Yup, RCS is very much like iMessage. So much so in fact, that if an iOS user were to infiltrate a group chat held by Android users, all of these features would disappear and everyone’s texts would be inside green bubbles-just like with iMessage when an Android user joins a previously all iOS chat.
Category: General
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Gold prices fall
SJC gold price fell 0.15% to VND67.1 million ($2,852.04) per tael Wednesday morning.
Gold ring price dropped 0.18% to VND56.45 million per tael. A tael equals 37.5 grams or 1.2 ounces.
Globally gold traded in a narrow range on Wednesday as traders refrained from making big bets ahead of Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell’s congressional testimony, which could offer further insight into the central bank’s interest-rate hike plan,.
Spot gold was almost unchanged at $1,936.99 per ounce. U.S. gold futures too were little changed at $1,948.20.
Powell’s congressional testimonies due on Wednesday and Thursday will be scanned for U.S. interest rate outlook.
Two Federal Reserve policymakers and an economist nominated to join them on the Fed’s Washington-based board on Tuesday said their focus is on bringing down too-high inflation so that the U.S. economy can get back to sustainable growth.
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WhatsApp update adds option to automatically silence unknown callers
WhatsApp users have been spoiled lately, as Meta’s acquisition rolled out several important updates in the last few months, something that doesn’t happen too often. Today’s update introduces a couple of privacy features that we’re pretty sure users will find extremely useful.
As the title says, a new option to automatically silence unknown callers is now available for WhatsApp users. Specifically designed to prevent spam, scams, and calls from unknown people, the new feature provides increased protection and peace of mind.
The new feature can be enabled from the Privacy tab / Calls and while all calls from unknown numbers will be silenced, they will still be shown in the Call list just in case you recognize one of the numbers or you know it’s coming from someone important.
In addition to the Silence Unknown Callers feature, WhatsApp announced that it’s bringing Privacy Checkup to its app. It’s a step-by-step feature meant to guide users through important privacy settings and familiarize them with certain levels of protection.
WhatsApp users can now select “Start checkup” from their Privacy settings to browse through multiple privacy layers that increase the security of messages, calls and personal information.
These two new features should be available globally for all WhatsApp users, but make sure to update to the latest version of the app before trying to use either of them.
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Google apps like Maps, Translate, Calendar and Lens are getting integrated into the iOS Chrome app
There are some changes being made by Google to the iOS version of Chrome in order to “help you quickly get more done from your browser.” Google notes that Chrome is using “AI to detect addresses on webpages.” Press on an address inside of a webpage and you’ll see an option to “View with Google Maps in Chrome.” Tapping on this option will reveal a mini Google Maps in Chrome that will allow you to “Get Directions” to the address on the webpage that you tapped, or open the full Google Maps app.Tap on a date listed on a webpage in the iOS version of Chrome and you’ll see two options: one to add that date to the Google Calendar app, and one to add that date to Apple Calendar. If you choose to add it to Google Calendar, contextual information will be used to fill out some of the blanks and you can adjust some of the information to meet the particulars of the appointment you are adding to the calendar.Now here’s another cool feature coming to the iOS version of Chrome. Tap on a passage found on a website written in a foreign language and a toolbar will appear on the display that includes a “Google Translate” option. Tap on it and the section of the webpage you wanted to be translated will appear in English (or your home language).And in the coming months, the search/URL bar at the top of the iOS version of Chrome will include the iconic Google Lens camera icon on the right side of the bar found near the top of the screen. Tap on it and you can “use your camera to search with new pictures you take and existing images in your camera roll.” Think of Lens as another way to access Google’s search engine using photos to input what you want to search for. Currently, an icon for Lens can be found in the search bar near the top of the iOS Google Search app.It isn’t clear when these new features are coming to the iOS version of Chrome so it will be a matter of trial and error until you find that each of these new features is available on your iPhone. -

AirAsia’s Fernandes teases large aircraft order
The AirAsia group of airlines “will definitely” be placing a large order for aircraft over “the next two years”, although it will not be adding to the flurry of order announcements at this year’s Paris air show.
Tony Fernandes, chief executive of AirAsia parent company Capital A, tells FlightGlobal that the group has other priorities at this stage.
“I think it’s crazy for me to talk about orders now when I haven’t got all my planes back [in service],” he says. “But this is a business…and you need to plan quite a few years ahead, of course. I would say… over the next two years, we will definitely be placing large orders.”
