Remember the YouTube meltdown where videos kept skipping to the end for ad blocker users? Conspiracy theories flew faster than likes on a cat video, accusing YouTube of targeting ad blockers. Well, YouTube claims innocence, but the plot twist might leave you reaching for your tinfoil hat (or maybe your credit card).
It all started with frustrated viewers, especially those with ad blockers, whose videos were inexplicably jumping to the finish line. The internet buzzed with accusations. Was YouTube, owned by ad giant Google, punishing ad blocker rebels? YouTube scrambled to control the narrative, releasing a statement to 9to5 Google blaming a recent performance update gone awry. They reiterated their stance on ad blockers violating their Terms of Service and, not-so-subtly, encouraged viewers to support creators through ads (or that tempting YouTube Premium subscription).
While YouTube’s explanation seems reasonable, a healthy dose of scepticism lingers. The glitch’s timing, coinciding with rising ad blocker use, feels a bit too convenient. And tech companies have a not-so-stellar track record of using similar tactics to discourage ad blockers. So, is YouTube being entirely truthful?
The YouTube skipping saga highlights the constant struggle between user experience and ad revenue. Ad blockers undeniably impact a platform’s income, but resorting to underhanded tactics to force ad views is a risky PR gamble.
The BenQ W5800 is a recently unveiled 4K laser projector targeting home theatre enthusiasts. This projector boasts specifications and features designed to deliver a high-quality viewing experience.
The W5800 offers a native 4K resolution (3840 x 2160 pixels), promising sharp and detailed visuals for on-screen content. Additionally, the projector boasts 100% DCI-P3 colour gamut coverage, which may appeal to users who prioritize colour accuracy and a wider range of colours.
It utilizes a laser light source, providing a brightness level of up to 3000 ANSI lumens. Laser light sources typically offer extended lifespans compared to traditional projector lamps, potentially reducing long-term maintenance costs. The projector also supports HDR (High Dynamic Range) content, which can enhance the contrast ratio between blacks and whites, potentially resulting in a more lifelike image.
Gamers and fans of action movies may find the W5800’s MEMC (Motion Estimation, Motion Compensation) technology appealing. MEMC technology aims to reduce motion blur and judder, potentially contributing to smoother visuals during fast-paced scenes.
The BenQ W5800 features a motorized zoom lens along with horizontal and vertical lens shift capabilities. This allows for a wider range of projector placement options without necessarily sacrificing image quality. Users can adjust the image size and position to better suit their screen or wall space.
Pricing & Availability
The BenQ W5800 is priced at USD$5,999 (approximately RM25,490). It’s important to note that final Malaysian pricing and availability may vary depending on retailers. The projector is expected to be available for purchase in Malaysia later in 2024.
For years, Google has presented itself as the champion of unbiased search results, prioritizing user intent and high-quality content. However, a recent leak of internal Google documents has cast doubt on this narrative, revealing a complex ranking system heavily reliant on user clicks and potentially contradicting past statements from the company.
In late May 2024, a significant leak of internal Google documents, believed to be part of the company’s Content API Warehouse, surfaced online. This leak offered a glimpse into the previously hidden world of Google’s search algorithms, detailing ranking systems, data storage practices, and user interactions.
One of the most intriguing revelations from the leak concerns the prominent role of user clicks in Google’s “NavBoost” system. The documents highlight how NavBoost analyzes clicks, including the number and duration (short clicks versus long clicks), to assess user satisfaction with search results. This emphasis on clicks raises a critical question: does it contradict Google’s past statements about ranking factors?
The Leak Contradicts Google’s Official Statements
In past public pronouncements and legal battles (such as the American Department of Justice case against Google), Google representatives have emphasized factors like content quality, backlinks from reputable websites, and user experience metrics (mobile-friendliness, page speed) as major contributors to search ranking. However, the leaked documents elevate the importance of clicks, potentially suggesting a greater influence than previously acknowledged.
