Instagram Ready To Do The Bare Minimum to Protect Teen Health

Facebook and Instagram have been making headlines ever since the company came under fire for knowing exactly how its products harm teens. After leaked documents were released to The Wall Street Journal, the US Senate summoned Facebook for a hearing titled ‘Protecting Kids Online’, to understand exactly what can be done to counter the negative impacts of social media. Now, in a move that feels like the bare-minimum, Instagram has announced that it will introduce a feature that nudges teens away from harmful content, while prompting them to take a break. The company will call this feature, ‘Nudge’.

How will the Instagram Nudge work?

Facebook’s Vice President of Global Affairs, Nick Clegg, told CNN "We're going to introduce something which I think will make a considerable difference, which is where our systems see that the teenager is looking at the same content over and over again and it's content which may not be conducive to their well-being, we will nudge them to look at other content." 

He also added, "we're introducing something called, 'take a break,' where we will be prompting teens to just simply just take a break from using Instagram." 

Is this the bare minimum?

Based on Clegg’s comments, one can surmise that this feature is currently in development, with developers identifying and designing parameters to help teens avoid harmful content. However, one could argue that the subjective nature of the term increases the scope for children to fall through the system’s cracks. Barring content with obvious red flags, it is unclear how developers will identify content that’s harming the psyche of a teen, especially when you consider that something as basic as looking at an advertisement online can also inspire eating disorders in those who are prone to them. 

The addictive nature of social media is pretty evident. As such, a simple prompt asking users to ‘take a break’ may be effective for momentary pauses from scrolling, but may not be sufficient enough to actually combat issues like social media dependency. This prompt is akin to Twitter’s new prompt (discussed here). People may take note of the reminder the first few times, but might eventually be desensitised and ignore the same.

While brainstorming measures to protect teens is of paramount importance, it’s equally important for these social media platforms to proactively think of measures that have lasting effects.

Also Read: How to Download Instagram Reel Videos and save them on your Mobile

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Heres how you can disable the new Firefox ads in the address bar

As if we aren’t being bombarded by enough ads on a daily basis, Firefox has decided to up the number via a new update that lets it display ads in the address bar. This means that you can see ads while you’re conducting any searches while using the browser. With this new update, the browser will show content from content partners while also displaying search suggestions and results. This new feature is called Firefox Suggest.

What is Firefox Suggest?

Firefox has offered information about Firefox Suggest on the support page so that users know exactly how to leverage the feature. Firefox says that this is a "feature that serves as a trustworthy guide to the better Web, surfacing relevant information and sites to help you accomplish your goals." These relevant suggestions come "from trusted partners based on what you're searching for." 

Firefox Suggest is not an automatically enabled feature - users can elect to enable it once the browser sends them a pop-up message asking whether they want to use the feature. All you need to do is click “Allow suggestions” for it to start working.

Will you see sponsored content?

Yes. 

Firefox will show you content from its sponsors through adMarketplace and will show you results based on the same. Sponsored links will be displayed at the end of the search bar. 

How to disable Firefox Suggest? You can easily disable Firefox Suggest by. Clicking the Menu button in the Firefox browser Clicking Settings > Privacy and Security. Scrolling the Address Bar options and heading to Firefox Suggest section Selecting or deselecting the checkbox next to Contextual suggestions.

 Also Read: Alternatives to banned app UC Browser for mobile browsing

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AirPods Rolls Out Conversation Boost to help those with hearing issues

Apple had announced its new range of accessibility features during WWDC 2021, and one of these included the new Conversation Boost feature. This feature isolates the voice of the person in front of you, and amplifies it while also reducing ambient noise. As a result, you will be able to hear the person you’re speaking to more clearly. As you can imagine, this feature is specifically targeted towards those with minor hearing problems. 

How can Apple’s Conversation Boost help people?

