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Annasha

Annasha Dey is an NIT student, who apart from studying engineering is also a content writer. She has a great interest in photography, writing, reading novels, and travelling as well. She is a foodie who loves socializing and hanging out with her friends. She is also a trained Kathak dancer and a big fashion enthusiast. Dey also loves watching TV series, which includes F.R.I.E.N.D.S. and Big Bang Theory. To be a better writer she prefers to read more

Google

Google Sets an Unprecedented Goal to Tap Only on Renewable Power by 2030.

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With our world on the verge of destruction as we are running out of non-renewable resources, green energy is the need of the hour. Fuels like natural gas and coal are in high demand around the world because many industries are consuming it and they are present in a limited amount. Many countries and the R&D department of many companies are carrying out research to make green energy more accessible and affordable. Because once we find a strong source of renewable energy we can put a stop to the use of limited resources. Till then we should consume power from natural non-renewable resources judiciously.

Speaking of consuming energy judiciously, Google is aiming to use 100% clean energy by 2030. The chief executive officer of Google, Sundar Pichai told Reuters yesterday that they will ditch consuming power generated from coal and natural gas and completely depend on renewable sources of energy.

Google “stretch” goal

Alphabet Inc’s Google is planning to use only carbon-free electricity to power all its offices and data centers by 2030. Google is a multinational company trying to become completely dependent on renewable energy sources and if they succeed it will become the first company to ditch non-renewable sources of energy.

Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google, has described it as a “stretch” goal as it will force the company to push itself beyond the technical norms of offsetting carbon emissions. He also said that to achieve this goal they also need to make a major technological and political breakthrough. The initiative taken by the company is appreciated as this will set an example for many industries around the world to pursue an alternative option. Someone had to start it and Google is helping others find solutions like it is doing for itself.

Climatic change limits the resources

Though we are receiving alert messages about how rapidly our limited resources are declining, how global warming is gradually becoming a nightmare for the Arctic and Antarctic region, this year triggered the situation. The high rate of wildfire in 2020 has led to the destruction of many natural resources with climate change at its peak. The western part of the United States has witnessed damage to wildfire and Google wants to draw people’s attention to this via its new goal and product feature.

Google
Image Source: nasdaq.com

It’s been many years that Google has inclined towards the renewable sources of energy and a part of Google’s offices and data centers run on it. Almost 61% of the total Google’s hourly electricity usage at a global level is fueled by renewable sources like wind, solar power, etc. So, more than half of Google’s energy consumption comes from green sources which are a very big success for the company. But, the consumption of green energy is not equally distributed. For example, in Google’s Oklahoma data center 96% of the total hourly energy required is met by carbon-free resources while in the gas-reliant Singapore operation only 3% is met. So, Google’s new goal will establish uniformity as well.

Sundar also said that to fuel all the offices and data centers 24/7 with carbon-free resources is pretty challenging. So, they spent the entire last year coming up with a practical model and hence confident about reaching the goal by 2030. He didn’t reveal any cost of the new system yet.

Other companies 

Other big companies like Amazon and Microsoft are also trying to eradicate carbon emissions from the environment. But, it is only Google that publicly announced their goal to be fulfilled by 2030. Every company should try its best to start producing green energy in-house as scientists say that by 2030 global warming will take a huge toll on our planet.

Stop pollution 

Jennifer Layke, the global director of the World Resources Institute (funded by Google) said that the action of Google has inspired many in America and Europe over the last decade. Google trying to ditch carbon-containing sources of energy is nothing new, the only difference is now it will look onto nations with crucial polluting regions like India, Indonesia, Vietnam, and China. Jennifer also said that if we are unable to ditch carbon, we will suffer in the hands of natural disasters like drought and firestorms.

Google has remained carbon-neutral since 2007 thus focusing more on planting trees, funding projects concerning green energy, etc. The carbon fuel electricity usage for Google is going now as compared to the early 2000s.

