The Meta Ray-Ban Smart Glasses now have multimodal AI

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Not too long ago, we received the news that Meta was going to implement AI technology into its line of Ray-Ban smart glasses. Well, it appears that day has finally arrived. Not only do the Meta Smart Glasses have AI implemented in them, but they also have multimodal AI.

In case you don’t know what the Meta Smart Glasses are, there are a line of glasses that come equipped with a camera, microphone, and speaker. They’re able to take images, listen for hot words, and play audio. All this comes in a very seamless package that looks just like a typical pair of glasses.

We recently got the news that Meta was planning on adding AI technology to the glasses. This will allow them to use a chatbot just like ChatGPT to answer questions and observe the world. This is impressive, as it doesn’t seem like they were originally designed for this technology. That’s just a testament to their versatility.

The Meta Smart Glasses now have multimodal AI

Shortly after Meta launched these glasses, the company started doing some early testing of AI implementation. The testing has been going on for several months with only a limited number of people able to try it out.  Now, however, this functionality is rolling out widely.

The overall experience, according to the Verge, seems to be pretty decent. We are at the dawn of wearable AI, so companies are still working on successfully implementing AI into a portable form factor. The Humane AI Pin looks like it is a commercial flop, and we are still waiting to see how the Rabbit R1 will fare.

However, the Meta Smart Glasses have proven to be pretty good at identifying objects. There is always the chance that it will falsely identify objects. However, we have to remember that this is a very small camera. We can’t expect it to have the sort of image clarity or reach that smartphone cameras have.

In any case, along with scanning objects, you can also speak into the glasses to get spoken answers about any sort of question. The Meta Smart Glasses offer the sort of experience you would get from something like the AI Pin, but they’re much more affordable and convenient to use.

If you are planning on picking up a pair of Meta Smart Glasses, they start at $299.99.


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Samsung VR gear patent application hints at fitness and gaming

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Samsung could be readying a VR (Virtual Reality) headset aimed at fitness and gaming. The South Korean tech giant could be going up against the Apple Vision Pro. Interestingly, the patent application suggests much more than a VR headset.

Samsung VR headset to work with other wearables

Apple prefers to call its Vision Pro a “Spatial Computer”. The VR headset does have a complete computing unit. It works without being tethered to any Mac or PC. The VR headset doesn’t even need controllers as it relies on hand movements that are tracked by onboard cameras.

Samsung recently filed a patent with the Korean Intellectual Property Office. The patent is meant for, “Communication methods and apparatus utilizing avatars in virtual space.” It seems Samsung has taken an interesting approach to Virtual Reality.

The headset can reportedly display virtual avatars to the user, by using multiple sensors to collect information from surroundings. The patent application indicates Samsung’s VR gear will work with other wearable products such as Samsung Galaxy Watch, headphones, and more.

The VR headset would rely on the sensors inside the wearables to gather data. Some examples mentioned include heart rate and calories burned.

The VR headset could pack sensors such as accelerometer, gyroscope, camera module, infrared sensor, etc. These sensors help track user movements and positions in real-time.

The patent mentions the collected and processed data would be displayed on an interactive Graphic User Interface (GUI).

Samsung has categorically noted that its VR system would allow users to view a digital avatar and interact with their surroundings. Users could also share their workouts and exercise details with other people in real-time.

Is Samsung readying an entire VR Gear ecosystem?

The patent is quite broad in its description and possible applications. Interestingly, the patent does not mention the word headset. The document refers to wearable gadgets.

Although Samsung could be developing a VR headset, the recently filed patent seems to suggest the company is going for an entire ecosystem. The Samsung VR gear could include a VR headset that has multiple cameras and sensors for tracking head and hand movements.

The patent does indicate Samsung could embed a navigation system, and include Wi-Fi and Bluetooth support.

With such hardware, it is possible that Samsung would offer a head-mountable wearable computer with a dedicated CPU, GPU, and RAM. The Samsung VR headset would have a rechargeable battery, but the patent doesn’t indicate its location, size, or capacity.

Samsung hasn’t offered any indication about an upcoming VR headset or an integrated VR ecosystem. Moreover, companies regularly file patents, some of which seem quite outlandish.

Regardless, Samsung seems to be exploring a relatively new and perhaps uncharted territory. Samsung may position its upcoming VR gear as a health and fitness gadget. As the company already makes smartwatches and other premium wearables, its mystery VR headset would have a ready ecosystem if or when it launches.


