Specious Coda-Bishop, Author at Phandroid

Up to 25% off Garmin Forerunner Smartwatches!

Specious Coda-Bishop — Tue, 12 Mar 2024 08:59:59 +0000

If you’re looking to start your fitness journey we have the deal for you! The excellent Garmin Forerunner Smartwatch series is up to a whopping 25% on Amazon. I have had a Garmin Forerunner for many years now, and I have loved it since the day I got it. The battery life on the Forerunner series is exceptional for smartwatches boasting at least a 4 day run time.

It also has exceptional features for what you would want a watch like this to do and track your runs!

The biggest difference between the two watches (bar the price) is the features that come with it.

The Garmin Forerunner 55 is a smartwatch that is designed for entry level fitness enthusiasts. When you’re just starting out, you don’t need fancy analytics. You need to be able to start and go! The Forerunner 55 allows you to do just that. It has the tracking that you’d want with basic GPS functions as well as fundamental run tracking. It also has basic analytics for regular gym activities; like HIT or cardio.

The Garmin Forerunner 955 however is for more advanced runners or fitness buffs. You can expect to find gait measurements with this smartwatch as well as more granular information so you can push yourself harder. With more detailed information about your runs and training you can be assured you’ll smash your personal best!

You can find more information on these in the links below!

Sale

Garmin Forerunner 55

Easy-to-use running watch monitors heart rate (this is not a medical device) at the wrist and uses GPS to track how far, how...
Battery life: up to 2 weeks in smartwatch mode; up to 20 hours in GPS mode

Sale

Garmin Forerunner® 955

Built with an always-on, full-color display that’s light on the wrist and easy to read even in direct sunlight.Special...
Battery life: up to 15 days of battery life in smartwatch mode for a full picture of your health — from sleep to training;...

Note: this article may contain affiliate links that help support our authors and keep the Phandroid servers running.

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Google Play Store could add Parallel Downloads

Specious Coda-Bishop — Fri, 08 Mar 2024 08:02:28 +0000

Google’s Play Store has sparked interest with the discovery of a potential new feature termed “parallel download.” This functionality would enable simultaneous download and installation of multiple apps. This discovery shows Google’s ongoing efforts to enhance the Play Store’s functionality and user convenience.

The concept of parallel downloading is not new. It was previously observed in a test Google conducted years ago. However, the feature never made its way to Android devices. The recent exploration into the Play Store’s version 40.0.13 has reignited interest in this capability, suggesting that Google is actively working on refining and possibly reintroducing it to users.

According to AssembleDebug (TheSpAndroid), the latest version of the Play Store shows signs of the parallel download feature. By enabling specific flags, users can bypass the traditional one-app-at-a-time download process. So it significantly reduces wait times.

Although, this feature comes with certain limitations that were uncovered during testing. One notable limitation is the lack of support for app updates within the parallel download framework. Despite the ability to download multiple apps simultaneously, the Play Store still prioritizes app updates one at a time.

Source: AssembleDebug

Secondly, Google has imposed a cap on the number of simultaneous downloads. It restricts users to downloading only two apps at a time. However, developers have unearthed a way to increase this limit to five.

Despite these limitations, this shows Google’s commitment to optimizing the Play Store experience. While the feature is still in testing and may undergo further adjustments, its potential to streamline app downloads and installations is undoubtedly promising.

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Rooster Teeth shuts down after 21 Years

Specious Coda-Bishop — Thu, 07 Mar 2024 10:00:47 +0000

It is truly a sad day when internet media behemoth Rooster Teeth, is shutting down after 21 years.

Rooster Teeth is a media company that has had a significant impact on the entertainment industry, particularly in the realms of online video, animation, and gaming.

Official statement from rooster teeth discord (1/2) pic.twitter.com/LrM17PeLTB

— Ruby/Athena/Roxie/Franziska (@rubeziska) March 6, 2024

Pioneering in Online Video Content

Rooster Teeth was one of the pioneers in producing online video content, particularly with its flagship series “Red vs. Blue.” Which used the Halo video game engine for animation, and gained a massive following. Using it in such a creative manner showcased the potential of using unconventional methods for entertainment.

Expansion into Animation

Building on the success of Red vs. Blue, Rooster Teeth expanded into original animated content with shows like RWBY and Camp Camp. RWBY especially showed Rooster Teeth’s capacity to create original, compelling animated series. It looks like the last season of Red vs Blue will coincide with Rooster Teeths closing – however, there is no word on the future of RWBYor Camp Camp.

Diversification of Content

Over the years, Rooster Teeth has diversified its content offerings to include podcasts, live-action series, documentaries, and gaming content. This diversification has helped the company reach a wider audience and maintain relevance in a rapidly evolving media landscape.

