Your Tech Story

Technology

Google

DOJ poised to sue Google over digital ad market dominance

Leave a Comment / News, Tech News / By

According to Bloomberg News, the US Justice Department is preparing to file a lawsuit against Alphabet Inc’s Google as shortly as Tuesday above its dominant position in the market for digital advertising referencing individuals with knowledge of the situation.

The dispute would be Google’s second federal antitrust complaint, accusing antitrust infringements in the way the technology giant obtains or retains its dominant position. The Justice Department’s 2020 civil suit against Google emphasizes its browse monopolization and is set to proceed to a sentencing hearing in September.

Google
Image Source: nypost.com

The Justice Department didn’t respond instantly to a request for information from Reuters, and Google turned down to address the report.

“The lawsuit we have filed today seeks to hold Google to account for what we allege is its longstanding monopolies in digital advertising technologies that content creators use to sell ads and advertisers use to buy ads on the open Internet,” said the Justice Department’s antitrust chief Jonathan Kanter in a news conference Tuesday announcing the suit.

Source: bloomberglaw.com

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

The lawsuit is predicted to target Google’s ad business, which accounts for roughly 80 percent of its earnings. Google generates revenue from its interrelated ad technology firms, which link up advertisers to publications, websites, as well as other businesses looking to broadcast them, furthermore adding its well-known free search.

Advertising agencies as well as website publishers have voiced concerns that Google has not been forthcoming about where advertising dollars are spent, particularly how much ends up going to publishing companies and what is the amount that goes to Google.

Also Read: Google Parent Alphabet cuts 12000 Jobs

The tech behemoth made several takeovers, such as DoubleClick in 2008 as well as AdMob in 2009, to help position itself as a dominant player in online ads.

The search engine giant previously claimed that the advertising tech ecosystem battled with Facebook Inc, Comcast, AT&T, and others.

When Google stays by far the industry leader, its proportion of digital ad revenue in the United States has already been diminishing, dropping from 36.7 percent in 2016 to 28.8 percent last year, as per Insider Intelligence.

Google said in a blog post that the lawsuit “attempts to pick winners and losers in the highly competitive advertising technology sector. The case largely duplicates an unfounded lawsuit by the Texas Attorney General, much of which was recently dismissed by a federal court. DOJ is doubling down on a flawed argument that would slow innovation, raise advertising fees, and make it harder for thousands of small businesses and publishers to grow.”

Source: bloomberglaw.com
xbox

What to Expect from Xbox in 2023?

Leave a Comment / Story, Tech Story / By

As the current-generation consoles join their third year, no system appears to be ready to take off such as the Xbox Series X in 2023. Microsoft’s device has had a somewhat quiet two years as the firm has kept a few of its largest future releases under wraps, with delays attempting to push its lineup into 2023.

However, it appears that Microsoft is convinced of its outcome this year, and there is a lot to look forward to for Xbox Series X owners.

A variety of exclusive games

Numerous elite Xbox titles scheduled for 2022 were postponed to next year, implying that we’ll have a plethora of options for games in 2023.

Xbox
Image Source: lecafedugeek.fr

Forza Motorsport was declared approximately three years earlier in 2020, but it appears that the game could very well finally be released next year. Turn 10 Studios appears to be putting a great focus on visuals; real-time ray tracing, as well as dynamic time-of-day climate, will be available to provide a more interactive experience, and the Series X console should indeed be pushed to its limits.

Also Read: Is Google bringing its own ‘AirTags’?

However, one of the most notable games to be launched next year is Starfield, initially scheduled for release in 2022, the game was pushed to the start of 2023. This game appears to be a huge sci-fi excursion, complete with large numbers of intriguing planets, a sophisticated storyline, and a plethora of ways to defeat your enemies.

Other Xbox launches new releases that will be available after this year also Include Ark II, Last Case of Benedict Fox, Replaced, S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chernobyl, as well as Redfall, making sure that Xbox operators will have a plethora of new game alternatives to choose from.

An upgrade to the Xbox Series X/S

Many unconfirmed reports have circulated that Microsoft is presently collaborating on an Xbox Series X as well as a Series S update, possibly to compete with the speculated PS5 Slim, which could also be released next year.

