MetaERP: Huawei Launches its Own EPR System and Breaks Free from US Vendors

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April 22, 2023

Chinese tech giant Huawei has launched its Enterprise Resources Planning (ERP) system called MetaERP, marking a big shift away from US vendors.

The move comes as a response to the technology export ban imposed by the US government in 2019 under the Trump administration, which led Chinese companies to pivot away from their legacy ERP systems and seek their solutions.

ERP is a critical component for managing resources in any organization, and numerous companies like Oracle and SAP offer custom ERP solutions for this purpose. Huawei’s legacy ERP system has been used for decades, generating billions of dollars worldwide. The company did not specify which US vendor it had used to manage its ERP needs but announced that it had successfully migrated to its own EPR system.

Built over three years with the collaboration of thousands of employees and multiple partners, MetaERP is described as “future-oriented, ultra-large-scale, cloud-native.” Huawei claims it currently handles “100% of Huawei’s business scenarios and 80% of its business volume” and has already been tested for monthly, quarterly, and yearly payments without glitches.

MetaERP is already integrated with other Huawei systems, such as EulerOS and GaussDB, making it a comprehensive solution for the company’s needs. Tao Jingwen, Director of Huawei and President of Quality, Business Process, and IT Management Dept., said that the company had proven its prowess by building its own MetaERP and managing the transition away from legacy ERP systems.

Huawei’s de-reliance on US vendors on such a large scale is noteworthy. The potential for MetaERP to be commercialized and sold to other customers who don’t want to opt for solutions like Oracle or SAP is significant. However, Huawei has not yet commented on this possibility.

Apple May Be Developing Its Own Journaling App to Encourage Mental Health and Personal Growth.

By

Vishak

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April 22, 2023

According to The Wall Street Journal, Apple may be developing its own journaling app. The app, codenamed “Jurassic,” will reportedly encourage users to write journals to record their activities and thoughts and will be centred around improving mental health. As a first-party iPhone app, it will also automatically compile information users want, such as health records and text messages.

Journaling, also known as “writing meditation,” is the act of writing on paper what comes to your mind or what you think. It is believed to help individuals face their inner selves by moving their hands and writing on paper instead of just thinking with their heads. The act of journaling has been linked to improved mental health, and it seems that Apple is always looking for new possibilities to improve the mental health of its users.

The new app will act as a life tracker, allowing users to analyze their typical day, where they go, who they interact with, and when they deviate from their standard routine. The app could even help individuals figure out the difference between colleagues and friends using a feature called “All Day People Discovery.” It is unclear if it requires an iPhone and an app, but it could work by detecting proximity to other individuals.

The comprehensive information Apple may collect is not necessarily new, but the personalization feature that uses the collected data to suggest relevant diary themes could be very compelling. For example, if users bring their iPhones when they run, the app could suggest workout-related articles. All data is stored only on the device, and the diary suggestions appear automatically deleted after four weeks.

Apple has not announced anything about the diary app, and it will likely not announce it until June’s developer conference at the earliest. However, the move could potentially drive out existing third-party journaling apps as Apple continues to pursue mental and physical health features.

Google CEO Sundar Pichai’s 2022 Compensation Reaches $226 Million, Among World’s Highest-Paid Executives

By

Vishak

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April 22, 2023

Google’s parent company, Alphabet, recently filed documents stating that CEO Sundar Pichai’s compensation for fiscal 2022 would be $226 million, making him one of the highest-paid executives in the world.

The compensation package was boosted by stock grants every three years, which amounted to $218 million in 2022. Pichai received no grants in 2021, and his salary has remained at $2 million for the past three years.

Despite Pichai’s hefty compensation package, Google faces a rapidly changing environment. The rise of AI products like ChatGPT could threaten Google‘s dominance in search. Additionally, the broader economic recession of 2022 hit the company hard, causing its stock to decline by 39%. However, the company’s fortunes are expected to pick up in 2023, with its stock predicted to rise by 19%.

Pichai’s stock award is on a three-year schedule, and he received a similar size package in 2019 when he was awarded $281 million. CEO compensation is a particularly sensitive topic in the tech industry, and Pichai’s package could come under fire, especially after a wave of massive layoffs at Alphabet and other big companies. Apple CEO Tim Cook, for example, recently cut his 2023 pay after coming under fire for making $100 million each in the last two years.

