Tech
Future of AI and humanity: 4 dangers that most worry the 'Godfather of AI'
Geoffrey Hinton, an award-winning computer scientist known as the “godfather of artificial intelligence,” is having some serious second thoughts about the fruits of his labors.
Hinton helped pioneer AI technologies critical to a new generation of highly capable chatbotssuch as ChatGPT. But in recent interviews, he says that he recently resigned a high-profile job at Google specifically to share his concerns that unchecked AI development could pose danger to humanity.
“I have suddenly switched my views on whether these things are going to be more intelligent than us,” he said in an interview with MIT Technology Review. “I think they’re very close to it now and they will be much more intelligent than us in the future.... How do we survive that?”
Hinton is not alone in his concerns. Shortly after the Microsoft-backed startup OpenAI released its latest AI model called GPT-4 in March, more than 1,000 researchers and technologists signed a letter calling for a six-month pause on AI development because, they said, it poses “profound risks to society and humanity.”
Also read: AI 'godfather' Geoffrey quits Google, warns of dangers
Here’s a look at Hinton’s biggest concerns about the future of AI ... and humanity.
IT’S ALL ABOUT THE NEURAL NETWORKS
Our human brains can solve calculus equations, drive cars and keep track of the characters in “Succession” thanks to their native talent for organizing and storing information and reasoning out solutions to thorny problems. The roughly 86 billion neurons packed into our skulls — and, more important, the 100 trillion connections those neurons forge among themselves — make that possible.
By contrast, the technology underlying ChatGPT features between 500 billion and a trillion connections, Hinton said in the interview. While that would seem to put it at a major disadvantage relative to us, Hinton notes that GPT-4, the latest AI model from OpenAI, knows “hundreds of times more” than any single human. Maybe, he suggests, it has a “much better learning algorithm” than we do, making it more efficient at cognitive tasks.
AI MAY ALREADY BE SMARTER THAN US
Researchers have long noted that artificial neural networks take much more time to absorb and apply new knowledge than people do, since training them requires tremendous amounts of both energy and data. That’s no longer the case, Hinton argues, noting that systems like GPT-4 can learn new things very quickly once properly trained by researchers. That’s not unlike the way a trained professional physicist can wrap her brain around new experimental findings much more quickly than a typical high school science student could.
That leads Hinton to the conclusion that AI systems might already be outsmarting us. Not only can AI systems learn things faster, he notes, they can also share copies of their knowledge with each other almost instantly.
“It’s a completely different form of intelligence,” he told the publication. “A new and better form of intelligence.”
Chatbots posing as 'journalists' operating AI-generated ‘content farms’: Investigation
Chatbots posing as journalists have been running almost 50 AI-generated “content farms”, according to an investigation by the anti-misinformation tracker NewsGuard.
The concerned websites provide information on politics, health, environment, money, and technology at a “high volume” in order to give a quick turnover of material to saturate with advertisements for profit, according to the investigation, reports The Guardian.
“Some publish hundreds of articles a day,” Newsguard’s McKenzie Sadeghi and Lorenzo Arvanitis said. “Some of the content advances false narratives. Nearly all of the content features bland language and repetitive phrases, hallmarks of artificial intelligence.”
In all, 49 webpages in seven languages — English, Chinese, Czech, French, Portuguese, Tagalog, and Thai — have been identified as being "entirely or mostly" created by AI language models. Almost half of the sites had no obvious evidence of ownership or control, and only four could be contacted, said the report.
One such site, Famadillo.com, claimed to have an “expert” to use AI to edit old articles that nobody read anymore, while GetIntoKnowledge.com acknowledged utilizing "automation at some points where they are extremely needed."
Searching for typical error messages produced by services such as ChatGPT led to the discovery of AI-generated content. “All 49 sites identified by NewsGuard had published at least one article containing error messages commonly found in AI-generated texts, such as ‘my cutoff date in September 2021’, ‘as an AI language model’ and ‘I cannot complete this prompt’, among others,” the report also said.
