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Jordan News
19 minutes ago
- Business
- Jordan News
OpenAI Plans to Launch AI-Powered Web Browser to Challenge Google and Chrome - Jordan News
Three informed sources have revealed that OpenAI is nearing the launch of an AI-powered web browser designed to challenge the dominance of Google and its Chrome browser, owned by Alphabet. اضافة اعلان According to Reuters, the browser is expected to be released in the coming weeks and aims to revolutionize the web browsing experience by leveraging artificial intelligence. This new browser would give OpenAI more direct access to what drives Google's success: user data. If a significant number of ChatGPT's 500 million weekly active users switch to OpenAI's browser, it could put real pressure on Google's advertising revenue. Chrome is a cornerstone of Alphabet's ad business, which makes up nearly three-quarters of its revenue. Chrome collects data about users that allows Alphabet to serve highly targeted and profitable ads. Its settings also direct search traffic automatically to Google's search engine. Two of the sources stated that OpenAI's browser will be designed to keep certain user interactions within a built-in chat interface, similar to ChatGPT, rather than relying on traditional website navigation via clicks. This move could reshape how users interact with the web, offering a more conversational, AI-integrated experience and potentially disrupting the current landscape dominated by Google.
Miami Herald
43 minutes ago
- Miami Herald
Google shuts down free feature that made using apps easier
One of the biggest challenges for any app developer has been getting people to make the commitment to download an app. Stores like the Google play store and Apple's App Store at least guarantee, for the most part, that what you download won't be completely a scam. Their definition of that, however, sometimes differs from what the average person would think. Related: Amazon pulls the plug on a free service for customers Yes, in both cases, developers are supposed to tell you when there are additional costs in a so-called free app. Exactly how you find that can vary quite a bit. Some apps are purely functional and you can pay extra for things you may want, but don't need. In other cases, the free version is essentially useless. That's a situation that has made people wary of what they download. There are just so many cases where downloading. Something means having to delete something else and then whatever we downloaded turns out to be a waste. Don't miss the move: Subscribe to TheStreet's free daily newsletter When it comes to games, nobody knows whether a game will be fun. Some people have a pretty high bar for a download and won't download something unless they get it recommended by a lot of people or play it somewhere else. Alphabet's Google had a product that solved that problem. But, that solution is going away. "With Google Play Instant, people can use an app or game without installing it first. Increase engagement with your Android app or gain more installs by surfacing your instant app across the Play Store and Google Play Games app," the company shared. The tools were meant to make games and other experiences easier for users to access with less of a commitment. "Android's new app publishing format, the Android App Bundle, makes it easier than ever to offer a Google Play Instant experience. Starting from the Android Studio 3.3 beta release, you can build and publish one app bundle artifact to Google Play containing both instant and feature modules. Build instant games easily with Cocos and Unity plug-ins," it added. Google Play Instant was open to all app and game developers. It seemed like a good idea that allowed consumers to play games without committing to a download, but it apparently did not work. More media and entertainment: Disney makes major theme park announcement after startling lossComcast raises red flag about unexpected customer behaviorDisney CEO offers unexpected response to tariff concerns The company shared its decision to shut down the service. "Google Play Instant will no longer be available. Starting December 2025, Instant Apps cannot be published through Google Play, and all Google Play services Instant APIs will no longer work. Users will no longer be served Instant Apps by Play using any mechanism," it posted on its website. Google appears to have made this decision based on usage patterns and what it heard from developers. "We're making this change based on developer feedback and our continuous investments to improve the ecosystem since the introduction of Google Play Instant," it added. While Google Instant Play appears to have failed, the company has been growing overall. That's something CFO Anat Ashkenazi talked about during the company's first-quarter earnings call. "We had another strong quarter in Q1, Consolidated revenues of $90.2 billion increased by 12% or 14% in constant currency. Search and YouTube advertising, subscription platforms and devices, and Google Cloud, each had double-digit revenue growth this quarter reflecting strong momentum across the business," she shared. Profits were up for Alphabet (GOOGL) as well. "Net income increased 46% to $34.5 billion and earnings per share increased 49% to $2.81. We delivered free cash flow of $19 billion in the first quarter and $74.9 billion for the trailing 12 months. We ended the quarter with $95 billion in cash and marketable securities," she added. Related: Amazon Prime Day sales for customers aren't going as planned And, despite the failure of Instant Play, the Services division saw big growth as well. "Turning to segment results. Google services revenues increased 10% to $77.3 billion reflecting strength in Google Search and YouTube advertising as subscription. Google Search and other advertising revenues increased by 10% to $50.7 billion. The robust performance of Search was once again broad-based across verticals led by financial services due primarily to strength in insurance, followed by retail," the CFO shared. The Arena Media Brands, LLC THESTREET is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc.
