IOS | Business Upturn

The Ultimate Showdown: Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max vs. Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

Tushar Aggarwal — Sun, 24 Mar 2024 12:48:56 +0000

The smartphone market is dominated by two giants, Apple and Samsung, each known for its flagship devices. The Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max and the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra are two of the most anticipated smartphones of the year. Let’s dive into a detailed comparison to see how these devices stack up against each other.

Design and Build

The iPhone 15 Pro Max features a sleek and modern design with dimensions of 159.9 x 76.7 x 8.3 mm and a weight of 221 g. It boasts a glass front and back with a titanium frame, giving it a premium look and feel. On the other hand, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra has dimensions of 162.3 x 79 x 8.6 mm and weighs around 232 g or 233 g. It also features a glass front and back with a titanium frame, offering a premium build quality.

Display

Both smartphones come with stunning displays. The iPhone 15 Pro Max features a 6.7-inch LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED display with a resolution of 1290 x 2796 pixels. It supports a 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10, Dolby Vision, and offers a peak brightness of 2000 nits. On the other hand, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra sports a slightly larger 6.8-inch Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X display with a resolution of 1440 x 3120 pixels. It also supports a 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10+, and offers a peak brightness of 2600 nits.

Performance

In terms of performance, the iPhone 15 Pro Max is powered by the Apple A17 Pro chipset, while the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset. Both devices offer smooth and lag-free performance, whether you’re multitasking or gaming.

Camera

When it comes to the camera, both smartphones excel. The iPhone 15 Pro Max features a triple camera setup with a 48 MP wide, a 12 MP periscope telephoto, and a 12 MP ultrawide lens. It also includes a TOF 3D LiDAR scanner for improved depth sensing. On the other hand, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra boasts a quad-camera setup with a 200 MP wide, a 10 MP telephoto, a 50 MP periscope telephoto, and a 12 MP ultrawide lens. Both devices offer impressive camera performance, allowing you to capture stunning photos and videos.

Battery and Charging

In terms of battery life, the iPhone 15 Pro Max is equipped with a 4441 mAh battery, while the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra packs a larger 5000 mAh battery. Both devices support fast charging, wireless charging, and reverse wireless charging, ensuring you stay powered up throughout the day.

Software

The iPhone 15 Pro Max runs on iOS 17, while the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra runs on Android 14 with Samsung’s One UI 6.1 skin on top. Both devices offer a smooth and user-friendly experience, with a range of features and customization options.

Price and Availability

The iPhone 15 Pro Max is priced at ₹ 148,900, while the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is priced at ₹ 110,299. Both smartphones are available for purchase, offering premium features and specifications.

In conclusion, both the iPhone 15 Pro Max and the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra are impressive smartphones that offer a range of features and specifications. Whether you’re a fan of iOS or Android, both devices deliver an exceptional smartphone experience.

Riviera: The Promised Land Remaster arrives on Nintendo Switch in Japan, hints at wider release

Eesha Chakraborty — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 15:04:32 +0000

Sting, the developer of the classic role-playing game (RPG) “Riviera: The Promised Land” announced the remastered version in July of last year. This news comes courtesy of an announcement made last July by developer Sting, marking the 21st anniversary of the game’s original 2002 debut on the WonderSwan Color handheld console.

While not a complete modern remake, the “Riviera: The Promised Land Remaster” serves as an enhanced port of the 2006 PSP version. This remaster boasts several improvements aimed at enhancing player experience, catering both to newcomers and returning fans alike.

Key additions include the ability to switch between five different soundtracks, the option to accelerate gameplay speed up to five times, and the ability to skip event scenes for those seeking a more streamlined experience. Additionally, all in-game illustrations have been upgraded to high definition, and an auto-save function has been implemented for added convenience. Difficulty levels and a mode selection option offer further customization, while a “boost” feature allows players to acquire skills more rapidly.

One particularly interesting detail lies in the inclusion of both Japanese and English voice acting within the remaster. This decision, coupled with the presence of an English language option, hints at a potential future Western release. However, no official confirmation from Sting regarding this possibility has been made as of yet.

Beyond the aforementioned improvements, the core gameplay of “Riviera: The Promised Land” remains intact. Players navigate the game’s world using simple controls, engaging in a unique battle system where skills are determined by the items the player possesses. The narrative follows the protagonist’s effort to prevent the “Divine Punishment” from destroying the land of Riviera, with player choices impacting the narrative through an affection system with various characters.

In conclusion, the release of the “Riviera: The Promised Land Remaster” marks a significant development for fans of the classic RPG. While currently limited to the Japanese Nintendo Switch eShop, the inclusion of English language elements suggests a potential Western release in the future. This remaster offers a revitalized experience for both veterans and newcomers, featuring improved visuals, gameplay adjustments, and an array of accessibility options.

Warframe release on iOS in February

Eesha Chakraborty — Sun, 18 Feb 2024 07:48:39 +0000

The free-to-play sci-fi action RPG Warframe is expanding its battlefield, with a highly anticipated arrival on iOS devices scheduled for February 20th, 2024. This marks a significant milestone for Digital Extremes’ sprawling universe, offering players the ability to seamlessly continue their Tenno journeys across a multitude of platforms, thanks to full cross-platform save functionality.

Warframe’s iOS debut promises to deliver the same exhilarating blend of third-person action, loot-hunting, and role-playing gameplay that has captivated millions across the globe. Players can wield an arsenal of futuristic weaponry, customize their Warframes with unique abilities, and embark on thrilling missions solo or alongside fellow Tenno in cooperative play. Whether battling through infested Corpus ships or unraveling the mysteries of the Orokin Void, the expansive Warframe universe awaits exploration on the go.