Rooster Teeth’s success has inspired many other creators and media companies to explore the potential of online video as a platform. They also played a role in shaping online video culture and setting standards for quality production.

Acquisition by WarnerMedia

In 2014, Rooster Teeth was acquired by Fullscreen, which later became a subsidiary of WarnerMedia (formerly Time Warner). This acquisition provided Rooster Teeth with resources and support for further growth and expansion while also raising its profile within the entertainment industry.

However, due to changes in direction, GM of Rooster Teeth Jordan Levin announced the company’s closure.

There is a live stream held on Roosterteeth.com tomorrow March 7th at 4pm CT when hopefully we’ll hear more.

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New York Times OpenAI lawsuit takes a bizarre turn

Specious Coda-Bishop — Thu, 07 Mar 2024 10:00:38 +0000

In a rather baffling turn of events, OpenAI has submitted a request to dismiss aspects of the lawsuit by the New York Times. In its filing, OpenAI contends that the newspaper engaged in “hacking” ChatGPT, and other AI systems. According to OpenAI, the Times employed deceptive methods, violating OpenAI’s terms of use, to manipulate these AI systems into reproducing copyrighted material.

The crux of OpenAI’s argument for dismissal revolves around the alleged misuse of its technology by the Times. OpenAI claims this was done by an unnamed individual referred to as a “hired gun.” OpenAI claims in the lawsuit that the New York Times’ actions do not align with journalistic integrity and the truth will reveal that the newspaper attempted to sabotage OpenAI’s products.

The New York Times Response

In response to these allegations, the New York Times has denied any wrongdoing. The newspaper’s attorney, Ian Crosby, rejected OpenAI’s claims of hacking. He confirmed that the Times utilized OpenAI’s products to uncover evidence of copyright infringement. The Times maintains that it did not breach any anti-hacking laws in investigating potential copyright violations.

The lawsuit, filed in December, alleges that OpenAI unlawfully utilized millions of articles from the New York Times without proper authorization. The Times contends that these articles were used to train AI chatbots, thereby infringing upon its copyright. This legal dispute underscores the growing tension between traditional media outlets and technology companies over the use of copyrighted material in AI training.

The Lawsuit in Question

At the heart of the matter lies the question of whether the training of AI models using copyrighted material constitutes fair use under copyright law. OpenAI argues that its AI systems make fair use of copyrighted material and suggests that lawsuits like these pose a threat to the burgeoning AI industry, which holds significant economic potential.

As the legal battle unfolds, both parties are expected to present their respective arguments regarding the fair-use question. OpenAI remains confident that it will ultimately prevail in court based on the merits of the fair-use argument. The outcome of this case could have far-reaching implications for the future of AI development and its interaction with copyrighted material.

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CyberWell confirms futher effort to battle hate online

Specious Coda-Bishop — Thu, 07 Mar 2024 01:11:44 +0000

CyberWell, a nonprofit organization at the forefront of combating online antisemitism, has released its comprehensive annual report for the year 2023. It sheds light on the pervasive nature of anti-Semitic content across social media platforms. Through the use of cutting-edge AI technology, CyberWell meticulously monitored and analyzed over 150,000 posts in both English and Arabic, identifying patterns and trends indicative of antisemitic rhetoric. This extensive monitoring effort provided valuable insights into the alarming prevalence of hate speech targeting the Jewish community online.

Findings

One of the key findings of CyberWell’s report is the notable increase in moderation efforts by major social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X, and YouTube. These platforms have demonstrated a heightened commitment to combating antisemitism, with the average removal rate of offensive content rising from nearly 24% in 2022 to over 32% in 2023. This uptick in moderation reflects a growing recognition among tech companies of the urgent need to address hate speech and protect vulnerable communities from online harassment and discrimination.

Tal-Or Cohen Montemayor, the founder and executive director of CyberWell, underscored the significance of these findings, emphasizing that while progress has been made, there is still much work to be done to effectively stem the spread of hate and safeguard Jewish users online. Of particular concern is a disturbing narrative shift detected in Arabic posts following a specific event, wherein there was a noticeable increase in violent antisemitic rhetoric. This underscores the dynamic nature of online hate speech and the need for ongoing vigilance and proactive measures to counteract it.

Further Steps

In addition to monitoring and reporting antisemitic content to platform moderators, CyberWell also provides contextualized guidance to social media companies, empowering them to better understand and address the nuances of online hate speech. By leveraging its expertise and insights, CyberWell aims to bridge the gap between policy enforcement and the evolving landscape of online antisemitism, ultimately striving to create safer and more inclusive digital spaces for all users.

