Bill that could ban TikTok in the U.S. passes the House by a wide margin

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Bill that could ban TikTok in the U.S. passes the House by a wide margin
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With a bipartisan vote count of 360-58, the House passed a bill on Saturday that takes the banning of the popular video app TikTok in the U.S. one step closer to becoming reality. The bill is similar to one that passed the House in March by a vote count of 352-65; that bill would ban TikTok owner ByteDance from U.S. app storefronts unless the Chinese company quickly sold TikTok to a new owner.

With 170 million U.S. users, TikTok is accused of collecting personal data from its U.S. subscribers and there is concern that under Chinese Communist Party (CCP) rules, the Chinese government can force ByteDance to turn over this information to it.

The new TikTok bill is attached to a couple of requests to fund military equipment for Ukraine and to fund missiles for Israel. By submitting the bill to the Senate in this format, House Republicans put pressure on the Senate to pass the bill in a single vote. Analysts believe that the Senate will take up the bill within the next two weeks which could improve its chances of getting passed. President Joe Biden has previously said that if the bill reaches his desk, he will sign it.

The House of Representatives passes a new bill that could result in the banning of TikTok in the U.S. - Bill that could ban TikTok in the U.S. passes the House by a wide margin

The House of Representatives passes a new bill that could result in the banning of TikTok in the U.S.

The U.S. considers TikTok, with its current ownership, to be a national security threat. However, many young Americans love the app and TikTok users would prefer to see ByteDance sell the app to a U.S. company. In 2020, then President Donald Trump tried to force ByteDance to sell TikTok’s U.S. assets to an American company and in September of that year, he told reporters that he had approved “in concept” a deal that would have resulted in the acquisition of TikTok by U.S. tech firm Oracle. That deal never made it to the negotiating stage. Microsoft and Walmart were also said to be interested in TikTok.

Once signed into law by the president, the new bill would give ByteDance 270 days to find a new owner for TikTok, up from the 6-month deadline that the previous bill from last month gave the company. The new bill also would give the president the option to increase the deadline by an additional 90 days if he feels that progress is being made on a sale.

In a post on “X” this past week, TikTok wrote, “It is unfortunate that the House of Representatives is using the cover of important foreign and humanitarian assistance to once again jam through a ban bill that would trample the free speech rights of 170 million Americans, devastate 7 million businesses, and shutter a platform that contributes $24 billion to the U.S. economy, annually.”


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Interoperability between Google Chat, Slack and Teams exits beta testing

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Interoperability between Google Chat, Slack and Teams exits beta testing
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Not many might remember, but Google announced last year during its Cloud Next event plans to implement interoperability between its Chat app and Microsoft Teams and Slack.

Powered by Mio, the functionality entered beta testing right away and was available to Workspace customers through a special program that they could enroll into.

Earlier this week, Google announced that after about one year of testing, interoperability between Google Chat, Microsoft Teams, and Slack is finally generally available for Google Workspace customers.

This means that organizations will now be able to use Google Chat and other messaging platforms like Slack and Teams within their domain to offer their customers a more seamless experience for their users.

However, there’s one major requirement that Google Workspace customers must meet in order to benefit from this interoperability. According to Google, a separate Mio licensing is required to enable interoperability between Google Chat, Teams and Slack.

The functionality is already available in both Rapid Release and Scheduled Release domains and doesn’t require any end user action.


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TikTok might introduce an AI voice-cloning feature

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TikTok might introduce an AI voice-cloning feature
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In a move that, frankly, surprises no one, TikTok appears to be working on a new feature that utilizes artificial intelligence (AI) to clone a user’s voice. This means that users may now be able to narrate their videos with a computer-generated version of their own voice, adding a new layer of personalization and creative freedom to their content.AI has been rapidly evolving in recent years, finding applications in various fields, from self-driving cars, to medical diagnosis, to just day-to-day use in your smartphones. In the realm of social media, AI is being used for a variety of purposes, such as content moderation and personalized recommendations.

As discovered by AssembleDebug (via TheSPAndroid) after some tinkering with the code, TikTok’s new AI voice cloning feature appears similar to offerings from other companies like OpenAI. Users can record their voice saying a phrase, and the AI will then be able to generate a synthetic voice that mimics the speaker’s tone and inflection — all within 10 seconds. This synthetic voice can then be used to narrate text in videos, allowing creators to add narration without needing to record their voice directly.

