Category: Software

  • Windows Recall Runs on Snapdragon Notebook with 3.4GB RAM

    Windows Recall Runs on Snapdragon Notebook with 3.4GB RAM

    Microsoft recently introduced its new Copilot+ PCs, featuring an innovative capability called Windows Recall. Although Microsoft designed this feature to be exclusive to these machines due to specific hardware needs, some tech-savvy individuals have already discovered ways to enable it on older devices.

    Ingenious Workaround

    A user named Albacore, known as @thebookisclosed on X, successfully managed to run Recall on a non-Copilot+ device with rather modest specifications. The device he used is a Samsung Galaxy Book Go 2, powered by an ARM-based Snapdragon 7c+ Gen 3 processor and only 3.4GB of RAM.

    This achievement is particularly noteworthy given that the Snapdragon 7cx on the Go 2 lacks a dedicated Neural Processing Unit (NPU) and does not meet the 16GB RAM requirement that Microsoft specifies for Recall. Despite these constraints, Albacore claims the feature performs “surprisingly good.”

    Detailed Guide Coming Soon

    Albacore has also promised to release a comprehensive guide for Surface Pro X users and others on the Windows on ARM platform, enabling them to access Windows Recall.

    As for those using x86 machines, the wait might be a bit longer since the current developer ML models are primarily ARM64 packages. However, there’s hope that x86 PCs will eventually get the Recall feature as well.

    Privacy Concerns

    The concept of Recall is both fascinating and concerning. Microsoft assures that all processing and data remain on the device, but the idea of the OS continuously recording user activity can be unsettling for some.

    Fortunately, Microsoft offers options for those who are uncomfortable with this feature. Users can either opt-out of snapshots or disable the feature entirely.

    Availability

    Recall is set to officially launch with Windows 11 version 24H2, which is currently available in the public Release Preview Channel. This means it’s just one step away from being released to the general public.

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  • Google Invests $350M in Flipkart, Offers Cloud Services

    Google Invests $350M in Flipkart, Offers Cloud Services

    E-commerce giant Flipkart, owned by Walmart in India, is set to receive a new influx of capital as Google joins the list of investors. Google is anticipated to invest nearly US$350 million (around RMB 2.54 billion) in Flipkart, securing a minority stake. This investment is part of a larger funding round spearheaded by Walmart. However, the deal is still pending regulatory approval and the finalization of terms between the two companies.

    Walmart's Continued Investment

    Beyond just the investment, Google will also offer cloud services to Flipkart. This cloud partnership aims to bolster Flipkart’s digital infrastructure and support its growth plans. Flipkart views this collaboration as a strategic move to "scale its business and modernize" its operations. Reports suggest that this investment is a segment of Flipkart’s nearly $1 billion funding round initiated in 2023. Walmart has already taken a leading role, having invested $600 million last year.

    Flipkart's Market Position

    Currently, Flipkart maintains a leading position in the Indian e-commerce market, with competitors like Amazon and Meesho trailing behind. Google’s investment underlines its dedication to the Indian market, following its earlier commitment of $10 billion (around RMB 72.5 billion) in Indian companies back in 2020. This commitment is further evidenced by Google’s prior investments in Jio Platforms ($4.5 billion) and Airtel ($1 billion).

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  • OnePlus Watch 2 Major Update: New Features & Quality Improvements

    OnePlus Watch 2 Major Update: New Features & Quality Improvements

    Earlier this year, OnePlus introduced its eagerly awaited OnePlus Watch 2. The smartwatch has garnered significant success in various markets by transitioning from its RTOS-based operating system to Google’s WearOS 4. Recently, the brand has rolled out a new update for the smartwatch, version OPWWE231_11_A.94, which includes several new features and optimizes existing ones.

    OnePlus Watch 2 OPWWE231_11_A.94 Update:

    Enhanced Workout Data Display: The update enhances the display of workout data, making it more comprehensible.

    Music Control During Workouts: Users can now manage their music by swiping left during workouts, simplifying music control while exercising.

    New Apps – Relax and Barometer: The Relax app provides guided breathing exercises to help alleviate stress, while the Barometer app helps track atmospheric pressure.