Tesla Logo

Tesla has launched fast electric car charging in Berlin with more cities in target

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The trend of getting shifted to battery cars have been spreading gradually across the globe. But, with diesel and petrol cars slowly dropping in sales, it will still take a few years for the battery cars to reach the steady consistent market demand. Using battery cars has a lot of advantages thus reducing the demand for limited petrochemical resources of our world. But, to meet the demand for battery cars, quick charging technologies should be invented and commercialized.

Many electric car charging points have opened recently in cities of America, China, etc. Moreover, these charging points are now spotted in the Google Maps making it easy for the customers to reach quickly. And, adding into the endless efforts of many companies, Tesla launched the fast electric car charging in Berlin yesterday. This will help in boosting the battery car scheme and development attracting more potential buyers and automobile companies.

Tesla new supercharger

According to Reuters, on 10th September 2020, Tesla Inc launched a new fast electric car charging thus contributing to the upcoming industry of electric vehicles. The managers of the company demonstrated this new electric charging for cars in the Berlin campus. The company further mentioned its plan to execute the same in more cities soon. Many buyers take a step back from buying electric vehicles to get rid of the charging inconvenience in the future. But, Tesla is trying its best to eradicate the problem permanently.

With the launch of new supercharging for electric cars, the company is giving access to as many people as possible who right now can’t access such charging. Jeroen van Tilburg, manager of Europe of charging infrastructure at Tesla, said that they are expanding this supercharging network into city centers so that people who don’t have access to home or workplace charging can also experience it. It is a good business strategy by Tesla which shows a high level of commitment towards the existing and potential buyers.  

Tesla Supercharger

Market in Germany

One of the spokesmen of Tesla said to Reuters that apart from the current launch, the company will open at least another fast-charging site this year. And, this site is planned to develop as the inner city charging site in Germany. There could be more sites opening up soon in this year. Currently, the marketplace focus of Tesla seems exclusively giving its attention to Germany. This is because the German policymakers want to boost the sale of battery cars as soon as possible and as much as possible to cut out the high rate of emissions.

And, to enhance the marketplace, what can be better than creating more demand among people? This is one of the biggest reasons why Tesla is planning to create fast-charging sites as city centers. Peter Altmaier, Economy Minister of Germany has said that they are yet to do a lot in terms of charging infrastructure. He has also said that rolling out of both the public charging points and private charging will be escalated as it has harmed sales in the past.

Improvisation 

The software upgrade has been done by Tesla and it is normal for every company to evolve with time and make things better. In response to opening fast-charging sites in the cities, the Tesla spokesman said that it is a bit different from their conventional way of doing things. Tesla generally emphasizes on residential charging, but the need of the hour calls for a quicker option.

About the charging time, the Tesla Model 3 cars can be charged within five minutes by the V3 charger. This allows the cars to run approximately 120 kilometers. The company also further mentioned that relevant software upgrades will be received by the old models of Tesla.

Germany amidst the global pandemic 

The new factory of Tesla will start to operate from next year. Amidst the global pandemic, the sales have been hampered by a great extent. Many people have become jobless and the economic condition of every nation has started to worsen. But, with the factory opening in Germany, it will boost the employment rate of the nation as approximately 40,000 people will find new jobs.

Whatsapp

A new Whatsapp text bomb is making the app crash on loop

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Whatsapp has always been prey to the malicious text bombs. Many users when opening a text message or any media received from an unknown number, the app is compromised. Many times the app is crashed due to these messages the personal information of the user is at stake. Either way, this should not be taken casually especially amidst the pandemic when information theft has become very common.

One such mischievous text bomb flooded the Whatsapp yesterday resulting in crashing the app for every user who opened the chatbox. The company said that there is no solution for it right now, so the best advice is to not open any messages from an unknown number.

Whatsapp text bomb

The text bomb that is being sent to many users is a set of special characters that are randomly placed and cannot be read by the system. One cannot make any particular meaning out of it nor there exist a specific pattern. The Whatsapp can’t decipher this text hence it results in crashing the program on a never-ending loop.

What is the problem behind constant crashing?

Deccan Herald reported yesterday that Whatsapp is going through a series of attacks by the hackers simply causing the system to crash and hang. But, what seems to us as just simply crash and hang might not be that. Hackers often use these tactics to freeze the app as well as the operating system of the mobile as a whole and steal all personal data. Even if you are closing the app and then refreshing it, your phone will remain inoperable.

