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Nasa

NASA spots a leak on the International Space Station but says the crew is out of danger

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Says the crew is out of danger

NASA announced yesterday about the leak in the International Space Station (ISS). Three crew members are on board for this mission to spot the leak and take necessary measures. NASA along with the Russian partner Roscosmos are jointly looking into the matter. The three crew members including astronauts and cosmonauts will be staying in the Russian segment of the ISS. Meanwhile, NASA is working to figure out the origin of the leak that is causing the air to release more rapidly than its usual rate.

The fact that there is a leak in the ISS has been reported for a while now, but due to the numerous experiments of spaceflights, it got suppressed. Moreover, the tanks on board took care of the proper balancing pressure whenever the air escaped at a faster rate. But, NASA is now considering it as a priority to repair the leakage to prevent any major damage in the future.

Spotting the leak

The current leakage on the ISS was first suspected in September 2019. In the beginning, when the leakage was confirmed the air leakage was taking place at a comparatively lower rate. But, gradually the leakage area might have broadened resulting in a higher rate of escaping rate. But, even after they noticed that leakage is taking place at a higher rate than usual, they didn’t have enough time to look into the matter. The recent SpaceX breakthrough and several spacewalks kept NASA immensely busy.

But, with the schedule running slow in NASA, they are finally sending crew members to spot the leakage and repair it at the earliest. NASA has now collected adequate data to isolate the origin of the leakage from other parts and repair it. Through the leakage has increased, NASA confirmed that the crew members or the ISS are not in danger.

Sending crew this weekend

The three Expedition 63 crew members scheduled for this mission are Chris Cassidy (Commander, NASA astronaut), Ivan Vagner (Russian cosmonaut), and Anatoly Ivanishin (Russian cosmonaut). They will stay in the Zvezda service module in the ISS from this Friday night to Monday morning. The Zvezda module system was designed for permanent human habitation twenty years ago. Since then many astronauts from many Expedition have stayed in those quarters. During the time of their stay, the three members will have access to the Poisk-mini-research module and Soyuz MS-16 crew ship.

Since they will closely monitor the air pressure of each module; all the hatches will remain closed this weekend. The following testing of the air pressure will examine which module is facing a higher rate of leakage than usual. Both the U.S. and the Russian experts expect the results to be ready by the end of next week.

Previous major leaks

This is not the first time that leakage has been detected on the ISS. In 2018, Russia detected a small hole in one of the country’s Soyuz spacecraft. At first, they thought the damage was caused by a meteor striking the surface but after further investigation, they anticipated a drill from inside the Soyuz. Dmitry Rogozin, the head of Russia’s Roscosmos state space corporation said that they are open to considering all kinds of theories. It might have been a technical fault by an expert but the question was if it was made intentionally.

While the Roscosmos convened a State Commission to investigate the Soyuz hole, NASA declined to go into the matters deeply. Russia also anticipated that the hole might have been made on Earth, but the question is if it is true, why they detected it after such a long period. The investigation continued for quite some time. But, this was not the first time that Russia blamed another nation for the failure of a Russian aircraft.

With another recent leakage coming into the scenario, history might repeat itself. But, let’s hope that the crew members will safely reach earth after repairing the hole.

ZoomLogo

Zoom Branching into Google Nest, Facebook Portal Displays and Amazon Echo

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The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has given rise to the massive exodus to remote working in our history. Due to the travel bans and lockdowns, a good portion of the world’s white-collar workforce is now working from home. As a result, internet services, remote working services, and video calling applications have been witnessing exponential rises in user strength. That is why, in the last few months, several companies have branched into or improved their video-calling and remote-working enabling technologies. Zoom has been a significant player in the field of remote communication, and they are now working towards expanding their current line-up. Here’s a look at how Zoom will be improving accessibility by making their service compatible with new devices.

