tech-news
vivo iQOO Neo 8 Pro Review: Is it a value for money smartphone?
vivo’s sub-brand iQOO mainly works on the “flagship killer” category smartphones assuring value and performance for the users. The vivo iQOO Neo 8 Pro was released on 23rd May in China. So how does it differ from the Neo 7 Pro? And is it going to seal the title of flagship killer for 2023? Let’s find out.
Key Specifications of the vivo iQOO Neo 8 Pro
Design and Build Quality
The first thing that stands out is the design and build quality of the smartphone. There are three color variants on the 8 Pro, red, black, and mint. The red one uses a deep orange shade of vegetable tan leather on the back which provides a great texture and hand feel. The rectangular camera housing on the red variant has a distinct carbon fiber-like texture. The contrasting design elements on the back give the device a unique look.
Dimension-wise, the device comes in at 164.7 x 77 x 8.5 mm. The device is on the lighter side at just 192 gm. The even weight distribution makes it easy to hold for a long time without hand fatigue. The frame of the device is made from plastic with a glass front and leather (red) or glass back. There’s no protection rating for the front glass which can be an issue for many users.
Read more: Walton Xanon X20 Review: Is it a value-for-money gaming phone?
The device comes with the standard ports and buttons. Additionally, there’s an IR blaster on top so if you have IoT devices in your home, the phone can serve as a secondary remote. The Type C port and the sim-slot are placed at the bottom. Unfortunately, there’s no micro SDXC support on the 8 Pro. But the 256 GB base variant should be more than ample for most users.
Overall, the 8 Pro is reiterative of the iQOO design elements. It doesn’t reinvent itself much which may very well be its strongest suit in terms of design elements.
Display
The display on the iQOO Neo 8 Pro is a 6.78-inch AMOLED panel with 1260 x 2800 resolution. The unusual resolution brings the display to around 453 ppi with a 20:9 aspect ratio. In addition to that, the display supports 1B colors, 144Hz high refresh rate, HDR10, and 1300 nits of peak brightness.
Read more: Benco S1 Pro Review: Elegance within Budget
The high refresh rate combined with the 1.5K resolution makes it a crystal clear sharp display. The chins and perimeter bezels have also been significantly reduced to make way for an 87.5% screen-to-body ratio.
In typical use, the display is perfect for media consumption. The HBM helps with outdoor visibility with reduced glare and sharp contrast. The high refresh rate and touch sampling also elevate the gaming experience on the 8 Pro.
Overall, the display is one of the strong elements of the device. It easily takes one up over the 7 Pro with better resolution and a higher refresh rate.
Read more: Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra Review: Is it really the ‘iPad killer’?
Govt to set up two Digital Economy hubs for ICT industry
The government will set up two Digital Economy hubs for the ICT industry to create conducive environment for digital economy by providing policy support, implementing upskilling and reskilling initiatives and coordinating on digital technologies.
The digital economy hub will be set up on the premises of Bangladesh Association of Software and Information Services (BASIS) and Bangladesh Association of Contact Center and Outsourcing (BACCO) would also develop a comprehensive institutional framework and system for the digital economy ecosystem that would benefit all businesses.
Read: Chattogram to be built as IT business hub: Palak
Two separate Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) were signed on Wednesday in this regard between the World Bank financed Enhancing Digital Government Economy (EDGE) Project of BCC and BASIS, along with BACCO at the auditorium of Bangladesh Computer Council (BCC).
EDGE Project Director Nahid Sultana Mallik, BASIS President Russel T. Ahmed and BACCO President Wahid Sharif inked the MoUs on behalf of their respective sides in the presence of State Minister for ICT Zunaid Ahmed Palak and World Bank Regional Project Director Pankaj Gupta.
The MoU signing was followed by a seminar on ‘`Effective Partnership Among Industry, Academia, and Government for Smart Bangladesh’, which was addressed, among others by, BASIS President Russel T. Ahmed, BACCO President Wahid Sharif, EDGE Policy Adviser Abdul Bari.
State Minister for ICT Zunaid Ahmed Palak unveiled the cover of the newsletter titled: `Tech Insight,’ published by EDGE Project and edited by its Communication Specialist Ajit Kumar Sarkar at the function.
