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HMD steps out of Nokia’s shadow and launches its own mid-range smartphone line

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HMD is breaking into new territory by launching its first smartphone line under an original name. It’ll no longer be known as just a manufacturer of Nokia phones. In total, there are three mid-range devices in the series: the HMD Pulse, Pulse Plus, and Pulse Pro. The third model is meant to be the leader of the pack, although if you look at their respective specifications, you’ll notice they are all very similar to one another with a few differences. 

The HMD Pulse Pro houses a Unisoc T606 processor running on a 5,000mAh battery capable of lasting up to 59 hours on a single charge. Buyers can equip the phone with up to 8GB of RAM. Storage capacity peaks at 128Gb although you can expand it up to 256GB with an SD card. On the front, you have a 6.65-inch HD Plus touchscreen with an image resolution of 1,612 x 720 pixels. Up top is a 50 MP selfie camera supported by multiple features. Gesture Navigation, for example, lets you use hand gestures like a finger heart or a thumbs up to instruct the selfie lens to take a photo. And pictures taken at night are, the company claims, “clear as day” thanks to AI Super Portrait boosting the luminosity. 

HMD Pulse Pro colors

(Image credit: HMD)

Around the back is a two-camera setup consisting of another 50MP lens and a 2MP depth option. They too have their own set of supporting features. Skin tone optimization ensures people of different skin complexions look good in photographs no matter what. You also have Flash Shot for taking multiple pictures in quick succession. 

Performance gap

When it comes to the other two models, they have nearly identical configurations. The same chipset, the same battery, the same display, and so on. Differences among the trio are centered around their camera system. HMD states the Pulse Plus has a 50MP rear camera (even though you see two lenses) and an 8MP selfie. The standard Pulse phone bumps the rear lens down to just 13MP. Some of the Pulse Pro’s image-enhancing software is found on the pair, like the skin tone optimization, but the hand gestures aren’t. 

HMD Pulse Plus colors

(Image credit: HMD)

It’s also important to mention that all three are repairable. HMD is partnering up with iFixit in providing spare parts. Users will be able to replace cracked screens, bent charging ports, or a completely dead battery. No word on when the repair kits and parts will launch. They’re not available on iFixit’s website at the time of this writing.

Availability

The standard Pulse phone is available for purchase in the UK for £99.99 on HMD’s website in Meteor Black. The Dreamy Pink variant is out of stock at the moment. Both the Pulse Plus and Pulse Pro will roll out in the United Kingdom soon, however an exact date was not given.  

HMD Pulse colors

(Image credit: HMD)

There are plans to launch an independent phone in the United States known as the HMD Vibe. It’ll be similar to the others in that it’ll have a two-day battery life, 4GB of memory, and a dual camera setup. However, the Vibe will house a Snapdragon chipset rather than the Unisoc processor.

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Apple steps up Safari’s game with 60% faster performance according to shiny new browser benchmark Speedometer 3.0

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Safari users are in for some good news, as Apple claims that users of its web browser can expect significantly better performance from the browser and its WebKit browser engine (which is primarily used in Safari). 

The news was shared by Apple in an official WebKit blog post, following its announcement of Speedometer 3.0, the latest iteration of Apple’s browser benchmark made in collaboration with other browser engine developers. It explains that the introduction of Speedometer 3.0 will usher in an era of faster web use in general, allowing web developers to make web apps and websites unlike those seen before, and Apple itself will be making sure that Safari and WebKit take advantage of the new technology. 

According to 9to5Mac, the way that Speedometer 3.0 captures information and calculates scores will allow for more detailed findings and give web developers new capabilities. 

A close up of a man typing on a MacBook keyboard

(Image credit: Shutterstock/wutzkohphoto)

Putting the pedal to the medal 

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Take these steps to accelerate the path to gender equity in health sciences

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Diversity in science is instrumental in achieving major breakthroughs. Without further accelerating gender parity and other types of diversity — including focusing on the needs of those in and working towards leadership roles — we will continue to lose valuable ground. At a time when academia faces some of its greatest workforce gaps in history, some of our brightest scholars are leaving institutions before reaching their full potential due to a lack of recognition.

