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  • Samosa recipes, Oppenheimer and Aliza Sahar; Pakistan’s most searched topics on Google in 2023

    Samosa recipes, Oppenheimer and Aliza Sahar; Pakistan’s most searched topics on Google in 2023

    Billions of topics are searched on Google every day and at the end of every year, the search engine releases a list of the most popular searches.

    Google has now released a list of the most searched topics in Pakistan during 2023.

    The eight different categories disclosed include cricket matches, events/occasions, how-to, news, recipes, TV shows and movies, technology and personalities.

    So, what has been searched under these categories?

    Cricket games

    Pakistan vs New Zealand was the most searched match in this category followed by the match between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

    Pakistan versus Australia in third, then India versus New Zealand, followed by Pakistan versus Netherlands in fifth place.

    Events/Occasions

    Pakistan Super League is at the top of this category followed by the Cricket World Cup, Asia Cup, Indian Premier League while the Ashes is on the fifth, respectively.

    Movies and TV shows

    This year in Pakistan the most searched movie was surprisingly from Hollywood rather than a Pakistani or Indian movie.

    Oppenheimer was the most searched followed by Shahrukh Khan’s Jawan (second) and Pathaan (third).

    Hollywood film Barbie was at the fourth position while Bollywood film Tiger 3 came fifth in the category.

    News

    The Gaza war topped the category in news that Pakistanis searched on Google.

    This was followed by Ehsaas program, Aliza Sahar, Akshay Kumar while Kajol came fifth, respectively.

    Recipes

    Forever-food-lovers, Pakistanis searched for samosa recipes followed by kaleji and then sheer khurma.

    Recipes for namkeen gosht and tomato ketchup recipes came in fourth and fifth respectively.

    Technology

    The top search in this category is not surprising as it has attracted people from all over the world over the past year: ChatGPT — chatbot based on artificial intelligence (AI) technology, which was introduced in November 2022 and went global in 2023.

  • Apple faces competition as Google releases Pixel 8 and AI-powered smartwatch

    Apple faces competition as Google releases Pixel 8 and AI-powered smartwatch

    The Apple iPhone 15 series now faces fresh competition as Google introduced its latest smartphone, the Pixel 8, on Wednesday, alongside a new smartwatch that seamlessly integrates advanced artificial intelligence (AI) technology into its core consumer devices.

    The enhancements made to the Pixel phones, which are particularly popular among photography enthusiasts and those who prefer a pure Android experience, have the potential to make them more appealing to shoppers as they plan their holiday season purchases.

    Google has upgraded the Pixel lineup by equipping it with the Tensor G3 mobile processor, which includes native machine learning and generative AI models. These AI features can assist users in various ways, such as improving photography, summarising web content, and blocking unwanted spam calls. This announcement was made during the Made by Google event held in New York.

    Additionally, the higher-end Pixel 8 Pro now features a temperature sensor, and Google has applied for approval from the Food and Drug Administration to enable a thermometer app for measuring body temperature.

    The Pixel 8 is priced starting at $699, while the Pixel 8 Pro starts at $999, making it $100 more expensive than the previous generation models. Both models will be available for purchase starting on October 12th.

    At the event, Google emphasized its commitment to mobile AI, a direction that IDC analyst Ryan Reith noted could have a significant impact on the industry, especially in the US, if accompanied by strong marketing efforts.

    Notably, in the previous month, Apple launched a new series of iPhones that included improvements in design and performance but did not increase prices, reflecting the ongoing challenges in the global smartphone market.

    According to IDC, Google’s Pixel ranks 12th globally in terms of smartphone shipments, holding a 0.9 per cent market share. The largest market for Pixel devices is the United States, accounting for approximately 39 per cent of global shipments, followed by Japan at 29 per cent and the UK at 9 per cent.

    In addition to the smartphone and smartwatch announcements, Google also revealed plans to integrate generative AI capabilities into its virtual assistant, enabling it to assist users with tasks like trip planning and email management while also asking follow-up questions.

    Furthermore, Google introduced the Google Watch 2, an upgraded version of its first smartwatch released in October of the previous year. It is priced at $349 and comes with a digital crown and advanced health tracking features powered by AI.

  • Google to tighten security against spammers targeting Gmail users

    Google to tighten security against spammers targeting Gmail users

    Google announced on Tuesday that it is implementing stricter measures to combat spam messages targeting Gmail users. Under these new measures, senders who exceed a daily threshold of 5,000 messages to Gmail users will be required to include a one-click unsubscribe button in their emails.

    Additionally, they must undergo email address authentication to confirm ownership of their domain name and prevent IP address spoofing.

    Furthermore, Google has introduced a policy where it may withhold delivery of messages from senders whose emails consistently receive a high spam marking rate, falling below a “clear spam rate threshold” of 0.3 per cent, as assessed by Google’s Postmaster Tools. Google has also enlisted Yahoo to adopt these changes, which are set to take effect in February 2024.