Read: Skoot-Walton to work on production of high-tech e-bikes
Some 120 appointment letters were also handed over to those who were hired by different companies under the Hire and Train programme of the EDGE project,
After the agreement was signed, Zunaid Ahmed Palak revealed the significant progress in the past decade towards achieving a Digital Bangladesh and highlighted the robust growth of the country’s digital economy.
After the successful implementation of Digital Bangladesh, the government has been implementing various programmes in line with the 'Smart Bangladesh' vision as announced by visionary leader Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Palak said.
He also said the main objective of the government is to introduce Bangladesh as an intelligent and innovative nation by 2041.
The ICT state minister said the government is going to establish 10 Research and Innovation Centers (RICs) in 10 public and private universities. The frontier tech-based research and innovations of these RICs will help create entrepreneurs which would create huge employment in the country, he added.
Read: IT Competition for Youths with Disabilities ends
Palak said the government designed the EDGE project aiming to create frontier technology-based human resources to cope with the fourth industrial revolution.
One lakh graduates will be provided with training on frontier technologies like artificial intelligence, robotics, big data, blockchain, 3D, he said.
Commending the active participation of the private sector in the implementation of Digital Bangladesh, Pankaj Gupta emphasized that fostering a strong partnership among industry, academia and government is very crucial to nurture a thriving digital economy.
As per the agreement, the involved parties will foster collaboration to develop a comprehensive system and institutional framework for the digital economy ecosystem.
This framework is poised to bring about substantial advantages for a wide spectrum of entities, including enterprises, startups, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), both in rural and urban domains, the agreement said.
It said (agreement) EDGE project will work closely with BASIS and BACCO to select its member companies to participate in many of the capacity development programs, and develop strategy, policy, research & innovation, and intellectual property for the software/IT sector.
Read: 24 students receive ‘Huawei BUET ICT Academy’ certification
They will also develop content and building capacity of relevant DE stakeholders on 4IR, relevant for software, IT/ ITES segment of the digital economy (DE) and develop and manage partnerships with various local and international organizations for knowledge and resource sharing on 4IR, the agreement mentioned.
Chattogram to be built as IT business hub: Palak
State Minister for ICT Zunaid Ahmed Palak on Sunday said that Chattogram, the port city and the country’s commercial capital, will be developed as an IT business hub.
“If the remaining two projects of the ongoing four projects in Chattogram are completed, the port city and the country’s commercial capital will become an IT business hub,” he said while addressing a function at Shilpakala Academy in Chattogram.
Read: US envoy meets Palak
The state minister laid the foundation stone of ‘Knowledge Park’ at Chandgaon in the port city. Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Kumar Verma was present as the guest of honour, said a press release of Bangladesh Hi-Tech Park Authority.
Addressing the function, Palak said IT business incubators are being set up in the country’s universities to acquire skills on high technology such as IoT, robotics and cyber security in the wake of the competition of the fourth industrial revolution.
Read: Bangladesh to be introduced as smart nation by 2041: Palak
As part of this, the country's first university-based full-fledged IT business incubator has been set up at CUET. Within just one year after its inauguration, spaces were allotted for several IT organizations and startups there, he said.
On the other hand, the commercial activities are going on in full swing at Bir Muktijoddha Lt. Sheikh Jamal Software Technology Park, which was built through the upward expansion of Singapore-Bangkok market, he said.
Besides, the construction of Sheikh Kamal IT Training and Incubation Center, which is located next to this Knowledge Park in Chandgaon is going to be completed, he added.
Read: Technical errors, non-compliance with CERT instructions behind data leakage from govt website: Palak
Pranay Kumar Verma expressed firm conviction to work on increasing the partnership between India and Bangladesh in the ICT and other sectors.
He said Bangladesh and India are working jointly in the ICT sector, particularly for investments in hi-tech parks in Bangladesh.
The High Commissioner commented that India will expand its cooperation in Bangladesh further in near future.
Local MP Noman Al Mahmud (elected from Chattogram-8), Managing Director of Hi-Tech Park Authority GSM Jafarullah and Project Director of ‘Knowledge Park’ Project AKAM Fazlul Haque also spoke on the occasion.
Read: Bangladesh to become 4th country in the world to join G-Cloud: Palak
GSM Jafarullah in his welcome speech said the works now continue to set up 92 hi-tech parks/software technology parks/IT training and incubation centres across the country through Bangladesh Hi-Tech Park Authority. Of them, works of 11 parks have already completed and the commercial activities started there. Besides, 17 more parks have been set up under private initiative, he said.
