Artificial intelligence Archives | Page 598 of 700

SimpliSafe launches new outdoor monitoring solution

SimpliSafe has launched the Active Guard Outdoor Protection service, enhancing its security offerings with a combination of AI and human monitoring. Priced at $50 per month, this new tier builds on its $32 indoor monitoring plan, providing 24/7 protection for outdoor spaces through advanced surveillance.

The new service relies on the Outdoor Security Camera Series 2, which features an ‘AI for the Familiar Face’ feature. This AI minimises false alarms by identifying known visitors. If an unrecognised person is detected, a human agent is alerted and can intervene by activating lights, triggering a siren, or notifying the authorities.

Executives at SimpliSafe emphasise that human agents retain the final decision-making authority, using AI only as a support tool. Hooman Shahidi, SVP of Product, stated that the company prioritises human judgement and workforce diversity to ensure fair monitoring practices. CEO Christian Cerda noted that while the company explores generative AI, it remains cautious about implementing new technologies.

The Series 2 camera costs $200 and offers HD recording, a 140-degree field of view, and two-way communication. It can be powered by batteries or connected to a power source and is waterproof for outdoor use. SimpliSafe, founded in 2006, operates primarily in the US but has expanded to the UK since 2019.

Apple’s new iPad mini with AI tools goes on pre-order

Apple has introduced its new iPad mini, equipped with advanced AI capabilities and powered by the A17 Pro chip, which is also used in the iPhone 15 Pro models. The upgraded iPad mini is set to deliver 30% better CPU performance compared to its predecessors and will include AI-driven writing tools and an enhanced Siri assistant, running on Apple’s AI software, Apple Intelligence.

A new software update, iPadOS 18.1, will roll out the first AI features in the United States English version this month for iPads using the A17 Pro or M1 chips and later models. Additional AI features, such as image generation and ChatGPT-powered tools, are expected to be released over the coming months.

Despite initial concerns over the iPhone 16 launch in September, analysts predict the new iPad mini and AI-driven devices will boost Apple’s sales in the fourth quarter and sustain momentum into 2025. Apple’s third-quarter shipments already reached a record high.

The new iPad mini, starting at $499, is now available for pre-order and will start shipping to customers and stores next week, according to Apple.

Dane Stuckey joins OpenAI as it boosts security for AI technologies

Dane Stuckey, former Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) of Palantir, has been appointed as the new CISO at OpenAI, working alongside head of security Matt Knight. Stuckey made the announcement in a post on social media, expressing his excitement to help secure OpenAI’s technologies as they continue to grow in use and impact.

Stuckey, who joined Palantir in 2014, brings extensive experience in digital forensics and incident response, having worked in both commercial and government roles. His background may prove valuable as OpenAI continues to deepen its partnerships with the United States Department of Defense, with whom it has collaborated on various cybersecurity projects.

OpenAI has been expanding its security efforts in recent months, following the appointment of former National Security Agency head Gen. Paul Nakasone as a board member. The company has also lifted its ban on selling AI technology to the military, signalling a strategic shift towards government contracts.

In addition to Stuckey’s appointment, OpenAI has posted a new job listing for a head of trusted compute and cryptography, highlighting its commitment to developing secure AI infrastructure to protect its technologies and users.

Electronics and mobility sectors unite in Japan

Japan’s largest annual electronics event opened alongside a mobility show, marking the first joint trade fair of its kind. The collaboration reflects the increasing convergence of technology and automotive industries, especially as vehicles become more autonomous and connected.

The trade show, hosted by the Japan Electronics and Information Technology Industries Association (JEITA) and Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA), aims to promote cross-industry innovation. AI emerged as a core theme, with around half of the 800 tech exhibitors presenting AI-driven products and solutions.

Toyota Motor showcased a portable hydrogen tank capable of powering electric generators during disasters, promoting hydrogen as a sustainable energy source. Panasonic highlighted its perovskite solar cells, which can be installed on car windows to enhance power efficiency for electric vehicles, while Sony demonstrated a safety system that uses image sensors to detect driver fatigue.

NEC presented an AI-powered service capable of summarising movies or creating accident reports from dashcam footage, offering applications in various fields. TDK introduced a brain-inspired semiconductor chip that reduces AI electricity consumption to one-hundredth of current levels. The fair runs until Friday at Chiba’s Makuhari Messe, with free entrance for online registrants.

Reach criticised over fake AI-generated adverts of Alex Jones and Rachel Reeves

The publisher Reach has faced criticism for running disturbing adverts on its WalesOnline app, featuring fake AI-generated images of TV presenter Alex Jones and Chancellor Rachel Reeves. The images, which showed both figures with visible blood and bruises, directed users to fake BBC News articles promoting cryptocurrency.

Users of the app expressed outrage at the adverts, with Cardiff council’s cabinet member for culture, Jennifer Burke, describing them as ‘disturbing’. She questioned whether the publisher had a duty to vet the content advertised on their platform. Other users criticised the ads, labelling them ‘dystopian’.

The adverts appeared among genuine news articles on the app, which is part of Reach’s operation in Wales. Reach also publishes major United Kingdom news outlets, including the Mirror and the Express.

Both Alex Jones and Rachel Reeves have been contacted for comment, and Reach has been asked to address the situation.