At the 2011 edition of the Paris air show, AirAsia made headlines when it placed an order for 200 A320neos. Then at 2019’s show, it became the largest A321neo customer in the world after converting 253 of its A320neo orders to the larger variant.
With existing Airbus narrowbody commitments in place, Fernandes says the group is looking at “potentially acquiring” more widebody aircraft as an immediate priority – pointing to a robust recovery in the medium-haul market.
Low-cost medium-haul operator AirAsia X currently operates most of the group’s widebodies, flying a fleet of Airbus A330-300s.
Moving forward, Fernandes says the group is “agnostic at the moment” about which airframer it would source its new fleet of widebodies from.
“You would think we would take the A330neo as new aircraft; we will see what is available. Growth in the medium-haul market has been very strong and AirAsia X is doing very well,” Fernandes says, adding that the new aircraft would be a mix of leases and direct orders.
“We would like to put widebodies into Indonesia and the Philippines, and more in Malaysia and Indonesia,” he adds, listing the countries with AirAsia units in operation.
For the rest of the year at least, the group will remain “realistic” in its fleet strategy, as it moves from what Fernandes calls “survival mode” to the start of its “growth mode”.
“We want to be sensible – we will definitely look at placing more narrowbody orders, but let’s fully recover first,” he says.
AirAsia units are working to return their stored fleet of A320-family narrowbodies to service. Fernandes says about 170 aircraft are flying, with the remaining 35 jets likely to be back in service by August.
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8 Ways To Simplify Business Banking
In the world of business, every minute counts. Efficiency and simplicity are not just ideals but necessities, particularly when dealing with finances. Financial transactions and money management should be straightforward, enabling you to focus on your business’s core operations. One way to achieve such simplicity is through effective business banking strategies. These strategies are intended to eliminate complications, reduce unnecessary effort, and streamline financial operations.
In this context, the Mercury bank account for foreigners is worth mentioning. It provides an excellent example of simplifying business banking by allowing non-resident business owners to manage their finances efficiently. This innovative solution is just one example of how business banking can be simplified, leading us to our discussion’s heart.
- Leverage Online Banking
In today’s digital age, online banking has become crucial to managing finances. Online banking lets you easily transfer funds, pay bills, and monitor transactions from anywhere. This eliminates the need to visit a bank in person, saving you precious time.
Online banking also offers features like mobile check deposits and low-balance alerts, making it a convenient and efficient way to manage your finances. By leveraging online banking, you can simplify your financial tasks and focus on growing your business.
- Consider Consolidation
Juggling multiple accounts across different banks can be challenging and time-consuming. To simplify your banking activities, it’s worth considering consolidating them with a single provider. This approach can simplify management and enable you to keep a closer eye on your cash flow. Having all your accounts in one place allows you to easily monitor your balances, transactions, and fees.
Consolidation can also make it easier to access financing options, such as loans or lines of credit. Overall, consolidating your banking activities can save you time and energy while making managing your finances less stressful.
- Automate Payments
Automating payments is an effective way to streamline your financial operations. Setting up recurring payments for monthly bills and payroll can significantly reduce administrative work and avoid late payment fees. This simple approach keeps your finances on track without requiring continuous monitoring. As you transition to this strategy, remember that consistency is key. The more consistent you are in your banking strategies, the easier it will be to manage your financial operations. By automating payments and maintaining consistency, you can simplify your financial tasks and focus on growing your business.
- Use Cloud-Based Accounting Software
Cloud-based accounting software is an excellent tool for simplifying financial processes. These platforms automatically update financial data, making tracking income, expenses, and tax obligations easier. By using cloud-based accounting software, you can access real-time financial information from anywhere, at any time. This can help you make informed decisions about your business and manage your finances more efficiently. Additionally, cloud-based accounting software can reduce the risk of errors and save time on manual data entry. Using cloud-based accounting software is a smart investment for any business looking to streamline financial operations.
- Embrace Mobile Banking
Mobile banking apps offer a convenient way to conduct banking transactions. As a busy entrepreneur, embracing this technology can be a significant time-saver. With mobile banking, you can easily transfer funds, pay bills, and monitor transactions from your smartphone or tablet. This eliminates the need to visit a bank in person, saving you precious time. Additionally, mobile banking apps offer features like mobile check deposits and alerts for low balances, making it a convenient and efficient way to manage your finances. By embracing mobile banking, you can simplify your financial tasks and focus on growing your business.