Fazlul Haque said the Knowledge Park is being set up on 9.551 acres of land at the cost of Tk 175 core. Some 1000 jobs will be created in the park. Also, 3,000 people would be trained every year under the project, he said.
Europe's sweeping rules for tech giants have kicked in. Here's how they work
Google, Facebook, TikTok and other Big Tech companies operating in Europe must comply with one of the most far-reaching efforts to clean up what people see online.
The European Union's groundbreaking new digital rules took effect Friday for the biggest platforms. The Digital Services Act is part of a suite of tech-focused regulations crafted by the 27-nation bloc — long a global leader in cracking down on tech giants.
Also read : Technology should be smart, people-friendly, cost-effective: Speakers
The DSA is designed to keep users safe online and stop the spread of harmful content that's either illegal or violates a platform's terms of service, such as promotion of genocide or anorexia. It also looks to protect Europeans' fundamental rights like privacy and free speech.
Some online platforms, which could face billions in fines if they don't comply, already have made changes.
Also read : Scientific Advisory Board for Independent Advice on Breakthroughs in Science and Technology
Here's a look at what has changed:
WHICH PLATFORMS ARE AFFECTED?
So far, 19. They include eight social media platforms: Facebook, TikTok, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest and Snapchat.
There are five online marketplaces: Amazon, Booking.com, China's Alibaba AliExpress and Germany's Zalando.
Mobile app stores Google Play and Apple's App Store are subject, as are Google's Search and Microsoft's Bing search engine.
Also read : Walton to hold first-ever mega 'International Advanced Components and Technology Expo' in August
Google Maps and Wikipedia round out the list.
WHAT ABOUT OTHER ONLINE COMPANIES?
The EU's list is based on numbers submitted by the platforms. Those with 45 million or more users — or 10% of the EU's population — face the DSA's highest level of regulation.
Brussels insiders, however, have pointed to some notable omissions, like eBay, Airbnb, Netflix and even PornHub. The list isn't definitive, and it's possible other platforms may be added later on.
Any business providing digital services to Europeans will eventually have to comply with the DSA. They will face fewer obligations than the biggest platforms, however, and have another six months before they must fall in line.
WHAT'S CHANGING?
Platforms have rolled out new ways for European users to flag illegal online content and dodgy products, which companies will be obligated to take down quickly and objectively.
The DSA "will have a significant impact on the experiences Europeans have when they open their phones or fire up their laptops," Nick Clegg, Meta's president for global affairs, said in a blog post.
Facebook and Instagram's existing tools to report content will be easier to access. Amazon opened a new channel for reporting suspect goods.
TikTok gave users an extra option for flagging videos, such as for hate speech and harassment, or frauds and scams, which will be reviewed by an additional team of experts, according to the app from Chinese parent company ByteDance.
Google is offering more "visibility" into content moderation decisions and different ways for users to contact the company. It didn't offer specifics. Under the DSA, Google and other platforms have to provide more information behind why posts are taken down.
Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Snapchat also are giving people the option to turn off automated systems that recommend videos and posts based on their profiles. Such systems have been blamed for leading social media users to increasingly extreme posts.
The DSA also prohibits targeting vulnerable categories of people, including children, with ads. Platforms like Snapchat and TikTok will stop allowing teen users to be targeted by ads based on their online activities.
Google will provide more information about targeted ads shown to people in the EU and give researchers more access to data on how its products work.
IS THERE PUSHBACK?
Zalando, a German online fashion retailer, has filed a legal challenge over its inclusion on the DSA's list of the largest online platforms, arguing that it's being treated unfairly.
Nevertheless, Zalando is launching content flagging systems for its website even though there's little risk of illegal material showing up among its highly curated collection of clothes, bags and shoes.
The company has supported the DSA, said Aurelie Caulier, Zalando's head of public affairs for the EU.
"It will bring loads of positive changes" for consumers, she said. But "generally, Zalando doesn't have systemic risk (that other platforms pose). So that's why we don't think we fit in that category."
Amazon has filed a similar case with a top EU court.
WHAT IF COMPANIES DON'T FOLLOW THE RULES?
Officials have warned tech companies that violations could bring fines worth up to 6% of their global revenue — which could amount to billions — or even a ban from the EU.
