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Best Apps During Coronavirus

7 Best Apps to Keep You Informed & Entertained During Coronavirus

Leave a Comment / COVID-19, Tech tips / By

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

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Namecheap Bans Domain Names Containing Words Related to COVID-19

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The deadly coronavirus continues its rampage as it spreads aggressively throughout Europe and North America. With over 4,50,000 people have tested positive and causalities exceeding 20,000, the virus has grown to become a global pandemic. Almost all spheres of life have been hit by the virus, with most educational institutions and offices shutting down. Most non-essential services and industries have been shut in a bid to stop the spread of this viral infection. One of the most significant issues that have surfaced as a result of this global pandemic is the spread of fake news and theories. From around the world, people have been posting faux stories regarding cures and infection theories which has been spreading false information. Governments across the globe are trying to put an end to the peddling of incorrect information through various means. In this article, we will be taking a look at one such way which has been adopted by domain registrar company Namecheap.

Banning Words to Prevent False Information

Namecheap which handles the domain registration of websites, on Wednesday announced that it was prohibiting domains from taking names which contain the words, ‘covid’, ‘coronavirus’ and ‘vaccine’. The full list of words it will not allow to be a part of domain names has been released by the company. This decision has been taken to stop the peddling of false information in such trying times. Any term or phrase that alludes to the COVID-19 pandemic will not get registered as a domain name in the months to come. The LA-based company hopes that such measures will prevent fake products and websites from flooding the internet. Ever since the pandemic spread to Europe and the US, many sites flaunting miracle drugs and cures have popped up all over the internet. Such websites do not provide any medical background or proof and peddle fake products by selling misinformation. This move will go a long way in preventing people from capitalizing on the ongoing worldwide health hazard.

Desperate Measures during Desperate Times

The company’s statement called out all the people who were trying to take advantage of this crisis to make some quick money. Both the company and government authorities are working in tandem to prevent such misinformation and fraudulent products from taking over the internet. The government is also following a very proactive method that aims to stop and take down any such content from the world wide web. The company mailed a copy of its statement to all its customers and emphasized how from now on, it will not allow any domain name containing words or phrases related to the pandemic. In case, legitimate and legally valid companies wish to procure a domain name, including the banned words, they will have to do after contacting the company’s support team. After thorough verification and validation, such companies will be able to register themselves with the company.

Viral Scams

The coronavirus has led to large-scale loss of life around the world. However, fraudulent characters are making use of this deadly virus to scam people and sell fake products. Coronavirus-related scams and abuse has become as viral as the infection itself. With such scams becoming viral, most of the world’s top tech companies are trying to fight this in their ways. E-commerce legends such as Amazon and E-Bay are starting to remove all sellers and listings which claim to have coronavirus cures. These companies have also placed bans and restrictions on the sale of face masks and hand sanitizers, which people seem to be stocking, owing to the crisis.

Furthermore, social media giants such as Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube are now working together to moderate the content that goes live on their platforms. These companies have also come out with more aggressive approaches to content analysis, review, and removal. Almost all fake videos which are up on YouTube claiming to cure the viral disease have been taken off. Recently, NYC police officials had asked domain registrars too to help in this fight against online scamming, leading to this decision by Namecheap. All these rules and preventive measures will help in tackling forums, websites, and apps that claim to have fake vaccines, cures, and preventing tactics. This step was taken as the last month saw thousands of new domain registrations all peddling phony information. However, such registrar companies took action as soon as NY Attorney General, Letitia James asked them to deploy stringent countermeasures regarding the same. While Namecheap has taken proactive steps to prevent such fraudulent registration, GoDaddy and Endurance seem to still rely on their abuse reporting capabilities. With the viral disease having spread aggressively, it is safe to assume that these companies too will come out with stricter measures in the coming days, as the world comes together to fight the COVID-19.

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World Comes Together to Find a Cure for the COVID-19

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It has now been three months since the novel coronavirus went ballistic, spreading across the world and claiming lives. Since the spike in cases started, medical professionals from around the globe have been doubtful when it comes to how to treat the pandemic. Most of them are unclear regarding which drug will prove to be most effective against this viral disease. However, the silver lining here is that this confusion has brought together the entire medical community especially WHO, as they try to find answers. Here’s a quick look at how the world has come together to find a cure for the COVID-19.

