Google’s AI-Powered Flood Hub Service Is Now Available In 80 Different Countries

Tech giant Google is taking great pride in announcing an expansion of its Hub Service.

The much talked about AI-powered Flood Hub Service will be up for grabs in 80 different countries, the Android maker revealed today. Moreover, it was mentioned how there were pins in so many different locations around the globe where pressing on each would put forward forecasts of a week.

And that’s when it is believed that the levels of water were believed to be at a new high.

With this new expansion, we’re seeing a long list of nations joins the pack from places like Africa, Europe, as well as the Asia-Pacific region. Other than that, it has gone up expanding to locations in both the Southern and Central parts of America too.

Today. Flood Hub entails a whopping 460 million users from all over the globe and it would assist them in dealing with the earth’s evolving climate change scenario. As we speak, the sea level continues to increase and there’s a huge chance of flooding taking place as well.

Other than these types of coverage, we’re seeing this service provide forecasts that are a week long and go up to two days. Moreover, such information may be utilized by the likes of people and governments as well as firms who might be busy taking major steps like evacuations.

Flood Hub makes use of AI-powered technology to attain the best types of data sources from all over the globe like weather changes and alterations in pictures drawn up by satellites.

This form of technology then brings together two kinds of models. One of them would predict the level so water going into a river and the other predicts which places would be affected and the depth of water levels.

The Flood Hub is quite a handy service and it only makes sense as to why we’re expecting to see it turn waves around the globe with Google’s latest decision for an expansion on this front.

The search engine giant says it would alter in the near future as it continues to work at making huge forecast alerts through features such as Maps and its Search Engine.

You can see this as a huge expansion of the firm’s flagship products and the search engine giant would be making flood forecasts to so many individuals who might not be aware of the research project called Flood Hub.

We only wish the tech giant provided us with more details on this front including an exact timeframe for when it hopes to bring such forecasts toward both Search and its Maps.

This particular project is one of the many parts of the entire Crisis Response that Google is working toward. It is making the decision to give out more details regarding both wildfires as well as earthquakes that would provide protection for areas that were impacted the greatest due to this reason. This includes the long list of emergency workers that have turned into an integral part of things like this.

Read next: Microsoft Bing Emerges as China's Favorite Search Engine, Surpassing Baidu's Reign: Pioneering the Power of AI
by Dr. Hura Anwar via Digital Information World

Electric Vehicles Adoption and its Implications for Oil Consumption

The impact of electric vehicles (EVs) on oil consumption can be seen through the displacement of daily oil usage. In 2015, EVs contributed to significant oil savings, with the displacement reaching impressive numbers. By 2025, the displacement of oil by EVs is projected to increase even further, indicating a promising future for the adoption of electric transportation.

During this transition, various categories of EVs play a significant role in reducing oil demand. Electric passenger vehicles, for instance, are expected to displace a substantial amount of oil each day, with the number projected to be 886,700 barrels by 2025. Similarly, electric buses are set to contribute significantly, displacing 333,800 barrels of oil daily in the same year.

The impact of electric two and three-wheelers cannot be underestimated either. These vehicles, including mopeds, scooters, and motorcycles, are projected to displace 1,100,000 barrels of oil per day by 2025. Their widespread adoption, particularly in Asia, has been instrumental in achieving substantial oil savings since 2015.

Although electric commercial vehicles are still in the early stages of adoption, the numbers are expected to rise. By 2025, it is estimated that electric commercial vehicles will displace 145,000 barrels of oil daily, indicating progress in this sector as well.

When we consider these individual contributions, the total displacement of oil barrels per day by EVs is projected to reach an impressive 2,465,500 barrels by 2025. This statistic highlights the immense potential of EVs in reducing global oil consumption and moving towards a more sustainable energy future.

As the world continues to embrace the transition to electric mobility, it is essential to acknowledge the positive impact on both environmental and energy landscapes. The adoption of EVs not only reduces emissions but also opens up opportunities for utilizing clean energy sources such as wind, solar, and nuclear power. Additionally, the expansion of EV charging infrastructure and advancements in battery storage is crucial for supporting the widespread transition from traditional gasoline-powered vehicles to EVs.

