Sandhya Gupta

Apple rolling out second public beta of iOS 17 and macOS 14

Exciting news for Apple enthusiasts as the tech giant releases the second public beta of its highly anticipated software updates: iOS 17, iPadOS 17, watchOS 10, tvOS 17, and macOS Sonoma.

A week after the initial release to developers, these beta versions are now available to users registered in the Apple Beta Software Program. This move comes as Apple continues to fine-tune its operating systems for a seamless user experience.

The updates have been in developer beta testing since June, and earlier this month, Apple expanded the testing program to include the public beta as well. While watchOS 10 and tvOS 17 retain the same builds as those shared with developers last week, iOS 17 and macOS Sonoma are being introduced with revised builds.

The version details are as follows:

iOS 17 and iPadOS 17: 21A5291j (beta 4 build: 21A5291h)

watchOS 10: 21R5320i

tvOS 17: 21J5318

macOS Sonoma: 23A5301h (beta 4 build: 23A5301g)

Despite the similar numbering, today’s builds are not expected to contain any additional features. However, users can look forward to several exciting enhancements from these upcoming software updates.

iOS 17 and iPadOS 17 introduce significant improvements to Phones, Messages, and FaceTime. Additionally, users will enjoy the new Standby feature, allowing the display of information in landscape mode. iPadOS 17 will include Lock Screen customization, the Health and Journal apps, and various other improvements.

Also Read: WhatsApp Launches Instant Video Messages

macOS Sonoma will bring enhancements to Messages and FaceTime on the Mac and will also introduce an exciting new Game Mode. This feature is expected to elevate the gaming experience for Mac users.

WatchOS 10 comes with a fresh interface for Apple Watch apps, promising a smoother and more intuitive user experience. On the other hand, tvOS 17 marks a major milestone as FaceTime is finally enabled on Apple TV for the first time, making video calls more accessible to users.

Apple has confirmed that the stable versions of these software updates will be officially released to the public in the fall. However, users are reminded that beta software may have bugs that could impact the overall device experience. It is crucial to back up data before installing beta software, and if possible, refrain from using the beta on primary devices.

The public beta program provides an opportunity for eager users to explore and test the new features before the official launch, while also enabling Apple to gather valuable feedback and identify potential issues. This collaborative approach ensures a smoother and more refined final release of the software.

As Apple continues to innovate and enhance its ecosystem, the tech community eagerly awaits the stable versions of iOS 17, watchOS 10, and macOS Sonoma. With the promise of improved functionality and user experience, these software updates are poised to elevate Apple devices to new heights.

Sandhya Gupta

I am a law graduate from NLU Lucknow. I have a flair for creative writing and hence in my free time work as a freelance content writer.

Binance and its CEO seek dismissal of CFTC complaint

Binance and its CEO Changpeng Zhao have taken a decisive step in response to the complaint filed against them by the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). According to a court filing made on Thursday, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange and its CEO are seeking to have the CFTC’s complaint dismissed.

The CFTC had initiated legal action against Binance, Zhao, and former Chief Compliance Officer Samuel Lim in March, alleging that they had violated the Commodity Exchange Act and certain federal regulations. The regulatory body accused the exchange of operating an “illegal” exchange and having a “sham” compliance program.

One of the main arguments presented by Binance for the dismissal of the case is that the CFTC is attempting to regulate foreign individuals and corporations that are based and operate outside the United States. They cited a 2007 ruling that stated U.S. law governs domestically but does not have authority worldwide.

It is worth noting that the holding company of Binance is located in the Cayman Islands, and its CEO, Changpeng Zhao, is a Canadian citizen. The CFTC, however, claimed that Binance had been involved in offering and executing commodity derivatives transactions on behalf of U.S. persons since at least July 2019, which would be in violation of U.S. laws.

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In response, Binance asserted that starting from June 2019, it had implemented measures to restrict and off-board potential U.S. users and ensured that new users were not U.S. persons. The company also emphasized that the alleged digital asset derivative products were not offered until July 2019 and later, which was after the implementation of these restrictions.

