Current Final

Category: Tech

  • Tekken 7 Pro Arslan Ash who put Pakistan on the eSports map wishes he had a different passport

    Tekken 7 Pro Arslan Ash who put Pakistan on the eSports map wishes he had a different passport

    Arslan Siddique, widely recognised as Arslan Ash, has emerged as an iconic figure within the Tekken 7 community, serving as an invaluable source of motivation for Pakistan’s gaming enthusiasts.

    With an astounding record of four Evo championship victories, Ash has indelibly etched his name into the annals of gaming history, thrusting Pakistan into the global eSports spotlight.

    Nevertheless, recent events have seen Ash express his frustration regarding the limitations of his Pakistani passport, which currently ranks a modest 100th in the Passport Rankings, lagging even behind countries such as Yemen and Somalia, positioned at 99th.

    Taking to the social platform X, formerly known as Twitter, Ash, who notably secured a remarkable $500,000 prize at the Nations Cup in South Korea in July, candidly stated, “Sometimes, I really wish I didn’t have a Pakistani passport.”

    His remarks stem from reported hardships, encompassing visa denials and travel complications encountered while representing Pakistan in international gaming competitions.

    Ash’s statements elicited a diverse spectrum of reactions across social media channels. Some empathised with the obstacles he faces and shared their own feelings of frustration, while others pointed out his triumphant journeys to nations like Japan and South Korea, where, with a Pakistani passport, he clinched multiple prestigious titles.



    Here’s how Ash clarified the ‘context’ of his earlier post:

  • Karachi airport operation: Four passengers nabbed in million-rupee Apple product smuggling

    Karachi airport operation: Four passengers nabbed in million-rupee Apple product smuggling

    In a highly successful operation, customs authorities thwarted an attempt to smuggle high-value tech gadgets worth millions of rupees at Jinnah International Airport in Karachi

    According to ARY News, four passengers, who had arrived in Karachi from Dubai via a private airline, were apprehended by diligent customs officials, resulting in the confiscation of goods with a substantial valuation.

    The individuals taken into custody were identified as Azhar Iqbal, Muhammad Faisal, Azhar Gill, and Zul Noorain. 

    These passengers made an ill-fated attempt to evade customs scrutiny by utilising the green channel without declaring the valuable merchandise. However, the astute customs officials promptly intercepted them and proceeded to inspect their luggage.

    According to Superintendent Agha Najamuddin, who was in charge of the shift, a significant cache of contraband was seized from the arrested individuals. 

    This included more than 50 iPads, numerous laptops, 46 of the latest iPhone models, and 500 packs of internationally sourced cigarettes. 

    Furthermore, the customs officials initiated legal proceedings against the detained suspects, as they failed to provide adequate tax documentation to the customs staff, ensuring that justice prevails in this case.

  • Urgent security alert: Apple users must update to iOS 16.6.1 immediately

    Urgent security alert: Apple users must update to iOS 16.6.1 immediately

    Are you in possession of an iPhone or iPad? It is imperative that you promptly initiate the update process for your Apple devices.

    Apple has issued an urgent advisory, urging users to install iOS 16.6.1 or iPadOS 16.6.1 without delay.

    This essential update addresses critical security vulnerabilities, as per Apple’s warning, which have the potential to be exploited, endangering the security of iPhones and iPads. In the words of the company: “The processing of a maliciously crafted image may result in arbitrary code execution.”

    Furthermore, Apple acknowledges the existence of a report suggesting that this issue may already have been actively exploited.

    This cautionary notice underscores the possibility that malicious actors may have already begun exploiting these security weaknesses.

    The vulnerabilities in question encompass one within the ImageIO framework, responsible for handling various image file formats and accessing image metadata, and another within the Wallet system.

    It is of utmost importance to act swiftly to safeguard your device and personal data.

  • Huawei aims to boost Pakistan’s IT ecosystem: CEO and PM Kakar hold key talks

    Huawei aims to boost Pakistan’s IT ecosystem: CEO and PM Kakar hold key talks

    A delegation from Huawei Pakistan, under the leadership of its Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Ethan Sun, held a formal meeting with caretaker Prime Minister (PM) Anwaar ul Haq Kakar, wherein they engaged in discussions concerning potential investment opportunities in Pakistan. 

    During this high-level encounter, CEO Sun articulated the company’s keen interest in making investments in Pakistan’s Information Technology (IT) sector, a proposition that garnered appreciative acknowledgment from the PM. 

