How fast can the Sukhoi Su-30 fighter jet really fly?

Did China ask its people 'not to respond to aliens'? Origin of bizarre claim on social media

MS Dhoni-CSK Fallout? Report claims failed stake sale talks triggered rift

Scientists reveal the SAFEST COUNTRY when catastrophe strikes the planet

Serial killer on the loose in South Korea's Jeju Island? Fourth body found in three days as more than a dozen people go missing

2/3rd of glacier detached, collapsed: ISRO satellite images reveal what triggered Nepal floods

Trump once again claims without him there would be ‘no Israel right now’

Foreign espionage attacks against German companies surge to 37%, Bitkom report reveals

Blake Lively wins partial legal fee from Justin Baldoni after $8M request

Why is Pakistan deploying Turkish Bayraktar TB2 drones near India border?

'OH MY GOD! We've found other agents!': Investigators discover not one or two, almost 700 OpenAI AI agents went rogue, hacked Hugging Face

Lunar eclipse 2026: India timings, places to see and more. August Blood moon factsheet

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on global outreach tour 

Both pilots killed as training aircraft crashes in Lucknow – What we know

16-year-old charged with preparing terror attack on kindergarten in Norway

How the S-400 protects itself from enemy attacks

Nepal floods: Over 165 dead, 400 missing; US, India, China, World Bank mobilise aid

India's multi-layered watch: The new surveillance war

5 doomsday planes spotted in US skies hours after CIA director's secret trip to Russia

9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed to finally face trial in 2028, nearly 27 years after horrific attacks

Islamabad hospital fire: What we know about one of the biggest facility that housed Imran Khan

Workers run for life while filming Nepal flash flood: Scary new visuals emerge from Rasuwa

Russian military planes enter South Korean air defence zone amid rising tensions with North Korea: What's happening

Ron Weasley Is Back! Rupert Grint set to return to Harry Potter universe on Broadway

400-year-old 'vampire' grave in Poland reveals non-existent genetic lineage

Dolly Parton, global icon and queen of country music, dies at 80

Nepal flash floods: Kailash Mansarovar yatra affected, close to 400 pilgrims out of contact

'If he is dead, they're putting on a pretty good show': Trump casts fresh doubt over Mojtaba Khamenei's fate

Man arrested near US Capitol with guillotine in pickup truck: What happened?

Why the Su-30MKI cockpit is painted bright turquoise green

In a rare win for activist shareholders, Microsoft Inc has agreed on better reporting of&nbsp;sexual harassment data.&nbsp;

They have passed a resolution to address more transparently such claims through independent investigations and public reporting.

According to a regulatory filing by the company, the proposal received 77.97 per cent in favour.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/vignesh-sundaresan-buys-nft-for-69-million-people-can-download-it-for-free-433242" hreflang="en">Vignesh Sundaresan buys NFT for $69 million; people can download it for free</a>

It issued a statement saying, ''While Microsoft has conducted prior internal investigations into sexual harassment and gender discrimination allegations, it has failed to report transparently on any independent investigations to employees and investors.''

“To avoid legal and reputational risk and maintain shareholder value, Microsoft must create a culture of accountability and transparency, protecting employees from harassment and discrimination.”

It comes after reports had emerged that the company's co-founder Bill Gates had tried to start a relationship with an employee in 2000.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/facebook-owner-meta-asked-to-sell-giphy-by-british-regulator-432991" hreflang="en">Facebook-owner Meta asked to sell Giphy by British regulator&nbsp;</a>

Arjuna Capital had sought a report from the software firm on the effectiveness of its policies to battle sexual harassment in the workplace.

It is a Boston-based investment adviser and frequent filer of shareholder resolutions pressing companies for changes like disclosing more data on pay equity.

Microsoft already internally shares annual data on the volume of sexual harassment concerns raised and the results of the investigations into them. It has now adopted plans to make that data public.

The vote comes as big mutual fund firms increasingly support investor challenges to companies on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues and as employees of big tech firms stage walkouts protesting their tackling of sexual harassment claims.

A similar proposal had been introduced in automaker Tesla Inc last year stating that support for a shareholder resolution on how it handles arbitration to resolve workplace complaints of harassment and discrimination rose to 46 per cent of votes cast at its annual meeting, up from 27 per cent.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

In a rare win for activist shareholders, Microsoft Inc has agreed on better reporting of sexual harassment data. They have passed a resolution to address more transparently such claims through independent investigations and public reporting.

In a rare win for activist shareholders, Microsoft Inc has agreed on better reporting of sexual harassment data. They have passed a resolution to address more transparently such claims through independent investigations and public reporting. According to a regulatory filing by the company, the proposal received 77.97 per cent in favour. Also read | Vignesh Sundaresan buys NFT for $69 million; people can download it for free It issued a statement saying, ''While Microsoft has conducted prior internal investigations into sexual harassment and gender discrimination allegations, it has failed to report transparently on any independent investigations to employees and investors.'' “To avoid legal and reputational risk and maintain shareholder value, Microsoft must create a culture of accountability and transparency, protecting employees from harassment and discrimination.” It comes after reports had emerged that the company's co-founder Bill Gates had tried to start a relationship with an employee in 2000. Also read | Facebook-owner Meta asked to sell Giphy by British regulator Arjuna Capital had sought a report from the software firm on the effectiveness of its policies to battle sexual harassment in the workplace. It is a Boston-based investment adviser and frequent filer of shareholder resolutions pressing companies for changes like disclosing more data on pay equity. Microsoft already internally shares annual data on the volume of sexual harassment concerns raised and the results of the investigations into them. It has now adopted plans to make that data public. The vote comes as big mutual fund firms increasingly support investor challenges to companies on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues and as employees of big tech firms stage walkouts protesting their tackling of sexual harassment claims. A similar proposal had been introduced in automaker Tesla Inc last year stating that support for a shareholder resolution on how it handles arbitration to resolve workplace complaints of harassment and discrimination rose to 46 per cent of votes cast at its annual meeting, up from 27 per cent. (With inputs from agencies)

Microsoft to publish sexual harassment data after Bill Gates scandal

Indian entrepreneur Vignesh Sundaresan had bought a non-fungible token (NFT) called Beeple for $69.3 million in an auction.

An NFT is a digital asset that exists on a blockchain, a record of transactions kept on networked computers.&nbsp;

The blockchain serves as a public ledger, allowing anyone to verify the NFT's authenticity and who owns it.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-charlie-bit-my-finger-video-to-be-sold-as-nft-386131/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

So unlike most digital items which can be endlessly reproduced, each NFT has a unique digital signature, meaning it is one of a kind.

However, Sundaresan wants everybody to enjoy downloading “Everydays: the First 5000 Days” for free. It is the world's most expensive NFT.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tim-berners-lees-nft-of-world-wide-web-source-code-sold-for-54-million-395074">Also read |&nbsp;Tim Berners-Lee’s NFT of World Wide Web source code sold for $5.4 million</a>

When asked about property rights on NFTs, he said in an interview with Bloomberg, ''You try to have paywalls, you try to do so many things. But even those methods of having information or data inside walled gardens of any kind of security, they’ve not done very well on the internet.''

''If you have an NFT, I believe everyone gets to enjoy it. But you don’t need everyone to pay for it. There can be a few people who pay for this production, and they get a credit to have been part of this production. And that’s it,'' he added.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-quentin-tarantino-served-copyright-infringement-lawsuit-over-pulp-fiction-nft-auction-429940">Also read |&nbsp;Quentin Tarantino served copyright infringement lawsuit over 'Pulp Fiction' NFT auction</a>

Traded since around 2017, NFTs surged in popularity in early 2021. Some attribute the frenzy to lockdowns forcing people to spend more time at home on the internet.

Like cryptocurrencies, NFTs are largely unregulated. Anybody can create and sell an NFT and there is no guarantee of its value. Losses can stack up if the hype dies down.

In a market where many participants use pseudonyms, fraud and scams are also a risk. 
&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Indian entrepreneur Vignesh Sundaresan had bought a non-fungible token (NFT) called Beeple for $69.3 million in an auction. An NFT is a digital asset that exists on a blockchain, a record of transactions kept on networked computers.

Indian entrepreneur Vignesh Sundaresan had bought a non-fungible token (NFT) called Beeple for $69.3 million in an auction. An NFT is a digital asset that exists on a blockchain, a record of transactions kept on networked computers. The blockchain serves as a public ledger, allowing anyone to verify the NFT's authenticity and who owns it. So unlike most digital items which can be endlessly reproduced, each NFT has a unique digital signature, meaning it is one of a kind. However, Sundaresan wants everybody to enjoy downloading “Everydays: the First 5000 Days” for free. It is the world's most expensive NFT. Also read | Tim Berners-Lee’s NFT of World Wide Web source code sold for $5.4 million When asked about property rights on NFTs, he said in an interview with Bloomberg, ''You try to have paywalls, you try to do so many things. But even those methods of having information or data inside walled gardens of any kind of security, they’ve not done very well on the internet.'' ''If you have an NFT, I believe everyone gets to enjoy it. But you don’t need everyone to pay for it. There can be a few people who pay for this production, and they get a credit to have been part of this production. And that’s it,'' he added. Also read | Quentin Tarantino served copyright infringement lawsuit over 'Pulp Fiction' NFT auction Traded since around 2017, NFTs surged in popularity in early 2021. Some attribute the frenzy to lockdowns forcing people to spend more time at home on the internet. Like cryptocurrencies, NFTs are largely unregulated. Anybody can create and sell an NFT and there is no guarantee of its value. Losses can stack up if the hype dies down. In a market where many participants use pseudonyms, fraud and scams are also a risk. (With inputs from agencies)

Vignesh Sundaresan buys NFT for $69 million; people can download it for free

Reacting to the Indian-American Parag Agrawal's appointment as Twitter's new CEO, Tesla chief Elon Musk has said that "USA benefits greatly from Indian talent!".

Elon Musk was replying to Stripe CEO Patrick Collison's tweet, which stated that six US tech giants now run by Indian-origin CEOs. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/jack-dorseys-successor-at-twitter-who-is-parag-agrawal-432834">Also read | Jack Dorsey's successor at Twitter: Who is Parag Agrawal?</a>

"Google, Microsoft, Adobe, IBM, Palo Alto Networks, and now Twitter are run by CEOs who grew up in India. It is wonderful to watch the amazing success of Indians in the technology world; it is a good reminder of the opportunity America offers to immigrants. (Congrats, @paraga!)," Collison said. 
 
And&nbsp;Elon Musk responded to Patrick's post by saying, "USA benefits greatly from Indian talent!"&nbsp;

<img alt="Parag Agrawal" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5e5942bd-0b4c-4cde-b47d-ef6d0317aecd" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/CEO.JPG" />

Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey resigned on Monday, and Indian origin Parag Agrawal is all set to be his successor. 
 
Parag is an IIT Bombay graduate who has served as the Chief Technology Officer at the microblogging platform. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/ive-decided-to-leave-twitter-ceo-founder-jack-dorsey-resigns-432821">Also read | 'I've decided to leave Twitter': CEO &amp; founder Jack Dorsey resigns</a>

Agrawal had completed his PhD in computer science from the prestigious Stanford University.

He joined Twitter in 2011 and has served as chief technology officer since October 2017, where he was responsible for the network's technical strategy.

He has previously worked in AT&amp;T, Microsoft Corporation, and Yahoo. According to PeopleAI, Agrawal has an estimated net worth of $1.52 million.

(With inputs from agencies)

Reacting to the Indian-American Parag Agrawal's appointment as Twitter's new CEO, Tesla chief Elon Musk has said that "USA benefits greatly from Indian talent!".

Reacting to the Indian-American Parag Agrawal's appointment as Twitter's new CEO, Tesla chief Elon Musk has said that "USA benefits greatly from Indian talent!". Elon Musk was replying to Stripe CEO Patrick Collison's tweet, which stated that six US tech giants now run by Indian-origin CEOs. Also read | Jack Dorsey's successor at Twitter: Who is Parag Agrawal? "Google, Microsoft, Adobe, IBM, Palo Alto Networks, and now Twitter are run by CEOs who grew up in India. It is wonderful to watch the amazing success of Indians in the technology world; it is a good reminder of the opportunity America offers to immigrants. (Congrats, @paraga!)," Collison said. And Elon Musk responded to Patrick's post by saying, "USA benefits greatly from Indian talent!" Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey resigned on Monday, and Indian origin Parag Agrawal is all set to be his successor. Parag is an IIT Bombay graduate who has served as the Chief Technology Officer at the microblogging platform. Also read | 'I've decided to leave Twitter': CEO & founder Jack Dorsey resigns Agrawal had completed his PhD in computer science from the prestigious Stanford University. He joined Twitter in 2011 and has served as chief technology officer since October 2017, where he was responsible for the network's technical strategy. He has previously worked in AT&T, Microsoft Corporation, and Yahoo. According to PeopleAI, Agrawal has an estimated net worth of $1.52 million. (With inputs from agencies)

Elon Musk praises elevation of Parag Agarwal as Twitter CEO: 'USA benefits greatly from Indian talent'

Britain's competition regulator on Tuesday said that it has directed Meta Platforms, which owns Facebook, to sell gif platform Giphy. The regulator said that the deal may harm social media users and advertisers in UK.

Meta has been quoted by Reuters as saying that it disagrees with the decision.

Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), the regulator, said that Facebook's acquisition of Giphy would lead to lessened competition between social media platforms. The watchdog said that the deal between Meta and Giphy had already removed the latter as a competitor from&nbsp;the market.

A panel of the Competition and Markets Authority also found that Facebook will be able to further expand its already significant power in social media market with acquisition iof Giphy. This, observed the panel, may be done by blocking or limiting other social media networks' access to Giphy's gif images.

This may in turn, increase traffic to Facebook and its platforms like Instagram and WhatsApp offering more advantage to Meta in the market.

“We disagree with this decision,” A Meta spokesperson said, according to Reuters. “We are reviewing the decision and considering all options, including appeal.”

In August this year, CMA had provisionally found that acquisition of Giphy would offer undue advantage to Facebook. At that time, the watchdog had even said that Facebook may have to unwind the deal.

(With inputs from agencies)

Britain's competition regulator on Tuesday said that it has directed Meta Platforms, which owns Facebook, to sell gif platform Giphy. The regulator said that the deal may harm social media users and advertisers in UK.

