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CrowdStrike Apologizes with $10 Uber Eats Gift Card

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CrowdStrike Apologizes with $10 Uber Eats Gift Card
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CrowdStrike faced backlash after a faulty update caused a global outage. As an apology, the company offered an affected partner a $10 Uber Eats gift card. This has been confirmed by several recipients and a CrowdStrike source.

The apology email was sent by Daniel Bernard, chief business officer. It contained an acknowledgment of the inconvenience caused by the July 19 incident and expressed gratitude with a small token of appreciation for being loyal customers.

A few recipients have reported encountering problems while redeeming the gift card. They received error messages which said that the voucher had been canceled. CrowdStrike has confirmed Uber flagged the gift cards as a fraud because high usage rates are viewed as a common fraud pattern.

The faulty update hit about 8.5 million Windows devices. This outage saw chaos all over the world. The problem particularly caused huge losses to airports, hospitals, and businesses.

CrowdStride has been involved in mitigating the issue. Updates were released as regards what they had been doing to rectify things. The CEO, George Kurtz, and CSO, Shawn Henry, came out to apologize for the incident.

Future prevention of such incidents

CrowdStrike reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, ensuring customers that the company is doing all it can to prevent similar incidents in the future. The company’s leadership expressed deep regret over the lost trust during the outage.

Google Pixel Buds A-Series Now Available for $69

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Google Pixel Buds A-Series Now Available for $69
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The Google Pixel Buds A-Series are now very affordable. From an original price of $99, it’s now being sold for only $69. At this price, the deal for the earbuds is very outstanding as a budget option, and they even work with iPhones, though their integration with iOS isn’t as deep.

  • Google Pixel Buds A-Series
  • Google Pixel Buds A-Series
  • Google Pixel Buds A-Series

Fundamentally, they’re a solid performer for a reasonable price. Although lacking in wireless charging and other on-device controls, their value is quite significant, more so given the discount at present.

The sound quality is great, and they bring along background noise reduction during calls. Users can foresee up to five hours of listening time and 2.5 hours of talk time. Also, the case offers up to 24 hours of total listening time. Quick charging adds three hours of listening to 15 minutes of charging.

Though they lack active noise cancellation, the adaptive sound feature does dynamically adjust the volume. If you’re looking for something a bit more premium, the Pixel Buds Pro is also discounted. They cost $140 and briefly hit $120 during Prime Day.

The new price makes the Pixel Buds A-Series way more attractive. With the new discount, the earbuds are now an excellent value and make them a prime option for bargain hunters.

Here What to Expect from Google’s Pixel 9 Series Launch

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Here What to Expect from Google’s Pixel 9 Series Launch
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Finally, Google has announced that the Pixel 9 series launch event will happen on August 13 at 10 a.m. PT. According to many reports, this event will feature the Pixel 9 series, including the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. The new foldable device is going to be an upgraded version of the original Pixel Fold.

Details of the event were shared in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter. That included a word search with words such as “screenshots” and “email.” The Pixel 9 Pro was specifically called out, with a link to a dedicated site.

The Pixel 9 series has brought much-needed design changes. This time around, it has ditched the back-spanning “visor” look for a wide pill-shaped camera block. Bolstering the premium feel of the Pixel 9 Pro Fold are four cameras lined up in two rows. On the Pixel 9 Pro, its sides are now flat, much like those on the newer iPhone models.

Pixel 9 series
Pixel 9 series

There was complete silence about the vanilla Pixel 9 in the announcement. This question is begged directly, what is Google’s strategy? Maybe it is doing hype for flagship models first. We will likely see the unwrapping of a standard Pixel 9 at the event

Speculation on other devices lingers with the event getting closer and closer. Google has a trend of teasing its products before their release. So, technically speaking, the tech world waits until August 13 to get all that Google has in store.

Exciting Features of Google Pixel Buds Pro 2

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Exciting Features of Google Pixel Buds Pro 2
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The grand launch event of Google is inching closer, bringing hype for the new Pixel Buds Pro 2. But with the messed-up Pixel 9 series, these earbuds are reportedly bringing some significant upgrades on board. A few leaks and rumors popped up to give an insight into what’s waiting ahead for us.

Pixel 9 series (Pixel Buds Pro 2)
Pixel 9 series (Pixel Buds Pro 2)

The case for the Pixel Buds Pro 2 will have a 650mAh battery, which is a little more than its predecessor which had a version with 620mAh in capacity. With the bumped-up capacity, users will get longer listening times and improved performance in general. Furthermore, there will be new color options, such as Raspberry and Mojito, next to the more classic Porcelain and Hazes.

