Apple Introduces All New Security Measures to Protect User Data When a Phone is Stolen...

Apple has introduced a new safety feature in their latest iPhone software update to help protect your personal information if your iPhone is ever stolen. It's called Stolen Device Protection.

What it does:

If your iPhone is stolen, this feature makes it harder for someone else to access your private stuff on the phone, like your bank details, saved passwords, or Apple ID.

It works by requiring Face ID or Touch ID instead of just a passcode to take certain actions on the phone. For example, if your iPhone is in an unfamiliar location, the thief would need to use Face ID or Touch ID to make payments with your saved cards or log into your accounts. This helps ensure only you can access your private info, even if a thief knows your passcode.

It also makes you wait 1 hour before changing critical security settings like your Apple ID password if your phone is not in a familiar location. This gives you time to mark your device as lost and secure your account if it's stolen.

What it doesn't protect:

If a thief knows your passcode, they can still access your email and info in unprotected apps. Apple Pay will also still work with just the passcode.

How to turn it on:

First, update your iPhone to the latest software (iOS 17.3 or higher). Go to Settings > General > About to check your current iOS version.

Then go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode. You may need to enter your passcode. Look for "Stolen Device Protection" and turn on the switch so it turns green. This enables the feature.

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Author: Trevor Kingsley
Tech News CITY // New York Newsroom

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AI Companies Are Breaking Their Promises - Public Safety an "Afterthought" in Race To Build More Powerful AI Models...

A new report finds that big tech companies are falling short when it comes to keeping their promises around developing artificial intelligence (AI) responsibly. Researchers at Stanford University looked into how companies that have published ethics rules and hired experts are putting those principles into practice.

What they found is concerning. Even with all the talk of "AI ethics," many companies still prioritize performance and profits over safety and responsibility when building new AI products.

The Stanford Team Interviewed 25 People Working Inside the Current Top AI Companies...

These employees said they lack support and are isolated from other teams. Product managers often see them as hurting productivity or slowing down product releases. One person said "being very loud about putting more brakes on [AI development] was a risky thing to do."

Governments, academics and the public have raised worries about issues like privacy, bias, and AI's impacts on jobs and society. Tools like chatbots are advancing very quickly, with new releases from companies like Google and OpenAI.

Promises to Develop AI Responsibly Seems to Have Been Empty Words, Meant To Calm Public Concern...

Employees within the AI companies say ethical considerations are an afterthought, happening "too late, if at all" - instead, they're told to focus on the numbers, such as user engagement and AI performance. These are the metrics that dominate decision-making, rather than equally important measures around fairness or social good.

In short, despite public commitments to ethics, tech companies are deprioritizing real accountability as they race to build the latest, most advanced artificial intelligence.

Companies Focus on Winning the Race to Release the 'Most Powerful AI' of the Moment, then Learn What it Is Capable Of...

Instead, AI development should be guided by a clear understanding of what the AI their building can and should be able to do, rather than focusing solely on maximizing profits or building the most powerful version. 

There's no downplaying the massive challenge for-profit AI companies face as they need to consider innovation, profitability, and ethics - falling short in any of these categories greatly increases the odds that a company will not survive.

It is vital that the AI industry understands it must function differently than any other segment of the tech industry, with investor satisfaction no longer the top priority. This may actually be a fairly simple change to implement, they just need to educate their investors.  Informed investors will actually demand that public safety come first, as all would regret funding a company that, for example, triggered a global forced internet shut-down because that was the only way to stop their creation from self-replicating and spreading, or worse.

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Author: Trevor Kingsley
Tech News CITY // New York Newsroom

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The DARK SIDE Of Quantum Computing...

A mini-documentary covering the 'dark side' of quantum computing, "Things the tech industry and scientists developing quantum computers won't speak about publicly".

Video via Podlink International.

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AI Continues To Advance At Rapid Pace - The Top Stories from the World of AI...

The world of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is ever-evolving, and this week has been particularly groundbreaking, especially in the realm of AI art. From new features in image generation platforms to legal battles over AI-generated art, there's a lot to unpack. Here's a comprehensive update on what you need to know.

Mid-Journey's In-Painting Feature

Mid-Journey, a prominent player in the AI art space, recently rolled out its in-painting feature. This feature allows users to selectively modify specific regions of an image. For instance, you can change a character's hairstyle or clothing by simply selecting the area and inputting a prompt. The feature has been praised for its ability to produce higher quality and more detailed images when the entire image is selected with the same prompt.

What's Coming Next? According to David, the founder of Mid-Journey, the company is focusing on enhancing the in-painting features and is also prioritizing the development of version 6. This new version aims to offer more control, better text understanding, and improved resolution. However, there's no estimated release date yet.

