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Author: Jim Hendler

Jim Hendler is a ReturnByte journalist who closely follows the advancement of Internet technologies and social media. Follow him on Twitter at @jahendler
A geomagnetic storm alert has been issued, which could trigger a solar storm. Check details. (NASA SDO) News 

Solar storm warning: Coronal Mass Ejection expected to trigger Geomagnetic storm, possibility of stunning auroras

Jim Hendler, ,

Solar storm warning: A significant Coronal Mass Ejection (CME) was observed on the Sun’s surface on March 17. The CME is currently heading towards Earth and may result in a geomagnetic storm, posing a potential risk of a solar storm. This event follows closely after a recent CME passed by Earth, causing a minor G1-class geomagnetic storm. Stay informed about this solar storm alert. Solar storm warning According to a SpaceWeather report, NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory recorded a massive eruption on the sun’s surface that ejected the CME. This CME…

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WhatsApp offers UPI payment feature in India but most people continue to use other apps like Google Pay and PhonePe. The new update could change that. News 

WhatsApp to introduce UPI Scan To Pay feature for easy in-app payments

Jim Hendler

WhatsApp offers UPI payments to its users in India and competes with other UPI apps like Paytm, Google Pay and PhonePe. However, the messaging app has been struggling to get more users to use its payment feature in the country, which may soon change thanks to an upcoming update. The latest WhatsApp beta version for Android users gets a shortcut to the QR code for UPI payments, which may come to all users of the messaging app in the coming months. Details of the upcoming feature have been shared this…

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Twitter or X has started supporting video and audio calls for all its users recently and we tell you how to get started. News 

X, a competitor of WhatsApp, now allows users to make video and audio calls.

Jim Hendler

The social media platform Twitter, now known as X, continues to evolve. While the microblogging site had previously offered voice and video calling options exclusively to Premium users, Elon Musk, the owner of X, has now made these features available to all users on the platform. With this update, users with an X account can make free calls to other users directly through the platform. The decision to introduce the feature on X makes the app a competitor to platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp and Instagram, which allow users to call…

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WhatsApp update lets beta users to pin multiple chats and messages, making important conversations easier to access. (Bloomberg) News 

New WhatsApp update will improve user experience by enabling pinning of multiple chats and messages

Jim Hendler

Meta-owned WhatsApp is currently experimenting with a new feature that enables users to pin multiple chats and messages at the same time. This feature is currently being tested and is only accessible to beta testers using WhatsApp version 2.24.6.15. With this update, users can pin up to five chats and three messages, giving them more control over important conversations and information. WhatsApp improves the management of conversations This feature allows users to prioritize important conversations and messages by keeping them at the top of their conversation list. WABetaInfo reports that…

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Prosecutors in Virginia are probing whether Facebook-parent Meta's social media platforms facilitated and profited from the illegal sale of drugs, the Wall Street Journal reported News 

Report: US Investigating Meta for Involvement in Illegal Drug Sales

Jim Hendler

U.S. prosecutors in Virginia are investigating whether Facebook parent Meta’s social media platforms facilitated and profited from illegal drug sales, the Wall Street Journal reported Saturday, citing documents and people familiar with the matter. Prosecutors issued subpoenas last year and have asked questions as part of a criminal grand jury investigation, the report said, adding that they have also requested information on drug content or illegal drug sales through Meta’s platforms. The Food and Drug Administration has also helped in the investigation, the paper added. It noted that investigations do…

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eSIM is now slowly becoming a viable option for people who like to change phones regularly and don't want the hassle of a physical SIM. News 

What We Know About Hackers Targeting eSIM Profiles to Steal Data and Money

Jim Hendler

SIM card fraud is common, a big concern, and widely used by hackers, but now it’s also evolving with changes in technology. According to new reports, these hackers are now relying on eSIM profiles to transfer your primary number to steal data and money. An eSIM is a digital version of a SIM that can be programmed remotely, and bad actors use this ability to bypass the physical card and access it using the eSIM. As we all know mobile numbers can be used to get all kinds of information…

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WhatsApp has been testing this privacy feature on Android for a while but now more users are seeing it roll out. But does it really work? News 

WhatsApp has implemented a feature that prevents users from taking screenshots of profile pictures

