Hatem Bamatraf Unveils Expansion of PTCL’s Women Empowerment Program at GITEX:
At GITEX Technology Week in Dubai, Hatem Bamatraf, President and Group CEO of Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL), shared new details about the company’s ongoing program aimed at empowering women entrepreneurs in underserved areas of Pakistan.During the event, Bamatraf visited the GITEX stall set up by PTCL for two women who participated in the BaIkhtiyar program. The stall showcased the success stories of Marium Hussain and Farhat al-Ain, highlighting how the initiative has transformed their lives and enabled them to become self-reliant entrepreneurs.
Two Pakistani Startups Join Google’s First Ever AI Academy in Asia Pacific:
Two innovative startups from Pakistan are among the 23 chosen from across the Asia-Pacific (APAC) to participate in Google’s first-ever AI Academy in the region.Designed to help startups refine their AI solutions and advance their business growth, the program kicked off this week with an interactive three-day boot camp in Singapore, bringing together all participating founders from Pakistan and six other countries: Korea, Japan, India, Indonesia, Singapore, and Malaysia.
Honor Magic 7 Pro Appears in Company CEO’s Hands:
In a recent showcase, Honor’s CEO George Zhao provided fans with a preview of the company’s next flagship device, the Honor Magic 7 Pro. However, the reveal comes with a catch – the smartphone is concealed within a specially designed camouflage case, a common practice for protecting prototype devices to avoid showing off too much. Despite the protective case, some key features of the Magic 7 Pro are still discernible. Most notably, the device sports a pill-shaped cutout at the top of its display, similar to Apple’s iPhones. This aperture houses not only the front-facing camera but also incorporates advanced 3D facial recognition technology for secure unlocking, again, just like iPhones.
nCERT Issues Guidelines to Help Protect Your WhatsApp From Hackers:
The National Computer Emergency Response Team (nCERT) has issued a cybersecurity advisory to help protect against cyber-attacks on WhatsApp users in Pakistan. With WhatsApp being widely used for both personal and official communications, it has become a frequent target for cybercriminals using sophisticated phishing and social engineering techniques to compromise accounts.
Steam Removed Nearly 1500 Bad Reviews for Tekken 8 Changing its Rating to “Mostly Positive”:
Bandai Namco’s latest installment in the Tekken franchise has encountered a rocky road since its release nine months ago. Tekken 8, while initially well-received, has seen its Steam review scores fluctuate dramatically amid fan dissatisfaction. The game’s reception on Steam has been a rollercoaster ride, with review scores starting high but gradually declining over time. This downward trend has been punctuated by what some describe as coordinated efforts from disgruntled fans to voice their dissatisfaction.
Vivo Y300 Plus Launched With 120Hz AMOLED and 50MP Camera for $285:
In a swift follow-up to last month’s Y300 Pro release, Vivo has now introduced its latest offering, the Y300 Plus. The phone is launching in India first but should become available in other regions. The Y300 Plus has a 6.78-inch 1080p curved AMOLED display, capable of a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. The screen’s peak brightness reaches 1,300 nits and includes wet touch functionality, enhancing usability during rain or other wet conditions. This new model boasts budget hardware, including the Snapdragon 695 SoC, 8 GB of LPDDR4X RAM, and 128 GB of UFS 2.2 storage. For users requiring additional space, the device supports expandable storage of up to 1TB via a microSD card.
Instagram Will Finally Let You Find That Funny Reel You Sent Someone:
We’ve all had trouble recalling a funny Reel or meme we’ve sent someone in the past, but this should no longer be a problem on Instagram soon.The social media platform is allegedly working on a “Social Library” section, designed to help you keep track of the Reels and posts you share or receive, as reported by renowned developer and leaker Alessandro Paluzzi.Paluzzi’s leaked screenshot offers a glimpse into this potential new feature. The “Social Library” appears to serve as a centralized hub for users to easily retrieve a wide range of content. This includes media shared in chat threads, personal collections, and posts that users have previously liked.
