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Meta now lets you make video calls using a cartoon avatar

Users of Messenger and Instagram may now answer as well as initiate video calls using their avatars, according to a recent announcement by Meta. The business claims that customers will be able to participate in video chats even when they are not ready for screen time due to the latest capability.

As a consequence, you and your peers may converse and stare at each other on an animated video conference without really seeing one another.

“We’ve all been there: A call comes in but your hair looks like a hot mess,” Meta wrote in a blog post. “Or you’ve just been bawling your eyes out while re-watching From Scratch. Sometimes, we’re just not camera-ready. Wouldn’t it be great if there were a third option between camera-off and camera-on to let you feel a little more present on the call? Cue your Meta Avatar.”
Source: techcrunch.com

For those who prefer not to show their faces during some video calls, the concept of making real-time conversations behind your avatar may be an enjoyable twist. Furthermore, when you might simply make a phone call to a colleague or loved one, it could seem a little strange and disturbing to interact that way.

Android, as well as iOS, have access to the new features.

The announcement made yesterday included some further details on avatars that Meta provided. The business said that it is developing a simpler method of creating characters on WhatsApp and Facebook where you’ll be able to snap a live picture and get an avatar suggestion based on your selfie. You can select one of these alternatives and further customize it to best reflect your personality.

Also Read: Meta’s Threads Is Here. What It Is and How to Use It

Additionally, Meta stated that animated character stickers may now be shared in Fb comments, Instagram 1 on 1 conversation threads, Story posts on Instagram, and Facebook Reels as well. You can share stickers that depict your avatar performing specific behaviors, such as dancing or slowly clapping.

Meta is also introducing stickers that will let users’ avatars interact with those of their friends. Now that you may tag a few people in Facebook Stories, your avatars will co-appear in a sticker with those of your pals. With the new “Social Stickers” feature, you may share stickers with only one buddy in 1:1 conversation threads.

“No one wants to look like a cake pop, and now, you don’t have to,” the company wrote in the blog post. “We’re standardizing the look of our avatars across all our platforms, so the way you show up in VR will match how you show up on Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, and WhatsApp. Not only does that mean your avatar will look a little more realistic, it also means you’ll be better able to show off your ’fits since the focus won’t be drawn to your comically oversized noggin.”
Source: techcrunch.com

Suhani Jain

I am a student pursuing my bachelor’s in information technology. I have a interest in writing so, I am working a freelance content writer because I enjoy writing. I also write poetries. I believe in the quote by anne frank “paper has more patience than person

Uber, DoorDash sue New York City over minimum wage law

A recent minimum wage law that Uber, DoorDash, along with Grubhub believe would harm the delivery business is being challenged in court by the city of New York.

A law approved by Eric Adams this past month mandates that delivery employees in New York City start receiving a minimum pay of around eighteen dollars per hour on July 12. Although several advocacy organizations welcomed the decision, the delivery services contend that the employees who are regarded as independent contractors are going to suffer.

At present, drivers receive a base wage plus a gratuity from every client for each journey. According to the new minimum wage law, delivery services have to pay drivers $17.96 every hour they are actively using the app or around fifty cents for each minute of each trip.

Also Read: Apple opens store on China’s WeChat platform

In a message to the Dept. of Consumer and Worker Protection, the organization in charge of determining the minimum salary, DoorDash warned that establishing this minimum might undermine the flexible nature of delivery employment, which serves as one of the primary reasons why numerous individuals depend on the gig economy.

And some motorists concur. Two decades of delivery experience have led Alberto Mendes to conclude that the legislation offers delivery businesses more freedom to choose the schedules of their employees.

“They shouldn’t have done this,” Mendes told Insider. “Now they’ll make us work whenever they want. Even though we’re not employees, they’re going to schedule us.”
Source: businessinsider.in

However, a lot of drivers, notably the labor union Los Deliveristas Unidos, fought for minimum pay and supported recent rules that let couriers use restaurant facilities and establish delivery boundaries. To pay for the expenses of gig employment, such as car repair, petrol, tolls, and injuries, they support greater remuneration. According to a city report from 2022, workplace injuries among delivery personnel are common.

Also Read: Google’s medical AI chatbot is reportedly being tested in hospitals

A DoorDash spokesperson gave Insider the following comment: “Bad policies cannot go unchallenged, and we will not stand by and let the harmful impacts of this earnings standard on New York City customers, merchants, and the delivery workers it was intended to support go unchecked.”
Source: businessinsider.in

From New York City, the press statement claims that the average hourly wage for food delivery employees is presently $7.09. The city employs over 60,000 individuals who transport food, as stated by the municipal administration.

