Meta is integrating its AI assistant into Quest 3 mixed reality headsets, enabling users to get information about real-world objects through passthrough video. This move advances Meta's goal of using AI in its mixed reality devices. The AI assistant will use a new multimodal Llama model for computer vision, enhancing user interaction and experience.
AI is changing how humans interact with technology and each other. Our study found people have physical and emotional responses to AI social robots and avatars, often forgetting they're interacting with machines. While AI can help with loneliness and mental health, it's crucial to consider the broader implications and ensure appropriate regulations to guide AI development and use.
Recent tech layoffs highlight concerns about automation replacing humans prematurely. Rushing automation with immature technology can lead to inefficiencies and lost revenue. A balanced approach is needed, where AI complements human skills. Companies should invest in training and ethical AI development. By integrating human expertise with intelligent automation, businesses can achieve higher productivity and innovation.
A recent global IT outage from a bad update to CrowdStrike's software disrupted millions of Windows PCs, echoing a similar incident in February. An AT&T network update error caused a nationwide outage, affecting 125 million devices and blocking 92 million calls, including 911. The FCC attributed the outage to multiple AT&T errors and inadequate safety measures.
A sand battery designed to store extra solar and wind energy has been developed by the Finnish business Polar Night Energy. The battery, which is located in Kankaanpää, may reach 600°C and release heat as needed. It now heats residences, businesses, and a swimming pool with high-density sand that is obtained from non-construction regions. Pornaien with Loviisan Lämpö is planning a system similar to this one.
Based on user suggestions, Beijing-based Kuaishou's new AI video generator, Kling, produces five-second videos. Although it produces excellent material, it filters out politically touchy subjects like "Tiananmen Square protests" and "Democracy in China," displaying an error warning for these questions. Animations of static images are unaffected by the filtering, which appears to be restricted to the prompt level.
Apple has officially launched the highly anticipated web version of Apple Maps, and it's about to shake up the mapping landscape. Available in a public beta format, the new Apple Maps web service can be accessed at beta.maps.apple.com. Users can find driving and walking directions, explore curated guides, view hours and reviews for various businesses, and even order food directly through the platform.
Salesforce and Workday have announced a strategic partnership aimed at delivering a personalized, AI-powered assistant for various employee service use cases. The new AI employee service agent will leverage Salesforce's new Agentforce Platform and Einstein AI alongside Workday's platform and AI capabilities. When complex issues arise, it will transfer cases to the appropriate human agent while maintaining all previous context and history.
WhatsApp's new feature will enable the user to share large videos, photos, and documents between devices without needing an internet connection. Initially, this new feature will be available to Android users. The new feature will include a scanner, which will facilitate file sharing by connecting two devices seamlessly. Also, the instant messaging platform is working on a new feature to bolster user privacy.
US lawmakers are worried about Meta's plan to shut down CrowdTangle, a tool crucial for monitoring false information, just before the election. They urge Meta to delay this by six months. Meta plans to replace it with a less effective tool, raising concerns about transparency and the spread of falsehoods during elections.