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Nothing Phone (2a) Plus: New Features and Launch Details

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Nothing is going to launch the Nothing Phone, 2a Plus later this month. The London-based company earlier brought the Nothing (2a) to Malaysia in March. After that, it was followed by the Nothing Phone (2a) Special Edition two months back. On 15 July, Nothing teased the Phone, 2a Plus with hints on X, suggesting a new version.

Nothing Phone (2a)

Teaser Hints and Launch Date

Nothing foreshadowed the Plus variant by sharing an image of Pokemon Mega Aerodactyl. A couple of hours later, they tweeted a “+” symbol. Both these tweets must have indicated a Plus variant was in the pipeline. Well, today Nothing has officially confirmed that the Nothing (2a) Plus will launch on 31 July. The confirmation came via Nothing Malaysia’s official website. The launch event will happen at 5:00 PM Malaysian time.

For now, the features of the Plus model are not certain. There have not been any major leaks thus far. Speculations have ranged from a bigger screen to faster memory or more storage space. With two weeks to the launch, more details are expected to emerge soon.

Nothing Phone 2a Specifications

The Nothing phone runs on a MediaTek Dimensity 7200 Pro. It has a 6.7-inch flexible AMOLED display with a resolution of 2412 x 1084 pixels. Corning Gorilla Glass 5 protects the said display with an adaptive refresh rate between 30Hz to 120Hz. The peak brightness is also decent at 1,300 nits.

Nothing Phone (2a)

The Phone (2a) will sport a 50MP, f/1.88 main camera and a 50MP, f/2.2 ultra-wide camera. For selfies, there is a 32MP, f/2.2 front camera. It runs on a 5,000mAh battery while supporting fast charging up to 45W. However, the charger has to be purchased separately.

Nothing (2a) was launched in Malaysia with up to 12GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage for a price tag of RM1,699. While waiting for the Phone 2a Plus, speculation is built on what possible upgrades it may offer.

U Mobile’s New iPhone U PayLater Program

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U Mobile has introduced the iPhone U PayLater program, through which customers can pay nothing for the first six months. After this period, one can enjoy affordable monthly installments. This move will enable everyone to own an iPhone easily.

There are various models of iPhones that customers can purchase. Customers can choose any model that best fits their pockets. This ensures that everyone benefits from the program, as it caters to new and existing customers and the range is very wide.

U PayLater program

The registration process for this program is also comparatively easy and simple. Anybody interested can just walk into any U Mobile store to register themselves for the program. Alternatively, log in to the website of U Mobile and apply for the same. This makes it very convenient for the customer, thus improving their overall experience towards getting their targeted iPhone product.

U PayLater program

The U PayLater program is one huge step that U Mobile is taking, truly reflecting the company’s commitment to customer satisfaction and innovation. With such flexible payment options, U Mobile manages to stay ahead in the mobile industry. This sets a new standard and goes on to prove the dedication of U Mobile toward customer satisfaction.

The U Mobile iPhone U PayLater is truly the first of its kind. Of course, it opens up a very good opportunity for die-hard fans of the iPhone brand to have the latest models. No upfront cost and flexible payment—what more could one ask for? This should underline the underlying aspirations of U Mobile to give people the latest technology.

ViewQwest 10Gbps Broadband Service Now Live in Malaysia

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ViewQwest has launched its 10Gbps broadband service in Malaysia. The service only launched a few days ago in Singapore and comes with ultra-fast speeds. In Malaysia, only the 10Gbps plan is available, while in Singapore, there are multiple options. ViewQwest offers this plan to both residential and business customers in Malaysia.

ViewQwest

The monthly subscription starts at RM1,800. For perspective, Singapore’s residential 10Gbps plan only goes for SGD69 (~RM241). ViewQwest has yet to make announcements like this for businesses in Singapore, though customized solutions are available.

Other fees depend on the customer’s requirements. For best performance, customers can opt to purchase Wi-Fi 7 routers and mesh systems to enable them to make full use of the 10Gbps plan.

ViewQwest

Initial places of deployment include The Stride Strata Office in Kuala Lumpur. Live speed tests revealed download and upload speeds of 8Gbps to 9Gbps. Tests were also conducted showing the speed of file transfer, such as the transfer of a 10GB file, which took just over one minute.

