European Commission Conditionally Approves Microsoft’s Acquisition of Activision Blizzard, Focusing on Cloud Gaming Competition

By

-

May 18, 2023

The European Commission (EC) has given conditional approval for Microsoft’s $68.7 billion acquisition of gaming giant Activision Blizzard. The decision comes after initial reluctance from the EC due to concerns about Microsoft’s potential market monopoly in cloud gaming. The EC specifically expressed worries about Microsoft withholding Activision games from rival cloud game streaming providers, which could reduce competition in game delivery.

However, Microsoft made certain commitments to address these concerns. They agreed to provide licenses for the “Call of Duty” series to Sony and Nintendo platforms, demonstrating that they did not have a monopoly mindset. Additionally, Microsoft offered two remedies that received approval from the EC. Firstly, they agreed to offer a free license to consumers in the European Economic Area (EEA) to stream all current and future Activision Blizzard games through their chosen cloud game streaming service. Secondly, they committed to providing free licenses to EEA-based cloud game streaming service providers to enable gamers to stream Activision Blizzard games.

These measures ensure that purchasers of Activision Blizzard games have the right to stream them on the cloud game streaming service of their choice, regardless of their device or operating system. The EC believes these remedies will significantly benefit competition and consumers by making Activision Blizzard games available on new platforms and devices. An independent governing board supervised by the European Commission will oversee the implementation of these commitments to ensure Microsoft adheres to them.

The EC is confident that these measures will foster innovation and development in the cloud gaming space while addressing anti-competitive concerns associated with the merger. It is worth noting that the approval is specific to Europe, as Microsoft agreed to comply with these remedies. However, challenges remain as the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) recently voted to block the merger, citing similar concerns about competition in the cloud gaming sector.

Regarding consoles, the EC determined that Microsoft has no incentive to refuse to distribute Activision Blizzard games to Sony, the largest seller of console games globally. The EC believes that Microsoft’s withdrawal of Activision titles from Sony’s platform would not significantly deter competition in the console market, as Sony’s size, extensive games catalogue, and market position would allow it to defend its competitive edge.

While much of the focus surrounding the acquisition revolves around Activision’s popular game series, Call of Duty, and Sony’s efforts to prevent Microsoft from dedicating the series to its platform, regulators in the UK and EU are primarily concerned with cloud gaming rather than this specific issue.

The US Federal Trade Commission previously blocked the deal in December, citing concerns about Microsoft’s potential to stifle competition in the Xbox console market and its growing subscription content and cloud gaming business. A trial is scheduled for August 2nd, and both Microsoft and Activision Blizzard face challenges in closing the deal in the UK and US. Nonetheless, the EU approval provides them with additional momentum.

How to Protect Your Data in the Cloud: Best Practices and Tools

By

Avinash A

-

May 18, 2023

More individuals and businesses are now using cloud platforms to manage their files and data. The worldwide end-user spending on cloud platforms is forecasted to reach nearly $600 billion in 2023. Using cloud services lets you access your data from any device located anywhere. This eliminates the need to carry a physical storage device such as a USB or external hard drive.

According to Google cloud security best practices, creating and implementing a data security strategy is one of the most important steps in deploying a cloud platform. Therefore, it is imperative for you to know how to secure your information on the cloud.

Contents

1 Set Privacy Setting
2 Use Strong Passwords
3 Use Two-Factor Authentication
4 Avoid Uploading Sensitive Data
5 Install Antivirus and Anti-malware Protection
6 Keep Your Operating System Updated
7 Set Up Backup And Recovery Options
8 Ensure That Your Network is Encrypted
9 Conclusion

Set Privacy Setting

You should configure your privacy settings as soon as you sign up for a cloud service provider. Make sure not to share your sensitive information via the apps that are connected to your cloud. You should also determine the time for which the service stores your data. After the initial setup, you should make sure to re-configure your privacy settings every few weeks.

If multiple users can access your data in the cloud, set the user permissions based on your trust level or organizational hierarchy. This allows you to manage the permissions regarding who can view the data and make changes to it. Unorganized permissions in your cloud networks may lead to problems such as data theft, data loss, etc. To further enhance data security in the cloud, consider opting for cloud services with reputable 3rd party companies, like DataKnox cloud managed services. Configure your privacy settings upon sign-up and avoid sharing sensitive information through connected apps. Set user permissions based on trust levels or organizational hierarchy to control data access.

Use Strong Passwords

Make sure that your password is a combination of letters, numbers, and special characters. It is recommended that your password should have a minimum of 12 characters. You should also avoid setting the same password for different online accounts.

