One of the famous developers of the Call of Duty game, Treyarch, has caused controversy in the gaming sector by signs of utilizing AI art into their games. The act, alluded to through a recent job posting, has raised a question of the function of artistic humans in game development.

Job posting raises eyebrows

Treyarch’s careers page recently posted a job ad for a 2D artist/animator role that could help the studio adopt generative AI tools. The announcement itself did not explicitly link the job opening to the Call of Duty series, but Treyarch’s long-standing association with the franchise implies a major influence on its development.

Post on Twitter by CharlieIntel indicated that Treyarch is searching for a gifted artist who is skilled in digital drawings, motion design and AI generation tools. The task posting mentioned about the process of “polishing” artworks generated by both humans and AI algorithms. Aspirants with knowledge of AI art programs like Stable Diffusion, Vizcom, DALL-E, or similar platforms and proficiency in traditional digital art creation techniques are welcome to apply.

A Treyarch job listing suggests the studio may be looking to use AI tools in art dev. An Animator role states a person will "polish 2D art made by humans and generative Al tools" Microsoft has been making a push for AI use in game development as part of their AI tools pic.twitter.com/GcJ6tIWLCl

— CharlieIntel (@charlieINTEL) April 28, 2024

AI in the gaming industry

AI-generated art appearing in video games has been a controversial matter in the gaming industry and the recent example of Treyarch could be viewed as the embodiment of the latest trend. AI had been a subject of a Unity report in March, which had shown the majority of game studios used AI; however, AI-generated art functioned as a tool for prototyping and abstracting, not as a substitute for human creativity.

But alongside it, the awareness that AI is moving into the sphere of artists has triggered some dread among the gamers and the decision-makers in the industry. The concern that machine programs are taking place of artists raises a doubt around creative activities and craftsmen’s role in game development.

Call of Duty Community backlash

The recent news about Treyarch working with AI algorithms to create art has caused people to openly criticize the company in the gaming circle. Quite a few Call of Duty players voice their concerns over the possibility of getting rid of the distinguishing feature of human artists – the touch of originality and creativity in exchange for technology-produced content.

Some say that AI might improve some parts of game development, but on the other hand it tends to decrease the stylistic variety of games and creates a monotonous graphic style of them. Moreover, doubts continuously arise regarding the consequences for the jobs within the sector, as the use of AI in creating art may eventually result in human artists being displaced from their places of work.

Source: Call of Duty X (formerly Twitter)

The role of art in gaming in the future.

With technology constantly improving and developmental cycles getting longer, the temptation of using AI because of its efficiency and cheapness will be a difficult proposition for the game developers to resist. Nevertheless, the controversy regarding the impact of AI on creative processes is far from over.

Some argue that AI should be seen as a helper when building artistic pipelines in addition to humans themselves, while others warn about excessive use of AI and the prevention of loss of human aspect in art. However, the question of how to find the equilibrium between the utilization of AI skills and the maintenance of the human touch in game development will be the high-resolution issue for the gaming industry in the future.

Treyarch’s possible shift towards AI-produced art in the Call of Duty established a topic that sparked an argument about technological and artistic interrelation in the game development process. Therefore, while the industry works out these changing dynamics, the future of art in gaming leans on the edge of two different directions – innovating and preserving tradition at the same time.You can find the original writing here

In the pursuit of delivering a visually stunning and immersive gaming experience, PlatinumGames faced a challenging decision regarding the frame rate for Bayonetta Origins: The Lost Demon and Cereza, both being available for the Nintendo Switch. A top official finally revealed the overall chain of tasks that ranged 60 frames per second (FPS) which also admitted the end decision choosing a variable frame rate technique.

PlatinumGames sacrifice 

Abebe Tinari, the mastermind behind the game, mentioned that his team strove so much to keep a consistent 60 FPS native on the Nintendo Switch hardware to develop the original game of the Bayonetta series. Yet, following this, he grasped that visual excellence, along with this benchmark, was impossible to hit. Tinari added that this art relied on post-processing effects, which on their own they may not look different.

I can empathize with the devs of Paper Mario: TTYD on Switch wrt the whole 30fps vs 60fps situation.We tried for a long time to get Cereza and the Lost Demon running at a stable 60fps. (1/7)

— Abebe Tinari (@Bebetheman) April 28, 2024

Visual special effects would be sacrificed to sustain a 60 FPS rate to please the players, as graphical quality is one of the most popular and powerful facts. As a result, the studio found itself in a dilemma and had to accomplish the impossible task of paying heed to production qualities and sticking to its aesthetic principles.

While PlatinumGames was pursuing optimal results, the developers team was looking at several alternatives, including a variable frame rate cap. The level details would be executed with the upper level of performance, but some levels would run at 30 frames per second. Nevertheless, the switch between the frame rates being more of a shock was an unacceptable solution.

A balanced approach

Various units of testing and weighing of the scene lead to an async approach being chosen as the best solution . The framerates of the Tír Na Nóg stages and the forest levels were dissimilar, with the Tír Na Nog stables ran at a stable 60 FPS while the forest levels ran on a lower frame rate. 

Tinari expressed confidence that Nintendo likely faced similar challenges with the Paper Mario: In the case of Paper Mario Thousand-Year Door remake, the devotion of the development team to offer a smooth experience would influence the decision to keep the game at 30 FPS.

Tinari sympathized with Nintendo’s intent to preserve “a portable console experience that would unify the disparate userbase” and dismissed speculations that the performance of 30 FPS implied lack of effort and thorough research.

PlatinumGames’ decision to adopt a variable frame rate approach for Bayonetta Origins: The Nintendo Switch version of Cereza and the Lost Demon shot the studio to prominence and confirmed that there is a design and quality element.

Law enforcement authorities have applauded AI camera technology for having played a role in the arrest of a suspect who was allegedly involved in a shooting that claimed the lives of two individuals. Blue Springs local police department used an AI-enabled camera system from Flock Safety, an Atlanta-based company, to track down the culprit showing the vital role played by technology in crime prevention.

AI-enhanced camera technology leads to murder suspect’s arrest https://t.co/vvHSgjOvqx

— WIS News 10 (@wis10) April 28, 2024

Innovative camera technology in use

The Flock cameras, just like plate readers but neatly arranged at traffic intersections and managed locations like parks made a great contribution to the investigation. Contrary to the normal tracking systems, these cameras don’t work only with license plates. Instead, they adopt AI set of algorithms to examine the vehicles based on various properties like the make, model, color, or specific features, like roof racks or bumper stickers.

Blue Springs’ Investigations Captain Kyle Flowers highlighted that  “We can also search by make, model and other characteristics If it has a roof rack. If it has bumper stickers, things like that. It uses AI technology to identify those characteristics of the vehicles.” This technology is so advanced and can track only targeted searches based on the descriptions of the vehicle.

Seamless integration and nationwide reach

The adoption of Flock camera technology into law enforcement operations has been very effective as investigative capabilities have been significantly enhanced. AI-backed features allow police officers to track vehicle traces back up to 30 days, helping to shed light on the previous movements and possible residences of the suspect. Also, the network reaches beyond the local boundaries enabling cooperation among partner organizations from all over the nation.

The arrest of the murder suspect was a result of coordinated activities with the use of both the city cameras’ data and the Flock system. A sergeant went through the Flock camera technology system where he was able to spot a specific sedan car that matched the given description from the city-owned cameras which led to the arrest of the suspect. 

