AI app compares pieces of writing to see if they’re penned by the same author

Why it matters to you

An AI app that identifies the writer of a particular text based on the person’s writing style could be used to fight plagiarism in schools, or help historians identify the true author of texts.

A few years back, Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling penned a detective novel titled The Cuckoo’s Calling under the pen name Robert Galbraith, choosing to conceal her own identity. When people started to notice a couple of stylistic similarities between the “two” authors, experts were called in to investigate — in the form of some smart AI software. Its conclusion? That Rowling was indeed Galbraith, and the author of the book in question. She subsequently revealed her ploy online.

Jump forward to 2017, and a publicly available AI application called Emma Identity promises to do the same thing for whoever needs it. It’s the world’s first web application capable of determining the authorship of a particular text based on a person’s writing style.

“To run the check, one needs to upload a text of at least 5,000 words by one author,” CEO Aleksandr Marchenko told Digital Trends. “Then Emma analyzes and learns the author’s writing style, and can determine whether all the subsequent texts you upload belong to the same author. The technology will render its verdict in the form of a percentage.”

Marchenko explained that the technology combines natural language processing (NLP) and machine learning with the techniques of stylometry, a study of linguistic style rooted in the 15th century. He claims that the result is an AI that’s capable of exhibiting 85 percent accuracy in correctly determining an author.

“More than 50 mathematical parameters stand behind every author’s writing identity,” he continued. “So the issue is of a striking complexity: it’s extremely difficult to define and assess style features of a vexing number of authors, and to implement the extracted knowledge into an NLP technology. Our team of researchers, scientists and engineers have set out to create an algorithm that could surmount that challenge and develop such a technology that could operate on minimal sets of texts and reach an accuracy level worthy of a successful commercial product.”

While you may simply want to upload some sample texts for fun, Marchenko thinks that the real benefit of Emma Identity will be as an anti-plagiarism tool for use in schools, colleges, and universities. It could also be useful in fields like publishing and as a tool for law enforcement. Historians and literature researchers could also benefit from it.

Well, we guess “plagiarist” is yet another job to suffer in the face of the AI takeover! Is nothing sacred?

SousVide Supreme Touch+ provides energy-efficient way to cook

Why it matters to you

Sous vide is a convenient way to cook with a busy schedule. The SousVide Sumpreme Touch+ updates an already great design.

Sous vide cooking is a fast-growing trend, with countless companies bringing this cooking method to home kitchens around the world. This time, the company that created the first at-home sous vide is revolutionizing the process again with the SousVide Supreme Touch+.

Those who are familiar with the original SousVide Supreme will have no problem adjusting to the Touch+. It features a very similar look and feel, only it includes a few innovative upgrades for convenience. For example, to prevent the water-based cooking method from ruining itself, the SousVide Supreme Touch+ features a waterproof control screen. Unlike capacitive touch screens, this resistive touchscreen still operates perfectly with wet hands. This is important as sous vide is all about cooking food in a circulating water bath.

One benefit of sous vide is its energy efficiency. By heating the water directly, there is a lot less energy dissipating through the pot or pan. The SousVide Supreme Touch+ features double-wall insulation, keeping the appliance cool to the touch no matter how hot the water gets. Once at temperature, the Touch+ only uses about the energy of a 20-watt bulb. Aiding in heat retention is the clear view lid. Other devices require the use of aluminum foil or ping-pong balls to trap the heat, but this blocks the view of the food. A clear lid allows users to peer inside without letting heat escape.

Other features include integrated Wi-Fi, a new mobile app, and compatibility with Alexa. This allows users to control the Touch+ whether they are away from home or with voice commands.

Although sous vide has only grown its popularity in recent years, the cooking method was originally developed in the 1970s by chef Georges Pralus. Food is vacuum-sealed in placed in precisely heated water. This cooks food gently and perfectly with little room to fail. Practically anything from infused alcohols to custards to the perfect egg can be done sous vide.

Currently, the SousVide Supreme Touch+ is available for pre-order through Kickstarter. Prices begin at $349 with an estimated delivery of March 2018. Complete starter packs with pouches, a vacuum sealer, and a cookbook begin at $499.

NBC will shut down its Seeso comedy streaming service this year

NBC’s experiment in a comedy streaming service, Seeso, wasn’t long for this world — the outfit is shutting down later this year. There’s no explanation as to why, but it notes that its original series There’s… Johnny! won’t premiere later in August as a result. Thankfully, this and other shows will live on. Some of them already have new homes, NBC says.

