Category: Tech

The Current’s tech news keeps you upto date with news of new gadgets, tech updates, information about tech startups and technology reviews.

  • Pakistan launches its own WhatsApp-like messaging platform called Beep

    Pakistan launches its own WhatsApp-like messaging platform called Beep

    Federal Minister for Information Technology Syed Amin Ul Haque unveiled ‘Beep Pakistan,’ the country’s own messaging app, to serve as an alternative to the popular platform WhatsApp. The app was introduced during a launching ceremony, where Minister Haque emphasised its significance for Pakistan’s IT industry.

    During the initial 30-day trial run, ‘Beep Pakistan’ will facilitate internal communication between the Ministry of IT and Communication and the National Information Technology Board (NITB). In subsequent phases, the app will be rolled out to all government departments and eventually made available to the general public across the country.

    Minister Haque acknowledged that while neighbouring countries like India and Bangladesh had already introduced alternative messaging apps, Pakistan was still making a crucial stride in the right direction. He highlighted the app’s unique selling point, assuring users that it will be 100% secure, with its servers and source code residing in Pakistan.

    The app boasts an array of features, including data sharing, audio calling, video calling, and conference calling capabilities. Its focus on data security and privacy resonates with the nation’s growing concerns regarding cybersecurity.

    Praising the efforts of the National Information Technology Board (NITB), Minister Haque expressed pride in Pakistan’s successful creation of a WhatsApp alternative. The app’s development signifies the country’s ambition to bolster its domestic IT industry and reduce dependency on foreign platforms.

    According to Brecorder, beyond messaging app developments, Minister Haque highlighted the Ministry of IT’s broader initiatives. Over the last 3.5 years, the ministry has spearheaded 83 new projects, investing a total of Rs77 billion across Pakistan. These projects primarily targeted second- and third-tier cities to enhance connectivity and digital infrastructure in remote areas.

    Additionally, the Ministry of IT has been actively promoting digital literacy and skills development among young Pakistanis. As of now, over 3.3 million children have received digital skills training, empowering them with valuable knowledge for the digital era.

    The government has also demonstrated its commitment to nurturing the startup ecosystem through the establishment of three new National Incubation Centres (NIC) during Minister Haque’s tenure. These centres provide vital support and resources to budding entrepreneurs and innovators across the country.

    As ‘Beep Pakistan’ begins its trial phase, expectations are high for the app to gain traction among government officials and eventually become a popular communication tool for citizens. With an emphasis on security, user-friendly features, and localization, the app aims to carve its own path in the digital landscape of Pakistan.

  • WhatsApp introduces animated avatars to spice up messaging

    WhatsApp introduces animated avatars to spice up messaging

    WhatsApp, the renowned messaging app, is stepping up its game with the introduction of a highly anticipated feature: animated avatars. The update, now available through the Google Play Beta programme, elevates the app’s version to 2.23.16.12 and promises to bring more life and personality to communication.

    According to reports from WABetaInfo, the animated avatars feature had been under development for some time and has finally been rolled out to beta users. To check whether the feature is enabled for their account, users need to open the keyboard and select the avatar tab. Once activated, beta users can enjoy various animations associated with specific avatars.

    Excitingly, animated avatars can be shared with anyone, regardless of whether the recipient is using the beta version or not. However, it’s worth noting that only a limited number of stickers currently support animation. Nonetheless, industry experts speculate that WhatsApp will expand this feature, offering an animated version of the entire avatar pack in the future.

    The addition of animated avatars is expected to elevate the overall communication experience on the platform. By infusing stickers with motion, users can now convey emotions, expressions, and reactions in a more engaging and dynamic way.

    As of now, the animated avatar feature is available to select beta testers who have installed the latest WhatsApp beta for iOS from the TestFlight app. In the coming days, WhatsApp plans to roll out the feature to a broader user base, enhancing the overall messaging experience for millions of users worldwide.

    Moreover, WhatsApp enthusiasts can look forward to even more exciting features on the horizon. The messaging giant is also working on a Video Messaging feature akin to Voice Messaging, which is bound to add another layer of convenience and richness to communication. Additionally, a time-saving group creation feature is in the works, making it easier for users to organise and manage their group chats.

    Furthermore, WhatsApp is also embracing Material Design 3 enhancements, offering users a modern and visually pleasing interface that aligns with Google’s design language.