Britain's competition regulator on Tuesday said that it has directed Meta Platforms, which owns Facebook, to sell gif platform Giphy. The regulator said that the deal may harm social media users and advertisers in UK. Meta has been quoted by Reuters as saying that it disagrees with the decision. Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), the regulator, said that Facebook's acquisition of Giphy would lead to lessened competition between social media platforms. The watchdog said that the deal between Meta and Giphy had already removed the latter as a competitor from the market. A panel of the Competition and Markets Authority also found that Facebook will be able to further expand its already significant power in social media market with acquisition iof Giphy. This, observed the panel, may be done by blocking or limiting other social media networks' access to Giphy's gif images. This may in turn, increase traffic to Facebook and its platforms like Instagram and WhatsApp offering more advantage to Meta in the market. “We disagree with this decision,” A Meta spokesperson said, according to Reuters. “We are reviewing the decision and considering all options, including appeal.” In August this year, CMA had provisionally found that acquisition of Giphy would offer undue advantage to Facebook. At that time, the watchdog had even said that Facebook may have to unwind the deal. (With inputs from agencies)

Facebook-owner Meta asked to sell Giphy by British regulator 

India-born Parag Agrawal was appointed as CEO of Twitter on Monday. He succeeded Jack Dorsey, the founder of Twitter. In his very first e-mail to Twitter employees, Agrawal sounded upbeat and ambitious about the future of the company.

"Thank you, Jack. I'm honoured and humbled. And I'm grateful for your continued mentorship and friendship," Agrawal wrote at the very beginning.

"I joined this company 10 years ago when there were fewer than 1,000 employees. While, it was a decade ago, those days feel like yesterday to me...I see Twitter's incredible impact, our continued progress, and exciting opportunities ahead of us," he said. &nbsp;

Saying there was 'no limit' to what Twitter can achieve when everyone joins forces, he drew attention to the 'ambitious goals' that had been set. But at the same time, Parag Agrawal underlined that it was equally important to see how these goals were going to get achieved.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/elon-musk-praises-elevation-of-parag-agarwal-as-twitter-ceo-usa-benefits-greatly-from-indian-talent-432887">Elon Musk praises elevation of Parag Agarwal as Twitter CEO: 'USA benefits greatly from Indian talent'</a>

"Our purpose has never been more important. Our people and culture are unlike anything in the world. There is no limit to what we can do together. We recently updated out strategy to hit ambitious goals, and I believe that strategy to be bold and right. But out critical challenge is how we work to execute against it and deliver results - that's how we'll make Twitter the best it can be for our customers, shareholders, and for each one of you. I want you to #LoveWhereYouWork and also love how we work together for the greatest possible impact," he wrote in his e-mail to employees.

Read the full email

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Deep gratitude for <a href="https://twitter.com/jack?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@jack</a> and our entire team, and so much excitement for the future. Here’s the note I sent to the company. Thank you all for your trust and support 💙 <a href="https://t.co/eNatG1dqH6">https://t.co/eNatG1dqH6</a> <a href="https://t.co/liJmTbpYs1">pic.twitter.com/liJmTbpYs1</a>
— Parag Agrawal (@paraga) <a href="https://twitter.com/paraga/status/1465349749607854083?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

With Parag Agrawal's elevation as CEO, Twitter has joined growing list of major American tech companies who have India-born professionals at the helm.

Google, Microsoft, Adobe, IBM are some of the other major names.

India-born Parag Agrawal was appointed as CEO of Twitter on Monday. He succeeded Jack Dorsey, the founder of Twitter. In his very first e-mail to Twitter employees, Agrawal sounded upbeat and ambitious about the future of the company.

India-born Parag Agrawal was appointed as CEO of Twitter on Monday. He succeeded Jack Dorsey, the founder of Twitter. In his very first e-mail to Twitter employees, Agrawal sounded upbeat and ambitious about the future of the company. "Thank you, Jack. I'm honoured and humbled. And I'm grateful for your continued mentorship and friendship," Agrawal wrote at the very beginning. "I joined this company 10 years ago when there were fewer than 1,000 employees. While, it was a decade ago, those days feel like yesterday to me...I see Twitter's incredible impact, our continued progress, and exciting opportunities ahead of us," he said. Saying there was 'no limit' to what Twitter can achieve when everyone joins forces, he drew attention to the 'ambitious goals' that had been set. But at the same time, Parag Agrawal underlined that it was equally important to see how these goals were going to get achieved. Also Read | Elon Musk praises elevation of Parag Agarwal as Twitter CEO: 'USA benefits greatly from Indian talent' "Our purpose has never been more important. Our people and culture are unlike anything in the world. There is no limit to what we can do together. We recently updated out strategy to hit ambitious goals, and I believe that strategy to be bold and right. But out critical challenge is how we work to execute against it and deliver results - that's how we'll make Twitter the best it can be for our customers, shareholders, and for each one of you. I want you to #LoveWhereYouWork and also love how we work together for the greatest possible impact," he wrote in his e-mail to employees. Read the full email Deep gratitude for @jack and our entire team, and so much excitement for the future. Here’s the note I sent to the company. Thank you all for your trust and support 💙 https://t.co/eNatG1dqH6 pic.twitter.com/liJmTbpYs1 — Parag Agrawal (@paraga) November 29, 2021 × With Parag Agrawal's elevation as CEO, Twitter has joined growing list of major American tech companies who have India-born professionals at the helm. Google, Microsoft, Adobe, IBM are some of the other major names.

Twitter CEO Parag Agrawal said this in his very first e-mail as captain of the ship

Microblogging platform Twitter's shares surged 11 per cent after Chief Executive Officer Jack Dorsey stepped down from his role.

CTO Parag Agrawal will take over his position after a&nbsp;unanimous decision between&nbsp;Twitter's board and Dorsey regarding his successor.

Dorsey said, ''I've decided to leave Twitter because I believe the company is ready to move on from its founders. My trust in Parag as Twitter's CEO is deep. His work over the past 10 years has been transformational. I'm deeply grateful for his skill, heart, and soul. It's his time to lead.''

The 45-year-old has recently been showing an increased interest in cryptocurrencies.&nbsp;

An agreement has been reached between Twitter's board and Dorsey regarding his successor as per a report by CNBC.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/twitter-to-pay-809-million-to-settle-a-suit-claiming-investors-were-misled-414501">Also read |&nbsp;Twitter to pay $809 million to settle a suit claiming investors were misled</a>

The new&nbsp;CEO needs to meet Twitter’s aggressive internal goals. It aims to have 315 million monetisable daily active users by the end of 2023.

It comes after Dorsey tweeted ''I love Twitter'' without any context on the social media platform.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
I love twitter
— jack⚡️ (@jack) <a href="https://twitter.com/jack/status/1464865985471471616?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 28, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Dorsey is credited with coming up with the idea for Twitter when eventual co-founder Evan Williams gave workers at blogging startup Odeo two weeks to work on fun new projects as a way to break up the daily routine.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nigeria-bans-twitter-indefinitely-after-muhammadu-buharis-account-suspension-389533">Also read |&nbsp;Nigeria bans Twitter 'indefinitely' after Muhammadu Buhari's account suspension</a>

In 2020, Dorsey faced calls from Elliott Management Corp to step down, after the hedge fund argued he was paying too little attention to Twitter while also running payments processing company Square Inc.

Dorsey fended off the pressure by giving Elliott and its ally, buyout firm Silver Lake Partners, seats on Twitter's board.

(With inputs from agencies)

Microblogging platform Twitter's shares surged 11 per cent after Chief Executive Officer Jack Dorsey stepped down from his role. CTO Parag Agrawal will take over his position after a unanimous decision between Twitter's board and Dorsey regarding his successor.

Microblogging platform Twitter's shares surged 11 per cent after Chief Executive Officer Jack Dorsey stepped down from his role. CTO Parag Agrawal will take over his position after a unanimous decision between Twitter's board and Dorsey regarding his successor. Dorsey said, ''I've decided to leave Twitter because I believe the company is ready to move on from its founders. My trust in Parag as Twitter's CEO is deep. His work over the past 10 years has been transformational. I'm deeply grateful for his skill, heart, and soul. It's his time to lead.'' The 45-year-old has recently been showing an increased interest in cryptocurrencies. An agreement has been reached between Twitter's board and Dorsey regarding his successor as per a report by CNBC. Also read | Twitter to pay $809 million to settle a suit claiming investors were misled The new CEO needs to meet Twitter’s aggressive internal goals. It aims to have 315 million monetisable daily active users by the end of 2023. It comes after Dorsey tweeted ''I love Twitter'' without any context on the social media platform. I love twitter — jack⚡️ (@jack) November 28, 2021 × Dorsey is credited with coming up with the idea for Twitter when eventual co-founder Evan Williams gave workers at blogging startup Odeo two weeks to work on fun new projects as a way to break up the daily routine. Also read | Nigeria bans Twitter 'indefinitely' after Muhammadu Buhari's account suspension In 2020, Dorsey faced calls from Elliott Management Corp to step down, after the hedge fund argued he was paying too little attention to Twitter while also running payments processing company Square Inc. Dorsey fended off the pressure by giving Elliott and its ally, buyout firm Silver Lake Partners, seats on Twitter's board. (With inputs from agencies)

'I've decided to leave Twitter': CEO & founder Jack Dorsey resigns

Samsung&nbsp;Electronics Co Ltd said on Wednesday it had picked Taylor, Texas as the location for a new $17 billion plant to make advanced chips for functions such as mobile, 5G, high-performance computing and artificial intelligence.

The plant would create 2,000 high-tech jobs with construction to begin in the first half of next year, and production due to start in the second half of 2024, the South Korean tech giant said. It would also create at least 6,500 construction jobs, Texas Governor Greg Abbott said.

The world's biggest memory chipmaker and second-largest contract chip manufacturer had also considered sites in Arizona and New York for the plant, which will be much bigger than its only other US&nbsp;chip plant in Austin, Texas.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-names-all-of-hezbollah-neo-nazi-group-as-terrorist-organisation-431646">Australia names all of Hezbollah, neo-Nazi group as terrorist organisation</a>

The company said it chose Texas based on factors such as infrastructure stability, government support and proximity to its existing plant.

Samsung&nbsp;is joining rivals TSMC and Intel in the race to expand chip contract manufacturing in the United States, where the sector is seen as an area of strategic competition with China.

US&nbsp;President Joe Biden's administration has promised billions of dollars&nbsp;in federal funding to boost chip manufacturing and research to ensure it has an edge over China in advanced technologies and to address shortages for critical industries like autos.

"Securing America's supply chains is a top priority for President Biden and his Administration," US&nbsp;National Economic Council Director Brian Deese and National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said in a statement welcoming&nbsp;Samsung's investment.

"We will continue to use every tool and pursue every avenue to invest in our sources of strength like manufacturing and technology."

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-asks-us-to-stop-providing-platform-to-taiwans-independence-forces-431638">China asks US to stop providing platform to Taiwan's independence forces</a>

Abbott, flanked at a press conference by&nbsp;Samsung&nbsp;Electronics Vice Chairman Kinam Kim and US&nbsp;Senator John Cornyn of Texas, said the company's decision was a testament to Texas's economic environment built on low taxes, reasonable regulations and robust infrastructure.

Texas last winter suffered a multi-day, widespread power outage, causing some 300-400 billion won ($254-$339 million) in damages to&nbsp;Samsung's existing chip plant in Austin, Texas.

"I'm extremely confident that the power grid is stable, resilient and reliable," Abbott said on Tuesday when asked about electricity supply for the plant.

The new site in Texas's Williamson County, which comprises the city of Taylor, offered the best incentives package&nbsp;of the sites&nbsp;Samsung&nbsp;was considering, sources previously told Reuters.

NATIONAL SECURITY

Senator Cornyn on Tuesday called on the Biden administration to invest more money to attract chip manufacturers to the United States, calling it a "national security imperative."

"If China continues to saber-rattle, the majority of the world could be at their mercy when it comes to the supply of critical semiconductors," Cornyn said.

Samsung's Kim thanked the Biden administration for "creating an environment that supports companies like&nbsp;Samsung&nbsp;as we work to expand leading-edge semiconductor manufacturing in the US"

"We also thank the administration and Congress for their bipartisan support to swiftly enact federal incentives for domestic chip production and innovation."

Samsung&nbsp;has not specified what the new plant will make beyond advanced logic chips which can be used to power mobile devices and autonomous vehicles.

Analysts said it would likely make cutting-edge chips of 5-nanometres or less, using machines made by the Netherland's ASML, for large clients like Qualcomm. Such chips can handle more data per area than the 14- and 28-nanometre chips&nbsp;Samsung's existing US&nbsp;plant in Austin mainly makes.

The Taylor site, about 25 miles (40 kms) from Austin, spans more than 5 million square metres,&nbsp;Samsung&nbsp;said.

Samsung&nbsp;Electronics Vice Chairman Jay Y. Lee&nbsp;met White House officials as well as leaders of companies including Alphabet's Google, Amazon and Microsoft during a trip to the United States last week.

Samsung Electronics Co Ltd said on Wednesday it had picked Taylor, Texas as the location for a new $17 billion plant to make advanced chips for functions such as mobile, 5G, high-performance computing and artificial intelligence.

Samsung Electronics Co Ltd said on Wednesday it had picked Taylor, Texas as the location for a new $17 billion plant to make advanced chips for functions such as mobile, 5G, high-performance computing and artificial intelligence. The plant would create 2,000 high-tech jobs with construction to begin in the first half of next year, and production due to start in the second half of 2024, the South Korean tech giant said. It would also create at least 6,500 construction jobs, Texas Governor Greg Abbott said. The world's biggest memory chipmaker and second-largest contract chip manufacturer had also considered sites in Arizona and New York for the plant, which will be much bigger than its only other US chip plant in Austin, Texas. ALSO READ | Australia names all of Hezbollah, neo-Nazi group as terrorist organisation The company said it chose Texas based on factors such as infrastructure stability, government support and proximity to its existing plant. Samsung is joining rivals TSMC and Intel in the race to expand chip contract manufacturing in the United States, where the sector is seen as an area of strategic competition with China. US President Joe Biden's administration has promised billions of dollars in federal funding to boost chip manufacturing and research to ensure it has an edge over China in advanced technologies and to address shortages for critical industries like autos. "Securing America's supply chains is a top priority for President Biden and his Administration," US National Economic Council Director Brian Deese and National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said in a statement welcoming Samsung's investment. "We will continue to use every tool and pursue every avenue to invest in our sources of strength like manufacturing and technology." ALSO READ | China asks US to stop providing platform to Taiwan's independence forces Abbott, flanked at a press conference by Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Kinam Kim and US Senator John Cornyn of Texas, said the company's decision was a testament to Texas's economic environment built on low taxes, reasonable regulations and robust infrastructure. Texas last winter suffered a multi-day, widespread power outage, causing some 300-400 billion won ($254-$339 million) in damages to Samsung's existing chip plant in Austin, Texas. "I'm extremely confident that the power grid is stable, resilient and reliable," Abbott said on Tuesday when asked about electricity supply for the plant. The new site in Texas's Williamson County, which comprises the city of Taylor, offered the best incentives package of the sites Samsung was considering, sources previously told Reuters. NATIONAL SECURITY Senator Cornyn on Tuesday called on the Biden administration to invest more money to attract chip manufacturers to the United States, calling it a "national security imperative." "If China continues to saber-rattle, the majority of the world could be at their mercy when it comes to the supply of critical semiconductors," Cornyn said. Samsung's Kim thanked the Biden administration for "creating an environment that supports companies like Samsung as we work to expand leading-edge semiconductor manufacturing in the US" "We also thank the administration and Congress for their bipartisan support to swiftly enact federal incentives for domestic chip production and innovation." Samsung has not specified what the new plant will make beyond advanced logic chips which can be used to power mobile devices and autonomous vehicles. Analysts said it would likely make cutting-edge chips of 5-nanometres or less, using machines made by the Netherland's ASML, for large clients like Qualcomm. Such chips can handle more data per area than the 14- and 28-nanometre chips Samsung's existing US plant in Austin mainly makes. The Taylor site, about 25 miles (40 kms) from Austin, spans more than 5 million square metres, Samsung said. Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Jay Y. Lee met White House officials as well as leaders of companies including Alphabet's Google, Amazon and Microsoft during a trip to the United States last week.

