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
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
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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/
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/
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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/
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/
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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/
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/
TechCrunch
TikTok tests a feature that would bring TikTok Shop links to more videos
TikTok is experimenting with a feature that has the ability to make all posts on the app shoppable, as first reported by Bloomberg. The move is part of the company’s plans to turn TikTok Shop into a multibillion-dollar e-commerce business in the United States.…
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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/
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/
TechCrunch
The Taylor Swift deepfake debacle was frustratingly preventable | TechCrunch
You know you’ve screwed up when you’ve simultaneously angered the White House, the TIME Person of the Year and pop culture’s most rabid fanbase. That’s
Techኢት
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…
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.
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.
January 31, 2024 Addis Ababa
Techኢት NightByte 🌙
Investors punish Microsoft, Alphabet as AI returns fall short of lofty expectations
Both Microsoft and Alphabet reported generous increases to their cloud revenue in the December quarter, beating Wall Street estimates, as customers lined up to test new AI features and build their own AI services.
But costs surged as well, highlighting the heavy investments these companies are making in servers, data centers and research as they compete fiercely for new customer dollars.
This hurt investor expectations that were fueled by the promise of AI, which powered a stock rally to record highs in recent months.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/technology/investors-punish-microsoft-alphabet-ai-returns-fall-short-lofty-expectations-2024-01-31/
Techኢት NightByte 🌙
Investors punish Microsoft, Alphabet as AI returns fall short of lofty expectations
Both Microsoft and Alphabet reported generous increases to their cloud revenue in the December quarter, beating Wall Street estimates, as customers lined up to test new AI features and build their own AI services.
But costs surged as well, highlighting the heavy investments these companies are making in servers, data centers and research as they compete fiercely for new customer dollars.
This hurt investor expectations that were fueled by the promise of AI, which powered a stock rally to record highs in recent months.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/technology/investors-punish-microsoft-alphabet-ai-returns-fall-short-lofty-expectations-2024-01-31/
Reuters
Investors punish Microsoft, Alphabet as AI returns fall short of lofty expectations
Tech giants on Tuesday talked up how customers are lapping up their generative AI-powered products, but mounting costs of developing the cutting-edge features irked investors hoping for a big boost to sales from the new technology.
February 1, 2024 Addis Ababa
Techኢት ማለዳTech☕️
TikTok’s CEO can’t catch a break from xenophobia in Congress
Today’s hearing on child safety was mostly an unusually focused affair. The Senate Judiciary Committee called up the CEOs of X, Meta, Snap, TikTok, and Discord and grilled them for four hours on the potential dangers their services posed for children. Many of the lawmakers emphasized emotional impact, playing to an audience filled with families who’d had kids targeted by predators or otherwise harmed online.
But midway through the hearing, it was dragged off course by a predictable tangent: the fact that TikTok is owned by Chinese company ByteDance. And a meeting ostensibly about keeping kids safe dipped into a now-familiar attempt to make TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew answer questions utterly unrelated to the rest of the day.
Although attempts to ban TikTok last year mostly fizzled, there are real concerns about its data storage policies and Chinese government influence over its moderation. Some lawmakers touched on them, asking Chew to offer an update on Project Texas, its data security initiative. (TikTok is still working on it.) But the questions also strayed into attempts to simply highlight TikTok’s un-American origins, culminating in Sen. Tom Cotton (R-AR) pressing Chew aggressively and repetitively on his citizenship — which, it’s widely known, is Singaporean.
Techኢት ማለዳTech☕️
TikTok’s CEO can’t catch a break from xenophobia in Congress
Today’s hearing on child safety was mostly an unusually focused affair. The Senate Judiciary Committee called up the CEOs of X, Meta, Snap, TikTok, and Discord and grilled them for four hours on the potential dangers their services posed for children. Many of the lawmakers emphasized emotional impact, playing to an audience filled with families who’d had kids targeted by predators or otherwise harmed online.
But midway through the hearing, it was dragged off course by a predictable tangent: the fact that TikTok is owned by Chinese company ByteDance. And a meeting ostensibly about keeping kids safe dipped into a now-familiar attempt to make TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew answer questions utterly unrelated to the rest of the day.
Although attempts to ban TikTok last year mostly fizzled, there are real concerns about its data storage policies and Chinese government influence over its moderation. Some lawmakers touched on them, asking Chew to offer an update on Project Texas, its data security initiative. (TikTok is still working on it.) But the questions also strayed into attempts to simply highlight TikTok’s un-American origins, culminating in Sen. Tom Cotton (R-AR) pressing Chew aggressively and repetitively on his citizenship — which, it’s widely known, is Singaporean.
The Verge
Meta, TikTok, and other tech companies go to Congress: all the news
Congress makes its case for child safety.
