Meta works on Emu Video and Emu Edit: Generative AI tricks for GIFs, photos and 4-second videos

andreasc
-
0
Meta works on Emu Video and Emu Edit: Generative AI tricks for GIFs, photos and 4-second videos
[ad_1]

Meta is announcing through a blog post that they’re busy working on new research into “controlled image editing based solely on text instructions and a method for text-to-video generation based on diffusion models”.

Which, in simpler words, means they want to put in Facebook and Instagram generative AI tools. The projects Meta is developing are called Emu Video and Emu Edit.

What is Emu Video?


This tool, as the name suggests, is for generating video. Meta describes it as “a simple method for text-to-video generation based on diffusion models”. Emu Video should respond to a variety of inputs: text only, image only, and both text and image. The process is split into two steps, Meta clarifies: first, generating images conditioned on a text prompt, and then generating video conditioned on both the text and the generated image.

Our state-of-the-art approach is simple to implement and uses just two diffusion models to generate 512×512 four-second-long videos at 16 frames per second.

What is Emu Edit?


This one should allow “precise image editing” via recognition and generation tasks. Like Meta says, the use of generative AI is often a process, not a single task.

“Emu Edit is capable of free-form editing through instructions, encompassing tasks such as local and global editing, removing and adding a background, color and geometry transformations, detection and segmentation, and more. Current methods often lean towards either over-modifying or under-performing on various editing tasks. We argue that the primary objective shouldn’t just be about producing a ‘believable’ image. Instead, the model should focus on precisely altering only the pixels relevant to the edit request. Unlike many generative AI models today, Emu Edit precisely follows instructions, ensuring that pixels in the input image unrelated to the instructions remain untouched. For instance, when adding the text ‘Aloha!’ to a baseball cap, the cap itself should remain unchanged”, says the Meta team.

The potential use cases


The road ahead is definitely AI-driven for Meta.

“Although this work is purely fundamental research right now, the potential use cases are clearly evident. Imagine generating your own animated stickers or clever GIFs on the fly to send in the group chat rather than having to search for the perfect media for your reply. Or editing your own photos and images, no technical skills required. Or adding some extra oomph to your Instagram posts by animating static photos. Or generating something entirely new”, the blog post concludes.


[ad_2]
Source link

Samsung chief faces five years in jail over fraud, stock manipulation

andreasc
-
0
Samsung chief faces five years in jail over fraud, stock manipulation
[ad_1]

Samsung chairman Lee Jae-yong might have to head back to prison again. South Korean prosecutors have demanded a five-year jail term for the Samsung chief in connection to the controversial merger of two company affiliates in 2015. He previously went to jail twice in a separate bribery case involving former South Korean President Park Geun-hye.

Legal troubles for Samsung chief Lee Jae-yong haven’t ended yet

Samsung completed a high-profile merger of its affiliates Samsung C&T and Cheil Industries in 2015. Since Lee had a 23.2 percent stake in the latter, the $8 billion merger—where three Samsung C&T shares were offered for one Cheil share—helped him tighten his control of the merged entity. Effectively, Lee made a strong case for himself to succeed his father as the leader of the family-controlled conglomerate, the Samsung Group.

However, the state prosecution accused Lee of stock price manipulation and accounting fraud to help facilitate the merger (via Yonhap). He allegedly inflated the prices of Cheil and deflated the prices of Samsung C&T through unfair and illegal practices. The Samsung chief is suspected of having disseminated false market information and mass purchasing stocks among other unlawful actions.

Prosecutors have also accused him of accounting fraud at Samsung Biologics, a subsidiary of Cheil Industries. His actions, particularly the devaluation of Samsung C&T, resulted in massive financial losses to other investors. Since Lee was the final decision-maker (he was leading the company after his father suffered a heart attack the previous year), he allegedly approved all the malpractices for his benefit.

