OpenAI, the studio behind ChatGPT, is reportedly planning to get into the web search arena, a move that could potentially disrupt the dominance of industry giants like Google. According to sources cited in a report by The Information, OpenAI is in the process of developing a web search product, potentially in collaboration with Microsoft’s Bing, to directly compete with Google.
This development follows Microsoft’s infusion of its Bing search engine with Copilot AI tools, as announced by Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, signalling a clear intent to challenge Google’s stronghold in the search market. The emergence of OpenAI’s search tool speculated to leverage Bing’s search capabilities, suggests a close partnership between Microsoft and OpenAI.
While the specifics of OpenAI’s search tool remain unclear, including whether it will be a standalone product or integrated into ChatGPT, its development underscores OpenAI’s ambition to revolutionize search with a more conversational and context-aware approach.
Microsoft’s significant investment in OpenAI over the years provides the latter with a strong foundation for competing against established search engines, which primarily rely on keywords and links. However, whether OpenAI’s entry into the search arena will prompt users to shift away from traditional options like Google remains uncertain, as users often exhibit a tendency to stick with familiar tools.
(With inputs from agencies)
Google has unveiled a comprehensive initiative aimed at bolstering online security through the provision of artificial intelligence (AI) tools and investments. With the increasing use of emerging technology in both defending against and perpetrating cybercrime, Google aims to empower organisations to enhance their defence mechanisms.
In a statement released on Friday, Google revealed plans to introduce a new open-source resource driven by AI, specifically designed to improve malware detection through file type identification. Already deployed to safeguard products like Gmail and Google Drive, this tool will be accessible to users free of charge, marking a significant advancement in cybersecurity measures.
Furthermore, Google will present a white paper at the Munich Security Conference in Germany, detailing its utilisation of AI for cyber defence. The document will advocate for advanced AI research and propose a policy agenda advocating for guidelines on autonomous cyber defences, addressing the challenges faced by defenders in cyberspace.
Kent Walker, President for Global Affairs at Alphabet, highlighted the importance of Google’s AI Cyber Defense Initiative in addressing the “defender’s dilemma,” where defenders must continuously outmatch adversaries who only need to exploit a single vulnerability. Walker emphasised the need for policies that not only mitigate risks but also harness the potential of AI in cybersecurity endeavours.
In addition to these efforts, Google announced increased investments in research grants and partnerships dedicated to advancing cybersecurity research initiatives leveraging AI. The company also intends to expand cybersecurity seminars, incorporating AI-focused modules to equip professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to counter evolving cyber threats.
This announcement comes at a time when hackers are increasingly incorporating AI into their cyber operations. State-sponsored criminal groups are reported to be using large language models such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT to enhance their strategies and tackle technical challenges, as highlighted in a recent report by Microsoft Corp.
Google’s initiative represents a proactive approach to leveraging the potential of AI to bolster cybersecurity measures, reaffirming the company’s commitment to creating a safer online environment for users globally.
In a statement released on Wednesday, tech giant Microsoft revealed that a number of adversaries of the US, including Iran North Korea, Russia and China, have begun employing generative artificial intelligence (AI) for orchestrating offensive cyber operations.
The company, headquartered in Redmond, Washington, disclosed that it had identified and thwarted threats, in collaboration with its partner OpenAI, which utilized or attempted to exploit AI technology developed by these adversaries.
According to a blog post, Microsoft described these techniques as “early-stage” and not particularly innovative but emphasized the importance of publicly exposing them. The move comes as rival nations increasingly leverage large-language models (LLMs) to bolster their capabilities in breaching networks and conducting influence operations.
While cybersecurity firms have traditionally employed machine learning for defence purposes, the emergence of LLMs, notably led by OpenAI’s ChatGPT, has intensified the cat-and-mouse game between defenders and malicious actors.
Microsoft, having invested significantly in OpenAI, coincided with its announcement with the release of a report highlighting the potential of generative AI to enhance malicious social engineering, leading to more sophisticated deepfakes and voice cloning. This poses a significant threat to democratic processes, especially amid the upcoming elections in over 50 countries.
The report detailed instances where Microsoft disabled generative AI accounts and assets of various groups. This includes North Korea’s cyberespionage group Kimsuky which used the models to research foreign think tanks and spear-phishing hacking campaigns.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard is also involved, who leveraged LLMs for social engineering, troubleshooting software errors, and studying network intrusion evasion tactics. The Russian GRU military intelligence unit Fancy Bear focused on researching satellite and radar technologies related to the conflict in Ukraine. China’s cyberespionage groups Aquatic Panda and Maverick Panda explored ways to augment their technical operations using LLMs.
In a separate statement, OpenAI mentioned that its current GPT-4 model chatbot offers limited capabilities for malicious cybersecurity tasks beyond what non-AI powered tools can achieve. However, cybersecurity researchers anticipate advancements in this area.
Jen Easterly, director of the US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, has previously highlighted the dual threats posed by China and artificial intelligence, emphasizing the need for AI development with security in mind.
Critics argue that the public release of large-language models, including ChatGPT, without adequate consideration for security measures was hasty and irresponsible. Some cybersecurity professionals urge Microsoft to focus on enhancing the security of LLMs rather than selling defensive tools to address vulnerabilities.
Experts warn that while the immediate threat from AI and LLMs may not be apparent, they could potentially become powerful weapons in the arsenal of every nation-state military.
(With inputs from agencies)
As the excitement of receiving the Apple Vision Pro settles for some early buyers, a growing number of users have taken to social media to express their dissatisfaction, with many opting to return the $3,500 headset, as per a report by The Verge.
Notably, Apple’s return policy allows customers to return products within 14 days of purchase, a window that aligns with the timing of these complaints.
Comfort is a prominent issue among dissatisfied users, with reports of headaches and motion sickness attributed to wearing the device. The front-loaded weight of the headset exacerbates discomfort, leading to complaints of discomfort even during short usage periods.
Users have shared their discomfort, with some even fearing that the device may cause a burst blood vessel in the eye, a sentiment echoed by others who reported similar experiences of redness and strain.
