Science and technology

China’s Baidu has received the licence to test autonomous vehicles with its Apollo robotaxi service in Hong Kong as it expands its footprint outside Chinese mainland. Baidu Apollo International Ltd was approved to conduct trials for 10 autonomous vehicle in North Lantau, according to a statement released by Hong Kong’s Transport Department on Friday. The license will be valid from Dec. 9, 2024 to Dec. 8, 2029, with only one self-driving car operating on specified road sections at a time in its first phase, according to the statement. During the trial, a backup operator stationed on board shall take over control of the vehicle if necessary, it added. The Hong Kong government has since at least 2017 actively promoted autonomous vehicles, but has only recently allowed wider trials of autonomous vehicles including on public roads following the rollout of a new regulatory legislation in March this year. This is the first pilot licence given out by the Hong Kong government since the in...

TikTok is set to implement a ban on users under the age of 18 from utilizing beauty filters that modify their facial features, in response to increasing concerns regarding the effects on the mental health and self-esteem of teenagers. These restrictions, anticipated to be introduced globally in the upcoming weeks, will specifically target filters such as “Bold Glamour,” which enhances skin texture, enlarges lips, and alters eye shapes—effects that can often be indistinguishable from reality. However, filters designed for humorous purposes, such as those that add animal ears or exaggerate facial characteristics, will still be available to younger users. This initiative follows a report from Internet Matters, a non-profit organization focused on children’s online safety, which indicated that these filters foster a “distorted worldview” by normalizing idealized images. A significant number of teenagers, especially girls, expressed feeling pressured to meet these altered standards, with...

WhatsApp has rolled out a new feature in the beta version of its messaging application. Users now have the ability to utilize QR codes for managing channels, which may enhance the speed of accessing pertinent information . This new functionality is currently available to beta users, offering a more efficient way to search for channels. Rather than relying solely on text-based searches, WhatsApp users can now scan a QR code to quickly access a specific group. Additionally, users can receive invitations to follow channels, as noted by WABetaInfo. The introduction of QR codes for sharing channel links also presents users with various sharing options, including the ability to include them on printed business cards. This could aid in business development and encourage users to connect via the messaging platform. READ: WhatsApp users react to new animated ‘Typing’ bubble Among the forthcoming features of WhatsApp is chat filtering, which will allow users to organize their conversations ...

Nintendo has taken legal action against Redditors over alleged piracy of its popular gaming console Switch’s games. The latest court filing to subpoena the social media platform comes days after the Kyoto-based company filed a similar document against Discord over the leaks regarding its gaming console and its games. According to a US district court filing, Nintendo has targeted a known Switch pirate named James “Archbox” Williams on Reddit. According to the company, the suspect served as the moderator of SwitchPirates subreddit which leaked details about several of its games. It is worth mentioning here that Nintendo has also sought court approval to subpoena the business records of Reddit, Discord, GitHub, Cloudflare, Google, and GoDaddy to uncover Williams’ alleged associates. Meanwhile, Nintendo is reportedly in the production phase of its highly-anticipated gaming console Switch 2. While the company has confirmed that it plans to announce the console in the current financia...

SYDNEY: Big Tech corporations on Friday hit out at a landmark Australian law that bans youths under the age of 16 from accessing social media, saying the law was “rushed” through parliament. Australia approved the social media ban for children late on Thursday. The law forces tech giants from Instagram and Facebook owner Meta to TikTok to stop minors logging in or face fines of up to A$49.5 million ($32 million). TikTok, the hugely popular platform where teen users upload and share videos, said in a statement to Reuters on Friday that it was likely the ban could see young people pushed to darker corners of the internet. “Moving forward, it’s critical that the Australian government works closely with industry to fix issues created by this rushed process. We want to work together to keep teens safe and reduce the unintended consequences of this law for all Australians,” it said. The government had warned Big Tech of its plans for months, and first announced the ban after a parliamen...

