Google brings Bard to Europe & Brazil, adds new features

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Google brings Bard to Europe & Brazil, adds new features
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Today, Google announced that it is bringing Bard to more of Europe and into Brazil. This makes Bard available in a lot more countries now, making it easier than ever for people to get on-board.

Starting today, Bard will also work in more languages. It’ll support 40 languages including Arabic, Chinese, German, Hindi and Spanish, to name a few.

Google also announced today that Bard is getting four new features, to help it better suit your needs.

What’s new in Bard

So what’s new with Bard? Well, Google is adding a way for you to listen to responses. This will allow Bard to read them aloud to you, so you can approach your idea in a different way. The feature is now live in over 40 languages.

You can also easily adjust Bard’s responses. Google is allowing you to change the tone and style of Bard’s responses. Using five different options: simple, long, short, professional or casual. This is similar to a few other AI writing tools that already exist, but now you can do it with Bard.

Like with ChatGPT, Bard is now allowing you to have different conversations and now they can be pinned and renamed. So you can continue where you left off with Bard from yesterday, last week, or last month. Like the other features here, this is also available in over 40 languages.

Finally, Google is going to allow Bard to export code to more places. So many are using Bard for coding tasks, now you can do things like export Python code to Replit, or Google Colab. This is also available in more than 40 languages right now.

There’s so much new coming to Bard over the coming weeks and months. Google is moving at break-neck speed with Bard, and it’s quickly becoming the best chat bot on the market right now.


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Fake THREADS App Climbed to Number 1 Spot on Apple Store in Europe

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Fake THREADS App Climbed to Number 1 Spot on Apple Store in Europe
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Apple has removed the fake THREADS app from the European App Store, ending its top position as the number 1 iOS app until July 11, 2023, when it was reported.

In a recent development, Apple has taken down a fake version of the popular Threads app from its App Store in Europe. The fake app, developed by SocialKit LTD, had been soaring up the charts of the most downloaded apps. However, thanks to the diligent work of cybersecurity firm and iOS developer Mysk, the fraudulent app has been exposed and removed, and the developer’s account has been suspended.

Among the apps created by SocialKit LTD that have been removed are ChatGP, SelfMe: Selfie AI Face Editor, and Remove Background Eraser, among others. The fakeThreads app had gained significant traction, particularly in Germany, the Netherlands, and Switzerland, where it had claimed the number one position in the App Store rankings.

Fake THREADS App Climbs to Number 1 Spot on Apple Store in Europe
Fake app topping in EU countries (Screenshots via Mysk – Twitter)

The original Threads app, launched by Meta as a competitor to Twitter, has garnered more than 100 million downloads worldwide since its release earlier this month. However, the app has yet to be made available in the European Union due to the bloc’s stringent privacy laws.

This absence has created an opportunity for cybercriminals to capitalize on the demand by producing counterfeit apps and employing over 700 phoney domain names in a single day, according to a report.

Mysk, in a tweet, highlighted the concerning statistics regarding the genuine app’s absence in the European market. They stated, “Statistically, exactly 0% of iOS users looking for Threads in the EU have downloaded the right app. If app sideloading was possible, the percentage of EU users downloading the right app would certainly be greater than 0%.”

Cybersecurity analyst Veriti warns users, especially those in Europe, to exercise caution when downloading knock-off versions of Threads, as they often serve as conduits for malware or phishing attacks. It is crucial to obtain the app from trusted sources and exercise due diligence at all times.

While the fraudulent Threads app has been removed from the European App Store, similar bogus apps have also been detected on other platforms. Before the official launch of Instagram’s Threads on July 6, several impersonating apps were circulating on the Google Play Store, prompting Google to eventually remove them.

Nevertheless, ChatGPT’s official app for iPhone has already been released, while its Android app could soon be available on the Google Play Store.

