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Google Meet New AI Note-Taking Capability

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That is where Google Meet has tossed in a new AI tool called “Take Notes for Me.” It creates summaries of important points raised during video calls. The new technology does not give full transcripts but records essential discussion points with the help of Gemini AI. The summary afterward would appear in a Google Doc saved into the meeting owner’s Google Drive.

It will automatically send this document to attendees after the call, or add it to the event on the calendar. The document will also include links to the meeting recording and transcript if those features are enabled. This addition aims at enhancing productivity through the provision of clear meeting summaries.

Google Meet

The feature is currently available only to Google Workspace customers with add-ons of Gemini Enterprise, Gemini Education Premium, and AI Meetings & Messaging. It is restricted to only English and accessible only from computers or laptops. That selected rollout ensures that the tool does well before deployment to a bigger audience.

Google Meet

Last year, the company announced a plan to add generative AI to more services. Since then, the company has aggressively added AI features to hardware and software alike. Gemini is an AI assistant now integrated into Android and Google Workspace apps.

While the new AI tool promises to make note-taking easier, it will be successful only based on whether AI gets things accurately. Issues in the past in recommending things that were not right showed that improvement never stops. As Google continues improving its AI tools, users will have different experiences depending on how well the technology performs in various instances.

French Arrest of Telegram CEO Pavel Durov: Here’s the reason

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Pavel Durov, the founder and CEO of Telegram, was arrested. French authorities have indicted him on charges of serious offense. This includes complicity in the distribution of child pornography among others. The arrest is based on an investigation launched by a magistrate on July 8.

Pavel Durov

The prosecutor Laure Beccuau charged him with 12 counts for alleged money laundering, drug trafficking, and fraud. He also had to face some other allegations of illegal online activities. Currently, Pavel Durov is in jail until today.

Pavel Durov

The arrest has sparked debate over platform responsibility. For its part, Telegram says it complies with EU laws and should not be held responsible for platform abuse. Elon Musk and Edward Snowden are among the critics who consider the arrest to have been politically motivated.

French President Emmanuel Macron took to X, to address concerns. He denied that the arrest was politically driven. Macron reiterated France’s commitment to freedom of expression and respect for the rule of law. He reaffirmed that the magistrature would work independently to uphold legal standards.

The case once again shines a light on debates about accountability for tech leaders. As Durov remains in custody, the situation is still developing. The world of technology watches closely as this case develops.

Why Android 15 OTA Release is Behind Schedule

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Recently, Google launched the Pixel 9 series, but it carried Android 14. This is no different from how Pixel 8 came out in 2023. The company seems to have veered off its regular monthly security update cadence. Nowadays, it only issues patches for a month when they are ready. And that is essentially that the cadence of software being released has become unpredictable.

Android 15

There have been some reports that have warned of the time taken by Android 15 updates. The reports speak of the possibility of a delay in the release of the source code for Android 15. Google has not yet completed the development of Android 15. More than a month is, as an Android researcher named Mishaal Rahman reports, needed to bring the update to completion.

Google generally releases Android updates on the same day the source code goes live. However, we do point out that there is a precedent for delay—Android 12 was released to the public 15 days after the source code. The release timeline for Android 15 could also be affected by contributions from other smartphone OEMs.

Android 15

One of the reasons for the delay in the release of the platforms is their stability. Consequently, Google checks for bugs to make the experience smooth and then releases the official versions. It has always done vast testing for all users to save the headache.

So far, it has been unconfirmed, and there is no date but from the look of it, October might be the month, mid-October, to be precise. The first QPR Beta build was released last week, and Android beta builds are currently available to all those who can’t wait to test the build.

New WhatsApp Features: AR Filters and Contact Lists Now in Beta

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WhatsApp is working on new exciting updates regarding features with every new beta release. It includes AR filters and another new way of sorting out the contacts. That’s some significant development in user experience.

The filters first went out to a small group of beta testers on Android, and now head out with the new update version 24.17.10.74 to iOS beta testers. Filters will range from novelty items that could be fun to those useful in low-lighted settings or blemish touch-ups.

