Twitter

Elon Musk Says Twitter Will Soon Display Account Shadowban Status, Allow Users to Appeal Decision

Twitter follows Instagram, which recently announced that it would inform users of posts that would not be recommended to other users.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Twitter employees reportedly used a "Visibility Filtering" tool

• Twitter was purchased by billionaire Elon Musk recently

• Weiss said that "VF" refers to Twitter's control over user visibility

• Twitter CEO Elon Musk has come up with a new update to the microblogging platform after the second instalment of the so-called "Twitter Files" revealed how the company built blacklists and actively limited the visibility of certain accounts. Musk tweeted on Friday, "Twitter is working on a software update that will show your true account status, so you know clearly if you've been shadowbanned, the reason why and how to appeal."

• Twitter employees reportedly built blacklists and actively limited the visibility of entire accounts, according to the second instalment of Elon Musk's "Twitter Files" that claims to shed light on the company's hidden practices under the previous management.

• "A new #TwitterFiles investigation reveals that teams of Twitter employees build blacklists, prevent disfavoured tweets from trending, and actively limit the visibility of entire accounts or even trending topics--all in secret, without informing users," said the editor of The Free Press Bari Weiss, in a series of tweets.

• "Twitter once had a mission to give everyone the power to create and share ideas and information instantly, without barriers. Along the way, barriers nevertheless were erected," she added.

• Weiss said that "VF" refers to Twitter's control over user visibility. "It used VF to block searches of individual users; to limit the scope of a particular tweet's discoverability; to block select users' posts from ever appearing on the trending page; and from inclusion in hashtag searches."

• She said that a select group, which handled up to 200 "cases" a day, decided whether to limit the reach of certain users was the Strategic Response Team - Global Escalation Team.

• "But there existed a level beyond official ticketing, beyond the rank-and-file moderators following the company's policy on paper. That is the Site Integrity Policy, Policy Escalation Support, known as SIP-PES," she added.

• Weiss said that this secret group included Head of Legal, Policy, and Trust Vijaya Gadde, the Global Head of Trust and Safety Yoel Roth, subsequent CEOs Jack Dorsey and Parag Agrawal, and others.

• "This is where the biggest, most politically sensitive decisions got made. Think high follower account, controversial, another Twitter employee told us. For these there would be no ticket or anything," she said.

• Last week, journalist Matt Taibbi in collaboration with Musk published "Twitter Files", documenting Twitter's internal communications to disclose links with political actors and with a focus on how the social network blocked stories related to Hunter Biden's laptop in the lead-up to the 2020 US Presidential election.

Samsung Galaxy A14 5G

 Samsung Galaxy A14 Spotted on Google Play Console, Key Specifications Tipped:

Samsung Galaxy A14 5G has been tipped to sport a flat frame design similar to Galaxy S22.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Galaxy A14's latest listing suggests Exynos 1330 SoC

• Galaxy A14 was earlier tipped to feature MediaTek Dimensity 700 SoC

• The smartphone's design has also been tipped by render leaks.

• Samsung A14 5G, which is the South Korean conglomerate's purported next entry in its budget-friendly Galaxy A series, has reportedly made an appearance on Google Play Console. The smartphone was previously also spotted on Geekbench multiple times while also being subjected to render leaks that suggested the design of the alleged handset. The latest spotting on Google Play Console suggests that the Galaxy A14 5G smartphone will be driven by an Exynos 1330 SoC. The listing also reportedly hints the display specifications of the budget smartphone.

• The Google Play Console listing for the Samsung Galaxy A14 5G was reported by MyFixGuide. As per the report, the listing suggests that the smartphone will feature an Exynos 1330 SoC, with two Cortex-A78 cores clocked at 2.4GHz and six A55 cores clocked at 2.0GHz. The listing also reportedly suggests that the smartphone will come with a 6.8-inch full-HD+ LCD panel.

• A previous report had spotted the Galaxy A14 5G smartphone on Geekbench with the model number SM-A146P suggesting that the smartphone may be powered by an octa-core processor with a 2+6 core configuration. This was believed to be the MediaTek Dimensity 700 SoC. However, the latest Google Play Listing contradicts this prediction and instead suggests that the smartphone will be driven by an Exynos 1330 SoC, as per the report.