Samsung to build new $17 billion chip plant in Texas, construction to begin next year

In the last few years, air purifiers have gone from being a luxury to an absolute necessity. With grim reports on air pollution across India making headlines daily, breathing clean air has now become a luxury too. You may be forced to lock yourself and your children indoors but here's another grim fact,&nbsp;the indoor air quality is deteriorating too.

Slowly and steadily, air purifiers have made their way into hotel lobbies, school classrooms, office spaces and even gyms and spas. There's an air purifier for every budget, every space and every person.

The premium space in the air purifier category has been dominated by Dyson. The company has now launched its new range of air purifiers, the Dyson Purifier Cool and the Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool.

I have the latter, more expensive one with me for review right in time for pollution season. With terms like hazardous air quality, toxic gases and PM2.5 doing the rounds, let see if this air purifier, priced at Rs 47,515, can cleanse the air in our homes.

More importantly, we'll try and answer a crucial question -- do air purifiers make any difference to indoor air quality?

DYSON HOT+COOL AIR PURIFIER&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>Price: Rs 47,515</li>
	<li>Comes with remote</li>
	<li>Pairs with Dyson Link app</li>
	<li>Effective air purification</li>
	<li>Needs a 16A socket</li>
</ul>

LOOKS

Dyson has an edge over the competition when it comes to design. Its gadgets look sleeker, more advanced and that often becomes a gamechanger for modern homes where a lot of thought goes into how a gadget fits into the "aesthetics" of the interiors. Dyson's new air purifier uses the company's famous bladeless fan system and comes with a white body with silver accents.

The cylindrical base holds the crucial parts that is the air filters and also houses the display. Before you invest in this gadget, do note that the Hot+Cool comes with a larger 16A plug and you'll need to connect it to a bigger socket. You get a power button at the base and the hatch at the bottom can be easily removed to change air filters.

The display at the base is quite useful since you get to know all about indoor air quality in your bedroom or living area. You can see the fan speed but more significantly, the PM2.5, PM10, volatile organic compound and Nitrogen Dioxide levels. All these parameters are a testament to the grim reality of our times --- where even the indoor quality is not safe for breathing. At most points throughout the day, every time I switched on the air purifier, the air quality remained in the 'very poor' category.

The display also tells you about the remaining life of the air filter which should tell you when you need to change it.

The purifier comes with a matte silver remote which is magnetised and can be placed on top of the air purifier. So, you wouldn't have to worry about misplacing it! The remote can be used to control your air purifier from a distance and performs well. For everything else, I would recommend using the app.

DYSON LINK APP

Controlling an air purifier through an app may sound like too much of an inconvenience but in this case, it's quite the opposite. Once you have set up the device, the app offers you useful insight and also allows you to control multiple Dyson devices from one control centre. You can find detailed data about the air quality inside your house. You can also set the purifier to a schedule, activate night mode and even connect the air purifier to other smart devices in your home. With smart homes becoming a reality in urban centres, this functionality will go a long way.

The 'Hot+Cool' feature lets you make the purifier into a heater or a cooling agent. While it does warm up the room well, I wouldn't use this as an air conditioner substitute in the summer months. You can control the heating or cooling through the remote or the app.

DOES THE AIR PURIFIER CLEAN THE AIR?

Judging if an air purifier works or not is not that easy. With air quality outdoors and indoors deteriorating in winter months, allergies rise, respiratory troubles increase and watery eyes, itchy throats become the norm. So, the only way to test if an air purifier is doing its job is by finding out how effectively it can capture particulate matter and other harmful substances. All this should help you breathe easy.

I put the Dyson Hot+Cool in my bedroom a little before air pollution peaked in North India. My reasons were simple, my husband and I are both prone to seasonal allergies. On the other hand, my three-year-old son has stayed indoors in the pandemic and his exposure to poor air quality has been minimal.

Here's the good news, after placing the air purifier in a closed room, the air quality turned from "poor" to "good" levels in around 40 minutes. If you don't trust the data, here's a personal anecdote. After staying in a room with the air purifier for 4 hours, I stepped out, only to find myself coughing, sneezing with watery eyes. Once I stepped into another indoor space without an air purifier, my eyes continued to water. So, with the air purifier on, allergies can be managed better.

Essentially, if used right, air purifiers do provide some relief from poor indoor air quality. Make sure you put the air purifier at a certain height off the floor and keep windows and doors shut.

DOES THE PURIFIER HELP YOU BREATHE BETTER?

Yes, if you use it correctly. Park your air purifier at a height off the ground so it's not just cleaning the dust off the floor but actively cleaning the air that you breathe.

Another tip, shut all doors and windows to avoid the air from outside from trickling into the room. While this is not possible at all times, the air purification process gets delayed if you're constantly opening windows.

So does the Dyson Hot+Cool tick all the boxes for a good air purifier? I would say yes. When plugged in, I breathed easy especially when compared to the hazardous air quality outside. While there are cheaper air purifiers in the market, Dyson claims to use a different testing standard known as the POLAR test which aims for whole-room purification. It is very difficult to test out this claim but the air purifier does arm the user with more information when it comes to air purification.

SHOULD YOU BUY THE DYSON HOT+COOL?

The Dyson Hot+Cool performed well in most cases. We sneezed less, coughed less and were able to get our indoor room quality to a level we could all appreciate. But the moment we stepped out, all those problems came back to haunt us and that, in many cases, has been the only argument against air purifiers. I also like the fact that the Dyson Hot+Cool regulates the room temperature to a certain extent and doesn't make too much noise while doing it.

At 47,515 rupees, the Dyson Hot+Cool is a luxury to say the least. There may be more affordable variants in the market that suit your budget. But then again, can you put a price tag on breathing clean air?

In the last few years, air purifiers have gone from being a luxury to an absolute necessity. With grim reports on air pollution across India making headlines daily, breathing clean air has now become a luxury too.

In the last few years, air purifiers have gone from being a luxury to an absolute necessity. With grim reports on air pollution across India making headlines daily, breathing clean air has now become a luxury too. You may be forced to lock yourself and your children indoors but here's another grim fact, the indoor air quality is deteriorating too. Slowly and steadily, air purifiers have made their way into hotel lobbies, school classrooms, office spaces and even gyms and spas. There's an air purifier for every budget, every space and every person. The premium space in the air purifier category has been dominated by Dyson. The company has now launched its new range of air purifiers, the Dyson Purifier Cool and the Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool. I have the latter, more expensive one with me for review right in time for pollution season. With terms like hazardous air quality, toxic gases and PM2.5 doing the rounds, let see if this air purifier, priced at Rs 47,515, can cleanse the air in our homes. More importantly, we'll try and answer a crucial question -- do air purifiers make any difference to indoor air quality? DYSON HOT+COOL AIR PURIFIER Price: Rs 47,515 Comes with remote Pairs with Dyson Link app Effective air purification Needs a 16A socket LOOKS Dyson has an edge over the competition when it comes to design. Its gadgets look sleeker, more advanced and that often becomes a gamechanger for modern homes where a lot of thought goes into how a gadget fits into the "aesthetics" of the interiors. Dyson's new air purifier uses the company's famous bladeless fan system and comes with a white body with silver accents. The cylindrical base holds the crucial parts that is the air filters and also houses the display. Before you invest in this gadget, do note that the Hot+Cool comes with a larger 16A plug and you'll need to connect it to a bigger socket. You get a power button at the base and the hatch at the bottom can be easily removed to change air filters. The display at the base is quite useful since you get to know all about indoor air quality in your bedroom or living area. You can see the fan speed but more significantly, the PM2.5, PM10, volatile organic compound and Nitrogen Dioxide levels. All these parameters are a testament to the grim reality of our times --- where even the indoor quality is not safe for breathing. At most points throughout the day, every time I switched on the air purifier, the air quality remained in the 'very poor' category. The display also tells you about the remaining life of the air filter which should tell you when you need to change it. The purifier comes with a matte silver remote which is magnetised and can be placed on top of the air purifier. So, you wouldn't have to worry about misplacing it! The remote can be used to control your air purifier from a distance and performs well. For everything else, I would recommend using the app. DYSON LINK APP Controlling an air purifier through an app may sound like too much of an inconvenience but in this case, it's quite the opposite. Once you have set up the device, the app offers you useful insight and also allows you to control multiple Dyson devices from one control centre. You can find detailed data about the air quality inside your house. You can also set the purifier to a schedule, activate night mode and even connect the air purifier to other smart devices in your home. With smart homes becoming a reality in urban centres, this functionality will go a long way. The 'Hot+Cool' feature lets you make the purifier into a heater or a cooling agent. While it does warm up the room well, I wouldn't use this as an air conditioner substitute in the summer months. You can control the heating or cooling through the remote or the app. DOES THE AIR PURIFIER CLEAN THE AIR? Judging if an air purifier works or not is not that easy. With air quality outdoors and indoors deteriorating in winter months, allergies rise, respiratory troubles increase and watery eyes, itchy throats become the norm. So, the only way to test if an air purifier is doing its job is by finding out how effectively it can capture particulate matter and other harmful substances. All this should help you breathe easy. I put the Dyson Hot+Cool in my bedroom a little before air pollution peaked in North India. My reasons were simple, my husband and I are both prone to seasonal allergies. On the other hand, my three-year-old son has stayed indoors in the pandemic and his exposure to poor air quality has been minimal. Here's the good news, after placing the air purifier in a closed room, the air quality turned from "poor" to "good" levels in around 40 minutes. If you don't trust the data, here's a personal anecdote. After staying in a room with the air purifier for 4 hours, I stepped out, only to find myself coughing, sneezing with watery eyes. Once I stepped into another indoor space without an air purifier, my eyes continued to water. So, with the air purifier on, allergies can be managed better. Essentially, if used right, air purifiers do provide some relief from poor indoor air quality. Make sure you put the air purifier at a certain height off the floor and keep windows and doors shut. DOES THE PURIFIER HELP YOU BREATHE BETTER? Yes, if you use it correctly. Park your air purifier at a height off the ground so it's not just cleaning the dust off the floor but actively cleaning the air that you breathe. Another tip, shut all doors and windows to avoid the air from outside from trickling into the room. While this is not possible at all times, the air purification process gets delayed if you're constantly opening windows. So does the Dyson Hot+Cool tick all the boxes for a good air purifier? I would say yes. When plugged in, I breathed easy especially when compared to the hazardous air quality outside. While there are cheaper air purifiers in the market, Dyson claims to use a different testing standard known as the POLAR test which aims for whole-room purification. It is very difficult to test out this claim but the air purifier does arm the user with more information when it comes to air purification. SHOULD YOU BUY THE DYSON HOT+COOL? The Dyson Hot+Cool performed well in most cases. We sneezed less, coughed less and were able to get our indoor room quality to a level we could all appreciate. But the moment we stepped out, all those problems came back to haunt us and that, in many cases, has been the only argument against air purifiers. I also like the fact that the Dyson Hot+Cool regulates the room temperature to a certain extent and doesn't make too much noise while doing it. At 47,515 rupees, the Dyson Hot+Cool is a luxury to say the least. There may be more affordable variants in the market that suit your budget. But then again, can you put a price tag on breathing clean air?

Can Dyson's air purifier help you breathe better?

According to Britain's iconic auto giant&nbsp;Rolls-Royce, the ‘Spirit of Innovation’ aircraft is the world’s fastest all-electric aircraft.

Rolls-Royce said the aircraft has already set three new world records while adding that it has informed the world air sports federation that the aircraft reached a top speed of 555.9 km per hour over 3 kilometres while smashing the existing record by 213.04 km per hour.

The company claimed the aircraft reached a top speed of 532.1 km per hour over 15 kilometres at UK's Boscombe Down testing site as it broke the fastest time to climb to 3,000 metres by 60 seconds with a time of 202 seconds.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trams-cable-cars-electric-ferries-how-cities-are-rethinking-transit-417760">Also Read:&nbsp;Trams, cable cars, electric ferries: How cities are rethinking transit</a>

"During its record-breaking runs, the aircraft clocked up a maximum speed of 623 km/h which we believe makes the ‘Spirit of Innovation’ the world’s fastest all-electric vehicle," it said.

Watch:&nbsp;Aston Martin plans to go electric

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/aston-martin-plans-to-go-electric-422346/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"Following the world’s focus on the need for action at COP26, this is another milestone that will help make ‘jet zero’ a reality and supports our ambitions to deliver the technology breakthroughs," Warren East, CEO, Rolls-Royce said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/worlds-largest-all-electric-plane-soars-in-the-air-for-the-first-time-301786#largest-all-electric-plane-301775">In Pics:&nbsp;World's largest all-electric plane soars in the air for the first time</a>

The company said the record-breaking feat was achieved through its 400kW electric powertrain and power-dense propulsion battery pack. The company said it hopes the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI)&nbsp;will certify the record while highlighting advances in "electrification of aerospace".

Phill O’Dell who was the test pilot and the director of flight operations said it was the highlight of his career while claiming it was a "momentous occasion". Rolls-Royce said it has learnt from the motorsport background of its partners.

(With inputs from Agencies)

According to Britain's iconic auto giant Rolls-Royce, the ‘Spirit of Innovation’ aircraft is the world’s fastest all-electric aircraft. Rolls-Royce said the aircraft has already set three new world records while adding that it has informed the world air sports federation that the aircraft reached a top speed of 555.