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Feb 1, 2024 Addis Ababa
Techኢት NightByte🌙
AI and blockchains might need one another to evolve
Even though the two sectors are reaching different levels of mainstream adoption, they are also facing challenges that the other could potentially help alleviate, according to a new report TenSquared Capital (10SQ).
“I think AI needs blockchain more than the other way around,” whether or not the industry realizes it, 10SQ founder Stan Miroshnik said.
The AI sector needs more secure data sharing and decentralization marketplaces for its models so people can contribute to its networks. AI also needs model validations and auditing, which blockchain technology can help with, Miroshnik said. On the flip side, blockchain technology can benefit from AI models and agents in real time to improve moderating for vulnerabilities, among other things.
@TechInEthio
Source:-
https://techcrunch.com/2024/02/01/ai-and-blockchains-might-need-one-another-to-evolve/
Techኢት NightByte🌙
AI and blockchains might need one another to evolve
Even though the two sectors are reaching different levels of mainstream adoption, they are also facing challenges that the other could potentially help alleviate, according to a new report TenSquared Capital (10SQ).
“I think AI needs blockchain more than the other way around,” whether or not the industry realizes it, 10SQ founder Stan Miroshnik said.
The AI sector needs more secure data sharing and decentralization marketplaces for its models so people can contribute to its networks. AI also needs model validations and auditing, which blockchain technology can help with, Miroshnik said. On the flip side, blockchain technology can benefit from AI models and agents in real time to improve moderating for vulnerabilities, among other things.
@TechInEthio
Source:-
https://techcrunch.com/2024/02/01/ai-and-blockchains-might-need-one-another-to-evolve/
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Techኢት ማለዳTech ☕️
FBI HACKED BY RUSSIAN GROUP
Russian ransomware group ALPHV, also known as Blackcat, claims a massive breach, allegedly seizing 300GB of classified data from U.S. intelligence, including the FBI.
The group threatens to unleash the data unless Technica, the infiltrated government-contracted tech company, responds swiftly to their ransom
Source: DailyMail
https://twitter.com/MarioNawfal/status/1753014889105199443?t=IPw6UQCzZcP8QYjAaP9zqQ&s=19
FBI HACKED BY RUSSIAN GROUP
Russian ransomware group ALPHV, also known as Blackcat, claims a massive breach, allegedly seizing 300GB of classified data from U.S. intelligence, including the FBI.
The group threatens to unleash the data unless Technica, the infiltrated government-contracted tech company, responds swiftly to their ransom
Source: DailyMail
https://twitter.com/MarioNawfal/status/1753014889105199443?t=IPw6UQCzZcP8QYjAaP9zqQ&s=19
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Good evening, Techኢት family! 🌃🖥️
We are thrilled to announce that tonight, on our channel, we will be posting our very first tech quizzes after NightByte. We invite all tech enthusiasts to stay tuned and join us for an exciting and engaging experience. 🎉🤩
Stay Tuned! ⏰
@TechInEthio 💻🌍
We are thrilled to announce that tonight, on our channel, we will be posting our very first tech quizzes after NightByte. We invite all tech enthusiasts to stay tuned and join us for an exciting and engaging experience. 🎉🤩
Stay Tuned! ⏰
@TechInEthio 💻🌍
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Feb 2, 2024 Addis Ababa
Techኢት NightByte🌙
Title:Apple Teases 'Made in Cupertino' GenAI Unveiling Later This Year
In an earnings call yesterday, Apple's CEO Tim Cook dropped a tantalizing hint about the company's foray into generative AI (GenAI), promising that the world will get a glimpse of its efforts "later this year." Cook emphasized Apple's continued commitment to AI and groundbreaking innovations during the call, citing ongoing work in the space and expressing excitement about revealing more details in the coming months.
While no specific date for the GenAI unveiling was provided, industry observers are eyeing Apple's annual developer conference, WWDC, which typically takes place in June, as a potential stage for significant announcements.
Analysts, keen on potential AI-related revelations, probed Cook during the Q&A section of the Q1 2024 results call. Cook acknowledged the internal focus on generative AI and hinted at exciting developments without divulging specifics. He stated, "Our M.O. has always been to do work and then talk about work and not to get out in front of ourselves. But we've got some things that we're incredibly excited about, that we'll be talking about later this year."
Apple's Chief Financial Officer, Luca Maestri, assured investors that the company is making necessary investments across product development, software development, and services. While not providing specific financial figures, Maestri expressed confidence in Apple's investment strategy for the year ahead.
During the call, Cook was also questioned about Apple's stance on edge processing and AI, asking if the company believes in the role of AI and processing on smartphones and devices. While avoiding detailed revelations, Cook hinted at a substantial opportunity for Apple in the GenAI and AI space, reinforcing the company's reputation for innovation.
Apple's commitment to user privacy, a longstanding cornerstone of its brand, presents both challenges and opportunities in the GenAI landscape, where vast amounts of personal data are typically used to train AI models. Apple's potential differentiation lies in offering GenAI tools that prioritize local processing on devices, avoiding the need for users' data to be uploaded to external servers.
