Virtual Social Community

Last week, Facebook revealed plans to launch a “virtual social community” that’s hinged on immersive virtual reality experiences.

Dubbed “Horizon,” the platform is envisioned to let owners of Oculus-branded virtual reality headsets “explore new places” in a virtual, social media space.

Unveiled during the course of the Oculus Connect 6 conference held last week, the platform is described by Facebook chief executive Mark Zuckerberg as one which “grows and expands and gets better over time,” as it will be designed to allow members of the platform to create their own spaces and experiences within it with easy-to-use tools.

It is noted that members of the platform can make reality virtualizations without any intensive knowledge of code, save for some basic technical considerations that are involved in recording or rendering virtual reality spaces.

At its core, the forthcoming “Horizon” is aimed at putting “people at the center of computing, not just with great hardware, but with amazing software experiences as well.”

A beta version of the platform is expected to be launched in 2020. More information on “Horizon” is hosted on Facebook and the Oculus brand’s official online channels.

Apple issues advisory on using third-party keyboards on iOS 13.1

Following last week’s release of iOS 13.1, Apple warned iPhone and iPad owners against the use third-party keyboards in the update version as these could lead to potential privacy and security issues.

An official support article on the matter notes that in the use of third-party keyboard apps in the new OS version may allow them “full access” even if they have not been authorized, which, in turn, could grant the apps access to the net and send data.

Apple plans to resolve the issue soon in an upcoming software update codenamed iOS 13.2. It is unclear when the update will be rolled out, but various sites report that it is currently on its beta testing phase.

iPhone and iPad owners are advised to regularly check their phones for official updates..

Xiaomi’s true bezel-less“Mi Mix Alpha”

With a 108-megapixel camera provisions for 5G connectivity and a 180 percent screen-to-body ratio, Xiaomi’s “Mi Mix Alpha” easily got the attention of tech pundits and journalists when it was unveiled last week.

As one of four Xiaomi phones unveiled during a product launch held last Tuesday, the model touts a single wrap-around display design that sets it as a true bezel-less phone – a form factor which has yet to be implemented by other brands.

Topping its menu of hardware specifications are imaging features that allows for crisp images at an 8x zoom factor, RAM rated at 12 gigs and storage of 512 gigs.

The phone is made almost entirely of screen, and runs with a special AI system that identifies which parts of the phone are actively being used for user interaction/navigation.

Though it has been identified by Xiaomi as one of its “concept phones,” a small number of the model is expected to be made available in select markets by December this year. More information on the phone is hosted on Xiaomi’s official online channels.