Ethical and purposive technology

Despite adopting cutting-edge technology, the BS Police Department is nevertheless deeply rooted in the ethical and responsible use of that technology. According to Flowers, AI-equipped cameras are meant for investigation only and have nothing to do with live monitoring or traffic enforcement. “This is not live monitoring. This isn’t for traffic citations or red-light tickets. These capture snapshots that are stored for 30 days, and we have to have an investigative reason to search for a vehicle.” said Flowers.

The department’s adherence to exceptionally strong protocols guarantees that privacy is respected while providing the technology with the maximum capabilities to solve crimes. Preserving a balance of innovation and accountability, law enforcement agencies can use AI as a tool to improve general public safety as well as civil liberties.

The use of AI-equipped surveillance camera system in the arrest of the murder suspect highlights the power and influence of advanced monitoring systems and policing practices in law enforcement today. The authorities, with the development of technology, employ ethics as their tools as they put in place policies and mechanisms that uphold accountability while protecting individual rights.

This article first appeared here

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has again pushed off a ruling on a lot of spot Ethereum EFT applications. The authorities have set a new completion date for May 2024 to finish their assessment of the bid by Ark Invest. Meanwhile, some other big companies, such as BlackRock and Fidelity, have been facing the same problem. Such delays not only fill the air with uncertainty around the probability of regulatory approval but cause doubt as well.

It is to be noted that last week, the SEC postponed its decision on the admission of Franklin Templeton‘s Ethereum ETF to June 11, 2024. Also, the SEC asked for public remarks on its recent modifications to the BlackRock iShares Ethereum Trust application. The regulator’s caution about the cryptocurrency sector is reflected by its continuing postponement.

The story is still alive, making the broadcasting of potential recoil attempted by market participants a sure thing. The SEC’s rigorous examination process is probably due to its aim in classifying Ethereum as a security. A potential explanation is that it might have a huge influence on the evaluation process for any new Ethereum ETF projects.

Justin Sun questions May Ethereum ETF approval

Justin Sun, the CEO of Tron, says that he would be against the Ethereum ETF getting approval. He tweeted on X to point out that a direct approval of crypto was quite unpredictable in May, as has been presumed. Regarding the regulators’ awareness, Sun spotlights the lack of crypto space education, saying that the misunderstanding is what seems in control due to this.

My honest opinion (NFA) is that an Ethereum ETF won't be approved in May. The crypto industry still needs to prepare for a long-term education with regulators, focusing on helping them understand crypto. But we've always been here, haven't we?

— H.E. Justin Sun 孙宇晨 (@justinsuntron) April 28, 2024

In the crypto sphere, the general opinion has now tipped over into skepticism about the approval of such ETFs. Recent interactions between the ETF issuers and the SEC have felt quite unfriendly, and it cannot be said for sure if the ETFs will be allowed or not. The Industry players are gearing up to hold an application rejection, indicative of an increased animosity towards the regulator.

Such a long application process makes sense not only for the applicants but also for the activity of the whole market, which broadcasts the crypto industry’s future in the regulated financial markets. These decisions even impact investment strategies and market stability, which is highly anticipated.

Crypto ETF approval could signal market shift

In spite of the challenges, the quest for a spot on the Ethereum ETF threshold still bids strongly among investors and enterprises. These ETFs, which will finally create the connection between cryptocurrencies and conventional financial goods, are considered to be a great advancement. Realizing this will make investments much more sophisticated and, therefore, safer in the crypto markets.

The SEC’s request for more public responses to BlackRock’s proposed updates to the ETF application hints that the regulatory approach is secure yet waiting. Ultimately, this step will yield well-informed and possibly beneficial regulations, but first, those who operate in the crypto field have to be patient and proactively involved.

It is unclear what action the SEC will take as the deadline draws near, but many voices will be waiting to see its verdict. If the ETF gets approved, the American regulator will have a more progressive attitude towards cryptocurrencies. In turn, this may, in the near future, contemplate the proposal of other crypto-financial instruments, or just the opposite—mean a tougher screening from the U.S. regulator.

Anodos Finance co-director Panos Mekras debunked some prevalent myths about the application of XRPL Automated Market Maker (AMM) this week. The posts in a series by Mekras on X aimed to dispel the uncertainty in the arena while explaining a practical approach to the XRPL AMM functioning. He made it clear that XRP liquidity will only be required if users wish to provide liquidity support. This occurs in the setting of the by-end of this year’s launch of the XRPL AMM patch, which has technical glitches.

Moreover, Mekras further separated the mechanism of liquidity provision and the token holdings. He encouraged users to consider the income accompanying liquidity provision as a long-term providing strategy. According to him, it is not the privilege but the taxes and trading revenues that matter more; hence, he needs to keep a tight withdrawal policy. This further indicates how current his insights are and how pertinent they are today in light of the uncertainties and difficulties repeatedly mentioned by the users.

Impermanent loss dynamics in XRPL AMM explained

Mekras also elaborated on the issue of assigning impermanent losses like this to the ones who provide liquidity and have liquid assets. This indicates the internal risk to AMM networks in the DeFi (Decentralized Finance) ecosystem is caused by the loss of funds. He indicated that the losses resulting from volatile market conditions can either have positive or negative consequences depending on the current market situation. Such volatility frequently makes assets devalue in the short run, and this devaluation is, to say the least, a losing signal.

I still see some confusion and misconceptions on XRPL's AMM. Let's clarify:1. You don't have to provide XRP.2. Providing liquidity should be seen as a separate income strategy and not add assets you intend to hold. As a liquidity provider, you care about income and fees earned…

— Panos 🔼{X} (@panosmek) April 27, 2024

Besides, the Anodos Finance co-founder argued that the XRP token is for transactions only, and there is no staking or earning of tokens in AMM. Instead, traders can pledge other assets to the AMM and take rewards that are earned during trading activity. Mekras cleared the operational mechanism of XRPL AMM pools, including differences in design and risk levels. Stability pool assets with stablecoin pairs like USD/EUR constitute almost no risk, but the high volatility of digital assets like XRP/XLM can bring in high risks.

XRPL AMM upgrade enhances stability and trust

The XRPL AMM recently added the most important upgrade, ‘fixAMMOverflowOffer’. This fixes an overflow issue of containers that was discovered after the launch of the latest update. Therefore, such an improvement addresses the steadiness and dependability issues of AMM. Being extremely detailed in their explanation and making the previous technical adjustment will undoubtedly increase users’ awareness of XRPL AMM.

Having these clarifications and modifications, XRPL AMM can move at a better and more organized level. The primary role of explaining the platform’s functionality and addressing of existing misconceptions falls on Mekras as the result of the monitored effect on the understanding and confidence of the users. In the meantime, the community will still be on tenterhooks, waiting for its replacement service to be launched, which allows it to take a leading position in the DeFi sector.

LEGO Fortnite fans are preparing themselves for the thrilling Star Wars crossover that will bring immersive details of the galaxy far far away to the brick world of LEGO adventures. With lightsabers being the main element of the collaboration, the game promises to redefine the gameplay itself and create a world of intrigue for players all over the globe.

Source  jauknewsuk.com

The arrival of Lightsabers in LEGO Fortnite

A  sense of excitement is building as the LEGO Fortnite team announces the upcoming addition of lightsabers, the iconic weapon of Jedi and Sith, to the Star Wars cross-over event. With thousands of fans involved in both the LEGO and Fortnite universes, the collaboration promises a gaming experience like no other to both fans.

Recognized for its outstanding gameplay and a particular graphic style of blocky figures, LEGO Fortnite has occupied a special place in the gaming world. By including popular objects from Star Wars’ universe, such as the lightsabers, Epic Games has a great chance to bring the level of the LEGO Fortnite adventure to the highest point possible.

