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WhatsApp rolls out picture-in-picture mode on iOS beta

For iOS beta users, Meta-owned WhatsApp is launching a brand-new picture-in-picture mode for video chatting. Users would be able to open and access other apps while on a WhatsApp video chat with the new feature. Especially, the latest feature option is only available to a limited number of iOS beta testers.

As per WABetaInfo, WhatsApp has made the new Picture-in-Picture feature available to certain beta iOS beta testers who already have installed the new WhatsApp beta for iOS 22.24.0.79 upgrade. More users will be able to use the feature in the following days.

What exactly is WhatsApp picture-in-picture mode?

As shown in the screenshot of the new feature launched by WABetaInfo, the latest picture-in-picture mode will enable the users to carry out multiple tasks on the phone while on a WhatsApp video chat. Noticeably, if a user leaves the WhatsApp app during a video call, the picture-in-picture view will appear on the main window immediately.

This allows iPhone users to access other apps without needing to close the video call window or pause their camera. Users will be able to switch off or momentarily deactivate the video call view as needed.

Besides that, as of now, the picture-in-picture mode is available on iOS 16.1 and later, so it is possible that it will be one of the features supported by the upgrade that carries official support for iOS 16. WhatsApp is also operating to add support for iOS 15 devices.

Importantly, Android users can already use the picture-in-picture mode for video chatting. In addition, WhatsApp allows both Android and iOS users to enable picture-in-picture mode when viewing shared video files on the app.

To enable picture-in-picture mode, navigate to your device’s Settings> Apps and Notifications> WhatsApp> Advanced Picture-in-picture.

Meanwhile, WhatsApp is testing another update that re-designs and expands the alternatives mostly under the disappearing messages quick access button. Besides that, the Meta-owned instant messenger platform has updated and released eight emojis and it will add 21 further new emojis to improve users’ messaging experiences. The emoticon update is now available in the most recent beta Build on the Play Store.

Suhani Jain

I am a student pursuing my bachelor’s in information technology. I have a interest in writing so, I am working a freelance content writer because I enjoy writing. I also write poetries. I believe in the quote by anne frank “paper has more patience than person

Apple renames mixed-reality software ‘xrOS’ ahead of expected AR/VR headset

According to rumors, Apple has renamed its mixed-reality operating system from “reality” to “xrOS” indicating that it may soon be introducing an AR/VR headset.

Apple company is intensifying work on a mixed-reality AR-VR headset, its first significant new product line since the Apple Watch. Bloomberg reported that a shell company named Deep Dive LLC had been registering the xrOS trademark across numerous nations.

This company is anticipated to be connected to Apple. Apple’s rumored “reality,” the operating system for their specific AR and VR platform, may now go by the name “xrOS.” Apple may sell its hybrid AR/VR headset by next year, claims Mark Gurman of Bloomberg. Apple is reported to be developing a VR or AR headset, and that gear requires its very own operating system to function.

The new OS name makes reference to the mixed-reality features of the headset. The extended reality, also known as “XR,” is a concept that includes both virtual and augmented reality. While virtual reality is an immersive experience for games and watching videos, augmented reality adds visuals and virtual info to the real environment.

According to a 2017 report, Apple’s headset would include its own processor and display in addition to having a separate operating system. At the time, the software was known as “rOS.” At least three AR and VR headsets are reportedly in the works at Apple. The “Apple Reality Pro,” a designation for the headset that appeared in trademark applications in late August, is claimed to be the N301.

With a probable release in 2023, the headset is anticipated to be a mixed-reality competitor to the Meta Quest Pro. It appears that the N602 will be the second-generation model, with two variations available to customers. One will offer improvements over the previous model, whereas another will be a less expensive substitute. The third, the N421, is said to resemble Apple Glass smart glasses more than a headset.

Apple’s foray into the market puts it in a fight with Meta Platforms which is relying less on Apple products and is counting on the metaverse. The action is also a component of Apple’s ongoing search for its “next big thing.” With the launch of the Apple Watch in 2015, the corporation transformed its wearables operation into a segment that now contributes $41.2 billion to its annual revenue or over 10% of all sales.

Apple’s initial headset launch might feature a set of 4K OLED displays, 15 camera modules strewn about the outside, and probable functionality for eye tracking and hand gestures. It is currently estimated to be in an “advanced” state of development.

The initial wave might potentially include costly headgear, with suggested prices as high as $3,000. The headset is meant to be worn for communication, viewing content, and playing video games. Apple is allegedly developing native mixed reality-compatible versions of popular apps like Messages and Maps.

Tim Cook, the CEO of Apple, has made a point of expressing his passion for augmented reality over recent years, and the corporation has developed a framework called ARKit that enables iPads and iPhones to run AR applications.

