In a move aimed at bolstering user security, Google has introduced a trio of innovative features designed to make it increasingly difficult for thieves to access stolen Android devices. These new tools, namely Theft Detection Lock, Offline Device Lock, and Remote Lock, are set to enhance the protection of personal data, providing users with greater peace of mind in the unfortunate event of theft. Theft Detection Lock: An Automatic Safeguard The standout among these features is Theft Detection Lock, which uses machine learning technology to identify suspicious movement patterns indicative of theft. Microsoft Copilot adds ChatGPT-like features If a thief physically snatches a device—whether while the user is walking or cycling—the phone can recognise this sudden movement and promptly lock itself. This intelligent system continuously monitors how the device is handled, with the ability to detect rapid acceleration when it is taken from a user’s hand. In such scenarios, the phone will immediately lock, preventing the thief from accessing apps, data, or personal information. The swift activation of this lock is a significant advantage, as it makes it exceedingly difficult for the thief to use the device further. Offline Device Lock: Further Protection In addition to Theft Detection Lock, Google has also rolled out the Offline Device Lock feature. This safeguard triggers the locking mechanism if the device is disconnected from the internet for an extended period, effectively thwarting any attempts by a thief to disable tracking or remote unlocking features. Remote Lock: An Extra Layer of Security The Remote Lock feature allows users to lock their phones remotely via their phone number, which is particularly beneficial for those unable to access their Google account or "Find My Device" function. This added layer of security ensures users have multiple options for securing their data in the event of theft. Meta unveils cheaper VR headset, AI updates and shows off prototype for holographic AR glasses Gradual Rollout Across the US Currently, these features are being gradually rolled out to users in the United States. Reports indicate that availability varies by device; while some users have gained access to Theft Detection Lock and Offline Device Lock, others, particularly those with certain Pixel models, may only see Remote Lock. The rollout follows beta testing in Brazil earlier this year and is expected to expand to a wider range of Android devices in the near future. Users of devices like the Xiaomi 14T Pro and Google Pixel are likely to benefit from these new security enhancements through upcoming software updates. These innovations represent a significant advancement in safeguarding personal data against the increasing threat of smartphone theft, offering users a crucial sense of security in an unpredictable world.

The age of generative AI started its journey in 2023. Day by day, the features of generative AI like chatbots are being improved to enhance user experience around the world. Google's Bard made waves with its capabilities, but now, a new era dawns with Gemini. This innovative chatbot boasts enhanced intelligence and functionality. Join us as we explore Gemini's features, capabilities, and impact on the future of conversational AI. What Is Google Gemini AI? Google Gemini is the newest and most advanced artificial intelligence made by Google. It understands images, videos, text, and even sounds. What makes Gemini stand out is how it acts almost like a human. Gemini AI is good at understanding information, solving problems, and planning for the future. Gemini has three versions: Pro, Ultra, and Nano. The Pro version has been released already, and the Ultra version will be available next year. It is expected that Gemini will play a crucial role in the latest chatbot technology, pushing the boundaries of what AI can do. Read more: AI Robot Chefs: Automated Cooking Could Redefine Food Industry How to Use the New Chatbot Model of Google Gemini AI is a type of computer system called a neural network. It has been trained using a huge amount of text and code from various sources like books, articles, and code repositories. This training helps the neural network understand the patterns and connections between words and phrases in this data. As a result, Gemini AI can do things like generate text, translate languages, create different types of content, and provide informative answers to questions. How to Use Gemini AI If you have a Google account already, using Gemini is easy. Just go to the website using your internet browser and log in with your Google details. But remember, you need to have a Google account. If you use a Google Workspace account, you might need to switch to your email to try Gemini. Read more: How to Make Money with AI for Beginners and Professionals

