Current Final

Category: Tech

  • Twitter CEO Jack pledges $1 billion for coronavirus relief

    Twitter CEO Jack pledges $1 billion for coronavirus relief

    Jack Dorsey is devoting $1 billion of his stake in Square Inc., the payments firm he co-founded, to help fund coronavirus relief efforts.

    “After we disarm this pandemic, the focus will shift to girl’s health and education, and UBI,” Dorsey said Tuesday in a tweet, referring to universal basic income. The pledge represents about 28% of his wealth.

    At the end of his Twitter thread, Jack said: “Why now? The needs are increasingly urgent, and I want to see the impact in my lifetime. I hope this inspires others to do something similar. Life is too short, so let’s do everything we can today to help people now. ✌?”

    Dorsey, also co-founder of Twitter Inc., has a net worth of about $3.9 billion, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index.

    Meanwhile, Malala thanked Jack for his generosity.

  • Jazz pledges Rs 1.2 billion for COVID-19 relief efforts

    Jazz pledges Rs 1.2 billion for COVID-19 relief efforts

    Pakistan’s largest digital service provider, Jazz, a VEON group company, has pledged PKR 1.2 billion support towards Covid19 relief. The support will include short to mid-term initiatives aimed to limit the negative impact of the pandemic, primarily for the most vulnerable communities.

    According to a press release, Jazz will provide support to leading welfare organisations across Pakistan. The initiatives include COVID-19 tests, life-saving ventilators, and food rations to be passed on to the ones most affected by the calamity. The relief response also facilitates Jazz customers to direct their charitable donations via SMS and JazzCash. Jazz employees will also be voluntarily contributing up to 3-days salary to the nationwide relief effort.

    A significant part of the announced support will be for continuing zero-rated and subsidized services for access to emergency care, medical helplines, and critical health applications, which have been either marked-down or made free for customers under this coronavirus relief effort. Additional support will come in through subsidized voice and data bundles and mobile payments. The company has also accelerated the sign-up process for JazzCash mobile wallets so that relief can be provided urgently by donors directly to local community members most impacted by this pandemic.

    Jazz CEO Aamir Ibrahim said, “We have been at the forefront of solving every crisis in Pakistan for the past 25 years. The COVID-19 is no exception in stepping up our national responsibility. As a digital company, we have a huge role to play in keeping the economy advancing through online connectivity. This global crisis is unprecedented in its scale, and our prayers are with those who are suffering.”

    Aamir added, “It has been our experience that reliance on scientific data, developing a robust, on-ground response, and an active collaboration will lead us out of this crisis. I’m glad that in this time of uncertainty, we are working together with the government, the armed forces, federal and provincial authorities, as they tirelessly contain the spread of Covid19.”

    Mobile communications, access to high-speed internet, and mobile payments are declared essential services during any crisis. The cellular company is working actively to ensure that its services remain unaffected so that Pakistan can stay connected to both work and family.

  • Abrarul Haq accused of stealing ‘Mohafiz’ smartphone app

    Abrarul Haq accused of stealing ‘Mohafiz’ smartphone app

    Abrarul Haq, Pakistani singer and chairman of Pakistan Red Crescent Society allegedly infringed the idea of an existing app, ProPakistani reported.

    Abrar Ul Haq and Pakistan Red Crescent Society launched an emergency response application under the name of “Muhafiz.” However, they are accused of copying already available application ‘Mohafiz” by HumanTek. 

    It bears mentioning that Abrar and his team launched their app at the Muahfiz Youth Force Launching Ceremony that took place on the 5th of April 2020 in Lahore. The honour was done by President Arif Alvi.

    The original Mohafiz application was launched almost 5 years ago. It was developed by HumanTek after 2014’s APS attack as an Emergency service smartphone application. 

    According to the CEO of HumanTek, they have saved over 8,000 lives. Furthermore, this application is already downloaded by almost 80,000 plus users. 

    Since the situation came out, Abrarul Haq has not commented on this matter. 

    Despite several allegations against each other, officials on both sides are trying to resolve this matter amicably. 

    Fahad Khan, the founder of real ‘Mohafiz’ said that both sides should work together to server humanity under dire situation rather than competing with each other. 

  • Google is helping Pakistan fight coronavirus, here is how.

    Google is helping Pakistan fight coronavirus, here is how.

    According to Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) press release, Google has introduced various features and tools to facilitate the operations of telecommunication networks to promote learning and access to authentic information in Pakistan.

    The platform has given the Pakistani government an ad-inventory to disseminate accurate information on time.

    Moreover, Google has shared tips and resources for remote workers and students so that they can improve the quality of work and ensure productivity.

    Google has allowed free access to advance ‘Google Hangout’ which means the users will be able to put 250 participants on audio and video calls so the entire class can attend lectures. The participants can record the lectures and save it in google drive so when they cannot join, they can access the lectures when needed.

    Google has also launched a speech-based reading app “Bolo” — based on machine learning — to help children read aloud confidently, using their voice. The app is available in the Urdu language as well.

