Google Tests Blue Tick Verification for Business Links in Search Results

Google is testing out a new feature in its search results which would make business links verified by showing a blue tick next to them. This feature will help people to stop clicking on links that are fraud and fake, and instead help them look for the genuine website. Molly Shaheen, Google’s public affairs spokesperson, told The Verge that Google is always trying out features that can help users the best. This verified feature will also help users in identifying the genuine links with blue ticks next to businesses like Google, Apple, Meta, etc.

Image: Google Search Screenshot showing verified Apple link. Credit TheVerge 

Some users have seen these blue checkmarks next to websites on Google search results but this feature hasn’t been widely rolled out. If you hover the cursor over the blue checkmark, you will be able to see a note from Google saying that this blue icon is being seen next to the business name because this website or business is real. However, Google cannot guarantee anything about its products and how reliable the business is.

Google hasn’t officially announced anything about these blue check marks and we don’t know for sure how long it will take to roll out completely. This feature seems like an extension to Google’s Brand Indicators for Message Identification (BIMI) feature, which is displaying blue check marks next to Gmail accounts who have verified themselves.

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• More Than 50% of Smartphones Sold in Q2 2024 Feature 50MP Cameras, Reflecting Consumer Trends
by Arooj Ahmed via Digital Information World

More Than 50% of Smartphones Sold in Q2 2024 Feature 50MP Cameras, Reflecting Consumer Trends

CounterPoint Research reports that the camera resolution of smartphones had increased to 54M in Q2 of 2024. In Q2 of 2020, the average smartphone camera resolution was 27MP. The biggest reason why camera resolution of most smartphones keeps on increasing is customer requirement. Now consumers need better smartphones with the best camera resolution, leading to a significant increase in demand. According to the Consumer Lens Survey, a good camera resolution is one of the most important factors considered before buying a smartphone.

To meet customer requirements, many OEMs have been working to increase their camera resolution. More than 50% of the smartphones sold in Q2 of 2024 had a camera resolution of 50MP. The biggest growth in camera resolution smartphones can be seen among entry to mid price smartphones ($100 to $250) and premium smartphones (more than $600).

The biggest shift in the premium segment was seen when Apple switched from 12MP to 48MP in its iPhone 15 series. In the entry and mid segment, Chinese Android OEMs increased their smartphone camera resolution. The camera resolution in the mid-price sector has reached 100MP and 108 MP.

Rear cameras have also seen a shift with 32% of the shipments in Q2 2020 and now having a share of 45% in Q2 2024. This shift is because of OEMs using macro camera capabilities and increasing the sensor size to take in more light. Even though smartphones with lower camera resolution are also expected to see some increase, the higher-resolution cameras will stabilize themselves in the coming years. The incorporation of telephoto lens and GenAI features in newer smartphones will probably have more shipments.

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by Arooj Ahmed via Digital Information World

EU’s Top Court Rules Against Meta’s Data Retention For Ad Targeting

Meta’s Facebook can no longer retain user data for long periods. The news comes after a top court in the EU ruled against the company’s ad targeting practices.

The decision came on Friday when it was revealed that leading social networks including Facebook have been engaged in the activity for too long. This can have serious consequences for Meta and the way it targets users for ads in the region.

Restrictions on how long personal data will be stored were announced to ensure minimal data collection as per the GDPR. Similarly, any organization that chooses to breach the regime will now be penalized. Fines issued can go up to 4% of the company’s global yearly turnover.

When it comes down to Meta, the amount could mean billions are at stake in the form of penalties. As it is, the tech giant is already at the top of the scoreboard in terms of GDPR breaches.

The latest CJEU ruling arrives after an earlier case as published by the court in April. This highlighted the importance of limits on data stored for ad targeting purposes. When Meta was recently asked to comment on the matter, the company’s spokesperson said they are waiting for the complete judgment to come out.

Facebook’s parent company is waiting for the final court judgment in print, after which they plan to share their insights on the matter. 

The company highlighted how it takes its privacy so seriously. Over time, it has invested billions of Euros to make sure all products remain safe for users. Similarly, the company mentioned how users are always welcome to adjust privacy settings and how their data is used on Meta’s apps.

