Tufail Multichem Leverages SAP S/4HANA for Enhanced Operational Excellence and Innovation:
Tufail Multichem Industries Pvt Ltd., a leader in the chemicals industry, has taken a significant leap forward by integrating SAP S/4HANA into its operations, marking a strategic move towards enhanced operational excellence and fostering a culture of innovation within the company. The project’s scope encompasses SAP modules covering Finance and Controlling, Sales and Distribution, Supply Chain, Production Planning, Plant Maintenance, Quality, and Human Capital Management. Additionally, SAP Fiori apps are integrated to enhance the user-friendly execution of daily tasks.
Google CEO Warns Employees of More Layoffs in 2024:
Google has undertaken significant staff reductions, affecting over a thousand employees across various departments since January 10th, but that’s not the end of it. CEO Sundar Pichai has delivered a sobering message to the Google workforce, indicating that more cuts may be on the horizon. In an internal memo, Pichai emphasized the company’s ambitious goals and its commitment to investing in key priorities in the coming year. However, he also acknowledged the harsh reality that accompanies such investments – the need to make “tough choices.”
GPU Security Flaw in Apple, Nvidia, AMD and Others Exposes Millions of People:
A concerning security vulnerability has come to light, affecting certain iPhones and MacBooks, as discovered by researchers.This revelation extends to millions of Apple devices, including iPhones and MacBooks, as well as devices equipped with AMD or Qualcomm chips, painting a broad and potentially alarming picture of affected devices. Termed “LeftoverLocals,” this security flaw resides within the GPU memory responsible for storing AI data, a task that leverages the graphics unit instead of the System on a Chip (SoC). What makes this vulnerability particularly unsettling is that it grants unauthorized individuals the capability to extract personal information with relative ease, as this sensitive data is readily accessible within the local memory of the GPU.
Samsung Confirms Galaxy Ring Launch at the End of Unpacked Event:
In the aftermath of Samsung’s grand Unpacked event, the tech giant left fans with a new teaser – the Galaxy Ring. It’s a smart ring, and it appears to be precisely what the teaser hints at. The Galaxy Ring represents Samsung’s venture into a new form factor, promising to usher in a wave of “cutting-edge” health innovations. It’s poised to be a potent and accessible health and wellness device, destined to reshape the future of health, at least that’s what the presentation said. From what was glimpsed in the teaser, the Galaxy Ring sports a circular design in sleek black, offering a glimpse into its aesthetic appeal.
Samsung’s New Galaxy AI is Coming to S23 and Older Foldable Phones:
Samsung’s latest Galaxy Unpacked event unveiled a treasure trove of AI-powered features for the S24 family, marking a significant leap in user experience. However, hidden within this exciting announcement was a nugget of information that promises to delight owners of last year’s premium Samsung devices. Samsung has officially confirmed its plans to extend the Galaxy AI experience to the Galaxy S23 series, encompassing models like the S23 FE, Z Fold 5, Z Flip 5, and Tab S9, all set to receive these enhancements later in the first half of the year.
Caretaker IT Minister Takes Center Stage At WEF Davos:
The Federal Minister for IT and Telecom Dr. Umar Saif, maintains a robust presence at the World Economic Forum, Davos. Notable engagements include high-level meetings with representatives from diverse countries and key players in the tech industry. Accompanied by Zohaib Khan, Chairman of PASHA (Pakistan Software Houses Association), Dr. Saif navigated through the diverse pavilions at WEF, engaging in discussions that focused on potential investments in Pakistan’s rapidly growing IT sector. These discussions are anticipated to shape the future landscape of technology in the country.