The iOS release coincides with Warframe’s arrival on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S|X, Nintendo Switch, and PC, further solidifying its multi-platform presence. This cross-platform support ensures that players can seamlessly transition between devices, picking up their progress wherever they left off. Whether lounging on the couch or commuting on the train, the Tenno experience remains accessible and uninterrupted.

Digital Extremes has emphasized the importance of maintaining a consistent and engaging experience across all platforms. The iOS version boasts intuitive touch controls designed for mobile play, ensuring fluid movement and precise combat. Additionally, the developers have meticulously optimized the game’s visuals and performance for iOS devices, allowing players to immerse themselves in the vibrant Warframe universe without sacrificing graphical fidelity.

With its expansive universe, diverse gameplay, and dedication to cross-platform accessibility, Warframe’s arrival on iOS promises to broaden its reach and captivate a new generation of Tenno. So, mark your calendars and prepare to unleash your inner warrior on the go, for the Origin System awaits on February 20th!

Sreenivasa Reddy to become Google’s head of India policy: Report

Avinash Ram — Tue, 04 Jul 2023 17:42:26 +0000

Alphabet’s Google intends to engage a manufacturing and policy veteran as its senior government affairs executive in India to handle legal concerns and bring hardware assembly to the country. According to people with knowledge of the issue who wanted to remain anonymous since the material is private, Sreenivasa Reddy, a senior engineering executive now employed by Microsoft, is most likely to join Google by the end of this year. Prior to this, he supervised government relations at the regional office of the Swedish company Ericsson AB, which makes telecom equipment, and he held key positions on Apple’s India regulatory team, both of which helped to boost domestic manufacturing.

Reddy’s experience will be helpful to Google, which is searching for Indian partners to build its Pixel series of smartphones as it attempts to diversify away from China. Following the production of Pixel in India, local production of further Google hardware products, such as speakers, is possible. Additionally, the executive will help Google overcome regulatory challenges. The Mountain View, California-based company has been accused by the Indian government of breaking antitrust rules by allegedly abusing its monopolistic position in the market for mobile operating systems. Reddy and Google representatives in India were contacted but did not respond. The person in charge of Google’s India strategy, Archana Gulati, left the company last year.

Google is one of several big multinational IT firms that regard India as a key market for expansion. The company is looking for ways to lower the price of its Android smartphones and increase the number of regional languages available on its website in an effort to draw more customers in the country with the biggest population. According to Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai, who made the announcement during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent trip to the US, the company intends to construct a worldwide financial technology base in Gujarat, the home state of Modi. The name GIFT City refers to Gujarat International Finance Tech-City.

Twitter introduces picture-in-picture mode on iOS, enhancing user experience

Viditha Ganji — Mon, 03 Jul 2023 09:39:10 +0000

Twitter is in the process of gradually rolling out a new feature on its iOS app that enables users to watch videos while multitasking with other applications. This development comes shortly after Twitter’s owner, Elon Musk, implemented a daily reading limit policy, which sparked debates among users. While discussions around the imposed limit continue, Twitter developers have quietly introduced support for picture-in-picture mode on iOS.

A video shared by iSoftware Updates on Twitter showcases the functionality in action. When a user plays a video within the Twitter app and then switches to the home screen by swiping up, the video continues playing, akin to how this feature operates on platforms like YouTube and WhatsApp. This innovative addition allows Twitter users to engage with other applications while still enjoying their video content. It is important to note that the feature is currently being rolled out gradually, so it may take some time before it becomes available on all devices.

Yesterday, Twitter experienced a brief outage that prevented many users from accessing tweets. As a result, the company swiftly implemented a “temporary emergency measure” and made changes to its policy, now requiring users to have an account in order to view tweets.

The introduction of picture-in-picture mode on iOS further enhances the user experience on Twitter, providing added flexibility and convenience. By enabling users to continue watching videos while utilizing other apps, Twitter aligns itself with the growing demand for seamless multitasking and uninterrupted content consumption. This feature is expected to be well-received by Twitter’s extensive user base, allowing them to stay engaged and informed without compromising their ability to navigate their iOS devices.

As Twitter continues to evolve and introduce new features, the platform aims to cater to user preferences and adapt to changing trends in digital media consumption. The gradual rollout of picture-in-picture mode demonstrates Twitter’s commitment to enhancing its app and providing an optimal user experience for iOS users.

Apple iOS 16.3 update releasing next week with new features

Aryan Jakhar — Sun, 22 Jan 2023 09:16:42 +0000

Apple is planning to release the newest iOS 16.3 update for iPhone owners next week. The next version will provide a significant security enhancement for all users worldwide. End-to-end encryption is included for many additional iCloud data categories, including Photos, Notes, Voice Memos, Messages backups, device backups, and more.

Other updates and features in the current iOS 16.3 update include Security Keys for Apple ID, Advanced Data Protection, compatibility for the new second-generation HomePod, a new Unity background, and more.

According to 9to5mac, the Security Keys for Apple ID feature allows you to use a physical hardware security key as the second tier of authentication for your Apple ID. Also, even after the countdown, iPhone will now wait until you release the buttons before calling emergency services.

Apple iOS 16.3 Update: Advanced Data Protection On iCloud

In the United States, the iCloud Advanced Data Protection function was introduced with iOS 16.2 towards the end of last year. Apple is now spreading this functionality beyond the United States. The security feature will be accessible worldwide beginning with iOS 16.3.

