Day: July 31, 2025

    • Richard
    • Comments Off on AI Engineers at Thinking Machines Lab Reject $1 Billion Job Offers from Meta
    AI Engineers at Thinking Machines Lab Reject $1 Billion Job Offers from Meta

    Thinking Machines Lab stands out as one of the most exciting AI startups today, successfully completing a record-breaking seed funding round that amassed $2 billion at a valuation of $12 billion. Murati assured that Thinking Machines Lab is set to unveil its inaugural AI product this year, which is expected to feature a considerable open-source component.

    It comes as no surprise that Thinking Machines Lab has caught the attention of Meta, with Mark Zuckerberg allegedly attempting to acquire the entire company in a multibillion-dollar agreement akin to Meta’s $14.3 billion acquisition of a 49% stake in Scale AI last June. Sources indicated that TML declined the offer, but it appears that Meta continued its efforts. Meta attempted to recruit TML engineers individually, enticing them with potential salaries and benefits amounting to $1 billion over the next few years. Thinking Machines Lab boasts a team of brilliant individuals who joined Murati after stints at OpenAI and other AI companies. Meta would undoubtedly be eager to onboard any of them for its superintelligence AI groups, given the significant hiring drives that have been dominating news in recent weeks.

    Meta has already hired AI engineers from its competitors, including OpenAI and Apple, providing multi-year compensation packages worth hundreds of millions of dollars. This week, Meta released earnings that exceeded expectations, signaling that its extensive AI investments are far from slowing down.

    Thinking Machines Lab engineers are remaining with the company

    <div class="slide-key image-holder gallery-image-holder credit-image-wrap" data-post-url="https://www.bgr.com/192

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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on Fraudsters Leverage AI to Improve Negotiation Strategies with Targets
    Fraudsters Leverage AI to Improve Negotiation Strategies with Targets

    laptop displaying a ransomware warning

    Selman GEDIK/Shutterstock

    Data breaches have unfortunately become alarmingly prevalent in today’s digital landscape. Similar to our ever-evolving defenses, the malicious entities behind these assaults are also adapting, leaving victims to bear the repercussions.

    A recent report from Picus Security reveals that a prominent ransomware operation known as Global Group has begun utilizing AI chatbots to engage in negotiations with its ransomware-as-a-service (RaaS) victims. This group, first brought to light by a ransomware figure referred to only as $$$, claims that the system is designed with cross-platform capabilities, attractive affiliate distributions, and automated bargaining.

    These automated discussions have distinguished themselves in recent ransomware incidents, as they significantly depend on artificial intelligence to facilitate the dialogues between the ransomware perpetrators and their targets. Consequently, individuals affected by this ransomware — which is merely an extension of another well-recognized type of ransomware — may encounter even more frustration while managing the aftermath.

    Malicious individuals are leveraging AI to deceive you

    artificial intelligence in scamming

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Samsung Galaxy Watch 9: Features and Enhancements We Anticipate
    Samsung Galaxy Watch 9: Features and Enhancements We Anticipate

    Many individuals will likely desire a return to the previous design, but we anticipate that the Galaxy Watch 9 will further embrace squircles and introduce new Samsung Health AI features.

    Following the recent release of the Galaxy Watch 8, Samsung will be closely monitoring whether its Ultra-style “Cushion Design” can succeed and improve its poor sales performance. Depending on the outcome, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 might either maintain the current design or revert to the traditional circular form.

    Details about Samsung’s Watch 8 squircle plans were shared over a year early, so we don’t expect the Watch 9 to bring significant changes. Accepting that the squircle design is here to stay, what additional features or adjustments should the Galaxy Watch 9 incorporate?

    Drawing from our experiences with the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic and our Galaxy Watch 8 hands-on review, here’s what we would like (or anticipate) to see in the Galaxy Watch 9.

    Samsung Galaxy Watch 9: Models

    This year, Samsung offered a Galaxy Watch 8, Watch 8 Classic, and Watch Ultra (2025). Given that Samsung typically alternates the release of Classics, it is reasonable to expect only a Galaxy Watch 9 and Watch Ultra (2026) next year.

    We’re still quite fond of the 2022 Galaxy Watch 5 Pro, which Samsung overlooked for the Ultra last year. With Samsung now launching three models annually, we hope to see a Pro version that is lighter and more durable than both the Classic and Ultra.

