Apple is Making it More Difficult to Steal iPhones:
Thousands of iPhones are lost and stolen every day but users will now be able to alert Apple Stores and Apple Authorized Service Providers to find them. The report comes from Mac Rumors who received an internal memo explaining that users will be able to report their devices as missing in the GSMA Device Registry.
Laptops and Ultrabooks to Get Cheaper This Year:
Worldwide notebook sales increased by 23.1% to 247 million units in 2021, increasing 20% since 2020. However, research points towards a slight decline in shipments this year with imminent cuts expected in laptop prices to help cope with the demand. Researchers from DigiTimes claim that 2022 may not be a good year given the worldwide shift from the pandemic to political issues such as the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict and port congestion. The research highlights that notebook sales are expected to decline throughout 2022.
Xiaomi Launches Smart Cat Eye 1S Doorbell With Tricky Security Features:
Xiaomi recently launched the Smart Cat Eye 1S, a combination of video doorbell and door viewer. The Smart Cat Eye has two different parts: a video doorbell and door viewer, which can fit onto a door and a separate linked tablet mounted on the wall. The display features a 5-inch IPS screen and a 160° wide-angle camera that has an F2.0 aperture and streams in 1080p.
Xiaomi Launches Mijia Fresh Air Conditioner Vertical 3 HP:
Xiaomi has added another product to its home appliances range, the Mijia Fresh Air conditioner Vertical 3 HP under financing on Xioami Mall. The air conditioner comes with a crowdfunding price of 6949 yuan (~$1,090) while the product will retail for 7299 yuan (~$1,146) after the crowdfunding stage. In terms of the design, the latest Mijia Air conditioner features a standing design and comes equipped with a HEPA filter element alongside a Panasonic-made compressor, with the compressor covering a large air volume of 215m³/h.
Spotify Expands Blend with Two New Features – Provides Another Way for Users to Connect through Music:
Earlier this year, Spotify celebrated Valentine’s Day with Blend in the Pakistan market. Blend is a unique feature that combines the best of Spotify’s personalization capabilities and collaborative playlist functionality into a single shared playlist, making it easy to get into a social listening session that is made just for you. Nothing like being able to listen to the music you all love in one playlist while gearing up to go to a picnic, getting ready for a wedding with your bridesmaids, or working out with friends.
Telecom Sector’s Contribution to National Exchequer Plunges by Rs. 64 Billion:
The tax revenues from the telecom sector have fallen drastically and recorded a decline of Rs. 64.2 billion in just one year. Its contribution to the national exchequer registered a massive decrease of Rs. 64.2 billion within a year. However, such trends have occurred in the past and are not unusual.
Meta and NIBAF Collaborate to Up-Skill Women Entrepreneurs:
Meta is collaborating with the National Institute of Banking and Finance (NIBAF), a subsidiary of the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), to train and up-skill Pakistani women entrepreneurs in order to foster sustainability and resilience of women-led businesses in the country. The program is being implemented under the ‘Business Resilience through Financial Education (BRFE)’ component of Meta’s flagship women empowerment program ‘SheMeansBusiness’.
Mahira Khan and Fawad Khan Roped in As the Brand Ambassadors for OPPO F21 Pro:
OPPO has revealed superstars Mahira Khan and Fawad Khan as its new Brand Ambassadors for 2022. OPPO, ranked among the leading mobile phone manufacturers of the world, announced this exciting new partnership with the acclaimed artists. The duo will be seen spearheading innovative new products and activities including the F21 Pro launch. The phone is anticipated to get people’s attention for its eye-catching sunset orange fiberglass leather design.
Vivo X80 to Come With Proper Flagship Specs:
Previously, specifications of the upcoming Vivo X series smartphones had surfaced online, and now Digital Chat Station had provided another piece of the puzzle focusing on the Vivo X80. As per the leaks, the Vivo X80 will sport a 6.78″ Samsung E5 AMOLED panel with a Full HD+ resolution and a 120 Hz refresh rate. While the upgraded X80 Pro is expected to feature a similar display, with a Quad HD+ resolution.
