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31/07/2024

31/07/2023

Mark Zuckerberg expects Threads as Meta's next 1bn user network

Meta's CEO Mark Zuckerberg sees Threads as Meta's next one billion user network, giving strong competition to Twitter.

While addressing Meta's second-quarter earnings call with investors on Wednesday, Zuckerberg expressed his expectations for Threads.

He said, "It’s a weird anomaly in the tech industry that there hasn’t been an app like this for text-based convos that has reached one billion people.”

Read Meta's Reels revenue narrows in on TikTok, boosted by AI

Although Threads reached the fastest 100 million signups, the engagement rate has dropped since its launch. However, Zuckerberg says that “tens of millions” of people are still using the app daily.

He added, “I’m highly confident we’re going to be able to pour enough gasoline on this to help it grow.”

Threads has not yet been promoted on other Meta platforms. Once the app has a strong hold on its basics, its marketing will be started.

Moreover, once Threads reaches a certain number of signups, it will allow ads on its platform.
NorwayL'Oréal Paris ̈tenähen

26/07/2023

Say Goodbye to Photoshop! This New AI Tool Can Edit Photos Instantly with a Simple Clicks

According to experts, new AI tools that use generative artificial intelligence have made traditional editing software like Photoshop less important.

One of these tools, called DragGAN, was created by Google and the Max Planck Institute of Informatics. It allows people to easily change and edit photos without needing any previous editing experience. Users can simply drag points to modify different parts of the image while still keeping it realistic. This technology can even create new details, like showing the teeth inside a lion’s mouth.

There are also other AI features, like Stability AI’s upscaler, that let users increase the resolution of an image without losing quality. While Adobe’s Photoshop is working on incorporating generative AI models, these new tools already surpass what Photoshop can do.

26/07/2023

Oreo built an 'asteroid-proof doomsday vault' for cookies as advertising takes a turn for the apocalyptic

As the world grapples with a pandemic and speeds towards irreversible climate change, old advertising tactics don't work like they used to. Pictures of delicious looking sandwiches aren't enough — brands have to start chicken sandwich wars, and carry the battles out on social media. In this media landscape, it's not surprising that Oreo commissioned a "doomsday" vault to preserve the iconic cookies in case of an asteroid.

Today, even advertising campaigns that would have once seemed novel are passe. It has to be bigger. In 2018, IHOP changed its name to IHOb: International House of burgers, dropping the pancake-centric name. It worked, quadrupling burger sales. "Literally everybody in the world now knows that IHOP is now selling burgers," IHOP's president, Darren Rebelez, told Business Insider at the time.

The IHOP stunt worked, but it looked tiny in comparison to Planters' campaign, in which it killed off mascot Mr. Peanut before reincarnating him as Baby Nut, now known as Peanut Jr. The company scrapped plans for a Mr. Peanut funeral-slash-Superbowl commercial after Kobe Bryant's death and went on to expand the bizarre universe of the mascot, explaining that "when a nut like me completes its life cycle, our spirit moves to another shell."

No one was asking for this. In fact, " " went viral among critics. Now, Oreo is joining the cast of snack foods that advertise to us while also reminding us of our own mortality amid a particuarly challening year amid a pandemic with an asteroid-proof doomsday vault in Norway.
'Oréal ParisNorway HoldEm Poker