The prosecution demanded a five-year jail term and a fine of KRW 500 million (approx. USD 386,000) for Lee in the case. Prosecutors have also demanded a 4.5-year prison sentence and a similar fine for two senior Samsung executives on related charges. Choi Gee-sung, a former head of the Korean conglomerate’s now-disbanded control tower Future Strategy Office, is one of them.

The court will announce its ruling next year

Lee Jae-yong and the two Samsung executives were indicted in this case in September 2020. Following years of hearings where the accused denied wrongdoing, prosecutors finally presented a sentence request during the final hearing held at the Seoul Central District Court earlier today. Lee attended the hearing, with his lawyers expected to present their final arguments in his defense later today.

The court may not announce its ruling in the case before 2024. If it finds Lee guilty on one or more accounts, he may have to head back to prison less than two years after receiving a presidential pardon in the aforementioned bribery case. He spent more than a year in jail between 2017 and 2021 before walking out on parole and eventually receiving a pardon. Time will tell if the Samsung chief will manage to avoid a third term in jail.


[ad_2]
Source link

Ransomware Gang Files an SEC Complaint for Victim Data Breach

andreasc
-
0
Ransomware Gang Files an SEC Complaint for Victim Data Breach
[ad_1]

Alphv Ransomware gang filed an SEC complaint against MeridianLink for not disclosing a data breach.

BlackCat, also known as ALPHV, BlackCat operates on the ransomware as a service (RaaS) model, with developers offering the malware for use by affiliates and taking a percentage of ransom payments.

The ransomware relies essentially on stolen credentials obtained through initial access brokers for initial access. The group operates a public data leak site to pressure victims to pay ransom demands.

MeridianLink (MLNK) is a leading provider of comprehensive loan origination solutions and an advanced digital lending platform designed to cater to the ever-changing needs of financial institutions.

The DataBreaches report states that Alphv has incorporated MeridianLink into its malicious website. However, the data breaches suggest that the attack was carried out with the involvement of another party.

According to reports, Alpha claimed that they did not encrypt any files, instead, they stole them and removed them from the system. It was also reported that no immediate security measures were taken in response to the incident.

When DataBreaches inquired whether MeridianLink had gotten in touch with AlphV or replied to them, they were informed that although there had been no communication between the attackers and the company, AlphV had received a message from MeridianLink at some time.

DataBreaches enquired of MeridianLink on the purported event and its management. They quickly reacted and said the following:

Ransomware Gang SEC Complaint
Data Breaches

Patch Manager Plus, the one-stop solution for automated updates of over 850 third-party applications: Try Free Trial.


[ad_2]
Source link

Google reacts to Apple’s surprising RCS epiphany

andreasc
-
0
Google reacts to Apple’s surprising RCS epiphany
[ad_1]

Apple shocked everyone yesterday when it announced that RCS support is coming to iPhones next year. Apple said that it would happen “later” next year, and Google actually reacted to Apple’s RCS epiphany.

As many of you know, Google has been openly pressuring Apple to adopt RCS. The company had a marketing campaign going out, asking everyone to help Apple “get the message”. Apple decided to yield, though Google’s campaign is probably not the reason.

Chances are that the EU would pressure Apple into doing so eventually either way. So, the company likely decided to react early and get things sorted. We’re only guessing, though, of course.

Google reacts to Apple’s RCS epiphany

Now, Google reacted to the news by releasing an official statement. The company said: “Everyone deserves to communicate with each other in ways that are modern and secure, no matter what phone they have. That’s why we have worked closely with the mobile industry to accelerate the adoption of RCS, and we’re happy to see Apple take their first step today by coming on board to embrace RCS”.

The company continued: “We welcome Apple’s participation in our ongoing work with GSMA to evolve RCS and make messaging more equitable and secure, and look forward to working with them to implement this on iOS in a way that works well for everyone”.

So, Google basically promised to help Apple implement RCS on iOS. One thing to note is that SMS will still be available on iPhones, of course. The same goes for all other devices that support RCS through Google Messages, or otherwise.

