Advanced Google Meet Features Will End Soon, Confirms Google

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September 11, 2020

Advanced Google Meet Features Will End Soon, Confirms Google

In response to the spread of COVID-19, Google made available the advanced features of Google Meet for free to connect more employees, educators, and students in April. The company had enabled the free access for advanced video conferencing capabilities to the G Suite customers. However, it had also said the free access to the advanced features would be available till 30 September only. The company seems to be ending the free access to the advanced features of Google Meet at the end of this month.

The tech giant has confirmed that it will end the free access to the premium features of Google Meet at the end of this month. The company will return these premium features behind the paywall of the G Suite Enterprise plan after 30 September. The news was first published on Pocket-Lint. As a response to the COVID lockdowns, Google had made these features available to everyone. As this is more of a confirmation than an announcement, we will tell you what settings will be affected by this change.

Google Meet Advanced Features

Google Meet users will lose access to the following premium features after 30th of September:

1. Larger meetings feature with which you can host up to 250 participants in a single call.

2. Live streaming feature for up to 100K viewers within your domain.

3. The feature with which you can securely record meetings to your Google Drive.

As these features are mostly aimed at and used by large businesses, Google locking them behind a paywall is justifiable. You still have about 20 days to enjoy those features but will have to pay for those after 30 September. If you need those features even after 30 September, keep a budget for the subscription of these premium features handy.

The COVID outbreak has made the work-from-home a new normal, and, as the meetings are being hosted virtually too, the need for Google Meet is inevitable. It solely depends on the needs of your organization, whether you need the premium features or can do with the free ones.

Apple Event: Everything We Can Expect

By

Hridesh Kamal

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September 10, 2020

Apple has scheduled an announcement event for 15th September 2020. However, rumors indicate that the next-gen iPhones wouldn’t make an appearance till October this year. So, here is a list of things we can see at the event, along with things we probably won’t.

The event will be held online for the year, as the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic are still around. It will be similar to Apple’s developer conference back in June. The event will broadcast on the official Apple Events website at 10 AM PDT (5 PM UTC) on 15th September.

What to expect from the Apple event?

Based on an invite sent to media companies, it is confirmed that Apple has titled the event as “Time Flies”. It is a reference to the upcoming Apple Watch 6. The smartwatch is one of the devices scheduled to be announced at the digital event.

Exploring the topic of Apple Watch 6, the device might have multiple features relevant to the coronavirus pandemic. Based on rumors, these will include a blood oxygen detector, Touch ID fingerprint sensor and a temperature sensor.

Another highly anticipated device for the event will be the Apple AirTags. These tile Bluetooth trackers can attach to valuables, allowing you to track them using an iPhone app. There is a word about an AR-based tracker, which will allow users to see where exactly the tag is in their vicinity.

Another device expected to be a part of the event is the iPad Air 4. While little is known about the features of this new model, it will surely be a fine addition to Apple’s range of tablets.

What you shouldn’t expect?

With the event providing information about eagerly awaited products, some devices will fail to feature on Tuesday. One such device is the iPhone 12. It faced significant disruptions due to the impact of coronavirus. For customers awaiting the release of next-gen iPhones with 5G functionality, the wait continues longer with another event rumored for October.

Another major news, which may potentially not feature at the event will be surrounding major updates to the MacOS and the Safari browser. These details might arrive later, as part of the rumored October event.

Find more useful resources: custom event structure design

Microsoft Edge Restores File Download Options

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Hridesh Kamal

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September 9, 2020

Microsoft has brought back a popular feature to its Chromium-based web browser. Available to the users of Microsoft Edge Canary and Edge Dev channels, this feature allows users to choose from multiple options when they choose to download a file. Users working with builds version 87.0.629.0 are allowed to access this feature.

The feature was discussed in Microsoft’s new tech-community blog here. The feature was available in Edge’s legacy version. Now making its first appearance in the Chromium Based Microsoft Edge, the feature allows you to choose what you do to a file for download.

What’s new for Microsoft Edge users?

When downloading a file on the Microsoft Edge powered by Chromium, users will get access to four options. The first option, labeled ‘Open’, will download the file to a temporary folder and open it. This is useful for instances where you don’t wish to preserve the file for future use, as the folder will try to empty itself at the start of a new browser session.

The second option is labeled ‘Save as’. Choosing the option will open the file explorer, allowing you to choose details like the location for the download, name for the file and so on. The third option, available in the ellipsis menu, is similar to the second. Labeled ‘Save’, this option will download the file in the default Downloads location on your device. You can change the default location by accessing the Downloads settings in your browser.