    These actions underscore the ongoing battle between major tech companies and spammers who exploit open systems like email for fraudulent purposes, causing annoyance to users. While machine learning has been employed for years to combat spam, it remains a constant struggle as spammers continuously develop new tactics to bypass filters.

    In a blog post, Google’s product manager, Neil Kumaran, likened these changes to a necessary tune-up for the email ecosystem, emphasising that email security, user-friendliness, and spam prevention require ongoing collaboration and vigilance from the entire email community.

    It’s worth noting that Google’s adjustments may also impact legitimate marketers who rely on email for customer engagement, particularly the requirement for a convenient unsubscribe option. In 2022, approximately half of all emails sent were estimated to be spam, according to Kaspersky Anti-Virus.

  • What is the Taylor Swift crossword puzzle on Google all about?

    What is the Taylor Swift crossword puzzle on Google all about?

    Love’s a game- and so is being a Swiftie.

    If you Google the name Taylor Swift, you’ll spot a blue vault on the right side of your screen, and when you click on it, a screen pops up with a series of letters asking you to decode the right answer, which will eventually lead you to the next puzzle.

    Millions of Swifties across the globe have been screaming, crying, perfect storms in attempting to decode the crossword puzzles- so we’ll explain what is happening and really what is the purpose behind these crossword puzzles.

    Taylor Swift has partnered with Google ahead of the release of her re-recorded album 1989 (Taylor’s Version) to design crossword puzzles which will eventually lead to the names of the new tracks included in the vault- previously written songs that weren’t included in the original album. Before the release of her previous rerecorded versions, Taylor teased fans by asking them to decode the names of the song tracks hidden in the puzzles. But it looks like this time she wasn’t kidding when she said “Darling, I’m a nightmare dressed like a daydream!”

    According to Google’s blog, there are 89 puzzles each user can solve, totaling up to 33 million puzzles worldwide- and solving them will uncover new song tracks to be included in the upcoming album. Swifties rose to the challenge on whether it’s gonna be forever or will it go down in flames, because Google tweeted on their X account that the app was jammed due to the overload of responses.

    Taylor had broken the internet when in August she announced 1989 (Taylor’s Version) on the last day of the US leg of the Era’s Tour, and sang the track ‘New Romantics’ for the audience after unveiling the album artwork and release date on the screen.

    “The last time that I was so pleasantly surprised by some stuff that you guys did was when I announced that I was going to be re-recording. That was something that I expected to be just a me thing, just a personal thing. Since I was a teenager, I wanted to own my music. The way to do it was to re-record my albums, and the way that you have embraced … that you have celebrated, that you really decided that it was your fight too, and that you were 100 percent behind me … I will never stop thanking you for that.”

    She continued, “And so now, here we are on the last night of the U.S. leg of the Eras tour in the eighth month of the year on the ninth day. You might have noticed there are some new outfits in the show. There’s something that I’ve been planning for a really, really, really ridiculously, embarrassingly long time, and instead of telling you about it, I think I’ll just sort of show you.”

  • Hum the tune, find the song; YouTube tests new search feature

    Hum the tune, find the song; YouTube tests new search feature

    YouTube is experimenting with a new search feature in which you can hunt for a song by humming into your device. This new trial is being conducted on android gadgets and it is a major upgrade from Apple’s music recognition app, Shazam.

    Users who have access to the feature, which is currently under testing, can try it through YouTube’s voice search by singing, humming, or recording a song for three seconds or more. Once the app identifies the song, it will direct the user to the relevant YouTube video or its official music video or related shorts.

    The feature is currently available to only a limited number of users.

    The same feature was introduced by Google (Google Search widget and Google Assistant) in 2020 however, according to TechChrunch, the difference appears to be that Google’s feature requires users to hum for 10-15 seconds in order to identify the song.

    In a blog by Google posted in 2020, it was explained that this feature is based on ‘learning models that can match your hum, whistle or singing to the right “fingerprint”’. YouTube confirmed to TechCrunch that the new test also uses the same technology as the Google feature.

  • 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.

  • Aamir Khan’s daughter says he was trigger for her depression

    Aamir Khan’s daughter says he was trigger for her depression

    Bollywood actor Aamir Khan’s daughter Ira spoke to ET Times about how she came to recognize her bad mental health, stating that it was her parents’ divorce that triggered the episode. The actor and his first wife, Reena Dutta, divorced amicably in 2002, however, Ira revealed that both Aamir and Reena made her feel that it “was not a big deal”.

    The mental health activist went on to say that because of Aamir and Reena’s divorce, she had mental misunderstandings but never found the courage to discuss them with anyone. Hence, she “blames herself’ for suffering from depression, believing erroneously that one had to be sad to get love from others. On a positive note, she said that now she is working on making herself happy, and has a better relationship with her parents.

    Ira revealed she is in a group chat with her parents and reaches out to them every time she is in need, while her fiance Nupur Shikhare is one of her strongest supporters.