Apple reaffirmed that iMessage will stay “the best and most secure” messaging choice for Apple users

As a reminder, in Apple’s statement yesterday, the company referred to iMessage as the “best and most secure messaging experience for Apple users”. Apple’s messaging service is not going anywhere, but it will be joined by RCS support.

Needless to say, that will be a step forward. It will allow better communication between Android and iOS users, allowing them to send images, videos, and so on, between platforms, out of the box. Think of it as crossplay, kind of.


[ad_2]
Source link

Meta wants app stores to control age verification

andreasc
-
0
Meta wants app stores to control age verification
[ad_1]

Age verification is becoming a big issue, and Meta has some suggestions for app stores on this matter. The tech giant wants app stores to implement the necessary regulations on not only age verification but also parental control. These regulations which will be put into effect by app stores will affect all social media platforms that they make available to users.

One might immediately think that this suggestion is a result of Meta’s seemingly carefree behaviour toward online child safety. Well, the company has some serious arguments to defend this suggestion that it’s making app stores. This will provide the same level of protection across various apps and not just Meta-owned social media apps.

Because age verification and parental control requirements are not the same in various states, there needs to be a standard. Meta on its own can’t provide this standard and might fall back on its implementation of regulations to protect children online. For this reason, the company argues that the issue be tackled from the root source, app stores.

Do app stores have what it takes to implement age verification and parental control regulations like Meta says?

From state to state, the requirements for age verification and parental control on social media apps vary. This might pose a challenge for Meta when trying to effect these regulations across its line of social media apps. Currently, social media apps are tasked with the responsibility of verifying a user’s age to determine whether they are suitable to be on the app.

But now Meta is hoping to shift this responsibility to app stores like the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store. The tech giant says that app stores should allow parents to approve the apps their children download. They should also be able to verify the data their children provide on these apps while in the installation process.

Already, there is federal legislation that requires teens under 16 years to get consent from a parent before downloading an app. This will allow parents to decide what apps are good for their children’s consumption and what apps aren’t. From here, Meta can hold up its end and protect young users of their social media platforms from harmful content.

With this, Meta points out the need for age verification and parental control to be a collective effort. At this moment, most states in the US aren’t holding app stores responsible for age verification and parental control. Possibly they might consider Meta’s suggestions and require the process to start from app stores.


[ad_2]
Source link

OPPO announces & starts rolling out Android 14-based ColorOS 14

andreasc
-
0
OPPO announces & starts rolling out Android 14-based ColorOS 14
[ad_1]

OPPO has announced the latest global version of its Android-based skin/OS, ColorOS 14. The company has also started rolling out that version to the very first smartphone, in some regions.

ColorOS 14 is now official, and OPPO also shared the global rollout schedule for beta builds

That being said, let’s first say that ColorOS 14 is based on Android 14, as you may have assumed. OPPO optimized its Aquamorphic Design here, so it’s basically an evolution of ColorOS 13.

The company also announced some AI-powered features for improved efficiency, upgraded self-developed tech for improved performance, and improved safety and privacy throughout.

Improved Aquamorphic Design

OPPO emphasized that Aquamorphic Design is inspired by water, that hasn’t changed, of course. It was announced alongside ColorOS 13 last year. ColorOS 14 optimizes that design with new sound effects, color systems, interactions, and more.

OPPO actually partnered up with the world’s top sound design team to bring new sound effects to its OS. You’ll get ten sets of Aquamorphic-themed ringtones for calls, alarms, and notifications here. On top of that, seven global UI sound designs are also included.

The coloring system has been improved too, and it can now intelligently adapt to the smartphone’s status, time, and on-screen content. That will make the whole experience more immersive, of course.

The company also presented something called the ‘Aqua Dynamics’ design. OPPO says that this will enable more intuitive interactions for users. This feature basically “integrates common forms of interaction into bubbles, capsules, and panels that expand from the status bar to present information in a way that naturally follows and merges with minimal disruption”.