While discomfort is a common issue with wearable technology, it’s exacerbated when mass-produced for diverse body types. This challenge is evident in the complaints surrounding the Vision Pro, where factors like nose bridge height and head size affect the device’s fit and usability.
Beyond comfort, users also express disappointment in the device’s productivity relative to its high price tag. Some users found the Vision Pro unsuitable for work tasks, citing issues with viewing productivity tools like Figma or experiencing headaches during coding sessions.
Concerns about the device’s limited file support and multitasking capabilities further dampen its appeal for productivity tasks.
Carter Gibson, a senior manager at Google, highlights finer productivity details as deal-breakers, noting difficulties in window management and file handling. Despite the futuristic feel of the device, practical productivity tasks remain cumbersome compared to traditional methods.
It remains uncertain how these early adopters’ vocal criticisms will influence the future of the Vision Pro. While some express willingness to give a potential second-generation device a chance, others stress the need for significant improvements in comfort and functionality.
As users continue to voice their experiences on social media, the true extent of dissatisfaction and its impact on return rates and Apple’s future plans for the Vision Pro remain unclear.
A groundbreaking report conducted by the Boston Consulting Group, India sheds light on the remarkable transformation in human behaviour driven by the unprecedented surge in smartphone usage over the past 13 years.
According to the report, individuals now pick up their smartphones without a clear purpose nearly half the time, indicating a significant shift in daily habits.
Titled ‘Reimagining Smartphone Experience: How ‘Surfaces’ can play a key role in making the phone smarter,’ the report unveils startling statistics: 31 per cent of waking time is spent on smartphones, with a staggering 84 per cent of users checking their devices within 15 minutes of waking up.
On average, users interact with their smartphones a remarkable 80 times per day.
The report attributes this surge in smartphone usage to the accessibility and affordability of mobile devices, particularly in regions like India where the population skipped the traditional desktop phase and embraced mobile internet directly.
This leapfrogging phenomenon, fueled by affordable smartphones and cheap data plans, has propelled smartphone volume and usage to unprecedented heights, with a five-fold increase in sales observed from 2010 to 2023.
As smartphone usage evolves, so does the landscape of mobile applications, which have multiplied by 35 times, catering to a diverse range of needs and preferences.
The report underscores the significant role of streaming content, which now occupies 50 per cent of the total time spent on smartphones, contributing to a steep increase in overall screen time from 2 hours to 4.9 hours.
Despite the proliferation of apps and varied use cases, the report reveals a striking finding: almost half the time, users are unsure of why they are engaging with their smartphones. This lack of clarity underscores the need for enhanced user experiences and more intuitive interfaces.
Furthermore, the report introduces the concept of ‘Surfaces’ – AI-powered engines facilitating interactions between users and apps.
Although still in its early stages, the Surface ecosystem boasts an impressive user base of 220 million Monthly Active Users (MAUs) in India, with an average user spending 16 minutes on the platform.
The BCG report identifies four key stakeholders in the Surface ecosystem – app developers, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) & telecommunications companies, brands & advertisers, and content creators – and explores how Surfaces present an opportunity for each stakeholder to deliver a more seamless and engaging experience to consumers on their smartphones.
Jeff Bezos, the executive chairman of Amazon, recently filed a statement with federal regulators disclosing the sale of nearly 12 million shares of Amazon stock, amounting to over $2 billion. The transaction, which took place on February 7th and 8th, saw Bezos divesting himself of 11,997,698 shares of common stock in five blocks ranging from 1 million to more than 3.2 million shares.
While Bezos, who founded Amazon in a Seattle garage nearly three decades ago, officially lists his address as Seattle, reports suggest he has relocated to Miami. In addition to the recent sale, Bezos also listed a proposed sale of 50 million Amazon shares around February 7th, with an estimated market value of $8.4 billion.
Bezos’s decision to offload Amazon shares comes amid a rise in his estimated wealth, with Bloomberg Billionaires Index reporting a $22.6 billion increase in his net worth this year due to surging company stock. As of February 11th, Bezos is listed as the second-wealthiest person globally, trailing behind Tesla Motors CEO Elon Musk. Musk currently holds the top spot with a net worth of $209 billion, while Bezos’s net worth stands at $200 billion.
Although Bezos has not provided a specific reason for the share sale, speculations suggest that he is investing heavily into his spacetech starup, Blue Origin. Regardless, this draws attention to the narrowing gap between his and Musk’s net worth. Prior to the recent divestment, Bezos trailed Musk by a $5 billion margin. However, with his net worth climbing to $209 billion in just a few days, the disparity between the two billionaires has significantly diminished.
Bezos, who held the title of the world’s richest person from 2017 until Musk surpassed him in 2021, has witnessed fluctuations in his wealth over the years. Nonetheless, his latest move signals a strategic manoeuvre as he seeks to maintain his competitive position against Musk amidst fluctuations in the stock market.
(With inputs from agencies)
Tower Semiconductor, an Israel-based leading chip foundry, has put forward a proposal to the Indian government to establish an $8 billion chip manufacturing facility in India, as reported by the national daily Indian Express on Sunday.
The proposed facility aims to produce 65 nanometre and 40 nanometre chips, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s strategic agenda to boost semiconductor manufacturing in India. In December 2021, the Modi government unveiled a $10 billion scheme to bolster semiconductor production in the country.
According to the report, Tower Semiconductor is seeking government incentives to support its ambitious plan. Minister of State for IT Rajeev Chandrasekhar had previously met with Tower Semiconductor CEO Russell C Ellwanger in October last year to discuss the potential partnership between India and Tower Semiconductor in semiconductor manufacturing. The meeting also saw the participation of Naor Gilon, Israel’s Ambassador to India.
Tower Semiconductor’s involvement in India’s semiconductor ecosystem dates back to earlier initiatives. In 2013-14, the company was part of a consortium led by Jaypee Group, offering its expertise as a technology partner alongside IBM. In 2022, Tower Semiconductor, as part of the International Semiconductor Consortium (ISMC), applied to participate in India’s semiconductor scheme.
