Microsoft Outage: A few days back, Microsoft Windows crashed with a Blue Screen of Death (BSoD) error creating mayhem globally. This global outage has impacted approximately all the major sectors, including the financial sector (stock market, banks, and NBFCs), public transport, aviation, corporations, media broadcasting, and hospitality.  Now, Microsoft has warned that outages similar to the recent CrowdStrike incident could happen again in the future, and the company might not be able to prevent them. The company even has a reason for this bold and scary claim, as it blames the European Commission for making a rule that allows third-party vendors to get full kernel access to the operating system (OS).  This incident has also raised concerns about the tech community’s heavy reliance on Microsoft and its applications and services in various federal activities. It is important to note that  911 services in various regions had to be operated manually as live tracking facilities, that were Microsoft-dependent, were stalled due to the outage.  New Hacking Trick:  According to reports, there is a file online pretending to be a ‘CrowdStrike fix,’ but it’s actually malware. This malware lets hackers take over your computer and steal your personal information and data. Why Apple Was Unaffected? The outage hasn’t impacted Apple users because Apple doesn’t give third-party vendors that level of access. This means Microsoft needs to manage its systems more carefully to prevent these kinds of attacks. Adding further, the update problem has created a new issue for billions of PC users, who are now warned about hackers targeting their systems. What is CrowdStrike And Blue Screen Of Death Error?  CrowdStrike is a global security software provider, serving numerous Fortune 500 companies, including major banks, healthcare, and energy firms. Affected systems often display the Blue Screen of Death and fail to restart properly. Founded in 2011 and based in Austin, Texas, CrowdStrike operates in over 170 countries and employed more than 7,900 people as of January.  On the other hand, the Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) appears when the Windows operating system encounters a critical error and crashes. While the BSOD signifies that Windows has reached an unstable state and can’t continue running safely, it is frequently triggered by relatively minor issues that can be resolved easily.  

New Delhi: Google has announced the official launch date of the Google Pixel 9 series during its Made by Google event, which is scheduled to begin on August 13 at 10:30 PM in India. The series includes the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro Fold. The company is expected to shed more light on the AI features powered by Gemini on these smartphones. Moreover, Google is likely to launch the Google Pixel Watch 3 and Pixel Buds Pro 2 on the same date. Notably, the tech giant is rolling out its new range of products before the Apple iPhone 16 series. It is important to note that Google may offer Pixel Satellite SOS for free for two years. Samsung modems and memory chips are expected to be used in the Pixel 9 series. A foldable phone built for the Gemini era. Out with the old. In with the Fold. Learn more and sign up for #MadeByGoogle updates: https://t.co/7zTWktAvWk pic.twitter.com/UZDudLiUWB — Made by Google (@madebygoogle) July 18, 2024 Adding further, the company has released a Pixel 9 Pro video on the Made by Google YouTube page. The video has confirmed about 22 new features in the Google Pixel 9 Pro across various departments such as Gemini, camera, calling, and more. Here Are 22 Features Of Google Pixel 9 Pro: Wishing your photo had more scenery Forgetting the movie your friend recommended Forgetting the show your friend recommended Forgetting what restaurant your friend liked The sky not being right Screening calls yourself Photobombers Phone calls where you can barely hear the other person Concert videos that look too far away Your toddler looking everywhere except the camera Scrubbing videos for answers Gatekeeping So many emails. So little time. Half the family looking at the camera Not capturing the right moment Spending hours on hold The same old memes Lost in translation Awkward photo requests to strangers Mom never being in the picture Blurry photos Writer’s block Notably, the Google Pixel 9 series may offer one year of free access to Gemini Advanced.