While the sites share AI authorship, their levels of success vary: ScoopEarth.com, has 124,000 Facebook followers for its celebrity biographies, while others, such as the finance site FilthyLucre.com, have not attracted a single follower on any platform.
Top Speaker, Sound Box, and Sound Systems in Bangladesh in 2023
Sound box or speakers are essential components of any audio system, whether it's for personal use or a public event. The quality of sound boxes plays a crucial role in delivering an immersive and engaging audio experience. Sound boxes made by diverse international and local brands are available in the markets of Bangladesh. However, not all sound boxes can offer high-quality sound and durability. Let's take a look at some of the top sound boxes available in Bangladesh in 2023.
Things to consider when buying a Speaker or Sound Box
When considering purchasing a sound box, there are a few important factors to keep in mind. Here are some things to consider before deciding:
Sound Quality: It is important to choose a sound box that produces high-quality sound and delivers crisp, clear audio.
Read More: Home Theater Buyer's Guide with Price Ranges in
Compatibility: Ensure that the sound box is compatible with your device, whether it is a smartphone, laptop, or any other device you intend to use with it.
Connectivity: Check the connectivity options available, including Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and wired connections such as USB and HDMI.
Size and Portability: Consider the size and portability of the sound box, especially if you plan to use it on the go or in different locations.
Durability: Look for a sound box that is built to last and can withstand wear and tear over time.
Read More: Bluetooth Headphones Buyer Guide and Price Ranges in Bangladesh
Price: Set a budget for yourself and look for a sound box that fits within your price range while also meeting your requirements.
Popular Sound Boxes in Bangladesh in 2023 under different Price Ranges
Sound Systems Under BDT 5000
F&D W24 Portable Bluetooth Speaker
The F&D W24 Portable Bluetooth Speaker is a great choice for those who want an affordable, portable speaker with excellent sound quality. With a 1.5-inch full-range neodymium driver, this speaker offers powerful and clear sound. It has a waterproof design (IPX4 grade) and is easy to carry thanks to its slim and polygon shape.
The F&D W24 has a frequency range of 20Hz - 20kHz and a signal-to-noise ratio of >-75dB. It comes with a 4400mAh rechargeable battery and has a Bluetooth range of up to 15 meters. The price of an F&D W24 Speaker in Bangladesh starts from 2,900 BDT.
Read More: New device puts music in your head - without headphones
AI 'godfather' Geoffrey quits Google, warns of dangers
Geoffrey Hinton, a prominent figure in the field of artificial intelligence (AI), has resigned from Google, according to a statement he made to the New York Times.
Hinton, who is considered the godfather of AI, expressed regret for his work and warned of the potential dangers associated with AI chatbots, reports BBC.
"Right now, they're not more intelligent than us, as far as I can tell. But I think they soon may be," he told BBC.
Hinton also acknowledged that his age, 75, played a role in his decision to retire from Google.
"I'm 75, so it's time to retire," he said.
Current AI systems like ChatGPT are the result of Dr. Hinton's groundbreaking work in the fields of deep learning and neural networks.
However, the cognitive psychologist and computer scientist told the BBC that the chatbot may soon surpass the amount of knowledge that a human brain can store.
"At the moment, what we're observing is that things like GPT-4 much surpass a person in terms of its broad understanding. It's not as skilled at reasoning, but it can already make simple decisions,” he said.
He suggested that these chatbots could soon surpass human intelligence and expressed concern about "bad actors" who might use AI for nefarious purposes.
He praised Google for their responsible approach to AI and emphasized the need for caution and vigilance in the development of these technologies.
"I actually want to say something positive about Google. And they're more credible if I'm not affiliated with Google," said Hinton.
Google's top scientist, Jeff Dean, stated in a statement, "We remain committed to a responsible approach to AI."
Honor Magic5 Ultimate Review: What’s special about this flagship smartphone?
For a long time, Honor has been a sub-brand of Huawei and has released budget-friendly to mid-range Smartphones. But since its split from the parent company, Honor started to explore the premium segment. In this wave, the company launched the Honor Magic5 Ultimate on 6th March 2023 in Mainland China. Does the Magic5 Ultimate offer something more than the competitor flagship smartphones? Let’s take a look at the design elements, features, and price of Magic5 Ultimate.