Meanwhile, Samuel Lim, the former Chief Compliance Officer, has filed a separate motion to dismiss the CFTC claims against him, further complicating the legal proceedings. As of now, the CFTC has not provided any public comments on the recent motion filed by Binance and Zhao. The regulatory body is responsible for overseeing commodities and derivatives markets, including cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin.

It’s important to highlight that this is not the only legal challenge Binance and its CEO are facing. In June, they were also sued by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), which accused them of operating a “web of deception.” The SEC listed 13 charges against Binance, Zhao, and the operator of its purportedly independent U.S. exchange.

As the legal battle unfolds, the cryptocurrency industry will be closely watching the outcome of these cases, as they may have significant implications for the regulatory landscape surrounding digital assets in the United States and beyond.

Sandhya Gupta

I am a law graduate from NLU Lucknow. I have a flair for creative writing and hence in my free time work as a freelance content writer.

Is Armored Core 6 coming to Xbox Game Pass?

Leave a Comment / Story, Tech Story / By Sandhya Gupta

Armored Core fans have been eagerly anticipating the next installment in the iconic mech combat series, and the recent buzz surrounding Armored Core 6 has only fueled their excitement.

Developed by FromSoftware, the studio renowned for its Soulsborne games, Armored Core holds a special place in the gaming community as it marks the studio’s earliest heritage dating back to 1997. With the studio’s current reputation for consistently delivering hits, the anticipation for Armored Core 6 has reached new heights.

The allure of Armored Core 6 lies in its promise of a return to the franchise’s roots with high-octane mech customization, intense fast-paced battles, and colossal metallic titans clashing in epic showdowns.

Such enticing features have left fans wondering whether the game will make its way to Xbox Game Pass, the popular subscription service offering access to a vast library of games.

Unfortunately for Xbox Game Pass subscribers, Armored Core 6 will not be available at launch, and the chances of it joining the service in the near future remain slim. FromSoftware has not yet made any of its games accessible through Xbox Game Pass, keeping its titles exclusive to other platforms.

Also Read: What is Llama 2: Meta’s AI explained

Moreover, FromSoftware’s longstanding relationship with Sony, the Japanese publisher and console manufacturer, further complicates the possibility of Armored Core 6 coming to Xbox Game Pass. Historically, many of FromSoftware’s earliest games, including the original Armored Core, were exclusive to PlayStation consoles.

Even the critically acclaimed title “Bloodborne” remains a PlayStation exclusive, and there are no indications of it leaving the platform anytime soon.

Although PlayStation Plus subscribers may hold a faint glimmer of hope, the likelihood of Armored Core 6 being made available there is also relatively low. The game’s exclusive association with Sony, coupled with the studio’s consistent loyalty to the brand, suggests that it is more likely to be offered through PlayStation Plus, if at all.

While the news might disappoint Xbox gamers hoping for an Armored Core 6 experience on Game Pass, it is essential to remember that the gaming landscape is constantly evolving. Developers and publishers may make unexpected decisions, leading to surprising outcomes.

In the world of gaming, nothing is entirely off the table, and fans might see future collaborations or agreements that could change the current scenario.

For now, enthusiasts of the Armored Core series can look forward to the upcoming release and immerse themselves in the thrilling mech combat once it hits the shelves.

As From Software continues to cultivate its reputation for crafting captivating gaming experiences, the anticipation surrounding this game is a testament to the studio’s enduring legacy and the enduring appeal of the franchise.

Sandhya Gupta

I am a law graduate from NLU Lucknow. I have a flair for creative writing and hence in my free time work as a freelance content writer.

What is Llama 2: Meta’s AI explained

Leave a Comment / Story, Tech Story / By Sandhya Gupta

Earlier this week, Meta, the parent organization of Facebook, unleashed Llama 2, its second-generation open-source large language model (LLM).

Unlike its predecessor Llama 1, which was closely guarded and accessible only upon request, Llama 2 is now freely available for anyone to use, explore, and create cutting-edge AI-powered applications.

Powered by a massive amount of data, Llama 2 boasts significant improvements over its predecessor. Meta proudly claims that Llama 2 is trained on 40% more data and possesses double the context length, resulting in more accurate and powerful language generation capabilities.

