Archives April 2024

In a recent disclosure, X, owned by Elon Musk, unveiled its monthly compliance report, shedding light on its stringent actions against policy violators in India. Between February 26 and March 25, the company took a decisive stance, banning over 213,000 accounts across the nation. These suspensions primarily stemmed from infringements related to the promotion of child sexual exploitation, dissemination of non-consensual nudity, and endorsements of terrorism on the platform.

Strengthened Measures Against Harmful Content

The report outlines a substantial figure, with 212,627 accounts flagged and banned during the specified timeframe for their involvement in circulating illegal and harmful content. Furthermore, X undertook measures against 1,235 accounts found guilty of promoting terrorism within India.

Also read: Elon Musk launches Grok 1.5 Vision: What is it and can it compete with GPT-4, Gemini 1.5 Pro

“The platform has long-standing measures aimed at combating child sexual exploitation and terrorism. X maintains a strict stance against any content featuring or endorsing child sexual exploitation, whether it’s media, text, illustrations, or computer-generated images,” the report stated.

Addressing these alarming trends, the report underscores X’s steadfast commitment to mitigating instances of child sexual exploitation and terrorist activities. It firmly states the platform’s zero-tolerance policy towards any content, be it media, text, illustrations, or computer-generated images, that promotes or features such illicit activities.

Also read: ChatGPT and Meta AI are the same? We asked WhatsApp, the answer may surprise you

As concerns mount over the proliferation of harmful content online, platforms like X are ramping up efforts to combat these activities and uphold a conducive environment for constructive discourse. Responding to user grievances, X reported receiving 5,158 complaints from Indian users during the same reporting period. The platform’s swift and effective grievance redressal mechanisms are highlighted through this ban, demonstrating its dedication to addressing user concerns promptly.

“We reviewed 86 grievances appealing account suspensions. All were resolved with appropriate responses. Following our review, we overturned suspensions for 7 accounts based on specific circumstances. The remaining reported accounts remain suspended,” the report clarified.

Also read: Google Wallet introduces ‘Linked Passes’ setting: What is it and how to use the new feature

Balance of Policy Enforcement

The report elaborates on the platform’s response to user appeals, revealing that 86 grievances challenging account suspensions were processed. Following a thorough review, seven of these account suspensions were overturned, while the remaining reported accounts remained suspended in accordance with X’s policies and guidelines.

Despite the overturning of a few suspensions, the majority of reported accounts remained banned, reaffirming the company’s commitment to upholding its standards. Additionally, X fielded 29 general account inquiries during the reporting period, underscoring its active engagement with users on various fronts.

Google Wallet is expanding its features with a new addition called ‘Automatically add linked passes.’ This feature aims to link related passes to your digital wallet, including boarding passes, event tickets, loyalty cards, and more.

Availability and Functionality

While the Google Linked Passes feature is currently in beta and may not be available for all passes, it offers a convenient way to manage and organise various digital passes. However, the pass issuer must enable the linking feature. If your passes aren’t linked, you’ll need to contact the issuer or merchant to activate this functionality, reported 9to5google.

Also read: Apple to give a major AI boost with iOS 18 update: Check what AI features your iPhone may get

Pass Types and Limitations

Notably, certain types of passes like credit/debit cards, private passes such as driver’s licences and health insurance cards, as well as physical access passes like corporate badges and hotel keys, cannot be linked through this feature.

The ‘Automatically add linked passes’ setting is part of a new ‘Passes’ subsection within Google Wallet settings on Android devices. It’s enabled by default, allowing pass providers to automatically add related event tickets, promotions, offers, and more to your existing passes.

Also read: Apple M4 chip launch details revealed: What to expect from the most powerful Macs in 2024

Google provides developer documentation on Auto Linked Passes, allowing providers to send additional passes to users who already have their existing pass in Google Wallet. This can help in linking offers to loyalty cards, meal vouchers to boarding passes, or parking passes to event tickets.

