Tech

The fandom industry is booming. Can Weverse clutch its notify?

Published

2 years ago

April 25, 2023

The fandom industry is booming. Can Weverse clutch its notify?

HYBE Corporation, the firm within the assist of K-Pop megastars BTS, understands the industry of fandom. And that is the explanation perchance why their “world fandom lifestyles platform” project, Weverse, feels so compelling. Envisioned as neither a social community nor a inner most fan membership, HYBE is making an are attempting and plot a “expansive app” that might per chance per chance allow artists to submit, live stream, host concert events, sell respectable merchandise and extra in a single on-line ecosystem.

Thanks to HYBE’s ambitious world growth, along with its acquisition of Ithaca Holdings(opens in a brand new tab) (home to Justin Bieber and Ariana Grande), its merger with extinct industry live streaming leader VLive, and partnerships with Standard Tune Neighborhood(opens in a brand new tab) and South Korean competitor SM Entertainment, Weverse hosts 86 artists and actors.

Those public figures can submit textual recount messages, photos, and movies, live stream, host concert events, and sell respectable merchandise — all everywhere in the Weverse ecosystem — to greater than 65 million customers, 10 million of which are active on a monthly foundation.

A streamlined fandom platform of that dimension has by no means existed earlier than. On companies delight in Twitter, YouTube, or Tumblr, fan-artist dialog is a byproduct of a what are in reality blogging utilities. On Weverse, building experiences that connect artists with their fans — and monetizing these interactions — is the level. The platform takes its inspiration from the Korean music industry, which lives and dies by fan engagement. And no one understands that better than HYBE.

Joon Won Choi is Weverse’s President. Earlier than joining the firm in 2021, Choi held executive roles at on-line sport companies NCSOFT and Nexon, and Pinkfong, the younger of us’s recount giant most attention-grabbing known for Child Shark. This irrespective of studying historical previous at Seoul’s Yonsei University, the put he wrote his thesis on the French Revolution. “I hung out beyond regulation with engineering majors than historical previous ones” Choi laughs over a Zoom name from Pangyo Techno Village, an office park outcrop that her likens to South Korea’s Silicon Valley. Since his college says “nearly every thing I’ve performed has been about building tech platforms and recount companies,” he says. That recount can also derive differed, “but the fundamental phase of my job — by stupid technological issues delight in account programs and security, the arrangement to tackle web recount web recount visitors from all across the sector, and regulation compliance — are mandatory for any roughly platform. They’re issues that ought to be ready for customers [so] that they most attention-grabbing see the esteem quilt of [a product].”

Choi spoke to Mashable about how Weverse intends to better the fandom industry, the challenges of moderation at scale, man made intelligence, and extra.

Mashable: In a fresh interview with CNN,(opens in a brand new tab) HYBE Chairman Bang Si-Hyuk, mentioned “K-pop is now not as hot within the market because it’s likely you’ll see… Having a derive a look at our export indicators and streaming notify, the slowdown in notify is highly certain.” To me, it appears to be like that whereas K-pop can also be promoting much less, by diagram of merchandising or fan engagement, K-pop has continuously been a get market. Is that the case?

Joon Won Choi: Thank you for announcing that, I feel the same. Chairman Bang is clearly upright when we see the most recent numbers from certain sources but there are [different statistics] Weverse monitors. One appropriate indicator of notify is how many customers are [following multiple artists on Weverse] and that number most attention-grabbing goes up. That is the pattern now we derive been witnessing: total activity, engagement, and consult with frequency most attention-grabbing bolt up.

Si-Hyuk also powerful that he would derive a stronger hand in guiding HYBE’s “labels and management companies in The US” as a means to extra globalize and “amplify the exposure” of K-pop. What’s Weverse’s role in that?

We don’t restrict our boundaries or fandom most attention-grabbing within K-pop. We name our carrier a “fandom industry,” and you’re going to also additionally be keen on anything. The ingredient we’re without a doubt digging into is the psychological mechanism of falling in love with something or somebody.

When there’s a fan that is fascinated about something or somebody, we heed what they want and present them an all-in-one kit. For artists, we are the most attention-grabbing tool for cultivating their expansive fans and we present a monetization ecosystem.

Enact you be taught about that “psychological mechanism” of fandom as you originate the app and plot new parts?

I am very joyful to enlighten that now we are at the stage of doing that. When Weverse launched in June 2019, a community of 30 talented of us got together to plot the minimal viable product and when they launched it. The web recount web recount visitors went up delight in this [makes a swift upward motion with his hand]. Now we derive needed to measure, fix, unencumber, and iterate over and over in a without a doubt rapid timeframe. The platform has by no means been very most attention-grabbing when in contrast to what we without a doubt desired to issue. Each person is aware of what fans settle on but are quiet within the assist of that and derive tried very laborious to safe up the last three years. Now Weverse has greater than 350 workers in Pangyo, Santa Monica, Tokyo, and Vietnam. Now we derive so many priorities that feel evident, that don’t settle on info to relief it up. The giant example is combining Weverse and [separate app] Weverse Store.

I will recount it be even handed one of my very most attention-grabbing pet peeves is that I without a doubt have to bolt to a separate app to purchase.