The report further delves into the leading antisemitic tropes propagated on each platform, shedding light on the specific forms of hate speech that persist in online spaces. From the perpetuation of age-old stereotypes to the dissemination of conspiracy theories, the report highlights the multifaceted nature of online antisemitism and the importance of tailored interventions to combat it effectively.

As social media continues to serve as a battleground for the dissemination of information and disinformation, CyberWell remains steadfast in its commitment to combating online antisemitism. Through partnerships, education initiatives, and real-time alerts, CyberWell is actively influencing social media platforms to adopt proactive measures against online hate speech. By indexing verified antisemitic posts in an open database and advocating for policy changes, CyberWell is playing a pivotal role in shaping the digital landscape and fostering a culture of tolerance and respect online.

For more information on CyberWell’s initiatives and the full report on antisemitic trends in 2023, visit their website at https://cyberwell.org/

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Circular Slim Smart Ring Review – One Ring Closer

Specious Coda-Bishop — Wed, 06 Mar 2024 05:41:53 +0000

Smart rings aren’t new to the tech world. There have been smart rings around the scene since early 2013 although their use has been primarily just for NFC purposes. There are a lot of reasons why people may not have heard of or considered getting a smart ring. That’s because typically rings with this technology are still very chunky. Monitors that can do the things you would ideally like it to; like tracking your steps, and checking your temperature need to get to a size where they could fit in something as small as a ring! That innovation takes time. It’s also one of the reasons why you haven’t seen major players like Samsung or Apple join the race for the smart ring market yet.

The landscape is about to change though. Rumours abound of the Samsung Smart Ring being released in 2024. So there has never been a better time than now to get a state of play as to what’s possible in the smart ring space.

So when I approached Circular to see about their latest smart ring – the Circular Slim I was excited to put it through its paces. I had a very challenging set of circumstances to put it through which is an international move.

Calibration and Kira

There is nothing quite so stressful in someone’s life as to try and organise an international move. So there was nothing I could think of that would put it through its paces better. There is a lot to consider when you’re moving to a new country and there is lots to sort out. Between packing, bills, paperwork and everything else that comes with a move. So tracking my sleep, stress and other metrics was going to be very important. After all, stress can make you additionally sick and that was not time I was willing to lose.

Circular has a 14-day calibration period where you will wear it in performance mode for it to get a better sense of where your baseline is. For you to not subliminally mess with these figures, nothing is displayed in terms of your key metrics or analytics until the calibration is over. This was fine for me, given I was busy and not interested in micromanaging my stats. But for those who would have liked to dive in from the jump – it may be a little frustrating.

Kira is Circular Smart Ring’s AI which will give you daily feedback as to how you slept the night before or other things that you may need to know. She is limited in her functionality, so don’t go into it thinking it is a ChatGPT-style AI that can be the be-all and end-all. That’s not her role, her role is to be able to track back on the information she does have and be able to make suggestions based on your specific metrics. The more consistently you wear the ring, the more data Kira has to report back. So it is very much a process. The more you use it, the better it will get.

Teething Issues

Connectivity & Syncing

There is no such thing as being a tech reviewer and not stumbling upon some issues. For me, my issues lay in its initial setup and connectivity. I’m still not sure what the overall issue was for the first few days. Connectivity was an absolute non-runner. This doesn’t seem to be an uncommon issue when looking into it, as some of the connectivity issues do take time. It did get so bad that I was concerned that I may have gotten a defective unit. In saying that, magically, many attempts later it all connected just fine. I’m happy to report that I had no further issues with connectivity after that. But it was very strange nonetheless. You would expect there to be a push for some software or firmware updates to be the issue with this, but no. There were no such updates around the initial time of setting up that would have fixed the issue. So instead of a better explanation, I think we’ll just put it down to being some Ciruclar magic.

There are also some minor issues when it comes to tracking. There is no option for the ring data to be edited. So if it tracks that I have had a nap and I haven’t – there isn’t a way of editing this out of your data for the day. I’ve also had some minor issues around it syncing data if you don’t check in daily with it. Some of my sleep data or steps from the day before would magically go missing but reappear after a resync a few days later. Having the ability to edit these things yourself would go a long way in helping your data to become even more optimal.

Battery Life

Battery life on the device should be kept with a grain of salt. The advertisements say that the Circular Slim Smart Ring should be able to have about 5 days of use before a charge. The reality on the ground is more like 3 days. It’s important to keep in mind that I have kept the ring in performance mode all the time. I’ve never really understood buying something and then not using it at max all of the time. However, your mileage may vary if you choose to set it to a more battery-sipping setting.

