Tag: blog

  • OpenAI introduces the first AI model with the ability to engage in logical reasoning.

    OpenAI introduces the first AI model with the ability to engage in logical reasoning.

    OpenIA, famous for its ChatGPT, introduced a new Artificial Intelligence concept called o1, which focuses on logical reasoning tasks. o1 consists of multiple models, including o1-preview and o1-mini, which are accessible to ChatGPT or Team users.

    What sets 1 apart from ChatGPT?

    The O1 model, unlike ChatGPT, does not yet have the capability to search the internet or examine files. Its current version provides a constrained experience, with image analysis temporarily disabled for adjustments. Moreover, model usage is limited, with weekly caps set at 30 messages for o1-preview and 50 for o1-mini.

    Reprodução: YouTube
    Imagem: astrovariable/Burst

    The model offers an attractive pricing scheme for developers, with the o1-preview priced at $15 for every 1 million input tokens and $60 for every 1 million output tokens.

    OpenAI emphasizes the effectiveness of o1 in addressing mathematical and programming challenges, showcasing its capacity to consider options before answering queries. The model can integrate outcomes from different tasks, making it beneficial for tasks like sorting important emails in a legal inbox or creating marketing plans.

    Model 01 performs tasks of greater complexity.

    The first model was created using reinforcement learning methods, enabling it to think before giving a response through a series of internal reasoning processes. This development, as stated by Noam Brown from OpenAI, was achieved through a novel optimization algorithm and a dataset focused on reasoning, which consists of scientific literature tailored for model training.

    The 1 has shown significant progress, performing well in a qualification test for the International Mathematical Olympiad and scoring high in online programming competitions like Codeforces.

    O1 has some drawbacks, such as being slower in responding to specific inquiries, occasionally taking over 10 seconds. Moreover, OpenAI has chosen not to exhibit the full “thought processes” of the model, providing only condensed versions of these processes.

    OpenAI is expected to release the o1 to a larger audience and create updated versions capable of extended reasoning over hours, days, or weeks to enhance their abilities.

  • Microsoft has terminated 2,550 employees following its acquisition of Activision Blizzard.

    Microsoft has terminated 2,550 employees following its acquisition of Activision Blizzard.

    Microsoft has confirmed that more than 650 employees in its gaming division will be leaving the company. This move comes as part of a larger workforce reduction following the acquisition of Activision Blizzard in 2023, which has already resulted in a total of 2,550 job cuts. According to Xbox head Phil Spencer, these layoffs are aimed at restructuring the company for sustained success and will not impact studios or game development.

    Microsoft lays off 650 workers from its gaming department.

    Spencer assured that there will be no closures of games, devices, or studios due to the resignations. He emphasized the goal of reallocating resources for sustainable growth, aligning with the requirements of Microsoft Gaming studios and business units.

    The layoffs are a result of restructuring following the acquisition of Activision Blizzard for $69 billion. Microsoft is reorganizing to align with its new objectives, but assures that important projects will continue as planned.

    Phil Spencer explicar por que a Microsoft demitiu mais funcionários da sua divisão de jogos. Imagem: Reprodução
    Imagem: Peggychoucair/Burst

    In 2024, a second round of layoffs occurred, with 1,900 employees affected, leading to the closure of Tango Gameworks and Arkane Austin studios, known for their games such as Hi-Fi Rush and Redfall.

    Samsung, like other companies, is making job cuts globally. After laying off a significant number of employees in India, the leading smartphone company intends to decrease its global workforce by 30%.

  • Do cell phones charge more quickly in airplane mode?

    Do cell phones charge more quickly in airplane mode?

    The cell phone has become a crucial part of our lives, almost like a body extension. It is important for it to have quick charging capabilities to ensure it never runs out of battery. There is a popular belief that putting the phone in Airplane Mode can speed up the charging process. But is this true or just a myth circulating on the internet?

    Airplane Mode speeds up the loading time of the mobile device.