Peek, you be taught about it, upright? It is evident, you do now not settle on analytic specialists to permit you to know that. As soon as these are blended, we can discuss in regards to the customer acquisition funnel and investing within the psychological facets of monitoring consumer habits across varied regions, languages, or genres of music.

Nearly about consolidation; most K-pop community’s derive a branded light stick that syncs by process of bluetooth to its have app. Will you at last add that means to Weverse so a separate app is now not vital?

We’re working adding that probability, but the decision will lie with the artist and mark. That roughly characteristic will seemingly be a decent thing in regards to the consolidation. One other example is a characteristic we examined all over a fresh showcase by the girl community Billlie. We added a minute ticker to the cloak to again fans to purchase their album thru Weverse. We idea to realize extra customization delight in that on the artist facet: if you occur to’d settle on to monetize it’s likely you’ll, but if now not, you save now not have to.

Twitter inclined to be a location to switch and hear from artists and comprehend it was without a doubt them tweeting because their account had been verified. Now that verification is paid, that is now now not the case. Does that give Weverse a stronger location within the market as a verified fan-artist interaction platform?

All americans asks me the same questions: “when will Justin Bieber be part of Weverse?” I’ve been listening to that query for the last three hundred and sixty five days, since we bought Ithaca Holdings.

Weverse is now not the upright platform for every artist, because they every derive their most current diagram of talking with their fan tainted. K-pop artists feel that they’re in a without a doubt safe and get ambiance on Weverse, so their habits when they submit something on Instagram versus when they submit on Weverse is totally varied and the reaction can also be very varied.

We’re specializing in developing a extra get ambiance for artists. When Weverse started, a profanity filter and other security parts weren’t at the conclude of the list. However as the carrier grows, that priority does, too. That was even handed one of many a colossal preference of advantages of partnering with Naver, a giant tech giant in Korea. They make investments vastly in machine studying and AI neighborhood moderation abilities, now we are using their tech to moderate video and photo posts and using a dapper-textual recount bot [to filter profanity].

They’ll by no means be very most attention-grabbing, but thanks to the make stronger from machine studying, it most attention-grabbing gets better. So implementing these forms of programs has been a giant improvement and are other measures we’re working on to care for the Weverse ambiance safe and get.

Within the previous I’ve written about(opens in a brand new tab) racism on Weverse, which is in a position to be overt or extra subtly rooted in lack of expertise. What focal level are you taking on racist advise, or feedback about bustle and identification, as the customer tainted grows extra various?

I deem right here’s the most refined question. Weverse has greater than 65 million customers in 245 worldwide locations, so now we derive got immense web recount web recount visitors coming thru and there are a variety of, as you mentioned, feedback containing racism, prejudices, or biases. It is rather refined to detect every of them attributable to the immense quantity of web recount web recount visitors coming in, so as that is the subject that we’re dealing with upright now.

We cannot 100% rely on abilities, so now we derive got an operations and monitoring personnel of human eyes. We also be all ears to the neighborhood, because most ceaselessly getting info from them is quicker than the inner monitoring plot. We also rob legal action against these abusers. So now we derive got varied measures(opens in a brand new tab) and are attempting and make it extra comprehensive.

I repeat this very in most cases within the office: now we derive got nearly 10 million active customers every month, and most attention-grabbing around 10% of them pronounce Korean. When it comes to the put the app has the most customers, worldwide locations delight in Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, the U.S., and Mexico are at the conclude of the list. The fastest notify now we derive been seeing is in India. So the Weverse personnel ought to be at the forefront of embracing the total varied cultures and determining them.

You appropriate launched characteristic called “Weverse DM.” It is not certain to me exactly how it without a doubt works. If I write a DM to an artist, will they write me assist straight?

The message is without a doubt from the artist, but it be now not assured to be personally directed to you. The attention-grabbing phase of the carrier is that fans know that, and they also quiet gain pleasure from it. From the artist’s viewpoint, the DMs explore delight in a live chat that they’ll read to make your mind up on the most attention-grabbing message to issue to fans.

We developed Weverse DM to be a phase of a subscription model we’re rising for later this three hundred and sixty five days. However the needs and requests of every mark are varied, so whether it is a separate paid characteristic or now not is dependent upon the need of every artist.

There is most attention-grabbing one Justin Bieber and millions of fans, so scalability is a giant ingredient in building a fandom. The DM characteristic is a appropriate example of fixing that “one to many” pickle: an artist cannot DM every single particular person, but there’s a version of a DM that quiet enables fans to feel delight in there’s a connection. Are there other difficulties that it’s likely you’ll be also derive gotten encountered around scalability?

I’ve been getting the same roughly question about Weverse DM, mostly from of us I met within the States. “Is it without a doubt from the artist?” Yes, it is. We by no means rob into account AI generated feedback or messages. The core of our carrier is the right interaction between fan and artist, so if even one message is generated from a pc, that is a giant threat to the core of our industry. Our focal level is on rising better instruments for artists to easily video display and moderate the dialog.

Are you investing closely in AI previous your partnership with Naver? AI is all we discuss at work now, to be unbiased.

Identical right here! We’re now not investing in AI, [but] we incorporate it into what we’re doing within the office. The income we glance from it to this level is ready inner workflow effectivity. I indicate, we’re loopy about it.

Can you give me an example of what you are going to also be using it for?

