Author: TechCartel

Apple Music Classical to Launch on March 28

Apple will be launching a new app called “Apple Music Classical” specifically for classical music enthusiasts. The app will be available worldwide and will coexist alongside the existing Apple Music app for iOS and Android. Apple has confirmed that users will not need to purchase a separate subscription to use the new platform. The app will be initially available for iPhone users and will support up to 192 kHz/24-bit Hi-Res Lossless audio quality, providing a high-end listening experience for users with AirPods.

According to its App Store listing, the app will work on iPhone 6 and above and support six languages, including English, Dutch, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, and Spanish. Users need to ensure they are using iOS version 15.4 or later to use the app.

Apple has stated that the app is designed to help beginners get acquainted with classical music through its Essentials playlists, insightful composer biographies, and deep-dive guides. The app will have over five million tracks in its initial stage, which is comparatively less than Apple Music’s 100 million songs. The app will not work with the Apple Music Voice Plan yet. However, users in China, Japan, Korea, Russia, Taiwan, Turkey, Afghanistan, and Pakistan will not be able to access Apple Music Classical.

According to a statement by Apple, “Apple Music Classical makes it quick and easy to find any recording in the world’s largest classical music catalogue with fully optimized search, and listeners can enjoy the highest audio quality available, and experience many classical favourites in a whole new way with immersive spatial audio.”

The app is now available for pre-order and is scheduled to launch on March 28th. It will be accessible to Apple Music subscribers who are on an individual, student, family or Apple One plan, without any additional charges. However, it will not be included in the $5 per month Voice plan.

March 10, 2023
How to Become a Virtual Reality (VR) Coach

A virtual reality (VR) coach is a computer program or application that uses virtual reality technology to provide coaching, training, or guidance in various fields. VR coaches can be designed to simulate real-life scenarios and provide users with a safe and immersive environment to practice skills, make decisions, and receive feedback.

For example, a VR coach could be used in sports training to help athletes improve their technique or in medical training to help doctors and nurses practice procedures. It could also be used in therapy to provide patients with exposure therapy for phobias or to teach coping skills for anxiety.

VR coaches typically use advanced graphics, motion tracking, and other technologies to create a realistic and interactive experience for users. They may also incorporate artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms to personalize coaching and adapt to individual learning styles and needs.

Becoming a virtual reality (VR) coach typically requires a combination of education, experience, and technical skills. Here are some steps you can take to become a VR coach:

Develop a strong background in the field you want to coach

To become a VR coach, you typically need to have expertise in the area you want to coach, such as sports, medicine, or therapy. This may require earning a degree or certification in the field, gaining practical experience through internships or on-the-job training, or a combination of both.

Learn virtual reality technology

To be a successful VR coach, you need to have a solid understanding of VR technology and the software and hardware used to create virtual environments. You may need to take courses or workshops to learn the necessary skills, such as 3D modeling, game design, and programming.

Gain experience working with VR

Practice using VR technology to create virtual environments and simulations. This may involve working on your own VR projects or volunteering to assist with VR projects for other organizations or individuals.

Network with others in the VR industry

Attend industry events, join VR communities and forums, and network with other VR professionals to learn about new trends and opportunities in the field.

Develop coaching skills

In addition to technical skills, becoming a VR coach requires strong coaching skills, such as the ability to communicate effectively, provide feedback, and motivate learners. Consider taking coaching courses or working with a mentor to develop these skills.

Consider certifications

There are currently no formal certifications for VR coaching, but you may want to consider earning certifications in related areas, such as VR development or coaching, to demonstrate your expertise and enhance your credibility.

Becoming a VR coach requires dedication, hard work, and a willingness to continuously learn and improve. Virtual reality (VR) is an emerging technology that is still in the early stages of development and adoption. Despite the concept of virtual reality having been around for several decades, recent technological advancements have made it more accessible and practical for a wider range of applications.

The potential for VR is immense, and it continues to excite and inspire developers, researchers, and businesses who are exploring new and innovative ways to harness its capabilities. As VR technology continues to evolve and improve, it is likely that we will see it used in even more industries and applications in the coming years.

March 4, 2023
Ford Launches Latitude AI for Self-Driving

Ford Motor Company confirms the launch of automated driving system, Latitude AI, in a recent press release, a few months after closing its previous self-driving tech unit, Argo AI. The new subsidiary, Latitude AI, will develop an automated driving system for millions of vehicles, enabling hands-free and eyes-off-the-road driving.

Latitude AI is taking on 550 employees from Ford’s previous self-driving project, Argo AI. These experts specialize in machine learning, robotics, cloud platforms, mapping, safety engineering, and test operations. Latitude AI aligns with Ford’s strategic shift to focus on developing automated driving technologies for personal vehicles, distinguishing itself from Argo AI, which focused on autonomous robotaxis.

