Current Final

Category: Tech

  • X Blue users will have to send selfie, data to Israeli software company

    X Blue users will have to send selfie, data to Israeli software company

    PC Magazine has reported that X, previously known as Twitter, will soon require its Blue users to provide a selfie and a copy of a government-issued identification.

    This is a part of the verification process that will be handled by an Israeli company AU10TIX software which will store the provided information for up to 30 days.

    According to X, data collected from a user’s profile will be used “for the purpose of safety and security, including preventing impersonation”.

    X users have expressed their concerns with data collection due to previous instances of data breach. Others are unhappy about the software’s links with Israeli intelligence.

    Al-Jazeera reports that AU10TIX has helped create the identity verification systems for airports and border controls in the 1980s and 90s and then ventured into “digital spaces” in 2002 as the internet grew. The company now deals with renowned digital platforms like Uber, PayPal and Google.

    The purpose of the new verification process is to further strengthen security against impersonation and fraud.

    Previously, Musk imposed a subscription fee on verified Twitter users in November 2022. This was extended to accounts with a verified phone number and active subscription to an “eligible Twitter Blue plan”.

    This year, in April, Twitter removed legacy verification programmes as well as legacy verified checkmarks.
    This prompted a fear of impersonation and spreading of information.

    This was followed by gold and grey check marks indicating verified organization and government- affiliated accounts, respectively.

  • Meta set to unveil web version of Threads, challenging X

    Meta set to unveil web version of Threads, challenging X

    Meta is getting ready to launch the web version of Threads, which is its rival to X (previously known as Twitter). This launch is expected to happen early this week, according to a report from The Wall Street Journal. Threads, which offers short-form posts, has been missing a web version since its start.

    Mark Zuckerberg, who is the CEO of Meta, mentioned that they’re working on adding this feature along with a better search function. Right now, the search function is quite limited; you can only search for usernames. These changes are expected to be ready in a few weeks.

    However, The Wall Street Journal’s sources say that the exact launch plans are not set in stone and could change. Adam Mosseri, who posted on Threads, shared that they’ve been testing an early version internally for a short time. But before it’s released widely, some more work is needed.

    Threads started as a basic version similar to Twitter just about a month and a half ago. Surprisingly, it quickly gained over 100 million users and attracted celebrities and brands. However, it has been missing some important features. The company has been slowly adding improvements, like a follow feed and the ability to verify a link using a Mastodon profile. This suggests that Meta might be considering integrating with the decentralised social network protocol Activity Pub.

  • X starts deleting Tweets including photos and links shared before 2014

    X starts deleting Tweets including photos and links shared before 2014

    Twitter seems to have removed a bunch of pictures uploaded on the platform between 2011 and 2014. This was noticed by a user named Tom Coates last Saturday. Not only did the images vanish, but links made using Twitter’s link shortening service during the same time don’t work anymore.

    Tom Coates updated his tweet to explain that pictures are gone and links are broken, but the data still exists on Twitter’s servers.

    Famous images like Ellen DeGeneres’ Oscars selfie, which got over 2.8 million retweets and is the most retweeted post ever, were affected. Luckily, this image was restored on Saturday, along with a tweet of Barack Obama hugging the First Lady after his re-election in 2012.

    It seems that photos and links added from 2016 onward are working fine. This suggests there might be a cutoff related to this issue. This also lines up with when Twitter added “enhanced URL enrichment” for link previews and “native attachments” that let you add photos without using up the 140-character limit.

  • Musk will no longer let users block accounts on X

    Musk will no longer let users block accounts on X

    Social media giant X, formerly recognised as Twitter, is set to eliminate a significant protective aspect that empowers users to block other accounts, according to a statement by owner Elon Musk on Friday. This decision has sparked controversy, adding to a series of noteworthy actions taken by Musk since acquiring the company last year.

    The functionality in question, termed the “block” function, enables users to restrict particular accounts from making contact, viewing their posts, or following their activities. In a recent platform post, Musk disclosed that the “block” feature would be phased out as a prominent component, excluding its usage for direct messages (DMs).

    Musk confirmed that the “mute” feature will remain intact. This feature allows users to screen out specific accounts, preventing their content from appearing in the user’s feed. Unlike the “block” feature, the “mute” function does not send a notification to the other account about the action taken.

    Elon Musk, a billionaire entrepreneur, has positioned himself as a staunch advocate of unrestricted freedom of speech. However, some critics argue that this stance has led to irresponsible consequences. Researchers have identified an uptick in hate speech and content with antisemitic undertones on the platform following Musk’s acquisition. Governments have accused the company of inadequate content moderation efforts.

    The removal or restriction of the “block” feature could potentially lead to clashes with the guidelines enforced by Apple’s App Store and Google Play, a subsidiary of Alphabet. Both platforms stipulate that apps featuring user-generated content must incorporate mechanisms to counter abusive users. The Google Play Store specifically mandates that apps provide an in-app system for blocking both user-generated content and users themselves.