Sandhya Gupta

I am a law graduate from NLU Lucknow. I have a flair for creative writing and hence in my free time work as a freelance content writer.

SpaceX gets U.S. approval to deploy up to 7,500 satellites

Leave a Comment / News, Tech News / By Suhani Jain

The US Federal Communications Commission i.e., FCC approved SpaceX proposal to deploy approximately 7,500 satellites on Thursday but put several other judgments on hold.

Starlink, a rapidly expanding network of over 3,500 low-Earth orbit satellites, has thousands of users across the United States thus far, with customers paying a minimum of 599 USD ‘for a user terminal as well as 110 USD per month for service. In 2018, the FCC approved SpaceX’s plans to launch up to 4,425 first-generation satellites.

SpaceX has applied for permission to function a network of 29,988 satellites known as the “second-generation” or Gen2 Starlink constellation, which will transmit internet to areas that have limited or no internet access.

The FCC denied SpaceX’s entire application, which included the deployment of approximately 30,000 satellites in low Earth orbit, and imposed conditions on the firm’s plan to deploy the satellites. It postponed the decision to initiate launching the full number of applications.

“Our action will allow SpaceX to begin deployment of Gen2 Starlink, which will bring next-generation satellite broadband to Americans nationwide,” the FCC said in its approval order, adding it “will enable worldwide satellite broadband service, helping to close the digital divide on a global scale.”
The FCC said its decision “will protect other satellite and terrestrial operators from harmful interference and maintain a safe space environment” and protect “spectrum and orbital resources for future use.”
Source: reuters.com

A U.S. appeals court backed the FCC’s 2021 decision to allow SpaceX’s plan to deploy some Starlink satellites in a lower Earth orbit just as scheduled as the portion of its push to offer space-based broadband internet service.

In September, SpaceX filed a lawsuit against the FCC for denying it 885.5 million USD in rural broadband subsidies. Starlink’s technique has real promise according to FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel, but it is unable to meet the program’s requirements, citing data showing a gradual decline in the rate of speed over the past year and casting the service’s price as too high for consumers.

Suhani Jain

Apple devices of skiers accidentally call 911 due to its crash detection tech

Leave a Comment / News, Tech News / By Sandhya Gupta

Skiers are inadvertently dialing 911 thanks to the Crash Detection technology included in the iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14, and new Apple Watch models, claims Utah news outlet KSL.

In a county in Utah, emergency dispatchers told a local media source that they are experiencing an increase in unintentional 911 calls from skiers who own new Apple products equipped with the company’s crash-detection system.

Crash Detection is a brand-new security feature that Apple unveiled in September. The 2022 Apple Watch devices and the iPhone 14 editions all have cutting-edge sensors that enable Crash Detection to function. The feature has been rigorously tested, and Apple has so far released updates to make it better.

However, it appears that the iPhone 14 or the newest Apple Watch when skiing could accidentally trigger Crash Detection. If it detects a crash, Apple’s crash-detection system alerts users with a message and a sound.

The message can be ignored, but if it is not done so within 20 seconds, the system sends an automated message with the user’s GPS coordinates and phone number to the nearest emergency contact center.

Summit County Dispatch Center supervisor Suzie Butterfield told KSL, “We will get a call in that says the owner of this Apple Watch or iPhone has either had a severe crash or they’ve been involved in a car accident.

They won’t respond to you when you first start talking because I don’t even think they knew that they did it, but on callback … they’re usually like, ‘Oh I’m sorry, I was skiing. Everything’s fine.”

Furthermore, Butterfield claimed that she gets 3 to 5 emergency calls every day from an Apple device. She didn’t receive any calls related to any actual crashes.

That indicates that Crash Detection made the call after mistaking skiing for a car accident. However, Butterfield views this technology as a tool rather than a hindrance. She warned that a skier could hit a tree and be rendered unconscious while remaining invisible to other skiers. She also cautioned skiers against disabling Crash Detection on their Apple Watch and iPhone 14.

Rollercoasters have also been known to activate the Crash Detection technology in the new iPhone and Apple Watch models. The Dollywood theme park has posted cautions for two of its most furious roller coasters, informing Apple users that the ride’s “dynamic movement” may cause their Apple watches or iPhones to initiate an emergency call.

Recently Apple released an update to iOS 16.1.2 that contains “Crash Detection optimizations.” Apple has not explained what this means, although it probably aims to reduce unintentional activation in situations when there hasn’t actually been a car accident.

Apple released the first beta of iOS 16.2 to devs in October, and the company announced that customers would be able to submit a complaint to the company when Emergency SOS has been inadvertently enabled in the future iOS version, iOS 16.2. Users can remark on the removal of the Emergency SOS function in the iOS 16.2 beta from Apple.

Sandhya Gupta

I am a law graduate from NLU Lucknow. I have a flair for creative writing and hence in my free time work as a freelance content writer.