    Regrettably, since a titanium frame and long battery life are key selling points for the Ultra, we should temper our hopes for a Watch 9 Pro.

    There’s also a good chance Samsung will introduce an affordable Galaxy Watch FE 2 next year. Apple releases its budget SE watches every 2–3 years, and with the original Watch FE debuting in 2024, Samsung might emulate its competitor’s strategy in 2026.

    Samsung Galaxy Watch 9: Expected specifications and features

    Samsung seldom regresses on features from previous models, so we can confidently assert that the Galaxy Watch 9 will be available in two sizes, each with an aluminum case that meets a 5ATM water resistance and MIL-STD-810H durability standard.

    The past two Galaxy Watch generations utilized the 3nm Exynos W1000 processor with 2GB of RAM. Excluding the older Tizen OS models, no single chip has lasted across three generations of Galaxy Watches, creating a potential for a new, speedier 3nm chip or at least a new coprocessor to manage background operations and AI more effectively.

    In time, Galaxy Watches will advance beyond Bluetooth 5.3 and WiFi 5GHz into versions 6.0 and 6GHz. The Watch 9 may also incorporate ultra-wideband (similar to what the Pixel Watch 3 offers), allowing features such as digital car keys, synchronized watch/phone unlocking, or improved Find My functions. However, it’s uncertain whether the Watch 9 will include these or if they will arrive in a future generation.

    As Google continues to enhance the battery efficiency of Wear OS annually, Samsung is under little pressure to boost the Watch 9’s capacity significantly beyond the Watch 8’s 325/435mAh, remaining at the same 40-hour estimate.

    This applies to the 10W WPC fast charging used by the last three Galaxy Watch generations as well. Accelerated charging can decrease battery longevity, so Samsung will likely allow competitors like the OnePlus Watch 3 to surpass the Galaxy Watch 9 in charging speed. We would appreciate Samsung implementing Qi2 charging for the Watch 9, at a minimum.

    Finally, Samsung should reintroduce the same BioActive sensor that provides all new health tracking features like Antioxidant Index, Running Coach, Vascular Load, and AGEs Index. Enhancements with new LEDs could be added, similar to the upgrades seen in Watch 7, but the core functionality should remain unchanged.

    Samsung Galaxy Watch 9: Our desired features and expectations

    The Galaxy Watch 8 had a clear approach: maintain the same hardware design while utilizing a thinner, squircle “Cushion Design” along with a variety of new Galaxy AI health instruments. The Galaxy Watch 9 will likely follow a similar trajectory.

    Samsung has openly speculated on introducing a Samsung Health subscription, and most of its Galaxy AI announcements indicate that these tools will be offered for free until 2025. Therefore, it seems probable that the Galaxy Watch 9 will release even more health and fitness features to support a subscription model.

    While we may not want to pay monthly for health tools, it appears to be a likely scenario. Instead, let’s focus on the Galaxy Watch 9 features we truly desire.

    Improved battery longevity

    Samsung is reportedly working on advanced all-solid-state batteries, or “Dream Batteries.” They have indicated a desire to integrate this technology into Galaxy Buds, the Galaxy Ring 2, and future Galaxy Watches.

    We would love to see this in the Galaxy Watch 9.

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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on Samsung’s Newest Foldable Smartphones Get First Software Update Soon After Launch
    Samsung’s Newest Foldable Smartphones Get First Software Update Soon After Launch

    The update emphasizes enhanced security for the device.

    (Image credit: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)

    Essential information

    • Users of Galaxy Z Fold 7, Z Flip 7, and Z Flip 7 FE have received their initial update, concentrating on enhanced security for the devices.
    • The first updates do not introduce significant features and are relatively minor in size, this one being around 550 MB.
    • The updates correspond to versions F966BXXS2AYGG, F766BXXS2AYGD, and F761BXXS2AYG5 and are supported by One UI 8.

    A few days ago, Samsung’s new foldables launched, and they are already encountering their first update. This firmware is being deployed to the Galaxy Z Fold 7, Z Flip 7, and Z Flip 7 FE starting today.

    Typically, initial firmware updates do not deliver any new features, and this appears to hold true for this version as well. Based on a screenshot provided by AC’s Senior Editor, Andrew Myrick, who has a Galaxy Z Fold 7, the update is exclusively centered on security for these devices.