The introduction of AI voice cloning on TikTok has the potential to significantly impact video creation on the platform. Creators can now leverage this feature to add a unique voice to their content, even if they are not comfortable using their natural voice in their videos. This can be particularly beneficial for users who may be shy or self-conscious about their voice, or have a particularly thick accent in the language chosen to create content in. Another possible application could be for creating content in different voices or accents for comedic effect.

Credit: TheSPAndroid

According to the UI screenshots that show the terms and conditions for using the feature, users will retain complete control over their AI voice data. They can decide to delete their AI voice at any time, ensuring privacy and control over their data. With this new feature, when it launches, TikTok would be offering creators a powerful tool to enhance their content and express themselves in new and innovative ways.
There is no official word on if or when this feature will be ready to roll out to the masses. However, whether it’s for educational purposes, comedic skits, or simply adding a personal touch to their videos, the possibilities for creative expression on TikTok will definitely expand thanks to AI voice cloning.

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Google Chat apps are now eligible for event notifications

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Google Chat apps are now eligible for event notifications
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Google announced during Google Cloud Next 2024 that Chat apps can now subscribe to event notifications. Although Google Workspace developers enrolled in the Developer Preview Program have been able to build Chat apps that can subscribe to events using the specific API, this feature wasn’t actually functional.However, starting this week, the functionality is available to all Workspace developers, which means Chat apps can receive events about the following types of changes in Google Chat:
  • New memberships
  • New or removed reactions to a message
  • New, updated, or removed members in a space
  • Changes to a space, such as the space name or description

Thanks to the new functionality, all Chat apps that subscribe to event notifications will be able to respond to major actions in real-time. It’s also important to mention that both Rapid Release and Scheduled Release domains are getting the new functionality right away, so there’s no waiting for those who’d like to take advantage of it.

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Google testing layout changes to the Phone app

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Google testing layout changes to the Phone app
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Google appears to be working on a new layout for the Google Phone app (known as the Phone by Google app) used to dial phone calls and more. That makes it probably one of the most widely used but less heralded apps on Android. The new UI is going to eliminate the bottom bar on the dialer which currently offers options such as Favorite, Recents, Contracts, and Voicemail. Instead, the dialer will feature a three-line hamburger menu icon. Tapping on the icon shows a side panel with only two options, Contacts and Voicemail.

The page does look strange as it is empty except for those two options. Google might be considering ways to fill out the side panel or this layout could merely be a test by Google that it doesn’t plan on releasing following the latest beta test of the Phone by Google app. While the Contacts and Voicemail options on the bottom bar would be replaced by the same options that appear in the hamburger menu icon, the Favorites and Recents options on the bottom bar do not appear anywhere in the new layout. Perhaps they will join Contacts and Voicemail on the side panel when the hamburger menu icon is tapped. That would make the panel look a little more full.
New layout for Phone by Google app includes three-line hamburger menu icon (L) and a new side panel - Google testing layout changes to the Phone app

New layout for Phone by Google app includes three-line hamburger menu icon (L) and a new side panel

The new layout was discovered by AssembleDebug together with PiunikaWeb in the public beta version 128.0.625763929. The new layout has yet to reach my Pixel 6 Pro running Android 15 beta 1. My phone has the Phone by Google public beta version 127.0.620688474. I’m guessing that the next beta update to the Phone by Google app will give me the new layout.
AssembleDebug also discovered a string of code that gives permission to users to use the feature known as Emergency SOS which will allow Android users to connect to emergency services via satellite if no cellular connectivity is available. This feature is expected to be coming in Android 15, the final version of which will be pushed out in September or October. For those who don’t mind rolling the dice on an unstable beta update, Android 15 beta 1 is currently available for compatible Pixel handsets.
The danger is that since the beta can’t be uninstalled without wiping the phone, you might have to live with apps you use every day not working, reduced battery life, and bugs making it impossible to use the phone the way you want to until the final version of the app is released in September or October. Still, if you want to be the first on your block to run Android 15, go to google.com/android/beta or tap on this link. Press the box that reads, “View your eligible devices” and you be sent to a page showing a photo of your Pixel. Underneath the image, tap on Opt-in. A few minutes later go to Settings > System > System update and your update to the latest beta version of Android 15 will be ready.

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Google is shutting down the PaLM API for most users

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Google is shutting down the PaLM API for most users
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Google has its all-in-one AI platform named Gemini. Gemini’s models are powering some of the most powerful AI tools on the internet. However, before there was Gemini, there was the PaLM API. This was a free-to-use API that developers could use to develop custom chatbots. Well, Google is shutting down the PaLM API. Adding insult to injury, the alternative that Google offered costs money.