Ideogram AI: Text to Image Revolution

Ideogram AI, developed by a team from Google Brain, UC Berkeley, CMU, and the University of Toronto, has introduced a standout feature: adding text to AI-generated images. The platform allows users to generate images based on text prompts, offering a level of quality and detail that surpasses other platforms.

Actually, we used it for this article's header image!

Leonardo AI's Anime Pastel Dream

Leonardo AI has added a new model called Anime Pastel Dream, which allows users to generate anime-style images. The model is accessible through the Leonardo app and has been praised for the quality of images it produces.

Legal Challenges in AI Art

A U.S. federal judge recently ruled that AI-generated art cannot be copyrighted if it is produced without human intervention. This decision has sparked debates and discussions about the nuances of copyright laws concerning AI-generated art.

AI in Marketing: A Partnership with HubSpot

In collaboration with HubSpot, we're offering a free report on how AI is revolutionizing marketing. The report, "AI Trends for Marketers in 2023," provides insights into how AI tools are being used to create content faster, analyze data instantly, and increase ROI.

YouTube and AI in Music

YouTube has announced a partnership with Universal Music Group to explore the ethical and responsible use of AI in the music industry. They aim to ensure fair compensation for artists and record labels.

YouTube is also testing a new feature that allows users to hum a song to search for it. Built on a machine-learning model, this feature can identify a song based on its "fingerprint" or signature melody.

Advances in Healthcare

Microsoft and Epic are collaborating to use generative AI in healthcare. They aim to improve clinician productivity, reduce manual labor-intensive processes, and advance medicine for better patient outcomes. AI is also helping paralyzed individuals communicate through brain implants, marking a significant advancement in healthcare technology.

Conclusion

AI is not just a technological marvel; it's a tool that's shaping various industries, from art and marketing to healthcare. Despite some legal and ethical challenges, the future of AI looks promising. Companies are investing heavily in AI, and it's clear that we're just scratching the surface of its potential.


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Author: Trevor Kingsley
Tech News CITY // New York Newsroom

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Canada PM Justin Trudeau's DELUSIONAL Internet Power-Grab: Wants NON-CANADIAN Sites to PAY to LINK To Canadian Sites...

Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau's government has begun to push two bills intended to regulate tech from around the world. These laws could potentially shake the very core of our democracy and the freedom of the internet, and cause countless Canadian online businesses to fail.

First up:

Bill C-18, or the 'Online News Act', requires the tech giants to cough up cash to show links to Canadian news. Google argues that it’s not fair to risk “uncapped financial liability” just for giving Canadians access to news from local publishers.

Google’s solution? Once Bill C-18 kicks in, it'll remove all Canadian links from its Search, News, and Discover services. And Meta (the artist formerly known as Facebook) will follow suit, killing off news content on Facebook and Instagram for users in Canada. Looks like Trudeau's government might've shot itself in the foot with this one.

Canadian Heritage Minister Pablo Rodriguez says that tech giants need to pay their “fair share” for news.

Seems like they’re missing the point. The digital ecosystem is a complex beast, and platforms like Google and Meta often drive huge traffic (and therefore ad revenue) to these news sites. It feels like the administration has it all wrong – instead of helping, they're hurting the very people they’re trying to protect.

The next bill:

Bill C-11, the 'Online Streaming Act', shows yet another clumsy attempt by Trudeau's government to control digital content. It demands that streaming services like Disney+, Netflix, and Spotify must “prominently promote and recommend Canadian programming,” in all official and Indigenous languages.

This puts American companies in a spot, forcing them to pick up the slack for Canadian media's unpopularity, while also having to meet diversity, equity, and inclusion targets that even the Trudeau government isn't hitting. It's a little unsettling that the government seems to think that merely talking about virtues equates to having them.

But these laws aren't about saving Canadian news, they're about controlling it. Bill C-11 lets the government regulate content across the board - TV, radio, websites, and streaming platforms. And just look at the numbers: between 2020 and 2023, federal staff requested content removal over 200 times. If that doesn't scream 'control', I don't know what does.

Most people don't head straight to news websites. They click links shared by friends, find stories through Google searches, or stumble across catchy headlines on Instagram or Facebook. These platforms direct users to lesser-known local news outlets, providing priceless visibility.

Between 2021 and 2022, Facebook reportedly drove more than 1.9 billion clicks to Canadian publishers – that's about $230M worth of free marketing. Sure, Facebook profits from this setup, but that doesn’t mean it should be targeted for extra payouts.

Trudeau and his team often complain about the loss of “independent, nonpartisan newsrooms,” blaming big tech for it. Yet, these same politicians are very active on social media, and if nonpartisan news publishes fair criticism of Trudeau, he'll label is biased with disputing any of the claims made.

