11 Best Offline Messaging Apps to Chat Without Internet in Android And iOS in 2024

By

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January 20, 2024

Mostly public cut off from the internet when there is a natural calamity or statewide internet ban initiated by the government. In both cases, without the internet or mobile network connection, every smartphone becomes useless.

But don’t worry, in the midst of an internet ban or natural calamity, there are some apps available for Android and iOS to enable communication with nearby friends. These are some special messaging apps that help you to chat without internet or network connection.

Users only have to enable Bluetooth and WiFi to send and receive messages when not connected to a network — apps create a mesh network using Bluetooth and peer-to-peer WiFi to chat without internet.

You can use all these apps anywhere — planes, public transportation, cruise ships, campuses, and crowded events. All you need is a few people around you who installed the same particular app to communicate.

Contents

1 Chat without internet:

Chat without internet:

1. Bridgefy

Bridgefy is another popular offline messaging app that lets you communicate with friends and family when you don’t have access to the internet. When without internet connection, Bridgefy works in three different ways:

Person to person mode — where you have to turn on Bluetooth and chat privately with friends that are within 330 feet (100 meters) of you.
Mesh mode — where chat without internet with people more than 330 feet from you by connecting through other Bridgefy users found in the middle. For example: person 1 can talk to person 3 if person 2 is in the middle, making the possible distance 660 feet (200 meters). The same goes for an unlimited number of people in the chain.
Broadcast mode — Go into the Broadcast section and send messages to every Bridgefy user around you at the same time, even if you don’t have them on your contacts list.

2. White Mouse Private Messenger

White Mouse Private Messenger offers a sanctuary for secure and reliable communication with the ability to function without internet access between devices that are within a 100-meter radius. Its end-to-end encrypted, both at the application and network levels. This ensures that your messages are secure from prying eyes, giving you peace of mind every time you hit ‘send.’ But the app takes it a step further with its self-destructing messages. You can set your messages to automatically delete after a specific time, be it 1 hour, 8 hours, or even 24 hours. The app also supports a wide range of media sharing options, from text and photos to files, videos, and voice clips. It even supports voice and video calls, making it a comprehensive tool for all your communication needs without internet.

3. Briar

Briar is an open-source messaging app for Android designed for activists, journalists, and anyone else who needs a safe, easy and robust way to communicate. Briar doesn’t rely on a central server – messages are synchronized directly between the users’ devices. If the internet’s down, Briar can sync via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, keeping the information flowing in a crisis. If the internet’s up, Briar can sync via the Tor network, protecting users and their relationships from surveillance.

4. Talkie

Talkie enables communication with devices at distances of Wi-Fi signals without using an Internet connection or a cellular network. Along with text messaging and file sharing features, Talkie comes with Wi-Fi voice calling.

5. Voxer Walkie Talkie Messenger

Voxer is the only walkie talkie messenger app available for Android and iOS with end-to-end encryption. With Voxer you can send instant audio, text, photo and location messages to one friend or a group of your friends. These messages are recorded in each chat, so you can play them again later as many times as you want. Another advantage is the possibility of recording messages when you do not have an Internet connection.

6. Intercom

Intercom is another one of the best offline messaging app to chat without internet connection on Android and iOS. With a somewhat retro design, Intercom walkie talkie app makes connectivity possible between two devices via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi direct. Although it has a simple appearance, inside it hides some advanced functions such as video and photo transmission and the possibility of sending text messages. Therefore, it is possible to use it, for example, as a baby monitor.

7. Walkietooth

Walkietooth offers all types of possible connections — via Wi-Fi, with Wi-Fi Direct connection or via Bluetooth, which means that it is an offline messenger, so you can chat without internet on Android. To do this, you must first configure a terminal as a server and then connect the “clients” to it.

8. AirChat

AirChat offers offline communication on iOS with peer-to-peer chat capabilities over WiFi or Bluetooth. The app functions seamlessly even when you don’t have access to the internet. AirChat takes privacy seriously by ensuring that all messages are sent directly between devices, eliminating the need for a third-party server.

