Pimax has unveiled two new VR headsets with the top of the line Pimax Crystal Super seemingly set to put the best VR headsets to shame – even the Apple Vision Pro – with some phenomenal specs. It also has one of most unique display features we’ve ever seen: you can swap between an OLED and QLED display engine to get the most out of your virtual experience.
Are you playing a frightening horror adventure that has you exploring dark spaces filled with monsters? Then an OLED screen’s excellent dark contrast will be just what you need. If you’re instead kicking back with a vibrant VR social app then you could swap in the QLED screen to be dazzled by the colors it can produce.
No matter which screen type you choose, the Pimax Crystal Super will deliver 29.5 million pixels across its dual, 3,840 x 3,840 pixels per eye displays, each with 200 nits of brightness. The QLED display system has a max refresh rate of 120Hz and uses glass aspheric lenses, while the OLED one has a 90Hz max refresh rate and uses less bulky pancake lenses.
You’ll also find neat features like eye-tracking, dynamic foveated rendering, and inside-out tracking – so there’s no need for lighthouses.
As you’d expect, this swappable display design doesn’t come cheap. If you want a Pimax Crystal Super with both the OLED and QLED display engines you’ll be paying $2,399 (around £1,925 / AU$3,700) for the headset. Alternatively if you’d rather get just one type of display the QLED model will set you back $1,799 (around £1,450 / AU$2,800 ) while the OLED version costs $1,999 (around £1,600 / AU$3,100).
No precise release date has been given yet but Pimax estimates the Crystal super will launch in Q4 2024 (so October, November or December).
The Pimax Crystal Light (Image credit: Pimax)
If this is all still too much to pay for a VR headset – especially one that requires you to have a similarly high-end PC gaming rig so you can get the most out of your headset’s capabilities – or you want a headset that’ll arrive sooner, you could instead opt for the Crystal Light.
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The crystal light boasts less sharp displays – boasting just 2,880 x 2,880 pixels per eye – though its QLED screen can get up to 120Hz. However, it uses aspheric lenses so will be bulkier than headsets using pancake lenses, and it lacks eye-tracking, and dynamic foveated rendering capabilities.
The upshot is it’s a heck of a lot cheaper starting at just $699 (around £550 / AU$1,100) and it should launch in May according to Pimax.
As impressive as these news Pimax headsets sound, I’m disappointed that they’re locked into the PCVR ecosystem, and aren’t at least adopting Pimax’s own wireless tech.
Analysis: Several steps forward, several steps back
A big issue with PCVR headsets are the cables that tether you to a PC – or a console in the case of PSVR 2 – that limit your movement, and that you can catch yourself on as your flail about in virtual reality.
However, as we’ve seen from the displays in Pimax’s headset, the advantage of PCVR is you can enjoy a super high level of graphics and performance that outshines standalone devices – like the Meta Quest 3 and even Apple Vision Pro (provided you have a great PC, that is).
This is where a wireless module can come in like the Pimax Crystal 60G Airlink device as they allow you to enjoy PCVR without being tethered. We’ve known that this device has been coming for a while – it was demoed at CES 2024 already – but we finally know exactly what the Crystal 60G can do with official specs straight from Pimax.
Specifically it boasts wireless PCVR with a 2,880 x 2,880 pixel resolution per eye, 90Hz max refresh rate, and “ultra low latency” – though exactly what this means hasn’t been revealed.
The Pimax Crystal 60G Airlink module (Image credit: Pimax)
Unfortunately, neither of Pimax’s new headsets – the Crystal Super or Crystal Light – will support the 60G Airlink module.
What’s more, they strip out the batteries and Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 chipset that the base Pimax Crystal headset included, which allowed it to support both wireless PCVR and a standalone VR experience.
To this end, you might find the base Crystal model is the better option for you – or a non-Pimax model like a Quest 3 or Apple Vision Pro – thanks to the versatility offered by a standalone headset. Not only are you freer to use the headset wherever you want but also, with the exception of the Vision Pro, you can very easily use these headsets for wireless VR and for wired PCVR – giving you the best of both worlds.
This versatility is one of the reasons why Quest headsets have been topping the Steam VR usage charts for years.
Considering how impressive Pimax’s machines are I’d love for it to have kept pushing into the world of standalone VR. Improving its software catalogue or partnering with a company with a great VR OS to jumpstart its app store – ideally the amazing Quest ecosystem, though are others out there from the likes of HTC – would also have been great.
I’ll have to try the latest Pimax headset out for myself before giving my final verdict, but as it stands I don’t think these are VR gadgets I can see most people using – nor do I think most people should use them. Which is a real shame because otherwise I feel Pimax’s machines could be a slam dunk on pricey competitors like the Vision Pro – for now, though, I feel relative newcomer Apple has Pimax’s Crystal Super beat, on paper.
Artificial intelligence is not new. But rapid innovation in the last year now means consumers and businesses alike are more aware of the technology’s capabilities than ever before, and, are most likely using it themselves in some shape or form.
The AI revolution also has a downside: it empowers fraudsters. This is one of the most significant effects we’re witnessing, rather than more productivity and creativity in the workplace. The evolution of large language models and the use of generative AI is giving fraudsters new tactics to explore for their attacks, which are now of a quality, depth and scale that has the potential for increasingly disastrous consequences.
This increased risk is felt by both consumers and businesses alike. Experian’s 2023 Identity and Fraud Report found that just over half (52%) of UK consumers feel like they’re more of a target for online fraud now than they were a year ago, while over 50% of businesses report a high level of concern about fraud risk. It is vital that both businesses and consumers educate themselves on the types of attack that are happening, and what they can do to combat them.
