GPT-based AI Neural Network Decodes Brain Activity without Surgery

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May 4, 2023

The world of home entertainment has seen some remarkable advancements in recent years. With the proliferation of streaming services, there has been an increased demand for high-quality projectors that can deliver a cinematic experience in the comfort of your own home. BenQ, a leading provider of visual display solutions, has just launched four new projectors that cater to different user requirements, ranging from videophiles to those who want to enjoy movies in bright rooms. Let’s take a closer look at each of these projectors and see what they have to offer.

The High-Performance Projectors range from $1,699 to $3,499

If you’re a videophile who demands the best possible performance from your home theater, then the HT4550i is the projector for you. This projector boasts of CinematicColor 100% DCI-P3 performance and 3200 ANSI lumens of brightness from a 4LED light source, delivering performance comparable to a professional screening room. The HDR-PRO technology enhances the local contrast, delivering vivid colors and deep blacks, resulting in an immersive viewing experience. The retail price of the HT4550i is $2,999, making it one of the more expensive projectors in the market.

The HT3560 is aimed at users who want to enjoy movies in regular dark rooms. This projector features perfect HDR detail at 100% Rec. 709, delivers 95% DCI-P3 CinematicColor performance, and produces 2200 ANSI lumens of brightness. The HDR-PRO technology enhances the local contrast, delivering crisp and detailed images. The HT3560 is priced at $1,699, making it more affordable than the HT4550i.

TK860i provides true 4K cinematic HDR performance. The projector was unveiled earlier this month. The TK860i is designed to deliver true 4K cinematic HDR performance in any bright room. With a high brightness of 3300 ANSI lumens and providing 98% Rec. 709 CinematicColor quality in any bright environment, the TK860i delivers vivid colors and deep blacks even in brightly lit rooms. The HDR-PRO technology optimizes the local contrast, delivering rich and detailed images. The retail price of the TK860i is $1,799, making it a more affordable option for users who want high-quality performance in bright rooms.

The V5000i is a unique projector that features an RGB laser TV projector with a dedicated BenQ 100″ ALR Fresnel screen for daytime live-room entertainment. With 95% ultra-wide BT.2020 CinematicColor and low input lag, the V5000i delivers an immersive and engaging viewing experience. The ALR screen bundled solution eliminates the guesswork of choosing a suitable screen for your projector, making it easy for users to enjoy a home experience comparable to a TV. The retail price of the V5000i with a 100-inch ALR screen is $3,499, making it the most expensive projector in the lineup.

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Poco F5 Indian variant’s base configuration confirmed, coming in two color options

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Sudhanshu

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May 4, 2023

Poco India’s top executive Himansu Tandon recently held an Instagram interaction with tech influencer Rajiv Makhni, where he revealed some key details about the upcoming Poco F5 5G smartphone. According to Tandon, the F5 5G will be a premium offering from POCO in India and will be available in two different color options – Carbon Black and Snowstorm White.

No 128GB storage option for POCO F5?

The F5 5G will come with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage as the base variant, and there could also be a 12GB RAM option. The phone features a triple-camera setup with a “Turbine-like” design on the back, and the camera module confirms that the primary sensor will be a 64MP one. On the front, there is a hole-punch cutout at the top center for the front camera, and the display has thin bezels with a 93% screen-to-body ratio.

Tandon claimed that the F5 5G had scored nearly a million on AnTuTu, making it the highest-ever score by a phone with a Snapdragon 7-series chip. He also hinted at the possibility of a 5000mAh battery with 67W fast charging support. The F5 5G is expected to come with Android 13 out-of-the-box with a layer of MIUI 13 on top of it.

Although it is yet to be officially confirmed, reports suggest that the F5 5G could be a rebranded version of the Redmi Note 12 Turbo from China. The Chinese version of the device features an 8MP ultra-wide camera and a 2MP macro sensor. For selfies, there is a 16MP front camera. The display is expected to measure 6.67 inches diagonally with a Full HD+ resolution and support for a 120Hz refresh rate.

