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Image  Generated AI Bing Amazon Web Services (AWS) has launched Amazon Q, an AI assistant aimed at enhancing efficiency and information access within enterprises. Positioned as a valuable tool for employees, Amazon Q allows quick access to company-specific data and documentation.  Key features include access to company-specific data, diverse AI models through Amazon Bedrock, a focus on security and privacy, and versatile use in business scenarios.  Amazon Q integrates seamlessly with AWS services, providing flexibility, direct access to data, and interoperability with business applications. It distinguishes itself from competitors by its integration depth and privacy focus. The potential impact of Amazon Q on the business environment is significant, offering fast and accurate answers, reducing search time, and facilitating more informed decision-making.  Amazon Q's flexible design makes it applicable across various industries, promoting progress and innovation. ...

Image AI Generated Bing Google Slides has introduced a new recording feature in its latest update, allowing users to create video presentations without the need for third-party apps.  The "Rec" button, visible in the top toolbar, enables users to start recording directly from the web version interface.  The recording captures both the presenter and the presentation slides, with options to configure the microphone and camera settings. After completing the recording, users can save it to their Google Drive account and share it with others through a link.  There is a 30-minute recording limit per session, making it suitable for presentations, courses, seminars, etc. It's important to note that recordings will occupy storage space in Google Drive, prompting users to manage and delete them as needed.  Additionally, Google Slides recordings are exclusive to Google Chrome as a web browser.

Image AI Genreated Tumblr is discontinuing its Post+ feature, which allowed creators to monetize their content through subscriptions for exclusive access.  This change will be implemented starting December, with the removal of the option to enable Post+ on blogs.  By 2024, both the creation and access to such subscriptions will be eliminated. Importantly, existing posts under this subscription will not be deleted but will become private.  Creators can choose to make them public or delete them, while subscribers can continue viewing these posts until January 2024.  Users who subscribed via iOS need to manually cancel to avoid future charges, but others will be automatically unsubscribed without charges.

Image AI Generated Google is updating the web version of Drive to enhance user accessibility.  The new home page, replacing "My Drive," aims to simplify file access by displaying the most relevant items prominently.  While "My Drive" remains accessible, the revamped home page introduces features like personalized file suggestions based on user activity and Calendar events.  Users can opt for file or folder suggestions, accompanied by details on why the suggestions are made, ownership, and location.  Filters such as modification date, location, people, and file types are retained for efficient file organization.  For those preferring the traditional view, the option to maintain "My Drive" as the main display is available in Drive account settings.

Image AI Generated Ikea is expanding its range of smart home products by introducing three new affordable and discreet sensors: PARASOLL, VALLHORN, and BADRING.  These sensors are designed to manage and monitor homes globally, providing information on detected activities. PARASOLL is a motion sensor for doors and windows, VALLHORN activates lights with motion detection indoors and outdoors, and BADRING detects water leaks.  Ikea emphasizes affordability and ease of use, with the sensors seamlessly integrating with other smart Ikea products. To operate, these sensors need to be linked to the DIRIGERA center, enabling personalized control through the IKEA Home smart application.  While based on Zigbee software, they currently lack compatibility with the Matter standard, but Ikea plans to introduce support in the future. The release of these sensors is scheduled between January and April of the following year.

Image AI Generated "Plex, known for its evolution from a simple local media file management app to a comprehensive media platform, introduced the social feature 'Discover Together.'  However, this default-enabled feature has caused discomfort among users as it shares viewing history with family and friends.  Users report instances where certain compromising or sensitive content was revealed, causing tension in relationships. While the feature allows users to choose who can see their profiles and viewing history, it lacks a mechanism to filter out specific content.  Frustrated users have taken to platforms like Reddit to share their negative experiences. Currently, the only solution is to disable the sharing of viewing history, potentially undermining the social function.  Users have urged Plex to implement granular controls and filters to enhance the social experience.  Without such improvements, the social layer risks becoming a failure, regardless of upcoming ...

