Millions of Windows users across the world are facing something very unexpected. Windows users globally are facing the Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) error which is causing the system to suddenly shut down or restart. Microsoft said in a message that the error is being caused due to a recent CrowdStrike update.

If reports are to be believed, the bug has affected many companies, banks, and government offices across the US and Australia. Social media users posted several pictures showing their screens on the recovery page displaying the message: "It looks like Windows didn't load correctly. If you'd like to restart and try again, choose Restart my PC below."

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Why Are Users Getting Blue Screen Of Death

Blue Screen errors, also called black screen errors or STOP code errors, show up when a critical issue forces Windows to unexpectedly shut down or restart. Users could also encounter a message saying: "Windows has been shut down to prevent damage to your computer" or a similar notification.

These errors can be a result of hardware or software issues. If you’ve recently installed new hardware and encountered a Blue Screen error, try shutting down the PC, removing any new hardware, and attempting to restart. If restarting doesn’t work, users can initiate the PC in safe mode.

Moreover, consider updating Windows with the latest patches through Windows Update, looking for assistance from other sources, or restoring Windows to a previous restore point. If none of these methods work, users will have to utilize the Blue Screen Troubleshooter available in the Get Help app:

• Open the Get Help app in Windows.
• Type "Troubleshoot BSOD error" in the search bar of the Get Help app.
• Follow the step-by-step instructions provided in the Get Help app.

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Microsoft China Bans Android, Forces Shift To iPhones

Microsoft in China has banned Android and, as a consequence, the company staff will soon be required to make a shift to iPhones. Microsoft employees in the country have been notified to make the shift from Android smartphones to iPhones by September 2024, as per a report from Bloomberg.

This was reportedly announced in an internal memo sent out to the employees by Microsoft China. The same memo has been sent to employees at the Microsoft Hong Kong office.

According to the report, the employees have been told that anybody using an Android smartphone, including phones from Chinese companies like Xiaomi or Huawei, will be given an iPhone 15 by the company. The company is reportedly creating dedicated points in its facility in the country where staff members can go to collect their iPhones.

Google seems to be going all-cylinders on generative AI out of fear that missing out on the hype could damage its reputation in the search market. It's Gemini assistant and large language model form its key asset in the gen AI war, and thanks to its control over Android, it’s been able to get Geminin in front of a lot of users really fast.

Google is continuously experimenting with new ways to bring Gemini to more users, and its new experiment involves putting a dedicated button right on the Android lock screen. As of now, there are some ways to access the Gemini chatbot on Android. On most Android devices, users can long press the power button to invoke the default assistant, which is Google Assistant on older devices and Gemini on newer ones.

Users will also be able to invoke the default assistant by pressing and holding the home button or swiping up from the corner. Finally, users can say a wake-word phrase like “Hey Google” or “OK Google” to invoke the default assistant hands-free.

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Google’s AI Search Summaries Officially Showing Advertisements

Google has started rolling out ads in AI Overviews, which means users will now see product suggestions in some of their search engine’s AI-generated summaries. For instance, if a user is searching for a recipe, the AI-generated response will provide some tips along with products beneath a “sponsored” header. Google spokesperson Craig Ewer told The Verge they’ll only show up if a question has a “commercial angle.”

Google has been testing ads in AI Overviews since May but says it’s moving ahead with a full rollout because it helps people “quickly connect with relevant businesses, products, and services to take the next step at the exact moment they need them.”

As of now, ads are only coming to AI Overviews in the US on mobile. Microsoft similarly includes ads in its Copilot chatbot and recently changed how they surface in responses. Google is also making some tweaks to the formatting of AI Overviews. 

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Google Will Lock Your Android Smartphone If Stolen

Google has taken some serious measures against phone thefts. The company’s new “theft detection lock” ensures that personal data is safe and that the phone is of no use to the thief.

The new feature, currently being rolled out for Android users in the US, was spotted on the recently launched Xiaomi 14T Pro and was first reported by Mishaal Rahman on Threads. Google is rolling out three major components of theft-related features: theft detection lock, offline device lock, and remote lock.

The new theft detection lock feature leverages a machine learning model that is capable of detecting when a phone is snatched from a user’s hand and the thief runs away on foot or in a vehicle. 

Boult has announced the launch of Q Headset and Boost Headset, expanding its range of audio offerings in the Indian market. The new launches from the company aim to cater to a wide audience, from gamers to professionals, offering features crafted to upgrade audio experiences. Both headsets come equipped with advanced technology, including BoomX Technology for improved bass and ZEN ENC Mic for clear voice calls.

