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Tag: News

What Happens When World Runs Out of Oxygen for 5 Seconds?

Holding your breath for five seconds might not seem hard. You might think surviving without oxygen for a short time is okay. But imagine a world without oxygen for just five seconds – it would be catastrophic.

Dams built on rivers would crumble, and structures made with cement wouldn’t last. That’s because oxygen is crucial to hold cement together; without it, cement can’t bond.

Metals would start to mix uncontrollably. Usually, metals don’t mix because of limited oxygen. Take away that oxygen, and you have a recipe for disaster. Without oxygen, human and animal bodies would burn under sunlight.

The air pressure would drop by 21 percent. Our ears have sensitive cartilage that’s affected by air pressure changes. If the air pressure varies too quickly, it can harm the eardrum.

Fire needs oxygen to burn. Without oxygen, fires all over the world would go out. Car engines would stall, and non-electrical appliances would stop working.

Planes would crash to the ground. The absence of oxygen would reduce light scattering, turning the sky black. The Earth’s crust might crumble since a significant part of it is made of oxygen.

Algae and other plants on Earth and in the oceans play a crucial role in cleaning the air. There’s usually enough oxygen for all of Earth’s processes to work properly. However, human activities harm the environment, and we need to prevent further damage.

November 7, 2023
Could the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 Feature an S Pen Slot?

It seems that the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 might come with a built-in slot for the S Pen stylus, similar to the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra. The previous model, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5, worked with the S Pen but did not have a dedicated slot to store it. A recent Samsung patent suggests that this might change in the upcoming Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6.

The patent, discovered by Studimo (via Android Central), presents potential locations for housing an S Pen on a foldable phone, possibly the one Samsung plans to launch next year. Two ideas are explored: one involves embedding the S Pen slot into the back of the phone, just below the rear camera, while the other extends the phone’s bezel to the side to hold the S Pen when not in use.

It’s important to remember that patents do not guarantee that specific features will make it into actual products. They offer insights into a company’s design concepts and explorations but don’t guarantee their implementation.

Stylus innovation
The absence of a built-in S Pen slot on Samsung’s foldable phones so far suggests there might be engineering challenges preventing it. It’s possible that incorporating such a slot makes the device thicker or heavier, and these trade-offs may not be deemed worthwhile by Samsung.

As we noted in our Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 review, you can purchase cases with compartments for storing the S Pen, but it’s not the most convenient solution. Having a dedicated slot for the stylus when it’s not in use would be more practical.

The patent also introduces a potential innovation for the S Pen: physical buttons on the side. These buttons would likely be customizable and could be used to trigger specific actions on the Galaxy phone that the stylus is connected to.

While there haven’t been many rumors or leaks about the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6, it’s reasonable to assume that Samsung will follow its typical release schedule, meaning we can expect to see it around August next year, possibly alongside the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6.

November 6, 2023
Google Play Protect’s Real-Time Scanning Strengthens Android Security

Android’s security feature, Google Play Protect, now includes a real-time app scanning feature to detect potentially harmful apps. This new capability is designed to address the growing concern about malicious or fake sideloaded apps, which can disguise their nature using various techniques, including AI. Google Play Protect is a fundamental part of Android’s security infrastructure, aimed at detecting and preventing malware.

This feature is particularly important because, despite Google’s efforts to screen apps on the official Android app store, many users continue to sideload apps. Sideloading allows users to install apps from sources other than the official app store, potentially putting them at risk. The real-time scanning is designed to catch apps that have never been scanned before.

The real-time scan works by analyzing an app’s code and sending crucial information to the Play Protect backend infrastructure, which then evaluates the code at a granular level. This helps detect any potential threats or malicious behavior within the app.

The need for such a feature has become more critical due to the rise of predatory loan apps, which have posed significant challenges to users’ safety and privacy. These apps have been used to harass and intimidate users, with attackers gaining access to sensitive user data such as contacts and photos. Google has taken action against many of these apps, but bad actors continue to find new ways to target victims.

Google initially launched this enhanced real-time scanning feature in India and plans to expand it globally. The new feature works to ensure that even apps that are sideloaded can be scanned and evaluated for potential threats, providing an extra layer of protection for Android users. However, as this feature evolves and matures, it is expected to provide even stronger security against various types of threats to the Android ecosystem.

Sideloading, while offering users the freedom to install apps from various sources, comes with its own risks. Google’s new real-time app scanning feature is a crucial safeguard, offering protection to billions of Android users and likely to improve and adapt to emerging threats over time.

