Here are the top trending news from the world of technology and AI during last 24 hours.
1)
X is experimenting with the free version of its AI chatbot Grok
In a exciting news, it is been reported that X is testing a free version of its AI chatbot Grok, which currently is available only to X’s premium subscribers. The free version is being tested among limited users residing in New Zealand while there is every indication that this free trail could be expanded to other countries. To qualify for this test, users need to have an X account that is at least 7 days old and should be linked to your phone number. The free version obviously comes with many limitations including 10 queries per two hours for the Grok 2 model and 20 queries per two hours for Grok 2 Mini model. Despite these limitations, it will access real-time data from X and its image generation will be powered by FLUX.1 model.
2)
Signal launches new features to compete with Zoom and Google Meet
WhatsApp rival Signal has launched slew of new features that will give it a unique position, competing directly with popular video conferencing platforms like Zoom and Google Meet. The most important one amongst the new features is the expansion of ‘group video calls,’ increasing the video call participants from 5 to 40 people. This would allow for large virtual meetings, similar to the meetings conducted on Zoom and Google Meet. Additionally, WhatsApp will now allow users to create unique usernames and offer desktop calling support. Talking particularly about the benefit of ‘unique usernames’ is that it allow users to communicate without disclosing their phone numbers.
3)
Chinese Tech giant Baidu likely to unveil its first ever smart glasses 
According to media reports, Baidu is set to unveil its AI-powered smart glasses on November 12, 2024, during the Baidu World Conference in Shanghai. This new product aims to compete directly with Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses, which have been among the few successful AI-driven hardware offerings in the market. The glasses will feature a built-in AI assistant powered by Baidu’s Ernie model, allowing users to interact through voice commands for tasks like web searches, navigation, and capturing media. It will also be integrated with Baidu’s existing services, including Baidu Maps and its online encyclopedia, Baike. The Chinese tech giant is reportedly planning to keep the price of its smart glasses lower than Meta Ray Ban’s $299 price tag.
4)
Amazon’s Employee Data has been hacked but sensitive information not compromised
Amazon has confirmed a data breach involving employee information, which was leaked on a hacking forum. The breach, attributed to a security incident at a third-party vendor, reportedly exposed over 2.8 million lines of employee data. This data includes names, work email addresses, desk phone numbers, and building locations, but does not contain sensitive information such as Social Security numbers or financial details. The data was allegedly obtained during the MOVEit data theft attacks that occurred in May 2023, which affected numerous organizations globally. Amazon has blamed the third party vendor that manages its employees’ contact information for data breach.