Armed with legendary weaponry, players will navigate LEGO terrains, and engage in magnificent battles against hostile creatures and competitor players. By defending their in-game home territory or going on thrilling quests with friends, lightsabers add a new element of excitement to the game, along with a greater degree of strategy.

LEGO Fortnite Is Getting a Classic Star Wars Item Highlights Epic Games is adding l… Highlights Epic Games is adding lightsabers to Fortnite survival spinoff game LEGO Fortnite with the game’s newest Star Wars crossover. The Star Wars crossover …https://t.co/Fh6kGS7Ady

— Usa Jaun News (@UsaJaunNews) April 28, 2024

An array of content

The LEGO Star Wars crossover can be expected to have more lightsaber features and a lot of new gaming content that will bring more fun to gamers. Whether from the much-admired characters, like Chewbacca, or the iconic music, such as The Cantina Band song, each element from the Star Wars universe is ready to leave its imprint on LEGO Fortnite.

Epic Games remains at the forefront of collaborating with the best artists and producers in the music industry to further sustain and pioneer continuity and innovation in the gaming industry. With previous crossovers including franchises like Avatar: The Last Airbender, Metal Gear Solid, and Guardians of the Galaxy all together with Family Guy, it turned into a cultural melting pot, featuring further characters and experiences in a continuous expansion process.

Fortnite stellar year of crossovers continues

The crossover event between Star Wars is just the latest of the series of more noticeable collaborations that have made Fortnite a megastar of 2024’s gaming industry. Epic Games shows a great tendency to enhance new settings along with each crossover content which helps to keep the game community highly indulged and happy.

From the elemental bending of Avatar: The storyline of The Last Airbender to the gameplay of Metal Gear Solid, the epic journey began long before Fortnite “Chapter 5: The Final Confrontation” where a lot of adventures and memorable characters were developed. In addition to all these features, gamers are promised even more unique crossovers and fresh new gameplay mechanics to help hold and encourage their interest.

As the launch of the Star Wars crossover event inches nearer, fans of the game are delightfully waiting for their moment to walk into a different galaxy from the comforts of their home. They will face the block platform of LEGO Fortnite making their way among the stars writing their stories with lightsabers at hand and the spirit of adventure as their guiding force.

This article first appeared here

As revealed in a report presented by Hong Kong’s SCMP newspaper, the local Beijing government suggests giving companies some subsidies for purchases made with Enemy-made processors. The draft policy focuses on GPU chips, which the US export ban has most hurt. Chinese industries relied heavily on this product to advance the country’s AI applications.

China’s GPU subsidy push

The Bureau of Economy and Information of the Municipal Bureau of Beijing will provide a specific amount of funds to acquire domestically made GPUs to “alleviate the situation of controlling computing resources through an intelligent, proactive way,” says the draft policy document. The aim, lamely speaking, is that by 2023, China should become independent of computing infrastructure, relying only on “made-in-China” products. Admittedly, in the past few years, numerous domestic solutions have been presented and observed in close-ups. 

The competitive landscape of the GPU market worldwide was made publicly available last December (18 active firms), and we discovered that, in particular, China had increased the development number of GPU designer firms at a rapid pace. In most cases, the Chinese firms, which are very optimistic in their pre-launch calls regarding the efficiency and performance of their vehicles, don’t achieve the promised results after the launch. 

This happens in the Western part of the world, too, but companies like AMD and Nvidia are already exquisite, making some of the coolest graphic cards for consumers. We have experienced reports of China indirectly delivering hands-on-sanctioned technologies and goods like Nvidia H100. Nevertheless, the supply pathways aren’t stable and reliable enough to be durable for serious trade. China tries to economize the application of domestic resources to make up for the shortcomings mentioned above.

Fostering local AI prowess

The top Chinese makers with a good chance of benefiting from the GPU and AI processing subsidies are maybe firms like Biren Technology, Moore Threads, Innosilicon (PowerVR), MetaX, and Zhaoxin (Glenfly). The Longson, who made the GPU, also debuted its own, which is as good in FP32 performance as the 4th gen. Likely, elsewhere in China, there are labs and factories in the cradle, maybe out of the petri dishes in the research institutions and universities.

The location of most of the LLMs developed in China, Beijing, is said to be way more than fifty percent of this kind of robot. The SAMP story shall choose GPUs and projects supported by subsidies for training comprehensive and industry-specific large language models (LLMs). This endeavors to extend the reach of AI and cognitive technologies with Research and Development (R&D) in AI-supportive technologies such as software, AI-specific processors, silicon photonics, and quantum computing chips that also have continuous development.

This article originally appeared in Hong Kong’s SCMP newspaper.

Russia has been on a difficult path due to its authoritarian regime. As the world is adopting crypto and decentralized tech, Russian DUMA is planning to ban crypto exchanges. Though crypto is already in trouble in Russia, a ban would completely isolate Russia in the mentioned domain. 

Troubles increase for Beribit

Beribit, one of the largest licensed crypto exchanges has faced troubles recently. As per media reports, Russian authorities have clamped down on the offices of Beribit at the end of March. The raids took place in connection with terrorist attacks that took place on Crocus City Hall. 

The mentioned exchange is officially licensed in Russia and has investments from customers in millions of dollars. It announced in a Telegram post that a change in leadership of the company has taken place. The change in leadership is the result of discrepancies found in the company’s accounts.   

In order to confirm the discrepancies an audit has been undertaken. As the news regarding discrepancies in accounts surfaced, tension in the circles of investors became apparent. As a result of boiling over of these tensions, many customers have occupied Beribit offices. Furthermore, these customers have demanded their funds back. 

According to some estimates, the funds demanded back amount to about $4 million. Some videos have surfaced on social media showing that the customers have been given chocolate instead. Also, they have been told that their funds will be returned in 1-15 days. 

According to a report, the employees of Beribit tried to flee through a backdoor but the customers prevented it from happening. The exchange claims that it is processing the payments while customers refuted it. They said that those customers are receiving payments who have filed police reports.  

Expected ban of crypto exchanges by DUMA

Russian DUMA has brought legislation that would ban cryptocurrency exchanges in the country. DUMA is the lower house of state legislative and plans to do so because of security concerns. The bill has been introduced to the House and will have significant impacts on crypto. 

Though the bill aims to bring a ban on crypto exchanges it will allow crypto transactions and mining firms registered with the government. According to news sources, the bill will also bring a ban on cryptocurrency advertisements. Though Russia has brought drastic changes to the crypto policy, the mentioned bill will have substantial impacts. 

Impacts on Russia if DUMA bans crypto

As Russia has been ostracized in the international financial community due to US sanctions, it is crypto that has helped keep its businesses afloat. Though it plans to bring a ban on crypto exchanges, it will add to its problems. The ban will create problems for common people as well as businesses. 

Some legislators have also raised concerns over the recent bill brought to the DUMA. If the mentioned bill is passed, it will have negative impacts on Russian security interests to which DUMA must pay heed. Crypto has been important to Russian security interests because of its use for the purchase of weapons and other assets. 

Defence equipment and weapons are purchased from non-Western countries through crypto which helps evade sanctions and restrictions put by Western powers. If the mentioned bill is passed in DUMA, it will create considerable problems for the country.

Conclusion

Russian crypto customers have faced problems recently due to the expected ban on crypto exchanges by the lower house of legislation, DUMA. Also, there have been problems faced by the biggest crypto exchange in Russia Beribit which has seen considerable outflows. If the current scenario continues, crypto will see a further decline in Russia.