    As of now, X, Google, and Apple have not issued formal responses to inquiries seeking comments on this matter.

    In response to a plea from anti-bullying advocate Monica Lewinsky to retain the “critical tool for online safety,” Chief Executive Linda Yaccarino defended Musk’s decision. Yaccarino reaffirmed the company’s commitment to user safety and indicated ongoing efforts to develop an improved alternative to the current “block” and “mute” functions. She encouraged continued feedback from users to aid in refining these measures.

    Within the organisational structure, it has been communicated that Elon Musk will lead the product and engineering teams, while Linda Yaccarino will oversee all other divisions, including legal and sales.

  • YouTube to remove any ‘totka’ cancer remedies that can be harmful and ineffective

    YouTube to remove any ‘totka’ cancer remedies that can be harmful and ineffective

    YouTube is set to remove content that promotes ineffective or harmful cancer treatments and discourages professional medical care-seeking. The decision is part of YouTube’s effort to refine its medical moderation guidelines, following experiences combating misinformation on subjects like COVID-19, vaccines, and reproductive health.

    In the future, Google’s video platform will apply medical misinformation policies when addressing high public health risks, relying on established health authority guidance, and countering potential misinformation-prone topics. This approach aims to cover a broad range of medical subjects while maintaining a balance between harm reduction and open debate.

    YouTube clarified its stance in a recent blog post, emphasising action against both harmful treatments and unproven alternatives presented as substitutes for established options. Notably, promoting vitamin C supplements as a replacement for radiation therapy would be prohibited.

    These policy updates come over three years after YouTube collaborated with major tech platforms to combat COVID-19 misinformation. While the platform previously acted against vaccine misinformation, it intensified efforts during the pandemic, eventually banning all vaccine misinformation by late 2021.

    YouTube also took steps against other videos violating its medical misinformation policy, including those endorsing “unsafe abortion methods” or spreading “false claims about abortion safety.”

    Divergence among major tech platforms’ approaches to COVID-19 misinformation emerged after their initial united front in early 2020. Twitter stopped enforcing its COVID misinformation policy in late 2022 due to an acquisition by Elon Musk. Meta also recently relaxed its moderation approach, particularly in countries like the US, where COVID-19 is no longer a national emergency.

  • From streaming to gaming: Netflix starts testing games on TVs and computers

    From streaming to gaming: Netflix starts testing games on TVs and computers

    Netflix is expanding its gaming initiative by testing games on a wider range of devices, including TVs and computers, in addition to mobile phones. The initial testing is starting in Canada and the United Kingdom, with select subscribers getting to try out games on their TVs. Two games, “Oxenfree” and “Molehew’s Mining Adventure,” will be part of this test phase.

    For TV gaming, the games will be available on devices from partners like Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, LG, Nvidia Shield, Roku, and Samsung Smart TVs. Notably absent is the Apple TV. More devices will be supported in the future.

    Netflix recently launched an iPhone game controller app that connects to TV-based games through a QR code displayed on the Netflix app.

    Gaming on PCs and Macs will use keyboard and mouse controls.

    During the beta phase, Netflix aims to refine its game-streaming technology and improve the user experience.

    According to Tech Crunch, Mike Verdu, Netflix’s VP of Games, emphasises the company’s excitement about expanding gaming to more devices while acknowledging the early stage of their gaming journey.

    Netflix’s move into gaming was hinted at last year, along with the establishment of a gaming studio in Southern California.

    Verdu clarifies that Netflix’s gaming approach differs from traditional platforms like PlayStation and Xbox, focusing on a unique business model for seamless gaming.

    In the upcoming year, Netflix plans to launch a total of 40 games, with 16 from their in-house studios and 70 more in partnership with developers. Since starting in gaming in 2021, Netflix has already released 70 mobile titles.

  • SECP strikes down 120 illegal personal loan apps

    SECP strikes down 120 illegal personal loan apps

    Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has taken measures to protect the public from falling into debt traps of illegal loan apps. Collaborating with Google, Apple and Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), SECP has succeeded in removal of 120 illegal loan apps that were previously available online.

    The largely ignored scam of illegal personal loan apps came to light recently when last month, a resident of Rawalpindi, died by suicide after being threatened by a lender who gave him loan through one such app. This incident raised serious concerns about misuse of data privacy violations, and coercive recovery practices by the illegal loan apps. The SECP has not only tightened its regulatory framework for licensed Non-Banking Finance Companies (NBFCs) but has also initiated effective steps with the relevant authorities to shut down unauthorized and illegal loan apps.

    SECP has also referred the 120 blocked apps to the FIA for further action in accordance with the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act of 2016. SECP regularly checks the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store for the presence of any illegal apps.

    Recently Google has introduced Pakistan’s Personal Loan App Policy, according to which Google only allows SECP-approved Personal Loan Apps for placement on its Google Play Store.

