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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 May 7 event: This could be a major upgrade for the iPad Pro since the M1 chip integration in 2021. (Apple) News 

Apple has scheduled an event for May 7th to unveil the iPad Pro 2024, New iPad Air, and other surprises

Adriana Marais,

Apple has revealed plans to hold a virtual event on May 7, 2024 to introduce the latest lineup of iPads, including the new iPad Air and iPad Pro models. Media invites have been sent out for the event, which is set to take place on Tuesday, May 7 at 7:30 PM IST. The theme of the event is “Let Loose,” with a focus on the Apple Pencil highlighted in the invite. Apple Event 7th May 2024 Watch and What to Expect Apple will stream this online event on its website…

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Know what’s happening in the AI universe today, April 23. (Pixabay) AI 

AI news roundup [April 23]: Microsoft introduces new compact AI model, Adobe set to release complete AI image generation tool and other updates

Adriana Marais

Microsoft has introduced a smaller AI model for creating content, while Adobe is set to release a complete AI image generation feature in Photoshop. A report shows that India is at the forefront of global adoption of GenAI, with a surge in investment expected. Additionally, scientists have created a “Toxic AI” to help train chatbots to be safe. Stay updated with these and more in our daily news roundup. 1. Microsoft releases a compact AI model for content creation Microsoft announces Phi-3-min, a compact AI model designed for content creation…

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Android 15 Beta 1.1 focuses on NFC fixes and performance enhancements. (unsplash) News 

Update your smartphone to fix performance issues with Google’s release of Android 15 Beta 1.1

Adriana Marais

Google has introduced the Android 15 Beta 1.1 update, which comes after the recent milestone released only two weeks ago. This update is focused on fixing bugs that have been reported by users, showing Google’s commitment to improving the user experience before the official launch of Android 15. The new update, named AP31.240322.023, includes the April 2024 security patch. It is available for several supported devices including Pixel 6 series, Pixel 7 series, Pixel 8 series, Pixel 6a, Pixel 7a, Pixel Tablet, Pixel Fold and many more. Users can install…

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The new iPad Air is set to feature a larger display and advanced mini-LED technology. (REUTERS)

What to expect from Apple’s iPad Air 2024 launch: Improved camera, mini-LED display, and more

Adriana Marais

Apple fans can anticipate the launch of a redesigned iPad Air this year, as the tech company prepares to unveil a major update to the series. The new model will come equipped with innovative features and design modifications that bring it in line with the high-end iPad Pro range. A new form factor Apple is now expanding its iPad Air lineup with a larger 12.9-inch model for the 2020 redesign, which introduced a 10.9-inch screen and a sleek flat-edge design. This marks a departure from the single size available so…

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The filmmakers were selected by the Mumbai Academy of Moving Image (MAMI) to create short films for the 2024 MAMI Select — Filmed on iPhone initiative. News 

5 aspiring Bollywood filmmakers share their experiences using the iPhone 15 Pro Max for film production

Adriana Marais, ,

Last year, Apple CEO Tim Cook highlighted the professional filmmaking capabilities of the iPhone 15 Pro Max during its launch. Apple even used the phone to shoot one of its own events. Five filmmakers recently put this claim to the test by creating five short films using the iPhone 15 Pro Max. These films can be viewed for free on the MAMI YouTube channel, showcasing that in skilled hands, it’s not just about the camera’s megapixels but the storytelling perspective and artistry. Five filmmakers – Saurav Rai, Archana Atul Phadke,…

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Apple's cautious approach to JIT recompilers leaves DolphiniOS out of the App Store lineup. (AP) News 

What are the details of DolphiniOS’s challenges with Apple’s new App Store policy changes regarding JIT?

Adriana Marais

Apple’s decision to permit game emulators on the App Store has sparked a range of responses. The Delta app saw a surge in popularity, but DolphiniOS was unable to gain traction due to Apple’s limitations on Just-in-Time (JIT) compilation. The JIT Conundrum DolphiniOS elaborated in a recent blog post that Apple’s reluctance to allow applications using JIT is the primary reason why the emulator has not made it to the App Store. This technical barrier is due to the different CPU architectures of the GameCube/Wii (PowerPC-based) and modern Apple devices…

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Netflix's crackdown on password-sharing results in a 54 pct increase in operating income and the addition of 9.3 million new subscribers. (REUTERS) News 

Netflix sees 54% profit growth following crackdown on password sharing- Here’s what you should know

