Tag: Google Cubes

  • Russia Slows YouTube Speeds Amidst Ongoing Conflict

    Russia Slows YouTube Speeds Amidst Ongoing Conflict

    Russia is set to significantly throttle YouTube speeds on desktop computers due to Google’s refusal to unblock channels tied to Russian media. This action arises amidst ongoing tensions between the two nations.

    Senior Russian Lawmaker’s Statement

    Alexander Khinshtein, a senior Russian lawmaker, indicated that the speed reduction is a direct result of Google’s failure to upgrade its infrastructure in Russia and its refusal to adhere to Russian content moderation requirements. Khinshtein mentioned that YouTube speeds could decrease by up to 70% next week.

    Roskomnadzor’s Accusations

    Russia’s communications regulator, Roskomnadzor, has also accused Google of neglecting its Russian infrastructure, leading to the bankruptcy of its local subsidiary. This financial strain has impaired Google’s ability to pay for local data center services.

    Google’s decision in March 2022 to block channels associated with Russian state-funded media, citing its policy on violent events, has further strained relations between the two countries. In retaliation, Russia has implemented various measures, including blocking and slowing down other social media platforms.

    Despite these restrictions, many Russians continue to access blocked content via virtual private networks (VPNs).

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  • Samsung and Google Introduce New 3D Audio Standard, Posing a Challenge to Dolby Atmos

    Samsung and Google Introduce New 3D Audio Standard, Posing a Challenge to Dolby Atmos

    Samsung and Google recently announced their collaboration on a new open-source 3D spatial audio technology named Immersive Audio Model and Formats (IAMF). This development poses a potential challenge to the dominance of Dolby Atmos in the market.

    Addressing Limitations in Existing Solutions

    The motivation behind the creation of IAMF was the recognition of limitations in current 3D audio solutions, including Dolby Atmos. Samsung’s research team discovered that existing technologies often fail to accurately interpret 3D sound information, leading to a diminished audio experience.

    Key Features of IAMF

    IAMF aims to overcome these shortcomings by incorporating three crucial features: vertical sound, AI scene analysis, and user-customized audio. WooHyun Nam from Samsung Research’s Visual Technology Team explained that IAMF enhances sound realism by allowing listeners to experience audio from various directions, including in front, behind, to the sides, as well as above or below them. This means that when IAMF technology is integrated into home TV speakers and soundbars, users can expect to hear sounds like birds flying overhead on their TVs.

    IAMF also utilizes AI and deep learning algorithms to intelligently analyze scenes and adjust audio levels accordingly. For example, during scenes with prominent background music or soundtracks, IAMF balances the sound to ensure that the main focus remains on the dialogue.

    Furthermore, IAMF offers personalized audio customization options, allowing users to tailor the audio to their preferences. These options include adjusting the intensity of sound effects in action scenes or enhancing the clarity of dialogue during conversations.

    Samsung’s Shift in Strategy

    Samsung’s adoption of Dolby Atmos in its TVs in 2022 demonstrated the company’s commitment to providing immersive audio experiences. However, the decision to prioritize its own HDR10+ format over Dolby Vision raised questions about its future relationship with Dolby Atmos.

    The introduction of IAMF suggests that Samsung may be charting its own course in the 3D spatial audio space, potentially indicating a shift away from Dolby Atmos in future Samsung TVs. By partnering with Google and developing their own open-source solution, Samsung aims to offer a competitive alternative to existing audio technologies.

    In conclusion, Samsung and Google’s collaborative effort in creating IAMF showcases their ambition to challenge the dominance of Dolby Atmos in the market. With its unique features like vertical sound, AI scene analysis, and user-customized audio, IAMF aims to provide an enhanced and personalized audio experience for users. Samsung’s decision to pursue its own path in the 3D spatial audio space through IAMF may signify a potential departure from Dolby Atmos in their future TV offerings.

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  • Gemini, Google’s AI chatbot, experiences a delay in its launch

    Gemini, Google’s AI chatbot, experiences a delay in its launch

    Google Delays Release of Next-Generation AI Chatbot Gemini

    According to a report by Sammobile, Google has decided to postpone the release of its highly anticipated AI chatbot, Gemini, until early next year. Originally scheduled to be unveiled in November 2023, the launch has been delayed due to the chatbot’s difficulty in handling certain non-English queries during internal testing.

    Gemini, touted as Google’s most powerful conversational AI yet, was set to make its debut at events in California, New York, and Washington, D.C. However, CEO Sundar Pichai made the call to delay the launch after realizing that Gemini’s performance with non-English queries did not meet expectations.

    Importance of Global Language Support

    Google recognizes the significance of global language support in positioning Gemini as a superior alternative to OpenAI’s GPT-4. Until Gemini can demonstrate proficiency in handling non-English queries, Google believes it would be premature to introduce it to the wider market.

    Despite the delay, Google remains confident in Gemini’s potential to surpass GPT-4. In private tests, Gemini reportedly outperformed GPT-4, thanks to its impressive computational power.

