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Google

Google Drive now caps the number of files you can create

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As previously disclosed by Ars Technica and CNET, Google has put a restriction on the number of files you can upload and save to Google Drive. Even though you paid for more storage, the firm announced to The Verge that the update enabled users to generate a total of 5 million items in Drive. Google, however, quickly undid the adjustment and promised to come up with an alternative.

Google
Image Source: bloglenovo.es

“We recently rolled out a system update to Drive item limits to preserve stability and optimize performance,” said Google in a tweet. “While this impacted only a small number of people, we are rolling back this change as we explore alternate approaches to ensure a great experience for all.”

Source: theverge.com

Also Read: UBS to cut up to 30% of the global workforce

There was a 5 million file limit, but it only related to the number of files you could create in Drive, not to the total number of files that could be shared with your Drive. In other words, if the files weren’t all your creation, you might have had more than 5 million of them in the system.

Ross Richendrfer, a Google representative, first claimed that the modification was made to ensure high performance and dependability and that it would assist stop misuse of the company’s systems. Richendrfer stated that if you exceed the limit, you will be notified and can approach Google customer support to resolve the situation.

While it would seem ludicrous for a single person to upload 5 million files, some people have exceeded that figure. A customer with 7 million documents in Drive claims, in a Reddit post seen by Ars Technica and CNET, that Google abruptly stopped allowing them to add new files in February, even though they had not yet reached the 2TB storage limit they had paid for.

Several additional users claim to have experienced the file restriction at approximately the same time and that they originally thought it to be a bug on Google’s problem tracker website.

An individual with 2TB of capacity and an aggregate file size of over 400KB would exceed their file cap before when they went out of storage space, as was noted in the Reddit thread. Secondly, unless they choose to reduce their documents into zip folders, some customers may be spending even more space than they utilize.

Also Read: Netflix Might Be Putting Its Video Games on TVs

User responses suggest that Google may not have informed those who would be affected by the new restriction ahead of its deployment, leaving them scrambling to transfer or reduce files once the policy took effect.

While it does indicate that shared Workspace folders can store a total of 400,000 files, it doesn’t appear that Google changed its Google One or Workspace help sites to notice the limit. Google could have at least provided those who do with a proper warning, even if the bulk of users probably don’t have 5 million data held in Drive.

ChatGPT

Why is ChatGPT banned in Italy?

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Italy is the first Western nation to block the sophisticated chatbot ChatGPT.

The model, developed by US start-up OpenAI and backed by Microsoft, raised privacy concerns, according to the Italian data protection body. With “immediate effect,” the authority said it was going to ban OpenAI and launch an investigation. OpenAI assured the BBC that it adhered to privacy rules.

ChatGPT
Image Source: bbc.com

Since its debut in November 2022, ChatGPT has been used by millions of users. Utilizing the web as it existed in 2021 as its information repository, it can imitate other writing styles and respond to queries in a manner that is natural and human-like.

Also Read: Netflix Might Be Putting Its Video Games on TVs

ChatGPT was introduced to Bing last month after Microsoft invested billions in it. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook will all have a form of technology integrated into them, according to the company.

Concerns have been raised about the possible downsides of artificial intelligence (AI), including the threat it poses to employment and the spread of bias and false information.

Elon Musk and other prominent tech figures called for the suspension of these AI systems earlier this week amid concerns that the race to create them was spiraling out of control. In addition to blocking OpenAI’s chatbot, the Italian watchdog declared that it would look into whether it met with the General Data Protection Regulation. The GDPR sets rules for the collection, use, processing, and storage of personal data.

The watchdog reported a data breach affecting user interactions and payment details in the app on March 20. It claimed that there was no legal justification for “the mass collection and storage of personal data for the purpose of training the algorithms underlying the operation of the platform”.

The app “exposes minors to absolutely unsuitable answers compared to their degree of development and awareness,” according to the statement, because there are no means to verify the users’ ages.

Due to the same worries, Bard, Google’s competing artificial intelligence chatbot, has since become only accessible to particular users above the age of 18. OpenAI was given 20 days by the Italian data protection authority to respond to the watchdog’s concerns or face a fine of up to €20 million or 4% of yearly revenues.

As for the ban, the Irish Data Protection Commission informed the BBC that it is coordinating with all EU data protection agencies and plans on keeping up with the Italian authority to understand the reasons behind their decision.

Also Read: Can we use nearby share between Android and Windows?

The UK’s independent data regulator, the Information Commissioner’s Office, told the BBC that it would “support” advances in AI but was also prepared to “challenge non-compliance” with the data protection regulations.

The ban, according to Dan Morgan of cybersecurity rating service SecurityScorecard, highlights the significance of regulatory compliance for businesses doing business in Europe.

