US Government Demands Immediate AI Project Reporting From Tech Giants

The United States government's recent demand for immediate AI project reporting from tech giants has sparked a significant debate within the industry. Under the invocation of the Defense Production Act, companies will now be required to disclose crucial details about their high-powered AI initiatives, aiming to strike a delicate balance between innovation and national security.

This move comes as part of a broader effort by the Biden administration to enhance transparency and accountability in AI development, following an executive order issued last October.

As the implications of AI advancements continue to grow, this discussion will delve into the reporting requirement's objectives, its potential impact on industry leaders like OpenAI, the challenges of implementation, and the various perspectives surrounding this mandate.

Stay tuned to explore the future developments and implications of this crucial development in the AI landscape.

Key Takeaways

  • The Biden administration is using the Defense Production Act to require tech companies to inform the Commerce Department when they start training high-powered AI algorithms.
  • The reporting requirement aims to enhance transparency and accountability in AI development, with a focus on national security concerns.
  • OpenAI and other tech giants will have to disclose information about their AI projects, including safety testing and computing power used.
  • Compliance with the reporting requirement can enhance public trust and credibility, but may impact the timeline and execution of AI projects.

Reporting Requirement and Government Objectives

The reporting requirement imposed by the Biden administration under the Defense Production Act aims to enhance transparency and accountability in the development of high-powered AI algorithms, serving the government's objective of balancing innovation with national security.

This requirement is a response to the rapid advancements in AI technology and the potential risks associated with its deployment. By mandating companies to inform the Commerce Department about their AI projects, the government can ensure that national security concerns are adequately addressed.

The reporting requirement enables the government to assess the impact of AI projects, identify potential risks at an early stage, and implement necessary safeguards. It also fosters public trust and credibility by enhancing transparency in AI development.

This initiative reflects the government's commitment to both promoting innovation and safeguarding national security interests.

Implications for OpenAI and Other Tech Giants

With the new reporting requirement imposed by the Biden administration to enhance transparency and accountability in AI development, the implications for OpenAI and other tech giants are significant.

The reporting requirement will have an impact on innovation as companies like OpenAI will need to allocate resources for compliance, which may involve additional administrative burdens and documentation. This could potentially impact the timeline and execution of AI projects.

Moreover, companies will have to disclose sensitive information about their projects, including the amount of computing power being used for training AI models. While compliance challenges may arise, adhering to the reporting requirement can enhance public trust and credibility.

OpenAI and other tech giants will need to ensure that their projects align with national security interests to avoid complications.

Implementation of the New Rules

The Biden administration has initiated the implementation of new rules that require companies to report on their AI projects, aiming to enhance transparency, accountability, and national security in AI development.

The Commerce Department has been tasked with developing reporting guidelines for companies to inform officials about their powerful new AI models. The details to be reported include the computing power used, ownership of data, and safety testing information.

Cloud computing providers like Amazon, Microsoft, and Google will also have to inform the government when a foreign company uses their resources to train a large language model.

However, the implementation of these new rules may pose compliance challenges for companies. They will need to allocate resources for complying with the reporting requirement, which may involve additional administrative burdens and documentation. Additionally, the requirement may impact the timeline and execution of AI projects.

Despite these challenges, compliance with the reporting requirement can enhance public trust and credibility in AI development.

Perspectives on the Requirement

Given the implementation of new rules requiring companies to report on their AI projects, it is important to consider various perspectives on this requirement and its implications for the development and regulation of AI.

The need for AI regulation has been a topic of discussion among experts and executives in the field. Some argue that the reporting requirement is proportionate, given recent developments in AI and concerns about its power. They believe that reporting AI training runs and safety measures is an important step, but more regulation is needed. In line with this, the National Institutes of Standards and Technology (NIST) is working on defining standards for testing the safety of AI models.

However, challenges exist, such as the lack of funds and expertise at NIST to adequately define safety standards. Nonetheless, the requirement highlights the importance of transparency in AI development, as it enables the government to assess the impact of AI projects, identify potential risks, and implement necessary safeguards. Compliance with the reporting requirement can also enhance public trust and credibility in the industry.

As the Commerce Department works on guidelines to help companies understand the risks associated with their AI models, the future of AI regulation remains a topic of bipartisan agreement, with Congress expected to take action soon.

Challenges and Future Developments

A critical consideration for the future development and regulation of AI lies in addressing the challenges that exist in defining safety standards and allocating resources necessary for their implementation. One of the key challenges is funding constraints, particularly for organizations like the National Institutes of Standards and Technology (NIST) that lack the necessary funds and expertise to define safety standards for AI models. In order to effectively regulate AI, it is crucial to provide adequate funding and support to organizations like the NIST to ensure the development of robust safety standards. Additionally, Congressional action is needed to establish clear guidelines and regulations for AI development and usage. This will help address concerns regarding the potential misuse of AI technology and ensure that it is developed and deployed in a manner that aligns with societal values and safeguards against potential risks.

Challenges and Future Developments
Funding constraints Congressional action
– Organizations like the NIST lack funds and expertise for defining safety standards. – Clear guidelines and regulations are needed for AI development and usage.
– Adequate funding is crucial for the development of robust safety standards. – Congressional action will help address concerns and mitigate potential risks.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Will the Reporting Requirement Impact the Competitiveness of Tech Companies in the AI Industry?

The reporting requirement may impact the competitiveness of tech companies in the AI industry by potentially increasing administrative burdens and affecting project timelines. However, it can also enhance public trust and credibility, ensuring innovation aligns with national security interests.

What Are the Potential Consequences for Companies That Fail to Comply With the Reporting Requirement?

Potential consequences for companies that fail to comply with the reporting requirement include legal penalties, reputational damage, and potential restrictions on their AI projects. Enforcement measures may include fines, regulatory oversight, and limitations on government contracts or partnerships.

Will the Reporting Requirement Apply to AI Projects That Are Being Developed Outside of the United States?

The reporting requirement does not explicitly address AI projects developed outside the United States. However, the demand for reporting AI projects from tech giants may impact international collaboration, and non-compliance could have legal implications.

How Will the US Government Ensure the Confidentiality and Security of the Information Provided by Tech Companies?

Confidentiality measures and security protocols will be crucial in ensuring the protection of information provided by tech companies. The US government should establish robust encryption, restricted access, and stringent monitoring to safeguard sensitive data from unauthorized access and potential breaches.

What Other Regulations or Guidelines Are Being Considered Alongside the Reporting Requirement to Address the Ethical and Societal Implications of AI Development?

Various regulations and guidelines are being considered alongside the reporting requirement to address the ethical and societal implications of AI development. These include the development of ethical guidelines and the involvement of public consultation to ensure transparency and accountability in AI development.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the implementation of reporting requirements for high-powered AI projects by the US government is a significant step towards enhancing transparency and accountability in the AI industry. By obtaining key information about safety testing and computing power usage, these rules aim to strike a balance between fostering innovation and ensuring national security.

While some may argue for a temporary pause on AI development, the consensus remains that reporting requirements, along with future regulations and safety standards, are essential for promoting public trust and credibility in the field.

[VISUAL REPRESENTATION OF IDEAS]:

Graph representing the increase in public trust and credibility in the AI industry through the implementation of reporting requirements, future regulations, and safety standards. The x-axis represents time, while the y-axis represents the level of public trust and credibility. The graph shows a steady upward trend over time, indicating the positive impact of these measures on the industry.

Google Reshapes Responsible AI Team Amid Uncertainty

Recently, Google has made significant changes to its Responsible Innovation team (RESIN), which is tasked with ensuring ethical and responsible practices in the development and deployment of artificial intelligence (AI). The restructuring has left many questions unanswered, as RESIN is now split into two teams and has lost key members, including its leader.

This shift has raised concerns about the future role of RESIN and the rationale behind these changes. As Google continues to prioritize responsible AI development, it remains uncertain how these alterations will impact the company's approach to AI and its commitment to addressing potential risks and dangers.

The implications of this reshaping and the potential challenges that lie ahead for Google's responsible AI efforts are yet to be fully understood.

Key Takeaways

  • Google's Responsible Innovation team (RESIN) has undergone restructuring, with 90% of the team being transferred to trust and safety, and the leader and founder, Jen Gennai, leaving the role. This has caused uncertainty about the rationale for the changes and how responsibilities will be divided.
  • The restructuring has raised concerns among employees, who worry about hasty product development and the potential impact on Google's focus on a few AI initiatives. Additionally, there are concerns about the effect of new regulations and court orders on the ad sales funding Google's pursuits.
  • Despite the changes, Google leaders remain committed to accelerating AI development while being responsible about potential dangers. The role of RESIN in Google's AI development moving forward is unclear.
  • RESIN's previous role involved reviewing internal projects for compatibility with Google's AI principles and blocking ideas breaching those principles. They have been responsible for stopping the release of AI image generators and voice synthesis algorithms for deepfakes, and their work in responsible AI has aimed to improve product quality by reducing bias, increasing transparency, and enhancing security.

Role and Responsibilities of RESIN

The role and responsibilities of Google's Responsible Innovation team (RESIN) have been crucial in ensuring the compatibility of internal projects with Google's AI principles, through extensive reviews and feedback.

RESIN, located in the Office of Compliance and Integrity, has conducted over 500 reviews last year, providing feedback and blocking ideas breaching the AI principles.

One significant impact of RESIN's work has been the prevention of the release of AI image generators and voice synthesis algorithms for deepfakes. By enforcing ethical considerations, RESIN has improved product quality by reducing unfair bias, increasing transparency, and enhancing security.

However, with the recent restructuring of RESIN, splitting the team and the departure of key members, there is uncertainty about the rationale for the changes and how responsibilities will be broken up.

These changes raise concerns about hasty product development and the future role of RESIN in Google's AI development.

Restructuring of RESIN

Following the role and responsibilities of RESIN, Google's Responsible Innovation team has recently undergone a significant restructuring. The team has been split into two, with 10% remaining in RESIN and 90% being transferred to the trust and safety team.

This restructuring has raised uncertainty about the rationale behind the changes and how responsibilities will be divided. It is unclear what impact this restructuring will have on Twitter or Gen Z activism, as these specific aspects have not been addressed in the available information.

However, the restructuring could potentially affect Google's ability to address ethical concerns and ensure responsible AI development. It remains to be seen how the new structure will impact Google's approach to AI and its commitment to responsible innovation.

Concerns and Implications of RESIN Restructuring

The recent restructuring of Google's Responsible Innovation team (RESIN) has sparked concerns and raised implications regarding its impact on the company's approach to responsible AI development. Here are three key concerns and implications of RESIN restructuring:

  1. Hasty product development: Employees worry that the streamlining of operations may lead to rushed decision-making and less thorough reviews of AI projects. This could potentially compromise the responsible development of AI technologies.
  2. Impact on ad sales: As Google focuses on a few key AI initiatives, there is a concern that the restructuring may affect the company's ad sales funding. New regulations and court orders surrounding data privacy and AI ethics could impact Google's ability to generate revenue from targeted advertisements.
  3. Unclear future role of RESIN: With the restructuring, the role and responsibilities of RESIN within Google's AI development are now uncertain. This raises questions about how the company will ensure responsible AI practices moving forward and maintain transparency in its decision-making process.

Uncertainty About Rationale for Changes

Amidst the restructuring of Google's Responsible Innovation team (RESIN), there is a sense of uncertainty surrounding the rationale behind the changes and how they will impact the company's approach to responsible AI development.