This news comes shortly after we got rumors of Google eventually charging for search AI features. If this is true, then users will have to pay a monthly fee in order to access certain search AI tools. We believe that the SGE (Search Generative Experience) will be part of this. This is the feature that artificially generates answers to questions that you type into Google.

Google is shutting down the PaLM API

It’s always unfortunate seeing previously free products eventually gain a price tag. However, this is something that we should expect with AI tools. Right now, companies are still trying to figure out how to properly monetize AI content. For example, according to the rumors, Samsung is planning on charging for access to some Galaxy AI features in the future. So, we should rightfully expect Google to start charging for certain AI functions in the future.

The PaLM API was a free tool that people could use to create custom chatbots. Well, Google just sent out an email telling its users that it will be shutting down access to the PaLM API through Android Studio on August 15th. This gives people just about four months of access before they have to move to a different API.

However, Google is not leaving these developers without an alternative. The alternative that the company proposed was using Gemini Pro 1.0. Fortunately, you can use the same keys you used for the PaLM API to access Gemini through Google AI SDKs. The only issue is that using Gemini Pro 1.0 is not free.

The lowest plan costs $7/month, and that’s for 1 million input tokens. If you also want to have 1 million output tokens, this will cost you $21/month. Fortunately, Google will not use the responses to train its AI models.

One thing to know is that users will be able to access Palm and Gemini if they’re paying for Vertex AI.


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Provenance Emulator coming to Apple iOS App Store soon

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Provenance Emulator coming to Apple iOS App Store soon
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Multi-platform emulator, Provenance, is headed to the App Store. This means an iPhone running a legitimate, non-Jailbroken iOS operating system, will be able to run old console games without sideloading any apps.

Multi-system emulator Provenance headed to iPhone officially

In an email to iMore, Joseph Mattiello, project lead of Provenance, confirmed that an app for the multi-system emulator is headed to the iOS App Store. He has, however, cautioned that the Provenance team is treading carefully, presumably because it is Apple,

“[The Provenance] team is working on a release. [However], I need to investigate these new rules before an App Store submission and to improve some quality-of-life issues. Also, I need to change some things to adhere to the App Store’s rules, such as mentioning “beta”.

What this means is that a Provenance app for iPhone could arrive this year. However, there’s no confirmed release date yet. Regardless, the presence of emulation apps like Provenance is a huge deal for the iPhone and iOS ecosystem.

Provenance might not be as big or as wide as Retroarch. However, it is a multi-system emulation package. In other words, Provenance is a single program that can emulate multiple consoles from the late 20th and early 21st century.

Some of the notable gaming consoles Provenance supports include Sony PlayStation, SEGA Saturn, Nintendo Virtual Boy, Nintendo Gamecube, and many more. The team behind the platform reportedly confirmed it is working on adding support for SEGA Dreamcast, Sony PlayStation 2, Nintendo DS, and others.

Retro gaming on iPhone is possible with multiple emulator apps

Apple recently changed the rules of the App Store to allow emulators. Delta, another multi-system emulator, was the first to officially set foot inside Apple’s walled garden. Riley Testut, creator of the Delta emulator, released the app this week on the iOS App Store.

Owing to the amended rules, several multi-platform emulators should start trickling into the App Store. This is because many emulators were already working on the iPhone. Users, however, needed to sideload them. In other words, availability and compatibility weren’t stopping emulation on an iPhone.

It is important to note that emulation is a legally dicey issue. Companies like Nintendo have always taken the toughest possible approach to squash emulation. The company considers downloading a game a breach of copyright law even if users own a physical copy of the title.

Incidentally, the Apple iOS App Store has free, independently developed games. However, there’s no denying the appeal for multi-system emulation.


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Pebblebee has confirmed it will ship trackers out this month

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Pebblebee has confirmed it will ship trackers out this month
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Pebblebee has confirmed that shipping of trackers will officially begin on May 27, 2024. This news comes after Pebblebee’s initial announcement that trackers for Android would start shipping in “late May.”

While not all pre-orders will necessarily go out on May 27th, it signifies the first day that customers can expect shipments to begin. This pebblebee tracker shipping date aligns with competitor Chipolo, who also announced May 27th as their launch date.

