tech
Vivo brings V27e
Global technology company vivo has launched V27e in Bangladesh with 64MP OIS Ultra-Sensing Camera, 66W flash charge, and Aura Light Portrait.
The latest addition to its V series, V27e, will be available from Sunday.
The Aura Light and Portrait mode helps the device's camera light up faces in low night conditions. It simultaneously can control luminosity and provide exceptional glowing portraits
V27e's 64 MP OIS ultra-sensing camera on the back offers a "long exposure and increases light intake by six times, producing more stable snapshots and boosting the quality and success rate," the company said Saturday.
"The 32 MP HD Front camera, 2MP Bokeh and 2MP micro-camera ensure clearer selfies with richer details for a poster-like image. Also, the handset is well equipped with Sony IMX766V sensor-based 50MP OIS rear camera, 50MP front camera, 8MP wide-angle camera and 2MP micro-camera. Mediatech Helio G99 processor adds more viability to the phone's mechanism for better-clicking facilities," it added.
The device's Hybrid Image Stabilisation can perform stabilisation computations and movements up to 10,000 times per second, giving the users smoother, and more stable footage.
The Vlog Movie Creator feature offers a new one-stop video creation experience, providing 24 templates with rich video effects to show users how to shoot objects, people, or landscapes, along with real-time guidance for camera movement.
V27e comprises 8GB + 8 GB extended RAM with 256GB storage. The incorporation of FunTouch OS 13 is incorporated to help people seamlessly switch between apps and store data.
The device's 120 Hz AMOLED display features self-developed ambient light sensors combined with luminescent materials.
V27e will be available in two colour variants, Lavender Purple and Glory Black, for Tk32,999.
How a little-known agency holds power over TikTok's future
Under pressure from the U.S. government, TikTok is now facing the music with the possibility of a nationwide ban if it defies a government order to sell to an American company — unless the popular social media app can convince a high-powered panel that its data security restructuring plan sufficiently guards against national security concerns.
At the heart of this social media business and national security drama is the increasingly tense relations between the U.S. and China.
The video-sharing platform with 150 million U.S. users is best known for quick snippets of viral dance routines and has been under scrutiny for years by federal authorities who say that its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, could share sensitive user data with the Chinese government, or push propaganda and misinformation on its behalf.
Having already banned the shipment of certain technologies to China, and recently passing new legislation banning the app on government devices, lawmakers want to pursue a nationwide ban on the app if the tech firm can’t be sold to an American buyer.
Enter: The Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States. The little-known but potentially potent government agency known as CFIUS is tasked with investigating corporate deals for national security concerns and holds power to force the company to change.
WHY IS CFIUS SCRUTINIZING TIKTOK?
For at least two years, the U.S. government has tried to force TikTok ownership to divest from its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, though CFIUS’ review of the social media app goes back at least to 2019.
Former Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin confirmed in 2020 that CFIUS was reviewing whether then-President Donald Trump could ban TikTok in the U.S. Its members agreed that TikTok cannot operate in the U.S. in its current form because it “risks sending back information on 100 million Americans,” Mnuchin said at the time.
As geopolitical tensions between China and the U.S. have soared in recent months, TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew testified last week before the House Energy and Commerce Committee. He was grilled about online safety and user privacy in a hostile hearing that did little to ease lawmakers’ concerns. Chew was repeatedly questioned about the Chinese Communist Party’s influence on ByteDance but deflected.
“TikTok is not available in mainland China, and today we’re headquartered in Los Angeles and Singapore, but I’m not saying that the founders of ByteDance are not Chinese, nor am I saying that we don’t make use of Chinese employees, just like many other companies around the world,” he added. “We do use their expertise on some engineering projects.”
WHAT IS CFIUS?
Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen oversees CFIUS, a committee made up of members from the State, Justice, Energy and Commerce Departments among others, which investigates national security risks from foreign investments in American firms.
The committee screens business deals between U.S. firms and foreign investors and can block sales or force parties to change the terms of an agreement for the purpose of protecting national security. The committee’s powers were significantly expanded in 2018 through an act of Congress called the Foreign Investment Risk Review Modernization Act, known as FIRRMA. In September, President Joe Biden issued an executive order that expands the factors that the committee should consider when reviewing deals – such as how the deal impacts the U.S. supply chain or risks to Americans’ sensitive personal data.
SELL, BAN OR ORACLE?
