Your daily tech news digest – 10 biggest stories (July 21, 2018)

This is our daily digest series, wherein we bring to you a curated list of top 10 technology news from around the world.

In today’s edition, you’ll read about iPhone photography awards, Android’s successor, potential ban on iPhones in India, and lots of other useful and impactful news stories.

So without any further ado, here’s the list:

Facebook data privacy row: Company suspends another data analytics firm

As part of an ongoing investigation at Facebook (following the infamous Cambridge Analytica scandal), the social media giant has suspended another data analytics company which used Facebook data (as well as info from other social networks) to assist governments, including the US.

Facebook says there’s currently nothing inappropriate against Boston-based Crimson Hexagon, but their access to data on Facebook has been curtailed pending the ongoing investigation.

More info here.

Successor to Android in works

According to a new report, Google is already working on a successor to its Android mobile operating system. It’s been a couple of years since the work began on project Fuchisa, which has been designed from scratch to overcome fundamental limitations currently plaguing Android.

Among its key features is the ability to run on all of Google’s gadgets, including Pixel phones and smart speakers, as well as third party IoT devices. More info here.

WhatsApp Payments feature India roll out delayed

The ability to make payments through WhatsApp was supposed to be rolled out by Facebook in India last month, but the launch is yet to happen. Now, according to a new report, the roll out is facing delays due to Indian government’s concern over the storage of user data by the service.

India’s Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has asked the concerned stake holders to provide more information about the new service, and has also asked the National Payments Corporation of India to confirm if everything is inline with the requirements.

More info here.

iPhone Photography Awards 2018 announced

Yes, the iPhone Photography Awards for this year have been announced, and the first place is bagged by Jashim Salam of Bangladesh for the following image that shows “Rohingya children watching an awareness film about health and sanitation near Tangkhali refugee camp in Ukhiya.”

Salam used Apple’s Iphone 7 to capture this shot. To access the complete list of winners, head here.

Samsung announces a 43-inch monitor

Yes, a whopping 43-inch wide monitor. Meet the C43J89, which Samsung’s website describes as a 43″ curved gaming monitor with 32:10 super ultra-wide screen. It also features 120Hz refresh rate

This thing costs $900, but is yet to go on sale. For more info, head here.

Google’s self-driving cars hit another milestone

Google’s autonomous car unit Waymo has revealed their cars have traveled a total of 8 million miles so far. The information comes courtesy of Waymo’s CEO John Krafcik. Last year in November, Waymo – which has a fleet of 600 cars for this purpose – revealed the 4 million miles figure, which means the company doubled it in 8 months.

More info here.

A guide to have iPhone X gestures on your Android phone

Love iPhone’s navigation gestures, and want to have similar functionality on your Android phone? The Verge’s Dan Seifert has published a handy guide on how you can do this.

Keep in mind that the process requires you to install some apps from Google Play and perform some command line action. If you’re ok with all this, then head here to access the complete guide.

India could ban all iPhones in use if Apple doesn’t accept this demand

India’s telecom regulator TRAI has given 6 months to all carriers in the country, asking them to make sure that a spam-fighting DND app is installed on all smartphones registered on their respective networks. The problem here is Apple isn’t co-operating with the regulator, citing privacy concerns with the app (as it needs access to call and message records).

Here’s what TRAI says:

Every Access Provider shall ensure, within six months’ time, that all smart phone devices registered on its network support the permissions required for the functioning of such Apps as prescribed in the regulations 6(2)(e) and regulations 23(2)(d)

TRAI notes in its regulatory document. “Provided that where such devices do not permit functioning of such Apps as prescribed in regulations 6(2)(e) and regulations 23(2)(d), Access Providers shall, on the order or direction of the Authority, derecognize such devices from their telecom networks

More info here

Network ADB debugging feature to be removed by all OEMs?

OnePlus recently confirmed that it has removed ADB debugging over WiFi feature due to security concerns. In the process, the company also revealed other device manufacturers will also follow suit.

The feature, for those who aren’t in the know, allows you to send and execute ADB commands without being connected through USB. Other OEMs are yet to officially announce this change, but with OnePlus confirming it, we can say the change is pretty much set in stone.

More info here.

Pokemon Go now has three-strike discipline policy against cheating

In an effort to tackle cheating and unfair practices followed by some Pokemon Go users, Niantic has announced a three-strike discipline policy.

This policy may provide offenders with a series of disciplinary actions that gradually increase in severity and provide multiple opportunities to change their behavior. If offenders reform their ways, they are welcomed back into the game. However, if offenders continue cheating, they will be permanently removed from the game in accordance with the Pokémon GO Terms of Service

More info here.

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