Posts in category: Tech News

With the Google Pixel 8 series still fresh on the market, anticipation is already building for the next generation: the Google Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, and a potential third model. Although these devices are likely about a year away, development is underway, and early rumors are beginning to surface. Here’s a roundup of the credible leaks and speculations about the upcoming Pixel 9 series.

Expected Release Date

While there aren’t any specific release date rumors for the Pixel 9 yet, past trends suggest an early October 2024 launch. The Pixel 8 was unveiled on October 4, 2023, and the Pixel 7 on October 6, 2022, making an October release for the Pixel 9 highly likely.

Pricing Predictions

Pricing details for the Pixel 9 are still under wraps. For reference, the Pixel 8 starts at $699 / £699 / AU$1,199, and the Pixel 8 Pro at $999 / £999 / AU$1,699. The prices for the Pixel 9 series might stay the same or increase slightly, but they are unlikely to be lower than this year’s models. If a third Pixel 9 model is introduced, it could be priced around $849 / £849 / AU$1,449, fitting between the standard and Pro versions.

The Third Model

One intriguing rumor suggests a third Pixel 9 model that would have a screen size similar to the Pixel 9 but with the enhanced specs of the Pixel 9 Pro. This would mirror Apple’s approach with its Pro line, although without a larger non-Pro option like the iPhone 15 Plus.

Screen Sizes and Design Changes

The leaks about screen sizes are varied. One source claims that the Pixel 9 will retain the Pixel 8’s 6.2-inch display, the Pixel 9 Pro will match the Pixel 8 Pro’s 6.7 inches, and the new third model will have a 6.3-inch screen. However, reputable leaker Ross Young suggests the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro will have larger screens than their predecessors, while another leak points to the Pixel 9 Pro having a smaller 6.5-inch screen. Detailed renders suggest the new models might feature flat rather than curved sides and a redesigned camera layout.

Leaked Dimensions and Renders

The Pixel 9 Pro might measure 162.7 x 76.6 x 8.5mm (increasing to 12mm at the camera bump), similar to the Pixel 8 Pro. The standard Pixel 9 might come with a 6.1-inch screen, slightly smaller than the Pixel 8’s 6.2-inch display, but with overall dimensions of 152.8 x 71.9 x 8.5mm. Leaked photos corroborate these design changes and suggest a triple-camera setup on the back of the Pixel 9. 

Camera and Hardware Upgrades

Early leaks indicate the Pixel 9 will feature a wide and ultra-wide camera, while the Pro models will add a 5x telephoto lens, all with 50MP sensors. The Pixel 9 series is expected to use the Tensor G4 chipset, with all models starting at 128GB of storage. The Pixel 9 might have 12GB of RAM (up from 8GB in the Pixel 8), and the Pro models could have 16GB (up from 12GB in the Pixel 8 Pro).

Potential Battery Specs

Battery details are still unknown, but the Pixel 8 has a 4,575mAh battery, and the Pixel 8 Pro has a 5,050mAh one. The Pixel 9 series might have similar or slightly larger batteries, continuing the trend of incremental increases.

While much of the information about the Pixel 9 series is based on rumors and early leaks, the prospect of new features, design changes, and a possible third model adds excitement for Google’s next-generation smartphones. Stay tuned for more updates as we get closer to the expected launch in October 2024.

Toshiba has announced plans to introduce 30TB+ hard drives to the commercial market by 2025. This leap in storage capacity is made possible through the use of two advanced magnetic recording technologies: Heat Assisted Magnetic Recording (HAMR) and Microwave Assisted Magnetic Recording (MAMR).

Heat Assisted Magnetic Recording (HAMR)

HAMR technology enhances writing capabilities by heating the disk material with a near-field laser. Despite concerns about its readiness, quality, reliability, and compatibility, HAMR is gaining acceptance among major drive manufacturers. Seagate recently demonstrated the technology’s potential with an experimental test where a Mozaic 3+ HAMR-equipped drive operated continuously for over 6,000 hours without issues.

