Tag: Meta

  • Meta Launches Aria Gen 2 Smart Glasses with Heart Rate Tracking

    Meta Launches Aria Gen 2 Smart Glasses with Heart Rate Tracking

    Key Takeaways

    1. Meta’s Aria Gen 2 smart glasses are displayless and available only to research partners, not for public sale.
    2. The glasses feature enhanced sensors including RGB camera, eye tracking, and spatial microphones for better context recognition.
    3. A new PPG sensor monitors heart rate, and real-time processing allows for precise indoor and outdoor location tracking.
    4. Improved battery life by 40% allows for six to eight hours of continuous use while weighing approximately 75g.
    5. The glasses aim to assist individuals with blindness or visual impairments through collaboration with Envision’s Ally AI assistant.

    Meta has revealed the Aria Gen 2 smart glasses, which are displayless. These glasses come from the company’s AR and AI research initiative known as Project Aria, which began in 2020. However, this new version will only be accessible to research partners and won’t be available for the general public to purchase.

    Enhanced Features

    Meta states that the Aria Gen 2 glasses have improved capabilities to grasp human perspective and can recognize the surrounding context of the wearer. For instance, features like eye tracking and hand tracking help to precisely identify what the user is doing. When compared to the Aria Gen 1, there’s a notable upgrade in the sensor suite, which now includes an RGB camera, a 6DOF SLAM camera, eye-tracking cameras, spatial microphones, IMUs, a barometer, a magnetometer, and GNSS.

    New Sensors and Battery Life

    A new PPG sensor is included to monitor the user’s heart rate, while a contact microphone allows the glasses to detect if the wearer is talking or if it’s someone else nearby. The Aria Gen 2 can also process signals directly on the device in real-time and pinpoint your location both indoors and outdoors. Furthermore, it features built-in open-ear force-cancelling speakers for audio enjoyment. The battery has been improved by 40%, providing six to eight hours of use continuously. Still, the weight remains around 75g, maintaining the same foldable arms design as before.

    Future Applications

    The Aria Gen 2 glasses aim to enhance accessibility for people with blindness or visual impairments. Envision, a company in the field, is collaborating to integrate its Ally AI assistant with these smart glasses. A promotional video shows this technology being utilized in a grocery store, where a shopper is assisted in locating red onions. It remains uncertain when this technology will be broadly available. For those interested in purchasing smart glasses for casual use, the Ray-Ban Meta Glasses (Regular Black Wayfarer, currently priced at $299 on Amazon) could be a good option.

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  • Meta’s AI Achieves 80% Accuracy in Mind Reading Technology

    Meta’s AI Achieves 80% Accuracy in Mind Reading Technology

    Key Takeaways

    1. Meta’s AI can reconstruct sentences from brain activity with 80% accuracy, aiding those who have lost speech.
    2. The research uses non-invasive methods (MEG and EEG) to capture brain activity without surgery.
    3. Limitations include the need for a magnetically shielded environment and the requirement for participants to remain still.
    4. The AI helps understand how the brain translates thoughts into language, revealing a ‘dynamic neural code.’
    5. Meta is investing in further research with a $2.2 million donation and partnerships with various European institutions.

    Meta’s AI research team is making strides in understanding human thoughts. In partnership with the Basque Center on Cognition, Brain, and Language, the company has created an AI model that can reconstruct sentences from brain activity with accuracy reaching 80%. This research uses a non-invasive method for recording brain activity and, as stated by the company, could lead to technology that assists those who have lost the ability to speak.

    The Technology Behind It

    Differing from current brain-computer interfaces that typically need invasive procedures, Meta employs magnetoencephalography (MEG) and electroencephalography (EEG). These methods capture brain activity without any surgery involved. The AI model was trained on recordings from 35 participants while they typed sentences. When faced with new sentences, Meta asserts that it can predict up to 80% of the typed characters using MEG data—this is at least double the effectiveness of EEG-based decoding.

    Limitations and Challenges

    However, there are certain limitations to this approach. MEG necessitates a magnetically shielded environment, and participants have to remain completely still for precise readings. Furthermore, this technology has only been evaluated on healthy individuals, leaving its performance for those with brain injuries uncertain.

    Understanding Word Formation

    In addition to decoding thoughts into text, Meta’s AI is assisting researchers in comprehending how the brain converts ideas into language. The AI model scrutinizes MEG recordings, observing brain activity in milliseconds. It uncovers how the brain changes abstract thoughts into words, syllables, and even the movements of fingers while typing.