Zoom’s Expansion

Zoom has released plans that will see it expanding to several new devices before the end of this year. Recent announcements state that the company will be making its services available through Facebook Portal, Amazon Echo, and even Google Nest Hub Max. The move is a significant expansion plan for the video conferencing conglomerate that has been having a successful year so far. Furthermore, the company also has plans to branch out into their unique line of video conferencing hardware solutions. These devices which will feature advanced directional microphones, smart displays, and built-in high-quality touchscreens, will provide users with a great video conferencing experience.

Zoom Entering Hardware Space

Zoom’s announcement that it will launch a new touchscreen device shocked several experts around the world. The device, titled Zoom For Home — DTEN ME, will start shipping in August and will cost $599. This 27-inch smart display touchscreen device will feature three webcams and eight built-in state-of-the-art noise-reducing microphones. The device also comes preloaded with the Zoom app, and the company is launching this project in collaboration with DTEN. DTEN will handle the hardware part of the device, being a San Jose-headquartered company that deals in videoconferencing technology manufacturing.

The device has a simple and intuitive interface, featuring contact displays, meeting dashboards, and whiteboards. Though experts feel that $599 might be steep for such a device, the company explained that the system made it easier for people to work remotely. They will no longer have to install the app or configure it on their various devices if they use the DTEN.

Integration with Big Players

Zoom’s integration with Amazon, Facebook, and Google will prove to be an important strategic decision for the future. It will also bring forth massive changes for these tech giants. Prior to this, these companies have exclusively stuck to their own unique in-house chatting services. While Google relied on Google Meet, Facebook users made use of Facebook Messenger for video conferencing. Reports state that the Portal will be the first third-party service to avail of Zoom, and the initial roll-out phase will happen in September.

Facebook Takes the Lead

However, all three companies will be implementing this integration in different ways. Facebook will add the Zoom App, along with a bunch of new services, including Webex, BlueJeans, and GoToMeeting. Furthermore, the application will use the smart camera provided and powered by Facebook to keep users in the frame, the same way Messenger and Whatsapp work. Zoom will be available on the Portal +, Portal Mini, and Portal devices, with Portal TV coming into the fold shortly.

Also, the social media giant will make Portal less reliant on Facebook accounts. The addition of a Workplace account for the Portal will help users log in without having to use their Facebook or Whatsapp accounts. Facebook states that the inclusion of such a Work account will become available in the weeks to come.

Google and Amazon to Follow

Meanwhile, Google will rely on Calendar and Assistant to pull and add Zoom meetings for its users. Furthermore, the tech giant will also allow users to start sessions using voice commands through its Assist feature. However, since the Nest Hub can link only to a single account, users may find it challenging to juggle meetings and personal video calls through Zoom.

Amazon will be taking a similar approach with Alexa, allowing Echo Show systems to sync with the calendar and Virtual Assistant. Doing so will enable the system to automatically join meetings without users having to input IDs and passwords. The system will also support all Alexa voice commands, with the rollout beginning later this year with the Echo Show 8.

It will be interesting to see how this cross-over pans out for everyone involved. With the roll-out becoming functional from September, we might be able to see this move impact sale of Zoom’s hardware devices. As per Zoom CPO Oded Gal, this move will make it easier than ever before for people to use video communication effectively in both their professional and personal lives.

Instagram

Instagram launches a new QR code to help users scan profile from anywhere

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QR codes are becoming a very common and crucial part of today’s smartphone applications. Previously, the QR codes were introduced in the payment platforms but gradually the social media platforms are also incorporating this new feature. Many apps like Facebook, Snapchat, Twitter, Spotify, etc have their QR-like system. But, among these only Twitter works with actual QR code. Yesterday, another app introduced working with actual QR-code and that is Instagram. This new feature of generating your QR-code and scan the same using any camera app has been introduced all over the world. A flexible way to check out the profile of any person or business or organization by scanning the QR through any camera app, Instagram made a great update.

qr code

Advantage of the new QR-code Scan

The new feature of generating QR-code by Instagram was introduced last year in Japan. Since Instagram is a platform that gives exposure to budding talents and business, it is of great advantage for the users. The businesses or any kind of service provider can now generate their QR which after scanning will allow the customers to get plenty of useful information. So, this new feature is beneficial for both the service provider and the customer. Using this QR-code people can also visit the interesting profile and follow if they like the page.