The final option is ‘Cancel’. As the name suggests, it cancels your download. It is accessible through the ellipsis menu. It is helpful in an instance where you unintentionally clicked a download link. Further, Edge users are now able to delete downloaded files without having to exit the browser. To do so, one has to access the Downloads page on a supported Microsoft Edge build. Next, the users can right-click a previously downloaded file and choose to delete it.

Xbox Series S Gameplay Footage Released

By

Hridesh Kamal

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September 9, 2020

Microsoft released footage showing the gameplay experience that Xbox Series S console will provide. The video showed the performance of previously announced Xbox Series X games on the cheaper and smaller next-gen Xbox console.

The games featured in the clip were Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, Watch Dogs Legion, Outriders, Tetris Effect: Connected, Yakuza: Like a Dragon, Dirt 5, Call of the Sea, and The Medium running on the upcoming Xbox Series S. You can watch the original video here.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fYtJWIxt3-M

Further, the video has a segment which included footage comparisons with Xbox One. Here, we saw the performance of current-gen games on the console. The clip showed loading times for The Outer Worlds, which was less than a quarter of the time seen on Xbox One. Further, we saw gameplay for Gears 5, which will run at 120 FPS for multiplayer events on the new Xbox consoles.

Other games that made an appearance on Xbox Series S were Skate 3, Minecraft Dungeons, Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order and Black. This segment was used to demonstrate the Quick Resume function of the next-gen console, where the player could switch between the games instantaneously.

All we know about Xbox Series S

The Xbox Series S is the smallest Xbox console ever. Scheduled for a release on 10th November 2020, the console will have the same CPU as the flagship Series X variant. However, the two consoles will differ in terms of their GPU capabilities. While Xbox Series X will run 4K resolution games at a consistent 120 FPS, the cheaper variant will only be able to hit 120 FPS at 1440p resolution. Upcoming next-gen games have been confirmed to hit 4K 60FPS on Series S.

Priced at $299 (ERP), Series X will feature a 512 GB SSD and run only digital titles. The preorders for the console will begin on 22nd September 2020.

Microsoft Working on 12.5-Inch Budget Surface Laptop

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Hridesh Kamal

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September 8, 2020

Microsoft Surface Laptops is a line of high-end slim, lightweight devices. Starting at $999, the laptops can cost as much as $2799 to interested buyers. However, reports suggest that the Surface series will soon see the introduction of a small, budget version for customers.

This report comes following the success of the Surface Go tablet, which was released at $399 to target the mid-range market. The upcoming budget laptop, codenamed Sparti, should follow in the footsteps of Surface Go.

This wallet-friendly Surface laptop is Microsoft’s answer to Google’s Pixelbook Go in the mid-range market. It aims to deliver a high-quality compact device for users who are constantly working on the move.

What to expect from budget Microsoft Surface?

Based on reports, this device will cost less than the cheapest Microsoft Surface laptop currently available in the market. Hence, the starting price for Sparti will lie somewhere between the range of $500 to $600. It claims to house a 4GB RAM and 64GB storage.

This 12.5-inch budget Microsoft Laptop will be powered by a 10th-generation Intel Core i5 processor. Further, the device will run a Windows 10 S mode. While these specs describe the entry-level variant, the laptop should have other improved models.

With the release of Sparti, Microsoft will have a Surface device in every significant price range. The budget model will look and feel like the rest of the Microsoft Surface laptop series. Its compact size makes the device a great travel laptop.

With students being the target audience for this device, Microsoft is looking to make a dent in the budget market. It comes as a part of the tech giant’s wide-ranging effort to provide people with affordable access to its products. Microsoft might release this new Surface laptop around October 2020, along with other Surface products.

Nokia 3.4 Blue Colour Variant Leaks in a New Render

By

Punkaj Kumar

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September 8, 2020

Nokia 3.4 Blue Colour Variant Leaks in a New Render

A new press render of Nokia 3.4 has surfaced over the internet that shows the same design suggested in previous leaks. A reliable tipster Evan Blass posted the official-looking render of the phone on Twitter. Nokia 3.4 comes in a blue color, with a circular camera module that houses three cameras and an LED flash. There is also a fingerprint sensor below the camera setup.

