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Samsung Galaxy Note 20

Samsung Galaxy Note 20 to launch online next month due to COVID-19 crisis

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On Tuesday, Samsung hosted a live online event to announce the launch of the new Samsung Galaxy Note 20 series next month. Due to the horrific consequences of the novel coronavirus, many companies are forced to delay their product launches. But, Samsung has decided to launch the next series of Galaxy Note 20 on 5th August via a digital platform.

This virtual unpacking of new products will include Note 20, Galaxy Z Fold 2, and Galaxy Z Flip (5G version). The product launch will be different from the events hosted before by the company especially when it is exclusively online. So, gear up, and let’s wait for the big moment to see what Samsung has got for its users this time.

Apart from Samsung other companies are also planning to take their events online. We also witnessed the shifting of WWDC20 hosted by Apple from offline to online mode this year. This might become the new normal for us amidst the pandemic.

Where and how the launch will take place?

As the company made it crystal clear that the unpacking will take place on a digital platform, Samsung will host a live event on YouTube. The streaming will take place on 5th August at 10 a.m. ET/7 a.m. P.T. Samsung’s official teaser has already been launched which gives us a few hints about the look of Galaxy Note 20 Ultra.

Apart from the Galaxy Note 20 series, the audience is expecting more from the unpacking event. The event might also include revealing tablets, that is, Galaxy Tab S lineup and so much more. It is expected that the company made suitable modifications to each of the models to be launched because last year the Galaxy Fold received criticism for its screen defects.

Galaxy note 20
Image Source: pocket-lint.com

What are the new features?

Last year, Samsung received a whole lot of negative feedback on the Galaxy Fold. After the company distributed a limited number of units to the reviewers, many problems were reported along with pointing out vast scope of improvement. So, Samsung delayed the launch to carry out thorough internal tests. Most of the issues were concerning the display and the hinge of the fold. The company has decided to unfold the second generation of the series next month. So, we expect better technology and durability this time which will balance the high price.

Some of the modifications that can be expected for the new Galaxy Fold are a glass display instead of a plastic one and a bigger internal screen. Rumors have been spread that Samsung might launch a cheaper model of Galaxy Fold besides Galaxy Fold 2.

Rumors have also come upon the surface regarding the Galaxy Z Flip and this time with a 5G version. The model of the Galaxy Flip that was released a few months later this year was a 4G phone. The new model is expected to run on a 5G network along with a Snapdragon 865 Plus processor and a bigger battery.

Regarding the Note series, Samsung is maybe planning to launch three new models, namely, Note 20, Note 20 Plus, and Note 20 Ultra. These models might have a comparatively thinner body and all of them will be run on the 5G network.

Amongst the global pandemic

No matter how big a company is especially in the phone industry, the pandemic has planted doubted in every mind. The major smartphone brands are in a dilemma if the impact will be the same as the events are gradually shifting to a virtual model. Moreover, this year the phone companies were going to break records as 5G connectivity just started entering the market. But, with the globally pandemic pinning every business down, the craze for new models is questionable. And, even after the crisis is over, the businesses will still struggle to come up on the surface.

Samsung in particular has faced a decelerating market as its new series of Galaxy S20 was launched just a few weeks before the lockdown. So, the company is now trying to make more budget-friendly phones to approach new users as well.

After August 5th, Samsung is planning to host another virtual event in September 2020

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Best Apps During Coronavirus

7 Best Apps to Keep You Informed & Entertained During Coronavirus

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With every passing moment, these lockdown days are getting much more stressful, gloomy, and boring than expected. In a wake of Coronavirus outbreak, all the outdoor activities are restricted to control the spread of a highly contagious virus that caused irreversible damage to the worldwide population. So, it is obvious to feel a bit anxious or crazy as no one of us has ever stayed indoors for such a long time. Right from trying out your favorite hobbies to doing everyday household chores, most people are looking out for new ways to spend these quarantine days. Mental & physical health is a key to overall wellbeing but lockdown is making it difficult for us to maintain a balanced lifestyle. But fortunately, several mobile apps are helping people to curb their boredom, negativity, tension, or anything that makes them anxious these days. Whether it’s about fitness tracking or social interaction, gaming, or live streaming on any platform, several mobile app development companies are presenting apps to keep you engaged, entertained, active, & in good health all the time. These are the best 7 apps to try during coronavirus lockdown:

1. COVID-19 tracker: The majority of nations have introduced virus tracker apps to inform people & track data on the health conditions of users. These COVID-19 apps are designed to self-test your symptoms & track the number of positive cases reported near to you.

In case any user tests positive for the virus, the app will automatically send a notification alert to those who came in contact with the person so that immediate testing can be done. In India, the official COVID-19 tracker launched by the government i.e AarogyaSetu app has been playing a significant role in preventing the spread of the virus. You must download this virus tracker to stay updated to the latest news around the world and all new guidelines of corona prevention.

Also Read: INDIA’S OWN VIDEO CONFERENCING TOOL SAY NAMASTE GIVES A STRONG COMPETITION TO ZOOM

Also Read: COVID-19 testing kit from the Indian company that needs only 53 seconds!

2. The New York Times Crossword: If you’re fond of puzzles then this app is all you need to keep your brain stimulated during lockdown days. You can spend your free time playing mindful puzzles on The New York Times crossword app. Both Android &iOS versions are available with regular as well as paid subscriptions.

Start solving easy puzzles on Mondays and keep playing on other days to reach the utmost difficulty level. You can also get back to previous puzzles if you can’t complete the hard puzzles.

3. Marquee TV: Are you passionate about arts? Try Marquee TV app to explore contemporary & classical performing arts while staying indoors. Recently, the app also offered a free trial for 30 days for signing up on the app.  You can also enjoy cultural dance, opera, traditional theatre, concerts, & other live documentaries that match your interests.  

4. Zoom app: If you’re working from home then video conferencing might not be a new experience for you. However, the Zoom app is making it more exciting for friends, family, professionals, & other users to enjoy the real fun of live video chats with several customized features. You must give a try to this video conference app that allows you to attend the online meetings with your team while being on WFH and make video calls with multiple users by using screen share features and even customize the background for a more enjoyable experience.  

Also Read: Eric S. Yuan: CEO & Founder of Zoom Video Communications, ‘A Service That Connects People’

Also Read: 4 Sure-Shot Ways to Conduct Online Classes On Zoom

5. Google Stadia: Gaming is the perfect dose to steer away from the boredom during the lockdown. Check out Google Stadia if you can’t find alternate to PlayStation 4 or an Xbox One at your home. You can get started with other interactive games like Destiny 2 and Red Dead Redemption to spend your spare time while being on self-quarantine mode at home. Google Stadia doesn’t need physical disks as Google’s serves are used for streaming.

You can simply start playing this game on your TV, desktop, or smartphone. Although its pro version will cost you $9.99 for a month, you can still get some of its features for free without subscribing to the paid version.

Also Read: Joel Spolsky- How he made it possible from a blog ‘Joel on Software’ to setting up Trello

6. Youper: COVID-19 is affecting the mental & emotional health of people as things are getting worse day by day. To deal with such emotional stress, you must download the Youper app, the most intelligent health assistant app to cope with anxiety in the best way possible.

The makers of Youper claim that the app uses Artificial intelligence to monitor your mood, stress level, & improve your sleep. It helps users in reducing depression and anxiety via digital conversation & consultations.

7. CNBC: Many of you might be using this app of course to get the latest updates on your device. This news platform is a reliable source of information to get live coronavirus news from your city, country, & world promptly when any breaking news happens. Download CNBC on Android and iOS devices to catch all live updates

You may find countless apps to stay updated and entertained during these difficult days but only a few them worth your time as most of them carry similar features that are not much useful. Since a tough time won’t last for long, be positive, and spend these days with patience & positivity at your place.

