Current Final

Category: Tech

  • China launches its first homegrown PC operating system as a competitor to Windows and macOS

    China launches its first homegrown PC operating system as a competitor to Windows and macOS

    China has unveiled its inaugural domestically produced open-source desktop operating system, known as OpenKylin. This move reflects the nation’s determination to reduce its reliance on technology from the United States.

    The release of China’s version took place on Wednesday and is rooted in the existing open-source Linux operating system. It was designed through the collaborative efforts of approximately 4,000 developers and has found applications in various sectors, including the country’s space programme, finance, and energy industries.

    State media referred to an industry report, stating that China’s expansive market for operating systems had a value of 15.5 billion yuan ($2.1 billion) in the previous year.

    Creating an operating system independent of US technology has emerged as a significant objective within China’s tech industry in recent years. Numerous companies and organisations have actively contributed to the development of the OpenKylin system.

    Notably, the China Industrial Control Systems Cyber Emergency Response Team, overseen by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, stands as a prominent supporter.

    Over a dozen Chinese companies are currently engaged in endeavors to produce operating systems capable of replacing Microsoft’s Windows and Apple’s macOS. One such company, UnionTech Software Technology Co Ltd, is actively working on what it terms the “Unity OS.”

  • AI’s disruptive power hits tech industry: Job cuts and demand for AI experts

    AI’s disruptive power hits tech industry: Job cuts and demand for AI experts

    The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) has sparked concerns about job displacement in the future. However, it is already having an impact in the tech industry, where employees once seemed secure in their positions. 

    A growing number of tech companies are attributing layoffs and reevaluations of new hires to AI advancements happening right in Silicon Valley.

    For example, Chegg, an education technology company, recently announced in a regulatory filing that it would be cutting 4 per cent of its workforce, around 80 employees. The reason given was to align the company with its AI strategy and create sustainable value for students and investors.

    IBM’s CEO, Arvind Krishna, stated in a May interview with Bloomberg that the company plans to pause hiring for roles that could be potentially replaced by AI in the future. However, in a subsequent interview with Barrons, Krishna clarified that his comments were taken out of context, emphasising that AI will generate more jobs than it eliminates.

    In late April, Dropbox, a file-storage service, revealed that it would be reducing its workforce by approximately 16 per cent, or 500 employees, also citing AI as a factor. Outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas reported that in May alone, 3,900 individuals were laid off due to AI, marking the first time job cuts were specifically attributed to this factor. All of these layoffs occurred within the tech sector.

    These developments in Silicon Valley not only demonstrate its leadership in AI development but also provide insight into how businesses might adapt to these tools. Rather than rendering entire skill sets obsolete overnight, AI is currently compelling companies to redirect resources to maximize its potential. Consequently, workers with AI expertise are in high demand.

    Dropbox CEO Drew Houston, in a note announcing the job cuts, acknowledged that AI has captured people’s imagination and expanded the market for AI-powered products. He highlighted the need for a different skill set, particularly in AI and early-stage product development, for the company’s future growth.

    Dan Wang, a professor at Columbia Business School, believes AI will lead to organizational restructuring but does not foresee machines entirely replacing humans just yet. He suggests that AI enhances human work rather than replaces it. Wang argues that the real competition lies in human specialists who can effectively leverage AI tools.

    Overall, the influence of AI is already evident in the tech industry, prompting companies to adapt their strategies and prioritize workers with AI expertise, rather than causing immediate job obsolescence.

  • Twitter’s worst nightmare: Facebook to launch Threads on Thursday as a rival to Musk’s platform

    Twitter’s worst nightmare: Facebook to launch Threads on Thursday as a rival to Musk’s platform

    Meta Platforms plans to launch a microblogging app called Threads, which aims to compete with Twitter. This development comes shortly after Twitter CEO Elon Musk faced criticism for implementing a temporary cap on the number of posts users can read on the platform.

    According to a listing on Apple’s App Store, Threads is expected to be released on Thursday. The app will enable users to maintain their followers from the photo-sharing platform Instagram and keep the same username.

    This rollout represents a direct challenge to Twitter, which has encountered several controversies since Musk acquired the company for $44 billion in 2022. Last week, Musk introduced new restrictions on the app, limiting the daily number of tweets users can view. This move sparked outcry among many Twitter users.

    Although alternative microblogging sites like Mastodon and Blue Sky have experienced an increase in user numbers following Musk’s acquisition, neither has managed to rival Twitter. However, Instagram already boasts hundreds of millions of registered users and has a track record of incorporating successful features from other social media platforms.

    In response to the growing popularity of Snapchat, Instagram introduced a feature called “stories” in 2016, allowing user posts to disappear after a certain period. More recently, Instagram’s “Reels” feature has aimed to compete with the rising prominence of TikTok.

