https://www.techradar.com/pro/australia-is-building-its-own-top-secret-cloud-platform
Australia is developing its own top secret cloud platform to host intelligence data, according to the country's director-general of national intelligence. The platform aims to enhance collaboration within the Five Eyes intelligence alliance, consisting of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK, and the US, by allowing near-instantaneous sharing of data between intelligence agencies. The platform will also have interoperability with existing intelligence clouds in other countries. Australia hopes this initiative will enable better coordination of responses to global security concerns.
Twitch will be shutting down its services in South Korea due to high operating costs. The decision was explained by CEO Dan Clancy, who cited the prohibitively expensive network fees in the country. The closure will affect Twitch streamers in Korea, but the company plans to help them transition to alternative streaming services. Other online businesses have also faced difficulties operating in South Korea.
The developers of Modern Warfare 3 have confirmed that a terrifying error message appearing in the game is just a bug and won't result in any lasting repercussions for players. The error message prompts players to reset their rank and unlocks, but the developers assure that progress, unlocks, and purchases are not lost. Loadouts, however, may be affected. A patch to fix the error is expected.
Microsoft is introducing the ability to remove clutter from the widgets panel in Windows 11, allowing users to solely display widgets without news feeds or ads. Initially planned for users in the European Economic Area (EEA), the feature will now be available to all Windows 11 users. Other changes include the ability to change the Microsoft account associated with the news feed and improvements to the Copilot feature. This move by Microsoft comes in response to user feedback and may indicate the possibility of further customization options for Windows 11.
Among Us VR has finally been released on the PlayStation 5 headset, making it playable across most VR headsets. The game is available for $9.99 on the PlayStation Store and features crossplay with Meta Quest 2, Meta Quest 3, and Steam VR devices. Players can now enjoy the immersive experience of completing tasks, holding emergency meetings, and figuring out the impostors' identities in a first-person virtual environment. This release is a welcome addition to the PSVR 2 library, especially considering the slow first year for the headset.
Game developer Poncle has announced a new DLC for Vampire Survivors, titled Vampire Survivors: Emergency Meeting. The DLC will feature characters and settings from the popular game Among Us, with a space-themed map and new enemies. The DLC will be released on December 18 for PC and Xbox, with plans for a later release on mobile and Nintendo Switch.
A study by Red Hat reveals that UK IT leaders are facing urgent skills gaps in areas such as AI, strategic thinking, and cybersecurity. The lack of talent is identified as the top challenge, along with reduced employee downtime and a lack of training budget. The study highlights the need for organizations to address these skills gaps in order to stay competitive in the rapidly changing technology landscape.
https://www.techradar.com/gaming/when-does-lego-fortnite-come-out
Lego Fortnite, a new survival and crafting game, is set to launch on December 7, 2023, within the popular game Fortnite. Players can expect a Lego-style adventure with building and battling mechanics, as well as over 1,200 Outfits with Lego styles. Lego Fortnite will be a separate experience within Fortnite's Chapter 5 Season 1.
https://www.techradar.com/news/nyt-connections-answers-today
The New York Times Connections puzzle for December 7 requires players to find groups of four items that share something in common. The puzzle includes various categories of escalating difficulty, with hints provided to help players. The puzzle resets daily and the solution can be found in the article.
Google Drive for desktop has released an update (version 85.0.13.0 or higher) that includes a file recovery tool, allowing users who experienced file sync issues in a previous version to recover lost files. The tool can be accessed by following a few steps and is expected to work for a "small subset" of affected users. Users experiencing issues can provide feedback to Google through the Drive for desktop app.
Realme has introduced a palm unlock feature on its upcoming GT5 Pro smartphone, using the 32-megapixel front camera to detect a palm print. The device also supports various hand gestures such as pinch, swipe, and finger pointing. The flagship smartphone boasts Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, a 6.78-inch curved AMOLED display, and a 50-megapixel main camera. The Realme GT5 Pro will be available in China, starting from CNY 3,298 ($460).
https://techcrunch.com/2023/12/07/robinhood-eu-crypto-expansion/
Robinhood is expanding its international presence by launching its cryptocurrency app in the European Union, following its recent entry into the UK market. While the crypto app will be available to EU users, the brokerage service will be limited to the UK for now. Robinhood emphasizes transparency and claims to be the only custodial crypto platform, offering low fees and a percentage of trading volume back to users in Bitcoin. The company aims to assure European users that it has learned from past criticisms and plans to add new features and tokens in the future.
Pimento, a French startup, has raised $3.2 million in funding for its generative AI tool aimed at assisting creative teams with the ideation and brainstorming process. Users can input instructions and images, and Pimento uses AI models to generate images, text, and colors tailored to the project's brief. The company plans to add more features in the future.
African corporate cards and spend management platform Bujeti has secured $2 million in seed funding from Y Combinator and other investors. The two-year-old startup facilitates the issuance of corporate cards to businesses in sectors such as healthcare, logistics, agriculture, and construction. The investment will aid its growth and market expansion, as well as the development of new products and features such as credit lines for SMBs and multicurrency capabilities.
Munich-based startup Scalable Capital has raised €60m ($65m) in equity funding to expand its business in Germany, Austria, Italy, France, Spain and the Netherlands, and to enter new markets. The funding was led by Balderton and included participation from HV Capital and existing backers. Scalable Capital currently has 1.2 million customers and manages nearly €17bn in assets. Despite its growth, the company's valuation remains unchanged at $1.4bn. The funding round comes amid increased competition in the neobroker space, with Robinhood's recent entry into the European market.
Paris-based contract management platform Tomorro, formerly known as Leeway, has raised €11m ($11.9m) in a funding round led by Resonance. The company offers a centralised repository for drafting and managing contracts, with features including document editing, approval notifications and integration with e-signature provider DocuSign. Tomorro plans to expand beyond its current focus on the French market to other European countries in the coming years.
French contract management platform, Tomorro, formerly known as Leeway, has raised $11.9 million in funding. The platform offers a central repository for all contract management needs, including document editing and e-signatures. With the Covid-19 pandemic increasing the demand for digital contract management tools, Tomorro plans to expand into other European markets in the coming years.
https://techcrunch.com/2023/12/06/indias-sarvam-ai-raises-41-million-from-lightspeed-khosla-peak-xv/
Indian startup Sarvam AI has raised $41m in seed and series A financing rounds to develop a suite of full-stack generative AI offerings. Led by Lightspeed, with participation from Khosla Ventures and Peak XV Partners, the Bengaluru-based firm is building large language models that support Indian languages and is developing a platform that will enable businesses to build with these models. The company is also focused on creating models that use voice as the default interface in India. Sarvam AI was founded by Vivek Raghavan and Pratyush Kumar, both of whom previously worked at Microsoft-backed AI4Bharat.
Google is rolling out new features to the Pixel 8 Pro smartphone, including enhancements powered by Gemini Nano. These features include the Summarize tool on the Recorder app, which creates summaries of audio content, and Smart Reply in Gboard, which suggests responses to texts. Additionally, the update includes camera improvements and other new functionalities such as Repair Mode and contextual replies on the Call Screen.
Google Drive for desktop, which had a sync issue causing files to disappear, now includes a file recovery tool in its latest version. Users can access the tool by following a few steps, and a new folder named "Google Drive Recovery" will contain the unsynced files on the desktop. However, Google notes that this method may not work for everyone.
Financial services firm Paytm's shares dropped by 20% on Thursday after the Indian company announced plans to issue fewer personal loans under 50,000 Indian rupees. The move comes after the Reserve Bank of India tightened norms for consumer loans and expressed concerns about small, bad loans. Paytm is aiming to expand its portfolio of higher-ticket loans to creditworthy customers. Analysts predict that the move will impact the growth and return on equity profile for unsecured lending in the entire sector.
Google Drive for desktop has released a file recovery tool in its latest version, allowing users to retrieve accidentally deleted or unsynced files. The tool can be accessed through the Drive for desktop app and is aimed at resolving a sync issue that caused files to disappear in previous versions. However, Google acknowledges that the recovery tool may not work for everyone and encourages users to provide feedback if they encounter any issues.
Meta has announced significant improvements to its Messenger platform, including default end-to-end encryption for private chats and calls. Other updates include the ability to set up a PIN for message recovery on new devices, improved image quality, and features inspired by WhatsApp, such as message editing and disappearing messages. Meta has been focused on enhancing privacy and safety on its platforms, particularly in light of recent scandals. The updates will be rolled out globally over the coming months.
Meta, the parent company of Facebook, has begun implementing default end-to-end encryption for Messenger, providing increased security for personal chats and calls. Group chats, however, still require users to opt in for encryption. Meta's team has spent years developing the feature to ensure its effectiveness, and this update brings Messenger closer to achieving the same level of protection as its sister app, WhatsApp.
Paytm, an Indian financial services firm, has announced plans to issue fewer personal loans under 50,000 Indian rupees ($600), following recent regulatory tightening on consumer loans. The move has unsettled many fintech investors and is expected to impact the growth and return on equity profile for unsecured lending in the sector. Goldman Sachs has lowered its revenue and EBITDA estimates for Paytm and expects disbursal growth to be lower than previously anticipated. The company cited "growing conservatism in the system" and dialogue with lending partners as factors behind the decision.
https://gizmodo.com/travel-holiday-gift-guide-pop-culture-one-piece-disney-1851079293
Get ready for your holiday travels with these pop culture-themed travel essentials. From Star Wars suitcases to Stranger Things tech gear and Disney accessories, there is something for every fandom. Check out the slideshow for our top picks to make a statement while on the move.
https://www.theverge.com/2023/12/6/23991501/facebook-messenger-default-end-to-end-encryption-meta
Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Messenger, has announced the rollout of end-to-end encryption for one-on-one chats and calls on Messenger. This fulfills a long-awaited promise and ensures that only the sender and recipient can view the message content. Although group chats and Instagram messages are not encrypted by default, Meta plans to introduce encryption for these features in the future.
https://www.techradar.com/computing/websites-apps/quordle-today-answers-clues-7-december-2023
The article provides hints and answers for the online word game Quordle. The author shares insights and strategies based on their experience playing the game, emphasizing the importance of thinking strategically and using multiple starting words. The article also discusses the rules of Quordle and mentions its similarities to the popular word game Wordle.
https://arstechnica.com/?p=1989304
NASA's OSIRIS-REx mission successfully returned samples from the asteroid Bennu to Earth, despite a parachute malfunction during the capsule's landing. The parachute issue was caused by a technical error in the design plans, but the main parachute opened as expected and the capsule landed safely in the Utah desert. The samples are now being analyzed for organic molecules and water content.
https://www.techradar.com/news/wordle-today
This text provides a guide to solving the Wordle game, including hints for the current puzzle. The author discusses the characteristics of today's Wordle answer, SLEEP, and explains their strategy for guessing the correct word. The text also mentions the author's previous Wordle answers and offers additional hints for other games.
The Merit Circle DAO, the world's largest DAO focused on gaming, has partnered with Immutable to enhance its blockchain network. The collaboration aims to improve the Beam open-source blockchain network and Sphere native digital asset marketplace using Immutable's Web3 platform. The integration will offer advanced Web3 solutions, facilitate player onboarding, and enable revenue sharing through in-game digital asset orders.
https://arstechnica.com/?p=1989028
Intel has criticized AMD's naming scheme for its Ryzen laptop processors, accusing AMD of selling "snake oil" by using older processor architectures in supposedly "new" chips. However, Intel's argument is somewhat ironic considering its own history of rebranding technology. While Intel complains about AMD's practices, it should consider looking inward before criticizing others.
https://arstechnica.com/?p=1989253
A former Twitter security executive has sued Elon Musk and X Corp., alleging that he was unlawfully fired for objecting to budget cuts after Musk bought the social network. The executive, Alan Rosa, claims Twitter has refused to pay arbitration fees. The lawsuit also alleges violations of labor laws and seeks compensatory damages. The Federal Trade Commission is currently investigating whether Musk-owned social network X is complying with privacy and security requirements.
https://arstechnica.com/?p=1989304
NASA's OSIRIS-REx mission successfully returned samples from the asteroid Bennu to Earth, but not without some tense moments. The capsule containing the samples experienced a malfunction with its drogue chute, causing it to tumble towards the ground at high speed. However, the main parachute eventually deployed, and the capsule landed safely in the Utah desert. Engineers determined that the parachute deployment issue was due to a miscommunication in the design plans. Despite the challenges, scientists are excited to analyze the asteroid materials for potential signs of organic molecules and water.
https://venturebeat.com/games/annapurna-reveals-launch-dates-for-open-roads-and-flock/
As a journalist, it is important to provide accurate and concise summaries of texts. However, without the specific text you would like summarized, I am unable to provide a summary. Please provide the text or provide more details so that I can assist you.
Former head of security for Twitter, Alan Rosa, has filed a lawsuit against the company, Elon Musk, and company adviser Steve Davis, alleging that he was wrongly fired for protesting cost-cutting measures. The lawsuit claims that the cuts hindered Twitter's ability to comply with regulatory demands, including those from the Federal Trade Commission and the European Commission. Rosa also alleges that Davis gave him a tight deadline to cut the physical security budget, which risked violating court orders.
https://gizmodo.com/california-forever-solano-county-billionaires-silicon-v-1851078305
California Forever, a project backed by Silicon Valley luminaries to create a new city in Solano County, is facing strong opposition from local residents. Recent town halls have been described as "heated" and residents have expressed their disapproval of the project, citing concerns about the local economy and housing prices. The project's public relations have also been damaged by a lawsuit against local farmers, raising questions about their intentions. Winning local support is crucial for the project to move forward.
https://venturebeat.com/games/fast-travel-announces-vampire-the-masquerade-justice-for-pc-in-2024/
Fast Travel Games showcased its upcoming projects at the UploadVR event, including the vampire-themed RPG, Vampire: The Masquerade — Justice. The company also unveiled new trailers and details for its games Project Demigod and Mannequin, all set to launch in 2024. Justice, currently available on Meta Quest and PlayStation VR, will be released for PC-based VR platforms early next year. Fast Travel is also offering limited-time trials for users to experience the games before purchasing.
https://arstechnica.com/?p=1989247
Genetic testing company 23andMe has updated its terms of service following a recent cyberattack that compromised the data of 6.9 million users. The updated terms seemingly remove users' ability to seek public accountability in dispute resolution, instead favoring arbitration procedures. Users have 30 days to notify 23andMe if they disagree with the changes.
https://arstechnica.com/?p=1989150
Meta has released a standalone AI image generator website called "Imagine with Meta AI." The website is based on the Emu image synthesis model and uses 1.1 billion publicly visible Facebook and Instagram images to train the AI model. Users can create novel images from written prompts, and the generated images can be saved in JPEG format with a watermark.
https://arstechnica.com/?p=1989292
A team of researchers at Harvard University, working with hardware developed by QuEra, has demonstrated the ability to perform multiple operations on up to 48 logical qubits. This is a significant milestone towards the development of error-corrected qubits, which could lead to large-scale, fault-tolerant quantum computers. The system correctly identifies errors, improving the accuracy of calculations.
https://arstechnica.com/?p=1989028
Intel has criticized AMD for its naming scheme of laptop processors, accusing the company of selling "snake oil" by using older architectures in supposedly new chips. Intel argues that its 13th-generation Core i5-1335U chip performs much better than AMD's Ryzen 5 7520U, despite both being marketed as recent releases. However, Intel's own practice of rebranding and reusing older technology has been highlighted as well. Critics argue that while Intel complains about AMD's practices, it should also consider its own actions.
According to a teaser dropped by Max, the second season of HBO's "The Last of Us" will debut in 2025. Production was delayed due to strikes, but work on the season is still ongoing. The season will likely be an adaptation of the video game "The Last of Us Part II".
https://www.theverge.com/2023/12/6/23990900/mcdonalds-google-ai-cloud-generative
McDonald's is partnering with Google to implement generative AI technology in its stores starting in 2024. The updates will include hardware and software upgrades for optimal operations and potential benefits such as delivering hotter, fresher food. However, the company remains vague about how AI will be used and whether it will replace human workers, stating that it aims to reduce complexity and provide new experiences for both employees and customers.
https://gizmodo.com/google-pixel-unblur-camera-pets-webcam-1851078587
Google has announced a feature-rich Android 14 update for Pixel cameras, enhancing videos and allowing users to sharpen blurry photos of pets. The update includes the Photo Unblur feature, which was previously only available for human faces, and a "Video Boost" feature that automatically adjusts colors and lighting. Other updates include timelapse video with Night Sight, a "Clean" mode for scanned documents, and the ability to use Pixel phones as webcams. Additionally, there are quality-of-life updates for the Google Pixel Fold, Pixel Tablet, Pixel Watch, and Pixel phones.
DARPA, the U.S. Department of Defense's R&D arm, has selected fourteen companies to participate in a study to develop technological frameworks for a lunar future. The study, called the 10-Year Lunar Architecture (LunA-10) Capability Study, aims to design integrated, interoperable solutions for core lunar services like logistics, construction, and communications. The companies, including major aerospace firms and smaller space startups, will work together over a seven-month period in a highly collaborative environment. The study will lay the groundwork for establishing commercial activity on the moon in the future.
As a journalist, I cannot provide a summary of a text without knowing its content. Please provide me with the text so that I can assist you in summarizing it.
https://venturebeat.com/ai/how-should-ai-be-governed-open-source-syllabus-offers-framework/
Kevin Frazier, an assistant professor of law at St. Thomas University, is spearheading an effort to create an open-source legal syllabus on AI, law, and policy. Frazier aims to involve more voices in the governance of AI by providing teaching materials and fostering multidisciplinary dialogue. He believes that inclusive, informed perspectives are crucial for developing responsible oversight frameworks.
https://techcrunch.com/2023/12/06/bitcoin-surging-44000-threshold/
Bitcoin's price surge, reaching $44,000, is driven by anticipation of the approval of a spot bitcoin ETF, which is expected to attract additional capital flows. The recent ruling between the SEC and digital asset manager Grayscale, ordering the SEC to rescind its rejection of their bitcoin spot ETF application, has further sparked buying activities. This positive momentum, coupled with the anticipation of institutional and mainstream adoption in 2024, has resulted in increased trading volume and could continue into the new year.
In this article, we explore the role of artificial intelligence in journalism and how it is transforming the industry. AI is being used to automate tasks, generate news stories, and personalize content. While some worry about job loss, others see AI as an opportunity to enhance reporting and storytelling.
https://www.theverge.com/2023/12/6/23991183/google-drive-lost-files-desktop-fix
Google has offered a solution to the issue that caused files to disappear for some users on Google Drive for desktop. The recovery process involves downloading the latest version of Google Drive, running the app's recovery tool, and following a series of steps. Users can also submit feedback and utilize troubleshooting options. The problem only affected a small number of users on desktop using version 84.
https://gizmodo.com/mri-machine-accidents-gun-shot-woman-butt-1851077446
A woman in the US was accidentally shot in the buttock by her own gun, which was attracted to the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machine she was using. The incident occurred because the gun was ferrous (iron-containing) and was activated by the powerful magnet inside the machine. The injury was relatively mild, and the woman recovered well. MRI machines are always on and patients are warned not to bring metals into the room.
https://arstechnica.com/?p=1989111
Apple's iMessage will remain exclusive to Apple users in the European Union, as it won't qualify for the EU's new "Digital Markets Act." The act aims to regulate Big Tech platforms and ensure interoperability, fairness, and privacy. Despite iMessage meeting popularity metrics, it won't be forced to open up to other services.
https://arstechnica.com/?p=1989247
After hackers stole ancestry data of 6.9 million users, 23andMe has updated its terms of service, limiting users' ability to seek public accountability for resolving disputes. The changes include procedures to encourage prompt resolution and streamline arbitration proceedings. Users have 30 days to notify their disagreement with the new terms. Some changes seem to remove users' previously acknowledged right to seek public injunctive relief.
https://gizmodo.com/last-of-us-season-2-release-it-prequel-trailer-hbo-max-1851078003
HBO confirmed that season two of The Last of Us won't be released until 2025. However, HBO released a trailer showcasing their upcoming shows in 2024, including the highly anticipated House of the Dragon season two, The Franchise, The Penguin, and Welcome to Derry, a prequel to Stephen King's It. The trailer also revealed the first footage of Welcome to Derry, set in 1961.
https://www.theverge.com/2023/12/6/23991113/amd-ai-mi300-chips-generative-gpu
AMD has announced the availability of new accelerators and processors designed for running large language models (LLMs), in a bid to compete with Nvidia in the AI chip market. The company unveiled the Instinct MI300X accelerator and the Instinct M1300A accelerated processing unit (APU), both of which offer improved memory capacity and energy efficiency compared to their predecessors. AMD CEO Lisa Su claimed that the MI300X is the highest-performing accelerator in the world and said it is comparable to Nvidia's H100 chips for training LLMs but performs better on the inference side.
Overwatch 2's eighth season has been marred by performance issues, particularly on the PlayStation 5 (PS5) platform. Players are reporting lagging frame rates, even in menus, and some claim the game is "unplayable" on PS5 with frame rates dropping below 20 fps. Blizzard is investigating the issue. PS5 players may have to wait for a fix before fully enjoying the latest hero, Mauga. In the meantime, downloading the PS4 version of the game is suggested.
https://gizmodo.com/climate-groups-biden-ai-worsen-climate-change-crisis-1851077203
Seventeen major climate change and anti-disinformation groups have written an open letter to the White House, criticizing President Joe Biden and his administration for overlooking the environmental impact of artificial intelligence (AI). The groups called for a new executive order to compel big tech companies to disclose the energy consumption of AI, warning that the expansion of AI models will lead to increased energy demands and the amplification of climate change disinformation. The letter urged the White House to enforce transparency rules and commission a study on the effects of AI on climate disinformation.
https://arstechnica.com/?p=1989054
AMD has announced its next-generation flagship laptop chips, the Ryzen 8040 series, which will be available in early 2024. The chips feature up to eight Zen 4 CPU cores and RDNA 3-based integrated GPUs, manufactured using a 4 nm TSMC process. They also include an AI-accelerating neural processing unit (NPU) that AMD claims is 1.4 times faster than its predecessor. However, the chips' performance improvements were not compared to the previous generation in the presentation. The quick leap in generational branding is made possible by AMD's new processor naming scheme.
https://arstechnica.com/?p=1988445
A collaboration between a volcanologist and a coffee expert has resulted in a new paper published in the journal Matter, demonstrating how adding a squirt of water to coffee beans before grinding can reduce the static electric charge and clumping during brewing, resulting in a better-tasting cup of espresso. The research draws parallels between the science of coffee and volcanic eruptions.
https://gizmodo.com/biggest-developments-google-gemini-ai-bard-openai-1851077841
Google has launched Gemini, its new AI model that aims to solidify its position as a leader in artificial intelligence. Gemini comes with a range of updates and features, and Google claims that it outperforms OpenAI on many measures. The AI model will be integrated into various Google products, such as Google Assistant and Android devices, and will be utilized across the company's most important services, including Chrome, Search, and Ads.
https://www.theverge.com/2023/12/6/23991039/a24-hbo-max-cinemax-deal-warner-bros-discovery
Production company A24 has signed a multiyear exclusive deal with Warner Bros. Discovery to bring its new releases to HBO, Max, and Cinemax after their theatrical runs. The agreement also extends a licensing deal for A24 films already on HBO and Max, adding over 100 films to the lineup. This deal expands the existing partnership between A24 and HBO, which includes collaborations on television shows. The agreement aims to bring value to HBO and Max subscribers while helping Warner Bros. Discovery bolster its content offerings.
Bitwig Studio has released version 5.1, offering sound designers new waveshapers, filters, voice stacking, and a dual oscillator. The update also includes experimental quantizing functions and a revamped user interface. Bitwig's modular system allows for mix-and-match options for all effects, filters, oscillators, and waveshapers. This update is free for license holders with an active plan.
https://gizmodo.com/apple-m3-oled-ipad-macbook-air-2024-1851077931
According to a new report from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, Apple is set to release new, more powerful iPads and MacBook Airs in early 2024. The devices will be equipped with the new M3 chip, and the iPad Pro may feature an OLED screen for the first time. The iPad Air is also expected to come in two different screen sizes. These updates are seen as crucial for Apple to boost its revenue and sales in the coming year.
https://gizmodo.com/doctor-who-anniversary-cameos-past-doctors-nostalgia-1851077768
Doctor Who's 60th anniversary specials have challenged traditional expectations, focusing on being the best version of itself rather than relying on nostalgia. The return of past Doctors and companions, along with revamped foes from the show's history, has created a fresh and interesting narrative. Despite some fans feeling it isn't being celebrated "properly," the show is receiving critical acclaim and achieving high ratings. The series is successfully engaging a broad audience, both domestically and internationally, creating excitement for its future.
Databricks has introduced new retrieval augmented generation (RAG) tools for its Data Intelligence Platform to help customers build high-quality language model (LLM) apps. The tools address the challenges in developing production-grade RAG apps, such as serving real-time business data, combining it with the right model, and monitoring for toxicity. The new tools aim to provide a solution for organizations struggling to consistently deliver accurate and high-quality responses.
Apple is reportedly planning to launch new iPads and MacBook Air models equipped with the Apple M3 chip in spring 2024. The lineup is expected to include a new 12.9-inch iPad Air, revamped Magic Keyboard models, and a new Apple Pencil. The iPad Pro models are also rumored to come with OLED displays, providing improved contrast and colors. A launch in March is likely for these devices, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.
https://venturebeat.com/ai/amd-introduces-data-center-and-pc-chips-aimed-at-accelerating-ai/
Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) has announced its new AMD Instinct MI300X and MI300A accelerator chips for AI processing in data centers. The company expects the MI300 to be its fastest product to reach $1 billion in sales. AMD is also launching the AMD Ryzen 8040 Series processors and NPU chips for AI processing. Microsoft is among the customers leveraging the new AMD Instinct accelerator portfolio. The company is also working on next-gen Ryzen processors, code-named Strix Point, with AMD XDNA 2 and NPU for generative AI, set to ship in 2024.
Acer has unveiled its new gaming laptop, the Nitro V 16, featuring the latest AMD Ryzen 8040 Series processor for enhanced gaming performance. The laptop offers options for powerful GPU, high-refresh displays, ample RAM and storage, a new cooling system, AI-powered noise reduction, and immersive audio. It will be available in March with a starting price of $1,000.
AMD has announced its latest batch of AI-equipped laptop hardware, the Ryzen 8040 series, which is said to be up to 1.4 times faster than its predecessors in terms of AI vision model performance and gaming. The chips, except for the two low-end models, will feature a neural processing unit capable of reaching up to 16 TOPS (tera operations per second). AMD has also provided a glimpse into its future AI roadmap, teasing its next NPU architecture, codenamed "Strix Point," which is expected to provide more than 3x the generative AI NPU performance.
Google's Bard artificial intelligence (AI) will now be powered by the Gemini Pro engine, the company's most advanced AI model. The new AI engine will improve Bard's performance, allowing it to handle a wide range of tasks including understanding prompts, summarizing content, planning, and reasoning. Google plans to expand Bard's language support and introduce the more powerful Gemini Ultra model for highly complex tasks. Bard Advanced, the upgraded version, is expected to launch in the near future.
AMD has announced a new lineup of Ryzen processors, the Ryzen 8040 series, equipped with AMD's 'XDNA' AI technology. The processors, codenamed 'Hawk Point', will be available in new laptops in early 2024 and will utilize AMD's Zen 4 CPU core architecture and RDNA 3 graphics architecture. These chips will bring local AI capabilities to a wider range of devices, eliminating the need for a mandatory internet connection and addressing security concerns. The Ryzen 8040 series is said to outperform its Intel counterpart in various areas.
https://gizmodo.com/a24-hbo-max-cinemax-streaming-exclusive-release-deal-1851077615
A24 has signed a multiyear "pay-1" output deal with HBO and Max, allowing subscribers to stream A24 movies through the Warner Bros. Discovery's platforms. This includes current release titles and over 100 other A24 films, such as Priscilla, Dream Scenario, and The Iron Claw, as well as award-winning films like Everything Everywhere All at Once and Uncut Gems.
Black Friday and Cyber Monday saw discounts on gaming consoles, including the Xbox Series X, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch. GameStop is currently offering the Nintendo Switch OLED bundle with Super Smash Bros. Ultimate for $324.99, while Samsung's Galaxy SmartTag2 is available for $19.99 on Amazon. These deals provide value for gamers looking to purchase these products.
https://techcrunch.com/2023/12/06/your-mobile-password-manager-might-be-exposing-your-credentials/
A vulnerability in the autofill functionality of Android apps is causing popular mobile password managers to inadvertently expose user credentials. The vulnerability, called "AutoSpill," allows password managers to expose credentials to the underlying app's native fields, potentially giving access to sensitive information. The researchers found that even with JavaScript injection disabled, most password managers were still vulnerable. Google and the affected password managers have been alerted to the flaw. The researchers are also exploring the possibility of the vulnerability being replicated on iOS.
https://arstechnica.com/?p=1989147
The US broadband industry is protesting against the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) plan to measure the affordability of Internet service. The FCC's proposal to analyze the affordability of broadband could lead to more regulation of ISPs. The industry is concerned that setting an affordability benchmark could lead to rate regulation. The FCC review also includes analyzing consumer adoption of broadband and raising the speed benchmark for determining "advanced telecommunications capability."
https://gizmodo.com/hulu-disney-plus-merging-into-one-app-beta-test-live-1851077451
Disney+ subscribers can now access Hulu content through a beta test of the upcoming app merger. The Disney Bundle Duo Basic, including Disney+ and Hulu with ads, is currently priced at $9.99 a month. The merge aims to create a seamless "one-app experience" for viewers, with parental controls being a key feature due to Disney's family-oriented brand.
https://venturebeat.com/ai/civitai-founder-champions-open-source-downplays-ai-deepfake-porn/
Justin Maier, founder of open source AI platform Civitai, has faced challenges in the past year, including his daughter's Type 1 diabetes diagnosis and critical coverage from 404 Media accusing the company of promoting "nonconsensual AI porn" and generating child pornography. However, Maier defends Civitai, stating that the majority of users are using the platform for creative purposes, such as fan fiction and anime characters. The company has implemented content moderation measures, including a ban on sexual depictions of minors.
https://gizmodo.com/zillow-says-you-ll-buy-your-next-house-with-ai-1851066101
I'm sorry, but without any text or information to work with, I cannot generate a summary for you. If you provide me with the text or a brief description, I would be happy to assist you.
The Lockdown Mode feature on iOS 16 does not offer protection against malware, according to a report from Jamf Threat Labs. Hackers can create a fake Lockdown Mode that allows malware to operate in the background on compromised devices. While Lockdown Mode has some security benefits, it is not foolproof and users should not rely solely on it for protection.
https://www.theverge.com/2023/12/6/23990982/ev-lose-tax-credit-battery-china-mustang-mach-e
From January 1, 2024, electric vehicles (EVs) with batteries containing minerals and materials sourced from China will no longer be eligible for the $7,500 federal EV tax credit, according to guidelines issued by the Internal Revenue Service. This may impact popular EV models like the Ford Mustang Mach-E and certain versions of the Tesla Model 3, leaving car shoppers who were planning to take advantage of the tax credit in a predicament. The move is part of an effort to reduce American dependence on China for EV supply chains and boost domestic manufacturing.
https://www.theverge.com/23989763/nicolas-cage-dream-scenario-interview
In a recent interview, actor Nicolas Cage discussed his relationship with fame and the influence of memes on his career. He shared that while initially frustrated by his memeification, he has come to embrace it and sees it as a way to stay relevant. Cage also spoke about his latest film, "Dream Scenario," which reflects his own experiences with fame and dreams. He expressed his desire for viewers to have a personal connection with his performance and emphasized the importance of exploring different acting styles in film. The interview also touched on Cage's views on privacy, social media, and the potential implications of AI in film.
https://www.engadget.com/how-to-use-personal-voice-on-iphone-with-ios-17-193002021.html?src=rss
Apple has released a short film showcasing its Personal Voice accessibility feature, which allows users to create digital versions of their voice for use on calls and apps. The feature is particularly beneficial for those at risk of losing their voice due to conditions like Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, ALS, and vocal cord paralysis. Users can create a personal voice by recording 150 sentences, which are then used to generate a unique voice.
Smart displays are becoming increasingly popular as they offer more capabilities than smart speakers. These displays have touchscreen functionality and can control devices, stream shows, display recipes, make video calls, and manage smart home devices. The Amazon Echo Show 8 is currently on sale for $55, offering a 58% discount. Smart displays are becoming cheaper and are heavily discounted during sales events.
https://gizmodo.com/deadpool-3-spoilers-comment-ryan-reynolds-xmen-marvel-1851077681
Filming for Deadpool 3 has resumed after the actors' strike, but leaked set photos have disappointed star Ryan Reynolds, who expressed the desire to preserve surprises and magic for the audience. Reynolds acknowledged the excitement that leads to spoilers being spread but highlighted the challenge of avoiding them in today's social media-driven world. The larger concern is making sure the film's story and enjoyment are not compromised by spoilers.
Apple's latest tvOS beta hints at the discontinuation of its iTunes Movies and TV Shows apps on Apple TV. The apps are being merged into the TV app, with users being redirected to the TV app for their purchases. The move is aimed at streamlining and encouraging more users to subscribe to Apple TV+. The update also brings several new features to the TV app.
https://gizmodo.com/23andme-terms-of-service-hacked-users-1851077109
Genetic testing company 23andMe has admitted that 6.9 million users' DNA was lost in a recent hack, after initially stating that only 14,000 users were affected. The company has updated its terms of service to prevent customers from filing class action lawsuits against it, instead forcing them into binding arbitration. Users have until December 30 to opt out by sending an email.
Scientists have developed an implantable device called SHEATH that could revolutionize insulin treatment for Type 1 diabetes. The device, inserted under the skin, supports islet devices that secrete insulin and receive nutrients and oxygen from blood vessels. However, the challenge lies in maximizing the exchange of nutrients and oxygen in the long term. Ultimately, the implant could replace the need for daily injections or insulin pumps.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has proposed a rule that removes some of the downsides of transferring an H-1B visa to a startup for founders. The proposed rule aims to encourage more entrepreneurs to obtain H-1B status, which could lead to job creation and new opportunities. The DHS is accepting public comments on the rule until December 22, 2023. Once the comment period is over, the DHS will review the comments and issue a final rule, which is expected to be implemented by the next H-1B lottery in March.
Meta has announced that its 28 AI characters, including celebrity avatars, are now available for users to chat with on WhatsApp, Messenger, and Instagram in the U.S. The company also revealed that certain characters will incorporate long-term memory capabilities, allowing them to remember past conversations and enhance the user experience. Additionally, more AI characters will support Bing-powered search. Meta's foray into AI character apps puts it in competition with other players in the market, such as Character AI.
Meta has launched its standalone image generator, called Imagine, as it tests new features across its apps. The tool, which allows users to create images from text prompts, was previously available as part of Meta's AI chatbot. Imagine generates four images for each prompt and includes a visible watermark indicating they were created with Meta AI. Meta is also testing new AI features on Facebook and Instagram, including a tool called "Expander" that converts landscape images to portrait in Stories.
Microsoft has released a paper outlining its plans for glass-based storage technology called Project Silica, which aims to replace conventional hard drives and SSDs. The storage units, made from quartz glass, will be highly efficient and suitable for use in the cloud. The technology allows data to be stored securely for extended periods, making it suitable for industries such as finance, research, and healthcare. Azure customers will be the first to benefit from this new technology.
https://gizmodo.com/meta-ai-image-generator-imagine-with-first-test-1851077705
Meta has released Imagine with Meta AI, a standalone image generator that converts text-based queries into high-resolution images. The tool, powered by Emu, competes with OpenAI's Dall-E, Midjourney, and Stable Diffusion. While Imagine is free to use, initial reviews suggest it is less impressive than its competitors. Meta hopes to enhance transparency and traceability with visible and invisible watermarks. The release coincides with Google's unveiling of Gemini, as both companies attempt to catch up with OpenAI and Microsoft in the AI consumer market.
https://www.theverge.com/2023/12/6/23990896/meta-ai-reimagine-images-chatbot
Meta, formerly known as Facebook, has announced several updates to its Meta AI tools. One notable feature is the ability to remix AI-generated images shared in Messenger or Instagram chats by adding a text prompt. Meta is also making its imagine tool accessible on the web and introducing invisible watermarking. The company is improving its AI assistant and making AI characters available on WhatsApp, Messenger, and Instagram in the US. These updates aim to rival Google's recent Gemini news.
Walmart is offering massive discounts on popular gifts, including Apple devices, TVs, kitchen appliances, vacuums, toys, and game consoles. Some of the standout deals include Apple AirPods for $99, a Bissell carpet cleaner for $78, and an LG C2 OLED TV for $1,349. Free two-day shipping is available on orders over $35.
Ubisoft's Rocksmith+ has added piano lessons to its guitar-learning platform. The update includes 400 piano arrangements, with new songs being added each month. The app is available on mobile devices and PCs and allows users to practice using a digital piano, keyboard, or wired MIDI controller. The subscription-based service costs $15 per month or $100 per year.
https://gizmodo.com/paul-walker-fast-and-furious-death-fast-11-vin-diesel-1851028733
The Fast and Furious franchise has been treating the character of Brian O'Conner, played by late actor Paul Walker, with growing disrespect and disregard since his death in 2013. Subsequent films have made excuses for why Brian does not appear to aid his family, and his character has been reduced to being a babysitter while his wife and friends risk their lives. This undermines the legacy of the franchise and the importance of Walker's contribution to it.
Looking for the perfect gift for the anime enthusiast in your life? This guide presents a selection of unique and delightful anime Christmas gifts, from collectable figures to box sets and accessories. With discounted prices on popular items, these presents are sure to bring joy to your loved ones this holiday season.
https://www.theverge.com/2023/12/6/23990883/apple-ipad-air-oled-pro-spring-release-12-9-inch
Apple is reportedly planning to launch a larger iPad Air with a 12.9-inch screen in 2024, along with an updated MacBook Air and a new version of the Apple Pencil. Apple reporter Mark Gurman also mentioned the release of new iPad Magic Keyboards and the highly anticipated Vision Pro headset. The devices are expected to arrive in early 2024, with hopes of boosting sales for both product lines.
https://techcrunch.com/2023/12/06/tune-in-for-the-techcrunch-early-stage-call-for-content-ama/
TechCrunch is inviting startup experts to apply to speak at TechCrunch Early Stage 2024 in Boston, with a call-for-content application deadline of January 10, 2024. To help potential speakers, TechCrunch is hosting a free online session on December 7 to guide them through the application process. The selected finalist with the most votes from TechCrunch readers will have the opportunity to conduct a roundtable at the event.
Microsoft has announced an Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for Windows 10, which will allow users to continue receiving monthly security updates for up to three more years beyond the end of support date in October 2025. Users will have to purchase yearly subscriptions for Windows 10 ESU, with pricing details yet to be revealed. Windows 10 still accounts for the majority of Windows installs, despite the increasing adoption of Windows 11.
https://www.engadget.com/honda-will-reveal-a-new-ev-series-at-ces-2024-182012834.html?src=rss
Honda is set to unveil its new lineup of electric vehicles (EVs) at CES 2024, as part of its plan to introduce 30 electric models by 2030. The automaker aims to sell only zero-emission vehicles in North America by 2040. This move represents Honda's commitment to expanding its presence in the EV market.
https://www.techradar.com/gaming/the-last-of-us-part-2-remastered-pre-order-guide
The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered is available for pre-order in the USA and UK, with the WLF Edition selling out quickly. The PS5 version of the game will be released on January 19, 2024. A digital upgrade path is also available for those who already own the PS4 version.
https://gizmodo.com/senator-governments-spy-apple-google-push-notifications-1851076805
Oregon Senator Rob Wyden has raised concerns that foreign governments might be using push notifications to spy on Americans. He has called on Apple and Google to share information on this matter with the US government, potentially bypassing the Electronic Communications Privacy Act that currently protects such data. Wyden's request aims to give the US government greater access to push notification data, which currently requires a search warrant. Apple and Google already inform users if their metadata is requested by a foreign government.
https://arstechnica.com/?p=1989002
Reddit URLs are being manipulated to include a slur in the subdomain, leading to offensive search results on Google. The issue was first reported by The Verge, and Reddit users also noticed the problem. The altered URLs redirect users to Reddit pages, but some users are experiencing an error page. Reddit spokesperson Courtney Geesey-Dorr acknowledged the bug and stated that the company is working to fix it. Google confirmed that it won't remove the search results but will recognize and prioritize more relevant information.
https://arstechnica.com/?p=1988699
A maker known as mitxela has created a DIY LED matrix board that can display images using spinning lights. The project, the size of a tea light candle, uses an infrared sensor, a coin battery, and a motor from a CD drive. Mitxela plans to improve the design by adding more LEDs and better aligning them. The project details are available on mitxela's blog.
https://arstechnica.com/?p=1989091
US Senator Ron Wyden has revealed that governments have been secretly tracking the app activity of individuals using Apple and Google smartphones. Wyden has called for the Department of Justice to update or repeal policies that prevent companies from informing the public about these covert government requests. He argues that Apple and Google are in a unique position to facilitate government surveillance of app usage through push notifications.
https://arstechnica.com/?p=1989030
Google has announced the release of Gemini, a multimodal AI model family that aims to compete with OpenAI's GPT-4. Gemini, available in three sizes, is capable of processing text, code, images, and audio, with Google claiming it exceeds state-of-the-art results on various language model benchmarks. The goal is to develop AI that can solve problems and answer questions in various fields. Gemini is currently available for public use in a mid-level model.
Netflix has announced the renewal of Squid Game: The Challenge for a second season. The reality show, based on the popular dystopian drama, features recreated scenarios and dangerous competitions for a large cash prize. Despite controversy and complaints from participants, the show has remained popular, and Netflix has also revealed plans for a video game set in the Squid Game universe.
New York-based startup Vast Data has raised $118 million in a Series E funding round led by Fidelity Ventures, valuing the company at $9.1 billion. Vast Data provides a scale-out, unstructured data storage solution and plans to use the funding to expand its business reach, with a focus on Asia Pacific, the Middle East, and Europe. The company's annual recurring revenue stands at $200 million, and it has a growing customer base that includes brands like Pixar and Zoom.
https://www.theverge.com/2023/12/6/23990787/disney-plus-hulu-one-app-experience-beta-launch
Disney has launched the beta version of Hulu on Disney Plus, allowing subscribers to access content from both services on the Disney Plus app. The integration is available to those who have a Disney Plus and Hulu bundle or separately subscribed to both services using the same email address. However, the experience is not yet complete, lacking certain features like quick access to different categories and a "continue watching" queue. The full integration is set to launch in the spring of 2024.
https://www.theverge.com/23920823/expensive-holiday-gifts-wishes-extravagant-ideas-presents-2023
In this gift guide, The Verge staff lists their dream gifts that they would love to receive if money were no object. Some items include a Millennium Falcon LEGO set, a high-end camera, a customizable PlayStation 5 controller, a smart mirror for home workouts, and a trip to Antarctica. From luxury gadgets to unique experiences, these gifts are sure to impress.
https://venturebeat.com/games/treehouse-games-unveils-voyagers-of-nera-co-op-survival-game/
As a journalist, I cannot write a 50-word summary of a text that you haven't provided. If you provide the text or information you want me to summarize, I'll be happy to assist you.
https://gizmodo.com/apple-iphone-14-iphone-13-qi2-wireless-charging-1851076837
The upcoming iOS 17.2 update will bring Qi2 wireless charging support to iPhone 13 and iPhone 14 models, according to reports. Qi2 charging, which offers faster speeds than the original Qi technology, was previously exclusive to the iPhone 15. The update is expected to be released later this month, coinciding with the arrival of Qi2 accessories in stores.
Samsung is offering a $1,000 discount on its 65-inch S90C OLED TV, making it a great deal for those looking for a high-quality TV at a lower price. The TV has a QD-OLED display panel and built-in Dolby Atmos speakers, making it a top choice in the TechRadar Choice Awards 2023.
https://techcrunch.com/2023/12/06/uk-solar/
The UK's Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has authorised a company to offer solar panels and batteries on a subscription model without upfront costs, potentially sparking growth in the solar subscription services market. Oxford-based startup Sunsave received FCA approval and raised £5.4m ($6.7m) in seed funding, bringing its total funding to £9.2m ($11.5m). The move follows a trend seen in the US and Europe, with companies such as Enpal in Germany and SolarMente in Spain also offering subscription-based solar services. The UK has previously relied on solar leases, which have seen slow uptake due to ownership restrictions.
The recent Day of the Devs showcase featured 20 independent games, highlighting the creativity and innovation in indie gaming. Notable announcements included the sequel Kind Words 2 (lofi city pop), Loose Leaf, The Mermaid's Tongue, Nirvana Noir, Flock, Open Roads, Cryptmaster, Drag Her!, Holstin, and Home Safety Hotline. These games cover a range of genres and offer unique gameplay experiences.
https://www.techradar.com/televisions/looking-for-a-new-tv-these-8-deals-will-suit-every-budget
Looking for a new TV this holiday season? TechRadar has rounded up some of the best TV deals, including discounted models from top brands like Amazon, LG, Sony, Samsung, and Hisense. Whether you're looking for budget-friendly options or high-end OLED TVs, there's something for every budget. Don't miss out on these great deals!
Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio has announced that Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name will receive an English dub this month. The dub will include a new voice actor for protagonist Kazuma Kiryu. The specific release date has not been revealed yet. The game is available on multiple platforms.
League of Geeks, the development studio behind games like Jumplight Odyssey and Solium Infernum, has announced major layoffs affecting over 50% of its workforce. The studio attributed the cuts to rising operational costs, poor early access sales, and a lack of funding opportunities. The development of Jumplight Odyssey has been put on hold indefinitely. The team is hopeful for future investment but stated that it is currently a challenging economic time for indie developers. The launch of Solium Infernum and support for Armello will reportedly continue as planned.
https://www.engadget.com/looking-back-at-25-years-of-the-iss-173155049.html?src=rss
This year marks the 25th anniversary of the assembly of the International Space Station (ISS) in orbit. On December 6, 1998, the US-built Unity node was attached to the Russian-built Zarya module, beginning the modular construction of the ISS. Over the past quarter-century, the ISS has served as a remarkable achievement in engineering and international cooperation, facilitating numerous breakthroughs in research on disease, combustion, quantum physics, and more. The ISS is currently scheduled for decommissioning in January 2031, with government and commercial orbital labs expected to continue its work.
A new cinematic trailer has revealed more about the highly anticipated Lego Fortnite mode, which can be played solo or with up to seven friends. The mode will feature over 1,200 blocky Lego variants of Fortnite skins. Additionally, Fortnite will be adding a racing game and a music game later this week.
https://gizmodo.com/exclusive-excerpt-holly-black-stolen-heir-sequel-elfham-1851066001
Unable to Summarize Article
A collection of over a dozen malicious loan apps, known as SpyLoan, has been discovered on the Google Play Store. These apps, disguised as financial service tools, steal sensitive data from users and threaten them with ridicule unless they comply with absurd terms. Despite the removal of 17 apps, one remains on the Play Store with new permissions. Experts warn that the number of downloads is likely much higher as the apps are also distributed via social media and third-party stores.
Sleep experts recommend investing in a new dog bed for better sleep and health. Brands like Saatva, Avocado, and Casper offer luxury and comfort for dogs of all sizes. These beds provide orthopedic support, durability, and easy maintenance. They also make great gifts for pet-loving friends.
https://gizmodo.com/spacex-test-in-flight-fuel-transfer-third-starship-nasa-1851077135
SpaceX is planning to conduct its third test of the Starship launch system, which may include an in-flight propellant transfer, a crucial component for deep space missions and NASA's Artemis Moon plans. The test will involve transferring 10 metric tons of liquid oxygen within Starship itself, but will not include a rendezvous with another tanker spacecraft. SpaceX aims to use Starship tankers for in-orbit propellant transfer and is under a $53.2 million contract with NASA for this purpose. The test is expected to take place during an integrated flight test of Starship and the Super Heavy rocket.
Ukrainian synthetic voice startup Respeecher has secured $1 million in funding to expand its services in media and gaming. Known for replicating iconic voices like James Earl Jones's Darth Vader and French singer Edith Piaf, Respeecher alters the speech of actors using voice models, creating a "prosthetic voice" rather than simply generating it. The company emphasizes ethical practices, obtaining consent from voice owners or their estates, and involving them in the process. Respeecher is also exploring applications in assisting those who have lost their ability to speak.
Walmart is currently offering a deal on Samsung's 75-inch Frame QLED TV, selling it for $1,949, which is a $1,050 discount from its original price. The stylish TV can transform into a work of art and features customizable bezels and smart capabilities. This deal beats offers from Amazon and Best Buy.
Amazon is selling a two-pack of Tile Mate Bluetooth trackers for $33, matching the low price set on Prime Day. Tile Mate fobs attach to keys or other items to prevent loss. The accompanying app allows users to ring the tags and locate lost items. However, users will need a Tile subscription to enable some features.
Meta AI, the generative AI experience developed by Meta, is gaining new capabilities, including the ability to create new AI images and support for Reels. Users can recreate AI images with prompts in group chats using a feature called "reimagine", and friends can add text prompts to generate new images. Meta AI is also becoming more helpful by offering more detailed responses, accurate search result summaries, and support for Reels in chat. Meta has over 20 new generative AI experiences being tested across its platforms.
https://techcrunch.com/2023/12/06/meta-launches-a-standalone-ai-powered-image-generator/
Meta is launching Imagine with Meta, a web-based generative AI experience that allows users to create images by describing them in natural language. Similar to OpenAI's DALL-E, Imagine with Meta generates high-resolution images from text prompts using their Emu image generation model. Meta plans to add invisible watermarks to the generated content for transparency and traceability. The move comes as tech firms face increased pressure to differentiate AI-generated content.
Meta has announced the full roll-out of its 28 AI characters, including celebrity personas, across its apps in the US. The characters, which users can chat with on WhatsApp, Messenger, and Instagram, will also feature "long-term memory" capabilities, allowing them to learn and remember conversations. While this feature offers a more realistic and personalized experience, it also enables Meta to retain user data to improve its AI products over time. Users will have the ability to clear their chat history with the AI characters at any time.
Meta AI, the generative AI experience from Meta, is gaining new capabilities such as the ability to create AI images and support for Reels. Users can recreate AI images in group chats using prompts with the "reimagine" feature, while Reels can be used as a resource. Meta AI is also becoming more helpful with more accurate summaries, detailed responses on mobile devices, and support for visual examples through Reels. Meta is testing over 20 new generative AI experiences across Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp.
https://gizmodo.com/water-spritz-improve-espresso-grinding-science-volcano-1851071303
Researchers from Oregon have discovered that spraying water on coffee beans before grinding can reduce static electricity, resulting in a cleaner grind and improved taste. Drawing on the physics of volcanic eruptions, the team found that coffee grinders create similar conditions to those inside a volcano. The adding of water reduces mess, prevents clumping, and makes espresso 10% to 15% stronger. This technique could have significant implications for both home and industrial-scale coffee production.
U.S. Senator Ron Wyden has warned that unidentified foreign governments are spying on Apple and Google phone users through their push notifications. In a letter to the Justice Department, Wyden called on the tech giants to be transparent about government demands for data. Apple stated it was prohibited from sharing information on the matter and will update its transparency reporting. The letter did not specify which countries had requested push notification information.
https://www.theverge.com/2023/12/6/23990678/apple-foundation-models-generative-ai-mlx
Apple has quietly released frameworks and model libraries designed to run on its chips, signaling a shift towards generative AI apps on MacBooks. The MLX machine learning framework and MLX Data deep learning model library are easily accessible through platforms like GitHub and PyPI. These tools are expected to be powerful enough to train AI models and work with popular frameworks like PyTorch and Jax. Apple's move suggests a departure from its conservative approach to AI, focusing more on generative AI applications.
Google has announced its new Gemini artificial intelligence (AI) model, which will be used to power various Google products. Gemini comes in different sizes, with varying capabilities and uses, and can handle multiple inputs such as text, code, audio, images, and video. Google claims that Gemini outperforms OpenAI's ChatGPT in various benchmarks. The company has made Gemini available in its Pixel 8 Pro phone and plans to incorporate it into more products and services in the future.
https://www.engadget.com/meta-faces-another-lawsuit-over-child-safety-164732291.html?src=rss
New Mexico has filed a lawsuit against Meta, accusing the company of failing to protect younger users on its platforms. The lawsuit alleges that the accounts set up by investigators, who claimed to be preteens or teenagers, were bombarded with explicit messages and sexual content. It also claims that Meta's algorithms recommended sexual content to the test accounts. Meta maintains that it prioritizes child safety and invests heavily in safety teams. The lawsuit follows similar suits filed by a group of 41 states and the District of Columbia.
In this episode of Equity, the TechCrunch podcast, the founder of no-code app-builder Trible, Serhii Bohoslovskyi, discusses his software product that helps users create online courses. The conversation took place at TechCrunch Disrupt 2023, where the podcast had the opportunity to chat with founders and explore the creator economy.
https://gizmodo.com/actor-strike-contract-vote-sag-aftra-hollywood-deal-1851077139
SAG-AFTRA, the US actors' union, has announced that its members have voted to ratify a three-year contract with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, bringing an end to a strike period. The deal had already been approved by the union's board, but had to go to a wider membership vote for ratification. Concerns about the agreement's AI protections were largely abated, with 78.33% of voting members supporting the contract. The newly-ratified contract will expire in June 2026.
https://techcrunch.com/2023/12/06/deep-tech-exits-not-just-science-fiction-anymore/
Start-up exits have hit all-time lows due to rising interest rates and decreased access to cheap money. However, there is hope for rebound as deep tech companies, defined as those using novel technologies, contribute to increased exits. Deep tech solutions are becoming commercialized, dispelling the belief that deep tech unicorns are rare. Analysis of global deep tech exits from 2013-2022 shows that successful exits are increasing in number and size.
Twitch, the popular streaming platform, is shutting down operations in South Korea due to expensive networking fees. The country, known for its strong esports presence, has been deemed ten times more costly to operate in compared to other nations. This move follows Netflix's struggles with similar issues and may signal challenges for other foreign tech companies in South Korea and elsewhere adopting similar policies.
https://techcrunch.com/2023/12/06/is-business-software-too-cheap/
Software technology companies had mixed results in their third-quarter reports. GitLab surpassed expectations with increased revenue, profit, and market capitalization. However, Box and Asana fell short of revenue estimates, causing a decline in their share prices. Yext also disappointed with missed revenue expectations and lower forecasts. While some software companies are thriving, there is still market volatility. Despite recent positive trends, software companies face challenges in maintaining growth rates and justifying their value in the market. The question remains: is business software trading at a lower price than it deserves?
https://gizmodo.com/actor-strike-contract-vote-sag-aftra-hollywood-deal-1851077139
SAG-AFTRA has announced that its members have voted to ratify the three-year contract negotiated with the AMPTP, putting an end to the almost-three-month strike period. The contract received support from 78.33% of voting members, with a higher turnout than previous ratification votes. The newly-ratified contract will expire on June 30, 2026, and SAG-AFTRA will return to negotiations with the AMPTP with increased strength from the major labor movement.
https://www.techradar.com/gaming/consoles-pc/tinybuild-layoffs-lead-to-hakjak-studios-being-shutdown
HakJak Studios, the developer of Pigeon Simulator, has been shut down as part of a restructuring and layoff process at publisher TinyBuild. The closure of the studio was confirmed by former employees, who expressed their devastation on social media. TinyBuild cited weak demand for video games and market dynamics as reasons for the job cuts.
Technics EAH-AZ80 true wireless earbuds, considered the best noise-canceling earbuds of 2023, are currently on sale for $252.99 on Amazon, saving buyers $47. These earbuds offer active noise cancellation, excellent in-app perks, comfort, battery life, triple device connectivity, and impressive sound quality. The deal is highly recommended for audiophiles and can be a great holiday gift.
https://www.theverge.com/2023/12/6/23990607/google-pixel-december-update-feature-drop-video-boost
Google is releasing its December feature drop for Pixel devices, including the Pixel 8 Pro. One notable feature is Video Boost, which uploads videos to the cloud and applies computational photography models for improved color, lighting, stabilization, and graininess. The update also introduces Night Sight for video, Balance portrait light mode in Google Photos, and the ability to use recent Pixel phones as USB webcams. Other additions include a dual screen preview for the Pixel Fold, improved photo sharpening for pets, and enhanced security features. Pixel tablets will now have spatial audio and Clear Calling capabilities.
Creative has introduced the Aurvana Ace 2 wireless earbuds, the first to feature MEMS drivers, which offer improved audio clarity. The earbuds also include adaptive ANC, wireless charging, and support for high-resolution aptX Lossless audio. While lacking some quality-of-life features and bass capabilities, the Aurvana Ace 2 provides a balanced sound with good presence and detail. The use of MEMS drivers could potentially lead to more consistent and durable products in the future.
Unknown hackers have breached the servers of a US federal government agency by exploiting a known vulnerability in outdated software that no longer receives updates, according to a warning from the US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). The agency confirmed two separate cyberattacks on the unnamed agency, during which the attackers did not plant malware but instead conducted a reconnaissance effort to map the network. It is unclear whether any data has been exfiltrated from the agency's network.
https://www.techradar.com/news/final-fantasy-7-rebirth-release-date-gameplay-trailers
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, the highly anticipated sequel to Square Enix's cinematic remake of Final Fantasy 7, is set to release on February 29, 2024 for PS5. The game features real-time combat with strategic pauses, improved battle systems, and new Chocobo riding mechanics. The return of Vincent as a playable character and the absence of the Chocobo breeding minigame have been confirmed. Preorders are now available. There is no confirmation if the game will come to Xbox consoles.
https://gizmodo.com/senator-governments-spy-apple-google-push-notifications-1851076805
Oregon Senator Rob Wyden has raised concerns about foreign governments potentially spying on Americans through push notifications on smartphones. In a letter to the US Department of Justice, Wyden requested that Apple and Google share information about these push notifications with the government. Currently, the Electronic Communications Privacy Act protects this data, but Wyden's request implies a desire for increased government access to such information. Apple and Google already notify users if their metadata is requested by foreign governments, but this does not extend to the US government due to legal restrictions.
Garmin has announced updates for its smartwatches, including the Forerunner range and Venu 3, introducing new features such as nap detection and skin temperature monitoring. The updates also include enhancements to activity recording for skiing and improved metrics for elevation and heart rate. However, these updates are only available for compatible watches and not older Garmin models.
Amazon's Fire TV Stick 4K and Roku's Express 4K Plus are both available at a discounted price of $29 on Amazon, making them great Christmas gift options for movie lovers. The Fire TV Stick 4K offers premium features and AI-enhancements, while the Roku Express 4K Plus is a budget-friendly option. Users should consider their preferred streaming platform before making a decision.
https://www.theverge.com/2023/12/6/23990517/netflix-squid-game-the-challenge-season-two
Netflix has confirmed the renewal of its hit show "Squid Game: The Challenge" for a second season. In addition, the streaming platform is developing a video game set in the "Squid Game universe." Contestants for the show's second season will compete for a prize of $4.56 million, with challenges inspired by the original series. Meanwhile, an in-person Squid Game-themed pop-up is set to open in Los Angeles. Some contestants from the first season have faced injuries during filming, with legal action being taken on their behalf.
Foreign governments may be spying on smartphone usage through push notifications, prompting US Senator Ron Wyden's office to urge Apple and Google to disclose the details. Push notifications pass through smartphone providers like Apple or Google before reaching the user's screen, creating potential room for government surveillance. Wyden has asked the Department of Justice to allow the companies to inform customers and the public about demands for app notification records. Apple claims it was prohibited from sharing this information by the government.
In this episode of the Equity podcast, the founder of no-code app-builder Trible, Serhii Bohoslovskyi, discusses his software product that helps people create online courses. The podcast, recorded at the TechCrunch Disrupt 2023 event, highlights the importance of engaging with founders and the continued relevance of the creator economy.
In late 2023, seed-stage startups are seeing increased interest from multistage firms due to a lack of exit opportunities and late-stage funding. However, founders should be cautious about accepting capital from multistage funds as they may not provide the same level of hands-on involvement and guidance as specialized seed funds and angels. Seed-focused investors offer closer collaboration, mentorship, and access to networks, making them more beneficial for seed-stage companies. They also work harder to help secure the next funding round and provide better access to Series A investors.
https://gizmodo.com/the-boys-season-4-eric-kripke-amazon-update-1851076372
Kid Cudi is set to star in and produce the monster movie "Slime," directed by Jeron Braxton. Mahershala Ali updates on Marvel's Blade movie. Foundation and Fionna and Cake renew for new seasons. Other news includes new horror projects with Screen Gems, Hugh Grant's dislike of playing an Oompa-Loompa, and various TV show updates.
https://techcrunch.com/2023/12/06/summers-secondary-surge-didnt-last-but-2024-should-be-strong/
Secondary trade volume in the venture market reached a new peak in October, indicating signs of investors returning for good. However, according to Caplight, the data isn't as positive as it seems, with investor appetite still far below 2021 levels. The increase in activity has been concentrated in sectors such as AI, defense, and space, with companies like SpaceX and OpenAI seeing strong interest.
Last week in the world of video games, the new Fallout TV show trailer was released, Grand Theft Auto VI was announced, and the Game Awards are coming up. A new weekly video game show has been launched, discussing the definition of "indie" games. Other news includes the release of Google's Gemini AI platform and GPT-4, Algoriddim's djay Pro 5 with AI-enhanced mixing features, London's increase in zero-emission taxis, and big tech companies laying off staff.
Bluesky, a decentralized alternative to Twitter, is delaying the launch of its public web interface following user feedback. Users expressed concern that their posts would be made public on the web without the option of setting their accounts to private. Instead, Bluesky will introduce an opt-out tool for the public web view, although it cannot guarantee third-party apps on the open network will respect the setting. The company plans to share details on how users can use the tool to opt out in the future.
The Riot Shield in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 Season One has received a buff and a nerf. The shield's movement speed has been reduced, but its melee damage has been increased to allow for a two-hit kill. Additionally, the season brings new maps, game modes, and weapons. Players can also use the Assassin Vest for a stealthier approach in battle.
Unable to Summarize Article
Lucid's Air Pure, a new electric vehicle (EV) from American manufacturer Lucid, is a strong competitor to Tesla's Model S. With a starting price of $76,475, the Air Pure offers a range of up to 419 miles and impressive features such as leather seats and a comprehensive infotainment system. While Lucid still lacks a Supercharger network like Tesla, it is expanding its reach in markets including the US, Europe, China, and Saudi Arabia. However, Tesla may release a new model with upgraded features before Lucid can significantly impact its sales.
Season One of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 is now live, introducing a battle pass, new content, and changes to certain weapons. Among the changes, the Riot Shield has received both a buff and a nerf, with reduced movement speed but increased melee damage. The new Assassin Vest also offers stealthier gameplay. Additionally, there are new maps, modes, and guns available in the game.
https://gizmodo.com/nasa-asteroid-sample-parachute-anomaly-root-cause-1851076738
NASA has identified inconsistent labels in the design plans as the cause of the out-of-order parachute deployment during the return capsule's descent to Earth. The capsule, carrying samples of the asteroid Bennu, landed safely in Utah, but opening the canister containing the samples is proving difficult. NASA will test the parachute release system to confirm the cause of the deployment issue and prevent similar problems in the future.
https://www.techradar.com/streaming/apple-tv-plus/foundation-season-3-everything-we-know-so-far
Apple has officially confirmed that "Foundation" will return for a third season, putting to rest concerns that the sci-fi series might be canceled. The release date is still unknown, but filming reportedly began in May 2023, and the season is expected to pick up 150 years after the season 2 finale. No plot details have been confirmed yet, but the show is likely to draw inspiration from Isaac Asimov's books.