Ford’s Chief Advanced Product Development and Technology Officer, Doug Field, commented on the new development, stating:

“We see automated driving technology as an opportunity to redefine the relationship between people and their vehicles“

“The deep experience and talent in our Latitude team will help us accelerate the development of all-new automated driving technology – with the goal of not only making travel safer, less stressful, and more enjoyable but ultimately, over time, giving our customers some of their days back”

Latitude AI’s executive team has been announced, with Sammy Omari, Ford’s executive director of ADAS technologies, appointed as CEO. Peter Carr is named as the chief technology officer, overseeing product and technical development, while David Gollob will serve as the president, responsible for business operations.

The automobile industry has witnessed a significant shift towards integrating artificial intelligence (AI) in vehicles. AI has been used to develop advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), enabling features such as collision avoidance, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control.

Car manufacturers are investing heavily in integrating more software and autonomous technology in vehicles, driven by the potential benefits of these technologies. Ford Motor Company is among the carmakers that have joined this trend, with the recent launch of Latitude AI.

Similarly, Mercedes-Benz has also been ramping up its investments in autonomous technology, with plans to launch a new self-driving technology division to develop advanced software, sensors, and other components for future cars.

Despite some skepticism about the technology, these carmakers are pushing forward, driven by the potential benefits of autonomous driving, including increased safety, reduced congestion, and improved mobility.

March 4, 2023
What do You Call a Singing Laptop?

The world of riddles is an intriguing one, where a clever play on words can lead to a humorous or unexpected solution. One such riddle that has gained popularity over the years is the question, “What do you call a singing laptop?” The answer, of course, is “a dell.” But how did this riddle come to be, and why is the answer “a dell”?

The riddle “What do you call a singing laptop?” plays on word association and sound. The answer is “A Dell,” which on the surface refers to the computer brand Dell. But when you say it out loud, it sounds exactly like “Adele,” the world-famous singer. That clever wordplay connects technology with pop culture in a funny and unexpected way. The humor comes from the quick twist that makes your brain link a laptop brand to a superstar singer.

As mentioned earlier, the word “Dell” also refers to the popular computer manufacturer, Dell Inc. The company was founded in 1984 by Michael Dell in Austin, Texas. Dell Inc. became one of the largest computer manufacturers in the world, producing a range of laptops, desktops, and other computing equipment.

The origin of the riddle is unclear, but it is believed to have originated on social media platforms such as Twitter and Facebook. It quickly spread among internet users who enjoyed the clever wordplay and wanted to share it with their friends. As with many viral trends on the internet, the riddle gained momentum through shares and likes, and soon became a popular conversation. The riddle started appearing on other social media platforms and discussion forums, including Reddit and Tumblr as it gains popularity. Users began to share their own variations of the riddle, some even creating memes or videos to accompany the joke.

Regardless of its origin, the riddle remains a popular one to this day, with many people still using it to stump their friends and family. And while the answer may be a bit cheesy, it’s hard not to smile at the thought of a singing laptop named after a peaceful valley.

March 2, 2023
TikTok Limits Under-18 Screen Time to 60 Minutes Daily

TikTok has announced that it will introduce automatic daily screen time limits for under-18 accounts in response to criticism over its addictive nature among young users. The new feature will restrict teenagers to one hour of screen time, after which they will need to enter a passcode to continue watching. For those under 13, a parent or guardian will need to set or enter a passcode to release an additional 30 minutes. The changes will be implemented in the coming weeks, and parents can set a maximum screen time based on the day of the week for children who access TikTok through a family pairing account.

The Chinese version of TikTok, Douyin, has a daily limit of 40 minutes for under-14s, and is inaccessible for them between 10:00 pm and 6:00 am. TikTok has previously introduced measures such as prompts encouraging screen time management and weekly inbox notifications summarizing a user’s screen time to control young people’s use of the app.

ByteDance’s ownership of the social media app TikTok has raised concerns about data protection in the West, leading to action from various institutions. Most recently, the European Union has ordered its staff to remove the app from their devices due to concerns over data privacy. Recently, the White House has directed US federal agencies to remove TikTok from government-issued devices within 30 days. This move comes as the US government continues to scrutinize the Chinese-owned social media app’s data security and privacy practices. The Biden administration’s executive order highlights concerns that the app could pose a risk to national security, given its access to sensitive government data.

In response, TikTok has stated that it has implemented strict security measures and data privacy policies, and that it continues to work with US authorities to address any concerns. Canada has also implemented a similar measure, with the country’s Prime Minister directing federal departments and agencies to remove TikTok from their mobile devices.