    A significant discovery is that the brain utilizes a ‘dynamic neural code,’ which connects various stages of language creation while keeping previous information readily accessible. This might shed light on how individuals effortlessly construct sentences while communicating.

    Meta’s research reinforces the idea that AI could eventually facilitate non-invasive brain-computer interfaces for those unable to communicate verbally. Nevertheless, the technology is not yet ready for practical application. There is a need for improved decoding accuracy, and the hardware requirements of MEG limit its usability outside of laboratory environments.

    Meta is committed to fostering this research by forming partnerships. The company has pledged a donation of $2.2 million to the Rothschild Foundation Hospital to aid ongoing research. It is also collaborating with institutions such as NeuroSpin, Inria, and CNRS in Europe.

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    Meta's AI Achieves 80% Accuracy in Mind Reading TechnologyMeta's AI Achieves 80% Accuracy in Mind Reading Technology
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  • Arm Enters Chip Making with Meta as a Confirmed Customer

    Arm Enters Chip Making with Meta as a Confirmed Customer

    Key Takeaways

    1. MediaTek and Nvidia are entering the “AI PC” sector, increasing competition for Intel, AMD, and Apple.
    2. Arm is planning to launch a new chip aimed at data centers and servers, supported by the acquisition of Ampere.
    3. Arm has secured Meta as a significant client for its upcoming chip, indicating potential use in consumer devices.
    4. There could be conflicts of interest as many companies rely on Arm’s intellectual property while competing in the market.
    5. Production may involve TSMC and potentially Intel, with a likelihood of using older TSMC nodes for the initial chip version.

    With MediaTek and Nvidia set to enter the “AI PC” sector later this year, Intel, AMD, and Apple are about to face new competition. However, a fifth player is also looking to join the competition: Arm. CEO Rene Haas may reveal the new chip “as early as this summer.”

    Arm’s Ambitions

    This upcoming Arm chip is intended for use in data centers and server markets. The efforts of Arm will be supported by Ampere, a company that Softbank (Arm’s parent) is planning to acquire soon. Ampere has struggled to gain significant market share against Intel and AMD in the server sector, but things could shift once Arm steps in.

    A New Major Client

    Moreover, Arm has secured a significant client for the aforementioned chip: Meta. This chip could also be utilized in Sir Jony Ive’s secretive device. This indicates that Arm might be developing a low-power chip aimed at consumer gadgets as well. However, this scenario could lead to serious conflicts of interest, given that many companies, such as Qualcomm, Apple, and recently Intel, rely on Arm’s intellectual property.

    The report indicates that production might be outsourced to TSMC, although there’s a strong possibility that Intel will play a role as well since Arm mentioned it would utilize Intel’s 18A node for a mobile chip. If this chip actually debuts this year, it’s likely that the design has already been finalized. It’s probable that the first version will be produced on an older TSMC node like N3 or N4.

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  • Meta Quest 4 and Quest Pro 2: Latest Insights from Analyst

    Meta Quest 4 and Quest Pro 2: Latest Insights from Analyst

    Currently, Meta has two virtual reality (VR) headsets available: the Quest 3 and Quest 3S, which is priced at $299 on Amazon. The company stopped selling the Quest 2 and Quest Pro back in September. As per the insights from Mark Gurman, Meta is reportedly working on two more VR headsets, though they may not be direct successors to the current Quest models.

    Possible Future Models

    Gurman hints that Meta might be revisiting its earlier strategy of having both standard and ‘Pro’ versions in the VR headset market. He predicts the launch of the Quest 4 along with a new high-end model to take the place of the poorly received Quest Pro. This suggests a return to a more diverse lineup of VR products.

    The Status of Previous Models

    Although Meta launched the headset known as ‘Ventura’ as the Quest 3S, there were rumors that they had cancelled the Quest Pro 2 prototype, which was under development and called ‘La Jolla’. It’s unclear at this point if the La Jolla initiative has been resumed or if it has been completely scrapped for a new design.

    Release Timeline and Other Products

    There’s no clear timeline for when the Quest 4 or Quest Pro 2 might be available, nor what their pricing will be. Meanwhile, some reports indicate that Meta could unveil its latest attempt at ‘Smart Glasses’ later this year.

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  • Facebook Bans Linux Posts, Labels FOSS as Cybersecurity Threat

    Facebook Bans Linux Posts, Labels FOSS as Cybersecurity Threat

    With the Valve Steam Deck increasing in popularity, conversations about Linux are booming among PC gamers. However, it seems that Facebook and its parent company, Meta, are not keen on these discussions continuing.