- Set Up Alerts
Stay in the loop by setting up banking alerts. Whether it’s a deposit notification, a low-balance alert, or an unauthorized transaction warning, these alerts can keep you updated on your financial status and help prevent potential issues.
- Get Expert Advice
Never hesitate to seek professional help. A financial advisor or a dedicated bank representative can provide personalized advice tailored to your business needs. They can help simplify your banking operations and assist in financial decision-making.
In moving toward our last point, remember that simplicity is about removing complexity, not necessarily reducing functionality. It’s about making sure everything serves a clear purpose.
- Implement Payroll Services
Lastly, consider integrating payroll services with your business bank account. Such services can streamline your payroll process, ensure accuracy, and help comply with legal requirements.
Taking these steps toward simplifying your business banking can save valuable time, increase accuracy, and let you focus more on your business’s operational aspects. Implementing these strategies won’t happen overnight, but the benefits will be worthwhile.
Conclusion
Simplifying business banking may seem daunting initially, but with the right strategies, it becomes manageable. Implementing the aforementioned methods can streamline your financial operations, provide a clearer picture of your cash flow, and ultimately enable you to concentrate more on what matters most – growing your business. Simplify to amplify your business’s success because simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.
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AirAsia X expands medium-haul network to Northern India
AirAsia Aviation Group’s medium-haul affiliate airline, AirAsia X, continues to expand its network with renewed direct services from Kuala Lumpur to Amritsar in Northern India.
Its chief executive officer, Benyamin Ismail said the restart of the route is part of the company’s effort to strengthen AAX’s position in South Asia, complementing its robust network in North Asia.
“We are optimistic that this route relaunch will not only enhance our medium-haul destination offering with affordable fares but also contribute to the overall business growth,” he said in a statement today.
The renewed direct services will be scheduled four times weekly, effective from Sept 3, 2023, with access to Amritsar, a destination known for its religious significance, tourism attractions, commercial opportunities, and trade prospects.
“As the second destination to India after New Delhi, this route will deliver an additional annual capacity of 157,263 seats between Kuala Lumpur and Amritsar for AAX,” it said.
To celebrate the route recommencement, AAX is offering promotional all-in fare from RM299 one-way for the economy seat and RM999 one-way for the Premium Flatbed.
In addition, guests travelling to/from Amritsar will also enjoy 50 per cent off check-in baggage when they book from today until July 2, 2023, for the travel period between Sept 3, 2023, and March 30, 2024.
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Construction steel prices lowest in two months
Prices of construction steel have dropped by VND200,000 (US$8.50) per ton, the 10th decline in a row, to VND14.5 million, the lowest rate in the last two months.
Companies like Hoa Phat, Viet Y, Viet Duc, and Viet Nhat have cur prices by a cumulative VND1.5 million per ton since early April.
The Vietnam Steel Association attributed the lower prices to weak demand.
However, the price reduction has helped boost production and demand in the last two months. Over 812,000 tons of construction steel were produced in May, up 14% from April, while 927,000 tons of the product were sold, up 26%, the highest growth rate since the beginning of this year, according to the association.
Hoa Phat Group, which holds one-third of Vietnam’s construction steel market share, said it sold 530,000 tons of steel of all kinds in May, up 16% against April. Specifically, it sold 284,000 tons of construction steel, up 33%.
Steelmakers said they experienced hardship in the second half of last year, saw improved performance in the first quarter of this year, and would make profits in the second quarter.
However, VNDirect Securities Corporation said steel demand would remain weak throughout 2023.
Total sales of construction steel and galvanized steel are likely to decrease by 9.2% and 7% this year to 9.5 million tons and 3.9 million tons, respectively, it predicted.
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Vietnam lacks a million tons of coal for power production
Thermal power plants in northern Vietnam are short of over one million tons of coal for power production for this and next month, which could intensify electricity shortage in the region.
Vietnam’s main coal suppliers Vinacomin and Dong Bac Corp were obliged to provide 4.39 million tons to utility firm Vietnam Electricity (EVN) for power production in June and July, but so far they are 1.64 million tons short.
Since a unit of EVN has been able to purchase 600,000 tons from other sources, the amount of coal needed for EVN to operate its thermal power plants is 600,000 tons this month and 400,000 next.
This amount is even more necessary since hydropower plants in the north are at record low water levels, which means thermal power plants will need to run at full capacity, EVN CEO Tran Dinh Nhat said at a meeting on June 12.
The Ministry of Industry and Trade has recently said that five major hydropower plants in the north were shut down this month, creating a shortage of 5,000 megawatts of power for northern Vietnam.
