LifeStyle Updates : Geolah disrupts Singapore’s ride-hailing scene with cut-rate prices and no commission fees

Source:

https://theindependent.sg/geolah-disrupts-singapores-ride-hailing-scene-with-cut-rate-prices-and-no-commission-fees/

Apple Intelligence:

• Geolah’s Business Model: Eliminates commission fees for drivers, resulting in lower fares for customers and higher earnings for drivers.

• Pricing Strategy: Calculates fares based on service type, distance, and driver availability, ensuring price consistency regardless of demand.

• Vehicle Options: Offers a diverse range of vehicles, including AnyGeo, GeoCar XL, GeoCar VIP, GeoAirport, and GeoAirport XL, catering to different needs.

• Ride Options for Children: GeoKids (4 seats) and GeoKids XL (6 seats) for children aged 1-1.35 meters.

• Ride Options for Families: GeoTaxi (4 seats), GeoLimo (up to 8 hours), and GeoShuttle (9 seats).

• Pet-Friendly Options: GeoPets (4 seats) and GeoPets XL (larger option) for pets.

Investing Updates : Tiger Brokers adopts DeepSeek model as Chinese brokerages, funds rush to embrace AI

Source:

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/tiger-brokers-adopts-deepseek-model-070602587.html

Apple Intelligence:

• DeepSeek Integration: Tiger Brokers integrated DeepSeek’s model into its AI-powered chatbot, TigerGPT.

• DeepSeek Adoption: At least 20 Chinese brokers and fund managers have started integrating DeepSeek models into their businesses.

• DeepSeek’s Impact: DeepSeek’s integration with Tiger Brokers will enable customers to analyze valuations, make trading decisions, and gain insights into investments.

• AI Adoption Impact: Rapid AI adoption is expected to boost financial IT spending by 24% in five years, benefiting vendors like Hundsun, Northking, and iSoftStone.

• DeepSeek R1 Influence: The launch of DeepSeek R1 is anticipated to accelerate GenAI adoption in the financial industry in 2025, particularly in data-heavy and labor-intensive areas.

• TigerGPT Enhancement: TigerGPT’s investment assistant has been upgraded with DeepSeek integration, enhancing logical reasoning and market analysis capabilities.

• AI Application in Finance: AI helps financial companies utilize vast amounts of data for better management, marketing, and investing.

• DeepSeek Model Adoption: Financial institutions are actively discussing the adoption of DeepSeek’s models for internal use.

• Data Utilization: AI enables financial companies to make better use of previously unused data.

Technology Updates : ByteDance’s new AI model goes viral for its deepfake capabilities that animate photos

Source: https://www.scmp.com/tech/big-tech/article/3297500/bytedances-new-ai-model-goes-viral-its-deepfake-capabilities-animate-photos

Apple Intelligence:

• AI Model Capability: ByteDance’s OmniHuman-1 model can create realistic videos of people speaking, singing, and moving.

• Model Performance: The model significantly outperforms existing audio-conditioned human video-generation methods.

• Model Development: ByteDance researchers developed a novel training strategy that combines diverse data sets of text, audio, and movement.

• Video Generation Capabilities: Generates realistic videos with varying aspect ratios, body proportions, and detailed facial expressions.

• Realism and Applications: Features natural head and gesture movements, unlocking potential real-world applications.

• Competition in the Market: Chinese tech firms, including ByteDance, Kuaishou Technology, Zhipu AI, Shengshu Tech, and MiniMax, are competing in video generation.

Opinion:

Really realistic Albert Einstein deepfake.

Creations like these will definitely blur the lines between real and fake information.

I think there will be a desire for more deepfake detection tools.

Technology Updates : Unitree's G1 Humanoid Robots are RUNNING Now

Opinion:

I think AI Robotics is a huge area of technology that can benefit humankind. 

I hope it can severely reduce injuries from manual labor jobs. 

Many use cases are practical. Pray AI will not turn on us like what many Hollywood movies show 😆

Technology Updates : SetApp, is it worth paying for Netflix-style apps?

URL: https://medium.com/@winsonfong1982/setapp-is-it-worth-paying-for-netflix-style-apps-1bab3a892f5c

Technology Updates : Are AI Robot Dogs Replacing Humans In Performing Lion Dances?

URL: https://www.8days.sg/entertainment/asian/ai-robots-replace-humans-perform-lion-dances-840396

Apple Intelligence:

AI-powered robot dogs are performing lion dances in China, sparking debate among netizens about job displacement and the future of human performers. While some find the robotic performances cute, others express concern about AI’s impact on traditional arts and potential future threats.