Key Specifications of Honor Magic5 Ultimate
Design and Build Quality
The eco-leather textured back instantly gives Magic5 Ultimate a premium look and hand feel. The complete bezel-less design with sloping edges will need some getting used to.
Moving beyond, the camera house has been vertically flushed down to create a tapering design on the back. Honor is calling it the “Eye of Muse” design which frankly puts the device in its own class.
Read More: Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra 5G Review: Pushing the Limits of Innovation
The camera housing itself isn’t a traditional round or rectangular one. Honor calls it their “Octagonal Porthole” design. These subtle yet substantiative changes make it the literal ultimate android in terms of design.
The device is sandwiched by an aluminum frame with a glass front. The port and buttons are the same as the Magic4 Ultimate. What’s good is that the device is rated at IP68 with 30 minutes of protection under 1.5 meters of water.
Its dimensions are 162.9mm by 76.7mm by 8.8 mm. Weighing about 217g the device appears lighter than the ancestor Magic4 Ultimate (242g). Being a flagship, users won't be getting any card slot or headphone jack.
Read More: Apple iPhone 15 Pro: Leaks, Rumors, Everything We Know So Far
Display
The experiments of Honor don’t just stop at the design. Magic5 Ultimate sports a 6.81-inch display featuring 1312P by 2848P resolution, 460 ppi, and 19.5:9 ratios.
Moving to the actual performance of the display, Honor has done an excellent job. The LTPO OLED panel has 1B color support, a 120 Hz refresh rate, and HDR10+ support. The usual antics with good color calibration make it an excellent panel to use.
But the most striking excellence is seen outdoors. The 1800 nits HBM performs insanely well even under direct sunlight. Like its name, it almost feels like magic how legible it is under direct natural lights.
Read More: Vivo V27e Review: Worth its price tag?
The device is practically bezel-less with curved edges. So even though the device might seem narrower, the display itself tapers much to the side.
Camera
The camera section of the Magic5 Ultimate has also gone through some significant changes. The module is now down to a triple camera sensor compared to the quad on the Magic4 Ultimate. But that’s not necessarily a bad thing.
This year all three sensors are 50 MP with a wide-angle main shooter, a periscope, and an ultrawide. Honor has enhanced the sensors to the latest Sony iterations making them more capable compared to their predecessors. There is also an additional TOF 3D sensor for depth mapping.
Read More: April 2023 New Release: Top 8 Upcoming Smartphones in Bangladesh
Moving onto the performance of the sensors, users will be surprised to know that Magic5 Ultimate currently holds the number 1 position in the DXOMark camera ranking. In the test, the camera consistently produced natural shots which is probably its biggest feature.
New AI model can accurately diagnose cancer: Study
Researchers, doctors, and scientists have created an artificial intelligence model that can accurately diagnose cancer, a development that might accelerate patient access to treatment.
Cancer is the leading cause of death in the world. According to the World Health Organization, it causes around 10 million deaths every year, or roughly one in every six deaths. However, in many cases, the disease can be cured if detected early and treated promptly, reports The Guardian.
The artificial intelligence (AI) technology developed by experts at the Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, the Institute of Cancer Research, London, and Imperial College London can determine if abnormal growths seen on CT scans are cancerous.
According to a study, the algorithm outperforms current approaches in terms of efficiency and effectiveness. The findings were reported in the Lancet's eBioMedicine journal, it said.
“In the future, we hope it will improve early detection and potentially make cancer treatment more successful by highlighting high-risk patients and fast-tracking them to earlier intervention,” said Dr Benjamin Hunter, a clinical oncology registrar at the Royal Marsden and a clinical research fellow at Imperial.
The researchers used CT images from 500 patients with big lung nodules to create an AI system based on radiomics. The technology can extract critical information from medical photos that the human eye cannot see.The AI model was then put to the test to see if it could correctly detect malignant nodules.
