The AI Revolution: Transforming the Future of Smartphones:
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has completely transformed the world of technology, becoming the driving force behind many of today’s most innovative advancements. From self-driving cars to personalized online experiences, AI has seamlessly integrated into our daily lives. But perhaps nowhere is its influence more apparent than in smartphones.AI isn’t just a buzzword; it has become the cornerstone of innovation, taking our daily devices beyond their original capabilities. Smartphones are no longer just communication tools—they’ve evolved into powerful, multi-functional gadgets capable of learning from our behaviors, predicting our needs, and elevating user experiences to unprecedented levels.
Afiniti to Undergo Comprehensive Restructuring to Improve Its Financial Position:
TRG Pakistan Limited, being a shareholder in The Resource Group International Limited (TRGI), on Friday announced that TRGI’s portfolio company Afiniti Limited (Afiniti) has agreed with its senior lenders to a comprehensive balance sheet restructuring plan that significantly enhances Afiniti’s financial position and growth prospects in the dynamic AI technology industry.According to the stock filing, the restructuring plan includes a significant reduction of Afiniti’s current senior debt and a multi-year extension of its debt maturity. It also includes the recapitalization of its balance sheet, with the senior lenders, existing preferred shareholders (including TRGI), and Afiniti management retaining significant equity interests in the business on a fully diluted basis.
Pakistan is Struggling to Keep Pace in the Global Internet Race:
In the modern world, where internet speed and connectivity form the backbone of economies, Pakistan’s struggle to keep up with global standards is becoming increasingly evident.While countries like the United States, Europe and Multiple Arab countries have set minimum broadband speeds of 100 Mbps or more, Pakistan’s average broadband speed languishes at around 10-20 Mbps, far below the global average of 78.62 Mbps, as reported by Speedtest.net. This considerable digital divide is leaving Pakistan behind in global competitiveness, stifling innovation, and curbing access to the digital economy.Shahzad Arshad, Chairman of the Wireless and Internet Service Providers Association of Pakistan (WISPAP), identifies the critical barriers that Internet Service Providers (ISPs) face in their efforts to modernize Pakistan’s internet infrastructure. “Our infrastructure is outdated and fragmented,” he told ProPakistani. “We’ve failed to make the necessary investments in fiber-optic networks that would bring our connectivity up to par with international standards.” The consequences are dire, with unreliable connections and sluggish speeds affecting sectors from education to businesses reliant on fast internet.
Pakistan Launches Satellite-Based Broadband Internet Rivaling Elon Musk’s Starlink:
Pakistan has achieved a significant milestone in its space program with the successful launch and operation of PakSat-MM1, the country’s first multi-mission satellite. This satellite marks Pakistan’s entry into the realm of space-based broadband services, representing a major leap forward in the nation’s technological capabilities. Shaza Fatima, Pakistan’s Minister of State for Information Technology, made the announcement, coupling it with news of the country’s first National Space Policy. The minister underscored the critical role of PakSat-MM1 within this new policy framework, highlighting its potential to revolutionize connectivity across Pakistan, particularly in remote and underserved areas.
Ekhtyar Portal Launched by KP Government to Enable Real-Time Complaints:
The Chief Minister has launched the “Ekhtyar” portal in a leap forward towards participatory governance, ensuring citizen inclusiveness and timely responses to the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). This initiative was developed by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Information Technology Board (KPITB) with the belief that digital technology is the only way forward for ensuring good governance.The launch of Ekhtyar introduces a complaint redressal system that enables the Chief Minister to monitor citizens’ complaints in real-time, promoting good governance. It also serves as an important tool for identifying weaknesses in public service delivery, ensuring accountability, and facilitating the performance appraisal of public sector departments and officers.
