Home Blog Page 239

Google AI Overviews Trending Toward Authoritative Sites

0

AIO Presence Varies Over Time and By Industry

The research provided by BrightEdge using their proprietary BrightEdge Generative Parser technology tracks AI Overviews, detects patterns, and offers insights useful for SEO and marketing. The results show that AIO presence varies by industry and time, offering an explanation for the volatility in AIO rankings.

Healthcare, Education, and B2B Technology Topics Show Strong Presence

Healthcare, Education, and B2B Technology topics continue to show a strong presence in Google’s AI Overviews. Healthcare and Education are the two industries where BrightEdge saw the strongest growth and stability of which sites are shown.

Travel, Restaurant, and Insurance Sectors Showing Growth

The travel, restaurant, and insurance sectors are also trending upward, with travel queries being a notable trend. Travel had zero AIO presence in May 2024 but is now up to 20-30% presence in the AIO search results. Restaurant-related topics are up from 0 to 5%, and insurance queries have grown from 18% of queries in May 2024 to a whopping 47% of queries by February 2025.

B2B Technology Queries Triggering AIO

B2B technology queries that trigger AIO are at 57%. These kinds of queries are important because they are typically representative of research conducted by people involved in decision-making. The fact that 57% of queries are triggering AIO may be a reflection of the complexity of the decision-making process and the queries involved with that process.

Finance Queries Showing Growth

Finance-related queries, which had been on a moderate growth trend, have doubled from 5% of queries in May 2024 to 10% of queries in February 2025.

Takeaways

  1. AIO presence varies by industry and time.
  2. There is growth in AIO visibility for Healthcare, Travel, Insurance, and B2B Technology.
  3. Declining presence of AIO in Ecommerce and Entertainment.
  4. AIO patterns indicate a preference for authoritative sources. AIO results are increasingly sourced from authoritative sites, particularly in Healthcare and B2B Tech.

Changes in AIO Patterns: Gains for Authoritativeness

An interesting trend is that queries for some topics correlated to answers from big brand sites. This mirrors what happened with Google’s Medic update, where SEOs noticed that non-scientific websites no longer ranked for medical queries. This is not a bias towards big brand sites but a rebalancing of queries to user expectations.

Conclusion

The data provided by BrightEdge shows that AIO presence varies by industry and time, with growth in AIO visibility for Healthcare, Travel, Insurance, and B2B Technology. The results also indicate a preference for authoritative sources, with AIO results increasingly sourced from authoritative sites, particularly in Healthcare and B2B Tech.

FAQs

Q: What does the data show about AIO presence?
A: The data shows that AIO presence varies by industry and time, with growth in AIO visibility for Healthcare, Travel, Insurance, and B2B Technology.

Q: What are the top industries for AIO presence?
A: Healthcare, Education, and B2B Technology are the top industries for AIO presence.

Q: What is the trend in AIO presence for travel, restaurant, and insurance sectors?
A: The travel, restaurant, and insurance sectors are trending upward, with travel queries being a notable trend.

Q: What is the takeaway from the data?
A: The data shows that AIO presence varies by industry and time, and that authoritative sources are increasingly preferred.

The Photo Behind the NBA Logo

0

The Humble Origins of the NBA Logo

The NBA logo is synonymous with sporting excellence, representing the enduring strength and discipline of the sport. However, few people know the surprising story behind its humble beginnings.

The Designer’s Inspiration

The NBA logo was created in 1969 by designer Alan Siegel, who was tasked with creating a simple white silhouette on a red and blue background. But who to feature in the logo? Siegel got in touch with Sports Magazine’s editor Dick Schaap and trawled the archives for the perfect dynamic image. He soon struck gold in the form of a photo of shooting guard Jerry West.

The Perfect Fit

The action shot was captured by photographer Wen Roberts and featured West leaning and dribbling, with a little motion to it. Siegel was attracted to the image because of its vertical composition and dynamic movement. After debuting the design to the NBA, it took just 30 minutes for Commissioner J. Walter Kennedy to approve the design. However, the NBA never confirmed the inspiration behind the logo, and Jerry West never received any royalties.