However, Tower Semiconductor’s application faced uncertainty due to Intel’s proposed acquisition of the company. Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger had previously indicated no immediate plans to establish a foundry in India. Nonetheless, with the Intel-Tower Semiconductor deal off the table, the Ministry of Electronics and IT renewed discussions with Tower Semiconductor.
Tower Semiconductor, renowned for its specialization in high-value analog semiconductor solutions, serves over 300 customers worldwide across diverse sectors including automotive, medical, industrial, consumer, aerospace, and defence. Despite challenges, the company has consistently expressed its commitment to support India’s semiconductor ambitions.
Ranked seventh in global foundry revenue according to TrendForce Q1-Q3 data, Tower Semiconductor’s annual revenue surpasses $1 billion, reflecting its significant presence in the semiconductor industry. As discussions progress, Tower Semiconductor’s proposed chip facility holds promise for advancing India’s semiconductor ecosystem and enhancing its position in the global semiconductor landscape.
(With inputs from agencies)
In correspondence shared with the government of India, China’s leading smartphone manufacturer Xiaomi reveals concerns expressed by smartphone component suppliers regarding setting up operations in India amidst increased government scrutiny of Chinese companies.
The communication, dated February 6th, advocates for incentives and tariff reductions to facilitate local manufacturing, as per a Reuters report.
With an 18 per cent market share, Xiaomi is a significant player in India’s smartphone market. In the letter, it appeals to Indian authorities to consider offering manufacturing incentives and reducing import tariffs on specific smartphone components.
Xiaomi currently assembles smartphones in India using a combination of local and imported components, predominantly from China.
The letter, in response to an inquiry from India’s information technology ministry, underscores the need for bolstering the country’s component manufacturing sector. It comes against the backdrop of heightened scrutiny of Chinese businesses in India following a 2020 border clash.
Muralikrishnan B., President of Xiaomi India, emphasizes the necessity for confidence-building measures to attract component suppliers to establish local operations.
The concerns cited in the letter pertain to compliance, visa issues, and other unspecified factors.
While neither Xiaomi nor the IT ministry provided further comment, the letter indicates ongoing challenges faced by Chinese companies in India, particularly in the smartphone sector, which heavily relies on Chinese suppliers for critical components.
Xiaomi advocates for a reduction in import tariffs on sub-components such as batteries, USB cables, and phone covers to enhance India’s manufacturing competitiveness. However, it suggests that significant incentives are necessary to persuade component manufacturers to set up facilities in India.
The plea from Xiaomi aligns with recent signals from Indian officials suggesting a potential easing of scrutiny on Chinese investments, contingent on peaceful border relations between the two countries.
However, challenges remain, including visa issuance and investment clearances, which continue to impede Chinese companies’ operations in India.
The letter from Xiaomi underscores the complexities of the India-China relationship, with economic factors intertwined with geopolitical tensions. As both countries navigate these complexities, the future of Chinese investments and operations in India remains uncertain, contingent on diplomatic developments and regulatory decisions.
(With inputs from agencies)
Pros
– Arguably the best display in a smartphone
– Solid, top-notch performance
– Galaxy AI has some awesome features
– All-rounder camera setup
– Solid design, now perfected
– Titanium frame with flatter, grippier sides
– Long software update commitment
– Features of the S-Pen suite
– Tons of interesting AI features to explore
Cons
– 45W wired charging at this price point
– AI features like Chat Assist and Call Assist new fine-tuning
Price: Starts at Rs 1,29,999 for the 12GB+256GB variant
Rating: 4.75/5
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra was hands down one of the best, most rounded Android smartphones to get launched in 2023. Following it up with something that would be interesting and new enough to entice phone enthusiasts and tech nerds was always going to be a tall order. And yet, despite keeping the same design, and bringing a select few updates to the specifications, Samsung has managed to catch everyone’s attention with its latest flagship, the Galaxy S24 Ultra. It truly is, an earnest way to reimagine what a smartphone is exactly.
The Galaxy S24 Ultra is not only among the first devices to get the all-new Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, it is also the first device to come with a bunch of generative AI features. Even though you get some seriously powerful hardware, and possibly the best display that has ever been used on a smartphone, along with a more practical camera set-up, this year, it’s all about Galaxy AI.
Not only does Samsung’s Galaxy AI set the tone for what flagship devices will entail this year, it also brings forth a new way to think about smartphones. It makes smartphones, smarter.
Still, is it enough to warrant people to upgrade their devices?
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra 5G review: The design
The Galaxy S24 Ultra bears a striking resemblance to the Galaxy S23 Ultra, but this time, it features a flat display. You get the same camera module, and identical antenna markings on the frame. However, a few notable differences set the S24 Ultra apart.
One significant change is Samsung replacing the aluminium frame with a titanium one. The titanium frame not only feels warmer to the touch but is more scratch-resistant and has a more visually appealing texture. We also get flatter sides now, which combined with the grippier titanium, makes the phone feel much more secure in the hand. The flattening of the screen’s edges also makes holding the phone easier and using the S Pen much more convenient.
Samsung claims to have minimized the bezels around the display by 42 per cent. This reduction is very evident in the bottom bezel, which is almost non-existent with the S24 Ultra. All of this, makes the actual screen look much larger. Both the front and back feature Corning’s Gorilla Armor glass. For colour options, we get Titanium Gray, Titanium Black and Titanium Violet. You also get two online exclusive options, Titanium Blue and Titanium Green.
Like the S23 Ultra, the S24 Ultra gets a tank-like solid build quality and feels premium to hold. Still, because of the device’s size, using it with one hand may be a bit of a task for most people. Having said that, those switching from larger devices won’t find it problematic.
The placement of the volume rockers and power buttons remains the same as last year, but now, they feel more solid. The slightly flatter edges of the S24 Ultra also contribute to a flatter overall profile.
At the bottom, we see a speaker grille housing one of the speakers, alongside the USB Type-C port, a SIM tray, along with the S-Pen.
