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iOS 14 comes with Redesigned Field Test mode

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Sriram
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Image Credit: macrumors.com

Ever since Apple has announced iOS 14, users have been trying the beta version on their iPhones. Apart from various changes that an iPhone brings in the software’s design and looks, there have been changes in  Field Test mode. The new Field Test mode brings in new looks for this model. It now has a home screen with LTE cell serving info and a menu that provides the user with other necessary details about the device.

These details are related to device info and breakdowns of LTE, UMTS, and GSM functionality. The information and details provided in the iOS 13 version of the Field Test mode are completely the same compared to the new iOS 14 version. The only major difference that one can see is in the looks and layout for the same. 

The layout has been redesigned to provide easier navigation. The Field Test mode is one of the most important modes in the iPhone, used to access in-depth detail about the cellular signal and connection. It has been designed to be used by engineers and cellular operators to check the connection and signal details.

It is not a function that users will be using regularly. If you want to access the field test mode, then open the phone app and dial *3001#12345#* and press the home button, it will open the Field Test mode. It was earlier used to measure the signal strength in numerical measurement, which is not available as a feature in new iPhones. 

Face masks are breaking facial recognition algorithms

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Sriram
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Image credit: Theverge.com

Covid-19 pandemic has affected the entire world, and the best source for its prevention is a face mask. The pandemic has led to huge demand and the use of face masks among all. However, a face mask’s continuous use might have been breaking the facial recognition algorithm, say a new government study. Since a facial mask covers the entire mouth and nose area on the face, it leads to errors on the most widely used facial algorithms, which is as high as 50%.

The study on the same was conducted by the US National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). The more of the nose area covered by the mask, the harder it becomes for the facial recognition algorithm to identify them. 

Also, they discovered that the black colored masks created more errors than the blue colored ones. It is why new algorithms for many companies and software are being created, identifying a person with the face mask. Currently, the algorithm development is in progress, however, creating one to recognize with a mask will be difficult and might take a long time.

The algorithm to detect faces with masks will be tested later this summer. The algorithm in development by NIST will measure the distance between the face features. It will remove most of the features from the older algorithm but will continue to use some. 

The new facial recognition software ties tested by NIST only tested a type of facial recognition known as one-to-one matching. It is the procedure used in border crossings and passport control scenarios, where the algorithm checks to see if the target’s face matches their ID. NIST is deeply concerned about the security threats that might occur due to the mask’s widespread use. As per them, it could hamper a lot of security systems that use facial recognition software.

Amazon brings redesigned Alexa app for iPhone

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Sriram
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Image credit: justandroid.net

Amazon has been updating the Alexa app for all platforms and adding a whole new feature lately. As per a recent leak from TechCrunch, Amazon is planning to bring a new version of the Alexa app to the iPhone, which will be specially designed to take full advantage of the unique features of the iPhone. The new Alexa app for iPhone will have more focus on personalization and native Alexa features.

The new app will remove the emphasis on third-party skills instead of focusing on how consumers are using Alexa. The new app has a redesigned home screen with the prominent Alexa button on the top. One can tap the button or say “Alexa” to activate the voice assistant. 

As per Techcrunch, the Alexa app was working as a daily dashboard in the previous version, where it focused more on assisting with things that one does in daily routine. However, the new personalized version drastically scales back the focus on Skills and acts like a “More” button. The new app has not decluttered or redesigned the Home screen completely.

However, since the Alexa button has moved up, it has added a new button in the navigation bar. The new app will also provide users with lots of tips and suggestions for use. The new app will try to become more user friendly and easy to use. The new app is now available for iPhone users and will soon be rolled out for Android and Fire OS users until August.

The new Fable will be an Open-World RPG, Not MMO

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Sriram
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Image Credit: youtube.com

Fable has been one of the most popular games with millions of users as its fan base. Last week, a major announcement was made for the Fable fans, where it was announced that a new version of the game would be launched soon. However, users expected the game to be from the MMO category, which it always has been. But the company has confirmed that the new Fable will only be an Open-World RPG and not MMO.

The game announcement at the Xbox Series X game event also provides two more facts about the game, which were that the game is not called “Fable 4“, as it is only named as Fable. UK-based Forza studio Playground Games are developing the game. The vague reveal trailer of the game in the event led to confusion about the game, its gameplay, and how it will be framed for users to play. 

