WhatsApp New Feature: Say goodbye to third-party apps for scanning documents! WhatsApp, an instant messaging platform, has introduced a new feature to scan documents directly via camera. The WhatsApp new feature comes under it’s new iOS update version of up to 24.25.89.   Notably, the tech giant has officially announced the feature but some users may receive it in the coming days. You can directly head to the App Store and download the latest WhatsApp for iOS 24.25.89 update. With this feature, WhatsApp users can quickly capture a document using their device’s camera, eliminating the need for third-party scanning tools or apps. How To Scan Documents Directly Via Camera on WhatsApp   Step 1: Open the document-sharing menu in WhatsApp. Step 2: Click on the “scan” option to activate the camera. Step 3: Use the camera to capture the document. Step 4: Preview the scan and make any necessary adjustments. Step 5: Fine-tune the margins for better framing and clarity, then confirm the scan. Step 6: Send the document directly to a chat or group.  Earlier, the company introduced the party popper emoji as the seventh default reaction in an earlier update. 

Windows 11 Bug Alert: Microsoft has issued a warning to Windows 11 users about a strange unusual issue affecting system updates. According to the company, a bug can prevent users from downloading future security updates during the installation process of Windows 11.  This problem arises specifically when users attempt to install the Windows 11 version 24H2 update using external media devices like CDs or USB flash drives. It is often used by professional users who set up business and education PCs or enthusiasts who often install Windows 11 on their own PCs. However, the tech company has also confirmed that the issue does not affect the PCs when users try to install the October 2024 security update or the November 2024 security updates via Windows Update or the Microsoft Update Catalog website.  Notably, the issue specifically involves Windows 11, version 24H2, with security updates released between October 8 and November 12. A more recent version was released on December 10.  How To Fix Windows 11 Bug Issue?  Microsoft has acknowledged the issue and is actively working on a resolution. Meanwhile, the company has provided a workaround for Windows 11 users.  In an update on its support page, Microsoft advised users to install the Windows 11 24H2 version along with the December 2024 monthly security update to address the problem.  Windows 11 Other Issues Microsoft has outlined several potential issues that Windows 11 users might encounter after installing the October and November 2024 security updates. Among the reported problems, some games with Auto HDR enabled may stop responding or display incorrect colours under certain display configurations. Adding further, users may experience difficulties launching Microsoft Outlook when Google Workspace Sync is active. The company claims that these issues and assured users that it is actively working on solutions. Updates and further details will be provided once fixes are ready. 

WhatsApp Reverse Image Search Feature: WhatsApp, a Meta-owned platform, is likely to roll out a reverse image search feature for WhatsApp Web users through Google. This highly anticipated addition will enable users to verify the authenticity of photos and help combat the spread of misinformation. According to WABetaInfo, the feature is currently in beta testing for Android. Moreover, it will soon be available for WhatsApp Web users as well.  In simpler words, the reverse image search functionality allows users to upload photos directly to Google for verification if they receive a suspicious image. The new functionality will allow users to put a picture in search and then search engines find the places where that particular picture has been uploaded or any similar pictures that resemble it.   However, the feature is currently not visible so beta testers will not be able to try it out. There is no word on if the Meta-owned platform is developing a similar feature for its iOS app.  How To Use Reverse Image Search Feature  Step 1: Tap on the image you want to search within the WhatsApp chat interface. Step 2: In the image viewing interface, tap the three-dot menu button in the top right corner to open the options menu. Step 3: From the menu, select the reverse image search option. Step 4: Google will automatically begin processing the image for a reverse search. Step 5: The reverse image search will check Google’s vast database to see if the image has appeared elsewhere online or is associated with any false claims. Conclusion:  A popular messaging platform WhatsApp has often been a channel for the spread of fake or misleading information among its millions of users. By providing this built-in tool, WhatsApp is enabling users to navigate the digital world more efficiently, helping them spot deceptive content and curb the spread of misinformation.