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  5. Google removes ClearURLs Chrome extension from app store

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Malicious Chrome Extensions Steals Businesses Ads Manager

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Malicious Chrome Extensions Steals Businesses Ads Manager
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Cybercriminals are using malicious Chrome extensions to steal Facebook login information in a recent operation.

The reports shared by Malwarebytes Labs also stated that sponsored posts and accounts impersonating Meta/Facebook’s Ads Manager have become more prevalent.

With a focus on Facebook advertising accounts, threat actors like DuckTail, which have been active for a while, have been watched and investigated by Meta.

“In total, we identified over 20 different malicious Facebook Ad Manager archives that installed Chrome extensions or instead went with traditional malware executables”, Malwarebytes reports.

Over 800 victims have been reported globally, including 310 in the US.

Malicious Chrome Extension

Researchers explain that once the MSI installer is finished, the batch script is run, and it effectively creates a new browser window that is started with the custom extension from the previous installation path and directs the victim to the Facebook login page.

“Malicious Google Chrome extensions are used to steal and extract login information,” researchers said.

Malicious Extension

“That custom extension is cleverly disguised as Google Translate and is considered ‘Unpacked’ because it was loaded from the local computer, rather than the Chrome Web Store,” researchers explain.

Quick hex obfuscation to hide

In reality, the code is wholly targeted at Facebook and obtaining crucial data bits enabling an attacker to log into accounts.

The threat actors’ interest in Facebook cookies, which they seek through cookies.getAll technique.

Fake Ads Manager Accounts

Scammers used verified accounts to purchase advertising from Meta. To handle their advertising with a “more professional and secure tool,” they were attempting to persuade potential victims to download software.

“These fraudulent accounts often have tens of thousands of followers and any of their posts can quickly become viral.

Scammers are primarily targeting business users who may spend ad dollars on the platform”, researchers said.

The initial step in compromising those accounts is to drive potential victims to external websites.

The Facebook Ads Manager program, promoted via a download link, serves as the lure.

Final Thoughts

Businesses may be enticed to optimize their Facebook ad campaigns by clicking on specific postings and installing programs that claim to boost their revenue.

This is an extremely risky practice, even if the instructions promise that the program is secure and malware-free.

As a result, if you downloaded one of those malicious Facebook Ad Manager installers, you should withdraw access to unfamiliar users from their Business Manager account profile that the fraudsters may have created and analyze their transaction history.


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Sony will launch its Access controller for PS5 in December

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Sony will launch its Access controller for PS5 in December
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Sony will officially launch the Access Controller for PS5 this December, the company has said. In post over at PlayStation Blog, Sony expands on details about when players can expect to see the Access Controller on store shelves.

After announcing the controller at CES 2023, then known as Project Leonardo, Sony revealed information about it in mid-May, including the official name. The Access Controller, as the name suggests, is designed to give players with disabilities a more accessible approach to playing games on PS5.

Sony says it’s been developing the controller over the past five years. Working closely with accessibility organizations to get things right. And now, the fruits of that labor are almost here. While the actual launch of the Access Controller on PS5 is still months away, it’ll be available for pre-order really soon.

Sony says pre-orders are going live on July 21. Which means next Friday anyone who wants one will be able to secure a unit. Pre-orders will be available from PlayStation Direct in the US, UK, France, Germany, Belgium, Luxembourg, Spain, Netherlands, Italy, Austria, and Portugal. Pre-orders will also be available from select retailers in those regions. Other regions around the world will be able to place pre-orders on July 21 as well through local retailers.

The PS5 Access controller will launch globally on December 6

Not every new product gets worldwide availability. But that isn’t the case with the Access controller. Sony confirms it will be a globally available product. Stating that the controller will launch globally on December 6. If you’re wondering where, the very same retailers where pre-orders will be live, will also sell the controller upon launch.

So if you live in one of the unlisted regions, be sure to check with your local retailers on July 21. In addition to announcing the launch date, Sony has also listed the price. The Access controller will be available for $89.99 in the US. That’s about $10 less than Microsoft’s Accessibility controller, but mostly on par with its cost. Sony has also detailed the specs of the Access controller, and put out a brief explainer video of it which you can watch above.