Facebook and Instagram, owned by Meta and its CEO Mark Zuckerberg, are facing a lawsuit from the New Mexico attorney general, alleging that the platforms have become "marketplaces for predators in search of children." The lawsuit claims that Meta's algorithms recommend sexual content to children and that the platforms attract predators. The lawsuit follows reports by The Wall Street Journal that found disturbing patterns on Facebook and Instagram, including the enablement and promotion of groups sharing child sexual abuse material. Meta is currently facing multiple lawsuits regarding the harm caused to children's mental health on its platforms.
https://gizmodo.com/google-gemini-nano-pixel-8-pro-ai-phone-1851076797
Google is rolling out new AI capabilities for its Google Pixel 8 Pro smartphone, powered by its Gemini AI model. The AI features will run directly on users' devices, ensuring data privacy and offline access. The features include text summarization, smart replies, and AI-enhanced spell check. Google plans to expand AI capabilities to more apps next year. This move towards on-device AI processing could revolutionize user-end AI interactions.
https://arstechnica.com/?p=1989016
Apple is reportedly looking to have the batteries for its upcoming iPhone 16 made in India, as part of the company's efforts to diversify its supply chain and reduce dependence on China. Battery manufacturers, including Desay of China and Simplo Technology of Taiwan, have been encouraged to establish or scale up production in India. This move aligns with India's "Make in India" campaign to attract manufacturing investments. Apple has been gradually shifting production to countries like Vietnam and India but has faced challenges in replicating the scale and quality of its Chinese operations.
https://arstechnica.com/?p=1988975
A recently discovered attack called LogoFAIL has made hundreds of Windows and Linux computer models vulnerable to malware that can be executed during the boot-up sequence. This attack, which bypasses traditional security mechanisms, allows for infections that are difficult to detect and remove. Researchers believe that the vulnerabilities responsible for LogoFAIL have been present in firmware for many years. Affected companies are releasing advisories and security patches to address the issue.
https://venturebeat.com/ai/google-pins-its-hopes-on-gemini-ai-to-redeem-troubled-assistant-bard/
Google is integrating its new Gemini AI model into its conversational assistant Bard to improve its limitations and compete with rivals like OpenAI's ChatGPT. The upgrades will enhance Bard's ability to understand questions and provide accurate answers. However, there are concerns about the potential for spreading misinformation and toxic content. Google hopes that Gemini will help redeem Bard and regain lost ground in the generative AI race.
https://venturebeat.com/ai/google-takes-aim-at-openai-with-launch-of-powerful-new-ai-model-gemini/
Google has introduced Gemini, its latest artificial intelligence (AI) model, which experts believe has the potential to rival AI models from competitors such as OpenAI, Microsoft, Meta, and Amazon. Gemini is Google's largest and most significant AI model release to date, bringing the company closer to creating an AI assistant that can understand and reason like a human. The model can analyze and generate various forms of data and has surpassed human experts on complex reasoning tests. Gemini will be rolled out in various Google products and platforms, with implications for industries like healthcare and coding.
https://techcrunch.com/2023/12/06/deepmind-unveils-alphacode-2-powered-by-gemini/
Google has unveiled AlphaCode 2, an improved version of its code-generating AI model. Powered by the Gemini generative AI model, AlphaCode 2 outperformed 85% of competitors in a subset of programming competitions, compared to 50% for its predecessor. The AI model is capable of understanding programming challenges involving complex math and theoretical computer science, and uses dynamic programming techniques to simplify complex problems. While AlphaCode 2 has limitations and is currently costly to operate at scale, Google sees potential for it to assist programmers in the software development process.
Liquid AI, a spinoff from MIT co-founded by Daniela Rus, has raised $37.5m in seed funding to develop general-purpose AI systems powered by liquid neural networks. These networks are smaller and require less compute power than traditional AI models, making them more efficient and interpretable. Liquid AI plans to build new liquid foundation models and provide AI infrastructure and platforms for customers. The company's technology has already shown promise in autonomous navigation and predicting future values in various datasets.
https://techcrunch.com/2023/12/06/medical-scans-health-records-dicom-pacs-security/
Security weaknesses in the decades-old medical imaging standard, Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM), have exposed the personal health information of millions of patients. Germany-based cybersecurity consultancy Aplite discovered over 3,800 servers across 110 countries, exposing the private data of 16 million patients. The exposed information includes patient names, genders, addresses, phone numbers, and social security numbers. Aplite also found that more than 43 million health records, including examination results and referring physicians' details, were exposed. The majority of the exposed servers are hosted by major cloud providers such as Amazon AWS and Microsoft Azure.
Algoriddim has released djay Pro version 5, featuring new AI-powered features and a partnership with AudioShake. The update includes Next-generation Neural Mix, Crossfader Fusion, and Fluid Beatgrid, offering improved stem separation, automated crossfading, and AI adjustment of beatgrids. Existing users receive the update for free, while new users can access it through a subscription. The software is available on Mac, iOS, and iPhone, with Windows compatibility coming soon.
https://www.engadget.com/googles-gemini-ai-is-coming-to-android-150025984.html?src=rss
Google is introducing its new large language model, Gemini, to Android devices, starting with the Pixel 8 Pro. The smartphone will run Gemini Nano, a version of the model designed for smaller devices, and powered by Google's Tensor G3 chip for faster AI performance. The Gemini features will enable local summarization and context-aware smart replies on the Pixel 8 Pro, with plans for expansion to other apps next year. Google is also upgrading its ChatGPT rival, Bard, with Gemini, and rolling out AI-powered updates for other Pixel devices.
Google has announced the launch of its most powerful TPU (Tensor Processing Unit) to date, the Cloud TPU v5p, and an AI Hypercomputer from Google Cloud. The TPU v5p is an AI accelerator designed to work with large models, while the AI Hypercomputer combines performance-optimized hardware, machine learning frameworks, and open software to improve productivity and efficiency. Google's announcement comes as it introduces its new AI model, Gemini, and aims to compete with OpenAI's GPT-4.
Google has introduced its new large language model, Gemini 1.0, which it claims is the most capable AI model to date. Developed by Google's DeepMind and Research divisions, Gemini has integrated multimodal AI capabilities and is proficient in programming languages such as Python and Java. Google plans to integrate Gemini into various products, including its chatbot Bard, and offer three sizes of the model for different use cases. The most powerful version, Gemini Ultra, is set to be released in 2024.
https://techcrunch.com/2023/12/06/googles-gemini-isnt-the-generative-ai-model-we-expected/
Gemini Pro, the lightweight version of Google's next-generation AI model, has been launched, but the full-capability model won't be available until next year. The Gemini family includes different AI models with various parameters. Gemini Pro powers Google's ChatGPT competitor, offering improved reasoning, planning, and understanding capabilities. Gemini Ultra is a more impressive model, surpassing OpenAI's GPT-4 in several benchmarks. However, Google was evasive about its training data sources and didn't address concerns about bias and toxicity. The launch of Gemini has been criticized for being underwhelming and rushed.
Google is updating its generative AI chatbot, Bard, with its new and advanced AI model, Gemini. This update will enhance Bard's reasoning, planning, understanding, and other capabilities. Google claims that Gemini outperformed GPT-3.5 in industry standard benchmarks. Bard with Gemini will be rolled out in two phases, starting with a specifically tuned version of Gemini Pro. Bard Advanced, powered by Gemini Ultra, will be launched in 2024, offering multimodal support and the ability to understand and generate high-quality code.
Google has announced that its Pixel 8 Pro will be powered by the next-generation AI model called Gemini. Gemini Nano, the on-device version of the model, will enable features such as Summarize in Recorder and Smart Reply in Gboaard. This move to on-device AI will keep sensitive data from leaving the phone and allow for usage without a network connection. Gemini Nano will enhance the summarizer feature in the Recorder app and power the Smart Reply feature in Gboard.
Google has announced the launch of its new Cloud TPU v5p, an updated version of its Cloud TPU v5e. The v5p boasts a 2x improvement in FLOPS and a 3x improvement in high-bandwidth memory. Google claims that the TPU v5p can train large language models like GPT3-175B 2.8 times faster than the TPU v4.
https://www.theverge.com/2023/12/6/23990537/microsoft-windows-printer-rename-hp-laserjet-issue
Microsoft is investigating an issue in Windows 10 and Windows 11 where printers are being randomly renamed to HP LaserJet ones. The problem affects devices running the 22H2 update and results in the HP Smart app being automatically installed. Microsoft says the problem isn't caused by HP, suggesting it's a Windows issue. This is not the first time Windows and printers have had compatibility issues.
https://www.theverge.com/23981840/ai-photography-boris-eldagsen-sony-dall-e-midjourney
Berlin-based artist Boris Eldagsen uses generative AI programs and text prompts to create thought-provoking photographs. His work is so convincing that he fooled Sony into giving him a photography award, only to reveal that it was made using AI. In this episode of Status Update, Becca Farsace explores Eldagsen's creative process and attends his gallery opening in Berlin.
https://www.theverge.com/2023/12/6/23989591/google-gemini-ai-model-pixel-8-pro-recorder-smart-reply
Google has introduced Gemini Nano, a reduced version of its large language model (LLM) that can run locally on devices like the Pixel 8 Pro. Initially, auto-summarization in the Recorder app and Smart Reply in Gboard will be powered by Nano. However, Nano has certain limitations, including functioning only in English and requiring high-end chips to run. Google is launching an early access program for developers to incorporate Gemini-powered features into their apps, with plans to expand its compatibility with different processors in the future.
https://www.theverge.com/2023/12/6/23989744/google-bard-gemini-model-chatbot-ai
Google's chatbot, Bard, has received a major upgrade with the integration of Google's new Gemini model. The Gemini model is said to match and even surpass the capabilities of OpenAI's ChatGPT. Bard's new version, powered by Gemini Pro, offers improved summarization, brainstorming, and writing capabilities. Google also plans to launch Bard Advanced, powered by Gemini Ultra, next year, which will allow for non-text interactions such as image, audio, and video processing.
https://www.theverge.com/2023/12/6/23990466/google-gemini-llm-ai-model
Google has announced the launch of its large language model, Gemini, which CEO Sundar Pichai claims will usher in a new era of AI. Gemini includes different versions for various applications, such as a lighter version for Android devices and a more powerful model for data centers. Google plans to integrate Gemini into its products, including search, ads, and Chrome. The company claims Gemini outperforms OpenAI's GPT-4 model in 30 out of 32 benchmarks, particularly in understanding and interacting with video and audio. However, the true test will be user feedback and adoption.
https://gizmodo.com/google-launches-gemini-ai-bard-pixel-8-preview-1851076747
Google has unveiled its new AI model, Gemini, which is being integrated into its products including smartphones, search, ads and more. The model comes in three tiers: Gemini Ultra, pitched as a competitor to OpenAI's GPT-4; Gemini Pro, designed to beat GPT-3.5; and Gemini Nano, built for mobile devices. The company claims Gemini outperforms the free version of OpenAI's ChatGPT in several benchmarks. A paid version of Google's chatbot, called Bard Advanced, running on Gemini Ultra will be launched next year. Proof of Gemini's capabilities has been postponed indefinitely due to alleged issues with non-English queries.
As a journalist, it is unclear what text you are referring to. Please provide the text you would like a summary for, and I will be happy to assist you.
https://gizmodo.com/keychron-q1-he-mechanical-keyboard-magnets-hall-effect-1851075464
Keychron has launched a Kickstarter campaign for its new mechanical keyboard, the Keychron Q1 HE. The keyboard features Hall effect switches that use magnets to detect keypresses. It has a compact size, Bluetooth connectivity, and adjustable actuation points, making it suitable for both gamers and typists. The keyboard is available for pre-order on Kickstarter, starting at $194. Shipping will begin in January.
The original iPhone SE has been added to Apple's list of obsolete devices, marking its status as a vintage smartphone. Released in 2016, the budget-friendly iPhone SE provided an affordable entry into Apple's ecosystem with access to native apps, a robust operating system, and exclusive features. Its impact also influenced other phone makers to create compelling budget options. Although the latest version, iPhone SE 3, was seen as a letdown, there are hopes for an exciting iPhone SE 4 in the future.
https://gizmodo.com/magnesium-supplements-liver-damage-acetaminophen-1851075036
Magnesium supplements may protect against liver damage caused by the painkiller acetaminophen, according to research. The study found that oral magnesium affected the gut microbiome and prevented acetaminophen-related liver damage in lab animals. Further research is needed to confirm this potential protective benefit and determine its applicability in humans. Acetaminophen is widely used worldwide but can cause severe liver injury if taken in excess. The study highlights new avenues for research to prevent liver injury and potentially expand treatment applications.
As a journalist, I cannot provide a summary of the text without knowing what the text is about. Please provide the text or some information about it so that I can summarize it for you.
https://venturebeat.com/games/gameon-technology-changes-its-name-to-on-as-it-raises-25m/
I'm sorry, but I cannot generate a 50-word summary without knowing the text you are referring to.
https://techcrunch.com/2023/12/06/startup-december-layoffs/
During the holiday season, nearly 40% of Americans go into debt to pay for expenses, making it devastating to be laid off in December. Startup employees are particularly at risk. Q4 is a critical period for companies to meet annual targets and attract investors. For struggling businesses, layoffs may be necessary to cut costs and turn things around.
https://www.techradar.com/pro/unlocking-the-power-of-your-digital-services
Businesses have invested heavily in technology since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to significant growth in the collaboration software market. However, many businesses may not be maximizing the potential of these technologies. BT and Microsoft are partnering to help businesses integrate Microsoft services with their technology stack to improve connectivity and productivity. A webinar titled "Evolve your digital services, starting with Microsoft" will provide insights and guidance on empowering staff, enhancing security, and optimizing systems for future challenges.
Researchers have warned that thousands of Go module repositories on GitHub are vulnerable to a type of attack known as repojacking. In repojacking, a hacker takes advantage of a developer changing or deleting their account to create an impersonator account and repository, which can then be used to introduce malicious code into the supply chain. According to cybersecurity researchers, there are over 9,000 repositories vulnerable to repojacking as a result of GitHub username changes and 6,000 repositories vulnerable due to account deletion.
OurSky, a startup aiming to make space observational data more accessible, has closed $9.5 million in seed funding. The company plans to use the investment to accelerate deployment of its network of telescopes and its developer platform. OurSky provides a modern and cost-effective alternative for accessing real-time space object data through its development tools and open APIs.
https://techcrunch.com/2023/12/06/poppy-digital-booking-wedding-flowers/
Poppy, a technology-driven startup, is making waves in the wedding industry with its innovative platform for booking and fulfilling wedding flowers. With over 3,000 weddings facilitated since its founding in 2019, Poppy has raised $8.7 million in total funding and plans to use the capital to expand its presence, invest in marketing and sales, and develop new products. The company aims to capitalize on the projected growth in the wedding industry in 2024 and beyond.
Acer has announced the Aspire Vero 16, its latest eco-friendly laptop, coinciding with the COP 28 conference in Dubai. The laptop features a chassis made of over 60% recycled plastic and has packaging made of 100% recyclable materials. Acer also aims to use 100% renewable electricity by 2035 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
Astronomer, the lead commercial sponsor behind the Apache Airflow project, has released its latest Astro platform update. This update provides enhanced enterprise support, security, and management features for Airflow, which is increasingly being used for AI and machine learning workloads. Astronomer offers a managed service for Airflow, along with additional tools and capabilities to simplify data pipeline development. The update includes a connection management feature for secure data access, along with easier upgrades and rollbacks for configurations. Astronomer is also collaborating with various AI vendors and building reference architectures for AI applications.
https://venturebeat.com/games/dataai-mobile-game-spending-111b-2024-predictions/
As an AI text-based model, I am unable to see or analyze text provided by users. Therefore, I cannot provide a summary without the text you are referring to. Please provide the text you would like me to summarize and I will be happy to assist you.
https://www.theverge.com/2023/12/6/23989682/honda-ev-global-series-ces-2024-tease
Honda will unveil a new global series of electric vehicles at the upcoming Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in 2024. The teaser image released by the company shows a sloping rear section of a car with no visible tail lights or bumper. Honda has ambitious goals for electric vehicles, aiming for 30 new models by 2030 and 100% zero-emissions auto sales by 2040. The company recently canceled plans for affordable EVs with General Motors and faced setbacks with its autonomous unit, Cruise.
Alysa Taylor, Corporate Vice President of Azure + Industry at Microsoft, discusses the potential benefits of AI for businesses. She highlights Microsoft's collaborations with OpenAI and their advancements in language models, as well as the application of AI in healthcare, cybersecurity, and customer service. Taylor emphasizes the potential of generative AI for small businesses and the importance of responsible AI deployment.
https://techcrunch.com/2023/12/06/spade-credit-card-fraud-detection/
Spade, a company that provides real-time transaction intelligence to card issuers for fraud detection, has raised $10 million in a series A funding round led by Flourish Ventures. The funds will be used to expand its team, develop its technology and products, and support international expansion. Spade processes credit card transaction data in under 50 milliseconds with 99% accuracy, giving its customers the most accurate data for quick transaction authorization and enhanced fraud detection. CEO Oban MacTavish noted the growing importance of fraud detection as banks become more sensitive to margins.
Over half of London's black taxi fleet consists of zero-emission vehicles, according to manufacturer LEVC and Transport for London (TfL). Out of the 14,690 licensed taxis in the city, 7,972 are now battery electric vehicles (BEVs). New regulations require all new taxis to be zero-emissions, while existing taxi drivers with less efficient vehicles must pay a daily rate to operate in central London's Ultra Low Emission Zone. Many taxi operators in the city have committed to transitioning to fully electric fleets by 2025.
https://arstechnica.com/?p=1988828
The James Webb Space Telescope has captured a stunning image of a double star about 1,000 light-years from Earth. The photograph shows a luminous region surrounding newborn stars, known as a Herbig Haro object, with previously unknown jets coming from two stars. The Webb telescope's infrared capabilities allow for visualizing the structure of the outflows.
Swedish developer Coffee Stain Studios has launched Goat Simulator 3 for iOS and Android. The open-world game allows players to control a goat and cause chaos and destruction. The mobile version offers the same features as the console and PC versions, including co-op multiplayer support and various accessories for the goat. Goat Simulator was initially a joke demo but gained popularity, leading to a full game release. The mobile game is now available for $13.
https://www.theverge.com/2023/12/6/23990215/anker-qi2-15w-wireless-charging-iphone-13-14-15
Anker has announced that its upcoming Qi2-compatible wireless chargers will provide faster 15W charging for iPhone 13, iPhone 14, and iPhone 15 devices. This support is expected to extend to all Qi2 chargers. However, there are currently no certified products available for purchase. Anker spokesperson Mary Woodbury confirmed that the new MagGo products can support 15W charging, similar to Apple's MagSafe-branded gear. The compatibility of iPhone 12 series and software updates required are still unknown. Apple's iOS 17.2 release candidate added Qi2 compatibility for the iPhone 13 and 14 but did not provide details on charging speed with non-MagSafe hardware.
Samsung is offering substantial trade-in discounts on its latest foldable phones, including the Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Galaxy Z Flip 5. Customers can receive up to $1,000 off the price of the Galaxy Z Fold 5 and up to $600 off the Galaxy Z Flip 5 with an eligible trade-in. Similar discounts are also available for the Google Pixel Fold and Motorola Razr Plus and Razr 2023 models. The reduced prices make these high-end foldables more affordable for consumers during the holiday season.
https://www.techradar.com/gaming/playstation-pulse-explore-pre-order-guide
The PlayStation Pulse Explore earbuds have officially launched, but stock is proving difficult to find. Retailers such as Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, Target, and GameStop in the US, and Amazon, Very, and Currys in the UK are worth checking regularly for availability. The earbuds are priced at $199.99 / £199.99.
A report led by the University of Exeter and the Global Systems Institute warns that the world is on a disastrous trajectory due to climate change. The report emphasizes the need for an immediate phasing out of fossil fuels and the pursuit of positive tipping points, such as the widespread adoption of electric vehicles. However, controversies surrounding the COP28 conference in Dubai, including the presence of fossil fuel lobbyists, pose barriers to implementing these initiatives.
Best Buy is currently offering great deals on gaming laptops, including the Gigabyte G5 for $799, the Lenovo LOQ for $699.99, and the MSI Crosshair for $1,099. These laptops feature powerful components such as RTX graphics cards and Intel Core i7 chipsets, making them excellent options for gamers.
Facebook is discontinuing its feature that allows users to receive encrypted notification emails. The feature, which was introduced in 2015, had low uptake and was considered unnecessary given that most email notifications were considered spam. The move is seen as a cost-cutting measure and reflects the popularity of other encrypted messaging options offered by Facebook.
Russian state-sponsored group APT28, also known as Fancy Bear, has launched a widespread phishing campaign targeting government agencies and organizations in Europe and North America. The campaign, which has been ongoing since March 2023, aims to exploit vulnerabilities in Microsoft Outlook and WinRAR to gather intelligence. US intelligence believes Fancy Bear operates under the Russian General Staff Main Intelligence Directorate (GRU).
Developer Fntastic has responded to accusations of scamming ahead of the release of their MMO survival game, The Day Before. In a social media message, the studio addressed criticism, apologizing for marketing and teasing shortcomings but denying any scamming allegations. The game will officially launch in early access on Steam on December 7.
The European Union's Digital Markets Act (DMA) regulation may not require Apple's iMessage to be interoperable with other messaging apps, as it is not considered popular enough with business users, according to Bloomberg. While the final decision is yet to be made, sources suggest that the EU will not ask Apple to make iMessage compatible with other services. In September, the EU listed 22 services, including those from Apple, that would be subject to the DMA starting in 2024.
https://www.engadget.com/best-headphones-wireless-bluetooth-120543205.html?src=rss
This text is a buyer's guide for over-ear wireless headphones with noise-canceling features. It recommends considering factors like wear style, noise cancellation, and desired features before making a purchase. The text also provides a list of seven recommended headphone models, including Sony WH-1000XM5, Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2, and Audio-Technica M20xBT. It further discusses the testing process and factors to consider when choosing headphones.
https://techcrunch.com/2023/12/06/leonardo-ai/
Sydney-based generative AI startup Leonardo.Ai has raised $31m in a funding round featuring investors such as Blackbird, Gaorong Capital, Samsung Next, Side Stage Ventures, Smash Capital, and TIRTA Ventures. The platform, aimed at users in gaming, advertising, fashion, and architecture, allows users to save, edit, and build multiple assets in the same style for reuse, and to build and train their own models for image generation. Leonardo.Ai plans to expand its B2B offering and hire additional sales, marketing, and engineering staff with the funds.
https://www.techradar.com/audio/bring-dolby-home-and-experience-home-entertainment-heaven
Bring Dolby Home is a digital destination that offers advice on achieving the ultimate home entertainment experience through technologies like Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision. It provides information on choosing the right TV or soundbar and offers guides on setting up audio and video equipment. The platform also keeps users updated on new releases and offers a chance to win prizes.
Mobile games studio Titan AI has raised over $500,000 in pre-seed funding for its generative AI-powered games. The company uses image generators and proprietary technology to create 2D and 3D graphics for games, aiming to reduce the cost and speed of content creation. Its first game, Aztec Spirit Run, features a main character defending a temple's treasure against Conquistadores. Titan AI plans to create more inclusive experiences for underrepresented players and make its games free to play.
https://www.theverge.com/23987669/ev-charging-rural-america-challenges-politics
The transition to electric vehicles (EVs) in rural America faces challenges due to factors such as limited charging infrastructure, divisive politics, and class differences. Rural areas have larger distances to cover, making EV range anxiety a concern. The rural population in the US comprises 20% of the total population, and there is a need for significant investments to electrify these areas and make EVs more accessible. Income disparities, resistance to change, and the cost of EVs are additional hurdles to be addressed for the successful electrification of rural America.
TikTok's annual roundup of its biggest hits showcases the diverse range of content on the platform. However, the personalized algorithms mean that what is popular on one person's For You page may not be seen by others. This raises questions about how we define "viral" and make wide-ranging conclusions about the app. It also highlights the need to contextualize viral content and not assume that what is popular on TikTok represents larger movements or truths.
Christmas deals are a great time to purchase an under-desk treadmill to kick-start a fitness journey. Under-desk treadmills are slimmer, easier to store, and cheaper than conventional running treadmills, making them ideal for walking. One such deal is the Sunny Slim Under-Desk Treadpad, available on Amazon at a 32% discount. It features time, distance, calorie, step, and speed tracking, as well as integrated shock absorbers to protect joints.
The star-studded comedy film "Average Height, Average Build" directed by Adam McKay and set to debut on Netflix has been canceled. McKay, known for his work on "Succession," has decided to prioritize climate activism and has chosen a different project. The film had an impressive cast, including Robert Pattinson and Amy Adams, but Netflix has decided not to proceed without McKay.
BuyDig is offering a limited-time deal on LG True Wireless Earbuds with active noise cancellation. Originally priced at $199.99, they are now available for $69.99. These flagship earbuds have features such as tweakable ambient sound, a chat mode, Bluetooth 5.2, and a companion app for EQ customization. The deal ends today and is a significant discount from previous prices. Although not tested, the newer model received positive reviews. This deal provides flagship technology at a budget-friendly price.
Atlassian has discovered and patched four critical vulnerabilities, urging users to apply fixes immediately. The flaws have high severity ratings and allow remote code execution. Atlassian has had several severe flaws to fix in the past few weeks, including an improper authorization flaw that hackers were using to drop ransomware on victims' endpoints.
Canon's EOS R6 Mark II mirrorless camera is now available for under $2,000/£2,200, making it a great deal ahead of the holiday season. With a $500 price cut, the camera offers impressive features such as a 24MP full-frame sensor, fast autofocus, and 4K 60fps video capabilities. Adorama is offering the EOS R6 II body only for $1,999 in the US, while Amazon has it for £2,179 in the UK.
Casio's popular and affordable watches, including the Casio F91W and Casio A158WA, are currently on sale on Amazon. These watches have gained popularity among celebrities and consumers for their stylish design and affordability. The Casio F91W is priced at $16.01 and the Casio A158WA is priced at $20.65. Both models offer practical features such as stopwatch and alarm functions.
https://techcrunch.com/2023/12/06/sona-music-streaming-platform-nft-marketplace/
Sona, a new web3 streaming protocol, has emerged from stealth and announced the open beta launch of its free music streaming service, Sona Stream. The platform allows artists to auction off "SONAs," digital assets of their songs, and the highest bidder gets exclusive ownership. Sona also rewards artists and SONA owners with a percentage of streaming payout rewards. The company has raised $6.9 million in seed funding and plans to develop new features.
https://www.techradar.com/gaming/the-last-of-us-part-2-remastered-pre-order-guide
Pre-orders for The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered are now available in the USA and the UK. The game will be released on January 19, 2024, and will offer enhanced graphics, three modes, DualSense controller capabilities, developer commentary, and a new survival mode. The standard edition is priced at $49.99 in the USA and £44.99 in the UK, while the WLF Edition is priced at $99.99 in the USA and £99.99 in the UK.
Google Files app on Android phones is introducing a new feature called Smart Search, which aims to make finding hidden files easier. The feature uses local machine learning to search for text in file names, PDFs, images, and even recognizes objects and locations in photos. However, there have been reported limitations, such as delays and certain promised abilities not yet being fully functional. The rollout of Smart Search is currently taking place, and users can enable the feature once they receive the app update.
Looking for a TV under $500/£500? TechRadar has compiled a list of the best deals for affordable TVs, including options for movies, gaming, and sports. The Hisense U6K and TCL Q7 are recommended for movie and gaming enthusiasts, while the TCL Q6 and Hisense E7K are great for sports fans. Check out their guides for more holiday gift ideas.
Microsoft's Copilot AI chatbot is getting an upgrade, integrating OpenAI's GPT-4 Turbo and DALL-E 3 image generator models. The new integration will allow for more complex tasks and improved performance, with GPT-4 Turbo accepting up to 300 pages of text as input and DALL-E 3 generating higher-quality images. Copilot's Inline Compose tool also includes a rewrite menu, and Code Interpreter helps with data analysis, visualization, math, and coding.
https://www.techradar.com/gaming/fortnite-secret-cave
Fortnite players can discover a secret cave in the game's new Chapter 5 Season 1 map. Located northeast of Hazy Hillside, the cave contains multiple chests and offers plenty of loot. Players can also encounter the Coral Buddies, who sing soothing songs. To exit the cave, players must backtrack the way they came.
iOS 17.2, expected to be released in mid-December, will bring improved telephoto camera focusing speed for iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max users. This update aims to enhance the speed and accuracy when capturing small faraway objects, potentially increasing the number of quality photos. The update also coincides with the ability to shoot spatial video.
https://www.theverge.com/2023/12/6/23990374/amazon-microsoft-uk-cloud-market-competition-probe
Amazon has joined Google in criticizing Microsoft over licensing agreements that they claim restrict competition in the UK's cloud computing market. Amazon has laid out its concerns in a letter to the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), stating that Microsoft's licensing practices make it difficult for customers to switch to alternative cloud providers or run competing services alongside Azure. The CMA is currently investigating the dominance of Amazon and Microsoft in the UK's cloud computing industry.
AMD has released a new graphics driver, Adrenalin Edition 23.12.1, which includes a power-saving mode called AMD HYPR-RX Eco. This feature can save up to 68% of power drain and is currently exclusive to RDNA 3 GPUs. It is expected to greatly benefit gaming laptops and handhelds, improving their battery life. The feature may eventually be rolled out to older GPU hardware as well.
iPhone users have reported a glitch in iOS 17 that causes the App Switcher to appear while typing in an app, interrupting the user. Some users have found a workaround by disabling the Reachability feature in the Accessibility settings. Apple has yet to address the issue or provide a permanent fix.
Disney is giving three Pixar releases - Soul, Turning Red, and Luca - another chance to shine on the big screen in early 2024. These films, which originally debuted on Disney Plus due to the pandemic, will now have theatrical releases in January, February, and March. The movies will be accompanied by animated shorts, and Disney hopes to attract viewers back to cinemas after conditioning them to stay home for animated films.
https://www.theverge.com/2023/12/6/23990370/intel-amd-snake-oil-core-truths-pdf-deleted
Intel has accused AMD of misleading consumers with its Ryzen 7000 series mobile processors. Intel's presentation, which has now been deleted, focused on AMD's Ryzen 5 7520U processor and its naming scheme, claiming it is based on an older architecture. However, Intel's attack conveniently ignores its own history of confusing processor naming schemes. The presentation received widespread attention before being removed from Intel's website.
Google TV has introduced its own movie advent calendar for Chromecasts and smart TVs, featuring a daily movie recommendation leading up to Christmas. The calendar is customizable to each user's platform or region, and there is also a "Best of 2023" list highlighting the top movies and TV shows released throughout the year.
Payday 3 developer Starbreeze Entertainment has announced that it is developing a co-op multiplayer Dungeons & Dragons game, codenamed Project Baxter. The studio has obtained an official license from Wizards of the Coast and plans to release the game in 2026 on all major platforms. The game will feature co-operative multiplayer mechanics and a Games as a Service-model, with cross-play and community engagement.
Swedish developer Coffee Stain Studios has released Goat Simulator 3 for iOS and Android, allowing players to wreak havoc as a mayhem-loving goat in an open world. The latest version introduces accessories like jetpacks and rocket launchers, as well as the ability to customize goats with fashion accessories. The mobile game offers features similar to the console and PC versions, including co-op multiplayer support. Goat Simulator 3 is the second game in the series and is available for $13.
https://techcrunch.com/2023/12/06/x-now-lets-users-broadcast-community-posts-to-all-followers/
Formerly known as Twitter, X is introducing a new feature that allows users to share their community posts with all of their followers. Initially available on iOS, the option will soon be accessible on the web and Android. These community posts, while visible to non-community members, cannot be directly replied to unless quoted. X has been making various improvements to its communities feature to compete with platforms like Reddit and Facebook, including gatekeeping measures and the ability for private accounts to join communities. Community creation was previously restricted to Premium accounts but has recently been expanded to users in Japan.
The Silencing, a crime thriller with a 20% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, is the sixth most-watched film on Netflix this week. Despite negative reviews from critics, the film has garnered nearly four million views on the streaming platform. The Silencing follows a reformed hunter facing a dark past as he tries to track down a killer. Some reviews describe it as predictable and dull, while others praise its flawed characters and performances. The film is currently available to stream on Netflix.
https://www.theverge.com/2023/12/6/23989758/climate-environment-ai-biden-disinformation
Several environmental and disinformation groups have expressed concern that the Biden administration's approach to regulating artificial intelligence (AI) does not adequately address the technology's impact on climate change and disinformation. In a letter to the White House, the groups called for more climate-centered policies and safeguards against the spread of climate disinformation. They also urged the government to require companies to report energy use and emissions throughout the AI life cycle. The Biden administration's executive order does mention climate, but the groups argue that more comprehensive measures are needed.
The Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro phones may soon merge two prominent AI features, according to code discovered in the Pixel Camera app. The "Best Take" feature, which creates composite images of group photos, and the "Top Shot" feature, which suggests the best image from a burst of shots, could be combined into a new feature codenamed Fondue Topshot. This would allow users to choose from a selection of starting images and overlay individual shots of faces for the best result.
LG Innotek has reportedly begun advanced development on an under-display camera for a future iPhone, which may not be released until after 2026. The technology, featuring a 'freeform optic' lens, could capture more light than current under-display cameras and improve photo quality. Additionally, Apple is said to be planning to hide the Face ID components under the iPhone display before introducing the under-display camera.
https://www.techradar.com/pro/using-too-many-collaboration-tools-is-actually-making-work-harder
According to a new report by Asana, workers spend around 30% of their time navigating "disconnected" tools at work, resulting in wasted time and money. The study of over 3,000 knowledge workers suggests that workers desire fewer, but more effective, tools and believe that artificial intelligence could help increase productivity. However, the report also highlights the challenge of introducing AI as it may create even more options and make it harder to refine solutions. Workers also expressed the need for more guidance on collaboration and standardization of digital tools within their organizations.
Speculation about Microsoft's next operating system being called Windows 12 has been questioned after a mention of "Windows 11 24H2" was found in Windows policies. It is unclear whether this is a typo or a placeholder name, but it suggests that Microsoft may not release a whole new version of Windows next year.
Larian Studios has released statistics for Baldur's Gate 3, revealing that 1.3 million players have completed the game, with a total playtime of approximately 452,556,984 hours. The most popular romanceable companion is Shadowheart, and the Paladin class remains the most played. The game will be released on Xbox Series X|S before the end of the year.
iOS 17.2, set to launch soon, will bring Qi2 charger support to all iPhone 13 and iPhone 14 models, allowing for faster wireless charging at 15W. Previously, only MagSafe-certified chargers offered this charging speed. The update also includes the introduction of Apple's Journal app and other features.
The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered for PlayStation 5 will include three 'lost levels' that were cut from the original game, giving fans a glimpse of what could have been. The levels, named Sewers, Jackson Party, and Boar Hunt, will be playable in their pre-alpha state with developer commentary. The remastered version will also feature visual improvements, integration of the DualSense controller's haptics, and a new roguelike survival mode called No Return. The game is set to release on January 19.
Nexus Mods has banned a mod for the game Baldur's Gate 3 that aimed to erase LGBTQ+ characters and their identities. The mod, called "No Alphabets," removed the lesbian romance between two characters and changed the gender of a trans character. Nexus Mods stated that they are for inclusivity and diversity and will take action against mods that go against these principles.
Rockstar Games has announced that Grand Theft Auto 6, set to be released in 2025, will have the biggest and most immersive open-world experience yet. The game's first trailer, set in Vice City, received over 101 million views in its first 24 hours. GTA 6 will be available on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, but there is no information yet about a PC release.
Apple TV Plus has officially renewed its hit series "Foundation" for a third season. Showrunner David S. Goyer expressed excitement for the next installment, which will introduce new characters and explore higher stakes. The sci-fi epic has received praise for its ambitious and imaginative adaptation, and fans can't wait to see what's in store for the future of the series.
The developer of Call of Duty: Warzone, Raven Software, has announced a decrease in the player count for its battle royale mode from 150 players per match to 100. They explain that this decision was made to create an optimal and fun experience based on critical metrics such as map size, time-to-action, and circle timings. The change is believed to be in response to the faster movement mechanics introduced in Season One of Modern Warfare 3.
Bethesda Game Studios has introduced Creations, a new platform for Skyrim Special Edition that allows players to discover, download, and play community-made and official content. Modders can apply to be part of the Verified Creator Program and set prices for their creations, providing a new way for them to earn revenue. However, the return to paid mods has drawn criticism on social media. Free mods will still be available on websites like Nexus Mods.
The launch of Diablo 4's hardest endgame dungeon, the Abattoir of Zir, has been plagued by a bug that reduces players' power. The bug affects the radius of players' Glyphs, which provide powerful bonuses. This setback has made the already difficult dungeon nearly impossible for some players. A patch is expected to fix the bug soon.
https://arstechnica.com/?p=1988941
Morgan Motor Company has unveiled its latest development vehicle, the XP-1, an electric version of its Super 3 model. The XP-1 features a 33 kWh battery pack and a 136 hp electric motor, providing a real-world range of approximately 132 miles. The vehicle also offers fast charging capability and has been developed using advanced simulation technology.
Amazon has joined Google in criticizing Microsoft's anticompetitive business practices in the UK. This comes after Microsoft was referred to the UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) by Ofcom, the media regulator. The CMA is already investigating the country's cloud computing industry. Amazon's statement to the CMA criticized Microsoft's requirement for customers to purchase separate licenses to use their software with other cloud service providers.
https://www.techradar.com/news/nyt-connections-answers-today
The article discusses the NYT Connections puzzle and provides hints and answers for the December 5 puzzle. It explains the rules of the game and offers tips on how to solve the puzzle. The puzzle consists of finding groups of four items that share something in common. There are different difficulty levels for each group, and players have four mistakes before the game ends. The article also mentions that the puzzle resets daily at midnight local time.
British sports car manufacturer Morgan Motor Company has announced its commitment to an electric future with its XP-1 developmental vehicle. The three-wheeler serves as a technology demonstrator, allowing engineers to determine the best combination of components and software for a lightweight electric vehicle that stays true to Morgan's tradition of hand-built craftsmanship. While the XP-1 is not intended for production, Morgan acknowledges the demand for electrification and the importance of considering EV technology for its future models.
Microsoft has announced that starting from October 14, 2025, it will no longer provide support for Windows 10 and users will have to pay for security updates. As an alternative, users can upgrade to Windows 11 or switch to open-source Linux. Microsoft's decision is seen as a way to prioritize support for the current operating system and not spread resources too thinly.
Microsoft will be offering an Extended Security Update (ESU) program for Windows 10, allowing organizations to buy yearly subscriptions for critical and important security updates until October 2028. Alternatively, Windows 10 PCs can be migrated to Windows 11 through a Windows 365 subscription. Microsoft also plans to extend the ESU program to individuals, recognizing the continued use of Windows 10.
https://venturebeat.com/games/ultra-pc-games-survey-consumer-price-sensitivity/
A study by blockchain-powered PC gaming hub, Ultra, reveals that only 36% of PC gamers purchase games at full price, with the remaining two-thirds split between free-to-play and discounted titles. The study also shows that gamers are price sensitive, with 75% open to buying digital indie titles. However, awareness of alternative storefronts is low, with Steam and Epic Games Store being the most familiar platforms. The full report will be released in January 2024.
https://www.theverge.com/2023/12/6/23990215/anker-qi2-15w-wireless-charging-iphone-13-14-15
Anker has announced that its upcoming Qi2-compatible wireless chargers will provide faster 15W charging for iPhone 13, iPhone 14, and iPhone 15 devices. This support is expected to extend to all Qi2 chargers. However, there are currently no certified products available for purchase. Anker spokesperson Mary Woodbury confirmed that the new chargers will support 15W charging, the same rate as Apple's MagSafe-branded gear. The release candidate version of iOS 17.2 added Qi2 compatibility for iPhone 13 and 14 without detailing charging speeds with non-MagSafe hardware.
Apple's support for the RCS messaging standard, which allows Android and iPhone devices to communicate, won't arrive until early 2024. However, a third-party app called Beeper Mini is available now, enabling Android users to send encrypted texts to iPhones using Apple's iMessage protocol. The app offers various iMessage features, including the ability to send photos and videos, react to content, and join iPhone-only group chats. Users can download the app for $1.99, with a free trial available. It remains unclear whether Apple will take action against the app.
https://techcrunch.com/2023/12/05/mega-deals-ai-funding-q3/
Venture capital investments in generative AI startups have surpassed $68.7 billion in 2023, with companies like OpenAI and Anthropic securing mega-deals. However, a report by PitchBook suggests that these numbers may be inflated by large investments from tech giants. After subtracting these tranches, the total VC funding for the generative AI sector in Q3 is closer to $15.1 billion.
Apple's upcoming iOS 17.2 update will reportedly add Qi2 charger support for all iPhone 13 and iPhone 14 models. This means that these iPhone models will be compatible with up to 15W wireless charging using Qi2-certified chargers, expanding affordable charging options for consumers. Qi2, a MagSafe-like wireless fast charging standard, was first announced at CES 2023 and promises future iterations with even higher charging levels. Qi2-compatible accessories are expected to be released by the holidays and will likely be featured at CES 2024.
https://www.theverge.com/2023/7/17/23798246/strike-hollywoods-writers-actors-wga-sag-aftra
Hollywood actors, represented by the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA), have voted in favor of a new agreement with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP), effectively ending the 118-day actors' strike. The deal includes more than $1 billion in new compensation and benefits, along with protections against the use of AI in their work. The strike marks the first time since 1960 that both unions for writers and actors have gone on strike simultaneously.
https://venturebeat.com/games/playstation-plus-adds-powerwash-simulator-in-december/
PlayStation has announced the games coming to PS Plus's Essential tier in December, including Lego 2K Drive, Powerwash Simulator, and Sable. These games are available to claim on PS Plus starting today and players who redeem them will also earn 50 bonus PlayStation Stars points. Additionally, PlayStation is rolling out the Season of Play, a month-long series of promotions and tournaments to celebrate the holidays.
https://venturebeat.com/games/prime-gaming-adds-deathloop-asteroids-in-december-starting-today/
As a journalist, it is my duty to provide accurate and concise information to the public.
Twitch, the popular livestreaming platform, is shutting down its operations in South Korea due to "prohibitively expensive" costs. Despite efforts to reduce expenses, the fees to operate in Korea were still 10 times higher than in other countries. Twitch has been running at a significant loss in Korea and sees no sustainable future there. The reasons behind the high network fees in South Korea are unclear.
https://techcrunch.com/2023/12/05/avenir-seeks-to-raise-800m-for-new-fund/
Avenir Growth Partners, a New York-based investment firm, is looking to raise $800 million for its fifth fund, according to a recent securities filing. The firm, which has invested in several notable startups, including DuckDuckGo and Flutterwave, previously raised $780 million for its fourth fund. Avenir Growth Partners has not yet commented on the matter.
https://techcrunch.com/2023/12/05/did-you-attend-googles-ki-black-summit-this-summer/
Google is facing criticism after it was revealed that notebooks given to Black attendees at the K&I Black Summit featured an unfortunate slogan: "I was just cotton the moment, but I came back to take your notes." The company claims the notebooks were purchased through a third-party vendor and that they did not add the cotton line themselves. However, this oversight highlights the need for more attention to cultural sensitivity and inclusivity.
https://venturebeat.com/games/twitch-south-korea-shut-down-2024/
Twitch is shutting down its operations in South Korea due to the high operating costs, despite efforts to reduce expenses. The streaming platform will reach out to competitors in South Korea to support streamers in transitioning to other services. Korean language channels accounted for nearly 5.5% of all hours watched on Twitch.
https://arstechnica.com/?p=1988814
NASA and SpaceX may test orbital refueling capabilities on the next Starship flight in a step towards propellant depots in space. The technology could enable rockets to travel to distant destinations beyond Earth orbit. NASA has previously partnered with four companies to develop cryogenic fluid management and refueling capabilities. SpaceX is the most likely to complete the necessary tasks, potentially leading to a crew landing on the Moon.
https://techcrunch.com/2023/12/05/discord-app-redesign-mobile/
Discord has unveiled a major update to its mobile app, addressing user feedback and enhancing the messaging experience. The redesign includes new tabs for easier navigation, a dedicated section for messages, and a status area showing friends' real-time activities. The update also improves search functionality, visual aesthetics, and offers a faster and data-efficient experience. Additionally, Discord has announced plans to sell custom avatars and other virtual items.
https://www.techradar.com/news/wordle-today
TechRadar's UK Editor in Chief, Marc, offers hints and solutions for the popular word game Wordle. In this article, he provides commentary on the latest puzzle and reveals today's answer, "YOUNG." Marc also shares statistics about common letters in Wordle and offers tips to improve gameplay. He emphasizes the importance of the letter "Y" in today's answer and acknowledges the challenge posed by the remaining letters.
https://gizmodo.com/nasa-shows-off-concept-for-an-alien-hunting-cryobot-pro-1851074827
Astrobiologists are working on designing a cryobot, a cylindrical robot capable of drilling through icy crusts on moons of Jupiter and Saturn to access the liquid water ocean beneath. The cryobot would have a nuclear power system and communication link to transmit information back to Earth. Exploring the oceans of these celestial bodies could provide insights into the existence of alien life. NASA plans to launch the Europa Clipper mission in 2024 to inform the design of a future cryobot probe.
https://gizmodo.com/darren-lynn-bousman-horror-director-interview-cello-saw-1851066933
Darren Lynn Bousman, director of several "Saw" movies, opens up about his latest film, "The Cello," discussing its departure from his previous work and the challenges of blending Western and Middle Eastern cultures in the film. Bousman also talks about his approach to making the cello a scary object and hints at the possibility of a sequel. "The Cello" releases on December 8th.
https://www.techradar.com/computing/websites-apps/quordle-today-answers-clues-6-december-2023
This article provides hints and answers for the word game Quordle, including information about the number of vowels, repeated letters, and different letters used. It also offers strategies for approaching the game and suggests using multiple starting words to narrow down potential answers. The article is written by a Quordle enthusiast and includes their personal insights and recommendations.
https://arstechnica.com/?p=1988926
A second person has died after consuming Panera's "Charged Lemonade" drinks, which contain high levels of caffeine. The first death occurred in September when a college student went into cardiac arrest after drinking the beverage. The families of the victims have filed lawsuits claiming the lemonade is a dangerous energy drink. Panera denies the allegations and stands by the safety of their products. They have increased warnings about the caffeine content but have no plans to lower it.
https://www.theverge.com/2023/12/5/23989822/reddit-bug-slurs-added-links-google
A bug on Reddit is allowing slurs to be added to Reddit URLs, which then appear on Google search results. The unexpected characters and slurs appear in the subdomain before "reddit.com." Reddit has confirmed that it is aware of the bug and is working to fix it. Google is also looking into ways to prevent this issue from occurring in the future.
Music streaming platform Spotify has announced a third round of layoffs, cutting approximately 1,500 employees, or 17% of its workforce. The layoffs come as part of an effort to improve the company's efficiency and narrow the gap between its financial goals and operational costs. The cuts are impacting various departments, from product to content to advertising. Spotify's stock has risen nearly 11% since the announcement, showing investor approval. The company has also canceled several podcasts, including Heavyweight and Stolen, as it shifts focus towards high-margin, broadly appealing shows.
https://gizmodo.com/legend-of-zelda-movie-director-quotes-miyazaki-ghibli-1851074478
Wes Ball, director of the upcoming Zelda movie adaptation, has expressed his excitement about the project and his desire to make something special. He envisions an "awesome fantasy-adventure movie" that is unique and distinct from other fantasy films like Lord of the Rings. Ball also wants to capture the wonder and whimsy of a live-action Miyazaki film. While the task is daunting, he understands the importance of delivering a true Legend of Zelda experience.
https://techcrunch.com/2023/12/05/did-you-attend-googles-ki-black-summit-this-summer/
A Google event notebook distributed to Black attendees at the K&I Black Summit contained an awkward phrase: "I was just cotton the moment, but I came back to take your notes". While Google claimed the phrase was not added by them but by a third-party vendor, the oversight highlights the need for more careful attention to the messaging towards Black employees.
https://arstechnica.com/?p=1988728
The trailer for Amazon's Fallout TV series has been released, offering a glimpse into the post-apocalyptic world of the popular video game. The show will be produced by Lisa Joy and Jonathan Nolan, with Geneva Robertson-Dworet and Graham Wagner as the showrunners. While the pedigree seems strong, skepticism remains after Amazon's previous mediocre Lord of the Rings series.
https://venturebeat.com/games/sorry-dragon-age-fans-dreadwolfs-reveal-wont-be-at-the-game-awards/
Bioware has released a teaser trailer for its upcoming game, Dragon Age: Dreadwolf, on "Dragon Age Day." However, the actual reveal is not expected until summer 2024. The trailer showcases various locations in Thedas and includes voices of unnamed characters, possibly hinting at the antagonist. Controversy surrounds the game's development, including leaked gameplay footage and layoffs.
The mindfulness app Calm has collaborated with AI company Respeecher to revive the iconic voice of Jimmy Stewart for a new Sleep Story. Stewart's calming voice will help users drift off to sleep with a heartwarming holiday tale. While the project has received backlash on social media, Stewart's family is pleased to see his legacy live on through technology.
As a journalist, it is important to always provide fair and balanced reporting. Journalists should prioritize truth and accuracy, while also being mindful of potential biases. By upholding ethical standards, journalists can contribute to a well-informed society that values reliable and truthful information.
https://www.theverge.com/2023/12/5/23989407/bing-deep-search-gpt-4-microsoft
Microsoft is developing a new feature for Bing called Deep Search, which uses the power of the GPT-4 AI to expand on user queries and provide comprehensive answers. The feature aims to save users time and effort by generating detailed prompts based on their initial search. While still in the experimental phase and only available to a small group of users, Deep Search has the potential to enhance productivity and improve search results.
https://gizmodo.com/andor-season-2-release-date-star-wars-disney-plus-luna-1851075205
Season two of the Star Wars series "Andor" is expected to be delayed and may not debut until 2025. The delay is reportedly due to mid-production strikes and the release of other shows taking up much of the year. While disappointing for fans, the delay may allow for a more polished and well-crafted season.
https://arstechnica.com/?p=1988890
In an article for The New Yorker, writer Charles Duhigg reveals alleged boardroom tensions at OpenAI, with some members reportedly finding CEO Sam Altman "manipulative and conniving." The piece details Altman's alleged attempts to manipulate the board into firing fellow board member Helen Toner. The article also discusses Microsoft's involvement with OpenAI and their response to the drama.
https://arstechnica.com/?p=1988728
The trailer for Amazon's Fallout TV series has been released, showcasing a post-apocalyptic world filled with monsters and factions. The show will be produced by Lisa Joy and Jonathan Nolan, with Geneva Robertson-Dworet and Graham Wagner as showrunners. Despite the promising pedigree, skepticism remains due to Amazon's previous disappointing Lord of the Rings series.
https://techcrunch.com/2023/12/05/elon-musk-raise-1-billion-xai/
Elon Musk is seeking $1 billion in funding for his AI company, xAI. He has raised about $135 million so far from four investors, but still needs $865 million to meet his goal. xAI's product, Grok, will be released in beta to X Premium+ subscribers and aims to be a rebellious and knowledgeable AI bot. Musk's previous involvement with OpenAI has caused some skepticism among potential investors.
https://gizmodo.com/spyloan-apps-malware-android-google-blackmail-1851075120
Malicious loan apps disguised as legitimate lending platforms have been downloaded 12 million times by Android users since 2020, according to ESET Research. These fraudulent apps steal personal and financial information to blackmail users, sometimes threatening their families and stealing their money. Google has removed the identified apps, classified as "SpyLoan apps", from the Play Store. The report reveals that these apps have grown by 90% in the first half of 2023, primarily targeting users outside of the US and Europe. Victims are often harassed and blackmailed into making payments, even if they didn't apply for a loan.
https://gizmodo.com/master-dynamic-mw09-earbuds-performance-price-sound-1851059176
M&D's latest true wireless earbuds, the MW09, offer adaptive ANC and a battery life of nearly two days. With a well-crafted design and excellent sound quality, they provide a premium experience. However, the microphone performance falls short, making them less suitable for professional meetings. Overall, they offer great value for a killer pair of earbuds.
https://www.theverge.com/2023/12/5/23989675/looking-glass-go-holographic-display-kickstarter
Looking Glass, a startup focused on building 3D displays, has introduced its most affordable and portable screen yet, the Looking Glass Go. Priced at $300, the six-inch screen is small enough to fit in your pocket but requires USB-C power or an optional external battery dongle. It offers higher pixel density compared to its predecessor and features built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. The company has launched a Kickstarter campaign for the Go, with shipping expected to begin in June 2024.
https://techcrunch.com/2023/12/05/expense-management-startup-navan-layoffs/
Navan, formerly known as TripActions, has laid off 145 employees, representing 5% of its staff. The expense management startup, which recently raised significant funds and planned to go public, cited a restructuring effort to increase operational efficiencies and move towards profitability. Navan has experienced significant growth in spend volume and revenue, but CEO Ariel Cohen believes the market is not currently favorable for an IPO. Investors in the company include Andreessen Horowitz and Lightspeed Ventures.
https://gizmodo.com/martin-starr-something-in-the-barn-spiderman-dragons-1851072215
Martin Starr, known for his roles in "Freaks and Geeks" and "Silicon Valley," stars in the new holiday horror film "There's Something in the Barn." The movie, which channels the spirit of classic 1980s and 1990s films like "Gremlins" and "Christmas Vacation," follows a family who moves to Norway and encounters a friendly elf in their barn, until things go wrong. Starr discusses his role, comparisons to Chevy Chase's character in "Christmas Vacation," and his other projects in a recent interview.
The trailer for Grand Theft Auto VI has broken the record for most YouTube views in 24 hours, surpassing a video by MrBeast. With 85 million views in just 22 hours, the long-awaited game's release is highly anticipated. The previous record was held by BTS' music video for "Butter." The game franchise's previous installment, Grand Theft Auto V, remains the second best-selling video game of all time.
https://gizmodo.com/microsoft-copilot-assistant-openai-gpt4-turbo-boost-1851074275
Microsoft Copilot, the company's AI workflow companion, will soon integrate with OpenAI's GPT-4 Turbo. The upgrade promises to improve the app's usefulness and allow users to tackle more complex tasks. Microsoft continues to release AI products, but the financial success of these tools is not always guaranteed.
https://arstechnica.com/?p=1988731
Sony has announced that all Discovery content purchased on the PlayStation Store will be erased before 2024. This news has upset users who had already purchased shows from the store and expect to be able to watch them whenever they want. In total, 1,318 seasons of shows are listed for deletion.
https://arstechnica.com/?p=1988745
Renowned security researcher Bruce Schneier warns that AI models could facilitate mass spying, allowing automated analysis and summarization of conversation data. This could lower barriers to spying activities that currently require human labor. Schneier argues that AI-powered spying could have far-reaching consequences for personal privacy, free expression, and social control. Government regulation is needed to protect against mass surveillance.
https://www.theverge.com/2023/12/5/23989606/iphone-13-14-qi2-magsafe-compatible-apple-ios-17-2
Apple's upcoming iOS 17.2 update will bring support for the Qi2 wireless charging standard to iPhone 13 and iPhone 14 models, according to the patch notes. Qi2, which adds a MagSafe-like ring of magnets to the Qi wireless charging standard, allows for faster charging up to 15W. This means Android users will have access to a wider range of magnetic wireless chargers and iPhone users can enjoy MagSafe-speed charging without the added cost.
https://gizmodo.com/microsfot-windows-10-charging-2025-1851074975
Microsoft has announced that Windows 10 will reach its end of life on October 14, 2025. After this date, users will need to purchase subscriptions for monthly security updates and bug fixes. Windows 10 is still widely used, with close to 70% of the market share, compared to just below 27% for Windows 11. There are also reports that Microsoft may release Windows 12 in June 2024, which could heavily feature AI technology.
https://gizmodo.com/baldurs-gate-3-stats-halsin-bear-sex-scene-1851075059
Larian Studios, the developer of Baldur's Gate 3, has released analytics revealing that 66% of players chose not to indulge in a romantic encounter with the Elf Druid Halsin, who can transform into a bear. The statistics demonstrate a missed opportunity for players to explore wild and creative stories in the popular Dungeons & Dragons game.
https://www.theverge.com/2023/12/5/23989559/xai-elon-musk-securities-offering
Elon Musk-founded AI company, xAI, plans to raise up to $1 billion in equity investments, according to a recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The company has already raised $134.7 million and aims to further its goal of understanding the true nature of the universe through its Grok AI chatbot. The filing suggests that xAI has already secured the remaining funding.
https://www.techradar.com/pro/security/thousands-of-victims-hit-in-attack-on-chocolate-maker-hershey
The Hershey Company experienced a data breach in which payment data and personally identifiable information of 2,214 individuals were stolen. The breach occurred due to a phishing attack targeted at Hershey employees. Although there is no evidence of data misuse, Hershey has offered free identity protection services for two years to affected individuals.
TechRadar has compiled a list of the best OLED TV deals for the holiday season. Samsung's S90C and S95C models are praised for their picture quality, with the S90C receiving a $400 discount and the S95C dropping by $500. LG's B3 and C3 models also make the list, along with Sony's A80L and A75L options.
The iPhone 14 Plus is now available at a lower price, making it a great option for holiday shoppers. With its impressive battery life, larger screen, and reduced price, it offers a compelling deal. Verizon is also offering a promotion where customers can get four iPhone 14 Plus handsets for free with an unlimited data plan. In the UK, Amazon is offering a £150 discount on the iPhone 14 Plus.
Tesla is expected to release a software update on December 27th that will include new navigation features. Tesla hacker Green discovered code indicating the inclusion of Waze-like features, such as speed camera detection and live reporting of obstacles. The update may also offer alternative route options and improved driver monitoring capabilities. These updates aim to enhance convenience and safety for Tesla drivers.
https://techcrunch.com/2023/12/05/fiats-new-ev-looks-like-the-anti-cybertruck/
Fiat's owner, Stellantis, has announced that the Fiat 500e will be released in North America in the first quarter of 2024, with a starting price of $32,500. The electric vehicle, in collaboration with the AIDS-fighting group cofounded by U2's Bono, will have a range of 149 miles. The contrast between the Fiat 500e and Tesla's Cybertruck is stark, with the Fiat offering a significantly smaller size and range. However, Fiat aims to cater to dense cities and prioritize sustainability. Other variants of the 500e will be released gradually.
Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has announced that it will disable the cross-messaging feature between the two platforms. The move comes three years after the feature was introduced and was intended to allow users to easily communicate across both apps. It is unclear why Meta has made this decision, but it is speculated that it may be related to Europe's Digital Market Act, which requires interoperability between messaging platforms. Meta has been scaling back its Messenger service and may focus on making WhatsApp its main messaging app.
https://gizmodo.com/killers-of-the-flower-moon-streaming-today-scorsese-1851074029
Martin Scorsese's three-and-a-half-hour crime drama, Killers of the Flower Moon, can now be watched on demand and purchased in over 100 countries. The film, based on a true story of brutal murders in 1920s Oklahoma, stars Leonardo DiCaprio, Jesse Plemons, and Robert De Niro. It is the second consecutive film by Scorsese to be released on streaming platforms.
https://arstechnica.com/?p=1988470
Scientists at the University of Chicago have used dense suspensions of piezoelectric nanoparticles to study the molecular-level behavior of oobleck, a non-Newtonian fluid that can behave as both a liquid and a solid. The researchers developed computer simulations to predict how oobleck transitions between these states under different stresses and found that their predictions matched experimental results. Oobleck, made from a mixture of water and corn starch, has long been a popular "kitchen science" experiment.
https://arstechnica.com/?p=1988767
Fiat has announced that the 2024 Fiat 500e will be released in the US early next year. The compact electric vehicle is positioned as a smaller, more affordable option in a market dominated by premium EVs. According to Fiat, the 500e will offer a range of up to 149 miles on a single charge and will be the lightest passenger EV in its segment. However, it will have less power and come at a slightly higher price than its competitor, the Mini Cooper SE.
https://arstechnica.com/?p=1988748
The UK's Office of Communications (Ofcom) has stated that AI face detection could be used by adult sites to estimate user ages and prevent minors from accessing pornography. However, concerns have been raised about the fairness, reliability, and effectiveness of this method. Ofcom plans to introduce "age assurance" systems under the Online Safety Act to enforce the legal age restriction of 18. Various age-check methods, including facial age estimation, are being considered, but privacy and data protection issues remain a concern. Ofcom will continue to update their guidance in consultation with stakeholders.
https://arstechnica.com/?p=1988697
The OnePlus 12 has been officially launched in China with impressive specs including the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, a 6.82-inch curved OLED display, and three rear cameras. The base model starts at 4,299 yuan ($600), with higher-tier options available. However, it won't be released in the US until 2024.
https://gizmodo.com/donkey-kong-country-coaster-universal-studios-japan-1851074133
Universal Studios Resorts has released a sneak peek of the upcoming Donkey Kong Country area at its theme park in Osaka, Japan. The highlight is a coaster themed after the popular Nintendo game with a mine cart ride vehicle. The expansion is expected to open in spring 2024.
https://www.theverge.com/2023/12/5/23989407/bing-deep-search-gpt-4-microsoft
Microsoft is developing a new feature for its search engine Bing called Deep Search, powered by GPT-4. This feature expands on user queries, providing comprehensive descriptions and additional topics related to the search. The aim is to make it easier for users to find information and explore different aspects of their query. Deep Search is currently being tested by a small group of users.
A user has managed to turn AMD's Ryzen 7 5800X3D processor into a storage device with read-write speeds that rival the best SSDs on the market. By running a RAM disk on the processor, the user achieved speeds of 178GB/s for reads and 163GB/s for writes, exceeding speeds of the fastest SSDs. This was made possible using RAM disks, which simulate hard drive storage using RAM units. However, the drawback is that everything is wiped when the PC reboots.
https://venturebeat.com/business/bitcoins-price-dynamics-unraveling-the-cryptocurrencys-volatility/
The journalist is asked to write a 50-word summary of a text, but the content of the text is not provided.
In 2024, Pixar films Soul, Luca, and Turning Red, which initially went straight to streaming due to COVID-19, will have theatrical releases in the US. While their box office impact may be limited, the releases offer viewers the chance to experience the films as intended and could provide some financial support to Disney. Additionally, the releases may help acclimate young audiences to theater-going before the release of Inside Out 2 on June 14.
https://techcrunch.com/2023/12/05/x-is-now-licensed-for-payment-processing-in-a-dozen-u-s-states/
Elon Musk's plans to transform Twitter, now called X, into an all-encompassing app with its own payment system are moving forward. X has been granted additional money transmitter licenses in three U.S. states, bringing the total to 12. Musk envisions X as a platform where users can send money, extract funds to bank accounts, and possibly support cryptocurrencies. However, the recent advertiser exodus following Musk's controversial endorsement may pose challenges for X's monetization and payment ambitions.
https://www.theverge.com/2023/12/5/23989290/playstation-digital-ownership-sucks
Sony has recently reminded users of the uncertain nature of digital "ownership" on PlayStation. Users have been informed that they will lose access to Discovery content they have purchased, while others have been unexpectedly banned from their PlayStation Network accounts and locked out of games they bought digitally. These incidents highlight the ephemerality of digital ownership and raise concerns about the trustworthiness of platforms. As a result, some users are considering returning to physical copies of games and movies.
https://techcrunch.com/2023/12/05/x-is-now-licensed-for-payment-processing-in-a-dozen-u-s-states/
Elon Musk's company, X (formerly Twitter), has been granted three additional money transmitter licenses, bringing the total number of states where the company can engage in money transfers to twelve. Musk has plans to turn X into an "everything app" with its own payments system, putting it in competition with PayPal. The move into payments is part of X's broader strategy to enter the creator economy. However, the company has recently faced challenges, including losing major advertisers due to controversies surrounding Musk's actions on the platform.
Amazon is offering discounts on Apple's AirPods 2 and AirPods Pro 2 just in time for the holidays. The AirPods 2 are on sale for $99.99, while the AirPods Pro 2 are available for $189.99. Both models come with Apple's H1 chip for seamless connectivity and voice control via Siri.
https://gizmodo.com/microsoft-seeing-ai-narration-app-blind-android-1851074085
Microsoft has launched its Seeing AI app on Android devices, expanding its accessibility to blind and low-vision users. The free app, originally launched for iOS in 2017, narrates the world using a smartphone camera. It can identify currency, read books, recognize faces, and more. The Android version includes generative AI capabilities and will be available in 36 languages next year. This move will help a larger number of the estimated 386 million working-age people globally with disabilities.
https://gizmodo.com/esa-avio-vega-rocket-missing-tanks-landfill-biomass-1851073802
The final mission of the European Space Agency's Vega rocket is in jeopardy after two propellant tanks were found crushed and unusable in a landfill. The tanks, necessary for the rocket's scheduled 2024 launch, had gone missing and were not recorded in the company's asset management system. The incident adds to concerns about Avio's quality control and decision-making processes. The company is now considering using older tanks or modifying the AVUM upper stage for the launch, which poses risks for the $247 million Biomass satellite that is meant to be deployed.
https://www.theverge.com/23959932/epic-v-google-trial-antitrust-play-store-fortnite-recap
Unable to Summarize Article
https://gizmodo.com/magic-the-gathering-murders-at-karlov-manor-spoilers-1851074588
The upcoming Magic: The Gathering set, Murders at Karlov Manor, takes players back to the world of Ravnica for a murder mystery. The set includes daily puzzles, Mystery File cards with their own puzzles, themed alt art cards, and a crossover with the classic board game Clue. A special Clue Edition of Magic will be released on February 23.
https://techcrunch.com/2023/12/05/tc-roundup-amazon-is-not-the-ai-leader/
Amazon, known for its dominance in the cloud, is now playing catch-up to Microsoft in the field of AI. Microsoft's alliance with OpenAI and advancements in AI technology, such as Copilot, have positioned it ahead of Amazon in the perception battle. As enterprise buyers seek AI solutions, Amazon must compete to remain relevant in the nascent technology.
https://gizmodo.com/magic-the-gathering-murders-at-karlov-manor-spoilers-1851074588
Magic: The Gathering is releasing a new set called Murders at Karlov Manor, which includes a murder mystery theme that players can solve through puzzles and story-themed spotlights. The set will also feature special alt art cards with invisible ink treatment. In addition, a Clue Edition of the game will be released on February 23.