9. Bluetooth Chat

Bluetooth Chat allows users to send short messages and images via Bluetooth technology. The app is particularly useful when you’re within Bluetooth range but lack internet access. The app is completely open-source.

10. Meshenger

Meshenger is a true P2P phone application designed for voice and video calls. With this app, you can chat without internet access and there’s absolutely no advertising or data collection involved. The app operates over local networks, making it ideal for community and company networks, as well as home use. All you need to do is scan each other’s QR codes, and you’re ready to make calls. The app calls an IP address over existing Wi-Fi networks, ensuring that your communication remains within your chosen environment.

11. Rumble

Rumble is an off-the-grid micro-blogging application that doesn’t rely on the internet to function. Instead, it uses local area networks like Bluetooth and Wi-Fi to connect you with other users in your vicinity. Whether you’re at a local event, a protest, or even in an area with restricted internet access, Rumble allows you to share text and images with people around you.

So in the event of an unprecedented internet shutdown by government or unfortunate natural disaster, next time remember these apps to chat without internet or mobile network connection and communicate with nearby people.

Hogwarts Legacy Outshines Call of Duty and GTA 5 in 2023 Revenue

By

Vidhu Prathapan

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January 19, 2024

‘Hogwarts Legacy’, the latest addition to the Harry Potter franchise, has transcended traditional gaming boundaries by surpassing industry titans ‘Call of Duty’ and ‘GTA 5’ in terms of revenue in 2023.

Released with sky-high expectations, ‘Hogwarts Legacy’ managed to capture the hearts and imaginations of both Harry Potter fans and gamers alike. Its enchanting portrayal of the wizarding world, coupled with immersive gameplay, led to its unprecedented success. According to the report, ‘Hogwarts Legacy’ topped the charts in the United States, a key market in the global gaming industry, signifying a major achievement given the dominance of the ‘Call of Duty’ and ‘GTA’ series over the past decade and a half.

Circana, previously known as NPD, revealed that ‘Hogwarts Legacy’ emerged as the highest-grossing game in the U.S. for 2023. This incredible feat is underscored by the fact that it ended the 15-year reign of ‘Call of Duty’ and ‘GTA‘, with titles like ‘GTA IV’ and ‘GTA 5’ previously dominating the revenue charts.

The top 10 highest-earning games in the U.S. for 2023 were:

Hogwarts Legacy
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3
Madden NFL 24
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
Diablo IV
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2
Mortal Kombat 11
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor
EA Sports FC 24

Interestingly, while ‘Hogwarts Legacy’ clinched the top spot in terms of revenue, ‘Call of Duty’ maintained its lead in unit sales, particularly bolstered by the release of ‘Modern Warfare 3‘ later in the year and the ongoing popularity of ‘Modern Warfare 2’.

2023 Year Top 20 Best-Selling Premium Games – U.S. (Dollar Sales, Physical and Digital from DLP members, Excludes add-on content) pic.twitter.com/LR6Za5YQ24
— Mat Piscatella (@MatPiscatella) January 18, 2024

‘Hogwarts Legacy’ represents more than just a successful game launch; it’s the beginning of what could be a goldmine for Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. In a recent interview with Variety, David Haddad, president of the division, expressed pride not only in the game’s sales figures but in its ability to enchant fans and bring the Harry Potter world to life in a new way. The game sold 22 million units, with 2 million of those sales occurring during the holiday season.

This unprecedented success hints at Warner Bros.’ plans to further delve into the Harry Potter universe, with a Quidditch-themed game already in the pipeline, though its release date remains under wraps.

Microsoft Plans to Bridge Gaming Worlds: Xbox Games May Soon Hit PlayStation and Nintendo

By

Jenna Jose

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January 19, 2024

Microsoft is exploring the possibility of bringing its Xbox games to rival platforms, including PlayStation and Nintendo. This move, unveiled in a Bloomberg interview with Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, signifies a potential shift in the gaming industry’s landscape, breaking down long-standing barriers between competing gaming consoles.

During the interview, Nadella shed light on Microsoft’s broader strategies, touching upon AI and partnership impacts. A highlight was his mention of the recent acquisition of Activision Blizzard, a move that significantly bolsters Microsoft’s gaming portfolio.

