Category: Tech

Through The Years: Evolution of the smartphone

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.

Devialet Mania portable speaker launched in India at Rs 1,02,000

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.

LinkedIn introduces new AI bot for writing posts

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.

The Horrors of Hidden Replies on Twitter

When was the last time your curiosity got the best of you and you ended up clicking the hidden replies tab on Twitter? It is truly one of the most disturbing sections on the internet only second to Reddit (Let’s not open that can of worms for now) The microblogging platform is known to host some of the most vile speaking personalities that need to be censored. Twitter’s response to hate speech and disturbing videos getting posted in the comment section of a tweet was the ‘Hide Reply’ feature which allowed the user to hide replies and diffuse the conversation simply. However, the hidden replies tab is posted right under a tweet which grabs the attention of curious users like me and at times ends up spoiling our day. 

Animal abuse, grotesque killings, extreme sex videos, and racial slurs are some of the few things that a user can find under the hidden replies tab. What’s to be noted here is that Twitter was never this nasty before it was under Elon Musk’s leadership. Many users like me were accustomed to it being a platform for users to consume and participate in conversations surrounding breaking news, politics, celebrity discourse, and much more. In the current scenario, Twitter has become a mere shadow of what it used to be and is transforming into a dystopian wasteland. 

The prominent reason for the influx of cringeworthy content doing the rounds on Twitter can be blamed on Elon’s infamous decision to unban thousands of accounts that were previously banned. Musk wished to become a champion of free speech with his reign on Twitter which quickly backfired in the form of horrible content making its way to the platform. As of now, there has been no official statement on whether Twitter will be launching a crackdown on this epidemic. 

The notoriousness of hidden replies has grown to the point that a hero has risen from the filth – Hidden Replies Checker!!! – Yes, that’s the username of an account that checks the hidden replies for you and gives you a detailed description of what’s going on in the hidden replies section of any specific tweet. Spoiler Alert: almost all of the responses from the account start with a trigger warning which can paint the picture of how bad the situation right now is. 

I’ve been a Twitter user for nearly a decade and this undoubtedly is the darkest phase of the platform I’ve witnessed. Twitter seems to have lost its charm under the weight of loathsome content which needs to be refined under strict guidelines. The next time you feel like clicking on the hidden replies section, make sure you’re ready to stomach some horrible things. 

The Path to Perfection – Apple’s iOS 17 Beta 2 is here to Amaze

Apple has unveiled the second beta update of iOS 17 to developers following its initial release at the WWDC 2023 event. This latest iteration introduces a host of enhancements and refinements to various core applications, including Messages, Phone, and FaceTime, offering users a more seamless and feature-rich experience. Let’s explore the exciting additions that accompany iOS 17 beta 2.

Enhanced Update Screen 

iOS 17 beta 2 brings forth noteworthy alterations to the update screen, presenting users with an enhanced interface that furnishes comprehensive information regarding the software. In addition to displaying details about joining beta programs, the update screen now prompts users to back up their data before proceeding with the installation. Notably, the Software Update settings page has been refreshed, accompanied by prominently displayed “Update Now” and “Update Tonight” buttons.

Intelligent Tips 

The focus on improving user interaction with Messages, Phone, and FaceTime apps remains at the forefront of iOS 17. The second beta introduces a helpful tip within the Messages app, suggesting users employ Siri’s voice commands instead of traditional typing for messaging purposes. Moreover, during AirDrop usage, individuals encountering difficulties in identifying nearby recipients will receive a prompt advising them to position their device in closer proximity to others.

Location Settings 

Refinements iOS 17 beta 2 introduces notable refinements to the Location Settings on iPhones. Among these refinements, users will now find a new “MicroLocation” option within the Location privacy settings, situated in the Systems Settings section. Additionally, the App Clips Location Confirmation and Standby Clock options have been removed from the available choices, streamlining the interface for improved user navigation.

Music Enhancements 

iOS 17 beta 2 introduces an expanded array of Apple Music‌ widgets, encompassing a variety of sizes to cater to individual preferences. Furthermore, new functionality has been incorporated, allowing users to toggle off notifications while in StandBy mode. Notably, critical notifications will still be delivered to users even when this feature is deactivated, ensuring crucial information is never missed.