Overall, the displacement of oil by EVs demonstrates the transformative potential of electric transportation in reshaping the global oil consumption landscape. By reducing our dependence on fossil fuels, we can pave the way for a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future.

H/T: Visual Capitalist Elements

Read next: Those Purchasing Electric Vehicles Are Willing to Spend a Lot for a Long Battery Range
by Ayesha Hasnain via Digital Information World

Search Ad Conversion Rates Drastic Decrease Report; CPR Goes Up in 2023

In paid search advertising, businesses face new challenges and opportunities ever so often. A recent report by LocalIQ's WordStream reveals insights into the performance and trends of online campaigns. The report, analyzing 23 industries, sheds light on the shifting dynamics of conversion rates, cost per click (CPC), cost per lead (CPL), and click-through rates (CTR) in 2023 compared to the previous year.

Conversion rates have experienced a downward trend across most industries, signaling a crucial need for businesses to adapt their strategies. Although the cost of generating leads has increased, the growth in CPL has not been as drastic as they were in previous years. This shift prompts businesses to evaluate their paid search performance and make data-driven optimizations to achieve low-cost improved results.

Some notable findings regarding conversion rates found in the report highlight that only two industries managed to maintain their conversion rates from search ads, indicating their successful implementation of effective marketing tactics, they were Education, and the Beauty industry. On the contrary, other industries faced significant declines, with Arts & Entertainment experiencing a 36 percent drop as the years progressed, and Jewelry, Fashion, and Apparel faced a decline of 34 percent.

When peak conversion rates within the given industries were examined, Pets and Animals claimed the top spot with an impressive rate of 13.41 percent. Following closely behind were Surgeons and Physicians at 13.12 percent, and Parts, Automotive Repair, and Service at 12.61 percent. On the other end of the spectrum, Apparel, Fashion, and Jewelry struggled with a meager average conversion rate of 1.57 percent, while Furniture and Real Estate recorded rates of 2.57 percent and 2.88 percent respectively.

Cost per lead emerged as another crucial finding showcasing the financial implications of acquiring leads through search ads. The majority of industries experienced an increase in CPL alongside a decrease in conversion rates. However, the Beauty industry and Automotive Sales managed to buck the trend, witnessing cost per lead decreases of -8.6 percent and -3.9 percent respectively.

The report further highlighted industries with the highest and lowest CPLs. Leading the pack was the Career and Employment sector with a cost per lead of $132.95, followed by Legal Services and Attorneys at $111.05, and Furniture at $108.85. On the other end of the spectrum, Services and Parts, and Automotive Repair displayed a more affordable CPL of $21.12, while Pets and Animals and Shopping, Collectibles and Gifts exhibited CPLs of $23.57 and $31.50, respectively.

CTR (Click-through rates) also experienced notable changes, with most industries witnessing an increase. However, the Industrial and Commercial, and Business Services industries recorded slight decreases that were overshadowed by the significant CTR improvements across other sectors.

High CTR industries were observed to be Legal Services at the top with 11.78 percent, Sports at 10.53 percent, and Travel at 10.03 percent. On the other hand, Attorneys and Home Improvement struggled to engage audiences with click-through rates of 4.76 percent and 4.80 percent, respectively.

Lastly, noticeable changes were observed in the investment required for each click. While some industries experienced an increase in CPC, others saw decreases or maintained their CPC from the previous year. Notably, Legal Services faced the highest costs per click at $9.21, followed by $6.69 observed in the Dental Services Industry, and Home Improvement at $6.55. Contrarily, Real Estate, Arts and Entertainment, and Travel proved to be more budget-friendly with CPCs of $1.55 and $1.63 respectively.

Read next: New Study Shows 67% of App Revenue Comes From Advertising
by Ayesha Hasnain via Digital Information World

Can AI Automation Make Work More Fulfilling and Less Tedious?

