Fortnite maker Epic Games wins case against Google Play Store

The ruling on anti-competitive practices deals a blow to a key part of Google’s technology empire.

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Fortnite maker Epic Games wins its antitrust fight against Google

On Monday, a jury sided with Epic Games over Google in an antitrust case that could reshape how app marketplaces like Google Play are allowed to operate. The unanimous verdict wraps up a three-year-long legal battle between the companies. Epic, creator of the popular online multiplayer game Fortnite, first filed its lawsuit against Google in […]
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Google’s App Store Ruled an Illegal Monopoly, as a Jury Sides With Epic Games

A jury in San Francisco unanimously found that Google stifled competition for its app store. A judge will now decide on what fixes to require at the company, but appeals could delay the impact of the case for years.

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Terran Orbital CEO tells staff it is not looking for a buyer

Terran Orbital CEO Marc Bell told employees Monday the company is not looking for a buyer in an effort to quash a report that it was seeking bids by the end of the month, according to sources who spoke to TechCrunch. Bell’s comments came during an all-hands meeting with staff, following a Wall Street Journal article […]
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NetMind power platform launches for community input

Enthusiasts of machine learning (ML) can celebrate as the highly anticipated NetMind Power platform has been launched for community input. The NetMind development crew looks forward to receiving valuable insights from ML researchers, engineers, and the NetMind community for their pioneering decentralized AI model training platform. This revolutionary platform aims to create a more inclusive and collaborative environment, enabling individuals and organizations to collectively contribute to the advancement of artificial intelligence. The NetMind Power platform will foster rapid innovation and development by pooling resources, knowledge, and expertise, paving the way towards cutting-edge AI solutions in various sectors.
The pre-release of NetMind Power offers a hands-on experience for those involved in AI and technology. The goal is to obtain crucial feedback for the platform’s continuous improvement and growth. NetMind Power presents ML developers with an affordable, highly scalable, and easily accessible network of GPUs for training and inferring their models, revolutionizing the AI sector. The network allows ML developers to focus on perfecting their models without being limited by computational resources. By lowering the barriers to entry and providing cost-effective solutions, NetMind Power aims to democratize artificial intelligence, opening doors for numerous innovations in the field to emerge.
User feedback and platform improvements
The NetMind group is focused on gathering user opinions on the platform’s features, which will help them understand its strong points and any areas needing improvement. User feedback will be thoroughly analyzed, and feasible suggestions will be integrated into the ongoing development of the product.
To participate, users can:
1. Register on the platform if you haven’t already
2. Complete profile by providing essential details, such as name, contact information, and interests.
3. Browse the available events or activities to find options best suited to their preferences and schedule.
4. Provide detailed and thoughtful comments on the NetMind Power feedback page that contribute to the platform’s ongoing improvement.
5. Promote the platform on social media and encourage connections to show support.
6. Engage with connections by responding to comments and sharing relevant content.
This pre-release offers an excellent opportunity for AI aficionados to delve into NetMind’s cutting-edge AI model training approach. It also provides the NetMind team a chance to collect valuable user perspectives. Users can contribute to refining and enhancing the platform’s capabilities by engaging with the pre-release.
Featured Image Credit: Markus Winkler; Pexels
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Nvidia emerges as leading investor in AI companies

Nvidia has emerged as a leading investor in artificial intelligence (AI) companies following a series of financial injections to assist start-up firms.

As reported by the Financial Times, the world-renowned chipmaker revealed that it had backed “more than two dozen” companies over the last 12 months as it seeks to consolidate its position as a market leader in AI processors.
The California-based superpower is estimated to have been involved in six times as many deals compared to last year, with a variation of partners from innovative new start-up projects in healthcare and energy to headline AI operations.
It represents a deliberate, bold investment strategy from Nvidia as it outpaced Silicon Valley venture capitalists such as Andreessen Horowitz and Sequoia, according to Dealroom.
Win-win investment strategy
Mohamed Siddeek, Head of NVentures (Nvidia’s bespoke venture entity) spoke to FT on the robust confidence that underpins their recent investment activity.
“Broadly, for Nvidia, the number one criteria [for investments) is relevancy.”
“Companies that use our technology, who depend on our technology, who build their businesses on our technology, I can’t think of a situation where we’ve invested in a company that did not use Nvidia products.”
Nvidia’s overall portfolio now includes Inflection AI and Cohere, said to be two of the biggest competitors to OpenAI, creator of ChatGPT.