21/07/2023

Businesses Aim to Harness Generative AI to Shake Up Accounting, Finance

CFOs have ambitious plans for AI to boost efficiency, cut costs and ease a labor crunch, but the technology’s promise could take years to fulfill
Companies hope generative artificial intelligence will transform their accounting and finance departments, areas replete with repetitive tasks and ripe for using technologies that can make human workers more efficient and productive.
Chief financial officers, generally known to be risk-averse, have concerns about data security and the technologies’ reliability, particularly in a sensitive area like finance. But they are also curious about the efficiencies they could reap at a time when many companies hunt for cost-cutting opportunities, as well as the prospect of helping address
CFOs have begun experimenting with, or at least considering, using generative AI in finance. Companies are starting small by employing the technology to predict questions that analysts will ask on earnings calls, research competitors’ earnings calls and answer employees’ queries on internal guidelines such as accounting policies.
In recent years, businesses have increasingly relied on robotic process automation to streamline their finances and operations, particularly by processing payroll data or expense reports and reviewing legal documents. They have also tapped other types of artificial intelligence including machine learning to predict various financial scenarios and forecast future cash flows. Generative AI promises to be the latest tool to help companies improve their ability to forecast their performance, close the books faster and perform data analysis to strengthen investment decisions.
“We’re talking about things that will literally create a more competitive company,” said Ross Tennenbaum, CFO at tax-compliance automation company Avalara.
The tax team at videoconferencing provider Zoom Video Communications is using generative AI to work up the first drafts of tax documentation, particularly in crafting agreements that set the compensation between the parent and a subsidiary for certain services, said CFO Kelly Steckelberg. The company then refines the agreements, she said. “It’s always easier to react to a document than have to draft it,” Steckelberg said.

19/07/2023

Luxury Brand Loyalty Is Diminishing, But Not For Tesla

Luxury automotive brand loyalty is a far less prominent force. Many legacy automakers are seeing customers buying Teslas instead.

utomotive brand loyalty reveals how likely a household owning a particular vehicle make will return to the same company for their next purchase. Currently, GM is leading, mainly thanks to its diverse portfolio, including Chevrolet, Cadillac, GMC, and Buick. By offering an array of vehicles through several brands, owners might feel compelled to stay within that company's ecosystem, enhancing loyalty.
In the luxury sector, brand loyalty is not as prevalent. In fact, it's a thing of the past for almost all automakers. According to WardsAuto's Alysha Webb, "In the luxury brand segment, in the first four months of the year, fewer than half of households bought the same brand when they returned to market." But there was one significant outlier--- Tesla, with 68% brand loyalty.
In 2023 thus far, 7.5% of BMW households switched to Tesla, up from 6.8% the previous year. Lexus saw 7.2% of drivers opting for Tesla this year as opposed to 5.8% last year. 8.9% of Mercedes-Benz drivers went for Tesla this year, compared to 7.8% in 2022.
Land Rover saw 4.8% of its households buying a Tesla as their next car, but this number was slightly down from 6.1% last year. Even considering this instance, luxury car-owning households are buying Teslas.
The kicker here is that Tesla hasn't launched a new vehicle since the Model Y in early 2020. There have been revisions to all of its products even though the lineup has remained unchanged: a high-end sedan and crossover and a mainstream sedan and crossover. At present, Tesla doesn't offer a wide array of products: it is currently missing a pickup truck, full-size SUV, compact crossover, and other desirable entries.
That said, Tesla's influence among other luxury automakers is noteworthy. But tracking this in the coming years will be fascinating. Automakers like BMW and Mercedes recently launched an array of entries and plan to introduce more soon.
Mercedes-Benz currently has five electric vehicles on dealership lots: the EQB, EQE, EQE SUV, EQS, and EQS SUV. While these vehicles offer more luxury amenities than Tesla and arrive at higher prices, more Mercedes households may rather stay with the brand for their electric car purchase. It will be interesting to see if these product launches from established automakers will help retain more of their respective households.

