msg newsletter: IT news – April 2024

Author: Zuzana Kocáková

Digitization

03. 05. 2024 10 reading minutes

The world of technology has once again been swept through like a whirlwind with many IT news, and we’re here to summarise it for you. In this issue, we look at the fate of the Windows 10 operating system, which will get extended support, but not for everyone. Google is considering charging for its search engine, while Microsoft is fighting for users’ attention with new features in its Edge browser and Gmail mobile app. Oh, and on top of that, Meta is joining the AI game with its own Llama 3 model.

Extended support for Windows 10 for enterprise and business licenses only

Microsoft plans to extend support for Windows 10 using the Extended Security Update (ESU) program, but this option will only be available for enterprise and business licenses. Ordinary users will not be included in this program, and Microsoft recommends upgrading to the newer Windows 11 operating system. Source : https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/windows-it-pro-blog/when-to-use-windows-10-extended-security-updates/ba-p/4102628#09

Google is considering introducing a fee for AI searches on Google

Google is considering the possibility of charging for AI search in Google, which would be part of existing packages like Google One or Gemini Advanced. The move brings challenges on how to introduce AI into search while maintaining ad revenue. It is not yet clear at what stage the integration of AI into search is and when the fee might be introduced. Source : https://www.androidauthority.com/google-search-paid-features-3431140/

New feature in Edge – RAM settings

A new feature in Edge lets users set the maximum amount of RAM the browser uses, which is useful for more demanding users. However, so far only two levels of RAM have been detected in the settings, which can be limiting for devices with large RAM. The feature is currently only available in the Canary Edge version of the browser. Source : https://www.theverge.com/2024/4/4/24120867/microsoft-edge-ram-control-settings

Gmail for Android will better summarize long email conversations thanks to AI

The integration of the Gemini AI model into the Gmail mobile app for Android aims to improve the clarity of long email conversations. The feature will allow users to easily summarize important information from previous emails, making it easier to work with the app. This option will likely only be available to subscribers of AI features within Google Workspace and will be tested in select markets over time. Source : https://www.androidauthority.com/email-summaries-gmail-app-android-3431978/

iOS 18 will bring artificial intelligence to Safari

A recent leak suggests, that Apple’s update to iOS 18 will bring artificial intelligence to the Safari browser. In addition, encrypted visual search is also expected to be part of Private Transfer via iCloud. However, these features will only be available to iCloud+ subscribers. Source : https://www.theverge.com/2024/4/10/24126204/safari-could-get-an-ai-browsing-assistant-in-ios-18

Microsoft plans to integrate recommendations (ads) into the Windows taskbar

Microsoft is preparing a new feature called “Recommended” that will appear in the Windows taskbar. This button, still in the testing phase, could be used to display paid collaborations, promoted apps and services. The company’s move brings back memories of the past, when Windows 10 faced criticism for promoting its own products too heavily. Source : https://mspoweruser.com/windows-11-app-recommendations-aka-the-ads-in-the-start-menu-are-coming-to-the-general-public

Google Chrome is testing a new feature to manage extensions

Google Chrome is working on a new feature that will make it easy to turn off all installed extensions with a single click. This option will make it easier for users to manage extensions in the browser and allow them to easily turn on and off individual extensions as needed. The feature is currently in testing and can be found at chrome://flags/#extensions-menu-access-control. Source : https://www.androidauthority.com/chrome-disable-extensions-toggle-3433791/

YouTube is stepping up the fight against ad blockers: It will block third-party apps

In 2023, the conflict between ad blockers for YouTube and the platform itself has escalated. Google responded by increasing the number of ads, which prompted the use of blockers. YouTube now plans to increase blocking of third-party apps that violate its terms of service, in an effort to restrict access to ad-free content. This measure may affect popular apps such as AdBlock, ReVanced or NewPipe, which allow you to watch YouTube without ads. Source : https://support.google.com/youtube/thread/269521462/enforcement-on-third-party-apps

Meta introduces AI-generated image tagging

Meta, the company behind Facebook, has pledged to be more transparent about artificial intelligence (AI) and promised to use “AI tags” to label photorealistic images created by the technology. These tags are meant to help distinguish between real and fictional content, which is especially important in an age of conspiracy. The service is scheduled to launch in May 2024. In addition, based on a public survey of more than 23,000 respondents in 13 countries, up to 82% of people appreciated the labelling of such posts. Other measures include the rejection of advertising containing nudity, which represents a major new step in the filtering of ads on the internet. Source : https://about.fb.com/news/2024/04/metas-approach-to-labeling-ai-generated-content-and-manipulated-media/

