Generative AI Spending is Stagnating Despite 70% of Companies Using It

As AI continues to grow by leaps and bounds, more and more companies are trying to experiment with it to one extent or another. According to a recent survey conducted by VentureBeat, over 72% of companies are using generative AI, with 18.2% going so far as to incorporate it into their work processes.

Such a trend can prove useful because of the fact that this is the sort of thing that could potentially end up boosting productivity. However, just 18% of these companies are willing to up their investments into this space with all things having been considered and taken into account.

This seems to suggest that AI investment, at least as far as generative AI is concerned, is stagnating somewhat. 81.8% of the executives that responded to this survey stated that their budgets for generative AI are neither increasing or decreasing in the coming year. That might be due to them trying to see what results their current investments bring, since this would make it easier to figure out a gameplan for the future than might have been the case otherwise.

There has been a clear trend towards generative AI this past year, but in spite of the fact that this is the case, limited budgets are inhibiting growth in this space. Vendors that are trying to sell AI tools therefore need to create better pitches in order to entice their customers into shaking up their budgets and finding the funds for something that is rather out of the box.

With all of that having been said and now out of the way, it is important to note that there needs to be a certain level of prioritization among companies for AI to become commonplace. If corporations are only looking at short term profits, they might not see any value in investing in a piece of tech that no one even knew about just a year ago.

It will be interesting to see what other results this ongoing study brings. The consensus seems to be that AI has reached saturation, and it might not be able to grow more for a while.

Read next: Should AI Weapons Be Legal? 61% of People Say No
by Zia Muhammad via Digital Information World

Time Spent on Mobile Increases by 4% to Cross 2.5 Trillion Hours

The mobile market has been experiencing an extended period of strife these past few years, but in spite of the fact that this is the case, the first half of 2023 has broken all previous records, as spotted by DataAI. It turns out that there has been a 4% growth rate in time spent on mobile since the first half of 2022, representing a 16% uptick year over year.

With all of that having been said and now out of the way, it is important to note that time spent on mobile has just crossed the 2.5 trillion hour mark worldwide. This only factors in Android phones, and if the current trend continues, we might see the total hours for 2023 reach 5 trillion or perhaps even more.

There are three markets in the APAC region that are driving this trend. First of all, India was leading the charge with a 26% growth rate since the first half of 2021. China also saw some tremendous growth at 13%, with Indonesia catching up thanks to its 16% growth rate.

Another region that is showing an above average growth rate is that of South America. Time spent on mobile in Mexico increased by 14% in the same period, with Argentina sitting at a 14% growth rate with all things having been considered and taken into account.

Japan has a relatively low contribution to the total, but in spite of the fact that this is the case, it showed a healthy growth rate of 18%. Another East Asian country, Singapore, saw a comparable growth rate of 17%. Thailand also saw an excellent growth rate of 18%, equalling Japan’s.

Over in Australia, a 15% uptick was seen, with Canada also providing a strong showing with 10%. However, not all countries saw positive movement on this front. South Korea, Italy and Germany saw time spent of mobile decrease by 3%, 2% and 1% respectively, which seems to suggest that some countries are moving in the opposite direction. It will be interesting to see which nation comes out on top, although it is unlikely that India’s dominance will ever be toppled.

Read next: Beyond Entertainment: Decoding Social Media Habits - What Users Do on Each Platform
by Zia Muhammad via Digital Information World

Apple Says AirTags Aren’t for Tracking Kids, But Parents Are Using Them Anyway

The AirTag is one of the newer products released by Apple, coming out in 2021 as a way to keep track of various objects such as luggage, car keys and wallets. The tech juggernaut has mentioned that AirTags should never be used to track living creatures such as pets, and certainly not for children. In spite of the fact that this is the case, parents seem to be eagerly using AirTags to make sure they know where their young children are.

The affordable 29 dollar price point for AirTags makes it far easier to use them in such a manner than might have been the case otherwise. Parents can simply slip an Air Tag into their child’s backpack or pocket, and they will be able to track their location just by checking their smartphones.

A veritable cottage industry has popped up that facilitates this type of usage which Apple is most definitely not signing off on. Tracker holders that have bright hues that appear to children are popping up, although some parents are taking things a step further by sewin the tags into the shoes or clothes of their kids.

GPS devices are seeing a huge boom among parents because of the fact that this is the sort of thing that could potentially end up giving them peace of mind. Other companies like Jiobit, Gizmo, Tile and Chipolo are also being used in such a manner with all things having been considered and taken into account.

It also bears mentioning that Alzheimer’s patients, people with dementia or really anyone that can’t fend for themselves can be protected through the use of these trackers as well. Pet owners are also using them for their animals.

