Thursday, July 28, 2022

How to Watch All Netflix Streams With a VPN

Netflix may have millions of titles, but they're limited by region. If you're in a region where your favorite title isn't available, you can't watch it. A perfect example is the recent Marvel film, Doctor Strange, which is available to stream only on the Netflix Canada library and not on any other Netflix region. However, you can still watch any Netflix title in any country by simply using a VPN.


What Is a VPN and How Does It Work?

Virtual private networks (VPNs) encrypt (or conceal) your internet traffic signal and disguise your (and device) online identity in real-time. Third parties cannot track your online activities or steal your online data.

When you use a VPN, it hides your device's (or network) IP address by redirecting it through a pre-configured remote server. The server is run by your VPN’s host and might be located in different areas. This means that when you use a VPN to surf online, your traffic's data source is the private network’s server and not your ISP's (internet service provider) server. As a result, your ISP and particular third parties won't be able to see your digital footprint, the websites you visit, or the online data you send and receive.

This is why you can set your VPN to tell the Internet that you're in a particular region or country. If the network host has a server pointed to that region/country, you'll be able to surf or stream content from that region without a hustle. This is how you can Watch Netflix with a VPN.

Choose the Right VPN to Watch Netflix

Before you start watching Netflix with a VPN, you need to understand that not all private networks can help you watch Netflix. You need a stable and reliable VPN that hosts servers in different regions around the world that works with Netflix. Furthermore, Netflix has put VPN detection measures in place, which it periodically upgrades to fend off people who try to bypass their regional restrictions. This makes many networks struggle to give reliable and secure access to cross-region streaming on Netflix. The private network you choose should have some of the following capabilities:
  • It doesn't halt your Internet and allows reliable, high-speed internet streaming
  • Can work with various regional Netflix libraries and other video streaming (host servers in many regions)
  • Provide uncrackable encryption and other security features
  • Supports various operating systems and devices
  • Doesn't log your information, which Netflix and third parties could use to identify you
  • Has prompt customer support

How to Watch Netflix With a VPN

Now, if you want to stream Netflix with a VPN, proceed to the following steps:
  1. Select a reliable VPN that works effectively with Netflix. Check to ensure it has servers in many regions, including the region with many of the Netflix titles you want.
  2. Sign in to the account (or create and sign in).
  3. Download the VPN app on the device you'll be watching Netflix on and sign into it again.
  4. Now, connect to the country or region with the Netflix title you want or one with a compatible server. When this is done, your Netflix will automatically change to that region once you sign in.
  5. Now, with the VPN turned on, log into your Netflix account and stream your title.
Remember: Many VPNs will work with Netflix, but have limits on compatible servers, as Netflix blocks IP addresses that they determine are from VPNs.

Endnote

With VPNs, you don't have to forge your series when you travel or fail to watch a title because you're not in the supported region. VPN will help you watch your title and keep your surfing data safely.
by Web Desk via Digital Information World

Wednesday, July 27, 2022

Users encouraged to Download Software from Authentic Websites as Amaday Bot Makes its Way Through Again

With the advancements in technology, the strength of many malware attacks is increasing too. This statement has been proven true by the return of an old malware called “Amadey Bot” in the form of a new stronger variant. But the question is where did it come from?

People rather than purchasing expensive software tend to download them for free through unsecured websites. However, while they do get the software for free, the malware that follows is a reality none of us can deny. This is exactly from where Amadey Bot made its way back into the world of technology with a much stronger approach this time around.

AhnLab which discovered and is now studying the impacts of the returns of Amadey Bot issued a notice claiming that threat actors are distributing the Smokeleader, which is a malware dropped coded to infect the endpoint of Amadey Bot through the keygens and cracks that these unsecured websites have.

However, now that Amadey Bot has made its way back, it is important to understand what this malware is capable of. The malware is a four-year-old bot that is capable of dropping additional payloads and stealing massive information from one endpoint and delivering it to the other (including from your internet browsers).


Hence, this information stealing malware can prove to be harmful to companies for whom data is their biggest asset and for people who are pretty crucial about their information privacy.

While the malware is as dangerous as ever, it doesn’t mean one cannot prevent it, right? For people to ensure that their systems remain free of any such emerging malware, they should install the applications and software through authentic and recognized websites only and should run the anti-virus checkers on their system whenever the computer is working.

This way, not only will your system be secured from any harmful viruses but will also alert you in case any malware tries to make its way through.

Read next: Nearly 80% of Malware Attacks in Q1 2022 Caused by Microsoft Office Security Flaws
by Arooj Ahmed via Digital Information World

Creators voice their concerns about being paid late, incorrectly, or not at all in a survey

A recent survey conducted centered around creators brought about some shocking news and we are more than disappointed.