It has led to dissatisfaction among the users who were expecting Fable for a long time, especially those who were expecting an MMO gameplay. However, since it will be an Open-World RPG, we can expect the game to have a lot of online content and features, such as co-op functionality or limited, optional shared spaces, etc. However, the game promises to give you a good single-player experience in the gameplay.

The game franchise is making a comeback after ten long years, and the fans are excited to see new elements in the game. It is not clear when the game will be completed and released as it is still under development. However, the trailer provided at the game event provided confidence for users looking for a new Fable game. The game is expected to launch next year. However, no date has been announced yet.

Leveling playing field for developers, says Apple store chief

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Sriram
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Image credit: zdnet.com

Today, Apple Inc Chief Executive Tim Cook will face U.S. lawmakers’ questions about whether the iPhone maker’s App Store practices give it unfair power over independent software developers. Since Apple has full control over the apps published over the App store, independent developers have claimed that Apple is claiming around 15-30% of commission on many app store purchases.

Also, its prohibitions on courting customers for outside signs-ups, and what some developers see as an opaque and unpredictable app-vetting process. As per independent developers, the App Store was launched in 2008 with low commission rates to attract developers, but the idea has changed now, and the App store is claiming the highest rate of commission right now. 

As per Apple, the App Store provided one set of rules for every developer, without special deals and terms for anyone. When the App Store was launched, placing a product or selling it through a retail store cost 50% expenses and commission, which Apple said was brought down to 30% through their platform. But the apps were only accepted after being reviewed by Apple and using Apple’s billing system. It was done to maintain customer privacy and also provide them a trusted payment system through all apps on the App Store. Since then, developers have been complaining to Apple about the commission rates. 

However, Apple feels that the 30% commission is justified as Apple provides an extensive system for developers for which thousands of Appl engineers maintain and test the server. However, developers feel that since Apple and Google have a duopoly on the app market, they should lower down the commission rates for apps on their virtual store. As a developer, you only have two storage options and have no way around the high commission fee.

Facebook coming up with new Oculus

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Sriram
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Image credit: UploadVR.com

After Facebook took over Oculus VR Inc. in 2014, Facebook will be adding some revolutionary technology and feature to integrate it with Facebook experience. However, the company till now has launched two new standalone VR headsets with the latest one powered with Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 and has OLED displays with 1440×1600 resolution per eye and a refresh rate of 72Hz.

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New images have been leaked for a new revamped version of Quest VR with a 90Hz display. The leaked images were posted by leaker @h0x0d (also known as WalkingCat). The device is said to have a refreshed look and the same touch controller configuration. Another difference in the VR headset is the change in the power switch position, which is now on the right side and USB C and headphone jack cable, which is now on the left side. 

As per rumors, it is expected that the new Oculus Quest can be released on September 15.

Also, four new images of the device were posted on Reddit. However, there is no confirmation it is the new Oculus Quest. The new Oculus Quest is said to be lighter than the previous version and smaller in size as well. The company was reported to be working on prototypes with 120Hz display, but it seems that the new device will be capped with a 90Hz display to conserve on battery. Haptic feedback, touch controller, tracking, and response time is also said to be better in this version. Until the official announcements, we will have to wait for the official spec on Oculus Quest.

ROG Phone has a hidden refresh rate of 160 MHz

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Sriram
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Asus has recently launched the new ROG phone 3, which some great specifications and performance. The phones have been specifically designed and created for smartphone users who like gaming and like to play high graphic games. The device was packed with a Snapdragon 865+ and up to 12 GB RAM with a 6000mAh battery. The phone also came with air triggers and a 144MHz display to provide a smooth and engaging screen experience.

Due to these specs, the device has been marked as one of the best phones for gamers. However, a recent leak has identified that the phone can support higher screen refresh rates, exactly 160MHz. The discovery was made by XDA developers, where they found that the phone has a hidden 160Hz mode. 

The mode can be enabled using an ADB command. Once the command is executed, the device will be rebooted to apply the new setting, and the new refresh rate option will appear in the Refresh rate option under display settings. You can also enable it using the Quick Settings tile for refresh rate in the ROG Phone 3. The best part about this is that you do not need to worry about the device as the phone can easily handle higher refresh rates.

