Author: Richard

    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Sam Altman Suggests OpenAI’s Growth into Space Exploration Beyond Mars
    Sam Altman Suggests OpenAI’s Growth into Space Exploration Beyond Mars

    The Wall Street Journal – a development that could escalate the competition between Altman and Elon Musk. Nevertheless, Altman’s intentions do not necessarily align with Musk’s vision for his prominent rocket enterprise. While Musk has been creating reusable SpaceX rockets aimed at facilitating human journeys to Mars, Altman is said to have an interest in a distinct form of space exploration and settlement. A rocket venture managed by or associated with OpenAI would enable it to establish AI data centers in space, utilizing solar energy to power these facilities. Establishing AI data centers in space might ultimately become more cost-effective over time, as well as lessen the environmental impact on Earth.

    As reported by WSJ, Altman struck up discussions regarding a space initiative with a startup known as Stoke Space, which is developing Nova — a reusable rocket. Stoke was established by former staff of Blue Origin, Jeff Bezos’ rocket venture — one of the primary rivals to Musk’s SpaceX. Y Combinator, a startup accelerator, has funded Stoke. The talks between Altman and Stoke commenced in the summer and resumed in the fall, yet did not culminate in a formal agreement. Altman aimed for OpenAI to either acquire a rocket firm or collaborate with one. One of the suggested arrangements involved the AI organization making a series of investments in Stoke, which would have provided OpenAI with a controlling interest. Ultimately, OpenAI was poised to invest billions in the startup.

    It’s all about ChatGPT

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    • Comments Off on Meta Acquires Two Principal Designers from Apple, Indicating Significant Progress in VR, Smart Glasses, and AI
    Meta Acquires Two Principal Designers from Apple, Indicating Significant Progress in VR, Smart Glasses, and AI

    Alan Dye and Billy Sorrentino have been essential figures in influencing Apple’s design realm over the last ten years. Their recent transition to Meta’s Reality Labs division signifies a major transformation in the design landscape of the tech industry. Both designers are poised to shape the forthcoming generation of wearable technology, such as VR and smart glasses, at Meta.

    Alan Dye, who has directed Apple’s user interface team since 2015, will now lead design efforts for hardware, software, and AI integration at Meta. His vast experience at Apple encompasses managing the Vision OS user interface design and playing a key role in significant redesigns of Apple’s operating systems. Dye’s responsibilities at Meta will include modernizing consumer devices with artificial intelligence capabilities, starting December 31.

    Billy Sorrentino, recognized for his contributions to Apple’s Vision OS design, Liquid Glass, and the iPhone camera, will be part of Meta’s leading design team. Sorrentino’s award-winning design proficiency will be instrumental in shaping Meta’s Horizon OS, which drives the Meta Quest headsets and upcoming VR devices.

    Meta has encountered difficulties in crafting interfaces for its VR headsets and smart glasses, frequently undertaking UI revisions. With the combined expertise of Dye and Sorrentino in Vision OS, Meta intends to develop more cohesive and efficient user interfaces, potentially affecting future products like Meta’s minimalist headset anticipated in 2026.

    This strategic hiring initiative by Meta highlights its dedication to progress in the fields of AI, wearables, and spatial computing, capitalizing on the skills of two of Apple’s most prominent designers.

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    • Comments Off on Opera Launches Solution to Streamline AI Application Management
    Opera Launches Solution to Streamline AI Application Management

    Opera has rolled out a fresh update for its Android application, presenting a consolidated search bar that improves AI accessibility. This enhancement enables users to effortlessly alternate between various search engines and AI models straight from the browser’s address bar. A significant feature is the “Ask AI” button, allowing users to engage with AI for different tasks such as translation or summarization by uploading files like images or PDFs. Users can also attach entire tabs to the Ask AI function, making it easier to pose immediate follow-up questions regarding the webpage content. Opera guarantees privacy by limiting AI access to only the context of the shared tab, without retrieving browsing history or other activities. This update is currently available on the Play Store, providing a streamlined experience for users who often utilize multiple AI applications.

