Monthly Archives: May 2024

Business, Entertainment

Alibaba Cloud Brings AI to the Olympic Viewing Experience

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Technology wouldn’t be the first thing that comes to mind when it comes to the Olympics. However, the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympic Games promises not only to be a spectacle of athletic prowess but also one which showcases technological innovation. One of the companies at the forefront of bringing technological innovation to the Olympics is Alibaba Cloud. The digital technology backbone of Alibaba Group is collaborating with Olympic Broadcasting Services (OBS) to introduce an AI-powered multi-camera replay service. This cutting-edge technology, piloted successfully at the recent Olympic Qualifier Series in Shanghai, aims to revolutionize how audiences experience the Games.

Alibaba Cloud was testing multi camera replay service at the skateboarding venue at Olympic Qualifier Series in Shanghai

Alibaba Cloud’s solution outperforms traditional multi-camera replays, offering a true 3D viewing experience. Leveraging machine learning and deep neural networks, the system processes video footage captured from strategically placed cameras around the venue. This data is then transformed into cloud-based 3D models with high-quality textures. The magic lies in the ability to generate virtual frames from entirely new viewpoints, enabling smooth and realistic rotations. Imagine viewing a game-winning goal from behind the net, or a breathtaking diving catch from the athlete’s perspective. This 3D reconstruction promises to immerse viewers in the heart of the action.

Alibaba Cloud’s robust cloud infrastructure serves as the backbone for this innovative service. Powerful computing architecture ensures near real-time processing of high-precision 3D reconstruction and video rendering. This facilitates seamless integration with OBS’s production system, making the multi-angle video content readily available to global Media Rights Holders. As a result, audiences worldwide will be treated to dynamic and lifelike replays, enriching their Olympic viewing experience.

Alibaba Cloud to Help Elevate Olympic Viewing with AI Enhanced Multi Camera Replay Service

The multi-camera replay system isn’t entirely new. A version was successfully implemented for select events at the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing. However, the Paris 2024 iteration boasts additional AI features and expanded deployment across twelve competition venues, encompassing sports like beach volleyball, tennis, judo, and rugby.

Business, Gaming, News

Delta Emulator Forced to Change Logo As Adobe Goes on Offensive

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The popular emulator, Delta, has undergone a sudden logo change, leaving some users scratching their heads. This unexpected update comes after the emulator received a legal threat from software giant Adobe.

Adobe Logo
Delta Emulator Logo

Developed by Riley Testut, Delta has become a go-to option for iOS users seeking to relive classic video games from consoles like the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) and Game Boy Advance (GBA). The emulator has made its way to Apple devices following a change in Apple’s App Store policies that allowed for emulators. Delta, in particular, allows users to play these games on their iPhones and iPads, offering a taste of retro gaming nostalgia on the go.

Screenshot 2024 05 20 at 19 42 43 AltStore @altstore@fosstodon.org
Screen cap from Mastodon.

The recent logo change stems from a dispute with Adobe. According to reports, Adobe’s legal team contacted Testut, claiming the Delta logo bore a resemblance to its own logo, potentially causing confusion among consumers. While Delta’s logo represented a stylized Greek letter delta (Δ), Adobe argued the similarity could mislead users into believing the apps were connected.

Faced with the potential for legal action, Delta opted to avoid a lengthy battle and promptly changed its logo. The new logo, described as a “broken triangle,” is a clear departure from the previous design. While some users expressed amusement at the somewhat unconventional new icon, the change ensures Delta remains available on the App Store.

Screenshot 2024 05 20 at 19 41 53 Delta Game Emulator
App Store Screen Capture

The Delta logo dispute is one of the more trivial issues that have been haunting the video game emulation space. There are bigger concerns when it comes to the legality of emulation as a whole when it comes to copyright, particularly because the game files (ROMs) are used to play the games on the emulator. Typically, users are responsible for acquiring these ROMs legally, often by dumping them from their own physical game cartridges.

Computers, News

Samsung Malaysia Opens Pre-registration for Upcoming Monitor Line-Up

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Samsung is preparing to upgrade your visual experience with its upcoming 2024 monitor lineup. Whether you’re a passionate gamer pushing your reflexes to the limit, a creative professional demanding colour accuracy, or simply seeking an immersive entertainment experience, Samsung promises a monitor tailored to your needs.