Nokia 3.4 Design Features

On the right side of the upcoming Nokia 3.4, there is a power button and a pair of volume keys. While on the left side, there lies one button, probably a dedicated button for Google Assistant. Like most phones, the 3.4mm headphone jack lies at the top. The image only shows the backside of the smartphone in which a circular camera setup is seen near to the top-edge centrally. Upon close inspection, you can also see a few other things like power and volume buttons, headphone jack, and fingerprint scanner.

Other Specifications

The tipster didn’t share the front side of the Nokia 3.4, so we don’t have the exact details of the display. However, there have been leaks about the smartphone in the past that revealed other features too. If we have to believe the previous leaks, Nokia 3.4 will feature a 6.5-inch HD+ display with a 19:9 aspect ratio. The smartphone display will have a punch hole to house the selfie camera. As per the rumors, the Nokia 3.4 will be powered by a Snapdragon 460 SoC. Also, there are expectations that the phone will have a 3GB RAM.

Nokia 3.4 Launch Date

There is no official announcement on the launch date of the Nokia 3.4 as of now. Earlier, we expected the smartphone to be revealed during the recent IFA 2020, but it didn’t happen. Now since the official-looking renders have surfaced, we should expect the phone to come soon. We expect Nokia to announce the launch date for its upcoming Nokia 3.4 smartphone later this year.

Xbox All Access: Microsoft’s Best Move for Next-Gen Consoles

By

Hridesh Kamal

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September 8, 2020

In a day filled with announcements and leaks surrounding Xbox’s next-gen consoles, Microsoft introduced Xbox All Access. The announcement came after the leak of the prices of Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S. What’s more? The Xbox Series S reveal trailer was leaked on twitter by WalkingCat. Here is the original tweet that leaked the trailer.

no point holding this back now I guess pic.twitter.com/SgOAjm3BuP
— WalkingCat (@_h0x0d_) September 8, 2020

The Xbox Series X is for players who are willing to pay for the highest graphics, priced at $499.99 to experience the best Xbox has to offer. On the other hand, Xbox Series S is the console for people who want to play without a care about graphics with its $299.99 price tag.

However, even with the two options, the consoles are still a sizable investment for many buyers. This is where Xbox All Access comes in the picture.

What does Xbox All Access bring?

With the special subscription program of Xbox All Access, anyone can experience the Xbox Series X console at just $35 per month. When getting the Xbox Series S console, this subscription fee falls to just $25 per month. With monthly payments being a norm for everything from streaming services to purchases, this is Microsoft’s way to make a statement.

But Microsoft has gone beyond providing the bare minimum. The subscription gives you a console, but that’s not all. It also provides you with an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. This gives you access to the Xbox Game Pass on both console and PC, along with Xbox Live Gold access on the console.

It means that you get access to the best hardware and the best games to play on your console. The global pandemic has affected the finances of families across the globe. This makes Xbox All Access the most accessible option for people looking to get into the console market. As we await potential reveals surrounding Sony’s PS5 on September 9, it is to be seen if Microsoft will face competition or seize a large chunk of the market with this move.

In Depth: Audi and Climeworks Store CO2 From The Atmosphere Underground

By

Punkaj Kumar

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September 8, 2020

In Depth: Audi and Climeworks Store CO2 From The Atmosphere Underground — Image Courtesy: Volkswagen Group

Audi is partnering with a Swiss company Climeworks to build the world’s largest direct air capture and storage facility. The facility will convert the atmospheric carbon dioxide to mineral rocks underground in Iceland. The companies are planning to filter over 4,000 metric tons of CO2 from the air and mineralize it underground. The Zurich-based startup will filter/remove 1,000 metric tons of CO2 from the atmosphere on behalf of Audi.

Tech Used in the Swiss CO2 Filter

Climrworks is using the direct air capture technology to extract the atmospheric carbon dioxide. The CO2 filter will capture the carbon dioxide from the ambient air and then release the CO2-free air back into the atmosphere. The new facility of the Swiss company in Iceland transports the captured carbon dioxide below the surface of Earth that that is then mineralized naturally. It is currently the most effective method to remove the CO2 from the atmosphere.

How the Air Filtering Facility Works

Audi and Climeworks Filter CO2 From The Atmosphere, Store Underground — Image Courtesy: Audi Mediacenter

The filter first draws in the air from the atmosphere and then feeds it into the CO2 collector. The CO2 collector contains a specially developed absorbent which binds the CO2 from the air. After the filter gets saturated with CO2, it is heated up to 100⁰C to release the CO2 molecules from the absorbent. After this, the water transports the carbon dioxide to approximately 2,000 meters below the surface of Earth. The dissolved CO2 is now let there to naturally convert to carbonates through various mineralization processes with the basalt rock. The facility will filter 4,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide from the air every year, working 24 hours a day, every day.

