Google Releases Android 14 Developer Preview 2 With New Privacy And Usability Features

By

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March 10, 2023

Google has released the second developer preview of its upcoming smartphone operating system, Android 14. The new preview version includes a range of improvements, including enhanced privacy and security, better performance, and usability of large-screen devices such as tablets and foldable phones. Additionally, it introduces new features, such as the Emoji Lab wallpaper creation function, regional settings, and a full-screen wallpaper preview.

One of the most exciting new features in Android 14 DP2 is the Emoji Lab wallpaper creation function. This feature allows users to create wallpapers using a selection of emojis, including mosaics, lotus, stacks, sprinkles, and prisms. Users can also adjust the colours of their wallpaper design and use the “Randomize” button as a starting point.

Google has also introduced a new “regional settings” option that allows users to set their preferred temperature, units, calendar, and the first day of the week and choose a number system that matches their locale. The wallpaper preview is now full-screen by default, and the “At a Glance” widget has been revamped to display a single line instead of a double line.

Furthermore, Google is adding a new feature that mimics the long-missed notification LED on smartphones. This is accomplished by enabling camera flash notifications and screen flash notifications separately or together in the accessibility menu. The back arrow now has a pill-shaped icon and dynamic colours, and the Navigation mode has been moved out of the Gestures menu in Settings > System. Other key features spotted by 9To5Google include a Security & Privacy header image, a monochrome theme with basic colours, and new Android 14 system icons.

With Android 14, Google is looking to improve the experience of using the app on multiple screen sizes and take full advantage of the large screens of foldable phones and tablets. The company also encourages third-party developers to develop apps for larger screens, wearables, and smart TVs.

DuckAssist: DuckDuckGo Launches Beta Version of AI-Assisted Search Feature

By

Vishak

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March 10, 2023

Generative AI has been a buzzword in the tech industry for quite some time now, with major players like Google and Microsoft releasing their language-generation AIs. However, privacy-conscious search engine DuckDuckGo is taking a more restrained approach with the launch of its beta version of DuckAssist, an AI-assisted feature that generates accurate summaries to answer users’ search queries.

Unlike other generative AI search assistants that source information from thousands of websites, DuckAssist uses only Wikipedia and Britannica to prevent incorrect information from being used when generating answers. This approach distinguishes it from Brave Search’s AI-powered Summarizer, which sources its content from news portals and is sometimes susceptible to false or misleading information.

DuckDuckGo believes that Wikipedia is a relatively reliable and transparent organization on a wide range of topics and that its sources can be easily traced through cited citations. This makes it the primary data source for DuckAssist.

While DuckAssist is expected to make mistakes when trying to answer particularly complex questions, users can share their feedback anonymously via the link below the summary box. DuckDuckGo notes that during the initial trial period, DuckAssist will only work for user queries that can provide a clear answer with limited resources.

Despite its limited scope, the combination of DuckAssist’s generative AI and Wikipedia means that users can greatly increase the number of instant answers they can provide. Plus, since DuckDuckGo values anonymity, DuckAssist is fully integrated with its private search engine and does not record user queries or browsing history.

While it may not be as expansive as other language generation AIs, it has the potential to provide users with faster and more reliable answers to their search queries.

An expert’s tips on how to keep your social media as private as possible

By

Rakesh Babu

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March 10, 2023

Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and others have become an essential part of our lives. We use them to connect with friends and family, share our thoughts and experiences, and consume news and entertainment. However, it’s important to remember that the information we share on these platforms is not always private, and it can be accessed by anyone, including advertisers, hackers, and even government agencies.

In recent years, there have been numerous incidents where social media users have had their personal information compromised, leading to identity theft, cyberbullying, and other online crimes. This is why it’s crucial to take steps to keep your social media accounts as private as possible.

In this article, we’ll provide expert tips on how to keep your social media accounts as private as possible. We’ll cover topics like adjusting privacy settings, being selective about your friends and followers, limiting the information you share, using two-factor authentication, being careful with third-party apps, and more. By following these tips, you can help protect your online privacy and keep your personal information safe.

Contents

1 Adjust Privacy Settings
- 1.1 Explanation of different privacy options and their impact on who can see your information
2 Be Selective About Your Friends and Followers
3 Tips on what types of information to avoid sharing on social media
4 Use Two-Factor Authentication
5 Be Careful With Third-Party Apps
- 5.1 Conclusion

Adjust Privacy Settings

Each social media platform has its own set of privacy settings that allow you to control who can see your information. Here are some general steps to follow to access and adjust your privacy settings:

Log in to your social media account.
Locate the settings or options menu, usually indicated by a gear icon or three-dot icon.
Look for a privacy or security section in the settings menu.
Review the available privacy settings and adjust them as desired.