The rear panel of the S24 Ultra features the same camera and flash setup that we saw in the S23 Ultra. We get a floating setup rather than a separate camera island. Because of how the lenses are positioned, the device doesn’t sit flat on a surface, and rocks about when tapped.
All in all, the S24 Ultra has basically the same design as last year’s S23 Ultra, albeit with a few minor tweaks here and there. It still looks as premium as a phone can. Plus, the new Titanium frame, with its flatter sides, makes the phone feel much more solid, premium and easy to grip in the hand.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra 5G review: The display
While it may seem that not a lot has changed as far as the display is concerned, there are some minor tweaks here and there which make the S24 Ultra’s display the best display that we have seen in a smartphone. That’s a tall order considering that the S23 Ultra had one of the best displays in a smartphone in 2023.
The Galaxy S24 Ultra features Samsung’s Dynamic AMOLED display, measuring 6.8 inches. While the display still has an adaptive refresh rate that goes up to 120Hz, this time, it can go as low as 1Hz instead of last year’s 24Hz. Also new is the peak brightness, which is up from 1750 nits to 2600 nits. Naturally, then, the display still supports HDR10+. We also get a slight resolution bump at 1440X3120 pixels.
In terms of content consumption, the S24 Ultra provides a delightful experience, especially with HDR and Dolby Vision content. The Dynamic AMOLED display includes Samsung’s Vision Booster, covering 100 per cent of the mobile colour volume within the DCI-P3 colour range. Even in direct sunlight, there were no issues with visibility.
Samsung is using an LTPO AMOLED panel for improved power efficiency, particularly with the always-on mode. This allows the refresh rate to drop as low as 1Hz in certain situations.
There’s also a new antireflective, anti-scratch panel from Corning called Gorilla Armor. This means that the screen is more impervious to scratches and scuffs in general day-to-day use, even if you tend to be extremely rough with your devices.
The display really stands out for its impressive specifications. However, the technical details of the display don’t truly capture the essence of the screen. It is, by far, one of the finest displays on any smartphone currently available. The colours out of the panel are vibrant, rich, and saturated colours with inky blacks. All of this ensures that the images and texts that we see on the display are sharp and crisp.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra 5G review: The camera
The Galaxy S24 Ultra, like its predecessor, the S23 Ultra, comes with a powerful camera setup. It includes a 200MP ISOCELL HP2 camera, a 12MP wide-angle camera, and a 10MP telephoto camera for 3x optical zoom. The notable change is the new 50MP periscope telephoto camera that offers 5x optical zoom, replacing the 10MP periscope telephoto sensor from the S23 Ultra. This upgrade will allow users to sharper images at a shorter zoom level, and is more practical in my opinion.
Samsung has also increased the size of the pixels in the S24 Ultra’s sensor, allowing it to capture more light. The S24 Ultra produces vibrant and detailed photos suitable for social media when using the main and wide-angle cameras. Even in low light, the camera performs decently, with excellent sharpness, exposure, and detail in various lighting conditions.
The Galaxy S24 Ultra’s overall image quality is superior to the S23 Ultra, particularly in rendering more natural skin tones and colours. While the S24 Ultra maintains Samsung’s characteristic oversaturation, it’s a choice that many users appreciate for creating eye-catching images, that can be posted to social media without much processing.
The camera fo the S24 Ultra also offers various video features, including UHD resolution recording with zoom capabilities, 8K video at 30fps, and UHD slow-motion video at 120fps.
The portrait mode of the S24 Ultra provides flexibility with four levels of magnification, allowing users to capture different perspectives without moving around.
At the front, the phone features a 12MP wide-angle camera with a 26mm focal length, equipped with Dual Pixel PDAF technology. This camera supports dual video calls, Auto-HDR, HDR10+ for enhanced dynamic range, and video recording capabilities including 4K at 30/60 fps, as well as full HD 1080p at 30 fps. The portrait mode in the selfie camera, while not always perfect in terms of cropping and focus, generally produces impressive results.
Inside the S24 Ultra is Samsung’s ProVisual Engine, Super HDR, and a range of Galaxy AI editing tools to enhance photos during and after shooting, but more on the AI features later.
Click here for some sample photos taken using the Galaxy S24 Ultra.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra 5G review: The performance, software experience and UI
The Galaxy S24 Ultra stands out as one of the fastest Android smartphones in the market by a mile. While other devices use Snapdragon’s 8 Gen 3 SoC, the S24 Ultra boasts a custom 8 Gen 3 chipset which is overclocked and tuned specifically for this phone.
Our test unit featured 12GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 256GB of UFS 4.0 internal storage. Notably, even the base variant of the S24 Ultra comes with 12GB of RAM, which is a welcome change. In basic everyday tasks, the S24 Ultra handles anything and everything you throw at it without breaking a sweat.
We put our test unit through a gauntlet of demanding games, and extensive multitasking and not once did it show any signs of slowing down. In a bid to push the device to its limits, we browsed the internet extensively, capturing numerous 200MP photos and 8K videos, watching HDR videos at pretty high brightness and playing demanding games like BGMI and Asphalt 9 at the highest settings.
Throughout these challenges, the S24 Ultra remained cool and maintained consistent performance. In gaming, we were consistently getting a frame rate of 60 fps.
The phone excels in handling demanding games and even supports ray tracing at a hardware level, although very few games currently utilise this feature as of now. Even after playing games like Asphalt 9: Legends for over 30 minutes, the device hardly warms up, thanks to Samsung’s redesigned and significantly larger vapour chamber for effective cooling. Samsung claims that the vapour chamber is about 92 per cent larger this time around and it shows.
Running on OneUI 6.1 based on Android 14, the Galaxy S24 Ultra offers a plethora of features that will take ages to test and try out. Moreover, we chose to focus on the new AI features for this review rather than the features of OneUI 6.1.