    Charging your phone with Airplane Mode on accelerates the battery charging process by deactivating non-essential functions like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and mobile networks, allowing the device to focus solely on charging.

    Activating Airplane Mode reduces power consumption, allowing the device to charge faster. The difference in charging speed when using Airplane Mode compared to normal charging is minimal. If time is not a concern, it is advisable to keep all functions activated.

    Reprodução: Pixabay
    Imagem: Peggychoucair/Pexels

    What is the purpose of airplane mode?

    The Airplane Mode is highly beneficial in certain circumstances, particularly when traveling by air. Enabling this feature is essential for numerous safety purposes as it deactivates networks, enhances flight safety, and conserves battery life.

    Activating airplane mode can help you quickly charge your phone when you need to leave the house urgently and your battery is running low.

    Does a 220V outlet speed up the charging of a cell phone?

    The voltage of the socket does not significantly affect the charging speed of a cell phone; it is primarily determined by the charger and the device itself.

    Modern chargers are made to work with both 110 V and 220 V, adjusting the current output as needed for the device. The voltage difference between these options doesn’t impact the charging time significantly. The most important factor is to use a high-quality charger that is compatible with your device.

    Using airplane mode can help accelerate loading times, while the socket’s voltage doesn’t have a significant impact. Opting for efficient chargers and refraining from using the device during charging can lead to quicker and more efficient charging.

  • Discover how to unlock hidden features on your iPhone

    Discover how to unlock hidden features on your iPhone

    The iPhone includes numerous hidden functions that many users may not be aware of, making daily tasks easier and enhancing the overall user experience. Learn how to activate these secret features.

    The primary hidden features of the iPhone

    You will soon discover certain hidden iPhone features to enhance your usage.

    Level Gauge

    The iPhone includes a level meter in the Measure app that allows users to easily determine if a surface is perfectly horizontal or vertical.

    To access the level meter, simply open the Measure app and swipe the screen to the left. This will enable you to utilize the level meter, which features a digital bubble for checking the tilt angle of a surface.

    Reprodução: Oficina da Net
    Imagem: JonPauling/GettyImages

    Customizing gestures for contacts

    Few users are aware of this iPhone feature that allows for customizing touches for contacts, enabling users to recognize callers without physically interacting with the device.

    To personalize the gestures for individual contacts, access the contact application, pick the desired contact, and click on the ‘Edit’ button. From there, select the ‘Touch’ option and then specify the standard or customized touch you wish to assign to that contact.

    Dark mode enabled

    Most iPhone users are familiar with and use the popular dark mode, but many are unaware that they can schedule it to activate automatically at specific times.

    To accomplish this, simply access the ‘Settings’ menu, then ‘Display and Brightness,’ and enable the ‘Auto’ feature. Next, select the preferred time for dark mode to activate automatically, allowing the device to adjust according to the user’s needs.

    Reprodução: YouTube
    Imagem: karvanth/Pexels

    Scanning documents using app notes

    An overlooked feature of the iPhone is the ability to scan documents through the Notes app.

    This function enables you to use your iPhone’s camera to scan documents and change them into high-quality PDF files that can be easily shared or stored.

    To access this function, open the Notes application, start a new note, or select a current one. Click on the camera symbol and pick the “Scan Documents” feature.

    The iPhone camera will automatically adapt to take a high-quality image of the document. You can also customize the margins and contrast if necessary.

    This function is particularly beneficial for individuals who require scanning receipts, agreements, or any other document.

  • Having trouble accessing your phone using biometrics? Find out what the issue could be.

    Having trouble accessing your phone using biometrics? Find out what the issue could be.

    Biometric technology is more common in our daily lives now, allowing us to unlock our phones, do banking, and access social media with a simple fingerprint scan. While this method is generally secure due to the uniqueness of each person’s fingerprint, it is not without its flaws and can fail for various reasons.

    What caused the decline in the effectiveness of cell phone biometrics?