Apple’s new Conversation Boost feature is meant to help people with minor hearing problems, as well as those who find it hard to hear when there are a lot of ambient noises. Once the firmware 4A4800 is released, users will be able to not only switch on this new feature, but will also be able to customise the settings through sliders on their iPhones. These sliders will let you change the tone, level of ambient noise, and sound balance to suit your specific needs. 

Other Airpod features that will be launched soon

During the WWDC2021, Apple had also revealed a few other Airpod features that should enhance user experience, particularly for the differently-abled community. While the Airpods already support a feature that allows Siri to read out notifications, they will soon be able to accommodate a large range of apps and convert their content into audio. For instance, you can enable Siri to read out your grocery list when you reach the grocery store. Based on the way you use your iPhone, you can select which apps are integrated with Siri so that you can hear them whenever there’s something new.

Additionally, Apple also announced that they are enhancing the FInd My Airpods feature to ensure fewer people lose them. An AirTag-like feature will let you know if you are near the device, while the AirPods will also send separation alerts to your smartphone to let you know if you’re about to leave home without them.

This should go a long way in helping not only the different;y-abled community, but also the elder community across the world.

Also Read: EU proposes new mandatory Type-C port law on electronic device, Apple likely most affected

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Following Pranks, Netflix Will Now Edit Phone Numbers out of Squid Game

Popular Korean drama Squid Game will now be edited to remove phone numbers from the show. The OTT platform did not realise that the numbers shown in the show led to actual people. What followed the airing of the show was a series of prank calls made to these numbers. 

Unfortunate Guy Recieves A Barrage of Prank Calls

Squid Game’s trailer, as well as certain scenes from the show itself, depicts a card with a phone number on it. While the producer’s of the show did not realise that this was a complete number, fans of the show were quick to jot it down and start making phone calls. A man who chooses to remain unidentified claimed to be the owner of the number and has said that he’s been receiving prank calls ever since the show became a hit. Additionally, multiple other people have also come forward saying they’ve been receiving phone calls from fans of the show.

What is Squid Game about?

Squid Game is a Korean Drama that has shot to fame as it details the journey of a few players stuck in a sadistic game. That’s really all we can say without giving spoilers. This is the first Korean Show to sit on the number one spot in the US, as far as Netflix’s charts are concerned. Now, Netflix is going to edit out all phone numbers in the show so that fans can stop calling the poor individuals at the other end. 

Also Read: Netflix finally rolls out its Spatial Audio feature for the iPad and iPhone

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Stable Android 12 build Finally Released by Google

Android 12 was announced during I/O 2021, however, it’s been a while since then and we’ve only seen a few work-in-progress updates so far. If you’ve been waiting for the update though, here’s some good news - Google has finally announced the release of Android 12. The Android 12 build has been released for the Android Open Source Project. Google Pixel phones, on the other hand, are yet to receive the update, and it isn’t clear when that’ll be.

About the Android 12 update

The Android 12 will be released to Google Pixel phones like the Google Pixel 3, Pixel 3A, Pixel 4, Pixel 4A, Pixel 4A 5G, Pixel 5, and Pixel 5A smartphones. Additionally, Google’s newer offerings, the Google Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro will have the new Android 12 preinstalled out of the box. A host of other brands such as Samsung, OnePlus, Oppo, Xiaomi, Realme, Tecno, and Vivo have revealed that their newer offerings will come with the Android 12 OS in 2021.

“We’re putting the finishing touches on a special release with Pixel-exclusive and Pixel-first experiences on Android 12. This will roll out to Pixel users in the next few weeks,” a Google spokesperson told Android Central.

One of the biggest differences to note in the Android 12 OS is the implementation of the Material You design in all its apps and overall aesthetic. The Android 12 OS will also feature a privacy dashboard, along with camera and microphone indicators and allegedly boost the overall performance of your smartphone. 

