Home Blog Page 203

Huawei’s Android license with Google has expired

By
Shanmugam
-
0
Image Credit: bbc.com

Huawei has already been under a lot of scrutiny by the US government on sending the data of US customers to China, due to which the Android support and business with the US was severely impacted. However, the phones manufactured from Huawei still continued to be exported to the US as it had an ongoing license with Google. But it seems that the problems will get deeper for the company now as the license between Google and Huawei has now ended.

The report was provided by Washington Post, where it mentioned that the license came to an end on Thursday, which allowed Google to support and maintain Android on Huawei phones. With this, it will not only create more problems for Huawei but will also lead to an end of Kirin chipsets which were heavily used in Huawei phones with the Android operating system. The company is expected to launch a new range of smartphones on September 4 in the IFA event and the cancellation of the license can seriously impact the sales of the upcoming Huawei phones.

Also, due to this Huawei will not be able to participate in the 5G rollout in India, as the relationship between the two countries has not been positive lately. Huawei gets most of the sale numbers from China, and almost all of its phones are sold due to the strong technical specs of houses. With the Android support coming to an end, it will definitely affect the company in the long term, including the existing Android phone users who bought a Huawei smartphone.

Microsoft Excel and Google sheets will soon be used through VR

By
Sriram
-
0
Image credit: business.tutsplus.com

Spreadsheet software like Google Sheets and Microsoft Excel has been one of the most productive and used office tools for everyone. With many new features added to the platform, it seems like it has reached a saturation level, where it has almost all the features. However, as per the new update, both the Google Spreadsheets and Microsoft Excel are soon going to be available through virtual reality. The Researchers from Coburg University, Microsoft Research, and the University of Cambridge have been successful in porting the application to the VR platform.

It is meant to improve the interactivity of the application with the user over a mobile device. Also, the VR platform would help to boost the productivity of the individual. The spreadsheet or Excel file will be rendered in the virtual space where all the components like the menu, charts, cells, etc, will be rendered and visualized in 3D. In VR, the field of view for the spreadsheet will grow beyond the limited boundaries and the user will easily be able to access large amounts of data almost immediately. The researchers used the HTC Vive Pro headset, Microsoft Surface Pro 4 tablet and a stylus where the movements of the stylus were tracked using the simulation.

As per researchers, the addition of this new technology to productivity tools, would increase the effectiveness and lead to better decision making by analyzing the files. It will enhance the interaction of the file with the users as they will be able to easily look at the data and even use touch-based switching between multiple tabs.

New Leak confirms the launch date for the Xbox series X console

By
Shanmugam
-
0
Image Credit: tweaktown.com

It seems that rumors and leaks for Xbox Series X are not stopping until the release of the next-generation console. There have been a lot of leaks related to the design of the next-gen console and recently the controller video was released which confirmed that fact about another affordable console ready to launch. With the never-ending leaks for the product, it seems that the new leak also confirms the launch date of the new console.

The leaked controller was found in another video with a different individual who not only explained the features but also compared it to other controllers. Now when the images of the same controller were leaked, it had Microsoft’s limited warranty mentioned, which had mentioned that it ends on the 5th of November, 2021. It means that we calculate that by a year in the past, the launch date of the controller can be confirmed as the 6th of November, 2020.

Also, another leaked screenshot of the box shows a sticker mentioning “Do not sell or display before November 6, 2020“. Both the video and images hint towards the same date, therefore, it can be confirmed that the launch event for the series of the next-generation X controller will be done on November 6, 2020. The company has already confirmed that the Xbox Series X console will be launched in November, but this leak now confirms the date as well.

The only thing that remains is any kind of update from Microsoft, related to the change of time for the launch, which does not seem to be a possibility now.

Facebook is integrating Messenger and Instagram chats through the new update

By
Sriram
-
0
Image Credit: bbc.com

It has been a dream of Mark Zuckerberg to integrate all the cross-platform services into a single cross-platform of personal data and it seems he has started rolling out this feature as well. We all know that Facebook is the parent company for both Instagram and WhatsApp, therefore, it was imperative that both of them are going to use common features and share the data as well.

As per the recent update, Facebook has now started integrating Facebook Messenger and Instagram chats in the new updates. The chat platform integration would first be launched in the US and then it will be launched slowly to other parts of the globe as well. The users on Instagram will see a Popup with the message “There’s a New Way to Message on Instagram“.