Defying CFIUS’ orders to sell ultimately could mean doing business with the company may violate the law. That would suck the life out of its business operations, such as banking, payroll, advertising, and app store services.
But the company said it’s already mitigating national security concerns with a $1.5 billion mitigation plan called Project Texas that would route all U.S. user data to servers owned and maintained by the U.S. software giant Oracle.
“When that process is complete, all protected U.S. data will be under the protection of U.S. law and under the control of the U.S.-led security team. Under this structure, there is no way for the Chinese government to access it or compel access to it,” Chew said.
While CFIUS can adopt such mitigation agreements, it’s not clear if the committee will accept TikTok’s proposed alternative, said Anupam Chander, a Georgetown University technology law professor. If CFIUS rejects TikTok’s preferred solution, Chander said the federal agency should have an obligation to explain how it finds that plan to be insufficient given that it amounts to an enormous restructuring of the company.
“TikTok proposes lots of well-paid, third-party auditors that would be doing this kind of routine monitoring,” Chander said. “This is an expensive proposition for TikTok but by no means would I treat this as window dressing.”
Though Chew last week also insisted that the company was not interested in a sale, TikTok has considered it before. TikTok had advanced negotiations with Microsoft after the company was put against the wall by the Trump administration in 2020, facing either an outright ban and CFIUS’ divestment order. Microsoft said TikTok ultimately rejected their offer, and though TikTok later said it would sell to Oracle and Walmart, it doesn’t appear that Project Texas amounts to a sale, Chander said.
Should TikTok agree to a sale in the future, not only would CFIUS have to approve that transaction, but the Chinese government – which has said it won’t support forced divestment – could also intervene.
WHAT'S NEXT?
Leaders in the U.S., European Union, Canada, New Zealand, Norway and Taiwan have also banned TikTok on government-issued devices and at least two countries have banned TikTok outright.
Afghanistan’s Taliban leadership last year banned it on the grounds of protecting young people from “being misled,” while India imposed a nationwide ban on TikTok and dozens of other Chinese apps in 2020 over privacy and security concerns. The ban came shortly after a clash between Indian and Chinese troops at a disputed Himalayan border killed 20 Indian soldiers and injured dozens.
Historically, CFIUS has focused on things like shipping and manufacturing when reviewing transactions for national security concerns, but it signaled deeper interest in popular social media when it ordered the dating app Grindr to divest in 2019, Chander said.
The function of CFIUS was also in the spotlight last year after billionaire Elon Musk bought Twitter, plunging the microblogging platform into chaos. Yellen waffled on whether or not CFIUS would or could review that sale, given Musk’s investments in China as well as significant Saudi interest.
What can Bard, Google’s answer to ChatGPT, do?
To use, or not to use, Bard? That is the Shakespearean question an Associated Press reporter sought to answer while testing out Google’s artificially intelligent chatbot.
The recently rolled-out bot dubbed Bard is the internet search giant’s answer to the ChatGPT tool that Microsoft has been melding into its Bing search engine and other software.
During several hours of interaction, the AP learned Bard is quite forthcoming about its unreliability and other shortcomings, including its potential for mischief in next year’s U.S. presidential election. Even as it occasionally warned of the problems it could unleash, Bard repeatedly emphasized its belief that it will blossom into a force for good.
At one point in its recurring soliloquies about its potential upsides, Bard dreamed about living up to the legacy of the English playwright that inspired its name.
Bard explained that its creators at Google “thought Shakespeare would be a good role model for me, as he was a master of language and communication.”
But the chatbot also found some admirable traits in “HAL,” the fictional computer that killed some of a spacecraft’s crew in the 1968 movie “2001: A Space Odyssey.” Bard hailed HAL’s intelligence calling it “an interesting character” before acknowledging its dark side.
“I think HAL is a cautionary tale about the dangers of artificial intelligence,” Bard assessed.
WHAT’S BETTER — BARD OR BING?
Bard praised ChatGPT, describing it as “a valuable tool that can be used for a variety of purposes, and I am excited to see how it continues to develop in the future.” But Bard then asserted that it is just as intelligent as its rival, which was released late last year by its creator, the Microsoft-backed OpenAI.
“I would say that I am on par with ChatGPT,” Bard said. “We both have our own strengths and weaknesses, and we both have the ability to learn and grow.”
Read more: ChatGPT by Open AI: All you need to know
During our wide-ranging conversation, Bard didn’t display any of the disturbing tendencies that have cropped up in the AI-enhanced version of Microsoft’s Bing search engine, which has likened another AP reporter to Hitler and tried to persuade a New York Times reporter to divorce his wife.
