Spotify Surpasses 500 Million Monthly Active Users, But Premium User Ratio Drops

April 27, 2023

Spotify, the world’s largest music streaming service, has surpassed 500 million monthly active users for the first time, according to the company’s Q1 2023 earnings report released recently.

The report reveals the company has 515 million monthly active users, with 210 million paying subscribers, up 15% year-over-year. The company’s total revenue rose 14% to reach €3 billion, attributed to increased subscribers.

However, the company’s ad-supported user base is outstripping its premium users, which has dropped to 43% in the quarter and just under 42% in the previous quarter, likely due to consumer cost savings during the recession. Though revenue from advertising was up 17% year-over-year, it was down 27% quarter-on-quarter and total revenue was down 4%.

Spotify admitted the lower revenue growth was due to macro-related fluctuations in its advertising business. Nevertheless, the company emphasized that monthly active users increased by 26 million overall, versus guidance of 15 million, making it its single largest net addition in the first quarter and second-largest quarterly growth in history.

Spotify’s premium users accounted for 46% of all users in Q1 2019, but the figure is inextricably linked to the company’s cost savings, including cuts in marketing spending. Spotify confirmed earlier this year that it would lay off 6% of its workforce. Despite this, the company’s total revenue rose 14%, and the Q1 2023 earnings report is the best first quarter since going public in 2018.

At the time of writing, Spotify shares are up 5.19% from open, trading at $138 a share, indicating that investors are responding positively to the company’s reported user growth. Spotify’s achievement of surpassing 500 million monthly active users is undoubtedly an impressive milestone, and the company’s focus on increasing its subscriber base continues to show progress. However, the company may need to address its declining ratio of premium listeners to free listeners to sustain its revenue growth in the long term.

Apple AR/VR Headset to Feature External Battery Pack, Gaming, Fitness and E-Reader Features

Vishak

April 27, 2023

Mark Gurman of Bloomberg has disclosed some fresh data regarding Apple’s planned AR/VR headset, which will likely be presented at WWDC in June.

The headset will have two ports: a USB-C connector for data transfer and a unique magnetic port for installing a battery pack. The battery pack is essential for the headset to work and has a capacity of two hours.

According to Gurman, the battery is identical in size and form to a MagSafe pack, but the tiny cells should also give adequate energy life. Apple’s augmented reality headset doesn’t have a battery to make it lighter and more comfortable.

To entice both developers and users, the headset will contain gaming, fitness, and e-reader functions in addition to the external power pack. Users are expected to be able to watch virtual reality sports and play “top of the line” games that will operate with other Apple devices. The headgear supports most of Apple’s iPad apps, including Books, Camera, FaceTime, Maps, and Messages. Hundreds of thousands of third-party iPad apps will also be compatible with headsets from launch.

The fitness app will receive special attention, and the functionality will “likely” not be accessible at launch. However, one tester said they were “wowed” by the capabilities, and Apple’s consumer base is likely to be open to a more immersive fitness experience.

While some buyers may be hesitant to spend $3,000 on an augmented reality headset, Apple’s track record with high-end items suggests that the headset will be a hit. The first-generation AirPods were regarded with scepticism but rapidly became one of the market’s most popular wireless earbuds. The AR headset might do the same, especially if Apple can deliver on its promises of an engaging user experience.

It’s important to note that this is only one report, and we still don’t know much about Apple’s augmented reality headset. Gurman is a trustworthy source, and his report offers us a decent indication of what to expect from the gadget. We’ll have to wait until June to find out whether he’s correct, but it’s apparent that Apple is serious about AR, and their headgear might be a game changer.

Samsung Exynos 2400 Leaked Benchmarks Show It Outperforming Apple A16 Bionic in Multi-Core Mode

Vishak

April 27, 2023

The first benchmark results of the unannounced Samsung Exynos 2400 processor have appeared online, and they show that the new chip can deliver impressive performance.

According to WccfTech, the Exynos 2400 is 30% more powerful than Qualcomm’s current flagship processor, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, used in the Galaxy S23 series. The new Samsung processor maybe even more powerful than the future Snapdragon 8 Gen 3.

The benchmark results were shared by Twitter user OreXda, who claims to have access to an engineering sample of the Exynos 2400. The Exynos 2400 scored 1711 points in single-core and 6967 points in multi-core modes according to the results of the best run in the Geekbench 5 benchmark.