With the content creation industry getting saturated by the day, it is a hard job making original and creative content. But who knew getting paid for that content is an even harder job? Around 750 creators were surveyed to find out details about their experience with being paid, and let’s say around 87% had nothing good to say about it.

The survey was conducted by Tripalti, a leading software company that works with brands like Roblox to create a bridge of payment process between creators and these companies. Of the 750 participating creators, 500 were from the US while the rest of the 250 belonged to the UK.

Among these participants, it was found that 87% of the creators either don't get paid on time or get paid incorrectly, while some admitted to not being paid at all. In our advancing and modernizing world, where everyone advocates for workers' rights, it is disheartening to see such a situation. And with people whose voices are heard advocating such issues.

Furthermore, in the survey, about 40% of the creators admitted to monetization being the hardest part. It indeed does take long hard years to get your content monetized. After monetization, getting paid accurately and on time is the major problem as confirmed by 38% of creators.

To overcome these obstacles, creators chose multiple methods. Creators usually resorted to three solutions. The first one, picked on by 36% of the creators, is increasing their rates to compensate for the losses. The second, adopted by 31%, is hiring someone else to manage the payment. Lastly, 35% of the creators resorted to quit working with the companies altogether.

Some of the influencers went ahead and confessed that most companies have either cut down their payments or stopped paying due to inflation. If this continues, the economy could end up affected. Even big names like 'Vanity Planet' have told influencers that timely payments will not be possible.

Another instance where influencers were not paid at all, let alone timely, is when the infamous sex toy company Ooh! A companion was found to owe millions to various influencers. In their defense, there had been no legally binding contract with any of the accounts claiming overdue payments.

We understand that inflation has resulted in multiple issues and has affected entrepreneurs greatly, with them being unable to pay. However, creators already deal with a lot of confidence issues, and not getting paid for their work knocks it further down.

To increase confidence and make payments a lot easier, companies should work following contracts and pay accordingly.

Read next: AI-Based Art Is The New Trend, But The Internet Questions Whether Or Not It Is Harmful
by Arooj Ahmed via Digital Information World

Meta Seeks Advice From Oversight Board On If It Should Continue With Its Harsh COVID-19 Policies

Now that the pandemic has moved out of its intensely worrying phase, Meta is reconsidering its policies. This is the reason why the Facebook owner is keen on getting advice from its Oversight Board on what to do next.

Meta really raised the bar in terms of announcing a number of pandemic-specific rules for users to help combat the spread of misinformation related to the COVID-19 theme. Now, the firm is reconsidering its actions and is looking toward adopting a milder approach, as the threat has shifted.

Should Meta continue implementing the same policies or should it stick to its guns? The answer lies with the Oversight Board but Meta is also adding some input in the form of various options that it feels would assist in making the process so much easier.

By the looks of it, Meta has made some suggestions that hint at a temporary stop of removing fake claims related to COVID-19. At the same time, there was some discussion about limiting the distribution of such facts or simply handing it over to fact-checkers on the platform.

Another option provided by the tech giant was to apply a set of labels on such information that would guide users to more reliable and factual sources.

Meanwhile, the company says it is more than willing to play an active role and remove some fake facts itself. However, in those circumstances where it feels the facts aren’t serving any form of harm or threatening risk, the company wouldn’t be seen actively pulling out the information.

But ultimately, Meta says that it is on the move to seek advice from the Oversight Board as the final decision rests with them and whatever the outcome may be, it would adopt it.

Nick Clegg who is the head of Global Affairs at the company says it’s a great decision to see Meta seeking advice. He also called the approach the perfect strategy to create a balance between safety as well as freedom of expression.

Clegg called it the ideal approach to mold out balance while providing an appropriate response to similar health conditions in the future. And in case you didn’t know, Meta has already taken out more than 25 million cases of fake content related to COVID-19. And this was way before the pandemic had begun.

This coupled with the firm’s own information center for such virus crises and assistance taken from authorities linked to the health sector, we’re definitely seeing Meta take a whole new approach to tackle such issues.

But the Board isn’t just restricted to pandemic-related concerns. At the moment, it’s busy looking at other matters that it calls important. This includes matters linked to a trans couple making an appeal against Instagram for ridding ‘covered up’ nudity.

While the app’s own moderators didn’t feel the content broke any policies, Meta continued to stick to its guns and removed the images. Meanwhile, the couple argues that the firm failed to justify the actions and outline where they had gone wrong.

Then came the issue of Meta being accused of censoring body images of trans individuals during a period when the healthcare, as well as rights of the trans community, are being threatened.

Then comes another case about content featuring rap music that has been banned by the UK government over fears that it promotes violence. So, as you can see, the cases are plenty and the board has certainly got its hands full.

