Elon Musk Plans to Bring AI to X

Elon Musk started making his first foray into AI back in March, with the tech mogul hopping on the bandwagon by launching a new start-up dubbed xAI. It turns out that the embattled owner of the platform formerly known as Twitter is set to incorporate the AI his start-up has developed into X, as well as offering it as a stand-alone app.

The first AI model released by xAI is a chatbot named Grok, with all Premium+ subscribers on X gaining access to it on Friday. The start-up has lofty goals, stating that it wants to create AI tools that will help humanity acquire as much knowledge as possible. However, the glut of new AI start-ups and tools may cast some doubts on xAI’s ability to find any degree of success. It will be key for the new start-up to set itself apart, and Musk plans to do that by leveraging the data he can harvest from X.

Musk has often levied criticism against Big Tech’s attempts to create AI, claiming that ChatGPT, Bard and Bing Chat are all prone to massive amounts of censorship. The self-dubbed free speech absolutist plans to make Grok and subsequent chatbots on par with the AI provided by bigger companies. He intends to do this by utilizing the real time data that X can generate, which would potentially give Grok the ability to provide more factual answers rather than them being limited to any specific date.

Photos: Elon Musk / X

It bears mentioning that Musk was one of the original cofounders behind OpenAI, the company most famous for creating ChatGPT which sparked the current AI hype. He stepped down from his position on the board in 2018, approximately 4 years before OpenAI started to take the world by storm.

It appears that Musk is trying to make up for his questionable decision to abandon AI in favor of electric cars and other pursuits, though it remains to be seen whether or not xAI and Grok will be the disruptive forces that Musk claims they can be.

He also plans to integrate xAI into Tesla to some extent, potentially by using his own proprietary AI to boost the average Tesla car’s self driving capabilities. Musk is the latest of many major tech giants to throw their hat into the AI ring, though some are criticizing this as an attempt to generate buzz for his dying social media platform.

Read next: X's October Earnings Skyrocket to $5.4m, Marking a Dramatic 829% Year-Over-Year Increase
by Zia Muhammad via Digital Information World

X's October Earnings Skyrocket to $5.4m, Marking a Dramatic 829% Year-Over-Year Increase

October’s financial snapshot for X (formerly Twitter) has just landed, and it's quite the headline.

According to AppFigures data, the Musk-owned social network has netted an impressive $5.4 million from app stores earnings. This figure reflects the revenue after Apple and Google have taken their shares.

And here's the kicker: it’s an 829% spike from last year, before Elon Musk took the reins.

Let’s break it down. X did better in October than in September. But, it still hasn’t topped August’s peak.

Why does this matter? It hints at a challenge.

Subscriptions used to be X's bread and butter. But, not anymore, as the game has changed. Now, creators get paid for how many views they rack up. This could mean that chasing viral hits may overshadow the push for quality subscriber-only content.

Amidst these shifts, X is shaking up its strategy. Two new subscription options have emerged. The 'Basic' plan is wallet-friendly, offering some premium perks without the blue verification badge. On the other end, 'Premium+' comes with a higher price but promises an ad-free experience.

These moves are strategic. They are designed to nudge X’s revenue even higher as November rolls in. Will Premium+ be the golden ticket? It's a waiting game now.

As X tweaks its offerings, the market is watching with bated breath for the next financial turn.

Read next: Kids Are At High Risk of Malware, Here’s What Parents Need to Know
by Irfan Ahmad via Digital Information World

77% of Payment Apps Are Susceptible to Data Exfiltration Malware

Apps that can allow people to transfer payments through their mobile phones have revolutionized the financial sector, with some experts estimating that around 4.8 million transactions will be conducted in 2025. By 2028, the total value of transactions is set to surpass the $16 trillion dollar mark, but how safe are these apps exactly?

In order to get to the bottom of this all important question, Norwegian app security firm Promon closely studied 73 of the most popular payment apps around the world. They analyzed their security protocols and how susceptible they were to various kinds of malware, and it turns out that the vast majority of them are not quite as safe as you might’ve hoped.

Based on the findings presented in this study, a whopping 77% of these apps didn’t have adequate protection for screen readers and the like. As a result, they were particularly at risk of being compromised through malware that can exfiltrate data. Six of these apps, representing 8.2% of the overall sample size, went so far as to log usernames if screen readers were used, which made them even more prone to exfiltration attacks.

One thing that bears mentioning here is that this is still only a partial vulnerability, since passwords weren’t compromised quite as easily during the simulated exfiltrations that were conducted as part of this study. However, just 4.1% of all apps had defense mechanisms that were comprehensive enough to withstand the strongest of malware attacks.

