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.

China Claims Worldโ€™s Fastest Internet With 1.2 Terabit-Per-Second Network

China Claims Worldโ€™s Fastest Internet With 1.2 Terabit-Per-Second Network

China has surged ahead in the global race for lightning-fast internet, defying industry expectations by unveiling a groundbreaking next-generation service that outpaces existing routes by over tenfold. The nation proudly presents a network capable of transmitting data at a staggering 1.2 terabits per second, effectively leaping past the predicted timeline by a solid two years.

Boosting Data Speeds Beyond Imagination

This cutting-edge backbone network forms a vital data conduit linking Beijing, Wuhan in central China, and Guangzhou in the southern Guangdong province. Its unparalleled capacity sends data at a velocity equivalent to streaming a mind-boggling 150 films per second, showcasing a leap forward in digital connectivity.

China Claims Worldโ€™s Fastest Internet With 1.2 Terabit-Per-Second Network

Image Source: firstpost.com

Despite Nigeria’s ongoing struggle with internet speeds affecting a significant portion of its 150 million users, China’s milestone marks a decisive step toward revolutionizing global internet infrastructure. Recent reports highlighted Africa’s persistent challenges, with average download speeds in Sub-Saharan Africa hovering around 12.11 Mbps, underscoring the urgent need for enhanced connectivity across the continent.

This technological marvel, spanning over 3,000 kilometers of optical fiber cabling, materialized from a collaborative effort involving Tsinghua University, China Mobile, Huawei Technologies, and Cernet Corporation. This alliance defied earlier expert projections, which anticipated such ultra-high-speed networks emerging closer to 2025.

The Beijing-Wuhan-Guangzhou connection forms a crucial segment of China’s ten-year-long Future Internet Technology Infrastructure (FITI) project, representing the latest iteration of the national China Education and Research Network (Cernet). Wu Jianping, FITI Project Leader, hailed this achievement as not only operationally successful but also a stepping stone toward even swifter internet capabilities.

Unprecedented Speed for a Connected Future

The implications of this milestone extend beyond mere speed records. Wang Lei, Vice-President of Huawei Technologies at Tsinghua University, lauded the network’s capability to transfer the equivalent data of 150 high-definition films within a single second. Xu Mingwei from Tsinghua University likened this new backbone network to a superfast train track, effectively replacing ten regular tracks in data transmission.

China underlines the pivotal role of backbone networks in serving national education, research needs, and the burgeoning demand for data transfer from industrial 5G applications like connected vehicles and mining operations.

With this remarkable achievement, China not only claims the title for the world’s fastest internet but propels the global digital landscape toward an era of unprecedented connectivity and data transfer speeds.

WhatsApp Introduces Secret Code for Locked Chats: A New Level of Privacy

WhatsApp Introduces Secret Code for Locked Chats: A New Level of Privacy

Meta-owned WhatsApp continues to bolster its security features with the testing of a new functionality named “Secret Code” for locked chats within its Android beta version. This latest addition aims to fortify user privacy by concealing the method to access secured conversations, enhancing the existing Chat Lock feature.

The Chat Lock feature, introduced earlier, allows users to secure their chats using their device password or biometric authentication. However, the Secret Code feature takes this security a step further by enabling users to hide the means to open these locked chats, ensuring an additional layer of confidentiality.

Enhanced Security Measures with Secret Code

This new Secret Code feature, spotted by WABetaInfo in the Android version 2.23.24.20, permits users to lock their chats using a unique code. Unlike accessing locked chats via the app’s home screen, Secret Code-protected chats remain invisible when pulling down the home screen. Accessing these chats requires users to enter the designated code in the Chats tab’s search bar, heightening protection, particularly for individuals who occasionally share their devices for various tasks.

WhatsApp Introduces Secret Code for Locked Chats: A New Level of Privacy

Image Source: geeksforgeeks.org

The procedure to employ the WhatsApp Secret Code feature is relatively straightforward. Users can access this functionality by navigating to the list of locked chats, clicking on the three-dot menu, enabling the ‘Hide locked chats’ option under Chat lock settings, and creating a secret code. However, it’s essential to select a memorable code as resetting it will result in the deletion of all locked chats.