Monitor One 2024 HR PR Banner
Source: Samsung

The upcoming 2024 Samsung Monitor One series boasts a diverse range of models, each equipped with cutting-edge technology designed to maximize your productivity and enjoyment. For gamers, the upcoming Odyssey OLED series offers stunning visuals and lightning-fast response times, ensuring you never miss a critical detail. For creative professionals, the incumbent ViewFinity series prioritizes exceptional colour accuracy and intricate detail, guaranteeing your work is displayed flawlessly. And for those seeking a more versatile experience, the forthcoming Smart Monitor series integrates smart features, blurring the lines between productivity and entertainment.

To celebrate the launch, Samsung is offering an exclusive pre-order promotion from May 17th to 31st, 2024. Register your interest and receive a voucher code redeemable during the pre-order window from June 1st to 16th. This voucher entitles you to significant savings of up to RM1,000 on select 2024 monitor models during the pre-order period.

Stay tuned for further announcements as Samsung unveils more details about the exciting new lineup.

PR Newswire

Clarivate Launches AI-Enhanced Solution to Accelerate Trademark Watching

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Providing faster and more accurate answers to critical business questions

LONDON, May 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Clarivate Plc (NYSE: CLVT), a leading global provider of transformative intelligence, launched the first publicly available version of Trademark Watch Analyzer today at the 2024 International Trademark Association Annual Meeting. As the next-generation trademark protection solution enhanced by artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud technology, this solution combines Clarivate global trademark and case law data, in-house IP expertise, and cutting-edge AI technology. It will provide faster and more accurate answers to critical business questions by automating key trademark watching tasks and intelligently prioritizing result sets.

Trademark Watch Analyzer connects users to trademark datasets in 258 countries and territories across 191 official trademark registers, as well as data from 7+ million trademark litigation cases. This content is harmonized and connected through AI algorithms which query, connect and mine both datasets delivering advanced insights in supported watch products. This revolutionizes the way trademark watch results are delivered, so that clients can rank results based on their chance of success/opposition.

According to data from SAEGIS®, a CompuMark™ trademark solution from Clarivate, the number of trademark applications filed globally each year has more than doubled since 2014. With over one million new trademarks added to trademark registers around the world each month, the risk of infringement has never been greater, making vigilance of trademark applications essential to protect and grow strong brands.

Gordon Samson, President, Intellectual Property, Clarivate, said: “As the global business landscape grows more complex, trademark professionals are faced with challenges including more data, less context and shorter deadlines. Our advanced AI-driven solution enables clients to confidently monitor their trademarks anywhere in the world, with global monitoring and automated alerts, while also saving time, costs and critical resources. The launch of the Trademark Watch Analyzer is the latest example of our Think forward™ promise — connecting clients to trusted intelligence to ensure an IP-empowered tomorrow.”

With a more intuitive design and user interface, Trademark Watch Analyzer will enable clients to have a much-improved user experience as they work with their results. The navigation will be based on the same architecture as the Brand Landscape Analyzer launched in 2023, providing clients with a more cohesive experience within the Clarivate product suite.

Find out more about Trademark Watch Analyzer here.

About Clarivate
Clarivate™ is a leading global provider of transformative intelligence. We offer enriched data, insights & analytics, workflow solutions and expert services in the areas of Academia & Government, Intellectual Property and Life Sciences & Healthcare. For more information, please visit www.clarivate.com

Media Contact:
Jack Wan, External Communications Director
newsroom@clarivate.com

Health, Lifestyle

ATLAS Vending Tackles Period Poverty By Dispensing Dignity with Free Sanitary Pads

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Period poverty, the struggle to afford safe and hygienic menstrual products, is a real issue in Malaysia. ATLAS Vending, a vending machine company, is tackling this challenge head-on with innovative technology and a social conscience.