In a groundbreaking discovery, researchers at the University of California have developed a revolutionary genomic test that can diagnose nearly any infection, including bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic infections. According to a recent study published by the University of California, this innovative test uses advanced DNA sequencing technology to identify the genetic material of the infectious agent, allowing for rapid and accurate diagnosis. “Our technology is deceptively simple,” said Charles Chiu, M.D., Ph.D., professor of laboratory medicine and infectious diseases at UCSF and senior author of the study. “By replacing multiple tests with a single test, we can take the lengthy guesswork out of diagnosing and treating infections.” The researchers originally developed a clinical mNGS test to analyze cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), the pristine liquid that bathes the brain and spinal cord. The test, which has the potential to revolutionize the field of infectious disease diagnos...

WhatsApp has implemented a discreet yet contentious modification to its messaging interface, substituting the well-known “typing…” notification with an animated speech bubble. This update reportedly introduced without significant announcement, has incited considerable backlash, as numerous users have voiced their dissatisfaction with the new feature. According to details, this update, which users claim was implemented with minimal prior notice, has led to considerable frustration among many, who perceive the new feature as distracting and unnecessary. The well-known “typing…” indicator, previously displayed at the top of conversations, has now been replaced by a moving chat bubble positioned below the most recent message. Although this alteration may appear minor, a number of users have already expressed their dissatisfaction. Social media platforms have seen an influx of complaints, with many comparing the new feature to the typing animation found in Apple’s iMessage, describing ...

Australia on Thursday approved a social media ban for children aged under 16 after an emotive debate that gripped the nation, setting a benchmark for jurisdictions around the world with one of the toughest regulations targeting Big Tech. The law forces tech giants from Instagram and Facebook owner Meta to TikTok to stop minors logging in or face fines of up to A$49.5 million ($32 million). A trial of methods to enforce it will start in January with the ban to take effect in a year. A number of countries have already vowed to curb social media use by children through legislation, but Australia’s policy is the most stringent. FACEBOOK AND INSTAGRAM-OWNER META SPOKESPERSON: “Naturally, we respect the laws decided by the Australian Parliament. However, we are concerned about the process which rushed the legislation through while failing to properly consider the evidence, what industry already does to ensure age-appropriate experiences, and the voices of young people. “The task now tu...

WhatsApp is set to introduce an innovative enhancement in its forthcoming update, enabling users to append a message to any forwarded content, thereby increasing the app’s versatility. As reported by WABetaInfo, users of the Meta-owned messaging platform will soon have access to a feature that permits the addition of a new message following a forwarded message in an upcoming update. While this update is anticipated for future release, it is currently available for exploration by beta testers in the latest WhatsApp beta for Android version 2.24.25.3, which can be found on the Google Play Store. Previously, this functionality was restricted to media files such as images, videos, and GIFs, irrespective of whether they included a caption. Now, users can enjoy the capability to add a personalized message to any type of forwarded content, encompassing text messages, documents, and links. READ: WhatsApp introduces new feature to convert voice message into text This enhancement allows u...

SHENZHEN: Chinese tech giant Huawei Technologies unveiled its Mate 70 smartphone series on Wednesday, bolstering its premium smartphone comeback while showcasing its own operating system that looks to cleanly break away from U.S. technology. The Mate 70 is the successor to the Mate 60 series released in August last year, widely seen as marking Huawei’s comeback to high-end smartphones in competition with Apple after its business was badly hit by U.S. export curbs. Its launch comes as the U.S. is expected to announce new export controls that could add up to 200 Chinese chip companies to a trade blacklist as soon as this week, restricting their access to U.S. suppliers, Reuters reported on Saturday. The device is “the most powerful Mate phone ever”, Richard Yu, chairman of Huawei’s consumer business group, said at an event in the company’s hometown of Shenzhen that was livestreamed online and at its stores. Mate 70 series’ launch comes as the U.S. is expected to announce new export ...

KARACHI: Students from the University of Karachi have developed the world’s smallest rechargeable nebulizer, an innovative device designed to offer convenience and ease of use for patients during travel or at the office. With rising pollution levels leading to a surge in asthma, respiratory issues, chest infections, and lung diseases, there is an increasing demand for portable medical devices. Traditional nebulizers are often bulky and inconvenient to carry, making it difficult for patients to access treatment when on the go. Addressing this challenge, a team of talented students from the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences has created a groundbreaking compact nebulizer. This rechargeable device is small enough to fit in a bag, making it an ideal choice for emergencies, whether at work or during travel. The team behind this innovation includes Abdul Rehman Siddiqui, Taha Ishaq, Syed Wali Uddin, Syeda Arshiya, Zohaib Salman, Maham Zaidi, Priyan Khan, and Tuba Saleem. The...

