Introducing BharOS: India’s New Mobile Operating System Focusing on Privacy and Security

By

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January 25, 2023

BharOS, India’s mobile operating system, was created with the support of the Indian government by JandK Operations Private Limited (JandKops) as part of the country’s digital independence agenda. The open-source BharOS mobile operating system prioritises user privacy and data protection, as well as the flexibility of its settings.

The new mobile operating system does not come with any pre-installed apps. Unlike Android, which requires manufacturers to install apps and standard Google apps on their devices, BharOS users will have a bare OS and full control over the permissions that applications request for installation. Users will not be pushed to use unknown, unnecessary, or inconvenient applications or services due to this method.

BharOS will give users access to applications through the PASS (Private App Store Services) service, which includes only applications that have been rigorously tested and meet strict security standards. The operating system, like Android, will be updated online. According to the creators, updates are automatically downloaded and installed on the device.

BharOS is now being offered to some Indian institutions whose users work with sensitive information. JandK Operations Private Limited built the OS as part of a mission to safeguard the country’s digital independence.

JandK Operations Private Limited (JandKops), an organisation incubated by IIT Madras Pravartak Technologies Foundation, a not-for-profit company established by the Indian Institute of Technology Madras, created the BharOS operating system. The foundation is supported by the Indian government’s Department of Science and Technology (DST) through the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NMICPS) programme.

BharOS project intends to create a free and open-source operating system for government and public services. This project aims to reduce dependency on foreign operating systems in smartphones and encourage the usage of locally produced technologies. BharOS is a big step toward a self-sufficient future by building an indigenous environment.

Web App Development Process: 5 Stages of Creation Process

By

Rakesh Babu

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January 25, 2023

The steps involved in creating a quality web application cannot be neglected since they have the power to make or ruin your project. For those of you interested in learning more about the best practices for developing web applications, we’ve put up this guide to the web application development process. This tutorial will be useful whether you need to learn how to create a web application from scratch or want to improve how your team operates.

Contents

1 What Is a Web Application?
2 How To Develop a Web Application: Main Stages

What Is a Web Application?

A web application is an interactive program created with the use of web development techniques and accessible via browsers.

Web apps employ common front-end and back-end web development technologies. Because web applications are conceptually similar to webpages, web app development and web development share many aspects.

Web app developers, for instance, use HTML, CSS, and JavaScript on the front end.The back-end of web applications may employ the same server-side programming languages, such as Ruby or Python, that web developers use to build websites.

How To Develop a Web Application: Main Stages

It’s crucial to take into account the intended purpose of your app while figuring out how to create a web application. Despite the fact that each web application serves a unique purpose, they are all developed using the same methodology.

Research & Analysis

The process of developing a website begins with research and data gathering. The most important step is outlining the goals, specifications, and expectations you have for the web app. Evaluation of the web app’s feasibility and profitability is also essential.

You may create a detailed document that outlines the project’s vision, objectives, budget, degree of access and security, technology, milestones, targeted industry, plans, etc. to aid developers in understanding the project.

Planning and Strategy

The strategy for developing a website includes strategies for the website’s design, technology, content, and promotion. The structure and characteristics of the website are decided upon in light of the data obtained and examined in the previous step.

A committed team is created at the planning phase, with each member having a specific position and assigned duties.

Prior to the establishment of a website, it is crucial to decide on the content organization, the wireframe (schematics and early designs), the technological stack, and the software development approach.

A technological stack is a collection of tools, web frameworks, and programming languages needed to create any kind of online application.

Create a Dynamic Prototype and Wireframes

Make a wireframe rather than just a computer-drawn picture. This description of your web application design is correct. You will have a clear idea of how your app pages should seem if you have designed them with certain widths in mind. Designing your first web app prototype is the next step.

By adding further interactivity to the final collection of wireframes, they may look and behave just like a real web application. It will undoubtedly only have a few features, which is why it is referred to as a prototype.

It is recommended to start with an MVP rather than a more complex prototype so that you may test your concept. To help you illustrate the concept of your project, you may use a variety of prototyping techniques.

Web Application Development

During this stage of the web application development process, developers begin writing code. A committed project manager oversees the process and makes sure that the client and development team work together smoothly.

Most likely, you are already familiar with sprints or the Agile approach. Iterative software development often occurs in a cycle that is rigidly specified and segmented into smaller phases. Individual features are supplied in two-week sprints as a result of this method, which allows functionality deliveries to occur regularly and cycled.