Image AI Generated The SKIO mobile application has been launched by Eltiempo.es , expanding its suite of apps following the GoPlaya release.  SKIO is designed for snow sports and mountain enthusiasts, providing comprehensive information to plan winter adventures, particularly focused on skiing and snow-related activities.  The app, available for free on Android and iOS, offers detailed updates on the status of each ski station, including snow reports and precise meteorological data. It features detailed station maps, real-time skicams, and allows users to book restaurants, hotels, and snow-related activities.  SKIO aims to provide a comprehensive platform for winter sports enthusiasts, helping them plan and enjoy experiences related to snow.  The app arrives ahead of the winter season, catering to those planning snow activities during the upcoming Christmas festivities. Users can download SKIO for free from the Apple App Store, Google Play, and Huawei's App Galler y...

Amazon has introduced a new biometric authentication service named Amazon One Enterprise, building on the technology initially employed in Amazon One for purchases in Amazon Go stores.  This service, now in preview for US customers, enables access to physical facilities, offices, universities, and more, while also offering access control to specific software.  Amazon emphasizes that it differs from the consumer-focused Amazon One, focusing on enterprise applications. While addressing privacy concerns, users can delete their biometric data using an Amazon One enrollment device.  Companies have the option to adopt this system, eliminating the need for traditional authentication elements, such as access cards, by utilizing palm scanning devices.

Image AI Generated  Blind individuals, facing challenges in recognizing faces, may find hope in a study by Georgetown Medical University.  Utilizing a sensory substitution device, researchers demonstrated that blind people can recognize faces through sound.  The study explores the activation of the fusiform face area (FFA) in blind individuals when recognizing faces through auditory cues.  The FFA, crucial for face processing in sighted individuals, displayed activation even without direct visual input.  The study's sensory substitution device, translating visual information into sounds, offers promise for social interaction and neuroplasticity insights, despite facing challenges like limited resolution and a steep learning curve.

Image Credit AI Generated Freepik, a leading audiovisual resources company, has forged a noteworthy collaboration with Disney, integrating beloved characters and themes into customizable templates.  Timed with Disney's centenary, this initiative expands creative possibilities for designers and enthusiasts. Freepik's platforms, Slidesgo and Wepik, offer a diverse range of customizable resources, from birthday cards to corporate presentations, showcasing a blend of classic and contemporary Disney characters.  The CEOs of Freepik emphasize innovation and growth, with plans for expansion in the United States and the development of Disney-related content. This collaboration reflects the adaptability of technology companies to current trends, providing users with unique and memorable experiences by incorporating pop culture elements into design tools. The flexibility and openness to innovation demonstrated by Freepik align with the evolving landscape of AI-generated images in the te...

Image Credit AI generated Researchers at the University of Southern California (USC) have developed an advanced robotic system for evaluating stroke survivors' progress in medical rehabilitation. The system combines a robotic arm and a socially assistive robot to measure arm and hand mobility, addressing the common issue of "arm non-use" in stroke patients. This collaborative effort integrates expertise from computer science, biokinesiology, and physical therapy, resulting in a precise system that collects three-dimensional spatial data on patients' arm movements. Noteworthy features include the integration of machine learning for nuanced progress assessment and the use of a socially assistive robot for patient motivation. A study involving 14 stroke patients demonstrated the system's effectiveness in analyzing arm use probability, reach time, and success in hitting targets. Participants found the system easy to use and secure, with data analysis revealing conside...

Image Credit AI Generated In 2007, the Supreme Court deemed fingerprint use for clocking in as legitimate. However, a recent European directive has altered this perspective, stating that such biometric entry control systems violate the regulations of the Spanish Data Protection Agency (AEPD).  The article highlights the evolution of regulations, including the 2016 General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which initially categorized fingerprint systems as legal for authentication.  In April 2023, new guidelines from the European Data Protection Committee unified authentication and identification criteria, categorizing both as a "special category" for data processing.  Consequently, the AEPD has updated its directives, declaring fingerprint or facial recognition systems prohibited in general, except in specific cases outlined in the GDPR.  The immediate application of this interpretation means companies using biometric recognition systems in 2023 could face sanctions...