March 1, 2023
Microsoft’s Phone Link App Lets Users Access iMessage on PC

Microsoft has announced that its Phone Link app will now allow iPhone users to access iMessage on their Windows PC. A preview of the updated app will be released today for Windows Insiders. The Phone Link app will facilitate sending and receiving iMessage, making and receiving calls, and viewing phone notifications on Windows 11.

The Phone Link app will connect Windows devices to iPhones via Bluetooth, enabling users to send messages to contacts that also have iPhones straight from their PC. However, group messaging and sending pictures in messages will not be possible. The iMessage conversations will be displayed in a simplified form on the PC.

Yusuf Mehdi, Microsoft’s head of consumer marketing, explained that the messages will be transmitted through Bluetooth and then sent as iMessage once they reach the Apple system.

The Phone Link integration for iOS may seem basic compared to what is available for Android, it is still a significant step forward for Microsoft. The company has never offered messaging or call support for iPhone users before, so this new feature is a welcome addition. It allows iPhone users to conveniently access their iMessage conversations on a Windows laptop, streamlining their workflow and increasing productivity.

While there are some limitations to the integration, such as the inability to send pictures or participate in group messages, it is still a valuable tool for iPhone users who frequently switch between their phone and computer throughout the day. The Phone Link integration is a positive development in Microsoft’s efforts to bridge the gap between Windows and iOS devices.

In addition to the Phone Link support for iPhone users, Microsoft has released a major update for Windows 11. This update includes several new features such as an AI-powered Bing search function on the taskbar, a screen recording feature, improved touch optimization, and other enhancements. With these updates, Windows 11 users can enjoy a more advanced and streamlined computing experience.

March 1, 2023
How to Make TikTok Full Screen on Laptop

TikTok, the popular social media app, introduced a full-screen, horizontal video-viewing option in 2022. The new feature allows users to watch videos in landscape mode on their mobile phones or PC’s’ and this is a departure from the traditional vertical format of TikTok videos and provides users with a more immersive viewing experience. The full-screen, horizontal video-viewing option has proven to be popular with users, who can now watch TikTok videos on a larger screen with a better aspect ratio.

TikTok’s tilt button is a useful feature that allows users to shift the screen and watch horizontal videos in full-screen mode. When users come across a video that is in a vertical format, they can simply tap on the tilt button to adjust the screen and watch the video in landscape mode.

Although horizontal videos uploaded on TikTok will appear in their original format in users’ feeds. With this feature, users can click on a button to expand the video to full-screen mode, similar to how videos are viewed on YouTube. However, the new feature is only accessible to a limited number of users. It is uncertain whether the company plans to expand the trial to a wider audience or release it as a permanent feature. The test is likely part of TikTok’s ongoing efforts to enhance its platform and offer more engaging experiences to users.

The introduction of the full-screen viewing option on TikTok represents a further step in the platform’s evolution as a video-sharing giant. This feature has brought TikTok even closer to its rival, YouTube, which has long been considered the dominant player in the video-sharing space.

With the addition of the full-screen viewing option, TikTok has created a more seamless and immersive experience for its users, similar to what YouTube has been providing for years. This has further intensified the competition between the two platforms as they strive to become the go-to destination for video content. By offering users more ways to consume and engage with videos, both TikTok and YouTube are vying for user attention and loyalty. Ultimately, this ongoing battle between the two platforms is driving innovation for users around the world.

While TikTok is primarily known as a mobile app, there is a growing trend of users accessing the platform on their PCs. This is particularly popular among creators and influencers who may prefer to edit and upload content from a larger screen. Additionally, some users may find it more convenient to browse and interact with the app on their computer while they work or study.

To accommodate this demand, TikTok has released a web version of their platform, which allows users to access the app on their PC without having to download an emulator or use third-party software. This has opened up new possibilities for TikTok users, particularly those who want to create or consume content on a larger screen.

February 26, 2023
Nokia Unveils Affordable User-Repairable Android Phone

In partnership with iFixit, Nokia has unveiled one of the first affordable Android smartphones that is specifically designed to be easily repaired at home. HMD Global, a Finnish company, has developed the Nokia G22, a typical smartphone featuring a 6.5-inch display and a primary camera with 50 megapixels. What sets this phone apart are its exterior and interior design. The device comes with a back cover made of recyclable plastic that can be effortlessly detached, allowing for the replacement of damaged components.

The Nokia G22 is designed for smartphone owners who prioritize longevity and want to keep their phone for as long as possible. Market research shows that the most common reason people replace their phones is due to damage, particularly to the display or battery. To address this, HMD has made it easy to replace these components.

Replacing the battery on the Nokia G22 is a quick process that can be completed in about five minutes with the help of a SIM ejector tool, guitar pick, and screwdriver. Similarly, replacing the display takes approximately twenty minutes and requires a few additional tools.

