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WhatsApp, the world’s most popular messaging app, is taking its services beyond traditional messaging and phone calls with the introduction of a new feature called Channels. This feature enables admins to share information with their audience through one-way broadcasts, including texts, photos, and videos. WhatsApp aims to provide users with a private way to stay updated on their favorite sports teams, hobbies, or public officials. A similar feature was previously launched by Meta-owned Instagram in February.

In a recent blog post, WhatsApp expressed its goal to develop the most secure broadcast service available. The personal information of both admins and followers will be safeguarded, with no phone numbers shared between them. The decision to follow specific channels will remain private, ensuring privacy in an era where monitoring others’ social media activity has become a common hobby.

WhatsApp also plans to offer opportunities for admins to monetize their channels by expanding payment options and enabling channel promotion for broader reach.

With an estimated 2 billion users in 2020, WhatsApp holds a dominant position in the messaging app market. The addition of the broadcast tool is a response to long-standing user requests. While WhatsApp emphasizes that the core focus of the app remains on private messaging, this new feature aligns with Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s strategy to monetize the platform.

Zuckerberg previously outlined his vision for business messaging in WhatsApp and Messenger, foreseeing it as a significant pillar of Meta’s future business endeavors. Additionally, Meta is exploring the integration of AI chat agents into WhatsApp and Messenger, aiming to introduce this technology to billions of users.

Despite its $19 billion price tag, WhatsApp has yet to generate substantial profits for Meta. Mark Zuckerberg has designated 2023 as the “year of efficiency” for the company, leading to mass layoffs, an increased focus on AI, and a reassessment of investment priorities, including the potential of the metaverse.

WhatsApp’s rollout of the channels feature will initially take place in Colombia and Singapore. The company plans to expand the availability of this feature to users in other countries in the coming months.

In a major blow to the cryptocurrency industry, the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has launched a lawsuit against Coinbase, the largest crypto asset trading platform in the United States. The regulatory agency claims that Coinbase operated as an unregistered national securities exchange, broker, and clearing agency, which is in violation of federal securities laws.

The SEC argues that traditional securities markets separate brokers, exchanges, and clearing agencies, but Coinbase “intertwined” these functions, thereby denying investors the necessary protections. These protections include SEC inspections, safeguards against conflicts of interest, and recordkeeping requirements. The agency further alleges that Coinbase does not qualify for any exemptions from registration for any of these functions. According to the SEC, Coinbase has unlawfully profited in the billions of dollars from transaction fees by facilitating the buying and selling of crypto asset securities since at least 2019.

Gurbir S. Grewal, the director of the SEC’s Division of Enforcement, emphasized the importance of following regulations, stating, “You simply can’t ignore the rules because you don’t like them or because you’d prefer different ones: the consequences for the investing public are far too great.” He criticized Coinbase for knowingly disregarding the applicability of federal securities laws to its business activities, prioritizing its own profits over investor protection.

This recent complaint from the SEC follows an investigation into Coinbase’s potential illegal sale of unregistered securities, which was reported last July. Interestingly, the SEC’s action coincides with Coinbase’s chief legal officer, Paul Grewal, testifying before a congressional committee regarding a new draft bill aimed at implementing cryptocurrency regulations.

In response to the allegations, Coinbase stated that it had received a notice from the SEC in March about potential securities law violations but was not provided with sufficient details. The company claimed to have submitted multiple proposals to the SEC for registration, all of which were left unanswered by the agency.

The SEC’s lawsuit against Coinbase comes on the heels of its filing of 13 charges against Binance and its CEO Changpeng Zhao earlier this week. The regulatory agency accused Binance of circumventing compliance measures and deceiving investors and regulators. Additionally, the SEC has been involved in the government’s case against Sam Bankman-Fried, the founder and former CEO of FTX.

Coinbase is also facing regulatory actions at the state level, as a task force comprising regulators from ten states has issued a Show Cause Order against the exchange. The Alabama Securities Commission, one of the participating states, accused Coinbase of violating securities laws by offering its staking rewards program accounts to Alabama residents without proper registration. Coinbase has been given 28 days to provide a response as to why it should not be ordered to cease and desist from selling unregistered securities in the state of Alabama.

In an effort to enhance user experience and streamline access to its virtual assistant, Apple has announced a significant change to Siri’s trigger phrase. The tech giant is set to replace the familiar “Hey Siri” wake word with a simpler and more intuitive command: “Siri.” This alteration, which will be implemented as part of the upcoming iOS 17 update, is aimed at making it easier for iPhone, iPad, Mac, and other device users to summon Siri effortlessly.