    The biometric sensor on our cell phone may not always be to blame for issues with fingerprint recognition. Our fingerprints can deteriorate over time due to aging, exposure to chemicals, or trauma.

    It is becoming more and more frequent for this type of issue to concern individuals who rely on digital technology to access services, including their mobile devices.

    Reasons for Utilizing Digital Impressions

    Repetitive actions like typing and gaming can gradually damage the skin on the hands, resulting in a reduction in the clarity of fingerprints known as microtrauma.

    Frequent exposure to chemicals, particularly in plastic materials and cleaning products, can result in irritative dermatitis, leading to skin inflammation and altered texture that may affect fingerprint clarity.

    Health professionals and individuals who frequently need to clean their hands encounter a problem with excessive use of soap and chemicals. This can lead to increased skin damage and deterioration of fingerprint quality.

    Consequences and Difficulties

    Loss of fingerprints can be further diagnosed, and it may take several months for fingerprints to return to normal after discontinuing the use of irritating products or changing habits that led to the issue.

    Deteriorating fingerprints can impact the precision of biometric identification methods, making verification and security procedures more challenging.

    Prevention and Maintenance

    Keeping your hands hydrated is important for maintaining the integrity of your fingerprints. Using certain lotions can help shield the skin from damage.

    Specialized products like “weather balm” can be utilized in places with frequent fingerprint collection, like identification centers, to enhance the capturing of fingerprints.

    Biometrics’ Future

    Biometric technology may advance by integrating various identification factors beyond fingerprints, such as facial recognition and retina scanning, enhancing accuracy and reliability for improved safety and convenience in identification systems.

    Preserving fingerprints is crucial for the functionality of biometric technologies, necessitating strategies like proper moisturization and the application of specialized products to address issues related to wear and skin alterations.

  • Apple introduces iOS 17.7 for users opting out of iOS 18; instructions on how to download provided

    Apple introduces iOS 17.7 for users opting out of iOS 18; instructions on how to download provided

    Apple has just launched iOS 17.7 as an alternative update for users who are not ready to switch to iOS 18. Along with iPhone, iPadOS 17.7 and macOS updates for Mac have also been released. Check out the list of iPhones that will not receive updates beyond 2024.

    What are the benefits of upgrading to iOS 17.7?

    Apple introduced iOS 17.7 as an option for users who are not ready to switch to iOS 18 yet. This upgrade provides updated security features and enhancements without the significant changes of the new system version.

    iOS 17.7 offers a way for iPhone users to update their device without needing to switch to iOS 18 right away, for those who are already using iOS 17.

    What modifications have been made to iPads?

    Apple has introduced iPadOS 17.7 alongside iOS 17.7, delivering enhanced security and performance features for iPad users. Nevertheless, this update discontinues support for older models like the 10.5-inch iPad Pro (2017) and the 6th-generation iPad, making iPadOS 17.7 the final update for these devices due to their incompatibility with iPadOS 18.

    Macs will receive software updates.

    Mac users with older computers that cannot support the latest macOS 15 Sequoia version have access to two significant updates: macOS 13.7 Ventura and macOS 14.7 Sonoma. These updates are available for models like the 2018 and 2019 MacBook Air, ensuring they receive necessary stability and security enhancements.

    Updating your device: A guide

    To install iOS 17.7 or iPadOS 17.7, simply navigate to device settings, access the General section, and choose Software Update. For Mac users, follow a similar path: access the Apple menu, click on System Preferences, select General, and then choose Software Update.

  • Instagram introduces profiles for teenagers with parental oversight; discover the modifications.

    Instagram introduces profiles for teenagers with parental oversight; discover the modifications.

    Instagram has introduced new features to inform parents about their children’s usage of the platform and provide options to control access to specific information. Users under 16 will now require parental consent to modify their accounts, whereas currently, individuals as young as 13 can create an Instagram account.

    What needs to be different with the new Adolescent Account?

    Parents can manage their children’s interactions and content viewing on the social network through the new “Adolescent Account” feature.

