Ad-Free Neeva Search Engine Shuts Down: Refocuses on AI

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May 22, 2023

In a surprising turn of events, Neeva, the startup once envisioned as a formidable competitor to Google Search, has announced its decision to shut down its search engine. The company now plans to shift its focus to artificial intelligence (AI), and it is currently in talks with Snowflake Inc. about a potential acquisition.

Neeva was co-founded by former Google executives Sridhar Ramaswamy and Vivek Raghunathan in 2019. The startup took on the ambitious task of launching an ad-free, subscription-based search engine that prioritized user privacy, a distinct alternative to Google’s ad-heavy search engine. Neeva offered a unique search experience for a monthly subscription fee of $4.95.

Despite the promising start and the unique value proposition, Neeva faced significant challenges in attracting users to its platform. The co-founders acknowledged the difficulty of not just building a search engine, but also persuading users to switch to it. This was an uphill battle, given the dominance of Google Search as the default engine on many browsers and systems, coupled with the inherent resistance of users to change their settings.

Notwithstanding these challenges, Neeva’s achievements are noteworthy. The company built a competitive search engine that, in some respects, was even ahead of Google. For instance, Neeva replaced the traditional list of blue links with a more descriptive page layout and emphasized human-generated content.

The decision to shut down the search engine comes at a time of renewed interest in alternative search engines. Many users have expressed dissatisfaction with Google’s ad-heavy results, while AI chatbots like Bard, Bing and ChatGPT are reshaping the way people interact with the internet.

Neeva’s search engine will officially cease operations on June 2. However, this is not the end for the Neeva team. They plan to explore new avenues, especially centered around large language model (LLM) technology. In fact, earlier this year in January, the company introduced the NeevaAI AI service, which provides up-to-date answers with links to sources.

In line with its commitment to user privacy, Neeva has announced that it will refund subscription fees and delete all user data after shutting down its search engine.

Apple’s Bold Leap into MicroLED: A New Era of Display Technology

By

Sabarinath

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May 22, 2023

In a significant shift towards self-reliance, tech giant Apple has announced its ambitious plans to manufacture its own MicroLED displays. This move is set to reduce the company’s dependence on Samsung, which has been providing OLED panels for Apple’s devices for years.

MicroLED technology, compared to the commonly used OLED, promises higher brightness, wider viewing angles, lower power consumption, and a longer life span. These advancements would greatly enhance the user experience, especially for iPhones, which are the company’s major revenue source.

Apple has invested at least $1 billion in the research and development of MicroLED technology over the past decade, according to reports from Nikkei Asia and Macrumors. The company is now poised to take control of production, aiming to perform the critical “mass transfer” step of the manufacturing process in-house. This involves placing tens of thousands of tiny microLED chips onto substrates.

Apple’s production plan includes fabricating the microLED chips directly on wafers. The company has partnered with ams-Osram for the microLED components, LG Display for the substrates, and TSMC for 12-inch wafers. The production is set to be carried out at Apple’s secretive R&D facilities in the Longtan District in the northern Taiwanese city of Taoyuan. Apple has dedicated R&D teams for this project working in the U.S., Taiwan, and Japan.

Notably, Apple is not just aiming to manufacture its own displays but also to spur hardware innovation. The MicroLED components are smaller than other LED standards, potentially creating space for integrated fingerprint recognition or health-related sensors on wearable devices. Furthermore, MicroLED displays can also be used on foldable products, a market that Apple has been speculated to enter in the future.

Despite the company’s extensive groundwork, the production of MicroLED displays remains challenging and comes with higher manufacturing costs. Therefore, Apple has planned a phased rollout of the technology, starting with the Apple Watch Ultra in 2025. The company’s ultimate goal is to bring the technology to iPhones, but the first iPhone with a MicroLED display is still several years away from launch.

This decision to move towards independent mass production of MicroLED screens aligns with Apple’s long-term strategy to reduce dependence on its partners and increase profits from its products. This strategic shift is expected to be a significant contributor to Apple’s fortunes and is essential to paying off the heavy R&D investments made over the years.

Apple’s investment and commitment to MicroLED technology signals a new era of display technology and a significant step towards increased self-reliance. It remains to be seen how this move will shape the future of display technology and Apple’s position in the global market.

