TECHNOLOGY
Uber, Ola among most data hungry ride-hailing apps: Report
According to cyber-security company Surfshark's data sensitivity index, Uber is third on the list while Ola, the most popular ride-hailing app in India, comes sixth in the global data-hungriness ranking (with a total of 18 data points collected). Indian bike-taxi aggregator Rapido, however, collects the least amount of data in the ranking, said the report. It collects almost 10 times less data than the leading GrabTaxi app, and collects only its user's name, phone number and location to deliver its services.
Indian IT services firms outpace US competitors in brand value growth
Indian IT services brands made a leap, with average growth from 2020 to 2022 at 51 per cent compared to minus 7 per cent for brands from the US. Accenture retained the title of world's most valuable and strongest IT services brand, with record brand value of $36.2 billion, and achieving top Brand Strength Index (BSI) score of 87.7 out of 100.
Pegasus spyware targeted top investigator during Beirut blasts
The alleged hacking of Lama Fakih, a US-Lebanese citizen and director of crisis and conflict at HRW, marks the latest example of how NSO's powerful surveillance tool, Pegasus, has been used by the company's clients to target campaigners and journalists, the report said. HRW said that Fakih had been alerted by Apple on 24 November 2021 that her personal iPhone could be under state-sponsored attack.
GitHub enables two-factor authentication mechanism
Microsoft-owned open-source developer platform GitHub has announced that two-factor authentication will be available to all users through GitHub Mobile. One can use GitHub Mobile on iOS and Android as an easy-to-use two factor authentication mechanism. This option sits alongside existing channels: security keys and WebAuthn, one-time passcodes and SMS.
Google announces Topics tool to replace tracking cookies, drops FLoC
Google had started the Privacy Sandbox initiative to improve web privacy for users. Topics work by highlighting five of your interests, such as "Fitness" or "Travel & Transportation," that represent your top interests for that week based on your browsing history.
Apple launches new 'Personal Safety User Guide' for AirTags
Apple AirTag is a small iPhone accessory that helps keep track of and find the items that matter most with Apple's Find My app. The new Personal Safety hub is split into multiple different sections, ranging from ways to take action if a user is in danger to keep his/her information safe with strong password and security strategies.
Microsoft posts robust quarter results, bets big on gaming
After acquiring Call of Duty publisher Activision Blizzard for $68.7 billion, Microsoft has reported strong results for its quarter that ended December 31, with $51.7 billion in revenue (up 20 per cent) and $18.8 billion in net income (up 21 per cent). Xbox hardware revenue rose 4 per cent while Xbox content and services revenue increased 10 per cent. "We saw record engagement, as well as revenue this quarter. Game Pass has more than 25 million subscribers across PC and console," said Satya Nadella, chairman and chief executive officer of Microsoft.
Apple working on 8K VR headset: Report
The former Chinese smartphone maker's executive shared the information on his official Weibo account (a Chinese microblogging website), reports GizmoChina. In the social media post, Li Nan shared this news to address those who still "had doubts" regarding the Metaverse. In other words, this product from the Cupertino based giant will be a a VR/AR headset that will allow users to enter the metaverse.
Meta charged users for free Internet in developing countries: Report
Meta (formerly Facebook) reportedly charged its Internet users in developing countries like Pakistan, Indonesia and the Philippines, in the name of offering them free access to the Web. Meta's Internet service, called Free Basics, is offered via Meta Connectivity (formerly Facebook Connectivity) and is supposed to provide users with "access to communication tools, health information, education resources and other low-bandwidth services" at no charge.
Meta winding up its ambitious cryptocurrency project: Report
Facing regulatory hurdles, Meta (formerly Facebook) is reportedly winding up its ambitious yet controversial cryptocurrency project that its CEO Mark Zuckerberg once defended in front of the US Congress. Originally launched as Libra and later renamed as the Diem Association, the cryptocurrency initiative "is weighing a sale of its assets as a way to return capital to its investor members," Fortune reported on Tuesday, citing people familiar with the matter.
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