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Oura partners with Target as Galaxy Ring launch looms

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Oura, the company behind the popular health-tracking Oura Ring, is aggressively expanding its retail footprint in the US with the help of giant retailer, Target. Starting April 22, consumers can find the smart ring in select Target locations nationwide and on Target.com. This news follows on the heels of Oura’s recent partnerships with Best Buy and Amazon.

Oura’s Chief Marketing Officer, Doug Sweeny, highlights the synergy between the brands. He calls Target a haven for “design-forward, innovative brands.” Sweeny also emphasizes Oura’s commitment to women’s health and making the Oura Ring more accessible to this often-overlooked market.

The partnership offers shoppers an enhanced buying experience. Customers visiting Target stores can use a unique in-store sizing setup to find their perfect Oura Ring fit. This allows for immediate purchase. Those who prefer shopping from home can order a sizing kit from Target.com. To spice things up, they’ll receive a $10 gift card for a future Target purchase (including the ring itself).

Oura’s move may seem like desperation, but it isn’t

Oura’s expansion may seem like a preemptive strike. The upcoming launch of the Samsung Galaxy Ring poses a significant challenge. It’s possible Samsung’s massive brand power and the anticipation surrounding the Galaxy Ring’s integration with its popular smartphones could disrupt the smart ring market.

Tech outlet SamMobile paints Oura’s move with a hint of desperation. They speculate that Samsung’s entry with the Galaxy Ring has pushed Oura to ramp up sales and form partnerships it may have previously resisted, such as selling on Amazon. The article predicts that Samsung could dominate the market, projecting sales of half a million Galaxy Rings in its first year.

Oura has carved out a distinct niche focusing on accurate health tracking and commitment to women’s health. Whether the company can weather the storm of Samsung’s entry remains to be seen. The good thing is consumers looking for smart rings now have more options than ever. Making the Oura Ring available in major retailers like Target is a smart move to stay competitive.

While Samsung’s Galaxy Ring is a threat, Oura’s increased accessibility and focus on women’s health could carve out a loyal niche in the market. The in-store experience will allow customers to try the ring on for size and comfort, addressing a potential hurdle for online-only sales.

As tech enthusiasts eagerly await the Galaxy Ring launch, the smart ring wearable market competition is escalating. Oura’s commitment to wider availability and strategic partnerships ensures that its ring remains within reach for a broader audience of health-conscious consumers.


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Nespresso Domain Hijacked in Phishing Attack Targeting Microsoft Logins

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Nespresso Domain Hijacked in Phishing Attack Targeting Microsoft Logins

Beware! Cybercriminals are exploiting an open redirect vulnerability for phishing attacks that impersonate Nespresso to steal Microsoft logins. Millions of users are potentially at risk!

Perception Point, a prominent cybersecurity firm, has identified a new phishing campaign utilizing compromised accounts. This campaign targets users through an open redirect vulnerability within a domain owned by Nespresso, a well-known coffee manufacturer.

This redirect method helps threat actors bypass standard detection systems, allowing the attackers to extract Microsoft login credentials. Victims are left with a bitter aftertaste worse than their morning cup of coffee.

The attack starts with an email originating from a compromised account, mimicking a Microsoft multi-factor authentication request. It is worth noting that the email analysed by Perception Point came from a compromised Bank of America employee.

According to the report shared by Perception Point with Hackread.com, upon clicking the link in the email, recipients are redirected to a compromised Nespresso URL intentionally selected by the attackers due to its popularity and legitimacy.

Nespresso Domain Hijacked in Phishing Attack Targeting Microsoft Logins
Screenshot of the email account (Screenshot: Perception Point)

Further, exploiting an open redirect vulnerability on the Nespresso site, the threat actor redirects users to a fake Microsoft login page. The objective? Harvesting victims’ credentials and leaving a bitter twist to their malicious brew.

Victims of this phishing attack risk losing access to various Microsoft services, including Skype, Outlook, Xbox, Microsoft 365, Family Safety, Bing Microsoft Store, and potentially even work accounts. This stolen data could be used for further phishing attempts, identity theft, or even financial fraud.

Nespresso has yet to comment on the attack, but customers are advised to be cautious when receiving emails asking for personal information. To stay safe, customers should always verify the authenticity of emails and avoid clicking on suspicious links.