Samsung Suspends Plans to Switch Default Search Engine from Google to Microsoft Bing

By

Vishak

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May 22, 2023

In an unexpected change of events, Samsung is said to have halted internal discussions on replacing Google Search engine on its devices with Microsoft Bing. The earliest reports of the possible switch created quite a commotion within Google. However, according to sources close to the situation, Samsung has opted against implementing this adjustment for the time being, providing Google comfort.

The Wall Street Journal cited that Samsung has no immediate plans to adopt Microsoft Bing as its default search engine. It appears that the alleged plans have been scrapped, leaving Samsung’s search engine preferences unchanged.

The reasons behind this sudden reversal remain unclear. It could be a result of renegotiations with Google, failed negotiations with Microsoft, Google’s own advancements with Bard or perhaps other undisclosed factors.

It’s worth noting that a recent update to SwiftKey, a popular keyboard app pre-installed on most Galaxy smartphones and tablets, has integrated Microsoft Bing. While Bing is not the default search engine, the inclusion of its generative AI within the SwiftKey keyboard could potentially boost its market share as an alternative to the default proprietary keyboard app on Galaxy devices.

Despite these developments, rumors continue to circulate regarding the possibility of Bing replacing Google Search as the default search engine on Firefox. However, as of now, no concrete evidence has emerged to support these speculations.

Samsung’s decision to suspend discussions about switching search engines showcases the complexity and competitiveness within the mobile industry. The search engine landscape remains dominated by Google, but alternative players like Microsoft Bing are continuously seeking opportunities to gain market share. While Samsung’s plans have currently taken a different direction, the ever-evolving nature of the industry means that changes and surprises may still lie ahead.

Meta’s New Text-Based Conversational App: A Twitter-Like Rival to Instagram

By

Anu Thomas John

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May 22, 2023

A recent report by social and influencer marketing expert Lia Haberman revealed that Meta has been developing a new text-based platform similar to Twitter. This platform aims to capture the attention of Instagram users, aligning with previous rumours surrounding the company’s intentions.

While the app does not yet have a separate name from Instagram, it is currently referred to as “Project 92” or “P92,” alternatively known as “Barcelona.” The highlighted feature of this app is its ability to seamlessly integrate with existing Instagram accounts, eliminating the need for users to create separate login credentials.

One notable aspect of Meta’s new app is its emphasis on effective moderation controls. Right from the start, users will have the ability to determine who can reply to their posts and mention their accounts. Additionally, the app will inherit the list of blocked accounts from Instagram, ensuring continuity in user preferences and settings.

According to Bloomberg, Meta is aiming for an early debut, with the app possibly launching as early as June. The company has been secretly rolling out the new app to a select group of creators over the past few months. While it will be a separate app from Instagram, it will offer the convenience of connecting user accounts, providing a seamless transition for existing Instagram users.

As Meta continues to expand its portfolio beyond its flagship platform, Facebook, developing a Twitter-like text-based app geared towards Instagram users, showcases the company’s commitment to offering diverse social media experiences. With its anticipated release, users can expect an enhanced conversational platform with powerful moderation controls while enjoying the familiarity and integration of their existing Instagram accounts.

Ampere Computing Unveils Up to 192-Core AmpereOne CPUs for Data Centers

By

Avinash A

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May 21, 2023

Ampere Computing, a leading provider of Arm-based server processors, has announced the introduction of its groundbreaking AmpereOne processor family. This latest offering showcases Ampere’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of performance and power efficiency in data centres.

The AmpereOne family encompasses a range of five SKU variants, offering an impressive core count ranging from 136 to 196 cores. These processors succeeded the previous generation of Altra chips and introduced several advancements. Notably, despite being single-threaded, AmpereOne chips are manufactured using TSMC’s cutting-edge 5nm and 7nm process technology, resulting in a chiplet architecture.

However, Ampere’s chiplet approach distinguishes itself from that of industry giants AMD and Intel. While AMD divides its 96 cores into 12 compute tiles with 8 cores each, connecting them to a single central memory and I/O controller, Ampere takes a contrasting approach. AmpereOne’s 192 cores are integrated onto a single large die, positioned between memory and I/O dies.

This unique approach offers numerous advantages. Firstly, Ampere can potentially achieve improved latencies, enhancing overall performance. Additionally, the chiplet architecture allows for the combination of process technologies. AmpereOne’s compute tiles are manufactured using the advanced 5nm process, while the I/O and memory dies utilize the slightly older 7nm process.