Cyberattacks on decentralized networks are not uncommon and this time the affected one is Io.net. It has faced a cybersecurity breach recently which affected its GPU metadata. Though the attack took place, there hasn’t been much harm to the network and it remains robust. 

GPU metadata attack on Io.net

Io.net has faced a cybersecurity breach recently. The mentioned DePIN (decentralized physical infrastructure network) faced a breach related to user ID tokens. Some malicious elements were involved in the use of these tokens to execute an SQL injection attack. 

The result of the attack was some unauthorized changes in the device metadata. The affected area was the GPU’s network’s metadata. Though the unauthorized changes took place, these didn’t go unheeded. As soon as the chief security officer of the network Hushky.io became aware of the changes, they responded to it.

The CSO shared details regarding the remedial actions which included some security upgrades. Furthermore, they cleared uncertainty regarding further harm as the damage has been controlled timely. As per the available information from the Io.net security team, the GPU’s actual hardware hasn’t been affected.

There are multiple robust layers of security in place for the mentioned DePIN. These security layers ensure that the GPU hardware isn’t affected by any unauthorized changes. The security team was alerted at 1:05 AM Pacific Standard Time as there was a surge in write operations to the API. 

Uncertainty and subsequent fears regarding the security

The security team responded with the implementation of SQL injection and the logging of unauthorized change attempts. Furthermore, a specific OKTA and Auth0 solution were deployed to address the problems. These changes took place in order to address the vulnerabilities related to the universal tokens. 

The unfortunate fact about these changes is the coincidence with the rewards program. As a result of the implementation of the security update, the supply-side participants decreased. Furthermore, the number of active GPU connections decreased from 0.6 million to 0.1 million. 

In order to tackle the problem, Io.net has announced Ignition Rewards Season 2 in May. This rewards program will encourage supply-side participation. Also, the developers have planned including collaboration with suppliers to upgrade and restart the devices to be connected. 

The breach took place as the result of the implementation of the POW mechanism to ensure that counterfeit GPUs are identified in time. The attacks escalated after the aggressive security patches caused concern and later resulted in the breach. 

Response to the metadata attack

The vulnerability has resulted in revealing user IDs. These malicious actors had compiled the leaked info in a database before the breach took place. Hushky.io, the CSO of Io.net, has responded to the metadata attack. 

So – we fucked up. On 4/25/24 user(s) were able to use previously exposed user ID tokens to perform a SQL injection attack and mess with device metadata.To prevent this in the future, we accelerated a deployment of auth zero authentication (OKTA) at the device level, which… https://t.co/PXdthHMU81

— hushky.io (@0xHushky) April 28, 2024

Hushky.io has expressed hopes regarding security and further improvements. They shared an update regarding the ongoing reviews and penetration results. As result of new changes threats can be detected and neutralized in a timely manner. Furthermore, efforts are ongoing to restore the platform’s integrity through incentives and foolproof security. 

Io.net also has plans to integrate to Apple silicon chip hardware in order to improve AI and ML services. 

Conclusion

Io.net has recently faced a cyber attack recently which was countered in time. The security breach was aimed at affecting GPUs but they have remained safe due to the robust security layers. Furthermore, the CSO has announced that a livestream will take place on 28 April to show the robustness of the network. 

By breaking a long tradition of console exclusivity Microsoft position itself to a wider gaming audience that will enable more of its Xbox games to be played on PlayStation and Nintendo Switch consoles.

The last couple of days have seen the introduction of titles like Hi-Fi Rush, Grounded, Pentiment and Sea of Thieves on PlayStation 5 and Switch, which is a new policy by Microsoft when it comes to gaming. Microsoft CEO, during the 2024 third quarter conference call stressed that the company’s continued expansion is the main reason for the company’s recent success.

Microsoft Boss Implies More Xbox Games Could Come to PlayStation and Nintendo Switchhttps://t.co/NYFZMk0x0Y pic.twitter.com/rSR7GAKW3r

— ComicBook NOW! (@ComicBookNOW) April 28, 2024

Microsoft adopting multi-platform gaming

Nadella stressed Microsoft’s dedication to presenting their games to all players regardless of where they play by making them available on various platforms. Deciding to release their games on Nintendo Switch and Sony PlayStation is proof of their intention to catch the trend and appeal to more gamers. Microsoft’s purchase of Activision Blizzard benefits the gaming scene, as it now opens more access and provides multiplatform releases.

This strategy may be efficient – it worked well for Microsoft by placing itself on the top list of the PlayStation Store. One of the notable successes of Microsoft it had seven games among the top 25 titles, which is more than any of the other companies could boast about.

Addressing Xbox challenges

Source comicbook news x

Xbox has been trying hard to grab the attention of more people by providing great quality games, but it remains on the edge of being popular compared to the popularity of Xbox 360 which is high. By releasing Xbox games on the PlayStation and Switch machinery, Microsoft shows its sages policy, whose goal is to reduce development costs and enlarge the user domain. However, the transition raises issues with the Xbox console sales and with the console users.

While Microsoft has not officially announced plans to make additional games multi-platform, speculations abound regarding potential releases such as Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle. Both titles have the potential for a successful multi-platform as they both rely on previous installations and the wide excitement of video game fans. The tactical move to conduct multiple platform launches bears witness to the seriousness of Microsoft gaming’s outreach and influence.

Halo’s possible multi-platform cross-over

The arrival of potentially iconic multi-platform franchises like Halo to the retail gaming industry brings no less anticipation and speculation to the community. Halo Master Chief is the emblem that has stood for Xbox from the beginning. It was only on the Xbox console and the PC when the game launched on the PC. It is apparent that using the introduction of any of the Halo Series like the Halo Infinite or The Master Chief Collection to PlayStation, we can open new revenue streams that can be reinvested into Halo Streaming.

For the time being, Halo will continue to be Xbox-centric, with the series being one of the pillars supporting the brand. Nevertheless, as the gaming industry is constantly changing and consumers’ behavior becomes different, the idea that we show Halo on PlayStation cannot be denied. Microsoft’s strategic direction in the gaming world is dynamic and innovative, and with a promise of inclusiveness, Microsoft’s activities are creatively shaping the future of the gaming industry.

With the implementation of the multi-platform game, Microsoft not only shows their courage but also persistence as other than this they are also trying to adjust themselves to the market trends. Even though the tough choices and uncertain factors exist, the determination of the company to provide the top gaming experiences is not missing. A time is seen in which the dividing lines between the various console brands will just disappear, meaning that the gamers all together will drink from the same source of immersion.

This article originally appeared here

AI moves into the spotlight of a new World Economic Forum report, which predicts how this technology might transform education systems, making the work of teachers and students more efficient and effective. The new study deals with many areas where AI is in use – from individualized learning to optimizing organizational procedures, bringing AI into school curriculums, and seeing a responsible application of emerging technologies among several global effects in the educational field.

AI’s educational transformation

The new report, Shaping the Future of Learning: AI Education 4.0, predicts the role of new technology to lead the education systems to encounter an overwhelming increase in demand for digital literacy and the creation of personalized learning environments. It does that by providing a bunch of case studies that demonstrate how AI innovations are already changing education: They help to enhance academic outcomes, engage teachers, and build the abilities and skills of future students.

“AI, the fast-revolutionizing element of education settings worldwide, can be harnessed in a considered way to enhance education when it’s used strategically to assess the needs of each learner, permitting a safe and adaptive experience that is important not just for student assessment but also for the effectiveness of the educators,” said Saadia Zahidi, Managing Director, World Economic Forum.