• The Samsung Galaxy A14 5G scored 522 points in the single-core test and 1,710 points in the multi-core test on Geekbench. Meanwhile, an earlier spotting on Geekbench had suggested that the Galaxy A14 5G smartphone scored 770 points in the single-core test and 2,151 points in the multi-core test. This spotting also listed the smartphone featuring a Mali G68 GPU, and 4GB of RAM.

• The budget smartphone from Samsung was also seen listed on India's BIS certification database, suggesting that the handset could make its way to the Indian market soon.

• Samsung's Galaxy A14 5G has also been subjected to a render leak that tipped the smartphone to sport a flat frame design similar to the Galaxy S22 sporting three circular cutouts on the back for camera sensors alongside a LED flash module. The design renders also indicated that the fingerprint scanner could be within the power button of the handset. The device was seen sporting a water-drop notch on the front for the selfie camera.

• However, Samsung has not confirmed any details, specifications, or launch timeline of the purported Galaxy A14 5G budget smartphone.

Jio Phone 5G

Jio Phone 5G With Snapdragon 480+ SoC Surfaces on Geekbench: All Details

Jio Phone 5G is listed to feature 4GB of RAM.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Jio Phone 5G is listed on Geekbench with model number Jio LS1654QB5

• The handset scored 549 points in the single-core benchmark

• Jio Phone 5G SoC listed to feature an Adreno 619 GPU.

• Jio Phone 5G was recently spotted on Geekbench, hinting at the key specifications of the handset ahead of its debut in India. Though the exact launch date is yet to be revealed by the country's largest telecom operator, the rumoured specifications and features of the new handsets have already surfaced online. The Jio Phone 5G could be powered by a Snapdragon 480+ SoC and run on Android 12, according to a listing on a benchmarking website.

• A listing for a smartphone with the title "Jio LS1654QB5" was spotted by MySmartPrice on benchmarking website Geekbench. The listing hints at some of its key specifications including the processor, RAM, and the operating system.

• The purported Jio Phone 5G smartphone is listed to feature a chipset codenamed Holi, which means the handset could be powered by a Snapdragon 480+ chipset

• The hood, paired with an Adreno 619 GPU.

• The listing further shows that the Jio Phone 5G has scored 549 points in the single-core test and 1661 in the multi-core benchmark test. The smartphone will run on Android 12 according to the Geekbench entry, and could run on Jio's PragatiOS.

• In addition to this, the listing also shows that the upcoming Jio Phone 5G will feature 4GB of RAM.

• The Jio Phone 5G was previously tipped to feature 6.5-inch HD+ LCD display with 90Hz refresh rate. It could come with dual rear camera setup comprising a 13-megapixel primary sensor and a 2-megapixel macro sensor. For selfies and video calls, the 5G phone may pack an 8-megapixel sensor at the front.

PlayStation

PlayStation to Host a Free Online Multiplayer Weekend From December 10 to 11

Players will gain access to multiplayer modes in PS4 and PS5 games, despite not having a PS Plus subscription.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Players are required to have an internet connection and a PSN account

• A basic (Essential) PS Plus subscription costs Rs. 499

• PS Plus unveiled the 3 new titles coming to its catalogue in December

• PlayStation is holding a free online multiplayer weekend. In a tweet, the Sony-owned company announced that players will be able to access the multiplayer modes in PS4 and PS5 games, without having to pay for a PS Plus subscription. The access runs for two whole days, from December 10 to December 11, and allows you to test drive the multiplayer features with a friend or go head-to-head with others online. All you require is a stable internet connection and a PSN (PlayStation Network) account to sign into the services.