Also Read: Harald Hass- German Professor who coined the new Li-Fi technology

Also Read: Ajay Bhatt- The inventor of USB who prefers to stay away from the limelight

youtube

YouTube is automatically deleting comments that can harm China’s Communist Party

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The pandemic caused due to the novel coronavirus has exposed China’s political system to a rough situation. The spread of coronavirus from the Wuhan city of China has made people believe that the novel coronavirus might be a bio-weapon after all. In this vulnerable situation, the rage of people towards China has increased which led to posting, commenting, and sharing content that holds the nation guilty.

In the meantime, YouTube is automatically deleting the two phrase comments in the Chinese language that is insulting to the CCP. The platform and its users have witnessed that within seconds these two phrase remarks are automatically vanishing from the comment section.

Is it a glitch on the system?

YouTube in response to the automatic deletion of specific Chinese comments said that it is an error in the system. The company reported to The Verge that it is a glitch on the system and they are looking into it already. According to a YouTube spokesperson, the investigation has begun and confirmed that this act is certainly not a result of any changes in the moderation policy.

A few months back YouTube declared to make some changes in its community guidelines in response to the content related to coronavirus. The spread of conspiracy theories was increasing from this platform hence they decided to use automated filters to remove them. On 16th March 2020, YouTube declared that it will remove some contents immediately without any human review if found against the guidelines. So, the company, this time said that since they are more dependent on automated filters based on AI. So, it will delete even the positive comments including those two-phrase.

User says the problem existed for a long time now

But, many of the users have also reported that it is not a recent “error” or “practice” of YouTube. Evidence shows that YouTube is responsible for deleting such comments for the past six months or more. Many users raised this issue on the official help page of the platform demanding a proper explanation for this problem. But, the issue has finally got voice when Palmer Lucky, U.S. technologist tweeted about it. Thorough investigation shows that human right activist; Jennifer Zeng raised the same issue a few weeks back.

But, the question is why YouTube would do it intentionally given that the platform is currently blocked in China. So, deleting or establishing censorship to save the reputation of the current ruling party of China should be of no concern for Google. This is very disturbing for the users of every other nation and questions the integrity of the company.

The two phrase comments

According to the reports, the Google-owned-platform, YouTube is specifically deleting comments like “wu mao” and “communist bandit” written in Chinese. The former term is a slang often used to insult the Communist Party of China. The latter was mostly used when the Chinese Nationalist government ruled the nation. The slang “wu mao” means “50-cent party” which is often used for the paid internet users that direct any kind of criticism regarding CCP away from the discussion. People believe they are paid 50 Chinese cents per post and thus the name-calling.

The human rights activist, Jennifer Zeng who spotted this mishap also posted relevant screenshots. She commented on the same phrase three times and YouTube automatically deleted it within fifteen seconds. This is not the first time that Google is criticized for censoring content that goes against CCP. Project Dragonfly launched in 2018 is proof of it.

Also read: Steve Chen – Co-Founder of YouTube

Project Dragonfly

In August 2018, Google launched a censored version of its search engine in China. It was for more than a decade that citizens of China were barred from accessing Google’s search engine. Hence, this censored search engine, also known as Project dragonfly was maybe an attempt by the company to re-establish itself in the Chinese market. But, this act of Google’s raised many questions about public interest and transparency.

Google accepting even the strictest policies of China’s search engine rules questioned its moral principles. This act of Google’s received criticism not only from many politicians but also from its employees. Hence, in June 2019, Google declared that it has dropped the Project Dragonfly and has no plan to launch China.

ZoomLogo

4 Sure-Shot Ways to Conduct Online Classes On Zoom

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With 2020, the worst situation has entered into the world-destroying the living of people. The whole universe is facing a disturbing pandemic disease that has affected the daily routines of every sector. Where people are battling a fight against deadly Coronavirus, several industries are making every effort to cope with the loss. As individuals are restricted to their homes, students aren’t able to enter school premises. Where people are still wondering how to conduct online classes and give students access to every important material, an outstanding software ‘Zoom’ has made the whole process easier.

