Apple to Finally Bring RCS to iPhone

Apple to Finally Bring RCS to iPhone

“Apple to Finally Bring RCS to iPhone” has become a trending topic. Why? The announcement that Apple would use the RCS (Rich Communication Services) messaging standard surprised many. The feature will come as a software update later next year. It will let iPhone and Android users send messages with features similar to iMessage. Apple chose it because regulators and rivals like Google and Samsung pressured the company. The fact that RCS has matured into a more robust platform is also a contributing factor.

RCS adds iMessage-like functionalities to cross-platform text messages

Cross-platform texting between Android and iPhone is much easier with RCS, adding several iMessage-style capabilities. Things like typing indications, high-quality photos and videos, reading receipts, and more fall under this category. According to Apple, one of the features of RCS is the ability for users to communicate their location inside text conversations. Unlike traditional SMS, RCS is compatible with both cellular data and Wi-Fi.

Rich Communication Services

However, iMessage will remain in use. It will remain the primary means of communication for all iPhone users. When the time comes, RCS will exist independently of iMessage and replace SMS and MMS. As an additional backup, Apple adds that SMS and MMS will also be accessible. Nevertheless, this is not Apple allowing third-party iMessage services. It’s the opposite: the company is implementing RCS independently of iMessage.

What is  Rich Communication Services (RCS)? 

RCS delivers “rich,” expanded messaging, audio, video, and file-sharing features. RCS Chat is another name for RCS. Chat and messaging apps on smartphones need to be powerful. Therefore, Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, and iMessage all provide more features than SMS. RCS aims to provide a more feature-rich alternative to SMS and MMS. Moreover, users can access it through cellular networks and IP-based networks, such as Wi-Fi.

What is  Rich Communication Services (RCS)

With RCS, users may send and receive text messages and audio and video calls. Additionally, users can accept many types of multimedia items, including movies, photos, and documents. RCS allows users to send and receive these messages instantly, unlike regular texting. And this has resulted in a more dynamic method of communication. Group chat, typing alerts, message delivery status, user tagging, and location sharing are just a few additional features RCS enables. RCS, unlike SMS, also provides end-to-end encryption to prevent message interception.

End-to-End Encryption

Several technology standards that work with RCS support message transport and communication services. These include the Real-Time Transport Protocol, the IP Multimedia Subsystem, the Session Initiation Protocol, and the Message Session Relay Protocol.

What does Apple say about RCS?

Apple’s adoption of RCS comes after years of pressure from Google and Samsung, two of its rivals. But until now, Apple has ignored that need and instead put more resources into iMessage. Apple also stresses once again that iMessage is considerably superior to RCS in terms of security and privacy. With the addition of Advanced Data Protection for Messages in iCloud, Apple has strengthened the already robust end-to-end encryption in iMessage. 

Advance Data Protection

To help facilitate interactions between iPhone and Android users, Apple has enhanced support for Tapbacks in iOS 16. When it came to SMS group conversations, Apple included capabilities like threaded responses and message editing in iOS 17. However, they weren’t available to Android users.

At the same time, Apple claims that RCS does not have the capability for iMessage-level encryption. Nevertheless, it has implemented an upgrade to the SMS experience on both Android and iPhone smartphones.

Apply intends to work with the GSMA members

Apple is committing to collaborate with the GSMA on RCS protocol improvements. Encryption and security of RCS communications are two areas that need special attention. In addition to RCS, Apple informed 9to5Mac that it would not deploy its proprietary end-to-end encryption. Its primary goal is to enhance the RCS standard.

So that you can see how different they are, Google’s version of end-to-end encryption is in the Android Messages app, not in the RCS standard itself.

Including iMessage services in the Digital Markets Act

The most pressing issue is the imminent EU regulation that may have forced Apple to enable iMessage. The Digital Markets Act is a piece of law that Apple has opposed. Apple claims that iMessage is not popular enough in Europe to be considered a “gatekeeper service.” Rumors have been circulating that Apple may file an appeal with the EU over the Digital Markets Act’s potential inclusion of its App Store and iMessage services. Still, by making this disclosure now, Apple is preventing any regulatory issues in the future. 

EU Digital Markets Act

The constraints of SMS and MMS will no longer affect most messaging chats between iPhone and Android users when RCS functionality emerges later next year. The three leading US carriers and most carriers worldwide support RCS. However, the availability may still differ from one carrier to another.

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How to Use ChatGPT's New Image Features

How to Use ChatGPT’s New Image Features

Did you hear? There’s a brand new update to ChatGPT (Apple, Android). Yes, that’s right. OPENAI recently announced that the update includes two new features: AI voice options for hearing the chatbot answer your prompts and image analysis capabilities. OpenAI has released some exciting new features for its popular chatbot, ChatGPT. In late September, the business announced that the AI-powered bot would be getting a new voice and “eyes.” Users who have subscribed to ChatGPT Plus will be able to communicate “in a back-and-forth conversation” utilizing the voice capability. In addition, users will be able to contribute photographs to the chatbot and ask questions based on the images. Let’s discuss all about ChatGPT’s image features and some pointers to get you started.

How to Access ChatGPT’s Image Features

While the upgrade is expected before the end of the year, it is unclear when the image and speech features will be made available to the general public. As with most OpenAI updates, such as the GPT-4 version of ChatGPT, paying subscribers are given priority access. There are three possibilities for uploading images in the ChatGPT smartphone app. To begin, tap the camera icon to the left of the message bar and snap a fresh picture with your smartphone. 

ChatGPT or Android

Before uploading the image, draw a circle with your finger around whatever you want the chatbot to focus on. You can also upload photographs from your device as well as anything saved on your phone. Users of the ChatGPT desktop browser can simply upload images from their computer. Although you cannot yet submit films to the chatbot, you can submit several images in a single request.

Tips for Working with ChatGPT’s New Image Features

This isn’t the first time a type of “computer vision” has been made available to consumers. Nevertheless, the user interface, paired with a smart chatbot, creates the impression that something unusual, and possibly transformative, is taking place. Before we continue, keep in mind that when experimenting with the image feature, you should never submit personal or sensitive photographs to ChatGPT

Do you want to limit how long OpenAI retains your data and AI interactions in order to build its chatbot? Disable Chat History and Training by going to Settings, then Data Controls. When this is disabled, your data is deleted after one month. This process must be done for each browser, including PC and mobile, used to access ChatGPT.

Why Use ChatGPT

Getting the best results 

You can expect to get the best results from ChatGPT if you upload images that are clear and well lit compared to low-quality images. Most of the time, the chatbot will be able to label the objects correctly. The feature has other practical uses. You can test this out with your handwriting too. Even if you have not-so-perfect handwriting, the bot will be able to understand it.

Regardless of the tool’s ability to search through information, do not trust its results right away. ChatGPT may sometimes mislabel some objects. So note that there are some limitations to the tool.

When you upload photographs of city landmarks, the tool might be able to identify the location. Although it may still feel a little gimmicky, if you’re on a trip to a new city or country (or even just a different neighborhood),  you could enjoy experimenting with the visual side of ChatGPT.

Can chatbots identify humans?

It’s crucial to note that OpenAI severely restricts this new feature’s ability for the chatbot to respond to requests that identify humans. If you show the tool a picture of a person,requesting to identify it, the chatbot will decline to do so. ChatGPT would explain itself by stating that it’s set up to prioritize user privacy and safety. So identifying actual people based on photographs is not possible in order to achieve these priorities.

Risks related to ChatGPT

If the guardrails are removed, whether through a jailbroken ChatGPT or a future open source approach, the privacy implications might be disastrous. What if every photograph of you taken and uploaded to the internet could be easily connected to your identity with a few clicks? What if someone took a photograph of you in public without your consent and immediately discovered your LinkedIn profile? If adequate privacy controls are not maintained for these new photo capabilities, women and other minorities are projected to experience an increase in abuse from people using chatbots for surveillance and harassment.

ChatGPT Security Risks

 Wrapping up

In this post, we discussed ChatGPT’s new image features. As we discussed, there are many practical uses for this tool. However, there are certain issues that can be improved and upgraded as well. The tool can be beneficial for you to find information. However, regardless of its ability to search through information, it’s important not to trust its results right away. There’s room for a lot more improvement, and we’ll be keeping an eye on the newest updates to the tool and letting you know all about them.

Jet Pack Composable vs XML on Native Development

Jet Pack Composable vs XML on Native Development

There is a huge debate that’s been going on for a while regarding the topic of Android application development approaches. One of the approaches is XML layout, which has been the go-to approach for years, and the other is Jetpack Compose, which is the modern approach. For the longest time, XML layout has been the standard for developing user interfaces in Android applications. That was the case until Jetpack Compose, a declarative UI toolkit, recently came along as a strong alternative to XML. Nevertheless, the battle needs fair play. Let this post be it. We’ll pit the two against each other and test their differences and similarities between Jetpack Compose and XML layout for Android application development, as well as their pros and cons. Jet Pack Composable vs XML: let’s get started.

What is Jetpack Compose?

Jetpack Compose is Android’s modern toolset for creating native user interfaces. It simplifies and accelerates Android UI development. Jetpack Compose is a modern framework that allows us to construct our screens declaratively, which allows us to write less code. Android user interface development is now more powerful and decoupled. Before Jetpack Compose, we built the native UI with XML layouts. When we built the displays with XML, we had a very dependent structure.

Jet Pack Compose

Furthermore, fragments are large UI components. Jetpack Compose enables us to create the same UI using a declarative UI approach with fewer lines of code.

Google Jetpack Compose was introduced during Google I/O in May 2019. Since its introduction, this approach has grown in popularity within the developer community, and its use has increased. The most recent version, 1.5.0, was issued on August 9, 2023.

What are XML views?

Traditional XML views have long been used to create user interfaces in Android apps. Developers can alter UI elements by defining layouts, visual styles, and behaviors using XML files. Despite the fact that it requires more manual code, this dependable approach is still extensively utilized in Android app development. XML-based layouts were introduced during the Android release era in 2008.

They immediately became well-known for creating user interfaces. Since its inception, the Android ecosystem has seen numerous crucial updates and improvements, and XML has operated as one of the pillars by remaining relevant. Its use in many applications has likewise been consistent and continuous.

The importance of XML

XML is crucial in establishing the visual structure of the user interface. It establishes the structure and defines the characteristics of UI elements such as TextViews, ImageViews, Buttons, and others. XML separates the layout information from the coding logic. As a result, XML can promote easy communication between developers and designers, as well as quick upgrades or changes in the design process. 

UI Visual Designer to the User

Even with widespread use, XML has a few drawbacks. Android apps have become increasingly difficult over time, as have their features. As a result, the XML code becomes thick and complex, increasing maintenance efforts accordingly. The maintenance of complicated UI interactions and animations becomes complex as well, necessitating manual efforts.

To better understand Jet Pack Composable vs XML, let’s weigh the pros and cons of each in detail. 

Pros of Jetpack compose

Benefits of Jet Pack Compose

1. Increases productivity

Jetpack Compose was built with the aim of boosting developer productivity. Many time-consuming software modules required in the present Android development architecture have been refactored away from the developer’s job.

2. Less code

Writing less code has an impact on all stages of development: as an author, you can focus on the problem at hand because there is less code to test and debug, and thus fewer defects; as a reviewer or maintainer, you have less code to read, comprehend, review, and maintain.

3. It’s flexible

Jetpack Compose provides a more expressive and flexible approach to UI building. Its reusable functions enable easy construction and reuse of UI components, leading to more modular and maintainable codebases. Compose also includes a plethora of built-in utilities for dealing with animations, theming, and responsiveness.

4. Saves money

Declarative UI generates immutable UI objects, removing the requirement for programmers to develop code that syncs UI components and underlying controller logic. This streamlined strategy can eliminate a whole class of difficult-to-replicate defects, lowering total product development expenses.

