TikTok downloads surge following its reinstatement on app stores in India: Reports

Just two days after it was back on Google Play and App Store in India, TikTok is on its way to become one of the most downloaded smartphone apps, in the country again. According to a report by mobile data and analytics company App Annie, when the app was restored after week-long removal from app stores on April 30, it was the 90th most downloaded app on the Google Play Store in India and the 13th among the category of “social” apps. On May 1, it had become the 15th most downloaded application in India, and the 4th most among social apps.

As per the latest data by the same source, TikTok climbed three spots and has become the top free app on Google Play Store. Further, the app now holds the second spot in “Social” apps, and fourth spot in “overall” apps on the platform. The rising numbers are indicative of the popularity of the Bytedance-owned Chinese short-form video app.

However, the sharp surge in downloads may also be attributed to the promotional activity that the company is running. It is offering 3 users a chance to win Rs 1 lakh each everyday between May 1 and May 16. All they have to do is download the app. This is seen as the company’s way to earn the revenue it lost during the ban. Reuters reported that the ban caused Bytedance a loss of $500,000 (approx Rs 3.48 crore) per day.

Sensor Tower says that based on historical performance and its projections, TikTok missed out on more than 15 million first-time users in India across both stores during the period the ban was in effect, or about three times as many as the app added in all of April 2018. “Before the ban, TikTok was tracking to surpass 33 million new users there in April, which would have surmounted December 2018 as its best month yet in the market,” it said.

For those unaware, app was banned by the Madras High Court in India, due to alleged obscene content and child abuse on the platform. However, the app-makers promised to implement stricter policies regarding content on the platform, and the ban was subsequently lifted on April 25. The company has now launched its second in-app Safety Quiz, which features questions around setting up a strong account password, not sharing your account information with anyone, and being aware of phishing, suspicious emails or websites.

from Latest Technology News http://bit.ly/2vAew7V

MIUI 10 951 Developer build adds new features for lock screen notifications

In its last MIUI beta ROM, Xiaomi brought Google’s Digital Wellbeing features, and now it has released the MIUI 10 9.5.1 Developers ROM. The new build adds new features in the notifications, clock customisations and brings back the Child Mode. It also introduces “Home Screen swipe gestures,” which, as the name suggests, will be used to perform functions right from the home screen using gestures. Currently, this latest build is available for Xiaomi Mi 9 and some select Xiaomi devices in China.

Users can now change the way they see notifications. Previously, a user could either completely hide or show the contents of a notification from the lockscreen. The new feature will allow users to peek at contents of the notification using face unlock. So how does this work? if a notification is received, one just needs to raise their device and once the face unlock mechanism verifies your face, the details in the notifications will become visible.

Further, the latest build lets users choose the alignment and the size of the clock on the lock screen. They can now align the clock centrally on the screen by choosing “Centered” option or on the top left corner using “Left-Aligned.” Users can also use “Vertical” orientation of the widget that will bring the clock to the centre but the time will be display as in the image above.

XDADeveloeprs also found some information about Home screen swipe gestures and Kid space during the teardown of the MIUI Home app. The codes suggest that the gesture controls might allow users to perform actions like launching apps, opening the notifications shade, and more by just swiping up or down on the home screen of the MIUI launcher. When it comes to the Kid space, the platform says that it looks like the Child Mode which was present in MIUI skins previous to the MIUI 9. That feature allowed parents to select specific apps which their kids could access and lock the rest using a pattern or a pin code.

from Latest Technology News http://bit.ly/2VzX95V

YouTubes upcoming original series and specials will be free to watch with ads

YouTube originals and special shows were reserved for YouTube Premium users, until now. The online video sharing platform has announced that all of its upcoming original series and specials will be available for everyone to watch, but with ads. This is not a bad trade-off since the platform gets more viewers for its original shows and users get to enjoy the content with ads, which is standard for non-paid users of the platform. In Addition, YouTube also announced its new and returning original series and specials including seasons Cobra Kai Season 1 and 2. YouTube Chief Business Officer, Robert Kyncl, made the announcement at YouTube’s annual Brandcast event. 