Testing Progressing

The virus broke into China early December and then tore the country apart by February. Researchers and doctors then set up multiple testing centers and drug trial centers to test the efficiency of existing medicines. However, data from China has not been successful in pinpointing any particular drug as the final solution. This prompted the Director-General of WHO, Tedros Adhanom to ask top medical professionals from around the world to work together to find a cure. He recently applauded the global effort by stating that such an extensive program against the viral disease would lead to faster results. The WHO, has, therefore, launched a global clinical trial to test four drugs that they feel have the best response against the COIVD-19. These include the experimental Remdesivir, the anti-malarial chloroquine, and hydroxychloroquine, two HIV drugs from a combination pair, and the same two combined with an anti-inflammatory beta drug.

Global Effort

These trials will happen all over the world and will be extremely flexible. As time passes, the centers will add and remove additional treatments and therapies as per their findings. In many ways, this process will resemble the one adopted by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. This facility, which took shape in the US, sometime in February has been testing Remdesivir. However, as of now, the US is not included in this global testing scheme launched by WHO. Nevertheless, hundreds of such trials are now in motion. Here’s a look at the main drugs they are focusing on, as of now.

Anti-Malarial Drugs

Studies have found that both hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine can help in stopping the coronavirus’s spread. Meanwhile, anecdotal evidence suggests that this combination can help patients infected by the COVID-19. An advantage concerning this drug is that since it has been used for years as an anti-malarial drug, scientists and researchers have a lot of experience when it comes to using it. After having used it for years, most scientists have found that the drug affects viruses. The trials are trying to establish whether hydroxychloroquine can help with stopping the virus from developing into more severe conditions within patients. To test this, researchers need to administer the drug to people who are at high-risk locations. By getting the drug into people early on, the team will be able to track how the drug responds to the virus and whether it proves to be effective. Since viruses work incredibly fast, if a drug has a chance of working, that chance is amplified if it reaches the infection early on. While the research is still in its early stages, experts believe that hydroxychloroquine will prove to be an essential drug in the fight against the viral epidemic. However, such news has led to a rise in demand for the drug, inspiring manufacturers to increase production. This rise in demand has led to a shortage of people who use the drug to fight lupus.

HIV Drug Trials

Two Thai doctors in February claimed that a combination of lopinavir and ritonavir, two drugs used for the treatment of HIV helps COVID-19 patients. This has led to the WHO issuing testing centers to run clinical trials on the effectiveness of this combination. A separate test is running to test the effect of the blend with an anti-inflammatory interferon-beta. The most promising news here is that this combination proved successful in the fight against the SARS and MERS pandemics. However, some bad news has come out from China, wherein trials revealed that the combination did not prove successful. But, the test occurred in people who were in the later stages of the disease, meaning that this might be why the combination proved to be ineffective.

Antiviral Remedies

The drug remdesivir first gained attention as a useful tool against Ebola. Later on, research showed that the drug also works against MERS and SARS. Now, recent lab tests have shown that the drug can also help in curbing the novel coronavirus. While anecdotal evidence backs the remdesivir drug, clinical trials will aid in substantiating this evidence. Further trials are testing various other drugs; some backed by WHO, some without, in a way to quickly fight the virus. Japan is testing an anti-flu drug called favipiravir, which they say is effective in treating the COVID-19. While clinical trials take time to collect data, this global effort will help in building concrete evidence faster than ever before. As the world comes together to fight this pandemic, let us all hope that a cure is found soon.

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YouTube Doing All It Can to Promote Good Content in the Times of COVID-19

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As the COVID-19 continues to wreak havoc around the world, all spheres of our life are reeling in the aftermath. Around the world, cases seem to be on the increase and most governments are putting curfews in place to prevent the further spread of the virus. During this time of need, several people have been accused of spreading false information regarding the disease. When everything is digital, it becomes effortless to popularize and legitimize fake news. Since doing so can have serious repercussions, officials are asking people to be careful regarding what they share with family and friends. Therefore, having a legitimate source for news and updates regarding the COVID-19 has become integral, and Google seems to be stepping up to the occasion. Here’s a look at how YouTube and Google are handling the situation.

Saving Grace from Google

Google recently released specifications regarding how they are helping users fight the COVID-19. They have set up an education website that will help users gain insight into how the virus works and how we can protect ourselves against it. This website is working in tandem with the Trump administration to help curb the spread of the virus. This partnership with the government will help users gain information regarding how the virus spreads, WHO guidelines and even CDC control measures. The initial version of the website was to become active on the 16th of March.

Furthermore, reports state that Verily, which is owned by Google’s parent, Alphabet, is working on setting up COVID-19 testing centers. These will launch in the San Francisco Bay Area and will help speed up the testing process, limiting its spread. The company is also said to be developing an online tool to help patients self-quarantine themselves if they show symptoms. However, both these tools are only in their testing phase and may require a lot more time to become operational. Furthermore, the tech giant will also dispense vital information using Search, Maps, and YouTube. Let us take a look at what YouTube plans to do.