5. Improves code maintainability

Compose was built with the MVVM architecture in mind from the start. The MVVM architecture enforces a much clearer separation of concerns and improves code maintainability. A strong framework, such as Jetpack Compose, offers productivity incentives to fully utilize MVVM.

Cons of Jetpack Compose

Although Jetpack Compose comes with many pros, there are several cons or drawbacks that can cause issues:

1. Preview issues requiring rebuilding each time

Note that Jetpack Compose preview is much better than XML since it allows you to view (and even interact with) mocked data previews. But nothing comes for free. The disadvantage of this technique is that it requires re-rendering the preview every time the code changes, and builds are quite slow.

2. Compose is still new

Jetpack Compose isn’t the present-day standard yet. However, developers see its huge potential and promising future.

3. It’s still evolving

Like we mentioned earlier, Jetpack Compose is relatively new. You must continue to learn about new solutions, libraries, and architectures. Compose is still evolving. Consumers must also change versions when things improve over time. Since the introduction of 1.0, updates have been less regular and more dramatic in terms of change.

Pros of XML

1. Data presentation is flexible

Data stored in XML can be modified at any time without impacting the data’s display. For data presentation, XML employs a markup language similar to HTML; if data is updated in the XML, it is reflected in the HTML without requiring any changes to the HTML GUI.

2. Portability

Because XML is a programming language and platform-neutral, it can accommodate any technological change and may be utilized on any device. It is Java-compatible.

3. Data sharing is easy

XML has the ability to simplify data sharing between different systems, all thanks to its platform-independent nature. There is no need to waste your time converting data between platforms.

4. Extendibility

You can create your own tags or utilize tags created by other users. XML employs a human-readable language with the necessary properties, making it very simple to comprehend.

Cons of XML

1. Less readability

Compared to other text-based data transmission formats, XML documents are noticeably less readable.

2. Namespace issues

It’s challenging to use XML namespaces and impossible to utilize them well in an XML parser.

3. Redundancy of data

When compared to text-based data transmission formats like JSON, XML syntax is verbose and redundant.

4. Cost of storage

Due to the redundancy of data, you are bound to experience relatively higher transportation and storage costs. This can be especially challenging when working with large volumes of data. This also leads to inefficiency in data collection.

5. File size

Since the data structure is verbose in nature, it ends up creating a very large XML file. Unless you use data compression technologies, this large data size may be a concern for some applications.

6. No arrays

Although XML supports an element that contains extra sub-elements that an external program can choose to interpret as array items, XML itself does not work with arrays. This is why you don’t have the chance to represent many data items of the same type under the same name.

Jet Pack Composable vs XML Layout: What should you choose?

We have discussed the pros and cons of the two approaches. Now, let’s discuss which approach you should choose. You have to consider several factors when deciding between Jetpack Compose and XML layout:

1. Scope of your project

Let’s say you’re working on a relatively smaller project or a quick prototype. If yes, you can go with an XML layout instead of Jetpack. However, it would be better to opt for Jetpack Compose for more complex and dynamic applications. Jetpack Compose’s flexibility and productivity benefits make it an appealing option.

2. Your team’s familiarity and expertise

You need to consider your development team’s familiarity and expertise before deciding between XML and Jetpack Compose. Since XML layout is the most commonly used and familiar option, it would be safer to opt for that if the team has extensive experience.

3. Vision for the future

Given the rising popularity of Jetpack Compose and Google’s emphasis on it, using Compose can help you future-proof your app and assure compliance with the newest Android UI trends and capabilities.

Jet Pack Composable vs XML

Wrapping up

In this post, we discussed all about Jetpack Compose and XML layout, including their pros and cons. It needs to be noticed that this debate between Jetpack Compose and XML layout for Android application development is a perfect example that demonstrates the evolution and innovation in the Android realm. As previously stated, Jetpack Compose is still in its early stages, and most of its drawbacks are related to timing, risk, and the learning curve.

While XML layout is a trusted and commonly utilized method, Jetpack Compose provides a more current, flexible, and powerful alternative. Note that both of these approaches come with their pros and cons. At the end of the day, your decision to choose between the two for your project should be influenced by the project’s needs, the development team’s familiarity and competence, and your future goals. Regardless of the approach used, both Jetpack Compose and XML Layout contribute to the thriving Android development scene by enabling developers to construct compelling and user-friendly applications.

Generative AI and Deep Learning

Generative AI and Deep Learning: Find out  the Mystery of Artificial Creativity

Generative AI and deep learning are trending topics. These developments usher in an exciting future when machines compose symphonies and write books, bringing together the best of both the technological and artistic worlds. This is not an imaginary or futuristic universe. It is the dynamic world of replicating AI. It’s generative AI that questions original thinking and imagination. It levels the playing field between human and machine skill, reviving the future of inventiveness. Further, deep learning exceeds the previous bounds of AI by modeling itself after the mind’s intricate wiring.

These fascinating methods include using expansive linguistic patterns that weave tales like master storytellers and capture the essence of human language. The potential of Generative AI, deep learning, and large-scale language models is limitless, so strap in for a thrilling ride.

What is Generative AI?

Ideas, algorithms, and data all come together in the fascinating topic of generative artificial intelligence. It’s the equivalent of a talented artist producing fresh data samples that mimic the form, content, and semantics of the training data. As the name suggests, this branch of AI focuses on coming up with novel applications of existing knowledge.

The writings produced by these highly sophisticated algorithms don’t have any brand new terms. Instead, they depend on the efficiency of machine learning programs. These algorithms are responsible for producing new text based on the knowledge and patterns they have acquired through their exposure to training material.

It’s like a great composer

Generative AI puts together a linguistic masterpiece like a great composer. It goes back and forth between the simple and the complex, with concepts that are difficult to understand but stimulate the mind. This balance goes to the heart of human creation and makes it difficult to find artificial intelligence.

In the world of generative artificial intelligence, the lines between what is possible and what is not are blurring and inviting us to explore its profound offerings. It is where art and technology meet to help people think of new ideas. Enjoy the wonder of this world, as it has much to offer those willing to go where no one has gone before. 

How does Generative AI work?

Are you interested in discovering the inner workings of generative AI? This cutting-edge technology absorbs new data, identifies trends, and generates unique content. Essentially, it’s a simulated AI system that observes, learns, and eventually executes operations independently. 

How Does Generative AI Work
How Does Generative AI Work

Generative AI Model Types

The interesting variety of model types, each with its own set of skills, is made possible by the broad and ever-evolving field of generative AI. Generative adversarial networks (GANs) are a famous example because of their innovative nature and exceptional capacity to generate very lifelike visuals that may captivate the viewer.

As the landscape broadens to include the astounding potential of variable Automatic Encoders (VAE), these incredible inventions are merely the tip of the iceberg. VAEs are limitless in their creative potential, enabling anything from delicately sculpted facial features to soulful musical compositions.

As we learn more about Generative AI, we see that the possibilities for novel research and ground-breaking advancement are almost endless, waiting only for the most daring and inquisitive minds to seize them. 

How can we apply Generative AI?

Generative AI can be used in many different ways, influencing and changing the creative landscapes of many different companies. Get ready for a journey into the world of possibilities opened up by this amazing technology. Get ready to see how it changes things as you move into the world of fine art, creating images that look so real that they blur the line between reality and fantasy. 

Watch in awe as it composes symphonies that tug at your heartstrings and writes melodies that go deep into your soul.

The Many Ways We Can Use Generative AI
The Many Ways We Can Use Generative AI

Listen in wonder as it brings the words to life, putting them together as they are spoken in human language. And when it comes to writing, get ready to rock as Generative AI weaves stories and composes eloquent text that takes you on unforgettable journeys through familiar and strange worlds. Generative AI is so vast that its reach extends across borders and into many creative fields. 

It has also transformed many industries, giving artists, designers, singers, and writers the tools they need to push the boundaries of their work. When art and cutting-edge technology meet, a new era of creation begins, powered by the infinite possibilities of generative artificial intelligence.

What is deep Learning?

The interesting field of machine learning known as “deep learning” takes its cues from the brain’s complex wiring. Algorithms and neural networks show intricate patterns and provide new insights into this exciting area of study. As an example of our quest for computer intelligence, deep learning attempts to mimic human intellect in machines.

Deep Learning

Artificial intelligence will continue to advance thanks to deep learning. The architecture of neural networks is complex, much like that of the human brain. Using several layers of linked nodes, deep learning models can analyze vast quantities of data and discover intricate patterns that a person may overlook. Industries are disrupted, and technology is advanced.

What does deep learning help us with?

Computer vision, NLP, voice recognition, autonomous vehicles, healthcare, and finance are all impacted by deep learning. It aids our efforts to learn new things, make sense of large volumes of data, and comprehend the world around us.

The applications of deep learning are, as we have seen, almost endless. With each iteration, our understanding of the universe and our access to tools increase, opening the door to limitless invention and development. The promise of deep learning motivates academics and technologists to push the boundaries of their fields.

Deep learning also demonstrates the inventiveness and curiosity of the human spirit. The convergence of science, technology, and inquisitiveness is really astounding, and it promises to one day yield machines with human-level intellect and understanding. Every day, deep learning updates AI and forces us to reevaluate our assumptions.

Deep Learning and the Role of Artificial Neural Networks

Deep learning is an incredible field of computer science because of the remarkable architecture of artificial neural networks. Think of the neural network in your brain as a massive, intricate web where every node is linked to every other node.

Each node, like a neuron, patiently waits for its turn to receive data, analyze it with incredible computational prowess, and transmit the results to the next node. This intricate web of connections and fascinating tango of data movement enables deep learning models to become adept at identifying patterns of great complexity and variety.

Deep Learning Model - Optimization

Explaining deep learning further

Let’s dive further into the intriguing world of deep learning and its underlying neural networks. Imagine a massive network of interconnected nodes, each of which has its own unique set of computing skills that it adds to the system as a whole. As data passes through this massive network, complex layers of information are unwrapped, and hidden gems of knowledge are unearthed via a symphony of calculations.

Like a digital approximation of the incredible flexibility of the human brain, the neural network evolves over time as its nodes adapt to and absorb new information.

Deep learning models

Models trained with deep learning have the unprecedented ability to understand the intricacies of complex patterns because of the resilience of their underlying artificial neural network architecture. They harness the potential of many linked nodes to unravel the riddles contained in large datasets. As fearless explorers, they brave the informational labyrinths in search of patterns and insights that are beyond the comprehension of humans.

In addition to mimicking the intricate workings of the human brain, this intriguing dance of linked nodes also ushers in a new age of unprecedented computing advancement. Deep learning models have revolutionised many fields. These vary from computer vision and natural language processing to voice recognition and recommendation systems. As a result of their ability to process massive amounts of data and extract useful information, they have also paved the way to new realms of innovation and discovery.

So, before we go headfirst into the fascinating realm of deep learning and artificial neural networks, let’s take a breath and marvel at the richness of this computational tapestry. It’s proof that humans can be creative, paving the way for innovations that have had far-reaching effects on the state of technology. Creative brains and state-of-the-art algorithms have worked together to push deep learning forward.

Generative AI Subset: Large Language Models

Large language models, of which GPT-3 is a famous example, are an attractive subset of the study of generative artificial intelligence. The text generated from these templates captures the very essence of human expression. They are like master storytellers who can captivate and engage with only one sentence. Words that seem to flow effortlessly from the eloquence of a trained wordsmith are really based on patterns the writer has learned over time.

Amazing progress in the area of artificial intelligence is reflected in state-of-the-art language models like GPT-3. Their algorithms labor endlessly in the background to generate text that represents our own thoughts and ideas, and they are refined to replicate the depth and complexity of human interaction. They are also masters of the written word, and the tales, insights, and inspiration they leave behind in their works of art are a testament to that.

The constraints of our three-dimensional planet do not limit this AI checkout service in any way. They transport us over time and space and into other realities. They inspire us to feel, think, and dream with every stroke of the keyboard. Moreover, they are geniuses of the English language, able to weave together facts and imagination into a seamless composition.