Xiaomi Shares Official Photos for Redmi Note 14 Series:
Xiaomi has offered an early preview of its upcoming Redmi Note 14 Pro series, which is set to launch in China next week. The company has shared images of the Note 14 Pro+ in a striking Mirror Porcelain White finish, showcasing the device’s key design elements. The Note 14 Pro+ features a curved display with a punch-hole camera cutout, a design choice that has become increasingly popular in mid-range smartphones. The rear is dominated by a large, ellipse-shaped camera island. This module is protected by a glass element covering three camera lenses and an LED flash. Adding a touch of sophistication, the outer ring of the camera island will sport a textured pattern.
Pakistan’s Ameen Sharif Awarded by ICS2 for His Work in Cybersecurity:
ICS2, a leading member association for cybersecurity professionals has just announced its 2024 ISC2 Global Achievement Awards winners. The purpose of these awards is to acknowledge the work of cybersecurity professionals while providing recognition.The list of members awarded includes Pakistan’s Ameen Sharif, currently working as the CEO and Principal Consultant at ITnIS Consulting with 25 years of experience in the industry. He is known for his work in cybersecurity, information technology, and information security.He has a variety of certifications under his belt including, CISSP, CISA, CRISC, CDPSE, CDPO, CPTP, CEH, and ISO27001 Lead Implementer/Auditor, and also has professional memberships in ICS2, ISACA, ISOC, IEEE, ASIS, and BICSI. He has conducted over 300 security audits and trained more than 600 professionals.
IT Industry Elects New P@SHA Central Executive Committee:
Chairman of Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA) Muhammad Zohaib Khan has apprised that the IT industry from across Pakistan has elected the new 10-member central executive committee (CEC) for the tenure of 2024 – 26; as the tenure of outgoing CEC comes to an end on September 30th, 2024.Nadeem Malik, Secretary General of P@SHA, announced the results after vote counting in Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad – whereas the election for the apex IT body’s office bearers will take place on September 23rd, 2024. The new office bearers and CEC of P@SHA will take charge on October 1st, 2024, he added. Zohaib Khan, the outgoing chairman, welcomed the CEC-elect for being the torchbearers of the most promising and fast-developing industry of the country – which achieved a record $3.2 billion in exports in FY24.
Why Daily Vlogs Have Us Addicted: A Deep Dive:
Daily vlogs have taken YouTube by storm in the digital content creation world. Vlogging, a blend of “video” and “blogging,” has transformed how we share our lives and connect with others in the digital age. This unique storytelling medium emerged in the early 2000s, gaining traction with platforms like YouTube, where creators showcased their lives, thoughts, and adventures through engaging videos. From modest origins, vlogging has evolved into a cultural phenomenon, with millions of creators documenting everything from daily routines to extravagant travels.Daily vlogs have a distinct way of interacting with audiences, combining fun, truthfulness, and habits that make them difficult to turn away from. What makes vlogging so captivating is its power to create a connection between the creator and the audience. Viewers are not just passive observers; they become part of a shared experience, witnessing the highs and lows of someone else’s life. This authenticity fosters relatability and trust, allowing audiences to form emotional bonds with their favorite vloggers.
Audit Uncovers Irregularities in PTA’s Contributory Provident Fund:
A recent audit report has revealed significant irregularities in the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority’s (PTA) Contributory Provident Fund (CPF), sparking concerns over the management of employee benefits.The audit, conducted by the Auditor General of Pakistan, exposed discrepancies in the handling of the CPF, which is meant to provide financial security to PTA employees upon retirement.According to the PTA Employees Service Regulations (ESR) 2004, employees contribute 5 percent of their basic pay to the CPF, matched by an equal contribution from the PTA. However, the audit found that the PTA failed to distribute the accumulated profit of Rs. 70.5 million earned on the CPF during the 2022-23 financial year to employees or surrender it to the Public Account.
