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Activision Blizzard Unveils Call of Duty League, Partners with Google

By
Ehud Riven
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call of duty

In what could be a turning point in the gaming industry, Activision Blizzard is launching an esports league around Call of Duty. The Call of Duty league has attracted many franchise owners, and they’ve already paid $25 million to be a part of it. In fact, the league will consist of 12 teams and they will start playing in 2020. Millions of people play this game, and the gaming company is putting together this league in order to monetize esports akin to traditional sports leagues. 

Here are some of the important features of Call of Duty League

  • The 12 franchises will represent international cities 
  • Players receive a guaranteed payment of $50,000
  • Each team will have between seven and 10 players
  • They even get retirement and healthcare benefits
  • Housing benefits for players are not part of the offering
  • Franchisees should share 50% of the prize money with the players

Activision Blizzard and Google join hands

The companies entered a long-term and multi-year strategic relationship to bring new player experiences. In effect, the gaming giant will use Google Cloud to host its gaming infrastructure and YouTube will help stream the games worldwide. However, China is the only country excluded from the list. In addition, live broadcasts of Activision Blizzard’s esports leagues and events will be streamed on YouTube. The list includes Call of Duty League, Hearthstone Esports, Overwatch League, etc. 

The company cited many reasons why it chose Google Cloud:

  • Google Cloud has a global footprint and is accessible everywhere, except China
  • It comes with advanced data analytics which will help Activision Blizzard to analyze gaming trends and insight about players. 
  • Google Cloud also has artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities, which makes it easier to enhance interaction between interfaces and players
  • Google’s technical know-how and Activision Blizzard’s gaming experienced will help bring premium network quality-of-service to players
  • Enhanced personalization will make playing games a very enjoyable experience to users

Call of Duty League will benefit from Activision Blizzard’s decision to rope in Google

Certainly, when Activision Blizzard has some mega plans of launching professional esports leagues, it will need the assistance of a company like Google. Call of Duty league may attract millions of users at the same time, and only Google will be able to handle that kind of traffic. Certainly, this venture will bring enhanced experiences to players and improved infrastructure to Activision Blizzard. 

Vine Co-Founder Unveils Byte, a 6-Second Video App

By
Tal Siach
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Byte new 6 seconds video app

Vine’s co-founder Dom Hofmann has unveiled Byte, a 6-second video app that’s now available on Android and iOS. Byte is everything Vine ever was, but ready to take on competitors and emerging giants such as TikTok. TikTok has eerily taken over social media and has pretty much given the jitters to even the likes of Twitter and Facebook. 

In this context, Byte is not only ambitious but quite daring. Yet, the decision to launch Byte is not abrupt but has been in the making for quite some time now. In fact, Dom Hofmann had announced that he was working on Byte way back in 2017. It was in beta until recently and is now available for everyone to use. 

What sets Byte apart from other competing platforms

What makes this application more ambitious and realistic is its business model. It has a proper business model to generate revenue from and is not likely to fizzle out like Vine once did. Byte has collaborated with an unnamed agency to pay content creators, thanks to a partner program. In addition, users can sign up using Google or Apple ID. This video-first application is a great boon to those who prefer the video format. As the preference for short video content is growing tremendously, Byte certainly has an advantage over other social media applications. 

Yet, there are a few things that come to our mind about Byte:

  • Will it be able to generate revenue from the video content as it expects?
  • Will it be able to draw users from TikTok, which is already established?
  • What makes this app different from TikTok, when this too is a video sharing platform?
  • Will content creators be paid on the basis of the quality of content or on the basis of views and traffic?
  • Will advertisements be allowed in order to generate revenue?

How Byte will survive the tide of competition is not clear

These and many other questions are still unanswered. However, it is quite clear that video sharing applications and platforms are very much in demand now. As more people seek out video content, the need for niche video platforms will grow too. However, it is not clear if Byte will be able to generate the kind of revenue and usage that it needs to survive and thrive. 

It’s the 36th Anniversary of Apple’s Macintosh

By
Netta Siach Lindenfeld
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36th Anniversary of Apple's Macintosh

Exactly 36 years ago, Steve Jobs announced the first Macintosh computer to the world, during a time when personal computing was still in infancy. The Mac was announced at Apple’s annual shareholder’s meeting. In other words, it’s the 36th Anniversary of Apple’s Macintosh today. This legendary machine became popular all around the world due to its perceived stylishness, user-friendliness, and accessibility. 

In fact, many had predicted then that the Mac would definitely surpass computers made by other companies. The first model seems like a toy when we compare it with the MacBooks and iMacs of today. Yet, this particular model released on the 24th of January, 1984, set the stage for personal computing as we know it today. 