The report aims to examine AI’s myriad possibilities for education, suggesting modifying how student assessments are carried out with more timely and rich evaluations and metrics on student performance. It includes the outline of how AI can improve the function of educators by taking over and incorporating clerk tasks that are up to 20% percent of all functional duties of educators, thus increasing the benefits of teachers and allowing them to spend more time doing their tasks on a personal level which include improving pedagogy and supporting the emotional needs of students. AI will help transform the education system by working it into various subject areas that develop students’ advanced learning skills and knowledge. Using personalized content and approaches for individual learners will give different students specific pathways to suit their individual needs.

Responsible AI implementation

Several innovative examples of how AI is already revolutionizing education systems are outlined in the report: Several innovative examples of how AI is already revolutionizing education systems are outlined in the report:

The Accessible Digital Textbooks by UNICEF is embracing AI to invent digital tools that students with different learning needs can use. This project is good for students with disabilities, as they can have customized, inclusive, and educational materials.

In Brazil, the Letters initiative implemented a system with artificial intelligence feedback to raise reading skills among the highest number of schools in each status.

In West Africa, using AI to assist virtual mentors in providing tailored lessons and mentorship with Kabakoo Business Academies encourages young people to explore self-employment in informal economies.

The Ministry of Education of the Republic of Korea is dedicated to designing AI-powered digital textbooks appropriate for students at different proficiency levels. This is part of efforts to promote personalized learning and reduce reliance on private education.

The UAE Ministry of Education, in cooperation with other educational institutions, elaborates on an AI virtual tutor aimed at bettering individual learning and reducing the gaps related to learning from one student to the other.

Unlike in the past, when humans could not improve the quality of the outcomes in the educational sector, AI can kindly change the outcomes but view the challenges they have raised. The availability of such technologies should be equal for all, and communicating these issues, such as personal data privacy, bias, and replacing traditional roles, should be, as well, a community of concern.

The report requests the implementation of appropriate privacy and security rules and regulations for data that will go through these protocols before it is shared with students or other stakeholders (such as teachers). Also, the article requests deep collaboration between AI developers and educators to guarantee that new AI tools are responsible for better student outcomes. The World Economic Forum’s Special Meeting, held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with the theme of Global Collaboration, Sustainable Growth, and a Global Energy Transition for Sustainable Development, aims to facilitate a more comprehensive discussion between the major global players.

This article originally appeared in the World Economic Forum.

A big transformation is underway in the selling sector, which is driven by the elements linked to artificial intelligence (AI). A U.S. survey documents that 80% of marketers are already utilizing artificial intelligence to journey consumers through different channels that are more personalized. This escalating usage of AI approaches brings to the fore AI‘s strong efficiency in getting to know consumer motives and tailoring marketing strategies. As much as the marketing approach is involved, it enables offering personalized promotions and informal communications that are unique from one consumer to the other.

AI is not confined to only algorithmic storytelling using data ballet, which is an altogether new technique for automatically creating interesting marketing stories by examining a huge amount of behavioral data. This method ensures that the content hits the audience in their resident area, leading to a rise in engagement, conversion, and ROI.

AI as a catalyst for creative and efficient marketing  

As digital channels constantly surround us in the modern age, marketing involves speed, uniqueness, and efficiency features AI gives you the edge through various means. The campaign is running smoothly: simple and quick development is here. AI assists creative teams in creating content rapidly, making it possible for marketers to manage emerging trends’ speed in the search for online advertising successfully.

Social media ads, which are prominent in contemporary marketing strategies, are greatly aided by AI’s prompt content-producing skills. Ad efficiency is enhanced and more sophisticated as more data is used for ad targeting. AI also allows individuals to scale audiences for better ad outreach. Thus, manufacturers eliminate delayed adaptation and ineffective campaigns, consequently keeping the customer’s attention within those seconds ads are displayed.

The balance between human insight and AI precision 

Notwithstanding, AI shows substantial progress in the analytic processing of data and creating routine content; strategic decision-making needs to be handled by our creative minds. A different survey states that almost three-fourths of marketers are of opined that AI can manage operational tasks better than humans; on the other hand, over one-fourth of the marketers believe that human intellect will continue to be more reliable, especially when it is about the formulation of strategic plans. It points out the particularity of AI’s role as a supporting tool, which makes human members capable workers.

AI will shift away from human creativity and intuition in the development of multidimensional marketing strategies that only AI can perform. Marketers should zero in on AI-driven deliberations as well as handcrafted solutions that do not shed their human traits and genuinely appeal to consumers.

Collaborative dynamics between the marketers and AI 

AI gives rise to assimilation into almost all circles of marketing, but at the same time, some workers would feel such prospects of job losses. However, the future is not going to mess things up by making a robot replace all human roles in marketing. It is just a usual situation that robots will help humans in their tasks whenever needed to prevent boredom. AI is competent where is there numbers and patterns, but when it comes to things like empathy and creative thinking, it needs to go past the point of imitating.

Education about AI functions and its boundaries still becomes a challenge, so 34% of organizations say it is a problem for AI implementation. Thus, AI analysis is becoming a very important factor, which requires marketers who can make sense of the generated data by the AI while creative context stays in sight. Although some professional roles will be replaced as AI advances, those who polish their skills and can blend AI with their human touch will be on the winning side as AI evolves in the next generation of marketing, which will bring improved efficiency and closeness to the customers.

When it comes to Artificial Intelligence (AI) in marketing, competition between humans and machines shouldn’t be the focus. Instead, we should focus on collaboration that will drive the industry to excellence. Modern marketers who are digitally adept in analytics and creative talent hold the key to success in this AI environment, where it is harnessed to automate automatic tasks and illuminate the unique.

This article originally appeared in Financial Express 

Technology keeps zooming forward, and Artificial Intelligence has been taking on a more deliberate role in many modern aspects of the world. At the same time, cybercrime and those fighting this crime have tried to step up their game. However, cybercrime is increasingly sophisticated, and emerging technologies are increasing daily. Most likely, criminals will be in the unending spiral of hunting easier victims with their malarial intents undone. Easier than in the past, the boundaries between genuine and illegitimate communication are becoming even more vague, providing a better place for cybercriminals to conceal and victimization harder to avert. 

The evolving landscape of cyber threats

Not long ago, detecting a phishing email would be easy. There are a lot of things that have changed over time when comparing the early scam emails and SMSs to the current ones. These include the reduction of spelling and grammatical mistakes, less generic salutations, and more difficult URLs to identify. Nowadays, AI is leaving a mark in cybercrimes, and the social engineering and the invention of deepfakes and fake texts are making cybercommunications hard to detect in a fraud. Technology is overlooking spelling and grammatical errors, & is making communication more personalized by addressing it to the individual. 

The end receiver of communication no longer greets a general ballad. Nowadays, deception criminals, after copying the letterheads and creating the email templates on and off, know on a first name and surname basis. Besides the raging of other social engineering approaches like vishing (voice phishing) and smishing (SMS phishing), incidents are still in the market. Deceivers are producing fake communications and presenting these messages as coming from legitimate sources. The human of a call or a message is not real, and they are using this technology so that victims will not identify the unusual calls or messages coming from these scammers. Although not so long ago, a call from an unknown number worldwide would subconsciously trigger alertness; the temptation to receive the call would have become somewhat unnecessary. 

Nowadays, scammers have, for instance, more thorough information about the phone numbers they call, such as the banking institution, the postal service, or the government agencies. Vishing phone calls are not reduced to just a call requesting a bank account number. Scams are now crafted by impersonating government officials and creating fictional emergencies, which only get people scared, panicking, and acting on impulse. Their ultimate goal is simple: fraud – identity theft or pillaging of bank accounts can be mentioned as an example. Undoubtedly, technology is a crucial player on both sides of the spectrum. The cybercriminals are using tools of that technology as favorable to them in the same manner that those standing to win the war against cybercrime are using technology to their advantage. 