DIY energy: UK solar inventions could reduce bills:
Two new solar products from British companies could cut bills for those who cannot put panels on their roof. Solivus’s solar sculpture and Filia’s solar blinds could provide households an estimated 10-30% of their electricity.
UK solar start-ups tackle soaring energy prices:
Click’s Dan Simmons showcases several British entrepreneurs who are about to launch new solar products as an alternative to traditional silicon solar panels. Including sculptures, roller blinds and new thin solar film, these inventions open up the possibility of home electricity generation to those without exclusive access to a roof.
Researchers in Hong Kong create ‘soft robot’ made of magnetic slime:
Researchers at The Chinese University of Hong Kong have created a “soft robot” made of slime containing magnetic particles, which can be manipulated using external magnets. The magnetic particles are toxic, but have theoretically been made safe to enter the human body after being covered in a layer of silicone compound – although further safety testing will be needed in the future.
Lapsus$: Two UK teenagers charged with hacking for gang:
Two teenagers from the UK have appeared in court charged with hacking for a major cyber-crime gang. A 16- and 17-year-old appeared at Highbury Corner youth court, in London, on Friday charged with a number of cyber-offences. The two boys have been released on bail, subject to certain conditions. They were arrested as part of an international police investigation into the Lapsus$ gang, which has hacked major tech firms including Microsoft.
Newport Wafer Fab: ‘No decision’ on chip plant’s sale to Chinese firm:
Reports the takeover of the UK’s largest microchip factory, Newport Wafer Fab, by Chinese-owned Nexperia has been approved have been denied.
The UK government said it was “considering the case and no decisions have been made” while Nexperia said it was unaware of such a decision.
The takeover has attracted controversy, over the firms links to China.
The website Politico had reported that the government had “quietly approved” the sale.
Virtual reality birthday party for 103-year-old:
A woman celebrated her 103rd birthday with a virtual walk close to the Cornish coast. Joyce Penfold from Tresillian House care home in Falmouth wore the virtual reality headset and explored Maker Heights in south-east Cornwall. Leonie Cooper, from the University of Plymouth, provided the headset and said it allowed people to explore new places.
Facebook users angry after accounts locked for no reason:
Facebook users around the world have been waking up to find themselves locked out of their accounts for no apparent reason. The message many received reads: “Your Facebook account was disabled because it did not follow our Community Standards. This decision can’t be reversed.” One user told the BBC there was no warning or explanation given. Parent firm Meta said it was investigating.
Drones help Royal Navy icebreaker in Antarctica:
Drone experts from Cornwall have been helping the Royal Navy’s icebreaker ship get through polar ice. The team from RNAS Culdrose’s 700X Naval Air Squadron were deployed on HMS Protector, which has just completed a stint around Antarctica, to train its crew how to use drones. Of the icebreaker’s crew, 11 qualified in operating drones from the deck of the ship. The use of drones was said to allow the crew to safely assess ice conditions.
New artificial intelligence hub to aid Sellafield decommissioning:
The first of a network of robotics and artificial intelligence hubs across the UK has opened its doors. The centre in Whitehaven, known as RAICo1, will be used by Sellafield to develop tech to decommission the plant. It will house test environments which mirror those on the Sellafield site, such as gloveboxes and water tanks. Sellafield head of robotics and AI Rav Chunilal said a “big factor” was having it in Cumbria as it brought in “skilled people” but also developed the area.
Jamal Edwards’ family set up a charity to remember him:
Jamal Edwards’ family have announced they are setting up a charity to remember his work. The Jamal Edwards Self Belief Trust will “honour his memory and continue his legacy.” The 31-year-old SBTV founder died suddenly in February, with Dave, Ed Sheehan and Prince Charles leading tributes paid to the entrepreneur. Jamal’s mum Brenda – who’s a Loose Women panellist – shared the announcement on her social media.
