#NewsBytesWeeklyRecap: Android 11, WhatsApp group leak, Google spying, and more
This week, we have witnessed a number of developments in the tech world, especially from Google. The company released the first developer preview of Android 11, took down bad apps, expanded the list of phones set to receive Stadia, while also running into some issues at the same time. Let's look back at all the big stuff from this past week.
First developer preview of Android 11 from Google
The biggest news of the week, as we said, was an earlier-than-expected release of the first developer preview of Android 11, the next mobile OS from Google. The preview doesn't bring all the features set to debut on the Android 11 final. Still, it sure brings a few noticeable tweaks, including updated permissions, messaging bubbles, and a revamped notifications shade.
Other updates from Google, including some disappointing ones
Along with Android 11 preview, Google took down as many as 600 ad-laced apps from the Play Store as well as added Samsung, Asus, and RAZR phones to the list phones supporting Stadia, its game streaming service. Beyond that, the company also drew some flak after ending its 'Station' free Wi-Fi program in India and being accused of spying on students in New Mexico.
Feature to play games while downloading, AdSense extortion scam
Notably, two reports even revealed that Google is working on a feature to let users play games while downloading them and that an extortion scam is targeting some publishers on the company's AdSense network.
WhatsApp group chat invites on Google; Facebook paying for voice
Facebook also drew some criticism, although the reason was its messaging product WhatsApp. Specifically, the private Groups hosted on the service were caught being exposed through Google search. In other cases, the social networking giant launched a program to pay users willing to give their voice recordings while Instagram's CEO said they are too busy to make an iPad app.
Some strange and concerning applications of AI
AI applications are advancing, but just recently, BJP's Manoj Tiwari used the tech for creating deepfake videos to campaign for Delhi elections, a move that raised concerns over how this could even be used to mislead people. Among other things, Elon Musk called for the regulation of advanced AI development, while some scientists used the tech to flag 11 asteroids that could hit Earth.
A researcher team even made Tesla speed up suddenly
Tesla, the EV company owned by Musk, also drew some attention when a group of McAffe researchers demonstrated how a simple sticker can trick its cars, which also run using AI, into speeding up by up to 80 km/hr.
Some weird news from different corners
We also got some weird news this week, including a case of Spot, the famous robo-dog from Boston Dynamics, pulling a rickshaw. Beyond that, engineers built a device capable of generating electricity out of thin air, while a mysterious '1' notification hit Samsung Galaxy phones around the world, freaking out their owners completely. One team even built a bracelet capable of blocking nearby microphones.
Finally, some notable hardware developments
In the hardware category, Samsung launched the Galaxy S20 series along with Z Flip foldable phone, A71 mid-ranger, and Galaxy Buds+. Plus, Microsoft Surface Laptop 3, Pro 7, and Pro X went on sale. Xiaomi launched outdoor Bluetooth speaker and electric toothbrush, Sony unveiled Xperia L4, and LG launched budget phone W10 Alpha. Apple's AirTags and Pixel 5 XL also surfaced in fresh leaks.
