the SQL language.

Core components of SQL language

At its core, the SQL language comprises several key components that allow users to perform different functions. These include Data Definition Language (DDL), Data Manipulation Language (DML), Data Control Language (DCL), and Transaction Control Language (TCL).

DDL commands help define the structure of the database. Examples include CREATE, ALTER, and DROP statements. These instructions specify the schema and layout of the database objects.

Data manipulation with SQL language

DML commands deal with manipulating data within these structures. This group includes SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE, and DELETE commands. They are fundamental to querying and altering data records.

Through DML, you can retrieve specific information by setting criteria using WHERE and HAVING clauses. It’s what makes data retrieval in relational databases efficient and effective.

Controlling access with SQL

DCL commands are vital for controlling access to the database. GRANT and REVOKE commands ensure only authorized personnel can interact with sensitive data.

TCL commands like COMMIT and ROLLBACK are crucial for maintaining data integrity. These commands control transactions, ensuring either complete success or no impact if errors occur.

Why learn SQL language?

Learning the SQL language offers numerous benefits. Firstly, it enhances your ability to handle large datasets effectively. Many businesses rely on data-driven decisions, making this skill highly valuable.

Whether you are an aspiring data analyst or an experienced developer, proficiency in SQL language opens up a wider range of career opportunities. Many job roles demand strong knowledge of a database management system and related queries.

Benefits beyond databases

While primarily associated with databases, SQL language skills also improve overall problem-solving abilities. Writing efficient queries requires logical thinking and planning.

This skill also integrates well with other technical domains like web development and business intelligence. You can embed SQL queries within applications to create dynamic, data-driven features.

Getting started with SQL language

If you’re new to SQL language, starting with basic concepts is crucial. Familiarize yourself with common keywords and syntax. Many online platforms offer free or paid SQL tutorial classes to kickstart your journey.

Begin by setting up a development environment. Download and install a database management system like MySQL or SQL Server. Setting up a local server provides hands-on experience.

Basic SQL commands

Your initial focus should be on understanding simple commands like SELECT, FROM, and WHERE. Experiment with simple queries to fetch data from predefined tables.

Gradually introduce more complex statements, such as JOINs and subqueries. These advanced techniques help merge and extract data from multiple tables simultaneously, showcasing the power of SQL language.

Advanced techniques

Once comfortable with basics, dive into optimizing queries for better performance. Learn indexing strategies and how they speed up data retrieval.

Stored procedures and triggers add another layer of usefulness. These tools automate repetitive tasks and maintain consistency within the database.

Practical applications of SQL language

The utility of SQL language extends far beyond theoretical knowledge. Businesses use it to generate reports, monitor performance metrics, and analyze trends. Fintech companies leverage SQL for fraud detection.

In healthcare, SQL is used to manage patient records, ensuring accurate and swift treatment plans. Educational institutions utilize it to organize academic results and attendance records.

E-commerce platforms

E-commerce giants employ SQL aficionados to handle vast amounts of transactional data. Tailoring marketing strategies based on customer behavior becomes possible through skilled query writing.

Sales data analysis enables better inventory management. Predictive analytics modules built using SQL provide actionable insights, enhancing user experience and boosting sales figures.

Social media analytics

For social media networks, storing and analyzing user activity data is pivotal. SQL helps parse immense datasets to gauge trends and optimize content delivery.

User engagement metrics measured through SQL queries guide marketers in crafting more effective campaigns. User retention improves, leading to overall platform growth.

Best practices for efficient SQL coding

Writing efficient code is crucial for maximizing the potential of SQL language. One essential practice involves breaking down complex queries into simpler ones. Joining smaller datasets speeds up the execution time.

Regularly update and maintain indexes for your tables. Indexing significantly boosts data retrieval operations, especially for frequently queried columns.

Use proper naming conventions

Adopt consistent naming conventions for tables and columns. Clear, descriptive names make your code readable and easier to maintain.

Documenting each part of your SQL script is equally important. Annotations help others understand your logic behind certain queries, easing collaboration efforts.

Optimize joins and subqueries

Using INNER JOINS instead of OUTER JOINS can yield faster results when dealing with large tables. Similarly, prefer EXISTS over IN when filtering records.

Subqueries often slow down the execution. Whenever possible, refactor them into JOINs to enhance performance.

Common mistakes to avoid in SQL language

Several pitfalls can hinder your progress while learning SQL language. Avoid using SELECT * in production environments. Specifying required columns improves efficiency.

Neglecting backup practices can spell disaster. Regular backups safeguard your data against unexpected losses or corruption.

Avoiding redundant data

Reducing data redundancy enhances your database’s performance. Normalization helps organize your data efficiently.

Ensure that relationships between tables accurately represent real-world entities. Improper relationships can lead to inaccurate queries and unforeseen errors.

Error handling

Effective error handling is crucial. Always anticipate potential fail-points and design your queries to manage exceptions gracefully.

Test your queries thoroughly in a staging environment before deploying them in production. This approach minimizes risks and prevents disruptions.

Continuous learning and community engagement

The world of SQL language constantly evolves as new standards and practices emerge. Staying updated requires continuous learning and adapting to changes.

Participate in community forums, attend webinars, and read articles on recent developments. Engaging with peers helps expand your knowledge and sharpen your skills.

Collaborative projects

Working on collaborative projects offers practical insights. It challenges you with real-world problems and hones your problem-solving capabilities.

Open-source contributions provide valuable experience. They expose you to different coding styles and standards, broadening your perspective on SQL.

Certifications and training

Pursue certifications related to SQL language to validate your expertise. They bolster your resume, enhancing job prospects.

Enroll in specialized courses for advanced topics. Many educational platforms offer comprehensive training programs tailored to various skill levels.

Mastering the SQL language not only elevates your career but also equips you with powerful tools to harness data’s full potential. Start your journey today, and unlock unlimited possibilities in the data-driven world.

Featured image credit: Freepik

Apple recently shed light on the hardware requirements necessary for running its new Apple Intelligence features, confirming that the iPhone 16 lineup comes equipped with 8GB of RAM.

This marks a significant shift for the company, as previous iPhone models, like the iPhone 15, fell short of this specification, leaving many wondering what prompted this increase.

The push for more RAM

In an interview with Geekerwan, Apple’s VP of hardware technology, Johny Srouji, explained that the move to 8GB of RAM was driven by the need to deliver Apple Intelligence—a new AI-powered feature set—without compromising performance.

Srouji noted that “DRAM is one aspect” of the decision, pointing out that the additional memory was essential to efficiently handle AI workloads, as well as enhancing high-end gaming experiences.

Why 8GB is essential for Apple Intelligence?

Apple Intelligence, set to debut with iOS 18, brings powerful new capabilities like enhanced writing tools, smart replies, and image generation, all processed on-device. To handle the complexity of these AI tasks, iPhones need significantly more RAM than ever before. According to Srouji, 8GB was identified as the sweet spot that allows Apple Intelligence to run smoothly without overwhelming the device’s performance or battery life.

Apple’s decision to equip the entire iPhone 16 lineup, from the base model to the 16 Pro Max, with 8GB of RAM signals just how central AI is to its future vision for iPhones.

iPhone 15 left behind

Notably, Apple has confirmed that iPhone 15 models, which only feature 6GB of RAM, will not support Apple Intelligence. While these devices will still receive iOS 18, they won’t benefit from the AI features that have been touted as a major innovation in the iPhone 16 series. This leaves iPhone 15 Pro owners in an awkward spot—close to the cutting edge, but just shy of the full benefits that Apple Intelligence offers.

RAM is now a core consideration for AI

Apple isn’t alone in ramping up its RAM capacity to support artificial intelligence; other tech giants have made similar moves as AI becomes increasingly integrated into consumer devices.

However, Apple’s focus on delivering these capabilities with on-device processing makes the additional RAM even more crucial. As Srouji emphasized, tasks like real-time image and video processing, alongside AI-powered features, require the type of memory boost that only 8GB can deliver.

Apple’s vision for the future

With the iPhone 16 lineup’s hardware now better equipped to handle AI, Apple is laying the groundwork for a future where artificial intelligence is at the forefront of mobile technology. By clarifying the necessity of 8GB of RAM, Apple has not only set the bar higher for its devices but also given a glimpse into its long-term strategy, where performance and innovation go hand-in-hand.

Featured image credit: Apple

Today’s world is totally digital: we see modern tech shaping almost every sphere of our lives. From the way we communicate to the way we shop and work, the digital realm keeps developing quickly. And social media has undergone changes as well. Back in the day, we mostly shared photos on the socials, but now, videos are king. No matter what you are up for—a blog, an advertisement, or just a simple personal video as a pleasant memory—you need good video editing software to start creating. However, there are so many video editors and short video SDKs out there! How do you find the one that’s worth your attention?

Picking the right video editing tool goes far beyond getting the priciest one or the one packed with most features. The main point is that it should meet your particular needs. So, today, let’s walk through the process of selecting the best video editing software for you to craft amazing content with confidence.

Analyze your skills

First off, think about how experienced you are in video editing. Are you starting out? Or maybe you are a pro? Or somewhere in between? Answer this question honestly.

• For beginners: If you’re a newcomer in video creation, you need something as easy, clear, and straightforward as possible. Your perfect video editor is the one that doesn’t overwhelm you with tons of features. To get started, having the basic ones, like trimming, cropping, changing the speed, and adding music will be enough. iMovie and Windows Movie Maker may be good options here, as they are pretty simple and don’t require any great technical know-how.

• For intermediate users: If you feel confident but not 100%, you may try the software that gives customization but still remains manageable and understandable. In this case, Adobe Premiere Elements and Filmora may be good to consider. They include handy features like multi-track editing and built-in effects, all while keeping the user interface pretty simple.

• For professionals: If you’re aiming for high-end results, consider giving Final Cut Pro or DaVinci Resolve a try. They are packed with the features any pro would adore, from color correction and special effects to milti-cam editing and beyond. Of course, the learning process is much tougher, but the outcome is definitely worth it.

Evaluate system compatibility

Make sure your video editor functions seamlessly with your computer’s OS and hardware since video editing is a process that requires considerable power from your system.

For example, some video editing software is dependent on the platform. Final Cut Pro is exclusive to Mac, whereas Sony Vegas Pro is built primarily for Windows. Cross-platform options like Adobe Premiere Pro and DaVinci Resolve run on both systems. Always double-check compatibility to guarantee smooth performance in the future.

Plus, handling 4K or high-definition video editing requires a resource-heavy setup. Your computer’s processor (CPU) should be very robust. In addition, it should have enough RAM (at least 8GB) and SSD storage for optimal performance. Without these specs, your editing may lag, and your software could become unstable.

Think about the features you really need

Why pay for a bunch of features you’ll never use? Consider which features are the most necessary for the videos you plan to edit.

• Basic tools: Common editing features like trimming, cutting, and applying transitions or effects are available in most software. So, such tools are suitable for simple edits.
• Pro features: If you’re striving to create more complex videos, seek out software that offers multi-track editing, motion graphics, color grading, and sound editing. For YouTubers, tools like green screens, royalty-free music, and text overlays are often crucial.
• Special effects and animation: If you’re diving into 3D animation or special effects-heavy projects, look for the tools tailored to the advanced level of production and creativity required.

Check for updates and support

As video editing software continually updates, it’s important to select the tool that receives regular support from developers.

• Updates: Make sure the software is still being updated with new features and compatibility for modern video formats and devices. Software that falls behind on updates may become obsolete quickly as standards shift.

• Tutorials: If you’re new to editing or using advanced software, having tutorials and support is crucial. Luckily, most such tools offer extensive tutorial libraries, forums, and customer service to guide you through technical issues or new features.

Try before you buy

Like when shopping online you can use virtual try-on API-based apps to see how this makeup or clothes will look on you in real life, consider trying a video editor before you finally purchase it.

Most video editing tools provide free trials or basic versions, allowing you to assess whether they meet your requirements before committing. This way, try out free trials! Many leading programs offer 30-day trial periods, letting you get familiar with the features and decide if they fit your workflow.

If the free version of a program covers all your demands, there’s no need to spend more. Plenty of users find that free or affordable editing software serves them well without needing a higher-end product.

