Big news for anyone who loves getting answers in a natural conversation. OpenAI just made their ChatGPT Search feature completely free! This means anyone, not just paying subscribers, can now use ChatGPT like a superpowered search engine. Just ask your question, and ChatGPT will not only tap its vast knowledge base, but also scour the web for real-time information. Login to your Open AI account. Type your search words in the prompt box, select the globe and press go. You will get detailed answers with links to reliable sources, all in a friendly chat format. ChatGPT Search even throws in images and videos sometimes, making it a truly immersive experience. You even get a list of sources via a button at the end of your results. This opens up a pane on the right with the search results for you to access to corroborate the findings or dive deeper into the results. No more switching between search engines and chatbots. ChatGPT Search combines the best of both worlds, giving you fast, accurate answers and the latest news, sports scores, and stock quotes. Need help understanding a specific video? ChatGPT can now analyze it visually thanks to a recent update. Plus, iPhone and iPad users can now chat with ChatGPT directly through Siri. So, if you're looking for a more engaging way to search the web, head over to chatgpt.com/search and give it a try. With ChatGPT Search now free for everyone, the answers you seek might just be a conversation away. Oh, and just in case you’re wondering, the underlying search engine is Bing. Ep270
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The Supreme Court request comes just weeks before the ban is set to take effect, following a court decision earlier this month that rejected ByteDance’s First Amendment arguments. A quick recap of how we got here: The TikTok ban first made headlines in 2020 when then-President Donald Trump vowed to ban the app unless it was sold to a U.S. company. Deadlines came and went with no action, but Congress revived the issue earlier this year. TikTok and its parent company ByteDance took the U.S. government to court, claiming the ban would violate free speech rights. Despite this argument, judges unanimously ruled against the company, leaving the Supreme Court as TikTok’s last hope. ByteDance now argues that without an injunction, TikTok would suffer catastrophic losses, estimating it could lose a third of its U.S. user base if shuttered for just one month. The company insists there’s no immediate national security threat, and delaying enforcement would allow the court to fully consider the legality of the ban. Interestingly, former President Trump—who first pushed for the ban—appears to have softened his stance. Reports say Trump met with TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew yesterday. Trump even suggested TikTok may have helped him win the youth vote, though election polls tell a different story. Trump reportedly expressed “a warm spot” for the app and promised to “take a look” at the situation. With the ban deadline fast approaching, all eyes are now on the Supreme Court to see if TikTok gets a reprieve. We’ll continue to bring you the latest updates as this story unfolds. Ep270
Image source: https://www.bytedance.com/en/ Both the Roku Express 4K+ and the Google Chromecast with Google TV are excellent streaming devices, but they offer different experiences.
Roku Express 4K+
Consider these factors when making your decision:
How Does It Work?
The Power of Gemini:
Can’t wait! Finally a version of AI results that will be less prone to hallucinations. Ep269 Image: AI generated
How Does it Work?
When your phone is plugged in and you enable bypass charging, the power from the charger is directly supplied to the phone's components, bypassing the battery. This reduces the number of charge-discharge cycles, which can accelerate battery degradation. Well I did some digging and found which phones support this feature:
If you’re in the market for a new phone, perhaps consider this feature in your criteria list. Ep269 Image: AI generated
The lawsuit highlights a concerning trend of cybercrime targeting bank customers. Scammers have become increasingly sophisticated, using tactics like phishing emails and SMS messages to trick individuals into revealing their personal information.
ASIC is seeking to hold HSBC accountable for its alleged failures and to deter similar misconduct in the future. This legal action comes at a time when banks globally are facing increased scrutiny over their role in preventing and mitigating financial fraud. In the UK, for instance, banks are being held liable for compensating customers who fall victim to authorized push payment (APP) scams. This means that banks are responsible for reimbursing customers who have been tricked into authorizing payments to fraudsters. HSBC Australia has responded to the allegations, stating that customer protection remains a top priority. The bank has committed to cooperating with ASIC and continuing to invest in fraud prevention measures. Ep269 Image: AI generated
Try using a different launcher maybe?
Image: https://niagaralauncher.app/
In a bid to set itself apart from competitors like Meta Quest and Apple Vision Pro, Google is integrating its Gemini generative AI into the Android XR ecosystem. With AI built in, this tech promises to further advance the way users interact with XR devices and applications.