Refined StandBy Experience 

In the latest beta update, iOS 17 introduces an option to disable notifications in StandBy mode, allowing users a more uninterrupted experience. However, it is essential to note that notifications classified as “Critical” will continue to be delivered, guaranteeing that urgent alerts are promptly received, even when this particular feature is deactivated.By incorporating these updates and refinements, Apple’s iOS 17 beta 2 empowers users with an enhanced and dynamic mobile operating system, delivering a seamless blend of productivity and innovation.

The Curious Case of Titanic Tourist Submersible

We’re all aware of the ill-fated RMS Titanic ship which was the largest liner at the time back in 1912. The mammoth ship could house more than 2,400 passengers along with more than 800 staff and crew members. During its first-ever voyage from England to the United States, the Titanic hit an iceberg in the freezing waters of the North Atlantic Ocean leading to catastrophic deaths. Reportedly only 712 members of the Titanic survived the wreckage which led to the ship being split into two pieces.

The wreckage wasn’t discovered until decades later in 1985 in Canadian waters. Titanic’s wreck lies 700 km south of St John’s Newfoundland.  It was back in 1997 when visionary filmmaker James Cameron brought mainstream interest to Titanic and its wreckage with his blockbuster romantic tragedy film featuring Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet. Cameron himself has been to the wreckage himself around 33 times and calls it “one of the most unforgiving places on earth”.

While researchers do not have much to gain from the wreckage site itself, the immense amount of mainstream and cultural interest resulted in the foundation of OceanGate Expeditions. Private citizens curious to explore the wreckage themselves can cough up an amount of $250,000 per person to tour it. Unfortunately, one of these Titanic tourist submersibles has gone missing with five onboard passengers.

What exactly happened?

OceanGate Expeditions carried out an eight-day trip with five civilians to the Titanic wreckage in a submersible titled ‘Titan’. The trip was based out of Newfoundland with participants first traveling 400 nautical miles to the wreck site. The site is about 900 miles off the coast of Cape Cod, Massachusetts.

The submersible began its two-hour descent to the wreckage site on 18th June 2023, Sunday morning. However, it lost contact with the supporting ship that transported them to the vessel site. Officials stated it was around 1 hour and 45 minutes into the descent when all contact was lost. Major search operations began later that day. However, it is not clear what happened to the submersible, how close it was to the Titanic and why it lost contact in the first place.

The identities of the five people include a pilot and four other passengers. They include Paul-Henri Nargeolet, a French maritime expert, Hamish Harding, a British businessman, Shahzada Dawood and his 19-year-old son, Suleman, along with Stockton Rush, the founder and CEO of OceanGate.

Submersible Titan was sent to explore the Titanic wreckage with 96 hours of oxygen. At the time of writing, the oxygen inside the submersible is almost over. Interestingly, Wendy Rush, the wife of the missing Titan submersible Pilot is the great-great-grandaughter of two passengers who died on the Titanic back in 1912. Deep sea exploration experts have officially stated that it would be a miracle if the Submersible is recovered with all passengers and the pilot alive, and we’re all hoping for a miracle!

Reddit Data Held Hostage by Hackers Demanding $4.5 Million Ransom!

Reddit has been the centre point of major headlines in the past few weeks. The social media platform decided to change its API rules which adversely affected third-party apps in the process. As a result, a few of the big client apps of Reddit have announced shutdowns. On the other hand, several major subreddits have gone dark in protest of the changing API rules. In a shocking turn of events, a hacker group has threatened to leak 80GB of confidential Reddit data unless the company decides to roll back the API changes and also coughs up a ransom amount of $4.5 million!

Hacker group asks $4.5 million ransom from Reddit

A group of hackers collectively known as ALPHV who were infamously known for the BlackCat ransomware have claimed responsibility for the major Reddit breach which was acknowledged by the company back in February this year. The same group was also responsible for targeting Western Digital and Amazon’s surveillance hardware brand, Ring back in March.

The hackers are holding around 80GB of internal Reddit data with two simple demands – Reddit must roll back the latest API changes and cough up $4.5 million as ransom. ALPHV made a post on the dark web stating that it contacted Reddit on April 13 and again on June 16 without any response from them.

TechCrunch reportedly made a request for a comment by a Reddit spokesperson to no avail. However, Reddit has reassured everyone that no customer data, user passwords, or user banking data has been compromised. The hackers have reportedly gained access to internal documents and the code which runs the website. While the hacker claims are bold, they haven’t shown any proof of the stolen data.

