Jan 25, 2024 Addis Ababa
Techኢት NightByte🌙

Microsoft lays off 1,900 employees in Activision Blizzard and Xbox divisions

Three months after completing its $68.7 billion acquisition of gaming company Activision Blizzard, Microsoft is laying off 1,900 employees in its gaming divisions. This amounts to about 8.6% of 22,000 Microsoft employees in gaming.
In just a few weeks, this year has already proven brutal for the gaming industry. So far, League of Legends maker Riot Games laid off 530 employees; game engine Unity laid off 1,800 people (25% of the company); Discord cut 170 jobs (17%); and Amazon-owned Twitch laid off 500 people (35%), after it already laid off hundreds of employees in two layoff rounds last year.

About 5,600 gaming employees have been laid off so far in 2024. Thats more than half of all gaming layoffs from 2023.

@techinEthio

Source:-
https://techcrunch.com/2024/01/25/microsoft-lays-off-1900-employees-in-activision-blizzard-and-xbox-divisions/

January 26, 2024 Addis Ababa

Techኢት ማለዳTech ☕️

The race for the best conversational AI is on as Apple’s AI chatbot takes on OpenAI’s ChatGPT

Apple is quietly stepping up its artificial intelligence (AI) efforts to transform the capabilities of its next-generation iPhones. This is a calculated step toward the future. The IT giant is prepared to take on the front edge of AI innovation thanks to a string of acquisitions, significant hires, and hardware upgrades. Notably, this change not only departs from Apple’s customary closed-door approach but also paves the way for a possible conflict with OpenAI’s ChatGPT.

Source:https://www.analyticsinsight.net/top-tech-news-apples-ai-chatbot-rivals-openais-chatgpt/

January 26, 2024 Addis Ababa
Techኢት NightByte🌙

Mercedes-Benz Exposes Source Code in GitHub Security Oversight  ⌛️

Mercedes-Benz accidentally exposed internal data, including source code, due to a mistakenly published API token on a public GitHub repository. The token granted "unrestricted access" to the company's GitHub Enterprise Server, exposing critical information like connection strings, cloud access keys, and design documents.

The security issue was discovered by RedHunt Labs, and Mercedes revoked the API token after being alerted by TechCrunch. It's unclear if customer data was compromised. Mercedes is investigating the incident, emphasizing the security of its organization and services.

Hyundai's India subsidiary also faced a recent security flaw regarding customer information.

Source: https://techcrunch.com/2024/01/26/mercedez-benz-token-exposed-source-code-github/

January 27, 2024 Addis Ababa

Techኢት ማለዳTech ☕️

Apple opens App Store to game streaming services
Starting today Apple is opening up its App Store to allow game streaming apps and services. This means that services like Xbox Cloud Streaming and GeForce Now, which previously were only accessible on iOS via a web browser, will be able to offer full-featured apps. “Developers can now submit a single app with the capability to stream all of the games offered in their catalog,” Apple wrote in a blog post. These changes apply “worldwide,” according to the company.

In 2020, Apple appeared to have carved out a space for these cloud gaming services in the App Store. But that turned out not to be the case, as all games available through each service had to be submitted and reviewed as a standalone app. So the shift to allow one app with a large catalog of games marks a major change. As part of today’s announcement, Apple said that “each experience made available in an app on the App Store will be required to adhere to all App Store Review Guidelines and its host app will need to maintain an age rating of the highest age-rated content included in the app.”

Apple also says that developers will now “be able to provide enhanced discovery opportunities for streaming games, mini-apps, mini-games, chatbots, and plug-ins that are found within their apps,” and that “mini-apps, mini-games, chatbots, and plug-ins will be able to incorporate Apple’s In-App Purchase system to offer their users paid digital content or services for the first time, such as a subnoscription for an individual chatbot.”

Source:https://www.theverge.com/2024/1/25/24050430/apple-app-store-game-streaming

As we mark 50 days on our Techኢት Telegram channel, we're delighted to have grown a community of over 350 members, an impressive start!