Using HAMR in combination with Shingled Magnetic Recording (SMR), which increases storage capacity by overlapping data tracks, Toshiba achieved a remarkable 32TB capacity over 10 x 3TB platters.

Microwave Assisted Magnetic Recording (MAMR)

MAMR technology uses microwaves to enhance magnetic recording capabilities. Toshiba pioneered this technology, beginning mass production of the first-generation MAMR drives in 2021. By integrating SMR technology, improving signal processing, and stacking 11 platters, Toshiba has reached a 31TB capacity.

Toshiba’s Dual-Track Approach

Larry Martinez-Palomo, Toshiba’s Vice President and Head of Storage Products Division, stated, “Toshiba is concurrently advancing the development of future generation high-capacity HDDs using both HAMR and MAMR technologies. Mass production of hard disk drives incorporating HAMR will commence after the validation phase is completed. In the interim, Toshiba will continue to satisfy the demand for high-capacity, high-reliability storage devices with hard disk drives employing the field-proven MAMR technology.”

READ ALSO: Seagate Game Drive for Xbox 2TB External Hard Drive Portable HDD

Looking Ahead

Toshiba plans to begin shipping test HAMR HDDs with capacities ranging from 28 to 30TB in 2025. This move signifies a major step forward in data storage, promising substantial benefits for both commercial and consumer applications.

On Channels Television’s Newsnight program, the Director General of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Abisoye Coker-Adesote, detailed the commission’s efforts to enroll every Nigerian in a unified database to streamline national transactions.

Challenges and Progress Since Taking Office

Q: How has the journey been since you assumed office, considering the crucial role of data in national management?

A: It’s been an intriguing journey with its challenges, but we’ve made significant progress. We’ve dedicated substantial effort to advance the commission’s goals.

Q: Facing challenges was expected, but how have you managed them?

A: Interestingly, I excel in challenging environments. We hit the ground running and have been addressing these issues head-on.

Current Enrollment Status and Future Goals

Q: With the critical role of the national identity number (NIN), how many Nigerians have been enrolled so far?

A: To date, we’ve enrolled over 107 million Nigerians, which is a commendable milestone, covering over 50% of the population. We’re focused on increasing this number and have introduced a five-point agenda to tackle the issues raised by Nigerians, such as delayed identity card issuance and difficulties in modifying NIN data. Our goal is to make the process seamless for all Nigerians, including women, children, the disabled, and even those in prisons, ensuring everyone has a digital identity.

Integration of Databases for Efficiency

Q: Many Nigerians face repeated data capturing for different services like driver’s licenses and bank accounts. How are you addressing this?

A: We aim to unify all databases to prevent them from operating in silos. By centralizing data collection, a single foundational identity will serve all needs. This means your information will be used across different services, from driver’s licenses to healthcare and educational programs, ensuring efficiency and reducing redundant data capturing.

Streamlining Processes with NIN

Q: Will this eliminate the need for multiple data capturing sessions?

A: Yes, in two layers. Firstly, your biodata can already be auto-populated using your NIN when you enter it into relevant portals. This reduces the time needed for filling out forms. Secondly, we’re working towards biometric verification. Eventually, NIMC will handle all biometric data, allowing other government agencies to retrieve this information electronically, eliminating the need for repeated capturing, except in specific cases like for children whose data changes as they grow.

READ ALSO: NCC Directs Telcos: Link NIN to Your Number by February 28 or Face Service Bar 

Q: So, for example, the immigration process will be more straightforward?

A: Exactly. By entering your NIN on their portal, your biodata is automatically populated. Any additional required information can be filled in subsequently, saving considerable time. Our ultimate goal is to make biometric verification universal, so all government forms can be populated electronically with existing data, significantly streamlining the process.

Future Enhancements and Digital Identity for All

The NIMC is dedicated to ensuring that every Nigerian is enrolled in the central database, thereby simplifying and enhancing access to various services. By integrating and harmonizing databases across ministries and agencies, the commission is working towards a seamless, efficient, and inclusive identity management system that benefits all citizens.

