Category: Uncategorized

• Concord Implosion Marathon Fairgame$ highlights the failure of Concord, which will shut down two weeks post-launch, leading to refunds after significant investment and development time.
• Attention shifts to Bungie’s Marathon and Haven’s Fairgame$, with Marathon set for a 2025 release amid concerns over its development and leadership changes.
• The original Marathon IP faces challenges attracting a younger audience unfamiliar with its legacy, compounded by recent controversies surrounding its former game director.
• Fairgame$ has garnered negative reception compared to Marathon, with much lower engagement metrics and skepticism about its potential success as a PvPvE heist shooter.
• Internal reports suggest Sony’s confidence in Fairgame$, but parallels with Concord’s initial optimism raise doubts about public interest in the game.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/paultassi/2024/09/04/after-concords-implosion-a-scary-spotlight-turns-to-marathon-and-fairgame/…

• Instagram Stories comments feature will allow users to leave comments on Stories, enhancing public interaction compared to previous private replies.
• Only users who follow the poster and are followed back can comment on their Stories, maintaining a level of exclusivity.
• Comments on Stories will be temporary, lasting up to 24 hours, with the option for users to enable or disable comments for each Story.
• Instagram has been focusing on increasing user engagement through features like disappearing notes and more prominent likes on posts.
• The platform continues to evolve its features to foster connections among friends rather than just casual content consumption.

https://www.theverge.com/2024/9/3/24235292/instagram-stories-disappearing-comments-from-friends…

• Instagram comment changes 2023 include a new comments section for Stories, allowing visible comments for users followed by the Story’s creator.
• The feature aims to enhance user engagement and foster community interactions, as many users prefer private messaging over public comments.
• Instagram’s head, Adam Mosseri, noted that teens spend more time in DMs than in Stories, indicating a shift in user behavior.
• Influencers have expressed enthusiasm for the new tool, suggesting it could increase conversations and keep users engaged in Stories longer.
• Mixed reactions have emerged on social media, with some users excited about the potential for public discussions and increased interaction.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13809187/instagram-major-change-users-comment.html…

• Bitcoin digital scents teleport is a concept being explored by AI startup Osmo, which aims to teach computers to interpret and recognize scents.
• The technology could potentially aid in disease detection, such as identifying cancer or diabetes symptoms through scent recognition.
• Osmo is developing generative AI to analyze odors, a task more complex than processing sound or images due to the lack of existing sensory instruments for smell.
• Creating a comprehensive “smell map” for AI has proven challenging, as it requires precise identification of molecular bonds and their associated aromas.
• The ultimate goal is to enable computers to transmit and recreate scents over the internet, integrating smell into marketing and branding strategies.

https://cointelegraph.com/news/what-does-bitcoin-smell-like-ai-startup-teleport-digital-scents…

• TikTok group chats feature allows up to 32 users to engage in real-time conversations, but is restricted for users aged 13 to 15 and requires friends to add participants.
• Users aged 16-17 can only be included in group chats by mutual friends, preventing random additions from strangers.
• Joining group chats is possible via shared links, but teens need at least one mutual friend in the chat for approval.
• TikTok includes safety measures such as muting, blocking, and reporting options for messages and entire chats, along with limits on group creation and message forwarding to reduce spam.
• The platform also introduced custom Stickers for DMs, enhancing user interaction within the app.

https://www.pcmag.com/news/tiktok-debuts-group-chats-enabling-conversations-with-up-to-32-users…

• TikTok’s new group chats feature allows conversations within the app, supporting up to 32 participants for users aged 16 and up.
• Users can initiate group chats by selecting friends through the Inbox button and tapping “Start group chat.”
• Participation in group chats is restricted; users can only join if invited by someone they follow back, and privacy settings affect invite eligibility.
• Teens under 18 have additional restrictions, needing at least one follower to join a group chat and requiring approval for new members.
• TikTok is also introducing custom stickers for users 18 and older, enhancing the app’s interactive features.

https://www.theverge.com/2024/8/12/24218935/tiktok-group-chats-conversation-in-app…

• The New Nest Learning Thermostat is a smart and aesthetically pleasing device priced at $280, making it one of the most expensive smart thermostats available.
• It features a 60% larger display, a rounded design, and comes in three polished colors, enhancing its visual appeal for home decor.
• The thermostat integrates advanced Soli sensors to provide dynamic information based on proximity, and it can track temperature, humidity, and air quality.
• New capabilities include Smart Schedules for adaptive temperature control and compatibility with other Google devices, as well as Matter-enabled apps and voice assistants.
• Despite its impressive features, the high price point raises concerns, especially as additional temperature sensors cost extra, making it pricier than its competitors.

https://www.cnet.com/home/energy-and-utilities/the-new-nest-learning-thermostat-is-pretty-and-expensive/…