If you have trouble remembering the passwords, you can use the password managers. The password you set for your cloud service should not be easily predictable. For instance, you should avoid setting your name, company name, pet name, or date of birth as your password.

Use Two-Factor Authentication

Using a two-factor authentication tool or 2FA is an extra layer of security that you add to your password. This will prevent the hackers from getting into your cloud account even if they get their hands on your password.

A code is usually sent to your email or smartphone once you enter the correct password. You’ll be required to enter this password into your cloud account to gain complete access. According to a report by Microsoft, employing Multi-factor authentication (MFA) in your cloud prevents 99.9% of automated hacking attempts.

Avoid Uploading Sensitive Data

You should avoid uploading sensitive data to the cloud. As an administrator of the cloud, you should make sure to classify the data. Your sensitive information should be locked away from the least-privileged users (LPUs). Some examples of sensitive information include copies of your IDs, your social security number, and your company’s financial data.

You should also avoid putting any documents having your mother’s maiden name or your date of birth on them. These are the questions that are often asked as questions to verify your identity. You should avoid keeping intimate interactions or racy pictures with your partners in the cloud. It also includes any information that may land you in deep water if fallen into the wrong hands.

Install Antivirus and Anti-malware Protection

Computer malware is a harmful code that causes damage to your files and operating system. Once it enters your computer, it replicates itself through file collaboration apps, networks, email attachments, and USB drives. A virus should be taken seriously regardless of its type, as it can sometimes lead to serious problems. Like computers, viruses can also enter the cloud networks and cause damage to your data. Fortunately, anti-virus and anti-malware programs are also available for cloud platforms.

Once installed, the cloud antivirus offloads most of its tasks to a server that checks the cloud for harmful files. As computer malware is constantly evolving, you should make sure to keep your anti-malware program always updated. A good and updated anti-virus and anti-malware program can safeguard you against a number of online threats, including worms, viruses, malware, spyware, ransomware, and adware.

Keep Your Operating System Updated

Make sure that the operating system installed on your PC is updated. It is the perfect solution against possible bugs and security holes. Cyberattacks are constantly evolving since hackers are always trying to find vulnerabilities in operating systems. Keeping your PC updated improves compatibility and program features and prevents security issues.

Like physical computers, unpatched virtual machines also present a constant security risk. Since many cloud users are unaware of their duties under the shared responsibility model, you should be responsible for patch management.

Set Up Backup And Recovery Options

You should ensure that the data and applications on your cloud are backed up and stored on a remote server known as Cloud Server. There can be a number of situations where you can lose access to your data. This includes system failure, service outages, or natural disasters. Creating an effective cloud backup or strategy without recovery objectives is impossible. Your first focus should be the redundancy of your data. You can ensure this by storing backups locally and replicating them offsite. While you should ensure that the data is accessible, it should also be safe. While copying your files, you should make sure to prevent any data loss.

Ensure That Your Network is Encrypted

The network is a connection point between your device and the internet when you use the cloud. Therefore, it is crucial to protect your network. You should use a virtual private network or VPN when using a private network. This will encrypt your files in the cloud and your computer, making it impossible for anyone to track your location and IP details. You can protect your sensitive data from service providers and administrators of the service by having two layers of encryption.

Even if the hackers somehow get access to your PC, they will not be able to access your data in the cloud since it will be in an unreadable format. The data will be useless for hackers since encryption turns your data into ciphertext. The attackers will require advanced cryptography skills to access the data present in your cloud.

Conclusion

Following these key areas, you and your employees can secure important data in the cloud. While many cloud providers provide excellent security features, you and your employees are still required to play your part in ensuring protection.

Google Resolves Battery Drain and Overheating Issues on Pixel Smartphones

By

Vishak

-

May 18, 2023

Reports of sudden and severe battery drain and overheating issues have plagued Google’s Pixel smartphones in recent weeks. However, Google has identified the cause of these problems and successfully rectified them, according to a statement provided to 9to5Google.

In their statement, Google revealed that the issue’s root was a problem within their backend systems rather than any flaw in the devices themselves. After identifying the cause, the tech giant swiftly implemented a fix now being rolled out to all affected devices. The resolution does not require additional app or system updates, ensuring a seamless user experience.

According to Google’s description of the issue, a recent change to the Google App backend unintentionally triggered faster battery drainage on certain Android devices. As soon as the company became aware of the problem, they promptly released the fix. Users who have been experiencing abnormal battery drain and overheating should soon witness their devices returning to normal operation.