The reason why this issue is concerning for Meta is that the company makes big revenue through ad tech. Through tracking and profiling, they collect data all over the internet. This can be through cookies, plug-ins, and more. The goal is to enhance sales for small advertising services. Hence, any law that hinders this business will drastically impact Meta and similar tech giants making revenue in this way.

Image: DIW-Aigen

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by Dr. Hura Anwar via Digital Information World

Streamlining Customer Support with Zendesk Translation

In today's global marketplace, businesses are reaching audiences that speak a variety of languages. To effectively serve a diverse customer base, companies must communicate clearly and efficiently, regardless of language barriers. This is where zendesk translation comes into play, offering a powerful solution for enhancing customer support through seamless language integration.

Zendesk is a popular customer service platform that helps businesses manage and respond to customer inquiries efficiently. With the rise of international clientele, the demand for multilingual support has surged. Implementing automated translation for Zendesk can significantly enhance the user experience by providing instant translations for customer interactions, ensuring that language differences do not hinder communication.

The Importance of Multilingual Support

Image: DIW-Aigen

In a world where businesses are no longer limited by geographical boundaries, multilingual support has become essential. Here’s why:

1. Broader Reach: Offering support in multiple languages allows businesses to connect with a wider audience. This not only enhances customer satisfaction but also increases the potential for sales and brand loyalty.
2. Improved Customer Experience: Customers are more likely to engage with a brand that communicates in their preferred language. This personal touch can lead to improved customer retention and loyalty.
3. Competitive Advantage: Providing multilingual support can set a business apart from competitors. Companies that invest in language solutions demonstrate a commitment to meeting the needs of their diverse clientele.
4. Effective Problem Resolution: Language barriers can lead to misunderstandings and frustration. Automated translation for Zendesk ensures that customers receive accurate information, leading to quicker issue resolution and enhanced satisfaction.

Benefits of Zendesk Integration

Integrating translation capabilities into Zendesk can transform the way businesses interact with their customers. Here are some key benefits:

1. Real-Time Translation: With Zendesk translation, customer queries can be translated instantly. This allows support agents to respond quickly and accurately, reducing wait times and improving overall service quality.
2. Consistency Across Channels: Automated translation ensures that customers receive consistent information regardless of the communication channel. Whether customers reach out via email, chat, or social media, they can expect the same level of support.
3. Scalability: As businesses grow and expand into new markets, their support needs can change. A Zendesk integration with translation capabilities can easily scale to accommodate increasing demand, ensuring that language is never a barrier to customer service.
4. Cost-Effective Solution: Traditional translation methods can be costly and time-consuming. Automating the translation process through Zendesk integration reduces overhead costs and streamlines workflows.

How Automated Translation for Zendesk Works

The process of implementing automated translation for Zendesk is straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step overview:

1. Integration Setup: Businesses can easily integrate translation services into their Zendesk platform. This typically involves connecting the translation API to the Zendesk environment.
2. Language Selection: Once the integration is complete, businesses can select the languages they wish to support. This allows them to tailor their translation capabilities to their specific customer base.
3. Real-Time Translation: As customer inquiries are received, the automated translation service translates messages in real-time. Support agents can view the original message alongside the translated version, enabling them to respond accurately.
4. Feedback Loop: To continuously improve the quality of translations, businesses can implement a feedback loop. Customers can rate the effectiveness of the translations, providing valuable insights for further enhancements.

Choosing the Right Translation Solution

When considering a translation solution for Zendesk, it’s important to evaluate several factors:

1. Accuracy: Look for a translation service that offers high accuracy in translations. Machine learning and AI-driven translation technologies can significantly enhance the quality of translations over time.
2. Customization Options: Some translation services allow for customization, enabling businesses to adapt translations to their industry-specific terminology and tone.
3. User-Friendly Interface: The integration should be easy to use, allowing support agents to focus on providing excellent customer service without being hindered by complicated tools.
4. Technical Support: Ensure that the translation service provides robust technical support. In case of any issues, having reliable support can save time and resources.

Conclusion

Investing in Zendesk translation is a strategic move for businesses looking to enhance their customer support experience. By integrating automated translation into the Zendesk platform, companies can break down language barriers, streamline communication, and ultimately improve customer satisfaction. The benefits of real-time translations, consistency across channels, scalability, and cost-effectiveness make this solution a must-have for any business aiming to thrive in a multilingual world.

