Technology
OpenAI Has A New Voice Assistant That Can Clone Your Voice But It Is Not Launching: Here s Why SAN FRANCISCO: ChatGPT-maker OpenAI is getting into the voice assistant business and showing off new technology that can clone a person's voice, but says it won't yet release it publicly due to safety concerns.
The artificial intelligence company unveiled its new Voice Engine technology Friday, just over a week after filing a trademark application for the name. The company claims that it can recreate a person's voice with just 15 seconds of recording of that person talking.
OpenAI says it plans to preview it with early testers “but not widely release this technology at this time” because of the dangers of misuse.
“We recognize that generating speech that resembles people’s voices has serious risks, which are especially top of mind in an election year,” the San Francisco company said in a statement.
In New Hampshire, authorities are investigating robocalls sent to thousands of voters just before the presidential primary that featured an AI-generated voice mimicking President Joe Biden.
A number of startup companies already sell voice-cloning technology, some of which is accessible to the public or for select business customers such as entertainment studios.
OpenAI says early Voice Engine testers have agreed to not impersonate a person without their consent and to disclose that the voices are AI-generated. The company, best known for its chatbot and the image-generator DALL-E, took a similar approach in announcing but not widely releasing its video-generator Sora.
However a trademark application filed on March 19 shows that OpenAI likely aims to get into the business of speech recognition and digital voice assistant. Eventually, improving such technology could help OpenAI compete with the likes of other voice products such as Amazon's Alexa.
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The Associated Press and OpenAI have a licensing and technology agreement that allows OpenAI access to part of AP’s text archives.
(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed - Associated Press)Tags:
OpenAI Has A New Voice Assistant That Can Clone Your Voice But It Is Not Launching: Here s Why SAN FRANCISCO: ChatGPT-maker OpenAI is getting into the voice assistant business and showing off new technology that can clone a person's voice, but says it won't yet release it publicly due to safety concerns.
The artificial intelligence company unveiled its new Voice Engine technology Friday, just over a week after filing a trademark application for the name. The company claims that it can recreate a person's voice with just 15 seconds of recording of that person talking.
OpenAI says it plans to preview it with early testers “but not widely release this technology at this time” because of the dangers of misuse.
“We recognize that generating speech that resembles people’s voices has serious risks, which are especially top of mind in an election year,” the San Francisco company said in a statement.
In New Hampshire, authorities are investigating robocalls sent to thousands of voters just before the presidential primary that featured an AI-generated voice mimicking President Joe Biden.
A number of startup companies already sell voice-cloning technology, some of which is accessible to the public or for select business customers such as entertainment studios.
OpenAI says early Voice Engine testers have agreed to not impersonate a person without their consent and to disclose that the voices are AI-generated. The company, best known for its chatbot and the image-generator DALL-E, took a similar approach in announcing but not widely releasing its video-generator Sora.
However a trademark application filed on March 19 shows that OpenAI likely aims to get into the business of speech recognition and digital voice assistant. Eventually, improving such technology could help OpenAI compete with the likes of other voice products such as Amazon's Alexa.
——
The Associated Press and OpenAI have a licensing and technology agreement that allows OpenAI access to part of AP’s text archives.
(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed - Associated Press)Tags:
How To Make UPI Payments On WhatsApp: A Step-By-Step Guide There is no doubt that the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has made digital payments very convenient. Now many Indians prefer big and small transactions via UPI. It is not a stretch to say that UPI has revolutionised the world of digital payments. In 2020, WhatsApp introduced the UPI-based payment feature as a pilot project. After its success, it rolled out UPI payments for its Indian users.
A key advantage that WhatsApp has for its UPI service is its huge subscriber base in India, which is believed to be 535.8 million as of 2024. However, WhatsApp is still behind Google Pay and PhonePe when it comes to person-to-person transactions.
If you have been thinking about activating the UPI payment via WhatsApp then here are the simple steps:
– Open the WhatsApp chat window of the person to whom you want to make the payment. Click on the attachment icon.
– Select the 'Payment' option and accept the terms and conditions.
– Enter the amount you want to transfer, put in your UPI pin, and wait for the payment to process.
This way making a payment has become as simple as sending a text or documents. The payee and beneficiary get notified about the payment in their WhatsApp chat window itself. However, in case someone wants to confirm the status of the payment, they can check the bank transfer details on the SMS or confirm the transaction details via the bank.
How to set WhatsApp UPI– Open WhatsApp and go to Settings.
– Select the Payments option
– Select the ‘Add new account’ option.
– Choose your bank from the options that are mentioned. Make sure that your selected bank account is also linked to your UPI account.
– After selecting the bank account, you will be asked to set a UPI pin.
– Set up the UPI pin and you are set for WhatsApp UPI transactions.
Amidst the UPI payments, one can also use the WhatsApp QR scan feature to transfer funds.
How to make UPI payments via WhatsApp QR scan– Open Whatsapp and go to Settings.
– Select the ‘New Payments’ option.
– Select the ‘Scan QR Code’ option.
– Point your camera to the QR code.
– Put the amount you want to transfer and complete the payment after putting in your UPI PIN. The payment will be done.
WhatsApp could soon become a powerful payment option for millions, as the platform is testing international UPI payments, wherever the service is available.
