msg newsletter: IT news – June 2024

Author: Zuzana Kocáková

Digitization

27. 06. 2024 10 reading minutes

The world of technology is changing again and we bring you an overview of the latest IT news. We cover what’s happening in AI, Apple Intelligence, Google Gemini, Microsoft Edge and Firefox, as well as new processor technologies.

Microsoft Edge is faster thanks to new architecture

Microsoft announced on its blog that as of version 122 (currently 125), the Edge browser has switched to the new WebUI 2.0 architecture, which increases UI speed by 42%. On older PCs with no SSD and less than 8GB of RAM, the speedup is up to 76%. As of version 124, responsiveness in the Favorites section is improved, with plans to optimize browsing history, downloads, and wallet. The changes were made based on telemetry that identified the need for interface speedup. The new architecture minimizes the size of javascript code and simplifies coding, improving overall interface performance and load times.

Source : https://blogs.windows.com/msedgedev/2024/05/28/an-even-faster-microsoft-edge/

Google’s AI chatbot Gemini is available for download on Android

Google introduced its AI chatbot Gemini a few months ago, but until now it has only been available via a web interface and not in all regions, including the European Union. But that’s changing now – the Google Gemini app is finally available on the Play Store. Users can simply install it and start using it immediately, and the app’s interface is intuitive and clear. In the past, the Gemini app was only available through Apkmirror, which required manual installation. Now, however, Google has made available an official version that integrates with your Google account and allows you to set up Gemini as an assistant on your phone, replacing the standard Google Assistant. An iOS version is also expected to be available on the App Store soon, but Android device users can already enjoy all the benefits of this app.

Source : https://www.androidauthority.com/google-gemini-uk-eu-3448959/

Pizza glue? A chatbot can advise us on that too

Google Gemini has provoked laughter from the internet public with its recommendation to add glue to pizza to prevent the cheese from oozing. The artificial intelligence suggested using a specific brand of Elmer’s glue and recommended an amount of 1/8 cup or 2 tablespoons. This unusual recommendation sparked interest and controversy on social media and in various online discussions. Despite the suggestion looking ridiculous, many have actually vetted it and confirmed that Gemini gives this advice consistently. An important aspect of training artificial intelligences is the exclusion of harmful or dangerous information. AIs are trained to ignore questions that involve weapons, banned substances, or other risky topics to prevent harm. The same is true for requests for health or safety advice, such as the case with pizza glue.

Source : https://www.theverge.com/2024/6/11/24176490/mm-delicious-glue

Apple unveils its AI – Apple Intelligence

At WWDC24, Apple unveiled a new initiative called Apple Intelligence, which integrates advanced artificial intelligence features into a wide range of its devices, including iPhone, iPad, Mac and more. The new version of the Siri assistant is even smarter, and the company also announced a collaboration with OpenAI to integrate ChatGPT directly into their ecosystem. Other new features include features like text editing, summarization, content recognition, and notification prioritization, all handled right on the device with an emphasis on user privacy and security. The new Siri has also gained the ability to communicate via text and generate instructions to perform various tasks.

Source : https://www.apple.com/sk/newsroom/2024/06/introducing-apple-intelligence-for-iphone-ipad-and-mac/

Mozilla Firefox 127 news

Firefox 127 brings several new features that improve user experience and security. Highlights include an optional option to automatically start after logging into Windows, which saves time when working with the browser. Other enhancements include automatic closing of duplicate panels and securing multimedia downloads over the HTTPS protocol. Firefox also offers an integrated password manager with the ability to authenticate identities using a password, PIN or fingerprint. Enhancements have also hit the integrated photo tool, which now supports SVG and XML file capture and comes with performance optimizations for DNS prefetching.

Source : https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/127.0/releasenotes/

ICQ ends after 28 years

After nearly three decades, ICQ has announced its final shutdown, scheduled for 26 June 2024. The legendary communications app reached its peak after 2000, when it had more than 100 million registered accounts, but was gradually replaced by more modern platforms such as Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp. ICQ, owned by VK, recommends its users switch to VK Messenger or VK WorkSpace. ICQ’s popularity has been declining, with only 11 million monthly active users by 2022. The end of ICQ marks the closure of a chapter of Internet history that was driven by nostalgia and memories of the early days of online communication.

Source : https://www.gsmarena.com/icq_will_finally_cease_to_exist_next_month-news-63023.php

First AI model beauty contest

As part of the World AI Creator Awards, the first ever AI beauty pageant was held where digital creations competed for the title of Miss AI. AI creators from around the world showcased their digital models, who competed for a total prize package worth approximately US$20,000 (€18,400). From the 1,500 applicants, a jury of human and robotic members selected the Top 10 finalists.

Source : https://www.euronews.com/culture/2024/06/04/miss-ai-beauty-pageant-unveils-top-10-fake-models-competing-for-the-crown

Luma AI introduces Dream Machine – free realistic video generation

San Francisco startup Luma AI has launched Dream Machine, a new artificial intelligence system that generates high-quality videos from text descriptions. Users can create five-second realistic video clips for free based on input directly on Luma AI’s website. This approach is exceptional in its accessibility, unlike competing systems that are often limited to select partners. Luma AI also plans to make APIs and plugins available for creative software to support the community of creators and developers. Ethical and legal issues are still being debated in the field of generative AI, but the launch of Dream Machine represents a significant advance and new opportunities in creative creation.

Source : https://venturebeat.com/ai/luma-ai-debuts-dream-machine-for-realistic-video-generation-heating-up-ai-media-race

Breakthrough technology can speed up processors

Startup Flow Computing, backed by Finnish technical research centre VTT, has developed a parallel computing unit (PCU) that can boost CPU performance by up to 100 times. The technology, capable of speeding up legacy software without the need for code changes, has received USD 4.3 million in funding. The PPU can improve the performance of not only the CPU, but also the NPU and GPU, which could benefit even smaller devices such as smartphones and watches. Flow Computing plans to work with major CPU companies such as Intel, AMD, ARM, Qualcomm and NVIDIA on joint development. The technology is compatible with any CISC or RISC CPU and can be integrated into any design architecture. If these promises are confirmed, the technology could revolutionise the future of computing and overcome the traditional Moore’s Law trajectory.

Source : https://www.digitaltrends.com/computing/flow-computing-ppu

Nvidia has become the world’s most valuable company, overtaking both Apple and Microsoft

Nvidia has reached a major milestone by becoming the most valuable company in the world, surpassing Apple and Microsoft. Nvidia owes its success primarily to advances in artificial intelligence and accelerators, which have helped it surpass $3 trillion in stock market value. At $3.335 trillion, it was ahead of Microsoft at $3.317 trillion and Apple at $3.285 trillion. Nvidia is also significantly larger than Intel, with a value more than 25 times higher, and AMD, which it outperforms by more than 13 times. The battle for the top positions between these tech giants continues, with the differences between them being minimal.

Source : https://www.theverge.com/2024/6/18/24181393/nvidia-most-valuable-company-microsoft-apple-google

Author: Jozef Wagner, Java developer senior at msg life Slovakia

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msg newsletter: IT news – June 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.