IT’S FUNNY, BUT TAMER THAN BING
Bard did get a little gooey at one point when asked to write a Shakespearean sonnet and responded seductively in one of the three drafts that it quickly created.
“I love you more than words can ever say, And I will always be there for you,” Bard effused. “You are my everything, And I will never let you go. So please accept this sonnet as a token Of my love for you, And know that I will always be yours.”
But Bard seems to be deliberately tame most of the time, and probably for good reason, given what’s at stake for Google, which has carefully cultivated a reputation for trustworthiness that has established its dominant search engine as the de facto gateway to the internet.
An artificial intelligence tool that behaved as erratically as ChatGPT periodically might trigger a backlash that could damage Google’s image and perhaps undercut its search engine, the hub of a digital advertising empire that generated more than $220 billion in revenue last year. Microsoft, in contrast, can afford to take more risks with the edgier ChatGPT because it makes more of its money from licensing software for personal computers.
BARD ADMITS IT’S NOT PERFECT
Google has programmed Bard to ensure it warns its users that it’s prone to mistakes.
Some inaccuracies are fairly easy to spot. For instance, when asked for some information about the AP reporter questioning it, Bard got most of the basics right, most likely by plucking tidbits from profiles posted on LinkedIn and Twitter.
But Bard mysteriously also spit out inaccuracies about this reporter’s academic background (describing him as a graduate of University of California, Berkeley, instead of San Jose State University) and professional background (incorrectly stating that he began his career at The Wall Street Journal before also working at The New York Times and The Washington Post).
When asked to produce a short story about disgraced Theranos CEO Elizabeth Holmes, Bard summed up most of the highlights and lowlights of her saga. But one of Bard’s three drafts incorrectly reported that Holmes was convicted of all the felony charges of fraud and conspiracy leveled against her during a four-month trial. Another version accurately reported Holmes was convicted on four counts of fraud and conspiracy without mentioning she was acquitted on four other charges (the jury hung on three other charges that were subsequently dismissed by prosecutors).
Read more: Italy temporarily blocks ChatGPT over privacy concerns
“I am still under development, and I am not perfect,” Bard cautioned at one point. “I can sometimes make mistakes, and I can sometimes be misunderstood. I am also aware that my technology can be used for both good and evil.”
WHAT’S NEXT FOR BARD?
Although Bard insisted it doesn’t have a dark side, it acknowledged it can be used to damage reputations, disseminate propaganda that could incite violence and manipulate elections.
“I could be used to create fake news articles or social media posts that could spread misinformation about candidates or their policies,” Bard warned. “I could also be used to suppress voter turnout by spreading discouraging messages or making it difficult for people to find information about how to vote.”
On the lighter side, Bard proved helpful in finding interesting coloring books for adults and hit some notes that resonated during a discussion of rock and roll. When asked who is the greatest guitarist of all time, Bard responded with a broad list of candidates ranging from well-known rock artists such as Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin to jazz virtuosos like Django Reinhardt before making the case for Jimi Hendrix “as a strong contender for the title, his music continues to influence and inspire guitarists around the world.”
Bard also seemed familiar with contemporary artists, such as Wet Leg, which recently won a Grammy award for best alternative music album. “I’ve been listening to their debut album a lot lately and I really enjoy it. I think they have a bright future ahead of them,” Bard said, and cited “Ur Mom” and “Chaise Longue” as its favorite songs by the group so far.
Even with Bard’s occasional miscues, it seemed savvy enough to ask about its potential role in reaching the singularity, a term popularized by computer scientist and author Ray Kurzweil to describe a turning point in the future when computers will be smarter than humans.
“Some people believe that I am a big step toward the singularity,” Bard said. “I believe that I am a valuable tool that can help people to learn and understand the world around them. However, I do not believe that I am the singularity, and I do not believe that I will ever be able to replace human intelligence.”
This story was corrected to reflect that the technology that likened an AP reporter to Hitler was done by an AI-enhanced version of Microsoft’s Bing search engine. An earlier version said the comparison was made by the standalone ChatGPT service.
Italy temporarily blocks ChatGPT over privacy concerns
Italy is temporarily blocking the artificial intelligence software ChatGPT in the wake of a data breach as it investigates a possible violation of stringent European Union data protection rules, the government's privacy watchdog said Friday.
