X starts testing $1 Annual Subscription Feature in New Zealand & Philippines

Here are the top trending news from the world of technology. News that every tech enthusiast should keep a tab on.

1)

X starts testing $1 Annual Subscription Feature in New Zealand & Philippines

Following weeks of rumors, X has confirmed that it is currently testing a subscription feature in New Zealand and Philippines. The subscription feature has been named ‘Not a Bot’ and will charge users $1 annually for sending tweets and enjoying other basic features. X has claimed that it is not testing this feature to bolster its revenue or profit but to reduce spam and control other manipulation on the platform. However, some users are still not convinced. The ongoing trail test in New Zealand and Philippines have fueled the speculation that X will soon charge all the users including all the existing users.

2)

WhatsApp Rolls out Passkey Logins on Android Devices

WhatsApp has just launched passkey support for Android devices. This means Android users now will no longer have to depend on OTPs to login into WhatsApp. Instead they can use more full proof methods like face unlock, fingerprint or PIN. WhatsApp has now become the first major messaging platform to support the passkey logins. Other popular apps, such as PayPal and TikTok, have also started to support passkeys. According to reports, even Amazon has joined this list. Passkeys are a relatively new log in technology designed to counter the phishing attacks, password leaks and other security vulnerabilities plaguing the traditional password method.

3)

Google debuts new features on Maps, Search and Assistant for people with Disabilities

Google has just announced a number of new accessibility features for Maps, Search, and voice assistant. These new features have been designed to make Google products and services more accessible to people with disabilities. For instance, Google Maps now shows wheelchair-accessible places on the map, helping disable people to find places that offer step-free entrances and wheelchair-accessible seating. Google has also updated the Live View feature with augmented reality technology. This updated feature will help blind people to identify traffic lights, crosswalks, and other landmarks. Additionally, Google has launched a new screen Magnifier App and also added a new attribute on Google Business Profiles to identify disabled-owned businesses.

4)

Xiaomi announces HyperOS, its new OS that will replace MIUI

Chinese smartphone maker Xiaomi has just launched a new operating system, HyperOS. HyperOS will replace the existing operating system MIUI and will power all the Xiaomi phones in the future. HyperOS is a blend of Android and Xiaomi’s own “Vela” system, and it is said to have a completely rewritten underlying architecture. Xiaomi CEO Lei Jun has said that HyperOS is a “unified, integrated system framework that supports the entire ecosystem of devices and applications.” This means that HyperOS could be used to power everything from Xiaomi’s smartphones and smartwatches to its TVs and refrigerators. HyperOS is expected to debut on the upcoming Xiaomi 14 series smartphones, which are rumored to be launched next month.    

5)

Israel may use Starlink Internet amid war with Hamas

Israel is reportedly in talks with Elon Musk’s space rocket company SpaceX for using its satellite internet service Starlink in its ongoing war with Hamas. Israel’s communication minister has confirmed this news. Reports further claimed that the talks have reached to the advance stage and a deal could be sealed anytime soon. However, so far neither SpaceX nor its owner Elon Musk have commented on this issue. Notably, last year Starlink had provided the satellite internet services to Ukrainian forces in their war against Russia.