YouTube states the changes are part of an “experiment” with no clear end date
Some users have received responses to YouTube tweets suggesting that the change is only an “experiment.”
But these seem to be generic responses rather than ones specific to the situation. This might be an experiment, but there is no word on what YouTube is trying to achieve by the new design.
YouTube seems to be reverting to a controversial redesign of its site
One response from YouTube confirmed that most trials “only last a few weeks,” although it is unclear if that is the case for this ongoing makeover test.
The redesign moves the video title, description, and comments to the side of the screen, replacing them with larger video recommendations beside the playing video.
Why is the YouTube redesign controversial?
Users have expressed strong dislike for the new layout, criticizing it for being less intuitive and disrupting the traditional viewing experience.
Is the YouTube redesign permanent?
YouTube has labeled the redesign as an “experiment,” and it’s unclear if it will become the default layout. The company is currently gathering data and user feedback.
How are users reacting to the redesign’s return?
Many users have reported seeing the new layout again and have voiced their dissatisfaction, similar to the initial negative feedback earlier this year.
The first sale for the Poco F6 will go live on May 29th at 12 PM, with attractive offers, including Rs 2,000 bank offer, Rs 2,000 product exchange offer, and 1+1 year extended warranty on the first day of sale.
Device
Configuration
Price
POCO F6 5G
8GB + 256GB
Rs 29,999
12GB + 256GB
Rs 31,999
12GB + 512GB
Rs 33,999
Poco F6: Key Specs
Poco F6 available in India starting at Rs 29,999, with first sale on May 29th
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset
6.67-inch CrystalRes Flow AMOLED display with 2712×1220 resolution, 446 PPI, and up to 2400 nits peak brightness
Dual rear camera setup with 50MP primary camera and OIS
Dual Sony cameras with f/1.59 aperture and HDR10+ video recording
5,000mAh battery with 90W turbo charging support
7.8mm thin design with IP64 dust and water resistance
Runs on Xiaomi Hyper operating system based on Android 14
Corning Gorilla Glass Victus protection
POCO F6 Pro: Key Specs
Poco F6 Pro features Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset and 2K OLED display
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset
6.67-inch 2K OLED display with 4,000 nits peak brightness, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, 120Hz refresh rate, and 3,840Hz PWM dimming
Triple rear camera setup with 50MP primary camera (OIS, f/1.6 aperture), 8MP ultrawide, and 2MP macro
16MP front-facing camera
5,000mAh battery with 120W wired charging support
Stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos support
Runs on Android 14-based HyperOS
Promised 3 years of Android OS updates and 4 years of security updates
Poco Pad Key Specs
Poco Pad, the brand’s first tablet, includes Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 and 12.1-inch 120Hz display
Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 processor
8GB RAM and 256GB storage (expandable up to 1.5TB)
12.1-inch 120Hz LCD display with 2,650 x 1,600 resolution, 16:10 aspect ratio, and 600 nits peak brightness
Gorilla Glass 3 protection
10,000mAh battery with 33W wired charging support
8MP rear camera and 1080p video recording at 30fps
Four stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos support
571g weight, metal unibody design in Graphite Grey and Ocean Blue
Xiaomi HyperOS based on Android 14
Supports Smart Pen, folio, and keyboard case accessories
POCO F6 and POCO Pad: Features
Poco F6 and Poco F6 Pro feature impressive 6.67-inch displays with exceptional clarity and vibrant colors
Both the Poco F6 and Poco F6 Pro feature impressive 6.67-inch displays with exceptional clarity and vibrant colors.
The Poco F6 boasts a CrystalRes Flow AMOLED display with a resolution of 2712×1220 pixels, 446 PPI, and up to 2400 nits peak brightness.
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset
The Poco F6 Pro takes it a step further with a 2K OLED display, offering a peak brightness of 4,000 nits, HDR10+ and Dolby Vision support, a 120Hz refresh rate, and 3,840Hz PWM dimming.
It features a 12.1-inch 120Hz LCD display with a 2,650 by 1,600 pixel resolution in a 16:10 aspect ratio, supporting HDR content with a maximum 600 nit peak brightness.
