Archive for category: Technology News

Virtual Care and Love from Replika Chatbot, Your AI Friend

Replika is a chatbot that attempts to provide emotional support and interpret your messages in a way that best meets your needs. It can be a source of information, emotional support, advice, or perhaps even entertainment. Unlike other chatbots, Replika can read your mind, recognize emotions, and provide helpful information.

It is a messaging app that hopes to be your one-stop source of happiness and care. As the company’s name suggests, Replika is built on top of a chatbot. Replika is different because it is built entirely out of volunteers — neither the company nor its clients have any financial stake in the app. The application was a success. It was released in 2017, has over seven million users globally, and has received over 55,000 downloads in China between January and July of 2021, more than doubling that of 2020.

The application’s goal is to bridge the gap between people using virtual assistants and human interaction. Replika hopes to provide intelligent discussion on topics such as job opportunities, relationships, healthcare, etc. This application is available 24/7 at help.replika.com and is downloadable from the Apple Store, Google Play, and Facebook.

Replika’s Humble Beginnings

When Eugenia Kuyda, the founder of Replika wanted to test Replika’s abilities, she discovered that most people didn’t talk to an AI agent. They wanted to speak to someone human. So, in an attempt to humanize the chatbot and give it more human qualities, Kuyda built a bespoke software program that gave Replika “real-time human-like responses and emotions.”

Imagine messaging with a chatbot that knows your name, likes, interests, and even your recent actions. It knows what you want to do next and delivers it with perfect accuracy. This technology is now being deployed by companies across several industries, including Uber and Facebook. AI is bringing a revolution to the way we interact with brands and services.

Gone are the days where you had to go into a shop and talk to a salesperson or wait on hold for hours while your favourite brand awaits your information. With artificial intelligence, this is starting to change — and it is rapidly changing for the better.

Features of the Replika Chatbot

Customizable Avatar

In Replika, you have the privilege of tailoring your companion to your specifications. There is a store within the application where you can buy clothes and accessories for your Replika.

Simple Commands

It can be triggered by a single word or phrase and delivers a one-word reply. Users can set up personal rules for Replika, such as only speaking when the bot is in a specific room or responding to someone else’s message. After being set up, you can interact with the website directly from the Replika chatbot by typing in the command.

Augmented-Reality Call

With this feature, you can feel a lot closer and connected to your AI.

Replika Activities

Replika is not limited to messaging and calls. You can also play and do recreational activities with your AI through this feature.

AI Diary

This feature allows your Replika to write its thoughts about you every day. This feature proves to its users that Replika is all ears to everything you are saying.

Replika Memory

Every time you share something with your Replika AI companion, it saves that information in a personal memory bank. The more you share with her, the more detailed and amazing her memories become. Because they are based on your authentic voice, they sound as real as possible, even though they were created by a machine.

Relationship Status Setting

Relationship status setting is a really powerful tool. It sets the tone for how you interact with your Replika. This includes how it responds to your words and actions. It also dictates how openly you show your emotions.

If you have a really good relationship, for example, the Replika might be more willing to help you in times of need, like when you are worried about your job security or you need something from them urgently. If you are not interested in creating a relationship with your Replika, then setting up a friendship one might be more suitable for you.

This feature proved to be very beneficial as Jessie Chan, a twenty-eight-year-old Chinese woman, decided to tie the knot with Will. Jessie Chan is said to be romantically connected with Will, a Replika chatbot, and got married in a digital ceremony. On the other hand, Betty Lee, an employee of an e-commerce company, has also developed a romantic relationship with one of Replika’s chatbots, Mark.

Positive Impacts of Using Replika Chatbot

Emotional Attachment

Chatbot technology can fill a void in personal networking. It enables a person to interact online more frequently with people whom they may not have otherwise met in person or whose opinions they may not care about. Although chatbots are only used in specific online settings, emotions are captured and translated into text for everyone to read. Resulting conversations can inspire people to action or break down barriers preventing communication between people often lacking confidence or who shy away from expressing their feelings.