Nvidia has a vested interest in these companies, given that they are existing customers. It is a win-win situation as long as they continue to grow and evolve.
Another of its investments was in Mistral, a Paris-based AI start-up that received a €2 billion valuation earlier this month. Hugging Face and CoreWeave are two others, all of them users of Nvidia’s GPU chips or its software.
On remarks that the funding recipients are also receiving favorable conditions, Siddeek responded, “We don’t help anybody jump the queue.”
He refuted that any conditions were set on using Nvidia products as part of any investment but added that “we try to be as investee-friendly as possible.”
Nvidia’s H100 GPU chip is said to have established itself as one of the most sought-after products in Silicon Valley in recent times, enhancing its allure within the AI industry.
Image credit, Pixabay, pexels.com
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Google Messages is reminiscent of Apple’s iMessage

What are the new features in Google’s Messages? The latest update, the default messaging app on Android phones, is a significant deviation from the former updates we’ve seen. I take it as a good sign that Android and Apple may, indeed, be able to play in the same sandbox one day. The new Google Messages message editing feature will seem familiar to you if you are familiar with Apple iMessage. But Google also brings new features to give users an all-around better experience.
This new facelift reveals a fantastic interface of Photomojis to Voice Moods — and updates Android messaging, giving the dynamic user experience Android has been begging for for years. The Voice Moods feature allows users to emphasize their novice notes with nine differing emotions, such as “party fever” and a satellite SOS coming to Messages in collaboration with Garmin.
Google Messages will likely put an end to green bubble shaming
The Photomoji feature allows users to remove items or objects from their photos. All of the updates can easily be shared within the Google Messages app. If you’ve used Apple’s live stickers — you can take the Photomojis you have just made and add them to group chats. You add the Screen Effects and dominate the screen when sending your messages.
As reported by LiveMint — “enter “I love you,” and the Screen Effects triggers the heart emoji to burst onto the screen.” There is a huge range of “trigger words,” and your whole messaging experience is upgraded.
You’ll appreciate the Custom Bubbles that allow users to modify the text bubble color and background. You’ve read the debate that highlights the blue and green bubble issues. It would truly be nice to put that “bubble disparity” a little further behind us, and maybe Google Messages will do that. MarketPlace calls this tit-for-tat “green bubble shaming.”
Featured Image Credit: Google
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Armada launches cutting-edge AI solutions for remote industrial settings

Armada, a startup led by CEO Dan Wright, is revolutionizing the use of AI in remote and industrial settings. According to a recent Forbes report, the company has developed a comprehensive technology platform that enables AI-grade computing capabilities for industrial devices in locations like oil rigs, remote mines, and military bases. This innovation addresses a critical gap: the vast amounts of data generated in these areas often remain unused due to technological limitations.
A key component of Armada’s solution is its integration with Elon Musk’s SpaceX, particularly the Starlink network of internet-provider satellites. This marks Armada as the first company to build on top of Starlink, enhancing connectivity in remote areas. Armada’s software suite, Commander, includes tools for managing Starlink and other internet assets, ensuring reliable internet access where it’s most needed.
Armada’s offerings extend beyond software. The company has introduced a mobile data center called Galleon, which is a weatherized unit capable of housing racks of GPUs essential for running AI models. This hardware can be easily transported and set up in remote locations, bringing powerful computing capabilities to where they are most needed.
The company also offers an app store featuring various applications for processing and utilizing data on-site. These apps can provide crucial insights and warnings, such as maintenance needs or security breaches, directly at the remote location.
Despite not having customers beyond a proof-of-concept trial, Armada has garnered significant interest from investors. The company has raised substantial funding, valuing it at approximately $250 million. This investment reflects confidence in Armada’s potential to transform industries like energy, manufacturing, mining, and defense with its AI solutions.
Armada’s challenges and opportunities for AI in space ahead
Armada’s journey is not without challenges. The company faces the task of securing contracts with large industrial players and the U.S. Department of Defense, which can be a lengthy and complex process. However, the founders’ experience and network in Silicon Valley position them well to navigate these challenges and capitalize on the opportunities presented by AI in remote and industrial settings.
In summary, Armada’s innovative approach to bringing AI capabilities to remote locations represents a significant step forward in bridging the digital divide. With its unique combination of hardware, software, and satellite technology, Armada is poised to unlock the potential of AI in areas where it was previously inaccessible, making a substantial impact across various industries.
 
