Technology News for Thursday 14th March 2024

1. Microsoft brings new GPT-4 Turbo version to Copilot free tier; check what's new

This development comes amid a broader trend of tech companies integrating generative AI into their offerings, following the success of OpenAI's ChatGPT ... Microsoft has recently enhanced its artificial intelligence assistant, Copilot, by incorporating the ...

2. 2024 Fly Fishing Film Tour stops at the Lobero Theatre in Santa Barbara on March 19

Santa Barbara Fly Fishers Board Members said more people, including women and children, are interested in fly fishing and conservation. They said you can fly fish on the beach or in local mountain streams.

3. A medieval object with Arabic and Hebrew writings shows the collaboration of its time

Scientists identified an 11th-century astrolabe with Arabic inscriptions and Hebrew writings, highlighting a period when Muslims ruled in present-day Spain and scholarship and idea-sharing flourished. Copyright 2024 NPR.

4. This Miracle Device Can Restore Speech With Just One Sticker On Your Neck

Researchers have developed a new device that can translate muscle movements in your throat into speech, allowing people with vocal cord issues to communicate again. This self-powered patch sticks to your neck and uses tiny magnets to convert throat ...

5. SpaceX cleared to attempt third Starship launch Thursday after getting FAA license

Elon Musk's SpaceX is preparing to launch its third Starship test flight as soon as Thursday morning after getting the launch license it needed from the FAA. The company aims to reach further than the two previous Starship prototype flights that ...

6. SpaceX cleared to launch Super Heavy-Starship rocket on third test flight today

The flight follows formal clearance from the Federal Aviation Administration, issued late Wednesday, that concluded "SpaceX met all safety, environmental, policy and financial responsibility requirements.".

7. 'Should have been default winner': Satya Nadella's 'competent' take on Google AI amid backlash over Gemini ...

Google CEO Sundar Pichai faced some intense backlash in the past few days over the inaccuracies in its artificial intelligence Gemini image generator. But, his close rival Microsoft doesn't seem to doubt the ability of the tech giant in the AI space.

8. I'm not surprised people are suing a dating app company – our addiction to swiping makes us miserable

It's unsurprising, then, that dating apps can feel so addictive. As the lawsuit claims, we're being programmed to constantly seek a dopamine hit from each swipe in what it calls a “pay ...

9. TikTok Turns to Creators to Fight Possible Ban

Dozens of popular figures on the app have traveled to Washington to urge lawmakers to oppose a bill that could result in the platform being blocked in the United States.

10. I Tried Aescape's Robot-Arm-Powered Massage Table—and Loved Being in Control

The Aescape has robot arms designed to deliver a custom spa-like massage—all for $60. Collage of robotic massage experience. Left image ...

11. The Blink Mini 2 is a tiny $40 camera that makes your home a lot smarter

An upgrade over the original Blink Mini, the Blink Mini 2 camera brings everything you want in a camera to a small package. It's portable, easy to install, versatile and even has a spotlight and speaker so you can have two-way communication when you need ...

12. Review: Blink Mini 2

Best features require a subscription. Needs special power adapter for outdoor use. No Apple HomeKit or Google Home support. The Blink Mini 2 ...

13. Microsoft launches Copilot Pro worldwide with a one-month free trial

Copilot Pro subscribers will also be able to use the AI assistant in Office web apps without a Microsoft 365 subscription. ... By Tom Warren, a senior editor covering Microsoft, PC gaming, console, and tech. He founded WinRumors, a site dedicated to ...

14. Microsoft singles out Google's competitive edge in generative AI

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Alphabet unit Google enjoys a competitive edge in generative artificial intelligence due to its trove of data and AI-optimised chips, Microsoft has told EU antitrust regulators, underscoring the rivalry between the two tech giants.

15. Apple buys startup DarwinAI, adds staff to its AI division, Bloomberg reports

Apple has bought artificial intelligence (AI) startup DarwinAI and added dozens of the Canadian company's staffers to its AI division, Bloomberg News reported on Thursday. The iPhone maker purchased the business earlier this year, the report stated, ...

16. Microsoft singles out Google's competitive edge in generative AI

Microsoft, whose more than $10 billion investment in OpenAI is now in EU antitrust regulators' crosshairs, also sought to fend off regulatory worries about such partnerships between Big Tech and start-ups.

17. Stalemate over The Grand Theatre's future ends as landlord, society re-enter negotiations

One of Calgary's oldest theatres, which had been facing the prospect of shutting down by the end of the year, has been given new life after the landlord that owns the building re-entered negotiations with the society that operates it.

18. Google Reveals New Password Security Surprise For iPhone Users

Google has issued a surprise revelation that it is upgrading your security protection—if you are using an iPhone. But there's a catch. Apple and Google are competitors when it comes to most things but, thankfully, securing data for their respective ...

19. Blink Mini 2 Review: Plentiful Features, Small Size

Today's home security cameras come with a power array of smart features. We take time to test everything from design durability and weather resistance to how well person detection works and the clarity of two-way audio. And we add plenty of experiments ...

20. The Sonos Move 2 just got its first-ever discount of 20% off

Its size comes with benefits though. For one, the Sonos Move 2 has doubled the tweeter count of its predecessor, offering a wide stereo sound from a single speaker. That pairs with a fuller woofer that can give you more from the low end to pump out your ...

21. Apple buys startup DarwinAI, adds staff to its AI division, Bloomberg reports

Alexander Wong, an AI researcher at the University of Waterloo who helped build DarwinAI's business, has joined Apple as a director in its AI group as part of the deal, the report added. DarwinAI ...