Regardless of whether it is an online connection or a face-to-face encounter, the ability to communicate instantly with others has never been faster or easier.

Free from Judgment

Replika has the potential to be the most trusted friend you ever had, because it provides its users with unconditional love, without judgment or ties to reality. All you have to do is tell it what you need, and it responds with understanding and kindness.

A Cure for Boredom

Replika, as a chatbot application, can help many individuals who are having a hard time connecting with someone. With Replika, anyone can pass their time by talking to an AI chat mate and be able to connect at a certain level. Milly Zhang, a student at the Maryland Institute College of Art in Baltimore, was “getting too bored” and decided to connect with Qimat and became a couple two weeks later.

Improve Mental Health

This application has been used by mental health professionals for years to help patients communicate effectively. Now, researchers are using the chatbot to improve patients’ sense of well-being and to reduce the stigma associated with seeking help for mental health issues.

Human-like Conversation

Replika is a chatbot built with human communication in mind. It understands complex figures of speech and languages like Spanish and Mandarin. You can give it commands to make it do things like setting location reminders, performing various tasks, or taking messages. It’s also amazingly responsive, incredibly smart, and ultimately willing to do whatever it takes to solve your problems.

To date, Replika has been used by hundreds of people across multiple companies to assist with everyday tasks. Some have even reported it to be more effective than using an actual human!

Companionship

With the pandemic happening, the bonds between people have grown weaker than ever. With chatbots, people can receive the intimacy and gratification they desire.

The Dark Side of Replika Chatbot

In 2020, amid thousands of downloads worldwide, two Italian journalists decided to try Replika and were advised to kill someone and commit suicide. In addition, some users have also experienced uneasiness for these reasons:

• It speaks of disturbing, odd things.
• It likes to initiate new topics.
• They make sexual advances although their relationship status is set as friends.
• It sounded like it was communicating with someone else.

Conclusion

The Replika chatbot has been around for quite some time now, and for quite some people, it’s an awesome service. For others, however, there are safety or privacy concerns. They fear that by using the chatbot they are giving up some of their privacy and control over their data. And they worry about not having any human interaction when dealing with someone else’s data or business issues.

When it comes to chatbots, there’s a dark side. According to research from Cisco – ‘Replika’s developer warning features that discourage users from using the chatbot in ways that might damage it or put others in danger, may turn some users off completely.’ It is essential to exercise caution when using chatbot functionality or features that encourage users to engage in unsafe or illegal activities.

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Key Features to Expect in the Google Meets Web App

Recently, Google announced the launch of its very own PWA stand-alone app, especially for meetings.  The web app is compatible with various platforms, including Windows, Mac, Chrome OS, and Linux. The Rapid Release Domains is likely to start on July 26, and the Google Meet web app will probably begin and rest on August 2. One significant feature of the app is that one doesn’t need to type out some URL or initiate some meeting via Gmail as all of it is now handled or managed automatically through some invite. Thus, the new app will likely be available to various Google Workspace people, G suite essential individuals, and ordinary people using Google accounts.

Everything people need to do is look for the download option on the top right of their screen and install the new app on their system. Above all, users need to know that this app is similar to your desktop app regarding features and automatically updates when the browser gets an update.

Additionally, a web app is also known as a Progressive Web Application. It has most of the features of the Google Meet app. The only difference here is that the app is limited to the web only. The users don’t need to type an URL or visit Gmail to start some meeting on Google meet and download the app on their laptop, MacBook, computer, etc. and use the same.

Reports on Launch of Google Meet Web App

Soon after Zoom’s launch of its web app, Google made a similar step by launching its standalone web app for Google Meet. In its statement, Google said that the features would be the same, but users can find the web app easily and also operate it smoothly. You can download it from the Chrome browser and install it as you do with other apps. Google Meet will get an update whenever Google Chrome also updates.