    As technology continues to evolve, WhatsApp’s commitment to innovation and improving user experiences sets the stage for a more engaging and dynamic messaging platform, delighting users worldwide.

  • Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg cage fight will be live-streamed for charity on X

    Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg cage fight will be live-streamed for charity on X

    The long-standing feud between tech moguls Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg is set to take a unique turn as Musk announced that their proposed cage fight will be live-streamed on social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter). The two CEOs have been egging each other on since June, fueling anticipation for a mixed martial arts showdown in the ring.

    Musk took to X early on Sunday morning to reveal the latest development, stating, “Zuck vs. Musk fight will be live-streamed on X. All proceeds will go to charity for veterans,” without providing any further details on the exact date or venue.

    The Tesla and SpaceX CEOs have been preparing diligently for the showdown, sharing their rigorous training regimes on the platform. In response to a user’s inquiry about the point of the fight, Musk cryptically commented, “It’s a civilised form of war. Men love war.”

    On the other hand, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, who is known for his training in jiujitsu, has expressed his eagerness for the battle. He publicly asked Musk to “send location” for the proposed throwdown, to which Musk promptly responded with “Vegas Octagon,” referring to the famed events centre in Las Vegas known for hosting MMA championship bouts.

    Musk has been open about his preparations, posting updates on X about his weightlifting routines while juggling his busy schedule at work. “Lifting weights throughout the day, preparing for the fight,” he mentioned in one of his posts.

    Despite the escalating excitement surrounding the event, Meta has not yet issued an official response to Musk’s latest announcement.

    The rivalry between the two tech moguls has captured the attention of the public and the tech industry alike. With both CEOs known for their innovative contributions to the world, the cage match has become a symbol of their competitive spirit.

    The charity angle adds another dimension to the event, with the proceeds going towards supporting veterans, a cause close to the hearts of many.

    As the anticipation builds, fans and followers of both Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg eagerly await further details on the highly anticipated cage fight, which promises to be a thrilling and historic event in the world of tech rivalries.

  • Here’s when Apple will launch the iPhone 15

    Here’s when Apple will launch the iPhone 15

    Tech enthusiasts worldwide are eagerly awaiting the arrival of the much-rumoured iPhone 15, as speculations on its features and release date continue to circulate. Apple’s last iPhone 14 lineup has been a hit, and now fans are looking forward to the potential enhancements that the iPhone 15 may bring.

    While Apple has not officially announced the release date for the new iPhones, insiders have revealed that the company plans to unveil the iPhone 15 lineup during the third week of September. Multiple mobile carriers have reportedly instructed employees not to take days off on September 13, hinting at a major smartphone announcement on that day.

    Historically, Apple has held its iPhone events in September, and it appears that this year won’t be an exception. While most past announcements took place on Tuesdays, last year’s iPhone 14 event occurred on a Wednesday, similar to September 13’s potential date.

    If the speculated date holds true, pre-orders for the iPhone 15 are expected to start on September 15, with the official release slated for September 22. However, analysts predict possible delays for some models due to supply chain challenges, as has happened in previous years.

    Rumours have been swirling about the iPhone 15’s design and features. According to 9to5Mac, it’s suggested that the new models will sport slightly curved edges and thinner bezels around the display, enhancing the overall aesthetic. Notably, all four new models are expected to incorporate Dynamic Island and USB-C, replacing the Lightning port.

    For the Pro models, Apple is rumoured to replace the stainless steel frame with a titanium one, adding a touch of elegance and durability. The iPhone 15 and 15 Plus will reportedly be powered by the A16 Bionic chip found in the iPhone 14 Pro, while the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max will feature the new A17 chip, offering improved performance.

    Photography enthusiasts may be delighted to learn that the larger Pro model is expected to come equipped with a new periscope lens for enhanced optical zoom capabilities.

    As for pricing, there’s speculation that the new iPhones could come at a premium. Reports suggest that prices may increase by up to PKR 56,000 ($200) compared to the current generation.

    While Apple enthusiasts are excited about the potential features of the iPhone 15, they will have to wait for the official announcement to confirm the rumours. Until then, anticipation will continue to build as the tech giant prepares for what could be another groundbreaking iPhone launch.