Opinion:

Nice idea. I kind of support it. Less injuries for humans? 😅

Technology Updates : Microsoft’s Update Decision—Google Disappears On PCs, Androids, iPhones

URL: https://www.forbes.com/sites/zakdoffman/2025/01/26/microsoft-just-made-google-disappear-on-your-iphone-android-and-pc/

DeepSeek:

In a recent development, Microsoft has implemented updates that effectively make Google disappear from search results on Bing, both on PCs and mobile devices. This move is seen as part of the ongoing rivalry between Microsoft and Google, with Microsoft attempting to limit Google's dominance in the search and browser markets. When users search for "Google" on Bing, they are presented with a "Promoted by Microsoft" search box, reducing the need to navigate to Google. This tactic follows Microsoft's earlier attempt to mimic Google's search results interface, which was later reversed.

Microsoft is also making it harder for users to find and download Google Chrome via Bing, further intensifying the competition. These updates, while clever, are unlikely to significantly dent Google's market dominance, as the real game-changer is expected to be AI-driven search innovations. Both companies are heavily investing in AI, with Google advancing its Gemini AI and Microsoft rebranding its Office suite to "Microsoft 365 Copilot," integrating AI features. However, Microsoft's rebranding has faced criticism for being confusing and poorly executed.

In addition to these competitive maneuvers, Microsoft has introduced a controversial update that keeps users logged into their accounts by default, raising security concerns, especially on shared or public devices. Users are advised to use private browsing to mitigate risks.

The ongoing rivalry between Microsoft and Google highlights the high stakes in the tech industry, particularly as AI continues to evolve and potentially reshape the landscape of search and productivity tools. Both companies are leveraging their strengths—Microsoft in productivity software and Google in search and browsing—while experimenting with new strategies to gain an edge. However, the ultimate winner may be determined by who can best harness AI to revolutionize user experiences.

Opinion:

Intricate battles between Big Tech. I think the constant re-branding is not ideal. Just use numbering systems unless there's a major change...

Gaming Updates: Nintendo Switch 2 Reveal: Here’s Everything Announced and Confirmed

URL: https://za.ign.com/nintendo-switch-2

Apple Intelligence:

Nintendo has officially revealed the Switch 2, confirming a 2025 release date and several new features. The console is larger, with a magnetic Joy-Con attachment system and a new button on the right Joy-Con.  A Nintendo Switch 2 Direct is set for April, where more details about the console and launch games will be revealed.

Opinion:

It's a safe play by Nintendo. The additional USB C is a plus point, especially if it's able to support external screens. Will consider it if the price is right.

Technology Updates: The Cutest AI Robot is Just a Baby: Hands-on with TCL Ai Mi Companion Concept

Investing Updates: Apple Poised to Become First $4 Trillion Company Amid Investor Optimism on Product Surge

URL: https://www.moomoo.com/community/feed/113719285579782?global_content=%7B%22promote_content%22%3A%22mm%3Afeed%3A113719285579782%22%2C%22invite%22%3A103096561%7D&is_recommendation=0&is_recommend_pos=1&futusource=news_headline_list

Gemini summarized:

Apple's stock price has been on the rise recently, reaching a record high of $258. This has led to speculation that Apple could become the first company to reach a market valuation of $4 trillion.

Analysts are optimistic about Apple's future, citing factors such as strong holiday season sales for the iPhone 16 series, anticipation of a major iPhone upgrade cycle, and Apple's plans to pivot toward artificial intelligence, robotics, and smart homes.

However, there are also some concerns about Apple's stock price, such as its high price-to-earnings ratio and the potential for retaliatory tariffs from China.

Overall, the outlook for Apple is positive, but there are some risks to consider.

Investing Updates: Google’s Willow vs Bitcoin: Are Your Coins Safe?

URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=olJ7eI_Co7w&list=WL&index=2&t=113s

Technology Updates: Google unveils new quantum computer with mind-boggling speed

URL: https://www.straitstimes.com/tech/google-unveils-new-quantum-computer-with-mind-boggling-speed

Google has unveiled a quantum computer significantly faster than traditional supercomputers. It operates using qubits, allowing it to process problems that would take conventional systems thousands of years to solve in mere minutes. The technology is expected to revolutionize fields like logistics, finance, and chemistry. However, challenges remain in manufacturing and maintaining these systems, as they require near-absolute-zero temperatures and atom-scale fabrication.