In 2022, Pichai’s compensation package was well ahead of other Alphabet executives. Prabhakar Raghavan, Google’s senior vice president of knowledge and information, and Philipp Schindler, the chief business officer of Google, both made about $37 million. In comparison, Chief Financial Officer Ruth Porat was paid $24.5 million. Their stock grants are made on an annual basis.

Alphabet began cutting about 12,000 jobs, or 6% of its global workforce, in January 2022, following months of other measures to cut spending and set new priorities. According to filings, the median total compensation for Alphabet employees in 2022 was $279,802, which makes Pichai’s pay 808 times that amount.

As part of the compensation package, Alphabet spent $5.94 million on Pichai’s security, according to filings. The high cost of security is not uncommon for high-profile executives, but it underscores the level of scrutiny and potential risks faced by leaders of major tech companies.

Pichai’s compensation package is undoubtedly substantial, reflecting his leadership of one of the world’s most influential companies. However, as Google faces new challenges and changing market conditions, it remains to be seen whether such high levels of executive compensation will continue to be deemed acceptable by the wider public and the tech industry.

Google Reportedly Unveiling Foldable Pixel Phone at Google I/O

By

Vishak

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April 21, 2023

Google is reportedly launching its first-ever foldable smartphone, the Pixel Fold, on May 10th at its annual developer conference, Google I/O.

According to internal information obtained by CNBC, the Pixel Fold, which Google calls “Felix,” will have a durable, foldable hinge and cost more than $1,700. This waterproof, pocket-sized smartphone has a 5.8-inch exterior screen that unfolds like a book to show a tablet-sized 7.6-inch screen.

The Pixel Fold will weigh approximately 280 grams and boast a battery life of 24 hours, which can last up to 72 hours in low power mode. It will also feature Google’s new Tensor G2 chip. This chip offers a socket-on-chip architecture that integrates all components onto a single circuit board, unlike motherboard-based architectures that include removable components like memory, processors, and storage.

Google is offering the full foldable phone experience for the first time with the Pixel Fold, which will also include exclusive features powered by Tensor processors not available on all Android phones. The Pixel Fold will have a trade-in offer that lets consumers trade in their current Pixel, iPhone, or Android phone for a discount on the Pixel Fold. In addition, purchasers of the new smartphone will receive a free Pixel Watch.

With a durable, foldable hinge and exclusive features powered by Tensor processors, the Pixel Fold offers a fully foldable phone experience. However, it may face challenges in selling easily, as Google is expected to announce the Pixel 8 this fall.

Godot Engine Announces Support for AMD FSR 2.2 and Improvements in Latest Build

By

Avinash A

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April 21, 2023

The Godot Engine development team has recently announced some exciting updates to their free and open-source game engine. The team has incorporated support for AMD’s FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR) 2.2 in their current release, which promises to significantly boost the engine’s visual capabilities.

Furthermore, the Godot team is working hard on engine version 4.1, which will be distributed later this year. This version focuses on increasing efficiency and usability, with a special emphasis on 3D rendering and shadowing.

One of the key improvements in Godot Engine 4.1 will be the implementation of time slices for directional light 3D shadows. Currently, these shadows are camera-dependent and require multiple draw calls, which can be taxing on the GPU. By introducing time slices, the team hopes to reduce the frequency of these draw calls and improve overall performance.

Another significant improvement in Godot Engine 4.1 will be the addition of a GL compatibility renderer. This renderer has been developed with mobile and low-end processing systems in mind and is intended to perform well on these devices.

In addition to these performance upgrades, the Godot team also improves the engine’s usability. One of the most exciting developments in this area is the implementation of AMD FSR 2.2. This method offers higher-quality visuals while retaining high frame rates, which is especially significant for games that run on low-end hardware.

Game developers looking for a powerful, free, open-source game engine should watch Godot Engine.

BuzzFeed News Shuts Down Amid Company-Wide Layoffs

By

Bhasker Das

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April 21, 2023

BuzzFeed News, BuzzFeed.com’s renowned news arm, has announced its closure as part of a fresh round of layoffs that would reduce the company’s personnel by 15%. BuzzFeed CEO Jonah Peretti announced this to employees on Thursday.