It’s important to note that privacy settings can change over time, so it’s a good idea to review them periodically to ensure that your information is still being kept private.

Explanation of different privacy options and their impact on who can see your information

The privacy settings available on social media platforms can vary, but here are some common options and what they mean:

Public: Anyone on the internet can see your profile, posts, and other information.
Friends/Followers: Only people who have been accepted as friends or followers can see your profile, posts, and other information.
Friends of Friends: People who are friends with your friends can see your profile, posts, and other information.
Custom: You can choose specific people or groups who can see your profile, posts, and other information.
Private: Only you can see your profile, posts, and other information.

By adjusting these settings, you can control who can see your information and ensure that only the people you trust have access to your personal data. It’s important to remember that even if your profile is set to private, information can still be shared through other means, such as screenshots or copy-pasting, so it’s always a good idea to be mindful of what you share online.

Be Selective About Your Friends and Followers

Importance of being cautious about accepting friend/follower requests from strangers

One of the easiest ways to compromise your social media privacy is by accepting friend or follower requests from people you don’t know or trust. These people can have access to your personal information and posts, which could lead to unwanted attention or even harm.

It’s important to be cautious about who you add to your social media accounts. Only accept friend or follower requests from people you know or trust, and consider keeping your accounts private to minimize the chances of strangers seeing your information.

How to remove/block unwanted friends/followers

If you have already accepted friend or follower requests from someone and later decide you no longer want them to have access to your information, you can remove or block them from your account. Here’s how:

Go to your profile or friends/followers list.
Find the person you want to remove or block.
Click the three-dot icon next to their name.
Select the option to remove or block them.

Removing someone will simply remove them from your friends/followers list, while blocking them will prevent them from being able to find or interact with your account at all.

It’s important to remember that while blocking someone will prevent them from being able to see your account, they may still be able to see your information through other means, such as mutual friends or public posts. So, it’s always a good idea to be cautious about what you share online.

Background Checker Apps

Background checker apps are a growing concern for individuals who value their privacy. These apps, often marketed as a way to access information about other people, can also be used to access your personal information without your knowledge or consent. According to this article where one of such tools is reviewed by SFGate, some of these apps can access your social media profiles, public records, and even your location data.

To protect yourself from background checker apps, it’s important to limit the amount of personal information you share online. This includes being cautious about the type of information you post on social media platforms, as well as reviewing the privacy settings on your accounts. Additionally, it’s important to be cautious of third-party apps that request access to your social media accounts or personal information.

Regularly checking for unauthorized use of your personal information is also important. This can include regularly reviewing your credit report for any unauthorized accounts or charges, as well as monitoring your social media accounts for any unusual activity. If you do come across any unauthorized use of your personal information, it’s important to report it immediately and take steps to secure your accounts.

Tips on what types of information to avoid sharing on social media

When it comes to social media privacy, one of the most important things you can do is limit the information you share online. Here are some tips on what types of information to avoid sharing:

Personal identification information, such as your full name, address, phone number, and social security number.
Financial information, such as bank account numbers, credit card numbers, and details about your income.
Vacation plans, which can reveal when your home may be vacant.
Sensitive personal details, such as health information or your political beliefs.
Passwords or login information for any accounts.

By avoiding sharing this information on social media, you can help protect yourself from identity theft, cyberbullying, and other online crimes.

Sharing certain types of information on social media can compromise your privacy in several ways. For example, sharing your full name and location can make it easier for people to find you in real life. Sharing your vacation plans can make it easier for burglars to target your home while you’re away.

Additionally, sharing personal information like your social security number or financial details can put you at risk of identity theft or fraud. Hackers can use this information to access your accounts, make purchases, or even open new accounts in your name.

Instant Checkmate, a service reviewed by SFGATE, a leading news and information source, is one example of how in-demand online security is. To further protect your privacy, consider using a background check service, which can help you monitor your personal information and alert you if any suspicious activity is detected. Ultimately, being mindful of the information you share on social media is crucial for protecting your online privacy and personal safety.

Use Two-Factor Authentication

Two-factor authentication is a security feature that adds an extra layer of protection to your social media accounts. When you enable two-factor authentication, you’ll be required to enter a second form of identification, such as a code sent to your phone or a fingerprint scan, in addition to your username and password. This makes it much harder for hackers to gain access to your accounts, even if they have your login information.