Nevertheless, we feel that the case related to Meta adopting a change in policies would be drawing the most attention. After all, the company has long been criticized for doing nothing to fight misinformation.


Read next: Adopting The Metaverse Is Going To Be Expensive As Meta Raises Prices Of Its Quest 2 Headset By $100
by Dr. Hura Anwar via Digital Information World

Adopting The Metaverse Is Going To Be Expensive As Meta Raises Prices Of Its Quest 2 Headset By $100

It looks like the Metaverse is going to be an expensive affair as the company recently announced its plans to raise the prices of its Quest 2 headsets by a staggering $100. The change will be implemented by next month, Meta confirmed.

The famous headset, which was once dubbed ‘Oculus Quest 2’ was never cheap, to begin with as previously, costs were revealed to be $400 for a 256GB device. Now, it’s the same device that’s going to cost buyers $500.

Meta confirmed the news recently through a post that notified users about the price hike which it said would come into immediate effect starting next month.

There is a clear sign for many interested in the Metaverse and VR world to act now or regret it later because we don’t see prices coming down anytime soon. In fact, we predict them going up, after seeing the world suffering from so much economic uncertainty.

In case you’re wondering what’s the best location for the pickup of such products, well, there is the official store of Meta, Amazon, Target, Best Buy, and of course good old Walmart too.

We certainly see this as a huge price jump as the headset used to be called the best gaming deal out there today. But after seeing current conditions unfold, Meta is keener on making money while achieving its business goals along the way in terms of more sales of the product.

Remember, VR headsets are an exclusive investment and there’s no reason why we see the demand for such hardware falling anytime soon.

As you can expect, Meta is definitely trying to light up buyers’ faces during times of price hikes as the pill might be a little difficult for some to swallow. Starting from the 1st of next month, it claims to provide buyers with the Beat Saber copy for free as a part of the exclusive deal.

For those who aren’t aware, this is major news as the game is an immensely popular offering that usually costs gamers $30.

As far as the huge increase in price is concerned, Meta has come forward and justified it all by shifting the blame on both manufacturing costs as well as shipping. Hence, the firm revealed how it was left with no choice whatsoever.

Meanwhile, there is also some talk about experts highlighting a better way to save up on prices through refurbished models but it’s now been declared that even such products would be hit with the $100 increase. Still, you’ll definitely be paying less with this one version.

Meta’s spokesperson was seen mentioning how the increase in prices has nothing to do with Meta’s profits. In fact, it was revealed that the firm does not make any money through sales received from its headsets.

Other reports claim that Meta could also land itself in trouble for the sudden price hike. Anti-trust regulators could well see this as a strategic move by the tech giant which first had to do with providing a product at low costs so that it could increase in popularity and wipe out other competitors who offered similar headsets at higher prices.

Then, after gaining a dominant hold in the VR market, it chose to raise its price tag so fans would be left with no choice but to make a purchase.

The Quest 2 model is a huge trending venture among those enthusiastic about games. When you look at statistics from the previous month, around 50% of people that made use of the VR and Steam had Quest 2 on board.

Also, there’s news of Meta working on more similar headsets because the demand is that high. Hence, we suggest you grab the Quest 2 immediately before the month ends if you’re interested.


Read next: Instagram Head Forced To Reassure Users That New Changes In The App Are For The Better Amid Growing Protests
by Dr. Hura Anwar via Digital Information World

Instagram Head Forced To Reassure Users That New Changes In The App Are For The Better Amid Growing Protests

The world of social media loves to evolve and that’s why you’ll constantly be seeing platforms make changes. While some are greatly appreciated, others aren’t so much.

The perfect example is Instagram which has been caught in the middle of a series of fresh widespread protests where even top celebrities have become involved. Many are blasting the app to revert back to its normal self and stop copying TikTok.

There’s even a petition being signed as we speak with thousands of signatures. Things are certainly getting out of hand and that left the company’s head, Adam Mosseri with no choice but to take to his Twitter account and address the matter.

The Instagram boss was seen struggling while trying to make an impact with his audience. He began by addressing many people’s concerns related to the platforms’ many changes. In addition to that, he revealed some future plans that the app had in store as a way to reassure users that they’re only going to be getting the best.

The explanation was begun with a confirmation that changes are taking place and how he is well aware that many aren’t happy about it. These issues have come forward as the app tries to take on board more video-related content, rather than focusing on images.

Mosseri mentioned how the current changes were a part of a trial and how full-screen modes aren’t at their best. Therefore, before it gets rolled out for all users, it’s going to have to improve.

The Instagram boss was not at all shy about revealing which direction the app was moving toward and that includes how videos would be Instagram’s main focus. He also admitted that pictures were a signature trademark for Instagram that many love and cherish, not to mention the fact that it was the signature of the platform.

