Day: June 15, 2023

On behalf of 17 prominent music publishers, the National Music Publishers’ Association (NMPA) has taken legal action against Twitter.

The lawsuit, filed in a federal court in Tennessee, alleges that the company sustains its operations by hosting numerous unauthorized copies of musical compositions, thereby violating the exclusive rights of publishers and other rights holders as outlined in copyright law.

The lawsuit also includes a comprehensive list of approximately 1,700 songs that the publishers claim have been repeatedly flagged for copyright infringement to Twitter, yet the company has failed to take appropriate action. The plaintiffs are seeking a court order to impose fines of up to $150,000 per violation on Twitter for its alleged infringements.

The issue at hand predates Elon Musk’s acquisition of Twitter for $44 billion in the previous year. According to unnamed employees mentioned in The New York Times, Twitter had opted not to pursue a music licensing deal due to the significant associated costs, which were estimated to exceed $100 million annually.

The report also stated that licensing negotiations between three major labels and Twitter had encountered obstacles following Musk’s takeover last autumn.

Interestingly, the lawsuit also references Musk’s tweets and the added features of the Twitter Blue package, such as the capability to upload longer videos.

Although it does not specifically address the recent influx of movies uploaded to Twitter, such as unauthorized copies of The Super Mario Bros. Movie and Avatar: The Way of Water that remained available for hours before being removed, it does provide examples of certain tweets by Musk.

Twitter has received numerous notifications regarding alleged copyright infringement, primarily related to music videos, live music performances, and videos synchronized with copyrighted music. The NMPA asserts that Twitter has utilized these videos to augment its platform’s value by prolonging user engagement.

However, the association accuses Twitter of neglecting to promptly remove infringing content despite being notified and alleges that the platform has actively supported known repeat infringers without imposing any consequences, thus allowing them to maintain their accounts.

Source: Pro Pakistani

Fearing losses due to the Biparjoy cyclone, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) directed telecom companies to prepare a plan to deal with any emergency situation.

PTA has directed telecom companies to prepare a backup plan for cyclone-affected areas and start implementing it.

Sources told ProPakistani that on the instructions of IT Minister Syed Aminul Haq, PTA officials held a meeting with representatives of telecom companies. The meeting deliberated on possible Biparjoy cyclone damage in coastal areas and measures to protect telecom infrastructure from it.

According to the sources, in this meeting, PTA instructed the telcos to ensure the availability of telecom services in any case during the Biparjoy cyclone, PTA has instructed the telecom companies to keep 8 to 12 hours of petrol backup.

The PTA has directed the telecom companies to keep their technical teams in storm-prone areas so that in case of any damage to the infrastructure, it can be repaired or replaced immediately.

IT Ministry officials say that the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), Ministry of IT and Telecom, and federal and provincial governments are on the same page and the situation is being monitored.

Telecom services were affected in the Murree incident and flood in 2022, so this time Federal Minister Syed Aminul Haq has directed to take preemptive measures.

According to sources, Aminul Haq has canceled his visit to Islamabad. He will stay in Karachi for the next two to three days and will monitor the situation regarding telecom services himself.

Source: Pro Pakistani

Following its I/O keynote in May, Google has been actively promoting its generative text and image AI tools, offering assistance with tasks such as essay drafting and artistic creations.

Nonetheless, the company’s primary revenue stream is derived from advertising and product sales. In line with this, Google has recently introduced a new shopping feature designed to enhance these endeavors.

Presently, customers within the United States have the option to virtually “try on” women’s tops. Utilizing images of real models spanning from XXS to 3XL, Google employs AI-generated renditions of clothing items from numerous brands available on their platform, including Anthropologie, Everlane, and H&M.

Users have the ability to browse through different body types and skin tones, enabling them to visualize how various garments would fit and drape on their own bodies. Once you find a model that closely resembles your own appearance, you can save it as your default virtual representation.

How It Was Made

To develop this tool, the company employed a combination of real model images and its Shopping Graph. During the models’ photoshoots, the company accurately determined their sizes by referring to sizing charts from various brands.

The process involved matching photos of the models wearing shirts in different poses and utilizing this information to generate additional images of the shirts from alternative angles.