X is rolling out a revamped version of its Communities feature, designed to help users connect around shared interests in dedicated spaces with tailored timelines. On Thursday, the company unveiled several enhancements to Communities, including improved discovery tools, recommendations, search functionalities, and sorting options, with more updates planned for the future.

Enhancing User Connectivity

The primary objective of these updates is to facilitate better user connections on X by allowing them to engage with specific topics and interact with posts from like-minded individuals. This strategic move aims to make X, formerly known as Twitter, a more valuable entity in terms of the data it can offer.

Strategic Integration with xAI

Communities are poised to play a crucial role in the synergy between X and Elon Musk’s AI company, xAI. xAI’s Grok chatbot already leverages real-time data from X, formerly known as tweets. By expanding the usage of Communities, X could develop a data source as valuable as the Twitter firehose. While it remains to be seen if Communities can rival Reddit in scale, even modest growth in user engagement could significantly benefit both xAI and Grok.

Discovering Trending Communities

With the latest updates, X users can discover posts from trending Communities directly from a new Explore tab within the Communities section. This is distinct from the general Explore tab that displays trending content across all of X, accessible from the app’s main navigation.

Personalized Recommendations

X will now show users personalized recommendations for Communities on their timelines, another significant push to increase feature visibility. Additionally, Communities will be searchable by topic, making it easier for users to find and join groups aligned with their interests. Once users are part of a Community, they can sort posts by trending topics within their groups, enhancing their browsing experience.

Future Enhancements

X has outlined several future enhancements for Communities, including the introduction of community analytics for moderators, the integration of Community Spaces (X’s live audio feature), and improved moderation tools. These updates aim to provide a more robust and engaging experience for Community members.

READ ALSO: Microsoft’s Custom Cobalt Chips Set to Launch on Azure Next Week

Increasing Data for Grok

By encouraging more users to join and participate in Communities, X can augment the data available to Grok, enhancing the AI’s capabilities. Currently, Grok is accessible to X’s paid subscribers, and its integration with X ensures wide distribution, benefiting both X and xAI.

The revamped Communities feature represents X’s commitment to fostering user engagement and enhancing data collection capabilities. As these updates roll out, users can expect a more tailored and interactive experience, which could significantly contribute to the platform’s value and utility.

Microsoft is set to unveil its custom Cobalt 100 chips to the public during the Build conference next week, according to information. This move marks a significant step as the tech giant introduces these chips to customers in a public preview.

A Game-Changer in Cloud Computing

In a briefing ahead of the conference, Scott Guthrie, Microsoft’s Executive Vice President of Cloud and AI, highlighted the impressive capabilities of the Cobalt chips. Drawing a direct comparison to AWS’s Graviton chips, which have been a staple for developers, Guthrie claimed that Microsoft’s Cobalt chips offer a substantial 40% performance boost over other ARM chips currently available. Early adopters, including industry leaders like Adobe and Snowflake, have already begun integrating these new chips into their systems.

The Cobalt Chip: A Technical Marvel

First announced in November, the Cobalt chips are built on the Arm architecture and boast an impressive 128 cores. These 64-bit chips are designed to deliver high performance, aiming to set new standards in cloud computing efficiency.

Expanding Azure’s Capabilities with AMD

In addition to the Cobalt chips, Microsoft will soon make AMD’s MI300X accelerators available to Azure clients. Although AMD has historically lagged behind Nvidia in the AI sector, it is gaining traction as cloud providers seek cost-effective alternatives to Nvidia’s high-priced chips. Guthrie noted that AMD’s MI300X accelerators are currently the “most cost-effective GPU” for Azure OpenAI, indicating a significant shift in the competitive landscape.

Pricing and New Features

Next week’s Build conference will also bring some financial relief to developers. Microsoft plans to reduce the pricing for accessing and running large language models. While specific details are yet to be disclosed, this price drop is anticipated to make advanced AI more accessible.

Real-Time Intelligence System

Microsoft will preview a new real-time intelligence system, enhancing its data analytics platform, Fabric. This system will facilitate real-time data streaming, featuring native Kafka integration and support for AWS Kinesis and Google Cloud’s Pub/Sub systems. This integration promises to streamline data processing and analytics across multiple platforms.