Telecom leaders urge policy reforms for India’s digital future

Telecom leaders emphasised the urgent need for policy reforms to secure India’s digital future at the India Mobile Congress. They highlighted critical issues such as data localisation, AI adoption, and the expansion of satellite services, thereby calling for immediate action to address these challenges.

Specifically, the chairman of Reliance Jio urged the government to expedite updates to the data centre policy to ensure that essential data remains within India. Moreover, he advocated for incentives for local companies to establish AI and machine learning data centres.

In addition to these points, the transformative potential of AI across sectors like manufacturing, agriculture, healthcare, and education was recognised, with leaders stressing the importance of rapid adoption to drive productivity and innovation. Furthermore, the chairman of Bharti Airtel underscored the necessity of expanding satellite services to bridge the digital divide, particularly in remote areas. He called for funding through the Universal Services Obligation Fund (USOF) to support this expansion.

In light of these discussions, the leaders also addressed the need for direct spectrum allocation methods for satellite broadband services under the new Indian telecom law, enhancing connectivity for urban and rural consumers.

Additionally, they emphasised the importance of securing investments to strengthen the industry’s competitiveness. For instance, the chairman of Vodafone Idea noted the company’s recent ₹18,000 crore fundraising aimed at enhancing service offerings through substantial agreements with network suppliers.

Lastly, the growing relevance of combating digital threats such as spam, fraud, and phishing scams was underscored. In this context, they advocated for collaboration with the government and regulatory bodies to implement innovative solutions and promote public awareness campaigns. These campaigns would educate users on identifying and avoiding scams, ultimately fostering a safer digital environment.

New Adobe AI prototype generates video sound effects

Adobe has revealed an experimental tool called Project Super Sonic, which uses AI to simplify the process of generating sound effects and background audio for video content. Introduced at Adobe’s MAX conference, the prototype allows users to create audio through text prompts, object recognition, or even by mimicking the desired sound with their own voice. This innovation aims to speed up and enhance the audio creation process, giving users more control over their video projects.

While generating sound from text isn’t new, Adobe’s approach goes further. With object recognition, users can click on a video frame, and the tool will generate relevant sound effects for that scene. However, the most impressive feature allows users to imitate sounds themselves, with the AI automatically creating the matching audio in sync with the video.

Although currently just a demo, Adobe’s track record suggests Project Super Sonic may soon find its way into popular tools like Adobe Premiere, offering creators an efficient way to elevate their videos with high-quality audio.

Japanese tech firms use AI to protect call centre staff

Japanese tech giants NTT Communications and SoftBank are developing AI-driven systems to support call centre employees dealing with abusive customers. NTT Communications has designed a support system that monitors interactions, providing operators with appropriate real-time responses. During a recent demonstration, the system suggested a response to a customer complaint, which was then confirmed as effective.

The technology aims to reduce the psychological stress faced by call centre staff, who often struggle to remain composed when confronted with aggressive callers. By providing quick and accurate responses, the system may also help calm upset customers, according to NTT Communications.

Meanwhile, SoftBank is working on an AI system that modifies the tone of customer voices during interactions, aiming to ease tensions. The company plans to launch this service by fiscal year 2025. These developments address the growing issue of ‘kasu-hara,’ or customer harassment, in Japan, where verbal abuse and demands for excessive apologies have led to mental health issues and job resignations among workers in service industries.

Microchip stocks tumble amid ASML’s weak forecast

Chip stocks took a sharp hit after ASML, a leading chip equipment maker, lowered its annual sales forecast due to weak demand for non-AI chips. This downturn raised concerns about the broader semiconductor market, even as AI-related chips remain in high demand. Nvidia, a major player in the AI chip sector, saw its stock drop 4.5%, erasing $158 billion in market value, while other key chipmakers like AMD, Intel, and Micron also saw declines.

ASML’s early results revealed a slowdown in bookings and delayed orders from logic chip manufacturers, as well as limited new capacity plans from memory chip makers. This caused US and Asian semiconductor stocks to slide, with the Philadelphia Semiconductor Index down nearly 5%. Despite growth in AI chips, the overall chip market remains under pressure, with many factories holding off on new equipment purchases as demand stabilises.

The chip industry had expanded rapidly during the pandemic, but now faces a period of slower recovery outside the AI segment. Adding to the uncertainty, US officials are considering restrictions on exporting AI chips to certain countries over national security concerns, further complicating the outlook for the sector.

AI-powered updates coming to Google’s Shopping tab

Google is enhancing its Shopping tab with AI, building on its previous integration of generative A I into Search in 2023. The company announced it will use AI technology to help users find products that match their specific needs. The update includes a new, personalised feed of shoppable products, offering a scrollable, TikTok-inspired design.

When users search for a product, an AI-generated brief will provide personalised tips and considerations based on their query. For example, if someone searches for a “men’s winter jacket for Seattle,” the AI might recommend prioritising water resistance for the rainy climate and suggest insulation types suitable for the milder temperatures.

Google’s AI will recommend relevant products, offering brief descriptions to explain why each item is a suitable choice. Users can browse categories like “Synthetic insulated winter jackets for Seattle” and use filters to refine their search based on specific sizes or local availability.

The personalised shopping feed will showcase products and videos tailored to user preferences, featuring items like Chelsea boots alongside YouTube Shorts with shopping tips. Google is positioning itself to compete with TikTok, which has gained traction in e-commerce. These new features will roll out in the US in the coming weeks, as Google combines its Shopping Graph with advanced Gemini models to enhance the user experience.