Eduardo Castro
Managing Director ID&Fraud UK&I, Experian.
Getting familiar with the new types of fraud attack
There are two key trends emerging in the AI fraud space: the hyper-personalization of attacks, and the subsequent increase of biometric attacks. Hyper-personalization means that unsuspecting consumers are increasingly being scammed by targeted attacks that trick them into making instant transfers and real-time payments.
For businesses, email compromise attacks can now use generative AI to copy the voice or writing style of a particular company to make more genuine-looking requests such as encouraging them to carry out financial transactions or share confidential information.
Generative AI makes it easier for anyone to launch these attacks, by allowing them to create and manage many fake bank, ecommerce, healthcare, government, and social media accounts and apps that look real.
These attacks are only set to increase. Historically, generative AI wasn’t powerful enough to be used at scale to create a believable representation of someone else’s voice or a face. But now, it impossible to distinguish with a human eye or ear a deep-fake face or voice from a genuine one.
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As businesses increasingly adopt additional layers of controls for identity verification, fraudsters will need to exploit these types of attacks.
Types of attack to look out for
Types of attack to look out for include:
Mimicking a human voice: There has been substantial growth in AI-generated voices that mimic real people. These schemes mean consumers can be tricked into thinking they’re speaking to someone they know, while businesses that use voice verification systems for systems such as customer support can be misled.
Fake video or images: AI models can be trained, using deep-learning techniques, to use very large amounts of digital assets like photos, images and videos to produce high quality, authentic videos or images that are virtually indiscernible from the real ones. Once trained, AI models can blend and superimpose images onto other images and within video content at alarming speed.
Chatbots: Friendly, convincing AI chatbots can be used to build relationships with victims to convince them to send money or share personal information. Following a prescribed script, these chatbots can extend a human-like conversation with a victim over long periods of time to deepen an emotional connection.
Text messages: Generative AI enables fraudsters to replicate personal exchanges with someone a victim knows with well-written scripts that appear authentic. They can then conduct multi pronged attacks via text-based conversations with multiple victims at once, manipulating them into carrying out actions that can involve transfers of money, goods, or other fraudulent gains.
Combatting AI by embracing AI
To fight AI, businesses will need to use AI and other tools such as machine learning to ensure they stay one step ahead of criminals.
Key steps to take include:
Identifying fraud with generative AI: Use of generative AI for fraudulent transaction screening or identity theft checks is proving more accurate at spotting fraud, compared to previous generations of AI models
Increasing use of verified biometrics data: Currently generative AI can replicate an individual’s retina, fingerprint, or the way someone uses their computer mouse.
Consolidating fraud-prevention and identity-protection processes: All data and controls must feed systems and teams that can analyze signals and build models that are continuously trained on good and bad traffic. In fact, knowing what a good actor looks like will help businesses prevent impersonation attempts of genuine customers.
Educating customers and consumers: Educating consumers in personalized ways through numerous communication channels proactively can help ensure consumers are aware of the latest fraud attacks and their role in preventing them. This helps enable a seamless, personalized experience for authentic consumers, while blocking attempts from AI-enabled attackers.
Use customer vulnerability data to spot signs of social engineering: Vulnerable customers are much more likely to fall for deep fake scams. Processing and using this data for education and victim protection will enable the industry to help the most at risk
Why now?
The best companies used a multi-layered approach – there is no single silver bullet – to their fraud prevention, minimizing as much as possible the gaps that fraudsters look to exploit. For example, by using fraud data sharing consortiums and data exchanges, fraud teams can share knowledge of new and emerging attacks.
A well layered strategy which incorporates device, behavioral, consortia, document and ID verification, drastically reducing the weaknesses in the system.
Combating AI fraud will now be part of that strategy for all businesses which take fraud prevention seriously. The attacks will become more frequent and sophisticated, requiring a long-term protection strategy – that covers every step in the fraud prevention process, from consumer to attacker – to be implemented. This is the only way for companies to protect themselves and their customers from the growing threat of AI-powered attacks.
This article was produced as part of TechRadarPro’s Expert Insights channel where we feature the best and brightest minds in the technology industry today. The views expressed here are those of the author and are not necessarily those of TechRadarPro or Future plc. If you are interested in contributing find out more here: https://www.techradar.com/news/submit-your-story-to-techradar-pro
Data will soon be able to be stored in DNA. French startup Biomemory has already shipped a DNA storage device to the general public. Now the DNA Data Storage Alliance, a technology affiliate of the Storage Networking Industry Association (SNIA), has unveiled the first specifications for storing vendor and CODEC information within a DNA data archive.
Unlike traditional storage mediums such as tape, HDD, and SSD, DNA lacks a fixed physical structure, necessitating a unique mechanism for reading or “booting up” a DNA archive.
The SNIA DNA Archive Rosetta Stone (DARS) working group has developed two specifications, Sector Zero and Sector One, to enable archive readers to find the sequence to begin booting up the data.
Getting closer
Sector Zero provides the minimal information needed for the archive reader to identify the CODEC used to encode Sector One and the company that synthesized the DNA. Sector One includes information such as a description of contents, a file table, and parameters to transfer to a sequencer.
“A key goal of the DNA Data Storage Alliance is to set and publish specifications and standards that allow an interoperable DNA data storage ecosystem to grow,” said Dave Landsman, of the DNA Data Storage Alliance Board of Directors.
While there’s still a long way to go before DNA storage becomes the norm, Landsman believes we’re much closer to it than you might imagine. “With the publishing of the Alliance’s first specifications, we take an important step in achieving that goal,” he said. “Sector Zero and Sector One are now publicly available, allowing companies working in the space to adopt and implement.”