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Advertisers are now looking towards Threads as Twitter’s struggles continue

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Advertisers are now looking towards Threads as Twitter’s struggles continue
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It’s no secret that Musk’s erratic changes for Twitter have caused many of the biggest advertisers to abandon the platform. However, with a new competitor by the likes of Threads emerging and growing at a rapid pace, it looks like advertisers have also started shifting their focus while Twitter grapples with brand safety concerns and declining user engagement. 

Why is Threads taking off?

Although it has only been a week since Threads officially launched, the platform has already amassed over 100 million users, thanks in part due to Instagram’s integration and its focus on social conversations. As a result, advertisers are eager to explore how this new platform can complement their existing social media strategies, according to Natasha Blumenkron, Vice President of the marketing firm Tinuiti.

Furthermore, the fact that Threads shares the backend administration tools with Instagram is of particular appeal to advertisers since it will make it easier for corporate social media managers to utilize the platform.

“It’s the most instant onboarding experience I’ve ever experienced in the history of my career, and my entire career has been in social,” said Rachel Tipograph, CEO of the marketing technology firm MikMak.

However, it’s important to note that Meta’s primary focus is currently on developing the core functionality of Threads rather than monetizing the app. This is because the app still lacks essential features, including a chronological feed and hashtags.

End of the road for Twitter?

Although Twitter still boasts a massive user count compared to Threads, Tipograph suggests that the platform’s recent struggles with brand safety, hate speech, and impersonation have resulted in a significant decline in traffic, causing concern among advertisers.

However, despite its advantages, Threads is still in its early stages, and its success as an advertising channel depends on cultivating an active user base that engages regularly with the platform. Moreover, as the platform grows, there are concerns about the potential influx of bad actors and trolls onto Threads, which could lead to the spread of misinformation and hate speech content, similar to what has occurred on Twitter.


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Spotify and Calm collaborate to bring transformative content to users worldwide

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Spotify and Calm collaborate to bring transformative content to users worldwide
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Calm, the meditation and sleep app with over 4 million users worldwide, has joined forces with Spotify in an unprecedented collaboration. This partnership aims to provide a range of transformative content from Calm to support individuals on their mental health journey. The content is now accessible on Spotify’s platform.According to Engadget, the collaboration between Calm and Spotify is made possible through Spotify Open Access (SOA), an initiative introduced in 2021. SOA enables companies to offer paid content on Spotify, catering to different subscriber tiers. This means that users can access and enjoy paid content from other platforms, such as books or articles they have purchased, directly on Spotify.

It is important to note that a Premium subscription to Calm is required to gain access to all its content on Spotify. Otherwise, only a limited set of stories and music is available for streaming on Spotify.

Recognizing the challenge of finding time for mindfulness amidst daily life’s busy demands, Calm has partnered with Spotify, making some of its finest content readily available in the Spotify podcast catalog.

With eleven Calm shows now on Spotify, individuals can benefit from a range of mental well-being support. The content includes some of the most popular sleep stories, meditations, mindfulness exercises, and more, all designed to facilitate better sleep, reduce stress and anxiety, and cultivate mindful habits.

The strategic collaboration between Calm and Spotify brings significant advantages for both parties. Calm’s esteemed content gains access to Spotify’s vast user base of approximately 515 million monthly active users, amplifying its reach and impact.

The partnership between Calm and Spotify provides an exciting opportunity for users to conveniently enhance their mental well-being. By leveraging the power of Spotify Open Access, Calm’s transformative content is now just a click away for individuals seeking relaxation, stress reduction, and better sleep.


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Elon Musk Launches AI Startup Focus on Understanding Reality

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Elon Musk Launches AI Startup Focus on Understanding Reality
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Elon Musk publicly announced the establishment of xAI, a startup that aims at exploring “the true nature of the universe” and will also compete against OpenAI’s well-known chatbot ChatGPT.

