Meta now allows Quest users to tap, swipe in VR without controllers

by Hansraj Agrawal | Feb 22, 2023 | Technology

Meta announced that it is rolling out a new experimental feature “Direct Touch” with Meta Quest’s latest “v50” update, which will allow users to tap and swipe in virtual reality (VR) interface without controllers.

With the new feature, users can now tap buttons with their index finger to adjust the settings or select a game from their library, quickly type out messages on the virtual keyboard and much more, the company said in a blogpost on Tuesday.

The Direct Touch feature is a major improvement to the company’s hand-tracking technology, offering a more intuitive and engaging way to interact with the system and 2D panels in general.

The company also introduced a new “gesture for hands-based locomotion, which you can try out in the latest version of First Hand.”

“We’re adding in-game multitasking, allowing you to use a 2D app, like the Meta Quest Browser, without closing the game you’re playing,” it mentioned.

With the v50 update, the company also reduced the “amount of time it takes for tracking to initialise on the Meta Quest Touch Pro controllers”.

Last month, Meta had improved its Quest’s hand tracking technology with the v2.1 update and made it default for Quest applications.

–IANS

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(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

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Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy Z Fold5 to not sport S Pen slot: Report

by Hansraj Agrawal | Feb 22, 2023 | Technology

South Korean tech giant Samsung’s upcoming foldable, the Galaxy Z Fold5, won’t have a built-in S Pen slot, despite some rumours to the contrary.

According to GSM Arena, a tech news-related website, as per the latest South Korean report, Samsung considered adding a slot for the S Pen in the upcoming Galaxy Z Fold5 during the design phase but decided that it would make the device too thick.

Reportedly, the Galaxy Z Fold5 will have a new hinge design that will minimize the crease, and a different internal arrangement, which wouldn’t allow for an S Pen slot.

Allegedly the company thought about making a slimmer S Pen for the Galaxy Z Fold5 but decided that it would hinder the writing experience, reported the outlet.

On a positive note, Samsung is reportedly working on a thinner S Pen that won’t compromise the stylus experience and it could be available in time for the Galaxy Z Fold6, as per GSM Arena.

Meanwhile, last month, Samsung showcased a new 360-degree prototype display, which carries the potential to send its folding phones in a new direction.

At CES 2023, Samsung Display, the subsidiary that makes the company’s screens, showed off the new prototype display and hinge.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

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Samsung Electronics ranks first in global TV market for 17 years in row

by Hansraj Agrawal | Feb 22, 2023 | Technology

Samsung has topped the global TV market last year, making it the 17th year in a row that the company has ranked first in the TV industry.

This success can be credited to the company’s dedication to high-quality viewing experiences and user-centred design, the tech giant said in a blogpost on Tuesday.

“By prioritising its premium product lineup, Samsung has upheld its unparalleled leadership in the TV industry for an impressive 17 years, exemplified best by its Neo QLED lineup.”

The company sold 9.65 million QLED and Neo QLED televisions last year, pushing total sales to 35 million units since its launch in 2017.

“Samsung also dominated the ultra-large TV market segment in 2022, reporting a 36.1 per cent and 42.9 per cent market share for TVs over 75-inches and 80-inches respectively,” the company said.

Moreover, for the premium TV market priced more than $2,500, the company retained the largest market share by revenue at 48.6 per cent.

Samsung Electronics, Executive Vice President of Visual Display Business, Cheolgi Kim said, “Our track record of industry leadership over the past 17 years was made possible by our consumers’ continued loyalty and trust in our products.”

“We will continue to pave the path to create the most premium device experiences that go beyond premium picture quality,” Kim said.

The company said that its commitment to innovation ‘continues with the development of intuitive technology designed to meet the needs of users,’ in 2023.

“SmartThings will enable seamless integration and connectivity of multiple devices with security remaining a top priority, empowering users to create deeply personalised experiences that accommodate both their unique preferences and needs,”the tech giant said.