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Achieving consistently better sleep is sometimes a matter of habit. Good sleep hygiene encourages making sleep-positive adjustments to your environment and pre-bed behaviors. By regularly practicing good sleep hygiene, quality rest becomes a matter of routine.
Proper sleep hygiene encompasses your day and night, but while it might seem intimidating at first, sleep hygiene primarily relies on small but significant changes. And the more you do it, the easier it becomes, until sleep hygiene doesn’t feel like any effort at all – it’s just what you do before bed.
In this guide, we’ll explore why good sleep hygiene matters and how to develop your own sleep-friendly routine. For sleep hygiene to be effective, it’s important that your environment supports your rest, so make sure to check out our best mattress guide if your bed isn’t providing the support you need.
What is proper sleep hygiene?
Proper sleep hygiene uses regular repetition of sleep-friendly habits to develop a healthy sleep routine. Sleep hygiene is both behavioral and environmental, and it involves following a sleep-friendly routine during the day and at night. Done correctly, sleep hygiene becomes a habit, providing a long-term solution for sleep difficulties.
“Quality sleep is essential for cognitive function, mood regulation, and overall well-being. By practicing good sleep hygiene, you’ll feel more alert, focused, and energized during the day,” says Lisa Artis, sleep expert and deputy CEO at Simba mattresses charity partner, the Sleep Charity.
Why is sleep hygiene important?
Sleep hygiene prepares your body and mind for good sleep, and while it relies on consistency to work, it also delivers consistency. By practicing correct sleep hygiene, you should be able to enjoy high quality, high quantity sleep almost every night. Essentially, sleep hygiene turns good sleep into a habit.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Why is habit important? Studies – plus a lot of anecdotal evidence – show that humans are creatures of habit. We like routine, often doing the same things everyday, sometimes without even realizing. Regularly practicing sleep hygiene teaches our body the routine of going to bed, until good sleep becomes something that happens without thought or effort.
And one of the biggest benefits of proper sleep hygiene is that it’s so easily incorporated into your pre-existing daily routine. It’s not about making a massive, drastic change, but about small, habitual adjustments that should gradually become second nature.
Without sleep hygiene, you could find your habits are actually holding you back from getting the rest you need. A bad sleep hygiene routine – like bright lights in the evening and big meals before bed – might inadvertently be keeping you awake and accumulating sleep debt. And research shows that frequent lack of sleep can have both short-term and long-term implications on health. Which is why you want to replace those bad sleep habits with a good sleep hygiene routine.
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“Establishing a consistent sleep routine and creating a comfortable sleep environment can help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep throughout the night,” explains Lisa. “Practicing good sleep hygiene can help prevent or alleviate common sleep disorders such as insomnia and sleep apnea.”
(Image credit: Getty Images)
And while even with the best sleep hygiene it’s impossible to guarantee every night is a good night – we can’t always avoid busy evenings, stress, or changes to the routine – these good habits will make it easier to return to quality rest after a few nights of disruption..
What is poor sleep hygiene
Poor sleep hygiene is when you don’t have a regular sleep-friendly routine in place to help you achieve consistently good rest. The most obvious sign of poor sleep hygiene is bad sleep. You might struggle to drift off, wake up frequently during the night, or find that even after eight hours of sleep, you still feel tired.
It’s not always obvious that you have poor sleep hygiene until you take a step back. But what seems like an ordinary evening routine might be the reason you spend your nights disrupted. Keeping a sleep diary can provide an overview of your sleep, helping you identify problems and find solutions.
Is sleep hygiene the same for everyone?
While the general rules of sleep hygiene are the same for everyone, it’s important to personalize your routine to suit your needs. Take a gradual approach when determining what proper sleep hygiene looks like for you. For example, move your bedtime by 15 minutes, rather than an hour. The rules we’ve outlined below should act as a starting point, from which you build your own good habits.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
“Adequate sleep is crucial for maintaining a healthy immune system, metabolism, and cardiovascular health,” explains Lisa. “By prioritizing sleep hygiene, you can reduce the risk of various health problems.”
Sleep hygiene can improve sleep, but it won’t work for everyone. If you’re suffering from severe insomnia, obstructive sleep apnea, or other sleep disorders, consult with your doctor to find the best course of action.
5 rules for sleep hygiene
These overarching rules from the basis of sleep hygiene. They prioritize schedule and repetition, and they aren’t just focused on those last few minutes before bed – what you do during the day is also important. As well as behavioral aspects, sleep hygiene focuses on your environment, so make sure to think about your bedroom. And remember that these rules are general, not specific, and need to be personalized to your needs.
1. Set a sleep schedule
A sleep schedule determines when you go to bed and when you wake up, to ensure you’re getting as much sleep as you need. If you want to keep a close eye on your schedule, the best sleep trackers provide the exact data. Otherwise, a sleep diary can help you create an overview of just how much shut-eye you’re getting, and when.
Find your sleep window Pay attention to when you feel sleepy and when you feel awake to determine your sleep window. This is the best time for you to sleep and you can use it to schedule your drop-off and wake-up times. Learning your sleep chronotype can also help you build a schedule that suits your natural inclinations.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Wake up at the same time everyday “Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends. This helps regulate your body’s internal clock,” says Lisa. If you can’t stick to the exact time, try to roughly wake up in the same time window throughout the week. This can help you avoid the groggy effects of social jet lag; when your weekday and weekend alarms are so far apart they’re almost in different time zones.
