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Author: Adriana Marais

Adriana Marais is a ReturnByte journalist with a passion for technology and world affairs. Follow her on Twitter at @adrianamarais
Elon Musk anticipates AGI smarter than humans by next year (REUTERS) AI 

Elon Musk of Tesla predicts that AI will surpass the intelligence of the smartest human by next year.

Adriana Marais, ,

Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, stated on Monday that he anticipates the creation of artificial intelligence that surpasses human intelligence by either next year or by 2026. In a wide-ranging interview about X spaces suffering from a number of technology glitches, Musk also told Norwegian investment fund CEO Nicolai Tangen that the availability of electricity was limiting AI and that the next version of Grok, his xAI startup’s AI chatbot, was expected to be ready by May. “If you define AGI (artificial general intelligence) as a smarter human, I think…

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Know what happened in the world of AI today, April 8. (Pixabay) AI 

5 AI developments you might have overlooked today: Introduction of world’s first AI software tester, CGI and Microsoft’s collaboration on AI, and more.

Adriana Marais

AI automation is gaining popularity in the tech industry, with TestGrid introducing the first AI Software Tester to streamline testing processes. CGI and Microsoft also discussed the impact of generative AI on the digital revolution. Stay updated on the latest AI developments in our roundup. The world’s first artificial intelligence software tester was announced Leading automation testing company TestGrid announced CoTester, an AI-powered software tester that makes automation testers easier. The tool has the ability to understand complex software testing and can run on various testing frameworks such as Selenium,…

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Microsoft hired DeepMind cofounder Suleyman to run its in-house Microsoft AI division. (AP) AI 

Microsoft plans to open AI hub in London, marking a significant victory for UK in competition for AI expertise.

Adriana Marais, ,

Microsoft has revealed its intentions to establish a new artificial intelligence (AI) hub in London, with a primary focus on product development and research. The unit is headed by Mustafa Suleyman, the London-born founder of Google DeepMind who was hired by Microsoft last month. WHY IT’S IMPORTANT As the primary supporter of ChatGPT manufacturer OpenAI, Microsoft is the world’s leading manufacturer of rapidly developing technology. But the race for AI talent has intensified across Europe over the past 18 months. Microsoft may seek to recruit experts from other AI-focused companies…

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Microsoft hired DeepMind cofounder Suleyman to run its in-house Microsoft AI division. (AP) AI 

Microsoft plans to open AI hub in London, marking a significant victory for UK in competition for AI expertise.

Adriana Marais, ,

Microsoft has revealed its intentions to establish a new artificial intelligence (AI) hub in London, with a primary focus on product development and research. The unit is headed by Mustafa Suleyman, the London-born founder of Google DeepMind who was hired by Microsoft last month. WHY IT’S IMPORTANT As the primary supporter of ChatGPT manufacturer OpenAI, Microsoft is the world’s leading manufacturer of rapidly developing technology. But the race for AI talent has intensified across Europe over the past 18 months. Microsoft may seek to recruit experts from other AI-focused companies…

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Today marks the occurrence of a total solar eclipse, a significant celestial event for 2024. (Unsplash) News 

Google commemorates the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse with unique animation for Surya Grahan

Adriana Marais

Today, a total solar eclipse is scheduled to occur as the Moon moves in between the Sun and Earth, causing the Sun’s light to be completely obscured. Sky enthusiasts will be delighted to see one of the biggest celestial phenomena of 2024. The sun remains obscured for four minutes, during which its enigmatic outer layer is illuminated. Although the solar eclipse will not be visible to people in India, the partial eclipse will be visible to people living in Colombia, Spain, Venezuela, Ireland, Portal, Iceland, the United Kingdom and some…

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The personal data that has been leaked include names, mobile numbers, email IDs, home addresses and IDs of boAT users. (boAT) News 

boAT faces cyberattack impacting more than 7.5 million users following controversial ad claiming superiority to Apple

Adriana Marais, ,

The Indian accessories brand boAT gained attention with a controversial ad suggesting consumers should choose boAT gadgets over Apple products. The ad, urging buyers to “think better” and not be an Apple “Fanboy,” sparked debate online. However, the social media buzz seems to have faded quickly. boat data leak: Customer’s mobile phone numbers, home addresses exposed BoAT, India’s leading wearables maker according to IDC, said it suffered a massive cyber attack that the company did not disclose, and boAT has yet to acknowledge the breach. According to a Forbes report,…

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HDFC Bank alerts about a few common ‘bad habits’ of smartphone users that make it easy for them to fall prey to hacking attempts and scams. (HDFC Bank) News 

HDFC Bank warns that 5 habits of smartphone users are making life easier for hackers.