According to the source, all users will be able to enable iCloud Advanced Data Protection, an end-to-end encryption capability for practically all data saved in iCloud, including messages, photographs, and device backups. Without Advanced Data Protection enabled, iCloud already offers end-to-end encryption for 14 data types. Advanced Data Security now extends this protection to the great majority of iCloud categories, with notable exclusions being the Mail, Contacts, and Calendar applications.

How To Enable iCloud Advanced Data Protection

To enable iCloud Advanced Data Protection, navigate to Settings -> [your name] -> iCloud -> Advanced Data Protection and follow the on-screen instructions.

Apple is also addressing the large display issue on the iPhone 14 Pro Max with iOS 16.3. In an internal message last week, the business recognised the problem and stated that a patch was on the way. According to MacRumors, the bug patch shows that it is a software issue rather than a hardware flaw.

Apple has released iOS 16.2 for Indian users, which includes support for 5G networks

Aryan Jakhar — Wed, 14 Dec 2022 03:54:55 +0000

Apple users in India will be able to get 5G services starting today, thanks to the release of iOS 16.2, which includes the software required to connect to next-generation networks in India. A month ago, Apple made the Beta update accessible for testing.

Surprisingly, despite the update, an iPhone 14 Pro Max connected to the Airtel network revealed that the 5G software was still unavailable.

Users will, however, be able to see the 5G options in network settings after the upgrade.

Apple planned to collect feedback on network competency and correct bugs with the Beta release before releasing the final software upgrade to all users.

5G promises to provide customers with faster download rates and minimal latency, as well as new use cases such as cloud gaming.

Following the Indian government’s desire for Apple and other smartphone manufacturers to begin allowing 5G services on their platforms, the Cupertino-based tech giant agreed to release the update by December. Early November saw the release of the Beta upgrade.

Other major smartphone manufacturers, such as OnePlus and Motorola, have begun to phase in 5G updates.

Apple will release iOS 16.1 today: Check supported devices, new features, and more

Aryan Jakhar — Mon, 24 Oct 2022 11:11:58 +0000

Today, Apple will roll out yet another iOS upgrade. New features will be added to iPhones with iOS 16.1. Additionally, it will include bug repairs, enhancements to the present programme, and more. Users will be able to create an iCloud Shared Photo Library thanks to the upgrade. They will, among other things, add Live Activity support for third-party apps and allow access to Apple Fitness+ without an Apple Watch.

List of iPhones eligible for iOS 16.1 update

According to Apple, iOS 16.1 update will be available for new and old iPhones – iPhone 8 and above.

How to update iPhones to iOS 16.1 in easy steps

Follow these steps to install the iOS 16.1 update on your Apple iPhone.

Open your iPhone’s Settings app.
Select “General”
Select “Software Update,” followed by “Download and Install”
Click “Agree” when prompted to do so after reading the terms of service. The most recent iOS 16.1 will now be installed on your phone.

Apple iOS 16.1: New features

Apple iPhone customers who don’t own an Apple Watch will be able to subscribe to and access Apple Fitness+ with iOS 16.1. Fitness+ is a $79.99 yearly or $9.99 monthly subscription service that offers guided workouts and meditations. Notably, you won’t be able to see statistics like calories burnt or your real-time heart rate if you exercise on Fitness+ without an Apple Watch.

The Clean Energy Charging functionality will also be included of the iOS 16.1 upgrade. Users will be able to plan charging so that it takes place when greener energy sources are available, reducing the environmental impact of your iPhone. You can choose Clean Energy Charging under Settings> Battery>Battery Health & Charging.

Instead of using a conventional shared iCloud album, users of iOS 16.1 will be able to establish an iCloud Shared Photo Library. This will let users to add, remove, and edit their favourite photographs and videos in a library with up to five additional users, for a total of six.

Additionally, a new toggle will be added to the Camera app, giving users the option of automatically sending photographs to the shared library. The Live Activities feature for third-party apps, which displays information from sporting events, ride-sharing apps like Uber, or updates on a food delivery order, is the final addition to iOS 16.1. Users might therefore check the estimated arrival time of dinner. The iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max, which have always-on displays so that users can quickly view new information, will benefit the most from the functionality.

Apple will rollout 5G in India in December

Aryan Jakhar — Wed, 12 Oct 2022 07:49:43 +0000

As Indian authorities pressured mobile phone manufacturers to adopt the high-speed network, Apple Inc. announced on Wednesday that it would begin updating its iPhone models in India in December to make them compatible with 5G networks.

The business announced that it would distribute software updates to recent models, including the iPhone 14, 13, 12, and SE, which according to industry sources do not currently support the network.

“We are working with our carrier partners in India to bring the best 5G experience to iPhone users as soon as network validation and testing for quality and performance is completed,” Apple said in a statement.

“5G will be enabled via a software update and will start rolling out to iPhone users in December” they added.

With great enthusiasm, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi debuted 5G services on October 1. Leading telecom provider Reliance Jio said that it would offer the service in four locations and rival Bharti Airtel in eight.

According to a government document seen by Reuters, senior bureaucrats from India’s telecoms and IT departments will preside over a meeting on Wednesday for early 5G adoption. They have invited executives from Apple, Samsung, Vivo, and Xiaomi as well as domestic telecom operators Reliance, Airtel, and Vodafone Idea to attend.

