How Wateen is Impacting Industries Digital Transformation:
As technology advances, digital transformation has become essential in industries, and it is accelerating worldwide! Almost every business vertical is adopting the digital revolution for a better tomorrow by using managed connectivity solutions and equipping businesses with new technologies. This significant transition ensures a seamless journey into the digital world for a future that promises optimized operations and unlimited potential in a connected or interconnected landscape.
Microsoft Paint Will Soon Let You Create Images With Just Words:
The AI hype has taken the tech industry by storm and Microsoft Paint is going to be the latest app to join the party. As detailed in a report by Windows Central, Microsoft is actively investigating avenues to incorporate AI-driven functionalities into the Windows 11 version of the app. These enhancements might encompass capabilities such as generating a canvas from a given text prompt.
NTISB Warns Against Indian Hackers Spreading Fake Govt Announcements:
Indian state-sponsored hacking group APT is involved in cyber attacks in Pakistan. According to the advisory issued by the National Telecommunication & Information Security Board (NTISB), the APT group is targeting government and military organizations to steal information.
Tekken 8 Launch Date Announced:
Fighting game enthusiasts are in for a treat this year, with titles like Street Fighter 6 and Mortal Kombat 1 making their debut. Guilty Gear Strive also just got its third season. This surge of beat ’em up excitement is expected to carry on at least until early 2024. A recent announcement at Gamescom 2023 by Bandai Namco has revealed that Tekken 8 is scheduled to launch on January 26th for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S, with pre-orders already available.
YouTube is Making it Harder to Skip Ads:
YouTube videos already show a lot more ads than they used to and it might become even harder to skip them soon. The video-sharing platform has confirmed that it’s testing a “redesigned” ad skip button, which will be even smaller. What’s worse is that this new button will not only be smaller, but it will also be harder to spot. YouTube says it will have a smaller text and will be more transparent on top of that. Additionally, the button will be curved to give it a more modern look and there will be no capital letters in the word “Ads”.
New Update for Android 12 and Above Phones Makes Apps Amazingly Fast:
Google has rolled out a new Android Runtime (ART) update that boosts app launch speeds by up to 30% on some phones. The update is rolling out to all Android 12 and above phones. ART is responsible for running all the apps on your device’s OS. It serves as the driving force behind the Android operating system (OS), delivering the essential runtime and core APIs on which apps and numerous OS services depend. Java and Kotlin languages are both compiled into bytecode executed by ART. New updates to ART typically mean quicker app launch, execution speed, enhanced memory utilization, more effective bytecode compilation, and vital security enhancements. The recent ART 13 update introduces an array of runtime and compiler optimizations, leading to noteworthy enhancements in app startup times.
Samsung is Ready for Comeback With “Better” Chip Than Snapdragon:
According to the latest information from AnTuTu’s Chinese website, Samsung is poised to reintroduce the use of Exynos chipsets for certain models within its Galaxy S24 lineup next year. It is anticipated that regions such as Europe, Africa, and select parts of Asia will receive the Galaxy S24 series equipped with an Exynos 2400 System-on-Chip (SoC), built upon an enhanced 4nm fabrication process developed by Samsung.
Google Chrome Will Warn You If Your Extensions Have Malware:
Internet browsers including Google Chrome have an endless amount of extensions that contain annoying ads and pop-up windows. These often lead to malware, scam, or some sort of fraud, but thankfully, Google Chrome will now warn you about all such extensions from now on. The software giant is testing a new feature that will notify you if a browser extension has been removed from the Chrome Web Store, which usually indicates the presence of malware. These sorts of extensions are often made by scammers or threat actors looking to steal private information, or in worse cases, take control of your devices to cause even more harm. This is usually done by injecting advertisements, redirecting you to affiliate pages, tracking your search history, and more.
Twitter Says Its Fixed the Bug That Deleted All Photos and Links Before 2014:
During the past weekend, reports surfaced regarding an issue impacting older tweets. After a thorough investigation, it was identified that posts predating December 2014, containing either images or links shortened by Twitter, were affected. Tom Coates’ post brought attention to this matter, highlighting that even the iconic 2014 Ellen DeGeneres selfie from the Oscars, known as the “most retweeted ever,” was missing its accompanying image.
Number of 4G Sites in Pakistan Increased by 26% in Last 2 Years:
The number 4G sites in the country increased by 26.31 percent in the last two years, while 3G sites have increased by 7.24 percent. From 2021 to 2023, the number of 2G sites in the country climbed by 11.97 percent, according to documents available with media. In the year 2023, the total 4G sites in the country increased to 50,695. The 4G sites in the year 2022 were 46,285 whereas there were 40,135 4G sites in the country in 2021.