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TikTok’s Pulse Premiere brings together Advertisers & Creators

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May 4, 2023

TikTok is a social media platform where users can create and share short videos set to music or other sounds. It was launched in 2016 by a Chinese tech company, Bytedance and has since become a global phenomenon, particularly popular among young people. TikTok uses an algorithm to curate content for users, which has led to viral trends and challenges. The platform pays its top content creators through its Creator Fund program, which is a $1 billion fund set up to support eligible creators who meet certain criteria, including having at least 100,000 followers and being 18 years or older. The amount each creator is paid is determined by a formula that takes into account factors such as views, engagement, and overall popularity of their content. However, this was never a source of reliable income for creators on the platform, until now.

Creators can now earn 50% of the Ad Revenue

TikTok has dropped a bombshell on the advertising industry with the launch of Pulse Premiere, a product that enables advertisers to showcase their ads alongside premium content from big-name publishers, including Buzzfeed, DotDash Meredith, NBCUniversal, UFC, and WWE. The latest offering from the social media giant will allow creators to earn 50% of the revenue generated from ads placed behind their content, taking TikTok’s Pulse project to the next level. Until now, Pulse only allowed marketers to place ads alongside the top 4% of the highest-quality content. However, Pulse Premiere is now more inclusive, enabling participating publishers to place ads after all posts.

The company recently introduced the ability to generate AI avatars for its users. TikTok is hoping to support publishers and create new business opportunities for the platform with this new initiative. With monthly active users in the US already exceeding 150 million, Pulse Premiere has all the ingredients to become a major force in the advertising space. Creators on the platform will see a new era of creative possibilities with TikTok’s new initiative.

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Xiaomi 13 Ultra gets limited-edition color options, available from May 6 in China

By

Sudhanshu

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May 4, 2023

The Xiaomi 13 Ultra, which is the latest high-end smartphone from Xiaomi (Checkout our Xiaomi 13 Ultra review), has been released in China with a new model featuring 16GB of RAM and 1TB of storage. While international customers are still awaiting the launch of the device in their respective countries, customers within China now have the option to purchase the smartphone in three new custom colors.

Xiaomi 13 Ultra’s new color options

The new color options are called Starry Sky Blue, Cabernet Orange, and Ginkgo Yellow. According to reports, these new color options will only be available for the 16GB RAM + 512GB storage models. As for price and availability, these color options will be priced at 6,499 yuan and will be sold in limited quantities starting at 10:00 AM China local time on May 6. Pre-bookings are already open on Xiaomi Mall.

Xiaomi 13 Ultra specs

The Xiaomi 13 Ultra is an impressive flagship smartphone that boasts a brilliant 6.73-inch 120Hz QHD+ AMOLED display. The screen offers a stunning resolution of 1440p and an impressive peak brightness of 2,600 nits, which is among the brightest displays available on the market. The display is produced by TCL CSOT, ensuring the highest quality.

Powering the device is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, which is paired with up to 16GB of LPDDR5 RAM and 1TB of UFS 4.0 internal storage. The camera setup on the Xiaomi 13 Ultra is just as impressive, featuring a Leica Vario-Summicron lens with a 1-inch 50MP Sony IMX989 primary camera sensor that supports variable aperture between f/1.9 and f/4.0. There is also a 50MP Sony IMX858 f/1.8 ultrawide sensor with a 122-degree FOV, as well as a pair of 50MP Sony IMX858 telephoto lenses. On the front side, the phone sports a 32MP camera for selfies and video calls.

Running on the Android 13 operating system with Xiaomi’s MIUI 14 custom skin, the Xiaomi 13 Ultra is equipped with a 5,000mAh battery and supports both 90W fast charging and 50W wireless charging.

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Google Chrome Swaps confusing Lock Icon with New Icon for HTTPS Websites

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May 4, 2023

The lock icon in Google Chrome is a security indicator that appears in the address bar of the browser when you visit a website that uses HTTPS encryption to secure your connection. The lock icon signifies that the website you’re visiting has been authenticated and verified by a trusted certificate authority, and any data that you exchange with the website is encrypted and protected from eavesdropping or tampering by third parties. However, it doesn’t always mean that the site is trustworthy, and Google seems to be highlighting the same, stating that the company will replace the icon in their web browser.

Only 11% of Users understand what the Lock Icon means

Google is planning to replace the lock icon in Chrome’s address bar with a new icon that will make it easier for users to understand its meaning. The move comes after research showed that only 11% of users realized that the lock symbol referred to HTTPS encryption. Many others believed that it meant the site was trustworthy, which is problematic as a lot of phishing sites use the technology.