Furthermore, the company seamlessly integrated images of the clothing items sourced from merchants with images of Google’s virtual model using generative diffusion models. The outcome of this intricate process is a diverse collection of highly realistic images showcasing the desired clothing items available for purchase.

How It Works

When searching for shirts, particularly if you’re on the lookout for a new trendy top for a night out, you’ll now notice a convenient “Try On” badge displayed alongside relevant clothing items.

By clicking on this badge, a list of models will appear, allowing you to scroll through and explore the options. For every shirt, you’ll find a comprehensive selection of 40 female models, ensuring that multiple models represent each size.

In this enhanced shopping experience, you will have access to guided refinements. Suppose you’re examining a shirt displayed on the chosen model but prefer a more budget-friendly version or desire the same style in an alternative color or pattern. In such cases, you can utilize dropdown menus to specify your preferences, and Google will generate similar options that meet your criteria.

However, it’s important to note that this feature is exclusively available within Google Shopping, as opposed to directly browsing the brand’s website. If you come across an item that catches your interest, you will need to perform a Google search to determine its availability and locate the necessary information.

There are other limitations as well. For instance, the “Try On” feature will show you all sizes available for a shirt, even if the brand does not offer those sizes. But at least the unavailable sizes are grayed out.

Source: Pro Pakistani

We sat down with Mr. Rakesh Tamrakar, a Leading 5G Standard Expert at vivo Communications Research Institute, to delve into the captivating world of 5G and discover how vivo is shaping the digital landscape through its commitment to innovation and accessibility.

In this insightful interview, Rakesh Tamrakar sheds light on vivo’s recent 5G Talk initiative, shares his vision for the future of connectivity, and explores the key benefits of 5G for developing countries.

What outcome does vivo hope to achieve through the 5G Talk initiative? How do you envision these conversations contributing to the advancement of telecommunication technology and the broader digital landscape?

Through vivo’s 5G Talk initiative, the primary goal is to create a platform for industry experts, policymakers, and stakeholders to engage in meaningful discussions and exchange ideas. By fostering cross-sector dialogues, we aim to achieve several outcomes.

Firstly, we want to enhance awareness and understanding of the current state of telecommunication technology, including topics like 5G, among participants and the broader community. These conversations serve to share knowledge and insights, creating a collaborative environment.

Furthermore, 5G Talk discussions contribute to the advancement of telecommunication technology in multiple ways. They provide a space to address challenges, identify opportunities, and explore potential solutions. By bringing together experts from diverse backgrounds, we encourage the exploration of interdisciplinary approaches and the emergence of innovative ideas.

These conversations can lead to collaborations between different sectors, enabling the development of new technologies and applications that benefit the digital landscape.

What are the key benefits of 5G connectivity for developing countries, and how do 5G technology’s advantages open up new possibilities for industries and everyday life?

5G connectivity offers significant benefits for developing countries. One of the key advantages is the potential to overcome infrastructure challenges. With its higher speeds and greater capacity, 5G can facilitate the deployment of various services, such as remote healthcare and education, IoT applications for agriculture, and disaster recovery systems.

These advancements in connectivity can bridge the digital divide and bring essential services to underserved areas, contributing to improved access to healthcare, education, and economic opportunities.

Moreover, 5G technology’s advantages over previous generations open new possibilities for industries and everyday life. Industries can leverage the ultra-fast speed of 5G to enable new technologies leading to increased productivity, efficiency, and innovation across sectors.

For everyday life, 5G enables seamless connectivity and immersive experiences — transforming the way we communicate, access information, and enjoy entertainment. From smart homes to connected devices, 5G enhances convenience, efficiency, and quality of life.

During the panel discussion, it was highlighted that creating an environment for innovation and entrepreneurship is crucial. In your opinion, what are the key elements required to foster such an environment and promote innovation in the field of 5G technology?

Creating an environment for innovation and entrepreneurship in the field of 5G technology requires key elements that foster growth and advancements. Infrastructure development is essential, including robust network infrastructure and high-speed internet coverage.

Supportive regulatory policies addressing challenges like spectrum affordability and geographical barriers are crucial. Collaboration between the public and private sectors drives innovation, with governments providing incentives and establishing innovation hubs.

Continued investment in research and development accelerates progress, and collaboration between researchers, industry experts, and academia pushes boundaries. Lastly, ensuring accessibility and affordability of 5G technology is vital, with diverse 5G-enabled devices catering to different consumer preferences and budgets.