Let’s put it this way — the device’s performance is consistently incredible, making it an excellent all-around choice for users who want a smartphone capable of handling a wide range of tasks without making any compromises.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra 5G review: AI Features
This is where things get really interesting with the S24 Ultra. Samsung has released a ton of AI features with the S24 series in what they are calling Galaxy AI, which, for the most part, is powered by Google’s Gemini AI. Most of the AI features that we see in Galaxy AI will be a part of other flagship Android phones this year as and when they get released, but there’s no denying the fact that Samsung beat most other manufacturers to the punch.
While some people may find the AI features in Galaxy AI a bit gimmicky, I feel that we truly are at the cusp of something new, a new way to think about our smartphones.
For example, Google’s latest innovation, the Circle to Search feature, is a game-changer, integrating the best aspects of Google Lens with a simple gesture to seamlessly search for a particular element across any photos, video or anything else that is on your screen
We also have a bunch of AI features that work with text and sound in the form of Chat Assist, Call Assist and Live Translate. The Live Translate feature, for example, offers instant translation for both voice and text in 13 languages, facilitating seamless communication across linguistic barriers.
You also get to use the Call Assist feature in phone calls. However, during my testing, the results that we got were mixed at best. Moreover, you really need people to speak clearly on their phones, and have only one person speaking at a time, which is not how most people behave on a call.
The Samsung keyboard now has an AI feature that gives it a major boost. Whenever you’re typing in any app, the keyboard gets smarter with AI. You just need to tell it what you want to type in a short prompt, and it will write it out for you. You also get different suggestions for the tone of your text ranging from formal to casual to social media style, just like ChatGPT.
Furthermore, the voice recording app also has some AI features. You can now have the app transcribe your voice notes, and its algorithm is intelligent enough to differentiate between two speakers and demarcate the transcribed texts based on who says what. It works fairly well, but it isn’t perfect. I dictated a significant portion of the review into the voice notes app, and had it transcribe it. The transcription was about 70 per cent accurate, so I had to edit it considerably to make a comprehensive first draft. It certainly isn’t as game-changing as I had hoped it to be, but it is something that is surely good to have. I
Then, we have a bunch of other features in the Generative Edit tool, which is very similar to Google’s Magic Eraser, but with some more added functionality. The Generative Edit allows users to refine their images in any way, shape or form that they choose, by allowing them to remove objects or elements that could be distracting. It also users to straighten or recompose an image by using AI-powered image generation.
But the best feature of them all, at least for me, is the ability to create slow-motion videos using videos that you have shot normally. I use tons of different smartphones, with great cameras and never have I ever thought of shooting a particular moment as a slow-motion video, before shooting it — it is only after I have shot something that I wish that I had taken a slow-mo shot of it, instead of recording it at a regular 30 or 60 fps. The feature allows you to slow down any video or even make it twice as fast, and during our tests, it worked perfectly every single time.
As for privacy and data security concerns, the AI models within Galaxy AI operate both locally and in the cloud. For instance, the “Circle To Search” function operates solely over the cloud. On the flip side, transcription features, whether for phone calls or voice memos, function entirely locally. Similarly, Galaxy AI’s Generative Edit features, work locally.
Samsung will need to fine-tune some of the features, as they feel half-baked at the moment, like most other AI tools, be it ChatGPT, Midjourney, Microsoft’s Copilot, or even Google’s Gemini. The Chat Assist, and Transcribing features need to be refined a lot before they become widely adopted. Having said that, what Samsung has achieved here is really impressive. It will be really interesting to see how other smartphone manufacturers respond to this.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra 5G review: The battery life
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra boasts a robust 5,000 mAh battery, and delivers an excellent battery life, straight out of the box. Moreover, once you start using the device regularly, and it gets to know your usage and charging habits, the battery life gets even better.
The Galaxy S24 Ultra shines when it comes to battery benchmarks. On the very first day of using the device, it lasted over 17 hours on the PC Mark battery test, which is remarkable considering the battery management system had no idea of usage habits.
During real-world use, the S24 Ultra easily lasted a day with around 6 hours of screen time. We typically ended the day with over 20 per cent battery remaining. I think this is largely because of how efficient the Snapdragon SoC is, and the fact that you get a 1-120Hz refresh rate, based on what you’re doing.
However, there are some issues. Samsung is still stuck with its 45W wired charging, at a time when other manufacturers are providing much faster solutions. It does support 15W wireless charging and offers 4.5W reverse wireless charging. In regular, wired charging you will get to about 65 per cent in half an hour, provided you have a charging brick that is compatible with the device.
Considering the rapid advancements in battery charging technology from other manufacturers, some users may find the S24 Ultra’s 45W charging capability underwhelming, especially with budget phones offering over 100W fast charging.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra 5G review: The verdict
Priced at Rs 1,29,999, the Galaxy S24 Ultra may not come cheap for a flagship device, but it’s not the most expensive one either. However, it embodies everything you’d expect from a high-end, flagship smartphone.
This year’s hardware upgrades may not seem groundbreaking, but they’ve allowed Samsung to refine an already exceptional product. The improved 50MP telephoto camera, faster processor, and promise of seven years of software updates make it a compelling upgrade for Samsung users. Performance-wise, it handles everything effortlessly, whether it’s gaming or AI tasks like photo editing, without overheating or lag.
The AI features, although they need some polishing, introduce a fresh smartphone experience. While not essential for everyone who is considering upgrading to a flagship device, they certainly add value. Additionally, like always, the inclusion of the S Pen makes the Galaxy S24 Ultra one of the most versatile phones in the industry.
Even without the AI enhancements, the Galaxy S24 Ultra is a solid device with its top-notch display, premium build, and outstanding camera hardware. It’s undoubtedly a contender for the best premium phone of 2024. Samsung has set a high standard that will be difficult to surpass
For those who can afford it and want the latest and greatest that tech has to offer, a new way to experience a smartphone, the Galaxy S24 Ultra is a worthy investment. Samsung has once again raised the bar for premium Android phones and set a new benchmark.
In a bid to tackle the escalating issue of river and ocean pollution in India, Hong Kong-based marine technology startup Clearbot unveils plans to launch a cutting-edge fleet of larger solar-powered autonomous boats. These advanced vessels, slated for deployment in March, aim to significantly amplify Clearbot’s ongoing efforts in cleansing polluted waters.
