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Hindustan Times
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
GTA 6 map location found to have an Indian origin: Details
GTA 6 map:India has taken a major leap in the global gaming landscape with its role in building a central part of Grand Theft Auto 6 (GTA 6), one of the most anticipated video games in development. While fans around the world await its release, a team of developers in India is shaping a major in-game location, signalling a shift in how large-scale titles are developed across borders. Rockstar India, based in Bengaluru, has taken charge of creating an entire city within GTA 6 called 'Vice Beach'. This location will be part of the core map that players will explore once the game goes live. This assignment is not a supporting task. Instead, it involves leading the design and construction of a major urban area in the biggest gaming world. Also read: Microsoft launches Xbox Copilot beta on Android app to assist gamers with real-time support Among the nearly 6,000 developers contributing to GTA 6 worldwide, around 1,615 are from India. This makes Rockstar India the largest single contributor by headcount across Rockstar's studios globally. In comparison, Rockstar's offices in the United Kingdom collectively have over 2,600 developers, while those in the United States add more than 1,400. However, India's responsibility stands out not because of numbers, but because of the scale of the project assigned. Also read: PlayStation Days of Play Sale: Spider-Man 2, God of War Ragnarök, and more games get big price cuts Earlier, Rockstar India had supported development work for major releases such as GTA 5 and Red Dead Redemption 2. But this time, the Indian studio is leading a major segment of the game. Vice Beach is being built entirely by the Bengaluru-based team, showcasing their skills in open-world design, environment art, and asset creation. A post shared by HT Tech (@hindustantimestech) This development shows Rockstar Games' evolving strategy of distributing key creative roles to studios across regions. The project marks a move away from relying solely on Rockstar North, which has traditionally led development for the GTA series. Also read: Mafia: The Old Country releasing on 8 August, 2025: Here's everything you need to know Formally set up in 2016, Rockstar India became a more prominent player after Rockstar acquired Dhruva Interactive in 2019. Since then, the studio has expanded its size and responsibilities. Its current role in GTA 6 confirms its importance within the company's global operations.
Hindustan Times
03-06-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Microsoft brings free OpenAI's Sora video generator to Bing mobile app for users
Microsoft has rolled out a new video creation feature in its Bing mobile app, allowing users to generate short videos from text prompts using OpenAI's Sora model. This marks the first time Microsoft has offered public access to Sora's video generation capabilities without a direct fee. The feature, called Bing Video Creator, is now available in the Bing app for iOS and Android users who are logged in with a Microsoft account. The tool enables users to create videos by typing short descriptions. Each generated video runs for five seconds and comes in a vertical 9:16 format. Microsoft plans to add horizontal format support later. Also read: PlayStation Days of Play Sale: Spider-Man 2, God of War Ragnarök, and more games get big price cuts At launch, users can create up to 10 free videos using the fast generation option. After that, each additional video requires 100 Microsoft Rewards points. Users can earn these points by using Bing for searches or shopping at the Microsoft Store. For instance, a Bing search on a PC earns 5 points, up to a daily limit of 150 points. Each user can queue up to three video prompts at a time. Microsoft noted that even in fast mode, generating a video might take several hours. The standard speed option is free and also available to all users. Also read: Google launches new AI image and video generation tools, Veo 2, Imagen 3, and Whisk- All details To use Bing Video Creator, users must open the Bing mobile app, tap the menu icon at the bottom right, and select "Video Creator" from the list. Alternatively, users can begin by typing a prompt like 'Create a video of…' in the Bing search bar. The tool guides users to provide specific and detailed prompts for better results. Once a video is ready, users receive a notification. The videos can be downloaded and shared, but they remain available on Bing for only 90 days. Also read: Microsoft rolls out Copilot+ PC features to AMD, Intel and Snapdragon-powered devices Microsoft plans to expand the feature to desktop versions of Bing and to Copilot Search in the near future. Currently, no option exists to extend the length of videos beyond five seconds.
Hindustan Times
03-06-2025
- Hindustan Times
WhatsApp to let users hide phone numbers with upcoming username privacy feature
WhatsApp is preparing to introduce a feature that will change how users share their contact information. Soon, users will connect through usernames instead of phone numbers. This update will address a long-standing privacy concern by allowing users to keep their phone numbers hidden while still chatting on the platform. For years, sharing a phone number on WhatsApp has involved risks. Many users (especially women) hesitate to give out their numbers due to privacy issues and the potential for unwanted messages or calls. Scams and spam have increased, especially those that target exposed phone numbers. In some cases, sharing a number once can lead to repeated unsolicited contact across various communication channels. Money-related scams that exploit phone numbers have also become more common. Recognising these problems, WhatsApp, owned by Meta, has decided to take a significant step toward protecting users' privacy. Also read: PlayStation Days of Play Sale: Spider-Man 2, God of War Ragnarök, and more games get big price cuts The upcoming username system will let users pick a unique identifier. This identifier will replace the need to share a phone number when making new connections. Similar to platforms like Telegram and Signal, WhatsApp's usernames will provide a layer of anonymity while maintaining ease of communication. The feature was recently spotted in beta testing versions of the app by WABetaInfo, a known source for WhatsApp updates. Although the feature is not yet available for beta testers, evidence shows that WhatsApp is actively working on building the system and its interface. Also read: Microsoft launches Xbox Copilot beta on Android app to assist gamers with real-time support The username rules are designed to maintain clarity and prevent misuse. Usernames cannot start with " to avoid confusion with official websites. Each username must include at least one letter, preventing usernames made up solely of numbers or symbols. Only lowercase letters (a–z), numbers (0–9), periods, and underscores will be allowed. These rules aim to create a consistent and straightforward format across all usernames. When users select a username, WhatsApp will confirm the choice with an animation. From that moment, the username will appear in conversations and group chats instead of the user's phone number. If a user decides to change their username later, WhatsApp will send a notification message in chats to inform contacts about the update. This approach follows the same system WhatsApp uses for profile photo or phone number changes. Also read: Uber users can now book Delhi Metro tickets within the app: Here's how to do it Additionally, a future update to WhatsApp Web will let users check the availability of usernames before selecting one. This small addition could help prevent confusion and streamline the process of finding a unique handle. Though the username feature is not yet available even to beta testers, ongoing backend development suggests it may launch soon. The feature follows several updates by WhatsApp in recent weeks, including the release of an official iPad app.