Previously aired series that are returning for a new season include the second season of the shows Impulse and Liza on Demand. These two shows are currently under production and will premier next fall. Cobra Kai season 3 and What The Fit Season 3 will also return next year. The second season of Cobra Kai will be made available for everyone on September 11 in an ad supported format. Additionally, between August 29 till September 11 viewers will also get to catch up on Cobra Kai Season 1 for free.

YouTube also announced that it’s working on new musical specials including expanded live stream coverage of the Lollapalooza music festival and one of them is a “top secret project” with Justin Bieber. YouTube will soon release its first interactive series  "A Heist With Markiplier.” It could be something similar to how Netflix offered viewers to interact and control the protagonist’s decision in Black Mirror: Bandersnatch. 

There will also be new feature-Length documentaries YouTube will create with Dude Perfect, Maluma and Paris Hilton. New Series “BookTube,” “Could You Survive The Movies,” “Retro Tech” with Marques Brownlee is also under production and more. 

from Latest Technology News http://bit.ly/2WkqlLj

Google celebrates Star Wars Day with a May the Fourth sale on Play Store

May the fourth be with you! If you are wondering why May 4 is Star Wars day, then we’d like to tell you that it is so because saying May the fourth sounds just like saying May the force…. Anywho, to celebrate the day that sounds like one of the most iconic statements in fantasy-space travel history, Google is enticing you to spend some of your hard earned money on Star Wars stuff you want, but probably don’t need. So without further ado, here is what’s on offer on the Google Play Store

For books (more like ebooks in this case), audiobooks and more, here is what's on offer. 

The Last Jedi: Expanded Edition

The Last Jedi: Expanded Edition is a book written with input from director Rian Johnson. The book expands upon the universe by including scenes from alternate versions of the script and other additional content. The book which would have cost you Rs 594 can be yours for Rs 297.

Thrawn (Star Wars)

Following the story of Imperial military commander Grand Admiral Thrawn, readers will follow Thrawn’s rise to power—uncovering the events that created one of the most iconic villains in Star Wars history. The ebook which would have cost you Rs 339.15 can be yours for Rs 237.40. The audiobook which would have cost you Rs 2,035.32 can be yours for Rs 1,399.

Aftermath: Star Wars: Journey to Star Wars: The Force Awakens

The official descriptor of the book reads, “The second Death Star has been destroyed, the Emperor killed, and Darth Vader struck down. Devastating blows against the Empire, and major victories for the Rebel Alliance. But the battle for freedom is far from over”. The book bridges the gap between the original trilogy and the new trilogy. The ebook which would have cost you Rs 339 can be yours for Rs 237.30. The audiobook which would have cost you Rs 1,831.78 can be yours for Rs 1,249.

Catalyst (Star Wars): A Rogue One Novel

Rogue one has to be one of the best star wars movies setting up the plot of the original trilogy. The book pens an intense tale of ambition and betrayal that sets the stage for Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.  The ebook which would cost you Rs 424 can be yours for Rs 296.80. The audiobook which would have cost you Rs 1,831.78 can be yours for Rs 1,249.

Star Wars: The New Republic – Dark Empire Trilogy

 Six years after the fall of the Empire in Return of the Jedi, the battle for the galaxy's freedom rages on. The Empire has been mysteriously reborn under an unknown leader, wielding a new weapon of great power. Princess Leia and Han Solo struggle to hold together the New Republic while the galaxy's saviour, Luke Skywalker, fights an inner battle as he is drawn to the dark side, just as his father. The audiobook which would have cost you Rs 2,024.41 can be yours for Rs 1,902.23.

Star Wars: Darth Vader Vol. 1 – Vader

Following the story of the dark lord showing the Empire's war with the Rebel Alliance from the other side. Follow the adventures of one of the most iconic villains in sci fi history as he works to make the galaxy a darker place. The ebook which would have cost you Rs 1,619.39 can be yours for Rs 323.20.