Enabling two-factor authentication is an important step in protecting your social media privacy. By adding this extra layer of security, you can help prevent unauthorized access to your accounts and keep your personal information safe.

The process for enabling two-factor authentication may vary depending on the social media platform you’re using. Here are instructions on how to enable two-factor authentication on some popular platforms:

Facebook: Go to Settings > Security and Login > Two-Factor Authentication, and follow the prompts to set up your preferred authentication method.
Twitter: Go to Settings and privacy > Account > Security > Two-Factor Authentication, and follow the prompts to set up your preferred authentication method.
Instagram: Go to your profile > Settings > Security > Two-Factor Authentication, and follow the prompts to set up your preferred authentication method.
LinkedIn: Go to Settings & Privacy > Account > Two-step verification, and follow the prompts to set up your preferred authentication method.

By enabling two-factor authentication on your social media accounts, you can significantly improve your online security and protect your personal information from potential threats.

Be Careful With Third-Party Apps

Third-party apps are applications developed by a company or individual other than the platform you’re using, such as Facebook or Twitter. These apps may offer additional features or services, but they can also pose a risk to your privacy.

Some third-party apps may require you to give them permission to access your personal information or your social media accounts. If you grant permission, the app may be able to access your friends list, personal messages, and other sensitive data.

In some cases, third-party apps can even be used to spread malware or phishing scams. That’s why it’s important to be cautious about the third-party apps you use and the permissions you grant them.

To protect your privacy on social media, it’s important to be careful with third-party apps. Here are some tips on how to limit the information third-party apps can access:

Only download apps from reputable sources. Stick to apps that have a good reputation and are well-reviewed by other users.

Be cautious about granting permissions. Before you grant an app permission to access your social media accounts, carefully review what data it’s requesting.

Regularly review your app permissions. Check your app permissions on a regular basis to make sure you’re only granting access to the apps you trust.

Conclusion

Protecting your privacy online is crucial for your personal safety and security. By taking steps to keep your social media private, you can help prevent identity theft, cyberbullying, and other online threats. Remember to be mindful of the information you share online and to regularly review your privacy settings and app permissions.

Samsung Returns To Develop Advanced Processors For Smartphones And Computers

By

Avinash A

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March 9, 2023

Samsung Electronics has announced that it is returning to the race to create advanced processors for smartphones and computers by developing its cores for CPUs that will be used in mobile single-chip platforms. The company intends to reduce its dependence on Arm and plans to compete better with Apple, which uses its developed processors.

The South Korean giant has recently formed an international team to develop advanced processor cores, led by Rahul Tuli, formerly of AMD processor design.

CPUs are key elements of smartphone platforms and other compact devices. For quite some time, Samsung has relied on British Arm cores in its Exynos chips, but the new cores will be in-house development. If Samsung successfully creates its CPU cores, it will positively impact optimizing chips for the company’s devices.

Samsung is also accelerating the development of new generation chipsets, of which CPUs are an integral part, including Galaxy smartphones. At the end of 2022, the company’s System LSI Division and the Mobile Experience (MX) Division organized the AP Solution Development Team to further optimize mobile platforms.

Under the working title Galaxy Chip, it is planned to create a special chip that performs better than existing samples. It is expected that the first version will be presented in 2025. However, since the company has just started developing its cores, the first version of the conditional Galaxy Chip seems to still receive cores on the Arm architecture.

Samsung is also developing a processor for its laptops. The company is creating its Arm-based processor to use in its laptops. The first platform will probably come out under the name Galaxy Chip in 2025, but it will include conventional Cortex cores. Samsung’s CPU will be ready later, approximately by 2027. The corporation is developing a processor with energy-efficient Arm technology, which will have several advantages over the processors currently used in Samsung laptops. Thanks to the new processor, laptops will become more productive and energy efficient, enabling the manufacturer to increase the battery life of devices.

This is not the first time the company has attempted to develop cores on its architecture, and it remains to be seen whether it will succeed this time. Nevertheless, Samsung is determined to expand its presence in the chipset market and reduce its dependence on Arm, which is under threat due to Samsung’s accelerated development of its cores. With the development of its Arm-based processor for laptops, Samsung aims to create more productive and energy-efficient devices with increased battery life.

Intel Completes the Development of 1.8nm and 2nm Manufacturing Processes for Chips

By

Vishak

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March 9, 2023

Intel has made significant progress in developing the Intel 18A (1.8nm-class) and Intel 20A (2nm-class) manufacturing processes. These processes will be used to manufacture chips for Intel’s products and its Intel Foundry Services (IFS) division customers.

