Archives January 2024

OnePlus has just released two brand new flagship devices for 2024 – the stunning OnePlus 12 and OnePlus 12R – and we’ve teamed up with the brand to bag TechRadar readers an exclusive discount.

For an extremely limited time, you can use the code TECH30 when you check out to receive a $30 discount when you preorder either device. 

Indie platform game Celeste is celebrating its sixth anniversary this year, and a 3D platformer has been released to mark the occasion. Called Celeste 64: Fragments of the Mountain, the game is entirely free to play on itch.io and allows players to relive the magic of the adventure with Madeline in a short but sweet adventure. 

According to the itch.io page, the Extremely Ok Games team created Fragments of the Mountain in a week or so. But, despite its short turnaround, there’s still a lot to work your way through in this reimagining of one of the best indie games; such as bonus levels and post-game dialogue which alludes to a sequel. 

A recent Citrix study has revealed that one-quarter of organizations are in the process of moving half or more of their cloud-based workloads back to on-prem infrastructures, or have already done so.

The trend marks a significant shift in the industry which is known as cloud repatriation, and represents a growing interest in hybrid setups.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the Union Budget on February 1. This year, it will be an interim budget as Lok Sabha elections are scheduled this year. AI technology and its implications in various fields dominated 2023, and tech companies in this space are hopeful that this year’s Union Budget will prioritise measures that foster the development as well as widespread adoption of the technology.
Budgetary allocations towards cybersecurity awareness imperative
Talking about the use of AI in curbing hacking incidents, Sunil Sharma, vice president of sales, Sophos India & SAARC, said that the budget hopefully will include a focus on reinforcing the nation’s cyber defences.
“Over the past year, India has witnessed a rise in cyber-attacks of various magnitudes, placing many businesses and individuals at risk. In the wake of these attacks and the Finance Ministry’s directives throughout 2023 to enhance cybersecurity measures in different industries, hopefully, the upcoming interim Union Budget 2024 will include a continued focus on reinforcing the nation’s cyber defences. With a heightened emphasis on the prevention of data breaches, ransomware attacks and AI-powered cyber threats, increased budgetary allocations towards cybersecurity awareness and training initiatives are imperative. The Finance Minister’s call for proactive cybersecurity measures augur well for a renewed focus on bridging the current cybersecurity skill gap in the industry, fostering an efficient cyber-task force within organisations. This strategic investment will not only fortify our defence against cyber threats but also contribute to job creation and economic resilience in the face of evolving digital challenges, powering the future of a secure Digital India,” Sharma said.
Opportunity to streamline data access, address concerns on ethics
“The AI push by Honourable Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in last year’s Budget was a visionary step which has helped place the country on the global AI map. We are hopeful that the upcoming Interim Union Budget 2024 will continue this momentum. The strides being made through initiatives like ‘AI for India‘ set the stage for the nation to lead the ongoing technology transformation. What is also equally important is to safeguard the data required for this push towards an AI-driven nation. We look forward to diligent data governance and intelligent data infrastructure driven by AI. The budget presents an opportunity to streamline data access and address concerns on ethics,” said Puneet Gupta, vice president and managing director, NetApp India/SAARC.
Measures to foster development, adoption of AI
“In the upcoming budget, I would like to see the government prioritising measures that foster the development and widespread adoption of AI. A strategic investment in AI initiatives will not only drive economic growth but also position our country as a global leader in the digital era. I look forward to policies that support research and development, incentivise AI talent, and create a conducive environment for businesses to harness the full potential of AI. By leveraging AI, we can build a smarter, more competitive, and technologically advanced nation,” added Kunal Nagarkatti, CEO, Clover Infotech.
‘Budget can unlock the full potential of this transformative technology’
“In light of India’s rapid strides in the field of Generative Artificial Intelligence throughout 2023, the upcoming interim Union Budget could hold the key to unlocking the full potential of this transformative technology for enterprises across the nation,” said Rajesh Sinha, founder and chairman, Fulcrum Digital.
“We are hopeful that the interim budget makes provisions for investments in data infrastructure, skill development, and data accessibility. This will ensure that India not only catches up with global AI leaders but emerges as a front-runner in responsible AI adoption. The government’s vision and its successful implementation in the form of this Union Budget is set to fuel the trajectory of yet another year of rapid digital advancement for the country,” he said.

