Twitter has been going through a dramatic meltdown ever since Elon Musk took command of the platform. Just recently, Musk revealed that Twitter will be limiting how many tweets a user sees down to just a thousand for non-paying users. It won’t be wrong to state that Twitter is no longer the platform is used to and the changed leadership has caused more damage than one could’ve initially imagined. Taking advantage of a failing platform, Facebook parent Meta is all set to launch a microblogging app of their own titled – Threads.
Twitter competitor on the way
Threads, Instagram’s text-based conversation application is expected to be released on July 6, 2023. This platform will allow users to follow the same people they follow on the photo and video sharing platform of Instagram along with having the same username. The launch comes merely days after Twitter announced the restrictions on their app.
The application is already live on Apple’s App Store. The description for the same read – “Threads is where communities come together to discuss everything from the topics you care about today to what’ll be trending tomorrow. Whatever it is you’re interested in, you can follow and connect directly with your favorite creators and others who love the same things — or build a loyal following of your own to share your ideas, opinions and creativity with the world.”
while Threads is closely connected to the Instagram platform, it is a standalone application which is an interesting approach, to say the least. There is no definitive information on how the application will operate as of now. However, it looks like users can like, comment, repost, and share posts on it. It will be interesting to see if Meta is able to migrate hardcore Twitter users to their platform. The general consensus about the new Meta platform has been rather underwhelming on Twitter with many users straight up saying they’re not interested in it. One of the tweets I read was something along the line of – “It’s a Meta product, so we won’t use it” which was followed by a good chunk of likes and replies.
Marty McFly and Dr Emmett Brown have a special place in my heart as their quirky adventures paved the way for my unhealthy obsession with sci-fi films! Right now, we embark on a whimsical journey inspired by the beloved Back to the Future film series. So strap on your hoverboards, fasten your flux capacitors and get ready to explore the quirky and humorous tech concepts that tickled our imaginations in those iconic movies.
Time Travel Technology – The Flux Capacitor:
Back to the Future taught us that time travel is a wibbly-wobbly, timey-wimey affair. While we’re still waiting for our very own flux capacitors, this movie franchise reminded us to embrace the possibilities of the future. So, let’s raise a glass of plutonium-infused punch to the dreamers and inventors tirelessly working to bring time travel from the silver screen to our reality. Avengers: Endgame disses the linear time travel method shown in Back to the Future films but the concept is undoubtedly more interesting than the one consisting of multiple timelines. If there’s any way where I can mess up with timelines by going back in time, then my sinister ass will definitely do it!
Hoverboards – Chasing the Future:
Who could forget the exhilarating sight of Marty McFly gracefully gliding on his trusty hoverboard? While we’re not quite hovering around town just yet, the quest for levitating transportation continues. In the spirit of Back to the Future, let’s keep our eyes on the horizon and our hopes high for a day when hoverboards become an everyday mode of transportation. Until then, remember to stay balanced, both on your board and in life!
Self-Lacing Shoes – Stepping into Tomorrow:
The concept of self-lacing shoes may have seemed far-fetched in the ’80s, but thanks to Back to the Future, we caught a glimpse of the future of footwear. While we may not have shoes that automatically adjust to our feet with the precision of the Nike MAGs, the film’s legacy has inspired shoe companies to explore innovative technologies in footwear. Lace up your sneakers and keep an eye out for that moment when you slip into a pair of self-lacing kicks and feel like a true time-travelling hero.
High-Tech Wearables – Fashion Forward:
From Marty’s self-drying jacket to Doc Brown’s impressive headgear, Back to the Future taught us that fashion and technology can coexist in wonderfully bizarre ways. While our clothes may not yet dry themselves or predict weather patterns, the film series serves as a reminder that wearable technology has the potential to revolutionize our lives. So, don’t be surprised if you find yourself wearing a smart jacket that keeps you warm in the winter and doubles as a jukebox, playing Huey Lewis and the News on demand.
Jiggawatt Power – The Energy of Tomorrow:
In the Back to the Future trilogy, Doc Brown needed a whopping 1.21 gigawatts of power to send the DeLorean hurtling through time. While we may not have access to the jiggawatts just yet, this serves as a reminder that we should continue pushing the boundaries of clean and sustainable energy sources. Let’s harness the power of lightning, convert the garbage into fuel, and work towards a future where our energy needs are met with a touch of scientific magic.