Get out of bed if you can’t sleep Lying in bed when you can’t drift off erodes the connection between ‘bed’ and ‘sleep’, so if you can’t fall asleep after 15 minutes, it’s time for a change of scenery. Move to a different room if you can, and pick up a relaxing hobby for a few minutes, before heading back to bed. Known as the 15 minute rule, this technique also works if you wake up in the middle of the night.
2. Have a sleep-friendly bedtime routine
A relaxing bedtime routine prepares the body and mind for rest, lulling you into the perfect headspace for sleep. This routine should be followed nightly and adapted to suit your own needs and interests.
Set a time to wind-down There should be a point in your evening when you switch into pre-sleep mode, and it shouldn’t be 10 seconds before you go to bed. Start your wind-down at least 30 minutes before your bedtime, to get you into a calm headspace.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Enjoy relaxing activities “Engage in activities that help you wind down before bed, such as reading a book, taking a warm bath, or practising relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation,” suggests Lisa. Choose the right activities, and your bedtime routine can be the best part of your day.
Put away blue light “The blue light emitted by screens can interfere with your body’s natural sleep-wake cycle, so try to avoid screens (phones, computers, TVs) at least an hour before bedtime,” says Lisa. At least one hour before bed, put down your smartphone and pick up other sleep-friendly activities.
Save the bed for sleep Most of your bedtime routine should take place outside the bedroom, so you don’t start to associate the mattress with being active. Reserve the bed for sleep and intimacy, and on the weekend, avoid bed rotting.
3. Optimize the bedroom for sleep
Sleep hygiene encompasses environmental factors, not just behaviors. Your bedroom should echo the calm feeling you’ve created during your bedtime routine, to keep you in that relaxing headspace. “Make sure your bedroom is conducive to sleep by keeping it cool, dark, and quiet,” says Lisa.
Don’t forget the pillow “Invest in a comfortable mattress and pillows that don’t make you too hot or cold,” advises Lisa. Sleeping on a bad pillow could be the reason why you keep waking up with a pain in the neck. A pillow should cradle your head and help keep your spine aligned through the night. Our best pillow guide can help you one that works for you.
Clean up clutter A messy room is a catalyst for bad sleep, causing feelings of stress and guilt by reminding us of incomplete tasks. Decluttering your bedroom clears away this anxiety, but if you’re low on time, here’s a quick hack – only clean the parts of the room visible from the bed.
Get the right temperature “We sleep better when we are a little cooler,” says Dr Lindsay Browning, neuroscientist, psychologist and sleep expert at And So To Bed. “I’d recommend bedrooms are kept cooler than the rest of the house as our core body temperature drops overnight.” Around 16 to 19 degrees Celsius (60 to 66 degrees Fahrenheit), is ideal.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Block out light Bright light signals to the body clock that it’s time to wake up, while dim light indicates it’s time for sleep. Use blackout curtains or an eye mask to keep light out when you’re in bed.
4. Consider your daytime routine
What we do during the day has a direct impact on your sleep, and while you shouldn’t spend the entire day waiting to go to bed, you want to avoid bad habits that will have you lying awake all night
Eat well A healthy diet is important for your sleep, putting your body in the best place to achieve optimum rest. While there are some foods that can help you sleep (such as cashews and pumpkin seeds), don’t think of them as the equivalent of a sleeping pill. Aim to incorporate them into your diet throughout the day, if you want to feel the benefits.
Avoid eating late at night As well as what you eat, it’s important to consider when you eat. Lisa recommends to avoid: “heavy meals and spicy foods close to bedtime, as they can cause discomfort and disrupt sleep.” Eating late at night can keep you up, as your body is focused on digestion, and not sleep. In addition, lying down after eating can cause indigestion, which further contributes to bad sleep.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Choose drinks carefully Lisa advises to; “avoid consuming caffeine and alcohol close to bedtime, as they can disrupt your sleep.” The 10-3-2-1-0 sleep methodrecommends cutting out caffeine 10 hours before bed and alcohol three hours before bed. In general, try to hydrate consistently throughout the day, instead of late at night, so you can avoid waking up to go to the toilet.
Get active Exercise can help you sleep by regulating your body clock. “Engage in regular physical activity, but try to avoid vigorous exercise close to bedtime as it can be stimulating,” says Lisa. If you have to exercise before bed, keep things light – a relaxing walk or light stretching should work.
5. Keep it regular
Sleep hygiene, much like regular hygiene, isn’t a one and done kind of activity. Consistency is key. Just like you should brush your teeth every morning, you should commit to sleep hygiene every night.
But because sleep hygiene is all about habit, the more frequently you do it, the more natural it becomes. With regular repetition, it won’t feel like you’re practicing sleep hygiene – you’ll just be going through your day-to-day routine.
While sleep hygiene should become habit that doesn’t necessarily mean it has to remain static. Over time, you might need to gradually adapt your sleep hygiene to suit life changes, such as aging (our sleep needs change with our age), growing kids, or even a new job. However, with a good basis of routine in place, you should find these small adjustments won’t disrupt your overall sleep habits.
The March 2024 edition of Microsoft’s Patch Tuesday is upon us, fixing dozens of vulnerabilities, including two critical severity issues which could result in remote code execution (RCE) and privilege escalation.
In its advisory, Microsoft announced addressing 61 CVEs, in addition to 17 Edge flaws fixed a few weeks prior. Of those 61 vulnerabilities, two are labeled critical, 58 important, and one low. The company said the flaws were not publicly known, or under active exploitation.
However, six were flagged as “exploitation more likely”, probably suggesting that they are relatively easy to discover and abuse, and that it was only a matter of time before a threat actor finds them.