Employees are facing challenges as they worry about hasty product development and the streamlining of operations. The split of RESIN into two teams, with only 10% remaining in RESIN and 90% transferred to trust and safety, has raised concerns about the future role and responsibilities of the team.

The departure of key leaders, such as Jen Gennai and Sara Tangdall, has added to the uncertainty. It is unclear how the responsibilities will be broken up and how this restructuring will affect the company's commitment to responsible AI development.

The impact on employees and the overall direction of Google's AI initiatives remain uncertain.

Future Role of RESIN in Google's AI Development

The future role of Google's Responsible Innovation team (RESIN) in the development of AI at Google remains uncertain due to the recent restructuring and changes within the team.

The impact of RESIN's restructuring on the future of Google's AI can be analyzed through the following points:

  1. Redefining Responsibilities: With RESIN split into two teams, it is unclear how responsibilities will be divided between them. This restructuring raises questions about the future role and influence of RESIN in shaping Google's AI development.
  2. Potential Challenges: The departure of RESIN's leader and founder, Jen Gennai, along with other influential members like Sara Tangdall, adds to the uncertainty surrounding RESIN's future impact. Their absence may affect the team's ability to effectively review internal projects and ensure adherence to Google's AI principles.
  3. Balancing Innovation and Responsibility: Google's leaders aim to accelerate AI development while being responsible about potential dangers. The future role of RESIN will likely be shaped by Google's efforts to strike a balance between innovation and responsible AI practices.

The outcome of RESIN's restructuring will significantly shape the future of AI development at Google, as the team's impact on product quality, fairness, and security is yet to be determined.

Google's Focus on Responsible AI Development

Google's recent restructuring of its Responsible Innovation team (RESIN) has sparked discussions about the company's focus on responsible AI development. With the split of RESIN into two teams, concerns arise about the rationale for the changes and the distribution of responsibilities. This restructuring also raises questions about the future role of RESIN in Google's AI development.

The importance of ethical considerations, transparency, and accountability in AI development cannot be underestimated. Responsible AI development involves reducing unfair bias, increasing transparency, and enhancing security. Google's commitment to responsible AI can be seen through the role of RESIN in reviewing internal projects for compatibility with the company's AI principles and blocking ideas breaching those principles.

However, the uncertainty surrounding the restructuring raises concerns about the potential impact on responsible AI development and the need for continued vigilance in prioritizing ethical considerations, transparency, and accountability.

Employee Worries and Potential Challenges

Employee concerns and potential challenges arise from Google's recent restructuring of its Responsible Innovation team (RESIN) and the uncertain future role of RESIN in the company's AI development. The restructuring has created a sense of uncertainty among employees, leading to worries and concerns about the direction of Google's AI initiatives. This uncertainty raises potential obstacles that Google may face in the coming months.

  1. Employee concerns: The restructuring has left employees uncertain about the rationale behind the changes and how responsibilities will be divided. This lack of clarity can lead to anxiety and hinder productivity.
  2. Hasty product development: With a focus on streamlining operations and a few key AI initiatives, there is a risk that Google may prioritize speed over responsible AI development. This could lead to the release of products that may not align with ethical standards.
  3. Regulatory and legal challenges: The funding of Google's pursuits, particularly in ad sales, may be affected by new regulations and court orders. This could pose obstacles to the company's AI development efforts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Were the Specific AI Principles That RESIN Reviewed Internal Projects for Compatibility With?

The Responsible Innovation team at Google, known as RESIN, reviewed internal projects for compatibility with Google's Responsible AI principles. These principles aim to reduce bias, increase transparency, and enhance security in AI products.

How Many Reviews Did RESIN Conduct Last Year?

In the previous year, the Responsible Innovation team (RESIN) at Google conducted a significant number of reviews, although the exact figure is not specified. These reviews played a crucial role in ensuring ethical practices and upholding Google's AI principles.

What Were the AI Image Generators and Voice Synthesis Algorithms for Deepfakes That RESIN Stopped the Release Of?

The Responsible Innovation team at Google, known as RESIN, halted the release of AI image generators and voice synthesis algorithms for deepfakes. These technologies were blocked due to concerns about their potential misuse and the ethical implications they posed.

Who Were the Key Members of RESIN That Left the Team During the Restructuring?

During the restructuring of Google's Responsible Innovation team (RESIN), key members who left the team were leader and founder Jen Gennai, as well as influential member Sara Tangdall. The departure of these individuals has raised uncertainty regarding the team's future responsibilities.

What Are the Potential Dangers That Google Leaders AIm to Be Responsible About in AI Development?

Google leaders aim to be responsible about potential dangers in AI development by ensuring ethical and transparent practices. They prioritize addressing issues like unfair bias, lack of transparency, and security risks. This commitment is vital to safeguarding users and building trustworthy AI systems.

Conclusion

In light of Google's recent restructuring of its Responsible Innovation team (RESIN), concerns have arisen regarding the future role of RESIN in the company's AI development.

The split of RESIN into two teams and the departure of key members have left uncertainties about the rationale behind these changes and the division of responsibilities.

As Google strives to balance AI development and responsible practices, the impact of these restructuring decisions remains uncertain, leaving room for potential challenges and further employee worries.

Employers Demand AI Knowledge: Are You Prepared

With the rapid integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into various industries, employers are now placing a significant emphasis on candidates who possess AI knowledge and expertise. As job postings mentioning AI have more than doubled in the past two years, it is clear that AI is becoming a crucial skill set for professionals across different sectors.

However, this growing demand for AI knowledge has left many employees wondering if they are adequately prepared for this technological shift. While the benefits of AI implementation and the use of AI tools for performance enhancement are enticing, there are also concerns and potential risks to consider.

In this discussion, we will explore the importance of acquiring AI skills, the efficiency benefits AI offers to businesses, the potential risks associated with AI implementation, and strategies to overcome resistance and embrace the hybrid human-AI workforce.

Key Takeaways

  • The demand for AI skills in the job market is increasing rapidly, with job posts mentioning AI or generative AI more than doubling globally in the past two years.
  • Many UK workers predict significant changes to their jobs due to AI, but a large majority (76%) are excited about the changes brought by AI.
  • However, a significant number of workers (36%) feel overwhelmed by the amount of AI-related skills they need to learn, and 41% of office workers currently lack the technical abilities needed to work with AI systems.
  • AI offers efficiency benefits for businesses, including removing drudgery from day-to-day work, improving productivity, streamlining administrative tasks, and reducing the need for outsourcing through tools like ChatGPT for content generation.

Growing Demand for AI Skills

The demand for AI skills is rapidly increasing, necessitating a proactive approach to acquiring and developing these specialized abilities in the job market.

The AI skill shortage is having a significant impact on the job market, with employers increasingly seeking professionals who possess expertise in AI technologies.

This demand is driven by the recognition that AI has the potential to revolutionize industries and drive innovation.

As businesses across various sectors adopt AI technologies to streamline processes, improve efficiency, and gain a competitive edge, the need for skilled AI professionals becomes crucial.

The impact on the job market is evident, as organizations are actively recruiting individuals with AI knowledge and capabilities.

To meet this growing demand, individuals must acquire AI skills through training programs, online courses, and practical experience to stay competitive in the evolving job market.

Efficiency Boost Through AI Implementation

Implementing AI technology can significantly enhance operational efficiency and productivity within organizations. AI has the potential to revolutionize various sectors, including customer service and healthcare.

In customer service, AI-powered chatbots can handle routine inquiries, freeing up human agents to focus on more complex issues. This streamlines the customer service process, reduces response times, and improves overall customer satisfaction.

In healthcare, AI can assist in diagnosis, treatment planning, and monitoring patient progress. AI algorithms can analyze vast amounts of medical data, identify patterns, and provide insights that aid healthcare professionals in making informed decisions.

By leveraging AI in these sectors, organizations can optimize their operations, improve service delivery, and achieve higher levels of efficiency.

It is crucial for employers to embrace AI technologies and equip their workforce with the necessary skills to harness its full potential.

AI Tools for Performance Enhancement

As organizations strive to optimize their operational efficiency and productivity through the implementation of AI technology, they can further enhance performance by leveraging AI tools. These tools offer a range of capabilities, including AI tools for creative writing and AI tools for data analysis.

AI tools for creative writing, such as ChatGPT, have the potential to revolutionize content generation. They can assist in writing articles, blog posts, and even marketing materials, reducing the need for outsourcing and saving valuable time. This not only enhances productivity but also ensures high-quality content that aligns with the organization's brand voice.

On the other hand, AI tools for data analysis enable businesses to extract valuable insights from vast amounts of data. They can analyze trends, patterns, and anomalies, providing actionable information that can drive decision-making and improve performance. These tools empower organizations to make data-driven decisions, optimize processes, and identify opportunities for growth.

Potential Risks and Concerns With AI

Potential risks and concerns arise from the implementation of AI, requiring organizations to carefully navigate the ethical, legal, and security implications associated with this transformative technology.

One major concern is data bias, as AI systems are only as good as the data they are based on. If the data contains biases or inaccuracies, the AI system may replicate or introduce those biases, leading to unfair decision-making. This can have legal implications, as biased AI systems may lead to discriminatory practices or violate regulations.

Additionally, companies need to ensure that AI tools do not put them at risk of legal or security breaches. Proper safeguards must be in place to protect sensitive data and ensure compliance with privacy laws.

It is crucial to strike a balance between the benefits of AI and mitigating the potential risks and concerns associated with its implementation.

Acquiring AI Skills and Overcoming Resistance

To effectively navigate the challenges of acquiring AI skills and overcoming resistance, organizations must strategically approach the integration of this transformative technology into their workforce. One way to do this is by providing AI training opportunities to employees. Online courses and tailored programs exist for individuals seeking to acquire AI skills specific to their profession. By investing in these training programs, organizations can empower their workforce to embrace AI and leverage its benefits.

The benefits of AI adoption are numerous. AI can enhance productivity by removing the drudgery from day-to-day work and streamlining administrative tasks. It can also improve efficiency in software development by enabling more efficient code writing. Moreover, AI tools like ChatGPT can be used for content generation, reducing the need for outsourcing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are Some Examples of Specific AI Tools That Can Be Used for Performance Reviews and Writing Support?

AI tools for performance reviews and writing support include tools like Grammarly, Textio, and Crystal. These tools help managers and staff write more in-depth responses and improve writing confidence, but personalized feedback may be compromised without human input.

How Can the Use of AI Tools for Performance Reviews Impact the Personalization of Feedback?

The use of AI tools for performance reviews can impact the personalization of feedback. While AI can help staff write more in-depth responses and boost confidence, there is a risk of less personalized feedback. Human input is necessary to tailor AI-generated responses and avoid a robotic feel.

What Are Some Potential Legal and Security Risks That Companies Need to Consider When Implementing AI Tools?

Potential legal implications and security concerns arise with the implementation of AI tools. Companies must ensure data privacy, protection against breaches, and compliance with regulations. Proper risk assessment and mitigation strategies are crucial to prevent legal and security risks.

How Can Businesses Ensure That the Implementation of AI Does Not Devalue Human Expertise or Undermine the Organizational Culture?

Balancing automation and human expertise is crucial in AI implementation to avoid devaluing human skills and undermining organizational culture. This can be achieved by integrating AI technology as a tool to enhance job performance rather than replacing humans, and ensuring that human input is necessary to tailor AI-generated responses.