New Delhi: The homegrown brand Noise has launched the Noise ColorFit Pulse 4 Max smartwatch in the Indian market after launching the Noise ColorFit Pulse 4 in April. The smart wearable comes in Calm Silver Link, Blue, and Black Link colour options.  The smartwatch is equipped with AI Create to create AI-based watch faces.   Noise ColorFit Pulse 4 Max Price And Availability:  The smartwatch is priced at Rs 2,499 for Indian consumers. However, if pre-booked for Rs 299, it can be availed at a special price of Rs 1,999. It will be available for purchase on the company’s official website, Flipkart, and Amazon.  Noise ColorFit Pulse 4 Max Specifications:  The smartwatch boasts a 1.96-inch AMOLED squarish always-on display, which is larger than the 1.85-inch display on the Noise ColorFit Pulse 4. It includes a functional crown and over 100 watch faces. The Noise ColorFit Pulse 4 Max features TruSync, Bluetooth v5.3 connectivity, and a voice command option. Users can save up to 10 contacts and access recent calls. With over 100 sports modes, it helps users stay fit and active. The watch includes an AI Create feature for creating AI-based watch faces and an AI Search feature, allowing users to find answers to their queries within seconds without touching the display. It offers up to 7 days of battery life on a single charge and has an IP68 rating, making it dustproof and capable of being submerged in water up to 1.5 meters deep for up to 30 minutes without damage. Notably, there are several smartwatches available in the market to compete with the Noise ColorFit Pulse 4 Max. The alternatives include Fire-Boltt Combat and Redmi Watch 3 Active under Rs 2,500 in India. 

Instagram New Feature: Meta-owned photos and video-sharing platform Instagram has launched a new multi-audio tracks feature for Reels. This feature allows users to add up to 20 audio tracks or songs to a single reel and visually align audio with elements like text, stickers, and clips while editing in the app.  The new multi-audio track feature will enhance the creative potential of their content and is now rolling out across the globe and has already started appearing in India. It also provides flexibility in pairing the right tracks with the right clips, enabling more personalized content creation.  Moreover, the feature also includes a fade effect for overlapping audio clips, ensuring smooth transitions within the content.  How To Use Multi-Audio Track Feature On Instagram Reels? Update the Instagram App:  Ensure the latest Instagram app version is installed by checking for updates in the App Store or Google Play Store to access the newest features and improvements. Open Instagram’s Video Editor: Open Instagram, start a new Reel or edit an existing one, and find the “Add to Mix” option to access the video editor for further customization. Select and Customize Tracks:  Choose the desired music tracks for your video on Instagram and customize the audio mix by selecting specific sections of the tracks to match your preferences. Publish and Share Your Reel:  Once satisfied with the audio mix and video content, publish your Reel so other users can utilize the chosen track in their videos. 

New Delhi: Mutual fund industry AMFI on Saturday said the outage in Microsoft services impacted five asset management companies, which reported disruptions to some important functions but the issues were resolved during the day. A widespread Microsoft outage disrupted flights, banks, media outlets and companies around the world on Friday. A new CrowdStrike (cybersecurity software firm) update was cited as the cause of the outage, which impacted Windows-based desktops and laptops. In a statement on Saturday, the Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI), said that all the asset management companies (AMCs), their Mutual Funds and Registrar and Transfer Agents (RTAs) functioned without any impact. “Out of the 44 AMCs, there were 5 AMCs who reported disruptions to some important functions, which were resolved during the day and did not have any material impact on operations,” it added. Overall, the Indian mutual funds industry did not witness any significant impact on daily activities, the AMFI noted. On Friday, Edelweiss Mutual Fund on X (formerly known as Twitter) stated that they experienced login issues on their website due to a Microsoft outage. Besides, several traders in India faced operational disruption on Friday as a global service outage of Microsoft systems affected many brokerages, including 5paisa, IIFL Securities, Motilal Oswal and Angel One. Some brokerages later stated that their systems were restored. The glitch affected not only broking firms but also disrupted airline operations. Adding further, the outage impacted 10 banks and NBFCs, causing minor disruptions that were either resolved or in the process of being resolved. However, stock exchanges and financial institutions largely remained unaffected by the tech glitch. 