Our commitment to sharing the latest technology news and insights from the tech community, complemented by engaging podcasts, is steadfast. Reflecting on our journey, we highly value your opinions to shape the channel's future. Please take a moment to share your thoughts through the linked Google form. Your feedback is crucial in steering the direction of our platform.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd-HORHCUE6u9ZwfpmvzJj7OUGukmFTEB0ouTZzZ9xgqyqv7Q/viewform?usp=sf_link

Training on Artificial Intelligence using Python Programming and Google Colab

Addis Ababa University,
Addis Ababa Institute of Technology (AAiT),
School of Electrical & Computer Engineering

Registration Deadline: 15 February, 2024

Training Starts on: 19 February, 2024

Registration:  Addis Ababa University,
Addis Ababa Institute of Technology (AAiT),
School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Main Building 1st Floor, Office Number: 124

Online Registration Link: https://forms.gle/bdR6GUWVEUNwGHCq7

Telephone: +251-940-182870 / +251-913-574525

Email: sece.training@aait.edu.et / menore.tekeba@aait.edu.et

Telegram Channel: https://news.1rj.ru/str/TrainingAAiT

Jan 27, 2024 Addis Ababa
Techኢት NightByte🌙

Tesla to spend $500M to bring its Dojo supercomputer project to Buffalo factory

Tesla’s decision was “informed by New York’s reliable power supply, strong talent pipeline and availability of usable space for the project,” according to Hochul’s office.

Dojo, which was first announced at Tesla’s “AI Day” event in 2021, is a supercomputer meant to help advance the company’s still-unrealized goal of building a self-driving car. Tesla plans to use the supercomputer to process reams of video data that come off of its electric vehicles in order to train the AI that now powers its most advanced driver assistance software, which it calls Full Self-Driving Beta. Musk said last year that Tesla plans to spend “well over $1 billion” on Dojo.

@techinEthio

Source:-
https://techcrunch.com/2024/01/26/tesla-dojo-supercomputer-buffalo-factory-500-million/

Join us tomorrow for the second part of our podcast featuring Mr. Andargachew Asfaw, Instructor at AAU SIS. 🎤 Explore discussions on lower-level languages, career guidance, databases, internships, industrial projects, AI (Chat GPT), certificate recommendations, and a wide range of tech topics. Get ready to be both inspired and well-informed! 🌟 Don't miss out – click to dive into the world of technology with Techኢት!

@TechInEthio

January 28, 2024 Addis Ababa

Techኢት ማለዳTech ☕️       
 
Opera to launch AI-powered web browser for iPhones in Europe

Apple recently announced its decision to allow iPhone users to sideload third-party app stores and choose their preferred default web browser, in compliance with the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA). Following this revelation, Opera has announced the upcoming launch of an AI-powered web browser named Opera One for iPhones.
As per the company’s statement, Opera One will be an AI-centric web browser, fully leveraging Apple’s latest regulation allowing users to switch from Safari to a web browser of their choice as the default. It’s worth noting that the Opera One web browser is already accessible on Windows, and Opera might deliver a similar experience on iPhones in the coming days.

Techኢት MiniPodcast S01 E02 (part 2)

Here's the second part of our podcast🎙️ featuring Mr. Andargachew Asfaw(Andy), Instructor at AAU SIS. We explore various tech topics, addressing your questions🔍

We're confident you'll gain valuable knowledge from beginning to end as Andy shares insightful ideas about technology.


@TechInEthio

Have we ever wondered which programming language is more sustainable and consumes less energy?

This is not a fact that we are used to consider when choosing between JavaScript, Python, Java, C#, or any other language.
However, a few years ago, some Portuguese researchers set out to investigate the energy consumption of up to 27 of today’s most popular programming languages, subsequently presenting their research at the International Conference on Software Language Engineering 2017.

January 28, 2024 Addis Ababa

Techኢት NightByte 🌙

Introducing MouthPad: Head-Tilt Control for Devices by Augmental.

San Francisco-based tech start-up Augmental has introduced the MouthPad, a revolutionary device designed to enhance interaction with smartphones and laptops for individuals with physical disabilities. The innovative technology enables users to control devices through head tilting and tongue gestures.

The MouthPad incorporates a gyroscope in a smart dental retainer for head tracking, allowing cursor control on various Bluetooth-enabled devices. Augmental is also developing a 'silent speech' feature, utilizing subtle tongue movements to form words without vocalization, providing a communication method for those who cannot speak.

The company showcased its groundbreaking MouthPad at CES, highlighting its commitment to accessibility and inclusivity in technology. For more details, you can read the full article here.

January 29, 2024 Addis Ababa

Techኢት ማለዳTech ☕️       
 
Microsoft lays off 1,900 employees in gaming division

In a bid to eliminate redundancies, Microsoft has reportedly laid off around 1,900 employees from its gaming division. As per a memo by Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer, the layoffs will help the company invest in high-growth areas and bring more games to more users globally. The gaming division had over 22,000 employees prior to the job cuts.

Source: Indianexpress.com

Dive into Coding Excellence! Top YouTube Channels for Learning Programming Languages! 💻🌐.