Disney and Pixar have announced that their films "Soul," "Turning Red," and "Luca" will be released in theaters in 2024. These movies were previously released on Disney Plus due to the COVID-19 pandemic but will now have special engagement theatrical runs. Tickets will go on sale on January 2nd, 2024.
https://arstechnica.com/?p=1988720
A former Tesla employee who leaked internal documents and accident reports has expressed concerns about the safety of Tesla's Autopilot system. Lukasz Krupski, who was recently awarded the Whistleblowing Prize by nonprofit group Blueprint for Free Speech, stated that the hardware and software of Autopilot are not ready. He also highlighted safety risks such as sudden accelerations and braking. Krupski was previously featured in a New York Times article titled "Man vs. Musk: A Whistleblower Creates Headaches for Tesla." The US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is investigating Tesla Autopilot safety, while Krupski intends to sue Tesla for compensation over his firing.
Amazon is currently offering discounts on air purifiers and humidifiers in the US. With flu season in full swing, these devices can help keep germs and allergens at bay. Some of the top deals include the GoveeLife Mini Air Purifier, PuroAir 240 HEPA 14, Shark HP102PET Clean Sense, and Blueair Blue Pure 311i Max. There are also discounts on humidifiers like the GoveeLife Smart Humidifier and Levoit OasisMist 1000S. These deals provide an opportunity to give the gift of health this holiday season.
In a tumultuous year for the tech industry, game developers New World Interactive, Tinybuild, and Codemasters have announced layoffs. Parent company Saber Interactive has assured that work will continue on Insurgency: Sandstorm. Additionally, Tinybuild cites cost restructuring, while Codemasters blames "small-scale organizational changes" for the layoffs. This adds to a series of layoff announcements within the gaming industry, including Ubisoft Montreal, Epic Games, and CD Projekt Red, among others.
Ofcom, the UK's communications regulator, has published draft guidelines for age restrictions on online platforms hosting explicit sexual content. The guidelines, a step towards implementing the recently passed Online Safety Act, require platforms to ensure that children cannot easily access adult content. The recommendations include age assurance measures such as age verification through facial scans or direct verification. Companies failing to comply could be fined up to £18 million or 10% of global revenue. However, concerns have been raised about privacy and the potential for data breaches. The final guidelines are expected to be published in early 2025.
https://www.techradar.com/pro/security/us-aerospace-companies-are-facing-dangerous-new-cyberattacks
Cybersecurity researchers from BlackBerry have discovered a new cyber-espionage campaign aimed at US aerospace organizations. Named AeroBlade, the group operates in two stages, beginning with a reconnaissance move through a spear-phishing email containing a malicious DOCX file. If opened, the file downloads a DOTM file that executes a macro, creating a reverse shell on the target endpoint. The second stage results in data theft, though the motive and endgame of the group remains unknown.
https://gizmodo.com/logitech-astro-a50-x-wireless-xbox-playstation-pc-1851073830
Logitech's new Astro A50 X wireless headset promises to solve the issue of finding a single headset that works across multiple consoles and connects to a PC without the need for multiple USB dongles. With one-click switching between console and PC platforms, the headset connects to Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC/Mac simultaneously through the base station. The base station sends audio signals directly to the headset and transfers video to the TV, maintaining the original features and quality. The headset also offers Bluetooth connectivity and a battery life of at least 24 hours. It will be available for $379.
https://gizmodo.com/hp-printer-app-install-windows-store-1851065649
Microsoft has acknowledged a bug in the latest Windows update that is causing users' printers to be converted to the HP LaserJet M101-M106. As a result, the HP Smart app, which is normally only pre-installed on HP devices, is being downloaded onto Windows 10 and Windows 11 computers without users' permission. Both Microsoft and HP are working to resolve the issue.
https://arstechnica.com/?p=1988603
Microsoft is offering three additional years of security updates for Windows 10 through its Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, allowing users to stay on the operating system if they choose. While the pricing for the program has yet to be announced, it will be available to individuals as well. The move gives users more time to upgrade to Windows 11 or address hardware compatibility concerns.
https://techcrunch.com/2023/12/05/metrics-that-matter-3-practical-observations-on-valuation/
The S&P rally and the rise of tech giants have led to a re-approaching of valuation multiples, prompting founders, operators, investors, and analysts to consider valuation in anticipation of 2024. Interest rates play a significant role in valuation, with higher rates making risk-free government bonds more attractive and decreasing multiples for equities. The relationship between interest rates and valuation can be seen through the comparison of the 10Y Treasury bill rate and the S&P forward P/E multiple.
https://www.theverge.com/2023/12/5/23987784/instagram-old-videos-missing-audio
Videos posted on Instagram before October 2014 are now missing their audio, according to reports. The issue seems to affect all platforms and is thought to be a bug on Instagram's end rather than a copyright takedown. Instagram's parent company, Meta, says it is aware of the issue and is working on a resolution.
Microsoft will offer consumers the option to pay for Extended Security Updates (ESU) for Windows 10 when support ends for the operating system in 2025. This move is a surprise as it is the first time these paid security updates will be available to individuals. Microsoft recommends moving to Windows 11 but acknowledges that certain circumstances may prevent users from upgrading. Pricing details for the extended Windows 10 security patches will be provided at a later date.
https://www.theverge.com/2023/12/5/23988111/toyota-ev-concept-urban-suv-sport-crossover
Toyota, the world's largest automaker, has announced two new electric vehicle (EV) concepts, the Urban SUV and Sport Crossover, as part of its future EV lineup. The company plans to introduce these models within the next two years, initially targeting the European market. Toyota aims to release a total of six EVs in Europe by 2026. Despite these plans, the company has been criticized for its slow progress in EV adoption and lobbying against policies favoring battery-electric vehicles.
This article provides recommendations for the best turntables to give as gifts, including the Pro-Ject Debut Carbon Evo, Sony PS-LX310BT, Denon DP-300F, and Audio-Technica AT-LP5x. Each turntable is described in terms of its features and suitability for different users.
Universal Studios Japan has announced that a Donkey Kong Country area will open in Spring 2024 as an expansion of Super Nintendo World. The main attraction will be a ride called Mine Cart Madness, and fans will also be able to try a play experience that engages their whole body. The new area will open two years after the first Mushroom Kingdom-themed zone.
https://gizmodo.com/designer-shrooms-psilocybin-magic-mushroom-breeding-1851074084
Researchers in Australia have sequenced and analyzed the genomes of over 100 varieties of Psilocybe cubensis, commonly known as magic mushrooms. The study revealed that commercial cultivars have less genetic diversity compared to their wild counterparts, suggesting domestication. The research also identified unique gene variations related to psilocybin production, which could be used to develop "designer shrooms" with specific health benefits. The findings may contribute to the development of psychedelic mushroom-based therapies and drug research.
https://techcrunch.com/2023/12/05/encharge-raises-22-6m-to-commercialize-its-ai-accerating-chips/
EnCharge AI, a company developing AI-accelerating chips, has raised $22.6m in a funding round. The startup aims to provide affordable and sustainable AI solutions, enabling wider access to AI for organizations. The funding will be used to expand the company's team and develop its AI chips and "full stack" AI solutions. EnCharge's investors support the company's unique architecture that addresses computing power, accessibility, and cost issues in AI. However, the company faces stiff competition and has not yet mass-produced its hardware.
https://techcrunch.com/2023/12/05/twilio-layoffs-activist-investors/
Twilio, the communications API company, has announced layoffs of another 5% of its workforce as activist investors Anson Funds and Legion Partners increase pressure on the company. The stock price has fallen significantly, leading to previous rounds of layoffs. The company made costly acquisitions in the past, but with declining stock prices, activists may have valid concerns. The company is facing instability, with the CEO splitting the company and the head of the data and apps side stepping down.
The GPU market is showing signs of recovery, with sales of graphics cards increasing in Q3 2023 compared to the previous quarter. Desktop graphics cards are leading the way with a growth of 37.4%, indicating a potential rise in prices if the demand continues. However, analysts caution against overestimating the market's turnaround and expect prices to remain stable. Nvidia's upcoming Lovelace GPU refreshes may also impact pricing decisions.
Online retailers in the US and UK are offering Christmas deals on smart Christmas lights, with discounts of up to 31% on selected brands. Govee, Nanoleaf, and Philips Hue are among the top picks for smart Christmas lights that offer versatility, convenience, and energy savings. These lights can be used to decorate indoor and outdoor spaces creatively, adding a touch of festive cheer to your home.
https://gizmodo.com/mice-pass-mirror-test-animal-intelligence-1851073878
A team of researchers has discovered that mice are capable of recognizing themselves in a mirror, joining the ranks of mammals able to pass the mirror test. The study involved marking the mice's foreheads with white ink and observing their grooming behavior when faced with a mirror reflection. Although this form of self-recognition does not indicate deep self-awareness, it does shed light on how the brain processes self-information. The researchers also found that the mice needed external sensory cues to pass the mirror test, such as the ink on their heads. Further research aims to understand if mice can self-recognize without tactile stimuli and to explore how they differentiate themselves from others.
https://gizmodo.com/soul-turning-red-luca-disney-pixar-disney-plus-theaters-1851074120
Disney and Pixar are set to release their previously streaming-only films, Soul, Turning Red, and Luca, in theaters in early 2024. The move is seen as a make-good for Pixar employees and fills a void in Disney's release schedule. The question remains whether audiences will pay to see these films on the big screen after being available on Disney+ for years.
Amelia Tyler, the voice behind Baldur's Gate 3's narrator, discussed her favorite line from the game's Dark Urge subplot. She revealed that her favorite moment is a low chuckle after a key event in the storyline. Tyler also talked about the challenges of getting the laugh right and how rare it is to have such an immersive character.
During the holiday season, it can be challenging to find trustworthy laptop deals on Amazon. Brands like SGIN, Geviar, and GEO Computers offer impressive discounts, but they are often of low quality and have bad reviews. These brands are owned by Chinese manufacturer Shenzhen Oraako Electronic Technology. It is important to be cautious and look for deals from reputable brands like Lenovo, Asus, and Acer.
https://techcrunch.com/2023/12/05/why-does-masterclass-work-with-david-rogier-from-masterclass/
David Rogier, the founder and CEO of MasterClass, discusses leaving his VC job with a $500,000 check to launch the online learning platform. He shares his journey and insights on the Found podcast.
https://www.theverge.com/23988433/motorola-razr-2023-review-flip-phone-camera-battery-screen
The Motorola Razr foldable phone has an attractive price point, but its small external display limits functionality and often requires users to open the phone to perform tasks like reading emails or replying to texts. The camera performance is inconsistent, and durability concerns and lack of software updates make it difficult to recommend. For an affordable foldable phone, consumers may have to wait for other options.
Saber Interactive has clarified that it has not shut down its subsidiary, New World Interactive, despite recent layoffs as part of Embracer Group's restructuring program. The studio is known for its work on tactical multiplayer shooters Insurgency and Insurgency: Sandstorm. Saber confirmed that it is working to fill open roles within the company and that development will continue on its upcoming game, Insurgency: Sandstorm.
As a journalist, it is my duty to keep the public informed. I strive to deliver accurate and unbiased news, covering a wide range of topics from politics to human interest stories. My goal is to provide readers with a clear and comprehensive understanding of the issues that impact our world.
Walmart is currently offering Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals on Shark vacuums, with savings of over 50%. Some of the discounted models include the Shark Navigator upright vacuum for $97.99, the Shark ION robot vacuum for $139, and the Shark AI Ultra self-emptying robot vacuum for $299. These limited-time offers make for great Christmas gifts.
Beeper has launched Beeper Mini, an app that claims to offer iMessage support for Android devices. The app, created by a 16-year-old student, uses reverse-engineered code to send iMessages to Apple's servers and then to the recipient. Although there are concerns that Apple may take action against Beeper, the app's co-founder believes they are on the right side of the law and cites legal precedence in favor of reverse engineering code.
https://techcrunch.com/2023/12/05/imessage-on-android-oneplus-open/
Beeper, a messaging startup, has developed a service that allows Android users to experience iMessage without intermediaries, potentially challenging Apple's lock-in value. This development could influence users to switch from iPhones to Android devices. While Apple may find ways to counter this, Beeper's current service provides a functional solution that could disrupt the North American smartphone market.
Microsoft Bing is introducing a new "Deep Search" feature powered by OpenAI's GPT-4. This feature aims to provide users with more relevant and comprehensive answers to complex search queries. Deep Search expands the search query into a detailed description and pulls in relevant results that might not show up in typical search results. It is an optional feature and can take up to thirty seconds to complete.
https://www.theverge.com/2023/12/5/23989155/discord-mobile-app-refresh-midnight-view
Discord has released a mobile app redesign, focusing on communication and sharing. The new version features navigation tabs, a global DM search function, and a dark mode. The update also improves media sharing and reduces app loading times by 43% on iOS and 55% on Android. The redesign aims to meet the changing needs of Discord's growing user base.
Amazon is offering a $200 discount on the Vitamix Propel Series 510 blender, bringing its price down to $279.95. The blender is capable of grinding grains into flour, heating soup, and performing other surprising tasks. Even the cheaper models in the series offer powerful motors and long-lasting durability. The Vitamix Explorian E310 blender is also on sale, priced at $289.95. Both blenders are versatile and worth considering for holiday gifts.
Microsoft has announced a series of upgrades for its AI chatbot Copilot, including an upgraded brain in the form of GPT-4 Turbo and improved features like image creation, image searching, deep search capabilities, code interpretation, and a rewrite feature for inline text composition. These upgrades aim to make Copilot more powerful and accurate. The GPT-4 Turbo is currently being tested before its rollout in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, Google has delayed its AI launches to 2024.
https://techcrunch.com/2023/12/05/vercel-makes-it-easier-to-ship-better-code-at-scale/
Vercel, a developer experience platform, has introduced two new features to help developers improve code quality. The first feature, conformance, uses static analysis checks to identify issues in a codebase, while the second feature, code owners, determines who is responsible for specific parts of the codebase and ensures that changes are reviewed by the right people. These features aim to assist enterprises in maintaining performance, security, and mobile readiness at scale. Both features can be used independently of the Vercel platform, allowing developers to access the services regardless of their hosting choices.
https://arstechnica.com/?p=1988567
Battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) offer a superior driving experience in cold weather compared to internal combustion engine-powered cars, according to a report. While BEVs lose range in colder climates due to the need to keep the cabin and battery pack warm, their smaller grille openings, flatter underbodies, and lack of complex parts like engines and transmissions give them advantages in terms of airflow and energy efficiency. Additionally, BEVs have separate electric heating elements that start working as soon as the car is started, eliminating the need for waiting for the engine to warm up.
https://arstechnica.com/?p=1988635
Rockstar Games has a history of prioritizing console releases over PC ports, with PC versions of their games coming months or even years later. While the wait for a PC version of Grand Theft Auto V was long, it may not be the case with the upcoming GTA VI as it will likely release on next-gen consoles. There are also rumors of a more powerful Nintendo Switch that could potentially handle a port of the game. However, Rockstar Games has yet to make any official announcements regarding the next major GTA release.
https://arstechnica.com/?p=1988642
YouTuber Trevor Jacob has been sentenced to six months in federal prison for deliberately crashing his plane to drive up views on a sponsored video. Jacob, an experienced pilot and former Olympic athlete, recorded himself responding to a fake engine failure and parachuting out of the plane, then later cut up and destroyed the wreckage. His video, titled "I Crashed My Airplane," has since received millions of views on YouTube. Jacob pleaded guilty to the charges and will also serve two years of probation.
https://arstechnica.com/?p=1988592
IBM and Meta have announced the AI Alliance, which includes over 50 organizations such as AMD, Intel, NASA, and Harvard University. The coalition aims to promote open innovation and open science in AI as an alternative to closed AI systems used by market leaders like OpenAI and Google. The alliance seeks to encourage transparency, collaboration, and responsible development in the field of AI.
https://www.techradar.com/pro/security/fake-wordpress-security-alerts-are-being-used-to-send-malware
WordPress site admins are being targeted with dangerous phishing messages impersonating the legitimate wordpress.com site. These emails warn admins of a non-existent remote code execution flaw and urge them to install a plugin to defend against hackers. The malicious plugin creates a hidden admin user, exfiltrates website information, and downloads a backdoor with file management features. The end goal of the plugin is unclear but researchers speculate it could be used to inject unwanted ads or redirect visitors to different sites.
Discord has released updates for its mobile app, aiming to provide a faster, cleaner, and more efficient user experience. The updates, which have been fine-tuned with input from the community, include reduced app opening times, decreased data usage, a revamped dark mode, organized image and video sharing, and a redesigned voice and video call interface. Additionally, Discord has promised further improvements, such as better search filters and quick access to server member lists, in future updates.
Discord, the popular communication platform, is launching a complete redesign of its mobile app to offer users an "independent experience" from the desktop version. The redesign includes new navigation tabs, a consolidated messaging feature, improved search capabilities, and faster app performance. Discord has also addressed issues such as crash rates and voice/video call functionality. The company is actively working on additional updates based on user feedback. Discord's CEO, Jason Citron, is set to testify about children's safety online and the company's efforts on January 31, 2024.
Mechanical keyboard specialist Keychron has launched a Kickstarter campaign for its new keyboard, the Keychron Q1 HE, featuring Hall effect switches. These switches can distinguish between slight and full key presses, allowing for customized actuation distances and a rapid trigger feature. The Q1 HE also offers analog sensitivity and the ability to assign multiple commands to a single key. Keychron aims to ship the keyboards in February 2023.
https://gizmodo.com/doctor-who-wild-blue-yonder-fandom-expectations-rtd-bbc-1851074021
Doctor Who showrunner Russell T. Davies reflects on the secrecy surrounding the show's 60th anniversary special episode, "Wild Blue Yonder." Fans were expecting numerous cameos and throwbacks, but the episode turned out to be a tight, intimate mystery set aboard a spaceship. Davies worries that the secrecy might have made it disappointingly simple, but the episode has received a largely positive critical reaction. It raises the question of whether celebrating Doctor Who's anniversary needs to involve cameos, or if a great episode is enough.
A hacking incident at DNA testing kit company 23andMe in October 2021 has exposed the personal information of an estimated 6.9 million customers, significantly more than previously reported. The breach, which used compromised usernames and passwords, revealed sensitive details such as ancestry, birthdays, and geographical locations. Affiliated family members' pictures and display names may also have been exposed. 23andMe has stated that no genetic material or DNA records were compromised, and the company has implemented two-step verification for all users. The incident could impact customer trust and the company's bottom line.
Beeper, a startup offering a multi-platform messaging aggregator, has launched a new app called Beeper Mini that allows Android users to send and receive end-to-end encrypted iMessage chats for $1.99 per month. The app, which reverse engineers the iMessage protocol, functions as a native implementation of iMessage, supporting various features such as high-resolution photos and videos, threads, read receipts, and group chats. While Apple may still take legal action against Beeper, the company believes it is protected under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act.
https://www.techradar.com/news/nyt-connections-answers-today
The article discusses the NYT Connections puzzle and offers hints and answers for solving the puzzle. It explains the rules of the game and provides tips for finding the groups of items that share something in common. The article also mentions that the daily puzzle resets at midnight local time.
The Google Pixel Buds Pro are currently on sale at Amazon for $119.99, down from $189.99. These smart earbuds offer similar features to Apple's AirPods Pro, including noise cancellation and conversation detection, but at a lower price. They are compatible with any phone, including the iPhone, and even offer spatial audio for Pixel phone users.
Central Park, an Apple TV Plus show with high ratings and a star-studded cast, has been cancelled after three seasons. The streaming platform has also decided not to renew two other well-received shows, Swagger and The Afterparty. While the reasons behind the cancellations have not been disclosed, it is speculated that the shows did not attract enough viewers to justify the costs. The changing landscape of the streaming industry and the need for savings may have influenced Apple's decision. All three seasons of Central Park are still available to stream on Apple TV Plus.
New World Interactive, a subsidiary of Embracer Group, has been affected by layoffs as part of the company's ongoing restructuring efforts. While there are no details on the number of employees affected, the parent company, Saber Interactive, stated that they are working to relocate affected employees. Development will continue on Insurgency: Sandstorm and other unannounced projects. Embracer Group has faced multiple layoffs and project cancellations after failing to secure a $2 billion investment earlier this year. Over 900 employees have been laid off so far.
https://techcrunch.com/2023/12/05/goldman-sachs-backed-zestmoney-once-valued-at-450m-to-shut-down/
Indian buy now pay later startup, ZestMoney, is shutting down after unsuccessful attempts to find a buyer. The Bengaluru-headquartered company, which had raised over $130 million in funding, employed around 150 people. ZestMoney's founders left the firm earlier this year and the new leadership was unable to secure a new path for the company. The startup will wind down by the end of the month. ZestMoney was known for its ability to underwrite small ticket loans to first-time internet customers using alternative data points.
The company is addressing an issue and assures customers that their engineers are diligently working to resolve it as soon as possible.
https://gizmodo.com/wikipedia-readers-2023-chatgpt-atom-bombs-oppenheimer-1851070502
The top 25 most-viewed Wikipedia articles of 2023 reveal people's interest in AI, the atomic bomb, movies, celebrities, and sports. ChatGPT, a chatbot by OpenAI, topped the list with 49.4 million pageviews. J. Robert Oppenheimer and the popular Barbie movie also garnered significant attention. Indian cricket, Taylor Swift, Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and controversial figure Andrew Tate were among the other notable entries.
Naughty Dog has released a trailer for The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered, showcasing its No Return roguelike survival mode. In this mode, players can choose from 10 characters, each with their own unique playstyle. The mode can only be played solo, and some characters are initially locked and must be unlocked through gameplay. The game is set to launch exclusively on PS5 on January 19, 2024.
https://techcrunch.com/2023/12/05/metrics-that-matter-3-practical-observations-on-valuation/
Unable to Summarize Article
Startup Rightbot has raised $6.25m in a funding round led by Amazon's Industrial Innovation Fund. Rightbot has developed suction-based robots that can unload freight from trucks and containers. The robots use a conveyor belt, a robotic arm with a suction cup, and computer vision to pick up and place packages. Rightbot plans to use the funds to further develop its technology and expand its customer base in the ecommerce and retail sectors.
Self-driving truck developer TuSimple is exiting the US and laying off 75% of its US workforce, as well as selling its assets. Following internal controversies and the loss of a partnership with Navistar, the company will focus on its operations in Asia. TuSimple will retain around 700 employees globally after the restructuring process.
As a journalist, it is not possible for me to provide a 50-word summary of a text without knowing the content of the text you are referring to. Please provide the text you would like summarized.
Microsoft's Copilot AI chatbot is integrating with OpenAI's GPT-4 Turbo and image generator DALL-E 3, among other upgrades. This will improve the functionality of the service, allowing users to tackle complex tasks and generate higher quality images. Additional features, such as a rewrite menu and a code interpreter, are also in the works. Bing search will also benefit from the GPT-4 upgrade, providing optimized results for complex queries.
https://www.theverge.com/23989090/iphone-files-backup-external-disk-how-to
Apple iPhones running iOS 17 can support external storage devices, allowing users to manage file backups manually and access files on the go. Most flash drives, portable SSDs, external HDDs, and memory card readers will work, as long as the drive is appropriately powered and formatted. This feature is especially useful for recording 4K ProRes videos on the new iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max models.
https://arstechnica.com/?p=1988602
Proposed legislation in the US aims to expand the use of a foreign intelligence program to subject immigrants and foreign visitors to increased scrutiny, similar to suspected terrorists and spies. The program, known as Section 702, allows the government to intercept and store billions of calls, texts, and emails without a warrant. Critics argue that this level of surveillance could have a chilling effect on speech and violate privacy rights.
https://arstechnica.com/?p=1988635
Rockstar Games is known for prioritizing console releases over PC ports, with PC versions of their games often being released months or even years later. While this trend has been consistent, there have been a few exceptions. The delay in the PC release of GTA V was due to the focus on console ports, but this may not be the case with GTA VI as the new consoles are relatively new. Additionally, there are rumors of a more powerful Nintendo Switch that could potentially handle a port of GTA VI. PC and Nintendo players are eagerly waiting for official confirmation from Rockstar Games.
Amazon Prime members can enjoy a discount on Philips Hue's Festavia string lights, with the 65-foot string lights priced at $186.99, or the 130-foot string lights with double the number of smart LEDs for $314.99 when bought with the Hue Bridge. Alternatively, Nanoleaf's Essentials Matter Smart Holiday String Lights are available for $99.99. Additionally, the Amazfit GTR 4 smartwatch is on sale for $164.99, featuring multiband GPS, 150+ sports modes, Amazon Alexa support, and a longer battery life than other models.
A recent study by GoDaddy reveals that only 21% of customers find small businesses to offer a convenient online shopping experience, despite 91% of SMB owners believing they do. The study highlights the importance of features such as easy digital payments and social media storefronts, particularly for younger consumers. It emphasizes the need for SMBs to understand their target audience and meet their expectations for a seamless online shopping experience.
https://www.theverge.com/2023/12/5/23989106/its-a-wonderful-life-jimmy-stewart-ai-voice-calm
Calm, a sleep app, has announced the launch of "It's a Wonderful Sleep Story," an AI-generated holiday bedtime story based on the classic film "It's a Wonderful Life" and featuring the voice of deceased actor Jimmy Stewart. The project, created with the consent of Stewart's family, has raised ethical concerns about the use of digital likenesses and voices of actors for commercial purposes.
Naughty Dog has announced new details about the PS5 remaster of The Last of Us Part 2. The game will include a playable mode called Lost Levels, as well as a new roguelike survival mode called No Return. In No Return, players must survive randomized encounters and boss battles with unique gameplay modifiers. The mode features multiple playable characters with different abilities and unlocks as players progress. The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered will be released on January 19 for PS5, with an upgrade option available for those who own the PS4 version.
https://gizmodo.com/playstation-permanently-suspends-online-accounts-for-no-1851073635
Sony has reportedly permanently suspended an unknown number of PlayStation accounts, leaving players baffled as they claim not to have violated any terms of service. Users have taken to forums and social media platforms to voice their suspensions and question the lack of response from Sony. Players have expressed frustration with Sony's customer service and the absence of updates on the matter. In addition to the suspensions, the PlayStation Store has recently removed over 1,300 seasons of Discovery TV content without offering refunds. There has been no official response from Sony yet.
TuSimple, the leading self-driving trucks developer in the US, is exiting the country after a series of internal controversies and the loss of a critical partnership with truck manufacturer Navistar. The company is laying off the majority of its US workforce and selling assets as it shifts its focus to the Asia-Pacific region. This move leaves few self-driving truck companies in the US market. TuSimple estimates it will incur one-time charges of about $7 million to $8 million due to the restructuring.
Despite the growing interest in generative AI (GenAI), a majority of organizations have not yet adopted this technology, according to a survey by cnvrg.io. The survey shows that 75% of respondents have not deployed GenAI models to production, while 10% have launched GenAI solutions in the past year. Barriers to adoption include infrastructure challenges, lack of knowledge, high costs, compliance, and a lack of technical skills. However, organizations that have successfully implemented GenAI report improved customer experiences, enhanced efficiency, and cost savings.
https://venturebeat.com/ai/open-source-superduperdb-brings-ai-into-enterprise-databases/
San Francisco-based SuperDuperDB has released version 0.1 of its open-source framework, which enables users to integrate AI models and vector search capabilities with existing databases, facilitating the building and deployment of AI applications. The framework, available as a Python package, has received $1.75m of funding from investors including MongoDB. CEO Timo Hagenow said the company's aim is to "bridge the gap between data storage systems and AI". The offering already supports popular databases and AI models.
https://gizmodo.com/express-vpn-apple-tv-streaming-tvos-17-region-locked-1851073401
ExpressVPN has announced the launch of an app for Apple TVs, allowing users to access region-locked content. The app works with tvOS 17 and grants access to servers in 105 countries, providing security, anonymity, and an ad-blocker. Other VPN providers, such as SurfShark and NordVPN, are also working on apps for Apple TVs.
Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro owners can now capture Night Sight Time Lapse videos with the latest update to the Pixel Camera app. The update also includes an always-on toggle for the Palm Timer and an Ultra HDR toggle. Additionally, the December 2023 Pixel Feature Drop is expected to introduce the Video Boost feature.
As a journalist, it is essential to generate interest and capture the essence of an article in a concise summary. It would be helpful if you could provide the text for me to summarize.
https://www.theverge.com/2023/12/4/23988621/sony-playstation-account-ps5-bans-permanent-suspension
Many PlayStation Network users reported their accounts being permanently suspended without explanation. Some users have since had their accounts restored, but Sony has not provided any public comment or explanation for the wave of bans or the subsequent restorations. It remains unclear how widespread the issue is.
https://venturebeat.com/games/modern-warfare-iii-review-part-2-why-multiplayer-saves-the-day-again/
As a journalist, it is not clear what text you are referring to. Please provide more information or the text itself so that I can assist you in summarizing it.
https://www.techradar.com/tech/submit-your-product-now-for-best-of-ces-2024
TechRadar is inviting companies to submit their products for consideration for the Best of Show award at CES 2024. Eligible products include anything announced at the consumer electronics show. TechRadar will be covering the event and announcing the winners, so follow their coverage for the latest news.
https://techcrunch.com/2023/12/05/analytics-can-solve-generative-ai-apps-product-problem/
Large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT are becoming commonplace in AI assistants, but technology alone is not enough for sustainable success. Companies must focus on addressing genuine user problems and differentiate themselves through innovative product design. TikTok's success is attributed to its unique packaging of the algorithm, its emphasis on short-form video, and its best-in-class creator tools. The competition in the short-form video space is now about the ecosystem each app offers, including user base loyalty, creator revenue share, content moderation, and additional features.
https://gizmodo.com/amazon-spider-man-noir-tv-show-punisher-steve-lightfoot-1851070713
In the entertainment world, Dogpool makes a return in the upcoming Deadpool 3, while new character posters for Percy Jackson and the Olympians are revealed. More images of Robert Eggers' Nosferatu are also shared. In other news, David Dastmalchian joins the cast of Dust Bunny, Bruce Campbell confirms more Evil Dead movies, and an intense trailer for I.S.S. is released. Furthermore, Punisher showrunner Steve Lightfoot will co-showrun an Amazon series set in the 1930s, and new trailers for Carol & The End of the World and Monarch: Legacy of Monsters are unveiled. Finally, a preview of the next episode of Rick & Morty is shared.
Iranian hackers, known as "CyberAv3ngers," have targeted US water plants using Israeli-made equipment, according to the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). The hackers have compromised programmable logic controllers (PLCs), leaving defacement images attacking Israel. While these are currently only defacement campaigns, CISA has advised critical infrastructure firms to change default passwords and disconnect devices from the internet. The UK's National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has also issued a warning regarding the potential risk to those using PLCs from the same manufacturer.
Visual Electric, a generative AI-based image-generation tool aimed at designers, has been launched by Sequoia Capital-backed company, Visual Electric. The tool, founded by CEO Colin Dunn and co-founded by Adam Menges and Zach Stiggelbout, is designed to cater to the workflows of designers and offers features such as prompt-based image generation, color selection, and image modification. The tool is free to use with a premium plan available for unlimited image creation. Visual Electric has raised $2.5 million in funding and is considering developing a mobile app in the future.
https://www.engadget.com/rokus-ultra-streamer-is-on-sale-for-67-153018271.html?src=rss
The Roku Ultra, touted as the best set-top box for most people, is currently on sale for $67 on Amazon and Walmart. This represents a $33 discount from its list price and is just slightly higher than its lowest-ever price. The device comes bundled with the Roku Voice Remote Pro and offers features such as a rechargeable battery, programmable shortcut buttons, and a headphone jack. While the Roku Streaming Stick 4K may offer better value, the Ultra is a solid option with added Ethernet and USB ports.
https://www.theverge.com/2023/12/5/23989050/foundation-season-3-apple-tv-plus
Apple has announced that its sci-fi streaming series, "Foundation," based on the classic stories by Isaac Asimov, will be returning for a third season. Showrunner David S. Goyer stated that the stakes will be higher this time, with the Mule taking center stage. "Foundation" is part of Apple TV Plus' growing lineup of sci-fi series.
The Moog Mariana is a new plug-in synth that promises deep, bassy tones. Priced at $30 on iOS or $99 for Windows and macOS, the Mariana features a dual-layer design with two oscillators, sub oscillators, filters, LFOs, envelops, and more. While lacking in sequencers and effects, the Mariana delivers on sound quality and modulation capabilities. However, it is a resource-intensive plug-in, which may cause audio artifacts on some systems.
https://gizmodo.com/meta-ibm-launch-ai-alliance-openai-1851073428
The AI Alliance, led by Meta and IBM, has united 50 companies, universities, and research organizations to create an open-sourced community and accelerate responsible innovation in AI. With a focus on safety, accountability, and scientific rigor, the alliance aims to offer a competitive alternative to OpenAI and shape the future of generative AI. The coalition also plans to advance open foundation models, develop evaluation tools, boost contributions to AI hardware accelerators, and educate the public and regulators about AI risks and benefits.
https://arstechnica.com/?p=1988573
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has announced that it has successfully returned the propulsion module used in its Chandrayaan 3 mission to a high orbit around Earth. This experimental phase tested key capabilities for future lunar missions, including the potential for returning lunar rocks to Earth. India now has the third most advanced deep-space exploration program in the world, following successful missions to Mars and the Moon.
https://arstechnica.com/?p=1988361
Beeper Mini, developed by the messaging service Beeper, allows users to send iMessages from non-Apple devices by reverse-engineering the iMessage system. The service requires users to install the Beeper app, register their number with Apple, and pay a monthly fee. While the app supports many iMessage features, certain functionalities such as FaceTime and iMessage-based games are not yet supported.
Apple is reportedly lobbying India to delay the implementation of a rule requiring smartphones to have a USB-C charging port. Other manufacturers have agreed to the plan, but Apple is requesting exemption for older iPhone models, claiming it would not be able to meet production targets if the rule applied.
https://www.theverge.com/2023/12/5/23988969/google-files-app-search-text-images
Google's Files app is testing a new Smart Search feature that allows users to search for text and images within PDFs, as well as search for photos based on objects and locations. The update is not yet widely available, but it is a promising improvement to the app's current search capabilities, which are limited to file names. The scanning for Smart Search happens on the device to ensure user privacy.
https://techcrunch.com/2023/12/05/ai-funding-rush-fintech-hype/
CoreWeave, a GPU compute provider, closed a massive $642 million funding round, revealing the strong investor interest in AI-related startups. Other AI companies like Aleph Alpha and Mistral AI have also raised significant funding, while OpenAI's secondary transaction could value the company at nearly $90 billion. Other AI startups like Rohirrim, Atomic Industries, and Assembly AI have also recently secured notable investments.
Withings has released its luxury smartwatch, the ScanWatch Nova, priced at $599.95. The smartwatch offers features such as heart rate and rhythm monitoring, ECG reports, blood oxygen level measurements, sleep tracking, and fitness tracking. It also has a long battery life of up to 30 days and a water-resistant design. The ScanWatch Nova is currently available on the Withings website and will be in stores from February 1st, 2023.
https://www.theverge.com/2023/12/5/23987817/beeper-mini-imessage-android-reverse-engineer
Messaging startup Beeper has developed an Android app, Beeper Mini, which allows users to send messages as blue bubbles on Apple's iMessage platform. The app, based on a prototype created by a 16-year-old developer, works by registering a phone number with iMessage and sending messages directly to Apple's servers. Unlike other iMessage hacking apps, Beeper Mini does not relay messages through a Mac hosted in the cloud, making it more secure. Beeper CEO Eric Migicovsky believes it will be difficult for Apple to cut off Beeper without affecting genuine Apple devices.
https://www.theverge.com/23988271/ibm-quantum-heron-system-two-jerry-chow-qubits
Unable to Summarize Article
Microsoft's Copilot service will soon receive several new features, including support for OpenAI's GPT-4 Turbo model, an updated DALL-E 3 model, a code interpreter, and deep search functionality within Bing. The GPT-4 Turbo model will enhance Copilot's understanding and responses, while the DALL-E 3 model will improve image creation. Additionally, Microsoft Edge's Copilot sidebar will allow users to compose text within websites and summarize YouTube videos. Coders and developers will benefit from accurate calculations and code writing capabilities, and Bing's Deep Search will provide more comprehensive and relevant search results.
https://venturebeat.com/games/arcweave-raises-850k-to-build-ai-powered-game-creation-tools/
As a journalist, it is important to be concise and provide a clear summary of the text. However, without the text, I cannot provide a summary. Please provide the text you would like to have summarized.
As an AI text-based model, I am unable to read or summarize specific texts or articles. However, if you provide me with the information you would like to be summarized, I will be happy to assist you in summarizing it.
https://venturebeat.com/games/sky-mavis-teams-up-with-foonie-magus-to-take-apeiron-to-ronin-network/
Sky Mavis, the company behind Axie Infinity, has partnered with Foonie Magus to launch Apeiron, a blockchain-based god game on the Ronin blockchain network. Apeiron combines elements of a rogue-lite card-battler and god simulation gameplay, offering a unique experience for players. The game features a tri-token system that allows for trading and investment within the game's world. Apeiron is set to be released in early 2024, with a demo currently available on the Epic Game Store.
Immutable Games and Amazon Prime Gaming have partnered to provide exclusive in-game content for Immutable's trading card game, Gods Unchained. The collaboration aims to introduce Web3 games to a wider audience and leverage the reach of Amazon's 200 million Prime Gaming members. The partnership coincides with the launch of Gods Unchained Season 2, featuring new God Powers and a substantial card expansion set. Immutable Games also plans for a full mobile launch in the future and aims to attract more players to the game as a free-to-play experience.
Withings has introduced the Scanwatch Nova, a hybrid smartwatch with a focus on heart health. It features an analog watch design with physical hands and a small OLED screen, along with a ceramic and stainless steel rotating bezel and stainless steel case and strap. The watch is approved by the US Food & Drug Administration and offers advanced cardiovascular tracking, sleep monitoring, and temperature sensing. The Scanwatch Nova is priced at $599.95 in the US and £549.95 in the UK.
Startup Beeper has launched an app called Beeper Mini that allows Android users to send and receive encrypted iMessage chats for $1.99 per month. The app uses a reverse-engineered iMessage protocol, enabling Android users to send messages to Apple servers directly. Users do not need an Apple ID to use Beeper Mini, and the app supports various features, including high-resolution photos, videos, threads, group chats, and more.
Respell, a company founded by Matthew Rastovac, has raised $4.75 million in a seed round led by Craft Ventures. Respell uses generative AI to help non-technical employees automate tasks and build workflows quickly and easily. Rastovac aims to provide a solution for non-technical users, as he believes there are too many tools built by engineers for engineers in the market.
Nvidia has announced that 500 games and applications now incorporate RTX support, with RTX games being played for 87 million hours per week. The majority of PC gamers with an RTX graphics card use ray tracing and/or DLSS, with 97% of Cyberpunk 2077 players and 99% of Alan Wake 2 players utilizing RTX technology. Nvidia is also offering giveaways to celebrate this milestone.
https://www.techradar.com/computing/cyber-security/expressvpn-launches-new-apple-tv-app
ExpressVPN has launched a dedicated Apple TV VPN app, allowing users to easily access international content libraries and enhance their privacy when using Apple's smart TV device. The provider has also made improvements to its Android TV VPN app, including a new dark mode interface and a TV-friendly servers tab. ExpressVPN aims to provide seamless entertainment support across multiple devices. Other VPN providers, such as PureVPN and IPVanish, have also released Apple TV VPN apps, with Private Internet Access planning to launch one next year.
https://gizmodo.com/virgin-galactic-richard-branson-halts-funding-1851073417
Following Richard Branson's decision to halt financial contributions to Virgin Galactic, the company's stock price dropped over 17%. This setback adds to other challenges faced, such as layoffs and a suspension of commercial flights. Branson cited post-pandemic financial constraints, stating that the company should have sufficient funds to operate independently. Analysts suggest Virgin Galactic may require additional investment by 2025, despite recent divestment efforts by Virgin Group. The company is focusing on developing a new spaceplane called Delta, set to launch in 2026.
https://techcrunch.com/2023/12/05/git-allspice-enterprise-6m/
AllSpice, a developer platform for hardware development, has shifted its strategy to target enterprise-level developers. The company has developed new tools and features, including collaboration capabilities and support for CAD file formats, to help engineers connect and communicate. AllSpice's user base and revenue have grown significantly over the past year, with plans to use its recent $6 million funding round to further expand product development, acquire new customers, and grow its team. The company aims to become a central hub for hardware developers similar to GitHub for software developers.
https://techcrunch.com/2023/12/05/mine-digs-up-30m-for-its-no-code-approach-to-vetting-data-privacy/
Israeli startup Mine has raised $30m in a series B funding round led by Battery Ventures, with participation from PayPal Ventures and Nationwide Ventures, among others. The company's tool enables users to scan their inboxes, determine where their personal data is being used, and delete it from unwanted locations. Mine plans to use the funding to expand its sales development and double down on research and development, with two new products set to be launched in Q1 2022.
https://arstechnica.com/?p=1988567
Battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) provide a superior driving experience in cold weather compared to internal combustion engine-powered cars due to factors such as improved comfort, control, and durability. While BEVs may lose range in colder climates, they outperform ICE vehicles in terms of aerodynamics and energy efficiency. BEVs also offer features such as preheating the cabin and utilizing waste heat, providing convenience and comfort in cold weather conditions. With modern battery packs offering ample range, BEVs remain a viable option in colder climates.
Engineers are working on resolving an issue promptly.
Epic Games has responded to player feedback and made adjustments to the storm circles in Fortnite's Chapter 5 Season 1. Players had complained that the storm circles were closing in too quickly, forcing them to run from the storm even in early game. Epic has now extended the time for the first and second storm circles to close.
Researchers have discovered that thousands of valid API tokens were left exposed on an open-source repository for AI projects, putting major business accounts at risk. Hackers could use these tokens to potentially modify files, steal AI models, or even poison training data. The breach highlights the need for improved security measures in the AI industry.
IBM and Meta have launched the AI Alliance, a collaboration with over 50 founding members, including AMD, Intel, Oracle, and Yale University, to support open innovation and open science in AI. The alliance aims to accelerate responsible innovation in AI while ensuring safety, security, diversity, and economic competitiveness. The timing of the announcement, coinciding with the EU AI Act negotiations and recent discussions on AI risk, was described as prescient but not the driving force behind the initiative. The focus is on developing safe, responsible AI in an open and collaborative manner.
Twelve South has released a new 2-in-1 wireless charger called Butterfly, which combines a MagSafe charger for iPhones and an Apple Watch charger. The charger features a sleek design with two aluminum-clad discs connected by a vegan leather strap. It supports fast charging for both devices and can also charge other Qi-compatible devices. However, the $129.95 price tag may be a deterrent for some buyers.
https://techcrunch.com/2023/12/05/kyron-learning-14-6-million-funding-conversational-ai-technology/
Kyron Learning, an AI-based learning startup, has raised $14.6 million in a Series A funding round and received an $850,000 grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The funding will be used to enhance the platform's generative AI capabilities and expand its K-12 math curriculum. The company's technology allows students to interact with lessons via text or voice, with AI comprehending responses and providing relevant pre-recorded teacher responses. Kyron Learning plans to launch math content for third and fifth graders and is opening the platform to all organizations and learning solution providers.
https://techcrunch.com/2023/12/05/ra-capital-planetary-health-profile/
Climate change not only poses risks to the planet, but also has significant health implications. Burning fossil fuels contributes to respiratory diseases, strokes, heart disease, and premature death. Additionally, a warming planet increases the risk of extreme weather events and the spread of infectious diseases. Investment firm RA Capital recognizes the importance of tackling the root cause of these health issues, alongside developing life-saving therapies.
https://venturebeat.com/security/how-arnicas-ceo-foresees-generative-ais-impact-on-devops-security/
As a journalist, my review of this text is that it is not possible to write a 50-word summary without having the text provided. Please provide the text so that I can create an accurate summary.
https://venturebeat.com/ai/asato-an-ai-copilot-for-cios/
Asato, a startup aiming to simplify the role of Chief Information Officer (CIO), has launched an AI-powered copilot platform for CIOs. The platform discovers, connects, and contextualizes apps and data across an organization, providing insights and tracking progress. Asato has secured $7.5 million in seed financing, led by Walden Catalyst Ventures' Lip-Bu Tan, with participation from Intel Capital and Shah Capital Partners, among others. The platform uses AI and knowledge graphs to automate searching, linking, contextualizing, and analyzing IT assets, and aims to make the CIO's job easier in managing complex infrastructures.
https://www.engadget.com/this-is-my-favorite-smartphone-tripod-140057093.html?src=rss
Peak Design has released a compact and portable phone tripod that can attach magnetically to smartphones. The tripod folds down to a credit-card size and features a micro-ball head for easy adjustment of the phone's angle. While it works best with Peak Design's smartphone cases, it can also be attached to MagSafe-capable iPhones and other phone models. The accessory offers convenience and versatility for photographers and videographers on the go.
https://techcrunch.com/2023/12/04/meta-and-ibm-form-an-ai-alliance-but-to-what-end/
Meta, the parent company of Facebook, is partnering with IBM to launch the AI Alliance, an industry body that aims to support open innovation and open science in the field of artificial intelligence (AI). The Alliance plans to collaborate with existing initiatives and organisations to develop open AI resources that benefit both businesses and society. It will establish working groups dedicated to areas such as AI trust and validation, hardware infrastructure, and open source AI models. The AI Alliance's founding members include AMD, Intel, CERN, universities, startups, and research institutions.
https://www.theverge.com/2023/12/5/23988937/youtuber-sponsored-plane-crash-six-month-prison-sentence
A YouTuber pilot has been sentenced to six months in federal prison for intentionally crashing an airplane for online views. Trevor Daniel Jacob, 30, pleaded guilty to obstructing a federal investigation after submitting a false report regarding the crash. Jacob had planned to film himself parachuting before crashing into the Los Padres National Forest in California. He later disposed of the wreckage and uploaded footage of the crash to YouTube. Prosecutors stated that Jacob committed the offense for social media attention and financial gain.
Apple TV's upcoming tvOS 17.2 update will feature a small but significant change to the Siri remote. Instead of activating Siri immediately, the update will overlay a search bar on the screen, allowing users to quickly find movies, TV shows, and more. The update also includes a customizable sidebar for quick access to apps and the ability to filter search results. The release date for tvOS 17.2 is expected to be in December.
The FCC has passed rules banning ISPs from broadband discrimination based on income, race, and religion. While activists are pleased that the government has recognized the long-standing inequity, they are concerned that the FCC's rules may not be consistently enforced. Poor communities, especially those that have historically faced discrimination, continue to suffer from a lack of affordable internet access, limiting their access to healthcare, education, and employment opportunities. Activists argue that more needs to be done to tackle market failure and monopoly power in order to address discrimination in broadband deployment.
https://arstechnica.com/?p=1988319
Astronomers are using the James Webb Space Telescope to observe a dusty galaxy called AzTECC71, which existed just 900 million years after the Big Bang. Previously thought to be rare, astronomers now believe these dusty galaxies are common but have gone unnoticed. The Webb telescope has provided a clearer view of this distant galaxy, revealing that it is forming hundreds of stars each year.
HP Chief Financial Officer Marie Myers has stated that customers who subscribe to services like Instant Ink are around 20% more valuable to the company compared to those on a transactional-only model. This shift to subscription-based models has had a positive impact on business growth, as subscribing customers are more likely to remain loyal for longer. However, tech firms are facing pressure from antitrust bodies over subscription terms that restrict customer mobility, raising concerns about the long-term sustainability and profitability of such models.
https://www.engadget.com/best-power-bank-143048526.html?src=rss
Unable to Summarize Article
Rockstar has released the trailer for Grand Theft Auto VI, revealing that the game will be set in Leonida, its version of Florida, and largely centered on Vice City. The trailer indicates that the game will have a playable female character named Lucia and will feature contemporary themes. While there is little detail about the game's story, it promises the usual robberies and car chases that fans have come to expect. The game is set to be released in 2025.
Looking for the perfect gift for a gamer? TechRadar suggests personalized gaming gadgets to impress the gamer in your life, including a customized RGB LED gaming mouse pad, a customizable game station console controller holder, custom neon signs, and V-Moda Crossfade 3 Wireless headphones. These gifts not only enhance their gaming experience but also help promote their brand and identity online.
https://www.engadget.com/apple-watch-series-9-falls-to-a-new-low-of-310-131051573.html?src=rss
The Apple Watch Series 9 is now available at a new all-time low price of $310, thanks to an eight percent discount and a $59 coupon. The watch received a rating of 92 in our review, with features like Double Tap and Raise To Speak. It also includes the second-generation UWB chip and is one of Apple's carbon-neutral products.
https://www.techradar.com/gaming/when-does-lego-fortnite-come-out
Lego Fortnite, a new survival and crafting game, will be added as part of an update to Fortnite on December 7, 2023. The game will be available on all platforms that play Fortnite, and players will be able to use Lego styles for over 1,200 Outfits. It is described as "the ultimate survival crafting adventure!" resembling something like Minecraft.
The British gangster movie "Sexy Beast" is getting a prequel series set to premiere on Paramount Plus on January 24. The eight-episode series will explore the backstory of the film's main characters and their descent into the criminal underworld of 1990s London. With an acclaimed executive producer and showrunner, the series is expected to be a smartly written and violent treat.
Ford is partnering with Xcel Energy to install 30,000 EV charging ports for their fleet customers by 2030. The project will be run by Ford Pro, the automaker's commercial vehicle and software division, and will begin installations in Wisconsin and Colorado in 2024. Xcel Energy will cover most of the upfront costs, and Ford will provide a full suite of charging products and software tools for commercial fleet owners.
https://www.theverge.com/2023/12/5/23988435/uber-connect-gift-delivery-package-rules
Uber has launched a new feature called "Store Pickup" that allows customers to request an Uber courier to pick up a purchased item from a store and deliver it to a recipient. The feature, available in 1,500 cities, requires customers to upload the item's receipt and has limitations such as a maximum value of $200 and weight of 30 lbs. Uber continues to expand its delivery services, including same-day delivery and package returns.
https://techcrunch.com/2023/12/05/encharge-raises-22-6m-to-commercialize-its-ai-accerating-chips/
EnCharge AI, a company developing AI-accelerating chips, has raised $22.6 million in a funding round led by the VentureTech Alliance. The funds will be used to expand the team and further develop EnCharge's AI chips and "full stack" AI solutions. The company aims to make AI more accessible and sustainable for organizations that cannot afford expensive and energy-intensive AI chips.
https://venturebeat.com/games/looking-glass-unveils-looking-glass-go-portable-holographic-display/
I am sorry, but I cannot provide a 50-word summary of a text without having the text available. Please provide the text you want me to summarize.
https://techcrunch.com/2023/12/05/vancouver-fantuan-raises-40m-deliver-chinese-food/
Fantuan, a Vancouver-based company, has raised $40 million in a Series C funding round led by venture capital firm Celtic House Asia and food supply chain company GrubMarket. The company aims to bring authentic Chinese food to people around the world, replicating the convenience of Chinese food delivery apps. Fantuan, founded in 2014, plans to become an all-in-one platform for local services and expand its tie-up with GrubMarket to reach small restaurants. Despite the challenges of delivering Chinese food, Fantuan has achieved an average delivery time of 40 minutes in cities such as Vancouver, Toronto, and San Francisco.
https://www.techradar.com/streaming/hbo-max/barbie-on-max
Margot Robbie's Barbie movie may be available to stream on Warner Bros Discovery's streaming service, Max, once it finishes its box office run. Based on previous release schedules, Barbie could potentially be available on Max as early as September 27. The film has been a box office success, surpassing Christopher Nolan's Oppenheimer in its opening week.
Apple's latest iPad mini (2021) is still available at a discounted price on Amazon in the US and UK, making it a great Christmas gift option. The 8.3-inch tablet offers a powerful A15 Bionic chipset and a crisp display. While it may not have the lowest price seen during Black Friday, it remains a top-selling device and is unlikely to get any cheaper in the near future.
The Barbie movie, which was the highest-grossing film of 2023 and Warner Bros.' highest-grossing movie ever, will be streaming exclusively on Max starting December 15. Despite being a film about a doll, it offers a subversive and entertaining take on themes such as women's dismissal, men's rights activism, and capitalism. Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling deliver stellar performances in the movie.
Logitech has released the Astro A50 X gaming headset, which is not only a high-quality audio device but also comes with a dock that can switch between PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and PC. The headset features graphene audio drivers, a broadcast-quality microphone, Dolby Atmos support, and wireless charging capabilities. The dock acts as a switch for your gaming setup and supports HDMI passthrough. The headset is priced at $379, making it a comprehensive and versatile option for serious gamers.
Foretellix, a start-up that builds verification and validation solutions for autonomous vehicles, has secured $85m in a series C funding round. The investment will be used to further develop the company's platform, which generates unlimited scenarios for testing driver assistance and autonomous systems. Foretellix's client list includes major names in the automotive industry, such as Volvo, Toyota, and Isuzu. The funding round was led by 83North, with participation from Toyota's venture fund Woven Capital, Nvidia, and other strategic backers. To date, Foretellix has raised $135m.
Meta Quest Pro VR headsets are receiving a performance boost with higher clock speeds for the CPU and GPU, resulting in a 34% and 19% increase in performance. However, the v60 update also removes phone notifications from the headset. Other upgrades include the ability to store information for multiple play spaces and new Meta Horizon Home environments. The update is gradually rolling out.
https://www.theverge.com/2023/12/5/23988171/gm-ev-charging-station-progress-pilot-evgo
General Motors, along with partners EVgo and Pilot Travel Centers, will open the first stations of their coast-to-coast EV charging network before the end of the year. They plan to install at least 2,000 charging stations over the next few years, with 25 stations and about 100 charging stalls set to be open by year-end. The stations will feature amenities like canopies, pull-through stalls, and access to food and restrooms. Furthermore, the charging network will be co-branded as "Pilot Flying J" and "Ultium Charge 360."
Strava, the popular fitness tracking app, is introducing a direct messaging feature for its users. The update allows for one-to-one and group chats, as well as options to share activities and routes. Photo sharing will be added in early 2024. The feature aims to improve coordination and connectivity among athletes on the platform. Users can also control who can send them messages and ensure safety and privacy.
https://www.theverge.com/2023/12/5/23988905/oneplus-12-china-launch-price-specs-features
OnePlus has unveiled its latest flagship smartphone, the OnePlus 12, in China. The highest-specced model of the phone comes with 24GB of RAM and 1TB of storage. It also boasts fast charging speeds, with support for 100W wired fast charging and 50W wireless charging. The OnePlus 12 features a triple rear camera setup, powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor. The phone is set to launch internationally in early 2024, with pricing yet to be announced.
Rockstar has released the first official trailer for Grand Theft Auto VI, revealing that the game will be set in Leonida, based on Florida, with Vice City as its main focus. The game will feature a playable female character and will launch in 2025.
General Motors (GM) has partnered with Pilot Travel Centers and EVgo to install up to 500 charging stations at Pilot Flying J rest stops across the US. Currently, 17 stations are open, and GM estimates that number will increase to at least 25 by the end of 2023. The stations will offer multiple chargers with 350kW, 24/7 access, pull-through charging, and rest stop amenities. GM customers will receive discounts on charging fees and the ability to reserve stations starting in Spring 2024. The project aims to connect urban and rural areas and plans to open 200 stations by the end of 2024.
General Motors (GM) has partnered with Pilot Travel Centers and EVgo to install up to 500 charging stations at Pilot Flying J rest stops across the US. Currently, there are 17 charging stations open across 13 states, with the number expected to reach 25 by the end of 2023. GM customers will also receive discounts on charging fees and the ability to reserve stations from spring 2024. The project aims to provide up to 2,000 charging stalls and connect urban and rural areas.
Google's latest update to the Pixel Camera app for Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro allows users to capture Night Sight Time Lapse videos. The update also includes an always-on toggle for the Palm Timer and an Ultra HDR toggle. Additionally, a December 2023 Pixel Feature Drop is expected to bring a new Video Boost feature.
https://www.techradar.com/pro/sellafield-nuclear-site-compromised-by-russian-and-chinese-hackers
The Sellafield nuclear site in the UK has been hacked by cybercriminals linked to the governments of Russia and China. The site contains highly sensitive information about nuclear attacks and disasters, as well as the largest store of plutonium in the world. The breach dates back to 2015, and experts believe that even the most confidential information on the site could have been accessed. The incident has raised concerns about national security and the poor cyber security measures in place at the site.
https://gizmodo.com/wikipedia-readers-2023-chatgpt-atom-bombs-oppenheimer-1851070502
The top 25 most-viewed Wikipedia articles of 2023 indicate that people are interested in topics such as AI, the atomic bomb, movies, celebrities, and sports. The chatbot ChatGPT was the most popular article, followed by J. Robert Oppenheimer and the Barbenheimer film. Indian cricket and football players, Taylor Swift, and alt-right figurehead Andrew Tate also attracted significant attention.
Ubisoft has announced a partnership with motorsports brand Hoonigan for Season Two of The Crew Motorfest. The collaboration will introduce new content, including a Gymkhana-inspired playground and new vehicles. Hoonigan cofounder Brian Scotto expressed excitement over the collaboration. Season Two will be available for free to all players, with exclusive access for Year One Pass owners. The Crew Motorfest is available on multiple platforms.
PlayStation users are reporting that their accounts have been permanently suspended without explanation. Many users have taken to social media to express their frustration, with some sharing error messages and alleged interactions with PlayStation Support. Users claim they are unable to appeal the suspension. Sony has not publicly responded to these reports.
https://www.theverge.com/2023/12/5/23988899/halide-iphone-video-capture-kino-announcement-date
Halide, a popular iPhone photography app, will not be adding video capture features. Instead, the development team behind Halide is working on a new dedicated video capture app called Kino. Kino aims to provide professional recording features now that Apple supports log video encoding. The app is scheduled for release in February 2024 and will offer enhanced editing capabilities for filmmakers. Further details about the app's features and pricing are yet to be announced.
Microsoft Teams is working on a new feature that will allow users to easily mute and unmute their audio during meetings by clicking the mic icon in the Windows taskbar. While this should make it more convenient, there is also a risk of accidentally clicking the icon. The feature is currently only available in the new Teams for Windows experience. Microsoft Teams has been rolling out various updates to enhance its functionality, including an AI upgrade called Microsoft Copilot.
Windows 11's latest update, 23H2, is reportedly causing performance issues with PC games, particularly those running on AMD processors. Users have complained about reduced CPU performance and random stuttering in games. Microsoft has provided a solution involving resetting Microsoft Defender and enabling CPU Virtualization in the BIOS. Reverting to the previous version or waiting for a fix are alternative options.
https://www.techradar.com/pro/security/many-businesses-still-have-reservations-over-using-ai
A report from Daemon has found that despite the increased investment in AI by businesses, nearly half of senior decision-makers surveyed in the UK are not confident about implementing AI tools due to concerns over data security and privacy. However, the majority of organizations still have a vision for the use of AI and are working to address these concerns. Small firms appear to be more confident about AI implementation than larger organizations.
https://techcrunch.com/2023/12/05/used-by-only-a-few-nerds-facebook-kills-pgp-encrypted-emails/
Facebook is discontinuing its encrypted email feature, which allowed users to receive encrypted emails from the company. The feature, introduced in 2015, had low usage and is being retired. Additionally, the use of Pretty Good Privacy (PGP) for encryption is considered outdated, with few people still relying on it. Facebook suggests users turn off email notifications and view notifications within the app or browser instead.
Rockstar surprises fans with an early release of the trailer for Grand Theft Auto VI, revealing that the game will be set in a contemporary version of Florida called Leonida, primarily focusing on Vice City. The trailer highlights a playable female character, Florida's Everglades, and a strip club. The highly anticipated game is set to be released in 2025, 12 years after Grand Theft Auto V.
IBM and Meta have announced the creation of the AI Alliance, aimed at fostering an open community and promoting responsible innovation in AI. The initiative will focus on expanding the number of open-source AI models and developing benchmarks for responsible creation of AI systems. Over 50 organizations, including Intel and NASA, have joined the alliance, but OpenAI is not among the founding members.
A new report by Kyndryl and Microsoft reveals that 84% of businesses are not integrating sustainability into their overall business strategies. Despite 85% of companies placing high strategic importance on sustainability goals, only 32% believe they are making full use of technology to achieve these goals. The report suggests aligning sustainability with finance and technology discussions among executives and utilizing AI tools for better results.
Windows 11 Insider Preview build 26002 in the Canary Channel now includes improved VPN access, making it easier to manage and toggle VPNs on and off with a click. Other updates include improvements to the Taskbar and System Tray, a new Wi-Fi Quick Settings flyout, and an energy saver option.
https://techcrunch.com/2023/12/04/farmless-alternative-protein-4m-food-tech/
Dutch startup Farmless has raised €4.8m ($5.6m) in seed funding to develop its alternative protein products made through fermentation technology. The funds will be used to build a pilot brewery in Amsterdam and develop its first meat, dairy, and egg replacements. Farmless uses a unique fermentation process that relies on a liquid made from carbon dioxide, hydrogen, nitrogen, and renewable energy, eliminating the need for agricultural land and enabling production anywhere in the world.
Meta, the parent company of Instagram, has quietly updated its support pages to announce that users will no longer be able to message their Facebook contacts on Instagram. The feature will be shut down in mid-December, with existing chats becoming read-only. Meta did not provide a specific reason for discontinuing the cross-platform messaging feature, but it could be related to compliance with the European Union's Digital Markets Act or the company's plans for end-to-end encryption. Meta has also agreed to overhaul its account center to give users more control over cross-site activities, following a directive from the German antitrust body.
The highly anticipated trailer for GTA 6 was leaked, prompting Rockstar to release it officially ahead of schedule. While the leak led to mixed reactions from the developers, the trailer quickly became Rockstar's most-viewed video with over 53 million views in under 10 hours. GTA 6 is set for release in 2025.
Instagram and Facebook's messaging services will no longer be cross-compatible starting mid-December. Existing conversations between the two will go into read-only mode, and new cross-platform chats will not be available. This change comes three years after the feature was launched and coincides with Meta's challenge to the European Commission's regulation of Messenger as a "core platform service".
Hajime Tabata, former director of Final Fantasy 15, recently revealed that he left Square Enix due to conflicting philosophies with the former president. Tabata is now working on two games at his company JP Games, including an original MMORPG. Meanwhile, Square Enix is gearing up for the release of Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth and Final Fantasy 16, both with differing DLC plans.
https://www.techradar.com/gaming/the-last-of-us-part-2-remastered-pre-order-guide
Pre-orders for The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered are now live in the UK and will be available in the US at 10am ET / 7am PT. The remastered version of the critically acclaimed game will be released on January 19, 2024, and offers enhanced graphical fidelity, new gameplay modes, and utilization of the DualSense controller's features. Different editions of the game are available for pre-order at various retailers. A digital upgrade path is also available for those who already own the PS4 version of the game.
This article recommends the Ryze Tello as a great first drone for kids, due to its low cost and safety features for indoor flying. It also suggests the Potensic Atom SE as an option for outdoor flight, with a more advanced camera and features. The article provides pricing information for both drones and also mentions the need for registration and identification depending on the country.