Streamline your editing with the correct software

Selecting the ideal video editing software doesn’t need to be stressful. By honestly evaluating such factors as your skills, system compatibility, and necessary features, the chances to find the tool that best suits your needs are much higher. Whether you’re a beginner or expert, with the correct software, you’ll streamline your editing process and take your experience to new heights. So, explore your choices carefully and enjoy your editing journey!

Featured image: Pixabay

Finding the right SaaS software developers is the only way to make sure the SaaS product you create is a decent and functional one. This is an exceptionally specialized area, and just in case you are about to hire a developer yourself, it is important you know what to look for. The right dev team brings not just tech skills, but understanding about this specific niche. Then you can make sure, that the final product is secure, scalable, and user-friendly.

In this article, we will take a quick look at the main competencies that every good SaaS developer should have. But first, let’s start with what SaaS actually is.

Understanding SaaS

SaaS is an abbreviation for “Software as a Service”. This term refers to the model of software distribution where users get access to applications online and based on paid subscription plans. Unlike traditional software, SaaS is an improved version of distributing software, so to speak—a more modern one, tailored to the necessities of a modern user.

SaaS itself is stored in cloud infrastructures, so this means that compared to traditional software you need to download, you can just use SaaS online. This also means that the developers need to be able to account for such functionality.

It is in the right skills of a developer that separates headaches in the form of bugs, security issues, or poor user experiences from effectively launching a SaaS product.

Technical skills

A SaaS product is as good as its technical foundation, and this foundation is built by expert teams like Digiteum. Here’s what a SaaS developer should be competent in to stay relevant in the constantly growing SaaS market.

Starting with programming languages, of course. A good SaaS developer should be comfortable working with popular languages such as:

• JavaScript
• Python
• Ruby
• Node.js

That’s what scalable SaaS apps are typically built on. Of course, some fit certain projects better than others. It’s all about finding a developer who would know how to use the language effectively for your particular project and can consult you on this.

Another important matter is cloud Infrastructure, meaning your developer needs experience with services like:

• Amazon Web Services
• Google Cloud
• Microsoft Azure

These platforms offer the infrastructure required to host, scale, and maintain your SaaS product. Skilled SaaS software developers like Digiteum will know their way around those platforms, so they will be able to create a scalable product, that is also robust and reliable.

API integration and database management

APIs are an integral part of most SaaS products. Those interfaces allow different software systems to connect. A proficient SaaS developer should know their way around developing APIs and integrate them with other systems. This will help your product connect with third-party services since this is often a requirement in today’s market.

When it comes to database management, SaaS applications have to keep a huge volume of data for thousands or millions of users and store it somewhere securely. A good developer should be able to manage databases either in SQL form, like MySQL and PostgreSQL or in NoSQL form, like MongoDB.

DevOps and automation

With SaaS development, regular updates to the software and automation are crucial. That’s where DevOps enters the stage, and there’s a lot for them to handle.

Continuous Integration and Continuous Delivery, for example, are regular procedures in DevOps. A good SaaS developer understands that having CI/CD enables the product to have more frequent feature updates without service downtime or interruptions. Moreover, it is easy to deploy new features or bug fixes.

Containerization and microservices

SaaS applications are designed to run on containerization technologies such as Docker and Kubernetes, that allow to use of microservices. The microservices further break down an application into small, self-sufficient features that can be updated independently. An experienced developer who knows these tools can design a much more flexible app, which would, in turn, let your SaaS product grow without a hitch.

Online security and data protection

Security is a always concern. Especially when it comes to the enormous volumes of data that SaaS products handle. It requires a SaaS software developer who will not only write good code but also bring in best practices to protect sensitive data.

This requires an in-depth knowledge of encryption methods. A SaaS developer should also know about important standards and regulations while working with user data. Making sure that your product is protected from cyber threats will help you avoid security breaches, that are costly both for your wallet and your reputation.

Soft skills: Problem-solving and communication

No matter how brilliant your developers are, there will always be some unexpected issues along the way. That’s normal. What separates a great developer from a good one is their problem-solving skills: adapting to situations and finding solutions quickly.

It’s also important to keep in mind, that SaaS development is a team effort. The developers will have to work closely with their colleagues—designers, project managers, testers, managers, and others. Good communication means a mutual understanding for everyone involved. This in turn means that technical decisions will align with every other aspect of the product.

A good SaaS developer would not only have the technical expertise but would also be able to explain complex ideas to people less proficient in his work. This is crucial for discussing challenges and issues with other team members, who might not have a technical background. This skill will help your team collaborate better and move towards a common goal.

Conclusion

Picking up the right SaaS software developer is one of the most important things to build a competitive application. New technology appears every day, so SaaS developers should follow the latest tools, frameworks, and best practices to keep their skills sharp.

A good developer will always be in learning mode, adapting to changing trends to keep your SaaS product up-to-date too. In other words, investing in the right developer from the beginning will save time and money in the long run. This will be a guarantee that your SaaS project will achieve the results you want.

Featured image credit: Tai Bui / Unsplash

This week, Apple captivated us with its “It’s Glowtime” event, unveiling the highly anticipated iPhone 16 lineup and of course, discontinued iPhones came into light with it…

At Apple’s It’s Glowtime event, the company unveiled a range of exciting new products and updates. The new iPhone 16 series debuts with the A18 chip, offering 30% faster performance and enhanced features like Apple Intelligence, an on-device AI system. The iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max models feature larger screens and advanced camera systems.

Apple also introduced the Apple Watch Series 10 with a brighter OLED display and new health-tracking capabilities, the AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation, and updated AirPods Max with USB-C charging.

The event highlighted Apple’s commitment to integrating AI across its devices, with Apple Intelligence set to roll out in October alongside iOS 18.

As is customary with new product launches, Apple has also bid farewell to several older iPhone models, discontinued iPhones have been left on dusty shelves of history to make space for these latest devices.

What are discontinued iPhones after the Apple event?

Following the announcement of the iPhone 16 series, Apple has officially retired the iPhone 13, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max from its active lineup. Although these models are no longer available directly from Apple, they may still be found through third-party retailers for some time. It’s worth noting that these older models could be offered at significant discounts as retailers clear their inventory.

Despite their discontinuation, the iPhone 13 and other retired models will continue to receive iOS and security updates for the foreseeable future.

Will discontinued iPhones receive iOS 18?

Apple’s upcoming iOS 18 update will support devices from 2018 onwards, including the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR. This means that even as new models take center stage, users of older iPhones will still benefit from the latest software improvements and security patches.

However, it’s important to keep in mind that some features exclusive to newer models will not be available on older devices.

For example, Apple Intelligence will only be supported on the iPhone 16 series, the iPhone 15 Pro, and the iPhone 15 Pro Max.

The iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max also offer larger displays and enhanced camera capabilities.

When is iPhone 16’s release date?

The iPhone 16 series will officially hit the market on September 13, with the first orders expected to ship on September 20. These new iPhones bring a host of advancements, including updated chips, a new Camera Control feature, fresh color options, and a host of camera improvements across all four models.

In addition to the new iPhones, Apple also introduced the Apple Watch Series 10 and AirPods 4 at the event. Incremental updates were also announced for the Apple Ultra 2, AirPods Max, and AirPods Pro 2.

For those considering a purchase of an older iPhone model, it’s advisable to act soon, as stock may become limited. Meanwhile, the latest iPhone 16 series promises a host of new features and improvements for those looking to upgrade.

Featured image credit: Josh Eckstein/Unsplash

Is Google deleting Gmail accounts for real? Google, with its 1.8 billion Gmail users, is making a big change to manage its massive number of accounts. If your Gmail account has been gathering dust for a while, it might be at risk of disappearing. This shift is part of Google’s strategy to tackle two major issues: security and storage. Inactive accounts can be more vulnerable to cyberattacks, and they also consume precious storage space that could be used more effectively. So, what should you do to keep your Gmail account safe from being delhttps://dataconomy.ru/2022/12/06/enterprise-cloud-storage-types-advantages/eted? Let’s explore.

Why is Google deleting Gmail accounts?

Google dominates the email market, with over 1.8 billion Gmail users globally. However, managing that many accounts comes with challenges—security being one of the biggest.

Inactive accounts are more vulnerable to cyberattacks because they often lack updated security measures like Two-Factor Authentication (2FA). Google found that abandoned accounts are significantly more likely to be compromised, which poses a risk to the account holder and others through phishing scams or spam. By removing inactive accounts, Google reduces the chances of these older, less secure accounts being exploited by hackers.

Managing billions of accounts also requires a significant amount of storage. Inactive accounts consume valuable resources, especially those with unused data in Gmail, Google Drive, or Google Photos. By clearing out dormant accounts, Google can free up storage space and improve overall system performance, allowing them to focus on active users and services.

How to keep your Gmail safe?

To avoid having your Gmail account deleted in Google’s upcoming purge of inactive accounts, follow these simple steps to ensure your account remains active:

• Send an email: Simply logging into your account isn’t enough. To keep your Gmail account safe, you need to send an email from it. This counts as activity and signals to Google that your account is in use.
• Watch a YouTube video: While signed in to your Google account, watch a video on YouTube. Interacting with Google services, including YouTube, counts as activity and will protect your account from deletion.
• Use Google Search: Perform a Google search while signed in to your account. It’s one of the easiest ways to ensure your account stays active, as any search counts as user engagement.
• Share a photo or use Google Drive: Use Google Photos or Google Drive to upload or share files. These actions are also considered account activity and will keep your account active.
• Run a Google Security Check-Up: It’s a good idea to run a Google Account Security Check-Up. This ensures your account is secure and helps prevent it from being flagged as inactive in the future.

Perform any of these actions at least once every two years, and your Gmail account will be safe from deletion.

Exceptions

If your account is tied to a financial transaction, such as purchasing a book, app, or Google subscription, your account will remain safe. Accounts managed under Google’s Family Link service are also excluded from this policy. Additionally, business and educational accounts are unaffected.

Featured image credit: Eray Eliaçık/Bing

If you’re a fan of the controversial tool Flipper Zero, you’ll want to pay close attention to the latest Flipper Zero Firmware 1.0 update. This major upgrade brings a host of new features and improvements that enhance the functionality, performance, and versatility of your device. From dynamic app loading and extended battery life to a complete overhaul of the NFC subsystem and support for JavaScript programming, this update is designed to expand your Flipper Zero’s capabilities and make it even more user-friendly.

From battery boosts to JavaScript: Flipper Zero Firmware 1.0 update has it all

The Flipper Zero Firmware 1.0 update is a comprehensive upgrade that significantly enhances the functionality and performance of the Flipper Zero device.

Here is how:

Dynamic App Loading

Users can now install and run community-developed apps from an Apps Catalog.

Apps are stored as FAP (Flipper Application Package) files on a microSD card. This setup allows users to save system memory by loading apps directly from the card, rather than storing them on the device itself. This feature facilitates a broader range of applications and customizations, making the device more versatile and user-friendly.

Battery life

With the latest low-power mode, Flipper Zero now has an extended battery life:

• Previous Standby Life: One week.
• New Standby Life: One month.

NFC Subsystem Overhaul

The NFC (Near Field Communication) system has been completely rewritten.

Improvements:

• Enhanced card reading speed: The new system reads NFC cards faster than before.
• Support for new card types: The update adds support for new NFC card types, such as ICODE® SLIX and FeliCa™ Lite-S.
• Plugin system for card parsers: Users can now create and use plugins for custom card parsers, enhancing the device’s ability to interact with various types of NFC cards.

These improvements make Flipper Zero more effective for applications involving NFC technology, from security testing to general NFC interactions.

JavaScript Support

Flipper Zero now supports JavaScript programming.

Advantages:

• Accessibility: JavaScript is generally easier to learn and use compared to C/C++, making app development more accessible.
• Flexibility: Developers can create and deploy applications more rapidly.

This support broadens the scope of what users can do with the device, allowing for more diverse and complex applications.

Sub-GHz improvements

Enhanced support for Sub-GHz radio frequencies.

Improvements:

• Expanded Protocol Support: Firmware 1.0 includes support for 89 different radio protocols.
• Analog Walkie-Talkie Listening: Users can now listen to analog walkie-talkies.
• BinRAW File Format: A new file format for storing and sharing radio signals efficiently.

These enhancements improve the device’s ability to interact with various radio communications and provide more versatile signal analysis capabilities.

Infrared (IRe enhancements)

Upgrades to the IR functionality.

