Google opened Bird for signups today and there’s already a waiting list that’s likely massive. If you need an AI chatbot to talk your life into, you might as well put your name on the list for this latest Google experiment.
What is Google Bird?, you ask, since we haven’t mentioned it at any point to date? Well, I’m no AI expert, but the bottom line is that our tech overlords have all created artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots that are pretty smart and can help you (or maybe argue) get work done, be more creative, or you Providing deeper answers to topics than you can get from a search engine.
They come in a familiar format that looks like a search engine with a chat box that lets you type whatever you want to start a conversation with the bot. You can ask questions, talk about your day, etc.
The big names in the game right now are ChatGPT and Microsoft’s Bing. I’d imagine you’ve heard of these at some point in recent months if you’re into technology. Google Bird is a competitor in this space.
It’s all pretty vague explanation, and since I haven’t used any of these products, I can’t share personal experience. All I can do is show you what Google says about Bird’s potential. But while you’re taking it all in, you have to remember that Google (and others) are aware that these AI chatbots will make mistakes, are untested, and not entirely trustworthy, and have safeguards in place in case you don’t try and make a Build an army of robots and take over the world. Here is the complete Bird FAQ.
Here’s an example of Bird’s usage in an article from Google that’s probably worth a read:
the joy
We believe users will be able to maximize their time collaborating with Bard. For example, say a user plan a party; Bard can help them come up with a to-do list and outline an invitation — Helps free up the user’s time and brain space to devote to higher-level tasks.
creativity
Bard can help a user bring ideas to life or spark their creativity in new ways. For example, if a user is To write a blog post, Bird can outline it — providing a starting point so they’re not faced with a blank page. We also see Bard inspire creativity by creating poems, short stories, taglines and other imaginative creations effort
curiosity
Bird can be a jumping off point for users’ curiosity as they explore ideas or topics of interest. In this case, A bard can simply explain a complex concept or offer relevant insight on a topic, which can inspire. Users to explore and learn more.
And here’s how the bird might react:
So that’s Google Bird. If you want to sign-up to get access, you can do so bard.google.com.
Google and its retail partners are hosting a new sale on all things Pixel right now, and the deals are as good as we’ve ever seen. The Pixel 7 has hit a new low, and the Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel Watch, and Pixel Buds Pro are also at their best prices ever.
The The best Pixel 7 deal we’ve seen is $150 off This brings its starting price down to $449. At that price, we’re in Pixel 4a territory for a phone that’s a step or two above it. Normally priced at $599, I’m not sure I can explain the level of a steal to you. The Pixel 7 (review), with its small profile and impressive performance, is one of the best phones you can buy. With a $449 price tag, you should run to it before it sells out.
This $449 price gets you 128GB of storage. If you want more storage, you’ll find 256GB models with the same discount, bringing their starting price to $549. All colors are discounted too, so find your favorite (obsidian, lemongrass or snow).
Shop the Pixel 7: Amazon | Best Buy | Google
Want something more like a phone Pixel 7 Pro? it is very $150 discount, which brings its starting price down to $749. While still a good chunk of change, it’s an incredible price for a phone as good as the Pixel 7 Pro (review). Like the Pixel 7, you get all storage variants and colors with the same discount, so feel free to upgrade to 256GB or 512GB.
Shop the Pixel 7 Pro: Amazon | Best Buy | Google
As for accessories, The Pixel Watch and Pixel Buds Pro each have a $50-off discount That means you will pay $299 or $149 respectively. We’ve seen these discounts before, but these are the best matches from Google so far And because the Pixel wouldn’t sell without it As for the Pixel 6a, yes, it’s down to $299 again ($150 off).
Yesterday, Google’s Project Zero detailed multiple (in total Eighteen) Internet from baseband remote code execution vulnerability in Samsung-made Exynos modems. These modems can be found in devices like Pixel 6 series, Pixel 7 series, Galaxy S22 series and more.
In layman’s terms, those of us who aren’t security experts, the most critical vulnerability allows a skilled attacker to exploit and compromise a compromised phone simply by knowing a victim’s phone number. Four of the vulnerabilities discovered are so bad that Project Zero even made a policy exception to its disclosure process That’s apparently bad.
The device is probably affected
Mobile devices from Samsung including S22, M33, M13, M12, A71, A53, A33, A21s, A13, A12 and A04 series;
Mobile devices from Vivo, including the S16, S15, S6, X70, X60 and X30 series;
Pixel 6 and Pixel 7 series devices from Google; And
Any vehicle uses the Exynos Auto T5123 chipset.