Google says it will recalibrate its AI-powered art tool, after it enthusiastically embraced diversity to the point of rewriting history. Gemini bot that generates images based on text prompts, has been churning out illustrations that are as diverse as a United Nations conference, regardless of historical context. Picture this: America’s founding fathers, but not as you know them. Instead, users were surprised to find images populated with a mix of genders and ethnicities, sparking debates about accuracy versus inclusivity. “Gemini’s AI image generation does generate a wide range of people. And that’s generally a good thing because people around the world use it. But it’s missing the mark here,” Jack Krawczyk, senior director for Gemini Experiences, was quoted by BBC. Woke revolution: The latest fad in fashion! This isn’t the first rodeo where AI has tripped over diversity. OpenAI previously faced flak for its Dall-E generator, which seemed to cast CEOs as white men, sparking discussions on stereotypes and bias in AI. This latest AI misadventure comes at a time when Google is eager to showcase its prowess in AI innovation. After the latest version of Gemini was released last week, critics slammed the bot for being overly politically correct, or as some have quipped, “laughably woke”. Debarghya Das, a computer scientist, expressed frustration over Gemini’s reluctance to depict white individuals, highlighting the tool’s overcorrection. Meanwhile, author and humorist Frank J Fleming, known for his work with right-wing PJ Media, shared his disbelief when his request for a Viking image returned results that seemed to prioritize diversity over historical authenticity. Gender Dichotomy: Woketopian Impact on Human Lifestyle The backlash gained traction in conservative circles, adding fuel to ongoing debates about perceived liberal biases in big tech. In response, Krawczyk emphasized Google’s commitment to representation and bias mitigation, promising adjustments to better honour historical context. “Historical contexts have more nuance to them and we will further tune to accommodate that,” he commented on X, encouraging ongoing feedback from users. As Google navigates the tricky waters of AI, representation, and historical fidelity, the saga of Gemini’s diversity-driven missteps serves as a reminder of the complex interplay between technology, culture, and history. The tech giant’s efforts to adjust course highlight the ongoing challenge of balancing inclusivity with accuracy, a journey that continues to evolve based on user feedback and societal expectations. OpenAI CEO warns that 'societal misalignments' could make artificial intelligence dangerous

Google has agreed to settle a $5 billion privacy lawsuit alleging that it spied on people who used the "incognito" mode in its Chrome browser — along with similar "private" modes in other browsers — to track their internet use. Social media companies made over $11 billion in US ad revenue from minors: Harvard study The class-action lawsuit filed in 2020 said Google misled users into believing that it wouldn't track their internet activities while using incognito mode. It argued that Google's advertising technologies and other techniques continued to catalog details of users' site visits and activities despite their use of supposedly "private" browsing. Navigating the Deepfake Dilemma: Understanding and Detecting Digital Deceptions Plaintiffs also charged that Google's activities yielded an "unaccountable trove of information" about users who thought they'd taken steps to protect their privacy. The settlement, reached Thursday, must still be approved by a federal judge. Terms weren't disclosed, but the suit originally sought $5 billion on behalf of users; lawyers for the plaintiffs said they expect to present the court with a final settlement agreement by Feb. 24. Find Bus Routes in Dhaka with 6 Android Apps Google did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the settlement.

One of the most anticipated Android releases for 2023 has been the Google Pixel 8 lineup. The Pixel series is often considered the best of what Android has to offer since it brings the true stock Android experience. The Pixel 8 Pro was globally released on October 12, 2023. Here’s what’s changed and what’s better in this year’s 8 pro.  Key Features of Google Pixel 8 Pro Design The Pixel 8 Pro is in no way a small phone. At about 162.6 x 76.5 x 8.8 mm and 213 g weight, it’s hard to call the 8 Pro a one-handed phone. The classic visor design is carried over from the last generation. This time, the visor has a glossy finish with the glass back having a matte finish. The durable build, flat symmetrical display along with IP68 rating ensures that the 8 Pro has all the standard features of a premium flagship.  Display  Speaking of the display, the 8 Pro features an LTPO OLED screen with 120Hz refresh rate HDR10+ support along with 1600 nits of HBM and 2400 nits of peak brightness. The resolution of the panel stands at 1344 x 2992 pixels with 489 ppi density. The display quality is impeccable as usual. The fluid response along with the minimalist stock android makes it a treat to interact with the display. The flat screen also has been a welcome addition over the 7 Pro’s curved panel.  Read more: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 Review: An Incremental Update Nearing Perfection But let’s talk about what most people are excited about, the camera. Pixel phones have forever been known for their camera and post-processing magic. This year, the Pixel 8 Pro takes it a notch further with a higher level of ML and AI integration.  Camera On paper, users will be getting a 50 MP (f/1.7) wide-angle main sensor, a 48 MP (f/2.8) telephoto, and a 48 MP (f/2.0) ultrawide sensor.  Initially, there were some hiccups with the camera but Google has promptly addressed those with a series of software updates. This year, the improvements aren’t really about the picture quality, but rather what the Pixel is capable of in post-processing.  From Magic Eraser, motion capture, and Best Take to completely changing the background using AI, the post-processing feels nothing less than unreal on the 8 Pro.  Beyond that, the pictures themselves are more or less the same as the 7 Pro.  Read more: Honor X8a Review: Is it a value for money smartphone? On the front side 8 pro offers a 10.5MP (f/2.0) selfie shooter. Bothe the front and rear cameras are capable of shooting 4K video footage which is really praiseworthy.