It will also include an option “chat with friends who use Facebook” and more options for emojis. Earlier in July, Facebook also tried to integrate the Instagram Direct, WhatsApp, and Messenger chats, to provide a single cross-platform communication platform for all the users across the globe. This feature would eventually allow two users to chat with each other, even if they are using a completely different app like Facebook Messenger, Instagram direct, or Whatsapp.

The feature would also share the personal data of the user among the platforms, due to which the users do not have to provide all the details again and again in each app. It can be the personal details or the payment details for in-app purchases.

Nokia 5.3 page appears on the official website, with launch expected soon.

By
Shanmugam
-
0
Image Credit: gizbot.com

It has been a very long time since Nokia has released an Android smartphone. However, there were a lot of rumors that the company can be launching a new handset very soon in the market. Now, a recent report from The Mobile Indian has revealed that HMD Global will be announcing a new Nokia smartphone this month in India, which will be named as Nokia 5.3. The phone is currently live on the Nokia India page and the listing also provides the detail on the specification and features of the phone.

It means that the phone will soon be launched officially in the Indian market. Just by the looks of it, the phone seems to be sturdy and has a beautiful design. The specification of the phone says that the phone will be 180 grams and will have a 6.55 inch LCD display with a water drop notch. The screen will also support HD+ resolution at the 20:9 aspect ratio.

The phone will be powered by a mid-range chipset, which is the Snapdragon 665, which will be powered by 4 and 6GB RAM in two different variants, and a 64 GB memory. The phone will have Android 10 support out of the box and is due to receive a software upgrade for the next two years. The Nokia smartphone will also have a dedicated hardware key for Google Assistant. Other features of the phone include a 4000 mAh battery, 8MP front selfie camera, quad-camera setup at the rear along with a fingerprint sensor, and all possible connectivity options.

The phone will have a USB-C charging port with 3.5mm jack. The expected price for the handset is $224, which has still not been revealed. The phone will be available in three very good and beautiful colors of Cyan, Sand, and Charcoal.

Google Meet to replace Google Duo in the future

By
Sriram
-
0

As per the recent updates and information, we already know the Google is updating Google Meet, to increase the number of participants and the interactivity between users. However, now there are rumors that Google is planning to phase out Google Duo as well, and it will be replaced by Google Meet. Google Duo was released as a competitor to Facebook Facetime and users could use it to directly do video calls using their phone numbers, or anyone in the contact list.

However, the company has decided to phase it put as they have been working on increasing features for Google Meet and the same functionality with better features cannot be provided in Google Duo. The Google department that handles the GSuite services feels that there is no need for Google Meet and Duo to coexist as both of them are offering similar kinds of functionalities to the user. The code name “DUET” has been given to the merging of both the services which would also integrate end-to-end encryption, 3D effects, and contacting users for a video via phone number to Google Meet.

Google Duo has been in the market for only a little time and the removal of into Google Meet seemed to be surprising for Google Dup team as well. The decision has been taken due to the increased usage of Google Meet during the pandemic, and it was vastly used by students, educators, and businessmen. The sources claim that the transition and integration of features will happen over the next few years and it will take a while before Google Duo is completely replaced by Google Meet.

Until the product is merged with Google Meet, it will continue to work as a standalone product, as it has been working up till now. It seems that the video calling platform from Google is going to see a lot of innovation and changes in the coming years.

Windows update causing multiple errors for users

By
Shanmugam
-
0
Image Credit: windowslatest.com

If you are a Windows 10 user, this information could be critical to you. As a part of providing the Windows operating system experience, Microsoft has been releasing regular updates and patches to increase the number of features and security. Recently the two new updates were launched on August 11, which were Windows 10 KB4565351 & KB4566782. These updates were meant to be security patches that made the operating system much more secure.

The updates were meant for people who are using the Windows 10 version n1909, 1903, and 2004. However, a lot of users who are running the Windows version 1909 and 2004 are now reporting errors while they are trying to install the update. As per them, the update fails and they get an uninformative error message., including 0x800f0988, 0x800f081f, and 0x800f08a. One of the error messages that Windows 10 users receive are:

“”There were some problems installing updates, but we’ll try again later. If you keep seeing this and want to search the web or contact support for information, this may help: (0x800f081f)”, one of the error messages reads.”

The issues have not been acknowledged yet by Microsoft but it seems like the issue occurs when the WinSXS folder has some files which missing which has the DLL and system files. The issues make the screen keeps rotating on the black screen with restarting at the end with an error message of being unable to install the update. The issue has already been registered on communities like Reddit and Feedback hub.