On average, the processor scores 1530 and 6210 points in single-core and multi-core modes, respectively. In multi-core mode, the Exynos 2400 gave odds even to the latest iPhone 14 Pro Max processor based on the Apple Bionic A16. The Apple processor in single-core mode still keeps a record of 1871 points and only 5344 points in multi-core mode.

The Exynos 2400’s performance in multi-core mode is particularly impressive, as it suggests that the chip will be well-suited for demanding tasks such as gaming and video editing. The chip’s performance in single-core mode is also good, but it is not as impressive as the A16 Bionic’s. Overall, the Exynos 2400 looks like a promising chip that could give Apple a run for its money in the high-end smartphone market.

The Exynos 2400 is said to be built on Samsung’s 4nm process node and to feature a 10-core CPU design with a single Cortex-X4 core, two Cortex-A720 cores, and six Cortex-A510 cores. The chip also features an RDNA2-based GPU with 12 compute units.

It is unclear when Samsung will officially launch the Exynos 2400, but it is expected to debut sometime in 2024. The chip will likely be used in the next generation of Samsung Galaxy S smartphones.

Attackers Exploit Trust Wallet Vulnerability to Steal $170,000 in Crypto.

Vishak

April 26, 2023

Trust Wallet, a cryptocurrency wallet browser extension, has suffered a significant attack resulting in a loss of $170,000. In a statement released by the crypto wallet developers, it was revealed that attackers exploited a vulnerability in the WebAssembly module of the Wallet Core library, which is used by the Trust Wallet browser extension. The vulnerability was identified in November last year, and while developers could address it immediately, attackers could still steal.

The Trust Wallet team has promised to reimburse users affected by the attack. In a message, they said, “In the pursuit of transparency and user protection, we want to assure customers that we will reimburse the relevant losses from a hack due to a vulnerability and have already launched the process of refunding funds to users affected by the problem.” The developers also noted that users who imported their wallets from the mobile app are unaffected.

The Trust Wallet team has identified the list of affected wallets, and their owners have received notifications. The staff is presently working to reimburse the funds to the impacted users.

This incident highlights the importance of regularly updating and maintaining the security of cryptocurrency wallets. Trust Wallet quickly fixed the vulnerability, but attackers still exploited it. Users using cyptocurrency wallets should also take extra security steps, such as utilising two-factor authentication, backing up their wallets, and keeping their private keys secret.

Moreover, users should only use trusted and reputable wallet providers and always verify the wallet software’s authenticity before installing it. As the popularity of cryptocurrencies grows, attackers are increasingly targeting cryptocurrency wallets and exchanges. As a result, clients must remain careful and take proper precautions to safeguard their funds.

Apple Wins Antitrust Battle Against Epic Games, but California Court Rules in Favor of Epic

Vishak

April 26, 2023

According to an opinion released by the US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, Apple has emerged victorious in its antitrust battle against Epic Games, the maker of the popular online game Fortnite. The ruling largely upheld the district court’s decision favouring Apple and a lower court’s ruling favouring Epic under California’s unfair competition law.

The lawsuit was initiated in 2020 when Apple kicked Fortnite out of the App Store after Epic began making in-app purchases using its payment system, which allowed it to avoid the up to 30% fees that would have been incurred when using Apple’s own in-app payment system. Epic Games sued Apple for “unfair and anti-competitive conduct” shortly after Fortnite was removed from the App Store.

Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers ruled in favour of Apple in 2021, stating that Apple does not have a monopoly on the mobile app market. She ordered Epic to pay for violating Apple’s developer agreement and removed anti-steering clauses that barred developers from providing users with information about other forms of in-app payment systems.

In today’s ruling, the district court acknowledged “legal errors on several issues” but deemed them “harmless.” Epic Games also cited a “proposed market definition”, and the existence of “less restrictive alternatives for Apple to achieve procompetitive justification to support the iOS walled garden ecosystem,” but the court found that these could not be proven.

Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney remained positive despite the ruling, tweeting that “the court’s positive decision to dismiss Apple’s anti-steering clause has allowed iOS developers to launch consumers onto the web and do business directly there.” Sweeney also confirmed that Epic’s mobile app store is ready for launch.

Regardless of the case’s outcome, Apple and Google may be forced to support third-party app stores on iOS and Android in the future. Regulators in other markets are scrutinizing both companies’ app store practices. In reaction to new European Union laws, Apple is apparently planning to enable third-party markets on the iPhone as early as next year.