READ ALSO: Sony Music Issues Stern Warning to Tech Companies Over Unauthorized AI Training

Strengthening Partnerships

A notable partnership with Snowflake will be announced, broadening Fabric’s data interoperability. Fabric will now support Snowflake’s Iceberg format alongside Databricks’ Parquet, allowing seamless data exchange between Fabric and Snowflake environments. This collaboration is expected to enhance data management and analytics capabilities for users.

Enhancing Developer Experience with Copilot

For developers, Microsoft has exciting news regarding Copilot. A new feature will enable developers to manage Azure resources using natural language commands directly from Copilot. This enhancement is built on a common extensibility framework, allowing other providers to integrate similar functionalities. This advancement aims to create a more intuitive and efficient development environment.

Microsoft’s announcements at the Build conference signal significant advancements in cloud computing and AI, with the introduction of the Cobalt chips, cost-effective GPU options, and enhanced developer tools. These innovations are set to bolster Microsoft’s position in the competitive cloud market and provide developers with powerful new tools to drive their projects forward.

Sony Music Group has recently taken a firm stance against the unauthorized use of its music for training artificial intelligence (AI) systems. In a bold move, the company has dispatched letters to over 700 tech firms and music streaming platforms, cautioning them against using its content without explicit permission. The letters, obtained by TechCrunch, suggest that Sony suspects some recipients may have already engaged in unauthorized practices involving its content.

The Growing Concern of AI and Music Rights

Sony Music acknowledges the transformative potential of AI but emphasizes the need for proper authorization when utilizing its content. Unauthorized use, the company argues, undermines both the control and rightful compensation owed to Sony and its artists. Among the stars represented by Sony are renowned names like Harry Styles, Beyoncé, Adele, and Celine Dion.

Protecting Intellectual Property

Sony Music’s extensive intellectual property portfolio includes not only audio and audiovisual recordings but also cover artwork, metadata, lyrics, and more. The company has not revealed the identities of the 700 companies addressed in the letters. However, Sony’s message is clear: the protection of its intellectual property is paramount.

Support for Innovation with Respect

In an official statement, Sony Music expressed support for artists and songwriters who embrace new technologies to advance their art. The company acknowledged that technological evolutions have historically reshaped creative industries and anticipates that AI will continue this trend. However, it insists that these innovations must respect the rights and copyrights of songwriters and recording artists.

Detailed Inquiry for Unauthorized Use

The letters sent by Sony demand detailed information from recipients. They are asked to specify which Sony Music songs were used to train AI systems, the methods of access, the number of copies made, the current existence of any copies, and the reasons for creating these copies in the first place.

Legal Enforcement and Compliance

Sony Music has set a deadline for the recipients to respond and has stated its intention to enforce its copyrights rigorously, to the fullest extent allowed by law across all jurisdictions.

The Broader Context of AI and Copyright Infringement

This initiative by Sony Music is part of a larger conversation about copyright infringement in the age of generative AI. Streaming platforms, such as Spotify, are increasingly encountering AI-generated music, raising concerns about the protection of original works. Even high-profile artists have been involved in controversial AI uses, such as Drake, who recently faced backlash for deepfaking the late rapper Tupac.

READ ALSO: OpenAI Co-Founder and Chief Scientist Ilya Sutskever Steps Down: What This Means for the Future of AI

Legislative Responses to AI and Copyright

In response to these growing issues, new legislative measures are being proposed. Last month, Representative Adam Schiff, a Democrat from California, introduced a bill in the U.S. House of Representatives. If passed, this legislation would require AI companies to disclose the copyrighted songs used in training their systems.

State-Level Protections for Artists

Tennessee recently became the first state in the U.S. to implement protections for artists against AI misuse. Governor Bill Lee signed the Ensuring Likeness Voice and Image Security (ELVIS) Act, setting a precedent for other states to follow.

Sony Music’s proactive stance serves as a crucial reminder of the ongoing need to balance technological advancement with the protection of intellectual property rights. As AI continues to evolve, it is imperative that the rights of artists and creators are upheld, ensuring they receive due recognition and compensation for their work.

