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Esports in the Middle East Gets a Boost from Bigo Live

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Bigo Live is investing in the Esports community in Saudi Arabia, to help enhance gamers’ skills and talents, and facilitate potential career opportunities within the industry. In the second half of 2020, Bigo Live intends to collaborate with over 3,000 gamers in the Middle East, offering incentives such as sponsorships and the opportunity to experience international Esports championships live in-app.

Bigo Live will welcome celebrity gamers onto the platform and assist with the identification and development of talent from users who aspire to be professional gamers. The app will feature a series of online leagues, in which amateur gamers will have the chance to compete with each other as well as with professionals, with the intention of ultimately representing Saudi Arabia and the wider Middle East region in global Esports tournaments.

The Strategy & Middle East report, titled ‘Skin in the Game’, reveals that the GCC Esports market is undergoing expansion at a rapid pace, and is estimated to be worth USD821 million by 2021 – up from USD693 million in 2017. On a regional level the market in Saudi Arabia specifically will expand rapidly and become the largest among GCC countries.

“Esports in Saudi Arabia is filled with people who have exceptional skill and talent,”, said a spokesperson from Bigo Live’s Singapore headquartered parent company, BIGO Technology. “We believe that Esports can become a career for a lot of gamers as the space grows and options for gamers are booming every day. It can also have positive influence for the community. At Bigo Live, we are excited to be able to provide a platform for gamers where they can stream their game play and interact with their viewers at the same time. We hope to provide a unique place for the gamers to follow their dreams and uncover opportunities for themselves as well as the future of the Esports industry in their countries.”

In the U.S., Bigo Live recently launched Gaming House 2020 that aims to provide a platform for Esports giants to access mainstream audiences across the world. The on-going initiative featuring a large-scale Fortnite tournament has generated more than 2.3 million views on the Bigo Live platform. The continued rise in engagement levels will continue to enhance the profiles of gamers that are participating in the tournament as well as inspire recreational gamers.

“We look forward to replicating a similar experience for gamers in the Middle East and are very excited to see how the talents both in Saudi Arabia and across the region develop their skills and profiles in their respective Esports journeys,” said the spokesperson from BIGO Technology.

In the MENA region, Bigo Live already has a strong user base. During the second quarter of 2020, the MAUs in the MENA region grew by over 30 percent and this growth is expected to continue as more people explore the possibilities and opportunities that live streaming will bring.

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Samsung Internet is Now Available for Download on Windows PCs

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Samsung’s default browser, Samsung Internet, has expanded its reach to desktop computers and laptops, now available for download on the Microsoft Store. One notable feature is the ability for users to sync their browsing data between their Galaxy devices and computers.

Upon launching the browser, users can import their browsing history, bookmarks, and search engines from other applications like Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge by signing into their Samsung Cloud account. The browser also supports add-ons and extensions from Chrome and Edge, accessible through the Chrome Web Store.

Samsung Internet for Windows offers familiar features such as incognito mode, light and dark modes, and ad-blocker support. The design elements show similarities to both Chrome and Edge, providing a sense of familiarity for users of those browsers. A useful security feature allows users to delete bookmarks, browsing history, passwords, and other data upon signing out, catering to those who share computers.

Despite its promising features, the browser’s PC debut is marred by a lack of complete sync support. Currently, only browsing history, bookmarks, and search engines can be imported, with no support for transferring saved passwords from Galaxy devices to computers. This omission may be addressed in future updates.

In May, Samsung Internet received an optimisation update for Galaxy tablet users. Toggleable features were introduced, allowing users to control the placement of the browser’s address, bookmark, and tab bars. The update also included a warning for users with a high number of open tabs, informing them that opening another tab would result in the deletion of the oldest tab.

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Google Clarifies the Cause of Missing Google Drive Files

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Many Google Drive users recently experienced the unsettling disappearance of their files, prompting concerns. Google has now identified the root cause, attributing the issue specifically to the Google Drive for Desktop app. While assuring that only a limited subset of users is affected, the tech giant is actively investigating the matter and promises timely updates.

To prevent inadvertent file deletion, Google provides the following recommendations:

  1. Avoid clicking “Disconnect account” within Drive for desktop.
  2. Refrain from deleting or moving the app data folder, located at:
    • Windows: %USERPROFILE%\AppData\Local\Google\DriveFS
    • macOS: ~/Library/Application Support/Google/DriveFS
  3. Optionally, create a copy of the app data folder if there is sufficient space on your hard drive.

Before Google officially addressed the issue, distressed users took to the company’s support forum to report deleted files. One user from South Korea highlighted a particularly severe case where their account reverted to May 2023, resulting in the loss of anything uploaded or created after that date. Additionally, the user emphasised that they had not synced or shared their files or drive with anyone else.

As Google delves deeper into resolving this matter, affected users are advised to heed the provided precautions. The company’s commitment to ongoing updates reflects its dedication to swiftly addressing and rectifying the situation. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of proactive measures to safeguard digital data, especially as users navigate cloud-based platforms such as Google Drive.

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Is Apple’s New ‘NameDrop’ Feature a Cause for Parental Concern?

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In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, Apple’s new iOS 17 update has introduced a feature that’s sparking a mix of curiosity and concern: NameDrop. This functionality allows users to share contact information with others seamlessly, but it’s not without its set of caveats and considerations.

At the core of the apprehension is the proximity-based nature of NameDrop. For the feature to work, both devices must have iOS 17 installed, be unlocked, and be in close physical proximity – a touch is required to initiate the contact transfer. The user experience involves a swift interaction, prompting a screen at the top of the device with options to “receive only” or “share.”

The need for consent is emphasised in this process. Both users must actively participate in the transfer, acknowledging and approving the exchange of contact information. This deliberate approach is aimed at ensuring that the sharing of personal data is a conscious and intentional act.

However, the rollout of NameDrop has not been without its share of concerns, particularly among parents and law enforcement agencies. Police departments across the United States have issued warnings, urging parents to manually disable the feature on their children’s devices. The fear, it seems, is rooted in the potential for unintended consequences, especially considering the close physical interaction required.

Is it wise to err on the side of caution and turn off NameDrop? Perhaps. Is it time to hit the panic button? Not necessarily, according to experts in the field. In a report by The Washington Post, Chester Wisniewski, a digital security expert at Sophos, dismisses the concerns surrounding NameDrop as “hysteria” and “nonsense.” He suggests that Apple has implemented safeguards to prevent inadvertent information sharing.

One key aspect that should offer reassurance is the need for mutual consent and the deliberate physical proximity required for the feature to activate. The intentionality of this process is to eliminate the risk of accidental data exchanges, putting control firmly in the hands of the users.

As with any technological advancement, understanding and awareness play pivotal roles in ensuring a positive user experience. Educating users, especially parents and guardians, about the intricacies of NameDrop can empower them to make informed decisions about its use. Apple, being at the forefront of user privacy and security, is likely to continue refining and enhancing the feature based on user feedback and evolving security standards.

While the warnings from law enforcement underscore the importance of vigilance, it is crucial to approach the situation with a balanced perspective. The benefits of a feature like NameDrop, enabling seamless contact sharing in a world where connectivity is key, should not be overshadowed by fear.

Apple’s NameDrop feature introduces a novel way of sharing contact information, but its success hinges on user awareness and responsible usage. As technology continues to evolve, so too will the safeguards and features aimed at ensuring a secure and positive user experience. By staying informed and engaged, users can navigate the landscape of advancements like NameDrop with confidence.

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