Portrait image of Christina Mangurian

Christina MangurianCredit: UCSF

We applaud changes that have been made for early-career researchers, with more women and historically excluded scholars entering research-training institutions now than ever before. But too often, we lose out on investments made by government funders and institutions in early-career researchers because the system was not built to increase the diversity of leaders as they move up the career ladder.

For 25 years, women have made up more than 40% of the medical student body in the United States, but less than 20% of department chairs in academic medicine. Without a major policy shift to accelerate the rate of diversification among leaders in the country, it will take 50 years for academic medicine to reach gender parity1. That’s way too long.

We must address this with urgency, as women’s perspectives and leadership are key in developing new therapies and improving representation in clinical trials. We need more role models for trainees and junior faculty. All of this leads to pipeline retention and more innovative discovery.

Portrait image of Claire D. Brindis

Claire D. BrindisCredit: Marco Sanchez, UCSF Documents and Media

So, what do we do? We must re-evaluate the way the entire scientific academic enterprise is set up to directly, and indirectly, create challenging climates for women, especially for women of colour. Below, we focus on the policies and procedures that would offer the highest yield in the context of the United States, but that have global relevance.

Elevate the status of gender equity on campus

Public policy value statements. Commitments by academic leaders to diversity measures must be backed by strong policies, protocols and actions directed at all career stages, but particularly focused on supporting emerging and senior women leaders. Organizations must hold leaders accountable for incidents of bias, discrimination and bullying and institute formal, tailored training to promote allyship for some, and active rehabilitation for others.

Confidential reporting. We need better reporting systems to ensure that researchers can highlight gender disparities without fear of retaliation. Ombudsman and whistleblower offices can be helpful, but in the United States, many of these are understaffed to meet the demand. There is also an urgent need to test which approaches are most effective at correcting behaviour.

Implement institutional family-friendly policies

Childbearing/rearing leave. In the United States, there have been gains for faculty members at some institutions and major gains nationally for trainees. But there is room to improve, such as provision of affordable, on-site childcare.

Lactation policies. Only 8% of US medical schools provide financial incentives to make up for clinical time lost while lactating in the first 12 months post-birth. Institutions should be leading the way in establishing policies that recognize the biological factors impacting careers.

Elder care and other informal care. A 2023 study2 found that close to half of female faculty are informal caregivers, and close to half are providing elder care as they reach mid-career. Given that institutions are competing to attract mid- or senior-level women, expansion of paid leave policies to include elder care is warranted.

Formalize equitable distribution of resources and access to opportunities

Compensation. Institutions should regularly perform salary reviews as a means of correcting disparities, especially as it pertains to women of colour. Leaders should also regularly review starting salaries, distribution of endowed chairs, salary increases that are far above the norm and recruitment and retention packages.

Sponsorship. Mentoring and sponsorship roles are increasingly recognized, but more oversight is needed. Behind closed doors is where decisions are made as to who gains access to crucial leadership opportunities; making the invisible visible is key to assuring greater institutional equity.

Focus on faculty promotion and retention

Resources. Offering equitable start-up packages and discretionary funds for new faculty members as well as compensation for dedicated mentors for historically excluded early career researchers can create a supportive professional environment. Such resources are important to offset the time requirements placed on excluded groups who are frequently asked to serve on campus and department committees to meet diversity metrics.

Peer support. Community affinity groups facilitate knowledge exchange needed for career advancement, as well as ‘real time’ support for faculty members. They are easy to set up and yield high returns for participants.

A multi-pronged approach is needed to accelerate gender parity in academic medicine leadership. Rather than continue to attribute disparities to individual ‘failures’, institutions must recognize that structural and organizational interventions can make transformational change.

Competing Interests

The authors declare no competing interests.

