Posts in category: Tech News

Motorola has officially unveiled its latest mid-range smartphone, the Edge (2024). This new device shares many features with last year’s model but introduces some notable enhancements.

Key Upgrades

Enhanced Performance with Snapdragon Chipset

The most significant upgrade is the chipset. The Edge (2024) features a Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 SoC, replacing the previous MediaTek hardware. While online benchmark tests indicate that this chip may not outperform the 2023 version, it does offer comparable performance. This change allows Motorola to price the new Edge at a competitive $550, $50 less than its predecessor, which is still sold at $600.

RAM Boost for Extra Power

For users needing extra power, the Edge (2024) includes RAM Boost, a feature that converts unused storage from the 256GB drive into virtual RAM. With 8GB of standard memory, this tool is especially useful for activities like streaming movies or gaming.

Bigger Battery and Fast Charging

The Edge (2024) comes with a larger 5,000mAh battery, capable of lasting up to 36 hours on a single charge. Additionally, it supports 68W TurboPower fast charging, allowing users to achieve up to 50% battery life with just a 15-minute charge.

Design and Camera Improvements

Updated Design with Quick Button

The Edge (2024) maintains a design similar to the 2023 model, with a notable addition of a new Quick Button. This customizable button can be linked to specific apps or functions, such as launching Google Maps, accessing Gmail, or opening the messaging app. As a result, the device is slightly larger, measuring 159.63 x 71.99 x 8.09 mm (6.28 x 2.83 x 0.3 inches).

READ ALSO: TikTok Faces Security Breach: High-Profile Accounts Targeted

Advanced Camera Features

A standout feature of the Edge (2024) is its 50 MP rear camera equipped with a Sony LYTIA 700C image sensor. Motorola claims this sensor enhances light absorption, producing highly detailed images. The camera is supported by Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) and Adaptive Stabilization to minimize hand motion and ensure clear photographs. Complementing the main camera are a 13MP ultra-wide-angle lens and a 32MP front-facing camera for selfies.

Motorola’s Edge (2024) presents an appealing package for those seeking a mid-range smartphone. With enhancements in performance, battery life, and camera quality, combined with a more affordable price, the Edge (2024) stands out as a strong contender in the market.

For those interested in an affordable yet powerful smartphone, the Motorola Edge (2024) is worth considering. Its new features and competitive pricing make it an attractive choice for a wide range of users.

TikTok, a leading social media platform, has been hit by a security breach affecting high-profile accounts. This incident has raised significant concerns about the platform’s security measures and its impact on users.

Details of the Breach

TikTok’s Security Response

TikTok’s security team is actively addressing an exploit that allowed hackers to compromise several high-profile celebrity and brand accounts. Among the affected are Paris Hilton, CNN, and Sony. The ByteDance-owned app maker has not disclosed specific details about the nature of the attack or the techniques used to mitigate it. They only stated that measures have been taken to stop the attack and prevent future occurrences.

Nature of the Attack

As reported by Semafor and Forbes, the attack involved malware transmitted through TikTok’s direct messages, potentially impacting account access. The hackers’ intentions remain unclear since none of the compromised accounts posted any content.

Impact on CNN’s Account

CNN’s account was particularly affected, as it was hacked last week, leading to a temporary shutdown for several days. CNN is collaborating with TikTok to implement additional security measures to safeguard the account, especially with the upcoming U.S. presidential elections in mind.

TikTok’s Official Statement

TikTok, when contacted for further details, declined to share more information about the nature of the attack or the countermeasures. This decision aims to avoid providing insights to potential malicious actors.

A TikTok spokesperson stated, “Our security team is aware of a potential exploit targeting a number of high-profile accounts. We have taken measures to stop this attack and prevent it from happening in the future. We’re working directly with affected account owners to restore access, if needed.”

READ ALSO: Sony’s State of Play event revealed an exciting lineup of upcoming games for the PlayStation 5

Broader Implications

TikTok’s Influence and U.S. Concerns

The breach occurs at a time when TikTok’s influence in the U.S. is under scrutiny. President Biden recently signed a bill that mandates ByteDance, TikTok’s Chinese parent company, to sell the app or face a ban in the U.S. If ByteDance does not comply, it will become illegal for app stores to distribute TikTok once the law is in effect.

Legal Battles

In response, TikTok has sued the U.S. government over this law, which will prolong the legal battle for months. Interestingly, Donald Trump, who initially tried to ban the app, has now started using TikTok for his campaign.

This recent security breach at TikTok highlights significant vulnerabilities and raises questions about the platform’s security protocols. With high-profile accounts targeted, it’s imperative for TikTok to enhance its security measures. The incident also coincides with broader geopolitical tensions, making TikTok’s future in the U.S. uncertain. Users and stakeholders will be closely watching how the company addresses these challenges moving forward.