Each of Clearbot’s new self-driving electric boats boasts a remarkable capacity to collect approximately 500 kg of plastic waste and other debris from the river and ocean. This represents a doubling of the capability compared to the company’s existing robotic cleaners presently operational across Indian seas and lakes.
Founded by graduates from the University of Hong Kong in 2019, Clearbot seeks to revolutionise the marine services sector, as highlighted by Utkarsh Goel, the co-founder, and chief technology officer. The vision is to automate and electrify tasks traditionally performed by manned diesel boats, thereby fostering sustainability within the industry.
Originally conceived as a student initiative to assist Indonesian surfers in efficiently cleansing waterways, Clearbot has since evolved into a global endeavour. The realisation of substantial demand for sustainable marine infrastructure prompted founders Goel and Sidhant Gupta to expand their scope.
Over the past year, Clearbot has deployed 13 boats capable of collecting up to 250 kg of plastic waste daily, addressing projects in Hong Kong and India. These autonomous electric vessels navigate waters independently, retrieving surface debris and depositing it for subsequent recycling.
India, which contributes approximately 13 per cent of global ocean plastic, remains a focal point for Clearbot’s expansion. Recent pilot projects in cities like Shillong and Bengaluru have showcased the effectiveness of Clearbot’s technology in significantly reducing waterborne waste.
Clearbot’s latest endeavors come at a critical juncture, as global awareness of ocean pollution’s detrimental effects continues to grow. With at least 11 million tonnes of plastic entering oceans annually, initiatives like Clearbot’s represent vital steps toward mitigating environmental degradation.
Moreover, Clearbot’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond waste collection. By harnessing solar power for its fleet, the company eliminates carbon emissions associated with conventional diesel-powered vessels.
The innovative approach has garnered attention and investment, with a notable $4 million valuation secured during Clearbot’s seed funding round. Backers include prominent entities like the Alibaba Entrepreneurship Fund and Gobi Partners GBA, underscoring confidence in Clearbot’s potential to drive positive change in the marine services industry.
As Clearbot continues to forge partnerships and expand its reach, the introduction of its advanced autonomous boats signifies a significant stride towards cleaner, more sustainable oceans.
(With inputs from agencies)
Elon Musk may be planning another round of mass layoffs, fear people working at the company. This comes just days after Musk, the Chief Technical Officer at the social media platform asked all managers to list out the top performers in their team.
The tech industry is experiencing a resurgence of job cuts, albeit not as extensive as the mass layoffs witnessed in 2023, impacting numerous employees across various departments worldwide.
Recent announcements from industry giants including Google, Meta, Amazon, and Snap reveal plans for reducing employee counts as part of corporate restructuring initiatives.
Musk, who previously executed substantial layoffs at X, is allegedly considering similar measures at Tesla. Bloomberg reports indicate that Musk has instructed Tesla managers to assess employee roles, identifying critical positions.
Departing from the usual semi-annual performance review meetings, managers are now tasked with providing concise evaluations for each employee, prompting concerns regarding imminent job cuts.
This evaluation approach appears to align with Musk’s cost-cutting strategy, a response to Tesla’s decelerating sales growth. Known for his rigorous leadership style, Musk previously urged X employees to adhere to his “hardcore” philosophy.
Despite most tech companies, including X, grappling with revenue declines and poor market performance, Tesla’s stock continues to thrive, reflecting investor confidence. Tesla’s workforce has doubled since 2020, exceeding 140,000 employees by the end of the previous year.
The company’s trajectory, marked by milestones such as the Model 3 and Model Y launches, anticipates further expansion with the introduction of an affordable vehicle slated for release next year.
To support its vision of pioneering innovative electric vehicles and other ventures, Tesla has invested over $10 billion this year.
However, despite revenue growth and an expanding workforce, Tesla is exploring avenues to streamline costs. Reports suggest that these cost-reduction efforts might coincide with increased research and development spending.
Although Tesla has not officially confirmed any layoffs, CFO Vaibhav Taneja emphasized the necessity for cost efficiency during a recent earnings call. The potential impact of such measures on employees remains uncertain.
Since the onset of 2024, the tech industry has witnessed over 32,000 job cuts. Major players like Google, Microsoft, and Meta have announced workforce reductions as part of restructuring endeavours.
According to Layoffs.fyi, over-hiring during the pandemic and recent interest rate adjustments are key factors driving these targeted, albeit smaller, layoffs compared to the previous year.
Furthermore, the burgeoning demand for artificial intelligence (AI) talent is reshaping workforce dynamics, with companies such as OpenAI, Microsoft, and Google reallocating resources to prioritize AI-related roles. Thus, while layoffs prevail in certain sectors, there is a simultaneous surge in hiring within the AI domain.
Cryptocurrency miners in China are moving to greener pastures as the CCP continues to crack down on Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, in a bid to regulate the crypto market heavily. The country where they are setting up their new base? Ethiopia.
Recently, large cargo containers have been spotted near the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), signalling a new development in Africa’s energy landscape. These containers house powerful computers, marking the arrival of Chinese Bitcoin miners in the region, as per a report by the South China Morning Post.
Driven by the quest for affordable electricity and favourable regulations after being ousted from China, these miners have found Ethiopia appealing due to its low electricity costs and welcoming government stance, despite a ban on cryptocurrency trading.
Ethiopia’s emergence as a hub for crypto mining reflects a global trend amidst concerns over climate change and energy scarcity, and just how damaging mining any cryptocurrency, especially Bitcoin can be. For starters, trading crypto, is banned in the country, although its laws and taxation policies, make it a haven for miners.
Despite its challenges, Ethiopia offers a promising opportunity for mining firms, particularly Chinese companies struggling to compete in places like Texas.
The entry of Bitcoin miners into Ethiopia is not without risks. The volatile nature of the crypto industry, coupled with political and economic uncertainties, poses challenges for both companies and the host nation.
While Ethiopian officials remain cautious about the implications of crypto mining, the sector presents potential economic benefits, especially in terms of foreign exchange earnings.