I am reminded that innovation is an adventure that often defies logic and reason as end this article based on my most beloved film series. These films taught us to embrace the quirky, the impossible, and the fantastical aspects of technology. So, fellow time-travellers, let’s channel our inner Doc Brown, fire up our imaginations, and keep pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. Remember, the future is what we make it, so let’s make it!
It has been just over a week since Google’s first-ever foldable device hit the market. However, even before the device could reach the hands of mainstream customers, the Google Pixel Folds are breaking up! Several reports and complaints on the Internet have mentioned that the Pixel Fold’s display is breaking with some users even sharing photos of the broken display.
One Pixel Fold user started noticing a bright pink line over the display just mere hours after they started using it. Additionally, another Pixel Fold owner posted photos of dents on the inner screen of the device. This is a matter of grave concern as more and more users have been coming forward and sharing that their Pixel fold devices are breaking up!
Pixel Fold in the pickle
While dents and display issues are surely not to be taken lightly, Ron Amadeo from Ars Technica shared that his Pixel Fold device died after using it for just four days. In his case, the device died after some debris got caught between its screen protector and the bezel. When the phone was shut close, the debris punctured the display resulting in the device dying entirely. Users around the world have also witnessed a popping sound with the Pixel Fold’s hinge when opening the phone.
So… why is this happening?
While there is no objective answer for why the Google Pixel Fold devices are specifically dying, there is a general answer. Foldable displays are incredibly fragile compared to standard smartphones. The folding devices use Ultra Thin Glass (UTG) which allows the screen to fold. On top of it is a plastic screen protector to ensure the glass is protected.
However, if any tiny little bit of debris gets under the protector or the glass then it can easily damage the screen. Whenever the user shuts the device close, it presses dust and debris against it which leads to the folding displays breaking up. In response to user complaints, Google spokesperson Alex Moriconi advised them to reach out to support to investigate.
What comes to your mind when I say gaming? If you ask me, I picture a massive screen coupled with a powerful PC (Yes, a PC) preferably housing an RTX 4090 for the utmost immersion and indulgence while I spend my hours away playing games. I understand there is a big chunk of console purists who would argue gaming on a PS5 or the latest Xbox provinces a superior experience but to each his own. We live in times where gamers have an array of options to choose from. Be it a console, PC, or handheld compact hybrid console, there is freedom of choice like no other in the current scenario. However, this was not always the case.
Gaming has come a long way since its humble beginnings, evolving from simple pixelated adventures to immersive virtual realities. Over the years, advancements in technology have transformed gaming into an extraordinary form of entertainment that captivates millions around the world. Today we’re embarking on a fascinating journey through the evolution of gaming, exploring the milestones, innovations, and unforgettable experiences that have shaped the industry into what it is today.
The Birth of an Industry
The origins of gaming can be traced back to the early days of arcades and home consoles. Pong, the iconic table tennis simulation, burst onto the scene in 1972 and became the first commercially successful video game. This simple yet addictive game paved the way for the rise of arcade machines and home gaming systems.
In the late 1970s and early 1980s, consoles like the Atari 2600 and the Intellivision introduced a new level of gaming experience to households. Players could now enjoy a variety of games, from the pixelated adventures of Pitfall! to the spaceship battles of Space Invaders. These consoles sparked a gaming revolution, establishing gaming as a mainstream form of entertainment.
The Golden Age of Consoles
The 1980s witnessed the birth of gaming’s most iconic characters and franchises. Super Mario Bros. captured the hearts of millions with its side-scrolling platforming action, while The Legend of Zelda introduced gamers to sprawling fantasy worlds filled with puzzles and quests. These games set the standard for storytelling and gameplay mechanics, laying the foundation for future generations of games. Super Mario Bros. with its loveable characters Mario and Luigi managed to carve a place in people’s hearts decades ago and the IP keeps on generating billions of dollars each year thanks to its prominence in mainstream pop culture.