[Laughs] Summarizing a five page characterize? Producing a lift out to list out of it? Stuff delight in that. It’ll plot a without a doubt appropriate draft version of something. We struggle thru it and recount “oh, right here’s flawed, right here’s flawed, but the total account of this makes a variety of sense!” We use it as a seed of brainstorming.

HYBE has said that it be taking measures to develop into extra sustainable in offering digital variations of objects. The “Weverse Album” characteristic offers digital version of albums, photo playing cards, and photo books. In fascinated in regards to the worth of an object, I deem of us quiet attribute extra designate to something bodily. How lift out you diagram developing designate around digital goods and are you investing in that roughly abilities?

We’re. We stealth launched a carrier called Weverse Assortment earlier this three hundred and sixty five days that choices earning badge from your fan activity. That is the initiating of digital objects within Weverse and the evolution of that goes within the path of what you appropriate mentioned. The designate of digital and bodily photo playing cards complement every other. By diagram of the ambiance and the very core of desire of fans, we deem at last it’s going to also now not without a doubt subject whether designate exists within the bodily world or digital world. And so whereas offering digital goods can also be one diagram of reaching ESG [environmental, social, and governance] compliance, we don’t deem that digital designate will completely substitute bodily goods.

[We want them to] complement every other or maximize the usage of every other. Within the industry, we already see examples of interactive photo playing cards, the put you rob a image of that bodily photo card and might per chance per chance see bizarre AR recount. That’s cool, there’s a “wow” ingredient in that. However is that in reality what fans settle on? Will they truthfully gain pleasure from the AR recount ample to behold it in most cases? That is the put our analysis in psychology or consumer habits is available in. This can serve us originate the most attention-grabbing experiences, now not appropriate present something that looks cool.

Would Weverse ever rob into account coming into the secondary photocard market by offering a marketplace for procuring and selling and resale?

I cannot namely solution that the question, but I will discuss in regards to the path of what we are doing. We’ll be launching a brand new carrier called “Weverse by Followers,” the put fans can customize their have goods. After we consolidate all of Weverse’s parts within a expansive app, the next roam will seemingly be offering extra parts encouraging fan-to-fan interaction. We feel that is mandatory.

You are web webhosting Weverse Con Competition, a multi-day in-particular person live performance in June. Closing three hundred and sixty five days it was a digital match. What’s the approach within the assist of having an in particular person match, especially for an app?

Weverse Con Competition is the most attention-grabbing opportunity for us to showcase how we can connect the rating and offline abilities. We save a variety of emphasis on Weverse Con Competition because we predict in regards to the parts we’re offering there derive a propensity by varied artists across the sector to [connect with] their fans on-line, serve them be part of the live performance, and derive a seamless abilities. That’s our greater goal.

Tech

TikTok Users Migrate to RedNote Amid Looming Ban

Published

2 days ago

January 14, 2025

Sahil Sachdeva

With the threat of a TikTok ban drawing closer, American users are flocking to RedNote, a Chinese social media app. The app, often called “Xiaohongshu” or “Little Red Book” in Mandarin, has surged in popularity, becoming the most downloaded app on Apple’s US App Store.

Rise of “TikTok Refugees”

RedNote, a blend of TikTok and Instagram, appeals to young, urban women with its focus on lifestyle topics like fashion and dating. Previously popular in China, Taiwan, and other Mandarin-speaking regions, the app now welcomes a wave of American users referring to themselves as “TikTok refugees.” As of now, there are over 63,000 posts guiding newcomers on app navigation and basic Chinese phrases.

Looming Ban on TikTok

The US Supreme Court is set to rule on a law requiring TikTok to sell its US operations by January 19 or face a ban. TikTok, which serves 170 million users in the US, has firmly opposed selling its operations, citing potential violations of free speech rights.

Mixed Reactions from New Users

Despite concerns about censorship and data privacy, new RedNote users are diving into the app. Some, like Sarah Fotheringham, see joining RedNote as a form of protest against the government’s restrictions. Others, like Marcus Robinson, are cautiously optimistic, embracing the app for its potential to expand personal and professional networks.

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Security Concerns and Cultural Exchange

RedNote’s ties to aChin have prompted security concerns, with some officials in Taiwan banning its use due to fears of data misuse. However, many American users, including Tennessee tech worker Sydney Crawley, are enjoying the cultural exchange, forming connections with Chinese users, and exploring the country’s culture.

Reports of Censorship

Like TikTok, RedNote has faced allegations of censoring content critical of the Chinese government. This hasn’t deterred many users, though some admit to navigating these issues with caution.

The Bigger Picture

Even if TikTok avoids an outright ban, the platform faces competition from RedNote and other emerging alternatives. As more users shift platforms, TikTok may struggle to maintain its dominance.

Controversial Sale to Musk

Adding to the intrigue, there are rumours that Chinese officials might allow the sale of TikTok’s US operations to Elon Musk’s social media platform, X, if the ban is upheld. TikTok has dismissed such reports as “pure fiction,” while US officials debate whether the app poses a national security risk.

The Road Ahead

As the January 19 deadline approaches, the fate of TikTok in the US remains uncertain. Whether the platform survives the legal and political challenges or users continue to migrate to apps like RedNote, the global social media landscape is undoubtedly shifting.