Presently, this feature is exclusively available to a limited group of beta testers who have updated their WhatsApp beta for Android via the Google Play Store. However, it’s anticipated that this advanced security feature will soon be rolled out to a wider audience in the coming weeks.

In parallel news, recent reports indicate WhatsApp’s intentions to introduce advertisements on its platform. This development is noteworthy, given the previous denial by a senior executive regarding speculations about Meta-owned messaging platforms incorporating ads. This addition of ads might signal a shift in the platform’s monetization strategy, possibly impacting user experience.

OpenAI Pauses New Signups to Manage Overwhelming Demand

OpenAI Pauses New Signups to Manage Overwhelming Demand

In a surprising turn of events, OpenAI has announced a temporary pause on new signups for its paid ChatGPT Plus service, citing an overwhelming surge in demand. The decision was communicated by the company’s CEO, Sam Altman, through a post on Tuesday, November 14.

OpenAI Pauses New Signups to Manage Overwhelming Demand

Image Source: moneycontrol.com

The move follows OpenAI’s inaugural developer conference, where the company unveiled a host of new features and upgrades for its AI services. Notably, users can now leverage these enhancements to craft customized versions of ChatGPT, tailored to perform specific tasks. This innovation, dubbed GPTs, empowers users to create AI models without the need for coding, ushering in a new era of accessibility and versatility in artificial intelligence.

Altman acknowledged the unexpected surge in usage that followed DevDay, surpassing their current capacity. In his statement on X, formerly known as Twitter, he expressed the company’s commitment to ensuring an optimal user experience for both existing and potential customers.

A Glimpse into OpenAI's Dominance

OpenAI’s popularity has been on a meteoric rise, with approximately 100 million people engaging with its AI services every week. The company proudly revealed that over 90% of Fortune 500 businesses are actively building tools on OpenAI’s platform, underscoring the widespread adoption of its technology across diverse industries.

The introduction of GPTs marks a pivotal moment, allowing users to harness the power of AI for specialized applications, ranging from teaching mathematics to children to elucidating the intricacies of board games. OpenAI’s commitment to democratizing AI shines through, as it eliminates the traditional barriers of coding expertise.

OpenAI has ambitious plans for the near future, intending to launch a store later this month. This platform will enable users to discover and utilize tailored GPTs created by other users. Much like the App Store in Apple’s ecosystem, this marketplace not only facilitates knowledge sharing but also provides an avenue for users to monetize their unique AI creations.

While the temporary pause in new signups may disappoint eager users, it reflects OpenAI’s dedication to maintaining quality standards in the face of unprecedented demand. As the company continues to push the boundaries of AI accessibility, the brief hiatus could very well pave the way for an even more inclusive and innovative future.

Samsung Announces "A New Era of Galaxy AI," Starting with AI Live Translate Call

Samsung Announces “A New Era of Galaxy AI,” Starting with AI Live Translate Call

In a groundbreaking move, Samsung has unveiled its ambitious plans for a revolutionary mobile AI experience, heralding a new era in communication, productivity, and creativity. Dubbed “Galaxy AI,” the comprehensive initiative aims to empower users globally through a fusion of on-device AI developed by Samsung and cloud-based AI collaborations with industry partners.

The flagship feature, AI Live Translate Call, takes center stage, offering real-time audio and text translations during phone calls with individuals speaking different languages. This innovation seamlessly integrates into the native calling function, eliminating the need for third-party translation apps. Crucially, Samsung emphasizes that translations occur directly on the device, prioritizing user privacy.

Samsung Announces "A New Era of Galaxy AI," Starting with AI Live Translate Call

Image Source: samsungmobilepress.com

While details on specific features remain elusive, Samsung’s press release hints at Galaxy AI’s broader missionโ€”breaking down communication barriers, streamlining productivity, and fostering creativity in key aspects of daily life. The tech giant assures users that these advancements will be coupled with a steadfast commitment to maintaining privacy and security.