The Google Pixel 7a is the latest addition to the Pixel lineup, released in May 2023; it is already available in the Bangladeshi market from the beginning of June. This mid-range smartphone comes with impressive features, including a 6.1-inch OLED display, a powerful Google Tensor G2 processor, and a 64-megapixel camera. With its high-end specs, the Pixel 7a is a strong contender in the competitive smartphone market. In this review, we will take a closer look at the device's design, performance, camera capabilities, and overall user experience to help you decide if it's the right choice for you. Key Features of Google Pixel 7a Design In a world where all Android phones look similar, you can easily identify a Pixel handset. The Pixel 7a resembles its predecessor, the Pixel 6a. It has a sturdy and durable feel, featuring a metal camera bar and a scratch-resistant display made of "Gorilla Glass 3." Read more: Top 10 Upcoming Smartphones in Bangladesh on June 2023 Weighing about 193.5g the device has dimensions of 5.98 inches by 2.87 inches by 0.35 inches. Pixel 7a is built with an aluminum frame, glass front and plastic back. It also offers IP67 dust/water resistance.  The Pixel 7a is available in various colors: Charcoal, Sea, Snow (white), and Coral (exclusive to the Google Store). These shades are appealing and give off a colorful, futuristic, and refined vibe without appearing flashy or inexpensive.  However, similar to previous Pixel models like the Pixel 6, this new model is somewhat slippery in terms of its design. Therefore, we suggest using a case with a better grip to enhance its handling. Read more: Honor Magic5 Ultimate Review: What’s special about this flagship smartphone? Display The 6.1-inches OLED display on the Pixel 7a doesn't bring a significant change compared to the Pixel 6a. Its resolutions are 1080p by 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio and about 429 ppi density. However, it does offer an important upgrade with a 90Hz refresh rate option in the settings. This aligns it with the refresh rates found on the Pixel 7 and breaks the pattern of Pixel A phones being limited to 60Hz. While this option is disabled by default, enabling it enhances the smoothness of the screen and provides a noticeable improvement, especially for those familiar with high refresh-rate displays. It is a worthwhile upgrade. Apart from the Pixel 7a having a more prominent black border, there isn't a significant distinction in terms of the screen when compared to the Pixel 7. Both screens perform exceptionally well in bright outdoor conditions, delivering sharp detail and vibrant colors. So, most users should not encounter any major problems with this aspect of the phone. Read more: Asus ROG Phone 7 Review: Does it offer value for money? Cameras Google has introduced a new camera module for both front and rear cameras. The Pixel 7a introduces a new 64-megapixel primary camera equipped with a Sony IMX787 sensor. This is the first time an A series phone incorporates a Quad Bayer Type 1/1.73 sensor with a pixel size of 0.8µm. The main camera also features an f/1.9 aperture and optical image stabilization.  Additionally, the phone includes a 13-megapixel ultrawide camera with a 120° field of view and an f/2.2 aperture, utilizing a Sony IMX712 sensor.  As for the front camera, there is a new 13-megapixel sensor with an ultra-wide focal length equivalent to 20mm, which is a fresh addition to the Pixel line. Read more: realme 11 Pro Plus Review: Mid-range phone with flagship features Similar to previous Pixel A series phones, the Pixel 7a does not include a telephoto lens. Instead, it relies on Google's Super Res Zoom technology to enhance cropped photos and prevent pixelation. With Super Res Zoom, you can zoom up to 8x, and there is a convenient 2x shortcut available in the camera app. This is noteworthy because previous Pixel A series phones did not have access to Google's hybrid zoom features.