Redmi 14C 5G India Launch: Xiaomi sub-brand has officially announced the launch date of the Redmi 14C 5G smartphone in India as well as select global markets after launching the Redmi Note 14 series. The handset will launch in India on January 6, 2025, according to an official landing page. It will be arriving as the successor to the Redmi 13C 5G handset that debuted in the country last December in the year 2024.    Both Flipkart and Amazon have put up a microsite confirming the smartphone’s availability on the e-commerce platforms respectively. As per the microsite, the upcoming smartphone will be available in Purple with a gradient finish, Black, and Blue with star trails-like design colour options. The Redmi 14C 5G is likely to be a rebranded version of the Redmi 14R 5G, which debuted in China this September. Redmi 14C 5G Price In India And Availability (Expected) According to reports, the Redmi 14C is expected to be priced between Rs 11,000 to Rs 12,000. However, the company has not confirmed the exact details of the pricing as of now.  A live Amazon microsite for the handset hints at its eventual Amazon availability alongside the company e-store.  Redmi 14C 5G Specifications (Expected) The smartphone is anticipated to feature a 6.68-inch HD+ LCD display with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, promising an immersive viewing experience. The device is expected to run on Android 14-based HyperOS, delivering a seamless and intuitive user interface.   The smartphone is expected to run on Android 14-based HyperOS, delivering a seamless and intuitive user interface. Under the hood, the phone could be powered by the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 SoC, paired with a robust 5,160mAh battery supporting 18W fast charging for extended usability.  On the photography front, the handset is set to sport a 50MP AI-powered main camera, complemented by a 5MP front camera for selfies. The rear camera module is a standout design element, featuring a centrally placed circular module that houses a dual-camera setup and an LED flash unit.

New Delhi: Leading music streaming platform Spotify recently found itself embroiled in controversy when some users were shocked to discover explicit pornographic videos appearing in the platform’s search results for popular artist, according to a report in The Verge. This unexpected content has sparked outrage, with many questioning the platform’s content moderation and security measures. While Spotify remains a favourite for music and podcasts, this issue raises significant concerns about user safety and the integrity of its search algorithms. A Reddit user posted a screenshot overnight showing a surprising result: a pornographic video appearing among suggested results for rapper M.I.A. Spotify’s Response: A Spotify spokesperson informed The Verge that the content was removed for violating its policies. According to Spotify’s content moderation guidelines, any material containing sexually explicit content is subject to removal from the platform. Erotic Audio and Graphic Videos: The recent Reddit posts highlight examples of explicit content on Spotify. One account, known for erotic audio for years, recently began posting sexually graphic videos. Another, with a random alphanumeric name, has been publishing explicit videos under a podcast account since mid-November. Pornographic content on Spotify isn’t new; a 2022 Vice report also revealed explicit audio and graphic playlist cover art. These audio and video files have been removed for violating Spotify’s policies. Spotify Platform: The leading music streaming platform was launched in 2008. Spotify offers listeners an unparalleled experience with access to over 100 million tracks, 6 million podcast titles, and 350,000 audiobooks. As of the third quarter of 2024 (ending September 30), its global premium subscriber base had grown to more than 252 million paying users. 

Samsung Galaxy M35 5G Discount Price In India: Samsung is offering a lucrative discount on the Samsung Galaxy M35 5G smartphone for the base 6GB RAM + 128GB storage model. However, the handset was launched in July this year. It is important to note that the handset comes in Moonlight Blue, Daybreak Blue, and Thunder Grey color options. It is available in three variants: the 6GB RAM + 128GB storage model is priced at Rs 19,999, the 8GB RAM + 128GB storage model costs Rs 21,499, and the 8GB RAM + 256GB storage model is available for Rs 24,499. It runs on Android 14-based One UI 6 custom skin out of the box, and the company offers four years of OS upgrades and five years of security patches with the phone. Samsung Galaxy M35 5G Discount Price In India The handset, originally priced at Rs 19,999 for the base model, is now available for Rs 14,999 on Amazon, offering a flat discount of Rs 5,000.  Samsung Galaxy M35 5G Specifications It features a 6.6-inch Full HD+ sAMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, delivering a vibrant and smooth viewing experience with up to 1000 nits of high brightness mode.  The handset is powered by a robust 6000 mAh battery. It supports 25W wired charging for fast and efficient power replenishment. On the photography front, the handset comes with a triple camera setup which includes 50 MP main camera, an 8 MP secondary camera, and a 2 MP sensor, providing sharp and detailed photos. For selfies, the 13 MP front camera ensures clear and crisp shots.  On the security front, the phone is equipped with essential sensors, including a side-mounted fingerprint scanner, accelerometer, gyro, compass, and virtual proximity sensing for enhanced usability. Adding further, users can take advantage of the Tap & Pay feature through the Samsung Wallet, making payments quick and convenient with the Galaxy M35 5G.

