Biometric feature for WhatsApp Web
WhatsApp who was recently facing heat due to its revised privacy policy, is now all set to bring a new Biometric feature to its service. The new authentication layer will be provided for those using its web and desktop versions. So if a smartphone supports, users will not be able to add in a Biometric login, which will use different methods to sign in through fingerprint, face ID or iris ID.
The additional layer of security will prohibit illegal logins to your WhatsApp account on the web. In order to link WhatsApp Web or Desktop to your WhatsApp account, you will now be asked to use your face or fingerprint unlock on your phone, before scanning a QR code from the phone to link your device. Whenever someone tries to log in without permission on the web version of the messaging app, a notice will pop up in your phone and you can unlink devices from your phone at any time without being physically present in front of your desktop.
This new security update is expected to roll out in the coming weeks.
Indian game FAU-G now available for players
One of the most anticipated games FAU-G is now live in India. The game was launched on Republic Day by Bangalore based nCore Games studio. Within a few days the game crossed 5 millions downloads on Play Store with more than 400K reviews by players. However the game rating which started at around 4.7 is now down to 3.4 on Play Store.
It’s too early to compare FAUG with giants like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile. The game currently offers single campaign mode, while Team Deathmatch and Free for All (probably the actual battle royale experience) are appearing as coming soon. The game takes around 460MB of download space on your smartphone. I also tried a few hours playing FAUG. And to be honest the game feels boring after playing for a while. The graphics are good but not the best, the character movement feels restrictive and actions repetitive and actually there is nothing more to do in the campaign mode than just constantly hitting the single attack button. The only thing that changes here is the number of enemies attacking you. As of now, the game doesn’t have guns or other ammunition but provides users with an option to use weapons such as knives and axes.
I hope developers continue to improve the game and will bring more engaging content inside it.
Permanent ban for PUBG Mobile in India?
On the other hand, PUBG Mobile who was recently teasing its comeback in India, well their plan is now seems to be restricted by Indian Government. The Indian government is planning a permanent ban on the game. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) notified companies, including PUBG Corporation, about the permanent ban earlier this week. The notice has been issued to these businesses after being unsatisfied with their responses on how user data was being collected and handled.
Through 2020, Indian Govt. has banned over 200 apps including PUBG Mobile in September month. After the ban, Korean company Krafton took over publishing duties for the game in India, added “India” to the name, claimed to commit $100 million in investment for the country, and partnered with Microsoft to run the game’s servers in a bid to enhance data security — all in order to win favour with the Indian government.
All these efforts by Krafton seem to be unsatisfactory and the ban continues till date.
Sony’s launches a ‘true’ professional smartphone
Sony has launched the world’s first smartphone to feature a HDMI connectivity. The new Sony Xperia Pro has been designed keeping digital content creators in mind. The phone comes with 4K HDR OLED display, Quad Rear camera setup and other advanced photography features. However the device price is set at $2500 USD. Well this price seems to be way too high for a flagship smartphone but maybe not too much for hard core camera professionals. The phone using its HDMI port can connect directly to a professional camera. The 6.5 inch 4K OLED display can be used as a video monitor for your pro camera. The device is also capable of live 4K video streaming using 5G network.
Other features include flagship level Snapdragon 865 chipset, 12GB of RAM, 512GB of storage, a 4000 mAh battery with 21W fast charging. The phone comes with Android 10 installed and is available in a single balck color variant. Also this phone is not expected to launch in Indian market.
OnePlus co-founder Carl Pei launches ‘Nothing’
OnePlus co-founder Carl Pei has announced the name of his next venture: Nothing. The new consumer technology company is said to be based in London. The company has announced that Nothing will be releasing its first smart devices in the first half of this year. At this moment it is not clear exactly what products Nothing plans to release and which companies they are planning to compete with. Carl does confirm that Nothing plans to release products across multiple categories, with the eventual aim of building up an ecosystem of devices. It is also confirmed that unlike OnePlus and Oppo who are currently under the Chinese corporate giant BBK electronics, Nothing is a completely independent company.
TikTok reduces workforce in India
After the move when Indian government confirmed to retain its ban on 59 Chinese apps, ByteDance who owns TikTok is cutting the size of its 2000 plus India team. In a statement, the company said it was disappointing that despite its efforts it had not received a clear direction on how and when its apps could be reinstated. It did not specify how many employees would lose their jobs. However a plan of total office shutdown is not confirmed.
Indian government banned a total of 59 chinese apps last year including Tiktok, Shareit, UC Browser when political tension between the neighbours rose over their disputed border. The Indian government described the apps as prejudicial to the “sovereignty and integrity of India”. China on the other hand continuously keeps opposing discriminatory actions by India against Chinese firms.