New Delhi: Flipkart, the e-commerce platform owned by Walmart has announced its Greatest of All Time (GOAT) sale for 5 days. Shoppers can find a wide range if deals and discounts on smartphones, TVs, home and kitchen appliances and accessories. When does the Flipkart G.O.A.T. (Greatest of All Time) sale 2024 start? The Flipkart G.O.A.T. (Greatest of All Time) sale 2024 is scheduled in India from tomorrow, July 20 and will run through July 25. Flipkart will start sharing more details about the sale offers today at 6 pm.  ANNOUNCING the Flipkart G.O.A.T Sale!  Get ready for Flipkart’s Greatest Of All Time G.O.A.T. Sale! Watch our superstar goats reveal the epic deals and steals. Don’t miss out – G.O.A.T bano bakra nahi !   pic.twitter.com/qDBo2GYjVA — Flipkart (@Flipkart) July 11, 2024 Will Flipkart Plus members get early access to the sale offers? Flipkart Plus members will get early access to sale offers starting today, July 19. Meanwhile, Amazon’s Prime Day sale will run from July 20-21. During the Flipkart sale, buyers can enjoy an instant discount of 10% up to Rs 5,000 when using credit cards from Axis Bank, HDFC Bank, and IDFC First Bank. Deals on Top Smartphones During Flipkart’s GOAT Sale During the Flipkart GOAT Sale there are some exciting smartphone deals to check out. You can grab the iPhone 14 Plus for Rs 53,999, the Google Pixel 7 for Rs 32,999, and the Motorola Edge 50 Pro for Rs 27,999. The Poco X6 Pro will be available for up to Rs 22,999. Furthermore, the Google Pixel 8, originally priced at Rs 75,999 will be offered at Rs 47,999. The Vivo T2 Pro 5G will be reduced to Rs 20,999 from Rs 26,999, and the Realme P1 5G will be available for Rs 14,999, down by Rs 1,000. Newly launched, the CMF Phone 1 will be on sale today at an effective price of Rs 14,999 with bank offers. Also, the Poco M6 Pro will start at Rs 8,999.

New Delhi: Bumble, a popular dating app is taking a stand against deceptive profiles with a new feature that allows users to report AI-generated photos. The new feature lets users report profiles they suspect are using AI-generated photos. This initiative is designed to ensure genuine connections and protect users from being deceived by digitally created images. A survey conducted by Bumble revealed that 71 per cent of Gen Z and Millennial respondents believe AI should be used only to a limited extent for profile pictures and bios. Here’s how to report a profile: Step 1: Open the profile you want to report. Step 2: Tap the three dots (…) in the top right corner. Step 3: Select “Report.” Step 4: Choose “Fake profile,” then “Using AI-generated photos or videos.” Step 5: Optionally, provide any additional details. Step 6: Submit your report. However, Bumble’s new update isn’t their first time using AI to improve customer services. Previously, the dating app introduced several features to benefit users including a tool that identifies fake profiles before they reach others, a tool that blurs potential nude images and a feature that analyzes your preferences to show you potential matches. “An essential part of creating a space to build meaningful connections is removing any element that is misleading or dangerous. We are committed to continually improving our technology to ensure that Bumble is a safe and trusted dating environment. By introducing this new reporting option, we can better understand how bad actors and fake profiles are using AI disingenuously, so our community feels confident in making connections.” Risa Stein, VP, product, Bumble, said. 

New Delhi: Tesla and Space X CEO Elon Musk has retweeted a post today on X (formerly Twitter) showcasing how to mute unwanted words on social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter). The retweet from the tech giant comes amidst ongoing discussions about online toxicity and mental health.  By highlighting the mute function, Elon Musk may be suggesting a way for users to handle negativity on the social media platform. While some users view this as a positive move toward a more civil online environment, others raise concerns about its possible implications for free speech. How to mute posts with words you find annoying https://t.co/1KuP7I8GbC — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) July 16, 2024 Here’s How To Mute Posts With Words You Find Annoying On X  Step 1: Open the Settings menu on your device. Step 2: Navigate to the Privacy section. Step 3: Select Mute & Block from the available options. Step 4: Choose Muted Words to manage and add the words you want to mute. Here’s How Netizen Reacts To Musk Retweet- Grok won’t mute any words. It’s truth seeking and ingests all! pic.twitter.com/mGsKWcSUBb — Nuke (@CryptonianNuke) July 16, 2024 It’s a great way to filter out the engagement farming! pic.twitter.com/qz7XkTrkra — cerwinlive (@cerwinliveIG) July 16, 2024 One word you will never mute : Dream pic.twitter.com/BLSY4XTlgF — 12$andDream (@12dollars1dream) July 16, 2024 This is an amazing feature! thank you for adding it. We now have the power to remove any word or topic that we find toxic. Mold and shape your timeline with only content that is informative, constructive and uplift your spirit to become a better person and have a better life.… — Fabs (@itsonlyfabs) July 17, 2024 I need to mute all words used by legacy media pic.twitter.com/LLdNbcZNkT — Logician (@SpaceX69_420) July 16, 2024