"The real test begins now," said European Commissioner Thierry Breton, who oversees digital policy. He vowed to "thoroughly enforce the DSA and fully use our new powers to investigate and sanction platforms where warranted."
But don't expect penalties to come right away for individual breaches, such as failing to take down a specific video promoting hate speech.
Instead, the DSA is more about whether tech companies have the right processes in place to reduce the harm that their algorithm-based recommendation systems can inflict on users. Essentially, they'll have to let the European Commission, the EU's executive arm and top digital enforcer, look under the hood to see how their algorithms work.
EU officials "are concerned with user behavior on the one hand, like bullying and spreading illegal content, but they're also concerned about the way that platforms work and how they contribute to the negative effects," said Sally Broughton Micova, an associate professor at the University of East Anglia.
That includes looking at how the platforms work with digital advertising systems, which could be used to profile users for harmful material like disinformation, or how their livestreaming systems function, which could be used to instantly spread terrorist content, said Broughton Micova, who's also academic co-director at the Centre on Regulation in Europe, a Brussels-based think tank.
Big platforms have to identify and assess potential systemic risks and whether they're doing enough to reduce them. These assessments are due by the end of August and then they will be independently audited.
The audits are expected to be the main tool to verify compliance — though the EU's plan has faced criticism for lacking details that leave it unclear how the process will work.
WHAT ABOUT THE REST OF THE WORLD?
Europe's changes could have global impact. Wikipedia is tweaking some policies and modifying its terms of use to provide more information on "problematic users and content." Those alterations won't be limited to Europe and "will be implemented globally," said the nonprofit Wikimedia Foundation, which hosts the community-powered encyclopedia.
"The rules and processes that govern Wikimedia projects worldwide, including any changes in response to the DSA, are as universal as possible," it said in a statement.
Snapchat said its new reporting and appeal process for flagging illegal content or accounts that break its rules will be rolled out first in the EU and then globally in the coming months.
It's going to be hard for tech companies to limit DSA-related changes, said Broughton Micova, adding that digital ad networks aren't isolated to Europe and that social media influencers can have global reach.
The regulations are "dealing with multichannel networks that operate globally. So there is going to be a ripple effect once you have kind of mitigations that get taken into place," she said.
Elon Musk says he may need surgery before proposed 'cage match' with Mark Zuckerberg
Elon Musk says he may need to get surgery before a proposed “cage match” with Mark Zuckerberg.
The two tech billionaires seemingly agreed to an in-person face-off in late June. It's unclear if a physical fight will actually end up happening, but Musk and Zuckerberg have continued to fuel interest in the potential match through online jabs at one another — most recently on Sunday, when Musk said the fight would be live-streamed on his social media site X, formerly known as Twitter.
Musk added that the fight's proceeds would go to a charity for veterans. On his Threads social media account, Zuckerberg responded: “Shouldn’t we use a more reliable platform that can actually raise money for charity?" In a follow-up post, the CEO of Facebook’s parent company Meta said he wasn't “holding his breath” for a fight.
READ: StarLink: What's special about Elon Musk's SpaceX satellite internet service?
“I’m ready today. I suggested Aug 26 when he first challenged, but he hasn’t confirmed," wrote Zuckerberg, who is actually trained in mixed martial arts and posted about completing his first jiu jitsu tournament earlier this year. "I love this sport and will continue competing with people who train no matter what happens here.”
Earlier Sunday, Musk said was training for the fight by lifting weights. He later addressed the timing of the fight — noting the date “is still in flux" due to a scheduled MRI and the potential of surgery.
READ: Zuckerberg looks shredded in photo with MMA fighters
"I’m getting an MRI of my neck & upper back tomorrow," Musk wrote Sunday night. "May require surgery before the fight can happen. Will know this week."
Talk of an in-person fight all started in June, when Musk, who owns X, responded to a tweet about Meta preparing to release a new Twitter rival called Threads. He took a dig about the world becoming “exclusively under Zuck’s thumb with no other options” — but then one Twitter user jokingly warned Musk of Zuckerberg’s jiu jitsu training.
“I’m up for a cage match if he is lol,” Musk wrote. After Zuckerberg appeared to agree to the proposal, Musk proposed the Vegas Octagon.