Adriana Marais,

HDFC Bank has released a new cybersecurity advisory for its customers, focusing on security tips for smartphone users utilizing the HDFC mobile banking app. The advisory also applies to users of other banks’ mobile banking apps. In addition to emphasizing the importance of safeguarding passwords, downloading apps from trusted sources, and being cautious of phishing scams, HDFC Bank addresses common ‘bad habits’ of smartphone users that can make them vulnerable to hacking and scams. Customers are urged to be more vigilant if engaging in these behaviors. 5 smartphone habits you…

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Apple prepares for a big iPad launch in May, with potential price increases and exciting new features. (Apple) News 

Apple is set to release new iPad Pro and iPad Air models in May, with anticipated upgrades and price increases.

Adriana Marais

Apple fans, make sure to save the date for the second week of May as the popular tech company prepares for a major announcement. As reported in Bloomberg’s Power On newsletter by tech guru Mark Gurman, Apple is getting ready to reveal the latest versions of its iPad Pro and iPad Air models. Advanced display technology is expected This upcoming release promises to be a defining moment for Apple’s tablet offerings, especially given the extended nearly eighteen-month absence of new iPad hardware updates. Expectations are high as industry insiders hint…

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Users can now link various offers and event tickets seamlessly with Google Wallet's latest feature. (AP) News 

Here’s how the new setting for “Automatically add linked passes” in Google Wallet functions

Adriana Marais

Google Wallet users can now anticipate the new “Automatically add linked passes” setting, recently introduced by Google. This feature comes after the recent rollout of transit payment verification settings, which aim to improve the overall functionality of the digital wallet app. The new feature can be found in the “Passes” subsection of Google Wallet’s Android settings. It allows ticket providers to automatically add event tickets, promotions, offers and more to existing cards. This setting is enabled by default and aims to streamline the user experience by seamlessly integrating additional cards…

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With the revised guidelines, developers can bring beloved classics to iOS devices, potentially transforming the gaming landscape. (Apple) News 

Apple announces major update to App Store guidelines, now permitting retro game emulators

Adriana Marais

Apple has recently updated its App Store guidelines to permit the use of retro game emulators worldwide. This means that developers are now able to create apps that allow users to play classic console games, with the option to download titles. It is important to note that Apple is stressing the importance of developers adhering to copyright laws when creating these emulator apps. Impact on developers and users While Android users already enjoy numerous emulator options, Apple’s update is expected to encourage developers to bring their emulators to the App…

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Apple's new iPad Pro models, promised to be the most significant update in years, face delays in their anticipated release due to various challenges. (Unsplash) News 

Latest updates reveal when Apple will unveil the 2024 iPad Pro

Adriana Marais

Apple fans have been eagerly anticipating the arrival of the new iPad Pro models, touted as the most significant update since 2018. However, recent reports indicate that the release of these highly-anticipated devices has been postponed due to a range of development and production obstacles. Reasons for delay Originally expected to hit the shelves in March or April, the release of the new iPad Pro and iPad Air models has been repeatedly postponed. Reports from the supply chain indicate that both hardware and software bottlenecks have contributed to these delays,…

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Google CEO Sundar Pichai discusses AI and product improvement strategies at a recent industry forum. (AP) AI 

Sundar Pichai, CEO, highlights key factors for successful AI chatbots in response to Google Gemini criticism.

Adriana Marais,

During a speech at the 2024 Business, Government & Society Forum, Google CEO Sundar Pichai discussed the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the company’s products. He focused on addressing criticism of Google’s Gemini AI chatbot and highlighted how user expectations drive ongoing improvements to their offerings. Responding to inquiries about Google’s response to such criticism, Pichai emphasized the company’s commitment to include diverse perspectives in its global user base, reflecting the opinions found on the Internet, the Times of India reported. A user-centered approach to product refinement “We’ve always…

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Former Apple design chief Jony Ive and OpenAI's Sam Altman seek $1 billion for revolutionary AI devices. (AFP) AI 

Sam Altman and former Apple chief designer Jony Ive seek $1 billion for groundbreaking AI project, dubbed the “iPhone of AI”

Adriana Marais

Former Apple design guru Jony Ive and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman are teaming up to create the “iPhone of AI” in a groundbreaking collaboration. They are reportedly seeking $1 billion in funding to revolutionize personal technology. According to sources cited by The Information, the as-yet-unnamed startup is courting major venture capitalists, including heavyweights such as Thrive Capital and Emerson Collective. This move highlights industry anticipation around the project and hints at its potential to disrupt the technological landscape. Details of the nature of the AI device are still under wraps,…

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Google is testing a new look for its Android app- Here’s what to expect (unsplash) News 

Google is experimenting with a new design for the search bar on Android, incorporating material 3 elements for a more consistent look.

