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Category: Beyond News

  • Can AI Systems Like ChatGPT Randomly Become ‘Lazy’ Due to a Misaligned Update?

    Can AI Systems Like ChatGPT Randomly Become ‘Lazy’ Due to a Misaligned Update?

    With recent updates to AI models like ChatGPT, several users have reported experiencing a sense of “laziness” from the chatbot when performing various tasks. This issue, which appeared to arise from the GPT-4 model, was eventually acknowledged by OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT.

    OpenAI stated on December 11, 2023, “We’ve heard all your feedback about GPT-4 becoming lazier! We haven’t updated the model since November 11, and it’s certainly not intentional. The model’s behavior can be unpredictable, and we’re looking to fix it.“

    Introduced in March 2023, GPT-4 is a language model used by ChatGPT, which has become widespread, including in Microsoft’s products and services—a key partner of OpenAI. This was followed by another significant update, GPT-4 Turbo, in November 2023. Besides enhanced capabilities, this version accesses a much more recent database, allowing it to respond better to current topics.

    However, both of these updates have been criticized for ChatGPT’s perceived lack of effort in certain situations, with users questioning if GPT-4 had become less intelligent or even regressed compared to GPT-3.5.

    On forums like Reddit, users have shared experiences of ChatGPT’s unexpected responses, such as suggesting users complete tasks themselves, which seemed basic for the AI. These incidents have sparked discussions and theories about the reasons behind this lack of enthusiasm and strategies to work around the problem.

    OpenAI, in response to these concerns, included a fix in their January 25, 2024, update notes. The new version, called gpt-4-0125-preview and specific to GPT-4 Turbo, aims to reduce instances of ‘laziness’ where the model fails to complete a task. This patch is available for users with an active subscription to GPT-4 Turbo.

    While it may take time to observe the differences between gpt-4-0125-preview and older versions, even if the patch is effective, there’s no guarantee that similar issues won’t reappear in future updates of GPT-4 or in new language models.

  • Apple Vision Surpasses Meta in One Key Area: Video Content

    Apple Vision Surpasses Meta in One Key Area: Video Content

    The Complete iTunes Catalog, Disney+ App (with 3D movies), HBO Max, Prime Video, Thousands of iPad Apps, myCANAL and Arte in France… Watching Live TV or Streaming Movies/Series on Apple Vision Pro from Day One

    Apple’s Vision Pro stands out for its extensive content offerings from day one, contrasting sharply with the more limited options on a Meta Quest. This marks an early triumph for Apple, despite the notable absence of Netflix and YouTube. Touted as a “spatial computer,” the Vision Pro headset is poised to redefine the television viewing experience. Its strength lies in seamlessly transitioning between a discrete integration (a virtualized 2D window on a wall) and an immersive experience (a VR cinema with a giant screen, for instance). Apple’s marketing increasingly emphasizes this versatility, presenting the Vision Pro as a TV, cinema, and gaming hub.

     

    While Oculus Imagined Similar Uses a Decade Ago, Its Headsets Never Made This Leap

    Despite Oculus’ early vision, its headsets failed to capitalize on this potential due to an underdeveloped video ecosystem. Meta, which acquired Oculus, lacks a strong presence in film or series sales, and third-party developers have largely missed the mark, as evidenced by subpar Netflix or Amazon apps.

     

    On the Eve of Vision Pro’s U.S. Launch (February 2), All Signs Point to Apple’s Superiority

    Apple’s Vision Pro is expected to be the premier headset for watching movies, series, or live shows right out of the gate, thanks to a more robust ecosystem. This represents a significant step for Apple, even as it faces challenges in other areas like gaming and productivity.

    A Vast, Sometimes 3D, Catalog Available from the First Day

    In 2024, Apple’s two press releases about the Vision Pro focused on its release date and cinematic experiences, underlining the importance of this aspect for the product’s first generation. Despite some limitations like the external battery and absence of controllers, the Vision Pro’s potential outshines its competitors.

    With an Array of Virtual Screens and Rich Content, Apple Has the Upper Hand

    Apple’s first strength lies in its rebranded Apple TV (formerly iTunes). Vision Pro owners will have access to millions of movies and series, including 150 3D films at launch. Alongside Apple TV+, several other apps will be available at launch with offline viewing capabilities:

    • Disney+ offering free 3D movies to subscribers
    • Prime Video, potentially in iPad app form
    • MAX, the successor to HBO Max in the U.S.
    • MUBI, known for high-quality content
    • NBA, with an enhanced interface for matches and information

    Despite Bright Prospects, Several Uncertainties Loom Over visionOS

    The absence of Netflix or YouTube, which deliberately boycott Apple by disabling their iPad apps, is a significant concern. Although Safari can be used for video content in the interim, it lacks offline download capabilities. It’s still unclear if Safari-based video content can be maximized and placed in a 3D environment like official apps.