Also Read: OnePlus TV 40Y1 40-inch TV running Android TV launched priced at Rs 21,999

Video Source: Android Developers

 

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The Windows 11 Update is rolling out for all users today

The Windows 11 Update will roll out for all compatible devices starting tomorrow. The beta version of this OS has been available to WIndows Insider users for a while, and they can also access the final build. This update will bring a more intuitive navigation along with a host of apps that should enhance one’s user experience. 

More about the Windows 11 Update

Microsoft has revealed that the Windows 11 OS is built on the foundations of WIndows 10 will work efficiently on touchscreen and non-touchscreen devices that are compatible with the OS. The Windows 11 taskbar is said to resemble that of the Mac, and the windows, menus and pop-ups will all have rounded edges. 

How to check whether your device is compatible with Windows 11?

If your device is compatible with Windows 10, the chances of it being compatible with Windows 11 are quite high. You can download the Microsoft Health App to run basic diagnostics on your machine and check whether it truly is compatible.

Microsoft has released a list of basic system requirements needed to support Windows 11. These are 1Ghz processor, 4GB of RAM, 64GB available storage, graphic card that supports DirectX 12, Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0,  and 720p resolution display. The company has also said that devices running Windows 10, version 20H1 or later, will have the best upgrade experience. 

Windows updates are generally quite stable but it never hurts to backup your data before initiating the update. You can set up your Microsoft account to transfer files and can also create a recovery drive to prevent the loss of data. 

Also Read: Windows 11 tips and tricks: 13 cool features you should know about

 

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Best plans under Rs 1000 from Vi,Jio and Airtel to help you watch the IPL live

Streaming service provider Disney+Hotstar updated its subscription plans which now start at ₹499. Following this change Airtel, Jio and Vi upgraded their prepaid plans that come along with Disney+Hotstar subscription.

Jio's Disney+Hotstar plans

The Reliance Jio plan starts at Rs 499 This comes with a validity of 28 days and offers a one-year Disney+Hotstar subscription. This is a VFM plan considering the fact that the Disney+Hotstar subscription separately costs ₹499. The next plan is priced at ₹ 666 and offers 56 days validity and one-year Disney+Hotstar benefits. After this, the company offers a plan priced at ₹888 that comes with a validity of 84 days and 2 GB of data. Finally, there is an annual plan with one-year Disney+Hotstar subscription which will give 365 days validity and 2GB daily data priced at ₹ 2599. All the plans mentioned here also offer unlimited calling and 100 SMS per day. 

Also read:Jio revises three of its Disney+Hotstar Prepaid plans to now offer 10 GB of extra data

 

Airtel Disney+Hotstar plans

Airtel Disney+Hotstar plans are priced at ₹499 ₹699 and ₹2798. These plans offer 3GB daily data and have a validity of 28 days 56 days and 365 days respectively. These plans also give access to unlimited calling as well as 100 SMS per day. These plans will also give access to Amazon Prime video Mobile Edition so mobile users will have access to Disney+Hotstar as well as Amazon Prime.

Vodafone idea plans with Disney+Hotstar benefits

 

Vi also upgraded its prepaid plans under Rs 1000, Plans start at ₹ 501 which comes with 28 days validity and offers 3 GB daily data with unlimited calls and 100 SMS. The next plan is priced at ₹ 701 this offers 3 GB daily data,56 days validity with Unlimited calling and 100 SMS. The third plan is ₹ 901 which offers 84 days validity with 100 SMS and Unlimited calls. Apart from access to Disney+Hotstar these plans from Vi also come with access to binge all night, Weekend data rollover and Vi movies and TV benefits. Vodafone Idea also offers an annual plan priced at ₹ 2595 which comes with 1-year Disney+Hotstar subscription and has access to Vi Movies and TV.

Also read: Airtel Rs 349 Plan gives 28 days Amazon Prime benefit: Check similar plans from Vi and Jio

Streaming services like Disney+Hotstar Netflix are attracting more subscribers due to the ongoing pandemic situation. This also helps telecom companies add more customers by providing free subscriptions to these services.

Disclaimer: This article has been authored by a member of our Digit Squad community.