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    • Comments Off on Data Encryption in Proton Sheets: Guaranteeing Your Information Remains Protected
    Data Encryption in Proton Sheets: Guaranteeing Your Information Remains Protected

    **What Occurs In Proton Sheets Remains In Proton Sheets: All Your Information Is Encrypted**

    The Swiss software firm Proton has introduced a new end-to-end encrypted solution named Proton Sheets, expanding its emerging productivity suite. This spreadsheet application acts as an alternative to the popular Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets, with a central emphasis on privacy and security. Proton Sheets guarantees that data within its documents is solely accessible to the account owner, preserving confidentiality even from Proton itself.

    In today’s world, privacy is crucial, particularly with the swift progress in AI technology. As AI models demand extensive data sets for training, tools like Proton Sheets become vital in protecting sensitive information from third-party access, including AI models.

    **What can Proton Sheets provide?**

    Anant Vijay Singh, Head of Product at Proton Drive, highlighted Proton Sheets’ significance in reclaiming data sovereignty. Unlike Big Tech spreadsheet applications that might take advantage of user information, Proton Sheets presents a privacy-centric alternative, ensuring users’ data remains protected and free from surveillance.

    Proton Sheets not only emphasizes security but also delivers an interface that is user-friendly and familiar to many. It facilitates collaboration, enabling teams to work concurrently on documents, with control over viewing and editing rights. Users can import CSV and XLS files, apply common Excel formulas, and generate charts, all while experiencing smooth functionality across different devices.

    Proton Sheets is connected to Proton Drive, which also includes the secure Proton Docs word processor. Users can begin with a free account, with premium plans available for additional storage and features, starting at $3.99/month.

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    • Comments Off on Thorough Leak Discloses Information About Samsung’s Anticipated One UI 8.5 Update
    Thorough Leak Discloses Information About Samsung’s Anticipated One UI 8.5 Update

    From the freshly designed Quick Settings panel to enhanced Galaxy AI capabilities, One UI 8.5 appears to be Samsung’s boldest update to date.

    What you should know
    – One UI 8.5 introduces significant UI modifications drawn from Apple’s Liquid Glass aesthetic and an overhauled Quick Settings panel.
    – The upgrade incorporates new Galaxy AI features, including enhanced Photo Assist and a more intuitive Bixby that comprehends intricate commands.
    – One UI 8.5 features enhancements such as quicker Quick Share functionality and automatically adjusting lock screen layouts for photographs.
    – The initial beta will be released this month in specific regions, with a subsequent beta extending to India and Poland.

    Samsung has been conducting internal tests on the One UI 8.5 software update for its Galaxy smartphones and tablets for some time, and while prior leaks have hinted at what’s coming, a recent leak has disclosed every feature included in the update.

    Noted leaker @taruvats33 on X released the complete changelog for the One UI 8.5 update prior to the beta introduction for the Galaxy S25 series. While it’s already known that One UI 8.5 will incorporate new UI modifications inspired by Apple’s Liquid Glass UI in iOS 26, along with a highly adaptable Quick Settings panel, the feature list reveals much beyond mere UI adjustments.

    For instance, as part of the new Galaxy AI functionalities, users will be able to create AI images using various Photo Assist tools without the need to save each version. In addition, an upgraded Bixby is set to arrive on Galaxy devices with One UI 8.5, likely driven by Perplexity.

    Among other new highlights in One UI 8.5 are expedited sharing capabilities with loved ones through advanced Quick Share, automatic adjustments to lock screen layouts so that the clock and widgets do not obscure key areas of your images, and much more.

    The first One UI 8.5 beta is anticipated to be launched this month, with the initial stage confined to regions such as the US, UK, Korea, and Germany. An additional beta is expected to be released prior to the Galaxy S26 reveal and broaden its reach to India and Poland.

    For now, you can review the comprehensive changelog for the One UI 8.5 update below:

    Here’s the complete Samsung One UI 8.5 changelog

    Galaxy AI
    Continuous image generation
    Continue creating without interruption. Photo Assist now enables you to produce AI images using various Photo assist features without needing to save every version. Once you’re finished, you can browse through your creations in your history and select your favorites.