Tech

AI’s Revolutionary Role in the Treatment of Rare Diseases

Published

6 days ago

January 10, 2025

Sahil Sachdeva

Rare diseases, affecting a small percentage of the population, pose significant medical challenges. Defined differently across regions, these illnesses typically have low incidence rates. For instance, the European Union categorises diseases affecting fewer than 1 in 2,000 individuals as rare, while the United States uses an annual benchmark of fewer than 200,000 individuals. Globally, over 7,000 rare diseases have been identified, collectively impacting more than 400 million people worldwide. Yet, due to diagnostic complexities, the actual number may be much higher.

Patients with rare diseases often face hurdles such as delayed diagnosis, lack of effective treatments, and high medication costs. Only about 5% of these diseases have established treatments, and even then, affordability remains a concern. This is where artificial intelligence (AI) emerges as a transformative force, reshaping the landscape of rare disease diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment.

AI in Rare Disease Diagnosis and Treatment

AI applications in healthcare have seen remarkable growth, particularly in areas requiring large-scale data analysis. In the realm of rare diseases, AI has been predominantly utilised for diagnosis, aiding in the early identification of complex conditions. However, a significant shift is now focusing on treatment—a domain still in its nascent stages for AI implementation.

AI-driven drug discovery offers a promising pathway to address the unmet needs of rare disease patients. Traditional drug development is costly and time-intensive, averaging 10 to 15 years and over $2 billion per drug, with a high failure rate of around 90%. AI has the potential to significantly reduce these costs and timelines, as well as increase success rates.

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Pioneering AI-Driven Drug Development

Startups like Insilico Medicine and major firms like Alphabet’s Isomorphic Labs are leading the AI-driven drug discovery revolution. Insilico Medicine, for example, has developed a novel molecule targeting idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a rare lung disease with no known cure. Using generative AI, the company designed the molecule by identifying a protein, TNIK, as a potential target—something traditional methods had not explored. This process took only 18 months and involved synthesising and testing 79 molecules compared to the usual four years and 500 molecules.

Such advancements underscore AI’s capacity to accelerate drug discovery, reducing costs and enhancing efficiency. Insilico currently has six molecules in clinical trials, with more in the pipeline, all discovered using generative AI. This demonstrates the growing feasibility of AI-driven approaches in rare disease treatment.

The Role of Data in AI Success

One of the biggest challenges in AI drug development is the lack of comprehensive data. Rare diseases, by definition, affect small patient populations, leading to limited datasets for training AI models. To address this, companies like Recursion Pharmaceutical are generating vast amounts of data through automated experiments. By leveraging this data, Recursion has successfully developed molecules now undergoing clinical trials for cancer treatment.

Despite these successes, experts agree that the ultimate milestone for AI in drug discovery will be demonstrating consistent success in clinical trials. Chris Gibson, CEO of Recursion Pharmaceuticals, notes that proving AI-discovered drugs’ efficacy over traditional methods will be the turning point for the industry.

A New Era in Rare Disease Treatment

The integration of AI in rare disease treatment marks the beginning of a new era in medicine. By combining the computational power of AI with human expertise, the pharmaceutical industry is poised to tackle previously insurmountable challenges. While there is still work to be done, particularly in addressing data biases and refining AI algorithms, the progress made so far offers hope to millions of patients worldwide.

As AI-discovered drugs continue to advance through clinical trials, the potential for this technology to revolutionise the treatment of rare diseases becomes increasingly apparent. With reduced timelines, lower costs, and enhanced precision, AI stands as a beacon of hope for patients and researchers alike, paving the way for a future where no disease remains untreatable.

Tech

How AI is Fighting Counterfeit Luxury Goods: A Revolution in Authentication

Published

1 week ago

January 8, 2025

Sahil Sachdeva

how-ai-is-fighting-counterfeit-luxury-goods-a-revolution-in-authentication

In today’s world of luxury products, counterfeits are a growing threat to both brands and consumers. From high-end handbags to expensive watches and sneakers, counterfeit goods are infiltrating the market at an alarming rate, creating an economic impact that could reach an astounding $1.79 trillion by 2030. Luxury brands are now turning to a new ally in the battle against these fake products—artificial intelligence (AI). With AI, businesses are enhancing the authentication process, ensuring that only genuine goods make it to the market, offering greater security to both retailers and buyers.

The Rise of AI-Driven Authentication

Luxury items such as Hermès’ iconic Birkin bags, Rolex watches, and Louis Vuitton accessories have long been targets for counterfeiters. However, the complexity of these products, including intricate stitching, premium materials, and specific design details, makes them difficult to replicate perfectly. To combat the threat, businesses are adopting advanced AI solutions that analyze key product features with precision, surpassing the limitations of human authentication.

AI-based tools, such as those used in the authentication of luxury handbags, have transformed the way these goods are verified. For instance, a robotic system with a high-powered camera can examine a bag from various angles, scrutinizing the texture, stitching, and overall craftsmanship under a microscope. This level of detail not only improves the speed of authentication but also boosts accuracy, identifying potential counterfeits with a high degree of confidence.

The Role of AI in Counterfeit Detection

AI is not just revolutionizing how products are authenticated; it’s also being used proactively to identify counterfeit listings in the marketplace. By leveraging powerful algorithms, AI tools can scan millions of online listings for potential fakes, analyzing product descriptions, images, and pricing patterns to detect fraudulent goods before they reach unsuspecting buyers. With AI constantly monitoring digital marketplaces, brands can act quickly to have counterfeit products removed, ensuring that only authentic goods are sold to consumers.