About the AuthorS AadeetyaS Aadeetya, Special Correspondent at News18 Tech, accidentally got into journalism 10 years ago, and since then, has been part of established media ho...Read MoreTags:
Elon Musk’s X Could Bring Communities To Talk About ‘Adult Content’ For Users: All Details Elon Musk-owned X Corp is building new use cases and features for all its users and soon, the social-media platform could have an ‘adult content’ community for its users. The update was shared by Dong Wook Chung, who is a software engineer at X, and his list of developments at the platform were reposted by Musk himself.
Chung talks about the features that he has been working on for X Communities, where soon you could have the ‘not safe for work’ or NSFW content filtered in new groups that cater to adult content.
The engineer points out that admins can have a label which clearly states that kind of content shared in that community to avoid everyone joining it and then realising the nature of the content posted or talked about in the group. The label will also avoid auto-filtering of the content, Chung points out in his post.
Reports say that X is ready to become a platform where all kinds of content is available, including explicit in nature but the access to these groups is likely to be private and restricted to people who verify their age before getting access to the content in this community.
That’s where the admin has to monitor the content as well as the people entering the private space and making sure they are legally allowed to do so. Musk clearly has a broad set of ideas for X, which has already gone through a huge change since he bought Twitter and did the whole rebranding exercise.
Bringing NSFW content is another way for the platform to appeal to a wider audience and eventually make them pay if that’s a feasible model for the company to adopt. However, X will surely face scrutiny from the law enforcement agencies, especially in the US, where the government is pushing to protect teens and young people in general from online abuse and other issues. For now, the tests are being done, so we’re not even sure if X will actually go live with the feature for everyone.
About the AuthorS AadeetyaS Aadeetya, Special Correspondent at News18 Tech, accidentally got into journalism 10 years ago, and since then, has been part of established media ho...Read MoreTags:
PlayStation Plus Free Games For April 2024 Announced: What You Can Play PlayStation Plus subscribers have reason to rejoice as the next lineup of free games has been revealed by Sony. Starting April 2 until May 6, members will have access to three exciting titles, Immortals of Aveum for PS5, Minecraft Legends for both PS4 and PS5 and Skull: The Hero Slayer for PS4. Just like every month, these thrilling games can be added to your library and played anytime as long as your membership is active.
Immortals of Avenue, released last year, were overlooked by gamers amidst numerous releases. Minecraft Legends offers a refreshing take on the beloved franchise, while Skul: The Hero Slayer is a delightful game with its quirky and interesting pixel art visuals.
PS Plus subscribers are in for a treat with an exciting bonus for Overwatch 2 fans. A new Mega Bundle is available, featuring exclusive rewards such as Legendary Beekeeper Skin for Sigma, Legendary Art Deco Skin for Symmetra, seven Epic Skins, Construction Ramattra Epic Skin, Matsuri Kiriko Epic Skin and five Battle Pass Tier Skips, among others. These rewards are accessible to subscribers across all tiers, Essential, Extra or Deluxe. While higher tiers have additional perks, such as more titles to download or stream, the Overwatch 2 Mega Bundle is available to all subscribers. Once downloaded, these titles can be enjoyed immediately, whether you're a new player or returning to the game.
Skul: The Hero Slayer is an exciting 2D action game, where users play the role of Skul, a brave skeleton on a mission to save the Demon King from enemies. What makes it unique is that the character can wear various skulls, each granting him different abilities and strengths essential for obstacles. Originally launched for PlayStation 4 in October 2021, this game remains popular among players due to its fresh gameplay and character development features.
Immortals of Aveum, created by Electronic Arts (EA), is a unique first person shooter. Instead of guns, players use spells to fight with enemies. You play as Jake, a rookie in a group of elite squad of battlemages, defending the magical world of Aveum from the Everwar. To succeed, conquering three different types of magic is key. Meanwhile, the game is only found on PlayStation 5 consoles.
Minecraft Legends is not your typical Minecraft game, it's a real time action strategy experience. Players must stop the invasion of Piglin’s armies by forming groups and make smart battle decisions to protect the Overworld. The game is available on both PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5.
Before exploring the new releases, don’t forget to download EA Sports F1 23, Sifu, Hello Neighbor 2 and Destiny 2: Witch Queen before they expire on April 1.
About the AuthorS AadeetyaS Aadeetya, Special Correspondent at News18 Tech, accidentally got into journalism 10 years ago, and since then, has been part of established media ho...Read MoreTags:
Apple 2024 iPad Pro and Air Launch Could Be Further Delayed: Here’s The Reason Why Apple users waiting to see the new iPads will have to wait a little longer. As per the latest developments, the 2024 iPad Pro and iPad Air lineup will be launching in May and not April as it was previously suggested. The new update comes via Bloomberg, which says, Apple has delayed the launch to May as it finalises the production of the new iPads, which will have some big changes, including an OLED screen on the Pro model.
That’s not all, the report mentions that Apple wants to fine-tune the software for the new iPads and all these tweaks have taken longer than the company had forecasted earlier. The company is unlikely to have an event for these products as well, but it is likely that Apple will have multiple accessories launching along with the new iPads for the market.