However, some are saying that parents are invading their children’s privacy by tracking them. It also continues the decades long trend of children becoming increasingly less independent. Too much hovering from parents can inhibit a child’s ability to grow and mature, so the cons might outweigh the pros in this regard. Either way, it does not look like this trend will be going away anytime soon.

Read next: 60% of Malicious IPs Are Scanning for Potential Weaknesses, But Just 5% Use VPNs
by Zia Muhammad via Digital Information World

60% of Malicious IPs Are Scanning for Potential Weaknesses, But Just 5% Use VPNs

The internet landscape has been marred by a surprising quantity of malicious actors who are making it less safe than might have been the case otherwise. The folks at CrowdSec recently released a report that shed some light on the sheer quantity of malicious IP addresses that can be found online, and it turns out that most of them hail from three regions: India, Russia and the US.

All three countries had over a million malicious IPs apiece, but in spite of the fact that this is the case, not all of them are behaving the same way. It turns out that 60% of these malicious IP addresses are focused on one thing: scanning the internet for potential vulnerabilities.

With all of that having been said and now out of the way, it is important to note that 23% are actively trying to exploit whatever vulnerabilities have been found. This goes to show that brute force is not as formidable a threat as some might expect. Scanning and exploiting vulnerabilities is far more prevalent, and it is extremely dangerous because of the fact that this is the sort of thing that could potentially end up compromising multiple sites and accounts.

One thing that bears mentioning is that 20% of these threats are using IPv6 to mask their true location. This might mean that the three locations mentioned above do not represent the nationalities of the attackers in question, but rather the locations of the IPs that they are using. Between May and June of 2023, this number went up to 35%.

This correlates to a similar uptick in widespread scanning, and if steps are not taken a slew of new attacks may be on the horizon. A common concern that this report dispelled was that VPNs are being used by criminals to avoid detection. Only 5% of the IP addresses that were spotted were found to be using VPNs, which confirms that they are mostly being used by regular consumers who would like to maintain some semblance of privacy while they are surfing the web.

Read next: Unmasking the Cyber Extortion Kings: The Shocking Truth Behind Email Scams!
by Zia Muhammad via Digital Information World

Google Chrome's 'Link Preview': A Sneak Peek Before You Leap!

Hold on to your browsers because Google Chrome is cooking up something exciting! They're preparing to launch a terrific new tool called "Link Preview," which might completely change how you navigate the web. Can you hear the virtual drumroll?

So, what's all the hubbub about? Consider this: you're perusing the internet, minding your own thing, when you come upon a strange-looking hyperlink. Instead of naively clicking it and risking the unknown, Chrome has your back! All you have to do with the magical Link Preview is hover your cursor over the link, and ta-da! A little window appears, giving you a preview of the connected page. It's like a web content movie teaser!

This tiny preview party now saves you time. You get to choose if the linked website is worth your whole attention or whether you should keep scrolling. No more wasting time on pages that don't interest you! And guess what? It also saves data! You won't have to load the complete website to see it—just a little sample for your surfing enjoyment.

That's not all, people! Google Chrome is feeling particularly charitable. They've included some choices to personalize your preview experience. You can open the previews in a new tab or keep them in the Side panel. It's similar to a choose-your-own-adventure book for the internet!

But hold on; there's more! Google had this brilliant concept inspired by its "ephemeral tab" function. It's called the "Ephemeral Window and Tabs" (sounds sophisticated, doesn't it?). Here's the deal: imagine you're exploring a previewed page and suddenly feel the urge to dive deeper. You may create a new tab where the previewed page detaches itself from the transitory window and becomes a full-fledged ordinary tab, much like a virtual magician. Ta-da! There will be no more disappearing acts.

Isn't that incredible? This handy tool lets you preview the information before committing to a full-fledged surfing experience. It's like getting a sneak peek behind the curtain before the big show. Chrome is all about tailoring your browsing experience to your interests and demands.

Now, hold your horses, web enthusiasts! While Google's engineering wizards are busy conjuring up this greatness, there's no news on when it'll be available in your Chrome browser. So watch out, and your mouse is ready for preview-popping action.

With "Link Preview" on the horizon, internet browsing will never be the same. So, the next time you encounter an enigmatic link, linger over it and let Chrome do its thing. It's like having a personal web genie at your disposal!

Stay tuned for the big reveal, and until then, happy browsing, movie buffs of the internet!

Read next: Chrome's Enhanced Safe Browsing: A Cyber-Knight in Shining Armor!
by Rubah Usman via Digital Information World

WhatsApp is Beta Testing New Security Tools and a Revamped Search Bar

As the foremost messaging platform in the world, WhatsApp is constantly trying out new things because of the fact that this is the sort of thing that could potentially end up keeping it competitive. It has no shortage of competitors ranging from Telegram to Signal to Discord, and constantly adding better features can make it easier to keep these rivals at bay than might have been the case otherwise.