  1. Nespresso smart cards can be exploited for unlimited coffee
  2. White hat hacker infects smart coffee machine with ransowmare
  3. How a coffee machine infected factory devices with ransomware
  4. In-Store WiFi Provider Used Starbucks Website to Generate Crypto
  5. Researcher claims Starbucks mobile app got hacked, card data stolen

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0G and OnePiece Labs Collaborate to Create Crypto x AI Incubator

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0G Labs and One Piece Labs have announced the launch of the first incubator for startups working at the intersection between blockchain and AI. The OPL x 0G incubator is designed to scout and support talented Web3 founders who are looking into how AI can help crypto use cases, or vice versa.

The design space of combining crypto with AI has been relatively underexplored so far, in part due to the novelty of both technologies and the deep knowledge in both industries required to find synergies. With the OPL x 0G incubator, the teams hope to give an impetus for ambitious builders to come up with their unique ideas on how to combine the best ideas in crypto and AI. 

Applications to the OPL x 0G Incubator will close on June 14, 2024. The program will start on July 1 and run for 10 weeks, with a demo day planned for September 12. Participants will receive hands-on guidance from 0G for deploying on its Data Availability layer, as well as access to a large network of mentors and investors in the Web3 and AI space. Finally, high-impact teams can secure up to $50,000 in grant funding disbursed by 0G.

Builders can submit a large range of ideas that combine crypto with AI to benefit either sector. 0G and OPL identified several concepts including AI DAOs, ‘DePIN 2.0’ and trustless prediction marketplaces as ideas where AI applications may help crypto use cases thrive.

Conversely, Verifiable Training, Transparent LLM Drift and alternative paths to Verifiable Inference are some of the concepts where participants could explore Web3-native solutions to improve the security and efficiency of AI models. However, many more exciting ideas could be brought up by the participants, which is the ultimate goal of the Incubator.

“The initiative with OPL is designed to harness the revolutionary potential of modular AI chain technologies and blockchain innovation, creating a platform where top-tier developers can collaborate, innovate, and push the boundaries of what’s possible,” said Michael Heinrich, Co-Founder of 0G Labs. “Together, we are committed to empowering a top Web3 and decentralized AI developer community to build not just applications, but legacies.”

0G is a modular blockchain project that aims to alleviate the major pain points of using blockchain for AI. By offering a modular architecture that is unencumbered by legacy consensus algorithms and execution, it aims to ultimately boost bandwidth by more than 50x the current state of the art, thus making AI tasks and projects runnable on blockchain.

“We’re beyond excited to be working with 0G on our Incubator Batch #4, which promises to be the most impactful yet,” said KJ Jia, Partner at OnePiece Labs. “I’m confident that the 0G team is made of some of the smartest and most resilient builders I’ve seen, and everyone should be jumping at the chance to work closely with them on one of the most important future developments of this decade.”

OnePiece Labs is a Web3 Incubator providing seed funding, mentorship and invaluable community networks to support founders building in Web3. With strong ties in the Bay Area community, it has seen over $30M raised by its portfolio startups over just two cohorts.

About 0G

0G is a leading Web3 infrastructure provider that is building the leading modular AI blockchain creating solutions to implement on-chain AI applications in the Web3 ecosystem. The platform achieves high data availability through its unique architecture separating data storage and data publishing. 

By ensuring throughputs of 50 GB/second, a full 50,000x faster than competitors, and a cost that is 100x lower, 0G has positioned itself as a leader in bringing high data use cases, such as scalable L2s and modular AI, into the Web3 ecosystem.


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New 4K Google Chromecast is coming with improved remote

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Google is reportedly planning to launch a new 4K Chromecast with Google TV. According to 9to5Google’s source, the new Chromecast model could see the light of the day soon, possibly at the Google I/O 2024 event.

The price of the new 4K Chromecast model will remain the same

As per the report, the price of the new Chromecast is unlikely to change. That means the new model will also be available for $49.99. Google could use the previously announced Amlogic S905X5 chipset in the new 4K Chromecast with Google TV. The chipset is two generations newer with a more efficient 6nm process than the 12nm Amlogic S905X3 that powers the current model.

Given that the company retired Android 13 for Google TV last year, the upgraded model might come with Android 14. Not to forget, the present model of Google’s 4K Chromecast runs on Android 12.

A new remote with more buttons is also coming

Google might pair the new Chromecast with an improved remote too. Although the news outlet didn’t mention its specs, one can make assumptions based on the leaked video that surfaced in the Android 14 beta. The alleged video featured an identical remote that Google ships with the present 4K Chromecast model.