“Games have always been pivotal to us,” Nadella stated, reflecting on Microsoft’s journey from an underdog in gaming to a formidable player. With Activision Blizzard under its wing, Microsoft is poised to become a significant publisher not just for Xbox but also for Sony, Nintendo, and PC platforms. This approach aligns with Nadella’s vision for Microsoft, one that embraces openness and cross-platform accessibility, a stark departure from the exclusivity mindset that dominated the company’s early years.

What does this mean for gamers? For one, popular Xbox titles like ‘Sea of Thieves’ could potentially be playable on PlayStation and Nintendo Switch, broadening the audience for these games. While this idea excites many, it also raises concerns among Xbox loyalists about losing exclusive titles. However, Phil Spencer, head of Xbox, has reassured fans that their commitment to the Xbox player base remains steadfast, even as they explore broader horizons.

A crucial aspect of this strategy could be the integration of Microsoft’s Game Pass into PlayStation and Nintendo platforms. This would be a significant move toward a unified gaming ecosystem, where players can access a broad range of titles irrespective of their console preference.

This initiative is part of Microsoft’s larger aim to maximize its gaming content’s reach and revenue by making it available across multiple platforms.

Galaxy S24 Series: Samsung Unveils Its Most Advanced Smartphone Yet

By

Adwaith

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January 19, 2024

Samsung has officially launched its latest Galaxy S24 series. The announcement, made at the Galaxy Unpacked event in San Jose, California, introduces the world to the Galaxy S24, S24+, and S24 Ultra.

Galaxy S24

Starting at $799, the Galaxy S24 is the series’ most accessible offering. This compact powerhouse is equipped with a 6.2-inch FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, boasting a 1-120Hz refresh rate. The device is powered by a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip and comes in storage variants of 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB, all paired with 8GB of RAM. The camera setup includes a 50MP main camera, a 12MP ultrawide camera, and a 10MP telephoto camera, complemented by a 12MP front camera. Its design sees a refreshing shift with a flat, matte frame, and the battery capacity has been bumped up to 4,000mAh.

Galaxy S24+

Priced at $999, the Galaxy S24 Plus elevates the user experience with its 6.7-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, featuring a Vision booster for enhanced clarity. The device shares its camera system with the Galaxy S24 and offers 256GB or 512GB storage options, backed by 12GB of memory. A notable improvement is seen in its battery, now at 4,900mAh, providing extended usage time.

Galaxy S24 Ultra

The flagship model, Galaxy S24 Ultra, is a marvel at $1,299. It showcases a 6.8-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a peak brightness of 2,600 nits. Unique to the Ultra is its camera system, featuring a 200MP main camera and a new 50MP telephoto camera with 5x zoom. The device also offers a range of storage options up to 1TB, all with 12GB of RAM. A first for the Galaxy series, the Ultra incorporates a titanium frame, enhancing both aesthetics and durability.

Samsung’s commitment to sustainability is evident in the Galaxy S24 series, with 100% recycled Cobalt and rare earth elements used in its construction. The series boasts revolutionary camera capabilities, underlined by the ProVisual Engine, enhancing computational photography and offering features like a Quad Tele System and enhanced digital zoom capabilities.

The series introduces AI-driven features, leveraging Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip. These include advanced AI editing tools, Instant Slow-mo, and Circle to Search functionality, setting a new standard in smartphone photography and user interaction.

The Galaxy S24 series is now available for pre-order, with availability starting from January 31st.

A Short Peek: The Technology Behind Engwe T14

By

Prabhul Kurup

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January 18, 2024

Engwe is an emerging brand for building top-quality yet budget-friendly electric bikes in the market. It really stands out in its class by delivering innovative features that make each of its e-bikes a compelling choice for e-bike lovers. In this article, we’ll discuss into the technology that drives one of the brand’s compact and innovative e-bikes – Engwe T14 to the forefront of the e-bike market – and why this compact and foldable electric bike is an outstanding choice, especially when choosing your first e-bike.