While BuzzFeed, a media and entertainment company, will continue to exist, the 15% reduction in the workforce will impact it as well. Peretti acknowledged that the company could have managed the layoffs better. Still, the decision was made due to various challenges BuzzFeed has faced recently, including a pandemic, declining SPAC market, tech recession, tough economy, stock market decline, and a digital ad market crash.

Peretti expressed his love for BuzzFeed News and how he had “overinvested” in it. Still, the major platforms didn’t provide the necessary distribution and financial support to underpin premium, free journalism made for social media. BuzzFeed News won a Pulitzer Prize in 2021 for reporting that China is detaining hundreds of thousands of Muslims.

In response to these challenges, Peretti and the new revenue leadership team will provide more detail on plans to “accelerate performance.” He has reduced organizational hierarchies, streamlined the product mix, doubled down on creators, and enhanced every aspect of the sales process.

It’s worth noting that an unspecified number of BuzzFeed and BuzzFeed News staffers laid off are expected to be given jobs at The Huffington Post, which Peretti co-founded. This decision is anticipated to be followed by similar large-scale layoffs at big IT firms.

BuzzFeed News’ collapse is a big loss for journalism since the company was noted for its creative approach to news and ability to attract a younger readership. Nevertheless, the decision was made to keep the company afloat amidst numerous challenges and changing industry landscapes. It remains to be seen how the firm will adjust to these changes while remaining loyal to its aim of producing entertaining and meaningful content.

Monster Hunter Now: Niantic Announces Partnership with Capcom to Develop AR-based Monster Hunter Game

By

Vishak

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April 20, 2023

Niantic, the well-known game developer behind the wildly popular augmented reality game Pokemon GO, has announced a collaboration with CAPCOM to create a new Monster Hunter title that integrates location data and AR components. The new game, Monster Hunter Now, intends to adapt the series’ fundamental monster-hunting feature into a real-world augmented reality experience.

Monster Hunter Now will allow players to experience the thrill of hunting dragons and other creatures from the Monster Hunter series on the streets of the real world. The game may be played solo or with others, making it suitable for players of all skill levels.

One of the unique features of Monster Hunter Now is an item called “Paintball”. If players use paintball on a monster they come across, they can take it home and hunt it alone or with others. Even when players are walking and not playing the game, their friends can mark the monsters they pass by with “Paintball”, so they can enjoy hunting even when they get home.

Niantic believes that Monster Hunter Now, along with AR games in general, will be easier for first-time players to play. The game is set to be launched in September for iOS and Android. Interested gamers can, however, apply for the closed beta test via the official website.

The announcement of the alliance between Niantic and CAPCOM has sparked a lot of interest among gamers. The Monster Hunter franchise has a big fan base, and the addition of Niantic’s AR technology is intended to elevate the experience to new heights.

Niantic has a track record of creating successful augmented reality games, and its collaboration with CAPCOM is likely to result in a game that is enjoyable to play and has the potential to revolutionise the gaming industry. Adding location data and augmented reality components into the Monster Hunter franchise is designed to provide players with a new degree of immersion and excitement.

Google Urges Users to Update Chrome Browser Immediately Due to Exploited Vulnerability

By

Vishak

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April 20, 2023

Google has issued an urgent warning to Windows, macOS, and Linux Chrome browser users to update their browsers immediately.

A vulnerability is known as CVE-2023-2033 was discovered by experts from Bleeping Computer, who claim it could have existed since the beginning of this year. Hackers might exploit it to install spyware on the desktops or smartphones of Chrome browser users. The vulnerability has been designated a “high severity” problem, and Google has not revealed technical specifics to prevent cyber criminals from exploiting the bug.

Users may update the Chrome browser by going to Settings and selecting the “About Chrome” option. After the update, the browser version should be 112.0.5615.121 on all three platforms. Google strongly recommends that users not delay installing this patch as exploitation cases have already been identified.

Users of other Chromium-based browsers, including Edge and Brave, should also check for updates. While Chrome will check for updates automatically, many people keep their browsers open for lengthy periods, which means they may not receive the most recent update unless they take deliberate action.

To avoid any potential attacks, it is suggested that all Chrome browser users check their browser version and install the update as soon as possible. Google has issued this warning to protect its users’ security and prevent the spreading of any potential virus.