Wang Rui, president and chairman of Intel China, announced that the company had finalized the development of these processes. Intel has determined all the specifications, materials, requirements, and performance targets for both technologies. This is a significant milestone in the development of these processes.

The Intel 20A manufacturing process will use Gate All Around (GAA) RibbonFET transistors and PowerVia backside power delivery (BPD). This process involves shrinking the metal pitch, introducing a new transistor structure, and adding backside power. It is a significant challenge, but it will enable Intel to surpass competitors TSMC and Samsung Foundry, allowing it to regain its former glory. Intel plans to start using the node in the first half of 2024.

Intel 18A manufacturing process further refines the company’s RibbonFET and PowerVia technologies to reduce transistor size. The development of this node is progressing well enough that Intel is pushing its introduction to late 2025 to late 2024. Originally, Intel planned to use the Twinscan EXE scanner with 0.55 numerical aperture (NA) optics, ASML’s High NA, for the 1.8 Angstrom node but decided to start using this technology early, so it decided to use 0.33NA. The company expects that when 1.8nm-class manufacturing technology enters HVM (High Volume Manufacturing) in the second half of 2024, it will become the most advanced node in the industry.

How to Fix Common Alexa Problems

By

Nethra Gupta

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March 9, 2023

Amazon Alexa To Speak In The Voices Of Deceased Loved Ones

Alexa is a popular virtual assistant that has recently become a must-have in the home. Alexa has become essential to many people’s everyday lives because of its ability to operate smart home gadgets, play music, answer queries, and more. But, Alexa, like any technology, is not without flaws, and users may face various challenges when using it. In this post, we’ll review some frequent Alexa problems and how to fix them.

Contents

1 Check the Internet Connection
2 Restart the Alexa Device
3 Check the Alexa App
4 Re-Enable Skills
5 Factory Reset
6 Alexa Not Understanding Issue

Check the Internet Connection

A weak or non-existent internet connection is one of the most prevalent reasons Alexa performs poorly. Because Alexa is internet-dependent, it may not reply appropriately if your Wi-Fi connection is poor or you are experiencing internet access troubles. Check your internet connection and make sure it is steady to resolve this. You may also try resetting your network or modem to see if that helps.

Restart the Alexa Device

Restarting the device is another easy action to resolve typical Alexa difficulties. Alexa may occasionally have difficulties or errors, which may be resolved by resetting the device. Unplug the gadget from the power source, wait a few seconds, and reconnect it.

Check the Alexa App

If you’re having trouble with Alexa, checking the Alexa app on your smartphone or tablet is worth checking. The app has several settings and choices for customizing your Alexa experience. You may also utilize the app to troubleshoot any problems you might be having. Check if any app or device firmware upgrades are available, and install them if so.

Re-Enable Skills

If you recently added new skills to your Alexa device and are having problems, the skill may have gotten deactivated. To resolve this, launch the Alexa app, go to the Skills tab, and check if the skill is enabled. If it isn’t, activate it again and try again.

Factory Reset

A factory reset may be required if none of the above methods resolves the problem. Remember that doing so would delete all your settings and preferences, so it should only be done as a last option. Hold the reset button for at least 20 seconds to factory reset your Alexa device or until the light ring becomes orange. After that, you may start over with your device.

Alexa Not Understanding Issue

Alexa is meant to be a dependable and user-friendly virtual assistant, yet it occasionally struggles to comprehend people, resulting in annoyance and discomfort. One of the most typical problems that Alexa users have is when it doesn’t understand what users are saying. This is especially irritating if you rely on Alexa to handle your smart home gadgets or answer your inquiries.

Alexa not understanding you due to various reasons, including background noise, incorrect pronunciation, or a problem with the Alexa device itself. If Alexa does not understand you, here are some steps you may take to resolve the issue:

Reduce Background Noise: Alexa may have trouble understanding you if there is a lot of background noise. Try moving to a quieter location or lowering the volume of any noise sources.
Unplug Alexa Speaker: If Alexa is still having difficulties understanding you, try disconnecting and replugging the device. This can assist in resetting the gadget and improving its functionality.
Restore Alexa’s Wireless Connection: Try restarting your router or modem if your Alexa device has problems connecting to your wireless network.
Teach Alexa Your Voice: Alexa can improve her understanding of your voice if you teach it. Launch the Alexa app and complete this at Settings > Alexa Account > Your Voice. To teach Alexa to recognize your voice, follow the steps shown in the app.
Ask Alexa for a System Update: As there may be updates available that have not been installed, Alexa may have difficulty understanding you at times. Say, “Alexa, check for updates” to check for updates. If updates are available, Alexa will install them for you.
Full Reset the Alexa Speaker: If all else fails, you can try performing a full reset of the Alexa speaker. Remember that this will erase all your personalized settings and preferences, so it should only be done as a last resort. To do this, press and hold the reset button on the device for at least 20 seconds until the light ring turns orange. After this, you can set up your device again from scratch.

