Latest news with #XboxCopilot
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
04-06-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Alert! Samsung will delete these accounts soon: Here's how you can save yours now
Samsung will permanently delete inactive accounts starting July 31, 2025. If you have not logged into your Samsung account for 24 months or more, your account and all data linked to it will be removed. This move targets accounts unused for two years or longer. Here are some steps you should take if you want to save your account or retain important data at the last minute. Samsung said that deleting inactive accounts helps protect user data. Once Samsung labels an account as inactive, it will permanently delete the account. Users will lose access to the account and any associated information. Samsung cannot restore deleted accounts, and the deletion cannot be reversed. Also read: Uber users can now book Delhi Metro tickets within the app: Here's how to do it If you think you might have an inactive Samsung account, you should act now. Simply signing in to your Samsung account or using a Samsung device or service while logged in will mark your account as active and prevent it from being deleted. Samsung will also send reminder emails to users with inactive accounts to warn them before deletion. To avoid losing access, check the email linked to your Samsung account regularly for such reminders. It is better to log in before the deadline than to wait until the last minute. Also read: Samsung Galaxy S25 review: Flagship features in a handful package Also read: Microsoft launches Xbox Copilot beta on Android app to assist gamers with real-time support Users with older, unused Samsung accounts should not delay. Logging in now ensures the account is safe from deletion. With the final date approaching, Samsung recommends taking early action to avoid any irreversible loss of data or services.
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
02-06-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Google adds AI email summaries, smarter docs, and chat features to Workspace
Google has rolled out a new feature in Gmail that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to summarise long emails and conversation threads automatically. This update, part of Google Workspace's May release, introduces summary cards generated by Gemini AI, which appear at the top of lengthy emails to give users a quick overview. The summary updates as new replies come in and can be hidden if users prefer not to see it. Before this update, Gmail users had to manually click on the Gemini icon within an email to view an AI-generated summary. Now, Gemini detects which emails require summaries and places them prominently without any action needed by the user. This change aims to save time by offering context upfront, which will help users decide how to respond or prioritise messages. Also read: Microsoft launches Xbox Copilot beta on Android app to assist gamers with real-time support Alongside Gmail, Google Chat also received improvements. Gemini now provides summaries of messages directly in the Chat home view to help users quickly identify conversations that need their attention. This feature supports English, Spanish, and six other languages. Additionally, Gemini can analyse shared Google Workspace files such as Docs or Slides. When a colleague shares a file, users can see a summary in a side panel before opening it, giving them insight into the content immediately. Also read: Realme Neo 7 Turbo key features tipped online ahead of May 29 launch: Here's what to expect Google Docs users now have access to a new tool called the Summary Building Block. Gemini can generate a summary of a document to be inserted at the top. This summary updates whenever the document is edited, ensuring that readers always have the latest information without having to read the entire document first. On the other hand, Google Meet now features dynamic layout options, including "room" and "individual" tiles. The room tile displays multiple participants on a single screen, while the individual tile focuses on one person's video feed at a time. This flexibility allows users to customise their meeting view according to their needs. Also read: Uber users can now book Delhi Metro tickets within the app: Here's how to do it In addition, Airtel customers on Wi-Fi and postpaid plans now receive complimentary access to Google One. Google is also expanding the languages supported by its 'Help Me Write' tool in Gmail, which assists users in drafting emails.
Hindustan Times
30-05-2025
- Hindustan Times
Xiaomi 16 Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 SoC and key features tipped online ahead of launch
Xiaomi is preparing to launch its new flagship smartphone, the Xiaomi 16, later this year. The device is expected to feature the latest Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 chipset, which will make it one of the first phones to use Qualcomm's upcoming high-performance processor. However, ahead of the official announcement, leaks and rumours have revealed key features of the upcoming smartphone. Let's take a look at what the handset will offer. The Xiaomi 16 is expected to feature a 6.32- or 6.36-inch LTPO OLED display, with a 120Hz refresh rate and a 1.5K resolution support. The device is rumoured to operate on Android 16, customised with HyperOS 3.0, which incorporates AI-driven functions to improve overall usability. Also read: Microsoft launches Xbox Copilot beta on Android app to assist gamers with real-time support Under the hood, the Xiaomi 16 is expected to be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 platform. This chipset promises to enhance CPU performance by up to 25 percent and improve GPU output by around 30 percent compared to the previous Snapdragon 8 Elite version. On the other hand, it is expected to house a large 6,800 mAh battery, compatible with 100W wired fast charging and wireless fast charging technologies. Also read: Realme Neo 7 Turbo key features tipped online ahead of May 29 launch: Here's what to expect For photography, the Xiaomi 16 is likely to include three 50MP sensors: a main camera, an ultrawide lens, and a telephoto-periscope module. The camera setup is expected to include three 50MP sensors: a main camera, an ultrawide lens, and a telephoto-periscope module. The imaging system is said to be developed in partnership with Leica, aiming for improved photography capabilities. The device will also feature an IP69 certification for dust and water resistance and a metal frame construction. Also read: Google to let users test Android 16 desktop mode on phones with external display support, here's how Qualcomm plans to officially announce the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 chipset by the end of September. Following this, Xiaomi might introduce the Xiaomi 16 either before the month closes or in early October 2025. Meanwhile, unofficial renders have appeared online, showing the phone's design, though these visuals should be viewed cautiously until confirmed by the company.