    READ MORE: ‘Mental disorders run in the family’: Aamir Khan’s daughter opens up about dealing with depression, handling parents divorce

    Ira recently made national headlines when she revealed to a publication that mental health disorders run in her family:

    “Every 8-10 months I will have a big crash. It’s partly genetic, partly psychological, and partly social. It took me a while to figure it out. But I have mental health disorders in my family. I also did not make healthy choices and I systematically walked into depression.”

  • 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.

  • Foreign Office evaluating Pakistan’s participation in World Cup

    Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) likely new chairman, Zaka Ashraf, recently stated that he does not like the Hybrid Model for Asia Cup 2023.


    “I did not like the Hybrid Model. I feel that the present Hybrid Model seems to be an injustice with Pakistan. If all the important matches are going to take place in Sri Lanka and only less impactful matches will take place in Pakistan, then what is the purpose of having the hosting rights? Who will go to watch Nepal vs Pakistan,” he questioned.

    “The first thing I will do as PCB-chairman is reject the Hybrid Model. If Pakistan has the hosting rights, then all of the matches should take place in Pakistan,” Ashraf said recently.

    The statement stunned cricket fans all over Asia, and officials from the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) expressed displeasure over it.

    If Zaka Ashraf rejects the Hybrid Model and if India does not agree to travel to Pakistan, will the Pakistan Cricket team travel to India for the World Cup 2023? The World Cup is a mega event of the International Cricket Council (ICC).

    Former PCB management committee chairman, Najam Sethi, released a statement to the BCC podcast, stating, “If the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) consider the Hybrid Model for the Asia Cup, then we will go with the same model in the World Cup. Because if the Hybrid Model is applicable for the Asia Cup, then why would it not be a good option for the World Cup?”

    Today, the foreign office of Pakistan released a statement, stating, “We are evaluating the participation of Pakistan in the World Cup, with the security concerns of the players being of utmost priority.”

    This statement by the Ministry comes at a time when bilateral cricket has been suspended for a long time due to bad political relations between the two rival neighboring countries.

    The two have only played cricket against each other in multi-team events at neutral venues over the past decade, and Pakistan’s participation in the Cricket World Cup in October-November is still in doubt.

    Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, who attended the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) meeting in Goa last month, is the first senior Pakistani leader to visit India in the last 9 years.

    The Foreign Minister’s spokesperson said, “Politics should be set aside from sports. India’s racist policy of not playing in Pakistan is ridiculous and disappointing.”

    Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said yesterday, “We are observing and evaluating all aspects related to our participation in the World Cup, including the security situation of Pakistani cricketers. We will let you know our opinion.”

    The uncertainty of Pakistan’s participation means that the dates and venues of the World Cup are yet to be finalized, even though the tournament is only three months away.

    India has already refused to come to Pakistan for the Asia Cup starting on August 31. In response, Pakistan has warned that if Pakistan loses the rights to host the Asia Cup, it will boycott the World Cup.

    To resolve the issue amicably, Najam Sethi proposed the Hybrid model, but Zaka Ashraf straight away dismissed it.

  • Google’s healthcare tech uses AI to predict heart disease with just an eye scan

    Google’s healthcare tech uses AI to predict heart disease with just an eye scan

    Google’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) diagnosis of diabetic retinopathy (a leading cause of blindness) has shown things in the retinal scans that “human beings didn’t know to look for”, according to CEO Sundar Pichai. The AI eye scans hold information with which Google can predict the five year risk of someone having a heart attack or a stroke.

    At last year’s Google IO, CEO Sundar Pichai announced GoogleAI, a culmination of the company’s efforts to bring the benefits of AI to everyone. DermAssist, Google’s AI program that detects and provides diagnosis for skin conditions, will be available on Google browser by the end of this year.

    Google had also been running field trials across hospitals in India, where Google used deep learning to help doctors diagnose diabetic retinopathy. Pichai says the field trials have been going very well, with AI offering expert diagnoses to places where trained doctors are scarce.

    As luck would have it, the very same eye scans that have helped successfully diagnose diabetic retinopathy also hold vital information that GoogleAI could use to predict the five year risk of an individual having an adverse cardiovascular event.

    Although the idea of looking into someone’s eyes to diagnose the condition of their heart sounds unusual, it actually draws from established research. The rear interior wall of the eye (the fundus) is full of blood vessels that reflect the body’s overall health. Information such as someone’s age, their biological sex, whether or not they smoke, their BMI and systolic blood pressure is readily available to doctors through a simple eye scan.

    According to Pichai, this could be the new basis for a non-invasive way of detecting cardiovascular risk. He says Google will be working with their partners to field trials.

    Another exciting AI-health related development is that AI can help in the prediction of medical events. Machine learning can go in and analyse over 100,000 data points per patient (obviously, more than one doctor could ever do), and then quantitatively predict the chance of readmission 24-48 hours to advance. This is hugely beneficial as it gives doctors more time to act.