The company also introduced a GO Green Always-On Display to raise awareness about climate change. That AOD screen includes three sets of Environment Vision pages, and each of them includes five environment-related animations that change based on your daily step count. It basically shows the reduced carbon dioxide emissions considering you choose walking over other forms of transport.

AI-powered smart features

AI is a word that every tech company utilizes these days. OPPO does too, as the company says that AI plays a huge role in boosting efficiency in ColorOS, and that it has been that way for quite some time now.

ColorOS 14 actually comes packed with AI features. AI-powered Smart Touch enables you to select content like text, images, and videos from the system and third-party apps, and then collect them on the File Dock.

The brand-new File Dock on the Smart SIdebar actually allows you to share content across apps easily.

Smart Imaging Matting is also a new feature that enables you to crop multiple subjects like persons and animations out from a single image or paused video. You can edit cutouts in the FIle Pocket, File DOck, and split-screen mode.

Upgraded Trinity Engine

OPPO also mentioned that it upgraded the Trinity Engine for even smoother performance. The three key features of Trinity Engine include ROM Vitalization, RAM Vitalization, and CPU Vitalization.

ROM vitalization frees up memory space by compressing apps and file data. RAM vitalization can accelerate memory performance in order to boost multi-app efficiency, which will basically allow you to run more apps in the background. CPU Vitalization is basically a system-level computing power scheduling technology that OPPO is very proud of.

Smart Charging is also mentioned as an AI feature here, and that is true. It can automatically adjust the charging current based on your usage status. There are several options to choose from, actually.

Improved safety & privacy

The company says that ColorOS 14 utilizes the underlying privacy capabilities of Android 14, in addition to some of its own. OPPO presented the Picture Keeper feature, which is made to prevent apps from misusing permissions for your personal photos and videos.

ColorOS 14 rollout

OPPO says that ColorOS 14 rollout has already started in some regions for the OPPO Find N2 Flip. Do note that this is a beta version we’re talking about. The first stable build is expected in mid-November. You can check out the timeline for the global beta builds in the image below.

OPPO ColorOS 14 announcement 7


[ad_2]
Source link

A dual-axis approach to Byzantine recovery

andreasc
-
0
A dual-axis approach to Byzantine recovery
[ad_1]

The Byzantine Empire, often overshadowed by its predecessor, the Roman Empire, and its successor, the Ottoman Empire, was a remarkable civilization that spanned over a millennium. Its contributions to art, architecture, law, and culture continue to influence the world today. However, the Byzantine Empire faced its share of challenges, including wars, invasions, and political upheavals. Over time, much of its history and heritage became buried beneath layers of time and neglect. In this article, we will delve into the dual-axis approach to Byzantine recovery, a method that combines archaeology and historical texts to unveil the hidden treasures of this ancient empire. If you’re a newcomer aiming to invest in bitcoin, consider using Immediate Vortex for your cryptocurrency trading endeavors.

Unearthing the Byzantine Empire

Archaeological Excavations: Discoveries and Significance

Archaeological excavations have been pivotal in recovering the tangible remains of the Byzantine Empire. The Byzantine archaeological record spans from the Balkans to the Middle East, providing valuable insights into the daily lives, customs, and achievements of its people. Recent discoveries, such as the excavation of the ancient city of Aphrodisias in Turkey, have shed light on the architectural brilliance and artistic prowess of the Byzantines. These excavations not only unearth artifacts but also reveal the intricate urban planning and infrastructure of Byzantine cities.

Challenges in Preserving Byzantine Artifacts and Sites

Preserving Byzantine artifacts and sites presents a formidable challenge. Many Byzantine structures have suffered from centuries of neglect, natural disasters, and urban development. The Hagia Sophia, one of the most iconic Byzantine structures, has transformed from a cathedral to a mosque and now a museum, reflecting the complex history of Byzantine heritage. Preservation efforts must contend with the delicate balance between conserving the past and accommodating the present.