Atlas Vending Period Hygiene 1
(From left) Dr Lenny Suriyani binti Safri (Wakil Hospital Canselor Tunku Mukhriz UKM), Cik Kamisah binti Abu Bakar (Pengetua Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Bandar Tun Razak), Cik Yapp Pau Ling (Pengarah Komersial, Vinda Malaysi

Partnering with Libresse, a hygiene brand under Etika, and Yang Berhormat Dato’ Seri Dr. Wan Azizah binti Dr. Wan Ismail, a Member of the Malaysian Parliament, ATLAS Vending has introduced free sanitary pad dispensing machines. These machines utilize a card access system, ensuring privacy and dignity for users.

This initiative prioritizes marginalized communities, particularly young women. Up to 600 recipients from Sekolah Menengah Sains Selangor, Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Bandar Tun Razak and Hospital Chancellor Tuanku Muhriz UKM (formerly Hospital Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysian) will have access to free sanitary pads each month. Those in need of sanitary pads will be able to access them via a card access system to ensure privacy and prevent misuse of the vending machine and the products.

The fight against period poverty goes beyond providing access to products. ATLAS Vending acknowledges the need to address the cultural stigma surrounding menstruation. They see potential in social media platforms like TikTok and YouTube to educate both women and men about menstrual health.

Wan Azizah Wan Ismail 2019

“It’s time to break the taboo surrounding menstruation so that young women know the best way to take care of themselves during their periods. Social media platforms like TikTok and YouTube can provide accessible knowledge and education, even for men, promoting better menstrual health practices.”“

Dato’ Seri Dr Wan Azizah binti Dr Wan Ismail

Yang Berhormat Dato’ Seri Dr Wan Azizah binti Dr Wan Ismail emphasizes the importance of collaboration between private companies and government bodies. She highlights the need to break the silence and provide accessible knowledge to combat misinformation.

Libresse, a hygiene brand partnering with ATLAS Vending, shares the commitment to empowering women. They believe menstruation is a natural part of life and shouldn’t be a source of shame. Their educational campaigns aim to create a supportive environment where women can learn about their bodies and manage their periods confidently and with dignity.

Atlas Vending Period Hygiene 2
(from left) Dr Lenny Suriyani binti Safri (Wakil Hospital Canselor Tunku Mukhriz UKM), Puan Amy Gan (Naib Presiden Pemasaran Etika Sdn. Bhd.), Yang Berhormat Dato’ Seri Dr. Wan Azizah binti Dr. Wan Ismail (Ahli Parlimen Bandar Tun Razak)

This initiative is just the beginning. ATLAS Vending acknowledges the long road ahead in dismantling the stigma surrounding menstruation. They plan to expand the program, installing more machines across Malaysia to reach those most in need.

By combining innovative technology with social responsibility, ATLAS Vending is significantly impacting the lives of women and girls in Malaysia. Their collaboration with Libresse and government officials paves the way for a future where no woman is held back by period poverty.

PR Newswire

Orion Health awarded Panda Health Partner status for its Orchestral Health Intelligence Platform

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NEW YORK, May 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Orion Health, a global leader in digital health solutions, announced today that it has been awarded partner status by Panda Health for its Orchestral Health Intelligence Platform, one of three pillars of the Unified Healthcare Platform.

Panda Health connects hospitals and digital health companies, ensuring easier solution identification, selection, and procurement. Orion Health has joined a carefully selected group of digital health companies within the Panda Health ecosystem, who have passed cybersecurity, compliance, and technical evaluations and have been vetted for viability and value.

Orchestral is a health-centric data platform built on scalable and modular technologies that can be used to acquire and analyze data for individual, cohort, and population health management. It supports organizations as they progress from achieving consistent patient data to actionable predictive insights.

Orchestral provides an open, cloud-enabled, enterprise-wide extensible health data supermodel that can absorb any data attributes or standards, and store and output them in any format while balancing meeting standardized, national requirements and the flexibility to meet local variations. Health Systems can significantly improve data governance and time to deliver insights with built in machine learning, algorithm management, and a self-service analytics infrastructure that helps offload work for existing IT teams.

“Orchestral is the culmination of 30 years of Orion Health working with healthcare data and handling over 150 million patient records globally. Being a Panda Health Partner continues that journey by making a truly intelligent health data platform for the future available to more US Health Systems than ever before,” says James Henderson, SVP of North America, Orion Health.

