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Tag: TECH

  • Dukaan CEO lays off 90% of his support staff in favour of AI chatbot

    Dukaan CEO lays off 90% of his support staff in favour of AI chatbot

    Suumit Shah, founder and CEO of Bangalore-based e-commerce startup Dukaan, announced via his Twitter account that he has laid off 90% of his customer support staff in favour of using an AI chatbot. 

    The bot was built by one of the firm’s data scientists, and according to Shah was able to respond to initial queries instantly, compared to the average staff time of one minute and 44 seconds.

    In his tweet, Shah admitted that the layoffs were “tough, but necessary”, explaining that given the state of the economy, startups are prioritising “profitability”.  

    Customer Support has apparently been a long-time struggle for Dukaan. In a conversation with CNN, Shah said that the company had cut the cost of its customer support function by 85% after introducing AI technology. He reasoned that this part of the business had been problematic for some time, with delayed responses and limited availability of staff at critical times, among other issues.

    That’s what prompted Shah to come up with the idea to create a personal AI-assistant for Dukaan, which would answer customer queries instantly, precisely, and from anywhere. Dukaan’s AI-lead Ojasvi Yadav stepped up to the plate.

    According to Shah’s Twitter thread, just a day after the bot was launched, Dukaan’s AI chatbot ‘Lina’ had resolved 200 lives chats and 1400 support tickets. The success of Lina propelled the team to create Dukaan’s new product ‘BOT9.ai’. It is an AI assistant, that can learn the ins-and-outs of a business, and answer customer queries instantly, 24/7. 

    As Shah tweeted, “it’s less magical, sure, but at least it pays the bills!”

    Considering the era of AI we are in now, and the general widespread layoffs by tech giants, Shah’s decision had been met with much criticism. However, Shah continued to justify the layoffs by emphasizing how AI technology can optimise their operations. 

    Moreover, Shah believes that allocating employees’ expertise to areas requiring critical thinking, while relegating routine tasks to AI-powered chatbots, improves efficiency while also allowing for a better allocation of human resources.

    Many Twitter users were enraged at the apparent pride in Shah’s tweets. One user tweeted, “You disrupted the lives of 90% of your support team & you’re celebrating it in public. You also likely destroyed your customer support (disprove with good CSAT for the bot) – all for a basic ChatGPT wrapper. This is a new low even for you.” 

    https://twitter.com/_glnarayanan/status/1678644685726728192?s=20

    While the announcement may read as apathetic, it is not surprising that major companies are turning to AI to improve general performance and efficiency in what are considerably quite routine tasks. 

    According to a report from outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas, which looks at layoffs across every industry, around 5% of May’s job cuts in 2023 were directly related to artificial intelligence. 

    Are you worried AI is going to replace you at work?

  • Twitter aur Facebook ki kushti? Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg serious about cage fight

    Twitter aur Facebook ki kushti? Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg serious about cage fight

    Brawl of the Billionaires?

    The CEOs of the two leading social media apps, Facebook and Twitter, have reportedly decided to settle their competition with a fist fight. CEO of Twitter and Tesla, Elon Musk, suggested the idea when he responded to a user questioning him about Facebook’s plans to build a rival to the bird app. Musk, no stranger to eccentricity, asked if Facebook head Mark Zuckerberg would be ready for a cage match.

    ‘I’m up for a cage match if he is”, tweeted the SpaceX CEO.

    Zuckerberg then shared a screenshot of the conversation on his Instagram, writing: “Send me the location”.

    After a spokesperson from META seemingly confirmed that Zuckerberg was set for the billionaire brawl, Musk tweeted a sugggestion for the location: Vegas Octagon. He then stated hat he has a move called “The Walrus” where he sits on top of a person and does nothing.

    While social media is wondering who could win the Brawl of the Billionaires, sports journalist Nick Peet spoke to BBC and revealed that there is a chance this fight could actually take place because of “Elon Musk and his personality and his eccentric character. His career kind of suggests he’s not somebody who willingly steps down.”

    When asked about who would most probably win the fight, he said:

    “Zuckerberg all day! He’s 12 years younger. He is a lot smaller. I think he’s 5ft 7, Elon’s probably around 6ft. And Elon’s probably got a couple of stone in weight on him.”

    But unfortunately Mr Musk has got no training whatsoever. Even though Zuckerberg’s only been training Brazilian jiu-jitsu for 18 months, it wouldn’t be difficult for him to take his back, wrap his arms around his neck and give him a good old cuddle and choke him out!”

    The two CEOs have been at odds in the past, with Musk’s response to reports that Zuckerberg was planning to launch an app that will rival Twitter, and then in an interview with conservative satire website ‘The Babylon Bee’ he slammed Metaverse:

    “Am I like one of those people who was dismissing the internet [in] ’95 as some fad or something that’s never going to amount to anything? Sure you can put a TV on your nose. I’m not sure that makes you in the metaverse.”

