Google Chrome could get Never-Slow mode for a faster browsing experience

A new commit that was spotted on Chromium Gerrit points at a new "Never-Slow Mode" for Chrome. The description reads "an experimental browsing mode that restricts resource loading and runtime processing to deliver a consistently fast experience," but at a cost: Google warns that it "may silently break content." The commit dates back to last October and is being updated in the recent weeks. It is explicitly labeled "PROTOTYPE — DO NOT COMMIT." It looks like there's quite a lot of testing left to be done before it goes live. The commit also describes blocking a wide variety of content including some scripts, assets like fonts and images based on size, as well as pausing page execution at times, among a larger list of content caps. All of this might easily break the functionality of websites on the Web, but with Google still working on it, you never know. The Never-Slow Mode is probably aimed at reducing memory use, but it looks like it won't make a drastic change. At this moment, it only makes us wonder what Google might consider for breaking-the site functionality and the browsing experience since Chrome/Chromium dominate the contemporary web ecosystem. We should know more when the feature goes ...

Sony Xperia XA3 with 6-inch 21:9 CinemaWide display, dual rear cameras surface

At the MWC event which is set to kick-start later this month, Sony is expected to introduce the Xperia XZ4 and budget segment devices including the XA3 which is fresh to surface the internet. The latest leak suggests that the Xperia XA3 might pack in an unusual design with a 21:9 aspect ratio display format. The Xperia XA3 is the latest inclusion to the XA series and is the successor to the Xperia XA3 Ultra. Unlike the current trend of the notch and a punch-hole, the XA3 will get a slightly wider edge at the top, and a no-bezel display on the bottom, thanks to the 21:9 aspect ratio. Though there are no details about the hardware specifications, the display is said to be a full HD panel. Earlier reports suggested that the device would pack 5.9-inches in diagonal. It is not clear if the device comes in three variants; regular, a Plus and an Ultra model like with previous iterations. The fingerprint sensor is present on the side between the volume rockers and the power button. On the rear, it would come with dual rear cameras, dual LED flash. At the bottom, it has a USB Type-C port, speaker vents. Earlier reports suggest ...

Gmail uses TensorFlow machine learning to remove 100 million spam messages every day

Google has announced using its new protections powered TensorFlow open source machine learning framework is blocking around 100 million additional spam messages on Gmail every day. It is now blocking spam categories that used to be very hard to detect. TensorFlow was able to block image-based messages, emails with hidden embedded content, and messages from newly created domains that try to hide a low volume of spammy messages within legitimate traffic. Machine learning makes catching spam possible as it helps in identifying patterns in large data sets that humans who create the rules might not catch. With millions of emails every day, applying ML at scale can be complex and time-consuming. TensorFlow includes many tools that make the ML process easier and more efficient. TensorFlow also gives the flexibility to easily train and experiment with different models in parallel to develop the most effective approach, instead of running one experiment at a time. Thanks to its open nature, TensorFlow is used by teams and researchers all over the world. Google also clarified that it is currently experimenting with TensorFlow in other security-related areas, such as phishing and malware detection. Source

Samsung Galaxy A9 (2018) gets another price cut in India

Samsung launched the Galaxy A9 2018 (SM-A920F)  in India starting at Rs. 36990. It received a Rs. 3000 price cut last month, now it has got another Rs. 3000 price cut in the country, and is available for Rs. 30,990 for the 6GB RAM version, while the 8GB RAM version now costs Rs. 33,990 after the price cut. Samsung's flagship Galaxy S9+ got a Rs. 7000 price cut in India few days back after an year of launch, just before the Galaxy S10 and S10+ arrives in the market later this month. Last month the Galaxy A7 (2018) and Galaxy J6 also received a price cut last month. The Galaxy A9 2018 variants are available at new rates on Flipkart and Samsung India Store online, whilte Amazon should start selling the phone at new rate soon. Rs. 6000 price cut in less than 3 months of launch might be due to average sales of the phone due to high launch price.

Spotify acquires Podcast creators Gimlet Media and Anchor

Spotify has announced that it has entered into definitive agreements to acquire Gimlet Media Inc. and Anchor podcast creation, publishing, and monetization services. Gimlet will bring its best-in-class podcast studio with dedicated IP development, production, and advertising capabilities. While Anchor will bring its platform of tools for podcast creators and its creator base. The transactions are expected to close in the first quarter of 2019 and subject to customary closing conditions. Anchor is currently powering more than 40% of all new podcasts and through the recent launch of Anchor Sponsorships, the company has already more than doubled the number of total podcasters in the market who’ve been able to generate revenue by advertising. Anchor also clarified that the way users create, distribute, and monetize on Anchor does not change. And that it will continue to operate the platform as is. Daniel Ek, Spotify co-founder, and CEO said: These acquisitions will meaningfully accelerate our path to becoming the world’s leading audio platform, give users around the world access to the best podcast content, and improve the quality of our listening experience as well as enhance the Spotify brand. We are proud to welcome Gimlet and Anchor to the Spotify team, and we look forward to what we will accomplish together. Alex Blumberg ...