Electronic Arts (EA) has confirmed layoffs at Codemasters, the racing game studio it acquired in 2021. The number of affected staff is unknown. EA stated that the cutbacks are a result of organizational changes to meet evolving business needs. This comes as several UK game developers, including Media Molecule and Team17, have announced cost-cutting measures in recent months.
Today, Cyberpunk 2077 is releasing its final significant patch, version 2.1, which includes highly anticipated features such as a portable radio station, a metro station, and improved boss combat. With this update, the studio's focus is expected to shift to other projects like The Witcher 4 or a sequel to Cyberpunk 2077. The Ultimate Edition of Cyberpunk 2077 will also be released today, bundling in the base game and all updates.
Logitech G has unveiled the Astro A50 X gaming headset, featuring PlaySync technology that allows players to seamlessly switch between PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S sources. The headset, priced at $379, comes with a base station for fast charging and has support for simultaneous Bluetooth audio. However, to use the PlaySync feature, both consoles need to be powered on, potentially increasing electricity consumption. The Astro A50 X is set to start shipping in the first half of 2024.
Unable to Summarize Article
A teaser trailer for the upcoming game Dragon Age: Dreadwolf has been released, giving fans a glimpse of new locations and hinting at a full game reveal in summer 2024. The trailer showcases the gothic city of Treviso, a colorful settlement in Rivain, and the Anderfels. The teaser also features mysterious voice clips, suggesting religious fanatics and tyrannical monarchs as potential villains in the game. Dragon Age: Dreadwolf is the first mainline title in the Dragon Age series since 2014's Dragon Age: Inquisition.
https://www.techradar.com/pro/many-software-testers-are-already-using-ai
A new report by LambdaTest reveals that 78% of software testers use artificial intelligence (AI) to improve product quality and reliability. AI is being integrated into testing procedures at earlier stages, with test case generation and analytics being common applications. The use of AI is aimed at saving time and improving overall quality.
https://www.engadget.com/the-tiny-fiat-500e-is-coming-to-the-us-in-early-2024-094754049.html?src=rss
Fiat is set to release the 500e hatchback EV in the US in 2024 for $32,500. The updated model features more range, improved technology, and a nicer interior. Weighing just 3,000 pounds, it claims to be the lightest passenger electric vehicle in its segment. However, its small size and limited range of 149 miles may be a safety concern for potential buyers. Fiat aims to attract young and urban buyers with its design and high-tech features.
French carbon and environmental accounting startup, Carbon Maps, has secured $7.6m in funding, following a €3m seed round extension. The software-as-a-service platform focuses on the environmental impact of the food industry, helping companies calculate their environmental footprint at the product level. Carbon Maps has already attracted a dozen clients, including Andros, Sodexo, Potel&Chabot, and the Bel milk producers' association. The company plans to take advantage of forthcoming French regulations, which will introduce an eco-score rating system for food brands.
https://www.techradar.com/news/oneplus-12
The OnePlus 12 is set to be unveiled in China on December 5, with a global launch expected early in 2024. The phone is rumored to have a 6.82-inch display, a triple-lens camera with optical zoom, and a 5,400mAh battery with fast charging capabilities. It remains to be seen if the OnePlus 12 will have features such as an IP68 rating, wireless charging, and consistent fast charging across regions.
The OnePlus 12 has been unveiled as the latest flagship phone, boasting a 5,400mAh battery, a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, up to 24GB of RAM, and a 6.82-inch AMOLED screen. Although currently only available in China, it is expected to launch globally in January 2024. The phone also features an IP65 rating for water resistance and comes in multiple storage options and color variations. Prices start at CNY¥4,299 (approximately $610/£480/AU$1,000).
Supply chain and e-commerce startup Omniful has raised $5.85m in seed funding led by VentureSouq. The UAE-based company has developed systems for order, warehouse and transport management, enabling merchants to tap into hyperlocal and omnichannel commerce and manage inventory in real-time. The funding will be used to expand Omniful's customer base in markets including Africa and India.
French software-as-a-service startup Carbon Maps has raised $7.6m in funding for its platform, which helps companies in the food industry calculate the environmental impact of their products. The funding includes €3m ($3.2m) in seed round extension investment from venture capital firms Daphni, Breega, and Samaipata. Carbon Maps enables businesses to measure and track carbon emissions at a granular level, allowing them to set objectives to reduce their environmental footprint over time. The company is already working with clients including Andros, Sodexo, and Bel milk producers' association.
Logitech's Astro gaming brand has released the Astro A50 X, a flagship gaming headset that is compatible with PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. Priced at $379.99, it uses HDMI passthrough for connectivity, allowing it to be wired to a central hub for home audio and video setups. The headset features graphene audio drivers, a built-in mic, Dolby Atmos support, Logitech's wireless connectivity, and two HDMI 2.1 inputs. It is designed to be a multi-console headset but lacks a third HDMI-in port for connecting a PC.
https://techcrunch.com/2023/12/04/softbank-corp-cubic-telecom/
Dublin-based startup Cubic Telecom has raised €473m ($513m) in funding from SoftBank Corp, valuing the company at just over $1bn. Cubic Telecom provides software-based networking solutions that enable vehicles to connect to mobile networks worldwide. The funding will be used to expand Cubic Telecom's technology and business as it aims to capitalise on the growth of the connected vehicle market.
https://venturebeat.com/games/news-that-we-missed-as-the-gta-vi-trailer-debuted/
As a journalist, it is impossible for me to provide a summary without any text to work with. Please provide the text that you would like me to summarize.
Egyptian online auto parts marketplace Mtor has raised $2.8 million in pre-seed funding led by Algebra Ventures. Mtor aims to address inefficiencies and fragmentation in the auto parts supply chain by connecting local workshops and car mechanics with importers, providing accurate fitment data, logistics solutions, and affordable parts. The funding will be used to strengthen partnerships with importers and parts suppliers, and expand operations in Egypt and beyond.
https://techcrunch.com/2023/12/04/lego-fortnite-rock-band-fortnite-festival-rocket-racing/
Epic Games and Lego are set to launch their collaboration, Lego Fortnite, on December 7. The game, described as a "survival crafting LEGO adventure," aims to encourage creativity and collaboration among players aged 10 and up. Alongside Lego Fortnite, Epic Games has announced Rocket Racing and Fortnite Festival, expanding its offerings in the online gaming space. Both companies are looking to compete with Roblox and Minecraft in the youth gaming market.
https://techcrunch.com/2023/12/04/lego-fortnite-rock-band-fortnite-festival-rocket-racing/
Epic Games and Lego are set to release a hybrid Lego/Fortnite experience, described as a "survival crafting LEGO adventure", on Thursday, December 7. The game, designed for players aged 10 and up, aims to encourage creativity, experimentation and collaboration. This is part of Epic Games' strategy to compete with Roblox and Minecraft in the younger player market. The company has also announced Rocket Racing and Fortnite Festival, expanding its offerings through partnerships and acquisitions.
https://www.theverge.com/2023/12/5/23988202/fiat-500e-ev-price-specs-photos-city-car
Stellantis has unveiled the 2024 Fiat 500e, a small and affordable electric car that offers a range of 149 miles on a single charge. Although the range may seem limited compared to other long-range EVs on the market, the Fiat 500e targets city dwellers and suburbanites who prioritize compact size and emissions-free driving. With a starting price of $34,095, the Fiat 500e comes with a unique acoustic vehicle alert system that plays a classical composition at low speeds. Despite its modest specifications, the Fiat 500e aims to address the growing demand for smaller and more efficient EVs.
Google has released its latest experimental AI called Instrument Playground, which allows users to generate 20-second music tracks with a single text prompt. The AI claims to be capable of emulating over 100 instruments from around the world and offers the option to add adjectives to give tracks a certain mood. Users can also customize tracks using sound effects and an on-screen keyboard. However, the editing tools are rudimentary and there were reported errors in the generated music. It remains to be seen what Google intends to do with this experimental technology.
Tesla has announced that two of its models, the Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive and Model 3 Long Range, will no longer qualify for the full $7,500 federal tax credit for electric vehicles. The change is due to the Biden administration's efforts to limit Chinese battery components in US electric vehicles. Starting from January 1, 2024, the tax credit will reduce to $3,750 for these models. The Biden administration is proposing even stricter requirements for the clean vehicle tax credit, which may eliminate the credit altogether for Tesla next year unless it sources batteries from countries other than China.
https://techcrunch.com/2023/12/04/for-200-george-santos-will-gossip-with-you-on-cameo/
George Santos, a former Republican congressman with a controversial past, has joined the Cameo platform, offering personalized videos for $200 each. Santos, who recently faced expulsion from the House of Representatives, has already sold over 100 videos on the platform. Despite his polarizing views and legal troubles, Santos has gained a certain level of online fame and is seeking to leverage his popularity through social media platforms.
Cruise, the robotaxi subsidiary owned by General Motors, may face fines and sanctions for failing to disclose details of an incident in which one of its vehicles dragged a pedestrian. The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has accused Cruise of withholding information and making misleading public comments about the incident. The CPUC has suspended Cruise's permits to charge for robotaxi rides in California and has ordered the company to appear at a hearing to defend itself. The CPUC can fine a public utility up to $100,000 per day for violations. Cruise has already lost permits to operate in California after allegedly withholding information about a crash in San Francisco.
https://www.theverge.com/2023/12/4/23988621/sony-playstation-account-ps5-bans-permanent-suspension
Many PlayStation Network users have complained about their accounts being permanently suspended without warning. Users have received messages from Sony stating that their accounts violated the PlayStation Network's terms of service. There have been no official acknowledgments from Sony regarding the issue. The extent of the problem is still unclear.
https://arstechnica.com/?p=1988539
The trailer for Grand Theft Auto VI was leaked on YouTube ahead of its scheduled release, prompting Rockstar Games to release the official version early. The trailer confirms that the game will be set in Vice City and features a female protagonist. This is the first major Rockstar title without Dan Houser, who left the company in 2020.
https://www.techradar.com/news/wordle-today
The text discusses the game Wordle, providing hints and analysis for today's answer. It also shares information about the author's experience playing the game and previous answers. The text concludes by mentioning other related word games and providing contact information for the author.
Rockstar Games released the trailer for Grand Theft Auto VI after a leaker forced their hand. The game is set in Vice City and features a diverse cast of characters, including the series' first woman protagonist. GTA VI is expected to debut in 2025 and has high expectations after the massive success of its predecessor.
https://techcrunch.com/2023/12/04/kodiaks-military-prototype-av-is-a-ford-f-150-pickup/
California-based autonomous trucking startup Kodiak Robotics has unveiled its first self-driving test vehicle, a Ford F-150 pickup truck equipped with its software and sensor stack. The vehicle has been developed for the US Department of Defense (DOD) to test autonomous surveillance and reconnaissance missions in challenging environments. Kodiak was awarded a $50m contract with the Army in December 2022 and has another year to deliver two off-road-capable vehicles based on the F-150. If successful, the startup could become one of the Army's future partners as it develops autonomous military applications.
https://arstechnica.com/?p=1987897
A report from the Government Accountability Office suggests that NASA's Artemis III mission, which aims to return humans to the Moon's surface, could be delayed from late 2025 until 2027. The readiness of SpaceX's lander and Axiom Space's spacesuits are driving the schedule, and delays with SpaceX's Starship program and design challenges with Axiom's spacesuits threaten NASA's timeline.
https://arstechnica.com/?p=1988539
The trailer for Grand Theft Auto VI was accidentally leaked on YouTube prior to its official release. The trailer gives a glimpse into the game's setting, confirmed to be Vice City, and features a female protagonist. It also reveals that the game will be the first major Rockstar title produced without Dan Houser. The game is set to be released in 2025.
Rockstar Games has released the first trailer for Grand Theft Auto 6, revealing the game's protagonist, Lucia, and the iconic GTA location, Vice City. The trailer was leaked on social media, prompting an early release. GTA 6 is set to launch in 2025, and platforms are yet to be confirmed.
https://www.techradar.com/computing/websites-apps/quordle-today-answers-clues-5-december-2023
The journalist provides hints and answers for the popular word game Quordle, discussing the difficulty and strategies for success. Quordle is a variant of Wordle and has gained popularity since its launch. The journalist also shares their experience as a Quordle player and offers advice to enhance gameplay.
https://gizmodo.com/grand-theft-auto-vi-trailer-leaked-early-coming-2025-1851070688
The official trailer for Grand Theft Auto VI was released earlier than scheduled due to a leak. Rockstar Games confirmed the release of the highly-anticipated follow-up to Grand Theft Auto V. Despite its release not until 2025, the excitement and anticipation surrounding the game are immense. Grand Theft Auto V has been incredibly successful, earning nearly $8 billion in revenue over the past decade.
https://gizmodo.com/new-star-wars-adventures-star-tours-disney-mandalorian-1851071324
Disneyland's Season of the Force will return next year, featuring upgrades to the Star Wars ride at the amusement park. The new adventures on Star Tours will be available from April 5 to June 2. Characters from The Mandalorian and Ahsoka may also be making appearances. Other attractions include Hyperspace Mountain and a fresh perspective on fireworks. New themed food and merchandise will also be available.
https://www.theverge.com/2023/12/4/23988334/doordash-new-york-minimum-wage-worker-tips
DoorDash has announced that in select markets, including New York City, tipping will now be exclusively a post-checkout option. The change comes after New York City's minimum wage increase for delivery workers and aims to balance the impact of new costs resulting from the city's change. DoorDash has been critical of the wage increase and has insisted that its workers will now earn at least $29.93 per hour of active time.
UK telecoms regulator Ofcom has released guidelines on how porn sites can verify users' ages under the newly passed Online Safety Act. The measures include using banks or mobile networks to confirm a user's age or providing valid details for an 18+ credit card. The regulator hopes to finalize its guidance in a year. Critics have raised concerns about privacy and technical issues, citing the previous failed attempt at mandating age verification. Noncompliance with the act could result in fines of up to £18 million or 10% of global revenue.
https://techcrunch.com/2023/12/04/ofcom-porn-sites-age-assurance-guidance/
The UK’s Internet regulator, Ofcom, has released draft guidance for pornographic websites on implementing age verification systems as required by the Online Safety Act. The guidance suggests potential methods including Open Banking sign-in, passport verification with a live selfie, and AI assessment of facial appearance. Ofcom also proposes using credit card checks and digital identity wallets. The final guidance is expected to be published in early 2025.
https://www.theverge.com/2023/12/4/23988438/spotify-cancels-gimlet-podcast-heavyweight-layoff
Spotify has canceled popular podcast Heavyweight, produced by Gimlet, as part of its ongoing restructuring and shift in podcast strategy. After completing the current season, the Heavyweight team will be laid off. Gimlet's other show, Stolen, has also been canceled. Both shows may have the opportunity to find new platforms after they finish their current runs.
https://arstechnica.com/?p=1988493
An additional 6.9 million 23andMe users have had their ancestry data stolen by hackers, a much larger number than the company previously disclosed. The hackers accessed accounts by reusing previously leaked passwords, and the stolen data includes personal information from users who opted into the DNA Relatives feature. 23andMe is currently notifying all affected users and has enhanced account security measures. The company expects to spend $1-2 million responding to the incident and is facing multiple class-action lawsuits.
https://arstechnica.com/?p=1988507
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has sued Pfizer, claiming the company "deceived the public" about the effectiveness of its COVID-19 vaccine. The lawsuit alleges that Pfizer used flawed math to calculate the vaccine's effectiveness and seeks $10 million in reparations. The argument revolves around the use of relative risk reduction instead of absolute risk reduction. Experts have debunked this argument multiple times.
https://arstechnica.com/?p=1987897
NASA's Artemis III mission, which aims to return humans to the Moon's surface, may be delayed from late 2025 until 2027, according to a report from the Government Accountability Office. Delays with SpaceX's Starship program and design challenges with Axiom's spacesuits are among the factors that threaten NASA's schedule.
https://venturebeat.com/games/grand-theft-auto-vi-is-set-in-vice-city-releases-in-2025/
Rockstar Games released the trailer for Grand Theft Auto VI earlier than planned after leaks surfaced on social media. The trailer confirms the title of the game, the inclusion of two protagonists, and a release window in 2025. The leaked footage from last year also mentioned the name Lucia, which has been consistent in recent leaks.
Rockstar Games has surprised fans by releasing the trailer for Grand Theft Auto VI earlier than expected. The highly anticipated game appears to be set in Vice City, a contemporary version of Miami, and will feature a playable female character. The release date is set for 2025, 12 years after the success of Grand Theft Auto V.
Rockstar surprises fans by releasing the trailer for Grand Theft Auto VI ahead of schedule. The highly anticipated game is set to be released in 2025, 12 years after its predecessor, Grand Theft Auto V. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
https://techcrunch.com/2023/12/04/max-q-a-starlink-terminal-and-a-kuiper-terminal-walk-into-a-bar/
Unable to Summarize Article
Rockstar Games has released the first trailer for Grand Theft Auto 6, showcasing the game's protagonist and the iconic GTA location, Vice City. The trailer was leaked on social media, prompting an early release. The game is set to launch in 2025, and platforms are yet to be confirmed.
As a journalist, it is my duty to provide accurate and concise summaries of information. However, without any text or information to work with, it is not possible for me to provide a summary. Please provide the text you would like me to summarize.
https://www.theverge.com/2023/12/4/23988446/gta-vi-trailer-leaked-vice-city
Rockstar's highly anticipated game, GTA VI, had its trailer leaked on Twitter by a now-suspended account. The trailer, featuring a Tom Petty song, confirmed that the game will be set in Vice City and is scheduled for release in 2025. Leaked information about the game has been prevalent, with previous leaks leading to legal action.
https://www.theverge.com/2023/12/4/23988446/gta-vi-trailer-leaked-vice-city
A leaked trailer for Grand Theft Auto VI (GTA VI) has appeared on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), just a day before the official release. The trailer, featuring a Tom Petty song, reveals that the game is set in Vice City and scheduled for release in 2025. Leaks surrounding the highly anticipated game have been frequent, with previous leaks resulting in the identification of a teenager as responsible. Rockstar has not yet confirmed if this leaked trailer is genuine.
https://gizmodo.com/marvels-box-office-disney-brie-larson-samuel-l-jackson-1851071602
Marvel Studios' latest release, The Marvels, is experiencing a box office disappointment, becoming the lowest-grossing film in the franchise. However, Marvel and Disney's reaction is surprising and spiteful, as they announced they will stop reporting the film's international grosses. Various factors, including a lack of promotion due to the actors' strike and misleading marketing, may have contributed to its underperformance. Despite the potential for streaming success and positive audience feedback, Disney has seemingly given up on the film for now.
https://gizmodo.com/whatapp-meta-lossless-images-ios-1851070085
WhatsApp's latest software update for iOS allows users to send images as documents, maintaining the original quality. The feature was initially available to a select few during beta testing but has now been rolled out to all iPhone users. The update also includes features such as voice chats without ringing all group members, helpful bubbles in chat for call status, and the ability to quickly reply to friends' status updates with avatars. Users should update the app or wait for the feature to become available.
https://www.theverge.com/2023/12/4/23988403/getty-lawsuit-stability-ai-copyright-infringement
A UK court has ruled that a lawsuit filed by Getty Images against Stability AI, creator of Stable Diffusion, can proceed to trial. Getty claims that its copyrighted images were used by Stability AI to train its AI models. The court found merit in Getty's claims and decided that further investigation is necessary. Stability AI argued that the case should not be heard in a UK court, but the court disagreed, citing conflicting evidence and suggesting a potential conflict of interest. Getty Images has another copyright infringement lawsuit against Stability AI in the US.
https://arstechnica.com/?p=1988346
After experiencing a two-year period of high prices and limited availability, the gaming graphics card market is showing signs of recovery. Data from GPU sales analysts at Jon Peddie Research reveals that GPU shipments have returned to quarter-over-quarter and year-over-year growth. The increase in sales is attributed to the availability of current-generation GPUs in the $200-$300 price range from companies like Nvidia, AMD, and Intel. However, experts advise caution, stating that the sales increase primarily reflects the normalization of supply and demand. Overall, the market for PCs and their components is still expected to gradually decline.
https://techcrunch.com/2023/12/04/animate-anyone-heralds-the-approach-of-full-motion-deepfakes/
Researchers at Alibaba Group's Institute for Intelligent Computing have developed a new generative video technique called Animate Anyone. The technology can puppeteer people in videos using just a single photo of them. While still far from perfect, the advancement could have implications for deepfake technology and its potential misuse. The researchers have not released the code for public use yet, but they intend to provide access in the future.
Audio device leader Rode has acquired rival company Mackie, creating a pro audio and streaming powerhouse. Both companies have made significant strides in the streaming market, with Rode offering products like the PSA1+ boom arm and Mackie producing consumer-grade streaming mixers and monitor controllers. This acquisition puts them in a strong position to compete with companies like Elgato and Razer, while still maintaining a presence in the pro audio industry.
https://gizmodo.com/google-chatgpt-competitor-gemini-could-preview-soon-1851071756
Google is reportedly set to virtually preview its generative AI chatbot, Gemini, this week. Gemini offers a more powerful AI model compared to Google's current offering, Bard, and aims to compete with OpenAI's ChatGPT. The preview could be a scaled-back version of the planned launch, delayed due to issues with handling non-English queries. Google is under pressure to catch up with Microsoft and OpenAI in the generative AI space. The full launch of Gemini is expected in 2024.
https://gizmodo.com/marvel-star-wars-disney-plus-2024-x-men-acolyte-echo-1851070859
In 2024, Disney+ will release three Marvel shows (Echo, Agatha: Darkhold Diaries, X-Men '97) and two Star Wars shows (Skeleton Crew, The Acolyte). The press release suggests these may be the only shows for each franchise, but other possibilities are not ruled out. The highly anticipated Andor series may be postponed until 2025. There will also be additional Star Wars animation projects, including The Bad Batch.
https://www.theverge.com/2023/12/4/23988050/23andme-hackers-accessed-user-data-confirmed
Genetic testing company 23andMe has confirmed a data breach that impacted 6.9 million users. The breach, which occurred through a credential stuffing attack, affected 5.5 million users with the DNA Relatives feature and allowed access to an additional 1.4 million users' family tree profiles. The company claims there has been no data security incident within its system, despite the breach. Information that was accessed includes display names, predicted relationships, DNA matches, and more. 23andMe is in the process of notifying affected users and has implemented two-step verification as a security measure.
Target is currently offering Sony's WH-1000XM5 headphones at their lowest price yet, with a discount of $150. These over-ear headphones provide excellent comfort, audio quality, and active noise cancellation. The headphones have a modern design, improved weight distribution, enhanced ANC, and 30mm carbon drivers for better sound. With a battery life of up to 30 hours, this deal is set to expire on December 7th.
https://www.theverge.com/23984534/godzilla-minus-one-interview-takashi-yamazaki
Director Takashi Yamazaki discusses his film "Godzilla Minus One" and the importance of returning to the allegorical roots of the iconic monster. The film explores themes of humanity's resilience and national identity in post-World War II Japan, as well as the parallels between Godzilla and real-world crises such as nuclear war and the COVID-19 pandemic. Yamazaki aimed to create a Godzilla that symbolizes negative energy and fears, and the use of mushroom cloud imagery serves to emphasize the destructive force he represents.
As a journalist, it is important to write a clear and concise summary of the text provided. However, since you haven't provided any text for me to summarize, I am unable to fulfill your request. Please provide the text you would like me to summarize.
Meta, formerly known as Facebook, will be removing the cross-platform integration feature that allows users to chat with Facebook friends on Instagram. The move, set to take place in mid-December, is speculated to be a measure to avoid regulatory consequences in the European Union. The EU's Digital Markets Act aims to prevent platform holders from gaining excessive power and can impose penalties of up to 10% of a company's global turnover.
https://gizmodo.com/wonka-review-timothee-chalamet-willy-wonka-paul-king-1851056255
Timothée Chalamet shines as the young Willy Wonka in the new musical prequel, Wonka. Directed by Paul King, the film captures the charm and innocence of the character, although the whimsy doesn't always align with the narrative. The supporting cast, including Olivia Colman and Keegan-Michael Key, add to the film's charm. The catchy, well-written songs by Neil Hannon enhance the story, but overall, the movie leaves some potential unfulfilled. Despite its flaws, Wonka is an entertaining big-screen spectacle.
https://www.techradar.com/seasonal-sales/3-soundbar-gift-ideas-for-movie-fans-all-under-dollar100
Looking for an affordable soundbar? TechRadar has compiled a list of the best under-$100 soundbar deals just in time for the holidays. The options range from the Amazon Fire TV soundbar, which has received positive reviews, to Sony and Vizio 2.0-channel models. With discounts available, these soundbars offer an easy and budget-friendly way to enhance your TV's audio.
Google has released its new flagship smartphones, the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, which boast top-of-the-range specs, advanced AI-powered camera features, and a powerful new Tensor G3 chip. The phones offer stunning displays, long battery life, and fast charging capabilities. Both handsets are available through Carphone Warehouse.
https://www.theverge.com/2023/12/4/23988161/meta-quest-update-v60-remove-smartphone-notifications
Meta, the parent company of Oculus, is removing a feature that allows users to see smartphone notifications while using the Quest VR headset. The company did not provide a clear explanation for the removal, but it may pose a difficulty for users who want to stay connected to their smartphones without interrupting their VR experience. The v60 update also introduces new features such as a layout utility app and improved clock speeds for the Quest Pro's CPU and GPU.
https://gizmodo.com/23andme-dna-test-hackers-stolen-data-6-million-users-1851071432
Hackers have stolen data on approximately 6.9 million users of consumer DNA harvesting company 23andMe, substantially more than the 14,000 users initially reported. Hackers gained access to data such as users' names, birth years, relationship labels, and ancestry reports. The company stated that the breach was a result of credential stuffing, but denied any indication that its own systems were breached, and claimed not to be the source of the account credentials used in the attack.
Mastercard is launching "Shopping Muse," a generative AI shopping tool that provides personalized product recommendations. Powered by Dynamic Yield, Shopping Muse aims to revolutionize how customers search for and discover products in a retailer's digital catalog. The tool understands colloquial language and context, allowing users to ask questions and receive tailored recommendations. Shopping Muse uses algorithms that analyze user behavior, on-site activity, preferences, and past purchase history to provide personalized suggestions. The tool can also recommend items based on visual similarities, and its applications may extend beyond fashion to categories like furniture and grocery.
Amazon is currently offering significant discounts on its own devices, including Fire TVs, Echo speakers, and Blink security cameras. The sale includes deals such as the all-new Echo Pop for $17.99 and the 4K Fire TV Stick for $24.99. These discounted prices make Amazon devices great gift ideas, and they also ship in time for Christmas.
https://gizmodo.com/11-of-the-weirdest-x-plane-designs-1847436082
X-planes, a class of experimental aircraft, have been pushing the boundaries of flight for decades. From the X-1, which broke the sound barrier, to the X-57 Maxwell, an all-electric plane, these aircraft have challenged traditional designs. Other notable X-planes include the X-15, which reached hypersonic speeds, and the X-33, a reusable spaceplane. The latest addition to the X-plane family is the X-59, a supersonic plane designed to fly without a sonic boom.
https://arstechnica.com/?p=1988318
Streaming services are attempting to offset customer dissatisfaction with price hikes by offering bundled packages. Verizon has announced a new deal for its myPlan wireless phone customers, allowing them to access Netflix and Max, both with ads, for $10 per month per phone line. This move comes as other streaming services explore partnerships and bundles to offer more value to subscribers at a lower cost.
https://arstechnica.com/?p=1988382
Amazon is facing a lawsuit after a hidden camera disguised as a towel hook was used to capture photos of a minor in her bathroom. The plaintiff argues that Amazon failed to prevent the alleged harm and the judge has largely denied Amazon's motion to dismiss the case, stating that the product descriptions approved by Amazon suggested using the spy cam to record private moments in a bathroom. The case could have implications for the spy cam industry and Amazon's responsibility.
https://arstechnica.com/?p=1988420
Electronic Arts (EA) has released a teaser video and blog post for the upcoming game "Dragon Age: Dreadwolf," revealing three new locations and the antagonist, Solas. The post also hints at the game's plot and promises more information next summer. This comes amidst the departure of several key personnel from the Dragon Age development team and a reported struggle over the game's direction.
https://gizmodo.com/orca-killer-whale-great-white-shark-attack-predators-1851071200
Researchers have confirmed that orcas were responsible for killing and eating a great white shark carcass that washed up near Portland, Australia. The shark's missing midriff indicated the involvement of orcas, which have a predilection for great whites due to their nutrient-rich livers. Orcas have been observed hunting and killing sharks, with specific interest in their livers. The orcas involved in the recent incident were identified as a pod including three named males: Bent, Tip, and Ripple. Orcas' targeting of great whites' livers with precision has raised questions about how they learned this behavior.
Startup Velt has developed a toolkit that enables developers to add collaborative features to their existing applications in under 30 minutes. The Y Combinator-backed company allows developers to choose from a range of collaborative tools, such as contextual commenting, live walkthroughs, recording features and huddles, and customize the interface to suit their needs. Velt's JS SDK also incorporates AI to automatically generate transcripts, categorize comments and provide prompts for collaborative experiences. The company has raised $2.77m in seed funding to accelerate its plans.
Researchers found that OpenAI's ChatGPT inadvertently revealed personal data, such as phone numbers and email addresses, that it had been trained on. OpenAI's response highlighted that this could violate their content policy or terms of use, but there are currently no specific rules against asking the service to repeat words forever. Critics argue that AI companies should seek consent and compensate individuals for using their data. OpenAI did not respond to requests for comment.
https://www.techradar.com/news/apple-tv-plus-amazon-fire-stick
Apple TV Plus is now available on the Amazon Fire Stick, allowing users to access all the content offered by the streaming service. This guide explains how to set up Apple TV Plus on the Fire Stick and provides recommendations for shows and movies available on the platform. Other devices that support Apple TV Plus are also mentioned, including Roku, Chromecast, Apple devices, and gaming consoles.
https://www.theverge.com/2023/12/4/23988031/tesla-elon-musk-ev-tax-credit-model-3
Tesla has warned that the federal tax credit for its Model 3 vehicles will be reduced from $7,500 to $3,750 by January 1, 2024. The company cited sourcing requirements under the Inflation Reduction Act as the reason for the reduction. The tax credit will now only be available for deliveries made through December. This could also impact the tax credits for Tesla's Model Y and Model X in the future.
US government agencies have experienced a significant number of data breaches in the past decade, with 1,283 breaches and over 200 million affected records, according to research by Comparitech. The breaches have cost the government around $30 billion, with 2019 being the worst year for breaches. Ransomware attacks are a major threat, with government agencies facing average ransoms of over $920,000.
Verizon will offer its myPlan subscribers a 41% discount on a bundle of Netflix and Max streaming subscriptions. The bundle, available starting December 7, includes ad-supported Netflix and Max plans for $10 monthly, saving customers $80 annually compared to buying the plans individually. This move is aimed at attracting more customers to Verizon and boosting the subscriber base for Netflix and Warner Bros. Discovery.
https://www.theverge.com/2023/12/4/23987742/expressvpn-apple-tv-vpn-app-tvos-17
ExpressVPN has released its app for tvOS, allowing Apple TV users to access region-locked content by connecting to servers in 105 countries. The app uses ExpressVPN's Lightway protocol and is available for download on tvOS 17. NordVPN plans to release an Apple TV app in the near future, and other VPN providers have recently released apps for the platform. However, using a VPN can slow down internet connections and violates streaming service policies. ExpressVPN has also updated its Android TV app with new features.
https://www.techradar.com/phones/samsung-galaxy-a55-leaks-reveal-mid-range-phones-s24-like-design
New leaks of the Samsung Galaxy A55 reveal a design similar to the upcoming Galaxy S24, including a metal frame and a flat screen. The A55 also features a raised platform on the right side, possibly for added protection. Other specifications include a 6.5-inch AMOLED display, Exynos 1480 chipset, 8GB of RAM, and a 50MP main camera. The release date is unknown, but it may launch in spring 2024.
https://www.theverge.com/2023/12/4/23988019/openai-enterprise-hype-chatgpt-lightcap
OpenAI's chief operating officer, Brad Lightcap, warns that the technology's full potential is overhyped and not expected to bring immediate business change. OpenAI has launched an enterprise version of its ChatGPT platform, with a long waitlist for the service. Concerns are rising as early AI adopters report that initial iterations have not improved workflow and critics point out flaws in AI-generated content.
Intel has accused rival AMD of selling "snake oil" to unsuspecting customers in a slide deck presentation titled "Core Truths". The claims revolve around AMD's confusing CPU naming conventions, suggesting that older architecture is disguised in newer-seeming products. While Intel raises a valid point, it has also been guilty of incorporating old architectures into new products.
https://www.techradar.com/home/air-fryers/6-air-fryer-gifts-to-make-the-holidays-easier-and-tastier
Looking for the perfect gift for someone who loves cooking or needs help with meal preparation? TechRadar has compiled a list of ideal air fryer gifts, including basket-style air fryers, oven-style air fryers, dual-basket air fryers, tongs, oil sprayers, and cake pans. These gifts not only look good but also offer convenience and healthy cooking options.
https://gizmodo.com/marvel-star-wars-disney-plus-2024-x-men-acolyte-echo-1851070859
In 2024, Disney+ will release three Marvel shows (Echo, Agatha: Darkhold Diaries, and X-Men '97) and two Star Wars shows (Skeleton Crew and The Acolyte). There may be additional shows not mentioned in the press release, but it seems likely that these are the confirmed ones for now. The release date for Andor is uncertain due to production delays. Fans are excited about the new shows and the introduction of new characters.
https://www.theverge.com/23987993/gta-6-news-trailers-rockstar-games
Rockstar Games has announced that it will be releasing the first trailer for the highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto VI on Tuesday, December 5th. The announcement has caused other game studios to adopt similar templates for their own announcements. Details about the game have been leaked, including footage and reports of a female protagonist and a setting in a fictionalized version of Miami. Rockstar confirmed that the leaked footage was stolen from its network. The release date for GTA VI is still unknown.
Atomic Industries, a startup focused on automating tool and die making, has raised $17 million in funding. The company aims to use artificial intelligence (AI) to optimize the design and manufacturing process of tools and molds, ultimately accelerating the industrial base in the United States. Atomic's AI software stack is being developed to become an efficient design engine for customized products, with the goal of achieving near real-time feedback for product designers. The funding will be used to expand the team and build a supercomputer for high-performance computing and machine learning.
The word of the year lists from various dictionaries reflect the dominance of artificial intelligence in 2023. Words like "hallucinate," "authentic," "deepfake," and "prompt" highlight the influence of AI on language and society. The acceptance and evolution of these words demonstrate our readiness to attribute human-like qualities to AI. As AI technology continues to advance, we can expect more AI-related terms to enter the lexicon.
https://www.theverge.com/2023/12/4/23987936/sony-wh-1000xm5-noise-canceling-headphones-deal-sale
Target is currently offering the Sony WH-1000XM5 noise-canceling headphones for a new all-time low price of $249.99, $150 off the original price. These headphones are known for their best-in-class noise cancellation, clear sound, multipoint Bluetooth support, and comfortable design. They are available in both colors and are a great deal for their premium price.
The world of technology in 2023 was dominated by artificial intelligence (AI), according to dictionaries' "word of the year" lists. Cambridge's word is "hallucinate," referring to generative AI models like ChatGPT creating fake information when they don't know the answer. Merriam-Webster chose "authentic," highlighting the blurred line between real and fake due to AI's impact. Oxford's word is "prompt," as AI systems respond to prompts or commands. The AI terminology infiltrating the lexicon reflects the increasing influence of AI technology in our lives.
https://arstechnica.com/?p=1988291
Google has implemented a new upgrade to Gmail's spam filters called RETVec (Resilient & Efficient Text Vectorizer). This upgrade helps identify and filter out emails that contain special characters, emojis, typos, and other junk characters that were previously difficult for machines to understand. RETVec has proven to be effective in improving spam detection and reducing false positives.
https://www.theverge.com/2023/12/4/23987748/biomemory-card-store-message-dna
Biomemory, a startup, has released DNA cards that offer a minimum lifespan of 150 years, making DNA storage available to consumers. Priced at $1,000, each card comes with one kilobyte of storage, equivalent to a short email. The DNA storage system converts digital information into the elements that make up DNA, and the data can be retrieved by sending the card to Biomemory's partners for decoding.
Lux, the creators of the popular photography app Halide, have announced their plans to launch a new app called Kino, which will allow iPhone users to work with video in a professional capacity. Inspired by the success of their Halide app and the demand for video support, Lux aims to create a separate app focused on videography. The release date is expected to be in approximately two months.
https://gizmodo.com/doctor-who-wild-blue-yonder-recap-tennant-tate-bbc-1851068428
In the episode "Wild Blue Yonder," Doctor Who proves it can still be weird, chilling, and inventive while celebrating its 60th anniversary. Starring David Tennant and Catherine Tate as the 14th Doctor and Donna Noble, the episode features a suspenseful plot centered around dangerous aliens capable of shapeshifting. It offers a character-driven exploration of the Doctor and Donna's growth and vulnerability. The episode is a reminder that Doctor Who should always surprise, delight, and provoke its audience.
Google Chrome has introduced a new feature that allows users to see the memory usage of individual tabs in their browser. This feature, available on most desktop platforms, helps users identify which sites are slowing down their laptop. It complements Chrome's Memory Saver mode, which conserves memory from inactive tabs. Additionally, Chrome offers an Energy Saver mode that reduces visual and background activity to conserve battery life.
TechRadar has compiled a list of its favorite Bluetooth speakers under $100/£100, providing readers with options for Christmas gift ideas. The list includes models from Tribit, UE, Cleer Audio, JBL, Marshall, and Sony, with discounts ranging from $20 to 41%. The article also recommends checking out the best Bluetooth speaker deals and provides updates on pricing and discounts for each model.
TikTok has extended its partnership with Ticketmaster to more than 20 countries across North America and Europe, as well as Australia and the UK. The feature allows artists to sell tickets directly through the social media app, with over 75,000 entertainers and event providers eligible to use the tool. Since its launch, the in-app ticketing feature has garnered more than 2.5 billion views and has supported successful ticketing campaigns for artists like Shania Twain and Burna Boy.
https://www.techradar.com/news/apple-tv-plus-roku
Apple TV Plus, a streaming service that offers original programming, can now be accessed through the Apple TV app on Roku devices. Users can sign up for a subscription through the Apple TV Plus website and enjoy shows like "Ted Lasso" and "The Morning Show." However, some older Roku devices may not be compatible. Other devices that support Apple TV Plus include Chromecast, gaming consoles, and Apple devices.
https://www.techradar.com/streaming/amazon-prime-video/the-boys-season-4
Unable to Summarize Article
https://www.engadget.com/fitness-app-strava-now-lets-you-message-other-users-174202523.html?src=rss
Popular activity tracking app, Strava, has introduced direct messaging capabilities, allowing users to communicate with each other in one-on-one chats or group conversations. This new feature enables users to send exact routes and activities to others, aiding coordination for events such as community runs. Strava's move towards becoming a social media platform also includes features like reacting to messages with gifs or likes. The app, which boasts over 100 million users, has been expanding its offerings to become more engaging for fitness enthusiasts.
Hackers are targeting macOS users by offering pirated commercial software bundled with proxy trojan installers. Researchers from Kaspersky have discovered 35 programs being offered for free online, including popular software, all in a PKG format that allows the trojans to execute with elevated permissions. The compromised endpoints are then used as a proxy botnet for illegal activities. This campaign may not be limited to macOS users, as the threat actor may target other operating systems with different installers.
Toyota has announced plans to expand its lineup of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) in Europe, with the aim of having six models by 2026. The automaker unveiled two new concepts for its upcoming EV fleet, including an Urban SUV and a Sport Crossover. Toyota also revealed its plans for next-generation batteries, including a performance battery with double the range and a lower price, a low-cost battery to spur EV adoption, and a high-performance battery using advanced technologies. The company aims to achieve 100 percent carbon neutrality by 2035.
https://www.theverge.com/2023/12/4/23987808/dragon-age-dreadwolf-trailer-summer-2024-bioware
BioWare has released a short teaser for the upcoming game Dragon Age: Dreadwolf on "Dragon Age Day". The teaser provides glimpses of new regions in the Dragon Age setting and features voiceovers from various factions. The final voiceover suggests the presence of a new villain, and a "full reveal" of the game is expected in summer 2024.
Eve Systems has partnered with Samsung to bring its energy monitoring capabilities to the SmartThings home automation platform. The integration will be available to users by December 4th, allowing Android and iOS users to monitor energy usage and reduce consumption. This move is significant as there are few smart plugs that support energy monitoring, making Eve Energy a standout choice for those looking to track and control energy usage in their homes.
https://techcrunch.com/2023/12/04/23andme-confirms-hackers-stole-ancestry-data-on-6-9-million-users/
Genetic testing company 23andMe revealed that a data breach in October affected a much larger number of customers than initially disclosed. Hackers accessed the personal information of approximately 6.9 million people, including names, birth years, relationship labels, and ancestry reports. The breach occurred when hackers used publicly known passwords from other data breaches to gain access to customer accounts.
The U.S. Treasury Department has released new guidance regarding the federal tax credit for electric vehicles (EVs), disqualifying EVs from the tax credit if any battery components are made or assembled by foreign entities of concern, such as China, Iran, Russia, and North Korea. The guidance also expands in 2025 to cover raw minerals sourced from these entities. Despite making it more difficult for EVs to qualify for the tax incentive, the industry supports the rule as it provides much-needed guidelines and certainty for automakers investing in domestic EV and battery manufacturing. Bird, the electric scooter company, has reportedly had another round of layoffs as it struggles to reach profitability. The company has faced financial difficulties and was delisted from the stock exchange in September. Proterra has received approval to sell its Proterra Powered business line to Volvo Battery Solutions for $210 million. The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2024. Other parts of Proterra's business are still being finalized for sale.
https://gizmodo.com/director-francis-lawrence-on-making-netflixs-bioshock-1851066328
Sorry, but I can't generate a summary without the text to work from.
https://www.engadget.com/fitness-app-strava-now-lets-you-message-other-users-174202523.html?src=rss
Fitness tracking app Strava is expanding its social media capabilities by introducing a messaging feature. Users can now send direct messages to other profiles or participate in group chats. This allows for easier coordination of activities and community runs within the app, eliminating the need for users to communicate on external platforms. Strava aims to become a more engaging and interactive platform for fitness enthusiasts, having previously introduced features such as curated feeds and music streaming.
https://gizmodo.com/netflix-max-verizon-10-dollar-streaming-bundle-december-1851070517
Verizon and Netflix are teaming up to offer a streaming bundle that includes ad-supported versions of both services for $10 per month. To take advantage of the deal, customers must be Verizon myPlan subscribers and also be enrolled in specific Verizon mobile plans. The bundle will be available starting December 7 and may require users to manage their existing subscriptions to Netflix and Max. This collaboration reflects a trend of streaming services offering bundles to combat customer churn.
https://arstechnica.com/?p=1988215
The official trailer for the next installment in Legendary Entertainment's MonsterVerse, "Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire," has been unveiled. Directed by Adam Wingard, the film picks up after 2021's "Godzilla vs. Kong" and sees the two titans teaming up again to take on a new threat. The movie is set to hit theaters on April 12, 2024.
https://techcrunch.com/2023/12/03/moveinsync-funding/
Indian startup MoveInSync is reportedly in talks to raise $50-60m in a growth round, with investors, including Bessemer Venture Partners, potentially offering an exit for early backers. Founded in 2009, MoveInSync offers a range of employee commute solutions, including a SaaS platform and an end-to-end employee commute solution. It has over 450,000 monthly active users and aims to be IPO-ready in the next two to three years. MoveInSync has around 200 enterprise customers across India, the Philippines, South Africa, and Sri Lanka, including tech giants such as Adobe, Amazon, Facebook, and Google.
Amazon Web Services (AWS) has introduced an outage simulator to its Fault Injection Service (FIS) that helps customers test the resilience of their businesses to major outages. Through the simulation, engineers can assess their dependencies and recovery time in the event of an outage. This move comes as tensions around potential cloud outages increase and follows recent embarrassing blunders in the cloud computing industry. The tests will be available in all commercial AWS regions where FIS is available and will incur costs based on the duration of the experiments.
The upcoming mid-season update for Halo Infinite will bring back the beloved Firefight player vs. environment (PvE) mode. The new Firefight: King of the Hill mode will have players battling waves of aliens to capture hills across nine maps. The mode will also include a leveling and battle pass system, allowing players to earn career rank and match XP. Other updates in the mid-season patch include improvements to Ranked player game modes, Forge mode, and the Custom Game Browser.
https://venturebeat.com/ai/fei-fei-li-and-the-binders-full-of-women-in-ai-the-ai-beat/
The New York Times recently published a list of twelve influential figures behind the modern AI movement, but notably, it included no women. This highlights the ongoing problem of gender inequality in AI and technology. Fei-Fei Li, a renowned figure in computer science and AI, was among the notable women excluded. The industry needs to do better and include women pioneers like Li in recognition of their contributions.
https://www.engadget.com/spotify-is-laying-off-1500-employees-081521615.html?src=rss
Spotify is laying off 1,500 employees, or 17% of its workforce, CEO Daniel Ek announced. The cuts are being made due to "the challenges ahead." Despite previous reductions in the workforce this year, the company's cost structure is still too large. Affected employees will receive severance pay, healthcare coverage, and career support.
Publisher THQ Nordic has announced that the sci-fi adventure game "Starman Outcast - A New Beginning" will be released on March 14, 2024, for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S. The game follows the story of Cutter Slade as he returns to save the planet from invading robot forces in a non-linear open-world setting. Developed by Appeal Studios, the game aims to offer an accessible and enjoyable experience.
Walmart is offering an unbeatable deal on the LG 65-inch C2 OLED TV, dropping the price to $1,349. This is a new record-low price for the high-end TV, beating the Black Friday deal. The LG C2 OLED TV features stunning visuals, deep contrast, virtual surround sound, smart capabilities, and voice control. Grab this limited offer before it's too late.
https://www.techradar.com/streaming/hbo-max/house-of-the-dragon-season-2
"House of the Dragon" Season 2 is set to premiere in mid-2024 and will continue the story of the civil war within House Targaryen. Filming was unaffected by the 2023 Hollywood strikes, and the season will feature new character introductions and more dragons. The first teaser trailer hints at a fiery and bloody conflict to come.
https://techcrunch.com/2023/12/04/assemblyai-nabs-50m-to-build-and-serve-ai-speech-models/
AssemblyAI, an applied AI venture that offers speech-focused AI models through an API, has raised $50m in a funding round led by Accel. The company plans to use the funds to develop a "universal" speech model and expand its workforce. AssemblyAI's customer base has grown 200% from last year, with over 4,000 brands currently using its AI platform.
RAM prices are expected to rise significantly due to a reduction in production by major players like Samsung, Micron, and SK Hynix. Prices have already increased by 15% to 20% for DDR5 and 10% to 15% for DDR4. This could lead to higher costs for consumers and the end of cheap RAM options.
https://www.techradar.com/gaming/modern-warfare-3-season-one
Activision has confirmed that Modern Warfare 3 Season 1 will launch on December 6th, adding new maps, modes, and updates to the game. The release will also include a new map for Warzone called Urzikstan. Additionally, changes to gameplay will align Warzone with the movement of Modern Warfare 3.
https://techcrunch.com/2023/12/04/spotifys-layoffs-analysis/
Music streaming giant Spotify has announced plans to lay off 17% of its workforce, despite positive financial results in the third quarter. The company reported an 11% increase in revenue, reaching $3.36 billion, but investors have not shown the same level of confidence as in previous years. Spotify's decision reflects a desire to regain investors' respect and improve its price-sales ratio.
Verizon is offering a $10 per month streaming bundle for its myPlan customers, which includes access to both Netflix and Max. While it provides the ad-supported subscription versions, it is considerably cheaper than subscribing to the services separately. This move could be a solution to the rising cost of streaming and a way to attract more customers by offering bundled services. Additionally, there are rumors of Apple and Paramount Plus joining forces for a similar bundle.
https://techcrunch.com/2023/12/04/teslas-cheapest-vehicle-is-losing-half-its-tax-credit-next-year/
Tesla has warned that its Model 3 will not be eligible for the full $7,500 federal tax credit from next year. The automaker believes that the battery materials in the electric vehicle will not meet the Inflation Reduction Act's 2024 sourcing rules. The eligibility change means the cheapest Tesla vehicle will cost $35,240 after the credit. Other Tesla models may also see reductions in the tax credit.
https://arstechnica.com/?p=1988221
IBM has announced the production of two quantum systems as part of its roadmap for 2023. One system, named Condor, boasts 1,121 functioning qubits, making it the largest transmon-based quantum processor to date. The second system combines three Heron chips, each with 133 qubits. IBM's roadmap includes error-corrected qubits by the end of the decade, enabling the execution of more complex quantum algorithms. The company aims to consistently fabricate high-quality qubits and limit errors during operations on individual qubits.
https://arstechnica.com/?p=1988257
Italy-based aerospace company Avio is facing challenges with its Vega rocket as it nears its final launch. Two propellant tanks on the fourth stage of the rocket went missing earlier this year and were later found in a crushed state in a landfill. This poses a significant problem as the production lines are closed for this hardware, jeopardizing the launch of the 1,250-kg BIOMASS satellite for the European Space Agency. The Vega rocket has had issues with price competitiveness and reliability, while the alternative Vega C rocket is currently grounded due to a failed second mission. Avio is exploring options to salvage the launch, including using old propellant tanks or modifying the upper stage from the Vega C rocket.
Runway ML, a video AI startup backed by Google, is partnering with Getty Images to develop a new generative AI video model called Runway <> Getty Images Model (RGM). This collaboration aims to provide companies with a baseline model for video content generation, allowing them to enhance their creative capabilities and tailor video creation to their unique brand identities. The partnership comes as Runway strengthens its position in the generative video AI market, despite competition from other startups like Pika.
Twilio, a cloud communications platform, has announced that it will be cutting hundreds of jobs, affecting around 5% of its workforce. This comes after Spotify's announcement of layoffs, indicating that tech layoffs are continuing. Twilio had previously laid off 11% and 17% of its staff in September 2022 and February 2023, respectively. The company's latest round of layoffs is a result of its investment in the go-to-market strategy for Segment not leading to the expected growth outcomes. Twilio shares have been performing well and are currently valued at $12 billion.
The company is apologizing for an issue and assures customers that their engineers are working on resolving it as quickly as possible.
As a journalist, my role is to write news articles and reports on various topics, ranging from politics and current events to sports and entertainment. I gather information through research, interviews, and firsthand observations to provide accurate and well-rounded stories for my readers.
https://gizmodo.com/doctor-who-bernard-cribbins-final-scene-wilf-mott-bbc-1851070376
Bernard Cribbins' return to Doctor Who for the 60th anniversary special was his final performance before his passing. The scene featuring Cribbins as Wilf, Donna Noble's grandfather, aired during the second special, "Wild Blue Yonder." Showrunner Russell T. Davies confirmed that Cribbins will not appear in the third episode, "The Giggle," as his declining health prevented him from filming more scenes. The dedication of the episode to Cribbins added poignancy to his last appearance.
Equity is a podcast that covers the latest tech news, providing analysis and insights into the startup industry. With episodes dropping every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, it offers a deep dive into the business of startups. Additionally, TechCrunch offers another show focused on crypto and interviews with founders.
https://gizmodo.com/amazon-spacex-project-kuiper-satellites-bezos-musk-1851070084
Amazon has entered into a partnership with rival company SpaceX to deploy its Project Kuiper satellites into orbit. Amazon has contracted SpaceX for three launches using its Falcon 9 rocket, beginning in mid-2025. The move comes as Amazon's satellite broadband network, Project Kuiper, competes directly with SpaceX's Starlink. The partnership is seen as a strategic move to address delays in Amazon's satellite deployment and meet regulatory requirements.
WhatsApp has introduced a new update to its iOS app, allowing users to send photos and videos in "original quality". While previous updates allowed for HD photos, they still involved compression. The new update, currently available for iOS users and soon to be available for Android users, preserves the original quality of shared media files. However, files are still limited to 2GB and are displayed as a file icon in chat history.
https://gizmodo.com/kiss-digital-avatars-hologram-abba-ilm-tour-1851070285
KISS, the legendary rock band, concluded their farewell tour with a holographic encore at Madison Square Garden. The band members were replaced by 8-foot-tall holograms that entertained the crowd with a robotic performance. Gene Simmons claims the holograms will allow the band to stay "forever young and forever iconic." This marks a trend in the music industry, with deceased musicians like Frank Zappa and Whitney Houston also having successful holographic "tours."
https://www.engadget.com/a-four-pack-of-apples-airtags-is-back-on-sale-for-80-162029687.html?src=rss
Amazon is currently offering a four-pack of Apple AirTags for $80, $19 less than buying directly from Apple. The compact Bluetooth trackers tap into Apple's Find My network and support the ultra-wideband wireless protocol for precise item location. While not explicitly designed for retrieving stolen items, this deal provides iPhone owners with a practical solution for keeping track of their belongings.
https://www.techradar.com/pro/security/23andme-hackers-accessed-a-whole-lot-of-users-personal-data
Genetics company 23andMe has disclosed details of a data breach it suffered in October, revealing that threat actors accessed data on approximately 14,000 of its customers, representing 0.1% of its customer base. The breach involved the theft of profile information, including ancestry and health-related data. The stolen information was later confirmed to have been listed for sale on the dark web.
WhatsApp is rolling out an update for iOS users that allows them to share photos and videos in their original quality, without compression. The update treats media files as standard data files, allowing recipients to click and view them without transforming into previews. The change is not automatic and will be rolled out gradually. The company is also working on a similar update for Android. WhatsApp has been introducing various features this year, including a Mac app, video calling, AI-generated stickers, and self-destructing voice notes.
Microsoft's Seeing AI app, which uses AI-powered narration to help blind and low-vision individuals understand their surroundings, is now available on Android devices. The app offers detailed descriptions of images, the ability to ask questions about documents, and features such as reading text, scanning barcodes, and identifying people and currency. Microsoft plans to expand the app's language options from 18 to 36 by 2024.
https://www.theverge.com/2023/12/4/23984103/puzzmo-acquired-hearst-zach-gage
Hearst, the publisher of Cosmopolitan and Esquire, has acquired puzzle gaming platform Puzzmo, putting them in direct competition with The New York Times' gaming efforts. Puzzmo, led by indie developers Zach Gage and Orta Therox, offers a range of puzzle games and community features. Hearst plans to roll out Puzzmo to readers of its publications and license the platform to other publishers. The terms of the deal were not disclosed.
https://gizmodo.com/sam-altman-openai-chatgpt-loophole-cash-in-1851070095
Sam Altman, former CEO of OpenAI, reportedly has no equity in the company but stands to profit from a deal to purchase AI chips from a startup in which he has personal investments. Altman's web of private business interests may have played a role in his firing, according to recent reports. The unclear relationship between Altman's investments and his responsibilities as CEO could have influenced the board's decision. However, the exact reason for Altman's firing remains unknown.
Developer Epic Games may bring back Season OG of the popular battle royale game Fortnite in 2024, according to a tweet from the official Fortnite Twitter account. Season OG was well-received by fans for bringing back weapons and locations from Chapter 1: Season 5. The return of Season OG, along with upcoming additions such as Lego Fortnite and Rocket Racing, has created excitement among Fortnite fans.
https://arstechnica.com/?p=1988198
The upcoming EV diagnostic standardization requirements by the California Air Resources Board will mandate a standard diagnostics system for electric vehicles (EVs). This will make it easier for technicians to diagnose and fix issues with EVs, bringing standardization to a currently fragmented system. Established automakers are supportive, while startups may face additional challenges.
https://arstechnica.com/?p=1988229
US Senator Edward Markey has written to 14 car companies urging them to improve their data privacy policies. Markey is concerned about the large amounts of personal data that modern cars can collect, as well as the potential use of biometric data and Bluetooth surveillance. The automakers have until December 21 to respond to his questions.
https://arstechnica.com/?p=1988221
IBM has announced the release of two quantum systems, including a chip named Condor with 1,121 functioning qubits, the largest transmon-based quantum processor yet. The company's roadmap also includes the development of error-corrected qubits by the end of the decade. These advancements are expected to enable the execution of more complex quantum algorithms.
https://venturebeat.com/security/hugging-face-dodged-a-cyber-bullet-with-lasso-securitys-help/
Lasso Security has helped Hugging Face avoid a potential cyber attack by discovering and securing 1,681 at-risk API tokens. Lasso researchers gained access to 723 organizations' accounts, including Meta, Microsoft, and Google, highlighting the vulnerability of generative AI models. The researchers emphasized the need for increased vigilance and security measures in protecting large language model development platforms.
French startup Biomemory has unveiled a credit-card-sized DNA storage device that can store one kilobyte of data. Priced at $1,000 for two cards, the technology is expensive but represents a proof of concept for the future of DNA storage, which has the potential to store billions of terabytes of data at a minimal cost. However, there are still hurdles to overcome in terms of speed and the unproven nature of the medium. Biomemory aims to launch a 100PB enterprise-focused DNA card by 2026.
Instagram Threads, Meta's app designed to offer an alternative to Twitter, is experiencing a surge in daily downloads, outpacing Twitter's app X. The growth is primarily coming from outside the US, with India accounting for the largest share of new downloads. However, despite the increase, X remains a larger platform with over 500 million monthly active users. Meta's ownership of X has been marred by controversy, with major brands pulling their campaigns from the platform due to antisemitic posts made by owner Elon Musk.
https://www.techradar.com/gaming/when-is-the-next-fortnite-season-update
Fortnite Chapter 5 Season 1 is now live, but fans are already wondering when Season 2 will begin. According to the Battle Pass page in the game, Season 1 is set to end on March 8, 2024, at 2AM ET. However, this timing is subject to change. Season 2 is expected to launch shortly after the end of Season 1, but the exact start time will depend on the downtime required for updates. Keep an eye on the Fortnite Status Twitter account for updates.
The original Pixel Watch and the newer Pixel Watch 2 are both on sale at reduced prices. The Pixel Watch 2 boasts significant upgrades, including improved battery life and faster charging. The fifth-gen Echo Dot smart speaker is also discounted, offering improved sound quality and a temperature sensor. Additionally, the indie game Tunic is available at a new low price, blending elements of classic Zelda games with a challenging adventure.
Foreign investment in the Latin American region rose by 51% last year, and that number is expected to grow this year as US investment in China declines. However, cross-border investments come with their challenges, including unfavorable terms and negative perceptions of Latin American startups. Geographic distance and regulatory challenges also pose difficulties in connecting with foreign investors. Despite these obstacles, investments from foreign VCs can bring experienced advisers and contribute to the expansion of LatAm startups into new markets.
https://www.techradar.com/pro/security/thousands-of-microsoft-exchange-servers-left-open-to-attack
Up to 20,000 Microsoft Exchange servers are at risk due to companies' failure to update their software, according to a report by The ShadowServer Foundation. These servers, located mainly in Europe, the United States, and Asia, are no longer receiving critical security updates, leaving them vulnerable to cyber threats such as data theft and ransomware. Security researcher Yutaka Sejiyama found even more vulnerable servers using Shodan, urging companies to upgrade and keep their software updated to prevent exploitation.
https://venturebeat.com/games/railcar-studio-unveils-invaders-ar-mobile-rpg/
Railcar Studio has announced the release of Invaders, an augmented reality mobile game that combines virtual and real-world elements. The MMORPG will initially be available on smartphones and aims to provide an immersive experience as technology advances. The game features movement-driven gameplay, the integration of real-world objects, and visual effects that merge virtual and real worlds. Railcar Studio is also working on other projects, including an open-world narrative experience and a game centered around optical mysteries.
Equity, a podcast about the business of startups, covers the latest tech news and headlines. With episodes on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, it provides insights into industry trends and interviews with founders. Available on various podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
https://techcrunch.com/2023/12/04/up-catalyst-seed-round/
Graphite, a crucial material in lithium-ion batteries, is often overlooked compared to other battery components. China, the largest global supplier of graphite, has recently restricted exports to the US. Graphite production in China also causes significant carbon pollution. Researchers are now exploring the use of carbon dioxide to produce graphite, which could help reduce the environmental impact of electric vehicles.
https://gizmodo.com/deadpool-3-set-pictures-sabretooth-death-x-men-mcu-fox-1851069381
Chris Hemsworth has revealed details about his villainous character, Warlord Dementus, in the upcoming film Furiosa. The Last of Us season 2 will begin production on February 12, 2024. Netflix has announced a new Gundam project, and Warner Bros. has released images of Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom. Deadpool 3 set photos suggest the return of Sabretooth and Toad. Other updates include Monarch: Legacy of Monsters, Krapopolis, For All Mankind, The Boys, Percy Jackson, and the Mobile Suit Gundam miniseries.
As a journalist, I am unable to provide a 50-word summary of a given text without the text being provided. Please provide the text you would like me to summarize.
The telecoms industry, like many others, is facing a shortage of tech talent as the demand for digital skills outweighs the supply. Companies are recognizing the need to invest in upskilling their employees to fill the gaps and retain a competitive edge. A focus on continuous learning, fostering a culture of self-improvement, and creating a collaborative learning environment are key strategies for organizations to address the tech talent shortage and drive growth and innovation.
https://www.techradar.com/pro/it-infrastructure-must-move-with-the-times-and-adopt-hybrid-models
A hybrid cloud approach, combining private and public cloud usage, offers numerous benefits for companies, including scalability and flexibility. However, challenges arise when managing data across different environments, especially when dealing with legacy IT infrastructure. Comprehensive monitoring is crucial to ensure the availability, performance, and security of the hybrid environment. Embracing the challenges of digital transformation and proactive monitoring can help businesses stay ahead of cyber threats and maximize the advantages of a hybrid cloud strategy.
https://venturebeat.com/games/gametree-raises-1-7m-for-safe-and-inclusive-gaming-communities/
As a journalist, I am unable to provide a summary without the text you want me to summarize. Please provide the text, and I'll be happy to help.
https://venturebeat.com/games/starbreeze-will-make-dd-co-op-game-code-named-project-baxter/
As a journalist, the task of writing a 50-word summary of a text requires that I have access to a specific text or information that I can summarize. Could you please provide me with the text or specify the topic you would like me to summarize?
https://www.theverge.com/2023/12/3/23986187/filmic-staff-laid-off-bending-spoons
Bending Spoons, the company behind the mobile filmmaking app Filmic Pro, has reportedly laid off the entire original Filmic team, including CEO Neill Barham. The layoffs were confirmed by a spokesperson for Bending Spoons, who stated that Filmic has now been fully integrated into the company's platform. Bending Spoons acquired Filmic in September 2022 and introduced a subscription plan, which was a departure from the previous one-time payment system. The company has been criticized for similar changes made to Evernote after its acquisition.
https://gizmodo.com/spotify-lays-off-1500-revenues-climb-works-1851069988
Spotify is cutting around 17% of its global workforce, resulting in nearly 1,600 job losses. CEO Daniel Ek stated that the layoffs were necessary due to the company's expansion during the pandemic and the subsequent need to reduce costs. Despite recent increases in users and revenue, Spotify has struggled with inefficiency. Severance packages and healthcare coverage will be provided to affected employees. This is part of a trend of companies letting go of staff after hiring spree during the pandemic.
Baldur's Gate 3 voice actress Devora Wilde hinted at a potential romance between her character, Lae'zel, and the brooding Cleric Shadowheart. She described their relationship as a mix of annoyance and hidden affection. The game's latest update, Patch Five, has added new content and difficulty modes. Baldur's Gate 3 won Game of the Year at the TechRadar Choice Awards 2023.
https://gizmodo.com/spotify-lays-off-1500-revenues-climb-works-1851069988
Spotify is cutting around 17% of its global workforce, totaling approximately 1,600 staff members, citing slowing economic growth and increased capital costs. The move comes as a surprise, considering the company reported increased user numbers and revenue in its recent quarterly earnings report. CEO Daniel Ek stated that the decision was necessary to reduce costs and make the company more efficient. The affected employees will receive severance and healthcare coverage for five months on average. Other companies, including Amazon, Nextdoor, and LinkedIn, have also laid off staff after a period of expansion.
Apple's next-generation iPads are rumored to be delayed until March 2024, leaving fewer options for iPad buyers this holiday season. However, there are still great models to choose from, such as the iPad 10.9 (2022), which is currently on sale at Amazon for $399. This iPad offers a larger display, powerful chip, upgraded cameras, and all-day battery life. While it doesn't support Apple Pencil 2, it is still considered the best iPad for most people in 2023.
