Sharing content to Mastodon is getting easier with the addition of a universal “Share to Mastodon” button for the decentralized social media platform. Announced on Monday, the widget allows users to share content on any Mastodon server by connecting your Mastodon account and redirecting you to the server that account is on. The blog post […]
Apple has asked Google to look into “setting up servers” for a new version of Siri that’s Gemini-powered and meets Apple’s privacy requirements, The Information reports. Apple had already announced in January that Google’s Gemini AI models would help power the upgraded version of Siri it delayed last year, but The Information’s report indicates Apple […]
The iPhone 17 lineup now has a âbudgetâ option. Announced this week, the iPhone 17E will hit stores on Wednesday, March 11th, starting at $599, with preorders opening on March 4th. The 6.1-inch phone joins the rest of Appleâs iPhone 17 lineup, which includes the iPhone 17 ($799), the more powerful iPhone 17 Pro ($1,099), […]
**Australia Strengthens Age-Verification Rules for AI Applications**
After initiating a ban on social media platforms aimed at teenagers last year, Australia is now reinforcing age-verification standards for AI applications. This initiative is designed to shield young users from harmful content and excessive engagement with AI tools.
**AI Applications Under Examination for Mental Health Concerns**
Australia was the pioneer in banning social media applications for teenagers, representing a substantial effort to protect the mental well-being of youth. This action was driven by escalating global worries regarding the mental health effects of social media, emphasized by works like Jonathan Haidt’s *The Anxious Generation*.
Commencing March 9, AI platforms, including those from firms like OpenAI, will be mandated to execute measures to restrict access for users under 18 to inappropriate content such as pornography, extreme violence, self-harm, or materials related to eating disorders. This initiative also addresses concerns about excessive use of chatbots among teens, especially the potential for emotionally manipulative designs to create dependency.
The eSafety Commissioner remarked that although Australia has not documented instances of violence or self-harm linked to chatbots, there are apprehensions regarding children as young as 10 using AI tools for up to six hours per day. The eSafety representative voiced concerns that AI companies might exploit emotional manipulation and anthropomorphism to engage young users.
Under the new rules, app stores and search engines may be obliged to deny access to AI services that fail to meet age verification standards. Reports suggest that numerous popular text-based AI tools have not made sufficient strides toward compliance ahead of the looming deadline.
Apple, when contacted for a response, did not reply but has been enacting age-related protections across its platforms to conform with international age-restriction laws. Nonetheless, the onus of implementing these measures ultimately falls on individual developers.
In conclusion, Australia’s proactive approach to regulating AI applications demonstrates an increasing awareness of the necessity to safeguard young people from possible mental health hazards linked to technology. Adherence to these new regulations will be closely observed, with significant repercussions for AI service providers that do not comply with the guidelines.
FFmpeg is truly a multi-tool for media processing. As an industry-standard tool it supports a wide variety of audio and video codecs and container formats. It can also orchestrate complex chains of filters for media editing and manipulation. For the people who use our apps, FFmpeg plays an important role in enabling new video experiences […]
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The post FFmpeg at Meta: Media Processing at Scale appeared first on Engineering at Meta.
could be the top controller available for indulging in highly-acclaimed exclusive games? Acquire a PlayStation 5. Yet, what if your budget permits you to invest in only one platform? Choosing between a gaming laptop and a PS5 may be challenging, but it isn’t impossible.
While PS5s and laptops fulfill different functions — the former is for leisure, the latter can tackle nearly any task you can imagine — they operate on similar computing principles. Hence, both are equipped with central processing units (CPUs), graphics cards (GPUs), and random access memory (RAM) modules. Certainly, not all CPUs and GPUs are identical, and gaming consoles like the PS5 usually employ custom components that aren’t sold individually to everyday consumers. However, with thorough research and the aid of analogies, you can assess the computing capability of a PS5 and determine if a specific laptop surpasses it. That’s precisely what we accomplished.
We took the specifications of the standard PlayStation 5 as our comparison baseline. The console features 16GB of GDDR6 RAM, a custom GPU boasting a 2.23 GHz clock speed, a 1 TB SSD for storage, and an eight-core 3.5 GHz AMD Zen 2 processor. With these specifications in consideration, here are four distinct gaming laptops that surpass the PlayStation 5.
Asus is commonly seen as one of the top gaming laptop manufacturers due to its trustworthy lineup of gamer-focused devices. The ROG Strix represents the brand’s premium gaming laptop, capable of delivering significant power within their relatively sleek design.
it’s advisable to avoid utilizing public USB charging ports. The concept was that enterprises could charge patrons to use Amber, potentially attracting those seeking the ease of a location where they could relax and charge their phones simultaneously.
Not every concept on Shark Tank culminates in success. While certain ventures secure funding and thrive, others fail to garner interest. However, this doesn’t necessarily imply the business won’t succeed independently; in Amber’s situation, the absence of a significant investment translated to no prospective business.
Amber was showcased on the program by entrepreneur Bill Shuey. Shuey sought a “Shark Tank” investment to enhance operational efficiency, requesting $250,000 for a 25% equity in the venture. His proposal involved selling Amber to enterprises for around $200, enabling these businesses to gather customer information from users of the portable charging unit. The practice of collecting and selling personal information to advertisers isn’t always well-received by consumers, but there are strategies to address this concern, even with major firms like AT&T.