The impact of language models

We cannot overstate the significance of huge language models in many areas.There is no limit to their adaptability. They can aid in everything from content creation and distribution to language translation and NLP. They provide a wealth of knowledge and ideas for authors, researchers, teachers, and other professionals, making them a useful resource.

Let’s celebrate the enormous potential of these AI storytellers as we marvel at their inventiveness. They work alongside us to help us learn and express ourselves. And they show us the way to a future where the distinction between human and computer creation is less clear. Every second, they also learn and improve, inching closer to the level of sophistication of language produced by a genuinely indiscernible AI.

Wrapping Up

The creative abilities of generative AI and the computational capacity of deep learning are blurring the line between human intellect and machine thinking. To this extraordinary convergence, great language models attest, displaying the linguistic beauty of their models and establishing themselves as vital tools in many domains. As we make our way through this complicated environment, we marvel at the intelligence of artificial neural networks, the strength of generative models, and the narrative prowess of enormous language models.

The infinite potential of artificial intelligence will continue to push the limits of human creativity and understanding. And this remarkable synthesis of art, science, and technology is a sign that guides us in that direction.

Windows Copilot and Dev Home in Windows 11

Windows Copilot and Dev Home in Windows 11

In this post, let’s find out what’s great about Windows Copilot and Dev Home in Windows 11. Well, Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a defining force in the ever-changing world of technology, altering businesses and affecting our daily lives. We are at the vanguard of this transformation as developers, and with the appropriate tools, we can empower ourselves and our customers to define the future. Let’s embark on the next step of our journey with Windows 11, ushering in a new age of artificial intelligence.

Introducing Windows Copilot: Centralized AI Assistance for Windows 11

Introducing Windows Copilot, an exciting advancement in PC technology that takes Windows 11 to the forefront as the first platform to provide centralized AI help. This extraordinary function provides users with unrivaled convenience, allowing them to do activities and traverse their digital environment with ease. Windows Copilot is accessible straight from the taskbar. It also maintains a consistent presence throughout all apps, programs, and windows, taking on the role of a devoted personal assistant. 

Microsoft Windows Copilot

Windows Copilot and Dev Home in Windows 11: Make use of a plethora of options 

It supports rapid action, customized settings, and seamless connectivity across your favorite programs by effortlessly integrating into your Windows experience. With Windows Copilot at your disposal, a plethora of options become available. Simply tell it to edit, summarize, or clarify your text, and then watch the magic happen.  

Furthermore, indulge in asking a diverse range of questions, from the simplest to the most intricate. Need to check the local time in a different country or plan an upcoming journey? Windows Copilot stands ready to lend its unwavering assistance, making your experience effortlessly smooth.

What’s Best about Copilot as an AI Assistant?

Windows Copilot is a new AI-powered personal assistant built into Windows 11. There are other AI assistants like Cortana and Siri, but Windows Copilot stands out in a few key ways:

  • Windows Copilot is built into Windows 11, while Cortana and Siri are separate programs that must be downloaded. 
  • Windows Copilot is designed to be a more personal assistant that can perform tasks such as summarizing documents, recommending music, providing technical support for your computer, and answering your questions in chat. 
  • Windows Copilot uses natural language queries to provide personalized answers to user questions, just like ChatGPT and Bing Chat.
  • Windows Copilot has the ability to carry out actions for users, like starting a playlist, opening an app, or changing settings.
  • Windows Copilot can summarize, rewrite, or even explain the content users view in apps.
  • Windows Copilot is built on the same foundation as Bing Chat, and Microsoft allows integration with first- and third-party plug-ins. 
  • Windows Copilot can provide ChatGPT-like answers to questions in a chat room.
  • It is designed to be more integrated and comprehensive AI software than a standalone program like Cortana.

Empower All Windows 11 Developers to be AI Developers

The current period provides Windows developers with an exciting atmosphere brimming with prospects in different sectors like healthcare, finance, education, technology, and others. With countless potential outcomes on the horizon, Microsoft also continues to dedicate itself to empowering developers by investing in essential tools that democratize app development for the modern era of artificial intelligence. 

To make it easier for developers to enter the world of AI, Microsoft is delighted to present the Windows AI Library. It’s a carefully curated collection of pre-designed machine learning models and application programming interfaces. This invaluable asset acts as a starting point for developers, equipping them with the necessary groundwork to begin their AI development endeavors.

Windows Copilot and Dev Home in Windows 11 - AI

Maximizing Productivity with ‘Dev Home’

With the release of Windows 11 comes an exciting announcement: Dev Home is an innovative solution that improves productivity for developers of all backgrounds. Dev Home also revolutionizes the development process by seamlessly integrating essential features that optimize workflow efficiency. Experience the convenience of WinGet configuration, which simplifies and speeds up installation. 

Take advantage of better file system performance with Dev Drive, taking productivity to new heights. In addition, discover a customizable dashboard that consolidates all workflows and tasks into one organized hub, giving developers a comprehensive view of their progress and future goals. Dev Home is the perfect partner for developers who want to maximize and improve their potential and streamline.

Microsoft acknowledges the obstacles developers face, including the time-consuming process of installing development machines, the need for multiple tool logins, difficulties with lower file system performance, and constant context switching. In response to these challenges, Microsoft is proud to introduce a number of new features and improvements that serve all stages of the Windows development cycle. These improvements aim to streamline workflows, improve performance, and minimize disruption while allowing developers to navigate their projects.

Dev Home and Dev Drive

Keep Your Users Engaged with the Latest Features

Introducing Dynamic Lighting, an exciting addition that allows Windows users to easily configure and customize their devices’ RGB lighting directly from Windows Settings. This innovative feature opens up a world of possibilities, allowing users to create mesmerizing lighting effects that reflect their unique style and preferences. With dynamic lighting, you can also transform your device into an incredible visual experience at your fingertips.

Latest Experiences and Features in the Microsoft Store on Windows

Microsoft is taking the Microsoft Store to new heights with:

  • AI-powered enhancements
  • Expanded Microsoft Store promotions
  • Cutting-edge tools to help businesses effectively connect with their customer base

With these advancements, Microsoft is:

  • Enabling businesses to maximize their reach
  • Harness the potential of artificial intelligence
  • Unlock unprecedented growth opportunities in the Microsoft Store ecosystem

Experience a new era of customer engagement and discover the transformative power these innovative features bring to businesses of all sizes.

Building on and for the Future of Windows

As we enter an exciting era of technology development, developers find themselves at the center of innovation, especially in the Windows ecosystem. The huge hype surrounding the new age of artificial intelligence is fueling anticipation as Microsoft looks forward to the remarkable creations developers will bring to life. Windows is the ultimate platform that provides the optimal foundation for creating superior experiences that engage customers while minimizing cost and effort. 

To dive deeper into these exceptional new features, developers can explore the comprehensive Windows Developer Center. As a valued Windows Insider, you get early access to a select selection of these ground-breaking features, accelerating your journey even faster. Therefore, prepare to embrace the dawn of productivity in Windows 11, where the power of AI is harnessed through Windows Copilot and Dev Home, forging a path toward a future defined by limitless possibilities.

The future of Windows

The future of Windows has arrived, driven by the remarkable power of artificial intelligence. Microsoft is introducing several new features, such as Windows Copilot, the Windows AI Library, and Dev Home, to make Windows a smarter, more intuitive, and more user-centric platform. These advances give developers the tools they need to drive innovation and build the next wave of cutting-edge applications. 

The Future of Microsoft Windows

In addition, Microsoft enriches the user experience with important improvements such as dynamic lighting and exciting offers in the Microsoft Store. Committed to creating an unparalleled environment for developers and users, Microsoft strives to establish Windows as the leading platform. With these new tools and features ready to unlock limitless creativity, incredible possibilities await.

Stay up-to-date with the latest news and plans in our Windows Developer Center, an essential resource for developers. Windows Insiders can expect early access to these exclusive features later this week. Witness the transformative power of AI in Windows 11 and unlock the power to shape the future. Also, remember that the future of Windows is in the joint hands of developers and users. Let’s come together and make this a remarkable reality.

How to Optimize Your ChatGPT Prompts for Better Results

How to Optimize Your ChatGPT Prompts for Better Results

“How to Optimize Your ChatGPT Prompts for Better Results” is a trending topic these days. Why? Because OpenAI’s AI-powered chatbot, ChatGPT, has taken the globe by storm. ChatGPT has become one of the fastest-growing applications in history, capable of generating emails, essays, and more in response to a few short questions. Aside from that, it’s starting to find a home in the workplace, thanks to the release of plugins that connect the chatbot to third-party programs, websites, and services.

ChatGPT Plus members just gained access to a new tool called Browsing, which allows ChatGPT to search Bing for solutions to prompts and inquiries. ChatGPT, on the other hand, isn’t usually the most cooperative helper. It takes some fine-tuning of the prompts to get it to produce anything particular.

Tools and guidelines for ChatGPT

Since the tool’s release, a slew of tools and guidelines for ChatGPT prompt writing have sprouted up. However, not all of them are very straightforward to follow—or intuitive. To assist those who are new to ChatGPT and those who want to learn new tactics, we’ve produced a list of the finest ChatGPT prompts for many sorts of workflows, including writing, marketing, sales, students, and tech enthusiasts.

ChatGPT Capabilities and Limitations

ChatGPT prompts are ideal for marketing

ChatGPT is a wonderful marketing tool—or it can be if the correct set of prompts is used. As with writing, understanding how to urge the model in precise ways so that it understands your goal is essential. Keywords, as any internet marketer knows, are a vital piece of the puzzle. Fortunately, ChatGPT has an effective keyword generator. Use the following prompt: Create a keyword list for [insert text here] that includes long-tail and high-performing keywords. That should provide you with a good starting point for any text you’re trying to produce.

If you want to see the degree of specificity ChatGPT accepts, take a look at this example prompt:

Create a captivating advertisement for our Facebook advertising campaign, focusing on individuals who have previously browsed our website and instilling a feeling of immediacy while also incorporating our exclusive promotional deal to motivate them to act. The offer is [insert text here].”

It’s as easy as that.

Prompts for social media 

Nobody wants to see unfavorable comments about their company or products on social media. And it’s difficult to respond in a balanced and reasonable manner when you truly believe in the good influence of your brand or disagree with the person who left the hatred.

Whenever you need brand or marketing advice, ChatGPT’s got your back. It can even handle tough questions. You may not believe it, but this tool can answer questions with nuance and depth.

Don’t believe us? Try the following prompt:

As a social media marketing manager, how shall I respond to people who are giving negative feedback about my products and services on Instagram?

What would ChatGPT send back? Well, It’ll be a polite email asking for opinions on a product, with phrases like “Your feedback is essential to us” and “We want to make sure we’re exceeding your expectations.” Now, isn’t that neat?

ChatGPT Prompt Formula

ChatGPT prompts are ideal for sales

Do you actually like to write sales emails? Of course, you don’t, and in all honesty, who does? No one. And although there are many tools available to address the task, numerous depend on templates with rigid, repetitive wording. However, this is not the case with ChatGPT. Enhancing the promotion of products, services, or procedures becomes simpler with ChatGPT prompts.

You can create a prompt pertaining to the product or service you are marketing and utilize ChatGPT to produce diverse responses in order to reach a wider audience of potential customers. You can create promotional material and employ ChatGPT to respond to inquiries from customers regarding your offerings, ensuring that potential customers have access to all the necessary details.

Keep in mind that when writing sales prompts for ChatGPT, the wording matters a lot. Let’s take a look at this prompt to get a clearer idea:

Craft an informal and concise cold email to a sales lead.”

Make a comparison to:

Craft a cold email to a sales lead.

You will see that the results for the first, significantly more detailed prompt, are relatively better than the ones for the second. While they aren’t flawless, they are certainly a far better starting point for anything sendable.

