Dongfeng Nissan N7 Electric Sedan
Science & Tech

Dongfeng Nissan Unveils N7 Electric Sedan at Auto Guangzhou

by khyyam
written by khyyam

Dongfeng Nissan N7 Electric Sedan Debuts at Auto Guangzhou

Dongfeng Nissan has revealed its first all-electric sedan, the N7, at the Auto Guangzhou 2023 event. This sleek and innovative car is set to launch in China in the first half of 2025.

A New Platform for a New Era

The N7 is the first model built on Dongfeng Nissan’s new modular platform for electric vehicles. This advanced architecture was developed in China to meet the needs of the world’s largest car market.

Eye-Catching Design and Dimensions

The N7 showcases Nissan’s signature V-Motion design language. The sedan measures 4,930 mm in length, 1,895 mm in width, and 1,487 mm in height. Its generous wheelbase of 2,915 mm promises spacious interiors.

Smart Technology for Modern Drivers

Powering the N7’s infotainment system is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8295P processor. Dongfeng Nissan has also partnered with Momenta to integrate the ‘Navigate on Autopilot’ advanced driver-assist system. This system is expected to enhance safety and convenience on the road.

Part of Nissan’s Global Vision

The N7 is part of Nissan’s mid-term plan, The Arc, aimed at advancing EV production and export from China. This initiative highlights the importance of China as a hub for Nissan’s global electric vehicle ambitions.

Launch Details and Pricing

Dongfeng Nissan has not disclosed pricing yet but promises to reveal more information before the official launch in 2025.

The N7 electric sedan is poised to make waves in the automotive market with its innovative features and sleek design. Stay tuned for more updates!

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YouTube's swipe feature
Science & Tech

YouTube’s New Swipe Feature: Worst Change?

by Muhammad Sajid
written by Muhammad Sajid

YouTube is currently testing a major update to its mobile app that has sparked controversy among users. Many users calling it the “worst change in YouTube’s history.” According to Android Authority, this new YouTube’s swipe feature is being tested on Android devices and could fundamentally alter how users navigate the platform. Although the change hasn’t been officially announced, the trial is already generating mixed reactions.

The update seems inspired by TikTok’s popular swipe-up gesture, which allows users to scroll seamlessly between videos. While YouTube Shorts adopted this vertical navigation style to compete with TikTok, the platform is now extending the swipe-up feature to its standard video player. This move has divided users, as it could disrupt YouTube’s traditional video-watching experience.

What’s Changing?
With the new update, swiping up on a full-screen video will take users to the next video, mimicking the Shorts experience. Additionally, swiping down will open a vertical page showing comments and video options. Swiping from the top displays a recommended video bar or activates picture-in-picture mode, creating a more interactive but potentially intrusive interface.

Critics argue that this new navigation style prioritizes vertical over horizontal viewing, alienating users who prefer YouTube’s classic setup. The update may appeal to users familiar with TikTok-style browsing but risks frustrating long-time users who value manual video selection.

New Features for YouTube Shorts
On a positive note, YouTube Shorts is introducing exciting updates, such as the ability to post 3-minute-long videos. This change provides creators with more flexibility to produce engaging content, positioning YouTube as a stronger competitor against TikTok and Instagram Reels.

User Reactions
YouTube’s swipe feature has faced backlash from users, with many labeling it an unnecessary and disruptive change. While the update aims to modernize the app, critics feel it sacrifices user choice for forced navigation. Whether this feature becomes a permanent addition depends on YouTube’s review of user feedback during the trial period.

Conclusion
YouTube’s decision to test a swipe-up feature for standard videos reflects the platform’s push to evolve with modern trends. However, user dissatisfaction could compel the company to reconsider its approach, balancing innovation with its legacy interface.

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VPN registration Pakistan
Science & Tech

PTA Introduces VPN Registration In Pakistan

by Muhammad Sajid
written by Muhammad Sajid

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has launched a new initiative to streamline the registration of unregistered Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) and introduced VPN registration in Pakistan. PTA held a consultative meeting with key stakeholders, including the Ministry of IT, Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB), and the Pakistan IT Association. This initiative is part of PTA’s effort to address the challenges of unregistered VPNs while ensuring the seamless functioning of the digital ecosystem.

Why Register VPNs?
Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) are crucial tools that allow users to browse the internet securely and privately by masking their IP address. They enable access to restricted content and secure communications, which is especially important for IT professionals, freelancers, and businesses in Pakistan. However, PTA raised concerns about the potential misuse of VPNs for illegal activities and has thus introduced a registration process to regulate their use.