Contents

1 Powertrain and Motor
2 Suspension System
3 Passenger-Friendly Features
4 Battery Life and Range
5 Portability and Convenience
6 Overall Design and Aesthetics
7 Final Thought

Powertrain and Motor

The Engwe T14 comes with a powerful 350W motor that compliments the e-bike’s compact size.

The e-bike’s motor provides enough power to give the riders a smooth yet lightweight experience. Compact e-bikes have the significance of a potent powertrain due to their overall structure and weight that extends when riding on a simple city pavement up to light terrain, proving their capability with light trails or uneven roads.

Typically, you could spend up to $2000 on an e-bike, but it still might miss out on some crucial components. The e-bike’s motor isn’t just powerful but gives a thrilling performance on any type of terrain that suits the affordable price.

Suspension System

The quad suspension system of the Engwe T14 is one of the innovative features behind a remarkably smooth ride. Riding the e-bike through various terrains, the durable suspension system ensures that any bumps and uneven surfaces are absorbed, providing a smoother riding experience.

Imagine you’re cycling on a busy weekend through city streets, on a bumpy road, or even venturing into more rugged terrains. The T14’s quad suspension system is like an invisible cushion, absorbs bumps and navigates uneven surfaces easily. It transforms what could be a jarring experience into a smooth and enjoyable ride, regardless of your chosen path, not to mention the soft saddle that adds up to the absorption of bumps, giving a better and more relaxed riding experience.

Passenger-Friendly Features

The rear passenger seat on the Engwe T14 isn’t just a practical addition; it’s an invitation to share the joy of the ride. Maybe you’re having a friend or a sibling join you on your e-bike ride, creating shared memories as you go through any trails; surely, the T14 can handle them all. This feature seamlessly combines both practicality and portability with the simple pleasure of riding with someone.

In essence, the rear passenger seat of the Engwe T14 is a simple added feature that goes beyond practicality. So, as you ride through the busy city streets, remember that having a T14 isn’t just riding a simple e-bike; it’s an invitation to share the ride and multiply the joy.

Battery Life and Range

Compact doesn’t mean compromise regarding the Engwe T14’s battery life. Despite the e-bike’s compact size, it manages to cover impressive ranges, challenging the thought that smaller e-bikes tend to struggle more or cannot go on longer distances. The long battery life surely provides extended riding time, catering to the diverse needs of any rider who seeks reliability in their daily commute or long drives.

Portability and Convenience

When manufacturing reliable foldable e-bikes, Engwe always stands out, especially with the T14. Its foldable feature and lightweight construction make it so easy to carry and store anywhere. Navigating through crowded cityscapes or storing it in smaller spaces is no longer an issue – you can just fold the e-bike and then store it beside your bed; it’s that simple. Another advantage of a foldable electric bike goes beyond just convenience; it redefines how we interact with our daily mode of transportation; imagine not having to worry about traffic every morning. Another thing is that including a bright rear light (which is not a typical feature for this price range) gives an extra layer of protection, especially when riding in darker areas.

Overall Design and Aesthetics

Exceeding its technological innovation and packed features, the Engwe T14 grabs attention with its overall look and design. A compact, rugged, yet sturdy appearance, complemented by a choice of grey color and neat external wirings, makes it one of the best options there is in its class considering the price, perfect for those who love to do all kinds of riding experiences.

Final Thought

The Engwe T14 gives an impression of not just being a budget-friendly foldable e-bike but a dependable two-wheeler that seamlessly provides innovative technology, practicality, and style. The e-bike offers a great riding experience without breaking your wallet, from its powerful yet compact motor to the rear passenger saddle feature. Recently, the e-bike market has continuously provided top-notch e-bikes all over the world, especially after the pandemic; the Engwe T14 stands as one of the best options you can choose that can deliver both innovation and affordability, making it a convincing choice for riders aiming more than just a simple riding experience.