READ: Elon Musk imposes daily limits on reading posts on Twitter
Whether or not Musk and Zuckerberg actually make it to the Las Vegas ring has yet to be seen — especially as Musk often tweets about action prematurely or without following through. But, even if their cage match agreement is all a joke, the banter gained attention. An endless chain of memes and posts to “choose your fighter” sprung up in response.
The Associated Press reached out to Meta, X and Ultimate Fighting Championship, which owns the Octagon, for statements Monday morning.
StarLink: What's special about Elon Musk's SpaceX satellite internet service?
In today’s interconnected world, access to reliable and high-speed internet has become an essential aspect of modern life. The internet serves as the backbone of communication, information sharing, education, business, and countless other activities that shape our daily routines. However, despite the significant advancements in internet technology over the past few decades, a considerable part of the global population remains underserved or even entirely disconnected from the digital world. This digital divide is particularly evident in rural and remote areas, where traditional internet infrastructure is often impractical or prohibitively expensive to deploy.
To address this pressing issue and fulfill the growing necessity for internet services worldwide, innovative solutions have emerged. One of the most ambitious and groundbreaking ventures is Starlink, a satellite internet constellation project spearheaded by SpaceX, the private space exploration company founded by Elon Musk.
What is StarLink?
Starlink is a project created by SpaceX, a private company led by Elon Musk. They're putting a bunch of satellites up in space to make the internet work better for everyone. These satellites form a "constellation" and help bring the internet to even the remotest places on earth. Officially launched in 2019, the primary goal of Starlink is to provide global internet coverage by deploying a large number of small satellites into low earth orbit (LEO).
Read more: How AI Can Improve Education
Everything we know about Elon Musk’s Starlink Satellites and Future Internet Plans
As of May 2023, Starlink’s operational network encompasses more than 4,000 mass-produced, compact satellites positioned in LEO. These satellites maintain communication with specific ground transceivers. The ambitious project aims to deploy a total of nearly 12,000 satellites, with potential future expansion of up to 42,000 satellites. Notably, SpaceX celebrated reaching a significant milestone by acquiring over 1 million subscribers in December 2022, and within just a few months, that number surged to 1.5 million subscribers as of May 2023.
The Starlink Constellation: Size and Ambition
The Starlink constellation consists of thousands of satellites orbiting at altitudes between 340 km (210 miles) and 1,200 km (750 miles) above earth’s surface. These satellites work in a cycle to create a network that beams high-speed internet signals down to earth, making it accessible to users with compatible receiving terminals, commonly referred to as user terminals or satellite dishes.
Starlink’s internet is different from regular internet because it doesn’t use towers and cables on the ground. Instead, it has satellites that fly much closer to the earth. This closeness makes the internet faster because data doesn’t have to travel as far. It’s like having a shorter distance for messages to go back and forth between you and the satellite. This is really helpful in places that are far away from cities or places where getting good internet is hard. So, Starlink can provide better internet performance, especially in those remote and underserved areas.
Read more: Top 10 Humanoid AI Robots in 2023 So Far
Beta Testing and Expansion
Starlink has conducted multiple phases of beta testing, known as the “Better Than Nothing Beta” program, where users in select regions were invited to test the service and provide feedback. During the beta phase, the system underwent improvements and optimizations based on user experiences.
As the beta testing progresses, SpaceX has gradually expanded the coverage area, reaching more users in different parts of the world. The company has been seeking regulatory approvals from various countries to operate its satellite internet service globally.
User Terminals (Satellite Dishes)
To access the Starlink internet service, users receive a phased-array satellite dish, commonly known as a user terminal or satellite dish. These user terminals are designed to automatically track and connect to passing satellites overhead, making it easy for users to set up and use the service.
How AI Can Improve Education
Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionising numerous sectors and industries, including the realm of education. AI can potentially address significant global challenges and opportunities in education, encompassing aspects like accessibility, quality, equity, personalisation, and lifelong learning. This article explores how AI can lend support to educators, learners, and policymakers in creating more efficacious and all-encompassing learning environments. AI is causing a revolution in various industries, like medicine and finance. However, its impact on education is equally remarkable. Let's delve into some instances where AI is enhancing the educational landscape.
10 Ways AI Can Help Students Learn
Personalised Learning
One theory in pedagogy suggests that individuals have diverse learning styles, such as visual, aural, or kinesthetic learners. Although this theory has been debated, it is generally acknowledged that people learn differently, varying in work and study styles, learning pace, and ease with specific subjects or concepts. Given this understanding, personalising the learning experience becomes essential. However, manually tailoring lesson plans for every student is impractical due to time constraints. This is where AI-powered personalised learning comes into play.