The Macintosh came with the following features:

  • A 9-inch black and white display that surprisingly seemed beautiful to just stare at
  • An 8MHz Motorola 68000 processor that seems like an antique today
  • 128KB of RAM, which seems crazily absurd when compared with modern processors
  • A 3.5-inch floppy drive that mat youngsters today wouldn’t have seen at all
  • A hefty price of $2,495
  • It was advertised as a graphics package that comes with a mouse

We need to remember that even a mouse was a novelty in those days. In addition, word processing programs were unheard of, and Macintosh truly seemed magical. 

Macintosh maybe expensive even today, but commands a huge market

36th Anniversary of Apple's Macintosh

$2,495 was a very huge price in those days, and that figure would have amounted to $6,000 today. In spite of such a heavy price tag, Apple managed to sell more than 70,000 Macs by May 1984. There is a theory that Apple sold so many devices in such a short period of time due to its 1984 Super Bowl ad. 

Currently, there are 18 million or more Mac machines being used by dedicated Apple fans. Apple’s competitors have all gone out of business, and this company has managed to retain not only its business but also the market share. In the future, Apple may lose this privileged status if it does not fix what ails it. However, with the recent trend of releasing multiple updates in a short span of time, Apple may very well continue to hold sway over its users. 

OnePlus ID Team Releases Images of OnePlus Concept One

By
Jude Cavale
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OnePlus Concept One

OnePlus’ industrial design team revealed a couple of pictures of OnePlus Concept One prototype in a recent interview. The first look at the pictures confirms a few things about the prototype. First, it is truly beautiful and elegant. Second, it seems to be made with style in mind. The transparent electrochromic glass seems to resemble pebble-grain leather in black. There is also a black glass stripe at the back, which might be black carbon fiber. The entire cellphone has only shades of black and dark grey, leading to a monochrome appearance. 

In the interview, Kevin Tao, Industrial Design team, had these things to say about the OnePlus Concept One:

OnePlus Concept One

OnePlus aims to achieve “burdenless design”. The company explains this process as a situation where products are not imposed on users, but rather helps in freeing them. As the phone does not have any awkward parts or poor design elements, unnecessary design aspects are not imposed on the users. 

The company also plans to make invisible cameras an important part of its burdenless philosophy. The idea is to make the back camera as non-intrusive as possible. Kevin also revealed why leather seems to be a better choice for the back design. He elaborated that leather has a premium look and feel to it, and any phone that aims at the luxury market gains for its addition. Leather’s softness also adds to the “burdenless design” of the phone. 

From this interview, there is one thing that is very clear

  • Premium design is slowly moving towards simplicity and minimalism again
  • Carbon fiber seems to be returning after a long gap in premium design concepts
  • Intuitiveness user-friendliness and simplicity are all part of one plus burdenless philosophy
  • Leather seems to be coming back all across design rooms

What the OnePlus Concept One reveal suggests

The interview makes it amply clear that the luxurious design has not gone out of fashion. Premium leather and high-quality materials are still in demand and people will be ready to pay as long as gadgets look good. In addition, smartphone companies such as OnePlus are bringing back minimalism and simplicity to their design policy. OnePlus calls this burdenless design. 

Boston Dynamics Unveils SDK For Spot on GitHub

By
Tomer Friedman
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SDK of Spot

Boston Dynamics has just announced that it has set free the SDK of Spot, its famed robotic dog. Whoever wants to download the SDK can do so via GitHub. It’s a good opportunity for those who are into robotics as a hobby or even as a profession. Whoever has access to the SDK can develop custom applications that allow the spot to perform a number of useful tasks in different industries. 

Until now, the SDK was available only for early adopters. Now, just anyone can access the open-source code and start developing away. If you would like to test your code on a robot, you will still need to be an early adopter. Some developers may wonder why they would need an early adopter’s access anyway. 

Here are the reasons why one still needs early adopter access

  • You can customize how the robot can be controlled
  • Sensor information can be analyzed using data analytics 
  • Custom payloads in order to enhance the capabilities of the robot 
  • Teach sport to do things that it normally can’t do
  • Make it learn things that it is by default not able to

SDK For Spot helps robotics enthusiasts 

A number of people have taken robotics as a hobby and it is quite surprising how quickly it has become geeks’ favorite pastime. However many people were not able to create applications or even learn how to build robotic apps. This was mainly due to the lack of access to the early adopter program. As Boston Dynamics has now unveiled the SDK of sport for everyone, robotics science enthusiasts can simply start building away. 

If you were wondering how to start building applications for spot, here is what you need to do: 

  • Go to GitHub and download the SDK for Spot
  • Identify what you would like to teach Spot
  • Customize your application for Spot
  • Test the application before finalizing it

Building robotic applications is a valuable skill

There is an immense future to robotic devices such as Spot. These devices can be used in industries manufacturing units factories shipping locations and just about everywhere else. In fact, robotics may very well change the way we deliver services to individuals and businesses. Not surprisingly, a lot of people want to get into robotics even as a hobby. And thanks to Boston dynamics, now everybody can. 

