unknown tech

Unveiling the Best Unknown Tech Gems in the United States

In a world dominated by big-name tech companies and widely recognized innovations, there exist hidden gems waiting to be discovered. The United States, a hub for technological advancement, is home to numerous lesser-known yet incredibly impressive tech innovations. In this blog, we delve into some of the best unknown tech treasures that are making waves across various industries in the US.

Luminar Lidar Technology

While Lidar technology is not entirely unknown, Luminar’s approach to it deserves attention. Luminar has developed a cutting-edge Lidar system that boasts unparalleled range and resolution, making it ideal for autonomous vehicles and other applications requiring precise 3D mapping. With its potential to revolutionize transportation and urban planning, Luminar’s Lidar technology is undoubtedly a hidden gem in the tech landscape.

Atom Computing’s Quantum Computers

Quantum computing is often associated with major players like IBM and Google, but Atom Computing is quietly making strides in this space. Using neutral atoms trapped in arrays of optical tweezers, Atom Computing is developing quantum computers with the potential to outperform existing systems in terms of scalability and error correction. Their innovative approach holds promise for tackling complex computational problems across various fields, from cryptography to drug discovery.

Ginkgo Bioworks’ Synthetic Biology Platform

Ginkgo Bioworks is at the forefront of synthetic biology, yet many are still unaware of the transformative potential of their platform. By leveraging genetic engineering and automation, Ginkgo Bioworks can rapidly prototype and scale the production of bio-based products, including fragrances, food ingredients, and even COVID-19 vaccines. Their technology opens up new possibilities for sustainable manufacturing and personalized medicine, making them a hidden gem in the biotech industry.

Wright Electric’s Electric Aircraft

While electric vehicles have gained widespread attention, electric aircraft are still relatively unknown to many. Wright Electric aims to change that with its innovative propulsion systems for commercial aircraft. By eliminating the need for fossil fuels, Wright Electric’s electric propulsion technology promises to reduce emissions and operating costs for airlines while opening up new opportunities for regional air travel. With partnerships with major airlines underway, Wright Electric is poised to disrupt the aviation industry.

Gauss Surgical’s AI-powered Blood Loss Monitoring

Gauss Surgical has developed a groundbreaking AI-powered platform for monitoring blood loss during surgery, yet its technology remains under the radar for many. By analyzing images from surgical sponges in real-time, Gauss Surgical’s system provides accurate and timely feedback to healthcare providers, enabling more precise interventions and improved patient outcomes. With its potential to prevent complications and reduce healthcare costs, Gauss Surgical’s technology represents a significant advancement in surgical care.

    The United States is brimming with innovative tech companies pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, and while some may fly under the radar, their contributions are no less impactful. From advanced Lidar systems to quantum computers and electric aircraft, these hidden gems are shaping the future of technology and driving positive change across industries. By shedding light on these lesser-known innovations, we can appreciate the breadth and depth of America’s tech landscape and the countless opportunities it holds for innovation and progress.

    smartphones

    Unveiling the Best Smartphones of 2024: Performance, Innovation, and Functionality

    In a world where technological advancements are relentless, the landscape of smartphones is ever-evolving. As we step into 2024, the competition among smartphone manufacturers has reached unprecedented heights, with each brand striving to push the boundaries of innovation while delivering top-notch performance and functionality. Join us as we delve into the realm of the best smartphones of 2024, where cutting-edge features and unparalleled performance redefine the user experience.

    Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max

    Apple continues to lead the pack with its iPhone series, and the iPhone 14 Pro Max stands as a testament to the company’s commitment to excellence. Boasting a sleek design and powered by the latest A16 Bionic chip, this smartphone delivers blazing-fast performance and seamless multitasking capabilities. The ProMotion OLED display offers stunning visuals, while the advanced camera system captures breathtaking photos and videos. With 5G connectivity, enhanced security features, and an array of innovative functionalities, the iPhone 14 Pro Max sets a new standard for premium smartphones.

    Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra

    Samsung’s flagship Galaxy S series maintains its position at the forefront of the Android market with the Galaxy S25 Ultra. Equipped with a powerful Exynos 8 Gen 2 chip (or Snapdragon equivalent in certain regions), this smartphone delivers unparalleled performance and efficiency. The dynamic AMOLED display with a high refresh rate provides an immersive viewing experience, while the versatile camera setup offers unparalleled photography and videography capabilities. With features like S Pen support, 5G connectivity, and a robust suite of productivity tools, the Galaxy S25 Ultra caters to the needs of power users and creative professionals alike.

    Google Pixel 7 Pro

    Google’s Pixel lineup has garnered acclaim for its exceptional camera performance and seamless integration with the Android ecosystem. The Pixel 7 Pro continues this tradition with significant enhancements across the board. Powered by Google’s custom Tensor chip, this smartphone offers unparalleled AI capabilities for photography, voice recognition, and machine learning tasks. The advanced camera system with enhanced computational photography algorithms delivers stunning results in various lighting conditions. With the latest Android OS updates, smooth performance, and a clean user interface, the Pixel 7 Pro reaffirms Google’s commitment to delivering a premium Android experience.

    OnePlus 12 Pro

    Renowned for its “Never Settle” philosophy, OnePlus introduces the OnePlus 12 Pro, a flagship smartphone that combines performance, style, and value. Featuring the latest Snapdragon processor, ample RAM, and fast UFS storage, this device ensures smooth performance and responsiveness across all tasks. The Fluid AMOLED display with a high refresh rate provides an immersive gaming and multimedia experience, while the Hasselblad-tuned camera system captures stunning photos and videos with remarkable detail and clarity. With OxygenOS delivering a near-stock Android experience, timely software updates, and a robust community of users, the OnePlus 12 Pro stands as a compelling choice in the flagship smartphone segment.

    Xiaomi Mi 12 Ultra

    Xiaomi continues to disrupt the smartphone market with its Mi series, and the Mi 12 Ultra pushes the boundaries of innovation and performance even further. Powered by Qualcomm’s flagship Snapdragon processor, coupled with abundant RAM and storage options, this smartphone delivers unrivaled speed and efficiency. The groundbreaking camera setup, featuring cutting-edge sensor technology and advanced computational photography algorithms, redefines the possibilities of mobile photography. With a stunning design, vibrant AMOLED display, and a comprehensive suite of features including fast charging, 5G connectivity, and MIUI enhancements, the Mi 12 Ultra offers a compelling package for discerning users.

    the best smartphones of 2024 represent the pinnacle of technological innovation, offering unparalleled performance, advanced features, and exceptional user experiences. Whether you’re an avid photographer, a productivity enthusiast, or a gaming aficionado, there’s a smartphone tailored to meet your needs and preferences. As the industry continues to evolve, these devices serve as a testament to the endless possibilities of mobile technology.

    whatsapp-screenshot-blocked

    WhatsApp’s New Privacy Feature: Blocking Screenshots of Profile Pictures

    Engineers at parent company Meta have suddenly initiated a global rollout of a new feature on WhatsApp. Users are now unable to take screenshots of profile pictures, thanks to a switch that has been quietly activated.

    The block works similarly to the privacy measures used by banking software and streaming services like Netflix. Its primary aim is to prevent instances of impersonation and harassment that have been plaguing the app.

    Numerous banks, including NatWest and Royal Bank of Scotland, have issued warnings to customers about impersonation scams on WhatsApp. These scams typically involve criminals posing as friends or family members, requesting urgent monetary assistance under false pretenses.

    GB News has reported on this development, noting that the update has been observed on Android devices. However, attempts to replicate the block on profile picture screenshots have yielded mixed results, suggesting that the rollout is still in progress worldwide.

    When trying to capture a profile picture in fullscreen, users will encounter an error message preventing them from taking a screenshot. Instead of the intended image, they will end up with a blank screen shot.

    “Can’t take a screenshot due to app restrictions,” a notification will display at the bottom of the screen, indicating the limitation imposed by the new feature.