Powering the Poco F6 is the cutting-edge Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset
Super Night Scene, Cine Mode, Cine Filters, Super Image Stabilization, Focus Peaking, Exposure Feedback, Voice Control Photography, Timer Continuous Shooting, Magic Clone Long Exposure, Voice to Subtitles, Dynamic Photos, VLOG, AI Watermark, AI Camera, Portrait Beauty, Video Beauty, Kaleidoscope, Professional RAW Format
The Poco F6 features a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset, a 6.67-inch CrystalRes Flow AMOLED display, a dual rear camera setup with a 50MP primary camera, and a 5,000mAh battery with 90W turbo charging support.
How much does the Poco F6 Pro cost?
The Poco F6 Pro starts at $449 (roughly Rs 37,400) for the 12GB RAM + 256GB storage variant, going up to $579 (roughly Rs 48,200) for the 16GB RAM + 1TB storage variant.
What features does the Poco Pad offer?
The Poco Pad includes a Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 processor, 8GB RAM, 256GB storage (expandable up to 1.5TB), a 12.1-inch 120Hz LCD display, a 10,000mAh battery with 33W wired charging, and four stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos support.
When will the Poco F6 be available for purchase?
The first sale for the Poco F6 will go live on May 29th at 12 PM, with various attractive offers available.
What are the key differences between the Poco F6 and F6 Pro?
The Poco F6 Pro features a more advanced Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, a 2K OLED display with higher peak brightness, a triple rear camera setup, and 120W wired charging, compared to the Poco F6’s Snapdragon 8s Gen 3, CrystalRes Flow AMOLED display, dual rear camera setup, and 90W charging.
What are the available configurations for the Poco F6?
The Poco F6 is available in three configurations: 8GB RAM + 256GB storage for Rs 29,999, 12GB RAM + 256GB storage for Rs 31,999, and 12GB RAM + 512GB storage for Rs 33,999.
You no longer need to use your phone to post images and videos to Instagram.
New Changes on the Meta Ray-Ban Smart Glasses
Post directly to Instagram using voice commands with Meta Ray-Ban Smart Glasses
Simply say, “Post a photo to Instagram” or “Hey Meta, share my last photo to Instagram,” either before or after you snap a picture.
Furthermore, the glasses are now compatible with Calm, a meditation app, and Amazon Music.
Enjoy standalone music streaming without using your phone, including Apple Music and Amazon Music
To stream music from Amazon, simply say, “Hey Meta, play Amazon Music.” To utilize the glasses, even new users of Calm receive a complimentary three-month subscription.
With the AI assistant that the glasses now have, you can voice control them and get real-time information about what you’re viewing.
New integration with Calm meditation app and Amazon Music for enhanced functionality
You could enjoy standalone music without using your phone because the glasses could already stream Apple Music previously.
With voice commands, you may play songs, albums, and playlists. You can even ask the glasses to recognize music.
AI assistant update allows real-time information and hands-free control
Thanks to these changes, Ray-Ban Smart Glasses will now be more comfortable and capable of recording video, playing music, and viewing information without needing your hands.
What new Instagram feature has been added to the Meta Ray-Ban Smart Glasses?
Users can now post images and videos directly to Instagram using voice commands like “Post a photo to Instagram” or “Hey Meta, share my last photo to Instagram.”
Which new apps are compatible with the Meta Ray-Ban Smart Glasses?
The glasses are now compatible with the Calm meditation app and Amazon Music, in addition to previously supported Apple Music.
How can I stream music from Amazon Music on the Meta Ray-Ban Smart Glasses?
Simply say, “Hey Meta, play Amazon Music” to stream music directly from Amazon Music on your smart glasses.
What is the new AI update for the Meta Ray-Ban Smart Glasses?
The AI update allows voice control for various functions and provides real-time information about what you’re viewing through the glasses.
Do new Calm users get any special offers with the Meta Ray-Ban Smart Glasses?
Yes, new users of the Calm meditation app receive a complimentary three-month subscription when using the Meta Ray-Ban Smart Glasses.
How to share photos directly to Instagram Story using Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses?
To share photos directly to your Instagram Story using Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses, you can use voice commands.