For businesses, this continuous scanning and real-time verification reduces the burden on human inspectors and speeds up the detection process, preventing counterfeit goods from being sold. Additionally, brands can use AI to create custom authentication reports, providing buyers and resellers with tangible proof of authenticity for every luxury item.

The Power of Deterrence

While AI might never fully eliminate the presence of counterfeit products, it acts as a strong deterrent. By implementing AI-driven solutions, luxury brands can signal to counterfeiters that they are closely monitoring the market and ready to act against fraudulent activity. These measures not only protect the integrity of the brand but also safeguard consumers from unknowingly purchasing fake products.

As AI continues to evolve, so too will its ability to detect even the most sophisticated counterfeits. The future of luxury goods authentication lies in the integration of AI and human expertise, creating a robust defense against the growing problem of counterfeit luxury items.

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AI and the Future of Authenticity

The increasing prevalence of counterfeit luxury goods poses a serious challenge, but the rise of AI-driven authentication solutions is a game-changer. With AI’s precision, speed, and scalability, luxury brands can stay ahead of counterfeiters, protecting their products, their reputation, and their customers. In an era where authenticity is everything, AI is paving the way for a more secure and transparent market for high-end goods.

Tech

What Makes Google AI Gemini Special and How It Outperforms ChatGPT

Published

2 weeks ago

January 2, 2025

Sahil Sachdeva

Googles-Gemini-AI-Uses-Features-and-Industry-Impact-1

Google AI Gemini is setting new benchmarks in artificial intelligence by surpassing ChatGPT in nearly every aspect. With its advanced language models, multimodal capabilities, faster training processes, and real-time data integration, Gemini has become a more intelligent, versatile, and reliable AI system. Its ability to process images, audio, and complex reasoning, coupled with dynamic feedback and deep learning algorithms, makes Gemini a trusted choice for individuals and businesses, redefining the standard for AI technology.

The article delves into the reasons behind Gemini’s superiority over ChatGPT, highlighting its technological advancements and innovative features.

1. Advanced Language Models

Gemini’s sophisticated architecture enables it to process and generate language with higher accuracy and fluency. Its refined algorithms make it more adept at handling complex queries, understanding linguistic nuances, and capturing subtleties like sarcasm and idiomatic expressions, making it ideal for creative and technical tasks.

2. Multimodal Capabilities

Unlike ChatGPT, which focuses on text, Gemini handles diverse input forms, including images and audio. This multimodal approach enhances its versatility, enabling applications like image analysis, data integration from graphs, and complex inference-making.

3. Faster Training Processes

Leveraging Google’s advanced infrastructure, Gemini undergoes rapid training on vast datasets without compromising quality. This allows it to stay current with real-time data and adapt quickly to new trends, outperforming ChatGPT, which relies on older datasets.

4. Real-Time Data Integration

Gemini processes live data feeds, ensuring responses are accurate and relevant to unfolding events or recent updates. In contrast, ChatGPT’s periodic updates can lead to outdated information.

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5. Deeper Contextual Understanding

Gemini excels in maintaining coherence in extended conversations, using advanced techniques to track and align responses with the discussion’s context. This gives it an edge over ChatGPT, which sometimes struggles with long or complex dialogues.

6. Real-Time Reasoning

With robust reasoning algorithms, Gemini provides critical thinking and problem-solving capabilities. It delivers actionable insights for complex tasks like creating business plans or solving technical problems with unmatched accuracy.

Google AI Gemini’s success is driven by its innovative architecture, which enhances learning efficiency, and dynamic feedback loops that enable continuous improvement based on user interactions. Additionally, its strong focus on ethics and safety ensures that the outputs are reliable, unbiased, and ethically sound. These advancements collectively position Gemini as a smarter, safer, and more adaptable AI solution, setting a high standard in the field of artificial intelligence.

Tech

Top 10 Tech Trends of 2025 That Will Transform Our Lives

Published

3 weeks ago

December 26, 2024

Sahil Sachdeva

As we approach 2025, it’s time to explore the technological advancements that promise to reshape industries, societies, and daily routines. This article delves into the top technology trends for 2025, divided into three categories: game changers, foundational breakthroughs, and weak signal wild cards. These trends, alongside emerging weak signals, are setting the stage for transformative developments that will define the future.

1. Artificial Intelligence (AI) AI remains a driving force in technology. By 2025, breakthroughs in Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) and personalized AI will introduce AI co-workers, digital twins, and wearable AI devices. These innovations will revolutionize productivity, customer interactions, and creative solutions, solidifying AI’s role as a cornerstone of modern society.

2. Humanoid Robotics Humanoid robots are expected to evolve into a $7 trillion market within the next 25 years. With advancements in multimodal systems, edge computing, and dexterity, robots like Tesla Optimus and Figure 02 will seamlessly integrate into sectors such as healthcare and logistics.

3. BioTech and Synthetic Biology Progress in gene editing, cellular agriculture, and biomanufacturing is pushing the limits of synthetic biology. Tools like CRISPR and metabolic engineering are enabling breakthroughs in medicine, agriculture, and environmental sustainability.