Jan 29, 2024 Addis Ababa
Techኢት NightByte🌙

Disney’s VR treadmill, OpenAI fixes ‘lazy’ GPT-4, and Apple rolls out stolen device protection

Disney’s VR treadmill: Disney has developed a treadmill-like system for VR composed of hundreds of small, round “tiles” that look to be about the size of a silver dollar, Brian writes. Each serve as a kind of mini, omnidirectional treadmill.

OpenAI fixes GPT-4: OpenAI dropped prices on a number of AI models this week as it rolled out a fix for its “lazy” GPT-4 models that refused to work — and launched new models for specific use cases.

Apple’s new device protection: Romain writes about Apple’s new stolen device protection feature, which, when turned on, requires Face ID or Touch ID biometric authentication for some actions, like accessing stored passwords and credit cards.

@techinEthio

Source:-
https://techcrunch.com/2024/01/27/disneys-vr-treadmill-openai-fixes-lazy-gpt-4-and-apple-rolls-out-stolen-device-protection/

January 30, 2024 Addis Ababa

Techኢት ማለዳTech ☕️       
 
Finally, a tool for tracking long COVID, chronic fatigue and cancer recovery.

There’s no shortage of health and fitness trackers — the list of suppliers is as long as my arm, ranging from the mainstream (Apple, Google, Samsung, Fitbit, Withings) to the more esoteric and specialized (Polar, Suunto, Garmin). The assumption underpinning each of those devices is that you’re more or less healthy, and wanting to get in better shape.

But what if you’re not healthy? Visible is lending its voice to the healthcare tech revolution — providing a much-needed spotlight on the underserved, all while offering hope to millions wrestling with persistent chronic illnesses, including long COVID.

@TechInEthio

Source:-
https://techcrunch.com/2024/01/29/visible-illness-trackers/

January 30, 2024 Addis Ababa

Techኢት NightByte  🌙

TikTok tests a feature that would bring TikTok Shop links to more videos

TikTok is testing a new feature to make all posts shoppable, aiming to turn TikTok Shop into a multi-billion dollar e-commerce business in the U.S. The feature directs viewers to "find similar items on TikTok Shop," expanding e-commerce links to more videos.

This move aligns with TikTok's goal to grow TikTok Shop's U.S. business tenfold to $17.5 billion in 2024, competing with Amazon, Temu, and Shein. The app's recent growth slowdown has led to debates online, with some users expressing concerns that TikTok Shop is turning the platform into an "ad-filled wasteland."

Additionally, TikTok plans to open studios in Los Angeles to allow creators to livestream and sell products.

@techInEthio

Source: https://techcrunch.com/2024/01/30/tiktok-tests-a-feature-that-would-bring-tiktok-shop-links-to-more-videos/

January 31, 2024 Addis Ababa

Techኢት ማለዳTech☕️

The Taylor Swift deepfake debacle was frustratingly preventable

Elon Musk's platform, X (formerly Twitter), faced a content moderation failure when AI-generated, pornographic deepfake images of Taylor Swift went viral. Explicit content, viewed over 45 million times, circulated widely despite X's attempt to ban the search term "taylor swift." The incident highlighted the platform's lack of infrastructure for quick and effective content moderation.

Dr. Carolina Are from Northumbria University suggests that social platforms, including X, need a complete overhaul of their content moderation approach. Recommendations include greater transparency with users about account decisions and faster, personalized responses to abuse reports.

X recently announced plans to hire 100 content moderators, but concerns arise given Musk's track record. The responsibility for preventing AI-generated deepfakes also extends to companies creating generative AI products. Microsoft's DALL-E 3, used in the creation of explicit Swift deepfakes, faced vulnerabilities, prompting a call for accountability.

As influential companies invest in AI, platforms must proactively address abusive content. The incident underscores the unreliability of platforms and the need for users to rely on each other in the absence of effective moderation.

Source: https://techcrunch.com/2024/01/30/the-taylor-swift-deepfake-debacle-was-frustratingly-preventable/

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella expressed concern over AI-generated sexual images of Taylor Swift, calling it "alarming and terrible." In an interview with NBC Nightly News, Nadella emphasized the need for responsible technology governance and collaboration with law enforcement. A 404 Media report linked Microsoft's AI-powered image creation tool, possibly Bing Image Creator or Image Creator from Designer, to the fake images.

While Microsoft can enhance guardrails to limit content creation, the challenge lies in potential workarounds. The larger moral debate on appropriateness remains. Microsoft could contribute by developing technology to identify AI-generated images, aligning with OpenAI's efforts for a 99% reliable tool. Social media sites already use similar tools, but challenges persist, as seen in the recent difficulty faced by X (formerly Twitter) in halting the spread of fake Taylor Swift images.