AI's strength lies in its ability to quickly analyse vast amounts of data and identify patterns, making it the perfect tool for developing personalised learning plans. AI-based learning systems can provide teachers with detailed insights into students' learning styles, abilities, and progress, enabling them to customise their teaching methods accordingly. For instance, AI can suggest more advanced work for some students and offer extra attention to others.
Read more: Top 10 Humanoid AI Robots in 2023 So Far
Furthermore, AI can enhance accuracy in predicting results, assisting teachers in ensuring their lesson planning meets learning targets.
AI's role in planning, scheduling, and creating unique learning experiences for students can free up teachers' time, allowing them to focus on high-value tasks such as individual student support. Several universities have tested the use of chatbots for repetitive tasks typically handled by professors, providing 24/7 assistance to students.
Adaptive Learning
Adaptive learning employs AI to tailor resources and learning activities to suit each learner's unique needs, especially in online learning.
This method involves rigorous analysis of a student's performance data, enabling the AI algorithm to adjust the course material's pace and difficulty, optimising the learning process.
Read more: How to Avoid Mobile Data Leakage and Data Breach
Adaptive learning not only improves the learning process but also saves time and resources by eliminating unnecessary repetition and focusing on areas where a student may struggle. The teacher can offer support where needed, while the student can learn at a comfortable pace.
Many companies are embracing adaptive learning to improve content delivery. A notable example is Duolingo, a language-learning app that provides personalised exercises for learning various languages. The app uses AI to ensure lessons are paced and levelled according to each student's performance.
Automated Grading
Grading assignments and exams is among the most time-consuming tasks in education. AI-powered tools, utilising machine learning algorithms, can evaluate essays, multiple-choice tests, and programming assignments with remarkable accuracy and efficiency, thus saving teachers considerable time.
Using computers for grading ensures consistency and reduces bias, including unconscious bias that teachers may have, while also providing personalised feedback to students. This encourages students to take ownership of their learning and improve in problem areas.
Read more: AI & Future of Jobs: Will Artificial Intelligence or Robots Take Your Job?
Although automated grading has significant advantages, it is crucial to address biases that may persist in AI due to the underlying data used to train the algorithms. China has been experimenting with AI auto-grading platforms, with around 1 in 4 schools using machine-learning auto-grading platforms.
Intelligent Tutoring Systems
Intelligent Tutoring Systems (ITS) are computer systems powered by machine learning algorithms that offer personalised and adaptive lesson plans based on individual students' learning needs and pace. Similar to other AI tools, ITSs analyse student data to understand learning patterns, enabling them to provide customised suggestions, feedback, and exercises tailored to each student's requirements.
ITS benefits both students and teachers, allowing educators to monitor students' progress and modify their teaching approach for effective lesson delivery. Students can learn at their own pace while receiving support when needed and engaging in more advanced concepts when ready.
A study by the U.S. Department of Education revealed that existing ITS can enhance student literacy by improving their reading comprehension and writing skills. Implementing these systems in classrooms poses challenges, and natural language processing techniques have been suggested for scoring student responses.
Read more: How Can Artificial Intelligence Improve Healthcare?
Smart Content Creation
Creating lesson plans presents a significant challenge for teachers, as each student has unique learning requirements. "Smart content creation" refers to the use of AI to automate and enhance the generation of educational content. AI platforms analyse student data to create personalised and engaging educational material.
This customised content can then be used to create tailored environments catering to different learning outcomes. Students can select lesson plans that align with their needs. AI can generate interactive quizzes, simulations, and experiments using chatbots, augmented reality, or virtual reality, enriching the learning experience.
Coursera is a prime example of successful smart content creation, using AI to curate multiple educational and professional courses and suggest appropriate courses based on students' learning performance, pace, and individual needs.
Learning Analytics
Analysing large amounts of student data can be a tedious task, but AI-powered automated analytics make the process easier. Teachers can use the data to track student performance and engagement, enabling timely interventions and additional support as required. Students can also leverage analytics to monitor their own progress and request help when needed.
Read more: Ai and Future of Content Writing: Will Artificial Intelligence replace writers?