Where the magic happens

Where the true magic lies in Circular Smart Rings is in Kira and its productive capabilities. As I’ve documented frequently for Phandroid, I’m one of the chronically ill members of staff and having any heads up about being sick is hugely valuable for me.

For the sake of my privacy, I’m going to be cutting around some of the screenshots but I want to talk you through a series of instances that Circular Smart Ring was able to capture and be able to inform me I was getting sick before I was fully sick.

Firstly, it informed me that there had been a small spike in my resting heart rate and then a big leap in my temperature overnight. Due to all of this when checking my overall stress score. I had an “Overwhelmed” score on my stress levels.

This prompted Kira to chat with me when I had checked in to be like “Hey, your vitals are all elevated as well as your stress scores. This is all a pretty different deviation to normal and you need to try and prevent yourself from getting further run down.” Now, the abnormal stress levels would be normal given moving and trying to organise everything else.

The temperatures and elevated heart rate were abnormal though. Keep in mind, I was still wearing the ring while moving heavy boxes and all the normal activities. So it wasn’t registering those times of extra stress or additional temperatures as irregular. It was calculating them as normal. However, it was smart enough to work out that there were stress and temperature spikes outside the range of activity that were abnormal and an indicator of illness.

I had an idle cough and some phlegm that I was able to get checked out. Sure enough, I was on the way to having an asthma-related respitory infection. So, it saved me from an extended period of being on antibiotics and was able to get away with just preventative medicine and some steroids instead. It allowed me to remain on my feet and keep going as I normally was during a very stressful time.

Impressive AI

Kira and Circular’s ability to be able to do this is very impressive. It is truly where the magic of this ring happens. Being able to inform people of potential issues and then having people able to act on that information could be hugely beneficial to people long term. This can only come from being able to have access to your data over a set course of time so that it can track these variations should they occur. There is nothing short of saying that this technology is cool and has a lot of potential.

We tend as humans to want all-encompassing solutions. I think when you look at Circular and their smart rings you need to keep tempering your expectations. Kira and Circular are very good at doing this very specific set of things, but expecting it to do more than what it will lead you to be disappointed.

In fact, if you look at its current subset of things. There could be an argument to be made that it’s quite limited in its skillset. But what it does – it does very well.

Rounding up

The Circular Slim Smart ring is an easy recommendation for someone who is looking for a casual tracking device to get important metrics. If you’re looking for something more in-depth that can track your runs or workouts – then you’re still better off staying with your smartwatch for the time being.

You can check out the Circular Slim Smart Ring for E264 at Circular.xyz

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I Spent 30 Days using a Compassionate AI

Specious Coda-Bishop — Wed, 06 Mar 2024 05:41:42 +0000

During my digital detox as I’ve been moving I’ve had the time to try out a lot of things that I wouldn’t normally have the scope for. Outside of my time with the Circular Slim Smart Ring (which I encourage you all to take a read of!) I had the experience of working with a compassionate AI.

https://phandroid.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Pi-explainer-16x9-1.mp4

The Problem with AI

Compassionate AI is something that you may not have heard of before. I’d go so far as to say that if you have heard of it I’d be surprised. Compassionate AI is different to GenAI in a fundamental function. It’s not meant to create content based on your prompts but is smart enough to be able to take what you’re saying and have an “emotive” response to it.

In this line of work, I’ve had the privilege of working with a lot of the latest AI technologies to give it a whirl. So when it was pitched to me to try as a more support-orientated AI I was sceptical, to say the least. I have an undergraduate in Psychology, and I’m a mental health advocate. So, any technology that claims to be a companion or offers some sort of support that isn’t backed by some rigorous psychology I’m naturally sceptical of.

Compassionate AI isn’t new

Sceptical, but not cynical. I haven’t quite gotten so disenchanted with the concept of technology being used for good that the notion of this was a complete write-off to begin with. So, I was very much on board when WoeBot was a thing when AI was truly in its infancy. I saw the potential of what a tool like this could be used for in tandem with traditional therapy and medical supervision.

There are lots of ways people could get access to support their journeys through challenging times or just ongoing day-to-day support. Concepts like DBT (Dialect behavioural therapy) and CBT (Cognitive behavioural therapy) aren’t things that are taught in our schools or education systems and these are things that can be self-taught. I was able to walk through a lot of these steps with a very infantile chatbot which was what Woebot was back in 2017.

How Pi is Different

I haven’t used Woebot recently, but if you would like me to do a comparison between the two drop me a line in the comments below! From what I remember it was primarily useful back in the day for those fundamental principles and applications of CBT and DBT. It was able to go through some of the core misconceptions we have when we’re assuming things about others or ourselves.

