IBM Unveils the World's Smallest Computer Compatible With Blockchain Technology

At the IBM Think 2018 conference, IBM has unveiled the world's tiniest computer which is claimed to be smaller than a grain of salt. As per IBM's research team, the device can handle basic AI tasks like sorting data, and is also compatible with the blockchain technology, acting as a data source for blockchain applications.

IBM claims that the device will cost less than ten cents to manufacture and will be equipped with thousands of transistors that will allow it to monitor, analyze, communicate and act on data, however, details about its market availability are scarce.

Play a Demo Before Installing Games With Google Play Instant

Google has introduced a new feature called Google Play Instant which allows users to play a game's demo before downloading the title. The new feature will soon be available in the Google Play Store, Google Play Games app and other platforms where the game links are shared.

Currently, there are only six games featured in the Play Store's Instant Gameplay section which support the feature, and they include the likes of Final Fantasy XV and Clash Royale. However, Google has revealed that the nifty try-first-download-later feature will soon be added to more games later this year.

3D Holo Girlfriend Is The First Adult Title to Hit Microsoft HoloLens

3D Hologroup Inc. has released the first adult-oriented AR content for Microsoft's Hololens called 3D Holo Girlfriend. Thanks to the use of AR technology, the application allows users to bring a 3D model into the real world.

Once 3D Holo Girlfriend is set up and loaded, the users will be able to bring a model to their home and interact with her in a number of different ways. It is a subscription-based service, and the company has promised to bring a brand new girl every weak.

Currently, the company is looking beta testers to test the title on Microsoft Hololens and Meta Vision's Meta2. In addition to that, the company also have plans to bring 3D Holo Girlfriend to the Magic Leap platform later this year.

India Ranks 109th In Terms of Mobile Data Speeds, Reports Ookla

Speed test provider Ookla has released its report about global internet speeds for the month of February 2018. As per the report, India ranks 67th in terms of broadband speeds while it stands at the 109th position when it comes to mobile data.

Compared to last month, India climbed 2 spots in broadband and 3 spots in mobile data speeds. Despite the growth, this trend is not appealing for a country which is vying to be among the top forces in 5G deployment.

Philips Lighting's LiFi Technology Offers Broadband Internet Through LEDs

Philips Lighting has announced the launch of Light Fidelity (LiFi)-enabled lighting solutions that enabled high-speed broadband internet connections through its light waves. The company claims to be the first in the world to offer the technology as part of its existing office lighting portfolio.

French real estate investment company, Icade, is set to be the first company to deploy the new technology in its smart office in La Defense, Paris.

LiFi is a two-way, high speed wireless technology similar to Wi-Fi, but one that uses light waves instead of radio frequencies to transmit data. According to Philips, the technology will be able to support broadband connections with speeds of upto 30 Mbps without compromising on lighting quality.

Xiaomi Releases MIUI 9 App Vault on Play Store, With New Stocks Card

In an attempt to provide its device owners with the latest features right off the bat, Xiaomi has today published "App Vault" on the Google Play Store as well.

The App Vault, if you don't know, is the smart assisstant feature of MIUI 9, which shows a stream of recently-used apps, notepad, calculator and other handy features all in a single scrollable window. It's synonymous with Google Now and now also includes a new Stocks card as well.

Xiaomi has partened with Webull to bring you the Stocks card feature, which will now allow you to keep track of your investments right from the home screen.

LG G7 To Come With LCD Instead of OLED Display, Says Analysts

According to analysts, LG will pivot back to LCD panels for the upcoming G6 successor, in a bid to reduce the cost of manufacturing. Although OLED panels have their advantages like a slimmer profile, higher energy efficiency, etc; they can be two to three times as expensive as comparable LCDs.

Kim Hyun-soo, an analyst at Hana Investment said, "Smartphones will have to switch to OLED anyway for future foldable handsets, so there's no need to rush the transition to OLED now." The decision to opt for LCD panels dosen't come as a surprise considering the fact that LG's mobile division is amidst sustained losses.

MIUI 9.5 Global (Nightly) Reportedly Rolling Out to Redmi Note 4

According to posts on the official MIUI forums, Xiaomi has started rolling out the Nighly version of MIUI 9.5 to the Redmi Note 4 (Snapdragon model). The update comes as "MIUI 9.5.4.0.NCFMIFA", and is based on Android Nougat.

MIUI 9.5 brings a whole bunch of new features, such as quick reply, a new notification shade, a new weather app, new ringtones, new lock/unlock sounds and new "Mi roaming app". The update also brings along the February security patch.

While the latest software is only being rolled out to the Redmi Note 4 right now, it is expected to be rolled out to many more devices going forward, although, Xiaomi is yet to announce the official list just yet.

5 Tips To Protect Your Smartphone From Hackers

Smartphones are just as vulnerable to hackers as computers are. If you aren't careful losing your smartphone may mean more than just a loss in contacts and phone numbers. We're talking about all your social media accouts, imported documents, your emails, photos and messages. Here are 5 ways to protect your cell phone from mobile hackers:

1. LOCK YOUR APPS: Android allows you to encrypt all the data on your device. You'll need the key in a password or PIN each time the device in is turned on to decode all the data. It may seem tiresome but if the phone gets into the wrong hands, there's no way to access the data without a password or PIN.

2. DON'T USE UNKNOWN WI-FIs: As tempting as it might be, do not use any unknown Wi-Fi networks on your smartphone. Instead, invest in a good data pack from your mobile network service provider.

3. NO UNKNOWN APP SOURCES: Both Google Play and Apple App Stores have verified and scanned apps/games on them. But there are plenty of websites and mailers, which ask you to download an app from an unknown web link. Don't. If the app is not available on the app stores, do not download and install it.

4. USE MOBILE SECURITY APP: If you browse websites and download content from the net to your smartphone, install an antivirus app on your mobile, like AVG and Avast. These will keep your mobile browsers safe from viruses and tell you which sites are safe to browse.

5. ALWAYS UPDATE YOUR PHONE: Under most circumstances, software updates came out because the company or app makers have found a security flaw and want to plug it. It is very important that you keep your smartphone's OS and apps updated.

Whatsapp Payments Now Lets You Send Money To Any UPI Address

WhatsApp is expanding its Payments feature, launched last month, by allowing you to transfer money to any individual with a unique UPI ID. This feature was previously hidden deep within the Payments settings but is now being brought to the forefront to make it accessible to all.

You can now navigate to "Settings > Payments > Send Payment > Send to UPI ID" and type the UPI address of the recipient you want to send money to. WhatsApp has also added the option to notify others in your WhatsApp contact list to set up the ‘Payments’ feature to transfer money.