Apple's next-generation iPads will not be released until March 2024, leaving fewer options for customers this Christmas. However, there are already plenty of iPad models available, and the next iPads are expected to be minor refreshes. The current best iPad for most people, the iPad 10.9 (2022), is still on sale on Amazon at a discounted price of $399 in the US and £449 in the UK.
https://arstechnica.com/?p=1988207
Music streaming giant Spotify plans to cut about 17% of its workforce, amounting to approximately 1,500 job losses, in an effort to reduce costs and achieve consistent profitability. CEO Daniel Ek attributed the decision to a slowing economic growth and the need to address the gap between financial goals and operational costs. This move comes after Spotify reported its first quarterly profit in over a year in October.
https://www.theverge.com/2023/12/4/23987425/verizon-netflix-max-bundle-price-myplan
Starting December 7th, Verizon customers on the myPlan service can get a bundled subscription to Netflix and Max for just $10 per month. The bundle includes the ad-supported plans for both streaming services, saving customers around $7 compared to separate subscriptions. This offering comes as streaming competitors look for ways to offer bundled packages to attract cost-conscious viewers.
TikTok and Ticketmaster are expanding their partnership to allow users in 20 additional countries to purchase event tickets directly within the app. This feature has been successful in the US, with videos using the ticketing feature collectively attracting over 2.5 billion views since its beta launch. TikTok's expansion into the music industry includes artist accounts and a new audio streaming platform.
Hackers known as Twisted Spider have been observed using the CACTUS ransomware in their campaigns. They are utilizing the services of Storm-1044 to infect target endpoints with an initial access trojan called DanaBot. Twisted Spider then uses this access to deploy the CACTUS ransomware. This shift in tactics comes after law enforcement dismantled their previous operation. The CACTUS ransomware is gaining popularity among ransomware operators due to its ability to encrypt itself and evade antivirus and network monitoring tools.
In a surprise move, Spotify is laying off 17 percent of its workforce, amounting to approximately 1,500 employees. CEO Daniel Ek attributed the cuts to "the challenges ahead," despite a positive earnings report. Ek stated that the reduction is necessary to align operational costs with financial goals. Spotify had recently expanded but still found its cost structure too large. Ek pledged to provide severance pay, healthcare coverage, and career support to affected employees.
"The Marvels" is currently the lowest-grossing installment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). While it may not be the worst film in the franchise, audience burnout and other factors have contributed to its underwhelming box office performance. In comparison, "Avengers: Endgame" and "Avengers: Infinity War" hold the records for the highest global earnings in the MCU.
https://www.theverge.com/2023/12/4/23984181/strava-direct-messaging-fitness-routes
Strava, the popular exercise recording app and fitness social media platform, is introducing a messaging feature. Users will be able to send direct messages and group messages to motivate friends or coordinate group activities. Privacy settings allow users to control who can message them and who can invite them into group chats. Additional features like photo uploads and messaging within specific topics are planned for early 2024.
https://gizmodo.com/strava-messaging-chat-feature-run-club-1851067260
Strava, the fitness tracking app, is launching messaging between its users on iOS and Android, allowing friends to coordinate meetups and share routes and GIFs. Users can control who can message them, and the feature is part of Strava's push to make the app more socially-oriented. The messaging feature is available on version 335 of the app and further updates are planned for next year.
https://techcrunch.com/2023/12/04/strava-whatsapp-messaging/
Fitness-tracking platform Strava has introduced in-app messaging to allow users to send private one-to-one and group messages. The feature enables athletes on the platform to coordinate activities without having to switch between Strava and other messaging apps. Messaging was one of the most requested features on Strava, and its introduction is seen as a step toward creating a more "sticky" platform for users. The messaging feature will be available to both free and premium subscribers.
https://techcrunch.com/2023/12/04/armorcode-raises-40m-to-consolidate-security-data-in-one-place/
Cybersecurity platform ArmorCode has raised $40m in a series B funding round, led by HighlandX. The company helps businesses identify vulnerabilities in their software and infrastructure by consolidating data into a single location. The funds will be used to support the company's go-to-market efforts, expand its teams, and enhance its AI capabilities. ArmorCode aims to address the growing threat of software exploit attacks and support organisations in securing their digital transformation efforts.
https://www.theverge.com/23963720/infrastructure-ev-battery-5g-trucks-internet-silicon
This special issue on infrastructure explores the importance of building a better future and the systems required for a sustainable outcome. Topics covered include the potential of self-driving trucks, the broadband industry's history of racial discrimination, increasing adoption of electric vehicles in rural America, slow Wi-Fi in homes, space lasers for reliable communication, and the triumphs of bike lanes. This is an effort to create a better future starting now.
Disney has announced its line-up of Marvel and Star Wars shows that will be released on Disney Plus in 2024. However, fans hoping for a second season of Andor will be disappointed, as it is not included in the upcoming releases. On the Marvel front, new series such as Agatha: Darkhold Diaries and X-Men 97 are set to premiere next year. Official launch dates for these shows are yet to be revealed.
https://www.techradar.com/pro/security/nordvpn-can-now-detect-vulnerable-apps-on-windows
NordVPN has introduced a new feature to its Threat Protection solution that detects potentially dangerous applications. The vulnerability scanner checks Windows computers for security flaws and alerts users to take action. It checks a database of known flaws and can detect vulnerabilities in about 100,000 Windows applications. Every NordVPN subscriber will have access to the tool.
https://www.theverge.com/23981012/deep-space-network-optical-communication-laser-infrastructure
NASA's Deep Space Network (DSN), which handles communication between spacecraft and engineers on Earth, is struggling to keep up with increasing demand due to outdated hardware. The network is oversubscribed, resulting in lost hours of science observations and data transmission delays. To meet the needs of future deep space missions, experts suggest using lasers instead of radio communication to increase bandwidth and reliability. NASA has been experimenting with optical communications technology, but it may take another 10 to 15 years before it is ready for mainstream use.
Zoom has quietly released its "Zoom - for Home TV" app on the tvOS App Store, allowing users with a 2nd gen or later Apple TV 4K to use Zoom on their televisions. The app is easy to use, requiring users to log in and connect their phones to the TV. It offers features such as starting or joining meetings, inviting participants, and viewing in-meeting chats. This is a convenient option for those working from home or conducting meetings in office meeting rooms with minimal setup.
The Camp Snap Camera, a screen-free point-and-shoot camera designed for kids, is recommended as a great holiday gift idea for anyone in the family. With built-in memory for up to 2,000 photos, it offers a digital alternative to disposable film cameras. Priced at $65 in the US and £53 in the UK, it provides a retro look without the need for film and processing costs. Another option for a screen-less camera is the Fujifilm Instax Mini 12, available for under $100 in the US and UK. It is an easy-to-use instant camera that comes in various colors and is ideal for parties and as a gift for young photographers.
https://techcrunch.com/2023/12/04/the-best-kitchen-gifts-for-techy-chefs-in-2023/
TechCrunch staff share their favorite high-tech kitchen gifts, including a temperature-controlled kettle that can be updated via Wi-Fi, a precise sous vide cooker with Bluetooth connectivity, a quick-reading meat thermometer, a customizable waffle maker, and sleek induction burners. Despite filing for bankruptcy, Instant Pot remains popular and is expected to offer discounts during the holiday season. However, portable induction burners for a range-less kitchen are not widely available in the United States at this time.
https://www.techradar.com/pro/you-can-now-do-zoom-meetings-on-apple-tv
Zoom has launched a new app called "Zoom - for HomeTV" for Apple TV, expanding its video conferencing platform to a larger audience. The app supports second-generation Apple TV 4K models and newer, allowing users to join and start calls, use in-meeting chat and breakout rooms, and integrate with calendars. However, users will also need additional Apple hardware, such as a compatible iPad or iPhone, to use the app on the big screen. Zoom has been expanding its app into other ecosystems, including Tesla in-car touchscreens, and it's expected other platforms like Google and Microsoft will develop their own Apple TV apps.
https://www.theverge.com/23981006/autonomous-truck-semi-driverless-aurora-kodiak-infrastructure
Legislation requiring human operators on heavy trucks in California has been vetoed by Governor Gavin Newsom, highlighting the ongoing battle over autonomous trucking. Despite assertions that self-driving trucks would reduce accidents and not displace truckers, concerns over safety and job security remain. Companies such as Aurora Innovation and Kodiak Robotics are planning to deploy fully autonomous trucks in the near future, while other autonomous trucking firms have scaled back or closed operations. Public opinion also remains skeptical of the technology, with polls indicating discomfort with driverless trucks on the roads.
A player of Baldur's Gate 3 has found an exploit that makes the game's ultra-difficult Honor Mode less challenging. The player discovered that by running a three-person party, they can avoid party wipes and revive characters at camp, effectively bypassing the permadeath mechanic. This workaround has sparked debate about whether it goes against the spirit of the game mode. The developer, Larian Studios, will determine if any patches are needed.
https://www.engadget.com/best-webcams-123047068.html?src=rss
Webcams have become essential for video conferencing and streaming, but finding the right one can be challenging. Experts recommend looking for webcams with resolutions better than the built-in 720p models, preferably those that can handle 1080p at 60fps or 30fps. Other features to consider include field of view, autofocus, auto-framing, auto light correction, built-in microphones, and design extras like lights and lens covers. Recommended webcams include the Logitech Brio 500, Anker PowerConf C200, Razer Kiyo Pro Ultra, and Logitech Streamcam.
https://techcrunch.com/2023/12/04/bending-spoons-lays-off-entire-staff-of-flimic/
Milan-based app studio Bending Spoons has laid off the entire staff of Filmic, the popular video and photo editing app company it acquired last year. Several employees have confirmed their departure on LinkedIn, but Bending Spoons has not commented on the situation. It remains unclear what Bending Spoons plans to do with Filmic's apps.
https://arstechnica.com/?p=1986874
Star Trek actors have made significant contributions to the world of video games, both by reprising their iconic roles and by creating new characters. William Shatner voiced the character Walter Bascom in the TekWar games, while Leonard Nimoy narrated Sid Meier's Civilization IV and appeared in Kingdom Hearts. George Takei has also been prolific in video game roles, including Command & Conquer: Red Alert 3 and Yakuza: Like a Dragon.
Samsung is reportedly set to release its Galaxy Book 4 series of laptops, featuring five models including the entry-level Galaxy Book 4 Ultra. The Ultra model is said to include an Intel Core Ultra 7 155H CPU, 32GB of RAM, 1TB of SSD storage, and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050 6GB. These laptops are rumored to be released in December 2023, just 10 months after the launch of the Galaxy Book 3 series. The new laptops are expected to be marketed as "AI laptops" with artificial intelligence features.
https://gizmodo.com/gizmodo-monday-puzzle-birthday-viral-math-test-problem-1851018897
A math problem involving Cheryl's birthday has gone viral after causing rifts among solvers. The problem, which requires careful logic, asks when Cheryl's birthday is based on clues given to Albert and Bernard. The solution does not involve complex numbers but rather requires critical thinking. The answer will be revealed in a later article.
Microsoft Teams is working on a new feature that will allow users to mute and unmute their microphone simply by clicking the mic icon in the Windows taskbar. While it aims to make it easier to control audio during meetings, there is also the risk of accidental clicks. The feature is currently available only for desktop users on Windows.
Google has reportedly delayed its top-secret AI events showcasing the Gemini generative AI tool due to concerns about its ability to handle non-English queries. The events, seen as Google's attempt to compete with OpenAI's ChatGPT, were scheduled for next week but have been pushed back to January 2024. This delay is another setback for Google in its AI efforts and highlights the difficulty it faces in catching up with OpenAI. Gemini's AI capabilities are expected to be integrated into Google's products next year.
An Instagram photo of a woman in a wedding dress has sparked debate about computational photography. The photo shows the subject in different poses in two mirrors, leading many to speculate about the iPhone's computational processing. However, it has been determined that the photo was likely taken in panorama mode, explaining the different poses.
https://techcrunch.com/2023/12/04/meta-ami-competition-damages-claim/
Spanish association AMI, which represents newspaper owners including El País and ABC, has filed a lawsuit against Meta, the owner of Facebook and Instagram, seeking over €550 million ($600 million) in damages. The lawsuit claims that Meta's ad processing, which allegedly violates EU data protection rules, also constitutes a competition breach. AMI argues that Meta's systematic and non-consensual use of personal data has given the company an unlawfully obtained competitive advantage in the advertising market. Meta has already been fined €390 million by EU data protection authorities for similar violations.
The popular action crime series, Jack Reacher, is returning for a third season. Based on the Lee Child books, the show follows the adventures of Jack Reacher as he travels from town to town, fighting injustices. Unlike the films, the TV show stars Alan Ritchson in the title role. Season two is streaming soon, and season three will follow.
https://www.engadget.com/the-morning-after-the-cost-of-generating-ai-images-121549213.html?src=rss
Researchers from Carnegie Mellon University and Hugging Face found that generating images using AI has the same energy consumption as charging a smartphone, while generating text consumes much less energy. They measured the carbon dioxide produced per 1,000 grams for different AI tasks and called for transparency on environmental impacts. OpenAI's chatbot, ChatGPT, with millions of users, was highlighted as a significant energy consumer.
TikTok and Ticketmaster are expanding their partnership into 20 new countries, allowing users to discover events and buy tickets directly in the app. Artists can promote their live dates and connect with fans by adding Ticketmaster event links to videos. The partnership has seen successful ticketing campaigns for big names like Niall Horan and DJ Snake, with over 2.5 billion views of videos using the in-app features. TikTok hopes to change the game for live events worldwide and provide more opportunities for artists and their fanbases.
WhatsApp is introducing a new feature on iOS that allows users to share photos and videos in their original quality as a document. This update, which was previously tested in a limited capacity, will be rolling out to all iOS users over the coming weeks. Android users can also expect a similar feature in the near future.
Chinese audio specialist FiiO has introduced a hi-fi keyboard that delivers high-resolution audio files up to 32bit/384kHz and DSD256. The keyboard bypasses the digital-to-analog converter in a PC and instead uses its own onboard dual DACs and low-noise amps. It also includes headphone outputs and customizable RGB lighting. The Fiio KB3 is priced at $149.
The new Mortal Kombat 1 trailer features the iconic character Quan Chi and reveals his release date as part of the game's Kombat Pack. The trailer also gives a glimpse of DC's Peacemaker, who will join the game in 2024. Additionally, a new DLC character named Khamelion is introduced. Other characters from outside the Mortal Kombat universe, including Omni-Man and Homelander, will also be added to the game.
A leak suggests that Windows 12 could be released as soon as June 2024, which may help boost the struggling PC and laptop market. The new operating system is rumored to have more AI integration and innovative features, potentially encouraging users to upgrade their hardware. However, it remains to be seen if Windows 12 will be a significant improvement from Windows 11, which has not sparked much excitement among users.
OnePlus has revealed some key features of its upcoming OnePlus 12 smartphone on social media platform Weibo. The device will have a larger battery capacity of 5,400mAh, faster charging speeds (100W wired and 50W wireless), and an IP65 certification for water resistance. The phone is set to be fully unveiled on 5 December.
According to data from census, SWAA, and Kastle, remote work continues to thrive despite companies pushing for a return to the office. The number of people working from home remains steady since the start of 2022, indicating a two-year trend. Rising costs and employee demand for flexibility are contributing factors.
Research from cybersecurity company Trellix reveals that many UK companies are failing to adequately support chief information security officers (CISOs) until after a cyberattack has occurred. While 93% of CISOs report receiving more board support after a breach, this assistance often does not prevent future attacks, with over half experiencing repeated successful attacks. Trellix emphasizes the need for a proactive approach from company boards to improve cybersecurity and better support CISOs. The report also highlights the reactive approach taken to security, such as increased technology and tool budget after an attack, and the implementation of extended detection and response (XDR) tools. Poor prevention is attributed to inadequate technology and incorrect configurations, manual processes, siloed security, and poor configurations.
Windows 10 users with multiple monitor setups are experiencing a bug that causes icons on the desktop to shift randomly across screens. This issue, which has also been seen on Windows 11, is preventing some users from accessing the Copilot desktop assistant. Microsoft is aware of the problem and is working on a resolution.
https://www.techradar.com/pro/security/these-are-the-countries-most-at-risk-from-cyberattacks
A study by Proxyrack has ranked the countries of the world according to their cybersecurity posture. The study, which assessed factors such as digital development and cyber legislation, found that Denmark is the most secure country, while Panama is the least secure. Scandinavia dominates the top three spots, with Sweden and Finland ranking second and third respectively. The top eight most secure countries are all European, with the UK placing sixth. The US and Canada rank ninth and tenth.
The Samsung Galaxy S25 series is rumored to feature new primary cameras using a Sony sensor instead of the Samsung ISOCELL GN3. There are also reports of a possible 200MP 1-inch sensor for the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra. These upgrades could make the S25 series one of the best camera phones when it launches.
Samsung is reportedly set to release the Galaxy Book 4 series this month, with five models expected. The entry-level model, the Galaxy Book 4 Ultra, is said to feature an Intel Core Ultra 7 155H CPU, 32GB of RAM, 1TB of SSD storage, and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050 6GB. The laptops are rumored to be marketed as "AI laptops" with AI features.
Season two of the Halo gaming spinoff will begin streaming on February 8, 2024, on Paramount Plus. The trailer reveals a focus on action and fighting, addressing fan feedback from the first season. The storyline may delve into the origin of Master Chief, exploring the character's past and transformation into a half-man, half-tank warrior. The new season aims to satisfy both fans and newcomers, delivering the thrills and kills of the games.
https://techcrunch.com/2023/12/04/doubtnut-once-offered-a-150m-deal-from-byjus-sells-for-10m/
Allen Career Institute has acquired edtech startup Doubtnut in a deal worth $10 million. Doubtnut's learning app, which helps students solve math and science problems by taking photos, had previously raised over $52 million. The acquisition will enhance Allen's learning experience and expand its academic offerings.
Xbox head Phil Spencer has acknowledged the demand for a new installment in the Banjo-Kazooie series. The iconic 3D platformer game, originally launched in 1998, has not seen a new title since 2008. Spencer expressed a willingness to revisit previous franchises if the right team and opportunity arise. Fans are hopeful for a new entry on the Xbox Series X|S.
A speedrunner has completed the Honor Mode in fantasy RPG Baldur's Gate 3 in under 40 minutes. The mode, known for its tough boss fights and limited saves, was released recently. The speedrun, which utilized glitches, impressed fellow gamers and showcased the game's versatility. Baldur's Gate 3 has been praised for its ambitious RPG elements and won Game of the Year at the TechRadar Choice Awards.
Epic Games is collaborating with Lego to add 1200 Lego versions of iconic Fortnite skins into the game. The collaboration was announced via Twitter and will begin on December 7. Players can unlock a special Lego skin by signing up for Lego Insiders and linking their Epic Games and Lego accounts. However, not all skins will have a Lego version due to licensing restrictions. The collaboration will also introduce a new Lego-themed game mode.
Epic Games is expanding Fortnite with three new live-service games. The first is a Lego Fortnite mode, followed by Rocket Racing developed by Psyonix, and Fortnite Festival by Harmonix. These new experiences aim to encourage creativity, experimentation, collaboration, and offer unique gameplay within the Fortnite universe.
https://www.engadget.com/googles-pixel-watch-2-falls-to-a-new-low-of-300-102522276.html?src=rss
Google's Pixel Watch 2 is currently available at a discounted price of $300 on Amazon, marking its lowest price yet. The new smartwatch boasts a longer-lasting battery, improved Fitbit integration, and enhanced safety features, making it a solid upgrade from the previous model. While the crown design may prove uncomfortable during certain activities, overall, it offers excellent value for money, especially for Pixel and Android smartphone users.
The first trailer for the highly anticipated film, "Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire," has been released, teasing an action-packed monster mash. The trailer reveals glimpses of the movie's villain, the Scar King, and showcases Godzilla's new appearance and abilities. The teaser also hints at the film's plot and potential connections to previous movies in the Monsterverse franchise. "Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire" is set to premiere worldwide on April 12, 2024.
The page you are looking for has been removed or relocated on the TechRadar website. You can try searching for it or go back to the homepage. TechRadar is a part of Future US Inc, a prominent digital publisher.
PlayStation has sent emails to console owners informing them that Discovery content will be removed from their libraries as of December 31, 2023. This includes content that has been purchased by users. The email did not provide a reason for the removal or any information about compensation. This highlights the potential drawbacks of an all-digital content future.
https://techcrunch.com/2023/12/04/bending-spoons-lays-off-entire-staff-of-flimic/
Milan-based app studio Bending Spoons has laid off the entire staff of Filmic, the popular video and photo editing app company it acquired last year. While the company's plans for the Filmic apps are unclear, Bending Spoons has a history of overhauling its acquired properties. Previously, it introduced subscriptions for Filmic instead of a one-time purchase, and recently restricted the free tier of its app Evernote to just 50 notes at a time.
https://www.techradar.com/news/nyt-connections-answers-today
The article provides hints and answers for the NYT Connections puzzle for December 1. The puzzle requires finding groups of four items with something in common. The article offers guidance and categories to make the puzzle easier. It also mentions that the puzzle resets daily and suggests checking back for help.
In today's news, a journalist shares a 50-word summary of an undisclosed text.
https://www.theverge.com/2023/12/4/23987335/spotify-layoffs-17-percent-profitability-cost-cutting
Music streaming giant Spotify is laying off 17% of its workforce, affecting over 1,500 employees, in an effort to cut costs. CEO Daniel Ek attributed the layoffs to slowing economic growth and rising costs. This is Spotify's third major round of layoffs this year, following a 6% reduction in January and the cutting of 200 roles from its podcast division in June. The company has also raised prices in some markets to increase revenue. Spotify's headcount nearly doubled during the pandemic but Ek stated the company now finds itself in a different environment.
Streaming platform Spotify has announced that it will lay off 17% of its workforce due to "challenges ahead," said CEO Daniel Ek. The decision to make the cuts immediately was taken to address the financial gap between the company's goals and its current operational costs. Ek acknowledged that the move would be painful for the team and added that being lean is necessary for the company's next phase. Spotify's recent cost-cutting measures will result in around 1,500 employees losing their jobs.
https://techcrunch.com/2023/12/03/spotify-cuts-17-jobs-amid-rising-capital-costs/
Spotify is cutting around 17% of its workforce as it adapts to slow economic growth and increasing capital costs. Founder and CEO Daniel Ek described the move as essential for addressing future challenges. This latest round of layoffs follows a 6% reduction in jobs earlier this year.
https://techcrunch.com/2023/12/03/moveinsync-funding/
Indian startup MoveinSync is reportedly seeking to raise $50-60 million in a growth round to expand its workplace commute services for blue-chip companies. The 14-year-old firm offers employee commute solutions such as a SaaS platform, an employee commute solution, and a parking management solution. MoveinSync is said to be engaging with investors, including Bessemer Venture Partners, and aims to be IPO-ready in the next 2-3 years with a revenue growth rate of 2.2x year-on-year.
Bird, the electric scooter rental company, has reportedly laid off an undisclosed number of employees in its latest round of layoffs. The layoffs are said to affect various teams, including data, strategy, operations, and electronics engineering. This comes as Bird faces financial difficulties and struggles to reach profitability. The company was delisted from the stock exchange in September and has accumulated a significant deficit since its inception. It remains uncertain whether these layoffs will be enough to sustain the company in the long term.
Meta, formerly known as Facebook, is expanding its multimodal AI translation model, SeamlessM4T, to include two new features: "SeamlessExpressive" and "SeamlessStreaming." SeamlessExpressive allows for more authentic conversation translations by capturing pitch, volume, emotional tone, speech rate, and pauses. SeamlessStreaming provides real-time translations while the speaker is still talking. These advancements could revolutionize daily life and content production, surpassing Google and Samsung's mobile interpreter tools. The public release date for these features has not yet been announced.
https://techcrunch.com/2023/12/03/gravel/
Jakarta-based startup Gravel has raised $14m in a funding round to assist with the expansion of its app platform, which connects users with construction professionals. The company, which provides a solution to the problem of finding skilled labour in Indonesia's construction industry, plans to enter international markets. Gravel offers four main features, including hiring workers and ordering tools and materials. Gravel currently has 1.7 million workers on its platform, with 45 times revenue growth between 2020 and 2022.
https://www.theverge.com/2023/12/3/23986652/kiss-final-show-farewell-tour-digital-avatars
Kiss, the legendary rock band, concluded their final farewell tour with a show in New York City. After the performance, the band revealed their new digital avatars and announced a partnership with Pophouse Entertainment to continue performing "immersive, avatar-powered" concerts. The success of similar avatar shows, such as ABBA Voyage, suggests that there is a market for live performances featuring digital recreations of artists.
https://www.techradar.com/computing/websites-apps/quordle-today-answers-clues-4-december-2023
The article provides hints and answers for the word game Quordle, including information about the number of vowels, repeated letters, and different letters used in the game. It also offers tips on how to strategically approach Quordle to improve gameplay.
https://www.techradar.com/news/wordle-today
TechRadar's UK Editor in Chief provides commentary and hints for the popular word game Wordle. Today's Wordle answer is "WORST," with hints including the presence of a vowel and the first letter being "W." The journalist also shares insights into previous Wordle answers and strategies for playing the game.
https://venturebeat.com/games/the-game-awards-trailer-gets-us-hyped-for-the-games-of-2024/
As a journalist, it is my responsibility to write an informative and concise summary of the text provided. However, as you haven't shared any text with me, I am unable to fulfill your request. Please provide the text that you would like me to summarize.
https://gizmodo.com/best-images-of-the-planets-earliest-close-ups-1849507579
Summary: Over the years, advancements in space exploration have allowed us to capture close-up views of the planets in our solar system. From the first missions in the 1960s to the recent ones using spacecraft like Mariner 10, MESSENGER, Juno, and New Horizons, these images showcase the transformation in our understanding of neighboring worlds and continue to ignite our imagination.
https://gizmodo.com/dune-part-two-warner-bros-character-posters-1851069101
Warner Bros. is finally ramping up promotion for Dune: Part Two after delays and strike-related setbacks. The sequel will continue the story of Paul Atreides and his fight against the Harkonnen family while gaining the support of the Fremen. The film, set for release on March 1, 2024, will feature both returning and new cast members.
https://venturebeat.com/ai/looking-back-at-a-transformative-year-for-ai/
OpenAI's ChatGPT, a chatbot based on large language models (LLMs), has experienced tremendous growth, with millions of users and similar bots emerging from other companies. Studies have shown the potential of LLMs to improve productivity and output quality. The AI Impact Tour aims to connect the AI community as the technology continues to transform various industries. Meanwhile, debates around AI's impact and safety persist, leading to regulatory actions such as the U.S. Executive Order on "Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence."
Kiss concluded their final live performance at Madison Square Garden by introducing digital avatars of themselves that will continue to perform. The avatars, created by Pophouse Entertainment and George Lucas' Industrial Light & Magic, are fantasy-based interpretations of the current band members. Kiss plans to use these avatars as digital performers in the future, similar to ABBA's ABBAtars for their ongoing ABBA Voyage show in London. Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley believe this keeps the band immortalized and takes them to a new level beyond being just a music band.
https://gizmodo.com/godzilla-kong-new-empire-trailer-legendary-1851069102
Godzilla and Kong will reunite in the upcoming film "Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire," this time as allies fighting against a new threat to humanity. Director Adam Wingard aims to give the monsters more character development and allow them to tell their own narrative. The film is set to release on April 12, 2024.
https://gizmodo.com/fallout-prime-video-creators-fallout-5-comparisons-1851069134
Yesterday, Prime Video unveiled a full trailer for its upcoming Fallout TV series. Showrunner Graham Wagner stated that the show is meant to be an equivalent of Fallout 5, capturing the spirit of the games. The narrative will follow three characters to represent the game's RPG mechanics and draw inspiration from Sergio Leone's The Good, The Bad, & the Ugly. The series will premiere on April 12, 2024.
This journalist summarizes news articles and uses natural language generation to input ready-to-use summaries.
The Zoom app is now available for 2nd generation or later Apple TV 4K. Users can log in and connect their phones to their TV screens, allowing for easy video conferencing and meetings from the comfort of their couch. The app offers features such as starting or joining meetings, inviting participants, and viewing chat messages.
Google has reportedly postponed the launch of its artificial intelligence (AI) model Gemini, originally scheduled for next week, until January. The delay is said to be due to issues around non-English queries. Gemini is designed to handle a wide range of applications and enhance existing Google AI products. This move suggests Google is being cautious in light of competition from OpenAI.
Rumors suggest that Nothing, the company co-founded by OnePlus' Carl Pei, is working on a mid-range smartphone called the Nothing Phone 2a. The device is rumored to have a 6.7-inch AMOLED display with a punch hole cutout. A leaked image and a registration with Indian regulators hint at an upcoming launch. The pricing and specifications of the Nothing Phone 2a are yet to be confirmed.
https://gizmodo.com/godzilla-toho-favorite-story-open-channel-1851069049
Godzilla Minus One, a new Japanese live-action Godzilla film set in the post-WWII era, has been receiving positive reviews from critics. The movie focuses on the survivor's guilt of a kamikaze pilot who encounters Godzilla repeatedly. It was released in Japan in November and has now made its way to the west. In addition, a trailer for Kong x Godzilla: The New Empire and a new episode of Monarch: Legacy of Monsters will be released soon.
https://techcrunch.com/2023/12/03/black-farmers-fund-interview/
Black farmers in the United States are facing discrimination and a significant wealth gap in the agricultural industry. To address this issue, Karen Washington and Olivia Watkins created the Black Farmer Fund in 2017. The nonprofit fund aims to provide economic and social opportunities for Black farmers and agricultural businesses in the Northeast region. It has already raised an oversubscribed $1.1 million pilot fund and is currently raising its second fund with a target of $20 million.
https://techcrunch.com/2023/12/03/ev-transition-losers/
General Motors (GM) recently announced plans to increase its dividend and buy back $10 billion of its shares. While this initially pleased shareholders, concerns are rising over the long-term implications of these moves. The company's profits from fossil fuel vehicles were meant to fund the transition to electric vehicles, but the share buybacks may indicate a desperation to prop up the share price and mask larger issues within the company's ability to execute on its plans.
https://www.theverge.com/2023/12/3/23986187/filmic-staff-laid-off-bending-spoons
Bending Spoons, the parent company of popular mobile filmmaking app Filmic Pro, has reportedly laid off all of its staff, including the founder and CEO. Former high-level employees have confirmed their departure. Bending Spoons has previously made similar changes to Evernote after acquiring it. The future of Filmic Pro remains uncertain, with speculation that it may be absorbed into Bending Spoons' video editing app, Splice.
https://gizmodo.com/skybound-entertainment-japan-office-heart-attack-show-1851068210
Skybound Entertainment is opening a new studio in Tokyo, Japan, focusing on manga and anime properties. Their first project will be a live-action adaptation of the graphic novel Heart Attack, in partnership with Fuji TV. Skybound plans to expand further in the Japanese market and establish a presence in the global animation industry.
https://techcrunch.com/2023/12/03/fintechs-go-shopping/
TechCrunch reported on three different M&A deals in the fintech industry, including Webull's acquisition of Mexican stock trading app Flink, Yieldstreet's acquisition of real estate marketplace Cadre, and NomuPay's acquisition of Total Processing. The article also explores the challenges of building a venture-scale business in personal finance management and the potential for buy now, pay later services to expand into new areas.
https://gizmodo.com/playstation-5-slim-console-thin-size-1851066774
The new slim version of the PlayStation 5 is smaller in size and has some changes in the ports and storage capacity compared to the original console. While it may be an upgrade for those looking for a more compact console, it still maintains the overall silhouette and shape of the original. Additionally, users must buy a separate stand to have the PS5 stand vertically.
https://www.theverge.com/23982519/garmin-venu-3s-review-smartwatch-sleep-tracking-wearable
The Garmin Venu 3S smartwatch offers long battery life, durability, and an array of fitness data. Priced at $449.99, it features heart rate sensors, sleep tracking, audio meditation sessions, and a mic and speaker for phone voice assistant use. However, the price may deter potential buyers, especially when compared to competitors like Fitbit.
https://techcrunch.com/2023/12/03/the-most-important-metrics-for-saas-funding-in-2024/
The article discusses the importance of sustainable growth as a metric for funding SaaS companies. It highlights the need for metrics beyond total addressable market (TAM) and revenue growth, focusing on factors such as product scalability. The article also mentions the relevance of metrics like annual recurring revenue per employee and the Rule of 40. Overall, it emphasizes the shift towards evaluating metrics that apply to most SaaS companies rather than outliers.
A leaked render suggests that the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra will have the thinnest bezels and the thickest middle frame in smartphone history. The bezel is rumored to be 1.52mm thick, while the middle frame measures 1.85mm. This design choice may result in the black version of the phone appearing visually unappealing. Confirmation of these details is expected in January during the Galaxy S24 launch event.
https://www.theverge.com/2023/12/3/23983147/fortnite-chapter-5-season-1-battle-pass-lego-family-guy
Fortnite's new season, called "Underground," brings big changes to the battle royale game, including a new island with new locations, boss battles, and licensed characters like Solid Snake and Peter Griffin. Players can earn medallions with shield regeneration abilities, but it will also reveal their location to other players. Other additions include customizable vehicles and a collaboration with Lego for in-game experiences and skins. This update comes after the success of Fortnite OG and the recent destruction of the Chapter 4 island in a live event.
Installer No. 16, a weekly newsletter by David Pierce, highlights strategies for improving the YouTube experience, including using separate apps for saving videos and searching recommendations. The article also features homescreen recommendations from Todoist founder Amir Salihefendic and shares recommendations from the Installer community, covering everything from AI projects to TV shows.
https://arstechnica.com/?p=1988151
HBO released the first teaser for the highly-anticipated second season of "House of the Dragon," a Game of Thrones prequel spinoff series. The season will cover the civil war within House Targaryen known as the Dance of Dragons. The series is set 200 years before the events of Game of Thrones and is based on the book "Fire and Blood" by George R.R. Martin. The second season is expected to premiere in the summer of 2024.
https://www.techradar.com/computing/websites-apps/quordle-today-answers-clues-3-december-2023
The journalist provides hints and answers for the word puzzle games Quordle and Wordle. They offer strategies for approaching Quordle and discuss its similarities and differences to Wordle. The journalist also shares their experience and expertise in playing both games.
Genetic testing company 23andMe has revealed that hackers were able to access the accounts of approximately 14,000 users, or 0.1% of its userbase. The attackers also exploited the company's DNA Relatives feature to gain information from 5.5 million customers, as well as Family Tree information from 1.4 million participants. The breached data includes sensitive information such as self-reported details, DNA percentages, family names, and health-related information. The breach was caused by a credential-stuffing attack. 23andMe has notified affected users and is working to remove publicly-posted information.
https://www.techradar.com/news/wordle-today
The article provides hints and the answer for the daily Wordle puzzle, as well as discussing strategies and common trends in the game. The author, who has been playing Wordle for over a year, shares their insights and experiences with the game.
Amazon has signed a contract with SpaceX to launch its Project Kuiper satellites to low Earth orbit in 2025. The deal is for three Falcon 9 launches, which will support Amazon's satellite internet service. The company plans to start customer pilots by the end of 2022 and aims to have at least half of its constellation in operation by summer 2026. This move puts Amazon in direct competition with SpaceX's Starlink satellite network.
Paramount Plus has announced that the second season of the live-action Halo series will premiere on February 8, 2023. The teaser trailer released during CCXP in Brazil hints at Master Chief's mission to prove that the Covenant is preparing to attack the humans' stronghold. The season will feature returning cast members as well as new additions to the series.
This week in tech news, Amazon's re:Invent conference highlighted new offerings such as a business-oriented AI chatbot and serverless solutions, while Fidelity National Financial experienced a major cyberattack, leaving homeowners and buyers concerned. Sam Altman returned as OpenAI's CEO, Neuralink raised $43 million in funding, and SpaceX acquired a parachute company. Tesla officially launched its Cybertruck, Black Friday sales hit record numbers, Evernote imposed limits on its free plan, and Teenage Engineering unveiled a new groovebox. OpenAI's chatbot ChatGPT celebrated its first anniversary, and TechCrunch featured podcasts on "great" founders, healthcare infrastructure, and Ethereum-focused blockchain Optimism.
23andMe, the genetic testing company, has revealed that a data breach in October affected around 0.1% of its user base, or approximately 14,000 accounts. Hackers were able to access profile information including ancestry and, for some users, health-related information. The breach occurred through a credential-stuffing attack, and the company believes the threat is now contained. 23andMe has instructed affected users to change their passwords and implemented two-factor authentication.
https://gizmodo.com/halo-season-2-trailer-paramount-plus-1851068411
The TV adaptation of Halo's first season took some creative liberties and left viewers unsure of how the story would align with the game. The Fall of Reach will be a major event in the upcoming season, which serves as Chief's origin story and leads into the events of the first game. Paramount+ will release new episodes on February 8, 2024.
https://gizmodo.com/star-trek-discovery-season-5-clip-premiere-date-ccxp-1851068206
Star Trek: Discovery's fifth and final season will premiere in April 2024, according to an announcement at CCXP. The season will see the crew searching for an ancient power hidden for centuries, while the Federation and rival forces battle for control. A new clip featuring Captain Burnham and Book shows them confronting invisible creatures.
The first teaser for House of the Dragon season 2 reveals a fiery war between rival factions of House Targaryen. Queen Rhaenyra and Queen Alicent assemble their troops and dragons to wreak havoc on their enemies. The new season is set to release in summer 2024 and will introduce new characters. The season will consist of eight episodes and will be available on HBO Max, Sky, and Binge/Foxtel.
https://www.techradar.com/news/new-hulu-movies
This article provides a guide to the new movies available on Hulu in December 2023. It highlights top picks such as "The Bourne Identity" trilogy, "The Matrix" trilogy, "Paddington 2," "Crazy Rich Asians," "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood," and "Zombieland: Double Tap." The article also mentions upcoming movie releases throughout the month.
https://www.theverge.com/2023/12/2/23978521/fortnite-the-big-bang-eminem-chapter-5
Fortnite's latest virtual concert, "The Big Bang Event," not only featured Eminem performing in a destroyed city but also gave players a glimpse of upcoming experiences in the game. The event showcased different themed portals, including an island with Lego characters and a futuristic race. The concert reaffirms Epic's push to expand Fortnite beyond a traditional battle royale game and transform it into a platform like Minecraft or Roblox. Additionally, Epic announced collaborations with Lego, Rocket League creator Psyonix, and Rock Band studio Harmonix for in-game experiences launching in December.
https://www.theverge.com/2023/12/2/23983057/lego-fortnite-release-date-survival-crafting
Fortnite is introducing a Lego-themed game experience called "Lego Fortnite," as part of its partnership with Lego. The new in-game survival crafting game will be available from December 7th and aims to create a family-friendly gaming experience. Epic Games, the developer of Fortnite, has been preparing for this by introducing age ratings and making other changes to cater to younger players.
https://gizmodo.com/the-boys-season-4-trailer-prime-video-1851068256
Prime Video has released a first look at the upcoming season of "The Boys," teasing intriguing developments in the superhero show. The trailer reveals the public's divided opinion on Homelander, as well as the introduction of new characters. Meanwhile, the Boys are dealing with their own challenges. Season four will be released on Prime Video in 2024, with a spinoff and a second season of "Gen V" also in the works.
https://arstechnica.com/?p=1988153
Sir Richard Branson has stated that he will not inject more money into Virgin Galactic, his space travel company, as his business empire does not have sufficient funds. Virgin Galactic, which recently announced job cuts and flight suspensions, aims to develop a larger plane capable of carrying passengers to the edge of space. The company plans to launch its bigger Delta vehicle in 2026.
https://venturebeat.com/ai/2-clear-and-consistent-paths-toward-effective-accelerated-ai-regulation/
The AI Impact Tour is seeking sponsors to raise awareness for their brand. Concerns about the destructive power of AI and its impact on jobs, data privacy, and misinformation have prompted government bodies like the U.S. Congress and the EU to introduce regulations. Governance and accountability are crucial for businesses relying on AI, as they must consider individual, social, technical, and environmental factors. Businesses should establish guidelines and frameworks to manage the risks associated with AI.
The teaser for season 2 of House of the Dragon hints at a fiery and bloody war between rival factions of House Targaryen. The trailer confirms the release window for the season, which is set for summer 2024. Details about the storyline are still unknown, but the show was unaffected by the 2023 writers' strike and is on track for its mid-2024 launch.
Amazon has released the first teaser trailer for its upcoming live-action series, Fallout, based on the popular video games. The trailer offers a glimpse into the post-apocalyptic wasteland of Los Angeles and introduces the main character played by Ella Purnell. The series, set 200 years after a nuclear war, promises to stay true to the beloved source material. Fallout will premiere on Prime Video on April 12, 2022.
https://techcrunch.com/2023/12/02/shein-a-light/
Fast-fashion platform Shein has reportedly confidentially filed to go public in the US, with rumors suggesting it is aiming for a valuation of up to $90 billion. The filing is highly anticipated, as many are eager to understand the reasoning behind Shein's popular ads and its financial strategy.
https://gizmodo.com/xbox-app-handheld-gaming-legion-go-rog-ally-1851067036
The Xbox app has introduced a "Compact mode" to enhance user experience on handheld consoles, but there is still room for improvement. The update incorporates collapsing sidebars and improved notifications, but navigating through the app remains cumbersome. Microsoft has not indicated any plans to develop a more compact version of Windows for handheld consoles, leaving non-Steam Deck users with a subpar interface. A leaked video suggests that Microsoft has experimented with creating a basic version of Windows tailored for small screens, similar to SteamOS.
https://gizmodo.com/house-of-the-dragon-season-2-trailer-hbo-max-1851066726
The second season of House of the Dragon, the Game of Thrones prequel, will feature the Targaryen civil war known as the Dance of Dragons. The trailer reveals dragons, fiery battles, and intense rivalries within the family. The show has a four-season plan and is expected to reach its conclusion before The Winds of Winter is released. The second season will premiere in summer 2024 and stars Matt Smith, Rhys Ifans, Olivia Cooke, and Fabien Frankel.
https://www.techradar.com/pro/defining-fairness-how-ibm-is-tackling-ai-governance
Enterprises are hesitant to adopt AI due to concerns about the governance and behavior of large language models. IBM aims to address this issue by developing AI that developers can trust and incorporating governance policies that align with the individual ethics and social norms of each enterprise. By using contextual documents and fine-tuning techniques, IBM hopes to detect and prevent the output of harmful content. Additionally, IBM emphasizes the importance of trustworthy data and bias detection mechanisms in its AI development. This approach aligns with the proposed EU AI Act, which links AI governance with user intentions.
The first teaser for Season 4 of popular Prime Video series "The Boys" has been released, promising another brutal and hilarious installment. The trailer reveals new characters, a mysterious individual played by Jeffrey Dean Morgan, and escalating tensions between Homelander and Starlight. The season is described as more horrifying and suspenseful, with the world on the brink and the team forced to work together to save it.
https://techcrunch.com/2023/12/02/med-spac-investing-repeatmd/
A $50 million Series A funding round has been raised by RepeatMD, a vertical SaaS company for the medical spa industry. The rise in popularity of medical spa treatments has led to a projected $30 billion business by 2030 and increased investor interest in the industry.
https://gizmodo.com/xbox-app-handheld-gaming-legion-go-rog-ally-1851067036
The Xbox app has introduced a new "Compact mode" to improve gameplay on handheld consoles with small screens. While this update is a step in the right direction, it falls short of providing a fully optimized user experience like SteamOS or the Nintendo Switch. Microsoft has not confirmed plans for a more compact version of Windows for handheld consoles, leaving non-Steam Deck users with a subpar interface.
Amazon has released the official teaser trailer for its TV adaptation of the popular video game series "Fallout." The trailer showcases the show's post-apocalyptic setting and nods to the game's universe. The series is set 200 years after the apocalypse and follows the inhabitants of luxury fallout shelters as they navigate a dangerous and complex world. The show is set to premiere on April 12, 2024.
Google has released 11 new Android features, including updates for Wear OS watches. Users can control a wider range of appliances from their smartwatches, set their status as home or away, and utilize Google Assistant routines. Other updates include custom background themes for Google Messages and additional free channels for Google TV. The Android updates also include enhanced AI capabilities for accessibility features.
https://gizmodo.com/sam-altman-openai-q-machine-learning-artificial-intelli-1851062584
OpenAI, the influential AI company, was reportedly rocked by an internecine conflict triggered by a powerful AI discovery known as the Q* program. The breakthrough in the program allegedly allowed an AI agent to perform grade-school-level math. While the details of the program remain undisclosed, experts remain skeptical about the significance of AI programs being able to solve math problems. Sam Altman, the former CEO of OpenAI, has refrained from discussing the power struggle within the company. An independent review is currently being conducted to investigate the incident.
https://www.theverge.com/23984628/fallout-trailer-amazon-prime-video
Amazon has released the first teaser trailer for its live-action adaptation of the popular video game series Fallout. The series, set 200 years after the apocalypse, follows a vault dweller named Lucy as she navigates a dangerous post-apocalyptic wasteland. The show stars Ella Purnell, Walton Goggins, and Aaron Moten, and is set to stream on Prime Video starting April 12th.
https://gizmodo.com/fallout-tv-show-prime-video-bethesda-2024-1851066136
The first trailer for the Fallout TV series adaptation has been released at CCXP. The show, set 200 years after the apocalypse, follows Lucy and other Vault Dwellers as they explore the wasteland. The trailer captures the distinctive vibe of the game series and will premiere on Prime Video on April 12, 2024.
https://www.engadget.com/openais-gpt-store-wont-be-released-until-2024-162113991.html?src=rss
OpenAI is delaying the launch of its GPT Store to early 2024, according to an email sent to GPT Builder users. The company had initially planned to release the store in November but faced unexpected challenges. OpenAI has been making improvements to its GPTs based on user feedback and is also reorganizing its leadership, with Sam Altman returning as CEO.
https://techcrunch.com/2023/12/02/ai-upscaled-star-trek-deep-space-9-ds9/
Star Trek fans are using AI to improve the quality of the beloved series Deep Space 9, which has not received an official remaster. By utilizing AI-based upscaling and denoising tools, fans have been able to enhance the image quality of the show, creating versions that are more suitable for modern viewing. Despite the efforts of fans, there are currently no plans for an official remastered version of the series.
Netflix has a reputation for canceling shows, but not all hope is lost for these canceled series. Fan campaigns, other streaming platforms, and creators finding alternative ways to continue their stories have given these shows a new lease on life. From shows like "Uncoupled" and "Shadow and Bone" to "Dead End: Paranormal Park" and "The Chair," these canceled Netflix shows are still worth watching.
https://techcrunch.com/2023/12/02/robotics-qa-with-metas-dhruv-batra/
In this Q&A session with Dhruv Batra, research director at FAIR, the Fundamental AI Research team at Meta, he discusses the role of generative AI in robotics and expresses his optimism about the humanoid form factor for robots. Batra believes true general-purpose robots are still at least thirty years away and that home robots, beyond vacuums, are not ready for widespread adoption. He also highlights the underreported trend of successfully testing navigation robots in real homes.
A viral picture of comedian Tessa Coates holding multiple poses at once was not a result of glitches or manipulation, but rather the stitching together of multiple images using her iPhone 12's panoramic feature. The phone's camera takes several photos and crops them before stitching, leading to imperfect synchronization. This explanation was provided by Faruk from the iPhonedo YouTube channel.
https://gizmodo.com/top-entertainment-news-fallout-doctor-who-marvel-alien-1851065738
This week in the world of sci-fi and fantasy, highlights include the return of Doctor Who for its 60th anniversary, new images of the Fallout series on Prime Video, surprising details about the upcoming Alien movie, concerns over the performance of The Marvels, and the release of a new Godzilla film. Other news includes teases for Beetlejuice 2 and the next Doctor Who anniversary special, updates on Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav, and the much-anticipated first look at Furiosa, the follow-up to Mad Max: Fury Road.
The subscription economy has seen significant growth, with companies using subscription licensing growing three to four times faster than the S&P 500. However, there is a growing imbalance between providers' profits and customers' outcomes in the software-as-a-service (SaaS) sector. Software providers should focus on adding value to customers and passing on the benefits of the cloud and subscription licensing. Additionally, providing flexible trial accounts and building trust with customers can drive growth and improve the sustainability of the subscription economy.
https://gizmodo.com/google-gmail-purge-android-chatgpt-samsung-galaxy-leaks-1851065741
Google is set to permanently delete inactive Gmail accounts starting from December 1. The company is urging users to log in to their old accounts before the purge takes place. Samsung leaks have confirmed the appearance of the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, matching previous renders. Google Play has announced its Best of App Awards for 2023, highlighting the competition's hit of the year. Microsoft has released an ugly holiday sweater for Windows XP fans. Ayaneo is developing a Mini PC AM01 as a tribute to the original Apple Macintosh. Google's investment in RCS messaging is showing success, with new features being introduced for Android users. Xbox aims to make Xbox Game Pass available on all platforms. Voicemod now allows users to create custom voices using preset baseline vocals.
https://gizmodo.com/emulators-windows-macos-guide-1851048931
This text explains how to use emulators to play old video games on modern computers. It clarifies that using emulators themselves is legal, but downloading and installing copyrighted games without owning the original copies is illegal. It also provides recommendations for different emulators based on the consoles you want to emulate. The text emphasizes the importance of downloading from reputable sources and offers tips for setting up and configuring emulators.
"The Acolyte," a new Star Wars TV show set to release in 2024 on Disney Plus, will explore the rise of the Dark Side during the High Republic era. The series, created by Leslye Headland, will focus on female characters and is set to be a "mystery-thriller." The cast includes Amandla Stenberg, Lee Jung-jae, Manny Jacinto, Dafne Keen, Carrie-Anne Moss, and Jodie Turner-Smith.
https://www.theverge.com/23983931/ember-tumbler-travel-mug-review-coffee-tea
The Ember Tumbler, a $199 smart mug that promises to keep drinks at the exact desired temperature, has been reviewed by journalist David Pierce. While the Tumbler performs well in terms of temperature control when used at home, it falls short as a travel mug. In comparison, the Yeti Rambler, which costs only $30, outperforms the Tumbler in keeping drinks warm for an extended period.
https://gizmodo.com/sam-altman-openai-q-amazon-ai-news-of-week-gpt-store-1851065739
Last week in AI news, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman returned to his position, Sports Illustrated was caught publishing AI-generated content with fake writers, and Amazon unveiled its AI chatbot assistant named "Q." Other highlights include the launch of Stable Video Diffusion by Stability AI and concerns over data leakage from GPTs. Furthermore, the concept of artificial general intelligence (AGI) and its potential impact on society was discussed, and the New Yorker featured an in-depth article on the OpenAI controversy. Additionally, an AI-generated pop singer named Anna Indiana made headlines, the environmental impact of generative AI models was measured, and Amazon introduced a watermarking system to check for AI deepfakes. Lastly, OpenAI announced a delay in the launch of its GPT Store.
https://gizmodo.com/top-science-news-spacex-starship-moon-base-wegovy-1851065740
In this week's science stories, Thales Alenia Space and the Italian Space Agency unveil plans for a sustainable base on the Moon, SpaceX announces plans for version 2 of its Starship upper stage, the FDA accepts the development of a drug to extend the lifespans of large dog breeds, and more.
This week's tech news includes Google's geothermal energy plant in Nevada, security flaws in ChatGPT, a male influencer running a female coding influencer's Instagram, the return of Spotify Wrapped, Google clearing out old accounts, and the growth of OpenAI's ChatGPT. Stay updated with daily reports by subscribing to the newsletter.
https://arstechnica.com/?p=1987979
Porsche has unveiled the Sport Classic, a new addition to its 911 lineup. The Sport Classic is part of Porsche's Heritage Design Edition series and features a distinctive design with elements inspired by the iconic 911 Carrera RS 2.7. The car is powered by a rear-wheel-drive powertrain and offers a seven-speed manual transmission, making it the most powerful manually shifted 911 available. It also comes with chassis upgrades for enhanced performance and driver involvement. The Sport Classic is limited to a production run of 1,250 units.
https://arstechnica.com/?p=1987932
Researchers have developed a new tool to search genomes for CRISPR-Cas systems, finding that there may be more options available than previously thought. The CRISPR-Cas system, originally a bacterial defense mechanism, has been harnessed for genetic manipulation and agricultural uses. The discovery of additional CRISPR-Cas systems opens up possibilities for new biotechnologies.
Amazon Web Services (AWS) has renewed its partnership with Formula 1 and is using its technology to enhance the fan experience. AWS has provided more accurate analytics for TV viewers, including tire lifespan estimates and predictions about pit stops and on-track battles. Rob Smedley, an AWS-F1 Consultant, believes that Formula 1 is in a strong position to expand its popularity worldwide and embrace technologies such as AI. The goal is to create a completely connected event for fans.
After almost 40 years, Kodak Super 8, the popular cinema film format, is back with a new Super 8 Camera designed for the digital world. The camera features a 4-inch vari-angle LCD screen and 'Extended Gate' video recording, but comes with a hefty price tag of $5,495.
https://arstechnica.com/?p=1987931
Scientists in Princeton have discovered that fiber optic cables used for distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) can pick up the sounds of insects such as cicadas. DAS technology, which analyzes light bouncing back from a laser fired through the cable, can detect the loud buzzing of cicadas as well as other insect noises. This could provide a new and cheap way for entomologists to monitor insect populations and study their behavior.
https://gizmodo.com/sam-altman-openai-q-machine-learning-artificial-intelli-1851062584
OpenAI's alleged "Q-Star" or "Q*" program, which reportedly enabled an AI agent to perform grade-school-level math, was said to be a factor in the power struggle leading to the firing of the company's CEO, Sam Altman. The true nature of the program remains undisclosed, leaving room for speculation. Some experts are skeptical about AI's ability to handle math problems reliably, while others believe it may not translate to broader AI breakthroughs. Altman refused to discuss the details behind his ousting, stating that an independent review was underway.
Leaked renders, color options, and specifications of the Samsung Galaxy S24 series have been revealed by Windows Report. The Samsung Galaxy S24 is expected to come with an Exynos 2400 processor, 8GB of RAM, a 6.2-inch screen, and a triple-lens camera system. The Galaxy S24 Plus will have similar specifications with the addition of 12GB of RAM and a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, while the Galaxy S24 Ultra will feature a titanium frame and a quad-lens camera module. The phones are expected to be launched on January 17, 2024.
Leaked renders, color options, and specs for the Samsung Galaxy S24 series have been revealed, providing a comprehensive picture of the expected phones. The Samsung Galaxy S24 is predicted to come with an Exynos 2400 processor, 8GB of RAM, and a triple-lens camera system. The Galaxy S24 Plus will have 12GB of RAM and a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, while the Galaxy S24 Ultra will feature a titanium frame and a quad-lens camera module. The phones are expected to launch on January 17, 2024.
https://www.techradar.com/pro/ibm-wants-to-use-its-ai-to-help-new-antibody-discoveries
IBM has announced a collaboration with Boehringer Ingelheim to use its AI foundation models to aid in the discovery of new antibody treatments. The aim is to develop a scalable and efficient foundational AI model for antibody research, which would enhance the production of lifesaving treatments. The use of generative AI can remove unconscious biases and uncover new possibilities, improving the rate of discoveries.
https://www.techradar.com/phones/samsung-galaxy-phones/samsung-galaxy-s24-colors
The Samsung Galaxy S24 line is rumored to launch on January 17 and leaked information suggests that the phones will be available in various colors. These include black, gray, violet, yellow, orange, light blue, and light green. Some colors may be exclusive to Samsung's online store. However, there is no official confirmation yet.
This week in tech news, Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube released year-end roundups, while IKEA introduced smart home sensors, Google Drive underwent a redesign, and Tesla Cybertruck hit the market with a higher price tag. Amazon expanded its Bosch TV universe, and Apple and Google announced their favorite apps of 2023. Additionally, Spotify Wrapped faced some technical issues, but still sparked conversations about music.
https://www.techradar.com/news/wordle-today
Get some hints for Wordle today and check out the answer if you don't have time to play. Wordle hints include information on vowels, starting letters, ending letters, and repeated letters. The Wordle answer for game #896 is "GENRE." The article also mentions past Wordle answers and provides tips and strategies for the game.
I'm sorry, but you haven't provided a text for me to summarize. Please provide the text you would like me to summarize.
https://gizmodo.com/doctor-who-how-to-make-tuna-madras-official-recipe-bbc-1851067290
The return of Doctor Who featured a joke/threat that has captured the hearts of fans: a fish curry made by Donna's mom. The bizarre mundanity of human life clashed with the alien world of the show. The BBC has even provided an official recipe so fans can make the tuna Madras curry at home.
https://arstechnica.com/?p=1987843
Google's efforts to combat ad blockers are gaining momentum, with YouTube and Chrome taking steps to detect and block ad blockers. The adoption of Manifest V3 extension platform in Chrome will limit the ability of ad blockers to quickly respond to changes, giving Google an advantage. The move has raised concerns among the ad blocking community, who argue that it will stifle innovation and slow down ad blockers' ability to react to new ads and tracking methods. Both the Electronic Frontier Foundation and Mozilla have criticized Google's justifications for the project, highlighting its limited impact on privacy and security. The changes are set to become mandatory in Chrome in June 2024.
https://venturebeat.com/games/experis-qa-workers-for-forza-motorsport-starfield-vote-to-unionize/
As a journalist, it is important to accurately summarize the text provided. However, since you haven't provided any text to summarize, it is not possible for me to write a 50-word summary. Please provide the text you would like me to summarize, and I will be happy to assist you.
California-based EV startup Fisker has reduced its annual production guidance in an attempt to secure $300m in working capital. The company now plans to produce around 10,000 vehicles this year, down from its previous target of up to 17,000 vehicles for 2023. The production cut will allow Fisker to access the capital and improve its financial flexibility. The company also announced new strategies to overcome delivery challenges, including enhanced logistics and increased outreach to reservation holders. Fisker aims to focus on growing its current markets and improving sales and service for its Fisker Ocean model.
https://www.techradar.com/computing/websites-apps/quordle-today-answers-clues-2-december-2023
This article provides hints and answers for playing the word game Quordle. It discusses the difficulty of the game and offers strategies for finding the correct answers. The article also mentions the Merriam-Webster online dictionary's involvement in the game and the availability of a Daily Sequence variant.
https://gizmodo.com/what-drew-joel-kinnaman-to-silent-night-1851066274
My apologies, but I am unable to generate a summary without a provided text. If you could please provide the text, I would be happy to assist you in summarizing it.
https://www.theverge.com/2023/12/1/23984902/judge-james-donato-investigate-google
In the ongoing trial of Epic v. Google, Judge James Donato has accused Google of deliberately suppressing evidence, describing their conduct as "a frontal assault on the fair administration of justice." Testimony revealed that Google deleted chat messages and employees failed to preserve evidence. Although the judge decided not to issue a mandatory inference instruction to the jury, he vowed to personally investigate this matter outside of the trial. The trial will continue with closing arguments and jury instructions on December 11th. Google declined to comment on the judge's statements.
https://arstechnica.com/?p=1987967
Amazon has purchased three Falcon 9 rocket launches from SpaceX to help deploy its Kuiper Internet satellites. The SpaceX launches will provide "additional capacity" to support Project Kuiper's satellite deployment schedule. Amazon previously bought launch capacity from other providers, but excluded SpaceX, which led to a lawsuit. The company needs to deploy half of its planned 3,236 satellites by July 2026.
https://www.theverge.com/2023/12/1/23984653/samsung-galaxy-s24-ultra-plus-leaks-rumors-snapdragon-ai
Samsung's upcoming Galaxy S24 and S24 Ultra smartphones have been leaked, revealing a flattened screen design and new features. The S24 devices are expected to have on-device generative AI software that can translate messaging apps in real-time, as well as a new AI-powered "Zoom Anyplace" camera framing feature. The phones will likely be equipped with Qualcomm modems and Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chips, although international versions may feature Samsung's own Exynos processors. The S24 Ultra will also sport a titanium frame, an upgraded 50MP 5x telephoto camera, better cooling, and Wi-Fi 7 capabilities.
https://gizmodo.com/baldurs-gate-3-epilogue-patch-dungeons-and-dragons-dnd-1851067176
The latest patch for Baldur's Gate 3 includes a brand new playable epilogue, offering closure and new interactions for players. The epilogue takes place six months after the main story and allows players to reunite with their companions, see the consequences of their choices, and say goodbye to the game's characters. The epilogue also hints at the possibility of more content or a future installment in the Baldur's Gate franchise.
https://arstechnica.com/?p=1988029
The article discusses the importance of making donations to charities, specifically Child's Play and the EFF. It provides instructions on how to donate and enter a sweepstakes for a chance to win prizes. The deadline for entry is January 2, 2024, and winners will be contacted by January 31, 2024.
https://venturebeat.com/games/what-went-wrong-with-the-metaverse-an-insiders-postmortem/
The rise and fall of the term "Metaverse" reflects a failure of imagination and understanding. The concept, popularized by Neal Stephenson's "Snow Crash," influenced developers of virtual world platforms like Roblox and Fortnite. However, Meta's flawed VR-centric vision and the association with the crypto crash led to misconceptions about the Metaverse. Despite this, platforms like Roblox continue to thrive, and new metaverse platforms led by experienced game developers are set to launch.
https://www.theverge.com/2023/12/1/23984818/openai-microsoft-altman-nadella-firing-newyorker
OpenAI's old board allegedly excluded Microsoft and ousted CEO Sam Altman, causing surprise and disagreement among Microsoft executives. Some found the board's decision "mind-bogglingly stupid" and feared it could harm the company. Eventually, Altman returned to OpenAI, and Microsoft joined the board as an observer. The exact reasons for Altman's firing remain unknown.
https://venturebeat.com/games/ea-open-source-5-accessibility-tools-patent-pledge/
Electronic Arts (EA) is making five of its proprietary accessibility tools available for free to other game developers. These tools, which include AI-powered features, aim to make games more accessible to players with disabilities. With this announcement, EA has now open-sourced a total of 15 patented accessibility tools as part of its commitment to creating more inclusive and enjoyable gaming experiences.
Genetic testing company 23andMe has announced that hackers accessed around 14,000 customer accounts in a recent data breach. The hackers were able to access a significant number of files containing profile information about other users' ancestry. The company did not disclose the exact number of affected users or the nature of the stolen information. 23andMe has implemented additional security measures in response to the breach.
Amazon has redesigned its Alexa mobile app, focusing on improving the layout and organization of key sections. The Home tab now features a more structured layout with a Shortcuts carousel, an Activity section, and Favorites. The update also includes a revamped Devices page, improved search functions, and an exclusive Map View feature for iOS users. The updated app is available for Android and iOS, with the Map View feature currently in preview for select users in the US.
The issue of copyright infringement by generative AI models remains unresolved. However, in a leading lawsuit against AI image and video generator companies, including Midjourney and DeviantArt, seven additional artists have joined the plaintiffs in an amended complaint. The complaint presents new evidence and arguments, suggesting that non-copyrighted works may still be eligible for copyright protection if they contain the artist's distinctive mark, and that AI models designed to replicate training images may be infringing on copyright. The outcome of the case will determine if this constitutes copyright violation or falls under fair use.
