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.

  • Abrarul Haq accused of stealing ‘Mohafiz’ smartphone app

    Abrarul Haq accused of stealing ‘Mohafiz’ smartphone app

    Abrarul Haq, Pakistani singer and chairman of Pakistan Red Crescent Society allegedly infringed the idea of an existing app, ProPakistani reported.

    Abrar Ul Haq and Pakistan Red Crescent Society launched an emergency response application under the name of “Muhafiz.” However, they are accused of copying already available application ‘Mohafiz” by HumanTek. 

    It bears mentioning that Abrar and his team launched their app at the Muahfiz Youth Force Launching Ceremony that took place on the 5th of April 2020 in Lahore. The honour was done by President Arif Alvi.

    The original Mohafiz application was launched almost 5 years ago. It was developed by HumanTek after 2014’s APS attack as an Emergency service smartphone application. 

    According to the CEO of HumanTek, they have saved over 8,000 lives. Furthermore, this application is already downloaded by almost 80,000 plus users. 

    Since the situation came out, Abrarul Haq has not commented on this matter. 

    Despite several allegations against each other, officials on both sides are trying to resolve this matter amicably. 

    Fahad Khan, the founder of real ‘Mohafiz’ said that both sides should work together to server humanity under dire situation rather than competing with each other. 

  • Google is helping Pakistan fight coronavirus, here is how.

    Google is helping Pakistan fight coronavirus, here is how.

    According to Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) press release, Google has introduced various features and tools to facilitate the operations of telecommunication networks to promote learning and access to authentic information in Pakistan.

    The platform has given the Pakistani government an ad-inventory to disseminate accurate information on time.

    Moreover, Google has shared tips and resources for remote workers and students so that they can improve the quality of work and ensure productivity.

    Google has allowed free access to advance ‘Google Hangout’ which means the users will be able to put 250 participants on audio and video calls so the entire class can attend lectures. The participants can record the lectures and save it in google drive so when they cannot join, they can access the lectures when needed.

    Google has also launched a speech-based reading app “Bolo” — based on machine learning — to help children read aloud confidently, using their voice. The app is available in the Urdu language as well.

    Apart from these tools and resources, they have ensured measures to combat misinformation. Google has also attached ‘SOS Alert” banner with news from mainstream outlets and information from recognised health organization such as the World health organization (WHO) and National Institute of Health (NIH).

    These hubs provide a comprehensive overview of the pandemic, information about its symptoms and measures, as well as current statistics and answers to common questions.

    These necassary measures taken by the company because search interest in COVID-19 has continued to climb across the world. At present, this is the most researched topic in the world so it is necassary to curb fake news and misinformation.

    In addition to launching new features on the search engine, the platform has rolled out a website—available at google.com/covid19 — focused on education, prevention and local resources.

    People can find state-based information, safety and prevention tips, search trends related to COVID-19, and further resources for individuals, educators and businesses.

  • Call of Duty’s new battle royale: ‘Free to play for everyone’

    Call of Duty’s new battle royale: ‘Free to play for everyone’

    Activision released Call of Duty Warzone and it will be free to play across gaming platforms including Xbox One, PlayStation 4 and PCs, BBC reported.

    In battle royale games multiple players can fight and explore a game together, but ultimately the goal is to be the last player standing.

    Games like Fortnite and Apex Legends helped popularise the genre. They are more social than traditional video games because players can work together and speak to each other.

    Analysts say Call of Duty: Warzone will offer “something fresh” in the gaming world, particularly as a growing number of people watch livestream gaming.

    “What Call of Duty: Warzone brings to the table is a triple threat since it’s tied to a very popular franchise,” said Doron Nir, CEO of live streaming services provider StreamElements. “There hasn’t been a big new battle royale game in a while, and it’s free-to-play.”

    Activision released a battle royale game in 2018, but players had to purchase Call of Duty: Black Ops for $60 (£46) to access it.

    Analysts say the industry has shifted more to a free to play model and this move by Activision should be concerning to some competitors.

    “This is forward-thinking and a step in the right direction,” said Will Hershey chief executive of Round Hill Investments.

    Mr Hershey said games like Apex Legends and PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG) are most exposed because their players and players of the Call of Duty franchise tend to be older. Fortnite, by comparison, has less gore and younger players.