  • Grammy’s ban AI recordings for nominations, says only human creators are eligible

    Grammy’s ban AI recordings for nominations, says only human creators are eligible

    Aritifical Intelligence (AI) has now crept its way into the music industry, allowing users to manipulate voice and re-create songs with it. The Beatles have announced that they are recording a decades old song with the help of the technology, featuring the late lead singer John Lennon’s voice.

    The Recording Academy has announced new guidelines that state that AI in music will not be considered eligible for nomination.

    “Only human creators are eligible to be submitted for consideration for, nominated for, or win a GRAMMY Award. A work that contains no human authorship is not eligible in any Category,” the Academy says.

    The Grammys also introduced some additional changes to be eligible for the ‘Album of the Year’ nomination, announcing that a music creator has to feature on at least 20% of the album to be able to become a part of the nomination. Previously, any producer or song writer who had participated in making the album, could earn a nomination.

  • AI, robot alter-egos: fans hail ‘Black Mirror’s new season as its best ever

    AI, robot alter-egos: fans hail ‘Black Mirror’s new season as its best ever

    Warning: spoilers

    Netflix’s thriller series ‘Black Mirror’ set hearts racing with the trailer for its latest season, revealing that the dystopian series was about to provide an even more grim experience. Popular actors like Annie Murphy, Salma Hayek and Aaron Paul star in the episodes.

    The show had been on a break since 2020 because of the Covid-19 pandemic, as series creator Charlie Brooker explained to Entertainment Weekly that in dystopian times, humanity could do with a break.

    The show previously broken records with critically acclaimed episodes like ‘The Entire History Of You’, ‘San Junipero” and even “White Bear” all of them discussed the dangers of depending on tech, and how it breeds the corrupt nature of humans. This time, fans were wondering if the show would be able to surpass its own expectations and deliver an outstanding season after three long years of waiting.

    And it was worth the wait.

    This season delved into the rise of AI generated images and videos, which would soon make deep-fake videos of other people without their consent, how the obsession with murder documentaries leads to a man exploiting his own family, and another episode starring Aaron Paul exploring a new invention in the 1960s that makes robot replicas of two astronauts who are completing a six year mission up in space.

    And twitter users ate them all up.

    https://twitter.com/jenmanuels/status/1669567011578429441?s=20
  • Netflix subscriptions jump after password sharing crackdown

    Netflix subscriptions jump after password sharing crackdown

    Netflix subscriptions have registered a spike in daily sign-ups after the streaming giant launched a crackdown on password sharing on May 23, data from research firm Antenna has shown.

    The news sent shares of the company up 2.3 per cent to US$418.92 in early trading.

    Looking for new ways to make money in a saturatwd market and a tough economy, Netflix moved to regulate the sharing of account passwords with friends and family- a drastic turnaround for a company that had once tweeted “Love is sharing a password”.

    Netflix added 100,000 new accounts on both May 26 and May 27, shortly after the crackdown went into effect, Antenna’s data found. In the following days, Netflix has seen a more than 100% increase in sign-ups from the prior 60-day average.

    “These exceed the spikes in sign-ups Antenna observed during the initial US Covid-19 lockdowns in March and April 2020,” the firm said in a report. It also noted that “cancels also increased during this period, but not as much as sign-ups.”

    Netflix (NFLX) shares popped on the news, rising nearly 2% in early trading Friday. Shares have climbed over 27%, to about $415, over the last month.
    Last month, the service alerted US subscribers that if they share passwords with people outside of their household, they would have to add an extra member to their account for an additional $7.99 monthly fee or sign up for a new account. It also plans to block users with unauthorized passwords.
    The streaming video pioneer saw its four largest days of U.S. user acquisition after the change came into effect in the 4-1/2 years that Antenna has been covering the company.

  • WhatsApp introduces user-friendly picture tool for editing

    WhatsApp introduces user-friendly picture tool for editing

    WhatsApp has rolled out a highly anticipated feature on the app, showing its commitment to improving user experience.

    The latest feature on the instant messaging platform is the picture editing tool, which has been introduced for the Desktop version of the app, as reported by WABetainfo.

    An article published on the website stated that the recently added feature is a “crop tool” for the drawing editor that allows users to trim images as required.

    “This addition has been eagerly awaited, as previous versions didn’t have this functionality. With this update, WhatsApp beta users on Windows can now enjoy the convenience of cropping their images within the app itself, making it easier for users to edit media,” it said.

    The “crop tool” also saves time for users as they no longer have to crop pictures using external image editing tools before sending them via the Desktop version.