Apple releases iOS 15.7 and macOS 12.6 for older devices

Aryan Jakhar — Mon, 12 Sep 2022 17:21:26 +0000

In order to keep consumers up to speed without having to upgrade to iOS 16 or purchase more recent supported products, Apple has published a comprehensive set of updates for iOS, iPadOS, and macOS.

While iOS 16 was getting all the attention on Monday, Apple also issued significant operating system updates for its 2021 versions. These updates serve two purposes: they give users a much-needed update without forcing them to switch to a new operating system, and they provide patches for devices that can’t upgrade to the new operating systems.

Apple published macOS Big Sur 11.7, macOS Monterey 12.6 and iPadOS 15.7. Although no particular release notes were given, it seems likely that these upgrades are aimed to bring older devices up to date given that they were released together with iOS 16, watchOS 9, and tvOS 16.

While switching to a new operating system version might be thrilling for some users, others fear it will damage compatibility with essential programmes they use for their job or pastime. Some people wait months or more before updating to make sure their favourite programmes receive many upgrades and are optimised for compatibility with no data loss.

Users who are unable to update or who are waiting for updates still require urgent security patches and bug fixes. Therefore, Apple frequently releases interim upgrades for older computers. Older operating systems typically have months-long update cycles, but updates continue to be released even after newer products have become obsolete.

Updates are accessible through the Settings app. Select the new operating system version you want to install by going to General and then tapping on Software Update. There should be a choice for both the current and previous operating system updates, if appropriate.

Apple will release iOS 16 today: List of compatible devices, new features and what to expect

Aryan Jakhar — Mon, 12 Sep 2022 03:32:03 +0000

Later today, smartphones will start receiving Apple’s iOS 16. With several personalization options, including widgets, the most recent version of iOS will have a newly redesigned Lock Screen. Here is all the information you need to know about iOS 16, including its features and compatible devices.

Supported devices for iOS 16:

The following iPhone models will receive iOS 16 from Apple:

Older iPhones: iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR, iPhone X, iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone SE Gen 2, iPhone SE Gen 3

iPhone 11 series: iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max

iPhone 12 series: iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max

iPhone 13 series: iPhone 13, iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13 Pro Max

iPhone 14 series: iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro Max

New features coming in iOS 16:

New Lock screen interface: iOS 16’s lock screen has been completely overhauled and now supports widgets, user-customizable fonts, and an extended view that lets you read notifications and information right from the lock screen. Live Activities, where users can check scores and track information about food delivery, will also be supported by the lock screen.

iMessage: Starting with iOS 16, users will have up to 15 minutes after sending a message to change or delete it. For a period of up to 30 days following deletion, users can also restore recently deleted communications. Additionally, users can flag opened conversations as unread using a feature.

Apple Maps: With iOS 16, Apple made a number of modifications to the Maps app. With the latest version, it will display a number of new parameters, such as speed, car temperature, and other information. Like on Google Maps, users will be able to add several stops to their journey. Users of Apple Maps will also be able to monitor the costs of public transit. Additionally, the app will have improved Apple CarPlay connectivity and new 3D-like aesthetics.

Other new features like Live captions, Live Text fast actions, and a shared iCloud Photo Library option allow you to share photos with your family by transferring them to a designated shared folder are all additional new features with iOS 6. But this functionality won’t likely be accessible until much later in the year.

iOS users of WhatsApp might soon be able to search messages by date

Aryan Jakhar — Sun, 11 Sep 2022 08:44:24 +0000

Last week, WhatsApp made it simpler for users to use the app to make UPI payments. The engineers are currently working on a new iOS feature that could enable users categorise messages by date.

A post from WABetaInfo claims that WhatsApp may soon allow iOS users to search for messages sent on a specific date. Currently, WhatsApp beta for the iOS 22.0.19.73 version from TestFlight supports the feature.

A new calendar indicator that appears to have been added to WhatsApp may now appear when you try to search for a certain message within a chat. The button, when clicked, displays a calendar view where users can select a date. Simply scroll through the discussion to remove the calendar view if you want it gone.

If you want to read messages received on a specific date or want to look back at when you first spoke to someone, the newly introduced capability will be quite helpful.

Remember that if you want to enjoy the most recent WhatsApp features, you must sign up for the beta. It’s noteworthy to note that developers allegedly started working on a similar feature two years ago but abandoned it.

More than 2.4 million Indian accounts were barred from the Meta-owned messaging network in July of this year. Also, some iPhone models running iOS 10 and iOS 11 may no longer support WhatsApp.

iOS 16 for iPhones will be released by Apple on September 12th

Aryan Jakhar — Wed, 07 Sep 2022 18:46:50 +0000

Apple revealed today that iOS 16, its most recent operating system, would debut on September 12. During its Worldwide Developers Conference 2022 in June of last year, it initially revealed the free upgrade, and in July it made a public beta available. (Unfortunately, the release of iPadOS 16 has been postponed even though the two operating systems are often published simultaneously.)

The abundance of features included in the upgrade won’t come as much of a surprise as a result. They begin with a number of changes to the lock screen, such as the ability to add widgets, modify how it looks, and deliver notifications in a new way. With certain restrictions, you will be able to modify and recall sent messages, share photographs with your family using the new iCloud Shared Photo Library, and use the Live Text tool to extract text from both photos and videos.

You won’t have to wait long to benefit from these enhancements if you weren’t willing to install a beta version of iOS 16 on your iPhone because, after all, betas are still unofficially in development.