ISLAMABAD: Internet services partially resumed in Islamabad and Rawalpindi after Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf called off its protest in the federal capital following major crackdown.  Internet services were suspended in the twin cities for the last two days on the orders of the Interior Ministry following the protest. However, the users are complaining about glitches in the services of social media apps. Meanwhile, authorities have started removing containers from the road across the twin cities, marking a return to normalcy in Islamabad and Rawalpindi following the clearance of D-Chowk and other adjoining areas after the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protest. As per details, containers are being removed from routes in Islamabad and Rawalpindi as PTI announced the end of its protest. Read more: Containers removed as life returns to normalcy in twin cities after PTI protest In Rawalpindi, containers are being lifted from the Faizabad Flyover and Murree Road. The Faizabad Interch...

Fans of Grand Theft Auto (GTA) 6 have their hopes high for the second trailer after rumours emerged that the upcoming Sony PlayStation might drop an update on the title. Reports said that PlayStation will host an event on December 3, after it teased the numbers ’03 12′ and 20:24 in a new ad. Several fans of GTA 6 suggested that a new trailer would be released on December 3 as Sony has reportedly secured the marketing rights for the highly-anticipated title of Rockstar Games. The rumour first appeared on GTA 6 Subreddit as a user wrote: “I’ll believe that Rockstar Games will show an updated version of GTA 6 on the PS6 in about 4-5 years than show the second trailer at this event.” Another agreed that the Sony PlayStation event might have some updates for the fans of the Grand Theft Auto series. “That’s a very reasonable speculation. I remember at the 2020 PS5 Event when they showed the trailer for next gen GTA 5. The CEO said something [like] ‘we are pleased to continue our partne...

While Nintendo remains tight-lipped about Switch 2, the rumoured reveal and launch date of the upcoming gaming console has appeared online. Shuntaro Furukawa , the president of the Kyoto-based company, has confirmed that development on a successor was underway and that Nintendo was following its original plan to announce the upcoming gaming console. However, he did not reveal the exact date when the company plans to reveal the hotly-anticipated Switch 2. Meanwhile, a fresh rumour about the reveal and launch date for the gaming console has appeared online. First emerged on Famiboards and Weibo platforms, the rumour suggested that Nintendo plans to reveal Switch 2 in early January 2025. As per the rumour, the company will release the gaming console two months later in March. It is pertinent to mention that Nintendo has confirmed that it plans to announce the console in the current financial year end in March 2025. Meanwhile, reports said that the company began production in Septe...

Billionaire Elon Musk, tapped by US President-elect Donald Trump to slash federal government spending, lashed out at modern fighter jets on Monday, saying that drones were the future of air combat. “Manned fighter jets are obsolete in the age of drones anyway. Will just get pilots killed,” said the head of SpaceX, Tesla, and X, in a post on his social media platform. Musk singled out the F-35 — a next-generation fighter jet manufactured by US-based Lockheed Martin that entered service in 2015 — for criticism. “Meanwhile, some idiots are still building manned fighter jets like the F-35,” he posted, alongside a video of hundreds of drones hovering in formation in the sky. The F-35, the world’s most advanced fighter, is stealth-capable and can also be used to gather intelligence. Germany, Poland, Finland, and Romania have all recently signed deals for the aircraft. Its development, however, has suffered from issues, notably in the design of its computer programs, and its very high ...

Google (GOOGL.O), opens new tab and Facebook-owner Meta Platforms (META.O), opens new tab urged the Australian government on Tuesday to delay a bill that will ban most forms of social media for children under 16, saying more time was needed to assess its potential impact. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s centre-left government wants to pass the bill, which represents some of the toughest controls on children’s social media use imposed by any country, into law by the end of the parliamentary year on Thursday. The bill was introduced in parliament last week and opened for submissions of opinions for only one day. Google and Meta said in their submissions that the government should wait for the results of an age-verification trial before going ahead. The age-verification system may include biometrics or government identification to enforce a social media age cut-off. “In the absence of such results, neither industry nor Australians will understand the nature or scale of age assuran...