Hyper-V flaws addressed
That being said, the two critical severity vulnerabilities are tracked as CVE-2024-21334 and CVE-2024-21400. The former has a severity score of 9.8, and is described as an Open Management Infrastructure (OMI) Remote Code Execution Vulnerability. The latter, on the other hand, has a severity score of 9.0, and is described as an Azure Kubernetes Service Confidential Container Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability.
Besides the two, other notable mentions include CVE-2024-21407, and CVE-2024-21408, two flaws affecting Hyper-V, and allowing threat actors not only to run RCE, but also denial-of-service (DoS) attacks.
This month’s Patch Tuesday also fixes a number of vulnerabilities discovered in products from other vendors, such as Adobe, AMD, Citrix, Chrome, NVIDIA, and many others. The full list of vulnerabilities serviced this month can be found on this link.
Every second Tuesday in a month, Microsoft releases cumulative updates, addressing as many vulnerabilities as it can (aside from critical updates which are released as soon as they’re available, and are usually known as out-of-bands patches). This is a longstanding practice in the IT industry that’s been picked up by many companies, including Adobe, and Oracle, and formalized in late 2003 by Microsoft.
Apple this week updated GarageBand for Mac with an important security fix. Users should update the app as soon as possible due to this security vulnerability.
In a support document for the new GarageBand version, Apple said “a use-after-free issue was addressed with improved memory management”:
GarageBand
Available for: macOS Ventura and macOS Sonoma
Impact: Processing a maliciously crafted file may lead to unexpected app termination or arbitrary code execution
Description: A use-after-free issue was addressed with improved memory management.
CVE-2024-23300: Marc Schoenefeld, Dr. rer. nat.
GarageBand version 10.4.11 is available on the Mac App Store. The update also includes stability improvements and bug fixes, according to Apple.
While the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max are still around six months away from launching, there are already many rumors about the devices. Below, we have recapped new features and changes expected so far. These are some of the key changes rumored for the iPhone 16 Pro models as of March 2024:Larger displays: The iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max will be equipped with larger 6.3-inch…
Apple appears to be internally testing iOS 17.4.1 for the iPhone, based on evidence of the software update in our website’s logs this week. Our logs have revealed the existence of several iOS 17 versions before Apple released them, ranging from iOS 17.0.3 to iOS 17.3.1. iOS 17.4.1 should be a minor update that addresses software bugs and/or security vulnerabilities. It is unclear when…
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Apple’s next-generation iPad Pro models are expected to be announced in a matter of weeks, so what can customers expect from the highly anticipated new machines? The 2022 iPad Pro was a minor update that added the M2 chip, Apple Pencil hover, and specification upgrades like Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity. The iPad Pro as a whole has generally only seen relatively small updates in…
iOS 17.4 was released last week following over a month of beta testing, and the update includes many new features and changes for the iPhone. iOS 17.4 introduces major changes to the App Store, Safari, and Apple Pay in the EU, in response to the Digital Markets Act. Other new features include Apple Podcasts transcripts, an iMessage security upgrade, new emoji options, and more. Below, we…
Apple plans to release new iPad Pro and iPad Air models “around the end of March or in April,” according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. He also expects new Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil accessories for iPads to launch simultaneously. Apple is expected to release a larger 12.9-inch iPad Air In his Power On newsletter on Sunday, Gurman reiterated that Apple is preparing a special build of the…
Earlier this week, Apple announced new 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Air models, the first Mac updates of the year featuring M3 series chips. But there are other Macs in Apple’s lineup still to be updated to the latest M3 processors. So, where do the Mac mini, Mac Studio, and Mac Pro fit into Apple’s M3 roadmap for the year ahead? Here’s what the latest rumors say. Mac Mini Apple announced …
Apple today announced three further changes for developers in the European Union, allowing them to distribute apps directly from webpages, choose how to design in-app promotions, and more. Apple last week enabled alternative app stores in the EU in iOS 17.4, allowing third-party app stores to offer a catalog of other developers’ apps as well as the marketplace developer’s own apps. As of…
One of the most exciting developments in AI is the rise of generative AI. This technology is transforming how we approach creative tasks, data analysis, and even software development. By working alongside these AI tools, you can boost your productivity significantly. They enhance your natural abilities without replacing the unique creativity that only you possess. If you would like to learn more about the most important AI trends in 2024 this quick guide will give you an overview of what you need to know.
Another trend that’s reshaping the AI landscape is the emergence of multimodal AI. Imagine an AI that can not only recognize a picture but also describe it in detail, or one that understands the subtleties of your voice. Multimodal AI combines different types of data, like text, images, and sound, to create applications that are smarter and easier to use.
As we become more conscious of our environmental impact and financial resources, the AI industry is shifting towards smaller, more powerful models. These models require less computing power, making them more accessible and environmentally friendly. They maintain their intelligence but are faster and use fewer resources.
Important Artificial Intelligence (AI) Trends in 2024
This move towards smaller AI models is also a response to the rising costs of GPUs and cloud services, which are essential for running large AI systems. By choosing more compact models, you can expect to save on these expenses, making AI more affordable for a wider range of users and businesses. Watch the video kindly created by IBM below to learn more about the most important AI trends in 2024.
Here are some other articles you may find of interest on the subject of artificial intelligence :
Important AI trends 2024
Realistic Expectations for Generative AI
The industry is recognizing the importance of setting realistic expectations for generative AI. These technologies are increasingly seen as tools that augment and enhance human capabilities rather than replace them. For instance, in creative domains, generative AI can propose novel ideas or drafts, which human experts then refine to ensure quality and relevance. This approach maximizes the benefits of AI while acknowledging its limitations, such as the need for human oversight to ensure accuracy, ethical considerations, and contextual understanding.