Screenshots of the new interface show some of the features of the new AR filter features. The tool isn’t quite functional just yet, but the interface does look promising. Among other things, it includes background editing tools for blurring or replacing scenes to improve privacy or convenience.

AR filters

Furthermore, the new list tool is under development for the 2.24.18.9 beta release on Android. The tool is about the ability to create lists of contacts or groups, similar to labels on WhatsApp Business. It allows users with similar interests or needs in communication to organize it easily.

The AR filters and the contact list tools are expected to go live in the public release very soon. This clearly shows WhatsApp’s strive for better interaction and organization for its users.

Uber Hit With Record €290 Million Fine For GDPR Non-Compliance

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Uber has been served with a huge EU fine for data protection failures. The Dutch Data Protection Authority imposed a fine worth €290 million on Uber, which is roughly $325 million. This is due to breaching the protection of the drivers’ data against the General Data Protection Regulation.

Uber

The investigation revealed that Uber was collecting sensitive information about drivers, including account information, taxi licenses, and location data. Additionally, the company facilitated storage of that information on servers located in the US, while not providing proper transfer tools. The protection of personal data simply was not good enough.

This fine comes after a complaint from 170 French Uber drivers. The case was referred to the Dutch DPA because Uber’s European headquarters is based in the Netherlands. Remarkably, this is not the first time that Uber has run afoul of the GDPR.

Uber

Earlier, the company was fined over similar data privacy issues, in 2018, it received a fine of €600,000 for a data breach, and in 2023, it faced another €10 million related to privacy issues concerning European drivers.

Uber plans to appeal the ruling. The Dutch DPA did, however, confirm that the company has “ended the violation”. Other tech giants were fined a high amount for GDPR non-compliance, showing that the EU has by no means slackened its interest in data protection laws.

Spark Go 1 by Tecno: Top Entry-Level Phone Under RM300

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Tecno officially launched the Spark Go 1, a new entry-level smartphone. The latest model is the most inexpensive device from the Spark series. Moreover, it is more budget-friendly than the Spark Go 2024. The phone will be available in just one configuration. Furthermore, it also supports Tecno’s Dynamic Port technology.

Spark Go 1

The Spark Go 1 sports a 6.67-inch 720p LCD. The refresh rate is notably smooth at 120Hz. Another great feature is that the device has an IP54 rating, which means it is resistant to dust and water. Of course, it is durable whatever the condition will be. The user will have clear and responsive screen dealings.

Inside, it relies on a Unisoc T615 chipset. It is paired with 3GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage. In addition, the device includes a microSD card slot. Thus, storage can be expanded with ease. The said combination does provide reliable performance for daily tasks.

Spark Go 1

In the photography department, the Spark Go 1 has been provided with a 13MP main camera. On the front, an 8MP snapper with a punch-hole cutout is provided. Thus, users can click quality photos and selfies. Besides this, the camera setup is good enough for casual photography. In this way, the phone will turn out to be quite versatile for different types of users.

Spark Go 1

The smartphone features a 5,000mAh battery for power. It also supports up to 15W fast charging for quicker power-ups. Additionally, it also runs on HIOS 14 based on Android 14 Go Edition. The Spark Go 1 is available in white and black options. Finally, it is available only from Tecno’s TikTok Shop page, for RM299.

Exclusive National Day Offer: Asus ROG Phone 8 Discount

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Asus Malaysia celebrates National Day with its hot deal on ROG Phone 8. The ROG Phone 8 is available for a special price of only RM3,599 during the National Day promo, effective from August 26 to September 16, 2024. The ROG Phone 8 National Day Promo gives a high discount of RM400 from its original price of RM3,999.

Asus ROG Phone 8

Asus is also bundling each ROG Phone 8 sale with a ROG Slash Crossbody Bag for free. You only need to fill up their Google form with your purchase details and Asus will verify the information before shipping out the bag to your doorstep.

