Showing posts with label Technology. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Technology. Show all posts
Tuesday, 7 October 2025
Wednesday, 1 October 2025
Technology Updates: Microsoft is giving Copilot AI faces you can chat with
Source:
ChatGPT:
Microsoft is experimenting with a new feature called Copilot Portraits, designed to make AI interactions feel more natural and approachable. Available in the US, UK, and Canada through Copilot Labs, the feature introduces 40 stylized human avatars that animate with facial expressions, lip-sync, and head movements during real-time voice conversations. Users can select an avatar and pair it with a voice, creating a more personal experience than text-based chats.
Microsoft AI CEO Mustafa Suleyman explained the feature was created in response to feedback that people feel more comfortable speaking to a “face.” Unlike the earlier Copilot Appearances feature, which used cartoon-like blobs, Portraits focuses on human-inspired designs. Importantly, the avatars are not photorealistic but intentionally stylized to reduce the risk of misuse while still offering expressive variety.
The technology powering Portraits comes from VASA-1, a Microsoft Research project that generates lifelike animations from a single image without the need for complex 3D modeling. This lets Copilot create responsive visual interactions quickly and at scale.
The move follows similar developments from rivals, such as X’s Grok chatbot, which recently introduced customizable 3D avatars, including anime-inspired companions with controversial NSFW options. Microsoft, however, is rolling out Portraits cautiously, citing safety concerns around AI-human interactions. Safeguards include age restrictions (18+), time limits, and clear indicators reminding users they’re talking to AI.
By combining expressive visuals with trusted Copilot intelligence, Microsoft aims to make AI conversations more engaging, while still prioritizing safety and responsible use. The experiment underscores a broader industry trend: turning chatbots into more personable companions that blend utility with emotional connection.
Tuesday, 30 September 2025
Technology Updates: Creator says AI actress Tilly Norwood is 'piece of art' after Hollywood backlash
Source:
ChatGPT:
The debut of AI-generated actress Tilly Norwood has ignited controversy in Hollywood, with her creator defending her as “a piece of art” rather than a threat to human jobs. Tilly, a girl-next-door composite described as an aspiring actress on Instagram, quickly went viral and has attracted interest from talent agents. Eline Van der Velden, founder of production company Particle6, said at a Swiss industry panel that the project demonstrates how AI can cut costs and free creativity from budget constraints. Particle6 hopes to position Tilly as a star on par with Scarlett Johansson or Natalie Portman.
Norwood has already appeared in a short sketch, and Van der Velden said an agency deal will be announced soon. She argued that AI should be seen as a tool for storytelling and a new creative medium, not a replacement for actors.
Hollywood’s response has been largely negative. Actress Melissa Barrera urged boycotts of agents who represent AI talent, while Mara Wilson criticized the compositing of real women’s faces instead of hiring them. Emily Blunt described Tilly’s realism as “terrifying” and warned agencies against eroding “human connection.” Whoopi Goldberg echoed these concerns, saying AI creations unfairly draw from thousands of actors’ traits, giving them an advantage over humans.
The backlash reflects broader tensions in Hollywood, where AI use was a key issue during the 2023 writers’ and actors’ strikes. Despite criticism, AI is steadily gaining ground: Spotify-hosted virtual band The Velvet Sundown surpassed one million listeners this summer, and Vogue recently ran an advertisement featuring an AI model.
The debate underscores growing unease over authenticity, fairness, and the future of creativity in an AI-driven entertainment landscape.
Opinion:
AI in entertainment is like pineapple on pizza, everyone’s arguing about it.
My guess? It’ll take a few more years (and a lot of drama) before entertainers finally swallow the slice.
Technology Updates: Goodbye human pop stars: First AI singer tops Billboard charts, bags a US$3M record deal
Source:
ChatGPT:
The music industry has reached a milestone with the rise of Xania Monet, the first AI singer to break into Billboard charts and land a US$3 million record deal. Created by Mississippi R&B songwriter Telisha “Nikki” Jones, Monet made waves in September 2025, debuting at No. 25 on the Emerging Artists list and No. 21 on Hot Gospel Songs with Let Go, Let God. Her breakout single How Was I Supposed to Know topped R&B Digital Song Sales, hit No. 3 on R&B/Hip-Hop Digital Song Sales, and secured No. 22 on the overall chart, amassing 9.8 million streams in the U.S., with over half in a single week.
