Technology Archives

Does India Deserve the Internet Freedom it Enjoys?

It might seem shocking, given how some of our ministers think the internet was invented during the Mahabharata, but the Indian internet is actually a marvel – compared to the EU and USA, who are considering draconian copyright laws and doing away with net neutrality respectively.

Dushyant Shekhawat July 29, 2016

Technology

The Fault in Aadhaars

Will the new virtual ID really change anything for Aadhaar? When compared with the ordered system of getting a fresh passport, with all its regulations in place, the process of acquiring an Aadhaar seems closer to getting a gym membership.

#VALUE! July 27, 2016

Technology

YouTube, TikTok, Live Cricket: Will the Mobile Tariff Hike Deprive the Poor of Everyday Entertainment?

A rise in mobile tariff might not impact you and me. I’d be more mindful of downloads and use WiFi more often. But it’s going to hit the watchman, whose shift is made tolerable with YouTube, and the rickshawallah whose long rides are made less dreary because of live cricket commentary, hard.

Deepak Gopalakrishnan July 19, 2016

Technology

RIP Privacy, WhatsApp is Our New Mom

With WhatsApp updating its privacy policy, it’ll share data with other Facebook-owned and third party apps. It’ll also share details like your location and battery level. WhatsApp then is basically a lot like a typical Indian mom who knows everything about you and shares it with the rest of the fam.

Arré Bench July 19, 2016

Technology

Deep Fakes Have Infiltrated Indian Politics. Where Will They Go Next?

Over the past few years, the technology needed to map a person’s voice has been steadily improving. Although far from perfect, this, when coupled with a virtual avatar that looks a lot like the real thing, is a recipe for disaster.

Adhirath Sethi July 11, 2016

Technology

“Honey I Cracked the Screen”: Budget Phones for the Eternally Clumsy

Some phone owners manage to break a very important feature of their brand-new device just 10 seconds after it’s handed to them by the delivery boy. For these butterfingered individuals, these phones under ₹10,000 are a god-send.

Arré Bench July 10, 2016

Technology

Mastodon is Temporary, Twitter is Permanent: Why Social Networks Aren’t Easily Replaced

Many are calling Mastodon a better version of Twitter — sans the hate and trolls. Alas, reality is going to be a lot harsher. Those who think it’s going to be a panacea for “Twitter’s evils” are likely to be very disappointed.

Deepak Gopalakrishnan July 5, 2016

Technology

Does Charging Your Phone Overnight Really Kill the Battery?

As it turns out, the question how long should you charge a phone is about as complex to answer as why Republic TV would think that a Jamia protester would shoot at a fellow protester. Let's hash out some of the theories.

Arré Bench July 4, 2016

Technology

How Fantasy Sports Games Like Dream11 Could Help Curb Illegal Betting

To anyone unfamiliar with Dream11, it isn’t just a fantasy sports game in which you can win money. It’s a mood, a thing to fight with friends over. Plus, according to a recent SC ruling, it’s completely legal!

Sohil Nikam July 2, 2016

Technology

Can Google Duplex Help Me with My Break Up?

When I heard of Google Duplex, I went into overdrive thinking of all the things I’d never have to do again if Duplex could stay on the down-low. Customer care executives, annoying relatives, and break ups were all things from which I’d be forever freed.

Kahini Iyer July 1, 2016