ChatGPT needn’t be confined to the email realm. You can use this tool to automate cold call scripts or sales pitch processes. You can try something like the following:

Craft a sales pitch for a marketing consultant providing remedies to small enterprises grappling with a limited online presence and low search engine standings.

Of course, you’ll most likely have to tweak the results. But it’s still such a time saver.

ChatGPT prompts are ideal for writing

ChatGPT can be a useful companion when it comes to writing. It can do brainstorming for you. It can also help with streamlining the more monotonous parts of the writing process. However, keep in mind that this isn’t always the most predictable tool. This is why it’s important to use incredibly specific prompt wording.

For instance, “priming” ChatGPT can set the context and tone. You can try a prompt like the following:

I’m a tech blogger, and I need your help writing a blog post. The topic is CES. This post should be helpful for people who are interested in new and upcoming smartphones. Do not start writing yet. Do you understand?

This will “ground” ChatGPTl, offering the tool context for questions you will ask later on.

How to Optimize Your ChatGPT Prompts for Better Results - for Writing

There’s another tip that you have to know that will come in handy here. That is, use bullet points to guide ChatGPT. Let’s look at an example:

Craft an introduction according to the following bullet points:

  • This is a post about a tech product—a wireless cooker.
  • The price of the product is $50.
  • The product is currently on sale through December 5th.

Taking these details from each bullet point into account, ChatGPT will produce something coherent.

ChatGPT may also be “taught” to mimic style, voice, and tone, which is handy when trying to have it fill sections of an article or essay. Enter the following prompt: Examine the following paragraph for style, voice, and tone. Make a prompt to write a fresh paragraph in the same style, voice, and tone as the previous one. It may not always be correct. When told to write in this manner, ChatGPT is considerably more likely to generate something useful and insightful.

ChatGPT prompts are ideal for students

Not every academic institution supports the use of ChatGPT as a writing tool—or even as writing assistance. Others, on the other hand, are making considerable efforts to include ChatGPT into their curricula. This writer agrees with the latter side but cautions students from utilizing ChatGPT where it is disallowed by an instructor.

ChatGPT for Students

You have been forewarned. When it comes to educational ChatGPT prompts, the sky’s the limit. It is entirely dependent on the task at hand as well as the type of activity. For instance, you may attempt the below prompt:

Help me write a report on the causes of the Second World War.”

Or a prompt like:

Can you help me explain the significance of the Egyptian pyramids?

And ChatGPT will do its utmost to respond in a way that is logical, if not flawless. However, a word of caution when requesting facts and figures from ChatGPT: It doesn’t always provide accurate information. Sometimes, due to a phenomenon called hallucination, the chatbot may make things up with great confidence. That’s why it’s advisable to verify answers from ChatGPT before using them in an article or your research paper.

Once again, it’s important to note that ChatGPT can be requested to perform tasks beyond simply composing your history essay or providing simple topical answers. Consider this prompt: Assist me in crafting a study schedule for the upcoming exams in philosophy and law.

You’ll need to be more specific than “philosophy and law,” lest the advice be overly broad. Nevertheless, the tool—although it won’t complete the study on your behalf—should offer a sensible initial step.

ChatGPT prompts are ideal for tech enthusiasts

ChatGPT has shown herself to be an excellent writer. But did you know it’s also a coder and a mathematician? Assume you wish to create a simple online form to collect contact information. ChatGPT can gladly assist you with a prompt such as: Assume the role of a JavaScript Developer. Create software that validates the data on a form. 

Name and email are necessary, but age and address aren’t. Name and email The produced code may include errors. ChatGPT is far from flawless. Nevertheless, you can expect it to provide a good enough starting point. ChatGPT can generate database queries for applications in a more advanced use case, which generally takes some time (and sometimes trial and error).

Give this instruction for MySQL, one of the more popular relational database systems:

  • Write a MySQL query.
  • Tables: users and orders
  • Requirement: It should provide user data on who placed the biggest order for the day.
    Again, the results will not be immediately usable. They will, however, assist you in getting where you need to go.

Wrapping up

The types of prompts and materials you can develop using ChatGPT are limitless. The more you specify a prompt, the more precise and usable the response from ChatGPT is going to be. As you keep working with ChatGPT, you will get more and more comfortable with using prompts. So, get started experimenting! You’ll find more and more ways to produce incredible content with this awesome tool. You never know what kinds of innovative ideas and unique materials you’ll come up with as you continue to experiment with the system.

The only limit with ChatGPT is your creativity! So be inventive and have fun! The possibilities are limitless as technology evolves and adapts to the requirements and tastes of the user. Continue to look for new ways to use ChatGPT and make it work for you! With its assistance, you may develop content in half the time and with double the impact. So, start trying today and discover what amazing results you can get!

Everything to Know About Threads, Instagram’s Twitter competitor

Everything to Know About “Threads”, Instagram’s Twitter competitor

In this post, you will find everything you need to know about Threads. As you may have already heard, Twitter officially has a brand new competitor. Meta’s official new launch, Threads, has got people talking. Meta, Facebook’s parent company, unveiled Threads, a Twitter competitor, just three months after disclosing its plans for the app.

“Threads” is off to a fast start, with 100 million sign-ups in less than a week, according to the app, including a huge number of corporations, celebrities, journalists, and other prominent profiles. Early adopters flocked to test out Threads and make their first posts on the day it was released, reminiscent of the first day of school. Some even speculated that the new app may topple Twitter.

Would Threads be a threat to Twitter?

Threads might pose a serious threat to Twitter, which has faced widespread criticism since Elon Musk took over the platform in October 2022 and has run it on the fly. However, Twitter has grown particularly vulnerable in recent days, infuriating users with a temporary limit on the amount of content users may read every day. “Threads” might help Meta build its empire of popular apps while also providing a new platform for ad sales.

Treads vs. Twitter Search Popularity

What is Threads?

Let’s first discuss what “Threads” is. Basically, it is a brand new application introduced by Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram’s parent corporation, Meta. The network functions similarly to Twitter, with a stream of largely textual updates and real-time chat between users.

Threads

According to its description in the App Store, Threads is a platform for communities to come together and talk about everything, from the topics you care about right now to what’ll be trending the next day. Whatever users are interested in, they may follow and connect directly with the creators they enjoy and those who are interested in similar topics, or they may build a loyal following to share their opinions, ideas, and creativity with the world.

What does Meta state about Threads?

Meta stated that messages sent to Threads will be limited to 500 characters. Just like on Twitter, users have the ability to repost and quote others’ “Threads” posts. However, the app incorporates Instagram’s existing design and navigation mechanisms, as well as the ability to share Threads content directly to Instagram Stories.

Additionally, Threads accounts may be listed as private or public. Threads automatically verifies verified Instagram accounts. Although it has a close link with Instagram, Threads will be independent from it. From the App Store listing alone, we don’t have much information, but it appears that users can like, comment on, repost, and share posts. You can choose whether everyone, only those mentioned in the post, or people you follow will have the chance to respond to your own posts.

Is Threads going to succeed?

There are some doubts about the success of Threads. As you may know, Meta’s most recent side projects haven’t been hits. In recent years, it has discontinued programs such as tbh, the anonymous adolescent app, Super, the Nextdoor clone Neighborhoods, Tuned, the couples app, Campus, the video dating service Sparked, and others. Threads, on the other hand, is launching at the ideal time to capitalize on Twitter’s continuous hiccups. Consumers must decide whether they want Meta to control yet another aspect of their social media experience.

Adam Mosseri says Twitter’s “volatility” and “unpredictability” under Musk provided an opportunity to compete. Threads, Meta’s self-described “sanely operated” version of Twitter, has been in the works for a while. Especially the criticism towards Musk’s new restriction on how many tweets individuals may read each day was a catalyst for getting the app out the door this soon. They further claim that Meta anticipates “tens of millions” of people trying Threads within the first few months of its release.

Meta has simplified the processes

Threads, however, don’t underestimate Twitter either. Mosseri sees Threads as a “risky undertaking,” especially since it is new software that users must download. Meta has simplified the onboarding process by allowing you to auto-populate your account information and follower list from Instagram.

Threads must also cope with the fact that Twitter has been around for a long time and has built up a unique network that is difficult, if not impossible, to reproduce. Despite Musk’s controversial decisions related to Twitter in recent months, Meta clearly understands that dethroning Twitter will be quite a challenge. Because Twitter has a long history and a very robust and lively community, the network effects are extremely powerful.

Everything to Know About Threads, Instagram’s Twitter competitor Features

How does ‘Threads’ work?

In many respects, Threads is comparable to Twitter. The primary feed of the app displays posts- “Threads”- from accounts you follow as well as accounts selected by Instagram’s algorithm. You can respond to something by reposting it with your own thoughts, and responses are prominently shown in the main feed of the app. There is no feed of only people you follow, though this may come in the future. Thread posts can be up to 500 characters long and include up to five-minute-long videos.

There are no advertisements, at least for the time being; introducing them will be a “champagne problem” if Threads develops sufficient scale, according to Mosseri. There is also no paid verification process to access further functionality, though Instagram blue checks will transfer over to Threads accounts.

Because Threads and Instagram have such a close relationship, you can effortlessly share Threads posts to your Instagram feed or story. Mosseri predicts that the ability to share links to Threads articles in other apps will be useful as “we try to bootstrap it out of nothing.” This week, Meta has been busy onboarding celebrities from the realms of Hollywood, music, professional sports, business, and other fields to Threads ahead of its public debut. Ellie Goulding, Karlie Kloss, Dana White, Tony Robbins, Gordon Ramsay, Russell Wilson, and Jack Black have all started using this app.

Is ‘Threads’ available in your country?

Threads will be available in 100 countries at first, including the United States, but not in the European Union. According to Mosseri, it is being kept out of the EU for the time being due to “complications with complying with certain of the legislation that will take effect in the upcoming year. That almost certainly refers to the Digital Markets Act, which imposes a slew of new legal requirements on “gatekeeper” platforms like Meta.

Timeline for Digital Marketing Act

Threads and ActivityPub

Meta intends to integrate Threads with ActivityPub, the decentralized social media platform that underpins Mastodon. However, as previously stated, such integration will not be ready for launch. Threads users who activate it will be able to engage with Mastodon users and transfer their accounts to other clients that implement the ActivityPub standard.

How can you sign up for Threads?

Users sign up using their Instagram accounts and use the same login, password, and account name, but they can edit their bio to be more Thread-specific. You can easily get started using the app by immediately transferring the list of profiles you follow from Instagram.

Can you leave Threads?

So can you actually leave it once you make an account? Well, leaving Threads is not going to be as easy as making the profile. While users can temporarily deactivate their profiles using the app’s settings, the firm states in its privacy policy that the only way to delete your profile is by deleting your Instagram account. 

There are also concerns arising regarding the amount of data that Threads, like Instagram, collects about its users. According to the Apple App Store, Threads collects data such as your location, search history, contacts, browsing history, and more.

Could Threads dethrone Twitter?

This is the most recent platform to launch with the aim of dethroning Twitter as the go-to tool for real-time, public chats. Nevertheless, it may have a good chance of success. You may know that a lot of Twitter users have been complaining about the way things are going with Twitter ever since Elon Musk took over the platform. Frequent technical troubles and policy changes have caused some notable Twitter users to leave the platform.

Meta has one big advantage over Twitter: the magnitude of its existing user base. Meta expects that the new app will catch at least some of the more than 2 billion active Instagram users worldwide. Twitter’s active user base can be around 250 million people.

Threads Overtaking Twitter

“I think there should be a public chat app with 1 billion people on it,” Zuckerberg stated in a Threads post. “Twitter had the opportunity to achieve this but didn’t nail it.”

Twitter’s lawyer wrote to Meta, alleging intellectual property infringement and threatening a lawsuit over Threads. Meta reacted angrily to the charges. In a statement on Thursday, Twitter’s new CEO, Linda Yaccarino, seemed to acknowledge the brand new competing app’s introduction, calling Twitter “irreplaceable. The statement explained that although Twitter can be mimicked, the Twitter community cannot be recreated.