The decision to transition to a single wake word comes in the wake of a report from Bloomberg in November, which disclosed Apple’s intention to explore the possibility of consolidating Siri’s activation phrase. Previously, Apple had employed the two-word trigger “Hey Siri” due to the technical and training advantages it offered. However, the forthcoming change signifies a significant shift in Apple’s approach, as the company acknowledges the need to refine and optimize the user experience.

Apple’s competitors have also ventured into simplified wake phrases for their respective voice assistants. Amazon’s Alexa can be summoned with either “Hey Alexa” or simply “Alexa,” while Microsoft’s Cortana, which was discontinued on iOS and Android platforms in 2021, operated solely on the “Cortana” wake word. In contrast, Google Assistant continues to rely on the two wake phrases “Hey Google” or “OK Google” instead of a singular “Google” command. Should Google consider transitioning to a solitary wake word, it would necessitate careful consideration to prevent inadvertent triggering of the assistant during regular conversations that mention the word “Google,” given the verb-like usage it has acquired due to its widespread dominance in the realm of online search.

Apple enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the arrival of iOS 17, slated for release this September, when the new simplified trigger phrase for Siri is expected to be introduced. With this change, Apple aims to facilitate quicker and more efficient access to its virtual assistant, ultimately improving user interactions and productivity across its range of devices.

In a recent support page discovery by XDA Developers and Windows Central, Microsoft has announced the discontinuation of support for Cortana as a standalone app in Windows, starting later this year.

The decision to end Cortana’s presence on Windows does not come as a surprise, as Microsoft unveiled its latest Windows Copilot tool during the Build conference held in May. This new AI-powered tool will reside in the taskbar and offer users a plethora of functionalities, surpassing what Cortana currently provides. Users can expect features such as content summarization, text rewriting, query assistance, system setting adjustments, and more.

Cortana was initially introduced to Windows 10 in 2015, allowing users to set reminders, launch applications, and pose queries through voice commands. However, Microsoft has been gradually scaling back Cortana’s integration into the Windows experience over the years. With the release of Windows 11, Cortana lost its prominent position on the taskbar and was absent from the initial boot setup. In 2020, Microsoft discontinued the Cortana app on iOS and Android devices and halted Cortana support for Surface headphones and other related products.

The specific date for Cortana’s removal from Windows remains uncertain. Nevertheless, Microsoft’s growing collection of AI tools, including the Bing chatbot and Microsoft 365 Copilot, has taken precedence. Despite Cortana’s impending departure from Windows, Microsoft assures users that the digital assistant will still be accessible through Outlook mobile, Microsoft Teams mobile, Teams display, and Teams rooms. However, the longevity of Cortana’s presence on these platforms remains unclear.

The highly anticipated Apple VR/AR headset has been the subject of much speculation in recent months, with rumors and leaks circulating about its potential specifications. Now, a new leak from display industry expert Ross Young has revealed some impressive details about the headset’s displays.

According to Young’s tweet, the Apple VR/AR headset will feature two Micro OLED displays, each measuring 1.41 inches and boasting a pixel density of 4000 pixels per inch (PPI). This would make the headset’s displays significantly sharper than those of any other VR headset on the market. In addition, the displays are said to have a peak brightness of over 5000 nits, which would make them much brighter than the displays on most VR headsets.

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These impressive display specifications suggest that the Apple VR/AR headset will offer a truly immersive VR experience. Users will be able to see incredibly sharp and detailed images, and they will be able to experience VR content in a much brighter environment than is currently possible.

The Apple VR/AR headset is expected to be released later this year. It is still unclear how much the headset will cost, but it is likely to be priced at a premium. However, given the headset’s impressive specifications, it is likely to be a popular choice for VR enthusiasts.

In addition to the impressive display specifications, the Apple VR/AR headset is also rumored to feature the following:

• A powerful processor, likely based on Apple’s M2 chip
• 16GB of RAM
• A high-resolution front-facing camera
• A variety of sensors for tracking the user’s head and hand movements
• Support for a wide range of VR content

The Apple VR/AR headset has the potential to revolutionize the VR industry. With its impressive specifications and powerful features, the headset is poised to offer a truly immersive VR experience that is unlike anything that has come before.

Stay tuned for more information about the Apple VR/AR headset as it becomes available.

In a recent announcement, Google has made its dark web reporting feature available on most Google accounts in the United States. This service enables users to conduct one-off scans to determine if their Gmail address has been compromised in the shadier corners of the internet. The inclusion of this feature is part of a handful of updates revealed in Google’s latest Android feature drop, which appears to be relatively limited as the highly anticipated public release of Android 14 approaches later this year.