Image https://unsplash.com/photos/apple-center-dhiOkqjewAM In the realm of technology and innovation, the dynamics of intellectual property and licensing often play a crucial role in shaping the competitive landscape. One recent revelation that has sparked significant interest and discussion within the tech community is the revelation that Apple, one of the world's leading technology companies, pays less than 30 cents in royalties to Arm per chip. Arm Holdings , a British semiconductor and software design company, is renowned for its intellectual property, particularly its widely used Arm architecture that serves as the foundation for a myriad of processors across various platforms, including mobile devices, embedded systems, and increasingly, personal computers. The revelation of Apple's minimal royalty payments to Arm has shed light on the intricate web of licensing agreements and the financial implications for major players in the tech industry. At face value, the notion o...

Apple iPhone with credit to Apple Inc. Apple has released iOS 17.2 to the public, and one of the new features is the ability to customize notification tones. This means that you can now choose a different sound for each of your apps, or you can even create your own custom tones.   To customize your notification tones, go to Settings > Sounds & Haptics > Notification Sounds. Here, you can select a different sound for each of your apps. You can also choose to use a system sound, or you can import a sound from your music library.   Rumored OnePlus 12 Launch in India Scheduled for January 23  OnePlus is rumored to be launching the OnePlus 12 in India on January 23. The phone is expected to be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset and have a 6.7-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. It is also rumored to have a triple-lens rear camera system and a 50MP front-facing camera.  Users Can Now Customize Notification Tones in iOS 17.2 Apple hasS ...

Published on November 28, 2023 Image Credit Ubisoft Ubisoft has announced a very interesting promotion, not available in all countries, unfortunately.  Until December 6, you can download the game  “Assassin's Creed Syndicate”  for PC for free.  This title, which takes us to the heart of 19th century London, is available in the  Ubisoft Store  and the best thing is that, once downloaded, it will be yours forever.   "Assassin's Creed Syndicate", released in 2015, represents a turning point in the famous Ubisoft video game series.  This title is special for being the last before the series took a turn towards role-playing game (RPG) elements with "Assassin's Creed Origins."  What makes "Syndicate" stand out is its vibrant representation of  Victorian London  , where we meet historical figures such as  Alexander Graham Bell  and  Charles Darwin  .    From my personal experience, "Assassin's Creed Syndicate"...

For a long time I have been thinking about solutions that allow the water from showers to be reused to fill toilet cisterns, avoiding using potable water, because it bothers me to see that drinking water is used when flushing the toilet and is lost. Surely there are other solutions, but no matter how much I look, I see that in new buildings there is still generally no system that thinks about this issue. I leave you here everything that I have already investigated on the matter, to centralize the information in the hope that there is some law that forces construction companies to get serious about the matter. What is needed Reusing shower water to fill toilet cisterns is a sustainable practice known as “grey water” use. Gray water is domestic wastewater from showers, sinks and washing machines, which, although not suitable for consumption, can be perfectly used for other purposes such as garden irrigation or toilet cisterns. To implement a gray water reuse system at home, several techn...

Since ChatGPT is in our lives, and mainly now that it is integrated with DALL-E, the  phenomenon of memes generated by AI is booming . Who would have imagined that artificial intelligence would become a factory of humor and creativity? Since the launch of  ChatGPT  by OpenAI, we have seen a qualitative leap in how we interact with technology. This advance is not only limited to resolving doubts or generating text, but has also been extended to the visual field. A clear example is the famous meme « Make it more «. Here, AI, through  DALL-E 3 , not only creates images, but transforms them according to human emotions. Imagine asking a machine to make a rabbit “happier” and watching this request evolve into something almost philosophical. The fascinating thing about the “Make it more” meme is how AI tries to understand and maximize something as abstract as happiness. This exercise reveals the  limitations and possibilities of the artificial imagination , a mind that...

A few hours ago a significant advance in the world of automatic transcription was announced: the evolution of Amazon Transcribe from AWS.  This service, which now recognizes  100 languages  , has become a benchmark thanks to its integration of  generative artificial intelligence  . Recently, during  the AWS re:Invent event  , a notable expansion in the language capabilities of  Amazon Transcribe  was announced .  The service, which previously handled 79 languages, can now understand and transcribe in  100 different languages  .  This jump is more than just a numerical increase;  represents a considerable technological advance. The basis of this achievement lies in exhaustive training with  millions of hours of audio  in these languages, using self-learning algorithms.  This approach has allowed for greater accuracy in transcription, crucial in a world where every word counts. One detail that I find part...