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Author: Adriana Marais

Adriana Marais is a ReturnByte journalist with a passion for technology and world affairs. Follow her on Twitter at @adrianamarais
Currently, iOS 18 is accessible only to registered developers, but Apple plans to release a public beta later this month. (Apple) News 

Apple releases new beta updates for iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 ahead of upcoming public launch, discover the latest features

Adriana Marais, ,

Apple has released new beta versions of iOS 18 and iPadOS 18, which are now accessible to registered developers. These updates bring a variety of new features and improvements designed to enhance user experience and device performance. Developers who wish to test the beta can do so by opting in through the Settings app, as long as they have an Apple ID associated with a developer account. New features in iOS 18 iOS 18 introduces Apple Intelligence, a collection of AI-powered features integrated deep into the operating system. Although these…

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NASA's Perseverance rover has identified a rock on Mars with intriguing chemical signatures that could point to ancient microbial life. (Representative image) (Unsplash) Space 

Details revealed on NASA’s discovery of potential evidence of ancient life in Mars rock samples

Adriana Marais

The Perseverance rover from NASA has uncovered a significant finding on Mars, identifying a rock with interesting chemical markers and formations that may suggest the presence of ancient microbial life. Although this does not conclusively prove the existence of past life on Mars, the discovery has sparked enthusiasm among researchers investigating the planet. Discovery details On July 21, the Perseverance rover collected a sample of the arrowhead-shaped rock of the Neretva Vallis river bed, formed long ago when water flowed into the Jezero crater. The scientific team working on Perseverance…

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REUTERS / Reuters News 

DOJ claims TikTok gathered data on users’ opinions on topics such as abortion, gun control, and religion

Adriana Marais

On Friday night, the Department of Justice urged a federal court to dismiss TikTok’s request to overturn a law that could potentially ban the app, citing national security worries over its alleged use of internal search tools to gather data on users’ opinions on sensitive issues. This response comes after TikTok filed a petition in May to contest the law, which mandates its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, to sell the app or face a ban in the US. The legislation was signed by President Biden in April. In one of…

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Google is set to enhance the Paris 2024 Olympics experience with new features across its platforms, offering real-time updates, extensive coverage on YouTube, detailed insights via Gemini, and a range of Olympic-themed apps on Google Play. (Representative image) (Unsplash) News 

Google to provide real-time updates and information for Paris 2024 Olympics

Adriana Marais

Google is gearing up to elevate the Olympic experience for global users as the Paris 2024 Olympics kicked off on July 26 with a grand opening ceremony by the Seine River. Through various new features on its platforms, Google is committed to offering in-depth updates and interactive elements for sports fans tuning in to the Games. Real-time updates on Google search One of the most important features to take away is the live updates available through a Google search. Users who search for specific countries, sports, athletes or the Olympics…

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Foxconn may plan to assemble Apple iPads at Sriperumbudur facility in Tamil Nadu. (Apple) News 

Apple may consider having Foxconn assemble iPads in India due to iPhone success: Here’s what we know so far

Adriana Marais, , ,

Foxconn, the manufacturer of Apple products, is considering expanding its business in India by potentially assembling iPads at its Sriperumbudur unit in Tamil Nadu. Over the past few years, Foxconn has increased investments in developing manufacturing facilities in southern states and expanding its operations in the country. Also read: iPhones and iPads will soon be tested in extreme conditions in Apple’s new Chinese laboratory According to a recent report by the Economic Times, Foxconn is likely to begin assembling iPads at its Sriperumbudur plant, located in the immediate vicinity of…

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Microsoft Windows 11 will roll out a new feature enabling Android users to access their files from File Explorer. (Reuters) News 

Here’s how Android users can soon access their files through Microsoft Windows’ File Explorer

Adriana Marais, ,

Microsoft is currently experimenting with a new feature that allows users to access their Android phones directly from the File Explorer in Windows 11. The tech company recently announced in a blog post that it is slowly rolling out the feature to Windows testers with Android devices through various Windows insider channels. This new capability will enable users to wirelessly browse through files and folders on their Android phones. Functionality of the new Windows 11 feature When your Android device is integrated with File Explorer, it looks similar to the…

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Apple Maps web beta running on Safari. (HT Tech) News 

Everything you need to know about Apple Maps launching on web browsers, intensifying competition with Google Maps.

Adriana Marais,

Apple Maps is ramping up its rivalry with Google Maps by launching a web version. Despite being in beta, this new release enables users to use Apple Maps on a browser without requiring the app. Users can now access driving and walking directions, explore locations, read reviews, and more directly from their desktop browsers. Apple Maps Beta: How to use web browser? You can access Apple Maps in a browser at beta.maps.apple.com. Currently, the web-based version only supports English and works exclusively with Safari and Google Chrome on iPad and…

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Apple Maps web beta running on Safari. (HT Tech) News 

Everything you need to know about Apple Maps launching on web browsers, intensifying competition with Google Maps.