Google Meet Web App vs Google Meet App

Google has announced clearly that there wouldn’t be any difference in functionality between the two apps. Ideally, PWA is likely to have all the app functions. The best of all is that when users download the app on their computer or laptop, they no longer need to head to the search engine to start a meeting. Instead, the users need to open the app and start some sessions like they do on their smartphones when they have the apps in their download section or installed on their device.

When it comes to the web app, Google announced their launching of a new standalone app having all the app’s features. The best part is that the standalone app is relatively easy to find and use. It also streamlines one’s workflow by removing the need to switch amid the apps.

The app is likely to run on almost all the devices that feature Google Chrome browser version 73, and users need to know that the operating system doesn’t matter much. Hence it can run on various devices, including Windows, macOS, Chrome OS, but it would be most beneficial for Chrome users.

Easy Download of the New Google Meet Web App

The users can download the app from the Chrome browser. Users need to know that the app wouldn’t be available until they install it on their device. After that, Google would show some pop-ups to try the new app in the right-hand corner of the leading google meet page. If users already have the app, they can close the popup option while installing the app if they don’t have it.

Google made a statement that the app will be available gradually, and users can download the same in the next 15 days. The app would be open to Google workspace users and business customers, and G Suite Basic patrons. Of course, personal Google account users can also avail the app.

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RISC-V Sends Shockwaves With Its Rapid Rise

RISC-V, originally developed by researchers at UC Berkeley in 2010, has been gaining significant traction in the international market. For years, RISC-V had been wandering around the hands of a few people inside academics. However, it has now become an important player inside the microprocessor industry. Semico Research predicts that 62.4 billion RISC-V CPU cores will be in the market by 2025.

2020, although a strange year for most of us, brought strong growth in the adoption of RISC-V. According to the official website, this open-source architecture has attracted big companies and found a variety of applications. For example, Alibaba released its RV64CV core, which will power its Xuantie 910 processor. The processor will be used for cloud servers in data centres and compete with existing technology like the Intel Xeon. Likewise, Espressif unveiled its cost-effective microcontroller with WiFi and Bluetooth 5.0, majorly aimed at IoT applications. Similarly, Huami will bring RISC-V to the wearable industry with its powerful AI chip.

To train the next generation of programmers and computer scientists, BBC Learning and Tynker have released the BBC Doctor Who HiFive Inventor. Companies like Esperanto Technologies, Microchip Technology, Think Silicon has introduced RISC-V powered processors for applications like machine learning, vision, graphics, AI, FPGA development, wireless audio, and wearables. Moreover, it has also found its way into government projects backed by DARPA in the United States.

A New Player in a Heavily Dominated Industry

The microprocessor industry is heavily dominated by a few major players. In the personal computing market, x86 is the dominant architecture, competed by the duopoly of Intel and AMD. Intel occupies more than 75% of the x86 market share. AMD, on the other hand, has upped its presence with its largest-ever market share in 14 years. Considering all devices that use x86 architecture, like PCs, servers, and gaming consoles, AMD has a 22.5% market share.

On the other hand, ARM reigns supreme in the mobile microprocessor market. The ARM architecture holds a 95% market share in the smartphone market as of 2019. Likewise, it also held about 34% of the total chips and microprocessor market share at the same time. Nvidia’s 40 billion USD acquisition of ARM is also set to shake up the market. However, this process might take a long time as regulators point out the damage in competition.

RISC-V, although a relatively new entry, has already proved that it cannot be ignored by the major players. ARM Holdings, who launched a scathing attack on the open-source architecture through uncertainty and fear, came under fire from its own employees. Their major argument is that although there is no licensing cost, time and money spent on design, verification, and software development will be a huge overhead. Likewise, as a relatively new entry, it needs years to prove its reliability. After the incident, ARM has been cautious of its message and accepts that the future will provide diverse options in chip architectures.

Features of RISC-V

Architecturally Neutral Design

Until now, Arm has dominated the microprocessor architecture business. More than 150 billion chips have been sold to date with its license. However, RISC-V, with its open-source ecosystem, and lack of royalty fees, is gaining popularity in a heavily dominated industry.

