Meta Unveils New Edit Button and Voice Messages for Threads

Exciting news, everyone! Mark Zuckerberg has recently made a groundbreaking announcement about Threads and it's all about post editing. This is like an early Christmas gift for all the passionate social media enthusiasts out there. Get ready for some thrilling details as we delve into the exciting updates!

Meta is kicking things up a notch by introducing two game-changing features for its Threads platform. First up, there's the long-awaited edit feature. You heard it right! You can finally go back and tweak your posts to perfection. Say goodbye to those pesky typos that always seem to haunt your online presence. And guess what? You won't even have to worry about spending your hard-earned money on a subscription fee. Enjoy the added bonus of complimentary editing services, my friends!

Now, how does it work? It's simple. You have a five-minute window after your post goes live to make any edits you want. After that, you're locked in, so make those changes fast. When you make edits to your posts, a small icon will appear next to the timestamp, signaling that you've made changes.

It's a handy way for everyone to know that you've been in editing mode. However, there is one thing to note. Unlike Twitter (previously known as Twitter Blue), Threads doesn't provide access to the edit history. That's one advantage that Twitter still holds over Threads. Rest assured, a representative from Meta has confirmed that there are currently no intentions to incorporate this feature. Therefore, it is advised to maintain your edits with clarity and certainty!

Let's give Meta some kudos, though. They didn't keep us waiting for years like some other platforms. Twitter only introduced its edit feature as a sweet bonus for Twitter Blue subscribers in October 2022, shortly before Elon Musk took the reins. So, Meta gets a gold star for a speedy rollout.

But that's not all, folks. Meta is also jazzing up Threads with "Voice Threads." What's that, you ask? Well, it's all about adding a vocal touch to your posts. When you're composing a new post on the iOS app, you'll see a snazzy new microphone button. Tap that, and you'll be greeted with a recording interface. It's like having your own mini-podcast studio in your pocket. Press the red record button, and your voice comes to life.

Within the post, you'll be amazed to discover that you can actually listen to your voice note while simultaneously seeing the corresponding text being highlighted. It's truly an enchanting experience! Twitter introduced audio tweets in 2020, and it wasn't until over a year later that captions for those tweets were also presented.

Meta has been on a roll since Threads hit the scene this summer. They've been adding features left and right, including a chronological following feed, a web client, and the ability to search for posts. It's like they're on a mission to make Threads the ultimate social media playground.

So, there you have it. Threads is getting a makeover with the edit button and the introduction of Voice Threads. It's all about giving you more control, more expression, and more ways to connect with your online audience.

With Meta's latest advancements, the social media landscape is about to get a major upgrade! Brace yourself for exciting updates, and get ready to unleash your creativity on Threads. Imagine the incredible posts and voice notes you'll be sharing with the world—it's truly limitless! Stay tuned because who knows what amazing things you'll be able to create next? Get ready to make your mark on social media like never before!

Screenshot: @jonah_manzano

Read next: Google Search Generative Experience Gets Artsy and Literate
by Rubah Usman via Digital Information World

Google Search Generative Experience Gets Artsy and Literate

Google Search Generative Experience (SGE) is at it again, but this time it's flexing its creative muscles. In a fresh update to its experimental search interface, SGE now wields the power to generate images, making it a rival to other AI-generation tools. And there's even more to it, my dear friends. SGE goes above and beyond by showcasing its exceptional writing abilities through the provision of richly crafted written drafts. This elevates your search experience to new heights, adding an element of diversity and excitement that is truly unparalleled.

Experience a visual delight with the incredible capabilities of Google SGE. This powerful AI tool can now generate stunning images, rivaling the skills of other AI wizards out there. With SGE at your fingertips, it's like having a personal Picasso ready to create masterpieces on demand. Simply ask SGE to "draw a picture of" anything you desire, and behold, as it presents you with four remarkable options to choose from. With the ability to customize and use images as your own, it's like having a virtual art studio conveniently accessible in your search results. Get creative and make these images uniquely yours with just a few clicks. The possibilities are endless!

And if you're an avid image hunter on Google Images, keep an eye out for this feature there, too. It's like a delightful bonus waiting for you when you're searching for inspiration. So, whether you're on the hunt for "minimalist Halloween table settings" or "spooky dog house ideas," SGE's got your back. Google is really pushing the envelope when it comes to enhancing your search experience.