–IANS

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(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

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New data protection bill to peg age of ‘children’ at 18 years: Report

by Hansraj Agrawal | Feb 22, 2023 | Technology

The Centre will review the definition of “children” under the upcoming Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Bill one year after its enactment, a report by The Economic Times (ET) said. Those under 18 have been called “children” under the bill.

“We spoke to several stakeholders before coming to this decision. While parents want the age to be kept at 18, children and other stakeholders want it lowered. But right now, the age cut-off will be 18. We may lower it to say 16 a year after the (DPDP) Bill is in place,” an official told ET.

The companies will be required to get parental consent before processing any data belonging to “children”. The official said that if the companies put a framework to protect children in place, the age might be lowered.

The decision of the Centre to keep the children’s age at 18 has received pushback from the industry, the report added. Big tech companies like Meta, Google and Snap will have to get consent from the parents of those aged below 18 before processing any data.

These companies have urged the Centre to lower this age.

The bill also says that data fiduciaries “shall not undertake tracking or behavioural monitoring of children or targeted advertising directed at children”.

These new norms in India are much different from those around the world. In the US, the age of children is 13, and in the European Union (EU), it is 16.

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Vodafone inks new deal with Google on RCS messaging, Pixel devices

by Hansraj Agrawal | Feb 22, 2023 | Technology

Vodafone, a major telecommunications company, has announced plans to expand its European collaboration with Google in mobile messaging services, Pixel devices, and Vodafone’s TV platform.

The companies’ expanded agreement will allow Vodafone customers to enjoy rich new messaging experiences by leveraging Google Jibe Cloud to power Vodafone’s use of Rich Communications Services (RCS).

Messages by Google will become the default messaging app on all applicable Android devices sold via Vodafone’s carrier sales channels.

“Google and Vodafone are teaming up to bring users modern messaging with RCS, an engaging interactive TV experience and exciting new Android smartphones,” Hiroshi Lockheimer, Senior Vice President of Platforms and Ecosystems at Google, said in a statement.

The agreement will also see the introduction of the Pixel 7 handset as well as the Pixel Watch and Pixel Buds for Vodafone customers in additional markets in 2023.

In addition, Android TV will be chosen as the preferred platform for Vodafone’s television service in nine countries.

“Expanding our excellent relationship with Google further will enable us to leverage their technological innovation to provide our consumer and business customers with engaging new experiences built on best-in-class services, all of which will be underpinned by our 5G and Gigafast broadband networks,” Aldo Bisio, Chief Commercial Officer of Vodafone Group, said in a statement.

Moreover, the expanded agreement will also allow Google to tap into the full potential of Vodafone’s 5G and ultra-fast fibre-optic networks.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

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‘Call of Duty: Warzone’ coming to iOS devices soon, users can pre-order

by Hansraj Agrawal | Feb 22, 2023 | Technology

‘Call of Duty: Warzone’ will soon be available for iPhone and iPad users as the hit battle royale shooter game developed by Activision Blizzard is coming to iOS soon.

According to 9to5Mac, the game’s official webpage is now live on the iOS App Store, but it is not yet available for download, users can pre-order the game ahead of its May 15 release date.

‘Call of Duty: Warzone’ is a free-to-play battle royale game from the popular ‘Call of Duty’ franchise. It is currently available for Windows PCs, PlayStation, and Xbox.

Last year, Activision Blizzard announced that ‘Call of Duty: Warzone’ would be coming to mobile devices.

The company stated at the time that it would provide a new “AAA mobile experience” for players on the go.

According to the developers, the game was created natively for mobile platforms using “cutting-edge technology”.

“Powered by new Call of Duty 2.0 technology, Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile players can share social features like friends and chat channels, XP, weapon inventories, loadouts and even the Battle Pass across platforms for a truly connected Call of Duty experience,” the company said.

Furthermore, according to the game’s App Store page, Call of Duty: Warzone for iOS is “fully portable and fully customisable”.

–IANS

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(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

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