Many nations, such as China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia, have already banned ChatGPT.

Netflix

Netflix Might Be Putting Its Video Games on TVs

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Netflix has gradually increased the number of video games it offers, but at the moment, only mobile device users can access them. However, it appears that may soon change as a recent leak indicates that users might soon be able to play games on computers and televisions.

Scott Moser, an iOS developer, claims that the Netflix iOS app contains code that indicates the inclusion of a function that will let users use their iPhones as controllers for video games.

Netflix
Image Source: netflix.com

Netflix users will have to make do with the current way for the time being, though, as this has not yet been formally announced. Currently, there are about 55 titles in the Netflix library, but 40 more games will be released over the course of 2023.

Also Read: E3 2023 has been canceled. But Why?

In 2021, the dominant streaming service introduced its gameplay platform for Android, iPhones, and iPads. Due to guidelines established by Apple and Google, mobile users need to download games only from the App Store or from Google Play.

However, because the goal of these games is to improve user engagement and retention, they can only be accessed with an active Netflix subscription and can be started via the Netflix app.

These titles are noticeably missing from the app for TV. It’s unclear how the business plans to set up gaming on TVs or whether users will need to download the video games in order to enjoy them.

But according to Netflix’s VP of game development Mike Verdu, the company is “seriously exploring a cloud gaming offering” and plans to release more than just light-hearted games for television.

Expanding the number of platforms on which games are available may increase their appeal to users. A little over one percent of Netflix subscribers, according to a report from last year, regularly play the company’s games.

There are a number of possible explanations for this, one of which is the likelihood that many subscribers are unaware that they can stream games using the service. A significant portion of players also has no interest in engaging in mobile games.

Expanding the number of gadgets that support Netflix games could be extremely beneficial in both cases. Despite these difficulties, Netflix continues to develop its gaming strategy by acquiring in-house companies to produce exclusive titles and by providing new games to play.

Also Read: Netflix founder Reed Hastings stepping down as co-CEO

Lovers of Netflix’s games will currently just have to wait in anticipation to find out if and when this new feature might be released. Right now, Netflix Games serves more as a fun bonus than as an enticing feature for Netflix.

That might change, though, if more people start playing those games. Corporations like Google have had a difficult time converting players to video game streaming, which continues to be in its infancy.

E3 2023

E3 2023 has been canceled. But Why?

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E3 2023 is no longer happening. The biggest gaming event of the summer was scheduled to take place in person in the city of Los Angeles for the very first time since 2019. It has been postponed after major gaming firms like Microsoft, Ubisoft, and Nintendo all announced they wouldn’t be attending the event.

E3 2023
Image Source: polygon.com

The dates for E3 2023 were June 13–16, with a mix of days devoted to the gaming business and days that were supposed to be open to the general public. But there existed some concerning indications that the resurrection of E3 might be in trouble prior to June.

Also Read: Finally, Arc is coming to iPhone. Will it replace Safari?

E3 2023 “simply did not garner the sustained interest necessary to execute it in a way that would showcase the size, strength, and impact of our industry,” according to an email sent to employees and confirmed by IGN.

Kyle Marsden-Kish, global VP of gaming at ReedPop, stated in an email to The Verge, “This was a difficult decision because of all the effort we and our partners put toward making this event happen, but we had to do what’s right for the industry and what’s right for E3.

We appreciate and understand that interested companies wouldn’t have playable demos ready and that resourcing challenges made being at E3 this summer an obstacle they couldn’t overcome.

For those who did commit to E3 2023, we’re sorry we can’t put on the showcase you deserve and that you’ve come to expect from ReedPop’s event experiences.”

Marsden-Kish wrapped up the email by saying ReedPop and the ESA will collaborate on upcoming E3 events and hinted that the convention might reappear in the future. IGN claimed in January that Sony, Nintendo, and Microsoft would all be skipping the event, and Microsoft and Nintendo later verified this.

Also Read: Apple launches ‘buy now, pay later’ service in the US

Although ReedPop told The Verge that E3 was going ahead, Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot suggested on a February earnings call that it might not even materialize. Later, Ubisoft made a commitment to attend the event that it later broke. Additionally, IGN claimed in March that neither Sega nor Tencent would attend E3.

Despite this, June is still expected to be a busy month for gaming news. According to IGN, the in-person Play Days element of Geoff Keighley’s Summer Game Fest will return this year on June 8. On June 11, Microsoft will hold both its yearly Xbox preview and its Starfield-focused event. The following day, on June 12, Ubisoft will host Ubisoft Forward Live in person.

buy now pay later

Apple launches ‘buy now, pay later’ service in the US

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Apple became the newest business to join the buy now, pay later trend on Tuesday when it introduced a feature in its digital wallet that enables users to pay for their online purchases in installments.