17/07/2023

This artist’s concept of NASA’s QueSST jet reflects the airplane’s final configuration following years of research and design engineering. The jet is now under construction by Lockheed Martin at the company’s Skunk Works facility in Palmdale, California. Credit: Lockheed Martin
NASA’s X-59 aircraft, capable of supersonic flight while reducing sonic booms to quieter ‘thumps’, has been moved for testing in California. The collected data on human reactions to supersonic noise will potentially assist in enabling commercial supersonic flight over land.
The following series of images shows NASA’s X-59 as it sits on the flight line—the space between the hangar and the runway—at Lockheed Martin Skunk Works in Palmdale, California, on June 19, 2023. The move from its construction site to the flight line is one of many milestones that prepare the X-59 for its first and subsequent flights. Next up, the team will conduct significant ground tests to ensure the aircraft is safe to fly.
The X-59 aircraft—the centerpiece of NASA’s Quesst mission—is designed to demonstrate the ability to fly supersonic, or faster than Mach 1, while reducing the loud sonic boom to a quiet sonic thump. NASA will then fly the X-59 over several communities to gather data on human responses to the sound generated during supersonic flight. NASA will deliver that data set to U.S. and international regulators to possibly enable commercial supersonic flight over land.
NASA’s X-59 aircraft is parked near the runway at Lockheed Martin Skunk Works in Palmdale, California, on June 19, 2023. This is where the X-59 will be housed during ground and initial flight tests. Credit: Lockheed Martin
The QueSST mission has two main objectives. Firstly, to design and construct the X-59 research aircraft, equipped with cutting-edge technology that mitigates the deafening sonic boom typically associated with supersonic travel to a gentle thump perceptible to those on the ground. The second objective is to fly the X-59 over various communities across the U.S., collecting vital data on how humans respond to the noise generated during supersonic flight. This collected data will then be shared with U.S. and international regulators.
The aim is to utilize this information to write and implement new sound-based regulations surrounding supersonic flight over land. This could potentially unlock new commercial cargo and passenger markets, offering the tantalizing possibility of faster-than-sound air travel.

15/07/2023

India has launched its third Moon mission, aiming to be the first to land near its little-explored south pole.
The Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft with an orbiter, lander and a rover lifted off at 14:35 on Friday (09:05 GMT) from Sriharikota space centre.
The lander is due to reach the Moon on 23-24 August.
If successful, India will be only the fourth country to achieve a soft landing on the Moon, after the US, the former Soviet Union and China.
Thousands of people watched the launch from the viewer's gallery and commentators described the sight of the rocket "soaring in the sky" as "majestic". The lift off was greeted with cheers and loud applause from the crowds and the scientists.
The BBC's Arunoday Mukharji, who was at the launch site, said there were roars of "Bharat Mata ki jai [Victory to mother India]" from every corner of the hall.
"Chandrayaan-3 has begun its journey towards the Moon," Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) chief Sreedhara Panicker Somanath said in his first comments following the successful lift off. "Our launch vehicle has put the Chandrayaan on the precise orbit around the Earth." Isro tweeted that "the health of the spacecraft is normal".
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Chandrayaan-3 had "scripted a new chapter in India's space odyssey".
"It soars high, elevating the dreams and ambitions of every Indian. This momentous achievement is a testament to our scientists' relentless dedication. I salute their spirit and ingenuity!" he wrote on Twitter.
The third in India's programme of lunar exploration, Chandrayaan-3 is expected to build on the success of its earlier Moon missions.
It comes 13 years after the country's first Moon mission in 2008, which carried out "the first and most detailed search for water on the lunar surface and established the Moon has an atmosphere during daytime", said Mylswamy Annadurai, project director of Chandrayaan-1.
Chandrayaan-2 - which also comprised an orbiter, a lander and a rover - was launched in July 2019 but it was only partially successful. Its orbiter continues to circle and study the Moon even today, but the lander-rover failed to make a soft landing and crashed during touchdown. It was because of "a last-minute glitch in the braking system", explained Mr Annadurai.
Mr Somanath has said they have carefully studied the data from the last crash and carried out simulation exercises to fix the glitches.
Chandrayaan-3, which weighs 3,900kg and cost 6.1bn rupees ($75m; £58m), has the "same goals" as its predecessor - to ensure a soft-landing on the Moon's surface, he added.
The lander (called Vikram, after the founder of Isro) weighs about 1,500kg and carries within its belly the 26kg rover which is named Pragyaan, the Sanskrit word for wisdom.
After Friday's lift-off, the craft will take about 15 to 20 days to enter the Moon's orbit. Scientists will then start reducing the rocket's speed over the next few weeks to bring it to a point which will allow a soft landing for Vikram.