As companies continue to expand their reach globally, the need for effective communication in multiple languages will only grow. Embracing automated translation for Zendesk is not just a smart business decision; it’s a step toward a more inclusive and responsive customer service experience.

For more information about integrating translation solutions into your customer support strategy, visit Translate.com. Embrace the future of customer service and make language barriers a thing of the past!

by Web Desk via Digital Information World

Is Cocomelon’s Content Causing Children to Show Signs of Less Attention Span and Delayed Speech?

Cocomelon is the favorite YouTube channel of kids and it is one of the most subscribed and liked channels too. The views on Cocomelon videos often exceed millions and billions but now parents are observing something about Cocomelon and similar channels that is affecting their children. One of the parents compared Cocomelon to “nicotine” as it is becoming extremely addictive for children. One of the parents said that they had to get their child to do speech therapy to help him talk. It is causing major developmental issues among children.

Children’s TV Expert, Jerrica Sannes, named Cocomelon the most addictive channel for children and explained why it is causing such problems to children. The first cause is colors that are at extremely high saturation that you cannot make them any brighter. The three main colors that are frequently used for Cocomelon videos are red, yellow and green and these colors at high saturation give exciting dynamics and attract attention.

Most of the Cocomelon videos are highly repetitive too which is why they have 38 videos over one billion views. This repetition of words keeps children hooked and keeps them in a trance. Cocomelon says that they aim to give education to children in a fun and exciting way but Cocomelon is teaching children exactly what they shouldn't teach. Jerrica Sannes says that Cocomelon doesn't care about our children, they just care about money.

Recently a journalist visited Cocomelon Studio and found out that their main aim is to keep children hooked. Cocomelon brings children there every month and makes them watch different content to find out which parts children find engaging and at which parts they tune out. Children are placed in front of two tv screens. One is a larger one where the Cocomelon content is playing and the other is a smaller screen which shows a continuous loop of real-world scenes, each lasting 20 seconds. Whenever a child looks away and glances at the smaller screen, the researcher writes it down in the note. This way they can see what moments are keeping children hooked and which ones aren't.

Cocomelon also rapidly changes the scene and doesn't make their videos be on the same cut for a longer time. This is the same as TikTok where users can watch different videos in a short time and this way they find each clip interesting. Similarly, 96% of the cuts in Cocomelon’s Baby Shark were shorter than two seconds. The longest shot on Cocomelon was just 6 seconds which shows how much they are cutting scenes to keep children hooked.

Jerrica Sannes say that when we combine all of the elements that are attention grabbers, children become completely engaged in that. She says that when we show an infant any normal video content, they focus on the screen just 11% of the time. But when we show them a Cocomelon video, their screen engagement increases to 74%. It was proven too when the New York Times journalist said that a child came to the studio while having a tantrum but as soon as the Cocomelon song played, he stopped everything to watch the video. Many parents have also said similar things about how the mood of their children changes as soon as they hear the Cocomelon intro.

@thecircusbrain #cocomelon #cocomelonchallenge vs #sesamestreet ♬ Oh No - Kreepa

Cocomelon is so hyper-stimulating for children that it has become like a drug to them. When children are being deprived of their addiction, ie. Cocomelon, they show signs of withdrawal which leaves them completely disregulated. They become violent because their brain wants that intense feeling of stimulation back. Everything other than that seems slow and boring to them. This is causing speech delays in children. Experts say that 4-5 hours of screen time a day can make a toddler completely non-verbal. Children who watch Cocomelon videos continuously tend to have low attention span and the symptoms of ADHD increase 7.7 times in those children too. Children who switched from Cocomelon to other channels showed notable changes and started talking too.

Cocomelon has replied to this criticism saying that their show isn't meant to replace any outdoor activities for children because they know that they are as important for children as food and entertainment. They said that parents should set appropriate balance for their children. Cocomelon is also helping children with some things but they cannot speak in full sentences. Parents are also taking the easy way out by blaming Cocomelon and not their parenting styles. It isn't Cocomelon’s responsibility to ensure that children talk. It is the responsibility of parents.