The new icon is a variant of the tune icon, or the settings icon (as some would refer to it) and is meant to signal that security is the default state rather than trustworthiness. It is also more inviting for users to click, making it more likely that they will use site controls. To keep up with evolving security standards, the tech giant has been making a lot of changes. It recently added Passkeys to Google Accounts, and Blue Checkmarks to Gmail. Most users will see the new icon in Chrome 117 on Android and desktop, which is expected to arrive early in September.

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Google Introduces Passkeys, the Future of Secure and Convenient Sign-Ins

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May 4, 2023

Passkeys are a relatively newer type of authentication factor that uses biometric data or a hardware token to verify a user’s identity. Unlike passwords, which are vulnerable to hacking and phishing attacks, passkeys are more secure and convenient to use. They are harder to crack because they require a physical object or biometric feature to authenticate the user, and they are more resistant to phishing attacks. With passkeys, users can authenticate themselves without having to remember complex passwords, making it a more user-friendly and secure way of accessing their accounts. With security breaches becoming increasingly common, Google has added an extra layer of security to Accounts, and it comes in the form of passkeys.

Passkeys can use Fingerprint Sensor & Face Unlock

To set up passkeys, users need to go to their Google Account settings as passkeys are not enabled by default. Administrators of Google Workspace accounts will also soon have the option to enable passkeys for their end-users during sign-in. With passkeys, users can enjoy a passwordless sign-in experience that is more convenient and secure than anything Google Accounts offer currently. Since most smartphones these days come with a fingerprint sensor or face unlock support, almost anyone will be able to use this new security feature.

As mentioned previously, Passkeys are more secure than passwords because they require a physical object or biometric feature to authenticate the user, making them resistant to online attacks, including phishing. Google has now rolled out support for passkeys across Google Accounts on all major platforms, including Android and iOS. While passkeys will not replace current sign-in options, users can take advantage of this additional option. Recently, Google has been on a roll with the introduction of new privacy protection features to its services. For instance, Gmail just implemented Blue Checkmarks to strengthen its privacy profile, which will help users recognize authentic accounts.

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Gmail’s New Blue Checkmark Feature will help Combat Email Scams

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May 4, 2023

Google’s Gmail is implementing a new feature that uses Brand Indicators for Message Identification (BIMI) technology to verify the identity of email senders. When an email is received from a verified sender, a blue checkmark appears next to the company’s name in the inbox. Google initially introduced BIMI in Gmail in 2020, allowing enrolled brands to include authenticated logos in their emails. The blue checkmark is a more noticeable indicator that the sender is legitimate, providing users with an extra layer of protection against email scams. Just recently, Google created awareness regarding a GMail scam that could cost its users a lot of money.

The Blue Checkmark will help identify and stop spam in the Inbox

Google plans to continue prioritizing user security and experience with additional updates to Gmail. Possibilities include expanding the BIMI program, better spam filtering, enhanced privacy features, and integration with other Google services. The blue checkmark feature will be available to all users by the end of the week, while Workspace admins can set up BIMI for their company to take advantage of the feature.

Strong email authentication helps users and email security systems identify and stop spam, and enables senders to leverage their brand trust. For companies, the blue checkmark is an excellent way to increase brand trust and prevent phishing and other email scams. The feature should increase confidence in email sources and create a better email ecosystem for everyone.

Google has always been focused on user security and experience, and the blue checkmark feature is another example of this. With the success of the blue checkmark feature, Google may continue to invest in BIMI technology to enhance email security and authentication. Additionally, while Gmail already has robust spam filtering capabilities, Google may look to improve the system further by leveraging machine learning and artificial intelligence to better identify and filter out spam messages.

Google’s latest update to Gmail is a positive development for the email ecosystem, as it helps users identify legitimate email sources and enables companies to leverage their brand trust. As threats and challenges in the digital space continue to evolve, we can expect to see continued investment in email security and authentication features, as well as other updates to improve the user experience.

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Xiaomi 13 Ultra 16GB + 1TB model in White now available for purchase in China

By

Jeet

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May 4, 2023

Xiaomi recently launched the Xiaomi 13 Ultra, the flagship smartphone from the brand. While the phone has been available for a few days in the Chinese market, one model wasn’t made available till now.

The company has now started selling the 16GB RAM and 1TB internal storage model of the Xiaomi 13 Ultra in White color. The phone has been priced at 7,299 yuan, which converts to about $1,059.

