Which countries are leading the way in Meta's Threads usage?

The forthcoming of newly social media platform Thread has gotten a lot of attention so far. Some people say that it is just a lower-hand version of Twitter. At the same time, others argue that Thread is highly innovative and captures the essence of Instagram but on a conversational platform. The debate of whether Thread is an excellent creative work will continue for a while. However, people have already tried to download the app and experience the offering firsthand.

In this blog, we will look at the statistical data for countries with the most Thread app downloads that will reflect the people's interest within that nation. Before we get on the stats, this data collection period is just 7 days, from 5th July to 12th July, and contains Android and IOS users.

In the first position, India has the most downloads for threads, with 54.2 million users making 33.5% of the entire download ratio out of  around 150 million. Second place goes to a country located in the deep hearts of South America, Brazil, with 36.5 million downloads, making a ratio of 222.5%. The US is next up on the list, as the download from here are 26.1 million, the 3rd place on the list, and a 16.1% ratio.

The controversial neighbor of America, Mexico, is right behind at the 4th position with a ratio of 7.6% of total Thread downloads and 12.3 million users. Japan had 7.3 million user downloads contributing a 4.5% in total downloads making it in 5th place, and the UK was in 6th place with a 4% actual ratio contribution and 6.5% user downloads.

Next, we have the countries with the most petite downloads for threat since they are all below the top 6. In the 7th position, we have Taiwan with 2.9 million downloads and a 1.8% ratio, and 8th place goes to Canada with 2.6 million downloads adding a total of 1.6 of the total ratio. Last but not least comes Australia with 1.4 million downloads and only a 0.8% contribution to the total, making it in the 9th position. At last, comes Vietnam in the 10th position with 0.6% total part take in the ratio and 0.9 million downloads in 7 days.

One noticeable thing about these stats is that significantly few European nations were on the list because European people can’t use Thread since Meta has faced some privacy issues in the past and Threads collect extensive data of its users. However, other nations (that aren’t specifically dominant in their downloads) all contribute 11.4 million downloads and a contribution of 7% to the entire ratio of downloads.

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by Ahmed Naeem via Digital Information World

5G Might Drain Your Battery 11% Faster

The shift to 5G has been of prime importance for the world because of the fact that this is the sort of thing that could potentially end up unprecedented speeds to smartphones and their users. In spite of the fact that this is the case, there might be a tradeoff that many are not expecting when it comes to these phones. A recent study conducted by Ookla revealed that using 5G could make your battery last anywhere from 6% to 11% less time than might have been the case otherwise.

With all of that having been said and now out of the way, it is important to note that the chip being used by the device might have a role to play in how quickly the battery gets drained. The most efficient SoC for Android phones turned out to be the Qualcomm Snapdragon, with just a 6% uptick in battery draining.

However, this is still a major concern for users that are hoping to get peak performance from their battery life. The latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 might be a useful tool in this regard, since it performs similarly on 5G in terms of battery draining as the previous generation did with 4G LTE.

Whenever there is a sudden leap forward in the tech space, other tech often takes a while to follow suit. 5G is fast becoming the new normal, and it will be interesting to see what types of workarounds chipset manufacturers come up with to maximize battery life to the fullest possible extent. Apart from Qualcomm, Google, Samsung and Mediatek have all taken great strides in boosting battery life to reduce drainage.

The Dimensity 9200 from Mediatek managed to bring battery drain while using 5G down to 34%, nearly equal to that of Qualcomm, and this is despite the previous iteration seeing battery drainage of 45% in most cases. That was 10 point differential, which has now been reduced to 8 points as this chipset sees a 27% battery drainage rage while running 4G LTE. 4G users are also seeing their battery lives improve, and this will certainly be a factor in the future.

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by Zia Muhammad via Digital Information World

Google Chrome Advances to Plan a Feature to Unblock Third-Parties Cookies

Google Chrome is the most famous and widely acceptable browser, but quite recently it has been subject to significant changes. Among Google's finest features was blocking third-parties cookies to enhance site working and optimal site functioning. Since the new wave of web browsing evolution, third-party cookies blocking has been used to optimize user security and data privacy. The developers of Google browsing are now aiming to make users' search experience significantly personalizable, and that is through the disable temporarily function using a switch on Chrome Canary 117 of the third-party cookies blocking.

Through this new function, one can turn on and off certain features and temporarily disable all activated Google Chrome extensions. Chrome Canary has a new feature that will allow you to disable third-party cookie blocking, according to @Leopeva64.

The feature of third-party cookies being closed temporarily can act as a solution to breaking websites since websites only require certain essential cookies to make them run smoothly and uninterruptedly. People who have a habit of forgetting to resume blocking their browser after usage can now utilize a switch that will temporarily close the trackers of browsing activity.

A live demonstration was given on Twitter by Chrome researcher @Leopeve64 on the feature being used to fix broken sites. All the individual has to do is turn the switch on to enable the third-parties cookies. However, blocking cookies will be active once again after 90 days. The reactivation will allow the user to repeatedly avoid the switch's functioning, including the frequently visited web pages.

