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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on Research Indicates Notable Rise in Fraudulent Applications Driven by AI
    Research Indicates Notable Rise in Fraudulent Applications Driven by AI

    ### Escalation in Deceptive Mobile Applications: AI’s Contribution

    A recent report has revealed an astonishing growth in deceptive mobile applications across both iOS and Android platforms. Findings from DV Fraud Lab indicate a 300% increase in fraudulent apps on iOS and a shocking 600% surge on Android in 2025 alone. This upsurge presents considerable dangers to users and advertisers.

    #### Targeting Consumers and Marketers

    Deceptive apps frequently imitate well-known applications, like Facebook, to deceive users into logging in and disclosing sensitive details such as usernames and passwords. The implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) has been crucial in the development of these misleading apps, allowing them to create persuasive descriptions that facilitate their acceptance during app review processes.

    In addition to targeting consumers, these deceptive apps seek to take advantage of marketers. By gaining entry into app stores, they can fabricate fake traffic, consequently generating ad revenue through misleading tactics.

    #### The AI Component

    One of the main factors driving this escalation is the application of AI technologies. Fraud schemes are exploiting AI not just to fabricate traffic, but also to design more realistic-looking applications. This advancement makes it progressively more difficult for app store reviewers to accurately identify and reject these fraudulent submissions. Additionally, these apps can imitate authentic user behavior, complicating conventional fraud detection techniques.

    Automated systems are also used to create fake reviews, typically devoid of any genuine quality. For example, a gaming app might claim to offer an exhilarating experience in its description, yet the reviews could contain repeated and nonsensical terms that do not align with the app’s real functionality.

    #### The Necessity for Improved Screening Protocols

    DV Fraud Lab has observed the rise of specific AI-driven tools and platforms that ease the creation of fraudulent apps, making it feasible even for individuals without programming abilities. This situation presents a vital opportunity for companies like Apple and Google to reevaluate and strengthen their app screening protocols to protect users and advertisers alike.

    In summary, the growth of deceptive mobile applications, propelled by AI, highlights the pressing need for enhanced scrutiny in app store submissions. As technology advances, so must the tactics to tackle these fraudulent practices, ensuring a more secure digital landscape for all users.

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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on WhatsApp Unveils Translation Capability to Enhance Multilingual Interaction in Conversations
    WhatsApp Unveils Translation Capability to Enhance Multilingual Interaction in Conversations

    WhatsApp is launching a new update that brings translation capabilities for private conversations, improving communication across various languages. This update is being implemented for users on both Android and iPhone. With this feature, users can long-press a message in a different language and choose the “Translate” option to switch it into their chosen language. Android users will have the option to activate automatic translations for entire conversations, supporting six languages: English, Spanish, Hindi, Portuguese, Russian, and Arabic. iPhone users will be able to access translations in more than 19 languages. The translation occurs on the user’s device, ensuring that WhatsApp cannot reach the translated information, thus protecting privacy. This feature applies to one-on-one chats, group discussions, and Channel updates. This update forms part of WhatsApp’s continuous efforts to improve user experience, following previous enhancements like message summaries and safety tools to fight against scams.

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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on Google Search Unveils Crucial New Live Function
    Google Search Unveils Crucial New Live Function

    Live Search offers immediate, hands-free access to Gemini’s diverse features.

    (Image credit: Nandika Ravi/ Android Central)

    Essential Information

    • Google’s Live Search merges real-time AI dialogues for improved user experience
    • Users can now transmit camera views for prompt responses and insights
    • Accessible on Android and iOS since September 24, providing flexible assistance to users

    Google revealed that it is incorporating Project Astra’s features into Google Search, enabling users to obtain real-time answers through Live Search in AI Mode. Consider it an enhancement to the existing Google Lens, and Google’s method of extending Gemini’s multimodal functionalities across more platforms.