Hindustan Times
30-05-2025
- Hindustan Times
Samsung One UI 8 beta to bring max boost and new game booster features for gamers
Samsung has started rolling out the One UI 8 beta, based on Android 16, which may introduce several enhancements to its Game Booster app. This app aims to improve gaming on Galaxy smartphones by managing device performance and providing useful tools for players. Recent leaks indicate that the new update will include a feature called Max boost, designed to optimise the phone's settings to push performance to its limits during gameplay A user known as @GalaxyTechie has recently shared insights about these upcoming features after analysing the Game Booster app's new version 7.0.51.13 within the One UI 8 Beta. Max boost appears to allow the phone to use more power, potentially increasing battery use and heat output to deliver better performance in certain games. Although the exact working of this feature is not yet clear, it signals a focus on enhancing gaming power. Also read: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 likely to be world's slimmest foldable- Here's what we know One UI 8's Game Booster will also introduce AI Mute, a function that detects when a game is active and automatically manages sound by muting or adjusting volume as needed. Another addition called Respawn Timer is expected to show a floating countdown on the screen, helping players know when they can rejoin a game. So far, this timer may only support the popular game Honor of Kings. Also read: PlayStation Days of Play Sale: Spider-Man 2, God of War Ragnarök, and more games get big price cuts Further updates include Dash notifications and Super Microphone, both appearing in floating windows during gameplay. Dash notifications will remove alerts once they pass across the screen, reducing distractions. Super Microphone may enable the phone's microphone to be used within a game even if another app is currently using it. Gamers could also access a voice changer feature to modify their voice in multiplayer sessions, choosing from different voice types like robot or sci-fi horror. The update may support Bluetooth microphones to enhance voice chat quality. Also read: PlayStation Days of Play Sale: Spider-Man 2, God of War Ragnarök, and more games get big price cuts Lastly, the update mentions 4D Vibration and Virtual Gamepad features, though their exact functions have not been fully explained. These additions could provide further immersion and control options for players once the update rolls out to all eligible Galaxy devices.
Hindustan Times
30-05-2025
- Hindustan Times
Over 184M passwords from Apple, Google, Facebook, Microsoft exposed in massive leak
A recent discovery has exposed a vast number of passwords and sensitive data from major online platforms. Cybersecurity expert Jeremiah Fowler uncovered an unsecured database containing more than 184 million passwords along with email addresses and authorisation links online. The leaked information involved popular services such as Apple, Google, Facebook, Microsoft, Instagram, and Snapchat. The exposed data goes beyond just passwords. It includes login details for banks, financial institutions, health services, and government portals. Unlike typical databases that protect such information through encryption, this database was stored as a plain text file, making the information easily accessible to anyone who found it online, The Indian Express reported. Also read: Microsoft launches Xbox Copilot beta on Android app to assist gamers with real-time support Fowler's investigation suggests that the data may have been collected using infostealing malware. This type of malicious software, such as Lumma Stealer, collects usernames, passwords, credit card details, and other sensitive information from compromised systems. The stolen data is often sold on the dark web to cybercriminals. Upon finding the unsecured file, Fowler notified the hosting provider responsible for storing the database. The hosting company quickly restricted public access to the file, but it declined to provide information about the owner. To verify the authenticity of the leak, Fowler reached out to several individuals whose details appeared in the database. They confirmed that their credentials had indeed been exposed. Also read: Uber users can now book Delhi Metro tickets within the app: Here's how to do it Experts warn that individuals who reuse the same password and username across multiple platforms face higher risks. Once cybercriminals access one account, they can exploit personal data for identity theft, fraud, and scams. The breach also included business accounts, which put company records and operations at risk. Threat actors could use such information to steal business data, conduct espionage, or launch ransomware attacks. The leak even contained login details for certain government services and private conversations. Also read: PlayStation Days of Play Sale: Spider-Man 2, God of War Ragnarök, and more games get big price cuts While no method guarantees full protection against data breaches, experts advise using strong, unique passwords and changing them regularly. Multi-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security. Additionally, Google offers a free tool to check if your credentials have appeared in data leaks online. Users should remain vigilant and update their security practices to reduce the impact of such incidents.