There is, however, a catch: for the time being, this image generation magic is only available in English in the United States, and you must be 18 or older and have opted into the SGE experiment. If you are not in the right place or age group, you may have to wait a little longer to join the creative celebration.

Let us now shift gears and discuss SGE's newly discovered literary prowess. When you're deep into a research project or researching a topic on Google, you may find yourself seeking writing ideas and inspiration along the road. That's where SGE comes in. It is here to assist you with lengthy searches by providing written drafts. You can take those drafts and make them shorter or tweak the tone to make it more casual or formal, depending on your mood and needs. It's like having a personal writing assistant right in your search results.

It's crucial to stay informed about these updates and their significance. Google is actively competing with other search engines and AI companies to enhance your search experience by making it more comprehensive and varied. By keeping up with these developments, you can ensure that your online searches are optimized for the best possible results. Prepare to be amazed by the endless possibilities of SGE! As this powerful tool continues to evolve and expand, it promises to deliver an exceptional search experience. Consider it your trusted search companion, always at the ready to surprise you with its impressive repertoire of new tricks and features. Get ready for a truly remarkable journey!

In case you weren't aware, a significant number of the featured images are actually generated using Midjourney, an innovative AI-image creation platform. This serves as a compelling demonstration of how AI is revolutionizing the creative process and redefining our engagement with visual content. So, go ahead and give Google SGE a whirl, and let your creativity flow as you dive into a world of images and words. Who knows what fantastic creations you'll come up with next?

Read next: Security Experts Warn Android’s Financial Apps Pose Increased Risks To Privacy By Demanding Excessive Permissions
by Rubah Usman via Digital Information World

Security Experts Warn Android’s Financial Apps Pose Increased Risks To Privacy By Demanding Excessive Permissions

Security researchers are raising the alarm against Android’s financial apps and how they pose a huge security and privacy risk to users.

The news is not too shocking as we’re all well aware of the fact that such platforms need bucketloads of permissions, more than any other app out there. Moreover, the fact that they’re actually engaging in this behavior means entering dangerous realms.

Thanks to insights generated from researchers at Cybernews regarding 50 applications, we witnessed how Android is the frontrunner in terms of posing a stronghold of the world’s mobile OS. To be more specific, think along the lines of holding a whopping 70.5% share of the general market as per data taken from Statista.

While this famous operating system does give developers plenty of flexibility for producing more apps, the whole matter is truly a double-edged sword in terms of ensuring users’ data and privacy are kept safe at all times.

The authors of this study have proven how intrusive Android can be in terms of such apps linked to personal finance. Be it those providing payments, crypto, and whatnot- it’s shocking to see how much data they ask for.

Moreover, the goal seems to be linked to attaining a balance in terms of keeping sensitive data safe and ensuring privacy remains protected at all times.

And the fact that such apps keep on requesting things like camera, location, contact, state of the device, and whatnot- you can only imagine how intrusive the situation is becoming. Moreover, one-third of such apps are also requesting permission to have audio recorded and the chance to gain entry into accounts linked to such a device.

As per this survey, close to 82% wish to make use of cameras while 78% are interested in the types of files being stored. Meanwhile, 60% request permission to have the precise location tracked. And then 54% are requesting access to contacts. And the list goes on. Hence, you can see how intrusive the general behavior is.

So many of these apps even took on combos of several threatening permissions and that only made matters worse. When you start it and run it on your device, you are seeing some crypto apps that are questionable and in the end, they turn out to be those who spy and users don’t even have a clue of what’s really going on.

This is exactly why experts are now warning users to proceed with caution before it’s too late and to think twice before generating permissions. They also want you to review all the instructions very carefully during the whole installation phase.

Furthermore, this is where the experts at Cybernews laid down a framework of what sort of app permissions need to be reviewed and which fall under the sensitive category.

The fact that 41 out of the 50 financial apps studied require access to things like the camera is shocking. That’s close to 82% of the majority and it’s an obvious concern. Moreover, permission is required to attain entry into hardware and even click images or make video content. And the reason why people raise eyebrows is because a financial app doesn’t really need such type of information, don’t you think?