14/07/2023

the gaming industry has faced a significant crash in 2023

the gaming industry has experienced a significant crash in 2023, leading to a challenging landscape for the next two years. This downturn serves as a wake-up call for gamers and professionals alike, urging them to update their skills and be prepared for a potentially tough period of unemployment. It is crucial to adapt to the evolving demands of the industry, stay informed about emerging trends, and acquire new competencies to remain competitive. By proactively investing in your development, you can enhance your chances of thriving in the ever-changing gaming market. Remember, preparation and perseverance are key to overcoming challenges and unlocking new opportunities in this dynamic field. So, gear up, update your skills, and be ready to navigate the road ahead with resilience and determination.
Moreover, this is an ideal time to broaden your skill set and explore new avenues within the gaming industry. Consider learning about emerging technologies such as virtual reality, augmented reality, or blockchain, which are poised to shape the future of gaming. Acquiring expertise in these areas can open up doors to new and exciting opportunities.

It's also important to embrace a proactive mindset during this challenging period. Network with professionals in the industry, attend conferences, and participate in online communities to stay connected and informed. Collaborate with like-minded individuals, share experiences, and learn from each other. By fostering a supportive network, you can gain valuable insights and find potential collaborations or job opportunities.

Lastly, don't underestimate the power of perseverance and determination. The gaming industry has shown remarkable resilience in the past, bouncing back from setbacks and flourishing in the face of adversity. By maintaining a positive attitude and staying committed to your goals, you can weather the storm and emerge stronger on the other side.

12/07/2023

Scientists look at how A.I. will change our lives by 2030

Transportation, education, home security will all be affected by smart machines
By the year 2030, artificial intelligence (A.I.) will have changed the way we travel to work and to parties, how we take care of our health and how our kids are educated.
That’s the consensus from a panel of academic and technology experts taking part in Stanford University’s One Hundred Year Study on Artificial Intelligence.
Focused on trying to foresee the advances coming to A.I., as well as the ethical challenges they’ll bring, the panel yesterday released its first study.
The 28,000-word report, “Artificial Intelligence and Life in 2030,” looks at eight categories -- from employment to healthcare, security, entertainment, education, service robots, transportation and poor communities -- and tries to predict how smart technologies will affect urban life.
“We believe specialized A.I. applications will become both increasingly common and more useful by 2030, improving our economy and quality of life,” Peter Stone, a computer scientist at the University of Texas at Austin and chair of the 17-member panel of international experts, said in a written statement. “But this technology will also create profound challenges, affecting jobs and incomes and other issues that we should begin addressing now to ensure that the benefits of A.I. are broadly shared.”
The university invited A.I. researchers, roboticists and other scientists to predict the effects of advancing machines that perceive, learn and reason on the way people live, work and communicate. Researchers are hoping that, by thinking ahead, they can anticipate the changes -- the benefits and the problems -- A.I. might bring, so scientists and law makers can be better prepared to handle them.
Unlike Musk, who equated developing A.I. with summoning a demon, the A.I. report issued this week shows that scientists anticipate some problems but also numerous benefits with advancing the technology.
“A.I. technologies can be reliable and broadly beneficial,” said Barbara Grosz, a Harvard computer scientist and chair of the AI100 committee. “Being transparent about their design and deployment challenges will build trust and avert unjustified fear and suspicion.”
In the study, researchers said that when it comes to A.I. and transportation, autonomous vehicles and even aerial delivery drones could change both travel and life patterns in cities. The study also notes that home service robots won’t just clean but will offer security, while smart sensors will monitor people’s blood sugar and organ functions, robotic tutors will augment human instruction and A.I. will lead to new ways to deliver media in more interactive ways.