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Microsoft Interactive AI Agent Foundation Model steps towards AGI

Microsoft Interactive AI Agent Foundation Model

In addition to OpenAI announcing it’s new focus on developing AI Agents. Microsoft has introduced an innovative AI Agent Foundation Model, which is seen as a significant step toward Artificial General Intelligence (AGI). This model is designed to incorporate various human-like cognitive abilities and skills, such as decision-making, perception, memory, motor skills, language processing, and communication. The model’s versatility is demonstrated across different domains, including robotics, gaming AI, and healthcare, showcasing its ability to generate contextually relevant outputs.

The advanced Microsoft AI Foundation model could be a significant stride toward the creation of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI). This new AI, known as the AI Agent Foundation Model, is designed to replicate human cognitive functions such as decision-making, perception, memory, language processing, and communication. It’s a substantial development for Microsoft, aiming to create AI systems that can operate across a wide array of tasks and sectors, including robotics, gaming AI, and healthcare.

At the heart of this new model is a training approach that allows the AI to learn from different domains, datasets, and tasks. This flexibility means the AI isn’t limited to one specific area but is robust enough to handle various challenges. The model combines sophisticated pre-trained methods, including image recognition techniques, text comprehension and generation, and the ability to predict future events.

Microsoft AI Agent Foundation Model

In real-world scenarios, the AI Agent Foundation Model has undergone testing in several fields. In robotics, it has shown more human-like movements through its advanced motor skills and perception. In the realm of gaming AI, it has led to more realistic and engaging gameplay by enhancing decision-making and action prediction. In healthcare, the model’s advanced data processing and communication abilities could potentially assist in diagnoses and treatment planning.

Here are some other articles you may find of interest on the subject of  AI Agents :

Microsoft explains a little more about its Interactive Agent Foundation Model research paper :

“The development of artificial intelligence systems is transitioning from creating static, task-specific models to dynamic, agent-based systems capable of performing well in a wide range of applications. We propose an Interactive Agent Foundation Model that uses a novel multi-task agent training paradigm for training AI agents across a wide range of domains, datasets, and tasks. Our training paradigm unifies diverse pre-training strategies, including visual masked auto-encoders, language modeling, and next-action prediction, enabling a versatile and adaptable AI framework.

We demonstrate the performance of our framework across three separate domains — Robotics, Gaming AI, and Healthcare. Our model demonstrates its ability to generate meaningful and contextually relevant outputs in each area. The strength of our approach lies in its generality, leveraging a variety of data sources such as robotics sequences, gameplay data, large-scale video datasets, and textual information for effective multimodal and multi-task learning. Our approach provides a promising avenue for developing generalist, action-taking, multimodal systems.”

Multimodal AI Agents

What sets this model apart is its ability to learn from multiple modes and tasks. It uses data from different sources, such as robotic sequences, gameplay data, video databases, and textual content. This diverse learning environment improves the model’s understanding of the world and its interactions within it.

The scalability and adaptability of the AI Agent Foundation Model are also key features. Instead of relying on several specialized AI systems, this model can be fine-tuned to perform a variety of functions. This approach is more efficient than creating separate models for each specific task. Training the model involves the use of synthetic data, which can be generated by AI models like GPT-4. This approach is not only efficient but also addresses privacy concerns by reducing the reliance on sensitive or personal real-world data.

One of the most exciting prospects of the AI Agent Foundation Model is its ability to generalize learning across different domains. This generalization indicates that the model can apply its knowledge to new and unfamiliar tasks, suggesting a future where AI can seamlessly integrate into various industries, enhancing productivity and driving innovation.

Microsoft’s AI Agent Foundation Model research represents a significant advancement in the quest for AGI. Its innovative training methods, the integration of pre-trained strategies, and the focus on multitask and multimodal learning position it as a versatile and powerful tool for the future of AI in numerous fields.

