msg newsletter: IT news – March 2024

Author: Zuzana Kocáková

Digitization

15. 04. 2024 10 reading minutes

The world of technology is constantly evolving and it brings with it fascinating innovations. In this article, we bring you an overview of the hottest IT news from the past month. You’ll learn about innovative solutions that are changing the world, as well as the latest developments that are driving the tech world.

Google Maps is testing a feature to show building entrances

Google Maps is testing a new feature that shows building entrances, which can be very useful for pedestrians navigating in urban environments. This feature, so far only available to selected users, helps to identify entrances to different types of buildings such as hotels, pharmacies and supermarkets. Although the feature is still in the testing phase and some of the information may be incorrect, introducing it into the main version of the Maps app may make it easier to navigate cities in the future. Source : https://www.androidpolice.com/google-maps-tests-building-entrances/

New AI to draw beautiful images from texts

Ideogram AI is a new artificial intelligence tool that allows you to generate images from text descriptions. Similar to Midjourney and Dall-E, Ideogram AI is capable of creating images based on text commands. Although some features are available for free, full functionality and faster results can only be obtained with paid packages. The use of such models consumes a large amount of energy and therefore free options are limited. However, there are service integrations, such as Microsoft Copilot Designer, which uses the Dall-E model and allows you to generate images for free. Ideogram prides itself on photorealistic outputs, strives for accuracy and often delivers high quality images. However, some errors may still occur, such as unnatural processing of the water in the bottle in the 3D image. Despite these inconsistencies, Ideogram AI is a useful tool for generating images from textual descriptions. Source : https://decrypt.co/219776/ideogram-is-a-new-ai-image-generator-that-obliterates-the-competition-outperforming-midjourney-and-dall-e-3

Suno AI creates short songs for you on demand

Suno AI is an artificial intelligence tool that allows you to create songs based on keywords and add rhyming words to them. This tool is capable of generating a complete song including melody, lyrics and even an album artwork. A version of Suno AI is also available for free, with the ability to create up to 10 songs per day with a maximum length of 30 seconds. An upgrade to V3 Alpha is planned, which will bring expanded language support, extended time to over 2 minutes, and priority song generation. Although the Suno AI instrument has a slight imperfection in tones and sound spectrum, most of the results are satisfactory and users will likely be happy with the resulting songs. Source : https://www.zdnet.com/article/what-is-suno-this-chatgpt-for-music-generates-songs-in-seconds/

Google will update Slovak maps at the beginning of the year

Google has announced that its special Street View cars will reappear on Slovak roads during the spring and summer months. These cars will be running in cities across Slovakia, including Bardejov, Kosice, Spisska Nova Ves, Nitra, Nove Zamky, Komarno, Banska Stiavnica, Brezno, Zvolen, Levoca, Ruzomberok, Cadca and Bratislava. Street View, available in Slovakia since 2012, allows users to view panoramic images of various cities and locations. These images are then used to update Google Maps. Street View is particularly popular for its ability to view cultural, historical and natural landmarks online, as well as various urban and rural areas. Source : https://www.google.sk/intl/sk/streetview/

YouTube change – we won’t see suggested videos without an account

YouTube is planning changes to the user experience. Now you won’t be able to see video suggestions without an account or a linked YouTube account. This change is being implemented gradually and may create uncomfortable situations for visitors without an account. The platform’s justification is that without an account, it has no information on which to make video suggestions. The reaction to this change may also be positive, as some may prefer the absence of irrelevant videos on the home screen. Source : https://www.androidpolice.com/youtube-stops-showing-recommendations-not-logged-in/

Edge browser will be removable from Windows

The European Union recently adopted the Digital Markets Act, known as the DMA, which regulates several aspects of digital services, including browser choice. Under the Act, Microsoft must commit to ensuring that users in the European Economic Area will be able to choose their browser independently and will not be forced to use pre-installed services. The move responds to past problems with the integral Internet Explorer browser. With the new rules, users will be able to uninstall the pre-installed Edge browser and unlock additional features such as the Taskbar and Widget Bar. These changes are expected to take effect by April 2024. While it will be an option, not an obligation, Microsoft will likely continue to promote its products like OneDrive backup. Source : https://blogs.microsoft.com/eupolicy/2024/03/07/microsoft-dma-compliance-windows-linkedin/