The new iPad Air and Pro models are expected to get a big refresh which many people have been asking for. On the hardware-front, Apple should offer the M2 chipset for the iPad Air that is likely to get a new 12.9-inch version, a first for the Air tablet series. It will be interesting to see the company justify bringing the Air in this size, which more or less takes it into the Mac/laptop-category.
As for the iPad Pro model, we expect Apple to go berserk with the M3 chip, featuring an OLED display and changes to its design to compliment that will inevitably cause a price bump for the lineup.
These two iPad models could be lining up along with a new version of the Apple Pencil and a new-look Magic Keyboard that will look to build on the functionality of the 12.9-inch iPad models and pair it with iPadOS for the best results.
We’ll be keeping a close eye on how Apple plans to unveil the new iPads and will the company do it one before the WWDC 2024 in June or not.
About the AuthorS AadeetyaS Aadeetya, Special Correspondent at News18 Tech, accidentally got into journalism 10 years ago, and since then, has been part of established media ho...Read MoreTags:
Apple Will Finally Offer Qi2 Faster Wireless Charging On iPhone 12: What We Know Apple is going to bring support for faster Qi2 wireless charging with the introduction of iOS 17.4 for the iPhone 12 model. Although Apple has not officially announced it, a series of tests and reports from Macworld readers show that the iPhone 12 may now charge at full 15W wirelessly when magnetically linked to a non-MagSafe Qi2 charger.
Qi2 is the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC)’s next-generation wireless charging technology, which is based on MagSafe. Qi2 can achieve a maximum speed of 15W, whereas third-party wireless chargers lacking MagSafe certification have been restricted to 7.5W maximum speeds.
On the iPhone 13 and iPhone 14, Apple introduced iOS 17.2 last year which brought 15W speeds with Qi2 wireless chargers. The iPhone 15 series already supported Qi2 at debut, leaving the iPhone 12 as the sole iPhone model with MagSafe that does not allow fast charging when using Qi2 accessories.
Although Apple does not mention this compatibility in the iOS 17.4 release notes, Macworld testing since iOS 17.4 has revealed that the iPhone 12 equates to the speed of charging of fully Apple-certified MagSafe chargers when clamped onto Qi2 chargers and even displays the 15W-only charging animation.
They began testing using an Apple MagSafe Charger, which took 38 minutes to fully charge an empty iPhone 12 Pro Max to 30% and 70 minutes to reach 50%. They used the Anker Qi2 MagGo Wireless Charger to charge an iPhone 12 Pro Max to 30% in 33 minutes and to 50% in 64 minutes.
In subsequent testing with an iPhone 12 with a lower battery than the 12 Pro Max, Qi2 came out on top, but MagSafe and Qi2’s charging rates were very close (around 20 minutes to 30% and 45-50 to 50%).
The update was initially brought to Macworld’s attention by a reader who noticed that his phone was filling up faster and that the MagSafe/Qi2 animation was appearing on his Belkin BoostCharge Pro 2-in-1 Magnetic Wireless Charging Pad with Qi2.
Meanwhile, in iOS 17.4, Apple included a thorough Battery Health section in the Settings app, which provides specific information about your phone’s battery health, such as cycle count and maximum capacity. Compared to the previous version, which simply showed battery health as a percentage, this change represents a huge improvement.
About the AuthorS AadeetyaS Aadeetya, Special Correspondent at News18 Tech, accidentally got into journalism 10 years ago, and since then, has been part of established media ho...Read MoreTags:
LinkedIn To Introduce TikTok-Like Short Videos For Users: Here s How It Might Look LinkedIn, is experimenting with a short-form video feed similar to TikTok, following the lead of other popular apps such as Snapchat and Instagram.
According to TechCrunch, Austin Null, a strategy director at McKinney, found the feature first. He also provided a brief presentation of the latest feed on LinkedIn, which is located in the app’s navigation bar under a new “Video” option. When users click the “Video” button, they are taken to a vertical stream of short videos that can be swiped through with ease.
While sites such as TikTok cover a wide range of content genres, LinkedIn will use the video stream to specifically dedicate to career-related topics. This change is meant to increase platform engagement and discovery by presenting users with simply digestible movies on professional development and expertise, as per TechCrunch.
The report also states that users will be able to like, comment, and share the video with others. The company has not yet shared the intricacies of how the feed selects which movies to broadcast to users.
Furthermore, the report states that the video feed would feature videos about careers and professions. The newly launched LinkedIn feed is intended to increase engagement and exploration on the network by providing bite-sized videos for users to quickly scroll through. The feature is currently in testing and is not yet available to all users.
“LinkedIn’s new feed would give creators a new place to share their video content and potentially reach more viewers. It’s possible that LinkedIn may also monetise the feed at some point in the future to entice creators to post their video content on the app,” the report by TechCrunch adds.
LinkedIn recognises consumers’ rising desire for video content as a method of learning from professionals and industry experts. The platform’s testing of this new functionality demonstrates its dedication to adjusting to user preferences and facilitating knowledge sharing within its community.
The launch of a TikTok-style video feed on LinkedIn opens up new options for content creators, particularly those who have found success on TikTok by giving job advice and insights.
Moreover, LinkedIn is experimenting with adding games to its professional platform. App researcher, Nima Owji, spotted code fragments revealing that LinkedIn is testing a unique feature in which player scores are classified by workspaces, thereby “ranking” organisations based on these scores. However, a LinkedIn representative stated that the photographs posted by the researcher are not the most recent versions.