With actual QR code coming into play, people don’t have to open their Instagram every time they wanted to scan the internal QR (nametags). Amongst the pandemic, many restaurants also prefer to leave out QR codes instead of physical menus. Moreover, if you scan the QR code, every information about when the store is open, the list of buying items, etc appears.

How to generate your QR code?

Every Instagram profile will have a unique QR code generated from his or her account. The steps for how to generate your QR-code are given below:

  • After opening the Instagram application on your phone, go to your Profile. Remember that the Home page is different from the Profile page.
  • After going to the Profile page go to Settings.
  • From the given options tap on QR code.
  • Your QR code will be generated. You can either share or save the image or do both.

While tapping on the QR code, you might still find the Nametag option. But, eventually, it will get changed or you can update the app and see what happens.

Nametags and the new QR code are different

A couple of years back, Instagram launched a similar kind of feature called Nametags. Nametags showed your profile name in a way that can be easily scanned by other users who want to check your profile or follow you. All they needed to do is scan the name from the Instagram camera. This is the difference between Nametags and actual QR-code as the later can be scanned from any third-part camera applications. Moreover, when Nametags was released they came with a customizable option to make it look more attractive. But, now with the actual QR-code people will get hugely benefited by putting up their business accounts, generating and sharing the QR code.

Huawei

US Commerce Department Further Tightens Grip On Huawei’s Access to Chips

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The COVID-19 situation has become much more than a health pandemic, having had an impact on international relations as well. Ever since the crisis came to light, several countries have grown cold towards China, with the US topping that list. Over the past few months, President Donald Trump has been waging a trade war with China, causing problems for many Chinese firms. Recently, he has put in motion steps to stop TikTok from functioning in America as well.  Additionally, the US Department of Commerce released statements today, placing further restrictions on Chinese smartphone manufacturer Huawei. Read on to find out more about the restrictions placed and the impact they will have on the smartphone market.

US Commerce Department Further Tightens Grip On Huawei’s Access to Chips

USDC Restrictions

 As per new reports, the United States Department of Commerce issued updates to their list of rules this morning aiming to place further restrictions on Huawei. With these new laws in place, Huawei will find it difficult to source US-based technology. The new restrictions follow the same principle set by laws released in May. Since the starting of the ongoing health crisis, the US and China have been engaged in a cold-war sort of state, exchanging a few bitter words along the way. The American President has been trying vehemently to cut China’s access to the US market, and the technology it develops. 

New Laws

The new rules come as an amendment to the statement of rules released in May. As per reports, the new laws will help block all the loopholes that the old ones had which Huawei was using to gain access to the American market. These additions will make the blocking of technology complete, going a long way in shutting off the Chinese manufacturer’s access to American by-products. The old rules allowed Huawei to engage in business relations with third-party chip manufacturers. However, the present set of amendments will make it even harder for the Chinese phone giant to use American technology-based chips. The Department is also not trying to hide their intentions of shutting Huawei’s access to semiconductors, and are being quite evident and open about the whole arrangement.

Political Statements

Wilbur Ross, who serves as the Commerce Secretary, stated that Huawei and other foreign companies are making use of advanced semiconductor technology developed in the US to help the Chinese Communist Party. In a statement in which he held nothing back, Ross made it clear that they will continue to restrict the access of Chinese firms as a means to protect national security and safeguard foreign policy objectives. Furthermore, Mike Pompeo, who serves as the American Secretary of State, also did not mince words. In his statement, he called Huawei, ‘an arm of the CCP surveillance state’. He also stated that the company continually evaded American rules, leading to the implementation of such regulations.

Pompeo continued that the US will no longer tolerate Chinese efforts to undermine the personal privacy of its citizens. Furthermore, he said the government is backing up all statements through heavy-handed actions, such as the Department of Justice indicting Huawei for fraud, conspiracy, and theft. Furthermore, the charges made by the Department of Justice also hold the Chinese manufacturer responsible for helping Iran evade their sanctions.