    Furthermore, the Huawei delegation provided comprehensive insights into their ongoing initiatives aimed at cultivating and elevating the IT ecosystem within Pakistan. 

    Of notable mention is Huawei’s establishment of approximately 100 IT centers within various universities across Pakistan, as officially documented.

    The PM, recognising the significance of Huawei’s endeavors, lauded the company’s commitment to advancing the field of IT in Pakistan.

    He expressed optimism regarding potential collaborations between Huawei and the government for the purpose of equipping the youth and women, particularly those residing in remote regions, with valuable skills in the domain of IT.

    According to Brecorder, PM Kakar extended a cordial invitation to Huawei, encouraging the company to consider establishing manufacturing facilities for mobile handsets within the borders of Pakistan.

  • Nokia’s CEO to visit Pakistan soon, key talks expected on 5G and 6G technology

    Nokia’s CEO to visit Pakistan soon, key talks expected on 5G and 6G technology

    Dr Umar Saif, the Caretaker Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunications, announced that the CEO of Nokia, the Scandinavian cellphone manufacturer, is planning to visit Pakistan. 

    https://twitter.com/umarsaif/status/1699116175018336620?s=20

    This announcement followed a meeting between Dr Umar Saif and Wille Eerola, the Consul General of Pakistan in Finland and Chairman of the Finland-Pakistan Business Council. During their meeting, they discussed mutual interests and increasing IT exports.

    Saif highlighted the significant opportunities for expanding Pakistan’s IT exports in Scandinavian countries. He also mentioned that Nokia is assembling 4G phones in Pakistan and that discussions about 5G and 6G technology would take place during the CEO’s upcoming visit to Pakistan.

    In addition, Wille Eerola extended congratulations to Dr Umar Saif for his appointment as the Caretaker Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication.

  • Can Huawei’s Mate 60 Pro finally kill the iPhone’s dominance?

    Can Huawei’s Mate 60 Pro finally kill the iPhone’s dominance?

    Huawei’s tenacity in the smartphone market, despite grappling with the challenges of the US embargo, has been nothing short of remarkable. Undeterred by adversity, the company has fervently strived to regain its foothold in the realms of both hardware and software.

    The latest chapter in Huawei’s resurgent narrative is embodied in the Huawei Mate 60 and Mate 60 Pro, devices that have ignited widespread intrigue and earned global user acclaim. In a mere five days following their debut, these smartphones remarkably achieved nearly 800,000 unit sales, signifying a triumphant comeback. 

    Within the confines of China, the Huawei Mate 60 series has emerged as a resounding success story. Officially launched on August 29th, these devices rapidly gained traction in the market, boasting sales figures that approached the 800,000-unit milestone within the initial five days.

    This achievement stands as a substantial improvement over the sales performance of their predecessors in the Mate series, which managed to muster approximately 500,000 units. Such resounding success is undoubtedly a testament to meticulous planning and unwavering commitment. 

    In the wake of challenging years, Huawei’s aspiration for resurgence led to the creation of a technological marvel. Powered by the cutting-edge Kirin 9000S processor, it reigns supreme as the swiftest mobile processor available in China. Notably, the Mate 60 series is equipped with a novel triple-lens rear camera system, featuring a 50MP main sensor, a 48MP ultrawide sensor, and a 12MP telephoto sensor. 

    The fervor surrounding the Huawei Mate 60 series extends beyond the Chinese borders, capturing the enthusiasm of international consumers. For instance, Japanese consumers have been keen to acquire the 12GB + 512GB version of the Huawei Mate 60 Pro, which is priced at approximately 70,000 Chinese yuan in the Chinese market, translating to around 140,000 Japanese yen (PKR 292,800).

    Interestingly, local dealers in Japan have been pricing the same smartphone model at levels exceeding 200,000 Japanese yen, roughly equivalent to 10,000 Chinese yuan, underscoring its immense popularity in the Japanese market. 