• Nest Learning Thermostat weather adjustment enhances home temperature control by incorporating outdoor weather data into its functionality.
• The new model learns user preferences and automatically adjusts temperature settings based on when you’re home and environmental factors.
• It features a larger display that shows outdoor temperature and weather conditions, improving user awareness of their home’s climate.
• The thermostat can pause heating on sunny winter days or adjust for humidity, optimizing energy usage based on outdoor conditions.
• The 4th Gen Nest Learning Thermostat is available for pre-order at $279.99, with shipping expected later this month.

https://9to5google.com/2024/08/06/nest-learning-thermostat-outdoor-weather/…

• Data wall effects solutions: AI’s voracious data consumption may lead to hitting the data wall by 2026, prompting startups to explore solutions like synthetic data generation.
• Google’s Olympic AI ad controversy: Google’s AI chatbot Gemini in an ad replacing human touch in fan letters sparked backlash online for lacking authenticity.
• OpenAI’s SearchGPT: OpenAI testing a new search engine using GPT-4 models to search and summarize real-time information, potentially challenging Google and other AI search startups.
• AI startups’ funding and innovations: Altana raises $200 million for AI logistics, Harvey secures $100 million for legal AI, and Canva acquires Leonardo AI for design.
• AI data challenges and solutions: AI’s need for training data is depleting, leading to the exploration of artificial data generation by startups like Gretel to avoid model collapse.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/rashishrivastava/2024/07/30/the-prompt-what-happens-when-we-hit-the-data-wall/…

• Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 4S Gen 2 chip aims to bring 5G connectivity to phones priced under $100
• The new chip promises gigabit 5G smartphones for under $99, with fast charging and gaming capabilities
• Phones using Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 4S Gen 2 chip are expected to be released later this year, starting with a device from Xiaomi
• While some US phone makers may not use this specific processor, the Snapdragon 4S Gen 2 offers newer features for lower-cost devices
• Other companies like Samsung and TCL currently use MediaTek processors in their 5G phones priced under $200, but the availability of the Snapdragon 4S Gen 2 chip may make 5G more common in cheaper phones

https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/qualcomms-new-chip-could-bring-5g-to-phones-priced-under-100/…

• Mathematical formula challenge solution: 70 ÷ 7 × 5 + 9 – 2 equals 57
• Test your brainpower with the equation in less than 12 seconds
• Puzzle evaluates critical thinking and problem-solving abilities
• Use order of operations (PEMDAS) to find solution
• Share challenge with friends and family

https://tcnjsignal.net/challenge-for-the-bright-can-anyone-crack-this-mathematical-formula-70%c3%b77x59-2/…

• Fastest data speed comparison: Engineers achieve 800 Gbps data link between LHC and data storage sites, surpassing UK home broadband speed by 11,000 times
• Subsea cables are even faster, capable of speeds up to petabits per second (Pbps)
• Researchers in Japan set world speed record at 22.9 Pbps, using multiple cores in fibre optic cable
• Aston University achieves 402 Tbps speed using multiple wavelengths of light along a 50km optical fibre
• Bandwidth demand is rapidly increasing, with activities in the metaverse and applications like AI training requiring extreme speeds

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/clkkllxm4jzo…

• Gemini data analysis limitations: Google’s Gemini models struggle to process and analyze large datasets accurately, with low question-answering accuracy rates in tests.
• Context window capabilities: Gemini models can process up to 2 million tokens as context, but struggle with complex reasoning tasks and understanding implicit information.
• Performance comparison: Gemini 1.5 Pro and 1.5 Flash performed poorly in studies compared to other models, with question-answering accuracy not exceeding random chance.
• Critiques on generative AI: The limitations of generative AI, including Google’s Gemini models, are under scrutiny, with concerns about overpromising and under-delivering.
• Industry trends: Businesses are growing frustrated with generative AI limitations, leading to a decline in dealmaking, emphasizing the need for better benchmarks and third-party critique.

https://techcrunch.com/2024/06/29/geminis-data-analyzing-abilities-arent-as-good-as-google-claims/…

• The four-cylinder Supra model has been discontinued by Toyota after just three years in the lineup.
• The 2024 Supra 2.0 featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine with 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, reaching 60 mph in about 5.0 seconds.
• The 2025 Supra lineup now only includes the six-cylinder model, available in 3.0 and 3.0 Premium trims.
• The 2025 Supra 3.0 retains its turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine with 382 horsepower and 368 pound-feet of torque.
• The 2025 Supra models have seen a slight price increase, with the base model starting at $57,335 including the destination fee.