    Bixby
    More intelligent device control
    Communicate with Bixby in your own terms. Bixby is now improved at locating the settings or features you require, even if you don’t use precise commands or feature titles. Just express your needs and let Bixby handle the details.

    Ask anything, anytime
    Whether you seek a quick response or in-depth information, simply ask Bixby for immediate answers. No need to waste time on multiple searches or toggling between apps.

    Conversation history
    Reviewing previous interactions with Bixby is simpler than before. You can now access your conversation history from the side panel in the Bixby app.

    Connectivity
    Storage share
    Access your files from anywhere. Files saved on other Samsung phones, tablets, and PCs are available in the My Files app on your device. You can also access your phone’s files on different Samsung devices, including your TV.

    Quickly connect to Smart View devices
    Establish connections to your preferred displays more swiftly. You can now place a shortcut on your Home screen for instant mirroring of your phone’s display to a TV or additional display device.

    Enhanced Auracast features
    Listening to and sharing audio is now simpler with Auracast. Options for both broadcasting and receiving are now consolidated in the Audio broadcast menu under Settings.

    Voice broadcasts
    Transmit your voice to those nearby with Auracast. In addition to media audio, you can now broadcast your voice using your phone’s built-in microphone.

    Battery and power
    Revamped battery info
    Get clearer insights into your battery usage. The redesigned Battery settings screen simplifies the process of checking remaining time, charging status, and daily consumption over the past week.

    Improved Power saving
    Utilize Power saving to extend your battery life without needing to recharge. Select Standard for moderate savings with adjustable limits, or opt for Maximum to disable all non-essential features, maximizing battery longevity.

    Accessibility
    Easily control Bluetooth hearing aids
    Directly access settings for your Bluetooth hearing aids from the Accessibility shortcut. A pop-up will allow you to adjust your hearing program, toggle Ambient sound on or off, and more.

    Control magnification with mouse or keyboard
    Maintain visibility of magnified content with these new options. You can set the magnified area to follow the cursor as you type or shift focus using the keyboard. When using a mouse, you can make the magnified area move as you guide the pointer to the edge of the screen.

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    • Comments Off on Reasons the POCO F8 Ultra Will Not Debut in India
    Reasons the POCO F8 Ultra Will Not Debut in India

    POCO, a label recognized for its cost-effective smartphones, has established a reputation for products that deliver remarkable value for their price. Nevertheless, its newest flagship model, the F8 Ultra, will not be released in India, even though the nation serves as its largest market. This choice stems from POCO’s identity as a budget-friendly brand, complicating the sale of a device priced above $700 in India. Although the F8 Ultra receives accolades for its hardware and camera performance, POCO’s emphasis continues to be on affordable devices, which enjoy greater popularity in the Indian market. This approach diverges from other brands such as Xiaomi, OPPO, and Vivo, which have adeptly promoted high-end models in India to enhance their brand images. As global smartphone prices continue to escalate, this could have been a prime opportunity for POCO to launch its premium offerings in India, potentially enhancing its reputation and market footprint.

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    • Comments Off on Google’s 2025 Search Insights Showcase Worldwide Impact of Gemini and Rampant Disorder
    Google’s 2025 Search Insights Showcase Worldwide Impact of Gemini and Rampant Disorder

    From Gemini to worldwide unrest, these are the trends that shaped Google Search this year.

    What you should know

    – AI took center stage in Google’s Year in Search 2025, with Gemini leading global searches and quirky U.S. trends such as “AI Barbie” and “AI Ghostface” demonstrating the mainstream acceptance of generative tools.
    – Coverage of crises intensified, with Iran, LA wildfires, the U.S. shutdown, Hurricane Melissa, and the Kamchatka earthquake prompting a demand for continuous updates.
    – Sports enthusiasts altered the rankings, elevating the FIFA Club World Cup globally and lifting the Seattle Mariners and OKC Thunder in the U.S.

    Google’s Year in Search typically reflects what captivated our interest, but the 2025 list is particularly striking. It serves as a pressure gauge for everything from political tensions to emerging AI trends, alongside a relentless cycle of pop culture. Observing both the global and U.S. lists, certain trends emerge clearly: AI has integrated into daily life, politics dominated headlines, and entertainment continually surprised us in unforeseen ways.