About the AuthorS AadeetyaS Aadeetya, Special Correspondent at News18 Tech, accidentally got into journalism 10 years ago, and since then, has been part of established media ho...Read MoreTags:
Google Finally Tells Why It is Giving 7 Years Of Support For Pixel 8 And How It Will Work Google launched the Pixel 8 series last year with a promise of 7 years of OS and security updates for the users. The company had previously offered 3 OS updates and 2 years of the security patches, which made it five in total. So, what made Google change this support cycle and was it plainly done to compete with its rivals? Google has finally sent one of its executives to speak publicly about the change and why it was done.
In one of its recent podcasts, Seang Chau, VP – Devices & Services Software, was quoted talking about the decision. Chau mentioned that Google took a look at the active user data of all its Pixel users and realised that most people are actually using one model for more than a few years.
“So when we look at the trajectory of where the original Pixel that we launched in 2016 landed and how many people were still using the first Pixel, we saw that actually, there’s quite a good active user base until probably about the seven-year mark,” Chau was quoted saying in the podcast.
And once they realised that a phone is being actively used for more than 6 years, Google decided that it now wants to support Pixel 8 and later models with a total of 7 years of OS and security updates. It is interesting to hear Google say that its data shows people are using a Pixel for that long, which could be one of the reasons why the Pixel sales have never really picked up as the company would have expected.
We have noticed many people complaining about the performance degradation of Pixel phones for a few years, so for Google to claim that these phones can actually run for 7 years does sound like an ambitious move. Google’s change in this regard is helped by the fact that since the Pixel 6 series, it has used the in-house Tensor chip, which gives the company a better control over the hardware and software ala Apple.
But what happens to a 5-year-old Pixel phone when it gets the new updates, can users expect to get the latest features supported as well? Chau pointed out that Google is trying to make software-only features so that any RAM or hardware limitation doesn’t restrict these devices from using the latest features from the company.
Google is likely to bring the new Pixel 8a model in the next few months, as we are eager to see if the changed OS approach is passed down to the affordable model as well.
About the AuthorS AadeetyaS Aadeetya, Special Correspondent at News18 Tech, accidentally got into journalism 10 years ago, and since then, has been part of established media ho...Read MoreTags:
Democratising Tech to Data Privacy: PM Narendra Modi & Bill Gates Discuss India’s Inclusive Digital Vision Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in a dialogue with Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, covering a wide array of critical issues ranging from technological advancements to digital transformation strategies.
Modi highlighted India’s unique approach to the digital revolution, emphasising the nation’s steadfast commitment to democratising technology. He elucidated how India’s model ensures that technological advancements are accessible to all, preventing monopolies and fostering a sense of ownership and trust among the populace. His emphasis on inclusivity underscored India’s vision of leveraging technology as a catalyst for societal empowerment and progress.
ALSO READ | ‘Without Proper Training…’: PM Modi Discusses AI, Deepfakes In Chat With Bill Gates, Lists Dos And Don’ts
When questioned about the areas of technological advancement that excite him the most, PM Modi passionately discussed India’s groundbreaking initiatives in health, agriculture and education.
He showcased India’s remarkable progress in establishing Ayushman Arogya Mandir Health Centers in rural areas, interconnected with urban hospitals through modern technology. Moreover, he emphasised the transformative potential of technology in revolutionising education and enhancing agricultural practices, underscoring India’s commitment to addressing fundamental societal challenges through innovation.
To avoid the risk of misuse of Artificial Intelligence (AI), we should start using clear watermarks on AI-generated content. In case of deepfake, it is crucial to specify that a particular content is deepfake and AI-generated.
We need to establish dos and don'ts in AI.
– PM… pic.twitter.com/7xHzd3ieRF
— BJP (@BJP4India) March 29, 2024
PM Modi articulated his vision of extending digital facilities to every village in India. He emphasised the pivotal role of women in embracing and driving technological advancements, unveiling the Namo Drone Didi scheme aimed at empowering women-led self-help groups with drone technology. According to him, this initiative not only aims to catalyse economic empowerment, but also seeks to foster a culture of innovation and leadership among women in rural India.
ALSO READ | My Body is Trained for Little Rest, Relaxation Happens on Autopilot: PM Narendra Modi To Bill Gates
Addressing concerns surrounding data privacy and security, Modi showcased India’s robust legal framework while emphasising the importance of public awareness and simplified compliance measures. He reiterated India’s commitment to leveraging technology to enhance service delivery and improve citizens’ quality of life while ensuring the protection of their data rights.
In response to Bill Gates’s query regarding the utilisation of data without compromising privacy, PM Modi outlined a multifaceted approach, emphasising the need for both public education on data contribution and transparent intentions behind data requests. He stressed the importance of “prioritising research and ensuring that data usage serves the global good”, underscoring India’s commitment to ethical data practices.
Reflecting on the role of government in fostering technological innovation, Modi unveiled India’s ambitious plans to invest in environment-friendly solutions and promote research and development in future technologies. He highlighted India’s recent budget announcement of Rs 1 lakh crore to boost technological innovation, showcasing the government’s unwavering commitment to nurturing a conducive ecosystem for innovation and entrepreneurship.