    In Warzone up to 150 players will be able to participate in a single battle. For context, Fortnite has 100 and Apex Legends allows 60.

    Players will compete in teams of three. Leaks during the development suggested a single game could have up to 200 players.

    The game’s map is also large, with 300 points of interests.

    Gamers will be able to save their positions and restart on different consoles allowing players to maintain their progression in the game.

    Players will be able to earn in-game cash to buy upgrades, gear and tokens that can revive them or their teammates from death.

    Though Warzone will be a standalone game, purchasers of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare will be able to transfer contents like skins – customized avatar looks – and equipment.

    While Call of Duty: Warzone is free, analysts explain the company still intends to make money from it.

    Warzone is intended for mature players who typically have greater spending power.

    “Most game companies wouldn’t invest in a game of this scope if profit wasn’t a key driver,” said Mr Nir.

    Players will be able to make in-game purchases to upgrade their characters or tools.

    There is also the potential to build interest in the Call of Duty franchise among new players who may then buy the box edition.

    The timing of Warzone’s release seems to be linked to leaks of the game on YouTube. But the game could also benefit from the coronavirus outbreak and the global quarantines.

    “Any kind of stay at home entertainment companies has a potential to benefit from this,” said Mr Hershey.

    Viewers of livestream gaming spiked in China in February as large parts of the country were put under quarantine.

  • Realme aims to diversify beyond smartphones, become country’s top tech-lifestyle brand

    Realme aims to diversify beyond smartphones, become country’s top tech-lifestyle brand

    realme has gone on to become one of the most popular smartphone makers in Pakistan, primarily owing to its incredible value offerings. In a downhill battle with competitors to win the market, the manufacturer has introduced some of the best entry-level to mid-range smartphones.

    With an aim to break the notion of just being a smartphone player, realme, which entered Pakistan last year, now aspires to be a young, tech and fashion brand, as it forays into Internet of Things (IoT) products.

    realme is especially focusing on introducing IoT-based products in the coming year, which will include audio and wearables; and has already launched in Pakistan a number of other products like wireless ear-buds and power banks.

    It is known for the best quality products at affordable prices, and is anticipated to soon launch a fitness band, smart TV, smart-watches and several other products. In line with the outlook of being a young brand targeting millennials, with its own software experience, the realme UI, it will transform into a young tech and fashion ecosystem.

    “For us, 2020 will be about mobile phones and accessories. Ultimately, we want to become a lifestyle products company. Devices will be the major business for us, but we are building realme for the youth. A smartphone is not the only thing the youth wants. There are multiple other things. We want to cater to those demands of the younger generations as well,” realme Pakistan Country Manager Harvey He has said.

    Since entering the Pakistani market, realme has already launched 11 products across different price segments – from premium flagships to trendy mid-rangers like the recently-launched realme 5i and C3 the key selling points of which have been designed particularly for the youth.

    They are also gearing up for the launch of their latest additions to the classic realme series this month, and is proving its plans for an even steeper growth trajectory than its parent company, through a targeted focus on youngsters.

  • Citizen Protection Rules 2020 suspended

    Citizen Protection Rules 2020 suspended

    Citizens Protection (Against Online Harm) Rules 2020 suspended when more than 100 rights organisations and individuals boycott consultation with government, DAWN reported.

    The right groups in a statement said that the government had refused to elaborate on the legal status of the rules, so “any consultation is merely token to deflect criticism and not a genuine exercise to seek input.”

    According to the report, when Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Chairman Amir Azeem Bajwa was approached to seek clarification, he said: “The rules are expected to be improved/amended suitably at the end of the consultation process. Implementation of [existing] rules has been suspended.”

    This Monday, the PTA chairman-led committee that the IT minister formed following the premier’s instruction from consultation with stakeholders. Additional Secretary of IT Eazaz Aslam Dar, Digital Pakistan head Tania Aidrus and the focal person on digital media Dr Arslan Khalid are committee members.

    On the contrary, the Federal Minister for human rights Dr shireen Mazari and barrister Ali Zafar are also expected to be a part of the process.

    According to the press release of PTA, the committee decides to initiate an open consultation with all stakeholders including civil society, human and digital rights groups.

