Category: Tech

  • Amid Google Sanctions, Russians Plan to Launch Google Playstore Alternative

    Amid Google Sanctions, Russians Plan to Launch Google Playstore Alternative

    Russian tech developers are currently working on an alternative platform to Google’s App Store, plan to launch it on May 9th, which is a national holiday in Russia that celebrates victory in World War Two.

    Russians Plan to Launch Google Playstore Alternative

     

    Due to the crisis between Ukraine and Russia in late February, YouTube and Google Play suspended all payment-based services in Russia, including subscriptions.

    “Unfortunately, Russians can no longer normally use Google Play to buy apps, and developers have lost their source of income,” said Vladimir Zykov, director of projects at Digital Platforms, an organization focused on digital development. “This is why we have created a Russian app shop, NashStore,” Zykov added in a statement.

    NashStore, the new Russian app shop meaning in English is “OurStore”, implying it is a Russian own platform. Also, the statement said that it will serve Android mobile devices and should ultimately be compatible with Russian Mir bank cards

    Early March, Google said it had blocked mobile apps connected to RT and Sputnik from its Play store, just after they had removed the Russian state publishers from its news-related features. Russia seemed to have retaliated by blocking news aggregator service Google News in the country this week while accusing it of spreading false information about the conflict.

    Not only did Google limit its services from Russia, but other tech companies have also done the same over the past months.

  • Facebook Messenger Latest Update Introduces Shortcuts Feature

    Facebook Messenger Latest Update Introduces Shortcuts Feature

    Facebook Messenger has released new features for its social media platform. iOS and Android users will now be able to make use of shortcut commands in the chat window to perform several tasks such as notifying everyone in a group or silently sending a message without notifying other users.

    Facebook Messenger Shortcuts

     

    On Tuesday, the Meta-owned messaging service revealed that Shortcuts for Facebook Messenger on Android and iOS will be available starting today – Wednesday. The shortcut feature allows users to type @everyone which sends a notification to all users in the chat to get the attention of all group members.

    Furthermore, users can use the new Shortcuts on Messenger to notify a group silently by using the /silent command. Messages sent using this command will not notify the users about the message, so they will have to open the chat to see the message. Such a feature can already be found on Telegram, a very useful tool that applies to both groups and channel admins.

    As for the availability, both the /silent and @everyone Shortcuts are publicly available to Facebook Messenger users on iOS and Android devices starting today, according to the company. Meta is also working on adding the ability for users to search for and send GIFs to users and group chats via the /gif shortcut command. Other commands not mentioned so far include/shrug and /tableflip commands to send tableflip “(╯°□°)╯︵ ┻━┻” and shrug “¯_(ツ)_/¯” emoticons on Messenger.

    The above three commands will be available on Messenger for iOS devices in the coming weeks. While Messenger for USA users will be able to use the /pay command to send and receive money in the future, the company said.

  • Infinix Hot 12i Leaked Specifications and Live Images – What to Expect

    Infinix Hot 12i Leaked Specifications and Live Images – What to Expect

    Infinix’s next top-notch smartphone Hot 12, alongside the vanilla Hot 12, Hot 12i, and Hot 12 Play is expected to be released soon. However, leaked images of the Hot 12i show what fans should be expecting from the device, they now have an overview of the full specifications.

    Infinix Hot 12i

     

    The leaked Infinix Hot 12i images were shared in an exclusive report by Passionate Geekz, which shows the full box packaging and even a clear look at the rear panel design.

    Based on the leaked images, the Infinix Hot 12i is expected to have a 6.6-inch Premium Super Bright IPS display with an HD+ (720×1,612 pixels) resolution. Also, under the hood, the handset is said to pack a MediaTek Helio A22 SoC, while having up to 64GB internal storage and 4GB RAM. The device runs on Android 11 Go Edition out of the box.

    Infinix Hot 12i Leaked Specifications

    Infinix Hot 12i is expected to feature a triple rear camera setup with a dual flashlight, the primary sensor will be 13MP, a fixed focus camera of 8MP with a flash in the front, and most importantly it will come with a 5,000mAh battery.

    The device will be a 4G smartphone while having important connectivity features such as GPS, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. The device is expected to house a G-sensor, L-sensor, and proximity sensor, it will most likely come with a fingerprint sensor in the back as well.