About the AuthorBhaswati Guha MajumderBhaswati Guha Majumder, Senior Correspondent at News18, has been passionately covering stories related to technology, business (infrastructure), gover...Read MoreTags:
Google Chat Introduces Voice Message Feature For Select Users: How It Works Google has started rolling out the voice message feature on Google Chat for select users. The tool, which was previewed last year, allows users to record and transmit voice messages. The voice message capability is currently only available to paying Google Workspace subscribers. Google Chat voice messaging feature was first previewed in 2023.
With the current version, the send symbol next to the photo button has been replaced by a microphone button. The prominent placement of the microphone button will make it easier for consumers to send voice communications.
Google Chat: How To Send Voice MessagesTo send a voice message in Google Chat, users must first tap the microphone icon and begin recording. Unlike other apps, users are not forced to hold down the microphone, and a “live waveform visualises your voice” along with a timer. You can listen to the message before sending it or delete it to try again.
The recorded messages will be displayed in direct messages, group conversations, and Spaces in the form of a pill. Other users can respond to the voice message in the same way that they would any other chat message. Google has also revealed that its voice message transcription capability will be available soon.
The voice message feature is currently accessible for Android and iOS users. “Sending a voice message instead of typing enables you to save time, convey more information, and emphasise the most important information for the message receiver,” the company said in a blog post. Google stated that voice messages in Google Chat were a “highly requested feature” and described how this new feature can benefit consumers.
The Google Chat voice messaging feature is now accessible for Workspace Enterprise Essentials, Enterprise Essentials Plus, Enterprise Standard, and Enterprise Plus users. For the time being, free and lower-cost accounts will be unable to access the feature.
Additionally, Google has also confirmed that the feature is already being rolled out and will be available in the coming weeks. The feature is currently only available on mobile devices. The firm also stated that the feature will be available shortly on Google Chat online client.
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Want To Send Disappearing DMs On Instagram? Use The Vanish Mode Instagram continues to upgrade its features to enhance users' experiences on the platforms. In recent times, the Meta-owned platform has introduced several new features that have only made life easier for users, enhancing their content, communication, and privacy.
Whether you are a social media influencer, a business owner, or a casual user, Instagram has something for everyone. One such feature is the 'Vanish Mode', which enables users to send each other 'disappearing' messages, photos, videos, and other content in Instagram chats, aka DMs.
By enabling the Vanish Mode, the stuff shared while chatting automatically disappears after someone views it or leaves that chat. However, users must update Messenger features on Instagram to use the vanish mode.
How to activate Vanish Mode on Instagram1. Go to Instagram on your mobile phone or tablet.
2. Click on the message icon in the top right corner of the screen.
3. Now open an existing chat or select a new one by typing on the '+' icon.
4. Swipe from the bottom of the screen and hold for a second.
5. A confirmation message will appear on the screen saying the vanish mood has been turned on.
6. The background of the chat will also change, indicating that Vanish Mode has been activated.
7. Once activated, any messages that are sent will disappear after it is seen by the recipient. Besides normal text, you can also send photos, videos, and even disappearing replies to stories within the vanish mode.
Note: Screenshots and screen recordings can still be done in Vanish Mode. However, the recipient will be notified if a screenshot or screen recording is being done. Also, users will not be able to save, copy, or forward disappearing messages.
How to disable Vanish Mode on Instagram1. Follow the similar steps and open the chat where Vanish Mode has been enabled.
2. Swipe up from the bottom of the screen again and hold.
3. A message will appear: 'Release to turn off Vanish Mode'.
4. Once done, the Vanish Mode will be disabled.
Launched in 2020, Instagram's Vanish Mode is very similar to Snapchat's self-erasing feature; however, it only works when turned on manually. Also, the feature only works for personal chats and not for group chats.
About the AuthorS AadeetyaS Aadeetya, Special Correspondent at News18 Tech, accidentally got into journalism 10 years ago, and since then, has been part of established media ho...Read MoreTags:
Grok AI Chatbot Coming To All X Premium Users This Week, Musk Confirms In a bid to take on OpenAI’s ChatGPT, Elon Musk on Wednesday said that X platform will soon allow its ‘Grok’ AI chatbot to more paying subscribers.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the Tesla and SpaceX CEO announced that Grok will become available to all Premium subscribers.
“Later this week, Grok will be enabled for all premium subscribers (not just premium+),” the X owner informed.
Last week, Musk-run xAI has made its AI chatbot Grok available in the open-source mode for developers and researchers. “We are releasing the weights and architecture of our 314 billion parameter Mixture-of-Experts model, Grok-1,” said the company in a blog post.
The AI chatbot is now available on open-source developer platform GitHub.
Last year, xAI extended Grok to India and 46 other countries, including Australia, Canada, Malaysia, New Zealand, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Singapore.
The microblogging platform has already rolled out access to its Grok AI (beta) to Premium+ subscribers in the US. According to latest data from Sensor Tower, X usage in the US went down 18 per cent (year-over-year), and down 23 per cent since Musk’s acquisition in October 2022.
Musk was also in the news this week talking about a new feature criteria for Premium subscription. He mentioned that anybody with 2500 verified subscriber followers or 5000 verified subscriber followers can get free access to X Premium and X Premium+ subscription.