Concerns and Control

While this feature offers convenience, there’s a concern about potential clutter from unwanted promotions and offers. Thankfully, Google includes an option to disable this auto-behaviour, providing users with control over their digital wallet’s content.

The introduction of ‘Linked Passes’ follows Google’s recent addition of transit payment verification settings to enhance user experience and functionality. This feature is available in version 24.10.x of Google Wallet and seems to be more widely rolled out compared to the verification settings. As Google continues to innovate and improve its Wallet app, users can expect more useful features to be added in the future, making digital transactions and management even more seamless.

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Google’s next-generation Pixel devices are set to receive a significant upgrade with a new Samsung modem that includes satellite connectivity. This advancement aims to enhance cellular connectivity and offer emergency satellite-based services on the go.

Pixel 9 Series and More to Sport Upgraded Modem

Recent reports suggest that Google’s Pixel 9 series, including the Pixel Fold 2 and a new 5G-enabled Pixel Tablet, will feature an updated Samsung modem. This change follows Google’s shift from Qualcomm’s modems to Samsung’s, aligning with the Tensor base that powers their devices, reported 9to5google.

Also read: Google Wallet introduces ‘Linked Passes’ setting: What is it and how to use the new feature

While the current modem has been sufficient, it sometimes struggles with low connectivity and isn’t as power-efficient as desired. The upcoming modem, named Tensor G4 5400, promises improvements in these areas, offering enhanced performance and reliability.

Satellite Connectivity for Emergency Services

The most notable feature of the new modem is its support for 3GPP Rel. 17 5G spec, which enables satellite connectivity. Although the existing Pixel modems technically support satellite, this functionality hasn’t been utilized yet. With this update, users can access satellite services through an integrated “Satellite Gateway” app, primarily via the Emergency SOS feature.

Also read: AI roundup [ April 15]: AI to bring diversity in fashion, research begins on how AI will impact immersive media, more

In emergency situations, the app will prompt users with essential questions to identify the situation, allowing them to notify contacts and send messages to emergency services. This enhanced emergency feature aims to improve user safety and provide critical assistance when needed.

Pixel Fold 2 and Potential Satellite SOS Feature

Code references suggest that the Pixel Fold 2 might require unfolding to activate the satellite SOS feature fully. Google has been actively developing the “Satellite SOS” functionality, but it’s not live yet. The new modem and accompanying features are expected to roll out soon, offering users enhanced connectivity and safety capabilities.

Future Prospects and Expectations

While the new modem represents a significant step forward for Google’s Pixel devices, further improvements are anticipated with the shift to a TSMC-produced Tensor chip in 2025. As Google continues to innovate, users can look forward to more advanced features and capabilities in future Pixel generations.

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Xiaomi 13T and Xiaomi 13T Pro with Leica-tuned triple rear cameras and MediaTek Dimensity SoCs were launched in global markets last year. Now, Xiaomi is said to be working on the Xiaomi 14T and Xiaomi 14T Pro. The source code reportedly found in the HyperOS code indicates the possible specifications and codenames of the Xiaomi 14T series. This suggests that the Xiaomi 14T Pro will have identical specifications to that of the rumoured Redmi K70 Ultra. Both models are said to go official in September in global markets except India.

Xiaomi has not shared any information on the Xiaomi 14T and Xiaomi 14T Pro, but Android Headlines have found a reference to both handsets on the HyperOS code. As per the report, Xiaomi 14T Pro is codenamed “rothko”. The Pro variant will reportedly debut as a rebranded version of the unannounced Redmi K70 Ultra and could feature a MediaTek Dimensity 9300 SOC. It is said to have “N12” as the internal model number.

The Xiaomi 14T Pro is said to offer wireless charging and include a telephoto camera with Leica lenses. The Redmi K70 Ultra, however, might lack these features.

The Xiaomi 14T is reportedly codenamed “degas,” inspired by the name of the popular French artist Edgar Degas. The report claims that the handset appeared on the HyperOS source code with the internal model number “N12A“.

