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Southwest Airline giveaways Nintendo Switch to everyone on board

Raaj Lokanathan
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Southwest Airline giveaways Nintendo Switch to everyone on board
Reading Time: < 1 minute read

One of the most famous gaming console after Play Station Portable would be Nintendo Switch. Nintendo Switch is being widely used by many people especially people from the United States. A day before Nintendo reveals the Nintendo Switch Lite, Southwest Airline giveaways the Nintendo Switch for all its passengers who boarded the flight to San Diego.

As part of the complimentary gift, the airline also gives the Super Mario Maker 2 game to its passengers. One of the passenger who boarded the flight to San Diego shared their experience of getting the free Nintendo Switch on their Twitter account.

Imagine after boarding the flight, the flight attendant tells you will be given a voucher for a Nintendo Switch console. What would be your first reaction? Well, that’s what the passengers were told that a voucher for a free Nintendo Switch will be given including the Super Mario Maker 2 game. However, after landing in San Diego, they had another surprise where those passengers were taken to aside to redeem the voucher with a free Nintendo Switch.

Hell yeah! The Southwest Airline gave them a brand new Nintendo Switch which offers a longer battery life. At this moment, Nintendo reveals that the Nintendo Switch Lite will be releasing on September 20 onwards.

In conclusion, this is really one of a good strategy Nintendo does to promote its product.

FaceApp might be storing your images in its server

Raaj Lokanathan
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FaceApp might be storing your images in its server
Reading Time: 2 minutes read

Today everywhere you go, you are going to hear people are talking about FaceApp application. It has been a trending topic in the world for the past few days according to Twitter. Starting from teenagers until celebrities are posting their pictures on the FaceApp.

What is FaceApp?

In case you don’t know about FaceApp, it is a mobile application which is developed by Russians back in 2017. It really went viral during the launch of the app. Now, the FaceApp is becoming viral again eventually. The app uses machine learning to create a filter where it can make you look older or younger. Surprisingly, 90% it always gives the best output until you can see the shade of your grey hair. Other than that, the app is also able to make your photos looks like you are smiling even though you are not smiling when you capture the picture.

Until now there are no privacy issues reported. However, the method the app applies the filter sounds a bit dangerous. This is because of each time a user selects a specific photo, the FaceApp company uploads the specific photo to its server and then applies the filter. Until today, there isn’t any evidence neither the app downloads all your photos in your camera roll nor it downloads the filtered photo yet.

The whole processing supposedly should be done on the device itself rather doing it in the server. According to Yaroslav Goncharov who is the CEO of the FaceApp, the main reason the app uploads the photos to the company server is to save the bandwidth during the user makes a modification to the photo. After the whole process is done, the photos will be deleted from the server.

Now the question is, in the meantime, it is in the server, the chances for a hacker to hack the server isn’t it high? In order to solve this issue, the FaceApp company says it will accept users request to remove their data from the server. You can request it manually by going to the Setting in the FaceApp and then tap on Support>Report a bug with the word “privacy”.

Another privacy issue

Other than that, there is another privacy issue which users should take note is the policy is not GDPR compliance. This means, your data can be sell to third party companies. However, FaceApp strongly denies it sells your personal information to any other third parties.

Despite that, you have to trade off your photos if you want to see how you look like in 80 years old. Unless if you are concern about your privacy, then you know what you should do. Some say, your photos which are uploaded to the server will be shared to the Russia security services. If you worry about Russia then you should also be worried about China and the US. Many apps are from China too. Nevertheless, have fun playing with the app until there isn’t an issue.


Twitter introduces a new design for its website

Raaj Lokanathan
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Twitter introduces a new design for its website
Reading Time: 2 minutes read

Recently, there is a spike in the number of people uses Twitter. One of the main reason would be during the Facebook downtime, most of the users they tend to use Twitter to share their updates and thoughts. A few months back, Twitter introduces the Dark Mode for its mobile applications. Now, Twitter officially says it is rolling out a new design for its Twitter.com website. This includes the long-awaited Dark Mode feature too. It has been such a long time since Twitter redesigns its website.

According to Twitter, it starts to roll out this new website interface design on Monday onwards. We are assuming by today surely, most of you should able to view Twitter’s new look from your website. Twitter first posted this update on its blog page and then it posted a tweet on its official Twitter account.

Twitter says the new website design looks similar to the one you have in the Twitter apps for mobile devices. This makes easier for you to access your favorite features as it is the same way you access it on your mobile phone. Twitter has already been working on this feature for a long time. It has taken a lot of inputs from over hundreds of thousands of Twitter users. Based on their feedback, this new website design is created.