This discrepancy between past statements and the leak’s revelations raises concerns about potential bias or manipulation within search results. Critics argue that an overreliance on clicks could lead to scenarios where sensationalized content or websites with “clickbait” tactics receive higher rankings despite offering lower-quality information. This could ultimately distort user access to accurate and valuable online resources.
How Will This Impact Search and Google?
The Google Search leak represents a turning point in the ongoing conversation about search engine transparency. While the leaked documents don’t provide a complete picture, they highlight a potential disconnect between Google’s public statements and its algorithmic practices.
The question remains: how will Google respond to this leak? Will it address concerns about click-based bias and strive for greater transparency in its search ranking system? Ultimately, the future of unbiased search results depends on Google’s commitment to fostering a fair and informative online landscape.
This leak serves as a stark reminder of the need for ongoing scrutiny and accountability in the realm of search engines. Only through transparency and a focus on user intent can Google maintain its reputation as a reliable source of information in the digital age.
Panasonic‘s LUMIX is no stranger to the camera enthusiast. However, it’s been quite a while since we’ve seen the brand make a big bang with its announcements – in Malaysia at least. Well, this time, Panasonic is making the biggest bang possible with its new LUMIX S9 – the smallest full-frame camera that the company has produced ever.
Compact, Simple and Quick
The Panasonic LUMIX S9 is no simpleton’s camera. It’s built from the ground up to cater to content creators while keeping up with the standards of professional photography and videography. The LUMIX S9 comes with a 24.2-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor that the company first used in its LUMIX S5 II. It has improved real-time recognition autofocus with Phase Detection Auto Focus (PDAF) for better subject tracking. The PDAF is complemented by a 5-axis dual image stabilizer that has 6.5 stops of stabilization and is complemented with body image stabilization with 5 stops of stabilization. Electronic Stabilization helps ensure that video footage is smooth and without distortion.
The LUMIX S9 is compact. The body alone weighs a mere 403g or 0.89lbs. This is further accentuated by the compact body that can be held in one hand. Panasonic is doubling down on the compact size with the introduction of two new compact lenses for the S9. The first is a compact prime lens called the LUMIX S 26mm F8 (S-R26). This lens has a primed or fixed focal distance of 26mm and a minimum aperture of F8. The second, the LUMIX S 18-44mm F4.5-6.3, is a compact zoom lens with a focal distance between 18 and 44 mm. Both the lenses are pancake lenses and measure no longer than 3cm from the lens mount of the Panasonic LUMIX S9.
Created with Content Creators in Mind
The compact size is intentional as Panasonic is gearing the LUMIX S9 for content creators. The compact size allows creators to carry it around without breaking their backs with large, cumbersome camera bags. That’s not all, Panasonic is making it even easier to transfer footage between the S9 and your mobile phone for social media with the new MP4 (Lite) codec. Shooting in this format allows users to create high-quality videos without outputting large multi-gigabyte files. This makes it easier to transfer to the phone and post on socials. Panasonic is boasting up to 4.5x the transfer speed.
Like other LUMIX cameras, the S9 shoots in the 3:2 aspect ratio. This allows creators to shoot for both YouTube and Socials with one camera. In fact, you can shoot once and crop the footage into 9:16 and 16:9 depending on which platform or format they will be uploading. With the 6000×4000 resolution of the open gate, full-frame sensor, you will still be left with high-quality 4K UHD footage after cropping.
App Complemented Experience with LUT Profiles
The LUMIX S9 also allows creators to shoot in real-time LUT. This feature allows you to shoot in colour profiles for videos and photos that are catered to your aesthetic. You’ll be able to download and apply LUTs that have been created and customised by other creators as well. This can be done through the LUMIX Lab app. The app will also allow you to develop and share your own LUT profile with friends and followers.
Pricing & Availability
The Panasonic LUMIX S9 will be available in Crimson Red, Dark Olive, Jet Black and Silver. The camera body alone will be retailing for RM7,599. It will also be available in a bundle with a Panasonic LUMIX S 20-60mm F3.5-5.6 (R2060) lens for RM8,999.