    Personal loan borrowers have been advised by SECP to obtain loans only from licensed NBFCs. The SECP’s regulatory framework for approved Apps requires transparent disclosure of fees, loan duration, instalments, and charges. Moreover, SECP has also initiated inspections of licensed NBFCs providing loans through Apps to verify that these are not engaged in miss-selling, breaches of data privacy, or coercive recovery practices etc.

  • Air Link partners with Xiaomi for assembling TVs in Pakistan

    Air Link partners with Xiaomi for assembling TVs in Pakistan

    Air Link Communication Ltd. will start assembling Xiaomi televisions in Pakistan in January 2024. This noteworthy development, reported by Bloomberg, marks a strategic move forward for the company.

    Muzzaffar Hayat Piracha, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Air Link, shared insightful details with the publication. He highlighted the collaborative partnership formed two years ago between Air Link and Xiaomi, focused on distributing mobile phones across Pakistan.

    Importantly, both companies foresee a streamlined investment process, as the assembly lines for the two product lines exhibit notable similarities.

    Bloomberg’s analysis sheds light on Pakistan’s positive economic transformation following a pivotal deal with the International Monetary Fund. This consequential agreement effectively doubled the nation’s foreign exchange reserves, elevating them to an impressive $8 billion. A key requirement of this agreement was the removal of all restrictions on imports, a significant move that has provided relief and opportunities for companies, including Air Link.

    Notably, Air Link’s journey has been one of progress, transitioning from breaking even to achieving profitability over the past six months. This serves as a testament to their resilience and strategic acumen, according to Air Link’s CEO.

    Air Link, which commenced operations as a mobile phone distributor a little over a decade ago, etched its name in history by spearheading Pakistan’s largest private sector initial public offering in 2021.

    Piracha highlighted this milestone while also outlining the company’s ambitious goal to ramp up monthly mobile phone production to an impressive 500,000 units by the end of the year, surpassing the current rate of 300,000 units.

  • Threads’ hype cools as user activity drops by 79%

    Threads’ hype cools as user activity drops by 79%

    Threads, Meta’s social media application, burst onto the scene in early July, making an impressive debut with an astonishing 5 million user registrations mere hours after its launch. This rapid uptake established it as the most swiftly downloaded app, with a staggering 100 million individuals signing up within the span of just one week.

    However, the initial excitement surrounding Threads has since fizzled out, as evidenced by the declining daily usage of the app.

    Despite its promising start, Threads is grappling with a marked reduction in user engagement. Data from Similarweb shows a notable drop of 79 per cent in active users from its peak of 2.3 million in July to 576,000 by August 7. This waning user activity raises concerns for Meta, given the initial buzz and rapid user acquisition.

    Moreover, significant brands such as Wendy’s, Anthropologie, and Rare Beauty are scaling back their presence on Threads, with reports of “Threads fatigue” indicating dissatisfaction with the platform’s performance.

    Threads’ struggle to compete with Twitter is evident, as even at its peak, Threads had less than half the daily users of Twitter, which boasts over 100 million active users. This discrepancy underscores the challenge Threads faces in unseating Twitter as the leading text-based social media platform.

    Threads was initially positioned to capitalise on the turmoil at Twitter following Elon Musk’s takeover. However, Twitter’s substantial changes, including layoffs and policy shifts, have negatively impacted user satisfaction and advertising revenue.

    Despite the rivalry between Mark Zuckerberg and Elon Musk, the concept of a cage fight has been abandoned. Zuckerberg expressed scepticism about Musk’s seriousness, signalling a shift in focus.

    The declining user engagement raises questions about Threads’ long-term viability. While Meta has refrained from commenting on the app’s performance, the departure of prominent brands and the downward trend in engagement suggest a struggle for Threads to regain its initial momentum.

    Threads’ explosive entry into the social media landscape has been followed by a notable decline in daily usage. The challenges faced by Threads, combined with changes at Twitter, highlight the difficulty of disrupting the text-based social media sector. The fate of Threads as a contender in the industry remains uncertain.

  • Microsoft retires Cortana assistant from Windows 11, shifts focus to AI tools

    Microsoft has rolled out a new update for Windows 11, and as part of this update, they have removed the standalone Cortana app from the operating system. This means that Cortana, the virtual assistant, will no longer be available as a separate app on Windows 11. Microsoft confirmed this change on a support page and mentioned that Cortana will also be removed from Teams mobile, Teams display, and Teams Rooms sometime in the coming fall. However, Cortana will still be available in Outlook Mobile.

    Cortana was introduced in 2014 as a virtual assistant to compete with Apple’s Siri on the iPhone. It was named after the character from the Halo video game series. Over time, Cortana was expanded to Windows 10, mobile devices, and the Xbox One. Recently, Microsoft has been gradually phasing out support for Cortana. It was removed from the Xbox dashboard in 2019, and its apps for Android and iOS were discontinued in 2021.

    Despite this move away from Cortana, Microsoft has been focusing on AI advancements. One notable development is Windows Copilot, a new AI-powered assistant that the company is working on. This showcases Microsoft’s commitment to AI tools even as they retire Cortana.