For those concerned about their account security, it is recommended to regularly update passwords and enable two-factor authentication. Stay informed about the latest security updates from TikTok to protect your account.

SpaceX is gearing up for the fourth flight of its massive Starship rocket on June 5. This mission aims to test a crucial innovation: a reusable heat shield for the second stage. If successful, this could mark a significant milestone in space exploration and reusable launch technology.

Testing the Heat Shield

The Challenge of Reentry

CEO Elon Musk highlighted on social media that the biggest hurdle is creating a reusable orbital return heat shield, something never done before. The upcoming test focuses on surviving the intense heat of reentry, a critical step towards full reusability.

Novel Heat Shield Design

The second stage of Starship, protected by approximately 18,000 ceramic hexagonal tiles, faces a severe challenge. These tiles must withstand the extreme temperatures of reentry. A single damaged tile could jeopardize the mission, making the system’s resilience a major concern.

Building a New Supply Chain

SpaceX needs to develop a new supply chain to produce these high-performance tiles at scale. Solving this problem is vital for achieving the ultimate goal of reusable launch vehicles.

Towards Full Reusability

Lessons from Falcon 9

SpaceX has already made strides with the Falcon 9 rocket, which has flown 56 times this year alone. However, while the Falcon 9’s booster is recoverable, its second stage is not. Starship aims to change that by reusing both stages, potentially reducing launch costs dramatically.

Cost Efficiency and Capacity

Reusing both stages could cut costs to a fraction of current levels, delivering much more mass to orbit per launch. For example, SpaceX’s Transporter rideshare missions cost $6,000 per kilogram.

The Upcoming Mission

Controlled Reentry and Splashdown

If successful, the mission will demonstrate Starship’s ability to reenter the atmosphere and splash down softly in the Indian Ocean. The booster, named Super Heavy, will also aim for an ocean splashdown.

Regulatory Approval

Before the launch, SpaceX must secure a commercial launch license from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The FAA has been closely involved in the Starship test campaign, ensuring compliance and safety.

Learning from Past Launches

Iterative Testing Approach

Previous Starship launches have faced significant challenges. The first two ended in mid-air explosions, and the third saw both stages likely disintegrate before reaching the ocean. Despite these setbacks, each test provided valuable data, helping engineers refine the design.

Progress in Each Flight

Each flight has achieved more than the last. The third test saw the engines perform full-duration burns, and Starship reached orbit for the first time. This iterative approach is key to SpaceX’s development strategy.

Future Plans

Landing and Refurbishment

Eventually, SpaceX aims to land both the Super Heavy booster and Starship second stage back at its Texas launch facility. Rapid refurbishment and relaunch capabilities will be crucial for making space travel more economical and efficient.

Conclusion

The next Starship launch represents a significant step towards achieving full reusability in space launch systems. Overcoming the challenges of reentry and developing a robust heat shield are essential milestones. Each test brings SpaceX closer to its goal of reducing launch costs and increasing payload capacity, revolutionizing space travel.

READ ALSO: Billionaire Eric Lefkofsky’s Fourth IPO: AI Health Tech Firm Tempus

Eric Lefkofsky is no stranger to the IPO process, having successfully taken three companies public. With an estimated net worth of nearly $4 billion, Lefkofsky is now preparing for the fourth IPO of his career. He is the founder of Tempus, a genomic testing and data analysis company set to go public, but he is best known for co-founding Groupon, which had a notable IPO in 2011 at a valuation of nearly $13 billion.

While Groupon’s IPO and subsequent performance were marred by difficulties, Lefkofsky’s other ventures, InnerWorkings and Echo Global Logistics, saw more stable successes. InnerWorkings, launched in 2001, was sold to private equity in 2021 for less than its IPO value, whereas Echo Global Logistics’ stock appreciated steadily before its private equity sale in 2021 at a 50% premium.

Lefkofsky’s journey has not been without controversy. During Groupon’s pre-IPO phase, he reportedly took over $300 million, limiting the company’s working capital. Additionally, he halved Groupon’s reported revenue in revised S-1 filings after regulatory scrutiny. Another contentious deal involved selling his dot-com company Starbelly.com, which later resulted in bankruptcy for the acquiring company.

Despite the controversies, Lefkofsky has a reputation for creating significant value, at least for himself. With Tempus, he aims to build a long-lasting, impactful company. Inspired by his wife’s successful breast cancer treatment, Lefkofsky founded Tempus in 2015 to integrate data and technology into cancer care, enabling physicians to make data-driven decisions.