ChatGPT security risks

“The goal of xAI is to understand the true nature of the universe,” the website said.

State records show that Musk’s registered business, x.AI, is situated in Nevada. The new business revealed on its website that Musk will oversee its core group of employees.

The xAI team is made up of engineers from well-known software businesses, including those from competing companies like OpenAI, which launched ChatGPT.

Musk tweeted that the xAI team intended to do live sessions using Twitter Spaces on Friday, July 14, giving users the chance to engage with the team and ask them questions about their work.

In reaction to recent releases of chatbots like GPT from OpenAI, Bard from Google, and Claude from Anthrapic, this action has been taken.

Announcing x.AI on its website

Elon Musk has already spoken out on the moral issues raised by AI and even written an open letter calling for a halt to the field’s advancement.

Musk appears to have grabbed the reins of advancing technology this time around by directing the team in the development of xAI.

Team In The Development Of xAI

Greg Yang, a former DeepMind developer and Google research scientist, is an important member of the team.

According to the records, Musk is the only director of the business, and Jared Birchall, managing director of Musk’s family office, is the secretary. The x.AI team will also receive advice from Dan Hendricks, the head of the Centre for AI Safety.

Further demonstrating the company’s dedication to advancing the discipline, xAI’s website now provides employment possibilities for anyone in the Bay Area interested in AI development.

According to reports, Musk has tightly linked the x.AI team with his other businesses, such as Twitter, Tesla, and SpaceX. The introduction of OpenAI’s chatGPT, followed by Bard and Bing, has heightened interest in generative AI.


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How to take a screenshot on Google Pixel Fold

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How to take a screenshot on Google Pixel Fold
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Google’s first foldable, the Pixel Fold is now out. And there’s a whole lot new here in how you can use the phone. Like split screen and much more. But you can also still take a screenshot on it, as you might expect. The method is the same as any other Pixel device, but if you’ve never used a Pixel smartphone, then you may be wondering how to do it. Well, here’s how you can do just that.

How To Take A Screenshot On The Google Pixel Fold

There are four different ways that you can take a screenshot on the Google Pixel Fold. And we’re here to outline each way. So you can choose which one works best for you. Whether it’s with the buttons, software buttons, or Google Assistant.

Using the buttons

Probably the oldest way to take a screenshot on Android is with the buttons. This has been a thing since around Android 4. And here’s how you can do that.

  • Press Power and Volume Down keys together for a few seconds.
  • You’ll see the screen flash, and a screenshot appear at the bottom of the screen with a few options for editing and capturing a scrolling screenshot.
  • And that’s it.

Using the Recents menu

Another way to take a screenshot is through the Recents menu. Here’s how you can do that:

  • Swipe up from the bottom of your screen until the Recents screen comes up.
  • Tap on the “Screenshot” button below the app that is currently open.
  • It will now take a screenshot of the active app. Which is super useful.
  • That’s all there is to it. You’ll get the same notification as you do in any other screenshot method.

Taking a scrolling screenshot

New in Android 12, you can now take a scrolling screenshot. This is a feature that many other smartphone makers have had in their phones for years. And here’s how you can take a scrolling screenshot (we have a much more in-depth tutorial on that here).

  • Capture your screenshot using the Power and Volume Down buttons as mentioned above. This will not work from the Recents menu.
  • Now, you’ll see an option in the screenshot UI to “Capture More”. Tap on that.
  • Here, you can crop how much of the screen yo want to capture. Whether it is the entire page, or just more than what is shown on your screen currently.
  • Hit the “Save” button in the upper left-hand corner.
  • And that’s it. That’s how you can take a scrolling screenshot.

Using Google Assistant

Finally, you can use the Google Assistant to take a screenshot on the Pixel Fold as well. So you can do it without using your voice. Here’s how you can do it:

  • Activate the Assistant by saying “Hey Google”, or swiping up from the bottom corners of the screen.
  • Once the Google Assistant is awake and listening, say “Take a screenshot”.
  • That’s it.

