Tag: app

Samsung Launches Impulse, an AI-powered App to Assist People With Speech Disorders

Samsung launched a new artificial intelligence (AI)-powered mobile application that can play an assistive role for those who suffer from speech disorders. The app, dubbed Impulse, is compatible with Android smartphones and the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 series. The app uses a technique known as rhythm therapy to help people find their speech rhythm and improve fluency. The Impulse app uses AI capabilities for natural language processing, to break down words into syllables, and to convert them into vibrations.

The announcement was made by Samsung Espana newsroom’s post, which stated, “Samsung Electronics Iberia and Cheil today announced the launch of Impulse, an application based on Artificial Intelligence to improve the daily lives of people with speech disorders, such as stuttering.” The app was developed in collaboration with the Speechcare & Stuttering Center to improve speech fluency.

Impulse essentially works through the Galaxy Watch 6 series smartwatches. The app uses a Natural Language Processing (NLP)-based algorithm to analyse and convert words into rhythmic vibrations. These vibrations are felt by the user on their wrist via the smartwatch. The rhythm assists the user in understanding the tempo of each phoneme or word, depending on the type of speech disorder they have. Samsung says this technique can help them avoid blocks in diction and facilitate fluency in speech.

Samsung reveals that the app has more than 250 rhythm and tone exercises designed to increase the difficulty as the user progresses in speech control. The progressive difficulty setting comes with four modes and each mode has three levels of exercises to practice words or phrases.

First mode is ‘Boost your voice’. It can be activated with a single touch after configuration. Users can choose the vibration pattern they want and once selected, it can be used for regular usage. When oral blockage occurs, it is activated. The second mode is ‘Boost your rhythm’, which helps in practising syllables. After the end of a session, the app also shows a performance report that can be shared with a speech therapist.

The third mode is ‘Boost your tone’ which helps the user practise the intonation of the phrases. Finally, the fourth mode is ‘Boost your speech’ which lets the user practise their own texts, written directly in the application or by uploading a file with the narration. Here, the AI analyses the text to create a vibration pattern.

Currently, the app is only available in the Google Play Store in Spain for smartphones running Android 10 and later. It is not known if Samsung will expand the app in other regions as well.

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Deutsche Telekom Showcases App-Less AI Smartphone Concept at MWC 2024

Deutsche Telekom on Monday showcased a futuristic smartphone concept that relies on artificial intelligence rather than applications (apps) to handle users’ specific needs.

Smartphones today typically use apps for everything from messaging and social media to video games and banking.

The German company said the concept, which it is showcasing on its “T-phone” device, will have an app-free user interface developed in collaboration with partners Qualcomm and Brain.

“I can tell you that in 5-10 years from now, nobody from us will use apps anymore,” said CEO Tim Hoettges in a keynote presentation at the MWC tech conference in Barcelona.

Examples of what the phone could do include responding to prompts and generating tailored recommendations for travel destinations, buying a product for its owner, or sending pictures and videos to contacts, the company said in a presentation.

“The showcased product reflects Deutsche Telekom’s belief that multi- and crossmodal Large Language Models (LLMs) will soon become integral to devices, enhancing and simplifying the lives of its customers,” Deutsche Telekom added.

Technology and telecom companies are launching new products and concepts at the annual Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona, hoping the buzz around AI will boost business prospects. Many experts say the technology can raise legal and ethical concerns.

© Thomson Reuters 2024

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Meta India’s Director and Head of Partnerships Manish Chopra Announces Resignation

Meta‘s Director and Head of Partnerships in India Manish Chopra has announced his resignation from the company in a LinkedIn post. Chopra joined Meta in 2019 and has been serving as its director and head of partnerships in India.

The Director and Head of Partnerships posted a message of his resignation on Tuesday. He also said he would assist with the transition over the next few weeks.

Chopra posted on LinkedIn, “I am grateful to the company for trusting me with building out our efforts to drive growth and engagement across Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp. I am super proud of the work the team and I have done to become an ally for creators and businesses around the country. My heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you!”

Manish Chopra, Meta’s Director and Head of Partnerships in India, had joined the company in January 2019.