Investigating the origin of this text bomb, it is informed that this Whatsapp spam was created in Brazil and still exists there. A report has shown that this specific text bomb started spreading among the users in Brazil in mid-August. But, currently, it is expanding the region and reaching out to many places on a global level.

The company’s tech support and security are looking into it. Hopefully, Whatsapp will come with an effective solution at the earliest as the privacy of common people around the globe is at stake. This has also caused panic among the citizens especially the Brazilians. So, be vigilant and do not open the messages from any odd or random number.

Whatsapp

The suggestion tweets

Recently, WABetaInfo tweeted asking new suggestions for features that Whatsapp should add or modify any existing features. The tweet said to give a clear idea about the suggestion and why it is important. The suggestions asked were for both Android and iOS. A lot of people have responded to the tweet, but the majority of the response was concerning the text bomb that is causing the entire app to crash and phone as well.

A twitter account with the handle @lan_Oli_01 has responded to the tweet by sharing two screenshots of the texts that are causing the crash of the app. The screenshot clearly shows some text with no specific pattern or any specific language that can’t be read by the application. He has also tweeted that the anti-crash mechanism should be integrated into the official Whatsapp application. The modded Whatsapp version has a “Crashcode protection” and it should be added to the Whatsapp application (official) as well so that texts like this won’t freeze the app.

Such texts that were compromising the app followed by the mobile OS are known as “Binario”, “Contact Bombs”, “Trava Zap”, “Crashers”, etc. The technique behind it is very complex and every time you open Whatsapp it crashes.

Prevention vs. cure

Since there is no feasible solution to date, it’s better if we become extra careful and take prevention measures so we don’t become one of the victims. Apart from not opening any texts from an unknown number, one more solution is there that can protect us at a better level. Because sometimes we might become careless and open one such spam messages.

To prevent this, you can go to Settings followed by Privacy. After clicking Privacy, go to Groups. You will find an option “Who can add me to groups” where you need to change the preference from “Everyone” to “My Contact”. Hopefully, this will prevent you from getting bamboozled temporarily.

Airtel

Airtel launches Xstream new broadband plans with high-speed internet

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With almost no physical interaction after the outburst of the novel coronavirus in March 2020, the demand for better network connectivity has increased. From attending virtual online classes to attending business meetings, from chatting with distant family members to binge-watching in Netflix, the data usage per person has escalated rapidly. The demand for online video gaming, online education websites, etc has also increased.

With stuck in our own houses, it’s time we unleash the power of a truly digital era. So, this is a golden opportunity for large network companies to keep the existing customers and attract new customers by providing some lucrative deals.

Airtel providing unlimited data

Amidst the pandemic, every working family and student needs better network connectivity with high-speed internet and unlimited data. So, yesterday Bharti Airtel announced a series of new Airtel Xstream Bundle that will provide speed up to 1Gbps. On top of that, every plan with come with unlimited data and Airtel Xstream Android 4K TV Box.

The new normal since the pandemic started has opened the huge business potential for network companies. So, it is their responsibility to provide us with pocket-friendly packages and a better experience. Airtel is offering these packages from 7th September and once you subscribe for one of these you get access to all the OTT content. You can also attend online classes/ meetings and stream content of your own. The new Airtel Xstream Bundle looks like a wholesome package at an affordable price.

All the new broadband plans

After the new plans have been launched, all the plans now will include the Airtel Xstream box worth Rs 3,999. This eliminates the idea of having multiple smart entertaining devices in one house and this covers all your needs. This Android 4K TV Box runs in Android 9.0 OS and includes a remote that supports Google Assistant voice search. You can also have access to the apps available in the Play Store and enjoy online gaming.

Airtel Xstream
Image Source: airtel.in

The plans of Rs 499 (40 Mbps) and Rs 799 (100 Mbps) provides the Android 4K TV Box, 550 TV Channels, more than 10,000 movies, and TV series from 7 OTT apps and 5 studios. And, the next three plans of Rs 999 (200 Mbps), Rs 1,499 (300 Mbps), and Rs 3,999 (1Gbps) are provided with an additional subscription to Disney+Hotstar, Amazon Prime Video, and ZEE5.

Xstream Fiber vs. Jiofiber

Apart from Airtel Xstream Bundle, we also have Jiofiber service which is also very popular among us. It was only a few days ago that Reliance Jio announced the new pricing of the broadband services (JioFiber). So, after Airtel launching this exclusive new package with both high-speed connectivity and unlimited data, it is going to give a tough competition to Jio.

Jio announced the new pricing plans earlier this week with the same two goals that are, giving unlimited data to its customer with high speed. Keeping the pricing strategy at mind Jio announced about four packages, all of them with unlimited data. The package of Rs 399 and Rs 699 offers unlimited data usage with 30Mbps and 100 Mbps speed respectively. And, the other two packages of Rs 999 and Rs 1,499 includes the 4K Set Top Box and OTT apps like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Sony LIV, etc. The company also claimed that in these packages the download speed will be the same as the upload speed. On top of that, Jio has announced a no-condition 30 days trial that will provide 150Mbps unlimited data, 4K set-top box, top ten paid OTT apps, and free calls.

Now, it is for you to decide which the best plan is for you and your family. Both companies are providing unlimited data so that solves half our problem. Rest depends on your usage activity and the purpose.

What Airtel is saying? 

Director-Homes of Bharti Airtel, Sunil Taldar said that with every passing day people are investing more time on the internet. Educational, professional, and entertainment are the three most important reasons why data usage is increasing rapidly. And, entertainment is the sector with vast opportunity as people look for a source that can provide them with the best entertainment at an affordable rate. So, Airtel is trying to make more such plans that will drive the audience towards it.

Google logo

Google urged the EU to provide flexibility while setting the Digital Rule Book

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On 3rd September 2020, Google urged the European Commission to bring flexibility to the upcoming Digital Services Act. Google further said that one single rule book is hard to fit all and thus amendments should be made accordingly. On 8th September 2020, the public consultation period on this matter ends. Google made a 135-page submission urging the European legislature to bring more clarity to the rules and regulations of the online platforms.

Why a new strategy?

On 1st July 2020, the new rules by the European Union to boost competition rolled out mostly because of losing Google’s market grip. The main reason to set a new rule book was the conclusion of multiple antitrust actions against Google proving ineffectual. The new Digital Rule Book set by the EU mainly focuses on two things- laying ground rules for data sharing and how the digital marketplace should operate.

Margrethe Vestager, digital chief of EU and top antitrust enforcer informed Reuters in June that the new rule book has been set up to prevent history from repeating itself. The nation doesn’t want to witness what happened with the Google cases and wants to boost competition at the same time. Google didn’t choose to reply in response to this statement.

Many actions have been taken on the operations of Google’s search engine, its OS on the Android mobile, and advertising business-related to anti-competitiveness. The rivals of the company have said that they are yet to see more competitors. So, in response to all these cases, the U.S. antitrust enforcers are preparing a case against Google. Moreover, the Digital Services Act of the EU can force the giant tech companies to give access to data under certain conditions to their small rival firms.

Why did Google ask for clarity and flexibility?

After the EU has decided to roll out the new set of rules, Google asked to reconsider all the facts and operations of every company being different from others. It said that though it is important to identify and put a stop to all the illegal contents, the mandating use of technology can “overblock Europeans” which is a very big negative point.

Google, DIgital rule book tech news

New rules should come with new features that will improve the current situation, filter the content judiciously, etc. The company further said that the rules should be laid out in such a manner that it will get rid of the extra burden of undue costs from European businesses. Because in the time of the pandemic, that is the least desirable thing for any nation.

Companies other than Google

But, is it only Google that has fallen victim to this unhealthy situation? The new template formed by the EU will become a very good example for other governments around the globe on how to tacitly rein in companies like Apple, Amazon, and Facebook. It seems that after Google, Amazon and Apple are next in line.

Targeting unfair contractual terms will harm Amazon if the investigation is carried out for the company against a dual role. One for the digital marketplace for its customers, and second as a competitor against other traders. Apple might also suffer antitrust investigation by the EU after Spotify has raised complaints about unfair curbs on its music streaming platform and a 30% fee for its in-app purchase system. Both Amazon and Apple declined to comment on this matter.

Imposing DSA will endanger the reputation of Facebook as the Digital Services Act focuses mainly on catching the frauds earning money through false advertisements. There are many business advertisements on the web that makes high profit by providing false information. So, it is clear that the EU Commission is hell bound to lay strict rules which will not only affect Google but the topmost companies of the 21st century to date. In response to rolling out the Digital Rule Book, a Facebook spokesman said that the company is supporting the EU for laying off “a harmonized EU framework” that will help in content regulation.

 In a nutshell, some of the biggest companies have been placed in the EU crosshair and both the offender and the defender will try their best to keep a better part of their negotiation. But, one thing is for sure that the U.S. Department of Justice is expected to file a case against Google soon.

apple

Apple in collaboration with Google launched COVID-19 ‘Exposure Notification Express’ via iOS 13.7

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Only after the outburst of the novel coronavirus, Apple and Google started working together to develop a contact tracing system. The system was designed in a way that new apps can be created by PHAs (Public Health Authorities) and this system will be incorporated. So, whoever downloaded and installed this app when came close to another person using the app data will automatically be transferred and saved. This helped later to get notified if the user in the past few days came in contact with a COVID-19 patient or not.

Yesterday, the two companies announced a big advancement in the existing technology by rolling out new tools. The new tools are launched to make the task for PHAs easier as they do not need to maintain their apps. Currently, the tool has been incorporated in iOS 13.7 and Google is working on the same for Android. For Android, there will be an automatically generated application that will be implemented in Android 6.0 later this month.

What is Exposure Notification Technology?

Exposure notification technology or exposure notification API is software made jointly by Google and Apple to help the PHAs incorporate it in apps. After the PHAs and other organizations built these apps with incorporated exposure notification API they can release it publicly. The general public can use these apps to stay updated about the COVID-19 cases around them and if they came in contact with any of the affected patients.

Both the companies took care of the user’s privacy and hence encrypted the transmitted Bluetooth metadata. Keeping in mind public privacy, the location information of the users is not exposed. Instead of this, the notification alert just shows a time and place where the device came in close Bluetooth range with other devices. So, if a user-tested COVID-19 positive and updated in the app only then the other users will receive notification that they came in contact with a potential COVID patient. The first version (Beta version) of this software was released in May 2020. But, now Apple has announced about the modified system which will not require creating a separate app by any PHA anymore.

contact tracing system
Image Source: appleinsider.com

No separate apps required anymore

Since changes in the software have been made, people might get a little confused. The working system of this new modified tool is different for both iOS and Android. It is a bit complex for Android and that is why it will launch later this month. So, the most striking and best improvement is that you don’t have to download and install an app on your own that is created by the PHAs to keep yourself updated.

Instead of downloading the app, you will receive notification from your local health authority then you can choose to opt-in. If you are an iOS user you have to install a provisioning profile and in case of an Android user, an auto-generated app will be installed via Google Play.

Role of PHAs

The PHAs don’t have to create apps on their own, so what they will do? They will provide Apple and Google with necessary information like contact information, proper guidance procedure, the recommendation for effected patients, precautions for those who came in contact with the virus, etc. Then the notification system can deliver it to the users helping them to take necessary steps as required.

The local health authorities are still responsible for what messages should be sent and the further steps if someone with positive COVID-test updates in the database. So, they are just relieved of developing their apps as most of the tech part is covered by Apple and Google. But, in the meantime already 20 countries around the world have developed and launched their apps.

Implementation of this new system

This new Exposure Notification Express will be first implemented by DC, Maryland, Nevada, and Virginia. Both Apple and Google are also working with the U.S. Association of Public Health Laboratories that will help the users to track even after they are traveling out of their home state. It is proven that this system has helped in reducing the spread of COVID-19 and preventing many deaths.