Advancements in Multimodal AI
Multimodal AI represents a significant leap forward, as it involves the integration of multiple data types (e.g., text, images, audio) into a single model. This advancement enables more complex and nuanced AI applications. For example, an AI system could analyze social media posts by combining text analysis with image recognition to gain deeper insights into public sentiment or trends. These capabilities lead to more sophisticated applications in areas like healthcare, where AI can assess medical images and patient histories together to support diagnostic processes.
Shift to Smaller AI Models
The move towards smaller, more efficient AI models is driven by the need to reduce the environmental impact and operational costs associated with large models. Smaller models require less computational power for training and inference, making AI more accessible and sustainable. This trend does not necessarily compromise performance; through techniques like transfer learning, small models can still deliver high accuracy by leveraging knowledge from pre-trained larger models.
GPU and Cloud Cost Pressures
The high costs of GPUs and cloud services for training and deploying AI models are significant factors driving the shift towards smaller models and optimization techniques. These financial pressures encourage developers to seek more cost-effective solutions without sacrificing performance, leading to innovations in model design and deployment strategies that optimize for both cost and efficiency.
Model Optimization Techniques
Techniques like quantization, which reduces the precision of the numbers used in computations, and low-rank adaptation, which simplifies model architecture, are crucial for enhancing the performance of AI models while minimizing computational resources. These optimizations make it feasible to deploy advanced AI applications on edge devices, such as smartphones and IoT devices, broadening the reach and impact of AI technology.
Custom Local Models
The availability of open-source models facilitates the creation of customized AI solutions that address specific needs while keeping data processing local. This approach not only tailors AI applications more closely to organizational requirements but also mitigates privacy and security risks by minimizing data exposure. Local processing supports compliance with data protection regulations and reduces reliance on cloud services, further addressing cost and privacy concerns.
Emergence of Virtual Agents
Virtual agents are evolving beyond simple chatbots to become more capable of performing a variety of tasks, such as making reservations, providing customer support, and integrating with other digital services. These agents offer a more interactive and personalized user experience, enhancing productivity and customer satisfaction. The development of virtual agents reflects broader trends in automation and user interface design, highlighting the potential for AI to transform service industries.
Regulatory Developments
As AI becomes more pervasive, regulatory frameworks are evolving to address ethical, privacy, and safety concerns. The EU’s Artificial Intelligence Act is an example of proactive efforts to establish guidelines for AI development and use. These regulations aim to balance the promotion of innovation with the need to protect individual rights and ensure societal welfare, setting precedents that could influence global standards for AI governance.
Shadow AI in the Workplace
The phenomenon of Shadow AI, where employees use AI tools without official approval, highlights the challenges of managing technology adoption in corporate environments. Shadow AI can introduce security vulnerabilities, compliance issues, and inconsistencies in how data and technology are managed. Organizations are responding by developing comprehensive AI policies and governance structures that balance the need for innovation with the imperative to maintain control and oversight over technology use.
To get the most out of AI, the industry is focusing on optimizing existing models. Techniques like quantization are being used to improve performance, ensuring that AI operates faster and uses less energy. This makes AI deployments not only more capable but also more cost-effective. In a world where data privacy is a top concern, custom local models are becoming popular. These AI solutions are tailored to specific organizational needs and keep data on-site, addressing privacy and security issues. This gives you peace of mind as you explore what AI can do for you.
Virtual agents are also evolving, taking automation and user experience to new heights. They’re moving beyond simple chatbots to handle tasks like booking appointments, providing customer support, and connecting with other services. This streamlines your workflow and makes interacting with users simpler. As AI becomes more integrated into our lives, regulations are changing to keep up. Expect new laws and standards that ensure AI is used ethically and responsibly. Staying ahead of these changes is essential for compliance and maintaining trust in AI technology.
Lastly, the use of unauthorized AI tools, known as Shadow AI, poses significant risks, from security breaches to regulatory issues. It’s important to establish clear AI policies and governance within your organization to mitigate these threats. The AI trends of 2024 reflect an industry that is growing more sophisticated, focusing on integration, efficiency, and ethical practice. By understanding and adapting to these trends, you can position yourself and your organization to make the most of the opportunities AI presents. For more information on getting your business up to speed with AI jump over to the IBM website.
Filed Under: Technology News, Top News
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If you are interested in learning more about all the new updates released by OpenAI to its GPT-4 AI model and other services and news from the first ever OpenAI Dev Day Keynote event. This quick overview provides more insight into what you can expect from the performance of the latest ChatGPT-4 Turbo AI model and also an overview of the other enhancements, features and services announced by OpenAI that will soon be available for ChatGPT users to enjoy.
During the conference Sam Altman announced the imminent release of ChatGPT-4 Turbo, an upgraded version of the already sophisticated language model GPT-4, represents a significant leap forward in the field of AI development. This improved model introduces six key enhancements that are set to transform how developers work with AI.
ChatGPT-4 Turbo
These enhancements include a longer context length, greater user control, improved knowledge, the addition of new modalities, customization options, and increased rate limits. The cut-off date for the new ChatGPT-4 Turbo AI model has also been increased to April 2023 allowing the AI model to expand its knowledge from the original September 2021 cut-off date for ChatGPT-4 released back in March 2023.
The new 128k context window, when used with the ChatGPT-4 Turbo engine, allows for extensive text processing. This means you can process larger amounts of text at once, making it easier to analyze and generate text-based content. This is especially useful for tasks such as document analysis, content generation, and machine translation.
