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Category: Tech

  • Tesla CEO Elon Musk is buying an iPhone 15 due to its ‘incredible’ camera

    Tesla CEO Elon Musk is buying an iPhone 15 due to its ‘incredible’ camera

    Apple’s latest flagship, the iPhone 15, made headlines after its debut at the company’s Wonderlust event on September 12. It became available to eager customers on September 22, causing long queues at Apple stores worldwide. Billionaire Elon Musk has announced his intention to purchase the iPhone 15, a sentiment shared by many.

    Apple’s CEO, Tim Cook, took to X (formerly Twitter) to share images featuring renowned photographers Stephen Wilkes and Reuben Wu. One image depicts the photographers presenting their work to Cook, demonstrating the limitless creative potential of the iPhone 15 Pro Max. The vibrant photos capture breathtaking scenes, from the beauty of summer in Rhode Island to the otherworldly landscapes of Utah. Cook expressed his appreciation, saying, “Thank you for showing me your work.”

    In response, Elon Musk praised the iPhone’s incredible capabilities, stating, “The beauty of iPhone pictures & video is incredible.”

    Cook also shared images of Apple’s new product launches at the Fifth Avenue store in New York, celebrating the latest iPhone 15 family, the first carbon-neutral Apple Watch models, and the latest AirPods. Musk, impressed by these new offerings, exclaimed, “I’m buying one!”

    Musk’s announcement sparked curiosity among social media users. One person wondered about his choice of model and color, while another playfully questioned if he was buying a single unit or the entire company. Some users even joked about Musk promoting Apple products.

    Apple’s latest flagship, the iPhone 15, made headlines after its debut at the company’s Wonderlust event on September 12. It became available to eager customers on September 22, causing long lines at Apple stores worldwide. 

    Billionaire Elon Musk has announced his intention to purchase the iPhone 15, a sentiment shared by many.

    Apple’s CEO, Tim Cook, took to X (formerly Twitter) to share images featuring renowned photographers Stephen Wilkes and Reuben Wu. One image depicts the photographers presenting their work to Cook, demonstrating the limitless creative potential of the iPhone 15 Pro Max. The vibrant photos capture breathtaking scenes, from the beauty of summer in Rhode Island to the otherworldly landscapes of Utah. Cook expressed his appreciation, saying, “Thank you for showing me your work.”

    In response, Elon Musk praised the iPhone’s incredible capabilities, stating, “The beauty of iPhone pictures and video is incredible.”

    Cook also shared images of Apple’s new product launches at the Fifth Avenue store in New York, celebrating the latest iPhone 15 family, the first carbon-neutral Apple Watch models, and the latest AirPods. Musk, impressed by these new offerings, commented, “I’m buying one!”

    Musk’s announcement sparked curiosity among social media users. One person wondered about his choice of model and colour, while another playfully questioned if he was buying a single unit or the entire company. Some users even joked about Musk promoting Apple products.

    Meanwhile, the iPhone 15 series boasts four models: the iPhone 15, the iPhone 15 Plus, the iPhone 15 Pro, and the iPhone 15 Pro Max. The iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus come in three storage options (128GB, 256GB, and 512GB) and five colours (pink, yellow, green, blue, and black).

  • Pakistan plans to establish 5,000 e-working centres to empower freelancers 

    Pakistan plans to establish 5,000 e-working centres to empower freelancers 

    Dr Umar Saif, the Caretaker Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunications, has announced a significant government initiative to establish 5,000 collaborative e-working centres designed specifically for freelancers.  

    In a recent statement, Minister Saif unveiled plans to provide interest-free loans for the creation of these joint E-Working Centres, with the primary goal of facilitating freelancers and, in turn, generating millions of job opportunities throughout the country.  

    A press release from the Ministry, issued on Thursday, also highlighted Minister Saif’s commitment to attracting global investors to support startup ventures. Additionally, he mentioned an upcoming visit to Saudi Arabia to further these discussions.  

    Furthermore, Minister Saif emphasised a positive dialogue with Caretaker Finance Minister Shamshad Akhtar, focusing on a comprehensive 5-point agenda centred on the IT sector. One key topic of discussion was the issue of retaining dollars within the IT industry.   

    According to Geo News, the Ministry believes that addressing this matter will not only repatriate overseas IT accounts to Pakistan and restore investor confidence but also enhance the inflow of foreign currency into the country, consequently boosting the volume of IT exports.  