Regarding availability, it will depend on infrastructure and technology in the customer’s area. ViewQwest will assess each location before roll-out. The service uses Metro Ethernet or XGSPON, depending on customer density.

Please contact ViewQwest’s customer service for more information on the availability of their 10Gbps plan in your area.

Security Researcher Uncovers Traffic Light Controller Flaw

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Andrew Lemon has found a serious vulnerability in the case of a traffic light controller. Lemon, a Red Threat cybersecurity researcher, shared his findings Thursday, revealing that Intelight X-1 controllers lack proper authentication. This allows just anyone to control the traffic light using the Web interface.

He simulated scenarios in which all the lights turn green, as in movies, but a device called the Malfunction Management Unit prevented such a scenario. Still, he said hackers could cause chaos on the roads by manipulating the light timings. Mr. Lemon added that manipulating timings could result in catastrophic traffic congestion.

Lemon disclosed the vulnerability to Q-Free, the owner of Intelight. The response from Q-Free was not one of collaboration, but a legal threat. The company claimed the controller had not been in production for nearly a decade. They told customers with legacy controllers to contact them to learn how to proceed.

Lemon discovered some other exposed Econolite devices that were vulnerable to attack. He notified the company, recommending that they upgrade their old models and lock up vital equipment. Econolite’s vice president of engineering, Sunny Chakravarty, confirmed the existence of these vulnerabilities. He said it was essential to follow network security best practices.

Proton New AI Writing Assistant: Secure, Private Email Drafting

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Proton has announced its new AI-powered Writing Assistant. It will assist users in composing, redrafting, and proofreading emails. Proton AI Writing Assistant places much attention on the privacy of users and the security of their data.

Proton Scribe AI Writing Assistant

The assistant is powered by the Mistral 7B open-source language model. According to Proton, user data never leaves the device. Such an approach helps to reduce privacy concerns for businesses. Proton AI Writing is licensed under the open-source GPL-3.0 license.

Either the assistant runs on the user’s machine or Proton’s servers. Running the machine locally guarantees the data never leaves the device. On the other hand, Proton’s Servers allow users to have the features unlocked at improved performance speeds. Proton AI Writing Assistant lets users have different options, depending on their needs.

Proton Scribe AI Writing Assistant

Proton Scribe thus has “quick actions” that allow easy editing, letting the user change the tone, proofread, or make drafts concise. All these features further enrich the user experience while being privacy-friendly. Proton Scribe balances privacy and usability.

Proton Scribe is now available on the Proton Mail web and desktop. It’s an extra $2.99 a month for businesses, those legacy plan users get it free. It will, in due time, add this assistant to other products and mobile devices.

Spotify’s AI DJ Expands with New Spanish Persona Livi

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Spotify’s AI DJ is also being released in Spanish as Livi. Going further than the other releases, Livi uses personalization technology and incorporates an AI voice. It provides the listener with tailored suggestions, in a conversational manner. DJ X, the English version launched to Premium users at the beginning of 2023.

Spotify (AI DJ)

The English DJ, DJ X is modeled after Xavier Jernigan. He is head of cultural partnership at Spotify and a host. The team didn’t rush the model to make sure the voice and the speech patterns of the model were well encapsulated. For the Spanish persona, Spotify adopted another approach.

Olivia Quiroz Roa, Senior Music Editor, Spotify, Mexico City became the voice of DJ Livi. An extensive international casting had to be done. Many listeners commented about her voice’s need that it was trustworthy. Spotify developed a whole new voice model that would not compromise on DJ X in the Spanish version. End.

DJ Livi will roll out to Premium users across all existing AI DJ markets in Spotify – including select markets in Latin America and Spain – gradually to ensure Spanish-speaking music lovers receive a tailor-made experience.

Transform Your Tinder Profile with New AI-powered Photo Selector

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Now, with its latest innovation, Tinder helps you make a game-changing choice. Picking out the perfect profile picture using AI to make the selection process less nerve-wracking.

Getting started only requires users to take a selfie for facial recognition, give the camera roll permission, and allow AI to automatically generate potential profile shots. The rest is all up to individuals to decide what pictures they want to use in their Tinder profiles.

