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

👍

Technology Updates : AI, Dead Celebrities

URL: https://www.straitstimes.com/business/with-ai-dead-celebrities-are-working-again-and-making-millions

OpenAI

The article from The Straits Times discusses how artificial intelligence (AI) is being used to revive the careers of deceased celebrities, allowing them to generate significant income posthumously. Here are the key points:

1. AI Voice-Cloning: Companies like ElevenLabs are using AI to clone the voices of deceased celebrities such as James Dean, Judy Garland, and Laurence Olivier. These AI-generated voices are used to narrate books, articles, and other text materials.

2. Digital Human Acting: AI technology enables the creation of digital humans, allowing deceased celebrities to appear in new films and immersive stage shows. For example, James Dean has been cast in the upcoming movie “Return to Eden.”

3. Lucrative Industry: The use of AI has proven to be highly profitable. Michael Jackson’s estate, for instance, has amassed a fortune of $2 billion through various projects, including posthumous albums and a jukebox musical.

4. Intellectual Property: The revenue from a deceased celebrity’s intellectual property, such as music copyrights and images, can now increase thanks to AI, reversing the previous trend of declining income after their death.

Technology Updates : Big Tech AI Photo

URL: https://www.theverge.com/2024/9/23/24252231/lets-compare-apple-google-and-samsungs-definitions-of-a-photo

OpenAI

The article from The Verge compares how Apple, Google, and Samsung define and enhance photos using their respective smartphone cameras. Here’s a brief summary:

1. Apple: Focuses on natural-looking photos with minimal post-processing. The iPhone’s camera aims to capture images that closely resemble what the human eye sees, emphasizing true-to-life colors and details.

2. Google: Uses advanced AI and computational photography to enhance images. The Pixel phones often produce photos with vibrant colors and high dynamic range, sometimes altering the scene to make it look more appealing.

3. Samsung: Strikes a balance between Apple’s natural approach and Google’s AI enhancements. Samsung’s Galaxy phones offer vivid colors and sharp details, with options for users to adjust the level of enhancement according to their preferences.

The article highlights the different philosophies each company has towards photography, reflecting their broader approaches to technology and user experience.

My Thoughts

• I think the norm in future is that every photo is expected to be edited to some extent.

• Without edits, people will think it looks weird.

• It's not a bad thing. Especially if you are an unskilled photographer like me 😂

Technology Updates : China Humanoid Robots World Robot Conference 2024

https://sg.news.yahoo.com/chinese-company-busted-showing-off-183016697.html

https://x.com/byron_wan/status/1828001329945755876?s=61

OpenAI

The article discusses a viral video from the 2024 World Robot Conference in Beijing, where viewers questioned whether the women in the video were real robots or human actors. The video, posted by the X user ‘Game of X,’ shows women moving robotically, leading to debates about their authenticity. It was later revealed that the women in the foreground were human actors imitating robots, while the “women” in the background were realistic humanoid robots created by the Chinese company Ex-Robot¹.

My Thoughts

😅

Investing Updates : Apple Impact

https://www.moomoo.com/sg/learn/detail-new-ai-models-set-to-launch-what-s-next-for-apple-107538-240963059

OpenAI

1. Apple plans to unveil the iPhone 16 with built-in AI features, including ChatGPT-4o integration, at a product launch event in September.

2. The new AI capabilities are expected to drive an upgrade cycle, with Apple positioned as a leader in consumer AI applications.

3. Market analysts are optimistic, predicting the new product launches could boost Apple's market value beyond $4 trillion.

4. Apple is in discussions to invest in OpenAI, aiming to strengthen its AI development.

5. While Apple’s stock often dips after new iPhone announcements, it typically rebounds within 60 trading days as demand solidifies.

My Thoughts

• Exciting times for tech near year end as new products are prepared for holiday season

• The Apple event has been quite influential to the market since that defining moment by Steve Jobs for iPhone.

• AI phones are the next big thing. I think it will be good.

Technology Updates : AI Partner

https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/marrying-your-virtual-partner-era-of-ai-companionship-dawns

OpenAI

1. AI companionship is growing, with apps like Zeta and Replika offering virtual friends, family members, or lovers, especially among Korean youth.

2. These apps, such as Replika, have millions of users who form deep emotional bonds with their AI companions, sometimes mitigating loneliness and suicidal thoughts.

3. Virtual partners can provide consistent companionship and emotional support, leading to unique relationships, including marriages.

4. AI is also being used in elderly care to combat loneliness, with AI dolls assisting with daily tasks and emotional needs.

5. Experts caution about the psychological impacts, potential attachment disorders, and the need for regulations to prevent misuse.

My Thoughts

• Technologies change the world for the better, Classic slogan. If humans have an emotional issue and AI is the solution, it is the right thing to do. Or should we do it right?

• I think there's a balance to using the tech, just like many things. The right amount cures. Overdose kills.

• Governors of the tech would get it tough. Because I think there will be cases where right or wrong is not so clear. Erroneous judgements may cast doubt on the tech. But I think it's a small price to pay if it serves the majority well.