Has the response caused Trudeau to rethink his strategy?

Surprisingly, not at all. His government remains stubborn, even stopping ads on Facebook rather than seeking a compromise. Trudeau needs to reevaluate his game plan. Rather than shunning big tech, he should be working towards a balanced regulatory framework that protects the internet's freedom while encouraging economic growth and innovation.

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Author: Alex Benningram
Tech News CITY // New York Newsroom

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Google Goes All-In On AI - Watch a 10 Minute Summary of the Google IO Event...

Google debuts multiple new AI products at this year's Google IO event - here's the important parts of the 2 hour event, cut down to 10 minutes.

Video courtesy of Google

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'Godfather of AI' on AI's Potential Risk To Society...

Geoffrey Hinton is one of the leading voices in the field of AI,  he quit his job at Google over concerns about what AI could eventually lead to if unchecked.

Video courtesy of PBS Newshour

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Apple Will Soon Halt Support for Older iPad Models...

According to recent reports, Apple has decided to discontinue technical support for the first and fifth generation iPads. This means that owners of these iPad models will no longer be able to receive assistance from Apple's technical support team, either over the phone or at an Apple Store.

This move is not uncommon for Apple, as they often phase out support for older devices in order to focus on their newer products. This decision may come as a disappointment to some iPad owners, but it is important to note that Apple will still continue to provide support for newer iPad models.

Video courtesy of ABC News

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19 of The World's Largest Tech Companies ORDERED to REVEAL Algorithms Behind Their Latest AI Developments....

The European Commission is making 19 tech giants, including Amazon, Google, TikTok, and YouTube, reveal their AI algorithms under the Digital Services Act. This is a significant step towards making AI more transparent and accountable, and ultimately, improving our lives.

As we know, AI is expected to impact every aspect of our lives, from healthcare to education, to even how well we write. However, it also generates fear, such as concerns about machines becoming smarter than us or causing harm inadvertently. To avoid these risks, transparency and accountability will be crucial for AI to benefit us positively.

The EU Artificial Intelligence Act aims to achieve this goal. By sharing commercial information with regulators before using AI for sensitive practices such as hiring, companies can be held accountable for the outcomes of their algorithms. EU rules could quickly become the global standard, making this a significant development in AI regulation.

However, there's always a balance to strike when it comes to regulation. The major tech companies view AI as the next big thing, and innovation in this field is now a geopolitical race. Too much regulation could stifle progress, but at the same time, we need to make sure that companies are accountable for their algorithms' outcomes.

Companies will also need to answer any questions the commission members have about their AI projects.

\This is a significant development for AI regulation that will benefit everyone. By making AI more transparent and accountable, we can ensure that it improves our lives and avoids the potential risks.

Will They Even Have The Answers?

Interestingly, AI researchers are increasingly devoting time to understanding what AI is doing. Sometimes they can dig into the data and identify particular parameters on which the AI relies heavily. However, explaining why AI did or said something can be like explaining a magic trick without knowing the secret. 

This may be the most alarming revelation from these hearings – the creators don't always understand their creations.

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Author: Trevor Kingsley
Tech News CITY // New York Newsroom

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Banking App PAYS YOU To Try It Out - Stars Leonardo DeCaprio and Robert Downey Jr Fund New 'Green' Banking Startup...

From Hollywood to finance? This banking app is backed by stars Leonardo DeCaprio and Robert Downey Jr - they're entering the financial sector, and keeping their involvement 'behind the scenes' for this one.  

With DiCaprio's Investment This "Environmentally Cconscious" Banking App is PAYING People to Try It...

Yes, the rumors are confirmed that a "green digital banking" solution that just launched is backed by the funds of DiCaprio himself.

With these funds they can afford the expensive but effective marketing strategy of  paying people to try it out - you can claim $50 once you setup the app and your first transaction.

DiCaprio is going all in on his 'stop global warming' campaign, so this is part of multiple earth-friendly investments, others include the climate technology fund with Princeville Capital, and new adviser role with green start-up Bluon Energy. 

The app is called Aspiration, which NerdWallet described as "the only socially conscious bank on their list" caught his eye. Now it's caught ours, so lets get right in to this Aspiration Review!

"Each year, $100 billion worth of pipelines, drilling and other fossil fuel-extraction projects are funded with money deposited at traditional banks. To bring about long-term solutions for our planet, we need alternatives that empower everyday consumers to take action against climate change…" is how DiCaprio decided to invest in the new app, he tells us.

With this, the Aspiration Banking App has $100 Million in venture capital to play with, and they're spending it.

This graphic shows some of the new things they're bringing to banking....:

A look at some features.