In the 1990s, the console wars heated up, pitting Sega Genesis against Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES). Sonic the Hedgehog raced onto the scene, providing fierce competition to Nintendo’s mascot, Mario. This rivalry ignited a wave of innovation, with each console pushing the limits of technology and introducing groundbreaking games like Street Fighter II and Mortal Kombat.
The Rise of PC Gaming
While consoles dominated the living rooms, personal computers (PCs) became the platform of choice for a different breed of gamers. The PC gaming scene flourished, offering a vast array of genres and experiences. The point-and-click adventures of Monkey Island and the real-time strategy of Warcraft captivated gamers with their intricate narratives and strategic gameplay.
The introduction of CD-ROM technology in the mid-1990s further revolutionized PC gaming. CD-ROMs allowed for more expansive worlds, enhanced graphics, and immersive soundtracks. Games like Myst, with its atmospheric puzzles, and Diablo, with its dark fantasy setting, pushed the boundaries of what was possible in gaming.
The Era of 3D and Beyond
The late 1990s witnessed a significant leap forward with the advent of three-dimensional (3D) graphics. Super Mario 64 and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time on the Nintendo 64 showcased the immersive potential of 3D environments, allowing players to explore vast, interactive worlds like never before.
As technology progressed, so did the gaming industry. The early 2000s saw the rise of online gaming, where players could connect and compete with others around the globe. Massive multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPGs) like World of Warcraft and EverQuest brought players together in virtual realms, fostering communities and friendships that transcended geographical boundaries.
The 2010s brought a new wave of innovation with the emergence of mobile gaming. Smartphones and tablets provided a platform for gaming on the go, and casual games like Angry Birds and Candy Crush Saga captured the attention of both dedicated gamers and casual players alike. If your mom or dad don’t spend a big chunk of their time trying to solve candy crush puzzles throughout the day then you’re a lucky one as I cannot say that for myself!
Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies entered the mainstream, offering immersive experiences that transported players into virtual worlds or blended the real and digital realms. Games like Pokémon Go brought the magic of augmented reality into the everyday lives of millions, allowing players to capture virtual creatures in real-world locations. The Pokémon Go era genuinely allowed people to understand the immersion AR allows in gaming as teenagers were seen running around in herds trying to catch a Pikachu on the streets.
It is no secret that gaming has evolved from simple pixelated adventures to immersive, multi-dimensional experiences that engage players on an emotional and interactive level. Technological advancements, fierce competition, and the creative minds of game developers have pushed the boundaries of what is possible in the world of gaming.
As we look to the future, it’s clear that gaming will continue to evolve and surprise us with new innovations. From virtual reality to artificial intelligence, the possibilities are endless. So, grab your controller, don your virtual reality headset, and get ready for the next chapter in the ever-evolving world of gaming. The adventure awaits! Before you hop on your favourite video games: Here are some of my top picks which I’ve enjoyed thoroughly over the years –
The experience of playing music has evolved over the years. We are now in a world filled with endless streaming services, viral songs, and Instagram trends. With this wide array of options, it is easy for people to assume that traditional ways of consuming music like the radio are now irrelevant. However, one cannot deny the fact that radio has survived multiple waves of technological advancement starting from the launch of televisions back in the 1940s and the cultural shift through MTV in the early 1980s.
My first introduction to music in general, like many others from my generation was through television. A two-in-one radio and cassette player in the living room was exclusive only to my grandparents and presumably yours too. However, travelling to school and back meant listening to the radio in the van which was a delightful experience. Thus as time went by and I could finally drive myself, radio became synonymous with driving. Even now, long drives mean listening to 94.3 Radio One as the station takes us through various genres of Western music sprinkled with other local stations here and there. Sure Apple CarPlay and Android Auto allow drivers to go around streaming their favourite music online while driving but the novelty factor of driving while listening to music remains intact. I assumed I am in the minority of the people who still enjoy listening to music on the radio but was taken aback by the data recently collected by Toluna India.
