Latest news with #Beta
Mint
6 days ago
- Business
- Mint
When Crypto Meets Kaka: Explaining Bitcoin to my Gujarati uncle
'Beta, this Bitcon… it is like tulsi plant, no?' I choked on my chai. 'Tulsi, Kaka?' 'Yes, very precious. But nobody knows why exactly. And everyone insists you must have one.' Welcome to a Sunday morning in Suburban Ahmedabad, where I, a crypto-curious millennial, attempted to explain Bitcoin to my seventy-five-year-old Gujarati uncle who still thinks UPI is witchcraft and that Paytm might secretly be a Punjabi boy. It all started after lunch. Kaka, who had just polished off his third helping of undhiyu, leaned back in his chair and said, 'You work in computers, na? Then explain this Bitcoin thing. My friend's son is investing. He made 40 lakhs last year. In American dollars!' I knew this was a trap. Kaka doesn't even trust online train bookings. He still goes to the railway station personally to 'confirm' his IRCTC ticket. But I couldn't back down. 'Bitcoin is like digital gold, Kaka.' He raised an eyebrow. 'Digital? Like WhatsApp forward?' 'No, no. It's money that lives on the internet. There's no paper, no coins. But people agree it has value because it's limited in quantity, like gold. There will only ever be 21 million bitcoins.' 'Hmm,' he said, sipping chai. 'So it is rare. Like that dry fruitkaju katliduring Diwali.' Exactly, Kaka. Except kaju katli doesn't crash 40% overnight. He leaned forward. 'But who is controlling this Bitcoin? RBI?' 'No, no. That's the beauty of it. Nobody controls it. It runs on something called the blockchain. It's like a public ledger—like your society maintenance register, but online and visible to everyone.' Kaka paused. 'So can anyone see what I'm buying?' 'Well, sort of. The transactions are public, but names aren't attached. Like instead of 'Rameshbhai bought crypto,' it'll say 'wallet X sent 0.5 BTC to wallet Y.'' 'Ah,' he nodded. 'Like when we write 'Miscellaneous expenses' in the family budget.' Kaka was warming up now. 'Okay, but what is this NFT? My neighbour's daughter sold one for 2 lakh rupees. It was just a monkey photo.' Ah, the monkeys. My old foes. 'NFTs are like digital certificates of ownership, Kaka. Suppose you draw a sketch and I want to prove I own the original. The NFT is like a receipt saying 'I, Chintu, own this artwork,' even if others can see it or copy it.' 'But what is the use if everyone can see it?' Kaka looked at me like I had just told him onions cost ₹ 500 a kilo. He pondered deeply, then said, 'So you're telling me, people are buying invisible money, using invisible networks, to buy invisible art?' He got up, went to the cabinet, and returned with a small tiffin of thepla. 'Beta,' he said with a grin, 'I don't understand any of this. But if I give you ₹ 10,000, can you make it ₹ 40,000 in six months?' 'Kaka! It doesn't work like that—' 'Then… it's a long-term investment.' 'Just like LIC!' he declared, triumphantly. As I packed up to leave, Kaka handed me a slip of paper. 'My wallet address. I want to buy one Bitcon.' I laughed. 'You'll need about ₹ 50 lakh for one.' He frowned. 'Okay, then buy me half.' This is where I left the house and re-evaluated my life choices. Explaining crypto to your Gujarati uncle is like explaining Tinder to your grandmother. You can try, but it will end in confusion, food, and probably a cash investment you didn't ask for. But somewhere between the sarcasm and thesoan papdi, you realise: maybe Kaka is right. Maybe the crypto worldis a bit like a Gujarati wedding — crowded, chaotic, full of noise, and you're not entirely sure what's happening… …but everyone is convinced that it's worth being a part of. Disclaimer: No theplas were harmed in the making of this article. Bitcoin prices may vary. So might Kaka's moods.