The Role of Technology in Modern Byzantine Archaeology

Modern technology has revolutionized Byzantine archaeology. Ground-penetrating radar, LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), and 3D scanning have enabled archaeologists to map and document Byzantine sites with unprecedented precision. These tools help uncover hidden structures, decipher inscriptions, and reconstruct ancient buildings virtually. Digital databases and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) facilitate the cataloging and analysis of Byzantine artifacts and sites, making them accessible to researchers worldwide.

Byzantine Art and Architecture Revival

The Impact of Byzantine Art on Cultural Heritage

Byzantine art, with its distinctive blend of Eastern and Western influences, continues to influence art and culture. The Byzantine mosaic tradition, characterized by intricate designs and rich symbolism, can be seen in churches and museums around the world. The use of icons in religious worship, a Byzantine innovation, persists in Orthodox Christianity. The revival of Byzantine art not only preserves cultural heritage but also inspires contemporary artists and designers.

Efforts to Restore and Revive Byzantine Artistic Traditions

The revival of Byzantine artistic traditions has gained momentum in recent years. Skilled artisans are relearning the techniques of creating Byzantine mosaics, icons, and frescoes. Organizations like the Mt. Athos Center for Byzantine and Modern Greek Studies in Greece offers workshops and courses to pass on these ancient skills to the next generation. These efforts ensure that Byzantine art continues to thrive and evolve.

Case Studies of Successful Byzantine Art and Architecture Restoration Projects

Several successful restoration projects serve as examples of Byzantine art and architecture revival. The restoration of the Chora Church in Istanbul, renowned for its stunning mosaics and frescoes, showcases the painstaking work required to preserve Byzantine masterpieces. Similarly, the restoration of the Monastery of St. Catherine in the Sinai Peninsula, home to a priceless collection of Byzantine manuscripts and icons, underscores the importance of preserving both tangible and intangible heritage.

Historical Texts and Byzantine Recovery

Importance of Historical Texts in Understanding Byzantine History

While archaeology provides a window into the material world of Byzantium, historical texts offer insights into its intellectual and political history. Byzantine historians like Procopius, Anna Comnena, and Michael Psellos have left behind chronicles that document the rise and fall of emperors, military campaigns, and philosophical debates. These texts are invaluable for reconstructing the Byzantine narrative.

Efforts in Preserving and Translating Byzantine Manuscripts

Preserving and translating Byzantine manuscripts is a crucial aspect of historical text recovery. Many Byzantine manuscripts have been lost to time, but diligent efforts by scholars and institutions have resulted in the preservation of a substantial corpus. Digitalization initiatives, such as the Dumbarton Oaks Byzantine Texts Series, have made Byzantine texts accessible to a global audience, facilitating research and scholarship.

Digital Tools and Resources for Byzantine Textual Recovery

The digital age has ushered in a new era of Byzantine textual recovery. Optical character recognition (OCR) technology has enabled the digitization of ancient manuscripts, making them searchable and easily accessible. Byzantine studies databases and online repositories provide scholars with a wealth of primary sources, facilitating interdisciplinary research and collaborative efforts in unraveling Byzantine history.

Byzantine Heritage Preservation

The Role of International Organizations and Governments

Preserving Byzantine heritage often requires collaboration between international organizations, governments, and local communities. UNESCO’s World Heritage program has designated several Byzantine sites, such as the historic areas of Istanbul, as World Heritage Sites, highlighting their global significance. National governments play a vital role in designating protected areas and providing funding for conservation efforts.

Challenges in Protecting Byzantine Sites from Modern Development

The juxtaposition of ancient Byzantine sites with modern urban development presents a significant challenge. Urbanization and infrastructure projects can encroach upon archaeological sites, threatening their preservation. Striking a balance between development and heritage conservation is essential to ensure that Byzantine sites remain intact for future generations.