Adriana Marais,

Apple Maps is ramping up its rivalry with Google Maps by launching a web version. Despite being in beta, this new release enables users to use Apple Maps on a browser without requiring the app. Users can now access driving and walking directions, explore locations, read reviews, and more directly from their desktop browsers. Apple Maps Beta: How to use web browser? You can access Apple Maps in a browser at beta.maps.apple.com. Currently, the web-based version only supports English and works exclusively with Safari and Google Chrome on iPad and…

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Google to launch new set of AI-backed features for Play Store soon AI 

New rewards, AI-powered app discovery, and more coming soon to Google Play Store: Find out more here

Adriana Marais, , , ,

The PlayStore is introducing AI technology to review apps and a FAQ feature to help users find the perfect app more easily. This new feature will enable users to assess if an app meets their requirements and make informed decisions without having to read lengthy reviews. Additionally, AI-powered app comparisons will simplify the process of choosing between similar apps. Curated spaces Google Play’s specialized content curated spaces allow users to explore their interests and bring content to different apps in one place. For example, cricket lovers can explore all cricket…

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Chrome users should update their browsers as soon as possible to mitigate potential risks. News 

Indian Government warns Google users of ‘high’ risk to personal data and banking details

Adriana Marais, ,

Attention Chrome users: The Indian Government’s Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) has issued a security risk warning. According to the advisory, users on Mac, Linux, and Windows should update their Chrome browsers immediately to protect against a ‘high’ risk security flaw in certain versions. CERT-In warning for Chrome users – who does it affect? CERT-In notes that several vulnerabilities have been found in Google Chrome that could allow a hacker or malicious actor to target the system and compromise data, including personal files and banking information, putting millions of users…

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CrowdStrike is sending out gift cards and apology emails to apologise for the massive Microsoft Windows outage. News 

CrowdStrike offers gift cards worth over Rs. 830 as apology following major Microsoft Windows outage

Adriana Marais,

Millions worldwide were impacted by a recent outage caused by a faulty CrowdStrike update on Microsoft Windows. This led to major disruptions in services such as airlines, railways, and banks, as PCs repeatedly rebooted showing the ‘blue screen of death.’ While quick fixes were provided by Microsoft and CrowdStrike, many users still faced issues for days. As a gesture of apology, CrowdStrike is offering partners a $10 Uber Eats gift card and an email notification. Who gets apology gift cards from CrowdStrike At first, several users who received Gift Vouchers…

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CrowdStrike is sending out gift cards and apology emails to apologise for the massive Microsoft Windows outage. News 

CrowdStrike offers gift cards worth over Rs. 830 as apology following major Microsoft Windows outage

Adriana Marais,

Millions worldwide were impacted by a recent outage caused by a faulty CrowdStrike update on Microsoft Windows. This led to major disruptions in services such as airlines, railways, and banks, as PCs repeatedly rebooted showing the ‘blue screen of death.’ While quick fixes were provided by Microsoft and CrowdStrike, many users still faced issues for days. As a gesture of apology, CrowdStrike is offering partners a $10 Uber Eats gift card and an email notification. Who gets apology gift cards from CrowdStrike At first, several users who received Gift Vouchers…

Read More
Chrome users should update their browsers as soon as possible to mitigate potential risks. News 

Indian Government warns Google users of ‘high’ risk to personal data and banking details

Adriana Marais, ,

Attention Chrome users: The Indian Government’s Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) has issued a security risk warning. According to the advisory, users on Mac, Linux, and Windows should update their Chrome browsers immediately to protect against a ‘high’ risk security flaw in certain versions. CERT-In warning for Chrome users – who does it affect? CERT-In notes that several vulnerabilities have been found in Google Chrome that could allow a hacker or malicious actor to target the system and compromise data, including personal files and banking information, putting millions of users…

Read More
Google to launch new set of AI-backed features for Play Store soon AI 

New rewards, AI-powered app discovery, and more coming soon to Google Play Store: Find out more here

Adriana Marais, , , ,

The PlayStore is introducing AI technology to review apps and a FAQ feature to help users find the perfect app more easily. This new feature will enable users to assess if an app meets their requirements and make informed decisions without having to read lengthy reviews. Additionally, AI-powered app comparisons will simplify the process of choosing between similar apps. Curated spaces Google Play’s specialized content curated spaces allow users to explore their interests and bring content to different apps in one place. For example, cricket lovers can explore all cricket…

Read More
Wesk Mods Gaming 

Modders create miniature Nintendo Wii that can be used as a keychain

Adriana Marais,

The Nintendo Wii was a massive cultural success, selling over 100 million consoles. Despite its small size, modders have successfully reduced the Wii’s footprint even further, creating a functional console the size of a keychain, as reported by Time Extension. In fact, it can also be used as a keychain. The aptly named Nintendo Kawaii is a teenage weensy Wii that lacks the bells and whistles of the original, but it works and can play games from that generation. It’s also quite addictive with a CNC aluminum metal frame. It…

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Apple News 

Apple Maps is now accessible on the web in beta version.

Adriana Marais, , ,

Apple Maps is now accessible on the web, following in the footsteps of Google Maps. The service is currently in beta mode, offering users a new way to access its features beyond the app. There are currently some restrictions. Availability varies by region, and Maps will initially only be available online in English. Currently, you can access Apple Maps from Safari and Chrome on Mac and iPad. Windows PC users can access the service through Chrome and Edge. Apple says it will expand the online experience to other languages, devices…

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Netflix Gaming 

Netflix appoints former Epic Games executive as new President of Gaming

Adriana Marais,

Netflix has appointed Alain Tascan as its new president of games, as reported by Variety. Tascan previously served as the executive vice president for game development at Epic Games, where he managed the development of popular titles like Fortnite, Lego Fortnite, Rocket League, and Fall Guys. The company is also recruiting talent on the creative side. Since launching the game project in 2021, Netflix has acquired prominent indie studios Night School, Boss Fight, Next Games, and Spry Fox and brought a large number of acclaimed indie games to mobile devices.…

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