Author: akshay rahalkar
A groundbreaking advancement in prosthetics, a robotic extra thumb, is changing the way we think about human productivity. Developed by a team of researchers at Cambridge University, this innovative device aims to expand the functionality of the human hand, offering a solution to increase manual dexterity for both everyday tasks and specialized professional activities. The robotic thumb was first introduced to the public at the Royal Society Summer Science Exhibition in 2022, where it garnered significant attention. The exhibition saw over 600 participants, and the vast majority—98%—were able to successfully use the device within just one minute of trying it,…
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is investigating Microsoft in a sweeping antitrust probe, adding the tech giant to a growing list of Big Tech companies facing regulatory scrutiny. Microsoft’s cloud services, software licensing practices, cybersecurity offerings, and artificial intelligence (AI) ventures are at the heart of this investigation. The FTC’s inquiry, which has been ongoing for over a year, is reportedly focused on how Microsoft bundles its productivity software, like Office, with its Azure cloud platform, potentially giving it an unfair competitive edge. The investigation delves into various aspects of Microsoft’s business, especially after recent security breaches involving its products,…
In a bold move against OpenAI, a group of artists who were part of the beta testing program for the company’s Sora text-to-video model have allegedly leaked access to the highly anticipated AI tool. The leak, which occurred on Tuesday, was shared via Hugging Face, a popular platform for AI models. The artists involved in the leak claim that they were exploited for unpaid labor under the guise of contributing to a creative partnership. They argue that OpenAI used them for “research and development” (R&D) and public relations (PR) efforts without compensation. Leaked OpenAI SORA is f*cking good 🤯 pic.twitter.com/jnKcWOOrfr—…
Rivian, the electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer that has faced significant financial hurdles since its public offering in 2021, has received a pivotal financial boost. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has committed to lending the company $6.6 billion to construct an electric vehicle factory in Georgia, a critical step in the company’s ambitious expansion plans. This loan, which is part of the DOE’s Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing (ATVM) Loan Program, comes as Rivian navigates a complex financial landscape, including significant losses, layoffs, and a delay in its original factory timeline. A Strategic Boost for Rivian’s Growth Plans This loan, which…
Artificial intelligence (AI) is making waves across industries, and the auto sector is no exception. As part of this technological revolution, BMW is incorporating AI into its manufacturing processes to make vehicle assembly more efficient and precise. While AI’s impact on autonomous driving has gained widespread attention, the technology is also transforming how vehicles are produced, creating a more streamlined and cost-effective production line. BMW’s plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina, is leading the way in this innovative shift. The factory, spanning more than 8 million square feet, is a critical hub for BMW’s operations in the U.S., producing about 60%…
Spotify has rolled out an exciting new feature for its Premium users that takes playlist creation to a whole new level—AI-generated playlists based on text descriptions. This new tool, which is currently in beta and available on mobile devices for Spotify Premium users in the United Kingdom and Australia, allows you to input a text prompt, and the platform’s AI curates a personalized playlist based on the vibe, mood, or theme you specify. To access the feature, users need to open “Your Library” on the Spotify app, tap the “+” button in the top-right corner, and select the “AI Playlist”…
A recent development in a federal lawsuit surrounding Minnesota’s “Use of Deep Fake Technology to Influence an Election” law has raised critical questions about the integrity of evidence presented in court and the growing influence of artificial intelligence (AI) in legal proceedings. The lawsuit, which challenges the constitutionality of the law aimed at regulating deepfake videos, now directly deals with the potential misuse of AI to influence public policy. In the latest court filing, attorneys contesting the law have pointed to an affidavit submitted by Jeff Hancock, a renowned disinformation expert and founder of the Stanford Social Media Lab, which…
Steam, the world’s leading digital game distribution platform, has announced a major update to its policies regarding “season passes” in video games. This move aims to enhance transparency and protect consumers from misleading or vague offers of downloadable content (DLC). With this update, Steam seeks to ensure that players know exactly what they’re purchasing when they opt for a season pass, a bundle that promises future content such as new levels, skins, weapons, or other in-game items for an upfront payment. The Rise of the Season Pass Model Season passes have become a staple in many video games, particularly in…
US lawyers are reportedly looking to make Google sell its Chrome browser and separate Android from its other services. In a bold move to challenge Google’s search monopoly, the US Department of Justice (DOJ) is reportedly preparing to request that the company be forced to sell its widely used Chrome browser, following a court ruling that confirmed Google’s illegal hold on the search market. According to Bloomberg, this action is part of a broader strategy to dismantle the tech giant’s monopolistic practices, particularly focusing on Chrome, Android, and its artificial intelligence (AI) products. The DOJ’s lawyers are building their case…
At Microsoft Ignite 2024, the company unveiled a slew of exciting innovations and updates, many of which promise to revolutionize how businesses and IT professionals work. Microsoft’s annual conference is the place to hear about its latest advancements in Windows, Microsoft 365, Azure, and artificial intelligence (AI), all aimed at empowering enterprises with cutting-edge technology. From major updates to AI capabilities to new security features and hardware solutions, here’s a detailed breakdown of what was announced at this year’s Ignite event. 1. Microsoft 365 Companions: Bringing AI-Driven Insights to the Windows Taskbar One of the standout features unveiled at Ignite…