The LUMIX S9 will be available for pre-order from 30th May to 30th June 2024 from retail stores. From 6th to 30th June, the camera will be available for pre-order from Lazada and Shopee. Pre-orders will get a SmallRig L-shape handle, a battery pack and a 64GB SanDisk Extreme Pro SD card.
Gear up, PlayStation owners and enthusiasts! The annual Days of Play celebration kicks off today, May 29th, and runs for two weeks until June 12th. This year’s event promises to be a blockbuster, featuring exciting deals on popular titles, a significant boost to the PlayStation Plus service, and even free celebratory avatars to enhance your online presence.
Deep Discounts Up to 30% on PS5, PS4 & PS VR Games:
Get ready to bolster your game library without breaking the bank! The PlayStation Store is launching a dedicated Days of Play promotion featuring enticing discounts on a wide variety of titles.
Early estimates suggest markdowns of up to 30% on select games. While specific details haven’t been fully revealed yet, the PlayStation Blog hints at exciting deals on recent releases like Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, and WWE 2K24, alongside beloved classics across PS5, PS4, and PS VR.
A dedicated Days of Play page on the PlayStation Store will go live on May 29th, showcasing all the participating games and their respective discounts. Keep an eye out for titles you’ve been eyeing or discover hidden gems at fantastic prices!
PlayStation Plus Gets a Supercharge with Free Games and More:
PlayStation Plus members are in for a treat during Days of Play! Depending on your subscription tier, you can unlock some fantastic bonuses:
All PlayStation Plus Members (Essential): Get ready to add some free-to-play games to your library! Specific titles haven’t been announced yet, but Sony promises exciting options to keep you entertained throughout the event. On top of that, all PlayStation Plus members can download exclusive, commemorative avatars celebrating some of the popular titles offered through PlayStation Plus during Days of Play. These avatars are a fantastic way to show off your love for your favourite games! You can find these avatars on the PlayStation Plus web page or visit the PlayStation Plus Days of Play page on your PS5 or PS4 console to get the voucher code.
PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium Members: Brace yourselves for a major expansion of the PlayStation Plus game catalogue! These tiers will be bolstered with the addition of PS VR2 titles and classic PS2 games. Dive into the immersive world of virtual reality with new PS VR2 titles, or take a nostalgic trip down memory lane by revisiting iconic PS2 classics like SpongeBob Squarepants: The Cosmic Shake, AEW Fight Forever, and Streets of Rage 4. This opens doors to a treasure trove of new and wonderfully nostalgic gaming experiences.
Celebrate with Free-Themed Avatars:
Showcase your love for PlayStation with exclusive, free Days of Play avatars! These commemorative avatars celebrate some of the popular games offered through PlayStation Plus during the event. All PlayStation Plus members can download these avatars to personalize their online profile and show off their gaming enthusiasm.
Something for Every PlayStation Fan:
Days of Play caters to PlayStation owners and enthusiasts of all levels, from seasoned veterans to newcomers just starting their PlayStation journey. With a vast library of discounted games (up to 30% off!), exciting additions to the PlayStation Plus service (free PS Plus games, PS VR2 & PS2 titles!), and free celebratory avatars, it’s the perfect time to discover new favourites, revisit classics, and celebrate your love for all things PlayStation.
Keep an eye on the official PlayStation Blog (https://blog.playstation.com/) throughout Days of Play for updates on specific discounts, free-to-play games, PlayStation Plus benefits, and commemorative avatars. With a focus on offering something for all types of players, this year’s Days of Play promises to be a fun-filled event for the entire PlayStation community.
Alibaba Cloud, the tech giant behind Alibaba Group, has unveiled a multi-pronged strategy to solidify its position as a global leader in artificial intelligence (AI). This ambitious plan involves expanding its physical footprint, forging strategic partnerships, and nurturing future AI talent.
