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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
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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Google’s parent company Alphabet offered a massive amount of $23 billion (around Rs. 2 lakh crore) to acquire Wiz. (AP) News 

Startup faces difficult decision in turning down Rs. 200000 crore offer from Google

Adriana Marais

Cybersecurity startup Wiz has rejected Google’s substantial acquisition offer after reaching advanced talks. Google’s parent company Alphabet had proposed a significant amount of $23 billion (approximately Rs. 2 lakh crore) to acquire Wiz, potentially making it Google’s largest acquisition to date. According to a CNBC report, Wiz co-founder Assaf Rappaport informed staff in an internal memo about the decision to decline the offer. Why did Wiz turn down Google’s offer? According to an internal memo seen by CNBC, Wiz founder Assaf Rappaport said the company is interested in conducting an…

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Google Reviews 

Google is enhancing the Play Store with AI-driven app reviews and curated sections

Adriana Marais, , ,

Google has recently unveiled a series of enhancements to the Play Store with the goal of enhancing user enjoyment. This is a key component of the company’s broader strategy to transform its digital marketplace into a comprehensive experience beyond just a place to shop. In essence, Google is encouraging users to spend more time on Google Play. Here’s what the company has planned. The update brings AI-generated review summaries based on user reviews to reach consensus. You’ve probably already come across this sort of thing on Facebook and when using…

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Screenshot from YouTube Gaming 

A Call of Duty game is set to join Xbox Game Pass, but it’s not the one fans were hoping for

Adriana Marais, ,

Microsoft has faced criticism for increasing the price of its Xbox Game Pass and the limited selection of games available. In an attempt to appease customers, they have added a Call of Duty game to the lineup for the first time. However, the game chosen is Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III, which is considered one of the least popular games in the series. Calling reviews of Modern Warfare III “mixed” would be generous. IGN’s Simon Cardy said its single-player campaign was “shallow”, “boring” and “the worst Call of Duty single-player…

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Sony Gaming 

PS5 update simplifies access to multiplayer games

Adriana Marais, , , ,

Sony has released a new system software update for PlayStation 5 users, making it easier to connect with fellow gamers. The update includes the ability to generate shareable links for inviting others to join multiplayer games, a feature that was initially announced in May. The new PS5 update gives you a link in the app that can be shared with anyone, even if you’re not Playstation Network friends. A QR code will appear next to the link, but Sony warns that you may need to update some of your games…

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Apple is set to roll out iOS 17.6 update for iPhone users (Apple) News 

iPhone users can expect the upcoming iOS 17.6 update: Discover the latest features and learn how to update your device

Adriana Marais, , , , , ,

Apple is set to release the iOS 17.6 update for iPhone users, following the beta version that was made available for testing on July 16. This update is expected to be the final one before the launch of iOS 18 alongside the rumored iPhone 16 in September. Here are some of the features to look forward to in iOS 17.6: New Catch up feature for live sports Sports fans can find a new Catch Up option in the TV app to catch important highlights of the live game. This feature…

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UPI Lite is quite a useful service for anyone who relies on their smartphone for day to day transactions. News 

Introducing UPI Lite: A Simplified Version of UPI for Easy Transactions

Adriana Marais,

The introduction of UPI Lite by RBI is a significant addition to the digital payment landscape, ensuring seamless transactions for users even without an active internet connection. This new feature, part of the growing popularity of UPI, allows users to make small value transactions easily by simply entering a phone number or scanning a QR code. NPCI has been proactive in rolling out new features and services to enhance the UPI experience and maintain its efficiency. What is UPI Lite? UPI Lite is an online wallet developed by the National…

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