A controversial AI monitoring software designed to track employee productivity and recommend automation replacements has sparked significant backlash on social media. According to an international media outlet, this tool, which tracks detailed metrics of employee performance, has been widely criticised for its invasive and dystopian implications. The uproar began when a post on Reddit described a sales pitch for the AI monitoring software, highlighting its extensive monitoring capabilities. Beyond traditional productivity tools, the AI evaluates employees based on various metrics, such as typing speed, mouse movements, and program usage. It categorises workers, creates detailed productivity graphs, and flags underperformers for management review. The software’s features include keylogging, heat maps of user activity, and real-time monitoring. It also captures periodic desktop screenshots and records interactions with programs, generating comprehensive insights into employee behavio...

The US Food and Drug Administration has approved BridgeBio’s drug Attruby for a rare and deadly heart condition, the company said on Friday, making it the first new treatment in a market dominated by Pfizer’s blockbuster Vyndaqel. The oral drug, branded as Attruby, was approved to treat adult patients with transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM), in which faulty transthyretin proteins accumulate in the heart and can cause the organ to fail. BridgeBio plans to price the therapy at $18,759.12 for a 28-day supply. Pfizer’s Vyndaqel is sold at a list price of $225,000 a year for a recommended once-daily dose of 80 milligrams. ATTR-CM causes difficulty for the heart to pump blood to other parts of the body and causes it to fail if left untreated. It affects more than 120,000 U.S. adults, according to non-profit researcher Institute for Clinical and Economic Review. Pfizer’s tafamidis capsules, sold as Vyndaqel and Vyndamax, were approved in 2019 and brought in sales of $3.32 bil...

Instagram has announced that it is currently testing a new feature designed to enable users to eliminate content that has been recommended to them. The ‘Reset’ tool aims to create a safer environment for teenagers utilizing the platform. This “reset” tool, which is expected to be rolled out globally in the near future, effectively purges a user’s feed of algorithmically suggested content. However, Instagram has indicated that recommendations will gradually begin to personalize again over time. The UK media regulator, Ofcom, has expressed approval of this announcement but emphasized that further actions are necessary to ensure social media safety. “It is encouraging to see Instagram implementing these changes prior to the enforcement of regulations, and we will continue to advocate for companies to enhance the protection and empowerment of their users,” the statement read. An intense international discussion is ongoing regarding the protection of young people online, with Aust...

Fans of Grand Theft Auto (GTA) 6 were left disappointed after the popular moon theory was debunked as the second trailer for the Rockstar Games’ title was not released on November 22. Fans pinned their hopes on the viral moon theory that suggested that the publisher would release the second trailer on November 22. The theory emerged on social media platforms earlier this month and soon went viral. According to the theory, a specific moon phase appeared in GTA Online earlier this month, mirroring a similar event when the first GTA 6 trailer was revealed last year. The ‘ Waning Gibbous ’ moon, visible in the November 4 image, was believed to be observable again on November 22. Fans were hoping that Rockstar Games would release the second trailer for the sixth title in the Grand Theft Auto series on the day when the lunar phase ends. However, the day passed without any update from Rockstar Games or its parent company Take-Two Interactive regarding the hotly-anticipated title. It i...

China has unveiled draft guidelines for country’s data infrastructure construction, including upgrading its 5G network to 5G-A-standard and promoting 6G-related research, development and innovation. China will balance the deployment of international communication gateways across its eastern, central and western regions, and expand international submarine and land cable information channels. A satellite internet that integrates space and ground facilities will also be established, according to the document released by the National Data Bureau. The guidelines, which were released to solicit opinions, say that China will facilitate large-scale, low-cost, secure free flow of data, and encourage industries and regions to actively explore new technological infrastructure in such areas as blockchain and privacy-preserving computing, with the aim of providing a low-cost, efficient, reliable data delivery environment for both centralized and decentralized transactions, CGTN reported. Read ...