Elon Musk is preparing competition to YouTube

Elon Musk, the well-known entrepreneur and visionary, is extending his influence into the realm of social media. After getting Twitter, he decided to compete with YouTube’s platform with a new TV app for Amazon and Samsung smart TVs. The move is related to his efforts to encourage users to watch long videos on larger screens. Musk’s intention is to push the social network X.com to online influencers and advertisers, despite challenging competition from the Twitch, Signal and Reddit. The launch of the TV X app is intended to strengthen the brand in the streaming services market. Musk’s vision focuses on media celebrities, online influencers and streaming video games, with the hope that content creators will take their content to X and benefit from it in the form of increased advertising revenue. However, the success of this plan is not guaranteed and has yet to be proven. Competing with YouTube is no easy task, but Musk is trying to compensate for Network X’s declining viewership by launching a new service. The question remains whether the move will help Musk achieve his goals. Source : https://finance.yahoo.com/news/exclusive-elon-musk-x-launching-012434914.html

YouTube will tag videos using artificial intelligence

Google is trying to increase transparency about content using artificial intelligence (AI) on YouTube. The Creator Studio tool will include a feature to tag videos where AI has been used to create or edit them. This step is aimed at building trust between content creators and viewers. Labelling will not be mandatory for obvious edits, but is intended to help viewers identify synthetic content. Labelling will be required for videos manipulating real people, locations or natural phenomena. However, YouTube won’t insist on AI labeling for less substantial edits, such as colors or filters. A privacy policy process is also in the works where people will be able to request deletion of AI-generated content. These changes will also affect non-logged-in YouTube users. Source : https://blog.google/intl/en-in/products/platforms/how-were-helping-creators-disclose-altered-or-synthetic-content/

OpenAI prepares for the release of the GPT-5 model

According to the latest reports, OpenAI is planning to launch the next generation of its GPT model, namely the GPT-5. This new model is intended to be even more powerful and reliable than its predecessor, the GPT-4. No exact launch date has been set yet, but there are indications that it could happen as early as this summer. GPT-5 is expected to have enhanced capabilities and be able to deliver even better AI performance. Source : https://www.androidauthority.com/openai-gpt-5-chatgpt-next-big-upgrade-mid-year-release-3427269/

Intel plans to build largest AI chip factory

US technology giant Intel plans to invest up to US$100 billion to build and expand chip manufacturing plants in the United States over the next five years. The aim of this large investment is to strengthen its position in the artificial intelligence market and at the same time reduce the US dependence on chip imports from Asia. A major point of the investment plan is the conversion of empty land near Columbus, Ohio, into “the world’s largest artificial intelligence chip manufacturing factory”. The US government is backing this investment with $19.5 billion in grants and loans, with Intel also expecting $25 billion in tax relief. In addition to Ohio, Intel also plans to invest in renovating factories in New Mexico and Oregon and expanding operations in Arizona. The move fits into a broader effort by the US government to bring advanced semiconductor manufacturing back to the US, which aims to strengthen US competitiveness in technology and reduce dependence on foreign suppliers. Source : https://qz.com/intel-ai-chip-factory-world-chips-act-funds-1851358125

Conclusion

We hope our overview has helped you navigate the tangle of technology. Continue to follow us to stay up to date on the latest trends and IT news. On our blog you will find interesting articles not only from the field of digitalization, but also the latest job offers in IT. Author.

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msg newsletter: IT news – March 2024

Zuzana Kocáková

At msg life Slovakia I take care of the company culture, events and I am part of the marketing team. I like a job where I can be creative and contribute to making my colleagues at msg feel good. I regularly prepare for you not only news and interesting things from the world of information technology and insurance, but also from behind the scenes events at msg life Slovakia.