Galaxy AI as a comprehensive intelligence offering

Wonjoon Choi, Executive Vice President and Head of R&D for Samsungโ€™s Mobile eXperience Business, envisions Galaxy AI as a “comprehensive intelligence offering” poised to “change how we think about our phones forever.” This sentiment underscores the transformative potential Samsung sees in integrating AI seamlessly into the mobile experience.

The anticipated launch of Galaxy AI in early 2023 has piqued the curiosity of tech enthusiasts and Samsung users alike. The promise of an AI-driven mobile future prompts questions about the specifics of how productivity and creativity will be redefined through Samsung devices.

This announcement follows Samsung’s earlier revelation of Gauss, the company’s proprietary large language model designed for tasks such as email composition, summarization, and image creation. While currently limited to internal use, Samsung hints at plans to release Gauss for Galaxy phones, further solidifying the company’s commitment to integrating cutting-edge AI into its consumer-facing products.

As the tech world eagerly awaits the rollout of Galaxy AI, Samsung appears poised to set a new standard for mobile intelligence, offering users a glimpse into the transformative potential of AI in enhancing the way we communicate, work, and create with our smartphones.

How To Remove Call Recording Warning On Android (2023)

How To Remove Call Recording Warning On Android (2023)

In 2020, Google made a significant change by mandating Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to preinstall Google Dialer and Messages apps on Android devices, effectively replacing the stock dialer and messaging apps developed by individual device manufacturers. While this move standardized the user experience across Android devices, it also led to the removal of certain features that users had come to appreciate. One such feature was call recording without an announcement, which was available on some stock dialer apps but not on Google Dialer. In this article, we’ll explore ways to disable call recording announcements on various Android phones, including Realme, Oppo, OnePlus, Vivo, iQOO, Xiaomi, and more.

Why Does Google Dialer Announce Call Recording Warning?

The reason Google Dialer announces call recording is rooted in legal requirements and the varying laws regarding recording phone calls in different countries. Depending on your location, you may be required to seek consent or inform the other party before recording a call. In certain regions, call recording is strictly prohibited, and the laws governing this practice vary. For instance, in some U.S. states, both the caller and receiver must be aware that the call is being recorded, while in other regions, only one person needs to be informed.

How To Remove Call Recording Warning On Android (2023)

Image Source: pcmag.com

In India, the Indian Telegraph Act 1885 permits only the Central or State Government to tap conversations, and there are established legal procedures to follow. Google Dialer’s call recording feature is designed to comply with these legal requirements, ensuring that the recipient is informed of the recording to avoid any potential legal issues.

Enable Call Recording Without Announcement on OnePlus and Oppo Phones

If you own a OnePlus or Oppo phone, you can sideload the old ColorOS Dialer app to record calls without any announcement. Here’s how:

  1. Install ODialer (Free) on your smartphone, which is the stock dialer app offered by the ColorOS team.
  2. Set ODialer as your default dialer and grant the necessary permissions.
  3. Open ODialer (Phone app), make a call, and tap on “Record.” The call will be recorded without any announcement or warning.

Enable Call Recording Without Announcement on Vivo and iQOO Phones

Vivo and iQOO phones come with a hidden stock Phone app that supports call recording without an announcement. To enable it:

  1. Open the Google Dialer (Phone) app and enter the code “*#*#556688#*#*”.
  2. Enable the toggle for the “Alternate Phone and Contacts” page and set the alternate Phone app as your default dialer.
  3. Make a call with the new Phone app, tap on “Record,” and the call will be recorded without the receiver knowing.