Other articles you may find of interest on the subject of OpenAI and its products :
OpenAI GPT Price reductions
In an effort to make AI more accessible, OpenAI has reduced the price of GPT-4 Turbo. This strategic move is designed to make AI more affordable and accessible to a wider range of developers. By reducing the financial barrier to entry, OpenAI is encouraging more developers to explore and use AI technologies. This could potentially lead to an increase in the number of AI apps on the market, offering a wider range of solutions for end-users and expanding the possibilities of AI.
Copyright Shield
Another major update is the OpenAI Copyright Shield, a legal protection tool designed to safeguard you from potential copyright issues when using AI technologies. This is particularly important if you’re developing AI bots or custom AI models that could unintentionally infringe on copyrighted material. This tool provides a safety net, allowing you to innovate without worrying about legal issues.
OpenAI GPTs customizable AI models
Another significant update is the introduction of General Purpose Transforms (GPTs). GPTs give you the ability to build customized versions of Chat GPT, complete with instructions, expanded knowledge, and actions. This means you can create AI assistants like Matbot 3000, tailored to specific needs and requirements. Additionally, you can use the Assistance API to create AI assistants, and the persistent threads feature to maintain conversation history, enhancing the user experience and making your AI applications more user-friendly.
GPT-4 upgrades
OpenAI APIs
The Assistance API is another noteworthy feature. It aids in the creation of chatbots, providing a way to automate conversations. This is particularly useful in customer service, where chatbots can handle routine inquiries, freeing up human agents to deal with more complex issues.
– GPT Vision API is a powerful tool for image analysis, providing detailed insights into image content. This is particularly useful in fields such as surveillance, medical imaging, and content moderation, where accurate image analysis is crucial.
– DallE 3 API is designed for image generation. It can create images based on user prompts, making it a valuable tool for graphic designers, artists, and anyone needing to quickly and efficiently generate images. This API can greatly reduce your workload, allowing you to focus on the creative aspects of your work, thereby increasing productivity.
– Text to Speech API is another key feature. This tool converts written text into spoken words, providing a way to create audio content from written material. This is especially useful for creating audiobooks, podcasts, or any other form of audio content. The API supports a variety of languages and voices, allowing you to customize the output to meet your specific needs.
For developers, these advancements mean you now have the tools to build more complex and nuanced AI applications. For instance, the JSON mode feature enables you to generate valid JSON responses, while the reproducible outputs feature ensures consistent model outputs, enhancing the reliability of your AI applications.
Everything announced by OpenAI
GPT Store
OpenAI also launched the GPT Store, a marketplace specifically for GPT models. This platform functions similarly to an app store, allowing you to sell your GPTs and providing a platform for monetizing your AI developments. This could potentially lead to an increase in the number of AI solutions available on the market, offering a wider range of options for end-users and fostering a more competitive AI landscape.
However, these updates could also have implications for existing SaaS startups. OpenAI appears to be incorporating many features that were previously offered by third-party tools. This could potentially make some existing SaaS startups obsolete, as developers might prefer to use OpenAI’s integrated tools instead, leading to a shift in the SaaS landscape.
OpenAI’s Dev Day announcements represent significant advancements in AI development. The introduction of ChatGPT-4 Turbo, the Copyright Shield, the reduction in pricing, the launch of GPTs, and the GPT Store, as well as the Assistance API and persistent threads, are all expected to make AI app development more accessible and affordable. However, these updates could also disrupt the existing landscape of SaaS startups. As a developer, it’s crucial to stay updated with these advancements and consider how they might impact your work, shaping your strategies and decisions in the rapidly evolving world of AI.
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At the end of March 2023, Valve launched closed beta testing of Counter-Strike 2, a new version of the competitive shooter CS:GO. The game is not very different from the original, but still created a huge stir in the gaming community. It’s worth noting that visually CS2 looks almost the same as the previous version, but there are important updates. Moreover, the changes relate not only to the interface but also to the gameplay. If you are ready to plunge into the world of Counter-Strike 2 matches as much as you love CS:GO matches, then this article written by eZstah is for you.
The Most Important Differences Between Counter-Strike 2 And CS:GO
Since the rumors about the release of Counter-Strike 2, the number of CS:GO players has increased significantly. If in December 2022 the average number of players was 629,325, then in the summer of 2023 the figure increased to 900,000-1,000,000 players. Perhaps every player is eager to get access to Counter-Strike 2 to see the improvements. Very soon, more players will have this opportunity, but for now, let’s look at them.
Smoke Grenades
This is the most noticeable change that will definitely change the behavior of players in certain game situations. Previously, the smoke lasted 18 seconds and was constant, completely limiting visibility: it was possible to safely plant a bomb or change position.
The smoke effect has increased to 20 seconds, players can interact with them. For example, a shot will create a hole, and a fragmentation grenade will help you disperse the smoke for a while. Apparently, smoke grenades in CS2 will become less versatile. There are no longer guarantees that the enemy will lose control of the territory. However, the importance of the review remains the same. Gamers will have to find more interesting ways to provide it.
Removing Skyboxes
There are other important mechanics with grenades. Global Offensive used a system of skyboxes – invisible textures on top of the map from which grenades bounced. Players have learned to use this when throwing, but there will be no skyboxes in Counter-Strike 2. Because of this, many grenades will stop working at the beginning of the rounds, but others will appear since there are no more obstacles in the sky. Grenades can now be thrown across the entire map, which will allow players to realize a huge number of new rounds on each of the maps.
Refusal of Tick Rate
In CS:GO, the server updates data at a certain frequency. It’s called tickrate. The higher it is, the more accurately the system processes the data. For example, you may not get credit for a hit because the computer did not have time to quickly send information about it to the server. Tick rate greatly influences the way grenades move when deployed. Valve’s CS:GO servers use a tick rate of 64. That’s why some people prefer to play on FACEIT and other platforms, where it is 128. By the way, the same indicator is in Valorant from Riot Games, which is presented as an important advantage of the game.