Jim Hendler

WhatsApp has added a new layer of privacy to its users, ensuring that their profile picture is not misused by taking screenshots. WhatsApp has already prevented people from taking screenshots of one-view photos or videos, and now the same feature has been rolled out to your photos in the messaging app as well. Taking a screenshot is a serious invasion of a person’s privacy, and in most cases you won’t even notice when someone does that to your photo. But if this happens with your profile picture on WhatsApp, the…

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You can now use GIFs on Slack messages. Check details. ( Slack/X) News 

Slack launches GIF finder to enhance communication; learn how to use this new feature

Jim Hendler

Slack, a popular communication tool for businesses and teams, has introduced a new GIF feature to add a fun element to work interactions. GIFs, known for their ability to convey emotions and actions, are now available for sharing with colleagues on Slack, alongside emojis. Learn more about Slack’s new GIF finder feature and how it can enhance team communication. Slack integrates GIFs Slack officially announced the integration of GIFs into its tool via X-message. The GIF Finder feature allows users to choose the perfect GIF from a variety of options.…

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Nothing Phone users have got a new way to record calls and it is available for all the Phone models that the brand has launched. News 

Learn more about how the Nothing Phone allows discreet recording of phone calls.

Jim Hendler

At a time when most Android devices have a built-in call recording feature, Carl Pei’s tech company Nothing has joined the ranks and announced the addition of a new feature that will allow users to record calls discreetly. Carl Pei announced on the official social media that the new feature will help users record calls on their devices without having to alert other participants in the call. He added that the feature will be available to all Nothing phone users, including those with Nothing Phone 1, Phone 2 and the…

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TikTok and Instagram already compete in the short-video space, but photos could become the battleground once again. News 

TikTok aims to compete with Instagram by launching its own photo sharing service

Jim Hendler,

TikTok and Instagram can renew their competition in a new avatar. As we all know, Instagram has moved from photos to videos because it wanted to compete with TikTok in the short video space, and Reels have proven to be a success. But now TikTok plans to go the other way and is reportedly working on its own photo-sharing app. It’s interesting to hear TikTok eyeing the photo segment, and its intent might make a lot of sense now that other so-called photo apps have shifted focus to other features.…

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Asteroid 2015 FM34 belongs to the Apollo group of Near-Earth Asteroids, according to NASA. (Pixabay) Space 

NASA reveals 350-foot asteroid set to pass by Earth today; Find out its proximity

Jim Hendler,

In the past few weeks, Earth has once again witnessed several asteroids passing by closely. These celestial objects are influenced by the gravitational pull of planets like Jupiter, causing them to veer off course and potentially pose a threat to our planet. NASA has used its sophisticated telescopes and satellites to track an asteroid that is projected to come very close to Earth on March 12. Asteroid 2015 FM34: Details NASA’s Center for Near-Earth Object Studies (CNEOS) has named the asteroid Asteroid 2015 FM34. A space rock orbits at a…

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Know about the WhatsApp encryption indicator feature. (unsplash) News 

Report says WhatsApp is working on adding encryption indicator for chats in upcoming update

Jim Hendler

WhatsApp has been focusing on improving user security by introducing new features and upgrades. There are rumors that the app is developing a new feature to display encrypted chats, which is crucial for maintaining user privacy and protecting conversations. While chat encryption is already included in the app, WhatsApp is now working on increasing its visibility and expanding the feature for enhanced user privacy. Stay tuned for more information on the new encryption indicator feature that may be included in an upcoming WhatsApp update. WhatsApp encryption indicator feature According to…

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WhatsApp chats and other contents are encrypted and now the messaging app tells you its security level with a clear label. News 

WhatsApp introduces encryption label at the top of chat window

Jim Hendler

WhatsApp chats are end-to-end encrypted, but most people would say that the messaging app doesn’t show it to everyone. But soon you will see the settings change as the encryption badge will now appear on the profile icon at the top of the chat screen. The new feature is being tested with beta users according to the latest information and we can confirm the details independently. WABetainfo was the first to report the feature being tested, and Android beta users will see the new change in the coming days. WhatsApp…

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Altman was removed from his role as CEO and as the board member earlier in the year but the probe has confirmed his return. News 

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman reinstated to the board after wrongful removal is verified

Jim Hendler, ,

Sam Altman joins OpenAI’s board after an independent investigation found his conduct “did not warrant removal.” A special committee of the OpenAI board announced the completion of the review and expressed full confidence in Altman and Greg Brockman’s continued leadership of OpenAI. Law firm WilmerHale interviewed board members, employees and reviewed “more than 30,000 documents” to reach its conclusion. “We have unanimously decided that Sam and Greg are the right leaders for OpenAI,” said Bret Taylor, OpenAI’s board chairman, in a statement early Saturday. Altman will continue as CEO on…