As for the specifications, the Xiaomi 13 Ultra features a 6.73-inch 120Hz QHD+ AMOLED display that offers a 1440p screen resolution and a maximum peak brightness of 2,600 nits. The panel is manufactured by TCL CSOT and is claimed to be one of the brightest out there. Under the hood, the device is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, coupled with up to 16GB of LPDDR5 RAM and 1TB of UFS 4.0 internal storage.

In the camera department, there’s a Leica Vario-Summicron lens on the back. It features a 1-inch 50MP Sony IMX989 primary camera sensor with support for variable aperture between f/1.9 and f/4.0. There’s also a 50MP Sony IMX858 f/1.8 ultrawide sensor with a 122-degree FOV, along with a pair of 50MP Sony IMX858 telephoto lenses. On the front side, the phone has a 32MP snapper for taking selfies and video calling.

The phone runs the Android 13 operating system out-of-the-box with the company’s own MIUI 14 custom skin on top. The device is powered by a 5,000mAh battery and comes with support for 90W fast charging and 50W wireless charging.

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Google Unveils Chrome 113: Boosting Video Calls and Web Graphics Performance

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May 3, 2023

Google Chrome continues to be the undisputed leader in the browser market. According to recent research, the company holds a 66.13% market share, far ahead of its closest competitor, Safari, with an 11.87% share. However, as in every industry, competition here benefits users and prevents leading names from becoming complacent. As a result, all browsers, including Chrome, regularly update with new features and performance improvements for users. For instance, Google recently announced the release of Chrome 113, a major update for its popular web browser. This update introduces faster AV1 video encoding for video conference calls, WebGPU by default, and various other improvements. Here are the details…

Chrome 113 Revolutionizes Browsing with New Features

Google has announced the release of Chrome 113, which offers faster AV1 video encoding for video conference calls, WebGPU by default, and various other improvements. The new update is now accessible on Linux, macOS, and Windows platforms, including 15 additional security fixes. Some of these improvements are as follows:

Faster AV1 Video Encoding
- Chrome 113 has integrated the libaom 3.6 release, which significantly speeds up CPU-based AV1 video encoding. This update will benefit all WebRTC apps, enabling faster and more efficient video conference calls. Google Meet has already tested AV1 video quality down to 40 kbps, showing its potential for use even in low bandwidth situations.
CSS Media Features
- This release introduces the CSS overflow-inline and overflow-block media features, as well as an update to the CSS media feature.
Linear Easing Function
- Chrome 113 adds a linear() easing function, allowing for linear interpolation between multiple points.
Support for CSS image-set()
- The browser now supports CSS image-set() as a type for specifying a range of image options.
WebGPU Enabled by Default
- WebGPU, the successor to WebGL, is now enabled by default in Chrome 113. This offers improved performance for high-quality 3D graphics in the web, making it an exciting development for gamers and other users who rely on advanced graphics.

With the release of Chrome 113, users can expect faster and more efficient video conference calls, better support for CSS media features, and improved 3D graphics performance with WebGPU enabled by default.

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Acer Predator X27U Monitor with 2K, 240Hz OLED screen unveiled in China for 6,499 yuan ($940)

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May 3, 2023

The Acer Predator X27U monitor earlier showcased during CES 2023 has now entered the shelves in China. The Predator X27U has a 2K, 240Hz OLED screen with a screen size of 27 inches. It has taken up to four months for the model to surface after it was showcased at CES 2023 in January.

The Acer Predator X27U monitor squares up nicely with some of the current monitors of brands like LG but with a more affordable price tag. Indeed, at present, there are several 2K 240Hz OLED monitors with varying prices. The LG 27-inch 2K 240Hz model launched with a price tag that is more than 1.5 times more expensive than the Acer X27U.

The Acer Predator X27U features a 27-inch WQHD OLED panel with a 0.03ms response time and 240Hz display refresh rate. The high refresh rate and impressive response time of the monitor mean it can be used for gaming applications. In terms of color clarity, the X27U has a 99% DCI-P3 color gamut coverage. Connectivity options for the monitor include HDMI 2.0, DP 1.4, and 90W full-featured USB-C. Audio is accommodated in the monitor via its built-in dual 5W speakers.