    Improved Power Saver Mode: The Power Saver mode now includes contacts, favorite contacts, and call logs, keeping essential information easily accessible.

    Settings Updates: Users can disable the “Tap to Wake” feature to prevent accidental screen activation, and removing a watch face has become more straightforward.

    Refined Algorithms: Workout and health algorithms have been improved for greater accuracy and performance.

    Alongside this update, OnePlus has also released version 4.22 of the OHealth App with these enhancements:

    OHealth App Version 4.22:

    Fitness Tab Upgrade: The Fitness tab in the OHealth app now provides more detailed data statistics, offering users deeper insights into their workout routines.

    UI Adaptation for Foldable Phones: The OHealth app has been adapted to fit the larger screens of foldable phones, ensuring a smoother and more visually appealing experience.

    Visual and Performance Optimization: The visual experience and overall smoothness of the app have been significantly enhanced.

    The brand has not disclosed an exact release date for this update, but users can expect it to be available in the coming days.

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  • Huawei to Launch HarmonyOS NEXT Without Android in September

    Huawei to Launch HarmonyOS NEXT Without Android in September

    Huawei’s upcoming developer conference in June is anticipated to debut the Beta version of HarmonyOS NEXT, marking a crucial development for its proprietary operating system. Although specific details remain confidential, recent leaks indicate a broader release in September across multiple device segments.

    Expected Device Compatibility

    According to the tipster Digital Chat Station, internal schedules point to a September release of HarmonyOS NEXT with support for “candy bar flagships, folding flagships, mid-range phones, tablets, and smartwatches” projected for the latter part of 2024.

    The candy bar flagship referred to in the leak is likely the forthcoming Huawei Mate 70 series, which, based on prior reports, is slated for an early September launch.

    A Shift from Android

    Technically, HarmonyOS NEXT signifies Huawei’s total departure from Android. It abandons the conventional Android Open Source Project (AOSP) codebase and is built solely on Huawei’s own Hongmeng kernel and system applications, rendering it incompatible with Android apps.

    Despite this major shift, Huawei has successfully persuaded thousands of companies and institutions to create native applications for HarmonyOS NEXT. The company has announced that over 4,000 native apps have already been developed for the new OS, with additional ones in progress. These applications cover a range of categories, including navigation, news, finance, and gaming.

    App Development and Market Adoption

    Huawei’s official target is to have 5,000 native apps available by the end of 2024, with a long-term objective of reaching 500,000. The success of this transition hinges significantly on app developer participation and the user experience within the new app ecosystem.

    The planned September launch sets an ambitious timeline for Huawei. Whether HarmonyOS can emerge as a credible competitor in the mobile OS market remains uncertain.

    Huawei to Launch HarmonyOS NEXT Without Android in September
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  • Huawei HarmonyOS NEXT Mimics Apple with Internal App Distribution

    Huawei HarmonyOS NEXT Mimics Apple with Internal App Distribution

    For years, iPhone users have used enterprise certificates to install apps not approved by Apple’s App Store. Now, Huawei’s HarmonyOS NEXT seems to be adopting a similar strategy.

    Recently, Huawei introduced a new method for sideloading apps on its OS. Developers will compile and package their apps with certificates and profiles issued internally by their organization.

    Uploading and Installation

    The final package and a description file are then uploaded to a server or cloud storage for users to download and install directly. These apps are designed for specific user groups, such as internal enterprise tools or programs.

    Intended Use and Limitations

    Huawei states that this feature is meant for “HarmonyOS applications that are not suitable or do not want to be publicly released on Huawei App Market.” Developers can also use Huawei’s AppGallery Connect (AGC) for small-scale distribution through designated channels.

    However, this method has limitations. It currently supports only HarmonyOS apps built using the Stage model, and features like meta-services are not compatible yet. Users must manually enable the app by navigating to Settings > System > Enterprise Device and Application Management > Enterprise Application Management and granting permission.

    Flexibility and Security Concerns

    Huawei’s move isn’t surprising. Sideloading apps provides significant flexibility, especially for developers seeking to bypass App Market approval for specific use cases. However, it could also pose security risks. Unlike the curated App Market offerings, sideloaded apps lack official oversight, increasing the potential for malware or compromised software.