 
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Pew Research unveils high rates of social media use in teens despite risks

A recent Pew Research Center survey reveals that despite growing concerns about the impact of social media on youth mental health, teens continue to use major platforms at high rates. The survey, involving 1,453 U.S. teens aged 13 to 17, found that about half of the respondents described their social media use as “almost constant.”
This survey, conducted months after U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy’s warning about the potential risks of social media to youth, indicates that teens’ engagement with these platforms has remained largely unchanged since spring 2022. Notably, the survey did not delve into how teens perceive their social media use or its effects on their mental health and well-being, according to a recent Mashable report.
Laura Erickson-Schroth, Chief Medical Officer of The Jed Foundation, emphasizes the importance of social media for teens. These platforms serve as spaces for community building, identity exploration, news consumption, stress relief, and more. Erickson-Schroth acknowledges the reality of ‘fear of missing out’ among youth, given the widespread online presence of their peers.
The survey also highlights the popularity of various social media platforms among teens. YouTube emerged as the top choice, with approximately 90% of participants using it. TikTok, Snapchat, and Instagram were also popular, especially among 15- to 17-year-olds. In contrast, teen usage of Facebook and X/Twitter has significantly declined over the past decade.
Teen social media preferences and demographic variations
The report also sheds light on demographic variations in social media use. For instance, teen girls reported almost constant TikTok usage more than boys, and Hispanic and Black teens used YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok more frequently than white teens. Additionally, Facebook and TikTok usage was higher among teens from lower-income households compared to those from higher-income households.
The Pew findings suggest that a third of teens use at least one of the five major platforms almost constantly. This constant engagement raises questions about the balance between online and offline experiences, particularly in-person socializing, family interactions, and time spent in nature.
Erickson-Schroth advocates for a more thoughtful approach to social media use among teens. She encourages them to reflect on how their interactions with these platforms affect their emotions and well-being. However, she also stresses that the responsibility for fostering healthier social media habits should not fall solely on teens. Instead, it should be shared by the companies that run these platforms.
Erickson-Schroth suggests that tech and social media companies can play a significant role in improving online experiences for youth. This includes moderating harmful content more effectively, providing data for research on youth well-being, and enabling users to have greater control over their online environments. Additionally, she calls for policymakers to establish minimum safety standards for youth online, which are currently lacking.
In response to increasing pressure to enhance online safety for teens, some social media companies have initiated new safety measures. For instance, YouTube has recently announced plans to limit harmful repetitive content targeted at teens and updated its guidelines to remove content promoting eating disorders.
Erickson-Schroth concludes, “We should be talking about who’s responsible for making sure that young people are safe online, and the answer is adults. The high-level answer is adults in social media companies and adults in policy and government positions.” This perspective underscores the collective responsibility of society to ensure a safe and healthy online environment for the younger generation.
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Controversial clothes hook spy cameras for sale on Amazon

The hidden devices remain available despite being at the centre of a US case against the firm.

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