    The built-in crop tool lets users easily crop their images without leaving the WhatsApp interface.

    However, not all users currently have access to the new feature as it has initially been released to some beta testers. It will be made available to more users soon.

  • Apple to launch its first 15-inch MacBook Air with M2 chip at WWDC next week

    Apple to launch its first 15-inch MacBook Air with M2 chip at WWDC next week

    Apple is set to make a major announcement at this year’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), as Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reports that the tech giant plans to introduce a new MacBook Air model with a larger 15-inch display. The highly anticipated unveiling is scheduled to take place during Apple’s event on Monday, June 5 at 10 AM Pacific Time.

    The upcoming MacBook Air will mark a significant departure from its predecessors, as it is expected to feature a 15.5-inch display, as revealed by reliable display industry analyst Ross Young.

    This represents a notable increase in screen size compared to the current MacBook Air’s 13.6-inch display. While the laptop had previously been offered in an 11-inch variant, Apple appears to be shifting towards larger displays to cater to user preferences.

    What’s new?

    According to renowned Apple supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the new MacBook Air will be equipped with the highly acclaimed M2 chip, which has been widely praised for its enhanced performance. The M2 chip boasts an 18 per cent faster CPU, a 35 per cent faster GPU, and a 40 per cent faster Neural Engine when compared to the previous M1 chip. These improvements make the new MacBook Air an enticing option for users considering an upgrade from the 2020 MacBook Air.

    In addition to the improved performance, the larger chassis of the 15-inch MacBook Air will accommodate a bigger battery, potentially offering users a longer battery life. Apple’s current 13-inch MacBook Air with the M2 chip can last up to an impressive 18 hours per charge. With the larger form factor, it is anticipated that the 15-inch model may even approach the 20-hour mark, reaffirming Apple’s commitment to providing industry-leading performance-per-watt.

    Another anticipated upgrade in the new MacBook Air is the inclusion of Wi-Fi 6E, as seen in other recent Apple releases. While the 13-inch MacBook Air is currently limited to Wi-Fi 6, the 15-inch model is likely to benefit from the faster speeds, lower latency, and reduced signal interference provided by Wi-Fi 6E. Users will need to connect their devices to a Wi-Fi 6E router from brands like TP-Link, Asus, or Netgear to fully harness these advantages.

    Moreover, the new MacBook Air could potentially support Bluetooth 5.3, following Apple’s recent integration of the technology into its latest devices. Bluetooth 5.3 brings improvements in reliability and power efficiency compared to its predecessor, Bluetooth 5.2, enhancing the overall wireless experience for users.

    With the upcoming announcement of the 15-inch MacBook Air, Apple aims to cater to the demands of its user base by offering a larger display, superior performance with the M2 chip, extended battery life, and cutting-edge wireless connectivity. The unveiling at WWDC is eagerly anticipated by Apple enthusiasts and tech enthusiasts alike, and it further solidifies Apple’s commitment to innovation and delivering exceptional products to its customers.

  • 5 Pakistani’s make it to the Forbes ’30 Under 30′ list

    5 Pakistani’s make it to the Forbes ’30 Under 30′ list

    Forbes magazine has unveiled its highly anticipated list of 30 under 30 successful individuals across Asia, which features 300 people who have excelled in the fields of arts, tech, medicine and more. This year, spotted among the prodigies, are five Pakistanis who exceeded against the odds and made their mark in the fields of media, finance, marketing. Check them out below!

    Azam Mahmood as screenwriter for ‘Ramy’

    Originally from Karachi, Azam Mahmood is a story editor for the Peacock show ‘Queer As Folk’, who is also working with the Golden Globes award winning actor Ramy Youssef for the show ‘Ramy’.

    Anas Niaz as the founder of ‘Bioniks’

    Niaz is a mechatronics engineer who is the founder and CEO of Bioniks, a social enterprise from Karachi which is developing low-cost bionic arms using 3D printing technology, to create custom-made prosthetics which can allow users to manipulate objects using robotic fingers.

    Ayesha Mubarak Ali as a visual tech artist

    Mubarak is a multimedia visual tech artist whose work revolves around identity politics, space applications and the future of humanity. She made history by becoming the first Pakistani artist to collaborate with NASA scientists with her work being sent to the International Space Station for the Maleth II mission.

    Shershah Hassan and Waleed Amjad Islam, co-founders of KalPay

    Shershah Hassan and Waleed Amjad Islam are co-founders of the fin-tech startup KalPay, a Sharia compliant buy now pay later venture, which aims to provide financial access to a country where credit card use is less than 1%. The company had previously partnered with Pakistani ventures like Food Panda and Muawin to provide users with a convenient and easy way to conduct banking transactions.