However, there were a few changes in there. The leaked image of the remote featured extra buttons with one specific star button which could allow users to fiddle around the TV input or directly open their favorite app. Additionally, the volume keys previously placed on the side of the remote were seen on the remote’s face.

The device was unveiled in 2020 but hasn’t seen an upgrade since. So, it is safe to assume that it could be one of the major reasons behind the upcoming launch. 9to5Google hasn’t detailed further specs of Google’s new 4K Chromecast with Google TV. But, chances are there that the device could come with increased storage and RAM.


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Gemini on Android getting more powerful with floating responses, live prompts for tasks and routines

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It’s a big Gemini news day for Android users, with backtoback revelations on developing features. Although not officially announced by Google, there have been some additional new features revealed, recently discovered via the enabling of experimental flags.
According to PiunikaWeb (as spotted by AssembleDebug), one of the helpful new features coming to Gemini is the ability to display responses in a floating window. This means that when you ask Gemini a question, its answer won’t take over your entire screen as it does now. Instead, it will appear in a small window, similar to how Google Assistant works. This way, you can keep using the app you were on without having to switch back and forth.

Gemini responses in a floating window | Credit: PiunikaWeb

But that’s not all that Google is cooking up for Gemini on Android. As per Android Authority in collaboration with AssembleDebug, Gemini is getting another feature that will make it a strong competitor to Google Assistant: the ability to schedule commands. Named “Live prompts” in the UI, with this feature you will be able to set reminders for Gemini to perform certain tasks at specific times.

Gemini Live prompts | Credit: Android Authority

This could potentially be a game-changer feature as it puts Gemini at a closer footing to Google Assistant and perhaps the one thing that can persuade Assistant loyalists to flip that switch on Android. Being able to set routines and reminders, like, for instance, asking Gemini to show you tomorrow’s weather forecast every morning before you leave for work, is something that is seriously lacking in the app right now.

Considering Google’s focus on AI and the company’s recent restructuring to do so, it wouldn’t be crazy to think that much of this will be covered during Google I/O next month. I am definitely looking forward to hearing how the company plans to take Gemini to the next level and become a much more powerful and user-friendly virtual assistant.

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“Substantial proportion” of Americans may have had health and personal data stolen in Change Healthcare breach

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UnitedHealth Group has given an update on the February cyberattack on Change Healthcare, one of its subsidiaries. In the update, the company revealed the scale of the breach, saying:

“Based on initial targeted data sampling to date, the company has found files containing protected health information (PHI) or personally identifiable information (PII), which could cover a substantial proportion of people in America.”

UnitedHealth also announced support for affected people.

On Wednesday February 21, 2024, Change Healthcare experienced serious system outages due to the cyberattack. The incident led to widespread billing outages, as well as disruptions at pharmacies across the United States.

The attack on Change Healthcare, which processes about 50% of US medical claims, was one of the worst ransomware attacks against American healthcare and caused widespread disruption in payments to doctors and health facilities.

Despite the ongoing investigation, which expectedly will take several more months of detailed analysis, UnitedHealth said it had decided to immediately provide support. The company says it continues to monitor the regular web and the dark web for any published data.

The chief executive of UnitedHealth Group, Andrew Witty, is expected to testify in Congress in May about the matter. Meanwhile the company says it has made strong progress restoring services impacted by the event and is prioritizing the restoration of services that impact patient access to care or medication.

Affected people can visit a dedicated website at changecybersupport.com to get more information, or call 1-866-262-5342 to set up free credit monitoring and identity theft protection.

Protecting yourself from a data breach

There are some actions you can take if you are, or suspect you may have been, the victim of a data breach.

  • Check the vendor’s advice. Every breach is different, so check with the vendor to find out what’s happened, and follow any specific advice they offer.
  • Change your password. You can make a stolen password useless to thieves by changing it. Choose a strong password that you don’t use for anything else. Better yet, let a password manager choose one for you.
  • Enable two-factor authentication (2FA). If you can, use a FIDO2-compliant hardware key, laptop or phone as your second factor. Some forms of two-factor authentication (2FA) can be phished just as easily as a password. 2FA that relies on a FIDO2 device can’t be phished.
  • Watch out for fake vendors. The thieves may contact you posing as the vendor. Check the vendor website to see if they are contacting victims, and verify any contacts using a different communication channel.
  • Take your time. Phishing attacks often impersonate people or brands you know, and use themes that require urgent attention, such as missed deliveries, account suspensions, and security alerts.
  • Set up identity monitoring. Identity monitoring alerts you if your personal information is found being traded illegally online, and helps you recover after.