Acer Predator X27U Monitor with a 27-inch OLED monitor & 240Hz refresh rate delivers the ultimate gaming experience

The Acer Predator X27U monitor is open for pre-order from JD.com in China. It is priced at 6,499 yuan (~$940). There are no indications at this time on the global availability of the monitor. It is however expected that Acer will ship the model to overseas markets subsequently. The specifics are lacking at this time.

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Tecno teams up with Indian airline SpiceJet to market the Phantom V Fold 5G on its planes

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May 3, 2023

Tecno is pushing the bounds of its marketing campaign for the Phantom V Fold 5G with its partnership with SpiceJet. The partnership will see the Boeing 737 Max aircraft in the SpiceJet fleet adorning the Phantom V Fold 5G brand colors. Recall that the TECNO Phantom V Fold 5G was unveiled in India last month.

Tecno is currently running Beyond the Extraordinary campaign for the new flagship and SpiceJet’s integration will further expand the campaign. The Phantom V Fold 5G is a bold statement by Tecno that it can indeed compete in the premium segment of the market. It also seeks to reaffirm Tecno’s philosophy of developing products that are beyond extraordinary. The Tecno-SpiceJet strategic partnership is aimed at reaching a wider audience with the Tecno brand. SpiceJet aircraft will be branded entirely in the Phantom colors while the cabin will be adorned with Phantom V Fold 5G on the build head and headrest covers.

Inside the plane itself, SpiceJet air hostesses will demonstrate the new Phantom Fold smartphone to passengers. This takes brand engagement to a higher and more personal level. Tecno hopes to leverage the optics of this partnership to drive awareness of its new Phantom V Fold flagship. It hopes to create a lasting impact on its target audience with this flying campaign.

The campaign will run from May 3 to August 2, 2023. SpiceJet says it is excited about the partnership which promotes the cutting-edge Phantom V Fold 5G smartphone. It says the Flying Billboard campaign for the Tecno Phantom V Fold 5G flagship is expected to be highly effective. The Tecno Phantom-branded SpiceJet Boeing 737 Max will fly both local and international flights.

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Apple Watch Now Tracks Mental Health! Smartwatches and Machine Learning Join Forces

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May 3, 2023

Wearable technology continues to advance and become more widespread. The most prominent examples of this technology today are smartwatches and fitness trackers. These devices, which include various health features, have become indispensable for users who want to monitor their physical activities and overall health. For instance, different brands offer smartwatches with various features that can measure your heart rate, blood pressure, stress levels, and even perform an EKG. However, it seems that if you take the right measurements, you can do much more than that. According to research, wearable devices like the Apple Watch can accurately assess a person’s mental resilience and well-being.Here are the details…

How Your Apple Watch Could Gauge Your Mental Resilience

Not long ago, our lives were profoundly affected by a pandemic, a recent global economic crisis, concerns about the future, and social media. In fact, there are so many reasons for us to lose our mental health that it’s a miracle most of us haven’t gone insane. However, it seems that some of us aren’t as lucky as we thought. Mental disorders account for 13% of the global disease burden, and there is a growing need for accessible mental health care. But like any illness, it needs to be detected before it’s too late, and it appears that smartwatches may be able to help with that.

Researchers at Mount Sinai Health System have found that machine learning algorithms, applied to data collected from wearable devices like the Apple Watch, can accurately assess a person’s mental resilience and well-being, paving the way for remote monitoring of psychological states without the need for mental health questionnaires. They analyzed 329 healthcare workers across seven New York City hospitals.

Participants wore Apple Watch Series 5 or 4, which measured heart rate variability and resting heart rate. The collected metrics were found to be predictive in identifying resilience or well-being states, indicating the potential for further assessment of psychological characteristics through wearable data. Today, many people have trouble getting the mental health care they need. Using devices like Apple Watches could make mental health care easier for everyone. Researchers want to keep improving this technology. They plan to study more people and different health conditions.

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Samsung’s latest 24-inch all-in-one computer features anti-glare coating & pop-up webcam

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May 3, 2023

Samsung has launched the DM530AFA-LC71W all-in-one monitor designed for productivity and entertainment. The PC features a 23.8-inch display with a 1080p resolution and a 16:9 aspect ratio, making it suitable for a wide range of tasks, including video conferencing, streaming, and web browsing. One standout feature Samsung is projecting the device with is the anti-glare coating designed to mitigate reflections and to make it easy for users to see what’s displayed on the screen in brightly lit environments.