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Supercharge Your Productivity: Master ChatGPT in 10 Easy Steps

Supercharge Your Productivity

This guide is designed to show you how to supercharge your productivity with ChatGPT. The digital age has promised efficiency, but reality often paints a different picture. To-do lists overflow, inbox notifications dance a taunting jig, and deadlines loom like storm clouds. In this frenetic landscape, ChatGPT emerges as a potent weapon in the war against wasted hours. This powerful language model, honed by OpenAI, is not just a fancy chatbot; it’s a productivity powerhouse waiting to be unleashed.

But wielding this AI assistant effectively requires more than just firing off prompts. To truly master ChatGPT and supercharge your productivity, you need a strategic approach. So, buckle up, because we’re about to embark on a 10-step journey to unlock the full potential of this revolutionary tool.

Step 1: Befriend the Basics

Before unleashing ChatGPT, understand its strengths and limitations. It excels at generating creative text formats, translating languages, and writing different kinds of content. However, it doesn’t replace your critical thinking or research skills. Treat it as a collaborative partner, not a magic solution.

Step 2: Define Your Goals

Knowing where you’re headed is crucial. What tasks drain your time? Brainstorm specific areas where ChatGPT can assist, be it writing emails, brainstorming marketing ideas, or generating outlines for reports. Specificity breeds success.

Step 3: Craft Compelling Prompts

Think of prompts as blueprints for ChatGPT’s output. The more detail and clarity you provide, the better the results. Instead of a vague “Write a poem,” try “Write a haiku about the challenges of facing a blank page, using vivid imagery and a hopeful tone.” Remember, ChatGPT thrives on specific instructions.

Step 4: Embrace Iteration

Rarely does the first draft nail it. Treat ChatGPT’s initial output as a springboard, not the final product. Refine your prompts, provide feedback, and iterate. This collaborative dance yields remarkable results, showcasing the true power of human-AI synergy.

Step 5: Overcome Writer’s Block with Brainstorming

Stuck staring at a blank page? Ask ChatGPT to list ideas, keywords, or outlines related to your topic. This sparks creativity, helping you move past the dreaded block and get those juices flowing. Consider it a brainstorming session on steroids.

Step 6: Conquer Content Creation

ChatGPT can be your content creation Swiss Army Knife. Need blog posts, social media captions, or even product descriptions? Craft specific prompts, define the target audience, and watch as ChatGPT whips up engaging content in minutes. Just remember to edit and tailor the output to your unique voice.

Step 7: Master the Art of Translation

Breaking down language barriers is another superpower of ChatGPT. Need to translate documents, captions, or emails? Craft clear prompts specifying the source and target languages, and voila! Communication bridges are built, opening doors to global collaboration.

Step 8: Automate Tedious Tasks

Let ChatGPT handle the mundane. Need to summarize long articles, extract key points, or generate data tables? Craft focused prompts, and watch as hours of tedious work vanish. Free your time for higher-level thinking and strategic activities.

Step 9: Unleash Your Creative Muse

ChatGPT isn’t just a productivity tool; it’s a creativity catalyst. Need help brainstorming song lyrics, story ideas, or marketing campaigns? Spark your imagination with AI-generated prompts, then refine and build upon its suggestions. Let ChatGPT be your co-pilot on the journey of creative exploration.

Step 10: Remember, You’re in Control

Never forget, ChatGPT is your tool, not your master. Always maintain critical thinking and ethical considerations. Fact-check its outputs, avoid plagiarism, and remember that AI-generated content should never replace human judgment.

Bonus Tip: Explore the Community

The world of ChatGPT is vibrant and ever-evolving. Join online communities, forums, and social media groups to learn from other users, share best practices, and discover new ways to unlock the potential of this powerful tool.

Summary

Mastering ChatGPT in 10 steps isn’t a linear journey; it’s an ongoing exploration. Experiment, have fun, and embrace the learning process. As you delve deeper into this AI wonder, you’ll witness a remarkable transformation: your productivity soars, your creativity unfurls, and the endless possibilities of the future beckon. So, take the first step, craft your first prompt, and watch as ChatGPT supercharges your journey to success. Remember, with the right approach, ChatGPT isn’t just a tool; it’s a productivity revolution waiting to be unleashed.