Under the new framework, users can now easily register their VPNs through the online portal, ipregistration.pta.gov.pk. This system aims to help streamline the usage of VPNs while preventing unauthorized access and misuse. By registering VPNs, PTA ensures that businesses, freelancers, and other stakeholders will continue to enjoy uninterrupted internet services, fostering a secure online environment.

Process of VPN Registration
The registration of VPNs in Pakistan is now a simple online procedure. The new system is designed to allow users to register VPNs quickly and efficiently. This is particularly beneficial for IT companies and professionals who rely on VPNs for secure communication and remote work. PTA is encouraging companies and freelancers to register their VPNs to ensure continuous internet access and avoid any disruptions caused by unregistered connections.

However, PTA also emphasized the importance of controlling the misuse of VPNs. While VPNs provide secure communications and access to blocked content, they can also be used to access illegal or harmful websites. The registration framework aims to strike a balance between allowing legitimate users to benefit from VPNs while minimizing the risks associated with unregulated usage.

Conclusion
With the PTA’s new VPN registration system, Pakistan is taking a step forward in managing its digital infrastructure. The framework will benefit businesses, IT professionals, and individuals who rely on VPNs for secure and private internet usage. By registering VPNs, users will ensure their access remains uninterrupted while adhering to the regulatory framework set by PTA.

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SUPARCO lunar rover
Science & Tech

SUPARCO lunar rover to Join China’s Chang’e-8 Mission

by Muhammad Sajid
written by Muhammad Sajid

Pakistan’s Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission has announced an exciting collaboration with China’s upcoming Chang’e-8 mission, slated for launch in 2028. This marks a significant milestone for Pakistan’s space program, as SUPARCO lunar rover will play a critical role in the mission aimed at advancing scientific knowledge of the moon’s south pole.

SUPARCO lunar rover, weighing 35 kilograms, will be integral to the Chang’e-8 mission, which is part of the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS) project, a major international initiative led by China. By landing at the moon’s south pole, the rover will gather data on lunar soil, mapping the surface, and analyzing the region’s unique terrain. This mission is crucial as the south pole is believed to contain potential resources that could support future space exploration and sustainable human presence on the moon.

Developed by Pakistani engineers and scientists, the rover is equipped with state-of-the-art instruments designed for detailed analysis of lunar soil composition. These scientific instruments will help assess the viability of long-term human missions to the moon, an area of significant interest for international space agencies. Through this collaboration, Pakistan is solidifying its position as a key player in global space exploration.

SUPARCO’s involvement in the Chang’e-8 mission is a testament to Pakistan’s growing space capabilities and its ability to forge strategic international partnerships. As Pakistan continues to develop its space program, the collaboration with China offers valuable opportunities to contribute to lunar exploration research and technological advancements.

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worst passwords 2024
Science & Tech

Worst Passwords of 2024 You Should Avoid Now

by Muhammad Sajid
written by Muhammad Sajid

In 2024, NordPass’s annual list reveals a shocking reality: most people still rely on weak passwords that leave their accounts at risk. The list, based on an analysis of 2.5 TB of leaked data, identifies the worst passwords of the year, with “worst passwords 2024” such as “123456” and “password” topping the list.

The most common passwords, including “123456789,” “qwerty123,” and “111111,” are alarmingly easy for hackers to crack, many of which take under a second to breach. With simple patterns and commonly used words, these passwords are an open door to cyber threats, making it clear that improved security practices are essential.

Experts recommend several key steps for securing your accounts. First, use at least 12 characters with a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Each account should have a unique password to avoid cross-platform vulnerability. Password managers, like NordPass, can also assist in generating and securely storing complex passwords. Additionally, enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) provides an added security layer.

Although many companies are working on password alternatives, such as biometrics and passkeys, these solutions may take time to become accessible to all. For now, users should focus on creating secure passwords to protect their online presence.

Top 20 Worst Passwords of 2024

  1. 123456
  2. 123456789
  3. 12345678
  4. password
  5. qwerty123
  6. qwerty1
  7. 111111
  8. 12345
  9. secret
  10. 123123
  11. 1234567890
  12. 1234567
  13. 000000
  14. qwerty
  15. abc123
  16. password1
  17. iloveyou
  18. 11111111
  19. dragon
  20. monkey

Stay secure: avoid these common passwords and protect your digital identity.

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Big data
Science & Tech

Deciphering the Enigma: What is Big Data?

by Ali Haider
written by Ali Haider

Big data is an overarching term that refers to immense datasets of information, surpassing the capabilities of conventional data-processing applications. This domain poses multifaceted challenges such as analysis, capture, curation, search, sharing, storage, transfer, visualization, querying, and safeguarding information privacy.

