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.

  • Sindh police launches ‘Talash’ app to fight street crimes in Karachi

    Sindh police launches ‘Talash’ app to fight street crimes in Karachi

    The Talash (search) app was introduced by Sindh Inspector General of Police (IGP) Ghulam Nabi Memon on Monday at Central Police Office in an effort to combat street crime in Karachi with the help of contemporary technology.

    According to Express, the regional police head said that the app would be an “effective tool” in the fight against crime at the launch event.

    “This Talash App will be utilised as an effective and best weapon against crimes and in taking action against criminals,” the IGP said.

    The device’s goal was to enhance criminal investigation and eradication, he continued, adding that the Sindh police were using technology more frequently to reduce crime.

    Memon stated that a committee had been established to give investigators modern training, and that Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah had authorised spending money to strengthen policing by purchasing “world-class technology.”

    The IGP stated that the device’s initial rollout was in Karachi and that it would “very soon” expand to other districts.

    The device, according to Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) (Information Technology) Parvez Ahmed Chandio, is intended to reduce street crimes.

    He claimed that it would guarantee identity checks while on patrol. The DIG continued, “This is transportable technology as it is easy to carry it.”

    Chandio emphasised the device’s key attributes by saying, “Data of Nadra (National Database and Registration Authority) and other institutions can be accessible using this device.

  • Google announces launch of 8gbps internet service

    Google announces launch of 8gbps internet service

    Google Fiber’s unexpected return will result in a significant increase in internet speeds. Google has disclosed that it will offer 5 Gbps and 8 Gbps subscriptions in early 2023.

    Symmetric upload and download rates, a WiFi 6 router, and up to two mesh network extenders will be included in both levels. According to the corporation, the changes should aid in large file transfers while minimising lag and jittering.

    Customers in Kansas City and Utah can test the faster plans as early as November if they sign up to become ‘trusted’ testers. If they qualify, Google will ask how they intend to use the additional bandwidth, according to The Verge.

    This is a significant improvement over Google’s previous-best 2 Gbps service, which was introduced in 2020, and it might make a significant impact if you’re a gamer or rely on cloud computing. If a 150 GB Microsoft Flight Simulator download takes 11 minutes at 2 Gbps, the 8 Gbps plan might reduce that time to under three minutes under perfect conditions.

    It certainly makes ordinary cable internet plans appear costly. Comcast, for example, already provides 6 Gbps service in select regions, but it costs $300 per month on contract and does not yet provide symmetric uploads.

    In any case, the new plans are a statement of intent. Along with the first network additions in five years, the faster speeds indicate that Google is returning to Fiber’s beginnings. That is, it is raising expectations for truly fast internet access while also (to some extent) increasing competition among incumbent providers.

    Of course, this might help Google promote its other services, but you might not mind if it offers telcos an extra incentive to push out ’10G’ and other comparable upgrades sooner than they otherwise would.

  • Apple witnesses highest sales growth in PC segment

    Apple witnesses highest sales growth in PC segment

    Apple MacBooks are increasingly being purchased by more people. Apple’s sales have significantly increased compared to the previous year, despite the fact that it offers the most expensive products in the global tech market.

    This is a blatant example of why customers tolerate the fact that the company sells everything at a heftier price tag but also offers top-notch quality at the same time.

    The PC market experienced a 15 per cent fall in the second quarter of 2022 compared to the same period last year, and it has now repeated itself, according to market researcher International Data Corporation (IDC).

    In 2022, Lenovo continues to dominate the PC industry, followed by HP and Dell. Apple comes in at number four, while ASUS is positioned at the bottom of the top 5. The only firm on the list to experience a 40 per cent growth over that time was Apple; all the others had a decline.

    The most recent IDC report reveals a further 15 per cent decline in PC shipments. For clarity, servers, tablets, and 2-in-1 convertibles are not considered “PCs” in this research; only desktops, laptops, and workstations are.

    Positively, the overall number of shipments to consumers and distributors was 74.3 million, down from the previous quarter but up from Q1.

    In 2022, it was still difficult to find PC components, which led to price increases and higher Average Selling Prices (ASP) for all computers. However, the ASP decreased in Q2 and Q3, which Linn Huang, research vice president of Devices & Displays at IDC, claims is a sign of “a market in retreat.”

  • Lahore man puts 13-year-old iPhone 3GS for sale for Rs300,000

    Lahore man puts 13-year-old iPhone 3GS for sale for Rs300,000

    An iPhone 3GS that is still in brand-new condition and functions beautifully has been placed for sale by a Lahore man on the local OLX classifieds website in Pakistan.

    It is important to note that the iPhone 3GS was introduced in June 2009, and obtaining an iPhone in functioning condition is practically miraculous given that the majority of models have long since become obsolete and the firm has stopped sending updates for many years.

    Given how uncommon it is to come across an old iPhone like the 3GS, the seller has set a high asking price of Rs300,000.