Despite the innovative nature of Ampere’s approach, the concept of heterogeneous process technology is not new. AMD has effectively employed this methodology in its Epyc and Ryzen processors for years.

A closer examination of AmpereOne reveals that these processors not only offer a greater number of cores but also larger cores. Each core features 2MB of private L2 cache, contributing to enhanced performance. Ampere promises significant improvements in areas such as virtualization, mesh congestion management, branch prediction, security, and power management, thanks to the innovative core design.

Furthermore, AmpereOne processors remain fully compatible with the Arm instruction set, providing developers with familiar tools and ensuring seamless integration. However, the ability to design their own cores allows Ampere to ship processors optimized for the specific needs of large cloud platforms. As a result, AmpereOne processors boast numerous cloud-centric features, including support for nested virtualization, confidential computing, memory tagging, and per-tenant memory bandwidth throttling. These features are expected to be highly attractive to cloud providers as they expand their confidential computing offerings.

It is worth noting that, similar to the latest chips from AMD and Intel, the addition of a substantial number of cores comes with increased heat and power requirements. The Ampere One family runs hotter and consumes more power compared to its predecessor, Altra. While Ampere Altra had a power consumption range of 1.25-1.4 watts per core, Ampere One operates at approximately 1.8 watts per core, resulting in a higher power draw of 200-350W per socket.

In terms of memory capabilities, the AmpereOne processors support 8 channels of DDR5 memory, aligning with Intel’s Sapphire Rapids. However, they fall short of the 12-channel DDR5 memory support offered by AMD’s Gen.

Controversy Erupts as Big Tech Companies Hire Low-Wage Foreign Workers Following Mass Layoffs

By

Adwaith

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May 21, 2023

In a concerning trend, several major tech companies are reportedly hiring foreign workers at low wages shortly after announcing significant layoffs. Despite cutting a substantial portion of their workforce, companies like Meta, Amazon, and Google are said to be filling technical positions with low-wage foreign workers, according to recent reports.

The US Labor Department data, as cited by journalist Lee Fang, reveals that Google has hired dozens of foreign workers, many of whom hold H1-B visas, to fill specialized technical roles in the United States. The H1-B visa is typically reserved for professional engineers with a college degree or equivalent qualifications and experience.

Among the positions for which Google sought visa applications were software engineers, analytics consultants, and user experience researchers. Even Weimo, a Google subsidiary specializing in self-driving cars, was seeking visa applications for engineering positions with an early start date in August.

Labor Department data further shows that numerous H1-B visa applications were filed by other tech giants, including Meta, Amazon, Zoom, Salesforce, and Microsoft, all of which recently underwent substantial layoffs. This revelation underscores the irony that many H1-B visa holders, including those from India, have been directly affected by these layoffs, losing their right to stay in the United States. Meanwhile, the same companies are bringing in new H1-B applicants to fill vacant positions.

The surge in visa applications within the tech industry for the second consecutive year has raised concerns about potential manipulation of the system for unfair advantages, according to officials. Some tech companies are even hiring lobbyists to exert pressure on lawmakers and the Biden administration to increase the number of H1-B visas issued.

The scale of the layoffs in the US tech industry has been significant. Meta laid off 21,000 employees within a few months as part of CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s “year of efficiency” initiative. Google cut 12,000 jobs in January, while Amazon underwent two rounds of layoffs resulting in approximately 27,000 job losses. In January, Microsoft announced worldwide job cuts affecting nearly 5% or 10,000 employees. CEO Satya Nadella, however, emphasized that the company would continue hiring in key strategic areas despite the layoffs.

The practice of hiring low-wage foreign workers shortly after mass layoffs raises ethical questions and draws attention to the potential exploitation of the visa system. It remains to be seen how this trend will impact the US workforce, immigration policies, and the ongoing debate surrounding foreign labor in the tech industry.

An Israeli Startup Sightful Unveils Spacetop: World’s First AR Laptop

By

Vishak

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May 21, 2023

Laptops have long been favoured for their portability and convenience, but their small screens and lack of privacy have been a constant disadvantage. However, Sightful, a pioneering Israeli tech company, claims to have tackled these issues head-on with the introduction of their latest innovation, the Spacetop laptop. The Spacetop offers a unique solution by eliminating the traditional screen altogether and instead utilizing augmented reality glasses to create a virtual 100-inch display.