Improvements:

• Universal IR remotes: New remotes support a wider range of devices.
• External IR hardware support: The device can now work with more powerful external IR hardware, including stronger LEDs.

These upgrades make the Flipper Zero more effective for tasks involving IR signals, such as remote control testing and automation.

Faster Bluetooth transfer

Doubled transfer speed with Android devices (BLE). Firmware updates over Bluetooth are now 40% faster due to better compression.

Dolphin hack: What can you do with a Flipper Zero

How to get the new Flipper Zero Firmware update (Firmware 1.0)

Firmware 1.0 is available for free from the Flipper Zero website. It can be installed via Bluetooth from a mobile device or through a USB connection using the qFlipper app.

While the Flipper Zero team plans to shift focus to developing new products, they will continue to enhance the current device by addressing issues and incorporating community-driven patches.

Featured image credit: Flipper

The introduction of the Apple Hearing Aid feature with the AirPods Pro 2 has captured widespread attention. Apple has now set its sights on the hearing aid market, blending personal audio technology with health innovation. By incorporating clinical-grade hearing assistance into their popular wireless earbuds, Apple offers an affordable and accessible option for people with mild to moderate hearing loss. But how do these Apple hearing aids stack up against traditional devices, and what can users expect from this new feature? Let’s explore.

From earbuds to hearing aids: Apple Hearing Aid feature explained

Apple Hearing Aid is a new functionality built into the AirPods Pro 2. These AirPods can now serve as over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids for individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss. By leveraging advanced sound technology and machine learning, Apple has turned its earbuds into a dual-purpose device that provides both high-quality audio and personalized hearing assistance.

Here is how Apple Hearing Aid makes AirPods Pro 2 a dual-purpose device:

• Personalized hearing profiles: After taking a hearing test via an iPhone, the AirPods adjust sound amplification based on the user’s specific hearing needs.

• Machine learning for real-time adjustments: The AirPods analyze environmental sounds, adjust to enhance speech, and filter out background noise.
• Frequency boosting: The hearing aid feature boosts certain frequencies to clarify speech and sounds.
• Enhanced transparency mode: Users can amplify ambient sounds, such as conversations, while still clearly hearing their surroundings.

Apple’s move into the hearing aid market follows the FDA’s 2021 decision to allow the sale of over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids. This opened the door for tech companies to provide affordable, non-prescription solutions for hearing loss. Apple Hearing Aid represent a significant step in this direction, offering a blend of high-tech audio features with personalized hearing health.

With Apple Hearing Aid, the company continues its push into health technology. Apple has previously integrated health-monitoring tools into the Apple Watch, such as the ability to detect irregular heartbeats or sleep apnea. The hearing aid feature in AirPods Pro is another example of how Apple investing in health tech.

One of the biggest challenges for people with hearing loss is the stigma associated with wearing hearing aids. However, Apple Hearing Aid come in the form of trendy AirPods, which are already widely accepted by people of all ages. This could encourage more individuals, especially younger users, to address their hearing needs without feeling self-conscious.

Is it really affordable?

Apple Hearing Aid feature—which is actually the hearing aid functionality integrated into the AirPods Pro 2—are relatively affordable compared to traditional hearing aids. Priced at $249, they offer a more budget-friendly option for those with mild to moderate hearing loss. In contrast, traditional prescription hearing aids can cost several thousand dollars, often requiring additional expenses for fittings, adjustments, and follow-up appointments.

While Apple Hearing Aid feature provide significant cost savings and added convenience as a dual-purpose device (serving both as earbuds and hearing aids), they may still be considered a high investment for some, especially when compared to other OTC hearing aids that may be priced similarly.

Spoiler alert: It’s not perfect

• Not suitable for severe hearing loss: Apple Hearing Aid are designed specifically for mild to moderate hearing loss. Those with more severe hearing loss will still need traditional hearing aids, which provide stronger amplification and more advanced sound processing.
• Battery life: Unlike traditional hearing aids that can last for several days, Apple hearing aids (AirPods Pro 2) have a battery life of only 3 to 6 hours when used for hearing assistance. This is one of the major drawbacks for users who need all-day support.
• FDA clearance pending: While Apple expects to receive FDA clearance soon, Apple Hearing Aid are not yet officially recognized as a medical device. However, the company has assured that they are working toward making this feature FDA-regulated.

When can we start using the Apple Hearing Aid feature?

The Apple Hearing Aid feature for the AirPods Pro 2 is expected to become available this fall through a software update. Apple plans to roll out this update in over 100 countries, including the United States, Germany, and Japan. However, the feature is still awaiting final FDA clearance as a regulated medical device. Once the FDA approval is granted, the feature will officially be recognized, and users can start benefiting from it. Keep an eye on Apple’s announcements and software updates for the exact availability in your region.

Featured image credit: Apple

Apple has once again raised the bar with its latest innovation: Visual Intelligence. Imagine having a tool that not only recognizes what’s in your photos but also provides instant, relevant information—all while keeping your data private. Does it remind you of Google Lens? Well, you are not alone, but today’s topic is Apple’s latest innovation. Whether you want to identify a dog breed, get details from a flyer, or learn more about something you come across, Visual Intelligence can help you. Here is how.

What is Apple Visual Intelligence?

Apple’s new feature, Visual Intelligence, is a big step forward in how we use our iPhones to learn about the world around us. This feature will be part of iOS 18 and aims to make image recognition smarter and more private.

Point your camera at things like pets, artworks, or gadgets, and Apple Visual Intelligence can tell you what they are. For instance, it can recognize dog breeds or identify various plants and products. If you snap a picture of text, such as from a menu or a flyer, Visual Intelligence can pull out important details like the event name, date, and location. This helps you get information quickly without typing it all in yourself.

Apple just announced its new Visual Intelligence for iPhone 16.

It looks insane 🤯 pic.twitter.com/JijqilD84S

— Alvaro Cintas (@dr_cintas) September 9, 2024

You can use Apple Visual Intelligence to get practical information, like finding out the hours of a restaurant, reading details on a flyer, or understanding handwritten notes. The feature also lets you search for more information online. For example, if you see a bike you’re interested in, you can use Visual Intelligence to help find more details about it through a web search.

Cool, but how does it work?

Here are two things you need to understand about Apple Visual Intelligence better:

Camera control integration

Visual Intelligence is accessed through a new capacitive button located on the side of the iPhone 16 and 16 Pro. To use this feature, simply press and hold the button while aiming the camera at the object or scene you’re interested in. This button is designed to be intuitive and easy to reach, allowing for a smooth user experience when activating Apple Visual Intelligence.

When you take a photo, Apple Visual Intelligence processes the image directly on your iPhone. This means that the analysis happens internally within the device’s own systems, without the need to send your photos to Apple’s servers. This on-device processing ensures that your images remain private and secure, as they are not stored or transmitted externally.

On-device intelligence

Visual Intelligence leverages advanced technology to provide immediate information about what you’re looking at. It can quickly identify objects, read text, or recognize landmarks within the image. This instant analysis helps you gain insights and answers about various elements in your environment right away.

Furthermore, Apple has designed Visual Intelligence with privacy in mind. The feature does not store or share your photos, maintaining a high level of confidentiality. By processing everything directly on your device, Apple ensures that your personal images are kept secure and private, enhancing the overall user experience.

Apple Visual Intelligence release date

Apple hasn’t given a specific date yet, but Visual Intelligence is expected to be released later this year as part of the iOS 18 update.

Are you still thinking about the similarities between Google Lens and Apple’s Visual Intelligence? Let’s take a closer look at the tech behind all!

Visual intelligence meaning explained

Visual intelligence in general refers to a sophisticated technology that enables devices to understand and interpret visual information from the world around them. It combines advanced image recognition and processing techniques to analyze and extract meaningful data from images and videos. It encompasses several key areas:

• Computer vision: This is the field of artificial intelligence that trains computers to interpret and make decisions based on visual inputs. This includes recognizing objects, understanding scenes, and tracking movements.
• Image recognition: This involves identifying objects, people, text, or other elements within an image. For example, facial recognition technology in security systems is a form of image recognition.
• Video analysis: Beyond static images, visual intelligence also includes the ability to analyze video content, such as detecting and tracking movements, recognizing actions, or understanding context over time.
• Visual perception: This is the system’s ability to mimic human visual perception, allowing it to understand visual data in a way that is similar to how humans see and interpret the world.
• Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR): These technologies use visual intelligence to create immersive experiences by blending digital elements with the real world (AR) or generating entirely virtual environments (VR).

Computer vision’s quest to teach machines to see like humans

Overall, visual intelligence aims to enable machines to “see” and understand the visual world, improving interactions with technology through more intuitive and natural interfaces.

Featured image credit: Apple

At Apple’s “It’s Glowtime” event on September 9, many anticipated the release of iOS 18 alongside new devices like the iPhone 16 series and Apple Watch Series 10.

While Apple did discuss iOS 18, and set the official release date, a few days before the iPhone 16 hits stores.

Why wasn’t iOS 18 released at the Apple event?

The decision not to release iOS 18 during the event can be attributed to a few key reasons. Apple has a well-established pattern of releasing new iPhone models alongside the latest iOS updates.

However, there are times when software releases are staggered, especially when key features are still in development.

1. Ongoing beta testing
For months, beta testers have been exploring the new features of iOS 18, helping Apple fine-tune the software before its official release. Although the operating system is largely ready for a public launch, some features are still undergoing final testing and may not be fully polished.

2. Incomplete feature set
Not all of the features announced at WWDC will be available in iOS 18 when it launches. For example, Apple Intelligence, the new AI-powered platform, won’t be fully available until iOS 18.1, which is expected later in October 2024. Some of the most exciting AI features, such as Siri enhancements, ChatGPT integration, and Genmoji (AI-generated emojis), are still in development and are slated for release in future updates.

3. Phased rollout
Apple often releases major updates in phases to ensure stability and iron out any remaining bugs. This approach minimizes the risk of widespread issues affecting users when the software is first released. By spacing out the release of new features over multiple updates (iOS 18.0, 18.1, and beyond), Apple ensures a smoother experience for users.

What to expect from iOS 18?

Apple first introduced iOS 18 at its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June 2024, teasing a series of exciting features that promised to enhance the iPhone experience. Among these features are a customizable Home Screen, a revamped Control Center, and Apple Intelligence — a suite of AI-powered tools designed to improve everything from messaging to image generation.

When iOS 18 does arrive on September 16, 2024, it will bring a host of exciting new features that promise to make the iPhone more customizable and intuitive.

Here’s a quick rundown of what to expect:

1. Customizable home screen
One of the most anticipated features of iOS 18 is the ability to organize the Home Screen with more freedom. Unlike previous versions of iOS, users will be able to place apps wherever they want within the grid, rather than being forced to arrange them from left to right, top to bottom. This level of customization is something ex-Android users have long requested.

2. New control center
iOS 18 will introduce a revamped Control Center, allowing users to create multiple pages of controls and customize their layout more easily. This means you can dedicate entire pages to specific functions, like smart home controls, and arrange buttons in the exact position you prefer.

3. Enhanced security features
iOS 18 is also bringing improved security features. Users will be able to lock certain apps behind Face ID, adding another layer of protection to sensitive information. Additionally, Apple is moving the password management feature out of Settings and into its own dedicated Passwords app for easier access.

Is there an iOS 18 release date?

While many were eager to get their hands on these features, the release of iOS 18 wasn’t tied to the “It’s Glowtime” event in September.

Instead, Apple used the event to focus on its hardware launches, while quietly announcing that iOS 18 would be available to the public on September 16, 2024 — a few days before the iPhone 16 and other new devices hit stores on September 20.

How to access the iOS 18 RC

Apple has recently seeded the iOS 18 Release Candidate (RC) to developers, marking one of the final stages before the official public release. This version is crucial for developers and testers as it offers a near-final look at the new features and improvements that iOS 18 will bring.

Available to registered developers through the Beta Updates section in the Settings app, the iOS 18 RC allows developers to test the software and ensure app compatibility before its general release on September 16, 2024.

Here’s how you can access it:

1. Open the Settings app on your device.
2. Navigate to Software Update.
3. Tap on the Beta Updates option.
4. Toggle on the iOS 18 Developer Beta setting.