In 2015, Lefkofsky stepped down as Groupon’s CEO when its value fell to $2.6 billion (now around $600 million) and shifted his focus to his venture firm, Lightbank. According to Tempus’ S-1 filing, he hasn’t taken a salary in the past two years but is set to receive $800,000 in salary and an $800,000 bonus starting in 2025. Despite this, he received a $5.3 million dividend from company stock this year and had $7.5 million worth of preferred shares issued to him and $200,000 for private plane expenses covered.

Tempus reported $531 million in revenue for 2023, a 66% increase from 2022. However, the company still faces substantial losses, with net losses of $290 million in 2023 and $214 million in 2022. Nonetheless, the operating loss margin improved from 83% in 2022 to 37% in 2023.

Tempus has an agreement with Pathos AI, another Lefkofsky-founded company focused on drug discovery, which pays Tempus for data licensing rights. Tempus’ COO, Ryan Fukushima, also serves as Pathos’ CEO, managing responsibilities for both companies.

READ ALSO: Elon Musk’s xAI Secures $6 Billion to Revolutionize AI for Humanity

Lefkofsky’s control over Tempus is notable. He holds super voting shares granting 30 votes per share, far exceeding the common 10 to 20 votes per share seen in other companies. This setup highlights Lefkofsky’s desire to maintain significant control post-IPO, a move that might face resistance from prospective investors.

READ ALSO: SpaceX’s Starship: Preparing for a Historic Reentry

Elon Musk’s latest venture, xAI, has just achieved a major milestone by securing $6 billion in funding. This investment round, backed by prominent Silicon Valley funds and a Saudi Arabian prince, highlights the growing interest in xAI’s mission to develop advanced AI systems. The announcement was made over the weekend, with Musk confirming a pre-money valuation of $18 billion.

Major Investment and Key Players

xAI’s impressive funding round attracted high-profile investors including Valor Equity Partners, Vy Capital, Andreessen Horowitz, Sequoia Capital, and Fidelity Management & Research Company. Notably, Saudi Arabian Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal and the Kingdom Holding fund also participated, underscoring the global interest in Musk’s ambitious AI project.

Grok: xAI’s AI Chatbot

So far, xAI’s only publicly available product is Grok, an AI chatbot positioned as a competitor to OpenAI’s ChatGPT. Musk describes Grok as a more open and edgy alternative. However, Grok has faced challenges, notably when it generated some misleading news headlines, drawing negative media attention.

READ ALSO: Windows 12: What to Expect

Future Plans for xAI

The newly acquired funds will be crucial for xAI’s next steps. The company plans to use the proceeds to bring its first products to market, build advanced infrastructure, and accelerate research and development. Musk hinted at more announcements in the coming weeks, suggesting further advancements and innovations are on the horizon.

Commitment to Beneficial AI

xAI remains focused on its broader mission: developing AI systems that are truthful, competent, and beneficial for all of humanity. The company’s goal is to understand the true nature of the universe, positioning its technological advancements as tools for the greater good.

Elon Musk’s xAI is making significant strides with a $6 billion funding boost, promising exciting developments in the field of artificial intelligence. With a strong backing from global investors and a commitment to creating beneficial AI systems, xAI is poised to make a substantial impact on technology and society.

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Windows 12 is anticipated to be the next significant update following Windows 11, with a major emphasis on integrating AI capabilities, particularly through Microsoft’s Copilot feature.

Key Highlights

Copilot+ PCs and AI Integration

In May 2024, Microsoft unveiled Copilot+ PCs running Windows 11, highlighting their commitment to embedding AI within the operating system. A notable AI-powered feature, “Recall,” is designed to track all activities on your PC, helping you find any misplaced files or apps. Think of it as a more advanced version of Apple’s Time Machine for Mac.

Windows 11 24H2 Update

Before Windows 12 arrives, the Windows 11 24H2 update is set to roll out, bringing several improvements:

• Enhanced HDR support for compatible displays
• Wi-Fi 7 support
• Ability to create zip archives directly in File Explorer, including 7-zip and TAR formats
• Numerous other enhancements

Windows 12: What We Know

What Is It?

Windows 12 is rumored to be the successor to Windows 11, continuing Microsoft’s trend of incorporating AI into its operating system.

Expected Release Date

While no official release date has been confirmed, speculation suggests Windows 12 may debut in 2025. This timing would align with the end of support for Windows 10. Despite earlier hints at a 2024 release from an Intel executive, recent developments suggest a later launch.

Windows 12 Supported Devices

Hardware Requirements

Windows 12 is expected to maintain similar hardware requirements as Windows 11, possibly with some upgrades:

• 64-bit processor: 1 GHz clock speed
• RAM: Likely increasing from 4GB to 8GB
• Storage: 64GB drive
• Security: UEFI, Secure Boot capable, TPM 2.0 (Trusted Platform Module)
• Display: Larger than 9 inches with HD resolution (1366×768)
• Graphics: DirectX 12 compatible graphics / WDDM 2.x
• Internet connection: Required

TPM Requirement

The TPM (Trusted Platform Module) requirement introduced with Windows 11 is expected to remain, as most modern PCs already support this security feature.