Beware of Fake Election Commission WhatsApp Account:
In a recent revelation, it has been disclosed that a fake WhatsApp account, using the name and image of Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja, has been in operation. The disclosure was made by the Election Commission spokesperson in a statement to the media. The spokesperson has advised the public to exercise caution against fake messages and false propaganda circulating through this deceptive WhatsApp account. Emphasizing the importance of relying on verified sources, they clarified that messages attributed to the Chief Election Commissioner on unauthorized platforms should be treated as misinformation.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Launched With Most Powerful AI Features on a Phone Yet:
The new Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra looks nearly indistinguishable from the S23 Ultra, but it now has a titanium frame, a new 5x telephoto zoom camera, Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, and new Galaxy AI features that mark a new era of generative AI features on smartphones. The Galaxy S24 Ultra now has a flat screen protected by Gorilla Glass Armor, which is not only tougher but also less reflective. The flat screen is a 6.8-inch 2K LTPO AMOLED panel with a variable refresh rate that can go from 120Hz to 1Hz. The brightness has been boosted to 2600 nits.
Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24+ Launched With 7 Years of OS Updates, Better Screens, and More:
Samsung’s highly anticipated Galaxy S24 series is finally official and for the first time, the main focus was not the camera capabilities, but AI features instead, better known as Galaxy AI. All three phones, the Galaxy S24, S24+, and S24 Ultra feature powerful AI features, camera upgrades, display enhancements, and more. One of the standout features across all three S24 models is the adoption of LTPO displays, capable of delivering a variable refresh rate spanning from 1Hz to a brisk 120Hz. While this feature was already present in the Ultra phones, it represents a long-awaited enhancement for enthusiasts who favor the standard and plus models.
Google Admits Chrome’s Incognito Mode Tracks You:
Google is making changes to its Chrome browser to address concerns surrounding the privacy of users who use its Incognito mode. In a move prompted by an impending class-action lawsuit, the tech giant is set to update the warning associated with Incognito mode, ensuring that users are well-informed about the nuances of online privacy. This crucial change comes as Google prepares to settle a class-action lawsuit that alleges privacy violations concerning Chrome’s Incognito mode. The lawsuit contends that users were inadequately informed about the extent to which Google and other third-party websites could still collect their data while browsing in this ostensibly private mode.
Nothing Phone 3 and 2a Launch Date Tipped Alongside New Budget Earbuds:
Nothing is rumored to be working on a budget model for its Phone 2 called the Phone 2a, but newer reports also shed light on the company’s next-in-line premium offering, the Nothing Phone 3. This news comes courtesy of a tipster who chose to share the details on X (formerly known as Twitter). The insider disclosed that the Phone 2a is slated for a debut in the first quarter of this year. This means that fans won’t have to wait much longer, with an official announcement expected to take place between January and March 2024.
Google Replaces Hundreds of Workers With AI Tools:
In a not-so-jolly December surprise, the winds of change have swept through Google’s ad sales division, heralding the arrival of job cuts that were whispered about in hushed tones. The rumors have materialized into reality, as reported by Business Insider, with Google bidding farewell to “hundreds of employees” within the ad sales team. The brunt of these cuts falls upon the “Large Customer Sales” (LCS) team, entrusted with the care of the company’s most substantial advertising clientele.
Apple watch: US upholds ban on sale over patent dispute:
Apple has once again been banned from selling two smartwatch models in the US, while a legal battle continues over a patent dispute. The tech giant was earlier allowed to sell its Series 9 and Ultra 2 watches while proceedings were ongoing – but a US appeals court has since reversed that decision. Imports of watches are also affected. On Thursday, Apple said it will release watches without the disputed blood oxygen feature to keep them on shelves. It is the latest turn in a dispute between the firm and medical technology company Masimo.
Apple overtakes Samsung as world’s biggest phonemaker:
Apple now has the lion’s share of the global smartphone market, knocking Samsung off the top spot for the first time in 12 years. The American phone giant accounted for more than a fifth of phones shipped last year, according to data from the International Data Corporation (IDC). Samsung took 19.4% of the market share with Chinese phonemakers Xiaomi, OPPO and Transsion following behind. Smartphone sales have been faltering as many people upgraded in the pandemic. The IDC reports that almost 1.2 billion smartphones were sold last year – a drop of more than 3% on the previous year. It is the lowest amount sold in a decade, with many consumers tightening their purse strings in the face of economic challenges and high interest rates. Experts predict the market will recover this year.