Zoom is a web conferencing software providing an amazing environment for meetings and online classes. It gives learning opportunities to students keeping them engaged and providing teachers every possible functionality to make the learning process better. It can be downloaded easily on any computer device and even mobile phones. This article will give you a complete guide on how to conduct online classes using Zoom. 

Also Read: Eric S. Yuan : CEO & Founder of Zoom Video Communications, ‘A Service That Connects People’

Setting Up Online Classes

Firstly, you have to install Zoom on your desktop and set up a Zoom account. As a teacher, you need to open a course in Canvas and make sure the course is published. To proceed further, enable the course tool available on Zoom by updating canvas course navigation. On the left menu, you’ll be shown the ‘Zoom’ option, click on it, and tap Schedule a New Meeting. Your course name will become the topic header and under Time Zone, you’ll find the option of ‘Recurring meeting’. Check it and select NoFixedTime from the drop-down menu and enable join before host under meeting options. It will allow your students to join the class before you, unselecting this option will make students wait until you join the class. Click save and tell students to join the class by clicking Zoom from the Canvas menu or through an invitation link.

Also Read: As Microsoft’s Skype Falters, Zoom Rises to the Occasion

Preparing to Teach

Once you have scheduled your online class through Zoom, share all the necessary information with your students. You have the freedom to post an announcement within the software to make students aware of the timing. Share with students what you want them to prepare and your expectations related to the class. For this purpose, you need to have a canvas, and in case if you don’t have then email the information separately to your students. Plan your agenda for the online class and share guidelines with them to encourage their participation. You have multiple options available on the software like enabling text or audio communication, online submission, preparation of class, create polling questions, and enable breakout rooms. Zoom also offers tips to students and instructors teaching them to use the software correctly.

Also Read: INDIA’S OWN VIDEO CONFERENCING TOOL SAY NAMASTE GIVES A STRONG COMPETITION TO ZOOM

During Online Classes

You can make your online classes interactive and engaging to enable an effective learning environment. Zoom, it is encouraged to let students know about the correct timing of class completion. Moreover, you can turn on your video to give real-class feels to students. Zoom allows students to select if they want to turn on their video or not. If you want your students to view your online lecture afterward too, you have the option to record your session by just clicking at ‘Select Record to the Cloud’ option. To discuss formulas, video, article, datasets, turn on text or audio chat for better understanding. Enable Share Screen option to share websites, links, slides, documents, and images with your students. Breakout Rooms is also available within Zoom which splits the entire classroom into smaller groups.

Also read: CEO of Inscripts is the 16-year-old who developed his own company along with his twin brother

After Completion of Class

Once you are completed with your online class session, you must tell students about after class plans. After recording your class to the cloud, an email will be sent to you containing the link to download your session. Share different problems with your students to solve and ask them to take help from your cloud recordings. It also advantages students who didn’t attend the lecture for some reason, they can watch the complete video of your online class any time even if they need logo design help. Explore other learning opportunities and set a goal for your class and ask students to follow the plan for successful course learning. Provide home works, learning links, videos and other material to make them understand a topic clearly. You can even assess students based on their online submitted assignments and help them grow through this remarkable Zoom software.

Also Read: 99designs – Hire The Best Designers For Your Business

Conclusion

Due to the current pandemic situation the entire world is facing, the education industry has been most affected. Students aren’t able to continue their studies doing a great loss to their learning capabilities. Synchronous class sessions are the ones that are most needed right now to give students an effective learning environment. Zoom is one of the most popular software used for meetings and classes providing different features like text chat, audio chat, video classes, online sharing, video recording, assessment tests, etc. This web conferencing software gives you all functionalities needed for a perfect online class with pre-scheduled class timings.