  • Pakistanis to soon experience AI-powered smart grocery carts in supermarkets

    Pakistanis to soon experience AI-powered smart grocery carts in supermarkets

    CalCart Technologies has revolutionised the shopping experience by launching Pakistan’s first smart grocery cart designed for supermarkets and hypermarkets. This innovative AI-powered product aims to seamlessly blend the convenience of online shopping with the traditional in-store experience.

    With CalCart, shoppers can effortlessly scan items in their cart for quick and easy billing while also checking real-time prices. The cart’s built-in navigation system helps customers navigate through the store effortlessly, saving time and reducing stress.

    One of the standout features is the personalised aisle-based promotions, where CalCart tailors exclusive deals based on individual preferences, ensuring a more rewarding shopping experience. Additionally, shoppers can access digital catalogues to find desired items and explore new products conveniently.

    According to ProPakistani, the recent collaboration with Carrefour, a major global supermarket chain, marks a significant milestone in the digitization of conventional brick-and-mortar retail. This partnership demonstrates the potential impact of integrating technology into the retail sector, offering customers an enhanced and futuristic shopping journey.

  • Ad-free entertainment: YouTube Premium launches in Pakistan at Rs479 per month

    Ad-free entertainment: YouTube Premium launches in Pakistan at Rs479 per month

    On Wednesday, YouTube announced the much-awaited launch of its premium and music services in Pakistan, bringing an array of exciting features to its users in the country. With these new offerings, viewers can now enjoy an uninterrupted and enhanced video-watching and music-listening experience.

    YouTube Premium, the flagship service, promises an ultimate viewing experience by allowing users to watch videos without being interrupted by pesky ads. Moreover, subscribers can continue watching their favorite content even while using other apps or with the screen locked.

    The service also facilitates the option to download videos for offline play, ensuring that entertainment is accessible even in areas with limited internet connectivity. Additionally, YouTube Premium subscribers gain access to YouTube Music Premium, a music service that offers ad-free music, background play, and the ability to download music for offline listening.

    In a statement, YouTube emphasised the significance of their premium service, which sets a new standard for video-watching convenience and ad-free enjoyment.

    The pricing for YouTube Premium is set at an affordable Rs479, which also includes a membership to YouTube Music Premium. For those looking to share the perks of Premium, YouTube offers the Premium Family Plan at just Rs899, allowing up to five members of a household to access the premium features.

    For the music enthusiasts, YouTube Music Premium is available at Rs299, offering an ad-free experience, background play, and downloads for music. Similarly, the Music Premium Family Plan comes in at Rs479, allowing families to share the enjoyment of ad-free music and music video streaming.

    As part of its commitment to the student community, YouTube offers a Premium Student Plan at a discounted price of Rs329. Eligible students can access the Premium service with all its features, making their entertainment experience even better. The Music Premium Student Plan is also available at a reduced rate of Rs149 for students who love uninterrupted music streaming on the web and Android devices.

    This launch comes at a time when YouTube’s presence in Pakistan has been growing exponentially. According to Google’s country head for Pakistan, the number of YouTube channels with over one million subscribers has increased by an impressive 35 per cent, reaching a total of 400. Additionally, there are now 6,000 channels with more than 100,000 subscribers, reflecting an annual growth of over 30 per cent.

    With the introduction of YouTube Premium and Music services in Pakistan, users can now enjoy a seamless and immersive experience while exploring their favourite videos and music. The new services are expected to garner significant popularity and add to YouTube’s already robust user base in the country.

  • TikTok introduces text posts to compete with Threads and X

    TikTok introduces text posts to compete with Threads and X

    In an unexpected twist, TikTok, the leading platform for short videos, is stepping up to compete with Meta’s Threads and X (previously known as Twitter) with its latest addition: text posts. This innovative new format breaks through conventional boundaries, offering TikTok’s dynamic community an exciting new medium to flaunt their stories, poems, recipes, and a treasure trove of written content.

    TikTok has always been at the forefront of nurturing creativity in all its forms. With a diverse array of content formats, such as videos, photos, Duets, and Stitch, the introduction of text posts adds yet another dimension to the content options, enabling creators to effortlessly share their written brilliance and captivate audiences.

    Creating and sharing text-based content on TikTok has never been simpler. Users now have the option of three choices on the Camera page: photo, video, and text. Opting for text opens the text creation page, providing creators with a user-friendly interface to pen their thoughts and ideas.

    Once on the Post page, users will find a suite of familiar customization options, ensuring that their text posts are just as dynamic and engaging as any video or photo. TikTok continues to stand out from the crowd by enabling sound addition, tagging locations, enabling comments, and inviting duets, all contributing to an immersive experience for users.

    The introduction of text posts comes with exciting features that aim to amplify creativity and captivate audiences like never before. One such feature is the collection of expressive stickers that complement the content and add an extra dash of personality to text posts, giving creators even more tools to make their posts stand out.

    As the platform evolves and adapts to the needs of its community, TikTok’s commitment to empowering creators remains steadfast. The addition of text posts demonstrates TikTok’s dedication to providing innovative tools that inspire self-expression and ensure that the TikTok experience continues to be engaging and exciting for users worldwide.

    Creators and TikTok enthusiasts alike are eagerly anticipating the release of text posts, ready to explore this new frontier of content creation and see how it sparks creativity within the community. With the power of written words combined with TikTok’s dynamic features, the possibilities for expression are limitless.

  • New study reveals more than 50% of marketers are using AI to boost content creation

    New study reveals more than 50% of marketers are using AI to boost content creation

    A comprehensive study conducted by Bynder, a leading digital asset management platform, sheds light on the numerous ways the marketing industry is leveraging AI technology to enhance efficiency in day-to-day tasks and explores the potential for further advancements in this domain.

    The study, which delved deep into Bynder’s customer base, comprising prominent global brands such as Spotify, Puma, and Five Guys, revealed that more than half (55 per cent) of respondents are currently employing AI tools in their content production processes. These AI integrations are primarily focused on automating repetitive and time-consuming tasks, including generating initial draughts (54 per cent), content optimisation (43 per cent), and ensuring correct spelling and grammar (42 per cent), among others.

    The marketing industry has been quick to integrate AI into various daily operations, encompassing brainstorming ideas, drafting engaging social media posts and landing page copy, crafting attention-grabbing headlines, establishing tone of voice guidelines, and conducting research tasks. Additionally, AI has proven valuable in reducing the time spent on laborious SEO activities such as generating meta-descriptions and translations. The most common tasks involving AI in this regard include content re-use (30 per cent), creating tone of voice guidelines (27 per cent), content governance (25 per cent), and translation tasks (25 per cent).

    Looking forward, the study’s respondents emphasised the need for businesses to consider how AI technology can enhance and streamline content production processes rather than simply replacing human input. To add even more value to content operations, the potential applications of AI suggested by respondents include personalising website content based on individual browsing history and preferences, developing chatbots to improve user navigation, and providing content recommendations derived from user behavior and sentiment analysis. Moreover, AI could simplify content creation by generating initial drafts that can later be refined by human teams.

    Respondents noted that training AI to comprehend a company’s intended tone of voice and speaker style could be beneficial. Furthermore, having AI make recommendations or automatically create and update timelines and revision histories could be advantageous from a broader perspective.

    However, while embracing AI technology, marketers emphasised that its primary purpose should be to improve the quality of content rather than solely focus on cost-cutting measures. They stressed the importance of striking the right balance between human expertise and AI capabilities to achieve optimal results.

    Warren Daniels, the CMO of Bynder, expressed satisfaction with how customers and marketers are leveraging AI to drive innovation and efficiency. At Bynder, the focus has been on developing AI and automation capabilities to empower marketers to maximise the value of their creative and editorial content. He emphasised that in today’s competitive landscape, creating exceptional content experiences is crucial for standing out, and responsible adoption of AI technology plays a pivotal role in enabling this.

    However, Daniels cautioned against replacing human creativity with AI. Instead, he advocated for integrating AI into existing processes in a way that frees up time for teams to concentrate on more creative endeavours. The creation of high-quality content demands thorough research, a genuine understanding of a brand’s core messages and tone of voice, and a touch of human empathy. AI should be harnessed in a managed or controlled manner to complement human creativity rather than hinder it.

  • Samsung Galaxy S23 FE: What to expect from the Fan Edition model

    Samsung Galaxy S23 FE: What to expect from the Fan Edition model

    Samsung is gearing up for the imminent launch of the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE, the Fan Edition variant of the Galaxy S23, which was initially introduced during the Galaxy Unpacked event in February this year. During their second Galaxy Unpacked event of the year, the South Korean tech giant unveiled several exciting products, including the Galaxy Z Fold 5, Galaxy Z Flip 5, Galaxy Tab S9 series, and the Galaxy Watch 6 series.

    The news about the upcoming Galaxy S23 FE was confirmed by a high-ranking Samsung executive, Justin Hume, who serves as the Vice-President of Mobile for Samsung South Africa. He mentioned that there exists a noticeable gap in the lineup between the Galaxy A54 5G and Galaxy S23, and the company plans to fill that void with the launch of the Galaxy S23 FE.

    According to a report by Android Authority, the Galaxy S23 FE is expected to include the most sought-after features from the Galaxy S23 series, which comprises the base Galaxy S23, the Galaxy S23+, and the Galaxy S23 Ultra.

    Geekbench listings have further hinted at the possible specifications of the Galaxy S23 FE. The phone is likely to be powered by the in-house Exynos 2200 SoC, although there are indications that it could be launched in North America with either a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 or a Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset, leading to the possibility of different chip variants in various regions.

    Regarding memory and storage options, the Galaxy S23 FE is rumored to offer up to 8GB of LPDDR5 RAM and up to 256GB of UFS 3.1 inbuilt storage. Additionally, the Exynos SoC is said to be paired with an Xclipse 920 AMD GPU. The phone will run on Android 13-based One UI.

    The display of the Galaxy S23 FE is expected to be a 6.4-inch flat screen with a center-aligned hole-punch slot housing a 12-megapixel front camera sensor. On the back, the phone is likely to sport a triple rear camera setup, featuring a 50-megapixel primary sensor, a 12-megapixel sensor with an ultra-wide-angle lens, and an 8-megapixel sensor with a telephoto lens.

    Powering the device will be a robust 4,500mAh battery, ensuring ample usage time on a single charge. As the launch date approaches, anticipation is building among consumers and tech enthusiasts eager to explore the new offering from Samsung’s Galaxy lineup.

  • Muharram 9, 10: Mobile services suspended in multiple areas to ensure safety

    Muharram 9, 10: Mobile services suspended in multiple areas to ensure safety

    On July 28, mobile services were suspended in several parts of Pakistan in observance of Ashura (Muharram 9), as part of precautionary measures taken by the authorities to maintain peace and avoid any potential untoward situations during this significant religious event.

    In Islamabad, the Ministry of Interior requested the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to enforce the suspension of mobile services not only on Muharram 9 but also extend it to Muharram 10 and 11.

    As per the directives, mobile service remained unavailable in sectors G6 and G7 from 1 pm to 10 pm on Muharram 9. Additionally, in Sector 10-I and adjoining areas, the services were blocked from 6 pm to 6 am on the following day.

    On Muharram 11, mobile phone services were suspended in Shah Allah Ditta from 2 am to 7 pm, and in the areas surrounding Noorpur Shahan/Bari Imam, the suspension was in effect from 12 pm to 7 pm.

    In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, sources from the provincial home department informed Geo News that mobile services would remain suspended in 14 districts on Muharram 9 and 10, including Sadar, Pishtakhara, Hassan Ghari, inner city Peshawar, Mardan, Abbottabad, Mansehra, Haripur, Kohat, Hangu, and Bannu. The mobile service suspension continued until 10 pm on these days to ensure a peaceful Ashura observance.

    Similarly, local authorities in Quetta, the capital of Balochistan, decided to suspend mobile services on Muharram 9 and 10 to prevent any potential disturbances during the religious event.

    Additionally, the provincial government of Balochistan had already imposed a ban on pillion riding in the Quetta division from Muharram 1 to Muharram 12 (July 28 to August 8) as an added security measure.

    In Karachi, the PTA had previously announced a partial suspension of mobile services in some areas until Muharram 10 (July 29). However, the suspension was extended to Muharram 8 and was expected to remain in effect on Muharram 9.

    Moreover, in Lahore and Sindh, authorities enforced a ban on pillion riding during the observance of Ashura on July 28.

    It’s important to note that despite the temporary disruption of mobile services, landline and cable net services continued to operate without interruption.

    These measures were taken to ensure the safety and security of the public during the important religious commemoration of Ashura on July 28, 2023.