Yearly Archives: 2023

  HomeSoftware Territory   : :   2023
Categories News Posted on

Google Launches Duet AI for Developers with Powerful Gemini Model Integration

Google has officially released Duet AI for Developers, a suite of AI-powered assistance tools designed for code completion and generation. The company has announced the general availability of the tool, revealing plans to incorporate Google’s robust Gemini model in the upcoming weeks.

While code completion and generation tools have become commonplace, Google stands out by collaborating with 25 companies. These partners, including Confluent, HashiCorp, and MongoDB, are contributing datasets to assist developers in building and troubleshooting applications specific to their platforms.

The collaborative effort extends beyond code completion, with partners such as Datadog, JetBrains, and Langchain providing documentation and knowledge sources. This data aims to enhance the Duet AI for Developers chat experience, offering information on creating test automation, resolving production issues, and addressing vulnerabilities.

Richard Seroter, Chief Evangelist for Google Cloud, highlighted the ambition to eliminate developer toil and enhance the coding experience using AI. The goal is to create an AI assistant that integrates seamlessly into developers’ tools while incorporating Google’s expertise.

The integration involves training the model on the latest cloud-native practices and incorporating it into the Google Cloud Console, along with popular IDEs that developers commonly use. Seroter emphasized that Google views the Duet AI product family, including Duet AI in Security Operations, as enterprise-grade, with features such as enterprise access controls and Google’s indemnification guarantee.

Google’s approach aligns with the broader industry narrative, emphasizing that AI coding tools, including Duet AI, are complementary to developers’ skills rather than replacements. Productivity gains have been reported, with Turing, an AI-powered tech services company, experiencing a 33% increase after adopting Duet AI for Developers.

Duet AI for Developers currently supports over 20 languages, including C, C++, Java, JavaScript, and Python. Beyond coding capabilities, it features AI log summarization and error explanation integrated with Google’s Cloud Logging. Additionally, Smart Actions provide one-click shortcuts for tasks like unit test generation.

Until the end of January 2024, Duet AI for Developers will be available for free. Post that period, the subscription cost will be $19 per user per month with an annual commitment.

Categories News Posted on

Revolutionizing Conversations: Kobie AI Unlocks Interactive Dialogue with Historical Figures

In a groundbreaking approach to artificial intelligence (AI), Kobie Fuller’s innovative use of generative AI, known as Kobie AI, is shedding light on the positive aspects of technology. One notable application is the ability to interact with historical figures such as James Lowry, an influential yet lesser-known figure in the Black experience in America.

Image: James Lowry

James Lowry AI for DEI: Transforming Insights into Interactive Conversations

James Lowry, whose history is deeply intertwined with the Black experience in America, is brought to life through Kobie Fuller’s AI experiment. The tool, Kobie AI, allows users to engage with Lowry’s experiences, particularly focusing on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). By feeding Lowry’s book, “Change Agent,” into a large language model, users can now pose questions and receive sophisticated and in-depth answers based on Lowry’s actual words and deeds.

Unlocking Wisdom: Kobie AI’s Role in Preserving and Sharing Life Experiences

Lowry, who dedicated his life to promoting investment in historically underrepresented communities, authored the book as a means of sharing his experiences with the world. Recognizing that not everyone will read the entire book, Lowry sees AI as a powerful tool to allow people to grasp the essence of his journey by simply asking questions.

Interactive Learning: Kobie AI as a Teaching Tool for Future Generations

The AI platform begins with a prompt inviting users to explore DEI topics and seek wisdom from Lowry’s life journey. Students, historians, DEI professionals, or anyone interested can inquire about DEI issues or delve into specific moments in Lowry’s life, creating an interactive dialogue that can serve as a teaching tool for understanding the experiences of a Black man in American business.

Generative AI’s Potential: Transforming Historical Narratives

As Kobie Fuller continues to explore the capabilities of this technology, the interactive dialogue with James Lowry is just one example of how generative AI can be a powerful vehicle for understanding diverse experiences. From facilitating conversations about DEI to immortalizing the wisdom of historical figures, Kobie AI showcases the transformative potential of AI in shaping our understanding of the past.

Categories News Posted on

Epic Games Scores Legal Victory Against Google in Monopoly Case

Three years after initiating legal action against tech giants Apple and Google, Epic Games, the creator of Fortnite, has secured a significant win. The jury in the case of Epic v. Google has rendered its verdict, concluding that Google transformed its Google Play app store and Google Play Billing service into an illegal monopoly.