    Separately, Minister Saif stressed the need for the Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB) to redefine its role. He proposed that the PSEB should actively assist IT companies in securing international clients and expanding their businesses on the global stage, ultimately promoting the image of Pakistan in the international market.  

    During the 58th meeting of the PSEB, Minister Saif underlined Pakistan’s unique strengths in terms of IT professionals and its favourable time zone. He emphasised the importance of presenting Pakistan’s IT/ITeS products to the world effectively. He suggested that the PSEB should collaborate with Pakistan’s trade and commerce missions in embassies worldwide to support the growth of exports by Pakistani IT companies.  

    In a directive to the PSEB, Minister Saif urged the expedited implementation of all necessary measures to train 200,000 IT professionals, with the goal of contributing $5 billion to the country’s IT exports. The meeting also delved into discussions concerning the IT industry and strategies for increasing investment within Pakistan. 

  • Microsoft set to reveal three new Surface laptops and advanced AI features

    Microsoft set to reveal three new Surface laptops and advanced AI features

    Microsoft is gearing up for a “special event” in New York City, set to debut new Surface devices and AI-powered features across its ecosystem. This event comes right after the unexpected resignation of Panos Panay, the former head of Windows and Surface.  

    Here’s what you need to know about this event: 

    Event details 

    The event is scheduled for Thursday, September 21st, marking the first in-person Surface event since the pandemic. 

    While Panos Panay won’t be presenting, we can expect to hear from Yusuf Mehdi, head of consumer marketing, and Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella. 

    New Surface devices 

    Microsoft is rumoured to unveil three new Surface devices. The Surface Laptop Studio 2 is among them, featuring Intel’s 13th Gen processors, Nvidia’s RTX 4060, a microSD card slot, and a USB-A port. It retains the familiar design with a versatile display that transforms from a laptop to a tablet. 

    Notably, it’s rumoured to ship with 64GB of RAM and is expected to be available starting October 3rd. 

    The Surface Go 4 and Surface Laptop Go 3 are also anticipated, likely maintaining the design of their predecessors but with upgraded internals and Intel’s 12th Gen CPUs. 

    Windows AI features 

    Microsoft will unveil AI-powered features for Windows, including Windows Copilot, an AI “personal assistant.” This update is set to ship by the end of September, enhancing Windows 11 with various improvements. 

    Expect more AI integration in Windows apps, such as the Snipping Tool and Photos app, offering new functionalities like text copying from screenshots and background blur for photos. 

    Apps like Paint and Photos are rumoured to get AI enhancements for generating images from text prompts and identifying objects or people in photos. 

    Surface AI features

    Microsoft has been integrating AI into its Surface lineup with features like Windows Studio Effects, which debuted on the Arm-powered Surface Pro X. 

    These features rely on dedicated neural processing units (NPUs), which may be included in the upcoming Surface Laptop Studio 2. 

    AMD’s Ryzen 7000 mobile processors and Intel’s Meteor Lake chips are expected to support AI capabilities, potentially shaping future AI experiences on Windows. 

    Office and Bing AI features

    The event won’t be limited to Surface and Windows, as Microsoft is likely to share more about Copilot plans for Microsoft 365 and Office apps. 

    Copilot in Office apps aims to streamline document summarization, email generation, and Excel analysis using AI, competing with Google Workspace, Zoom, and Slack’s AI-powered features. 

    There may also be updates regarding Bing Chat Enterprise, including its exit from preview and additional features for both consumer and enterprise versions. 

    Microsoft’s “special event” promises exciting new Surface devices and a deep dive into AI-powered features across Windows, Office, Bing, and more, setting the stage for a future where AI revolutionises how we interact with Microsoft’s products and services. 

  • Massive data breach: 2.2 million Pakistani citizens’ personal information for sale online

    Massive data breach: 2.2 million Pakistani citizens’ personal information for sale online

    According to a report from Geo News, the personal data of 2.2 million Pakistani citizens has been compromised and put up for sale online. This breach occurred when hackers gained unauthorised access to a private company-made database that is utilised by hundreds of restaurants. 

    The hackers have even gone so far as to display some citizens’ data as samples in their online sale advertisement. In their claim, the hackers asserted, “We have hacked the databases of over 250 restaurants,” and they listed numerous food outlets. 

    The compromised citizen data includes contact numbers and credit card details. The affected software is widely used by many restaurants across the country. Furthermore, details such as the number of transactions and the amounts paid by citizens are available for purchase online. 