A Legacy Enduring

The logo has undergone many changes and design iterations since its inception in 1969. Despite some fans calling for a change, particularly after the passing of basketball legend Kobe Bryant in 2020, the logo remains an integral part of the NBA’s identity. The vibrant spirit it represents continues to endure, inspiring new generations of fans and players alike.

Conclusion

The NBA logo’s humble origins are a testament to the power of simplicity and design. The story of Alan Siegel’s inspiration and the NBA’s decision not to confirm the logo’s inspiration serve as a reminder that sometimes the most effective designs are those that are not necessarily about grand gestures, but rather about subtle, effective execution.

FAQs

Q: Who is the figure in the NBA logo?
A: The figure is often believed to be Jerry West, a legendary basketball player.

Q: Who designed the NBA logo?
A: Designer Alan Siegel created the logo in 1969.

Q: Why did the NBA never confirm the inspiration behind the logo?
A: The NBA never confirmed the inspiration behind the logo, and Jerry West never received any royalties.

Q: Will the NBA logo change in the future?
A: It seems unlikely, but the NBA logo’s enduring legacy continues to inspire new generations of fans and players alike.

Amazon Alexa Plus Event 2025

0

Alexa Plus Coming to Many Echo Devices, but Older Models Left Behind

What’s New with Alexa Plus?

Amazon is introducing a new AI-powered feature called Alexa Plus, which will be available on many of its existing Echo devices. However, this upgrade will skip many of the earliest models, leaving some users with older devices wondering if they will be left behind.

Which Devices Will Get Alexa Plus?

According to the Alexa Plus FAQ page, the majority of Amazon’s first-generation Echos will not receive the upgrade. This includes the following devices:

  • First-generation Echo
  • Echo Dot
  • Echo Plus
  • Echo Tap
  • Echo Spot
  • Echo Show
  • Second-generation Echo Show

Will My Old Echo Device Still Work?

Don’t worry, your old Echo device will still work with the standard Alexa functionality. As Amazon spokesperson Kristy Schmidt confirmed, this is the full list of devices that will not be supported by Alexa Plus. This means that many early Echo devices will still be functional, but they will not have access to the new AI-powered features.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will I lose any functionality if my device is not compatible with Alexa Plus?
A: No, your device will still work with the standard Alexa functionality, but you will not have access to the new AI-powered features.

Q: Can I still use my old Echo device with the new Alexa Plus?
A: Yes, your device will still work with the standard Alexa functionality, but you will not be able to use the new AI-powered features.

Q: When will Alexa Plus be available on my device?
A: The availability of Alexa Plus on your device will depend on the device model and the region you are in. Check your device’s settings for more information.

Conclusion

Amazon’s decision to leave out many of its early Echo devices from the Alexa Plus upgrade may be disappointing for some users, but it’s clear that the company is focusing on improving the user experience for those with newer devices. For those with older devices, rest assured that you can still use your Echo device with the standard Alexa functionality, even if you won’t have access to the new AI-powered features.

Serbian Student’s Android Phone Compromised by Cellebrite Exploit

Campaign of Surveillance

Amnesty International Uncovers New Evidence of Cellebrite’s Exploits Used in Serbia

Amnesty International on Friday said it determined that a zero-day exploit sold by controversial exploit vendor Cellebrite was used to compromise the phone of a Serbian student who had been critical of that country’s government.

Zero-Day Exploit Used to Compromise Student’s Phone

The human rights organization first called out Serbian authorities in December for what it said was its “pervasive and routine use of spyware” as part of a campaign of “wider state control and repression directed against civil society.” That report said the authorities were deploying exploits sold by Cellebrite and NSO, a separate exploit seller whose practices have also been sharply criticized over the past decade. In response to the December report, Cellebrite said it had suspended sales to “relevant customers” in Serbia.

The Attack Chain

On Friday, Amnesty International said that it uncovered evidence of a new incident. It involves the sale by Cellebrite of an attack chain that could defeat the lock screen of fully patched Android devices. The exploits were used against a Serbian student who had been critical of Serbian officials. The chain exploited a series of vulnerabilities in device drivers the Linux kernel uses to support USB hardware.