    So these are the leaked specifications of the Infinix Hot 12i, more details will be available when the smartphone is officially unveiled, so till then, this is what you should be expecting on the device.

  • WhatsApp Desktop Link Previews Bug Fixed, iOS Group Polls Feature Beta Rolling Out

    WhatsApp Desktop Link Previews Bug Fixed, iOS Group Polls Feature Beta Rolling Out

    WhatsApp has two excellent news for its customers, first of all, the company fixed the WhatsApp Desktop links not generating previews. Additionally, WhatsApp for iOS beta users is having access to their first group polls to feature permitting them to add a brand new poll to a group.

    WhatsApp Desktop Link Previews Bug Fixed

    Talking of the WhatsApp Desktop link previews bug, this problem started just lately due to some technical causes, nevertheless, it acquired fixed after WhatsApp released a fix, a report mentioned. Meanwhile, the WhatsApp group poll feature for iOS beta users is still under development, so just a few users get to test it. This upcoming poll features users to create up to 12 poll options.

    WhatsApp Desktop Link Previews

    WABetainfo says the WhatsApp for iOS 22.8.0.72 beta replace brings enhancements for the group polls function. I already wrote an article about this early final month which you’ll be able to see linked above, this function is the primary time will probably be coming to the WhatsApp platform, permitting customers to create polls on group chats and add as much as 12 attainable choices for a query.

    Moreover, customers are capable of change the place of the ballot choices, the function is at present below improvement. It can work similar to the ballot options out there on different social media platforms reminiscent of Fb Messenger, and Telegram.

    The WhatsApp tracker – WABetainfo says that the group polls function is likely to be protected by end-t0-end encryption. This merely implies that solely group individuals are capable of see the ballot and the outcomes. Presumably, this function might be heading to WhatsApp for Android and WhatsApp Desktop after WhatsApp for iOS will get its full launch.

  • How to Fix Messenger ‘Please Check your Connection and Try Again’ Error

    How to Fix Messenger ‘Please Check your Connection and Try Again’ Error

    Facebook Messenger helps Facebook users connect with their Facebook friends and contacts. However, sometimes the Messenger application has a few bugs that could affect the user experience of the app. We’ll be sharing fixes for one of these bugs, which is the ‘please check your connection and try again’ error that occurs on the app when messaging new contacts despite having active internet.

    fix Messenger not loading conversations
    This error mostly happens on your Facebook messenger connections if you have not sent a message previously. So contacts you have sent a text to at least once or twice will not be affected by this bug. Not all devices are affected by this error though, but none are prone to the Messenger ‘please check your connection and try again’ error.

    There are many causes of this error, it could be you literally do not have an active internet connection, but in most cases, the cause is because of an outdated app or corrupted cache. So I will guide you on how to fix Messenger not loading conversations on your device.

    Fix Please Check your Connection and Try Again on Messenger

    Below contains the two steps you need to follow so you can fix the Facebook Messenger connection errors while loading conversations with an active internet connection.

    1. Clear Cache:

    Clear Cache

    This is the first step that should come to your mind, not only because of this error on Messenger but when an app is malfunctioning on your device. Cache helps collect and store temporary data on your apps so when you launch it the next time, it loads faster than the fresh installation of the app. When this reserved storage location is corrupted, it will affect the functionality of the app, so below is how to clear the cache when that happens;

     

    • Head to your phone Settings.
    • Next, locate all Applications.
    • Now locate the Messenger app.
    • Open it to see more info about the app.
      – Tap Force Stop.
    • Next, scroll down a bit and locate Storage.
    • Finally, tap on Clear cache.
    Now, simply launch your Facebook Messenger application and open the chats that gave you the please check your connection and try again error. They should now load. In case it doesn’t, which isn’t likely, follow the next step.

    2. Change APN:

    Change APN
    The Access Point Name of your Internet Service Provider is very important when it comes to the connectivity of your apps and also the restrictions on sites you can access. Sometimes, having the wrong proxy or setup on your ISP APN can affect the loading of certain sites like Google or Apps like Twitter. So it is very possible you might have the wrong APN that could have affected your Messenger from loading conversations. So here is what you should do;
    • Head to your device Settings.
    • Tap on Connections.
      – Varies on devices.
    • Next, locate Mobile Networks.
    • Open Access Point Names.
    • Now open your APN and check if it matches your ISP default APN
      – If it does not, create another manually and switch to the new one.
    • Now, apply Airplane mode and re-open Messenger.
    In most cases, this will fix network errors on many applications. If you have other APNs set up for your ISP, add them and switch between them till you find the perfect one working for your apps. This way, you can be sure to confirm if your network issue is from your APN or the Messenger app.

