OpenPipe has successfully applied Reinforcement Learning with Human Feedback (RLHF) to analyze Hacker News (HN) posts. The model used a reward signal to predict the success of HN stories, achieving an impressive 3/10 score. By analyzing the results, OpenPipe found that service complaints and indie app-related content were reliable indicators of front-page success. Additionally, the model identified "diamonds in the rough" stories that deserved more discussion but didn't receive upvotes.
Apple Watch owners can now turn their device into a powerful writing tool thanks to iOS 18. The new feature, Voice Memos, allows users to record audio and have it automatically transcribed, making it easier to capture ideas on-the-go. According to David Gewirtz, author of the article, using this feature has greatly improved his productivity and workflow. With Voice Memos, users can dictate notes and then easily cut and paste them into their writing tools.
Apple Intelligence is expanding its global reach, with a rollout in the European Union (EU) planned for April 2025. This news comes after Apple initially cited EU tech rules as a reason for not offering the service in the region. The company has confirmed that Apple Intelligence will be available on iPhone and iPad devices in the EU, with local language support. Users can expect to see features such as Writing Tools, Genmoji, a redesigned Siri, ChatGPT integration, and more.
Source: https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/28/apple-intelligence-is-coming-to-the-eu-in-april-2025/
Apple's latest AI feature, Apple Intelligence, has been met with mixed reviews. While it promises to help users manage distractions and find important information, many are finding the features underwhelming. The debut includes tools like AI-generated summaries for emails and notifications, as well as an AI-powered eraser in Photos. However, critics argue that these features don't live up to their potential, and that Apple is still playing catch-up with competitors like Google and Samsung.
Source: https://www.theverge.com/2024/10/28/24279804/apple-intelligence-ios-18-1-siri-ai
The future of AI music is rapidly evolving, with creatives and musicians adapting to new tools and technologies. In recent months, thousands of artists have signed a letter opposing AI training as an "unjust threat" to their livelihoods. Meanwhile, others like King Willonius (aka Hatcher) are embracing AI-assisted tracks, citing improvements in audio fidelity and controllability. As AI music continues to gain popularity, it's essential for creatives to balance human input with machine-generated output to produce innovative and engaging content.
Source: https://www.wired.com/story/bbl-drizzy-foretold-the-future-of-ai-music/
When choosing between Google Chromecast and Roku, it's essential to consider your streaming needs. Both platforms offer unique features and integrations that cater to different users. For Android users, Google Chromecast and the Google TV Streamer are natural choices due to their seamless integration with native apps like Google Photos and Google services. On the other hand, Roku offers a wider range of channels and apps, making it an excellent option for cord-cutters who want access to free content.
Google's focus on app experiences and updates gives users a better YouTube integration and access to Google Photos albums directly on their TV. In contrast, Roku prioritizes ease of use with its straightforward interface and integrated search for free content. The platform also offers several tiers of products, from affordable streaming sticks to flagship tabletop devices, providing more options for budget-conscious shoppers.
Ultimately, the choice between Google Chromecast and Roku depends on your specific needs and preferences. Consider your current ecosystem, desired features, and budget before making a decision.
Medium, a popular online publishing platform, is grappling with the issue of AI-generated content. According to Medium's definition, AI-written content is defined as writing where the majority of the content has been created by an AI-writing program with little or no edits, improvements, fact-checking, or changes. The platform does not have specific tools to detect and remove AI-generated content. Some writers and editors praise Medium's approach, claiming that it helps highlight human-created work, while others lament the presence of AI-generated writing on the platform.
Source: https://www.wired.com/story/ai-generated-medium-posts-content-moderation/
The Evolution of Payphones: From Obsolescence to Scams
In the 1990s and early 2000s, payphones became increasingly obsolete due to the rise in cellphone ownership. This led many established telecommunications companies to drop their payphone services. However, some companies adapted to this shift by buying out operators who wanted out of the business. Pantheon Holdings, for instance, built "internet kiosks" that allowed customers to check their email and make phone calls for a fee. Despite being real physical locations, these kiosks were often presented as a lucrative investment opportunity, leading to fraudulent schemes.
