IT Industry
Tech Updates 27nov- 02

Telegram aims at WhatsApp’s dominance with new feature

In a bid to compete with WhatsApp's growing presence in the messaging app market, Telegram has introduced several new features aimed at enhancing its channel offerings. These updates, which include improved customization, analytics, and audience engagement tools, are seen as a response to WhatsApp's recent success with its Communities feature. Telegram's channels now offer unique capabilities such as ephemeral stories, post-level analytics, and custom emoji reactions. Additionally, premium users can boost channels for enhanced features. Despite these efforts, it's still uncertain whether Telegram can match WhatsApp's dominance, particularly following WhatsApp Channels' report of over 500 million monthly active users. Telegram has also introduced other features like voice message transcriptions and improved Topics view in groups.

WhatsApp Desktop Update: Reintroducing One-Time View for Photos and Videos

WhatsApp is reinforcing its commitment to user privacy by reintroducing the "view once" feature for photos and videos on its desktop apps, a functionality that allows users to send media that disappears after a single view. Initially launched in 2021 and temporarily removed in 2022, this feature enhances privacy by preventing the permanent storage of sensitive content on recipients' devices. This update is part of WhatsApp's broader privacy-focused initiatives, which include end-to-end encryption, the ability to set messages to disappear after a certain period, and restrictions on screenshots and forwarding. These measures collectively emphasize WhatsApp's dedication to user privacy and security in an increasingly digital and privacy-conscious world.

Microsoft to Retire 365 Extension from Chrome and Edge by January 2024: Users Advised to Remove

Microsoft has confirmed that it will retire its Microsoft 365 browser extension for Chrome and Edge, planning to remove it from both stores by January 15, 2024. The extension, which allows users to create, view, and edit documents directly from the browser and provides shortcuts to Microsoft 365 apps, will not receive future updates or technical support after this date. Despite its popularity, with over 6 million users on Chrome and 4 million on Edge, Microsoft has not provided a reason for its removal. Users are recommended to uninstall the extension, which can be replaced with browser bookmarks to replicate some of its functionality. The discontinuation signifies the end of an era for this basic yet widely used tool in the Microsoft 365 suite.

YouTube Premium Introduces 'Playables': Gaming Feature with 37 Minigames for Subscribers Until March 2024

YouTube Premium has launched a new feature called 'Playables', offering its subscribers a collection of 37 minigames integrated into its mobile and desktop apps. This addition, available until March 28th, 2024, enhances the platform's entertainment value without requiring additional downloads. Playables, which includes popular games like Angry Birds Showdown and The Daily Crossword, is part of YouTube's effort to enrich the Premium user experience and attract more subscribers.

Urgent CERT-In Warning for Mozilla Users: Critical Vulnerabilities Detected in Firefox and Thunderbird, Update Advised

The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) has issued a critical warning about vulnerabilities in Mozilla products, including Firefox and Thunderbird, that could leave devices open to hacker attacks. Designated as CERT-In Vulnerability Note CIVN-2023-0348, these flaws stem from various coding issues and could result in unauthorized access, data theft, or device crashes. Users are urged to immediately update their Mozilla products to the latest versions to mitigate risks and maintain device safety.

Amazon Launches AI Chatbot 'Q' to Compete in Generative AI Market, Announced at AWS Conference

Amazon has announced the launch of its generative AI-powered business chatbot, Q, at its AWS cloud computing service conference in Las Vegas. The move marks Amazon's entry into the competitive field of generative AI, responding to the public and business interest sparked by OpenAI's ChatGPT. While not a leader in AI research, Amazon is investing heavily in AI, including a USD 4 billion investment in AI startup Anthropic, and updating its popular Alexa service for more human-like interactions. Q aims to help businesses with tasks like content synthesis and streamlining communications, offering a tailored experience by connecting to companies' own data and systems.

Amazon Ramps Up AI Race with New Trainium2 Chip for AWS, Competing with Microsoft and Google

Amazon has announced the launch of Trainium2, its latest AI chip for cloud computing, at a Las Vegas conference. Designed to be four times faster and twice as energy-efficient as its predecessor, Trainium2 will bolster Amazon Web Services' (AWS) capabilities in training AI systems. This development intensifies the competition with Microsoft's Maia chip and Google's TPU in the AI sector. Additionally, AWS revealed its new central processor chip, Graviton4, which promises a 30% speed increase over its predecessor, competing with Microsoft's Cobalt chip. AWS's use of Arm Ltd technology represents a shift from traditional Intel and AMD chips in cloud computing.