    3. Check for Messenger Update:

    Check for Messenger Update
    This is the easiest step to fix Messenger not loading conversation bug because if this bug is a known bug by the developer for a current version, there is a higher chance the developer has pushed an update on Google Playstore to fix the issue. So you need to check for updates, and if available, simply update it. Doing so is easy;
    • Head to your official app store.
      – Google Playstore (Android)
      – Apple Appstore (iOS)
    • Check for installed apps.
    • Check for updates, if available, update the app.
      – If unavailable, uninstall and re-install the app.
    After doing this, kindly check the app if the bug still occurs in new conversations despite having a strong and active internet connection. If it doesn’t occur anymore, then you can send messages to your new chats, make sure to check regularly for updates for other known/unknown bug fixes.

    Conclusion

    So this is how to fix the Messenger ‘please check your connection and try again’ error on your iOS or Android phones. I believe one of these steps above should work, especially the clearing of cache. If you have other working methods, kindly let us know via the comment box below. Leave feedback if this worked for you, don’t forget to share with others since they could face this issue as well.
  • Telegram Premium Out there on Newest iOS Beta, That includes Premium Stickers & Emojis

    Telegram Premium Out there on Newest iOS Beta, That includes Premium Stickers & Emojis

    Telegram has started working on implementing its premium model of its social media application as spotted on version 8.7.2 beta for iOS. These services for Telegram Premium customers offered by the company start their premium features with new stickers and emojis.

    Telegram Premium Available on Latest iOS Beta

    When the live version of Telegram premium is live, users will begin getting a prompt message asking them if they will like to enroll in the premium model of the immediate messaging app. This new service offered by the company is a way for the corporate to monetize its platform and earn straight from the app. Earlier than this, the corporate has been counting on donations from companies, or its customers, this has stored the app free for years.

    Regarding the pricing, Telegram is but to supply details about this, neither is the provision of the options obtainable. Nonetheless, the subscription-based function will give customers entry to tons of premium stickers and response emojis. Although there are not any hints if or when this function shall be coming to Android, it could take some time if the corporate has plans for this platform.

    Common customers i.e free customers of the app won’t be able to see the premium stickers on the platform, as confirmed by the Telegram beta channel. What they may see as a substitute is a banner informing them to “unlock further reactions by subscribing to Telegram Premium.” The person who does so, from then on can entry all of the premium options.

    Properly, this isn’t the one new function launched by Telegram over the previous mosts. To this point, they’ve launched a brand new notification tone that permits customers to decide on the sound they need, chats will be muted primarily based on the time set by the person, messages will be deleted robotically on the customers’ want, and messages forwarding now displaying the replies. These are only a few of the cool options launched by the corporate not too long ago.

  • YouTube Go to Shut Down in August 2022: See Why

    YouTube Go to Shut Down in August 2022: See Why

    YouTube Go app will, unfortunately, shut down in August as formally confirmed by Google through a post on their support web page. Via the post, Google recommended that all YouTube Go customers should swap to the main YouTube app as quickly as possible.

    YouTube Go to Shut Down in August

    YouTube Go app released in 2016 has been a really useful software for customers who makes use of low-end gadgets and doesn’t have sufficient storage space on their device, or who plans to make use of less data for streaming. The Go version had cool features however lacked what YouTube’s main app had such as commenting, creating content material, or even accessing dark mode.

    In response to the post shared by Google, they said the main YouTube app has been optimized through the years to help low-end gadgets, enhance its efficiency on such gadgets and likewise attempt to optimize video high quality to cut back the difficulty of gradual community connections. Additionally they promised to cut back the info utilization for customers which have restricted knowledge.

    As a result of these above-mentioned enhancements and deliberate updates of the primary YouTube app, the Go model doesn’t appear to have a lot use anymore, this was even evident realizing that the app has not been up to date since October 2021, regardless of having over 500 million installs on Google Play retailer alone.