An automation software company, UiPath survey reveals that a majority of workers, around 60 percent, believe that AI-powered automation solutions can effectively address burnout and greatly enhance job satisfaction. These findings highlight the optimistic view shared by employees regarding the importance of incorporating business automation to promote their overall well-being and streamline operational processes in their respective organizations.

As the demands of work become increasingly burdensome, a significant proportion, almost 28 percent, of individuals find themselves shouldering additional responsibilities due to the impact of layoffs and hiring freezes. This ever-increasing workload has led to a surge in reliance on AI tools, which offer a promising solution to alleviate the strain and reintroduce equilibrium. Consequently, a distinct group of professionals has emerged, aptly named the "automation generation." Irrespective of age or demographic, these forward-thinking individuals actively embrace automation and AI technologies as a means to promote collaboration, ignite creativity, and enhance overall productivity in their work endeavors.

According to the survey findings, 31 percent of the participants currently utilize business automation solutions within their workplaces. This specific subgroup of the automation generation shows confidence in having the resources and support for efficient task completion and fulfillment of other responsibilities. An impressive 87 percent of these individuals feel adequately equipped to harness the power of automation tools. Additionally, a significant majority, comprising 83 percent of the respondents, firmly believe that the integration of business automation solutions effectively addresses burnout concerns and elevates their overall job satisfaction.

The Chief People Officer of UiPath, McInnis-Day highlights the positive impact of AI-powered automation technology on workers. They also emphasize that over half of the survey respondents share the belief that automation can address burnout and contribute to improved job fulfillment. By reducing the time spent on repetitive tasks, automation allows employees to concentrate on more critical and fulfilling work.

The global survey In March 2023 gathered responses from 6,460 executives. The data is weighted based on each country's GDP to ensure accurate representation. The response distribution includes the U.S., Germany, Japan, India, France, the U.K., Singapore, and Australia at 55 percent, 9 percent, 10 percent, 8 percent, 6 percent, 7 percent, 2 percent, and 4 percent respectively.

The survey results highlight a worldwide trend where workers are actively adopting AI tools, and automation to simplify routine tasks. The participants strongly express their eagerness to leverage automation in a variety of areas, including data input/creation, data analysis, report generation, and IT/technical issue resolution.

Participants pinpointed key contributors to burnout and work fatigue, such as long working hours, feeling pressurized by leaders and managers, and highly time-consuming tactical tasks. AI-powered automation offers a promising solution by efficiently locating and analyzing data while streamlining repetitive and time-consuming tasks. This not only mitigates burnout but also enhances job satisfaction.

The survey also reveals generational differences in embracing automation. Younger employees, including Millennials (Gen Y), Gen Z, and Post-boomers, exhibit a stronger belief in the potential of automation to enhance their job performance. Notably, a significant portion, 31 percent, of the surveyed workers already report utilizing business automation solutions. Among them, Millennials represent 39 percent, and Generation Z comprises 42 percent of this group.

In conclusion, with the current economic climate and the need for increased efficiency, the demand for automation and AI-powered tools is expected to grow immensely. To meet these challenges and cater to employees' preferences for improved productivity and work-life balance, business leaders are encouraged to provide their workforce with AI-powered automation solutions. This strategic investment can contribute to enhanced job performance, career advancement opportunities, and a more fulfilling work environment.

Read next: U.S. Paid Search Spend to Reach $110 Billion in 2023
by Ayesha Hasnain via Digital Information World

The Rise of Online Casinos

Despite their truly humble beginnings in the mid-1990s, online casinos have grown into a multi-billion dollar industry that absolutely shows no signs of slowing down. This meteoric rise in the online casino industry exists thanks to the rapid advances in technology and widespread internet access in these last decades. Now, all players can enjoy thousands of games from the comfort of their own homes, without the need to go to a traditional casino.

So, let’s explore the growth of online casinos, understand their advantages over traditional casinos, and discuss what the future may hold for this unstoppable industry. Whether you’re a seasoned online gambler or you’re just curious about the world of online gaming, you will definitely benefit from this overview of the rise of online casinos.