With all of that having been said and now out of the way, it is important to note that there are two major updates that are being beta tested for the Android version of WhatsApp. Firstly, the Meta owned instant messaging platform is a redesigned search bar.

This new search bar will take some inspiration from the Material 3 Redesign, allowing users to make more precise searches with all things having been considered and taken into account. Specifying what they are looking for can allow users to find their desired media or messages far more quickly, but this isn’t the only update that has been made available to Beta testers.

In the interests of helping its users feel a lot more secure, WhatsApp is also testing a slew of new safety tools. Whenever a user receives a message from someone that is not on their contact list, they will see a pop up that will tell they can block or report the account if it is sending them unwanted communications.

What’s more, if a user chooses to block or report an account, said account will not be notified. This will allow users to act freely without fearing for repercussions from the other party, and many are calling this a step in the right direction.

WhatsApp has already taken strides for consumer protection, including offering end to end encryption for all messages that are exchanged. These new updates will push the platform forward, although most users will have to wait a while for a wider rollout. It is currently only being offered to beta testers in order to find out if there is anything that needs changing before a public release.

Read next: WhatsApp Latest Beta Update for Android 2.23.15.18 Brings Exciting Feature: Introducing Message Reactions for Channels
by Zia Muhammad via Digital Information World

Exploring the Top Online Writing Degree Programs

In today's digital age, the content is ubiquitous. The demand for skilled writers has never been greater. Every company, from tech giants to local businesses, seeks professionals who can write skillfully and proficiently.

Whether it's crafting reports, webpages, advertisements, articles, or other written materials, the need for talented writers spans across industries and sectors. An online degree in English and writing opens a world of possibilities. You can get equipped with the expertise to thrive in tech companies, engineering labs, newspapers, magazines, and various other dynamic fields. You could even become a professional EssayWriter or even a language tutor.

With the rise of remote learning, earning a bachelor's degree in English and writing has become more accessible. That's great news for people with a busy schedule who can't attend on-site classes.

Let's dive right into the top ten undergraduate online writing degree programs.

1. Liberty University, Bachelor of Science in English and Writing

Liberty University's Bachelor of Science in English and Writing - Creative Writing is a flexible online program designed to equip students with essential skills in creative writing, technical writing, literary analysis, and research.

Throughout the program, students delve into classic literature, including Christian literature and authors, while honing their creative, grant, technical, and inspirational writing abilities. Featured courses, such as Composition and Literature, Modern Grammar, American Realism and Naturalism, and Introduction to Creative Writing, enrich students' writing insight and foster critical thinking and expression.

Graduates of the program can explore various career paths, including authorship, editorial roles, professional blogging, public relations, and social media coordination. Another promising career option would be to be a writing tutor for students who buy essay samples online or struggle with English or writing in general, for example, TOEFL students.

2. Missouri State University, Bachelor of Arts in Professional Writing

Missouri State University offers an Online Bachelor of Arts in Professional Writing program, combining superior writing abilities with essential computer skills. Graduates of this program find rewarding career opportunities in government, technology, and healthcare fields.

The major requirements for this degree program entail a minimum of 36 units, while students must maintain a minimum grade point average of 2.50. Students must have a combined GPA of 2.50 or higher (Missouri State and transfer) or a GPA of 2.75 or higher for the most recent 30 hours of coursework to be admitted to the degree program.

3. University of Colorado Denver, Bachelor of Arts in English Writing, Rhetoric, and Technology

The University of Colorado Denver offers a fully online Bachelor of Arts in English Writing, Rhetoric, and Technology. The program provides a comprehensive exploration of professional and academic writing.

This degree introduces students to the broad scope and diverse applications of professional writing, offering a foundation for numerous career opportunities. The program costs $465 per credit for out-of-state students, with 120 credit hours.

Students can specialize in one area through journalism, communication, creative writing, and digital production electives. With this degree, you could become a web content manager, a technical writer, or even an academic writing tutor.

4. Indiana University East, BA in English, Technical and Professional Writing

Indiana University East's BA in English, Technical, and Professional Writing prepares students for various rewarding careers, from technical writing to editorial roles. The program requires 120 credit hours, allowing the transfer of credits from two-year and four-year accredited institutions. Admissions requirements vary, making the program accessible to students nationwide.

Core courses cover topics like advanced study of literature, reading, writing, and professional writing skills. With a strong curriculum and diverse career opportunities, this program equips graduates with the skills needed for success in the writing field. Potential career lines may include everything from technical writers, documentation specialists, copywriters, and editorial assistants.

5. Florida International University, Online Creative Writing Degree Program

Florida International University (FIU) boasts the highest number of "Quality Matters" certified courses among public institutions nationwide, with an impressive 400 QM-certified online courses. This certification ensures students experience the most up-to-date and highest-quality courses in their degree program.

