TECHNOLOGY
Govt user data requests need reforms to curb unwanted gag orders: Google
"As our lives continue to become more digitised, laws governing government access to personal information need to evolve to protect both public safety and civil liberties," Kent Walker, President of Global Affairs, Google and Alphabet, said. The governments across the world seek orders to prevent providers like Google from telling users about demands for data. These so-called non-disclosure orders (NDOs) or "gag orders" have become commonplace.
Apple likely to release its AR/MR headset in January 2023
According to Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the vast potential demand in the Chinese market and "Apple AR/MR, which will likely release in January 2023, will also favour the continued rapid growth of the headset sector". "Although Apple has repeatedly reiterated its focus on AR, I believe Apple AR/MR supporting video see-thru could also offer an excellent immersive experience," Kuo predicted.
Microsoft Windows 8.1 coming to an end in Jan 2023
The tech giant is ending Windows 8.1 support in January 2023, and will begin pushing alerts to users next month. "Support for Windows 8 ended on January 12, 2016, and support for Windows 8.1 will end on January 10, 2023," the company said in an update. "Microsoft 365 Apps is no longer supported on Windows 8 or Windows 8.1 after they have reached their end of support dates.
iOS users can now securely save their passwords in Chrome
The company also announced few other features for the iPhone and iPad users. "When it comes to getting things done on your iPhone and iPad, there's no place like Chrome. With the Chrome iOS app, you can securely save your passwords so there's no need to keep guessing," said Nasim Sedaghat, Product Manager, Chrome in a blog post.
Netflix confirms ads coming to its platform by year end
Netflix's Co-CEO Ted Sarandos confirmed during the Cannes Lions advertising festival that the future of the streaming giant will include ads, reports Hollywood Reporter. "We are adding an ad tier. We're not adding ads to Netflix as you know it today. We're adding an ad tier for folks who say, 'Hey, I want a lower price and I'll watch ads,'" Sarandos told 'Sway' podcast host Kara Swisher.
Tesla 'virtual power plant' to pay users to send energy back to grid
Tesla launched the 'virtual power plant' in partnership with California Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) to support the electricity grid while also earning compensation and maintaining energy security for its users. Powerwall is a rechargeable lithium-ion battery stationary home energy storage product manufactured by Tesla Energy which stores electricity for solar self-consumption.
Netflix bids goodbye to 300 employees in 2nd round of layoffs
According to Variety, the cuts are across multiple business functions in the company, with the bulk of the jobs lost in the US. These new layoffs hit just a few weeks after the streaming giant -- which has a global workforce of roughly 11,000 staffers -- made an initial round of reductions of similar size in May. At that time, Netflix laid off 150 employees, and dozens of contractors and part-time workers.
HP India brings new gaming portfolio to avid Indian gamers
With a starting price of Rs 67,999, the latest generation of HP's gaming portfolio comprises new OMEN 16, OMEN 17, Victus 15, and Victus 16 laptops that are powered by Intel Core 12th Gen and AMD Ryzen 6000 series processors. Vickram Bedi, Senior Director (Personal Systems), HP India Market, told IANS that the company is seeking to mainstream its offerings by catering to the needs of both casual and professional gamers.
Apple grabs 62% premium market share in Q1 2022
This was also the highest first quarter share for Apple in the premium segment since Q1 2017, reports Counterpoint Research. The global premium ($400 and above wholesale average selling price) smartphone market sales volume declined 8 per cent (on-year) during the quarter, but it still performed better than the overall smartphone market, which declined by 10 per cent, according to Counterpoint Research's Market Pulse Service.
Instagram wants IDs like driver's license to verify your age
Starting with the US, if someone attempts to edit their date of birth on Instagram from under the age of 18 to 18 or over, Instagram will require them to verify their age. They can verify their age by uploading their ID, record a video selfie or ask mutual friends to verify the age. The person vouching must be at least 18 years old and must not be vouching for anyone else at that time.
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