‘Pokémon Go’ Users Accidentally Helped Provide 30 Billion Images for Delivery Robot Training
Using Pokémon GO Data for Delivery Robots Almost ten years after Pokémon GO transformed our world into an augmented reality playground, the vast data gathered from millions of players is now being repurposed to improve how autonomous delivery robots navigate urban streets. Niantic Spatial, the team behind the popular game, has joined forces with Coco […]
Amazon users dislike Alexa’s new, adult-focused ‘Sassy’ voice.
Alexa is becoming a bit more… outspoken. This week, Amazon revealed its updated AI assistant, Alexa+, which now features a new personality. It’s not just sweet, but also a bit sassy. The company is introducing a “Sassy” mode specifically for adults, making the voice assistant a bit more edgy, even using the occasional profanity for […]
Microsoft 365 Copilot issue allowed users to circumvent email security measures
Microsoft has revealed a significant bug in its 365 Copilot that has, since late January, allowed the AI tool to access and summarize emails labeled as confidential. This raises serious concerns about email security, as these messages should have remained protected under data loss prevention (DLP) policies that organizations employ. The specific issue lies in […]
Local Glasses app monitors smart glasses users around you
New App Detects Nearby Smart Glasses Not quite comfortable in the spotlight? A new application may help. It lets users know if anyone around them is wearing smart glasses. Smart glasses can easily be mistaken for regular eyewear, which raises concerns since they could be recording without you even realizing it. The app, called “Nearby […]
Fraudulent AI Chrome extensions reveal passwords and data of 300,000 users
It can often feel comfortable to browse the web, especially when you’re adding tools that seem like they’ll enhance your experience. Yet, security experts have revealed a troubling campaign where over 300,000 users installed a Chrome extension that pretended to be an AI assistant. Instead of offering help, these impostors covertly gathered sensitive data—think emails, […]
Apple introduces age verification feature for apps designed for users 18 and older in select US states and countries
Apple has introduced new age verification tools in the U.S. and other countries, aimed at ensuring that users wishing to download certain apps are at least 18 years old. This move aligns with regulations implemented in some U.S. states and various foreign nations. The rollout of this tool is occurring in places like Utah, Louisiana, […]
Governed by monitoring? This major social media platform is asking upset users to agree to facial recognition.
Discord Updates User Privacy Measures Messaging platform Discord has informed users that they don’t need to disclose their identities in most areas, although some regions still require facial recognition or government ID checks. After a data breach in October that exposed around 70,000 images of IDs, including passports and driver’s licenses, Discord has been revising […]
Gamers protest against age verification system that exposes users to ‘suspicious entity detection’
Users of chatbots may soon have their selfies analyzed for potential suspicious activity and to see if they bear resemblance to public figures. Video game enthusiasts recently reacted strongly to Discord’s implementation of a pilot program in the UK that involved sharing personal data with the government through a firm named Persona, which has ties […]
MileagePlus credit card users to receive additional miles on flights beginning April 2
United Airlines has revamped its MileagePlus rewards program, creating more incentive for frequent travelers to get a United credit card. This year, cardholders will effectively rake in more miles while flying United, whereas those without a United credit or debit card will earn significantly less. MileagePlus members can still accumulate Boost Miles, but to maximize […]
Apple News bias: former liberal magazine editor assigned to select stories for iPhone users
Critics are raising concerns about the Apple News app, particularly its perceived bias in content. A recent study indicated that the app, which is pre-installed on every iPhone in the U.S., primarily features news from liberal outlets. In 2017, Apple appointed Lauren Kahn, known for her work at liberal magazines, as the app’s editor-in-chief. Kahn […]