10 Best Language Learning Apps for Android and iOS in 2024

By

Vishak

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January 17, 2024

Language learning apps for Android and iOS go beyond traditional classrooms, providing flexibility and self-paced learning. They offer comprehensive courses covering vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation, and cultural insights. Technology-driven features like speech recognition, gamification, and spaced repetition enhance the learning process, making it engaging and effective. This article will discuss the best mobile apps to make language learning a breeze

Contents

1 Best Language Learning Apps for Android and iOS:
2 Conclusion

AppStore

Conclusion

These mobile language learning apps offer diverse features and resources for language learners — providing convenient and personalized learning experiences. By incorporating technology, such as interactive lessons, gamification, and speech recognition, these language learning apps for Android and iOS enhance the effectiveness and engagement of language learning. We encourage readers to explore and try these apps based on their individual preferences and language goals.

Beyond Chromium: 5 Best Firefox Based Browsers You Need to Try in 2024

By

Sabarinath

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January 16, 2024

Firefox Based Browsers and Firefox Derivatives

Mozilla Firefox often finds itself overshadowed by the towering presence of Chromium-based browsers like Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge. But what if I told you that Firefox is far from a dying ember and that its legacy lives on through various intriguing derivatives? Yes, you heard it right — there are a lot of Firefox based browsers that offer unique features, enhanced privacy, and a refreshing break from the Chromium monopoly.

As you know, Chromium is the technological foundation for many web browsers, including Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Opera, and Brave. Its open-source nature has made it popular among Linux users. While Chromium has been praised for its performance and support for HTML5, its growing influence raises concerns. Critics argue that Google’s control over Chromium could suppress innovation and allow the tech giant to dictate web standards, potentially overshadowing organizations like the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C).

Contents

The Legacy of Mozilla Firefox

On the other hand, Mozilla Firefox was launched in 2004 as a more secure and standards-compliant alternative to Internet Explorer. At its peak, Firefox captured about a third of the browser market share. However, the rise of Google Chrome, backed by Google’s marketing prowess, has significantly impacted Firefox’s popularity. Despite this, Firefox remains a preferred choice for privacy advocates and is particularly popular among Linux users.

Firefox has consistently been at the forefront of user privacy. With features like Enhanced Tracking Protection, Firefox has always aimed to protect users from the prying eyes of third-party trackers. Unlike other browsers that capitalized on user data, Firefox stood its ground in the fight for data privacy.

However, the advent of Google Chrome in 2008 and Chrome’s V8 JavaScript engine and minimalistic design quickly attracted users, causing Firefox to lose significant market share. Despite this, Firefox never ceased to innovate. It introduced Quantum, a new engine that significantly improved the browser’s speed and efficiency, in 2017.

Today, the browser landscape is largely dominated by Chromium-based browsers and yet, Firefox remains relevant, continuously evolving to meet the needs of its loyal user base. It serves as a viable alternative for those who wish to break away from the Chromium monopoly, offering features and extensions that provide a unique browsing experience.

Firefox Derivatives and Forks:

Contrary to popular belief, Firefox is not a lone wolf — it has given birth to various derivatives and forks. However, these Firefox based browsers often live in the shadow of their parent browser — much like how Chrome’s derivatives are actually based on Chromium — a detail Google doesn’t heavily promote.

Firefox derivatives tend to exist on the “crumbs” left by the main product. These projects often struggle to maintain relevance, let alone compete with Firefox’s already modest user base. Despite the challenges, some of these Firefox based browsers have managed to sustain themselves and continue to offer viable alternatives to Google Chrome and other mainstream browsers. They may not have the massive user base of their parent, but they do provide unique features and customization options that make them worthy of attention.

Best Firefox Based Browsers:

In this article we are going to list some of the best similar Firefox derivatives and forks, which could be a better alternative to Chromuim browsers. Many of them have shown remarkable resilience and adaptability, continuing to evolve as projects with updated features and security measures. They serve a specialized audience who value the unique attributes these browsers bring to the table.

1. Tor Browser:

Tor Browser is perhaps the most well-known Firefox derivative, designed to provide secure and anonymous web browsing through the Tor network. Originating from the Tor Project, this Firefox-based browser is far more than a mere derivative — it’s a powerful tool for safeguarding one’s online identity.

