Smarter bots are coming to Facebook, Google and Amazon assistants
We keep hearing that robots are going to take our jobs, but a company called MindMeld is giving us an idea how with its “Deep-Domain Conversational AI Platform.” It’ll allow bots that can essentially replace customer service agents and even baristas by answering complicated voice or text queries over Google Assistant, Amazon Echo, Facebook Messenger and other popular platforms. Uniqlo, for one, will offer a Facebook bot that can answer questions about its products, services and retail locations with more detail than ever.
The “MindMeld Language Parser” helps it understand and answer questions with “human-like accuracy,” whether by talk or text, the company says. It adds that while current AI toolkits from Google, Facebook and others are great, they provide “little data suitable for production-quality applications” — in other words, they can do deep learning, but don’t give companies anything to teach them. It reckons that customers have been “disappointed and underwhelmed” with first-gen bots — something Facebook pretty much said not long ago.
In a video (below) the company showed some (simulated) scenarios of the bot in action. It understands relatively complicated searches, like a coffee order for a “venti, hot Pike Place Roast with room,” (I have no idea myself what that actually is). The bot can then process the order and give you a pickup time and price, or else auto-suggest more options via buttons at the bottom of the screen.
Other features include question responses across “any dynamic knowledge graph,” dialogue management and state tracking, large-scale training data generation and cloud-based or on-premise deployment. Basically, all of those buzzwords mean that companies can put together a bot without needing to do a lot of extra work (for a price, of course).
The company thinks bots will be able to do tasks like “placing a take-out order at a local restaurant, booking a flight or hotel reservation, creating a service appointment at an auto repair shop or doctor’s office, or finding retail store and production information.” It’ll eventually work across “Amazon Alexa, Facebook Messenger, Google Assistant, Skype, Slack, Google Home and more,” says MindMeld CEO Tim Tuttle.
The platform is available starting today, and MindMeld customers and investors already include Google, Samsung, Intel, Uniqlo, Spotify, Telefonica and others. Suffice to say, if you work in customer service or other areas, you may want to start buffing up your resume.
Huawei’s MediaPad M3 is out now for $299
After launching in Europe this September, Huawei’s high-end Android tablet has finally made its way stateside. Available now to order on Amazon, the 8.4-inch MediaPad M3 ships on November 20th. Although Europe got 32GB, 64GB and 128GB versions, complete with 4G and WiFi options, only the 32GB WiFi model has made it over to the US, priced at $299.
Announced at this year’s IFA, the MediaPad M3 is a tablet with an unsurprising focus on media. Huawei is aiming to court those who love watching movies on the go with the M3, as it boasts a 2,560 x 1,600 display, high resolution audio support, Harmon Kardon-certified speakers and a generous 5,100mAh battery. Additionally, Huawei says its 10.1-inch MediaPad M2, another tablet already available in Europe, will join the M3 in the US next month.
Source: Amazon
CamSoda launches a store for ‘digital blowjobs’
Porn website CamSoda is launching BlowCast, a service that it’s calling the “iTunes of Blowjobs,” Apple’s lawyers be damned. It’s a system whereby adult performers can record themselves performing oral acts upon smart dildos. That footage, combined with the sensor data, is then sold to customers looking for a different sexual experience. Rather than developing its own hardware, CamSoda will leverage the gear produced by Dutch teledildonics startup Kiiroo.
Put simply, an adult model will record themselves going to town on the Kiiroo Pearl, the company’s smart vibrator. The video of the scene will be synchronized with the data pulled from the sensors that cover the Pearl’s surface. The resulting package will then be sold online to a purchaser, whereby it’ll run in tandem with the Kiiroo Onyx, an interactive masturbator sleeve. So whatever happens on the screen, you’ll theoretically feel in real-time.
BlowCast’s platform is, essentially, a latter-day update on RealTouch Interactive, a company that offered a similar business model. It developed its own teledildonic equipment and data system that synched movement to hardware stimulation. Unfortunately, patent litigation killed the company, and the high costs of hardware development have stymied other entrants into the market.
It’s certainly an interesting concept, and one that may prove to be successful in the long term, although it wont be an easy ride. For a start, Kiiroo may be the only teledildonic equipment that’s even close to the mainstream, but that doesn’t mean it’s particularly enjoyable. Your humble narrator has tried the technology and found that its ability to stimulate a user is underwhelming, at best.
BlowCast will launch with 50 movies in its catalog, with plans to add more over time as well as branching out into other sex acts. Before you can say “I’d buy that for a dollar,” the company is offering the content free for the first 30 days of its life, after which point each movie will set you back a buck. Oh, and you get a long, post-coital rumination on how technology is doing away with all forms of human labor, including sex, for free!