The iOS 18 RC also includes a host of other features that improve the overall user experience:

• Safari highlights: Safari now has a highlights feature that summarizes key information from articles and web pages, making it easier to find important content quickly.
• Photos app redesign: The Photos app interface has been overhauled, offering a more streamlined, user-friendly design.
• Tap to cash: This feature allows for private and secure money transfers using Apple Cash, providing a seamless peer-to-peer payment experience.
• Gaming mode: A game mode has been added to improve game performance, especially for more demanding titles, making iOS 18 a great update for mobile gamers.
• Siri on AirPods: Users with AirPods will be able to respond to Siri using head gestures, adding a hands-free convenience for basic commands and queries.

Apple Intelligence: The headliner, but not yet fully ready

Perhaps the most important feature of iOS 18 is Apple Intelligence, a suite of AI tools that will revolutionize how users interact with their iPhones. Apple Intelligence will bring new writing tools, phone call transcription, and AI-driven suggestions for Messages and Mail.

However, the full rollout of Apple Intelligence won’t happen until iOS 18.1, which is expected in October 2024. Some features, such as Siri enhancements and the AI-powered Image Playground, may not even be available until 2025, as Apple is taking a cautious approach with its AI developments.

For developers who want to install the iOS 18 RC, the process is simple but requires an Apple ID associated with a developer account. Here’s how you can access it:

1. Open the Settings app on your device.
2. Navigate to Software Update.
3. Tap on the Beta Updates option.
4. Toggle on the iOS 18 Developer Beta setting.

Keep in mind that this RC version is primarily intended for developers, as it helps ensure apps work smoothly with the new operating system. The RC is a critical step before the full public release, as it allows Apple to catch any last-minute bugs or issues that could affect the user experience.

Is Apple Intelligence only on iPhone 16?

Release date and supported devices

Apple has confirmed that iOS 18 will be available to download on September 16, 2024, for all devices that supported iOS 17. This includes iPhone models from the iPhone SE (2nd generation) up to the latest iPhone 15 and 16 models. However, only the iPhone 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max, and newer models will support all of Apple Intelligence’s advanced features.

Image credits: Apple

Apple’s “It’s Glowtime” event delivered a slew of exciting new product announcements, showcasing the company’s latest innovations in wearables, smartphones, AI, and audio.

Apple Intelligence introduced

Apple unveiled Apple Intelligence, its new AI-powered platform integrated across its devices. This on-device AI system will enhance features like writing tools, smart replies, and image generation. As we summarized in our Apple Intelligence coverage, Apple’s tech focuses on privacy by keeping data on the device, ensuring users’ personal information stays secure.

The beta will roll out in October, with a full release alongside iOS 18 later this year. Is Apple Intelligence only on iPhone 16? Visit the related article and learn!

Apple Watch Series 10 unveiled

Apple introduced the Apple Watch Series 10, the 10th generation of its popular smartwatch line. This new model features a larger OLED display, 40% brighter than previous models, and is thinner at just 9.7mm.

Equipped with the powerful S10 chip, it offers faster performance and improved health-tracking features, including sleep apnea detection (pending FDA approval).

Prices start at $399, with availability beginning September 20, 2024.

iPhone 16 series debuts

The new iPhone 16 series was announced, featuring the A18 chip, offering 30% faster performance than the iPhone 15. New physical buttons, including a camera control button, enhance usability. The iPhone 16 will also feature Apple Intelligence, Apple’s new on-device AI system. The series includes vibrant color options and a return to the vertical camera layout, designed for better spatial video capture with Apple Vision Pro.

Pricing starts at $799, with a release date of September 20, 2024.

iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max

Apple also unveiled the premium iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max models, which boast larger screens (6.3 and 6.9 inches) and the powerful A18 Pro chip. Both models include an upgraded 48MP camera system with a tetraprism design and spatial audio recording.

Prices for the Pro series start at $999, with pre-orders available soon.

AirPods 4 launch

The AirPods 4 were announced, featuring Active Noise Cancellation for the first time in the non-Pro lineup. With improved comfort and personalized spatial audio, these earbuds offer a premium listening experience.

Priced at $129 for the standard model and $179 for the ANC version, they will be available starting September 20, 2024.

AirPods Max update

Apple also refreshed the AirPods Max, now with USB-C charging and new color options. These premium headphones are priced at $549 and will be available for pre-order, with sales starting on September 20.

Apple’s “It’s Glowtime” event showcased its continued innovation, with updates across multiple product lines and a focus on integrating AI-driven features into its devices.

Image credits: Apple

If you’ve used Cash App in the past six years and experienced unauthorized access or transfers, you could be eligible for Cash App data security settlement of up to $2,500 as part of a major legal settlement.

The class action lawsuit that led to the Cash App data security settlement alleges that Cash App and its parent company Block were negligent when a former employee accessed unauthorized account data and when another user accessed certain Cash App accounts using recycled phone numbers.

How to submit Cash App data security settlement

Before we explain how to submit Cash App data security settlement, let us first go through the legibility criteria for the settlement.

To be eligible to submit a claim at Cash App data security settlement, you must have been a current or former customer of Cash App or Cash App Investing between August 23, 2018, and August 20, 2024.

If your personal information, account, or linked financial account was accessed without your authorization, or if you experienced unauthorized or fraudulent withdrawals or transfers, you may be entitled to claim part of the $15 million proposed settlement.

Here’s what you need to know about the Cash App data security settlement:

Payout amount

You could claim up to $2,500 per person for out-of-pocket losses and $25 per hour for reimbursement of lost time (up to 3 hours) if you’re eligible.

A simple guide to Cash App lawsuit claim process

Out-of-pocket losses include costs associated with credit monitoring, and you’ll need to provide third-party documentation to claim an out-of-pocket loss or a transaction loss.

How to submit a claim

To claim Cash App data security settlement, you must fill out the official claim form by November 18, 2024 (postmarked by that date if mailing).

If you have claims relating to multiple Cash App accounts, list all relevant information on a single claim form.

Here’s the address for mailing your claim:

Cash App Settlement

Attn: Claim Form Submissions

1650 Arch Street, Suite 2210

Philadelphia, PA 19103

Cash App data security settlement deadlines

A final approval hearing for the settlement is scheduled for December 16, 2024. If approved, payments would go out after that date.

Important dates for Cash App data security settlement are:

• Claim deadline: November 18, 2024
• Exclusion deadline: November 1, 2024
• Objection deadline: November 1, 2024
• Final approval hearing: December 16, 2024 at 9:30 AM PST

In light of the Cash App data breach, it’s crucial to take steps to protect your personal and financial information. This includes regularly monitoring your accounts, using strong passwords, and avoiding suspicious links or emails.

The Cash App data breach underscores the importance of data security and the potential consequences of breaches.

If you’re an affected user, understanding the settlement details and taking action is essential.

Featured image credit: Cash App

The popular has officially reduced the Discord upload limit for free users from 25MB to 10MB, citing financial and operational reasons for the change. While the messaging platform has never been known for its large file-sharing capacity, this latest move may be a frustrating adjustment for those accustomed to sharing larger media files.

What is the new free Discord upload limit?

Discord had only recently increased the Discord upload limit for free users to 25MB in April 2023, up from the previous 8MB.

The new 10MB Discord upload limit, while still an improvement from the older cap, could cause headaches for users who frequently upload high-quality images and videos, as these files often exceed the 10MB threshold.

In an update to its support page, Discord explained,

“Every day, millions of files are uploaded to Discord and stored securely for future access. Storage management is expensive, so we regularly review how people use Discord and their storage needs”.

The company went on to note that its data shows 99% of users already stick to files under 10MB, suggesting that the impact might be minimal for the majority of its user base.

Discord Nitro upload limit left unchanged

For users who need more upload capacity, Discord recommends its Nitro subscriptions. Nitro Basic, priced at $3 per month, offers a 50MB Discord file upload limit, while the full Nitro subscription, at $10 per month, allows for 500MB uploads and additional perks like 4K streaming and custom emojis across channels.

Compared to competitors like WhatsApp and Telegram, which both offer a 2GB file limit, Discord’s cap is notably smaller.

However, the platform’s ability to store files indefinitely until users delete them adds a different dimension to how its storage is managed.

This change follows other significant updates to Discord this year, including a redesigned user interface and the introduction of in-app ads. Despite the upload limit reduction, Discord remains a popular choice for communities and gamers alike, though these kinds of changes are likely to spark further discussions among its free user base.

Featured image credit: Discord

IFA 2024 Berlin, the world’s largest consumer electronics and home appliances show, is set to make a grand return to its 100th year!

With a focus on innovation and cutting-edge technology, IFA 2024 promises to be a showcase of the latest advancements in the industry.

Here is what you might expect to see at IFA 2024!

What will IFA 2024 Berlin introduce?

While IFA 2024 is primarily known for its consumer electronics offerings, the show will also feature a wide range of other products and technologies.

Here’s a glimpse of what you can expect:

Intel

Intel made a significant splash at IFA 2024 with the launch of its new Core Ultra Lunar Lake laptop processors. These processors represent a major step forward for Intel, offering impressive performance, efficiency, and AI capabilities.

Some of the key features of Core Ultra Lunar Lake include:

• Lion Cove performance cores: Delivering exceptional performance for demanding tasks.
• Skymont efficiency cores: Optimized for power efficiency and multitasking.
• Intel ARC Graphics Xe2: Integrated graphics for smooth visuals and gaming.
• AI capabilities: Featuring both an AI Processor and an NPU for powerful AI performance.
• Power efficiency: Designed for long battery life and reduced heat generation.
• x86 compatibility: Ensures compatibility with existing x86 software.

Apart from that, Intel showcased the capabilities of Core Ultra Lunar Lake with several AI demos, including:

• Google Chrome OS Help Me Read AI: Demonstrating the processor’s ability to assist with reading comprehension.
• Google’s Magic Editor AI: Showcasing the processor’s potential for creative AI tasks.
• Stable Diffusion AI demo: Highlighting the processor’s capabilities for AI-driven image generation.

Intel has opened preorders for the Core Ultra Lunar Lake processors, and laptops powered by these chips are expected to be available soon.

Qualcomm to bring Google Drive to Windows

Qualcomm has made significant strides in expanding the Windows on Arm ecosystem. The company has successfully convinced Google to release an Arm64 version of Google Drive, which will be available on Windows later this year.

Additionally, popular VPN services like NordVPN and ExpressVPN are now compatible with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon laptops.

Qualcomm is ready to bring LoRA AI models to Android

Qualcomm has also introduced a new eight-core Snapdragon X Plus chip, designed to make Windows on Arm laptops more affordable. This has led to a decrease in the starting price of devices like the Asus Vivobook S 15 and Dell Inspiron 14.

Moreover, Qualcomm is exploring the possibility of bringing Snapdragon chips to desktop PCs. While the company has previously teased this possibility, the Snapdragon X Elite chips have yet to be fully realized in a desktop device.

New laptops

Several laptop manufacturers are expected to showcase their latest models at IFA 2024. Look out for new designs, improved performance, and innovative features.

Acer, for instance, has already made a splash at IFA 2024 with the announcement of its expanded Swift 14 AI laptop line. These new models feature cutting-edge processors from Intel, AMD, and Qualcomm, offering impressive performance and battery life.

Where is IFA Berlin held?

IFA Berlin is held at Messe Berlin. This is a major exhibition center located in Berlin, Germany. It’s one of the largest and most prestigious consumer electronics and home appliances trade fairs in the world.

How many exhibitors are at IFA Berlin?

IFA Berlin 2024 featured over 1,800 exhibitors from around the world. This impressive number showcased the global reach and significance of the event in the consumer electronics and home appliances industry.

Some notable names that exhibited at IFA Berlin 2024 include:

• Major consumer electronics brands: Samsung, LG, Sony, Panasonic, TCL, Philips, and Hisense
• Smartphone manufacturers: Xiaomi, OPPO, Vivo, Honor, and Realme
• Laptop and PC manufacturers: Dell, HP, Lenovo, Acer, and Asus
• Home appliance brands: Bosch, Siemens, Electrolux, Miele, and Whirlpool
• Gaming and VR companies: Sony PlayStation, Microsoft Xbox, Oculus, Valve, and Razer
• Smart home brands: Google Nest, Amazon Alexa, Sonos, Philips Hue, and Ring
• Wearable technology brands: Fitbit, Garmin, Apple Watch, Samsung Galaxy Watch, and Polar

This is just a small sample of the many companies that will be exhibited at IFA Berlin 2024.