    Apart from these tools and resources, they have ensured measures to combat misinformation. Google has also attached ‘SOS Alert” banner with news from mainstream outlets and information from recognised health organization such as the World health organization (WHO) and National Institute of Health (NIH).

    These hubs provide a comprehensive overview of the pandemic, information about its symptoms and measures, as well as current statistics and answers to common questions.

    These necassary measures taken by the company because search interest in COVID-19 has continued to climb across the world. At present, this is the most researched topic in the world so it is necassary to curb fake news and misinformation.

    In addition to launching new features on the search engine, the platform has rolled out a website—available at google.com/covid19 — focused on education, prevention and local resources.

    People can find state-based information, safety and prevention tips, search trends related to COVID-19, and further resources for individuals, educators and businesses.

  • Coronavirus: Online video game site Steam reports 20 million spike in users

    Coronavirus: Online video game site Steam reports 20 million spike in users

    As coronavirus outbreak has forced people to stay at home and self-isolate themselves, the gaming platform Steam had a record number of players online from all over the world this weekend.

    According to their data, over 20 million gamers connected at the same time. The highest single peak in terms of players was on Sunday afternoon when 20,312,000 players all connected at the same time – the most in its 16 year history. Out of the 20 million users logged on to the steam app on Sunday, nearly 6.4 million of them were actively playing a game.

    According to Mail Online, it’s a notable peak for the platform as it didn’t coincide with any major gaming release – unlike previous usage peaks. It has been put down to countries going into lockdown and people into self-isolation as a result of coronavirus. With major sporting events cancelled, gatherings of large groups banned and pubs beginning to close – people are looking for ways to pass the time indoors.

    In Italy, public life has also come to a complete halt as schools, restaurants, theatres and gyms have shut down indefinitely. As a result, Telecome Italia SpA’s national network registered a surge of more than 70 % of internet traffic over its landline network, with a major contribution from online gaming such as ‘Fortnite’ and ‘Call of Duty’.

  • Apple bans coronavirus-themed apps

    Apple bans coronavirus-themed apps

    Apply said that they will not allow entertainment or game apps with COVID-19 as their theme on its App Store, Tribune reported.

    In a statement on their blog, Apple said: “The App Store should always be a safe and trusted place for users to download apps. Now more than ever that commitment takes on special significance as the world fights the COVID-19 pandemic. Communities around the world are depending on apps to be credible news sources — helping users understand the latest health innovations, find out where they can get help if needed or provide assistance to their neighbours.”

    “We’re evaluating apps critically to ensure data sources are reputable and that developers presenting these apps are from recognized entities such as government organizations, health-focused NGOs, companies deeply credentialed in health issues, and medical or educational institutions. Only developers from one of these recognized entities should submit an app related to COVID-19.”

    ”Nonprofit organizations, accredited educational institutions, and government entities that plan to distribute only free apps on the App Store can request to have their annual membership fee waived if based in an eligible country.”

  • Call of Duty’s new battle royale: ‘Free to play for everyone’

    Call of Duty’s new battle royale: ‘Free to play for everyone’

    Activision released Call of Duty Warzone and it will be free to play across gaming platforms including Xbox One, PlayStation 4 and PCs, BBC reported.

    In battle royale games multiple players can fight and explore a game together, but ultimately the goal is to be the last player standing.

    Games like Fortnite and Apex Legends helped popularise the genre. They are more social than traditional video games because players can work together and speak to each other.

    Analysts say Call of Duty: Warzone will offer “something fresh” in the gaming world, particularly as a growing number of people watch livestream gaming.

    “What Call of Duty: Warzone brings to the table is a triple threat since it’s tied to a very popular franchise,” said Doron Nir, CEO of live streaming services provider StreamElements. “There hasn’t been a big new battle royale game in a while, and it’s free-to-play.”

    Activision released a battle royale game in 2018, but players had to purchase Call of Duty: Black Ops for $60 (£46) to access it.

    Analysts say the industry has shifted more to a free to play model and this move by Activision should be concerning to some competitors.

    “This is forward-thinking and a step in the right direction,” said Will Hershey chief executive of Round Hill Investments.

    Mr Hershey said games like Apex Legends and PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG) are most exposed because their players and players of the Call of Duty franchise tend to be older. Fortnite, by comparison, has less gore and younger players.

    In Warzone up to 150 players will be able to participate in a single battle. For context, Fortnite has 100 and Apex Legends allows 60.

    Players will compete in teams of three. Leaks during the development suggested a single game could have up to 200 players.

    The game’s map is also large, with 300 points of interests.

    Gamers will be able to save their positions and restart on different consoles allowing players to maintain their progression in the game.

    Players will be able to earn in-game cash to buy upgrades, gear and tokens that can revive them or their teammates from death.

    Though Warzone will be a standalone game, purchasers of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare will be able to transfer contents like skins – customized avatar looks – and equipment.

    While Call of Duty: Warzone is free, analysts explain the company still intends to make money from it.

    Warzone is intended for mature players who typically have greater spending power.

    “Most game companies wouldn’t invest in a game of this scope if profit wasn’t a key driver,” said Mr Nir.

    Players will be able to make in-game purchases to upgrade their characters or tools.