Samsung DM530AFA-LC71W All-in-one computer

The new Samsung AiO computer packs the latest Intel Raptor Lake architecture under the hood. The device comes in Core i7 and Core i3 versions. The high-end Core i7-1360P processor version can reach 5 GHz on its 4 P cores, making it ideal for demanding workloads such as video editing, 3D rendering, and gaming. You also get up to 16 GB of LPDDR5 RAM that is accessible via a service panel. Thus, users can upgrade the memory if needed.

The memory is complimented by a replaceable 512 GB NVMe SSD and a 2.5-inch drive slot. Thus, it is possible for users to also upgrade their storage capacity with the addition of an extra hard drive or SSD.

The deisgn of the Samsung DM530AFA-LC71W AiO computer also includes a pop-up webcam as well 5W stereo speakers. The PC also comes with four USB Type-A ports, HDMI-in, HDMI-out, a USB Type-C connection, Gigabit Ethernet, and a MicroSD card reader.

Samsung DM530AFA-LC71W All-in-one computer with a 23.8-inch display, 1080p resolution launched

In addition, the portable compputer bundle a wireless keyboard and mouse in its packaging box. Users can connect the keyboard and mouse to the monitor using Bluetooth.

As for the prices, the Samsung DM530AFA-LC71W all-in-one computer is priced at KRW 1,240,000 (~$931) in South Korea for the Core i3 version while the Core i7 version will retail for up to KRW 1,720,000 (~$1,291).

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Google Play Store 35.5.14 now rolling out to Android devices

By

Soumyakanti

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May 3, 2023

Google has started rolling out a new update for the Google Play Store with version 35.5.14 for Android devices. This latest update brings general improvements to enhance the stability and usability of the app. Although no new features or changes have been noted, it aims to provide users with a better and bug-free experience.

Download Google Play Store Apk

The update package size is 21.22 MB and it is now available for devices running Android 13 or below. The app will be installed in the background automatically and if you still want to install it manually you can download it from here.

Apart from this, Google released the last April 2023 Play System update batch last week. The new session of the Play Update enables some new tweaks for the Google Play Store. The installation process is now more stable when downloading any third-party app or game over a Wi-Fi network. Additionally, the update brings an option to download the app over the mobile network while waiting for Wi-Fi.

The latest update also has new features to help users discover the apps and games they love, optimizations for faster and more reliable downloads and installation, and continuous improvements to Play Protect to keep devices safe. Furthermore, there are various performance optimizations, bug fixes, and improvements to security, stability, and accessibility.

Another notable change that may soon be coming to the Play Store is users’ ability to delete user data inside a specific app. Apps that allow account creation must also allow users to request their accounts to be deleted, and this deletion option must be readily discoverable inside the app and outside. Google has also recently introduced the “Auto Archive” feature, which helps to automatically delete unnecessary data from apps that have not been used for a significant time.

Lastly, there is an improvement made for Google Chrome developers, which will allow them to add Play Store-like app icons. Google continues to enhance the functionality of its stock apps, including the Play Store, by regularly releasing new features and improvements through updates.

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Browser Battles: Microsoft Forcing Edge on Windows Users

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May 3, 2023

There are some habits in our daily lives that we just can’t do without, and changing them isn’t easy at all. In my opinion, for many of us, our web browser is one such habit. That’s why we download Google Chrome on our devices instead of using the Edge or Safari that comes pre-installed. It feels like we never switched to a new device as we continue using the same browser with the same features and settings. However, it seems that this situation isn’t pleasing to some companies. According to recent information, Microsoft is forcing Outlook and Teams to open links in Edge. Here are the details…

Microsoft is forcing Outlook and Teams to open links in Edge

Introduced in 2015, Microsoft Edge brought an end to the 20-year reign of Internet Explorer and has undoubtedly become one of the best browsers in the market. However, it has been unable to achieve the success it deserves. Many first-time Windows users still download Google Chrome as their first task. In fact, a recent report revealed that Microsoft Edge is in worse shape than we thought, losing its second place in the computer browser market to Safari.

In response to these developments, Microsoft has taken some “unpleasant” measures to change the course. According to notifications sent to IT admins through the Microsoft 365 admin center, Outlook and Teams will no longer use your default browser to open clicked links. Instead, they will force users to use Microsoft Edge. This won’t change your default browser settings, and you can continue to use alternatives like Google Chrome for everything else.