Pre-orders still open for Pebblebee’s diverse tracker range

Ahead of the shipping date, Pebblebee’s diverse range of trackers is still available for pre-order. These include the Pebblebee Tag, Card, and Clip, with prices starting at $29.99.

The Pebblebee Tag is a versatile option ideal for attaching to keys, bags, or anything else you might misplace. Its compact size ensures it won’t add bulk, while still offering reliable tracking functionality. For those who prioritize keeping track of the phone itself, the Pebblebee Card is a slim and unobtrusive option designed for wallets or phone cases.

Finally, the Pebblebee Clip is a clip-on tracker ideal for attaching to larger items like bikes or backpacks. The Clip’s secure attachment method provides peace of mind for valuable possessions.

Find My Device Network expands with Pebblebee integration

Pebblebee’s trackers integrate seamlessly with Android’s Find My Device network, using Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) to locate nearby trackers. This makes it a breeze to find misplaced items within a short range.

For situations where your lost item is farther away, the Find My Device network leverages the power of the crowd. When a Pebblebee tracker is out of range of its owner’s phone, it can still be anonymously detected by other Android devices in the network. This collective effort significantly increases the chances of finding a lost item, even at a distance.

The addition of Pebblebee trackers to the Find My Device network offers more options to Android users for keeping track of their belongings. With their variety of trackers, competitive pricing, and the tracker shipping date fast approaching, Pebblebee is poised to become a major player in the Android lost-item tracking space.


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YouTube switches to AV1 codec on Android for better video quality, but battery life is a concern

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YouTube switches to AV1 codec on Android for better video quality, but battery life is a concern
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YouTube has recently begun encoding its videos using the AV1 codec, which promises significant improvements in video quality, especially at lower bitrates. In simpler terms, you’ll be able to stream higher-quality videos without using up as much data.

As reported by Android Police, this is a welcome change for users on mobile data plans, where data usage can be a major concern. However, there’s a potential downside to the switch to AV1. Because AV1 is a more complex codec than the ones that YouTube has traditionally used, it requires more processing power to decode. This could lead to increased battery drain for some users, especially those with older devices that lack hardware decoding for AV1.

It’s important to note that Google isn’t the first company to embrace AV1. Streaming giant Netflix has also been using AV1 for its Android app for some time now. So, the switch to AV1 is part of a larger trend in the video streaming industry.So, what does this mean for you, the average YouTube viewer? Well, the good news is that you’ll likely be able to enjoy higher-quality videos without eating into your data plan as quickly. However, if you have an older device, you might see a bit of a hit on your battery life.
If you’re concerned about battery life, there are a few things you can do. First, you can try reducing the playback quality of YouTube videos. This will reduce the amount of data that needs to be decoded, which can help to improve battery life. You can also try closing any other apps that you’re not using, as this can help to free up processing power and improve battery life.

However, should you have a newer Android device with Android 12 and newer, the YouTuber switch to AV1 should be a positive change for you. You will experience significant improvements in video quality, especially if using a mobile plan, even if there is a potential for increased battery drain.


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Google Drive rolls out enhanced search on Android so you can find your files quicker

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Google Drive rolls out enhanced search on Android so you can find your files quicker
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If you use Google Drive on an iOS device, you’ve probably noticed how much better the search function has become since the rollout of enhanced search features last month. Unfortunately, when this initially rolled out, it was limited to iOS only, leaving Android users out. However, as Google announced today in the Google Workspace Updates weekly recap, this will now be made available on Android as well.
Previously, Google Drive’s search was working fine, but it could be hit or miss depending on the search. However, Google has overhauled the system to make finding your files much smoother. These updates focus on two areas in particular.

First, you can now search for specific file types directly within the search bar. This means instead of just hoping for the best when typing in a document name, you can narrow it down by adding “.pdf” or “.docx” to your search terms. This is very handy if you know exactly what you’re looking for and will likely speed up your search.

The second major change as part of this update is that Google Drive search will now take into account the actual content of your files, live as you search. Now, alongside matching file names and folders, it’ll pick up on keywords within your documents or spreadsheets, showing you relevant query filters as you type your query,

Google originally rolled this feature out to iOS users in March, and now it’s making its way to Android, thus now including a large part of the app’s user base. If you’re an Android user, the update should hit your device soon, as it is already rolling out for both Rapid and Scheduled Release domains. Although it is a feature technically released for Google Workspace customers, this enhancement is available to everyone who uses Google Drive – whether you have a Google Workspace account or a free personal Google account.


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