According to Britain's iconic auto giant Rolls-Royce, the ‘Spirit of Innovation’ aircraft is the world’s fastest all-electric aircraft. Rolls-Royce said the aircraft has already set three new world records while adding that it has informed the world air sports federation that the aircraft reached a top speed of 555.9 km per hour over 3 kilometres while smashing the existing record by 213.04 km per hour. The company claimed the aircraft reached a top speed of 532.1 km per hour over 15 kilometres at UK's Boscombe Down testing site as it broke the fastest time to climb to 3,000 metres by 60 seconds with a time of 202 seconds. Also Read: Trams, cable cars, electric ferries: How cities are rethinking transit "During its record-breaking runs, the aircraft clocked up a maximum speed of 623 km/h which we believe makes the ‘Spirit of Innovation’ the world’s fastest all-electric vehicle," it said. Watch: Aston Martin plans to go electric "Following the world’s focus on the need for action at COP26, this is another milestone that will help make ‘jet zero’ a reality and supports our ambitions to deliver the technology breakthroughs," Warren East, CEO, Rolls-Royce said. In Pics: World's largest all-electric plane soars in the air for the first time The company said the record-breaking feat was achieved through its 400kW electric powertrain and power-dense propulsion battery pack. The company said it hopes the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI) will certify the record while highlighting advances in "electrification of aerospace". Phill O’Dell who was the test pilot and the director of flight operations said it was the highlight of his career while claiming it was a "momentous occasion". Rolls-Royce said it has learnt from the motorsport background of its partners. (With inputs from Agencies)

‘Spirit of Innovation’: Rolls-Royce claims it has flown world’s fastest all-electric aircraft

Scientists have discovered a new lie detector that can read facial muscles that people won't even know they are using.

The study, conducted by the researchers at Tel Aviv University, has been in 'Brain and Behaviour.'

It was conducted on the basis of micro-expressions that vanish in 40 to 60 milliseconds due to which accuracy and speed played a key role.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/experts-look-to-recycle-dangerous-space-junk-into-rocket-fuel-in-earths-orbit-430648" hreflang="en">Experts look to recycle dangerous space junk into rocket fuel in Earth's orbit</a>

According to behavioral neuroscientist Dino Levy, ''it's not perfect, but much better than any existing [facial recognition] technology.''

''Since this was an initial study, the lie itself was very simple,'' he added.

Researchers tested the give-away indicators on 48 participants during which people had tells such twitching of eyebrows or cheek muscles.

''We successfully detected lies in all the participants and did so significantly better than untrained human detectors,'' explains Levy.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/facebook-advertisers-promoted-false-claims-about-climate-change-during-cop26-summit-430321" hreflang="en">Facebook advertisers promoted false claims about climate change during COP26 summit</a>

''Interestingly, individuals who were able to successfully deceive their human counterparts were also poorly detected by the machine-learning algorithm,'' he added.

The lie detector was driven by artificial intelligence and hopes to bring more transparency. It can also be used to ramp up border security.

Researchers believe it could make its way into the private sector, for example, to screen insurance claims or job applicants.

They usually face criticism from human rights groups that question the technology’s ability to accurately assess people’s intentions and its potential for discrimination. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Scientists have discovered a new lie detector that can read facial muscles that people won't even know they are using. The study, conducted by the researchers at Tel Aviv University, has been in 'Brain and Behaviour.

Scientists have discovered a new lie detector that can read facial muscles that people won't even know they are using. The study, conducted by the researchers at Tel Aviv University, has been in 'Brain and Behaviour.' It was conducted on the basis of micro-expressions that vanish in 40 to 60 milliseconds due to which accuracy and speed played a key role. Also read | Experts look to recycle dangerous space junk into rocket fuel in Earth's orbit According to behavioral neuroscientist Dino Levy, ''it's not perfect, but much better than any existing [facial recognition] technology.'' ''Since this was an initial study, the lie itself was very simple,'' he added. Researchers tested the give-away indicators on 48 participants during which people had tells such twitching of eyebrows or cheek muscles. ''We successfully detected lies in all the participants and did so significantly better than untrained human detectors,'' explains Levy. Also read | Facebook advertisers promoted false claims about climate change during COP26 summit ''Interestingly, individuals who were able to successfully deceive their human counterparts were also poorly detected by the machine-learning algorithm,'' he added. The lie detector was driven by artificial intelligence and hopes to bring more transparency. It can also be used to ramp up border security. Researchers believe it could make its way into the private sector, for example, to screen insurance claims or job applicants. They usually face criticism from human rights groups that question the technology’s ability to accurately assess people’s intentions and its potential for discrimination. (With inputs from agencies)

Scientists discover lie detector that uses artificial intelligence to detect micro-expressions

Facebook is in the headlines yet again. This time for advertising misleading and false claims about climate change during the COP26 summit.

It comes after conservative media network Newsmax ran an ad on Facebook that called man-made global warming a "hoax."

The advertisement, which had 200,000 views, had multiple versions. In one of them, "modern doomsayers" are condemned for wrongly predicting climate crises for decades.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/google-begins-rolling-out-november-2021-core-update-at-an-unusual-time-430280" hreflang="en">Google begins rolling out November 2021 core update at an unusual time</a>

Fossil fuel companies and lobbying groups spent $574,000 on "greenwashing" as per UK-based think-tank InfluenceMap.&nbsp;

"While ads like these run across many platforms, Facebook offers an extra layer of transparency by requiring them to be available to the public in our Ad Library for up to seven years after publication," a Facebook spokesperson said in a statement.

Chief Technology Officer Mike Schroepfer said We continually reevaluate what the state of the world is and what is our role, which starts with trying to allow people free expression, and then intervening when there are harms happening that we can prevent."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/apple-finally-gives-in-to-right-to-repair-movement-allows-users-to-self-repair-iphones-macs-430137" hreflang="en">Apple finally gives in to ‘right to repair’ movement, allows users to self-repair iPhones, Macs</a>

Facebook is already facing stinging criticism after whistleblower Frances Haugen revealed that the company knew its Instagram photo app had the potential to harm teen mental health.

Faced with a barrage of bad publicity due to Haugen's revelations, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg had announced that the company will now be called Meta Platforms Inc., or Meta for short, to reflect what CEO Mark Zuckerberg said&nbsp;is its commitment to developing the new surround-yourself technology known as the “ metaverse.”

Skeptics have accused the company of trying to change the subject from the Facebook Papers, the trove of leaked documents that have plunged it into the biggest crisis since it was founded in Zuckerberg’s Harvard dorm room 17 years ago.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Facebook is in the headlines yet again. This time for advertising misleading and false claims about climate change during the COP26 summit. It comes after conservative media network Newsmax ran an ad on Facebook that called man-made global warming a "hoax.

Facebook is in the headlines yet again. This time for advertising misleading and false claims about climate change during the COP26 summit. It comes after conservative media network Newsmax ran an ad on Facebook that called man-made global warming a "hoax." The advertisement, which had 200,000 views, had multiple versions. In one of them, "modern doomsayers" are condemned for wrongly predicting climate crises for decades. Also read | Google begins rolling out November 2021 core update at an unusual time Fossil fuel companies and lobbying groups spent $574,000 on "greenwashing" as per UK-based think-tank InfluenceMap. "While ads like these run across many platforms, Facebook offers an extra layer of transparency by requiring them to be available to the public in our Ad Library for up to seven years after publication," a Facebook spokesperson said in a statement. Chief Technology Officer Mike Schroepfer said We continually reevaluate what the state of the world is and what is our role, which starts with trying to allow people free expression, and then intervening when there are harms happening that we can prevent." Also read | Apple finally gives in to ‘right to repair’ movement, allows users to self-repair iPhones, Macs Facebook is already facing stinging criticism after whistleblower Frances Haugen revealed that the company knew its Instagram photo app had the potential to harm teen mental health. Faced with a barrage of bad publicity due to Haugen's revelations, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg had announced that the company will now be called Meta Platforms Inc., or Meta for short, to reflect what CEO Mark Zuckerberg said is its commitment to developing the new surround-yourself technology known as the “ metaverse.” Skeptics have accused the company of trying to change the subject from the Facebook Papers, the trove of leaked documents that have plunged it into the biggest crisis since it was founded in Zuckerberg’s Harvard dorm room 17 years ago. (With inputs from agencies)

Facebook advertisers promoted false claims about climate change during COP26 summit

Google has started to rollout the November 2021 core update. This is the third core update Google released in 2021. Google announced this rollout on the Google Search Central Twitter account.

"Later today, we are releasing a broad core update, as we do several times per year. It is called the November 2021 Core Update," wrote Google.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Later today, we are releasing a broad core update, as we do several times per year. It is called the November 2021 Core Update. Our guidance about such updates is here:<a href="https://t.co/0LAL28ueDq">https://t.co/0LAL28ueDq</a>
— Google Search Central (@googlesearchc) <a href="https://twitter.com/googlesearchc/status/1460970568128385031?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 17, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Several times a year, the company makes significant, broad changes to the search algorithms and systems. These changes are termed "core updates."&nbsp;

These updates are designed to ensure that the company is delivering on its mission to present relevant and authoritative content to searchers.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/auditors-say-nasas-artemis-programme-likely-to-be-delayed-by-several-years-430217">Also read |&nbsp;Auditors say NASA's Artemis programme likely to be delayed by several years</a>

"One way to think of how a core update operates is to imagine you made a list of the top 100 movies in 2015. A few years later in 2019, you refresh the list. It's going to naturally change. Some new and wonderful movies that never existed before will now be candidates for inclusion. You might also reassess some films and realise they deserved a higher place on the list than they had before," said Google in a blog post.

The timing of the current update is a little unexpected as it comes before the biggest online holiday shopping season. Earlier, Google took breaks before the holiday shopping season. This was considered as Google’s gift to webmasters said former Googler Matt Cutts.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
I totally get the concern some might have about an update, especially when there's often any number of "The sky is falling!" tweets that people make, sometimes with fun GIFs, and meant to be fun, but others that act like an update is a negative event for everyone...
— Danny Sullivan (@dannysullivan) <a href="https://twitter.com/dannysullivan/status/1460991994784739331?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 17, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Danny Sullivan of Google made a tweet about the unusual timing of the update as he said, "I totally get the concern some might have about an update, especially when there's often any number of "The sky is falling!" tweets that people make, sometimes with fun GIFs, and meant to be fun, but others that act like an update is a negative event for everyone..."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-facebook-founder-zuckerberg-tries-to-feel-objects-in-virtual-reality-with-haptic-glove-vr-headset-430192">Also read |&nbsp;Watch: Facebook founder Zuckerberg tries to feel objects in virtual reality with haptic glove, VR headset &nbsp;</a>

He highlighted how the core updates make no huge change for most. He further asked people not to panic as he said that maybe more tweets reassuring people would be more helpful.

"Guidance about core updates hasn't changed. Been doing best practices out there for ages, should be good," he wrote.&nbsp;

Google has started to rollout the November 2021 core update. This is the third core update Google released in 2021. Google announced this rollout on the Google Search Central Twitter account.

Google has started to rollout the November 2021 core update. This is the third core update Google released in 2021. Google announced this rollout on the Google Search Central Twitter account. "Later today, we are releasing a broad core update, as we do several times per year. It is called the November 2021 Core Update," wrote Google. Later today, we are releasing a broad core update, as we do several times per year. It is called the November 2021 Core Update. Our guidance about such updates is here:https://t.co/0LAL28ueDq — Google Search Central (@googlesearchc) November 17, 2021 × Several times a year, the company makes significant, broad changes to the search algorithms and systems. These changes are termed "core updates." These updates are designed to ensure that the company is delivering on its mission to present relevant and authoritative content to searchers. Also read | Auditors say NASA's Artemis programme likely to be delayed by several years "One way to think of how a core update operates is to imagine you made a list of the top 100 movies in 2015. A few years later in 2019, you refresh the list. It's going to naturally change. Some new and wonderful movies that never existed before will now be candidates for inclusion. You might also reassess some films and realise they deserved a higher place on the list than they had before," said Google in a blog post. The timing of the current update is a little unexpected as it comes before the biggest online holiday shopping season. Earlier, Google took breaks before the holiday shopping season. This was considered as Google’s gift to webmasters said former Googler Matt Cutts. I totally get the concern some might have about an update, especially when there's often any number of "The sky is falling!" tweets that people make, sometimes with fun GIFs, and meant to be fun, but others that act like an update is a negative event for everyone... — Danny Sullivan (@dannysullivan) November 17, 2021 × Danny Sullivan of Google made a tweet about the unusual timing of the update as he said, "I totally get the concern some might have about an update, especially when there's often any number of "The sky is falling!" tweets that people make, sometimes with fun GIFs, and meant to be fun, but others that act like an update is a negative event for everyone..." Also read | Watch: Facebook founder Zuckerberg tries to feel objects in virtual reality with haptic glove, VR headset He highlighted how the core updates make no huge change for most. He further asked people not to panic as he said that maybe more tweets reassuring people would be more helpful. "Guidance about core updates hasn't changed. Been doing best practices out there for ages, should be good," he wrote.

Google begins rolling out November 2021 core update at an unusual time

A group of US&nbsp;states led by Texas have filed an amended complaint against Alphabet Inc's Google accusing the tech giant of using coercive tactics and breaking antitrust laws in its efforts to boost its already dominant advertising business.

The updated allegations are the latest in an onslaught of regulatory scrutiny of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/uks-top-court-blocks-class-action-lawsuit-against-google-428249">Google over its practices</a>. The tech company faces several lawsuits, including one by the Justice Department for monopolistic practices.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/youtube-gives-dislikes-the-thumbs-down-hides-public-counts-428414" hreflang="en">YouTube gives dislikes the thumbs-down, hides public counts</a>

Earlier this week, Google lost an appeal against a $2.8 billion European Union antitrust decision.&nbsp;

The amended US&nbsp;lawsuit, filed in a federal court in New York late Friday, accuses Google of using monopolistic and coercive tactics with advertisers in its efforts to dominate and drive out competition in online advertising.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/apple-loses-bid-to-stall-apps-bypassing-pay-system-in-epic-games-case-428338" hreflang="en">Apple loses bid to stall apps bypassing pay system in Epic Games case</a>

The lawsuit also highlights Google's use of a secret program dubbed "Project Bernanke" in 2013 that used bidding data to give its own ad-buying an advantage. For example, in a 2015 iteration of the program, Google allegedly dropped the second-highest bids from publishers' auctions, accumulated money into a pool and then spent that money to inflate only the bids belonging advertisers who used the company's Google Ads. They otherwise would have likely lost the auctions, the states alleged.

Neither Alphabet nor the Texas Attorney General's office responded immediately to requests for comment on the lawsuit.

A group of US states led by Texas have filed an amended complaint against Alphabet Inc's Google accusing the tech giant of using coercive tactics and breaking antitrust laws in its efforts to boost its already dominant advertising business.

A group of US states led by Texas have filed an amended complaint against Alphabet Inc's Google accusing the tech giant of using coercive tactics and breaking antitrust laws in its efforts to boost its already dominant advertising business. The updated allegations are the latest in an onslaught of regulatory scrutiny of Google over its practices. The tech company faces several lawsuits, including one by the Justice Department for monopolistic practices. Also read | YouTube gives dislikes the thumbs-down, hides public counts Earlier this week, Google lost an appeal against a $2.8 billion European Union antitrust decision. The amended US lawsuit, filed in a federal court in New York late Friday, accuses Google of using monopolistic and coercive tactics with advertisers in its efforts to dominate and drive out competition in online advertising. Also read | Apple loses bid to stall apps bypassing pay system in Epic Games case The lawsuit also highlights Google's use of a secret program dubbed "Project Bernanke" in 2013 that used bidding data to give its own ad-buying an advantage. For example, in a 2015 iteration of the program, Google allegedly dropped the second-highest bids from publishers' auctions, accumulated money into a pool and then spent that money to inflate only the bids belonging advertisers who used the company's Google Ads. They otherwise would have likely lost the auctions, the states alleged. Neither Alphabet nor the Texas Attorney General's office responded immediately to requests for comment on the lawsuit.