Characteristically, big data is delineated by the three defining attributes known as the three V’s:

Volume: Big data aggregates from diverse origins, encompassing transactions, smart IoT devices, industrial machinery, multimedia (videos, images, audio), social media content, and much more. These datasets can escalate into the petabytes or even exabytes, pushing the limits of storage and analysis capabilities.

Velocity: The pace at which big data is amassed and processed is staggering. For instance, social media platforms churn out millions of new posts every minute, requiring real-time analysis and response.

Variety: Big data exhibits diversity in data formats, including structured (such as relational databases), semi-structured (in the form of JSON and XML files), and unstructured (comprising textual content, images, and videos). This variety necessitates adaptable processing methods.

Big data’s potential applications span numerous industries, unleashing opportunities for innovation and improvement:

Business: Enterprises leverage big data to enhance customer service, develop innovative products and services, and inform strategic decision-making. Analyzing consumer preferences and market trends is made more effective with the massive data at their disposal.

Healthcare: In the medical realm, big data proves invaluable for enhancing patient care, crafting novel treatments, and conducting extensive research. By mining medical records, genetic information, and clinical trials data, healthcare professionals can make more informed decisions.

Finance: The financial sector employs big data to identify fraudulent activities, manage risk, and make more accurate investment decisions. Real-time transaction analysis and market forecasting are prime examples.

Government: Government agencies utilize big data to bolster public safety, optimize infrastructure, and deliver improved services to citizens. The data-driven approach ensures efficient resource allocation and timely responses.

A multitude of examples illustrate the expanse of big data sources:

  • Social media posts
  • Website traffic data
  • Sensor data from IoT devices
  • Customer purchase data
  • Medical records
  • Financial transactions
  • Satellite images
  • Video surveillance data

Despite its transformative potential, the responsible and ethical use of big data is paramount. Safeguarding individuals’ privacy and harnessing big data for the collective benefit of society remain pivotal concerns. Balancing innovation and ethics is a key challenge in the evolving landscape of big data utilization. It’s not just about the data itself but how we handle, interpret, and apply it that shapes its impact on the world. By embracing these principles, big data can truly be a force for positive change and progress in various domains of human endeavor.

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Abbas Ibn Firnas
Stories

Abbas Ibn Firnas: The 9th-Century Pioneer of Human Flight and Engineering Innovations

by Ali Haider
written by Ali Haider

Abbas Ibn Firnas: The First Human to Attempt Heavier-Than-Air Flight

Abbas Ibn Firnas, a remarkable 9th-century polymath, is celebrated as the first person to attempt and achieve heavier-than-air flight, predating modern airplanes by more than a thousand years. Born in Ronda, in what is now Spain, and later residing in Cordoba—a prominent center of learning during the Umayyad Caliphate—Ibn Firnas made groundbreaking strides in various fields including aviation, engineering, and optics.

At the age of 65 to 70, Ibn Firnas designed wings using silk, wood, and feathers, and launched himself from Jabal Al-Arus mountain in Yemen. This daring feat enabled him to stay airborne for approximately 10 minutes. Although his flight ended in a crash due to the absence of proper landing mechanisms, his attempt laid the foundation for future aviation. His design flaws led him to understand the importance of developing landing techniques, an insight that came centuries before powered aircraft.

Beyond his achievements in flight, Ibn Firnas was a skilled engineer and inventor. He created water-powered clocks, conducted experiments with quartz crystals, and developed magnifying lenses for those with impaired vision. His innovative contributions have left a lasting legacy, inspiring future generations.

Today, Abbas Ibn Firnas is honored through various landmarks, including airports and bridges named after him in Muslim-majority countries. His legacy symbolizes the rich history of scientific and technological advances made during the Islamic Golden Age. Ibn Firnas passed away between 890 and 895 AD, and some historians speculate that his injuries from his flight may have contributed to his death.

Abbas Ibn Firnas’s achievements in aviation and engineering continue to be a testament to human ingenuity and the desire to explore the unknown, making him a true pioneer of flight and innovation.

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Instagram AI profile feature
Science & Tech

Instagram AI Profile Picture Feature Is Introduced For Users

by Muhammad Sajid
written by Muhammad Sajid

Meta has been actively enhancing its social media platforms with artificial intelligence (AI) tools in recent months. A recent development in this direction is Instagram’s new feature, allowing users to generate AI-powered profile pictures. This feature is reportedly based on Meta’s advanced Llama AI model, aiming to give users more creative control over their profile images.