    Key Specifications: 

    Huawei Mate 60 

    – Display: 6.69-inch LTPO OLED display with a 1-120 Hz variable refresh rate 

    – Processor: Kirin 9000S 

    – RAM: 12GB 

    – Storage: 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB 

    – Rear Cameras: 50MP main camera with variable aperture (f/1.4 to f/4.0), 48MP telephoto camera, 12MP ultrawide camera 

    – Front Camera: 13MP 

    – Battery: 5000mAh 

    – Charging: 88W wired charging, 50W wireless charging 

    Huawei Mate 60 Pro 

    – Display: 6.82-inch LTPO OLED display with a 1-120 Hz variable refresh rate 

    – Processor: Kirin 9000S 

    – RAM: 12GB 

    – Storage: 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB 

    – Rear Cameras: 50MP main camera with variable aperture (f/1.4 to f/4.0), 48MP telephoto camera, 12MP ultrawide camera 

    – Front Camera: 13MP 

    – Battery: 4750mAh 

    – Charging: 88W wired charging, 50W wireless charging 

  • Social media giant X faces lawsuit for allegedly assisting Saudi Arabia in human rights abuses

    Social media giant X faces lawsuit for allegedly assisting Saudi Arabia in human rights abuses

    The social media giant formerly known as Twitter, now referred to as X, faces a revised civil lawsuit in the US that accuses it of aiding Saudi Arabia in committing severe human rights violations against its users. This includes allegations of disclosing confidential user data to Saudi authorities at a significantly higher rate than for other countries such as the US, UK, or Canada. 

    According to The Guardian, the lawsuit was originally filed in May by Areej al-Sadhan, the sister of a Saudi aid worker who was forcibly disappeared and later sentenced to 20 years in prison. The case revolves around the infiltration of Twitter by three Saudi agents, two of whom posed as Twitter employees in 2014 and 2015. This infiltration led to the arrest of al-Sadhan’s brother, Abdulrahman, and the exposure of the identities of thousands of anonymous Twitter users, some of whom were reportedly detained and tortured as part of the Saudi government’s crackdown on dissent. 

    The updated lawsuit alleges that Twitter, under the leadership of then-CEO Jack Dorsey, knowingly ignored or had knowledge of the Saudi government’s campaign to identify critics but provided assistance due to financial considerations and its close ties to the Saudi government, a major investor in the company. 

    The lawsuit highlights how Twitter was initially seen as a tool for democratic movements during the Arab Spring, which raised concerns for the Saudi government as early as 2013. 

    These allegations come shortly after Human Rights Watch criticised a Saudi court for sentencing a man to death solely based on his Twitter and YouTube activity. The convicted individual, Muhammad al-Ghamdi, had minimal online presence and was accused of having two accounts with a few followers and tweets, both containing retweets of government critics. 

    The lawsuit claims that Twitter was aware of security risks related to insider access to personal data and ignored red flags. It also alleges that Saudi authorities filed emergency disclosure requests with Twitter to obtain user identity information, often approved promptly. 

    Between July and December 2015, Twitter allegedly granted information requests to Saudi Arabia more frequently than to other countries, including Canada, the UK, Australia, and Spain. 

    Despite becoming aware of FBI concerns about Saudi infiltration, Twitter continued to engage with Saudi Arabia as a crucial regional partner. CEO Jack Dorsey even met with Mohammed bin Salman about six months after the FBI raised the issue. 

    The lawsuit ultimately seeks justice for Areej al-Sadhan’s brother, Abdulrahman, and aims to hold Twitter accountable for its alleged complicity in human rights abuses. 

  • Apple’s iOS 17 unveiled: A sneak peek at the game-changing features

    Apple’s iOS 17 unveiled: A sneak peek at the game-changing features

    Every autumn, Apple enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the company’s annual iPhone launch event. This year, on Tuesday, September 12, Apple is expected to unveil its latest offerings, including the highly anticipated iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max. However, the excitement doesn’t end with the hardware announcements; the real magic lies in the new software that will accompany these devices.

    But here’s the kicker – the joy of the new software won’t be limited to just the latest models. Apple is extending its digital embrace to a range of current iPhones, specifically those from the iPhone Xs onward. The question on everyone’s mind is, when can we get our hands on this exciting new software, and how can we make the most of it without spending a dime?

    The iOS 17 update brings a plethora of features and enhancements that promise to elevate the iPhone experience. Let’s take a closer look at some of the highlights:

    1. Customised Calling: Ever wished you could personalise what people see when you call them? With iOS 17, you can do just that, adding a touch of flair to your phone conversations.

    2. Live Stickers: Unleash your creativity with Live Stickers, crafted from your photo library. Express yourself in new and exciting ways during chats and messages.

    3. StandBy Mode: Charging your iPhone? Say hello to StandBy, a full-screen experience that keeps you engaged while you wait. It’s a game-changer for those moments when your device needs some juice.

    4. Enhanced Widgets: Widgets are getting even better. Expect more customisation options and increased functionality to streamline your daily tasks.