New Delhi: PM Modi expressed his happiness after meeting Aravind Srinivas, the Chief Executive Officer of Perplexity AI and stated that both discussed artificial intelligence (AI), its uses and its evolution. In a social media post on X, the prime minister added, “It was great to meet you and discuss AI, its uses and its evolution.  Good to see you doing great work with @perplexity_ai. Wish you all the best for your future endeavours.”Earlier, after holding a meeting with Prime Minister Modi, Perplexity CEO Srinivas, in a post on X, stated, “Had the honour to meet Prime Minister @narendramodi ji. We had a great conversation about the potential for AI adoption in India and across the world.  Was great to meet you and discuss AI, its uses and its evolution. Good to see you doing great work with @perplexity_ai. Wish you all the best for your future endeavors. https://t.co/kD8d9LMorC — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 28, 2024 Really inspired by Modi Ji’s dedication to staying updated on the topic and his remarkable vision for the future.”San Francisco-based Perplexity is an artificial intelligence conversational AI search engine that uses large language models (LLM) to provide the response for the queries. As per the publicly available information, the company was founded in 2022 with Srinivas, Johnny Ho, Denis Yarats, and Andy Konwinski as the founders of the company. The company, as per the information provided by Srinivas on his LinkedIn profile, is backed by major names of the world such as Jeff Bezos, Elad Gil, Nat Friedman, Tobi Lutke, Jeff Dean, Susan Wojcicki, Yann LeCun, Naval Ravikant, Paul Buchheit, Andrej Karpathy, and several others.He adds that Perplexity AI has built the world’s first generally available conversational answer engine that directly answers questions about any topic, adding that the company is on a mission to build the world’s most knowledge-centric company. India, has approved an allocation of over Rs 10,300 crore for the IndiaAI Mission, marking a significant step towards bolstering India’s AI ecosystem.The IndiaAI Mission aims to build a comprehensive ecosystem that fosters AI innovation by democratising computing access, enhancing data quality, developing indigenous AI capabilities, attracting top AI talent, enabling industry collaboration, providing startup risk capital, ensuring socially impactful AI projects, and promoting ethical AI. This substantial financial infusion, slated over the next five years, is poised to catalyse various components of the IndiaAI Mission, including pivotal initiatives like the IndiaAI Compute Capacity, IndiaAI Innovation Centre (IAIC), IndiaAI Datasets Platform, IndiaAI Application Development Initiative, IndiaAI FutureSkills, IndiaAI Startup Financing, and Safe & Trusted AI. The aim of the financial outlay is to ensure a structured implementation of the IndiaAI Mission through a public-private partnership model aimed at nurturing India’s AI innovation ecosystem. This financial outlay, under the AI Mission, will fortify the IndiaAI Startup Financing mechanism, facilitating streamlined access to funding for budding AI startups and catalysing their journey from product development to commercialisation. The proposal also includes funding provisions for industry-led AI projects aimed at fostering social impact, propelling innovation and entrepreneurship.  

