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Future Apple Devices May Allow You to Recognize Text Just By Looking At It

Apple glasses Recognize Text Just By Looking At It

A new patent registered by Apple itself shows a new method by which Apple’s augmented reality glasses would recognize text on a surface just by looking at it with our eyes.

This new patent describes does not refer specifically to Apple glasses since it focuses on a method for Apple devices to be able to recognize text inputs just by looking at specific fields with our eyes. Thus, the system would place the cursor there to facilitate the text writing process.

This system could be applied to applications or web pages. With a glance, the user could select full-text fields, and the cursor would follow our gaze to position itself where we need it. 

A series of sensors placed next to the lenses of the glasses, next to the eyes, would serve to recognize our gaze, capturing the visual axes of our eyes.

Apple Patent Illustration a system for gaze detection in a device

By determining the directionality of our gaze, we can select text in applications or websites to place a cursor there. The patent describes how this system would look for “the center of the user’s pupil or the center of rotation of the user’s eyeball, to identify the visual axis of the user’s eye.

In the case of iPad and iPhone, this system would require a remote gaze tracking system, which would indicate that the 3D Face ID facial recognition system would not be sufficient.

How Technology is Changing the Workplace Environment?

Modern technology

Not long ago, companies and workplaces were a mess, with piles of boxes and paperwork lying everywhere. Today, innovative technology has made it easier for us to store data, confidential files, and so much more on a simple thumb drive the size of our thumb! Technological advancements have improved our standard of living and working conditions and allow us to work efficiently in full capacity remotely as well.

Modern workplaces are equipped with top-notch technologies and tech-savvy experts who can get things done instantly. Whether a smartphone, laptop, tab, or desktop, these smart devices have reshaped business processes and organizations in today’s world. Technology has given us access to communicate, manage and outsource work through different software, applications, and inventions of technology, without disrupting the flow of work.

In this article, we will look at some of the factors that work environments have benefited from due to the multiple advancements of technology:

Better communication

Communication at the workplace has been seamless and efficient as people can communicate through technology. With smartphones, tabs, or laptops, employees can communicate various tasks instantly with clear-cut coordination. You can engage with your fellow associates through video calls and conferences through social networking sites for those working remotely. With these modern technologies, employers can also manage multiple tasks at a time during the day to ensure that the workplace yields the best results.

Improve efficiency 

Modern workplaces have made time management their priority, as multiple tasks and deadlines have to be met every day. Several technological tools help improve efficiency at work for companies and provide excellent client satisfaction. Meeting deadlines every day can be a daunting task but technology allows people to manage their time accordingly to achieve results best for business. Another great benefit of technology is that it allows workers to get more creative and develop modern ideas in this competitive world. For instance, the Realia Project offers free printable templates that businesses can use without any hassle and can focus on other important tasks at hand. 

Business environment

Increase in productivity 

For businesses to survive in the cut-throat competitive world, you need business to grow. If your company is not growing, you will not be successful. Businesses with the right strategy and tactics can have the edge over their competitors. Technology plays a vital role in modern workplace productivity as it enables employees to make the right decisions with accurate and precise information. Technology also reduces the time and effort to accumulate information which helps in raising productivity. It also allows managers to track and assign tasks to employees to ensure all the company goals are met. 

Cost-effective 

There are several tools and software available online that help improves company goals. These tools are often advanced technology that protects the company and enhances the workplace environment. These tools can be integrated into the workplace, which helps the company reduce costs and increase profitability. With the latest technological developments, several tools can help employees compile and collect data, making the work environment less hectic and stressful. These management tools can be integrated into different tasks and give accurate results while being cost-effective.

Work culture evolving 

One thing that has evolved in the workplace environment is the dress code. The advancement in technology has favored dressing informal and casual. The conception of the workplace has shifted as companies can manage and bring solutions to client problems online. While some bosses or managers are firm on their dress code stance, many companies have given their employees the freedom to dress casually as per their comfort. At the same time, the idea of a trend is mainly focused on creating a stronger office culture that can encourage workers to invest longer in your company.

Security breaches 

Technology plays the biggest and most important role in protecting any kind of security breaches in this modern world. Cybercriminals such as hackers are constantly in search of robbing valuable information from different companies. This information is often sold online which can impact the growth of your company. Another reason why multiple tasks technology is important is that it integrates security measures that protect employees as well. Innovative modern technology integrates security software and algorithms that provide a sense of safety to employees and clients. Data encryption, fingerprint, and facial recognition features are just some of the factors that protect the workplace environment.

Business security

Remote location 

A modern work environment is no longer just an office space as technology has allowed people to work from remote locations. With the help of mobile and cloud technology, employees are interconnected online, which enables them remote access to the companies mainframe from any location in the world. Modern smart devices allow managers to coordinate with all their employees instantly to ensure the completion of daily tasks and company deadlines. No matter where you are located, with a click of a mouse, you can have access to company information. 