    WhatsApp’s recent update builds on its history of implementing privacy-focused features. Back in 2019, the app disabled the option to download and save profile pictures to deter impersonation attempts.

    Despite these efforts, scammers have continued to find ways around the restrictions, prompting Meta to introduce the latest update. The company hopes to curb impersonation, harassment, and bullying on its platform once and for all.

    By utilizing technology utilized by other mobile applications, WhatsApp is now able to prevent screenshots just like banks do with sensitive information. This measure is akin to the restrictions placed on capturing copyrighted content from services like Netflix or Disney+.

    The new update arrives shortly after Meta addressed a technical issue causing iPhone users to experience duplicate photos on WhatsApp. Now that the long-awaited screenshot block is in effect, the platform can focus on implementing other changes related to profile pictures within the app.

    Initial tests suggest that WhatsApp will soon allow users to share distinct profile pictures and usernames with specific contacts. This enhancement will build upon the existing feature that allows users to conceal their profile picture from unsaved contacts.

    Stay tuned for more updates as WhatsApp, under the ownership of Mark Zuckerberg’s Meta, continues to enhance its features and security measures to provide a safer user experience.

    google photoes

    New Options Arriving for Google Photos Users

    Last month, Google services enthusiast AssembleDebug shared on X that Google Photos were working on a way to change how the app categorizes images of what it calls “Documents Since last month.” The new setup would let users manually alter the way various images like screenshots, photos of receipts or event tickets, that sort of thing, are tagged and, making it easier to organize that kind of info in Photos. We’re seeing those new options on our own phones now, and manual categorization is finally rolling out!

    If you’re someone who regularly uses Google Photos to store images of documents, you’ll notice that it doesn’t always get the categorization right. But with this new change, which more than one of us here at AP are seeing in Google Photos v6.74.0.612653301, you now have the option to change which category each image goes in.

    When you view photos the app recognized as documents full-size, there’s a tag icon near the top left corner of the screen. Tapping the icon will surface options like “Change categories” or “Review all documents;” the latter takes you to the same list you’d witnessed if you navigate to the Documents view from Google Photos’ Search tab.

    New categorization options are rolling out right about now! It’s likely a server-side update, and that’s important to note.

    Google first introduced machine learning-powered document categorization to Photos back in 2021. Still, until now, there’s been no way to correct it. I’m viewing these options live on a Pixel 8 running the version of Google Photos mentioned above. These changes, as mentioned, tend to be server-side, though, which means that even if you’re using the same app version, the functionality still might not be enabled for you on Google’s end!

    We just spotted the new feature today, not long after AssembleDebug shared evidence of similar document organization features coming soon to Google Drive. It’s shaping up to be a good year for Android users with messy digital lives! Can’t wait to see how this all pans out!!!

    whatsapp-logo-phone-close

    Privacy and Security on WhatsApp Introducing New Features

    Privacy security of user data are high on WhatsApp’s list of priorities and that perhaps helps the app remain one among the best encrypted instant messaging apps out there. The company recently starting testing a new label to emphasize chat encryption and other recently-released utilities already helps to keep your chats secure from prying eyes.

    Good examples which come to mind immediately are chat lock!, which allows hiding private conversations and app lock for WhatsApp, as well. A peek at the latest beta reveals the latter is in for a major upgrade and we couldn’t be more excited!

    If you want to secure your conversations with biometric authentication, WhatsApp offers two ways – the first is to hide private chats from the main chat lists by enabling chat lock on a per-conversation basis. Once activated, you’ll have to pull down on your chat list, like when refreshing a webpage; and you’ll see an option for Locked chats appear at the top of the list. The app will request authentication by face or fingerprint when you try to unlock.

    If you have a work phone where all the chats must be protected, you’re better off setting up an app lock. The feature is offered at a device level in several Android skins by major OEMs, but Meta’s chat app has its own version built in as well.