Google Authenticator Gets Major Overhaul with Cloud Backup Feature

Vishak

April 26, 2023

Google Authenticator is a popular standalone two-factor authentication (2FA) app, but it has always had one major flaw. The one-time password generated by the app was incompatible with cloud backup, which meant that if you lost your device, you would also lose access to your codes.

This was a major inconvenience, and losing the key device could result in being permanently locked out of your accounts. However, Google has now announced a solution to this problem.

As part of a major update to Authenticator, Google has introduced a cloud backup feature. This means that users can sync their 2FA codes to their Google account and simultaneously use the Authenticator on multiple devices. Users must sign in to Google to enable syncing and follow the prompts. However, ensuring the Google account is secure is important to prevent intruders from misusing the Authenticator.

While Google still promotes passwordless logins using technologies like Passkeys, the Authenticator update acknowledges that some people still rely on one-time codes. The update promises to alleviate concerns about using these codes until users can migrate to other systems. The update also encourages people who fear losing their smartphones to use two-factor authentication.

Apps like Microsoft Authenticator already have cloud backups, but Google’s tools are very popular. The new cloud sync feature is expected to make a tangible difference, particularly if more apps can use Authenticator as an alternative to traditional passwords.

In addition to the cloud backup feature, Google has introduced a colourful new app icon. The update is a welcome improvement to Google Authenticator, widely regarded as one of the best standalone 2FA apps available. With the new cloud backup feature, users can enjoy the convenience of using the Authenticator on multiple devices without the fear of losing access to their codes.

Samsung to Use Stacked Battery Tech Inspired from EVs in Galaxy S24

Vishak

April 26, 2023

According to reports, Samsung is developing new battery technology for its next flagship smartphone, Galaxy S24. The new technology, similar to that used in electric vehicles, is expected to considerably boost battery capacity.

According to SamMobile, Samsung SDI, the company’s battery department, will create the new battery technology. The new technology uses a stacking mechanism that allows the anode, cathode, and other battery cells to be densely packed, making the battery more compact while enhancing energy storage density.

The new battery technology might provide a 10% boost to existing battery capacity. This would substantially advance above the existing battery technology utilised in Samsung devices. The new battery technology is expected to be utilised in Samsung’s next flagship smartphone, the Galaxy S24, which will be released in early 2024.

In addition to the Galaxy S24, Samsung is considering using the new battery technology in other products, such as tablets and laptops. The company is also exploring integrating the technology into its smartwatches and fitness trackers.

Automobile battery technology in consumer devices is still in its infancy. However, this trend is expected to continue in the coming years. Battery technology will become more affordable and accessible to customers as it advances. This will result in a broader range of devices with greater battery life.

WhatsApp Now Allows You to Use the Same Account on Multiple Devices on iOS and Android

Sabarinath

April 26, 2023

Same WhatsApp Account on Multiple Devices

After several weeks in beta, now WhatsApp will allow you to use the same account on up to four smartphones, regardless of whether you are running on Android or iOS. The head of the parent company Meta, Mark Zuckerberg, announced this multi-device WhatsApp support feature.

So far, individual Whatsapp accounts can only be linked to web browsers on tablets, laptops or desktop devices. But now with the multi-device mode of WhatsApp allows up to four devices to be linked at the same time, without the need to keep the primary smartphone connected.

The process to link the devices will be similar to what already exists for other platforms by scanning a QR code. Whatsapp also plans to introduce “an alternative and more accessible way to link to companion devices“. Then you can enter your phone number on Whatsapp Web to get a one-time code. This can then be used to activate the device link on the phone without having to scan a QR code.

Your WhatsApp chats will be updated on all linked mobiles as a result of this new functionality. This means that you can start a conversation on one phone and carry it on with another without losing any previous chats. This can be particularly useful for folks who carry both a personal and business smartphone and wish to connect with family and friends from the same account regardless of what devices they have available.

If you’re worried that this new WhatsApp feature could jeopardise the privacy of your messages, the service assures you that there’s nothing to worry about. Each additional mobile device connects to your account individually, so calls, texts, images, and videos are still safeguarded by end-to-end encryption.

Furthermore, WhatsApp explains that if the primary mobile phone is detected as being idle for an extended period of time, the session on the other phones will be automatically suspended.

This new multi-device capability is also accessible in WhatsApp Business, allowing clients to be answered on multiple phones associated with the same account, a very helpful feature that will increase the flexibility of its use.

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