Together with a custom natural language chatbot interface powered by Intel AI hardware and software, BCG employees were able to retrieve and summarise information via semantic search that was previously buried in long lists of multi-page documents…reports Asian Lite News
Chip-maker Intel is reportedly working with multiple consulting firms to build ChatGPT-like apps for customers, as AI boom catches up with almost every tech company especially rival chipmakers such as Nvidia and Broadcom.
According to a report in The Information, citing sources, Intel is also selling its specialised AI, app-building software directly to corporate customers.
“Intel began the project with Boston Consulting Group (BCG) earlier this year but has added additional consulting-firm partners,” the report mentioned. Intel was yet to comment on the report.
In May this year, BCG and Intel announced a strategic collaboration to enable generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) using end-to-end Intel AI hardware and software, bringing fully custom and proprietary solutions to enterprise clients while keeping private data in the isolation of their trusted environments.
Together with a custom natural language chatbot interface powered by Intel AI hardware and software, BCG employees were able to retrieve and summarise information via semantic search that was previously buried in long lists of multi-page documents.
“Generative AI requires a truly democratised approach that enables more secure and scalable choice so enterprises can safely benefit from the technology,” according to Sandra Rivera, executive vice president and general manager of the Data Center and AI Group, Intel.
“Our collaboration with BCG allows us to help customers build generative AI applications that require technology optimized across the entire stack completely inside their chosen security perimeter,” Rivera had said in an earlier statement.
Intel has also teased a “Windows refresh” for 2024, reportedly preparing its Meteor Lake desktop platform for Windows 12 amid AI push.
The company recently previewed the next generation of Intel Xeon processors, revealing that 5th Gen Intel Xeon processors will bring a combination of performance improvements and faster memory, while using the same amount of power, to the world’s data centres when they launch on December 14.
Intel has said that AI is giving rise to the ‘Siliconomy,’ a new era of global expansion driven by the magic of silicon and software where AI PCs will dominate our lives.
Apple’s China App Store has been under scrutiny since local regulations required app distribution platforms to register apps and developers with the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC)…reports Asian Lite News
Some apps linked to pornographic sites have been spotted on Apple’s App Store in China by the local media.
Among these apps, ‘Xuexi Xinde Zimu’ (Learning Sindhi Alphabets in English) was the most downloaded free iOS app in China during the recent National Day holiday, South China Morning Post reported.
Three such apps, including Xuexi Xinde Zimu, were discovered by a local media outlet on Apple’s App Store in China. The report noted that these apps — which lead users to either online gambling or pornographic websites — have now been taken down.
The malicious apps were discovered despite Apple’s strict policies against such content. However, this wasn’t the first time a malicious programme has been discovered in Apple’s China App Store. There was a Small Fat Answer app found there in July that directed users to pornographic websites, according to the report.
Apple’s China App Store has been under scrutiny since local regulations required app distribution platforms to register apps and developers with the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC).
The tech giant recently updated its app developer website to reflect the latest registration policies. In its guidelines, Apple specified that developers must submit an “internet content provider filing” when they publish new apps on its China App Store.
Additionally, before the general public could download specific apps, the company required them to receive the right licensing from Chinese authorities.
Threads launched in 2023, the latest app that’s making waves in the digital media domain, is all about sparking engaging conversations. With over 5 million users and counting, it has surpassed growth records and established itself as a go-to platform…reports Asian Lite News
If you haven’t heard about threads, you’re surely living under the rocks! Threads has taken the social media world by storm, captivating users with its unique communication and media sharing approach. It’s not alone in its success, as other social media and entertainment apps have also gained significant traction among users worldwide. These apps, with their captivating features and user-friendly interfaces, have attracted a diverse user base from different countries and cultures. What sets them apart is their cool interfaces and seamless navigation, making exploration and interaction effortless. With innovative features that bring a fresh perspective to social media and entertainment, these apps have gained immense popularity and engagement, and so revolutionised the digital space. They have experienced a massive surge in global traffic, building a loyal user base.