After taking a photo, say “Hey Meta, share my last photo to Instagram” to share an existing photo, or say “Hey Meta, post a photo to Instagram” to take a new photo and share it instantly.
How to use the hands-free Calm feature on Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses?
To use the hands-free Calm feature on Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses, simply say “Hey Meta, play the Daily Calm”.
This voice command gives you access to guided meditation, mindfulness exercises, and self-care content directly through the smart glasses.
What are the new styles of Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses available for purchase?
The new styles of Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses now available for purchase include:
Skyler in Shiny Chalky Gray with Gradient Cinnamon Pink Lenses Skyler in Shiny Black with Transitions® Cerulean Blue Lenses Headliner Low Bridge Fit in Shiny Black with Polar G15 Lenses These styles are available in 15 countries, including the US, Canada, Australia, and throughout Europe.
What are the New Skyler and Headliner Low Bridge Fit Styles Now Available ?
The following styles are now available in 15 countries, including the US, Canada, Australia, and throughout Europe:
Skyler in Shiny Chalky Gray with Gradient Cinnamon Pink Lenses Skyler in Shiny Black with Transitions® Cerulean Blue Lenses Headliner Low Bridge Fit in Shiny Black with Polar G15 Lenses If you pre-ordered any of the above three styles, your new shades should be on their way to you soon. And if you didn’t pre-order, you can pick up a pair online at meta.com and ray-ban.com.
How to Share Your (Instagram) Story via Ray-Ban Smart Glasses ?
Whether you’re living your best life at a music festival, singing “Happy Birthday” at your niece’s party, or taking in breathtaking views on a hike, some moments are just meant to be shared.
And now, it’s even easier for you to share from your Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses directly to your Instagram Story without needing to take out your phone.
After you snap a photo, you can simply say, “Hey Meta, share my last photo to Instagram.” Or you can say, “Hey Meta, post a photo to Instagram” to take a new photo on the fly and share the moment with your friends and followers.
These features on Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses are rolling out gradually, so if you don’t see the update right away, sit tight—it’s on the way!
How to Stream Your Favorite Audio With Amazon Music through Rayban Smart Glasses ?
From podcasts to pop hits, people love listening to their favorite albums and shows with their Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses and its killer open-ear audio system.
And now, you can stream Amazon Music to your smart glasses without ever having to take out your phone.
That’s right, our Amazon Music integration lets you begin streaming completely hands-free. Simply say, “Hey Meta, play Amazon Music,” and your glasses will start playing a recommended playlist curated just for you.
You can then control your audio playback with touch or voice controls while your phone stays in your pocket.
How to Stay Mindful With Hands-Free Access to Calm ?
When you’re on the go, sometimes a little peace of mind goes a long way.
That’s why we’ve partnered with Calm to bring guided meditation, mindfulness exercises, and self-care content directly to your glasses, hands-free.
Just say, “Hey Meta, play the Daily Calm” to unwind with a moment of mindfulness.
As an added bonus, new Calm users can unlock a complimentary three-month subscription to Calm. Simply follow the on-screen prompts in the Meta View app to get started.
According to the report, these chipsets will be labeled “For Galaxy,” much like other prior foldables, including the Galaxy S series.
The article says that “cost control” and “efficiency” are factors driving Samsung to do a single-chip strategy.
Designing the sixth-generation Galaxy Z Fold series around Qualcomm’s core from the very beginning and without the extra addition of another chipset may save costs.
Rumours about the phones’ specifications have already started circulating, including details about display refresh rates, RAM and storage options, and charging capabilities.