There’s a firm hope and a sense of anticipation that the new cookie setting will make it to the stable channel of Chrome 117. One can’t deny the fact that cookies are often necessary to run certain websites. Still, many people regard cookies as undesirable due to their synonymous nature and extensive periods of tracking that can be highly concerning. Although the power isn’t given to the users to determine the time for which they can keep the cookies enabled temporarily. The current situation can be a forward step into the later considerations to give autonomy to the users.

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by Ahmed Naeem via Digital Information World

Apple Claims it Has 99% User Satisfaction, But Is This Even Possible?

Apple has a reputation for being one of the most beloved companies in terms of how its customers tend to perceive it. A few months ago, PerfectRec revealed that 80% of the people that bought the iPhone 13 rated it a full five stars out of five. In spite of the fact that this is the case, Apple claims that its user satisfaction rate is even higher.

The tech juggernaut asserts that it has enjoyed a 99% satisfaction rate among its customers for the past seven years. With all of that having been said and now out of the way, it is important to note that many consider this to be statistically impossible. One thing that bears mentioning is that Apple uses this statement in earnings calls, and it frequently cites a third party firm called 451 Research to make the claims seem more believable than might have been the case otherwise.

However, according to the folks at PerfectRec, such a high rating simply wouldn’t be possible because of the fact that this is the sort of thing that could potentially end up going against traditional survey methods. Even if every single Apple user in the world was perfectly happy with their product, there is always the chance for human error. Survey respondents might misunderstand the question, select the wrong option or do a number of other things that would skew the results.

It is quite telling that Apple’s claims have not been verified by any other independent surveyor. This seems to suggest that 451 Research is using a highly specialized sample of consumers for its own findings. These might include tech enthusiasts and the like, so while the claims are not entirely false, they are certainly made bolder than they need to be in order to make Apple seem more successful.

Apple has not responded to any requests for comment. It will be interesting to see how this impacts the company’s earnings calls in the future, since the 99% figure has been called into question time and time again and using it repeatedly might ruin Apple’s reputation as a trustworthy corporation.

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by Zia Muhammad via Digital Information World

Snap, Chat, Discover: Bing Chat's Visual Search Wonderland!

Do you know what we humans crave in our lives? A best friend to whom we can open our hearts and share anything without judgment. What if you can find your best friend in AI? Yes, you heard it right; you can now have a best buddy in the form of AI.

Prepare to have your head blown because Bing Chat has just gotten a lot cooler! You may now submit photographs and ask the AI search engine queries based on those images. You read it correctly: Bing Chat now offers visual search on both desktop and mobile. Microsoft Bing couldn't wait to share the exciting news on its blog.

So, what's all the fuss about visual search? Consider the following scenario: you notice something intriguing but have yet to learn what it is. Take a snap photo, publish it to Bing Chat, and presto! The AI magic works, conjuring up answers and details about your unusual discovery. It's like having your own magical encyclopedia in your pocket.

But hold your horses; don't believe all those AI search features tell you. They can be entertaining and adventurous, but they also have a propensity to "hallucinate" occasionally. It's like asking a nefarious genie for three wishes: you could receive what you want, but not in the way you imagined.

In case you're wondering, this new feature isn't something that sprang out of nowhere. Bing Search introduced visual search in 2018, while Google has its version called Google Lens. The tech titans are racing to provide us the best AI tricks, and we're all on board!

Let's have a peek at how this discussion truly appears. Picture this: you open Bing Chat, and there it is – a cute small spot where you may ask questions, get answers, and even share images! It's like conversing with a super-intelligent friend who knows everything about everything. Simply hit the upload button, select a photo from your collection, or capture one on the spot, and watch the AI magic happen.

If you want to delve further into the visual realm, Bing Chat allows you to ask further questions regarding the photos you see. It's almost as if you're conversing with your search results: "Hey, Bing Chat, what's the story behind this majestic mountain?" "Tell me all about these adorable kittens, Bing Chat!" It's a treasure trove of knowledge at your fingertips.

Of course, Bing Chat didn't suddenly wake up to become visual one day. They've been working behind the scenes for over a month, testing and fine-tuning this functionality. It's like a chef making a delectable dish; they want to ensure everything is absolutely right before delivering it.

So there you have it - Bing Chat is your new best friend for all things visual. Snap, communicate and explore the world's treasures with a dash of AI magic. Remember that a picture is worth a thousand words but worth much more with Bing Chat's visual search! Prepare for a pleasant excursion, and who knows, you could just find some hidden jewels along the way!

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by Rubah Usman via Digital Information World

Cyberterrorism Outweighs Nuclear War as Top Concern for Americans, Gallup Survey Reveals

A recent Gallup survey on international affairs indicates that many Americans view cyberterrorism as the primary threat to the United States. According to the survey conducted by the Atlas VPN team, a startling 85% of participants recognized cyberterrorism as a "critical threat," beating every other worry.