US states file updated antitrust complaint against Alphabet's Google

A new scam called 'friend in need' is taking place on Facebook's messaging app WhatsApp.

In this scam, WhatsApp users are receiving messages from their friends saying they need their help.

According to the UK's National Trading Standards, 59 per cent people living in the country have received such scam messages.

Whatsapp has issued a warning saying, ''If you receive a suspicious message... calling or requesting a voice note is the fastest and simplest way to check someone is who they say they are. A friend in need is a friend worth calling.''

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/apple-loses-bid-to-stall-apps-bypassing-pay-system-in-epic-games-case-428338" hreflang="en">Apple loses bid to stall apps bypassing pay system in Epic Games case</a>

An online campaign called 'Stop. Think. Call.' has been organised to inform people who could be potential victims about the scam.

''Scammers send messages that appear to come from a friend or family member asking for personal information, money or a six-digit pin number,'' said Louise Baxter, the head of the National Trading Standards.

“The messages are sent from the compromised accounts of your friends, so they look as if they’re coming from someone you know, or from an unknown number claiming to be a friend who has lost their phone or been ‘locked out’ of their account.

“These kinds of scams are particularly cruel as they prey on our kindness and desire to help friends and family.”

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/to-build-the-metaverse-meta-first-wants-to-build-stores-427016" hreflang="en">To build the metaverse, Meta first wants to build stores</a>

In response, the app's policy manager Kathryn Harnett said ''WhatsApp protects our users’ personal messages with end-to-end encryption, but we want to remind people that we all have a role to play in keeping our accounts safe by remaining vigilant to the threat of scammers.''

''We advise all users never to share their six-digit pin code with others, not even friends or family, and recommend that all users set up two-step verification for added security.''

Facebook for the first time on Tuesday disclosed the prevalence of bullying and harassment on its platform, saying such content was seen between 14 and 15 times per every 10,000 views on the site in the third quarter.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/requires-lot-of-work-microsoft-president-brad-smith-downplays-metaverse-hype-426568" hreflang="en">'Requires lot of work': Microsoft President Brad Smith downplays metaverse 'hype'</a>

The company, which recently changed its name to Meta, also said in its quarterly content moderation report that bullying and harassment content was seen between 5 and 6 times per 10,000 views of content on Instagram.

The social media giant, long under scrutiny over its handling of abuses on its services, has been in the spotlight after a former employee and whistleblower Frances Haugen leaked internal documents that include research and discussions about Instagram's effects on the mental health of teens and on whether Facebook's platforms stoke divisions.

Haugen has said the documents show the company picked profits over user safety. Facebook disputed this characteriSation, saying the documents were being used to paint a "false picture."

The documents, which were first reported by the Wall Street Journal, have spurred calls for Facebook to be more transparent and have raised questions over whether metrics such as prevalence give the full picture of how the company handles abuses.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

A new scam called 'friend in need' is taking place on Facebook's messaging app WhatsApp. In this scam, WhatsApp users are receiving messages from their friends saying they need their help.

A new scam called 'friend in need' is taking place on Facebook's messaging app WhatsApp. In this scam, WhatsApp users are receiving messages from their friends saying they need their help. According to the UK's National Trading Standards, 59 per cent people living in the country have received such scam messages. Whatsapp has issued a warning saying, ''If you receive a suspicious message... calling or requesting a voice note is the fastest and simplest way to check someone is who they say they are. A friend in need is a friend worth calling.'' Also read | Apple loses bid to stall apps bypassing pay system in Epic Games case An online campaign called 'Stop. Think. Call.' has been organised to inform people who could be potential victims about the scam. ''Scammers send messages that appear to come from a friend or family member asking for personal information, money or a six-digit pin number,'' said Louise Baxter, the head of the National Trading Standards. “The messages are sent from the compromised accounts of your friends, so they look as if they’re coming from someone you know, or from an unknown number claiming to be a friend who has lost their phone or been ‘locked out’ of their account. “These kinds of scams are particularly cruel as they prey on our kindness and desire to help friends and family.” Also read | To build the metaverse, Meta first wants to build stores In response, the app's policy manager Kathryn Harnett said ''WhatsApp protects our users’ personal messages with end-to-end encryption, but we want to remind people that we all have a role to play in keeping our accounts safe by remaining vigilant to the threat of scammers.'' ''We advise all users never to share their six-digit pin code with others, not even friends or family, and recommend that all users set up two-step verification for added security.'' Facebook for the first time on Tuesday disclosed the prevalence of bullying and harassment on its platform, saying such content was seen between 14 and 15 times per every 10,000 views on the site in the third quarter. Also read | 'Requires lot of work': Microsoft President Brad Smith downplays metaverse 'hype' The company, which recently changed its name to Meta, also said in its quarterly content moderation report that bullying and harassment content was seen between 5 and 6 times per 10,000 views of content on Instagram. The social media giant, long under scrutiny over its handling of abuses on its services, has been in the spotlight after a former employee and whistleblower Frances Haugen leaked internal documents that include research and discussions about Instagram's effects on the mental health of teens and on whether Facebook's platforms stoke divisions. Haugen has said the documents show the company picked profits over user safety. Facebook disputed this characteriSation, saying the documents were being used to paint a "false picture." The documents, which were first reported by the Wall Street Journal, have spurred calls for Facebook to be more transparent and have raised questions over whether metrics such as prevalence give the full picture of how the company handles abuses. (With inputs from agencies)

What is 'friend in need' scam being faced by WhatsApp users?

Mickey Mouse is poised to venture into the metaverse. 
 
Walt Disney CEO Bob Chapek said the entertainment conglomerate is preparing to make the technological leap into a virtual reality world first imagined by science fiction writers. 
 
It is a popular destination these days, ever since Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced the future of his company would be devoted to creating a robust, three-dimensional environment where users’ digital avatars would work, hang out and pursue their hobbies. 
 
Other big companies, including game-makers Roblox Corp and Epic Games, and software giant Microsoft Corp, are working on their own metaverses. Disney’s plan was notably devoid of specifics, beyond dropping a buzzword that has animated Silicon Valley. 
 
Chapek told investors Wednesday that entering this new digital frontier is consistent with Disney’s long history of technological innovation, dating back nearly a century to Steamboat Willie, the first cartoon to feature synchronized sound. 
 
“Our efforts to date are merely a prologue to a time when we`ll be able to connect the physical and digital worlds even more closely, allowing for storytelling, without boundaries in our own Disney Metaverse,” Chapek said during Disney’s fourth-quarter earnings call. 
 
In an interview with CNBC, Chapek said he envisions it as an extension of streaming video service Disney+ -- through the “three-dimensional canvass” he envisions for new types of storytelling. 
 
Disney’s former executive vice president of digital, Tilak Mandadi, wrote on LinkedIn in 2020 about creating a theme park metaverse, where “physical and digital world converge” through wearable devices, smartphones and digital access points. 
 
Not all of Disney’s digital forays have had happy endings. Its online children’s social network, Club Penguin, shuttered in 2017, after 11 years. Its entry into social gaming, via its $563.2 million purchase of Playdom in 2010, resulted in a write-down. Its efforts to capitalize on the galloping popularity of short-form YouTube videos through a $500 million acquisition of Maker Studios in 2014, resulted in the operation being absorbed into other parts of the company.

Mickey Mouse is poised to venture into the metaverse. Walt Disney CEO Bob Chapek said the entertainment conglomerate is preparing to make the technological leap into a virtual reality world first imagined by science fiction writers.

Mickey Mouse is poised to venture into the metaverse. Walt Disney CEO Bob Chapek said the entertainment conglomerate is preparing to make the technological leap into a virtual reality world first imagined by science fiction writers. It is a popular destination these days, ever since Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced the future of his company would be devoted to creating a robust, three-dimensional environment where users’ digital avatars would work, hang out and pursue their hobbies. Other big companies, including game-makers Roblox Corp and Epic Games, and software giant Microsoft Corp, are working on their own metaverses. Disney’s plan was notably devoid of specifics, beyond dropping a buzzword that has animated Silicon Valley. Chapek told investors Wednesday that entering this new digital frontier is consistent with Disney’s long history of technological innovation, dating back nearly a century to Steamboat Willie, the first cartoon to feature synchronized sound. “Our efforts to date are merely a prologue to a time when we`ll be able to connect the physical and digital worlds even more closely, allowing for storytelling, without boundaries in our own Disney Metaverse,” Chapek said during Disney’s fourth-quarter earnings call. In an interview with CNBC, Chapek said he envisions it as an extension of streaming video service Disney+ -- through the “three-dimensional canvass” he envisions for new types of storytelling. Disney’s former executive vice president of digital, Tilak Mandadi, wrote on LinkedIn in 2020 about creating a theme park metaverse, where “physical and digital world converge” through wearable devices, smartphones and digital access points. Not all of Disney’s digital forays have had happy endings. Its online children’s social network, Club Penguin, shuttered in 2017, after 11 years. Its entry into social gaming, via its $563.2 million purchase of Playdom in 2010, resulted in a write-down. Its efforts to capitalize on the galloping popularity of short-form YouTube videos through a $500 million acquisition of Maker Studios in 2014, resulted in the operation being absorbed into other parts of the company.

Disney wants to become the happiest place in the metaverse

YouTube have started hiding public dislike statistics on content throughout the platform from Wednesday.

According to the firm, the change is intended to protect smaller creators from hate assaults or harassment, as well as to foster "respectful relationships between viewers and creators."

The hate button will remain, but it will be used for private criticism rather than public shame. Users can still click the thumbs down button on videos to signal their dislike to creators privately.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, creators will be able to track their dislikes in YouTube Studio alongside other analytics about their video’s performance, if they choose.

Given the extent to which it affects the public's visibility into a video's reception, the decision is sure to be contentious.

However, YouTube believes the adjustment would better protect its artists from abuse and lessen the potential of "dislike assaults," which occur when a group works together to increase the number of dislikes a video receives.&nbsp;

The modification is the result of an experiment conducted by YouTube earlier this year to see if such adjustments might reduce hate assaults and creator harassment.

YouTube said at the time that public hate counts can have an impact on producers' well-being and may encourage focused campaigns to increase dislikes to videos.

While this is true, dislikes may also be used to alert people when videos are clickbait, spam, or misleading, which can be valuable.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

YouTube have started hiding public dislike statistics on content throughout the platform from Wednesday. According to the firm, the change is intended to protect smaller creators from hate assaults or harassment, as well as to foster "respectful relationships between viewers and creators.

YouTube have started hiding public dislike statistics on content throughout the platform from Wednesday. According to the firm, the change is intended to protect smaller creators from hate assaults or harassment, as well as to foster "respectful relationships between viewers and creators." The hate button will remain, but it will be used for private criticism rather than public shame. Users can still click the thumbs down button on videos to signal their dislike to creators privately. Meanwhile, creators will be able to track their dislikes in YouTube Studio alongside other analytics about their video’s performance, if they choose. Given the extent to which it affects the public's visibility into a video's reception, the decision is sure to be contentious. However, YouTube believes the adjustment would better protect its artists from abuse and lessen the potential of "dislike assaults," which occur when a group works together to increase the number of dislikes a video receives. The modification is the result of an experiment conducted by YouTube earlier this year to see if such adjustments might reduce hate assaults and creator harassment. YouTube said at the time that public hate counts can have an impact on producers' well-being and may encourage focused campaigns to increase dislikes to videos. While this is true, dislikes may also be used to alert people when videos are clickbait, spam, or misleading, which can be valuable. (With inputs from agencies)

YouTube gives dislikes the thumbs-down, hides public counts

A US judge has rejected Apple's request to delay letting App Store offerings bypass its payment system as ordered by the court, saying it had 30 days to comply in a case brought by Epic Games, the creator of Fortnite.

Apple wanted the change -- ordered to be implemented by a December 9 deadline -- put on hold as it appeals a ruling in September by judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers in the antitrust suit filed by Epic.

Epic filed the lawsuit to break Apple's grip on the App Store, accusing the iPhone maker of operating a monopoly in its shop for digital goods or services.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/uks-top-court-blocks-class-action-lawsuit-against-google-428249" hreflang="en">UK's top court blocks class action lawsuit against Google</a>

In Tuesday's ruling, judge Gonzalez Rogers ordered Apple to loosen control of its App Store payment options, but said Epic had failed to prove that antitrust violations had taken place.

"Apple's motion is based on a selective reading of this court's findings and ignores all of the findings which supported the injunction," Gonzalez Rogers wrote in the order.

"Namely incipient antitrust conduct including supercompetitive commission rates resulting in extraordinarily high operating margins and which have not been correlated to the value of its intellectual property."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/apples-first-computer-hand-built-by-jobs-and-wozniak-sells-for-400000-428086" hreflang="en">Apple's first computer hand-built by Jobs and Wozniak sells for $400,000</a>

The judge reasoned that Apple's policies not allowing app developers to steer users to payment platforms outside the App Store as being a factor in the "antitrust conduct."

"Apple believes no additional business changes should be required to take effect until all appeals in this case are resolved," an Apple spokesperson said in response to an AFP inquiry.

"We intend to ask the Ninth Circuit for a stay based on these circumstances," the spokesperson said, referring to a federal appeals court.

After the ruling in September, Apple said it was "very happy" with the decision overall.

The judge's order permanently barred Apple from prohibiting developers from including in their apps "external links or other calls to action that direct customers to purchasing mechanisms."

Apple can still mandate that its payment systems be used for in-app transactions.

For Epic and others, the ability to redirect users to an out-of-app payment method is not enough: it wants players to be able to pay directly without leaving the game.

Both Epic and Apple have appealed the trial verdict.

Apple's argument that letting app makers link to outside payment systems could lead to a loss of trust and integrity in the software platform on which its mobile devices rely are "exaggerated," the judge wrote.

Apple in October updated its App Store rules to allow developers to contact users directly about payments, a concession in a legal settlement with companies challenging its tightly controlled marketplace.

According to the updated App Store rules, developers can now contact consumers directly about alternative payment methods, bypassing Apple's commission of 15 or 30 percent.

Apple proposed the changes in August in a legal settlement with small app developers. 
&nbsp;

A US judge has rejected Apple's request to delay letting App Store offerings bypass its payment system as ordered by the court, saying it had 30 days to comply in a case brought by Epic Games, the creator of Fortnite.