Regular product testing is done throughout the development process in order to find any flaws as soon as feasible. We must thoroughly test the complete product after the work on the specialized software is finished. To find problems, testers click on every component of the program. By skipping testing, you run the risk of incurring extra fees and potential application problems. Testing has been successful, and the application is now ready for official publishing.

Release and Maintenance

Even after the formal launch, it is important to prepare for the forthcoming tasks: fixing bugs, improving the performance of the product, renewing licenses, adding new features in accordance with the product strategy, and making changes in response to customer feedback.

Samsung Display Unveils Prototype of Flexible Display with Innovative Flex In & Out Folding Mechanism

By

Vishak

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January 24, 2023

At CES 2023, Samsung Display unveiled a prototype of a revolutionary flexible display.

The Flex In & Out display seems to have a unique folding mechanism that allows it to flex in both directions, inward and outward. This is a huge step in the world of foldable smartphones since it gives customers greater freedom in utilising their gadgets.

The prototype’s “water drop” hinge design is one of its most prominent features. The smaller hinge size provides less stress on the display, reducing the appearance of wrinkles on the screen. Similar concepts, such as the “accordion screen” presented at the iMiD expo in September 2021, had previously been demonstrated by Samsung Display. On the other hand, this current prototype marks a substantial change from earlier designs in that it allows for a full 360-degree folding motion.

Today’s commercial versions of foldable smartphones, such as the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 and Flip 4, have hinges that only allow for inward folding. Consumers and rivals have criticised this since the fold lines on these gadgets are typically visible. Other manufacturers like Oppo and Motorola have used more subtle fold lines in their foldable smartphones.

It’s unclear whether Samsung will include the Flex In & Out display in its upcoming Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Flip 5 devices, which are set to launch in August 2023.

Hackers Attacked Riot Games

By

Bhasker Das

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January 23, 2023

Riot Games, the developer of popular games such as League of Legends and Valorant, has been the target of a social engineering-based cyber assault. This attack includes duping people into disclosing sensitive information or granting access to data networks.

According to the company, the hack did not affect customer data or any important information. Riot Games is now attempting to fix the problem, which may influence the frequency and substance of updates for various games. The game studio has specifically mentioned upcoming updates for League of Legends, and Teamfight Tactics may be delayed or released with incomplete content.

It should be noted that this attack came only days after Riot Games laid off 46 employees, claiming strategic adjustments in several areas. Concerns have been raised about whether the company’s recent reduction has rendered it more vulnerable to cyber assaults.

Social engineering assaults are becoming more widespread and can be more dangerous since they rely on manipulating human behaviour rather than exposing technological flaws. These attacks can take many forms, including phishing emails, phone scams, and even physical deceit.

Riot Games has advised its users to be aware of strange emails or phone calls. They’ve also stated that they’re working with law enforcement and security specialists to examine the situation and guarantee the data of their gamers’ is secure.

5 Trends in XR Tech for 2023

By

Nethra Gupta

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January 23, 2023

XR stands for “extended reality.” This includes a variety of technologies like virtual reality or VR, augmented reality or AR, and mixed reality or MR technologies. VR creates a completely immersive, computer-generated experience, while AR overlays digital information onto the real world, and MR combines elements of both VR and AR to create a blend of real and virtual worlds.

These technologies are used in a variety of industries, such as gaming, education, healthcare, and more. This industry is expected to surpass $252 billion by 2028, according to Statista, up from $ 27.96 billion in 2021.

This article discusses 5 emerging trends in Extended Reality that are going to shape this technology domain in 2023. Read on to know what are the ways in which XR tech will influence businesses and individuals in the coming year.

Contents

1 1. Higher Demand for XR Headsets
2 2. Immersive Consumer Experiences in Metaverse
3 3. Adoption of XR Tech in Training
4 4. Drive Inclusiveness
5 5. Continued Disruption of Gaming

1. Higher Demand for XR Headsets

Companies and investors realize the potential of AR technology in improving efficiency and productivity in various industries, such as manufacturing, healthcare, and construction, which has led to an increase in demand for AR headsets. The influx of venture capital funding has also resulted in an increase in their availability and affordability.