The influx of mining equipment into Ethiopia underscores the country’s growing importance in the crypto mining landscape, with Chinese miners dominating the scene.
However, concerns persist about the environmental impact of crypto mining, particularly its energy consumption, and the potential strain it could put on Ethiopia’s power supply.
Despite these challenges, Ethiopian authorities have permitted crypto mining, primarily due to the revenue generated through foreign currency payments for electricity.
While regulations are being developed to govern the sector, uncertainties remain among miners about long-term oversight and compliance.
Nevertheless, Ethiopia presents a unique opportunity for bitcoin miners, offering a blend of economic incentives and political stability, positioning the country as a potential rival to established hubs like Texas in the global bitcoin mining industry.
(With inputs from agencies)
Satya Nadella, the CEO of Microsoft, announced on Wednesday a bold initiative aimed at equipping India’s youth with essential AI skills, signalling a renewed commitment to the country’s technological advancement. The ambitious plan, known as ADVANTA(I)GE INDIA, aims to train 2 million students, job seekers, and women in AI by the year 2025.
The initiative will see Microsoft collaborating with governments, non-profit organizations, and corporate entities to deliver comprehensive training programs. Notably, a partnership with Tata STRIVE, the skill development arm of Tata Trusts, will facilitate training for students and facilitate connections to job opportunities or internships.
During his visit to Mumbai for the Microsoft CEO Connection event, Nadella reiterated Microsoft’s support for India’s vision of nurturing a self-reliant AI workforce, emphasizing the transformative potential of AI across various sectors, including government offices and non-profit organizations.
Acknowledging the pressing need for digital upskilling, Microsoft cited a report by PwC revealing that 79% of Indian employees perceive acquiring digital skills as extremely necessary over the next five years. Additionally, 61% of Indian workers emphasized the importance of adopting green skills to support environmentally sustainable decisions, reflecting a strong demand for skill enhancement within the workforce.
Microsoft’s initiative aims for inclusivity across social strata, gender, and income levels. The company plans to partner with 10 Indian state governments to provide basic and advanced AI training to 500,000 students and job seekers in 100 rural educational institutions. This effort builds upon existing collaborations with the Indian Ministry focused on training Gen Z in digital and cybersecurity skills.
This latest commitment supplements Nadella’s earlier pledge to train 100,000 Indian developers in Azure AI usage, solution deployment, and coding proficiency. The comprehensive training program, open to individuals of all backgrounds and expertise levels, encompasses two levels of training, focusing on AI application and problem-solving skills.
Moreover, Microsoft aims to empower women in rural areas and Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities by deploying 5,000 instructors at higher education institutions to train 100,000 women. Additionally, the company intends to train 400,000 students in remote, tribal, and agrarian regions through three global initiatives.
Amidst burgeoning AI adoption, India’s workforce faces a critical gap in AI expertise, as highlighted by Microsoft’s Work Trend Index. While 90% of Indian leaders acknowledge the need for AI-prepared workers, 78% of workers feel inadequately equipped with AI knowledge for their current roles.
While speaking to Shereen Bhan of Moneycontrol, Network18, Nadella also spoke of how crucial AI will be for India’s economic ambitions of becoming a $5 trillion economy.
“I think the economic data I’ve seen is if the Indian economy is going to be, $5 trillion, the AI-driven part of it could be something like maybe 10% of it, maybe $500 billion of it. What we are going to do is, and all of that is being powered by things like cloud computing with these frontier models, open source models, small language models, and so on. And so our capital investment and human capital investment will fit into that. So the way I think about it is if Microsoft has X revenue inside the country, that means there needs to be 99% more revenue created because of the output of compute.”
Recognizing the potential of AI to address socio-economic disparities, Microsoft’s initiative aligns with India’s aspirations for inclusive economic growth. Puneet Chandok, President of Microsoft India and South Asia, emphasized the country’s vast potential to emerge as a global AI leader, emphasizing the imperative of fostering AI fluency at scale.
In addressing India’s economic landscape, Nadella underscored the pivotal role of AI, projecting it to contribute significantly to the nation’s economy. He outlined Microsoft’s strategic investments in capital and human resources to harness the transformative power of AI, paving the way for substantial economic growth and technological advancement.
Microsoft’s commitment to AI training underscores its dedication to fostering inclusive technological advancement, positioning India for a future characterized by innovation and prosperity.
In an era where online safety is paramount, especially for young users, Snap Inc. has released its second edition of the Digital Well-Being Index (DWBI), shedding light on the psychological well-being of Gen Z online. The report, which surveyed 9,100 respondents across Australia, the UK, the US, France, Germany, and India, underscores India’s leading position for the second consecutive year.
The report also suggests that at least 60 per cent of Indian parents are well aware of online safety issues and routinely check in on their children and their online activities.
According to the DWBI findings, India secured an impressive overall score of 67, with a notable emphasis on parent-child engagement in online safety practices. Over 82 per cent of Indian parents turn to their teenage children for technical assistance, reflecting a strong bond and open communication channels within families. Moreover, 60 per cent of Indian teens actively seek guidance from their parents when confronted with online risks, demonstrating a proactive approach to safety.
The report highlights Indian parents’ reliance on teens for technical support, with 64 per cent seeking guidance on software applications and an equal proportion seeking assistance in navigating social media platforms. This collaborative effort between parents and teens has contributed to India’s remarkable achievements in online safety, surpassing nations like the US, the UK, France, Germany, and Australia.
Uthara Ganesh, Head of Public Policy, India and South Asia, Snap Inc., expressed appreciation for India’s strides in promoting a healthy digital parent-teen relationship. “The DWBI findings this year highlight a reciprocal exchange of support and open conversations between teens and parents in India regarding online safety. This demonstrates an encouraging evolution of the parent-teen relationship in the digital age. It’s heartening to see a nation with a significant number of internet users leading the way in promoting a healthy digital parent-teen relationship. As a company that prioritizes safety and well-being for all our users, we remain committed to fostering and enhancing this positive trend,” he said.