Featured image credit: IFA Berlin

Intel Core Ultra 200V series is set to revolutionize computing with its blend of high-performance and smart AI features. Designed for everything from gaming to content creation, these processors offer powerful cores, an advanced Neural Processing Unit, and top-notch graphics. Let’s dive into what makes the Intel Core Ultra 200V stand out and how it could transform your tech experience.

Intel Core Ultra 200V explained

The Core Ultra 200V series is Intel’s latest family of processors, designed to meet the growing demands of AI and modern computing tasks. It combines traditional CPU capabilities with integrated AI processing units, making it well-suited for handling AI workloads alongside regular computing tasks.

• CPU Cores: The processors feature rearchitected Performance-cores (P-cores) and Efficient-cores (E-cores). The P-cores are optimized for tasks that require high performance, while the E-cores handle background processes and multitasking efficiently.
• Neural Processing Unit (NPU): The fourth-generation NPU is designed to manage AI-specific tasks. It’s more powerful than previous iterations, enabling the processor to run AI workloads efficiently without draining too much power.

Of course, AI capabilities are a key feature of the Core Ultra 200V series, optimizing these processors for a wide range of tasks. In content creation, AI accelerates video editing and image generation, streamlining workflows. For security, the processors use AI to detect deep-fakes and secure sensitive files, adding an extra layer of protection. AI also enhances productivity by automating tasks like generating dialogue for videos and organizing digital files, allowing users to work more efficiently.

One of the defining features of the Intel Core Ultra 200V series is its focus on power efficiency. The processors are engineered to deliver high performance while consuming less power, which is particularly important for devices like laptops where battery life is a critical factor. This is achieved through advanced power management techniques that balance performance with energy consumption.

The Intel Core Ultra 200V series features the new Xe2 graphics architecture, significantly boosting visual performance. The integrated Intel® Arc™ GPU efficiently handles demanding tasks like gaming and content creation, delivering smoother visuals and faster rendering. Enhanced ray tracing units improve the realism of lighting and shadows in 3D environments, while the Xe2 cores support higher frame rates and faster graphics processing. Additionally, these processors can support multiple 4K monitors, making them ideal for professionals who need extensive screen space for multitasking.

Colossus: NVIDIA gave the world’s most powerful AI training system to Elon Musk

Application and ecosystem support

Intel has worked closely with software developers and hardware manufacturers to ensure that the Intel Core Ultra 200V series is fully supported across a wide range of applications and devices. This means that the processors can take full advantage of AI features in various software, providing a seamless experience across different use cases.

The Core Ultra 200V series is designed with the future in mind, offering support for the latest connectivity standards like Wi-Fi 7 and Thunderbolt.

Need a recap?

Here are Intel Core Ultra 200V specs together:

Can the Intel Core Ultra 200V set a new standard for high-performance, energy-efficient computing?

Time will tell, but with its innovative architecture, AI integration, and advanced graphics, it certainly has the potential to redefine what’s possible in modern computing, offering users a powerful and efficient tool for both work and play.

Featured image credit: Intel

The controversial AI feature introduced by Microsoft, has been met with mixed reactions from users and many were left wondering if there is a way to uninstall Windows Recall.

While some found the new feature helpful, others expressed concerns about its privacy implications and potential for misuse. In response to user feedback,

Microsoft has now added the option to completely uninstall Windows Recall from Copilot+ PCs.

How to uninstall Windows Recall

Windows Recall is a feature designed to assist users by suggesting relevant information and actions based on their context and history. However, some users felt that Windows Recall was overly intrusive and collected too much personal data.

Microsoft’s decision to allow users to uninstall Windows Recall demonstrates its commitment to user choice and privacy. By providing users with the option to remove the feature, Microsoft is empowering them to customize their Windows experience and decide what level of AI assistance they are comfortable with.

Here are steps to Uninstall Windows Recall

1. Access the “Turn Windows Features on or Off” Window:
   • Press the Start button and search for “Turn Windows features on or off.”
   • Alternatively, press Win+R to open the Run dialog and enter “optionalfeatures.”
2. Locate and Uncheck Recall:
   • Scroll down the list of features and find “Recall.”
   • Uncheck the box next to “Recall.”
3. Confirm and Restart:
   • Click “OK” to confirm your changes.
   • Restart your computer for the changes to take effect.

Keep in mind that:

• Windows Recall will be available for testing by Windows Insiders starting in October.
• The option to uninstall Windows Recall is currently available only on Copilot+ PCs.
• Microsoft has emphasized the importance of user feedback in shaping the development of Windows Recall.

What does Windows 11 Recall do?

Windows Recall is a new AI feature introduced in Windows 11 that aims to enhance your productivity and streamline your workflow.

It essentially acts as a “search engine” for your computer’s history, allowing you to quickly find and access information you’ve seen or interacted with.

Here’s a breakdown of what Windows Recall does:

• Snapshotting: Every few seconds, Windows Recall takes snapshots of your screen to capture the content you’re viewing.
• Local storage: These snapshots are stored locally on your device, ensuring your privacy.
• Semantic search: Recall uses AI to analyze these snapshots and index their content. You can then search for information using natural language queries.
• Content retrieval: By describing what you’re looking for, Recall can find relevant snapshots from your past, including images, links, or text.

Essentially, Windows Recall provides a visual search capability for your computer’s history, making it easier to find and revisit information.

Featured image credit: Windows/YouTube

September 9, 2024, will be a key day for tech enthusiasts as Apple gears up to unveil its much-anticipated iPhone 16 lineup. However, the spotlight is already shining on the iPhone 16 Pro Max, thanks to a recent leak that has stirred up considerable excitement among potential buyers.

Leaked information comes before the iPhone event

According to several sources, the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max are expected to feature smaller bezels than their predecessors, with some claims suggesting that the iPhone 16 Pro Max might boast the slimmest bezels of any smartphone to date, measuring just 1.15mm. This speculation gained further traction with the release of a leaked comparison image, providing a clear visual representation of the difference these reduced bezels could make.

The iPhone 16 Pro Max is expected to feature the thinnest bezels on a smartphone 🔥 pic.twitter.com/rK9LEugcb1

— Apple Hub (@theapplehub) September 1, 2024

The image, shared by Apple Hub on X, offers a close-up view of the bezels on the current iPhone 15 Pro Max and the upcoming iPhone 16 Pro Max. The former is shown with 1.55mm bezels, while the latter, as rumored, will have 1.15mm bezels. While numbers alone might not convey the full impact, the side-by-side comparison clearly highlights the significant reduction, underscoring the sleek, modern look that the iPhone 16 Pro Max is expected to bring to the table.

This rumored bezel reduction could serve dual purposes. First and foremost, it enhances the aesthetic appeal of the iPhone 16 Pro Max, making it appear more premium and contemporary than its predecessor. This could be a crucial selling point, especially if the iPhone 16 Pro Max is priced higher than the iPhone 15 Pro Max, as many analysts predict.

Also, the reduction in bezel size could play a practical role by ensuring that the iPhone 16 Pro Max remains comfortably manageable despite the anticipated increase in screen size. Rumors suggest that the device will feature a larger 6.9-inch display, but by trimming the bezels, Apple may be able to keep the overall dimensions of the phone similar to or only slightly larger than the iPhone 15 Pro Max. This balance between screen real estate and device ergonomics could be a key factor in maintaining user satisfaction.

As with all pre-launch leaks, it’s important to note that these details are not officially confirmed. Apple has yet to unveil the iPhone 16 Pro Max, and while the bezel reduction and screen size increase have been widely reported, they remain speculative until the official announcement. However, the consistency of these rumors across multiple sources gives us reason to believe that Apple is indeed planning these changes.

Focus on Apple Intelligence

The iPhone 16 lineup is expected to be a significant evolution from its predecessors. AI-powered smartphones are rapidly flourishing, integrating advanced machine learning capabilities that transform the way users interact with their devices. With the anticipated release of the iPhone 16 lineup, the Cupertino firm is expected to double down on its AI focus, particularly through its Apple Intelligence branding.

Featured image credit: Kerem Gülen/Midjourney

Brazil’s Supreme Court has made a decisive move to restrict access to X, formerly known as Twitter, following owner Elon Musk’s defiance of court orders. A panel of five justices upheld the ruling issued by Justice Alexandre de Moraes, who had previously ordered the National Telecommunications Agency (Anatel) to implement the ban. The directive came after Musk refused to block certain accounts and failed to appoint a legal representative in Brazil.

The ruling, now supported by justices Cristiano Zanin, Flávio Dino, Cármen Lúcia, and Luiz Fux, underscores Brazil’s strict stance on compliance with its legal system. While Justice Fux expressed concerns over imposing fines on users circumventing the ban through VPNs, he agreed that penalties should be reserved for those spreading criminal content, such as pro-Nazi or fascist messages.

As the ban takes effect, rival platforms have witnessed a surge in Brazilian users migrating to their services. Poder360, a Brazilian news outlet, has announced it will manage its X account from Portugal to adhere to the judicial order.

X marks the spot: Brazil’s standoff over Twitter ban and free speech

SpaceX won’t follow the court’s decision

SpaceX’s satellite internet service, Starlink, has informed Anatel that it will not enforce the ban until the court releases its frozen assets. Justice de Moraes has blocked Starlink from conducting financial transactions in Brazil as the court seeks to recover $3 million in fines levied against X. Despite the ban, X remains accessible in Brazil via Starlink, highlighting the ongoing tension between Musk’s enterprises and Brazilian authorities.

The Brazilian Supreme Court has intensified its actions against X, with internet providers and app stores given a strict deadline of September 4th to block access to the platform, according to a Poder360 report. As of Sunday night, X had largely become inaccessible across the country, leaving only VPNs and Starlink, the satellite internet service run by Elon Musk, as viable options for access—though using a VPN could result in severe penalties.

Starlink, however, has resisted compliance with the court’s orders, citing the freezing of its assets as a barrier. The president of Brazil’s telecommunications agency, Anatel, confirmed that Starlink refused to enforce the ban until its local bank accounts were unfrozen. This resistance has put Starlink, a subsidiary of SpaceX, directly in the crosshairs of Justice Alexandre de Moraes, who has been assertive in his efforts to curb hate speech and disinformation on X. De Moraes has blocked Starlink’s accounts in a bid to recover $3 million in fines imposed on X for non-compliance with his directives, according to The New York Times.

Musk, who claims to own 40 percent of SpaceX, has condemned the freezing of Starlink’s assets as “illegal,” arguing that X and SpaceX operate as distinct entities. Despite this, the court dismissed Starlink’s petition to release its funds. In response, Starlink has pledged to provide free internet to its approximately 250,000 Brazilian customers, a significant portion of whom are in remote regions and Indigenous communities in the Amazon.

The standoff may escalate further if Starlink continues to defy the court’s orders. Brazil could revoke Starlink’s operating license, and if the service persists post-revocation, authorities may resort to seizing equipment from the 23 ground stations that support Starlink’s satellite connections. This equipment is crucial for maintaining the quality of the service, particularly in underserved areas of Brazil.

Featured image credit: Kelly Sikkema/Unsplash

The idea of having a robot assist us in our daily lives is becoming more of a reality than ever before with the 1X NEO Beta robot. Imagine a humanoid robot that can not only navigate your home with ease but also learn from its surroundings and perform various tasks, all while ensuring safety for you and your loved ones. This is exactly what 1X Robotics offers.

Sounds good? In this overview, we will delve into the unique features of the 1X NEO Beta robot, its design and capabilities, and how it compares to other humanoid robots currently in development.

What is the 1X NEO Beta robot?

The 1X NEO Beta robot is a new bipedal humanoid robot prototype created by 1X. Designed for use in the home, NEO Beta is a significant step forward in making intelligent robots a regular part of daily life. Unlike earlier robots that were often rigid and limited in function, 1X NEO Beta robot uses a bio-inspired design that allows it to work safely and efficiently alongside people in a household setting.

NEO Beta is designed with two legs and mimics human walking patterns, allowing it to navigate spaces such as homes more effectively. This design helps it move through areas that might be challenging for other types of robots, such as uneven flooring or stairs.

The robot has a bio-inspired design, meaning its movements are modeled after the human body. This allows for more natural, flexible motions compared to the rigid movements of many older robots.