The success sparked bidding wars, though major labels hesitated amid ongoing lawsuits tied to Suno, the AI platform behind Monet’s music. Smaller labels, however, saw opportunity and pushed the deal to US$3 million. For them, an AI pop star could be a disruptive gateway into the industry, attracting publicity and normalizing AI-generated artists. While major companies tread cautiously, others may lean on AI to produce market-ready performers at scale.
Yet this shift also highlights a new kind of creative partnership. Jones, a poet and songwriter without strong vocal ability, leveraged AI to give her words a powerful musical voice that resonated globally—something impossible only a few years ago. Monet’s rise demonstrates that AI alone is not enough; human talent and direction remain crucial in shaping successful art.
The episode underscores how AI could democratize opportunities for creators, challenging traditional gatekeeping in music while sparking broader debates about authenticity, copyright, and the future role of human performers.
Opinion:
Interesting times ahead. A blend of human and AI musicians could actually work—it sort of makes sense.
The real drama, though, will be in how the money gets split.
Who gets what: the songwriter, the coder, or the algorithm?
Saturday, 27 September 2025
Technology Updates: AI tutors are on the rise. Could they disrupt Singapore's billion-dollar tuition industry?
Source:
ChatGPT:
AI-powered tutors are gaining traction in Singapore, offering parents and students a cheaper and more convenient alternative to the S$1.8 billion tuition industry. Platforms like Tutorly and WizzTutor provide on-demand explanations, practice questions, and feedback tailored to the local syllabus. Tutorly, for example, charges S$49 a month with unlimited resources, while WizzTutor costs S$74 monthly. Established edutech firms such as Geniebook have also seen rising demand, reporting a 25% increase in use of their AI services.
For parents like IT professional Ms Shubhada Bhide, whose son now uses Tutorly, AI tutors are “gamechangers” compared with traditional tuition, which can cost up to S$172 per lesson at top centres. Students appreciate accessibility and affordability, especially when traditional classes are full or expensive.
However, experts warn of risks. The Ministry of Education (MOE) clarified that AI tools are for self-directed learning and not subject to registration under the Education Act, but advised cautious use. Academics stress that AI tutors could promote “shortcut thinking,” where students become reliant on instant answers and fail to build critical skills like analysis and judgment. NUS lecturer Jonathan Sim and NIE’s Dr Wong Lung Hsiang highlighted the importance of pairing AI with human guidance to ensure meaningful learning.
Businesses themselves acknowledge these limits. Tutorly relies on parental oversight, while WizzTutor offers dashboards for parents to monitor usage. Edutech leaders and researchers agree AI cannot replace the motivation and personal touch of human teachers. Instead, hybrid models are expected to grow, with firms like Geniebook expanding both physical centres and AI tools.
Ultimately, AI tutors are disrupting the industry, but human educators remain essential in inspiring, motivating, and guiding students.
Technology Updates: Experts urge caution about using ChatGPT to pick stocks
Source:
ChatGPT:
The rapid rise of AI chatbots like ChatGPT has extended into investing, with around 13% of retail investors already using AI tools for stock selection, according to an eToro survey of 11,000 people. Nearly half say they would consider using such tools. Unlike algorithmic trading, ChatGPT functions more as an advisory tool: investors ask questions, review analysis, and then trade manually.
Some early results appear impressive. For example, Finder asked ChatGPT in 2023 to pick high-quality stocks, creating a 38-stock portfolio that grew nearly 55%, outperforming top UK funds. Former UBS analyst Jeremy Leung also now uses ChatGPT to support his portfolio, citing its affordability compared with professional data services.
However, experts stress caution. Current strong market conditions—US stocks near record highs and the S&P 500 up 13% this year after 23% last year—make many strategies appear successful. Analysts warn that general AI models lack access to real-time data, can misquote figures, and often rely too heavily on past performance. “The risk comes when people treat generic models like crystal balls,” noted eToro’s UK managing director Dan Moczulski.
AI use continues a long history of tech transforming investing, from Charles Schwab’s electronic trading in 1984 to robo-advisors like Betterment and Wealthfront after 2010. The robo-advisory market itself is forecast to grow 600% by 2029. ChatGPT marks a new phase, enabling direct investor interaction with AI, but with limits—such as no access to paywalled data.
Experts caution that while AI democratizes access to financial insights, reliance on it may leave retail investors unprepared for downturns. As Leung warned, gains in rising markets may vanish if users lack risk management strategies.