November 6, 2023
Tech Giants and Government Rules: Balancing Innovation and Regulation

In the world of technology, Apple is known for its innovation and the trust of its customers. But recently, Apple and other big tech companies have faced more government rules and control. The big question is whether these rules are stopping new ideas or protecting the public.

Apple’s headquarters in California is famous, but the European Union (EU) is now a big part of its life. It used to be a place for new ideas and changes, but now it’s a place of conflict because the EU has a lot of power. Now, let’s look at what tech companies have had to change because of these rules.

Apple had to use a universal charging port, USB-C, in the iPhone 15 because the EU said so. This was to make less electronic waste and help customers. But it also shows that rules can make even the biggest companies change.

These rules can change a company’s main ideas. Apple’s system, known as a “walled garden,” is about quality, safety, and keeping your information private. But the EU wants to break this system to protect customers, and that’s a problem for Apple.

But the EU is not the only one making these rules. China is also making it harder for Apple to run its App Store by asking for government approval for foreign apps. This could make popular apps go away on Chinese iPhones, which is a big deal for Apple.

The EU also wants smartphones to have replaceable batteries. This is good for the environment, but it might make smartphones less cool and long-lasting. It’s a tough choice between helping the Earth and making things look nice.

Huawei, a big tech company, is also facing problems because of politics. The US is not letting Huawei use American tech, and this is a problem. Huawei is trying to make its own chips without American help, but it’s not easy. Governments want to be the best in tech, and companies like Huawei have to make hard choices.

India is also saying no to Google because it’s acting in a way that’s not fair to others. This might stop Android, which many people use in India.

But sometimes, the government has to step in. Facebook had a big problem with Cambridge Analytica, and this made it clear that tech companies need rules. When something goes wrong, it gives the government more power to make rules. There should be rules to keep things fair, safe, and good for customers. But too many rules can stop new things and slow down progress. Governments want to protect customers and be safe, but they should not stop new ideas.

Tech companies are not just businesses; they are places where new things happen. But with more rules, they might only follow the rules and not make new things. We need a balance where tech companies can be free but also keep customers safe and happy.

November 5, 2023
Vivo’s BlueOS: A Breakthrough in Smartphone Operating Systems

Vivo, a Chinese smartphone manufacturer, has introduced its very own operating system known as BlueOS. This announcement was made at the 2023 Vivo Developer Conference. The development of BlueOS began in 2018, and it was created to overcome the limitations of the Android app ecosystem. Notably, BlueOS is the world’s first operating system to utilize the Rust programming language for its system framework.

BlueOS boasts three primary features: smart interactions, a smoother user experience, and user data safety. The operating system is designed to accommodate large models and various input methods, such as voice, text, gestures, and even brain waves. It also supports the BlueXlink connection protocol, which facilitates secure data transfer and access between multiple devices, thanks to its distributed design concept.

In terms of performance, Vivo claims that BlueOS has significantly reduced memory usage by 67% and improved rendering efficiency by 48%. Additionally, it incorporates a super coroutine mechanism, which enhances response speed by 18%. From a security standpoint, the Rust-based system framework of BlueOS is less vulnerable to security issues arising from improper memory usage.

One notable aspect of BlueOS is its versatility. It can run on a wide range of devices, including those with as little as 32MB of RAM. This makes it a viable option for various devices, including smart home appliances and wearables.

However, it’s important to note that Vivo has not revealed any immediate plans to install BlueOS on its smartphones. For now, the default operating systems for Vivo smartphones will remain Funtouch OS and OriginOS. The first device set to ship with the BlueOS operating system is Vivo’s upcoming smartwatch, the Vivo Watch 3. This smartwatch is scheduled for release on November 13, alongside the Vivo X100 series smartphones.

November 2, 2023
Samsung Unveils AI Camera Features for Galaxy Devices with One UI 6

Samsung has officially released One UI 6 to the public, bringing a new set of AI camera features to Samsung Galaxy devices. These features enhance the capabilities of Galaxy phone cameras and are made possible through the power of artificial intelligence.

One of the key updates in One UI 6 is the enhancement of the Enhance-X app. This app, introduced a few months ago, originally offered unique AI features like HDR and upscaling for photos with lower quality. With the new update, Enhance-X gains even more impressive features.

One notable feature is “Sky Guide,” which takes astrophotography to the next level. After capturing images with the Galaxy phone’s camera, Sky Guide uses AI analysis to identify constellations, stars, and clusters in the image. This means you can learn more about the celestial objects in your photos, even for shots taken in the past.