    With “Live Search,” users can engage in real-time, interactive discussions with Google Search in AI Mode, akin to conversing with the AI chatbot on Gemini Live. This capability allows users to share their device’s camera view, enabling them to respond to your inquiries live. Since this function is integrated with AI Mode, it will also supply links for more thorough research.

    Search Live: Matcha – YouTube

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    How to eliminate the end screen suggestions

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 Benchmark Results Emphasize Ongoing Market Supremacy
    Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 Benchmark Results Emphasize Ongoing Market Supremacy

    The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 is emerging as a formidable mobile chipset. Qualcomm has once again reinforced its supremacy in the mobile chipset sector with the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5. By utilizing a fully-custom design facilitated by the Nuvia acquisition, Qualcomm has achieved remarkable advancements in both performance and efficiency. The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 features a 20% boost in CPU performance and a 35% enhancement in efficiency relative to its predecessor. This performance surge is observable in benchmark tests, where the chipset surpasses competitors such as the Vivo X200 Ultra and Galaxy S25.

    During the annual Snapdragon Summit held in Hawaii, Qualcomm showcased the capabilities of the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 on a reference device. The chipset attained impressive scores in Geekbench’s multi-core evaluations, significantly outpacing the newest A19 Pro silicon. In single-core results, the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 also held a commanding advantage, illustrating the advantages of Qualcomm’s custom Oryon cores.

    The Adreno GPU incorporated within the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 also demonstrates significant enhancements, showing a 23% performance increase and 20% improved efficiency. Qualcomm has added support for Unreal Engine 5, with the goal of delivering console-quality gaming experiences on Android devices. While the actual effects on Android gaming are yet to be determined, Qualcomm’s initiatives appear promising.

    The advancements of the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 lay the groundwork for thrilling innovations in the mobile sector. With forthcoming launches from brands like Xiaomi, Realme, and Honor, the real-world functionality of the chipset will soon be assessed. As Qualcomm persists in expanding the limits of mobile technology, the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 is set to drive the next wave of flagship devices.

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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on Apple Cautions That EU Legislation Could Postpone Feature Launches and Possible New Devices
    Apple Cautions That EU Legislation Could Postpone Feature Launches and Possible New Devices

    The European Union is presently engaged in a consultation process examining the repercussions of its Digital Markets Act (DMA), a crucial piece of antitrust legislation focused on managing major tech corporations. This act requires firms like Apple to permit third-party app stores, a stipulation that Apple states has impeded its capability to launch certain software features for users in the EU.

    In its feedback regarding the DMA, Apple has revealed that it has yet to roll out features like iPhone Mirroring and AirPods Live Translation in EU regions due to concerns surrounding privacy. The firm foresees potential delays for additional features in Europe, with even a minimal chance that some hardware launches might be affected.

    ### A Brief Overview of Apple and the DMA

    The DMA identifies particular tech companies as “gatekeepers,” meaning they wield sufficient market influence to possibly suppress competition. Apple received this classification mainly because of its dominance in iPhone app sales. As a result, it was obliged to permit app transactions outside of its App Store, fostering the rise of multiple alternative app stores.

    Moreover, the DMA requires that when Apple rolls out new features compatible with its hardware, like AirPods, these features must also be made available to third-party hardware makers. Apple has raised concerns that this condition presents notable privacy risks, which is why it has postponed the launch of some features in the EU.

    ### iPhone Mirroring and AirPods Live Translation

    Two particular features that have faced delays include iPhone Mirroring and AirPods Live Translation.

    – **AirPods Live Translation** employs Apple Intelligence to enhance communication across different languages. Apple has crafted this feature to safeguard the privacy of user conversations, ensuring processing occurs on-device without access from Apple or external parties. The difficulty lies in modifying this feature for non-Apple devices, necessitating further engineering to uphold privacy.

    – **iPhone Mirroring** permits users to view and engage with their iPhone through a Mac, allowing effortless notification checks and file transfers. Apple has yet to devise a secure way to broaden this feature to non-Apple devices without jeopardizing user data security.