Google has enabled support for transferring eSIMs — an embedded, digital SIM that can be used to activate a mobile plan — across Android smartphones, according to a report. The feature first appeared when some users were able to transfer their eSIM from an older Pixel phone to the Pixel 8 last year, and now users can reportedly transfer their digital SIM from their existing smartphone to a Samsung Galaxy S24 series phone, which shows the feature is expanding beyond Pixel phones.

Android Police reports that the setup process for the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra includes a message asking you if you want to transfer your SIM from another device. You are prompted to unlock your existing device and place it next to the new phone, after which a popup appears on the older phone’s screen to begin the transfer.

Just like setting up a new eSIM, you need to scan a QR code to move your existing one from the older phone to the newer Android handset. The feature to transfer your SIM card should eliminate the need to visit a nearby outlet, offering the same convenience of popping out a physical SIM card and placing it in a new phone.

Last year, Google announced at MWC 2023 that it would introduce the ability to transfer eSIMs across devices, while allowing users to convert their existing physical SIM to an eSIM. While the feature was previously spotted last year when Pixel 8 owners were upgrading from an older Pixel phone, its appearance on the Galaxy S24 Ultra is a sign that Google is expanding the feature to other OEMs.

However, the feature to transfer your existing eSIM to another phone isn’t widely available at the moment. The Android Police report states that the feature currently works with T-Mobile eSIM profiles. If you live in other regions, including India, you will have to wait until your telecom operator supports Google’s transfer feature to move your existing eSIM to another Android smartphone.

---

The Hyderabad cybercrimes police apprehended a man from Tirupati on charges of cheating an individual from Lower Tank Bund of Rs 60 lakh through a WhatsApp ‘review scam.’ The accused, identified as Neshnor Sirish Kumar (38), allegedly engaged in defrauding individuals across India, collaborating with Chinese nationals. The arrest followed a complaint filed by a victim residing in Lower Tank Bund, who reported being contacted by purported ‘executives’ on WhatsApp and Telegram.
What is a WhatsApp review scam?
A WhatsApp review scam is a fraudulent scheme that tricks users into participating in fake product or service reviews in exchange for money or other rewards.Scammers typically target users through WhatsApp messages, promising quick and easy earnings for completing simple tasks like writing reviews or watching videos.
Here’s how the scam usually unfolds:
1. Enticing offer: You receive a message on WhatsApp from an unknown number or group chat, offering a lucrative opportunity to earn money by writing reviews. The message might claim you can earn hundreds or even thousands of rupees for just a few reviews.
2. Target vulnerable groups: Scammers often target students, housewives, or unemployed individuals who might be looking for quick cash. They might use persuasive language and highlight the ease of the task to lure victims in.
3. Fake platforms: You’re directed to a fake website or app where you’re asked to register and provide your personal information, including your phone number and sometimes even bank details.
4. Review manipulation: The platform prompts you to write positive reviews for specific products or services, often ones you haven’t even used. They might provide pre-written templates or specific keywords to include in your reviews.
5. Empty promises: Once you complete the tasks, you might be given fake credits or points on the platform that can’t be cashed out. In some cases, your personal information might be sold to other scammers or used for identity theft.
Here are some tips to avoid WhatsApp review scams:

Philips has expanded its product lineup with the launch of its Philips Hair Straightener with NourishCare Technology. The all-new Philips straightener comes with specially designed serum strips infused with hair nourishing ingredients, Vitamin E and Moroccan Argan oil along with Kerashine care that help style and nourish hair while protecting them from heat damage.
The company claims that the NourishCare Technology of the Philips Hair Straightener forms a protective coating on hair to prevent water loss caused due to heat and hence locks in moisture. The inclusion of serum strips enriched with nourishing ingredients like Vitamin E and Moroccan Argan Oil along with Kerashine care provides softer, smoother, shinier and healthy-looking hair.
The straightener comes with easy clip-on, clip off heat resistant brackets and replaceable serum strips uniquely designed to work with this straightener. The replaceable serum strips will be available for repurchase separately.
The Philips Hair Straightener with NourishCare Technology will be available for purchase on at www.shop.philips.co.in and at other online and offline channels for the following variants:

Commenting on the new launch, Deepali Agarwal, Business Head- Personal Health at Philips Indian Subcontinent, said, “Embodying our commitment to continuous innovation and consumer well-being, the introduction of the Hair Straightener with NourishCare Technology marks a very big milestone in our journey at Philips. In line with our purpose of empowering young Indian consumers to care for their specialness, we are committed to delivering technology that not only meets but exceeds the evolving and intricate needs of our consumers. The Philips Hair Straightener with NourishCare Technology, proudly ‘Made in India,’ incorporates cutting-edge technology, offering a superior hair nourishing and styling experience without compromising on hair quality and health.”