Although the delivery of information is still a menace, organizations today are becoming more secure in their information systems, which have witnessed a rise in sophisticated infrastructural and system infrastructure to sanitize the risk of data breaches and hacks. Laptops and smartphones incorporate firewalls and protection applications within the system. At the same time, network administrators can limit certain functionalities to stop end-users from visiting places or links where they may find malicious data.

Defensive measures: Organizational and individual

Nevertheless, protection from scammers implies technology and other trusted persons and resources. Vigilance is key. To maintain a high security level, organizations should create frequent cyber-security training programs and help everyone to understand that cyber incidents are not minor matters that can be ignored. Strong passwords, multi-factor authentication, biometrics, and other solid protection methods can significantly shift toward lesser data loss, identity theft, and financial damages. 

Another shield measure is online hygiene, when companies or private individuals limit interaction with online social space by removing personal information from websites. Even a brief search of yourself on the Internet could reveal unexpectedly, and without your notice, what kind of your personal information is being exposed to the public. It is imperative to review social media and online accounts regularly, deactivate redundant accounts, and share mindfully through trusted people and separate personal and professional accounts, all of which are good practices for online hygiene as a consumer. Similarly, as consumers, it is prudent to follow the same principles, and like before, vigilance is the key to crippling cybercrime. One should keep in mind some simple and basic tips to avoid being scammed: One should keep in mind some simple and basic tips to avoid being scammed:

From now on, remember the most important first principle with every call or SMS you receive: it is most likely to be a malicious call.

Do not share your private data elements with unverified third parties.

If in doubt, the first thing to do is call back the institution from your side that you are 100% sure using a number you have most likely received from the official sources.

Give no descriptions about passwords, account numbers, or credit card numbers other than that.

Do not use the sketchy links that are not verified.

Do not make instant leaps of action, which are often considered ‘urgent.

Always check sources whenever you are ready to take any action.

It should be remembered that banks never request their clients’ credit on the phone or seek information about the bank cards, such as account numbers, passwords, PINs, and any other individual data. When such messages say, “Change your password,” “Click on this link,” or “Reply to this message with your banking information,” – the user should not trust this type of message and should look for clarity or seek expert guidance. Fraud is a broader term than a single internet scam and can be placed under different categories. 

Cybercrime creates a form of crime, including financial crime and its variants, such as money laundering, terrorist financing, bribery, and corruption. In the next section of this article, we will review fraud from a broader perspective. We will examine how different types of fraud penetrate society and how criminals match these proceeds to legitimate third-party intermediaries.

This article originally appeared in Times of Malt.

Alphabet Inc., a holding company of Google, has sky-rocketed after the company released its winning earnings report, even prompting analysts to put “buy” in their notes instead of “sell.”

Alphabet’s strong Q1 performance driven by AI innovation

Alphabet reported earnings per share for the first quarter of 2016 at $1.89, a substantial increase from the $1.17 of the first quarter of the same year last year. The actual earnings of $1.65 per share surpassed analysts’ expectations of $1.51 per share, reflecting the company’s strong performance. 

The company’s revenue greatly escalated to $80.5 billion from $69.8 billion recorded in the previous year. The organization made more than expected, with $78.74 billion in sales.

Gigantic revenue gains can be traced to bright economies across all segments, from the Search engine to the YouTube platform and Cloud. Sundar Pichai, the CEO of Alphabet, detailed the company’s leading role in Artificial Intelligence (AI). He explained that Alphabet has been an AI-first company since 2016 and is behind various revolutionary technologies we can enjoy.

Analysts bullish on Alphabet

Subsequent analysts retained their positive moods about Alphabet’s future expectations, which further increased their Alphabet stock target prices.

Chris Versace from TheStreetPro assigned Alphabet’s price target to $200, up from $165, assuming the online video platform YouTube and the Cloud will deliver high growth. He gave an example of Google Cloud’s amazing 28% year-over-year growth, which resulted from Google’s successful ventures into Artificial Intelligence.

JPMorgan’s Doug Anmuth, like Guzinitis, increased the firm’s price target from $165 to $200 and stressed out, albeit Alphabet’s diversified way of monetization, courtesy of AI. Anmuth also pointed out the company’s competitive advantages in its paid search and YouTube vertical, Cloud services, and subscription services through Google One, which makes them a clear standout in the AI market

Bank Of America Securities analysts have assigned a value of $200, escalating from $173, implying Alphabet’s AI-driven dominance as the most promising technology worldwide. They pointed out that the company could exploit the new developments in AI through its core businesses like Search, YouTube, and Cloud and other commercial areas.

Alphabet’s AI growth fuels Analysts’ optimism and stock targets

Needham hiked its price target from $160 to $210, stressing strong income growth and the prospect of rising sales impact of YouTube if being separated from Google, valued as much as $400 billion.

In addition, John Blackledge, an analyst from Td Cowen, enhanced the price target from the existing $170 to $200, pointing out AI product inoculation, which has made revenue surpass Alphabet’s refiling on Search, YouTube, and Cloud.

Oppenheimer raised its target price from $185 to $205 as it considers Alphabet likely to deliver further acceleration in the ad business and good operating leverage despite significant investments in artificial intelligence. The investors are excited to see the new AI model that will probably be featured at this year’s Google I/O, the annual developer’s conference for introducing next-gen AI systems.

Analysts find Google a promising investment because of its future growth potential. Investors are upbeat that the search firm will stay on course, pursue new opportunities, and thrive in AI. Alphabet’s strained financial performance and AI efforts have also given the sector strong strategic leadership.

A tangle of dovish central banks has boosted tech stocks and probably bankrupted the LGT banks, but to the detriment of the momentum of right-wielding authoritarian regimes. A curled-up foundation in AI, along with top-form finishes right from the segment level, stands Alphabet in good stead to benefit the entire tech sphere as it shifts and alters shape. The investors wait with great enthusiasm for the future novelties and deployments of the Google I/O conference to follow suit on the Google technological growth path.

The week was filled with tech titans who hit the headlines, and the following are the highlights of the top stories that took place over the week.

Elon Musk’s Amusing Emoji Response

One instance is when an X user jokingly asked whether the former OpenAI chief scientist, Ilya Sutskever, was in the box when the photo of Greg Brockman, the president of ChatGPT’s parent company, and Sam Altman, was shared by Jensen Huang, the Nvidia NVDA CEO. 

First @NVIDIA DGX H200 in the world, hand-delivered to OpenAI and dedicated by Jensen "to advance AI, computing, and humanity": pic.twitter.com/rEJu7OTNGT

— Greg Brockman (@gdb) April 24, 2024

Additionally, Brockman, the president of the parent company of ChatGPT, on Wednesday took to X, which used to be Twitter, and shared the photo with the tweet, “First NVIDIA DGX H200 in the world, hand-delivered to OpenAI and dedicated by Jensen ‘to advance AI, computing, and humanity.’”

After that, an X user comically commented. ‘tell the truth. Is Ilya in the box?’ which has received a response from the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, Elon Musk, with a face with tears of joy emoji. The DGX H2000 is acclaimed to be the most powerful GPU in the world. The H200 GPU is the follow-up model to the much-lauded H100 GPU, with 1.8 times the memory capacity and 1.4 times the bandwidth of the previous model.

😂

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) April 24, 2024

The user’s reference to Sutskever, OpenAI’s chief scientist, in the comment has rekindled curiosity about Sutskever’s puzzling disappearance. Sutskever hasn’t been seen publicly since his controversial “palace coup” in November.