    The YouTube app has been getting common new updates such because the just lately launched Tremendous Thanks which permits content material creators to obtain suggestions from customers watching their movies. With this, content material creators would not have to rely a lot on adverts. Additional replace focused at content material creators consists of the brand new devoted Podcasts homepage, which is alleged to carry audio-only advertisements to the platform.

  • Laptops sales are expected to decline by 1.8% in the last quarter of 2019.

    Laptops sales are expected to decline by 1.8% in the last quarter of 2019.

    Leading laptop manufacturers will have to cope with the expected drop in sales this quarter. The situation will not change even with the December holiday season. Analysts at Digitimes Research forecast laptop sales to drop 1.8%.
    For comparison, between June and September, deliveries increased by about 2%. The reasons for the expected trends are complex and also related to the trade sanctions the US government imposed on foreign companies.
    Another leading factor is problems with the latest generation of Intel processors. Most brands are in no hurry to premiere new devices and are waiting for the tech giant to handle and restore a normal level of supply.
    Most hardware manufacturers have a large inventory of current models that will go on sale in the coming weeks. It is only logical that this strategy will affect consumer behavior, with many likely to refrain from buying new laptops
    HP will rely primarily on corporate influence to offset negative trends. Lenovo also expects minimal sales growth especially in the local market in China. The third largest manufacturer in this segment is Dell, which will be pleased with the minimal drop in worldwide sales.
    Apple and Microsoft’s aggressive strategies are likely to provide positive performance by the end of the fourth quarter of the year, and even prepare for the premiere of new models.
  • Most popular domain suppliers NetworkSolutions.com, Register.com and Web.com has been attacked by some hackers.

    Most popular domain suppliers NetworkSolutions.com, Register.com and Web.com has been attacked by some hackers.

    Modern technologies make our day-to-day lives easier, but they also provide many more opportunities for hackers. Security experts have repeatedly warned to be careful as their attacks increase with each passing year.
    The truth is that even the biggest tech companies are not fully insured against cybercrime. Krebs specialists now tell us about their latest attack on the Internet.
    This time, some of the biggest domain name providers and web site owners are victims. These include NetworkSolutionsRegister.com and Web.com, Engadget reports.
    Such attacks are extremely unpleasant as they affect a large number of website owners. Initial calculations show that this attack could cause problems with about 8.7 million global websites registered worldwide.
    At this stage, there was no misuse of financial information from consumer bank accounts. Investigations have yet to determine what information affects the attacks.
    The problem is that if hackers manage to change the domain name, they could have complete control over the entire website. This attack best illustrates what constant threats we face and how vulnerable our personal information we share online.
  • Learn how to protect the network from security gaps in print

    Learn how to protect the network from security gaps in print

    Halloween is the right time to review the print security processes and secure your network from hacking. See 7 Brother Tips to help you avoid unwanted network intrusions.
    Wi-Fi password protection
    When the printer is connected to an insecure network, the door to access all resources is open. The good news is you don’t have to resort to complicated spells – just protect password access for your Wi-Fi network.
    Update your firmware regularly
    Deleting security vulnerabilities can be significantly reduced by debugging. Configure your devices for automatic updates and regularly update their software to ensure the best security and features are currently available.
    Set a solid administrator password
    Printers typically have a web administration interface that allows you to control and adjust the device. If necessary, set a new, stronger password when initially configured. If you do not intend to use the web administration option, you can disable this option and close the door to suspicious visitors.
    Network firewall protection
    Restrict firewall access to your system. It is a device or software application that protects your network by monitoring traffic and blocking potential ghosts.
    Switch devices to an internal IP address
    Some printers come with a pre-configured external IP address. Changing it to an internal IP address will immediately raise the level of protection against public intruders. You can also go a step further by restricting access to only addresses from your local network or subnet, which in practice will make printers not accessible from the Internet.
    Individual protection of network profiles
    When the printer requires access to the network slot, make sure that a specific network profile is set up. Give each individual account enough rights only for the tasks assigned to it.
    Disable everything that doesn’t matter
    Printers have many features designed to enhance functionality, but not all are relevant to your needs. Spirit and ghost protection can be enhanced by disabling all irrelevant services, interfaces, features and physical ports.
    How to protect the network from security gaps in print