11/07/2023

AI Engineers Salaries Across the Globe
At the moment, AI engineering is one of the most lucrative career paths in the world. The AI job market has been growing at a phenomenal rate for some time now. The entry-level annual average AI engineer salary in India is around 10 lakhs, which is significantly higher than the average salary of any other engineering graduate. At high-level positions, the AI engineer salary can be as high as 50 lakhs.
AI engineers earn an average salary of well over $100,000 annually. According to Glassdoor, the average national salary is over $110,000; and the high salary is $150,000.
Although AI engineering is still an emerging career-path, the early adopters of AI with more than ten years of experience in the field can charge up to 1 crore per annum. These fantastic figures are not limited to India, though.
The average annual AI engineer salary in the US is over $110K.
The annual AI engineer salary in Canada is over 85,000 C$ on an average.
Prospects for AI developers are just as bright in Europe with a median AI engineer salary in the UK being over 60,000 pounds per annum.
In contrast, the annual AI engineer salary in Germany is somewhere around €84,574.
As for other major AI markets, the AI engineer salary in Australia can be as high as $110,000 per year.
And, the average annual AI engineer salary in Singapore is S$74,943
However, you must note that these figures can vary significantly based on several factors like:
The type of AI engineering viz. Machine Learning, Data Science, etc
Experience
Skills and qualifications
Companies Hiring for Artificial Intelligence Engineers:
Here is the list of companies/ startups hiring in AI right now are IBM, Fractal.ai, JPMorgan, Intel, Oracle, Microsoft, etc.

10/07/2023

01-Computing Power
02-Smarter Devices
03-Datafication
04-Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
05-Extended Reality
06-Digital Trust
07-3D Printing
08-Genomics
09-New Energy Solutions
10-Robotic Process Automation (RPA)
11-Edge Computing
12-Quantum Computing
13-Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality
14-Blockchain
15-Internet of Things (IoT)
16-5G
17-Cyber Security
18-Artificial intelligence

Artificial Intelligence (AI) Advancements: AI was expected to continue its rapid advancement in various fields, including healthcare, finance, manufacturing, and customer service. Machine learning, deep learning, and natural language processing were predicted to become even more sophisticated.
Internet of Things (IoT) Expansion: The proliferation of connected devices and the expansion of IoT ecosystems were expected to continue in 2023. Smart homes, wearable devices, and industrial IoT applications were predicted to become more prevalent, leading to increased connectivity and data generation.
5G Implementation: The deployment of 5G networks was anticipated to continue and expand in 2023. This technology promises significantly faster and more reliable wireless connectivity, enabling advancements in autonomous vehicles, smart cities, remote healthcare, and augmented/virtual reality experiences.
Blockchain Applications: Blockchain technology was predicted to find increased adoption beyond cryptocurrencies. Industries such as supply chain management, healthcare, finance, and voting systems were expected to explore and implement blockchain solutions for increased transparency, security, and efficiency.
Extended Reality (XR): Extended Reality, encompassing virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR), was expected to advance further in 2023. Improved hardware, content creation, and integration with other technologies were predicted to enhance XR experiences and lead to increased adoption in gaming, entertainment, training, and other industries.
Cybersecurity Enhancements: As technology evolves, so do cybersecurity threats. In response, advancements in cybersecurity measures, including AI-powered threat detection, zero-trust architectures, and encryption technologies, were anticipated to continue in 2023 to protect against evolving threats.
Automation and Robotics: Automation and robotics were expected to play an increasingly significant role in various industries, ranging from manufacturing and logistics to healthcare and customer service. The integration of AI and robotics was predicted to drive efficiency, productivity, and cost savings.
It's always a good idea to stay updated with the latest news and industry developments for the most accurate information.