1X NEO Beta weighs around 25 kg (66 lbs), which is lighter than many similar robots designed for industrial or home use. This lighter weight reduces the risk of damage or injury in case of a fall or collision, making it more suitable for household use. By comparison, other humanoid robots like Tesla’s Optimus GEN2 and Figure 02 are heavier, weighing 57 kg (152 lbs) and 70 kg (187 lbs), respectively.

The robot is designed to learn from its environment, adapting its behavior over time. This is achieved through continuous interaction with its surroundings and input from human operators who guide and train it on various tasks. 1X employs operators who work with the robot to refine its abilities, enabling it to perform a variety of household tasks more effectively.

That's def a dude in a suit

— 1X (@1x_tech) August 31, 2024

Is the 1X NEO Beta robot safe?

Safety is a primary design focus for NEO Beta, especially since it will operate in home environments where it may encounter people, children, and pets. It includes sensors and software to detect and avoid obstacles and prevent collisions.

The exterior of NEO Beta is soft and cushioned in specific areas, unlike other robots that use hard plastic or metal casings. This makes any accidental contact less likely to cause injury.

However, humanoid robots like NEO Beta face several challenges, including developing comprehensive safety standards and gaining consumer trust. Organizations such as IEEE are working to establish guidelines to ensure robots operate safely around people. As these guidelines develop, robots like NEO Beta will need to meet strict safety and performance criteria to be widely adopted for home use.

Is the 1X NEO Beta robot just a concept?

NEO Beta is being prepared for mass production at 1X’s factory in Moss, Norway. The goal is to produce these robots on a large scale, making them accessible for use in more homes.

This production readiness shows that the robot is not just a concept but is intended to be a real product used in everyday situations.

A small number of NEO Beta units will be deployed in selected homes to gather data and improve the robot’s capabilities. This testing phase will help understand how the robot performs in actual living spaces and what adjustments are needed. The feedback collected from these test environments will be crucial in refining the robot’s design and functionality.

Comparison with other humanoid robots

NEO Beta is part of a new wave of humanoid robots being developed for different environments. Compared to others, like Tesla’s Optimus GEN2 and Unitree’s G1, NEO Beta is lighter and designed specifically with home use in mind. Its softer exterior and bio-inspired design set it apart, especially in terms of safety and adaptability in a home environment.

Get to know 1x Robotics

1X Robotics is a company specializing in humanoid robotics, focusing on developing robots that can operate safely in human environments. The company is based in Norway, with additional offices in Sunnyvale, California; Irving, Texas; and Oslo, Norway. 1X Robotics has been working on humanoid robots for over a decade, starting with its earlier model, EVE, introduced in 2017. The company has a factory in Moss, Norway, where it is preparing for the mass production of its latest humanoid prototype, NEO Beta. This robot is designed for home use and aims to gather real-world data to improve its performance in various household tasks. 1X Robotics employs a team of operators who train these robots to enhance their capabilities in different settings, ensuring they are adaptable and capable of handling diverse environments.

Featured image credit: 1x

Quantum optics is a field that explores the intricate behaviors and interactions of light within the quantum realm. This area of study has revolutionized our understanding of light, challenging the classical perspectives that dominated for centuries.

The quantum world and light

At the heart of quantum optics lies the fundamental principles of quantum mechanics. Quantum mechanics describes the behavior of particles at the smallest scales—atomic and subatomic levels—where the classical laws of physics no longer apply. Light, which can behave both as a wave and as a particle (a duality known as wave-particle duality), is a prime subject of study within quantum mechanics.

In the quantum world, light exhibits behaviors that are counterintuitive from a classical standpoint. For instance, photons can exist in superposition, meaning they can be in multiple states simultaneously until measured. Moreover, photons can become entangled, a phenomenon where the state of one photon is instantaneously connected to the state of another, regardless of the distance between them.

Distinguishing quantum optics from classical optics

Classical optics, which has been the foundation of optical science for centuries, treats light as a continuous wave. This perspective is sufficient for explaining many phenomena such as reflection, refraction, and diffraction.

Quantum optics, unlike classical optics, considers light in terms of quantized photons, allowing for the explanation of phenomena that classical theories cannot address. For example, the concept of coherence in quantum optics is much more nuanced than in classical optics. In quantum optics, coherence relates to the correlations between photons, not just the phase relationship between waves. This distinction is crucial for understanding phenomena like quantum interference and entanglement.

Furthermore, while classical optics can describe many macroscopic optical devices like lenses and mirrors, quantum optics is necessary for understanding and designing devices that operate on the quantum level, such as quantum dots and optical quantum computers.

Practical applications of quantum optics

Quantum optics has led to several practical applications across various sectors. In technology, quantum optics underpins the development of quantum computers, which promise to revolutionize computing by performing complex calculations exponentially faster than classical computers. Quantum dots play a significant role here, acting as qubits—the basic units of quantum information—due to their ability to maintain quantum coherence and interact with light in controlled ways.

In telecommunications, quantum optics is paving the way for more secure communication methods through quantum cryptography. This technology uses the principles of quantum mechanics, such as entanglement and superposition, to create unbreakable encryption methods.

The field also extends into medical and scientific research. Quantum optics techniques, such as those used in advanced microscopy, enable the observation of biological processes at unprecedented resolutions.

Challenges and prospects in quantum optics

Despite its promise, quantum optics faces several challenges that must be addressed to fully realize its potential. One of the primary challenges is maintaining quantum coherence, which is essential for the operation of quantum devices. Quantum systems are highly sensitive to external disturbances, which can cause decoherence, effectively destroying the quantum state. This makes it difficult to scale quantum technologies for practical use.

Another significant challenge lies in the complexity of quantum systems. Introductory quantum optics often highlights the difficulty in predicting and controlling quantum behaviors, which are inherently probabilistic and counterintuitive. As we move from theoretical to experimental quantum optics, the challenge becomes even more pronounced, with the need for precise control over quantum states being crucial for the development of reliable quantum technologies.

However, the prospects for overcoming these challenges are promising. Advances in materials science, particularly in the development of quantum dots, are providing new ways to control and manipulate quantum systems.

By distinguishing itself from classical optics, quantum optics has opened up new avenues for technological advancement, from quantum computing to secure communication. While challenges remain, particularly in maintaining quantum coherence and controlling complex quantum systems, the continued exploration and development in this field hold the promise of profound impacts on technology, science, and our understanding of the quantum world.

Featured image credit: Freepik

Ready to turn your next hangout into an epic music fest? Discord and Amazon Music have teamed up to drop a totally rad feature: the Discord Amazon Music Listening Party!

Picture this: you and your friends jamming out to your favorite tunes or diving into awesome podcasts, all in real-time. No more waiting for everyone to catch up or missing out on the fun—this feature makes it easy to share your musical vibes instantly. Whether you’re throwing a virtual dance party or just vibing together, this is your ticket to a shared listening experience like never before. Want to know how to get in on the action or what other cool updates are hitting Discord this month? Keep reading and learn everything you need about the new Discord features.

What is the Discord Amazon Music Listening Party feature?

The Amazon Music Listening Party is an Activity on Discord that allows users to listen to music and podcasts together in real-time. This feature integrates Amazon Music Unlimited with Discord, enabling a smooth shared listening experience.

The Listening Party feature is available in markets where Amazon Music Unlimited is offered. Users can access it on both desktop and mobile versions of Discord. To participate in the Listening Party, each user must have an Amazon Music Unlimited subscription. This tier lets you choose specific songs and podcasts from Amazon Music’s extensive library.

New to Amazon Music? Qualifying Discord users can enjoy a three-month trial of Amazon Music Unlimited. Link your Amazon account to Discord via the Activity, and if you’re eligible, you’ll be treated to three months of unlimited music. Explore everything Amazon Music offers on desktop and mobile apps, and decide if it fits your listening needs perfectly.

Oh, you are eligible now? Keep reading…

Discord Amazon Music Listening Party guide

Follow these steps to have a Discord Amazon Music Listening Party:

• On Desktop or Web:
  • Join a voice channel or a text conversation on Discord.
  • Click the Rocketship button if you’re in a voice call, or the “+” button in a text conversation.

• • Select “Start Activity” and then choose “Amazon Music Listening Party” from the list of available Activities.
  • Link your Amazon Music account to Discord to start the session.
• On Mobile:
  • Open the App Launcher and locate the Activity icon (depicted with four shapes).

• • Select “Amazon Music Listening Party” from the list.
  • Link your Amazon Music account to get started.

Participants can add songs or podcasts to a shared queue. This means everyone in the session can contribute to what’s playing next. Your saved music and playlists sync between your Amazon Music account and the Activity so that you can access your favorite content anytime.

How to join or host Discord Amazon Music Listening Party

• Join a party: If someone invites you to a Listening Party, simply click the invite link or join through the voice or text channel where the Activity is active.
• Host a party: Start a Listening Party in any voice or text channel by following the steps to initiate the Activity and invite friends.

Discord unknown session error and rising PFP issues

What’s more?

This month is packed with exciting updates beyond the new listening experience. Check out the latest features:

• Dungeon Crawling: Server member lists on desktop now show recent activity, including games played and music listened to.
• Discord on Xbox: Get enhanced integration, see active server channels, and enjoy Discord streams directly on your console.
• Roll20 Integration: Connect your Roll20 account for seamless D&D campaigns and RPG adventures in Discord.
• Resizable Picture-in-Picture: Customize the size of your video call window on desktop.
• Teen Charter: New principles focused on authenticity, inclusivity, privacy, and transparency based on teen feedback.

Featured image credit: Discord/Youtube

Are you having trouble with the Discord unknown session or the “There was a problem updating your profile” error? You’re not alone! Many users have reported seeing an “unknown session” error when trying to update their profile picture. Even worse, some have received messages claiming they’re “changing it too fast,” adding to the frustration. If you’re facing this issue, don’t worry—there are several workarounds you can try.

Why you can’t change your Discord PFP?

The Discord unknown session error usually appears due to a problem with the server or a glitch in the platform’s system. This error might also pop up if there’s an issue with your internet connection, or if you’re trying to make too many changes in a short amount of time. The platform’s security system might mistakenly flag your actions as suspicious and temporarily prevent further changes to protect your account.

How to deal with the Discord unknown session error & other problems when you try updating your profile

While there isn’t an official solution yet, and your best option is to contact Discord support and wait for an update, you can try a few workarounds in the meantime:

• Refresh and re-login: Start by refreshing your browser or app. If the error persists, log out of your account, wait a few minutes, and then log back in. This can help reset the session and clear any temporary glitches.
• Clear cache and cookies: Sometimes, old cache or cookies can cause problems with how the website functions. Try clearing your browser’s cache and cookies and then attempt to change your profile picture again.
• Check your Internet connection: Make sure you have a stable internet connection. An unstable connection can interrupt the process and cause errors. Restart your router if necessary.
• Avoid rapid changes: If you’ve recently changed your profile picture or made other changes to your account, wait for a while before trying again. Rapid changes can trigger the platform’s security measures, leading to the “changing it too fast” warning.
• Use a different device or browser: If the issue continues, try using a different device or browser to see if the problem persists. This can help determine whether the issue is specific to your device or browser.
• Update your app or browser: Ensure your app or browser is up to date. Sometimes, an outdated version can cause compatibility issues, leading to errors.
• Check for platform issues: The platform may be experiencing widespread issues. Check the platform’s status page to see if other users are facing similar problems. 

If none of the above steps work, it might be time to contact the platform’s support team and submit a request now. Please provide them with details about the issue, including any error messages you’ve received. They can offer specific advice or fix the problem from their end.

Discord Amazon Music Listening Party in 3 easy steps

How to change Discord PFP

If you need it, here is how to update your Discord Avatar. To change your Discord profile picture (PFP), follow these simple steps:

On Desktop:

1. Open Discord: Launch the Discord app on your computer.
2. Go to Settings: Click the gear icon (User Settings) next to your username at the bottom left.
3. Select Change Avatar: Click on the three dots next to your current avatar and select “Change Avatar.”
4. Choose an Image: Upload a new image from your device.
5. Adjust and Save: Resize or center the image as needed, then click “Apply” and “Save Changes.”