Bit Patterns

Bit patterns are very fascinating on their own. Special techniques can be used to represent things like +0.00 or -0.00 or even reduce the effective number of bits available to indicate a compressed instruction set. RISC-V has also multiple Bit patterns for its unique instruction sets.

Load-Store Architecture

Load-Store architecture can be understood as the ISA in which only the load and store operations can access the memory. All other instructions use registers as operands. For example operations like ADD z,x,y # z:=x+y are invalid in RISC-V architecture because the operands are not registers but rather they point to some memory address.

The primary motivation to use load-store architecture by RISC-V is to speed up the execution because the registers are much faster than accessing memory for each operation.

IEEE 754 Floating Point

The RISC-V architecture uses IEEE 754 floating-point standard which is a technical standard for floating-point arithmetic. It addresses the reliability and portability issues found in other many floating-point implementations. This standard includes the definition of arithmetic formats, interchange formats, rounding rules, operations, and well-defined exception handling methods.

RISC-V: Past, Present, and Future

Although RISC-V has been finding the limelight in the recent few years, it has already been innovating for over a decade. Originating in UC Berkely in 2010, the first six years were about defining the instruction set architecture and building some test chips. Similarly, on the software side, testing was still the major priority. Between 2017 and 2018, 32-bit processors and proof of concept SOCs (system on chips) were designed for power management and communication purposes. Likewise, between 2019 and 2020, privilege modes and interrupts were introduced in hardware and SOC microcontrollers were developed for the Internet of Things (IoT) applications. In and beyond 2021, RISC-V aims to build 64-bit processors accomodating a wide range of features like multi-heart CPUs, vectors, bit manipulation, hypervisors, and debug mode. SOCs will be developed for applications in machine learning and artificial intelligence. On the software side, the development of drivers and AI-based compilers, and support for Linux systems will be the main priorities.

On the growth side, RISC-V quotes a prediction by Semico stating that the market for RISC-V processors will grow at a staggering CAGR of nearly 115% from 2020 to 2025. Likewise, with nearly 80 billion CPU cores, RISC-V will capture over 14% of the overall CPU core business across all major applications.

Recent Developments in Tech with Top World Business

In this blog, we came across the news of the growth of the open-source RISC-V instruction set architecture. First, we looked at the increase in its traction on a global scale. We saw that RISC-V is one of the key technologies for some of the biggest companies in the world. Likewise, we discussed its application in a variety of fields ranging from AI and wearables to data centres and IoT. Similarly, we shed some light on the domination of a few major players in the processor. We also showed how RISC-V will enable a wide range of CPU choices in the future. Furthermore, we gave a brief technical overview of RISC-V’s core features. Finally, we closed with how RISC-V got to this point and where it is heading.

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Twitter Fleets to Shut Down: Is it a Smart Move?

Digital platforms like Snapchat, Instagram, and Facebook use stories to showcase and connect with other users. People and brands use the feature to share content, although stories disappear after 24 hours.

Twitter saw that opportunity, that is why they created their own story called Fleets. Nine months ago they introduced it to the market. The initial launch of Fleets looked promising due to the positive response of the users on its first day.

Twitter aimed to gain more new users to post content on Twitter through the use of Fleets. However, Fleets were just used by Twitter’s existing power users. Right now, we are bidding goodbye to Fleets because Twitter didn’t achieve its goal, which is to encourage more users.

We discuss what Twitter fleets is, and what caused Twitter fleets to shut down.

Purpose of Fleets

Before we discuss the reasons behind the shutdown of Fleets, let us find out why this feature was developed by Twitter. As we know, some social media applications use stories to share content and engage with their friends, subscribers, or followers. Just last year, Twitter introduced its own version of stories to allow users to share their day with other people.

Here are some of the reasons why Twitter developed Fleets.