Meta Quest, formerly known as Oculus Quest, has been a major player in the XR market since its launch in 2019. The standalone headset offers an impressive range of VR games and experiences, making it a popular choice among consumers. Apple Vision Pro, on the other hand, is a more recent entrant into the market. The tech giant's first XR headset offers a sleek design and advanced features, including eye tracking and hand gesture recognition. Google's collaboration with Samsung and Qualcomm on the Android XR project is expected to result in a new generation of XR devices and experiences. Samsung has already announced plans to launch its own XR glasses, codenamed Project Moohan, in 2025, which will run on the Android XR platform. Google has also confirmed that they are working on their own smart glasses, powered by Android XR and Google DeepMind. While the company's previous XR ventures, such as Google Glass and Google Daydream, didn't gain much traction, the tech giant is hoping that the integration of Gemini AI and partnerships with industry leaders will make Android XR a game-changer in the XR market. Only time will tell how Google's Android XR will fare against its competitors. But with the growing interest in XR technology and the increasing demand for immersive experiences, the future looks bright for the extended reality industry. Image source: https://blog.google/products/android/android-xr/
Ep267
Image source: MITE Radio (sharing encouraged) While this might seem like a minor inconvenience for some, it marks a significant shift for Apple, which has long championed its proprietary Lightning connector. The company has opted not to update these models with USB-C, likely due to the cost and complexity of such a redesign.
The SE model appeals to many as it’s one of the smallest smartphones on the market and is pretty feature rich to boot! Soon, there will be USB-C models to keep the small size phone alive. Incidentally the iPhone14 is not too shabby either for a larger size iPhone. What this means though is Apple will be running out Lightning port models over the next little while and I expect there will be drastic discounts never before seen in the Apple-verse. So, keep an eye on online retailers and physical stores for potential discounts on the iPhone SE and iPhone 14 series - and maybe buy a few spare charging cables 🙂 Ep267 Image: https://www.apple.com/ The Apple iOS update 18.2 has made some significant changes to system apps, especially Photos. You may feel like all your photos have moved, gone or you have multiple copies.
Well it’s most likely due to the new interface and the new way things are grouped and sorted. If you scroll down to the bottom of your default photos app screen there is a customise and reorder option button.
By analyzing the soundscape, the headphones can selectively amplify desired sounds, such as conversations with nearby individuals, while filtering out background noise.
How Does It Work? The system utilizes a microphone array to capture sound from various directions. AI algorithms then process this audio data to determine the source and distance of each sound. Sounds within a user-defined "sound bubble" are amplified, while those outside the bubble are muted. This technology has the potential to significantly improve focus and productivity in noisy environments. Imagine being able to have a clear conversation in a bustling cafe or airport terminal without being distracted by the surrounding noise. While the current prototype is still in development, the future implications of this technology are exciting. As AI continues to advance, we may soon see noise-canceling headphones that offer far more sophisticated sound control, allowing us to tailor our auditory experience to our specific needs. Sounds cool, but my first thought is that if you’re all wearing headphones then why not use them to transmit the actual conversation - I dunno maybe like a headset mic? Ep268 📷Source: University of Washington Ep 268. Image sourced and created in Canva The tech giant apparently “blocks 7,000 attacks on passwords per second… and can logically recognise the inherent vulnerabilities of passwords, which are susceptible to hacking and phishing attacks. To combat this, Microsoft is promoting the adoption of passkeys, a more secure and convenient authentication method.
How Passkeys Work: Passkeys leverage biometric authentication, such as fingerprint or facial recognition, to verify user identity. This eliminates the need for remembering complex passwords or one-time codes. Key Benefits of Passkeys:
Microsoft plans to gradually introduce passkeys to its billion-plus users through a multi-pronged approach:
By making passkeys more accessible and user-friendly, Microsoft hopes to convince users to abandon passwords in favor of this more secure authentication method. This is a good thing! BeConnected Link: beconnected.esafety.gov.au/topic-library/articles-and-tips/how-to-create-a-passkey-in-mygov Ep 268 Image from the BeConnected site When I plug in headphones, the sound still comes out of my speakers. Windows should ask or automatically set up headphones when you plug them in to an audio port on your PC or laptop. If not, try the volume control (speaker icon) in the system tray bottom right. Select sound output on the bottom right hand choose from the options. Hopefully you will see your headphones. Note: More settings at the bottom Image: Screenshot by MITE Radio (sharing welcome and encouraged)
Have you played with the 9Now TV App? You can access it from your PC/Laptop, Smart TV, phone, tablet or other smart devices. Great for watching live TV (over the internet) rather than an aerial connected to your TV. …but What I want to talk about is the new relationship with BBC. There is a new TAB or button labelled BBC which gives you access to Live and pre-recorded content right at your fingertips. There are over 300 titles from categories including comedy, lifestyle, reality, drama and food. Yes it’s ad supported but it doesn't cost you a monthly subscription fee. Worth a look 🙂
(Screenshot from https://www.9now.com.au/)
Blue bubbles are Apple specific and tell us the messages are safe and encrypted end-to-end so they cannot be intercepted. You must use the Apple Messaging app to get this level of safely, but now you can install other apps and use them to send SMS messages on your iPhones and not necessarily get the same level of protection.