Adriana Marais

Netflix’s decision to crack down on password-sharing has exceeded expectations and has led to a significant increase in the company’s financial performance in the first quarter of the year. Impressive economic growth Contrary to concerns that the crackdown could lead to lost revenue and profits, Netflix reported a remarkable 54 percent increase in operating profit. This increase is due to the addition of 9.3 million new subscribers worldwide, bringing the total number of subscribers to 269 million, a 16 percent increase over the previous year. Exceed expectations The company’s earnings…

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Apple's 'Pickup' feature becomes the latest target for tech-savvy fraudsters (AFP) News 

Apple faces new issue with in-store pickup for online orders- Full details on $400,000 scam

Adriana Marais

During the Black Hat Asia conference, security researchers exposed a clever cybercrime tactic that takes advantage of the ‘Someone else will pick it up’ feature on the Apple Store Online. This scheme has allegedly earned criminals more than $400,000 in a span of two years. “Pickup” scam exposed Cybercriminals use a two-pronged strategy to pull off their scams. At first, they sell Apple products at discounted prices on used online platforms in South Korea, such as Craigslist or eBay. After the buyer agrees to the purchase, criminals use the stolen…

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Google to prevent accidental triggering of the Circle to Search feature. (Samsung) News 

Details on how Google Circle to Search could potentially solve this irritating issue may be revealed soon

Adriana Marais

Samsung and Google have introduced the Circle to Search feature with the Galaxy S24 series, which is now available on various flagship devices. However, users have raised concerns about the feature being accidentally triggered. In the Made by Google podcast, it was mentioned that users have provided feedback on the issue. Google is now working on enhancing its AI-based Circle to Search feature to address these concerns. The company is currently in the process of improving the feature. What is Google’s Circle to Search feature? The Circle to Search feature…

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EU regulators conclude Microsoft's $13 billion investment in OpenAI is not an acquisition, avoiding formal probe. (unsplash) AI 

EU investigation does not include Microsoft-OpenAI deal, but other regions to scrutinize transaction

Adriana Marais,

According to sources familiar with the matter, EU antitrust regulators have determined that Microsoft’s $13 billion investment in OpenAI does not constitute an acquisition. This decision means that the deal will not be subject to a formal European investigation, potentially sparing the U.S. tech giant from facing significant remedies. EU regulators had said in January that the deal could involve the region’s merger rules. Microsoft, which has no voting rights on the OpenAI board, said late last year that it owned no part of the ChatGPT maker. But Microsoft isn’t…

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(FILES) Tesla CEO Elon Musk is set to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his trip to India, discussing topics like Tesla, Starlink and more. (AFP) News 

Elon Musk’s visit to India to discuss Starlink approvals, Tesla factories, and other topics

Adriana Marais, ,

Tech billionaire Elon Musk is planning a visit to India as his companies look to expand into the country, which is the world’s most populous nation. Tesla, his electric car company, is reportedly exploring potential factory sites in India as sales in the United States decline. Another Musk-owned company, satellite internet operator Starlink, is receiving preliminary approvals to operate in India, a government source told AFP. Also on the “free speech” agenda of what is likely to be a free speech absolutist is the large number of content removal orders…

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A geomagnetic storm could be sparked by a CME. Check details about this oncoming solar storm. (Pixabay) Space 

NOAA warns of potential geomagnetic storm as CME approaches Earth from solar storm

Adriana Marais,

Following the Vernal Equinox, solar activity remains high as we near the peak of solar cycle 25. NASA predicts that this increase in activity could lead to more frequent and intense solar phenomena such as solar particles, CMEs, solar flares, solar storms, and geomagnetic storms. Forecasters are now warning of an upcoming CME that is expected to impact Earth, potentially causing a geomagnetic storm. Stay informed about this solar storm alert. Solar storm warning According to a Space Weather report, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) forecasters say the CME…

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Know how Apple is planning to upgrade its Notes app with iOS 18. (Unsplash) News 

Apple is considering introducing enhanced versions of the iPhone Notes app with the release of iOS 18- Find out what to expect

Adriana Marais, ,

The Apple Notes app, a popular choice among iOS users for note-taking, has received numerous updates in recent years to enhance its functionality. With the upcoming release of iOS 18, the app is set to receive new AI-powered features. Apple’s plans to incorporate AI capabilities into iOS 18 will extend to the Notes app, offering users even more advanced tools for organizing and managing their notes. Stay tuned to learn more about the exciting upgrades coming to Apple’s note-taking app on the iPhone. Apple Notes in iOS 18 In June,…

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Apple has announced new investment plans to expand its clean energy footprint around the world as part of the ‘Apple 2030’ initiative. (Bloomberg) News 