Widespread Surveillance

"This new case provides further evidence that the authorities in Serbia have continued their campaign of surveillance of civil society in the aftermath of our report, despite widespread calls for reform, from both inside Serbia and beyond, as well as an investigation into the misuse of its product, announced by Cellebrite," authors of the report wrote.

Amnesty International’s Investigation

Amnesty International first discovered evidence of the attack chain last year while investigating a separate incident outside of Serbia involving the same Android lockscreen bypass. Authors of Friday’s report wrote:

Conclusion

This latest revelation highlights the need for greater accountability and transparency from exploit vendors like Cellebrite. The use of zero-day exploits to compromise the privacy of individuals, particularly those who are critical of the government, is a serious violation of human rights.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is Cellebrite?
A: Cellebrite is a controversial exploit vendor that sells zero-day exploits to governments and law enforcement agencies.

Q: What is Amnesty International’s concern about Cellebrite’s activities?
A: Amnesty International is concerned that Cellebrite’s exploits are being used to compromise the privacy of individuals and violate their human rights.

Q: What is the purpose of the attack chain?
A: The attack chain was used to compromise the phone of a Serbian student who had been critical of Serbian officials, allowing the authorities to monitor their communications and activities.

Q: What does Cellebrite say about the sale of these exploits?
A: Cellebrite has suspended sales to "relevant customers" in Serbia following Amnesty International’s report in December.

VitalConnect: Inpatient Family Link

Bynahm: The Virtual Reality-Powered App Connecting Hospitalized Patients with Loved Ones

Introduction

In Saudi Arabia, the Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs (MNGHA) has developed a revolutionary virtual reality-enabled application called Bynahm, designed to bridge the gap between hospitalized patients and their loved ones. The app uses virtual reality (VR) and 360-degree cameras to create a virtual environment where patients can connect with their families, even when in-person visits are restricted.

The Concept and Challenges

Bynahm was conceived to address the emotional disconnect between patients and their families, particularly during pandemics like COVID-19 or when distance hinders in-person visits. The app was designed to foster communication, ensuring patients feel connected, reducing loneliness, and anxiety during hospital stays.

Features and Functionality

Bynahm offers a range of features, including:

  1. Virtual Reality Environment: Patients can "meet" with family and friends in a virtual environment, reducing the sense of isolation and disconnection.
  2. 360-Degree Cameras: The app uses 360-degree cameras to create an immersive experience, allowing patients to engage with their loved ones in a more engaging and interactive way.
  3. Security and Privacy: The app prioritizes patient and video call security, ensuring that all interactions are private and secure.
  4. Survey-Based Analytics: After each call session, users receive a survey to provide feedback on their experience, helping hospitals analyze user satisfaction, identify areas for improvement, and measure the app’s impact on patient well-being and communication effectiveness.

Implementation and Rollout

Bynahm was first piloted in hospitals serving regions with high volumes of patients unable to receive visitors regularly, such as during the COVID-19 pandemic. The app saw strong adoption, with hospitals reporting higher patient satisfaction scores after the rollout.

Early Feedback and Outcomes

Patients and their families praised the app for its simplicity, convenience, and emotional benefits. Hospitals reported reduced stress and anxiety, improved patient satisfaction, and enhanced emotional support for patients and their families.

Operational Efficiencies and ROI

The app streamlines the process for nurses, reducing manual coordination and improving patient satisfaction, which can lead to better hospital ratings and more patients. By reducing stress and improving emotional well-being, the app can also shorten recovery times and lower costs.

Alignment with Saudi Arabia’s Digital Government Strategy

Bynahm aligns with Vision 2030’s strategy by promoting digital transformation in healthcare services, enhancing patient experiences, and supporting improved healthcare accessibility and patient-centered services.

Future Expansions and Plans

Future versions of the app may include AI-powered health monitoring during calls and expansion to international hospitals or outpatient care. The app is designed to be scalable, allowing for easy integration with existing hospital systems and workflows.