Alexa is a fantastic virtual assistant, but like all technology, it has flaws. Following the method described above, you may quickly resolve typical Alexa issues and get your device back up and running. Most Alexa difficulties can be solved with a little time and effort, allowing you to resume enjoying your virtual assistant.

AMD Confirms Critical Problem With Adrenalin 23.2.1 WHQL Driver For Radeon RX 7900 And Older Video Cards

By

Bhasker Das

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March 8, 2023

AMD has confirmed the existence of a significant issue with their Adrenalin 23.2.1 WHQL driver for Radeon RX 7900, Radeon RX 6000, and earlier video cards. When some users pick the “Restoring factory settings” option after installing the driver, their operating systems fail to load.

Users began complaining about the issue when the driver was released in mid-February. Nevertheless, AMD did not recognise the problem for long and did not respond to the situation. Ultimately, PCWorld obtained a response from AMD, which stated that the issue is recognised and that the firm is working to remedy it as soon as possible.

After installing the Adrenalin 23.2.1 WHQL driver, AMD recommended that customers not pick the “Restore Factory Settings” option. Before installing the driver, be sure that the operating system is not in the process of being updated. If the operating system is upgrading, waiting for it to finish is best.

If consumers discover an issue with their operating system after installing the driver, PCWorld recommends attempting other solutions before reinstalling it. Examples are creating a Windows restore point before installing the driver or executing the Windows Integrity Repair tool straight during the boot process.

The Adrenalin 23.2.1 WHQL driver problem can result in a blue screen of death and the destruction of Windows, necessitating a reinstallation of the operating system. To avoid this problem, it is critical to follow AMD’s advice.

WT2 Edge Translator Earbuds: Revolutionizing Cross-Language Communication

By

Jenna Jose

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March 8, 2023

Timekettle, a pioneer in translator earbuds, has made a big splash at this year’s CES with their latest product, the WT2 Edge Translator Earbuds, powered by HybridComm Translation Technology. This cutting-edge technology subverts the traditional approach to translation products, offering a hands-free and natural cross-language communication experience.

The HybridComm system consists of three key technological advancements — BoostClean Speech Technology, TurboFast SI Technology, and UniSmart AITP.

The BoostClean Speech Technology, which includes Vector Noise Reduction and an RNNVAD voice recognition algorithm, ensures clear voice recording and accurate sentence segmentation.

The TurboFast SI Technology enables simultaneous recording, translation, and playback, increasing communication efficiency by up to 200%.

The UniSmart AITP, built on a global low-latency adaptive cloud platform, supports over 110 languages in 40 countries, providing a highly accurate and stable translation solution.

The WT2 Edge Translator Earbuds are designed to be compact, comfortable, and easy to use. The earbuds come with multiple ear tips and fins to ensure a secure and comfortable fit for all users. They are also water-resistant and come with a charging case that provides up to 8 hours of battery life.

In terms of usage, the earbuds can be used for one-on-one or group conversations with multiple people speaking different languages. To start a conversation, simply put on the earbuds, select the languages you want to translate between, and start speaking. The earbuds will automatically recognize and translate each person’s words in real-time, allowing seamless communication.

The HybridComm Translation Technology uses neural machine translation and can recognize speech even in noisy environments. The technology continues to improve over time as more data is fed into the system.

Timekettle is committed to creating a great user experience, with its products aimed at cross-border travellers, businesspersons, language learners and educators, and more.

Founder and CEO Leal Tian believes that the significance of a great translation product lies in its ability to facilitate communication between people from different cultural and language backgrounds. With this mission in mind, Timekettle has invested heavily in developing the WT2 Edge.

The WT2 Edge Translator Earbuds are set to revolutionize cross-language communication by offering a completely hands-free, natural, and fluent experience. The HybridComm technology, consisting of BoostClean Speech Technology, TurboFast SI Technology, and UniSmart AITP, sets Timekettle apart from conventional translation products and makes the WT2 Edge Translator Earbuds the ultimate solution for cross-language communication.