Source: BlowCast
Facebook’s fake news activity spiked near election day
Mark Zuckerberg said it’s unlikely that the small amount of fake stories circulating on Facebook affected the outcome of the presidential elections. According to Buzzfeed News’ investigation, though, that “small amount” of hoaxes outperformed (Google Doc) stories from legit sources on the social network during the final three months of the campaign period. The top 20 fake stories from August to election day apparently generated 8,711,000 shares, reactions, and comments on Facebook, whereas the top 20 from 19 mainstream news websites only generated 7,367,000.
Before that period, mainstream sources generated up to four times the engagement fake sources did. It’s not exactly clear what caused the shift, but it’s worth noting that in the end of June this year, Facebook updated its News Feed algorithm to prioritize the updates your friends share over posts from other sources.
Buzzfeed says 17 of the 20 top-performing hoaxes were overtly pro-Trump or anti-Clinton. That supports earlier reports that Facebook didn’t address its fake news problem, because it would’ve removed a lot of conservative content from people’s Feeds. Three of the top five hoaxes, for instance, claim that the Pope endorsed the President-Elect, that Hillary Clinton sold weapons to ISIS and that the FBI agent suspected of leaking Clinton’s emails was found dead.
There were a handful of fake anti-Trump stories that made the rounds, including one that claims Mike Pence called Michelle Obama the “most vulgar first lady we’ve ever had.” But Buzzfeed found that most of the fake content in the list ultimately came from hoax websites or from hyperpartisan right-wing publishers. Some of those publishers even registered their domains merely a few months before the elections.
[Image credit: Buzzfeed]
As Buzzfeed noted, though, Facebook likes, shares and comments don’t necessarily translate into traffic. A spokesperson for the social network also told the publication that these 20 fake stories are but a small fraction of everything that’s shared on the website. It doesn’t necessarily represent the Facebook activity of all the election-related posts, whether fake or real, shared on the social network. “There is a long tail of stories on Facebook,” he said. “It may seem like the top stories get a lot of traction, but they represent a tiny fraction of the total.” Still, there are dozens of employees within the company who feel like Facebook didn’t do enough to prevent fake news from spreading. They’re now reportedly investigating the situation from within.
Source: Buzzfeed News
Snapchat’s Spectacles won’t make you look like a Glasshole
You would have thought that after the spectacular failure of Google Glass and the virulent public rejection its users experienced, other companies would be wary of developing and marketing camera glasses. But 2016 has been that kind of year. Earlier this week, Snapchat, they of the wildly popular messaging app, began rolling out its first wearable, Spectacles, through a series of pop-up vending machines. The $130 glasses are already a hot commodity, fetching upward of $900 on eBay. I managed to get my hands on a pair (don’t ask how) and have some thoughts on the matter.
The Spectacles are sunglasses first and foremost, and they function well in that role. The plastic frames are lightweight with circular lenses and come in a variety of increasingly loud colors: black, aqua and fire-engine red. I personally prefer a nice wayfarer or aviator shape, but the Spectacles still performed an admirable job of shielding my eyes from the sun’s damaging UV rays.
The camera itself is mounted on the tip of the left temple arm, where it meets the eye wire. The camera unit is entirely self-contained and runs on a rechargeable lithium-ion battery. And, like Apple’s wireless AirPods, the Spectacle’s case doubles as a charging station that can fully fill a dead battery in about 90 minutes. The camera, while not nearly as powerful as what you’d find on an iPhone 7 or Android Pixel, is good enough for what most people use Snapchat for.
And what they lack in image quality they make up for in ease of use. By not requiring you to have your phone in hand, the Spectacles can be used in a much wider range of situations. Suddenly, all of those action sports shots for which you previously had to break out the GoPro can be done in 10-second increments. Really, any two-handed activity would benefit from using these glasses. Take note, however: The glasses are not waterproof and are also susceptible to temperature extremes, so be sure to leave them back at the ski lodge this winter.
Pairing the Spectacles to the Snapchat app is super-simple. You simply put on the Spectacles, look at your snapcode and tap the “record” button on the glasses. Downloading data from the specs is straightforward, too. Just navigate to the Memories screen, pick the Specs tab from the top bar and select the correct Snap from the list. We’re not sure if there’s an upper limit to how many Snaps you can record on the device before syncing with the app, but we got north of 10.
I noticed that the app routinely failed to properly download video from the glasses to the phone, but usually did so on the second try. It’s a bit of a hassle, but an easily remedied one. Aside from being unable to actively monitor what I’m recording or reframe a shot, using Spectacles wasn’t all that different from using my phone. At least with the Specs, I never had to worry about my thumb covering the lens. Plus, if the worst happens, I’d rather drop a pair of $130 novelty camera-glasses than my $600 smartphone.
