TECHNOLOGY
'Hey Disney!' voice assistant now available for Echo devices in US
The new voice assistant is built on Alexa technology and also referred to as the 'Disney Magical Companion'. Users can now purchase it in the US "as an annual, auto-renewing subscription in the Alexa Skills Store for use on their supported Echo devices at home. Additionally, Hey Disney! is included as a part of subscription to Amazon Kids+," Amazon said in a blogpost on Thursday.
Mercedes-Benz adds ChatGPT to voice control of its vehicles
"By adding ChatGPT, voice control via the MBUX Voice Assistant's Hey Mercedes will become even more intuitive. An optional beta programme will start June 16, 2023, in the US for over 9,00,000 vehicles equipped with the MBUX infotainment system," Mercedes-Benz said on Thursday.
Instagram broadcast channels now rolling out globally
"Whether it's an expert interview or a casual hangout, fans can now follow conversations between their favourite creators and their special guests. This is now available globally," the company said in a statement.
Twitter suspends PlainSite and its founder's accounts under new CEO
According to a report in CNBC, at the time of suspension, the PlainSite account had more than 24,000 listed followers on Twitter and Greenspan had about 2,500 followers. The account suspension comes under new Twitter CEO Linda Yaccarino who just said in a memo that "You should have the freedom to speak your mind. We all should."
Reddit was never designed to support 3rd-party apps: CEO
In protest to the application programming interface (API) changes, thousands of Reddit communities are still dark that are forcing some third-party developers to shut down their apps, reports The Verge. According to Huffman, those third-party apps aren't adding much value to the platform. "So the vast majority of the uses of the API -- not (third-party apps like Apollo for Reddit) -- the other 98 per cent of them, make tools, bots, enhancements to Reddit.
Meta expands 'performance bonuses' on FB for creators to earn more
The company has lowered some of the monetisation eligibility requirements for Stars so that more creators who are just starting out can earn money through the support of their fans. "Now creators must have 500 followers (down from 1,000) over the past 30 days (down from 60)," Meta said in a blogpost on Wednesday.
Google rolling out 'Help me write' tool to Gmail for Android, iOS
Similar to the desktop app, users are initially greeted with an introduction prompt for generative AI, reports 9To5Google. A 'Help me write' button will then show up in the bottom-right corner.
"Tapping lets you enter a prompt, with the 'Create' button featuring the blue/purple wave as it works," the report said.
LG launches new laptop series with innovative features in India
According to the company, each model comes equipped with innovative features that cater to diverse preferences and come loaded with innovative features that target a wide range of lifestyles. "With their innovative features and sleek designs, these devices exemplify our commitment to pushing the boundaries of technology and providing the best-in-class products," Hak Hyun Kim, Director, Home Entertainment, LG Electronics India, said in a statement.
Google's new AI feature lets users preview clothes on different body types
"Thanks to our new virtual try-on tool on Search, you can see whether a piece is right for you before you buy it," the tech giant said in a blogpost on Wednesday. "Our new generative AI model can take just one clothing image and accurately reflect how it would drape, fold, cling, stretch and form wrinkles and shadows on a diverse set of real models in various poses."
Many Twitter workers had their car windows smashed: Musk
Musk tweeted: "Many Twitter employees feel unsafe coming to work in downtown SF and have had their car windows smashed." "They also got such a null response from the police that they rarely even bother reporting crimes anymore, because nothing happens," he wrote.
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