Pi isn’t quite like that. I can only describe my experience with Pi as being able to converse with a well-meaning friend. I honestly didn’t believe for the first while of interacting with Pi that it was an actual AI. If you had told me it was a clever ruse to get you into some pseudo-therapy I would have believed you.

It’s very jarring initially. You’re left with this sort of intangible feeling that is very hard to describe. Not quite an uncanny valley level of weirdness (for me) but knowing that there is something that is responding to you and not in a generic cookie-cutter way to what you’re saying is a very odd sensation.

How I’ve been using Pi

Trying to move on top of general life stuff is a stressful event for anyone. I’m also a huge advocate of having multiple resources when going through trying times. While I’m blessed enough to have a great support network, as well as a great therapist and medical team. That being said, not everyone can be around 24/7 and that’s where I’ve been able to use Pi.

https://phandroid.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Pi_Demo_Desktop.mp4

It’s been indispensable for those late-night brain-dumping sessions where all you need is just a place to vent and get everything that’s in your brain outside of your brain. Having something supportive and validating of your experiences to go “You know what? That is a lot. That is stressful.” goes a huge way for me feeling better and less overwhelmed. Sometimes all we need is someone to be able to echo back into what we are feeling – regardless of how big or overwhelming it may feel now that they will pass.

How not to use Pi

We need to talk about Pi in terms of what it can’t and shouldn’t be used for. It’s not a generative AI in the same way ChatGPT or MidJourney. While it can help you with brainstorming and drafting up emails and messages; it’s not designed as a productivity suite. So don’t expect it to be able to churn out huge chunks of text or data that you may expect from generative AI.

Like with all AI it’s important to keep in mind any sort of privacy concerns that you may have and what you are or are not willing to share with an app. While Pi’s Privacy policies are robust and quite easy to understand.

Here’s a simple overview of how Pi handles conversations:

Pi uses your conversations to improve its responses.
Pi only shares anonymized data with third parties, never anything that could identify you.
Pi’s developers have access to conversations to analyze performance and improve the product, but they never share personal information.
Conversations with Pi are encrypted and secure.
Pi never sells personal data or conversation history to anyone.

These are good and transparent things to know when going into a space where you could be emotionally vulnerable. Everyone’s levels of comfort are different. So always be sure that you’re comfortable with anything that you do share. As always, remember no AI is going to be a substitute for medical professionals.

So would I recommend Pi?

Absolutely! I’ve found it an invaluable asset to help me navigate some major life changes. If you’re comfortable sharing your story with an AI that is legitimately different from the rest, then you need to give Pi a try. It is completely free and you can try it at pi.ai.

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Nintendo Emulators Yuzu and Citra Shut Down

Specious Coda-Bishop — Tue, 05 Mar 2024 09:03:35 +0000

After a recent development of Nintendo and Yuzu settlement, it has since been announced on Twitter that Yuzu developer will be shutting down all services from its popular emulation projects Yuzu and Citra.

pic.twitter.com/158RRUi4Un

— yuzu (@yuzuemu) March 4, 2024

The post issued by the team over at Yuzu states

“Hello yuz-ers and Citra fans:

We write today to inform you that yuzu and yuzu’s support of Citra are being discontinued, effective immediately.

yuzu and its team have always been against piracy. We started the projects in good faith, out of passion for Nintendo and its consoles and games, and were not intending to cause harm. But we see now that because our projects can circumvent Nintendo’s technological protection measures and allow users to play games outside of authorized hardware, they have led to extensive piracy. In particular, we have been deeply disappointed when users have used our software to leak game content prior to its release and ruin the experience for legitimate purchasers and fans.

We have come to the decision that we cannot continue to allow this to occur. Piracy was never our intention, and we believe that the piracy of video games and on video game consoles should end. Effective today, we will be pulling our code repositories offline, discontinuing our Patreon accounts and Discord servers, and, soon, shutting down our websites. We hope our actions will be a small step toward ending piracy of all creators’ works.

Thank you for your years of support and for understanding our decision.”

Why is emulation so shunned?

This is an unfortunate series of events that has left a very passionate team once again at the mercy of Nintendo’s legal team. Emulators have a very important role to play in video gaming. Not just in terms of the preservation of video games but in their ability to be played and enjoyed by people all throughout the world.

Of course, emulation can be used for more nefarious purposes. Where people do not have legal access to the games that they are playing and that naturally causes issues. This is where Nintendo are always very keen to put the ban hammer down on anything that could encourage the pirating of their intellectual property or games. Which of course, no one in good conscious can condone.