Considering the massive size of this industry, as well as the rapid rate of growth that it has been seeing as of late, it is imperative that the companies behind these platforms take steps to plug their security issues. Screen reader detection is a must have for these apps, otherwise the propensity for financial loss will be far too high, and many consumers might not be willing to take the enormous risk that they represent.

Threats are evolving just as quickly these apps, so it is also essential that developers utilize app shielding as and when possible. Combining a variety of security protocols can make them robust enough to provide the amount of protection that customers have come to expect. Falling short of these requirements could lead to attacks becoming all the more widespread, and it will be interesting to see how developers tackle these issues over the next few years.

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by Zia Muhammad via Digital Information World

Does Saving Make You Happy? The Answer Might Surprise You (infographic)

With the world going through a historic economic crunch, more people than ever are looking to save a few bucks. Based on a survey of 2,000 Americans conducted by Citizens Bank, 61% of consumers will consider how long a product will last before buying it, and anything that costs over $1,762 is seen as a big purchase.

While it’s getting harder than ever to save due to rising costs of living, 34% of Americans still think that they’re savers. This basically means that they will wait until a product is available on sale before buying it, or they will only spend money on absolute necessities. However, are these savers truly happier than the 56% of Americans who consider themselves spenders?

It turns out that spenders were actually happier in various walks of life according to this survey. For example, 78% of spenders were happy in their relationships compared to 63% of savers. An even bigger gap was seen in work lives, with 78% of spenders reporting a high level of happiness and just 57% of savers saying the same. Oddly enough, more spenders were happy with their finances than savers, or 73% and 56% respectively.

Personal lives were seemingly unaffected by saving or spending, with 77% of spenders and 71% of savers saying that they were happy with them. Spenders also see themselves as better gift givers, with 82% taking pride in their gift giving and just 66% of savers saying the same.

That said, savers are often compelled to cut costs due to low income. Being forced to spend less may be leading them to lower levels of life satisfaction, and it’s generally easier to be happy if you can spend as much as you like without worrying about the future. Also, spenders might regret their habits later on, since they use up 38% of their earnings on miscellaneous purchases compared to 29% for savers.

Budgeting can be a great way to make your money last longer, so it’s not surprising that 37% of survey respondents create budgets on a weekly basis, with 9% going so far as to create daily budgets. 39% of shoppers are now using buy now pay later options to buy things that they can’t currently afford, so there is a clear shift in purchasing behavior that could impact the wider ecommerce industry down the line.

Read next: The Top 20 Most (And Least) Competitive Us Companies for Job Seekers
by Zia Muhammad via Digital Information World

TikTok Can Transform Into an eCommerce Powerhouse As New Report Proves More Users Are Purchasing In-Stream

Popular social media platform TikTok is making headwaves in the e-Commerce sector.

The company has been struggling big time in terms of having its commerce elements take off as not a lot of people were open to the idea of purchasing in-stream. But now, new reports are showing promising results and that could mean the tech giant could be dubbed as a powerhouse in the world of eCommerce soon.

For so long, a lot of comparisons were drawn to the platform’s competitor in the industry who happens to be Douyin in China. And while the latter is flourishing in this regard, TikTok just couldn’t seem to have followed suit.

Whatever the case may be, it’s super interesting to see how the app’s users are now willing to spend a lot in terms of content belonging to top creators of the industry. It’s become to such an extent that people are really generating their whole income through content found on the app.

As per the latest reports taken from The Information, a whopping $250 million was rolled out on the app in the form of digital gifts where live streamers were rewarded by audiences for their hard work and entertainment. And we’re talking about figures arising during Q3 alone.

This really highlighted a new trend that continues to grow as we speak and might be TikTok’s golden ticket to make more money via sales conducted on the app.

Other trends in focus included the likes of NPC Streamers. The latter is where some famous creators are sparking users’ interest about the practice where viewers are given the chance to send donations like virtual presents. The latter triggers new reactions from such streamers.

While it might not be a trend that lasts for years it’s certainly something new as it’s what the app needs to have fans spending more on the platform. And only after that can we see more people spending money on various other elements taking place in-stream such as goods and services arising through TikTok’s Shops.

But it’s still very new and the company is struggling to try and make big things happen.

In places such as the United Kingdom, we saw the app put plenty of trending products in the spotlight like Trendy Beat activating its eCommerce store and now making plans to have its own orders shipped out by itself.