Blizzard Entertainment has named a new president to replace outgoing leader Mike Ybarra. Johanna Faries will begin her stint as president on February 5. 

This move has been confirmed both in a Tweet from Faries herself as well as an internal memo reportedly sent to Blizzard staff on Monday, January 29 (via VGC).

Samsung Galaxy S24 trio of smartphones with Galaxy AI was launched at the brand’s Galaxy Unpacked event earlier this month. A bunch of older flagship Samsung Galaxy smartphones are already believed to get the new smart software features in the first half of this year. Most recently, Samsung Electronics President and Head of MX Business TM Roh announced that the company plans to bring the Galaxy AI to over 100 million devices worldwide this year. The Galaxy S24 series offers several AI features including Live Translate, Chat Assist, Note Assist, and Circle to Search.

TM Roh, during his India visit on Monday (January 29), revealed that Galaxy AI will reach 100 million Galaxy mobile devices by the end of this year. “This will also amplify mobile AI usage and bring benefits to Galaxy customers that cannot be found anywhere else”, he added. ” With Galaxy S24, our first AI phone, we have opened a new era of AI phones and Galaxy AI enables users to break communication barriers, enhance their productivity, and unleash creativity like never before” he said. He further confirmed that Samsung will provide the Galaxy S24, Galaxy S24+, and Galaxy S24 Ultra with seven generations of Android OS upgrades and seven years of security updates.

Additionally, the Samsung Mobile chief said the company’s research and development centres in Bengaluru and Noida have significantly contributed to the development of Galaxy AI.

The Galaxy S24 series debuted with Galaxy AI features including Circle to Search, Live Translate, Note Assist, Photo Assist and more. The AI features available currently on Galaxy S24 phones are expected to be available on previously released flagship phones including the Galaxy S23 series, Galaxy Z Fold 5, and Galaxy Z Flip 5 among others sometime in the first half of this year.

Samsung’s Galaxy AI and its features will reportedly remain free for users until 2025. The South Korean brand may consider introducing more powerful AI features in the future for paid Galaxy AI subscribers.

---

 

On February 2, Zoom’s Vision Pro app will be launched alongside Apple‘s new headset. Before the release of Apple’s Vision Pro on Friday, Zoom has detailed the features of its upcoming visionOS app. The new app will come with features such as a Spatial Zoom experience, “persona” support, allowing users to use a digital avatar during calls, 3D object sharing, and more.Here are all the features that Vision Pro users can use during their Zoom calls.
Zoom’s app on Apple Vision Pro will provide users with a native experience for meetings. The Vision Pro app will use augmented reality to blend in with users’ physical environment, making video calls appear as a floating window. The window can be scaled to the perfect size so users feel like they are in the same room as their colleagues in the meeting.
The new Zoom app for Vision Pro will also support the “persona,” which they can use during video calls. This “persona” allows other participants in the meeting to see the wearer’s facial expressions and hand movements in real time.
Additionally, Zoom is introducing 3D object sharing to its video conferencing app on Vision Pro, allowing users to share 3D files and view them in their environment. The feature will be added later this spring.
Other features coming later in Spring are Zoom Team Chat and real-world pinning.
Zoom’s Team Chat, launched in March 2023, is a Slack alternative that enables easy information sharing among colleagues. The “real-world pinning” feature allows Vision Pro users to pin up to five meeting participants in their physical space and remove their backgrounds for a more immersive experience.
“Zoom on Apple Vision Pro helps teammates stay connected no matter when and where they work, or how they communicate and collaborate,” said Smita Hashim, chief product officer at Zoom. “The integration of Zoom on Apple Vision Pro and visionOS extends our platform promise of allowing participants the ultimate meeting experience from anywhere and delivers on our commitment of seamless collaboration and communication.”