For instance, the University of Michigan offers a dashboard called "My Learning Analytics," allowing students to visualise and track their grade distribution, assignment planning, and resources.
Implementing learning analytics in education may face ethical and privacy issues, as well as challenges related to data collection and analysis. Addressing these concerns with the help of AI is essential to ensuring responsible usage.
Virtual Assistants
Virtual assistants powered by AI can automate administrative tasks such as lesson planning and scheduling, freeing up teachers' valuable time to focus on essential duties like lecturing and engaging with students.
Virtual assistants also provide customised feedback to students, monitor their progress, and offer additional resources based on individual needs. Interacting with AI-powered virtual assistants has even shown positive correlations with students' academic performance.
Read more: Top 5 AI Chatbot Platforms and Trends in 2023
Natural Language Processing
Natural Language Processing (NLP) is an AI field focused on making computer systems capable of understanding and interpreting human languages. NLP has various applications, such as text generation, chatbots, and information extraction. For instance, ChatGPT, developed by OpenAI, serves as a language model used by students for homework help, exam preparation, and learning in general. Teachers can also use ChatGPT to prepare lesson plans and check assignments for grammar and information.
It is important to view NLP and AI as assistive technologies, not absolute sources of knowledge, as they may have limitations and potential biases. Careful consideration of the technology's impact on the education sector is essential.
Predictive Modelling
AI-powered predictive modelling analyses large amounts of data to predict various outcomes, such as student performance. This information is valuable to teachers, parents, institutions, governments, and students, as it can greatly enhance the learning experience and set benchmarks. Predictive modelling allows teachers to offer timely guidance based on students' predicted performance and previous test or exam results.
Data-driven analysis helps improve individual student performance and provides additional support when needed, enriching the learning experience. Governments can also utilise predictive modelling for planning educational goals.
Read more: Google's AI Chatbot Bard: All You Need to Know
Augmented and Virtual Reality
Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) technologies have gained popularity in recent years. AR overlays computer-generated content onto real-world objects, while VR creates a simulated virtual environment. These immersive technologies hold immense potential for education.
Students can interact with AR and VR learning materials to enhance their understanding of complex concepts and their overall learning experience. VR can simulate labs for conducting chemistry experiments or virtual dissections, while AR enables studying stars and galaxies up close.
AR and VR technologies have promising applications in enhancing STEM courses, medical simulations, arts and humanities materials, and technical education. They are already being utilized by various institutions, like Arizona State University (ASU), to offer unique learning experiences.
Conclusion
Artificial Intelligence presents promising advancements for the education sector, benefiting both teachers and students. However, it cannot replace human interaction and empathy, and addressing biases and data privacy concerns remains crucial. Integrating AI responsibly is essential for leveraging its potential while understanding its limitations. The future of education could be revolutionised with AI's continued implementation, shaping the learning experiences of future generations.
Read more: ChatGPT-4: All you need to know
Elon Musk reveals new black and white X logo to replace Twitter's blue bird
Elon Musk has unveiled a new black and white “X” logo to replace Twitter's famous blue bird as he follows through with a major rebranding of the social media platform he bought for $44 billion last year.
Musk replaced his own Twitter icon with a white X on a black background and posted a picture on Monday of the design projected on Twitter’s San Francisco headquarters.
Also read: Musk says Twitter is losing cash because advertising is down and the company is carrying heavy debt
The X started appearing on the top of the desktop version of Twitter on Monday, but the bird was still dominant across the phone app.
Musk had asked fans for logo ideas and chose one, which he described as minimalist Art Deco, saying it “certainly will be refined.”
“And soon we shall bid adieu to the twitter brand and, gradually, all the birds," Musk tweeted Sunday.
The X.com web domain now redirects users to Twitter.com, Musk said.
Also read: ‘Entering Twitter HQ - let that sink in!’: Musk tweets
In response to questions about what tweets would be called when the rebranding is done, Musk said they would be called Xs.
Musk, CEO of Tesla, has long been fascinated with the letter. The billionaire is also CEO of rocket company Space Exploration Technologies Corp., commonly known as SpaceX. And in 1999, he founded a startup called X.com, an online financial services company now known as PayPal,
He calls his son with the singer Grimes, whose actual name is a collection of letters and symbols, “X.”
Musk's Twitter purchase and rebranding are part of his strategy to create what he's dubbed an “ everything app ” similar to China’s WeChat, which combines video chats, messaging, streaming and payments.