Google’s homepage now promotes the Do the Five campaign, which aims to raise awareness regarding measures people should take to limit the spread of the disease. These guidelines, which have been devised by the WHO, has been popularized by Google. Within just 24 hours from release, these guidelines have been viewed by millions in the US alone. Google’s My Business will also allow businesses to mark themselves as Temporarily Shut due to the COVID-19.

From Google to YouTube

YouTube has been spread misinformation in the past, and Google aims to stop that from happening this time. Therefore, Google has taken down thousands of videos that promote misleading and factually incorrect news regarding the COVID-19. Several of these videos claimed to have treatments and prevention methods against the coronavirus but had no medical proof to back up their claims. Similarly, Google Maps has also taken down malicious content and reviews regarding healthcare locations.

Furthermore, the tech giant has warned content creators against posting false information. Also, they have told creators that due to staffing changes owing to the COVID-19 outbreak, more and more reviews will rely on automated systems. Therefore, most of the removals and revisions will be done by automated algorithms and not through human intervention.

This may lead to an increase in video removals, with even some video which does not violate policies being taken down. In such cases, creators can appeal against the taking down of their video, and the teams associated with QC&QA will review the decision. However, YouTube has also made it clear that such reviews will take longer than usual due to a workforce shortage. Furthermore, the company will be more careful about what content goes up in order to prevent the spread of false information. Everything, including live streams, will be carefully analyzed with content awaiting review not being available via search or in recommendations.

YouTube will also come out with a new row of verified content on its homepage to help people looking for updates on the viral outbreak. These videos will feature news from authoritative outlets and health providers, rather than random users. This COVID-19 shelf will be available in 16 countries initially, and this includes the US, UK, India, Germany, Italy, and Brazil from this week onwards. In due time, it will be made available to more countries. Google has also pulled paid ads that try to capitalize on the virus from YouTube, giving more space to NGOs and government authorities.

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Regardless of coronavirus outbreaks Tesla to deliver its Model Y in the US?

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Highlights

Tesla Model Y deliveries begin in the US though WHO declared coronavirus outbreaks as a global emergency.

Just before one year, the company unveiled an electric SUV as well, Tesla announced the unveiling of Model Y at that time.

First Tesla model Y delivery ahead of the original schedule

The coronavirus outbreak is declared as a global emergency. After China, many countries including Italy, Australia, and now even India is fighting with the coronavirus. Also, many other countries becoming wrapped up in the grips of coronavirus pandemic. In such a situation, Tesla has officially begun the deliveries of the first Model Y to US customers. To share this information, Tesla tweeted a video yesterday. It shows the small electric SUV going through the production process also, being tested on a different part of the world. As well, the company shared a link to the order page. Some Tesla focused YouTubers including Teslanomics’ Ben Sullins spotted the first deliveries of Tesla Model Y.

Tesla Model Y could be an even bigger hit?

The company’s Model Y, first unveiled last year in the month of March is the fifth all-electric car to go into production. As per the report, the small SUV is built on the same technology platform as Model 3 Sedan. In fact, two cars shared about 75% parts. But there are few main differences like a motorized full hatch door at the rear, extra headroom. Also, having an optional small third row with two shotgun-style seats. However, Model 3 has proved to be a huge success for Tesla. Now Tesla Model Y is on its way.

The CEO Elon Musk said he believes the Model Y could potentially be an even bigger hit given the growing preference in the US (and, increasingly, the world) for the increased ride height, size, and functionality of SUVs.

Tesla Model Y configuration

New Model Y comes in two key configurations. However, both of them are all-wheel drive. The Long Range version of Tesla Model Y starts at $52,990 and offers 316 miles of range. As well, it can go from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 4.8 seconds. Also, Tesla is selling a Performance version that starts at $60,990. This performance version can travel 315 miles on a full battery, as well go from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 3.5 seconds. Moreover, to order Tesla Model Y, different options are available for each version. For example, Autopilot, advanced driver assistance package, various wheel covers, and paint colors. As per the report, in early 2021, the standard range version can be expected to enter production.

Will Coronavirus outbreaks affect the Model Y deliveries?