Apple reveals major investment plans in clean energy; teams up with CleanMax in India

Adriana Marais

Apple has revealed its intention to increase its use of clean energy worldwide as part of the ‘Apple 2030’ initiative, which aims to achieve carbon neutrality throughout its entire value chain by 2030. Despite already relying on over 18 gigawatts of clean electricity for its global operations and supply chain, the tech company based in Cupertino is now focusing on expanding its investment in solar power in the US and Europe. Apple signs a joint venture with CleanMax In India, Apple has signed a joint venture with CleanMax to invest…

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Boost user engagement and relevance in ads without third-party cookies through AdSense's innovative "ad intents" feature. (REUTERS) News 

New feature ‘Ad Intents’ introduced by Google AdSense

Adriana Marais

Google AdSense is introducing a new feature called “ad intents” that will change the way online advertising works. This feature will turn website text into clickable links that lead to Google Search, creating a more integrated and engaging experience for users. The goal is to make ads more relevant and seamlessly blend them into website content. How ad goals work Available now to website owners, advertising purposes embed links into existing text on web pages. When users interact with these links, a dialog box appears that displays Google search results…

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Microsoft introduces OneNote app tailored for Apple Vision Pro users, enhancing note-taking capabilities on the platform. (Microsoft ) News 

How Microsoft’s OneNote app for Apple Vision Pro functions and its main features

Adriana Marais

Microsoft has added a new native OneNote app specifically for Apple Vision Pro users to its lineup of products for VisionOS. This move demonstrates Microsoft’s dedication to enhancing the user experience for Apple Vision Pro users, following the positive reception of Microsoft Office apps for the mixed reality headset. Key features of OneNote for visionOS The new OneNote application for visionOS takes advantage of the platform’s spatial computing capabilities and offers an infinite canvas for taking notes. This version of OneNote integrates seamlessly with other Microsoft applications available on Apple…

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Infused with GPT-4, GitHub’s Copilot can do a lot more, including answering engineers’ questions and converting code from one programming language to another. (AP) News 

GitHub utilizes AI, utilizes Microsoft Copilot to automate tasks and transform coding sector

Adriana Marais,

Software developer Nikolai Avteniev was quick to recognize the potential of Microsoft Corp.’s Copilot coding assistant when he obtained a preview version in 2021. Developed by Microsoft’s GitHub coding platform and based on OpenAI’s version of generative artificial intelligence, the assistant was not perfect and sometimes went wrong. But Avteniev, who works at ticket seller StubHub, was surprised by how cleverly it completed lines of code with just a few prompts. All he had to do was press the tab key and Copilot did the rest. “Instead of using 15…

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Google Wallet may soon debut in India, offering local integrations for contactless payments, hint reports. (Google) News 

India to see the launch of Google Wallet

Adriana Marais,

According to a recent report, Google Wallet is expected to launch in India soon with customized integrations for the local market. The tech company quietly introduced the Google Wallet app on the Play Store, highlighting features that cater to Indian banks, airlines, and loyalty programs. While the app is not yet available for direct download in India through the Play Store, users can manually install it and connect their bank cards for easy contactless payments. There are rumors that the app will work in conjunction with Google Pay to meet…

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Know what happened in the world of AI today. (Pexels) News 

AI news summary [April 16]: UK to create regulations for AI, Microsoft to invest $1.5 billion in G42, and other updates

Adriana Marais

AI news update for April 16: The United Kingdom is currently working on drafting regulations for AI technologies like OpenAI’s ChatGPT to prevent potential harm. Meanwhile, Microsoft is set to invest $1.5 billion in UAE-based AI company G42, with approval from both US and UAE governments. Stay tuned for more AI updates. 1. The UK has started developing AI regulations to de-risk The UK has started drafting an AI regulation that will apply to new emerging technologies and large language models. These regulations also apply to current and future artificial…

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Microsoft and G42 described their assurances to the U.S. and UAE governments as a first of its kind agreement to ensure the secure, trusted and responsible development and deployment of AI. (AP) AI 

Microsoft plans to invest $1.5 billion in AI firm G42 for the development of responsible AI

Adriana Marais,

Microsoft has revealed plans to invest $1.5 billion in the UAE’s artificial intelligence company G42, securing a minority stake and a seat on the board. This move aims to strengthen the partnership between the two companies in the competitive landscape of AI technology. The global race for tech dominance has intensified in recent years, with AI emerging as a key focus for companies worldwide. As part of a deal the two companies brokered for the US and UAE governments over security, G42 would use Microsoft cloud services to run its…

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