The area under the curve (AUC) was used in the study to determine how good the model was in predicting cancer. An AUC of 1 suggests a flawless model, whereas an AUC of 0.5 would be predicted if the model was guessing at random, The Guardian report said.
The results showed that the AI model could predict the probability of cancer in each nodule with an AUC of 0.87. The Brock score, a test now used in clinic, scored 0.67. The model also performed similarly to another test, the Herder score, which had an AUC of 0.83.
“According to these initial results, our model appears to identify cancerous large lung nodules accurately,” Hunter said. “Next, we plan to test the technology on patients with large lung nodules in the clinic to see if it can accurately predict their risk of lung cancer.”
The AI model may also assist doctors in making more timely choices regarding patients with abnormal growths that are now classified as medium-risk, the report added.
The AI model, when combined with Herder, was able to detect high-risk patients in this group. According to the study, it would have indicated early care for 18 of 22 (82%) of the nodules that were later proved to be cancerous, it said.The Libra project, which is supported by the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, the National Institute for Health and Care Research, RM Partners, and Cancer Research UK, is still in its early stages, according to the team. More testing is needed before the model can be implemented in healthcare systems.
However, the potential benefits were obvious, they said. Researchers anticipate that the AI technology may someday be able to speed up cancer identification by assisting patients in receiving treatment and simplifying CT scan processing.
Drone taxis will be up and running between South Korea’s Incheon airport and Seoul in 2025: Mayor
Mayor of South Korea’s Incheon metropolitan city, Yoo Jeong-bok, has said drone taxis will be up and running between Incheon International Airport and the capital city Seoul in 2025.
“Incheon is considered one of the best places to do business and a great place to invest in (South) Korea by leading companies at home and abroad,” he said.
The mayor was addressing a farewell reception marking the conclusion of the World Journalists Conference 2023 in Incheon on April 28.
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Walton NEXG N6 Review: What’s special about the new series
Bangladeshi brand Walton has recently launched a new Smartphone N6 under its latest NEXG series. Walton NEXG N6 is a budget-friendly smartphone that packs a punch with its impressive features like a sleek design, large screen, powerful camera, standard battery, and attractive color options. However, can the latest NEXG series phone stack up against Walton’s popular Primo series phones? Is it worth the investment? Let’s find out the key specs, pros, cons, and price of the Walton NEXG N6.
Key Features of Walton NEXG N6
Design
The Walton NEXG N6 smartphone boasts a sleek and modern design with its slim profile and curved edges. Its dimensions (164.2 mm high, 76 mm width, and 8.55 mm depth), make the device compatible for one-handed use. Weighing 188g (with battery), N6 appears easy to carry.
The phone comes in two attractive colors, Bluish Green and Sky Grey, giving users the option to choose the one that suits their style. The unique and eye-catching shades set N6 apart from other local smartphones in the market.
Read More: Infinix Hot 30 Review: Budget-friendly phone with a smart design
The inclusion of a type c port and a microphone adds to the convenience of the device, making it easier to charge, use for calls, and record audio. The volume rocker and power button are intuitively placed for easy access, allowing users to adjust the volume or power on/off the device without hassle. The sim card holder is easily accessible, making it simple to switch out SIM cards if needed.
Display
The display of the Walton NEXG N6 smartphone is impressive, boasting a large 6.6-inch screen size that is perfect for streaming videos, browsing the web, and playing games. The V-Notch design provides an immersive viewing experience, allowing users to enjoy their content with minimal interruptions.
The display has a 720x1600 resolution. It’s certainly a downgrade from the competitor Walton Primo S8 Mini’s FHD resolution available at the same price range.
Read More: 5 Smartphones Around 15000 TK for Best Display, Gaming, Photography
However, N6’s screen is blessed with a 90 Hz refresh rate, which we haven’t seen in the Primo S8 Mini. A high refresh rate makes animations and transitions appear smoother and more fluid, providing a more enjoyable user experience in NEXG N6.
The 180Hz touch sampling rate is another impressive feature of the display, allowing for quick and accurate touch response. This is particularly useful when playing games that require fast reflexes or using apps that require precise touch input.