This advancement enables the LLM to produce human-like responses, making it an ideal tool for building chatbots like ChatGPT and Google Bard.

Moreover, Meta has collaborated with Microsoft to co-develop Llama 2. This partnership ensures that the applications built with Llama 2 will soon be available not only on Windows PCs and laptops but also on smartphones powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon SoCs. The availability of this across multiple platforms opens up a world of possibilities for developers and end-users alike.

Llama 2 comes in three parameter sizes – 7B, 13B, and 70B – each catering to different use cases. However, Meta has decided to withhold the 34B parameter size from public release.

Also Read: What is Worldcoin? The Crypto Project Launched by OpenAI CEO

While the model is open for research and commercial use, Big Tech companies with over 700 million users must seek permission from Meta before employing this, possibly to prevent any undue concentration of AI power.

The potential use cases of this LLM are vast and diverse. It can be leveraged to create consumer and enterprise chatbots, assist in language generation, fuel research, and power various AI-driven tools. However, despite its open-source nature, Meta places soft limits on enterprise users to ensure responsible and ethical AI development.

While Llama 2 exhibits impressive language generation abilities, it’s crucial to remember that chatbots built on these models may have certain limitations. As with any AI language model, the accuracy of responses depends on the questions asked and the data on which the model was trained. Tricky queries and coding-related questions tend to yield better results, while some basic inquiries may lead to vague or incorrect answers.

It’s important for users to exercise caution when interacting with AI-powered chatbots. Companies employing these chatbots may utilize user-provided data to further train the models, and there have been instances of malicious actors exploiting chatbots to steal sensitive information. As a precaution, refrain from sharing personally identifiable data with such chatbots.

Although this is not yet available as an end product like ChatGPT, it is accessible to those with expertise in working with LLMs. All three models of Llama 2 can be downloaded from Meta’s website, opening up exciting opportunities for researchers and developers keen on experimenting with this cutting-edge AI technology.

In conclusion, it represents a significant milestone in the world of AI language models. With its openness, power, and versatility, Llama 2 has the potential to revolutionize chatbots and language generation applications across various domains.

As more developers and researchers explore the possibilities of Llama 2, we can expect to witness exciting innovations that push the boundaries of AI and redefine human-computer interactions.

Sandhya Gupta

I am a law graduate from NLU Lucknow. I have a flair for creative writing and hence in my free time work as a freelance content writer.

What is Worldcoin? The Crypto Project Launched by OpenAI CEO

Leave a Comment / Story, Tech Story / By Sandhya Gupta

In a rapidly evolving digital landscape, the need for secure and private identification is becoming increasingly crucial. Recognizing the potential challenges posed by advancing AI technologies, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has taken the initiative to launch Worldcoin (WLD), a groundbreaking cryptocurrency project.

Worldcoin seeks to redefine the digital identification process by providing users with a unique World ID, verifying their real-human status while preserving their anonymity.

In this blog, we will explore the core features of Worldcoin and its potential implications on privacy, economic equality, and Universal Basic Income (UBI).

Worldcoin introduces the concept of World ID, a digital passport that serves as a verification of a user’s real-human status. As AI chatbots and generative AI technologies gain popularity, distinguishing between human users and AI bots on the internet becomes increasingly challenging. World ID aims to address this issue by offering a secure and anonymous way to prove one’s human identity online.

To obtain a World ID, users must undergo an in-person biometric screening at one of Worldcoin’s ‘Orbs.’ These Orbs, silver spheres about the size of a soccer ball, are strategically placed in various locations worldwide.

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During the screening process, users undergo a face and iris scan, ensuring the validity of their identity. Upon successful verification, users are rewarded with the WLD token – a tangible acknowledgment of their human status.

With the official launch of Worldcoin, the WLD token witnessed a surge in trading activity. The cryptocurrency’s value soared to an impressive $3.58 from its initial value of $1.70. Major exchanges like Binance quickly listed WLD, and in just a few hours, $145 million worth of WLD tokens were traded. However, as with any new crypto project, there were fluctuations, and the stock price later experienced a 29.4% decline.

While the project has already established 11 Orb locations in the US, including Los Angeles, New York, Miami, and San Francisco, the founders have ambitious plans for global expansion.