Customers can now split purchases into four equal payments over the course of six weeks thanks to the new Apple Pay Later feature, with the first payment owing at the time of transaction.

buy now pay later
Image Source: ft.com

Apple customers can also use the Wallet app to ask for loans that range from $50 to $1,000 with no fees or interest charges in order to carry out online or app-based purchases.

Also Read: Apple announces new classical music app

Based to a company release, the method of payment is currently being made available to a small number of American users, with intentions to make it available to all eligible consumers over the course of the ensuing few months.

The feature was first hinted at by Apple last year. In the face of high inflation and general economic uncertainty, an increasing number of consumers are turning to buy now, pay later services to extend their budgets.

The same payment choice is also available through popular services like Affirm, Klarna, and Afterpay. However, some economists and pro-consumer activists have expressed worry that these services might lead consumers to incur more debt.

Based to a company release, the method of payment is currently being made available to a small number of American users, with intentions to make it available to all eligible consumers over the course of the ensuing few months.

The feature was first hinted at by Apple last year. In the face of high inflation and general economic uncertainty, an increasing number of consumers are turning to buy now, pay later services to extend their budgets. The same payment choice is also available through popular services like Affirm, Klarna, and Afterpay.

Also Read: Is Apple working on a secret project to help people with diabetes?

However, some economists and pro-consumer activists have expressed worry that these services might lead consumers to incur more debt.

The latest feature is “designed with users’ financial health in mind,” according to Apple. According to Jennifer Bailey, Apple’s vice president of Apple Pay and Apple Wallet, “there’s no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to how people manage their finances. Many people are looking for flexible payment options, which is why we’re excited to provide our users with Apple Pay Later.”

Future loan payments can be monitored and managed in the Wallet app for Apple users. The company claims that any loan registration can be made through the app without having an impact on credit.

Arc

Finally, Arc is coming to iPhone. Will it replace Safari?

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For many years, all Apple products, including their laptops, iPads, and iPhones, have used Safari as their primary browser instead of Arc. It functions similarly to Android devices’ Google Chrome browser. In January 2003, Mac OS X Panther debuted Safari.

The browser is well-liked for its speed, security features, and compatibility with Apple gadget services. Apple is well-known for its broad and cutting-edge web tools, including HTML5, JavaScript, and CSS3.

Arc
Image Source: theverge.com

Because of this, web designers and writers favor Safari over other browsers. On the other hand, Arc is a browser that uses the same technology as Chrome and has easy tools for importing favorites.

Also Read: Why are OPPO and OnePlus exiting the UK and Europe markets?

The Verge claims that Arc’s mobile application will function as an iPhone desktop browser extension. The tabs, user accounts, bookmarks, drawings, and notes made using the desktop edition will all be synced by the app.

Josh Miller, CEO of The Browser Company, stated that the current Arc mobile app does not serve as a substitute for a primary mobile browser. At least not right now, the app edition cannot compete with Safari.

Instead of being a full-fledged mobile browser, it functions more as a companion tool for the desktop browser. The idea of a distinct browsing experience is still there, though.

That said, users who want to test the Arc mobile application should already have the desktop version set up on their computers. The functions of the mobile edition cannot be used until Arc has been installed on Mac, according to Ellis Hamburger, a representative of The Browser Company.

It should be noted that the Arc browser is presently accessible on Mac computers, and anyone interested in downloading Arc for Mac should sign up for a waitlist or request an invitation from an Arc user.

The Verge pointed out that even though Arc will be available as an iOS app, it is only compatible with iPhones. Additionally, since the functions of the desktop edition might be challenging to translate to mobile devices, users who are already acquainted with the Arc on desktop shouldn’t expect exactly the same feeling from the iPhone version.

What users can anticipate from Arc as a mobile application was explained to Inverse by Nate Parrott of The Browser Company. Parrott claims that it ought to resemble “chopping off Arc’s sidebar and then putting it into an app.”

Nevertheless, users can anticipate features like “delightful animations, interactions, and haptics,” adhering to The Browser Company’s mission to make the browsing experience “more alive.”

Also Read: Twitter to Begin Culling Legacy Verified Marks From April 1

The company began sharing sneak peeks of Arc’s mobile application via TikTok in January, ahead of the app’s release on iPhones. According to Inverse, the style of the mobile app ushers in the re-emergence of skeuomorphism on iOS devices.

The word “skeuomorphism” refers to a design of an object that closely resembles its real-world equivalent. When the first iPhone was introduced, Apple utilized skeuomorphism for its software design, but by the time iOS 7 became available, it had been neglected.