READ ALSO: iOS 18 to Introduce AI-Generated Custom Emojis on iPhone

Features We Hope to See in Windows 12

1. Enhanced AI Integration: Building on Copilot’s capabilities, we hope to see even more AI-driven features that improve productivity and user experience.
2. Improved Multitasking: Advanced window management and multitasking features could make switching between tasks more seamless.
3. Better Gaming Support: Enhanced performance and features tailored for gaming enthusiasts.
4. Refined User Interface: A more intuitive and aesthetically pleasing UI, building on Windows 11’s design improvements.
5. Expanded Security Features: Further strengthening of security measures to protect users’ data and privacy.

Windows 12 promises to be a significant evolution of the Windows operating system, with a strong focus on AI and user-friendly features. As we await more official announcements, it’s clear that Microsoft aims to push the boundaries of what their OS can offer, making daily computing more efficient and secure. Keep an eye out for further updates as we approach its expected release in 2025.

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Apple Steps into the AI Arena with Custom Emojis

Amidst significant AI advancements from Google, Microsoft, and OpenAI, Apple has remained noticeably quiet. However, new information from Bloomberg’s Apple insider, Mark Gurman, suggests that Apple is set to make its own AI splash with a groundbreaking feature in iOS 18: AI-generated custom emojis.

Creating Custom Emojis with AI

According to Gurman’s latest Power On newsletter, Apple is developing a program that will allow iPhone users to generate custom emojis using generative AI. This feature will enable users to create personalized emojis for any situation using simple text-based prompts.

How It Works

While detailed specifics are sparse, the core functionality of this new feature involves leveraging AI to craft unique emojis based on user input. Instead of being restricted to the standard set of emojis provided by the Unicode Consortium, users will be able to generate custom emojis that perfectly match their needs.

READ ALSO: Former OpenAI Safety Lead Joins Anthropic to Head New AI Superalignment Team

Enhancing the Emoji Experience

Apple will continue to include the latest Unicode emojis, such as the new fingerprint and harp icons. However, the addition of AI-generated custom emojis will offer unprecedented flexibility, allowing users to convey emotions and ideas with personalized icons.

A Competitive Edge in Emoji Creation

While the concept of AI-generated emojis isn’t entirely new, current third-party solutions often require a subscription. Apple aims to integrate this service directly into iOS, offering users a seamless and cost-free experience.

With the introduction of AI-generated custom emojis in iOS 18, Apple is set to enhance the way users express themselves through their devices. This innovative feature underscores Apple’s commitment to integrating advanced AI technologies into everyday user experiences, setting a new standard for personalization in digital communication.

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Jan Leike Takes on New Role at Anthropic

Anthropic, an emerging player in AI research, has hired Jan Leike, former AI safety lead at OpenAI, to spearhead a new “superalignment” team. Leike’s move follows his recent resignation from OpenAI, where he publicly criticized the company’s approach to AI safety.

Focus on AI Safety and Security

In a recent post on X, Leike outlined the primary objectives of his new role at Anthropic. His team will concentrate on critical areas of AI safety, including scalable oversight, weak-to-strong generalization, and automated alignment research. These efforts aim to enhance the predictability and desirability of large-scale AI behavior.

Reporting Structure and Team Realignment

According to a source familiar with the development, Leike will report directly to Jared Kaplan, Anthropic’s chief science officer. Researchers at Anthropic currently focused on scalable oversight will transition to report to Leike as his team begins its operations.

Parallels with OpenAI’s Superalignment Team

Leike’s mission at Anthropic echoes his previous work with OpenAI’s Superalignment team, which was dissolved earlier this year. The Superalignment team had aimed to tackle the core technical challenges of controlling superintelligent AI within four years but faced internal challenges and leadership constraints.

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Anthropic’s Commitment to AI Safety

Anthropic has consistently positioned itself as a more safety-oriented alternative to OpenAI. The company’s CEO, Dario Amodei, formerly served as VP of research at OpenAI. Amodei left OpenAI over disagreements regarding the company’s increasing commercial focus. He founded Anthropic with several ex-OpenAI colleagues, including former policy lead Jack Clark.

Jan Leike’s transition to Anthropic marks a significant step in the ongoing evolution of AI safety research. By leading a dedicated superalignment team, Leike aims to address some of the most pressing challenges in AI safety, reinforcing Anthropic’s commitment to developing secure and predictable AI technologies.

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