Twitter.com welcomes Dark Mode feature

As part of this update, Twitter rolls out the Dark Mode feature for its new website redesign. Other than the Dark Mode, the new Twitter.com now allows its users to select few color schemes which provided from the setting. Check out our official Twitter page becomes darker now.

Other than the Dark Mode feature, Twitter also adds the Explore tab to its new design website. Previously this feature is only available on the Twitter mobile platform. Based on your location information, you should be able to view live videos and local moments. Besides that, with this new redesign Twitter, you also can access your favorites feature easily such as your Bookmarks and Lists.

If you notice at the previous design, we have to open a separate view to send Direct Messages to your friends. Starting today, you don’t have to worry about your messages. You can access to your Direct Messages in the same view. Twitter also makes it easier for us to switch between your other Twitter accounts.

In conclusion, Twitter is rolling out this update progressively, to different regions in the world. Try the new Twitter redesign and let us know your thoughts on this new design Twitter.com.

Huawei files ‘Harmony’ as its OS name

Raaj Lokanathan
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Huawei files ‘Harmony’ as its OS name
Reading Time: 2 minutes read

A month after the United States government blacklisted Huawei, Huawei files “HongMeng” as the name of its own operating system. This is because, after the US government puts Huawei name into the Entity List, Google is the first US tech companies to block its access. This means Huawei next-generation phones will not be able to use the Android operating system. In Malaysia, Huawei files the “HongMeng” as the Ark OS. The latest news we receive is the China tech giant is now filing another name called “Harmony”.

hong-meng-os
Image from Forbes

According to LetsGoDigital, Huawei files the application on 12 July. Once the European Union Intellectual Property Office approve those names, then Huawei will be using either of the three names for its Android-like operating system. At this moment, its IoT operating system uses HongMeng OS. Probably, Harmony could be the final name of its OS.

Huawei has no choice rather making its own OS

Back in May, Richard Yu, who is the CEO of Huawei Consumer Business says that its own operating system will be rolled out in China by the end of this year. However, the international version will be ready by Q2 of 2020. Huawei is one of the most used smartphones in the world. Until today, Huawei Technologies is the only smartphone maker who can compete with other smartphone makers such as Apple and Samsung. Even though the US and China come to a deal, Huawei will be continuing the development of its own operating system.

In conclusion, other than Google, Microsoft also stops working with Huawei after the incident. If both Google and Microsoft stop working with Huawei, Huawei servers might not be able to use the Windows operating system. Huawei has to develop its own operating system. We are curious to see what’s Huawei has in its pocket for its new mobile operating system.

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Huawei is planning for extensive layoff in the US

Raaj Lokanathan
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Huawei is planning for extensive layoff in the US
Reading Time: 2 minutes read
Image from Washington Post

It has been almost two months since the United States government blacklisted Huawei Technologies. Until today, the US government does not plan to remove Huawei name from the Entity List. Even though during the G20 Summit, Trump says Huawei can continue business with the US companies, still Huawei is not completely out of the danger zone yet.

In order to cut cost, Huawei is planning for extensive layoffs in the United States. Futurewei Technologies which is Huawei’s subsidiary company will be the affected ones. It is a company which is based in the US where it mainly focuses on Research and Development (R&D). According to WSJ, the employees who are from China working in the US will be given an option to either stay with the US-based company or return back to China.

Since Futurewei Technologies is a US company, Huawei sents many of its employees from China to the US to work on the R&D. However, after Trumps Administration puts Huawei into their Entity List everything has turned upside down. The Futurewei Technologies bans Huawei employees to enter into their offices. Other than that, they have also stopped all Futurewei Technologies not to use any of the Huawei devices. Even they are not allowed to use the Huawei name and logo too.

In conclusion, this whole month we can expect more layoff being done by Huawei Technologies in the US. Futurewei Technologies almost has more than 850 American employees.

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Over 1000 Google Assistant recordings leaked

Raaj Lokanathan
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Over 1000 Google Assistant recordings leaked
Reading Time: 2 minutes read

Some say Google is the next Skynet and some say Google is the future that could harm us. We can’t say either is the truth, but we feel, Google is really scary sometimes. A few days ago, more than 1000 Google Assistant recordings have been leaked to a Belgian news organization.

Google listen to your conversations

Do you ever know that Google listens to all your recordings? It hires a human to listen to those recordings from both the Google Home and Google Assistant. These people will be hearing all your recordings and then deliver advertisements tailored to it. Imagine you are asking Google something very personal and a person on the other side is listening to it.

This is not the first time Google hires a human to listen and review voice recordings. Companies such as Apple and Amazon also hires human in order to train the technology behind the voice assistant. According to Gizmodo, humans engagement is still necessary for the voice assistants to work. For Google case, one of the people who work as a subcontractor snets all those recordings to VRT News in Belgium. The worst part is, that person even let the news journalist look at the recording software. At this moment, those recordings are not leaked to the hackers, government or any other Belgian news organizations.

google-assistant

During last week Friday, Google has given its official statement regarding this matter.

WE JUST LEARNED THAT ONE OF THESE LANGUAGE REVIEWERS HAS VIOLATED OUR DATA SECURITY POLICIES BY LEAKING CONFIDENTIAL DUTCH AUDIO DATA. OUR SECURITY AND PRIVACY RESPONSE TEAMS HAVE BEEN ACTIVATED ON THIS ISSUE, ARE INVESTIGATING, AND WE WILL TAKE ACTION. WE ARE CONDUCTING A FULL REVIEW OF OUR SAFEGUARDS IN THIS SPACE TO PREVENT MISCONDUCT LIKE THIS FROM HAPPENING AGAIN.

In conclusion, probably next time, most of you might stop using your Google Assistant again. This is the future we have to face it no matter what. Google says 0.2 percent of the voice recordings are being sent to the human reviewers. When we say 0.2 percent sounds small but if you think about it there are more than 1 billion devices which can use the Google Assistant. That’s 2 million recordings are being listened to by humans.

Huawei will be launching its first 5G phone this month

Raaj Lokanathan
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Huawei will be launching its first 5G phone this month
Reading Time: 2 minutes read

Three months ago, South Korea is the first country to introduce the worlds first 5G network. After that, US telco provider Verizon launches its own 5G network. Now, many smartphone makers are launching their own 5G phone to the consumer market. By the end of July, Huawei will be debuting its first 5G phone.

Huawei Mate 20 X is the first 5G phone from Huawei which will be launching in selected areas by end of July. According to both China’s Global Times and VentureBeat, Huawei Mate 20 X 5G will go on sale on 26th July and 22nd July respectively. Users from the UAE should be able to buy the phone now itself.

Huawei Mate 20 X 5G Specifications

The specs for the Huawei Mate 20 X 5Gg is almost similar to the current Mate 20 X. First of all, the design remains the same with a 7.2-inch screen. The back camera also still remains the triple-camera setup.

However, Huawei has upgraded the battery from 4,200mAh to 5,000mAh. Other than that, Huawei also increases the RAM size from 6GB to 8GB. Additionally, the Huawei Mate 20 X 5G now has a 5G Balong 5000 modem. All these changes are required in order to support the 5G modem.

At this moment, it is not possible for Huawei to launch its first 5G phone in other countries. This is because of the Trump administration adding Huawei into the Entity List. This causes Google to halt it supports to Huawei. Thinking of South East Asia is not possible at all due to the 5G network is not available yet.

During the G20 Summit, Trump says Huawei can relax a bit as the United States government says Huawei continue doing business with the US companies. With this, we can expect soon the US will lift the ban against Huawei.

In conclusion, only if the United States government removes Huawei from the Entity List, then we can see Huawei launching this phone to the rest of the world.

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You don’t need a password to login into Windows 10

Raaj Lokanathan
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You don’t need a password to login into Windows 10
Reading Time: 2 minutes read

Password is the most important thing we need to have in our daily life. Each of us owns a mobile phone and that mobile phone is locked with passwords. Technology has been revolving from passwords to drawing patterns. Then a few years ago everything changes when smartphone maker started to introduce biometrics as our password. This includes the fingerprint scanner and the most recent retina scanner.

Now, we are hearing next year Windows 10 next major updates will be passwordless. During the next year Windows 10 update, you can enable a passwordless sign-in for your Microsoft accounts in the Windows 10 device. Microsoft will be using either Windows Hello face authentication, fingerprints, or a PIN code instead. The next update Microsoft will be including new options where you can decide to make your device passwordless.

Here is the simple step to make your device passwordless

Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options, and selecting ‘On’ under ‘Make your device passwordless’.

Windows Hello 2 stock
Image from TheVerge

The main reason Microsoft says PIN code is more secure than a password because of Windows 10 will store the private key on the device itself using the Trusted Platform Module (TPM). TPM is a secure chip which stores your PIN locally to the device only where even the hacker hacks the server the Windows Hello PIN will not be affected.

Other than that, Microsoft also is trying its best to persuade its users to use the Windows 10 two-factor authentication. Microsoft offers different types of two-factor authentication processes such as receiving pin code via SMS, using Microsoft’s Authenticator app or Windows Hello. Microsoft also will be introducing a method where you can sign in using your phone number to your Microsoft Account.

In conclusion, Microsoft is making a huge step forward by going passwordless. Soon we can expect other companies such as Apple also coming with a new method to sign in called “Sign in with Apple”.