Water levels will likely remain low in the next 10 days, according to weather forecasts.
Load shedding has been frequent in different northern areas in the last several weeks, disrupting daily life and manufacturing.
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Tutor Time, A Bilingual Path to Local and International Primary Schools
“Children are like tiny flowers; they are varied and need care, but each is beautiful alone and glorious when seen in the community of peers”. Froebel (who invented the ‘kindergarten’) possessed an innate love of science, nature and mathematics, believed in hands-on learning and encouraged children to flourish through non-directional play. This allowed them the freedom to explore and appreciate nature, plant, nurture, explore, observe and discover. Many years later, Tutor Time Kindergarten built off of this idea and established a bilingual path to international primary school education for children between three and six years.
Bilingual Education
The interactive English and Mandarin bilingual classrooms in Tutor Time International Nursery & Kindergarten encourage children to explore their own unique interests through the LifeSmart programme. LifeSmart™ helps young children develop holistically through exploring their different ‘smarts’. The curriculum prepares children for international primary school and encourages them to develop critical literacy and numeracy skills, among other skills like creativity, science and more. Tutor Time is inspired by Howard Gardner’s Multiple Intelligences theory, based on research about how individuals learn through eight unique intelligences. Every child uses intelligence differently to carry out tasks and solve problems.
Tutor Time continuously updates the curriculum of its Kindergarten Programme to ensure that they exceed the standard requirements of local and international primary schools. Tutor Time students go on to attend some of the best schools in Hong Kong such as St. Mary’s Canossian School, St. Paul’s Co-Educational College Primary School, Chinese International School, and Hong Kong International School.
Professionals at Tutor Time foster independence, cooperation and communication skills to help students develop a lifelong love of learning. The teachers afford each child hands-on learning through reading and storytelling using books developed with Learning Time.
Chief Academic Officer Dr Susan Canizares explains, “Integrating character development in the preschool classroom in ways that are meaningful to children helps them better understand and learn positive values. When we help children grasp the idea of empathy and consider the experiences, feelings and ideas of another person, we help them to be more sensitive to the importance of kindness and generosity”.
Positive Behaviour Support
The school provides skills to promote social, emotional, language, and cognitive development to guide children’s behaviour. If a child has challenging behaviours, Tutor Time educators treat these behaviours as positive learning opportunities. The use of the Second Step program guides children in learning key social and emotional skills that impact their approach to life both inside and outside of school.
Each language teacher at Tutor Time is a native English or Mandarin speaker and holds at least a Bachelor’s Degree and relevant industry certification. They undertake the school’s proprietary training programme to implement Tutor Time’s approach, values, and curriculum during each lesson and ensure your child receives the best educational experience possible.
Tutor Time has 4 campuses across Hong Kong: North Point (Braemar Hill), Mid-Levels, Yuen Long (YOHO) and Kowloon Tong Dorset that offer world-class facilities and academic support for your child. Schedule a school visit to your interested campus to prepare your child to receive the best education in a beautiful and safe environment.
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Google Calendar will reportedly introduce new Material You widgets teased years ago
Introduced in 2021 with Android 12, the Material You treatment on Google Calendar enabled consumers to personalize the app more seamlessly than before. While some intriguing widgets relied on the background to create personalized colors, the overall design wasn’t really unique. Well, things might be changing now, for Google might currently be working on an update of the Material You widgets.
The information isn’t officially confirmed, so there’s no way to tell whether the update will ever be released. With that in mind, photos of the possible new look of Google Calendar were spotted online. What’s fair to say about them is that they look relatively finished. So, the widget updates might be coming to the public at some point very soon.Pictures of the revamped widgets were found on a Google News Telegram channel, which activated them using a hidden flag in version 2023.22.1-537255951. So far, so good. What makes these changes interesting, though?
Let’s first determine which view modes get a revamped widget design. Looking at the pictures, it becomes clear that the changes in question shall apply to the monthly overview of Google Calendar and the agenda view.
The latter drops its background color in favor of the plus button, making it stand out. The plus button is redesigned in the monthly view mode as well. There, it also moves to the very top right corner of the app.The two widget designs were compared online. According to the Telegram channel, these are foldable mockup design, first introduced by Google upon announcing Material You and this one.As mentioned, the design changes on the Material You widgets haven’t been officially confirmed yet. Still, keeping in mind that a mere flag in the code allows them to run, it could be safe to say that the revamped design will be coming to Google Calendar sooner or later.