Foundational Breakthroughs

4. Advanced Computing The surge in compute-intensive applications, especially AI, is driving rapid advancements in computing technologies. Innovations such as microfluidic-cooled chips, supercomputers, and composable computing architectures are enabling faster and more efficient processing.

5. Clean Tech The growing energy demands of modern technologies are spurring the adoption of clean energy solutions. Advances in energy efficiency and sustainable reuse will accelerate the adoption of clean tech products to address global energy challenges.

6. Nuclear Energy Small modular reactors and advanced nuclear technologies will play a key role in powering data centres and meeting worldwide energy needs. These solutions promise a sustainable approach to managing high-energy demands, particularly in AI applications.

7. Next-Gen Energy Storage Solid-state batteries, with their superior energy density and safety, are set to replace lithium-ion batteries. Companies like Toyota and QuantumScape is leading the charge to commercialise these batteries, revolutionising energy storage and electric vehicles.

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Weak Signal Wild Cards

1. Quantum Computing: Quantum computing holds the potential to solve complex problems in cryptography, drug development, and materials science. While its widespread adoption is still on the horizon, ongoing advancements could redefine computational capabilities.

2. 6G Networks and Hyperconnectivity: 6G networks promise speeds 500 times faster than 5G, unlocking new possibilities for IoT applications, real-time AR/VR, and autonomous systems. However, significant infrastructure and device upgrades will be needed to support this technology.

3. Space Tech: Space exploration is shifting from exclusive ventures for billionaires to broader commercial opportunities. Companies are advancing initiatives in space tourism, mining, and settlement, making space travel more accessible and practical.

Additional Tech Trends to Watch

Generative AI: Redefining industries through sophisticated content creation and interactive simulations.
AR/VR Innovations: Bridging the physical and digital worlds with advanced AR glasses and immersive experiences.
Blockchain Applications: Securing supply chains, voting systems, and medical records beyond cryptocurrency applications.
Biometric authentication: enhancing security through precise and personalised identity verification.
Autonomous Vehicles: Achieving new milestones in self-driving technology.
Sustainable Tech: Driving global sustainability goals with innovative green solutions.
Edge Computing: Enhancing real-time data processing and decision-making capabilities.
Digital Twins: Simulating and optimising real-world systems with virtual models.

The top tech trends of 2025 highlight a future driven by groundbreaking innovations and transformative technologies. From AI-powered tools to advancements in space exploration, these trends are poised to reshape how we live, work, and interact with the world. As we embrace these developments, technology will remain a powerful catalyst for progress, unlocking new opportunities and possibilities for humanity.

Tech

South Korean Team Develops WalkON Suit F1: A Wearable Robot to Aid Paraplegics

Published

3 weeks ago

December 23, 2024

Sahil Sachdeva

A South Korean research team has introduced the WalkON Suit F1, a lightweight wearable robot designed to assist paraplegic users. This innovative device can approach users, attach itself to them, and enable walking, navigating obstacles, and climbing stairs. Developed by the Exoskeleton Laboratory at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), the goal is to integrate this robot seamlessly into the lives of people with mobility impairments.

Kim Seung-hwan, a parapsychic researcher on the KAIST team, showcased the robot’s capabilities. With the WalkON Suit F1, he walked at a speed of 3.2 kph (2 mph), climbed stairs, and even manoeuvred into a bench with sideways steps. “It can find me wherever I am, even in a wheelchair, and help me stand up,” Kim explained, highlighting the suit’s unique features.

Constructed from aluminium and titanium, the WalkON Suit F1 weighs just 50 kg (110 lbs) and operates with 12 electronic motors that mimic human joint movements. Inspired by the movie Iron Man, team member Park Jeong-su envisioned creating a real-life robot to assist people. The robot includes advanced sensors that monitor 1,000 signals per second to maintain balance and anticipate user movements. Front-facing lenses act as “eyes,” allowing the suit to analyse surroundings, gauge object heights, and detect obstacles, compensating for the sensory limitations of users with complete paraplegia.

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Kim, wearing the WalkON Suit F1, won gold in the exoskeleton category at Cybathlon 2024, a competition showcasing assistive robotic technologies for people with disabilities. “I wanted my son to know that I used to walk,” Kim said, expressing his desire to share diverse experiences with his child.

This groundbreaking technology represents a significant step forward in empowering paraplegic users to regain mobility and independence.

Tech

Apple in Talks with Tencent, ByteDance to Roll Out AI Features in China: Reuters Sources

Published

4 weeks ago

December 19, 2024

Sahil Sachdeva

Apple is in discussions with Tencent and TikTok owner ByteDance to integrate their artificial intelligence (AI) models into iPhones sold in China, according to Reuters sources. This initiative follows Apple’s rollout of OpenAI’s ChatGPT on its devices globally. However, ChatGPT remains unavailable in China due to strict regulatory requirements, compelling Apple to seek local partnerships to implement AI features in the region.

The discussions with Tencent and ByteDance are at an early stage, with no public comments from the companies. These partnerships, if successful, could strengthen Apple’s AI capabilities in China while boosting Tencent and ByteDance’s standing in the country’s competitive AI market. Both companies are prominent players, with ByteDance’s Doubao and Tencent’s Hunyuan among the leading large language models.

Apple’s prior talks with Baidu over integrating its AI model reportedly stalled due to technical challenges and disputes over using iPhone user data to train AI models. Baidu’s shares fell 4.2% after the news, while Tencent’s shares rose 2.3%.