Now, whether I, as a 35-year-old attention-averse adult, would ever be caught dead wearing them in public is an entirely different question. See, I remember the dark days of the Google Glasshole. Even in techtopias like San Francisco, Glass wearers were publicly mocked. One lady was even physically assaulted at a bar in the Lower Haight. Many fine drinking establishments throughout the city still ban them outright. Granted, the Spectacles can capture only 10 seconds of video at a time, but I’d be very hesitant to show up to a place like Molotov’s or the Lucky 13 with these on my face.
Another question is: Where do you actually use them? They’re clearly geared for people who are out and about in the daylight hours (hence the sunglasses the camera’s built into). But what of Snaps taken indoors or at night? The camera is subtle enough that you won’t attract attention, but the bright-ring LED that flickers on to indicate that you’re recording — not to mention that you’re wearing electric-blue sunglasses in a bar at 11PM — is likely enough to draw quizzical looks from other patrons and questions from management.
Overall, though, these are a clever, relatively inexpensive wearable. They’re a tenth of the price of Google Glass, they actually function beyond serving as a way to strap a camera to your face and, depending on your age bracket, they could even be considered stylish. Getting your hands on a pair is going to be a challenge in the immediate future, but for those of us with active Snapchat followings, these Specs will prove invaluable.
Engadget giveaway: Win an Honor 8 smartphone courtesy of Huawei!
There’s something personal about a smartphone. It stays with you day-to-day or, heck, even moment-to-moment, so it helps to have a sleek design and quality camera on board to capture the moments you experience. Huawei’s recently released Honor 8 fits the bill, offering a premium exterior and the increasingly popular dual camera setup.
On the outside, the 5.2-inch Honor 8 is sheathed in subtly curved 2.5D glass with an aircraft-grade aluminum trim and the ability to catch light in artistic ways. The 12-megapixel dual camera gives you the tools to capture scenes in full splendor and the 8-megapixel front-facing cam will make your selfies shine. Huawei’s own EMUI 4.0 OS is laid upon an Android 6.0 foundation and its fast-charging battery will help you keep your life moving. With all these flourishes, the $400 price makes it a great option for your next pocketable life partner. This week, Huawei has provided us with one of its Honor 8 smartphones for a lucky reader to enjoy in time for the holidays. All you need to do is head to the Rafflecopter widget below for up to three chances at winning!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
- Entries are handled through the Rafflecopter widget above. Comments are no longer accepted as valid methods of entry. You may enter without any obligation to social media accounts, though we may offer them as opportunities for extra entries. Your email address is required so we can get in touch with you if you win, but it will not be given to third parties.
- Contest is open to all residents of the 50 States, the District of Columbia, and Canada (excluding Quebec), 18 or older! Sorry, we don’t make this rule (we hate excluding anyone), so direct your anger at our lawyers and contest laws if you have to be mad.
- Winners will be chosen randomly. One (1) winner will receive one (1) Huawei Honor 8 smartphone ($399 value).
- If you are chosen, you will be notified by email. Winners must respond within three days of being contacted. If you do not respond within that period, another winner will be chosen. Make sure that the account you use to enter the contest includes your real name and a contact email. We do not track any of this information for marketing or third-party purposes.
- This unit is purely for promotional giveaway. Engadget and AOL are not held liable to honor warranties, exchanges or customer service.
- The full list of rules, in all its legalese glory, can be found here.
- Entries can be submitted until Nov. 18th at 11:59PM ET. Good luck!
Privacy-Enabled Web Browser ‘Firefox Focus’ Launches on App Store With Automatic Ad Blocking
Mozilla today launched a new app called “Firefox Focus,” which automatically blocks advertisements as well as online trackers. The company said that due to the new app’s removal of heavy ads and tracking software by other companies, “web pages may require less data and load faster.”
The privacy-focused web browser also comes with an easily accessible “Erase” button at the top of the app, which users can tap and erase all browsing history, searches, cookies, and passwords instantly.
Firefox Focus also offers extensive customizable browsing options, with the ability to disable a website’s custom font, and users can choose to load a page in another browser — Firefox or Safari — if they’re willing to leave the security of Firefox Focus.
Browse like no one’s watching. The new Firefox Focus automatically blocks a wide range of online trackers — from the moment you launch it to the second you leave it. Easily erase your history, passwords and cookies, so you won’t get followed by things like unwanted ads.
