Technology Archives - National Times

07 Apr

WhatsApp Tests New Call Features for Android Users in Beta Rollout

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsTechnologyAndroid features, WhatsApp beta update

Washington, April 7, 2025 — WhatsApp has begun testing a set of upgraded audio and video call features for Android users, signaling a significant evolution in the messaging platform’s voice and video communication experience.According to details reported by GSM Arena, the updates were spotted in the beta version 2.25.10.16 of WhatsApp for Android. Among the standout additions is a mute button for incoming voice calls, which appears directly in the notification panel. This lets users answer calls while muting their microphone—potentially useful in noisy surroundings or situations requiring privacy.Another anticipated feature gives users the ability to switch off their camera…

25 Feb

Mystery Data Scientist Backed by Elon Musk Estimates Over $100 Billion in Government Waste

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsTechnology, World NewsDataRepublican, Elon Musk, government waste, taxpayer money

February 25, 2025 – A data scientist known as "DataRepublican" has claimed that more than $100 billion in taxpayer money is either being stolen or wasted. In an interview with NewsNation's Brian Entin, she shared her findings on alleged government inefficiencies, using artificial intelligence to analyze financial discrepancies. Unmasking Government Waste with AI While keeping her identity secret due to security concerns, DataRepublican explained how she uses AI to uncover fraud, waste, and abuse in government spending. Her work has gained attention on X (formerly Twitter), where billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk frequently shares her findings.Asked to estimate the total taxpayer…

25 Feb

Google to Replace SMS Authentication Codes with QR-Based Verification for Gmail

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsTechnologyGmail security, Google, QR code verification, SMS authentication

February 25, 2025 – Google is reportedly set to phase out SMS-based authentication codes for Gmail, replacing them with QR code verification later this year. According to Forbes, which cited “privileged conversations with Google insiders,” the company plans to move away from text-based security measures in favor of a more secure authentication method.Ross Richendrfer, Google’s head of security and privacy public relations, confirmed the change in a statement to CNET. He explained that the company is rethinking how it verifies phone numbers and will introduce QR code scanning as a more secure alternative. This method would eliminate the need for…

24 Feb

Meta Boosts Executive Bonuses Amid Layoffs, Plans New India Campus

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsTechnologyExecutive Bonuses, Facebook, Layoffs, Meta

(National Times Bureau), February 24, 2025: Meta is under fire after announcing higher bonuses for executives while simultaneously laying off 3,600 employees. In a corporate filing on February 20, the tech giant revealed it had approved an increase in the target bonus percentage for its top executives. Double the Bonus for Executives Previously, Meta’s executive officers had a target bonus of 75% of their base salary. Under the new plan, they can now receive up to 200% of their salary, as reported by CNBC. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg is not included in this new bonus structure. Layoffs Despite Growth The…