About Orion Health 

Orion Health is a global healthcare technology company focused on reimagining healthcare for all. We are leading the change in digital health with health and care organizations to improve the well-being of every individual with our world-leading Unified Healthcare Platform. Made up of a Virtuoso digital front door, Amadeus digital care record, and Orchestral health intelligence platform – each underpinned by extensive health and social data sets, machine learning, and 30 years of innovation focused purely on improving global well-being. www.orionhealth.com

About Panda Health

Panda Health transforms how health systems connect with, explore, and adopt leading digital health technologies that improve the lives of patients and providers. Panda’s deep market intelligence and personalized guidance de-risk the digital health procurement process. Panda was founded in 2020 through a partnership between CentraCare, Gundersen Health System, ThedaCare and the development and investment firm Fitzroy Health.

Computers, News

Intel Introduces Thunderbolt Share Technology

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For users juggling multiple PCs, the dream of seamless file sharing, screen control, and peripheral access might seem far-fetched. However, Intel‘s latest announcement, Thunderbolt Share, aims to bridge this gap. Let’s delve into this technology and explore its potential benefits and limitations.

Screenshot 2024 05 18 at 00 36 41 Thunderbolt™ Technology A Universe of Possibilities
Source: Intel

Thunderbolt Share builds upon the robust foundation of Intel’s Thunderbolt technology. Renowned for its high bandwidth and versatility, Thunderbolt allows for blazing-fast data transfer, high-resolution display connectivity, and device charging through a single cable. Thunderbolt Share leverages this existing infrastructure to establish a direct connection between two Thunderbolt-equipped PCs.

Imagine being able to control your work PC from your laptop at home. With Thunderbolt Share, this vision becomes a reality. Users can access and manage files on both PCs, synchronize folders, and even drag and drop content seamlessly. Additionally, the technology allows for shared screen control, enabling users to work on one PC while viewing the display on another.

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Source: Intel

While the potential of Thunderbolt Share is enticing, it’s important to acknowledge current limitations. This technology is primarily compatible with PCs equipped with Thunderbolt 4 or 5 ports, potentially excluding older devices. Additionally, not all manufacturers may offer Thunderbolt Share functionality on their PCs, even if they have Thunderbolt ports as it looks to be an add-on feature OEMs will need to pay for. Users should check for specific compatibility details with their PC models.

Interestingly, while initially announced as a Windows-focused solution, Macworld reports that Apple has integrated similar functionality into macOS Sonoma. This integration allows M-series Macs with Thunderbolt ports to connect directly and utilize features like file sharing and screen control between devices, mirroring some of the core functionalities of Thunderbolt Share. Whether this integration represents a shift in strategy for Intel’s technology or a coincidence remains to be seen.

News

Sony Music Issues Stern Warning Against Use of Its Artists’ Content for Training AI

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Sony Music Entertainment raising its voice over a critical issue: the unauthorized use of music to train artificial intelligence (AI) systems. The company has reportedly sent warnings to over 700 tech companies, expressing concerns that their music is being used in AI development without proper licensing agreements.

Training AI models, particularly Generative AI models like Large Language Models (LLMs), often involves feeding them massive amounts of data. Music can be a valuable source of data for AI systems learning about audio processing, language generation, or even music composition itself. However, Sony Music argues that using copyrighted music in this way requires explicit permission from rights holders.

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Sony Music’s stance highlights a grey area in the ongoing conversation surrounding AI development and copyright. The company emphasizes the need for fair compensation for artists whose music contributes to the creation of powerful AI tools. Additionally, Sony Music seeks transparency, urging tech companies to disclose how they are using music data in their AI training processes. While Sony Music is leading the charge, this concern extends beyond any single company. Other music labels and artist representatives are likely to voice similar concerns as the use of AI continues to grow across various industries.

Moving forward, a collaborative approach is crucial. Open communication between the music industry and tech companies can lead to the development of fair licensing practices for using music data in AI training. Additionally, exploring opt-out or opt-in mechanisms for artists who may not want their music included in AI development could be a potential solution.