    Samsung doesn’t elaborate much on this update, merely indicating that “the device is safeguarded with enhanced security.” This may encompass minor bug fixes and slight performance improvements. The firmware also mentions that following the update with the July patch, users will be unable to revert to a previous version.

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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on Google Pixel Watch 3 Gets Its Initial Significant Price Cut Since Prime Day
    Google Pixel Watch 3 Gets Its Initial Significant Price Cut Since Prime Day

    Deals on the Pixel Watch 3 are uncommon. Seize the opportunity.

    (Image credit: Michael Hicks / Android Central)

    If you overlooked the Pixel Watch 3 deals during Prime Day earlier this month, there’s good news for you. For a limited duration, Amazon is offering 23% and 20% off the 41mm and 45mm models of the Google watch, respectively, bringing the prices down to their most affordable levels since the major sale.

    At just $269.99, you will acquire one of the finest Android smartwatches we have ever used, featuring an elegant design, swift Wear OS performance, and an array of premium fitness tracking functions supplied by Fitbit. Whether you view this as one of Amazon’s back-to-school offerings or merely a standard good deal, this Pixel Watch 3 price reduction is bound to vanish quickly, so move swiftly if you’re interested.

    <div

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Samsung Emphasizes Camera Enhancements in the Galaxy Z Fold 7
    Samsung Emphasizes Camera Enhancements in the Galaxy Z Fold 7

    While the Fold 7 is stylish, lightweight, and packed with AI, its camera also deserves recognition.

    (Image credit: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)

    Key information to consider

    • Samsung outlined the camera enhancements of the Galaxy Z Fold 7 compared to the Fold 6, including a prominent 200MP camera.
    • The selfie camera of the device offers a 25% wider perspective, with improvements for capturing skin details and better HDR processing.
    • The Fold 7 elevates video functions with 10-bit HDR recording and LOG support, advantageous for content creators.
    • Recent reports regarding the Fold 7 indicate that it has attracted consumers in larger markets such as South Korea and the U.S.

    Samsung’s latest Galaxy Z Fold 7 has been in the spotlight, prompting the company to elaborate on its significant camera improvements.

    The Galaxy Z Fold 7 marks Samsung’s debut foldable with a 200MP camera, which <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://shop-links.co/link?publisher_slug=future&exclusive=1&u1=ac-us-2042966702074255250&url=https%3A%2F%2Fnews.samsung.com%2Fus%2Ffacts-figures-behind-samsung-galaxy-z-fold7-ultra-camera%2F&article_name=Samsung%20puts%20a%20spotlight%20on%20the%20Galaxy%20Z%20Fold%207's%20long-awaited%20camera%20upgrades&article_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.androidcentral.com%2Fphones%2Fsamsung-galaxy%2Fsamsung-spotlight-galaxy-z-fold-7-long-awaited-camera-upgrades" data-url="https://news.samsung.com/us/facts-figures-behind-samsung-galaxy-z-fold7-ultra-camera/" target="_blank" referrerpolicy="no-referrer-when-downgrade" rel="sponsored noopener" data-hl-processed="hawklinks" data-placeholder-url="https://shop-links.co/link?publisher_slug=future&exclusive=1&u1=hawk-custom-tracking&url=https%3A%2F%2Fnews.samsung.com%2Fus%2Ffacts-figures-behind-samsung-galaxy-z-fold7-ultra-camera%2F&article_name=hawk-article-name&article_url=hawk-article-url" data-google-interstitial="false" data-merchant-name="Samsung" data-merchant-id="169557" data-merchant-network="Narrativ" data

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Fresh Enhancements and Modifications in Reminders for iOS 26
    Fresh Enhancements and Modifications in Reminders for iOS 26

    # iOS 26: Upgrades to the Reminders Application

    iOS 26 rolls out notable modifications to the iPhone software, elevating both the visual appeal and functionality of system applications. Among these enhancements, the Reminders application gains several new features designed to boost user experience and efficiency.