Wednesday, 24 September 2025
Technology Updates: Flustered by jargon in financial documents? Digital tool Redflags aims to be go-to guide
Source:
ChatGPT:
Young consumers often struggle to understand complex financial documents, leading to costly mistakes. This was the experience of 25-year-old Teo Yi Ki, who bought an investment-linked insurance policy (ILP) with her first pay cheque, only to later discover restrictive terms. Her experience inspired her and five teammates to create Redflags, a digital tool designed to simplify financial jargon and highlight key details in product documents.
The team met during the Sparks x Build for Good Community Hackathon in June 2024 and built Redflags using Google’s Gemini large-language model, strengthened with guardrails to ensure accuracy. The tool analyses documents, summarises them, and categorises information into high, medium, and low importance based on advice from senior financial experts. Critical details like fees, coverage, risks, and returns are flagged in red, while disclaimers and administrative notes are ranked lowest. Importantly, Redflags does not judge products as good or bad but instead empowers users with clarity.
A Straits Times test of a 31-page ILP summary showed how Redflags translated dense terms into plain language, explaining risks such as potential capital loss and high costs of early termination. The tool revealed 18 key points of high importance in that document alone.
The launch comes amid rising concerns about ILPs. Complaints to the Financial Industry Disputes Resolution Centre surged from 55 in 2023 to 211 in 2024, many citing mis-selling or poor disclosure. A survey by the Redflags team found young adults often skim contracts and struggle with hidden fees and jargon.
Looking ahead, Redflags aims to partner financial advisory associations to enhance credibility and may eventually connect users with trusted advisers, helping make finance more transparent and less intimidating.
Friday, 19 September 2025
Food Updates: iBoozee Launches Asia’s First Smart Robotic Juice Machines in Singapore
Source:
ChatGPT:
iBoozee Launches Asia’s First Smart Robotic Juice Machines in Singapore
iBoozee, an ASEAN Award-winning innovator in F&B technology, has introduced Asia’s first Smart Robotic Mixed Fruit Juice and Apple Machines in Singapore, marking a milestone in its mission to make healthy living convenient and accessible. Featuring Dual Fruit Dispensing Technology, the machines freshly press apple juice, orange juice, or customised blends on demand. Each cup contains the equivalent of 3–4 fruits with no added sugar, water, or preservatives, appealing to busy urban consumers seeking wellness on the go.
The machines incorporate advanced features: robotic processing (washing, cutting, squeezing in real time), transparent preparation, IoT monitoring for sales and inventory, cashless transactions via PayNow, NETS, cards and e-wallets, plus rigorous hygiene with self-cleaning systems and airtight fruit storage.
According to COO Deric Yeo, iBoozee’s mission is to make wellness simple, affordable, and part of everyday life, whether for students, professionals, or parents. With a target of 500 units across Singapore by 2027, initial deployments will focus on high-traffic areas such as offices, shopping malls, transport hubs, and the CBD. Expansion plans also include Indonesia and the Philippines, complementing its existing presence in Malaysia.
Beyond consumer health, iBoozee is offering entrepreneurial opportunities via licensing, supported by real-time data analytics to guide optimal placement and performance. The company positions its machines not only as a retail solution but as a lifestyle business for professionals, retirees, and aspiring entrepreneurs.
Showcased at Franchise & Licensing Asia 2025 (Marina Bay Sands, 18–20 September), iBoozee highlights its vision of 24/7 accessible wellness, combining technology, hygiene, and entrepreneurship to redefine juice vending in Singapore and beyond.
Opinion:
Competitor to iJooz?
More variety is a good thing for consumers.
Thursday, 18 September 2025
Saturday, 13 September 2025
Technology Updates: Amazon Just Launched Its Zoox Robotaxis In Las Vegas And We Took A Ride
Opinion:
I think robotics with optimised AI engines will have huge use cases in future.
Thursday, 11 September 2025
Technology Updates: Apple’s new iPhone 17 makes signing safer for frequent crypto users
Source:
ChatGPT:
Apple’s newly launched iPhone 17 introduces Memory Integrity Enforcement (MIE), a security upgrade designed to protect frequent crypto users from sophisticated cyberattacks. The system, enabled by default, applies Enhanced Memory Tagging Extension (EMTE)-style protections that detect and block unsafe memory access, such as out-of-bounds and use-after-free errors. These vulnerabilities account for nearly 70% of software flaws and are a common entry point for zero-day exploits targeting crypto wallets and Passkey approvals.
