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Apple App Store Awards 2024: Apps And Games That Dominated This Year

Key Highlights

  • Apple recognized 17 apps and games for outstanding design, innovation
  • Winners include apps for iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Vision Pro
  • Six apps were also honored for their positive cultural impact

The 2024 App Store Awards winners were just revealed by Apple. It honors 17 exceptional games and apps for their creativity, usability, and design. These developers, who were selected from 45 candidates, come from a variety of backgrounds, including independent developers and multinational corporations. Here are some of the best games and apps of the year.

Also Read | Google Play’s Best Of 2024: Apps And Games That Stole The Spotlight

Top Apps Of 2024

CategoryApp NameDeveloperFeature
iPhone App of the YearKinoLUX Optics Inc.A professional video camera app with filters and advanced controls.
iPad App of the YearMoisesMoises Systems Inc.AI-powered tools for musicians to separate vocals, adjust tempo, and more.
Mac App of the YearAdobe LightroomAdobe Inc.A photo editing tool with advanced organization features.
Apple Vision Pro App of the YearWhat If…? – An Immersive StoryDisneyA storytelling app offering visual stories and engaging experiences.
Apple Watch App of the YearLumyRaja VTracks sunlight to help plan outdoor activities.
Apple TV App of the YearF1 TVFormula One Digital MediaA must-have app for F1 fans with live races, highlights, and more.

Top Games Of 2024

CategoryApp NameDeveloperFeature
iPhone Game of the YearAFK JourneyFarlight GamesThe gameplay of this tactical adventure game is strategic and difficult.
iPad Game of the YearSquad BustersSupercellA multiplayer strategy game with an emphasis on planning and fighting.
Mac Game of the YearThank Goodness You’re Here!Panic, Inc.An adventure game with a compelling plot and oddball characters.
Apple Vision Pro Game of the YearTHRASHER: Arcade OdysseyPuddle, LLCAn immersive arcade game offering exciting and fast-paced gameplay.
Apple Arcade Game of the YearBalatro+Playstack Ltd.A strategic card game that blends planning and imagination.

Also Read | Best Apple iPad Pro 2024 Alternatives: Top Picks For Every Budget

Apps Honored For Cultural Impact

Additionally, Apple honored six apps for their beneficial cultural influence:

  • Oko
  • EF Hello
  • Daily Art
  • NYT Games
  • The Wreck
  • Do You Really Want To Know 2

The top apps and games that have dazzled users with their inventiveness, originality, and usefulness are honored by the 2024 App Store Awards. Apple continues to celebrate developers who push the envelope and create remarkable experiences.

For the tech geeks, stay updated with the latest cutting-edge gadgets in the market, exclusive tech updates, gadget reviews, and more right on your phone’s screen. Join Giznext’s WhatsApp channel and receive the industry-first tech updates.

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Beware Of The Rising Digital Arrest Scam: NPCI Issues Advisory

Key Highlights

  • Avoid sharing sensitive information like UPI PINs
  • Report issues through official channels only
  • Don’t use screen-sharing apps during transactions

The National Payment Corporation of India (NPCI) has issued a crucial advisory to users of GPay, PhonePe, and other UPI apps due to the growth in online UPI fraud in India. The government and banking institutions have called for vigilance in response to the concerning Digital Arrest Scam, in which scammers pose as authorities to trick victims.

Also Read | Call Barring On Android And iOS: Here’s How To Enable It To Block Spams/ Scam Calls And Enhance Privacy

What Is The Digital Arrest Scam?

In this scam, scammers pose as government representatives and accuse victims of money laundering or cybercrime. They coerce people into sending money or disclosing private information by using persuasive rhetoric and fictitious proof. Victims are frequently contacted by mails, texts, or phone calls.

NPCI’s Do’s For Staying Safe

  • Register your mobile number with the bank: Ensure it is updated for secure transactions.
  • Use UPI PIN wisely: Enter your PIN only for payments, never for receiving money.
  • Check in-app notifications: Always verify UPI transactions through app alerts.
  • Verify contact details online: Find your bank’s contact information only on its official website.
  • Report issues responsibly: Raise complaints only with the bank or police authorities.

Also Read | Spot The Scam: Six Festive Season Frauds And How To Stay Protected

NPCI’s Don’ts To Avoid Fraud

  • Don’t forward suspicious SMS: Ignore requests from unknown people claiming to be officials.
  • Never share PINs or card details: Keep UPI and debit card information private.
  • Avoid screen sharing apps: Fraudsters can misuse remote access apps during financial transactions.
  • Keep grievances off social media: Don’t share transactional details on public platforms.
  • Avoid multitasking while transacting: Refrain from speaking to unknown callers during UPI transactions.