Further, the report states that the Xiaomi 14T Pro will go on sale in different markets with different model numbers “2407FPN8EG“, “2407FPN8ER“, and “A402XM“. The Xiaomi 14T is said to launch in global markets with model numbers “2406APNFAG“, and “XIG06“. Both the base and the Pro variants are anticipated to be sold in many countries except India.

The standard Xiaomi 14T and Xiaomi 14T Pro are said to share similar camera and battery specifications. Like the Xiaomi 13T series, they might run on different chipsets. The Redmi K70 Ultra is believed to go official in China in August. Based on this, the publication speculates that the launch of the Xiaomi 14T series will happen in September. Since this has not yet been confirmed by Xiaomi, the information should be taken with a pinch of salt.

In the last few months, Meta Platforms has been adding more and more artificial intelligence (AI) features to its suite of apps including Messenger, Instagram and WhatsApp, perhaps to keep up in the AI race against its competitors. Its latest foray into AI comes in the form of Meta AI, an AI-powered chatbot that users can not only converse with but also accomplish tasks such as generating AI images.

Based on Meta’s generative text model Llama 2, Meta AI promises a human-like interaction. To accomplish real-time information retrieval for text-based conversations, the tech giant has partnered with Microsoft’s Bing. However, is Meta AI really different from other AI chatbots in the market or is it the same as OpenAI’s ChatGPT? We asked WhatsApp the same question and the answer will surprise you.

Also Read: ChatGPT becomes more powerful with this big update

ChatGPT and Meta AI

On WhatsApp, we asked Meta AI “ChatGPT and Meta AI are the same?”

In response, the AI chatbot said “No, ChatGPT and I, Meta AI, are not the same. We are both large language models, but we were developed by different organizations and have distinct architectures, training data, and capabilities.”

Meta’s AI chatbot also highlighted the differences between its origin and the datasets used for training.

“ChatGPT is a model developed by OpenAI, a research organization founded by Elon Musk, Sam Altman, and others. It was trained on a massive dataset of text from the internet and can generate human-like responses to a wide range of questions and prompts.

I, Meta AI, was developed by Meta Platforms Inc. (formerly Facebook), a technology company that operates several businesses and develops various AI models. My training data is also based on a massive dataset of text from the internet, but it’s different from ChatGPT’s dataset.”

We also asked Meta AI if it was using ChatGPT to answer questions. To this, Meta AI replied, “I am Meta AI, a separate AI model from ChatGPT. While we’re both large language models, we have different architectures, training data, and approaches to generating responses.”

Differences between ChatGPT and Meta AI

The AI chatbot also compared its strengths to that of ChatGPT. It stated that ChatGPT focuses more on creative yet rational responses taking advantage of which users can ask it to generate dialogues, stories and even entire articles. On the other hand, Meta AI is more geared towards providing accurate and relevant information to users, maintaining a more conversational flow.

The AI chatbot also highlighted the difference between its architecture and ChatGPT’s. Meta AI said, “I was trained on a massive dataset of diverse text from the internet, books, and other sources, using a technique called transformer-based masked language modeling. This allows me to understand and respond to a wide range of questions and topics.”

While ChatGPT adopts a similar approach, it is a specific AI model which has differences in training data and techniques.

“So, while we share some similarities, I’m a distinct AI model designed to provide accurate and helpful responses to your questions!”, Meta AI added.

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Elon Musk’s AI venture, xAI, has recently introduced an upgraded version of its Grok 1.5 model – the Grok 1.5 Vision. This new model integrates computer vision capabilities, allowing it to interpret visual content and respond to questions about images. This development comes shortly after OpenAI presented its GPT-4 model, which also boasts computer vision features.

xAI announced this upgrade through their official X account (formerly Twitter), sharing insights into the model’s capabilities via a blog post. While the core features of Grok 1.5 remain consistent with this updated version, the added vision capabilities promise to open new horizons in AI interaction with the real world.