    The launch of Threads poses a credible threat to Twitter under Musk’s leadership. His attempts to boost revenues and reshape the platform in his own image have faced significant criticism. Following the acquisition last year, Musk downsized the company by approximately 80 per cent and reinstated several banned accounts, including those of former US President Donald Trump and the conservative satirical news site Babylon Bee.

    Concerns over an increase in harmful content on the platform led hundreds of advertisers to pause their spending on Twitter. Internal documents viewed by Reuters also revealed a decline in engagement among the platform’s most active users.

  • WhatsApp introduces high-quality video sharing and enhanced profile icons in latest update

    WhatsApp introduces high-quality video sharing and enhanced profile icons in latest update

    WhatsApp is introducing two exciting features in its latest version update. The first feature allows iOS users to send high-quality videos, similar to the previous HD photos feature.

    When a user sends a photo or video using this new feature, a tag is added to the message bubble to indicate that it is of high quality. Previously, this feature was automatically applied to photos, but now it is also available for videos after users update to the latest WhatsApp beta version on iOS.

    The new high-quality video feature is not the same as sharing videos in their original quality, as there is still some light compression applied. Nonetheless, it ensures a better quality compared to the standard option. To use this feature, users must select the high-quality option every time they send a video, as the default remains as “standard quality.”

    Once the high-quality video is sent, it will be marked as such in the chat bubble, making it easy for recipients to identify that it was sent in better quality. However, this feature does not apply to videos shared via status updates on WhatsApp.

    The second feature being introduced is related to group chats. WhatsApp is enhancing profile icons within group chats, specifically for contacts whose profile pictures are hidden or unavailable.

    Now, instead of showing a blank thumbnail, the updated version will display the initials of the respective group member’s name. This way, other participants in the conversation can quickly identify the person represented by the thumbnail.

    Currently, these features are available on the TestFlight app and will soon be rolled out to more users. It’s worth noting that further updates may be needed, as there are some discrepancies in the text descriptions related to videos, but these are expected to be resolved in future updates.

  • iPhone 15 Pro expected to launch in September with 8GB RAM, A17 chip, and ultra-thin bezels

    iPhone 15 Pro expected to launch in September with 8GB RAM, A17 chip, and ultra-thin bezels

    Apple is preparing for the highly anticipated unveiling of its iPhone 15 lineup in September. The Pro models, as customary, are expected to introduce a range of exciting new features, aiming to enhance user experience and performance.

    Let’s delve into the rumoured features and changes expected for the iPhone 15 Pro models.

    A17 Bionic chip

    The iPhone 15 Pro models are speculated to be equipped with Apple’s latest A17 Bionic chip. This advanced chip will be manufactured based on TSMC’s 3nm process, offering improved performance and efficiency compared to its predecessor. The standard iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus models are likely to house the A16 Bionic chip.

    Titanium frame

    Taking a cue from the Apple Watch Ultra, the iPhone 15 Pro models are anticipated to feature a durable titanium frame instead of stainless steel. This shift in material will enhance the device’s robustness and aesthetics.

    Ultra-thin bezels

    Reports suggest that the iPhone 15 Pro will embrace ultra-thin curved bezels, similar to recent Apple Watch iterations. This design choice aims to maximise the display area, providing users with an immersive viewing experience.

    Faster USB-C port

    Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has indicated that the iPhone 15 Pro models will incorporate a USB-C port with support for USB 3.2 or Thunderbolt 3. This upgrade promises significantly faster data transfer speeds when connected via cable, surpassing the capabilities of previous Lightning-based iPhones. However, it’s worth noting that the standard iPhone 15 models will likely retain the USB 2.0 speed limitation.

    Wi-Fi 6E

    Aligning with the latest Macs and iPad Pro, the iPhone 15 Pro is expected to support Wi-Fi 6E. This technology advancement will enable faster wireless speeds, ensuring seamless connectivity in diverse network environments.

    Increased RAM

    The iPhone 15 Pro models are rumored to receive a memory boost, with 8GB of RAM according to Taiwanese research firm TrendForce. In comparison, the standard models are expected to maintain the current 6GB configuration. The additional RAM will empower resource-intensive apps like Safari to retain more content in the background, preventing unnecessary content reloads upon reopening.

    Action button

    Speculation suggests that the iPhone 15 Pro models will introduce a customisable Action button, similar to the Apple Watch Ultra. This button is anticipated to replace the long-standing Ring/Silent switch present in every iPhone since its inception. Users will likely have the flexibility to assign various system functions, including Ring/Silent, Do Not Disturb, Flashlight, Low Power Mode, and more, to this button.

    Increased optical zoom for iPhone 15 Pro Max

    Renowned analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicts that the iPhone 15 Pro Max will incorporate a periscope telephoto lens, providing a potential optical zoom range of 5x-6x. This improvement surpasses the 3x optical zoom capability found in the iPhone 14 Pro models.