However, as part of the Windows operating system, these two essential applications will take away your customizable settings and push you to use Microsoft Edge. Users quickly reacted to this development, and Microsoft has defended the move, stating that it aims to simplify the user experience and reduce task switching between windows and tabs. Still, this weak defense has failed to satisfy anyone. The company may need to reconsider its approach if it wants to win over users and maintain a positive image.

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Google Shields Pixel Users from Noise Pollution with Loud Sound Alerts

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May 3, 2023

Software updates play a vital role in the world of technology, providing new features and enhanced security. However, any errors in these updates can result in significant problems and unhappy users. To mitigate this, tech companies extensively test new features before releasing them. For those with a keen interest (which includes many of us), it is possible to uncover upcoming features and learn about them ahead of the crowd. A recent example involves Google and the Pixel phones. The latest version (T.23) of Android System Intelligence has revealed that Google is developing loud sound alerts for Pixel 7 phones as part of the At a Glance feature. Here are the details…

Google working on loud sound alerts for Pixel phones in At a Glance

Our health is crucial to many of us, so we strive to avoid things that could harm our bodies. However, some exposures can endanger our health, whether we’re aware of them or not. For instance, regular exposure to noise can seriously harm our hearing over time. To combat this, Google is developing loud sound alerts for Pixel phones.

This new feature will likely be in the At a Glance section on the lockscreen and the top of the Pixel Launcher. Its main goal is to alert users to potentially dangerous loud sounds around them, urging them to step away or reduce the volume if possible. While not entirely new, both Android and iOS have warnings for users listening to music at high volumes for long periods.

Additionally, Apple Watch has a similar feature to the loud sound alert that is coming directly to Google Pixel models. Of course, this is more of a nice-to-have feature rather than a critical innovation. However, exposure to loud sound for a long time can cause hearing damage, including temporary or permanent hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), and hypersensitivity to sound. It can also lead to physical discomfort such as headaches and dizziness.

Aside from the loud sound alerts Google is working on adding new search shortcuts to its Pixel Launcher, which include Search Chrome, Search Files, and Search Photos, in addition to the existing shortcuts for Google, YouTube, Maps, Play Store, Settings, and Contacts. The company has also made changes to the At a Glance settings list and introduced new icons to improve the user experience and enhance the launcher’s visual appeal.

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WWDC 2023 May Bring the 15-inch MacBook Air Featuring Exceptional Battery Life

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May 3, 2023

The countdown has begun for Apple’s annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), which is set to take place on June 5th. At the event, the company will introduce new versions of its existing software, such as iOS and macOS. However, some leaks suggest that there will be a surprise this year, hinting at a Mixed Reality headset. It seems that the American tech giant has more than one surprise in store, as Apple might also be preparing to announce the long-rumored 15-inch MacBook Air at WWDC 2023. Here are the details…

Apple to Introduce 15-Inch MacBook Air and More at WWDC 2023

The 15-inch MacBook Air could be one of the most controversial devices in internet history. Rumors about this laptop emerge before almost every Apple event, but it never materializes. However, Mark Gurman, a well-respected figure in the tech press known for Apple leaks, has once again ignited hopes for the “legendary” product.

According to Gurman, during Apple’s WWDC 2023 event, the company will introduce a new laptop alongside iOS 17, macOS 14, watchOS 10, tvOS 17, and the eagerly awaited mixed reality headset. This 15-inch MacBook Air will come with the M2 processor, just like the 13-inch model, and will have various GPU configurations. Unfortunately, that’s all the information available about the device. It is not known what other features it will have or how it will differ from the standard model besides screen size.

If we were to make a simple guess, we could say there might be a difference in screen resolution to maintain the PPI ratio. Considering how small the MagicBoard is, which houses all the hardware components of MacBooks, we could potentially see a significant improvement in battery life. In fact, the 15-inch MacBook Air could become the laptop model with the longest battery life of all time, thanks to its low power consumption and large battery. However, all of this is just speculation at this point.

As a user of a 13.3-inch M1 MacBook Air, I personally prefer smaller laptops. Portability is the most important feature for me in a computer. However, I’m sure some users would appreciate a larger screenl. Still, it’s worth noting that the long-standing rumors may not go beyond just being rumors at this event as well.

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