Another exciting addition is the “Slow-mo” tool. This feature transforms standard frame rate videos into slow-motion videos by generating additional frames between the captured ones. The added frames create a smoother, more dramatic slow-motion effect. While this feature hasn’t been tested yet, it promises to be a valuable addition for video enthusiasts.

The Enhance-X app also includes features like “Motion Flow,” which turns videos into long-exposure photos, and “Single Take.” These features offer creative possibilities for Galaxy device users.

Additionally, Samsung is introducing an improved document scanning tool that leverages AI to capture better images of printed material. When a document is detected, the Auto Scan edit screen automatically appears, allowing users to rotate and align the document for optimal rendering. This process can also recognize and remove fingers in the frame.

In One UI 6, Samsung Galaxy phones will enable users to save identified objects in photos as stickers. These stickers can then be placed in other photos or shared across various apps. This feature resembles the photo cutout feature in iOS 16 for iPhones but is enhanced for a better user experience. The AI in this update is better equipped to select subjects and clip them, enabling users to add a layer of emojis to a wide range of social apps.

Samsung is also introducing non-AI features, including a High Resolution Quick Setting in the camera app and new camera widgets. The High Resolution button offers quick access to settings, streamlining the process of adjusting settings for different types of shots. These features are available with One UI 6, which is currently rolling out to regions outside the United States. Most devices released since 2021 will be eligible for the upgrade once it becomes available.

October 31, 2023
Samsung’s Odyssey OLED G9: The Ultimate Gaming Display

Samsung, the well-known tech company, has come up with a fantastic gaming monitor, the Odyssey OLED G9. It’s one of the best monitors you can get for gaming, and it has some surprising features. This monitor is huge, measuring 49 inches diagonally. It’s like having two 27-inch monitors side by side. At first, I thought it might be too big and impractical, but after spending time with it, I was blown away by its productivity and gaming abilities. It’s hard to go back to a regular ultrawide monitor after using this.

The design of the Odyssey OLED G9 is impressive. It’s a metal design with a sleek silver frame. The previous version had a bulky plastic back, but this one is much more manageable on a desk, thanks to the slim frame and a slight curve. One cool feature is the CoreSync ring, which has RGB lighting around the stand. It adds a nice touch, especially in dark rooms, but it’s not very bright, so you won’t notice it much in well-lit spaces.

The monitor comes with a sturdy metal stand, but it doesn’t offer a lot of adjustment options. You can change the height a bit and tilt it slightly, but that’s about it. However, Samsung includes a VESA adapter, which lets you mount the monitor for more flexibility.

The Odyssey OLED G9 has all the right ports for your devices. It has full-size HDMI and DisplayPort ports, which is great because it means you don’t need special cables. It also has a Micro HDMI port. The only downside is that it has three USB-C ports, which might not be ideal since most peripherals still use USB-A.

Now, let’s talk about the most important thing: the screen quality. The Odyssey OLED G9 delivers an amazing image with fantastic color coverage and accuracy. In SDR mode, it covers 100% of sRGB, 98% of DCI-P3, and 95% of AdobeRGB, which are some of the highest numbers you can find. The color error is low, making it great for color work.

It’s also a great gaming monitor in terms of performance. It has a 240Hz display with low response times, which makes games incredibly responsive. It also supports variable refresh rates with FreeSync Premium Pro, no matter what graphics card you have.

However, keep in mind that this monitor demands a lot from your PC because of its high resolution. It’s almost as demanding as 4K, so you’ll need a powerful PC to make the most of it.

However, with some effort, you can make the most of the 32:9 aspect ratio. Samsung Multi View allows you to split the screen to show different sources. This is especially useful for streaming while gaming, as you can have your game on one side and your stream information on the other.

The monitor also runs on Samsung’s Tizen OS, which means you can access streaming apps and more. You can even connect a controller or a keyboard and mouse via Bluetooth. It’s a versatile monitor that goes beyond just gaming.

October 30, 2023
Return of pubCenter: Microsoft’s Answer to Google AdSense

Microsoft has introduced the new pubCenter pilot program, allowing small and medium-sized publishers in the United States to monetize their websites with display and native ads from the Microsoft Advertising Network. PubCenter is not a new product; it dates back to 2008. However, Microsoft is positioning it as a U.S.-only pilot program, making it accessible to more businesses.