Disable Call Recording Announcement on Google Dialer (Realme, Xiaomi, Moto, etc)

For smartphones from manufacturers like Realme or Xiaomi that use the stock Google Dialer app, you can disable call recording announcements with the following steps:

  1. Open the Play Store and search for “Google Dialer.” Uninstall the app to restore it to the older version that shipped with your device, as newer versions may have patched workarounds.
  2. Disable “Enable auto-update” to prevent automatic updates.
  3. Install the TTSLexx app (Free) from the Play Store, which can be used as a workaround to disable call recording announcements.
  4. In your phone’s Settings, go to “text to speech” and select the “TTSLexx” app as the preferred engine.
  5. Clear the data of the Google Dialer app.
  6. Restart your Android phone and make a call with the Google Dialer. This time, the call will be recorded without an announcement.

If you encounter issues, uninstall the latest update, as mentioned in step 1, and clear the existing app data to ensure the method works effectively.

By following these methods, you can regain the ability to record calls without any announcement on various Android devices, respecting the legal requirements of your region.

How to Create and Join a Channel on WhatsApp?

How to Create and Join a Channel on WhatsApp?

Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp, is constantly working on enhancing the user experience by introducing new features and updates. One of the latest additions to the WhatsApp platform is Channels. WhatsApp Channels offer an exciting new way for individuals and organizations to share updates and information with their followers. In this article, we’ll walk you through how to create and join a channel on WhatsApp.

What Is a WhatsApp Channel?

A WhatsApp Channel is a platform for people to receive the latest information and updates from individuals or organizations they follow. This could include news portals, sports teams, politicians, or even businesses and brands. WhatsApp Channels enable one-way communication, allowing administrators to broadcast updates and share information with their followers using text, media (photos, videos, stickers), and even conduct polls to gather feedback.

How to Create and Join a Channel on WhatsApp?

Image Source: livemint.com

Privacy is a key aspect of WhatsApp Channels. When you join a Channel, your phone number remains hidden from the admin and other followers, and likewise, the admin’s phone number is not visible to Channel members. These Channels are accessible via the Updates tab, which was previously known as Status. According to Meta, Channel updates are stored on their servers for up to 30 days.

Getting Channels on WhatsApp

To access the Channels feature, you need to make sure you have the latest version of WhatsApp. Here’s how to update the app:

  1. If you’re using an Android device, open the Play Store. If you have an iPhone, open the App Store.
  2. Navigate to the Updates section in your respective app store.
  3. If there’s a pending WhatsApp update, install it.

Once you’ve updated WhatsApp, you’ll have access to Channels.

Joining a WhatsApp Channel

After updating WhatsApp, follow these steps to join a WhatsApp Channel:

  1. Open WhatsApp and head to the Updates tab.
  2. Below the Status section, you’ll find the Channels section.
  3. Tap the “Find Channels” button to see a list of Channel recommendations.
  4. You can use filters and country settings to customize your search.
  5. Click on a Channel to view the type of content it broadcasts. You can also forward and share the Channel with others from this page.

If you want to follow a Channel, hit the “Follow” button in the top-right corner. Alternatively, you can join a Channel by tapping the plus (+) button next to a Channel name in the suggested list.

By default, notifications from the Channels you join are muted. You can unmute them by clicking the bell icon to the left of the three-dot menu in the top-right corner or by toggling off the switch for “Muted” on the Channel’s page.

Creating a WhatsApp Channel

WhatsApp allows anyone to create their own Channel. If you have a following and want to share important information or updates, follow these steps to create a WhatsApp Channel:

  1. Open WhatsApp and go to the Updates tab.
  2. Tap the plus (+) button next to the Channels section and select “Create channel.”
  3. Click “Continue.”
  4. Provide a name for your Channel and write a description to inform potential followers about its purpose.
  5. Choose a profile icon for your Channel to make it more recognizable.
  6. Finally, click the “Create channel” button to create your Channel.

Once your WhatsApp Channel is created, you can start posting messages and updates. You can also share the link to your Channel with your followers by clicking the “Channel Link” button in the top-right corner and selecting the contacts you want to share it with. Followers can react to your updates using emojis or participate in polls, but they cannot send direct messages to the admin.

Your own Channel, along with the Channels you follow, can be found in the Channels section within the Updates tab. This section serves as a hub for all your Channel-related activities on WhatsApp.