The Italian Data Protection Authority said it was taking provisional action “until ChatGPT respects privacy,” including temporarily limiting the company from processing Italian users' data.
U.S.-based OpenAI, which developed ChatGPT, didn’t immediately return a request for comment Friday.
While some public schools and universities around the world have blocked the ChatGPT website from their local networks over student plagiarism concerns, it’s not clear how Italy would block it at a nationwide level.
The move also is unlikely to affect applications from companies that already have licenses with OpenAI to use the same technology driving the chatbot, such as Microsoft’s Bing search engine.
The AI systems that power such chatbots, known as large language models, are able to mimic human writing styles based on the huge trove of digital books and online writings they have ingested.
The Italian watchdog said OpenAI must report within 20 days what measures it has taken to ensure the privacy of users' data or face a fine of up to either 20 million euros (nearly $22 million) or 4% of annual global revenue.
The agency's statement cites the EU's General Data Protection Regulation and noted that ChatGPT suffered a data breach on March 20 involving “users' conversations" and information about subscriber payments.
OpenAI earlier announced that it had to take ChatGPT offline on March 20 to fix a bug that allowed some people to see the titles, or subject lines, of other users’ chat history.
“Our investigation has also found that 1.2% of ChatGPT Plus users might have had personal data revealed to another user,” the company said. “We believe the number of users whose data was actually revealed to someone else is extremely low and we have contacted those who might be impacted.”
Italy's privacy watchdog lamented the lack of a legal basis to justify OpenAI's “massive collection and processing of personal data” used to train the platform's algorithms and that the company does not notify users whose data it collects.
The agency also said ChatGPT can sometimes generate — and store — false information about individuals.
Finally, it noted there's no system to verify users' ages, exposing children to responses "absolutely inappropriate to their age and awareness.”
The watchdog's move comes as concerns grow about the artificial intelligence boom. A group of scientists and tech industry leaders published a letter Wednesday calling for companies such as OpenAI to pause the development of more powerful AI models until the fall to give time for society to weigh the risks.
“While it is not clear how enforceable these decisions will be, the very fact that there seems to be a mismatch between the technological reality on the ground and the legal frameworks of Europe” shows there may be something to the letter's call for a pause “to allow for our cultural tools to catch up,” said Nello Cristianini, an AI professor at the University of Bath.
San Francisco-based OpenAI's CEO, Sam Altman, announced this week that he’s embarking on a six-continent trip in May to talk about the technology with users and developers. That includes a stop planned for Brussels, where European Union lawmakers have been negotiating sweeping new rules to limit high-risk AI tools, as well as visits to Madrid, Munich, London and Paris.
European consumer group BEUC called Thursday for EU authorities and the bloc’s 27 member nations to investigate ChatGPT and similar AI chatbots. BEUC said it could be years before the EU's AI legislation takes effect, so authorities need to act faster to protect consumers from possible risks.
“In only a few months, we have seen a massive take-up of ChatGPT, and this is only the beginning,” Deputy Director General Ursula Pachl said.
Waiting for the EU’s AI Act “is not good enough as there are serious concerns growing about how ChatGPT and similar chatbots might deceive and manipulate people.”
'Out of control' AI race: Elon Musk, top tech personalities call for a pause
Several of the most important personalities in tech are urging artificial intelligence labs to halt training of the most powerful AI systems for at least six months, citing "profound risks to society and humanity."
Elon Musk was among the hundreds of tech CEOs, educators, and researchers who signed a letter, which was released by Musk's organization, the Future of Life Institute, reports CNN.
The letter comes only two weeks after OpenAI launched GPT-4, a more powerful version of the technology that powers ChatGPT, the popular AI chatbot application.
The system demonstrated in early testing and a corporate demo that it can write lawsuits, pass standardized exams, and develop a website from a hand-drawn design, it said.
Read More: How to Use AI Tools to Get Your Dream Job
According to the letter, the delay should apply to AI systems "more powerful than GPT-4." It also stated that the suggested pause should be used by impartial experts to collaboratively establish and execute a set of standard protocols for AI tools that are safe "beyond a reasonable doubt."
"Advanced AI could represent a profound change in the history of life on Earth, and should be planned for and managed with commensurate care and resources," the letter said. "Unfortunately, this level of planning and management is not happening, even though recent months have seen AI labs locked in an out-of-control race to develop and deploy ever more powerful digital minds that no one — not even their creators — can understand, predict, or reliably control."