So we’ve established that there is a problem. The promising news is that those who need to know and begin correcting these problems are aware and solutions are already on the way For example, the March security patch for Pixel phones contains a fix for a vulnerability. Meanwhile, Google’s Project Zero recommends that you avoid using WiFi calling or VoLTE (Voice-over-LTE) by physically going to your device settings and disabling it.
Until security updates are available, users who want to protect themselves from the baseband remote code execution vulnerability in Samsung’s Exynos chipset can turn off Wi-Fi calling and Voice-over-LTE (VoLTE) in their device settings. Turning off these settings will remove the risk of exploiting these vulnerabilities
The theory has been floated around that these vulnerabilities are what are preventing the Pixel 6 lineup from receiving the latest security patches and feature drops. At this point it seems very reasonable.
We’ll keep you posted as we learn more. If this news affects you, I recommend checking out Project Zero’s post on the situation by following the link below.
Apple is planning an update to the Apple TV app on Mac, according to a new report. The company’s redesign was included in the latest macOS 13.3 beta but is currently reportedly disabled.
however, 9 to 5 Mac managed to get the updated interface to work, giving us our first look at the updated Apple TV app on Mac.
The main change to the new app appears to be the addition of a new sidebar that will be used for navigation, giving the Mac parity with the TV app already available on the iPad.
Categories will be offered for Apple TV, Store, Library, Devices and Playlists.
The “Apple TV” section has a section dedicated to “Watch Now” as well as Apple TV+. You’ll see quick access to any Apple TV channel you subscribe to, such as MLS Season Pass, Showtime or Starz.
The Store section will give people access to content through the iTunes Store, while the Library will display all the content already associated with the given Apple ID. Active fares will also be displayed here.
9to5Mac notes that this is as much as it can glean from the new interface for now, and it’s currently unclear if this new look app will be unveiled as part of the final macOS 13.3 release.
Apple is expected to make macOS 13.3 available to the public in a few weeks, probably by the end of this month.
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And just like that, Google has released Android 13 QPR3 Beta 1 for Pixel phones! Time to test out new things if that’s your thing.
We saw the pieces fall into place earlier today and now Google has made available both factory images and OTA files for Android 13 QPR3 beta 1. You’ll need a Pixel 4a, Pixel 5, Pixel to jump to this first QPR3 build. 5a, Pixel 6 or 6 Pro, Pixel 6a, or Pixel 7 or 7 Pro.
What’s new, we’ll be diving in soon to find out. Google hasn’t provided their own list of changes, so we’ll have to flash the update ourselves and choose through the UI. There might not be anything major here or we might find some fun stuff in the works. Give us a few minutes.
If you missed our post before the QPR (Quarterly Platform Release) build, know that these updates are important because they are released quarterly, often larger than the usual monthly updates, and attempt to fix or improve all sorts of areas of the current build. The version of Android, which is Android 13 Google is now letting us test them until the stable release (which will come in June) because they’re a big thing that we can improve across several beta releases with lots of testing.
Join the Android 13 QPR3 beta program
Android 13 QPR3 Beta 1
Release Date: March 15, 2023 Build: T3B1.230224.005 Security patch level: March 2023 Google Play Services: 23.08.15
Below, we have links to factory images and OTA files for people to update the old school way, but you don’t have to go that route to update. In fact, you should probably go that route unless you’re experienced in that area. You can always enroll in the Android Beta Program (here) and get the update over-the-air that way. Do this for those who would rather avoid a command prompt and the adb command. Google should start pushing the update through the Android beta program soon.
Apple today announced ‘Shop with a Specialist over Video’, a new way to buy iPhones through the company’s online store.
The new feature is part of Apple’s website and will allow customers to order a new iPhone 14 or another model while still receiving video-based assistance from an Apple employee.
Customers can visit apple.com/shop/buy-iphone, and in just a few clicks, instantly connect with an Apple expert for world-class service and expert advice on selecting the best iPhone model. Once connected, customers can compare features, colors, sizes and find the best deal through Apple’s Trade In program or their carrier.
However, unlike traditional video calls, the Apple Specialist cannot see the customer at all.
Shop with video over specialists for US customers daily from 7 am to 7 pm PT at apple.com/shop/buy-iphone. During the session, Apple team members will be on their screen sharing camera, but they won’t be able to see the customer.