The potential impact of AI on the creative process remains a topic of debate. While AI-powered tools could offer exciting possibilities for music composition and artist collaboration, concerns linger about the potential for homogenization or the displacement of human creativity. Ultimately, the future of AI and music hinges on navigating these complexities. Finding a balance between technological advancements and artistic integrity will be crucial in determining how AI shapes the music industry in the years to come.

News, Social Media

TikTok Tests Long-Form Videos: A Challenge to YouTube’s Dominance?

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The short-form video king, TikTok, is making waves with a bold experiment. The platform is currently testing the ability for users to upload videos up to 60 minutes long, a significant shift from its traditional bite-sized content format. This move has sparked speculation about TikTok’s potential ambitions to compete directly with YouTube, the established leader in long-form video streaming.

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Photo by Solen Feyissa on Unsplash

TikTok’s core identity has been built on its emphasis on short, engaging videos. The app’s initial focus was on 15-second clips, gradually expanding to 60 seconds and then 10 minutes in recent years. This latest test with 60-minute uploads marks a dramatic departure from the platform’s core format.

While some see this as a direct challenge to YouTube, the implications remain unclear. TikTok’s existing user base might not necessarily embrace hour-long content, and established YouTubers might not readily migrate to a new platform. However, the possibility of attracting new creators who prefer TikTok’s interface or community dynamics cannot be ignored.

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Screencap of Post by Matt Navarra on Threads.net

The introduction of longer videos opens doors for a wider range of content formats on TikTok. Imagine educational tutorials, in-depth interviews, or even live-streamed events finding a home on the platform. This could potentially attract viewers seeking a different type of long-form content experience compared to what YouTube offers.

Whether TikTok’s foray into longer videos becomes a permanent feature or a fleeting experiment remains to be seen. One thing is certain: the landscape of video content is evolving. Users now have access to a diverse range of platforms, each catering to specific preferences for video length, format, and community engagement. This competition between platforms ultimately benefits users by driving innovation and offering a wider variety of content to choose from.

Health

Android Health Gets a Boost: New Features & Improved User Control with Health Connect

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Google I/O concluded recently unveiling a wave of exciting updates designed to revolutionize how users manage their health and wellness through their Android devices. With a focus on user control, data privacy, and seamless integration, Google is aiming to empower individuals to take charge of their health journeys.

A key highlight is the significant enhancements coming to Google’s Health Connect platform. Serving as a central repository for health data from wearables, fitness trackers, and medical apps, Health Connect is poised to become a cornerstone of the Android Health ecosystem. This year’s announcements include improved accessibility with offline storage capabilities, allowing users to store vital health data even without an internet connection. Additionally, Google emphasizes a commitment to user control, with features enabling users to easily manage which data is shared with specific apps and revoke access as needed.

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Screencap from Google I/O 2024 presentation on Health Connect

The updates extend beyond user-facing features. Google unveiled new tools and resources for developers, allowing them to integrate with Health Connect more seamlessly. This not only simplifies the development process for health-focused apps but also unlocks the potential for a more robust and interconnected health ecosystem. Developers can leverage Health Connect’s standardized data schema to streamline data collection and analysis, ultimately leading to a more comprehensive picture of a user’s health.

Throughout the conference, a strong emphasis was placed on ensuring users have complete control over their health data. Features like granular permission controls and data deletion capabilities empower users to decide what information is shared with third-party apps and health services. This commitment to user privacy aims to build trust and encourage wider adoption of the Android Health platform.

Screenshot 2024 05 17 at 22 24 02 Introducing new APIs for health and fitness in Health Connect by Android
Screencap from Google I/O 2024 presentation on Health Connect

Looking beyond the immediate updates, Google hinted at future possibilities for Android Health. The company is exploring features that leverage advanced analytics to provide users with personalized health insights based on their collected data. Imagine receiving actionable recommendations on sleep patterns, stress management, or even preventative healthcare measures – all delivered via your Android device.

The announcements at I/O 2024 paint a promising picture for the future of Android Health. With a focus on user control, data privacy, and developer integration, Google is building a platform that empowers individuals to take a more active role in managing their health and wellness. As these updates roll out throughout the year, Android users can expect a more personalized and insightful health experience on their mobile devices. This focus on user-centric innovation positions Android Health to become a valuable tool for both individuals and healthcare providers in the years to come.