Speaking of the price, the Boult Q Headset comes at a price of Rs 1,799, while the Boult Boost Headset will set you back by Rs 3,799. The headsets are now available at an introductory price on Flipkart and Boult’s official website.

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Boult Q And Boost Headset features

The Q Headset is crafted for users seeking flexibility. It comes with 40mm Bass Boosted Drivers and four EQ modes that make room for tailored audio preferences. Its Combat Gaming Mode, supported by Bluetooth 5.4, ensures ultra-low latency, ideal for gaming.

The headset is said to offer up to 70 hours of battery life, with a 10-minute quick charge offering 10 hours of playback. It can be used in both wired and wireless modes, making it apt for various scenarios. It is also IPX5-rated for water resistance.

The Boost Headset is aimed at audiophiles and professionals, offering Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation (up to 33dB) to minimize distractions. It comes with Bluetooth 5.4 and 40mm Neodymium Drivers, enhancing audio quality. With a 65-hour battery life, the Boost headset supports fast charging and includes touch controls and voice assistant integration for easier operation. Like the Q Headset, it also comes with BoomX Technology for deeper bass.

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Dyson Launches OnTrac Headphones Without Air Purifiers

Unlike, Dyson’s other headphones, the new headphones do not filter air. This marks a key change in their spiritual predecessors, the Zone, which both fascinated and baffled the tech world with their combination of music play/particulate filtration. That device was, in its own peculiar way, a logical extension of Dyson’s existing product offerings, as a direct line could claim that the product didn’t, at the very, least, failed to stand apart in the much-crowded over-ear headphones.

Considering the years and capital put into the Zone’s creation, there seems to be logic in the company’s decision to turn its R&D work into a more standard set of headphones. After all, the Zone did offer excellent audio quality, but it’s unlikely many shelled out the $700 solely to use them as headphones with so many good alternatives on the market.

OnTrac comes at a cheaper price, though at $500, it’s still a huge premium over the top-end headphones from Bose ($429), Sony ($399), Apple ($449), and even the new entries like Sonon ($449).

Infinix is prepping up to unveil its first ever flip phone in the Indian market, Infinix Flip on October 17. The Zero Flip could be an interesting launch considering that it will be only among the few budget flip phones in the market, going against the likes of Motorola Razr 50 and the Tecno Fantom V Flip 5G.

The Infinix Zero Flip has already debuted in the Malaysian market, offering a sneak peek at the expected specifications of the upcoming device. The Zero Flip is expected to come with a 6.9-inch LTPO AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate and a resolution of 1080 x 2640 pixels.

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Infinix Zero Flip Under The Hood

The smartphone will come with a 3.64 inch external AMOLED display with a resolution of 1056 x 1066 pixels. The Zero Flip is said to be powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 8020 procesor and coupled with the Mali G77 MC9 GPU. There could be support for up to 8GB RAM and up to 512GB storage.

As for the cameras, there could be a 50MP primary and a 50MP ultra-wide angle lens. Upfront, the Zero Flip is likely to be equipped with a 32MP sensor with built-in flash. The smartphone is expected to come with a dual speaker setup, tuned by JBL. The smartphone will be backed by a 4720mAh battery with support for 70W fast charging.

The Infinix Zero Flip was launched at a price of 10,65,000 Nigerian Naira, which is approximately Rs 53,500. However, it is likely that Infinix could price the smartphone under the Rs 50k range in the Indian market.

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Infinix Zero 40 5G India Launch Confirmed: What To Expect

Infinix has confirmed the launch date of its flagship smartphone -- the Inifinix Zero 40 5G in the Indian market. The company will launch the smartphone on September 18 with a major focus on camera and gen AI features. The launch announcement comes just days after the company also announced that it was launching its first-ever tablet- Infinix XPad in the Indian market.

The new smartphone comes with a round camera module on the back, with a design reminiscent of the OnePlus 12 series. However, the stand-out feature seems to be the dual-tone finish at the bottom with the ‘Zero’ branding.

Speaking of the camera, Infinix has confirmed that the Zero 40 5G will pack a 108MP primary camera with OIS and a 50MP ultra-wide angle lens. There will also be a bokeh lens along with a zoom flash and a regular flash.

Apple has announced a first-of-its-kind Apple Immersive short film, which was shot specifically to be seen on the Apple Vision Pro headset. Dubbed Submerged, the short film is about a WWII submarine crew fighting a dangerous torpedo attack. The film has been directed by Edward Berger, Academy Award-winning director of All Quiet on the Western Front.