Apple iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max expected features, specifications and price

Aryan Jakhar — Tue, 06 Sep 2022 17:00:15 +0000

Tomorrow during the “Far out” event, Apple will formally introduce the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max. The iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max will apparently be powered by Apple’s most recent A16 processor, while the non-Pro models are anticipated to use the company’s own A15 bionic technology. In light of this, let’s examine what the Pro series has to offer.

Apple iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro Max: Expected specifications

The iPhone 14 Pro is anticipated to have a 6.1-inch Super Retina OLED screen, similar to the iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone Pro Max, while the iPhone 14 Pro Max is believed to have a 6.7-inch Super Retina OLED screen. The ‘Pro’ versions will probably be the only ones that have Apple’s newest silicon, the A16 chipset.

Additionally, rumours claim that the huge notch will be replaced by a pill-shaped notch in the Pro editions. The primary sensor on the back camera system may be increased from 12MP to 48MP by Apple. It is also anticipated that telephoto and ultrawide lenses would improve. The selfie camera may potentially be upgraded by the company.

Additionally, according Apple reports, the iPhone 14 Pro would have a periscope lens and an astrophotography capability. The removal of the SIM card, satellite connectivity, and an Always-On display are a few additional features that will be added to the Pro variants. Though it normally does not disclose the battery size on any of the devices, Apple is also anticipated to add a larger battery to the Pro series.

Apple iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro Max: Expected price

Given that Apple is anticipated to raise the price, all eyes will be on the price this time. This time, prices may also be impacted by growing inflation, global recession fears, and the dollar’s strength against the rupee. Analysts expect that the Pro series will see a price increase of $100. The US starting price for the iPhone 13 Pro is $999, while the iPhone 13 Pro Max is $1099. The iPhone 13 Pro and Pro Max have starting prices of Rs. 1,19,900 and Rs. 1,29,900, respectively, in India. The iPhone 14 Pro is anticipated to cost $1099, while the Pro Max will cost $1199. Naturally, the pricing in India will be significantly greater than the real conversion to dollars.

However, according to a rumour from TrendForce, the iPhone series will experience a $50 price decrease, and the iPhone 14 Pro will ship with 256GB of basic storage. Again, we’ll have to wait and see how Apple sets the pricing for new devices, but given that they do have significant modifications, a price increase seems highly likely.

WhatsApp to stop working on older iPhone models

Pranay Maniar — Sat, 03 Sep 2022 12:21:07 +0000

Later this year, WhatsApp support for older Apple iPhone models is reportedly going to end. According to a recent report by Mashable India, the popular instant messaging app may discontinue supporting earlier iterations of Apple’s iOS operating system as early as this October.

The versions include iOS 10 and iOS 11, as WABetaInfo had previously hinted. According to sources, WhatsApp has already begun notifying iPhone users running iOS 10 and iOS 11 about the change.

Why is this happening?

For all the phones and platforms it supports, including iOS, Android, and PCs, WhatsApp needs to be updated on a regular basis, just like most other apps. The development team must concentrate its efforts on more recent hardware and software so that it can continue to support the app while adding new features. Additionally, this entails ceasing support for outdated software versions that are only sometimes utilised by consumers.

What iPhone models might this affect?

Not many iPhone models are expected to be impacted by WhatsApp’s decision, as iOS 16 is only scheduled to go live next week and iOS 14 and 15 are the most widely used software versions at the moment. The iPhone 5 and iPhone 5S are the main devices that are still operable with this older OS.

How to update your iPhone?

If you’re on iOS 10 or iOS 11, and your model supports an upgrade, you can head over to Settings > General and then tap on the Software Update option to check for updates and update your device.

Instagram might be monitoring ‘Anything You Do on Any Website’

Yakita Somani — Sat, 13 Aug 2022 11:59:59 +0000

Apple’s Instagram and Facebook iOS apps feature in-app browsers that let parent firm Meta track “every single tap” users make with external websites viewed using the software, users of both are forewarned.

Developer, privacy researcher, and former Google engineer Felix Krause conducted the study by examining the iOS apps for both social media sites.

According to researcher Felix Krause, this kind of tracking exposes consumers to “different hazards.” He cautions that via their in-app browsers, both iOS versions of the apps can “monitor every single contact with external websites, from all form inputs like passwords and addresses to every single tap.”

With the introduction of iOS 14.5 in 2021 and the inclusion of a feature called App Tracking Transparency, Apple addressed the privacy concerns of iOS users (ATT). The additional feature was designed to make app developers obtain user permission before tracking data produced by third-party apps that are not their own before doing so.

According to Krause, the iOS apps Facebook and Instagram are both using a hack to get over ATT regulations and track website activity within their in-app browsers. This is done by using a proprietary JavaScript code that is present in both apps’ in-app browsers. This means that Meta launches its own in-app browser when an iOS Facebook or Instagram user clicks on a link within a Facebook or Instagram post (or an ad), allowing Meta to track what you do on other websites you visit.

When opening a link from Instagram, Facebook, or Messenger, Krause advises users who are concerned about their privacy to “be sure to click the dots in the corner to open the page in Safari instead.” He notes that Safari already by default disables third-party cookies.

Twitter reports revenue of $1.57 billion in Q4

Malvika Choudhary — Thu, 10 Feb 2022 14:17:13 +0000

The microblogging site, Twitter Inc on Thursday published a lower-than-expected profit as expenditures were high. However, it said it largely evaded the impact of privacy changes that are harming Facebook parent Meta Platforms Inc.

One week earlier, Facebook’s parent company Meta reported that Apple Inc had introduced some modifications in the ad tracking features.