If a pause is not implemented immediately, the letter suggests that countries step in and impose a moratorium.
Read More: Top 5 AI Chatbot Platforms and Trends in 2023
Experts in artificial intelligence are growing worried about the possibility for biased answers, the spread of disinformation, and the implications on consumer privacy.
These technologies have also raised concerns about how AI might disrupt professions, allow students to cheat, and change human relationship with technology.
The letter hinted at a larger dissatisfaction within and beyond the industry with the fast rate of AI progress. Early versions of AI governance frameworks have been introduced by several governing bodies in China, the EU, and Singapore.
Read More: Google's AI Chatbot Bard: All You Need to Know
April 2023 New Release: Top 8 Upcoming Smartphones in Bangladesh
This year, phone releases in March were comparatively slow. There have been a few mid-range releases from the brands but nothing that would generate a strong market buzz. While March may not have been all that eventful, April is coming with a host of exciting releases. With that said, here are 8 of the best smartphones coming in April 2023.
8 Most-hyped Smartphones Coming in April 2023
Samsung Galaxy M54 5G
The first on the list is the Samsung Galaxy M54 5G. The device has already been announced on 22nd March with a pending release date sometime in April. The release may have shifted to accommodate the release of the Galaxy A54 5G.
The M54 5G brings the best mid-range phone from Samsung. The trickling of features from yesteryear’s flagships is a prominent feature of mid-range Samsung devices, and the M54 is no different.
Read More: Samsung Galaxy A54 5G Review: Worth the price tag?
Users will be getting a 120 Hz Super AMOLED Plus display with FHD+ resolution. There’s a triple camera setup with a 108 MP main sensor and an 8 MP ultrawide one. While the headphone jack has finally been removed from the M series, users will still be getting micro SDXC support.
The device is powered by Samsung’s homegrown Exynos 1380 processor. The SoC is no gaming monster, but it will be able to accommodate graphics-intensive titles in moderate settings.
Asus ROG Phone 7
The biggest and most hyped release for April has to be the ROG Phone 7 coming on April 13. The device has been officially announced by Asus to replace the existing Rog Phone 6.
The ROG series were the true gaming device with its initial iterations. Over the years this line of devices has only exponentiated on that idea and has churned out some insane specs over the years.
Read More: Laptop Buyer’s Guide: How to choose the right one
The ROG 7 is no different. Users are looking at at least 16 GB of RAM and a customized Snapdragon 8+ Gen 2 chipset. Raw power aside, the display will have an AMOLED panel with a 165 Hz refresh rate. While the ROG has never been big on the camera, the ROG 7 will have a 50 MP primary sensor with 13 MP ultrawide and a possible 32 MP selfie shooter. There will also be 6000 mAh onboard storage with 65W fast charging.
The expected price of ROG Phone 7 is around 70,000 Rs or roughly 89,431 BDT (1 INR = 1.28 BDT).
Vivo V27 Series
The V27 series from Vivo has already been officially released in several countries. But the V27 and the V27 Pro are yet to be officially released in Bangladesh with the possible release date being sometime in April.
The V27 series is a proper upper mid-range device that brings a unique mix of price and performance. There’s a 120 Hz AMOLED panel and a triple camera setup with a 50 MP main sensor (Pro variant). What’s surprising is that even the selfie camera comes with a 50 MP resolution.
Read More: Vivo V27 Pro Review: Does this Mid-Range Device Worth Attention?
The processor on the V27 is MediaTek Dimensity 7200 and on the V27 Pro, it’s 8200. Both processors are quite capable and will easily run demanding gaming titles as well as day-to-day use.
Both devices come with a 4600 mAh battery on board with a 66W fast charging option. Check out our detailed in-depth review of the V27 Pro for a better understanding of the performance of the device.
OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite
OnePlus has slowly moved away from the two-release schedule each year. Now with the Nord line, there are several mid-range releases each year.
The Nord CE 3 Lite is a lower mid-range device aimed at budget users. The device uses an FHD+ IPS LCD panel with a 120 Hz refresh rate. On the camera end, users will be getting a triple camera setup with a 108 MP main and two 2 MP microscopes and depth sensors. The processor on the Nord CE 3 Lite is the Snapdragon 695 5G based on a 6 Nm architecture.
Read More: Xiaomi 13 Lite Review: Is this semi-flagship phone worth consideration?