50 MP, Primary Camera
12 MP, Ultra-Wide Angle Camera
10 MP , Telephoto Camera
Autofocus
Yes
Flash
Yes, LED Flash
Image Resolution
8150 x 6150 Pixels
Settings
Exposure compensation, ISO control
Shooting Modes
Continuous Shooting
High Dynamic Range mode (HDR)
Camera Features
Digital Zoom
Auto Flash
Face detection
Touch to focus
FRONT CAMERA
Camera Setup
Single
Resolution
12 MP, Primary Camera
Battery
Capacity
4700 mAh
Type
Li-ion
Removable
No
Wireless Charging
Yes
Quick Charging
Yes, Fast
USB Type-C
Yes
Storage
Internal Memory
256 GB
Expandable Memory
No
Network & Connectivity
SIM Slot(s)
Dual SIM, GSM+GSM
SIM Size
SIM1: Nano, SIM2: Nano
Network Support
5G Not Supported in India, 4G Supported in India, 3G, 2G
VoLTE
Yes
SIM 1
4G Bands:
TD-LTE 2300(band 40) FD-LTE 1800(band 3)
3G Bands:
UMTS 1900 / 2100 / 850 / 900 MHz
2G Bands:
GSM 1800 / 1900 / 850 / 900 MHz
GPRS:
Available
EDGE:
Available
SIM 2
4G Bands:
TD-LTE 2300(band 40) FD-LTE 1800(band 3)
3G Bands:
UMTS 1900 / 2100 / 850 / 900 MHz
2G Bands:
GSM 1800 / 1900 / 850 / 900 MHz
GPRS:
Available
EDGE:
Available
Wi-Fi
Yes, Wi-Fi 4 (802.11 b/g/n)
Wi-Fi Features
Mobile Hotspot
Bluetooth
Yes, v5.2
GPS
Yes with A-GPS, Glonass
NFC
Yes
USB Connectivity
Mass storage device, USB charging
Multimedia
Loudspeaker
Yes
Audio Jack
USB Type-C
Sensors
Fingerprint Sensor
Yes
Fingerprint Sensor Position
Side
Other Sensors
Light sensor, Proximity sensor, Accelerometer
FAQs
What chipsets will the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6 use?
The Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6 will exclusively use Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipsets.
Why is Samsung choosing to use only Snapdragon processors for its foldables?
Samsung is focusing on cost control and efficiency, which are better managed by using a single chipset strategy.
Has Samsung always used Snapdragon processors in its foldable phones?
Yes, Samsung has exclusively used Qualcomm’s Snapdragon processors in its foldable phones since their inception.
What recent leaks have been revealed about the Galaxy Z Flip 6?
Renowned tipster Roland Quandt has leaked alleged renders of the Galaxy Z Flip 6 cover, showing a familiar design with a dual rear camera set and flexible glass.
When will Samsung unveil the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6?
Samsung is expected to unveil these models during its second Unpacked event in 2024, which is slated for July 10.
Pei posted pictures of the revised Quick Settings menu and asked users for their feedback.
Now, the Nothing Phone in the picture is a bit different from the previous ones because it has one more button on the bottom of the power button.
This button is leading to speculation that it could be an ‘Action’ button, as seen in the iPhone 15 series or the Realme 12, that lets the user design shortcut actions.
Nothing Phone (3) Teased?
Carl Pei hints at Nothing Phone (3) with revised Quick Settings menu on social media
As of now, there’s relatively little information on the supposedly upcoming Nothing Phone (3), but the appearance of this supposed ‘Action’ button has gotten the imagination going among tech fans, who wonder what else will come to the next device.
Nothing has changed in the revamped Quick Settings panel, which Pei previously teased.
The Quick Settings toggles now utilize classic circular iconography, and a new mobile data toggle has been added.
In addition, the Wi-Fi toggle size is now smaller, the brightness slider is moved down and appears thicker, and a new slider to toggle between ring and vibration modes has been added.
While the details surrounding the potentialNothing Phone (3) remain shrouded in mystery, the teased redesign of the Quick Settings menu and the presence of a new button have certainly sparked excitement.
OIS and EIS Image Stabilisation, Night Mode Panorama, Portrait Mode, Beauty Mode, Bokeh, HDR, Google Filter, Scene Detection, Live Photo, Document Mode, Night mode, Extreme Night Mode, Night Video, Expert Mode, Panorama, Slow-Mo (120 fps), Timelapse, 114° Field of View
What new feature was hinted at in Carl Pei’s recent post?
Carl Pei’s post hints at a new ‘Action’ button on the Nothing Phone (3), similar to the iPhone 15 and Realme 12, allowing users to design shortcut actions.
What changes are seen in the revised Quick Settings menu?
The revised Quick Settings menu features circular icons, a new mobile data toggle, a smaller Wi-Fi toggle, a thicker brightness slider, and a new slider for toggling between ring and vibration modes.