Salesforce co-CEO Taylor to leave as Benioff takes sole charge

Leave a Comment / News, Tech News / By Suhani Jain

Salesforce Inc announced on Wednesday that co-CEO Bret Taylor will step down from the position in January and also that co-founder Marc Benioff will take over as sole CEO.

Investors simply brushed off the annual profit increase, sending the company’s shares down the pit by 7 percent in extended trading.

According to Steve Koenig, managing director at SMBC Nikko Securities, investors likely assumed Taylor’s appointment was the start of a long tenure as Salesforce’s operational CEO.

“His departure raises questions about why he’s leaving and how operational leadership will be divided and delegated,” he added.
Source: thestar.com.my

Taylor became the co-CEO in November 2021 and priorly served as a chief operating officer (COO) and chief product officer (CPO) of Salesforce company.

He was a major contributor behind Salesforce’s 27.7 billion USD workspace messaging platform takeover i.e. Slack Technologies.

“After a lot of reflection, I’ve decided to return to my entrepreneurial roots,” Taylor said.
Source: thestar.com.my

Benioff said that it is “bittersweet” that Taylor has decided to step down as his Co-CEO. “Taylor made his mark on Salesforce as an incredible technologist, leader and friend to us all. Bret founded two incredible companies so it’s understandable why he wants to return to his entrepreneurial roots.”
Source: latestly.com

Taylor, a co-creator of Alphabet Inc’s Google Maps, is also credited with developing Meta Platform Inc unit Facebook’s “like” button while serving as the social media giant’s (CTO) chief technology officer.

The firm based in San Francisco expects yearly adjusted profit per share to range between $4.92 and $4.94, up from $4.71 to $4.73 previously forecast.

According to Refinitiv IBES data, earnings for the quarter that ended Oct. 31 was 7.84 billion USD, compared to an average expectation of the analyst of 7.82 billion USD.

Salesforce has attracted customers with a broad portfolio that comprises its Customer 360 platform and messenger app Slack at such a time when digital transformation has become a priority, even as businesses it is said to be prepared for a major economic turndown.

The firm’s income for the current quarter is expected to range somewhere around 7.93 billion USD to 8.03 billion USD.

It earned 1.40 USD per share on an adjusted basis in the third quarter, particularly in comparison to the $1.21 expected.

Suhani Jain

Spotify Wrapped 2022: When it’s coming?

Leave a Comment / News, Tech News / By Suhani Jain

Spotify released its 2022 Wrapped recaps on Wednesday, the yearly digital journey that digs through your tastes in music for the year.

Wrapped this year includes new features such as your Myers-Briggs-style “listening” personality type and a tracker that monitors how your musical mood changes throughout the day. Wrapped, as usual, summarises your top artists, genres, songs, and podcasts, as well as overall minutes, listened on Spotify.

It is a popular feature on the streaming service and the centerpiece of a huge marketing campaign. Spotify is the world’s largest music streaming service by the number of users, so its annual data recap is one way to gauge global listening habits.

Wrapped recaps for this year include:

• Your Listening Personality: Users are classified into one of 16 music personalities, such as the Deep Diver, Replayer, Adventurer, or Fanclubber, based on how they listen.

• Audio Day: A step-by-step look at just how your music habits change during the day, with Spotify identifying your mood for the morning, day, and night. My morning mood is apparently “somber friendly,” whatever that is.

• Your Artist Messages: Following up on a feature introduced last year, Spotify is incorporating video cameos from the biggest artists into recaps. Last year, Spotify asked over 100 artists to record a thank-you notification for their fans. This year, over 40,000 people took part. If one or more of your top artists recorded a cameo, you might see one or more in your Wrapped feed.

Wrapped “creator” perceptions for artists and podcasters on Spotify are individualized microsites that delve into just how their fans listened to their music over the year.

This year, all of the ways of sharing your Wrapped on social networks have returned, as have new social cards to share on WhatsApp and Line. Snapchat also offers a personalized lens based on your Listening Personality.

How to watch your Wrapped recap?

Wrapped experiences are only available in the Spotify mobile app for Android and Apple iPhones and iPads. Just ensure you have the most recent version of the Spotify app, which is 8.7.78.

The app will include banners on the Home, Search, and Library tabs, in addition to a full “Your 2022 in Review” shelf on the Home tab. You can also search for “2022 Wrapped” in the Spotify app.

Once you’re on your Apple or Android device, simply visit this website, which will launch your Wrapped history in the app.

If you’re still unable to locate your Wrapped, it’s possible that you haven’t used Spotify enough just to generate enough data to create a personalized recap. To be eligible for Wrapped, users must stream at least about 30 tracks for a little more than 30 seconds and at least five artists between January 1 and early November.

Suhani Jain

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