Following just a few hours of deliberation, the jury unanimously affirmed Google’s monopoly power in the Android app distribution and in-app billing services markets. They found that Google engaged in anticompetitive practices within these markets, causing harm to Epic. Additionally, the jury determined that Google established an illegal tie between its Google Play app store and Google Play Billing payment services. The distribution agreement, Project Hug deals with game developers, and dealings with OEMs were all deemed anticompetitive.

In response, Google’s Vice President of Affairs and Public Policy, Wilson White, stated that the company plans to appeal the verdict. White emphasized that the trial underscored Google’s fierce competition with Apple and other app stores on Android devices and gaming consoles.

Epic Games celebrated the verdict in a blog post, asserting, “Today’s verdict is a win for all app developers and consumers around the world. It proves that Google’s app store practices are illegal, and they abuse their monopoly to extract exorbitant fees, stifle competition, and reduce innovation.”

This legal triumph is noteworthy, particularly in contrast to Epic’s previous legal battle against Apple two years ago, which resulted in a loss. In the case of Epic v. Google, the focus was on undisclosed revenue-sharing agreements between Google, smartphone manufacturers, and major game developers. These deals, believed internally by Google executives to suppress rival app stores, exposed Google’s apprehension about Epic. Unlike the Apple ruling, the outcome was determined by a jury.

The specific remedies and implications of this victory are yet to be determined by Judge James Donato. Epic did not seek monetary damages but aims for a court declaration granting app developers the freedom to introduce their own app stores and billing systems on Android. The judge will meet with both parties in January to discuss potential remedies.

While Epic CEO Tim Sweeney suggested potential financial gains in the hundreds of millions or even billions if relieved from paying Google’s fees, Judge Donato has already indicated that he won’t grant an anti-circumvention provision as an additional measure.

Google’s Wilson White reiterated their commitment to challenging the verdict, emphasizing the openness and choice provided by Android and Google Play compared to other major mobile platforms.

Categories News Posted on

Google’s AI-Powered Note-Taking App, NotebookLM, Launches Widely in the US with New Features

Google’s experimental AI-driven note-taking application, NotebookLM, is now widely accessible in the United States, accompanied by several new features. The company announces that NotebookLM is “beginning” to utilize Google’s Gemini Pro AI model to enhance document understanding and reasoning.

Already capable of tasks such as summarizing imported documents, extracting key points, and answering questions about note sources, NotebookLM now offers the ability to transform notes into various document formats. Users can select the desired notes, and the app will automatically suggest formats like outlines or study guides. Additionally, users have the option to specify a custom format, such as an email, script outline, newsletter, and more.

The updated NotebookLM introduces suggested actions based on user activities within the app. For instance, if a user is writing a note, NotebookLM may automatically provide tools to refine prose or suggest related ideas from sources. Other new features include the ability to save useful responses as notes, share notes with others, and direct the app’s AI focus on specific sources during interactions.

Google is also expanding some of NotebookLM’s limitations. Users can now include up to 20 sources in their notebooks, each with a capacity of up to 200,000 words. Originally introduced as “Project Tailwind” at Google’s I/O conference in May, NotebookLM was initially available to a limited group of testers before this wider release. The expansion grants access to all users aged 18 and older in the US and comes shortly after Google unveiled Gemini, its GPT-4 competitor.

Categories Blog Posted on

Digital Amenities: How Technology is Transforming Church Experiences

In an era where technology permeates every aspect of our lives, it comes as no surprise that even our sacred spaces are adapting to the digital age. Churches, traditionally known for their rich history and steadfast traditions, are embracing technology to enhance the worship experience and streamline administrative processes. In this article, we explore how digital amenities are transforming church experiences, and we’ll also introduce an exciting development in the form of Software Territory’s upcoming Online Church Management Software.

Embracing the Digital Divine

1. Virtual Congregations: As physical attendance becomes more challenging for some, churches are extending their reach through online platforms. Virtual congregations allow people to participate in worship services from the comfort of their homes, connecting with their faith community regardless of geographical constraints.

2. Sermons in the Cloud: Traditional sermon delivery has evolved with the advent of digital platforms. Sermons are now available as podcasts or streaming videos, allowing congregants to revisit or catch up on missed services at their convenience.

3. Interactive Worship: Technology has introduced interactive elements to worship services, enabling real-time engagement. From live polls to interactive prayer sessions, congregants can actively participate in the service using their smartphones or other devices.

Streamlining Church Operations

1. Digital Discipleship: Many churches are embracing digital discipleship programs to foster spiritual growth. Online study groups, webinars, and e-courses make religious education accessible to a broader audience.

2. Online Giving: The convenience of online giving platforms has revolutionized the way churches collect donations. Congregants can now contribute financially through secure online portals, making it easier for them to support their church.