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As Meta expands WhatsApp's capabilities, users can anticipate greater personalization options including avatars. (Pixabay) News 

Upcoming changes to WhatsApp will give users more control over their avatars; Find out what to expect

Jim Hendler

Meta, the company behind WhatsApp, is introducing new features to improve the messaging platform’s user experience. A recent addition being tested is a feature that allows users to turn any image into a sticker, adding a personalized touch to conversations. While this feature offers more creative options, it also raises privacy concerns. In response, Meta is addressing these concerns with a new feature focused on avatars. The WhatsApp beta for Android 2.24.6.8 includes settings that allow users to control who can use their avatar in stickers. Users can choose to…

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Nab the amazing rewards with Garena Free Fire MAX redeem codes for March 10. (ff.garena.com) News 

New skins, free diamonds, and more up for grabs with Garena Free Fire MAX Redeem Codes for March 10

Jim Hendler

Garena Free Fire MAX continues to captivate players in India after the ban on its predecessor, Garena Free Fire. The game’s stunning graphics and engaging gameplay have made it a popular choice among gamers. Players can enhance their experience by using redeem codes provided by 111 Dot Studios, which offer a variety of free items like skins, diamonds, and weapons. These codes add an extra level of excitement to the already thrilling Free Fire Max gaming experience. Garena Free Fire MAX Redeem Codes March 10th H5I2U8W7P3N9Y4Q I3V6W4X7N2Y8Z5H J8C1D4W2N6P5Y9U K2R9W7X3P6N8Y4Z L5B8W6P9N3X7Y2T…

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Bitcoin miners are investing heavily in equipment and energy to capitalize on the surge in cryptocurrency value. (REUTERS) News 

Bitcoin miners are consuming energy at an unprecedented rate amid the surge in cryptocurrency prices

Jim Hendler,

Following a close call during the previous crypto winter, Bitcoin miners are now in a fight for survival, investing billions in equipment and consuming energy at unprecedented levels in anticipation of an upcoming update to the digital currency’s code that could impact their profits. The surge in activity is due to the rise of the world’s largest cryptocurrency, fueled by recently launched Bitcoin exchange-traded spot funds, and a quadrennial event called the halving, which is scheduled to take place in April. Bitcoin has more than quadrupled since plunging 64% in…

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Threads app revolutionizes user experience with draft-saving and in-app photo capture capabilities, streamlining content sharing. (REUTERS) News 

New features on Instagram’s Threads allow users to save drafts and take photos directly in the app; Here’s what’s changed

Jim Hendler

Threads, the social media platform similar to Twitter, is enhancing its functionality by adding two long-awaited features – the option to save drafts and take photos directly within the app. Instagram head Adam Mosseri revealed this update, which is designed to improve user experience and simplify the sharing of thoughts and moments. New features in Threads The implementation of these features follows a testing period with a selected group of users and responds to user requests for increased functionality. Mosseri emphasized that these additions are tailored to meet the evolving…

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Meta Platforms pressured by 40 states and D.C. to address rising account takeovers by scammers on Facebook and Instagram. (unsplash) News 

US states urge Meta to address Facebook and Instagram account hijackings

Jim Hendler

Forty states in the U.S. along with Washington, D.C. have urged Meta Platforms to take action against scammers who are taking over Facebook and Instagram accounts, in response to a significant increase in account hijackings. The states, led by New York Attorney General Letitia James, said in a letter to Meta’s general counsel that scammers are “winning the war and running rampant at Meta” after the company announced thousands of job cuts in November 2022 focused on security and privacy. Since 2019, New York has seen a 1,000 percent increase…

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With iOS 17.4, Apple prioritizes user choice and compliance, offering flexibility and security enhancements for all (Unsplash) News 

iOS 17.4 introduces major updates such as redesigned App Store guidelines and enhanced NFC capabilities

Jim Hendler

Apple has released the much-awaited iOS 17.4 update, which includes major changes designed for users in Europe. While the update does have some improvements for users worldwide, the main focus is on meeting the requirements of the Digital Markets Act and introducing specific changes for the European Union. EU changes In accordance with the Act on Digital Markets, Apple is renewing the App Store environment in the European Union (EU). Developers in the EU can now choose alternative app stores or distribute their apps through alternative channels, introducing a new…

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