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US judge temporarily halts Activision Blizzard buyout to Microsoft

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In an attempt to prevent competitors from going out of the competition, US regulators were granted approval for a request to stop the buyout of Activision Blizzard to technology colossus Microsoft for $69 billion.

According to the court, the temporary restraining order “is necessary to maintain the status quo while the complaint is pending.”

The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) said the deal could “substantially lessen competition in the sector”.

The hearing of the case is set to take place from June 22 to 24 in San Francisco.

If the deal with Activision Blizzard — a company behind Call of Duty and Candy Crush — is successful, it would be the biggest deal ever in the history of the video gaming industry.

According to BBC, it has split competition regulators in the UK, the US and Europe.

The UK restrained the buyout while the European Union (EU) approved it. For the successful conclusion of the deal, Microsoft and Activision require permission from the US, the UK and EU regulators.

The deal would give Microsoft’s Xbox console exclusive access to Activision games, leaving competitors Nintendo and Sony out in the cold, argued the FTC.

A Microsoft logo is seen in Los Angeles, California, US. — Reuters/File
A Microsoft logo is seen in Los Angeles, California, US. — Reuters/File

The companies have a time limit of June 16 to submit their arguments to oppose the preliminary injunction and the FTC will have to reply on 20 June.

Microsoft said a takeover of Activision would benefit gaming companies and players.

It has offered to sign a legally binding agreement with the FTC to provide Call of Duty games to rivals including Sony for a decade.

The European Commission approved the acquisition and said that Microsoft’s offer of 10-year free licensing deals — which promise European consumers and cloud game streaming services access to Activision’s PC and console games — means there would be fair competition in the market.

But the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) blocked the deal in April. It maintained that it was concerned the takeover would offer reduced innovation and less choice for gamers.

The companies criticized CMA’s decision and said they would file an appeal.

Brad Smith, Microsoft president said it marked the company’s “darkest day” in its four decades of working in Britain.

In response to the announcement by the FTC Monday, Smith noted that Microsoft welcomed the “opportunity to present our case in federal court” in its attempt to persuade US regulators to allow the deal to be completed.

“We believe accelerating the legal process in the US will ultimately bring more choice and competition to the market,” he added.

The buyout of Activision is regarded as crucial for Microsoft, which is trying to catch up with its main competitor Sony.

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Unlawful VPNs: Terrorists Utilize Unregistered VPNs to Disseminate Propaganda

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Terrorists utilize illicit VPNs to disseminate propaganda and misinformation while concealing their identities.

Several accounts have been uncovered and are under investigation.

The cessation of non-registered VPNs is crucial for the nation’s economy.

The PTA is blocking illegal URLs and websites disseminating objectionable material upon verification.

Forensic investigations of websites have yielded startling results.

Disseminating erroneous information is more facile using unregistered VPNs.

Terrorists were exploiting these unverified VPNs.

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Air University Holds A Revolutionary Event For Students Focusing On Cybersecurity

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Air Marshal (R) Asad Lodhi has praised the Pakistan Cyber Security Challenge, an initiative by the Air University and Higher Education Commission that aims to train future cyber security experts and pioneers. At the opening ceremony of the two-day Pakistan Cyber Security Challenge, which took place at Air University in Islamabad, he was the chief guest.
Showdown challenges, the Ideas Cup, and the Pakistan Crypt Challenge are all part of the Pakistan Cyber Security Challenge, which lasts for two days.

Air Marshal (R) Abdul Moeed Khan, VC of Air University, made a speech praising the cyber security abilities of Pakistani youth, saying that they are among the best in the world and will help the country face cyber threats. A haven for cyber security excellence, he said, Pakistan Cyber Security Challenge 2024. Additionally, he praised the Air University for its innovative and outstanding work in this area.
At the inaugural ceremony of the Pakistan Cyber Security Challenge, Dr. Zia Ul Qayyum, executive director of the Higher Education Commission, also spoke to the crowd. He discussed how HEC has created a welcoming atmosphere and helped facilitate projects such as the Pakistan Cyber Security Challenge.
As part of the inauguration event, an MoU was also signed. Guests and participants were given souvenirs as the opening ceremony came to a close.

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How to turn on low-light mode on WhatsApp for better video calls

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The Meta-owned messaging platform WhatsApp has launched a new feature designed to facilitate video calls in low-light environments.

Frequent users of WhatsApp for video calls with loved ones may appreciate the recently launched low-light mode.

The function enhances video call clarity in low-light conditions, facilitating more effective connections regardless of location.

Are you inclined to experiment with it? Here is a comprehensive guide on employing low-light mode to enhance video quality during WhatsApp calls.

A sequential instructional manual

Step 1: Open WhatsApp on your device.

Step 2: Commence a video call with any family member or acquaintance.

Step 3: Observe the bulb icon positioned at the top-right corner of your screen.

Step 4: Select the bulb icon to activate it. To deactivate it, you click on the icon once more.

Your friends and family will now perceive you more distinctly due to improved visibility and less graininess, regardless of the surrounding lighting circumstances. This feature is presently accessible solely on Android and iOS devices, and not on Windows.

Furthermore, explore: Methods to categorise WhatsApp conversations using personalised lists: A sequential instructional manual.

Key considerations to retain

As this is a provisional configuration, it must be activated with each call you make.

In addition to the low-light mode, WhatsApp provides several additional intriguing features for video calls, such as background removal, filters, and enhancement options.

Background removal: The background remover function allows you to alter your backdrop during video conferences.

Filters: This functionality enables you to apply a filter from a selection during video calls with friends and family, enhancing the vibrancy of your interactions.

WhatsApp offers a fundamental touch-up feature to improve your appearance during video talks.

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