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A post shared by Dr. Mona | Pediatrician | Child Health✨Development✨Parenting (@pedsdoctalk)

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by Arooj Ahmed via Digital Information World

Any Image Taken With Meta’s Smart Glasses Will Be Used To Train Its AI, Company Confirms

Meta is finally breaking its silence on whether or not images taken on its much-talked-about Ray-Ban smart glasses will be used to train AI.

Despite remaining hushed on the matter at the start, that’s no longer the case. The company now has plenty to say including a confirmation that all pictures shared with Meta AI will be used to train its models. The same goes for video content.

It’s great to see Facebook’s parent firm finally offering more insights on the subject when media outlet TechCrunch asked for greater clarification on the subject. This includes how all locations where multimodal AI is present will now have pictures and videos shared with the company’s AI systems. The goal is to better its AI systems as per the company’s privacy policy.

Meanwhile, another statement that was sent out in the past highlighted how that would not be the case for content captured by Ray-Ban smart glasses. This was true unless the user ended up submitting them to AI. Now, if Meta AI is used for analysis, the images will come under a totally new set of policies.

In other words, the firm is making use of the latest consumer AI products to roll out a huge array of data that might be used to produce more impactful AI model generations. Hence, the only way that users can opt out is to avoid utilizing AI features from the start.

The impact of this behavior is raising a lot of debate as so many users of the new Ray-Ban smart glasses might not comprehend how to share or not share personal data to Meta’s systems. This includes personal information, addresses, and social circles.

As per Meta, they continue to stick to their saving grace that the user interface keeps them well informed of all of this. Now the question is if that’s the case, why was Meta so quiet at the start. Either executives didn’t wish to share details or perhaps they didn’t know what was the answer.

Experts have discussed that there is no surprise here. Training Meta’s AI Llama models on all data Americans post through public profiles is already taking place. Now, Meta is clearly changing the definition of what it means by publicly available information.

It’s going to include all things people see through smart glasses and also similarly ask the AI model to analyze.

For now, it’s very important and the news comes as Meta continues to publish the latest AI features that make it easier for users to invoke AI more naturally. This means users will have no problems in agreeing to give data to Meta as they see fit.

Let’s not forget how Meta launched another live video analysis offering for its smart glasses during last week’s Connect conference. This will roll out a stream of pictures in a continuous manner across its multimodal AI models. Another marketing video showed Meta using the feature to search around closets. The whole analysis was done through AI and users could select an outfit based on this data.

Now the hidden part is that the tech giant fails to promote sending their pictures for AI model training. One spokesperson of Meta pointed out recently how its privacy policy puts in simple terms that any AI interactions of Meta will be used for training purposes. Now pictures will be included but at the time, it failed to add more clarity.

Meta’s Terms of Service were shared which claims sharing pictures with Meta AI means giving it full authority to analyze them and facial features are included here.

Remember, the tech giant just rolled out a massive $1.4B to the state of Texas after a lawsuit accused the firm of using facial recognition tech without consent. This was linked to Facebook’s age-old Tag Suggestions feature. It was launched in 2011 and then in 2021, Facebook made it exclusively ‘opt-in’ while deleting billions of biometric data that was collected.

Now Meta along with other tech rivals in the industry are really pushing for smart glasses as the best and new means for computing. All of the products have people wearing cameras on their faces. Interestingly, they’re all based on AI so many privacy concerns have existed and now will increase.

Image: DIW-Aigen

Read next: Reddit: The New Frontier in Search Engines? A Surprising Shift in User Preferences
by Dr. Hura Anwar via Digital Information World

Reddit: The New Frontier in Search Engines? A Surprising Shift in User Preferences

We understand that search engines have long been a staple for finding everything from restaurant recommendations to how-to guides. But here's the thing: Reddit is quietly placing itself as a search engine, and it's one big game changer.

If you're familiar with how Reddit works, you know that sometimes you can get very valuable discussions and reviews from a community of experts and enthusiasts. But did you know that nearly two out of three Americans now use Reddit as a search engine?

That's right, folks. In this new study from Adobe Express, 63% of people have made their way to Reddit for their search needs. And it's not just the tech-savvy millennials driving this shift but actually Gen Z, with an impressive 84% using Reddit for searches. What's causing this shift, and why do more and more people go to Reddit instead of traditional search engines?