    ## New Liquid Glass Aesthetic

    The ‘Liquid Glass’ aesthetic influences all native apps in iOS 26, with the Reminders app revealing a renewed look. While the task list view shows slight modifications, the overall appearance of the app has been markedly refreshed. The Smart Lists positioned at the top of the task view boast a new design, complete with unique icons and a more structured layout. The interfaces for creating and editing tasks have undergone a redesign, featuring better organization of data types and improved visual spacing for streamlined navigation.

    ## Rapid Task Creation from Control Center and Beyond

    iOS 26 unveils a new control for expedited task creation within the Reminders app. Users can now incorporate a ‘New Reminder’ control to the Control Center, the Action Button, or their Lock Screen. This feature offers a handy popup that enables users to swiftly access key parameters for crafting reminders, such as modifying the list, adding notes, specifying due dates, and flagging tasks.

    ## Auto-Categorizing Lists

    A key highlight in iOS 26 is the auto-categorization feature of Reminders. Previously, users were required to manually organize their reminders into sections. Now, with the assistance of Apple Intelligence, Reminders can automatically generate intelligent sections within lists and categorize tasks accordingly, granting a more orderly view of tasks without extra effort.

    ## Suggested Reminders by Apple Intelligence

    Another cutting-edge feature driven by Apple Intelligence is ‘Suggested Reminders.’ This functionality employs AI language tools to assess content shared with the Reminders app, like emails or websites, and proposes tasks that can be generated based on that content, enhancing the task management experience.

    ## Call Back Reminders

    The integration of Reminders with the Phone app in iOS 26 permits users to establish ‘Call Back Reminders’ directly from their recent call list. By swiping left on a call entry, users can formulate a reminder to return a call at a designated time, which is then tied to the Reminders app and prominently featured in the Phone app.

    ## Time Zone Adjustment

    For those who often travel across time zones, the new Time Zone Adjustment feature in Reminders tackles the frequent issue of reminders notifying at unpredictable times. Users can now designate a default time zone for all reminders, assuring consistent alert timings irrespective of their location.

    In summary, iOS 26 delivers a range of upgrades to the Reminders app, enhancing its intuitiveness and user friendliness. With features such as rapid task creation, auto-categorization, and intelligent suggestions, managing tasks has never been more straightforward.

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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on Summary of iOS 26 Icons, Public Beta Responses, and iPhone 17 Speculations
    Summary of iOS 26 Icons, Public Beta Responses, and iPhone 17 Speculations

    ### Examination of the New iOS 26 Icon Collection and Public Beta Insights

    In the newest installment of 9to5Mac’s Happy Hour, presenters Benjamin Mayo and Chance Miller explore the freshly launched iOS 26 icon collection. This update introduces a revitalized aesthetic to the operating system, designed to improve user engagement through enhanced visual elements. The pair discusses the ramifications of these modifications, emphasizing how they correspond with Apple’s design ethos and consumer expectations.

    Moreover, Chance imparts observations from feedback gathered from family members testing the public beta. This feedback offers a distinctive viewpoint on user experience, underscoring both the advantages and areas needing enhancement in the beta iteration of iOS 26.

    ### Prototype of iPhone 17 Discovered

    In an exhilarating turn of events, a prototype of the iPhone 17 was allegedly spotted on the streets of San Francisco. This sighting has ignited discussions among technology aficionados about possible features and design alterations that Apple may unveil with its upcoming flagship model. The excitement surrounding the iPhone 17 is mounting as leaks and speculation permeate the tech community.

    ### WatchOS 26 Beta and New Gesture Functionality

    In the portion dedicated to watchOS 26, Chance discloses that he has upgraded to the latest beta version. The hosts discuss the launch of a new wrist flick gesture, which has emerged as surprisingly beneficial. This functionality aims to elevate user interaction with the Apple Watch, rendering it more intuitive and responsive to user commands.

    ### Subscribe to Happy Hour Plus

    Listeners are encouraged to sign up for 9to5Mac Happy Hour Plus for an ad-free experience, exclusive pre- and post-show content, and bonus episodes. Subscriptions are offered at $5 per month or $50 yearly, providing a means for fans to support Benjamin and Chance directly.

    ### Feedback and Interaction

    The hosts invite listeners to engage with the program by submitting inquiries and feedback via Twitter, Mastodon, or email. This open communication channel facilitates a more interactive experience, nurturing a community of Apple aficionados.