The key to protecting oneself from online fraud is to remain knowledgeable and watchful. Before acting, always make sure, and report any suspicious conduct right away.

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Instagram Introduces Trial Reels To Empower Creators: Check Details

Key Highlights

  • Trial Reels help creators get feedback from non-followers
  • Performance insights are provided after 24 hours
  • Available for professional accounts to expand reach

Trial Reels is a new feature that Instagram has introduced. With the use of this feature, creators can test out their reels and get feedback from users who aren’t following them. The initiative seeks to assist artists in improving their craft while experimenting with genres, storytelling, and other topics.

Also Read | Instagram Tips: How To Change Instagram DM Background Theme, Colors & Gradient?

Instagram Trial Reels: Key Features

  • Target Audience: The purpose of trial reels is to connect with non-followers. These reels can be found in both the feed and the Reels section. This gives the creator visibility outside of their current audience.
  • Performance Insights: After 24 hours of posting, creators can access key performance metrics such as views, comments, shares, and likes. This data helps creators analyze the impact of their content.
  • Sharing Options: If satisfied with the feedback, creators can share the trial reel with their followers. The reel becomes visible on their profile next to drafts for easy access.
  • Easy Setup: To create a Trial Reel, creators need to enable the “Trial” toggle below the caption text box before posting. This simple step ensures the reel is classified as a trial post.
  • Visibility and Discovery: Trial Reels are not shown on creator profiles but can still be accessed by followers through direct links. Additionally, they may appear on pages featuring reels with similar audio, locations, or filters.
  • Automatic Sharing: Instagram can automatically share a Trial Reel with the creator’s followers if it does well among non-followers over the first 72 hours. Creators retain full control and can adjust this setting as needed.

Also Read | Instagram Tips And Tricks: How To Remix Instagram Reels With Videos And Photos

Availability

For eligible creators with professional accounts, Trial Reels are being made available. It is expected that the feature will enhance more creative exploration. This makes the process more flexible and interactive.

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Sora Is Here: OpenAI’s AI Video Model Available To ChatGPT Subscribers

Key Highlights

  • OpenAI launched Sora for ChatGPT Plus and Pro users
  • Generates 20-second videos using text or uploads
  • Includes watermarks and strict safety measures

OpenAI has officially launched Sora, its AI video generation model, after months of anticipation. Available only to ChatGPT Plus and Pro subscribers, Sora enables users to create 20-second videos in resolutions up to 1080p. The model is hosted on a standalone platform. It is accessible via a website with strict subscription-based limits.

Also Read | OpenAI’s Browser Plans: Google Chrome To Face New Competition

Sora: Key Features

  • Sora supports video generation in 1080p resolution with a maximum length of 20 seconds.
  • Users can create videos in widescreen, vertical, or square formats.
  • It allows users to upload their videos and images to blend or extend them into AI-generated content.
  • Generate videos from scratch using text prompts.
  • Set specific inputs for each frame to customize the video.

Subscription Plans And Limits

  • ChatGPT Plus Subscribers can create 50 videos monthly at 480p resolution or fewer videos in 720p.
  • ChatGPT Pro Subscribers can access “10x more usage” with higher resolutions and longer durations for $200/month.

Technology Behind Sora

  • Diffusion Model: Maintains content consistency over the 20-second video by foreseeing multiple frames simultaneously.
  • Transformer Architecture: Incorporates recaptioning techniques from DALL-E 3 to enhance performance.
  • Data Sources: Uses publicly available data, partnerships with Shutterstock and Pond5, and proprietary datasets developed by AI trainers and employees.

Safety Measures

  • Includes visible watermarks and metadata following C2PA standards to ensure content authenticity.
  • Sora blocks harmful content, including deepfakes and abusive material.
  • Restrictions are in place to minimize misuse during the initial phase.

Also Read | No Sign-Up Needed: OpenAI Enables Account-Free ChatGPT Access

Conclusion

With Sora, OpenAI is taking a significant step in AI video creation while addressing privacy and safety concerns. Although access is limited to paid users, the platform sets a new benchmark for video generation.