Lessons Learned and Advice for Other Healthcare Organizations

  1. Keep the user interface simple: Ensure that both patients and staff can easily use the app.
  2. Invest in staff training: Provide comprehensive training to ensure a smooth adoption process.
  3. Anticipate privacy concerns: Address potential privacy issues with strong security measures.
  4. Start small: Launch a pilot program to identify challenges early and make necessary adjustments.
  5. Collect and act on user feedback: Continuously gather feedback and use it to improve the app’s functionality and user experience.

Conclusion

Bynahm is a groundbreaking app that has the potential to revolutionize patient care by bridging the gap between hospitalized patients and their loved ones. By leveraging virtual reality and 360-degree cameras, the app provides a secure and engaging platform for patients to stay connected, reducing loneliness and anxiety. As healthcare organizations look to the future, Bynahm serves as a prime example of how innovative technology can improve patient care and satisfaction.

FAQs

Q: What is Bynahm?
A: Bynahm is a virtual reality-enabled application designed to connect hospitalized patients with their loved ones.

Q: What was the concept behind Bynahm?
A: Bynahm was conceived to address the emotional disconnect between patients and their families, particularly during pandemics like COVID-19 or when distance hinders in-person visits.

Q: What are the key features of Bynahm?
A: Bynahm offers virtual reality environments, 360-degree cameras, security and privacy measures, and survey-based analytics.

Q: How was Bynahm rolled out?
A: The app was piloted in hospitals serving regions with high volumes of patients unable to receive visitors regularly, such as during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Q: What were the early outcomes and feedback?
A: Patients and families praised the app for its simplicity, convenience, and emotional benefits, while hospitals reported improved patient satisfaction, reduced stress and anxiety, and enhanced emotional support.

Trump comparte un video de IA de Gaza como complejo turístico y atrae críticas

0

Trump Comparte Video Generado por Inteligencia Artificial de la Devastada Franja de Gaza como un Complejo Turístico

El martes por la noche, el presidente Donald Trump compartió un video generado por inteligencia artificial en el que se muestra la Franja de Gaza como un opulento complejo turístico con su nombre. Sin embargo, el origen del video y su autor no estaban claros, y Trump no agregó comentarios a la publicación en las redes sociales.

El Video

El video comienza con escenas de personas, incluyendo hombres armados, caminando entre las ruinas de calles gravemente dañadas, y luego pasa rápidamente a imágenes de desarrollo y después de lujo junto a la playa. Las escenas muestran a un niño que sostiene un globo con la forma de la cabeza de Trump, una gran estatua dorada del presidente y un hombre que lanza dinero al aire en una playa. Algunos signos de que las imágenes son generadas por IA son más sutiles que otros. Una escena muestra a un hombre que se parece al multimillonario Elon Musk, asesor cercano del presidente, comiendo pan con una mano que tiene seis dedos. Otras escenas muestran a bailarinas de la danza del vientre con barba y pañuelos verdes en la cabeza en una playa; a Trump bailando con una mujer en un club nocturno; y a Trump y al primer ministro de Israel, Benjamín Netanyahu, sentados sin camiseta en una piscina con bebidas.

Respuesta de la Comunidad

El video fue inmediatamente repudiado por muchos palestinos, del mismo modo que las naciones árabes rechazaron el plan de Trump cuando lo anunció a principios de este mes. "Es una fantasía", dijo Ahmed al Soufi, alcalde de Rafa, ciudad del sur de Gaza donde un gran número de desplazados viven en tiendas de campaña entre escombros. "Si Trump quiere dar a los palestinos un lugar donde vivir con dignidad y un futuro, debe darles un Estado junto a Israel".

Rechazo de la Propuesta de Trump

El plan de Trump, que fue presentado a principios de febrero, consistía en que Estados Unidos tomara el control de Gaza y trasladara permanentemente a toda la población palestina, de unos dos millones de personas, a países como Egipto y Jordania. Sin embargo, los dirigentes de esos países y de otras rechazaron rápidamente el plan, y los expertos dijeron que la deportación o traslado forzosos de una población civil constituye una violación del derecho internacional humanitario, un crimen de guerra y un crimen contra la humanidad.

Conclusión

El video generado por inteligencia artificial compartido por Trump es una representación ficticia y ofensiva de la realidad en la Franja de Gaza, que ha sido devastada por la violencia y la pobreza. La reacción de la comunidad internacional y la negativa de los palestinos a la propuesta de Trump son un recordatorio de la importancia de encontrar una solución pacífica y justa para el conflicto israelo-palestino.