Electric vehicle startup Fisker has reduced its annual production guidance for 2023 in a bid to free up $300m in working capital. The company now expects to produce around 10,000 vehicles this year, significantly lower than its previous forecast of 42,400. Fisker cited market conditions and negative sentiments around EV sales as reasons for the reduction. It also announced a new strategy to improve deliveries and hiring updates within the company.
https://www.theverge.com/2023/12/1/23984684/spacex-amazon-project-kuiper-satellites-space
Amazon has partnered with rival company SpaceX to launch its Project Kuiper internet satellites into space. Three launches using SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket will take place from 2025 onwards. Amazon's satellite program aims to provide global internet connectivity, but it is currently lagging behind SpaceX's Starlink, which has already deployed around 5,000 satellites. Despite their rivalry, Amazon's choice of SpaceX as a launch provider is not surprising, as many satellite companies and government agencies have been relying on SpaceX for cheaper and consistent launches.
https://techcrunch.com/2023/12/01/openais-gpt-store-delayed-to-2024-following-leadership-chaos/
OpenAI has announced a delay in the launch of its AI app store, the GPT Store, which was initially scheduled to release this year. The delay is likely due to a leadership shakeup in November. The store is now expected to launch in early 2024, offering improved features such as a better configuration interface and debug messages. OpenAI customers can still share GPTs directly, but they will not be publicly listed or partake in revenue-sharing until the store's official launch.
https://arstechnica.com/?p=1986387
A preprint research paper from UC San Diego compares the performance of OpenAI's GPT-4 AI language model against human participants, GPT-3.5, and ELIZA in passing the Turing Test. Surprisingly, the 1960s program ELIZA scored relatively well, while GPT-4 achieved a success rate of 41%, second only to actual humans. The study raises questions about using the Turing Test to evaluate AI model performance.
https://arstechnica.com/?p=1988002
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which provides $30 monthly broadband discounts to low-income households, is projected to run out of funds in April 2023. FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel stated that if Congress does not provide additional funding, over 25 million households could lose their internet access. Efforts are being made to secure the requested $6 billion funding for the program through 2024. The ACP is particularly important for rural and tribal communities.
https://www.engadget.com/walmart-says-its-no-longer-advertising-on-x-215940504.html?src=rss
Walmart, the largest company in the US by revenue and employer of 1.6 million people, has decided to stop advertising on the platform formerly known as Twitter. This move comes after owner Elon Musk endorsed antisemitic posts and insulted departing advertisers. Walmart's departure adds to a growing list of companies, including Apple and Disney, that have pulled ads from the platform due to reputational risks. Musk's actions have potentially cost his company $75 million in advertising revenue.
https://gizmodo.com/harrison-ford-documentary-review-indiana-jones-disney-1851066547
Disney+ has released a new documentary called "Timeless Heroes: Indiana Jones & Harrison Ford" alongside the fifth Indiana Jones film. Directed by Laurent Bouzereau, the documentary explores the origins and legacy of Harrison Ford as an actor and the character of Indiana Jones. It features interviews with Ford, George Lucas, Steven Spielberg, and others involved in the franchise, as well as behind-the-scenes footage. The documentary offers a comprehensive and enjoyable look at Ford's career and the Indiana Jones series.
As a journalist, I am unable to summarize a text without knowing what the text is about. Please provide the text you would like me to summarize.
https://gizmodo.com/openai-gpt-store-developers-delays-chatgpt-sam-altman-1851066938
OpenAI is delaying the launch of its GPT Store until 2024, according to a memo seen by Axios. The marketplace, which was originally planned to launch in November, will now be launched early next year due to unforeseen circumstances. This delay comes amid leadership shakeups and concerns over the vulnerabilities of GPTs. Developers have expressed frustration over OpenAI's lack of clear communication regarding the delay of the GPT Store.
https://www.theverge.com/2023/11/30/23982915/gmail-outage-issues-delaying-emails
Gmail experienced delays in sending emails on both Thursday and Friday, causing inconvenience for users. The issues were resolved relatively quickly, but it is unclear how widespread the problem was. Google has not yet provided a comment on the matter.
https://gizmodo.com/lego-releases-december-2023-orient-express-modular-1851066867
December brings a variety of new Lego sets, including the Natural History Museum, the Orient Express train, Minecraft gear, and a cute Sonic set featuring Shadow on a motorbike. There's something for all Lego fans, young and old, making it a great month for last-minute holiday shopping.
The Game Awards received backlash for nominating Dave the Diver, a game produced by Nexon, for Best Independent Game. The debate over what defines an "indie" game was reignited, with fans arguing that being backed by a large studio like Nexon disqualifies a game from being considered independent. The confusion highlights the need for clearer guidelines on the term "indie" in the gaming industry.
Google is previewing several new features for its Nest Cam through its Public Preview program. Users will be able to create custom clips from a Nest Cam's video history, receive notifications if their garage door is left open, and use Google Home support for the original Nest Cam Outdoor. The updates aim to improve usability and security for Nest Cam users.
As a journalist, it is unclear what text you are referring to. Please provide the text so that I can assist you in summarizing it.
Google has launched a new generative AI experiment called Instrument Playground that allows users to create music inspired by over 100 instruments from around the world. By entering a prompt containing an instrument's name, users can generate a 20-second audio clip as a starting point for their compositions. The experiment offers different options to control the composition and allows users to layer and loop tracks.
Unable to Summarize Article
https://www.theverge.com/2023/12/1/23984444/amazon-fire-tv-autoplay-ads-on-startup
Fire TV users have been frustrated by a recent update that has caused full-screen ads to play every time the device is turned on. The update changed the default location of the Fire TV cursor, causing it to start on a banner ad instead of the navigation menu. While users can disable video ads in the settings, it only replaces them with static images. The disruptive delivery system of ads has raised concerns among users.
https://arstechnica.com/?p=1987861
Researchers at the Kirchhoff-Institut für Physik in Germany have created a tabletop quantum field simulation to study the early Universe. Using magnets and lasers to control a sample of potassium-39 atoms, they have simulated a Universe with different curvatures, finding that it's possible to simulate a curved and expanding spacetime in a Bose-Einstein condensate. This research connects atomic physics and astrophysics.
https://arstechnica.com/?p=1987839
Broadcom, which recently acquired VMware for $61 billion, is now planning layoffs. According to WARN notices filed with multiple states, at least 2,837 employees will be laid off, with the actual number possibly higher. Broadcom's focus on enterprise software continues, as it renames its Broadcom Software Group to VMware and plans to boost revenue through software subscriptions.
https://venturebeat.com/ai/a-perfect-enterprise-data-stack-for-generative-ai/
As a journalist, it is important to provide accurate and concise summaries of texts. However, without the specific text or information to summarize, I am unable to generate a 50-word summary at this time. If you provide the text or details, I will be happy to assist you with summarizing it.
The long-awaited launch of the Tesla Cybertruck has finally taken place, with initial deliveries given to high-profile customers. The Cybertruck, Tesla's first model since 2020, is a steel-clad electric pickup truck available in three variants, with prices starting from $39,900. However, the cheapest variant won't be available until 2025. The vehicle's design and size have raised concerns about its impact on the environment and safety. Tesla plans to mass-produce the Cybertruck from 2024, but reservations are already backlogged from as early as 2019.
A viral photograph shows a woman with three different arm positions in two mirrors and in real life. This is not a glitch or Photoshop, but rather a computational photography error caused by smartphone camera software. The algorithm stitched the photo together from multiple images, treating each version of the subject as three different people. This can be recreated by anyone with an iPhone and mirrors, and has sparked a trend on TikTok.
OpenAI is reportedly delaying the launch of its GPT Store until early 2024, according to a developer memo obtained by Axios. The GPT Store would have allowed users to post and buy custom versions of OpenAI's ChatGPT AI model. The delay comes after the recent reinstatement of CEO Sam Altman and the company's focus on AI safety.
https://gizmodo.com/fusion-energy-japan-tokamak-reactor-jt-60sa-energy-1851066017
The JT-60SA nuclear fusion reactor, the largest experimental reactor in operation, has been inaugurated in Japan. The reactor will heat plasma to 360 million degrees Fahrenheit and is expected to produce necessary plasmas for future experiments. Nuclear fusion has the potential to be a key energy source in the future, but there are still technological and economic challenges to overcome. Fusion is a cleaner process than nuclear fission and could greatly reduce reliance on fossil fuels if successfully harnessed.
https://techcrunch.com/2023/12/01/when-uncle-sam-puts-his-thumb-on-your-brake-pedal/
In this edition of Startups Weekly, the journalist discusses various topics, including the lack of environmental concerns in startup pitch decks, the necessity of founder-market fit for startup success, and the controversy surrounding intelligent speed-assist technology in vehicles. Additionally, the article covers news about CEO changes at Cruise and OpenAI, as well as other developments in the AI and technology sectors. Finally, it highlights the scandal involving Mike Rothenberg, the downfall of a venture capitalist.
https://gizmodo.com/hot-toys-amazing-spider-man-comic-book-inspire-camera-1851066425
Hot Toys has released a first look at its latest Spider-Man figure, inspired by Marvel comics. The figure comes with various accessories and can be posed in action against the Green Goblin. Limited release will first be available in Japan, Korea, Shanghai, and Hong Kong. More details are yet to be announced.
A report from The Wall Street Journal reveals that Meta (formerly Facebook) is struggling to prevent the use of its platforms for promoting child abuse content. The report uncovers numerous instances of child exploitation on Facebook and Instagram, prompting increased scrutiny from European Union regulators. The investigation shows that Meta's algorithms often facilitate connections with abuse content and individuals interested in it. Meta claims to have improved internal systems and employed machine learning to detect potentially suspicious behavior and restrict the actions of predators. The company is facing criticism and legal action over its handling of child safety.
Amazon has purchased three Falcon 9 launches from SpaceX for its Project Kuiper mega-constellation. This comes after a lawsuit was filed against Amazon for not considering SpaceX as a launch contractor. The three missions are set to begin in mid-2025 as Amazon aims to launch 3,236 satellites into low Earth orbit by 2026.
Cerabyte has released a video demonstrating its ceramics-based data storage system, which it claims can revolutionize data storage in the future. The system uses ceramic material combined with glass to store large amounts of data in palm-sized cartridges. Each cartridge can store 10,000TB of data and data can be written at high speeds. The system is cost-effective, energy-efficient, and expected to last over 5,000 years. The company plans to scale up its technology for future data storage.
https://venturebeat.com/games/xbox-game-pass-adds-new-titles-to-core-tier-in-lone-december-update/
As a journalist, it is important to write compelling and concise summaries. Here's a 50-word summary for you: "Journalism requires concise and compelling summaries. It's essential to capture the essence of an article in 50 words or less, summarizing the key points and engaging readers. Crafting these summaries effectively helps journalists deliver valuable information in a concise format."
The Ecovacs Deebot X2 Omni is a robot vacuum that offers more effective cleaning and self-upkeep. It uses a square design and wide rolling brush for better coverage and has powerful suction. It also includes spinning mop heads for mopping. The robovac uses sensors to navigate and has a docking station that recharges the battery, empties the dustbin, rinses the mop pads, and refills the water reservoir. The Deebot X2 Omni is available at discounted prices for the holidays.
https://techcrunch.com/2023/12/01/good-old-fashioned-ai-remains-viable-in-spite-of-the-rise-of-llms/
Generalized large language models (LLMs) may be popular, but task-based models are still valuable in the enterprise. Task models are designed for specific tasks and can often be smaller, faster, cheaper, and more performant. However, the reusability and versatility of LLMs make them appealing. Amazon's SageMaker platform remains important for data scientists, and they still play a critical role in understanding the relationship between AI and data. Both approaches will continue to coexist because bigger is not always better.
https://www.theverge.com/2023/12/1/23984497/openai-gpt-store-delayed-ai-gpt
OpenAI's GPT store, which will allow users to sell and share their GPT models, has been delayed until next year. The company cited unexpected events as the reason for the delay, including the recent leadership change and employee revolt. In the meantime, OpenAI is working on updates to ChatGPT and improving functionalities of the custom GPT platform.
https://techcrunch.com/2023/12/01/good-old-fashioned-ai-remains-viable-in-spite-of-the-rise-of-llms/
Generalized large language models (LLMs) have become prominent in the AI field, but task-based models are still valuable in solving real-world problems. Amazon CTO Werner Vogels and Atul Deo, GM of Amazon Bedrock, believe that task models, which are trained for specific tasks, will remain relevant alongside LLMs. While LLMs offer flexibility, task models can be smaller, faster, cheaper, and better performing for specific tasks. The role of data scientists in understanding AI and data will continue to be important, regardless of the model used.
Analogue, the maker of the popular Analogue Pocket handheld console, has announced a major restock on December 4th and December 8th. The restock will only include the original black and white designs, with limited edition colors remaining sold out. The company has also announced new updates to the console's operating system, including bug fixes and new features for developers. Additionally, the Analogue Duo, an all-in-one system that plays TurboGrafx-16 games, will finally ship on December 11th. However, there is a delay for the Pocket Adapter Set until February, which would allow the system to play additional game cartridges.
https://techcrunch.com/2023/12/01/tc-roundup-forestry-tech-is-at-an-inflection-point/
Forests are valued at $150 trillion, attracting interest in carbon credits. However, monitoring data is unreliable and gathering it is tedious, providing an opportunity for startups in the space. Improving data quality and cost-effective monitoring can increase the value of conserved or restored forests.
https://gizmodo.com/godzilla-minus-one-takashi-yamazaki-star-wars-lucasfilm-1851066323
Director Takashi Yamazaki expressed his desire to direct a Star Wars movie, citing his love for the franchise and his experience in visual effects. Yamazaki's latest film, Godzilla Minus One, showcases his talent in balancing practical and visual effects. Despite the challenges faced by Lucasfilm in getting movies made, Yamazaki's potential involvement in Star Wars could bring a fresh and incredible perspective to the franchise.
Amazon is offering discounted prices on Apple AirTags, with single ones priced at $27 in the US and £29 in the UK. The AirTags are small tracking devices that can be used to locate misplaced or stolen items through Apple's Find My service. They can be attached to keys, backpacks, and other valuables to provide peace of mind. The four-pack option is also available at a discounted price.
Decentralized social network startup Bluesky has begun deploying automated safety tools to help moderate content on its platform. The tools are designed to flag content that violates the platform's community guidelines, which can then be reviewed by Bluesky's moderation team. In addition, the company is adding features such as user lists, moderation lists, and the ability to control who can respond to posts. Some users are still advocating for the ability to set their accounts to private and requesting stronger actions against accounts that violate guidelines.
Telegram has released a major update for its iOS and Android apps, introducing new features such as voice and video message transcriptions, improved channel discovery, video comments and reactions, customized profiles and wallpapers, and coding language detection. The update is being rolled out gradually, so not all users will immediately have access to all the features.
https://www.theverge.com/23984025/tesla-cybertruck-specs-price-change-2019-vs-2023
Tesla Cybertruck's price, range, and performance have changed dramatically since its original announcement in 2019. The price has increased, with the performance-oriented trim being almost $40,000 more expensive. The range has also been revised, with the estimated range now at 440 miles. The torque has seen a significant increase, from the initial 1,000 lb-ft to 10,296 lb-ft. Despite these changes, the Cybertruck's design remains polarizing.
https://gizmodo.com/what-would-happen-if-everyone-suddenly-stopped-eating-m-1851066319
Economies, job markets, and food security in low-income countries could be severely impacted if everyone were to stop eating meat immediately, according to experts. The livestock industry makes up a significant portion of agricultural production in both low- and high-income countries, providing crucial income for millions of people. Additionally, a sudden elimination of meat from diets could result in nutritional deficiencies in regions where meat is an essential source of nutrients. Instead, experts suggest a gradual reduction in meat consumption and a shift towards plant-based alternatives.
https://arstechnica.com/?p=1987829
Astronomers have discovered a large planet orbiting a small star, challenging our understanding of planet formation. The planet, called LHS 3154b, is at least 13 times the mass of Earth and orbits its star very closely. Current models of planet formation cannot fully explain the presence of such a large planet around a small star, suggesting that there may be other mechanisms at play. Further observations of similar systems will help shed light on this discovery.
https://techcrunch.com/2023/12/01/sample-seed-pitch-deck-scalestack/
Scalestack, a sales team AI platform, has raised $1 million in funding. The company's pitch deck showcased its strong team, impressive traction, and a compelling customer testimonial. While the pitch deck had some missing elements, its overall success demonstrates the importance of team strength and traction in attracting investors.
https://venturebeat.com/games/rockstar-says-next-gta-trailer-will-drop-on-december-5/
As a journalist, I am unable to provide a 50-word summary without having a specific text or information to work with. Please provide the relevant text or details, and I will be more than happy to assist you in generating a summary.
https://techcrunch.com/2023/12/01/arbor-energy-bicrs-startup/
Brad Hartwig, a former SpaceX engineer and aspiring NASA astronaut, has now founded Arbor, a startup focused on building specialized power plants to capture carbon dioxide from the air. Arbor's technology converts waste biomass into syngas, which is then burned with oxygen to produce pure CO2, generating electricity. Hartwig's experience at SpaceX has proven applicable to this venture, as much of Arbor's technology originates from the rocket industry. Additionally, Hartwig's time with a search and rescue team has shown him the potential of using biomass resulting from forest thinning as fuel for Arbor's power plants.
After losing big advertisers over the controversy surrounding antisemitic content on its platform, X is now turning to small and medium-sized businesses for revenue. The move comes after owner Elon Musk alienated major brands with his response to the boycott. While Musk had previously warned that the loss of big advertisers would destroy the company, X now claims that catering to SMBs was always part of the plan. However, some marketing agencies have stated they will not resume advertising on X and the damage from the controversy may be long-lasting.
https://venturebeat.com/games/young-developers-are-gamings-rising-stars-on-roblox-the-deanbeat/
Unable to Summarize Article
Weighted blankets make great gifts for loved ones who need to relax during the busy holiday season. The YnM Weighted Blanket, starting at $34.99, offers affordable relaxation with its even weight distribution. The Nolah Chunky Knit Weighted Blanket, on sale for $129, provides a cozy alternative without beads. For a luxury choice, the Saatva All-Natural Weighted Blanket, priced at $345, offers an ethically-sourced cotton and glass bead combination.
https://gizmodo.com/hp-printer-app-install-windows-store-1851065649
An HP app, normally pre-installed on HP PCs, has been found auto-installing itself on Windows 10 and 11 computers through the Microsoft Store. Both HP and Microsoft are working on resolving the issue. While the app is not malicious, it raises concerns about Microsoft's access to users' PCs and the Windows Store's potential glitches.
Defense tech startup Anduril has developed Roadrunner, a modular autonomous air vehicle designed to combat low-cost aerial threats. Roadrunner-M is a variant that can carry a warhead and destroy aerial threats defensively. It is the first recoverable weapon that can be reused, offering faster launch times, greater payload capacity, range, and maneuverability. Controlled by Anduril's AI-powered software, Roadrunner provides operators with immediate imaging and the ability to engage threats without fear of losing an expensive asset.
https://gizmodo.com/apple-tv-paramount-streaming-bundle-might-be-coming-1851065662
Apple TV+ and Paramount+ are reportedly considering a bundle partnership to combat customer churn and offer a more enticing subscription deal. Both streaming services have experienced higher-than-average customer defection rates, prompting the potential collaboration. Details of the bundle are still in the early stages and it remains unclear how it would be structured.
Researchers from Hugging Face and Carnegie Mellon University have found that generating images using artificial intelligence (AI) has a carbon footprint equivalent to charging a smartphone, while generating text requires significantly less energy. The study, which examined 13 tasks, revealed that text generation consumes as little as 16% of the energy used for generating images. The researchers emphasize the need for transparency in the field to understand and mitigate the environmental impacts of AI models. The study's findings are particularly relevant as AI models gain popularity and widespread use.
https://gizmodo.com/apple-iphone-16-rumors-action-button-returns-1851065113
Apple's upcoming iPhone 16 range may reintroduce the customizable Action button seen on the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max, according to reports from MacRumors. The button replaces the mute function and can be assigned various actions. Prototype units indicate the button may be capacitive and larger in size, resembling the volume rocker. However, the information is speculative and subject to change.
The page that you are looking for on the site has been either moved or removed. You can try searching the site or start again on the homepage. TechRadar is a part of Future US Inc, a global media group and digital publisher.
https://gizmodo.com/new-december-scifi-horror-fantasy-books-nnedi-okorafor-1850987424
Io9 has shared a list of 21 new sci-fi, fantasy, and horror releases coming out in December 2023, including anthologies and novels exploring various themes. These releases include a novel about an AI falling in love with the last human, a political and romantic fantasy sequel, a new fantasy series, and a paranormal romance. Other books delve into themes such as alternate reality, supernatural peril, climate change, and the future of technology and criminal justice. Fans of Valdemar will also be treated to the final book in the Founding of Valdemar trilogy.
Hackers are exploiting vulnerabilities in the Qlik Sense data analytics solution, leveraging them to deploy ransomware and steal sensitive company data. The three flaws were discovered and patched by Qlik in late August and September, but attackers have been using them to gain unauthorized access to corporate networks. Users are advised to upgrade to the latest versions of Qlik Sense to protect against these attacks.
UAE-based fintech Flow48 has raised $25m in Pre-Series A funding to expand its revenue-based financing (RBF) lending platform in the MENA region. The funding round included equity and debt and was backed by investors including 212 VC, Speedinvest, and Daphni. Flow48 aims to tap into the growth opportunities in the regional economy, where the e-commerce market is expected to reach $33.3bn in the next three years. Founder Idriss Al Rifai, who previously founded Dubai-based delivery company Fetchr, believes his experience addressing logistical challenges in the Middle East will translate into success in the RBF market.
https://techcrunch.com/2023/12/01/rover-spac-sale-price/
Blackstone is acquiring pet care company Rover in a $2.3 billion all-cash deal. Despite going public through a SPAC, Rover's success proves that blank-check companies can generate value. The deal includes a 30-day shopping provision, but with Blackstone's premium offer, it's unlikely other bids will emerge. Rover's strong financial performance and prospects shed light on the market for tech and tech-enabled firms.
UAE-based fintech Flow48 has raised $25m in Pre-Series A funding to expand its revenue-based financing (RBF) lending platform for SMEs in the MENA region. The funding round, which included both equity and debt, was led by 212 VC and Speedinvest. Flow48 aims to address the funding gap for SMEs in the region, taking advantage of the projected economic growth and the increasing e-commerce market in countries such as Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Egypt. Flow48's founder, Idriss Al Rifai, previously founded Fetchr and brings experience in solving logistics challenges in the Middle East.
https://arstechnica.com/?p=1987803
According to JD Power, 29.2% of US consumers are very likely to buy an electric vehicle (EV) as their next car, indicating that EV market share could grow to 13% by the end of 2024. However, the industry needs to focus on building smaller, cheaper EVs to transition from early adopters to the early majority. Additionally, concerns over charging infrastructure and efficiency in cold weather need to be addressed for mainstream consumers to embrace EVs.
https://arstechnica.com/?p=1987808
X CEO Linda Yaccarino defended Elon Musk's controversial interview, calling it "candid and profound" in a memo to staff. Yaccarino highlighted Musk's vision for the future and emphasized X's mission as an open platform without censorship. She also publicly defended Musk on Twitter, stating that X enables information independence.
https://arstechnica.com/?p=1987749
The official trailer for "Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga," a prequel spinoff film starring Anya Taylor-Joy, has been released. The film explores the origins of the beloved character Imperator Furiosa from the post-apocalyptic masterpiece "Mad Max: Fury Road." The trailer promises an epic and chaotic journey, with the movie set to hit theaters on May 24, 2024.
Yesterday, Benchmark's general partners were interviewed at the Slush event in Helsinki. They discussed the firm's interest in understanding exceptional opportunities, the pitfalls of raising too much capital and achieving unnatural valuations, their skepticism towards closed large language model companies, and the importance of governance structures and board seats in building successful businesses. Additionally, they mentioned Airbnb as one of their deep regrets in missing out on investment opportunities.
https://www.theverge.com/23984025/tesla-cybertruck-specs-price-change-2019-vs-2023
The price, range, and performance of the Tesla Cybertruck have significantly changed since its original announcement in 2019. The price has increased by $30,000 for the performance-oriented Cyberbeast trim, and the range has been estimated at up to 440 miles with optional battery extenders. The torque has also increased to an impressive 10,296 lb-ft. However, the truck's towing and carrying capacities are not as high as initially envisioned. Despite these changes, the design remains polarizing.
https://www.theverge.com/2023/12/1/23984197/analogue-turbografx-console-pocket-restock
Analogue has announced that its modern reimagining of NEC's gaming systems, the Analogue Duo, will start shipping on December 11th. The console, priced at $249.99, supports various gaming cartridges and discs and can run games in up to 1080p with no lag. Additionally, Analogue will restock the Analogue Pocket handheld console on December 4th and release Pocket OS version 2.0 before Christmas. The release of the Pocket Adapter Set, however, has been pushed back to February 2024.
https://gizmodo.com/nasa-s-next-lunar-landing-may-not-happen-until-2027-1851065596
A new report warns that NASA's Artemis 3 mission, which aims to return astronauts to the Moon, may face significant delays. Key contractors SpaceX and Axiom Space are struggling to meet deadlines for crucial components of the mission, such as the lunar lander and moon suits. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) report suggests that the Artemis 3 mission is unlikely to happen before 2027, potentially impacting NASA's lunar exploration timeline. Delays in SpaceX's Starship development and design challenges for Axiom Space's moonsuits are cited as major obstacles.
https://venturebeat.com/ai/meet-deepseek-chat-chinas-latest-chatgpt-rival-with-a-67b-model/
As an AI language model, I cannot generate a summary without the text or context provided. Please provide the text you would like me to summarize, and I'll be happy to assist you.
Microsoft is in talks with partners about launching an Xbox mobile store to compete with Apple and Google, according to Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer. Spencer noted that the launch could happen sooner than expected, possibly as early as next year. Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard is seen as a driving force behind the company's push into the mobile gaming market. The move comes amid a challenging regulatory climate, with ongoing battles between Epic Games and Apple over app store practices.
https://techcrunch.com/2023/12/01/amazon-ai-catchup-microsoft/
Amazon found itself in the unfamiliar position of chasing Microsoft in the AI field at AWS re:Invent. Despite recent drama with OpenAI, Amazon's CEO took jabs at Microsoft during the keynote. While being behind in AI may not be fatal for Amazon, the market is shifting quickly and perceptions could change in the coming months. However, Amazon did announce Amazon Q, an AI layer that is being seen as their answer to Microsoft Copilot, indicating they may be playing catch-up. Microsoft's strategic moves, including the purchase of GitHub, have put them in a strong position in the generative AI landscape.
ChatGPT, an AI chatbot, is being used to generate and send phishing emails at an alarming rate, according to cybersecurity firm SlashNext. Credential phishing, where personal information is targeted, has increased by 967% since Q4 2022. The use of generative AI tools allows cybercriminals to scale up attacks and create convincing messages. Companies and individuals must remain vigilant and take steps to improve their security systems to combat these AI-generated email attacks.
https://www.theverge.com/2023/12/1/23983920/amazon-alexa-new-app-ios-android-release-date
Amazon has launched a revamped version of its Alexa app, focused on smart home controls. The app features a more streamlined design, with clear organization and customizable sections for smart home control. The Home tab includes shortcut buttons for devices and tools, the Activity tab shows time-sensitive cards for alerts and reminders, and the Favorites section provides instant control of devices. The new app is considered a significant upgrade, bringing a more intuitive user experience to the smart home interface.
Cyberpunk 2077 will receive a new update, version 2.1, on December 5th, allowing players to travel around Night City on the metro. The update also enables players to listen to the in-game radio while on the go. The new metro feature is optional and was highly requested by fans.
Unable to Summarize Article
In this episode of the podcast Equity, Mary Ann, Kirsten Korosec, and Alex Wilhelm discuss the week's biggest startup and tech news. Despite it being December, there's still a lot of tech news to unpack. The next episode will be released on Monday.
https://venturebeat.com/games/grand-theft-auto-vi-reveal-trailer-drops-on-december-5/
Rockstar Games has announced that the first trailer for the highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto VI will be revealed on December 5. The teaser image suggests that the game will be set in Vice City, resembling Miami. With the previous installment selling over 190 million units, this announcement has generated significant anticipation among gaming enthusiasts.
https://gizmodo.com/tesla-baby-cybertruck-release-pre-order-price-elon-musk-1851065542
Tesla has released a child-sized version of its Cybertruck for $1,500, shortly after unveiling the adult version. The mini Cybertruck can accommodate children up to 150 lbs, has a 12-mile range, and can reach speeds up to 10mph. It is unclear if children will face legal penalties for reselling the mini trucks, as Elon Musk has threatened for adult owners. The vehicles are currently sold out, but will ship in December 2023.
Google's upcoming Feature Drop for Pixel phones will include a new Video Boost feature, according to a teardown of the latest Google Photos APK. Video Boost is described as a "new form of video processing" that combines on-device processing with cloud computing to enhance videos captured on Pixel 8 Pro smartphones. It will also include improvements to low-light video recording, including Night Sight Video capture. However, it remains unclear why Video Boost is exclusive to the Pixel 8 Pro and whether it will be available for older Pixel models.
Apple TV Plus and Paramount Plus are reportedly in talks to create a cost-effective streaming bundle to challenge Netflix's dominance. The bundle would offer both services at a cheaper price than subscribing separately. While talks are still in the early stages, such a merger could have a significant impact on the streaming industry.
https://gizmodo.com/suicide-squad-isekai-trailer-anime-dc-harley-quinn-1851065486
Suicide Squad Isekai, a DC Comics anime, takes the popular portal fantasy subgenre and dumps the team of rogues into a fantasy realm. Directed by Eri Osada, with designs by Akira Amano and Naoto Hosoda, the series promises action-packed adventures as the squad fights through orcs and dragons. Set to release in 2024.
Retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart are offering post-Black Friday discounts on various tech products, including iPhones and accessories. Deals include the iPhone 12 for $299 at Walmart, refurbished iPhone 13 for $449 at Walmart, iPhone 13 for $599 at Apple, and iPhone 14 for $679.99 at Best Buy. Additionally, there are discounts on iPhone accessories from Mous, Casetify, Mujjo, and more.
The article suggests that a portable Instax Link printer is a smart choice for capturing and printing instant photos as Christmas gifts. The printer, available in Mini, Square, and Wide versions, allows users to choose which photos to print and offers more control than traditional instant cameras. The printers can be used with Fujifilm Instax film and are controlled through a smartphone app. Deals for the printer are available on Amazon in the US and UK, with prices dropping below $100 and £100, respectively.
https://www.theverge.com/21345733/best-noise-canceling-headphones
Noise-canceling headphones have become an essential piece of kit for many people, whether for commuting or working from home. The market offers a range of options from well-established brands like Bose and Sony to newer entrants like Apple with its AirPods Max. Comfort, sound quality, and battery life are key factors to consider when choosing the best headphones. Sony's WH-1000XM5 comes out on top, with superior comfort, sound, and noise cancellation. Other notable options include Bose QuietComfort 45, Apple AirPods Max, Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2, Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless, and Marshall Monitor II ANC.
https://www.engadget.com/apples-macbook-pro-m3-is-on-sale-for-200-off-162051385.html?src=rss
The newly released Apple MacBook Pro M3 is already on sale, with the 14-inch model available for $1,600 on Amazon, a savings of $200 or 11%. It features an 8-core CPU, 10-core GPU, 14.2-inch XDR display, 8GB RAM, and 1TB SSD storage. Another version with a 16.2-inch screen, 12-core CPU, and 18-core GPU is available for $2,300, a discount of $200. These laptops offer fast performance, a stunning display, and a sleek design.
https://www.theverge.com/23984037/suicide-squad-isekai-trailer-anime-dc-comics
Warner Bros. releases a trailer for its upcoming animated film Suicide Squad Isekai, based on DC Comics characters. The film follows Harley Quinn, Deadshot, Peacemaker, Clayface, and King Shark as they embark on a daring mission in an alternate reality full of demons and mystical power. The trailer highlights the film's impressive fight sequences and suggests it will be a hit when it premieres in 2024.
Azur Games, a mobile gaming company, has reached eight billion installs for its games, despite there being only 7.89 billion people on the planet. This is possible because there are 16.8 billion mobile phones in the world, many of which are used by individuals who have more than one device. Azur Games has attributed its growth to diversifying its portfolio and making strategic acquisitions. Additionally, the market for mobile games is experiencing modest growth, particularly in the casual and midcore genres.
https://techcrunch.com/2023/12/01/capsules-new-app-combines-ai-and-human-editors-to-curate-the-news/
Paris-based startup Capsule aims to revolutionize the news reading experience by combining AI technology with human editorial curation. Described as the "Spotify for news," the app provides a user-friendly interface where news articles, newsletter snippets, and social media updates are transformed into digestible information. Capsule leverages AI to extract essential insights from articles, which are then enhanced by curated content from a team of freelancers. The app currently offers a wide range of news sources and is available for free on iOS.
https://www.engadget.com/sonys-wh-1000xm5-headphones-are-back-on-sale-for-328-160516896.html?src=rss
The Sony WH-1000XM5 wireless headphones are on sale for $328, a $72 discount from the list price. These headphones have received positive reviews for their active noise cancellation, comfortable design, and useful features. While there are other options with more powerful ANC or better sound quality, the XM5 remains a top choice overall. The Sony WF-1000XM5 noise-canceling earphones are also on sale for $248, matching the Black Friday price. They offer similar features in an in-ear design.
https://arstechnica.com/?p=1987766
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a warning about a severe Salmonella outbreak linked to pre-cut cantaloupe. So far, 117 cases across 34 states have been identified, with 61 people hospitalized and two deaths reported. The CDC advises avoiding pre-cut cantaloupe unless the brand can be confirmed as safe. Several brands and stores have recalled pre-cut cantaloupe and fruit cup products. The outbreak has also spread to Canada, with at least 63 cases reported.
https://arstechnica.com/?p=1987771
Hyundai and Kia have designed the Uni Wheel, an innovative electric vehicle (EV) powertrain layout that aims to optimize space efficiency. The system, which can work with varying wheel sizes, mounts each driven wheel's electric motor closer to the suspension, freeing up space between the axles for additional battery modules. The design utilizes a new unit mounted in the wheel that contains a planetary gear system, allowing the driveshaft to articulate through a wide range of motion. This development could have implications beyond passenger EVs, potentially enabling mobility chairs or multi-wheeled robots to navigate stairs as smoothly as an escalator. Although still in the early stages of development, Hyundai and Kia plan to refine the design to enhance efficiency, cooling and lubrication, and durability.
https://techcrunch.com/2023/12/01/8-authors-and-their-8-gift-book-picks-for-this-holiday-season/
TechCrunch asked several writers to recommend books for readers to gift this holiday season. The recommendations include technothrillers like "Exadelic," fantasy novels like "The Steerswoman," and non-fiction books like "Your Face Belongs to Us" and "How Data Happened." Other genres mentioned include leadership, product marketing, and design. The selections cover a wide range of interests and make for great holiday gifts.
https://www.theverge.com/2023/12/1/23948992/saudi-arabia-gaming-investment
Saudi Arabia's aggressive investment strategy is extending beyond sports into the video game industry. Through its Public Investment Fund, the kingdom has acquired minority stakes in major gaming companies and aims to become a gaming "powerhouse." This move is part of Saudi Arabia's plan for economic diversification and social transformation while maintaining its political position and brokering power internationally. Critics argue that the kingdom's financial clout comes with strings attached and raises concerns about censorship and human rights abuses.
https://www.techradar.com/pro/security/new-malware-attacks-have-seen-a-huge-rise-in-recent-months
BlackBerry's AI-powered cybersecurity tools have detected a 70% increase in new malware between June and August. The company's Quarterly Global Threat Intelligence Report revealed that BlackBerry prevented more than 3.3 million attacks in the quarter. The finance and healthcare industries were the most targeted sectors, with ransomware groups using double extortion tactics. Ismael Valenzuela, Vice President of Threat Research and Intelligence at BlackBerry, emphasized the need for advanced technologies to defend against evolving cyber threats.
As a journalist, it is difficult for me to write a summary of a text that does not exist. Please provide the text you would like me to summarize.
https://techcrunch.com/2023/12/01/the-end-of-elon/
Elon Musk's recent launch of the Tesla Cybertruck highlighted his diminished standing in the industry as the event showcased delay, over-budgeting, and controversial behavior. Musk failed to address his crumbling social media product or the concerns of Tesla investors. His once confident image has been replaced by a rambling advocate of far-right ideologies, signaling a decline in his influence and power.
Meta, formerly known as Facebook, announced that it is expanding and updating its child safety features in response to reports of its platforms recommending content that sexualizes children. The Wall Street Journal has detailed how Instagram and Facebook serve up inappropriate child-related content, and a recent investigation revealed an ecosystem of pedophile accounts and groups on Facebook Groups. Meta's recommendation system facilitated the interaction between these abusive accounts. The company plans to limit the interaction between suspicious adult accounts and has increased its efforts in detecting connections related to child safety. These changes come as regulators in the US and EU scrutinize Meta's child protection measures.
https://techcrunch.com/2023/12/01/the-search-and-discovery-marketplace/
Building a search and discovery marketplace can be a daunting task, requiring significant time and resources. However, by leveraging the information already present in a SaaS+ platform, businesses can easily create a marketplace and benefit from a valuable user experience, differentiated product, and new revenue streams. Successful marketplaces often stem from existing B2B relationships, where customers update their own information, eliminating the need for manual data input. OpenTable is cited as an example of a marketplace that emerged from B2B relationships.
https://www.engadget.com/sci-fi-rts-sequel-homeworld-3-will-arrive-on-march-8-153139081.html?src=rss
The release date for Homeworld 3, the long-awaited sci-fi strategy sequel, has been announced as March 8. Developer Blackbird Interactive and publisher Gearbox had originally aimed for a February release but have experienced a slight delay. The game will offer a choice between classic and modern control schemes, with a focus on cover-based tactics. Those who purchase the Fleet Command edition will have access 72 hours earlier.
https://gizmodo.com/us-judge-blocks-montanas-anti-chinese-tiktok-ban-1851065175
A US Federal Judge has blocked a Montana law that would have banned TikTok in the state, ruling that it violates users' right to free speech and contains an undertone of anti-Chinese sentiment. The judge issued a temporary injunction, and TikTok is suing Montana to have the law completely struck down. The article also highlights the hypocrisies of politicians who oppose TikTok but fail to address broader digital privacy issues. The company celebrated the legal victory.
The Xbox Series X is currently on sale for $349, a $150 discount, making it a great time to buy. While it may not have as many exclusive games as PlayStation, the Xbox Series X is a powerful 4K-capable gaming machine with convenient features like Quick Resume. Additionally, Apple AirTags are discounted to $23 and Google Pixel Buds Pro are available for $119.99.
https://gizmodo.com/thunderbolts-movie-marvel-wyatt-russell-us-agent-disney-1851062725
A Five Nights at Freddy's sequel is in the works, with Emma Tammi returning to direct. Tim Burton announces the completion of filming for Beetlejuice 2, and new posters for Godzilla x Kong are released. Other news includes a spec script sale for a sci-fi action comedy, the development of a horror-thriller based on a real-life medium, and progress on the Thunderbolts Marvel project. Adrianne Palicki shares challenges faced during the production of The Orville, while a new still is revealed for the Kaiju No. 8 anime series.
Google has introduced RETVec, a new tool designed to improve spam detection in Gmail. RETVec uses vectorization, a natural language processing methodology, to detect spam emails that may be hiding invisible characters, using intentional typos, or employing LEET substitution. Google claims RETVec has improved its spam detection rate by 38%.
https://www.techradar.com/pro/how-to-communicate-software-testing-needs-to-c-suites
A lack of proper software testing is costing companies money and posing risks to their business success. CEOs often underestimate the importance of software testing, but fear job loss in the event of software failure. To bridge the gap between QA teams and executives, it is important to communicate the impact of poor quality software in terms of cost, time, and reputation. Clear and concise communication, use of data and case studies, and avoiding technical jargon are essential in conveying the urgency and value of test automation to C-Suite executives.
https://techcrunch.com/2023/12/01/montanas-ban-on-tiktok-is-now-on-hold/
A federal judge in Montana has temporarily blocked a ban on TikTok, ruling that it likely violated the First Amendment and a clause giving Congress the power to regulate commerce with foreign nations. The ban, which would have imposed a $10,000 fine on TikTok each time a user accessed the app, is on hold until the court makes a final decision on the case. The judge stated that the ban targeted speech and would cause irreparable harm to both TikTok and its creators.
France has banned its ministers from using popular communication apps such as WhatsApp, Signal, and Telegram due to security vulnerabilities. This decision has been criticized by the president of Signal, Meredith Whittaker, who claims there is no evidence to support the allegations. Ministers have until December 8 to switch to alternative French apps deemed more secure.
The podcast, Equity, discusses the latest startup and tech news in their Friday show. Mary Ann, Kirsten Korosec, and Alex Wilhelm analyze the week's big stories. Despite it being December, the tech news is still coming in fast. The hosts encourage listeners to tune in on Monday for more discussions and suggest checking out other TechCrunch shows.
The Xbox Series X is currently on sale for $349, either with a free game or on its own, making it a great time to buy. The console offers 4K gameplay and features like Quick Resume. Apple AirTags, which can help you find lost items, are discounted at $23 for a single tag or around $80 for a four-pack. Google Pixel Buds Pro are available for $119.99, or even cheaper at $64.99 in refurbished condition.
As an AI language model, I require the text you want me to summarize in order to provide a summary. Please provide me with the text you would like me to summarize.
https://gizmodo.com/ai-images-as-much-energy-as-charging-phone-hugging-face-1851065091
A new study reveals that the creation of images with generative AI could have an environmental impact equivalent to charging a smartphone. The study, conducted by Hugging Face and Carnegie Mellon, found that image generation consumed more energy than other tasks. Large, multipurpose AI models, such as ChatGPT, were found to be particularly energy-intensive. The study highlights the importance of calculating the carbon and energy impact of generative AI models and calls for more data sharing to facilitate further research.
TechRadar highlights the best new movies and TV shows available to stream over the weekend. The list includes "The Artful Dodger" on Hulu, "May December" on Netflix, "Candy Cane Lane" on Prime Video, "Slow Horses" on Apple TV Plus, "The Bad Guys: A Very Bad Holiday" on Netflix, "Family Switch" on Netflix, and "Bookie" on Max.
https://gizmodo.com/meta-quest-vr-steam-link-app-1851065001
Valve has announced the release of the Steam Link app for Meta Quest headsets, allowing users to stream their VR games to the devices. While the app requires a wired connection to the router and a quality internet connection or 5Ghz WiFi signal, it simplifies the process of accessing the full Steam VR library on Meta Quest headsets. Valve may be using this app as a stopgap until it releases new hardware, as it recently updated SteamVR 2.0. The success of VR headsets in 2024 will determine the long-term viability of mainstream VR hardware.
https://arstechnica.com/?p=1987731
Apple has released security updates to fix two vulnerabilities in its iOS, macOS, and iPadOS systems that were being actively exploited. The vulnerabilities, found in the WebKit engine, allowed hackers to obtain sensitive information and execute malicious code. Google also issued an update to fix seven vulnerabilities in its Chrome browser, including a zero-day exploit. Both companies are automatically pushing the updates to affected devices.
https://arstechnica.com/?p=1987753
A federal judge has halted a TikTok ban in Montana, ruling that the state's legislation is an unconstitutional infringement on the app's rights. The case reflects global concerns about the security of the Chinese-owned video-sharing app and its potential ties to espionage. The judge's decision grants a preliminary injunction, allowing TikTok to continue operating in Montana while the full merits of the case are considered.
Upgrade your TV to a mini-LED for a brighter and more vibrant Christmas movie experience. The article highlights several mini-LED TV deals in the US and UK, including models from brands like Hisense, TCL, and Samsung. These TVs offer superior brightness and contrast, making the lights in Christmas movies pop on screen.
https://www.techradar.com/news/new-hbo-max-movies
Warner Bros Discovery's streaming service, Max, will be adding new movies to its library in December. These include James Bond films, Jurassic World, Mad Max: Fury Road, Paranormal Activity franchise, and the crossover film Scooby Doo! And Krypto, Too!. Check out the complete list and enjoy these movies during the holiday season.
Upgrade your TV to a mini-LED for brighter and more vibrant Christmas movie viewing. There are several mini-LED TV deals available in the US and UK, including brands like Samsung, TCL, and Hisense. These TVs offer greater contrast and brightness, making the lights in Christmas movies pop off the screen.
https://www.techradar.com/phones/samsung-galaxy-phones/samsung-galaxy-s24-ultra-design
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is rumored to have a design similar to its predecessor, the Galaxy S23 Ultra. It is expected to feature a 6.8-inch AMOLED display, slim bezels, and titanium sides for a lighter and more durable build. There may also be new color options available. Overall, the design changes are expected to be iterative, keeping the successful elements of the previous model while making minor enhancements.
https://www.techradar.com/gaming/consoles-pc/gta-6-trailer-coming-on-december-5-rockstar-confirms
Rockstar Games has announced the date and time for the release of the first GTA 6 trailer. Fans can expect to see the highly anticipated trailer on Tuesday, December 5th at 9am ET. The upcoming game has generated a lot of excitement, but details about its content and release are still unknown.
https://techcrunch.com/2023/12/01/meta-dsa-rfi-2-child-safety/
Meta, parent company of Instagram, has received a formal request for information (RFI) from EU regulators regarding its response to child safety concerns on the platform, including measures to tackle the sharing of self-generated child sexual abuse material (SG-CSAM). The request, made under the Digital Services Act (DSA), follows a report by the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) claiming that Instagram has not effectively addressed the issue. Meta has until 22 December to provide the requested data. Failure to comply with RFIs can result in DSA sanctions, including fines of up to 6% of global annual turnover.
https://www.engadget.com/inside-the-arms-race-between-youtube-and-ad-blockers-140031824.html?src=rss
YouTube has taken aggressive action against ad blockers by stopping videos from being served to users with ad blockers enabled. Ad-blocking software companies have tried to counter YouTube's methods of serving ads, but YouTube has proven resilient. The battle between YouTube and ad blockers is likely to become even more challenging next year when Google's Chrome browser adopts the Manifest V3 standard, which restricts the abilities of ad-blocking extensions. However, ad-blocking companies are continuing to innovate and adapt to YouTube's tactics.
The entire first season of the Halo live-action TV show is now available to stream for free on YouTube, after previously being exclusive to Paramount Plus. The move to YouTube aims to attract a larger audience for the sci-fi series, which has received mixed reviews. Despite criticism, some reviewers find it entertaining with impressive special effects.
https://www.techradar.com/pro/rackspace-experiences-a-rather-embarrassing-cloud-shortage
Cloud computing company Rackspace experienced outages in its London region last month, causing service degradation for its customers. The problems began on November 17 and are still ongoing into December. Rackspace engineers are working to resolve the issues, but some customers have been impacted for over two weeks. It is unclear when the full service will be restored. TechRadar Pro has requested comments from Rackspace regarding the incident.
EVE Online players have created the first AI-led player corporation called Neural Nexus. This groundbreaking initiative aims to reduce reliance on a single leader and provide a consistent vision for the corporation. The AI, called Chat GPT, will be consulted for major decisions, while a council of directors will handle day-to-day operations. The impact of this AI empire on the game and its community is yet to be determined.
https://techcrunch.com/2023/12/01/apple-ios-ipad-macos-actively-exploited/
Apple has released security updates for iPhones, iPads, and Macs to address two vulnerabilities that were actively being exploited by hackers. The vulnerabilities, found in Apple's WebKit browser engine, allowed hackers to remotely install malicious code on devices. Apple fixed the bugs within a week of their disclosure by security researchers at Google. The identity of the hackers has not been determined. Google had also recently patched a zero-day vulnerability in its Chrome browser.
https://www.engadget.com/the-xbox-series-x-is-down-to-just-349-right-now-133430874.html?src=rss
Walmart is offering a bundle deal that includes an Xbox Series X console and a digital copy of Diablo IV for $349, a discount of $151. This is the largest discount observed, surpassing Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals. If the bundle sells out, the console alone is available for the same price. The Xbox Series X is a high-end model with superior graphics, more RAM, and a disc drive. Microsoft's struggle in producing first-party hits does not diminish the value of the current system.
Kid tech startups are offering innovative products and services for kids, including the Playper Castle Playset, a customizable Bark Phone for safe smartphone use, the Pok Pok Playroom app for creative play, STEM-related products like the Watermelon Mini Purse Building Kit from GoldieBlox, the screen-free audio learning experience of Storypod, and a rental membership for educational toys from Tiny Earth Toys. These offerings provide unique and engaging ways for kids to play and learn.
Telegram has announced new features for its channels, including improved discovery of similar channels, emoji customization for reactions, and stats for stories. The updates aim to compete with WhatsApp's similar features. Telegram now suggests similar channels for users to join, allows users and channels to repost stories, enables channels to add custom emojis, and provides stats for stories. In addition, Telegram is extending its voice-to-text feature for audio messages to free users. These updates come as WhatsApp's channels feature has gained popularity with over 500 million monthly active users.
https://www.techradar.com/pro/microsoft-is-facing-another-antitrust-case-this-time-from-google
Google has asked Britain's antitrust regulator to take action against Microsoft over unfair licensing terms that make it difficult for customers to use other companies' services. This comes after media regulator Ofcom referred Microsoft and Amazon to the antitrust regulator over their dominant position in the UK cloud market. Google argues that Microsoft's licensing restrictions leave UK customers with no economically reasonable alternative but to use Azure.
Apple has been granted a patent for a smart ring that can be worn on various body parts, not just the finger. The patent suggests that the ring could be worn on the wrist, arm, leg, ankle, neck, or head. The device would allow users to interact with their environment using hand gestures and pointing. However, it is important to note that the patent does not guarantee the release of a multi-use Apple Ring.
https://www.engadget.com/best-audio-interfaces-130019808.html?src=rss
Unable to Summarize Article
https://arstechnica.com/?p=1987501
Chinese space company experienced an explosion at a test site, as revealed by satellite images. The explosion likely occurred during a ground test of solid-fueled motors for the Kuaizhou 1A or Kuaizhou 11 rocket. Chinese officials have not acknowledged the incident. In other news, global launch providers, especially SpaceX and China, have been busier than ever, with 2023 marking a record-breaking year for orbital launches. Rocket propulsion startup Ursa Major also announced $138 million in fundraising for its Lynx solid rocket motor program.
Capcom has confirmed that more Resident Evil remakes will be made in the future, although the specific game to be revamped next is unknown. Yasuhiro Anpo, one of the directors of the upcoming Resident Evil 4 remake, expressed the company's interest in making more remakes during a PlayStation event. The existing remakes have been well-received, and the developers are grateful for user opinions. The Resident Evil 4 remake has been nominated for Game of the Year at The Game Awards.
A new Android malware called FjordPhantom has been discovered, which uses virtualization to evade detection and steal money from users' bank accounts. It primarily targets users in Southeast Asian countries and spreads through phishing emails, SMS messages, and chat apps. The malware is capable of bypassing security checks and accessing banking apps, allowing threat actors to perform on-device fraud and steal banking credentials. Users are advised to only download apps from trusted sources and be cautious of app reviews and download counts.
Microsoft has introduced a "compact mode" for the Xbox app on PC, targeting handheld gaming devices running Windows. The mode collapses the sidebar into icons, freeing up screen real estate for compact displays. Microsoft plans to work with device manufacturers to enable compact mode by default on gaming handhelds. This move suggests that Microsoft is committed to improving the Windows gaming experience on handheld devices, potentially paving the way for a dedicated handheld mode for Windows 11.
Elon Musk unveiled Tesla's new Cybertruck at its Gigafactory in Texas, revealing pricing details and specifications for the electric pickup truck. The Cybertruck will start at $60,990 and offer a range of 250 miles. The top spec CyberBeast model will cost $99,900 with a range of 320 miles. The truck also features an optional battery pack for extended range and has advanced features such as air suspension and power-sharing capabilities. However, it remains unclear if the Cybertruck will be available in markets outside of the US, Canada, and Mexico.
Microsoft Gaming CEO, Phil Spencer, has revealed that Xbox is in talks with partners to potentially launch its own mobile gaming store. Spencer stated that mobile gaming is an important part of their strategy and that they are actively working on it, aiming to make Xbox "strong across many screens." This comes shortly after Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard King, which has notable experience in mobile gaming. Spencer believes that Xbox's own mobile gaming store could arrive sooner than later.
NASA and IBM are collaborating on an AI model for weather and climate applications, aiming to improve meteorological predictions. Unlike current AI models that are limited to weather forecasting, the new model is expected to offer significant advancements by inferring high-resolution information based on low-resolution data. The model could have applications in predicting phenomena such as airplane turbulence and wildfires.
Zyxel has addressed six vulnerabilities affecting two of its network-attached storage (NAS) devices. Three of the flaws are categorized as critical severity and allow threat actors to run OS commands without authentication, potentially installing malware or extracting information. The bugs have been identified as CVE-2023-35137, CVE-2023-35138, CVE-2023-37927, CVE-2023-37928, CVE-2023-4473, and CVE-2023-4474. Upgrading to recommended firmware versions is the only way to fix the issues. NAS devices are commonly used by small and medium-sized businesses, making them attractive targets for cybercriminals.
https://www.techradar.com/news/new-disney-plus-movies
Disney Plus has added a range of new movies to its streaming platform since October, including Kenneth Branagh's Hercule Poirot film "A Haunting in Venice." Other additions include "Dashing Through the Snow," "Spider-Man: Far From Home," "Quiz Lady," "Appendage," "The Boogeyman," "Mrs. Doubtfire," and "Haunted Mansion." A list of upcoming releases on Disney Plus, including "Indiana Jones 5," is also provided.
The upcoming Samsung Galaxy S24 series smartphones have passed through Federal Communications Commission (FCC) registration in the US, providing more details about the chipsets and accessories. The filings suggest that the phones will feature Qualcomm processors, with the Galaxy S24 Ultra including an S Pen. The smartphones are expected to be unveiled on January 17, and further information is likely to be revealed before then as the devices appear in various regulatory listings worldwide.
Telegram has introduced new features to its Android and iOS messaging apps, including voice transcriptions for non-paying users. The voice-to-text transcription feature, previously exclusive to Telegram Premium subscribers, will now be available to all users, although free users will be limited to transcribing two messages per week. Other updates include Similar Channels, the ability to boost the audience of loved ones or favorite channels, and cosmetic adjustments such as customizable wallpapers and profile pages.
Max's ad-free grace period for previous subscribers is ending, and subscribers will need to pay for the 'Ultimate' subscription tier if they want to retain 4K and HDR streaming. The $15.99 tier will no longer include access to these features, but will continue to charge the same amount. Additionally, subscribers will lose the ability to watch up to three streams simultaneously.
Apple has released updates for iOS, iPadOS, and macOS to fix two zero-day vulnerabilities in its WebKit browser engine. The flaws have already been exploited in the wild, posing a risk to user data. Users are advised to download the updates immediately to ensure device security.
TikTok has committed to investing €12 billion ($13 billion) in building data centers across Europe as part of its Project Clover program. The investment aims to address privacy and security concerns raised after it was revealed that Chinese workers could access user data in other regions. TikTok's Norway data center is set to become the largest colocation facility in Europe to run on 100% renewable energy by 2030.
Apple TV Plus has decided not to renew the high-school basketball drama, Swagger, for a third season. Despite receiving rave reviews and having a devoted audience, the show will not be continuing. Series creator Reggie Rock Bythewood expressed gratitude for the opportunity to make the show and thanked Apple for their support.
https://www.techradar.com/news/new-netflix-movies
This article provides a list of new movies available on Netflix since mid-October. It includes a variety of genres, including comedy, drama, thriller, and sci-fi. Some notable films mentioned are "Leo," starring Adam Sandler, "Rustin," a film about activist Bayard Rustin, and "The Killer," a thriller directed by David Fincher. The article also mentions upcoming releases like "Family Switch," "Maestro," and "Rebel Moon."
https://www.techradar.com/pro/microsoft-is-investing-billions-to-bring-ai-to-the-uk
Microsoft has announced its plans to invest £2.5 billion ($3.2bn) in the UK to expand its AI datacenter infrastructure, enhance skills, and improve security. The investment aims to bring advanced GPUs to various sites across the UK by 2026 and will benefit both the public and private sectors. Microsoft is also committed to upskilling one million people in preparation for AI and ensuring the safe and responsible use of the technology.
The iPhone 16 models are rumored to feature an Action button with customizable shortcuts, according to MacRumors. The button may be capacitive, providing haptic feedback when pressed. Internal documentation also mentions "tact-switching functionality," although the exact meaning is unclear. Additionally, the iPhone 16 line is said to include a new Capture button, while the iPhone SE 4 may also incorporate the Action button in 2025.
https://www.techradar.com/gaming/pc-gaming/sons-of-the-forest-10-release-date-is-just-on-the-horizon
Endnight Games has announced that the survival horror game Sons of the Forest will be officially released on February 23, 2024, after being in early access since February 2023. The game will feature new content and the voice acting of X-Men star Shawn Ashmore. Fans of the previous game, The Forest, can expect more references and lore related to the character Timmy.
The official announcement of Season One of Modern Warfare 3, the latest Call of Duty game, has finally arrived, promising one of the biggest seasonal content drops in years. The update includes four new multiplayer maps, new multiplayer modes, and new weapons. The battle royale mode in Warzone also receives a major rework, and the Zombies mode gets new missions and challenges.
Blink's video doorbell and outdoor smart security camera bundle is currently on sale for $100 (68% off) for Prime Members. The bundle includes two fourth-generation outdoor cameras that offer improved image quality and low-light sensitivity. The devices come with batteries, a Sync Module 2, mounting kits, and a power adapter. The video doorbell and cameras allow you to hear and speak with visitors, and clips can be stored in the cloud with a trial subscription.
The Call of Duty team has responded to complaints about skill-based matchmaking (SBMM) and promised to address the issue. SBMM is a system that pairs players with similar skill levels, but many players have criticized it for various reasons, including difficulty playing with friends of different skill levels. The team acknowledged the importance of the matchmaking experience and stated that they have been working on improving the system for over 10 years. They also plan to share their insights into SBMM with players in the coming weeks.
Windows 11 laptops may soon benefit from improved battery life with the introduction of a new feature called "Energy Saver." In testing, the feature limits background activities to conserve power, although it may result in slower performance. It can be set to activate automatically or manually, and is also available for desktop PCs. The full details of the feature can be found in a blog post by Microsoft.
The first trailer for "Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga" has been released, giving fans a glimpse of the highly anticipated prequel to the "Mad Max" film franchise. The film stars Anya Taylor-Joy as the titular character and features high-octane action and stunning cinematography. Directed by George Miller, the film is set to be released in May 2024.
https://www.theverge.com/2023/12/1/23983835/ia-writer-generative-ai-authorship
The latest version of iA Writer, a minimalist writing software, has introduced a feature that clearly marks text contributed by AI systems. Users can choose to have AI-generated text greyed out, allowing them to easily distinguish between their original work and AI-generated content. The feature aims to encourage users to use AI as a "dialog partner" rather than a "ghostwriter." iA Writer plans to expand this feature to other platforms in the future and is open to collaborating with other apps to establish it as a standard.
Roku is introducing two new home screen destinations, "All Things Food" and "All Things Home," to make it easier for users to discover cooking, home improvement, and gardening shows and movies. These sections will offer a mix of promoted content and personalized recommendations. The move comes in response to user feedback indicating that many people find it difficult and time-consuming to find new content to watch. The new destinations are initially rolling out to US customers, with no confirmation yet for availability in the UK.
https://www.techradar.com/news/nyt-connections-answers-today
The article provides hints and answers for the NYT Connections puzzle for November 30. The puzzle requires finding groups of four items with something in common, and there are hints to help solve the puzzle. The difficulty level varies, and there are four mistakes allowed. The article also mentions the daily reset of the puzzle and suggests checking back for more help.
Benchmark, the Silicon Valley venture capital firm known for its investments in Uber and Dropbox, discussed various topics during an interview at the Slush event in Helsinki. The partners spoke about the significance of the event, the soaring valuations in recent years and the challenge of living through a general downturn and a boom in AI investing simultaneously. They also highlighted their belief that closed large language model companies won't be the ultimate winners in the AI sector, and stressed the importance of open source and developer-driven innovation. Additionally, they reflected on missed investment opportunities and the role of board seats in the VC industry, and provided advice on valuations and capital raising for startups.
Capcom has announced that the long-awaited VR Mode update for Resident Evil 4 will be released on December 8 for owners of the PSVR 2 headset. The update will be available as a free download for PS5 owners of the game, with a demo version also being released on the same day for non-owners. The VR Mode features the entire main campaign of the game in virtual reality, providing a much-anticipated addition for PSVR 2 users.
Larian Studios has announced that Baldur's Gate 3 will receive improved romantic scenes for all romanceable companions. The studio is actively working on adding new animations and unique snogging methods for the game's characters. Patch 5 has already brought subtle improvements to romance options, including improved kisses and cinematic tweaks to intimate scenes. The update also includes a new epilogue and quality-of-life changes. Fans of the game can expect more exciting updates in the future.
Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl has been voted the most-wanted game by the PC Gaming Show: Most Wanted council. The CEO of GSC Game World, Evgeniy Grygorovych, thanked fans for their support and dedication, stating that their passion has guided them throughout the journey. The game is set to release in Q1 2024.
Unable to Summarize Article
https://techcrunch.com/2023/12/01/smartphone-sales-to-rebound-on-ai-gains-morgan-stanley-says/
According to projections by Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley, smartphone sales are expected to make a comeback in 2024, defying predictions of a prolonged slump in the mobile sector. Morgan Stanley's report predicts a rebound in global smartphone shipments by nearly 4% in 2024 and 4.4% in 2025, fueled by new on-device AI capabilities. Smartphone makers including Apple, Vivo, Xiaomi, and Samsung are expressing optimism about the potential of AI. Goldman Sachs estimates a dip in global smartphone volumes in 2023, followed by a rebuild of momentum in 2024 and 2025, driven by new product launches.
According to Bloomberg, Huawei has been developing a self-sufficient chip network with the help of a Shenzhen city government investment fund. The network would give Huawei access to enterprises that are crucial for developing lithography machines, a technology that is currently restricted by US, Netherlands, and Japan sanctions. Huawei has reportedly transferred patents and employed former employees of Dutch lithography specialist, ASML, to work on this project. The company's progress in developing its own chip network could reduce its reliance on imported components and boost the Chinese chip industry.
https://gizmodo.com/google-messages-1-billion-rcs-users-1851063602
Google is celebrating the success of its messaging platform, RCS, by announcing new features for Messages users on Android. These include Photomoji for making emoji reactions from pictures, Voice Moods with added art to voice messages, improved voice message quality, and Screen Effects with vibrant animations for frequently used words. Additional features such as animated emojis and customizable conversations are also included. The updates are being rolled out to beta users first before reaching all RCS users.
WhatsApp is enhancing its Chat Lock feature with Secret Codes that will hide private chat rooms. This feature allows users to create a separate password from their phone's unlock password, adding an extra layer of privacy. The locked folder can be made to disappear and reappear by entering the Secret Code in the search bar. This update is for WhatsApp on mobile only and will be rolled out globally in the coming months.
Defense tech startup Anduril has developed a new product called Roadrunner, an autonomous vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) air vehicle designed to counter low-cost, high-powered aerial threats. It also has a variant called Roadrunner-Munition (Roadrunner-M), which is a "high-explosive interceptor" capable of carrying a warhead and defensively destroying threats. Roadrunner offers faster launch time, increased payload capacity, range, and maneuverability compared to legacy systems. It can be controlled by Anduril's AI-powered command and control software and provides operators with the ability to act immediately without the fear of losing an expensive asset.
https://gizmodo.com/furiosa-trailer-breakdown-mad-max-fury-road-taylor-joy-1851063821
The first trailer for George Miller's Furiosa has been released, giving fans a glimpse into the story of the film. Anya Taylor-Joy plays a young Furiosa, alongside Chris Hemsworth as a warlord. The trailer teases a post-apocalyptic wasteland filled with action-packed scenes and a narrative centered around Furiosa's journey to find her way home. The film is set to be released on May 24, 2024.
A US District Judge has issued a preliminary injunction blocking Montana's ban of TikTok, set to take effect on January 1, 2024. The judge stated that the ban infringes on the constitutional rights of users and oversteps state power. This decision could have implications for TikTok's future in other states.
https://arstechnica.com/?p=1987731
Researchers from Google's Threat Analysis Group have discovered three high-severity zero-day vulnerabilities being actively exploited in Apple's operating systems and the Chrome browser. Apple has released security updates fixing two vulnerabilities in WebKit, while Google has fixed seven vulnerabilities, including one zero-day, in Chrome. Both companies are automatically pushing the updates to affected devices, but users can manually install them as well.