It doesn’t take too much work to divine why Seeso called it quits mere months after its January debut. As a niche streaming service, it just didn’t capture attention in the same way as all-encompassing alternatives like Amazon, Hulu or Netflix. There were layoffs in June, and the relatively thin selection of originals didn’t help matters, either. This doesn’t mean that specialty streaming can’t work, but it faces an uphill battle when you can spend just a few dollars more per month to access a much larger video catalog.

Four originals, including the video production of MBMBaM (above) as well as HarmonQuest, Hidden America with Jonah Ray and The Cyanide and Happiness Show, are already available on VRV. And of course, it won’t be hard to find either NBC shows like Saturday Night Live or comedy classics like Monty Python’s Flying Circus.

Via: Variety

Source: Seeso (Facebook)

Xbox makes it easier to preview new games and features

If you want to preview upcoming Xbox One user interface changes, you need to be an Xbox One Insider. The tiered program also allows members to check out early alpha and closed beta games on both Xbox One and Windows 10 PCs. Unfortunately, it hasn’t been easy to move between tiers or even really know what you were getting in each one. Microsoft is aiming to fix this issue with a much clearer tier-naming system along with an easier way to opt-in to the different tiers.

Previously, Xbox One Insiders could opt in to the Insider Program, and were then sorted into one of four tiers, the last two called “Rings.” Each group had different update schedules for new Xbox and game changes. Instead of Rings, Microsoft has renamed the last two levels to be more in line with the original first two tiers. Now Insiders will separate into Alpha, Beta, Delta or Omega groups. The new system also allows Insiders to more easily move between groups as their needs and bandwidth caps dictate.

Alpha is an invite-only tier reserved for Xbox Insiders that provide the most customer feedback and are more active on their console, while Beta is open to members who have been in the program three or more months with an higher Insider XP level. The Delta group will let anyone with a tenure of at least one month, while the Omega group is for pretty much anyone interested. The Alpha tier will get many more updates and earlier access than the Beta group, who will have earlier access and more updates than the Delta group, and so on.

Signing up to become an Xbox One Insider is pretty easy, too. You can hop onto your console, open up My Games & Apps, then select the Xbox Preview Dashboard from the Updates tab. Once downloaded, the app will rename itself to Xbox Insider Hub, where you can access all the Insider perks.

Source: Microsoft

Lawsuit claims Disney illegally collected data in kids apps

The Walt Disney Company is being sued because a number of its apps geared towards children have allegedly been collecting personal information that the company has been sharing with advertisers. The class action suit, brought forth by a California woman, claims that Disney and three software companies involved in the development of 42 youth-aimed apps have used software to track the apps’ users online activity, which was subsequently sold to advertisers without consent of the parents.

The lawsuit points to a violation of the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) — a 1999 law that requires parental consent before apps aimed at children under the age of 13 can collect personal data. Companies like Path, Yelp, Genesis Toys and even a Disney subsidiary have come under fire for violating COPPA laws.

In a statement Disney said, “Disney has a robust COPPA compliance program, and we maintain strict data collection and use policies for Disney apps created for children and families. The complaint is based on a fundamental misunderstanding of COPPA principles, and we look forward to defending this action in court.”

The plaintiffs in the case are seeking actual and statutory damages and punitive damages, which will be determined at trial, along with all trial-associated costs. They’re also requesting an injunction of the practices and for the companies to sequester any illegally obtained data.

Via: The Verge

Source: Scribd

Tesla considers ‘platoons’ of self-driving electric semis

In April, Elon Musk revealed a project Tesla had been working on since 2016: Electric semi-trucks. Turns out he had more in store for the big rigs. Much like his company’s work building self-driving consumer cars, a report alleges that Musk wants his electric semis to travel autonomously in ‘platoons’ led by a single lead vehicle.

That’s how Tesla allegedly describes its concept in email correspondence with the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles, which Reuters saw. Further, the electric vehicle company is meeting with California’s DMV today specifically “to talk about Tesla’s efforts with autonomous trucks,” officials told Reuters.