Today, let us take a look at some influential apps that have redefined the digital and entertainment landscape and ‘clicked’ with consumers with their appealing interfaces, imaginative and groundbreaking innovations, and widespread popularity.
Threads – Igniting Conversations:
Threads launched in 2023, the latest app that’s making waves in the digital media domain, is all about sparking engaging conversations. With over 5 million users and counting, it has surpassed growth records and established itself as a go-to platform. Threads takes a fresh approach by focusing on text-based conversations rather than visual content. It combines the best features of Instagram and Twitter, allowing users to share text updates, join public discussions, and even reply and re-share posts. It’s the perfect space for meaningful interactions and lively debates.
Pocket FM – Pioneering Audio Entertainment:
Pocket FM, launched in 2018, has revolutionized the audio entertainment industry with its vast content library of over 100,000 hours of audio series spanning across genres like romance, fantasy, sci-fi, horror, thriller, and drama. By providing a captivating and immersive listening experience, Pocket FM has garnered a dedicated global following, expanding its presence in key markets such as the United States of America and India. With a user-centric design, personalized recommendations, and a commitment to showcase cultural and language diversity, the platform continues to disrupt traditional media consumption habits and foster a vibrant community of audio enthusiasts, solidifying its position as a leader in the audio entertainment category.x
Snapchat – Instant Communication Redefined:
Snapchat that came to life in 2011 has transformed the way we communicate online with its emphasis on instant sharing and privacy. Beyond its roots as a photo-sharing app, Snapchat now offers videos, live video chatting, messaging, and even short-form content from major publishers. Its unique features, such as AR-based lenses and disappearing messages, add an element of creativity and spontaneity. Whether you’re capturing a hilarious moment or having a quick chat with friends, Snapchat’s quick and creative communication options make it a popular choice for users worldwide.
Netflix – The Streaming Giant:
Netflix that was founded in 1997, needs no introduction as the streaming giant that has revolutionized our video entertainment consumption. With its vast library of original series, films, and documentaries, it’s the ultimate destination for binge-watching enthusiasts. From the captivating worlds of The Witcher to the nostalgic charm of Stranger Things, Netflix’s hit originals dominate conversations and spark water cooler discussions. With a user-friendly interface, solid recommendations, and an ever-growing lineup of diverse content, Netflix continues to be the go-to platform for streaming enthusiasts.
Bumble – Empowering Connections:
Bumble (2014) is not just another dating app; it’s a platform that empowers women in the world of online dating. By allowing women to make the first move, Bumble gives them control over their connections and reduces unwanted messages. With support for diverse orientations and gender identifications, Bumble welcomes users from all walks of life. Its unique approach has gained popularity and turned it into a trusted platform for meaningful connections. When it comes to empowering and inclusive dating experiences, Bumble stands out from the crowd.
As we look to the future, it’s clear that the digital media domain will continue to evolve, with new apps and platforms emerging to capture the attention of consumers. The success of these apps is a testament to the ever-changing landscape of social media and entertainment, and how they have become an integral part of our daily lives. So, keep exploring, connecting, and experiencing the world through these new age apps that have truly ‘clicked’ with consumers.
The stolen data includes users’ contact lists from the device itself and from all connected accounts such as email, social networks, media compiled in all applications…reports Asian Lite News
Security researchers have found two malicious file management applications on Google Play Store with a collective download count of over 1.5 million that sends sensitive users’ data towards various malicious servers based in China.
“Our engine detected two spyware hiding on the Google Play Store and affecting up to 1.5 million users. Both applications are from the same developer, pose as file management applications and feature similar malicious behaviours,” said cyber security company Pradeo.
“They are programmed to launch without users’ interaction and to silently exfiltrate sensitive users’ data towards various malicious servers based in China,” it added.
Both apps stated they collect no data on the Google Play website; however, the security researchers said that “both spyware collected very personal data from their targets, to send them to a large number of destinations which are mostly located in China and identified as malicious”.