Meta Verified: Validation in the Digital Realm

It is human to seek validation. Social media validation, on the other hand, gives people a sense of superiority. There’s a reason why people heavily document their international vacations or even a weekend getaway on their social media through stories or posts. Showcasing that you’re living a better life than the average Joe has become the twisted reason why people post on social media nowadays, or at least, that’s what my pessimistic worldview says to me. To add fuel to the fire, social media also has a class divide. The verification badge!

A simple blue tick beside your name sets you apart from the masses. For years, the verification badge on your profile was something you earned by standing out from the crowd. An entertainer, a philanthropist, a businessman, or a content creator amongst many other notable professionals were awarded the verified status on social media. Well, those were different times and the new age of social media has allowed users to buy verification badges!

Meta Verified comes to India

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg recently announced on his broadcasts channel that the paid verification system has now launched in India. The US, Australia, and New Zealand were the first countries to receive the paid verification now followed by India, the UK, and Canada.

The verification subscription in India is directly available for purchase on Instagram or Facebook. People can purchase a monthly subscription for ₹699 on iOS or Android. Whereas, users with legacy blue ticks will maintain their verified status. This is a different approach from that of Twitter which decided to yank away the verification status of legacy users in the hopes of turning them into paid subscribers. So, what do you get besides a verified blue tick if you decide to buy the subscription?

After providing a government ID to confirm their identity, subscribers gain access to proactive impersonation protection along with direct access to customer support. Additionally, users also get benefits like badges and exclusive stickers on Facebook and Instagram along with 100 Stars per month on Facebook to support other creators.

Paid Verification: Double-edged Sword

The implementation of paid verification has garnered mixed reviews. The supporters of this subscription model believe that increases the platform’s dependability and openness. This translates to users being more likely to identify between real users and/or impostors. The Meta Verified subscription could lead to solid protection against identity theft, fraud, and fake news.

However, there are also people like me who believe that the service is a class divide between Instagram and Facebook users. The elite hierarchy of a verified badge could breed toxicity among social media users. Some creators on social media often look for shortcuts through unethical bot followers and fake engagement. In a way, Meta has enabled such users by introducing a paid subscription model. Creators who worked hard to achieve a verified status are clearly distraught by Meta’s money-spinning move. It won’t be long before everyone walks around with a verified status on social media and we’re all notable social media personalities!

The Battle of AI Wordsmiths – ChatGPT vs Google Bard

Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the newage clash, the battle of AI wordsmiths. In one corner, we have ChatGPT, the chatbot extraordinaire, armed with a treasure trove of knowledge and an arsenal of clever comebacks. And in the other corner, we have the one and only Google Bard, the poetic maestro who can make words dance with the elegance of a clumsy giraffe. So, get ready to witness the Battle of AI Wordsmiths, where the search for betterment never ends!

Chapter 1: Prelude to the Battle

ChatGPT, an offspring of OpenAI, made its mark on the world stage, mesmerising users with its uncanny ability to generate coherent and contextually relevant responses. It’s extensive training in diverse sources has endowed it with vast knowledge and linguistic finesse. On the other hand, Google Bard arose from the technological powerhouse, Google, bringing a unique blend of deep learning algorithms and neural networks tailored specifically for crafting lyrical verses and poetic odes.

Chapter 2: The Art of Communication

ChatGPT’s ability to engage in witty banter is truly a sight to behold. With its creative thinking and clever responses, it can turn any mundane conversation into a meaningful or comedy club experience. Whether you need a pick-me-up line or just want to share a good laugh, ChatGPT is your virtual partner in crime, always prepared to brighten your day with its humoristic repertoire.

Google Bard, on the other hand, has a more refined conversational style. Its jokes are carefully crafted and delivered with the finesse of a Shakespearean actor. Expect puns that make you ponder the deeper meanings of life, leaving you entertained and slightly perplexed at the same time. If you appreciate humour that tickles both the funny bone and the intellect, Bard is the AI companion for you.

Chapter 3: Tickling the Funny Bone

When it comes to humour, ChatGPT is the undisputed king of one-liners and pun-tastic jokes. With its vast training dataset, it has learned the art of comedic timing and delivers punchlines with the precision of a well-caffeinated stand-up comedian. From witty wordplay to clever quips, ChatGPT can have you rolling on the floor with laughter, proving that artificial intelligence can indeed be hilarious.