Built on the stable and secure foundation of Firefox ESR (Extended Support Release), Tor Browser incorporates a plethora of features aimed at safeguarding user data. Unlike standard browsers that merely offer ‘Incognito’ or ‘Private’ modes, Tor Browser is engineered to anonymize the traffic generated by the user. It achieves this by routing the user’s internet activity through the Tor network, a series of virtual tunnels that obfuscate the user’s location and usage patterns.

It comes pre-loaded with NoScript, a powerful extension that blocks JavaScript, Java, and other potential threats. Additionally, it includes a Tor button and a Tor launcher, streamlining the process of connecting to the Tor network. The browser defaults to DuckDuckGo as its search engine, a choice that aligns with its commitment to user privacy.

Tor Browser takes a no-compromise approach to data privacy. It automatically deletes sensitive data such as cookies and browsing history at the end of each session. This makes it exceedingly difficult for third-party trackers and fingerprinting mechanisms to monitor user activity.

Supported platforms: Windows, Linux, macOS and Android

2. LibreWolf:

Launched in 2020, LibreWolf aims to enhance Firefox’s privacy features — it takes the foundational principles of Mozilla Firefox and amplifies them, focusing intently on user privacy and data protection. It comes with telemetry and Pocket disabled by default, ensuring that your data isn’t being sent to third-party servers without your explicit consent. It comes pre-installed with uBlock Origin, one of the most effective ad-blockers available today. This not only enhances your browsing experience by eliminating intrusive ads but also adds an extra layer of security against malware and tracking scripts.

Technologically, LibreWolf is as modern as they come. It is built on the latest Firefox architecture, ensuring that you don’t have to compromise on speed or functionality when choosing privacy. Unlike some other Firefox derivatives that cling to outdated technologies, LibreWolf embraces the new while respecting the old. It’s a browser that doesn’t force you to choose between performance and principles.

Supported platforms: Windows, Linux, and macOS

3. Pale Moon:

Pale Moon is one of the oldest Firefox derivatives still in active development. It diverges from Firefox by using a fork of the Gecko engine called Goanna. Pale Moon supports older plugins and extensions that Mozilla has phased out, such as XUL and XPCOM extensions, NPAPI plugins for Silverlight, Adobe Flash, and Java. It aims to offer a customizable user interface reminiscent of older Firefox versions.

Pale Moon takes user privacy seriously. It does not include telemetry, spyware, or any form of data collection, ensuring a browsing experience that respects your privacy. This makes it a strong choice for users who are wary of the data collection practices prevalent in many modern browsers.

Supported platforms: PWindows, Linux, and macOS

4. Waterfox:

Waterfox was initially conceived as a 64-bit version of Firefox at a time when Mozilla only offered 32-bit builds for Windows. The project filled a void, offering enhanced performance and security features that were not yet standard in mainstream browsers. Over the years, Waterfox has evolved from being a mere Firefox based browser to a full-fledged browser with its own unique features and philosophies. Waterfox disables telemetry and Pocket by default, ensuring that your browsing habits remain your own business and no one else’s.

Waterfox aligns more closely with modern versions of Firefox but with a twist. It promises better performance and less memory usage, making it an ideal choice for those who are tired of resource-hogging browsers. Additionally, Waterfox supports extensions from Google Chrome and Opera, although your mileage may vary when it comes to compatibility.

While Waterfox offers a modern browsing experience, it also provides a “Classic” version that maintains an older version of the Gecko engine and supports legacy XUL and XPCOM extensions. However, it’s worth noting that Waterfox Classic has had several unpatched vulnerabilities. If security is a top priority, sticking with the main version is advisable.

Supported platforms: Windows, Linux, and macOS

5. SeaMonkey:

SeaMonkey — originating from the Mozilla Application Suite, this Firefox-based browser offers more than just a window to the World Wide Web. It’s a multifaceted tool that includes an email client, a news client, and even an HTML editor. SeaMonkey is a community-driven project. The SeaMonkey Council, a group of dedicated volunteers, oversees its development.

One of SeaMonkey’s most intriguing features is its support for XUL extensions, a technology long abandoned by Firefox. This allows for a level of customization and functionality that most modern browsers can’t match. However, the browser is continually updated to support the latest web standards, ensuring a smooth and secure browsing experience.