    Commitment to Delivering a Competitive Product

    Google CEO Pichai has emphasized the company’s commitment to delivering a “competitive and state-of-the-art” product with Gemini 1.0. The delay is aimed at ensuring that the chatbot meets the high standards set by Google before it is made available to the public.

    Gemini’s Capabilities

    Sissie Hsiao, Google’s Vice President, provided an example of Gemini’s remarkable capabilities. She mentioned that Gemini can generate completely novel images when given a task like creating three pictures illustrating the steps to ice a three-layer cake. This showcases Gemini’s ability to go beyond simply sourcing images from the internet.

    Overall, while the delay may disappoint those eagerly awaiting the release of Gemini, Google’s decision to prioritize its performance with non-English queries reflects the company’s commitment to delivering a top-notch AI chatbot. By ensuring that Gemini meets the necessary standards, Google aims to position it as a strong competitor to other conversational AI models in the market.

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  • Starting December 2023, Google will delete Gmail accounts that remain inactive.

    Starting December 2023, Google will delete Gmail accounts that remain inactive.

    Google to Delete Inactive Gmail Accounts from December 2023

    Google has announced its plans to delete inactive Gmail accounts starting from December 1, 2023. This move aims to address the increased vulnerability of older accounts to cyberattacks. Inactive accounts, defined as those that have not been used in the past two years, will be subject to deletion, along with all associated data such as emails, Drive files, Photos, and Contacts.

    The Importance of Security Measures

    According to internal data from Google, inactive accounts are ten times less likely to have two-factor authentication enabled compared to active accounts. This lack of security measures makes older accounts more susceptible to hacking attempts. By deleting inactive accounts, Google aims to protect user data and reduce the risk of compromise.

    Phased Approach to Account Deletion

    Not all inactive accounts will be deleted immediately. Google plans to remove accounts gradually, starting in December 2023, in small batches. This approach allows users time to reactivate their accounts if they still wish to use them. However, once an account is deleted, all associated data will be permanently removed, and users will not be able to recover their data.

    Tips to Keep Your Account Active

    To prevent their accounts from being deleted, users should ensure they sign in to their Gmail accounts at least once every two years. This minimal activity will keep their accounts active and protect them from being removed. In addition to regular sign-ins, users can engage in various activities to maintain account activity, such as using Google Drive, watching YouTube videos, downloading apps from the Google Play Store, performing Google searches, and utilizing Sign-in with Google for third-party apps or services.

    Exemption for YouTube Videos

    It is important to note that Google currently has no plans to delete inactive accounts that have YouTube videos. If an old unused account is linked to YouTube and has a public video on it, Google will not delete that account despite its inactivity. However, it is possible that the company may update this policy in the future.

    To ensure the security of user accounts and data, Google's decision to delete inactive Gmail accounts is a proactive measure. Users are advised to take the necessary steps to keep their accounts active and protect their valuable information.

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  • Code breadcrumbs suggest Google teases secretive “Cubes” project

    Code breadcrumbs suggest Google teases secretive “Cubes” project

    Google’s Mysterious “Cubes” Feature: Revolutionizing App Discovery on Android

    Google has a knack for leaving digital breadcrumbs in its code, and this time, the trail leads to a mysterious feature called “Cubes.” While its exact functionality is still shrouded in secrecy, recent discoveries suggest that Cubes might be a central hub for discovering new apps tailored to each user’s preferences.

    Unearthing Evidence of Cubes

    Evidence of Cubes has been unearthed in recent Android updates, indicating that the project is nearing completion. The feature was first spotted in January as a basic framework, but subsequent discoveries suggest that development is steadily progressing.

    Facilitating App Discovery

    According to Google News Telegram, Cubes will likely facilitate app discovery across various categories, curating a personalized feed of app information, deals, and updates based on user-selected categories and individual app preferences. This suggests that Cubes will offer a more refined and tailored experience compared to the existing Play Store structure.

    The Possibility of Direct Shopping

    X/Twitter user AssembleDebug has further uncovered the possibility of direct shopping within Cubes, though the extent of this feature remains unclear. If true, this would add another layer of convenience for users, allowing them to seamlessly discover and purchase apps within the Cubes interface.

    Revolutionizing App Discovery on Android

    With much of its functionality still shrouded in mystery, Cubes is poised to revolutionize app discovery on Android. Its personalized approach could provide users with a more refined and tailored experience compared to the existing Play Store structure. By curating a personalized feed based on user preferences, Cubes aims to make app discovery more efficient and enjoyable.

    The Future of Cubes

    While the exact timing of Cubes’ release is unknown, it appears to be another step towards personalized feeds, potentially based on existing apps or those yet to be discovered. While the concept might seem familiar within the Play Store’s existing structure, Cubes could bring a more refined and tailored experience. As Google continues to develop and refine Cubes, users can look forward to a more personalized and efficient app discovery process on Android.

    Source: 1, 2

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