    Meta, the owner of Instagram, plans to make these features accessible in Latin America, specifically in Brazil, by January 2025. The United States, Canada, the UK, and Australia will have access to the functionality within 60 days. In the European Union, the feature is expected to be available by 2024.

    Below are some modifications that accompany the Teen Account.

    • Teenagers can approve new followers, but those who don’t follow them won’t be able to engage with them.
    • Only individuals who are already following the teenager or have an existing connection are allowed to send direct messages.
    • Teenagers will be reminded daily to stop using Instagram after 60 minutes of browsing.
    • During the night mode from 10 pm to 7 am, notifications will be silenced. Messages sent to the teenager during this time will indicate that the message won’t be seen until later.
    • The “Adolescent Account” restricts the display of sensitive content like videos of violence and cosmetic surgeries.
    • Minors aged 16 and below can only be referenced or mentioned in publications by individuals who are connected to them.
    Divulgação: Meta
    Imagem: Peggychoucair/FreePik

    These preferences can be entirely controlled from a distance using the account of the guardian, eliminating the necessity to access the teenager’s phone, according to Meta’s explanation.

    Parents will have the option to accept or reject any changes in settings made by their children once supervision is set up, according to the company.

    Meta acknowledges that teenagers may provide inaccurate information about their age when opening an account and is introducing methods for them to verify their actual age. Additionally, the company is working on tools to detect accounts of underage individuals who have provided false birth dates.

    In 2022, Instagram introduced the “Family Center” feature, enabling parents and guardians to supervise their children’s Instagram activities. The introduction of the “Adolescent Account” does not affect the existing functionalities of the “Family Center”.

    • Tracking the time spent on Instagram by setting daily or weekly usage limits.
    • The teenager’s followers and the accounts they follow are displayed visually.
    • Notifications are sent when the teenager reports an account or post, providing information on the reported content and the reason for the report.

  • Is it possible to make private calls? Find out how to do it on Android and iPhone.

    Is it possible to make private calls? Find out how to do it on Android and iPhone.

    Many individuals prefer privacy regarding their mobile numbers and links. Various methods allow you to make calls without disclosing your number to the recipient, regardless of whether you use an Android device, iPhone, or another service provider. Ensuring your number remains private can enhance the confidentiality of your calls.

    How to keep your phone number confidential

    To hide your number when making a call, you can easily do so by entering a specific code before dialing the number. Follow these instructions carefully:

    1. Insert code #31# prior to the telephone number you wish to dial.
    2. Make the phone call in the usual manner.

    This method is useful for immediate calls when you wish to keep your identity concealed. Many service providers support this feature without requiring extra configurations. If not, there are alternative methods to hide your number during phone calls.

    Reprodução: YouTube
    Imagem: astrovariable/PixaBay

    How to Keep Your Phone Number Private for All Calls

    You can set your phone to hide your number for all outgoing calls by adjusting the settings on your device. Learn how to do this on various operating systems.

    On Android devices:

    1. Open the telephone application.
    2. Tap the icon with three points or the menu with options.
    3. Choose either Settings or Settings.
    4. Go to the Calls section.
    5. Choose either Call Identification or Number Display.
    6. Choose the Hide number option.

    On an iPhone:

    1. Navigate to the Settings application.
    2. Phone contact selection feature.
    3. Tap on the option labeled Show My Number.
    4. Turn off the Show My Number feature.

    All your calls will be placed with a concealed number, showing up as “private” or “unknown” to the recipient. To reverse this, simply repeat the process and undo the changes made.

    When should private number calls be utilized?

    Making calls using a private number can be beneficial in different scenarios, such as when reaching out to unfamiliar individuals for business purposes or discussing sensitive topics, as concealing the number adds an additional level of protection.

    In professional situations, this feature is beneficial for safeguarding personal contact information and ensuring privacy in specific communications.

    Using this feature cautiously is crucial, as some individuals might not answer calls from unidentified or private numbers, potentially hindering communication in certain scenarios. Therefore, it’s advisable to assess the situation before opting for this method.