A US judge has rejected Apple's request to delay letting App Store offerings bypass its payment system as ordered by the court, saying it had 30 days to comply in a case brought by Epic Games, the creator of Fortnite. Apple wanted the change -- ordered to be implemented by a December 9 deadline -- put on hold as it appeals a ruling in September by judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers in the antitrust suit filed by Epic. Epic filed the lawsuit to break Apple's grip on the App Store, accusing the iPhone maker of operating a monopoly in its shop for digital goods or services. Also read | UK's top court blocks class action lawsuit against Google In Tuesday's ruling, judge Gonzalez Rogers ordered Apple to loosen control of its App Store payment options, but said Epic had failed to prove that antitrust violations had taken place. "Apple's motion is based on a selective reading of this court's findings and ignores all of the findings which supported the injunction," Gonzalez Rogers wrote in the order. "Namely incipient antitrust conduct including supercompetitive commission rates resulting in extraordinarily high operating margins and which have not been correlated to the value of its intellectual property." Also read | Apple's first computer hand-built by Jobs and Wozniak sells for $400,000 The judge reasoned that Apple's policies not allowing app developers to steer users to payment platforms outside the App Store as being a factor in the "antitrust conduct." "Apple believes no additional business changes should be required to take effect until all appeals in this case are resolved," an Apple spokesperson said in response to an AFP inquiry. "We intend to ask the Ninth Circuit for a stay based on these circumstances," the spokesperson said, referring to a federal appeals court. After the ruling in September, Apple said it was "very happy" with the decision overall. The judge's order permanently barred Apple from prohibiting developers from including in their apps "external links or other calls to action that direct customers to purchasing mechanisms." Apple can still mandate that its payment systems be used for in-app transactions. For Epic and others, the ability to redirect users to an out-of-app payment method is not enough: it wants players to be able to pay directly without leaving the game. Both Epic and Apple have appealed the trial verdict. Apple's argument that letting app makers link to outside payment systems could lead to a loss of trust and integrity in the software platform on which its mobile devices rely are "exaggerated," the judge wrote. Apple in October updated its App Store rules to allow developers to contact users directly about payments, a concession in a legal settlement with companies challenging its tightly controlled marketplace. According to the updated App Store rules, developers can now contact consumers directly about alternative payment methods, bypassing Apple's commission of 15 or 30 percent. Apple proposed the changes in August in a legal settlement with small app developers.

Apple loses bid to stall apps bypassing pay system in Epic Games case

Apple-1, the original Apple computer hand-built by company founders Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak,&nbsp;went for $400,000&nbsp;at&nbsp;an auction&nbsp;in the US.&nbsp;

John Moran Auctioneers in Monrovia, California, auctioned it off on Tuesday&nbsp;one of 200 Apple-1 computers that was made 45 years ago.

The so-called "Chaffey College" Apple-1 is one of only 200 made by Jobs and Wozniak at the very start of the company's odyssey from garage start-up to megalith worth $2 trillion.

The auctioned computer is called "Chaffey College" is because its original owner was a professor at Chaffey College in Rancho Cucamonga, California. He later sold the computer to a student in 1977 so that he could buy an Apple-II computer.&nbsp;

The student, who remains unidentified, has kept the computer until now.

The functioning Apple-1 is the great-great-grandfather of today's sleek chrome-and-glass Macbooks. It is expected that the computer will fetch USD 600,000 at the auction in California.

The piece to be auctioned is rarer still than most other Apple-1 computers. This one is encased in koa wood, a richly patinated wood native to Hawaii. Only a handful of the original 200 were made in this way.

Jobs and Wozniak mostly sold Apple-1s as component parts. One computer shop that took a delivery of around 50 units decided to encase some of them in wood, the auction house said.

"This is kind of the holy grail for vintage electronics and computer tech collectors," Apple-1 expert Corey Cohen told the Los Angeles Times. "That really makes it exciting for a lot of people."

Auction house John Moran Auctioneers says the device, which comes with a 1986 Panasonic video monitor, has only ever had two owners.

"It was originally purchased by an electronics professor at Chaffey College in Rancho Cucamonga, California, who then sold it to his student in 1977," a listing on the auction house's website says.

The Los Angeles Times reported the student -- who has not been named -- paid just $650 for it at the time. 
That student now stands to make a pretty penny: a working Apple-1 that came to the market in 2014 was sold by Bonhams for more than $900,000.

"A lot of people just want to know what kind of a person collects Apple-1 computers and it's not just people in the tech industry," Cohen said.

Apple raced to success in the late 1970s and early 1980s, but floundered after the departure of Jobs and Wozniak.

The company was reinvigorated in the late 1990s, and Jobs was brought back into the fold as the chief executive.

He oversaw the launch of the iPod, and later the world-changing iPhone, before his death in 2011.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Apple-1, the original Apple computer hand-built by company founders Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak, went for $400,000 at an auction in the US. John Moran Auctioneers in Monrovia, California, auctioned it off on Tuesday one of 200 Apple-1 computers that was made 45 years ago.

Apple-1, the original Apple computer hand-built by company founders Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak, went for $400,000 at an auction in the US. John Moran Auctioneers in Monrovia, California, auctioned it off on Tuesday one of 200 Apple-1 computers that was made 45 years ago. The so-called "Chaffey College" Apple-1 is one of only 200 made by Jobs and Wozniak at the very start of the company's odyssey from garage start-up to megalith worth $2 trillion. The auctioned computer is called "Chaffey College" is because its original owner was a professor at Chaffey College in Rancho Cucamonga, California. He later sold the computer to a student in 1977 so that he could buy an Apple-II computer. The student, who remains unidentified, has kept the computer until now. The functioning Apple-1 is the great-great-grandfather of today's sleek chrome-and-glass Macbooks. It is expected that the computer will fetch USD 600,000 at the auction in California. The piece to be auctioned is rarer still than most other Apple-1 computers. This one is encased in koa wood, a richly patinated wood native to Hawaii. Only a handful of the original 200 were made in this way. Jobs and Wozniak mostly sold Apple-1s as component parts. One computer shop that took a delivery of around 50 units decided to encase some of them in wood, the auction house said. "This is kind of the holy grail for vintage electronics and computer tech collectors," Apple-1 expert Corey Cohen told the Los Angeles Times. "That really makes it exciting for a lot of people." Auction house John Moran Auctioneers says the device, which comes with a 1986 Panasonic video monitor, has only ever had two owners. "It was originally purchased by an electronics professor at Chaffey College in Rancho Cucamonga, California, who then sold it to his student in 1977," a listing on the auction house's website says. The Los Angeles Times reported the student -- who has not been named -- paid just $650 for it at the time. That student now stands to make a pretty penny: a working Apple-1 that came to the market in 2014 was sold by Bonhams for more than $900,000. "A lot of people just want to know what kind of a person collects Apple-1 computers and it's not just people in the tech industry," Cohen said. Apple raced to success in the late 1970s and early 1980s, but floundered after the departure of Jobs and Wozniak. The company was reinvigorated in the late 1990s, and Jobs was brought back into the fold as the chief executive. He oversaw the launch of the iPod, and later the world-changing iPhone, before his death in 2011. (With inputs from agencies)

Apple's first computer hand-built by Jobs and Wozniak sells for $400,000

The top court in Britain has blocked a class action against Google, accused of illegally tracking millions of iPhone users.

The Supreme Court said in a statement that it "unanimously dismisses" the legal action brought by campaigners against the US-based tech giant on behalf of 4.4 million people in England and Wales.

The country's first such data privacy case is bound to upset a string of similar claims against technology giants such as Facebook and TikTok, already waiting in the wings.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/google-wants-to-work-with-the-pentagon-again-despite-employee-concerns-426580">Also read |&nbsp;Google wants to work with the Pentagon again, despite employee concerns</a>

If the court had allowed the lawsuit to proceed, a fine worth 3.2 billion pounds ($4.3 billion) would have been imposed on Google in the hotly-anticipated judgment.

However, Google suffered a major setback after Europe's second-highest court dismissed its challenge to an EU antitrust ruling and 2.42 billion euro ($2.8 billion) fine in a major win for EU competition chief Margrethe Vestager.

The matter could be challenged again, however, if Google decides to turn to the EU's highest court, the European Court of Justice, for a final say.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/google-collects-data-in-incognito-mode-consumers-allege-in-lawsuit-370408">Also read |&nbsp;Google collects data in incognito mode, consumers allege in lawsuit</a>

The case centres on Google's shopping service and is one of three against the search engine giant currently moving through the EU's drawn-out appeals system.

The shopping case was the first of a trio of decisions that have seen Google rack up a total of 8.25 billion euros in EU antitrust fines in the last decade.

"The General Court largely dismisses Google's action against the decision of the Commission finding that Google abused its dominant position by favouring its own comparison shopping service over competing comparison shopping services," the Court said.

(With inputs from agencies)

The top court in Britain has blocked a class action against Google, accused of illegally tracking millions of iPhone users. The Supreme Court said in a statement that it "unanimously dismisses" the legal action brought by campaigners against the US-based tech giant on behalf of 4.

The top court in Britain has blocked a class action against Google, accused of illegally tracking millions of iPhone users. The Supreme Court said in a statement that it "unanimously dismisses" the legal action brought by campaigners against the US-based tech giant on behalf of 4.4 million people in England and Wales. The country's first such data privacy case is bound to upset a string of similar claims against technology giants such as Facebook and TikTok, already waiting in the wings. Also read | Google wants to work with the Pentagon again, despite employee concerns If the court had allowed the lawsuit to proceed, a fine worth 3.2 billion pounds ($4.3 billion) would have been imposed on Google in the hotly-anticipated judgment. However, Google suffered a major setback after Europe's second-highest court dismissed its challenge to an EU antitrust ruling and 2.42 billion euro ($2.8 billion) fine in a major win for EU competition chief Margrethe Vestager. The matter could be challenged again, however, if Google decides to turn to the EU's highest court, the European Court of Justice, for a final say. Also read | Google collects data in incognito mode, consumers allege in lawsuit The case centres on Google's shopping service and is one of three against the search engine giant currently moving through the EU's drawn-out appeals system. The shopping case was the first of a trio of decisions that have seen Google rack up a total of 8.25 billion euros in EU antitrust fines in the last decade. "The General Court largely dismisses Google's action against the decision of the Commission finding that Google abused its dominant position by favouring its own comparison shopping service over competing comparison shopping services," the Court said. (With inputs from agencies)

UK's top court blocks class action lawsuit against Google

World's richest person Elon Musk has already lost $50 billion this week as Tesla Inc. shares fell for the second day in a row.

Musk is currently worth $323 billion, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, notwithstanding the losses.

According to Bloomberg, the $50 billion loss is the greatest two-day drop in the index's history.&nbsp;

Tesla's stock dropped dramatically this week after Musk asked his Twitter followers over the weekend if he should sell 10% of his stock to pay taxes. 
 
Watch | Gravitas: The story of Elon Musk

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-the-story-of-elon-musk-355489/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The answer was a resounding yes, sending Tesla stock plunging as much as 7% on Monday.

Tesla's stock price fell as much as 12% on Tuesday after notorious short-seller Michael Burry hinted in a now-deleted tweet that Musk may seek to sell his shares to meet his personal obligations.

Share prices were also dragged down by reports that Musk's cousin and EV business director, Kimbal Musk, sold more than $100 million in Tesla stock last week.&nbsp;

Despite this week's steep drop, Tesla shares are still up 40% year to date - and Musk remains the richest man on the planet, trailing second-wealthiest man Jeff Bezos by $122 billion, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

World's richest person Elon Musk has already lost $50 billion this week as Tesla Inc. shares fell for the second day in a row. Musk is currently worth $323 billion, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, notwithstanding the losses.

World's richest person Elon Musk has already lost $50 billion this week as Tesla Inc. shares fell for the second day in a row. Musk is currently worth $323 billion, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, notwithstanding the losses. According to Bloomberg, the $50 billion loss is the greatest two-day drop in the index's history. Tesla's stock dropped dramatically this week after Musk asked his Twitter followers over the weekend if he should sell 10% of his stock to pay taxes. Watch | Gravitas: The story of Elon Musk The answer was a resounding yes, sending Tesla stock plunging as much as 7% on Monday. Tesla's stock price fell as much as 12% on Tuesday after notorious short-seller Michael Burry hinted in a now-deleted tweet that Musk may seek to sell his shares to meet his personal obligations. Share prices were also dragged down by reports that Musk's cousin and EV business director, Kimbal Musk, sold more than $100 million in Tesla stock last week. Despite this week's steep drop, Tesla shares are still up 40% year to date - and Musk remains the richest man on the planet, trailing second-wealthiest man Jeff Bezos by $122 billion, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. (With inputs from agencies)

Elon Musk loses record $50 billion in 2 days as Tesla shares fall

A British defence company Ultra Electronics has unveiled a working prototype of a mind-controlled drone at the defence and security expo in Malvern, England.&nbsp;

The technology allows a person sitting behind a computer screen to control the movements through his or her thought and all there is to do is focus one's attention and eyes on specific circles on the computer screen.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/watch-rivers-of-lava-drone-footage-shows-lava-flowing-from-spains-cumbre-vieja-volcano-426535">Watch | 'Rivers of lava': Drone footage shows lava flowing from Spain's Cumbre Vieja volcano</a>

Interestingly, the laptop doesn't use its webcam to look at the user, it is the human mind which instructs the drone through the brain sensor worn on the user's head.

A pilot can control the drone and make it take off, land and even rotate it in the air through the power of the mind.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-coaxing-wayward-elephants-home-with-drones-and-bananas-404631">Also Read:&nbsp;China coaxing wayward elephants home with drones and bananas</a>

The drone could prove to be a "gamechanger" for the defence sector since it reduces the number of hand-held controllers for soldiers.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/over-3000-drones-take-over-skies-in-china-setting-a-world-record-375454">Also Read:&nbsp;Over 3,000 drones take over skies in China setting a world record</a>

The developers say the technology can be applied in many sectors from unmanned ground vehicles to unmanned naval vessels. There are plans to develop a fully wearable device and test it on the battlefield.

A British defence company Ultra Electronics has unveiled a working prototype of a mind-controlled drone at the defence and security expo in Malvern, England. The technology allows a person sitting behind a computer screen to control the movements through his or her thought and all there is to do is focus one's attention and eyes on specific circles on the computer screen.

A British defence company Ultra Electronics has unveiled a working prototype of a mind-controlled drone at the defence and security expo in Malvern, England. The technology allows a person sitting behind a computer screen to control the movements through his or her thought and all there is to do is focus one's attention and eyes on specific circles on the computer screen. Watch | 'Rivers of lava': Drone footage shows lava flowing from Spain's Cumbre Vieja volcano Interestingly, the laptop doesn't use its webcam to look at the user, it is the human mind which instructs the drone through the brain sensor worn on the user's head. A pilot can control the drone and make it take off, land and even rotate it in the air through the power of the mind. Also Read: China coaxing wayward elephants home with drones and bananas The drone could prove to be a "gamechanger" for the defence sector since it reduces the number of hand-held controllers for soldiers. Also Read: Over 3,000 drones take over skies in China setting a world record The developers say the technology can be applied in many sectors from unmanned ground vehicles to unmanned naval vessels. There are plans to develop a fully wearable device and test it on the battlefield.