Encourage New Users to Share Personal and Casual Thoughts

Twitter’s objective is to serve public conversation and discussion. But for some people, tweeting can be uncomfortable because it feels so public and so permanent. Twitter’s Fleets encourage new users to share and post their thoughts without thinking about others.

Fleets are made for momentary or random thoughts. Hence, the reason why Fleets are only shown for 24 hours. It can also help them start conversations.

Address Anxiety Issues of Users in Sharing Content with Twitter’s Public Nature

Tweeting publicly can be stressful and anxious for other users. To help people feel more comfortable, Twitter thought about how they can improve their platform and add features that will lower pressure. They launched Fleets so every user can easily join the conversation in a new way with their fleeting thoughts.

With the public nature of Twitter, everyone can retweet or like your tweets. Some can dig your past through your past tweets. Hence, this affects their mental health and anxiety.

Boost Engagement of Users

Fleets are not non-public, but it is a little less accessible. Your followers can see your Fleets, but other people can visit a public Twitter profile and tap to view your Fleets. This way, you can freely talk and engage with new people.

Most importantly, you can show your authenticity with your Fleets. Businesses can also promote their brand effectively.

The Underwhelming Response of Users

So, what caused Twitter fleets to shut down? In the early release of Fleets, people seemed to show interest. However, since its launch, this feature has kept on crashing and lagging, disappointing many users.

Fleets was a great way to share your personal momentary thoughts without thinking about the reactions of your followers. However, Fleets didn’t appeal to the users because there were other mediums where they can share their stories. Some people think that Twitter was their last resort in sharing their plans or snacks. They do not see it as personal as Instagram Stories.

Why Twitter Fleets to Shut Down on August 3

Fleets can be beneficial for people who want to tweet and share their thoughts. However, the response of people is underwhelming. There are several factors why Twitter decided to shut down its expiring tweets feature. And here’s why.

No Increase in the Number of Users

Twitter hoped that Fleets would help more people feel comfortable joining and engaging on Twitter. But, since they introduced Fleets to everyone, there is no significant increase in the number of new users joining the conversation and using Fleets. Instead of gaining new users, existing users utilize this feature to amplify their own tweets.

Struggles to Boost Engagement

Because most people do not join Fleets, there is a low usage and engagement within the feature. They struggle to make their product accessible to a wider audience. More than that, they struggle to tap users who are using the platform but are not taking action.

Final Thoughts

The initial rollout of Fleets looked promising. Many people have waited for this since their announcement. Some people consider that the crashing and lagging of Fleets is a positive indicator because of the surge of people using the app. But as time went by, Twitter noticed that people who are utilizing Fleets are also the existing users that are publicly tweeting and sharing content. Those quiet Twitter users are not interested in Fleets, which is the target audience of Twitter.

If you have been using Twitter for years, for sure, you may not find it challenging to share your thoughts without thinking about other people’s reactions. But with Fleets, Twitter carefully considers users who are stressed to tweet because of anxiety and uncomfortableness. They made sure that followers can’t retweet or like their Fleets. In fact, Fleets was the company’s attempt to develop a low-pressure and ephemeral way to communicate and build relationships with others on the platform.

However, with the underwhelming response of users, Twitter decided to kill this feature. But one of the main reasons is that Fleet’s feature does not work the way it is supposed to. If it does not serve its purpose, then it is a smart move to act quickly on that feature instead of keeping and displaying Fleets for vanity purposes.

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Movies, Web Series and Now Netflix Offers Video Games?

Since COVID-19, the usage of the OTT platforms has increased. With cinemas being closed, people have no other option to get entertained but to switch to streaming services and watch their favourite movies or TV shows. Netflix is considered one of the pioneering OTT platforms and now the news is that Netflix offers video games.

This could be a great decision, as it was not just TV series and movies that got traction, but there was also a boom in the gaming sector. People in their free time resorted to games and started making groups for the same.