    There is also the potential to build interest in the Call of Duty franchise among new players who may then buy the box edition.

    The timing of Warzone’s release seems to be linked to leaks of the game on YouTube. But the game could also benefit from the coronavirus outbreak and the global quarantines.

    “Any kind of stay at home entertainment companies has a potential to benefit from this,” said Mr Hershey.

    Viewers of livestream gaming spiked in China in February as large parts of the country were put under quarantine.

  • Realme aims to diversify beyond smartphones, become country’s top tech-lifestyle brand

    Realme aims to diversify beyond smartphones, become country’s top tech-lifestyle brand

    realme has gone on to become one of the most popular smartphone makers in Pakistan, primarily owing to its incredible value offerings. In a downhill battle with competitors to win the market, the manufacturer has introduced some of the best entry-level to mid-range smartphones.

    With an aim to break the notion of just being a smartphone player, realme, which entered Pakistan last year, now aspires to be a young, tech and fashion brand, as it forays into Internet of Things (IoT) products.

    realme is especially focusing on introducing IoT-based products in the coming year, which will include audio and wearables; and has already launched in Pakistan a number of other products like wireless ear-buds and power banks.

    It is known for the best quality products at affordable prices, and is anticipated to soon launch a fitness band, smart TV, smart-watches and several other products. In line with the outlook of being a young brand targeting millennials, with its own software experience, the realme UI, it will transform into a young tech and fashion ecosystem.

    “For us, 2020 will be about mobile phones and accessories. Ultimately, we want to become a lifestyle products company. Devices will be the major business for us, but we are building realme for the youth. A smartphone is not the only thing the youth wants. There are multiple other things. We want to cater to those demands of the younger generations as well,” realme Pakistan Country Manager Harvey He has said.

    Since entering the Pakistani market, realme has already launched 11 products across different price segments – from premium flagships to trendy mid-rangers like the recently-launched realme 5i and C3 the key selling points of which have been designed particularly for the youth.

    They are also gearing up for the launch of their latest additions to the classic realme series this month, and is proving its plans for an even steeper growth trajectory than its parent company, through a targeted focus on youngsters.

  • Reddit announces new tool to prevent suicide

    Reddit announces new tool to prevent suicide

    Almost 800,000 people commit suicide every year, which makes a fatality rate higher than wars, cancer or homicide, says the World Health Organization (WHO).

    In view of the aforementioned staggering figures, Reddit — an American social news aggregation website — has announced a new tool for suicide prevention by teaming up with Crisis Text Line — a global not-for-profit organisation providing free confidential crisis intervention.

    According to the details of the service that will be effective from March 10 this year, it will allow users to report those, who they believe are at risk, so that Reddit can provide them with prevention resources.

    The reported user will get a private message with suicide prevention resources and a recommendation to text ‘CHAT’ to 741741 — the number for the Crisis Text Line.

    Once the Reddit user has reached out to the text line, a trained crisis counselor will be available for support.

    This is not the first time a social media platform has offered to provide suicide prevention help. as Facebook, Twitter and Snapchat also have pages listing global suicide prevention resources.

  • Pakistan ranks 76th on ‘Inclusive Internet Index 2020’

    Pakistan ranks 76th on ‘Inclusive Internet Index 2020’

    Pakistan ranks 76th out of 100 countries on the inclusive internet index 2020 released by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), reported DAWN.

    The ‘Inclusive Internet Index’ place countries on the availability, affordability, relevance and the readiness of masses to use it. This annual report is generated by Facebook.

    READ MORE: US firm helps Modi govt keep social media blocked in held Kashmir

    This report covered 100 countries, which includes 91 per cent of the world’s population and 96pc of global GDP.

    On a benchmark of one (best) to 100 (worst), Pakistan stood at the 76th place out of the total countries surveyed. Apart from the global index, Pakistan ranks 24th out of 26 Asian countries.

    The fundamental reasons for this ranking are gender gaps, low levels of digital literacy and relatively poor network quality, according to the EIU report.

    READ MORE: Apple, Nike and Samsung among 83 brands using Uyghur Muslim ‘forced labour’

    In terms of availability — a category that examines the quality and breadth of available infrastructure required for access and levels of internet usage — Pakistan ranked 86th out of 100.

    The country fared relatively better on affordability (57th) that is described as the cost of access relative to income and the level of competition in the internet marketplace.

    READ MORE: Sensitive personal information of Pakistanis leaked over the internet

    In terms of readiness — measured on the basis of access to the internet, including skills, cultural acceptance, and supporting policy — the country ranked 64th. Finally, Pakistan stood 71st on relevance, which is the existence and extent of local language content and relevant content.

    Looking at South Asia, Pakistan ranked the lowest, Bangladesh at 70th, Sri Lanka at 56 and India on the 46th spot.

    The first country ranked in this year’s index is Sweden, followed by New Zealand and the United States. Australia and Denmark both ranked fourth, followed by South Korea, Canada, the United Kingdom, France and Spain.

    Among the global worst are Burandi at 100th, Liberia, Madag­ascar, Malawi and Burkina Faso.