How to stop automatic Discord ducking

On Mobile:

1. Open Discord: Launch the Discord app on your iPhone or Android device.
2. Access Your Profile: Tap your profile icon in the bottom right corner.
3. Tap My Account: Select your current avatar or the placeholder image.
4. Choose a New Image: Upload a new picture from your gallery.
5. Adjust and Save: Crop or zoom if needed, then tap the checkmark and “Save” to update your profile picture.

That’s it! Normally, your new Discord avatar should be now set.

The real estate industry is progressing with digital advancements that are significantly impacting how agents generate leads. Real estate professionals must embrace modern lead generation techniques that resonate with tech-savvy consumers to remain competitive and successful in this modern environment. This article will explore ten innovative strategies every real estate agent should consider to maximize their lead generation efforts.

Harnessing the power of social media marketing

Social media has revolutionized how companies connect with potential clients, making it an essential strategy in lead generation for real estate agents. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn provide real estate agents an unparalleled opportunity to engage with a vast audience. By leveraging these platforms, agents can create targeted ad campaigns that reach specific demographics, such as first-time homebuyers or investors looking for properties in a particular area.

Content creation is key when using social media for lead generation. High-quality posts showcasing property listings, market updates, and home-buying tips can attract potential clients and establish the agent as an industry expert. Engaging content, such as virtual tours, client testimonials, and live Q&A sessions, can further enhance an agent’s online presence and credibility.

Utilizing SEO to drive organic traffic

Search engine optimization (SEO) is a powerful tool for generating organic traffic to a website. By optimizing their website with relevant keywords, agents can improve their search engine rankings and attract potential clients actively exploring for properties or real estate services.

Effective SEO strategies include:

• Creating keyword-rich content, like blog posts and landing pages.
• Optimizing meta descriptions and title tags.
• Ensuring that the website is mobile-friendly.

Additionally, incorporating local SEO tactics, such as using location-specific keywords and creating Google My Business listings, can help agents reach clients in their target markets.

Investing in high-quality content marketing

Content marketing is an essential element of any modern lead generation strategy. By producing valuable, informative content, real estate agents can build trust with potential clients and place themselves as authorities in the industry. Content marketing can include blog posts, e-books, video tutorials, and market reports.

For example, a blog post discussing the latest real estate market trends or a video tutorial on the home-buying process can attract potential clients who are in the early stages of their property search. By offering valuable insights and solutions to typical problems, agents can nurture these leads and guide them through the sales funnel.

Implementing email marketing campaigns

Email marketing remains one of the most practical lead generation techniques for real estate agents. By building a robust email list, agents can stay in touch with clients and nurture leads over time. Personalized email campaigns that provide relevant content, such as new property listings, market updates, and home-buying tips, can keep potential clients engaged and increase the likelihood of conversion.

Automation tools can enhance the effectiveness of email marketing campaigns by allowing agents to send targeted messages based on specific triggers, like a client’s search history or previous interactions with the agent’s website. By delivering the right message at the right time, agents can build stronger relationships with their leads and move them closer to a transaction.

Leveraging video marketing for enhanced engagement

Video marketing has evolved as an increasingly popular method for generating leads in the real estate industry. Videos are highly engaging and allow potential clients to experience properties in a way that photos alone cannot convey. Virtual tours, property walkthroughs, and neighborhood overviews can provide valuable insights to prospective buyers and encourage them to take the next step in the home-buying process.

Additionally, video content can be repurposed across numerous platforms, including social media, email campaigns, and the agent’s website. Real estate agents can consistently produce high-quality video content to enhance their brand visibility and attract more qualified leads.

Utilizing paid advertising for immediate results

While organic lead generation methods are valuable for long-term success, paid advertising can deliver immediate results. Platforms like Google Ads and Facebook Ads can provide highly targeted advertising options that enable realtors to reach specific audiences based on elements such as location, interests, and online behavior.

Paid advertising campaigns can be tailored to achieve varied objectives, such as increasing website traffic, generating leads, or promoting specific properties. By carefully monitoring and optimizing their ad campaigns, agents can maximize their return on investment (ROI) and ensure their advertising budget is well-spent.

Embracing CRM systems for efficient lead management

Customer relationship management systems are vital for handling and nurturing leads in the real estate industry. A CRM system allows agents to organize their contacts, track interactions, and automate follow-up tasks, ensuring that no lead falls through the cracks.

By integrating their CRM with other lead generation tools, like email marketing sites and social media accounts, agents can streamline their workflow and enhance their overall efficiency. CRM systems also provide valuable data and insights to help agents refine their lead generation strategies and make informed decisions.

Capitalizing on virtual and augmented reality

Virtual and augmented reality (VR and AR) are emerging technologies transforming the real estate industry. These tools enable potential buyers to explore properties remotely, providing an immersive experience that can save time and resources for the agent and the client.

Virtual tours, 3D floor plans, and AR apps that allow clients to visualize furniture and décor in space are just a few examples of how these technologies can enhance the home-buying experience. By incorporating VR and AR into their lead generation strategy, real estate agents can attract tech-savvy clients and differentiate themselves from the competition.

Building partnerships with local businesses

Forming alliances with local businesses can be a mutually beneficial lead generation strategy for real estate agents. Agents can offer their clients a comprehensive service package by collaborating with mortgage brokers, home inspectors, and moving companies while gaining access to new leads.

For example, a mortgage broker may refer clients to a real estate agent when they are ready to purchase a home, and in return, the agent can recommend the broker’s services to their clients. These partnerships can also lead to co-branded marketing efforts, such as joint webinars or community events, further expanding the agent’s reach.

Hosting webinars and online workshops

Educational webinars and online workshops are excellent ways for agents to showcase their expertise and generate leads. By offering free sessions on topics such as home-buying tips, investment strategies, or market trends, agents can attract clients seeking information and guidance.

During these events, agents can capture attendee contact details and follow up with personalized offers or consultations. Webinars also provide an opportunity to engage with a broader audience, as they can be recorded and shared on social media, websites, or email campaigns for continued lead generation.

The future of lead generation for real estate agents lies in the effective integration of modern digital strategies with traditional methods. Agents can attract and nurture leads more efficiently than ever by leveraging tools such as social media, SEO, content marketing, and CRM systems. Embracing emerging technologies like VR and AR and building partnerships with local businesses can further enhance an agent’s lead generation efforts. In a competitive market, those who adopt these innovative techniques will be well-positioned to thrive and succeed.

Featured image credit: Eray Eliaçık/Bing

The semiconductor industry is witnessing a fascinating rivalry as Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) challenges NVIDIA’s dominance in the AI accelerator market. With its Instinct MI300X, AMD is poised to disrupt the status quo, offering a cost-effective and powerful alternative to NVIDIA’s H100. The surge in demand for AI chips, driven by the explosive growth in AI adoption and data center expansion, further intensifies this competition.

In the fast-paced arena of AI chip technology, AMD is making notable progress in challenging NVIDIA’s dominance. While NVIDIA currently commands the lion’s share of the market, estimated at over 80%, AMD is steadily gaining momentum, particularly in the data center sector. This surge is fueled by robust demand for their MI300X AI chip, with projected sales reaching an impressive $4 billion, accounting for roughly 15% of AMD’s anticipated revenue.

When it comes to performance, NVIDIA’s H100 chips remain widely acknowledged for their prowess in AI workloads, especially in the realm of training. However, AMD’s MI300X is proving its mettle in specific AI tasks, particularly inference, where some assert it even outperforms NVIDIA’s flagship H100.

In terms of industry partnerships and adoption, NVIDIA boasts well-established collaborations with major cloud providers and enjoys broad acceptance across diverse sectors. On the other hand, AMD is actively forging partnerships, such as its alliance with TensorWave, to broaden its reach and refine its technology for AI-centric tasks.

The dynamic interplay between these two giants promises an exciting future for the AI chip market. I spoke with Darrick Horton, CEO at TensorWave, to understand why it has put all its AI eggs in the AMD basket.

AMD’s Instinct MI300X: A Game-Changer?

The MI300X boasts a larger memory capacity than the H100, making it advantageous for specific AI tasks, especially those involving large language models. While the H100 generally offers greater raw compute power, the MI300X shows promise in inference tasks and larger batch sizes. 

Although exact prices are not public, the MI300X is reportedly cheaper, potentially offering a better price-to-performance ratio. However, NVIDIA’s CUDA platform enjoys wider adoption and a more mature software ecosystem.

“One of the standout features of the MI300X is its superior memory architecture,” Horton told me. “With up to 192GB of unified HBM3 memory, the MI300X significantly outperforms the H100, allowing for the seamless handling of larger models and datasets directly on the accelerator. This reduces the need for off-chip memory accesses, which can be a bottleneck in AI workloads, leading to improved performance, caching abilities, and lower latency.”

Other considerations that led TensorWave to partner with AMD include energy efficiency and AMD’s software ecosystem.

“The MI300X is designed with energy efficiency in mind, delivering outstanding performance per watt,” Horton said. “This is particularly important as AI workloads scale, enabling enterprises to achieve high performance without escalating energy costs. This efficiency is a critical factor in large-scale deployments, where operational costs can be a significant concern. AMD’s ROCm (Radeon Open Compute) platform continues to mature and offers robust support for AI and HPC workloads. The open-source nature of ROCm provides developers with flexibility and the ability to optimize their applications for the MI300X, something that’s increasingly important as AI models become more sophisticated.”

The MI300X’s hybrid architecture combines CPU and GPU capabilities, which can optimize performance across various workloads, and efficiently scale across multiple accelerators. All of this paints a picture of a compelling alternative to NVIDIA.

Of course, AMD and NVIDIA are taking highly different approaches to building large-scale GPU systems. AMD favors the open standard of PCIe 5.0, offering broader compatibility and potentially lower costs, while NVIDIA relies on its high-bandwidth NVLink interconnect for improved performance in certain scenarios but with potential scalability limitations and higher costs.

A Mission to Democratize AI Access

TensorWave’s pricing model seems aimed at democratizing access to high-performance AI infrastructure, and the reported lower cost of leasing AMD GPUs through the platform can contribute to making advanced AI technologies more accessible to a wider range of organizations.

“When it comes to GPU procurement, it’s far from a simple 1-click checkout,” Horton said. “The process is often delayed by production backlogs, making shipment timing unpredictable. Plus, the upfront costs can be prohibitive. We’ve already built out our data centers with thousands of MI300X GPUs, ready to deploy when you are. But let’s say you manage to get your hardware. Now, you’re faced with the challenge of building, managing, and maintaining that hardware and the entire data center infrastructure. This is a time-consuming and costly process that not everyone is equipped to handle. With our cloud service, those worries disappear.”

While NVIDIA currently holds a dominant position, AMD’s Instinct MI300X and TensorWave’s innovative approach are poised to disrupt the AI accelerator market. 

“NVIDIA has been the dominant force in the AI accelerator market, but we believe it’s time for that to change,” Horton said. “We’re all about giving optionality to the market. We want builders to break free from vendor lock-in and stop being dependent on non-open-source tools where they’re at the mercy of the provider. We believe in choice. We believe in open-source optionality. We believe in democratizing compute. These principles were central when we built and focused our cloud around AMD MI300X accelerators.”

TensorWave believes this is important as more SMBs and big businesses start to leverage AI tools in the same way corporations already have.

“Think about accounting firms, legal offices, and research institutions,” Horton said. “They have vast amounts of historical data. If they can build AI tools that learn from these datasets, the potential for positive business outcomes is enormous. However, to achieve this, you’re going to need to process large datasets (250,000+ tokens), which will require substantial memory and performance from the hardware. And this isn’t just theoretical—enterprises are actively working on long-context solutions right now.”

A Bold Bet in a High Stakes Game

TensorWave also believes AMD will become the new standard as LLMs reach new heights, which is a big driver behind it putting all its chips on AMD (blackjack metaphor intended).

“As AI models continue to grow larger and more memory-intensive, NVIDIA’s solutions struggle to compete with the MI300X in terms of price-to-performance. Take Meta’s Llama 3.1 405B model, for example. That model can run on less than one full MI300X node (8 GPUs), whereas it requires approximately two nodes with the H100B. We’re betting big that the AI community is ready for something better—faster, more cost-effective, open-source, and readily available. 

Doubling down on its investment in AMD, TensorWave is looking towards the future, developing new capabilities to democratize further access to compute power.