However, times are changing and the app needs to steer in the direction where user demand and interest happen to be and that’s video-based content.

Mosseri concluded by shedding some light on recommendations. This is where he says that the feature is far from perfect. However, if you happen to be getting them and aren’t liking them, there’s nothing to worry about.

Thankfully, the app is giving users some more ways through which they can skip the recommendations part as a whole. Therefore, nothing on the app is permanent. But as content creators, we still feel there are quite a few changes that need to be embraced.

Nevertheless, full credit to Instagram for listening to its users.


Read next: AI-Based Art Is The New Trend, But The Internet Questions Whether Or Not It Is Harmful
by Dr. Hura Anwar via Digital Information World

What Alternatives are there for Salesforce CPQ?

Depending on the nature of your company and industry, B2B deals can be very complex, and there can be a myriad of important factors to consider when trying to create an accurate quote for a prospect. In order to help sales teams avoid becoming caught up in administrative red tape, more and more businesses worldwide are opting to use specially-designed CPQ (Configure, Price, Quote) software like salesforce CPQ to streamline this process. But what is Salesforce CPQ, and is it the only game in town when it comes to CPQ?


Of course not. As a matter of fact, as of 2019, the CPQ market has a value of over $1.42 billion. With a market size that large to compete for, it comes as no surprise that there are many viable alternatives out there, one of which may better suit your business's needs.
  • DealHub CPQ
  • Conga CPQ
  • PandaDoc
  • Hubspot Sales Hub
  • Quotient (for Small Businesses)

DealHub CPQ

DealHub offers a comprehensive all-around CPQ solution suitable for businesses in a wide range of industries. Part of a larger revenue amplification platform, this CPQ software uses a rules-based engine to create accurate quotes in a matter of minutes. The software includes an impressive selection of features to make sales processes smoother and easier, too, such as automated renewals, automated bundling, and pricing flexibility among many others. Crucially, DealHub CPQ syncs information with your business's CRM in real-time. This helps you streamline your organization's workflow by preventing the loss of important data and ensuring that sales teams have access to the most accurate quotes and contracts.

Conga CPQ

Conga CPQ is a software solution that was designed for businesses engaged in multi-channel sales, making it a viable option for an ambitious enterprise looking to sell on multiple fronts. One impressive feature of this cloud-based CPQ solution is that it includes role-based access. This gives upper-level management complete control over which parties can access specific information on products and pricing, making it easier to manage sales strategies across different channels or regions. At the same time, Conga CPQ empowers sales professionals further down the pipeline to work within their relevant framework to quickly configure, price, and quote products and services to potential clients.

PandaDoc

Another cloud-based solution, PandaDoc is a document management software that offers CPQ functionality. This CPQ solution boasts a selection of unique and useful features, chief among them being its interactive pricing table, which enables customers to choose the appropriate product and quantity for them. This software also provides users with a wide selection of free, downloadable templates to use, and includes an e-signature feature that lets users sign and approve documents instantly at the touch of a button. PandaDoc also comes with convenient collaboration functionality, so members of sales teams can easily work together on a single document.

HubSpot Sales Hub

Built on its own CRM platform, Hubspot's CPQ tool makes ease of use a priority and focuses on achieving frictionless sales. This platform's CPQ functionality helps users to build customizable product libraries that prevent salespeople from getting trapped in organizational silos. What's more, simple, user-friendly quoting tools allow users to create and send quotes in a matter of clicks, too. This CPQ solution makes use of eSignature functionality as well, meaning that prospects can choose to make a purchase instantly, while Hubspot's native payments feature ensures that clumsy transactions don't slow down your business's cash flow.

Quotient (for Small Businesses)

A lesser-known but well-regarded solution, Quotient is intended to help small businesses create and deliver accurate, reliable quotes to prospective customers. As such, it is considerably more affordable than some options on the market. However, that doesn't mean that this CPQ solution doesn't have plenty of great features. This easy-to-use software allows users to upload images and files to include in quotes, create multiple choice items to include on quote forms, and turn previously-submitted quotes into handy templates for later use. Quotient even supports integration with a wide variety of CRM systems. Quotient also enables users to know as soon as a quote has been opened, and allows customers to accept online at a time of their choosing.

Recent research indicates that as little as 34% of the average salesperson's time is spent selling, while the rest is consumed by administrative tasks. Needless to say, this represents a poor return on investment and outlines exactly why modern businesses should embrace software integrations like CPQ solutions. There are lots of alternatives to Salesforce CPQ, so it's important to make a careful decision. After all, finding the right CPQ solution frees up your sales teams and allows them to do what they do best – build lasting, fruitful relationships with clients – and that's what success is built on.

by Web Desk via Digital Information World