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Apple Faces Lawsuit Over CSAM Detection Removal: What You Need To Know

Key Highlights

  • A woman is suing Apple for removing CSAM detection on iCloud
  • The lawsuit seeks over $1.2 billion in damages
  • Apple faces criticism for not doing enough to protect victims

A complaint filed by a 27-year-old woman alleging that Apple neglected to safeguard victims of child sexual abuse has put the firm under legal scrutiny. According to the lawsuit, Apple abandoned its intention to identify child sexual abuse material (CSAM) on iCloud, putting victims at risk of further harm.

Also Read | Google’s Gemini AI In Trouble: Chatbot’s Words Left A User Terrified

What Happened?

  • In 2021, Apple unveiled a feature designed to scan iCloud photos for CSAM by using use on-device technologies.
  • In 2022, Apple dropped the CSAM detection plan due to privacy concerns raised by experts and advocacy groups. Although it kept a nudity-detection tool in the Messages app.

The Lawsuit Details

  • The 27-year-old victim of childhood abuse alleges that she was left vulnerable by Apple’s choice to disable the CSAM detection tool. Using a MacBook, law enforcement found pictures of her mistreatment on iCloud.
  • She argues that Apple broke its promise to protect abuse victims by selling products that do not safeguard users from exploitation.
  • The lawsuit seeks compensation for victims and calls for changes in Apple’s practices. The plaintiff’s legal team estimates that up to 2,680 victims could join, with damages potentially exceeding $1.2 billion.

Comparison With Other Companies

Other tech giants like Google and Meta continue to use CSAM-scanning tools that detect more illegal material than Apple’s nudity-detection feature.

Other Legal Challenges For Apple

  • North Carolina Lawsuit: Apple is also facing a separate lawsuit from a nine-year-old victim who claims strangers used iCloud links to send her CSAM videos. Apple has attempted to dismiss the case, citing Section 230 protections, which typically shield companies from user-uploaded content.
  • Court Rulings: Recent legal rulings suggest that these protections may not apply if companies fail to moderate harmful content actively.

Also Read | UK Man Takes Apple To Court After Wife Discovers Deleted Messages With Sex Worker

Apple’s Defense

Apple has defended its actions by saying that it is still dedicated to protecting user privacy and combating child exploitation. It highlights features like the opportunity for users to report harmful content and the detection of nudity in messages.

The plaintiff’s attorney counters that these steps are insufficient. They cited more than 80 examples of the plaintiff’s abuse photos being shared, including by a Californian on iCloud.

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Spotify Wrapped Is Here: Here’s How To See What You Loved In 2024

Key Highlights

  • Spotify Wrapped 2024 is here with personalized music stats
  • Includes new AI podcast and enhanced playlists
  • Access on the app or web and share your highlights

It’s that time of year again! Spotify Wrapped 2024 is here. It provides a customized recap of your preferred songs, musicians, and podcasts. With innovative new features like AI-powered podcasts and updated tools for an interactive experience, this year’s wrapped is more than just a summary, it’s a celebration. Here’s all you need to know.

Also Read | Not Sure How To Start A Podcast On Spotify? Here’s Your Step-by-Step Guide

What’s New In Spotify Wrapped 2024

  • AI Podcast with Google’s NotebookLM: In an interesting discussion format, listen to an AI podcast that analyzes your musical preferences and highlights your favorite genres, artists, and songs.
  • Improved AI DJ and Playlists: Wrapped-specific changes give Spotify’s AI DJ feature a new twist and provide an unprecedentedly curated experience.

How To Access Spotify Wrapped 2024

Step 1: Open the Spotify app, tap the Wrapped bubble, and dive into a 14-part story of your musical year.

Step 2: Visit spotify.com/wrapped to view your recap on your browser.

Key Highlights Of Wrapped Story

  • Total minutes streamed, favorite tracks, and top genres are all featured.
  • Add the Your Top Songs 2024 playlist to your library and relive your top hits anytime.
  • Discover your most-listened-to podcasts and total time spent with them.
  • Enjoy a mini podcast from AI hosts discussing your year in music.

Share The Fun

Spotify provides shareable slides and a personalized card summarizing your stats. Share them easily on social media or save for later.

Also Read | Learning On Spotify? This Music Streaming App Testing Video-based Courses

How To Find Old Wrapped Playlists

Old Wrapped stories are only available temporarily, but you can find saved playlists by searching “Wrapped” or “Your Top Songs” in the Spotify app or website.

This year’s Spotify Wrapped isn’t just about looking back, it’s about celebrating your unique musical tastes in a creative and interactive way. Explore it now and enjoy the nostalgia.