Is there any confirmed information about the Nothing Phone (3)?
There is no concrete information about the Nothing Phone (3) yet, but the teaser has sparked speculation and excitement among tech enthusiasts.
What is the rumored CMF Phone (1)?
The CMF Phone (1) is rumored to be a budget smartphone, potentially a rebranded version of the Nothing Phone (2a), expected to start at around Rs 12,000 (approximately $150).
When was the Nothing Phone (2) released?
The Nothing Phone (2) was released in July last year, making a successor like the Nothing Phone (3) long overdue.
The Dynamic Island is the centerpiece distinguishing the iPhone 14 Pro models,offering smooth multitasking with seamless app updates and notifications display in a compact, dynamic form.
Interestingly, Shazam, which is Apple-owned software, has taken almost two years to add support for Live Activities.
Shazam update to version 17.11 introduces Live Activities for iPhone 15 and iPhone 14 Pro models
Users can utilize Shazam from the Control Center toggle for background music detection
This update enhances the multitasking experience for Shazam users on compatible iPhones since they could now identify music playing in the background while doing other things with their device or running other applications.
What new feature does the Shazam update introduce?
The Shazam update to version 17.11 introduces Live Activities, allowing music detection in the background via the Dynamic Island on supported iPhone models.
Which iPhone models support the new Shazam Live Activities feature?
The Live Activities feature is supported on the iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 14 Pro models.
How does the Live Activities feature work on Shazam?
When Shazam is actively listening for music, the status is indicated in the Dynamic Island. Upon detecting a song, a notification with haptic feedback displays the discovered music in the Dynamic Island.
Can Shazam be used from the Control Center with the new update?
Yes, users can initiate music detection via the Control Center toggle, allowing Shazam to run in the background without needing the full app open.
What is the Dynamic Island on iPhone 14 Pro models?
The Dynamic Island is a feature on iPhone 14 Pro models that offers smooth multitasking with seamless app updates and notifications display in a compact, dynamic form.
Apple Adds Support for Live Activities to Shazam .Details?
Apple today added support for Live Activities in Shazam, its free music discovery and identification app.
Shazam’s Live Activities keep the user updated when searching for music in the background, which is particularly useful when multitasking or identifying songs in other apps.
The last significant update to Shazam arrived in January, allowing users to identify songs from other apps while listening with headphones.
Apple acquired Shazam in 2018, and has been gradually bringing the app into closer alignment with Apple Music ever since, offering trials to the streaming service through the app and the ability to sync Shazams directly to Apple Music.
Shazam can be downloaded from the App Store for free.
It can be accessed through the Control Center on iPhone and iPad, through Siri commands, or on the Mac, as well as via widgets. Version 17.11 of Shazam is now available.
Apple opened up its Live Activities API to third-party iPhone apps with the release of iOS 16.1 in 2022, and many developers have since made good use of the feature.
Realme Buds Air6 features 50dB ANC and 12.4mm Deep Bass Drivers for superior sound quality
Enjoy up to 40 hours of battery life with fast charging support via USB Type-C
Comprehensive app functionality with Realme Link for EQ adjustments and ANC modes
IP55 water resistance makes them perfect for outdoor use and exercise
Launched along with its flagship GT 6T smartphone, the Buds Air6 from Realme come priced at Rs 3,299, and I was pretty interested to see what these mid-range earphones had to offer.
The Realme Buds Air6, with its 50dB ANC, 12.4mm Deep Bass Drivers, and 40-hour battery life, seemed to be another competitive choice in the wireless earbud category.
This is my in-depth review of the Realme Buds Air6, with a focus on the devices’ build and design, app functionality, audio quality, and battery life.
Mine was available in Flame Silver, featuring a chic two-tone color scheme.
It gives a nice contrast between the glossy inside surface and the matte exterior surface.
The ergonomic fit and lightweight construction make for easy wear during extended use.
They are perfect to use outdoors and during exercises because of the sturdy construction and IP55 water-resistant rating, which assures that they will withstand sweat and light rain.
They sport a USB Type-C port for fast charging and a pairing/reset button on the bottom.
Updates on battery, charging, and pairing status are shown on the front side LED indication.