Zuckerberg raises doubts about Apple’s Vision Pro.

During the first-quarter earnings call of Meta Platforms Inc., its CEO Mark Zuckerberg was doubtful about the popularity of augmented reality (AR) glasses in the mainstream, particularly those without “full holographic displays,” taking a veiled swipe at Apple Inc.’s Vision Pro. His disbelief toward the possibility of AR glasses, particularly those without “full holographic displays,” became apparent during Meta’s first-quarter earnings call and was aimed at Apple Vision Pro.

Launched in September, Meta’s latest version of Ray-Ban smart glass comes with Meta AI, a camera, call-making capabilities, and built-in speakers. Zuckerberg also highlighted the novelty of these glasses as a “pretty meaningful and growing platform sooner than then I would have expected so.” This is not the first time Zuckerberg has slammed the Apple Vision Pro. In February, he uploaded a video of a rival Apple device and claimed that Quest was “the better product.” 

AI’s Impact on Internet Content

During the first-quarter financial results announcement of Meta, Zuckerberg disclosed that more than half of the content on Instagram and 30% of the presented posts on Facebook are generated by AI, as previously reported by Cryptopolitan. 

The Meta CEO also disclosed that AI has also been an important factor in growing the value for advertisers with Meta’s AI-driven tools, Advantage+ Shopping and Advantage+ App Campaigns revenue being over twice what it was just last year, too. Meta announced the first quarter revenue of $36.45 billion, reflecting 27% growth over last year’s figure.

Elon Musk Predicts the Rise of Home Robots

A highly daring assertion that each middle-class American household will have a domestic robot has received Elon Musk’s consent. The forecast was done on the All-In Podcast with Chamath Palihapitiya, Jason Calacanis, David Sacks, and David Friedberg. 

PREDICTION 👉 How many years before American households embrace robots for domestic purposes?@friedberg – “There’s far more money to be made in industrial applications than there is in consumer applications today.”@Jason – “I think every middle-class household in America will… pic.twitter.com/2c3Dik5vfI

— ALL-IN TOK (@all_in_tok) April 21, 2024

The hosts talked about the future of domestic robots, Calacanis foreseeing that every middle-class American home would have a $ 1,000-per-month robot in the next seven years. In contrast, Friedberg proposed that most profit is made from industrial applications rather than consumer applications today. The prediction was endorsed by Musk, who replied “True” on an X post.

In what can be described as a shocking announcement, Google has expanded the monotheism of its Gemini bot to devices running Android 10 and Android 11. This is the latest development in the tech industry, which has witnessed several firms roll out updates and the latest technology. This, therefore, allows users who were limited by the Android version to use the Google Mobile Services, which were previously applicable only on Android 12 or more recent versions.

User experience enhanced 

The updated Google Gemini APK version has also been tested on the latest Android 10 operating system and OS before empowering Google Gemini for official support at Android level 12 or higher. Google itself has not confirmed this build, and therefore, it is a quiet policy update that increases the size of its user base significantly, as subtle as it is. Earlier, owners of old devices could not access the website mode but only the AI chatbot with the mobile application.

The CEO changes that will drive Google Gemini’s core AI system, replacing Google Assistant as the core that powers the devices, are one of them. Conversely, it remains in the arena with the Digital Smart Assistant tech that not only can perform some of the tasks but also can control the old-fashioned tech. With this combination, we have our hybrid system that would still ensure some consistency when compared to the performance of the current service, yet could take benefit of the most advanced AI technologies. Android updates are the newest forms of software (OS) that contain everything about the upcoming change, which is found in the existing Android phones and other devices such as tablets and smartwatches.

Android 10, the version launched in 2019, is the type of OS being used by almost 70% of smartphones nowadays. It has the most updates from Google’s decision to release the update in several portions after Covid, a pandemic that started in early 2020. Along with Google’s already existing smartphone, Gemini, it is now available to all budget-oriented users who may have limited chances to front loads in order to run up-to-date hardware.

Strategic implications

This, along with the rest of Google’s plan, will create great ways to provide outstanding technology, even for a company that focuses on the Artificial Intelligence market. Providing Gemini on older devices enables Google to boost user engagement and ensure that its services still stay relevant to the majority of users. This is critical because one of the key components for Google to succeed is a very strong user base.

Google, in an effort to make the latest AI Google app, Gemini, useful for everyone, updated the Gemini app to be compatible with older versions of Android. This allows users of older devices on Android to access the more advanced AI features. This reinforces the corporate commitment to inclusion and continuous improvement in user experience.

This article originally appeared in The News International 

The tension between the U.S. and China has escalated into a full-blown financial conflict that’s edging towards catastrophe. Secretary of the Treasury Janet Yellen’s request for China to purchase $400 billion in U.S. debt went unanswered, leading to a series of economic and political retaliations that are shaking the foundations of global stability.

Economic Tensions Rise as Interest Rates Hold

In a risky move, the U.S. decided not to lower interest rates, a strategy aimed directly at China’s economic heartbeat. This decision has put immense pressure on China’s stock market, limiting the country’s ability to breathe freely in the global financial atmosphere.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s attempt to strong-arm Beijing into severing trade relations with Russia also fell flat, leaving the U.S. to reconsider its approach towards both economic and diplomatic engagements with China.

The American response has been to keep the monetary presses running, flooding the market with U.S. dollars. Projections suggest that if the U.S. maintains its current military and economic strategies, its national debt could soar to an astronomical $54 trillion by 2034.

This relentless production of currency is leading to a situation where the global market’s capacity to absorb U.S. dollars could be critically undermined, pushing the U.S. towards a potential financial implosion.

A Desperate Struggle for Economic Survival

The U.S. is portrayed as desperately flirting with the idea of instigating a global conflict, potentially World War III, to erase its burgeoning debt. In contrast, China has been transitioning towards a model that encourages private firms and innovation. However, Beijing’s efforts are being thwarted as capital continues to flow into the U.S., attracted by high interest rates.

There’s even speculation that the U.S. might attempt drastic measures such as cutting off Chinese banks from the international financial system, a move that could paralyze China’s manufacturing sector much like the Huawei sanctions.

China is fighting an extinction-level financial war.Yellen asked China to buy $400B US debt and failed.So, the US retaliates by not lowering interest rates, which chokes China's stock market.Blinken also failed to threaten Beijing to end trade with Russia.What's next?#1 pic.twitter.com/e7NzpD3TrR

— 凯王 Kǎi Wong (@Kai_Wong_CN) April 28, 2024

This financial warfare could mirror the Huawei scenario, painful but not fatal, potentially setting the stage for China to retaliate against the U.S. economy decisively. Moreover, if the U.S. continues to weaponize the dollar, it could accelerate global de-dollarization, driven by nations eager to escape the volatility of U.S. economic policies.

On the ground in America, the fallout could be severe. While the wealthiest 1% might remain insulated from economic upheavals, the vast majority of Americans could face hardships comparable to the agonies of fentanyl withdrawal. This grim outlook suggests that if the U.S. does not stabilize its economic practices, it could face irreversible consequences.

Amid these tensions, President Xi Jinping of China met with Blinken, emphasizing the need for the U.S. to view China’s development positively as a fundamental step towards stabilizing and improving bilateral relations. This comes at a time when the U.S. has been tightening its grip on China’s access to high-end technology and considering a ban on the Chinese-owned app TikTok.

Dialogue seems to be the only bridge left unclosed in these tumultuous relations. During his meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Blinken highlighted the importance of face-to-face diplomacy to avoid misunderstandings and miscalculations.