He posted on the social media site, “It’s been 4.5 years of an incredible journey leading Meta Partnerships in India! I am stepping down from my role at Meta and will help with the transition over the next few weeks.”

On the lines of ongoing layoffs in the tech world and in the company itself, he said, “The recent months have been trying times for everyone in so many ways. I know this team has shown so much care and has helped each other selflessly. At so many moments in doing one’s very best, I have seen folks embody ‘what would you do, if you were not afraid’, and surpass our wildest dreams.”

On his new venture, he said, “I will share more in due course.”

OnePlus recently launched its first tablet in India, the OnePlus Pad, which is only sold in a Halo Green colour option. With this tablet, OnePlus has stepped into a new territory that’s dominated by Apple’s iPad. We discuss this and more on Orbital, the Gadgets 360 podcast. Orbital is available on Spotify, Gaana, JioSaavn, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music and wherever you get your podcasts.
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Western Railway Launches Mobile App Yatra to Provide Live Status of Trains

The Western Railway (WR) on Wednesday launched a mobile application that will allow commuters to check the live status of trains on its suburban network spread between Churchgate station in south Mumbai and Dahanu in adjoining Palghar district.

According to the zonal railway, the app, Yatra, also has several other features.

Western Railway general manager Ashok Kumar Misra launched the app at Churchgate station concourse in the presence of railway officials and other dignitaries, Sumit Thakur, chief public relations officer, WR, said in a press release.

The Western Railway has installed GPS tracking devices in all its suburban trains, which will enable the app to provide their real-time location.

Thakur said with this app, developed in collaboration with a private firm, commuters will not only be able to get a train’s live location on map, but can also see it moving.

“In just three simple steps, commuters can view the live location. Commuters can find the nearest stations directly on the map, type the source station and track the train of their choice so they can gauge how close or far they are from the train to plan their journey,” he said.

Thakur said commuters will get authentic information regarding train live updates, announcements, latest timetable, maps of major railway stations and their amenities.

The software also provides information about Mumbai Metro services and buses, and it has a section where users can give their feedback.

Passengers will also have an easy access to important railway and medical emergency contact numbers and travellers can use the app to explore nearby tourist destinations and places to visit near stations.

The Western Railway said the the app is divyangjan-friendly as well.

Divyang commuters (persons with disabilities) who operate the mobile phone via voice commands can easily find their train’s live location with the help of Google Assistant, Thakur said.

Last July, the Central Railway had launched live tracking of its suburban trains through the app.

After facing headwinds in India last year, Xiaomi is all set to take on the competition in 2023. What are the company’s plans for its wide product portfolio and its Make in India commitment in the country? We discuss this and more on Orbital, the Gadgets 360 podcast. Orbital is available on Spotify, Gaana, JioSaavn, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music and wherever you get your podcasts.
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Britain to Block TikTok on All Parliamentary Devices After Ban on Government Phones

Britain’s parliament will block TikTok on all devices on its network following a similar ban on government devices, becoming the latest Western institution to bar the Chinese-owned video app over security concerns.

A TikTok spokesperson called the action “misguided”, saying it was based on fundamental misconceptions about the company.

“Following the government’s decision to ban TikTok from government devices, the commissions of both the House of Commons and Lords have decided that TikTok will be blocked from all parliamentary devices and the wider parliamentary network,” a parliament spokesperson said.

Britain last week banned the Chinese-owned video app on government phones.

“Cyber security is a top priority for parliament,” the spokesperson added.

The United States, Canada, Belgium and the European Commission have already banned the app from official devices.

“We are disappointed that, despite our requests, we have not been offered any opportunity to address concerns and only ask to be judged on facts and treated equally to our competitors,” the TikTok spokesperson said in a statement.

The spokesperson added that the company had begun implementing a plan to further protect its European user data, which includes storing UK user data in its European data centres and tightening data access controls.

TikTok has come under increasing scrutiny due to fears that user data from the app owned by Beijing-based company ByteDance could end up in the hands of the Chinese government, undermining Western security interests.

The British parliament’s ban was announced as TikTok’s chief executive faced questions from US lawmakers who are convinced the app should be barred for being a potential national security threat to the United States.