Star Wars Vol. 7: The Ashes Of Jedha

The possibility of the Death Star changed everything. But its destruction proved that the Empire is not irresistible. Jedha was left in ruins when the Death Star annihilated the Holy City a scene we all remember from Rogue One. Now, as Queen Trios forces move in to strip what’s left, the rebels struggle to preserve the planet for its survivors! This ebook, which is a spiritual continuation to Rogue One’s story was originally priced at Rs 890.36 but can be yours for Rs 323.20.

Star Wars: Journey To Star Wars: The Last Jedi – Captain Phasma

What happened to Captain Phasma after Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens? For those unaware, the iconic character of Captain Phasma is played by none other than Gwendoline Christie AKA Brienne of Tarth from Game of Thrones. This is an expansion of her story. What happened to her after the events of the Force Awakens. The ebook which would cost you Rs 566.34 can be yours for Rs 242.21

When it comes to games, there are a lot of Star Wars based games available for free like Star Wars: Galaxy of Heroes, Star Wars: Commander and Star Wars: Force Arena to name a few. If you are playing them, there are discounts on in-app purchases. However, the only star wars gamer you need to have on your smartphone is KOTOR or, Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic. This RRPG made by developer Bioware long before the debacle known as Anthem puts you in the shows of Jedi Knights. The game which was the glory of PC gaming once upon a time is now available for Android. The game which would have cost you Rs 820 can be yours for Rs 410.

from Latest Technology News http://bit.ly/2VP2iap

Users petition to remove Intelligent cleanup feature from OnePlus 66T for apparently sending data to Tencents Singapore servers

OnePlus recently seeded OxygenOS Open Beta 17 for the OnePlus 6 and the Open Beta 9 for the OnePlus 6T. The two phones received a slew of new features and one of them, called Intelligent cleanup, was added to the phones’ File Manager. This new feature has drawn the irk of OnePlus users as its said to be sending data to a Tencent server located in Singapore. As per a OnePlus forum post, the information of data being sent to a Tencent server in Singapore is displayed in the File Manager app’s privacy policy. Additionally, instead of using Android permission controls, the feature apparently uses local permissions. 

A OnePlus user has raised a petition to get the option removed from the OnePlus 6 and the OnePlus 6T phones. It should be noted that the new Intelligent cleanup feature is only available in India for now. While any data being collected by the Tencent server is said to be protected by GDPR policies, the user who posted the petition reminds others that Tencent isn't exactly stringent when it comes to protecting user data. 

Additionally, as Android already offers storage management options, there’s actually no need for the new option as it would only serve as bloatware, there being no option to remove it. There are also third party apps like Google Files app (previously called Files Go) that offer similar functionality. 

Adding bloatware to the company's existing devices goes against its recent OnePlus 7 Pro advertisement. The phone manufacturer recently takes took a jab at Samsung and its other rivals for including bloatware on their devices. The post where the petition for removing the feature is up also points out that the option to view large files is moved under the Cleanup tab, which could confuse new users to accidentally delete files. 

from Latest Technology News http://bit.ly/2LjNLiC

Huawei Mate 30 Pro might sport four rear cameras, 67-inch display and 55W fast charging tech

Huawei recently launched the P30 Series of phones and it was presumed that the company will now be focussing on the next flagship, the Huawei Mate 30 Series. A report from a Chinese media outlet has now come up with the first lot of information. It claims that the Huawei Mate 30 Pro will come with a quad camera setup on the back, a massive 6.7-inch display, a 55W quick charging tech and may only launch with the support of only 4G and 5G networks.

The report has multiple images embedded showing different designs. While some images show a waterdrop notch, some are seen with a punch-hole design. Moreover, the images which show the phone with a punch-hole design are not exactly the same. In one image, the punch hole is seen in the top left corner, while in other, the cut-out for the front camera is centrally-located.

The phone is said to come with a 6.71-inch OLED display supplied by BOE. Reportedly, the display will be curved from all four sides, but its other details like screen resolution are not available yet. Further, the report says that the Huawei Mate 30 Pro is expected to arrive with an in-display fingerprint reader. There is no information on whether the phone will have Face Unlock.