    PTA further added that a questionnaire seeking input from all stakeholders shall be posted on its official website.

    PM’s focal person on digital media Arslan Khalid said all proceedings would be “inclusive” and done in a “transparent” manner. “The rules have not been implemented. Prime Minis­ter Imran Khan has clearly instructed for robust and broad-based consultations before any rules can be put into place,” he told Dawn.

  • SPONSORED: Realme unveils ‘Quad Camera BatteryKing 5i’, ‘Triple Camera Game Monster C3’

    SPONSORED: Realme unveils ‘Quad Camera BatteryKing 5i’, ‘Triple Camera Game Monster C3’

    Realme – the fastest growing smartphone brand in Pakistan that resonates with the young generation – has unveiled two new devices, Realme 5i and C3, in its maiden campus launch for youngsters in Pakistan.

    The brand hosted a musical concert with Amanat Ali along with other celebrities, including Aiman Khan, Hina Altaf, Zubab Rana and Ramsha Khan, who were invited as brand promoters for the latest devices.

    Youth’s Favorite and Pakistan’s top YouTubers like Shahveer Jaffry, Raza Samo, Video wali sarkar, connect Kashan and RHS – Rana Hamza Saif were also part of the launch event.

    On February 25, within the framework of the Realme campus launch, hundreds of youngsters and media representatives participated in Realme product experience activities. The experience space was divided into different areas such as the space for taking photos with Realme smartphones, IoT products wall and a collection of photos shot on Realme phones to help students to understand the key specifications of the newly-launched devices.

    This first smartphone lineup of the year, the Realme 5i and Realme C3, has been launched in the company’s first-ever campus launch event to engage with youngsters and help them experience the device first hand.

    realme C3

    The Realme 5i is available in one variant – 4GB RAM + 64GB storage priced at PKR 24,999 available for sale since February 26 –, while Realme C3 with 3GB RAM + 32GB storage — priced at PKR 20,999 — will be available for sale from February 29.

    realme 5i

    Realme, which provides high-quality products for the youth of the country, has always been closely connected with its young fans. The brand is known to offer a wide range of sophisticated and advanced products for the youth at the best price-points.

    Over a short time-span, Realme has established an unbreakable bond with its users, making them the true brand ambassadors. Realme is recognised as the 7th largest smartphone brand globally. Besides a high value for money, Realme’s availability across all tiers of the smartphone market ensures great visibility.

  • TikTok’s life-threatening ‘skull-breaker challenge’ is trending

    TikTok’s life-threatening ‘skull-breaker challenge’ is trending

    To go viral and gain views, TikTok users have started the ‘Skull-Breaker Challenge’ causing people to end up in the hospital with broken bones and fatal injuries.

    The challenge begins with three people standing alongside one another and in a row, the middle person jumps while the other two kick his/her legs out from under causing a dangerous fall.

    https://twitter.com/britishchickAD/status/1228335700132712450?s=20

    Falling like this is life-threatening and can cause paralysis and even death as severe head trauma could lead to serious internal bleeding in the brain.

    Meanwhile, TikTok does not allow content that is harmful. The community guidelines for the app state: “We do not promote participation in activities that could lead to harm. We also do not permit users to encourage others to take part in dangerous activities. We do not allow content that promotes self-harm or suicide, but we do allow our users to share their experiences in order to raise awareness about these issues.”

    However, TikTok has not officially responded to this matter.

  • Ready for the most exciting phone of 2020?

    Ready for the most exciting phone of 2020?

    Samsung’s second fordable phone Galaxy Z Flip is not like its predecessors. The company unveiled this art piece with the most awaited flagship series of the Galaxy S20.

    Design and Display

    Apart from its foldability feature, Galaxy Z has unique hinge, perhaps the strongest clamshell folding device. However, it is also reported that it is a little harder to open it as compared to its predecessor (Galaxy Fold).

    Colors

    It is available for sale in Mirror Purple, Mirror Black and Mirror Gold colors. The smartphone is also launched in a Thom Browne edition, featuring the designer’s signature stripes.

    Internal features and Storage

    The smartphone is powered by Snapdragon 855+ with 8 GB RAM and 256 GB storage. However, it does not have any storage expansion options. Samsung Galaxy Z Flip runs on One UI 2.1 based Android 10 OS.