Technology integration in modern workplaces has been quite beneficial to companies and their employees. Staying up-to-date with the latest developments will help you have the edge over your competitors and boost brand awareness. Here are some tips that can help you build a successful online business.

Xiaomi Becomes The Largest Smartphone Manufacturer In The World

Xiaomi brand news and stories

Xiaomi has become the largest smartphone manufacturer in the world after suppressing Samsung and Apple in sales in June 2021.

According to Counterpoint Research, for the first time in its history, Xiaomi consolidated itself as the brand that sold the most phones — thanks to the fact that it registered a global sales share of 17.1% during June, while Samsung fell to 15.7%, and Apple registered 14.3% of the sales.

Xiaomi The Largest Smartphone Manufacturer In The World
Image Source: Counterpoint Research Monthly Market Pulse, July 2021

Although it is clear that Xiaomi’s rise is being consolidated month by month, it should also be noted that Samsung is in decline and strongly.

Since its inception in 2011, Xiaomi has sold nearly 800 million smartphones. Redmi 9, Redmi Note 9 and Redmi K series are the series with the highest growth in sales, says the Counterpoint analysts.

Surely in autumn, Apple will go up significantly with the iPhone 13, but we will have to wait and see what happens with Samsung, which will shortly have the presentation of the new folding devices, and with Xiaomi, which has confirmed that it will soon launch the Mi MIX 4.

Apple To Use A New Cryptographic System To Combat Child Pornography On iCloud

Security Researchers Discover 55 Vulnerabilities On Apple Network

Apple will introduce a new cryptographic monitoring system, CSAM (Child Sexual Abuse Material) scanning, with iOS and iPadOS to limit the distribution of child pornography on services like iCloud.

As per the report, Apple would begin scanning photos stored on the iPhone and iPad for images of child abuse while maintaining the security and privacy of users.

Crypto specialist Matthew Green points out that Apple’s tool would use a hashing system to detect illegal material and will run on the client-side, that is, locally on the iPhone. Precisely, hashes are cryptographic functions that allow you to compare files without opening them. These are basically blocks of indecipherable letters and numbers that provide a unique value for each document.

The CSAM scanning technology is very reminiscent of Microsoft’s Photo-DNA, which also checks photos and videos for child pornographic content via a database — but on the servers of Google, Facebook, Twitter and Microsoft and not on the users’ devices themselves. However, Apple’s new CSAM scanning technology has attracted some criticism from security experts around the world.

According to Apple, the hash database comes from the US non-governmental organization NCMEC (National Center for Missing & Exploited Children) and other unspecified child protection organizations, is integrated directly into iOS and updated with its operating system updates.

Apple stores the analysis result — positive or negative — in a “cryptographic safety voucher”. This is loaded into the iCloud together with the respective picture. The result of the analysis should be stored in such a way that neither Apple nor the person concerned can see it.

Apple Cryptographic System

Only when a threshold set by Apple from several analyzes or vouchers stored in the iCloud is exceeded does the system sound an alarm. If the system sounds an alarm, it will be checked manually by Apple. 

If child pornography is discovered, the victim’s iCloud account is blocked and a report is sent to NCMEC. The NGO can then call in the law enforcement authorities. Apple does not want to explicitly inform those affected, but they can object to the blocking of their accounts.

Apple also ensures that parents will be able to receive alerts if their children want to send content classified as suspicious.

A Calculator That Teaches You How To Program In Python

TI-84 Plus CE Python graphing calculator

American semiconductor company Texas Instruments has presented a calculator for students that allows them to learn the basics of Python.

TI-84 Plus CE Python graphing calculator will help students “explore, visualize and better understand math and science, while also introducing them to Python, one of the fastest growing, most popular programming languages in the world.”

There is no doubt that programming is increasingly important in educational programs. Python is a good programming language for students to get started in the coding world, and the Texas Instruments calculator can be a tool to motivate them and keep them focused without distractions.

In that sense, the firm says that the TI-84 Plus CE Python does not have Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or a camera — features that can make you lose attention. Instead, it does offer a color screen, lightweight design and a rechargeable battery that can last up to a month on a single charge.

Also, the calculator has been designed, according to Texas Instruments, to withstand the demands of students in the classroom. But it’s not just for high school students, and it can also be a great college-level tool.

By adding Python to the calculators many students are already familiar with and use in class, we are making programming more accessible and approachable for all students, eliminating the need for teachers to reserve separate computer labs to teach these important skills. With Python, students aren’t just learning to program; they are learning life-long lessons about thinking critically and creatively to solve real-world problems.” said Peter Balyta, president of TI Education Technology.

At the moment, the price of the TI-84 Plus CE Python has not been announced, but considering the manufacturer’s catalog it is expected to be between $150 and $200.

