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Showing posts with label tech news. Show all posts
Showing posts with label tech news. Show all posts

'Godfather of AI' on AI's Potential Risk To Society...

Geoffrey Hinton is one of the leading voices in the field of AI,  he quit his job at Google over concerns about what AI could eventually lead to if unchecked.

Video courtesy of PBS Newshour

Apple Will Soon Halt Support for Older iPad Models...


According to recent reports, Apple has decided to discontinue technical support for the first and fifth generation iPads. This means that owners of these iPad models will no longer be able to receive assistance from Apple's technical support team, either over the phone or at an Apple Store.

This move is not uncommon for Apple, as they often phase out support for older devices in order to focus on their newer products. This decision may come as a disappointment to some iPad owners, but it is important to note that Apple will still continue to provide support for newer iPad models.

Video courtesy of ABC News

19 of The World's Largest Tech Companies ORDERED to REVEAL Algorithms Behind Their Latest AI Developments....

ai in europe

The European Commission is making 19 tech giants, including Amazon, Google, TikTok, and YouTube, reveal their AI algorithms under the Digital Services Act. This is a significant step towards making AI more transparent and accountable, and ultimately, improving our lives.

As we know, AI is expected to impact every aspect of our lives, from healthcare to education, to even how well we write. However, it also generates fear, such as concerns about machines becoming smarter than us or causing harm inadvertently. To avoid these risks, transparency and accountability will be crucial for AI to benefit us positively.

The EU Artificial Intelligence Act aims to achieve this goal. By sharing commercial information with regulators before using AI for sensitive practices such as hiring, companies can be held accountable for the outcomes of their algorithms. EU rules could quickly become the global standard, making this a significant development in AI regulation.

However, there's always a balance to strike when it comes to regulation. The major tech companies view AI as the next big thing, and innovation in this field is now a geopolitical race. Too much regulation could stifle progress, but at the same time, we need to make sure that companies are accountable for their algorithms' outcomes.

Companies will also need to answer any questions the commission members have about their AI projects.

\This is a significant development for AI regulation that will benefit everyone. By making AI more transparent and accountable, we can ensure that it improves our lives and avoids the potential risks.

Will They Even Have The Answers?

Interestingly, AI researchers are increasingly devoting time to understanding what AI is doing. Sometimes they can dig into the data and identify particular parameters on which the AI relies heavily. However, explaining why AI did or said something can be like explaining a magic trick without knowing the secret. 

This may be the most alarming revelation from these hearings – the creators don't always understand their creations.

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Author: Trevor Kingsley
Tech News CITY /New York Newsroom

Banking App PAYS YOU To Try It Out - Stars Leonardo DeCaprio and Robert Downey Jr Fund New 'Green' Banking Startup...

Aspiration Mobile App Download and Review

From Hollywood to finance? This banking app is backed by stars Leonardo DeCaprio and Robert Downey Jr - they're entering the financial sector, and keeping their involvement 'behind the scenes' for this one.  

With DiCaprio's Investment This "Environmentally Cconscious" Banking App is PAYING People to Try It...

Yes, the rumors are confirmed that a "green digital banking" solution that just launched is backed by the funds of DiCaprio himself.

With these funds they can afford the expensive but effective marketing strategy of  paying people to try it out - you can claim $50 once you setup the app and your first transaction.

DiCaprio is going all in on his 'stop global warming' campaign, so this is part of multiple earth-friendly investments, others include the climate technology fund with Princeville Capital, and new adviser role with green start-up Bluon Energy. 


The app is called Aspiration, which NerdWallet described as "the only socially conscious bank on their list" caught his eye. Now it's caught ours, so lets get right in to this Aspiration Review!

"Each year, $100 billion worth of pipelines, drilling and other fossil fuel-extraction projects are funded with money deposited at traditional banks. To bring about long-term solutions for our planet, we need alternatives that empower everyday consumers to take action against climate change…" is how DiCaprio decided to invest in the new app, he tells us.

With this, the Aspiration Banking App has $100 Million in venture capital to play with, and they're spending it.

This graphic shows some of the new things they're bringing to banking....:
Aspiration app review bank Zelle cash back app
A look at some features.

Get Your Piece of the $100 Million Pie…

Now you can get those good feelings Leo got, by getting the app, getting a $50 'welcome' deposit from then, and then choosing a charity you'd like them to donate another $25 to.

At a price tag of $75 spent on every new user it's the biggest mobile banking app bonus we've seen so far.

…and that's not even everything, lastly, being a user comes with cell phone insurance up to $600 included for free!

I have to admit, it feels good getting some perks from a bank, that's something I only heard of as a 'back in my day' story from parents and grandparents.

Is It Actually Worth Using?


It actually is! They refund your ATM charges (not just the ones your bank charges, they literally pay you $3 if an ATM charged you $3!)

The app is free, with the option to donate if you like it, or not.

They pay you interest on the funds you save with them, and those profits won't be made by investing in companies that pollute.

So do some good for the world, and claim your $50 by joining the free app now.

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Author: Don Kennedy
Austin Newsdesk Aspiration Review

Like Free Money? You like this app too: Cash Back on Gas!

After Exclusively Targeting PCs For YEARS, RANSOMWARE Targeting MAC Users Being Developed By Known Cyber-Criminal Group...


Mac Ransomware

Mac users - you're no longer immune. After years with of dozens of versions plaguing the PC world, Mac may soon join them as targets of Ransomware attacks.