The display uses IPS INCELL technology with 2.5D glass, which provides excellent color accuracy and contrast, ensuring that images and videos appear vibrant and realistic. The 2.5D glass also adds a premium look and feel to the device.
Read More: Vivo V27e Review: Worth its price tag?
Performance and Software
The Walton NEXG N6 phone is running on Android™ 12 operating system with an Octa-Core processor clocked at 1.6GHz, built on the 12nm FinFET process and using ARM Cortex-A75 architecture. However, Walton fans will miss the Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 chipset offered in the Primo S8 Mini.
The latest N6 is equipped with Mali-G57 MP1 GPU for graphics processing.
This smartphone comes with 8GB of RAM for smooth multitasking and 128GB of internal storage for storing data. Additionally, the expandable storage of up to 256GB offers even more space for users to store their data.
Read More: realme C55 Review: A Promising Budget-friendly Phone
Understanding VPN: The Comprehensive Guide
From online frauds, and scams to even hacking sensitive personal information, the Internet these days seems to be a haven for fraudsters. There’s a growing concern about internet security and how it might jeopardize the security of information and finance of people and organizations. VPN or Virtual Private Network can be a solution to such problems. Millions of people around the world are adopting VPNs for their data security and safe online browsing. So here’s a beginner's guide on VPN. Let’s find out how a VPN works, the benefits, and the types of VPNs.
What is a VPN?
VPN stands for Virtual Private Network. Generally, the internet is provided through an ISP which processes all of their user’s traffic simultaneously. This makes them susceptible to malicious attacks which might intercept the net traffic to access personal data.
A VPN works as an intermediary between the computer and the destination to make it untraceable. There are a few complicated steps involved in the process. Let’s have a look.
Read more: How to Protect Your YouTube Channel from Getting Hacked
How Does VPN Work?
VPN creates a secure channel between the computer and the intended destination by developing a private network just for the user. The data gets encrypted and sent directly to the VPN server. There it gets decoded and sent to the intended location. This middle encryption allows the data to be completely untraceable by anyone.
Every device has a unique IP address that can be used to trace all of its activity. VPN essentially masks the IP address and assigns a new IP address from their server. As a result, the data becomes completely untraceable even by the ISP. VPN works not only to maintain anonymity online and protect privacy but also to allow users to access region-specific content.
Benefits of Using a VPN
There are a lot of benefits to using VPN. Here are a mentionable few.
Enhanced Privacy
VPN brings enhanced privacy thanks to the end-to-end encryption between you and the VPN server, making it impossible to be tracked by a third party.
Read More: Bank Account Hacking Protection: How to save financial accounts from hackers?
Secured Data Transmission
The end-to-end computer-to-server extension also allows for secured data transmission. This is especially helpful if a user is in a public network zone like using free wifi. It's impossible to tell who else is signed into the network and what kind of monitoring they might be running. Secured encryption allows for safe data transmission.
Bypassing Geographical Restrictions
VPN helps to bypass geographical restrictions so that a user can access services that might not be available in their location or to evade censorship. For example, Netflix has a host of shows that are available in the UK but not in India. With VPN, a user from India can reroute their IP through the UK and access all the contents regardless of the restrictions.
Top Charger Fans in Bangladesh in 2023
As summer is here, heatwaves and frequent load-shedding are making life miserable. A charger fan or rechargeable fan is designed to provide a portable and efficient solution for keeping the user cool during the scorching heat of summer months. Furthermore, it can run with or without electricity. This feature makes a charger fan a handy gadget during power outages. In Bangladesh, charger fans are becoming popular to beat the heat during powercuts. Let’s take a look at the latest models of charger fans available in Bangladesh in 2023.
9 Rechargeable Fans in Bangladesh in 2023
Charger Fans below BDT 5000
Click Rechargeable Table Fan
The Click Rechargeable Table Fan is a powerful and efficient fan that comes in a vibrant blue color. With a 12-inch blade, it can deliver air to a wider area, making it ideal for use in homes and offices. The fan is designed to be charged using a USB charger and comes with a 6V, 4.5Ah battery, which provides long-lasting power for extended use.