Features and App
Features and App
The Realme Buds Air6 have everything needed to make the whole experience much better.
They feature 50dB ANC, which clears ambient noise effectively, hence setting an immersive listening environment.
The Realme Link app is a comprehensive tool that gives you access to a variety of functions like EQ adjustments, ANC modes, and real-time latency monitoring.
The app also includes preset modes for different scenarios and allows users to switch between ANC, Transparency, and Off modes.
The low latency Game mode, equalizer, Dynamic bass, Volume enhancer, Dolby Atmos, and gesture controls can also be managed through the app.
Sound Quality
Sound Quality
Thanks to its 12.4mm Mega Titanizing Drivers with Dynamic Bass Boost, the Realme Buds Air6 has exceptionally good sound quality.
Its output is clear and balanced, with a strong bass, lush mids, and crisp highs.
The powerful bass and crisp vocals in The Weeknd’s “Blinding Lights” had me groove to the song.
It is certainly a very good option for someone looking for midrange wireless earbuds since it comes with50dB ANC, 12.4mm drivers, Hi-Res Audio compatibility, low latency, and a long battery life.
The Realme Link app goes even further in expanding the capacity of the earbuds for added versatility and ease of use.
At an introductory price of Rs 2,999, the Realme Buds Air6 provide incredible value for money, making them a top pick in their segment.
5 Reasons to Buy
5 Reasons to Buy
Advanced Noise Cancellation: The Realme Buds Air6 features 50dB ANC, providing an immersive listening experience by effectively blocking out ambient noise.
Exceptional Sound Quality: Equipped with 12.4mm Deep Bass Drivers, the earbuds deliver clear, balanced sound with rich bass, lush mids, and crisp highs.
Long Battery Life: Enjoy up to 40 hours of total playback time, with a quick 10-minute charge providing 7 hours of listening time.
Water Resistance: With an IP55 rating, these earbuds are perfect for outdoor activities and exercise, ensuring durability against sweat and light rain.
Comprehensive App Functionality: The Realme Link app offers extensive customization options, including EQ adjustments, ANC modes, and real-time latency monitoring.
2 Reasons Not to Buy
2 Reasons Not to Buy
Not the Greatest App: The Realme Link app comes with some pre-installed bloatware, which can be annoying for users seeking a clean experience.
Reduced Battery Life with ANC: Activating ANC reduces battery life by about 30%, which might be a concern for heavy users.
FAQs
What are the key features of the Realme Buds Air6?
The Realme Buds Air6 includes 50dB Active Noise Cancellation, 12.4mm Deep Bass Drivers, and a 40-hour battery life. It also features Hi-Res Audio via LDHC 5.0 and an IP55 water resistance rating.
How is the sound quality of the Realme Buds Air6?
The sound quality is exceptional, with clear and balanced output, strong bass, lush mids, and crisp highs. The earbuds also offer a wide soundstage, enhancing the listening experience.
How does the Realme Link app enhance the user experience?
The Realme Link app provides access to various functions such as EQ adjustments, ANC modes, real-time latency monitoring, and more. It also allows users to switch between ANC, Transparency, and Off modes and manage other features like low latency Game mode and Dolby Atmos.
What is the battery life of the Realme Buds Air6?
The Realme Buds Air6 offers up to 40 hours of total playback time without ANC and about 30% less with ANC on. A quick 10-minute charge provides 7 hours of listening time.
Are the Realme Buds Air6 suitable for outdoor use?
Yes, the Realme Buds Air6 are IP55 water-resistant, making them suitable for outdoor activities and exercise. They are designed to withstand sweat and light rain.
Recently, Scarlett Johansson accused OpenAI of using her voice for their new model ChatGPT-4o without her permission.
What Was the Controversy About?
ScarJo vs. OpenAI recap
• Altman asks to use her voice for GPT-4o
• ScarJo declines
• 9 months later rolls out “Sky” who sounds just like her
• ScarJo team says wtf, sends multiple letters to Altman
• OpenAI claims it wasn’t meant to sound like her
• Says they chose voice… pic.twitter.com/icpH5hJKg3
— Morning Brew ☕️ (@MorningBrew) May 21, 2024
Johansson told Variety that OpenAI’s CEO, Sam Altman, came to her in 2023 asking her to offer her voice to GPT-4o. She refused for personal reasons.