Waymo’s Self Driving Minivans to Arrive in Texas and New Mexico

By
Jude Cavale
-

Alphabet has long been working on self-driving minivans and vehicles. Its subsidiary Waymo will now branch out to Texas and New Mexico. This comes after a successful jaunt in Arizona and the metro Phoenix area. Waymo already operates its self-driving Chrysler Pacificas and long-haul semi-trucks. These autonomous vehicles will now spread out to New Mexico and Texas as well and help in the company’s trucking business. Yet, nobody knows what these vehicles will carry and if they will ever be open to the public sometime in the future. 

Waymo’s self-driving minivans may collect navigational data for satellite mapping tools

Insiders believe Waymo will use the minivans to map roads and add information to satellite mapping tools. They also believe these vans will not carry cargo right away, and will instead be manned by experienced truck drivers. People can soon expect these Chrysler Pacifica minivans in cities such as Dallas, El Paso, and Houston. 

Waymo has a lot of opportunities in the trucking business. As deliveries and shipping go skyrocketing thanks to e-commerce, the need for more efficient and safer trucking methods will be a priority. The company’s efforts are a step in the right direction and will help the company to establish itself as a self-driving pioneer. 

Waymo’s efforts are a window to its business strategy in the future

The self-driving pioneer’s goal is to establish itself as a market leader when it comes to self-driving vehicles. However, it has often had to deal with a number of regulations and compliance issues. The safety records of self-driving vehicles are not clearly established and authorities are often concerned about their roadworthiness. There have been instances of self-driving vehicles causing casualties while on the road during testing. 

Waymo has much to prove to skeptics

Waymo needs to prove that its minivans are going to remain safe on the road without causing accidents or injuries. This will ensure that the company has a lot of potential in the future. As the e-commerce industry grows, the need for self-driving trucks will become apparent. In addition, self-driving vehicles can collect valuable information about traffic, GPS locations, and other such information in real-time. 

Meanwhile, Texas and New Mexico residents can look forward to Waymo trucks. They will soon be rolling along their highways without actual drivers. 

WhatsApp Dark Mode is Now Available on Android

By
Ehud Riven
-
WhatsApp Dark Mode

WhatsApp has just announced a dark mode for Android devices but it is only available for developers at the moment. WhatsApp dark mode is highly coveted by users and most people would like to try it out themselves by joining the beta program. However, the beta program is currently full and isn’t available for everyone to join. 

Thankfully, there are workarounds to make sure that everyone can try their hand at WhatsApp dark mode and experience it for themselves. All one needs to do is to download WhatsApp’s beta version via APKMirror. The version number is 2.20.13. 

Here is what one needs to do step by step in order to enable WhatsApp dark mode on their devices:

  1. Open Android’s browser and click the link to version 2.20.13.
  2. Click on the green link and scroll down on the screen that opens up until you see “Download APK”
  3. Once it downloads, locate the file and click on it. Ignore the warning that flashes on your screen. 
  4. Install the APK file and wait for the completion of the installation
  5. Open WhatsApp, and click on the three-dot icon on the upper right of the screen
  6. Click on “Chats” and you will find “Theme”, with three options: Dark, Light or default. 
  7. Click on “Dark” mode

Why dark mode is good for you

The dark mode looks quite beautiful and is a great way to read lengthy texts. In fact, science has shown that dark mode is easier on the eyes, and will not result in eye strain. If you are somebody who reads and sends a lot of text messages and uses your screen for long hours, the dark mode is what you need. Texting for a long time will no longer hurt your eyes, and you can continue to use it in the dark mode just like on other applications. 

A growing number of applications have already moved to the dark mode. Unfortunately, the update is still in beta and it is not clear how long it will take for the dark mode to arrive for the public. Until then, you can use this workaround to get read WhatsApp messages on a darkened screen. 

Apple Releases iOS 13.3.1 beta 3 and iPadOS 13.3.1 beta 3

By
Jude Cavale
-
13.3.1 beta 3

Earlier today, Apple released iOS 13.3.1 beta 3 and iPadOS 13.3.1 beta 3 for iPhone and iPad respectively. As the software updates are in the beta, they’re only meant for developers and those who want to test Apple’s new software. 

Apple has released the third beta just a week after the second. This update fixes a number of bugs and comes with performance enhancements for both iPhone and iPad. There are multiple reasons why Apple is launching these updates so frequently. 

Apple’s reason for launching iOS 13.3.1 beta 3

Many people had complained that iOS has a number of security problems. In addition, location tracking posed privacy issues when the ultra wideband chip was being used. Even when the location services were turned off, they were being tracked. The new update will likely fix this issue and developers will be able to test it on all their applications. The company will finally unveil it to the public sometime later next month. Other than this, this new update does not come with any new features that are worthy of mentioning. 

