Tech

Internet search giant Google has added a new feature to Google Calendar that will make it possible for its workspace users to use it offline on the web, that is without internet support. When this is enabled, users will be able to view their calendar and events “from four weeks prior or any time in the future by week, day, or month.” Google says that this feature will be turned on by default, however, it can be disabled on the domain by admins. In case the feature is left on by the admin, the feature will be off for the end-user by default and will come with the option to enable it on a per device basis. The feature is in the process of gradual rollout starting January 20 and will take up to 15 days for it to be visible under admin control. For the end-user, the gradual rollout of the device is set to take place starting January 25. On its support page, Google explains that when a user is offline and accessing Google Calendar, they won’t be able to create or edit … [Read more...] about Google rolls out offline support for Calendar, but only for these users

Alphabet Inc's Google has asked a U.S. judge in Texas to transfer an antitrust lawsuit filed by 10 states in December to a court in California, a state that has more relevant witnesses and documents needed by the company, it said. In December, Texas and nine other states sued Google LLC in a U.S. court in Sherman, Texas, accusing the search engine company of working with Facebook Inc in a way that violated antitrust law to boost its already-dominant online advertising business. Google said in a court filing that the first case alleging it monopolized online display advertising was filed in May by an advertiser, and that since then five other cases have been filed. All were filed in the Northern District of California, "the venue where Google is headquartered and where more relevant witnesses and documents are located than in any other district in the country," Google said in its request to move the case, which was filed late on Tuesday. Google adds that the states' lawsuit … [Read more...] about Google asks US judge to move states’ antitrust lawsuit to California

The recently updated website for President Joe Biden's White House carried an invitation for tech specialists savvy enough to find it. Hidden in the HTML code on https://www.whitehouse.gov was an invitation to join the U.S. Digital Service, a technology unit within the White House. "If you're reading this, we need your help building back better," the message said. Former President Barack Obama launched the service in 2014 to recruit technologists to help revamp government services - for example by modernizing Medicare's payment system or reforming hiring practices across government agencies. Tech specialists join the Digital Service for typically one or two years. … [Read more...] about In hidden message on White House website, Joe Biden calls for coders

Last year Amazon's health and safety response to the virus came under fire from employees after the company's decision to roll back hazard pay as well as unlimited unpaid time off during the pandemic. That October, Amazon publicly reported that its total number of coronavirus cases in its front-line US workforce was close to 20,000. The report was released after urging from employees and 13 state attorneys general.  … [Read more...] about Amazon says it wants to help Biden reach 100M vaccination goal

If you are taking online classes or have joined a large group on Telegram then it is highly advisable to know certain privacy features to avoid getting harassed or stalked. Recently, female students of Karnataka State Open University (KSOU) faced a tough time when their phone numbers became publicly available from Telegram groups meant for sharing study materials and assignments. Students complained that they got calls and messages from strangers seeking favours. In order to prevent incidents like this, KSOU officials changed privacy settings of their Telegram group to help students. So, if you are new to Telegram and have recently made the shift from WhatsApp, here are some privacy settings you must know and apply. Hide your phone number You can chat on Telegram via user ID and without providing your phone number as well. So, if someone asks for your phone number to chat on Telegram, simply give them your user ID. It works like Twitter. You can create a unique ID for yourself by … [Read more...] about Telegram settings you must know to avoid ‘trouble’