So the idea in this regard is to provide users with the best experience when shopping online like quick delivery and that would allow them to spend more money and venture into new areas where the app is yet to explore. After that, we’re going to see more people working through stores that deal with in-stream activity.

As per recent reports, most trends prove how many Asian nations including China are more open toward such an approach where goods are found in-stream and you can make purchases at that right moment. Similarly, so many Western users continue to behave oppositely and are wary of apps being as online retail stores. And that is serving as a huge hurdle for TikTok.

Tech giant Meta has been trying hard for years to venture into this domain while Elon Musk also trying to carve a niche of the same through his X platform. However, neither has been successful and the West just isn’t used to this concept that has taken off with a bang in Asia.

Western audiences are more keen on shopping with retail outlets that are more trusted as compared to using social media apps to make their purchases.

Read next: Kids Are At High Risk of Malware, Here’s What Parents Need to Know
by Dr. Hura Anwar via Digital Information World

Kids Are At High Risk of Malware, Here’s What Parents Need to Know

Children that grew up with the internet might be more tech savvy than the average adult, but their intuitive understanding of tech doesn’t equal experience. Malicious actors are well aware of how easy it can be to target children, and they are using specific search terms to guide unsuspecting younger users to websites laden with malware.

Home Security Heroes just published some data that sheds light on the most dangerous search terms out there. Parents should note them down, since children might use them without realizing where they lead. The end result would be a malicious actor taking control of their system, and given the level of privacy children get while surfing the web these days, this could lead to truly concerning outcomes.

Children often search pop culture terms like bestselling games, favorite celebrities, and top 100 animated TV shows. Unsurprisingly, malicious actors are using SEO techniques to incorporate these keywords into their sites. The research involved running these keywords through Google Trends, and then put the results through security checks offered by cybersecurity firms like Sucuri SecurityCheck.

It turns out that 2 out of every 3 popular search terms that will likely be used by children ran the risk of infecting their devices with malware. Boss Baby was one of the worst offenders, with malicious actors frequently using the popular child oriented media franchise to target the most vulnerable people on the internet. The same went for Beetlejuice, Animal Crossing and even Pokemon, revealing that children ideally shouldn’t be allowed to click on search results without an adult present.

56% of results that came up with Hotel Transylvania 2 was entered led to malware filled sites. 48% of results for Despicable Me 2 were the same, with 45% for Big Hero 6 and Shrek, and 44% for Wall-E, Megamind and Shark Tale.

As for games, Animal Crossing was the most dangerous with 46% of the search results its pulled up offering a high risk of malware infection. FIFA 18 was also highly risky with 44%, and all of the research clearly shows that malicious actors have deep insights into how they can make it easier to target children.

The goal here is to trick them into clicking on suspicious and risky links. More work needs to be done to educate the terminally online younger populace so that they can avoid these threats.

Read next: The Top 20 Most (And Least) Competitive Us Companies for Job Seekers
by Zia Muhammad via Digital Information World

The Top 20 Most (And Least) Competitive Us Companies for Job Seekers

If you want to win, you need to know exactly who (or how many) you're up against. And that's exactly what this latest study from ResumeIO is all about. Inspired by the recent changes in the US job market post-COVID era, it looks at the most and least competitive companies to work for in the USA.

It compiled lists of specific industries and sectors by looking at data collected from LinkedIn, highlighting how many people applied for each job advertised per day.

The study reveals that there is massive demand and fierce competition for high-paying jobs in the tech and business sectors, while, unsurprisingly, it is much easier to get that first interview for retail and service jobs offering low pay for long hours.

Check out the charts below for a full breakdown of the results. But first, let's look at what's driving competitiveness in the US job market and why some companies are still struggling to hire enough staff.

Is the US job market becoming more competitive?

The US job market is becoming increasingly competitive, particularly for positions at top-tier companies in the tech sector.

The digital transformation across industries has led to a surge in demand for skilled professionals, especially in coding, data science, and digital marketing. Then there's the increase in the number of individuals graduating with higher education degrees. More people with bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees means more people with the qualifications for in-demand jobs.

The globalization of the workforce is another factor. The free movement of workers across the globe has enabled top companies to tap into a vast pool of international talent. It raised the talent bar for domestic job seekers and tipped the supply and demand dynamics of labor in favor of the employers.

How to stand out in a competitive job market

Navigating a highly competitive job market requires a strategic approach to ensure you stand out from the crowd, particularly when aiming for positions at top-tier companies.

First and foremost, investing in continuous learning and skill development is crucial. Stay on top of industry trends and develop skills that offer real value.