The problem predominantly affected users of Pixel 6 or 7 series smartphones. Those affected experienced alarming battery depletion rates, with their devices losing 20% of charge per hour. Additionally, the excessive heat generated by the devices became a cause for concern, as it raised questions about potential damage to vital components like CPUs and batteries.

Google’s swift response to the issue demonstrates their commitment to addressing user concerns promptly and effectively. By promptly identifying and resolving the problem within their backend systems, the company has shown its dedication to providing a smooth and reliable user experience. Pixel smartphone owners can now look forward to a return to normal device performance and optimal battery life.

As the fix is distributed to all affected devices, users can rest assured that their Pixel smartphones will soon operate as expected without experiencing the battery drain and overheating issues that have recently plagued them.

Foxconn to Invest $500 Million in South India Manufacturing Plant as Apple Expands Footprint

By

Vishak

-

May 17, 2023

Foxconn, Apple’s largest manufacturing partner, has announced its plans to invest $500 million in establishing a manufacturing plant in South India. This strategic move by Foxconn aligns with Apple’s broader goal of expanding its presence in the thriving South Asian market and diversifying its manufacturing infrastructure beyond China.

As the Indian government continues to promote local manufacturing actively, Foxconn is seizing the opportunity to capitalize on the incentives offered by the Indian government. The investment by Foxconn emphasizes its commitment to leveraging the Indian market’s potential for ‘mid-range to high-end’ products.

Telangana IT Minister KT Rama Rao shared the news of Foxconn’s investment via a tweet, highlighting that the project’s first phase will generate 25,000 direct jobs. This significant investment further solidifies Foxconn’s already established presence in India, where it currently manufactures iPhones and recently commenced production of AirPods.

Demonstrating the “Telangana Speed”, I am happy to announce the groundbreaking of first of Foxconn’s plants in Telangana at Kongar Kalaan today

With an investment of over $500M it shall create 25,000 direct jobs in first Phase #Telangana #Foxconn pic.twitter.com/PHThJWxsfT
— KTR (@KTRBRS) May 15, 2023

India’s enormous market, with a population of 1.4 billion, presents an appealing prospect for companies targeting mid to high-end product segments. Foxconn Chairman Young Liu emphasized the importance of expanding the company’s assembly and parts business in India to cater to customer demands.

The increased investment by Foxconn in India closely aligns with Apple’s ambitious endeavours to reduce its reliance on a single manufacturing hub. Apple has been actively exploring opportunities in India to diversify its manufacturing infrastructure. This recent development further underscores Apple’s growing interest in the Indian market.

Industry analysts at JP Morgan predict that by 2025, India could account for a remarkable 25% of all iPhone production. This projection reflects the immense growth potential and attractiveness of the Indian market and the favourable business environment the Indian government has fostered.

The establishment of the manufacturing plant by Foxconn in South India will boost local job creation and contribute to the country’s broader goal of becoming a global manufacturing hub. It signifies a significant milestone in the partnership between Foxconn and Apple, further cementing their shared commitment to innovation, growth, and market expansion.

As Apple and Foxconn forge ahead with their plans for increased investment and manufacturing in India, the South Asian nation stands poised to become a key player in the global supply chain while simultaneously reaping the economic benefits of this collaboration.

Amazon Burnham Project: A New Generation Home Robot with Advanced AI Technology

By

Vishak

-

May 17, 2023

According to Business Insider, Amazon is working on a new home robot that could revolutionize the market. The robot, code-named Burnham, is designed to communicate with people, understand context, and detect various problem situations. The company has already released the Astro robot, but this project has not gained much popularity due to its limited capabilities.

Burnham-based Astro is reportedly much more capable and can use modern language models to communicate more productively with people. The robot can remember what it saw and talked about, detect various problems such as an unturned stove or running faucet, and even go looking for the owner to warn them of the issue.

According to the documents, Burnham Project can detect if someone has fallen and call 911 in an emergency. It can also find the owner’s keys, check if the window has been left open at night, and even keep an eye on whether the kids have brought friends home after school. The project is exploring the possibility of implementing more complex behaviour, such as detecting broken glass and changing its priorities to remove dangerous fragments before continuing with other tasks.

However, the project is still in the early stages of development and will require a lot of time. Amazon continues to work on this project, which has great potential for the future. The robot can process data about its environment using advanced AI algorithms and make necessary decisions based on this information. The robot can work as an assistant and a security guard in the house, independently controlling and regulating equipment and calling the rescue service if necessary.

The Burnham Project is of great interest to the scientific community, as it demonstrates Amazon’s continued progress in developing advanced artificial intelligence algorithms for home robots. With more research and development, the project could have significant potential and revolutionize how we interact with technology in our homes. However, how much time and effort Amazon will invest in this project remains to be seen and how soon we can expect to see it on the market.