Twitter faced a hard time in the December quarter along with modifications to Apple’s iOS privacy features. As far as the changes are concerned, app publishers now require explicit permission to assemble and share user data, which has harmed the targeted advertising and pricing that is so essential to Twitter and other social media platforms.

In its fourth-quarter report, Twitter declared a $4 billion stock buyback, which is the first since the company announced a $2 billion program in March 2020. Analysts were anticipating a net profit of $290 million but Twitter posted a net income of only $182 million in comparison to $222 million a year earlier.

Furthermore, the daily user base was expected to rise to 218 million but it remained at 217 million only with an increase of 2.84% from its previous quarter. Twitter’s revenue increased to $1.57 billion in the fourth quarter, up 22% from $1.29 billion a year before. That was broadly in line with the analysts’ estimation of $1.58 billion.

Expenditures in the quarter rose by 35% at $1.4 billion on a year on year basis. Total costs and expenses grew due to an increase in headcount, higher sales-related expenses, infrastructure costs and increased marketing expenses, the company said.

Meta’s stance drove stakes to slip, cutting more than $300 billion from the company’s market cap over the past week, and assembling critical volatility among others in the industry.

According to Twitter chief financial officer Ned Segal, approximately 85% of Twitter’s ad revenue come from brand ads, which are less affected by Apple’s changes than direct-response ads. These changes present Twitter with an opportunity rather than a risk, Segal said. “There’s so much room ahead of us,” he added.

The shares of the social networking site were at $37.83 with a 5.11% hike today.

Twitter to soon launch downvote reply feature in Android & iOS

Vineet Jain — Sat, 05 Feb 2022 04:55:49 +0000

Twitter announced that it is introducing an experimental feature that allows users to downvote answers within tweets to global readers. The functionality was first tested with a small group of iOS users last year.

According to Twitter, the ability to downvote replies is intended to aid in understanding the sorts of responses that users find meaning in a conversation. Downvotes, on the other hand, are not visible to the public. This is in contrast to sites such as Reddit, where both upvotes and downvotes are exposed for public inspection to determine if the masses liked or hated a given comment.

As an outcome of the update, Twitter users on the web will now be able to downvote a specific reply in a discussion. The experience will also be accessible to Android and iOS users worldwide in the near future, according to a tweet from the Twitter Support account on the site.

As a result of the upgrade, Twitter users on the web will now be able to downvote a single reply in a debate. According to a message from the site’s Twitter Support account, the experience will also be available to Android and iOS customers globally in the near future.
Twitter has stated that the functionality is just for research purposes and that votes would not affect the order of answers.

Downvote replies were launched as an experimental feature by Twitter in July of last year in order to “work on methods to highlight” more relevant comments in a discussion. According to the microblogging network, the preliminary testing revealed that the majority of its users selected the down arrow in their answers “either because the comment was seen as insulting, or because they perceived it as irrelevant, or both.”

According to Twitter, the most common way for users to identify stuff they don’t want to see is by downvoting.

Apple files for discharging from India apps market antitrust case with CCI

Malvika Choudhary — Sun, 19 Dec 2021 07:11:53 +0000

Apple Inc is yet again under siege by the Indian antitrust watchdog for hurting the competition companies by allegedly abusing its market power in the apps market. The company has denied the claim by saying it is too small a player in South Asian country where Google is dominant, a filing seen by Reuters shows.

The iPhone makers were called into question by the Competition Commission Of India (CCI) after the company was accused of forcing its app developers to use its proprietary system that charges a commission of up to 30% on in-app purchases.

Apple repudiated the claim in its filing to the CCI and highlighted that India has more android users in comparison to IOS (iPhone operating system) users. Its market share in India is an “insignificant” 0-5%, while Google commands 90-100% as its Android operating systems powers most other smartphones.

“It has already been established that Google is dominant player in India”, Apple mentioned in the submission dated November 16, which was signed by its Chief Compliance Officer Kyle Andeer.

“Apple is not dominant in the Indian market…Without dominance, there can be no abuse,” it added. Apple has been grappling with similar allegations in other parts of the world. Apple also brought forth in its complaint to CCI that the complainant of the filing are the one’s with which the company is at the daggers drawn. The CCI is separately conducting an investigation.

Instagram introduces 2 new features for Reels, Check details here

News Desk — Sat, 13 Nov 2021 05:30:49 +0000

Instagram has launched two new features that are comparable to TikTok, a famous short video app. Users that make Reels on Instagram will now be able to use the newly added audio features, according to the company’s community website. Text to Speech and Voice Effects are two new features that will provide video creators more choices for creating innovative Reels.

If they don’t want to use their own voice, the new “Text to Speech” tool allows all creators to use an artificial voice to read the text they type on a video. The social media site now has a “Voice Effects” function, which can be used to change the audio and narration in Instagram Reels. Both capabilities are already accessible on TikTok, and because the app isn’t available in India, users will be able to use its renowned audio tools.

The “Text to Speech” feature is simple to use and does not require users to go through a lengthy process. The text tool, which is displayed while constructing Reels, can be used to access it. The feature is primarily for individuals who prefer an automatic voice to read the text they enter into Reels aloud. Here’s how to access the Voice Effects option and utilise the “Text to Speech” feature to add a fake voice to any video.

Instagram now has five different voice effect choices that can be used to add an artificial voice to a video. Announcer, helium, gigantic, robot, and vocalist are among them. To do so, record a reel first, then tap on the music note to bring up the audio mixer. If you want to use different voices on your Instagram Reel, go to the Effects menu and select a voice effect. The feature is compatible with both iOS and Android devices.