    The hackers are demanding 2 Bitcoins in exchange for the compromised citizen data, which equates to approximately $54,000, considering that one Bitcoin is valued at $27,000 based on market sources. In Pakistani rupees, this amounts to over Rs15 million. 

    As of now, the Federal Investigation Agency’s (FBR) cybercrime circle has not received any complaints regarding this incident. 

    It is worth noting that the federal government recently issued a directive advising all information technology (IT) and financial institutions, including regulators, to avoid collaborating with, installing, or using Indian-origin artificial intelligence (AI) and information and communication technology (ICT) products.  

    This advisory was issued due to concerns that these products could pose a constant, concealed, and force multiplier threat to Pakistan’s critical information infrastructure (CII). 

    The government shared this cybersecurity advisory with federal and provincial ministries and sectoral regulators. The advisory highlighted that globally, AI products and services are widely employed by various industries, including the financial and banking sectors, to accelerate their growth. 

    The document also noted that the fintech sector in Pakistan, along with some banks, was engaged with Indian-origin companies that offered IT products, cybersecurity solutions, and AI solutions.  

    The use of Indian security products and solutions was considered a potential threat to Pakistan’s CII, particularly the banking sector, due to the possibility of backdoors or malware collecting logs, data traffic analysis, and personal identifiable information (PII).  

    Additionally, it pointed out the risk of direct Indian ingress into Pakistan’s CII through technical means and access control with passive monitoring capability. 

  • Six easy tips to keep your laptop cool and prevent overheating  

    Six easy tips to keep your laptop cool and prevent overheating  

    Overheating in laptops is pretty common, and many laptop owners have experienced it. Sometimes aging laptops may be overheating due to internal hardware problems that most people may not be able to fix.

    However, the most common type of overheating is caused by lack of adequate airflow within the machine. Overheating can cause your laptop to slow down, crash, or even suffer permanent damage. 

    If you want to keep your laptop running cool and healthy, there are a few things you can do: 

    1. Use your laptop on a flat surface. This will help to ensure that the air vents on the bottom of your laptop are not blocked. 
    1. Elevate your laptop. If you’re using your laptop on a soft surface, such as a bed or your lap, the air vents may be getting blocked. To improve airflow, try placing your laptop on a book or a lap desk. 
    1. Invest in a laptop cooling pad. Laptop cooling pads use fans to help draw heat away from your laptop. If you use your laptop for demanding tasks, such as gaming or video editing, a laptop cooling pad can be a great way to prevent overheating. 
    1. Clean your laptop’s vents regularly. Over time, dust and debris can build up in your laptop’s vents, blocking airflow. To clean your laptop’s vents, you can use a can of compressed air or a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment. 
    1. Monitor your laptop’s temperature. There are a number of different programs that you can use to monitor your laptop’s temperature. If you notice that your laptop is getting too hot, you can take steps to cool it down, such as closing unnecessary programs or taking a break from using your laptop. 
    1. Keep your laptop’s software up to date. Software updates often include performance improvements and bug fixes that can help to reduce overheating. 

    If you’ve tried all of the above tips and your laptop is still overheating, there may be a problem with the hardware. In this case, you may need to take your laptop to a qualified technician to have it repaired. 

    Here are some additional tips to help you prevent your laptop from overheating: 

    • Avoid using your laptop in hot environments
    • Close any programs that you’re not using
    • Reduce the brightness of your laptop’s screen
    • Put your laptop on sleep mode when you’re not using it
    • Don’t overclock your laptop

    By following these tips, you can help to keep your laptop running cool and healthy for many years to come. 

    Why is it important to prevent laptop overheating? 

    Overheating can cause a number of problems for your laptop, including: 

    • Reduced performance: When your laptop overheats, it will throttle its performance in order to protect itself from damage. This can lead to slower performance and lag. 
    • Crashes: If your laptop overheats too much, it may crash or even shut down completely. 
    • Permanent damage: Over time, overheating can damage your laptop’s internal components. This can lead to costly repairs or even replacement. 

    By taking steps to prevent overheating, you can help to keep your laptop running smoothly and efficiently for longer. 

  • Govt issues warning to be cautious with Indian tech products 

    Govt issues warning to be cautious with Indian tech products 

    The government has warned information technology (IT) and financial institutions, including regulators, to avoid using artificial intelligence (AI) and information and communication technology (ICT) products from India. They say these products could pose a serious threat to Pakistan’s critical information systems. 