Meanwhile, researchers also showed how 38% of the apps outlined would adore the chance to listen to their users. Again, it’s another invasive type of surveillance that many say yes to, despite knowing how dangerous of an act it can be.

Read next: e-Waste On The Rise As Close To Half A Billion Small Electricals Discarded Last Year In The UK Alone, New Study Claims
by Dr. Hura Anwar via Digital Information World

Here Are the Fastest Growing Entry Level Jobs in the US

When you’re first getting started in your career, it helps to know what sorts of entry level jobs you should be looking for. Indeed.com just put out a list of some of the most sought after entry level positions in the US, and it bears mentioning that these jobs are available for people both with and without degrees. That makes them a lot more accessible than might have been the case otherwise, so without further ado, here are the jobs you should be going for.

Right at the very top, Outside Sales Representatives have seen a massive 258% increase in job postings with all things having been considered and taken into account. This change occurred within the span of a year, and it is notable because of the fact that this is the sort of thing that could potentially end up offering more opportunities to recent graduates. The average compensation for this role is around $60,000 per year.

With all of that having been said and now out of the way, it is important to note that Transportation Coordinators came in second place, with a 227% uptick between the years of 2022 and 2023. This job can earn you $47,500 per year, which is a decent salary for someone that is just starting out.

Some might say that entry level jobs never pay well, but in spite of the fact that this is the case, the third fastest growing job out there, with a growth rate of 131%, is that of quality auditors. This job commands a hefty salary of $84,500 on average, which makes it one of the best paying roles included in these rankings.

Unsurprisingly, the accounting profession is also seeing a boom, with a 125% increase year over year. Tax preparers and loan processors also saw their job postings and overall level of demand go up by 123% and 100% respectively, indicating that jobs that involve handling money are on the rise.

However, all of the jobs we have just described require a college degree. What about those that haven’t yet been able to complete college, or who don’t plan to go to college at all? Well, the data released by Indeed.com brings plenty of opportunities to the table for those that lack college degrees as well.

First up, inventory managers have seen a 143% uptick in demand based on job postings analyzed on Indeed.com. With an average salary of $59,000, this job offers excellent compensation at an entry level, although the job that came in second on this list might be even better.

That’s mostly because the second fastest growing entry level job for individuals without a college degree, that of Auto Body Technicians, offers an average annual income of $82,500. This job does require technical training, but that just goes to show that a college education is not the only way in which you can go about obtaining a good salary. Job postings of this variety have doubled between 2022 and 2023.

Another job that has shown a similar rate of growth, 100% to be precise, is that of Environmental Health and Safety Specialists. This job obviously requires on-site training, but that will take far less time than going to college for years, and it will obviously be far more affordable for the average individual.

All in all, this report outlines paths that people can take when they are looking for their first job. It will be interesting to see what the data looks like in 2024.

H/T: Visualcapitalist
Read next: US Job Growth Remains High Causing Concern for More Inflation
by Zia Muhammad via Digital Information World

40% of Teens Are Using ChatGPT According to This Survey

When ChatGPT arrived on the scene, it seemed like it would take over the entire world. In spite of the fact that this is the case, usership has seen a major drop as of late, and it turns out that just 40% of teenagers have used it in the past 6 month with all things having been considered and taken into account.

This data comes from a new report by Piper Sandler that surveyed over 9,000 teenagers based in the US. With all of that having been said and now out of the way, it is important to note that ChatGPT also has a bit of a gender imbalance in its userbase, with around 68% of its users being male. This seems to suggest that ChatGPT is not catering to a female audience, although this is by no means the only conclusion that can be drawn from the data.

However, one thing to note here is that usership among teens has actually gone up. Back in spring, Piper Sandler conducted the same survey and found that just 24% of teenagers had used ChatGPT up until that point. Regardless of this, the data suggests that ChatGPT has seen declining usership for three months straight, which does not bode well for the future of the Large Language Model.

Teens might be hesitant to use ChatGPT because of the fact that this is the sort of thing that could potentially end up getting them accused of plagiarism. AI content checkers are notorious for flagging human written content even if no AI was used in its creation, and many teens are worried about how this might impact their ability to get ahead in life.

