Xbox Game Store for Android Hits a Roadblock Before Launch

Microsoft appears to have encountered a challenge in its efforts to launch an Xbox game store on Android, which would allow users to buy and play Xbox games through the Xbox app on Android.

It was revealed in October that Epic had won a case against Google, declaring the tech company to be in the monopoly category and ordering them to host third-party app shops within the Play Store for a period of three years. Developers like Microsoft are now free to use any billing method they like, as Google Play no longer requires them to do so.

Microsoft quickly said that starting in November, Xbox games will be available to buy in the Microsoft Store for Android, along with the option to play games in the app itself. But the functionality is still nonexistent, and we’re already in the midst of December.

A temporary “administrative stay” is preventing Microsoft from releasing the feature, despite the fact that the company claims to be prepared to do so.

Xbox Store Delay for Android Fans

“Our team has the functionality built and ready to go live,” Xbox president Sarah Bond said in a recent X (Twitter) post, but the company is currently facing delays due to an administrative stay imposed by the courts. Although the exact timing of the court’s judgment is unclear, Bond reiterated that functionality will be available once it is. “We are eager to launch and give more choice and flexibility to players,” said the CEO.

As a part of their appeal, Google has placed the decision under administrative stay, so Xbox lovers will have to be patient until they hear the final decision.

In a statement provided to The Verge, the tech giant from Mountain View believes that Xbox’s rushed endeavor might be disregarding security issues around the provision of a safe billing experience. Dan Jackson, a Google Spokesperson, stated:

Microsoft has always been able to offer their Android users the ability to play and purchase Xbox games directly from their app – they’ve simply chosen not to. The Court’s order, and rush to force its implementation, threaten Google Play’s ability to provide a safe and secure experience. Microsoft, like Epic, is ignoring these very real security concerns. We remain focused on supporting an ecosystem that works for everyone, not just two of the largest game companies.

Trump Explores the Idea of an ‘AI Czar’ Position

 

According to Axios, incoming President Donald Trump is considering the creation of an “AI czar” position within the White House. 

This proposed role would be tasked with overseeing the coordination of artificial intelligence (AI) use within the government and managing federal regulation in this rapidly advancing field. A key aspect of this decision is that the appointment of an AI czar would not require Senate approval, enabling the administration to act quickly and move forward with its agenda.

In addition to the chief AI officers appointed by President Joe Biden’s AI executive order, the White House is allegedly considering creating a “crypto czar” position, which would complement the current AI czar position. Of course, Trump could decide to get rid of those officers and their posts in favor of a more top-down way of running the government.

So far, no candidates’ identities have been shared. Axios reports that the selection of the AI czar will be heavily influenced by Vivek Ramaswamy, co-leader of the non-governmental organization DOGE, and Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla. 

Global Foldable Smartphone Shipments Decline in Q3 2024 Despite Samsung’s New Model Launch

 

Global foldable smartphone shipments experienced a 1% decline year-over-year (YoY) in Q3 2024, marking the first-ever Q3 drop in the segment’s history. This follows six consecutive quarters of growth, according to the latest data from Counterpoint Research’s Global Foldable Smartphone Market Tracker.

The decline in the shipment of foldable smartphones was primarily attributable to Samsung’s subpar performance, as the brand regained its dominant position with a 56% market share after ceding ground to Chinese competitors last year. However, Samsung’s unit shipment experienced a -21% year-over-year decline since the products from its most recent Galaxy Z6 series failed to meet expectations.

The Galaxy Z Fold 6 in book form performed poorly, and the Galaxy Z Flip 6 in clamshell form did not outperform its predecessor in terms of sales. Despite its global dominance, Samsung’s share of the Chinese market was a mere 8%, which resulted in a significant decline in overall shipments.

Samsung faces growing competition in various regions, including North America, where Motorola’s sub-$1000 Razr flip foldables have gained traction, and Western Europe, where HONOR’s sleek and thin Magic V series has been popular. Huawei, meanwhile, continued to see growth in foldable shipments, particularly in China, with models like the Mate X5 and Pocket 2.

HONOR and Motorola both experienced year-over-year growth, with the introduction of new flagship products in mid-2024. Xiaomi achieved the highest percentage YoY growth of all brands, with 185%, following the release of its first clamshell model, the Mix Flip, and the expansion of its global presence beyond China. Since its entry into the market in Q1 2021, its foldable segment share has attained a record high of 6%.