The growth of online casinos

The online casino industry has experienced a real explosive rise over the past few decades. But, did you know that the first online casino was launched in 1994, almost 30 years ago? Believe it or not, this first version of online casinos offered only 18 games.

Today, there are thousands of online casinos, let alone games. Each and every one of those casinos offer all kinds of games, from classic ones like blackjack and roulette to exciting slot machines and live dealer games.

You’ve probably noticed that there is not a single person who doesn’t own a smartphone these days. It’s exactly this popularity of mobile devices that has contributed to the growth of online casinos. Many people prefer playing their favorite games from any location in the world to being strictly in one location.

Advantages of online casinos

Online casinos will offer you several advantages over traditional, land-based casinos. Here are some of those key benefits:

1. Convenience

Convenience is also an important factor in the growth of online casinos. All players can now access their games at any time, from anywhere, without the need to leave their homes and families. And now, gambling is more accessible to everyone, even to people who just don’t have access to a physical casino because they live in remote areas or in countries where gambling is illegal.

2. Bonuses and promotions

Online casinos often offer huge bonuses and inviting promotions. Their goal is simple – attract new players and keep existing ones coming back by using these tools:

· Sign-up bonuses.

· Free spins.

· Cashback offers.

These bonuses can really add up over time and help you boost your bankrolls.

3. Lower costs

Online casinos actually have much lower overhead costs compared to traditional casinos. This is why they always offer better odds and lower minimum bets. That’s a good way to make gambling more accessible, especially if you don’t have a lot of money to spend or don't want to spend a lot of money.

4. No distractions

If you have played at a traditional casino, and chances are you have if you are reading this, you probably noticed how easy it is to get distracted. There is so much noise, there are huge crowds and people around you are usually chatty, especially when you’re trying to concentrate. Thankfully, online casinos offer a quiet environment, which will help you to concentrate and make better decisions.

Future of online casinos

The future of online casinos looks brighter than ever, this burgeoning industry seems to be destined for success and exponential growth. Here are some trends that we think are likely going to shape the future of online casinos:

Virtual reality

Virtual reality (VR) technology has the potential to change the way you experience life itself, and by extension, to revolutionize the online casino industry. VR can create a more interactive gaming experience and make you feel like you’re in a real casino. Some online casinos have already started to experiment with VR, and it's likely that more will follow suit in the coming years.

Cryptocurrency

Cryptocurrency has already started to steadily make its way into the online gambling industry. Some online casinos are already accepting Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies as payment. As more and more people become familiar with cryptocurrencies, all other online casinos will soon follow their example.

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to completely transform the online casino industry by making games more personalized and engaging. AI can analyze your behavior and preferences, and then create a customized gaming experience just for you, creating a whole new gambling world for you to explore.

Final thoughts

The world of gambling has undergone a major transformation in recent years, thanks to the rise of online casinos. Gone are the days of having to travel to a physical casino to play your favorite games - now, you can access a wide variety of games from the comfort of your own home.

As this amazing industry continues to evolve, it will be important for online casinos to stay ahead of the curve and provide their players with the best possible gaming experiences. In the end, the rise of online casinos is that kind of trend that you should always remember to keep an eye on because it will never stop surprising you in incredible ways.
by Web Desk via Digital Information World

Google Agrees To Pay $40 Million To Settle Lawsuit Accusing It Of Deceptive Location Tracking Practices

Tech giant Google is keen on solving a lawsuit filed by the state of Washington by paying a settlement fund worth $40 million.

The Android maker was accused of making use of deceptive practices to track users’ locations without them knowing or giving consent. But that’s not all. The company has also vowed to alter a few practices providing consumers with greater information regarding account settings that have to do with location tracking.

This particular case was set out by the state’s AG who is Bob Ferguson. He alleged how the company cheated users by making them incorrectly assume they’ve got full control of their data and accounts when it comes down to location.