Also read: Elon Musk imposes daily limits on reading posts on Twitter
Linda Yaccarino, the longtime NBC Universal executive Musk tapped to be Twitter CEO in May, posted the new logo and weighed in on the change, writing on Twitter that X would be “the future state of unlimited interactivity — centered in audio, video, messaging, payments/banking — creating a global marketplace for ideas, goods, services, and opportunities.”
Experts, however, predicted the new name will confuse much of Twitter's audience, which has already been souring on the social media platform following a raft of Musk's other changes. The site also faces new competition from Threads, the new app by Facebook and Instagram parent Meta that directly targets Twitter users.
Top 10 Humanoid AI Robots in 2023 So Far
Rapid technological progress has ushered in a new era of innovation in the field of AI and robotics. Diverse functional humanoid robots have already captured the attention of the scientific communities and the general people. Besides resembling and mimicking human beings in terms of appearance, the humanoid AI robots are designed to work for special purposes such as healthcare, entertainment, customer service, education applications, etc. Let’s take a look at the smartest humanoid robots in the world in 2023 so far.
World’s 10 Most Advanced Humanoid Robots in 2023
Ameca
Ameca, developed by Engineered Arts in 2021, stands as the epitome of sophistication among humanoid robots, surpassing all others in terms of advancement and realism. The debut of Ameca's inaugural video on December 1, 2021, garnered tremendous acclaim across Twitter and TikTok, capturing the attention of countless individuals. Its primary purpose revolves around propelling the field of robotics by exploring human-robot interaction.
Ameca incorporates an array of cutting-edge features, including embedded microphones, binocular eye-mounted cameras, a chest camera, and facial recognition software, enabling seamless engagement with the public. Furthermore, the interactions can be controlled either through GPT-3 or human telepresence. The utilisation of state-of-the-art technology extends to its artificial limbs, ligaments, and sensor arrays, underscoring its remarkable design.
Read more: Ameca: World’s Most Realistic Advanced Humanoid Robot AI Platform
Nadine
Nadine, an empathetic android developed by Japanese company Rokoro, emerged in 2013 as an exceptional creation. This social robot was modelled on Professor Nadia Magnenat Thalmann.
AI news anchor 'Aparajita' debuts on Channel 24, making history
Bangladesh’s first-ever artificial intelligence (AI) news anchor, "Aparajita" debuted on Channel 24 on Wednesday night, making history.
As Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been garnering significant attention in many sectors for the last couple of months with advanced AI mediums such as ChatGPT and Midjourney, to name a few, it has also been occupying the news industry in some countries.
Also read: AI & Future of Jobs: Will Artificial Intelligence or Robots Take Your Job?
Recently, a private television channel in India named Odisha Television Limited (OTV) introduced an AI newsreader named 'Lisa" on July 9, which is India’s first regional AI news anchor.
This was followed by India’s Power TV, a Kannada channel, which very recently made a similar groundbreaking move by introducing its very own AI presenter, "Soundarya”.
Although the Chinese news agency Xinhua introduced the first-ever AI news presenter in the world back in 2018, India introduced its first AI news presenter, 'Sana" back in April this year, as part of the country’s Aaj Tak news channel and also the very first AI news presenter in South Asia.
Also read: Ameca: World’s Most Realistic Advanced Humanoid Robot AI Platform
Besides, a couple of Asian countries, namely China, Taiwan, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Kuwait, have also been showcasing AI news presenters as part of their newsrooms.
Coping up with the neighbouring countries in this digital realm, Bangladeshi private television station Channel 24 news presenter Farabi Hafiz introduced 'Aparajita" which joined the 7:00 pm bulletin of the channel where it delivered a news report.
Appearing in a grey suit over a black shirt, "Aparajita" greeted her co-presenters first and then welcomed the audience before presenting her report. She also hosted and presented reports on a half-hour-long technology-based show on the TV channel at 11:00 pm.
Also read: Second laboratory of artificial intelligence launched
Regarding "Aparajita’s" inclusion in the news team, Channel 24 Senior News Editor Abdul Qayyum Tuhin said: "Artificial intelligence has brought about many positive benefits. We also want to keep up with the advancements in technology. We have introduced this initiative with that purpose in mind. I believe AI technology will make a difference in our country's history."