  • Best Samsung phones available in Pakistan under Rs25,000

    Best Samsung phones available in Pakistan under Rs25,000

    Due to the ongoing depreciation of the local currency against the US dollar and high PTA approval fees, phone prices have increased significantly over the past three years, along with the prices of other gizmos.

    Even so, Samsung, a reputable phone manufacturer, offers a limited number of options on the market that you can take into consideration as Samsung smartphones are known for being more durable than those of other lesser-known brands.

    Here are some of the best cell phones available on the market at reasonable prices:

    Samsung A02 – Price: Rs16,699

    Display: IPS Capacitive Touchscreen

    Screen Size: 6.5 inches

    ROM and RAM: 32GB Built-in, 3GB RAM  

    Main Camera: Dual 13 MP, f/1.9, (wide), AF + 2 MP, f/2.4

    Front Camera: 5 MP

    Battery: 5,000 mAh 

    Samsung A03 Core – Price: Rs18,500

    Display: PLS TFT Capacitive touchscreen

    Screen Size: 6.5 inches

    ROM and RAM: 32GB Built-in, 2GB RAM  

    Main Camera: 8 MP, LED Flash 

    Front Camera: 5 MP

    Battery: 5,000 mAh 

    Samsung A03  –  Price: Rs21,999

    Display: PLS TFT Capacitive touchscreen

    Screen Size: 6.5 inches

    ROM and RAM: 32GB Built-in, 2GB RAM  

    Main Camera: Dual 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), AF + 2 MP 

    Front Camera: 5 MP

    Battery: 5,000 mAh 

    Samsung A03s – Price: Rs22,499

    Display: PLS TFT Capacitive touchscreen

    Screen Size: 6.5 inches

    ROM and RAM: 32GB Built-in, 3GB RAM  

    Main Camera: Triple Camera: 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), AF + 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro) + 2 MP, f/2.4, (depth)

    Front Camera: 5 MP

    Battery: 5,000 mAh 

    Samsung A03 4GB – Price: Rs23,999

    Display: PLS TFT Capacitive touchscreen

    Screen Size: 6.5 inches

    ROM and RAM: 64GB Built-in, 4GB RAM  

    Main Camera: Triple Camera: 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), AF + 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro) + 2 MP, f/2.4, (depth)

    Front Camera: 5 MP

    Battery: 5,000 mAh 

    Samsung A12 – Price: Rs24,999

    Display: PLS TFT Capacitive touchscreen

    Screen Size: 6.5 inches

    ROM and RAM: 64GB Built-in, 4GB RAM  

    Main Camera: Quad Camera: 48 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), AF + 5 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide) + 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro) + 2 MP, f/2.4, (depth)

    Front Camera: 8 MP

    Battery: 5,000 mAh (15W fast charging)

  • LG Electronics is stepping into EV charging business

    LG Electronics is stepping into EV charging business

    As the worldwide competition to produce everything linked to EVs intensifies, LG Electronics has acquired AppleMango, a South Korean developer of electric car battery chargers.

    The acquisition, which was done in partnership with GS Energy, a producer of EV charging stations, and GS Neotek, a provider of IT services, will enable LG to take advantage of upcoming commercial prospects.

    According to Paik Ki-mun, senior vice president of LG Electronics, “the EV charging market is likely to increase significantly due to the surging demand for more environmentally friendly automobiles.”

    “We will provide specialised, integrated vehicle charging solutions for a variety of customers, boosting the competitiveness of our existing and assuring our preparation for future prospects,” the statement reads.

    In AppleMango, which will now be a subsidiary of LG Electronics, LG Electronics purchased a 60 per cent share, while GS Energy and GS Neotek acquired 34 and 6 per cent, respectively.

    The deal’s financial details were kept between the firms. The projected cost of the transaction is $7.8 million, according to rumours.

    In order to concentrate on its growing markets, such as electric cars, the internet of things (IoT), and B2B solutions, LG Electronics shut down its loss-making mobile business about a year ago.

    To make EV charging in South Korea a pleasant and simple experience for drivers, LG Electronics is prepared to take advantage of its experience in developing user-friendly interfaces.

    The company added that by entering the EV charging market, LG can increase the synergy between its work on EV batteries, energy storage systems, energy management solutions, and chargers.

    By the end of this year, the tech giant intends to establish an EV charger production line at LG Digital Park in South Korea with the goal of offering specialised EV charging options for private houses, retail establishments, lodging facilities, and public organisations.

    The acquired company brings to the acquisition a wide range of EV charging solution technologies, from slow chargers to rapid chargers for household and commercial use.

    LG did not specify whether it planned to continue selling AppleMango’s chargers.