By focusing on these elements, we can create an environment that encourages innovation and entrepreneurship in 5G. This drives economic growth, enhances connectivity, and unlocks the full potential of 5G for individuals, businesses, and communities. Infrastructure development, supportive regulations, public-private collaboration, research and development, and accessibility collectively contribute to a thriving ecosystem that fosters innovation in the field of 5G technology.

Could you elaborate on vivo’s commitment to driving innovation and progress in the field of telecommunication technology? How does vivo’s dedication to making 5G smartphones more accessible and affordable align with its overall vision?

vivo is dedicated to driving innovation and progress in the field of telecommunication technology. Our commitment lies in delivering cutting-edge products and solutions that enhance our customers’ digital experiences worldwide.

We understand the transformative power of 5G and its potential to reshape the way we live, work, and connect with each other. To align with our vision, we prioritize making 5G smartphones more accessible and affordable.

We believe that advanced technologies should be within the reach of everyone, irrespective of their budget or location. By offering a wide range of products, including the X and V series, which provide some of the slimmest 5G phones on the market owing to vivo’s innovative 3D stacking technology. Moreover, affordability is a crucial aspect of our strategy.

We strive to make 5G smartphones accessible to a larger population by ensuring competitive pricing and value for money. We understand that the widespread adoption of 5G technology requires affordable devices that can unlock its full potential.

This approach aligns with our overall vision of empowering communities and individuals to thrive in the new digital landscape, where advanced telecommunication technologies can enhance their lives and experiences.

Looking ahead, how do you envision the future of 5G on a global scale? What role can vivo play in shaping this future and contributing to the advancement of telecommunication technologies?

The future of 5G on a global scale holds tremendous potential for transformative change across industries and societies. As 5G networks continue to expand and mature, we can expect a proliferation of innovative applications and services that will reshape various sectors, including healthcare, manufacturing, transportation, and entertainment.

vivo recognizes the significance of this future and is committed to playing an active role in shaping it. We believe that our extensive research and development efforts, coupled with our contributions to 3GPP standards, position us as key contributors to the advancement of telecommunication technologies.

With a team of over one hundred experts dedicated to 5G research, we continue to drive innovation and develop technologies that push the boundaries of what is possible.

Additionally, our collaboration with industry partners, policymakers, and research institutions allows us to participate in shaping global standards and regulations. By advocating for an open and collaborative approach, we can collectively accelerate the adoption and deployment of 5G technology worldwide.

Furthermore, we envision vivo as a catalyst for change by enabling the broader adoption of 5G smartphones. Our commitment to affordability, accessibility, and user-centric design ensures that individuals across different regions and demographics can benefit from the advancements offered by 5G.

Source: Pro Pakistani

Valve recognized the long-awaited need for a significant upgrade to the Steam desktop client, and today they have delivered.

The company has released an update for the platform, incorporating numerous features that have been tested in the app’s beta channel. The latest client version boasts refreshed fonts and menus, an improved notification system, and a redesigned in-game overlay.

Valve has rebuilt the platform with an entirely new framework that enables simultaneous feature releases across all Steam versions.

This means that some of the new features integrated into the desktop client are also already accessible on the Steam Deck. Valve particularly highlighted the revamped in-game overlay, which now offers a new interface, a more versatile toolbar, and a synchronized notes tool across multiple PCs.

Additionally, the overlay introduces a handy “pin” feature that allows users to keep the notes tool or any other in-game interface window visible during gameplay.

Valve has also made efforts to streamline the client’s notifications. Clicking on the icon will now only display the most recent and pertinent notifications, while prompting users to click through for a complete historical view.

Furthermore, users can expect various subtle enhancements throughout the rest of the client, such as updated dialog text, new fonts, and refined colors.

While the new features are commendable, Valve appears to be particularly proud of the advancements made behind the scenes. Alongside the new framework, the company has enabled hardware acceleration for Mac and Linux users, resulting in a smoother experience across all platforms.

Lastly, the update brings potential closure to the legacy Steam Big Picture mode. Within the client’s extensive list of bug fixes, there is a mention that the command line option to enable “oldbigpicture” has been eliminated.

It indicates that the focus has shifted entirely towards utilizing the Steam Deck interface, and we can expect a unified experience moving forward.