As Meta has taken many steps to integrate the AR experience with physical devices and software interfaces, Oculus has been considered as an option while deciding to source XR headsets. In fact, Quest 2 has been at 84% market share in this segment for the majority of 2022 due to its attractive pricing, according to IDC’s latest data.

However, experts have found there may be a few challenges in using this device in the business context. If you are planning to invest in XR headsets for employees in your company, check detailed and unbiased reviews of Oculus quest 2 enterprise by Meta before finalizing anything.

AR technology has improved significantly in recent years, making AR headsets more reliable and user-friendly, which has increased the demand for them. The demand for augmented reality (AR) headsets like the Oculus by Meta has increased significantly in recent years. As AR technology is more widely adopted, more people are becoming aware of its capabilities and potential uses, increasing demand for AR headsets.

2. Immersive Consumer Experiences in Metaverse

XR technology can help businesses explore the metaverse by providing new and innovative ways to engage with customers, employees, and other businesses and creating new growth and revenue opportunities. Here are a few examples.

Businesses can create virtual storefronts in the metaverse, allowing customers to browse and purchase products in a fully immersive digital environment.
They can host virtual events, such as conferences, trade shows, and product launches, in the metaverse, reaching a global audience and allowing attendees to interact with each other and with the brand in a highly engaging way.
Businesses can use XR technology to create virtual marketplaces to connect with other businesses, suppliers, and customers to share information, collaborate and conduct commerce.

3. Adoption of XR Tech in Training

To allow virtual tours, remote operations, and management, businesses can use XR technology to create virtual representations of physical spaces such as factories, stores, and warehouses.

Businesses can use XR technology to create virtual training environments for employees, allowing them to practice and hone their skills in a safe and controlled setting.

XR technology can be used to provide simulations for training and therapy for individuals with cognitive or developmental disabilities.

4. Drive Inclusiveness

Augmented reality (AR) can help mobility-challenged individuals experience the world in new ways by overlaying digital information with the real world. This can include visual cues and navigation aids to help individuals navigate unfamiliar environments, such as arrows pointing to exits or landmarks.

AR can also provide audio descriptions of the environment, such as the names of buildings or points of interest, for visually impaired individuals.

AR can also provide simulations of environments inaccessible to mobility-challenged individuals, such as hiking trails or historical sites. This can allow them to experience these places virtually, without the physical limitations imposed by their mobility challenges.

AR can also assist with daily tasks, such as cooking or dressing, by displaying instructions and visual aids on the physical objects in the environment.

Overall, AR technology can provide a more inclusive experience to mobility-challenged individuals by making the world more accessible, allowing them to explore and interact with their environment in new ways.

5. Continued Disruption of Gaming

Augmented reality (AR) has disrupted the gaming industry by creating new and innovative ways to play. AR technology allows games to be played in the real world, using the player’s surroundings as the game environment. This has led to the development of new game genres, such as location-based and mixed-reality games.

Location-based games, such as Pokemon Go, use the player’s GPS location to create a game environment that is specific to their location. This allows players to explore their local area and discover new places while playing the game.

Mixed reality games use AR technology to overlay digital elements in the real world, creating a more immersive gaming experience. This has led to the development of new types of games, such as first-person shooter games that use real-world environments as the game’s setting.

XR technology has also allowed for new ways of playing games, such as using hand gestures, facial expressions, and voice commands to control the game. The Fantasy Sports industry is expected to grow by $6 billion between 2021 and 2026, with a CAGR of 6.5%, according to market research firm Technavio. The same report also predicts that 41% of this growth will come from North America.

XR technology, which includes virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR), has the potential to revolutionize the way businesses operate. From improving training and education to increasing productivity and efficiency, XR technology can provide a wide range of benefits to businesses across industries.

The ability to simulate real-world scenarios in a virtual environment allows for cost-effective and safe training for employees. In retail, XR can create immersive shopping experiences, increasing customer engagement and sales. As technology continues to advance and become more accessible, businesses that invest in XR technology will be well-positioned to stay competitive in the years to come.

WhatsApp Fined €5.5 Million by Irish Data Protection Commission for Violating EU Privacy Laws

By

Adwaith

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January 23, 2023

The Irish Data Protection Commission (DPC) fined Meta Corporation’s subsidiary WhatsApp €5.5 million ($5.95 million) for breaking EU data protection regulations.

