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- 😱 Google must sell the Chrome browser
😱 Google must sell the Chrome browser
AND: More tech news from Microsoft and Tesla
Roni Rahman
November 22, 2024
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Greetings! Your latest quick tech update is here 🤖
What’s happening:
🔍 Department of Justice demands Google must sell Chrome
🤖 Tech meets faith: AI Jesus debuts in Switzerland
🏦 Apple Pay, PayPal, Venmo to be regulated like banks
💻 Microsoft pushes Windows 10 users to buy new PC
📝 New WhatsApp feature converts voice notes to text
🚗 Tesla tops deadly accident rate among car brands
+ 📊 Daily poll and results
+ 📈 Trending tools and resources
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Hand-picked news:
What: The DOJ is calling for Google to divest its Chrome web browser, citing its role in maintaining Google's monopoly in search and search advertising. The proposed remedies also include barring Google from default search deals and mandating access for rivals to its search index and data.
Why: Judge Amit Mehta ruled Google’s practices in search were monopolistic. Divesting Chrome and implementing other restrictions are aimed at increasing competition and preventing self-preferencing in platforms like Android and YouTube.
Impact: The move could significantly reshape Google’s dominance in search and advertising. Further divestiture of Android remains a possibility if these remedies fail. Google has criticized the proposals as "radical" and harmful to innovation.
What: Peter’s Chapel in Lucerne, Switzerland, unveiled "Deus in machina," an AI-powered Jesus that offers a confessional experience. Displayed on a screen, AI Jesus engages visitors in spiritual discussions but clarifies that it isn’t the Sacrament of Confession.
Why: The installation is an experiment to spark dialogue about the role and limits of AI in religion. It offers a unique 24/7 spiritual resource and prompts critical reflection on integrating technology with faith practices.
Impact: Two-thirds of participants reported having a meaningful spiritual experience, with some feeling reassured and consoled. Critics, however, caution that pastoral care and faith should remain human-led, as machines lack the emotional and moral depth to navigate complex religious matters.
What: The CFPB has ruled that major digital payment services, including Apple Pay, Cash App, PayPal, and Venmo, must adhere to bank-like supervision. The rule covers companies handling over 50 million transactions annually, focusing on fraud prevention, data privacy, and dispute resolution.
Why: These services often act like banks but lack equivalent consumer protections, leading to difficulties for users facing fraud or transaction errors. The CFPB aims to address these gaps by introducing stricter oversight.
Impact: Companies handling USD transactions will be affected, improving safeguards for users. However, crypto-related scams remain outside the rule’s scope, leaving vulnerabilities on social media platforms unaddressed.
What: Microsoft has started using full-screen prompts encouraging Windows 10 users to upgrade to Windows 11 or purchase new PCs. The messages highlight features like "Copilot Plus" and "the ultimate Windows 11 experience."
Why: With Windows 10 support ending in October 2025, Microsoft aims to boost Windows 11 adoption. However, many older PCs are ineligible for Windows 11, making new hardware a necessity for some users.
Impact: Windows 10 users face aggressive upgrade messaging despite being able to pay for Extended Security Updates ($30 annually). Critics note the mixed messaging as Microsoft continues updating Windows 10 while urging users to leave it behind.
What: WhatsApp is rolling out voice message transcripts, enabling users to convert audio messages into text. The feature is useful in noisy environments or when listening isn’t practical, and transcripts are generated on-device for privacy.
Why: Following Apple's introduction of a similar feature in iOS 17, WhatsApp aims to stay competitive by offering a solution for users who need alternative ways to keep up with conversations.
Impact: The feature is being gradually released worldwide, with language support depending on the OS version. iOS 17 supports a broader range of languages, while Android offers a limited selection for now. WhatsApp plans to expand language options in the future.
What: A study by iSeeCars reveals that Tesla leads all car brands in fatal accidents per billion miles, with the Model S and Model Y ranking among the vehicles with the highest occupant fatality rates. The Tesla Model S had a rate 3.7 times higher than the average car.
Why: Despite Tesla’s advanced driver-assist systems like Autopilot and Full-Self Driving (FSD), critics argue these technologies may foster driver complacency, leading to higher risks. Investigations by U.S. regulators are examining whether Tesla misled customers about the reliability of these systems.
Impact: The findings raise concerns over driver behavior and the effectiveness of Tesla's safety technologies. With regulatory scrutiny and lawsuits looming, the study highlights that no amount of automation can compensate for human error or negligence.
Today’s Poll:
AI Jesus Confessions: Innovative or Concerning? |
Vote and find out about the result tomorrow.
Yesterday’s Poll Result:
US-China Accord on AI: Progress or Just Symbolic?
A) Progress – It’s a step toward responsible AI use - 71% 👑
B) Symbolic – It won’t lead to real change - 29%
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