Source: Pro Pakistani

Google holds a dominant position in the online advertising market, which has repeatedly raised concerns and triggered controversies for the company.

Now the European Union (EU) is raising apprehensions regarding potential antitrust violations by the search engine giant and calling for a possible breakup of its ad business, which could force Google to lose 80% of its ad business.

In a comprehensive statement, the EU has communicated its “preliminary view” to Google, expressing its belief that the company has violated antitrust regulations pertaining to the advertising industry.

The EU’s concerns stem from the observation that Google has exhibited a bias toward promoting its own ads within its products, which ultimately undermines fair competition in the market.

The EU highlights its concerns by examining Google’s approach to its AdX ad exchange, providing evidence of the alleged behavior. The process involves the DFP facilitating ad selection through AdX, while Google Ads and DV360 provide purchasing tools for advertisers who also utilize AdX.

While this may appear straightforward, the consequence is that other ad exchanges are left with no share of the market, further reinforcing Google’s dominant position.

In its statement, the EU emphasizes that a mere “behavioral remedy” will not suffice in addressing the issue. Instead, it asserts that Google must divest and dismantle its ad business, allowing for competition from external advertising products separate from the company itself.

This proposed action aims to promote a more level playing field and reduce Google’s overwhelming influence in the market.

Although this preliminary view does not necessarily indicate imminent peril for the company, it is crucial to acknowledge that Google should indeed take this matter seriously. This is not the first instance in which the company has faced scrutiny regarding its dominant position, and it warrants attention.

If this preliminary view eventually translates into a ruling, the subsequent developments and the potential for finding a mutually agreeable middle ground between Google and the EU will be of great significance.

The outcome will determine the extent of satisfaction for both parties involved and shed light on the feasibility of reaching a compromise that addresses the concerns raised by the EU.

Source: Pro Pakistani

Zong 4G, in collaboration with Pakistan Bait ul Mal (PBM) and with the support of the Ministry of Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety (MOPASS), held a momentous Graduation Ceremony at Zong headquarters, celebrating the achievements of the first graduates of the centre’s Digital Program.

These talented individuals successfully completed the comprehensive training program, gaining valuable skills in various digital domains.

Zong 4G proudly inaugurated the state-of-the-art digital lab at PBM’s women empowerment center in Islamabad in December 2022. This initiative aims to provide women with essential digital skills and empower them to thrive in the digital age.

The Graduation Ceremony also celebrated the achievements of 35 women from PBM’s Vocational centres who had skilfully crafted handmade sleeves for Zong 4G’s Sustainability Report for the year 2022, showcasing their creativity, skill, and craftsmanship.

Certificates of excellence were awarded to all deserving attendees, acknowledging their exceptional achievements and dedication to personal growth and development.

Additionally, Zong 4G presented tokens of appreciation to express gratitude for their unwavering commitment to the cause of women empowerment.

Speaking at the ceremony, Zong 4G’s official spokesperson expressed the company’s commitment to women empowerment and emphasized the importance of providing equal opportunities for all. “We firmly believe that empowering women is crucial for a progressive and inclusive society.

Through the digital lab and vocational initiatives, we aim to equip women with the necessary skills to excel in the digital era, opening doors to better opportunities and a brighter future.”

The digital lab, established through the collaboration between Zong 4G and PBM, will continue to provide women with essential digital skills, empowering them to become active participants in Pakistan’s digital economy. By equipping women with technological proficiency, this initiative aims to bridge the gender gap in the digital sector and enable women to pursue meaningful careers.

Mr. Amir Fida Paracha, Managing Director PBM, while addressing the ceremony, said: “This initiative aligns perfectly with our mission to empower women and provide them with the necessary skills to thrive in the digital era.

The Graduation Ceremony and Zong 4G’s recognition of women from our vocational centres further highlights and appreciates the tremendous potential and talent that exists within our communities. We are committed to continuing our efforts in creating equal opportunities and fostering sustainable development in Pakistan in collaboration with Zong 4G.”

The collaboration between Zong 4G, PBM, and MOPASS showcases a strong commitment to promoting women’s empowerment and poverty alleviation in Pakistan. By providing women with digital skills and vocational training, this initiative is creating a positive impact on the lives of individuals, families, and communities.

Source: Pro Pakistani