The users have to understand that the phone has not been calibrated to be used at 160MHz, so manual adjustments are needed in the phone to make it work on the new settings. It might be a feature that the company was planning to add on the phone with future updates or was just there for testing purposes. But the phone is capable of providing you with great gaming experience.

2-Player Split Screen support coming to Halo Infinite

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Sriram
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Image Credit: Tweaktown.com

Halo Infinite is one of the most anticipated games for 2020, which was earlier showcased in the Xbox showcase. The showcase provided a complete 8-minute gameplay video, which showed many new features, changes in the graphics, gameplay, etc. While the audience was excited about the game and loved the gameplay, there was a lot more information that was about to be released.

The latest of the announced features is that Halo Infinite’s campaign will feature a two-player split-screen mode locally. Earlier, this feature was only available for games with a season pass to play online. However, adding this feature to the campaign, which is played offline, is a great chance for Xbox users. Also, you can play the campaign with your friend as long as you have two controllers. 

Earlier, there were reports that the game would be supporting a four-player split campaign, which was later rejected by Jerry Hook, which is the head of 343 Industries’ design. Hos tweet mentioned that there would be no four-player split screens support in the game. However, you can layer with the other three friends in the four-player co-op mode.

It is a new feature for any Halo games, and Xbox fans are expecting more interesting news about the multiplayer version of the gameplay. The game will be released on multiple platforms such as Xbox One, PC via Steam, and Microsoft store. The game is expected to launch together with the new Xbox series control in November.

The new Telegram update brings Profile Video, Group Stats, Improved People Nearby, and More

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Sriram
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Image Credit: Dignited.com

Telegram is the direct competitor of Whatsapp, and they have been trying to add a lot of new features to the platform to attract more and more users. It has been so that the company has been adding updates in bulk to make the app more secure and add new features for file sharing. As per the new update from Telegram, it has added many new features such as Profile Video, Group stats, improved nearby people, bulk picture and file sharing, and a lot more.

One of the most interesting features to be added is the new video profile. The feature lets the users set a small video as a profile image rather than a still image. It can also be edited and enhanced using built-in tools. 

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They have also revamped the nearby feature, which allows the users to discover new Telegram users near them. The new update also brings in new Stickers, which are provided as suggestions for users. Another feature has been specifically added for the administrators of the Telegram group. They can track group activity, top members in the form of graphs, and beautiful pie charts. It can help find out the top members in the group and check the details like message length, the average spending time, etc. Apart from all these features, there is one major update to the accounts as well. The user can now use multiple accounts on the desktop. 

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The same feature was available on the smartphone app, but now the user can also access three different Telegram accounts through the desktop. It is a great feature for those who keep two different numbers for professional and personal use. The new features also allow to automatically archive and mute chats from new users, get a sneak peek at photos from the chat list, file size increased to 2GB, and animated emoji and stickers. The feature has been rolled out on iOS and Android, and if you still do not see it, update your application immediately.

Read later option coming to Google Chrome

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Sriram
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Image credit: Forbes.com

Google Chrome is undoubtedly one of the most secure and efficient web browsers in the world. With billions of users using Chrome to browse the web, It is expected from Google that they keep adding new features now and then. Three years later, the company added a “Read Later” option to Google Chrome on iOS, and now the feature will finally be launched on the desktop platform. As per “Chromium Gerrit“, the feature on Google Chrome will soon be available on ChromeOS, macOS, Windows, and Linux.

Believed to have been first spotted by Techdows, the feature is already available behind a flag in Chrome 86 Canary. It was also spotted that the feature was already existing in Android with a different Avatar. To use it, tap on the triple dot menu on the top right and select the Download option from the pullout menu. 

It will add the web page to the save list. Although it is not a one-click solution but still efficient. As per the update, the new feature will add a new button to the browser, which will be marked as read later. The same feature will also be listed on the menu for accessing the tabs saved for later. Although there is a lot of speculation about how the feature will work, there is no information on when it will be launched as the product is still under development.

The last few weeks have been very exciting for Chrome as it received native 64-bit support earlier this month, and added a download scheduler on Android last week. Many more new features are on the way and will soon be announced by Google.

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