The story was first reported by the Polish outlet PPE, which claims that Chinese electronics manufacturer TCL has discovered an updated Xbox console that will allegedly facilitate 8K and 120Hz capabilities.

It’s important to keep in mind that Microsoft has yet to clarify this, and the forthcoming console may be delayed even further, to 2024 or even beyond. However, the idea of Xbox releasing an update is consistent with the firm’s history, as the Xbox One X console was launched a few years after the initial Xbox One S.

Although 2023 may be a little early for an updated Xbox console, we would still not rule it out, even if it’s just a small design refresh instead of a hardware upgrade.

New Day One Release games on Game Pass

It’s impossible to discuss Xbox without referencing Xbox Game Pass. Microsoft has already clarified that Day One Release games will be available on both Xbox Game Pass and PC Game Pass by January 2023 as an aspect of the Xbox Game Preview Program.

Day One Release, as the name implies, indicates that games will be accessible in the Game Pass catalog on the day they are released, making it even simpler for enthusiasts to grab the most recent releases.

Also Read: Why Are US States Banning TikTok from official devices?

While Xbox launch titles are assured to reach on Game Pass on release day, the platform has seen a few surprising third-party releases. We anticipate a similar outcome in 2023.

Preview Program by Xbox Games appears to be a Microsoft comparable of Stream’s Early Access. Some games on Game Pass are accessible and can be played before they are fully released, but it appears that Xbox will allow fans to try out games in the initial stages making Disney Dreamlight Valley the latest recent example.

The launch of the Xbox Game Pass Streaming Stick

Discussing Xbox Game Pass, 2023 might be the year we see the much-anticipated Xbox Game Pass Streaming Stick. Keystone is a device the size of the dongle that will be able to stream Xbox games from the cloud.

An Xbox Streaming Stick is intriguing for a wide range of reasons, one of which is that it has the potential to bridge the gap in gaming where you require the newest devices to utilize the latest games.

While the excitement of opening a brand-new next-generation console will presumably never be matched, the ability to bring a small streaming stick along will provide access to gaming on the go, saving some consumers the pressure of trying to purchase the recent console as soon as it is released.

Phil Spencer stated recently that the release of a streaming stick could be “years away,” so 2023 may be too soon. We’re hoping that’s not the case because a streaming stick feels right for Game Pass and could be just what some folks require to get back into playing games without breaking the bank.

If the streaming stick does not materialize, we hope that the streaming platform will be made available on more TVs.

Google Stadia

How to activate Bluetooth on the Google Stadia controller?

Leave a Comment / Story, Tech Story / By

Here’s how to sync the Google Stadio controller with other devices. Even though Google Stadia may be closing down, individuals who still own their controller will be able to utilize it over Bluetooth.

Although Google has stopped offering its Stadia cloud game streaming service, it is providing the wireless Stadia controller another shot as a Bluetooth controller that can be linked to PCs, Macs, phones, and probably other devices as well.

Google Stadia
Image Source: windowscentral.com

The modification will not be made automatically; it must be done manually and cannot be undone. Additionally, the change to enable Bluetooth wirelessly must be made by December 31st, 2023. Any unconverted Stadia controller would still function as a wired USB gamepad after that date, but it won’t be able to play games wirelessly.

Users need only adhere to these instructions to connect and pair their control through BlueTooth, according to the official Stadia Bluetooth blog post.

  1. First, toggle the Bluetooth setting on the Google Stadia controller.
  2. To activate pairing mode, hold down and press the ‘Y + Stadia keys for two seconds. If done properly, the status light will blink orange.
  3. Take hold of the device that you wish to play on and connect the controller with it in the settings. The Stadia controllers’ status light will become solid white if it is successful.
  4. If it was successful, the controller will subsequently connect with the device automatically in the future.

Some devices won’t be able to sync with the controller, per the Stadia blog post. It noted, “Not all Bluetooth devices are the same, so compatibility will vary. The Stadia Controller uses Bluetooth low energy connections, so some features, such as pass-through audio, aren’t possible wirelessly.”

Also Read: Can an Android phone run a PS2 emulator?

But the post goes on to say that its team has “verified that the Stadia Controller works for gameplay with the list of supported devices. It hasn’t been tested with all Bluetooth device types, so it might not work with others.”

Here are some suggestions to reset the controller and attempt to resolve the issue if you are having significant problems pairing your Stadia controller with your selected device.

  1. Inspect the controller to make sure it has a minimum of 30 minutes of charge.
  2. To restart the device, unplug the controller and press and hold the Stadia button for ten seconds.
  3. Holding the Google Assistant and Capture buttons for six seconds will force the controller to be reset to factory settings if the problem persists.

Customer assistance will not be open to inquiries about Bluetooth problems, according to Stadia.

The Google Stadia will sadly be going to shut down this year, and those who did buy games on the platform are furious about losing their progress and game data. Hence a lot of game developers have indeed been working tirelessly to ensure that users can move their Google Stadia data to other consoles and PCs.

AirTags

Is Google bringing its own ‘AirTags’?

Leave a Comment / Story, Tech Story / By

Rumors suggest that Google is developing its own location-tracking tag to compete with Apple AirTags and Tile trackers. Based on recent revelations from Android leaker Mishaal Rahman, Google is purportedly developing a rival to Apple’s AirTag trackers.

There is speculation that Google’s Fast Pair is getting ready to add support for a new category of locator tag products, and the company is developing something like the distributed monitoring network Apple utilizes for AirTags. Finder Network branding could be present on this new product.

AirTags
Image Source: hindustantimes.com

Codenamed “grogu,” “groguaudio,” or “GR10,” this new tracking gadget will handle both BLE and UWB. It will come in a range of colours and have a tiny built-in speaker. The device’s functions and design, however, are not disclosed.

The device has been developed by Google’s Nest team, although it’s not obvious what the corporation intends to use it for. According to some reports, the device will be released in the first half of this year, albeit it might happen at the same time as the Pixel 8 launch.

Also Read: Will the metaverse be good for society?

Google’s Pixel 6 Pro and Pixel 7 Pro devices both support Ultra Wideband, just like AirTags and iPhone 11 and subsequent versions, and according to Wojciechowski, the trackers might support the wireless protocol in combination with Bluetooth LE to provide customers accurate directions to a lost tag. At its I/O Developer Conference in May, Google may also introduce new Pixel phones along with the tracking tags.

Apple’s AirTags has been a big success, but the corporation has encountered privacy concerns with the product. Google may require more time to think through potential outcomes and create safeguards for their edition of the tracker.

On the basis of this, it is plausible to predict that Google will develop security measures to prevent problems of a similar nature. In conclusion, it has not yet been proven that Google is developing a tracker that is comparable to Apple’s AirTags. The gadget, with the codename “grogu,” will enable BLE and UWB. Before releasing a product, Google might want to take privacy issues into account.

Users have found Apple’s AirTag feature to be a lifesaver, especially those who frequently have trouble locating their gadgets. The “Find My Feature” app enables users to easily track the location of their equipment and makes it easier for it to find them if they go missing.

Also Read: Is 2023 the year for Apple to launch its mixed-reality headset?

On Android, Google’s tags would probably be considerably more functional than Apple’s AirTags are able to be. While Apple does offer a “Tracker Detect” application in the Google Play Store that enables Android users to scan for AirTags as well as other Find My-enabled products that have been separated from one‘s owner, the app was primarily created to allay concerns that AirTags can be utilized maliciously to track the whereabouts of people

Dunzo, a Google-backed delivery company, was recently in the spotlight for its decision to terminate 3% of its workers. The Bangaluru-based startup competes in the same market as Blinkit, Swiggy, and WeFast. It is a platform for on-demand delivery that enables customers to order anything from the convenience of their homes.

As part of its cost-cutting initiatives, Dunzo has decided to lay off workers. In an interview with CNBC-TV 18, the firm’s CEO and co-founder Kabeer Biswas stated that the company is providing “the best support available” to assist employees during this trying period.

Reed Hastings

Netflix founder Reed Hastings stepping down as co-CEO

Leave a Comment / News, Tech News / By

Founder of the famous Streaming Platform, Netflix, Reed Hastings is stepping down as CEO but will remain as the chairman, the corporation revealed on Thursday along with its earnings report.