Source: https://computer.rip/2024-10-26-buy-payphones-and-retire.html
Apple has released iOS 18.1 with Apple Intelligence, a new feature that enhances app functionality. To download the update, iPhone users can go to Settings > General > Software Update and follow the prompts to complete the installation. The update is available for compatible iPhones running iOS 16.5 or later, including the iPhone 16 lineup and the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Apple Intelligence features include writing tools, advanced Siri features, a Clean Up tool, enhanced search options in Photos app, and notification summaries.
Looking for a reliable VPN service for your Windows PC? ZDNET's experts have got you covered. After testing and reviewing various options, they've identified the top VPNs for Windows, considering factors such as support, speed, and security. NordVPN stands out as the best overall option, offering great speeds and stability alongside an extensive server network. If speed is your priority, ExpressVPN is a solid choice, while Surfshark provides an affordable option with decent speeds. Proton VPN offers a security-first approach with its open-source solution, and IPVanish allows unlimited connections.
Source: https://www.zdnet.com/article/best-vpn-for-windows-pc/
Learn how to print from Linux using only the command line! With a few simple commands, you can easily print files without needing a GUI desktop. This feature is built into most Linux distributions and requires only a connected and configured printer.
Source: https://www.zdnet.com/article/how-to-print-from-linux-using-only-the-command-line/
Google expands AI Overviews in Search to over 100 countries, making it a more global feature. The update includes support for six new languages and is expected to reach over 1 billion users per month. Since its initial launch, the company has been refining the feature to provide more accurate information.
Source: https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/28/google-expands-ai-overviews-in-search-to-more-than-100-countries/
Philadelphia's District Attorney, Larry Krasner, has filed a lawsuit against Elon Musk and his political action committee, America PAC, over their $1 million daily award offered to registered voters. The suit argues that the arrangement is deceptive and violates Pennsylvania state laws governing lotteries. Critics claim that multiple winners have ties to Trump rallies in Pennsylvania, raising concerns about the integrity of the process.
Source: https://www.theverge.com/2024/10/28/24281752/elon-musk-pennsylvania-election-2024-lottery-lawsuit
Scott Fitzgerald's unfinished novel, The Last Tycoon, is finally being published. Written in the 1940s, the novel is a departure from his iconic work Gatsby, with a more subdued tone and focus on the personal growth of its characters. Critics are intrigued by the glimpse into Fitzgerald's later writing style and the exploration of themes such as midlife reflection and the search for identity.
Source: https://www.city-journal.org/article/scott-fitzgeralds-last-act
Microsoft has announced a deal for its Project Pro and Visio Pro software licenses, with prices starting at $18. The offer is available through Stack Social, an authorized Microsoft partner. The deals include lifetime access to the software, allowing users to optimize their project management and diagramming needs.
Google has launched a competition to find creative use cases for its Gemini 1.5 AI model, which features an expanded context window. The competition, hosted by Kaggle, challenges participants to demonstrate how to process inputs with more than 100,000 tokens using the Gemini-1.5-Pro, -Flash, or -Flash-8B API. The top four submissions will receive $25,000 each. To participate, individuals must create a public Kaggle Notebook and YouTube video summarizing their project.
Source: https://www.zdnet.com/article/you-could-win-25000-for-pushing-googles-gemini-1-5-to-its-limit/
Apple's latest update brings a smarter Siri experience with Apple Intelligence. The new features allow for more natural language understanding, typing capabilities, and integration with OpenAI's ChatGPT. Siri can now also understand follow-up questions without requiring context repetition.
Stacklok Donates Minder Supply Chain Security Project to OpenSSF, Enhancing Open-Source Security Capabilities.
A recent study by researchers from Cambridge University and the Chinese Academy of Sciences warns that the rapid growth of generative AI could lead to a massive increase in electronic waste (e-waste) by 2030. The study projects that the industry could discard e-waste equivalent to over 10 billion iPhones per year, highlighting the need for circular economy solutions.
Apple has finally updated its Magic Mouse, Keyboard, and Trackpad with USB-C ports. This change comes after EU regulations mandated a switch from Lightning connectors. The new accessories retain the same prices as their Lightning predecessors, starting at $99 for the Magic Mouse. The devices will be available in black, white, and color-matched options, with the latter shipping with the new iMac.
Source: https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/28/apples-magic-mouse-keyboard-and-trackpad-finally-get-usb-c/