The Creative Writing degree program at FIU Online covers comprehensive courses to hone students' writing skills. The curriculum includes lower-division, common prerequisites, upper-division requirements (major core), and additional approved electives.

6. UCF Online, Online Bachelor's in Creative Writing

University of Central Florida's online Bachelor's in Creative Writing program equips students to shape the world through language and writing. With diverse courses and a focus on developing strong writing and critical thinking skills, graduates are prepared for successful careers in various fields.

Application deadlines are available for Spring, Summer, and Fall terms, allowing flexibility for prospective students. The program allows students to refine their writing, explore unique ideas, and cultivate the essential skills required in today's job market.

UCF is one of the costlier options on this list, with $715.80 per credit hour for 120 credit hours. The course covers creative writing, fiction writing, and advanced poetry. Career prospects include copywriter, journalist, playwright, publisher, and technical writer.

7. University of Arkansas, Little Rock, Bachelor of Arts in Professional and Technical Writing

The Bachelor of Arts in Professional and Technical Writing at the University of Arkansas - Little Rock offers a comprehensive curriculum, preparing students with practical writing, editing, and document design skills. With non-fiction and technical writing concentrations, students can tailor their studies to align with their career interests.

The program emphasizes written and rhetorical literacy to meet the demands of the modern workplace. Second-language proficiency is required; students must complete at least 120 hours, including major requirements and upper-level courses. With various career opportunities, graduates are equipped to excel as technical writers, teachers, freelance writers, and more.

This program offers one of the more affordable options, with tuition at $292 per credit hour for 120 credit hours. Graduates can pursue various roles, including technical writers, grant writers, non-fiction writers, and copywriters.

8. Indiana University East, Online Bachelor of Arts in English

Indiana University East offers an online Bachelor of Arts in English with a concentration in Literature, providing a comprehensive study of British, American, and world literature. This concentration is ideal for students aspiring to pursue graduate studies in literature.

The curriculum encourages students to immerse themselves in the British and American literature sequences while also gaining an appreciation for non-English works of literature through world literature courses. Starting with Introduction to Advanced Study of Literature and concluding with Introduction to Critical Practices, students explore major authors, periods, and critical practices.

The program encompasses 120 credits. To fulfill the degree requirements, students must take at least 36 credit hours at the 300 level or above, with a minimum of 18 credits in the major. A crucial aspect of this concentration is maintaining a 2.0 (C) or above grade in all major/concentration area courses.

Graduates of this program can pursue diverse career opportunities in advertising departments, human services agencies, business and industry, colleges and schools, magazines and newspapers, public relations firms, publishing companies, and research and development firms.

9. Arizona State University

Arizona State University offers accredited online English degree programs through the College of Arts and Sciences, providing flexibility for busy undergraduates. Whether online or on-campus, students receive the same high-quality materials and courses.

The program covers various essential skills such as linguistics, writing, research, and analysis, preparing students for careers in writing (fiction and non-fiction), marketing, teaching, education, and communications.

The admissions process requires application forms, official transcripts, and optional SAT or ACT scores for undergraduate applicants. Financial aid options include scholarships and federal loans. With multiple start dates and the same professors for both online and on-campus classes, ASU's English/Writing program is quite flexible.

10. Texas Tech University BA in English

Texas Tech University's English Department offers reputable online English degree programs from award-winning faculty. The Guide to Online Schools ranked their program #2 for value, highlighting the low cost and graduates' success. Texas Tech's focus on workforce preparation earned it a top-ten ranking among universities in a survey of business recruiters. As a top 3% university globally, Texas Tech's Online B.A. in English ensures accessibility for students with full-time jobs. All required courses are available online, accommodating various schedules.

Courses are offered in two formats during fall, spring, and summer semesters: entirely online or hybrid, where online students join onsite students through video links. This approach facilitates active participation in classroom discussions using user-friendly apps like Zoom and Skype.

The program covers Creative Writing, Literature & Language, and English Teaching, with courses like Advanced Creative Writing, Essentials of College Rhetoric, and Language & Community. The degree comprises 120 credits, and financial aid options include grants, scholarships, employment, and loans.

Final Words

If you aspire to excel in writing, these undergraduate programs provide a solid foundation for careers as technical writers, editors, educators, and more. The demand for skilled writers continues to grow, making these online writing degree programs valuable and practical options for those seeking to make a meaningful impact in language and communication.

Each university highlighted here offers unique strengths, such as Liberty University's incorporation of biblical principles, Arizona State University's flexible study schedule, and Indiana University East's concentration in literature. Students can choose programs that align with their goals and priorities, gaining essential skills in professional writing, creative writing, and literature analysis.

by Web Desk via Digital Information World