The stolen data includes users’ contact lists from the device itself and from all connected accounts such as email, social networks, media compiled in the application: Pictures, audio and video contents, real-time user location, mobile country code, network provider name, and more.
The first app, “File Recovery & Data Recovery,” had over a million installs, while File Manager had over 5,00,000. Both apps were uploaded by the same publisher, wang tom.
According to the researchers, the developers use a number of “sneaky behaviours” to boost the programme’s popularity, such as generating the appearance that the software is authentic and requiring minimal user involvement to participate in criminal conduct.
The research, conducted by Haoyu Liu (University of Edinburgh), Douglas Leith (Trinity College Dublin), and Paul Patras (University of Edinburgh), suggests that private information leakage poses a serious tracking risk to mobile phone customers in China, even when they travel abroad in countries with stronger privacy laws.
In a paper titled “Android OS Privacy Under the Loupe – A Tale from the East,” the trio of university boffins analyzed the Android system apps installed on the mobile handsets of three popular smartphone vendors in China: OnePlus, Xiaomi and Oppo Realme.
The researchers looked specifically at the information transmitted by the operating system and system apps, in order to exclude user-installed software. They assume users have opted out of analytics and personalization, do not use any cloud storage or optional third-party services, and have not created an account on any platform run by the developer of the Android distribution. A sensible policy, but it doesn’t seem to help much.
The pre-installed set of apps consists of Android AOSP packages, vendor code and third-party software. There are more than 30 third-party packages in each of the Android handsets with Chinese firmware, the paper says.
These include Chinese input apps like Baidu Input, IflyTek Input and Sogou Input on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11. On the OnePlus 9R and Realme Q3 Pro, there’s Baidu Map as a foreground navigation app and the AMap package, which runs continuously in the background. And there are also various news, video streaming, and online shopping apps bundled into the Chinese firmware.
Within this limited scope, the researchers found that Android handsets from the three named vendors “send a worrying amount of Personally Identifiable Information (PII) not only to the device vendor but also to service providers like Baidu and to Chinese mobile network operators.”
The tested phones did so even when these network operators were not providing service – no SIM card was present or the SIM card was associated with a different network operator.
“The data we observe being transmitted includes persistent device identifiers (IMEI, MAC address, etc.), location identifiers (GPS coordinates, mobile network cell ID, etc.), user profiles (phone number, app usage patterns, app telemetry), and social connections (call/SMS history/time, contact phone numbers, etc.),” the researchers state in their paper.
“Combined, this information poses serious risks of user deanonymization and extensive tracking, particularly since in China every phone number is registered under a citizen ID.”
The data collection from these devices doesn’t change when the devices exit China, the researchers say, even though jurisdictions beyond the Middle Kingdom enforce more robust data protection regimes. And the boffins argue that this means the cited phone vendors and some third-parties can track Chinese travelers and students abroad and learn something about their foreign contacts.
Another of the researchers’ findings is that there are three to four times more pre-installed third-party apps on Chinese Android distributions than there are on basic Android from other nations. And these apps get eight to 10 times as many permissions for third-party apps compared to Android distributions from outside China.
As per sources, these apps are used to trap financially strapped people in a debt trap, by increasing their interest on loans up to 3,000 per cent…reports Asian Lite News
Following constant complaints against Chinese loan and betting apps, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has started the process of banning 138 betting apps and 94 lending apps that had Chinese links, on the instructions of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
According to the information, the MeitY was recently instructed by the MHA to ban such apps, which operate through a third-party link.
Sources said that all these apps were found violating Section 69 of the IT Act and contained material which was deemed as a threat to India’s sovereignty and integrity.
As per sources, these apps are used to trap financially strapped people in a debt trap, by increasing their interest on loans up to 3,000 per cent.
Many such people who were caught in the debt trap committed suicide when the people working for the apps mentally harassed them.
The issue came to the fore after several cases of suicides by borrowers of these apps were seen in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
On the other hand, the Chinese apps can potentially misuse server-side security by using them as spying tools as they have access to the important data of many Indians.
Access to such data can be used for espionage on a large scale, due to which all such apps are being considered as a threat to the country.