Also Read: Disney Plus Head Kevin Mayer Quits Disney to Join TikTok!

inscripts

CEO of Inscripts is the 16-year-old who developed his own company along with his twin brother

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The digital era has spread its arm to warmly welcome the web developers, software developers, web designers, data scientists, etc. There are many roles for people in this digital world to participate and contribute to the technology sector. Gaining knowledge in fields like IoT, competitive programming, data analysis, web designing increases the chances of landing a job in this constantly upgrading world. We have come across many legendary scientists and programmers who started coding from a very young age. They built their website, established their business, etc from scratch. Anuj Garg is one such persona in today’s world who created his own company Inscripts at the age of sixteen. With the support of his twin brother, Anant Garg, their business has achieved great success in a less interval of time.

Also Read: INDIA’S OWN VIDEO CONFERENCING TOOL SAY NAMASTE GIVES A STRONG COMPETITION TO ZOOM

The tale of two brothers behind Inscripts

From a very young age, both Anuj and his brother were interested in running and exploring the world of technology. At the age of four, their uncle bought them their first computer and this is when it all began. He started exploring the internet which led him to develop various products before launching Inscripts. They began their entrepreneurial journey by creating an alumni programme at school. One thing led to another and they ended up creating Inscripts in 2001.  

Founding a company at the age of 16

After developing the alumni programme which was sheer out of interest and need, they had an understanding of market demand. So, when they were in Standard X, Anuj and his brother developed their company, Inscripts. They set up the company from their home and it was based on web development.

Initially, they created different products and put it online. When they tried to sell it, they were surprised that people were showing interest. So, eventually, their market expanded and they started hiring full-time employees. Anuj said that people buying their products were a great encouragement for them.

Struggle and Success of Inscripts

Anuj worked with a bunch of freelancers. Many people don’t tend to work for small companies or start-ups. So, they faced difficulties at the beginning especially because they were just school students back then. One year after launching Inscripts they received a big proposal from an oil company. So, they fled to Delhi to confirm the project but were unfortunately turned down because they were seventeen back then.

But, with years of struggles, they reached at a better position by 2007. At the beginning of 2008, Inscripts dealt with clients across 30 countries. They mainly sold their products to small and medium enterprises. Anuj’s main target was to sell the company’s products to those businesses that cannot afford expensive solutions. At a cheap price, the quality is compromised but Anuj took it as a challenge and developed quality products at an affordable rate.

Anuj also faced many challenges tackling foreign clients. They already had a negative impression of Indian companies that the product will be cheap and of unsatisfying quality. Anuj said that cheap product doesn’t necessarily mean degraded quality. Because it is a real breakthrough to produce high demanding quality products at a cheaper rate. So, it shouldn’t always be the judging criteria.

Launching Say Namaste

Recently, the COVID-19 pandemic has increased the user base for the video conferencing apps. With Zoom becoming vulnerable to the security breach and privacy leakage, Inscripts launched Say Namaste to replace Zoom. The Indian government announced a challenge a month ago. It announced that whoever will be able to come up with a secure video conferencing platform will be awarded prize money.

Also Read: Eric S. Yuan : CEO & Founder of Zoom Video Communications, ‘A Service That Connects People

And, that is how Inscripts released the beta version of Say Namaste last month. Within 48 hours of the launch, Say Namaste hosted 25,000 successful meetings. The platform’s main priority is to secure privacy with high-end encryption. Currently, it is working on releasing an iOS app and expanding the strength of one meeting from 25 to 100 people.

CometChat

After co-founding Inscripts, Anuj created a chat platform, CometChat in 2009. It is a Chat API and In-App Messaging SDK that has served foreign clients as well. Apart from India, CometChat also has an office in Colorado. Last year, it became the first Indian start-up ever to get selected into the Techstars Boulder Accelerator. It also received a seed funding of $120,000 from Techstars in 2019.