Moreover, the Raspberry will complement the leaked Pink Pixel 9 colorway. We got our first look at this through a leaked Amazon listing. Advanced AI features are also expected to be integrated by Google to enhance the user experience.

Along with improved batteries, the sound quality and noise cancellation should get better. With a design philosophy of ease, Google has made sure that this product will also be comfortable to wear for long periods. The closer the launch gets, the more exciting it gets.

And lastly, together with the Pixel 9 series, it is the Pixel Buds Pro 2 that will surely steal everyone’s attention. Now equipped with innovations and design tweaks, these earbuds do promise to impress. Only time will tell as the official reveal approaches.

Apple Maps Web Beta: Direct Competition with Google Maps

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Apple Maps Web Beta: Direct Competition with Google Maps
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Yesterday, Apple announced the Apple Maps web beta. Now, users can access Apple Maps right in their browsers. With this, Apple Maps will go toe-to-toe with Google Maps. Until now, the latter has ruled Web mapping.

Apple Maps web beta

First, Apple Maps is available in beta form in English on the web. It supports Safari and Chrome browsers on Mac and iPad, and Chrome and Edge on Windows PCs. Apple plans to add more languages and browsers soon. That should, at least, attract more users.

The web version of Apple Maps retains much of what its sibling app accomplishes on mobile devices. Directions for driving and walking are a no-brainer. You can also order food through the Maps place card. Plus, you’ll be able to access curated guides and read reviews.

Apple announced that the “Look Around” feature will soon be available on Apple Maps on the web, providing a 360-degree panoramic view. According to Apple, this functionality will arrive within a few months. That truly will make for a much more immersive web experience.

Developers can now link to Apple Maps on the web to access driving directions and detailed information on places. This functionality empowers Apple Maps to integrate seamlessly into many web apps and provides a visible improvement in the user experience.

Apple Maps arrived on the iPhone 12 years ago. The new web version broadens its availability and users. With this launch, Apple wants a bigger share of Google Maps’ domination on the web.

YouTube’s New Picture-in-Picture Mode Enhances User Experience

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YouTube’s New Picture-in-Picture Mode Enhances User Experience
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YouTube could always end up keeping background play behind its Premium paywall. However, Google gives free users a picture-in-picture mode for free. The company rolled out this feature last year in the US. They rolled it out more widely to specific global users earlier this year. But picture-in-picture doesn’t work inside YouTube itself. Fortunately, that is changing with a new server-side update.

As noted to AP by Zachary Kew-Denniss, the new UI for the YouTube miniplayer was live. He updated his Galaxy S24 Ultra to the 19.29.37 app version. A shrunken video does not move into the minibar, instead, it now appears as a resizable and movable player on your screen. YouTube is now using a proper picture-in-picture mode.

YouTube is rolling this out with a server-side update. It could take some time to reach your devices. Before you rush to the Play Store to update, prepare yourselves to be disappointed. This update is server-side. Changes might not appear even after updating YouTube to the latest build.

YouTube's Picture-in-Picture Mode

Provided that Google rolls out the update to everyone, this is a big deal. It is the biggest update to video playback on YouTube since 2018. Now, the controversial mini-bar is there to replace the lower-right minimized player. It feels like a no-brainer upgrade to move back to a movable PIP mode.

For now, you’ll just have to wait for this feature to broaden from Google. We’ve reached out to Google for more information. The change will make it easier to browse your YouTube feed when a video plays in the background. If you’ve seen the change, let us know in the comments.

Water pistol emoji replaced with gun emoji on X

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Water pistol emoji replaced with gun emoji on X
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Elon Musk has been bringing big changes to X. Notably, he changed the name from Twitter to just X. His new content policies essentially allow for nearly everything. Just last week, X made another subtle yet impactful change. They replaced the water pistol emoji with an actual gun emoji.

The above change was announced in a post by X employee @yacineMTB. “The gun emoji was returned into its rightful form, an M1911,” the post read. The announcement came with a meme and a comparison of the emojis. The Verge noted the change on Tuesday, mentioning its history.

The water pistol emoji was released in 2018. In fact, the emoji was decided to be a real gun by the Unicode Consortium. However, Apple changed it into a toy water gun way back in 2016. Other companies such as Google, Facebook, Microsoft, and Twitter followed the act.