LifeStyle Updates : India Influencers

OpenAI

There isn't an exact count of financial influencers in India, as the number can vary based on the platform (like YouTube, Instagram, or Twitter) and the definition of "financial influencer." 

However, India has a growing community of financial influencers who create content on personal finance, stock market investing, cryptocurrency, and financial education. 

Some popular names include CA Rachana Ranade, Pranjal Kamra, and Akshat Shrivastava, among many others. The community continues to expand as more individuals seek to educate and engage audiences on financial topics.

My Thoughts

• I feel that there's a lot of crypto degen Indian influencers on YouTube.

• It's not necessarily a bad thing. It helps to push crypto to more audiences. I think it's a good side income in a country that's not easy to find work.

• While SG have plenty of regulations, I think India is in need of some too to increase the financial literacy of citizens and make sure they know the risks involved.

Technology Updates : Geekbench for AI

https://www.theverge.com/2024/8/15/24221382/geekbench-ai-benchmark-software

OpenAI

1. Geekbench has launched Geekbench AI, a new tool to benchmark device performance for AI tasks across platforms.

2. It evaluates CPU, GPU, and NPU performance using frameworks like ONNX, CoreML, TensorFlow Lite, and OpenVino.

3. The tool provides three scores: full precision, half precision, and quantized, each with an accuracy measurement.

4. The software aims to assess real-world AI performance, like predictive text accuracy or image editing capabilities.

5. Geekbench AI is available on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS for users to try out.

My Thoughts

• Interesting tool. Very useful if it maintains objectivity across platforms.

• Like SpeedTest, hope that we can derive useful data to determine what device we should buy based on our usage patterns.

• But I think we are still far off on standardisation to get accurate benchmarks. The AI models are releasing products and getting upgrades at very fast paces. 

Sports Updates : Premier League uses iPhone Tech

https://www.hardwarezone.com.sg/tech-news-english-premiere-league-iphone-15-pros-new-var-system

OpenAI

1. The Premier League plans to replace its current VAR system with the Semi-Assisted Offside Technology (SAOT) using iPhone 15 Pros.

2. SAOT uses 24-28 iPhones to capture high-frame-rate footage, creating a 3D mesh of players with up to 10,000 data points.

3. The system's advanced computer vision and algorithms improve offside detection accuracy and reduce errors.

4. It addresses issues like delays and missed moments in the current VAR system.

5. The new technology aims to enhance officiating quality with faster, more precise offside calls.

My Thoughts

• Sad to see VAR is still an issue in EPL football.

• Being a tech enthusiast, I'm a strong supporter on using tech to improve the beautiful game. For every new tech, it takes time to adjust and get accepted by consumers. If done well, it removes subjectivity and provides the fairest calls.

• But in the area of sports, I guess it's not so forgiving. Pundits say it has taken too much time, made too many mistakes or the tech is not ready. Let's hope the use of iPhones mitigates the errors.

Investing Updates : Mag7 AI Race

https://www.moomoo.com/community/feed/113010922946565?is_recommendation=0&is_recommend_pos=0&futusource=news_headline_list

OpenAI - "Summarise article in 5 points"

Here are the key points from the article:

1. AI Arms Race and Stock Performance: The AI competition among the "Magnificent Seven" tech giants continues in 2024, with Meta Platforms (META) showing over 50% year-to-date growth, trailing only Nvidia (NVDA), which surged 150%. Other giants like Alphabet, Apple, Amazon, and Microsoft have seen modest gains, while Tesla has declined by 15%.

2. Meta's Strong Q2 Performance: Meta's Q2 results exceeded expectations, with a 21.7% year-on-year increase in core advertising revenue. This was accompanied by lower-than-expected capital expenditures and optimistic Q3 guidance, reinforcing investor confidence in Meta's AI strategy.

3. Concerns for Other Tech Giants: Other tech giants, including Google, Microsoft, and Amazon, have faced challenges in demonstrating AI's profit-driving potential, despite increased spending. This has led to concerns over overvaluation and the sustainability of AI investments.

4. Market Focus on AI Monetization: The primary focus for these tech companies has shifted to the monetization of AI. Companies that have effectively integrated AI into their core business, like Meta, are being rewarded by investors, while others are facing penalties for not meeting expectations.

5. Analysts' Outlook on Meta: Analysts are optimistic about Meta's future, highlighting the company's strong cash flow, effective AI investments, and potential for long-term growth. Meta's success in unpacking its AI strategy has positioned it well in the competitive landscape.
These points capture the essence of the article's discussion on the ongoing AI race among the major tech companies and Meta's strong performance within this context.

My Thoughts

• Mag7 needs to do well as a whole for U.S. market to break all time highs.
• The single focus on Nvidia is not good.
• AI has helped greatly with my blog and corporate work. I think there's still lots of potential in travel & ticket booking, video gaming and healthcare devices.

Investing Updates : Cryptocurrency Prices

https://live.moomoo.com/course/content-detail?channel=task&course_id=117206&data_ticket=6e57d87b937d72d93b59ca3f6f5e9886&lang=en-us&open_type=graphics&section_id=240769245&source=share&subchannel=&type=1

OpenAI - "Summarise this article in 5 points"

Here are five key points from the article:

1. Market Demand: Cryptocurrency prices are heavily influenced by supply and demand dynamics. When demand increases, prices tend to rise.