Similar to Google AdSense, pubCenter enables website owners to choose an ad format, add the code to their site, and earn revenue each time an ad is displayed. There are no sign-up costs, revenue minimums, or volume requirements to get started, according to Microsoft.

The tech giant claims that pubCenter offers higher engagement and greater revenue than Google AdSense. It provides flexible mediation, allowing website owners to use Microsoft’s ads alongside Google AdSense. Microsoft’s ads will be displayed when they predict a higher bid, potentially increasing revenue for publishers.

While pubCenter is now open to small and medium-sized businesses in the United States, those outside the country will have to join a waitlist for international support.

This initiative was first spotted in May, indicating that Microsoft was preparing to relaunch pubCenter and expand its reach. Now, the program is officially open, allowing more publishers to explore this Google AdSense alternative.

October 28, 2023
Reviving Nokia’s Vision: Motorola Unveils Bendable Smartphone Concept!

Do you remember Nokia’s Morph? Let me give you a quick update. Back in 2008, Nokia introduced the Nokia Morph, which was a concept device. It aimed to demonstrate how nanotechnology could be used in devices. The Nokia Morph was a creation of the Nokia Research Center and the University of Cambridge’s Nanotechnology Center.

As we all know, Nokia’s fate took a different turn, and its long-forgotten idea is now being revived by Motorola. While it may not be the perfect time to bring Nokia’s vision to life, current technology is well-suited for flexible phones. Motorola has recently revealed its Motorola Flexible smartphone. You can watch the announcement video here.

This new concept device boasts a 6.9-inch FHD+ pOLED display that can be bent and molded into different shapes, much like Nokia’s Morph. The concept behind it is to allow users to customize the shape of their phone according to their needs and preferences.

Furthermore, Motorola’s AI tool can match your phone’s appearance with your outfit. This is a feature that’s already available on our smartphones and smartwatches, but it’s a convenient addition for creating personalized wallpapers to match your style.

Would you consider using this? I’m curious if such a smartphone could be durable enough to function like a bracelet with full smartphone capabilities, at least during the summer. In the winter, it might be challenging to wear long sleeves or a jacket with such a device. At the very least, it might not be very comfortable.

October 28, 2023
Why Firmware Matters: Understanding Its Impact on Your Devices

Firmware is a specific type of software that every electronic device requires. It serves as the foundation for a device to operate. When you turn on your device, firmware is the code that controls essential functions like starting up, turning on the screen, and connecting to other devices. Without firmware, your device wouldn’t work. To ensure its security, firmware is stored in secure, nonvolatile memory. Messing with firmware can render a device useless.

If you’ve ever accessed the BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) or the newer UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) on your computer to change settings or reboot, you’ve interacted with a part of the firmware. Even your Android phone relies on firmware to function. It tells your phone how to boot up, turn on the display, and check if components like the camera and speakers are operational. In this way, firmware is essential for ensuring that different parts of your Android phone work together seamlessly.

While firmware might seem similar to the operating system (OS) that lets you control your devices, they serve different purposes. Firmware operates at a lower level than the OS and interacts directly with hardware. After firmware starts up and connects the hardware, it hands over control to the OS. So, when you see your device’s login screen, the firmware has already done its job.

Drivers, on the other hand, are specialized software that control specific hardware components and connect them to the OS. While drivers may occasionally be referred to as firmware, they’re usually considered part of the OS. They are easier for users to check, replace, or update when needed.

Firmware is typically stored in protected memory, and it’s often read-only, meaning it’s not designed for frequent changes. Trying to modify firmware can result in a bricked device (a device that no longer functions). However, firmware does get updates to fix bugs or improve performance. Updates may help firmware establish more reliable connections with external devices or add new features for users.

Firmware is typically harder for attackers to access with malware or other hacking attempts. Numerous security measures separate typical OS functions from firmware. However, when a vulnerability in firmware is exploited, it can lead to severe consequences. Attackers may gain direct access to hardware control, disable core security features, brick systems, or access sensitive data that’s otherwise protected.

While firmware vulnerabilities and attacks are relatively rare, the risk increases as our devices become more complex. One significant risk is remote server or device management, which can include remote access to firmware. This is known as RCE or Remote Code Execution and can lead to unauthorized access to firmware.

For simpler devices, firmware engineers need specific training. These certified firmware engineers must understand hardware architecture, the functions required for the device, and the specific types of code supported by manufacturers. Their skills often overlap with electrical engineers, and they are sometimes called “embedded engineers.”

October 17, 2023