Audi has been working with Climeworks since 2013 to support the development of CO2 capturing technology. The two companies had also built a facility in Hinwil, Switzerland two years ago. Audi and Climeworks had built it to filter atmospheric CO2 and provide it to the beverage industry two years ago. Audi is now extending its partnership with the environmental startup in Iceland to take it to the next level.

Xiaomi Mi 10 Ultra Can Remotely Control Car from Thousands of Miles Away

By

Punkaj Kumar

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September 8, 2020

Xiaomi Mi 10 Ultra Can Remotely Control Car from Thousands of Miles Away — Image courtesy: Xiaomi

Xiaomi had launched Mi 10 in May this year to commemorate its tenth anniversary. Recently, Xiaomi has announced that the company will organize a virtual and realistic car race. According to the poster, the Xiaomi Mi 10 Ultra will remotely control a racing car, sitting thousands of miles away. The Chinese smartphone maker has officially modified a sports car that can now be remotely controlled with the help of the Mi 10 Ultra smartphone.

The device will use the 5G SA low-latency network to control the sports car to race against professional drivers in real-time. All this is possible even if the drivers are thousands of miles apart. However, there are no details of the car model that the Xiaomi Mi 10 Ultra will drive.

Xiaomi’s Tech to Control Car Remotely

The smartphone brand Xiaomi today previewed a video showing the use of the Mi 10 Supreme Edition in the virtual and realistic car race. It previewed the use of the phone to control the car and engage in the car race over the 5G SA network. The company said the 5G SA network is gradually maturing. The 5G network is improving with unlimited possibilities and currently has a minimum of 1ms latency. Also, the car is modified by Xiaomi in such a way that the Mi 10 Ultra can remotely control it from thousands of miles away.

Background of 5G Car Race

Xiaomi has already done thorough tests on the 5G race car and has previously gone through debugging preparations. The company operates the car through a 5G network from the commissioning room in Shanghai, thousands of miles away from the Tianjin International Circuit.

There will be a race between a real-life racing drive and an eSports player who will control a racing car with a Xiaomi Mi 10 Ultra remotely. Both the racing cars will set off at the same time on the race track.

Xiaomi Mi 10 Ultra Specs and Price

The Xiaomi Mi 10 Ultra comes with a 6.67-inch full-HD+ OLED display and Qualcomm Snapdragon 865+ process. It features a quad-camera set-up with 48MP camera + 12MP telephoto lens and 48MP + 20MP ultra-wide-angle cameras.

The device comes in four versions: 8GB+128GB, 8GB+256GB, 12GB+256GB, and 16GB+512GB. They are priced respectively at $774, $818, $877, and $1023.

Minecon Goes Digital Under the Name Minecraft Live

By

Hridesh Kamal

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September 7, 2020

Minecraft Live event — Image Courtesy: Mojang Studios

Minecraft has amassed over 126 million active players globally since its launch in 2011. A Minecraft Festival was scheduled for this year to celebrate the massive following of the game with announcements about its future.

However, the annual Minecraft Festival, Minecon, has been postponed by Mojang Studios till 2022 due to the impact of Covid-19. Hence the studio would not be involved in official community events. It made fans worry about how they will know the studio’s updates.

To fill the gap left by the canceling of this event, Mojang has brought Minecraft Live as the platform for all Mojang related updates. you can watch the entire announcement trailer for the digital event by clicking here.

Video Courtesy: minecraft.net

All you need to know for Minecraft Live

Minecraft Live is a new iteration of the game’s annual live show. It has held multiple labels in the past, like MineCon Live and MineCon Earth. The event is a stage for gamers to know the ongoing plans of Mojang Studios.

The event is to celebrate the fandom of the Minecraft franchise, comprising of Minecraft, Minecraft Dungeons, Minecraft Earth and more. The announcement trailer hints at huge upcoming updates for the games. Further, the event hints at the addition of a new Minecraft mob in the upcoming update, letting the attendees of Minecraft Live a chance to choose them.

“Until then, we’re going to bring the party directly to your device and we’ve got all of our usual goodies lined up for you! Join us on Minecraft.net/live for updates, mob votes, news, and delightful banter. Oh, and chickens. Lots and lots of chickens.”
Sofia Dankis, Mojang

Fans of the series can watch the online event on October 3rd, starting at 9 AM PT (4 PM UTC). The event will stream here on the Minecraft Live event page.