Entertainment Updates : Introducing Camdom, The World’s First Digital Condom

URL: https://zula.sg/camdom-digital-condom/

CAMDOM, the world’s first digital condom, is an app designed to protect digital privacy during intimate moments. Created by BILLY BOY and Innocean Berlin, it syncs devices to block cameras and microphones, preventing unauthorized recordings. If tampered with, it triggers alarms. The app ensures safety for multiple participants and ends sync with mutual consent. It’s available on Google Play and coming soon to the App Store. This innovation addresses tech-driven risks like revenge porn, offering security in today’s digital dating landscape.

LifeStyle Updates: Qoo10's Closure

URL: https://dollarsandsense.sg/business/what-the-closure-of-qoo10-tells-us-about-the-evolution-of-e-commerce-business/

The article “What the Closure of Qoo10 Tells Us About the Evolution of E-Commerce Business” discusses how the shutdown of Qoo10 reflects significant shifts in the e-commerce industry in Singapore and Southeast Asia. It highlights the intense competition among e-commerce platforms like Shopee and Lazada, which leverage aggressive marketing, deep discounts, and innovative tech solutions to dominate the market. The closure also underscores the challenges faced by platforms unable to adapt to changing consumer preferences, rising operational costs, and the need for seamless digital experiences.

Technology Updates : Apple AirTags

URL: https://milelion.com/2024/11/13/singapore-airlines-will-accept-apple-airtag-locations-to-find-lost-luggage/

Singapore Airlines will soon accept the location data from passengers’ Apple AirTags to help locate lost luggage. This update is part of a broader effort by the airline and 14 other carriers to streamline baggage recovery. By allowing travellers to share AirTag location data, airlines can more efficiently track and locate misplaced bags, enhancing the overall customer experience.

• This is interesting.
• Apple AirTags ain't cheap.
• Improving its use case is a good thing.

Technology Updates : Google adds watermarks and notes in AI generated content

URL: https://www.hardwarezone.com.sg/tech-news-google-watermarks-ai-generated-content-promote-trust

Here's a brief summary of the article:

Google has introduced a new tool called SynthID, developed by Google DeepMind, to watermark AI-generated content.

This tool embeds digital watermarks into AI-generated images, audio, text, or video, making it easier to identify and verify the authenticity of such content.

The watermarking process is imperceptible to humans but detectable by software, helping to combat misinformation and plagiarism.

SynthID has been integrated into Google's Gemini AI model and is now open-source, allowing developers to use it in their own projects.

"Interesting development from Google. I see this being quite important as more and more people debate on what's original and what's not."

Technology Updates : Tri Folding Phone

Technology Updates : Tesla's Inventions Plagiarism

URL: https://geekculture.co/i-robot-director-criticises-elon-musk-over-android-design-similarities/

OpenAI:

Here are the 5 key points from the article on Geek Culture about the "I, Robot" director criticizing 

Elon Musk over Android design similarities:

• Director's Criticism: Alex Proyas, director of the 2004 film "I, Robot," criticized Elon Musk onTwitter/X for allegedly copying his design.

• Tesla Event: The criticism followed Tesla's unveiling of new robotic prototypes, including the Optimus robot, Robovan, and Cybercab, during its "We, Robot" event.

• Desin Similarities: Proyas pointed out that the designs of Tesla's prototypes bear a striking resemblance to those seen in his film.

• Public Reaction: The tweet gained significant attention, with many users on social media agreeing with Proyas and noting the similarities.

• No Response from Tesla: As of now, Tesla has not publicly responded to the accusations.

My Thoughts:

It kind of looks similar..... 😅

Technology Updates : Passkeys

URL: https://9to5mac.com/2024/10/14/new-passkeys-import-export/

OpenAI:

Here are the 5 key points from the article on 9to5Mac about new passkey import/export specifications:

• New Specifications: The FIDO Alliance has introduced new specifications allowing users to import and export passkeys.

• User Choice: The new features aim to promote user choice by enabling passkey transfers between different password managers.

• Current Limitations: Currently, there is no secure way to move passkeys between password managers like Apple's Passwords app and 1Password.

• Credential Exchange Protocol: The draft specifications establish the Credential Exchange Protocol (CXP) and Credential Exchange Format (CXF) for transferring passkeys.

• Enhanced Security: The new specifications ensure that passkeys can be transferred while maintaining encryption.

My Thoughts:

This is an important development in IT security.

Need a seamless way to port passwords securely with so many things in life being digitally dependent.

Technology Updates : Tesla 'We, Robot' Event

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