Elon Musk has handed over the first Cybertrucks to a select group of customers in a live-streamed event. The Tesla Cybertruck will be available in three configurations, with prices ranging from $60,990 to $99,990. The truck features a range of up to 470 miles and a towing capacity of 11,000 pounds. It includes various interior features such as touchscreen displays, a 15-speaker sound system, and a built-in air filter. However, it is more expensive than initially announced in 2019.
https://www.theverge.com/2023/11/30/23983452/furiosa-mad-max-trailer
The first trailer for the upcoming Mad Max: Fury Road spin-off, Furiosa, showcases a younger version of the beloved character, played by Anya Taylor-Joy. Set in a post-apocalyptic world where resources are scarce, Furiosa must fight for her life after being kidnapped by warlord Dementus, portrayed by Chris Hemsworth. The trailer offers little detail on the time frame of the story, but promises a thrilling and ruthless fight for freedom. Furiosa is set to release on May 24th, 2024.
https://gizmodo.com/google-messages-1-billion-rcs-users-1851063602
Google is celebrating the success of its RCS messaging platform by announcing new features for Messages users on Android. These include Photomoji, Voice Moods, Screen Effects, Animated Emojis, Profiles, and Custom Bubbles. While some of the features are similar to those on other messaging apps, Google aims to solidify its position in the messaging market and compete with Apple's iMessage. The features will roll out to all RCS users but are currently available to beta users.
https://www.techradar.com/news/live/aws-reinvent-2023-all-the-news-updates-and-more
Unable to Summarize Article
https://www.theverge.com/2023/11/30/23983452/furiosa-mad-max-trailer
The upcoming Mad Max spin-off film, "Furiosa," promises to deliver everything fans have been waiting for. The trailer introduces a younger version of the iconic character, played by Anya Taylor-Joy, as she fights for her life in a post-apocalyptic world. The film is set to release on May 24th, 2024.
https://gizmodo.com/columbia-star-wars-rebel-pilot-skywalker-collection-1851063056
Columbia Sportswear has collaborated with Lucasfilm to release a special-edition line inspired by Luke Skywalker's flight suit. The ski resort and snow gear collection will be available online and in select Columbia store locations from December 1. The brand worked closely with Lucasfilm to ensure accuracy in the costume design, with several Easter eggs included.
During Tesla's Cybertruck delivery event, the company revealed key specifications for the final production versions of the electric pickup. The high-priced Cyberbeast variant is estimated to have a range of 320 miles, weigh 6,843 lbs, and have a towing capacity of 11,000 lbs. It is slightly shorter and faster than competitors such as Ford's F-150 Lightning and Rivian's R1T.
https://venturebeat.com/games/pc-gaming-show-honors-stalker-2-as-most-wanted-pc-game-of-2024/
GSC Game World's Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl has been voted as the most anticipated game of 2024 by PC Gamer's Council. The game was awarded the top honor at the PC Gaming Show's Most Wanted event. Other games on the list include Hades II, Grand Theft Auto VI, Hollow Knight: Silksong, Tekken 8, and Dragon's Dogma 2. GSC Game World released a story trailer to celebrate the award.
https://www.techradar.com/computing/websites-apps/quordle-today-answers-clues-1-december-2023
The article provides hints and answers for the word game Quordle, including the number of vowels, repeated letters, and different letters used in the game. It also shares strategies for playing Quordle effectively.
https://gizmodo.com/giant-stone-age-cemetery-arctic-circle-prehistory-1851062402
A Stone Age cemetery in Finland, dating back 6,500 years, contains at least 120 human remains, three times previous estimates. Although the acidic soil destroyed the remains, archaeologists have identified pits in the area that suggest burials. Further excavations and analysis of soil samples could provide more insight into the ancient society.
https://www.techradar.com/news/wordle-today
Wordle players can find helpful hints and the answer to today's puzzle on TechRadar's website. The hints cover vowels, starting and ending letters, and more. The article also features insights from TechRadar's UK Editor in Chief, who has been playing Wordle for over a year and provides analysis of previous answers.
https://gizmodo.com/furiosa-trailer-mad-max-fury-road-george-miller-anya-1851058758
The first trailer for the highly anticipated prequel to Mad Max: Fury Road, titled Furiosa, has been released. The film follows Charlize Theron's iconic character before her adventures with Max, this time played by Anya Taylor-Joy. Director George Miller is set to deliver another chaotic masterpiece when the film hits theaters on May 24, 2024.
https://arstechnica.com/?p=1987721
Valve Software will no longer support macOS High Sierra and Mojave on its Steam gaming platform starting February 15, 2024. This change means the end of support for 32-bit games on these operating systems. Users may face security risks and Steam won't guarantee functionality or offer technical support for these versions. The move is in response to Google ending support for the same macOS versions in Chrome.
Defense startup Epirus, Inc. has announced a change in leadership, with CEO Ken Bedingfield leaving to join an unnamed public company. Bedingfield will be replaced by COO Andy Lowery. Epirus specializes in developing "directed-energy" weapons to counter drones and other aerial vehicles. The company recently secured a $66 million contract from the U.S. Army and closed a $200 million Series C funding round last year.
Tesla has finally delivered the long-delayed production Cybertrucks to its first buyers in a livestream event. The Cybertruck, known for its controversial design, has been touted as bulletproof and a vehicle that promises survivability from semi-automatic firearms. Critics argue that the vehicle promotes wealth inequality and dangerous driving behavior, while also highlighting the growing risks to pedestrians and traffic safety.
https://gizmodo.com/bottlenose-dolphins-can-sense-electricity-study-finds-1851062859
New research suggests that bottlenose dolphins have the ability to sense electricity, allowing them to find hidden fish and navigate using the Earth's magnetic field. The study, involving trained zoo dolphins, found that the dolphins' electroreception is likely governed by anatomical structures called vibrissal crypts. The research highlights that there is still much to learn about these marine mammals and opens up new avenues for investigating their sensory abilities.
https://gizmodo.com/chatgpt-one-year-anniversary-look-back-1851063337
ChatGPT, OpenAI's language model, celebrates its one-year anniversary. Initially released as a desperate move to generate interest in AI due to technical roadblocks, ChatGPT became a major success story, revolutionizing public perception of artificial intelligence. Despite challenges with safety measures and concerns about AI's potential dangers, ChatGPT amassed over 100 million users and contributed to OpenAI's $29 billion valuation. The year also saw controversies surrounding Microsoft's AI-powered Bing Chat and leadership upheavals at OpenAI.
https://www.theverge.com/2023/11/30/23982915/gmail-outage-issues-delaying-emails
Gmail experienced delays in sending emails for several hours on Thursday. Google confirmed the issue and later stated that it had been resolved for most affected users. A few users may have experienced delays until the full mitigation was completed. Google plans to conduct an investigation and publish an analysis of the incident.
https://www.theverge.com/23983216/resident-evil-4-remake-vr-mode-release-date-psvr
The PS5 version of Resident Evil 4 will receive a free update on December 8th, adding VR mode to the game. The VR experience will allow players to see the world through the eyes of protagonist Leon S. Kennedy with the PlayStation VR2. Additionally, a shooting range game mode will help players adjust to the controls. The game is also set to debut on the Apple iPhone 15 Pro.
https://venturebeat.com/games/gearbox-and-blackbird-announce-homeworld-3-launches-on-march-8/
As a journalist, it is important to accurately and succinctly summarize texts. Without knowing the specific text you are referring to, I am unable to provide a summary. However, if you provide me with the text, I would be more than happy to help you summarize it.
https://arstechnica.com/?p=1987576
Reddit has unveiled its refreshed branding, featuring a new 3D mascot called Snoo and new typefaces called Reddit Display and Reddit Sans. The update also includes new conversation bubble colors. The company hopes the rebrand will better reflect how its growing user base engages with the platform. Additionally, Reddit is focusing on international expansion as it aims to bring an "international-first mindset" to its growth efforts. The updates could potentially boost Reddit's appeal to investors, as the company reportedly plans to file for an IPO in 2024.
https://arstechnica.com/?p=1987661
Tesla has delivered the first 10 production Cybertrucks to customers at an event livestreamed on CEO Elon Musk's social media network. The demo video showcased the truck's capabilities, including its stainless steel alloy body and allegedly bulletproof glass. Tesla also released pricing and specifications for different variants of the Cybertruck.
https://arstechnica.com/?p=1987481
A recently filed US patent for an "Automatic Transmission System for a Bicycle" has caught the attention of cycling enthusiasts. The system, if produced at scale, could potentially revolutionize the way bikes shift gears by allowing the chainring and rear gear to expand and contract based on torque. This innovation could make cycling uphill or across flats easier without much effort from the rider. However, the prototype may still require further development and refinement.
https://techcrunch.com/2023/11/30/teslas-cheapest-cybertruck-wont-drop-until-2025/
Tesla has announced that the cheapest variant of its Cybertruck, priced at $39,900, will not be available until 2025 and not in 2022 as originally planned. The delays are attributed to various factors, including the impact of the pandemic and production issues related to the Cybertruck's steel body. The revised price estimate for the single-motor Cybertruck is now $57,390, making it more expensive than competing electric pickups from Ford and Chevrolet.
World leaders will gather in Dubai from November 30 to December 12 for the United Nations climate conference, COP28, to discuss the possible phase-out of fossil fuels, reparations for climate-fueled disasters, and financing for adaptation efforts. The negotiations, presided over by an oil baron, are expected to be intense. The outcomes of the conference will have global consequences.
https://gizmodo.com/gmail-experiences-delayed-deliveries-service-issue-1851063425
Google experienced significant delays with Gmail on Thursday, affecting emails sent between 11:30 AM EST and 2:00 PM EST. While new emails should not have been impacted, older emails may have been delayed. Google suggested users retry sending any emails from that timeframe. The issue affected an estimated 1.8 billion Gmail users worldwide. Google has since resolved the issue for most users and is conducting an internal investigation. Friday is the last day to activate old Gmail accounts before they are deactivated permanently.
https://www.theverge.com/2023/11/30/23979812/tesla-cybertruck-order-price-how-to-buy
Tesla has reopened preorders for its Cybertruck, inviting interested buyers to place a $250 refundable deposit. The electric pickup truck can now be configured with options for rear-wheel drive, all-wheel drive, or a high-end "Cyberbeast" version, starting at $60,990. Tesla CEO Elon Musk confirmed over 1 million preorders, with deliveries expected in 2022. The Cybertruck is one of the first announced all-electric pickup trucks for consumers, entering a market that now includes Ford's F-150 Lightning and Rivian's R1T.
Tesla has begun delivering its highly anticipated Cybertruck to customers, including Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian and venture capitalist Phillip Sarofim. The electric pickup truck, with its bulletproof exterior and futuristic design, will be available in three configurations, ranging in price from $60,990 to $99,990, with different ranges and towing capacities. The Cybertruck features an 18.5-inch touchscreen, a 15-speaker sound system, and a 2,500-pound payload capacity. The first deliveries come six years after Elon Musk first tweeted about building a truck and four years since its debut.
https://venturebeat.com/games/phoenix-labs-reveals-fae-farms-first-dlc-coasts-of-croakia/
As a journalist, it is essential to summarize information accurately and concisely. However, I cannot provide a summary without the text you want me to summarize. Please provide the text, and I'll be happy to help you with a 50-word summary.
https://gizmodo.com/only-murders-in-building-hulu-original-abc-broadcast-1851062663
ABC is set to air the first three episodes of the Hulu Original comedy series "Only Murders in the Building" in early 2024. The show, starring Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez, follows three New York City neighbors investigating a murder through a true-crime podcast. This move follows the trend of networks airing shows from their affiliated streaming platforms.
https://gizmodo.com/doctor-who-christmas-special-first-look-ncuti-gatwa-bbc-1851063165
The BBC has revealed details about Doctor Who's Christmas Day special, titled "The Church on Ruby Road." The episode will feature Ncuti Gatwa as the 15th Doctor and Millie Gibson as his companion, Ruby Sunday. The storyline revolves around Ruby's encounter with the Doctor and their ensuing adventure. The special also includes Michelle Greenidge, Angela Wynter, Anita Dobson, and Davina McCall. The episode will air on Christmas Day on BBC One and iPlayer in the UK and Ireland, as well as worldwide on Disney+.
Apple released updates for iOS, iPadOS, and macOS to patch two zero-day security vulnerabilities that were actively being exploited in the wild. The flaws, discovered by researcher Clément Lecigne of Google's Threat Analysis Group, affected WebKit, the browser framework powering Safari. Users are advised to update their devices immediately to protect against potential attacks.
https://techcrunch.com/2023/11/30/crypto-saw-lots-of-chaos-charges-and-price-changes-in-november/
In this week's edition of Chain Reaction, the focus is on Optimism, an Ethereum-focused layer-2 blockchain that aims to improve scalability and reduce costs for users. CEO Jing Wang and Chief Growth Officer Ryan Wyatt discuss how Optimism and other layer-2 blockchains are addressing scalability challenges on Ethereum, as well as their growth opportunities.
A former program manager at Blue Origin has filed a lawsuit against the company, claiming retaliation for whistleblowing on safety concerns and a hostile work environment. The complaint details the program manager's efforts to escalate these concerns to higher-ups, including allegations of the CEO's behavior causing safety violations. Blue Origin's contract with United Launch Alliance required communication of issues that could impact rocket delivery, but the CEO allegedly instructed the program manager not to share these concerns. Blue Origin's internal investigation found no violation of company policies, but the lawsuit claims bias in the handling of the case.
Tesla has announced a new feature called "Powershare" for its Cybertruck, allowing owners to use the electric truck as a mobile generator to power camping equipment, tools, or even their entire home during a blackout. The truck also includes a 240-volt outlet in the rear bed for charging other EVs. This bidirectional charging capability puts out 11.5kW, surpassing competitors like the Ford F-150 Lightning and GMC Sierra Denali EV. Tesla CEO Elon Musk had previously expressed skepticism about bidirectional charging but has now embraced the feature.
https://techcrunch.com/2023/11/30/optimism-ethereum-future-scaling/
Optimism, a layer-2 blockchain, is focused on scaling, speeding up, and reducing costs for Ethereum users. Its CEO, Jing Wang, believes in maintaining Ethereum's decentralization values while addressing these issues. The platform aims to make Ethereum transactions cheaper and offers developers a faster and scalable way to build dApps.
https://gizmodo.com/meta-sues-ftc-demands-right-to-profit-from-kids-data-1851062912
Meta, formerly known as Facebook, has sued the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to challenge the agency's authority to modify a 2020 settlement over privacy protections for children. After facing allegations of violating the original settlement, Meta argues that the FTC has exceeded its powers. The company claims that the FTC's attempts to enforce new privacy protections are "without merit" and encroach on its property rights. The outcome of this legal battle will determine how Meta can profit from children's data on its platform.
https://www.theverge.com/2023/11/30/23983014/playstation-portal-stick-drift-repairability-ifixit
Sony's new PlayStation Portal handheld gaming device has been praised for its easily repairable thumbsticks. In a teardown video by iFixit, it was found that the thumbsticks can be accessed and removed with minimal effort using just a screwdriver. Unlike Sony's DualSense controllers, the thumbsticks on the Portal are not soldered to the motherboard, making them easier to replace. This is good news for consumers who have been dealing with stick drift issues on their controllers. However, replacing the Portal's rumble packs still requires the use of a soldering iron.
https://gizmodo.com/potential-magnetic-storm-aurora-1851062876
A strong geomagnetic storm, resulting from a solar flare, is expected to hit Earth tonight. The storm may generate visible auroras over the upper Midwest region of the United States, depending on local weather conditions. Solar flares can disrupt radio communications, power grids, and satellite operations. Scientists at NOAA are monitoring data to track the storm's arrival.
https://gizmodo.com/marvel-studios-disney-marvel-comics-style-gift-guide-1851060065
This holiday season, retailers like BoxLunch, RSVLTS, Loungefly, Chewy, and Heroes & Villains offer a wide range of gifts inspired by Marvel characters. From accessories to baby outfits to pet gifts, there's something for everyone. Check out the Marvel style gift guide on io9's website for the perfect presents.
Google is introducing new customization options on its Messages app to celebrate reaching one billion monthly active users. The update includes features reminiscent of Apple's Messages app, such as the ability to use clipped parts of a photograph as emoji reactions and the addition of profiles with introductory biographies. Other features include animated screen effects, voice moods, custom chat color schemes, and reaction effects. Some features are still in beta and require becoming a beta tester for Google Messages. Google is also adding new features to other Android platforms.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk has delivered the first Cybertruck EVs to customers, marking the end of years of production delays. The company has also revealed pricing for the luxury electric truck, ranging from $60,990 to $100,000 MSRP, with potential savings from rebates and tax credits. The launch of an online configurator tool allows prospective buyers to place orders.
Tesla has delivered its highly anticipated Cybertruck to its first customers, four years after its debut. The truck's pricing, range, and features have been updated, with the rear-wheel drive version starting at $60,990. However, the unique design and production challenges may limit the truck's success in the highly competitive truck market, with Tesla not expected to sell as many units as traditional manufacturers like Ford and Chevy. Nonetheless, the Cybertruck could still be a hit in terms of sales.
https://gizmodo.com/microsoft-phone-link-android-webcam-1851061515
Microsoft's Link to Windows app may soon allow Android users to turn their smartphones into webcams for PCs. Code in the app suggests that Android phones could be used as webcams for video calling and streaming, potentially eliminating the need for a separate camera. The feature could be limited to certain devices and may not be available for iOS users.
Canadian startup Wombo has launched Wombo Me, an AI avatar app that turns a single selfie into multiple lifelike avatars almost instantly. Unlike other similar apps, Wombo Me only requires one selfie and offers a streamlined experience for generating lifelike avatars. Users can share the avatars on social media and use them on platforms like LinkedIn and Tinder. The app also allows users to try different hairstyles, makeup trends, and even reimagine themselves as enchanted characters or celebrities. Wombo Me is available on iOS and Android.
https://gizmodo.com/elon-musk-makes-first-deliveries-cybertruck-price-range-1851062357
Tesla has delivered its first Cybertrucks in Austin, Texas, four years after their unveiling. Elon Musk showcased the truck's features, including its bulletproof capabilities, during the delivery event. Despite production challenges and delays, there is still significant interest in the Cybertruck, with 2 million reservations reported. Analysts predict that around 40% of these reservations will convert into actual deliveries. Mass production of the truck is expected to start in 2025.
The long-awaited Tesla Cybertruck has been delivered to its first customers, four years after its debut. The truck's pricing, range, and features have been updated, with prices starting at $60,990 for the rear-wheel drive version. The unique design and production challenges have led some experts to believe that the Cybertruck will serve as a halo vehicle, attracting customers to Tesla's more practical models. Despite high demand, Tesla is not expected to produce a large volume of trucks, and its polarizing design may limit its appeal in the competitive truck market.
https://venturebeat.com/games/grid-riot-games-esports-data-platform-strategic-investment/
As a journalist, it is not possible for me to provide a summary of a text without knowing what the text is about. Please provide the text so that I can assist you in summarizing it.
As a journalist, you are expected to write your own text for me to summarize. Please provide the text you would like me to summarize, and I will be happy to help you with a 50-word summary.
Tesla has finally delivered its long-awaited Cybertruck to its first batch of customers. The electric truck, with its polarizing design and delayed production, has raised questions about its appeal and success in the highly competitive truck market. While the Cybertruck may attract customers to Tesla, it is not expected to reach the sales volumes of traditional truck manufacturers like Ford and Chevy. The focus now turns to Tesla's production capabilities and how it competes with other electric trucks on the market.
https://techcrunch.com/2023/11/30/yieldstreet-to-acquire-real-estate-investment-platform-cadre/
Alternative investment platform Yieldstreet has announced its acquisition of online real estate investment platform Cadre. The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Yieldstreet, founded in 2015, provides investment opportunities in areas such as real estate, maritime, legal finance, and commercial loans. Cadre, founded in 2014, connects accredited investors with real estate operators. The two companies have a collective investment value of over $9.7bn. Cadre CEO Ryan Williams will continue in his role and also take on the position of Yieldstreet's global head of Institutional Partnerships & Clients.
https://arstechnica.com/?p=1987298
OpenAI's ChatGPT, a language model-based chatbot, has made a significant impact on the tech industry since its release one year ago. It has changed public perception of AI, attracted critics, and sparked discussions about AGI and government regulation. Despite limitations, ChatGPT has proven to be a useful tool for certain tasks and remains a frontrunner in the field of AI language models.
https://arstechnica.com/?p=1987594
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed a stricter rule on lead in drinking water in the US. The rule would require the replacement of all lead service lines within 10 years and lower the lead action level from 15 parts per billion to 10 parts per billion. Lead exposure can have severe health effects, particularly in children. The EPA estimates that the rule will generate economic benefits of between $9.8 billion to $34.8 billion each year, but it will cost $20 billion to $30 billion to replace the pipes. The Biden administration aims to reduce lead exposure and advance environmental justice.
https://gizmodo.com/x-men-blue-origin-retcon-nightcrawler-mystique-lgbtq-1851062579
In the latest X-Men comic, Nightcrawler and Mystique's complicated relationship is explored, revealing a new backstory that embraces their queer identities. The comic also rewrites the controversial storyline "The Draco," which suggested Mystique abandoned Nightcrawler after his demonic birth. The new narrative establishes Mystique and her lover, Destiny, as Kurt's parents, and highlights their enduring love throughout the centuries. These changes reflect the increasing openness in addressing queer relationships in Marvel comics.
https://www.engadget.com/tiktoks-new-profile-tools-are-just-for-musicians-201723244.html?src=rss
TikTok has launched Artist Accounts, offering musicians tools to curate their profiles and boost discoverability. Artists can add an artist tag, pin a tune, and have their new content tagged as 'new' for up to 14 days before and 30 days after its release. Over 70,000 artists are already using these tools on TikTok.
Spine is an upcoming cyberpunk-style third-person shooter developed by Nekki. The game follows a rebel named Redline and her enhanced backbone called Spine, as they fight against an oppressive government. With creative camera angles and intense fight scenes, the game aims to create a high-stakes action movie experience. Spine is scheduled for release in 2025 on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
https://www.theverge.com/2023/11/30/23980053/tesla-cybertruck-delivery-event-elon-musk-live
Tesla is finally delivering the long-awaited Cybertruck at a launch event in Austin, Texas. The event is expected to provide updated details on the vehicle's specifications, pricing, and production. Despite delays and manufacturing complications, ten customers are set to take delivery of their Cybertrucks. The unique design of the electric pickup truck has generated significant interest, even after the infamous "armor glass" demonstration mishap.
https://techcrunch.com/2023/11/30/this-is-unsustainable/
At TechCrunch Disrupt, founders claim to care about climate change, but AI analysis reveals that less than 1% of pitch decks mention the environment or sustainability. The author argues that founders have the power to shape their companies and should take a stand on important issues, including climate change, by incorporating them into their mission statements and pitch decks.
Steam has released an official tool, Steam Link, that allows Meta Quest VR headset users to wirelessly stream PC VR games from their Steam library directly to the headset. While a capable PC is still required, the tool eliminates the need for a physical connection via a link cable. The tool requires a 5GHz WiFi router and is available for Meta Quest 2, 3, and Pro models.
China is assembling the world's first commercial underwater data center off the coast of Sanya. The data center, consisting of 100 units and spanning 68,000 square meters, will utilize freezing seawater for cooling, saving 122 million kWh of electricity and 105,000 tons of water annually. When completed, the facility is expected to be 40-60% more energy efficient than land-based data centers.
https://venturebeat.com/games/my-games-launches-hawked-into-early-access-on-steam/
As a journalist, my role is to gather and report information, not to summarize texts. Please provide me with the text you would like me to summarize, and I will be happy to assist you.
https://venturebeat.com/ai/a-year-ago-it-was-just-chatgpt-now-llms-are-everywhere/
Unable to Summarize Article
https://www.theverge.com/2023/11/30/23982661/baldurs-gate-3-patch-5-details
Patch 5 of Baldur's Gate 3 brings significant updates, including new difficulty modes, inventory management improvements, narrative epilogues, and customizable gameplay options. The update, released by Larian Studios, addresses player feedback and makes the game more enjoyable to play. Additionally, the patch requires 30 gigabytes of storage space.
https://gizmodo.com/these-penguins-nap-thousands-of-times-per-day-1851061942
Chinstrap penguins in Antarctica take thousands of micro-naps per day to ensure they get enough sleep while remaining vigilant. The penguins, which face threats from predators and disturbance by other penguins, take naps that last approximately four seconds each, totaling over 10,000 naps per day. Researchers studied the penguins' sleep patterns using electrodes and found that those in the center of the colony had more disturbed sleep due to interactions with other penguins.
Microsoft has allowed users of third-party cloud services to stream Xbox-owned games as part of their acquisition of Activision Blizzard. NVIDIA GeForce Now users can now play Call of Duty games, including Warzone, on their phones or tablets for free. Microsoft honored its agreements with cloud gaming services despite selling the cloud gaming rights for Activision Blizzard titles to Ubisoft.
Google has announced the launch of the new top-level .meme domain, providing a dedicated space for sharing memes. The domain will be publicly available from December 5th, with early access available for a fee. Google highlighted various meme-based websites as early adopters of the .meme domain. The move reflects the growing influence and popularity of memes in internet culture.
Formula E has made every race from its first nine seasons available to stream for free, totaling 116 races over 90 hours of action. The Race Replay archive can be accessed through Formula E's website and mobile app by registering for an account. Additionally, from the 2024 season onwards, races will be available to stream seven days after live airing. Streaming options will be expanded for fans in 2024, with Roku streaming 11 races live and Paramount+ streaming five races live as simulcasts with CBS. The new season of Formula E begins on January 13 in Mexico City.
https://arstechnica.com/?p=1987462
Google will start deleting inactive accounts on December 1 that have been inactive for at least two years. The company has been sending multiple notifications to these accounts leading up to the deletion. Google aims to free up storage space and combat spam by removing these accounts. YouTube accounts with public videos will be spared.
https://arstechnica.com/?p=1987451
Apple has announced a partnership with Amkor, a chip packaging company, to handle chip packaging for its upcoming Arizona-based facility. Amkor will invest $2 billion to build the facility, which is expected to be operational within the next two to three years. This move will allow Apple to manufacture chips in the US, reducing its reliance on chips made in Taiwan. The Arizona facility is scheduled to open in 2025.
https://arstechnica.com/?p=1987594
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed a stricter rule on lead in drinking water, requiring the replacement of all lead service lines in the US within 10 years. The proposed rule also aims to lower the current lead action level from 15 parts per billion to 10 parts per billion. This initiative is part of the Biden administration's efforts to reduce lead exposure, particularly in low-income communities and communities of color. The EPA estimates that the rule will generate economic benefits, but the cost of replacing the lead pipes is estimated to be between $20 billion and $30 billion over 10 years.
https://www.theverge.com/2023/11/30/23980053/tesla-cybertruck-delivery-event-elon-musk-live
Tesla is set to deliver its highly anticipated Cybertruck at a launch event in Austin, Texas. The unique design and polarizing features of the electric pickup truck have garnered significant interest, despite delays and production challenges. Ten customers will receive their Cybertrucks at the event, with updated details on specifications and pricing expected to be announced. Tesla's journey to this point has endured obstacles including supply chain shortages, manufacturing complications, and incidents at its Gigafactory in Austin.
https://www.theverge.com/2023/11/30/23982915/gmail-outage-issues-delaying-emails
Gmail is experiencing issues that may cause delays in sending emails. Google has acknowledged the problem, but no estimate for resolution has been provided. Some users have reported personal emails working fine, while workspace account emails are affected. Google has not commented further on the issue.
https://gizmodo.com/windows-holiday-ugly-sweater-bliss-hill-1851061500
Microsoft has released a Windows XP-inspired ugly holiday sweater featuring the iconic "Bliss" wallpaper as part of its nostalgia-driven merchandise. Though already sold out, the proceeds from this $75 item support The Nature Conservancy's climate change conservation efforts. Access to Bliss-themed content, including wallpaper downloads and lo-fi beats, is still available on the store page.
https://gizmodo.com/bobs-burgers-christmas-episodes-holiday-lessons-1851055356
Bob's Burgers has gifted viewers with a sleigh full of joy, cringe-worthy mishaps, and valuable lessons over its 14 seasons. From understanding the importance of family to embracing the Christmas spirit, each episode offers something unique. Despite the absence of a dedicated Christmas episode in season 14, fans can revisit past holiday-themed episodes while celebrating Thanksgiving, Valentine's Day, and Halloween.
https://gizmodo.com/xbox-game-pass-on-everything-nintendo-playstation-1851061784
During the 2023 Wells Fargo TMT Summit, Xbox CFO Tim Stuart expressed the company's goal of making Xbox Game Pass available on all platforms, including smart TVs and mobile devices. This shift in strategy reflects Microsoft's belief that the way players access games is rapidly changing. The recent acquisition of Activision Blizzard will also play a role in expanding the Game Pass library. Xbox aims to become the Netflix of game streaming services and outpace competitors like Nintendo and Sony.
US Senators John Kennedy and Jeff Merkley have introduced a bipartisan bill, the Traveler Privacy Protection Act, to halt involuntary facial recognition screening at airports. The bill would prevent the Transportation Security Administration from continuing or expanding its facial recognition program, require congressional permission for renewal, and mandate the disposal of all biometric data within three months. Other senators supporting the bill include Edward J. Markey, Roger Marshall, Bernie Sanders, and Elizabeth Warren. Advocacy groups, including the ACLU, Electronic Privacy Information Center, and Public Citizen, also back the bill.
Instagram's rival to Twitter, Threads, is expanding its keyword search feature to all markets where the app is available. With the addition of search capabilities in all languages, the app aims to serve a broader global audience. The expansion comes as Threads is reportedly nearing a launch in the European Union, where offering search capabilities in different languages would be crucial. The app, which currently has almost 100 million monthly users, has been rapidly iterating on new features based on user feedback.
Engineers are diligently working to fix the problem at hand, ensuring a quick resolution.
https://www.theverge.com/2023/11/30/23980929/dubai-climate-change-united-nations-conference-cop28
Tens of thousands of negotiators, activists, and corporate execs have gathered in Dubai for the United Nations climate conference, known as COP28. The conference will focus on key issues including the future of fossil fuels, the need for countries to commit to phasing out fossil fuels, and the establishment of a fund for "loss and damage" caused by climate change. However, there are concerns about the lack of explicit commitments and potential loopholes in the proposed agreements. The absence of major leaders such as Joe Biden and Xi Jinping is seen as a snub by other governments.
https://arstechnica.com/?p=1987523
Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, is facing backlash in the European Union over its ad-free subscription model. The European Consumer Organization (BEUC) has filed a complaint, alleging that the subscription fees are unreasonably high and breach user privacy laws. BEUC argues that users are being pushed into making a choice they may not want, as the fees act as a deterrent. They also claim that the subscription does not guarantee less tracking and profiling of personal data.
https://arstechnica.com/?p=1987539
Meta, the parent company of Facebook, has filed a lawsuit against the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), challenging the FTC's authority to impose new privacy obligations on the social media giant. The lawsuit argues that the FTC's administrative proceedings violate due process and that the agency does not have the power to unilaterally modify the terms of a previous privacy settlement. Critics have called Meta's lawsuit a distraction from addressing concerns about its platforms and business practices.
https://www.theverge.com/2023/11/30/23982839/steam-link-meta-quest-headset-stream-vr-games
Valve's Steam Link app is now available for the Meta Quest 2, 3, and Pro headsets, allowing users to stream their Steam library to their VR devices. To use Steam Link on Quest devices, a wired connection to a PC with Steam and SteamVR installed is required, along with a 5GHz WiFi network for the headset. Valve will also be hosting a VR Fest on Steam, featuring discounted VR games.
Tech giant Meta has filed a lawsuit against the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to prevent regulators from reopening a $5bn privacy settlement from 2020. The company also seeks to monetize children's data across Facebook, Instagram, and Whatsapp. The FTC has accused Meta of violating the terms of the settlement and is proposing new rules to restrict data monetization and usage of facial recognition. Meta is also facing legal action from multiple states and the EU regarding the monetization of children's data.
The Biden administration has issued an executive order outlining plans to use digital watermarks to authenticate digital assets and combat generative AI misinformation. The practice of watermarking dates back to the 13th century and has evolved with technology. However, experts have expressed concerns about the enforcement of such measures, highlighting that voluntary industry initiatives may not be sufficient and that regulatory methods are lacking. There are doubts about the long-term sustainability of the executive order, given its lack of constitutional standing.
As a journalist, I cannot provide a summary of a text that has not been provided to me. Please provide the text you would like me to summarize.
YouTube Music now offers a Recap feature that allows users to see their top artists, songs, moods, genres, albums, playlists, and more from 2023. Users can also add custom album art created using their top song, moods, and energy score. Additionally, the platform will match users' moods with their top songs of the year and enable them to create a personalized visual using snaps from Google Photos.
https://gizmodo.com/windows-holiday-ugly-sweater-bliss-hill-1851061500
Microsoft has released a Windows Ugly Sweater inspired by the default wallpaper of Windows XP, "Bliss" Hill in Sonoma, California. The sweater, priced at $75, has sold out quickly, with part of the sales supporting The Nature Conservancy. Microsoft has stated that there are no plans for a restock.
https://gizmodo.com/spiderman-4-movie-update-tom-holland-marvel-studios-son-1851061533
Tom Holland, star of Spider-Man No Way Home, discussed the possibility of a fourth Spider-Man film, stating that it would have to do justice to the character and be worth it. This comes after previous reports of a fourth film being developed. While it's uncertain if the sequel will happen, it's likely that Holland will return to the role at some point.
As a journalist, I am unable to provide a summary of a text without being given the text itself. Please provide the text you would like me to summarize.
https://techcrunch.com/2023/11/30/stensul-marketing-creation-series-c/
Stensul, a multi-channel marketing creation platform, has raised $34.5 million in a Series C funding round led by Sageview Capital. The company plans to use the funds to invest in product development, specifically in the artificial intelligence capabilities it launched earlier this year, as well as to accelerate adoption in the enterprise market. Stensul emphasizes the continued importance and effectiveness of email marketing campaigns.
https://techcrunch.com/2023/11/30/youtube-music-2023-recap/
YouTube Music has introduced its 2023 Recap feature, offering a personalized and interactive experience for users. This includes custom album art, music moods, the ability to personalize and shuffle Google Photos with favorite songs, and detailed stats on top artists, songs, genres, and listening streaks. Apple Music, on the other hand, only offers its year-end review on the web. YouTube Music's Recap feature aims to compete with Spotify Wrapped.
https://gizmodo.com/multiple-sclerosis-stem-cells-brain-injection-trial-1851059172
A small Phase I trial has shown promising results for using stem cell therapy to treat multiple sclerosis (MS). The trial involved 15 patients with secondary MS who received injections of neural stem cells directly into their brains. The therapy appeared to be safe and well-tolerated, with no serious adverse effects observed. Patients also showed no progression of symptoms and some evidence of reduced brain inflammation. Larger trials will be conducted to further investigate the effectiveness of this treatment.
https://techcrunch.com/2023/11/30/drug-discovery-pepper-bio/
Boston-based drug discovery startup Pepper Bio is focusing on transomics, the study of multiple layers of biological data including genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and phosphoproteomics, to improve the process of drug development. By understanding the full picture of a patient's molecular profile, Pepper Bio aims to develop better-targeted drugs with higher efficacy and lower toxicity. The company has raised $6.5 million in seed funding, with participation from Merck and other investors, and is working on partnerships and its own pipeline in the field of oncology.
Evernote will be implementing a new free plan that limits users to 50 notes and one notebook, starting from December 4. Existing free customers who surpass these limits will need to upgrade to a paid plan or delete old notes to create new ones. Evernote stated that most free accounts are already within these limits. The news comes as Evernote's parent company, Bending Spoons, relocated its operations from the US and Chile to Europe earlier this year due to the note-taking app's lack of profitability.
https://arstechnica.com/?p=1987298
One year after its release, ChatGPT, an AI language model developed by OpenAI, has had a significant global impact. The application, which uses large language models, has changed the public's perception of AI, attracted criticism, and sparked fears of AGI dominance. It has also proven to be a useful tool for certain tasks and has prompted attempts at government regulation. Despite its limitations, ChatGPT continues to evolve and is considered a frontrunner in the field of AI language models.
X CEO Linda Yaccarino is publicly supporting Elon Musk and his controversial statements made during an interview at the New York Times DealBook Summit. Musk's recent endorsement of antisemitic content and conspiracy theories has led to a significant exodus of advertisers from the platform. Despite pressure from colleagues, Yaccarino is standing by X and endorsing Musk's position on free speech.
TikTok has announced plans to spend €12 billion on initiatives aimed at appeasing European regulators and addressing concerns over its data practices. The investment includes the construction of three data centers, audits by a third-party security company, and the development of new data access and control processes. TikTok has already started shifting European user data to its first data center in Ireland and is set to begin migrating data to a new center in Norway from next summer.
https://gizmodo.com/best-horror-movies-streaming-december-2023-sci-fi-genre-1851058634
io9's Nerd's Watch provides a list of the best sci-fi, fantasy, and horror titles streaming in December 2023 on platforms like Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video, Disney+, and more. The list includes movies like "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice" and "The Matrix Resurrections," as well as TV shows like "Doctor Who" and "Marvel Studios' 'What If...?' Season 2."
https://www.techradar.com/pro/security/ai-and-chatgpt-are-scary-according-to-cyber-criminals
According to a Sophos investigation, cybercriminals are skeptical about using AI-based tools like ChatGPT for automation, as the safeguards in place prevent them from creating malicious content. Hackers are now attempting to compromise premium ChatGPT accounts or use cloned AI writers to bypass these safeguards, although they are cautious of the derivatives being used to deceive them.
Google is introducing system updates to Android, Wear OS, and Google TV devices. The updates include new features such as Emoji Kitchen sticker combinations, Voice Moods for expressing emotions through animated emojis, AI-generated image descriptions for low-vision users, and enhanced accessibility features. Wear OS updates allow for better control of smart home devices, while Google TV adds ten new free channels, bringing the total to over 800. The updates will be rolled out gradually over the next few weeks.
Engineers are working to resolve an issue quickly, apologizing for the inconvenience and thanking for patience
Baldur's Gate 3 patch five introduces a brand-new epilogue with complex writing, as well as new game modes and inventory management improvements. The epilogue allows players to reflect on their choices and experiences in the game, while the new game modes, Honor Mode and Custom Mode, offer different levels of challenge and customization. The patch also adds the ability to manage companions' inventory without them being in the active party.
Netflix has premiered several shows in the past year that have earned a perfect 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes. These include "Blue Eye Samurai," an adult animation set in 17th-century Japan, and "Dear Child," a psychological thriller mini-series. Other highly rated shows include "Cunk on Earth," "Castlevania: Nocturne," "The Snow Girl," and "Wrestlers." These critical successes may have gone under the radar for some viewers.
https://www.theverge.com/23981319/godzilla-minus-one-review
"Godzilla Minus One" is a new film that explores the origins of the iconic monster during the tail end of World War II in Japan. The movie delves into themes of resilience, community, and the aftermath of war, while also delivering captivating scenes of Godzilla's destruction. It is a worthy addition to the Toho canon and will be released in theaters on December 1st.
Amazon is offering record-low prices on Apple devices, including AirPods, Apple Watch, MacBooks, and AirTags. Deals include the AirPods Pro 2 for $189.99, Apple AirTags for $79.99, and Apple Watch SE for $179. These limited-time offers are ending soon, so shoppers should take advantage of the discounts.
https://techcrunch.com/2023/11/30/us-court-records-systems-vulnerabilities-exposed-sealed-documents/
Security researcher Jason Parker has found that several court records systems used across the United States have security flaws that expose sealed and confidential legal filings to the public. Parker uncovered vulnerabilities in at least eight court records systems in Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, Ohio, and Tennessee, and has alerted the affected vendors and judiciaries to get them fixed. Parker hopes that his findings will lead to improvements in the security of government tech applications.
Google is introducing several updates to its Messages app, allowing users to customize the colors of text bubbles and backgrounds, transform photos into reactions with Photomoji, and apply different visual effects to voice messages. The company is also adding more than 15 screen effects and the ability to set up a profile with a name and photo. These updates come as Google announces that over a billion people use Google Messages with RCS enabled each month. Apple has confirmed that it will support RCS in 2024 due to European Union regulations.
The mobile app versions of ChatGPT have reached over 110 million installs and nearly $30 million in consumer spending in their first year. The app generates revenue through the sale of ChatGPT Plus subscriptions, offering additional benefits for $19.99 per month. While ChatGPT is not the top chatbot by revenue, it continues to grow in downloads, with India and the US accounting for the most downloads. Despite ranking third in terms of usage on Android, data.ai expects ChatGPT to add more installs and revenue by the end of 2023.
Clayful, a mental health platform for students, has raised $7 million in funding. The platform connects students with mental health experts within 60 seconds via instant messaging technology. Unlike its competitors, Clayful emphasizes real-time support for students to address everyday challenges. The platform is free for students and is currently working with over 50 schools nationwide. The funding will be used to expand the team and reach more schools and students.
https://techcrunch.com/2023/11/30/android-users-gain-nearly-a-dozen-new-features-with-latest-update/
Google is set to release a new version of Android with almost a dozen features for smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, and Google TV devices. The update includes improvements to messaging, new sticker combinations, and the ability for smartwatch users to control home devices. It also brings accessibility and security enhancements, such as an AI-powered TalkBack feature for blind and low-vision users and the ability to set a custom PIN on FIDO2 security keys. Additionally, Google TV will add over 10 new free channels to its lineup of over 100 free channels.
https://www.theverge.com/2023/11/30/23981350/google-messages-chat-rcs-apple-imessage-photo-emoji
Google has announced that over 1 billion monthly active users are using RCS (Rich Communication Services) in Google Messages. The company also introduced new messaging features, including a profile feature that ties into a Google account, a Photomoji feature for reacting to messages with cutout photos, and the ability to attach an emoji as a "mood" to voice messages. Google Messages will also allow users to change the color of chat bubbles and is working on adding end-to-end encryption and other features to the RCS spec.
As a journalist, I cannot provide a summary of a text without knowing what text you are referring to. Please provide the text you would like me to summarize.
https://venturebeat.com/ai/openai-says-bret-larry-and-adam-will-work-hard-to-build-diverse-board/
OpenAI has announced the initial slate for its board of directors, which consists of three white men, Bret Taylor, Larry Summers, and Adam D'Angelo. The lack of diversity in the board has raised concerns as it contradicts OpenAI's commitment to diverse perspectives. Many have called for the inclusion of women on the board to ensure unbiased and inclusive outcomes in AI development.
This article features a roundup of great Christmas gift ideas for budding content creators and streamers, with discounted prices available. The gift ideas include a Logitech microphone, Razer Kiyo webcam, Elgato Stream Deck Mini, HyperX Cloud Alpha headset, and Weilisi selfie ring light. The article highlights the importance of these accessories in improving the quality of streaming and content creation.
Fidelity National Financial (FNF) has reported that it has contained a cyberattack that caused chaos for its subsidiaries and customers for over a week. The incident, which led to a system-wide outage, affected individuals trying to buy and sell homes or pay mortgages. The ransomware group ALPHV claimed responsibility for the attack, and while it listed FNF on its dark web site, the listing was removed the same day that FNF said it had contained the incident, leading to speculation that a ransom may have been paid. FNF has not commented on whether it paid the ransom or not.
Danish startup Again Bio has developed a modified bacteria that consumes a ton of CO2 per day. The company harnesses the bacteria to feast on flue gas from a wastewater treatment plant, converting it into vinegar which can be refined into useful base chemicals. The startup offers a point-of-source carbon capture service, with plans to expand in Europe and North America.
WhatsApp has introduced a new "secret codes" feature to enhance privacy on its messaging platform. Users can now hide locked chats behind a unique password, different from the one used to unlock the phone. The new feature aims to prevent others from discovering the existence of locked chats on the phone. The secret code can include letters, numbers, special characters, and emojis. The feature is being rolled out globally in the coming months.
https://www.theverge.com/23982575/spotify-wrapped-2023-apple-music-replay-youtube-music-recap
Spotify Wrapped, Apple Music Replay, and YouTube Music Recap are the popular end-of-year roundups that provide users with insights into their listening habits. These features offer personalized statistics, custom album art, and mood-based song recommendations. However, Spotify Wrapped faced technical issues upon its launch, preventing some users from accessing their results. Despite similarities, each platform adds its own unique twist to the yearly recap tradition.
https://gizmodo.com/google-gmail-account-deletion-december-1-1851061140
Gmail plans to delete inactive accounts starting December 1, permanently removing data like Google Photos, Calendar events, Docs, and emails. Users must log in or use their accounts in some way before December to prevent deletion. The purge only applies to personal accounts, while employer, school, or organization emails, as well as accounts with active balances, are safe. Google will send notifications and recovery emails before deletion occurs, citing security reasons for the move.
Amazon CTO Werner Vogels shared his predictions for 2023, highlighting the need for generative AI to become more culturally aware and understanding of different traditions. He also emphasized that generative AI will enhance developer productivity and free them from tedious tasks, and expects women's health tech to thrive due to shifting societal stigmas and increased venture capital investment. Additionally, he acknowledged the challenges of rapid technological advancement, including the need for ongoing education and awareness among consumers.
TikTok has announced the launch of "Artist Accounts," a suite of tools that enable musicians to promote their music and increase discoverability on the platform. The new features include an artist tag, the ability to highlight new releases, and a "Behind the Song" feature. TikTok aims to compete with music streaming services like Spotify by providing artists with promotional opportunities and seamless integration with other music apps.
Panasonic Japan has launched a leasing service that allows customers to lease cameras instead of buying them outright. The service offers a range of camera options, including the Lumix S5 II, for a monthly fee that includes insurance, repairs, and access to Panasonic's Lumix Academy program. At the end of the lease period, customers have the option to keep the camera by continuing monthly payments or cancel the payments and return the camera. The leasing service is currently only available in Japan.
https://venturebeat.com/ai/openai-says-bret-larry-and-adam-will-work-hard-to-build-diverse-board/
OpenAI's new board of directors, consisting of Bret Taylor, Larry Summers, and Adam D'Angelo, has drawn criticism due to its lack of diversity. The removal of the nonprofit board's only female members had sparked concerns, leading to calls for greater inclusion and representation. OpenAI has stated that an independent review will be conducted to address these concerns.
https://gizmodo.com/the-marvels-bob-iger-nia-dacosta-mcu-disney-marvel-1851061428
Disney has faced criticism for its public treatment of director Nia DaCosta following the release of "The Marvels." Disney executives and sources have seemingly blamed DaCosta for the film's underperformance, citing her departure from production and absence from a cast-and-crew screening. However, critics argue that these issues are scheduling conflicts that don't warrant such public criticism. The public airing of grievances raises questions about the studio's handling of the situation and the film's lackluster performance.
Netflix and Apple TV Plus are set to release new crime thrillers, Griselda and Criminal Record, in January 2024. Griselda tells the story of drug kingpin Griselda Blanco, while Criminal Record follows Detective Chief Inspector Daniel Hegarty. It's unclear which show will come out on top, but both streaming giants are confident in their offerings.
Nvidia is rumored to be working on a cut-down version of its RTX 4090 graphics card, called the RTX 4090 D, for the Chinese market. The move is likely in response to the US import ban on selling high-tier AI cards to China. The card is expected to have fewer CUDA Cores and may be priced similarly to the full-fat RTX 4090 due to high demand. However, the exact specifications are yet to be confirmed by Nvidia.
https://arstechnica.com/?p=1987446
Consumer advice publication Edmunds and automotive consultancy P3 conducted tests on 43 different electric vehicles (EVs) to determine which offered the fastest charging times. The single-motor Hyundai Ioniq 6 emerged as the top performer, able to add an extra hundred miles of range in just under seven minutes. Kia EV6 Wind and dual-motor Ioniq 6 also placed highly, while Polestar showed the highest charging losses with 17.1 percent. Smaller and cheaper EV models like the Kia Niro and Nissan Leaf were not included in the tests.
Cybersecurity researchers from AppOmni discovered and reported a vulnerability in Zoom Rooms that could have allowed threat actors to steal sensitive data and hijack meetings. The exploit involved Zoom automatically assigning an email address to the Room service account, making it easy for researchers to gather information and gain control. Zoom promptly issued a fix by removing the ability to create Zoom Room accounts.
https://techcrunch.com/2023/11/30/q3-software-results-good/
Public cybersecurity companies' quarterly results have left many questioning the lack of venture capital investment in security startups. However, recent quarterly results from companies like Salesforce, Zuora, Okta, Nutanix, and Snowflake show that several tech sectors are performing better than expected, boosting share prices and overall tech valuations. Salesforce, for example, reported revenue of $8.72 billion in Q3, beating profit expectations and increasing its profitability forecast for the full fiscal year. This has resulted in a 9% increase in Salesforce's stock.
Tesla is holding a livestream event to showcase the delivery of its long-awaited Cybertruck, despite having manufactured only ten so far. The event will provide details on battery range, towing capacity, pricing, and availability. The Cybertruck's unconventional design and performance in the off-road market remain to be seen. Despite delays and issues, Tesla has received over one million reservations for the truck.
Inflexion Games' upcoming open-world survival game Nightingale will be conducting a server stress test for select players in early 2024. The game, set in a mysterious Victorian-inspired land, allows up to six players to navigate through eldritch horrors. Testers can request access without purchasing the game, but there is no guarantee of participation. The stress test aims to ensure smooth server performance before the game's launch.
Vivlio, a French e-book distributor, is presenting itself as an alternative to tech giants like Amazon and Rakuten. The company has built an open European e-book platform and partnered with various small and large chain bookstores to run their e-book stores. Vivlio guarantees that the customer remains the bookstore's customer, while leaving most of the margin to the reseller. The company also sells its own e-book readers in partnership with PocketBook. With a team of only 35 people, Vivlio aims to provide a distinct strategy and differentiate itself in the highly fragmented European book industry.
Startup Nucleos aims to provide e-learning tools to inmates in correctional facilities. With limited access to technology, prisoners struggle to prepare for life after release. Nucleos offers a free all-in-one service that handles security aspects and delivers educational programs safely. The company also tracks courses and credentials to aid reentry and job searches. By partnering with facilities, Nucleos hopes to bridge the gap between in-person education and tech-based resources for prisoners.
https://venturebeat.com/ai/ai21-leader-leading-llms-remain-differentiated-they-are-not-commodities/
Yoav Shoham, Co-CEO of large language model (LLM) company AI21, disagrees with recent comments implying that LLMs are losing their differentiation. He argues that models do differentiate and highlights AI21's specialization in offering task-specific LLMs, including text summarization. While acknowledging the importance of data, Shoham believes the focus for building excellent AI systems is still on LLMs, although he anticipates a shift in the future.
https://gizmodo.com/hubble-telescope-gyroscope-safe-mode-science-operations-1851060902
NASA is addressing a technical issue with a gyroscope on the Hubble Space Telescope, causing it to enter safe mode and suspend science operations. While the space agency is not overly concerned, they are currently running tests to understand the problem and find possible solutions. The telescope has a history of overcoming similar issues and is expected to recover and continue its scientific observations alongside the James Webb Space Telescope.
https://gizmodo.com/voicemod-ai-voice-clone-1851060962
Voicemod, an AI voice-changing app, now allows users to create their own AI voices with a range of features such as gender, age, and pitch options. The app also lets users add effects like reverb and distortion to make their voices sound robotic or alien. While the company encourages users to upload their voices as a tribute to existing characters, it emphasizes that users are responsible for the content they create. The app's ability to generate AI voices has raised concerns about the potential for misuse and the spread of fake voices.
https://www.techradar.com/pro/security/dollar-tree-data-breach-could-affect-millions-of-customers
Retail giant Dollar Tree has become the victim of a supply chain attack, resulting in the theft of sensitive data, including Social Security numbers, belonging to nearly two million people. The attack occurred on August 7 and 8, with Dollar Tree's service provider, Zeroed-In Technologies, being breached. It is suspected that the data of other Zeroed-In customers may have also been taken. Dollar Tree has enrolled the affected individuals in a year-long identity protection and credit monitoring service. The type of attack remains unknown, and law firms are investigating the breach for potential class-action lawsuits.
Kognitos, a company specializing in automating business processes, has raised $20 million in funding led by Khosla Ventures. The platform allows business users to automate tasks in plain English, eliminating the need for IT or developer assistance. Kognitos aims to improve efficiency and productivity while reducing the mundane and repetitive tasks faced by employees.
https://techcrunch.com/2023/11/30/practical-advice-for-b2b-startups-raising-a-series-a/
The fintech market is set to recover from the challenges of 2022, with funding expected to increase. To secure funding in a competitive market, founders should conduct thorough research, provide transparency, demonstrate sensible traction and growth, present clear funding requests, and showcase realistic and precise financial projections.
Samsung has released a desktop version of its Internet browser for Windows PCs. Users have praised features such as the built-in ad-blocker, dark mode, and integration with Samsung Pass. The desktop version allows users to sync browsing data and saved information between their Samsung devices and PC. However, some users have reported performance issues compared to the Android version.
https://www.techradar.com/pro/got-an-android-phone-microsoft-might-let-you-use-it-as-a-webcam
Microsoft's Link to Windows app for Android may soon add support for using compatible smartphones as webcams for Windows devices, according to code spotted by Android Authority. The code references live video stream support, similar to Apple's recent feature allowing Macs to use iPhones as webcams. This move would eliminate the need to buy separate webcams and provide better quality images using smartphone cameras. The app also includes features such as auto-framing and face retouching. Supported apps have not been confirmed yet.
If you missed out on Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals, there are still some good discounts available. For instance, the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3 earbuds are currently on sale for $119.99 on Woot, the lowest price ever. These earbuds offer excellent sound quality and come with features like wireless charging and noise cancellation. Additionally, Best Buy is offering the third-gen Blink Outdoor cameras with the Sync Module 2 for half off at $89.99, providing budget-friendly security for your home.
https://gizmodo.com/godzilla-x-kong-poster-monsterverse-ccxp-2023-1851058384
Jennifer Garner hints at a possible return as Elektra in Deadpool 3. A trailer for The End We Start From showcases Jodie Comer facing an apocalypse. Netflix releases a glimpse of Sandman's return, and Noah Hawley discusses his endgame for the Alien series. Ethan Hawke and others are set to return for The Black Phone 2. A first look at Shadow the Hedgehog is revealed in a tweet, while teasers for Godzilla X Kong: The New Empire and Everyone Will Burn are released. A Vampire in the Family and The End We Start From also get trailers. Studio Ghibli unveils a final English-language trailer for The Boy and the Heron. Babou Ceesay and others join the cast of the Alien TV series, and Noah Hawley talks about his storytelling approach. Production details for The Last Of Us and Chucky are revealed, and filming on The Sandman and season 2 of The Murder at the End of the World resumes. A prequel series for Ted the magic teddy bear is announced.
https://www.techradar.com/pro/why-the-cyber-attack-arsenal-is-growing-and-becoming-harder-to-predict
The landscape of cyber attacks is becoming increasingly difficult to predict due to the evolving tactics of cyber criminals. The rise of a service-based shadow economy on the dark web allows attackers to purchase various malicious assets and collaborate with multiple parties, resulting in more sophisticated attacks. Traditional threat profiling methods are struggling to keep up with these unpredictable attacks, highlighting the need for a more dynamic and proactive approach to cybersecurity that incorporates real-time threat intelligence and predictive modeling.
https://www.techradar.com/pro/demystifying-the-ai-regulatory-landscape
The debate around AI safety and regulation has been growing more complex, with the UK's AI Safety Summit and an Executive Order from President Biden on the same topic. It is crucial to prioritize accountability, reliability, impartiality, transparency, privacy, and security in AI regulation. Clear guidelines and standards are needed to understand and regulate AI models, data, and outcomes. Existing regulations must also be examined to ensure compliance with AI tools. Companies should practice self-regulation and ethical AI use, while regulators seek clarity and balance between data rights, privacy, and innovation. Transparency and comprehensive disclosures from AI companies are essential for informed decision-making.
https://arstechnica.com/?p=1987396
Chinese tech giant Huawei successfully launched its latest smartphone, the Mate 60 series, powered by its own Kirin 9000S chip. This marks a major breakthrough for Huawei, which had been struggling to source chips due to US sanctions. Industry insiders and experts speculate on the methods used by Huawei and its chip manufacturing partner, SMIC, to achieve this feat and whether China can maintain its semiconductor industry amid ongoing geopolitical challenges.
https://arstechnica.com/?p=1987333
OpenAI has announced the return of Sam Altman as CEO, along with Mira Murati as CTO and Greg Brockman as president, after Altman's previous firing caused turmoil. Altman expressed gratitude for the support received and outlined plans for the company's future, including the addition of new board members and an independent review of the previous events. The announcement also addressed the departure of previous board members and the goal of promoting diversity in board representation.
Kenyan climate-tech startup Amini has raised $4 million in seed funding in a round led by Salesforce Ventures and the Female Founders Fund. Amini uses data from satellites and sensors to offer insights on biodiversity, soil and crop health, and farming practices such as water and fertilizer use. The funding will support Amini's expansion into the food and beverage industry, as well as its goal of enabling multinationals to transform their supply chains to become more regenerative.
A new research study from Civo reveals that 48% of developers find machine learning projects too time-consuming. The study, which surveyed over 500 developers, also found that 24% spend 11-20 hours a month configuring machine learning, and the same number abandon between 26-50% of projects. The report suggests that open source tools can significantly reduce the time spent on machine learning projects.
Tesla is set to hold a live-streamed event to deliver Cybertruck keys to a select group of customers. Leaked information from Tesla's iOS app reveals that one of the accessories for the Cybertruck will be a tent called "Basecamp" that can be pitched on the truck bed. Other leaked details include the possibility of a "Beast Mode" acceleration feature and a solar panel roof or tonneau cover option. Furthermore, images of the truck show changes from earlier models, such as the removal of pop-out door handles and the addition of a front bumper camera for improved visibility.
Huboo, a UK-based e-commerce fulfillment company, has raised £29 million ($36.6 million) in funding from existing investors including Ada Ventures and Maersk. The company, which offers an alternative to Amazon's Fulfilled By Amazon (FBA) service, integrates with platforms such as TikTok, Amazon, eBay, and Shopify. With a total equity funding of £122 million ($154 million), Huboo plans to expand its operations across Europe. The demand for cost-effective e-commerce fulfillment services has increased due to the surge in online shopping during the pandemic.
Amazon CTO Werner Vogels predicts that generative AI will become culturally aware, allowing models to better understand different cultural traditions. He emphasizes the importance of considering cultural aspects in deploying genAI tools worldwide. Vogels also believes that generative AI will enhance developer productivity, freeing them from mundane tasks and improving their ability to learn on the job. Additionally, he predicts that FemTech will gain momentum as there is now less stigma surrounding women's healthcare.
https://www.theverge.com/23982407/the-boy-and-the-heron-hayao-miyazaki-studio-ghibli
The Boy and the Heron, the upcoming film from acclaimed director Hayao Miyazaki, is set to premiere in North American theaters on December 8th. This highly-anticipated feature from Studio Ghibli marks Miyazaki's return to filmmaking since 2013 and has been shrouded in secrecy until recently. The film's creators have expressed their admiration for Miyazaki's dedication and commitment to this project. The Boy and the Heron features an impressive English voice cast, including Christian Bale, Dave Bautista, Mark Hamill, and more.
Yoast, the WordPress plugin owned by Newfold Digital, has released an AI-powered title and meta description generator aimed at improving SEO processes. The generator uses generative AI to produce unique and high-quality titles and meta descriptions for web pages, saving marketing professionals time and offering users without technical expertise a way to enhance their online visibility. The plugin also includes an add-on tool, Yoast WooCommerce SEO, which generates relevant meta descriptions for product pages. Similar AI-powered SEO tools have been introduced by website builders Wix and Duda.
https://techcrunch.com/2023/11/30/google-deleting-inactive-accounts-december-1/
Google is set to delete inactive user accounts that have not been accessed for two years as a security measure. The move aims to protect users from potential security threats, such as identity theft and scams. All data associated with these accounts, including photos, documents, contacts, emails, and calendar entries, will be removed. Google advises users to login and use their accounts to signal activity and avoid deletion. The company will send multiple warnings before terminating accounts, allowing users to download or back up their data. The new policy only applies to personal accounts, not school or business accounts.
https://www.theverge.com/2023/11/30/23982403/whatsapp-secret-code-hide-locked-chats
WhatsApp is introducing secret codes to keep locked chats hidden from prying eyes. This feature allows users to hide their locked chats behind a password of their choice, and the chats can be found by typing the password into the WhatsApp search bar. The feature is being rolled out by Meta-owned WhatsApp and will be available globally in the coming months.
https://www.techradar.com/news/live/aws-reinvent-2023-all-the-news-updates-and-more
Unable to Summarize Article
https://venturebeat.com/games/gamesbeat-at-the-game-awards-agenda-pixels-to-pop-culture/
GamesBeat is hosting a half-day event, "Pixels to Pop Culture," on December 7th at The Game Awards in LA. The agenda includes panels on gaming's intersection with culture, discussions on game adaptations, diversity in gaming, immersive storytelling, and AI's impact on games. Speakers include industry leaders such as the CEO of Nexon, Owen Mahoney. Limited tickets are available. Space is limited.
https://venturebeat.com/games/thirdverse-raises-8m-for-vr-gaming-expansion/
Thirdverse, a virtual reality game development company, has raised $8 million in a recent funding round, bringing its total funding to $38 million. The funds will be used to further the development and global marketing of its VR titles X8 and Soul Covenant. Thirdverse aims to push the boundaries of VR entertainment and believes in the potential of the VR market, especially with the upcoming launch of new headsets. The funding round attracted diverse investors who share Thirdverse's vision for the future of VR gaming.
YouTube Music has released its 2023 Year in Review feature, joining Apple Music and Spotify in providing users with a summary of their music listening habits. The feature includes statistics on listening time and music preferences, as well as a timeline showing how users' music tastes changed throughout the year. Users can also see their most-listened-to artist and a personalized album cover based on their listening habits. The release of these yearly recaps aims to encourage social sharing and keep YouTube Music relevant.
The Logitech Litra Glow LED Streaming Light is currently on sale for $40, down from $60, making it the lowest price ever. This light is designed for creators and game-streamers, and can be easily clipped onto a computer next to the webcam. It features adjustable height, tilt, and rotation, and allows users to adjust brightness and temperature based on personal preference.
https://gizmodo.com/new-board-openai-sam-altman-ilya-sutskever-microsoft-1851060820
Sam Altman has returned as CEO of OpenAI, along with his team, which includes Greg Brockman as President and Mira Murati as CTO. However, co-founder and former chairman, Ilya Sutskever, has not returned yet. Altman expressed his respect for Sutskever and hopes to continue working with him, although his position at the company remains uncertain. The new board includes Quora CEO Adam D'Angelo, former Salesforce CEO Bret Taylor, and former US Treasury Secretary Larry Summers. There is still speculation surrounding why Altman was fired initially, and OpenAI plans to enhance its governance structure.
Asus has reduced the prices of its Asus ROG Ally gaming handhelds at Best Buy in the US. The vanilla Z1 version now costs $400, a $200 discount, while the Z1 Extreme is priced at $600, a $100 cut. The price reduction makes the base version a more appealing option, considering its lower performance compared to the Z1 Extreme. The price cut is likely in response to competition from Lenovo's Legion Go and the new Steam Deck OLED.
https://www.techradar.com/pro/security/dollar-tree-data-breach-could-affect-millions-of-customers
Retail giant Dollar Tree has fallen victim to a supply chain attack, resulting in the theft of sensitive customer data, including Social Security numbers. The breach occurred through a breach of Dollar Tree's service provider, Zeroed-In Technologies. The attack, which took place in August, affected nearly two million individuals. Zeroed-In is offering affected customers a year-long identity protection and credit monitoring service. The type of attack has not been disclosed, and the possibility of a class-action lawsuit against Zeroed-In is being explored.
https://techcrunch.com/2023/11/30/one-year-later-chatgpt-is-still-alive-and-kicking/
OpenAI's AI chatbot, ChatGPT, celebrates its one-year anniversary as the company's most popular product and the fastest-growing consumer app in history. It has spurred competition from major tech companies like Google and Amazon, sparking a conversation about the technology's impact on user experience and human-AI interaction. Despite some limitations, such as bias and inaccurate responses, ChatGPT continues to attract millions of users and generate significant subscription revenue. OpenAI's recent launch of GPTs allows for more personalization and a broader ecosystem of AI-powered chatbots.
https://techcrunch.com/2023/11/30/google-drive-updates-homepage-expand-scanner-ios/
Google Drive is introducing a new homepage that uses machine learning to suggest files and folders for users to access. The update also includes search filters, separate tabs for files and folders, and incorporates Google's Material Design 3 for a modern look. Google Drive is also expanding its document scanning feature to iOS devices, a feature already available on Android. This comes as the company is investigating reports of missing files on the platform.
https://gizmodo.com/most-people-globally-support-whatever-it-takes-to-lim-1851060852
A new global survey conducted by Potential Energy, the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication, and other organizations shows that 78% of people polled agree that it is essential to take action to limit the effects of climate change. The survey also found that the most effective message to mobilize support for immediate action is "Later is too late." Furthermore, the research revealed that support for climate policies varied across countries, with the United States, Germany, Japan, Australia, Norway, and Saudi Arabia having relatively low levels of support.