Users located in the US can access the dark web reports for free through the Google One website and app. By visiting one.google.com, individuals will find a “try now” option within the dark web scan section.

Previously, the reporting feature was exclusively available to subscribers of Google One, the cloud storage membership. However, even non-subscribers can still benefit from dark web scanning. Google One members now have the added advantage of automated monitoring of their online information and the ability to search for additional personal data such as  social security numbers. Google has stated that the dark web reporting tool will gradually roll out to more than 20 additional countries in the coming months.

Among the other updates announced is enhanced functionality for smartwatches running older versions of Wear OS. Spotify’s DJ feature, which leverages AI to identify listening habits and suggest new songs, is being introduced on Wear OS version 2 and newer devices in the US, UK, Canada, and Ireland. Additionally, Google Wallet has been updated on Wear OS 2 to support SmarTrip and Clipper payment cards for public transportation, enabling commuters in Washington, DC, and the San Francisco Bay area to conveniently pay for rail, bus, and parking by tapping their smartwatch on a contactless receiver.

Moreover, Google has launched a new note-taking tile for Google Keep on Wear OS. This tile allows users to quickly access a single note or to-do list from their smartwatch. The new note tile is being rolled out today to Wear OS 3 and newer devices worldwide, and it is available in all supported languages.

With the public rollout of Android 14 expected in August 2023, it seems that Google is gradually slowing down its releases. Although the company provided minimal details about the upcoming operating system during the recent Google I/O keynote, Android 14 has already been in beta for some time, providing users with a glimpse of what to expect upon its official release.

Neuralink, the brain chip firm founded by Elon Musk, has secured a momentous achievement as the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) grants approval for its first human clinical trial. This milestone follows earlier struggles the company faced in obtaining regulatory clearance, positioning Neuralink at the forefront of the race to develop a revolutionary brain-computer interface.

In a tweet, Neuralink expressed that the FDA’s approval represents a crucial initial step toward a future where their technology can assist countless individuals. Although specific details of the study have not been disclosed, the company stated that recruitment has not commenced and promised to share more information soon.

Neuralink’s primary objective is to establish a groundbreaking method for direct communication between computers and the human brain. By accomplishing this, the company aims to address complex neurological conditions that have thus far eluded effective medical interventions. These conditions encompass a wide range, from paralysis and blindness to depression and schizophrenia.

The proposed procedure involves implanting a minute, hermetically sealed chip directly into the patient’s brain. This chip is connected to 1,024 tiny electrodes, thinner than a human hair, and powered by a rechargeable wireless battery. Through this interface, the chip can both transmit and receive signals from an external computer.

Safety concerns surrounding Neuralink’s technology encompass three aspects: short-term physical risks, long-term medical implications, and ethical considerations. Brain surgeries inherently carry the risk of physical harm and potential rejection by the host organism. While the company has conducted extensive (albeit controversial) testing on animals, a complaint filed earlier this year highlighted alleged mistreatment of macaque monkeys involved in the technology’s evaluation.

However, the FDA’s approval for human testing suggests that Neuralink has overcome some of these challenges. Yet, more profound concerns arise regarding the long-term effects of having such a device operating within the immensely intricate human brain—an organ that humanity is only beginning to comprehend. Currently, there is no data on potential harm, but human testing will provide crucial insights for the development of similar products.

Ethical considerations related to Neuralink’s technology are subjective and contentious. The field of brain-computer interfaces raises concerns about data protection, potential applications, and the controversial concept of human enhancement. This includes augmenting cognitive abilities, sensory perception, or physical capabilities beyond current human limits. Consequently, calls for stringent regulation of this sector are anticipated.

Neuralink was established in California by Elon Musk and a team of seven scientists and engineers in 2016. Over time, most of the co-founders have departed, leaving only two at the company. Musk’s involvement brings an entrepreneurial approach and substantial publicity to an issue that many primarily consider scientific in nature. Being one of the most recognizable and controversial figures globally, Musk’s association with Neuralink ensures widespread attention and discourse surrounding the venture.

Several other companies are actively pursuing similar endeavors, with some reportedly making more progress than Neuralink. For instance, Black Rock Neuro Tech is also working on a brain implant technology. Additionally, Meta, the parent company of Facebook, is rumored to be developing wearable tech that enables typing through neural signals. Recently, Swiss scientists achieved a breakthrough in assisting a paralyzed individual to walk again. The field is rapidly expanding with numerous players vying for success.