There is no official update on when the issue will be resolved however, it was checked that the update could be manually downloaded and installed. In the meanwhile, the user can simply pause the update so that the issue does not continue. Apart from this, the update is also causing an audio break issue for some users and a dead blue screen issue with “SYSTEM THREAD UNHANDLED EXCEPTION” error. The same has also been reported and a resolution for the same is expected soon enough. It is suggested that you should pause the Windows update for now and wait for the issue to be fixed.

Facebook agreeing with Epic Games in the App Store monopoly issue

By
Sriram
-
0
Image Credit: deccanherald.com

After both the App Store and Google Play store banned the game Fornite, there has been a lot of fuss in the market, especially about the monopoly of Apple in the app store. Due to this, even Facebook has now come up against the policy from Apple, which is only making it difficult for other platforms to perform. Facebook mentioned that they decided not to collect any fee for paid online events by educators, entertainers, and others as “Events” was a fresh addition to the Facebook platform, which allowed the users to talk to their customers in the time of the pandemic, where physical gatherings are still not allowed.

Removing any fee would help these people to earn more during the pandemic situation. However, when Facebook requested Apple to do the same and forgo any commission from live events hosted on social networks, Apple refused. Facebook said that due to this people will only get 70% of their hard-earned income and 30% will be taken as the commission. Apple is justifying the fee of 30% as the cost to cover the security and maintenance of the App store. However, most of the opinion from companies is that Apple is trying to abuse its monopoly in the market.

Epic game developers have also filed a lawsuit against both Apple and Google Play Store and have asked Apple to change its commission structure for every app developer from the fixed 30%, as it is anti-competitive conduct. Ever since the issue has been raised, more and more companies are coming up against the policies of the App Store.

Facebook launches a new Short Video feature in India

By
Shanmugam
-
0
Image Credit: firstpost.com

Facebook has been testing a new feature on its social networking platform, where the user is able to post a short video with a limited time duration. The feature was tried on the main app platform in India. The feature names Short Videos and can be seen in the News Feed area, which allows the users to watch and create short lip sync videos, similar to watch people use to do on platforms like TikTok. The feature was confirmed by Facebook to TechCrunch, which confirmed that they are trying to add new features that can provide users with a new experience and can help them to connect and share on social media.

Facebook already had a TikTok like platform called Lasso which has already been shut down by Facebook. However, since the ban of TikTok in India, due to strict action on Chinese apps, it seems like the feature could turn out to be a hit with the Facebook Indian audience while they are looking for an alternative app. This feature of Facebook will have to face a lot of competition as many Indian app developers have also launched a new TikTok based apps which provides similar functionality.

Similar to Facebook, even Youtube is planning to launch a similar short video feature in a separate app called “Shorts“”. Also, some companies have been trying to take over the India business of TikTok. It might seem like the right opportunity for Facebook to launch a similar feature as there are a lot of users who are looking for such platforms right now. Also, Facebook has the right amount of resources to up the experience of such apps.

Microsoft drive optimizer facing errors after May update, in reporting the correct status

By
Sriram
-
0
Image Credit: windowslatest.com

Microsoft Windows 10 has been facing a lot of issues lately, recently the users of Windows 10 have reported an issue where they have not been able to update the operating systems automatically with updates. The updates do not install and keep crashing, leading to a restart.  No issues with 2004 driver optimizer has been reported for Windows 10 users. It seems that the issue started for users after they installed the May 2020 update, including one of the verified bugs that seems to affect the storage device as well.

The error has been noticed in Windows 10 that comes with a disk optimization tool, which automatically defragments the files to improve the efficiency of the hard drive. Now the tool is automatically optimized to function once a week. Once it is complete, the time in the “Last Run” column will update to 0 days since the last run. The users have now reported that ever since the update has been installed the Disk defragmenter has been behaving in a very odd way. The drive optimizer is now unable to report the right status as before and unable to report the last run status accurately.

For example, if you have run the optimization tools recently or the same day, it should show the last run column as zero days. The bug is making the system warn you about defragmenting the drives even when they have been recent. Microsoft is aware about the issue and has assured that it will be updated with a future patch or update. They have also confirmed that most of the issue in Windows 10 that has recently emerged has been due to the May 2020 update. 

1...202203204...225Page 203 of 225

© WikiWax