Networking plays a vital role in creating opportunities. Connect with professionals in your desired field, attend industry conferences, and join relevant online forums. Building a strong professional network can provide access to job openings and referrals, giving you a competitive edge.

Tailoring your resume and cover letter to each job application is essential when applying for in-demand jobs. Generic CVs will not make it past the first round of cuts. Instead, highlight specific experiences and skills that match the job spec.

Developing a strong online presence can also set you apart. Keep your LinkedIn profile up-to-date, and make sure it reflects your personal brand. Engage with content relevant to your industry and contribute to discussions to demonstrate your expertise and passion.

And practice and prepare extensively for interviews. Being able to articulate your experiences, showcase your skills, and convey your enthusiasm for the role and company is one of the single best ways to leave a lasting impression on interviewers.

The top 20 most competitive US companies for job seekers

The US streaming giant Netflix is the most competitive company for people looking for a new job, according to a study by Resume.io. LinkedIn data reveal that Netflix receives more than 80 applications (84.47, to be exact) per day for every job listing.

So why do so many people want to work at Netflix? It's probably got a lot to do with the firm's corporate culture.

Netflix is a results-oriented operation. Staff are set tasks and goals, and as long as employees meet them, there is no set amount of work hours. Employees can also take as much time off as they want, providing all tasks get done in the agreed timeframe. So if you finish everything by Tuesday afternoon, you can literally Netflix and chill for the rest of the week. Nice.

Amazon is the next most competitive company for job seekers, receiving 73.25 applications for every job per day. The remaining top spots in the list are all made up of major big tech companies, including Microsoft, Apple, Meta, and Alphabet.

The least competitive US companies for job seekers

Restaurant chains Zaxby's and Applebee's share the top spot for the USA's least competitive companies. They receive just 0.01 applications for every job posted per day.

Clothing store Buckle also makes an appearance, with 0.02 applications per job.

There is a clear trend here, with most firms in the top 20 least competitive list operating in the retail or food service sectors. Nine of the top 20 positions are filled by restaurants, while retail stores make up 7 spaces.

Both industries are experiencing a serious staffing shortage crisis; almost 60% of retail and restaurant chains reported understaffing in 2023.

One of the biggest reasons is demographics. Retail and food service roles have traditionally been starter jobs for younger people or college students. But with the USA's aging population, there are simply fewer people around to fill these vacant positions.

Now let's talk about the working conditions. Although there are exceptions to the rule, working within these sectors often involves long hours, low wages, and very few benefits.

And dealing with the general public every day can be 'challenging.' A study published in the Wall Street Journal earlier this year reported that 60% of restaurant workers had suffered some form of emotional abuse and disrespect from customers. At the same time, 78% said their mental health was negatively affected in the past 12 months due to interactions with rude and unruly customers.

The tough working conditions and increased demand for staff should lead to better pay and working conditions across the retail and service industries. Or at least in theory. In the real world, workers are still waiting for these to materialize, with many still making below a living wage standard. In summary, retailers and corporate restaurant chains continue to squeeze as much out of their staff as possible, keeping costs down and protecting profit margins.

Big competition for big pay

The competition is fierce for top finance jobs at companies like Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan, and S&P Global. They receive between 20 to 40 job applications daily for every vacant position.

It's easy to see why. Entry-level positions at these prestigious financial firms start at around $70,000. Imagine making that kind of money straight out of college! Traders, analysts, and executives can earn well into the six figures, while top performers can make (literally) millions of dollars per year.

A surprise entry

Super mega global online seller Amazon is the most competitive retailer for new workers in the US. Its warehouses and fulfillment centers receive 73.25 applications every day.

But isn’t Amazon a terrible place to work? You might think that, especially if you've been following the (many) news stories and investigations on working conditions at Amazon.

Reports have raised concerns about long working hours, high injury rates, and the unrelenting pace of work. There are also allegations of aggressive, tech-enhanced monitoring of employees, which, according to some sources, means employees have to use plastic bottles to relieve themselves because restroom breaks make it harder to achieve daily fulfillment targets.

Still, thousands of people apply every month. So why? Amazon offers an environment where people with little education or work experience can make decent money. Because while the work is hard and demanding, it's also well-paid and consistent. With overtime, an Amazon warehouse worker with no former college education can make over $50,000 a year. Night shift workers and managers can earn even more, with some making up to $40 per hour during busy periods.

Read next: The Global Cost of Internet Shutdowns
by Irfan Ahmad via Digital Information World