Later, the Unicode Consortium changed it officially to a water pistol. On the 18th of July, the web was back to the gun emoji. Elon Musk confirmed that it would soon be fixed on mobile. As of now, X is the only platform making this change. Other platforms seem to stick with the water pistol emoji.

Meta AI Cracks Down on Sextortion Scams

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Meta AI Cracks Down on Sextortion Scams
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Meta has recently removed tens of thousands of Instagram accounts from Nigeria. The move represents one of the largest-ever coups against sextortion scams. While the accounts were mostly targeting adult men living in the US, some also involved minors, according to Meta.

Sextortion Scams

The crackdown forms part of a broader strategy by Meta in fighting sextortion. It introduced a safety feature in Instagram messages earlier this year for automatic detection of nudity with features warning users about possible blackmail scams. In addition, it also provides in-app resources and safety tips for users.

According to the just-released data, Meta took down 2,500 accounts belonging to a group of about 20 people behind the execution of sextortion scams. On top of that, Meta took down some accounts and groups on Facebook. The said accounts issued tips and advice—along with scripts and fake images—for extortionists.

Sextortion Scams

In addition, the takedowns included accounts affiliated with the Yahoo Boys. This is a loose term for cybercriminals mostly working from Nigeria, but known for engaging in all sorts of scams, including sextortion. The action Meta took on the accounts shows its commitment to fighting cybercrime.

Despite such efforts, Meta has faced criticism over how it handles issues like this. At a recent Senate hearing, Senator Lindsey Graham had questions for Mark Zuckerberg over whether the company should be liable for lawsuits from parents of victims.

Sextortion Scams

Although most of the targets were adults, Meta has confirmed that some of the victims were children. These cases are reported to NCMEC. Using AI in identifying and removing harmful accounts is, according to Meta, a critical step toward enhanced online safety.

Meta AI’s New Nearby Share Feature for WhatsApp

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Meta AI’s New Nearby Share Feature for WhatsApp
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It seems Apple inspired Meta AI. Recent evidence proves that Meta AI has been working on something called Nearby Share. This feature, initially discovered by WABetaInfo in April 2024, is, of course, pretty much like Apple’s AirDrop. Now, it emerges again in an iOS beta under the same name.

Nearby Share enables sharing files without an internet connection. It is possible to share photos, videos, or any documents between devices in the vicinity. It works very well in areas with weak or unstable networks. However, it does not work the same on Android and iOS.

WhatsApp's Nearby Share

This is much like AirDrop on Android—nearby devices are detected, and the phone can connect to them. A permission is required on the recipient’s side to receive files. And on iOS, it just shares the file when a QR code is scanned. What has created this exact difference yet has to be explained?

The fact is that all file transfers go through end-to-end encryption, just like WhatsApp messages. One of the features is cross-platform sharing. Making it even more useful than it could be without it. It will easily go beyond the AirDrop feature by not being limited to one OS.

Nearby Share

Nearby Share is still in development. Its design and privacy measures are being fine-tuned by Meta AI. There might be some things changed before the final release.

The release date is still unknown. It has not been made available to beta testers yet. Other features can be tried out by downloading the latest WhatsApp beta by users.

LG UltraGear OLED 32GS95UE: The Ultimate Gaming Monitor

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LG UltraGear OLED 32GS95UE: The Ultimate Gaming Monitor
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The new LG UltraGear OLED 32GS95UE is the top-of-the-line flagship gaming monitor launched by LG Electronics Malaysia. This display recently clinched the CES 2024 Innovation Award, offering users an all-rounded and immersive gaming experience with top performance and premium quality.

LG UltraGear OLED 32GS95UE

This monitor boasts a refresh rate of 4K at 240Hz and Full-HD at 480Hz. Gamers can switch modes to access smooth, responsive gameplay for all game styles. With Pixel Sound Technology, OLED with Micro Lens Array Plus, and HDR True Black 400, this display gives bright visuals with true blacks and added audio and visual experiences.

LG UltraGear OLED 32GS95UE

The advanced anti-glare and low-reflection technology minimizes visual irritation. Also, the clear visuals even in brightly lit environments are a necessity during long hours of gaming. The 0.03ms response time offers an accurate frame display, making it suitable for fast gameplay and high-quality output.

The LG UltraGear OLED 32GS95UE is priced at RM6,299 and will be available at authorized retailers in the market or Shopee and Lazada. For more information, visit LG’s website or Facebook page for updates.

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