Here is the top trending news from the world of technology. News that I feel every tech enthusiast should keep a tab on.
1)
Google accused of stealing data for training AI tools
Google has been hit with multiple lawsuits in a federal court in California, accusing the search giant of scrapping data from millions of users in order to train and develop artificial intelligence models. The lawsuits specially claimed that Google scrapped the data without seeking proper consent from it users, amounting to copyright violation. The lawsuits also point out to recent update in Google’s privacy policy that explicitly states that it may use publicly accessible information to train its chatbot Bard. The issue of data scrapping for training AI models has become a sensitive issue with the rise of ChatGPT and the subsequent launch of Bard,
2)
Microsoft deal to buy Activision gets a nod from US Court
In what could be termed as a major victory for Microsoft, the US District Court in Colombia on Tuesday gave a green signal to Microsoft’s $69 billion deal to buy Activision Blizzard. The court ruled that the deal is unlikely to harm the competition in the video gaming industry. Although FTC can still file a petition against the court’s ruling, this will come as a major boost for Microsoft. The court’s positive ruling might also help Microsoft in getting approval from U.K’s anti-trust body that has temporarily blocked the Microsoft-Activision deal. If this $69 Bn deal eventually goes through then it will make Microsoft the third-largest gaming company in the world, behind Tencent and Sony.
3)
Apple launches Online Store in China’s WeChat app
Aiming to cash on WeChat’s 1.2 Bn active users, Apple on Tuesday announced that it is launching an online store on China’s messaging giant. Apple will be selling all its flagship products including iPhones, iPads, Apple Watches and Macs in this store. WeChat is China’s biggest messaging platform but is also referred as ‘super app’ as it offers many other features including online shopping feature. The move reflects Apples’ latest effort to tap into lucrative Chinese market. However, this is not the first time that the iPhone maker has opened an online store on a Chinese platform. It already has a store on Tencent-rival Alibaba’s Tmall e-commerce platform.
4)
Now you can use Meta avatar to make a video call on Instagram & Messenger
Meta on Tuesday announced that its users can make video calls using a cartoon avatar on Messenger and Instagram. This feature is now available in selected countries including US, Canada, Mexico, the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain and Australia. If you still don’t have an avatar then you will have to create ons by going into your profile on Messenger or Instagram and tapping on the “Avatars” button. Although this is a fancy feature and doesn’t add much value, it could be novel way of adding dash of fun and unique personality to your video calls.
5)
OECD claims 27% of jobs at high-risk due to artificial intelligence
The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development or OECD has claimed that nearly 27% of jobs in OECD countries are at high-risk due to automation process that is likely to be kick-started by the AI revolution in near future. The organization claimed that the jobs that are most at risk are those that are routine, repetitive, and require low levels of cognitive skills. The report further claimed that jobs located in Eastern-Europe are most likely to be impacted by the AI revolution. To minimize the adverse impact of AI, many governments are trying to make transition to AI as smooth as possible. However, experts claim that despite these efforts AI will invariably take up large chunk of human jobs.