Now, if you get an error here, it likely means that the Assistant does not have permission to take a screenshot. You can fix that by doing the following:

  • Go into Settings.
  • Tap on Apps & Notifications.
  • Then tap on Advanced.
  • Then tap on Default Apps.
  • And Assist & Voice input.
  • Now, toggle on “Use Screenshot”.

And that’s the many ways that you can take a screenshot on the Google Pixel Fold.


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Elon Musk launches new AI company xAI to understand the universe

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Elon Musk launches new AI company xAI to understand the universe
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Ever since the advent of ChatGPT and the subsequent start of the AI revolution, tech leaders like Elon Musk have worried that this unregulated and rampant development in the field could lead to some major consequences. Now, in a surprising turn of events, Elon Musk has launched his own AI company called xAI, whose mission is to “understand the true nature of the universe” and compete with the likes of ChatGPT and Google Bard.

While specific details about the company’s work and motives remain unclear, xAI will host a Twitter Space on July 14th, allowing users to virtually meet the team behind xAI and inquire about their endeavours.

The xAI team, spearheaded by Elon Musk himself, comprises several prominent figures from major AI institutions such as DeepMind, OpenAI, Google Research, Microsoft Research, and Tesla. Team members include Igor Babuschkin, Manuel Kroiss, Yuhuai (Tony) Wu, Christian Szegedy, Jimmy Ba, Toby Pohlen, Ross Nordeen, Kyle Kosic, Greg Yang, Guodong Zhang, and Zihang Dai. Additionally, Dan Hendrycks, the director of the nonprofit Center for AI Safety, will lend his expertise to the company.

“I remain unbiased and do not have the incentive to limit my criticism,” said Hendrycks.

It is important to note that the project has been in development for several months and will operate as a separate entity from Musk’s overarching X Corp. However, xAI will maintain close collaboration with X (Twitter), Tesla, and other affiliated companies.

Why is Musk founding another AI company?

Although Musk himself helped found OpenAI back in 2015, his recent decision to establish another AI company stems from an open letter earlier this year, which called for a temporary halt in AI progress. This is because Musk and other prominent experts in the field worry that the race between companies to build the most advanced AI system could wreak havoc on society.

“An out-of-control race to develop and deploy ever more powerful digital minds that no one – not even their creators – can understand, predict, or reliably control,” stated the letter.


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Google releases new Calendar scheduling tool for Gmail users

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Google releases new Calendar scheduling tool for Gmail users
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Google has just announced plans to roll out a new feature for Gmail users that will make it possible to schedule their meetings in Calendar without having to leave the app. Although this feature was previously available, you had to exit Gmail in order to create new Calendar events and schedule your meetings.With the new scheduling tool available in Gmail, users can do that quick and easy without leaving the app. Once you get the update, a new Calendar icon with all Calendar-related actions will be visible while composing an email.

Clicking the new Calendar icon will open up the calendar where you’ll be able to select and add meeting times direction from your calendar into the email without leaving Gmail. Obviously, the recipient of the email can review the proposed meeting times and select one directly from the email to automatically get an email with a calendar invite.

The same feature allows Gmail users to quickly schedule a meeting and share the event information back in the email. An event summary is inserted into the email body to make it easier to share. This is the same option that was previously available in the three dot menu on top of the email conversation view, but now it’s more conveniently accessible via the new Calendar icon.

Google notes that users can create events from Gmail on any of the primary and secondary calendars. On the other hand, time suggestions can only be made for your primary calendar currently and only work for 1:1 meetings. Only the first person to book an appointment will be added to the event if multiple people are included in the recipient list.

The new features will be enabled by default and the rollout should take up to 15 days starting July 11 for those in the Rapid Release domains. Everyone else should start seeing these new features beginning July 31.


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