Furthermore, ChatGPT’s link to schooling is further cemented by the fact that usership went down during the summer. Kids were out of school during this time period, and they might not have needed ChatGPT for research the same way that they do during the months in which school and classes are in full swing.

All in all, ChatGPT is in troubled waters as of right now, and that means that OpenAI will need to think of new ways to push things forward. This would not be the first time that a company broke a new industry wide open only to lose to newer competitors, and OpenAI would not want to become the next Yahoo.

Read next: OpenAI's Sneaky Plan to Woo Developers with Thrifty Twists
by Zia Muhammad via Digital Information World

TikTok Twists the Rewards Game for Filter Creators

TikTok has clutched everyone in its charm like nothing else. If you are a genuine TikTok user, this news might interest you. TikTok is jazzing up its Effect Creator Rewards program in a quirky twist of fate. This move could mean lower entry barriers, but perhaps not a jackpot of payouts for the creative minds behind the filters. Brace yourselves, folks, because the filter frenzy is about to take a wild ride.

The Effect Creator Rewards program, which debuted in May, set aside almost $6 million to recompense the creative minds behind the captivating effects and filters that keep us enthralled. Sounds crazy and fun at the same time, right? But wait, there is more to the story. It was a gruelling work for these creators before this program, slaving away on filters and mini-games with little to show for it while being the unsung heroes behind TikTok's popularity. They have to jump through hoops in order to have their filters appear in at least 500,000 videos.

TikTok, on the other hand, has thrown them a curveball by lowering the bar. Creators now only need five filters featured on the platform, with at least three of them appearing in at least 1,000 videos. You could say it's like opening the gates to the filter playground, giving smaller creators a chance to strut their stuff.

And the excitement doesn't stop there; this program is literally broadening its bounds. TikTok creators hail from Brazil, Australia, Canada, Finland, Indonesia, Ireland, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, the Netherlands, the Philippines, Poland, the United Arab Emirates, and Vietnam. But, worldwide creators, don't get too excited just yet; we're still waiting for that all-inclusive world tour invitation. There is no word on when TikTok will open its doors to creators globally.

TikTok is now adding a layer of surprise to the rewards game. They're being mysterious about the salary rates. Instead of the traditional flat price for all creators, they implement a flexible payout structure.

According to TikTok, the amount each creator receives will be impacted by a number of factors, including "the region where the video was created." But keep your filters handy; it's unclear if this will be a boon or a bane for creators. Suppose TikTok takes into account the cost of living in each country. In that case, we may see creators in the United States take home a disproportionately more significant share of the $6 million pot. In contrast, their counterparts in developing countries are left with crumbs for the same amount of effort. We've already contacted TikTok for more information on this new payout scheme. We'll keep you updated if they reveal anything.

In a word, TikTok is giving the Effect Creator Rewards program a humorous twist. They've simplified the admission restrictions, expanded the geographic reach, and spiced up the prizes with a little mystery. It remains to be seen if these adjustments will make creators rejoice or rip their hair out in anger. TikTok, you've kept us all on our toes, and the world of filter creators is in for a wild ride of change and unpredictability.

To summarize, TikTok has thrown a curveball at its Effect Creator Rewards program, making it easier for creators to join in on the fun, expanding its worldwide reach, and creating a variable reward structure as transparent as a murky fish tank.

What does this mean for creators? We'll have to wait and see, but one thing's for sure: TikTok knows how to keep us entertained, even when it comes to the serious business of filters and effects. Stay tuned for more updates as TikTok unravels the mysteries behind these changes.

Read next: Google-Apple Search Deal Worth $18-$20 Billion in 2023, Bernstein Claims
by Rubah Usman via Digital Information World

AI Video Upscaler: Choosing the Best AI Video Upscaling Software to Remaster Your Low-quality Footage

In recent years, with the development of technology, video upscaling with artificial intelligence has been on the rise. With the help of advanced algorithms and machine learning techniques, AI can improve the quality of videos, making them look sharper, clearer, and more professional.

But why is video upscaling so crucial? How AI video upscaling is different from traditional video upscaling? Read this article to learn the necessity of video upscaling, how AI video upscaling excels, and explore a variety of AI video upscalers on the market.