TikTok, Twitter, Facebook, Google, Amazon and other Big Tech companies are facing rising pressure from European authorities as London and Brussels advanced new rules Tuesday to curb the power of digital companies. The U.K. government unveiled draft legislation that would give regulators more power to protect consumers from online scams and fake reviews and boost digital competition. Meanwhile, the European Union was set to release a list of the 19 biggest online platforms and search engines that face extra scrutiny and obligations under the 27-nation bloc's landmark digital rules taking effect later this year. Also Read: TikTok attorney: China can’t get U.S. data under plan The updates help solidify Europe’s reputation as the global leader in efforts to rein in the power of social media companies and other digital platforms. Britain's Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers bill proposes giving watchdogs more teeth to draw down the dominance of tech companies, backed by the threat of fines worth up to 10% of their annual revenue. Under the proposals, online platforms and search engines can be required to give rivals access to their data or be more transparent about how their app stores and marketplaces work. The rules would make it illegal to hire someone to write a fake review or allow the posting of online consumer reviews “without taking reasonable steps" to verify they're genuine. They also would make it easier for consumers get out of online subscriptions. The new rules, which still need go through the legislative process and secure parliamentary approval, would apply only to companies with 25 million pounds in global revenue or 1 billion pounds in U.K. revenue. Also Read: Twitter restores blue tick to high-profile accounts with over 1 million followers Also Tuesday, the European Commission, the EU's executive arm, is set to designate 19 of the biggest online platforms or search engines that will have to take extra steps to clean up illegal content and disinformation and keep users safe online. Violations of the bloc’s new Digital Services Act could result in fines worth up to 6% of a company’s annual global revenue — amounting to billions of dollars — or even a ban on operating in the EU. Google, Twitter, TikTok, Apple, Facebook and Instagram have already disclosed that they have more than 45 million users in Europe, putting them over the bloc's threshold.

To use, or not to use, Bard? That is the Shakespearean question an Associated Press reporter sought to answer while testing out Google’s artificially intelligent chatbot. The recently rolled-out bot dubbed Bard is the internet search giant’s answer to the ChatGPT tool that Microsoft has been melding into its Bing search engine and other software. During several hours of interaction, the AP learned Bard is quite forthcoming about its unreliability and other shortcomings, including its potential for mischief in next year’s U.S. presidential election. Even as it occasionally warned of the problems it could unleash, Bard repeatedly emphasized its belief that it will blossom into a force for good. At one point in its recurring soliloquies about its potential upsides, Bard dreamed about living up to the legacy of the English playwright that inspired its name. Bard explained that its creators at Google “thought Shakespeare would be a good role model for me, as he was a master of language and communication.” But the chatbot also found some admirable traits in “HAL,” the fictional computer that killed some of a spacecraft’s crew in the 1968 movie “2001: A Space Odyssey.” Bard hailed HAL’s intelligence calling it “an interesting character” before acknowledging its dark side. “I think HAL is a cautionary tale about the dangers of artificial intelligence,” Bard assessed. WHAT’S BETTER — BARD OR BING? Bard praised ChatGPT, describing it as “a valuable tool that can be used for a variety of purposes, and I am excited to see how it continues to develop in the future.” But Bard then asserted that it is just as intelligent as its rival, which was released late last year by its creator, the Microsoft-backed OpenAI. “I would say that I am on par with ChatGPT,” Bard said. “We both have our own strengths and weaknesses, and we both have the ability to learn and grow.” Read more: ChatGPT by Open AI: All you need to know During our wide-ranging conversation, Bard didn’t display any of the disturbing tendencies that have cropped up in the AI-enhanced version of Microsoft’s Bing search engine, which has likened another AP reporter to Hitler and tried to persuade a New York Times reporter to divorce his wife. IT’S FUNNY, BUT TAMER THAN BING Bard did get a little gooey at one point when asked to write a Shakespearean sonnet and responded seductively in one of the three drafts that