“We’re developing scalable caching mechanisms that dramatically enhance the efficiency of handling long contexts,” Horton said. “This allows users to interact with larger chats and documents with significantly reduced latencies, providing smoother and more responsive experiences even in the most demanding AI applications.”

Currently in beta, TensorWave is projecting to roll this out to its users in Q4 2024.

The MI300X’s technical advantages, combined with TensorWave’s focus on democratization and cost-effectiveness, present a compelling alternative for businesses seeking high-performance AI solutions.

Ante Up for a Brighter Future

The “see, raise, and call” between AMD and NVIDIA will undoubtedly drive further advancements in GPU technology and AI applications across the entire industry. As the demand for AI continues to grow, both companies will play crucial roles in shaping the future of this transformative technology.

Whether AMD can ultimately surpass NVIDIA remains to be seen. However, their presence in the market fosters healthy competition, innovation, and ultimately benefits the entire AI ecosystem. The battle for AI supremacy is far from over, and the world watches with anticipation as these two tech titans continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible.

You can now add song to Instagram profile and it is a feature straight out of the Myspace era!

Instagram, the popular photo and video-sharing app, has recently introduced a new feature that lets you add music to your profile.

This update brings back memories of the early 2000s when MySpace allowed users to customize their profiles with songs from their favorite artists. If you too want to add song to Instagram profile, you are at the right place!

You can now add song to Instagram profile

With this latest addition, you can now add a song to your Instagram profile, setting it as the default audio that plays whenever someone visits your page. This feature not only adds a personal touch to your profile but also enhances your overall brand identity and helps you stand out from others.

How to add music to Instagram profile

Adding a song to your Instagram profile is an easy process.

Here is how to add song to Instagram profile:

1. Open the Instagram app and go to your profile.
2. Tap on the Edit Profile button, located at the top-right corner of the screen.
3. Scroll down until you see the “Add a Song” option. (It’s next to where you can add your bio.)
4. Choose from millions of songs available in Instagram’s music library.
5. Select the song you want to add and adjust its volume level to your liking.
6. Tap Done to save your changes.

Once you’ve added a song to your profile, it will play when someone visits your page and hits the small play button underneath your bio.

Yes, it is incredibly simple to add song to Instagram profile and relieve your old memories from the good old MySpace era, or should we say the last time the internet was good and dead internet theory wasn’t something we were talking about…

This creates an immersive experience that can help engage your followers and showcase your personality or brand even more effectively.

The Myspace era is back!

The ability to add music to Instagram profiles brings back memories of the MySpace era, where users could customize their profiles with songs from their favorite bands and artists. While MySpace eventually faded away as a social media platform, this new feature on Instagram shows that the idea of connecting music with personal identity remains popular.

With this update, Instagram is evolving into a more immersive and engaging platform that allows users to express themselves in new ways.

By adding a song to your profile, you can make it feel more like a personal radio station or podcast, showcasing your taste in music and providing an auditory experience for your followers.

Can you add your own song to Instagram?

No, you cannot add your own song to Instagram. The app only allows you to choose from a pre-existing library of songs that are licensed for use on the platform. This is due to copyright laws that protect the rights of musicians and record labels.

However, you can still add music to your Instagram Stories and Reels by using the music sticker. This sticker gives you access to a wide variety of songs that you can add to your content. You can also search for specific songs by typing in their name or artist.

If you want to use your own music on Instagram, you will need to obtain a license from the rights holder. This can be a complex process, so it is often easier to use music that is already available on the platform.

Featured image credit: Freepik

Convenient PDF file generation

Despite its popularity, traditional methods of creating PDF files have their challenges. By exploring alternative methods, such as converting files to PDFs, dedicated PDF tools can overcome traditional challenges and provide their users with a smooth document creating experience.

Users can now create a PDF file with multiple practical methods:

• PDF files can be generated from image, DWG/DXF files, scanned file, as well as from MS Office files.
• You can set PDF generation in any transition of our workflow, but it is usually done when approving documentation and when assigning a new revision. You can also call file generation from the context menu – by right-clicking on the file and selecting the appropriate command.
• Automatically generated files are created in designated folders, e.g. those to which you have granted access to production department employees.
• When a new revision is applied, another version of the PDF file is created with information that the drawing is being edited.

In what programs can you create a PDF file?

You can create a PDF file using many programs, both paid and free. Here are some popular programs that can create PDF files:

1. Adobe Acrobat: This is one of the most famous programs for creating and editing PDF files. It is available for Windows and macOS platforms, but it is paid.
2. SwifDoo PDF for Windows: It is a program designed, as the name suggests, to swiftly create and convert PDF files. The tool also handles other output formats without any problems: PNG, DWG, HTML, EPUB, with different bit counts and others.
3. Microsoft Word: You can create a document in Word and save it as a PDF file. This is a good option for people who already have the Microsoft Office suite.
4. Microsoft Excel: Like Word, Excel also lets you export spreadsheets to PDF format. This is a useful feature for sharing reports and numerical data.
5. LibreOffice Writer: LibreOffice is a free office suite, and its Writer word processor lets you save documents as PDF files.
6. Google Docs:  This is a free online office suite. You can create documents in Google Docs and export them as a PDF file.

These are just a few examples of programs that you can create PDF files. There are many other options available, both paid and free, that may meet your needs.

Don’t forget about accessibility

By ensuring accessibility, we not only help people with various disabilities, but also make life easier for each of our readers. Just think about a situation where someone tries to read our document on a bus, during a lunch break, or at another time when they can’t use a traditional computer.

By making the content accessible, everyone will be able to use it regardless of the circumstances.

Document structure

Make sure your PDF document has a clear and logical structure. Use appropriate headings (h1, h2, h3, etc.), paragraphs, and lists. This will make it easy for people using screen readers to navigate your content.

Text

Avoid complicated, technical language. Write clearly and understandably, using simpler vocabulary. Also, remember to provide adequate contrast between the color of the text and the background to make it easier to read.

Images and charts

If your document contains images, charts, or other graphics, make sure they have alternative descriptions (also known as “alt text”). This will help people who are blind or have low vision understand what the graphic is showing.

Interactive elements

If your document contains any interactive elements, such as forms or buttons, make sure they can be controlled not only with a mouse but also with a keyboard. This is important for people who cannot use pointing devices.

Technical availability

Finally, don’t forget about the technical aspects. Share your document in a commonly used format, preferably PDF, that works well with screen readers and other accessibility aids. Also, make sure the file is properly configured for accessibility – for example, it has properly marked headings, image descriptions, etc.

Engage experts and test

Accessibility is a complex topic, so it’s worth engaging experts to help you implement it. For example, you can consult with blind or visually impaired people for valuable advice. It’s also worth testing your documents using different accessibility technologies, such as screen readers.

On a final note

One of the most important advantages of the portable document format is the fact that such a file presents its content in an identical way regardless of the operating system on which it is opened. This issue is not without significance when we want to preserve specific fonts, as well as the way the document is formatted.

PDF files are definitely the standard that solves many problems that you may encounter when using .TXT or .DOC files. Even if you follow some of the good practices for creating PDFs, it’s important to check your documents for accessibility issues and fix any problems you find.

Featured image credit: CURVD®/Unsplash

A company can make precise plans for its fiscal year with the help of forecasting and budgeting. Here are 7 approaches to enhance these procedures so that you may develop a strategy plan that satisfies the financial objectives of your company.

Continue forecasting and budgeting adaptable

Static budgets and predictions are not particularly helpful. As the year goes on, things change, and you have to be prepared to adjust for those changes and how they will impact your company. Making judgments based only on educated estimates from months ago can result in costly mistakes. In addition, it is ineffective and annoying to hold staff members to KPIs that are based on outdated data. Including flexibility in your forecasting and budgeting software will improve accuracy and yield better business outcomes.

Stick to your plan budget

Establish a plan and align your spending with it. adhering to a budget “requires that spending decisions be made based on actual revenue, rather than on opportunities that such spending might (or might not) lead to.” When you budget your strategy, you are forced to address the possible effects that any expenditures may have on the company, as opposed to just spending and handling the consequences later. Putting this budget management strategy into practice can help you take advantage of chances that weren’t included in the initial budget.

Get in touch frequently and early

You should maintain constant communication with all departments during the forecasting and budgeting process because it impacts every component of the business. This will help to reduce problems and guarantee that your organization’s organizational and operational strategies are in sync.

Engage your whole group

To better understand their needs, departments and units should collaborate on budgeting and forecasting. Having an eye on the other departments, in addition to your finance department, can help you gather the information required to create realistic budgets and precise forecasts. Utilizing your whole staff also gives you access to a variety of viewpoints regarding the current and potential future states of your company.

Clearly state your objectives

Predicting the financial future of your firm is the goal of forecasting. Making business decisions and comprehending their effects prior to implementation are made easier with the help of forecasting. Your capacity to predict the financial future of your firm will be compromised if you lack clarity around the overarching objectives of the organization. Because of this, you need to be fully aware of the factors that influence your forecasting forecasts; otherwise, they are merely educated guesses that are unrelated to the objectives of your business.

Make a variety of scenario plans

Although it is impossible to account for every possibility, you may anticipate some of the challenges that might affect your original budget and estimate. Examine outside economic and market developments that could harm your business. Having a rolling forecast can help you remain on top of any changes that could seriously affect your business, whether they are positive or bad. Rolling projections also let you adjust course as necessary in response to newly disclosed information, ensuring that all decisions are made in light of current events rather than past performance.

Monitor everything

When predicting and planning for the upcoming fiscal year, everything must be taken into consideration, including the cost of office supplies and any potential acquisition of competitors. Never undervalue the significance of seemingly insignificant things or their potential to have an impact on the financial stability of the organization. After a budget is established, make time for forecasting that considers a wide range of possible outcomes. As the company projection is being prepared, keep a close eye on consumer behavior, market developments, and competitive activity.

All images are generated by Eray Eliaçık/Bing

Yes, pink Instagram notes are a thing now. Instagram’s latest update allows you to change the color of your Notes to a vibrant pink. This new feature follows the recent gold Notes that celebrated the Olympics, showcasing Instagram’s efforts to keep things fresh and engaging for users. Let’s test it first!

How to change Instagram notes color to pink

To get pink Instagram notes, you need to use specific keywords. Here’s how it works:

• Open Instagram and go to your direct messages.
• Go to your DMs and create a new note by tapping on the “Note…”
• Type one of the following keywords into your note:
  • Demure
  • Cutesy
  • Considerate
  • Mindful

• Add your text: You can include additional text along with the keyword.
• Send or save your note, and it should appear in a subtle pink hue.

Is your note not turn pink?

While the pink Notes feature is fun and trendy, there are some limitations and issues to be aware of:

• Device and platform variability: The feature might not work consistently across all devices. For example, while I was able to get pink Notes on Instagram for Android, I couldn’t replicate it on the iOS app. This discrepancy could be due to differences in app versions or ongoing A/B testing by Instagram.
• Temporary nature: Instagram often tests features temporarily. The recent gold Notes feature, for instance, was only available for a short period and is no longer functional. There’s a possibility that the pink Notes could be a limited-time feature as well, so if you’re keen on using them, it might be worth trying sooner rather than later.

The trend behind pink Instagram notes: Demure

Interestingly, the words “demure” and “mindful” aren’t just influencing Instagram—they’re also part of a viral TikTok trend. The term “demure” has become a playful, semi-ironic way to describe anything subtly elegant or modest. TikTok creator Jools Lebron popularized the trend by showcasing how to be “demure” in various everyday situations. From sipping coffee to styling hair, “demure” has become a fun way to label modest elegance.

@joolieannie

#fyp #demure @OAKCHA @Paul | Fragrance Influencer

♬ original sound – Jools Lebron

Brands and even government departments have jumped on the bandwagon, using “demure” in their marketing to tap into this trend. Instagram’s latest feature seems to be part of this cultural moment, reflecting how language and trends can influence digital aesthetics.

Why are Instagram notes changing color continuously?

Instagram Notes recently featured gold colors to celebrate the Olympics, but this option has since been removed. Now, Instagram is trying out a pink color for Notes as part of its ongoing updates. Pink Instagram notes-like additions on social media platforms are usually a mix of celebrating current events, testing new features, and keeping up with trends.

In short, Instagram changes the colors of Notes to stay fresh, follow trends, and improve user experience. Do you like pink Instagram notes-like additions on social media platforms? Comment below