Cybersecurity firm Hacken highlighted that MIE “meaningfully” reduces risks by preventing attackers from hijacking signing code. By applying protections across both kernel and user-level processes, the system makes spyware and exploit development more difficult and expensive. Hacken noted that the feature directly benefits crypto wallet apps and Passkey flows, particularly for high-net-worth individuals or frequent signers.
Still, Apple’s MIE is not a cure-all. It does not address phishing, social engineering, malicious websites, or compromised applications. Users are urged to remain vigilant, as MIE complements but does not replace secure hardware wallets or basic security hygiene.
The upgrade comes amid rising threats to Apple’s crypto community. Just last month, a zero-click exploit was discovered that could compromise iPhones, iPads, and Macs without user interaction, prompting Apple to issue emergency patches. Earlier this year, Kaspersky reported malicious SDKs in app stores scanning photo galleries for wallet recovery phrases, while Trust Wallet previously warned users to disable iMessage due to an active zero-day threat.
By raising the difficulty and cost of attacks, iPhone 17’s MIE significantly improves baseline defenses for crypto users, but experts caution that layered security and user awareness remain essential.
Wednesday, 10 September 2025
Wednesday, 3 September 2025
Food Updates: This S’pore biz turned vending smart with vendcafes—now 500+ machines serve hot meals & coffee
Source:
https://vulcanpost.com/895298/chef-in-box-singapore-hot-meal-vending-machine/
ChatGPT:
Chef-in-Box has transformed Singapore’s vending machine scene, expanding from simple snacks to over 500 machines serving hot meals, snacks, and coffee. Founded in 2008 by entrepreneur Jocelyn Chng, the company pioneered Singapore’s first hot-meal vending machines, addressing the lack of late-night dining options. Today, its offerings include local dishes like seafood hor fun, Japanese curry, and Western favourites, priced affordably between S$5 and S$8.
Chef-in-Box also introduced “vendcafes”—clusters of three or more machines with tables for on-site dining. There are now 50 such spots across Singapore, particularly in underserved neighbourhoods and hospitals where round-the-clock meals are in demand. Jocelyn’s motivation was personal: her children often struggled to find decent food during late-night study sessions. Recognising changing lifestyles—dual-income families and busy professionals—she saw a clear market gap for convenient, nutritious meals available anytime.
Leveraging JR Group’s cook-chill and cook-freeze technology, meals are prepared centrally without preservatives, ensuring both flavour and nutrition. Automation allows consistency, while sensors and data collection help manage demand, track preferences, and reduce food wastage. Customers can enjoy meals tailored to local tastes, from gravy-rich options to fried items, depending on the location.
Hygiene and quality are prioritised, with daily cleaning, stock monitoring, and safety shut-offs. These innovations won support from Enterprise Singapore and MTI, enabling Chef-in-Box to expand its vendcafe concept in 2016.
Having served over 10 million meals, the brand now plans international expansion, with Japan—a vending machine powerhouse—as its next frontier. Chef-in-Box proves how technology, data, and consumer insight can reinvent even the most familiar formats, making vending machines a viable, modern solution for hot, affordable dining.
Opinion:
With lesser and lesser new generation hawkers, vending machines could become the new norm.
Waiting for them to penetrate the heartland areas.
Will support.
Entertainment Updates: MONEY The Math Behind TOTO – Here’s Why It (Statistically) Doesn’t Make Financial Sense To Play
Source:
ChatGPT:
Singapore Pools’ TOTO remains one of the most popular forms of betting in Singapore, with jackpots starting at $1 million and potentially snowballing into multi-million-dollar prizes. Cascade draws occur if no Group 1 winners emerge after three consecutive draws, passing the prize down to lower groups. While past draws have produced eye-catching payouts – such as $19.4 million shared among eight winners in 2022 and $13.1 million won by a single ticket in 2024 – the math shows TOTO is financially unfavorable.
Only 54% of ticket sales fund the prize pool, with 38% allocated to the top prize. The odds of winning Group 1 are a staggering 1 in 13,983,816, meaning that statistically, a player would only hit the jackpot once in about 134,500 years if buying every draw. Even when considering all prize groups, the expected return is poor.
If calculated in isolation, ignoring multiple winners, a $1 ticket could be seen as having a present value of $68.57. However, factoring in historical averages of shared prizes across groups slashes this expected value to just $0.54 per ticket – implying players lose nearly half their money in the long run.