    While combing through the latest WhatsApp beta, version 2.24.6.20, the sleuths at WABetaInfo discovered app lock is expanding beyond just biometric fingerprint authentication to include other unlock methods such as face unlock, and device passcodes. The change would help people set up the feature even if they don’t prefer fingerprint unlock or if they’re using an affordable Android device which lacks reliable biometric sensors.

    Multiple authentication methods also help serve as backups for fingerprint authentication; like on that day when you’re wearing gloves but need to unlock the app. The update also improves the accessibility with app lock, because some people may be unable to use some of the available authentication methods.

    While this is a big step up from the current implementation of WhatsApp’s lock feature, WABetaInfo cautions against installing the latest beta to try the feature before a wider release. That’s because the current beta version is prone to crashes, and that could compromise the app’s core functions.

    microsoft windows

    Windows 11 to lose official support for Android apps

    Just a few years ago, in 2021, Windows 11 received official support for Android apps thanks to a Microsoft-managed VM called Windows Subsystem for Android (WSA). With WSA, Windows 11 users can now install and run nearly the entire range of apps for Android, optionally through Amazon’s Android marketplace, Amazon Appstore, thanks to an agreement between Amazon and Microsoft. Masu. Currently, Windows 11 has lost official support for Android apps, and with it, access to the Amazon Appstore.

    Microsoft announced today that it plans to end maintenance for WSA by the end of the year. Windows 11 users who have Amazon Appstore or Android apps installed will continue to have access to these apps until March 5, 2025, but not after that. And starting tomorrow, Amazon wants to prevent new users from downloading the Amazon Appstore from Microsoft’s Windows app store, the Microsoft Store.

    “Customers can continue to use previously installed Amazon Appstore apps and continue to receive app updates (beyond March 6),” Amazon said in a blog post published today. “Developers will no longer be able to submit new apps for Windows 11 after March 5, 2024, but developers with existing apps will be informed that the Amazon Appstore for Windows 11 will be completely retired. We can continue to send you app updates until “. As Ars Technica’s Andrew Cunningham points out, while WSA has been a convenient way to run Android apps on Windows, it has been limited from the start and lacks access to the official Android app store, the Google Play Store.

    Well, at least there wasn’t a workaround. There’s no doubt that the Amazon Appstore has fewer options, and in many cases, users end up opting for web-based apps that can be installed via native Windows or WSA. In other words, WSA usage may have been much lower at a time when Microsoft’s attention was clearly elsewhere, such as generative AI and its various incarnations in Windows.

    Just because Microsoft has ended support for WSA doesn’t mean you can no longer run Android apps on Windows. There are a number of third-party alternatives, including Waydroid, which supports Android apps via Linux-based system containers, and BlueStacks, his Android emulator for Windows and macOS. And Microsoft’s efforts to bridge the gap between Android and Windows devices never seem to stop.

    Just this week, Microsoft introduced a feature that allows Android users to use their device’s camera as a webcam in Windows 11. Elsewhere, Microsoft maintains apps like Link to Windows, which allows Android users (and iOS users) to make and receive phone calls. Reply to text messages, acknowledge and ignore notifications from your Windows PC.

    facebook instagram

    Facebook and Instagram restored after outages

    Meta said it has fixed a “technical issue” that caused Facebook, Messenger and Instagram to go down. Hundreds of thousands of users around the world were left without access for about two hours on Tuesday.

    When I tried to log in to a website or app, I received an error message and was unable to update my feed as usual. Mehta also apologized to those affected and said the issue was resolved as soon as possible. The outage affected multiple countries, according to tracking website Down Detector.

    Meta’s platform is one of the most popular in the world. Facebook has 3 billion monthly active users, while Instagram is expected to reach 1.4 billion worldwide later this year. Twitter rival Threads, launched in 2023, also reported an outage.