Are There Any Recommended Resources or Platforms for Workers to Acquire AI Skills and Knowledge?

AI training platforms and online AI courses are recommended resources for workers to acquire AI skills and knowledge. These platforms offer technical and analytical training, enabling individuals to stay innovative and meet the increasing demand for AI expertise in the job market.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the rapid growth of artificial intelligence technology has sparked a significant demand for individuals with AI knowledge and expertise. Employers worldwide are recognizing the potential benefits of AI in improving efficiency and productivity.

However, there are concerns among employees regarding the technical skills required and the potential risks associated with AI implementation. Despite these challenges, acquiring AI skills and overcoming resistance will be crucial in successfully navigating the hybrid human-AI workforce.

One interesting statistic: Job postings mentioning AI have more than doubled in the past two years, indicating a clear shift in employer requirements.

Revolutionary Tech Trends Unveiled: AI Dominates, Electric Vehicles Stall

In the ever-evolving realm of technology, there are always intriguing developments that captivate our attention and reshape the landscape of industries. In recent years, one dominant force has emerged, revolutionizing various sectors and pushing the boundaries of what we thought was possible.

Yes, I am talking about artificial intelligence (AI), which has taken center stage and garnered widespread adoption. But while AI continues to dominate, there is another technology that seems to have hit a roadblock: electric vehicles (EVs). Despite their initial promise and potential, major automakers are encountering setbacks in their plans for expansion.

However, there is a glimmer of hope on the horizon. What is causing this disparity between two seemingly groundbreaking technologies, and what does the future hold for them? Let's explore these revolutionary tech trends and uncover the answers together.

Key Takeaways

  • Generative AI has become mainstream with the success of ChatGPT and Gemini, leading to significant investments in generative AI start-ups.
  • Despite the pause in EV production plans by Ford, GM, and Tesla, the UK market shows potential due to the zero emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate, which may lead to financing deals and higher trim levels to meet targets.
  • Humanoid robots like Optimus and Digit are being developed by Tesla and Amazon respectively for factory and warehouse jobs, indicating increased competition in the field.
  • The weight-loss drug market is seeing advancements with successful drugs like Wegovy and Mounjaro, along with the potential approval of Pfizer's weight-loss pill, leading to increased competition in the market.

Generative AI Takes Center Stage

Generative AI has emerged as a prominent force in the tech industry, capturing widespread attention and investment in recent years. With advancements in machine learning and deep neural networks, generative AI models such as ChatGPT and Gemini have gained significant popularity. These models have demonstrated their ability to generate human-like text, revolutionizing natural language processing capabilities.

However, the rise of generative AI also brings about ethical implications that need to be addressed. The potential for misuse, such as the creation of deepfake content or the spread of disinformation, raises concerns about privacy, trust, and societal impact.

On the other hand, the future applications of generative AI are vast. It can be utilized in various fields, including content creation, virtual assistants, and personalized marketing. As technology continues to evolve, it is crucial to navigate the ethical landscape and harness the potential of generative AI responsibly.

Electric Vehicle Market Hits Roadblocks

Despite initial momentum, the electric vehicle market is facing significant obstacles that are hindering its growth and expansion. One major challenge is the EV production slowdown, which has been experienced by key players such as Ford, GM, and Tesla. This slowdown in production has resulted in delays in the launch of new models and the expansion of existing production facilities.

Additionally, the European EV market forecast predicts stagnant sales in 2024. While the UK may serve as a bright spot due to the zero emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate, manufacturers are expected to offer financing deals and higher trim levels to meet these targets.

Rise of Humanoid Robots

The challenges faced by the electric vehicle market have paved the way for the rise of humanoid robots in various industries. As companies like Tesla and Amazon develop and trial humanoid robots for tasks such as basic factory jobs and warehouse operations, the impact on the job market is a significant concern.

While these robots can increase efficiency and productivity, they also raise ethical concerns about potential job displacement and the need for retraining workers. Regulations will play a crucial role in addressing these concerns, ensuring that the integration of humanoid robots in the workforce is done responsibly and ethically.

Striking a balance between technological advancements and protecting human employment will be key in harnessing the potential of humanoid robots while minimizing negative consequences.

Weight-Loss Treatments Revolutionize the Industry

Weight-loss treatments have emerged as a transformative force within the industry, offering new possibilities for individuals seeking to achieve their weight loss goals. The innovation potential in this field is vast, as evidenced by the success of weight-loss drugs like Semaglutide (marketed as Wegovy) and Eli Lilly's Mounjaro. These drugs have received approval and are already making an impact in the market.

Novo Nordisk's investment in expanding production facilities for Wegovy further demonstrates the growing demand for effective weight-loss treatments. Additionally, Pfizer's pursuit of approval for its weight-loss pill indicates the increasing market competition.

As more players enter the weight-loss drug market, there is great potential for advancements in treatment options, providing individuals with more choices and improving their chances of successful weight loss.

Ai's Expanding Role in Various Sectors

With weight-loss treatments revolutionizing the industry, it is evident that AI is now playing an expanding role in various sectors, reshaping the way businesses operate and finding innovative solutions to complex challenges. AI's influence can be seen in healthcare and financial services, where it is transforming the way these sectors function.

In healthcare, AI is revolutionizing patient care by enabling more accurate diagnoses, personalized treatment plans, and improved patient outcomes. It is being used to analyze medical images, predict disease progression, and identify high-risk patients. Additionally, AI-powered chatbots are providing virtual healthcare assistance, enhancing accessibility and reducing the burden on healthcare professionals.

In financial services, AI is driving automation, improving fraud detection, and enhancing customer experience. It is enabling banks and financial institutions to analyze large volumes of data to identify patterns, make informed investment decisions, and provide personalized financial advice. AI-powered chatbots are also being used to streamline customer interactions and provide real-time support.

The table below illustrates the expanding role of AI in healthcare and financial services:

AI in Healthcare AI in Financial Services
Improved diagnostics Automated investment decisions
Personalized treatment plans Fraud detection
Enhanced patient outcomes Customer experience enhancement
Virtual healthcare assistance Real-time customer support

AI's expanding role in various sectors demonstrates its potential to transform industries and drive innovation. As businesses continue to embrace AI technologies, they are likely to witness increased efficiency, improved decision-making, and enhanced customer satisfaction. However, it is crucial to address ethical concerns and ensure that AI is deployed responsibly, with proper safeguards in place.

Challenges and Controversies Surrounding AI

Challenges and controversies surrounding AI have emerged as the technology continues to advance and integrate into various sectors of society. Ethical implications and data privacy concerns are at the forefront of these challenges.

As AI systems become more sophisticated and capable, questions arise regarding their impact on society and individual rights. One major ethical concern is the potential for AI to perpetuate bias and discrimination, as algorithms learn from biased data sets and make decisions that may disproportionately affect certain groups.

Data privacy is another significant concern, as AI relies on vast amounts of personal data to operate effectively. The collection, storage, and use of this data raise questions about transparency, consent, and the potential for misuse.

It is crucial for policymakers, researchers, and AI developers to address these challenges and controversies to ensure the responsible and ethical deployment of AI technologies.

Evolving Landscape of Electric Vehicle Infrastructure

The development and expansion of electric vehicle infrastructure is rapidly transforming the transportation landscape. As the demand for electric vehicles (EVs) grows, there is a pressing need for an extensive EV charging network expansion to support the increasing number of EV owners.

Recognizing this, governments around the world are offering incentives to promote the development of EV infrastructure. These incentives include grants, tax credits, and subsidies for the installation of EV charging stations. Government support is crucial in encouraging private investment in EV charging infrastructure, as it helps reduce the financial burden on businesses and individuals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are the Potential Risks and Limitations of Generative Ai?

Generative AI, while revolutionary, poses potential risks and limitations. Ethical concerns arise from the ability to generate realistic but fake content, and data privacy is at stake due to the vast amount of data required for training these models.

How Are Electric Vehicle Manufacturers Adapting to the Challenges in the Market?

Electric vehicle manufacturers are adapting to sustainability challenges by investing in innovation. They are developing new technologies, such as longer-lasting batteries and faster charging infrastructure, to improve the appeal and practicality of electric vehicles in the market.

What Are the Different Tasks That Humanoid Robots Like Optimus and Digit Can Perform?

Humanoid robots like Optimus and Digit have a wide range of capabilities, including performing basic factory jobs, assisting in warehouses, and executing specific tasks. Their future applications are expected to expand as competition in the field increases.

How Do Weight-Loss Treatments Like Wegovy and Mounjaro Work?

Wegovy and Mounjaro are weight-loss treatments that work by targeting specific mechanisms in the body to reduce appetite and promote weight loss. These treatments have shown promising results and are being invested in for further expansion.

How Is AI Being Utilized in Sectors Other Than Finance and Healthcare?

AI is being utilized in sectors other than finance and healthcare. In education, AI is used for personalized learning and educational content creation. In manufacturing, AI is employed for quality control, predictive maintenance, and process optimization.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the current technological landscape is witnessing a revolution with the dominance of AI. As AI continues to expand its role in various sectors, it faces challenges and controversies. The challenges faced by the EV market, the rise of humanoid robots, and the evolving landscape of weight-loss treatments are also reshaping industries and capturing the world's attention. However, the future holds great potential for further advancements and breakthroughs in these revolutionary technologies.

Electric Car Charging: The Race for Solutions

As the world shifts towards a greener and more sustainable future, the demand for electric vehicles (EVs) continues to rise. However, the success of EV adoption largely hinges on the availability of efficient and convenient charging infrastructure.

This has sparked a race for innovative solutions that can meet the growing needs of EV owners. In this discussion, we will explore the latest developments in the realm of electric car charging, uncovering the potential of using existing infrastructure, such as lampposts and green street cabinets, as charging points.

We will also delve into the concept of mobile chargers and highlight the challenges that lie ahead. Join us as we uncover the fascinating race for solutions in the world of electric car charging.

Key Takeaways

  • Lamppost and bollard charging solutions are expanding, providing a cost-effective and convenient way to charge electric vehicles without the need for new infrastructure.
  • Green street cabinet conversion offers a space-saving solution for charging points, especially in areas where leaving a car plugged in for extended periods is inconvenient.
  • Mobile chargers, such as Nyobolt's Bolt-ee and Hyundai's automatic charging robot, provide flexibility and save space, potentially addressing the need for charging in different locations.
  • While innovative solutions like pavement-embedded chargers and mobile robotic charging show promise, they may have limitations and remain niche options for now.

Lamppost and Bollard Charging Expansion

The expansion of lamppost and bollard charging solutions has emerged as a cost-effective and efficient method to meet the growing demand for electric vehicle charging infrastructure. Lamppost charging offers numerous benefits, such as repurposing existing infrastructure, eliminating the need for digging and laying new cables, and avoiding complex permitting requirements. The cost of a lamppost charger is approximately €1,500 ($1,600; £1,300) per charger.

On the other hand, bollard charging has its limitations, providing a typical rate of 5kW. Some chargers are embedded into the ground, like pop-up chargers, while others, such as Trojan Energy's chargers, sit flush with the pavement. These pavement-embedded chargers resemble miniature manhole covers and are designed to be safe for those with mobility or sight impairments.