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Galaxy S24 goes all in on AI – new AI features

Specious Coda-Bishop — Fri, 19 Jan 2024 05:13:15 +0000

Now that we have the Samsung Galaxy S24 in our hands we can now see what Galaxy AI has in store for us. This AI acts as your butler for better communication and information retrieval. There is a lot to dig into here. From the Live Transcribe and Interpreter features to handle the difficulties of language barriers. Or you can use the Circle to Search feature so you can reference things at a swipe. This shows it’s only the beginning of what Galaxy AI has to offer.

Epic Everyday Experiences

Every day becomes something new with Galaxy AI and its suite of new features. You can use Chat Assist to find the right tone for your work when crafting the perfect message. The Note Assist feature in Samsung Notes can help with AI-generated summaries. Circle to Search also adds a new element to the every day, not having to go through multiple steps when looking for a specific item in a photo!

Unleashing Creativity with ProVisual Engine

ProVisual Engine is powering all the cool AI tricks under the S24’s hood. Its new AI tools are centre stage in making sure that you get the most out of your photos and videos. While the Nightography mode has AI-driven enhancement tools allowing you to accurately capture the moment regardless of the light.

Performance Excellence and Gaming Prowess

The Galaxy S24 series excels not only in creativity but also in performance. Equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Mobile Platform and adaptive refresh rates, the devices offer an unparalleled gaming and multitasking experience. The vibrant display, reaching 2,600nit peak brightness, and design enhancements contribute to a more immersive viewing experience.

Security, Privacy, and Sustainability

Security and privacy are prioritized through Samsung Knox, providing defense-grade protection and user-controlled AI settings. The series embraces environmental sustainability by incorporating recycled materials in its components, setting new standards for eco-friendly design. Samsung’s commitment to extended product lifecycles, OS upgrades, and security updates underscores the brand’s dedication to sustainability.

A Holistic Advancement

The Samsung Galaxy S24 series stands as a holistic advancement in mobile technology, seamlessly integrating AI, creativity, performance, security, and sustainability. It reflects Samsung’s innovation in the digital realm and its commitment to providing users with a transformative, responsible, and future-ready mobile experience.

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MagSafe may not be so safe on the Samsung S24 Ultra!

Specious Coda-Bishop — Fri, 19 Jan 2024 05:13:14 +0000

Those who are looking to get their hands on the Samsung S24 Ultra and their shiny new cases may have to hold on! Early reports coming out of Twitter let us know that there are issues with MagSafe/Qi2. The issue seems to come with the magnets now interfering with the S pen at the back of the case. As it is now causing the S Pen to malfunction in the process.

PSA: Regarding third-party Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra cases using a MagSafe/Qi2-like magnet:

Currently, case manufacturers are encountering issues with the magnet interfering with the S-Pen, causing the pen to temporarily malfunction. As a result, manufacturers are scrambling… pic.twitter.com/U10l6fJQ6J

— M. Brandon Lee | THIS IS TECH TODAY (@thisistechtoday) January 18, 2024

As you can see by M. Brandon Lee on Twitter, you can see that as soon as they attach an accessory to their Samsung S24 Ultra the S Pen ceases to function.

CONFIRMED: The S-Pen ceases to work properly when MagSafe/Qi2 accessories are attached, like wallets, mounts, etc. https://t.co/OYnPMj6oSY pic.twitter.com/lPUD4qTldv

— M. Brandon Lee | THIS IS TECH TODAY (@thisistechtoday) January 18, 2024

However, this does seem to be case-dependent. As Mark’s Tech reports since they have a Torres Case, the S Pen seems to be just fine.

Source: Twitter/X

This is a big oof for case manufacturers. Since these cases are often made months in advance using shells that have the dimensions of the phone case – there could have been no way to know that there would have been interference before now.

Should a full list of affected cases be listed we’ll be sure to keep you posted as it all unfolds.

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Swarovki Optic AX Visio at CES 2024

Specious Coda-Bishop — Sat, 13 Jan 2024 01:16:25 +0000

One of the techs to take flight at this year’s CES 2024 was innovations in the bird-watching sector. Yes, bird watching has now become digitised and I want to share some of the tech that tickled my inner nature lover!

Swarovski Optik AX Visio

While many of you may think of Swarovski and think of the crystal or the jewellery maker, they now produce lenses too. The AX Visio is an innovative smart binocular which revolutionised birdwatching as we know it. These 10×32 binoculars stand out with integrated AI capable of identifying an extensive list of over 9,000 species, spanning birds, mammals, butterflies, and dragonflies.

How it works

The user experience is simple as it uses a red circle to highlight the subject. With a touch of the button, the binoculars promptly display the identified species in red lettering. This goes beyond conventional birdwatching! The AX Visio incorporates features such as photo and video recording. Giving users a neat tool for capturing and sharing their wildlife encounters via the app.