In short, Ransomware renders a computer unusable, and all its data inaccessible, until a 'ransom' is paid to the criminals who created it.

Behind it is the group behind the infamous LockBit ransomware, setting their sights on macOS for the first time with the goal of becoming the first major ransomware operation to target the platform...

According to cybersecurity researcher MalwareHunterTeam, the LockBit gang has developed new ransomware encryptors for macOS, ARM, FreeBSD, MIPS, and SPARC CPUs, all of which were discovered in a ZIP archive on VirusTotal.

Among the encryptors found in the archive is the 'locker_Apple_M1_64', which is designed to target newer Macs running on Apple Silicon, as well as PowerPC CPUs, which older Macs use. The archive was also found to contain previously unknown encryptors for ARM, FreeBSD, MIPS, and SPARC CPUs.

While these encryptors are still in development, cybersecurity experts warn that they could pose a significant threat to consumers and small businesses, especially those targeted by LockBit affiliates. However, according to Cisco Talos researcher Azim Khodjibaev, the encryptors were meant as a test and were never intended for deployment in live cyberattacks.

MacOS cybersecurity expert Patrick Wardle also confirmed that the encryptor is far from complete and missing the required functionality to encrypt Macs properly. In fact, the LockBit developer must first figure out how to bypass TCC and get notarized before becoming a functional encryptor.

But the fact a group has decided to focus on the previously-safe Mac shouldn't be downplayed - there's a good chance they'll figure it out. 

Now Experts are Wondering: Are Mac Users Prime Targets Specifically Because They're *NOT* Expecting It?

Because they haven't been targeted before, Mac users may have their guard down.

Mac users need to begin doing the things PC users had to be vigilante about for years. Keep your operating system updated, avoid opening unknown attachments and executables, generate offline backups, and use strong and unique passwords at every site you visit. Stay safe out there, folks!

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Author: Trevor Kingsley
Tech News CITY /New York Newsroom

Popular Misconceptions about ChatGPT, and the Truth About Them...

ChatGPT

As ChatGPT gains popularity, misconceptions about this AI-powered conversational agent abound. As a reporter, it's important to set the record straight on some of the most common misunderstandings surrounding this tool. Let's take a closer look at three of them.

-  Firstly, many people assume that ChatGPT is a human-like chatbot. While it's true that ChatGPT simulates human-like conversation, it's important to clarify that this is an artificial intelligence system, not a real person. Its responses are based on patterns learned from vast amounts of text data, and it doesn't possess emotions or consciousness like a human would.

-  Secondly, there's a belief that ChatGPT always provides accurate and reliable responses. However, this couldn't be further from the truth. Although ChatGPT is impressive at generating responses, it's a machine learning model, meaning its responses can be influenced by the quality and bias of the data it was trained on. Additionally, there may be cases where it generates inappropriate or offensive responses.

-  Lastly, some people think that ChatGPT is a problem-solving superhero, capable of solving any issue thrown its way. While ChatGPT is an incredibly useful tool, it's not a replacement for human expertise, creativity, and intuition. There are certain types of problems that require human intelligence to solve, and ChatGPT may not be able to provide meaningful solutions in these cases.

In conclusion, ChatGPT is a powerful tool for generating responses and providing insights. However, it's essential to understand its limitations. By having a realistic understanding of ChatGPT's capabilities, users can take full advantage of its strengths while avoiding potential pitfalls. As a reporter, it's crucial to separate fact from fiction and ensure that readers have the most accurate information available.

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Author: Trevor Kingsley
Tech News CITY /New York Newsroom

Twitter Founder and Current 'Block' CEO Jack Dorsey Loses a HALF BILLION Dollors In a Just ONE Day...

Block Inc, a payments company owned by Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey, has experienced a significant decline in value following the release of a report by Hindenburg report . The report alleged that the company ignored widespread fraud, and as a result, Dorsey's personal fortune has been negatively impacted. On Thursday, his net worth dropped by $526 million, marking his worst single-day decline since May. According to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, Dorsey's current net worth stands at $4.4 billion after an 11% drop in value.

The Hindenburg report claimed that Block had inflated user metrics and predicted a 65% to 75% downside risk "on a purely fundamental basis." However, Block has denied the allegations and plans to pursue legal action against the short-seller. The company's stock fell as much as 22% on Thursday before eventually closing down 15%.

Dorsey, whose personal fortune is largely invested in Block, holds an estimated stake in the firm worth $3 billion, according to the Bloomberg wealth index. His position in Elon Musk's social media company is valued at $388 million.

Block Inc is reportedly looking in to taking legal actions against Hindenburg, which implies they can disprove some of their claims. Keep in mind that just threatening legal action requires nothing and may just be an attempt to stop some of the damage.

Hindenburg Research is known for its controversial reports...

Which often result in the decline of targeted companies' stock prices. Earlier this year, the firm released an investigation into Gautam Adani and his empire, causing his companies' stocks to plummet and erasing tens of billions of dollars from his net worth.

Similarly, in September 2020, Hindenburg targeted electric carmaker Nikola Corp., which led to a significant drop in its stock price and a fraud conviction against its founder Trevor Milton in October.

While Dorsey is unlikely to face a similar downfall, the temporary pain caused by the recent decline in value is undoubtedly being felt.
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Alex Benningram
TechNews.CITY / New York Newsroom