    According to Geo News, this warning came through a cybersecurity advisory shared with federal and provincial ministries and regulators. The advisory noted that AI and ICT products from India are used worldwide, especially in the financial industry, to help businesses grow. 

    However, it pointed out that some Pakistani fintech companies and banks are working with Indian firms that offer IT, cybersecurity, and AI solutions. The government is concerned for two main reasons: 

    Indian products could have hidden “backdoors” or malicious software that collects data, including personal information. 

    There might be direct access to Pakistan’s critical systems by Indian entities, allowing them to monitor and control these systems. 

    Read more:

    The government has asked all ministries and regulators to make sure their affiliated organisations and licensees understand the risks of using Indian products. Instead, they suggest consulting with the Pakistan Software House Association (P@SHA) to find affordable alternatives from local tech companies. 

    Two years ago, a US company called Exodus Intelligence claimed that India used its software vulnerabilities to spy on Pakistan and China. 

  • X considers monthly fee for all users as a countermeasure against fake accounts 

    X considers monthly fee for all users as a countermeasure against fake accounts 

    Renowned technology billionaire Elon Musk hinted on Tuesday that users of the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, may face a monthly fee. Musk stated, “We’re moving to having a small monthly payment for use of the system,” during a conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. 

    Musk’s proposal is driven by the need to combat the issue of bots and fake accounts on social media, with the idea of charging for verification. However, it remains unclear whether this was a spontaneous comment or a signal of more concrete plans. 

    The new owner of the social media giant X, who assumed control last year, is encouraging users to subscribe to X Premium, which offers paid subscribers additional features like longer posts and increased visibility. Currently, users can still access X for free. 

    While Musk insists that the primary objective is to combat bots, it is apparent that there is a financial interest for the company in charging users, according to the BBC. Musk explained, “A bot costs a fraction of a penny to make. But if somebody even has to pay a few dollars or something, some minor amount, the effective cost to bots is very high.” 

    Read more: iOS 17 update is here: Try these fun features today

    The world’s richest person is also exploring options for lower pricing tiers for X Premium, which currently costs $8 (£6.50) per month in the US, with variations depending on the subscriber’s location. He stated, “We’re actually going to come up with lower-tier pricing. So we just want it to be a small amount of money.” 

    Musk emphasised, “This is a longer discussion, but in my view, this is actually the only defence against vast armies of bots.” 

    However, there is a concern that placing X behind a paywall could result in a significant loss of users, potentially affecting the company’s primary source of income, advertising revenue. 

  • WhatsApp to introduce animated avatars for video calls soon

    WhatsApp to introduce animated avatars for video calls soon

    Meta’s messaging application, WhatsApp, is reportedly gearing up to introduce animated avatars for video calls. This anticipated feature, reminiscent of Apple’s Memoji, has been in development since the previous year.

    According to WABetaInfo, an independent source for real-time WhatsApp updates, the Messenger app has now unveiled the capability to use animated avatars during video calls in its latest Android beta version 2.23.19.14.

    WhatsApp is actively informing its users about this innovation through a pop-up notification. This notification provides the option to “utilise your avatar during calls,” offering the choice to either “switch to avatar” or defer the decision with a “not now” button.

    To employ this new video call avatar feature, users must select the “Switch to avatar” option. This function will replicate their facial movements and expressions in real-time through the use of an avatar character. Importantly, users retain the flexibility to disable this feature at any time through the settings, allowing them to reveal their true selves. Crucially, the introduction of the avatar feature will not compromise WhatsApp’s end-to-end encryption, ensuring the preservation of user safety and privacy.

    It’s worth noting that some data usage will be necessary to enhance the Avatar experience on the app. Additionally, WhatsApp is actively developing avatars for status updates, although there is no official information regarding their release at this time.

  • iOS 17 update is here: Try these fun features today 

    iOS 17 update is here: Try these fun features today 

    In June, Apple unveiled its latest iOS update, iOS 17, packed with a multitude of enhancements and changes for the iPhone. Following an extensive three-month beta testing period, this highly anticipated software update is set to hit iPhones, specifically those iPhone XS or newer, on Monday, 18th September. 

    Here, we present an overview of the ten standout features that iOS 17 brings to the iPhone, along with a glimpse of additional forthcoming features. To get your hands on this update, keep an eye out for its release on Monday, accessible via your iPhone’s Settings app under General > Software Update. 