Toluna India conducted a study between December 19, 2022, and January 2, 2023, where it surveyed over 1200 FM radio listeners aged between 18-50. The participants belonged to different socioeconomic backgrounds and economic statuses across 30 Tier 2 and 3 markets in India. Surprisingly, 80 per cent of the respondents claimed that they listened to the radio on a regular basis. The percentage of radio listeners goes even higher among working professionals with 90 per cent of the respondents enjoying the radio. However, the younger lot of the respondents belonging to the student category witnessed a drop to 66 per cent (which is not bad considering younger kids are exposed to all kinds of sources of entertainment)
The study also found that 33 per cent of people in Tier 2 and 3 regions in India consider radio as the preferred source of entertainment. This data is enough to assume that radio is pretty much alive and kicking contrary to the popular belief that it is a dying breed of entertainment.
On the other hand, similar to our staple cable TV entertainment options, radio has also made its way online. Radio stations are transitioning online with an ever-increasing amount of radio streaming apps. Thus, people who thoroughly enjoy listening to the radio can even tune in online, similar to all other streaming platforms. All while I sat there believing that radio is dying under the crushing weight of the ever-growing streaming market, the Indian government threw a curveball to all smartphone manufacturers breathing life into the traditional source of entertainment.
Back in early May 2023, the Indian government issued an advisory to mobile phone makers in the country to ensure that FM Radio is enabled and also easily accessible on smartphones. This move is undertaken in order to bridge the digital divide and make radio services accessible to people in the rural and remote areas of the country that cannot afford to buy standalone radio sets. Additionally, this also ensures that people have access to all information and entertainment through radio, especially during times of emergencies and disasters.
The history of modern human civilization is deeply influenced by the radio. Be it World War II when effective radio propaganda was used by the Germans to erode pro-British sentiment, or the iconic film Lage Raho Munna Bhai which showcased the power of the medium and made ‘Good Morning Mumbai!’ synonymous with radio in the country, the contribution of radio cannot be overstated. So, get on your ‘Radio Ga Ga’ as the offline music service will definitely encompass a new journey in the digital age!
Smartphones have evolved to become an essential part of our lives. Be it the professional front or the personal front, smartphones are the constant companions we carry around in our back pockets in order to connect with the world. One can blame that the emergence and popularity of social media has increased our dependency on smartphones but that is a topic for some different day. Today, we would like to take you through a brief history of smartphones right from their inception to where they stand now. So come along with us as we turn the pages of history and understand the smartphone –
1876: Graham Bell’s miraculous innovation
It will be unfair to look at the evolution of the smartphone without touching upon the history of the first-ever telephone ever made. Sure, smartphones now serve multiple purposes with the standard telephone features being just one of the many things they can do, but the inception of the smartphone relies entirely on being able to make calls and communicate with others while being on the move. Back in 1876, Alexander Graham Bell invented the telephone which revolutionized communication forever.
At first, the telephone was considered a luxury item which was only accessible to the wealthy. However, the following century brought the telephone evolution which made the communication device a common household item. Now, telephones are everywhere you go and that flashy slab of screen is what people look at first thing in the morning. So, how did we get here?
1994: IBM’s first call to smartphones
Now, the origin of the first ever ‘smartphone’ is a debatable topic with many referring to the Motorola DynaTAC 8000x launched in 1983 as the first one to launch in the mainstream market. However, IBM’s ‘Simon Personal Communicator’ was the first mobile phone to sport multiple features. IBM was the first player in a business market which is expected to be valued at over $1.35 trillion by 2026.
Simon Personal Communicator launched back on August 16, 1994, with a hefty price tag of $900. Sadly, the Simon was not received well by the masses thanks to the premium price tag. The device was bulky and had poor battery life which was coupled with poor wireless connectivity. This led to the first smartphone becoming a failed venture but it laid down the foundation of many beta-level features that are now common in modern mainstream smartphones. One can say that the Simon Personal Communicator was way ahead of its time.
1998: Nokia 5110 makes heads turn
1998 was not the first time Nokia tried to enter the consumer phone market. However, with the 5110, Nokia revamped its ideology with consumer phones and departed from the ‘business phone’ strategy. The Nokia 5110 allowed users to choose a device which was not just plain black and grey colours. It introduced the Xpress-on-covers which could change the colour of the device and stand out as eye candy.
The original Nokia 5110 advertised the device with the ‘Freedom of Expression’ tagline which was well received amongst the mass consumers. Nokia started the craze for changeable mobile cases from the late 90s to the early 2000s. This was the time humanity started to get a taste of what was about to unfold in the coming years.