Adriana Marais,

Google is once again making changes to the design of its app for Android users. The latest update includes a new bottom search bar redesign, which was first introduced in 2021 and then updated in late 2023. This time, Google is experimenting with a Material 3 bottom bar redesign that includes an integrated search field. A lucky user has come across this redesigned bottom bar while using Google Search on Android. This update includes Material 3 elements, including the pill-shaped tab indicator that was previously seen on the iOS version…

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Tesla's Autopilot safety under scrutiny as it turns to Apple for help in a deadly crash lawsuit. (REUTERS) News 

Elon Musk seeks Apple’s assistance in Tesla crash lawsuit – More information provided

Adriana Marais

Tesla is seeking assistance from Apple to bolster its defense in a contentious lawsuit regarding the safety of its Autopilot system. The lawsuit, which arose from a deadly crash involving a Tesla Model X in 2018, has led to a legal dispute over the details of the incident. The incident occurred when a car operating on Autopilot crashed into a guardrail on US Highway 101 in Mountain View, California, killing Wei “Walter” Huang, a former Apple engineer. 9to5mac reports that Huang’s family filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Tesla, alleging…

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Apple now permits retro game emulators on the App Store, opening new avenues for developers globally. (Apple) News 

Apple has revised App Store guidelines to allow retro game emulators worldwide: Get all the details

Adriana Marais

Apple has updated its App Store guidelines to allow retro game emulators to be available for download worldwide, marking a change in the company’s previous restrictions on emulation software. Apple policy change The updated regulations have a limitation: developers must ensure compliance with copyright laws, underscoring Apple’s commitment to intellectual property rights. While Android users have long enjoyed numerous emulators for vintage console games, Apple’s decision is meant to encourage developers to port their creations to the App Store platform, Techcrunch reports. Crucially, Apple mandates that emulator apps include an…

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Elon Musk announced plans to unveil a ‘Tesla Robotaxi’ on August 8, refuting recent reports. (REUTERS) News 

Elon Musk to unveil Tesla robotaxi as company shifts focus away from low-cost EV manufacturing

Adriana Marais,

Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla, has revealed intentions to unveil a Tesla robotaxi on August 8, in response to recent speculation about the company’s shift away from a budget-friendly electric vehicle. Musk’s announcement comes after he refuted a Reuters report suggesting that Tesla was abandoning its $25,000 EV project to focus on the development of a robotaxi. A strategic change in the midst of sales difficulties Tesla’s decision stems from slow electric vehicle sales and declining profits, prompting Musk to look for alternative ways to bolster the company’s performance.…

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Google Pixel users might soon get a new tool to identify unknown callers directly on their phones. (Pixabay) News 

Google is set to launch a new feature on the Pixel phone app that can identify unknown callers.

Adriana Marais

Google Pixel users may soon have a solution to the problem of missed calls from unknown numbers. Google is said to be developing a new tool called “Lookup” for its Phone app, which will allow users to identify unfamiliar callers before returning their calls. Currently, services like Truecaller offer similar features, but Google wants to integrate this feature directly into its phone app. Spotted by a tip called AssembleDebug (via PiunikaWeb), the tool was initially only available to Pixel users in Japan. However, it is now being tested in beta…

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As AI adoption rises, industry leaders collaborate to understand its implications for workforce dynamics and job security. (REUTERS) News 

Major technology companies come together to study the impact of artificial intelligence on the tech industry workforce.

Adriana Marais

With the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) in the tech industry, concerns about its influence on jobs and the economy are growing. Google and Microsoft, key players in AI advancement, are teaming up to investigate the potential impact of AI on technology jobs. Growing concern about job displacement The consortium led by Cisco also includes industry giants such as IBM, Intel, SAP and Accenture. In addition, major unions such as the AFL-CIO and the CWA serve as advisors to the group. As generative AI technologies such as chatbots and image…

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As AI adoption rises, industry leaders collaborate to understand its implications for workforce dynamics and job security. (Unsplash) News 

Major technology companies come together to study the impact of artificial intelligence on the tech job market.

Adriana Marais

With the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) in the tech sector, concerns about its influence on jobs and the economy are growing. Leading companies such as Google and Microsoft, key figures in AI advancement, are teaming up to investigate the potential impact of AI on technology-based jobs. Growing concern about job displacement The consortium led by Cisco also includes industry giants such as IBM, Intel, SAP and Accenture. In addition, major unions such as the AFL-CIO and the CWA serve as advisors to the group. As generative AI technologies such…

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