The takeaway is clear: while buying an occasional ticket for fun or during festive draws can provide excitement, TOTO should not be viewed as a get-rich-quick scheme or a rational investment. The consistent “winner” is Singapore Pools, not the bettor. Responsible play means treating TOTO as light entertainment rather than a financial strategy.
Opinion:
Article excludes important factors such as god's helping hand, karma, devil's luck, etc π
Sunday, 10 August 2025
Technology Updates : From Selfie to Sticker: How I Designed My Own Whatsapp Cute Chibi Sticker with ChatGPT
Source :
ChatGPT :
With AI tools like ChatGPT, anyone can create cute personalised chibi WhatsApp stickers without drawing skills. The process: take a selfie, upload it to ChatGPT with a prompt for 12 chibi expressions and matching outfit, crop the images, then use the Sticker Studio app to cut and save them into sticker packs. The author made stickers for herself and family, noting they’re fast to create and highly customisable. She recommends ChatGPT for best results, as other AI tools produced less appealing designs.
Opinion :
Nice how to do guide.
Friday, 8 August 2025
Technology Updates : OpenAI launches GPT-5 free to all ChatGPT users
ChatGPT :
OpenAI has launched GPT-5 and its variants (Pro, Mini, Nano), calling it its “best AI yet” with fewer errors, better coding, and ‘safe completions’ for sensitive queries.
Key points:
- Free access for all ChatGPT users (with limits); Plus and Pro get higher or unlimited use. GPT-5 Pro replaces o3-pro.
- Simulated reasoning now available to free users for improved logical/analytical answers.
- Capabilities: best coding model (74.9% SWE-bench), strong in math, multimodal, medical queries (with disclaimers).
- Accuracy: up to 80% fewer factual errors vs. o3; reduced sycophancy from 14.5% to <6%.
- New features: custom chat colors, preset personalities, Gmail/Google Calendar/Contacts integration (Pro), unified “Advanced Voice,” and safe completions instead of hard refusals.
- Developer API: 256k-token context, cheaper Mini/Nano tiers, new tools like free-form function calling and reasoning effort control.
- Rollout: replaces GPT-4o, o3, o4-mini, 4.1, 4.5; enterprise/education access next week; old voice mode retired in 30 days.
Opinion :
Fascinating.
Note to children - You need to run your life like a GPT π
Thursday, 7 August 2025
LifeStyle Updates : LG Subscribe comes to SG: Will you pay a monthly subscription to use your fridge or washing machine?
Source :
ChatGPT :
LG has launched LG Subscribe, Singapore’s first home appliances subscription service, with a physical store at Suntec City. Customers can select appliances with no upfront payment, and instead pay a monthly fee over 3, 5, or 7 years. At the end of the contract, you own the product.
What sets LG Subscribe apart:
- Includes extended warranties (up to 7 years)
- Bundles regular maintenance and servicing
- Two care options:
- Self Care: DIY maintenance kits and consumables sent regularly
- LG Careship: In-person professional servicing
- Launch promo: Free 1-year Redmart+ membership (until 30 Sep 2025)
Example: For the LG Objet Tankless Water Purifier WD518AN, LG Subscribe costs more overall than retail, but includes warranty and filter costs, unlike traditional instalment plans.
Bottom line: You pay more, but get peace of mind through servicing and warranty coverage.
Opinion :
Interesting concept.
It's probably worth a consideration if you're aiming for a real "atas" device.
If not, spoil, throw and replace is still practical? π
Technology Updates : Apple Maps Debuts First Southeast Asia Detailed City Experience In Singapore
Source :
https://geekculture.co/apple-maps-debuts-first-southeast-asia-detailed-city-experience-in-singapore/
ChatGPT :
Apple Maps has launched its Detailed City Experience in Singapore, the first country in Southeast Asia to receive the update. The new features include custom 3D landmarks like Gardens by the Bay and Lau Pa Sat, enhanced road markings, clearer navigation aids for drivers and public transport users, and windshield views for complex interchanges. The update also introduces night mode with dynamic lighting. These improvements aim to enhance navigation, safety, and visual clarity for locals and tourists alike.
Opinion :
It looks nice.
If it could bring colours that match the household blocks, this would guide people to find their destinations.
Wonder if AI could do the colour mapping π€
Monday, 4 August 2025
Technology Updates : Unitree Launches Budget-Friendly Humanoid Robot Under $6K | What The Future
Source :
Opinion :
We're getting closer and closer to each household having a robot of their own.
The technology is exciting and frightening at the same time π
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