    Ban on Linux Mentions

    DistroWatch, a well-known site that focuses on various Linux topics, has reportedly faced a ban on posts that mention Linux. After DistroWatch appealed to restore its removed content, Facebook reviewed the posts but decided not to reinstate them. Furthermore, a post from Tom’s Hardware suggests that DistroWatch is not the only one experiencing this issue. Other communities and pages have also been shut down, and some users have even had their personal accounts disabled for discussing Linux.

    Reason Behind Removal

    The alleged justification for these removals is that Linux content “may facilitate the sharing, creation or hosting of malicious content.” Initially, it appeared that Linux-related posts would be completely banned. However, posts have been made on DistroWatch’s Facebook page since the ban on January 20. A simple test was conducted by posting a public message containing a DistroWatch link and the word “Linux,” which surprisingly was not taken down. Thus, the exact cause of these bans and removals remains uncertain.

    A Contradictory Situation

    Interestingly, this situation arises just weeks after Mark Zuckerberg of Facebook announced that the platform would ease its content moderation rules to encourage discussions on more “controversial topics.”

    Meta’s community standards outline what constitutes “malicious software” and related issues:

    We prohibit:

    Unauthorized attempts to access accounts, including trying to get into accounts or profiles that don’t belong to you through deceptive means or without permission from the owner.

    Acquiring or asking for another user’s login or sensitive information to gain unauthorized access, which includes tactics like phishing—creating fake communications to trick users into giving private information.

    Attempts to share or create harmful code, which means encouraging users to download files or applications that can compromise their security, like malware, spyware, or ransomware designed to harm systems or steal money.

    Lack of Clarity on Violations

    It’s not clear if DistroWatch’s posts have broken any of these Meta community guidelines, but none of the recent posts appear to be particularly harmful upon initial review.

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  • Indonesia to Enforce Social Media Age Restrictions Soon

    Indonesia to Enforce Social Media Age Restrictions Soon

    Last year, Australia introduced a law to prohibit social media usage for children below the age of 16, enacting it in a matter of months. Major companies in the social media sector, such as Meta, are now exploring ways to implement these new rules. Meanwhile, Indonesia is also taking steps to protect its young users, although it will take some time for the law to be officially enacted. A top official from the communications ministry has indicated that temporary child protection guidelines will be rolled out soon.

    Recent Discussions in Indonesia

    On Monday, President Prabowo Subianto talked about this issue with Meutya Hafid, the communications minister. Hafid mentioned that there will be a minimum age established for social media users shortly, but he didn’t disclose what that age will be. Alexander Sabar, a senior official who communicated with Reuters, stated,

    “What the minister is saying is that the government is aiming for stricter age limit regulations through new laws.”

    As was the case in Australia, the specifics regarding Indonesia’s upcoming measures are not yet clear.

    Protecting Children Online

    Indonesian officials plan to safeguard children from various dangers, whether they be physical, mental, or moral, that can arise from social media, but they aren’t looking to completely ban access. A recent study showed that approximately 50% of children under 12 in Indonesia are using platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok.

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  • Meta Ends Fact-Checking Program and Eases Content Restrictions

    Meta Ends Fact-Checking Program and Eases Content Restrictions

    Meta has announced a significant overhaul of its content moderation approach for Facebook, Instagram, and Threads. The company is returning to its initial aim of promoting freer expression among users. They will be eliminating their third-party fact-checking system in the U.S. and introducing a new community notes feature, inspired by X’s model.

    New Community Notes System

    Mark Zuckerberg, the CEO of Meta, pointed out that the existing moderation framework has resulted in too many posts being removed—estimations suggest that 10-20 percent of these removals could be errors. The revamped community notes feature will require feedback from users holding diverse perspectives before adding any extra context to posts, which is expected to reduce potential bias in the moderation process.

    Changes to Content Rules

    The adjustments extend beyond just fact-checking. Meta will also remove restrictions on discussions surrounding topics such as immigration and gender identity. In future, the automated moderation system will primarily focus on identifying illegal content and serious violations, including terrorism, child exploitation, drug-related posts, fraud, and scams. Less urgent issues will not be flagged unless users bring them to attention.

    Relocation of Teams and Political Content

    In a significant shift, Meta is relocating its Trust and Safety and Content Moderation teams from California to Texas and other locations across the nation. They are also revising how they manage civic topics, which have been limited since 2021. The platform plans to provide users with more personalized political content based on their interactions, such as clicks and reactions. These updates are anticipated to be implemented in the U.S. over the next few months.