Meta’s existing scale and infrastructure

Meta’s existing scale and infrastructure could work in its favor. Whereas several of Twitter’s recent competitors forced users to join waitlists or acquire invitations to sign up, only to have to work to recreate their network on the new site, Threads made it astonishingly easy for users to get started.

However, Instagram CEO Adam Mosseri stated in a video on the platform that the issue for new social media networks is typically not attracting users to sign up but rather keeping them interested over time. Meta, in particular, will have to try to avoid spam, harassment, conspiracy theories, and misleading claims on Threads, all of which have turned off many Twitter users.

The debut of the new platform comes after Meta laid off over 20,000 employees beginning in November, including those in user experience, well-being, policy, and risk analytics. It also comes as the campaign season for the 2024 US Presidential election heats up, with some experts predicting a flood of misinformation. Threads, like other Meta apps, will be subject to Meta’s Community Guidelines.

What else is in it for Meta?

The app could be a method for Meta to eke out more interaction time from its large existing user base. Although there are currently no advertisements on the site, Threads might eventually enhance Meta’s primary advertising income. Although, based on Twitter’s track record, the format is unlikely to generate as much ad revenue as Meta’s other platforms, Meta’s ad revenue may be in need of a boost after suffering from a general downturn in the internet ad market and revisions to Apple’s app privacy requirements.

The main appeal for Zuckerberg, though, may be competing against his competitor, Musk, with whom he has been planning a cage battle in recent weeks. Winning the fight on social networks may be even better.

What’s next for Threads?

Despite its early success, Threads is still rather basic software. Many features of Twitter, such as a desktop version, instant chat, trending topics, and the ability to edit postings, remain unavailable. Meta authorities, on the other hand, have already hinted at plans to expand the app. In recent Threads posts, Mosseri has mentioned that the service is planning on introducing hashtags, a more extensive search feature, a feed of only accounts a user follows, and possibly direct chat. Visit our blog for similar posts.

Everything Announced at Apple WWDC 2023

Everything Announced at Apple WWDC 2023

Apple’s WWDC 2023 keynote was held recently. The company started off its much-anticipated annual Worldwide Developer Conference with important announcements, covering the latest updates to their existing gadgets and introducing new products. Through this post, we plan on discussing everything Apple announced at WWDC 2023!

iPhone

Here are some amazing products that are on their way for your phone: Apple plans to update the Messages app, which is probably one of your most-used iPhone apps. Notable changes include the ability to read transcribed voice messages and an interface modification that conceals iMessage applications.

There is a new feature that offers the safety-focused “Check In” option. This feature will allow iPhone users to notify friends and family that they have returned home safely — or where they were last seen.

WWDC 2023 - iPhone

There is now a more convenient and faster search experience, as well as the option to examine voice message transcriptions. This next one is for all the foodies out there. Apple is going to turn your iPhone into a recipe finder. They are coming up with a new feature called “Visual Look Up,” which will allow you to look for recipes directly with a photo.

To encourage sharing and collaboration, when iPhone users connect to CarPlay, new Apple SharePlay capabilities allow passengers to link their iPhones to play music as well.

Everything Apple announced at WWDC 2023: AirPods

Apple is taking steps to upgrade AirPods to improve the user experience. As a result, they developed the new Adaptive Audio function, which can combine active noise suppression mode with transparency mode. This is supposed to make it easier to use noise cancellation features while still being aware of the surroundings while walking down the street. 

Apple also stated that it is striving to improve its automatic switching capability.

Apple TV

FaceTime on your television? Yes, please! If you have an Apple TV, look out for this new feature. This will employ the Continuity Camera on an iPhone or iPad to double as a webcam and frame you while you stare at the TV using Stage, Apple’s AI-powered innovation that adjusts the iPhone’s and iPad’s front-facing camera in video apps. 

Let’s face it: the Apple TV remote is a sly little bugger that loves to wander anywhere it pleases. If yours tends to vanish, Siri will now assist you in locating it.

15-inch MacBook Air

Apple unveiled the Macbook Air, the company’s biggest consumer notebook to date. This 15-inch variation of the 13-inch Macbook Air is dubbed the “thinnest 15-inch laptop to date.” Apple claims it’s the greatest 15-inch laptop in the world, featuring a highly powerful Apple M2 CPU and a stunning 15.3-inch Retina display.

It comes in four different colors and has two USB-C connections, a MagSafe charging port, and a headphone jack. The display features a maximum brightness of 500 nits, a 1080 camera above, and six speakers below. Apple promises that it will have an 18-hour battery life.

Mac Studio

Apple’s compact but powerful desktop computer, the Mac Studio, is getting a product upgrade, featuring new silicon and the replacement of the M1 Max and M1 Ultra with the M2 Max and M2 Ultra. It has a height that is three times that of a Mac Mini. The key distinction is that the new chip enables new capabilities.

It is 40% quicker when it comes to the neural engine. Video bandwidth has been enhanced, allowing you to connect an 8K monitor with a rapid refresh rate.

MacPro

Unexpectedly, the desktop and rack-mounted Mac Pro workstations powered by Apple Silicon were announced on this day. The Mac Pro is aimed at high-end professionals and is powered by Apple’s brand new M2 Ultra CPU.

The workstation, which has a 24-core CPU and up to 76-core GPUs, is up to seven times quicker than the beginning lineup of the older Intel-based Mac Pro.

Apple Silicon Mac Pro

M2 Ultra

M2 Ultra is considered the most powerful Apple silicon chip to date, yet Apple keeps working with their M1 playbook. The M2 Ultra is essentially two M1 Max dies combined into one package. It is constructed on 5 nm technology and has 134 billion transistors. It has 24 CPU cores, up to 76 GPU cores (with an option of 60 cores), and a 32-core neural engine.

They’ve created the CPU with 16 next-generation high-performance cores and eight high-efficiency cores. The biggest change? The M2 Ultra now supports up to 192 GB of unified memory, powered by 800 GB of memory bandwidth.

Latest iOS 17 features: NameDrop, Journal app, Standby, changing the classic “hey Siri”

1. NameDrop

NameDrop, a new AirDrop function, allows you to effortlessly and seamlessly share your phone number, as well as photographs, with others. This is how it works: You can select to share your phone number and email address when you bring your phones close together. NameDrop is also compatible with the iPhone and Apple Watch.


2. Journal App

Other than that, Apple is releasing a new journaling software named Journal. The iPhone uses on-device machine learning to generate tailored suggestions based on your images, activities, location, music, exercise routines, and so on. Developers may use Journal to make timely suggestions based on third-party app data.

3. Standby

When you put your phone down at night, you can view the clock, set an alarm, or see what’s displayed. You can also use your iPhone in standby mode to see a rotating slideshow of your most memorable photos, which will automatically update at set intervals. At work, Standby can convert your iPhone into a calendar. It is intended to assist you in staying on track with your forthcoming events. 

4. Autocorrect

When it comes to autocorrect, Apple has updated its version, which is now powered by an AI model that has the ability to (even more accurately) guess the next phrases you might use. It’ll personalize with time and learn your most frequently used terms and phrases.

5. Siri 

Also, an unexpected change is happening to iOS 17. Yes, that’s right; Apple is going to omit the classic greeting “hey” from ’”Hey Siri.”

6. Apple Podcasts

Some upgrades can be expected from Apple Podcasts too. Apple is now rolling out new features like an improved Now Playing interface and queue, episode art, search filters, and the option to connect subscriptions to top App Store apps.

iPadOS 17 and new iPad features

iPadOS 17 is Apple’s most recent version of iPadOS. The new version includes many interesting upgrades such as:

  • The home screen can be customized similarly to the iPhone
  • Improved widgets featuring better live interactions
  • There are new native apps, including the improved Notes app and Health app 

Let’s discuss the brand new features Apple is introducing for the iPad.

1. Health App

Apple’s latest health app for the iPad is planned to launch as part of iPadOS 17 later this year. This app was only available for the iPhone back then.

You will have the ability to view your health data, including electrocardiogram results, much more clearly on a larger screen.
You don’t need to be concerned about the privacy of your health data. Apple claims that the health data is securely synced, so you can see your health data from your iPad, iPhone, Apple Watch, or other compatible third-party apps and devices.

2. HealthKit 

For developers, Apple is bringing HealthKit to the iPad, creating new ways to build health and fitness experiences for the devices.
You can expect to have more time when it comes to checking up on your prescriptions, health metrics, and lab tests, among others.

Apple’s focus on health isn’t just limited to physical health. The company announced that it’s planning to focus on mental health with several new features for the Apple Watch and iPhone.

3. Live Collaboration

In addition, Apple is using live collaboration to enhance the experience of working with PDFs. The iPad OS 17 can detect fields in a PDF using machine learning technology, allowing you to fill them out quickly. This is important for folks who don’t have convenient access to Adobe Acrobat. This also works with photographs of documents scanned onto your iPad.

MacOS 14 Sonoma

Next up is Apple’s latest desktop operating system, macOS 14. For those who are wondering, yes, it’s named for another California town, Sonoma. So what’s new in this? For starters, Apple is including interactive widgets on the desktop. Also, they’ve put up a game mode that is meant to limit distractions.

macOS - Sonoma

In addition, a new overlay function removes the speaker and places them in front of a shifting backdrop as they continue to talk. This is a nod to all of the teleconferencing we do. New effects, such as fireworks, are also available.

Vision Pro AR headset

For years, Apple-branded augmented reality and virtual reality have been speculated about, but they’re now here. The final section of Apple’s WWDC presentation was devoted to the Vision Pro AR headset. It’s no surprise that Apple delved into the numerous applications for their latest gadget, considering it’s one of their most significant releases since the first Apple Watch. It has a fully 3D interface controlled by the eyes, hands, and face. The Vision Pro is a VR headset that looks similar to the Meta Quest 3 and PlayStation VR2, with a large visor and complete head strap.

The hardware employs a brand-new, unique function known as “EyeSight.” This makes use of a front-facing display to reveal your eyes to others in the room, compensating for the visor’s opacity.

The Vision Pro complements existing Apple accessories perfectly. The Magic Keyboard works in Vision Pro, and, amazingly, so does your Mac. Load up your Mac, and it will come to life within Vision Pro, providing you with a much larger screen to work on. Apple claims that this will function effectively in business contexts, whether in person or from home.

Disney CEO Bob Iger announced that Disney+ will be available on the tech giant’s new Apple Vision Pro at launch.

WatchOS 10

Apple previewed some improvements coming to its smartwatch operating system:

Apple is including an upgraded user interface with a renewed emphasis on widgets, as well as enhanced first-party apps and other new features.

So what is the significance of the user interface? The Apple Watch user interface hasn’t been updated in many years, and a number of popular third-party apps have left the Apple Watch App Store in recent years.

WWDC 2023 - Watch iOS 10

You can just turn the digital crown to access the new watchOS 10 widgets. Earlier, tapping the digital crown on the Apple Watch’s side would bring you to the home screen. You can also expect a refresh of some of the main apps, including World Clock.

Wrapping up

In this post, we discussed everything announced at Apple WWDC 2023. The much-anticipated event revealed a lot of big news, including the latest upgrades to their existing gadgets and new developments, out of which Apple’s long-awaited mixed reality headset’s debut certainly stole the show, as we discussed in this post. 

Other than that, the company is upgrading a lot of their products, including new Mac computers, and making updates to iOS, iPadOS, and macOS. Be sure to check out our blog for even more thrilling content!

Upcoming Trends in Software Testing

Upcoming Trends in Software Testing

The field of software testing is constantly and rapidly evolving. In recent years, many new trends have come into the IT industry, making the testing process more efficient and comprehensive. The introduction of cutting-edge technologies has brought the newest upgrades at every stage, including software design, development, testing, and delivery. In this post, we’ll be discussing the most revolutionary upcoming trends in software testing.