  • Russia is warning of potential attacks on submarine cables that could disrupt the global internet.

    Russia is warning of potential attacks on submarine cables that could disrupt the global internet.

    The Center for International Strategic Studies report emphasized the potential risks to Western nations if Russia were to target internet undersea cables, following remarks by Dmitri Medvedev.

    Russia has the capability to launch attacks on undersea internet cables.

    Submarine cables handle 95% of worldwide internet communication, and in Russia, they are viewed as a “legitimate target” following findings implicating Western nations in the Nord Stream 2 explosion. This pipeline, which recently began operating, delivered gas to Germany and enabled gas export to other European Union nations. Dmitri Medvedev stated that if Western countries’ involvement in the Nord Stream 2 blast is confirmed, there would be no barriers to targeting underwater communications.

    The report, published at the end of August, indicates that submarine cables are the primary weak point for NATO nations. Should these cables be damaged, it would result in a significant disruption to the internet and global economy, impacting trade and military communications. Moreover, satellite internet services would also be affected as they rely on underwater cables for connectivity. Despite this vulnerability, experts suggest that Russia would not be severely impacted by an attack on these cables, as the country is developing its own internet infrastructure separate from the global network. Additionally, Russia’s connection with China is established through terrestrial cables, potentially enabling Russia to exploit this vulnerability to establish connections with other nations. While Russia has only issued threats at present, President Vladimir Putin has warned that NATO could become a legitimate target if it permits Ukraine to use long-range missiles against Russian territory.

  • Leaving your laptop plugged in all the time can be harmful to the battery.

    Leaving your laptop plugged in all the time can be harmful to the battery.

    Notebook batteries have improved in efficiency and durability due to technological advancements. Despite this, there remains uncertainty surrounding the impact of leaving a notebook charging continuously throughout the day on the battery.

    Does leaving the laptop plugged in damage the battery?

    Lithium-ion batteries found in modern laptops are more resilient to charge cycles than older models, but following certain practices can still prolong battery life and maintain device performance.

    Lithium-ion batteries have made significant progress in recent years, becoming lighter, more efficient, and exhibiting reduced memory effect compared to older nickel-cadmium batteries.

    This development debunked the belief that leaving the battery in the device all day would keep it alive, rendering this concern obsolete.

    Reprodução: Pixabay
    Imagem: timmossholder/FreePik

    Advantages of not bringing the notebook

    Practicality is a key benefit as you can work without interruptions by not having to constantly check the battery level.

    In certain models, connecting the notebook to power can result in a slight performance boost because the battery is not utilized, enabling the system to run more effectively.

    Dangers of leaving the notebook charging in the socket

    Continuous charging of modern batteries can gradually decrease their storage capacity and affect their autonomy, despite their improved durability.

    If the laptop is used with the charger in a warm or poorly ventilated place, overheating may occur and harm the internal parts.

    Keeping your laptop constantly plugged in can lead to higher energy usage, which will be reflected in a higher electricity bill.

    Tips on prolonging your Laptop’s battery lifespan

    • Keep the battery charged between 20% and 80% to maintain battery health, avoiding complete discharges to 0%.
    • Avoid keeping the battery at full charge all the time as it can lead to gradual deterioration, even in lithium-ion batteries.
    • Activate the Energy Saving Mode to decrease battery usage and extend its lifespan.
    • Keep your notebook in a cool and well-ventilated space to prevent potential damage to the battery and other parts of the device.
    • Many operating systems provide tools for calibrating the battery, which can enhance its performance over time.

    The choice of whether to keep your laptop plugged in all day relies on various factors, including the laptop model, usage frequency, and personal preferences. Generally, there are no significant issues with leaving the laptop connected to the power source, especially during long periods of use. However, it is important to adhere to specific guidelines to prolong the battery life and maintain the optimal performance of your device, ensuring consistent and reliable operation over an extended period.