Designed with users in mind who crave a larger screen without compromising privacy. This Arm-based business tool runs on the Android open-source OS (AOSP) and comes equipped with a custom AR headset. The laptop’s body closely resembles a regular laptop, measuring 26.6 cm wide, 25 cm deep, and weighing 1.5 kg, including the headset. The only notable difference lies in its thickness, measuring 4 cm, which deviates from the slim profile seen in most modern laptops. Manufacturing for the Spacetop is handled by the Chinese ODM manufacturer, Wistron.

Under the hood, the Spacetop AR laptop is powered by the Snapdragon 865 processor, a flagship mobile chip from 2019. It boasts 8 GB of RAM and 256 GB of built-in storage. Connectivity options include 5G NR Sub-6, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.1 wireless modules. The laptop features a high-resolution webcam with a pixel count of 2560 × 1920. Additionally, a built-in fingerprint scanner provides an added layer of security. Two 10Gb/s USB-C ports supporting the DisplayPort 1.4 standard allow for the connection of an external display if required.

The centrepiece of the Spacetop experience is the augmented reality headset, delivering a 1080p resolution to each eye at a refresh rate of 72Hz. Weighing a mere 106 grams when unfolded, the headset measures 146 x 175 x 44 mm and supports an interpupillary distance range of 56 to 70 mm, ensuring a comfortable fit for users. With a 53-degree diagonal field of view, the headset strikes a balance between displaying the virtual and real worlds.

When wearing the AR headset, users are presented with a large curved virtual screen featuring a multi-window interface reminiscent of Windows. Navigation is similar, with users utilizing the touchpad to drag the cursor, resize windows, and move them around the screen. Unique gestures, such as swiping up and down with three fingers, allow for easy zooming in and out on the virtual “screen.” This feature enhances comfort and enables users to examine windows more closely. A small “taskbar” located at the centre of the screen provides easy access to adding windows and selecting applications.

Reviews from those who have personally experienced the Spacetop indicate that text on the virtual screen is clear and usable. The developers of the Spacetop laptop have justified the relatively low volume and sound quality of the built-in speakers by emphasizing the importance of maintaining confidentiality.

The Spacetop’s battery lasts over five hours on a single charge, which is comparable to other modern laptops. However, it charges up to 85% in less than two hours, providing some convenience for users who need to quickly recharge and get back to work.

To gauge market response and assess the viability of their product, Sightful has announced the release of a limited edition of 1,000 Spacetop AR laptops. Priced at $2,000, this laptop represents more than just a current technological gadget; it is an investment in the future of computing.

Interested customers can order the limited edition Spacetop AR laptops on Sightful’s official website. As technology enthusiasts and professionals eagerly await the arrival of their screenless laptops, the true impact and user experience of the Spacetop will become clearer over time.

Google to Follow Meta’s Lead by Incorporating Generative AI into Advertising Tools

By

Adwaith

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May 20, 2023

Google Generative AI into Advertising Tools

Following Meta’s recent announcement about integrating generative AI into its advertising tools, it appears that Google, the internet advertising giant, is also set to embrace this technology in its own advertising business. According to internal documents obtained by CNBC, Google is planning to leverage generative AI to automate ads and enhance various aspects of its advertising ecosystem.

One of Google’s initiatives involves utilizing PaLM 2-powered tools to assist advertisers in generating their own media assets. These tools will offer suggestions for YouTube creators to produce videos, streamlining the content creation process. Additionally, Google is currently testing PaLM 2 for youth content on YouTube, exploring the use of generative AI to create titles and descriptions. Furthermore, the company is experimenting with providing creators with five video ideas based on relevant topics, aiming to boost their creativity and engagement.

According to the leaked materials, Google is also developing a generative AI chat model that can automate service inquiries from advertising customers. This technology has the potential to propose tailored advertising plans to users, improving the overall user experience.

Further details about Google’s plans regarding generative AI in advertising are anticipated to be unveiled on May 23 during the company’s annual online event, Google Marketing Live. It is expected that Google will shed more light on how this technology will be integrated and the specific benefits it will bring to advertisers and content creators.

With Meta’s recent announcement and Google’s imminent adoption of generative AI in advertising, it is clear that this technology is gaining significant traction within the industry. The ability to automate various aspects of ad creation and improve the personalization of advertising plans holds great promise for advertisers and content creators alike. As the world of digital advertising continues to evolve, generative AI is set to play a vital role in enhancing efficiency and effectiveness in the advertising landscape.