While lamppost and bollard chargers offer practical solutions, they alone may not be sufficient to meet the ever-increasing charging needs.

Green Street Cabinet Conversion

BT Group is implementing a pilot program in Scotland to convert old green street cabinets into charging points, offering a space-saving solution in areas where leaving a car plugged in for multiple weeks would be inconvenient. This innovative approach to street cabinet conversion presents several advantages:

  1. Cost-effective: Repurposing existing cabinets eliminates the need for expensive infrastructure development.
  2. Improved accessibility: By converting street cabinets into charging points, EV owners gain access to convenient charging options in areas where it would otherwise be challenging.

In addition to street cabinet innovations, another promising solution is the use of mobile chargers. These chargers, such as Nyobolt's Bolt-ee, provide flexibility and space-saving capabilities. With the ability to provide up to 300kW of DC power, mobile chargers offer rapid charging options for EV owners.

The development of automatic charging robots, like Hyundai's robotic arm, further enhances the convenience and efficiency of mobile charging solutions. These advancements in street cabinet conversion and mobile chargers contribute to the overall race for electric car charging solutions, addressing the growing demand for accessible and efficient charging infrastructure.

Mobile Chargers in Action

Mobile chargers are revolutionizing the electric vehicle (EV) charging landscape with their flexibility, rapid charging capabilities, and innovative features. These chargers provide several advantages, including their ability to be easily moved and deployed in various locations, making them suitable for temporary charging needs or in areas where permanent charging infrastructure is not feasible.

Additionally, mobile chargers integrate seamlessly with existing infrastructure, eliminating the need for extensive installation and construction work. This integration allows for efficient utilization of resources and reduces the overall cost and time required for implementing charging solutions.

With the development of advanced technologies, such as semi-autonomous and robotic charging systems, mobile chargers are becoming even more efficient and user-friendly, further enhancing the convenience and accessibility of EV charging.

Challenges and Future Implications

In light of the expanding electric vehicle (EV) market, there are several challenges and future implications that need to be addressed for the widespread adoption of EV charging solutions.

Here are some key points to consider:

  • Space saving innovations:
  • Repurposing existing lampposts and bollards for EV charging eliminates the need for new infrastructure and complex permitting requirements.
  • Innovative solutions like CityCharge's aluminum poles and Trojan Energy's pavement-embedded chargers offer space-saving options.
  • BT Group's conversion of old green street cabinets into charging points provides a convenient and efficient use of space.
  • Impact of younger companies:
  • Younger and smaller companies, such as ubitricity and Nyobolt, are making significant contributions to the EV charging market.
  • Their innovative approaches and technological advancements are driving competition and pushing for more efficient and accessible charging solutions.

These space-saving innovations and the impact of younger companies play a crucial role in overcoming the challenges and shaping the future of EV charging infrastructure.

AI Guiding Investment Decisions

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into investment decision-making processes has emerged as a transformative tool in guiding investment strategies. AI-driven investment strategies have the potential to revolutionize the financial markets by providing more accurate and data-driven insights for investors.

With the ability to analyze vast amounts of data in real-time, AI algorithms can identify patterns, trends, and correlations that human analysts may miss. This enables investors to make more informed decisions and optimize their portfolios for better returns.

The impact of AI on financial markets is already evident, with AI-powered trading bots and algorithms being increasingly utilized by institutional investors and hedge funds. However, there are still risks and challenges associated with AI in investment decisions, such as algorithmic biases and the need for constant monitoring and oversight.

AI in Cancer Treatment

The application of artificial intelligence (AI) in various fields, including investment decision-making, has shown promising potential for transforming industries. Expanding on this trend, the integration of AI technology is now making advancements in the field of cancer treatment, revolutionizing the way medical professionals approach diagnosis and therapy selection.

  • AI in precision medicine:

AI algorithms can analyze vast amounts of patient data, including genomic information, to identify personalized treatment options.

AI-powered tools can assist in predicting patient responses to specific therapies, leading to more effective and targeted treatments.

  • AI in clinical trials:

AI can streamline the process of identifying suitable candidates for clinical trials, improving efficiency and accelerating the development of new treatments.

AI algorithms can analyze large datasets from clinical trials to identify patterns and insights, aiding researchers in making informed decisions.

ChatGPT Data Breach and Privacy Concerns

The recent data breach involving ChatGPT has raised significant concerns surrounding privacy and underscored the urgent need for stricter regulations in the field of artificial intelligence (AI).

The incident highlights the ethical implications and potential risks associated with AI-powered chatbots. Data security measures must be prioritized to protect user information and prevent unauthorized access.

Stricter regulations should be implemented to ensure that AI systems adhere to stringent privacy standards and safeguard user data effectively.

This breach serves as a reminder that as AI technologies continue to advance, the protection of personal information must be a top priority.

It also emphasizes the importance of transparency and accountability in AI development and deployment to build trust with users and mitigate privacy concerns.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are the Benefits of Using Lamppost and Bollard Charging for Electric Vehicles?

Lamppost and bollard charging for electric vehicles offer several benefits. They eliminate the need for digging and laying new cables, have lower permitting requirements, and are cost-effective. Additionally, they provide convenient and space-saving charging options for EV owners.

How Do Green Street Cabinet Conversions Provide a Space-Saving Solution for EV Charging?

Green street cabinet conversions provide a space-saving solution for EV charging by repurposing old cabinets traditionally used for broadband and phone cabling. This conversion allows for the installation of charging points in areas where leaving a car plugged in for multiple weeks is inconvenient.

What Are the Advantages of Using Mobile Chargers in Places Like Airport Car Parks?

Mobile chargers in places like airport car parks offer several advantages. They provide flexibility and save space, allowing for efficient use of limited parking areas. Additionally, they can deliver a high amount of DC power, ensuring rapid charging for electric vehicles.

What Are the Challenges and Limitations of Current EV Charging Solutions?

The challenges and limitations of current EV charging solutions include the insufficient capacity of lampposts and bollards, limited suitability of pavement-embedded chargers in certain areas, and the niche nature of mobile robotic charging. Wireless charging and ultra-fast charging technologies may offer potential solutions.

How Can Smaller and Newer Companies Make an Impact in the EV Charging Market?

In order to make an impact in the EV charging market, smaller and newer companies can form innovative partnerships with established players, leverage marketing strategies to differentiate their offerings, and focus on developing cutting-edge technologies to meet the evolving needs of electric car owners.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the race to find efficient and convenient charging solutions for electric vehicles is intensifying as the demand for EVs continues to grow. Various innovative approaches, such as utilizing lampposts and bollards, converting green street cabinets, and implementing mobile chargers, are being explored. However, as the demand surges, a combination of these solutions will be necessary to meet the growing needs.

The challenges and implications associated with these charging solutions highlight the potential for smaller companies to make a significant impact in the EV charging market, shaping the future of electric mobility.

Metaphor: The charging infrastructure race is like a puzzle, with different pieces coming together to create a comprehensive solution for the widespread adoption of electric vehicles.

Global Race for Semiconductors: The Future Unveiled

The global race for semiconductors has become a matter of strategic importance as industries worldwide grapple with the challenges of meeting increasing demand and securing the supply of these vital components.

From smartphones to cars, semiconductors are the invisible heroes that power our modern world. However, disruptions in the semiconductor supply chain, coupled with geopolitical tensions, have exposed vulnerabilities and highlighted the need for diversified and resilient manufacturing capabilities.

Governments and industries are stepping up their efforts to strengthen domestic chip production, but the future of this critical industry remains uncertain. In this article, we will explore the complex landscape of the global semiconductor race, the ongoing efforts to enhance manufacturing capabilities, and the potential implications for industries and economies.

Key Takeaways

  • Semiconductors are crucial for the functioning of various industries and products, from phones to cars.
  • The pandemic and geopolitical tensions have disrupted semiconductor production, highlighting the need for diversification and domestic manufacturing.
  • Governments around the world, including the US, EU, UK, and India, are investing heavily in the semiconductor industry to reduce dependency on a few key suppliers and strengthen their domestic chip industries.
  • Meeting the increasing demand for connected devices and achieving cost-effective and scalable production of semiconductors pose significant challenges that require diversification in chip manufacturing methods and applications.

Increasing Demand for Semiconductors

The demand for semiconductors is rapidly increasing across various industries, driving the need for expanded manufacturing capabilities worldwide. This surge in demand has had a significant impact on the global supply chain, as companies scramble to meet the growing needs of their customers.

Technological advancements in chip manufacturing have played a crucial role in addressing this demand. Companies are investing in research and development to improve the efficiency and scalability of semiconductor production. From the development of smaller and more powerful chips to the exploration of new materials and manufacturing processes, these advancements are shaping the future of the industry.

As the demand for connected devices continues to rise, the industry must continue to innovate and find cost-effective and scalable ways to produce semiconductors to meet the needs of a rapidly evolving market.

Global Efforts to Expand Manufacturing

Several countries are taking significant steps to expand semiconductor manufacturing capabilities in order to meet the increasing demand for semiconductors and reduce dependence on a few key suppliers. The global efforts to expand manufacturing are driven by technological advancements in chip manufacturing and the recognition of the importance of international collaboration in this industry.

To paint a picture for the audience, here are two sub-lists:

  1. Technological advancements in chip manufacturing:
  • Development of flexible chips for wearable technology, clothing authentication, and parcel labels.
  • Investments in research and development to improve chip manufacturing methods and applications.
  1. The role of international collaboration in expanding semiconductor manufacturing:
  • Governments pledging significant funds to boost domestic production of semiconductors.
  • Strengthening tech cooperation between allied countries to support emerging chip manufacturing players like India.

These efforts aim to diversify chip manufacturing and create alternative supplies to meet the growing demand for connected devices.

Government Investments in Chip Industry

To address the increasing demand for semiconductors and reduce reliance on a few key suppliers, governments around the world are significantly investing in the chip industry. These government investments aim to strengthen domestic chip industries and promote technological independence. By providing financial support and incentives, governments are encouraging the expansion of semiconductor manufacturing facilities and research and development activities. This investment is crucial for diversifying the global supply chain and ensuring a stable and secure semiconductor ecosystem. To illustrate the extent of government involvement, here is a snapshot of some notable investments:

Country Investment Amount Purpose
United States $52 billion Boost domestic production
European Union €43 billion Strengthen chip industry
United Kingdom £1 billion Investment in sector
Germany, Belgium, Lithuania, Czech Republic Significant investments Semiconductor industry

These investments highlight the importance governments place on developing a robust chip industry to meet the growing demand for semiconductors and reduce dependence on a few key suppliers.

Challenges in Chip Manufacturing and Applications

The semiconductor industry faces various challenges in manufacturing and applications, requiring innovative solutions to meet the increasing demand for connected devices and ensure cost-effective and scalable production.

Some of the challenges in chip manufacturing and applications include:

  1. Cost effective production challenges:
  • Rising costs of materials and equipment.
  • Complex manufacturing processes that require high precision and expertise.
  • Need for efficient use of resources to minimize waste and maximize productivity.
  1. Diversification in chip applications:
  • The industry needs to expand beyond traditional applications like computers and smartphones.
  • Emerging technologies such as Internet of Things (IoT), autonomous vehicles, and artificial intelligence require specialized chips.
  • Customization and adaptation of chip designs for specific applications.

To overcome these challenges, the industry is exploring new manufacturing methods and materials, investing in research and development, and collaborating with partners across the supply chain.