Developer Alessandro Paluzzi discovered the feature while updating his Instagram profile photo, dubbing it “Create an AI Profile Picture.” Sharing a screenshot on X (formerly Twitter), Paluzzi revealed that Instagram is working to give users an option to create profile images via AI, replacing the need to upload a photo manually.

Instagram AI profile picture feature tool complements other AI-related updates by Meta, such as an AI-driven age verification tool, improvements to Direct Messages, and the adaptation of popular Instagram features for WhatsApp. These efforts align with Meta’s larger strategy to enhance user experience through AI.

Currently, users on Instagram upload profile pictures directly from their devices, but this AI tool aims to offer a more customizable option. It’s worth noting that Meta has not officially confirmed a release date, making it unclear when this feature will be accessible. However, the move underscores Meta’s commitment to pioneering AI-driven advancements for a more personalized social media experience.

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O2 AI tool
Science & Tech

O2 Unveils “Daisy” AI Tool to Protect Customers by Wasting Scammers’ Time

by khyyam
written by khyyam

O2 Launches “Daisy” AI Tool to Outsmart Phone Scammers

Mobile network operator O2 has introduced a unique AI tool to counter phone scams. Named “Daisy,” this AI impersonates an elderly woman, keeping scammers on long calls to prevent them from targeting real customers. This clever tool is part of O2’s broader strategy to protect users from fraud, using technology to turn the tables on scammers.

How Daisy Works to Stop Scammers

O2 developed Daisy in collaboration with expert “scambaiters” — individuals skilled in disrupting scam networks. By sounding like an elderly grandmother, Daisy taps into common scammer biases, leading fraudsters to believe they’re speaking to a vulnerable person. Daisy keeps them occupied by engaging in lengthy, wandering conversations filled with fictional personal details, made-up bank information, and humorous stories about technology struggles.

Keeping Scammers Busy for Up to 40 Minutes

Daisy’s strategy is simple yet effective. She frustrates scammers, keeping them on the line for up to 40 minutes. This waste of scammer time reduces the number of real victims they can target. It’s a tactic that resonates with people, as O2’s research showed that seven out of 10 people would love to waste scammers’ time, but don’t want to do it themselves.

A New Era of Fraud Prevention

Murray MacKenzie, Director of Fraud at Virgin Media O2, highlighted that Daisy is just one part of the company’s commitment to stopping scammers. O2 also invests in firewall technology to block scam texts and uses AI-powered tools to detect spam calls. Daisy’s success not only protects customers but also helps reveal common scamming tactics, allowing O2 to improve its overall fraud protection strategies.

Turning the Tables on Fraudsters

O2’s AI scambaiter, Daisy, demonstrates a unique and effective approach to stopping scams. By engaging fraudsters in lengthy, unproductive calls, Daisy is protecting real customers and exposing scammers’ methods. This innovative tool is a powerful addition to O2’s fraud prevention measures, reinforcing the company’s commitment to customer safety.

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Visa’s
Science & Tech

EU Antitrust Probe Targets Visa’s Retailer Fees, Examines Impact on Competition

by khyyam
written by khyyam

EU Commission Launches Antitrust Probe Into Visa’s Retailer Fees

The European Commission (EC) has opened a preliminary investigation into fees charged by Visa to retailers. This probe follows a recent report indicating that both Visa and Mastercard are under scrutiny for potentially harming competition in the payments market.

Allegations of Anti-Competitive Practices

The EC informed Visa about the investigation on August 30, 2023, stating its interest in examining whether Visa’s fee structure negatively affects retailers. Visa confirmed that it is fully cooperating with the EC to support the ongoing investigation. Mastercard, Visa’s major competitor, also revealed last month that it had received a request from the EC for documents related to a similar probe.

The investigation aims to determine if the current fee model by these card giants may be stifling fair competition, possibly disadvantaging smaller retailers and alternative payment options. Visa and Mastercard’s dominance in the payment industry has long attracted regulatory attention and concerns about a duopoly.

Separate Inquiry Closed

Visa also mentioned a separate EC investigation that was closed on October 1, 2023. This closed investigation focused on the company’s incentive agreements with clients, which had also drawn scrutiny from European regulators.

Ongoing Scrutiny for Visa and Mastercard

Visa and Mastercard hold a significant share of the global card payment market, leading to frequent antitrust probes. As digital payments become increasingly essential, regulators are keen to ensure fair access and competitive pricing for all market participants.

The outcome of this latest EC investigation could have important implications for the future of transaction fees and competition in the European Union’s payment sector.

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