It makes sense for Tesla to start getting into the autonomous trucking game, given how much Uber’s publicized its own efforts to get a self-driving fleet going. While the ridesharing company remains enmeshed in the lawsuit with Google over whether Uber’s controversial purchase of startup Otto constitutes corporate theft, Tesla has a bit of time to develop its tech — until September. That’s when Musk promised a big reveal regarding the electric semi-trucks.

We’ve reached out to Tesla for comment and will add it when we hear back.

Via: TechCrunch

Source: Reuters

How to get fired in the tech industry

Step 1: Decide you’d like to write a memo.

The topic is completely up to you. But, remember, you want the title to be both alarming and relevant to current social conversations. (#SEO #Content)

For example, we’ll use a memo called “Google’s Ideological Echo Chamber.” Its title plays off the widespread hand-wringing over filter bubbles on social media, reminding readers of their enemies and immediately placing everyone on edge. That sucker’s gonna get a lot of clicks.

Step 2: Do some light, one-sided research.

Emphasis on light. Have you always known, deep in your gut, that women have a lot of inconvenient feelings? That they’re too nice to negotiate for a higher salary, and too neurotic to work in leadership positions? Do you believe, in the cockles of your golden heart, that men are inherently more driven and fit than women to climb the corporate ladder? Eh, you’re probably right. Just list out all of those thoughts as if they were fact.

If you feel the need to support any of your claims with research (pfft), Wikipedia is fine.

Here’s a stellar example of a gut-fact in Google’s Ideological Echo Chamber:

“On average, men and women biologically differ in many ways. These differences aren’t just socially constructed because: They’re universal across human cultures; they often have clear biological causes and links to prenatal testosterone; biological males that were castrated at birth and raised as females often still identify and act like males; the underlying traits are highly heritable.”

This claim is ideal because it reduces an immensely complex issue — the myriad factors that keep many women out of STEM fields — into simple biological differences that apply to humans universally. Everyone took biology in high school. They’ll totally get it. Throwing in a term like “prenatal testosterone” certainly makes your statement sound more scientific, even if it has no bearing on the actual conversation. Ignore things that don’t sound science-y enough, like the idea that social pressures and norms can dramatically impact our future trajectories.

If you accidentally do so much research that you find heaps of evidence contradicting your gut feelings, stop. Academia and the mainstream media are trying to indoctrinate you. Clear your cookies and go play a round of ping pong in the company’s third-floor lounge to calm down.

Step 3: Remind readers that you are actually not a bad person.

The very first thing people need to know is what a good, open human being you are. Conversations about the myriad ways women are inherently, physiologically weaker than men tend to go better if you begin the memo with, “I value diversity and inclusion, am not denying that sexism exists, and don’t endorse using stereotypes.” Bonus points if, at the end of the memo, you say stereotypes are actually pretty useful in training.

Step 4: Offer solutions.

They don’t have to actually solve any problems. In fact, it’s better to use this space to simply reiterate your own gut-facts and explain why women really just aren’t biologically capable of thriving in the technology industry.

Examples:

“Women on average show a higher interest in people and men in things. We can make software engineering more people-oriented with pair programming and more collaboration. Unfortunately, there may be limits to how people-oriented certain roles at Google can be and we shouldn’t deceive ourselves or students into thinking otherwise.”

Express your frustration that biology — damn you, biology! — restricts women’s ability to show interest in things, which of course keeps them out of software engineering jobs. It’s just a sad fact of life.

“Women on average look for more work-life balance while men have a higher drive for status on average. Unfortunately, as long as tech and leadership remain high status, lucrative careers, men may disproportionately want to be in them. Allowing and truly endorsing (as part of our culture) part time work though can keep more women in tech.”

This one is particularly brilliant in that the solution actually makes the problem at hand — too few women in tech leadership positions — worse. I can hear the boardroom conversation now:

Bob: “Apparently we don’t have enough women in leadership positions.”

Chad: “I know! We’ll give them all low-rung part-time jobs.”

Tom: “Perfect. Let’s just hope they can handle the stress of being away from their kids a few hours a day without having an anxiety attack at the company picnic next week.”

Step 5: Circulate the memo throughout your entire company.

Yep, the whole company. Even if it’s a multi-billion-dollar tech-industry titan with 70,000 employees. Everyone needs to see this.

Step 6: Find a new job.