Diversification in chip applications will require continuous innovation and adaptation to meet the evolving needs of different industries.

Importance of Strengthening Domestic Chip Industries

The growing challenges in chip manufacturing and applications highlight the importance of strengthening domestic chip industries to meet the increasing demand for connected devices and ensure technological resilience in the face of geopolitical tensions and disruptions in global supply chains. The economic implications of semiconductor industry growth are significant, as almost every product with an on-off switch relies on semiconductors. To reduce reliance on Asian chip suppliers, countries like the US, the European Union, and the UK are implementing strategies to boost domestic chip production. This includes substantial investments in the sector, such as the US government's pledge of $52 billion and the European Union's project worth €43 billion. By strengthening their domestic chip industries, countries aim to reduce dependency on a few key suppliers and ensure a steady supply of semiconductors for their technological needs.

Country Investment Purpose
US $52 billion Boost domestic chip production
EU €43 billion Strengthen chip industry
UK £1 billion Invest in the sector

Table: Investments in Domestic Chip Industries.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Has the COVID-19 Pandemic Affected the Production of Computer Chips?

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the production of computer chips, causing supply chain disruptions. The industry has faced challenges in meeting the increasing demand for semiconductors, leading to shortages and delays in production.

What Are the Geopolitical Tensions in Asia That Have Affected the Semiconductor Industry?

Geopolitical tensions in Asia, coupled with the impact of COVID-19 on chip production, have affected the semiconductor industry. This has resulted in disruptions in the global supply chain and highlighted the need for diversification and resilience in chip manufacturing.

What Are Some Examples of Alternative Applications for Flexible Chips Being Developed by Pragmatic Semiconductor?

Pragmatic Semiconductor is developing flexible chips with alternative applications, including wearable technology, clothing authentication, and parcel labels. These innovations showcase the potential of flexible chip technology beyond traditional uses, such as in phones and computers.

How Is the US Government and the European Union Supporting the Expansion of Semiconductor Manufacturing?

The US government and the European Union are supporting the expansion of semiconductor manufacturing through collaboration and investment incentives. Their efforts aim to reduce dependency on key suppliers and strengthen domestic chip industries.

What Are the Potential Risks and Challenges Associated With Building Chip Plants in Different Regions?

Potential risks and challenges associated with building chip plants in different regions include duplication, wastefulness, shortage of skilled workers, and the need to diversify chip manufacturing methods and applications. These challenges highlight the complexity and importance of the semiconductor industry.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the global race for semiconductors is intensifying as industries worldwide recognize their crucial role in various products.

Efforts to expand semiconductor manufacturing capabilities are underway, with governments and industries investing heavily in domestic chip production.

However, challenges persist in this critical industry, including disruptions in supply chains and geopolitical tensions.

Strengthening domestic chip industries is of utmost importance to address these challenges and reduce dependence on a few key suppliers.

The future of semiconductors holds great potential as emerging players aim to compete with established leaders.

Gas Hot Water System Technology Explained

Gas hot water system technology consists of two parts: the gas boiler and the water tanks. The gas boiler uses long pieces of copper tubing that absorb the heat of the water that passes through it. This heat transfers to the water inside the coil, generating hot water. The gas boiler also includes a separate storage tank.

The gas boiler uses propane or natural gas to heat the water. The gas supply pipe, which may be made of steel black pipe, feeds into a gas regulator. The gas regulator has a thermostat and controls the temperature of the water heater. A secondary tube in the tank supplies gas to a pilot light. This pilot light ignites the burner when needed.

Gas hot water system technology explained

The capacity of the hot-water system refers to the capacity of the burner and the heat storage capacity. Burner capacity refers to the maximum amount of heat that the system can produce from a given amount of fuel. It is the practical limit of the system’s output. If the fuel rate is increased, the system’s capacity will be equal to the amount of fuel used.

Water use for hot water has fallen over the past decade, and that trend is expected to continue. This is a result of ongoing government regulations, residential building standards, and energy efficiency policies. The use of hot water has also been reduced by water restrictions and system conversions. These factors have all helped to reduce the carbon footprint of our homes and the water we use for it.

In China, students use blockchain to report sexual harassment

To get around Beijing’s censorship, which protects some men accused of sexual assault by deleting complainants’ posts on the internet, students are using these encrypted database strings.

Chinese students want to be able to report sexual harassment at their universities. In the wake of the Weinstein affair, the hashtag #metoo (#balancetonporc in France) had allowed women from all over the world to denounce acts of sexual assault of which they say they are victims. In China too, the movement has been emulated. As evidenced in January by the eviction of a renowned professor from Beihang University in Beijing after testimonies from former students.

But since then, the government has removed many posts related to these harassments on Chinese networks (Weibo and Wechat in particular). So to counter the censorship, students from Peking University have written a petition directly on the Ethereum blockchain, a database considered inviolable since its servers are spread all over the world.

The purpose of this letter is to reopen the case of Gao Yan, a student who committed suicide in 1998 after writing that she had been sexually assaulted by a professor for years. It was Yue Xin, a student at this prestigious Beijing university, who encoded her message into the blockchain. Indeed, when she started to ask for the reopening of the investigation, professors and administrators had strongly encouraged her to back out. And her letter had been immediately deleted from Chinese social networks.

No 404 error in Blockchain

So on April 27, Yue Xin made a transaction of 0 Ethereum, a virtual currency, to herself. Transaction that cost him 53 cents in fees. The objective was to attach to the chain his petition. The American site Quartz compares this technique to an individual who would make a transfer to himself of 0 dollars while adding, in the optional note proposed for each transfer, the letter. Except that unlike the bank account, the blockchain is accessible to all. And that where a website can always be blocked, especially in China, the chains like Ethereum or Bitcoin, are almost untouchable.

If the method seems very useful to set in stone such a petition and not to see it systematically deleted, it does not facilitate the visibility of this message on the web. Indeed, it is necessary to go through search engines specific to blockchains and not adapted to the uninitiated to find it. But at least, as a user pointed out in a comment on the Etherscan.com website, “the blockchain does not have a 404 error”.

The promises of “DeFi”, between cryptoanarchist dream and fintech revolution

Decentralized finance (DeFi) is an experiment led by entrepreneurs and developers in search of an alternative financial system. It remains to be seen if finance can definitively do without traditional mechanisms and its centralized intermediaries.

Simply put, “DeFi aims to accomplish many of the key activities found in traditional finance that possess a risk-reward paradigm but without the intrusive overlay of traditional intermediary institutions,” as summarized by Usman W. Chohan, Ph.D., an economist and subject matter expert, in his analysis “Decentralized Finance: An Emerging Alternative Financial Architecture.”

A powerful example of cryptoanarchism, the author continues, as manifested in the context of cryptocurrencies. The ambition remains indeed to emancipate individuals by granting them the power to control their financial activity without the intervention of state power. This is an attractive promise for those predisposed to independence in the digital world.

More pragmatic than ideological

More pragmatically, DeFi remains an umbrella term covering various fintech solutions ranging from financial computing protocols to crypto derivatives. This “blockchain” finance promises overall cheaper and more open access to banking, insurance, loans, etc.

And it does so precisely by reducing the costs and risks associated with the use of centralized intermediaries through blockchain and cryptographic technologies. The phenomenon therefore promises interoperability between blockchains that could help eliminate silos in the financial sector and significantly promote innovation.

More than a trend, it is a likely forced march that is pushing more and more traditional players into the crypto world. Since even Quebec’s own Caisse de dépôt et placement (CDPQ) is contributing several million dollars to the funding round of an English cryptobank.

The limits of progress

The emerging DeFi industry is one of the most innovative fields, acknowledged U.S. securities regulator Chairman Gary Gensler while speaking at Yahoo Finance’s All Markets conference on Monday. If Satoshi Nakamoto, the pseudonymous creator of Bitcoin, “was putting pressure on the definition of money, […] DeFi is starting to put pressure on other innovations,” Gensler said.

That’s because DeFi is not without its challenges. And these remain understudied. Yet it is critical to conceptually understand the risks inherent in the decentralized nature of blockchain (operational risks, smart contract vulnerabilities, governance risks, scalability, etc.).

“The goal of automating financial service delivery and reducing human dependencies also has the congruent effect of reducing oversight and control,” authors Nic Carter, a venture capitalist, and Linga Jeng of Georgetown University recently pinned down in their paper “The DeFi Paradox.”

And the paradox, too, keeps swelling when looking at the “total locked value” (TVL) of these DeFi protocols, an estimated metric that refers to the cryptocurrencies and other digital tokens (tokens) contained in decentralized lending or trading platforms. The capitalization of the DeFI market has doubled since the end of June and currently stands at about US$247 billion, according to the watchdog site Defi Llama.

The future of libra in question

The payment services company PayPal announced on Friday, October 4, 2019, that it would not participate in Facebook’s digital money project. A decision that could be followed by others, and that weakens him a little more freed him up.

Is this the first name of a list that will soon include others? The payment services company PayPal announced on Friday, October 4, 2019, that it would not take part, finally, in the digital money project carried by Facebook, the libra, which is to be launched in mid-2020.

The first source of concern

Facebook has a poorreputation for privacy and personal data protection. The second concern is that this parallel monetary system does not encourage money laundering, tax evasion, or even the financing of terrorism due to a lack of control. Finally, the size of Facebook, the world’s largest social network with 2.7 billion users (including Instagram, WhatsApp, Messenger, etc.), also implies that the new currency could complicate the task of central banks in controlling the international financial system.

Monetary sovereignty of States

On September 12, 2019, the French Minister of Economy and Finance, Bruno Le Maire, announced that France refused to authorize the introduction of libra “on European soil,” considering that “the monetary sovereignty of States is at stake.” He continued: “Any failure in the functioning of this currency, in the management of its reserves, could create considerable financial disorders.” Bruno Le Maire also fears that the libra will replace the national currency in states where the currency is weak or has been severely devalued.

In addition to this mistrust from the public authorities, there are doubts about the libra’s chances of success. The latter will remain dependent on the basket of currencies to which it will be backed. Libra managers will, therefore, not be able to create currency if the need arises, nor will they be able to act as guarantors “as a last resort” in the event of instability.

Rumors about Visa and Mastercard

This decision by PayPal deprives Facebook of an investment of at least $10 million (9.1 million) but raises questions about the possibility of other announced partners disengaging. For several days, rumors have been circulating in the press about this subject concerning Visa and Mastercard.

For its part, PayPal has not provided any official justification for its withdrawal. But a source close to PayPal explained to the Financial Times that “it would appear that there has been little preparatory work done with financial regulators” and that payment services such as Paypal did not want “regulators’ attention to overflow on their business.”

Apple results of T2 2019: services and Apple Watch doing well, iPhone not so well

Apple reports results for the second quarter of its 2019 fiscal year. When the iPod was still a bestseller, this quarter from January to March was as soft as the previous quarter, the Christmas and New Year’s Eve quarter. And then China grew in power. The second fiscal quarter has become a second Christmas quarter.

But the Chinese market shrank, and the beautiful mechanics stopped. Worse still: iPhone sales, which represent more than half of Apple’s business, are leveling off. It explains the relative underperformance of this quarter, anticipated by the Cupertino firm’s management. Because all the other signals are green: the iPad continues to rise, the Apple Watch and AirPods weigh almost as much as the Mac, and services continue to grow.