KARACHI: Mobile internet services have been disrupted in various parts of Karachi since last night, causing significant inconvenience to users. According to reports, the suspension was implemented due to security concerns, impacting daily communication and online activities. A spokesperson for the Ministry of Interior stated in a previous announcement that internet and mobile services would only be restricted in areas with specific security risks, while services would remain functional in other parts of the country. Meanwhile, ahead of PTI’s planned protests, stringent security measures have been implemented in Islamabad and Rawalpindi. Entry points to the twin cities have been blocked at 33 locations using containers, affecting major routes such as Faizabad, IJP Road, Rawat T-Chowk, Mandrah, and Taxila. Additional blockades have been placed on Faizabad Flyover and other key areas, while Kacheri Chowk has been restricted to one-way traffic. The security measures come as PTI prep...

Huawei said on Saturday it is targeting 100,000 applications for its Harmony OS operating system in coming months as it seeks widespread help to achieve self-reliance. The tech giant has more than 15,000 applications based on Harmony that can meet consumers’ basic needs, but the ecosystem requires more personalised and boutique apps, Huawei Chairman Xu Zhijun told a conference on Saturday. “Based on our analysis, for the Harmony ecosystem to be mature in meeting consumer needs, 100,000 apps is the milestone, and that is the key objective over the next six to 12 months,” Xu said in a speech posted on the WeChat messaging app. The ambitious app target highlights the urgency in developing home-grown technologies as China faces elevated tensions with the US in areas ranging from trade to technology as President-elect Donald Trump threatens to be tougher on China. Huawei launched Harmony OS, its operating system, five years ago after U.S. sanctions cut off support for Google’s Android....

Meta-owned messaging platform WhatsApp has introduced a new feature that automatically converts voice/audio messages into text transcripts. The latest WhatsApp feature will provide great convenience at times during meetings when you want to check the message without disturbing the environment of the room, or when you don’t want other people to listen to the audio message along with you. This audio-to-text feature can also be helpful at times when a person is present in a noisy place and it would be difficult for him to listen the audio. The new feature will also be a great help to deaf persons who are unable to listen. While describing the new feature, the WhatsApp blog stated that Voice messages can be transcribed into text to help you keep up with conversations no matter what you’re doing. Transcripts are generated on your device so that no one else, not even WhatsApp, can hear or read your personal messages. A user can transcribe a voice message by long pressing on the message...

Meta-owned platform WhatsApp is introducing a new feature that allows for a light and dark main theme colour in the business application, currently available to selected beta testers. This feature aims to enhance user control over the app’s visual presentation by enabling customization of the primary branding color, moving away from the conventional green to explore new alternatives, as reported by WABetaInfo. In this iteration, the Meta platform has automatically designated new colours for both the light and dark themes. Specifically, the accent colour for the light theme has been changed to black, while the dark theme now features white. The previous light blue accent colour used in the WhatsApp Business app has been replaced with these updates. Furthermore, black and white icons have been introduced for the app settings, chat information screen, and the business banner located at the top of the chats list. Also read: WhatsApp: Here is how to enable low-light mode for better ...

China’s first AAA game, Black Myth: Wukong pipped Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth and Helldivers 2 to win the top honour at the Golden Joystick Awards 2024. The awards at the Golden Joysticks are based on popular votes, however, a few categories are decided by a jury of critics. Black Myth: Wukong was up against highly rated titles such as Astro Bot, Metaphor: ReFantazio, and Animal Well for the Ultimate Game of the Year. However, it beat the other contenders in the category to win the top prize at the Golden Joystick Awards 2024. Black Myth: Wukong also won the Best Visual Design while Helldivers 2 won four awards, including Best Multiplayer Game, Console Game of the Year, the Critics’ Choice Award, and Best Game Trailer. Meanwhile, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth took home the award for Best Storytelling, Best Soundtrack, Best Supporting Performer (Briana White as Aerith), and Best Lead Performer (Cody Christian as Cloud). Read more: GTA 6 nominated for ‘Most Anticipated Game’ at Game Awards ...