PUBG New State launches in India, Check file size & system requirements here

News Desk — Thu, 11 Nov 2021 06:04:03 +0000

PUBG New State has arrived, and it brings a slew of new features to the table, including a near-futuristic setting that should be a lot of fun to explore. The game features a slew of intriguing new mechanisms that will undoubtedly shake up the battle royale model, allowing players to engage with the game in new ways and experiment with fresh approaches to combating familiar problems.

The game is now available for download on the Google Play Store, so Android users can start playing PUBG New State right away. To get the game, simply go to the game’s page on the Google Play Store and install it.

The game introduces a number of new elements, including the Trunk, which allows players to store various items in the trunks of vehicles and carry them throughout the area. In essence, this allows players to carry significantly more treasure than before, but it also increases the probability that opposing players would benefit from it if they are able to take possession of the vehicle. PUBG New State will also be a visual treat, with ultra-realistic graphics that take advantage of technology like “global illumination” to become the gold-standard in terms of graphics on mobile, according to Krafton.

The file size on iOS is 1.5 GB, whereas the install size on the Store page is 1.4 GB. This is merely the initial download size; the game will take up more space as updates, patches, and other downloads become available. As a result, it is recommended that users leave extra storage space free for future upgrades.

System Requirements:

Because the game is a huge step up from PUBG Mobile and BGMI, it requires substantially more powerful hardware to perform smoothly. The game’s official system requirements are as follows:

64-bit processor (ABI arm64 or higher)
RAM: 2 GB or more
Android 6.0 or higher is required.
Vulkan 1.1 or higher / OpenGL 3.1 or higher

Instagram experimenting with monthly subscriptions for exclusive content: Report

News Desk — Tue, 09 Nov 2021 09:27:55 +0000

Instagram, a Meta owned social media app, has been testing a subscription feature that allows creators to earn money. According to Instagram’s iOS App Store listings, the firm is now preparing to offer this functionality.

According to TechCrunch, the Instagram App Store itemizing now includes a new “Instagram Subscriptions” class below the “In-App Purchases” section. Instagram Subscriptions are Rs 89 for 30 days, however, keep in mind that this may not be the final pricing when the service launches or goes live.

Earlier this year, Instagram CEO Adam Mosseri stated that the firm is looking into subscriptions on the network. Instagram Subscriptions are expected to work in a similar way to Twitter Blue, where users may acquire exclusive tweets and other material. Similarly, Instagram is anticipated to limit access to specific content to subscribers only. For several months, Instagram has been exploring a similar function.

Alessandro Paluzzi, a reverse engineer working on subscription-based fan clubs, has been posting updates on Instagram. Instagram is experimenting with a subscribe button on a creator’s profile. Subscribers will have access to special content such as stories and live videos. When you DM (direct message) the creator or comment on their posts, a special member badge will appear next to your username. This emblem is designed to prioritize interactions with the creator.

Instagram is one of the most popular platforms for influencers and artists, and there are already a variety of revenue-generating opportunities available, such as brand collaborations and adverts. Subscriptions, on the other hand, would involve fans directly, and Instagram could expand its options for fan-creator interactions in the future. The latest changes point to an almost-ready functionality, and given the current status of subscription fees on the App Store, Instagram could debut this feature shortly.

Battlegrounds Mobile India iOS version OUT! Available on Apple App Store

Shivya Kumar — Wed, 18 Aug 2021 06:58:53 +0000

The IOS version was released for the Battleground Mobile India app. The app comes up after almost one month of the official release of the PUBG alternative in India. The schedule for the app maintenance is also been announced.

The app is said to be now available for download on the App Store. The app can be found on the App Store by its name “Battlegrounds Mobile India”.

The game is 1,9GB in size. iPhone users wanting to download the app should have IOS 11.0. It’s for the first time that the PUBG alternative is available on iPhone.

Earlier it was announced that users might have difficulty logging at first due to the ongoing maintenance going which be finished within 9:40 hours. Moreover, the accounts linked with the Apple ID would not be able to login in between the maintenance.

As per the reports stated around 50 million downloads have been accomplished across India. For early availability, the game was on the platform since June. With its official launch in July. As to celebrate a great success Krafton has issued gifts to the players a ‘Galaxy Messenger Set’ outfit as a reward. Even iPhone users can claim these awards by downloading the app.

WhatsApp to enable chat transfer between Android and iOS

Vandana Nampoothiri — Thu, 12 Aug 2021 15:29:50 +0000

WhatsApp on Wednesday revealed a new feature that enables users to transfer entire chat history including voice notes and photos from one operating system to another.

The new feature was unveiled at Samsung Galaxy Unpacked event. With the new feature, users can now transfer chat history from Android to iOS and vice versa, without the use of third-party apps.

“WhatsApp will be introducing the ability to move your entire WhatsApp chat history — including voice notes, photos, and conversations — seamlessly and securely if you choose to switch mobile operating systems,” the company said during the event.

“The feature will be available to users of both Android and iOS systems — which means that people will be able to switch from both Android to iOS, and from iOS to Android. It will start to roll out on Android initially, and on Samsung’s newest Galaxy phones to start. Users will be able to take their WhatsApp history from iOS to an Android device, and will subsequently be able to do the same on iOS devices.”

Sandeep Paruchuri, product manager at WhatsApp said during the event, “Your WhatsApp messages belong to you. That’s why they are stored on your phone by default, and not accessible in the cloud-like many other messaging services,” said Sandeep Paruchuri, product manager at WhatsApp. This has been one of our most requested features from users for years and we worked together with operating systems and device manufacturers to solve it.”