Samsung Galaxy Ring 2 India Launch: South Korean giant Samsung is likely to launch its next-generation smart ring, the Galaxy Ring 2, in the wearables market in the first month of the new year. Boasting advanced features and improved durability, the device is expected to debut at the Galaxy Unpacked event on January 22, 2025. Its predecessor, the original Galaxy Ring, introduced in July 2024 and launched in India in October, paved the way for this highly anticipated successor.  Samsung Galaxy Ring 2: Launch and Strategy The Galaxy Ring 2 is likely to follow a similar timeline to its predecessor, which debuted alongside the Galaxy Z Fold 6 at the Unpacked event. This approach underscores Samsung’s strategy of synchronizing its wearable launches with its flagship product reveals. Samsung Galaxy Ring 2: Battery Life and Durability According to reports, the Samsung Galaxy Ring 2 will feature significant upgrades, including a battery life of up to seven days and more accurate health data sensors. While maintaining the titanium frame and waterproof capabilities of the original, the new smart ring is set to achieve an IP69 rating, offering superior water resistance compared to the Galaxy Ring’s IP68 certification. Samsung Galaxy Ring 2: Expanded AI Features Samsung is also expanding the size options for the Galaxy Ring 2, increasing from nine to eleven sizes to ensure a better fit for a wider range of users. Adding further, the device will come equipped with enhanced sensors and AI-driven features, making it more intuitive and versatile. However, these refreshed AI capabilities will rely on external software and processing systems due to the ring’s compact design, which limits onboard processing power. With its blend of durability, advanced health tracking, and cutting-edge AI integration, the Galaxy Ring 2 is poised to make a significant impact in the wearables market.

Atul Subhash Case: Bengaluru AI engineer Atul Subhash died by suicide earlier this month, leaving behind a 24-page note accusing his estranged wife, Nikita Singhania, and her family of extortion and harassment. Weeks after Subhash’s death, tweets shared by the Save Indian Family Foundation (SIFF) on X (formerly Twitter) revealed that a fellow techie had sent a suicidal message in the tech group on WhatsApp, of which he was a part, and then left the group around 12:39 AM before taking drastic action. Role Of Save Indian Family Foundation  A member of that tech group shared the message with the Save Indian Family Foundation (SIFF). Despite many SIFF volunteers being awake, one member from the SIFF noticed the message at around 3:15 AM and took some time to process it before reaching out to others. Meanwhile, one of the members from the SIFF had already alerted the police. On early hours of 9th December was the saddest day for members of SIFF Many volunteers were awake. Anil Murty noticed the message from Atul Subhash at about 3:15am. He took sometime to process. Then he messaged others. pic.twitter.com/0XdtPI67IF — Save Indian Family Foundation (@realsiff) December 29, 2024 Could Bengaluru Police Had Saved His Life? The SIFF members also shared Atul Subhash’s address to ensure clarity among the volunteers, and the police arrived at his apartment. One member suggested breaking down the door at 3:47 AM. This raises the question: Could the Bengaluru police have saved Atul Subhash’s life after reaching his address? Unfortunately, the police require a valid reason to break down the door, and messages to multiple individuals could have provided that justification. One of the coordinators of Bangalore had already informed police. One member forwards the messages of Atul Subhash. pic.twitter.com/BqgTktLfvS — Save Indian Family Foundation (@realsiff) December 29, 2024 Despite the efforts of the SIFF coordinators to convince the police to break down the door, they were unsuccessful. The coordination took place over the phone, and many people were reluctant to believe the worst, especially since Atul’s car was not at the building. They assumed, “Maybe Atul is upset about something; let’s track his car.” As a result, the police delayed breaking down the door. Anil Murty posts address of Atul Subhash to create clarity among the volunteers. Police reached the house. pic.twitter.com/MuW6Vh2V95 — Save Indian Family Foundation (@realsiff) December 29, 2024 Parents Seek Atul’s Child Custody    Parents Seek Custody of Atul’s Child: Atul’s father, Pawan Modi, has filed an FIR at the Vaini police station in Samastipur, Bihar, requesting the recovery and custody of his two-year-old grandson. According to Nikita, the child is currently staying at a relative’s home in Faridabad. Note: The Zee News is not verifying its sources or taking responsibility for the tweets shared by SIFF. (Discussions on suicides can be triggering for some. But suicides are preventable. If you are looking for help, some suicide prevention helpline numbers in India are 011-40769002 from Sanjivini (Delhi-based, 10 am – 5.30 pm) and 044-24640050 from Sneha Foundation (Chennai-based, 8 am – 10 pm), +91 9999666555 from Vandrevala Foundation (Mumbai-based, 24×7).