The centrepiece of this initiative is the construction of new cloud regions and data centres in key international markets: Mexico, Philippines, Thailand, South Korea and Malaysia. This expansion reflects the surging demand for AI solutions across various industries. By establishing a physical presence closer to these markets, Alibaba Cloud aims to deliver its services with greater efficiency and reliability.
International developers and enterprises will soon have access to Alibaba Cloud’s premier AI development platform, Model Studio. This platform streamlines the process of building and deploying AI models, even for those without extensive AI expertise. Through Model Studio, developers can leverage Alibaba Cloud’s powerful large language model, Qwen, to create custom AI applications. Additional tools and services are slated for release later this year, further empowering developers to tackle complex AI tasks cost-effectively.
Alibaba Cloud recognizes the importance of collaboration in the AI landscape. The company has deepened its partnership with SAP to offer a one-stop solution for SMEs in Asia. This integrated cloud-based offering combines the robust business management capabilities of SAP Business One with Alibaba Cloud’s secure and scalable cloud infrastructure. This empowers SMEs to embrace digital transformation without hefty upfront investments.
Looking to cater to multinational companies in China, Alibaba Cloud is developing a dedicated training program for Salesforce on Alibaba Cloud. This program equips participants with the necessary skills to navigate and utilize the Salesforce CRM platform within the specific context of the Chinese market. The program aims to train over 10,000 individuals by the end of 2025, fostering a skilled workforce comfortable with Salesforce within the Alibaba Cloud ecosystem.
Several prominent organizations are already benefiting from Alibaba Cloud’s AI expertise. Luxury giant LVMH Group has partnered with Alibaba Cloud to leverage AI-powered innovations in retail and online experiences. Integrating Alibaba Cloud’s generative AI capabilities, LVMH is pushing the boundaries of luxury customer experiences in China.
FathomX, a digital health AI company, has utilized Alibaba Cloud’s infrastructure to optimize its AI-driven breast cancer detection system. This partnership has resulted in a significant reduction in infrastructure costs, allowing FathomX to expand its reach and deliver advanced healthcare solutions globally.
The International Canoe Federation (ICF) is another organization collaborating with Alibaba Cloud to explore the potential of AI in promoting environmental sustainability. By leveraging Alibaba Cloud’s AI-powered ESG solutions, the ICF aims to minimize the environmental impact of its events and promote sustainable practices within the sporting world.
Alibaba Cloud’s commitment to global AI leadership is evident in its multifaceted approach. By expanding its infrastructure, fostering strategic partnerships, and investing in talent development, the company is well-positioned to empower businesses and organizations worldwide to harness the transformative power of AI.
Together with the announcement of the updates to the Chromebook Plus standard, Google has unveiled a new generation designed for a wider range of users. These Chromebooks from Acer, Asus, and HP come equipped with hardware and software tailored for various tasks, from entertainment and productivity to cloud gaming. Security, seamless Google app integration, and long battery life of up to 10 hours remain core strengths.
The exciting addition comes in the form of Chromebook Plus devices, featuring built-in AI functionalities like interacting with the AI assistant Gemini with a simple click. The starting price for Chromebook Plus devices is $350 (approx. RM 1,530).
The Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714 (Starting at USD$699)
Ideal for power users, the Spin 714 packs the latest Intel Core Ultra processor in a portable convertible design. The durable aluminium chassis features a touchscreen and a versatile 360° hinge, allowing for seamless transitions between laptop, tablet, and tent configurations. A 1440p QHD webcam with AI-powered enhancements ensures superior video conferencing, while dual microphones paired with upward-facing speakers and DTS Audio deliver high-quality sound.
The HP Chromebook Plus x360 (Starting at $429)
Designed with both everyday tasks and sustainability in mind, the HP Chromebook Plus x360 offers a sleek and eco-friendly design. This 14-inch convertible Chromebook features a micro-edge full HD touchscreen display, rounded edges for a slimmer feel, and a long-lasting battery (up to 10 hours and 15 minutes) with HP Fast Charge technology. The 360° hinge allows for seamless transitions between modes. Additionally, it boasts eco-friendly credentials with EPEAT Gold certification and recycled materials.