The fine was imposed following a complaint submitted in 2018 by a German citizen who was unsatisfied that WhatsApp did not provide him with the option to decline the updated terms of service until May 25, 2018, when the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) went into effect.

In addition to the fine, the DPC ordered WhatsApp to comply with EU privacy standards regarding user data within six months. This comes from a similar order issued to other large platforms, such as Facebook and Instagram, to assess their legal basis for targeting ads using personal data.

WhatsApp has stated that it wants to appeal the decision and that its service complies with technological and legal requirements. This is not WhatsApp’s first fine from the DPC; in September 2021, the firm was fined 225 million euros for infractions in May 2018. WhatsApp is presently attempting to get the fine reversed in Irish courts.

To date, the DPC has fined Meta Corporation 1.3 billion euros and started ten additional investigations into its services. Due to its European headquarters in Ireland, the DPC has significant power to enforce EU privacy regulations and guarantee that companies comply as the leading EU privacy regulator for many of the world’s top technology companies.

The DPC fine imposed on WhatsApp serves as a reminder of the importance of complying with EU privacy regulations, notably the GDPR. The GDPR requires companies to get explicit consent from users before collecting and processing their personal data and to inform users of their rights, such as the right to access, amend, and delete their personal data.

Benchmark Tests Show That the M2 Pro Outperforms the Higher-End M1 Max

By

Vishak

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January 23, 2023

According to the most recent tech reports, the performance of the new M2 Pro Mac mini may have been exposed through the findings of Geekbench, a benchmark testing programme. The device, labelled in the Geekbench database as “Mac14, 12,” looks like a new version of the Mac mini.

According to the benchmark results, the M2 Pro processor features a 12-core CPU design, a clock frequency of 3.48 GHz, and a memory configuration of 16 GB. Geekbench scores for the device are 1952 for single-core and 15013 for multicore. These results show that the performance of the M2 Pro chip is inherently greater than that of the M1 chip, but the M1 Max appears to be much higher.

It’s important to remember that benchmark test results don’t always convey the full story of a machine’s performance, but they’re a good starting point. For comparison, the M1 Mac mini has a single core score of 1651 and a multicore score of 5181. The M2 MacBook Pro (2022) has a single core score of 1900 and a multicore score of 8735.

The M1 Max’s Geekbench score was 1727 for single core and 12643 for multicore, which is remarkable. This indicates that the M2 Pro chip outperforms its predecessor, the higher-end M1 Max processor, in multicore performance.

Apple appears to have improved the performance of the M2 series more than the M1 series. Leaked information regarding the M2 Max chip last year was quite modest, but based on the performance of the M2 Pro chip this time, it appears that the M2 Max will demonstrate an even larger jump forward in performance.

Google Parent Alphabet Announces 12,000 Job Cuts Due to the Economic Downturn

By

Vishak

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January 22, 2023

Alphabet, Google’s parent company, has stated that it would cut around 12,000 employees or approximately 6% of its global workforce. Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google, stated in a blog post that it was a difficult decision to make for the future” and “deeply apologises” to the workers who would be departing the firm. The layoffs will affect all regions and product categories throughout Alphabet, not just Google.

Pichai notes that, like other companies that have cut jobs in recent months, they “hired for different economic realities” than the one they face today. He said he takes “full responsibility” for the decision.

So far, Google has managed to avoid big layoffs. However, the company’s earnings fell 27% year on year in the fourth quarter, and Pichai stated that Alphabet needs to eliminate expenditures and employees. However, activists and experts have urged for more dramatic cuts, citing Bloomberg’s report that the company’s staff has grown by 20% since 2017.

Regarding severance pay, Alphabet claims that for employees in the United States, the package will begin with 16 weeks of salary, with an extra two weeks for every year of service, and will be paid in full for a minimum 60-day notice period. Furthermore, they have agreed to pay any outstanding incentives and unused vacation in 2022, as well as six months of medical bills and other support services. Outside of the United States, it merely states that it will “support employees in accordance with local practices.”

Despite the negative news, Pichai stated that Google’s AI-first strategy is paying off and that he is looking forward to tackling future difficulties through the company’s AI portfolio.

Microsoft cut 10,000 positions earlier this week, or nearly 5% of its staff, while Amazon cut 18,000 employees or 1.2% of its worldwide workforce. Meanwhile, Meta, Facebook’s parent company, announced 11,000 job layoffs in November, accounting for 13% of its employees.