Ted Sarandos who is the co-CEO will continue to stay in his position. Greg Peters who is most recently chief operating officer will take Hastings’ place as co-CEO. Peters will also enter the firm’s board of directors.

Reed Hastings
Image Source: techcrunch.com

“I want to thank Reed for his visionary leadership, mentorship, and friendship over the last 20 years. We’ve all learned so much from his intellectual rigor, honesty, and willingness to take big bets — and we look forward to working with him for many more years to come,” said Sarandos in a written statement.

Source: cnbc.com

In 1997, Reed Hastings co-founded Netflix. Sarandos was named co-CEO along with Hastings in July 2020, during the same time Peters was named COO. The firm did not say if it would fill the position of COO.

Reed Hastings declared on Thursday that he will remain as executive chairman for several more years to come. He steps down as the streaming behemoth tries several moves to increase subscribers as well as recover from a slump in recent quarters.

Hastings wrote in a blog post on Thursday that period of the past two and a half years “was a baptism by fire, given COVID and recent challenges within our business.”

Source: cnbc.com

Reed Hastings steps down as CEO on the day the firm reports 223 million paid users worldwide. The firm is now a major player in content creation as well as distribution, and it lately bargained a limited theatrical release for Rian Johnson’s Glass Onion film.

It’s also rising its gaming business, beginning with mobile titles and hinting at bigger plans in the works.

The leadership transition occurs as Netflix introduces ad-supported streaming and tightens password and account sharing limitations. Both actions were publicly opposed by Hastings till last season’s drop in users, the first in a decade going back to the Qwikster debacle, compelled the company to reconsider its stances.

Bela Bajaria, the firm’s global head of television, will also take over as chief content officer as part of the executive shuffle. Scott Stuber, the former head of global film, will take over as chairman of Netflix Film.

The leadership declaration coincides with the release of the firm’s fourth-quarter earnings report. Netflix met Wall Street’s revenue expectations while adding millions more subscribers than expected.

quiet mode

Instagram rolls out ‘quiet mode’ for when users want to focus

Leave a Comment / News, Tech News / By

The “quiet mode” feature, which Instagram launched on Thursday, aims to assist users focus and establishing limits with followers and friends.

The profile’s activity status changes to “In quiet mode” when the choice is selected, pausing all alerts. During this time, if a direct message is sent, Instagram will instantly reply to the sender to let them know that “quiet mode” is active.

quiet mode
Image Source: cnn.com

Although all users can utilize the feature, Instagram seems to be concentrating on teenagers. Instagram encourages kids to enable the feature after they spend a particular “amount of time on Instagram late at night” and promotes it as a tool to aid in studying.

The upgrade is only one of several updates that are being released recently, along with new tools for managing suggestions and enhanced parental control options. The debuts coincide with Instagram’s efforts to lessen the likelihood that authorities and lawmakers will target the app because of possible risks associated with social media, especially for teenage users.

Up to this point, Instagram has added a number of teen safety features, such as those to safeguard teens’ privacy and lessen unwanted adult contact, restrict ad targeting, bar teens from accessing mature content, and other features to assist parents in keeping an eye on and managing their teens’ use of Instagram through parental controls.

The tool will be made available to users in the US, UK, Canada, Ireland New Zealand, and Australia, with intentions to expand to additional nations in the future.

After years of attention over how much time individuals – and especially teens – engage on different social media sites and the risks it might bring to their mental health, the tool is the most recent example of Instagram giving users more methods to regulate their usage.

The company stated in a blog post, “These updates are part of our ongoing work to ensure people have experiences that work for them, and that they have more control over the time they spend online and the types of content they see.”

Instagram users can opt to take a break with Quiet Mode to work, rest, or indulge in other activities. The app will provide a rundown of what users missed when they were in Quiet Mode to help them catch up.

The introduction of Quiet Mode coincides with Instagram coming under increasing fire for its impact on young people’s mental health, particularly teenage girls. Internal data published by Facebook whistleblower Frances Haugen in 2021 showed that the company had discovered that kids who were “addicted” to the app and that 1 in 3 girls who use Instagram have worsened body image concerns.

As part of its effort to placate parents, Meta is introducing a number of additional methods for managing Instagram recommendations. Instagram is developing its “not interested button,” which allows users to mark particular categories of content that users don’t want to see.