(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed - IANS)About the AuthorS AadeetyaS Aadeetya, Special Correspondent at News18 Tech, accidentally got into journalism 10 years ago, and since then, has been part of established media ho...Read MoreTags:
PM Narendra Modi Quizzes Microsoft s Bill Gates About His Life And Favourite Book: Here s What He Said PM Narendra Modi and Bill Gates engaged in an interactive chat on Friday which was livestreamed online for the public. PM Modi shared his insights about the country’s growth in the field of AI, what he thinks about the evolving technology and how AI could help improve people and their skills in the long run.
However, the tete-a-tete between Gates and PM Modi also gave us a chance to get more personal details about the Microsoft co-founder and how he sees technology moving in the years to come.
Gates also talked about his origin into the tech industry, for which he feels very lucky and excited in equal measure. “I am so lucky I was born at a time when the chip miracle happened. I got a very good education. Because I have an optimistic view in life, dropping out of school to take the risk didn’t seem that dangerous to me,” Gates mentioned during his interaction with PM Modi.
The Microsoft co-founder then touched upon his passion for tech and what inspires him to keep going in this arena. “The most exciting thing for me is to see people use technology. When I go into a classroom and see them using it. I wanted software for my own curiosity, so that I could take courses online, and to see people being empowered by these tools, it is very gratifying to see how technology is improving people’s lives,” he adds.
And finally, PM Modi speaks to him about books and asks which book had the greatest influence on him. Gates said, “One of the books I can talk about is The Better Angels of Our Nature by Steven Pinker. He further explains the reason for liking this book by saying, ‘If you learn about the world, you see all the shortcomings such, children are still dying and the more you read, you see things are bleak. But the truth is we have made an incredible progress. So, I felt that book captures the duality of life in a brilliant way.”
Bill Gates is visiting India as a part of Microsoft’s 25 years in the country and during his time, he also met with Microsoft employees at the Hyderabad base recently.
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Without Proper Training... : PM Modi Discusses AI, Deepfakes In Chat With Bill Gates, Lists Dos And Don ts Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday listed the challenges of Artificial Intelligence as he discussed the future of the technology with Microsoft co-founder and philanthropist Bill Gates, noting that he too had been on the receiving end of deepfakes.
Gates, while discussing AI, said one was “surprised at how good this is and you are also surprised at how bad it is”.
“It will do things you think are hard and then will fail to do some things you feel are easy. I started my trip from Hyderabad which was a nice occasion because Microsoft is celebrating 25 years in the country and that has been such a fantastic experience. So I was challenging the team there that we have to make the accuracy better. For now, AI is a co-pilot that helps suggest things but the final decision about medicines, about writing letters etc rests with us. It seems AI is a huge opportunity but there are several challenges that come with that,” he said, posing a question to the prime minister: “How do you think India will approach that?”
“I have observed that without proper training, there’s a significant risk of misuse if such a powerful technology is placed in unskilled hands,” PM Modi said.
He added: “I have engaged with leading minds in AI. I suggested that we should start with a clear watermark on AI-generated content to prevent misinformation. This isn’t to devalue AI creations but to recognise them for what they are. In a vast democratic country like India, anyone can misuse deepfake technology… For example, if they misuse my voice… initially people will believe it, leading to widespread uproar.
“It’s crucial to acknowledge that deepfake is AI-generated and mention its source. These measures are really important, especially in the initial days. We need to establish some do’s and don’ts. Moreover, one should first engage AI within a field of expertise. Simply using it because one is tired or over-utilising it is not the best approach. If I fail to make decisions and risk merely entertaining myself with the technology, then rather than utilising it for meaningful value addition, it would be just a way to pass time.”
This is not the first time the prime minister has brought attention to deepfakes. Speaking at a BJP Diwali event last year, PM Modi revealed that he had asked the ChatGpt team to flag deepfakes and put out a warning when such videos were circulated online.
The Prime Minister illustrated his point by citing a deepfake video of him doing Garba, a festival dance of Gujarat that is popular across the country. “I recently saw a video in which I was seen playing Garba. I have not done Garba since school,” he shared.
“There are many other such videos online,” said PM Modi, addressing journalists at the Diwali Milan programme at the BJP headquarters in Delhi. The Prime Minister also urged the media to educate people on such fake videos.
“During the times of Artificial Intelligence, it is important that technology should be used responsibly,” he cautioned.
In a lighter vein, while discussing Artificial Intelligence, the prime minister said: “AI is very important. In our country, we call mothers ‘aai’ in many states and languages. Sometimes I jokingly say that now when a child is born in India, he says ‘aai’ and ‘AI’.”
Meanwhile, praising India’s quick adoption of AI across fields, Gates said: “I think the key point is that the digital infrastructure keeps getting richer. A lot of people know about the identity system and the payment systems… But as you are moving into the different areas for farmers, registering their land, tutoring for kids and the health records, that’s kind of a second phase.And we are just at the beginning now of the third phase where these advances in artificial intelligence will come on top of that and make the value even better.”
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How To Send HD Quality Photos And Videos On WhatsApp WhatsApp introduced a feature allowing users to send photos and videos in high-definition (HD). With this update, the messaging app was able to address a longstanding issue for many who struggled to maintain quality while sharing media files. Previously, users resorted to workarounds like sending files as documents, which could be cumbersome and not user-friendly. With the new HD feature, users can share compressed versions of their original media files in HD resolution, providing a significant improvement over the standard SD option.