On the Backfoot

Huawei has not released statements of their own as of now. However, they have continued to deny all the charges placed against them. The company also stated that it had no ties to the Chinese government. These new rules are an addition to the ever-growing Entity List, which also includes 38 affiliates of the smartphone maker from 21 different countries. Earlier reports had stated that the US Government believes Huawei was evading earlier rules to continue with engagement with American firms. However, the new rule makes it explicitly clear that Huawei cannot use any American software or equipment without a prior license. 

Since the company was added to the Entity List in May of last year, the US had kept adding companies and affiliates, bringing the list to a total of 152 firms. With the Department also refusing to extend the license of Huawei devices, it isn’t likely anyone within the market will purchase these devices again. 

These US Commerce department’s restrictions led to Huawei cutting production on its flagship Kirin chipset, as per a report that came out on August 8. Since Huawei’s HiSilicon division relies heavily on American software, the ban will most likely have a tremendous impact on the smartphone manufacturer. All of these actions make it abundantly clear that US-China relations are at a tipping point. The association between these two superpowers have never been this bad in decades, with Washington continuing to push Chinese players out of American markets. Though Huawei denies that it spies for the Chinese government, it is clear that the company will have to do more to regain the trust of the foreign market.

android

Google to startle Android TV users with a series of new features

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With more users switching to the Android TV version, Google is about to roll out a bunch of new features for it. After the platform of Android TV was first launched in 2014, it has undergone several updates. But, the biggest redesign of the platform took place in 2017. This time Google is planning something bigger and probably the biggest updates of all time.

Android TV platform, in a nutshell, has brought a revolution in the world of both TV makers and daily users. These days, we hardly find any youngsters watching TV as they are always busy scrolling through the newsfeed in social media. But, with the new updates for smart TVs, gaming consoles, and set-top boxes, the production of smart TVs, as well as a new fan base for Google’s Android TV, will be created.

New Android applications and Gaming

Android TV is an operating system for the smart TV that has numerous available apps and can be used as a streaming device as well. So, more or less performs all the functions your tablet or phone can just on a bigger screen. With Google announcing to launch more new apps for Android TV, it is a good opportunity for the developers to build unique applications for the users.

There are currently more than 7000 apps and games in the play store for Android TV users. This is one of the most important reasons why the monthly users of Android TV are increasing at an impressive pace every year. With that in mind, Google is working towards owning a big share in the smart TV market by user engagement leading to the growth of Android TV.

Moreover, once these new applications and games are launched by Google, users can easily use them without installing them immediately on the smart TV. This takes place because of the feature, Google Play Instant Support which was rolled out by Google in 2017. So, now the Android TV users can also enjoy this feature which will save both time and data invested in installing before trying it out.

Google will also roll out a new low latency mode exclusively for the better gaming experience. This new feature will help the user minimize latency whenever he or she is playing games in full screen. Apart from this, to make app navigation simpler the up-gradation will take place in lean-back memory.

Security 

No matter how many new updates are installed in any smart device, we want it to be faster and efficient. So, Google is introducing a 4-digit PIN facility for Android app users. This will help the customers to get access to all the content prioritized by him or her without entering the entire password every time. Moreover, every smart device since connected to the internet always has a risk of a security breach. In such cases, the security of the device can be compromised, and still, you can log in with the 4 digit PIN.

Gboard TV

Google is also planning to make typing easier on Android TV. So, the company will also launch a low-latency keyboard, Gboard TV keyboard for Android TV users. The customers who are a big fan of Android TV have given unsatisfactory feedbacks regarding the A-Z layout of the keyboard. Finally, Google has decided to change it to the conventional QWERTY keypad, thus lubricating the user experience. We have practiced typing using a QWERTY keypad since childhood and it is hard to type with a different layout. So, kudos to Google for finally changing it.