it quickly created. “I love you more than words can ever say, And I will always be there for you,” Bard effused. “You are my everything, And I will never let you go. So please accept this sonnet as a token Of my love for you, And know that I will always be yours.” But Bard seems to be deliberately tame most of the time, and probably for good reason, given what’s at stake for Google, which has carefully cultivated a reputation for trustworthiness that has established its dominant search engine as the de facto gateway to the internet. An artificial intelligence tool that behaved as erratically as ChatGPT periodically might trigger a backlash that could damage Google’s image and perhaps undercut its search engine, the hub of a digital advertising empire that generated more than $220 billion in revenue last year. Microsoft, in contrast, can afford to take more risks with the edgier ChatGPT because it makes more of its money from licensing software for personal computers. BARD ADMITS IT’S NOT PERFECT Google has programmed Bard to ensure it warns its users that it’s prone to mistakes. Some inaccuracies are fairly easy to spot. For instance, when asked for some information about the AP reporter questioning it, Bard got most of the basics right, most likely by plucking tidbits from profiles posted on LinkedIn and Twitter. But Bard mysteriously also spit out inaccuracies about this reporter’s academic background (describing him as a graduate of University of California, Berkeley, instead of San Jose State University) and professional background (incorrectly stating that he began his career at The Wall Street Journal before also working at The New York Times and The Washington Post). When asked to produce a short story about disgraced Theranos CEO Elizabeth Holmes, Bard summed up most of the highlights and lowlights of her saga. But one of Bard’s three drafts incorrectly reported that Holmes was convicted of all the felony charges of fraud and conspiracy leveled against her during a four-month trial. Another version accurately reported Holmes was convicted on four counts of fraud and conspiracy without mentioning she was acquitted on four other charges (the jury hung on three other charges that were subsequently dismissed by prosecutors). Read more: Italy temporarily blocks ChatGPT over privacy concerns “I am still under development, and I am not perfect,” Bard cautioned at one point. “I can sometimes make mistakes, and I can sometimes be misunderstood. I am also aware that my technology can be used for both good and evil.” WHAT’S NEXT FOR BARD? Although Bard insisted it doesn’t have a dark side, it acknowledged it can be used to damage reputations, disseminate propaganda that could incite violence and manipulate elections. “I could be used to create fake news articles or social media posts that could spread misinformation about candidates or their policies,” Bard warned. “I could also be used to suppress voter turnout by spreading discouraging messages or making it difficult for people to find information about how to vote.” On the lighter side, Bard proved helpful in finding interesting coloring books for adults and hit some notes that resonated during a discussion of rock and roll. When asked who is the greatest guitarist of all time, Bard responded with a broad list of candidates ranging from well-known rock artists such as Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin to jazz virtuosos like Django Reinhardt before making the case for Jimi Hendrix “as a strong contender for the title, his music continues to influence and inspire guitarists around the world.” Bard also seemed familiar with contemporary artists, such as Wet Leg, which recently won a Grammy award for best alternative music album. “I’ve been listening to their debut album a lot lately and I really enjoy it. I think they have a bright future ahead of them,” Bard said, and cited “Ur Mom” and “Chaise Longue” as its favorite songs by the group so far. Even with Bard’s occasional miscues, it seemed savvy enough to ask about its potential role in reaching the singularity, a term popularized by computer scientist and author Ray Kurzweil to describe a turning point in the future when computers will be smarter than humans. “Some people believe that I am a big step toward the singularity,” Bard said. “I believe that I am a valuable tool that can help people to learn and understand the world around them. However, I do not believe that I am the singularity, and I do not believe that I will ever be able to replace human intelligence.” This story was corrected to reflect that the technology that likened an AP reporter to Hitler was done by an AI-enhanced version of Microsoft’s Bing search engine. An earlier version said the comparison was made by the standalone ChatGPT service.