So, if you have an iPhone and plan to use another messaging platform consider WhatsApp, Signal, Telegram and Confide. Do some research and don't just change it because you can. Ep266 (Image sourced from Canva)
What is this MyID you ask?
The myID app provides a secure and convenient way for Australians to verify their identity online. It is used for a range of services, including accessing government websites, banking services, and healthcare portals. You are likely not using it much yet, but there will soon come a time that flashing your driver’s license will no longer be enough when you’re out and about and not really an option for proving your identity online. Best we be patient and see how all this plays out with biometrics and passkeys. Hope you have a smartphone 🙂 (Image from https://www.myid.gov.au/) In Windows Settings -> Keyboard you can play with repeat delay which might help.
If your keyboard is hard wired, it’s likely faulty, so get a new one - they are cheap enough. If it’s wireless or bluetooth:
So no longer do you need to monitor your charging as the Google magic happens in the background. You might ask, like I did… what happens when your phone hits that 80% mark and you've left it plugged in? The Magic of Bypass Charging It turns out that your Pixel is smarter than you might think. Once it reaches the 80% charge limit, it switches to bypass charging. This means that the phone draws power directly from the charger to power its components, bypassing the battery altogether. Why is this beneficial?
While this feature is a welcome addition, it's important to note that it may not be available on all Pixel models. It's likely that specific hardware requirements, such as a compatible USB power chip, are necessary to enable bypass charging. As always, keep your phone's software up-to-date to benefit from the latest features and security patches as they become available. Ep265 Image created in Canva
When the Wii gaming console burst onto the scene in 2006, it flipped gaming on its head by offering intuitive motion controls and accessible, fun gameplay. Wii Sports in particular brought families and friends together, creating shared experiences that are still fondly remembered today. Now, a new contender is emerging to potentially capture the same magic: Home Sports for Meta Quest. This upcoming VR title aims to replicate the simplicity and fun of Wii Sports, but with the added immersion and realism of virtual reality. While it may not have the same broad appeal as its predecessor, Home Sports offers a unique and engaging experience for VR enthusiasts.
Key Features of Home Sports:
Virtual reality offers a more immersive experience than traditional console gaming. Home Sports leverages this technology to provide:
While a unique and exciting gaming experience, the game faces challenges in terms of accessibility. VR headsets are still relatively expensive, and not everyone has easy access to them. You need 2 arenas in different locations for multiplayer action. Also, the extra physical demands of VR gaming may not be suitable for all players. Despite these limitations, Home Sports has the potential to become a popular VR title, especially for those seeking a fun and active gaming experience. As VR technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see even more innovative and immersive sports titles in the future. Image from https://www.resolutiongames.com/homesports Cybercriminals are leveraging AI to create highly convincing deepfakes, voice clones, and other deceptive tactics. Scams targeting Gmail users, gambling apps and even banking fraud using sophisticated AI powered tools to bypass biometric protection. OMG! These sophisticated techniques are being used to trick individuals into sharing sensitive information and more often than not, get a hold of your money.
How to Protect Yourself: To safeguard yourself from these AI-driven threats, the FBI recommends the following:
By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to AI-powered cyberattacks. Ep265 Image sourced from Canva A bit like the 1963 movie “The Birds”, Geraldton residents have been grappling with a growing pigeon population, leading to concerns about property damage and public health. To combat this issue, the City of Greater Geraldton has implemented a new approach involving artificial intelligence (AI) and birth control. The problem has been exacerbated by the abundance of spilled grain in the area, providing an ideal breeding ground for pigeons. In response, the council has partnered with CBH and Midwest Ports to launch a comprehensive pigeon control program. A High-Tech Solution
A key component of this program is the use of OvoControl, a birth control method that reduces the fertility of pigeons. This non-lethal approach helps control the population without harming the birds or other wildlife. The key advantage of OvoControl is its specificity. It targets pigeons and poses no harm to other birds or animals. This makes it a more environmentally friendly solution compared to traditional methods like trapping or poisoning. To implement OvoControl, specially designed feeders are used to distribute the birth control medication. These feeders are often monitored by AI-powered cameras to ensure that only pigeons are accessing the medication. Simple Home Remedies If you have a local pigeon infestation on your properties, there are several recommendations for low-tech solutions:
By combining technology and traditional methods, Geraldton is working towards a more harmonious coexistence with its feathered friends. Ep264 Image from https://www.ovocontrol.com/ This advanced freeway system will leverage cutting-edge technology to optimize traffic flow, enhance safety, and reduce travel times. The 1,400 pieces of technology integrated into the system include:
By collecting and analyzing vast amounts of data, the smart freeway system can dynamically adjust to changing traffic conditions, optimizing the flow of vehicles and minimizing congestion. This intelligent approach will not only benefit commuters but also contribute to a more sustainable and efficient transportation system. I dare say it may make traffic infringements easier to police. Let’s see how we do. Ep264 Image by MITE Radio |
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