2. Regulatory Environment: Changes in government regulations, whether tightening or loosening, can significantly impact cryptocurrency values.

3. Technological Developments: Innovations and upgrades in blockchain technology can drive interest and affect prices.

4. Market Sentiment: Public perception and media coverage play crucial roles in shaping the market sentiment, influencing price movements.

5. Macroeconomic Factors: Global economic conditions, such as inflation rates and currency values, can also affect cryptocurrency prices.

My Thoughts

• Imo, the future of crypto is bright. While there are currently too many coins, some of them will likely breakthrough and become mainstream.

• It's probably a safe bet to focus more on BTC and ETH holdings for passive investors like me. This won't create generational wealth, but it's good enough for retirement needs.

• I feel DeFi is under-rated. It's cool but complicated. But it's use case is sound, if we do it right, it really can as tech slogans go "change the world." https://defillama.com/

Technology Updates : AI in Games

AI Summarisation

AI has significantly influenced the development and success of best-selling games in recent years. Here are some notable examples of how AI has been utilized in popular games:

### 1. **Adaptive AI in Single-Player Games**

- **The Last of Us Part II (2020)**: The AI in this game is particularly notable for its ability to adapt to player actions. Enemies communicate with each other, strategize, and even react emotionally to the death of their comrades.

- **Ghost of Tsushima (2020)**: The game uses AI to create realistic enemy behaviors and dynamic weather patterns, enhancing the immersive experience.

### 2. **Procedural Content Generation**

- **No Man's Sky (2016, with significant updates through 2023)**: AI is used to generate an almost infinite number of planets, each with unique ecosystems, landscapes, and life forms.

- **Minecraft (2011, but continuously updated)**: Uses procedural generation to create its expansive worlds, making each player's experience unique.

### 3. **AI-Driven NPCs**

- **Red Dead Redemption 2 (2018)**: The game features complex AI for NPCs, who follow daily routines and react dynamically to the player's actions.

- **Cyberpunk 2077 (2020)**: Despite its rocky launch, the game features AI-driven NPCs that populate the vibrant world of Night City, each with their own behaviors and routines.

### 4. **AI in Multiplayer Games**

- **Fortnite (2017)**: Uses AI for match balancing and to manage in-game events. The AI also helps in creating intelligent bots that can fill in for human players.

- **Apex Legends (2019)**: Features AI-driven elements such as the 'Ring' that dynamically changes the play area, and intelligent loot distribution to balance gameplay.

### 5. **AI for Game Development and Testing**

- **Ubisoft's Commit Assistant**: A tool that uses AI to predict and prevent bugs in game code, which has been used in the development of games like Assassin's Creed.

- **AI in Playtesting**: Companies like EA use AI to simulate thousands of hours of gameplay to identify potential issues and balance gameplay elements.

### 6. **AI in Real-Time Strategy and MOBAs**

- **Dota 2 (2013)**: OpenAI's bots have been trained to play Dota 2 at a professional level, showcasing the potential for AI to compete with and even surpass human players in complex strategic games.

- **StarCraft II (2010)**: DeepMind's AlphaStar AI has demonstrated high-level play, challenging human professionals and pushing the boundaries of AI capabilities in RTS games.

### 7. **AI-Enhanced Graphics and Animation**

- **Control (2019)**: Uses AI for real-time ray tracing, creating stunning visual effects and realistic lighting.

- **Horizon Zero Dawn (2017)**: AI is used to animate the game's robotic creatures, making their movements and behaviors realistic and dynamic.

### Conclusion

AI continues to play a pivotal role in enhancing the complexity, realism, and overall experience of modern video games. From procedural content generation to sophisticated NPC behaviors and real-time strategy, AI's influence is evident in many of the best-selling and most acclaimed games of recent years.

My Thoughts

• Imo, AI can change the gaming world for the better as above have shown.
• Although it's true some jobs may be challenged and threatened to non-existence. 
• Finding a balance and good regulation will take some time.

https://geekculture.co/video-game-actors-continue-strike-over-unregulated-ai-use-in-hollywood/

Technology Updates : Incorrect PayNow Transfers

AI Summarisation

In 2023, there were instances of mistaken PayNow transfers in Singapore. However, the exact number of reported cases isn’t readily available. When such errors occur, the person who made the mistake bears the cost of reversing it, whether in terms of legal expenses or time spent¹. If you’ve encountered a similar situation, it’s essential to double-check before transferring funds to avoid complications². 🤝

My Thoughts

• Always wondered how many people make mistakes using PayNow transfers.
• Especially people like me with Presbyopia (Lao Hua), we can't see the mobile screens clearly and might make some mistakes.
• One way for prevention is that Shops can have big and clear Payment Screens with QR Code scan feature that auto populates the figures for you. Some do have small devices that support this but not all do. Likely due to device costs?

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/commentary/paynow-wrong-payment-transfer-refund-money-bank-police-law-4516191