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Truecaller Tips & Tricks: Check Steps To Turn Off Last Seen Feature On Android

Key Highlights

  • Truecaller is the most downloaded caller ID app on Android
  • Has over 500 million downloads on Google Play Store
  • Can filter out telemarketing and spam calls

Truecaller is one of the popular Caller ID and spam prevention apps that has over 500 million downloads worldwide. The messaging app filters out telemarketers, spam, and other unwanted calls to manage all of your calls and messages promptly. It maintains a community-based spam list that is updated by almost all users across the world.

Truecaller also records when a user was ‘last seen.’ With this feature, other users will be able to see when a certain user last used the application. It was WhatsApp that first introduced this feature when it was acquired by Facebook. It has been criticized by many and also has been favored by many. If enabled, the ‘Last Seen’ feature displays the most recent activity of the users on the app.

Now, Truecaller which allows users to look up individuals who have registered with their mobile phones also has the “Last Seen” feature in the app. In this article, we will help you learn how to hide last seen on your Android phone in Truecaller.

Also Read | Incoming Call Not Showing On iPhone? How To Fix Caller ID Incoming Call Issue On iPhone?

How To Hide Last Seen In Truecaller

Step 1: Open the Truecaller app on your Android phone.

Step 2: You will see a burger icon on the top left side, tap on that.

Step 3: From a list of options, click on ‘Settings’.

Step 4: Under the Settings, you will get all the options that we need to change Truecaller behaviors. Tap on the option ‘Privacy Center’.

Also Read | How To Disable the ‘This Call Is Now Being Recorded’ Warning On OnePlus

Step 5: At the front of the ‘Availability’ option, tap on the toggle button. When the toggle button is ON, it shows other Truecaller users whether a user is busy during phone caller or their phone is on Silent mode.

Step 6: Turn it off and other users will not be able to see your Last call activity of yours.

Anyone using Truecaller who has the “Last Seen” feature enabled can see when you were last active. Since the app is always running in the background, last seen in this case refers to the most recent time you were actively using your phone. The only circumstances in which the other party cannot view your most recent details are when they are not using Truecaller or have turned off the feature.

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OpenAI Introduces ChatGPT Pro With Premium Features: Check Details

Key Highlights

  • ChatGPT Pro launched at $200/month with advanced features
  • New o1 model delivers faster, accurate results
  • OpenAI explores ads and AI search engine

With the release of ChatGPT Pro, OpenAI is making a significant progress. The goal of this premium subscription model is to provide cutting-edge AI capabilities. It costs $200 (about Rs. 17,000) a month and offers limitless access to advanced features. Along with cutting-edge features like voice mode and GPT-4o, this also includes the brand-new o1 Pro mode.

Also Read | ChatGPT’s Advanced Voice Mode Lands On The Web: Here’s How To Use

What ChatGPT Pro Offers

  • Exclusive o1 Pro Mode: A more powerful version of the o1 model designed for solving complex problems with enhanced reasoning and computing power.
  • Unlimited Access: Users gain unlimited usage of OpenAI’s top-tier models and tools. This makes it ideal for professionals tackling challenging tasks.
  • Advanced Voice Mode: Enables seamless interactions, elevating the conversational experience.

ChatGPT Plus: An Affordable Option

OpenAI will continue its $20 (around Rs. 1,700) per month Plus tier. This offers:

  • Early access to updates and new features.
  • Full access to all models except the more advanced o1 Pro mode.
  • A budget-friendly solution for regular users.

The Full o1 Model Rolls Out

  • The full o1 model replaces the o1-preview and is now live for Plus and Team subscribers. Next week, access will be available to Enterprise and Edu users.
  • The stable version delivers faster, more accurate results, especially in coding, math, and image analysis tasks.
  • Improved training ensures quicker response times and better user experience.

Why ChatGPT Pro Matters

The o1 model is built to tackle intricate, multistep tasks with remarkable skill, according to OpenAI. To maintain the model at the forefront of AI innovation, regular updates are planned.

Also Read | ChatGPT Search Quick Hacks: How To Use ChatGPT As Default Search Engine In Google Chrome

OpenAI’s Future Goals

  • OpenAI is reportedly exploring advertisements as a potential revenue stream, hiring specialists from Meta and Google to aid in this shift.
  • The company is working on an AI-driven search engine to compete with Google, signaling its move toward a for-profit business model.