    Additionally, functionalities like Visited Places and Preferred Routes on Maps, which depend on on-device location data to protect user privacy, have also been postponed due to the challenges of sharing these features with third-party developers.

    ### Software Delays

    Apple has indicated that maintaining privacy safeguards demands extensive work for its hardware and poses even more significant obstacles for third-party hardware. While the company does not object to the idea of feature sharing, it cannot grant immediate access to competitor hardware until it addresses the relevant privacy concerns. At present, the sole means for Apple to avert fines is to delay specific feature releases in the EU until it can guarantee compatibility with third-party products.

    ### New Hardware Launches

    Currently, Apple has not postponed any new hardware launches in EU territories and does not foresee this changing. Nonetheless, the company has recognized that it cannot entirely discount the possibility of future delays, considering the fluid nature of the legislation.

    ### Apple Argues the DMA Isn’t Working

    Apple asserts that the DMA, designed to foster competition and improve consumer options, is achieving the contrary result. The company contends that delays in feature availability lead to EU users missing out on the latest innovations, causing a lack of product differentiation. Additionally, Apple claims that the DMA unfairly singles it out while permitting competitors like Samsung and rising Chinese firms to operate without similar constraints.

    In summary, Apple is pushing for the repeal or significant alteration of the DMA, arguing that it undermines innovation and consumer choice within the tech industry.

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Apple Reveals Plans to Create Proprietary Modems for Upcoming iPhones, iPads, and Macs
    Apple Reveals Plans to Create Proprietary Modems for Upcoming iPhones, iPads, and Macs

    iPhone 16e featuring the latest C1 5G modem. Although evaluations showed it wasn’t as proficient as Qualcomm’s equivalent for the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro variants, it marked a significant advancement for Apple as the brand persists in developing its own components and enhancing the synergy between its hardware and software.

    With the launch of the iPhone 17, the company opted to enhance this modem with a C1X version, particularly for the iPhone Air. Apple asserts that the C1X modem is as much as 2x quicker than C1 and can outperform the modem in the iPhone 16 Pro while utilizing the same cellular technologies. More crucially, the company asserts that it is the most energy-efficient 5G modem available on an iPhone.

    Nevertheless, while these innovations are essential for maintaining battery longevity on the iPhone Air, the firm still opted to incorporate Qualcomm’s newest 5G modem in the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max. During a discussion with CNBC, Apple VP of Software Technologies and Ecosystems Arun Mathias responded to the absence of its proprietary modem in the premium iPhone 17 models.

    “Our primary focus was on what we required for iPhone Air,” Mathias responded when asked about the modem lacking in the other models. “We also have excellent offerings with iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro. Over time, we will introduce Apple cellular solutions into additional products.”

    Apple teases the future of its 5G modems

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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on Sebastian Stan’s A24 crime thriller emerges as a streaming sensation on Apple TV+ two years post-release.
    Sebastian Stan’s A24 crime thriller emerges as a streaming sensation on Apple TV+ two years post-release.

    The Netflix miniseries “Adolescence” clinching 8 Emmys, or merely a widespread interest in its content. That’s exactly what’s unfolding with Sebastian Stan’s A24-produced crime drama from 2023. “Sharper,” boasting a notable ensemble cast, has now emerged as a top ten streaming sensation on Apple TV+ two years post-release — currently ranking fifth out of ten.

    Featuring Julianne Moore, John Lithgow, Sebastian Stan, Justice Smith, and Briana Middleton, the film is a psychological thriller that tracks a con artist and some of their con-mentees through a neo-noir narrative as they endeavor to deceive a billionaire.

    Given the narrative context, it’s easy to see why this film might be climbing the charts — particularly during an era when nearly everyone seeks to vie for wealth and authority in a high-stakes scenario. Additionally, “Sharper” holds a rating of 6.7/10 on IMDb, 68% on the Tomatometer, and 73% on the Popcornmeter from audiences. These are respectable scores that suggest it could offer a captivating way to spend its nearly two-hour duration.