In the official trailer posted on the company’s YouTube channel, the director talks about producing this Apple Immersive film: “Everything we’re doing here is the first time that anyone’s ever done it. When you put on Apple Vision Pro, it does change the way you think about creating a story. It’s a wonderful new medium that just expands the horizon of storytelling. Because you’re not watching a movie anymore, you’re inside the story. It’s going to change the future of filmmaking.”

Submerged will be available starting October 10 only for Apple Vision Pro users. This is yet another way for Apple to add value to its spatial computer. After underwhelming sales in the US and mild reception in other markets, Apple is trying to push the Vision Pro as a device for entertainment and creating new interactions.

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Apple Planning To Launch Cheaper Vision Pro And Smart Glasses

California-based tech giant Apple is reportedly expanding its offerings in the augmented reality and mixed reality markets with plans for new devices. As per recent leaks, the company seems to readying itself to launch a more budget-friendly version of its high-end Vision Pro headset as early as next year.

Moreover, Apple is working on a pair of smart glasses that may become available several years down the line. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, in his Power On newsletter, revealed that Apple is dedicated to advancing its headset technology despite the challenges faced with the original Vision Pro.

The company is said to be developing a scaled-back variant of the Vision Pro, which is said to hit the market by 2025. this lower-priced model will likely feature fewer capabilities compared to its more expensive counterpart.

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Apple Also Working On Augmented Reality Glasses

Previous reports hinted that the lower-priced Vision Pro could be priced between $1,500 and $2,000, a significant drop from the current model’s price point. To achieve this lower price, the company might employ various cost-saving measures. Speculations indicate that this could involve eliminating certain sensors and cameras or using less expensive materials in the construction of the headset.

Besides, the company is also said to be working on augmented reality (AR) glasses. These smart glasses, which could be a competitor to products like Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses, are still in the experimental stages. Gurman previously mentioned that development faced delays because of technical setbacks. However, Apple appears to be pressing forward with the project, with potential availability not expected until 2027.

Indian video game developer SuperGaming has announced the launch of its latest battle royale mobile game, Indus. Slated to launch on October 16 for both Android and iOS, Indus Battle Royale will bring a unique twist to the conventional battle royale gaming style with its dual victory concept. Besides, it will come with a new in-game feature called “Grudge,” which will enable players to track down opponents who have taken them down.

The game is set in the future on the planet Indus, featuring visuals that are inspired by ancient civilizations. Within the game, players will take on the role of Mythwalkers-elite operatives under the command of a powerful criminal syndicate, COVEN.

Players will be given the task of collecting a rare resource called Cosmium while outlasting other players on Virlok, a floating island-style map sent on planet Indus, characterized by shifting terrain. It will also include several Indian-inspired avatars such as Morni, Pokhran, Sirtaj, Heena, and Mech-Balika, alongside various futuristic-style weapons and vehicles.

Also Read: SuperGaming's Indus Battle Royale Introduces 4v4 Team Deathmatch 

Indus Battle Royale Gameplay

Indus will offer players a unique dual victory condition. Players can win matches either by outlasting other opponents or by securing the rare resource Cosmium, which spawns in the last circle of Nirvana. The game developer has stated that this adds a new layer of depth to the battle royale gameplay.

Moreover, the game will bring the Grudge mechanism, which will enable players to seek revenge on opponents who have defeated them. The Grudge system will feature two roles for the main player: Hunter and Defender.

SuperGaming has also emphasized that this addition does not disrupt the game’s flow, as all Grudge interactions happen outside the main battle royale gameplay loop. Besides, there are options for 4v4 and 2v2 team deathmatch.

Also Read: Indus Battle Royale Crosses 10 Million Pre-Registrations On Google Play Store

Made-In-India Game FAU-G: Domination Gets 1Mn Pre-Registrations

Nazara Publishing, an arm of gaming and sports media company Nazara Technologies, has received over one million pre-registrations for the made-in-India multiplayer shooter game, FAU-G: Domination, within just three weeks on the Google Play Store. This makes it the fastest game to hit the one million milestone for Nazara’s fledging publishing unit, the company said.

Nazara Publishing started pre-registration for FAU-G: Domination in September during an event on September 5 in Mumbai. The game is part of the FAU-G franchise from nCore, a mobile games and interactive entertainment firm of gaming star Vishal Gondal. People interested can pre-register for the game on the Google Play Store for Android, while the App Store for iOS and iPadOS is expected to follow soon.

The company joined forces with nCore in June to bring FAU-G: Domination, marking a high-profile addition to the portfolio of its publishing unit launched in October 2023.