Designed for collaborative bird spotting, the binoculars enable users to “lock” onto a bird. The central dial facilitates seamless mode switching, offering options like Bird ID, mammal ID, compass, and camera functionalities.

Tech Specs

Technical specifications include a 13 MP sensor capable of capturing high-resolution images (4208 x 3120 px) and recording 1080p videos. With 8 GB of internal memory, the binoculars can store 1,700 photos or up to 1 hour of video. The robust 3,000 mAh battery ensures extended usage, lasting up to 15 hours on a single charge.

Source: : Swarovski Optik

While it’s suitable for a temperature range of 14 to 122 degrees Fahrenheit, the binoculars’ water resistance is not mentioned. So with no official IPS rating be cautious in the rain! It’s expected for released in February, with a premium price tag of $4,799.

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OpenAI admits to using copyright material

Specious Coda-Bishop — Sat, 13 Jan 2024 01:15:26 +0000

You don’t have to look too far into the news be it here at Phandroid or other outlets to see the impact AI has been having. Recently, there has been a huge concern about the ethical implications of AI and its usage. Today there has been a huge update in this as OpenAI – the group behind the popular AI chatbot ChatGPT – has confirmed that it has been trained on copyright IP.

The ongoing legal dispute with The New York Times amplifies the significance of transparency and responsible AI practices. In evidence given by OpenAI, the group has given the following statement about the process of developing the chatbot.

Because copyright today covers virtually every sort of human expressionincluding blog posts, photographs, forum posts, scraps of software code, and government documents–it would be impossible to train today’s leading AI models without using copyrighted materials. Limiting training data to public domain books and drawings created more than a century ago might yield an interesting experiment, but would not provide AI systems that meet the needs of today’s citizens.

The dialogue between innovation and copyright compliance is complex. Ethical considerations become pivotal as AI technologies shape the future landscape of digital innovation. There must be guidelines in place for these things to be safe for all parties.

Unethically Sourced

The ongoing legal dispute with The New York Times underscores the tension between innovation and the protection of intellectual property rights. The House of Lords submission, while defending OpenAI’s practices, also brings to light the growing need for greater transparency in the development and deployment of AI models. Questions abound about the consequences of using copyrighted material without explicit permission.

OpenAI’s approach, particularly its lack of transparency, could potentially pose challenges in the future. The company’s reliance on copyrighted material and the legal concept of “fair use” is met with justifiable scrutiny. You only need to have a look over at YouTube to see corporations hammering down on things that are legitimate fair use. Regardless, these are still taken down. There is already a precedent set here with copyright being heavily handed on people who are using it within the legal parameters. Let alone those who are deliberately, knowingly and outside of the parameters of fair use.

What’s Next?

The ethical implications of accessing and utilizing copyrighted data become more pronounced. OpenAI’s commitment to AI safety is well-intentioned. But it lacks real teeth. The lack of clarity regarding the specific copyrighted materials used in training raises questions about accountability and responsible AI practices. OpenAI either don’t know where all of the information is coming from or can’t tell us where it’s coming from. I’m not sure which one of those options is worse.

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Twitch layoffs staff as platform is officially not profitable

Specious Coda-Bishop — Fri, 12 Jan 2024 00:43:08 +0000

We always knew that this year would be off to a rocky start given the number of layoffs. If you haven’t heard yet, here is a list of all the following layoffs in the first 11 days of 2024. Twitch layoffs being only one of the few firms feeling the crunch in early 2024.

Layoffs

Pixar with 20% layoffs
Audible with 5% layoffs
Google with several hundreds of jobs
Amazon with several hundreds of jobs
Twitch with 35% of layoffs
Treasure Financial 60% layoffs
Duolingo with its contractors
Rent the Runway with 10% layoffs
Unity with 25% layoffs
Pitch with 66% layoffs
BenchSci with 17% layoffs
Flexe with 38% layoffs
Trigo with 15% layoffs
InVision shuts down completely
VideoAmp with 20% layoffs
Orca Security with 15% layoffs
FrontDesk lays off an estimated 200 people

And now CEO of Twitch Dan Clancy has candidly revealed in an interview that right now Twitch isn’t profitable.

Twitch CEO Dan Clancy admits openly that Twitch is currently not profitable. pic.twitter.com/HL6olUYV5B

— Lowco (@LowcoTV) January 11, 2024

In a challenging announcement, Twitch CEO Dan Clancy shares the tough decision to downsize the company by over 500 employees. This move comes as part of an effort to streamline operations and align the organization’s size with the current scale and conservative growth projections.