Apple disables its Walkie-Talkie feature because of the bug found in it

Raaj Lokanathan
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Apple disables its Walkie-Talkie feature because of the bug found in it
Reading Time: 2 minutes read
apple watch walkie talkie

It is very rare to see Apple disabling apps or features. In recent times, Google is the only company which disables its Google Photos for Android TV app. The reason behind this action was a serious vulnerability found in the app. Yesterday, Apple has to disable its Walkie-Talkie feature in the Apple Watch due to a bug which allows someone to eavesdrop your phone call conversations.

What is Walkie-Talkie in Apple Watch?

We are sure many of you might not know this feature existed in the first place. Apple’ Walkie-Talkie feature only available on the Apple Watch Series 4. If you and your friend both have Apple Watch Series 4, both of you can talk to each other by tapping the button. It’s more or less like a walkie-talkie device.

According to TechCrunch, Apple immediately disables the Walkie-Talkie feature the moment they know about this serious bug. Now, Apple is working on a fix which could solve the eavesdropping bug. However, Apple says only specific conditions and sequences of events will cause the user conversation to be eavesdrop.

Below is the official statement from Apple:

WE WERE JUST MADE AWARE OF A VULNERABILITY RELATED TO THE WALKIE-TALKIE APP ON THE APPLE WATCH AND HAVE DISABLED THE FUNCTION AS WE QUICKLY FIX THE ISSUE. WE APOLOGIZE TO OUR CUSTOMERS FOR THE INCONVENIENCE AND WILL RESTORE THE FUNCTIONALITY AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. ALTHOUGH WE ARE NOT AWARE OF ANY USE OF THE VULNERABILITY AGAINST A CUSTOMER AND SPECIFIC CONDITIONS AND SEQUENCES OF EVENTS ARE REQUIRED TO EXPLOIT IT, WE TAKE THE SECURITY AND PRIVACY OF OUR CUSTOMERS EXTREMELY SERIOUSLY. WE CONCLUDED THAT DISABLING THE APP WAS THE RIGHT COURSE OF ACTION AS THIS BUG COULD ALLOW SOMEONE TO LISTEN THROUGH ANOTHER CUSTOMER’S IPHONE WITHOUT CONSENT.  WE APOLOGIZE AGAIN FOR THIS ISSUE AND THE INCONVENIENCE.

In conclusion, we are guessing by now you should know about this feature after reading our article. In case you are planning to try it now, you have to wait until Apple enables back the Walkie-Talkie feature. We will update once Apple fixes this bug.

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Here are the leaked images of Samsung Galaxy Note 10

Raaj Lokanathan
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0
Here are the leaked images of Samsung Galaxy Note 10
Reading Time: 3 minutes read

Every year, Samsung releases two major phones which are the Samsung Galaxy series and Samsung Galaxy Note series. Back in March, Samsung launches the Galaxy S10 to its consumers. Now, its time for Samsung to launch the Galaxy Note 10. Samsung is already preparing to launch the Samsung Galaxy Note 10 which is happening on August 7. Today we already have leaked images from a reliable leakster, Roland Quandt.

From the images, we can confirm indeed this is how the final product looks like. The back of the Samsung Galaxy Note 10 is being purely inspired by Huawei P30 Pro. It has a gradient blue and green combined. Even the camera setup also is the same as the Huawei P30 series too. Samsung Galaxy Note 10 has a triple-camera setup which is aligned vertically. The blue S Pen stylus is perfect suits the gradient color of the Samsung Galaxy Note 10.

Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Silver Prism

Other than that, Samsung will be launching the Note 10 in two variants with two different colors. The base model is the Samsung Galaxy Note 10 and the highest model would be Samsung Galaxy Note 10+. Samsung offers the Note 10 in silver prism color as shown in the image above and black variant as shown in the image below. For the black version, it looks more classy and elegant. The S Pen stylus is purely black which suits the back color of the Note 10.

Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Black

As we predicted during the Samsung Galaxy Note 10 launch invitation, Samsung Galaxy Note 10 front will have a punch-hole selfie camera in the top-middle of the screen. The Galaxy S10 also has the same punch-hole selfie camera in the top-right. Moreover, there isn’t any fingerprint scanner provided in the back or on the side. This means there will be an in-display fingerprint sensor which is the same as Samsung Galaxy S10.

From the image below, we can come to the conclusion that Samsung finally removes the dedicated Bixby button from the side of the phone. When Samsung include the dedicated Bixby button on the Note 9, many users were not interested in it. Some of them felt like it was a total waste. Now the Samsung Galaxy Note 10 only has the power button and the volume rocker buttons only.

In conclusion, these are the images which can confirm the Samsung Galaxy Note 10. Samsung will be launching this phone on the 8th of August in New York. The event starts at 4 AM Malaysian Time. You can follow our live blog session for updates during the launch event. We are also expecting the pre-order for Malaysia to start within a week of the launch.

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