Mac Sales

A quarter in the green, a quarter in the red, Mac sales continue to play the yo-yo. After increasing by 8.68% at Christmas, they fell by 4.55% to $5.513 billion. It is not quite a surprise: both IDC and Gartner had warned. Apple is not immune to the contraction of the PC market, but maintains its third place in the US market and its fourth place worldwide, ahead of Acer and behind Dell.

Services and other products

Services continue to grow wildly: they grew 16.24% again this quarter, reaching $11.450 billion. While it has just devoted a unique event to them and should open new services in the coming months, Apple confirms its ability to reach 500 million paying subscribers by 2020.

Revenues from operations

International sales represented 61% of the company’s business. Without China, sales would have fallen by only a very minor 0.66%, with sales increasing both in the Americas (+3.04%) and Japan (+1.17%). That said, the situation in the Chinese market has not worsened: the drop in sales in the second quarter (-21.54%) is less significant than in the first quarter (-26.66%). Tim Cook sees this as the effect of the recent VAT cut and the relative lull in the trade war between China and the United States.

iPhone sales

The first results seemed encouraging: the iPhone’s market share is actively growing in the United States, the latest models have entered the Chinese top 5, and the iPhone XR is a hit. But they are not reflected on the balance sheet: iPhone revenue fell by 17.32%, even worse than in the first quarter, to $31.051 billion. As a result, in two years, the iPhone’s share of Apple’s revenue has risen from 66% to 53%.

iPad sales

With a turnover of $4.872 billion, up 21.55%, the iPad is once again a pillar of Apple’s business. The recent refresh of the iPad mini, designed to meet the continuous demands of a concrete customer base, should continue this success in the third quarter. For the past two years, Apple has been adapting its model to the longer renewal cycles of the iPad, playing a lot on the range effects.

The iPad Air is a crucial component in this device: without being much less capable than the iPad Pro, it is much cheaper, but also more profitable. Now that Apple no longer details sales figures, it will be more challenging to assess its success. However, financial analysts will undoubtedly provide some answers in the coming months.

Cannabis Vaporizers on the Rise

Sales of cannabis vaporizers are increasing, appreciated by those who want to consume cannabis more “healthily.” It’s still illegal, but it’s less harmful,” says an addictologist.

“Every time I smoked a joint, I would go back… back to smoking cigarettes. During a trip to the United States, I found a grass sprayer. It may sound strange, but it has allowed me to burn healthily.

Jonas, 42 years old, manager of vaporisateur-cannabis.org, is one of those new cannabis users… concerned about their health! A paradox that makes the happiness of sellers of portable electronic vaporizers, on sale on the Internet and in some electronic cigarette stores.

The principle? An alternative to the traditional joint.

With these devices, no combustion or smoke. Cannabis herb is heated to 190°C to release steam. In this way, only the active ingredients of the illegal plant are extracted.

Vapes are very popular in the United States

“Today, people want to inhale clean and eat healthily,” says Grimhild in his store, one of the few specialized in “vaping’,” in the 11th arrondissement of Paris. Here, officially, the vaporizers are only used to suck up laurel, chamomile or marshmallow vapor. “Many want to adopt it and give up the electronic cigarette, which they find too toxic. On the Internet and in our shop, we sell up to 5 to 10 a day,” says Grimhild.

These devices, very popular in the United States, are used in clinics in Germany, Israel, or Switzerland, countries that have legalized the medicinal use of cannabis, in the form of CBD, a molecule of hemp, to calm anxiety and pain. Some look like electronic cigarettes; others fit in the palm of your hand. Prices vary from 75 to 300 €.

Less toxic than smoking joints

loads of weed vapo models“When you smoke hemp mixed with tobacco, you swallow tar, heavy metals, carbon monoxide,” says Florent of the Norml association, which advocates for a relaxation of cannabis regulations. On his site, we recommend the use of the vaporizer rather than the “firecracker” that “blackens the lungs.”

The same is true for Olivier, 28 years old, project manager: “I started running. I also stopped drinking and smoking. But I’m not going to quit cannabis. That’s why I went to the vaporizer. Besides, it is economical, and you can smell the aromas more. Some friends followed me.

Amine Benyamina, addictologist at the Paul-Brousse Hospital in Villejuif (Val-de-Marne), confirms that if you can’t do without grass, spraying is “less harmful”: “All combustion products should be avoided. With this process, tobacco, which contains more than 4,000 substances, most of them toxic, is avoided. They are right to use it,” he concludes. This technique is even indicated in therapeutic hemp.

Another particularity of these new seals is that the steam is almost odorless; the devices are becoming more and more discreet. “I’ve already vaporized in the street, but also in meetings and even… on the plane, without anyone noticing,” Jonas boasts. It is enough to make it difficult for the authorities to track down drug smokers.

More about weed vaporisation

Vaporization is a gentle heating process for all types of plants to release their active ingredients in the form of steam. Vaporizers use either hot air (known as convection), a hot surface (known as conduction) or a combination of both.

Convection would be preferable because it provides better temperature control, more uniform heating, and better taste. But some will prefer conduction because it heats up faster, it is often easier to miniaturize and it often costs less, but there is a greater risk of combustion.

Although vaporization and combustion use heat to release the active ingredients from the herbs, the major differences are the temperature used and the by-products resulting from each method.

Adobe acquires the French company Allegorithmic, the world leader in 3D texture

Adobe has recently announced its acquisition of the French talent Allegorithmic, a reference in the creation of textures and materials for 3D models. In addition to the absorption of the Substance tool suite into Adobe’s Creative Cloud, this acquisition aims to accelerate Adobe’s growth in 3D creation, particularly for virtual and augmented reality.

The American graphic design giant Adobe announced on the evening of January 23, 2019, its acquisition of the French genius Allegorithmic. Adobe and Allegorithmic did not disclose the transaction amount. Based in Clermont-Ferrand, France, this small business founded in 2003 has established itself as the pioneer of 3D texturing and has quickly become the world leader in this field.

Pioneer and leader in 3D texturing

Almost all video game development studios now use its Substance software suite. Its founder, Sébastien Deguy, explained that Substance Painter had succeeded in supplanting Adobe Photoshop, a powerful but generalist tool, in this field, by meeting the particular needs of 3D texture creation. Following its success, Adobe became a shareholder of Allegorithmic two years ago.

While the video game industry was the first to take an interest, many others are now following. Allegorithmic tools are now widespread in Hollywood and movie studios have used for the films Blade Runner 2049 and Pacific Rim Uprising. The company also makes inroads into the world of architecture or product design. For example, its tools have been used by BMW since 2017 for its design reviews.

Allegorithmic’s 140 employees will continue to develop Substance tools, whose pricing will not change immediately. In the long term, they will obviously integrate the tool into Adobe’s Creative Cloud suite.

Adobe accelerates its strategy in 3D and immersive technology

This acquisition is in line with Adobe’s strategy of expanding into the world of 3D creation. The company is historically specialized in 2D production but became seriously involved in 3D a year ago with the announcement of Adobe Dimension. Sébastien Deguy will be responsible for continuing these efforts as Vice President 3D & Immersive at Adobe. One of the challenges is immersive creation, whether it concerns virtual reality or augmented reality.

Allegorithmic is ahead of the curve, as the company is the first partner officially announced by Oculus for its hybrid applications, capable of switching from 2D to VR mode on the fly. For its part, Adobe launched the Aero project a few months ago, a tool dedicated to the design of augmented reality applications. Two complementary approaches that have undoubtedly contributed to this rapprochement.

Foldable smartphone: Will Samsung finally put an end to the Concept?

The folding smartphone is still a dream in the high tech world. Even if its potential users do not well understand the technology yet, Samsung wants to unveil its model by the end of the year.

We’ve been talking about it for years: the foldable smartphone is one of the most anticipated evolution in the small world of technology that never ceases to fascinate users. Samsung is the one who is most intended to use this format – even if other Asian manufacturers seem to be racing. And Samsung could also draw the first one: the CEO of the Korean company told CNBC that a first model of a folding smartphone could be presented as early as November 2018 at the conference for the giant’s developers.

DJ Koh felt that this was “the time to keep the promises,” even if the project is challenging. Samsung is no fool: if folding a technological object is just a gadget, the format will never break through. If the unfolded smartphone is just a tablet, it will have no interest. If the folded smartphone is just a smartphone, it will only be too thick a smartphone. The challenge for the manufacturer is, therefore, to create an experience at the service of uses that can take advantage of both forms of the smartphone.

It is a beautiful profession of faith, but the challenges are many. Beyond the novelty on the formal side, it will be necessary to make an efficient and effective operating system – two adjectives that do not correspond to what Samsung offers today on Android, the manufacturer having the reputation of overloading its devices. But we will also have to think about the whole ecosystem around it: in-house applications may be enough for a proof of concept, but they will not replace a real marketplace with thousands of apps designed for the format.

And as often with radical newness, you never really know where to start: developers will have no interest in creating applications for a platform that has no customer and customers will not buy an object that has no use. It is why an announcement at a conference dedicated to professionals is interesting: Samsung has a keen interest in providing tools well in advance to developers, or even financing development programs to ensure a significant application market.

Once achieved, the Korean will have to find the right price for a commercial product and given the trend towards increasing the cost of high-end smartphones, we can only bet on a device exceeding $1,000. Bit expensive for such a device!

Google Pixel 3, updates

Google would turn to Foxconn to build its Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL, ending its partnerships with HTC and LG that have been doing this until now. More information on the design of the largest model was also revealed.

Since the launch of the first Google Pixel and Pixel XL, the Mountain View firm has always operated the LG and HTC production lines which operated in white brands. Nevertheless, for the third generation of this range of devices, Google might prefer another partner.

Indeed, anonymous sources from Bloomberg indicate that the web giant is currently negotiating with Foxconn – who is already assembling Apple iPhone. Google had already acquired the mobile division of HTC and the engineers and developers involved in this migration would probably be very involved in the design of the new devices.

Also note that according to Digital Daily – taken over by 9to5Google – LG will nevertheless provide the OLED screens of the Google Pixel 3 XL. The divorce is therefore not entirely recorded.

A few hints on the new Design

Bloomberg sources also corroborate previous information about the design of Google Pixel 3 XL. Leaks had indeed shown that a notch on his forehead would mark the larger of the two models. The notch would be smaller, but longer than on the iPhone X and would house two photosensors – while there would only be one at the back.

It is also specified that the XL model would keep a relatively thick border at the bottom of the screen. Google would probably be working on a model with no edges and no notches, but they would have preferred to preserve the front stereo speakers for this year’s product.

The smaller Google Pixel 3 will be very similar to its predecessor. Finally, the American operator Verizon would, once again, be Google’s exclusive partner.

Chrome 67, here is the list of new features.

Chrome 67, the latest update of the web browser gets rid of passwords thanks to a new identification system. It can be based on a device such as a fingerprint sensor on smartphones. Other novelties concern virtual reality features and more, discover the complete list by reading the following article.

Chrome updates to version 67, Google announces some new features. Most of them are mainly aimed at developers. However, the research giant has decided to take a new step that will make life easier for all users. The new version will make it possible to get rid of the old password in favor of an alternative method which requires a device connected in Bluetooth as the smartphone for example. WebAuthn, an API is now integrated into the new version of Chrome.

Chrome 67: discover the list of new features of the new version of the web browser

Services compatible with this device can open up new authentication possibilities to their users. There is, of course, the biometric sensor, but we can also consider using facial recognition, which is very popular with Apple with the iPhone X or the recent Xiaomi Mi 8, the first Android smartphone to be equipped with a 3D sensor. Of course, the WebAuthn standard is not only present on Chrome since we also find it at its competitor Firefox 60 Quantum. Here is the list of other new features introduced with Chrome 67 :

  • Progressive Web Apps land on the computer browser
  • Generic sensor API facilitates access to sensors on devices such as accelerometer, gyroscope and more
  • WebXR: an API dedicated to virtual reality
  • Better security by compartmentalizing the processes launched within the web browser

Many new features especially for developers for this latest version of Chrome. WebXR supports virtual reality, augmented and mixed, it is developed by Mozilla who already uses it on Firefox. The deployment of the update is already underway. We have seen that we already have Chrome 67 on our side. Google, in particular, is making efforts to improve the battery life of mobile equipment using Chrome. So far Microsoft Edge has done better in this area.

Watch the following promotional video to know more about these new features:

Introducing the DJI Mavic Air

dji mavic air droneOver the years of producing cutting-edge drones, DJI has earned the moniker of being “The Apple of Drones”. DJI Mavic Air is yet another impressive drone from their assembly lines with superb features.

The first experience of using the drone makes you love it instantly.

The Quickshot feature enables you to capture Holywood-quality video footage by simply pressing a button while the Boomerang feature lets you command the drone to hover around an object and take awesome close shots.

This top drone has been mainly recommended to photography newbies, but racers can find it to be a valuable tool for capturing shots in its Sports Mode at a blistering speed of 42 mph.

Features

12MP Photos and 4K Video capturing capability
3-Axis Gimbal-Stabilized movable Camera
Vision and GPS Position-Based Navigation
8GB Internal Storage
Flight Autonomy made possible by obstacle Detection and avoidance capability
Maximum speed of 43mph in the Sport Mode
21 Minutes battery life
Foldable, compact and portable Body
Charger dock supporting multiple batteries

Mavic Air has one fascinating difference from its older yet more professional sibling Mavic Pro in that Mavic Air’s cameras sturdier while that in Mavic Pro is fragile.

Pros

1. Incredibly portability makes this drone an excellent option for photography when you are traveling to the most remote places to which you need to carry few devices.

2. With 21 minutes battery life, this drone can last longer in the air than other drones in its class. Besides, you need just 50 minutes of charging time to return to your aerial photography adventure.

3. It has a solid camera performance that ensures capture of HD overhead footages

4. The rugged construction of the drone is sturdy enough to withstand bruising impacts and scratches.

5. The charger dock allows you to charge more than one battery. It is an excellent opportunity to charge all your batteries simultaneously so that you can last longer in the air.

6. The stabilizing rig is superior to most other drones in its class and slightly better offer compared to that in Mavic Pro

take amazing panoramas

Cons

1. Compared to Mavic Pro, Mavic Air has a much shorter range.

2. The drone comes with connection quirks that could have been easily avoided such having two different USB versions to perform two tasks. Instead of one unified USB option.

3. Regarding raw specs, the camera of the drone lags behind those of its peers.

Warranty Information

The drone has a 2-year warranty which looks normal. Second party owners are not eligible for the warranty.

Summary

DJI Mavic Air is certainly not the best drone out there, but it is still the best drone ever to roll out of DJI assemblies. All the right boxes about this drone are checked. The fiercest competitor to this drone is its stablemate Mavic Pro.

All things considered, Mavic Air still has impressive features compared with its predecessor especially the groundbreaking obstacle avoidance feature and its robust 8GB storage space.

Therefore, it is a drone I can recommend to anyone except if camera resolution is a factor in which case I would recommend the Mavic Pro.

Apple HomePod: a great sound but it seems less intelligent than Google Home

U. S. Tech websites have been testing Apple’s latest product for a few days. They praised the excellent sound quality but regretted the limited use of Siri.

homepod build elementsA marvel of software engineering, a more qualitative sound than that delivered by loudspeakers more expensive but critical intellectual limitations. American media specialized in new technologies delivered their first verdicts on the strengths and weaknesses of the HomePod, Apple’s latest creation.

Available since February 9 in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia at a price of $349, the HomePod is a voice-driven connected speaker via Apple Siri’s virtual assistant that focuses on acoustic performance.

The HomePod is Apple’s response to Amazon and Google, which capture most of the market share of voice-activated smart speakers with Google Home and Amazon Echo. With these products fuelled by artificial intelligence, the digital giants hope to be able to impose their services in the users’ homes.

An excellent and easy to use speaker

All the journalists who have tried Apple’s speaker system agree on one thing: the HomePod keeps its promises regarding sound performance with excellent bass. The device’s eight speakers and seven microphones, driven by a microprocessor designed by Apple, do justice to the device’s premium positioning.

The HomePod offers the best of your music, no matter where you are. An accelerometer allows the HomePod to adapt to the room in which it is installed to deliver a spatialised sound like the Sonos speakers.

American medias also praise the ease of use of Apple’s latest product. The software and hardware know-how of the American group is once again reflected in the installation and configuration of the HomePod, which takes just a few seconds from an iPhone. The paw of the American IT group is as impressive in the sleeker style of the device, which is finally more compact than its competitors Home Max or Sonos Play: 5. A good point for Apple that capitalizes on its strengths.

An environment locked in the Apple universe.

sound system made in appleThe HomePod is designed to become the cornerstone of music listening at home. Provided you subscribe to Apple’s music streaming service, Apple Music. Unlike its rivals Amazon Echo and Google Home, Apple’s speaker only works with the home ecosystem. No need to hope to throw a song on Deezer or Spotify. Only Apple Music, iTunes, Beats1, and MusicMatch are compatible with the native features of the device.

The HomePod logically gives its full measure with Apple Music. It is therefore aimed above all at Apple addicts, who have several products and subscriptions to the group’s services and will see no disadvantage in remaining in its universe. To play a song from a competing service, you will have to use the AirPlay protocol.

Siri use is still limited.

The analysis site Loup Ventures has put the artificial intelligence of Apple’s loudspeaker to the test against that of Google. According to the results obtained, Siri is far from overcoming his delay on Google Assistant. Less relevant, Apple’s voice was only able to provide a correct answer to 52% of the 782 questions asked during the exam.

Not fixable

Finally, it is difficult not to mention the red card addressed to Apple by iFixit. The site specializing in the dismantling of technological products scrutinized the HomePod and found that it, like other Apple devices, was simply irreparable. No easy access to components is provided.

The repair mark is irrevocable: 1/10. In other words, in the event of a glitch, it’s better to rely on a simple and straightforward replacement by Apple.

Growing concerns around civil drone use in 2017

UAVs, also known as the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) or drones, are being increasingly used in a variety of industries.

a surveillance droneCommercial drones are used responsibly by the majority of their users, most of their applications and users have a positive impact, but their use is not without problems. Knowing that it is possible to use a drone as a mobile “flying camera” to produce images or video footage of the sky, it can also be used to spy on a company or to identify security holes.

Likewise, it is possible to use a drone as a mobile and remote delivery tool for illicit products or even to commit an attack. More innocently, but not less dangerously, UAVs can pose a safety risk if they are inadvertently flown in airspace where other aircraft are flying or over people working on the ground. Companies must, therefore, take this new threat into account and put measures in place to monitor UAVs and control them from the field.

A growing risk, involving monitoring UAVs

Last April, the British newspaper “The Guardian” reported a sharp increase in complaints filed with police services about UAVs, including cases of detection for burglary, near-flight collisions and smuggling of illegal products into prisons. With drones on sale for only 35 euros, even if most of them are used for playful purposes, the risk of some of them being misused increases.

One of the critical issues is aviation safety. As reported in August at New York’s JFK airport, a drone was seen within 30 meters of two aircraft arriving at the airport. Between August 2015 and January 216,583 UAV incidents were reported by the FAA (Federal Administration Aviation) between August 2015 and January 216.

Many of these episodes were minor incidents in which pilots or citizens on the ground reported seeing a drone fly in restricted airspace, but not necessarily a danger. However, any risk to aircraft in flight is significant and can lead to a major disaster.

UAV detection, monitoring, and control

cop monitoring the skiesOne solution to the problem is to combine network cameras with sensors and analysis software to detect, monitor and control UAVs entering an organization’s airspace.

A few industry experts have recently developed a platform solution that aggregates sensor data and advanced video analytics algorithms on video sequences from our network cameras that establish a comprehensive detection area, provide visual localization and reduce risk. The solution’s user interface automatically generates visual alerts and notifications, while risk reduction can take many forms, such as UAV radio frequency jamming, laser signal disturbance, anti-drone deployment and fog bombing.

The solution enables the protection of sensitive sites, including 24/7 UAV detection, monitoring, and surveillance, real-time alerting and identification of potential threats, even if they are several hundred meters above ground level.

The threat posed by the development of the use of drones, whether innocent or malicious, is real and growing. From a safety perspective, it is essential that organizations of all types consider and act now on the risks to their businesses, employees, and customers.

Vacuum cleaners can also spy on you (if connected)

A loophole made it possible to take control of any connected object from the manufacturer LG. In particular, it allowed the use of a robot vacuum cleaner to film the interior of a house.

Are you a fan of robot vacuum cleaners? It is true that these devices are efficient, but the fact that they are connected and equipped with sensors creates a risk to our privacy. Check Point experts have just revealed a flaw called HomeHack, allowing remote control of an LG Hom-Bot vacuum cleaner and spy on the user with the integrated camera. To prove it, the researchers made a demonstration video.

Now corrected, this flaw had a much broader impact because it concerned the whole range of connected LG objects: vacuum cleaners, refrigerators, ovens, washing machines, dryers, air conditioners, etc. Millions of users were potentially exposed to this vulnerability. The problem was actually with LG’s SmartThinQ mobile application. Available on Android and iOS, it allows the user to log into their LG account and access the control functions of their connected object (s).

Unfortunately, the authentication procedure was not correctly programmed. After creating their own LG account, the researchers set up a Man-in-the-middle device to intercept requests and replace their identifiers with those of others. And bim, they were connected to a third party account. To do this, however, it was necessary to decompile the Android mobile application and remove two safeguards that the manufacturer had implemented. The first one prevented the app from running on a rooted smartphone; the second one stopped a middle-man interception by checking the authenticity of the HTTPS certificate (“Certificate pinning”).

Check Point discovered this flaw last July. LG released a patch in September. If you are a user of LG connected objects, make sure you have the latest version of the mobile application (1.9.23). It is also advisable to update the firmware of the devices, which you can do directly from the application dashboard.

iMac Pro: amazing speed in the first tests and benchmarks

The next Mac targeted at professionals, the iMac Pro, has reached monstrous speeds; that’s what emerged. The data comes from GeekBench where the results of two machines that would be just two iMac Pro machines appeared.

The first, an 8-core core, would have scored 23,536, the highest score ever seen, of course, for any iMac. Performance would be 21% higher than today’s most powerful iMac, the 4.2 GHz 5K with an average score of 19,336.

iMac Pro means high-performance

bbznxbbeubreryetrtafvabfddjkdeeeSeeing the speed of the 12-core iMac Pro, a Mac in the mid-range, we have monstrous results: 35,917 points that sweep even the latest model of the Cupertino based firm.