Apple is trying to please both investors and customers lately

What does come to one’s mind is how frequently Apple has begun to release updates. A couple of years ago Apple only launched major updates every few months apart. Now, the frequency has increased to less than a few weeks far and in between. Apple is under tremendous pressure from its investors to play catch up with respect to bringing new features and updates. 

This is also one of the reasons why the company may launch an affordable iPhone sometime next month. Apple is most certainly looking at iPhone SE as a tool to make its investors happy. The increased frequency of launching updates and allowing developers to test out bugs and performance issues during the beta launches are an indication of trying to please investors. Apple is also trying very hard to get more customers. It not only has Samsung as a competitor, it even has to compete with Huawei, OnePlus, and other Asian brands. 

Certainly, Apple is playing smart and its strategy is likely to work quite well. 

Apple May Launch a Low-Cost iPhone in March

By
Tal Siach
-
a silver iphone by apple

Apple is likely to launch a low-cost iPhone model in March, while production will begin in February. The new phone will likely be modeled on the iPhone 8 and will come with the same 4.7-inch frame. It will also feature Touch ID on the home button. However, it will sport A13 Bionic chip, which is what is used in iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro max.

The phone will not be priced at more than $399, which makes it very affordable and very unlike-Apple. However, one needs to remember that this phone will probably be branded as the successor of iPhone SE. Apple is probably targeting a very different crowd this time. It usually implements premium pricing in order to generate a higher rate of revenue.

Apple’s low-cost iPhone reveals the company’s strategy

This foray into the affordable smartphone market raises many questions about Apple’s insecurities. Apple’s devices have already become quite common in much of the Western world and are slowly being replaced by pricier models from Asia, usually manufactured by Huawei and OnePlus. In fact, Apple’s old rival Samsung has begun to feel the pinch itself. What is quite clear is, just adding features and advanced chips are unlikely to help phone manufacturers.

What might help is a rebranding, and that is exactly what Apple is doing, Instead of limiting itself to a premium market, it has decided to enter the mid-range segment as well. In all likelihood, the low-cost phone will end most other mid-range phones in the market. As Apple’s ecosystem is quite addictive and protective, most of the users who purchase the lo-cost iPhone will upgrade to a different model in the coming years.

Apple is playing very smart this time

At the moment, Apple has neither confirmed or denied these reports. However, many insiders have long pointed at a new phone being announced in March. It looks like this is the phone that everyone has been waiting for. In short, Apple needs to crack into a tough market where mid-range phones dominate. This low-cost phone will give Apple an opportunity to do so, and thus get more people to be locked into its ecosystem.

UN Calls for an Investigation After Jeff Bezos Phone Got Hacked

By
Tomer Friedman
-

Earlier today, it was reported that Jeff Bezos’s phone was hacked via a WhatsApp message. The malicious file was probably sent via the message, which in turn downloaded large amounts of data from Bezos’ phone onto the author’s device. The message was sent by none other than Mohammed Bin Salman, the crown prince of Saudi Arabia.

Mohammed Bin Salman denies Jeff Bezos’ phone was hacked by him

However, he denied having hacked Jeff Bezo’s phone later on. The two had reportedly been speaking and were on friendly terms. It shouldn’t be a surprise that Jeff trusted the sender enough to open the infected file. It shouldn’t be surprising to anybody that the infected file was a video. Videos are some of the most common files on WhatsApp and other chat messengers. They are also most likely to act as carriers of malware.

UN calls for an intensive investigation into the hacking attempt

 There is, of course, a very dark history behind this recent finding. The hacking took place in 2018 when Bezos had expressed his discomfort over Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi’s murder. Amazon’s CEO had always suspected Saudi Arabia’s hand in the hacking attempt, as many of his personal details were linked in major newspapers. For instance, National Enquirer leaked Bezos’ extramarital affair sometimes when the phone was purportedly hacked.

The matter has now escalated so much that even the United Nations has called for an investigation into the hacking. UN experts believe the Saudi prince hacked Bezos’ phone in order to silence The Washington Post’s reporting on Khashoggi’s murder. The forensic analysis clearly points towards the Saudi prince’s involvement, but his officials have brushed away the accusation as being nonsensical. The matter has riled foreign governments, UN officials, and CEOs of major tech companies.

Saudi Arabia denies all accusations and calls them bizarre

The Saudi Embassy tweeted just a while ago that accusations linking the Saudi Kingdom to the hacking of Bezos’ phone are absurd. The account went as far as to call for an investigation. However, the investigations already seem to have taken place, and the forensic evidence clearly places the responsibility on the crown prince. This is a developing story and will raise many questions about security.

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