Part 1: Why Video Upscaling is Necessary

Nowadays, videos have become an indispensable part of our digital lives. However, due to the limitation of recording equipment, ambient environment, and a variety of other factors, some videos are of low quality and suffer from a lack of detail, pixelation, and overall poor visual quality, making them less enjoyable to watch. That is where video upscaling technology comes to the rescue.

Part 2: AI vs. Traditional Upscaling Method

Traditionally, upscaling was done using simple methods like pixel duplication or bicubic interpolation. However, these techniques often resulted in blurry or distorted images, making the upscaled videos look unnatural.

AI video upscaling, however, leverages complex algorithms and machine learning techniques to analyze low-resolution videos. The software then compares each frame to thousands of similar frames from a vast database of high-quality videos. Based on this analysis, the software can predict missing pixels and fill them in, resulting in a higher-resolution output.

Part 3: Exploring AI Video Upscaler Options

There has been a surge of AI video upscaling software available in the market. This article will introduce 3 popular options, including AVCLabs Video Enhancer AI, Topaz Video Enhance AI, and Davinci Resolve.

3.1 AVCLabs Video Enhancer AI

AVCLabs Video Enhancer AI stands out for its user-friendly interface and efficient processing. It uses deep learning models trained on thousands of videos and movies to upscale videos from SD (480p) to Full HD (1080p), and even up to 8K resolution.

Key Features of AVCLabs Video Enhancer AI:

• Increase video resolution by 400% without quality loss.
• Enhance video quality to make them clearer and more crisp.
• Powerful face refinement technology to restore blurry faces.
• Colorize black-and-white videos in one click.
• Motion compensation to create slow-motion effects.

Pros:

• Simple and Intuitive user interface.
• Improve video quality with super resolution and multi-frame enhancement.
• A dedicated face recovery model.
• NVIDIA TensorRT Acceleration to improve speed 1-3 times faster.
• Free trial option and money-back guarantee.

Cons:

1 license for 1 PC only.

Pricing:

$39.95/Month; $119.95/Year; $299.90/Lifetime; perpetual free update.

3.2 Topaz Video Enhance AI

Topaz Video Enhance AI is well-known for its advanced machine-learning models that promise stunning output quality. It has the capability to upscale videos up to 8K and is exceptional at maintaining the original video's natural details and motion consistency.

Key Features of Topaz Video Enhance AI:

• Can upscale videos up to 8K.
• Custom AI enhancement models to suit different needs.
• Frame interpolation technology to increase frame rate.
• Stabilization model to reduce camera shake.

Pros:

• Advanced machine learning models.
• Various customization options
• Offer a free trial to test full features

Cons:

• Complex user interface for beginners.
• Computer resource extensive

Pricing:

• $299.00 for permanent use; 1 year free update

3.3 Davinci Resolve

Davinci Resolve is acclaimed for more than just its upscaling capabilities. This software is a comprehensive suite of video editing tools, making it a one-stop solution for video creators. Its Super Scale feature is an added advantage providing quality upscaling.

Key Features of Davinci Resolve:

• A wide range of features including color correction, motion graphics, and visual effects.
• AI-driven upscaling and enhancement functions.
• Comprehensive video editing tools including trimming, cropping, transitions, and more.

Pros:

• Professional post-production editing for films and television shows.
• Offers more versatility than just video upscaling.
• Robust color correction and grading capabilities.
• Wide format support.

Cons:

• Robust hardware setup to function optimally.
• It might be a significant investment for some users.

Pricing:

• Free version available; paid version at $295.00 permanently.

Last Words

It is common for us to encounter videos that are pixelated, blurry, and lacking in detail. Fortunately, increasing video quality without losing the original details is not a distant dream now. Artificial intelligence is one of the most important driving forces. The use of AI not only helps to improve the resolution but maintain its original texture, which is different from traditional upscaling. You can choose the most appropriate AI video upscaler depending on your specific needs.

AVCLabs Video Enhancer AI offers a straightforward and fast video upscaling solution, while Topaz Video Enhance AI provides more tailored possibilities. On the other hand, Davinci Resolve is best for those in need of professional-grade video editing alongside upscaling. Regardless of your choice, each of these tools offers a unique approach to upscale your videos with the power of AI.

by Web Desk via Digital Information World