Malwarebytes has a new free tool for you to check how much of your personal data has been exposed online. Submit your email address (it’s best to give the one you most frequently use) to our free Digital Footprint scan and we’ll give you a report and recommendations.


We don’t just report on threats – we help safeguard your entire digital identity

Cybersecurity risks should never spread beyond a headline. Protect your—and your family’s—personal information by using identity protection


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Galaxy S24 embraces sustainability with more recycled materials

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Samsung has long been using recycled materials in Galaxy devices to reduce its carbon footprint and help create a sustainable future. All Galaxy devices launched in 2022 and later feature recycled materials. The company uses recycled plastic, paper, metals, glass, and other materials in packaging and various device components. The newly launched Galaxy S24 series takes these efforts one step further, incorporating new materials during manufacturing.

Samsung’s Galaxy S24 series uses more recycled materials than before

According to Samsung, the Galaxy S24, Galaxy S24+, and Galaxy S24 Ultra feature components made with recycled cobalt and rare earth elements such as Neodymium. These are the first Samsung products to use these materials. The Plus and Ultra models have over 50% recycled cobalt in their batteries. Speakers on all three models are made of 100% recycled Neodymium.

This is on top of using other types of recycled materials in various components. The Galaxy S24 series features repurposed materials in its speakers, case, S Pen cover, S Pen’s knob holder, Power and volume buttons, SIM tray, camera deco, screen, back glass, and battery. Samsung says it sourced recycled plastics from discarded fishing nets, water barrels, and PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) bottles.

The Korean firm started incorporating ocean-bound discarded fishing nets in its phones in 2022. It has teamed up with several organizations to collect and repurpose those nets and discarded water barrels, PET bottles, and Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU). By the end of 2024, it aims to use nearly 100 metric tons of recycled plastics. This is equivalent to 10 million empty PET bottles.

The Galaxy S24 series also incorporates aluminum recycled from scrap metal generated during manufacturing. Samsung expects to use around 110 metric tons of recycled aluminum in the new flagships this year. The weight is the equivalent of 9 million soda cans. The devices also come in a packaging box made using 100% recycled paper, something Samsung has done for a few years now.

The new flagships will use 2,760 metric tons of recycled paper in 2024

If Samsung achieves its Galaxy S24 sales target for 2024, it might use more than 2,760 metric tons of recycled paper in packaging boxes for the devices. That is the same amount of paper as 552 million pieces of A4-sized sheets. “If stacked on top of one another, that would be approximately the same height as 71 Burj Khalifas, which is the tallest building in the world,” Samsung says. The company vows to continue using recycled materials in its products in the coming years.


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Google is restructuring its AI teams

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Google employees got a memo from the big man himself, CEO Sundar Pichai. The memo was also posted as a blog post from the company. In it, we see that Google is currently restructuring in order to better facilitate AI development.

The blog post was a lengthy one, but it shed some light on what the company plans to do for the future of its artificial intelligence. It’s split up into four parts, but much of it has to do with a large-scale restructuring that the company is going through. We’re not 100% sure if this has anything to do with the recent round of layoffs that the company went through.

Recently, we got news that Google was planning on letting go of a number of people. Along with that, we also found out that several roles were being moved to different locations including Mexico City, Dublin Ireland, and Atlanta, Georgia. Google has been letting go of people left and right this year, and we have no idea if the layoffs are going to end anytime soon.

Google is restructuring and focusing on its AI development

Let’s not mince words; when a company says that it’s restructuring, a lot of the time, it results in jobs being lost. However, we can’t save for certain that this is what’s happening with Google.

As part of the announcement, Google stated that it’s going to be merging some teams and departments. Pichai says that the company will “consolidate the teams that focus on building models across Research and Google DeepMind.” So, all of these teams will be under Google Deepmind.

Also, the company is moving the Responsible AI teams in Research over to Google Deepmind. So, it wants to streamline much of its AI endeavors and place more teams under one roof. Google also moved other responsibility teams to its trust and safety team.

At this point, there’s no telling if these moves will result in any changes for user-facing products. It doesn’t seem likely. In any case, Google believes that this will make the company work more efficiently and better achieve its goals. Whether that’s true remains to be seen.

In any case, we don’t expect these changes to have any effect on Android or its apps.


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