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Apple Music Replay 2024 Is Here: See What You’ve Been Listening To All Year

Key Highlights

  • Replay 2024 reveals your top music trends
  • New features include streaks and in-app access
  • Female artists and rising stars dominate

Finally, Apple Music Replay 2024 is here. This will provide music enthusiasts with a fun and detailed summary of their listening preferences for the past year. This year’s Replay offers exciting new features that make it more entertaining than ever for Apple Music users worldwide, ranging from your favorite artists and tracks to unexpected new trends.

Also Read | Top 10 Smartphones Of Q3 2024: Apple And Samsung Take The Spotlight

Top Artists And Tracks of 2024

Pop music ruled the charts this year with Sabrina Carpenter and Kendrick Lamar as fan favorites. Carpenter’s ‘Espresso’ and Lamar’s ‘Not Like Us’ were among the most-streamed songs globally. Even older hits, like Taylor Swift’s ‘Cruel Summer,’ found their way into the top five, proving their timeless appeal.

Rising Stars In The Spotlight

Newcomers like Benson Boone, Teddy Swims, and Shaboozey gained immense popularity. Their breakout performances across genres highlight a fresh wave of talent captivating audiences worldwide.

New Features

  • In-App Replay Access: iPhone users with iOS 18.1 or later can now view their Replay directly in the Apple Music app, while others can use the website.
  • Replay for Artists: Musicians now get insights into their fans, including top listener cities, Shazam data, and song discovery stats.
  • Top Listeners Rankings: For their favorite bands or genres, users can see where they stand in the top 500 or 1,000 listeners.
  • Streaks: Find out how many days in a row you have listened to Apple Music the most.

Date Of First Play

A brand-new feature, ‘Date of First Play,’ lets users track the exact date they first discovered a song, album, or artist. It’s a nostalgic way to relive the magic of your musical discoveries.

Trends In Music

This year saw the growing influence of female artists on global charts and a strong presence of rising talent. Replay 2024 captures these shifts, offering a glimpse into the evolving music landscape.

Also Read | Google Play’s Best Of 2024: Apps And Games That Stole The Spotlight

How To Access Replay 2024

To see your customized report, you have to simply launch the Apple Music app (iOS 18.1 or later) or go to the Replay website. Remember to listen to your playlists and share it with your friends to know what you think are the best.

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Instagram Tips And Tricks: How To Earn Money Through Posts

Key Highlights

  • Instagram users earn money by sharing creative images
  • With the right strategies, you can turn Instagram into a profitable platform
  • This post offers tips to help you get started

You’ve probably heard stories of Instagram users making money off the images they upload and share on a regular basis. Now, you might be wondering how Instagram users generate money. Can you too manage it on your own? Well, as long as you use some lovely and creative images, you can attract the interest of Instagram’s millions of users and get paid. You may be thinking about where to begin. Right? In this post, we’ll look at a few strategies you can use right away to become one of the many prosperous businesspeople who profit from Instagram. Let’s get started.

Also Read | Instagram Tips To Create The Best Bio For Boys

How To Make Money On Instagram?

Become An Influencer

You can use your Instagram page to promote a variety of products from all different industries if you can get the much sought-after influencer status. Influencers and brands often work together to create sponsored posts promoting the brand’s products. You must increase your Instagram following and consistently provide content that engages your followers strongly if you want to get to this position.

Join An Affiliate Program

This is related to brand partnerships, as joining an affiliate program requires connecting yourself to a business that sells specific products or experiences. Affiliate programs basically pay you to sell other people’s products. When a follower buys something from your brand through you usually through a specific link or discount code, you are paid.

Sell Your Castoffs

Perhaps you don’t have a business to advertise, but you frequently sell your used clothing and accessories online. Instagram can expand your customer base. Include as much information as possible in your captions while showing clothing and other items, and take attractive photos of them. It is important to consider the age, size, condition, and brand of each item. If you’re trying to sell a specific item, link to the specific item in your Instagram bio. The hashtag #shopmycloset is popular among Instagram vendors.

Also Read | Instagram Tips And Tricks: How To Reply To Any Reel Comment With Another Reel Video On Android, iOS

Earn Badges Through Live Videos

When you share live videos on Instagram using the Live feature, you can earn money straight from your audience. Viewers can purchase badges to show support when you showcase your abilities, goods, and other items. Instagram Badges are available for $0.99 (approximately Rs. 73), $1.99 (about Rs. 147), and $4.99 (roughly Rs. 370). You will see heart symbols next to the comments from the people who have purchased them.

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