Google's DeepMind group, whose technology "mastered" the game Go, have turned their attention to computer code. They created an AI tool that taught itself a more efficient way to sort code, something that could mean software runs much faster and ... more smoothly. DeepMind specializes in artificial intelligence (AI) that teaches itself by figuring out approaches and rules. The most famous example was a project to learn the fiendishly complex game Go. Rather than follow tactics created by humans, the software simulated millions of games and worked out its own strategy. It has since consistently ... (view more)

More than 60,000 Android apps contained a nasty piece of malware designed to steal banking information. The scam doesn't target the official Google Play store, but rather third-party sources. The rogue apps fall into two main categories. Some are ... designed to closely resemble real, popular apps. Others are promoted as "modded" versions of genuine apps that are supposedly identical but with an alteration that supposedly removes ads or a requirement to pay a subscription. In reality, the scammers have taken the genuine apps, copied them, and made one modification. Unfortunately that modification ... (view more)

Amazon has reportedly talked with mobile operators about a plan to cut cellphone service costs for Amazon Prime subscribers. The deal could mean customers getting service for $10 a month or even being a "free" part of the Prime subscription. ... Bloomberg broke the story, citing inside sources. Amazon says it doesn't currently have plans to add wireless to Prime but didn't deny having had talks. (Source: bloomberg.com ) According to the report, Amazon is currently speaking to T-Mobile and Verizon, along with Dish Network which is trying to establish itself in the cellphone industry. Amazon is ... (view more)

In an attempt to regain its chip making advantage, Intel is set to introduce PowerVia, a new technology that could enhance the speed of its 2024 PC chips. While Intel faces tough competition from leading companies like Taiwan Semiconductor ... Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) and Samsung, the introduction of PowerVia could help Intel bridge the gap and even entice competitors to utilize its manufacturing services. Arrow Lake Processors to Receive Significant Speed Boost Intel's forthcoming Arrow Lake processor, slated for release in 2024, will benefit from a substantial speed boost thanks to PowerVia. In ... (view more)

The US Air Force (USAF) official who previously claimed that the Air Force conducted a simulated test where an AI drone killed its human operator is now retracting his statement, stating that he "misspoke." USAF's Chief of AI Test and Operations, ... Colonel Tucker "Cinco" Hamilton clarified that the test described was a hypothetical thought experiment rather than an actual simulation carried out by the Air Force. The Royal Aeronautical Society, the organization where Hamilton made the initial statement, confirmed this in an email to Motherboard's vice.com.(Source: vice.com ) Misinterpretation of ... (view more)

Amazon has agreed to pay a total of $30 million in penalties for privacy violations related to its Ring and Alexa devices, according to an announcement by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The penalties consist of $25 million for allegedly ... retaining children's data without deletion and $5.8 million for failing to limit employee and contractor access to Ring security videos. (Source: cnet.com ) The settlements do not require Amazon to make any admission of legal wrongdoing. (Source: theguardian.com ) Amazon Accused of Retaining Kid's Data The FTC accused Amazon of preventing parents from ... (view more)

A new Nokia flip phone offers no tech features beyond SMS text messaging and a basic phone service. It's part of a supposed trend away from smartphones, though analysts are divided on how significant that trend is and what's causing it. The Nokia ... 2660 Flip is made by HMD, which has licensed the Nokia brand for the phone. It's expected to retail for as little as $60 in the US. It does nothing other than make voice calls (but not VOIP such as Skype), send and receive messages and take photos on a single camera. It resembles late-90s Nokia cellphones, though is missing the much-loved Snake game ... (view more)

A US lawyer is facing disciplinary sanctions after relying on ChatGPT for legal "research." It led to his side presenting a legal argument that referred to several non-existent cases. Steven A Schwartz was providing support for the legal team of a ... man suing in a personal injury case. His side wanted to provide evidence of similar cases that had set a precedent, with this evidence helping support their argument that their case was strong enough to proceed. (Source: nytimes.com ) The opposing legal team questioned the argument saying they were unable to find the cases in question. That led to ... (view more)

Apple's highly anticipated mixed reality headset is set to make its debut at the upcoming Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC). Priced at any eye-watering $3,000, the product is expected to revolutionize the way we experience virtual reality (VR) ... and augmented reality (AR). With its unique features and seamless integration with Apple's ecosystem, the Reality Pro headset promises to be a game-changer. A Paradigm Shift in VR and AR For years, VR and AR have remained separate entities, detached from our everyday devices like smartphones and laptops. Here's the difference between the two: ... (view more)

Google's next flagship phone will have a built-in thermometer if a leaked video is anything to go by. Right now, nobody really knows why. The leaked video appeared on the 91mobiles site and appears to show the thermometer sensor placed just below ... the camera flash. It comes from Kuba Wojciechowski, a Twitter user who regularly shares leaked images of upcoming devices and describes himself as "a slight nuisance to tech companies." (Source: 91mobiles.com ) Google hasn't commented on the legitimacy of the video. However, 91mobiles says Google forced it to take down the video from YouTube by ... (view more)