Moreover, speech-to-text and predictive typing is also included in the list of new features for Gboard. This modified virtual keyboard for Android TV users will be optimized for over 30 countries. It will be a breakthrough for Android TV as many features are rolling out together making the platform more flexible. New users will also increase rapidly as they won’t need to install every application or game they want to try out. The Android TV users are holding their breath as of when the features will roll out on the market.

twitch

Amazon’s Twitch Prime is now Prime Gaming After a Rebranding Campaign

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Gamers have been receiving a lot of good news in the past month or so. Several significant updates have dropped regarding the Xbox and PlayStation. Furthermore, Microsoft and Google have also announced new titles in the coming year. Adding to this list of gaming news is Amazon’s rebranding move to breathe new life into their gaming division. As per reports, Amazon is rebranding their live streaming platform Twitch, and renaming it Prime Gaming. Here’s a look at everything you need to know about the service, and what this rebranding could mean.

Twitch Prime to Prime Gaming

Amazon Prime subscribers used the Twitch Prime service to avail perks on the live streaming platform. As per new reports, the company is dropping the name Twitch, and focusing instead on the Prime brand. Hence, the service will now go by the title of Prime Gaming. However, the rebranding is purely a marketing strategy, as the benefits and services offered by the feature will remain the same. The main benefits provided by the service include free games with unlimited usage, gifting of free subscription, and exclusive in-game content. 

Why the Sudden Rebranding?

Most experts believe that the new strategy with respect to branding came as a result of motivation to bring all services under the Prime umbrella. Often regarded as the most recognisable term associated with Amazon, the company is backing that brand strategy. By offering all its services under the umbrella of Prime, the company hopes to improve brand loyalty and awareness. Furthermore, the title of Prime Gaming blends well with the rest of the content that Amazon publishes through the Prime subscription. The primary services they provide include Prime Video for TV shows and movies, and Prime Reading which offers access to magazines and e-books. Other benefits provided by the $119-annual subscription is free shipping and offers on Amazon’s marketplace. 

Commitment to Gaming

The recent rebranding is also a testament to the fact that Amazon has picked up substantial interest in the field of video gaming. Other than Twitch, Amazon also owns a unique game development studio called Amazon Games. However, this subsidiary wing has been struggling this year with its first title, Crucible not meeting consumer expectations. Crucible combines gameplay elements from shooting games and simulates that within an online battle arena, ensuring good experience on paper. The game came out in May this year but soon returned to a beta version as it required further work and refinement. Furthermore, their second major title, New World, which is an open-world MMO, was to release on August 25th. However, the company has pushed the release to July 10th, 2021. Also, Twitch had promised a Pac-man version in June, but no news has come out regarding this launch. 

Retracing their Steps

In May, Amazon’s Relentless, the studio that helped create Crucible admitted that the released the game too early, without completing it. Therefore, to provide a better user experience, the company recalled the game and placed it in a closed beta state. They also stated that they would use the extra time to develop the maps, combat styles, and improve the overall game to ensure that fans receive exactly what was promised. The company also set up a council of beta players to test updates and give feedback regarding the changes made. However, the game will be available to all gamers who had already downloaded it, and it will continue to function normally on Steam. The company also stated that it would continuously put out updates to make the game better and engage the audience.

Entry Into Cloud Gaming

Insiders are also predicting the entry of Amazon into cloud gaming in the future and even claims the company might launch a unique cloud gaming service. Reports state that the secret project has the codename Project Tempo and that it will launch sometime in early 2021. As per a report in the New York Times, the delay caused by the COVID-19 pandemic is what led to the launch being pushed into 2021. This portal will be a direct competitor to Google’s platform Stadia which launched in November last year.

Job listings released by Amazon, which has been recruiting engineers for a new project within AWS has also helped provide some weight to these rumors. CNET reports state that the company might even integrate such a cloud service or platform with their Twitch/Prime Game service. This will be similar to how Google plans to integrate Stadia with YouTube in the long run. It will be interesting to see how this plan pans out, and whether it will provide more momentum to Amazon’s big push into the gaming industry.