Suhani Jain

Google’s medical AI chatbot is reportedly being tested in hospitals

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

In a groundbreaking move, several hospitals, including the prestigious Mayo Clinic, have commenced trial runs of Google’s Med-PaLM 2, an AI chatbot that is widely anticipated to bring about a seismic shift in the healthcare industry.

Med-PaLM 2 represents an enhanced version of PaLM2, the language model announced by the tech giant at this year’s Google I/O. PaLM 2 serves as the foundational framework for Google’s AI tool, Bard.

According to internal emails obtained by The Wall Street Journal, Google is confident that Med-PaLM 2 will provide superior medical advice due to its extensive exposure to questions and answers derived from medical licensing exams. This meticulous training ensures that the AI chatbot possesses a comprehensive understanding of medical knowledge.

Insiders familiar with the matter divulged that Google has been conducting tests of the new system in collaboration with various hospitals, including the esteemed research institution, Mayo Clinic, since April.

During that time, Google reportedly shared with its employees a statement from a researcher involved in the project, highlighting the potential value of a trusted medical assistant model in regions where access to doctors is limited.

Also Read: Apple opens store on China’s WeChat platform

The exact timeline for wider implementation of the program in hospitals and medical research institutions remains unclear. A senior researcher intimately involved in the project emphasized that Google is still in the early stages of developing this innovative product.

The advent of Med-PaLM 2 marks a significant milestone in the integration of artificial intelligence into healthcare. Leveraging the vast capabilities of language modeling, this advanced chatbot has the potential to revolutionize patient care, medical diagnostics, and treatment recommendations.

By harnessing the power of AI, Med-PaLM 2 can analyze vast amounts of medical data, rapidly process complex information, and generate tailored responses to inquiries. Its ability to draw from a vast pool of medical licensing exam questions and answers ensures a strong foundation in evidence-based medical knowledge.

The collaboration with renowned healthcare institutions, such as Mayo Clinic, highlights the commitment of both Google and the medical community to explore and embrace innovative technologies. Through rigorous testing and evaluation, the effectiveness, accuracy, and safety of Med-PaLM 2 can be thoroughly assessed, ensuring that it meets the highest standards of medical practice.

While the development and widespread adoption of Med-PaLM 2 may take time, the potential benefits it offers are immense. In addition to assisting healthcare professionals in providing comprehensive and timely medical advice, this AI chatbot has the potential to bridge the gap in access to medical expertise in regions with limited resources.

As Google continues to refine and expand the capabilities of Med-PaLM 2, the future of healthcare stands on the precipice of a transformative era. The integration of advanced AI technologies into clinical practice holds the promise of improved patient outcomes, enhanced healthcare delivery, and increased accessibility to medical knowledge for all.

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.

Apple opens store on China’s WeChat platform

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

According to Tencent, Apple has recently launched an online store on the popular Chinese app WeChat.

The store has been integrated into WeChat’s mini-programs, which are small applications within the platform that offer various services such as e-commerce, finance, and transportation.

Apple’s store on WeChat will feature a range of its products, including iPhones, iPads, Apple Watches, and Macs. This is not the first time Apple has established a presence on a Chinese platform, as it already operates a store on Alibaba’s Tmall e-commerce platform, which is a competitor of Tencent.

In addition to this, Apple also experimented with live commerce in China earlier this year, attempting to sell its products through interactive live streaming.

China is a significant market for Apple outside of the United States. According to research firm Counterpoint, the iPhone 13 series dominated the top three spots in the list of best-selling phones in China in 2022.

Despite a decline in China’s smartphone market in the first quarter of 2023, Apple has managed to maintain its position as the leading handset vendor in the country, capturing a 20% market share. This represents a 2% increase compared to the same period in the previous year, as highlighted in a report by Counterpoint.

However, Apple has been actively working to diversify its manufacturing operations by reducing its reliance on China. JP Morgan analysts reported last year that the company plans to shift 25% of its iPhone production to India and 20% of its iPad and Apple Watch production to Vietnam by 2025.

Also Read: Binance chief strategy officer Patrick Hillmann steps down

This strategic move aims to mitigate risks associated with overdependence on a single manufacturing location and take advantage of the benefits offered by other countries in terms of cost, logistics, and supply chain resilience.

In summary, Apple has expanded its presence in the Chinese market by launching an online store on WeChat, one of China’s most popular apps. This move follows Apple’s existing store on Alibaba’s Tmall platform and its previous foray into live commerce.