British firm unveils prototype of mind-controlled drone

Since 1989, Microchip Technology has operated in an unglamorous backwater of the electronics industry, making chips called microcontrollers that add computing power to cars, industrial equipment and many other products.

Now a global chip shortage has elevated the company’s profile. Demand for Microchip’s products is running more than 50% higher than it can supply. That has put the company, based in Chandler, Arizona, in an unfamiliar position of power, which it began wielding this year.

While Microchip normally lets customers cancel a chip order within 90 days of delivery, it began offering shipment priority to clients that signed contracts for 12 months of orders that couldn’t be revoked or rescheduled. These commitments reduced the chances that orders would evaporate when the scarcity ended, giving Microchip more confidence to safely hire workers and buy costly equipment to increase production.

“It gives us the ability to not hold back,” said Ganesh Moorthy, president and CEO of Microchip, which Thursday reported that profit in the latest quarter tripled and that sales rose 26% to $1.65 billion.

Such contracts are just one example of how the $500 billion chip industry is changing because of the silicon shortage, with many of the shifts likely to outlive the pandemic-fueled dearth. The lack of the tiny components — which has pinched makers of cars, game consoles, medical devices and many other goods — has been a stark reminder of the foundational nature of chips, which act as the brains of computers and other products.

Chief among the changes is a long-term shift in market power from chip buyers to sellers, particularly those that own factories that make the semiconductors. The most visible beneficiaries have been giant chip manufacturers like Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., which offer services called foundries that build chips for other companies.

But the shortage has also sharply bolstered the influence of lesser-known chip makers such as Microchip, NXP Semiconductors, STMicroelectronics, Onsemi and Infineon, which design and sell thousands of chip varieties to thousands of customers. These companies, which build many products in their own aging factories, now are increasingly able to choose which customers get how many of their scarce chips.

Many are favoring buyers who act more like partners, by taking steps like signing long-term purchase commitments or investing to help chip makers increase production. Above all, the chip makers are asking clients to share more information earlier about which chips they will need, which helps guide decisions about how to lift manufacturing.

“That visibility is what we need,” said Hassane El-Khoury, CEO of chip maker Onsemi, a company previously known as ON Semiconductor.

Many of the chip makers said they were using their new power with restraint, helping customers avoid problems like factory shutdowns and raising prices modestly. That’s because gouging customers, they said, could cause bad blood that would hurt sales when shortages end.

Even so, the power shift has been unmistakable. “Today there is no leverage” for buyers, said Mark Adams, CEO of Smart Global Holdings, a major user of memory chips.

Marvell Technology, a Silicon Valley company that designs chips and outsources the manufacturing, has experienced the change in power. While it used to give foundries estimates of its chip production needs for 12 months, it began providing them with five-year forecasts starting in April.

“You need a really good story,” said Matt Murphy, Marvell’s CEO. “Ultimately the supply chain is going to allocate to who they think are going to be the winners.”

It’s a substantial change in psychology for a mature industry where growth has generally been slow. Many chip makers for years sold largely interchangeable products and often struggled to keep their factories running profitably, particularly if sales slumped for items like personal computers and smartphones that drove most chip demand.

But the components are essential for more products now, one of many signs that rapid growth may linger. In the third quarter, total chip sales surged nearly 28% to $144.8 billion, the Semiconductor Industry Association said.

Years of industry consolidation has also wrung out excess manufacturing capacity and left fewer suppliers selling exclusive kinds of chips. So buyers that could once place and cancel orders with little notice — and play one chip maker off another to get lower prices — have less muscle.

One effect of these changes was to make chip factories more valuable, including some older ones owned by foundries. That’s because new manufacturing processes have become so costly that some chip designers aren’t shifting to the most advanced factories to make their products. The result has been a demand crunch for less-expensive production lines that are 5-10 years old.

So some foundries, in a major strategy shift, are beginning to put more money into older production technology. TSMC recently said it would build such a plant in Japan. Samsung Electronics, a key foundry rival, has also said it was considering a new “legacy” factory.

But those investments will take several years to pay off. And they won’t address issues affecting chips like microcontrollers, which are a microcosm for the supply chain squeeze.

Microcontrollers combine the ability to make calculations with built-in memory to store programs and data, often adding features that only come from specialized factories. And the number of applications is skyrocketing, from brake and engine systems in cars to security cameras, credit cards, electric scooters and drones.

“We’ve probably sold more microcontrollers in the past year than the past decade,” said Marc Barnhill, chief trading officer at Smith, a chip distributor based in Houston. The wait to receive some popular microcontrollers now stretches to more than a year, he said, and prices for the products have leapt 20-fold among traders that buy and sell chips.

Amid the turmoil, companies that design or use chips have responded with new tactics. Some designers are adapting their products to be made in different factories with more manufacturing capacity, said Shiv Tasker, a global vice president engaged in that practice for the consultancy Capgemini.

And customers that once bought chips based on price and performance also are thinking more about availability.

Consider BrightAI, a startup developing devices and software to help businesses connect equipment and other devices to the internet. Alex Hawkinson, its co-founder, said it redesigned one circuit board four times in six months to adapt to different chips. The company also transferred some designers to China to revise products more quickly with components obtained there, he said.

Bigger chip users like automakers have started talking directly with manufacturers, rather than following the typical practice of working through subcontractors. Last month, General Motors forged a deal with the chip maker Wolfspeed to ensure a share of the semiconductors coming from a new factory that makes energy-efficient components for electric vehicles.

While the chip industry’s power shift has aided Microchip, it has also come with its own headaches. Moorthy said the company had managed to produce more chips in its three main factories in Arizona and Oregon, as well as get more from foundry partners. But demand is growing faster than what it can produce.

“We are falling farther behind,” he said.

Expanding Microchip’s own plants isn’t easy. For one thing, the company has always relied heavily on buying used manufacturing equipment, but “that whole thing has dried up,” Moorthy said.

Acquiring new gear can take 12-18 months and costs more, he said. While the long-term purchase agreements have provided more stability to make such investments, Microchip and others also hope Congress approves a $52 billion funding package, which is expected to include grants to subsidize more U.S. chip production.

“Are we counting on it to run our business? No,” said Moorthy. “Would it help some of our investment choices? Absolutely.”

Since 1989, Microchip Technology has operated in an unglamorous backwater of the electronics industry, making chips called microcontrollers that add computing power to cars, industrial equipment and many other products.

Since 1989, Microchip Technology has operated in an unglamorous backwater of the electronics industry, making chips called microcontrollers that add computing power to cars, industrial equipment and many other products. Now a global chip shortage has elevated the company’s profile. Demand for Microchip’s products is running more than 50% higher than it can supply. That has put the company, based in Chandler, Arizona, in an unfamiliar position of power, which it began wielding this year. While Microchip normally lets customers cancel a chip order within 90 days of delivery, it began offering shipment priority to clients that signed contracts for 12 months of orders that couldn’t be revoked or rescheduled. These commitments reduced the chances that orders would evaporate when the scarcity ended, giving Microchip more confidence to safely hire workers and buy costly equipment to increase production. “It gives us the ability to not hold back,” said Ganesh Moorthy, president and CEO of Microchip, which Thursday reported that profit in the latest quarter tripled and that sales rose 26% to $1.65 billion. Such contracts are just one example of how the $500 billion chip industry is changing because of the silicon shortage, with many of the shifts likely to outlive the pandemic-fueled dearth. The lack of the tiny components — which has pinched makers of cars, game consoles, medical devices and many other goods — has been a stark reminder of the foundational nature of chips, which act as the brains of computers and other products. Chief among the changes is a long-term shift in market power from chip buyers to sellers, particularly those that own factories that make the semiconductors. The most visible beneficiaries have been giant chip manufacturers like Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., which offer services called foundries that build chips for other companies. But the shortage has also sharply bolstered the influence of lesser-known chip makers such as Microchip, NXP Semiconductors, STMicroelectronics, Onsemi and Infineon, which design and sell thousands of chip varieties to thousands of customers. These companies, which build many products in their own aging factories, now are increasingly able to choose which customers get how many of their scarce chips. Many are favoring buyers who act more like partners, by taking steps like signing long-term purchase commitments or investing to help chip makers increase production. Above all, the chip makers are asking clients to share more information earlier about which chips they will need, which helps guide decisions about how to lift manufacturing. “That visibility is what we need,” said Hassane El-Khoury, CEO of chip maker Onsemi, a company previously known as ON Semiconductor. Many of the chip makers said they were using their new power with restraint, helping customers avoid problems like factory shutdowns and raising prices modestly. That’s because gouging customers, they said, could cause bad blood that would hurt sales when shortages end. Even so, the power shift has been unmistakable. “Today there is no leverage” for buyers, said Mark Adams, CEO of Smart Global Holdings, a major user of memory chips. Marvell Technology, a Silicon Valley company that designs chips and outsources the manufacturing, has experienced the change in power. While it used to give foundries estimates of its chip production needs for 12 months, it began providing them with five-year forecasts starting in April. “You need a really good story,” said Matt Murphy, Marvell’s CEO. “Ultimately the supply chain is going to allocate to who they think are going to be the winners.” It’s a substantial change in psychology for a mature industry where growth has generally been slow. Many chip makers for years sold largely interchangeable products and often struggled to keep their factories running profitably, particularly if sales slumped for items like personal computers and smartphones that drove most chip demand. But the components are essential for more products now, one of many signs that rapid growth may linger. In the third quarter, total chip sales surged nearly 28% to $144.8 billion, the Semiconductor Industry Association said. Years of industry consolidation has also wrung out excess manufacturing capacity and left fewer suppliers selling exclusive kinds of chips. So buyers that could once place and cancel orders with little notice — and play one chip maker off another to get lower prices — have less muscle. One effect of these changes was to make chip factories more valuable, including some older ones owned by foundries. That’s because new manufacturing processes have become so costly that some chip designers aren’t shifting to the most advanced factories to make their products. The result has been a demand crunch for less-expensive production lines that are 5-10 years old. So some foundries, in a major strategy shift, are beginning to put more money into older production technology. TSMC recently said it would build such a plant in Japan. Samsung Electronics, a key foundry rival, has also said it was considering a new “legacy” factory. But those investments will take several years to pay off. And they won’t address issues affecting chips like microcontrollers, which are a microcosm for the supply chain squeeze. Microcontrollers combine the ability to make calculations with built-in memory to store programs and data, often adding features that only come from specialized factories. And the number of applications is skyrocketing, from brake and engine systems in cars to security cameras, credit cards, electric scooters and drones. “We’ve probably sold more microcontrollers in the past year than the past decade,” said Marc Barnhill, chief trading officer at Smith, a chip distributor based in Houston. The wait to receive some popular microcontrollers now stretches to more than a year, he said, and prices for the products have leapt 20-fold among traders that buy and sell chips. Amid the turmoil, companies that design or use chips have responded with new tactics. Some designers are adapting their products to be made in different factories with more manufacturing capacity, said Shiv Tasker, a global vice president engaged in that practice for the consultancy Capgemini. And customers that once bought chips based on price and performance also are thinking more about availability. Consider BrightAI, a startup developing devices and software to help businesses connect equipment and other devices to the internet. Alex Hawkinson, its co-founder, said it redesigned one circuit board four times in six months to adapt to different chips. The company also transferred some designers to China to revise products more quickly with components obtained there, he said. Bigger chip users like automakers have started talking directly with manufacturers, rather than following the typical practice of working through subcontractors. Last month, General Motors forged a deal with the chip maker Wolfspeed to ensure a share of the semiconductors coming from a new factory that makes energy-efficient components for electric vehicles. While the chip industry’s power shift has aided Microchip, it has also come with its own headaches. Moorthy said the company had managed to produce more chips in its three main factories in Arizona and Oregon, as well as get more from foundry partners. But demand is growing faster than what it can produce. “We are falling farther behind,” he said. Expanding Microchip’s own plants isn’t easy. For one thing, the company has always relied heavily on buying used manufacturing equipment, but “that whole thing has dried up,” Moorthy said. Acquiring new gear can take 12-18 months and costs more, he said. While the long-term purchase agreements have provided more stability to make such investments, Microchip and others also hope Congress approves a $52 billion funding package, which is expected to include grants to subsidize more U.S. chip production. “Are we counting on it to run our business? No,” said Moorthy. “Would it help some of our investment choices? Absolutely.”

Chip shortage creates new power players

Google is commemorating Cybersecurity Awareness Month by announcing that by the end of the year, it will automatically enable two-factor authentication for its 150 million Google accounts.

The password serves as a means of authenticating access to an account.

However, if the password is discovered, the account's security may be jeopardised.

Two-factor authentication comes into play in this situation. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/google-wants-to-work-with-the-pentagon-again-despite-employee-concerns-426580">Also read | Google wants to work with the Pentagon again, despite employee concerns</a>

Two-factor authentication protects your account by adding an extra layer of protection in the form of one-time passwords (OTPs) that we get on our phones or backup emails.

Google initially disclosed this in May, when it stated that two-factor authentication would be enabled by default. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/from-faang-to-manga-twitter-users-speculate-future-of-tech-companies-424901">Also read | From FAANG to MANGA: Twitter users speculate future of tech companies</a>

Google, on the other hand, said today that it is now auto-enrolling accounts with sufficient backup systems in place (about 150 million accounts), assuring a smooth transition.

What is two-factor authentication, and how does it work?

Two-factor authentication adds an extra degree of protection to your account, making it impossible for someone to log in even if they know your password.

Each time you try to log in, we'll email you a randomised 6-digit code to verify your identity.

You have the option of receiving your security code through text or voice call to your mobile phone (or an alternate phone number).&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Google is commemorating Cybersecurity Awareness Month by announcing that by the end of the year, it will automatically enable two-factor authentication for its 150 million Google accounts.

Google is commemorating Cybersecurity Awareness Month by announcing that by the end of the year, it will automatically enable two-factor authentication for its 150 million Google accounts. The password serves as a means of authenticating access to an account. However, if the password is discovered, the account's security may be jeopardised. Two-factor authentication comes into play in this situation. Also read | Google wants to work with the Pentagon again, despite employee concerns Two-factor authentication protects your account by adding an extra layer of protection in the form of one-time passwords (OTPs) that we get on our phones or backup emails. Google initially disclosed this in May, when it stated that two-factor authentication would be enabled by default. Also read | From FAANG to MANGA: Twitter users speculate future of tech companies Google, on the other hand, said today that it is now auto-enrolling accounts with sufficient backup systems in place (about 150 million accounts), assuring a smooth transition. What is two-factor authentication, and how does it work? Two-factor authentication adds an extra degree of protection to your account, making it impossible for someone to log in even if they know your password. Each time you try to log in, we'll email you a randomised 6-digit code to verify your identity. You have the option of receiving your security code through text or voice call to your mobile phone (or an alternate phone number). (With inputs from agencies)

Google enables two-factor authentication by default for millions of users

Tech giant Amazon is requesting permission from US communications regulators to deploy more than 4,500 additional satellites which are to be part of the company's effort to deliver broadband internet to areas around the world with no access to high-speed internet.