During Model Y unveiling, Tesla already announced that the shipping of Electric SUV will in Fall 2020. But the year 2019 was fairly successful for the company, and Tesla announced in January that it was able to get a vehicle into production faster than predicted. Now, the company begins the Model Y deliveries in the US, but the question is whether the coronavirus outbreaks would affect the deliveries. As we can see, the deadly virus affected many sectors and had a huge impact on new car sales in China. Ad well, it started to freeze up the economy of the US too. Because as a preventive measure, citizens isolate themselves so the spread can be a break. Also, many leading automobile companies like Hyundai and Ford started rolling out great recession era programs. Thus, trying to keep sales from completely catering. As well, it delays a customer’s first car payment for weeks or even months. Especially, if customers are jobless or affected by coronavirus outbreaks.

We cannot say what kind of impact the coronavirus will have on Tesla Model Y deliveries. Not only this model, but it’s unclear about sales of any other models of the company. Regardless of all this, Tesla announced to release first-quarter figures in the first week of April.

Does Tesla taking special care to stop Covid-19 spread?

It’s unclear about what the company is doing for the workforce in US factories that are located at three different locations. Though, the recently leaked memo clear that the company is restricting international travel and asking employees to seek medical advice if they feel Coronavirus symptoms.

But Tesla not shared any information if it’s taking preventive measures to limit the spread of coronavirus during these deliveries. Also, no such information mentioned about other car deliveries of the company. Coronavirus outbreaks are at its peak, while the Model Y deliveries of the company begin in the US. While Tesla has not responded to multiple requests for comment.

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Corona Prompts Israel to Use Anti-Terrorism Technology in the Fight Against It

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The Novel Coronavirus is on every major headline around the world as it continues to spread aggressively all across the world. With the epicenter, Wuhan, doing a lot better, Europe and Western Asia seem to be the areas reeling in the aftermath of this global pandemic. As countries rush to put in place reforms, rules and bans in order to protect their people from this deadly disease, almost all spheres of our lives have taken a hit. While most countries are implementing travel bans, closing schools and colleges and administering work from home initiatives to employees, Israel seems to be opting for a stricter course of action. Here’s a look at how recent reports from Israel state that they will be turning to their anti-terrorism technology to counter the Coronavirus, and how this affects people in the country.

Drastic Measures in Tough Times

Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu has released a public statement that the country plans to utilize its anti-terrorism tracking technology in its fight against the Coronavirus. Furthermore, the PM has also called for a partial shutdown of the Israeli economy as a means to minimize the spread of the coronavirus. This could mean that the people of Israel will now be under cyber monitoring.

This technology has been previously put to use to locate, identify and punish extremist groups and terrorist cells within the country. Netanyahu in his press conference held in Jerusalem on Saturday mentioned that this tracking and monitoring technology will now be used to identify and track people exposed to the virus. However, this still remains a plan, and to turn it into a viable strategy the PM still required approval from his cabinet. Also, Netanyahu has said that he has asked for clearance from the Justice Ministry approval as these measures could lead to the infringement of privacy of the nation’s people. The PM also drew flak for not mentioning how Israel would help fight the disease in the Palestinian territories under its control.

Further Steps to Prevent Spread

In a bid to escalate precautionary measures, the Israeli government has asked all malls, hotels, theaters, and restaurants to shut down from Sunday. They have also issued orders asking employees not to go to their workplaces unless it is absolutely necessary. However, the government has not placed any such bans on pharmacies, banks, and supermarkets as they provide vital services to its citizens. Health officials from Israel are also requesting people to maintain distance, not to attend social gatherings and to stay at home. Netanyahu mentioned that while using such technology might feel unfair to some, he had to make the hard choice as the invisible enemy was one that needs to be located.

The military had issued a statement on Saturday which said that it was ordering all troops to return by Sunday, with soldiers having to prepare for tough times. The military also specified that the soldiers would have to prepare for long periods of stay, with no leaves in question in the next one month. Furthermore, since last week, anyone entering Israel after a foreign visit will have to quarantine themselves for two weeks. Over ten thousand Israelis have put themselves in self-quarantine and all schools have been shut till the end of March.

Invasive Technology

Israeli domestic security outlet Shin Bet confirmed that they were working on ways to utilize technology to fight the virus, as per the request of the government. However, they did say that the government has not mentioned anything regarding the enforcement of quarantine. A member of the Association for Civil Rights, Avner Pinchuk, says that such technology could help with the real-time tracking of mobile phones to pinpoint the location of infected people.

This could also help them collect the data required to backtrack their steps and gain insight into where all they went and who all they had contact with. However, he feels that while the situation is bad, using such invasive technology might have serious repercussions on privacy and human rights. The government is, in fact, putting into motion the same steps followed in Taiwan. These actions have been made due to the Health Ministry confirming that over 193 people in Israel have tested positive to the coronavirus. As a result, over 40,000 people have been self-quarantined to prevent the further spread of the disease.