‘Potentially Unwanted Applications’ Will Be Blocked By Default In Windows 11 and Windows 10

Coming Soon Windows 11

Windows 11 and Windows 10, via Microsoft Defender Antivirus and Microsoft Edge browser, will automatically start blocking Potentially Unwanted Applications (PUA) by default.

As Microsoft support has officially announced, the switch that activates the protection against potentially unwanted applications will automatically be set to “On” under Windows 11 and 10 from August. Corresponding apps are then automatically blocked and thus prevented from running.

According to Microsoft, software falls under the category of potentially unwanted and harmful applications “that can cause your device to run slowly, display unexpected ads, or at worst, install other software which may be more harmful or annoyingIn the Windows 10 May 2020 Update we added Potentially Unwanted App blocking for everyone running Windows 10, but customers who wanted to use it still had to turn it on.”

Blocking Potentially Unwanted Applications

Users will still be able to turn off the protection if they feel they do not need it. To do so, open the start menu and search for Settings. Select Update & Security. Select Windows Security. Using the left sidebar options, navigate to the App and browser control tab. Look for “Reputation-based protection” settings. There you can turn Potentially Unwanted Applications Blocking on or off.

It is recommended that you keep this on, though, as Windows Defender will constantly check and verify apps on your system with a library of flagged apps on its servers. When it detects one on your system, you are then given the option to remove it, quarantine it or keep it running.

Oppo Has Presented Its New Under-Screen Camera Technology

Oppo Under-Screen Camera Technology

Oppo has presented its new under-screen camera technology that hides the sensor and offers high-quality selfies.

For years Oppo has been working on its under-screen camera technology known as Under-Screen Camera or USC. Instead of becoming one of the first manufacturers to launch a product with this type of feature on the market — in 2019, they presented their first prototype — the company decided to wait until the technology reaches a sufficient level of improvement.

Now, Oppo says it has solved some of the technical challenges that have accompanied USC display technology since its inception. One of them was to completely hide the camera behind the display panel and it has finally succeeded.

This is already the third version of this camera technology and in this new generation, the brand has managed to include the front camera under the panel without compromising the integrity of that panel.

To make this possible, the brand has used smaller pixels with the same density as the rest of the panel, which is 400 dpi. They have opted for this instead of reducing the pixel density on the screen. In addition, the firm uses transparent wiring, which is half the size of the traditional one. This is what allows no differences to be seen between the area where the camera is hidden and the rest of the panel.

Oppo Under-Screen Camera Technology samples

Not only efficiently hiding the sensor is important, but also being able to take good selfies is key. Oppo has also shown an image as an example of the capabilities of its camera under the screen. The brand uses a combination of proprietary AI hardware and algorithms to enhance those photos. Also, the screen performance is great in conditions like reading e-books, as well as web browsing.

Unlike other manufacturers like ZTE with its new Axon 30, Oppo has not introduced any smartphones with its new under-screen camera technology. The innovations presented correspond to a prototype and not a model that is about to hit stores. 

Google Pixel 6 and 6 Pro: Smartphones Will Be Powered With In-House SoC ‘Google Tensor’

Google Pixel 6 and 6 Pro

Google has officially shown its new smartphone models, Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro, for the first time and also confirmed that Pixel 6 is going to be powered by the company’s first-ever smartphone SoC — Google Tensor alias Whitechapel.

Google Tensor is the first self-developed SoC that the company has specially tailored for the Pixel smartphones, and that will be the centrepiece of the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro next fall. The focus is on artificial intelligence because Google says it has reached its limits that have prompted the company to develop a technological platform for mobile devices that enables Pixel users to use the most innovative AI and machine learning features to offer.

According to Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google, the company spent four years developing the new SoC. “Tensor builds off of our two decades of computing experience, and it’s our biggest innovation in Pixel to date.” he posted on Twitter.

https://twitter.com/sundarpichai/status/1422228336533676035

Google also shows pictures of the two new smartphones and confirms the continuous camera bar on the back, which appeared in leaks. The improved sensors and lenses are simply too big to fit into the previously used camera square, which is why the entire camera system is housed in the raised camera bar. 

The Pixel 6 Pro comes with three cameras, including a telephoto with four times optical magnification. The Pixel 6 will have two cameras; Google has left out the telephoto on this model. The other two cameras are said to be the same as on the Pro model. There is still no information on the technical details of the cameras.

https://twitter.com/madebygoogle/status/1422226005339557889

Both devices are apparently larger than previous pixel smartphones. The Pixel 6 Pro should be the larger smartphone and have a display diagonal of approximately 6.7 inches, and the Pixel 6 should be 6.4 inches. Google has already revealed that the Pixel 6 Pro has a polished aluminium frame, while the Pixel 6 has a matt aluminium surface.

The company already reveals that there will be three color variants of the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro that differ. The Pixel 6 Pro will be available in gold, white and black, while the Pixel 6 will be available in red, green and black.

Both smartphones are due to appear in autumn 2021, and Google has not yet announced details of further technical specifications and prices.