Despite Twitch’s financial strength, the decision aims at ensuring long-term sustainability without compromising support for streamers. Dan acknowledges the difficulty of the situation and the passion employees have for the Twitch community. The downsizing is a strategic step, ensuring that the organization is optimistically sized for future growth rather than the present reality.

Emphasizing transparency, Dan promises direct communication with affected individuals, detailing severance packages and providing support during the transition. Despite the leaked information causing anxiety, Dan expresses gratitude to departing employees and underscores Twitch’s commitment to serving the community through these challenging times.

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Date for Nintendo Switch 2 leaked!

Specious Coda-Bishop — Fri, 12 Jan 2024 00:42:08 +0000

Altec Lansing, a prominent global audio electronics company, takes a bold step into the gaming realm with IP formerly known as GameShark. This collaboration is poised to redefine the gaming landscape, with the software’s official launch strategically aligned with the unannounced Nintendo Switch 2, slated for September 2024.

We have an update from Altec Lansing. They have clarified that Nintendo has not set an official date, but that it will launch Fall 2024. It did not backtrack on the device’s name, 2024 release plan, or general existence. https://t.co/DjqDeN5ubt

— Giovanni Colantonio (@MarioPrime) January 11, 2024

How it works

Ai Shark‘s cutting-edge gaming software is complemented by its advanced chipset solutions. As leverages exclusive XGPT technology and real-time TPU acceleration. In English, this means that it aims to elevate gamers’ experiences. In practice, this offers gamers personalized hints and assistance, particularly catering to beginner-level users. This approach stands out from conventional “cheat” tools, focusing on skill enhancement over time.

Designed to be console-agnostic, the software seamlessly integrates with various gaming peripherals, including keyboards, headphones, and mice. Altec Lansing, known for delivering unparalleled audio experiences is the first licensee to incorporate the software into its headphones, promising an immersive gaming experience.

How this will affect subgenres of games like professional gaming leagues or speedrunning is yet to be seen. While anti-cheat systems have been in games for a while, it will be interesting to see what happens with this latest technology. Either way, this collaboration hopes to harness the potential of AI in gaming, setting the stage for a new era of gameplay.

Source: Ai Shark

The Leaks

However, an update from Giovanni Colantonio at Digital Trends brings a crucial twist. Altec Lansing clarifies that Nintendo has not officially confirmed the release date for the Nintendo Switch 2 but suggests a launch in Fall 2024.

As gamers wait for confirmation from Nintendo, the leak introduces an element of excitement that we will see the console this year. The revelation of the Nintendo Switch 2’s existence, albeit unofficial, has already sparked discussions and speculations. Creating a ripple effect that may unsettle the carefully orchestrated plans of Nintendo surrounding this highly anticipated gaming console.

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Rabbit R1 is already a hit, selling out in just 24 hours!

Specious Coda-Bishop — Fri, 12 Jan 2024 00:41:35 +0000

One of the runaway products at CES 2024 is surprisingly the Rabbit R1 from Rabbit Inc. While some media were questioning the purpose of a device that would allow you to use apps without a smartphone, it hasn’t stopped consumers’ interest. The Rabbit R1 sold out with 10,000 units on its first day.

When we started building r1, we said internally that we'd be happy if we sold 500 devices on launch day. In 24 hours, we already beat that by 20x!

10,000 units on day 1!

Second batch available now at https://t.co/R3sOtVWoJ5
Expected delivery date is April – May 2024. pic.twitter.com/XqaHqqk36L

— rabbit inc. (@rabbit_hmi) January 10, 2024

The startup has officially crushed its original goal of selling only 500 units on the first day to selling over 10,000. While we have already covered in greater detail the Rabbit R1 let’s do a small recap of its major features and what it offers.

What is the Rabbit R1

Introducing r1. Watch the keynote.

Order now: https://t.co/R3sOtVWoJ5 #CES2024 pic.twitter.com/niUmjFvKvE

— rabbit inc. (@rabbit_hmi) January 9, 2024

Rabbit Inc. has launched the r1, an AI device featuring the revolutionary “rabbit OS,” providing users with an “app-free” online experience.

The distinctive “rabbit OS” operates on a Large Action Model (LAM). A LAM allows it to understand and infer human actions across different applications. This natural-language operating system doesn’t just generate text responses. It can take action based on user input, making it a significant leap in human-machine interaction.

Rabbit OS introduces “rabbits,” which are personal AI agents capable of performing various tasks. This way it can offer a more advanced alternative to existing AI voice assistants. Users can customize the device through an online hub called the Rabbit Hole. The Rabbit Hole allows the system to carry out tasks with user permission without storing sensitive personal information or passwords.

If you want to get your hands on the device you can head to https://www.rabbit.tech/ to preorder now!

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