Khaleej Times
44 minutes ago
- Khaleej Times
Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 7 to debut with One UI 8: Top AI features to look out for
Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 7 has officially been unveiled — and while the sleek hardware, refined hinge, and stunning 7.6-inch display continue to define the flagship foldable, the real headline is what's happening inside. Meet One UI 8, launching July 25 with Android 16 pre-installed in the new devices, and bringing with it Samsung's most intelligent, AI-native software experience to date. Built specifically for foldables, One UI 8 is more than just a version update. It reimagines how users interact with large-screen devices, combining context-aware AI, multimodal assistance, and next-level multitasking in a seamless way. Here's a look at the top One UI 8 features that elevate the Galaxy Z Fold 7 into a powerhouse. Smarter sound with enhanced Audio Eraser If you shoot videos on your Fold, this one's for you. The Audio Eraser tool is now deeply integrated into the Gallery and powered by enhanced AI. With a single tap, it can detect and remove background noise, whether it's traffic, wind, or crowd chatter — saving you time and improving your content quality without the need for third-party apps. Gemini Live: Multimodal AI built for the big screen With the Z Fold 7, Google's Gemini Live takes full advantage of the foldable's expansive display. It now features multimodal understanding, which means the AI can process what's on your screen or seen via your camera, and respond with real-time, context-rich information. Even better, screen sharing with Gemini allows you to simply point to something, ask a question, and get answers instantly — whether you're planning a trip, analysing a document, or shopping online. Circle to Search The fan-favourite Circle to Search feature is now enhanced with an AI mode that's especially tuned for the large display. Not only can you circle an image or object to learn more, but One UI 8 adds a new "Dive Deeper" function — giving you layered, follow-up results and smart suggestions. Gamers, rejoice: this feature is now optimised for in-game use on the Fold 7. Circle any in-game item — a puzzle, boss, or quest marker — and get real-time tips without exiting your session. Multitasking reimagined with AI The Galaxy Z Fold 7 was made for multitasking, and One UI 8 finally brings the software to match the hardware. AI Results View allows you to pull Gemini's responses into a split screen or floating window, making research and planning more fluid. The new Drag & Drop AI content system means that anything generated — a paragraph, a product list, a summary — can be instantly moved between apps. Samsung also promises more intuitive layout optimisation, letting you maximise space usage across the unfolded display. The new Galaxy Z Fold7 The Galaxy Z Fold7 features Samsung's largest and most refined folding display to date — an expansive 8.0-inch QXGA+ main screen paired with a fully functional 6.5-inch FHD+ cover screen. At just 215g, it's the lightest Fold ever, and at 4.2mm unfolded, also the slimmest. One of the most significant upgrades is the introduction of a 200MP wide-angle rear camera. The device is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy chip, with configurations up to 16GB RAM and 1TB storage. Availability and pricing in the UAE Samsung has confirmed that the Galaxy Z Fold7 is available for pre-order in the UAE, with retail availability starting from July 25. The price for the Galaxy Z Fold7 starts from Dh7,599 with 12GB RAM and 256GB Storage. It comes in four colours: Silver Shadow, Jet Black, Mint and Blue Shadow. Prices go up to Dh9,349.