    1. StandBy: Glanceable charging screen 

    Apple introduces StandBy, a new full-screen view tailored for iPhones during charging, especially when placed on a nightstand, kitchen counter, or desk. It features customizable elements like clock styles, calendars, photos, weather forecasts, music controls, widgets, and more. This feature supports Live Activities, Siri, incoming calls, and larger notifications, and is compatible with the iPhone 14 Pro’s always-on display. 

    2. Personalised contact poster 

    iOS 17 empowers users to craft a personalised Contact Poster, visible when they receive an incoming call on someone else’s iPhone. This poster can showcase photos or Memojis, and users can personalise the font and background colours. The feature is accessible in the built-in Phone app and will extend to third-party calling apps. 

    3. NameDrop: Seamless contact sharing 

    NameDrop simplifies contact sharing by allowing users to exchange phone numbers or email addresses by merely bringing their iPhones close together. Additionally, Contact Posters can be shared during this process. 

    4. Live voicemail with real-time transcription 

    Live Voicemail offers real-time transcription on the screen as callers leave voicemails. Users can choose to answer calls while the message is being recorded. Notably, spam calls identified by carriers are instantly declined and not transcribed. 

    5. Inline replies in Messages app 

    In the Messages app, iOS 17 enables users to swipe right on any message for an inline reply, streamlining the conversation experience. 

    6. Interactive widgets for enhanced functionality 

    Interactive widgets are now available across the Home Screen, Lock Screen, and the new StandBy view. These widgets allow actions like marking reminders as completed, controlling media playback, and managing Home app accessories. As third-party apps adopt this feature, the possibilities will expand. 

    7. Advanced language model for word prediction 

    iOS 17 introduces a cutting-edge language model for word prediction, significantly improving autocorrection on iPhones. Users receive inline text recommendations as they type, facilitating quick word or sentence additions by tapping the space bar. 

    8. Enhanced Autocorrection design 

    Autocorrection in iOS 17 briefly underlines corrected words, simplifying the process of reverting changes. The system adapts to users’ typing habits over time, preventing some corrections for a smoother typing experience. 

    9. Offline maps in Apple Maps 

    Apple Maps now matches Google Maps with the ability to download maps for offline use. This feature permits turn-by-turn navigation, estimated arrival times, and finding locations without needing a cellular or Wi-Fi connection. 

    10. Stickers drawer for easy access 

    A new stickers drawer in iOS 17 provides convenient access to all stickers, including Live Stickers, emojis, Memojis, and iMessage sticker packs. Live Stickers can be created by touching and holding objects in photos. 

    11. Effortless Siri activation 

    Apple has simplified Siri activation across various Apple devices, including iPhones, iPads, Macs, HomePods, and AirPods Pro. Now, instead of saying “Hey Siri,” users can simply say “Siri” to activate the voice assistant and issue multiple consecutive commands without repeating “Siri.” 

    With these exciting features, iOS 17 promises an enhanced and efficient iPhone experience, addressing user needs and preferences. 

  • Cracked iPhone 15 Pro’s glass? Here’s how much you’ll pay for repairs 

    Cracked iPhone 15 Pro’s glass? Here’s how much you’ll pay for repairs 

    The Apple iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max now boast a more repair-friendly internal design, featuring a redesigned frame that facilitates easy removal of the back glass panel from the devices. This modification initially debuted with the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus last year and has now been extended to this year’s Pro models. 

    At that time, reports indicated that the ability to remove the back glass would likely lead to significantly reduced repair costs for iPhone 15 Pro models with cracked back glass, particularly for customers without AppleCare+ coverage. This information has now been confirmed. 

    As reported by Ian Zelbo, Apple has updated its US website with the repair fees for iPhone 15 models, revealing that it will charge $169 (PKR 51,000) to $199 (PKR 59,000) to repair an iPhone 15 Pro or iPhone 15 Pro Max with back glass damage. In comparison, these fees were set at $499 or $549 for the iPhone 14 Pro or iPhone 14 Pro Max. 

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    These lower fees have also been confirmed by 9to5Mac. Customers who have AppleCare+ coverage for their iPhone can have their back glass damaged for just $29 (PKR 8,600). 

    In the US, Apple’s battery replacement fee remains unchanged at $99 for all four iPhone 15 models, consistent with the pricing for the iPhone 14 series. For additional iPhone 15 repair fees, such as for the rear camera or other types of damage, you can visit Apple’s website.