Say Namaste

INDIA’S OWN VIDEO CONFERENCING TOOL SAY NAMASTE GIVES A STRONG COMPETITION TO ZOOM

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With the lockdown now existing for months, work from home has become a ritual rather than a trend. We are loaded with plenty of projects, presentation and not to mention the everyday conference call. When you are collaborating with other people for work, video conferencing is necessary. Moreover, it is not only for attending professional meetings but also connecting with friends and family. But, with Zoom’s security breach and the threat of personal data leak, an alternative is the need of the hour. Here comes India’s very own video conferencing tool, Say Namaste that gained massive popularity within a few days.

Also Read: Zoom Freezes the Release of Any New Feature as Its Security Is At Stake

What is Say Namaste?

Say Namaste is an Indian web-based video conferencing platform. There is no app released officially yet for mass use. Many people are suggesting our Indian government has launched this platform. But, a Mumbai-based software development company, Inscripts has designed the program and launched its beta version. Till now the application has received hugely positive feedback from the people of India. But, the company hasn’t declared any date yet for the official release of Say Namaste.

Let’s see the full story of Say Namaste.

How Say Namaste emerged out of a government initiative?

First of all, everybody should steer away from the rumor that the Indian government launched Say Namaste. The Indian government in response to the security breach of Zoom wanted to alert the citizens of the country. So, the government took an initiative to launch an app development challenge to replace Zoom in India.

So, the Indian government declared the “Innovation Challenge for Development of Video Conferencing Solution” to give India a chance to develop an application. The winner is promised prize money of one crore. It is through this challenge the Mumbai-based company Inscripts came up with Say Namaste which got famous overnight. Though the result of this challenge will be declared on 29th July, Say Namaste has already become successful in drawing the attention of lakhs of people.

How the application of Say Namaste works?

The procedure of carrying out a video conference on the platform of Say Namaste is similar to the Zoom app. One is supposed to join a meeting by using the meeting link and code. And, if you are creating the meeting you can share the same with other Say Namaste users who you want to join. The features of the platform are almost the same as Zoom. You can mute the audio or the video whenever you want, swipe the screen to check other active participants, etc. The application also has the feature for chatting.

How to use Say Namaste?

The company hasn’t released an app for both iOS and Android yet. It is a video conferencing tool that can be accessed on your PC or laptop. But, the company is planning to launch an app for iOS users. But, Inscripts haven’t given any information about Android application for Say Namaste.

For creating a new meeting, you will find creating a new meeting option. You can easily create a meeting ID that can be shared with other people. And, to join a meeting you need to enter your name, the meeting ID, and the meeting code. Go ahead and enjoy the experience of India’s latest video conferencing app.

Why is it better than Zoom?

With the recent case of Zoombombing, people don’t find it safe anymore to attend video conferences via the Zoom application. The users have witnessed the recent and many flaws of the app which still needs fixing. But, people cannot just wait around for the company to modify the app. Say Namaste came as a blessed replacement for the Indians. The main motto of the platform is to provide extremely strong security.

This is the main reason why Inscripts has extensively focused on the level of encryption that is required for Say Namaste. The features, number of callers on one meeting, etc can be expanded gradually. But, the company has made security its primary goal and that is why it is better than Zoom on many folds.

The popularity of Say Namaste

Once the users feel secure, they will keep coming around. With Zoom witnessing its downfall, a better security model has played the ace for Say Namaste. After the launch of 48 hours, the company tweeted that Say Namaste crossed 100,000 users creating and joining 25,000 in less than a couple of days.

Anuj Garg, CEO of Inscripts said that they are delighted with the huge number of users and happy about being the talk of the city currently. Though the company has independently created the platform, Anuj showed his interest to work closely with the government. Anuj also says that the platform was built within two days by a team consisting of more than 50 developers.

Conclusion

Though the platform is only supporting 25 people on a video call, developers are working to expand the figure to 100. Since it is very new, it lacks some of the Zoom features. But, very soon the users of Say Namaste will enjoy features like screen sharing, file sharing, etc.