However, the reality of the matter is linked to a complete failure of stopping the world-famous search engine from grasping location data and the related history of users. And that includes gaining profits from such illegal actions.

Instead of taking on settlements that involved several different states, a unique lawsuit was put forward by the state of Washington on the commands of the Attorney General.

Google was blatantly slammed for denying citizens of the state from selecting which firm would track all of their sensitive details linked to their location. They were deceived but Google did not hesitate in making more money by this practice, the case went on to reveal.

So as you can see, this holds Google, which is deemed as a powerful tech giant, completely accountable for such actions as they profit from such practices. The resolution set out today is said to be a new stepping stone that would now prevent other major firms from thinking about going down this route as the punishment is harsh for unethical practices.

The Washington state Attorney General says grabbing hold of location information, despite people turning their history off in the settings section is beyond wrong. And he also revealed how such practices must only occur if consent is provided which Google failed to do while reaping the benefits.

Now, Google is being called out to show greater transparency regarding how the firm uses data belonging to its users. This includes providing complete details on which sources it uses for such behavior and technology too. Similarly, where this information goes and how it’s used must be revealed.

The American state of Washington says it hopes to make use of the funds it gets from Google’s settlement to ensure all similar rules are enforced under the CPA and also hopes to further intensify crackdowns against those engaging in such behavior.

For those who might now be aware, such behavior is a huge crime as experts claim all tech giants are warned against such ordeals enlisted in the Consumer Protection Act. But despite the fact that Google signed the agreement, it went on to take advantage of its leading market leading position and fool hundreds.

Read next: Samsung Sticks with Google in Reversal of Plans for Microsoft Bing as Default Search Engine
by Dr. Hura Anwar via Digital Information World

EU Slaps Meta With Record-Breaking $1.3 Billion Fine For Data Transfers To The US

Meta is in the middle of turmoil after being heavily fined by regulators in the EU.

Facebook’s parent firm just received a whopping record-breaking fine worth $1.3 billion (or  €1.2 billion) for carrying out data transfers across the US of data belonging to EU citizens.

The company has also been warned against carrying out such behavior again, new reports went on to add. Moreover, courts in the European Union also explained in detail how such maneuvers end up putting the data of EU citizens at risk as they’re completely exposed and break all privacy rules too.

These types of complaints go all the way back to the year 2013 and that’s when the shocking allegations came forward by a whistleblower who blew the lid on the startling behavior of the tech giant and how it was engaging in huge surveillance programs without any check and balance in place.

Such a ruling came forward by the DPC recently and that mentioned how the current findings were against the framework laid down for the transfer of data toward America. It similarly failed to address the huge risks involved in terms of protecting users’ fights and their freedom to express themselves on the popular app of Facebook, which is obviously under Meta’s ownership.

The fine is certainly being called as one of the biggest and most historic of its kind and one that Meta would certainly not be pleased with. It has broken past records that had been made by the EU against tech firm Amazon for again violating privacy rules set out for the company.

Exchanging data to America is an integral component of Meta’s functioning of advertising operations. And that is totally related to the processing of data of billions of users.

In the year 2022, we saw the tech firm mentioning how it would be thinking along the lines of closing both of its leading apps across the European Union region, in case it was barred from transferring data to America. And as you can imagine, this warning was one that politicians in this region looked at as an imminent threat.

The tech giant simply stands in no position to blackmail a huge regulatory body like the EU that is in charge of so many different nations that Meta caters to, as confirmed by experts in the industry. The EU revealed how it would be stepping up action against all those violating its rules as zero compromises would be made for those taking privacy and data protection for granted.

So when Meta did threaten to leave, there was no heed given as people knew that this decision would put the tech giant at a huge loss, more than anyone else.

Meta is now at a standstill and would not be allowed to carry out any data transfers to the US from the EU. But we need to understand that this solely applies to the data of users who make use of Facebook and not any other leading app under its ownership. So that must be a relief.

Read next: Meta Gears Up To Launch Its New Twitter Competitor With Selected Creators
by Dr. Hura Anwar via Digital Information World