    Cameras

    At the back, the smartphone features a dual-sensor rear camera with 12 MP regular wide sensor and a 12 MP ultra-wide sensor. On the front, it is equipped with 10 MP single sensor for selfies.

    Battery and Pricing

    It is equipped with two batteries that, when combined, total 3300 mAh. The smartphone surprisingly also supports wireless charging.

    Samsung Galaxy Z Flip complete specifications

    • CPU: Octa-core (2×2.3 GHz Kryo 360 Gold & 6×1.7 GHz Kryo 360 Silver)
    • GPU: Adreno 616
    • Chipset: Qualcomm SDM855+ Snapdragon 855+ (7 nm)
    • OS: Android 10.0; One UI 2.0
    • Networks: 2G, 3G, 45, LTE;
    • Display:
      • AMOLED, 6.7 inches, 2636 x 1080 pixels resolution, 22:9 aspect ratio + 1.1″, Super AMOLED, 112 x 300 pixels resolution
    • Memory:
      • RAM: 8 GB
      • Internal: 256 GB
      • Card slot: No
    • Camera:
      • Primary: 12 MP +12 MP
      • Secondary: 10 MP
    • Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11ac, Bluetooth 5.0, GPS, USB Type-C
    • Fingerprint scanner: Side-mounted
    • Battery: 3300 mAh
    • Price: $1380

    It is still unclear that when this device will be launched in Pakistan.

  • Fitbit launches tracker for your cat

    Fitness trackers give you a way to find out patterns like how many steps you walk, how many calories you consume and how many hours you sleep. This type of information is important for your health. 

    PurrSong Pendant is a fitness tracker for cats. The idea of a cat fitness tracker might sound weird but it is very useful for pet owners. It tracks your cat’s activities and sleeping pattern. The idea is to get data about your pet’s normal routine and keep track of those time when they deviate from it. 

    When your furry friend starts to stray from the routine, it could be an indicator that there’s something wrong. 

    As anyone who has ever owned a cat will know that it can be tricky to find out if they are sick, especially cats try to hide when they are sick. 

    The pendant identifies an irregular pattern early so that you can seek veterinary care sooner. 

    The information from the tracker is shared over Bluetooth with an app on your phone that can alert you when there’s an abnormal pattern. For examples, if your cat isn’t being active as usual, you’ll be notified about that. 

    The PurrSong pendant is roughly the size of mentos candy, with IP56 (strongest) rating for water and dust resistance. It attaches to your cat’s collar and will last one month on a single charge. 

    The data from the PurrSong Pendant can give you a snapshot of your cat’s overall health — this reason is enough for a pet lover to go a buy one for your cat. 

  • Coronavirus causes fright for Indian phone, carmakers

    Coronavirus causes fright for Indian phone, carmakers

    Coronavirus outbreak in China could start to disrupt India’s production of smartphones. This spread can delay component shipments that are important for the production of smartphones, reports have said.

    India is the world’s biggest smartphone maker after China but is still largely dependent on China for supplies of parts such as cells, displays panels, camera modules and printed circuit boards.

    “Those disruptions were already planned but if it gets prolonged, for March and April, production will have serious trouble,” said S N Rai, the co-founder of homegrown smartphone maker Lava.

    China’s OnePlus said its Indian operations could manage, in the short term at least.

    “We are well covered because we have the entire production in India, we already have enough stock, and even going forward many of the components will anyway be coming directly from other markets,” said Vikas Agarwal, the India head of OnePlus.

    However, Beijing has expressed confidence in uprooting the “devil” virus that has been declared a global emergency by the World Health Organization (WHO).

    Giants like Alphabet Inc’s Google and Sweden’s IKEA have closed operations in China.

    India’s Tata Motors, which counts China as a major market for its luxury Jaguar Land Rover cars, said on Thursday it was worried about the coronavirus and warned that the outbreak could impact productions and profits.

    For now, the industry just hopes the outbreak can be contained within the next two weeks. “If the problem persists beyond February 10, we have a real problem at hand,” said Pankaj Mohindroo, head of the India Cellular & Electronics Association, an industry lobby group.