Preguntas Frecuentes

  • ¿Quién creó el video?
  • ¿Qué es el plan de Trump para la Franja de Gaza?
  • ¿Cómo reaccionó la comunidad internacional a la propuesta de Trump?
  • ¿Qué es el derecho internacional humanitario y por qué es importante en este contexto?

Chrome OS Jailbreakers Unite!

Removing Restrictions on a School Chromebook

A Personal Dilemma

I have a school Chromebook with restrictions, and I want them gone. It seems like a simple problem, but it’s been a challenge to overcome the limitations imposed by the school’s IT department. In my case, we used to have Windows laptops, but kids started uninstalling Windows and reinstalling it, effectively getting rid of permissions. With Chromebooks, there’s no C:/ drive unless you have Linux (kind of), but the school won’t let us install Linux.

The Problem with Chromebook Restrictions

Chromebooks are designed to be secure and easy to manage, but this security comes at the cost of flexibility. The operating system is locked down, and many features are restricted or disabled to prevent malicious activity. While this is great for schools and businesses, it can be frustrating for users who want more control over their devices.

Why Can’t We Install Linux?

Linux is a popular alternative to Windows and Mac operating systems, and it’s often used in schools due to its flexibility and customizability. However, installing Linux on a school Chromebook can be a major headache. The school’s IT department might be concerned about security risks, compatibility issues, and the potential for students to install unauthorized software.

What Can I Do?

So, what are my options? Unfortunately, I’m limited by the school’s policies and the Chromebook’s design. Here are a few potential solutions:

*

Talk to the IT Department

*

Maybe, just maybe, I can convince the IT department to lift the restrictions or install Linux on a small number of devices for testing. It’s worth a shot, right?

*

Find Alternative Solutions

*

There are alternative solutions available, such as cloud-based virtual desktops or online platforms that can provide a more flexible computing experience. These options might not be as powerful as installing Linux, but they can offer more freedom than the standard Chromebook experience.

Conclusion

While I’m still stuck with a restricted Chromebook, I hope that my experiences can help others who face similar challenges. Remember, it’s always worth trying to have an open and honest dialogue with the IT department, and exploring alternative solutions can be a good way to find a compromise. Who knows, maybe one day, I’ll be able to install Linux on my school Chromebook and enjoy the freedom I crave!

FAQs

Q: Can I install Linux on my school Chromebook?

A: Unfortunately, it’s unlikely that your school will allow you to install Linux on your Chromebook, as it may pose security risks and create compatibility issues.

Q: Can I talk to the IT department about removing restrictions?

A: Yes, it’s definitely worth trying to have an open and honest conversation with the IT department. They may be willing to lift restrictions or provide alternative solutions.

Q: Are there alternative solutions to installing Linux?

A: Yes, there are alternative solutions available, such as cloud-based virtual desktops or online platforms that can provide a more flexible computing experience.

Big Data Career Insights for February 2025

Big Data Career Notes: June 2025 Edition

Emma McGrattan

Actian has promoted longtime Ingres engineer Emma McGrattan into the role of chief technology officer. As CTO, McGrattan will lead the entire company’s technology strategy, including its product development and research agenda.

McGrattan has been with the Actian organization for more than 32 years. A graduate of Dublin City University with an electronic engineering degree, she started her Actian career as a software engineer with ASK Group, the company that developed the Ingres relational database. Computer Associates bought ASK in 1994, and she stuck with the Ingres group in 2005, when CA spun it out into a new company called Ingres Corp. She stuck with the group again in 2011, when Ingres Corp. became Actian.

During her 32-year ascent from associate engineer, McGrattan architected the company’s core analytics, data integration, and data management solutions, Actian says. "McGrattan’s technical vision has shaped Actian’s evolution from her early engineering roles through successive leadership positions," it states.

"Customers tell us their biggest concerns for AI initiatives are data quality and compliance, which is prompting organizations to rethink their traditional data strategies," McGrattan says in a press release. "As CTO, I am focused on shaping Actian’s products to help customers easily access data and determine if it is fit for purpose by strengthening data governance, enhancing data quality, and ensuring data trustworthiness."