Meta is Firing Employees From WhatsApp, Instagram, and Other Divisions:
Sources close to the matter reveal that Meta, the tech giant behind Facebook, has initiated a series of targeted layoffs affecting several of its prominent divisions. The job cuts are reportedly impacting teams at WhatsApp, Instagram, and Reality Labs.Unlike previous large-scale workforce reductions, this round of layoffs appears to be more selective. Insiders suggest that the cuts are linked to ongoing restructuring efforts within specific departments rather than a sweeping, company-wide downsizing initiative.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition Could Launch on October 21:
A fresh addition to the Galaxy lineup is on the horizon, as Samsung gears up for a product launch next Monday. While the tech giant has kept the device’s name under wraps, industry insiders speculate it could be the much-anticipated Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition.Samsung has piqued curiosity with a video teaser, which you can watch below.Since there is no confirmation regarding the name, debates continue over whether it will be dubbed the Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition or carry the more specific title of Galaxy Z Fold 6 Special Edition.
Empowering Experience through Digital, Humanizing Technology for All: vivo Unveils Vision in the Future of Mobile Imaging at the Global Imaging Press Conference:
vivo, a global leader in mobile technology, successfully convened the 2024 vivo Global Imaging Press Conference in Beijing today, bringing together over 100 global media representatives. Following the unveiling of the latest vivo X200 series, the conference explored the brand’s journey of imaging innovations and its strategic vision for shaping the future of mobile experience under the ethos of “Empowering Experience through Digital, Humanizing Technology for All”.
80 Pakistani Companies Participate in GITEX Global 2024 in Dubai:
Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA) Chairman Sajjad Mustafa Syed has said that Pakistan – as the Tech Destination – made a remarkable impact at GITEX Global 2024 in Dubai with the grand inauguration of Pakistan Pavilion and the much-anticipated Pakistan Night, hosted by P@SHA and the Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB) in coordination.  Syed said that these events showcased Pakistan’s dynamic IT sector and magnified its status as the official Tech Destination of the Year by GITEX Global. He apprised that the inauguration ceremony notably featured Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, ambassador of Pakistan UAE, high-ranking officials from Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), Muhammad Umair Nizam, Senior Vice Chairman P@SHA, Raheel Iqbal, Vice Chairman P@SHA and CEOs of some of the top IT companies of Pakistan.
Google Messages is Getting New Privacy Features:
Google Messages has been riding a wave of success lately, with all three major US carriers now using the app by default, moving away from their messaging apps like Verizon Messaging. Samsung has also decided to replace its Messages app with Google’s in its smartphones. This momentum has enabled Google to finally persuade Apple to support RCS (Rich Communication Services), allowing Google Messages users to message iPhone users with features that previously required iMessage.
The Fastest-Selling Smartwatches in the Market with New Revolution by FASTER Pakistan:
FASTER is redefining the Best Smart watches in Pakistan. Their launch of the NERV Smartwatch Collection is great for everyone. Whether you’re into fitness or juggle a busy schedule, there’s a NERV smartwatch that fits your lifestyle. The NERV smartwatches meet the needs of a wide range of users. From advanced fitness tracking to staying connected on the go, these watches have it all. What sets the smartwatches apart is how it combine hi-tech health features with seamless communication tools. That makes it easy for everyone to stay connected, on the go. NERV smart watches help you maintain a healthy lifestyle while keeping you in the loop with notifications, messages, and calls – all from your wrist. That makes NERV the best smartwatch for girls and boys, of an age.
Nothing’s Fan Designed Phone to Launch on October 30:
In March, Nothing introduced the Phone (2a) in three colors: black, white, and milk, followed by a blue model in April and a Special Edition in May. Despite these releases, the company has not finished yet. Nothing has announced the upcoming launch of the Nothing Phone (2a) Community Edition, scheduled to be introduced on October 30.The Nothing Phone (2a) Community Edition is the result of the Nothing Phone (2a) Community Edition Project, which kicked off in March 2024. This unique project invited members of the Nothing community to contribute ideas across several stages. Participants actively participated in making decisions about the phone’s hardware design, wallpaper design, packaging, and even the marketing campaign. Nothing’s website lists the project winners who contributed to this collaboration.