“Private browsing” on most browsers isn’t comprehensive or easy to use. Focus is next-level privacy that’s free, always on and always on your side — because it’s backed by Mozilla, the non-profit that fights for your rights on the Web.
The app is otherwise simplified, with a single search bar greeting users when they open it, and only one tab available to view at a time. The settings of the app also include an additional layer of security to block other content trackers, but Mozilla warns that toggling it on “may break some videos and web pages.”
Firefox Focus is available to download from the App Store for free. [Direct Link]
Tags: Mozilla, Firefox
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Next Year’s Dual-Camera iPhones Will Have Dual Optical Image Stabilization
While the iPhone 7 Plus has a dual-lens camera, only the wide-angle lens supports optical image stabilization. However, that could change next year.
In a research note obtained by MacRumors, KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo maintains his belief new dual-camera iPhone models in 2017 will support dual optical image stabilization. Kuo believes Apple will redesign the telephoto lens to support the feature in addition to existing auto focus functionality.
We believe Apple will add OIS function to the telephoto CCM in order to enhance the selling points of next year’s new iPhone. We think photo quality and optical zoom range may both improve as a result. We expect the telephoto lens will be redesigned to support OIS in the telephoto CCM, with challenges likely coming from: (1) the need to increase the image circle of the telephoto lens, which will lead to longer calibration time and a more complex assembly processes; and (2) a redesign of the telephoto lens, as an increased image circle will result in degraded photo quality around the corners.
Kuo said Apple’s rumored 5.1″-5.2″ OLED iPhone and a new 5.5-inch iPhone with a traditional LCD display will feature dual cameras with dual optical image stabilization, while a new 4.7-inch model with an LCD display is expected to retain a single-lens camera, also with optical image stabilization.
Kuo expects Apple supplier Largan Precision to remain the exclusive provider of 6P and telephoto lens for the trio of new iPhones.
Related Roundup: iPhone 8 (2017)
Tags: KGI Securities, Ming-Chi Kuo, dual camera
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Apple Stores to Host Free ‘Hour of Code’ Workshops in Early December
Apple today announced it is opening registration for free one-hour “Hour of Code” workshops between December 5 and December 11 at all 487 of its retail stores worldwide. This year’s workshops will include an introduction to Apple’s new educational Swift Playgrounds coding app for iPad.
“Hour of Code embodies our vision for Apple stores as a place for the community to gather, learn and be entertained,” said Angela Ahrendts, Apple’s senior vice president of Retail. “We’re proud to introduce the Swift Playgrounds app into the workshops and honored to again work side-by-side with Code.org on this incredibly important initiative. Hour of Code is one of the absolute highlights of the year for both our teams and the families that visit our stores.”
Since 2013, Apple has hosted Hour of Code workshops during Computer Science Education Week to teach kids and students the basics of computer science using non-profit website Code.org’s programming tutorials. There are also typically larger featured events at select Apple retail stores.
Apple said it has developed new tools to extend the Hour of Code initiative into schools and community centers, including a free facilitator guide offering lesson ideas, group activities, and more. Apple will also provide resources to assist ConnectED schools in the U.S. with hosting their own Hour of Code workshops.
Those interested can register through Apple’s Hour of Code page, although it does not appear to have been updated for this year just yet.
Tags: Apple retail, Hour of Code, Swift Playgrounds
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Chrysler’s hybrid minivan electrifies grocery getting
The hybrid market is dominated by sedans and compacts. Well, unless you can afford a luxury SUV like the Tesla Model X or Audi Q5 hybrid. For big families that want to lower their carbon footprint or just save a few bucks on gas, Chrysler has your back with its new Pacifica hybrid.
The combination gas and electric vehicle announced at the Detroit Auto Show and unveiled at the LA Auto Show can travel 30 miles in pure electric mode. That means there’s a good chance you won’t even have to fire up the gas engine while dropping the kids off at school, picking up groceries and hitting up the hardware store for that weekend project. But even if you go beyond the 30-mile mark, it’s still a great on-the-road value.
Chrysler says the Pacifica will get 80 miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe) in the city and total range of 530 miles between charges and fill ups. An impressive feat that’ll reduce road trip pit stops and potentially decrease the amount of the times you’ll hear “are we there yet?” from the back seat.
The minivan won’t just keep you on the road longer; it also has hybrid-exclusive tech features likes a companion app that helps you check and schedule charging and will locate charging stations while you’re on the road. It also has adaptive cruise control, parking assist and a 360-degree surround-view camera.
That whole package will set you back about $42,000. But once you add the $7,500 federal tax credit, it hits $35,500. For a large vehicle that’ll save you gas money while dragging the whole family around town, it’s a pretty good deal.
Source: Chrysler
AIVAnet 