    Gemini topped the global leaderboard, illustrating how ingrained AI has become in everyday dialogue. DeepSeek, another significant AI model, also found its way into the global top 10.

    In the U.S., curiosity manifested differently. Searches like “AI action figure,” “AI Barbie,” and “AI Ghostface” surged as users engaged with generative tools in more whimsical and unconventional manners.

    One headline overshadowed all others

    Yet, 2025 was not solely focused on new technology. There were also moments that astonished people globally. Searches for Charlie Kirk spiked worldwide, driven by more than just political motives. His assassination and death became the most-searched global news event and the primary news topic in the U.S., resulting in days of unwavering coverage and speculation.

    Events such as the situation in Iran, the LA wildfires, the U.S. government shutdown, and the election of Pope Leo XIV kept people searching for updates. Natural disasters like Hurricane Melissa and the Kamchatka earthquake also resulted in an uptick in crisis-related searches.

    Entertainment captured significant attention as well. Globally, Anora and Superman were the most-searched films, while in the U.S., KPop Demon Hunters led the charts.

    Pop culture preferences are polarized

    In television, Monster: The Ed Gein Story emerged as the most popular show worldwide, whereas The Hunting Wives took the lead in the U.S. If it appeared that Taylor Swift was putting out something new every month, you’d be correct. She dominated global lyric searches and comprised half of the U.S. top 10 songs list.

    Sports fans were also engaged. The FIFA Club World Cup stood as the most-searched sporting event worldwide. In the U.S., fans propelled the Seattle Mariners and Oklahoma City Thunder to the top rankings. Terence Crawford, Shedeur Sanders, and Rory McIlroy were among the most-searched athletes globally, reflecting a shift in sports interests this year.

    The internet’s affinity for rabbit holes manifested in some unconventional trends as well. There were surges in “Holy airball” memes and recipe searches for hot honey cottage cheese beef bowls and dumpling bakes. Travel searches mirrored broader changes: globally, Kyoto Station and Kew Gardens were popular on Google Maps, while Americans planned trips to Boston, Seattle, and Tokyo.

    If anything, 2025 revealed that our searches mirror what we care about, what troubles us, and what we wish to explore next.

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    • Comments Off on Gavin Newsom Shares Discontent Regarding Tim Cook’s Business Engagements with Trump
    Gavin Newsom Shares Discontent Regarding Tim Cook’s Business Engagements with Trump

    **The Tech Sector’s Connection with the Trump Administration: Perspectives from Governor Gavin Newsom**

    At the recent DealBook Summit organized by The New York Times, California Governor Gavin Newsom discussed the intricate relationships between the tech sector and the Trump administration, particularly highlighting the actions of key figures like Tim Cook, CEO of Apple. Newsom’s observations illuminate the challenges tech leaders encounter and the wider repercussions for small enterprises and the economy.

    ### Evaluation of Tech’s Compliance

    In his speech, Newsom condemned the tech industry’s readiness to align with the Trump administration, humorously indicating that industry executives might need to acquire knee pads due to their submissiveness. This remark reflects a rising dissatisfaction among certain political figures concerning the tech sector’s perceived dependence and its willingness to collaborate with a contentious administration.

    ### Tim Cook’s Challenge

    The conversation shifted to Tim Cook, specifically mentioning a notable event when Cook presented Trump with a trophy during a meeting in the Oval Office. Newsom conveyed empathy for the pressures Cook experiences, particularly given Apple’s extensive dependence on China for manufacturing. He pointed out the contrast between large corporations and small businesses, noting that while Cook enjoys the ability to make persuasive requests for tariff exemptions, many small businesses in California do not share such advantages.

    Newsom expressed his worries about what he called “crony capitalism,” where access and influence are disproportionately reserved for those in power. He lamented the difficulties faced by farmers and small businesses in California that lack the negotiating power of tech giants.

    ### The Larger Consequences

    Newsom’s statements were not only directed at Tim Cook but aimed at addressing the general climate in which the tech industry functions. He criticized the tone and expectations established by the Trump administration, suggesting that its approach cultivates a culture where financial donations are essential for obtaining contracts and support.