A private school in Karachi has introduced Pakistan’s first AI-powered teacher, marking a significant step forward in the country’s educational landscape. As per details, AI-powered teacher named Ainee was launched in a private school of Karachi’s Gulshan-e-Iqbal area. The AI teacher is designed to assist with subjects of class 5 such as mathematics, science, and languages, can respond to students’ queries, track their progress, and adjust lessons based on individual learning speeds. The move involves a cutting-edge artificial intelligence system that aids in teaching, providing personalized learning experiences for students. Earlier in October, to address the suffering of 32.5 million people from hypertension in Pakistan, the Heart Line Chatbot, powered by artificial intelligence, was launched during the 27th Annual Conference of the Pakistan Hypertension League (PHL). The Chatbot, developed under the Discovering Hypertension project, is aimed at guiding hypertension patients fr...

Instagram has emerged as a primary platform for entertainment, providing an abundance of reels and stories that captivate users. While it serves as an excellent means of entertainment and connection, the incessant flow of content may occasionally result in screen fatigue or prompt the desire for a digital detox. If you have contemplated taking a break or permanently deactivating your Instagram account but have hesitated due to concerns about losing valuable chats, posts, or stories, there is encouraging news. Instagram offers a useful feature that allows you to download your account data, enabling you to preserve your memories and activities prior to making any significant decisions. Follow this comprehensive step-by-step guide to effortlessly secure your Instagram data. Also read: How to blur WhatsApp chats on desktop: Step-by-step guide How to preserve your Instagram chats and other information Step 1: Launch Instagram on your device. Step 2: Navigate to your profile page an...

A representative for Rockstar Games has teased exciting features in the hotly-anticipated Grand Theft Auto (GTA) 6. The representative talked about the game during the acceptance speech after the title won the award for Most Wanted Game award at the Golden Joystick Awards 2024. “Thank you so much for this incredible award. Also, a massive thank you to all the fans. They’re the most important thing for us. They mean a lot to us at Rockstar. There’s an incredible amount of people doing amazing things on Grand Theft Auto 6. Absolutely mind-blowing things,” the Rockstar Games representative said. The statement about ‘amazing things’ planned for GTA 6 has fans guessing when they will get another look at the game. It is worth mentioning here that the first trailer launched on December 4, 2023. Rockstar Games’ parent company Take-Two Interactive earlier this year confirmed that GTA 6 will be released in the Fall of 2025. Meanwhile, fans of Grand Theft Auto (GTA) 6 are hoping that Rockst...

TikTok, in partnership with the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), hosted the Youth Safety Summit Pakistan on Thursday in Islamabad. The summit aimed to raise awareness about online safety, promote digital literacy, and foster collaboration among stakeholders to protect Pakistani youth online. This summit served as a key platform to bring together stakeholders working in youth/minor safety, including government representatives, law enforcement partners, educators, parents and children, child protection NGOs, and industry experts. There were several insightful sessions, including one that highlighted the ‘Digital Hifazat’ initiative, a collaborative effort between TikTok and the PTA to promote online safety and digital literacy among Pakistani youth. PTA also delivered a presentation on its ongoing efforts to ensure child online protection, emphasizing initiatives aimed at creating a safer digital environment for young users. Another session highlighted TikTok’s commitment ...

You won’t have to wait long if you’re excitedly anticipating the release of season one before playing Arena Breakout: Infinite again or if you’re still playing the extraction shooter and want more content. It is reportedly the most important update to the game since its debut on November 20. While More Fun (the studio behind Arena Breakout: Infinite) has not unveiled everything coming in Season 1, they did show off some of the big hits we can expect, like: Maps TV station Armory Free Items Seasonal Weapon Skins Weekly Gear Bundles Permanent Reinforced Case Maps TV Station – New Armory – Expansion Weapons Eight new weapons and three female character operatives that can be customized are also included in the Arena Breakout: Infinite Season 1 update. H416 T03 Desert Eagle Vector 9mm Vector .45 ACP DT MDR M96 Carbine USAS 12 Shoot gun Features Female Characters Gameplay Events Farm Assault Armory Assault Fog Storm Additional Content Season...