Global News
2 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Global News
Canadian musician Matthew Good cancels U.S. shows to protest Trump tariffs
Canadian musician Matthew Good has announced that he's cancelling his U.S. tour dates in protest of U.S. President Donald Trump's government and its ongoing tariffs policy. Good, 54, made the announcement Saturday on Facebook, telling his U.S. fans that he cannot 'in good conscience carry out my dates this summer in your country.' 'This is not fair to you, and I'm very well aware of that, but the truth is, every week that goes by, I have a deeper disdain for what's going on there politically,' the four-time Juno winner wrote. 'My world has always focussed [sic] on political awareness, and I know that you might not all be on the same side, so I want to be clear about this,' he continued. 'It's MY opinion, and I'm willing to risk my future US career, to stand up against things today, and god willing, for ONLY another 3 years.' Story continues below advertisement The Load Me Up rocker pointed to Canada's cancellation of the digital services tax on Canadian revenue of companies such as Amazon, Google and Meta as a main factor in the decision. Prime Minister Mark Carney announced late last month that Canada would cancel the planned tax as a condition of resuming trade talks with the U.S. 'Recently, it was announced that after a year of an imposed digital services tax, we (Canada) are backing down from that, to appease Mr. Trump's government,' Good wrote. 'This was approximately 2 billion dollars in revenue that has been accumulating, and we're walking away from that,' Good wrote. Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy 'Add to that, the massive increase in visa costs, the fear mongering that even after we have our visas, we may still be denied entry if we have something negative to say about the current GOP, and I end up in a situation where I'm biting my tongue, and losing what credibility I had to stand up and say something.' Story continues below advertisement Good went on to say he will lose a week's worth of work but 'giving up 30% of our earnings to a withholding tax, walking on eggshells at the border, and actively participating in the silencing of opinions, is a bigger cost to me personally.' 'I realize that I have approximately .00001% impact on things overall, as this was just a few thousand tickets, but I can't stand by and be quiet while our amazing country is bullied into walking away from billions in needed revenue, constantly left wondering if we actually have a partner or an enemy to the south, and equally as tragic, supporting someone who has completely bastardized the institution of art and culture in the US.' Good also said he would 'invite other artists to join me' but knows that is 'unfair.' Good was scheduled to perform in Cleveland, Pittsburgh and Buffalo in the coming days. He's still encouraging fans to show their support for the band Texas King, which would have joined him at the shows. The Hello Time Bomb singer also took to Instagram after Trump first made his comments early in the new year about wanting Canada to join the United States as the 51st state. Story continues below advertisement 'I did not ever think that something of this troubling significance would ever occur in my lifetime,' he began. 'Yesterday the Prime Minister resigned. Today, the incoming President of the United States clearly admitted at a press conference that one of his goals is to annex Canada through the use of what can only be termed as economic warfare.' Good said that his family fought in the Second World War 'for the freedoms and sovereignty of this nation, Canada.' 'I have travelled this nation more times coast to coast than most ever will. And I can tell you without hesitation that despite those petty divisions some attempt to promote, the majority of us hold this land dear,' he wrote. 'From Haida Gwaii to Halifax, we're Canadians that have the ability to share the best of ourselves with others. And we do.' 'In all of this, there will come a time to stand up and refuse to abandon this nation and what it means to truly be Canadian. I hope when that time comes, you will join me in doing so,' Good concluded his post. Story continues below advertisement — With files from The Canadian Press
Hindustan Times
2 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Online attendance: U.P. Board warns schools over poor compliance
The Uttar Pradesh Madhyamik Shiksha Parishad (U.P. Board) has sounded a warning to over 28,000 secondary schools across the state for failing to comply with mandatory online attendance norms introduced this academic session. The U.P. Board headquarters in Prayagraj. (HT File Photo) Despite the launch of a new online attendance portal and mobile application from the beginning of the current academic session, a recent review revealed that most schools failed to submit daily attendance records, defying the board's June 30 order. Taking serious note of the situation, UP Board secretary Bhagwati Singh issued a fresh directive on July 11 to all district inspectors of schools (DIOSs), instructing them to ensure strict compliance. As per the directive, all secondary schools -- whether government-run, government-aided, or privately managed -- must upload daily attendance data of students and teachers during the first period using the official online platform. 'In schools where GPS-based location mismatches occur during online attendance uploads, principals must stand at the school gates and upload photographs through the mobile app. The photos should clearly show the schools' names to ensure accurate geo-location verification,' Singh said. The directive further mandated that details of newly-appointed or transferred teachers must be uploaded by school principals through their logins on the U.P. Board's website. This step is essential to enable these teachers to be included in the online attendance system, officials from the secondary education department said. The board warned that any violation would invite disciplinary action, with accountability being fixed for lapses. The online attendance system, launched as part of a large-scale initiative on July 1, applies to students from Classes 9 to 12, as well as teachers in all affiliated schools. Each affiliated school has been provided with a unique login ID and password to access the specially developed attendance software. According to an earlier communique issued by the U.P. Board secretary, online attendance must be marked through the designated portal accessible via the homepage of or through the 'UPMSP-Attendance' mobile app available on the Google Play Store. Principals must log in using the schools' credentials to upload the data. In cases of absence, reasons must be recorded. Importantly, attendance can only be marked from the school premises. Class teachers are required to first mark attendance manually, then submit the records to the principal office, where the data will be uploaded to the board's portal. On June 30, the U.P. Board had issued detailed guidelines to all school principals regarding the new daily attendance protocol, effective from July 1.