    ### Conclusion

    Governor Newsom’s remarks at the DealBook Summit emphasize the complex connection between the tech industry and political power. While recognizing the challenging position of leaders like Tim Cook, he advocated for a more just system that supports all enterprises, not just those equipped to exert influence. This conversation prompts significant inquiries about the future of corporate accountability and the role of tech companies in shaping economic policy.

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    • Comments Off on Meta Employs Apple’s Leading Design Executive in an Unexpected Shift
    Meta Employs Apple’s Leading Design Executive in an Unexpected Shift

    Meta Has Expansively Recruited Apple’s Leading Design Executive in an Unexpected Shift

    Bloomberg reports that Meta has successfully attracted Alan Dye, the leading design executive from Apple. Initially a designer of iPhone packaging, Dye ascended through the company to become the VP of Human Interface Design. Since 2015, Dye has contributed to the design of every software feature across the entire array of Apple’s products. Starting in 2026, he will step into the role of Chief Design Officer at Meta, where he will influence the user interface of Meta’s continuously expanding range of hardware and software offerings. Additionally, Billy Sorrentino, who previously held the position of Senior Director within Apple’s design team, will also be joining Meta.

    It is widely recognized that Meta has been actively recruiting Apple engineers and researchers in recent months, mainly to bolster its AI division. However, the recruitment of Dye, a senior executive renowned for his crucial and prominent influence on Apple customers’ software interactions, marks a significantly daring move. Although it is not uncommon for top Apple executives to depart, this particular case of a leading Apple executive transitioning to a competing tech firm is quite unusual.

    With Dye’s departure, Apple CEO Tim Cook announced that Steve Lemay will assume Dye’s former role: “Steve Lemay has been instrumental in designing every significant Apple interface since 1999. He consistently sets an incredibly high standard for excellence and exemplifies Apple’s ethos of collaboration and creativity.”

    Apple’s leadership landscape is shifting

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    • Comments Off on Apple’s Head of Design Alan Dye Departs for Meta
    Apple’s Head of Design Alan Dye Departs for Meta

    **Alan Dye Exits Apple for Meta: A Change in Design Leadership**

    Alan Dye, who has been the vice president of Human Interface Design at Apple since 2015, is preparing to leave the company to join Meta. This transition aligns with Meta’s approach to strengthening its portfolio of AI-enabled consumer devices, according to Bloomberg. Dye’s official start at Meta is set for December 31, 2025.

    Steping into Dye’s position at Apple will be Stephen Lemay, a veteran in design with 26 years of experience at the company. Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO, voiced his confidence in Lemay’s skills, emphasizing his substantial contributions to Apple’s design heritage since 1999. Cook remarked, “Design is essential to our identity at Apple, and today, we have an exceptional design team working on the most groundbreaking product lineup in our history.”

    Dye’s exit occurs as Apple’s executive leadership had been expecting modifications in its design leadership. At Meta, he will lead a new design studio concentrating on the amalgamation of hardware, software, and AI within the company’s product spectrum. Moreover, Billy Sorrentino, a design executive at Apple, is also departing to join Meta, reflecting a wider trend of talent transitioning from Apple to rival companies.

    Throughout his time at Apple, Dye was crucial in several major projects, especially following the departure of famed designer Jony Ive in 2019. His latest accomplishments include overseeing the significant Liquid Glass redesign in iOS 26 and introducing a new design language at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June. He also played a key role in the design of the Apple Vision Pro and visionOS.

    This leadership change at Apple is part of a broader series of shifts within the organization. Recently, John Giannandrea, the senior vice president for Machine Learning and AI Strategy, declared his retirement, effective spring 2026. Other significant exits include COO Jeff Williams and CFO Luca Maestri, further indicating a transitional period for Apple. There is also speculation regarding Tim Cook’s possible departure as CEO, which may happen as early as next year.

    The departure of crucial personnel isn’t confined to Apple alone; Jony Ive’s design agency, LoveFrom, and OpenAI have also recruited former Apple designers, collaborating on AI-driven hardware projects under the brand io.

    As Apple experiences this transition phase, the effects of these leadership changes on its design ideology and product advancement remain to be observed.

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