While China remains a crucial market for Apple, the company is actively working to diversify its manufacturing operations by gradually shifting production to countries like India and Vietnam. These efforts align with Apple’s strategy to reduce its dependence on a single manufacturing base and leverage the advantages offered by different regions.

The launch of Apple’s online store on WeChat demonstrates the company’s commitment to reaching Chinese consumers through diverse channels and platforms

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 chief strategy officer Patrick Hillmann steps down

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

Binance’s chief strategy officer, Patrick Hillmann, announced his departure from the cryptocurrency exchange in a tweet on Thursday. Hillmann confirmed his resignation, stating that he was leaving Binance on amicable terms.

In his tweet, Hillmann acknowledged his two-year tenure at Binance and expressed his desire to take on new challenges. He stated, “I’ve been here for two years and it’s simply time for me to move on to the next challenge. I’ve taken this company through a lifetime of industry crises and regulatory challenges — from Luna to 3AC to FTX. Despite all of these challenges, the company has continued to grow and thrive.”

Patrick Hillmann had assumed the role of chief strategy officer at Binance in October of the previous year. During his time at the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, he played a pivotal role in shaping the company’s strategic direction and navigating various regulatory hurdles.

The announcement of Hillmann’s departure comes shortly after Binance and its CEO, Changpeng Zhao, faced legal action from US regulators. Last month, the regulators filed a lawsuit against the exchange, accusing it of operating a “web of deception.” A federal court in Washington DC received 13 charges against Binance. In response, Binance vowed to vigorously defend itself against these allegations.

Also Read: Google Hires Brazil’s Temer to Lobby on controversial internet bill

Hillmann’s decision to step down from his position as chief strategy officer is notable, given the ongoing regulatory challenges faced by Binance. His departure may have implications for the exchange’s future strategic initiatives and its ability to overcome regulatory hurdles.

Binance has been a dominant player in the cryptocurrency market, offering a wide range of services to its global user base. It has weathered numerous industry crises and regulatory issues, maintaining its growth and success throughout. Hillmann’s departure marks a transition for both him and Binance, as the exchange continues to navigate the evolving landscape of cryptocurrency regulations and explores new avenues for expansion.

As Hillmann bids farewell to Binance, the cryptocurrency community will be closely watching to see what his next venture will be, and how Binance will adapt its strategy in the face of mounting regulatory pressure.

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.

Google Hires Brazil’s Temer to Lobby on controversial internet bill

Leave a Comment / News, Tech News / By Suhani Jain

According to his advisor on Friday, Alphabet child company Google has recruited Michel Temer, the previous president of Brazil, to influence legislators who are debating whether or not to regulate the internet.

The proposed legislation, frequently referred to as the ‘Fake News bill’, would require providers of internet services, web search engines, as well as social messaging platforms to discover and report illicit content and impose severe penalties for noncompliance.

Tech businesses are worried about the law, and several have started initiatives on their respective websites to stop it.

Also Read: AI company Runway valued at $1.5 billion in the latest funding

The nation’s top judiciary in South America demanded a probe about two months back into Google as well as Telegram officials who spearheaded an initiative to oppose the new legislation.

Temer admitted he had been serving the role of “mediator” among the business and legislators for roughly three weeks, according to local publication Folha de Sao Paulo.

According to Temer’s advisor, the business paid the former president to arbitrate discussions and suggestions with the Brazilian parliament.

Temer rejected Folha’s statement that he had discussions with the judges of the supreme court, but the newspaper stated that he had a meeting with Orlando Silva, the senator in charge of the internet legislation, to go over specifics of the plan.

Also Read: Google to block news in Canada over law on paying publishers

The Supreme Court of Brazil will probably decide on two petitions that might loosen internet regulations. As stated by Folha, the judgment has been delayed from its original June date.

In a statement, Google said it hires specialized agencies and consultants to help “mediate efforts to dialogue with public authorities” so that it can bring contributions to politicians and parliamentarians, “, especially in important and technical issues such as the construction of a new legislation.”
Source: uk.sports.yahoo.com

On Tuesday, the lower chamber of Congress was scheduled to make a decision on a proposed law to penalize businesses for failing to report false news, but conservative and evangelical politicians are opposed to it.

“Such conduct could configure, in theory, abuse of economic power on the eve of voting on the bill by trying to illegally and immorally impact public opinion and the vote in Congress,” Justice Alexandre de Moraes said in his decision.
Source: theguardian.com

Suhani Jain

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