Author: John Montgallo

Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp users can’t opt out of new AI tool

John Montgallo
AI Tool - No Opt-Out

Meta has added artificial intelligence to its platforms regardless of whether users want it Meta recently released a statement about the rollout of its AI tool across its platforms including Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, and WhatsApp, saying that it is meant to be used “to get things done, learn, create and connect with the things that matter to you.” That said, it didn’t ask whether users want it there The AI tool has been incorporated into these platforms in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Pakistan, Jamaica, South Africa, Singapore, Malawi, Uganda, Zambia,…

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Will a mobile ad blocker stop government spyware?

John Montgallo
Ad blocker - Mobile Device - Question Mark

Though the main goal is typically to stop unwanted tracking and advertising, it may help in other ways Ad blockers are commonplace and offer a simple way for mobile device users to be able to cut down on the number advertisements they are required to view, and on much of the tracking associated with those practices. That said, the technology could also help to filter out other unwanted activities on a device Interestingly, ad blockers may also be providing device users with an additional layer of defense against spyware and…

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Amazon dumps major mobile commerce “just walk out” in-person shopping feature

John Montgallo
Mobile commerce - Amazon feature Cancelled

The online marketplace and tech giant is killing off its feature letting shoppers simply leave grocery stores. Amazon built a tremendous amount of hype around the mobile commerce feature at its in-person grocery stores, which let people “just walk out” and still pay for their purchases. How did the system work? The idea was that people could enter the store and scan their payment method, choose their items, bag them up and simply leave without having to go through a checkout counter. It appears that as hyped as the system…

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The Google Podcasts app is dead

John Montgallo
Podcasts app cancelled

The search and tech giant has killed the heavily downloaded application in the US. Google’s Podcasts app has been officially discontinued in the US as of yesterday, despite the fact that it had been downloaded more than 500 million times. Only 4 percent of listeners used the platform in the US US users of the Podcasts app were required to migrate their subscription data before the deadline or risk losing their listening information.  Unfortunately, this process was not at all straightforward, leaving many users confused and increasing the risk that…

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OpenAI brings its artificial intelligence software “Sora” pitch to Hollywood

John Montgallo
Artificial intelligence software - Hollywood Sign

This week, AI technology was brought to studios, media executives and even talent agencies. OpenAI went to Hollywood this week with its new artificial intelligence software, “Sora”, in the hopes of impressing studios, media executives and talent agencies with their pitch. The AI has the potential to turn movie making on its head The goal of OpenAI’s trip was to make sure that a larger number of filmmakers were aware of just what Sora could do.  The artificial intelligence software specializes in text-to-video and could completely change the way moves…

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