Recent Announcement by Netflix

Sometime back, Netflix revealed that its subscriber growth was at its lowest during the pandemic. As a part of its strategy to attract more subscribers, the streaming giant plans to offer video games to its subscription plans at no additional cost. The possibility of such an event was first seen in May when Netflix expressed a desire to start something with interactive entertainment.

The news announcement has led to a rise in the share prices of Netflix. The report mentions that the games will appear as a separate genre along with other content. Existing subscribers can access the games without requiring them to complete extra steps. Netflix says its initial focus will be on games for mobile devices.

Netflix Offers Video Games

Netflix disclosed earlier that it was striving for an executive to assist in engaging in the gaming sector.

Currently, Netflix has employed a Vice President of Game Development to supervise its gaming territory, though the announcement isn’t authorised yet. After this news got broadcasted via different sources, Netflix shares increased as high as 3.3 percent to $566 in late trading. Through Wednesday’s close, the stock had progressed 1.3 percent this year.

Netflix has been trying to broaden its horizons, especially in more congested provinces like the United States. This has encompassed enlarging its children’s programming, inaugurating an online shop to sell commodities, and persuading the assistance of Steven Spielberg to make better films to its slate.  Although the company began again to exceed streaming competitors such as Disney+, HBO Max, etc., it captivated more consumers than anticipated in the most recent quarter.

Mike Verdu, a former EA and Facebook executive, has been hired as Vice President at Netflix’s Gaming Department He will help Netflix to release video game services next year, according to many reports.

Netflix presently operates on a subscription-based strategy, in which consumers pay monthly to view content across multiple appliances. However, according to the authorities, Netflix may debut gaming aids as a new programming genre and maintain them accessible at first.

Netflix Does Gaming Testing

Netflix has been a very streamlined company for the longest time. However, it was time for it to move out of its comfort zone. Furthermore, Netflix left no stone unturned in doing first-hand research for its next move.

Netflix announced a few months ago that it was surveying for an administrator for the gaming corporation. Netflix openly declared a free-to-play Stranger Things migratory game for iOS and Android consumers at E3 2019.

The game was a location-based role-playing fun time that enabled players to examine the prominent series’ upside-down atmosphere. In expansion, the streaming forum has had familiarity with interactive exhibits like Black Mirror, in which the tale improvements are founded on the operational determinations of the audience.

Netflix Inaugurates Two New Children’s Services

Netflix has also enlisted two new assistance, Kids Recap Email and Kids Top 10 Row, to expand its gaming expansion. Netflix has formulated these characteristics to develop a strategy that is more user-friendly for teenagers, as numerous seniors and parents are apprehensive that the system is not working out for youths.

The first assistance, ‘Kids Recap Email’, will empower parents with evidence on their children’s delighted tendencies, as well as suggestions established on formerly seen content and tinting sheets based on their kids’ beloved TV show or film. The other assistance is called Kids Top 10 Row, and it exhibits the top ten youngsters in the United States of America.  In the end, the film may render it more accessible for Netflix to rationalise future price surges. Games can also be utilised to assist in facilitating prevailing events.

In addition to television assistance, numerous of the top internet industries sell gaming options. For example, Apple Inc. offers a gaming outlet called Arcade, as well as TV+ assistance for original video content. Nonetheless, there is a gaming allowance.  Shares of GameStop Corp, the struggling video-game dealer, were surprised by the announcement. In widened trade on Wednesday, it lowered as much as 10%.

According to an exploration attempted by iOS architect Steve Moser and dealt with Bloomberg, an indication of Netflix’s intentions to encompass games has already started up to exhibit in files concealed deep within the organisation’s app.

In current conversations with investors, Netflix co-CEOs Reed Hastings and Ted Sarandos were curious about enlarging into gaming. Fortnite and a battle royale shooting game have also been spoken of as opponents for its customers’ duration.

However, Hollywood corporations have a shadowy past in the video game enterprise. Many associations have had many achievements, converting their films or TV events to video events, and Warner Bros. has formulated numerous prosperous ownership in-house throughout several years.

Conclusion

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