6 days ago
I just downloaded the Android 16 QPR1 Beta on my Pixel. Here's how you can get it, too
Google's opening keynote for I/O 2025 has come and gone, and if you're an Android fan, one of the biggest pieces of news wasn't mentioned on stage at all. In the middle of the keynote, Google quietly released the first public beta for Android 16 QPR1. Android 16 QPR1 is important because it's our first look at Google's brand new Material 3 Expressive design language. It's not quite finished yet (this is a beta, after all), but if you want to try this big redesign for yourself, the Android 16 QPR1 Beta is for you. I just downloaded it on my Pixel, and I'll show you how to do the same. Have you downloaded the Android 16 QPR1 Beta on your Pixel? 0 votes Yep, I've already got it. NaN % Not yet, but I plan to. NaN % No, I'm waiting for the stable release. NaN % I don't have a supported Pixel. NaN % What phones can download the Android 16 QPR1 Beta? Rita El Khoury / Android Authority Before you run off to download the Android 16 QPR1 Beta, you need to ensure you have a compatible phone. Thankfully, so long as you bought a Pixel within the last few years, you're all set. The full list of supported Pixel phones that can download the Android 16 QPR1 Beta includes: Google Pixel 6 / 6 Pro Google Pixel 6a Google Pixel 7 / 7 Pro Google Pixel 7a Google Pixel 8 / 8 Pro Google Pixel 8a Google Pixel 9 / 9 Pro / 9 Pro XL Google Pixel 9a Additionally, Google's two foldables — the Pixel Fold and Pixel 9 Pro Fold — are also supported. And if you're still rocking a Pixel Tablet, it's compatible as well. How to sign up for the Android 16 QPR1 Beta Joe Maring / Android Authority Have a supported Pixel device? Great! Next, you'll need to enroll your Pixel into the Android Beta Program. It's free to do and takes just a second. Here's how to go about it: Open your web browser and search for 'Android beta program.' Select the Android Beta Program website with the Google URL. Ensure you're logged into your Google account (check your profile icon in the top right corner). Tap View your eligible devices Tap Opt in next to the device you want to install the beta on. Scroll through and accept the terms. Tap Confirm and enroll. You can enroll as many of your Pixels as you'd like (if you have multiple), and there's no waiting period after opting your Pixel into the beta. As soon as this is done, you can continue to the step below to download and install the Android 16 QPR1 Beta. How to download the Android 16 QPR1 Beta Joe Maring / Android Authority With your Pixel enrolled in the Android Beta Program, it's now time to get it downloaded on your phone. Here's what you'll need to do: Open the Settings app. Scroll down and tap System. Tap Software updates. Tap System update. Tap Download and install Once the download is finished, tap Restart now. Upon tapping that restart button, your Pixel will shut off, install the update, and boot itself back up. Once it turns on again, you'll be running the Android 16 QPR1 Beta. Google's QPR betas are usually fairly stable, but if you rely on your Pixel as your primary phone, I'd still caution you from downloading the Android 16 QPR1 Beta right now. However, if you have multiple Pixels, you use your Pixel as a secondary phone, and/or you have a thick skin for potential beta bugs, the Android 16 QPR1 Beta is proving to be a fun one. I've only had it on my Pixel 9 Pro for a few minutes, and I'm already loving what I'm seeing.
Time of India
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
How to join Chrono Odyssey's June 2025 Closed Beta
(Image via Kakao Games) The wait is finally over for the Chrono Odyssey fans. One of the highly anticipated MMOs is finally opening up the doors for the PC-exclusive closed Beta in June 2025. With Kakao Games and Chrono Studio opening the sign-ups, over 400K players signed up already, here is how you can secure the spot and what you can expect from the adventure. How to sign up for Chrono Odyssey closed Beta — SpawnYaardReply (@SpawnYaardReply) To get into the closed Beta is quite simple. For it, head to the Chrono Odyssey Steam page, select Chrono Odyssey Playtest, and click on the button- Request Access. It is available under the Playtest section. You do not need any codes or surveys. Just with one click, you can enter the pool. While the sign-ups will not guarantee entry, your chances can be improved by registering sooner. The exact selection criteria have not yet been revealed by the developers, but the previous tests by Kakao Games gave priority to the hardware ( Unreal Engine 5 ) diversity and the survey responses. So, make sure your PC meets the unofficial requirement for better odds. The Beta will be running for a very limited time in June. It includes the early-story quests along with 1 explorable region and 3 planned classes— Berserker, Swordsman, and Ranger. The curated slice aims to test the stability of the server while teasing the players about the complete experience. What makes Chrono Odyssey special? The MMO stands out with its revolutionary time manipulation mechanics. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Want Lower Bills Without Changing a Thing? elecTrick - Save upto 80% on Power Bill Learn More Undo The players here can rewind the combat mistakes, explore the world where varied eras collide, and even freeze the enemies in the middle of the attack. Setera's Unreal Engine 5-powered world features a seamless transition between the post-apocalyptic ruins and the medieval castles— all with the dynamic weather and the day/night cycles. The combat perfectly blends the Online fluidity of the Black Desert with the unique temporal powers. Berserker class, for example, can bank on successful attacks and then replay them later, while the Rangers might be able to reverse the time for retrieving the spent arrows. The system promises to redefine MMO combat when the game launches on the PC and the consoles later in 2025. What should the Beta testers prepare for? While the beta test will offer very limited content, it is an important chance to influence the development. The Testers must, therefore, focus on, Performance- pushing graphics settings to help optimize the demanding tech of UE5. Class balance- as the 3 need some thorough stress-testing. Time mechanics- report the bugs with the freeze/rewind systems. Kakao Games has confirmed that all the progress will be wiped after the June Beta test. However, the dedicated testers might earn some exclusive cosmetics for a full launch. With the servers now expected to be quite crowded, make sure to prepare for the queues, but remember, the chance to shape the ambitious MMO will make it worthwhile. Do not forget to follow the official Chrono Odyssey social accounts for any last-minute beta key giveaways. Get IPL 2025 match schedules , squads , points table , and live scores for CSK , MI , RCB , KKR , SRH , LSG , DC , GT , PBKS , and RR . Check the latest IPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap standings.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Sinclair College partners with BETA for aviation training expansion
DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) – Sinclair Community College is expanding its aviation training program through a partnership with an aerospace manufacturing company. Sinclair purchased one of Beta Technologies' electric ALIA Conventional Takeoff and Landing Aircraft and a flight simulator. Sinclair said this partnership will give students a pathway to earn familiarization training and credentials in e-aviation, and conduct research & development in autonomous tech. Sinclair awarded $1.5M for aviation training, campus improvements 'The recent purchase of a Beta flight simulator and Beta aircraft by Sinclair Community College is another great step toward advancing Dayton's role as the future of flight,' said U.S. Rep. Mike Turner. 'These systems will enable more students to gain critical training and education in Advanced Air Mobility programs, which is essential for integration into the National Airspace System.' The college was able to secure $2 million in federal funding for this project through Turner's support. This partnership will help equip the next generation of aviation workers in Dayton and beyond. 'The growth of this market is essential not only for improving urban and rural transportation, cargo logistics, and emergency services, but also for driving economic progress by enabling new infrastructure, generating jobs, and fostering collaboration between the public and private sectors, as in this case through our partnership with Beta,' said Jeffrey A. Miller, Senior Vice President of Workforce Development and Consulting at Sinclair College. 'We are thrilled to establish this novel partnership to advance the interests of industry, government, and academia.' To learn more about Sinclair Community College's aviation programs, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Time of India
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
'Dhak Dhak' or ‘Abbanee Tiyyani': The iconic Madhuri Dixit song that borrowed its beat from Ilaiyaraaja's Telugu hit
Madhuri Dixit 's iconic ' Dhak Dhak Karne Laga ' from the 1992 film 'Beta' has long been associated with her sensual screen presence and enduring star power. Draped in a yellow satin saree, her performance was a turning point in how Bollywood portrayed female desire and agency. Choreographed by Saroj Khan and sung by Anuradha Paudwal and Udit Narayan, Madhuri's magnetic performance captivated audiences and solidified her status as the 'Dhak Dhak' girl. With music by Anand Milind and lyrics by Sameer, the song became a cultural reference point, etched in the memory of every '90s Bollywood fan. The hidden origin: From Sridevi to Madhuri But what many fans didn't realize for years is that the tune of 'Dhak Dhak' was not original. The melody was lifted from Ilaiyaraaja 's 1990 Telugu song ' Abbanee Tiyyani ' from 'Jagadeka Veerudu Athiloka Sundari,' which starred Sridevi and Chiranjeevi . Sung by SP Balasubrahmanyam and KS Chithra, the original version carried a romantic yet innocent charm and was picturised in an open garden-like setting, far removed from the overt sensuality of 'Beta.' While the Hindi version became a sex symbol-defining moment, it owed its musical soul to a completely different cultural and cinematic context. A plagiarised tune in the golden age of Bollywood by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like In Nordrhein-westfalen tragen Seniorinnen jetzt diese Sandalen Sandalen im Trend Undo The 1990s are often remembered as a golden age for Bollywood music , but it was also a period rife with musical plagiarism. Music composers like Anand Milind, Jatin-Lalit, Nadeem-Shravan, and Anu Malik were competing fiercely, and many resorted to 'inspired' tracks—often lifted directly from South Indian or international music. 'Dhak Dhak' was one such case where commercial pressure led to a borrowed melody finding mass appeal. Composer's regret, audience's amnesia Years later, Anand Milind admitted in an interview with The Indian Express that they were 'forced' by producers to use specific tunes and that plagiarism was often beyond their control. 'Today, I regret what we did,' said Anand. Despite the regrets, the song's popularity has endured—its origin story buried under decades of admiration and nostalgia.
