Technology News for Tuesday 23rd April 2024

1. Apple iPhone sales tumbled in China in first quarter, research firm says

Counterpoint reported that iPhone sales volumes dropped 19%, during a quarter in which smartphone sales in the world's second largest economy grew by 1.5%. The 19% decline is actually an improvement of sorts on ...

2. Microsoft launches Phi-3, its smallest AI model yet

Microsoft launched the next version of its lightweight AI model Phi-3 Mini, the first of three small models the company plans to release. Phi-3 Mini measures 3.8 billion parameters and is trained on a data set that is smaller relative to large language ...

3. Makers of CrushFTP file transfer tool urge users to upgrade 'ASAP'

A vulnerability in the CrushFTP file transfer that allows users to “escape” the application's virtual file system and download files is already being exploited, according to the software's developers. CrushFTP first warned of the vulnerability ...

4. Apple iPhone sales drop 19% in China as demand for Huawei smartphones soars, research says

Apple saw sales of its iPhones fall 19.1% in the first three months of the year, according to data from Counterpoint Research. It comes as Chinese tech giant Huawei saw a 69.7% surge in smartphone sales in the country over the same period, ...

5. The best gifts for high school grads in 2024 are fun and practical for life's next steps

Graduating high school is an exciting first step on the path to becoming an adult. It's a huge accomplishment that deserves to be celebrated in a big way. One option is gifting your favorite grad something thoughtful that they can use for their ...

6. Adobe's new Firefly model makes it easier to use Photoshop's AI tools

Here's a rundown of all the new tools and features in the latest Photoshop beta. Adobe is adding some new generative AI tools to its Photoshop creative software that ...

7. Palo Alto's Unit 42 team reveals new wave of PAN-OS firewall hack attempts

Palo Alto's PAN-OS firewalls are coming under increasing attack following the company's disclosure of a command injection vulnerability on 12 April. A few days later, the Australian Signals Directorate's Australian Cyber Security Centre circulated a ...

8. Apple's AI push continues: Acquires French startup Datakalab specialising in AI, computer vision tech, says report

Datakalab, self-described as "experts in low power, runtime efficient, and deep learning algorithms" designed for on-device deployment, has been at the forefront of developing industry-leading compression techniques and adaptable solutions for embedded ...

9. New Ray-Ban | Meta Smart Glasses Styles and Meta AI Updates

We're rolling out Meta AI with Vision, so you can ask your glasses about what you're seeing and get helpful information — completely hands-free. Our second-generation smart glasses, in partnership with EssilorLuxottica, have been flying off the shelves ...

10. Chinese Keyboard App Vulnerabilities Explained

By default, the prediction capabilities are limited by your phone's hardware. To overcome this limitation, Chinese keyboards often offer “cloud-based” prediction services which transmit your keystrokes to a server that hosts more powerful prediction models ...

11. Sexual harassment researchers receive award

Daljit Dhariwal and Prof Carie Newlands were each awarded the Colyer Gold Medal by the Royal College of Surgeons. Miss Dhariwal is a surgeon and Oxford University tutor, while Prof Newlands undertakes her research at the University ...

12. The best headphones $100 and under

At $70, these budget Sony earbuds are almost as pricey as the over-ear Soundcore Life Q30 — but for those looking for in-ear headphones, the WF-C500s (personally tested by me and recommended by gadget expert Connor Jewiss) are a great choice.

13. Overwatch 2 Season 10 Guide: Play Mirrorwatch Today

Season 10 introduces Mirrorwatch, an alternate universe where the heroes of Overwatch and the villains of Talon have switched sides -- with Doomfist, Sombra and Widowmaker leading Overwatch against villainous versions of Ana, Reinhardt and Mercy.

14. Samsung's new glare-free OLED TV is receiving its first discount

At the same time, the TV's display is brighter than ever, with the OLED screen producing rich and vivid colors. The TV also has solid specs for gamers, with four HDMI 2.1 ports and a panel that can handle 144Hz variable refresh rates.

15. Watch the Mona Lisa Rap, via Microsoft's AI: It's as Freaky as You Think

Leonard da Vinci + generative AI = Mona Lisa rapping. Microsoft/Screenshot by CNET. There are many enduring mysteries to the human condition: ...

16. Microsoft launches lightweight AI model

Last week, Microsoft invested $1.5 billion in UAE-based AI firm G42. It has also previously partnered with French startup Mistral AI to make their models available through its Azure cloud computing platform. The ...

17. Clinical Trial: Brain Stimulation for Overactive Bladder

©? 2024 The National Multiple Sclerosis Society is a tax exempt 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. Its Identification Number (EIN) is 13-5661935. The National Multiple Sclerosis Society is proud to be ...

18. Designing for disability: how video games become more accessible

For sponsor-free episodes of The Indicator from Planet Money, subscribe to Planet Money+ via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org. Music by Drop Electric. Find us: TikTok, Instagram, ...

19. Surprise Apple Event Hints at First New iPads in Years

Apple CEO Tim Cook posted this GIF for the virtual event to X on Tuesday morning. Apple/Amy Kim/CNET. This morning, I received an email invite for a ...

20. Why Microsoft Is Building Smaller AI Systems That Can Fit in Phones

Microsoft announced its smallest artificial intelligence (AI) model, the Phi-3 Mini, on Tuesday. The small language model (SLM) can fit in a smartphone and could better position Microsoft as companies look for more cost-effective AI solutions and tech ...

21. Dragonflight Season 4 is Now Live!

Powerful rewards await in Season 4 to deliver the best of what the Dragonflight expansion offers. Jump into the new Mythic+ dungeon rotation, rally your forces for new challenges in raids, prepare for the new PvP season, and ready yourselves for The ...