In a significant development for the AI community, Ilya Sutskever, a co-founder and the longstanding chief scientist at OpenAI, has made the decision to depart from the company.

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman shared this news in a heartfelt announcement, expressing deep sadness at Sutskever’s departure and highlighting his immense contributions to the field. Altman emphasized Sutskever’s pivotal role in shaping OpenAI’s trajectory and his personal importance as a friend and mentor.

The Transition: Jakub Pachocki Takes the Helm

Stepping into Sutskever’s shoes is Jakub Pachocki, who has been a key figure at OpenAI since 2017. Pachocki’s journey within the organization has been marked by significant achievements, notably his leadership in the development of AI systems capable of mastering complex strategy games like Dota 

While Pachocki assumes the role of chief scientist, questions arise regarding the continuity of leadership within OpenAI’s Superalignment team, previously overseen by Sutskever and Jan Leike. Leike’s departure further underscores the shifts underway within the organization.

The Superalignment Initiative: Charting the Course for AI Governance

Central to OpenAI’s mission is the Superalignment team, tasked with navigating the complexities of steering advanced AI systems. This initiative seeks to establish frameworks for the responsible development and governance of AI technologies, particularly those with superintelligent capabilities.

With John Schulman, another co-founder, taking on a supervisory role, the Superalignment team’s integration into broader research efforts signals a strategic pivot aimed at maximizing its impact.

Reflecting on Sutskever’s Legacy and the Road Ahead

Greg Brockman, OpenAI’s president, acknowledges Sutskever’s foundational contributions to the organization. His departure comes at a pivotal moment, coinciding with landmark advancements such as the unveiling of GPT-4o and significant upgrades to ChatGPT.

Sutskever’s decision to leave follows internal tensions regarding the company’s direction, underscoring the complex dynamics at play within OpenAI’s leadership. However, his vision for the future remains unwavering, rooted in the pursuit of safe and beneficial artificial general intelligence.

Beyond OpenAI: Sutskever’s Next Chapter

As Sutskever embarks on a new chapter, speculation abounds regarding his future endeavors. His track record of groundbreaking research and visionary leadership positions him as a formidable figure in the AI landscape.

While details regarding his upcoming projects remain undisclosed, Sutskever’s departure from OpenAI signifies a turning point in his storied career. Yet, his parting message reflects a sense of optimism and anticipation for what lies ahead.

In closing, Sutskever expresses gratitude for his time at OpenAI, highlighting the privilege of collaborating with exceptional minds. As he bids farewell to his colleagues, his legacy endures as a beacon of innovation and integrity within the AI community.

Google may soon introduce a feature similar to its popular Circle to Search tool on Pixel phones for its Chrome browser on desktop. This potential update is set to enhance the online image identification process by providing manual control over the tool.

Lens Update for Chrome

Industry insider Leopeva64 recently shared short clips on X (formerly Twitter) showcasing a potential Google Lens update for Chrome. The update would allow users to manually control the tool using a Lens icon in the toolbar. When selected, the cursor transforms into a cross-shaped reticle with a camera icon, enabling users to highlight items on the screen. Once the item is selected, a window appears from the right side, displaying search results relevant to the chosen content.

Similarities to Pixel’s Circle to Search

The demo videos reveal that the new Chrome feature may take inspiration from Pixel’s Circle to Search tool. By highlighting an object, the surrounding area is blurred out, leaving only the selected content in focus. Unlike Circle to Search on Pixel, the Chrome version seems to use a rigid rectangular shape instead of a freehand circle.

Existing Image Search Capabilities

Currently, Chrome offers image search features through the browser’s context menu, allowing users to search an image with Google or drag and drop it to Google Images. However, the potential new Circle to Search tool would simplify the process by allowing users to select specific content for searching without needing to open a separate window.

READ ALSO: Apple Apologizes for Controversial iPad Pro Ad

AI Enhancements Coming to Chrome

While it remains uncertain when the new Circle to Search feature will be released, 9To5Google reports that Google plans to introduce more AI tools to the browser this year. Adriana Porter Felt, Chrome’s engineering director, has mentioned that her team is exploring ways to leverage AI technology to make tasks like searching and reading webpages more efficient. This potential Circle to Search tool aligns with those goals.