    It’s interesting to note that the seller even stated that he would only accept an exchange offer for the newest iPhone 13 pro max PTA approved, which now sells for more than Rs300,000 in the Pakistani market. Additionally, the vendor said that this is the final price and that he will not entertain cheap bids.

  • WhatsApp to roll out feature blocking users from taking screenshots

    WhatsApp to roll out feature blocking users from taking screenshots

    WhatsApp is developing a feature that would let users to prevent other users from screenshotting messages that have been sent as ‘View Once’ on the app.

    According to a report by WABetaInfo, the feature was given out with WhatsApp update version 2.22.22.3, but exclusively for Android beta users as of right now. The new function will launch as WhatsApp works to improve its security and privacy procedures.

    Users of WhatsApp will have more control over how their information is received, shared, and kept thanks to the functionality. With the upgrade, it is now impossible for a viewer to screenshot a message that was sent with the ‘View Once’ filter applied, whether it be a photo or a video.

    WhatsApp presents a warning reading, “Can’t capture screenshots due to security policy,” when someone tries to take a screenshot of “View Once” media.

    Even if the user manages to get around this obstacle and record the screen or take a screenshot, the recording will be blank or black, protecting the media that the sender shared on WhatsApp.

    Only a small number of Android users have access to the feature on the platform, claims the report. The internet behemoth hasn’t formally stated when it intends to make the function available to all WhatsApp users internationally, though.

    In the meantime, Meta has previously disclosed that it is exploring new capabilities to make it simpler for users to migrate between Facebook and Instagram.

    The IT behemoth claimed that the new features will simplify for users the process of creating, accessing, and switching between many accounts and profiles on the social networking site.

    If customers choose to connect both platforms to the same Accounts Center, they will be able to receive notifications for both in a single location, according to the business.

  • Elon Musk plans to launch ‘X’ app after Twitter buyout

    Elon Musk plans to launch ‘X’ app after Twitter buyout

    Elon Musk is taking WeChat as inspiration as he designs Twitter’s future. The tech mogul has only provided a few details about his goal of creating an app for everything, experts warn it won’t be simple to accomplish.

    After purchasing Twitter, Tesla CEO stated late Tuesday that he intended to develop a new app dubbed “X”.

    “Buying Twitter is an accelerant to creating X, the everything app,” he tweeted.

    Musk’s statement followed reports that he had once again changed his mind and chosen to proceed with his offer to purchase Twitter for $44 billion, which was the sum originally agreed upon back in April.

    After months of conflict and sour U-turns, the acquisition would give the world’s richest man control over one of the most important social networks.

    Now, analogies to “super-apps” in Asia, which are effectively one-stop shops that do it all for customers, have been made between Musk’s ambition to build out what is thought to be a versatile platform.

    More than a billion users, mostly in mainland China, rely on the social network to perform almost all of their daily tasks without ever leaving the app, including ordering groceries, scheduling yoga classes, and paying bills.

    People have also flocked to apps like Grab (GRAB) in Singapore and Malaysia and Line in Japan in other parts of Asia. While Line became well-known as a chat app, Grab was first best recognised as a ride-hailing service provider. Both have now greatly expanded to include additional functions.

    Musk hasn’t held back when it comes to his goal to duplicate WeChat’s success. He compared Twitter’s potential to that of Tencent’s pervasive service in China in a town hall with Twitter staff in June.

    “I think an important goal for Twitter would be to try to include as much of the country, as much of the world, as possible,” said Musk. “You basically live on WeChat in China because it’s so usable and helpful to daily life, and I think if we can achieve that, or even get close to that at Twitter, it would be an immense success.”

    Several well-known US tech leaders have followed China’s approach, including Elon Musk: Mark Zuckerberg, the CEO of Facebook (FB), had previously said that his business could use WeChat as a case study.

  • Apple forced to switch to USB-C chargers as EU approves law

    Apple forced to switch to USB-C chargers as EU approves law

    A new regulation mandating the adoption of a standard charger for electronic gadgets was approved by European lawmakers on Tuesday.

    The rule was passed by the European Parliament, and if it becomes law, it will require that by the end of 2024, all mobile phones, tablets, and cameras sold in the EU incorporate USB Type-C charging ports.

    This could have an impact on businesses that do not already employ USB Type-C, like Apple and others. The iPhone uses Apple’s exclusive Lightning charger. Theoretically, if Apple wanted to sell its iPhones in the EU, it would have to include the standard charging method.

    The more recent iPads and MacBooks from Apple already include USB-C connections.

    More than ten-year-old charge regulations are still undergoing the EU legislative process, thus they are not yet in effect.

    The legislation was approved in June by the European Commission, the EU’s executive body. Now, it has received approval from the European Parliament. It now has to receive the final approval of the European Council, which is made up of representatives of the governments of EU nations, in order to become law.

    The guidelines, according to EU legislators, would cut down on waste because users won’t have to buy a new charger every time they buy a new device. According to the EU, this will decrease the manufacturing and disposal of new charges.

    Technically, if the legislation is approved, consumers will be able to charge compatible iPhones with a Samsung USB Type-C charger.