© Thomson Reuters 2023

The OnePlus 11 5G was launched at the company’s Cloud 11 launch event which also saw the debut of several other devices. We discuss this new handset and all of OnePlus’ new hardware on Orbital, the Gadgets 360 podcast. Orbital is available on Spotify, Gaana, JioSaavn, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music and wherever you get your podcasts.
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TikTok Accuses EU of Not Consulting It Over Staff Phone Ban

TikTok accused the European Commission on Friday of failing to consult it over a decision to ban the Chinese short video sharing app from staff phones on cybersecurity grounds, a move subsequently followed by another top EU body.

The app, which is owned by Chinese firm ByteDance, is facing growing scrutiny from Western authorities over concerns that China’s government could use it to harvest people’s data. Beijing has regularly denied having any such intentions.

The EU executive and the EU Council, which brings together representatives of the member states to set policy priorities, said on Thursday staff will also be required to remove TikTok from personal mobile devices that have access to corporate services.

TikTok, which has in the past said that data on its service can not be accessed by Beijing, said it had not been told or contacted by either institution ahead of their decisions.

“So we are really operating under a cloud. And the lack of transparency and the lack of due process. Quite frankly one would expect, you know, some sort of engagement on this matter,” Caroline Greer, TikTok’s director of public policy and government relations, told Reuters.

She said she cold not respond to the bodies’ cybersecurity concerns because they had not spelled them out.

The European Commission pointed to EU industry chief Thierry Breton’s comments at a news conference on Thursday where he said the EU executive does not have to give reasons for decisions taken to ensure its proper functions.

“To suspend the use of TikTok is a purely internal decision for cybersecurity reasons to protect the Council General Secretariat’s (GSC) data and staff. As the GSC has no contractual relationship with TikTok, there is no obligation to consult or inform them,” an EU official said.

Greer said TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew, who met Breton and other commissioners in Brussels in January, was “concerned and a little puzzled”.

“He has always been very available, you know, responding to the Commission… We have reached out for a meeting in whatever shape or form they would like that to happen.”

Other EU institutions should do their own research before making decisions on the app, Greer said.

TikTok is banned on US Senate employees’ government-owned devices and also in India. The European Parliament has not taken such a step.

© Thomson Reuters 2023

The OnePlus 11 5G was launched at the company’s Cloud 11 launch event which also saw the debut of several other devices. We discuss this new handset and all of OnePlus’ new hardware on Orbital, the Gadgets 360 podcast. Orbital is available on Spotify, Gaana, JioSaavn, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music and wherever you get your podcasts.

 

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ED Raids Promoters of Kolkata-Based Mobile Gaming App, Seizes Over Rs. 7 Crore in Cash

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) raided the promoters of a Kolkata-based mobile gaming app company on Saturday. According to the government agency, the officials have recovered cash over Rs. 7 crore during the raid, which was a part of a money-laundering investigation. The gaming app titled E-Nuggets and its promoter, identified as Aamir Khan and others, were investigated by the ED after an FIR was filed against the company, according to a report. The ED revealed about the latest raid through a tweet.

The federal agency announced seizing over Rs. 7 crore in cash in a raid at half-a-dozen locations of the gaming app E-Nuggets and its promoters. According to the statement provided by the officials on the tweet, “ED has been carrying out search operations under the provisions of the PMLA, 2002 (on 10.09.2022) at 6 premises in Kolkata, in respect to an investigation relating to the Mobile Gaming Application.”

According to an ANI tweet, a picture revealed by the federal agency after the raid displayed seized Rs. 500, Rs. 2,000 and Rs. 200 currency notes stacked together.

The ED mentioned that the money laundering case was investigated in relation to an FIR filed in February last year at the Park Street Police Station, as per the report.

The federal agency reportedly claims that the mobile gaming application E-Nuggets was launched with a motive to defraud the public. After gaining trust from their customers, who started investigating greater commissions on the app, the promoters stopped the feature to withdraw the money under several pretexts such as system upgradation or investigation by law enforcement agencies.

The app allegedly deleted all the data of the users later.



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