Why Reddit? It's All About Authenticity

For quick-minded opinions on everything from tech gadgets to service reviews, Reddit has rapidly become a go-to source for many. The report from Adobe Express explains why so many are heading to Reddit for their search needs: authenticity. In a world where the top Google search results usually include either sponsored content or SEO-optimized articles, searchers desire more authenticity in their results. And that's something Reddit offers in spades.

Take this: 67% of Reddit users report using it for its authentic reviews and discussions. That's huge, especially in comparison to the often more polished and, frankly, sometimes less transparent search results from traditional search engines. Even more telling—92% of those who use Reddit as a search engine say they find the results trustworthy.

Let's think about that for a second. On Reddit, you get real conversations by real people—not just results from paid ads or businesses trying to game the SEO system. For many searchers, this level of honesty has them using Reddit as their starting point for trustworthy information on anything, from buying a new phone to finding advice on challenges in everyday life.

Google vs. Reddit: Trust Is Key

But perhaps one of the most surprising statistics arising from the study conducted by Adobe Express is that 58% of its respondents believe in Reddit over Google's page one search results. Yes, you read that right: More people believe in a site where anonymous users post their thoughts and experiences than in a search engine supported by a powerful company. It goes to show that authenticity supersedes algorithms in today's digital spaces.

This swing is especially massive among Gen Z and millennial users, who have grown up in an ad-saturated world of polished marketing campaigns. They'd rather go for real, raw opinions, and Reddit delivers on that. What's more, these younger generations are shaping the future of search, and businesses need to take notice.

Small Business Owners Feel the Pinch, Too

It's not just the average consumer noticing the rise of Reddit as a search engine. Small business owners have seen the shift, too. Another insight, probably one of the most interesting from this study, revealed that one out of every 10 small business owners reported a Reddit post ranking above their business page in Google search results.

Let that sink in for a second. Learning that a Reddit discussion about a business can outrank its company website could be a wake-up call for small business owners to strengthen their SEO strategy. This also means companies should take the time to know what people are saying about them on Reddit.

For companies and marketers, Reddit has finally reached a point where it is no longer possible to ignore the site entirely. One thread in the right subreddit could make all the difference in the world one way or another.

How Reddit Impacts Marketing and Business Strategies

Now, what does all of this mean for marketers and businesses? Well, it's time to think beyond Google. With the rise of Reddit as a trusted search tool, companies can't afford to rely only on traditional SEO methods to reach their audiences anymore.

It's about genuinely engaging with online communities on Reddit. The last thing people want to see is a business come into a subreddit with a blatant pitch that's just begging to be downvoted into oblivion.

Marketers also have to think their way into Reddit with something to offer and become a part of the conversation. Consider how your brand can provide actual value to discussions without just promoting a product. If done correctly, engagement in relevant subreddits will build trust and could even drive sales.

The fact that 41% of Americans now believe Reddit is a better search engine than Google should be a surefire signal that the site is affecting consumer behavior. It's an opportunity for businesses to tap into a more discreet and community-oriented audience. But it has to be done with authenticity. Anything that smells or feels too much like a traditional ad will be dismissed in a heartbeat by Reddit's savviest users.

A New Era for Search: What's Next?

Put simply, a study by Adobe Express illustrates that Reddit's stake in the search landscape is on its way up and isn't slowing down. With users continuing to prize community-driven and honest content, Reddit will likely cement its place as one of the go-to online search tools. But this doesn't mean that Google will lose any traction anytime soon. Instead, it speaks to a rise in expectations beyond algorithm-driven results for actual opinions and experiences.

As time progresses, it'll be interesting to see how other social platforms react to the emerging mainstream influence of Reddit. Might we see more pivoting into position as search engines unto themselves? And what does it look like for traditional search to evolve with the demand for real community content?

For now, it's crystal clear that it is something more than a meme forum and debate thread. As more users begin to use Reddit for their search needs, there will likely come a time when marketers, small business owners, and even consumers will have to pay attention.

Living in an age where trust and authenticity mean everything, Reddit proves time and again that sometimes, the best information doesn't come from a website with a shiny finish but rather from real people sharing their real experiences.

Take a look at the infographics below for more insights:

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by Web Desk via Digital Information World