The new feature will be first available in Samsung’s Z Fold 3 and Z Flip 3 folding phones.

Battlegrounds Mobile India to be available for iOS users soon, Details here

Aayushi Singh — Sat, 07 Aug 2021 09:48:07 +0000

The much-anticipated Battlegrounds Mobile India iOS app may be released shortly. Krafton has teased the release of the Battlegrounds Mobile India iOS app, as well as a slew of incentives for the battle royale’s nearing 50 million Android downloads. When Battlegrounds Mobile India debuted earlier this year, it was only available for Android handsets, leaving Apple users disappointed. There was no word on when the iOS version of the game will be available, but due to Krafton’s teaser, it is now likely to be available shortly.

On July 2, Battlegrounds Mobile India was officially released in the nation. In June of this year, a small group of software developers were given access to the initial version of the game, and within a few weeks, Battlegrounds Mobile India had surpassed 10 million installations. Battlegrounds Mobile India, which is currently exclusively accessible on the Google Play Store, is approaching the 50 million download threshold, and Krafton has some special incentives planned to commemorate the achievement.

Players will get three Supply Coupon Crate Scrap and three Classic Coupon Crate Scrap if Battlegrounds Mobile India reaches 48 million and 49 million downloads, respectively, according to a post on Instagram by Krafton. Players will receive a perpetual Galaxy Messenger Set after the game reaches 50 million downloads. When these milestones are reached, all of these goodies will be unlocked in the in-game event centre.
Krafton also teased the Battlegrounds Mobile India iOS app in the same tweet. According to the firm, it is striving to make the prizes available to all gamers, regardless of platform.

Season 20 of Battlegrounds Mobile India is coming to an end, and we can only hope that the Battlegrounds Mobile India iOS app will be released before Season 21 begins. Despite not having been released on the iOS platform yet, the Indian counterpart to PUBG Mobile has been a huge hit so far. The firm stated that the iOS app was on its way and that it was only a matter of how long.

WhatsApp users accept new terms & make accounts accessible or reject & do not use app

Devanshu Singla — Wed, 06 Jan 2021 06:24:56 +0000

On late Tuesday evening, WhatsApp forced users to agree to its new privacy rules to continue using the app. The Facebook-owned messaging app started sending in-app notifications to its users informing them about a change in its Terms of Service and its privacy policy.

The notification sent by the firm to Android and iOS users read “WhatsApp is updating its terms and privacy policy,”

The in-app notification read, “How businesses can use Facebook hosted services to store and manage their WhatsApp chats and How we (WhatsApp) partners with Facebook to offer integrations across the Facebook Company Products.”

As per the information the new terms of service and privacy policy will go live from 8 February and if the users don’t accept the new terms of service they will not be able to access their Whatsapp accounts from 8 February.

Facebook owned Whatsapp wrote, “Our Services have optional features which, if used by you, require us to collect additional information to provide such features. You will be notified of such a collection, as appropriate. If you choose not to provide the information needed to use a feature, you will be unable to use the feature. For example, you cannot share your location with your contacts if you do not permit us to collect your location data from your device. Permissions can be managed through your Settings menu on both Android and iOS devices.”

“We collect information about your activity on our Services, like service-related, diagnostic, and performance information. This includes information about your activity (including how you use our Services, your Services settings, how you interact with others using our Services (including when you interact with a business), and the time, frequency, and duration of your activities and interactions), log files, and diagnostic, crash, website, and performance logs and reports,” it added.

Whatsapp further drafted, “This also includes information about when you registered to use our Services; the features you use like our messaging, calling, Status, groups (including group name, group picture, group description), payments or business features; profile photo, “about” information; whether you are online when you last used our Services (your “last seen”) and when you last updated your “about” information.”

WhatsApp dispatches in-application feature, highlights in iOS

Shlok Arya — Mon, 07 Dec 2020 06:34:37 +0000

WhatsApp has unveiled a new feature in iOS that enables the app to send updates to users through an in-app notification.

According to an HT Tech report, WhatsApp has currently launched this feature on iOS and will probably dispatch it soon on Android-based phones. Moreover, WhatsApp for Business will also get a new feature.

The enables WhatsApp to alert its users about updates through in-app notifications. Additionally, users can choose to turn on these alerts from the notification section of the settings menu.

As per the HT Tech report, a user can customize their notifications as per their liking within the app by selecting Alert Style, the users will get three options to choose from; None, Banners, and Alerts.

WhatsApp said, “Alerts require an action before proceeding. Banners appear at the top of the screen and go away automatically.”

The in-app banner was initially reported by WABetaInfo. According to their report, the messaging application platform will alert its users about its updated Terms of Service through in-app notification. Additionally, WhatsApp will be updating its Terms of Service in 2021.

Apple launch event: Major Apple OS updates to be announced tomorrow

Anu Jain — Tue, 15 Sep 2020 18:27:45 +0000

Apple to release major OS updates tomorrow beginning with IOS 14 which will transform the core experience of iPhone with redesigned widgets on the home screen, app library and app clubs.

Watch OS 7 will provide a whole new way to discover and share watch faces. A new sleep app with automatic handwashing detection & will also provide additional fitness and workout metrics.

TV OS 14 will make your big-screen experience better than ever, comprising of audio sharing with AirPods, Apple Music lyrics, secure camera feeds from HomeKit and multiuser gaming support.

All these announcements and more will be rolling out tomorrow.