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CBSE result: In a first, Board to deploy new Blockchain technology

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and the Center of Excellence for Blockchain Technologies of the National Informatics Center will use "blockchain technology" systems. This will monitor the outcomes of the CBSE results. Blockchain Technology aims to guarantee that documents become safe by preventing them from being manipulated.

According to the CBSE statement, in the academic year 2019-2021, the board made the certificates of classes 10 and 12 accessible digitally signed. In the following months, the credentials of the preceding year will be available. As soon as CBSE issues fresh certificates, digitally signed certificates will be transmitted to the BlockChain system. This will establish a secure connection to the blockchain system and will help in monitoring the documents.

What does the CBSE have to say about this matter?

According to CBSE Director of Information and Technology Antriksh Johri, "The CBSE blockchain has been fully deployed by CBSE for CBSE results. Previously, we spoke about the usage of AI and machine learning in affiliation systems, and how they complement one another. To maintain immutability and traceability, the data is encrypted and then stored in a single place."

For students who want to continue their education or find work, this will be a valuable resource, Johri added. CBSE collaborated with the National Informatics Centre, part of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, and the National Informatics Center's Centre of Excellence for Blockchain Technology to create the 'Academic Documents' initiative.

 

How will CBSE Blockchain technology record the data?

The data recorded in a distributed ledger generated using blockchain technology is owned by all transaction participants. The distributed network's CBSE Blockchain nodes must agree on which data should be collected and replicated. This removes the need for third-party verification of information.

All content from 2019 onward has been added, and the rest will be released in the next weeks and months. CBSE created "Parinam Manjusha," the first academic repository established by a school.

Academic blockchain documents, which may include admission to higher education and job offers from businesses, may be used for a variety of purposes. Banks and financial institutions can use this method to provide educational loans and merit-based scholarships to deserving students. It is possible to verify the authenticity of certificates even after years.

Disclaimer: This article has been authored by a member of our Digit Squad community.

 

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Ethereum-Based NFT CryptoPunks hits 1 billion in lifetime sales

CryptoPunks hits the $1 billion mark

CryptoPunks is a collection of 10,000 unique collectable characters with proof of ownership stored on the Ethereum blockchain. According to the NFT aggregation site CryptoSlam.io, CryptoPunks has become the second Ethereum – based NFT (non – fungible token) project to hit $1 billion (roughly ₹ 7,400 crores) in lifetime sales. With $637 million (roughly ₹ 4,700 crores) came in the last 4 weeks. In the last 7 days, CryptoPunks topped the chart with sales of over $408 million (roughly ₹ 3,000 crores). CryptoPunks achieved this historical milestone on August 28, 2021.

CryptoPunks becomes the second NFT to hit the milestone

CryptoPunks now ranks only second to Axie Infinity in achieving this historical milestone. Axie Infinity was the Ethereum-based NFT to hit the $1 billion mark on August 8, 2021. Axie Infinity leads the chart with lifetime sales of over $ 1.65 billion (roughly ₹ 12,100 crores). CryptoPunks ranks with lifetime sales of over $ 1.16 billion (roughly ₹ 8,500 crores). 

CryptoPunks is an Ethereum-based NFT

In the world of cryptocurrencies, NFT stands for Non – Fungible Token. It is the unit of data stored on a digital ledger, called a blockchain. The recording of data also acts as proof of ownership. Every data stored on a blockchain is unique. No two data elements are the same. 

CryptoPunks was created by Larva Labs, a software company run by Matt Hall and John Watkinson. Initially, the company created 10,000 punks. According to a report published on CryptoSlate, each Punk is a 24×24 8-bit styled pixel art image that is algorithmically generated to be unique. Matt and John kept 1,000 punks each, and the rest were quickly claimed by Ethereum wallet users. According to Larva Labs, people can buy them from the marketplace that is embedded on the blockchain. 

At the time of writing this article, 1 Ether is trading at ₹ 2,60,000.

 

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