Android 15 brings new layers of protection with quarantined apps

The upcoming update to Android 15 introduces a new level of security for smartphone users. One of the main new features is the ability to quarantine an app if it appears to be malicious. This feature, similar to the concept on PCs, will allow users to more thoroughly control the security of their devices. Quarantined apps will have limited access to smartphone functionality and will not generate notifications or trigger activities, minimizing the potential for malicious impact. This news comes as an addition to the existing Play Protect service, which enhances the overall security of Android users. Source : https://www.androidauthority.com/android-15-quarantine-apps-3434663/

Microsoft expands AI support on Surface Pro and Surface Laptop

According to information published on Windows Central, Microsoft is preparing a new AI feature for Surface Pro and Surface Laptop devices. This feature, called AI Explorer, is intended to be an advanced version of the existing Copilot, focusing on the user’s historical context. It will require the latest hardware with a neural processing unit, which is part of the latest processors from Intel, AMD and Qualcomm. AI Explorer will interact with the user through natural language and provide contextual responses in any application environment. For example, it can be used to search for information from related conversations or documents. Although the feature is expected to be part of the Windows 11 24H2 update, some users around the world don’t yet have access to the enhanced Copilot and must rely on alternative options via a web browser or mobile app. Source : https://www.windowscentral.com/hardware/surface/exclusive-microsoft-will-unveil-oled-surface-pro-10-and-arm-surface-laptop-6-this-month-ahead-of-major-windows-11-ai-update

Microsoft launches new AI model suitable for energy-efficient computers

The Verge magazine has revealed a new version of Microsoft’s artificial intelligence model, called Phi-3. This model was learning from children’s books and is the first of three models ready for release. Versions include Phi-3 Mini with 3.8 billion parameters, Phi-3 Small with 7 billion parameters and Phi-3 Medium with 14 billion parameters. Microsoft claims that its model is smaller and less power-hungry than larger models and can achieve the same performance as the GPT-3.5. These models could be suitable for local use on smartphones or computers for various tasks such as setting assistance or content analysis. Other companies, such as Google and Meta, are also developing similar models for a variety of purposes, from language analysis to image generation. Source : https://www.theverge.com/2024/4/23/24137534/microsoft-phi-3-launch-small-ai-language-model

Gmail celebrates 20 years

Google’s Gmail just celebrated 20 years of innovation and exclusivity. The service, which started with 1GB of storage space and exclusive access via invitations, now offers lightning-fast search and huge capacity for email archiving. Gmail has become an integral part thanks to its integration with Android and the addition of new features like appearance themes and Inbox by Gmail. Source : https://www.theverge.com/24113616/gmail-email-20-years-old-internet

Revolutionary robot from Boston Dynamics – New Atlas

Boston Dynamics unveils its coolest humanoid robot yet, called New Atlas, which is all-electric and moves in a more human-like way than ever before. The new Atlas is stronger and more agile than its predecessors, and its movement seems much smoother and more natural. Boston Dynamics claims that the robot will move in ways that exceed human capabilities, suggesting that its efficiency is a use of superhuman abilities. Although New Atlas is now in the early testing stage, it promises to revolutionize humanoid robotics. Source : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=29ECwExc-_M

Meta launches new AI Llama 3 to compete with OpenAI and Google

Meta is introducing a new AI model called Llama 3, with the aim of competing with OpenAI and Google in the field of generative AI. Meta’s CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, revealed details of this new model, which is integrated into Meta products such as Messenger and Instagram. Llama 3 is available as open source, and Meta claims that their AI is now the most intelligent assistant that is freely available. Similar to OpenAI’s ChatGPT, Llama 3 allows the generation of text replies, images and MP4 animations. The Meta AI page is now available for free, and users can contribute to training the model even without a Facebook login. Source: https://www.techradar.com/computing/meta-rolls-out-new-meta-ai-website-and-it-might-just-bury-microsoft-and-googles-ai-dreams Keep following us, a series on IT news is published every month. On our website you will find interesting articles not only in the field of digitalization, but also, for example, the latest job offers in IT. Author: Jozef Wagner, Java Developer Senior at msg life Slovakia

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msg newsletter: IT news – April 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.