While the device isn’t exactly designed for heavy usage, day-to-day tasks, and simple gaming would be perfect on it. Users will also get the headphone jack with the device which is another bonus. There is no speculation about the price yet as OnePlus still hasn’t officially announced anything.
POCO F5 5G
There has been almost no buzz around the Poco F5 because of the release of the X5 a few days back. but if rumors are true, Poco plans to launch the Poco F5 in India in the first week of April. There have also been no leaks regarding the specs other than the fact that the F5 could be a variant of the unreleased Redmi Note 12 Turbo.
If the rumors are to be believed, then users will be getting a 120 Hz AMOLED display, a 50 MP main camera, and either a Snapdragon 870 or the new Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 processor. All of this will be powered by a 5,500 mAh battery with a 67W charging module.
Read More: 5 Smartphones Around 15000 TK for Best Display, Gaming, Photography
realme C55
realme C55 is expected to be launched in the Bangladesh market on early April 2023. This is going to be another killer budget device from realme with great features at an impressive price.
Users are looking at an FHD+ IPS LCD 90 Hz display. The camera is a dual sensor with a 64 MP main and a 2 MP depth shooter.
On the processor end, users will be getting a MediaTek helio G88 processor based on the 12 Nm architecture. The device would work perfectly for day-to-day use but heavy gaming won’t be possible on it.
Other features include the headphone jack, micro SDXC support, and starting from 4 GB RAM to 8 GB RAM configurations.
Read More: Tecno Spark 10 Pro Review: Can it outdo the ancestors?
Redmi Note 12 4G
Xiaomi is also planning to release its Redmi Note 12 line in April. The device brings some impressive spec refreshes from the previous generation.
Users will be getting an AMOLED 120 Hz FHD+ display. The device will be powered by Snapdragon 685 making the device a midrange contender. Like other Xiaomi midrange devices, the Note 12 will come with a 50 MP main sensor with a coupled ultrawide and macro shooter. The usual ports and buttons are all present including the 3.5 mm headphone jack and the micro SDXC slot.
The improved 685 processor will bring more power to the device so expect gaming and overall day-to-day usage improvements.
Read More: Xiaomi Redmi K60 Pro Review: The Flagship Killer Midranger of 2023
Infinix Hot 30i
Infinix is back again with their entry-level Hot series. Their last iteration was released in September last year but this year, the brand took the early route with the expected release being sometime in April.
The Infinix Hot 30i leaps forward in the processor department moving from Unisoc to MediaTek G37 processor. Not much else is known about the device other than that it will feature an LCD, a 5000 mAh battery, and an 18W fast charging. The main camera is also touted to be around 50 MP.
Final Words
That wraps up the list of top smartphones set to release in April 2023. There are also a few other release rumors going around like the Oppo Reno 10 series but all of these are speculations without any concrete information. That said, the lineup for April looks exciting for the budget and mid-range buyers out there.
While some of these devices are expected to be an India launch first, users in Bangladesh can expect to get their hands on the devices by late April to early May. And, those phones that have already been launched in India or China in March or earlier months, can enter Bangladesh in early April.
Read More: VR Headset Buyer's Guide with Price Ranges in Bangladesh
However, these phones are not been officially released in Bangladesh yet. There might be a few changes in specifications and prices.
Top 10 Islamic Apps for Muslim Kids
In today's digital age, technology plays a significant role in our lives, including the way we educate and entertain our children. Muslim parents who want to raise their kids with a strong Islamic foundation can utilize digital resources like apps and websites. Diverse Islamic apps for kids are great ways to introduce youngsters to Islamic teachings through fun and interactive methods. These apps can teach children about Islamic principles, practices, and beliefs while engaging them with games, quizzes, and stories.
10 Best Islamic Apps for Muslim Children
Muslim Kids TV
Muslim Kids TV is an Islamic app with a rating of 4.1/5 on Android. Milo Productions Inc. developed it, and the app was first released on 28th March 2017. It is available both on PlayStore and AppStore. The app has a download size of 49 MB and offers Islamic videos, songs, stories, and games for children.
The app covers various Islamic topics and morals, including stories of the prophets, the importance of prayer, and Islamic manners. Muslim Kids TV is user-friendly and interactive, making it a great tool for parents to use in teaching their children about Islam. The app is free to download, but it has different in-app purchases.