HOW TO SEND HD-QUALITY PHOTOS AND VIDEOS ON WHATSAPPThose who don’t know how to use the HD feature on Android may follow the steps mentioned below –
– Firstly you will have to open WhatsApp and go to the chat of the person you want to send the file to.
– Once the chat is open, tap on the paperclip icon that should be present towards the right of the chatbox.
– Multiple options should now pop up on your screen.
– Look for the icon that is shaped like a camera and reads ‘Gallery’.
– Tap on that and then select the video or image that you want to share.
– After selecting the files, tap on the HD button towards the top of the image.
– Select the ‘HD quality’ option and then hit the send button.
How to send HD-quality photos and videos on iOSThe process is relatively simple for iPhone users as well. Just follow the guide mentioned below to send your photos and videos in HD quality –
– Open WhatsApp on your smartphone and then open the chat of the person you want to share the file with.
– Once the chat is open, tap on the ‘+’ icon towards the left of their screen.
– Multiple options should now pop up on the left of your screen.
– Look for the icon that’s shaped like a photograph and reads ‘Photo & Video library’.
– Tap on that and then choose the video or image that you want to share.
– After selecting the media, tap on the HD button towards the top of your screen.
– A pop should now ask you to choose between ‘Standard quality’ and ‘HD quality’.
– Select HD, press done and then send the file to your loved one.
Having the HD feature allows people to make full use of their camera’s quality and send them as original content.
About the AuthorS AadeetyaS Aadeetya, Special Correspondent at News18 Tech, accidentally got into journalism 10 years ago, and since then, has been part of established media ho...Read MoreTags: PM Narendra Modi in Conversation With Bill Gates: Aai and AI Among an Indian Child s First Words Now In a free-wheeling chat with Microsoft co-founder and philanthropist Bill Gates, Prime Minister Narendra Modi illustrated India’s adoption of artificial intelligence in the fields of governance, economy, education and medicine, quipping that ‘AI’ is among the first words of children born in the country today.
“AI is very important. In our country, we call mothers ‘aai’ in many states and languages. Sometimes I jokingly say that now when a child is born in India, he says ‘aai’ and ‘AI’,” the Prime Minister said in a lighter vein.
During the conversation with Gates, the PM also shared recent practical use-cases of AI, particularly during the G20 event.
“Let me share the exciting use of AI. It will make you happy to see how a common man demonstrates its practical benefits. Our G20 campus featured AI-based solutions for language interpretation. We equipped all chauffers with a mobile app, enabling seamless communication with the guests. For instance, if a guest spoke French, the app would allow the chauffer to understand. This facilitated smooth conversations between speakers of different languages.”
#WATCH | PM Narendra Modi and Bill Gates discuss the role and benefits of technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI). The PM also tells him how AI was utilised during 2023 G20 Summit, how his Hindi speech was translated into Tamil during Kashi Tamil Sangamam event and the use of… pic.twitter.com/Ur5eUkC7Gs— ANI (@ANI) March 29, 2024
“Recently, I went to the Kashi Tamil Sangam event. As I can’t speak Tamil, I delivered my speech in Hindi which was translated into Tamil real-time using AI, allowing attendees from Tamil Nadu to understand me clearly,” Modi said.
Lauding India’s adoption of AI in different fields, Gates said: “I think the key point is that the digital infrastructure keeps getting richer. A lot of people know about the identity system and the payment systems… But as you are moving into the different areas for farmers, registering their land, tutoring for kids and the health records, that’s kind of a second phase.”
“And we are just at the beginning now of the third phase where these advances in artificial intelligence will come on top of that and make the value even better,” he added.
PM Modi also described the digital boom as the fourth industrial revolution. “…Historically, during the first and second industrial revolutions, we lagged behind because we were a colony. Now, in the midst of a fourth industrial revolution, the digital element is at its core. I am confident that India will gain a lot in this,” the Prime Minister said.
The interaction between Modi and Gates at the former’s official residence saw discussions over a range of topics, including artificial intelligence, digital public infrastructure and climate change.
The PM also encouraged Gates to take a selfie using the Photo Booth on the NaMo App, which recently introduced a new AI-powered feature that allows users to find their pictures with the Prime Minister using facial recognition technology.
The Prime Minister has repeteadly declared that India will lead the world in AI capabilities, and has exhorted young entrepreneurs and startups to work on ‘Indian solutions for global applications’ to solve challenges faced by nations across the world.
The Union cabinet has already approved a Rs 10,000 crore plan for India AI Mission which will be leveraged for building computer infrastructure and providing funding as well as other support to startups for innovation.
Modi and Gates had previously met in February and said they discussed AI for public good, women-led development and innovation in agriculture and health.
“It is always inspiring to meet with @narendramodi and there was a lot to discuss. We talked about AI for public good; DPI; women-led development; innovation in agriculture, health, and climate adaptation; and how we can take lessons from India to the world,” Gates had posted on X (formerly Twitter).