Scott Lewis and Matthew Lane

Ataccama made two executive appointments this month, including promoting Scott Lewis from senior VP of customers to chief customer officer (CCO), and promoting Matthew Lane from senior VP of global sales to chief revenue officer (CRO). The company, which develops data quality and data governance tools, is counting on both appointments to help drive sales in the age of AI.

Suresh Seshadri, Anand Mehta, and Simon Quinton

Fivetran announced three new executive roles at the company this month, including the appointment of Suresh Seshadri as chief financial officer (CFO), Anand Mehta as chief people officer (CPO), and Simon Quinton as general manager for EMEA.

Seshadri arrives at the ELT services vendor from OpenGov, where he was the CFO. Prior to OpenGov, Seshadri had roles at Freshworks, AppDynamics, VMware, and Microsoft. Mehta joins Fivetran from ID.me and Compass. Quinton joins with more than 20 years of experience at companies like Salesforce, Infor, and SAP.

"Strengthening our leadership team is key to accelerating innovation and delivering exceptional value to our customers," Fivetran CEO George Fraser said in a press release. "These accomplished leaders bring unique expertise and perspectives that will be pivotal in driving the next phase of our growth and success."

Brad Roberts

ThoughtSpot has hired Brad Roberts to be its new chief financial officer. The BI and analytics company is counting on Roberts’ 30-plus years of experience to help it drive financial growth under Ketan Karkhanis, who was named ThoughtSpot’s new CEO back in September 2024.

Conclusion

Big Data Career Notes aims to keep you up-to-date on the latest career developments in the big data community. Check back next month for more news on promotions, new hires, and other important updates in the industry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is Big Data Career Notes?
A: Big Data Career Notes is a monthly feature that highlights the latest career developments in the big data community.

Q: What types of updates are included in Big Data Career Notes?
A: Big Data Career Notes includes updates on new hires, promotions, and other important developments in the big data industry.

Q: How often is Big Data Career Notes published?
A: Big Data Career Notes is published monthly.

IBM Granite 3.2 Adds Enhanced Reasoning to its AI Mix

IBM Unveils Granite 3.2: Enhanced Reasoning and AI Solutions for Businesses

New Additions to the Granite Family of Large Language Models

IBM has recently released Granite 3.2, the latest addition to its family of large language models (LLMs). This new release focuses on delivering small, efficient, and practical artificial intelligence (AI) solutions for businesses. IBM has continued to update its Granite LLMs line at a rapid rate, with the previous release, Granite 3.1, appearing at the end of 2024.

Enhanced Reasoning with Chain-of-Thought (CoT) Reasoning

Granite 3.2 adds experimental CoT reasoning capabilities to its bag of tricks. CoT reasoning is an advanced AI technique that enables LLMs to break down complex problems into logical steps, mimicking human-like reasoning processes. This approach enhances the LLM’s ability to handle tasks requiring multi-step reasoning, calculation, and decision-making.

New Features and Enhancements

  • Chain-of-Thought (CoT) Reasoning: Enables LLMs to reason across a broad spectrum of instruction-following tasks, improving performance without sacrificing general task effectiveness.
  • Thought Preference Optimization (TPO) Framework: Enhances reasoning performance by optimizing thought preferences, reducing performance trade-offs.
  • TinyTimeMixers (TTM) Models: Sub-10M parameter models for long-term forecasting up to two years into the future, useful for trend analysis in finance, economics, and supply chain management.

Business Implications and Applications

Granite 3.2 offers various benefits for businesses, including:

  • Improved document-understanding abilities with the new Vision Language Model (VLM)
  • Enhanced risk detection in prompts and responses with Granite Guardian 3.2
  • Advanced forecasting capabilities with TinyTimeMixers (TTM) models

Open-Source and Integration

IBM is committed to making AI more accessible and cost-effective for enterprises. All Granite 3.2 models are available under the Apache 2.0 license on Hugging Face, with some models available on platforms like IBM WatsonX.ai, Ollama, Replicate, and LM Studio.