HMD has partnered with iFixit to provide users with the necessary tools, guides, and parts for repairing the display, battery, or charging port on their G22. Additionally, users can also take their device to an authorized service center for repairs. HMD has simplified the repair process for the Nokia G22 by eliminating the need to heat the back cover to remove it and avoiding the use of alcohol to remove the battery. This makes it easier for users to replace components themselves and extends the life of their device.

Starting today, the Nokia G22 is available for purchase in two color options: Blue and Grey, with a starting price of €179.

Smartphone manufacturers are facing growing pressure from regulators and consumers alike to make their devices more sustainable and environmentally friendly. As a result, many companies are now focusing on extending the lifespan of their products, as opposed to simply encouraging users to upgrade to the latest model. This includes making it easier to repair and replace components, as well as implementing features to reduce energy consumption and increase device efficiency.

In addition to the ethical and environmental benefits of this approach, companies are also seeing a business case for making devices that last longer, as consumers increasingly seek out more durable and sustainable products. As such, the trend towards longer-lasting smartphones is expected to continue to grow in the years to come.

February 25, 2023
Mastercard and Immersve team up for crypto payments in Web3

Mastercard has teamed up with Immersve, a Web3 payment protocol, to enable users to make crypto payments in digital, physical, and Metaverse worlds using USD Coin (USDC) as settlement. USD Coin (USDC) is a type of cryptocurrency known as a stablecoin, which is pegged to the value of the US dollar. Each USDC token is backed by one US dollar held in reserve, providing price stability and reducing the volatility that is typically associated with other cryptocurrencies.

The partnership between Mastercard and Immersve allows for decentralized settlement of real-time cryptocurrency transactions on online platforms that accept Mastercard payments. With the use of existing Web3 wallets, users can directly make crypto payments without requiring a third-party for collateral.

Jerome Faury, the CEO of Immersve, expressed a positive outlook on the potential use cases for cryptocurrencies. In his words, “Collaborating with a well-known and trusted brand like Mastercard is a big step towards mainstream adoption of Web3 wallets.”

Immersve is a New Zealand-based technology company that specializes in developing innovative Web3 solutions. The company utilizes decentralized protocols such as smart contracts to create a bridge between Web3 and Web2 applications. This allows for seamless integration and interoperability between different systems, enabling users to access the benefits of decentralized technologies while maintaining the convenience of traditional web applications. By leveraging the power of Web3, Immersve is helping to shape the future of online transactions, creating a more secure, efficient, and transparent digital ecosystem for businesses and consumers alike.

Mastercard, one of the world’s leading payment processing companies, has been actively exploring the potential of blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies in recent years. To expand its presence in the blockchain industry, Mastercard has collaborated with several blockchain startups to explore innovative use cases for blockchain technology. By forging strategic alliances with key players in the blockchain space, Mastercard is positioning itself as a major player in the rapidly-evolving world of digital payments.

February 23, 2023
How Much do Laptops Weigh?

Laptops have become a ubiquitous part of modern life, as they provide a convenient and portable way to work, study, or entertain oneself. There are many different brands of laptops available on the market, each with their own unique features and specifications. Some of the most popular laptop brands include Dell, HP, Lenovo, ASUS, Acer, MSI, and Apple, among others. These brands offer a wide range of laptops with varying specifications such as screen size, processor speed, storage capacity, graphics capabilities, and battery life, among others.

As technology advances, laptops continue to evolve, with newer models boasting increasingly powerful hardware and innovative features. With such a diverse range of options available, it’s important for consumers to carefully consider their needs and preferences before selecting a laptop that suits them best.

The weight of a laptop can vary significantly depending on its size, design, and materials used. Typically, laptops range from as light as 2-3 pounds for smaller, more portable models, up to 10 pounds or more for larger, more powerful laptops.
Ultrabooks, which are designed for portability and battery life, are some of the lightest laptops available, often weighing between 2-3 pounds. These models usually feature smaller screens and less powerful hardware.

Mid-range laptops typically weigh between 4-6 pounds and are suitable for general use, including web browsing, word processing, and basic multimedia tasks. Gaming laptops and high-end workstations, on the other hand, can weigh upwards of 8-10 pounds or more, due to the added hardware required to run demanding applications and games.

When choosing a laptop, weight is an essential factor to consider depending on your needs and preferences. If you frequently travel with your laptop or need to carry it around, a lightweight option can be more comfortable to transport, reducing the strain on your back and shoulders. However, lighter laptops often come with trade-offs in terms of performance and features, such as reduced battery life, smaller screen size, or fewer ports.

It is important to balance your desire for portability with your computing needs. If you need a more powerful laptop with a larger screen and better performance, it may be worth sacrificing some weight for the added capabilities. The best laptop for you depends on your specific needs and budget, so consider all factors when making your decision.

February 23, 2023