Importance of using the latest software testing trends

To assure the quality of products, software testing is a step that we cannot overlook. Cost optimization is one of the main priorities of every business. With that, the majority of IT leaders believe in incorporating the most recent IT techniques into their work.

Another important area of focus for industries and businesses that excel at cloud computing and business analytics is digital transformation. Quality and dependability are some of the top priorities, which reduce software application errors while also improving security and application performance.

Software Testing Process

Companies are now implementing testing approaches such as Agile earlier in the software development cycle. This also includes the construction of T-CoEs to connect the testing mechanism with business growth to generate ‘Ready for Business’ goods. Some businesses also use independent testing firms to handle their software testing needs. They save money on testing and don’t even need in-house resources this way.

There are numerous additional significant developments in the realm of software testing. As a result, there is a great need for all software sectors throughout the world to adapt to the current testing trends to meet the demands of the modern world.

Main trends in software testing

1. Artificial Intelligence

Software testing is the only planned method for observing an application under specific conditions and identifying the risks associated with its implementation. However, testing is about gradually going toward better automation in hopes of ensuring better precision and accuracy on the way to digital transformation. The world is turning to Artificial Intelligence (AI) in an attempt to make applications foolproof. This implies that, instead of manual testing and human intervention, we are on the verge of a situation in which machines will gradually take over.

Chatbots are leveraging natural language processing and machine learning algorithms and becoming more intelligent and conversational. Chatbots can now offer personalized support to users, quickly solving common queries.

Adaptive AI extends chatbot capabilities by continuously learning from user interactions and adapting responses to provide more accurate and tailored solutions, resulting in higher customer satisfaction and improved efficiency in dealing with complex tasks. Overall, these technologies have become essential tools for businesses looking to provide exceptional customer service while also optimizing operational processes.

2. Upcoming Trends in Software Testing: DevOps

DevOps is a well-known approach that involves bringing together development and operations teams to create an efficient DevOps culture. This DevOps culture is based on the development (Dev) and operations (Ops) teams working together. 

Trends in Software Testing - Dev Ops

It is a contemporary code deployment strategy that dramatically improves team cooperation and coordination while also speeding up the software delivery process with quicker releases. This technique enables effective feedback to create high-quality software while also improving client happiness.

DevOps teams foresee a significant increase in the deployment of cloud-native technology in 2023. Notably, Kubernetes, Docker, and serverless computing are positioned to grow in importance by providing faster and more effective methods for application development, deployment, and scalability.

3. Automation Testing

With today’s organizations embracing agile and DevOps methods, automated testing has become a necessity for these approaches. Essentially, test automation is essential for continuous delivery (CD) and continuous testing (CT) since it helps shorten release cycles, enhance test coverage, and assure quality software releases.

Program automation testing entails using tools and test scripts to test the program, and the results of these automated tests are more dependable. As a consequence, test automation accelerates the testing process, provides faster releases, and produces reliable results. Read about the importance of automated testing for businesses.

4. Low-Code, No-Code Automation

Low-code and no-code automation have grown in popularity, revolutionizing how businesses and individuals create software solutions. Users with little to no coding experience can easily develop applications and automate processes using these platforms. 

They offer drag-and-drop interfaces, pre-built modules, and templates, which accelerate development cycles and reduce time to market. These technologies are becoming more widely available, allowing a wider range of individuals to take part in software development and automation. And this, in turn, allows businesses to improve efficiency and foster a culture of creativity.

5. Extensive use of hyper-automation

Hyper-automation enables low-code and no-code platforms to leverage AI and ML algorithms for intelligent decision-making, data analysis, and predictive capabilities. It also expands the capabilities of automation by allowing you to automate more complex and cognitive tasks. This in turn increases efficiency, productivity, and scalability.

Components of Hyper Automation

6. Digital Immune System

The Digital Immune System is becoming increasingly important as cybersecurity threats improve and become more sophisticated. It is critical to safeguarding digital infrastructure, networks, and systems from cyberattacks, data breaches, and other hostile actions. With the rapid expansion of the digital landscape, including the Internet of Things and cloud computing, the Digital Immune System serves as a comprehensive defense mechanism, employing advanced technologies such as:

  • Artificial intelligence
  • Machine learning
  • Behavioral analytics to detect and respond to threats in real-time

It assists companies and individuals in safeguarding sensitive information, maintaining trust in digital interactions, and ensuring operational continuity in such an increasingly interconnected environment.

7. Robotic Process Automation (RPA)

Artificial intelligence (AI), cognitive computing, the Internet of Things (IoT), and machine learning are among the new and developing technologies that are transforming all sectors. Some implementations, such as self-driving cars, are poised to alter the digital landscape. RPA allows digital enterprises to automate repetitive and rule-based operations, resulting in greater operational efficiency and productivity.

RPA enables businesses to simplify their procedures, eliminate mistakes, and increase overall accuracy, resulting in higher customer satisfaction. RPA’s capabilities have been extended by integrating it with AI and ML technologies. And this allows for more complex automation and intelligent decision-making. Overall, RPA will continue to be a major driver of digital transformation and process improvement in 2023.

Robotic Process Automation

8. Accessibility Testing

In today’s digital age, with millions of connected devices and mobile applications in use, there is a need for both mobile and web apps to be accessible to individuals with disabilities. However, it’s unfortunate that many new apps, programs, and websites remain inaccessible to those with particular limitations. However, things are changing nowadays. 

It has now become a requirement that organizations use accessibility testing. This type of software testing ensures that the program can be utilized by people with a variety of disabilities. These disabilities can include visual, auditory, physical, speech, cognitive, linguistic, learning, and neurological difficulties.

Because of rising awareness, regulatory constraints, and laws surrounding diversity, the importance of accessibility testing has expanded even more. Accessibility testing assures that websites, applications, and software are usable by individuals with impairments, thanks to technological developments and an emphasis on digital experiences.

Accessibility testing assists organizations in meeting accessibility regulations, avoiding any legal concerns, and reaching a larger audience. All in all, this leads to a better user experience, improves business reputation, and promotes equitable opportunity for all individuals as inclusion becomes a fundamental value.

9. Performance Testing

Businesses nowadays can only be successful if their mission-critical mobile and online applications function effectively under different loads and essentially give exceptional performance. If these business apps break when a large number of users use them, users will abandon them and never return to them. Only mobile and web apps that run flawlessly under varying loads are guaranteed to provide an excellent customer experience (CX). Use performance testing from next-generation testing service providers to get high-performing digital mobile and web apps.

In today’s world, performance testing of IoT-based apps is a must. With the increasing expansion of Internet of Things devices and their integration into numerous businesses, the performance of these apps has a direct impact on user experience and satisfaction.

Because IoT programs rely on real-time data exchange and device connectivity, performance difficulties can result in major failures and security concerns. IoT networks’ complexity and size necessitate rigorous testing to assure seamless functionality, optimal resource utilization, and scalability. With the growing use of AI and machine learning in IoT, performance testing is becoming increasingly important for assessing the efficiency and responsiveness of intelligent algorithms and decision-making processes.

10. Regression Testing


Regression testing is one of the kinds of software testing that should be performed when a program is changed or a new feature is added to the application. This testing approach involves running tests to validate and verify that previously designed and tested software continues to work well even after a change is made to the software. 

This is an effective kind of functional testing that should be used. This is especially true when the application is constantly changing, because this testing procedure tests for any new bug or fault in the existing software and is more of a software verification process.

11. Integration Testing

To ensure the seamless operation of the overall system, it is critical in software testing that each system component is integrated with the various application modules. Enterprises that use Agile and DevOps should conduct integration testing to guarantee that application modules work properly when grouped together. Thus, businesses should use integration testing because it has various advantages. For example, the procedure helps to uncover system-level issues such as module integration issues, faulty databases, and so on, and helps developers repair them as soon as possible.

User testing is an important sort of software testing that has grown in popularity in recent years. This type of user testing refers to a process in which actual users act as testers to test the interface and functions of programs, websites, mobile applications, or services. Real users test the apps in this manner by examining numerous real-time use scenarios, and the feedback from these users aids in the improvement of the program for end-users. This is a usability strategy for gathering vital information from users about how they feel about the product.

12. Selenium Testing

Businesses implementing agile and DevOps processes should use test automation with a variety of tools for quicker releases and a quicker time-to-market. Selenium is a famous, lightweight, and developer-friendly test automation tool that is commonly used to automate web applications. Without the requirement to understand a test scripting language, the Selenium IDE may provide a replay tool for designing functional tests.

13. UAT (Acceptance Testing)

As soon as a product is complete, it goes through User Acceptance Testing. The owner often conducts this test to evaluate the product’s functioning and usability before moving it into production. Hence this is the final phase before the product’s launch, where stakeholders check to see if the product meets their requirements and if there are any errors while moving forward with the functionalities.

Of course, a UAT is a crucial final phase to check if the software is performing exactly as per the requirements.

Trends in Software Testing - UAT


UAT is still an important step in 2023 because it is critical to making sure that software applications meet the needs and expectations of users. Before deployment, stakeholders can validate the system’s functionality, usability, and performance, lowering the risk of costly errors or user dissatisfaction.

UAT also allows users to provide feedback and identify potential issues or areas for improvement, resulting in a higher-quality product and a better user experience. UAT enables organizations to adapt to changing requirements and deliver software that aligns with user expectations in an era of rapid technological advancements and evolving user preferences. 

14. Infrastructure as Code (IaC)

Next-generation infrastructure management solutions are revolutionizing how you usually deal with IT infrastructure. The widespread adoption of virtualization and cloud infrastructure has shifted the bottleneck from server allocation to server configuration. It now just takes a few minutes to allocate a server, as opposed to the previous many weeks or months it would take.

Wrapping up 

In this post, we discussed the major trends in software testing. We can predict that software testing in 2023 will be faster, easier, and more reliable than ever before if the right strategy and approach are used. Over time, more testing process automation, AI-enabled testing tools, more efficient and effective testing methods, and more comprehensive test suites can all be expected. 

Therefore, it’s important to stay updated on these trends and incorporate the latest tools and best practices to enhance your product and produce bug-free apps.

App About Apple Vision Pro

Everything to Know About Apple’s New Vision Pro Headset

We finally got the first glimpse of the Apple Vision Pro, one of the most anticipated launches in recent times. Right after the long-awaited first announcement of the XR headset, the Vision Pro, it became a hot topic. Apart from all the speculation and details, there’s quite a lot of buzz around the price of the advanced, technology-packed, and stylish Vision Pro headset. Nevertheless, there’s speculation that this hardware is able to single-handedly change the game in the VR and AR headset markets.

Being true to its tradition, Apple keeps most information to itself until the last minute. But there are a lot of features and other details we know about. Through this post, we’ll let you know all you need to know about Apple Vision Pro. Find out answers to your questions, including when it is going to be released, the price, specs, and more.

Apple Vision Pro: Setting a new standard for XR headsets

The Apple Reality Pro is about to set a new bar for AR, VR, and the all-inclusive term XR. The company has taken the most popular features from the best VR headsets and incorporated them seamlessly into this product. For instance, it enables you to create virtual screens surrounding your Mac. Plus, with this, you can conveniently make FaceTime calls and work on your emails from the comfort of your couch.

Of course, if the Reality Pro’s only feature is tight Apple integration, even early adopters may be put off by the expensive price. Apple, on the other hand, took measures to (arguably) justify the price point, equipping its XR headset with truly groundbreaking features.

All About Apple Vision Pro: Top features of the Apple Vision Pro

Apple Vision Pro Features

1. Intuitive control

As you know, most VR headsets need controllers, which isn’t the case with the Vision Pro. The Vision Pro allows you to use it entirely with your hands. Apple has yet to reveal all about the product’s features. However, it seems that gripping objects with your hands, flicking and tapping your fingers, and tracing using your index finger are all sufficient to initiate tasks and interact with visionOS.


With Apple making hand interaction the main input method, every VisionOS App Store programme needs to be compatible with it.