More Options for Different Needs
The ASUS Chromebook Plus CX34 (starting at $499) prioritizes performance with a 13th Gen Intel Core i5 processor. This sleek 14-inch clamshell design offers Wi-Fi 6E for fast connections and optional touchscreen functionality.
For users seeking a compact and versatile companion with ample storage, the Acer Chromebook Plus 514 (starting at $349) features a 14-inch touchscreen, Intel Core i3 processor, 8GB RAM, and a generous 512GB of storage.
Gamers aren’t being left behind by this generation either! Google has acknowledged the growing popularity of cloud gaming platforms and introduced the Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE (starting at $649). This Chromebook is specifically optimized for cloud gaming, ensuring a smooth and immersive experience.
Google has announced the Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE, a Chromebook designed specifically for unleashing your inner gamer on cloud platforms. This marks a significant shift for Chromebooks, traditionally known for lightweight tasks and web browsing.
The Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE boasts specifications optimized for smooth cloud gaming experiences. Here’s a detailed look at what we know:
The 516 GE boasts a large 16-inch display with a sharp WQXGA resolution, ensuring crisp visuals during gameplay. The display’s 120Hz high refresh rate further enhances the gaming experience by delivering smooth and responsive visuals, especially during fast-paced action sequences. Under the hood, a powerful 13th Gen Intel Core processor tackles demanding games and applications with ease.
Immerse yourself in the game with the Chromebook Plus 516 GE’s high-quality DTS audio system. Two upward-firing and two downward-firing speakers create a captivating soundscape, drawing you into the action. The gaming keyboard features a 4-zone RGB backlight, adding a touch of personalization and visual flair to your gaming setup. Anti-ghosting technology ensures your keystrokes register accurately, even during intense gaming sessions.
The Full HD 1080p webcam and integrated AI-powered video streaming tools allow you to stay connected and share your gaming moments with friends across any app. Fast and secure Wi-Fi 6E ensures a reliable and lag-free connection for seamless cloud gaming, whether you’re at home or on the go.
The 516 GE offers ample storage options, with configurations reaching up to a whopping 2 TB. Additionally, up to 16 GB of fast memory keeps things running smoothly during gameplay and multitasking. Enjoy extended gaming sessions with a long-lasting battery life of up to 10 hours on a single charge.
Enhanced Gaming Experience with Chromebook’s Game Dashboard
Beyond just playing the games you love, the Chromebook Plus 516 GE leverages ChromeOS’s built-in Game Dashboard to elevate your entire cloud gaming experience. Game Dashboard acts as a one-stop shop for customizing your controls and sharing your gameplay triumphs.
Game Controls: This feature lets you transform touch-centric Android titles into keyboard-controlled experiences. Map keyboard keys to touch or controller actions, allowing you to play games that were previously limited to touch controls.
Game Capture: Don’t just play, capture and share your gaming moments! Record your gameplay, take screenshots, and upload them directly to YouTube or share them with friends, all without leaving the action.
Pricing and Availability
Specific details on pricing and availability for the Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE are yet to be revealed. However, based on leaked specifications, we can expect it to be priced competitively within the cloud gaming Chromebook market. Early estimates suggest a starting price of around USD $649 (approx. RM 2,833), with potential variations in price depending on storage and RAM configurations
Stay tuned for further details on the Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE and Google’s plans for cloud gaming on Chromebooks. With these specs in mind, we can expect the 516 GE to be a powerful and versatile cloud gaming Chromebook, potentially shaking up the accessibility landscape for cloud gamers.
Google recently unveiled the Chromebook Plus, a new laptop class promising a more powerful and intelligent user experience with the help of artificial intelligence (AI). Let’s delve into the new features coming to Chromebook Plus and how it leverages AI for enhanced productivity.