Qualcomm is Guilty of Predatory Pricing: EU Court:
The European Union’s General Court has upheld a previous ruling against Qualcomm, finding the tech giant guilty of predatory pricing practices. However, the court slightly reduced the original fine from €242 million to €238.7 million.At the center of this case is Qualcomm’s contract with British software developer Icera, now a subsidiary of Nvidia. Between 2009 and 2011, Qualcomm allegedly sold chips below cost, a strategy often employed to exclude competitors from potential deals.Qualcomm has mounted numerous appeals against the verdict. One of their key arguments highlighted that the Qualcomm-Icera deal represented a mere 0.7% of the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System market, suggesting the case’s limited significance. Despite these efforts, the European court only accepted the appeal for a fine reduction, resulting in a modest adjustment.
Fostering Women’s Financial Independence with Mobilink Bank’s Inheritance Calculator:
When discussing women’s inheritance rights in Pakistan, it is distressing to note that only 3% of women receive their rightful share. 97% of women, whether from rural, remote, or urban areas, do not legally receive what is rightfully theirs. Even within progressive communities, many women forgo their inheritance upon marriage, underscoring the deep-seated cultural and social barriers that persist in our country.This issue is not just a matter of personal loss for these women; it represents a broader social justice failure that must be urgently addressed. This further exacerbates women’s financial independence, which already stands at an alarmingly low level in our country.Haaris Mahmood Chaudhary, Interim CEO of Mobilink Bank, emphasizes, “Women play a significant role in Pakistan’s overall economic development. However, their contributions remain undervalued and unsupported, particularly when it comes to formal access to financial services and inheritance.” Mobilink Bank has introduced an innovative solution to this inheritance disparity through its Dost App: The Inheritance Calculator. This digital tool helps women calculate their inheritance share with ease and convenience. Haaris notes, “With this industry-first Inheritance Calculator, we are fostering a deeper understanding of financial rights and inclusion. Our long-term commitment to financial accessibility ensures that women have the tools and resources they need to make informed financial decisions.”
Instagram boosts privacy and parental control on teen accounts:
Instagram is overhauling the way it works for teenagers, promising more “built-in protections” for young people and added controls and reassurance for parents. The new “teen accounts” are being introduced from Tuesday in the UK, US, Canada and Australia. They will turn many privacy settings on by default for all under 18s, including making their content unviewable to people who don’t follow them, and making them actively approve all new followers. But children aged 13 to 15 will only be able to adjust the settings by adding a parent or guardian to their account. Social media companies are under pressure worldwide to make their platforms safer, with concerns that not enough is being done to shield young people from harmful content.
The crypto bros who dream of crowdfunding a new country:
Do you look at the possibility of political turbulence ahead of November’s US presidential election and think: democracy could be in trouble? So does a group of tech entrepreneurs backed by big Silicon Valley money. And they love it. Imagine if you could choose your citizenship the same way you choose your gym membership. That’s a vision of the not-too-distant future put forward by Balaji Srinivasan. Balaji – who, like Madonna, is mostly just known by his first name – is a rockstar in the world of crypto. A serial tech entrepreneur and venture capitalist who believes that pretty much everything governments currently do, tech can do better.
Would you let AI plan your next holiday?:
When Jason Brown organised his summer holiday to Amsterdam and Ireland this year, he didn’t turn to a travel book or check out Instagram. Instead the founder of recruitment company People Movers consulted ChatGPT, Open AI’s generative artificial intelligence tool.
He asked the AI a range of questions to help plan an itinerary to Amsterdam and Ireland, including Dublin and Galway, for his 10-day trip in July and August this year with his wife, two sons aged 20 and 16, and one of their son’s friends.
“In the past I have always used sites such as TripAdvisor, but I realised I had all the knowledge at my fingertips [through AI] and it spits it out in 15 seconds.” He describes the experience as “fantastic”.
Nintendo sues ‘Pokémon with guns’ video game firm:
Nintendo and its partner The Pokémon Company have filed a legal case against the maker of the hit survival adventure game Palworld over alleged patent infringement. Palworld quickly earned the nickname “Pokémon with guns” when its first trailer was unveiled in 2021. Just days after the game’s release in January this year, The Pokémon Company said it would investigate the copycat claims. Palworld’s developer, Pocketpair Inc, acknowledged the lawsuit in a statement on Thursday and apologised to fans for “any worry or discomfort” caused. Pocketpair’s boss previously said the game had passed legal checks. But Nintendo is known for fiercely protecting its intellectual property and brand.