While Neuralink’s association with Elon Musk guarantees substantial publicity, the ultimate victors in this race will be determined by which technology proves to be the most effective and can demonstrate safety to regulators and the market.

In an anticipated move, Google has introduced the beta version of Magic Compose, a new feature for its Messages app that leverages AI to aid in writing text messages. However, this exciting addition comes with a significant caveat. Android Police has brought to light that Magic Compose will send up to “20 previous messages” to Google’s servers, even when using RCS with end-to-end encryption (E2EE).

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The conditions surrounding Magic Compose are outlined on Google’s support page, clarifying that the feature transmits these messages, including emojis, reactions, and URLs, to its servers to enable AI-driven suggestions. The company assures users that it will not forward any messages containing attachments, voice messages, or images. However, it mentions that image captions and voice transcriptions might be sent.

Google implemented end-to-end encryption on its app in 2020 and extended it to group chats last year. Activating E2EE ensures that not even Google can access users’ messages. Despite using Magic Compose alongside E2EE, Google maintains that it cannot read the messages.

Google spokesperson Justin Rende clarified to The Verge that the “conversation data used by Magic Compose is not retained” and that “suggested response outputs are not retained once they’ve been provided to the user.” Furthermore, when users disable Magic Compose, Google will no longer transmit their messages to its servers.

Magic Compose is just one of the many AI-powered features showcased by Google during its I/O event earlier this month. This feature enables users to respond to text messages using stylized, context-based suggested responses. It is currently being rolled out to users participating in the Google Messages beta program.

Once the feature becomes available, users will notice a chat bubble next to the app’s message composer. They can choose a suggested response and further customize the text using preset styles such as “chill,” “excited,” or “Shakespeare.” Presently, Magic Compose appears to be limited to RCS messages, and there is no information on when it will support SMS/MMS.

In a similar move, Microsoft introduced a comparable feature in its keyboard app, SwiftKey. This functionality enables users to compose text messages and emails, modify the tone, format, and length of suggested messages, and even includes a Bing icon within the app’s toolbar.

While Magic Compose presents an exciting development for Google Messages users, concerns about privacy and the transmission of messages to Google’s servers have been raised. Users should weigh the convenience of AI assistance against their privacy preferences before deciding to utilize this feature.

TikTok, the popular social media platform, is currently conducting tests on an innovative AI chatbot named Tako, which has the potential to transform the way users search and navigate within the app. Screenshots of the feature, shared with The Verge, reveal that Tako can recommend videos based on user inquiries.

According to Daniel Buchuk from Watchful Technologies, a firm specializing in identifying upcoming app changes for Fortune 500 companies, if TikTok decides to release Tako on a wider scale, it could “radically change search and navigation” within the platform. The precise AI model employed by TikTok to power Tako remains undisclosed.

In the shared screenshots, Tako is positioned above the TikTok profile icon, adjacent to a video. Tapping on Tako opens a chat interface, where the bot appears capable of providing answers to a broad range of queries. The extent of Tako’s capabilities and its proficiency in understanding user intent are yet to be fully revealed.

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Tako is designed to offer suggested prompts that aid users in initiating conversations with the chatbot. Buchuk explains that when watching food videos and requesting a recipe, Tako will present related TikTok videos alongside a list of suggestions in response. Another screenshot displays a Tako-suggested prompt asking about the significance of King Charles III’s coronation.

Zachary Kizer, a spokesperson for TikTok, emphasized that the chatbot is currently in the early stages as a “limited experiment” and is not accessible to users in North America or Europe. The test is exclusively being conducted in the Philippines, according to a tweet from the company.

Kizer further added, “We’re always exploring new technologies that add value to our community. In select markets, we’re testing new ways to power search and discovery on TikTok, and we look forward to learning from our community as we continue to create a safe place that entertains, inspires creativity, and drives culture.”

Notably, TikTok recently filed a trademark application for “chatbot software” under the name Tako, suggesting that the company is preparing for a broader release of the AI chatbot. TikTok follows in the footsteps of other social media platforms, such as Snapchat, which made its My AI bot freely available to all users in April. Mark Zuckerberg has also expressed his intent to introduce AI agents to billions of people, showcasing the growing trend of chatbot integration in social media.

The potential introduction of Tako as a widely accessible AI chatbot on TikTok signifies the platform’s dedication to enhancing user experiences through advanced technologies. As the testing phase continues, users eagerly await the arrival of this innovative feature, which holds the promise of transforming the way they interact with TikTok’s vast content library.