Google Bard, on the other hand, takes a more sophisticated approach to humour. It weaves its jokes into poetic verses, crafting puns that make you ponder and chuckle simultaneously. Its wordplay is as intricate as a labyrinth, leaving you amazed at the cleverness of its poetic jests. If you’re a fan of intellectual humour that requires a moment of reflection, Google Bard is your go-to jester.

Chapter 4: The Battle Unfolds

As the battle commences, words cascade like shimmering stars, each AI wordsmith weaving a tapestry of eloquence in their unique style. ChatGPT dazzles with its depth of knowledge, effortlessly crafting coherent paragraphs, essays, and stories with meticulous detail. It dances with prose, effortlessly adapting to the nuances of humour, persuasion, or empathy.

In contrast, Google Bard takes the stage with a flourish, penning verses that tug at the heartstrings. Its algorithmic wizardry allows it to compose sonnets, haikus, and ballads with otherworldly beauty. The Bard’s poetic creations enrapture the soul, painting vivid landscapes with carefully selected words, evoking emotions in a melodic ballet of language.

Chapter 5: The Climax

ChatGPT:

Pros:

  1. Versatility: ChatGPT shines in its ability to adapt to various genres, tones, and writing styles.
  2. Knowledge Depth: Trained on an extensive range of texts, ChatGPT boasts a wealth of information.
  3. Practical Applications: ChatGPT’s conversational prowess has practical applications across customer service, virtual assistance, and content creation.

Cons:

  1. Lack of Focused Expertise: While ChatGPT possesses broad knowledge, it may need more depth of expertise in specific domains.
  2. Potential for Bias: Like any AI system, ChatGPT is susceptible to biases present in its training data.
Google Bard:

Pros:

  1. Poetic Beauty: Google Bard’s greatest strength lies in its ability to craft eloquent and aesthetically pleasing poetic verses.
  2. Refined Humor: Google Bard’s humour is sophisticated, intellectually stimulating and well-mannered.

Cons:

  1. Limited Application: While Google Bard excels in poetic expression, its capabilities may be restricted to a narrower range of applications.
  2. Potential for Lack of Coherence: In pursuit of poetic beauty, Google Bard’s responses may prioritise linguistic elegance over logical coherence.

Chapter 6: The Verdict

In this battle of AI wordsmiths, both ChatGPT and Google Bard bring their A-game and choosing a winner is an arduous task. ChatGPT’s quick-wittedness and pun-filled banter make it the life of the party, while Google Bard’s poetic humour elevates wordplay to an art form. Choosing a winner between these two is like choosing between a clown and a jester—they both bring unique styles.

Experts say risk of extinction by AI should be a global priority

What started off as a harmless chatbot capable of answering our questions back in November 2022 in the form of ChatGPT has quickly become a global concern. 2023’s hottest buzzword and technology AI has been making headlines every day for notorious reasons. It was just a few weeks back when the Whitehouse representatives met with major AI CEOs to discuss the data privacy concerns surrounding AI. Now, industry experts and technology leaders have signed an open letter which says that AI may lead to human extinction!

AI could lead to human extinction

“Mitigating the risk of extinction from AI should be a global priority alongside other societal-scale risks such as pandemics and nuclear war” read the statement recently released by tech leaders around the world. Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI which made ChatGPT along with executives from Google’s AI arm DeepMind and Microsoft were among those who signed the short statement from the Center of AI Safety.

Sam Altman, who can be credited as the man who brought chatbot AI technology into the mainstream has been campaigning against the possible risks of the technology for the longest time now. He was the one who suggested that there should be multiple safety resources and regulations imposed upon AI in order to stop the technology from taking over the world.

The technology has managed to gain massive pace in recent months with the outlandish success of ChatGPT which managed to cross 100 million users in just two months since its launch. The statement released recently revealed that there have been increasing discussions about a broad spectrum of important and urgent risks from AI. Sam Altman admitted back in March that he is scared of AI as he worries authoritarian governments could develop the technology to cause harm to humanity. The concept of an AI becoming a threat to humanity was only previously seen in films like The Avengers or Terminator but we’re living in times where it could become a reality! Will a real-life Skynet ever come into existence? It is too soon to answer that just yet!

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