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Fast-Track Your Home Sale in Raleigh – 4 Simple Steps

Time is often of the essence when you’re looking to sell your home. Perhaps you’ve got a new job in another city or there’s another compelling reason to sell quickly. Either way, Raleigh’s fast-growing housing market offers a promising landscape for sellers. While selling a home typically involves several months from listing to closing, these four steps can put you on the fast track to selling your home in Raleigh, to close within 30 days or less.

Step 1: Understand the Market Dynamics

Market Research is Not Optional

In the age of information, there’s no excuse for going into the market blindfolded. Platforms like Zillow, Trulia, and local real estate agency websites provide data on recent sales, price trends, and average time on the market. Such information will help you assess your competition and set a realistic price for your home.

Real-Time Data Speaks Volumes

When you’re racing against the clock, you can’t afford to rely on outdated information. The Raleigh housing market is bustling, with median listing prices rising by 9.2% over the last year. So, make sure the data you’re using is updated in real time to get an edge over competitors.

The Importance of Real Estate Agents

While doing it alone is an option, hiring a seasoned real estate agent can be a game-changer. These professionals know the ins and outs of the market and can offer strategic advice. If you’re keen on a more direct sale without the waiting period, you could consider companies specializing in quick home sales. For Raleigh homeowners, cash home buyers in Raleigh offer an expedited process to close deals in a matter of weeks.

Step 2: Stage and Photograph Your Home Like a Pro

Home Staging is Crucial

According to a study by the Real Estate Staging Association, homes that are professionally staged sell 73% faster on average than non-staged homes. The key areas to focus on include:

  • Living Room
  • Master Bedroom
  • Kitchen
  • Outdoor Space

Get Creative With Virtual Staging

Physical staging can be costly and time-consuming, but virtual staging software can offer a quicker alternative without sacrificing quality.

Don’t Skimp on Photography

Potential buyers form their first impression based on the listing photos. It’s a good idea to hire a professional photographer who specializes in real estate photography to highlight the best features of your home.

Step 3: Use the Power of Digital Marketing

Digital Marketing Channels

In today’s digital age, visibility is everything. The more people see your listing, the higher the chances of selling your home quickly. Here are some platforms you can consider:

  • MLS (Multiple Listing Service)
  • Real Estate Websites
  • Social Media
  • Email Campaigns

Key Metrics to Monitor

  • Click-Through Rate (CTR)
  • Conversion Rate
  • ROI on Ad Spend

Tap into Local Community

Don’t underestimate the power of community when it comes to selling your home. Word-of-mouth can still be extremely effective. Let your neighbors know that you’re selling; you never know, they may know someone who’s looking to move into the area.

Step 4: Manage the Paperwork Efficiently

Get Pre-Approved for Your Next Home

Getting pre-approved for a mortgage on your next home can speed up the sales process because it shows potential buyers that you are a serious seller, which can make your offer more attractive in a competitive market.

Keep All Necessary Documents Handy

Missing or incorrect paperwork is one of the leading causes of delays in real estate transactions. Before listing your home, make sure you have all the necessary documents, such as:

  • Property Deeds
  • Recent Tax Assessments
  • Home Inspection Reports
  • Documentation of Repairs and Maintenance

Consult a Legal Advisor

Having a legal advisor review all the contracts and agreements before finalizing the sale can save you from lengthy delays that could arise from legal complications down the road.

Key Takeaways: Speed Is Possible, but Preparation Is Key

When it comes to fast-tracking your home sale in Raleigh, preparation and strategy are key. Understanding the market conditions will help you set a competitive price. Professional staging and photography can significantly enhance your home’s appeal. Utilizing digital marketing can maximize visibility, and efficiently managing paperwork can keep the sale process on schedule.

Whether you’re a first-time seller or a seasoned homeowner, implementing these steps can drastically cut down the time your property spends on the market. Time is money in real estate; use it wisely and get ready to make your fast and profitable sale a reality.