Community Involvement and Grassroots Initiatives

Community involvement and grassroots initiatives are essential for Byzantine heritage preservation. Local communities often have a deep connection to Byzantine sites and can act as stewards of their heritage. Initiatives such as historical walking tours, educational programs, and volunteer efforts engage the public in preserving and promoting Byzantine history, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility.

The Dual-Axis Approach to Byzantine Recovery

What Is the Dual-Axis Approach?

The dual-axis approach to Byzantine recovery integrates archaeological findings with historical texts to create a holistic understanding of Byzantine civilization. It recognizes that artifacts and texts are complementary sources of information, providing insights into different facets of Byzantine life. This interdisciplinary approach enhances the accuracy and depth of our knowledge about Byzantium.

Combining Archaeology and Historical Texts

By combining archaeology and historical texts, researchers can reconstruct the daily lives, beliefs, and societal structures of the Byzantines. For example, excavations of Byzantine homes may uncover household artifacts, while texts may provide insights into family dynamics and customs. This synergy allows for a more comprehensive interpretation of Byzantine history.

Success Stories and Notable Achievements

The dual-axis approach has yielded remarkable success stories in Byzantine recovery. The decipherment of the inscriptions on the Justinianic Plague column in Istanbul, a collaborative effort involving archaeologists and epigraphists, shed light on the devastating impact of the plague in Byzantine society. Similarly, the discovery of a cache of Byzantine medical texts in a monastery in Egypt expanded our understanding of Byzantine medicine and pharmacology.

Future Directions and Challenges

Advancements in Technology and Their Potential Impact

The future of Byzantine recovery holds promise with advancements in technology. AI and machine learning are aiding in the automated transcription and translation of Byzantine texts, making them more accessible to researchers. Additionally, non-invasive archaeological techniques, such as drone surveys and satellite imaging, are becoming indispensable tools for site identification and monitoring.

Ongoing Threats to Byzantine Heritage

Despite the progress, Byzantine heritage continues to face threats. Political instability, armed conflicts, and looting pose immediate risks to Byzantine artifacts and sites in regions like Syria and Iraq. Climate change and environmental degradation also jeopardize the preservation of Byzantine structures, particularly those located in coastal areas vulnerable to rising sea levels.

The Role of Education and Awareness

Education and awareness play a crucial role in sustaining Byzantine recovery efforts. Promoting Byzantine history in schools, universities, and museums ensures that future generations appreciate the significance of this civilization. Public engagement through lectures, exhibitions, and documentaries fosters a sense of responsibility for preserving Byzantine heritage.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the dual-axis approach to Byzantine recovery, which harmonizes archaeological excavations with the study of historical texts, has significantly deepened our comprehension of this remarkable civilization. This multifaceted approach has not only unearthed hidden treasures and deciphered ancient manuscripts but has also breathed new life into Byzantine art and culture. As we grapple with the challenges of safeguarding Byzantine heritage in our modern era, it becomes increasingly imperative to extend our support and investment toward these recovery endeavors. The legacy of Byzantium is not confined solely to the annals of history; it endures through tangible artifacts and intangible cultural remnants, leaving an indelible mark on our world. Within this ongoing mission to preserve this invaluable heritage, it is crucial to embrace innovative tools and resources to augment our capabilities in the realms of historical research and cultural preservation.


[ad_2]
Source link

Toyoto Financial Hack Claimed by Medusa Ransomware

andreasc
-
0
Toyoto Financial Hack Claimed by Medusa Ransomware
[ad_1]

The biggest manufacturer of automobiles, Toyota, has discovered unauthorized activity on systems in a few of its Europe & African services.

The ‘Medusa ransomware gang allegedly took data from Toyota Financial Services.’ The group offered the business ten days to provide the $8 million ransom.

Despite being a relatively new threat actor, the Medusa ransomware gang has already established a reputation for using aggressive tactics. The gang has aimed at numerous establishments, including businesses, governmental bodies, and medical service providers.