    ‘Sharper’ enters the top five films on Apple TV+

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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on Apple Scientists Unveil SimpleFold: An Easy-to-Use AI Instrument for Anticipating Protein Folding
    Apple Scientists Unveil SimpleFold: An Easy-to-Use AI Instrument for Anticipating Protein Folding

    Google DeepMind’s efforts with AlphaFold have been remarkable, yet they come with significant computational costs. Considering this, Apple researchers embarked on creating an alternative approach to utilize AI for predicting protein 3D structures, and the results are encouraging. Here are the specifics.

    If you’re unfamiliar with AlphaFold, it’s Google DeepMind’s revolutionary AI model that predicts the 3D shape of proteins based on their amino acid sequences. This has proven particularly beneficial for the development of more effective medications, along with entirely new materials.

    Until recently, this was a highly challenging issue. Estimating the three-dimensional atomic formation of a single protein could span months or even years.

    However, with the advent of AlphaFold, now AlphaFold2, as well as other advanced models such as RoseTTAFold and ESMFold, this prediction time can be reduced to mere hours or even minutes, contingent on the hardware available.

    Each model employs distinct techniques and frameworks to achieve such impressive accuracy; however, they generally entail extremely expensive computations, and their frameworks follow a rigid structure.

    According to Apple’s researchers:

    “Long-established models for protein folding such as AlphaFold2 and RoseTTAFold have garnered exceptional accuracy through meticulously designed architectures that incorporate computation-heavy, domain-specific functionalities for tasks like multiple sequence alignments (MSAs) of amino acid sequences, pair representations, and triangle updates. These design selections (MSA, pair representations, triangular updates, etc.) aim to embed our current comprehension of the fundamental structure generation processes into these models, rather than allowing the models to learn this directly from data, which could be advantageous for numerous reasons.”

    ### Introducing Apple’s SimpleFold

    In their model proposal, instead of depending on “MSA, pairwise interaction maps, triangular updates, or any other equivariant geometric modules,” Apple utilizes what are known as flow matching models, introduced in 2023 that have gained significant traction for text-to-image and text-to-3D applications.

    Essentially, flow matching models represent an advancement from the diffusion models discussed in a prior article. Rather than merely iteratively minimizing noise from an initial image, they learn a smoother trajectory that transforms random noise directly into a completed image in one step.

    Moreover, as this method bypasses many denoising processes, it proves to be less computationally intensive, yielding results more quickly.

    Apple researchers trained SimpleFold at various sizes, specifically 100M, 360M, 700M, 1.1B, 1.6B, and 3B parameters, and evaluated them based on “two widely recognized protein structure prediction benchmarks: CAMEO22 and CASP14, which are stringent tests for generalization, robustness, and atomic-level precision in folding models.”

    The outcomes were quite promising:

    “Despite its straightforwardness, SimpleFold delivers competitive performance relative to these baselines. In both benchmarks, SimpleFold consistently surpasses ESMFlow, another flow-matching model designed with ESM embeddings. On CAMEO22, SimpleFold yields results comparable to the top folding models (e.g., ESMFold, RoseTTAFold2, and AlphaFold2). Notably, SimpleFold attains over 95% of the performance of RoseTTAFold2/AlphaFold2 across most metrics without utilizing costly and heuristic triangle attention and MSA.”

    And

    “To ensure thoroughness, we present the results of SimpleFold across various model sizes. The smallest model, SimpleFold-100M, demonstrates competitive performance while maintaining efficiency in both training and inference. Specifically, SimpleFold obtains over 90% of the ESMFold performance on CAMEO22, illustrating the effectiveness of constructing a folding model utilizing general-purpose architectural components.”

    They also observed performance enhancements correlated with scaling, indicating that larger models with extensive training data consistently yield superior folding performance, particularly on the most demanding benchmarks.

    Ultimately, they indicate that SimpleFold is merely an initial effort, expressing their hope that it “serves as a catalyst for the community to develop efficient and powerful protein generative models.”

    You can access the complete study on arXiv.

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