    5. NameDrop: Swapping contact details has never been simpler. NameDrop allows you to effortlessly exchange numbers with others, making networking a breeze.

    6. Improved Autocorrect: Autocorrect is stepping up its game. Not only will it correct your typos, but it can even learn your unique way of expressing yourself, including the occasional swear word.

    7. Offline Maps: Heading to places with limited connectivity? iOS 17 has got you covered with downloadable offline maps, ensuring you won’t get lost even when you’re off the grid.

    These are just a few of the exciting features that iOS 17 has in store. The sheer breadth of improvements and innovations is enough to make your head spin.

    Currently, iOS 17 is in its beta testing phase, with two different versions available – one for developers and one for the general public. Developer betas have been in circulation since June, shortly after the software was announced at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC). As of now, iOS 17 has reached beta 8, indicating that Apple is fine-tuning this software to ensure a seamless user experience.

    Apple’s iOS 17 update is poised to bring a wave of excitement and enhanced functionality to iPhone users, both old and new. With a wide range of innovative features and improvements, it’s a testament to Apple’s commitment to providing cutting-edge technology to its loyal user base. As we await the official release, the countdown to experiencing iOS 17’s wonders begins.

  • Privacy concerns mount as X reveals intent to employ user data for AI training

    Privacy concerns mount as X reveals intent to employ user data for AI training

    The social media platform formerly known as Twitter has recently faced scrutiny following reports by Bloomberg, revealing plans to gather biometric data, job information, and educational backgrounds from its users. A newly-released privacy policy confirms that ‘X’ intends to utilise this data, along with other personal information it collects, for the purpose of training machine learning algorithms, as first observed by Alex Ivanovs at Stackdiary.

    The privacy policy explicitly states that the company will employ the information it gathers, in combination with publicly accessible data, to support the training of its machine learning and artificial intelligence models. Elon Musk has acknowledged this change but has assured users that only publicly available information will be collected, excluding private messages.

    Notably, ‘X’ doesn’t have any publicly declared AI ambitions, but its owner, Elon Musk, does. He recently launched a company called ‘xAI,’ which aims to explore the fundamental aspects of the universe. This suggests a potential link between users’ biometric data and Musk’s ambitious scientific pursuits, as indicated on the xAI homepage, which mentions collaboration with ‘X’ to advance their shared mission.

    Another plausible scenario is Musk’s expressed desire to challenge LinkedIn, a platform he has criticised as “cringe.” ‘X’ appears to be collecting job and education histories from its user base, aligning with Musk’s vision for a more appealing professional networking platform.

    Lastly, there is the possibility that ‘X’ might consider selling user data to boost its revenue, given its limited advertising income. However, it’s essential to note that there is currently no concrete evidence to support this theory, and historically, Twitter primarily used collected user data for its own benefit rather than sharing it with third parties.

  • Elon Musk’s X to launch audio and video calls soon

    Elon Musk’s X to launch audio and video calls soon

    In a significant development for the social media landscape, Elon Musk, the owner of Twitter (now known as X), has officially announced the imminent launch of audio and video call features on the platform. 

    This revelation marks a departure from the platform’s previous attempts, which were either delayed or abandoned. Now, it appears that users can finally anticipate the long-awaited feature.

    The unveiling of this groundbreaking feature came directly from Elon Musk himself, who detailed that audio and video calls will be accessible on a wide range of devices, encompassing Android, iOS, Windows, and MacOS platforms. 

    Remarkably, this feature is designed to function seamlessly without the necessity of traditional phone numbers. Instead, X will serve as a global address book, relying on user-generated usernames. In Musk’s words, “This set of factors is unique,” emphasising the distinctive nature of this forthcoming addition.

    However, Elon Musk has remained tight-lipped regarding a specific launch date for this exciting feature, simply indicating that it is “coming soon. This cryptic announcement has left users eagerly anticipating its arrival.

    Notably, this isn’t the first time Twitter (X) has teased the possibility of audio and video calls. Just last month, the company’s designer shared tantalising screenshots of what users can expect from the feature. 

    One such preview showcased a phone receiver icon prominently positioned at the top right corner of Twitter (X) direct messages (DMs), signalling the impending arrival of the functionality. Upon tapping this icon, users will be presented with the choice to initiate audio or video calls, promising a more immersive and interactive communication experience.

    As the tech world eagerly awaits further updates and a definitive release date, Twitter (X) users can anticipate a transformative shift in their social media interactions, thanks to Elon Musk’s ambitious vision for the platform’s future.