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  • Google Ultra HDR Coming to OnePlus 12 & OPPO Find X7 Ultra

    Google Ultra HDR Coming to OnePlus 12 & OPPO Find X7 Ultra

    With the latest update, OPPO Find X7 Ultra now includes support for Google’s Ultra HDR format for Android, which is expected to revolutionize mobile photography.

    Ultra HDR Format

    Ultra HDR photos are saved in the .jpg format to ensure compatibility with displays that do not support HDR, allowing SDR images to be viewed on older devices. On HDR-supported displays, the HDR image will be shown. With Android’s native HDR support, HDR photos no longer need to be rendered in SDR, providing brighter highlights and darker shadows, similar to real life. The Ultra HDR format incorporates both the SDR image and the HDR Gain Map in its metadata.

    Ultra HDR on OnePlus 12 & OPPO Find X7 Ultra

    A recent update for the OPPO Find X7 Ultra, version number PHY110_14.0.1.628(CN01) and sized at 946.26 MB, introduces support for Ultra HDR. This update empowers the OPPO Find X7 Ultra to capture stunning Ultra HDR images in automatic, portrait, and night modes, with resolutions of either 12MP or 25MP. Additionally, OnePlus 12 users will also benefit from this update, as it has been extended to OPPO’s sub-brand, OnePlus.

    Ultra HDR on OnePlus 12

    Both phones are now capable of capturing and displaying Ultra HDR photos. However, it should be noted that the Ultra HDR format is not supported for .heic photos, and the screenshots provided by ITHome appear to be from ColorOS, OPPO’s Android skin for Chinese users.

    Google Ultra HDR Coming to OnePlus 12 & OPPO Find X7 Ultra
    Google Ultra HDR Coming to OnePlus 12 & OPPO Find X7 Ultra
    Google Ultra HDR Coming to OnePlus 12 & OPPO Find X7 Ultra
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  • US-China Tensions Cause Company to Shut Down China Office

    US-China Tensions Cause Company to Shut Down China Office

    US-based Kingland Systems, known for its expertise in data management and regulatory compliance within financial services, insurance, and agriculture, has decided to shut down its subsidiary office in China. This unexpected decision will impact all 151 employees, leading to their termination.

    Employee Notification and Compensation

    The workforce was notified of the closure on Wednesday. Kingland Systems has pledged to provide the legally mandated severance pay along with an extra month’s salary. Despite the sudden announcement, the company has not disclosed any reasons for the closure nor issued any immediate comments.

    Economic and Regulatory Challenges

    This development follows increasingly difficult economic conditions in China, exacerbated by rising geopolitical tensions. New regulations, including more stringent data-security laws and an anti-espionage law, have complicated operations for foreign businesses in China.

    China's economic outlook has been grim, with foreign direct investment (FDI) experiencing a sharp decline. In the first quarter of this year, FDI fell by 26% compared to the previous year, totaling 301 billion yuan (US$41.6 billion). These factors have prompted numerous foreign firms to either leave the Chinese market or consider scaling back their presence since the COVID-19 pandemic.

    Business Strategy Reevaluation

    Data from Qichacha, a corporate data provider, shows a growing trend of foreign companies reassessing their strategies in China due to these pressures.

    The closure of Kingland Systems underscores the broader concerns among foreign businesses about the practicality of maintaining operations in China under the current conditions.

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  • EU Investigates Meta’s Child Safety on Facebook and Instagram

    EU Investigates Meta’s Child Safety on Facebook and Instagram

    The European Union (EU) has taken a significant step against Meta (formerly Facebook) by initiating a formal investigation into its child safety practices on Facebook and Instagram. Announced on Thursday, this probe aims to address concerns regarding the potential harm these platforms might be causing to the mental and physical well-being of children.

    Focus of the Investigation

    The EU Commission will scrutinize whether Meta is in breach of the Digital Services Act (DSA). The main areas of focus are:

    • Addiction and Algorithmic Manipulation: There is concern that the design and algorithms of Facebook and Instagram are contributing to "behavioral addictions" among children, keeping them trapped in continuous loops of content.
    • Inappropriate Content and Age Verification: The investigation will evaluate if Meta is effectively protecting minors from harmful content and whether its age verification tools are sufficient to prevent underage access.
    • Privacy and Safety for Minors: Another key aspect of the probe will be to assess if Meta's content recommendation systems and default privacy settings are adequately prioritizing the privacy, safety, and security of children on its platforms.