If victims refuse to pay the ransom, the Medusa ransomware gang has previously threatened to reveal stolen content, including sensitive information. After victims have paid the ransom, the gang has, in certain instances, even released the stolen data.

The Gang Released Sample Data on Its Leak Site

The Medusa gang made claims on their leak site today, November 16, including screenshots of multiple documents confirming the hack’s authenticity and listed stolen sample data.

The files contain several spreadsheets, financial documents, staff email addresses, and scans of a Serbian passport. One document, in particular, contains un-hashed account passwords and usernames for several types of production and development environments, and much more were all included.

A ransomware group claims to have accessed a vast amount of sensitive data from Germany’s Toyota Financial Services.

“Toyota Motor Corporation is a Japanese multinational automotive manufacturer headquartered in Toyota City, Aichi, Japan,” Medusa’s leak site said. 

“Toyota is one of the largest automobile manufacturers in the world, producing about 10 million vehicles per year. The leaked data is from Toyota Financial Services in Germany. Toyota Deutschland GmbH is an affiliated company held by Toyota Motor Europe (TME) in Brussels/Belgium and located in Köln (Cologne).”

The leak site features a countdown to the full data release date of November 26, which is in ten days. The gang will extend the deadline by one day for US$10,000.

The company took a few systems offline to look into this activity and lower risk. They have also started collaborating with law enforcement. They have begun getting their systems back online in the majority of countries.

“We are working diligently to get systems back online as soon as possible and we regret any inconvenience caused to our customers and business partners. As of now, this incident is limited to Toyota Financial Services Europe & Africa”, the company said.

Cybersecurity analyst Kevin Beaumont pointed out that Toyota systems that are reachable online are susceptible to the “Citrix Bleed” vulnerability, which was disclosed late last month and has already impacted numerous major businesses and government agencies.

Over the past three years, the automaker has had to cope with several cybersecurity breaches. One major one that was revealed in May involved the exposure of data on over 2 million Japanese automobiles for more than ten years.

Patch Manager Plus, the one-stop solution for automated updates of over 850 third-party applications: Try Free Trial.


[ad_2]
Source link

Material You design changes coming to the Chrome New Tab page

andreasc
-
0
Material You design changes coming to the Chrome New Tab page
[ad_1]

The Chrome New Tab page is now getting some Material You design upgrades with a new update. These changes step up the entire interface of this page and even remove some elements that were previously on display. Some Dynamic Color changes to the app help it stand out from the version that is currently available for most users.

One of the most notable changes here affects an element of the page design that most people use frequently. This element is none other than the search bar on the Chrome New Tab page, and it follows similar upgrades on other Google apps. On the New Tab page, the search bar is now thicker than it is on the current version of the app that is widely in use.

Google has also effected this change on a number of its apps with previous upgrades. Text within the search bar also now uses Dynamic Color which helps match the app’s overall theme. Well, this is just one of the design changes that is now rolling out to Chrome’s New Tab page.

All design changes that are coming to the Chrome New Tab page

Aside from the change to the search bar on the New Tab, there are other design upgrades users can notice. Once the update bringing these changes arrives on your device you’ll be able to pinpoint most of these design changes. Google did a good job improving the design of this page and making it a bit more functional for users.

Starting from the top left-hand side of the New Tab page interface, users will notice that the home button is missing. This was previously available but didn’t function since the new tab page is also the Google Chrome home page. So tapping on this button previously will take you no whereas it just occupied space for no reason.

Moving down the interface, users will also notice that the ‘Google’ icon is now smaller with the redesign. This leaves more space for other design improvements that are now available on the new tab page. The frequently visited websites grid section just under the search bar also gets an important upgrade.

Google now adds a rounded card behind the 4×2 grid to separate it from other elements on the page. Under this, the ‘Discover’ and ‘Following’ toggle buttons get an upgrade as well. The buttons are now larger and feature a more square-ish design.