Google Pixel 6 and Pixel 7 Users Report Fast Battery Drain and Overheating Issues After Recent App Update

By

Bhasker Das

-

May 17, 2023

Numerous Reddit and Google support forums reports indicate that many Google Pixel 6 and Pixel 7 users are encountering problems with fast battery drain and overheating. The issue is believed to be linked to a recent update of the Google app, released on May 12th, as highlighted by Engadget.

While some users have attempted to resolve the problem by reverting to an older app version, this fix only addressed the battery drain issue, leaving the overheating problem unresolved. Similar reports spreading across the internet indicating a widespread occurrence among Pixel device owners.

Some users suspect that Android System Intelligence may be the root cause of the issue. Others have noted a decline in battery life since the May update.

Based on user feedback, it appears that Google is already aware of the problem and is working on a solution. However, reverting to a previous version of the Google app has not proven an effective workaround. The issue seems to be widespread, highlighting the need for Pixel users to keep a charger nearby if they rely on their device as their primary device.

Users eagerly await a resolution to the fast battery drain and overheating problems to restore the functionality and reliability of their Pixel devices.

VICE Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy, Faces Challenges in the Digital Media Industry

By

Avinash A

-

May 17, 2023

VICE, the online media company, announced its filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection a few weeks after reportedly filing for bankruptcy. The deal on the table involves the potential sale of VICE to Fortress Investment Group and Soros Fund Management for a significantly reduced price of $225 million, only 4% of its 2017 valuation of $5.7 billion.

While the company plans to continue operating during the bankruptcy proceedings, the news of VICE’s financial struggles raises concerns about the future of the digital media industry, which has recently seen other major players face similar challenges.

VICE’s decision to seek Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection allows it to manage its financial issues while continuing to operate and reorganise its business. The bankruptcy filing by VICE indicates the broader challenges the digital media industry faces. In recent months, Pulitzer Prize-winning BuzzFeed News ceased operations as part of company-wide layoffs, impacting 15% of the workforce.

While the decline of VICE and other digital media outlets may be partly attributed to industry challenges, much of the responsibility lies with management decisions. External funding efforts, relying on debt and equity capital, initially supported growth but left VICE unable to meet its debt obligations. Consequently, the company deferred loan repayments to sustain operations, further exacerbating its financial difficulties.

As reported in its financial statements, VICE currently carries approximately $834 million in debt. As part of the Chapter 11 bankruptcy process, VICE aims to raise more than $20 million in funding from financial institutions to maintain its operations during the sale process, which is expected to span several months.

Samsung to Revolutionize HPC with SF4X Process Technology

By

Vishak

-

May 17, 2023

Samsung Going to Showcase 3 Crazy Products at CES 2016

Samsung is preparing to make waves in the high-performance computing (HPC) industry with its upcoming SF4X process technology for CPUs and GPUs.

This new technology holds the potential to revolutionize the field, offering a significant 10% performance increase and an impressive 23% reduction in power consumption compared to its predecessor, the standard SF4 (4LPP). The advancements in SF4X stem from improvements in the level design and technology, along with a redesign of Middle of Line (MOL) circuits.

The competition in the HPC market will intensify as SF4X goes head-to-head against TSMC’s N4P and N4X nodes, scheduled for release in 2024 and 2025, respectively.

HPC applications, particularly those involving data centre CPUs and GPUs, require substantial power to handle heavy workloads regularly. Samsung SF4X, as the company’s first state-of-the-art node specifically developed for HPC applications, demonstrates Samsung’s belief in the growing market demand for such technology. HPC is considered an industry megatrend, and Samsung Foundry aims to secure the adoption of SF4X among its extensive customer base, which includes over 150 organizations.

The introduction of SF4X holds immense implications for the HPC sector. With its promised performance improvements and enhanced power efficiency, this technology has the potential to unlock new possibilities in scientific research, artificial intelligence, and data analytics. By offering faster computations, improved scalability, and optimal energy utilization, SF4X can fuel innovation and drive progress across various industries.

While Samsung SF4X is poised to make a substantial impact, the competition from TSMC N4P and N4X nodes cannot be overlooked. The rivalry between these industry giants is expected to foster further innovation and propel advancements in HPC processing technology.

As the release dates draw closer for these cutting-edge technologies, the future of high-performance computing hangs in the balance. Organizations are eagerly anticipating the adoption of SF4X and its competitors as they seek to leverage the power of HPC to achieve groundbreaking results and drive their respective industries forward.