    According to a news release from European Parliament member Alex Agius Saliba, “This future-proof law allows for the development of innovative charging solutions in the future, and it will benefit everyone — from frustrated consumers to our vulnerable environment.”

  • Is PayPal finally coming to Pakistan?

    Is PayPal finally coming to Pakistan?

    Former Finance Minister, Senator Shaukat Tarin, claimed on Monday that Pakistani Information Technology freelancers had $3–4 billion stashed abroad and are hesitant to transfer money into the country due to hefty taxes.

    Additionally, he urged the authorities to grant freelancers access to 100 per cent foreign currency accounts so they can send and receive money without restrictions.

    Mirza Muhammad Afridi, the deputy chairman of the Senate, said that it is important to introduce international payment systems like PayPal to Pakistan in order to boost Pakistan’s exports of IT products and services.

    Senator Afridi was informed by government representatives that talks had taken place with PayPal and other comparable payment gateways in an effort to bring them to Pakistan.

    “We are trying to start this service in Pakistan as soon as possible. Payments are currently made through a payment gateway linked to PayPal on Amazon”, the officials said.

    “This will give a better price to our farmers and also make affordable commodities available to our people,” he said.

  • Here’s how to receive calls, messages on non-PTA iPhone using any approved iPhone

    Here’s how to receive calls, messages on non-PTA iPhone using any approved iPhone

    PTA approval costs are currently inconceivable in Pakistan, especially for the newest iPhone models, and people are constantly looking for ways to use their SIM on their iPhone, which does everything except make calls.

    If you have spent a significant amount and do not have the money to pay for its approval, especially if you have purchased the most recent models that get approved for more over Rs140,000, you can buy any old affordable iPhone to use sim on your primary recently purchased iPhone.

    If you’re curious about how it could happen, here is a method. On both devices, you can do it by using the same Apple ID. Think about investing in an iPhone 6 that won’t set you back more than Rs20,000. After you activate the PTA-approved iPhone and enter your sim card, all of your calls will be routed to both iPhones.

    Interestingly, since both iPhones will be connected to/synchronized with the same Apple ID, you will be able to attend all calls that you receive on your sim on your non-PTA approved iPhone.

    Here’s what you can do if you already have an extra PTA-approved iPhone:

    • Go to Settings > Phone
    • Tap Calls on Other Devices
    • Tap Allow Calls on Other Devices switch to turn on
    • For first-time setup:
    • Add Wi-Fi Calling For Other Devices
    • Tap to enable other iCloud® devices to make and receive calls
    • From the ‘Allow Calls On’ section, tap the switches to turn to call for that device on

    When you’re connected to WiFi or utilising your PTA-approved iPhone’s hotspot, it’s a terrific method to continue using your non-PTA-approved phone because you can always take calls on both phones.

    Even yet, getting your iPhone PTA-approved is strongly advised because all of them are only short-term fixes and can be irritating.

  • Here are top 5 highest-paying IT certifications to have in 2022

    Here are top 5 highest-paying IT certifications to have in 2022

    Owing to a fast-changing job market and increased competition for qualified professionals, it is getting harder to find and keep the best talent in the IT sector.

    Organizations look for individuals with renowned credentials that confirm their expertise and capacity as the skills gap threatens to negatively affect enterprises in crucial fields like cloud computing, data science, and cybersecurity.

    Since they have obtained credentials regarded as reliable affirmations of their abilities, these qualified professionals typically have more clout in the market.

    The certifications below are among those with the highest salaries recorded in the IT sector for professionals.

    AWS Certified Solutions Architect Professional

    In this position, you design, implement and maintain sophisticated Amazon Web Services cloud architecture. AWS advises two or more years of practical experience with a scripting language, as well as proficiency with Windows, Linux, and numerous AWS services, for you to earn this kind of certification.

    Certified Information Security Manager

    You manage, plan, and evaluate an organization’s information security in this position. A particular level of proficiency in information security governance, information security risk management, information security programme, and incident management is required for certification. You must have at least five years of professional experience in a number of distinct fields before you can sit for the exam.

    Google Cloud Professional Cloud Architect

    You must be able to oversee the deployment of Google Cloud services, as well as establish the infrastructure and enhance procedures, in order to earn this sort of credential. Additionally, candidates for this certification should have at least three years of professional experience, including at least one year of solution design and management in Google Cloud.

    Certified Information Systems Security Professional

    This certification is comparable to receiving a master’s degree in IT security because it evaluates your capacity to plan, carry out, and oversee a cybersecurity initiative. In order to do so, you must have at least five years of relevant work experience in two or more of the CISSP domains, such as security and risk management, security architecture and engineering, identity and access management, security assessment and testing, and software development security.

    AWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate

    This certification is intended for cloud architects with experience creating fault-tolerant and cost-effective systems on AWS and serves as a prerequisite for the AWS Certified Solutions Architect Professional badge. Deep coding expertise isn’t required, however candidates should be comfortable with the AWS Well-Architected Framework and at least the fundamentals of programming.