The MHA had started investigating some Chinese loan giving apps around six months ago. It was revealed that 94 such apps were available on the e-store and operated through third party links.
Around that time, security agencies had asked the Ministry to impose a ban on such betting and loan lending apps.
Significantly, the Centre had banned 54 Chinese apps that posed as a threat to the country’s security in 2022.
There is currently no volume cap, and Google Pay and PhonePe account for roughly 80 per cent of the market…reports Asian Lite News
UPI payment apps like Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm, and others may soon impose a limit on the transaction.
Soon users may not be able to make unlimited payments via UPI payment apps.
The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), which operates the UPI digital pipeline, is in discussions with the Reserve Bank about implementing its proposed December 31 deadline for limiting player volume to 30 per cent.
There is currently no volume cap, and Google Pay and PhonePe account for roughly 80 per cent of the market.
In order to avoid concentration risk in November 2022, NPCI proposed a 30 per cent volume cap for third-party app providers (TPAP).
A meeting has already taken place to comprehensively look at all aspects. Besides NPCI officials, senior officials of the finance ministry and RBI also participated in this meeting.
Currently, no final decision has been made to extend the December 31 deadline because the NPCI is evaluating all options.
However, the NPCI is expected to make a decision on UPI market cap implementation by the end of this month.
In 2020, NPCI issued a directive capping the share of transactions that a third-party application provider could process at 30 per cent of the volume of transactions handled on UPI, effective January 1, 2021, to be calculated based on the volume of transactions processed in the previous three months.
Additionally, rapidly improving quality of content and algorithms for Indian short-form apps is another significant driver of growth…reports Asian Lite News
Indian short-form apps are expected to double their monthly active user base to 600 million (67 per cent of all smartphone users) by 2025 and have a monetisation opportunity of $19 billion by 2030, a new report has shown.
Indians now spend close to 156 minutes per day viewing entertainment content on their smartphones. In fact, on average, an Indian user consumes close to 38 minutes of short-form content each day.
According to the report by Bengaluru-based Redseer Strategy Consultants, the next wave of internet growth is likely to come from tier 2 cities and beyond, regions which have a higher propensity to view short form videos.
Additionally, rapidly improving quality of content and algorithms for Indian short-form apps is another significant driver of growth.
The short-form app market is dominated by Moj, Josh, Roposo, MX TakaTak and Chingari, among others.
“Indian short-form apps are witnessing phenomenal growth as compared to other established platforms, this can be attributed to their low decision fatigue, language localisation, recommendations, genre variety and local creator influence,” said Mohit Rana, a partner at Redseer.
The Indian apps are now poised to start monetising their large and engaged user base through advertising, video commerce and to a lesser extent, gifting.
The report said that by 2030, short-form can take close to 10-20 per cent of the overall digital ad pie.
“Further, video-led commerce in short-form apps is another big opportunity, and China is a testimony to this given that in the last 4 years alone, video-led commerce in China grew 100 times,” the report mentioned.
The company mentioned that voting is open to all Microsoft Store on Windows customers on Windows 10 and 11 around the world…reports Asian Lite News
With an aim to look for the best Windows apps available through the Microsoft Store, the tech giant has recently opened voting for its Microsoft Store App Awards 2022.
The company said there are three categories of apps to vote for, which are, file management, utility and open platform. “We would like to recognise apps which are amazing, beautiful, and useful — the apps which make your day better, more productive, or more enjoyable. This vote is about you and the apps you love to use,” Microsoft said on the voting form.
The company mentioned that voting is open to all Microsoft Store on Windows customers on Windows 10 and 11 around the world.
Users have no obligation to vote and may cancel at any time without submitting a vote. “There is no compensation for voting, and casting your vote does not enter you into any agreement with Microsoft,” the company said.
Users may vote in one, two, or all three categories based on users’ own personal experience with the apps. “One vote per person. We may disqualify additional votes, bot votes, etc. at our discretion. We may remove an app if we detect unfair or unusual voting patterns,” Microsoft said.