All About Apple Vision Pro - Retina Scan

The Vision Pro uses a retina scan, which is called the Optic ID system, a new secure authentication system that examines your iris under different invisible LED light exposures and compares it to the enrolled Optic ID data safeguarded by the Secure Enclave to unlock the Apple Vision Pro right away. Apple assures that the Optic ID data is entirely encrypted, inaccessible to apps, and doesn’t leave your device, implying that it is not saved on Apple servers.

When it comes to gaming, you need more than your hands. That’s why Apple allows game controllers to be used for fast and responsive control.

2. Your own private theater

Apple boasts that the headset delivers a view comparable to a 100-foot-wide screen. This gives you a private theater for movies, TV shows, athletic events, and more, thanks to the inbuilt spatial audio. Apple TV+ will, of course, be available on the Vision Pro.


Apple’s Vision Pro has significantly superior visual quality than competitors, with 4K resolution for each eye and a total of 23 million pixels packed into the two displays. This is more than double the resolution of Meta’s top VR headset and even outperforms the Varjo Aero’s amazing 2880-by-2720 pixel-per-eye resolution.

So far, Apple hasn’t announced much regarding the display brightness or colour space. Although they didn’t go into detail, the company claimed the Vion Pro to have brilliant colour, spectacular detail, and a high dynamic range. Their introduction had someone utilizing the professional image editor Adobe Lightroom in Vision Pro. 

With this detail, we can gather how beneficial the Vision Pro is for photographers, videographers, and graphic designers. It implies that they can use Vision Pro instead of a monitor while still being certain that the image quality will be perfect on traditional flat screens. For the time being, the colour fidelity is yet to be known.

3. Spatial recording

As you know, Apple has some of the best mobile camera technologies on the market. Thankfully, their all-in-one headgear also includes photography and video. The Vision Pro can take spatial images and films by simply pressing a button on the headset’s top. With a realistic depth effect, these spatial experiences can be relived within the device.

4. Vision Pro apps

Apple’s Vision Pro, like your iPhone, features a home screen with apps. You can view the time and date, check the weather, and view alerts just like on any other Apple device.

Apple also inserted many of the primary apps into the Vision Pro. This means that as an iPhone, iPad, and Mac user, you can put on the headset and see familiar symbols and themes. Safari, photos, music, messages, and other features are available. You have the choice to use voice input and a floating keyboard to enter text by using only the Vision Pro. Alternatively, if you want more productivity, you can connect it to an Apple Magic Keyboard and Trackpad.

We can agree that it’s a wonderful place to start. However, because the Vision Pro is a totally new product category for Apple, it will not have the same extensive library of native third-party programmes as a Mac or an iPhone. The Meta’s Quest 2 and Pro headsets feature an extensive game catalog. Plus, this platform has been active since 2019, picking up where the Oculus Rift left off. This is where applications for the iPad and iPhone come in.

5. iPad apps

Apple’s developers were working on Vision Pro apps before their introduction. However, it will still take a while to create brand-new games and bring existing content to this new platform. Meanwhile, Apple is filling the void with iPad applications, most notably the recently launched Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro.

The Apple Vision Pro is capable of running iPad apps. This will increase its potential before immersive apps are available. The headset is as quick as an iPad Pro since it is powered by a high-performance M2 processor. The new 15-inch MacBook Air and other Macs are powered by the same processor.

iPad Apps on Apple Vision Pro

With the Apple Vision Pro, you can pick up where you left off with your iPhone, Mac, or iPad, multitasking with numerous apps on the side or concentrating on just one.

6. Mixed reality

Unlike the Meta Quest Pro’s passthrough and other VR headsets’ obvious visual defects, Apple’s mixed reality picture of your actual surroundings is practically identical to what you’d see without the headset on. This is due to higher-quality cameras and more computing power, which allow the produced pictures to be aligned quickly and precisely.

The digital crown on the Vision Pro, which resembles the one on the Apple Watch, enables a quick switch between immersive vision and viewing your room. For instance, suppose someone is approaching you. In this scenario, the display will disclose them, and they will also be able to see you.

According to Apple’s Vision Pro introduction video, graphics processing has enough power to generate objects that seem nearly as large as the desk you’re sitting at! It’s safe to say this feature is going to bring us the alternate reality we’ve been hoping for.

7. Gaming

Apple’s Vision Pro incorporates Apple Metal 3 technology on an M2 chip to provide excellent gaming performance. Of course, the challenge is acquiring enough content on this platform to effectively compete with existing VR headsets that have created libraries over time.

Apple Metal

Apple Arcade will launch with over 100 games drawn from the iPad library, but it won’t be enough to entice gamers to purchase Apple’s powerful but gaming-limited tablet.

Apple announced an exciting relationship with Disney, but meeting the demand for gaming that makes use of the Vision Pro’s immersive capabilities, super-high resolution, and unique features may take some time.

8. Eyes front and center

Apple placed a display on the outside of the Vison Pro headset, so your eyes are still visible even when wearing the device. Although the view seems quite dark, it’s still convincing. This is the feature that arguably caused so much stir regarding the Vision Pro headset.

Several Meta prototypes have been around with a similar design called reverse passthrough, none of which can be compared to this, though. Apple’s implementation is far better. The intended experience is to feel as if the user is wearing ski goggles.

9. Hardware

The Vision Pro headset is packed with cutting-edge technology. Obviously, it is intended to be an extremely expensive tool, practically unaffordable to most. There were also rumors that the company was aware that this device wasn’t for the average customer. Instead, it is intended for early adopters, developers, and organizations that can afford the cost.

The Apple Vision Pros was created to be a high-performance device with the same computational power as a MacBook Air, thanks to an M2 and a new R1 processor. To replicate this fast performance in VR, you’d have to connect to a PC with a powerful discrete GPU.

The company did not go into detail about battery life at its presentation. However, it was quietly disclosed that it is only about 2 hours. Because the headset is powered by an external battery pack, a wire connection is necessary. It was also revealed that a much less expensive Apple XR headset is already in the works to advance Apple’s plan for an augmented reality future.

All about Apple Vision Pro: Availability

The powerful, new XR headset is to be available in global markets but will first be available in the United States in early 2024. According to Apple, the product will be available in other countries later next year.

The price of the Apple Vision Pro

The Apple Vision Pro costs $3,499, which is over $2.5 grand more than the product’s closest rival, the Meta Quest Pro or HTX Vive XR Elite! The period between now and the headset’s release apparently allows Apple’s partnered developers (who will have attended the WDC keynote) to create more content for it too.

Wrapping up

The Apple Vision Pro has been heavily speculated about for years. Through this post, we discussed all we know so far, including the price, features, and more. So far, the overall initial impressions from hands-on testing sessions have been good. But it remains to be seen what kind of market this headset will land itself in.

With the closest competitors at around $1,000, Apple’s offering is clearly setting itself apart right away. There are lots more details yet to come about this product. As always, we’ll be keeping a careful eye on the news, so check back here for updated information as it becomes available. 

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How to Protect Yourself Against Data Breaches

How to Protect Yourself Against Data Breaches?

When sensitive information is disclosed, it can cause enormous issues for organizations, governments, and individuals. Hackers can exploit the internet, Bluetooth, text messaging, or the online services you use to gain access to you, whether you are offline or online. If not addressed appropriately, a little defect can result in a significant data leak. Many people do not pay enough attention to contemporary security issues because they are unaware of how prevalent they are. So, how can you protect yourself against data breaches?

We’ll go through data breaches and how they might affect you in this post.

In this article, you will find solutions to questions such as What are data breaches? What causes a data breach? How can a data breach affect you? How do you prevent data breaches?

Before anything, we’ll start off by data breach definition.

What is a data breach?

So what is a data breach? Well, basically, a data breach happens when sensitive, confidential, or protected information gets exposed to an unauthorized individual or group. In a data breach, files are seen and/or shared without authorization.

A situation as such can affect anybody, including individuals, small companies, big corporations, and governments. If the data they store is not well protected, there is a huge risk of a data breach.

Let’s look at the most common reasons why data breaches occur. They can occur due to an issue with:

  • Technological faults
  • User Action

With mobile devices  and computers becoming more and more connected, there are more channels for data to flow through. IoT devices demonstrate that we are increasingly prioritizing convenience over security.

Many “smart home” products have serious flaws, such as a lack of encryption, and hackers are exploiting them.

This problem will worsen as new digital products, services, and tools are introduced with little security testing.

Even if the backend technology is flawless, some users will almost certainly have poor digital habits. A website or network can be compromised by just one person.

If there is not enough security at both the user and enterprise levels, there is a huge risk of a data breach.

Now that you know the risk factors related to data breaches, let’s discuss how exactly a data breach happens. 

How do data breaches happen?

Before getting to know how you can protect yourself against data breaches, let’s understand the basics. Usually, people assume a data breach is only caused by an outside hacker. That is not always the case, though. Sometimes it can be caused by intentional, malicious attacks. However, it can just as easily be caused by a simple oversight by employees or issues in an organization’s infrastructure.

Let’s take a look at more ways a data breach can occur:

1. Malicious Insiders

An example of this scenario is when someone accesses and/or shares files deliberately to cause harm to a company or an individual. In this case, the malicious insider may have legitimate authorization to use the data. For example, he could be an employee of the same company.  However, the intent is to misuse it maliciously.

2. Accidental Insiders

An accidental insider refers to someone who is an employee at a company and goes through data on a coworker’s computer without obtaining authorization permissions. Here, the access is accidental, and no information is disclosed. Here, the intent is not malicious. The data, however, is considered compromised because an unauthorized person viewed it.

3. Misplaced/stolen devices

A laptop or external hard drive containing sensitive information that is not encrypted or locked is stolen.

4. Malicious outside criminals

These hackers collect data from a network or an individual using a variety of attack vectors.

Data Breaches Types

What are the malicious methods used to breach data?

Because malicious data breaches are the result of cyberattacks, you should be aware of what to look out for. Here are some popular hacking techniques:

1. Protect yourself against data breaches: Phishing

These social engineering attacks are intended to dupe you into allowing a data breach to occur. Phishing attacks usually pose as organizations or individuals they know to deceive people. Criminals of this type will try to persuade you to hand over sensitive data or provide the data itself.

2. Force attacks

Force attacks work through all of the password possibilities until they guess correctly. These attacks take time but have become more rapid as computer speeds have increased. To expedite the process, hackers may infect other devices, including yours, with malware. If your password is weak, cracking it may only take a few seconds.

3. Malware

The operating system, software, and hardware on your device, as well as the network and servers to which you are connected, may have security flaws. Criminals look for these gaps in security as the ideal place to inject malware. Spyware, in particular, is ideal for stealing private information while remaining completely undetected. This infection may not be discovered until it is too late.

How to Protect Yourself Against Data Breaches - Types of Malware

What are the common targets of data breaches?

Your comprehension of this subject is vital to protecting yourself against data breaches. A data breach might occur due to an unintentional error or by a hacker with malice intent. Either way, actual harm can occur in these situations. This can happen when the individual with unauthorized access obtains and shares Personally Identifiable Information (PII) or company intellectual information. Their reasons for doing so can be malice, financial gain, or both.

Malicious criminals follow a simple pattern: targeting an organization for a breach requires advance planning. First, they would learn about their victims. This helps them figure out weaknesses or faults like missing or failed upgrades and staff vulnerabilities.

Malicious hackers figure out their targets’ weaknesses. Then they come up with a plan to trick insiders into downloading malware. 

Once accessed, hackers can search for the data they want, and they have time to do so. That is because an average breach can take over five months to be detected.

There are common vulnerabilities targeted by malicious hackers. They include the following:

1. Weak credentials

The vast majority of data breaches are the result of stolen or compromised credentials. If malicious criminals have your username and password, they have access to your network. This can happen when people reuse their passwords. Hackers can use brute force attacks to obtain access to websites, email, bank accounts, and more sources of personal data, including your financial details.

2. Compromised assets

Malware attacks of various types are used to negate regular authentication steps that would normally protect a computer.