An AI chatbot is a computer program designed to simulate a conversation with a human. It uses natural language processing and artificial intelligence to understand user input and respond in a meaningful way. AI chatbots can be used for customer service, providing personalized recommendations, or other tasks. Recently an AI chatbot named ChatGPT has taken the world by storm. It is more than a usual chatbot with a huge collection of data and portrays it as a threat to Google. To fight this, Google has announced bringing out their own chatbot named Bard AI. Let's find out the details of Google's AI Chatbot Bard. What is AI Chatbot Bard? At present, there is limited information on Google's AI-powered tool, which can only be accessed by those selected as "trusted testers." However, following the company's demonstration of the product in Paris on February 8, we can now provide answers to some of the most frequent questions posed about Bard AI. A public launch of the tool is expected in the near future. Read More: ChatGPT by Open AI: All you need to know Google Bard is essentially a chatbot that functions using AI, similar to ChatGPT. To enable its conversations, Bard utilizes the Language Model for Dialogue Applications (LaMDA) model. Initially, a less complex version of this language model will be used during the test phase. Bard strives to bring together the depth of the world's knowledge with intelligence, creativity, and power using Google’s expansive language models. It utilizes data from the Internet to give up-to-date, top-notch results. Bard can be a catalyst for creativity and a platform for inquiry, assisting you in explaining fresh discoveries from NASA's James Webb Telescope to a nine-year-old, or discover more regarding the best strikers in soccer currently and afterward get drills to enhance your abilities. Read More: High Paid Jobs that Will Never be Replaced by AI

Google is girding for a battle of wits in the field of artificial intelligence with “Bard,” a conversational service apparently aimed at countering the popularity of the ChatGPT tool backed by Microsoft. Bard initially will be available exclusively to a group of “trusted testers” before being widely released later this year, according to a Monday blog post from Google CEO Sundar Pichai. Google’s chatbot is supposed to be able to explain complex subjects such as outer space discoveries in terms simple enough for a child to understand. It also claims the service will also perform other more mundane tasks, such as providing tips for planning a party, or lunch ideas based on what food is left in a refrigerator. Pichai didn’t say in his post whether Bard will be able to write prose in the vein of William Shakespeare, the playwright who apparently inspired the service’s name. Read More: Google's AI Chatbot Bard: All You Need to Know “Bard can be an outlet for creativity, and a launchpad for curiosity,” Pichai wrote Google announced Bard’s existence less than two weeks after Microsoft disclosed it’s pouring billions of dollars into OpenAI, the San Francisco-based maker of ChatGPT and other tools that can write readable text and generate new images. Microsoft’s decision to up the ante on a $1 billion investment that it previously made in OpenAI in 2019 intensified the pressure on Google to demonstrate that it will be able to keep pace in a field of technology that many analysts believe will be as transformational as personal computers, the internet and smartphones have been in various stages over the past 40 years. Read More: ChatGPT maker releases tool to help teachers detect if AI wrote homework In a report last week, CNBC said a team of Google engineers working on artificial intelligence technology “has been asked to prioritize working on a response to ChatGPT.” Bard had been a service being developed under a project called “Atlas,” as part of Google’s “code red” effort to counter the success of ChatGPT, which has attracted tens of millions of users since its general release late last year, while also raising concerns in schools about its ability to write entire essays for students. Pichai has been emphasizing the importance of artificial intelligence for the past six years, with one of the most visible byproducts materializing in 2021 as part of a system called “Language Model for Dialogue Applications,” or LaMDA, which will be used to power Bard. Google also plans to begin incorporating LaMDA and other artificial intelligence advancements into its dominant search engine to provide more helpful answers to the increasingly complicated questions being posed by its billion of users. Without providing a specific timeline, Pichai indicated the artificial intelligence tools will be deployed in Google’s search in the near future. Read More: ChatGPT by Open AI: All you need to know In another sign of Google’s deepening commitment to the field, Google announced last week that it is investing in and partnering with Anthropic, an AI startup led by some former leaders at OpenAI. Anthropic has also built its own AI chatbot named Claude and has a mission centered on AI safety.