However, in Counter-Strike 2, Valve didn’t just increase the stats to 128, as many expected. Instead, the server will instantly respond to all player actions thanks to the new system, which will make the game much more accurate and fair.
Character Movement
Those who have tried Counter-Strike 2 know that the models in the shooter began to move noticeably smoother than before. This is not very convenient yet, but you can get used to it, especially if a person plays not only CS. In CS:GO, strafe is of great importance – the ability to suddenly jump out from around a corner, shoot at an enemy, and return to a safe place without taking damage. This is the basis of close and mid-range duels in Valve’s shooter. Now it’s not so easy to jerk an opponent: it’s much easier for him to get into timing and respond with a shot.
Graphics Updates
It seems that the improved picture is aimed only at visual perception, but in the case of a competitive shooter at the level of CS:GO, this is not entirely true. In Counter-Strike, any information matters. Bomb explosions now look brighter, with blood stains exactly matching the direction of the shot. With this, players will, in theory, be able to determine where the opponent is. To a lesser extent, this concerns lighting and new textures: many players who are accustomed to setting graphics to a minimum for the sake of performance will simply not see these textures. However, for some, due to better visuals, it will be easier to see the enemy.
Sound Updates
The sound in Counter-Strike 2 has become clearer. It conveys the surroundings better. This means that with a good headset and gaming experience, a gamer will be able to recognize the exact direction from which the shot came.
Mini-fixes For AWP
The sniper rifle has received small but important changes. Firstly, you can no longer simply hold down the right mouse button to enable double zoom. Secondly, now when fired there is a clear trajectory, like from a tracer. It will be easier to find the sniper. Perhaps, in this way, Valve wants to slightly reduce the importance of this role and, accordingly, increase the importance of all others.
New Anti-cheat
The last thing worth mentioning is Valve’s fight against cheaters, which has been going on ever since the launch of the first version of Counter-Strike. Lately, VAC has been working better and better, but it is not perfect, which can ruin the enjoyment of the game for many players. The capabilities of the new engine will allow developers to add improved anti-cheat to CS2. It is claimed that VAC Live 2 will identify violators in real-time. If the system detects a dishonest player, it will immediately cancel the match.
Wrapping It Up
The release of Counter-Strike 2 opens up new possibilities for players to develop more sophisticated strategies. You can use new advantages to achieve the same results as Oleksandr “s1mple” Kostyliev or Valerii “b1t” Vakhovskyi from Navi. We also recommend using Profilerr services to learn more about pro players, as well as make adjustments to the settings for a more effective game. The service is open to users from all over the world, including players from US, Canada, or Ukraine.
Filed Under: Gaming News
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Exploring the question what is NFO mutual fund reveals a captivating avenue within investment opportunities. NFO (New Fund Offer) mutual funds provide early access to emerging prospects, diverse investment strategies, and potential for higher returns. Distinguished from traditional funds, NFO mutual funds hold the key to navigating modern investment landscapes with innovative approaches.Now you knowwhat is NFO mutual fund, let’s check out why should you invest in it.
Early admission into Untapped Opportunities: Investors can benefit from early admission into newly launched funds by using NFO mutual funds. As a result of this early entry, possibly better returns and access to undiscovered market prospects may result. Investors may profit from the fund’s long-term growth potential by buying in early.
Potential for diversification: Adding NFO mutual funds to a portfolio can help it become more diversified. NFOs frequently concentrate on specialized industries or investment themes that might not be easily accessible through current mutual funds. Investors may be able to reduce risks related to over-concentration in certain industries with the aid of this focused approach.
Unusual Investment Techniques: To set NFO mutual funds apart from traditional funds, they usually provide unusual investment techniques. These tactics may include a concentration on particular industries, market segments, or even global marketplaces. These unique methods can expose investors to unorthodox development opportunities.
Potential for Early Advantage: Fund managers may use tactical techniques in the early phases of an NFO mutual fund to take advantage of favourable market conditions. In the early years of the fund’s existence, this proactive approach may produce better returns, offering investors a competitive advantage.
Lower Expense Ratios: When compared to their more established peers, newly launched mutual funds frequently have lower expense ratios. This is due to the possibility that fund firms will lower their expense rates to entice investors during the NFO period. Over time, lower expense ratios may result in cost savings for investors.
Investment Awareness and Education: Participating in NFO mutual funds can help to promote investor education and awareness. Investors learn more about the investment process and the variables affecting their financial decisions as they investigate and examine the fund’s strategy and objectives. Over time, having learned from this experience, one’s investment knowledge may advance.
Potential for High Returns: NFO mutual funds may be able to produce better returns than more seasoned funds because of their novel approaches and creative techniques. Outperformance may result from a focus on fresh investment possibilities and smart fund management.
Profiting from Market Trends: NFO mutual funds are frequently created to take advantage of developing market trends and prospective future development sectors. These funds give investors the chance to adapt their portfolios to changing market conditions, technological breakthroughs, and consumer tastes.
Active Fund Management: Experienced fund managers actively manage NFO mutual funds while attentively observing market conditions. This proactive approach may result in prompt holdings revisions for the fund, increasing the likelihood of producing alpha and maximizing profits.
Conclusion
NFO (New Fund Offer) mutual funds have emerged as attractive possibilities for diversifying portfolios in the world of investment prospects. They provide the possibility of greater profits, lower expenditure ratios, and an opportunity to profit from developing market trends. Investing in NFO mutual funds is a wise choice for investors because it is consistent with current investment trends.