As digital interactions continue to shape daily life, the proactive involvement of Indian parents in online safety initiatives serves as a model for global best practices. With a focus on collaboration, education, and communication, India sets a high standard for fostering a safe and responsible online environment for its youth.
A recent report by The Guardian sheds light on the alarming trend of social media algorithms rapidly propagating extreme misogynistic content, which is infiltrating school environments and normalizing harmful attitudes towards women.
The report is based on a study conducted by teams from University College London and the University of Kent, which reveals a concerning surge in misogynistic content suggested by TikTok’s algorithm over a five-day monitoring period.
This content, often centred on anger and blame directed at women, saw a four-fold increase, indicating a worrying trend in the platform’s recommendation system.
While the focus of this research was TikTok, experts suggest that similar patterns likely extend to other social media platforms. They advocate for a nuanced approach to addressing the issue, promoting a “healthy digital diet” over blanket bans on phones or social media platforms, which are deemed ineffective.
The report comes amidst growing concerns over the impact of social media on young people, with recent studies indicating a generational divide in attitudes towards feminism. Additionally, calls for stricter regulations on smartphone use among minors have gained momentum following tragic incidents linked to online activities.
According to the findings, social media algorithms play a pivotal role in presenting harmful content as entertainment, thereby influencing young users’ perceptions and behaviours. The researchers stress that toxic ideologies, once confined to online spaces, are now permeating school environments and mainstream youth cultures.
Geoff Barton, from the Association of School and College Leaders, highlights the insidious nature of algorithmic processes, urging social media platforms to reassess their algorithms and strengthen safeguards to counter the proliferation of harmful content.
Andy Burrows, adviser to the Molly Rose Foundation, echoes these sentiments, emphasizing the urgent need for regulatory intervention to curb the dissemination of harmful content targeting vulnerable teens.
Responding to these concerns, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak reaffirmed the government’s commitment to online safety, citing the recently passed Online Safety Act as a crucial step in holding social media companies accountable for protecting children from harmful content.
In light of the report’s findings, TikTok asserts its commitment to combating misogyny on its platform, noting its proactive content moderation measures. However, critics argue that the methodology employed in the report fails to capture the real impact of harmful content on users.
With the Online Safety Act set to empower regulators to tackle online harms, including misogyny, authorities emphasize the importance of addressing content that disproportionately affects women and girls, signalling a concerted effort to safeguard users’ safety and rights in the digital realm.
Samsung’s recent collaboration with Chinese search giant Baidu to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) technology into its latest flagship smartphones, the Galaxy S24 series, has generated tepid interest among consumers in mainland China.
The strategic partnership between Samsung’s China division and Baidu AI Cloud, announced in late January, entails deploying Baidu’s Ernie large language model (LLM) and search engine to enhance the AI search functions of the Galaxy S24 series released in China on January 25.
These AI features, tailored for the Chinese market, resemble those offered by Google’s Gemini AI in the global version of the Galaxy S24 series, which is unavailable in China. However, Chinese consumers have expressed concerns on social media that the local version’s search features may not match the quality of the international variant.
Weibo user “Sun Weilun” noted differences after testing various models in a Samsung store in Hong Kong, stating that the “Circle to Search” feature powered by Baidu provided fewer results compared to the overseas version supported by Google.
Some consumers, like Beijing resident Richard Zhang, are considering purchasing the international version of the Galaxy S24 for superior AI services, citing issues with the mainland system recognizing Samsung phones incorrectly.
Baidu, recognized as a leading AI player in China, initiated its own ChatGPT alternative with Ernie Bot in March 2023. Despite its standing, the Baidu-Samsung partnership is not anticipated to significantly impact Samsung’s position in the Chinese smartphone market, where its market share has plummeted from 20 per cent to less than 1 per cent over the past decade.
Samsung faces challenges from rising Chinese vendors such as Huawei Technologies, Oppo, and Vivo, which are developing their own large language models (LLMs) or integrating generative AI features into their latest handsets.
Ivan Lam, a senior analyst at Counterpoint Research, believes that within the Chinese market, AI alone is unlikely to bring immediate changes but sees the partnership with Baidu as a sign of Samsung’s commitment to long-term operations in China.
In terms of pricing, Samsung has set higher prices for the Galaxy S24 and S24+ in China compared to the previous S23 models, a strategy differing from its pricing approach in the US and Europe. Analysts, such as Peng Peng from TechInsights, observe that Samsung may not be aggressively competing with domestic vendors on value for money in the world’s largest smartphone market.
Amazon, known for its swift delivery of a myriad of products, is now making headlines by venturing into a new realm – delivering homes directly to your doorstep. This innovative offering, currently available in select countries like the USA, features prefabricated homes with prices ranging from approximately $12,500 to just over $50,000.
One such product gaining attention is the “Zolyndo portable prefabricated tiny home,” priced at $27,000 for its 19x20ft variant. Described as a regular small home, it boasts 2 bedrooms, 1 living room, 1 bathroom, and a kitchen. The listing highlights the ease of transportation, a multi-window/door setup, and full electrical wiring. Constructed from materials such as metal, glass, and plastic, these homes also come equipped with hot and cold water, drainage, and insulation pipes.
Reviews on these products exhibit a mixed sentiment, with some users praising their convenience while others criticize them as overpriced. Unlike traditional houses that pose challenges in relocation, these portable prefabricated homes cater to individuals who prefer a mobile lifestyle while still having a place to call home.
While Amazon is making strides in this space, other brands, such as BOXABL, offer similar products both on and outside of the Amazon platform. BOXABL, for instance, specializes in mass-producing tiny houses that boast easy assembly and disassembly within a short timeframe.
The benefits of these prefabricated homes include rapid construction and setup, coupled with ease of transportation. However, it’s worth noting that they may be more susceptible to natural calamities like storms, floods, hurricanes, and heavy snowfall compared to traditional homes. As Amazon continues to diversify its offerings, the world of online retail is witnessing an intriguing expansion into the realm of housing solutions.
(With inputs from agencies)