Previously, Amazon had unveiled plans to spend at least $10 billion for 3236 satellites under its Project Kuiper programme.

Late on Thursday, it asked the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for approval to deploy a total of 7,774 satellites for the project.

On Monday, Amazon asked the FCC for approval to launch and operate two prototype satellites by the end of 2022.

Amazon said in its filing the satellites "will serve households, hospitals, businesses, government agencies, and other organizations around the world, including in geographic areas where reliable broadband remains lacking."

"Although connectivity has improved on a global basis, only 51% of the global population, and 44% of the population of developing countries, are online," the company filing said.

Project Kuiper plan was approved by the FCC for the constellation of low-Earth orbit satellites to compete with the Starlink network being built out by Elon Musk’s SpaceX.

Amazon has sparred with Musk, recently accusing the billionaire of ignoring a variety of government-imposed rules.

Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and Musk are rivals in the private space launch business. Bezos' Blue Origin had challenged the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's decision to award a $2.9 billion lunar lander contract to SpaceX but a judge rejected the challenge on Thursday.

(With inputs from agencies)

Tech giant Amazon is requesting permission from US communications regulators to deploy more than 4,500 additional satellites which are to be part of the company's effort to deliver broadband internet to areas around the world with no access to high-speed internet.

Tech giant Amazon is requesting permission from US communications regulators to deploy more than 4,500 additional satellites which are to be part of the company's effort to deliver broadband internet to areas around the world with no access to high-speed internet. Previously, Amazon had unveiled plans to spend at least $10 billion for 3236 satellites under its Project Kuiper programme. Late on Thursday, it asked the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for approval to deploy a total of 7,774 satellites for the project. On Monday, Amazon asked the FCC for approval to launch and operate two prototype satellites by the end of 2022. Amazon said in its filing the satellites "will serve households, hospitals, businesses, government agencies, and other organizations around the world, including in geographic areas where reliable broadband remains lacking." "Although connectivity has improved on a global basis, only 51% of the global population, and 44% of the population of developing countries, are online," the company filing said. Project Kuiper plan was approved by the FCC for the constellation of low-Earth orbit satellites to compete with the Starlink network being built out by Elon Musk’s SpaceX. Amazon has sparred with Musk, recently accusing the billionaire of ignoring a variety of government-imposed rules. Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and Musk are rivals in the private space launch business. Bezos' Blue Origin had challenged the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's decision to award a $2.9 billion lunar lander contract to SpaceX but a judge rejected the challenge on Thursday. (With inputs from agencies)

Amazon asks permission to deploy 4,500 more satellites to bring internet to remote locations

Threat actors are promoting phoney cryptocurrency wallets and DEX platforms on Google Search in order to steal users' cryptocurrency.&nbsp;

Scammers have utilised the new form of phishing effort that didn't use emails to steal about $500,000 in cryptocurrencies from wallets.

According to Check Point Research, the criminals bought Google Ads placements for their fake wallet websites, such as Phantom App and MetaMask. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/islamic-organisation-in-indonesia-declares-fatwa-against-cryptocurrency-says-it-is-against-sharia-law-425871">Also read | Islamic organisation in Indonesia declares fatwa against cryptocurrency; says it is against Sharia law</a>

The malicious websites have URLs that are similar to the genuine service's, such as "phantonn.app" (the real service's URL is "phantom.app"), and designs that are likewise similar to the real thing.&nbsp; 
 
Watch | Will China to dominate cryptocurrency market?

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/will-china-to-dominate-cryptocurrency-market-419054/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

If the victim visits the false page and types in their password, the fraudsters will grab it.

The attacker's secret recovery phrase will be disclosed to the victim if they utilise the fraudulent website to establish a new wallet.

If they log in with the recovery phrase, they'll be logging into the account of the bad actor, and any funds moved to it will go to the fraudster.

The bogus website for MetaMask, in example, offers the option of importing an existing wallet.

Because this necessitates the use of a seed phrase, the fraudsters will have access to it as well.&nbsp;

Researchers at CheckPoint saw a surge in relevant scamming reports over the past weekend, with numerous ads tricking victims into visiting various typosquatted domains.

CheckPoint determined that the criminals used the same account to establish several wallets, each relating to a different victim, and received significant sums every few hours.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Threat actors are promoting phoney cryptocurrency wallets and DEX platforms on Google Search in order to steal users' cryptocurrency. Scammers have utilised the new form of phishing effort that didn't use emails to steal about $500,000 in cryptocurrencies from wallets.

Threat actors are promoting phoney cryptocurrency wallets and DEX platforms on Google Search in order to steal users' cryptocurrency. Scammers have utilised the new form of phishing effort that didn't use emails to steal about $500,000 in cryptocurrencies from wallets. According to Check Point Research, the criminals bought Google Ads placements for their fake wallet websites, such as Phantom App and MetaMask. Also read | Islamic organisation in Indonesia declares fatwa against cryptocurrency; says it is against Sharia law The malicious websites have URLs that are similar to the genuine service's, such as "phantonn.app" (the real service's URL is "phantom.app"), and designs that are likewise similar to the real thing. Watch | Will China to dominate cryptocurrency market? If the victim visits the false page and types in their password, the fraudsters will grab it. The attacker's secret recovery phrase will be disclosed to the victim if they utilise the fraudulent website to establish a new wallet. If they log in with the recovery phrase, they'll be logging into the account of the bad actor, and any funds moved to it will go to the fraudster. The bogus website for MetaMask, in example, offers the option of importing an existing wallet. Because this necessitates the use of a seed phrase, the fraudsters will have access to it as well. Researchers at CheckPoint saw a surge in relevant scamming reports over the past weekend, with numerous ads tricking victims into visiting various typosquatted domains. CheckPoint determined that the criminals used the same account to establish several wallets, each relating to a different victim, and received significant sums every few hours. (With inputs from agencies)

Cyber criminals used Google ads to steal $500,000 worth of cryptocurrency

One of Mark Zuckerberg’s first steps toward building the metaverse may be physical instead of virtual.

Meta, the social media company formerly known as Facebook, has discussed opening retail stores that will eventually span the world, said people with knowledge of the project and company documents viewed by The New York Times. The stores would be used to introduce people to devices made by the company’s Reality Labs division, such as virtual reality headsets and, eventually, augmented reality glasses, they said.

These devices are gateways to the metaverse, a futuristic digital world where people move from virtual to augmented versions of reality almost seamlessly. Zuckerberg, Facebook’s founder and CEO, last week renamed his company Meta and laid out a vision for pursuing the metaverse as the next social platform. The stores would help show people that virtual reality and augmented reality can be fun and exciting, exactly the way Zuckerberg sees it.

The aim of the stores is to make the world “more open and connected,” according to the company documents viewed by The Times. They are also intended to spark emotions like “curiosity, closeness,” as well as a sense of feeling “welcomed” while experimenting with headsets in a “judgment free journey,” according to the documents.

Discussions about physical stores predated Facebook’s rebranding by many months, with serious work on the initiative having started last year, the people said. And the project, which is still in development, may not proceed, they said. But if Meta moves forward with stores, it would be a first for a tech giant that has existed largely digitally, with more than 3.5 billion people using its apps such as Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and Messenger.

A Meta spokeswoman declined to comment.

Zuckerberg has talked up the metaverse as his company grapples with regulatory and societal challenges. Frances Haugen, a former employee turned whistleblower, amassed thousands of pages of internal documents and recently shared them with lawmakers and the news media. She has said that Facebook was not doing enough to protect society from the harms it causes. Her disclosures have drawn scrutiny from legislators and regulators, though it is unclear how strong her case is.

Skepticism about the metaverse also abounds. While Meta’s Reality Labs division has had modest past success with the Oculus Quest 2, a low-priced headset that was popular last year, virtual reality remains a niche market for hobbyists and enthusiasts. The hardware is often costly and can be difficult to use. Some people have reported that the headsets nauseate them.

“We are, at best guess, at least five to 10 years out from a fully fleshed out Meta product or service,” said Tim Derdenger, a professor at Carnegie Mellon University’s Tepper School of Business. He said what Meta was working on was akin to the computer game Second Life from the early 2000s, calling it “a second shot at a Second Life-like service, but that is hopefully more immersive.”

Still, Zuckerberg has said he sees the moment to build what he believes will be the next major shift in computing platforms since the smartphone era. In that future, Zuckerberg’s apps would no longer be beholden to the rules dictated by Apple and Google, which own the app stores that distribute Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and Messenger.

Technology companies have gone the brick-and-mortar path before. Gateway, a personal-computer maker, had its own stores in the 1990s. Apple has retail stores so people can test out devices and get their questions answered. Microsoft, Amazon and others have followed with their own stores as well.

In recent years, Meta had experimented with some physical retail efforts. It opened “pop-up” kiosks at airports and a pop-up store in Manhattan’s SoHo district to show its Oculus hardware products. It also had a pop-up location with Macy’s in 2018, with the aim of bringing more small business onto the platform.

Should Meta’s new stores proceed, they would feature products such as Portal devices — teleconferencing gadgets that let people video chat over Facebook — as well as the Oculus headsets, the company documents said. The stores could also include voice-activated sunglasses that Meta developed with Ray-Ban, which people can use to take photos and video.

Early designs for Meta’s stores appeared modern, with a flat, minimalist aesthetic to the building exteriors and subtle placement of the Facebook brand, according to the documents. The company considered naming its stores Facebook Hub, Facebook Commons, Facebook Innovations, Facebook Reality Store and From Facebook, before eventually settling on the Facebook Store as a leading candidate, the documents said.

It was unclear how the Meta rebranding would affect the naming of the stores. Andrew Bosworth, a longtime Facebook executive who will become Meta’s chief technology officer, said last week that the Oculus brand would be discontinued and replaced by the Meta name. The Oculus Quest will become the Meta Quest, while the Facebook Portal will be rebranded the Meta Portal, he said.

The flagship Facebook Store had been planned for Burlingame, California, where Meta has an office for its Reality Labs employees. It was also unclear whether those plans would continue.

One of Mark Zuckerberg’s first steps toward building the metaverse may be physical instead of virtual. Meta, the social media company formerly known as Facebook, has discussed opening retail stores that will eventually span the world, said people with knowledge of the project and company documents viewed by The New York Times.

One of Mark Zuckerberg’s first steps toward building the metaverse may be physical instead of virtual. Meta, the social media company formerly known as Facebook, has discussed opening retail stores that will eventually span the world, said people with knowledge of the project and company documents viewed by The New York Times. The stores would be used to introduce people to devices made by the company’s Reality Labs division, such as virtual reality headsets and, eventually, augmented reality glasses, they said. These devices are gateways to the metaverse, a futuristic digital world where people move from virtual to augmented versions of reality almost seamlessly. Zuckerberg, Facebook’s founder and CEO, last week renamed his company Meta and laid out a vision for pursuing the metaverse as the next social platform. The stores would help show people that virtual reality and augmented reality can be fun and exciting, exactly the way Zuckerberg sees it. The aim of the stores is to make the world “more open and connected,” according to the company documents viewed by The Times. They are also intended to spark emotions like “curiosity, closeness,” as well as a sense of feeling “welcomed” while experimenting with headsets in a “judgment free journey,” according to the documents. Discussions about physical stores predated Facebook’s rebranding by many months, with serious work on the initiative having started last year, the people said. And the project, which is still in development, may not proceed, they said. But if Meta moves forward with stores, it would be a first for a tech giant that has existed largely digitally, with more than 3.5 billion people using its apps such as Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and Messenger. A Meta spokeswoman declined to comment. Zuckerberg has talked up the metaverse as his company grapples with regulatory and societal challenges. Frances Haugen, a former employee turned whistleblower, amassed thousands of pages of internal documents and recently shared them with lawmakers and the news media. She has said that Facebook was not doing enough to protect society from the harms it causes. Her disclosures have drawn scrutiny from legislators and regulators, though it is unclear how strong her case is. Skepticism about the metaverse also abounds. While Meta’s Reality Labs division has had modest past success with the Oculus Quest 2, a low-priced headset that was popular last year, virtual reality remains a niche market for hobbyists and enthusiasts. The hardware is often costly and can be difficult to use. Some people have reported that the headsets nauseate them. “We are, at best guess, at least five to 10 years out from a fully fleshed out Meta product or service,” said Tim Derdenger, a professor at Carnegie Mellon University’s Tepper School of Business. He said what Meta was working on was akin to the computer game Second Life from the early 2000s, calling it “a second shot at a Second Life-like service, but that is hopefully more immersive.” Still, Zuckerberg has said he sees the moment to build what he believes will be the next major shift in computing platforms since the smartphone era. In that future, Zuckerberg’s apps would no longer be beholden to the rules dictated by Apple and Google, which own the app stores that distribute Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and Messenger. Technology companies have gone the brick-and-mortar path before. Gateway, a personal-computer maker, had its own stores in the 1990s. Apple has retail stores so people can test out devices and get their questions answered. Microsoft, Amazon and others have followed with their own stores as well. In recent years, Meta had experimented with some physical retail efforts. It opened “pop-up” kiosks at airports and a pop-up store in Manhattan’s SoHo district to show its Oculus hardware products. It also had a pop-up location with Macy’s in 2018, with the aim of bringing more small business onto the platform. Should Meta’s new stores proceed, they would feature products such as Portal devices — teleconferencing gadgets that let people video chat over Facebook — as well as the Oculus headsets, the company documents said. The stores could also include voice-activated sunglasses that Meta developed with Ray-Ban, which people can use to take photos and video. Early designs for Meta’s stores appeared modern, with a flat, minimalist aesthetic to the building exteriors and subtle placement of the Facebook brand, according to the documents. The company considered naming its stores Facebook Hub, Facebook Commons, Facebook Innovations, Facebook Reality Store and From Facebook, before eventually settling on the Facebook Store as a leading candidate, the documents said. It was unclear how the Meta rebranding would affect the naming of the stores. Andrew Bosworth, a longtime Facebook executive who will become Meta’s chief technology officer, said last week that the Oculus brand would be discontinued and replaced by the Meta name. The Oculus Quest will become the Meta Quest, while the Facebook Portal will be rebranded the Meta Portal, he said. The flagship Facebook Store had been planned for Burlingame, California, where Meta has an office for its Reality Labs employees. It was also unclear whether those plans would continue.

To build the metaverse, Meta first wants to build stores

technology

Technology, News on Technology, stories on Technology, articles on Technology, Technology stories at Wion, Technology news, Technology latest news