    Meta's Recent Efforts

    Despite Meta's recent initiatives to enhance child safety—such as limiting access to harmful content and curbing interactions with suspicious adult accounts—the EU's investigation indicates that these measures may not be enough.

    Possible Outcomes and Consequences

    The Commission will gather more evidence to determine the appropriate course of action. Although there is no set deadline for the investigation, the EU has the power to implement temporary enforcement measures against Meta during this period. If Meta is found to be violating the DSA, it could face substantial fines, potentially up to 6% of its global revenue. EU Commissioner Thierry Breton highlighted the bloc’s commitment by stating, “we are sparing no effort to protect youth.”

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  • Google’s Project Gameface : Control Cursor with Face Gestures

    Google’s Project Gameface : Control Cursor with Face Gestures

    Google announced on Tuesday that it has made the code for Project Gameface, a hands-free gaming “mouse” controlled by facial expressions, open-source for Android developers. This move enables developers to incorporate this accessibility feature into their applications. Users can manipulate the cursor using facial gestures or head movements, such as opening their mouths to move the cursor or raising their eyebrows to click and drag.

    Utilizes Device Camera and Facial Expressions Database

    Originally unveiled for desktops during last year’s Google I/O, Project Gameface leverages the device’s camera along with a database of facial expressions from MediaPipe’s Face Landmarks Detection API to control the cursor.

    “Through the device’s camera, it seamlessly tracks facial expressions and head movements, translating them into intuitive and personalized control,” explained Google in its announcement. “Developers can now build applications where their users can configure their experience by customizing facial expressions, gesture sizes, cursor speed, and more.”

    Expanding Beyond Gaming

    Initially designed for gamers, Google has teamed up with Incluzza, a social enterprise that focuses on accessibility in India, to explore extending Gameface to other scenarios such as work, school, and social activities.

    The inspiration behind Project Gameface came from Lance Carr, a quadriplegic video game streamer with muscular dystrophy. Carr partnered with Google on the project, aiming to create an affordable and accessible alternative to costly head-tracking systems.

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  • Android 15 Beta Released for vivo X100 and iQOO 12

    Android 15 Beta Released for vivo X100 and iQOO 12

    vivo has rolled out the Android 15 update for its vivo X100 and iQOO 12 smartphones. However, it is worth noting that this update is in its beta phase, implying it may not be fully reliable for regular use. Users opting for this update might face some system instability.

    Known Issues

    vivo has issued the Android 15 Beta update for the X100 and iQOO 12 but has highlighted some known problems. On the vivo X100, notifications may not appear correctly, the fingerprint sensor icon might overlap with the unlock icon, some apps could malfunction, and certain features may be absent from the system settings. For the iQOO 12, the camera may occasionally malfunction, necessitating a reboot to resolve the issue. Additionally, some third-party apps may not function properly, and NFC issues could arise.

    Android 15 for vivo X100 and iQOO 12

    The Android 15 update for both devices is somewhat unstable at the moment. However, if you're eager to explore new features and don't mind potential bugs, you might consider installing it. Our previous article details the new features included in Android 15. The update has been released in specific regions, with two different download packages available for the vivo X100. Depending on your location, you can download the Android 15 update file for the vivo X100 and iQOO 12 from the provided links.

    vivo X100

    • Android 15 Beta 1 (Taiwan, Malaysia, Thailand, Hong Kong, Kazakhstan)
    • Android 15 Beta 1 (India)

    iQOO 12

    • Android 15 Beta 1(Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia)
    • Android 15 Beta 1(India)

    Update Process

    To install the update, transfer the downloaded update package to your phone's internal storage. Navigate to Settings > System update > Local update, select the zip file, and reboot after the update is completed. If you find that Android 15 isn't suitable for you, you can revert to the previous version using the rollback file, following the same steps.

    If you encounter issues and wish to revert to the previous version or have trouble downloading the update packages, visit vivo's official website. The website provides both the update and rollback files.

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