    Ultra-wideband improvements

    It is rumored that the iPhone 15 models will feature an enhanced Ultra-Wideband chip, known as the U1 chip. This upgrade aims to improve integration with Apple’s upcoming Vision Pro headset. Additionally, the new chip could enhance performance and reduce power consumption for location-based functions such as AirDrop and Precision Finding in the Find My app.

    LiDAR scanner improvements

    The iPhone 15 Pro models are expected to incorporate a more power-efficient LiDAR Scanner supplied by Sony. This advancement could enhance 3D depth scanning performance for augmented reality (AR) applications and Night mode photography.

    New dark red color

    According to reports, a new dark red color option will be available for the iPhone 15 Pro models. This addition to the color palette provides users with a fresh choice to suit their personal style.

    eSIM-only variants

    In France, it is speculated that the iPhone 15 Pro models will be compatible with eSIMs exclusively, as reported by MacGeneration. Following last year’s removal of the physical SIM card tray in the US for the iPhone 14 models, this potential expansion indicates Apple’s continued embrace of eSIM technology.

  • ‘Your mom still cleans your mess’: Twitter roasts Elon after mom cancels fight with Zuckerberg

    ‘Your mom still cleans your mess’: Twitter roasts Elon after mom cancels fight with Zuckerberg

    Social media came to a standstill a few days ago when Twitter CEO Elon Musk announced that he would like to have a cage fight with the CEO of Facebook and Instagram, Mark Zuckerberg.
    The prospect of the fight of the billionaires caused a frenzy on social media with placing bets on which tech CEO would come out succesful.

    Time to forget about your bets though because ammi nay mana kardiya hai.

    Elon Musk’s mother Maye Musk shut down rumors of the cage fight on her Twitter account, tweeting that instead of a physical fight, both Zuckerberg and her son should ask each other three questions instead.

    How hilarious that a 52-year-old man needs his mother to counsel him on his wildest decisions. We also hope that she can encourage him to stop destroying an important app, maybe?

    https://twitter.com/bsviggy/status/1673331340664614917?s=20
    https://twitter.com/EvilNukem/status/1673759228111237120?s=20

    “Elon Musk mother is searching Mark’s Mother number.. both mother together could convince their stubborn kids.. Later, Hope mothers don’t end up having a fight,” one user wrote.

  • Elon Musk announces temporary daily tweet reading limits, prompting user complaints worldwide

    Elon Musk announces temporary daily tweet reading limits, prompting user complaints worldwide

    According to Elon Musk, CEO of Twitter, the company has recently introduced temporary restrictions on the number of tweets users can read per day. Musk stated in a tweet that unverified accounts are now limited to reading up to 600 posts daily, while verified accounts face a temporary limit of 6,000 posts per day.

    Consequently, a significant number of Twitter users experienced difficulties accessing the platform on Saturday night, as reported by Downdetector, a website that tracks service outages.

    Notably, the United States recorded over 7,000 reported incidents of issues with Twitter, while the United Kingdom saw over 5,000 complaints. Similar problems were reported by users in various other countries, including India, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Turkey, and Germany.

    Users attempting to utilise the Twitter application or website were greeted with an error message stating “rate limit exceeded,” resulting in an absence of tweets displayed on their feed.

  • YouTuber makes world’s largest 8-foot fully functional iPhone

    YouTuber makes world’s largest 8-foot fully functional iPhone

    In the world of technology, where devices seem to shrink in size while packing in more features, one YouTuber has taken a different approach. Matthew Beem, a popular content creator, recently made headlines by constructing the world’s largest functional iPhone. This colossal device measures a staggering 8 feet, surpassing Apple’s iPhone 14 Pro Max and the previous record holder, YouTuber ZHC’s 6-foot-long creation from 2020.

    Beem’s video documenting the construction of this technological marvel quickly went viral, captivating viewers with its impressive scale and functional capabilities. The video showcased the meticulous process of building the giant iPhone from scratch. From selecting the materials to connecting the components, Beem demonstrated his craftsmanship and passion for technology.

    What sets this mammoth iPhone apart is not only its size but also its functionality. Despite its massive dimensions, the device operates just like a standard iPhone. The touchscreen, a television display, is seamlessly integrated with a Mac mini, enabling smooth navigation and interaction. Additionally, Beem ensured that essential features, such as the lock button, volume controls, and a music button, were incorporated into the design.

    While the giant iPhone presents a remarkable feat of engineering, its sheer size poses a challenge in terms of portability. In the video, Beem humorously showcases how he carried the colossal device using a cart, highlighting the impracticality of its size for everyday use. Nevertheless, the creation stands as a testament to Beem’s ingenuity and dedication to pushing technological boundaries.