ALI Technologies: Hoverbike start-up files for bankruptcy:
The Japanese start-up ALI Technologies, which had hoped to reimagine urban transport with a futuristic hoverbike, has filed for bankruptcy. Its US parent company said the move was part of a planned relocation to California, where it hopes to revive its dreams with a new business partner. ALI Technologies’ hoverbike was heavily publicised – with Prince Albert II of Monaco pictured atop the craft at one point. But it never sold in big numbers. The bike, which executives once said was inspired by Star Wars, resembled a kind of aerial water scooter.
MrBeast: World’s biggest Youtuber backtracks on X video snub:
The world’s most popular YouTuber, MrBeast, has shared a full video on X for the first time, having previously said even a “billion views” would not make it worth his while. The star has previously made his material available to his 231 million subscribers on YouTube. MrBeast said he is now trying X because he is “super curious” how much advertising revenue it will make. His U-turn is a boost for the struggling social media platform.
BT changes mobile and broadband price rise policy:
BT is abandoning mid-contract price rises linked to inflation after the telecoms watchdog Ofcom threatened to ban the practice. It has been one of several providers to tell customers the cost of their mobile and broadband services would increase by inflation plus a fixed percentage. But the regulator said that was confusing and price rises should be spelt out in “in pounds and pence.” BT has announced it will introduce that change from summer 2024. According to a blog post from BT consumer chief Marc Allera, that means mobile customers will see mid-contract price rises “from £1.50”, while broadband customers will face rises of £3.
Game to stop selling pre-owned titles:
UK High Street chain Game has confirmed that it plans to end its pre-owned video game business. The company will phase out trade-ins over the coming months, according to parent company Frasers Group. But pre-owned games will still be sold in the company’s standalone stores while stocks remain. The decision, first reported by Eurogamer, signals the end of a cheaper way to purchase titles valued by many gamers. Sales of physical video games have fallen substantially since Game’s heyday in the early 2000s.
AI to hit 40% of jobs and worsen inequality, IMF says:
Artificial intelligence is set to affect nearly 40% of all jobs, according to a new analysis by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). IMF’s managing director Kristalina Georgieva says “in most scenarios, AI will likely worsen overall inequality”. Ms Georgieva adds that policymakers should address the “troubling trend” to “prevent the technology from further stoking social tensions”. The proliferation of AI has put its benefits and risks under the spotlight. The IMF said AI is likely to affect a greater proportion of jobs – put at around 60% – in advanced economies. In half of these instances, workers can expect to benefit from the integration of AI, which will enhance their productivity.
First Prince of Persia game in 14 years voiced in Farsi:
The first new version of cult video game Prince of Persia in 14 years has been released, called The Lost Crown, and it is the first edition in the series to be fully voiced in Farsi. The franchise draws heavily on Persian mythology and Iranian culture, but until now has always been in English. The developers say they want to “depict and respect Persia and Iran”. Game fan Sam Mandi-Gohmi said it was “brilliant” that representation was being taken more seriously. “When I saw the tweet announcing Farsi would be a full game audio option for The Lost Crown, I half thought it was a joke,” said Mr Mandi-Gohmi, who lives in the UK.
Elon Musk wants control of Tesla with bigger stake:
Elon Musk has said he wants a bigger stake in Tesla, reviving debate over the size of the billionaire’s pay package. Mr Musk sold a large chunk of his shares in the electric car company less than two years ago to buy the social media platform Twitter, now called X. He now owns around 13% of Tesla. But he claims the current structure makes Tesla vulnerable to a “takeover by dubious interests” and he wants more control over its direction. Mr Musk said he is particularly concerned about Tesla’s investments in artificial intelligence (AI) features.