3. Church Management Software: In an exciting development, Software Territory is gearing up to launch an Online Church Management Software. This comprehensive solution promises to streamline administrative tasks, from membership management to event planning. The software will also be accompanied by IOS and Android apps, ensuring accessibility for all members.

Introducing Software Territory’s Online Church Management Software

Software Territory recognizes the evolving needs of churches in the digital landscape. Their upcoming Online Church Management Software is designed to be an affordable and complete online solution for churches of all sizes. Congregations can look forward to features such as:

  • Membership Management: Keep track of members, their contributions, and attendance.
  • Event Planning: Easily organize and manage church events, from services to community outreach.
  • Communication Tools: Facilitate seamless communication among church members and leaders.
  • Mobile Accessibility: With IOS and Android apps, members can stay connected on the go.

Conclusion

As we navigate the intersection of faith and technology, it’s evident that digital amenities are enriching church experiences in unprecedented ways. The upcoming release of Software Territory’s Online Church Management Software serves as a testament to the commitment of tech innovators in enhancing the functionality and accessibility of church operations. By embracing these digital tools, churches can continue to thrive, reaching and engaging with their communities in new and meaningful ways.

Categories News Posted on

Google’s Gemini Demo Raises Questions About Transparency and Accuracy

In a recent demonstration video titled “Hands-on with Gemini: Interacting with multimodal AI,” Google showcased its GPT-4 competitor, Gemini, with high expectations. However, a Bloomberg opinion piece highlights concerns about the video’s accuracy and transparency.

According to Bloomberg, Google admitted that parts of the video were staged, with edits made to accelerate the outputs, as disclosed in the video description. The implied voice interaction between a human user and the AI, touted in the demonstration, was revealed to be non-existent. Instead, the actual demo involved the creation of interactions by “using still image frames from the footage and prompting via text,” rather than responding to real-time drawing or object changes on the table.

The lack of a disclaimer about the actual input method raises questions about the readiness of Gemini, portraying a less impressive capability than the video implies. While Google denies any wrongdoing, referencing a post by Gemini’s co-lead, Oriol Vinyals, stating that “all the user prompts and outputs in the video are real,” critics argue that the tech giant should exercise more sensitivity in its presentations, especially given the increased scrutiny from both the industry and regulatory authorities on AI practices.

Categories News Posted on

Google Unveils Major Upgrade for Bard, its AI Chatbot, Empowered by Gemini

Google has announced a substantial update for Bard, its generative AI chatbot and competitor to ChatGPT. The company claims that this update will significantly boost Bard’s capabilities by integrating Gemini, Google’s latest and most advanced AI model. The incorporation of Gemini is expected to enhance Bard’s reasoning, planning, understanding, and other functionalities.

Gemini is available in three sizes – Ultra, Pro, and Nano – making it adaptable for deployment on a range of devices, from mobile phones to data centers.

The rollout of Gemini to Bard will occur in two phases. Initially, Bard will receive an upgrade with a specially tuned version of Gemini Pro. In the following year, Google plans to introduce Bard Advanced, offering users access to the top AI model, starting with Gemini Ultra.

The version of Bard featuring Gemini Pro will initially be available in English across more than 170 countries and territories globally, with additional languages and countries, including the EU and U.K., to follow soon.

Before its public launch, Gemini Pro underwent industry-standard benchmark testing. Google reports that Gemini outperformed GPT-3.5 in six out of eight benchmarks, including significant multitask language understanding tasks and grade school math reasoning. However, it’s worth noting that GPT-3.5 is over a year old, leading some to view this as more of a catch-up move rather than an outright improvement, as highlighted by TechCrunch’s Kyle Wiggers.

The enhancements brought by Gemini are expected to make Bard more proficient in tasks such as content understanding and summarization, reasoning, brainstorming, writing, and planning.

Sissie Hsiao, VP and GM of Assistant and Bard at Google, described this upgrade as the “biggest single quality improvement of Bard since we’ve launched.”

Gemini Pro will initially power text-based prompts in Bard, with plans to expand to multimodal support (texts, images, or other modalities) in the coming months.

In 2024, Bard Advanced will debut, offering a new experience powered by Gemini’s most capable model, known as Gemini Ultra. This model can comprehend and act on various types of information, including text, images, audio, video, and code, with multimodal reasoning capabilities. Gemini Ultra can also understand, explain, and generate high-quality code in popular programming languages, according to Google.

Google will launch a trusted tester program for Bard Advanced before a broader release early next year. Additionally, the company will subject Bard Advanced to additional safety checks before its official launch.