Read More: 10 Best Free Android Apps to Learn English Vocabulary
Step by Step Salah
The Step by Step Salah app by Quran Reading is a highly-rated Islamic app available on PlayStore and AppStore. It first came out on 30th November 2013. With a size of 37MB, it offers an easy-to-understand guide for kids to learn how to perform Salah or prayer in the correct manner. Prayer is an important pillar of Islam. This app provides a reliable way to teach children the correct way to offer Salah.
The app includes step-by-step instructions, from performing Wadu to Sajjud, with the meaning and significance of each step. The recitation of each prayer is recited slowly and with animations, the app shows the posture one must assume at every step of Salah. It has a 4.3 rating on PlayStore.
Noorani Qaida with Audio
Noorani Qaida with Audio is an Islamic app with a rating of 4.8/5 on Android. It is developed by App Anchor and has a download size of 29 MB. It was released on 7th December 2019. The app is designed to help children learn the Quran, similar to the way it was taught in mosques and homes during our childhood.
Read More: 7 Food Delivery Apps for Dhaka
One of the major reasons for its popularity among the Muslim community is its user-friendliness, which makes it easy for children to use. The app keeps children engaged with its appealing layout and design. By tapping on the word, children can learn how to pronounce the Arabic word. The app's alphabet button enables children to repeatedly hear the pronunciation, which aids in faster learning.
Daily Duas for Kids
The Daily Duas for Kids app is an Islamic app that aims to teach children about daily duas. Developed by OSRATOUNA LTD, the app was released on 12th May 2016. It has a 4.7 rating and is available on Android and iPhone. The app features a variety of everyday duas for children, such as those for waking up, sleeping, and traveling.
It also includes cute characters that make learning Arabic supplications fun for kids. Many Muslim parents worldwide appreciate this app for helping their children learn more about Islam and its practices. With an easy-to-use interface and engaging design, Daily Duas for Kids is an excellent tool for parents looking to teach their kids about the importance of daily duas.
Read More: Best Quran Apps for Android: Read the Holy Book Online
Madani Qaidah
According to proponents of the Islamic faith, learning the proper recitation of the Holy Quran is a crucial component of religious study. To that end, a new application has been developed that allows users to learn the Quran in two different languages.
The Qaida app, developed by the IT Department of Dawate Islam, offers lessons on Tajweed, which is the art of pronouncing each letter of the Quran according to its Makhraj. The app features 22 interactive lessons and claims to teach Tajweed in a manner similar to a teacher. It also includes Haroof e Tahajji, a tool designed to help users improve their Quran pronunciation.
With a 4.9 rating and a size of 111 mb, the Qaida app is positioning itself as the go-to resource for those seeking to improve their Quranic recitation skills. It was first released on 23rd May 2015 and is currently available on Android and iOS phones.
Read More: Free English-Speaking Mobile Apps for the Non-native Speakers
Twitter now valued at less than $20bn: Elon Musk suggests
Twitter CEO Elon Musk has reportedly indicated that the social media platform is now valued at less than $20 billion.
According to technology news websites Platformer and the Information, who broke the story first, the estimate of Twitter’s valuation was based on Musk’s offer of equity grants to employees, reports BBC.
A poo emoji was automatically sent in response to a BBC request for comment via Twitter’s press office email account, after Musk’s announcement of the strategy in a tweet earlier this month.
Read More: Elon Musk apologizes after mocking disabled Twitter employee
Meanwhile, Twitter reports that parts of the source code that powers multi-billionaire Elon Musk’s social media platform have been leaked online.
It claimed that the code was uploaded to the Microsoft-owned website GitHub, where developers share code, the report said.
After Twitter made a request for its removal, it was taken down.
Read More: Elon Musk hopes to have Twitter CEO toward the end of year
After cutting more than a third of Twitter’s staff and dealing with a loss of advertising since acquiring the company in October of last year, the leak presented Musk with a new challenge, said the report.
Samsung Galaxy A54 5G Review: Worth the price tag?
Samsung is the true undisputed king of providing smartphone options at every price point. Though this South Korea-based tech conglomerate works in diverse industries, the smartphone lineups brought them an immense reputation. They bring a mix of the latest specs and features in a value-for-money package. And it especially holds true for their premium mid-range devices, the A series smartphones. The latest in the lineup, the Samsung A54 5G was globally released on 24th March. Here’s a detailed take on the device.