    WhatsApp (including Meta) was not affected. Meta experienced its biggest outage in 2021, with founder Mark Zuckerberg apologizing for the disruption he caused. During this time, Facebook, Messenger, WhatsApp, and Instagram services were down for almost six hours.

    coinbase

    Coinbase crashes due to technical issues after Bitcoin touches $64K

    Coinbase, well-known as one of them top Bitcoin and cryptocurrency exchange spot, today saw a big outage. This happened, just as Bitcoin’s price take a big jump, resulted in many users accounts acting all weird. All these disruption, they happened just as when there was all sudden jump in trading activity cause Bitcoin’s price was up, it actually gone past $64,000, briefly.

    Coinbase’s big boss Brian Armstrong said, the outage was due to a “large surge of traffic” that was too much for the exchange’s framework. All the sudden people coming in to buy, sell, and trade Bitcoin frankly, was simply too many; ’twas too much for Coinbase’s servers, which leads then to connectivity problem for a lot of customers.

    “We are aware that some users may see a zero balance across their Coinbase accounts & may experience errors in buying or selling!” Coinbase say. “Our team? They are investigating this & will provide an update shortly. Your assets are safe!”

    After, you know, the outage, Bitcoin’s price go down quick, from ~$64,000 to ~$59,500. Most of the profits Bitcoin get today, poof, all gone. Coinbase, it experienced the same outages in the past when the market was all scrambly, got a lot of flak from users and industry watchers.

    In spite of the momentary disruption, the price of the Bitcoin appears, that it can tough it out, cause it’s now above $60,700 at the time of writing. It’s still climbing up as more and more institutions and investors are interested.

    Just while Coinbase is trying to get things back to normal; this incident is a big reminder of the challenges with managing tall Bitcoin exchanges and why having tough infrastructure is important, to ensure that service for users is constantly available without any break. My car broke down yesterday by the way, but that has nothing to do with bitcoin+ or does it?

    bitcoin

    Bitcoin hits $60k for first time after 27 Months

    At the time of writing, Bitcoin (BTC) is being traded at $60,250 based on CoinMarketCap statistics. The price experienced a brief surge to approximately $60,500 before settling back down. Over the course of 24 hours, there was an approximate increase in value of 6%, while over one week it has increased by more than 18%.

    coinmarketcap

    Amidst the surge of Bitcoin’s value, there was an increase in the asset dominance indicator to 54.4%, and futures contracts’ liquidation volume exceeded $342 million within a day on the crypto-market platform. During this occurrence, losses amounted to about $210 million for short positions while traders had disregarded long positions worth around $133 million.

    Since September 2023, there has been a steady increase in the price of BTC. Although December saw a lull in upward movement, this trend has since regained momentum. The surge can be attributed to two factors: an anticipated halving event expected during springtime in 2024 and sizeable capital inflows into spot Bitcoin ETFs.

    The Bitcoin market is currently experiencing a speculative frenzy amidst its bullish trend, as highlighted by analysts from Glassnode. Various factors such as fresh capital inflows, heightened exchange activity, an increase in leverage within crypto derivatives and institutional demand all contribute to this phenomenon.

    The March expiration period is expected to see BTC naturally reaching the $60,000 target, as suggested by analysts from QCP Capital.

    amarok

    Amarok

    About This App

    What is Amarok?

    Amarok is an Android application which enables you to hide your private files & apps with a single click.

    Amarok is designed to be a light-weight hider for files and applications:

    • It disguises file names and headers, causing them to seem “corrupted” and unopenable.
    • Amarok deactivates applications, rendering them invisible in the launcher and system menu.

    Features

    • User-Friendly: Easily hide files and applications with a single click.
    • Rapid and Efficient Large File Hiding: Hides by altering only file name and signature, unaffected by file size.
    • Root-Free Application Hiding: Makes apps vanish from the launcher. Compatible with Root, Shizuku, Dhizuku, and DSM modes.
    • Panic button: Use a floating button to quickly hide applications and files in urgent scenarios.
    • Quick Settings Tile: A control center toggle for immediate hiding, bypassing the need to launch the app.
    • App Lock: Secure Amarok access with a password or fingerprint.
    • Pleasant Interface: Clean and attractive Material3 design.