The findings were derived from telephone surveys taken between February 1 and 23, 2023. The survey involved a diverse group of 1,008 individuals aged eighteen and above, residing across all 50 states of the United States and the District of Columbia. The statistical margin of error, calculated at a 95% confidence level, is ±4 percentage points.

Interestingly, the perception of cyberterrorism as a critical threat was consistent regardless of their political beliefs. Both Democrats and Republicans expressed concern at a rate of 86%, while 79% of Independents shared similar apprehensions.

Mohamad Younis from Gallup highlighted that since 2021, cyberterrorism has consistently been regarded as the greatest risk to U.S. security interests. This shift in focus comes after a decade where concerns about global terrorist attacks and the creation of nuclear weapons by Iran and North Korea dominated public discourse.

The Department of Defense also expresses concerns regarding the issue of cyberterrorism. In a study published in 2022, the department emphasized the notable risks associated with state actors such as China and Russia and autonomous criminal entities.

Mieke Eoyang, the deputy assistant Secretary of Defense for Cyber Policy, gave a few remarks on the changing environment. He highlighted that the functionalities previously limited to government entities can now be acquired through illicit means on the dark web. This shift can be attributed to the rise of non-state actors in the criminal cyber marketplace.

The survey also unleashed nearly equal levels of concern regarding the development of nuclear weapons by North Korea and Iran. Iran's nuclear weapons program was considered a critical threat by 74% of respondents. On the other hand, worries regarding North Korea's nuclear abilities stood slightly lower. However, the amount of feedback received this year dropped approximately 10% below prior record highs.

The poll revealed significant changes in public sentiment about China's military strength, immigration, and climate shift. Republicans showed a higher tendency to view China and immigration as significant risks. In comparison, Democrats expressed greater apprehension toward climate change.

Immigration and climate change were the two issues where political parties differed the most noticeably. A striking 84% of Republicans considered immigration a critical threat, whereas this view was shared by only 20% of Democrats. In contrast, climate change was seen as a significant concern by 85% of Democrats but just by 21% of Republicans.

Despite these differences, both parties recognize the importance of cybersecurity. Lawmakers from both sides have actively engaged in and valued efforts to enhance the nation's cybersecurity capabilities.

In March 2023, Senators Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.) and Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) introduced bipartisan legislation. It aimed at strengthening the cyber personnel of the United States and improving the government's capacity to deal with cyber dangers.

The proposed bill seeks to create experimental initiatives within the Department of Defense and the Department of Homeland Security. The bill strives to enlist capable civilian cybersecurity experts to serve in a supplementary role. This initiative aims to guarantee that the government has the essential cyber knowledge and skills to counter and stop malicious cyber activities adeptly.

Senator Rosen highlighted the significance of this bill, underscoring the notion that it would allow the U.S. government to leverage the available cybersecurity expertise present in the private sector. This, in turn, would assist in proactively preventing cyberattacks and rapidly responding to them when they occur.

Over the past year, legislators have presented and effectively enacted numerous bipartisan bills that tackle issues related to cybersecurity. These bills predominantly focus on protecting vital facilities like the healthcare and energy industries.

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by Syeda Maleeka Zehra via Digital Information World

AI Will Drastically Wipe Out Most Outsourced Coding Jobs In A Year Or Two, Top Tech Expert Claims

The world of AI may be serving more woes than what the tech sector had originally anticipated, a leading expert in the AI domain has confirmed today.

This includes countries like India where careers for coding jobs are expected to be wiped out by next year or the year after that. And with dramatic statements like this taking place at an all-time high, you’ve really got to wonder what it is that AI cannot do.

Today, India’s tech sector is booming and we’re seeing so many young and successful citizens make it big through outsourcing. Moreover, when you look at a nation like France, you’d always think twice before firing a developer.

The news comes from tech expert and CEO for Stability AI who mentioned during a meeting with analysts how there were certainly better rules in place for employee protection in the West than in Asia.

The news as published by CNBC today is concerning because India has close to 5 million coding jobs where workers are outsourced by huge firms to carry out their day-to-day tasks.

But seeing such bold claims being mentioned about the world of AI can really make you wonder what is next.

Mostaque owns the huge firm that made history for its tool that can take text and convert that into art that’s created using AI technology. The tool is called Stable Diffusion and it really did make heads turn when it was unveiled as it cited trouble for programmers and their respective jobs in the next few years.

The CEO was certainly called out for his bold predictions but he clarified how he was only making a reference to those who worked as traditional coders. Today, so many top tech jobs are in danger of getting replaced through this technology too. And we’re hearing that for so long, probably ever since AI was launched with a bang.

However, not a lot of other tech experts hold the same opinion as Emad Mostaque. The CEO for GitHub explained during an interview in 2022 how AI technology may assist developers to churn out better results and assist in making their activities more productive.

The thought of having assistants that are powered by AI is just so much more intriguing than going through manual labor related to book reading.

In addition to that, those individuals having AI skills tend to be in the lead in terms of putting out new focus regarding talent in this domain. Do you agree?

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