• A PlayStation Plus membership starts at Rs. 499 monthly for the lowest Essential tier, which offers three free games every month, in addition to online multiplayer access. Unlike PC gaming, consoles demand additional payment in order to be able to play games with other individuals online. This feature is included as part of all three PS Plus tiers — Essential, Extra, and Deluxe/ Premium — with added bonuses that help enhance the experience, with a monthly games catalogue, cloud storage, exclusive discounts, and more. Elden Ring just dropped its long-rumoured free, PvP-focused Colosseum update, which lets you duel against other Tarnished online, in new, gladiator-esque arenas. This PS Plus free weekend would be a great incentive to test out new builds, hairstyles, and battle alongside friends in team fights

• Earlier this month, PlayStation unveiled the latest additions to its December catalogue of games, available to members across all three PS Plus tiers. Up until January 2, subscribers can add the narrative-driven sci-fi RPG Mass Effect Legendary Edition, an anthropomorphic post-apocalyptic shooter Biomutant, and the new fighting game Divine Knockout to their library. As usual, the publisher will drop an additional set of titles, reserved solely for the higher tier plans — Essential and Deluxe/ Premium — later this month, which would also include a classics catalogue.

• Sony's financial report from last month confirmed that the PS Plus service had been losing subscribers — nearly 2 million since its June relaunch, falling from 47.3 million to 45.4 million within the last quarter. The company also received a 10-year contract from Microsoft, earlier this which ensured that future Call of Duty titles would drop on the same day, across either platform. However, a Bloomberg report suggests that PlayStation had been “raising objections” and showing a lack of interest in the deal.

• “There's been one game industry participant that's really been raising all the objections, and that's Sony, and they've been fairly public about the things that don't meet their expectations,” Xbox head Phil Spencer told Bloomberg (via VGC). “From where we sit, it's clear they're spending more time with the regulators than they are with us to try and get this deal done.”

WhatsApp Avatar

WhatsApp Avatar Feature Rolling Out to Users With Support for 36 Customisable Stickers

WhatsApp has rolled out customisable digital personas that the Meta-owned instant messaging platform is calling Avatars.

HIGHLIGHTS

• WhatsApp is said to have beta tested feature earlier

• Avatars to be available in 36 custom stickers

• WhatsApp Avatar could be used as profile picture

• WhatsApp has begun rolling out Avatars, a feature that allows users to make a digital representation of themselves. The Meta-owned instant messaging service previously rolled out the Bitmoji-like feature to beta testers on Android and iOS. The feature which is now making its way to all users as part of a full-scale rollout, will allow users to curate their digital representation or personal avatar from a combination of hairstyles, facial features, and outfits, according to the company. WhatsApp will also provide 36 custom stickers that reflect different emotions and actions.

• The instant messaging platform announced the new Avatars feature via a blog post on Wednesday. A user can set an Avatar as their WhatsApp profile photo, or use them as stickers. Meta says that these stickers will be available in 36 versions of popular emojis and actions, adding that avatars could provide users "a fast and fun way to share feelings with friends and family."

• The company intends to serve Avatars as a mode for fun and creative expression as well as a privacy feature. Avatar can be a "great way to represent yourself without using your real photo so it feels more private," added the company blog post.

• Users may access the Avatars feature by updating their WhatsApp to the latest version and navigating to Settings > Avatar > Create Your Avatar.

• The feature was previously tested with a few beta testers on WhatsApp beta version 2.22.23.9 for Android, about a month before it was eventually rolled out to all users.

Crypto Currency

 FBI Nabs Blockparty CTO Rikesh Thapa for Stealing BTC Worth $1 Million, Defrauding Employer

HIGHLIGHTS

• Rikesh Thapa was arrested from Southern California

• He now awaits a court trial in the US

• Rikesh Thapa could face up to 20 years in prison

• The FBI announced on Wednesday that it had arrested 28-year-old Rikesh Thapa for stealing funds, in the form of Bitcoin from his employer. Thapa, who worked at a blockchain firm that was experimenting with cryptocurrencies in order to diversify its portfolio, had offered to save some company funds in his personal account, but later refused to return the money. US Department of Justice (DoJ) has released an official statement after nabbing Thapa the Southern District of California.

• Thapa has been accused of stealing over a million dollars, out of which, $162,216 (roughly Rs. 1.33 crore) were wrapped as 10 Bitcoins. He had been working as the chief technical officer (CTO) at a tech startup named Blockparty.

• The stolen amount was allegedly used by the accused for traveling, clubbing, and purchasing luxury goods, according to the DoJ statement.

• Thapa was able to steal BTC because the company that he was working for, was experimenting with cryptocurrencies as a means of diversifying its financial portfolio.