Google’s possible Circle to Search tool in Chrome could make online image identification more user-friendly, drawing inspiration from Pixel’s well-received feature. As the company continues its AI advancements in the browser, users can look forward to more streamlined and intuitive online experiences in the near future.

For those interested in upgrading their phone, check out TechRadar’s roundup of the best Pixel phones for 2024.

Apple has issued an apology for its recent iPad Pro ad, which was met with criticism for its portrayal of the destruction of various tools of creative expression. The ad, released during Apple’s Let Loose event on Tuesday, showcased a hydraulic press crushing a range of equipment used in creative pursuits, such as a piano, paints, and a dressmaker’s mannequin.

Ad Missed the Mark

Apple’s Vice President of Marketing Communications, Tor Myhren, acknowledged that the ad did not convey the intended message. “Creativity is in our DNA at Apple, and it’s incredibly important to us to design products that empower creatives all over the world,” Myhren told AdAge. “Our goal is to always celebrate the myriad of ways users express themselves and bring their ideas to life through iPad. We missed the mark with this video, and we’re sorry.”

The commercial was set to the song “All I Ever Need Is You” by Sonny & Cher and ended with the reveal of the new iPad Pro as the most powerful and thinnest iPad ever. However, viewers found the ad to be more dystopian than inspiring, as it seemed to symbolize the obliteration of traditional creative tools in favor of a single gadget.

Public Reaction

The ad faced widespread backlash, with viewers criticizing it for being destructive and heartless. Many were dismayed to see Apple literally crush symbols of human creativity only to replace them with a digital device. Some suggested that the ad would have been more effective if played in reverse, showing the restoration of the creative tools.

READ ALSO: The Apple Car’s Surprising Design Revelations

Context of Generative AI Concerns

The timing of the ad added to the controversy, as it came amid ongoing concerns about the impact of generative AI on creative industries. Reports have emerged of companies replacing artists with AI, raising fears about the future of human creativity. In this context, Apple’s ad struck many as particularly insensitive.

Apple’s apology for the ad reflects its recognition of the public’s negative response. The company has halted plans to air the commercial on television and is likely to take greater care in crafting future campaigns that better align with its values and the expectations of its audience.

OpenAI, the artificial intelligence powerhouse supported by Microsoft, has introduced a new tool designed to detect digital images created by AI, particularly those from its renowned DALL-E generator. This new tool aims to address growing concerns over image authenticity and the potential for AI-generated content to be misused.

Tackling Deep Fakes

As AI technology advances, the rise of deep fakes poses a significant challenge for authentication and trust. OpenAI’s new tool, still in its testing phase, can determine the likelihood of an image being generated by DALL-E 3 or other AI models. During internal testing, the classifier demonstrated impressive accuracy, identifying approximately 98% of DALL-E 3 images while misidentifying less than 0.5% of non-AI images.

Challenges with Modified Images

OpenAI notes that the tool struggles with altered DALL-E 3 images and other AI-generated visuals. It currently flags only around 5-10% of images from other AI models. Despite these limitations, OpenAI is committed to refining the tool’s capabilities.

Enhancing Image Authentication

The company also plans to introduce watermarks to AI image metadata, aligning with standards set by the Coalition for Content Provenance and Authenticity (C2PA). This industry initiative establishes a technical benchmark for verifying the authenticity and source of digital content.

READ ALSO: OpenAI Sora: Your Guide to the Text-to-Video Revolution

Major Players Join C2PA Initiative

Tech giants like Meta and Google have pledged their support for the C2PA initiative. Meta recently announced plans to label AI-generated media using the C2PA standard, while Google has also joined the effort.

OpenAI’s latest tool is a promising step towards safeguarding the authenticity of digital images and mitigating the risks posed by deep fakes. By working with industry partners and adopting standardized measures, OpenAI aims to build a future where digital content can be trusted.