After hearing the demo, she was shocked and angrily felt they had used her voice despite her ‘no.’.
OpenAI denies using Johansson’s voice, but Elon Musk, the owner of X (formerly Twitter), scolded OpenAI and Microsoft Corp. Musk’s post on X titled the scenario as “obviously a ripoff.”
Elon Musk Responds After Scarlett Johansson Accuses OpenAI of Using Her Voice Without Consent for GPT-4o Model
The GPT-4o model, capable of processing audio, visual, and text, has a voice many say sounds like Johansson’s.
The case brings up serious issues regarding the ethics of artificial intelligence and intellectual property rights, especially if someone’s voice is used without permission.
Response from Open AI
Scarlett Johansson claims OpenAI used her voice for GPT-4o without permission
According to OpenAI, the voice in GPT-4o is not Johansson’s but that of another professional actress, whose identity is not published for reasons of privacy.
Sam Altman responded to the incident, pointing out that they cast the voice actor before contacting Johansson and have suspended usage of the voice due to her concerns.
OpenAI denies the use of Johansson’s voice, citing a different actress was used
“We cast the voice actor behind Sky’s voice before any outreach to Ms. Johansson. Out of respect for Ms. Johansson, we have paused using Sky’s voice in our products. We are sorry to Ms. Johansson that we didn’t communicate better,” Altman said in a statement to NBC.
This dispute points out to the critical need for AI developers to respect individual privacy and secure proper consent, further fueling the debate on ethical AI practices.
The incident raises concerns about AI ethics and intellectual property rights
Did OpenAI respect Johansson’s wishes? We’ll never know. But with such a sharp copy of her voice, there sure are some troubled times ahead in the fight against deepfakes and misinformation.
FAQs
What is Scarlett Johansson accusing OpenAI of?
Scarlett Johansson accuses OpenAI of using her voice without her consent for their new GPT-4o model.
How did OpenAI respond to Johansson’s accusations?
OpenAI denies using Johansson’s voice, stating that the voice in GPT-4o belongs to another professional actress, whose identity remains undisclosed for privacy reasons.
What did Elon Musk say about the situation?
Elon Musk criticized OpenAI and Microsoft Corp. on X (formerly Twitter), describing the situation as “obviously a ripoff.”
What are the capabilities of the GPT-4o model?
The GPT-4o model can process audio, vision, and text, and features a voice that many believe resembles Scarlett Johansson’s.
What broader issues does this controversy highlight?
The incident underscores significant issues in AI ethics and intellectual property rights, especially concerning the use of someone’s voice without permission, and the critical need for AI developers to respect individual privacy and secure proper consent.
Microsoft is pitching its new Surface notebooks as being direct competitors to Apple’s M3 chip-powered MacBook Air, saying they offer over 50% improvement in performance.
These new Surface computers are as efficient as they are powerful.
During a recent media briefing, Microsoft showed how these laptops outperform the MacBook Air M3 and Intel-based Surface Laptop 5 in a plethora of performance parameters.
Key Performance Highlights
Microsoft Claims Surface Notebooks with Qualcomm Snapdragon X CPUs Outshining Apple M3 MacBook Air
Microsoft is touting that the new Surface laptops with Snapdragon X series processors provide over 50% better performance in sustained workloads.
It is proposed that the Snapdragon X Plus and X Elite processors feature six and eight high-performance cores, respectively, as compared to four in the Apple M3.
Cooling and Thermal Management
Microsoft’s Prism emulator aims to match Apple’s Rosetta 2 for app compatibility
With this design decision, Surface computers will deliver sustained performance even under high loads.
Battery Life Comparison
Surface Copilot Plus PC offers superior battery life compared to MacBook Air M3
Battery life is another area where the new Surface laptops excel:
In web browsing tests, the Surface Copilot Plus PC lasts 16 hours and 56 minutes, surpassing the MacBook Air M3’s 15 hours and 25 minutes.
For video playback, the Surface laptop with a Snapdragon X processor offers over 20 hours of runtime, compared to the MacBook Air M3’s 17 hours and 45 minutes.