Supported platforms: Windows, Linux, and macOS

Conclusion

While Chromium continues to dominate the browser landscape, Firefox based browsers offer a compelling alternative for those seeking privacy, customization, and a break from the mainstream. These Firefox dervatives and forks not only keep the Firefox spirit alive but also serve as a reminder that when it comes to web browsing, one size doesn’t fit all.

Google Assistant Will Remove More Than 15 Useful Functions

By

Amaya Simon

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January 13, 2024

Google has announced a major update to its popular Google Assistant, involving the removal of several of its features. This decision comes in the wake of Google’s recent workforce reduction, which affected several departments, including the team behind the Assistant.

Google’s decision, as detailed in their blog post, is to prioritize quality and reliability over quantity. The company plans to eliminate 17 features from the Assistant in the coming weeks. Among these are functionalities like creating voice-controlled alarms, drafting emails, and even reprogramming events in Google Calendar. This downsizing extends to third-party integrations as well, such as voice control for Fitbit Sense and Versa 3 devices and activating the Calm app for meditation.

Google is set to start informing users of these changes from January 26, providing them with alternative options wherever possible. Vice President of Google Assistant, Duke Dukellis, highlighted the role of user feedback in this revamp, underscoring the company’s commitment to refining the Assistant to better serve its users.

The list of discontinued features includes voice-controlled audiobook playback in Google Play Books, managing the cooking book, and voice commands for email and video messaging. Google Calendar’s voice reprogramming and the Assistant’s driving mode in Google Maps for message reading and calls are also on the chopping block. Notably, voice control for activities on Fitbit Sense and Versa 3 devices will be discontinued, although similar functionalities will still be available on the Pixel Watch.

The update extends to the Google mobile app as well, where the microphone icon used to activate the Assistant will be replaced by a voice search feature, reverting to its original design. However, users can still access the Assistant by saying “Hey Google” or pressing the home button on certain devices. For iOS users, the Assistant remains accessible through its dedicated app.

This revamp is part of Google’s broader strategy shift in the digital assistant domain, coinciding with its development of Bard, an advanced AI assistant. This move marks a significant change in Google’s approach, signaling a focus on streamlining and improving the core functionalities of its digital assistant.

Functions that will disappear from the Google Assistant:

Action	Alternative
Play and control audiobooks on Google Play Books with your voice	You can still stream audiobooks from your mobile device.
Set or use media alarms, music alarms, or radio alarms on Google Assistant-enabled devices.	You can create a custom routine that has similar behavior or use a standard alarm.
Access or manage your cookbook, transfer recipes from one device to another, play a recipe instructional video, or display step-by-step recipes.	You can use Google Assistant to search for recipes on the web and on YouTube.
Stopwatch management on smart screens and speakers.	You can still set timers and alarms.
Use your voice to call a device or broadcast a message to your Google Family Group.	You can still stream to devices in your home.
Use your voice to send an email, video or audio message.	You can still make calls and send text messages.
Reschedule an event in Google Calendar with your voice.	You can still schedule a new event.
Launch apps in Google Assistant driving mode in Google Maps to read and send messages, make calls, and control media.	You can still use voice control in Google Maps in the same way.
Schedule or listen to family announcements on a pre-programmed speaker, smart display, or mobile device.	You can create a custom routine that has similar behavior.
Ask to meditate with Calm	You can still request the meditation option with other providers, such as YouTube
Voice activity control will no longer be available on Fitbit Sense and Versa 3 devices.	You will need to use the buttons on your device to start, stop, pause and resume activities. You can still control activities on The Pixel Watch by voice.
Viewing your sleep summaries will only be available on smart displays, like the Nest Hub	You can still request sleep details by voice on third-party smartwatches.
Calls made from smart speakers and displays won’t appear with caller ID unless you’re using Duo.	—
View “commute” time estimates on smart displays.	You can still request travel times and get voice directions.
Consult personal travel itineraries by voice.	You can still ask about the status of the flight.
Request information about your contacts.	You can still make calls to your contacts
Request to perform certain actions by voice, such as sending a payment, making a reservation, or posting on social networks.	You can still ask Assistant to open your installed apps.