Here is the top trending news from the world of technology. News that we feel every tech enthusiast should keep a tab on.
1)
Microsoft launches Maia 100 – its first AI Cloud Chip
At its Ignite 2023 event, Microsoft unveiled its first custom-designed AI chip, the Maia 100. The Maia 100 has been specially designed for handling AI workloads such as natural language processing and machine learning. This The chip is based on a 5-nanometer process and has 105 billion transistors, making it one of the largest chips in its class. It will be made available to Microsoft Azure cloud customers from early next year. Separately, Microsoft also announced a new cloud-computing processor, the Azure Cobalt and a new software that lets clients design their own AI assistants. Both these products will also be made available to Azure customers from early next year.
2)
Bing Chat will be now called ‘CoPilot’
Microsoft has rebranded Bing Chat to Copilot as it tries hard to compete with other chatbots including ChatGPT and Google’s Bard. The new name Copilot is more consistent with Microsoft’s other AI products, such as GitHub Copilot, and position its chatbot as a more comprehensive AI companion for users. However, some rumours claimed that the name ‘Bing Chat’ wasn’t really helping Bing search engine in increasing its market share and hence Microsoft opted for rebranding. But the software giant has refuted these rumours. Apart from name change, the Copilot chatbot will now be available in more languages and come with new features such as the ability to generate different creative text formats of text content, like poems, code, scripts, musical pieces.
3)
Google’s all new Titan Security key now Supports Passkeys
Google has released a new version of its Titan Security Keys that allow users to store passkeys. The new Titan Security Keys come in two form factors: USB-A/NFC and USB-C/NFC. They can be used to store up to 250 passkeys, which is enough for most users. The keys also support FIDO2 specifications for password-free sign-ins, so you can use them to sign in to websites and apps without having to enter a password. To use a Titan Security Key to store passkeys, users will need to create a passkey in their web browser and then register it with the key. Once they have registered a passkey with the key, they will be able to use it to sign in to websites and apps without having to enter a password.
4)
Google Bard is now available for Teens
From November 15th, Google is making its chatbot Bard available to all teen population across almost all countries. However, Google has put in place several safety features to ensure that Bard is appropriate for teens. For instance, Bard will come with content filters to prevent unsafe content, such as illegal or age-gated substances, from appearing in responses to teens. It will also offer double-check response feature that helps evaluate whether there’s content across the web to substantiate Bard’s response. Separately, Bard will focus on providing educational and informative content that is relevant to teens’ interests. Teenagers can use Bard to get help with homework and school projects.
5)
SpaceX is all set for Starship’s second test flight
SpaceX is preparing for Starship’s second test flight, which is scheduled for November 17, 2023. Based on the learning from its first flight test that took place in April, Space X has made several changes to Starship. For instance, it will come with a new hot staging ring will allow the Starship to separate from the Super Heavy booster that will allow to reduce the amount of stress on the Starship during separation. It will also come with an ‘Improved engine cooling’ and ‘new heat shield,’ which will prevent Starship engine from overheating during ascent. Additionally, a new launchpad will provide a more stable platform for the launch. SpaceX is confident that the changes they have made will make the second test flight a success.