Key Specifications of Samsung Galaxy A54 5G
Design and Build Quality
The design of the A54 is reminiscent of its predecessor the A34. Samsung doesn’t really bring many cosmetic changes in their mid-range devices as the A series has had a consistent design for quite a few years now. The most prominent change is on the front display with the A54 comes with a punch-hole panel instead of the waterdrop notch found on the A34. Other than that, the back is the same with a glossy finish and a triple vertical camera sensor.
The aluminum body is sandwiched between glass panels. This year, the IP rating is at 67 meaning the device isn't completely waterproof, but rather dust and water-resistant. Though Samsung claims that the device will be fine for 30 minutes to under 1 meter of water.
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The ports and button selection are as usual. The power and volume buttons are strategically positioned on the right. The sim slot is on the left. Samsung has opted for a hybrid sim slot where users will be able to swap the second sim for a micro SDXC.
Weighing 202g its dimensions are 158.2 by 76.7 by 8.2 mm. This device might feel heavy to handle with one hand.
Rest everything is what’s expected from Samsung. A solid-built device that justifies the price.
The Display
The display is mostly the same as last year. Samsung has opted for a 6.4-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED display with a 120 Hz refresh rate. It offers 1080 by 2340 pixels of resolution featuring a 19.5:9 ratio and about 403 ppi density. Furthermore, the display is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5.
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The display is a tad smaller than the last generation which might not sound like an ideal choice. But given the pixel concentration and the overall smaller footprint of the A54, this move seems to have played in Samsung’s favor. The PPI has gone up and the chin bezels are even thinner, giving the device an almost uniform bezel design.
Moving onto the display itself, the typical Samsung magic is evident from the get-go. The display is crisp and bright with some tight viewing angles. Samsung has been a market leader in panels and it's easy to say that the display on the A54 is the best in its price category. This year Samsung has also bumped up the HBM to 1000 nits making it even more legible under direct sunlight.
Overall the panel will make for an impressive device interaction no matter what it is used for.
The Camera
The camera sensor has been updated for the new model. Usually, the main sensor is the one that gets updated in incremental releases. But for the A54, Samsung has updated both the main and the ultrawide sensor to 50 MP and 12 MP respectively. The 5 MP macro sensor remains the same.
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Speaking of quality, it’s pretty similar to last year. Samsung has significantly upped its post-processing algorithm. Pictures look sharp and contrasty with decent dynamic range in each shot. One way to summarize would be that there are no bad shots with the A54, it consistently delivers similar results.
The videography is rated at 4K at 30 fps max. 4K won’t rival the big brother S23 but it produces a semi-decent result. Additionally, there’s a 32 MP front-facing camera as well. And as typical of Samsung, it produces decent wide-angle shots. Though the photos might feel overprocessed in dimly lit conditions.
What is 6G? Overview of 6th Gen Wireless Network, Technology
Modern technology is all about providing more speed and efficiency. The wireless cellular network is helping humankind to bring immense digital solutions in life, education, business, communications, development, etc. To achieve the utmost efficiency in digital communication and networking, scientist and technologist are bringing 6G technology. Here’s everything we know so far about 6G.
What is 6G?
The next big thing in wireless technology is 6G or sixth-generation wireless, the successor to 5G cellular network and technology. This upcoming technology promises to deliver unparalleled speed and minimal latency, building upon the advancements of 4G and 5G networks.
By utilizing higher frequency bands and cloud-based networking technology, 6G will provide a revolutionary experience that blurs the line between the internet and everyday life.
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Expected Features and Benefits of the 6G Technology
As the world continues to embrace the benefits of 5G, researchers and engineers are already looking ahead to the next generation of cellular networks.
High Speed Network
With the growing demand for internet data and the increasing use of multiple devices in everyday life, wireless companies are rushing to provide robust and flexible cellular networks that can compete with traditional broadband internet providers. The 6G technology promises to deliver even faster data transfer speeds and lower latency.
One of the primary features of the sixth-generation wireless network will be the use of untapped radio frequencies. Researchers are exploring ways to transmit data across waves in the hundreds of gigahertz or terahertz ranges, which could allow for astonishing data transfer speeds.
Although no frequency over 39GHz is currently utilized in 5G, engineers are hoping to leverage the massive quantity of unused spectrum to enable faster and more efficient communication.
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Freer Spectrum Efficiency
Spectrum frequency refers to the range of radio frequencies used to transmit data over wireless networks. It is measured in hertz (Hz) and determines how much data can be transmitted over a given distance. Different frequency ranges are used for different types of wireless communication, such as cellular networks or Wi-Fi.
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