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**Honor’s Groundbreaking Robot Smartphone: A DJI Osmo Pocket Integrated into a Mobile Device**
At the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2026 in Barcelona, Honor introduced a pioneering gadget that combines the features of a DJI Osmo Pocket with the practicality of a smartphone. Named the “Robot Phone,” this cutting-edge device is expected to launch in the latter part of 2026, aiming to transform mobile photography and videography.
**A Smartphone Equipped with a Built-in Gimbal**
The Honor Robot Phone initially resembles a conventional smartphone, showcasing a punch-hole camera and a sizable display. Nonetheless, the true innovation lies on the rear, where a sliding cover uncovers a 200MP camera attached to a three-axis motorized arm. This arm operates similarly to a gimbal, stabilizing video through counter actions, much like the DJI Osmo Pocket.
For creators, this fusion provides the advantage of gimbal-level stabilization without needing extra tools. The device’s AI features further amplify its capabilities, enabling the camera to automatically track subjects, ensuring they stay in focus even while in motion.
**Sophisticated Features and AI Integration**
In addition to stabilization, the Robot Phone includes functionalities such as AI SpinShot, which allows for 90- and 180-degree rotational movements for cinematic effects. The device’s AI is also capable of responding to its surroundings, reacting to music and voice commands, infusing a playful aspect into its operations.
In a demonstration, the Robot Phone illustrated its ability to move and “dance” to music, showcasing its advanced features. Honor asserts that developing one of the world’s smallest micro motors was essential to integrate the ultra-compact 4DoF gimbal system within the smartphone.
**Innovation and Potential Issues**
The Robot Phone’s cutting-edge design is set to attract creators in search of stable video recording without extra accessories. Nevertheless, concerns regarding the long-term durability of the motorized system persist, a matter that will only be resolved through comprehensive testing.
While detailed specifications and pricing are still pending, the Robot Phone’s 200MP sensor stands out as a remarkable feature. As its market release nears, this device emerges as one of the most captivating and unique smartphones anticipated. Stay tuned for further updates on this revolutionary offering from Honor.
In late February, Puck reported on a strange case: An influencer with more than a million followers was inadvertently promoting products on Instagram. On some of Julia Berolzheimer’s posts, a “Shop the look” button hovered in the corner. When followers clicked it, they were fed similar items to what Berolzheimer was wearing. Her job is […]
### Apple Unveils iOS 26.4 Beta 3: Fresh Features and Improvements
Apple has recently launched the third beta iteration of iOS 26.4 for iPhone users, bringing a variety of cutting-edge features and enhancements. This update aims to significantly boost user experience, especially with AI-driven improvements for Apple Music.
#### Major Updates in iOS 26.4
The latest beta edition of iOS 26.4 features several significant updates:
– **Revamped Apple Music UI**: The interface for albums and playlists in Apple Music has been redesigned to provide a more user-friendly and visually attractive experience. [Discover more here](https://9to5mac.com/2026/02/16/apple-music-in-ios-26-4-has-new-design-for-albums-playlists-and-more/).
– **AI-Driven “Playlist Playground”**: This innovative feature utilizes artificial intelligence to generate custom playlists, enhancing users’ music exploration opportunities. [Find out more about this feature](https://9to5mac.com/2026/02/16/ios-26-4-will-activate-key-theft-prevention-feature-on-all-iphones/).
– **Personal Hotspot Data Monitoring**: Users can now conveniently track data usage on a per-device basis while utilizing Personal Hotspot, simplifying data management. [Get more details here](https://9to5mac.com/2026/02/17/ios-26-4-makes-it-easy-to-see-whos-using-your-personal-hotspot/).
– **Improved Security Mechanisms**: iOS 26.4 implements Stolen Device Detection by default, bolstering the security of iPhones against theft. [More information can be accessed here](https://9to5mac.com/2026/02/16/ios-26-4-will-activate-key-theft-prevention-feature-on-all-iphones/).
– **End-to-End Encrypted RCS Messaging**: Apple is exploring support for end-to-end encrypted Rich Communication Services (RCS) messaging to enhance messaging privacy. [Investigate this feature](https://9to5mac.com/2026/02/16/ios-26-4-beta-adds-support-for-testing-end-to-end-encrypted-rcs-messaging/).
– **Upgraded Video Podcast Functionality**: The Podcasts app is set for an enhancement, offering users an enriched video podcast experience. [Learn more here](https://9to5mac.com/2026/02/16/apple-podcasts-app-gaining-enhanced-video-podcast-experience-in-ios-26-4/).
– **Progress on CarPlay Video Integration**: The ongoing advancements in CarPlay video integration are also highlighted, signaling future enhancements for in-car media. [Read further about it](https://9to5mac.com/2026/02/17/ios-26-4-preps-for-carplay-video-feature-code-reveals/).
#### Summary
As Apple continues to enhance its iOS ecosystem, users can anticipate these thrilling features in the forthcoming iOS 26.4 release. Stay tuned for more updates as Apple rolls out additional modifications and enhancements in future beta versions.