    To demonstrate the functionality of his creation, Beem took the enormous iPhone to the bustling streets of New York City. Surrounded by curious onlookers, he captured photos, recorded videos, engaged in gaming sessions, and even effortlessly made payments through Apple Pay. In an impressive display of its capabilities, Beem initiated a FaceTime call with one of his viewers from India, further captivating his audience and showcasing the true potential of this larger-than-life iPhone.

    In an interview, Matthew Beem shared his motivation for undertaking such a monumental project. “I love technology and have a history of making some of the largest builds on YouTube, so I decided to put my skills to the test and build the world’s largest working iPhone! I have never built anything like this before, so this was extremely difficult,” Beem expressed. To add an extra touch of excitement, he revealed, “To top things off, we drove this to New York City to get people’s reactions in Times Square and surprise the top tech reviewer on the planet, Marques Brownlee (MKBHD)!”

    Matthew Beem’s colossal iPhone not only breaks records but also exemplifies the relentless spirit of innovation that drives creators in the digital age. While its practicality may be questionable, its significance lies in pushing the boundaries of what is possible. As technology continues to evolve at a rapid pace, it is content creators like Beem who inspire others to think big and imagine the unimaginable.

    With the creation of the world’s largest working iPhone, Matthew Beem has firmly established himself as a visionary in the world of technology. As viewers eagerly await his next awe-inspiring project, one can’t help but wonder what other incredible feats he will achieve and what new possibilities lie ahead in the realm of technological innovation.

  • WhatsApp Business will now let you create ads directly without Facebook account

    WhatsApp Business will now let you create ads directly without Facebook account

    Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp, announced a significant milestone today as WhatsApp Business, its application tailored for small businesses, surpassed 200 million monthly active users.

    This noteworthy achievement marks a substantial increase from the 50 million users recorded in 2020. As Meta remains focused on its “year of efficiency” strategy, it has introduced new features aimed at enhancing the user experience for WhatsApp Business, including simplified ad creation and a personalised messaging service.

    Recognising the need to offset the substantial investment in developing a metaverse, Meta is intensifying its efforts to generate revenue through alternate channels such as WhatsApp. In line with this objective, WhatsApp Business users will now have the ability to create “click-to-WhatsApp” ads without requiring a Facebook account.

    This new feature enables sellers to conveniently create, purchase, and publish ads for Facebook and Instagram directly within the WhatsApp Business app.

    During Meta’s Q3 earnings call last year, Mark Zuckerberg revealed that “click-to-WhatsApp” ads had surpassed an impressive annual revenue run rate of $1.5 billion, exhibiting a remarkable 80 per cent year-on-year growth.

    Building upon this success, WhatsApp Business is introducing an additional paid feature that automates the process of sending personalised messages to customers. While specific pricing details were not disclosed, WhatsApp plans to commence testing this feature in the near future.

    Demonstrated screenshots shared by the company illustrate that businesses will have the ability to send distinct messages to different customer segments. For example, a seller can transmit a unique discount code to new customers, complete with a convenient purchase button.

    In recent months, Meta has taken substantial steps towards augmenting revenue through paid messaging services. In February, the company announced adjustments to the pricing structure and messaging categories on WhatsApp. These categories encompass utility, authentication (for one-time passcodes), marketing, and user-initiated service conversations.

    These strategic initiatives reflect Meta’s ongoing commitment to enhancing the WhatsApp Business platform and driving increased monetisation opportunities.

  • Google plans to generate more revenue with online games on YouTube

    Google plans to generate more revenue with online games on YouTube

    Google is exploring the possibility of earning revenue through online games on YouTube, as per a recent Wall Street Journal report.

    YouTube, a well-known platform for hosting videos, has apparently invited its employees to test a new feature called Playables. This feature allows users to play games directly on YouTube itself. Notably, this feature can be accessed on different devices such as mobile phones and desktop computers, as mentioned in an internal email obtained by the Journal.

    Users will have the convenience of playing these games either through a web browser on the YouTube website or via the YouTube app on both Android and iOS devices. Although the report suggests that several games are currently available for testing, it specifically highlights one called Stack Bounce. This arcade game, supported by ads, challenges players to demolish layers of bricks with a bouncing ball.

    While YouTube already generates revenue through gaming livestreams, this new product will provide an additional avenue to capitalise on the gaming industry, particularly as advertising spending experiences a downturn.

    It is worth noting that this venture differs from Google’s unsuccessful Stadia games streaming service, which was eventually discontinued. With YouTube’s existing vast and dedicated user base, attracting attention to this new feature should not pose a challenge.

    Playables bears some resemblance to Netflix’s gaming offering, where paying subscribers gain access to casual mobile games. In a similar vein, Netflix is reportedly exploring the expansion of its gaming initiative beyond mobile devices by testing TV games that employ smartphones as controllers, demonstrating ambitious plans for the future.