The fan has two-speed settings, low and high, with a maximum speed of 1400 R.P.M and a low speed of 280 R.P.M. The fan takes approximately 12-15 hours to charge fully, after which it can operate for up to 3.5 hours at maximum speed and 25 hours at low speed. Additionally, the fan is equipped with LED lights that can run for up to 70 hours at strong light and 120 hours at weak light.
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The Click Rechargeable Table Fan comes with a full charge indication, which makes it easy for users to know when the fan is fully charged and ready to use. Priced at 4000 BDT, it can be an affordable option for those looking for a reliable and powerful rechargeable table fan.
Miyako Rechargeable Fan KL-2924
The Miyako Rechargeable Fan KL-2924 is a high-performance fan designed to provide cool and refreshing air to users, especially during hot weather. This fan is categorized as a Charger Fan and is manufactured by the renowned brand, Miyako.
The fan has five blades that can deliver powerful airflow to cool down the surrounding environment. It can be powered by both AC and DC power sources, providing users with flexibility and energy-saving options. The fan requires a 12V DC input to function properly and has a duration of 4-5.5 hours, making it an excellent choice for extended use.
The Miyako Rechargeable Fan KL-2924 also features eight pieces of LED lights that can provide ample illumination when necessary.
Read More: Air Conditioner Brands, Buyer Guide, Models, with Price in Bangladesh.
To ensure the fan operates efficiently and safely, it is equipped with protection against overcharge and over-discharge. This feature is vital as it ensures the fan can be charged and discharged without damaging the battery or any other internal components.
The fan is compatible with AC220-240V 50/60 Hz power supply. It is priced at Tk. 4,390.00.
Defender KTH-2912
The Defender rechargeable fan is an excellent option for staying cool in any situation. It boasts a 4.5 Amp (6 Volt) battery that is built to last, ensuring long-lasting performance. With three different speed settings, including the high speed at 1500 R/M, medium speed at 1150 R/M, and low speed at 800 R/M, users can customize the airflow to their preference and stay comfortable.
This fan stands at 1.6 feet, making it an ideal size for both indoor and outdoor use. Its impressive runtime of 2.3 hours on high speed, 4 hours on medium speed, and 5 hours on low-speed mean users can enjoy a cool breeze for extended periods without having to recharge frequently.
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With Defender's trusted brand name, users can be confident in the fan's durability and long-lasting performance. The fan also comes with a 1-year warranty, ensuring users can enjoy peace of mind when purchasing. At a price of Taka 3,330, it's an affordable option that delivers great value for money.
Charger Fans in BDT 5000-10000 Price Range Midea MCF-2926HR
The Midea Rechargeable Table Fan MCF-2926HR is a charger fan that is worth considering for its impressive features. With a rechargeable 12V 4.5Ah C-Type Sealed Lead Acid Battery, this fan is built to last. It takes between 12-15 hours to fully charge, after which it can provide a backup of 4 hours on high speed, 7.5 hours on low speed, and 27 hours on LED.
This fan is a suitable option for those who desire portability and flexibility in their cooling systems. With a DC 12V-15V input, it can operate in places with limited electricity. The Midea Rechargeable Table Fan MCF-2926HR is a charger fan that offers an ideal balance of convenience and durability. At Tk. 5,489, this fan offers value for its price.
Walton W170A-EM
The Walton Rechargeable Fan W170A-EM is a 17-inch table fan that comes with a long run-time battery and overcharge and over-discharge protection system. It has a switch mode power supply (SMPS) system that can operate within a range of 90V-265V and allows for high, low, and natural speed selection. It also has a bright LED night light and comes with a remote control.
Read More: Tips to Keep Home Cool in Summer Without AC
The fan has a rated input of 30W and a charging time of approximately 8-10 hours. Its battery has a running time of 3 hours on high speed, 3.5 hours on natural speed, 6 hours on low speed, and 90 hours for the LED light. The fan is available in different color combinations and comes with a 6-month spare parts warranty (without battery) and a 3-month battery replacement warranty. The price of the fan is Tk. 6,790.