    The Social Aspect: Do People Want to Watch TV in a Headset?

    While watching TV in a headset may not appeal in a group setting, the experience could be compelling for individual viewing. The key challenge for Apple is making the Vision Pro as unobtrusive as a TV, a critical factor in its potential success.

    The Future Challenge for Apple: Creating Immersive Content, Especially in Sports

    Apple hopes developers will create unique content for the Vision Pro. Four spatial videos will be available for free in the Apple TV app at launch, showcasing a new 8K 3D 180-degree format. Apple’s acquisition of sports broadcasting rights suggests a vision of watching matches in a stadium-like environment. The question remains: when and will people embrace this experience?

    Canal+ on visionOS: Promising Future Innovations Exclusive to Vision Pro

    Canal+ indicates that future versions of its visionOS app will include exclusive features for the Vision Pro. While it’s unlikely to see series shot in 8K 3D 180 degrees for a limited audience, the future of the Vision Pro is intrinsically tied to the development of immersive content.

  • March 6, 2024: A Critical Date for Europe in its Battle Against Digital Giants’ Unfair Practices

    March 6, 2024: A Critical Date for Europe in its Battle Against Digital Giants’ Unfair Practices

    As we navigate the evolving landscape of digital markets, it’s crucial to stay informed about significant regulatory changes and their potential impacts. A noteworthy development in this domain is the enforcement of the Digital Markets Act (DMA) in Europe, which is set to alter the dynamics of the digital marketplace. This act specifically targets unfair practices by major digital corporations, often referred to as the GAFAM group (Google, Amazon, Facebook, Apple, Microsoft).

    For instance, Apple has historically controlled the pricing terms of apps in the United States. However, the implementation of the DMA in Europe is expected to bring about substantial changes. This was highlighted in a recent commentary by European Parliament member Stéphanie Yon-Courtin. As of March 6, these tech giants will need to comply with new European legal obligations and prohibitions.

    A pivotal moment in this context was the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision on January 16 to end a multi-year legal battle by rejecting the appeal from both Apple and Epic Games. This outcome permits the circumvention of Apple’s App Store, though Apple will still collect 27% on external transactions.

    This U.S. decision bears significant implications for the European Union, which has been working towards regulating digital markets to combat such unfair practices. The period leading up to compliance is critical, as it sends a strong message to competitors who have been concerned about inadequate solutions that neither restore online competition nor ensure fairness.

    To fully grasp the importance of this decision, it’s essential to revisit the root of the conflict. Epic Games, the creator of Fortnite, challenged Apple’s dominance by introducing its own payment system to bypass Apple’s fees. This move sparked a significant legal confrontation, reflecting the broader struggle over control and fairness in digital marketplaces.

    As we approach the enforcement date of the DMA, it’s vital to understand the broader implications for the digital economy and consumer rights. Stay tuned for more insights and analysis on this developing story.

  • Microsoft Targeted by Russian Intelligence Cyberattack

    Microsoft Targeted by Russian Intelligence Cyberattack

    Microsoft has recently disclosed a significant cyberattack by the group Nobelium, allegedly linked to Russian foreign intelligence services. On January 19th, the American tech giant revealed that Nobelium hackers successfully stole emails and documents from several Microsoft executives during a hacking campaign that began in November 2023.

    According to a brief statement from Microsoft, the company discovered on January 12th that state-sponsored actors had accessed the email accounts of some employees. Microsoft managed to block the hackers’ access by January 13th. The exact method used by the hackers to penetrate the system remains unclear. However, Microsoft noted that the attackers initially engaged in “password spraying,” a technique involving the testing of commonly used or previously stolen passwords on a large number of email addresses within Microsoft’s infrastructure. This led to the compromise of an old test account.

    The attackers, linked to the infamous SolarWinds hack, reportedly accessed “a very small percentage of Microsoft accounts,” including those of top executives and members of security and legal teams. Nobelium, also known as Midnight Blizzard, is suspected of seeking information about their own activities in the compromised emails and documents to understand what Microsoft knew about them.

    Nobelium is also behind the SolarWinds hack, one of the most significant cyber espionage operations attributed to Russia. In August 2023, Microsoft had reported another hacking campaign by Nobelium, where compromised accounts of some of its clients were used for phishing attacks against other organizations.