3. Stolen credentials

Phishing-related security breaches are a major concern, and if cyber criminals obtain this personal information, they can use it to access things like your bank and online accounts.

4. Payment Card Fraud

Card skimmers are devices that attach to gas stations or ATMs and take data when a card is swiped.

5. Access from a third party

You may try your best to keep your data and network as secure as possible. However, hackers may still exploit third-party providers to get access to the system.

6. Mobile phones

Are your employees allowed to bring their own devices (BYOD) to work? If yes, you have to reconsider that decision. Remember that insecure devices may download malware-laden programs that enable hackers to gain access to information saved on the device. This frequently contains work email and files, as well as personally identifiable information about the owner.

Why is a data breach dangerous?

Usually, you can’t defuse a situation involving a data breach by simply changing passwords. It is possible for a data leak to have much bigger and longer-term consequences for your finances, reputation, future plans and  projects, and other assets. A data breach may be disastrous to a company’s reputation as well as its bottom line.

Cost of Data Breaches in the US

Equifax, Target, and Yahoo, for example, have all suffered from data breaches. And many people now associate or remember those companies for the data breach incident rather than their actual business operations. So, it’s critical that you protect yourself against data breaches.

1. For government agencies

Compromised data can mean exposing sensitive information to foreign parties. Military operations, political dealings, and information about critical national infrastructure can all pose a significant threat to a government and its citizens.

2. For individuals

Identity theft poses a significant risk to data breach victims. Leaks of data may expose anything from social security numbers to financial details. Once a criminal obtains your information, they may commit any sort of fraud in your name. Identity theft may wreck your credit and get you in legal trouble, and it is tough to fight back.

While these are frequent scenarios, the damage caused by data breaches can go well beyond them. As a result, it is critical that you examine whether your data has already been compromised. 

More comprehensive monitoring can come in handy to let you know in real-time if there’s a data breach. It’s important to get help from products that offer data leak detection to navigate the situation.

The best solution is to be proactive. The best way to protect your data against malicious hackers is to minimize the risk of getting attacked as much as possible. In other words, a security plan is the way to go. Let’s take a look at some of the ways that you can use them to prevent data breach attacks. 

How do you protect yourself against data breaches?

Data breach prevention must engage everyone at all levels, from end users to IT employees and everyone in between.

Security is just as good as its weakest link when it comes to avoiding data breaches or leaks. Every person who comes into contact with a system has the potential to be vulnerable. Even small kids with a tablet connected to your home network could pose a risk.

Things you can do to protect yourself from a data breach:

1. Protect yourself against identity theft

CNET reports that in 83% of U.S. data breaches in 2021, sensitive personal information was compromised. Contact your credit card issuers and put a fraud alert on your accounts if you fall victim to identity theft. Then, contact your regional Social Security Administration office or relevant local authorities to find out what to do next.

2. Create a notification system for your account 

You may set up alerts to reach you when a specified sum of money is spent or when a transaction seems questionable. This might be an early warning that your account has been compromised.

3. Update software

Updates to your tablet, phone, router, and other devices’ software (including antivirus) are something you should think about performing often. Newer software releases often include bug fixes and other security measures to guard against hacking and other forms of cybercrime.

4. Establish strong passwords

Always use a unique password for each account. Immediately update all of them if a service you’ve recently used is compromised.


When possible, log in using a combination of credentials. This requires the presentation of two or more authentication factors before granting access. This may include a password and a code delivered to the user through phone, text message, or email.

5. Make purchases using a credit card

For unauthorized credit card purchases, your responsibility may be lower. However, if your debit account is compromised, you may be liable for charges totaling more than $500.

6. Protect yourself against data breaches: Keep an eye out for scams

If you get a warning about a data breach, call the organization to make sure it’s not a hoax. However, don’t call the number that may be provided on the notice. Instead, use a number that you know is active to make the call.

Best Practices to Prevent Data Breaches

Wrapping up

In this article, we discussed all about data breaches, including what causes a data breach. How does a data breach affect you? And measures you can take to prevent data breaches. As we mentioned, a data breach can happen in numerous ways. When it does, it can cause huge issues for organizations, governments, and individuals.

If you are not taking proper precautions, you and your company are at risk of a data leak. So make sure to take the steps we discussed to keep your data protected from hackers.

Blockchain Technology in Sri Lanka

How Sri Lanka Can Be Benefitted from Blockchain Technology

Blockchain! Not only in the tech world, everyone who has a little awareness about the new digital world might hear this word one or more times. Surely, the main reason is Bitcoin, a cryptocurrency, an exceptional application of Blockchain technology. I am not going to clarify what blockchain is, instead I would like to discuss what benefits we, Sri Lanka, especially the Government, can get via the Blockchain & distributed ledger technology. If you are new to blockchain, I would suggest reading some articles on blockchain technology including this: https://www.ibm.com/topics/what-is-blockchain , before diving into this discussion. 

The main advantage of blockchain is its immutability of data written into the blocks with a distributed ledger, cryptography & consensus (mutual agreement on something) mechanisms. Unlike conventional software applications where a single server or few servers are owned by a single organization, blockchain imposes a Peer – Peer Network architecture, and everyone in the network must hold the same copy of the ledger. Therefore tampering or deleting data is almost technically impossible in a blockchain network and increases the trust among the participants.

Client Service vs. Peer-to-Peer Mode
Client Service vs. Peer-to-Peer Mode

In a database, four main operations are possible: Creating, Retrieving, Updating & Deleting (CRUD) the records but, in a blockchain ledger Updating and Deleting is eliminated purposely by imposing once you write something, it can never be edited or even deleted. Because of this, blockchain-based systems are more transparent, reliable & accurate when compared with non-blockchain systems.

Well, how will these advantages offer benefits for the products, companies, or Government institutions that are using blockchain technology? Predominantly trust or credibility is something well-worth in a software application, especially in a Government sector where in most cases it deals with people’s money. A country like Sri Lanka that needs monetary aid from the World Bank, IMF, etc. can obtain massive benefits if the crucial government-based systems have transparency and reliability. Blockchain-based systems will enhance the ‘Digitalization Process’ in massive steps and reduce the manual workload in Govt. organizations. Eliminating frauds that can be done with conventional software systems would lead to more transparency systems that carry off the trustworthiness of the general public and the international community. But, this needs a genuine intention from the political leaders!

Benefits of Automated Fraud Detection
Benefits of Automated Fraud Detection for Governments  

India

Let’s turn to the international, not too far, our neighbor India. India published “National Strategy on Blockchain” in December 2021. It consists of Scope, Roadmap, National Scenarios, Strategies & Targets for 5 years, National Blockchain Framework, etc. A clear & comprehensive document stated what they are going to do and how they are going to achieve that. Some developed applications and pilot projects have been mentioned there (section 5) related to governance, banking & finance, cybersecurity, etc. It seems that India’s Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has a definite vision of implementing blockchain solutions to their most critical use cases relevant to the public sector and offering benefits to their people.

UAE

Well-known ‘Smart Dubai’ bundled with blockchain technology is another great example of blockchain use cases in governments. As mentioned in the ‘Dubai Blockchain Strategy’ they intend to be the “first blockchain-powered government” that saves 5.5 billion dirhams (nearly 1.5 billion USD) per annum in document processing, the value of one Burj Khalifa’s tower!!!

Other Governments

This article describes the Governments that are using or experimenting on CDBC (Central bank digital currencies): https://consensys.net/blog/enterprise-blockchain/which-governments-are-using-blockchain-right-now/

Suitable for Sri Lanka? But a few questions arise here:

Are Blockchain-based systems suitable for Sri Lanka? Especially for the Government?

Will it be possible to implement blockchain systems in Government institutions?

The massive obstacle is the corruption-based system in Sri Lanka (most developing countries) that demotivate transparency and always tries to hide the information from the general public. The writer read an article published in an investigative newspaper that mentioned a major Government organization’s software application that is developed to allow adding new users by violating the ordering mechanism purposely! Altering & deleting data/records from the database level backs up this kind of malpractices and reduces the trust among the people about the existing systems in the Government institutions (same for the private sector as well). There are massive allegations to the Governments who have led Sri Lanka including the incumbent, for escalating frauds and misconduct to gain their own advantage.

Corruption Rank - Sri Lanka
The Fluctuation of Corruption Rank in Sri Lanka Over the Years

Well-known ‘Computer Jilmart’ (computer-based malpractice) raised by the opposition in 2010 in Sri Lanka is a distinctive example of the attitudes of the citizens in Sri Lanka towards the computer-based systems in Government organizations. Although any ‘Jilmarts’ hadn’t happened (the same group claimed 3 years later) people were believing that some frauds were done with the support of IT systems. Changing this frame of mind from Sri Lankan people is very difficult as long as using the conventional software systems in the Government institutes. On the other hand, introducing tamper-proof & immutable software systems are difficult as long as the fraudulent ruling system is being practiced. But the responsibility & the accountability is goes to the Digital Technology and Enterprise Development Ministry of Sri Lanka, at least get the support of the leadership and start to rearrange the policies and establish a ‘Blockchain Strategy for Sri Lanka’ to build more transparent & decentralized Government.

What should be done?

Before all, need a way to educate the people, especially the Government officers who have very low literacy in the latest ‘Digitalization and Decentralization’. Basic computer literacy or handling an ERP system isn’t enough to perform the duties in the modern world for any ‘non-IT’ officer but, the comprehension of modern digitalization is essential. While establishing a ‘National Blockchain Strategy’ there should be a way to enrich the knowledge of the responsible officers in the Government as they are the key to running the systems.

Educating the next generation is mandatory with the latest evolutions in computer science & IT like Blockchain, AI-Machine Learning, Big Data & Cyber Security. My opinion is the very primitive concepts of these technologies should be introduced to the G.C.E. (O/L) syllabus, better to introduce a non-compulsory subject ‘Modern Digitalization’, and wrapped these concepts with some practical examples. Changes must be made to the ICT subject in G.C.E. (A/L) by adding intermediate knowledge of the said technologies and practice labs.

Main applications should be developed or revamped with blockchain layers:

  • Land registration system (new/revamp)
  • Motor vehicle registration system (revamp)
  • National identity card system (revamp)
  • Passport issuance system (revamp)
  • Personal criminal records (if any, or developed a new one aligned with IRC records)
  • National procurement system (new)
  • Educational certificate system for G.C.E. (O/L) & (A/L) (new)
  • Public donation management system (new)

Private sector’s contribution:

There are thousands of software companies in Sri Lanka but, extremely limited of them are concentrating on blockchain-based solutions, products is a pathetic situation. This is even after 11 years of the first practical blockchain application (Bitcoin) and 6 years after the Turing-complete, a not-only-finance platform like Ethereum and Enterprise suited platform like Hyperledger. Our companies must more focus on these kinds of solutions and offer support for the Government sector to achieve the maximum out of blockchain technology! Support may not be the correct word, Influence is the best!!!

Final thoughts:

In summary, a bunch of profits can be gained with Blockchain technology as a country if we grab it accurately. It seems that people are only focusing on cryptocurrencies, wallets, tokenization, etc., and miss all the other great utilizations. The reason is most of them only know or learn about the crypto and related stuff but didn’t analyze what is beyond them in the Blockchain ecosystem. Learning & practicing in blockchain technology indeed need a sizable knowledge and skills in software product engineering & computer science (for the most part back-end technologies) may be the route cause for this.

It is unavoidable for the rulers and policymakers to take the necessary steps to make policies & strategies with the support of the appropriate intellectuals to develop a solid foundation for adopting Blockchain technology in Sri Lanka. This should be a quick process but, analyzing the long-term risks, personal data protection (public blockchains), aligning with the existing digitalization architecture, etc. should be done with due diligence. As software professionals, we are expecting a significant contribution from authorities and bureaucrats to implement more blockchain applications in the Sri Lankan Government sector and are willing to provide support as it is our ought and duty.