Moving into Q4 2024, Huawei is anticipated to introduce additional new models, including the Mate X6, which could reignite interest in Foldable technology.

Kia Motors Launches Interest-Free Installment Plan for Sportage Across Pakistan

 

Kia Motors has announced a limited-time, interest-free installment plan for customers across Pakistan, making it easier to purchase the Kia Sportage through manageable monthly payments.

The plan encompasses three Kia Sportage variants: the Sportage Alpha, Sportage AWD, and Sportage Limited Edition, which are SUVs. Customers are now able to order their preferred model with a modest down payment of Rs. 3,775,000, with monthly installments commencing at Rs. 210,722.

This action offers a superior alternative and exceptional value to potential Kia Sportage purchasers in the country, and it can be considered a wise decision for enthusiasts of sport utility vehicles in the country. The following is a comprehensive analysis of the pricing and down payment options:

Sportage Alpha (FWD)

• Ex-factory Price: Rs. 7,300,000
• Minimum Down Payment: Rs. 3,775,000

Sportage FWD

• Ex-factory Price: Rs. 7,740,000
• Minimum Down Payment: Rs. 3,870,000

Sportage AWD

• Ex-factory Price: Rs. 8,470,000
• Minimum Down Payment: Rs. 4,235,000

Sportage Limited Edition

• Ex-factory Price: Rs. 9,000,000
• Minimum Down Payment: Rs. 4,500,000

The Kia Sportage has become a favorite among SUV devotees in Pakistan due to its unsurpassed comfort, advanced features, and elegant design. This offer guarantees that you will depart with an SUV that provides value, performance, and style, whether you are in search of an affordable alternative such as the Sportage Alpha or the premium experience of the Limited Edition.

The interest-free EMI plan is available at all Kia dealerships nationwide; however, it is only valid until December 10th, 2024.

• Interest Free Installments, Kia Motors, Kia Sportage, SUV Pakistan

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PTA Issues Advisory on Critical WordPress Plugin Vulnerability

 

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has issued a Cyber Security Advisory that alerts users to a grievous vulnerability in the WP Tools plugin for WordPress, which has been designated as CVE-2022-43453. This vulnerability enables remote authenticated attackers to circumvent security protocols as a result of an authorization lapse.

This vulnerability can be exploited by submitting requests that are specifically designed to allow attackers to override access controls. Version 3.41 of the WP Tools plugin is affected by the issue, which is designated as high-severity.

The PTA has encouraged WordPress site administrators and users to promptly update to the most recent version of the plugin, which can be accessed through the WordPress Plugin Directory, to mitigate the threat.

The PTA has underscored the significance of ensuring that systems and software are kept current to reduce the risks associated with known vulnerabilities. Users are advised to ensure their platforms are equipped with the latest security patches, which can significantly reduce the risk of exploitation. The advisory emphasizes the importance of proactive measures in protecting against prospective cyberattacks.

The PTA has promoted the reporting of any cybersecurity incidents to its CERT Portal or through the email address supplied to facilitate incident response. The objective of this measure is to facilitate a rapid response to potential intrusions and to improve collective security efforts. The advisory functions as a reminder for both individuals and organizations to prioritize cybersecurity best practices in their digital operations.

• Cybersecurity, PTA, WordPress Plugin, WordPress Security

iPhone 17 Pro Expected to Have Major Camera Overhaul in Six Years

 

The iPhone 11 Pro and Pro Max, released in 2019, were the first models to feature three rear cameras. While the lenses have grown larger in subsequent iPhone models, the design of the rear camera system has largely remained the same.

Next year, with the release of the iPhone 17 Pro models, that might finally change. According to a claim in this week’s Information, the iPhone 17 Pro variants would reportedly include an aluminum “larger rectangular camera bump” instead of a glass one.

According to the report:

The back of the Pro and Pro Max models will feature a new part-aluminum, part-glass design. The top of the back will comprise a larger rectangular camera bump made of aluminum rather than traditional 3D glass. The bottom half will remain glass to accommodate wireless charging, two people said.

In September 2025, Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 17 series. At that point, it would have been six years since the last Pro model from Apple did not feature a square camera bump in the upper left corner, and the iPhone 17 models would be the first such departure. It seems like the rear of the iPhone 17 Pro will be drastically different from past models.

The iPhone 17 Pro is said to have a front camera with 24 megapixels, a 48-megapixel telephoto camera, and an extra 12 GB of RAM.

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