1999: Here Come The Blackberry Boys
The Blackberry 850 launched back in 1999 and things were not the same after it. The personal communication device features email, fax, calendar, address book, and task lists as its primary features. It featured a full QWERTY keypad allowed it to form a league of its own. Interestingly, the Blackberry 850 did not include the ability to make calls. The feature was introduced in the Blackberry 5810 which was released in 2002.
Since the 850 did not sport any calling features, it was marketed as a personal communication device for the business world. Where Blackberry aced was the marketing where it skillfully advertised its security features garnering good reception from professionals.
2007: The iPhone!
As a tech fanatic myself, I’ve seen Steve Jobs’ video introducing the first-ever iPhone at MacWorld in 2007 multiple times. The world has not been the same ever since the iPhone made its way to the market. It still stands tall as one of the most disruptive pieces of technology ever launched globally which changed the way we communicate with tech and each other as a species. In my biased opinion, iPhone’s launch is what signifies that mobile phones becoming smartphones.
The cherry on top was its asking price of $499 which allowed Apple to sell them like hotcakes clocking in at 270,000 iPhones getting sold within just the first two days of the release. Furthermore, over 6 million iPhones were sold during its entire run in the global market. It was a new product with never seen before technology which could have resulted in hesitation or straight-up rejection from the general public, but that was not the case here. The huge number of sales for a first-generation product like the iPhone signified humanity’s shift in the sphere of personal technology.
iPhone took many fundamental features from IBM’s Simon and dialled them to 100. The device allowed talk, text, email, music, YouTube, maps, calendar, weather, camera, along with internet web browsing. An average tech fan back in 2007 must-have definitely lost their mind when Jobs introduced the revolutionary device.
2008: iPhone 3G
While I am an Android user myself and do not enjoy the modern iOS interface, I cannot deny the contribution of the iPhone in shaping the modern smartphone era. It was back in 2008 when Apple released the iPhone 3G which made a bigger splash than the original. It provided all the modern functionality present in the iPhone while allowing personalization. The App Store was introduced which allowed third-party applications to be installed. This revolutionized the smartphone experience furthermore as it meant that the devices were no longer limited to the default factory settings, allowing users to have complete control of the device.
The iPhone 3G sold over a million devices in the first weekend itself and ended its run with over 15 million units sold. The iPhone was growing in popularity and started getting a hold of the personal communication market until Android stepped in!
2008: Android Enters The Chat!
After the massive success of the second-generation iPhone along with the App Store, Google started making waves with the launch of its very own operating system; Android. Google developed Android in order to compete against iOS with the launch of HTC Dream which launched back in 2008. HTC Dream was the first ever device to run on Android OS. It features a sliding keyboard, multi-touch screen, 3G & WiFi connection along with a much better camera than iPhone 3G at the time.
But Google didn’t stop at merely creating an OS and a device running on it as it also launched the Play Store. The Google Play Store was an app store predominantly designed to compete with Apple’s App Store. The popularity of the two prominent app stores from Apple and Google hinted towards the fact that people were beginning to use smartphones for beyond just simple communication purposes. This was the time when mobile phones transformed from becoming communication devices to lifestyle tools.
Bigger Screens and Immersive Experiences
What followed in the next years was a game of cat and mouse among Android and iPhone devices. In 2012, Samsung launched the Galaxy S3 which featured a bigger screen. Samsung ended up outselling the iPhones after the launch of the S3 thanks to the bigger screen. This indicated that consumers are wanting larger screens on their smartphones to consume videos, read the news, play games, and more. This led to the current trend where we get smartphones in a large slab of screen form factor.
Samsung folds the smartphone trend
Now we come to the current scenario with the smartphone industry moving towards foldable devices. Samsung was the first smartphone manufacturer to venture into foldable with the launch of its controversial Galaxy Fold. The launch of this device was no less than a mess when users started removing the protective film from the device thinking it can be removed. This resulted in Samsung recalling most of the Galaxy Fold Gen 1 devices. Currently, every smartphone manufacturer seems to be getting in the foldable business with players like Google, Oppo, Tecno, and many more introducing their own foldable smartphones.