Compatibility Concerns
Active cooling system in Surface laptops ensures sustained performance under heavy loads
The M-series processors by Apple are aided by a translation layer called Rosetta 2, making them be compatible with a wide variety of applications.
Microsoft has an emulator called Prism, which they claim will offer similar performance to Rosetta 2.
If that be the case, then ARM-based Surface laptops can be real market challengers.
FAQs
What processors are used in the new Microsoft Surface notebooks?
The new Surface notebooks are powered by Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon X series CPUs, specifically the X Elite and X Plus processors.
How does the performance of the new Surface laptops compare to the MacBook Air M3?
According to Microsoft, the new Surface laptops with Snapdragon X series processors offer over 50% better performance in sustained workloads compared to the MacBook Air M3.
What is the cooling system used in the new Surface notebooks?
The new Surface notebooks use an active cooling system with a fan, unlike the MacBook Air M3, which uses passive cooling. This design ensures better thermal management and sustained performance under heavy loads.
How does the battery life of the new Surface laptops compare to the MacBook Air M3?
In web browsing tests, the Surface Copilot Plus PC lasts 16 hours and 56 minutes, surpassing the MacBook Air M3’s 15 hours and 25 minutes.
For video playback, the Surface laptop offers over 20 hours of runtime compared to the MacBook Air M3’s 17 hours and 45 minutes.
Real-time video translation is an important feature that takes video footage from sites such as YouTube, LinkedIn, and TikTok, using AI to process the video in real time and then automatically translate the spoken words into multiple languages.
At launch, the tool provides translations between Spanish, English, German, Hindi, and Italian, with additional languages planned.
This feature helps overcome language barriers and allows individual users to engage with and understand a wider array of video information, benefiting education and helping business reach global audiences for marketing and outreach.
Enhanced Security
Microsoft Enhances Edge Browser with AI-Powered Real-time Video Translation, Advanced Security Features
Microsoft continues to enhance Edge’s security, most especially for businesses.
A new capability lets businesses block screenshots, stopping the capture of sensitive data shown in Edge and reducing the chance for data breaches.
Edge will be able to identify older browser versions in an enterprise environment, and IT administrators will be able to detect which instances of Edge don’t get the critical security updates and perform bulk updates across all corporate machines, leading to a safer, more consistent surfing experience.
Streamlined Management
Edge’s new security feature blocks screenshots to protect sensitive corporate data
The ability to detect outdated versions ties into another update for businesses: streamlined management capabilities.
IT administrators can simplify the process of ensuring all company computers run the latest and most secure version of Edge, significantly reducing administrative burden and minimizing security vulnerabilities through the ability to initiate bulk updates.
The ability to detect the older versions ties into another update for businesses: streamlined management capabilities.
With that, IT administrators can ensure that all computers used in the company are running the latest and most secure versions of Edge, greatly reducing administrative burdens and minimizing security exposures through the ability to initiate bulk updates.
FAQs
What is the new real-time video translation feature in Microsoft Edge?
The real-time video translation feature processes video footage from sites like YouTube, LinkedIn, and TikTok, automatically translating spoken words into multiple languages, including Spanish, English, German, Hindi, and Italian.
How does the real-time video translation benefit users?
It helps overcome language barriers, allowing users to engage with and understand a wider array of video content, benefiting education and helping businesses reach global audiences.
What new security feature has Microsoft added to Edge for businesses?
Microsoft has added a feature that blocks screenshots in Edge to protect sensitive corporate data, reducing the risk of data breaches.
How can IT administrators manage Edge browser updates more effectively?
IT administrators can detect outdated versions of Edge in their enterprise environment and perform bulk updates across all corporate machines, ensuring a safer and more consistent browsing experience.
What are the benefits of streamlined management capabilities in Edge?
Streamlined management capabilities reduce administrative burdens by allowing IT administrators to ensure all company computers run the latest and most secure versions of Edge, minimizing security vulnerabilities.
Which languages are initially supported by Edge’s real-time video translation?
At launch, Edge’s real-time video translation supports translations between Spanish, English, German, Hindi, and Italian, with more languages planned.