Bengaluru: A highly technical Android malware campaign by Vietnamese hackers is targeting Indian users through fake traffic e-challan messages on WhatsApp, according to a report on Wednesday.  Researchers from CloudSEK, a cybersecurity firm, identified the malware as part of the Wromba family. It has infected more than 4,400 devices and led to fraudulent transactions exceeding Rs. 16 lakh by just one scam operator, they said. “Vietnamese threat actors are targeting Indian users by sharing malicious mobile apps on the pretext of issuing vehicle challan on WhatsApp,” said Vikas Kundu, Threat Researcher, CloudSEK. Scammers are sending fake e-challan messages impersonating the Parivahan Sewa or Karnataka Police and tricking people into installing a malicious app. The app steals personal information and also facilitates financial fraud. Clicking the link within the WhatsApp message would lead to the download of a malicious APK disguised as a legitimate application. Once installed, the malware requested excessive permissions, including access to contacts, phone calls, SMS messages, and the ability to become the default messaging app. It then intercepts OTPs and other sensitive messages, which enables attackers to log in to victims’ e-commerce accounts, purchase gift cards, and redeem them without leaving a trace. Kundu explained that once the app gets installed, it extracts all the contacts to scam more users. Further, all the SMSes will be “forwarded to the threat actors thus allowing them to log in to various e-commerce and financial apps of the victim,” he added. Using proxy IPs, the attackers avoid detection and maintain a low transaction profile. Using the malware, attackers have accessed 271 unique gift cards, conducting transactions worth Rs 16,31,000, according to the report. Gujarat has been identified as the most affected region, followed by Karnataka. To protect against such malware threats CloudSEK urged users to stay vigilant and adopt security best practices installing apps only from trusted sources like Google Play Store; limiting app permissions and regularly reviewing them, maintaining updated systems, and enabling alerts for banking and sensitive services.

New Delhi: Meta-owned messaging platform WhatsApp has introduced a revamped calling interface for iPhone users with a bottom calling bar to enhance user experience and streamline the app’s visual design, according to WABetaInfo reports. This update will gradually be rolled out to all iOS users in the coming weeks. Apart from this, WhatsApp is also reportedly rolling out an AI Studio feature with additional chatbots. It is available to some beta testers.  WhatsApp beta for Android 2.24.15.10: what’s new? WhatsApp is rolling out an AI Studio feature with additional chatbots, and it’s available to some beta testers! Some users may experiment with this feature by installing certain previous updates.https://t.co/Pp6AEWztmn pic.twitter.com/fSJEee5M6J — WABetaInfo (@WABetaInfo) July 15, 2024 In the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.24.12.14 update, the company introduced several enhancements to modernize the app’s calling screen. These updates feature an improved bottom calling bar, larger profile photos, and an overall contemporary design, all aimed at making the interface more visually appealing and user-friendly. Now a similar update has been rolled out on WhatsApp version 24.14.78 on the App Store for iOS.   WhatsApp for iOS 24.14.78: what’s new? WhatsApp is widely rolling out a new interface for the bottom calling bar to everyone!https://t.co/uFbCDOB35Z pic.twitter.com/yOP7r3xNea — WABetaInfo (@WABetaInfo) July 14, 2024 Adding further, WhatsApp users will find it easier to recognize who’s calling thanks to the larger profile photos. The instant messaging app has also revamped the top section of the calling screen by introducing a semi-transparent background, enhancing button visibility and simplifying navigation during calls. These updates are a part of WhatsApp’s efforts to improve the aesthetics of its interface while enhancing the user experience. iPhone users are encouraged to update their WhatsApp app to the latest version to ensure they can take advantage of this and other upcoming feature improvements.  Earlier, WhatsApp released a new update for both Android and iOS users. This update enables users to forward photos with captions and improves the poll functionality. It is available for download from the Google Play Store and Apple App Store.