As the company navigates the evolving AI landscape, Apple's emphasis on privacy-conscious GenAI could set it apart from competitors who rely on extensive data uploads. With its established track record in hardware and software development, Apple appears poised to carve a niche in the GenAI market while maintaining a strong commitment to user privacy and security. https://techcrunch.com/2024/02/02/apple-genai-on-way/
Techኢት NightByte🌙
Title:Apple Teases 'Made in Cupertino' GenAI Unveiling Later This Year
In an earnings call yesterday, Apple's CEO Tim Cook dropped a tantalizing hint about the company's foray into generative AI (GenAI), promising that the world will get a glimpse of its efforts "later this year." Cook emphasized Apple's continued commitment to AI and groundbreaking innovations during the call, citing ongoing work in the space and expressing excitement about revealing more details in the coming months.
While no specific date for the GenAI unveiling was provided, industry observers are eyeing Apple's annual developer conference, WWDC, which typically takes place in June, as a potential stage for significant announcements.
Analysts, keen on potential AI-related revelations, probed Cook during the Q&A section of the Q1 2024 results call. Cook acknowledged the internal focus on generative AI and hinted at exciting developments without divulging specifics. He stated, "Our M.O. has always been to do work and then talk about work and not to get out in front of ourselves. But we've got some things that we're incredibly excited about, that we'll be talking about later this year."
Apple's Chief Financial Officer, Luca Maestri, assured investors that the company is making necessary investments across product development, software development, and services. While not providing specific financial figures, Maestri expressed confidence in Apple's investment strategy for the year ahead.
During the call, Cook was also questioned about Apple's stance on edge processing and AI, asking if the company believes in the role of AI and processing on smartphones and devices. While avoiding detailed revelations, Cook hinted at a substantial opportunity for Apple in the GenAI and AI space, reinforcing the company's reputation for innovation.
Apple's commitment to user privacy, a longstanding cornerstone of its brand, presents both challenges and opportunities in the GenAI landscape, where vast amounts of personal data are typically used to train AI models. Apple's potential differentiation lies in offering GenAI tools that prioritize local processing on devices, avoiding the need for users' data to be uploaded to external servers.
As the company navigates the evolving AI landscape, Apple's emphasis on privacy-conscious GenAI could set it apart from competitors who rely on extensive data uploads. With its established track record in hardware and software development, Apple appears poised to carve a niche in the GenAI market while maintaining a strong commitment to user privacy and security. https://techcrunch.com/2024/02/02/apple-genai-on-way/
TechCrunch
Apple says it’ll show its GenAI efforts ‘later this year’
Apple has tossed another crumb to investors wondering when the world will get to see some ‘Made in Cupertino’ GenAI: Expect Apple to reveal what it’s been working on in this buzzy slice of artificial intelligence “later this year”, per CEO Tim Cook.
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Feb 2, 2024 Addis Ababa
Techኢት NightByte🌙
Elon Musk says Neuralink implanted wireless brain chip
Tech billionaire Elon Musk has claimed his Neuralink company has successfully implanted one of its wireless brain chips in a human.
In a post on X, formerly Twitter, he said "promising" brain activity had been detected after the procedure and the patient was "recovering well".
The company's goal is to connect human brains to computers to help tackle complex neurological conditions.
A number of rival firms have already implanted similar devices.
@TechInEthio
Source:BBC.com
Techኢት NightByte🌙
Elon Musk says Neuralink implanted wireless brain chip
Tech billionaire Elon Musk has claimed his Neuralink company has successfully implanted one of its wireless brain chips in a human.
In a post on X, formerly Twitter, he said "promising" brain activity had been detected after the procedure and the patient was "recovering well".
The company's goal is to connect human brains to computers to help tackle complex neurological conditions.
A number of rival firms have already implanted similar devices.
@TechInEthio
Source:BBC.com
Which programming language is commonly used for developing Android applications?
Anonymous Quiz
76%
A. Java
10%
B. C++
12%
C. Python
2%
D. Ruby
What is the primary function of a router in a computer network?
Anonymous Quiz
43%
A. To connect multiple computers to the internet
3%
B. To store and manage data files
20%
C. To provide wireless connectivity
34%
D. To control network traffic
Which company developed the Python programming language?
Anonymous Quiz
5%
A. Microsoft
3%
B. Apple
11%
C. Google
81%
D. Python Software Foundation
What is the function of a DNS server?
Anonymous Quiz
8%
A. To store website content
16%
B. To manage database servers
73%
C. To resolve domain names to IP addresses
3%
D. To secure network connections
What is the purpose of an API (Application Programming Interface)?
Anonymous Quiz
6%
A. To provide a graphical user interface
9%
B. To connect to a database
79%
C. To facilitate communication between software applications
6%
D. To design web pages