Facebook ‘Watch’ section launches as a platform for TV shows

Get ready for a new tab in Facebook on the web, mobile and TV apps, as the social network has announced it’s replacing the video button with “Watch.” Watch is “a new platform for shows on Facebook,” and why that doesn’t yet explain why we’d want one, but given Silicon Valley’s obsession with the format, it’s not hard to imagine why this is what we’re getting. At first, Watch will be available to a “limited subset” of US users, before rolling out to more people here over the next few weeks.

Judging by the layout and features, Watch is intended as an alternative to YouTube for video creators of various sizes. It gives creators a way to lay out their entries/episodes in a more logical format than the usual profile feed and, of course, make money from their videos from TV-style Ad Breaks as Facebook exposes them to slices of its billion+ daily active users. Mike Rowe (Dirty Jobs) has one of the first original shows on the platform with Returning the Favor, and while there’s no mention of Lavar Ball, other items of interest include MLB’s live-streaming game of the week, and Nas Daily, a show where the rapper will make videos with his fans.

Source: Facebook Newsroom, Facebook Media Newsroom

iPhone 8 Facial Recognition Appears to Support Payments, Multiple Faces and Third-Party Apps

Developers are still digging into the recently released HomePod firmware to suss out additional details on Apple’s upcoming “iPhone 8,” and the latest information, sourced from developer Guilherme Rambo, hints at several features we might see in the new device.

According to strings of code uncovered by Rambo, the facial recognition feature coming in the iPhone 8 appears to support authentication for Apple Pay payments, seems to work with multiple faces, and may be accessible by third-party apps, much like Touch ID.

A line in the code references a payment authentication error with “Pearl,” Apple’s internal code name for face recognition in the iPhone 8, while a string that reads “numberOfAppsUsingPearl” suggests facial recognition functionality can be accessed by third-party apps, likely as a passcode replacement. Given this information, facial recognition appears to be a full replacement for Touch ID, just as rumors have suggested.

Apple’s upcoming facial recognition system is said to be faster and more secure than Touch ID. It can unlock an iPhone within a few hundred milliseconds, and it captures more data points than a fingerprint scan. Thanks to previous firmware leaks, we also know that it works when the iPhone is laying flat on a table and it mutes notification sounds when a face is in view.

In addition to unveiling new information about facial recognition, Rambo has also found a few other interesting bits of code that may hint at additional features coming in the iPhone 8.

There are references to multi biometrics, modern HDR, 1080p240 camera capture functionality for a “back” and a “front” (suggesting 240 fps video capture at 1080p, an upgrade from the current 720p limit), and mentions of “FrontPearl” and “BackPearl” camera support.

“Back Pearl” pic.twitter.com/amAFPMzDw4

— Guilherme Rambo (@_inside) August 9, 2017

While the HomePod firmware has provided us with a range of details on what to expect from the iPhone 8, it’s important not to read too much into ambiguous code and make too many assumptions about features that are as-of-yet unclear. “BackPearl” could suggest facial recognition for both the front and rear cameras, for example, but it could mean something else entirely. The same goes for multi-biometrics and modern HDR.

Additionally, not all of the referenced features are guaranteed to make it into the iPhone 8, so take this code as a suggestion of what might be coming rather than concrete proof of a feature.

Apple first released the HomePod firmware in late July, and because it was meant for employees testing the not-yet-available HomePod speaker, which runs a version of iOS, Apple did not strip out references to upcoming products and features.

Images of an iPhone 8 dummy model shared by Ben Miller
From the firmware, we’ve seen glimpses of the final design of the iPhone 8, and have found references to infrared-based facial recognition features, a split status bar, a tap to wake feature, new SmartCamera functionality, and more.

Details on other upcoming products, including the HomePod itself, the Series 3 Apple Watch, and a possible 4K Apple TV have also been uncovered in the firmware.

Related Roundup: iPhone 8
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Apple Stops Signing iOS 10.3.2

Following the release of iOS 10.3.3 on July 19, Apple has stopped signing iOS 10.3.2, the previous version of iOS that was available to consumers.

iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch owners who have upgraded to iOS 10.3.3 will no longer be able to downgrade their devices to iOS 10.3.2.

Apple routinely stops signing older versions of software updates after new releases come out in order to encourage customers to keep their operating systems up to date.

iOS 10.3.3 is now the only version of iOS 10 that can be installed on iOS devices by the general public, but developers and public beta testers can download iOS 11, a future update that is being beta tested and will be released in the fall.
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