A vast majority of young adult singles find it difficult to pick a profile picture: this is the case, according to a new Opinium poll—carried out on behalf of Tinder. Approximately sixty-eight percent voiced their excitement about an AI-powered solution, such as Photo Selector, which could help them save time.

Tinder

AI in Tinder is an Evolution

Dating apps have increasingly leveraged AI technologies even before the rise of ChatGPT. Along these lines, Tinder has installed AI-based prompts for users to check on offensive messages, named “Does This Bother You?” and “Are You Sure?” to enhance user safety.

Industry analysts anticipate a change in user behavior away from dating further help in that respect as soon as 2024, despite even more innovation such as that recently developed by Tinder—the Photo Selector—launching in the U.S. first and globally by the summer’s end.

Eventbrite Events Now Accessible Directly on TikTok

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TikTok already had some platform developments with the latest integration of Eventbrite, creators can now link their Eventbrite events in-app with their videos, and a user can buy the ticket without leaving the platform. The link appears above a video’s caption. Simple.

This partnership is particularly valuable for creators like stand-up comics whose business hinges on live performances. Eliminate the step of the “link in bio,” and promoting events gets that much more seamless. It’s something that Ted Dworkin, Eventbrite’s product chief, noted in an announcement.

Eventbrite

On that note, he said, “We’re making it simple for creators to be part of the conversation.” Dworkin reiterated how easy it will be to find and attend any event. “Now, this brings millions more directly onto TikTok to engage with events.”.

Earlier this year, TikTok set foot in the ticketing space through a partnership with Ticketmaster, and the feature was expanded to more markets in December 2023. The feature permits TikTok users, based in many different countries, to buy tickets seamlessly.

It’s another layer to TikTok’s original function of an improved search engine. Users can simply find videos about Eventbrite events, and all are meant to keep users engaged for even longer on TikTok.

Maxis Faces Obstacles in U Mobile Acquisition

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Maxis is now looking at the possibility of acquiring U Mobile to increase its market share exponentially. The deal, however, is at a nascent stage with several hurdles along the way. For starters, the acquisition cost is sky-high. For example, according to Bloomberg, U Mobile is valued at over RM10 billion as it commands 9 million subscribers with 95% 4G population coverage.

Maxis

U Mobile likely to have rejected the Maxis offer One of the large shareholders, a prominent businessman Vincent Tan tells Bloomberg that U Mobile has rejected the offer of Maxis. Instead, U Mobile now plans to submit an initial public offering at the end of this month. This IPO offering had been working for years but had yet to be taken off.

That said, U Mobile now aims for Malaysia’s second 5G network. And so, while the market speculates, U Mobile readies for the second 5G network tender. Furthermore, U Mobile has entered into a strategic collaboration with multiple Network Facility Providers (NFPs). These NFPs are Bullish Aim, EdgePoint Towers, Naza Communications, OCK Group, and Edotco.

In this deal, U Mobile coupled with Huawei on the 5G-for-Business segment this year. It also went further into 5G Advanced technologies with the deal and others with ZTE and CelcomDigi. All these strategic moves by U Mobile pinpoint its determination to lead in the 5G landscape in Malaysia.

Unleash Your Imagination with Microsoft’s New Designer App

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Microsoft has now announced the official launch of its Designer app. It is now available on iOS and Android, allowing users to express images and designs through text prompts—think stickers and greeting card designs.

Designer app

It supports over 80 languages on the web. It has a free mobile app and a Windows app. The app features “prompt templates” which help jumpstart creativity. You can play around and customize styles and descriptions.

Designer app

Furthermore, users will also be able to make emojis, wallpapers, and avatars using Designer App. Editing and restyling images is also possible with AI. Select a selfie, followed by the style of your wish, and then add details at your will. Soon, users will turn images into other forms with the feature “replace background”.

Microsoft is pushing Designer right inside Word and PowerPoint via Copilot. Beginning today, Copilot Pro subscribers will get the possibility to generate designs right from their workflow. Before long, in a document in Word, users will create banners.

Microsoft Photos has been integrated with Designer on Windows 11. In addition, Photos will use AI for editing your photos. Users can now delete objects, remove backgrounds, and automatically crop images. This integration increases the potential for photo editing manifold.