Also read: Apple to give a major AI boost with iOS 18 update: Check what AI features your iPhone may get

Benchmark Scores and Performance

Benchmark tests were conducted by xAI, showcasing Grok 1.5 Vision’s performance against various metrics, including the company’s proprietary RealWorldQA benchmark. This benchmark evaluates the model’s “real-world spatial understanding.” Additionally, the model was assessed in other tests like MMMU and ChartQA. Impressively, in RealWorldQA, Grok surpassed OpenAI’s GPT-4 with Vision and Google’s Gemini 1.5 Pro, although it lagged behind in other tests.

Also read: OpenAI announces new Tokyo office, hires former Amazon staffer to spearhead AI push

Understanding Computer Vision

Computer vision is an exciting field in computer science focused on enabling computers, including AI models, to recognize and interpret real-world objects through images and videos. Essentially, it aims to empower machines with human-like vision capabilities.

Several leading tech companies are investing heavily in developing vision-centric AI models. Google’s Gemini 1.5 Pro and OpenAI’s GPT-4 with Vision are notable competitors in this space.

The potential applications for computer vision are vast and transformative. For instance, Healthify, an Indian platform for calorie tracking and nutrition, recently integrated a feature named ‘Snap’. Here, users can photograph food items, and the AI suggests healthier recipe modifications and exercise regimens to offset calorie intake. Beyond this, computer vision holds promise for medical diagnostics, autonomous vehicles, and more.

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Realme Buds T110 were launched in India on Monday, April 15, alongside the Realme Pad 2 Wi-Fi only model and the Realme P1 5G series of smartphones. The true wireless (TWS) earphones support Environmental Noise Cancellation (ENC) and are confirmed to be available in three colour options. The newly unveiled tablet joins the LTE variant of the model which was launched in July 2023. Both the Realme Pad 2 Wi-Fi and the Realme Buds T110 will go on sale in the country later this month.

Realme Buds T110, Realme Pad 2 Wi-Fi price in India, availability

The company announced that the Realme Buds T110 is priced in India at Rs. 1,299. The earphones are offered in three colour options – Country Green, Jazz Blue and Punk Black.

Meanwhile, the Realme Pad 2 Wi-Fi variant is available at Rs. 15,999 for the sole 6GB + 128GB option. It comes in Imagination Grey and Inspiration Green shades. Both the tablet and the earphones will go on sale in the country starting April 19 at 12pm IST via Flipkart and Realme India website.

Realme Buds T110 specifications, features

The Realme Buds T110 is equipped with a 10mm dynamic bass driver and AI-backed ENC support. They have three personalised equaliser modes – Bright, which can be used to hear the voice clearer, 
Balanced, which is meant to offer a balanced midrange bass and treble experience and the Bass Boost+, where the atmosphere becomes more prominent.

These TWS earphones support customisable touch functions and are compatible with the Realme Link application. They also come with Bluetooth 5.4 connectivity and offer an 88ms low latency Game Mode. The Realme Buds T110 also arrive with an IPX5 rating for splash resistance.

The charging case of the Realme Buds T110 carries a 460mAh battery, while each earbud comes with a 40mAh battery. With ENC turned off, the earphones along with the charging case, are claimed to offer a battery life of up to 38 hours. 

Realme Pad 2 Wi-Fi specifications, features

Sporting an 11.5-inch 2K (2,000 x 1,200 pixels) display, the Realme Pad 2 Wi-Fi version comes with up to 120Hz refresh rate, 450 nits of peak brightness level, blue light protection and 85.2 percent screen-to-body ratio. The tablet is powered by a MediaTek Helio G99 SoC paired with 6GB of RAM and 128GB of onboard storage. It ships with Android 13-based Realme UI 4.0.

For optics, the Realme Pad 2 Wi-Fi variant includes an 8-megapixel AI-backed rear camera sensor. The tablet is backed by an 8,360mAh battery with support for 33W wired SuperVOOC charging. It also features Dolby Atmos quad speakers and supports multi-screen collaboration, screen mirroring, dual windows, split screen and more.

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