    ### Conclusion

    The latest episode of 9to5Mac’s Happy Hour delivers valuable perspectives on the new iOS 26 icon collection, user feedback from the public beta, and exciting news about the iPhone 17 prototype. With the addition of fresh features in watchOS 26, the hosts continue to furnish listeners with timely information and analysis on Apple’s developing ecosystem.

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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on iOS 26 Code Uncovers New Home App Functionality Linked with Maps
    iOS 26 Code Uncovers New Home App Functionality Linked with Maps

    ### ‘Adaptive Temperature’ Might Arrive in Home App, Driven by New Maps Features in iOS 26

    The Home app from Apple has yet to roll out any new widely publicized features in iOS 26; however, a recent code leak has disclosed an intriguing new feature in the works that utilizes advancements in Apple Maps. Known as “Adaptive Temperature,” this feature seeks to enhance home heating and cooling according to user habits and routines.

    #### Key Takeaways from the Code Leak

    Steve Moser, a prominent name within the tech industry, provided details from the iOS 26 beta on X, showcasing mentions of the Adaptive Temperature feature. Moser notes that similarly to how Apple Maps learns daily routes, the Home app is set to learn about users’ arrivals and departures. This functionality would enable the Home app to anticipate when a user is heading home or away for an extended period, thus allowing it to automatically modify the thermostat.

    #### New Functionalities in Apple Maps

    The launch of Adaptive Temperature is closely associated with new features in Apple Maps, including:

    1. **Preferred Routes**: This allows Maps to understand which paths users choose for their daily travels.
    2. **Visited Places**: Maps will monitor frequently visited locations, improving its ability to offer personalized navigation.

    These enhancements render Apple Maps significantly more adept regarding user movements, all while upholding a strong focus on privacy through on-device processing and end-to-end encryption.

    #### Consequences for Home Automation

    The incorporation of Adaptive Temperature into the Home app could transform how users engage with their smart home technology. By grasping typical movement trends, the Home app could proactively manage heating and cooling systems, ensuring comfort while enhancing energy efficiency. This feature could lead to greater efficiency and convenience for users, as their homes adapt to their routines effortlessly.

    #### Looking Ahead

    Although the discovery of Adaptive Temperature in the iOS 26 beta is an encouraging indicator, it does not ensure that the feature will appear in the final version. Nonetheless, it reflects Apple’s ambition to substantially enhance the Home app’s functionalities. Users with an interest in smart home automation may find this feature especially attractive, as it resonates with the rising trend of personalized and intelligent home settings.

    #### Closing Thoughts

    As Apple perseveres in innovating and merging its services, the possible addition of Adaptive Temperature in the Home app signifies an exciting advancement for users seeking smarter home automation options. The capability to modify home environments based on user behavior could improve comfort and energy efficiency, representing a noteworthy leap in the development of smart home technology.

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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on Google to Deploy AI for Identifying Teens
    Google to Deploy AI for Identifying Teens

    Individuals walking by a Google establishment.

    Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

    The internet poses significant risks for minors, which is why there are age restrictions for a variety of online services. However, most current age verification techniques depend on users being truthful when setting up their accounts. It is quite simple to claim a false age to bypass the limitations imposed on users under 18. Google aims to address this challenge utilizing artificial intelligence. Unidentified AI models will assess whether a user is below the legal age and implement necessary restrictions.

    This initiative isn’t limited to YouTube; Google intends to implement AI-driven age verification methods across all its services, verifying ages and applying automatic measures that may restrict user capabilities within Google applications linked to their accounts. Individuals identified as underage will be required to validate their age by submitting a government-issued ID or credit card to Google’s servers.

    Before explaining why this situation is unsettling, I want to acknowledge that Google’s goals are commendable. However, for Gemini, or any other Google AI system, to accurately determine an individual’s age, Google’s AI must be provided with vast amounts of user information. This represents an attempt to customize a Google user’s experience that is unrelated to advertising. It involves gathering and utilizing data for profiling that users may not necessarily consent to.

    If this method can be utilized to effectively estimate someone’s age, what prevents Google from employing AI to construct exceptionally precise user profiles, regardless of whether users consent to a tailored Google AI experience?

    What kind of user data is collected by Google?

    <source media="(max-width: 428px)" srcset="https://www.bgr.com/img/gallery/google-will-use-ai-to-det

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