The lack of advanced AI features in Apple’s latest iPhones sold in China has become a significant hurdle, especially as the company faces growing competition from domestic brands like Huawei. Huawei’s Mate 70 series, powered by proprietary AI technology, has gained significant traction. According to IDC, Apple’s iPhone sales in China dropped 0.3% year-on-year in Q3 2024, while Huawei’s surged by 42%.

Apple’s declining market share in the world’s largest smartphone market underscores the urgency of securing partnerships with local tech giants like Tencent and ByteDance to roll out AI features tailored for Chinese consumers. As Apple pushes to maintain its competitive edge, integrating AI capabilities into iPhones in collaboration with local leaders like Tencent and ByteDance could be key to regaining momentum in China.

Entertainment

Cyber Monday 2024: Shoppers Set to Break Spending Records

Published

2 months ago

December 2, 2024

Sahil Sachdeva

cyber-monday-2024-record-breaking-spending-ahead

As the holiday shopping season accelerates, Cyber Monday 2024 is poised to smash previous records, with consumers expected to spend a staggering amount online. Following the success of Black Friday, where shoppers spent a record $10.8 billion online, Cyber Monday is expected to see even more significant numbers as e-commerce continues to dominate the retail landscape.

Shoppers Spend Big This Holiday Season

Shoppers are already on track to break spending records in 2024. With just a few days left in the post-Thanksgiving shopping marathon, online retail is forecasted to reach an all-time high, setting a new benchmark for Cyber Monday. According to industry analysts, this year’s Cyber Monday could see U.S. consumers spending over $13 billion, making it the biggest online shopping day of the year. This surge follows the impressive spending seen on Black Friday, which saw a massive $10.8 billion spent online, a 10.2% increase over last year.

Retailers across the U.S. are gearing up for one of the busiest shopping days of the year, offering deep discounts and exclusive deals, further driving up sales. Many major brands have extended their sales over multiple days, offering customers plenty of opportunities to snag deals well before Cyber Monday arrives.

Record-Breaking Retail Sales Expected

The 2024 holiday shopping season is shaping up to be one for the history books. U.S. retail sales are expected to hit a record-breaking $75 billion during the holiday season, signaling robust consumer demand despite concerns about inflation. Retailers are seeing more shoppers than ever turning to online platforms for their holiday purchases. With an expanding range of products—from electronics and beauty items to home goods and fashion—the e-commerce boom is set to continue throughout the season.

As shopping habits shift, more consumers are taking advantage of “buy now, pay later” services, which are becoming increasingly popular during the holiday season. This allows shoppers to break up the cost of their purchases, making it easier to take advantage of deep discounts without putting a strain on their wallets.

The Growing Dominance of E-Commerce

This year, e-commerce is expected to continue its dominance, with both retailers and shoppers embracing the convenience of online shopping. Consumers have become accustomed to shopping from the comfort of their homes, and major retailers are offering a seamless online experience to match. As a result, physical store traffic has been on the decline, with more shoppers opting for the ease and flexibility of online purchases, especially on days like Cyber Monday.

In addition to record-breaking spending, experts are also forecasting an increase in “experience-driven spending.” Shoppers are more likely to splurge on self-gifting this season, treating themselves to everything from tech gadgets to personal care items. Categories like electronics, fitness products, and beauty items are among the biggest winners in the race for holiday sales.

A Strong Economy Fuels Record Spending

Despite concerns over rising inflation and potential tariff increases, the U.S. economy remains resilient. Economic indicators suggest that consumer confidence is strong, with spending growth expected to continue into 2024. Even with the challenges posed by inflation, consumers are eager to take advantage of the holiday deals, ensuring that retailers see a record-breaking finish to the year.

The forecasted $75 billion in retail sales is a testament to the ongoing strength of the American consumer. As retailers continue to adapt to changing shopping behaviors, it’s clear that the future of retail is online, and Cyber Monday will continue to be a highlight of the shopping season.

cyber-monday-2024-record-breaking-spending-ahead

Cyber Monday 2024 is shaping up to be a landmark event in the world of retail. With shoppers already breaking records, spending an impressive $10.8 billion online on Black Friday, and consumers forecasted to hit new highs this Monday, it’s clear that e-commerce is driving the retail boom. As U.S. retail sales soar toward a record-breaking $75 billion this holiday season, it’s evident that the future of shopping is digital, and Cyber Monday remains a key pillar in the ever-evolving landscape of online retail.

Tech

Apple’s Latest Patent Revolutionizes Home Security with Facial Recognition and Bodyprint Technology

Published

2 months ago

November 27, 2024

Sahil Sachdeva

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Apple is once again pushing the boundaries of innovation with its latest patent, designed to revolutionize home security. The newly granted technology combines advanced facial recognition with a unique feature called Bodyprint, enhancing security systems in ways never before imagined. This patent represents a significant leap forward, ensuring that homes can remain secure while prioritizing privacy and user control.

The Power of Facial Recognition and Bodyprint

Traditional security systems have relied heavily on facial recognition to identify individuals, but Apple’s new system goes beyond this by adding the concept of Bodyprint. This bodyprint technology identifies individuals based not just on their face but also on their body’s unique physical characteristics—such as the shape of their torso and the clothes they wear. By combining these two methods, the system can recognize people even when their face is obscured or turned away, offering a more comprehensive and reliable security solution.

