Elon Musk Takes Shot at Google Clips, Says Company’s AI Camera Isn’t ‘Innocent’

Google Clips, the standalone physical digital camera that Google unveiled alongside the Pixel 2 smartphones last week, uses machine learning to determine when is a good time to take a picture or record a clip. The company received applause for the device when an executive onstage demonstrated the features of Clips. But it’s safe to assume that at least one person isn’t a big fan of Google’s new camera: Elon Musk.

The billionaire and chief executive of Tesla, SpaceX, and SolarCity, took a jab at Google’s new camera over the weekend, saying the device doesn’t even pretend to have good intentions. In a response to a video of Clips posted by the Verge, Musk wrote, “This doesn’t even seem innocent.”

Google Clips uses machine learning and doesn’t take a picture or record a clip until it sees faces it recognises. The device has been designed to capture the special moments that people often miss out as they rush to make it to the before the camera before the timer ticks off.

The camera received a mixed response from people in the immediate aftermath of its unveiling. Google, on its part, has assured users that it is taking sufficient measures to protect the privacy of its customers. For instance, the Google Clips lights up whenever it is recording a video or taking a picture, a feature that will ensure people are aware they are being recorded. The machine learning that Google employs to find the best time to capture a shot also happens on the device itself, the company said.

But Musk’s jab might cost Google some customers. The billionaire is at the forefront of technological issues and is widely respected by others. Musk returns the favour by not shying away from expressing what he truly feels about things and people.

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Further reading: AI, Camera, Cameras, Elon Musk, Google, Google Clips, Machine Learning, Privacy

Source: http://gadgets.ndtv.com/cameras/news/elon-musk-takes-shot-at-google-clips-says-companys-ai-camera-isnt-innocent-1760910

Nokia Plans to Cut Up to 310 Jobs in Technologies Unit, Halt Ozo VR Camera Development

Nokia plans to reduce up to 310 jobs from its Nokia Technologies unit and halt development of its virtual reality camera Ozo and hardware, the Finnish company said on Tuesday.

The unit has about 1,090 employees and the potential cuts are expected to affect staff in Finland, the United States and Britain. Nokia employed about 102,000 employees as of end-June.

The unit will continue to focus on digital health and patent and brand licensing business, Nokia said.

“The slower-than-expected development of the VR market means that Nokia Technologies plans to reduce investments and focus more on technology licensing opportunities,” it said in a statement.

Nokia, whose main business is now telecoms network equipment, launched the camera last year as the first device for its digital media business, one of its new hopes for future growth.

It was designed for making 3D movies and games that can be watched and played with virtual reality headsets. Nokia cut the price of the camera by 25 percent to $45,000 later last year.

© Thomson Reuters 2017

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Source: http://gadgets.ndtv.com/telecom/news/nokia-plans-to-cut-up-to-310-jobs-in-technologies-unit-halt-ozo-vr-camera-development-1760999

Xiaomi Mi Noise Cancelling Earphones USB Type-C launched at Rs. 2,999

The Xiaomi Mi Noise Cancelling Earphones USB Type-C variant features a metallic body and iron acoustic architecture. It renders a frequency response between 20 Hz to 40,000 Hz. The earphones has 113 dB sensitivity and has Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) to cut the external noise. Whenever the Active Noise Cancelling feature is enabled, the earphones can suppress the noise level above 25dB and a frequency range between 50 Hz and 2000 Hz. The noise cancelling earphones from Xiaomi uses micro-electromechanical noise reduction microphone module, reliable and stable micro-electromechanical microphone that can block the environmental noise. The cable is made using a high plastic material called TPE that is non-toxic and environment-friendly. It has a braided wire and in-line control with microphone to achieve true digital decoding and transmission. This microphone comes handy while users are on calls while listening to music. The Mi Noise Cancelling USB Type-C Earphones was initially unveiled in June this year. The accessory is durable and resist water to some extent. It can withstand drops too. As it is a USB Type-C variant, it can be used with all smartphone with the port. The Xiaomi Mi Noise Cancelling USB Type-C Earphones is priced at Rs. 2,999 in the country. The earphones should be available for sale via Mi.com along with the Mi Mix 2

Read more at: https://www.gizbot.com/accessories/news/xiaomi-mi-noise-cancelling-earphones-usb-type-c-launch-price-044807.html

Source: https://www.gizbot.com/accessories/news/xiaomi-mi-noise-cancelling-earphones-usb-type-c-launch-price-044807.html

Microsoft finally killing off Windows smartphones

After struggling to sell Windows smartphones as Google’s Android and Apple iOS Operating Systems (OS) surged ahead, Microsoft has finally admitted that it will no longer develop new features or hardware for Windows 10 mobile phones.

In a series of tweets, Joe Belfiore, corporate vice-president for Windows 10 at Microsoft, said that the Windows OS will only help with bug fixes and security updates for existing users.

“Of course we’ll continue to support the platform.. bug fixes, security updates. But building new features/hw [hardware] aren’t the focus,” Mr. Belfiore tweeted. The devices that use Windows OS are HP Elite x3, Microsoft Lumia 950 XL, Microsoft Lumia 950 and Nokia Lumia 930, among others. “We have tried very hard to incent app devs. Paid money.. wrote apps 4 them.. but volume of users is too low for most companies to invest,” Mr. Belfiore posted.

Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has already stopped using the Windows phone.

HP Inc is also halting production of its flagship Windows handset. HP Inc recently admitted that it will not add any new handset to its existing “Elite” Windows smartphone line-up.

According to market research firm Kantar, Windows phones account for just 1.3% of the market — down from 2.4% last year — in the U.S.

Source: http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-life/microsoft-finally-killing-off-windows-smartphones/article19831324.ece

Oppo F5 Launch Set for October 26, Tipped to Sport Dual Selfie Cameras

Oppo has teased the upcoming launch of its F5 smartphone. In a post on its Philippines Facebook page, the Chinese smartphone manufacturer clearly mentions that the Oppo F5 will be launched on October 26. It’s not certain whether the Philippines launch will follow a China or global unveiling – for now, this is the only launch date disclosed for the selfie-focused smartphone.

The launch teaser on the Oppo Philippines page carries the tagline “F5: Capture the real you,” clearly indicating the smartphone would be selfie-centric. The Oppo F5 has appeared in a couple of leaks over the past two weeks, starting with launch posters in the Philippines. Featuring the same tagline, the posters were spotted in SM Megamall in Metro Manilla. The posters (seen below) show the smartphone from behind, in Black and Red colour variants, with a single rear camera setup and a fingerprint sensor on the back panel.

Source: http://gadgets.ndtv.com/mobiles/news/oppo-f5-launch-october-26-philippines-1760892

Microsoft done making Windows phones, even Bill Gates doesn’t use one any more! Read more at: http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/61005858.cms

SAN FRANCISCO: After struggling to sell Windows smartphones for quite some time as Google’s Android and Apple iOS Operating Systems (OS) surged ahead, Microsoft has finally admitted that the software giant will no longer develop new features or hardware for Windows 10 mobiles.

In a series of tweets, Joe Belfiore, Corporate Vice President in the Operating Systems Group at Microsoft, revealed late on Sunday that the Windows operating system will only help with bug fixes and security u ..

Read more at:
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/61005858.cms?utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst

Source: http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/microsoft-done-making-windows-phones-even-bill-gates-doesnt-use-one-any-more/articleshow/61005858.cms