    These alterations represent the most substantial change in Meta’s policies since the initiation of the fact-checking program in 2016, and they could potentially impact how billions of individuals engage with and share content on Meta’s social media platforms.

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  • Nick Clegg Exits Meta; Joel Kaplan Becomes Global Affairs Chief

    Nick Clegg Exits Meta; Joel Kaplan Becomes Global Affairs Chief

    Nick Clegg, who is the president of global affairs at Meta, has declared he will resign to allow his deputy, Joel Kaplan, to take the helm.

    Background of Clegg and Kaplan

    Before his role at Meta, Clegg was the deputy prime minister of the UK and led the Liberal Democrats party. Joel Kaplan, the new president, has been with Meta since 2011, where he managed US public policy. He has a history in politics, having worked under former US President George W. Bush.

    Clegg’s Departure Announcement

    Clegg shared his decision on Facebook, noting it was “the right time” for him to leave. He described his time at Meta as “an adventure of a lifetime!” and recognized the “significant scrutiny and controversy” the company has dealt with during his tenure.

    “I feel proud of the work I’ve done leading and supporting teams throughout the company, ensuring that ongoing innovation can go together with greater transparency and accountability, along with new forms of governance,” stated Clegg.

    Implications of the Leadership Change

    Many observers interpret this change as Meta’s effort to rebuild its relationship with President-Elect Donald Trump, who is set to assume office this month. Trump had been banned from Facebook and Instagram in 2021 after the Capitol riots, but Meta reinstated his accounts in 2023.

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  • Meta Plans On-Screen Display for Ray-Ban Smart Glasses

    Meta Plans On-Screen Display for Ray-Ban Smart Glasses

    Meta is working on enhancing its Ray-Ban smart glasses by integrating a display, as reported by the Financial Times (via Engadget). These glasses have unexpectedly become popular among users and continue to receive updates that introduce additional functionalities.

    Recent Updates

    In April, Meta incorporated the Meta AI assistant into the glasses for users in the US and Canada. Just recently, an update brought features like Live Translations, allowing the Meta AI to view what the users are observing, and integration with the Shazam music recognition app.

    Future Enhancements

    Looking ahead, Meta intends to revamp the glasses by adding a display that will allow users to see notifications or messages directly. Previously, users depended on voice commands to send messages or manage other features of the device through the assistant.

    New Design and Features

    The new displays are expected to be smaller, with Meta aiming to launch the updated glasses in the latter half of 2025. In September, Meta unveiled a concept for Augmented Reality (AR) glasses named Orion, which features micro LED projectors. This design includes seven cameras to monitor hand and eye movements and can project images onto the lenses with a field of view measuring 70 degrees.

    Engadget | Financial Times

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  • Meta to Compensate Australians $50 Million Over Cambridge Analytica

    Meta to Compensate Australians $50 Million Over Cambridge Analytica

    Meta has struck a deal to settle for $50 million with the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) regarding the Cambridge Analytica incident from 2018. This settlement is aimed at compensating Australians whose Facebook data was collected and used for targeted political advertising.

    Breach of Privacy Act

    The OAIC issued a statement, highlighting, "The personal information of some Australian Facebook users was disclosed to the This is Your Digital Life app in violation of the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth)." As part of the agreement, the OAIC will drop the civil penalty proceedings that have been in effect since February 2024.

    Payment Scheme Details

    Meta will implement a payment scheme that will be managed by an independent third-party administrator. The company plans to announce this mediator at the beginning of next year. The compensation will be available for individuals who meet these criteria:

    1) They had a Facebook account from November 2, 2013, to December 17, 2015.

    2) They were in Australia for more than 30 days during that timeframe.

    3) They either installed the This is Your Digital Life app or were friends on Facebook with someone who did.

    Two-Tier Payment System

    There will be two levels within this payment system. The first tier allows individuals to apply for a base payment "if they feel they experienced generalized concern or embarrassment because of the matter." The second tier is for those who can provide evidence of loss or damage due to the incident, making them eligible for a higher compensation amount.

    "Today’s settlement marks the largest payment ever made to address privacy concerns for individuals in Australia," stated Commissioner Elizabeth Tydd in a press release.

    "It signifies a major resolution to the privacy issues raised by the Cambridge Analytica situation, offers affected Australians a chance to seek compensation through Meta’s payment program, and puts an end to a prolonged court process," Tydd further explained.

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