Zong 4G Launches Its Industry-First Monthly Digital Max Offer – Innovating Beyond Traditional Mobile Bundles:
Zong 4G, the leading telecommunication network in Pakistan, has launched a revolutionary package that has redefined customer-centric offers. As part of the offer, customers can use an astounding 100GB of high-speed data along with 1000 Off-net minutes for effortless contact with loved ones outside the Zong network and an unbelievable 10,000 On-net minutes for nonstop communication with other Zong subscribers. Moreover, this is the first offer to give amazing discounts and deals on Golootlo and Waada!
Twitter Will Send Your Selfie and Govt ID to Israeli Intelligence Company:
The social media platform previously recognized as Twitter, now referred to as X, has implemented a new policy for users of X Blue. As outlined in a PC Magazine report, users subscribing to X Blue will be obligated to provide a selfie as well as an image of an official government ID. To facilitate this verification procedure, the user’s personal data will be managed by the Israeli company AU10TIX software. This information will be retained for a duration of 30 days as part of the process. X stated that the information garnered from a user’s profile will be employed with the intention of ensuring safety and security, notably in the prevention of impersonation.
Three killed in Belgorod hours after drones hit Moscow:
A drone attack on Russia’s Belgorod region has killed three people, hours after a drone hit central Moscow, Russian officials say. Belgorod’s Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov blamed Kyiv for the attack on the region, near Ukraine’s border – but it is unclear who is responsible. “Ukrainian forces launched an explosive device through a drone while people were on the street,” he claimed. Ukraine has not claimed responsibility for either incident. It does not usually comment on who is behind attacks inside Russian territory. As well as the drone strike on Belgorod, drones were also reported in the Moscow region.
FTX founder Bankman-Fried living on bread and water, lawyer says:
Sam Bankman-Fried is struggling to prepare for his fraud trial due to a lack of adequate food in prison, the lawyer for the founder of collapsed cryptocurrency exchange FTX says. The claim came as Mr Bankman-Fried pleaded not guilty to seven criminal charges contained in a new indictment. His bail was revoked two weeks ago. At the time the judge said: “There is probable cause to believe that the defendant has attempted to tamper with witnesses at least twice.” The former billionaire’s lawyer, Mark Cohen, said a lack of adequate food at Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center was hampering his client’s ability to prepare for his trial, which is scheduled to start in October.
How esports helped a snooker player go pro:
Going from the the top of the esports world to the elite tier of pro snooker might not seem like the easiest career move. But Ishpreet Singh Chadha isn’t afraid to challenge himself. The 27-year-old from India had always wanted to be a top snooker player. But a leg injury in 2017 left him unable to compete. So he turned back to his other great love – video games. He started playing Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, a massively popular team-based first-person shooter. “I got really good,” Ishpreet tells BBC Asian Network. “I was the best player in my country for two years.” He signed a contract with Entity eSports – which describes itself as India’s number one competitive gaming organisation.
The bike rescuer returning Cambridge’s stolen bikes:
Omar Terrywall has helped recover hundreds of stolen bikes, using the power of social media. He now says that Cambridge bike thieves have been forced to change their behaviour, due to the risk of ending up being exposed on Facebook. Titus Halliwell, the police’s national lead for cycling crime has warned the public not to approach cycle thieves, for their own safety.
Firms urged to stop ‘text pests’ hassling customers for dates:
Businesses have been warned to act if their employees use customers’ contact details to send inappropriate messages. Almost a third of young people have received unwanted contact after giving personal information to a business, the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) says. It said it would remind companies of their legal responsibilities when it came to “text pests” within their firm. It has urged those subjected to the practice to share their experiences. Research commissioned by the ICO found that 17% of the public have had their personal information given for business reasons used for a romantic or sexual proposition This includes 30% of 18-24 year olds, 29% of 25-34 year olds, and 25% of 35-44 year olds. The most common geographic region is London, where 33% of respondents reported it happening.
Threads: Meta to launch web version of flagging Threads app:
Meta is releasing a web version of Threads, as it attempts to revive the social media platform. The rival to X, formerly known as Twitter, enjoyed meteoric growth when it launched in July. However, users then abandoned it just as rapidly, partly due to its limited functionality. Meta says the web version is part of a drive to deliver new features but experts warn more needs to be done to rebuild customer interest. In a post on the platform – accompanied by what he said was a picture of him building Threads for the web – Meta boss Mark Zuckerberg said it would be “rolling out over the next few days.”