https://www.motor1.com/news/724940/toyota-four-cylinder-supra-dead/…

• Michael Saylor made a bold prediction about Apple stock in 2012, stating it would reach $2,000 per share, criticizing those selling the stock as “morons.”
• Saylor’s bullish stance on Bitcoin has benefited MicroStrategy, with the company heavily invested in the cryptocurrency.
• Saylor compared Apple’s success to luxury handbags, emphasizing the iPhone’s evolution as a fashion statement and must-have device.
• Apple’s stock price surpassed $2,000 on a split-adjusted basis, validating Saylor’s prediction.
• Investing $1,000 in Apple in 2012 would have yielded a return of 882.5%, outperforming the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust, while MicroStrategy has also seen significant growth due to its Bitcoin investment.

https://www.benzinga.com/general/education/24/06/39466991/michael-saylor-2012-apple-stock-prediction-goes-viral-heres-what-bitcoin-bull-got-right-whoever…

• Brain cancer risk reduction can be achieved through lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy weight and staying active
• Engaging in enjoyable activities that reduce stress is crucial for maintaining good physical and mental health
• Eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables can support overall well-being and reduce cancer risk
• Quality sleep is essential for cognitive function and maintaining a healthy mind
• Managing stress levels and maintaining a good work-life balance can also help reduce the risk of cancer

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-13546145/brain-cancer-Dr-Sara-Meade-eats-does-everyday.html…

• ChatGPT can analyze PDFs for free, providing summaries, answering questions, and generating content from text.
• OpenAI upgraded the free version of ChatGPT with GPT-4o features for uploading screenshots, photos, and documents.
• Users can sign in to access advanced features like Browse, Vision, data analysis, and file uploads in ChatGPT.
• ChatGPT allows users to connect to Google Drive, Microsoft OneDrive, or upload documents from a computer for analysis.
• Using ChatGPT to analyze PDFs can save time by summarizing content and extracting key information efficiently.

https://www.zdnet.com/article/how-to-use-chatgpt-to-analyze-pdfs-for-free/…

• Male birth control gel, containing testosterone and Nestorone, is shown to be safe and effective in phase 2 trials
• The gel suppresses sperm production, with 86% of participants achieving effective contraception within 12 weeks
• Nestorone and testosterone combination in the gel works faster and with fewer side effects than past attempts
• Other male birth control methods in development include nonhormonal pills and gel injections in the vas deferens
• Despite increasing interest in male contraception, lack of funding remains a significant barrier to advancing these options to market

https://www.nbcnews.com/health/mens-health/male-birth-control-gel-results-promising-rcna153349…

• Tron Dao surpasses Solana in daily active addresses, with over 2.4 million users, marking a 50% increase from the previous month
• Tron’s Total Value Locked (TVL) is $8.3 billion, nearly double that of Solana’s $4.3 billion, but Solana exhibits a more positive TVL trend
• Solana experienced price declines, dropping to around $142 on May 8, while Tron’s price rose from $0.120 to $0.126 during the same period
• TRX’s price showed consecutive uptrends since May 7, while SOL saw declines on May 7 and 8, with subsequent fluctuations
• Positive price trend of TRX may lead to an increase in daily active addresses, while continued drops in SOL’s price could impact its user count

https://ambcrypto.com/tron-vs-solana-how-trxs-2m-daily-user-stack-up-against-sol/…

• Bitcoin’s programmability could see significant advancements in the next 12 months with the BitVMX project by Rootstock founder Sergio Demian Lerner.
• BitVMX aims to enhance Bitcoin’s programmability without altering the underlying code, potentially enabling the development of layer-2 networks similar to Ethereum’s.
• The project builds on Robin Linus’s BitVM concept and is designed to run any CPU on Bitcoin, offering a versatile framework for various use cases.
• Rootstock Labs is leading the development of BitVMX, with a team working on a roadmap for network improvements over the next year.
• This initiative highlights the ongoing efforts to enhance Bitcoin’s capabilities and expand its utility within the blockchain ecosystem.

https://www.coindesk.com/tech/2024/05/01/bitcoins-ethereum-style-programmability-could-come-in-12-months-rootstock-founder-says/…

• Gemini access: Google Chrome now allows direct access to Gemini from the address bar
• Gemini mobile app availability expanded to over 100 countries, eliminating the need for sideloading
• Gemini Extensions available in all languages and countries, with support for nine new languages
• Integration of Gemini into Chrome’s address bar speeds up workflow for users
• Google expected to announce new Gemini features at Google I/O; wider availability coincides with the event

https://www.androidpolice.com/access-gemini-directly-from-google-chromes-address-bar/…

• Helldivers 2 community debates nerfs and buffs post latest patch, with Arrowhead addressing increased patrols for solo players
• Patch 01.000.300 brought significant weapon tweaks, sparking controversy over changes like the Quasar Cannon nerf
• Arrowhead made buffs to weapons like the Adjudicator, Punisher Plasma, and Counter Sniper, while also rebalancing others
• Patrol spawning now increased for solo players in Helldivers 2, making the game tougher for teams of three or less
• Ricochet system changes in the patch have led to player confusion and debate over increased self-inflicted damage

https://www.ign.com/articles/as-the-helldivers-2-community-argues-over-nerfs-and-buffs-following-the-latest-patch-arrowhead-explains-increased-patrols-for-solo-players…