The use of Bodyprint is what truly sets this technology apart. Apple’s latest patent suggests that the camera will store information about a person’s physical traits, generating a “bodyprint” that works in tandem with facial recognition. This allows the system to track and identify individuals with greater accuracy and flexibility, ensuring a secure environment, even if facial features are not clearly visible.

How the System Works

Once installed, the security camera system regularly captures images of people approaching the camera, storing these images temporarily to create a database of bodyprints. Using deep learning models, the camera continuously analyzes these images to improve its recognition abilities over time. If it detects a match, it sends a notification to the user, allowing them to view the live feed on their Apple devices, such as an iPhone, iPad, or Apple TV.

The system’s ability to recognize individuals based on Bodyprint and facial recognition ensures that homeowners are not only notified of arrivals but can also trust that the identification process is accurate and reliable. It’s a system that prioritizes both security and privacy, giving users the peace of mind that their home is being protected in an advanced yet discreet manner.

Apple’s Vision for the Future of Smart Security

This patent is part of Apple’s broader strategy to expand into the smart home sector. The company has expressed its intent to develop secure home devices, starting with a privacy-focused security camera and an intelligent home hub. These devices will work seamlessly with Apple’s existing ecosystem, offering consumers a more integrated experience. The use of Bodyprint alongside facial recognition is a perfect example of how Apple is revolutionizing the smart home market, offering a new level of protection while staying true to its core values of privacy and user control.

A New Era of Secure Smart Homes

With this latest patent, Apple is once again demonstrating its commitment to pushing the boundaries of what technology can achieve. The combination of facial recognition and Bodyprint in a security system is a game-changer, offering users a more reliable and sophisticated way to keep their homes secure. As Apple continues to innovate, we can expect even more groundbreaking technologies in the smart home sector, all designed to make our lives easier and more secure.

In conclusion, this new patent marks a milestone in the evolution of home security. With Bodyprint technology and facial recognition, Apple is leading the way in creating secure and innovative solutions that will change the way we think about home safety. As the company’s vision for the smart home becomes a reality, we can only imagine what’s next.

Tech

Inside Elon Musk’s Breakup with OpenAI: What Happened Behind the Scenes?

Published

2 months ago

November 19, 2024

Sahil Sachdeva

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Elon Musk, the visionary entrepreneur behind Tesla, SpaceX, and Neuralink, has always been a prominent advocate for artificial intelligence. But his relationship with OpenAI—a company he co-founded in 2015—took an unexpected turn when he parted ways with the organization in 2018. What caused this high-profile breakup? Here’s a deep dive into the internal dynamics and the events that led to the split.

The Genesis of OpenAI

Elon Musk co-founded OpenAI with a bold mission: to ensure artificial intelligence benefits all of humanity. At its inception, OpenAI was a non-profit, emphasizing ethical AI development. Musk was instrumental in funding the initiative, pledging millions to support its vision. His influence, alongside other co-founders, helped position OpenAI as a global leader in AI research.

Inside Elon Musk’s Vision for AI

Musk has long been vocal about the potential dangers of artificial intelligence. He feared that without proper oversight, AI could spiral out of control. This fear was a driving force behind his involvement in OpenAI. According to Musk, the goal was to create a counterbalance to corporate AI giants like Google and Microsoft, ensuring a safer future for humanity.

What Went Wrong? The Internal Struggles

The split between Elon Musk and OpenAI was reportedly due to internal disagreements over the direction of the organization.

Diverging Visions
Musk’s vision for AI safety clashed with OpenAI’s evolving approach. While Musk prioritized caution, OpenAI began exploring cutting-edge, transformative AI applications, which Musk feared might become too powerful or misused.
Leadership Disputes
Internal reports suggest Musk proposed taking over OpenAI to realign it with his vision. However, his proposal was rejected, leading to friction between Musk and other co-founders.
Transition to For-Profit
In 2019, a year after Musk’s departure, OpenAI shifted to a “capped-profit” model, allowing the organization to raise funds from investors. Musk publicly criticized this move, arguing it deviated from OpenAI’s original non-profit ethos.

Elon Musk’s Next Steps

After his departure, Musk didn’t abandon AI entirely. Instead, he doubled down on his AI-related efforts through other ventures:

Tesla’s AI Initiatives
Tesla’s autonomous driving technology heavily relies on AI, with Musk leading innovations in neural networks and machine learning.
Neuralink
Musk’s brain-computer interface company, Neuralink, reflects his desire to merge human intelligence with AI to stay ahead in the AI race.

OpenAI After Elon Musk

Despite Musk’s departure, OpenAI has grown exponentially. Its flagship product, ChatGPT, has become a household name, revolutionizing the way we interact with AI. However, critics argue that OpenAI’s transition to a for-profit model aligns it more closely with the corporate entities it once sought to counteract.

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Final Thoughts: A Complex Legacy

The breakup between Elon Musk and OpenAI highlights the complexities of balancing innovation, ethics, and corporate governance in the AI industry. While Musk’s departure marked the end of an era for OpenAI, it also paved the way for new advancements in AI under his other ventures.

This chapter in Musk’s career serves as a reminder of the importance of aligning vision with execution—especially when dealing with transformative technologies like artificial intelligence.