Worldcoin aims to set up 35 Orb sites in 20 countries to make World ID accessible to users worldwide. Remarkably, even during its beta phase, the project attracted over 2 million scanned users globally, reflecting the demand for a secure digital identification solution.

The Worldcoin project is not solely focused on digital identification; it also envisions broader societal implications. The founders view it as a stepping stone towards economic equality, democratic distribution of funds, and a potential path to Universal Basic Income (UBI).

By offering a reliable solution to differentiate humans from AI online, Worldcoin opens doors to increased economic opportunity for real individuals. With enhanced security and privacy measures, World ID could protect users from malicious cyber attacks on their identity, fostering a safer digital environment.

Furthermore, Worldcoin’s vision aligns with the concept of Universal Basic Income (UBI), which proposes providing a basic financial support system to all citizens. The project aims to explore how AI technology, through cryptocurrencies like WLD, could pave the way for a sustainable AI-funded UBI program in the future.

Sandhya Gupta

I am a law graduate from NLU Lucknow. I have a flair for creative writing and hence in my free time work as a freelance content writer.

Samsung Galaxy Unpacked July 2023: Everything to expect

Leave a Comment / Story, Tech Story / By Sandhya Gupta

Seoul, South Korea – Samsung is gearing up for an early summer treat as it prepares to host its highly anticipated Galaxy Unpacked event on July 26th.

This year’s event promises to be special beyond just the timing, with the company teasing the unveiling of new smartphones, smartwatches, and tablets. Excitement is building as fans worldwide eagerly await the reveal of Samsung’s latest innovations.

The event will kick off at 7 AM ET on July 26th, and for those who don’t want to miss a moment, Samsung will be live-streaming the Unpacked event on its website and YouTube channel.

Samsung hasn’t been shy about the stars of Unpacked, and it is widely expected that the company will unveil the Galaxy Z Flip 5 and Galaxy Z Fold 5. The spotlight this year, however, seems to be on the Galaxy Z Flip 5, with its clamshell design generating considerable buzz.

Leaked renders from MySmartPrice and OnLeaks have hinted at a much larger (3.4-inch) external display on the Galaxy Z Flip 5 compared to its predecessor. This expanded external display will allow users to perform various tasks even when the phone is closed. Google is reportedly optimizing key apps like Maps, Messages, and YouTube to make the most of the cover screen’s functionality.

The camera experience on both the Galaxy Z Flip 5 and Galaxy Z Fold 5 is expected to be impressive. The Galaxy Z Flip 5 is rumored to sport a 12-megapixel main and ultra-wide camera, while the Galaxy Z Fold 5 may come equipped with a more advanced setup, including a 50MP primary, 12MP ultra-wide, and 10MP telephoto shooter. Upgraded sensors could further enhance their performance, especially in low-light and challenging situations.

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Samsung’s smartwatches have been gaining popularity, and it seems the Galaxy Watch 6 will be the star of the smartwatch lineup at Unpacked. Notably, Samsung has hinted at the return of the physical rotating bezel, which will allow users to scroll through the interface more satisfactorily than the touch-sensitive edges of current models.

It’s been over a year since the release of the Galaxy Tab S8 series, and fans are eager for a refresh. The Galaxy Tab S9 lineup is rumored to carry forward the sleek design of its predecessor but with functional improvements. The standard Galaxy Tab S9 is expected to switch from an LCD to an AMOLED screen, providing users with enhanced picture quality.

Samsung is known for its surprises at Unpacked events, and this year might be no different. Earlier, the company revealed its collaboration with Google and Qualcomm to develop mixed-reality wearable devices. While there haven’t been any official announcements, fans are eagerly waiting to see if Samsung sheds some light on this exciting project during the event.

Rumors have been circulating about a Galaxy Tab S8 FE, which would bridge the gap between Samsung’s budget A-series tablets and the high-end S9 models. Although details are scarce, the S8 FE is rumored to include an LCD with Wacom digitizer support for pen input.

Sandhya Gupta

I am a law graduate from NLU Lucknow. I have a flair for creative writing and hence in my free time work as a freelance content writer.

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