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OnePlus Nord CE 4 India Price Leaked: Here’s How Much It Might Cost The OnePlus Nord CE 4 is launching in India on April 1, and just a few days ahead of the product unveiling, we have got our hands on the rumoured price of the latest Nord smartphone from the brand. OnePlus has been teasing the product and some of its features on social media over the past few weeks, leaving nothing to our imagination, including the design of the new phone. And now that the OnePlus Nord CE 4 price in India has leaked, it is certain that people will be eagerly waiting to see if these details are confirmed by the company.
OnePlus Nord CE 4 Price In India Leak: What We Can TellThe leaked OnePlus Nord CE 4 price in India suggests the starting price of the new phone will be Rs 24,999 for the base 8GB + 128GB variant, going up to Rs 26,999 if you want to pick up the 8GB + 256GB model. OnePlus should also have a 12GB variant which might come for around Rs 28,999 like its predecessor. At these prices, you are looking at a strong rival to the Nothing Phone 2a that comes in the same range.
OnePlus Nord CE 4 Expected FeaturesThe Nord CE 4 model will be powered by Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 chipset, as confirmed by the company recently. The new chip has been developed using the 4nm process which should offer decent performance without letting it heat up. The device will come with 8GB RAM and 256GB storage which will be expandable up to 1TB thanks to the microSD card slot, as the teasers have revealed.
It gets a vertical camera layout, and the phone’s teaser hints at a dual-rear sensor module. OnePlus should offer the Android 14-based Oxygen UI out of the box with the Nord CE 4 which is the common point for all OnePlus devices in the market. It should feature an AMOLED display, if OnePlus does plan to launch the phone at the suggested price range in the country.
About the AuthorS AadeetyaS Aadeetya, Special Correspondent at News18 Tech, accidentally got into journalism 10 years ago, and since then, has been part of established media ho...Read MoreTags:
Google Maps Gets Three New Features To Help You Travel For The Holidays Google has added three new features to Maps as the summer travel or holiday season approaches. Not only that but according to Google, users will begin to see new design upgrades that offer Maps a fresh new look. The new design offers a cleaner home page with fewer tabs as well as new pin colours to help you discover places on the map. Google Maps is a commonly used navigation tool or app around the world. One reason is that it is packed with useful features that Google keeps updating to make it better.
To begin with, Google Maps is simplifying the process of locating the ideal spots for dining and sightseeing. Google has collaborated with professionals and residents in certain cities across the United States and Canada to provide you with curated restaurant recommendations. Search for your desired city and swipe up to get recommendations. You will find listings from reputable sources such as The Infatuation and Lonely Planet, as well as hidden gems and trendy spots.
The Trending list highlights the hottest new restaurants, which are updated weekly depending on what people are talking about on Maps. The Top list covers the community’s all-time favourite restaurants, the tried-and-true staples. Finally, there are hidden gems, which are local favourites that may not yet be popular.
Furthermore, Google Maps makes it easier to organise and share your favourite destinations. You may now make lists to keep track of where you wish to travel or where you’ve gone. Creating a list is simple: just touch “New list” on the Saved tab. Then, if you locate an interesting location on Maps, you may add it to your list.
In addition, you can also include links to your social media posts such as a review you made on a fantastic restaurant. This will help you recall why a location merits a spot on your list and make your recommendations more useful. This update will be available for Android and iOS devices worldwide later this month, as per reports.
You can also get a quick feel for a location before you go. Google’s artificial intelligence (AI) evaluates reviews and photographs to show you what people love the best. AI can now identify dishes in photographs, which is ideal for navigating new menus. Look up the name of that delectable food, its price, its popularity, and whether it’s vegetarian or vegan. Google says that all of this information might help you decide whether you need to book a reservation or not.
About the AuthorS AadeetyaS Aadeetya, Special Correspondent at News18 Tech, accidentally got into journalism 10 years ago, and since then, has been part of established media ho...Read MoreTags:
Indian Users Can Make UPI Payments In UAE Using PhonePe App: What Is it And How it Works UPI payments are gradually coming to more countries and Indian users now have more reasons to be happy about using the digital payment service. PhonePe has announced this week that people headed to UAE or people from there coming to India can benefit from using UPI payments via its mobile app.
UPI payments are available through Paytm, Google Pay and even WhatsApp but PhonePe has stolen the march over its rivals by making this announcement. PhonePe users just need to sign in with their mobile number, which will directly link to their bank account and authorise UPI payments using the four-digit UPI PIN that users have to set up.
PhonePe UPI Payment In UAE: How It WorksPhonePe is working with Mashreq to build the payment service in UAE for consumers, who can use the QR code on its NEOPAY terminals using the PhonePe app and make the payment quickly.
If you are already using PhonePe and have travel plans for the UAE in the coming weeks, you can simply scan the QR code available across retail outlets, and tourist spots and make the payment. The UPI payment will be deducted from your bank account in INR and also give you the exchange rate value.
Indians residing in the UAE can also benefit from this service, as they can sign into PhonePe using their UAE mobile number and link their Non-Resident External (NRE) bank account to make the payment.
UPI has expanded its reach to other countries, thanks to the National Payment Corporation of India (NPCI) partnering with various global payment bodies to make this a reality. People living in the UAE or going to the country can now take advantage of the UPI payment service that is quick and secure.
About the AuthorS AadeetyaS Aadeetya, Special Correspondent at News18 Tech, accidentally got into journalism 10 years ago, and since then, has been part of established media ho...Read MoreTags:
