Your Tech Story

Sandhya Gupta

I am a law graduate from NLU Lucknow. I have a flair for creative writing and hence in my free time work as a freelance content writer.

Saudi’s Tabby Gets $700 Million Credit Line From JPMorgan

Saudi’s Tabby Gets $700 Million Credit Line From JPMorgan

UAE-founded and Saudi Arabia-headquartered fintech Tabby has recently clinched a monumental $700 million debt financing round from J.P. Morgan, propelling its plans for an initial public offering (IPO) in the kingdom.

Empowering Fintech Growth in the MENA Region

Tabby, a burgeoning financial services app in the MENA region, has struck a significant deal with J.P. Morgan, setting a regional milestone as the largest asset-backed facility obtained by a fintech company in this territory.

Saudi’s Tabby Gets $700 Million Credit Line From JPMorgan

Image Source: tabby

This financing coup arrives hot on the heels of Tabby’s previous successful funding rounds, where it raised $200 million in Series D equity financing and subsequently upsized its debt facility to $350 million. With these strategic moves, Tabby is on an accelerated trajectory, positioning itself robustly in the competitive fintech landscape.

Founded in 2019 by Hosam Arab, Tabby has rapidly evolved, offering users a seamless buy now, pay later (BNPL) facility for both online and offline shopping experiences. Managing an impressive $6 billion in annualized transaction volume, Tabby’s influence in reshaping personal finance in the region is becoming increasingly evident.

The latest financial boost not only fortifies Tabby’s financial foundation but also amplifies its capability to expand its suite of financial services and shopping products. With a consumer base of 10 million and partnerships with over 30,000 retailers, Tabby aims to deepen its impact and redefine financial access and convenience across the MENA market.

Visionary Leadership and Strategic Collaboration

CEO and Co-Founder Hosam Arab expressed immense pride in achieving this milestone, emphasizing the significance of the collaboration with key investors like J.P. Morgan, Hassana Investment Company, Soros Capital Management, and Saudi Venture Capital. This collective backing underscores Tabby’s pivotal role in revolutionizing personal finance and shopping experiences in the MENA region.

George Deves, Co-Head of Northern European ABS at J.P. Morgan, highlighted the importance of fostering a vibrant consumer lending sector, affirming their commitment to support retail credit in the Middle East through this strategic partnership with Tabby.

Ahmed Al Qahtani, Chief Investment Officer for Regional Markets at Hassana Investment Company, echoed the sentiment, emphasizing their belief in Tabby’s vision and its potential to reshape the future of financial services across Saudi Arabia and the broader MENA region.

Tabby’s achievement further solidifies the MENA region’s growing prominence in the global fintech arena. With recent funding rounds and strategic partnerships becoming the norm, the landscape appears ripe for continued innovation and disruptive growth in the realm of financial technology.

As Tabby sets its sights on an IPO in the kingdom, its journey reflects not just its own success story but also the evolving narrative of fintech in the region, poised for transformational change.

Brazil PM's Wife Clashes With Elon Musk Over Hacked X (Twitter) Account

Brazil PM’s Wife Clashes With Elon Musk Over Hacked X (Twitter) Account

In a clash between Brazil’s First Lady, Rosangela da Silva, known as Janja, and tech mogul Elon Musk, the discourse over responsibility and swift action has ignited following the hacking of Janja’s social media account on X, the platform previously known as Twitter.

The Hacking Incident and Musk's Response

The incident, occurring on December 11, gained national attention in Brazil as the hacker posted offensive content, including lewd images and insults targeting President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, on Janja’s profile boasting 1.2 million followers. Janja swiftly condemned the breach, labeling it as misogynistic.

Brazil PM's Wife Clashes With Elon Musk Over Hacked X (Twitter) Account

Image Source: humnews.pk/

However, tension escalated when Musk, the owner of X since last year, dismissed any accountability on his platform for the security breach. In a response to allegations, Musk defended his company stating, “It is not clear how someone guessing her email password is our responsibility,” in a tweet addressing the legal threat from Janja.

Janja's Accusations and Calls for Accountability

Janja retaliated, accusing Musk of downplaying the severity of the event and neglecting the platform’s responsibility to promptly address such cybercrimes. She emphasized that the issue transcended personal inconvenience, highlighting the broader impact on women users facing similar risks daily on the platform.

Expressing her disappointment in Musk’s response, Janja characterized it as “symptomatic” of his tendency to engage in clashes with critics on the platform.

Legal Threat and Pursuit for Swift Action

With her account compromised, Janja took a decisive stance, threatening legal action against X. She criticized the platform’s delayed response to her requests to freeze the account, remove the offensive content, and facilitate her regaining control over her profile.

Janja reiterated her commitment to holding the platform accountable, emphasizing the necessity for swift action and an increased sense of responsibility from X in addressing security breaches and cybercrimes within its domain.

The clash between the First Lady of Brazil and Musk underscores the escalating concerns over platform accountability, user security, and the obligation of tech companies to promptly address cybercrimes. As the discourse continues, it brings to light the evolving challenges faced by social media platforms in ensuring the safety and protection of their users.

Large AI Dataset Has Over 1,000 Child Abuse Images, Researchers Find

Large AI Dataset Has Over 1,000 Child Abuse Images, Researchers Find

A recent report by the Stanford Internet Observatory has uncovered a disturbing reality lurking within the foundation of popular artificial intelligence image-generators. The investigation reveals the presence of over 3,200 images suspected to be related to child sexual abuse within the LAION database, a colossal index of online images and captions utilized to train prominent AI image-making systems like Stable Diffusion.

Alarming Implications for AI-generated Content

Large AI Dataset Has Over 1,000 Child Abuse Images, Researchers Find

Image Source: borneobulletin.com.bn

This discovery sheds light on a concerning flaw in AI technology, indicating that the incorporation of such illicit images into AI datasets has facilitated the generation of realistic and explicit imagery featuring fake children. Moreover, it has enabled the transformation of innocuous social media pictures of clothed adolescents into explicit nudes, causing widespread alarm among educational institutions and law enforcement agencies globally.

Immediate Action and Ongoing Concerns

In response to the Stanford Internet Observatory’s revelations, LAION swiftly announced the temporary removal of its datasets, emphasizing a “zero tolerance policy for illegal content.” Despite constituting a fraction of LAION’s extensive image repository, these images significantly impact the capability of AI tools to generate harmful outputs while perpetuating the prior abuse suffered by the real victims depicted multiple times.

Challenges in Remediation and Accountability

David Thiel, chief technologist at the Stanford Internet Observatory, highlighted the challenges in rectifying this issue. He attributed the problem to the hurried deployment of numerous generative AI projects into the market, emphasizing the need for more rigorous scrutiny before open-sourcing vast datasets scraped from the internet.

Unforeseen Ramifications and Industry Accountability

London-based startup Stability AI, a significant contributor to LAION’s dataset development, faces scrutiny for its role in shaping these datasets. While newer versions of their technology mitigate the creation of harmful content, an older, problematic version remains embedded in various applications. Lloyd Richardson from the Canadian Centre for Child Protection expressed concern over the prevalence of this older model and its widespread accessibility, acknowledging the difficulty in retracting it from multiple local machines.

The findings underscore the urgent need for greater responsibility and stringent measures within the AI development sphere to prevent the inadvertent perpetuation of exploitative content and to protect vulnerable individuals.

Former Pakistan PM Imran Khan Has Used AI Voice Clone to Campaign From Jail

Former Pakistan PM Imran Khan Has Used AI Voice Clone to Campaign From Jail

Pakistan’s political landscape witnessed a groundbreaking event as former Prime Minister Imran Khan employed artificial intelligence to deliver a compelling speech to his supporters while incarcerated. This innovative move, leveraging AI to transcend physical constraints, has set a precedent in political campaigning.

Former Pakistan PM Imran Khan Has Used AI Voice Clone to Campaign From Jail

Image Source: insaf.pk

Imran Khan’s voice, replicated by AI, resonated across social media platforms during a virtual event, captivating over a million viewers with a meticulously crafted four-minute address. Despite Khan’s limited public access due to imprisonment, this technological breakthrough allowed him to communicate his message effectively, potentially influencing the political dynamics leading up to the forthcoming elections.

The utilization of AI to project Khan’s voice highlights the technologically progressive stance of his political party, PTI. This move not only underscores Khan’s enduring popularity but also positions PTI as an innovative force, distinguishing it from traditional political entities.

Implications for Pakistan's Political Future

While PTI confirmed the AI-generated nature of the speech, questions loom regarding its adherence to legal norms. Khan’s confinement and legal battles cast uncertainty on his ability to participate directly in the imminent parliamentary polls. Despite his lawyer’s mention of the potential submission of nomination papers pending a court decision, the legality of AI-delivered political addresses remains a point of contention.

Analysts speculate on the impact of this AI-driven approach. While acknowledging its potential to galvanize PTI’s support base, concerns persist over potential legal violations barring any direct or indirect public addresses by an incarcerated individual.

Legal Implications and Political Ramifications

The overwhelming response to Khan’s AI-mediated speech signals a pivotal shift in political campaigning, leveraging technological advancements to circumvent physical constraints. However, the government’s silence on this issue raises questions about the official response to such novel campaigning methods.

As the nation prepares for elections, the intersection of technology and politics introduces both excitement and legal ambiguity. The sheer scale of social media viewership juxtaposed against the broader voter base underscores the evolving landscape where technological outreach might significantly impact political outcomes.

Imran Khan’s AI-powered address has not only captivated the public but also sparked debates on the permissible extent of political engagement for incarcerated individuals. Whether this technological leap becomes a catalyst for change or raises legal hurdles remains to be seen, yet it undeniably heralds a new era in Pakistan’s political narrative.

Inside Amazon’s Effort to Challenge Musk’s Starlink Internet Business

Inside Amazon’s Effort to Challenge Musk’s Starlink Internet Business

In the ever-evolving space race for global internet domination, Amazon’s Project Kuiper emerges as a potent contender challenging Elon Musk’s Starlink. Following a rollercoaster launch and a nerve-racking episode of temporarily losing contact with a satellite, Amazon’s ambitions to reshape internet connectivity hang in the balance.

The initial setback post-launch marked a crucial moment for Amazon’s satellite endeavor. The stakes were high as the team raced against time to salvage the situation, revealing the immense efforts invested in creating a satellite infrastructure from scratch. Amid celebrations and challenges, Amazon’s resolve to revolutionize global internet access was put to the test.

A Philanthropic Vision Meets Commercial Ambition

Project Kuiper, touted as a philanthropic venture to bridge the digital divide, doubles as Amazon’s pivotal entry into the competitive telecommunications arena. With plans to sell rooftop antennas, provide cloud services, and collaborate with wireless carriers, Amazon aims to establish itself as a global telecommunications giant by 2025.

Inside Amazon’s Effort to Challenge Musk’s Starlink Internet Business

Image Source: tech.hindustantimes.com

The rivalry between Bezos and Musk finds new ground in the satellite internet sphere. Amazon’s bet on Project Kuiper extends beyond technological advancement, aiming to counterbalance Starlink’s dominance. Amidst regulatory obligations and technological innovations, the competition heats up as both giants vie for market share and influence.

Innovation at Scale: Challenges and Triumphs

The journey of Project Kuiper’s satellites—from conception to assembly—underscores Amazon’s relentless pursuit of innovation. The project’s scale presents unprecedented challenges, mandating the development and launch of two satellites daily until 2026. Balancing technological breakthroughs with mass production remains a monumental task.

Amazon’s approach differs from SpaceX’s in design philosophy and business strategy. Project Kuiper engineers combine cutting-edge technology with proven components, aiming for fewer, more powerful satellites. Their aim? To deliver high-speed internet via ground-breaking optical links and simplified yet efficient satellite infrastructure.

The Road Ahead: Challenges and Promises

Despite setbacks in launch schedules and unexpected hurdles, Amazon maintains confidence in meeting FCC licensing requirements. Scaling up manufacturing, securing reliable launch providers, and navigating geopolitical complexities remain pivotal for Project Kuiper’s success.

In the quest to redefine global internet access, Amazon’s Project Kuiper stands as a testament to technological innovation, perseverance, and a determination to revolutionize how the world connects. As the rivalry with Starlink intensifies, the next chapter in satellite internet’s evolution promises an intriguing battle for supremacy.

How to Find, Download, and Change Wallpaper on Apple Watch

How to Find, Download, and Set the Latest Wallpapers on Apple Watch

Personalizing your Apple Watch extends beyond functionality—it’s about adding a touch of your unique style. Whether you’re a tech-savvy enthusiast or just starting, customizing your watch face with your favorite wallpapers is a breeze. Here are three top methods to find, download, and set the latest wallpapers on your Apple Watch.

Turn Your Apple Watch Face into a Carousel of Pictures

How to Find, Download, and Change Wallpaper on Apple Watch

Image Source: techrepublic.com

The Face Gallery in the Watch app offers a diverse range of presets for every taste. But why stop there? Add your personal touch by selecting any image from your iPhone’s gallery to set as your watch face. Better yet, create a dedicated album of images to cycle through every time you raise your wrist.

Set Your Photos as the Wallpaper on Your Apple Watch

1. Album Creation: In the Photos app, make a new album and populate it with your chosen images.

2. Customization in Watch App: Open the Watch app, access ‘Face Gallery,’ then ‘Photos,’ and choose your newly created album.

3. Fine-Tune Display: Adjust the time position, add complications, and finalize by tapping ‘Add.’ Rearrange your preferred faces in the ‘My Faces’ section for quick access.

Create Your Own Watch Face

1. Select Image: Pick a photo in the Photos app and tap the Share icon.

2. Craft Watch Face: Choose ‘Create Watch Face,’ apply effects, add complications, and save your creation.

Use Facer

1. App Installation: Download ‘Watch Faces by Facer’ from the App Store.

2. Exploration and Customization: Browse Facer’s collection, select a face, load it onto the Watch app, and personalize it with your preferred complications before saving.

Personalizing your Apple Watch’s wallpaper doesn’t demand excessive time or effort. It’s about infusing your creativity and style effortlessly. Try different apps, effects, and customization options to elevate your watch face. Share your favorite apps for discovering Watch Faces with others to inspire their customization journey.

The Apple Watch isn’t just a gadget; it’s a canvas for your personal expression. With these methods, your watch becomes a true reflection of your style and individuality.