These are the design changes that are now rolling out to the Chrome New Tab page. Some of these changes are functional, while others just aim to improve the overall look of the interface. Users are getting this update currently, but some users will get it before others.


[ad_2]
Source link

Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 official with much improved AI performance

andreasc
-
0
Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 official with much improved AI performance
[ad_1]

Following the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 last month, Qualcomm has now launched the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3. It’s a 4nm chipset aimed at the next generation of mid-range Android smartphones. Like its more powerful 8-series sibling, AI performance remains Qualcomm’s key focus with the new mid-range SoC too. It will debut inside HONOR and Vivo phones later this month, with more products to follow soon.

Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 specs

Qualcomm’s latest 7-series chipset features one prime CPU core clocked at 2.63GHz, three performance cores at 2.4GHz, and four efficiency cores at 1.8GHz. The company claims a 15 percent boost in CPU performance compared to the previous generation. Note that the comparison is being made with the Snapdragon 7 Gen 1, which debuted in May 2022. Qualcomm also launched Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 and Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 earlier this year.

The Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 (part number SM7550-AB) is also touted to bring a 50 percent boost in GPU performance. These improvements allow for 20 percent better overall power efficiency of the chip. Snapdragon Elite Gaming and Qualcomm Game Quick Touch enable smooth and immersive mobile gaming with efficient resource optimization and intelligent upscaling of graphics on the screen.

However, the biggest upgrade comes in the form of AI performance. The chip’s Qualcomm Hexagon NPU and brand-new INT4 precision support deliver a 90 percent increase in AI performance along with a 60 percent increase in power savings. The use of generative AI has grown exponentially over the past year, so it’s no surprise that Qualcomm is putting in efforts to bring AI improvements to low-cost devices.

Coming to imaging, the new Qualcomm processor’s Spectra Triple ISP supports up to 200MP cameras with 10-bit color depth. It offers computational 4K HDR video recording with HDR10+, HDR10, Adaptive HDR10, HLG, and Dolby Vision formats. The chip boasts AI-based face detection, auto-focus, and auto-exposure. The Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 also supports Qualcomm Aqstic audio codec and Aqstic smart speaker amplifier.

Wi-Fi 6E, mmWave 5G, Quick Charge 5, and more

For connectivity, the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 comes with an integrated Snapdragon X63 5G Modem-RF System that supports both mmWave and sub-6GHz 5G networks in standalone (SA) and non-standalone (NSA) modes. The firm claims a peak download speed of 5Gbps. The chip also supports Qualcomm’s FastConnect 6700 System for Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E connectivity. Bluetooth v5.3 is supported with Bluetooth LE Audio, including Qualcomm aptX Voice.

On-device display support includes 4K resolution at 60Hz refresh rate, WFHD+ at 168Hz, and WQHD+ at 120Hz. The chip also supports external displays up to 4K resolution at a 60Hz refresh rate. OEMs can pair the SoC with up to 16GB LPDDR5 or LPDDR4x memory at up to 3200MHz and 2133MHz frequency, respectively. Qualcomm isn’t offering UFS 4.0 storage support here, limiting the chip to the previous-gen UFS 3.1 standard.

The Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 supports Qualcomm’s Quick Charge 5 Technology, which is touted to deliver a 0-50% charge in just five minutes. Of course, the real-life speed depends on a lot of factors, including the battery capacity, charging speed, and thermal management capabilities of the device. You also get triple-frequency (L1/L5/L2) location tracking support over GPS, Glonass, BeiDou, Galileo, QZSS, and NavIC navigation systems.

Last but not least, the chip boasts Qualcomm’s industry-leading security solutions including Trusted Execution Environment & Services (TEE) and Trust Management Engine. Overall, the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 is a highly capable mid-range SoC that, on paper, delivers exhilarating on-device AI along with excellent mobile gaming and overall device performance. With its market debut expected this month, we should soon know its real-life performance too.

Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 specs


[ad_2]
Source link
1...698699700...1,480Page 699 of 1,480