Get Your Piece of the $100 Million Pie…

Now you can get those good feelings Leo got, by getting the app, getting a $50 'welcome' deposit from then, and then choosing a charity you'd like them to donate another $25 to.

At a price tag of $75 spent on every new user it's the biggest mobile banking app bonus we've seen so far.

…and that's not even everything, lastly, being a user comes with cell phone insurance up to $600 included for free!

I have to admit, it feels good getting some perks from a bank, that's something I only heard of as a 'back in my day' story from parents and grandparents.

Is It Actually Worth Using?

It actually is! They refund your ATM charges (not just the ones your bank charges, they literally pay you $3 if an ATM charged you $3!)

The app is free, with the option to donate if you like it, or not.

They pay you interest on the funds you save with them, and those profits won't be made by investing in companies that pollute.

So do some good for the world, and claim your $50 by joining the free app now.

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Author: Don Kennedy
Austin Newsdesk | Aspiration Review

Like Free Money? You like this app too: Cash Back on Gas!

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After Exclusively Targeting PCs For YEARS, RANSOMWARE Targeting MAC Users Being Developed By Known Cyber-Criminal Group...

Mac users - you're no longer immune. After years with of dozens of versions plaguing the PC world, Mac may soon join them as targets of Ransomware attacks.

In short, Ransomware renders a computer unusable, and all its data inaccessible, until a 'ransom' is paid to the criminals who created it.

Behind it is the group behind the infamous LockBit ransomware, setting their sights on macOS for the first time with the goal of becoming the first major ransomware operation to target the platform...

According to cybersecurity researcher MalwareHunterTeam, the LockBit gang has developed new ransomware encryptors for macOS, ARM, FreeBSD, MIPS, and SPARC CPUs, all of which were discovered in a ZIP archive on VirusTotal.

Among the encryptors found in the archive is the 'locker_Apple_M1_64', which is designed to target newer Macs running on Apple Silicon, as well as PowerPC CPUs, which older Macs use. The archive was also found to contain previously unknown encryptors for ARM, FreeBSD, MIPS, and SPARC CPUs.

While these encryptors are still in development, cybersecurity experts warn that they could pose a significant threat to consumers and small businesses, especially those targeted by LockBit affiliates. However, according to Cisco Talos researcher Azim Khodjibaev, the encryptors were meant as a test and were never intended for deployment in live cyberattacks.

MacOS cybersecurity expert Patrick Wardle also confirmed that the encryptor is far from complete and missing the required functionality to encrypt Macs properly. In fact, the LockBit developer must first figure out how to bypass TCC and get notarized before becoming a functional encryptor.

But the fact a group has decided to focus on the previously-safe Mac shouldn't be downplayed - there's a good chance they'll figure it out. 

Now Experts are Wondering: Are Mac Users Prime Targets Specifically Because They're *NOT* Expecting It?

Because they haven't been targeted before, Mac users may have their guard down.

Mac users need to begin doing the things PC users had to be vigilante about for years. Keep your operating system updated, avoid opening unknown attachments and executables, generate offline backups, and use strong and unique passwords at every site you visit. Stay safe out there, folks!

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Author: Trevor Kingsley
Tech News CITY // New York Newsroom

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Popular Misconceptions about ChatGPT, and the Truth About Them...

As ChatGPT gains popularity, misconceptions about this AI-powered conversational agent abound. As a reporter, it's important to set the record straight on some of the most common misunderstandings surrounding this tool. Let's take a closer look at three of them.

-  Firstly, many people assume that ChatGPT is a human-like chatbot. While it's true that ChatGPT simulates human-like conversation, it's important to clarify that this is an artificial intelligence system, not a real person. Its responses are based on patterns learned from vast amounts of text data, and it doesn't possess emotions or consciousness like a human would.

-  Secondly, there's a belief that ChatGPT always provides accurate and reliable responses. However, this couldn't be further from the truth. Although ChatGPT is impressive at generating responses, it's a machine learning model, meaning its responses can be influenced by the quality and bias of the data it was trained on. Additionally, there may be cases where it generates inappropriate or offensive responses.

-  Lastly, some people think that ChatGPT is a problem-solving superhero, capable of solving any issue thrown its way. While ChatGPT is an incredibly useful tool, it's not a replacement for human expertise, creativity, and intuition. There are certain types of problems that require human intelligence to solve, and ChatGPT may not be able to provide meaningful solutions in these cases.

In conclusion, ChatGPT is a powerful tool for generating responses and providing insights. However, it's essential to understand its limitations. By having a realistic understanding of ChatGPT's capabilities, users can take full advantage of its strengths while avoiding potential pitfalls. As a reporter, it's crucial to separate fact from fiction and ensure that readers have the most accurate information available.

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Author: Trevor Kingsley
Tech News CITY // New York Newsroom

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