Conclusion

Granite 3.2 marks a significant step forward in IBM’s efforts to create efficient, integrated, and real-world AI solutions for businesses. With enhanced reasoning capabilities, improved document understanding, and advanced forecasting, Granite 3.2 is poised to revolutionize the way businesses approach AI.

FAQs

Q: What is Chain-of-Thought (CoT) Reasoning?
A: CoT reasoning is an advanced AI technique that enables LLMs to break down complex problems into logical steps, mimicking human-like reasoning processes.

Q: What are the benefits of CoT Reasoning?
A: CoT reasoning enhances the LLM’s ability to handle tasks requiring multi-step reasoning, calculation, and decision-making, improving performance without sacrificing general task effectiveness.

Q: What are the new features and enhancements in Granite 3.2?
A: Granite 3.2 includes Chain-of-Thought (CoT) Reasoning, Thought Preference Optimization (TPO) Framework, TinyTimeMixers (TTM) Models, and Granite Guardian 3.2, which offers enhanced risk detection in prompts and responses.

What to Do with Defunct Humane AI Pin

0

The Humane Ai Pin is Dead: What Now?

As of today, the Humane Ai Pin is dead, less than a year since its launch. Following an acquisition by HP, Humane shut down many of the core features of the artificial-intelligence-powered wearable and deleted user data, rendering it useless.

What Can You Do Now?

If you spent $700 on an Ai Pin, you might be wondering what you can do now. These are the risks of being an early adopter, but not getting a refund on a device that’s been bricked before the warranty is even up feels like a rip-off. Humane sold roughly 10,000 units, though daily returns were outpacing sales at one point, so there are even fewer Pins in the world. Still, that’s thousands of effectively useless devices. It’s a blip in the amount of e-waste generated in a year around the world—already at a crisis point—but Humane really should have offered a more responsible approach with the Ai Pin’s demise.

File a Complaint With the FTC

Killing a product consumers have spent money on is “unfair and deceptive.” That’s what Lucas Gutterman told WIRED via email. He’s the campaign director of the Designed to Last campaign at Public Interest Research Groups (PIRG).

When We Buy Something with Advertised Features, We Should Get What We Pay For

When we buy something with advertised features, we should get what we pay for, and when we get ripped off, the law should protect us, Gutterman says. “I urge everyone who purchased a Humane AI Pin to file a complaint with the FTC so they can step up and protect consumers.”

What is the FTC?

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is a US government agency responsible for promoting consumer protection and ensuring fair competition.

Software Tethering: A Growing Concern

Last year, a coalition of groups like US PIRG and Consumer Reports sent a letter to the Federal Trade Commission, urging the agency to address “software tethering,” described as the use of software to control and limit the function of a device after someone buys it. The FTC subsequently conducted a study that attempted to determine software support commitments for more than 180 products, only to find that “nearly 89 percent of the manufacturer’s web pages for these products failed to disclose how long the products would receive software updates.”

The Magnuson Moss Warranty Act

Humane’s warranty states that the “software and software functionality” are excluded, which is often the case on many connected products. But the study also noted that it’s deceptive if manufacturers market a device’s features but then fail to provide software updates to maintain those capabilities—it may violate the Magnuson Moss Warranty Act, which was enacted in 1975 to protect consumers from unfair disclaimers in warranties.

Conclusion

Humane’s demise is a blip in the amount of e-waste generated in a year around the world—already at a crisis point—but it’s a wake-up call for manufacturers to take responsibility for their products. As consumers, we deserve to get what we pay for, and it’s time for the FTC to take a closer look at software tethering and its impact on consumers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What can I do if I have a defective Humane AI Pin?
A: You can file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and consider reaching out to the manufacturer for a refund or replacement.

Q: Why did Humane shut down the AI Pin?
A: The company was acquired by HP, and it appears that HP decided to discontinue the product.

Q: Can I get a refund?
A: It’s unlikely, as the warranty only covers hardware, not software, and the product is no longer functional.

Q: Is this a one-off incident?
A: Unfortunately, no. Software tethering is a growing concern, and consumers are often left in the dark about how long a product will receive software updates.