First off, the Chromebook Plus boasts improved performance compared to its predecessors. Building on its initial announcement, it seems like the new wave of Chromebook Plus laptops will be more powerful than before. Benchmarks suggest a noticeable upgrade in processing power, making it suitable for everyday tasks and even light multitasking. This translates to smoother performance when browsing the web, running multiple applications, or streaming content. The updated Chromebook Plus also features a sleek and modern design, promoting a clean aesthetic for users who value both functionality and style.
Gemini Makes its Chromebook Debut
The true highlight of the new Chromebook Plus lies in its integration of various AI-powered features developed by Google. Here’s a closer look at some of the key functionalities:
Help me write: This feature utilizes AI to assist with writing tasks. Simply right-click within a text field and choose “Help me write” to receive suggestions for grammar, and sentence structure, and even generate creative text formats like bullet points or email greetings.
Gemini + AI Premium: The Chromebook Plus comes pre-installed with the Gemini app, Google’s AI-powered chat interface. A subscription to AI Premium is included for the first year, unlocking advanced features like summarizing complex documents or generating different creative text formats based on user prompts.
Generative wallpapers and video call backgrounds: AI lets you personalize your Chromebook Plus with unique wallpapers and video call backgrounds. Right-click on your desktop or within video conferencing apps and choose “Create with AI” to generate custom backgrounds based on your preferences.
While the AI features generate excitement, it’s important to understand the underlying technology. Help me write and similar features likely rely on natural language processing (NLP), a branch of AI that allows computers to understand and process human language. Similarly, generative wallpapers and backgrounds might utilize generative AI techniques that can create new content based on existing data sets.
It’s worth noting that the effectiveness of these AI features will depend on factors like internet connectivity and the ongoing development of Google’s AI models.
Apple’s annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) returns starting June 10th, 2024. The event offers developers a chance to gain insights into upcoming software updates and access tools for building apps across Apple’s various operating systems.
The conference will kick off with the highly anticipated keynote address, providing a first look at the latest updates coming to iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, tvOS, and potentially visionOS. Developers can expect details on new features, functionalities, and tools specifically designed to enhance app development for Apple’s ecosystem. Following the keynote, the Platforms State of the Union dives deeper into these advancements, offering a more technical perspective. Both presentations will be streamed live and available on-demand later.
A Week of Insights and Expert Engagement
WWDC goes beyond the keynote presentations. Over the week, developers can participate in over 100 online sessions. These sessions delve into specific frameworks, best practices for app creation, and other development-related topics. This provides an opportunity to expand their knowledge and skillset through expert guidance and industry insights.
For Apple Developer Program and Enterprise Program members, WWDC offers valuable opportunities for direct interaction with Apple experts. Online labs and in-depth consultations allow developers to seek guidance on implementing the latest technologies, following best practices, and improving their apps. Additionally, live forums staffed by Apple engineers and designers provide technical assistance.
All WWDC sessions will be recorded and made available on the Apple Developer app, website, and YouTube channel. This allows developers to revisit specific topics at their convenience and explore areas of particular interest. Additionally, curated guides will be available to walk developers through the conference’s biggest announcements and resources.
A Celebration of Innovation: Swift Student Challenge and Design Awards
Apple recognizes the importance of fostering future generations of developers. The Swift Student Challenge provides a platform for young talent to showcase their skills. This year’s winners will have the opportunity to visit Apple Park for a unique experience during WWDC week.
The Apple Design Awards celebrate excellence in app and game design, recognizing developers who bring exceptional craft, creativity, and technical expertise to their work. The finalists are now listed on the Apple Developer website and app, with winners announced soon.
Staying Connected with the Developer App
The Apple Developer app serves as a central hub for everything WWDC. Available on iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV, and Apple Vision Pro, the app features the latest news, video sessions, announcements, and activities. Developers can browse topics, register for consultations, watch sessions collaboratively with SharePlay, copy code directly from videos, and more. All WWDC content, registration details, and resource materials are also accessible via the developer.apple.com website.
WWDC 24 provides developers of all experience levels with valuable opportunities to learn, connect, and stay up-to-date on the latest advancements within Apple’s software ecosystem.