Samsung Galaxy Buds true wireless headphones’ charging case could charge on the Galaxy S10

Samsung is set to introduce the Galaxy S10 series at a special event later this month. So far we have seen numerous leaks, reports, and much revealing so much about the flagship series. For the first time, we also get to see the high-end version in "Ceramic Black" and also the new wireless headphones Samsung Galaxy Buds in their carrying case. What's interesting is that these wireless earbuds have the ability to charge wirelessly from the Galaxy S10 (Plus) and this something that should be useful. Visually speaking, the Galaxy S10 and S10 Plus look very identical despite the size difference, but the Plus variant gets dual-selfie cameras in the punch-hole display. There is still a relatively narrow bezel at the bottom of the display. However, Samsung significantly reduced the distance between the display and the edge of the case. Samsung has gone with the triple-rear camera set up arranged horizontally, which is also supplemented by the LEDs for the flash and the heart rate monitor. The S10 and the S10 Plus are also rumored to feature Qualcomm’s ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensor. The build quality is a mix of both glass and metal and the company is continuing to include the Bixby button which is again located below the volume rocker. Depending ...

Vodafone launches Rs. 1999 pack with unlimited calls and 365 days validity

Vodafone has launched new Rs. 1999 plan, after launching the Rs. 1699 plan recently to take on Airtel's long-validity plan. Similar to its Rs. 1699 plan, this offers 365 days / 1 year validity, unlimited local and STD calls and daily 100 free local/national SMS, however instead of 1GB data per day on the Rs. 1699 plan, the new plan offers 1.5GB 2G/3G/4G data per day. Check out all the details about the plan in the table below Though the package is available only available in Kerala, as mentioned on Vodafone India website, it should be available in other circles soon. In comparison Reliance Jio offers similar benefits at Rs. 1699.

LG G8 ThinQ will feature 3D ToF front camera for face unlock

LG has announced that it has partnered with Infineon Technologies AG for Infineon REAL3 image sensor chip with Time-of-Flight (ToF) technology in the front-facing camera in upcoming LG G8 ThinQ that will be unveiled in Barcelona during Mobile World Congress 2019 on February 24th. It is built by Infineon and pmdtechnologies with algorithms for processed 3D point clouds. ToF image sensor chip offers more accurate measurements by capturing infrared light making it faster and more effective in ambient light, reducing the workload on the application processor thereby also reducing power consumption Since ToF sees objects in 3D and is not affected by light from external sources, it promises excellent recognition rate, both indoors and out for use in augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) applications. Andreas Urschitz, division president of Infineon’s Power Management & Multimarket division, said: Infineon is poised to revolutionize the market. We have demonstrated service beyond the mere product level – specifically catering to phone OEMs, associated reference design houses and camera module manufacturers. Within five years, we expect 3D cameras to be found in most smartphones and Infineon will contribute a significant share. Chang Ma, senior vice president and head of Product Strategy at LG Mobile Communications Company, said: Keeping in mind ...

Get Android 9.0 Pie on Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 Pro with Resurrection Remix 7

Xiaomi’s Redmi Note 5 Pro was amongst the best selling devices launched in 2018 but it runs on Android 8.1 (Oreo) based MIUI 10 as of now. As per an official announcement, Redmi Note 5 Pro is expected to get Android 9.0 (Pie) in Q1 2019 but the public beta testing for the MIUI Global ROM hasn’t started yet. Earlier, we tried Oxygen OS 9.0 Port, Pixel Experience and Pixel Experience Extended ROM on Redmi Note 5 Pro all of which were based on Android Pie. Resurrection Remix is another custom ROM that is popular amongst users for the customizations it offers. Resurrection Remix V 7.0 based on Android Pie was recently released for many devices including Redmi Note 5 Pro. We tried it on our unit and here are our impressions, Performance and Benchmarks: Qualcomm Snapdragon 636 is capable of delivering a solid day to day performance, we obtained AnTuTu score of 115286 which is slightly lesser as compared to 115397 on Pixel Experience ROM but we experienced a smooth and reliable day to day performance and phone didn’t have any problem in handling multitasking. [gallery columns="2" size="large" ids="274678,274677"] Software, UI, and Apps: Resurrection Remix is based on latest Android Pie 9.0 and comes with January security patch (updated to February security patch ...

WhatsApp uses machine learning to detect bulk messaging and automated behaviour

WhatsApp has outlined how it is tackling abuse and spread of fake news on the messaging platform. The company said that they have built a machine learning system to detect users with abusive behavior and those sending bulk messages and creating multiple accounts with the sole purpose of spreading false and abusive content.  WhatsApp also assured that such accounts are barred from the platform at various stages; at the time of registration while messaging, and when they are reported by others, the company’s executives said. The company bans a total of around two million accounts on its platform each month. The machine learning system used by WhatsApp leverages on the past learnings with such accounts and specific scenarios that engineers followed to eventually take down some accounts. That machine learning system has reached a level of sophistication and it is able to ban 20% of accounts at the time of registration itself. The company looks at various factors including the IP address of a user, and the country of origination for phone numbers they use to sign up for the service, how old is the account, whether that account started to send a lot of texts as soon as it was created. WhatsApp said that ...