Still, the undercurrents of tension are undeniable, with U.S. accusations of China supporting Russia’s military efforts in Ukraine and the lingering shadows of trade wars and alleged espionage activities.

As these economic giants clash over debts and dollars, the world watches, hoping for a resolution that avoids the direst outcomes forewarned by pundits and policymakers alike. I mean, the global economy is already doing incredibly poorly. This is the last thing it needs.

Mastering the art of credit card arbitrage can feel like finding a hidden treasure map in the world of finance. But it’s not for the faint of heart. Let me tell you about a guy—an experimental physicist, no less—who turned this concept on its head. His story is basically a David versus Goliath tale of battling the IRS and winning.

This physicist, curious as a cat and sharp as a tack, wondered if he could spin his credit card points into gold. He set his sights on American Express (Amex), a company known for its reward programs. Amex was offering a whopping five percent cash back on purchases at grocery stores.

So, what did our man do? He stormed the grocery aisles, but instead of filling his cart with food, he loaded up on Visa prepaid gift cards. Every swipe at the register was more money in his pocket, thanks to that five percent kickback.

The Loop of Lucrative Returns

Here’s where it gets clever. He didn’t just stockpile these gift cards under his mattress. He turned them into money orders, then deposited those into his bank account. This wasn’t money laundering; it was money cycling — turning plastic into cash, then using that cash to pay off the credit card bill. Rinse and repeat.

The fees for buying the gift cards and converting them to money orders were peanuts compared to the cash back he was raking in. We’re talking about a net gain of around three percent per cycle, which added up to a cool $300,000 to $310,000 in profit. That’s not chump change by any stretch.

But when the IRS got wind of his scheme, they weren’t throwing confetti. They wanted him to pay taxes on his windfall. Our physicist wasn’t having it. He argued that credit card cash backs are merely discounts, not income. Guess what? The tax court agreed. He walked away with his earnings, tax-free. Boom!

How to make $300k arbitraging credit card points and then pay zero taxes on it: pic.twitter.com/DgsZoi2wSF

— Alec Stapp (@AlecStapp) April 27, 2024

The Risk and Reward of Credit Card Arbitrage

Now, if you’re thinking about trying credit card arbitrage yourself, you need to understand the basics. It usually involves taking advantage of a zero percent introductory APR on balance transfers. You transfer a huge sum from the new card, then invest that money in something safe like a savings account or a CD, which earns you a bit more interest than what you’re paying on the card.

But here’s the catch. You need to be on point with your payments. Miss one, and not only do you get slapped with a late fee, but your sweet zero percent interest rate could skyrocket to 30 percent faster than you can say “bankruptcy.”

Suddenly, you’re paying about $4 a day in interest on that initial $5,000. And if you think you can just pull your money out of the CD early, think again. There’s a penalty for that, costing you a chunk of the interest you’ve earned.

Credit card arbitrage isn’t a walk in the park. It’s more like a tightrope walk over a canyon. The potential profits might not always be worth the stress and the risk. After all, even if you play your cards right, taxes will nibble away at your earnings.

For example, if you make $100 in interest, expect the government to take about $24 if you’re in the 24 percent tax bracket, plus whatever your state taxes are. That slices your net gain down significantly, often making the whole venture more trouble than it’s worth.

In the end, while our physicist friend hit a home run with his credit card gymnastics, this game isn’t for everyone. It’s a high stakes play that requires nerves of steel and a flawless execution plan. You could end up a few hundred thousand dollars richer, or you could get caught in a spiral of debt and fees.

So, guys, listen to me. Weigh your options, consider the risks, and maybe—just maybe—you’ll find your way to a treasure chest of credit card arbitrage gold.

Last month, the tech giant Apple Inc. made a bold move and removed three apps from its App Store. These apps even exploited machine learning tools available in AI and tried to construct nonconsensual images without the consent of a person. The decision follows concerns that apps were using false advertising on places like Instagram and porn! Websites.

Misleading Cases in Advertising 

Those who click on this ad are sent to the Apple App Store, and the same app is described as an “art generator” but without any reference to the fact that it can generate nudes. This is a long-standing loophole in mobile app stores first identified in 2022.

Through AI-based algorithms, the apps blamed for doing this act claimed to undress individuals in photos, leading to an incorrect assumption of nudity even though they do not have the permission or knowledge of the subjects. Such acts as these not only breach privacy but also are potential sources of exploitation, harassment, and blackmail. 

A number of similar versions of this advertisement with various other AI generated women have been showing on Facebook, Instagram, Facebook Messenger and Meta’s in-app ad network between April 10 and April 20.

After being tipped off about these scam apps, Apple in fact was the first one to remove them from the App Store. Though they claimed to be innocent, their true motives were disclosed by the apps forcing Apple to remove the apps and observe its community standards. This clearly demonstrates Apple’s unshakeable devotion to creating a secure and gender-neutral digital space for everyone.

Ongoing Challenges and Accountability

Even though the countermeasures taken by Apple deserve respect, this incident, in the end, brings about some doubts about the app review and monitoring of advertising methods. The fact that these apps have been unnoticed in the App Store for a long time only underlines the necessity of more carefulness and active measures to detect and eliminate fraudulent apps.

In addition, developers applied sly methods of promotion of their illegal features on adult sites that ensured absence of their detection by Apple and Google. These cases illustrate the problems the tech companies face to police their platforms and enforce the community guidelines.

With the Apple’s forthcoming disclosure of some AI-related projects at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2023, it will be rather intriguing to see the move initiated by the company with regards to these apps. An important part of Apple’s responsible technology implementation is to maintain a good image for ethical behavior and sound technology governance, which is critical in light of Apple’s increasing use of AI in its products.

Removing these apps would be an example of an ethical issue on the part of AI development and use. The second concern related to the development of AI abilities is users’ privacy. Additionally, the users need to be requested for their permission, and the assurance of their safety should be given. By blocking such applications, Apple stresses ethical behavior in its community.

Source: 404

In the current era of artificial intelligence (AI) integration in various industries, Esquire Bank stands out with a clear message: critical thinking is the key apart from technical ability. Therefore, since more and more businesses employ AI to make decisions and save costs, on the one hand, as for Esquire Bank’s Chief Innovation Officer, Kyall Mai, the significance of human oversight cannot be underrated.

Esquire Bank’s human-centric AI integration

Esquire Bank’s stance reflects a broader concern within the industry: the risk of excessive machine communication may weaken human creative intelligence, critical thinking, and judgmental capacities, among others. While he points out that machine learning people should combine diagnostic capabilities, artificial capabilities, and business objectives, they should also be able to distinguish right from wrong and use their logic and creativity.

Esquire Bank does not neglect AI techniques, including generative, predictive, and other AI applications. It emphasizes the importance of taking a human-centric approach to everything. The lender’s application of predictive AI techniques uplifts consumer experience and tailoring, notwithstanding Mai’s reflections that human judgment should supplement AI-powered insights.

AI as a catalyst for collaboration

For Esquire Bank, AI is not purely about automation. Rather, AI motivates partnerships among technology and business domains. Esquire employs AI to simplify mundane tasks, such as administrative coding. This frees employees from focusing on more complex functions and pursuing more strategic purposes.

AI integration, part of Esquire Bank’s futuristic strategy, helps them adapt to challenges that come with progress and sustain critical thinking and judgment that is superior to every other AI tool. With the expansion of AI capabilities during this transition period, Esquire Bank’s approach of human oversight is, by all means, the way to go for businesses caught in the web of AI deployment.

News sourced from zdnet