This update follows several improvements to Bard over the past eight months, including features like answering questions about YouTube videos and integrating with various Google apps and services. With Gemini, Google aims to bring users “the best AI collaborator in the world,” acknowledging that Bard is not quite there yet.

Categories News Posted on

Mastercard Unveils “Shopping Muse”: A Cutting-Edge Generative AI Tool for Personalized Shopping Experiences

Mastercard has announced the launch of its innovative generative AI shopping tool, “Shopping Muse,” aiming to revolutionize the way users explore and discover products in digital catalogs. Powered by Dynamic Yield, a personalization company acquired by Mastercard in April 2022, Shopping Muse utilizes advanced algorithms to provide personalized product recommendations based on users’ colloquial language and modern trends.

The tool enables users to ask questions in natural language, such as “What should I wear for a summer wedding?” or “Can you recommend pieces for a minimalist capsule wardrobe?” Shopping Muse analyzes the context of the user’s shopping experience, direct questions, and conversation content to deliver tailored suggestions. It leverages data from the retailer’s product catalog, on-site behavior, real-time preferences, and known consumer preferences.

Shopping Muse goes beyond text-based queries, employing integrated advanced image recognition tools. Retailers can recommend relevant products based on visual similarities, even in cases where users struggle to describe what they are looking for. Although initially focused on fashion, Mastercard anticipates extending the technology to other categories like furniture and grocery.

Ori Bauer, CEO of Dynamic Yield by Mastercard, emphasized the significance of AI-driven innovation in providing immersive and tailored online shopping experiences. He stated, “By harnessing the power of generative AI in Shopping Muse, we’re meeting the consumer’s standards and making shopping smarter and more seamless than ever.”

Highlighting the need for retailers to embrace technology, Mastercard emphasized that over one in four retailers already use generative AI solutions, with an additional 13% planning to adopt them in the next year. The company urged adaptation to changing demands and noted that personalization through AI-driven technology is crucial for meeting consumer expectations.

As part of a broader trend in AI-powered shopping tools, Google now enables users to receive AI-generated gift recommendations on Search, while Microsoft’s Bing automatically generates buying guides for queries like “college supplies.” Industry experts, as reflected in a recent Gartner report, predict that 80% of customer service and support organizations will integrate generative AI technology in some form by 2025. The release of Shopping Muse signifies a significant addition to the evolving landscape of AI-driven shopping solutions.

Categories News Posted on

Instagram Threads Surpasses X in New Downloads, Gains Momentum Globally

In a recent development, Meta’s efforts to boost the install base of Instagram Threads have proven successful, with the app now surpassing X (formerly Twitter) in terms of new downloads. According to insights from app intelligence firm Apptopia, Threads’ daily downloads, which had seen a decline since September, reversed the trend, growing from approximately 350,000 in early November to 620,000 since Thursday, November 23.

The surge in Threads’ downloads is attributed to Meta’s advertising campaign for the new app, positioning it as a Twitter alternative. Apptopia estimates that Threads has outpaced X in terms of new downloads, with 41 million compared to X’s 27 million since September.

Interestingly, the traction for Threads is not limited to the U.S., as the majority of new downloads are coming from outside the country. India leads the way, contributing 11.2% (9.2 million) of the new downloads, followed by the U.S. at 7.4% (6.1 million). This trend aligns with India’s role as a significant growth driver for Instagram.

Contrastingly, X’s new downloads are led by Indonesia, followed by India. However, the combined new downloads from the U.S., Indonesia, and India for X are fewer than India alone contributes to Threads.

The loss of new downloads for X is attributed to its rebranding efforts, causing a drop in growth momentum. The addition of “formerly Twitter” to its App Store description aimed to capitalize on users searching for the keyword “Twitter,” but Threads continued to outpace X in new installs.

Despite Threads’ recent success, X remains a larger platform with over 500 million monthly active users, compared to Threads’ reported just under 100 million as of Meta’s recent earnings in October. However, Threads has demonstrated substantial growth within its three-month launch period, reaching 141 million users by November 10, according to Quiver Quantitative.

X’s future is uncertain, facing an advertiser exodus, including major brands like Apple, IBM, Disney, Paramount, Comcast/NBCU, Warner Bros., Lionsgate, Sony, and Paris Hilton’s 11:11 Media and Walmart. Elon Musk’s controversial statements in a November 29 interview have contributed to this exodus.

Despite these challenges, X remains a platform where news breaks regularly, as seen with the recent OpenAI boardroom drama. While Threads has gained attention, X’s status as a main platform for news announcements, coupled with its user stickiness, keeps it a significant player in the social media landscape.

1 2 3 4 … 6