• “In August 2018, Thapa diverted at least one of the victim company's Bitcoin for his own benefit, selling the Bitcoin for approximately $6,500 (roughly Rs. 5.35 lakh) and depositing the proceeds into his account,” the statement noted.

• The US authorities have reiterated that it is closely monitoring the crypto space and is taking quick action to resolve grievances being reported from the members of the community.

• Back in June, the FBI had issued a warning for LinkedIn users from falling prey to crypto scammers out and about for victim hunt.

The Game Awards

 The Game Awards 2022 India Time, How to Watch, Nominees, and More

The Game Awards 2022 goes live Friday, December 9, at 6am IST in India.

HIGHLIGHTS

• The ceremony will be held at the Microsoft Theatre in Los Angeles

• Geoff Keighley claims this year’s show will be ‘significantly shorter’

• It will be live on major platforms including YouTube, Twitch, and more.

• The Game Awards is back with its 2022 edition to celebrate the best in video games, in an all-around extravaganza with the promise of new announcements. Games industry titan Geoff Keighley is returning to host the show live, backed by its musical orchestra and an in-person audience, at the Microsoft Theatre in Los Angeles. A total of 108 titles, individuals, and teams will compete across 31 nominations to earn their respective prizes, forever cementing their names in video game history. Winners have been picked by a global jury of over 100 media publications that include Gadgets 360.

• That said, Keighley notes that the runtime might stretch a little bit depending on how long the winners' speeches are. This is good news, as last year's show was a nearly four-hour-long ordeal, including the pre-show, which maintains the same 30-minute-long runtime.

• The Game Awards 2022: Date and time

    The digital presentation of The Game              Awards 2022 is scheduled for Thursday,        December 8 at 4:30pm PT/ 7:30pm ET. For      India, this translates to Friday, December      9, at 6am IST. The first thirty minutes will      feature a pre-show, hosted by Sydney              Goodman, and promises new video game      announcements.

• The Game Awards 2022: How to watch?

• Those who cannot attend the in-person event in Los Angeles can watch a live stream from the comfort of their home. The Game Awards 2022 will be available to watch for free on all major platforms, including its official YouTube and Twitch channels, in addition to feeds on Facebook Live, Twitter, TikTok Live, and Instagram Live. You could also watch it through other Twitch streamers' channels, who might have registered to co-stream the event.

Motorola

 Moto X40 Launch Date Set for December 15: All You Need to Know.                                  

Moto X40 will be powered by a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC, according to the company.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Motorola confirmed the Moto X40 launch date via Weibo

• The company previously teased the smartphone in China

• Moto X40 is confirmed to feature Qualcomm's latest SoC.                                          

• Moto X40 launch date has been set for December 15, the company announced on Thursday. The company's upcoming flagship smartphone entry in its X lineup, the Moto X40 smartphone will be launched in China next week. The subsidiary of Chinese multinational company Lenovo made the announcement through a post on Chinese microblogging website Weibo with a poster teasing the launch of the flagship Moto X40 handset. The flagship phone was previously teased by a senior company official on Weibo, hinting at the arrival of the successor to the Moto X30.

• Motorola took to Weibo to announce that the Moto X40 will be launched on December 15 through a dedicated product launch conference. However, apart from the launch date, the post does not reveal any specifications or details of the upcoming smartphone.

• Considering that this is the first official teaser posted a week before the actual launch event, we could expect the smartphone manufacturer to reveal further teasers which may reveal additional details around the Moto X40 leading up to the event.

• Back in October, Chen Jin, General Manager of Lenovo Mobile Business Group had teased the arrival of the flagship Moto X40 via a post on Weibo, asking users about their expectations for the company's upcoming flagship smartphone.

• The Moto X40 is expected to launch as a successor to Moto Edge X30 which came at a starting price of CNY 3,199 (roughly Rs. 37,000). The previous generation smartphone in the company's X lineup came with a 6.8-inch full-HD+ pOLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate and was powered by a Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 SoC, paired with up to 12GB of LPDDR5 RAM. In terms of camera, the smartphone featured a 50-megapixel triple rear camera setup and a 60-megapixel selfie camera. The smartphone packed a 5,000mAh battery with 68W TurboPower fast charging support.