Instagram adds features to help stop sextortion:
Instagram will stop people from being able to screenshot or screen-record images and videos intended to be viewed once, as part of “ongoing efforts” to prevent sextortion on the platform. Its parent company Meta announced features on Thursday aimed at protecting teens from being tricked into sending intimate images to scammers and blackmailed over them.Previously tested tools that blur nude images in messages, and hiding the follower and following lists of users from potential sextortion accounts, will also be made permanent.
Social media faces big changes under new Ofcom rules:
Social media companies will face punishments for failing to keep children safe on their platforms, communications watchdog Ofcom has warned. Services like Facebook, Instagram and Whatsapp could face fines from the regulator if they do not comply with the new Online Safety Act – which comes into force early next year – Ofcom chief executive Dame Melanie Dawes, told the Media.
Firm hacked after accidentally hiring North Korean cyber criminal:
A company has been hacked after accidentally hiring a North Korean cyber criminal as a remote IT worker. The unidentified firm hired the technician after he faked his employment history and personal details.
Once given access to the company’s computer network, the hacker downloaded sensitive company data and sent a ransom demand. The firm which is based in the UK, US or Australia did not want to be named. It has allowed cyber responders from Secureworks to report the hack to spread awareness and warn others. It is the latest in a string of cases of western remote workers being unmasked as North Koreans. Secureworks said the IT worker, thought to be a man, was hired in the summer as a contractor.
Twitch streamer Asmongold suspended after Palestinian rant:
Popular streamer Zach Hoyt, better known as Asmongold, has been suspended from Twitch after saying in a video Palestinians come from an “inferior culture”. Asmongold, who has over five million followers over two Twitch channels, has apologised in a post on X, writing “I’ll do better”. Twitch said in a statement: “We take enforcement action when there are violations of our community guidelines, including our hateful conduct policy and other rules.”
Witcher TV star’s gaming debut a chance for self-exploration:
More and more actors are starring in videogame adaptations, though not many go the other way. But that’s what Anya Chalotra, who you might recognise from Netflix hit The Witcher, has done. She’s swapped costumes for a mo-cap suit in her starring role in story-driven action-adventure Unknown 9: Awakening. Anya plays Haroona, a character with supernatural, dimension-hopping powers on a quest to stop a secretive group from altering the course of history. OK, you might have heard something similar before. But Anya says the role is rewriting the narrative in other ways. The game is set in 20th-Century India and is one of only a few released by a large publisher to feature a South Asian protagonist. “I’ve not explored that part of myself – that fierce part of myself – in a role yet,” Anya tells News.
News app shows fake bloodied Alex Jones AI advert:
A publisher has been criticised for running adverts with “disturbing” fake images of TV presenter Alex Jones and Chancellor Rachel Reeves. Users of the WalesOnline app, published by Reach, saw AI-generated photos of Reeves and Jones with blood and bruises on their faces. If tapped on, the adverts take readers to fake BBC News articles promoting cryptocurrency. Reach has been asked to comment. The company, which is the UK and Ireland’s largest publisher, operates some of the best-known news brands including the Mirror and the Express.
UK considering EU-style common charging cable:
The UK government is considering whether to require all new electronic devices to use the same type of charging cable. A call for evidence launched in October is asking for views on the benefits of using a particular charging cable – such as USB-C, which is used by many modern devices. It comes after the European Union passed a law on a common charging cable in 2022, which firms must adopt by December. The UK government said at the time it was not considering similar rules. The EU’s law aims to cut electronic waste by requiring small to medium electronic device manufacturers to use USB-C chargers.
How does WhatsApp make money? It’s free – with some tricks:
In the past 24 hours I’ve written more than 100 WhatsApp messages. None of them were very exciting. I made plans with my family, discussed work projects with colleagues, and exchanged news and gossip with some friends. Perhaps I need to up my game, but even my most boring messages were encrypted by default, and used WhatsApp’s powerful computer servers, housed in various data centres around the world. It’s not a cheap operation, and yet neither I nor any of the people I was chatting with yesterday, have ever parted with any cash to use it. The platform has nearly three billion users worldwide. So how does WhatsApp – or zapzap, as it’s nicknamed in Brazil – make its money? Admittedly, it helps that WhatsApp has a massive parent company behind it – Meta, which owns Facebook and Instagram as well.