• Smart home platform Home Assistant joins the Open Home Foundation to uphold privacy, choice, and sustainability for users, aiming to counter Big Tech influence in the smart home industry.
• Home Assistant offers local control, data access, compatibility with various devices, and integration capabilities, distinguishing it from major competitors like Amazon Alexa and Google Home.
• The platform, with an estimated one million users, is known for its power and flexibility but faces challenges in mainstream adoption due to complexity and user interface issues.
• Future plans for Home Assistant include expanding partnerships, developing voice control hardware, incorporating AI with local processing, and aiming to become a consumer brand available in retail stores.
• The establishment of the Open Home Foundation separates the for-profit entity Nabu Casa from Home Assistant, ensuring financial support flows from partners to the foundation and protecting the platform from being sold.

https://www.theverge.com/24135207/home-assistant-announces-open-home-foundation…

• Android tracker sales increase as Pebblebee sees highest sales since 2013 following the launch of Google’s Find My Device network
• Android’s Find My Device network supports tracker devices, similar to Apple’s Find My network
• Google does not sell a first-party tracker, but the Find My Device network is supported by trackers from Chipolo and Pebblebee
• Pebblebee’s trackers for the Find My Device network start at $29.99 and include three devices: Tag, Card, and Clip
• Shipping for Pebblebee’s new trackers begins in May, and they can also work with iOS’ Find My network if set up with an iPhone

https://9to5google.com/2024/04/13/pebblebee-android-find-my-device-success/…

• Google is pushing Gemini into another app on your Android phone, offering a toggle inside the Google app for users to switch from Assistant to Gemini.
• The Gemini toggle within the Google app will allow users to interact with the AI chatbot through typing, talking, or sharing images, moving away from the traditional Google Search interface.
• Users who want to try out Gemini without losing Google Assistant functionality can benefit from this new feature.
• The Gemini app on Android previously required users to opt-in to replace Google Assistant, but the toggle in the Google app will overcome this restriction.
• The exact rollout date for this feature in the Google app for Android is unknown, but a video shared by a tipster demonstrates how it will function.

https://www.androidauthority.com/google-android-app-gemini-toggle-3432129/…

• Future of coronavirus pandemic involves studying virus evolution and immune responses to prevent resurgence and understand long Covid
• Researchers analyzing new variants in wastewater to predict future virus forms and improve vaccine development
• Evolutionary biologists monitoring virus behavior and mutations, highlighting the unpredictability of virus evolution
• Limited surveillance for coronavirus variants hinders scientists’ ability to track respiratory infections and assess vaccine effectiveness
• Vaccines provide strong protection against severe illness, but less effective at stopping viral spread; focus on inducing antibodies in mucosal sites to prevent infections

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/22/health/coronavirus-evolution-immunity.html…

• NYT Connections hints and answers for March 17 include clues, tips, and solutions for the daily word game.
• Connections is a popular New York Times word game where players find common threads between words in groups of four.
• The game resets daily, becoming progressively more challenging, and can be played on web browsers and mobile devices.
• Players must correctly group words that share a commonality, with color-coded difficulty levels and the ability to rearrange the board.
• Today’s Connections categories are Foolishness, Move Forward, Things That Might Stink, and Words After “Deep,” each with four related words to identify.

https://mashable.com/article/nyt-connections-hint-answer-today-march-17-2024…

• Mona Chalabi uses data to create impactful infographics about atrocities in Gaza, focusing on spreading awareness about Palestine.
• Chalabi’s work includes in-depth reporting, clever data visualization, and a unique style of hand-drawn ink lines and color-blocked design.
• She emphasizes the importance of accuracy in her work and strives to provide additive information rather than duplicating existing coverage.
• Chalabi’s ideation process involves exploring scale, magnitude, and human stories behind the data to maintain humanity in her visual storytelling.
• She challenges existing visual language tropes and aims to provide context and depth in her work on Palestine within the broader framework of her focus on marginalization.

https://www.theverge.com/24093294/mona-chalabi-interview-palestine-gaza-data-viz…

• Twitter has enabled calls by default, but users can easily disable this feature.
• The new feature allows audio and video calls on Twitter, similar to Meta’s platform.
• Facebook Messenger has had this feature since 2015 for connecting with known individuals.
• Users may not want unsolicited calls on a platform focused on public dialogue and debate.
• To turn off the calling feature on Twitter, users can access message settings and disable it.

https://www.iflscience.com/twitter-calls-are-now-enabled-by-default-heres-how-to-turn-them-off-73169…