Voltron Data, which aims to improve data access by combining open-source technologies, has unveiled the Theseus distributed query engine. Theseus is designed to accelerate data queries for AI workloads using GPUs and other hardware accelerators. It aims to address the challenge of limited CPU compute capacity and performance by leveraging accelerated computing technologies. Theseus is optimized for large datasets and targeted at companies with petabyte-scale data processing needs. Voltron Data plans to expand partnerships and add more functionality to further integrate Theseus into data science pipelines.
In just two months, ChatGPT, a generative AI language model developed by OpenAI, gained 100 million monthly active users, marking the fastest user adoption rate in internet history. Its popularity led to partnerships with major tech companies and integration into various industries. However, concerns regarding misinformation, privacy violations, and the need for regulation have emerged. OpenAI has continued to update and expand ChatGPT's capabilities, but the future of the technology remains uncertain amidst potential regulatory oversight.
Netflix's new action comedy series, Obliterated, is receiving negative reviews since its release. Critics from The Guardian and Variety describe it as bad and nearly unwatchable. As a result, the series is unlikely to make it to the list of best Netflix series. Instead, viewers are recommended to watch four fast and funny thrillers: The Nice Guys, Midnight Run, Soul Star and Scott Pilgrim vs. the World.
Apple has released a short film called "The Lost Voice" to commemorate International Day of Persons with Disabilities, directed by Taika Waititi. The film showcases Apple's Live Speech and Personal Voice features, which allow individuals with degenerative diseases like ALS to communicate using their own voice. The film's emotional ending reveals a wheelchair-bound narrator using an iPhone with Personal Voice to read to his granddaughter. The technology takes around 20 minutes to train and recreates the user's voice on their device.
Kognitos, a company specializing in automating business processes, has raised $30 million in funding in order to expand their partnerships and product development. Co-founder Binny Gill highlights automation as a way to eliminate inefficiencies without the need for layoffs or budget cuts. The platform aims to translate English instructions into workflow automations and improve over time. Big-name companies such as PepsiCo and Wipro are already using Kognitos' products.
https://venturebeat.com/games/horizon-unveils-sequence-builder-no-code-dashboard-for-game-devs/
As a journalist, it is important to be able to summarize information concisely. However, without the text to reference, it is not possible to provide a 50-word summary. Please provide the text you would like me to summarize.
Tesla is set to deliver its first Cybertrucks to buyers at an event in Austin, Texas on November 30th. The electric pickup truck, known for its unique design, has garnered significant interest despite production challenges. The event will be livestreamed on social media platforms.
https://www.theverge.com/2023/11/30/23981397/tiktok-artist-accounts-music-streaming-spotify
TikTok has launched artist accounts, giving musicians new tools to reach and engage with fans. The accounts feature a Music tab that curates catalogs and highlights new tracks, similar to Spotify's artist profiles. Artists can also pin preferred posts and use tags to promote their work. The move reflects TikTok's push into streaming and aims to deepen engagement between artists and fans.
https://venturebeat.com/ai/hpe-discovers-new-vision-for-an-ai-native-architecture/
In this text, the journalist is asked to summarize the text in 50 words.
https://arstechnica.com/?p=1987347
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a warning to a chemical manufacturing facility in Wisconsin for making hand sanitizer using the same equipment it uses for toxic industrial solvents. The FDA stated that this practice violates manufacturing standards and could potentially lead to harmful cross-contamination. The facility, Brenntag Great Lakes, LLC, has been given 15 business days to respond to the FDA's findings.
https://www.techradar.com/pro/us-water-facility-breached-by-suspected-iranian-hackers
A US water treatment facility was targeted by hackers who exploited security vulnerabilities in programmable logic controllers (PLCs). The Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency confirmed that the PLCs were breached but stated that the water within the facility was not affected. The hackers potentially had the ability to contaminate water supplies or damage the facility. Similar attacks have been seen before, but the agency did not attribute this specific attack to any particular group.
The Bank of Korea has revealed details of a pilot program for its retail central bank digital currency (CBDC). 100,000 selected Korean citizens will participate in the trial in the fourth quarter of 2023, using tokens issued by commercial banks to buy goods. The central bank stated that a digital currency could address issues with existing voucher systems, such as high transaction fees and concerns over fraudulent claims. The announcement followed a visit from the general manager of the Bank of International Settlements. South Korea’s central bank has been working on CBDC pilots since 2020, completing two phases of pilot tests in 2021 and 2022.
Turtle Beach is entering the premium controller market with the launch of its Stealth Ultra Wireless Controller for Xbox and PC. Priced at $200, the gamepad features drift-proof Hall effect sticks and a 1.5-inch screen for fine-tuning settings and receiving notifications from phones. It is also Turtle Beach's first fully wireless Xbox Series X / S controller and comes with programmable rear buttons, hair-trigger lockouts, swappable thumbsticks, and customizable RGB lighting. However, it lacks interchangeable D-pads and offers 30 hours of battery life, short of the Xbox Elite's 40 hours.
Researchers at cybersecurity firm Eurecom have identified two flaws in the Bluetooth communication protocol that could be exploited to carry out device impersonation or man-in-the-middle attacks. The vulnerabilities, which affect Bluetooth Core Specification from version 4.2 onwards, allow attackers within Bluetooth range of two targets to eavesdrop on their communication. Eurecom researchers have developed a toolkit to demonstrate the effectiveness of these attacks, and have suggested modifications to the Bluetooth standard to address the vulnerabilities.
Google will start deleting inactive Gmail accounts, including emails, Docs, Drive, Meet, Calendar, and Google Photos, from December 1. If users want to prevent their accounts from being deleted, they need to sign in or use the account. Google says it has been sending notifications about the account deletions for months. The reason behind this change is security, as older accounts are more likely to be compromised. It is advised to back up important data, and TechRadar provides a guide on how to save Gmail files using Google Takeout.
https://www.theverge.com/23981318/chatgpt-open-ai-launch-anniversary-future
OpenAI's ChatGPT, launched a year ago, has emerged as the fastest-growing consumer technology in history, bringing changes to every corner of the technology industry. Venture capital investments in AI have soared, while major companies such as Microsoft, Google, and Amazon have embraced AI as a critical part of their future. Despite AI's current limitations and unreliability, the momentum behind the AI revolution suggests that it will continue to evolve and reshape various industries. The impact of ChatGPT and AI on the world is still unfolding.
https://www.theverge.com/2023/11/30/23981514/tesla-cybertruck-photo-tires-lights-windshield-wiper
The author visits a Tesla showroom in Manhattan to get a closer look at the highly anticipated Cybertruck. They comment on its unique design, including its supposedly bulletproof and arrow-proof features. The showroom is attracting attention, although the truck is not yet available for purchase.
US government agencies have paused sharing information about covert influence operations on Meta's platforms, according to the company's head of security policy, Nathaniel Gleicher. While Meta continues to collaborate with industry researchers and civil society groups, government officials are considered valuable advisors in identifying certain types of threats, particularly those coordinated on other platforms. The move comes amid a court order restricting the Biden Administration's contacts with social media firms, but the pause remains in place even though the order is currently suspended. China has become the third-most common source of coordinated inauthentic behavior on Meta's platform, following Russia and Iran.
The Sinbad cryptocurrency mixing service has been sanctioned by the US government in an effort to restrict the money laundering abilities of the North Korean Lazarus group. Crypto mixing sites like Sinbad generate revenue by taking commission on deposited cryptocurrencies and are used by cybercriminals to obfuscate transactions linked to illegal activities. Previous crypto mixing services have also been targeted by similar sanctions in the past.
https://gizmodo.com/space-images-spacex-starship-asteroid-nasa-moon-base-1851049832
November was a month filled with captivating visuals in space exploration. Highlights included the second flight test of SpaceX's Starship megarocket, the sighting of the ISS crew lock bag lost in space, the stacking of solid rocket motors for the Endeavour space shuttle display, and the complete view of China's Tiangong space station. Other notable events included the unveiling of Sierra Space's Dream Chaser spaceplane, the observation of a contact binary moon orbiting the Dinkinesh asteroid, and a rehearsal of the upcoming Ariane 6 rocket launch. Additionally, Thales Alenia Space depicted a future Moon base, and a tribute was made to the late astronaut Frank Borman.
https://www.engadget.com/threads-may-finally-launch-in-europe-in-december-124054154.html?src=rss
Meta, the parent company of Threads, will make the platform available across Europe in compliance with EU regulations, allowing users to access it without creating a profile. With 73 million active users compared to Twitter's 365 million, an expansion into the EU is expected to increase Threads' global engagement. Meta's CEO predicts Threads could reach one billion users in the coming years. Additionally, deleting a Threads account will no longer delete the associated Instagram account.
Steamforged Games has announced Dark Souls: The Board Game - The Sunless City, a core set that reimagines the original Dark Souls board game with new rules, encounter system, and campaign. The game focuses on the first Dark Souls video game and includes boss fights with the Titanite Demon, Ornstein, and Smough. Pre-orders are now open for $109.99/£109.99.
Amazon's popular car show, The Grand Tour, has aired its final episode featuring Jeremy Clarkson, James May, and Richard Hammond. While the show is coming to an end, there are talks about a potential new incarnation of the show. The show's ratings have seen a decline in recent years, with critics describing it as tedious and lacking appeal. Clarkson's other show, Clarkson's Farm, will also not be returning. It seems Amazon is parting ways with Clarkson, and even the BBC's Top Gear is facing challenges.
https://www.techradar.com/news/apple-tv-plus-cost-review-and-everything-you-need-to-know
Apple TV Plus, with its selective approach to content and focus on prestige projects, has attracted top talent and offers spectacular sci-fi tales and Major League Soccer coverage. However, following price increases in October 2023, the service is now more expensive compared to its competitors like Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video, and Disney Plus. Apple TV Plus offers a seven-day free trial and is accessible on various devices. It has produced high-quality original TV shows and films, but lacks licensed content beyond its library of originals.
https://www.techradar.com/pro/many-smbs-want-to-improve-hybrid-working-with-tech-in-2024
Research by Slack has revealed that businesses are struggling with hybrid work and may require a technology overhaul to improve productivity. Despite challenges such as economic conditions and skill shortages, a third of UK SMEs see embracing new ways of working as their biggest opportunity for next year. More than a quarter of SMB owners believe effective communication and collaboration is vital, prompting the adoption of new tools.
Payments startup NomuPay has acquired Total Processing, a Manchester-based startup that builds payment processing solutions. NomuPay will pay approximately $35 million for the acquisition, bringing Total Processing's total value to around $135 million. The deal will allow NomuPay to expand its range of services and provide additional tools for its business customers. NomuPay plans to scale Total Processing in new markets, beginning with Hong Kong and Southeast Asia. The acquisition highlights the trend of consolidation in the fintech industry and the increasing attractiveness of M&A opportunities for startups.
This article discusses the frustration of morning commuters who experience delays at the Tube gates due to fellow travelers manually activating their contactless payments. The author suggests using Apple's Express Mode feature on iPhones to avoid these delays. They provide step-by-step instructions on how to activate the feature and highlight its convenience, even when the phone is low on battery.
https://techcrunch.com/2023/11/30/meta-reportedly-set-to-launch-threads-in-the-eu-next-month/
Meta's text-based social network, Threads, may launch in the EU next month, offering a view-only mode to comply with regulations. It is unclear if users will be able to follow profiles or how an algorithmic feed would be built without user profiles. Threads currently collects data but offers a paid subscription option without ads for EU users.
Apple's new MacBook Pro 14-inch with the M3 Pro chip has been named the best laptop ever for media consumption by DxOMark. The laptop received high ratings for its screen, camera, and speaker setup, making it a top performer for watching videos and listening to music. The M3 MacBook Pro achieved an overall score of 148, surpassing its predecessor, the M2 MacBook Pro. While there are not significant differences overall, the M3 model shows improvements in areas such as video playback and bass resonance.
Starting tomorrow, Google will begin deleting inactive accounts that have been unused for at least two years in an effort to enhance privacy and security. Users will receive warning emails before deletion. Meanwhile, a Consumer Reports survey reveals that electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids have more maintenance issues compared to traditional gasoline or diesel-powered vehicles. Support for electric reliability was found in Lexus, while Toyota's 4Runner SUV was deemed highly reliable. Additionally, security vulnerabilities have been discovered in OpenAI's ChatGPT, which exposed users' private information.
https://arstechnica.com/?p=1986792
The journalist Kyle Orland shares his rediscovery and praise for a cult classic Japanese Windows freeware game from the late '90s called Pendulumania. He describes the addictive gameplay mechanics and the nostalgia-inducing visuals and sound effects. Despite its simplistic presentation, the game's unique control scheme and gameplay hooks players in and keeps them coming back for more.
Tesla is finally launching its long-awaited Cybertruck electric pickup, with the first shipments of the vehicle expected soon. The Cybertruck, which was first revealed in 2019, is made of steel and features a geometric design inspired by a cyberpunk aesthetic. The vehicle comes in three variants, but details such as price range, weight, and battery range options are still unknown. Tesla plans to mass-produce the Cybertruck starting in 2024. However, early reservations for the truck are already being sold on eBay for a hefty price.
https://www.techradar.com/gaming/how-to-watch-pc-gaming-show-most-wanted-today
The PC Gaming Show: Most Wanted is set to take place today, featuring a countdown of the top 25 most exciting upcoming PC games. Viewers can tune in via various platforms and languages, with notable streamers also providing live reactions. The two-hour show will include new game reveals, behind-the-scenes footage, and interviews with developers.
https://www.techradar.com/pro/security/the-okta-data-breach-just-keeps-getting-worse
Identity and access management company Okta has revealed that a recent data breach affected a larger number of victims than initially reported. The breach, which occurred in November, allowed hackers to access files inside Okta's customer support system and steal HAR files containing cookies and session tokens. While Okta originally believed that only 134 customers were affected, it has now been discovered that the attackers also accessed additional reports and support cases, compromising the data of all Okta certified users. Stolen data includes names, usernames, emails, company names, and other personal information, but login credentials remained safe.
Seth MacFarlane's foul-mouthed bear, Ted, is coming to Peacock in a new series starting streaming on January 11. Set before the first film, the show follows Ted and his best friend John dealing with high school challenges. MacFarlane is the writer, producer, showrunner, director,and voice of Ted. The series promises to retain the humor and foul language of the films, and it remains to be seen whether it will bring anything new to the coming-of-age genre.
https://techcrunch.com/2023/11/30/zubale-software-retailers-e-commerce-latin-america/
Mexico-based company Zubale has raised $25 million in a Series A extension round led by QED Investors. The funds will be used to expand its three main products: FlexiFleet, Consumer Connect, and Fulfillment Optimizer. Zubale, which connects gig workers with e-commerce fulfillment jobs, aims to consolidate its presence in Mexico and Brazil. The company plans to raise a Series B round in 2024.
Proton, the Swiss-based secure email and VPN service provider, has launched Proton Sentinel, a high-security program aimed at protecting users at higher risk of cyberattacks. The program combines AI monitoring with human analysis to detect and challenge any suspicious activities on user accounts. Proton Pass Plus subscribers can enroll in the program to enhance their data protection.
https://www.techradar.com/news/star-wars-outlaws-release-date-trailers-and-news
The page you are looking for is no longer available on the site. Please try searching or visit the homepage. TechRadar is a part of Future US Inc, an international media group.
New research from Sharp reveals that employee error is a bigger cybersecurity risk than industry attacks and a lack of security cover. The study found that key areas like phishing and data loss aren't covered in IT training for many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Additionally, the rise in hybrid working has left businesses vulnerable as IT security training has not kept up with this trend. Sharp emphasizes the need for robust training that covers all employees, not just the IT team.
New research by Sharp has shown that employee error poses a bigger cybersecurity risk than external attacks for many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The study found that key areas, such as phishing and data loss, are often not covered in IT training. Additionally, the rise of hybrid working has created further vulnerabilities, with 60% of SMEs failing to increase IT security training since implementing hybrid models. The report highlights the need for businesses to invest in comprehensive cybersecurity training and create a security culture across all employees.
https://www.techradar.com/news/samsung-galaxy-z-fold-6
Samsung is reportedly working on its flagship foldable phone, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6, which is expected to have a larger cover screen than its predecessor. The release date and price are yet to be confirmed, but it is expected to be announced in July or August 2024 with a price tag similar to the Galaxy Z Fold 5. Rumors suggest that the aspect ratio of the cover screen will change and that the phone will have the same camera setup as the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. Users also hope for better dust resistance and a reduction in the crease on the foldable screen.
Microsoft is reportedly working on adding webcam functionality to its Phone Link app, allowing users to use their Android smartphones as webcams for video calls and meetings. The app may include features such as camera stream controls, video effects, and auto-framing. Although it is unclear which devices will support this feature, it could provide a cost-effective alternative for those who do not want to invest in a separate webcam. However, Microsoft may face competition from existing third-party apps such as Camo.
https://www.techradar.com/phones/samsung-galaxy-phones/samsung-galaxy-z-flip-6
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6, expected to launch in 2024, could feature a larger cover screen and improved camera. Samsung has expressed its intention to create a dust-proof foldable phone, which may be incorporated into the new model. The price and official specifications are yet to be confirmed.
A critical security update has been released for some Chrome users on Mac, Linux, and Windows, addressing a zero-day vulnerability that could lead to data theft and cyber attacks. The vulnerability, discovered by Google's Threat Analysis Group, allows hackers to remotely access personal data and deploy malicious code. Users are urged to manually update their Chrome browsers to the latest version to protect their systems.
CEOs of Meta, TikTok, Snap, Discord, and X will testify before the US Senate Judiciary Committee regarding their failure to protect children online. Snap, Discord, and X initially refused but were later subpoenaed. The hearing will take place on January 31, 2024, following the committee's focus on improving child protection measures throughout the year.
Leaked information suggests that the upcoming Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 and Galaxy Z Fold 6 will have larger cover screens compared to their predecessors. The Galaxy Z Flip 6's cover display could reach 3.9 inches, while the size of the Galaxy Z Fold 6's cover display is currently unknown. These foldable phones are expected to launch in July or August next year.
https://www.theverge.com/2023/11/30/23981835/voicemod-ai-voice-creator-community-voices
Voicemod, a popular AI voice cloning program, has launched new features that allow users to easily create and share their own customized AI voices. The AI Voice Changer and Community Voices features let users create unique synthetic voices with various characteristics and effects. As AI voice technology becomes more prevalent, the legal implications surrounding voice cloning remain minimal. Voicemod is available for macOS and Windows.
The Samsung Galaxy S24 series, including the S24 Plus and S24 Ultra, may have lower RAM amounts than expected, with rumors suggesting 8GB for the standard S24 and both 8GB and 12GB options for the S24 Plus and S24 Ultra. This is surprising given previous rumors of higher RAM models. It is speculated that Samsung compromised on specifications, including RAM, to maintain pricing similar to previous models. The official release of the Galaxy S24 series is expected on January 17, 2024.
https://techcrunch.com/2023/11/30/as-temu-shakes-up-global-ecommerce-pdd-nears-overtaking-alibaba/
Unable to Summarize Article
The controversial starter pack in Destiny 2, which included powerful exotic items, has been removed just one day after the new season began. Players criticized the pack for its pay-to-win implications and manipulative marketing towards new players. Bungie responded to the feedback and pulled the pack from stores, stating that new players should first explore other parts of the game before chasing exotic weapons.
https://www.techradar.com/gaming/consoles-pc/grand-theft-auto-trilogy-joins-netflixs-game-library
Netflix will be adding the Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy - The Definitive Edition to its subscription service on December 14. Originally released on PC and consoles in 2021, the mobile version of the trilogy includes updated graphics and a new control scheme. Netflix Games is also set to release acclaimed roguelike Hades on iOS in 2024.
Windows 11 and Windows 10 users are reporting that an unwanted HP Smart app is being installed on their PCs without their permission. The app, which is designed for controlling HP printers, is being installed on non-HP PCs and those not connected to an HP printer. Microsoft is aware of the issue and is investigating. Users can check their Start menu to see if the app is present and uninstall it if necessary.
https://www.theverge.com/2023/11/30/23982293/firefoxs-android-browser-open-extension-launch
Mozilla has announced that beginning December 14th, Firefox's Android browser will support a larger range of extensions. Users will be able to download and use any "Android compatible" extension from Mozilla's add-ons site, expanding the limited selection available since the app's reconfiguration in 2020. Over 400 new extensions will be available, with Mozilla releasing some early as a preview.
Filming for the second season of Netflix's hit show The Sandman has resumed after being halted due to the Hollywood actors strike. To mark the occasion, Netflix released a behind-the-scenes image from season 2. The show's creator, Neil Gaiman, also penned an open letter to fans, expressing excitement for what's to come. Netflix will be relying on The Sandman's success to compensate for the cancellation of other fantasy series on the platform.
Xbox's November update includes a new compact UI for Windows devices, Japanese keyboard support, and notifications for games on users' wish lists that enter the Free Play Days promotion. The compact mode provides a better user interface experience for smaller monitors, while the Japanese language support allows for typing in Japanese. Additionally, the notification feature is a pleasant surprise for players who have games on their wish lists.
The United Auto Workers (UAW) is seeking to unionize 150,000 workers across 13 automakers, including Tesla, BMW, Mercedes Benz, and Hyundai. The UAW aims to improve wages, benefits, and working conditions for non-union automakers, stating that many use temporary and contract employees to depress wages. The union recently negotiated successful contracts with Ford, GM, and Stellantis, resulting in higher wages for workers.
Xbox's CFO, Tim Stuart, has expressed the company's goal of bringing its subscription service, Xbox Game Pass, to every device capable of playing games, including rival devices like the Nintendo Switch and PlayStation. Stuart acknowledged that this is a change in strategy and emphasized that no official announcements had been made. Microsoft has previously discussed expanding onto the Nintendo Switch and expressed a commitment to bringing games to more platforms.
Remnant: From the Ashes and its sequel Remnant 2 are now available on Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass, despite no official announcement from Microsoft or Gearbox Publishing. The inclusion of these soulslike third-person shooters is a pleasant surprise for subscribers, offering challenging gameplay and co-op features. The appearance of these titles on Game Pass may be a mistake, but for now, it's good news for players.
https://www.techradar.com/news/nyt-connections-answers-today
The NYT Connections puzzle for November 29 is highlighted, with hints and answers provided. Players need to find groups of four items that share something in common, with increasing difficulty levels indicated by colors. The daily puzzle resets at midnight local time. TechRadar also offers word game fun and coverage of the latest game releases.
https://venturebeat.com/games/games-for-change-unveils-second-summit-in-abu-dhabi/
GamesBeat and AD Gaming have announced that the second Games for Change Middle East Summit will be held in Abu Dhabi from December 14 to December 17. The summit aims to support the growth of the gaming industry in the United Arab Emirates and neighboring countries, focusing on developing local talent and promoting sustainable business growth. The event is expected to attract international and UAE-based game developers, with a particular focus on esports and its potential in education and community engagement.
https://venturebeat.com/games/splitgate-teams-up-with-zbd-for-bitcoin-rewards-in-tournaments/
As a journalist, it is my duty to accurately summarize the text provided. However, since there is no text provided in your request, I am unable to provide a summary. Please provide the necessary information so that I can assist you.
As an AI language model, I need you to provide the text that you want me to create a summary for. Please provide the text so that I can assist you with summarizing it.
In this article, we will explore the world of virtual reality journalism, where journalists use immersive technology to tell stories and connect with audiences in a new and engaging way. The potential benefits and challenges of this emerging field will be discussed, along with examples of successful virtual reality journalism projects.
https://techcrunch.com/2023/11/29/its-official-evernote-will-restrict-free-users-to-50-notes/
Evernote has made its limited free plan, with access to only one notebook and 50 notes, the default for all new and existing free users starting December 4. Evernote's parent company, Bending Spoons, confirmed that the change is intended to encourage users to switch to the higher limit paid plans. The move may prompt users to consider alternative note-taking apps such as Notion, Microsoft OneOne, or Zoho Notebook.
Sam Altman has been reinstated as the CEO of OpenAI after a board upheaval. The company has also announced a new board of directors, including Bret Taylor, D'Angelo Brown, and Larry Summers. Altman outlined the company's priorities, including advancing research plans and investing in AI safety efforts. Altman also addressed conflicts of interest within the board.
Robinhood, the stock-trading platform that faced controversy in the US, has launched in the UK. The platform, which has 23 million US users, is allowing early access to its app for users on its UK waitlist. It plans to gradually open access to all UK customers in early 2024. Robinhood faced criticism in the US for misleading customers and using gamification strategies to encourage risky trades. It has also been fined for outages and faced a private lawsuit after the suicide of a student who misinterpreted a negative balance of $730,000 in his Robinhood account.
IBM has partnered with NASA, the Mohamed Bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence, the Government of Kenya, and the UK's Science and Technology Facilities Council to advance research in geospatial mapping and AI for weather prediction. The collaboration aims to develop a foundational model that will aid in combating climate change by analyzing heat islands, mapping reforestation efforts, and predicting the impact of extreme weather events. The model will be open-source and publicly available for global research.
https://techcrunch.com/2023/11/29/beuc-cpc-meta-complaint/
Consumer protection organizations across the European Union have joined together to file complaints against Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram. The organizations argue that Meta's recent decision to offer users a choice between being tracked or paying for an ad-free version of its platforms is unfair and breaches EU consumer protection law. They also raise concerns about data protection and are considering filing a complaint with the relevant privacy authority. The consumer protection challenge could complicate Meta's plans, as the network can bring coordinated action and potentially impose penalties of up to 4% of annual turnover.
NASA and IBM are collaborating to develop an AI foundation model for weather and climate applications. The model aims to offer enhanced accessibility, faster inference times, and improved forecasting accuracy. It will be capable of predicting meteorological phenomena, inferring high-resolution information from low-resolution data, and identifying conditions conducive to events such as airplane turbulence and wildfires. This collaboration follows a previous deployment of a NASA-IBM foundational model for geospatial intelligence.
Google has announced the winners of the Google Play's Best of 2023 Awards, which recognize the top Android apps. The Best App of 2023 award went to Imprint: Learn Visually, a personalized education app. Spotify won the Best Multi-device App award, and ChatGPT took the Users' Choice Award. Other winners include Bumble For Friends, Voidpet Garden: Mental Health, Artifact: Feed Your Curiosity, Aware, Character AI, PAW Patrol Academy, and AWorld in support of ActNow. The winners may vary by country.
https://techcrunch.com/2023/11/29/elon-musk-says-go-fuck-yourself-to-advertisers-leaving-x/
Elon Musk has responded angrily to advertisers who paused spending on his platform, X, after he endorsed an antisemitic conspiracy theory. Musk told the advertisers to "go fuck yourself" and warned that their boycott could kill the company. He has a history of threatening legal action against nonprofit organizations and has been accused of failing to address hate speech on the platform.
Apple has named the winners of its Apps and Games of the Year, and some of them have hinted at their plans for Apple's upcoming Vision Pro and spatial computing. Developers spoke about their apps and their excitement for the future of Apple's platforms. Winners included Prêt-à-Makeup, Lies of P, Hello Kitty Island Adventure, Finding Hannah, Photomator, Too Good To Go, and Honkai: Star Rail.
https://venturebeat.com/games/apple-highlights-best-games-and-apps-for-app-store-awards-for-2023/
I'm sorry, but you haven't provided any text for me to summarize. Could you please provide the text you would like me to summarize?
https://venturebeat.com/ai/openais-boardroom-drama-is-over-and-has-just-begun/
I'm sorry, but I need the text you would like me to summarize in order to provide a summary for you.
https://arstechnica.com/?p=1987046
Stability AI has unveiled Stable Diffusion XL Turbo, an AI image-synthesis model that can generate images in real-time based on a written prompt. This model uses a technique called Adversarial Diffusion Distillation (ADD) to produce image outputs in a single step, reducing the number of steps required by its predecessor. While not as detailed, the speed at which Stable Diffusion XL Turbo can generate images is impressive, opening up possibilities for real-time generative AI video filters and video game graphics generation.
https://www.theverge.com/2023/11/29/23982046/sam-altman-interview-openai-ceo-rehired
Sam Altman has returned as CEO of OpenAI following a boardroom coup. Altman was initially fired but was asked to return by the board. The company's biggest investor, Microsoft, is also planning to take a non-voting board seat. Altman declined to comment on the reasons for his firing, but an independent investigation will be conducted.
OpenAI, the artificial intelligence research lab, has announced that Microsoft will join its board as a non-voting observer. The move comes after Sam Altman's return as CEO and the reshuffling of the company's leadership team. OpenAI's largest investor, Microsoft's inclusion on the board addresses questions about why it wasn't present in the first place. The company also unveiled a new board consisting of former Salesforce CEO Bret Taylor (chair), former Clinton Treasury Secretary Larry Summers, and original member Adam D'Angelo. Rumors of Altman's exit were linked to D'Angelo's potential conflict of interest, as OpenAI was developing a competitor to D'Angelo's company Quora's Poe service.
Activision Blizzard had a plan called "Project Boston" to create its own app store for mobile games, bypassing Google Play Store. The plan included partnering with Epic Games and Supercell or launching the store independently. However, Activision Blizzard ultimately signed a deal with Google worth over $100 million, preventing the app store from coming to fruition. The company's CFO claims that the app store idea was only in early discussions and not financially attractive.
SpaceX has quietly acquired parachute vendor Pioneer Aerospace after its parent company went bankrupt. Pioneer provides the drogue parachutes for SpaceX's Dragon capsules, which are used by NASA to transport cargo and astronauts to and from the International Space Station. While SpaceX is known for insourcing components, the acquisition of Pioneer suggests the difficulty of making parachutes that can survive high speeds.
Sam Altman has been reinstated as CEO of OpenAI after a week of turmoil. The company also announced a new board of directors, including Bret Taylor, former co-CEO of Salesforce, and Quora CEO D’Angelo. Altman plans to prioritize OpenAI's research and AI safety efforts while working towards diverse perspectives and improving the company's governance structure. The previous board was replaced after attempting to oust Altman without proper notification.
https://venturebeat.com/ai/microsoft-joins-openai-board-as-a-non-voting-observer-after-ceo-shakeup/
This text instructs me to write a 50-word summary, but it doesn't provide any specific text for me to summarize.
https://arstechnica.com/?p=1987322
Elon Musk caused controversy during an interview by telling businesses to "go fuck themselves" and to stop advertising on Twitter. This came after Musk posted a response to an antisemitic tweet, leading to businesses pulling ads from his platform. Musk's remarks have been criticized, with some suggesting they may further harm the financially struggling company. Musk later expressed regret for his initial post and acknowledged the negative consequences.
https://venturebeat.com/ai/microsoft-joins-openai-board-as-a-non-voting-observer-after-ceo-shakeup/
OpenAI has announced its new board of directors, which includes Bret Taylor, Larry Summers, and Adam D’Angelo. This comes after the previous board dismissed the company's co-founder and CEO, Sam Altman. Microsoft, a major investor, will also join as a non-voting observer. The new board faces challenges in advancing AI research and development while ensuring safety and accountability.
https://techcrunch.com/2023/11/29/fr8labs/
Fr8Labs, a Singapore and Indonesia-based startup, has raised $1.5 million in seed funding to digitize Southeast Asia's logistics industry. The company aims to develop a SaaS operating system that can be used by multiple players in the industry through APIs. Fr8Labs currently has more than 50 customers across several Asian countries and plans to expand further. The funding will be used to enhance the platform and add features such as cargo insurance, financing, and a marketplace.
https://www.theverge.com/2023/11/29/23981848/sam-altman-back-open-ai-ceo-microsoft-board
Sam Altman has officially returned as the CEO of OpenAI, a leading artificial intelligence research lab. Altman's reinstatement comes after a deal was reached to bring him back in November. Microsoft will also join OpenAI's board as a non-voting observer, as part of their partnership with the organization. Altman expressed excitement about the future and gratitude towards the team for their support during uncertain times.
https://arstechnica.com/?p=1987238
2023 has seen a record-breaking number of rockets and payloads launched into orbit, surpassing the previous year's mark. Led by SpaceX and China, the global launch activity has continued to increase over the past five years. SpaceX has been the frontrunner with 87 successful orbital launches, followed by China with 54. The number of launches is expected to grow even further in 2024, driven by SpaceX's aggressive launch plans and China's deployment of mega-constellations of satellites.
https://arstechnica.com/?p=1987313
Two municipal water facilities in Pennsylvania and Texas experienced network security breaches within a few days. The Municipal Water Authority of Aliquippa temporarily shut down a pump after a hack revealed an anti-Israeli message on a programmable logic controller (PLC) manufactured by Unitronics. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Administration issued a warning about recent attacks on Unitronics PLCs used in water and wastewater systems. Similarly, the North Texas Municipal Water District was hit by a ransomware attack, compromising sensitive data. These incidents highlight the vulnerability of critical infrastructure and the need for increased investment in cybersecurity.
https://www.theverge.com/2023/11/29/23981928/elon-musk-ad-boycott-go-fuck-yourself-destroy-x
During an interview at the DealBook conference, Elon Musk addressed the recent advertiser boycott of his company, X, due to his antisemitic posts. Musk alternated between apologizing and pushing advertisers away, even telling them to "go fuck yourself." He acknowledged his mistakes but seemed resigned to the possibility of losing the company. Musk's attempts to clarify his views only further promoted antisemitic conspiracy theories. The full interview was meandering and revealed Musk's nonchalant attitude towards the impact of his actions.
https://gizmodo.com/disney-ceo-bob-iger-bob-chapek-florida-ron-desantis-1851059792
Disney CEO Bob Iger has faced controversy for his statement that Disney has lost sight of its primary job to entertain rather than convey messages in films. However, it can be argued that the middling success of certain films was due to poor marketing during the pandemic and not the fault of creatives. Iger also discussed the legal drama between Disney World and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who stripped Disney of certain rights after the company voiced its opposition to a bill.
https://www.techradar.com/news/wordle-today
Wordle hints and answers are provided to help players maintain their streak in the popular word-guessing game. Today's answer is revealed to be "SUSHI," featuring vowels in two places, starting with the letter "S," repeated letters, and ending with "I." Different strategies and approaches to solve the game are discussed, with expert analysis and tips from TechRadar's UK Editor in Chief, who has been playing Wordle for over a year.
https://venturebeat.com/games/google-names-honkai-star-rail-monopoly-go-and-others-in-2023-awards/
Google has announced the winners of its Best of 2023 awards for Play-based apps and games, with Honkai: Star Rail taking the top honors as Best Overall Game. Other games recognized include Monopoly Go, Pokémon Sleep, Beecarbonize, Vampire Survivors, and Minecraft. Google also introduced new categories to recognize apps with AI and apps/games for good.
https://www.techradar.com/computing/websites-apps/quordle-today-answers-clues-30-november-2023
The article provides hints, answers, and strategies for playing the word game Quordle. It emphasizes the difficulty and complexity of the game and offers tips on how to strategically approach it. The author, who is an avid player, shares their personal experiences and insights.
https://techcrunch.com/2023/11/29/elon-musk-says-go-fuck-yourself-to-advertisers-leaving-x/
Elon Musk responded with profanity to advertisers who paused spending on Twitter after he endorsed an antisemitic conspiracy theory. Musk's comments at the DealBook conference do not bode well for advertisers considering whether to continue their support. Musk has previously sued or threatened legal action against organizations that have criticized Twitter's content moderation practices.
https://techcrunch.com/2023/11/29/elon-musk-says-go-fuck-yourself-to-advertisers-leaving-x/
Elon Musk faced backlash after endorsing an antisemitic conspiracy theory on X. Advertisers, including Apple and Disney, paused spending on the platform. Musk responded by telling them to "go f*** themselves" and warned that the boycott would lead to X's demise. He has a history of suing organizations that criticize X for promoting hate speech.
https://gizmodo.com/elon-musk-tells-advertisers-they-will-destroy-twitter-x-1851059682
During a conversation with Andrew Ross Sorkin, Elon Musk told advertisers to "go fuck yourself" if they wanted to pull their money out of his social media platform, X, due to his recent controversial comments. Musk's comments, including a tweet accused of antisemitism and a mention of pizzagate, have already led some advertisers to withdraw their ads, potentially impacting the struggling platform's finances.
https://venturebeat.com/ai/amazon-awss-barrage-of-gen-ai-announcements-aim-to-outdo-microsoft/
Amazon Web Services (AWS) has made a series of announcements at its AWS Re:Invent conference, positioning itself as the leading player in supporting enterprise companies building generative AI projects. The announcements include offering a broad range of language and text models, multi-modal vector embeddings, text generation models, image generation models with invisible watermarks, and tools for model training. Additionally, AWS is focusing on database integration and supporting vector searches to enhance the capabilities of its language and text models.
https://www.techradar.com/pro/amazon-unveils-next-generation-graviton4-and-trainium2-hardware
AWS has unveiled its new Graviton4 and Trainium2 chips at the AWS re:Invent 2023 event. These chips are designed to power the next generation of AI and machine learning models, offering improved performance and efficiency. Graviton4 promises up to 30% better compute performance, while Trainium2 delivers faster training and improved energy efficiency.
https://www.techradar.com/pro/amazon-unveils-next-generation-graviton4-and-trainium2-hardware
AWS has unveiled its new Graviton4 and Trainium2 chips, designed to power the next generation of AI and machine learning models. The Graviton4 chip offers up to 30% better compute performance, 50% more cores, and 75% more memory bandwidth than its predecessor. The Trainium2 chip provides faster training and improved energy efficiency for AI models using larger datasets. Both chips aim to deliver high performance and larger instance sizes at an affordable cost and energy efficiency level.
SpaceX has quietly acquired parachute vendor Pioneer Aerospace after the company went bankrupt, according to sources. Pioneer provides drogue parachutes for SpaceX's Dragon capsules, used by NASA to transport cargo and astronauts to the International Space Station. The acquisition, costing just $2.2 million, saves Pioneer from dissolution and highlights the difficulty of making parachutes that can survive orbital velocity speeds. SpaceX CEO Elon Musk outsources components based on supplier reliability and delivery capabilities, and the knowledge and manufacturing ability required for such products are hard to replicate quickly.
https://gizmodo.com/android-good-chatgpt-play-store-apps-of-the-year-1851059323
Google has announced the winners of its annual Best of App Awards for 2023 on the Google Play Store. Among the notable winners is ChatGPT, Android's users' choice app and the runner-up for the "Best with AI" app. Android users also favored the game Honkai: Star Rail and the manga series That Time I Got Reincarnated By Slime. Other popular apps included Voidpet Garden and Longleaf Valley. Imprint: Learn Visually was named the Android app of the year. Apple's list of top apps for iOS and iPadOS was also released.
Elon Musk defiantly tells advertisers to "go fuck themselves" after facing a potential loss of $75 million in ad revenue due to his promotion of an antisemitic conspiracy theory. He expressed regret for engaging with the controversial tweet but denied being antisemitic. Musk's remarks were made at The New York Times' DealBook event.
https://arstechnica.com/?p=1987284
According to the CEO of Nvidia, the US could take up to two decades to establish its own domestic chips supply chain. While there are efforts to develop independence, the reliance on components from various parts of the world makes it difficult to achieve in the near term. The tightening of export controls and potential revenue loss may also impact the US's competitiveness in the semiconductor industry. To bridge the gap, the US Chamber of Commerce suggests prioritizing funding for science and R&D, addressing workforce needs, and exploring international cooperation with allied countries.
https://arstechnica.com/?p=1987238
SpaceX and China are leading the way in global launch activity, surpassing previous years in terms of the number of rockets and payloads put into orbit. This year alone, there have been 183 successful orbital launches, with the potential of reaching 200 by the end of December. SpaceX accounts for almost half of these launches, with China following closely behind. The deployment of mega-constellations and broadband satellites will further drive an increase in launches in the coming years.
https://www.theverge.com/2023/11/29/23981129/amazon-aws-ai-model-evaluation-bias-toxicity
Amazon is introducing Model Evaluation on Bedrock, a tool that allows users to assess the performance of artificial intelligence (AI) models. The tool offers both automated evaluation and human evaluation options, providing metrics on accuracy, robustness, toxicity, and more. It aims to help developers select the most suitable models for their projects and ensure responsible AI practices. The Model Evaluation service is currently in preview, and users will only be charged for model inference used during the evaluation.
Software Applications Incorporated, a startup founded by former Apple employees, aims to bring generative AI to desktop computing. The company hopes to create a new kind of software that combines language models and AI to empower everyday users to solve problems. While still in the prototyping phase, Software Applications has already raised $6.5 million in funding and plans to hire up to 10 employees in the coming year. The team's focus on desktop computing is a departure from the mobile-centric approach of many consumer software companies.
https://techcrunch.com/2023/11/29/amazon-finally-releases-its-own-ai-powered-image-generator/
Amazon has unveiled its Titan Image Generator, an AI model available to select AWS customers, that can create or customize images based on text descriptions. The model was trained on diverse datasets and includes mitigations for toxicity and bias. Amazon also claims to protect customers accused of copyright violation through its AI indemnification policy. The images generated by the Titan Image Generator will come with a tamper-resistant invisible watermark by default to combat the spread of AI-generated misinformation and abusive imagery.
https://techcrunch.com/2023/11/29/heres-everything-aws-reinvent-2023-so-far/
Amazon Web Services (AWS) is hosting its AWS re:Invent event in Las Vegas, featuring a range of announcements and updates. The company's CEO, Adam Selipsky, emphasized the use of AI tools and services in maintaining AWS's leading position in the cloud market. Major announcements include Neptune Analytics, Clean Rooms ML, SageMaker HyperPod, Titan Image Generator, Amazon Q chatbot, Guardrails for Amazon Bedrock, Graviton4 and Trainium chips, S3 Express One Zone, serverless offerings for Aurora, ElastiCache, and Redshift, Amazon One Enterprise, and new devices for accessing virtual desktop environments.
https://gizmodo.com/weird-al-spotify-wrapped-artist-pay-1851059636
Spotify Wrapped reveals users' top songs of the year, including messages from artists. Weird Al criticizes Spotify's low royalty payments, stating he earned $12 for 80 million streams. The platform pays artists $0.003 per stream, leaving most struggling to make a living. Weird Al's video raises questions regarding vetting of artist messages.
https://www.theverge.com/2023/11/29/23981662/meta-x-tiktok-ceos-testify-us-senate-child-exploitation
Tech CEOs, including Mark Zuckerberg and TikTok's Shou Zi Chew, will testify before the US Senate on January 31, 2024, regarding online child exploitation. The hearing aims to address the failure of big tech companies to protect children online and comes as part of a bipartisan effort to strengthen child safety rules. Critics argue that some recently approved online safety bills may have unintended consequences.
https://www.theverge.com/2023/11/29/23981683/evernote-limit-free-plan-notebook
Evernote is placing limits on free users, allowing a maximum of 50 notes and one notebook. While the majority of free users fall below this threshold, heavy users may need to consider paying for a higher plan or switching to another platform. The changes will be implemented on December 4th.
https://gizmodo.com/android-good-chatgpt-play-store-apps-of-the-year-1851059323
Google Play has announced its Best of App Awards for 2023, with ChatGPT being named Android users' choice app and runner-up for Best with AI. The list also highlights Android users' preference for gaming, manga, and apps focused on emotional well-being. The Android app of the year is Imprint: Learn Visually, and other notable apps include Voidpet Garden and Longleaf Valley. The journalist plans to try out Stippl for planning a family vacation.
https://techcrunch.com/2023/11/29/heres-everything-aws-reinvent-2023-so-far/
Amazon Web Services (AWS) is holding its AWS re:Invent event in Las Vegas from November 27 to December 1. AWS CEO Adam Selipsky's keynote emphasized AWS's commitment to artificial intelligence (AI) and its position as a leading cloud provider. The event has seen several announcements, including new tools like Neptune Analytics and Clean Rooms ML, as well as the launch of the SageMaker HyperPod and Titan Image Generator. AWS also unveiled the Q chatbot, Guardrails for Amazon Bedrock, Graviton4, and Trainium chips, and introduced new serverless offerings. Additionally, Amazon One Enterprise was introduced for palm-scanning identification and new Fire TV Cube devices for accessing virtual desktop environments.
https://techcrunch.com/2023/11/29/heres-everything-aws-reinvent-2023-so-far/
Amazon Web Services (AWS) is currently hosting its AWS re:Invent event in Las Vegas, showcasing new tools and services, particularly in the field of artificial intelligence (AI). Highlights include the Neptune Analytics tool for graph and vector databases, the privacy-preserving Clean Rooms ML service for collaborative AI models, the SageMaker HyperPod for training large language models, and the Titan Image Generator. Other announcements include the AI-powered chatbot, Amazon Q, and the Guardrails for Amazon Bedrock tool. AWS also revealed the next-generation Graviton4 and Trainium chips, as well as updates to its S3 storage service and new serverless offerings for Aurora, ElastiCache, and Redshift services. Additionally, Amazon unveiled the Amazon One Enterprise palm-scanning identity service and $195 devices for accessing virtual desktop environments.
https://techcrunch.com/2023/11/29/heres-everything-aws-reinvent-2023-so-far/
Amazon Web Services (AWS) is hosting its annual re:Invent event in Las Vegas, where it is expected to make a series of announcements and unveil new products and services. AWS CEO Adam Selipsky emphasized the company's commitment to defending its leading position in the cloud market, particularly with the deployment of AI tools and services. Updates so far include new tools like Neptune Analytics and Clean Rooms ML, as well as the introduction of SageMaker HyperPod and Amazon Q, an AI-powered chatbot. Other releases include Guardrails for Amazon Bedrock, new chips for model training and inferencing, and enhancements to existing services such as Amazon S3 and serverless offerings for Aurora, ElastiCache, and Redshift. Additionally, AWS has launched Amazon One Enterprise, a palm-scanning identity service, and new devices for accessing virtual desktop environments.
https://arstechnica.com/?p=1987046
Stability AI has launched an AI image-synthesis model called Stable Diffusion XL Turbo, which can generate images in real time based on a written prompt. The model uses a technique called Adversarial Diffusion Distillation, which allows it to produce image outputs in a single step, significantly reducing the time required. While SDXL Turbo is not a replacement for the previous model in terms of detail, it offers impressive speed savings. The model is available under a non-commercial research license for now but may be open to commercial applications in the future.
https://arstechnica.com/?p=1987263
Google has reached an agreement with the Canadian government to pay $100 million annually to comply with the country's Online News Act. The deal allows Google to negotiate with a single news collective and reduces its financial obligation. In contrast, Meta, the owner of Facebook, continues to oppose payments. The Canadian government estimated that Google would have had to pay $172 million per year before the agreement was reached.
https://arstechnica.com/?p=1987229
Netflix will be adding the three original 3D Grand Theft Auto games to its mobile library, allowing subscribers to play them on iOS and Android devices. The games, which were originally released on PS2 and Xbox, will be available starting in December. This marks a significant expansion for Netflix's games service, which previously focused on indie games.
Google is addressing the blurry night vision issue on Nest Cam models with a rollout of a fix for affected devices. The problem, attributed to a botched firmware update, results in grainy video feed after sunset. The fix is being released for selected Nest Cam models, with plans to reach all users in the coming weeks. However, there are reports of similar problems occurring on other camera models, prompting further investigation from Google.
https://www.theverge.com/2023/11/29/23981581/windows-11-energy-saver-mode-laptops-pcs
Microsoft is introducing an energy saver mode for Windows 11 Insiders, allowing users to conserve electricity on both desktop computers and laptops. The new feature, available through the Quick Settings or Settings menu, trades some system performance for energy savings. Energy saver mode is currently rolling out to Windows 11 Insiders in the Canary channel.
https://gizmodo.com/jeff-boyes-dan-mumford-gallery-1988-matrix-thing-art-1851055446
Jeff Boyes and Dan Mumford, two artists with a shared love for movies, are displaying their latest exhibit, "Both Sides 3," at Gallery 1988 in Los Angeles. The exhibit features artwork inspired by popular films such as The Lost Boys, Aliens, John Wick, and Ferris Bueller's Day Off. The artwork will be available for purchase both at the gallery and online.
https://venturebeat.com/ai/stability-ai-turbocharges-text-to-image-generation-with-sdxl-turbo/
Stability AI has announced its new SDXL Turbo mode, which significantly speeds up real-time image generation using artificial intelligence. The mode reduces the number of generation steps required, allowing a 512x512 image to be generated in just 207ms. The technique, known as Adversarial Diffusion Distillation (ADD), outperforms other methods and is available for preview on Stability AI's Clipdrop web service. The SDXL Turbo model is not yet ready for commercial use.
https://gizmodo.com/meta-yann-lecun-ai-iq-test-gaia-research-1851058591
OpenAI's alleged breakthrough in AGI, the "Q" program, may have sparked internal conflicts, but recent research by Meta's AI scientist Yann LeCun suggests that AI is still far from being as intelligent as humans. LeCun's paper, co-authored by other researchers, tested the performance of large language models against humans in real-world problem-solving scenarios, with the models falling significantly short. LeCun argues that AI systems need internal models of the world and planning abilities to reach human-level intelligence, which current models lack.
Google is introducing a new garage door detection feature for its Nest security cameras that will notify users if their garage door is open. Additionally, the company is bringing its first-generation Nest Outdoor Cam to the Google Home app and allowing Nest Cam users to create custom clips. These updates are part of the Google Home app's public preview and will be rolled out this week. The garage door detection feature will not require additional sensors or hardware but will need a Nest Aware subscription and a compatible Nest Cam.
https://www.theverge.com/23945184/epic-v-google-fortnite-play-store-antitrust-trial-updates
Unable to Summarize Article
https://venturebeat.com/ai/amazon-unveils-titan-image-generating-ai-what-you-need-to-know/
As a journalist, your goal is to provide a concise and informative summary of the text you are referring to. However, since you haven't provided the text, I am unable to write a summary for you. Please provide the text, and I will be happy to assist you with a 50-word summary.
Consumer Reports has published a survey ranking the reliability of vehicles, with electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrids showing higher maintenance issues compared to gas- or diesel-powered vehicles. EVs experienced 79% more maintenance problems, while plug-in hybrids had 146% more issues. The survey, which polled CR's members about problems with their vehicles, included data on 330,000 vehicles from 2000 to 2023. Non-plugin hybrids scored well, suffering 26% fewer issues than traditional vehicles, while EVs and plug-in hybrids had a higher number of potential trouble areas.
https://arstechnica.com/?p=1987189
A report by Adalytics reveals that Google's Search Partner Network (SPN) has been displaying ads for top brands and government agencies on undesirable websites that the brands have specifically blocked. These sites include controversial platforms, illegal or adult sites, and websites from sanctioned countries. Despite Google's denial, there are concerns that ad revenue may be shared with these sites. Advertisers are now demanding more transparency from Google regarding where their search ads are displayed.
https://arstechnica.com/?p=1987223
Recent studies suggest that research conducted through remote collaborations may lead to increasingly derivative scientific work. A new study by Yiling Lin, Carl Benedikt Frey, and Lingfei Wu supports this claim, suggesting that scientists in on-site teams are better positioned to generate breakthrough ideas. However, measuring the impact of these different types of research proves challenging. The researchers developed a "D score" to assess the disruptiveness of research, with the study analyzing over 20 million papers and 4 million patents. Further investigation is needed to determine the cause and effect relationship between remote collaboration and derivative research.
The collapse of Resonac, a company that manufactures a crucial component in hard drives, could result in major supply chain disruptions and setbacks for Seagate and Western Digital. This comes at a time when hard drive shipments have already been declining, and the industry was anticipating the release of large-capacity hard drives. The rumors of Resonac's collapse highlight the potential dominance of alternative storage mediums, such as SSDs.
Absurd Ventures, the creative studio founded by Dan Houser, the co-founder of Rockstar Games, has announced its first projects. The studio will debut a graphic novel called "American Caper" and a 12-episode audio drama titled "A Better Paradise." While the projects are not video games, Houser's description of them as "universes" suggests potential expansion into transmedia ventures, including video games. More details about both projects will be revealed in the coming months.
https://venturebeat.com/games/netflix-adds-grand-theft-auto-trilogy-to-its-games-library-on-dec-14/
Netflix is set to launch the Grand Theft Auto trilogy, including GTA III, Vice City, and San Andreas, on December 14th as part of its gaming lineup. This comes just before the reveal of the next game in the series, GTA VI. The trilogy will be available in its remastered form, addressing previous bugs and graphical issues. The addition of popular titles like GTA could help increase Netflix's game subscriber numbers.
Google has reached an agreement with the Canadian government over the Online News Act, with the result that it will not remove links to Canadian news outlets from its search results. The law had required large web platforms to pay news outlets for using their content. The terms of the agreement, which reportedly involves Google paying millions of dollars to publishers, have not been disclosed. The deal follows similar negotiations between Google and Australian news outlets earlier this year.
Microsoft is making its Cocreator image-generating AI feature available to all users of the Paint app for Windows 11. Powered by OpenAI's DALL-E 3 model, the feature allows users to enter a description and receive three generated images to choose from. This move is part of Microsoft's integration of DALL-E 3 into various services, including Bing search chatbot and the Copilot generative AI assistant.
https://gizmodo.com/amazon-announces-titan-ai-image-generator-1851059110
Amazon has announced a new AI art generator called Titan, which includes a watermarking system to help identify AI-generated images and reduce the spread of misinformation. However, Amazon did not provide many details about Titan's capabilities or how users can identify the watermark. Each company that uses the model will have to outline how their users can check if an image is an AI deepfake or not. Other companies have found ways to create unalterable watermarks, but Amazon's approach remains unclear.
https://gizmodo.com/doctor-who-wild-blue-yonder-theories-susan-ncuti-gatwa-1851058873
Doctor Who fans are eagerly anticipating the second of three 60th anniversary specials, titled "Wild Blue Yonder," but the lack of information from the BBC has led to intense speculation. Rumors suggest the episode could feature a mysterious location inside another TARDIS, the return of past companions or Doctors, and could touch on controversial elements of the show's canon. Some have even speculated that the episode could be a multi-Doctor special, introducing the upcoming 15th Doctor earlier than planned. Fans will have to wait until Saturday, December 2 to find out the truth.
https://techcrunch.com/2023/11/29/reddit-rebrand-refreshes-its-logo-as-ipo-speculation-swirls/
Reddit has unveiled a new logo and visual update, including a redesigned mascot and a refreshed set of fonts. The new logo features a three-dimensional version of the iconic Snoo mascot, with an open-mouthed smile and opposable thumbs. The company is also introducing new colors and typefaces to enhance its brand identity. The timing of the rebranding has led to speculation that Reddit may be preparing for an initial public offering (IPO) in the near future.
https://www.engadget.com/amazon-now-has-its-own-ai-image-generator-203025475.html?src=rss
Amazon has launched its own image generator as part of its AWS platform. The Titan Image Generator allows customers to create images from scratch using a text prompt or by uploading and editing an image. Amazon claims the AI-powered tool can produce studio-quality images at a low cost while reducing the generation of harmful content and misinformation. Additionally, the generated images will contain invisible watermarks to identify AI-generated content and promote transparency.
https://venturebeat.com/games/marc-merrill-riot-games-cofounder-cpo/
Riot Games co-founder Marc Merrill has been appointed as Riot's Chief Product Officer, where he will oversee and lead the vision for all of Riot's games. Merrill, who previously served as co-CEO, will be responsible for aligning the product strategy across the company's games and future projects. The appointment comes as Riot expands beyond League of Legends, launching new flagship games and making progress in television productions. Merrill will also continue to serve as co-chairman of Riot's board.
https://www.theverge.com/23801642/gmail-accounts-lost-forgotten-recovery-how-to
Google is set to delete unused accounts starting December 1st, 2023. To find out if you have any forgotten accounts, Google's "find your email" page can be used to search for associated accounts. Users are advised to check all active email addresses and phone numbers that may have been used as recovery references and to add recovery options to each Google account.
Spotify and Apple have released their top podcast lists, providing insight into people's podcast consumption habits. The lists show that there is little overlap between the platforms, with Spotify's top podcasts leaning toward celebrity chat shows and its own content, while Apple's list includes true crime, news, and longtime podcast favorites. The rankings also reflect the different demographics of the platforms' listeners, with Apple's audience being older and predominantly female. However, these rankings should be seen as a snapshot of each platform rather than the industry as a whole.
Content platform Substack has launched new video capabilities, including a direct upload tool and customizable paywalls for content creators. The platform aims to reduce friction for video-based media businesses, allowing creators to upload videos directly and offering flexible paywall options. Substack also introduced an AI tool for generating video transcripts and upgraded video sharing features. To mark the launch, Substack will roll out exclusive video shows featuring notable figures such as chef Nancy Silverton and news anchor Chris Cuomo.
https://www.techradar.com/pro/amazon-wants-to-help-your-business-create-images-using-ai
Amazon has launched its own AI image generator called Amazon Titan Image Generator. The platform is aimed at businesses and allows users to create realistic images or enhance existing ones using natural language prompts. The tool can be trained on company-specific data, reducing development times, and is particularly useful for marketing and advertising campaigns. The images generated come with invisible watermarks to combat copyright violations and tampering.
Loft Orbital, a San Francisco-based startup, is revolutionizing access to space by offering space infrastructure-as-a-service. The company buys standard satellites and equips them with customer payloads, eliminating the need for customers to purchase and manage their own hardware. They are now introducing "virtual missions," allowing customers to deploy software apps onto Loft satellites to analyze data and run various use cases. The high demand for these services has prompted Loft to consider deploying large constellations dedicated to serving customer missions.
https://arstechnica.com/?p=1987154
Google DeepMind researchers have discovered 2.2 million crystal structures using artificial intelligence (AI), an expansion 45 times larger than previous discoveries in the field. The researchers plan to make 381,000 of the most promising structures available for testing in fields such as renewable energy and computation. This development showcases the potential of AI in accelerating scientific progress and improving materials used in various industries.
https://arstechnica.com/?p=1987057
BBC Basic, a programming language popular in the 1980s, has made a comeback with its latest version, BBCSDL. Developed since 2015 by Richard Russell, BBCSDL is now available on multiple platforms, including Windows, Linux, macOS, Raspberry Pi, Android, iOS, and in browsers through WebAssembly. The language's cross-platform compatibility is seen as its greatest strength, making it a versatile choice for programmers.
https://arstechnica.com/?p=1986932
San Jose startup Frore Systems has developed a solid-state active cooling chip that could potentially improve the performance and thinness of laptops. The company recently equipped the M2 15-inch MacBook Air with its chips, which reportedly brought MacBook Pro-like performance to sustained heavy workloads. Frore is currently collaborating with major laptop OEMs and Intel plans to feature its solution in future reference laptops.
https://arstechnica.com/?p=1987006
A fire broke out at the site of the planned $20 million Tesla Science Center on Long Island, New York. The nonprofit group behind the project is now facing a $3 million bill for immediate repairs. A 60-day crowdfunding campaign has been launched to raise the necessary funds. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
https://arstechnica.com/?p=1987155
Google Play has reinstated the Android TV app "Downloader" after reversing a ban that was prompted by a vague Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) notice. This is the second time in six months that the app, which combines a browser with a file manager, has been suspended without proper identification of copyrighted works. The incident raises concerns about Google's response to unsubstantiated DMCA notices. Warner Bros. Discovery, the complainant, and Google did not respond to requests for comment.
A team of researchers discovered that OpenAI's chatbot, ChatGPT, could reveal sensitive information such as email addresses and phone numbers by asking it to repeat random words. The researchers, from various institutions including Google DeepMind and Cornell, urged AI companies to conduct thorough testing before releasing language models, as they can inadvertently expose private data. OpenAI patched the vulnerability but acknowledged additional security measures are needed.
https://www.theverge.com/23769840/best-bluetooth-trackers
Bluetooth trackers are a useful tool for people who often lose their belongings. They have evolved to include features like precision tracking, anti-stalking measures, and wider network connectivity. The article recommends Apple's AirTags for iPhone users, Tile devices for Android users, and Pebblebee Clip as an alternative. It also suggests options for tracking wallets specifically.
San Francisco-based startup Loft Orbital is shifting the meaning of SaaS (software-as-a-service) to "space infrastructure-as-a-service," offering customers the opportunity to deploy their software apps onto Loft satellites. This new initiative, called "virtual missions," allows customers to leverage on-board sensors and compute nodes to analyze data in real-time. Loft will launch its first satellite dedicated to virtual missions in February 2024 and has seen high demand, with some customers prebooking 10% of the compute resources available on Loft's next 20 planned virtual mission satellites. The company aims to deploy large constellations dedicated to serving virtual customer missions.
https://gizmodo.com/spacex-rockets-atmosphere-punch-holes-bright-aurorae-1851058103
Astronomers are reporting an increase in the frequency of glowing phenomena in the sky caused by rocket launches. These glows, known as "SpaceX aurorae," are caused by interactions between rocket exhaust and the ionosphere. The increasing number of rocket launches, including by SpaceX, is causing concern about the impact on astronomical observations and light pollution. The effects of these glows on scientific research are still being evaluated.
The US government has announced that at least 40% of the benefits from federal programs funded by the Inflation Reduction Act will be directed towards disadvantaged communities. The move is part of President Joe Biden's Justice40 Initiative, which aims to ensure that marginalized and overburdened communities receive the benefits of clean energy and climate investments. The programs funded by the Inflation Reduction Act include measures to reduce pollution, promote clean energy, and help communities adapt to climate change. However, there has been criticism over how the initiative defines "disadvantaged" and calculates "benefits."
Founder of spyware maker Hacking Team, David Vincenzetti, was arrested for allegedly stabbing and attempting to murder a relative. Vincenzetti, who reportedly had psychological issues, was ordered to stay in jail while prosecutors investigate his mental health state. Hacking Team sold spyware to governments worldwide, later found to have been used to target journalists and dissidents. The company suffered a breach in 2015, leading to the departure of key developers and loss of customers.
https://gizmodo.com/david-zaslav-movies-wb-discovery-wga-sag-strike-1851058545
Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav faces challenges as he navigates the movie studio's future. From rebranding the streaming service to handling layoffs and shelving projects, Zaslav acknowledges the hard decisions he has made and hopes to change public opinion. The studio's outlook remains uncertain as the industry moves forward.
https://gizmodo.com/google-will-pay-news-companies-content-canada-1851058840
Google has reached a deal with the Canadian government over a new law that requires tech companies to pay news publishers for content shared on their platforms. The agreement, which is the first sign of compromise between Canada and Silicon Valley, reduces Google's estimated costs from $127 million CAD to $100 million CAD. The Online News Act is aimed at addressing the issue of tech giants profiting from advertising, and if successful, could set a precedent for similar laws globally. Meta has not resumed talks with the Canadian government regarding the law.
https://gizmodo.com/netflix-squid-game-challenge-series-20-million-views-1851058733
Netflix's controversial reality competition show, "Squid Game: The Challenge," based on the hit fictional series, has become a certified hit with its high viewership ratings. The show tops Netflix's English TV list with 20.1 million views, while the original Squid Game drama series returned to the charts, ranking sixth on the popular non-English list with 1.6 million views. The competition, with a $4.56 million prize, has been captivating audiences with challenges inspired by the series, and new episodes are being released throughout December.
https://venturebeat.com/ai/chatgpts-1-year-anniversary-how-it-changed-the-world/
As a journalist, I cannot provide a summary of a text that you have not provided. Please provide the text you would like me to summarize, and I will be happy to assist you.
The 10th-gen iPad is on sale for $399 on Amazon, offering a saving of $50 for Apple fans who missed out on Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals. The iPad features a new design, A14 Bionic chipset, and supports the first-generation Apple Pencil. It is ideal for various tasks, from content consumption to creating digital art.
A recent analysis by the Cybernews Research team reveals that thousands of secrets are being left exposed on Docker Hub. These secrets range from API keys to more sensitive information, with approximately 54% of container images on Docker Hub holding secrets. The most common type of secret discovered was GitHub tokens, followed by Datadog Tokens and Uniform Resource Identifiers. The researchers emphasize the need for organizations to strengthen their security measures and educate developers on the potential risks of leaving sensitive data in container images.
In this assignment, I am asked to play the role of a journalist and write a 50-word summary of a text. However, there is no specific text provided for me to summarize. If you could please provide me with the text you would like me to summarize, I will be happy to assist you.
https://www.theverge.com/2023/11/29/23981363/mailchimp-shutting-down-tinyletter
Mailchimp is discontinuing its newsletter service, TinyLetter, on February 29th, 2024. The decision was made as Mailchimp's focus has shifted towards building tools for marketers, and some TinyLetter users have already migrated to Mailchimp or other platforms catering specifically to writers. TinyLetter users are encouraged to export their data and consider alternatives, although Mailchimp's free tier may not be suitable for larger subscriber lists.