‘Hunger Games’ studio Lionsgate announce AI video deal:
Entertainment giants Lionsgate are partnering with artificial intelligence (AI) company Runway to allow a new AI model to be trained on their extensive film and TV archive. Lionsgate, the studios behind series such as The Hunger Games and John Wick, will benefit by being able to use the resulting AI technology in future productions. “Runway… will help us utilize AI to develop cutting edge, capital efficient content creation opportunities,” Lionsgate Vice Chair Michael Burns said in a statement.
New AI cameras to be used to cut deaths on road:
Artificial intelligence cameras, which can spot motorists who text while driving, are being set up on a road after a rise in serious crashes.
Nine people have died in less than two years on the A361 near Frome, Somerset. It will be the first time the new technology will be used in the county. The cameras can also spot if a driver is breaking the speed limit or not wearing a seatbelt. Avon and Somerset Police’s acting Insp Matt Boiles said: “Telling families is just horrendous. Seeing people’s worlds literally fall apart in front of your eyes is awful.”
What are Storm Shadow missiles and why are they crucial for Ukraine?:
There have been strong indications that the US and UK are poised to lift their restrictions within days on Ukraine using long-range missiles against targets inside Russia. But no confirmation came from talks between US President Joe Biden and UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer in Washington on Friday. Ukraine already has supplies of these missiles, but is restricted to firing them at targets inside its own borders. Kyiv has been pleading for weeks for these restrictions to be lifted so it can fire on targets inside Russia. So why the reluctance by the West and what difference could these missiles make to the war?
What’s the point of buying the latest smartphone?:
Happy new smartphone season to all who celebrate. It’s that time of year again, when the tech giants pull out all the stops to persuade you to upgrade your gadgets. Recently we’ve seen Google launch the latest Pixel 9 handsets, followed by Apple unveiling the iPhone 16. In July, Samsung released the latest versions of its foldable phones, the Z Flip6 and Z Fold6, and Huawei has just upped the ante in that department by unveiling a handset called the Mate XT, in China, which contains two folds, folding the screen into thirds.
Google scores rare legal win as 1.49bn euro fine scrapped:
Google has won its challenge against a €1.49bn (£1.26bn) fine from the EU for blocking rival online search advertisers. The bloc accused Google of abusing its market dominance by restricting third-party rivals from displaying search ads between 2006 and 2016. Europe’s second-top court ruled the European Commission – which levied the fine – “committed errors in its assessment”. The Commission said it would “reflect on possible next steps”, which could include an appeal to the EU’s top court. Google welcomed the ruling: “We are pleased that the court has recognised errors in the original decision and annulled the fine,” it said in a statement. “We will review the full decision closely,” it added.
Politicians say they can make social media less ‘addictive’. Experts aren’t so sure:
New York just passed a law on “addictive” social media feeds for children, but some researchers are questioning what that actually means. New York Governor Kathy Hochul was clear about her opinion of social media earlier this month, speaking at a press conference to announce the signing of two new state laws designed to protect under-18-year-olds from the dangers the online world. The apps are responsible for transforming “happy-go-lucky kids into teenagers who are depressed”, she said, but according to Hochul, the legislation she signed off on would help. “Today, we save our children,” Hochul said. “Young people across the nation are facing a mental health crisis fuelled by addictive social media feeds.”
TikTok says US ban would have ‘staggering’ impact on free speech:
TikTok argued in court on Monday that a US law – which would see it banned unless it is sold by ByteDance – would have a “staggering” impact on the free speech of its US users. The law was prompted by concerns that US users’ data is vulnerable to exploitation by China’s government. TikTok and ByteDance have repeatedly denied links to the Chinese authorities. The companies sued to block the legislation in early May, calling it unconstitutional and an effective ban on the speech of its 170 million US users.