Ordnance Survey reveals top map symbol requests:
Ordnance Survey (OS) has revealed the top four new symbols people would like to see added to its leisure maps following a survey. The Southampton-based mapping agency said, of more than 2,400 responses, the top symbol more than half want added is gate and stile fence crossings. Village and farm shops, cafés and restaurants and open water access points were the others requested. OS said it was working out the best maps they could go on. Nick Giles, managing director of Ordnance Survey Leisure said: “The work that we have been doing is trying to understand the symbols that will help people – particularly in our leisure mapping – to get outside more often. “We’re trying to get an understanding of what really important symbols would help people have a better time outdoors.”
What do we know about drone attacks in Russia?:
Russia has repeatedly accused Ukraine of carrying out drone strikes on its territory in recent months. A Ukrainian drone hit a railway station in the Kursk region on 21 August, injuring five people, and two other drones were shot down in the Moscow region the next day, according to the Russian authorities. A few days earlier, a suspected drone attack left one of Russia’s flagship Tupolev Tu-22 bombers ablaze at an airbase south of St Petersburg, according to footage verified by the Media. Although Ukraine hasn’t claimed responsibility for specific drone strikes, President Volodymyr Zelensky has previously said that attacks on Russian territory are an “inevitable, natural and absolutely fair process”.
Microsoft makes new bid to unblock Call of Duty deal:
Microsoft has made a new bid to buy Call of Duty-maker Activision Blizzard in the latest twist in the tale of what would be the biggest deal of its kind in the gaming industry.
Its original $69bn (£59bn) deal was blocked by UK regulators. Microsoft’s president Brad Smith said the new offer was “substantially different” and should be approved. The UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) will review the deal but said: “This is not a green light.” The offer, if approved, would end a tumultuous 18 months for Microsoft. Since it announced plans to buy Activision Blizzard in January last year, the proposed merger has split regulators around the world, some of whom fear it could stifle choice for gamers. The CMA will make a decision on Microsoft’s revised bid by 18 October – without its approval the deal cannot go ahead globally. Microsoft hopes the merger will boost demand for its Xbox console and its gaming subscription business.
Wilko shoppers warned to avoid fake websites:
Wilko shoppers are being urged to avoid being scammed by a raft of fake websites that have been set up after the retailer fell into administration. Several fake sites are supposedly offering hefty discounts on Wilko goods. However, Wilko has stopped selling goods online, and is also no longer offering home delivery or click and collect services. One fake site had a sofa for £25 and an adult’s electric bike also for £25. Wilko announced earlier this month that it was going into administration, putting 12,500 jobs and its 400 stores at risk. PwC was appointed as the company’s administrator, tasked with trying to find a buyer for the business. However, it is now trying to close at least 10 fake websites.
Two Ukrainian drones downed over Moscow region, says Russia:
Russia’s defence ministry says it has thwarted a Ukrainian drone attack after it downed two drones over the Moscow region. Two other drones were intercepted over the Bryansk region, north-east of the Ukrainian border, it added. Flights were temporarily stopped to and from Moscow’s airports early on Tuesday, the ministry said. Airspace above Moscow has been closed several times in recent days as reports of drone strikes become more regular. The defence ministry also said a Russian warplane had destroyed a Ukrainian reconnaissance boat in the Black Sea that had sailed near Russian gas production facilities. Early on Tuesday, Moscow’s Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said Russian air defences had shot down two drones to the west of the capital in the Krasnogorsk and Chastsy districts.
Parkinson’s disease could be detected early with AI scans, scientists say:
Eye scans powered by artificial intelligence (AI) could detect Parkinson’s disease before people have symptoms, a study has suggested. Teams from London’s Moorfields Eye Hospital and the UCL Institute of Ophthalmology used AI to analyse a dataset and pick up on retinal markers. The process found physical differences in the eyes of people with Parkinson’s and those without the condition. It is hoped the method could be used as a pre-screening tool. The scientists studied data from a type of 3D scan known as optical coherence tomography (OCT), which produces a high detailed image of the cross-section of the retina, from a cohort of 154,830 patients aged 40 and over who had attended eye hospitals in London between 2008 and 2018. The process was repeated using data from a medical database, assessing 67,311 healthy volunteers aged between 40 and 69.