Smartphones: What’s Next?
hand holding a futuristic transparent smartphone with home screen on display
It is difficult to predict how smartphones evolve in the near future. It has not even been three decades since smartphones were introduced and the relatively new technology has gone through multiple changes. The social narrative around smartphones has also changed drastically as it is not just an accessory we carry around but an important part of our existence.
Smartphones enable digital spaces like social media which are here to stay. Thus, it can be assumed that smartphones too are going to be around for the longest time. However, one cannot be sure in which form factor will exist. I am leaning towards foldable devices being the future but that is not set in stone. Society’s dependence on technology is ever-increasing thus the smartphone will undoubtedly be around in some shape or form.
If you ask me, home entertainment is one of the biggest blessings humanity has given itself. Sure, there is no competition when it comes to going to the theatres to watch a film in a dark room surrounded by popping Dolby Sound but none of us can take the time out to go every weekend. The answer to the time-consuming process of travelling to the cinemas, watching a film and coming back is home entertainment. Today, we have thousands of films at our disposal to watch on streaming platforms which leaves us confused as to which one to choose.
A film released in the theatres is guaranteed to launch on some or the other streaming platforms in just a few weeks which has killed the exclusivity of the cinema-going experience overall. However, this was not always the case. Home entertainment has come a long way and we’re going to explore its major phases in the following paragraphs. So hop on cinephiles, let’s embark on an entertainment journey –
VHS era
Once upon a time, back in the 1980s, the VHS tape reigned supreme. The clunky, rectangle-shaped boxes took up half the shelf space in your living room. Remember the thrill of rushing to rent out a VHS at your local entertainment store, hoping your favourite movie was in stock? It was like winning the lottery, only with more popcorn. I was lucky enough to experience that euphoria before DVDs took over the world.
But alas, VHS had its quirks. For starters, the joy of movie night was often interrupted by the dreaded “rewind” command. Ah, the joy of watching a tape slowly rewind, wasting precious minutes of our lives. It was like watching grass grow, but less thrilling.
And let’s not forget the infamous “tracking” button on the VCR, the mysterious solution to fuzzy, distorted images. Trying to find that sweet spot between clear visuals and a coherent plot was like trying to solve a Rubik’s Cube blindfolded. Hours of adjusting later, we’d either have a headache or a clear picture—though the two were often interchangeable.
DVD era
Then, in the early 2000s, along came DVDs, the shiny discs that promised superior quality and unparalleled convenience. Suddenly, our shelves transformed into mini-libraries, and we delighted in the ability to skip directly to our favourite scenes with a mere press of a button. It was a magical time, as long as you didn’t mind spending half an hour hunting for that elusive DVD remote. I remember bringing home a DVD player back in the era when movie piracy was at its peak. Shady DVD sellers would sell pirated versions of films with as many as 7-8 films in one DVD. Back in the day as a kid, buying the pirated DVD had its own thrill as none of us even realised we were committing a criminal offence. Luckily, the era of pirated DVDs ended somewhere around 2009 when Salman Khan’s action blockbuster Wanted was leaked a day before its release in HD which also prompted the makers to make an anti-piracy CID episode, you just had to be there!
Streaming era
Enter the era of streaming, where the boundaries of home entertainment expanded like a buffet table at an all-you-can-eat restaurant. Suddenly, the world was at our fingertips, or rather, our remote controls. With the advent of streaming services, we waved goodbye to the agonizing trips to the video rental store. No more agonizing over which movie to watch, only to find out it had been rented by someone else. Now, we had an entire library of content, ready to be binged upon, whenever and wherever we pleased. But, oh, the paradox of choice! The vast sea of options often left us paralyzed with indecision. Hours were spent scrolling through countless titles, only to end up watching “The Office” for the 15th time. We had all the movies and TV shows in the world at our disposal, and yet we fell into the warm embrace of familiar favourites.
These streaming platforms have changed the way people consume content. The popularity of people getting spoiled by entertainment around the world served up on their TV screens has sparked a debate about whether traditional cinemas are soon to become a thing of the past. In my opinion, NO! However, it’s only about time that we see which turn the OTT and streaming boom takes.