It should be noted that, in these tests, the 18 core model is still missing. We are sure that this machine will leave everyone open-mouthed and will burn any other competitor, giving the edge too many other devices on the market today, even very high-end ones.

Now we are all waiting for the release of this new iMac Pro that has scored so high and unprecedentedly. We look forward to 2018 for further developments.

Benchmarks show specially adapted Xeon chips

An exciting aspect to emphasize is what emerges from the benchmarks; the Xeon processor used by iMac Pro is calibrated on clock speeds lower than Intel’s standard products. It may be due to the heat dissipation problems that Apple’s compact machine, like the one Apple, is preparing to present, is more complicated than those devices that have the usual tower or mini-tower shape.

Benchmarks have now revealed Macs that work with hitherto unknown Intel chips – which suggests that they are not “Hackintosh.”

These are computers with an 8-core 3.2 GHz Xeon chip with the model designation W2140B and a 10-core Xeon chip with 3.0 GHz and the designation W2150B chip. The “B” variants of these chips have not been known so far; it is likely to be processors adapted by Intel for Apple – which apparently works at a slightly lower clock frequency to limit the heat build-up in the compact all-in-one iMac package. You will of course still need to do regular maintenance on your websites and use a software such as clean my mac 3 avis!

Even if the chips are obviously clocked down a bit, geekbench results are impressive: The 8-core model achieves a value of 23,536 points in the multi-core test – significantly more than the fastest iMac to date, the current Retina 5K iMac with 4.2 GHz 4-core Core i7 processor, which “only” reaches 19,336 points.

What are the world’s top universities in technology, computing, and science?

French Grandes écoles and faculties are not progressing very well in the 2018 ranking of the Times Higher Education.

French universities and elite schools are absent from the world’s top 20 universities made public by Times Higher Education (THE), Tuesday 17 October, in two fields: engineering and technology on the one hand, and information technology on the other.

Results in line with the 2018 general ranking of THE, one of the most watched in European higher education, with the Shanghai ranking and the one established by QS, which proved even less favorable to French institutions than in previous years.

Based on a series of thirteen indicators, including both numerical data and reputation surveys in five categories (teaching, research, the influence of research, internationalization, innovation), these sector rankings, which only covered 100 institutions last year, were extended to 500 in engineering and technology and 300 in computer science.

A simple change that allows 23 French establishments to be included in engineering and technology, and 8 in computer science. Compared to last year’s two top 100s, the Ecole Polytechnique dominates each time, followed by the Paris Sciences et Lettres grouping, which was not ranked in the previous year.

THE 2018 engineering and technology classification

In the “engineering and technology” category, the positioning of the establishments differs little.

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Ten of the top 20 remain American, Stanford, this time ahead of the California Institute of Technology (CalTech) at the top, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) ranked fourth. For its part, the United Kingdom, which places three institutions, including Oxford and Cambridge, has to contend with more competitors: the Swiss ETH Zurich and Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), the German TU Munich, but also the Delft University of Technology of the Netherlands, Nanyang University and Singapore University, the University of Beijing and the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, which remains in this Top 20.

THE 2018 Rankings in Computer Science

zbncbbebeyyetrtrrrrrrrAccording to Times Higher Education, half of the world’s top 20 “computer sciences” (computer science) universities are American, with Stanford and MIT being the most prominent universities in the world.

The United Kingdom, for its part, has five, including Oxford and Cambridge. Switzerland (ETH Zurich and EPFL) and Germany (TU Munich) are still represented but are losing places, as is the University of Singapore. Tsinghua University in China is moving up to 20th place by winning a place.

Wi-Fi, things you need to know about the different standards

Are you lost between all Wi-Fi 802.11 declinations (a/b/g/n/ac/ad/ax/ah…)? MU-MIMO, Wi-Fi Direct, Aware and TimeSync don’t tell you much?

Let us, therefore, go back to the basics of understanding what this is all about. Because yes, not all “Wi-Fi” is the same, far from it!

Behind the “Wi-Fi” name lies a myriad of technologies and standards, each with its particularities. The best known are of course the 802.11b/g/n/ac, but there are many others. To add some complexity, there are sometimes significant differences within the same standard.

So, between two Wi-Fi 802.11n and 802.11ac routers there can be significant gaps in performance and functionality, so it’s important to know what it’s all about before you make your choice. To avoid being lost in the jungle of acronyms, here is a glossary of relevant terms to know.

Frequency and rate reminders

Before entering deeper into this subject, an important reminder: the evoked flows are theoretical maximums. They will therefore always be lower in practice, even under perfect conditions. Then know that the signal is disturbed by the presence of walls, a microwave oven (on the 2.4 GHz band) and depends of course on the distance. This can cause flow rates to drop rapidly and the connection to be cut off, even over short distances.

Also, in Wi-Fi, the manufacturers always talk about Mb/s (or Gb/s) and not about Mo/s (or Go/s): to convert them you have to divide them by 8. Thus, 300 Mb/s gives “only” 37.5 MB/s, while 1 Gb/s corresponds to about 125 MB/s. Here again, always in theory and of course at most (see our test of Google Wifi to be well aware of it).

As in mobile telephony, the lower the frequency, the farther away it is. However, higher frequencies have more bandwidth to reach higher speeds. In Wi-Fi, the most commonly used are 2.4 GHz (best range) and 5 GHz (best rate).

The youngest will undoubtedly remember the 802.11a (up to 54 Mbps) in the 5 GHz band and the 802.11b (up to 11 Mbps) in the 2.4 GHz band, both standards dating back to 1999. The 802.11b was replaced in 2003 by the 802.11g. It is backward compatible with the previous standard and capable of climbing up to 54 Mbps.

Canadian school to train students in the arts of cannabis cultivation

Training is scheduled to begin next year in New Brunswick, where two companies plan to open cannabis production sites.

Training graduates in marijuana grow operations: this is the project of the New Brunswick Community College in Canada. This French-language post-secondary institution has announced that it is preparing a program to meet the growing demand for cannabis in the country’s maple leaf… maple leaf. In a country where “fumer du cannabis sans tabac” is a must, there have been many new developments over the last few months.

loads of canna related jobsCanadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is no stranger to the “boom” of smoking and pot in this country. Indeed, the former Liberal leader of the Liberal Party elected in 2015 as head of government promised to campaign to legalize the recreational use of marijuana from the spring of 2017, when therapeutic use is already authorized. There are less than six months left to prepare for the market opening.

Two marijuana production companies are moving to New Brunswick: Organigram and Zénabis. The college has partnered with government and the business to develop a new program that meets the broader needs of the industry,” said Michel Doucet, Executive Director of Continuing Education at the New Brunswick Community College on Radio Canada.

The first promotion of cannabis cultivation specialists is expected to start in 2017. Its size will depend on the needs of companies when they start operations. However, two profiles are emerging, with specialists in hemp sprouting and quality control managers, with teaching in French and English. Notice to candidates.

2018 Legalization around the corner

Current thinking in the various Canadian provinces on the future legalization of cannabis in 2018 is currently worrying supporters of legalization. Prohibition of self-culture, the state monopoly on alcoholics, abolition of private clinics… Canadians fear today that legalization will only benefit a small group of people and not necessarily those who fought for it.

Canada is slowly moving towards the legalization of cannabis in July 2018. However, the medical cannabis industry did not wait for this opening to become the largest in the world: it exports enormously internationally.

Canada has become the world’s leading exporter of medical cannabis. And is positioned in all new markets, thanks to a few companies: Tilray, Aurora, Canopy Growth (and its subsidiaries Bedrocan Canada and Tweed), Aphria or others…And there are quite a lot of countries where Canadia is exporting their product!

Canadian medical companies have a bright future ahead of them. It is noteworthy that they are aimed in particular at Europe, which is just beginning to make progress in the medical sector, with no real production capacity. This competitive advantage, the first-incomer advantage, is expected to continue over the next 5-10 years. In the meantime, the international cannabis market is estimated to be worth between $100 billion and $200 billion a year, with the medical market accounting for half the value of it!

Woman Entrepreneurship Champion is?

The “Global Women Entrepreneur Leaders Scorecard,” conducted by Ruta Aidis for Dell in 2015, surveyed 31 countries to find out which countries women entrepreneurs are most likely to succeed in. The ranking was based on various criteria: the entrepreneurial environment, women’s access to the job, women’s leadership and rights, the female entrepreneurial ecosystem and the share of women-led start-ups.

The researcher then ranked each country by points. The United States occupies the first place with 71 points, France comes sixth in Europe with 62 points. The European nation leading the ranking is Sweden with a score of 68 points.

France is at the top of the ranking for the criterion “access to the profession for women.” It is also one of the few countries with nearly 30% of women in a management team.

According to a study carried out in 2016,554,000 businesses were created in France, an increase of 6% compared to 2015. Among entrepreneurs, 40% were women. Seventy-three percent of them have set up businesses in human health and social work and 67% in household services.

  • United States (71 points)
  • Canada (69 points)
  • Australia (69 points)
  • Sweden (68 points)
  • United Kingdom (65 points)
  • France (62 points)
  • Germany (61 points)
  • Poland (59 points)
  • Chile (51 points)
  • Japan, Spain, and Jamaica (49 points)

 

Who Are Some Successful Tech Entrepreneurs And What Are Their Secrets To Success?

Those who are interested in technology definitely want to know about the secrets of the successful tech entrepreneurs. Their success can help others to aspire for the best in the field of technology. The definition of success is different with each individual. These entrepreneurs also offered various important tips in various interviews that will definitely help one to launch a successful tech startup and improve everyone’s life in general. To know more about their secret to success that they have shared in various interviews, this article will take a look at some successful entrepreneurs and what are their secrets to success.

 

A Look At Some Successful Tech Entrepreneurs And Their Secrets To Success:

  • According to Billionaire tech entrepreneur Mark Cuban, the money and connection doesn’t work but the person should be willing to outwork and outlearn others for the business. In case if the business fails, then one should learn from it and do better next time.
  • According to tech entrepreneur Steve Case, one is not trying something to do marginally or incrementally better but something which is fundamental paradigm shift, which is going to have an exponential impact. Although it may be harder to do, but if one is successful then the impact will be far greater.
  • To Robert Scoble, who is a tech blogger, one should be extremely passionate about their idea. And unless someone is not passionate, they will not be able to develop the potential.
  • According to tech investor and entrepreneur Esther Dyson, many people now days are building products and not companies and those who want to build companies should be able to feel as a part of their company and know what the company is trying to do and understand their role in the company.
  • According to the founder of Blackberry, Mike Lazaridis, the tech company should have a visionary leadership that is capable of attracting and inspire the dedicated employees who believe in the destiny of the company and they want to play a role in the success of the company. The greatness will also require customer based marketing and it should meet and anticipate the needs of the customers. The technology company should also be focused on providing the customers with quality products and real value.

  • According to the co-founder of HTC, Cher Wong, the X factor is very hard to define and it is the culture of HTC and HTC combines the best from the eastern and western cultures where they have leaderships and offices. It makes culture, creative, energetic and colourful.
  • According to author and the Ex Apple evangelist Guy Kawasaki, there is only hard work and luck. The search for the secret sauce is waste of time. One should create something, sell it, make it better and sell some more from it and create something that will obsolete from what one used to make.

These are some of the best shared secrets from the best tech investors, bloggers and entrepreneurs that will definitely aspire one to achieve the best.