In case of camera setup, the report says that the phone will come with four cameras on the back. These camera are said to be put in the same array as in the Huawei Mate 20 Pro. The square array is said to have a camera in each of the four corner and an LED flash in the centre. The configurations of the four sensors are not known yet, however, the report says that the setup will be equipped with a 3D ToF sensor.

The battery of the Mate 30 Pro is said to hold 4,200mAh capacity and is expected to carry support for 55W SuperCharge technology, that is already available on the Huawei Mate X foldable device. Reportedly, the Mate 30 Pro will also carry support for 10W reverse wireless charging.

Under the hood, the phone is said to feature HiSilicon Kirin 985 processor with Balong 5000 chip. The report says that the phone will only launch with support for 4G and 5G networks. This doesn’t sound correct because Huawei had announced that the Balong 5000 supports 2G, 3G, 4G and 5G on a single chip.

Earlier this year, a report claimed that Huawei has already started to test the phone powered by the flagship SoC. Huawei’s HiSilicon Kirin 985 chipset is said to be manufactured with a 5G modem, using Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company's (TSMC's) new 7nm fabrication process. It is expected to go into mass production from the third quarter of this year. TSMC will use 7nm Extreme UltraViolet (EUV) process (called N7+), along with the Flip-Chip Package-on-Package (FC-PoP) process.

A combination of EUV (which increases the accuracy of transistor placement) and FC-PoP (which allows vertical stacking of transistors) manufacturing processes means that the transistor density on the chip will be increased by 20 percent, resulting in better performance and lower energy consumption.

from Latest Technology News http://bit.ly/2VHnkaD

5 TV deals to consider on the Amazon Summer Sale

There’s no better time than a sale to consider purchasing an expensive piece of hardware, especially one like a TV that can last for nearly a decade. With technologies like 4K HDR and smart capabilities now available on a budget, a purchase decision can get quite confusing. So if you are one looking to pick up a TV during the Amazon Summer Sale, here are 5 TVs you can consider.  

Mi LED TV 4 PRO (BUY IT HERE)

The Mi LED TV 4 Pro is a 55-inch 4K HDR TV running on the company’s own PatchWall OS. It is a 4K HDR TV with 3HDMI ports and 2 USB ports for your connectivity needs. The TV has an attractive slim form factor and 16W of sound output. The TV has a 64-bit Quad-Core processor coupled with 2GB RAM and 8GB built-in storage for your app downloading needs. With the TV you get a minimalistic remote control with voice capabilities.

Panasonic TH-55FX650D (BUY IT HERE)

The Panasonic TH-55FX650D is a 4K HDR TV from Panasonic. It has an IPS display and comes with 2 HDMI ports for your connectivity needs. It runs on a custom UI with support for apps like Netflix, Youtube and Amazon Prime. It has 20 Watts audio output, Bluetooth 2-way Audio Link and a host of features. 

TCL L65C2US (BUY IT HERE)

This 65-inch TV can be considered by those looking for a large screen TV and don't want to spend a whole lot of money. The display is 4K with HDR support and comes with 3HDMI and 2 USB ports to cater to your connectivity needs. It has 16W of sound output and runs on the Android TV OS. The phone has a Quad Core processor, Dual Core Mali T860GPU and 16GB Internal Storage.

Shinco S55QHDR10 (BUY IT HERE)

The Shinco S55QHDR10 is a 55-inch 4K HDR TV on a budget. The TV has a 4K HDR panel from Samsung and has 3HDMI and 2 USB ports for your connectivity needs. The remote control that you get with the TV has functions on both sides. It runs on Android 7 AOSP for smart capabilities and has 20W sound output. 

Sony Bravia KD-55X8500F (BUY IT HERE)

If a premium TV is what you are looking for, then you can consider the Sony Bravia KD-55X8500F. The TV has a 55-inch screen, boasts of 4K HDR support and runs on the Android TV OS. It has 4HDMI ports and 3 USB ports for your connectivity needs along with support for all streaming services. It has 20W of sound output and the back of the TV has support for cable management.

from Latest Technology News http://bit.ly/2XXJ3J0