Devialet has expanded its portable speaker lineup in India by introducing a new speaker called Mania. This French luxury audio company, Devialet has added new ‘seasonal’ variants to the Mania portable speaker lineup. The seasonal colours are based on the colour of the sound known as the Noise spectrum. Talking about the features, the speaker comes with a 360-degree sound design that claims to deliver a complete 360-degree listening experience. Check out the newly released Devialet Mania variants below –
Newly launched Devialet Mania colour variants
The newly released colour variants are called Sunset Rose and Sandstorm respectively. The company revealed that the Sunest Rose colour of the speaker is inspired by the energy transition witnessed during the end of the day, whereas the Sandstorm variant is an ode to the beauty of untamed mineral resources. The Mania Seasonal Colours Exclusive Edition is priced at Rs 1,02,000. Buyers can also buy the Devialet Manis cocoon at Rs 14,000.
The speakers come with Devialet’s proprietary 360-degree sound technology for an immersive sound experience. It is also equipped with Active Stereo Calibration (ASC) that uses four microphones. The speakers are also embedded with embedded intelligence capabilities which allow them to adapt the audio rendering to suit its surroundings.
Who would’ve thought the generative Ai technology will make its way to LinkedIn? Microsoft certainly did as the professional networking platform is all set to expand its use of AI. Soon, users will be able to use AI on LinkedIn to swiftly write posts which can be shared in the form of updates within their network. LinkedIn’s Director of Product, Keren Baruch recently shared a LinkedIn post writing – “When it comes to posting on LinkedIn, we’ve heard that you generally know what you want to say, but going from a great idea to a full fledged post can be challenging and time consuming. So, we’re starting to test a way for members to use generative AI directly within the LinkedIn share box.”
LinkedIn’s AI bot
So, how exactly will this AI bot work? The new generative AI feature will help users easily write posts on the platform. Users will simply need to share at least a 30 words outline of what they want to say. The initial text in the 30 words outline should be the basic gist of the post. The AI chatbot will then use that input to create a first draft. Users can then review the draft and edit it before they post it online.
“Responsible AI is a foundational part of this process so we’ll be moving thoughtfully to test this experience before rolling it out to all our members,” Baruch added in her post.
It was only earlier this year when LinkedIn introduced an AI-powered tool to suggest different versions of an ad based on data provided by the campaign manager’s ‘introductory text’ box. As LinkedIn is owned by Microsoft which is also partnered up with OpenAI majorly, it is not surprising to see AI capabilities being introduced in LinkedIn. It will be interesting to see how AI is implemented in other major networking apps like Instagram or Twitter in the coming years.
Over the past few months, ChatGPT has undoubtedly become synonymous with chatbot AI services in the mainstream. OpenAI’s chatbot has become a go-to for people around the world for various purposes, be it research or drafting letters/articles. ChatGPT has also witnessed its share of controversies with some countries banning it altogether. Unfortunately, the mainstream attention to the chatbot has also attracted some notorious hackers who pry into similar applications for stealing personal data for making a quick buck by selling information. It is now revealed that a Singapore-based cybersecurity firm has identified 1,00,000 data stealer-infected devices which have ChatGPT credentials saved.
ChatGPT accounts stolen
Surprisingly, India has witnessed the highest number of accounts compromised in this attack. Group-IB, a Singapore-based cyber technology recently revealed that India, Pakistan, and Brazil were the top countries where users were infected by the cyber attack. A total of 12,642 Indian accounts, followed by 9,217 Pakistan accounts, and 6,531 Brazil accounts are affected by the cyber attack.
The report suggests furthermore that the stolen credentials were traded on dark web marketplaces, most numbers of accounts traded were from the Asia-Pacific region. It was not too long ago when prominent tech leaders like Elon had called for regulations over ChatGPT-like applications in an open letter. The Europe Union also recently introduced the AI Act which called for immediate regulations over AI platforms.
ChatGpt and similar chatbot Ai applications are being used around the world by people to enhance productivity. However, while giving prompts to AI services, users might end up sharing some confidential data with the platform which makes it a matter of data security. Several companies have now barred its employees from using such AI services stating a similar reason.