The ASUS ROG Phone 8, launched in Malaysia a few months ago, comes in a beautiful industrial design with the RGB-lit logo. It sports a 6.78-inch FHD+ AMOLED display and comes running on the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset. Further, it is fitted with 12GB RAM, 256GB storage, and a 5,000mAh battery supporting 65W fast charging.

Running Android 14, the ROG Phone 8 has two years of main updates and four years of security patches available for users. Of course, it also features all of Asus’ gaming tools, including Armoury Crate and Game Genie features for a class-A gaming experience.

The New Galaxy A06 will Arrive in Malaysia Soon at RM449

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The Samsung Galaxy A06 is set to launch in Malaysia soon. Several retailers have already started promoting the phone and taking pre-orders. According to them, the Samsung Galaxy A06 will be priced at RM449 in Malaysia. This makes it significantly cheaper than its predecessor, the Galaxy A05. The phone is expected to come in black, blue, and green color options.

Galaxy A06

The Galaxy A06 features a 6.7-inch 720p LCD with a 60Hz refresh rate. It also includes a tear-drop notch at the top. Under the hood, the phone runs on the Mediatek Helio G85 chipset. It is paired with 4GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage. Additionally, users can expand storage using the microSD card slot.

Galaxy A06

For photography, the A06 offers a 50MP main camera without OIS. The device also includes a depth sensor and an 8MP front camera. Despite being a budget phone, it offers decent photography features.

Galaxy A06

The phone is powered by a 5,000mAh battery, which supports 25W charging. This ensures that users can stay connected throughout the day. Samsung is expected to make an official announcement regarding the availability of the A06 in Malaysia soon.

Upgrade Your Viewing with Premiere 7 and Premiere 9 Projectors

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Samsung has officially introduced its Premiere 7 and Premiere 9 UST 4K projectors. New models have made some adjustments compared to their predecessors, LSP9T and LSP7T, with increased brightness, and more accurate color rendition. Samsung aims to offer a “cinematic experience” with these new projectors.

Premiere 7 and Premiere 9

Of course, both models boast of Smart TV powered by Tizen OS to enable access to popular streaming services. Furthermore, more than 3,000 titles are available through the Samsung Gaming Hub in case users do not have a console. The Premiere 7 and Premiere 9 come with 4K AI upscaling and feature Vision Booster for optimal content viewing regardless of surrounding light conditions.

It sports 2,500 ISO lumens of brightness and 100% DCI-P3 coverage, but it only supports HDR10, some competitors offer Dolby Vision. The good news it does have Dolby Atmos with 30W 2.2ch speakers for immersive sound.

The Premiere 9 boasts 3,450 ISO lumens of brightness, sitting far above most 4K UST projectors. It also features HDR10+ and houses 154% DCI-P3 color accuracy to make visuals truly remarkable. Additionally, it has included 40W 2.2.2 channel Dolby Atmos speakers with an up-firing configuration.

Samsung’s new UST projectors don’t come cheap, The Premiere 7 will sell for $2,999, and the Premiere 9 for $5,999. Both models go on sale now via Samsung’s online store and select retailers.

Exciting Double Nintendo Direct Stream on August 27

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Nintendo fans will have much to keep an eye out for. The company will be running a double feature on that day, starting at 7 am PT on YouTube. First up is an Indie World presentation that often drops games into the eShop on the same day. That could mean new options might pop up that very day for fans to dive into.

Immediately following the Indie World showcase, a Nintendo Direct Partner will be headlining. This section of the stream will feature third-party games on their way to the Switch. So far, Nintendo has not announced which partners will be featured, but several rumors hint at huge surprises. Among fans, one of the most highly-anticipated reveals would be one concerning Hollow Knight: Silksong.

This showcase will be a two-for-one event, lasting about 40 minutes, it’s a condensed version, but very exciting, on what’s next. While Nintendo has kept the record straight there wasn’t going to be any news concerning their new console, the event is going to focus on currently released and released games. That keeps the expectation high among gamers.

Team Engadget will closely keep an eye on the event. Update after update of any kind into every major announcement during those showcases will indeed be welcomed. Fans need to keep an eye on this for detailed coverage and all highlights from the double presentation.