#NewsBytesWeeklyRecap: Pixel 4 launch, Facebook lockout, Chinese app's spying, more
In the technology world, the third week of October was all about consumer products. We witnessed the launch of new Pixel 4 family, Huawei's Smart TVs, Apple's 10.2-inch iPad and a lot more. There were also some spying concerns from a Chinese government app downloaded by 100 million people. Let's take a look at the biggest stuff that happened in tech this past week.
Google launched Pixel 4, Pixel 4 XL, and more.
Google held its 'Made By Google' annual hardware event and unveiled the new Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL boasting an edge-to-edge display and smart Motion Sense and Face Unlock features. In addition to this, the company also announced new truly wireless Pixel Buds, Pixelbook Go, and Nest Home Mini smart speaker. It also said Stadia would launch on November 19.
Google Killed Daydream VR, original Pixel earbuds, and more
Along with new Pixels, Google also disappointed fans by killing old hardware, including Daydream View VR headset, the original Pixel earbuds, and Clips AI Camera. The company also confirmed that Pixel 4 series will not launch in India and the Face Unlock tech of the phone can work even if you're asleep - a major point of concern.
Facebook's bug, Instagram data security upgrade
In another case, Facebook acknowledged an issue that locked users out of their account after they reported a suspicious account. The company claimed that the bug has been resolved and parties responsible are being investigated. The social network also upgraded Instagram with features aimed at giving users an idea of third-party apps connected to their account and the information being accessed by those services.
Apple launched 10.2-inch iPad, raised concerns
Along with Facebook, Apple drew attention by making the latest 10.2-inch iPad available in India. However, the company was also in the news for sending Safari browsing data to Chinese giant Tencent (which, by the way, is working on putting ads in existing videos) for enabling an anti-phishing feature. Apple defended the data sharing practice later.
Chinese app spying on 100 million Android users
A cybersecurity firm recently revealed that an app developed by the Chinese Communist Party carries backdoors, opening access to confidential data, including photos, messages, and browsing history, on as many as 100 million Android devices.
TikTok serving educational content, Yahoo killing Groups
In another development, short-form video sharing platform TikTok announced a new initiative, where the platform will serve educational content or EduToks in partnership with leading ed-tech start-ups in India. Meanwhile, Verizon-owned Yahoo announced the phased plan to kill Groups, a two-decade-old internet forum designed for discussing topics ranging from popular TV shows to scientific developments.
Then, there were some tempting hardware launches
In the hardware category, along with Google, HMD Global unveiled Nokia 110 while ASUS launched ZenBook Pro Duo and ZenBook Duo advanced dual-screen laptops in India. Not to mention, Nubia launched SD855 Plus-powered Red Magic 3S at Rs. 36,000 and Huawei graced the Indian Mobile Congress with its Honor Vision smart television, although the Chinese giant didn't announce the price of the TV.