While Apple currently only offers this as a feature to those who pick up a new iPhone, it looks likely to roll it out to more corners of its product portfolio, including the iPad, Mac and Apple Watch.
The feature is only available in the US right now, too, and we’d expect that to change in time as Apple irons out any issues with the initial US-based offering.
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Along with the new March Google Pixel update, which includes Pixel feature drops and nearly 50 bug fixes, Pixel Watch owners should also be on the lookout for new software. Now that Google has its own watch to support, it’s been good about updating it every month, and March is no different.
The new update, at least according to Verizon, is hitting the clock as build RWDA.230114.008.R1. Its release date is scheduled for today, March 13.
Google hasn’t said anything about this update yet, and Verizon is only saying that it includes the “most up-to-date Android security patches.” That’s not too surprising, since this month’s Pixel feature drop barely touches on the Pixel Watch and only mentions two things.
The first is that this update is supposed to bring with it fall detection, a feature that Google announced a few weeks ago. The other item is in the Sound and Display settings. Google says you’ll soon be able to easily “customize the audio and visual experience on your Pixel Watch.” This means you’ll be able to “use mono-audio to limit the distractions that split-audio can cause, and new color-correction and grayscale modes will better optimize the display for a wider range of visual preferences.” neatly
For those who want an update now, give this old Wear OS update trick a shot. It worked for several updates in a row and pulled updates to the Pixel Watch immediately, even if the watch first told you there wasn’t one available.
When you have a team of people spread across multiple locations, something as simple as collaborating around a project becomes more challenging.
But thankfully, some solutions make it possible for small and large teams alike.
The problem of virtual collaboration
Running a virtual team has its benefits but also comes with a number of challenges that can affect team productivity and morale. Some challenges include:
Communication barriers: The biggest challenge of virtual collaboration is communication. It can be difficult to convey messages effectively and understand each other without the benefit of personal interactions.
Lack of social contact: Remote work can be isolating, and virtual collaboration can exacerbate this feeling. Teams may miss the social interaction and camaraderie that comes with working in an office environment.
technical difficulties: Technical issues such as poor internet connectivity, software errors, and equipment failure can disrupt virtual collaboration and cause delays.
Time zone difference: When team members are located in different parts of the world, it can be difficult to schedule virtual meetings and deadlines that work for everyone.
Lack of face-to-face interaction: Virtual collaboration lacks the nonverbal cues and personal connections that are present in face-to-face interactions. This can make building trust and mobilizing a team more challenging.
distraction: Working from home can present many distractions, such as chores, family members, and pets. These distractions can affect productivity and make it difficult to focus during virtual meetings.
Difficulty with accountability: Keeping track of everyone’s progress and holding team members accountable can be challenging when working in a virtual environment.
Inadequate training: Some team members may not have the necessary technical skills or knowledge to use virtual collaboration tools effectively, leading to frustration and ineffective collaboration.
7 Tips for Better Virtual Collaboration
Here are some tips to help you effectively collaborate with your team members virtually:
Set clear communication expectations
The most important aspect of virtual collaboration is clear and effective communication. Be sure to set clear expectations with your team members about how and when you will communicate. For example, you can schedule regular virtual meetings, set up email or chat guidelines, and establish response times.
Use the right tools
There are many tools available to support virtual collaboration. Some popular ones include Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, and Slack. Choose the tool that works best for your team and make sure everyone is trained on how to use it.
Most virtual teams already know about the tools mentioned above, but there are also some under-the-radar technologies you can use to improve virtual collaboration. Take the digital whiteboard as an example.
“A digital online whiteboard allows anyone logged into the meeting to create drawings, make notes to share, create maps, contribute to lists, and more,” Box explains. “Meetings are still a very productive place to share ideas, but digital whiteboards offer enhanced collaboration.”
The more interactivity you create, the more people feel involved and the less physical separation hinders communication and collaboration.
Stay organized
Virtual collaboration can be challenging, especially when there are multiple projects and deadlines. To stay organized, use a project management tool like Asana, Trello, or Jira. It will help you keep track of projects, deadlines and work of team members.
Create a virtual workspace
A virtual workspace is a shared space where team members can access and work on the same project. This can be a shared Google Drive folder, a shared cloud folder, or a shared project management tool Having a virtual workspace helps ensure that everyone has access to the latest version of the project.
Encourage participation
In a virtual environment, it may be easier for some team members to become passive participants. Encourage everyone to participate in virtual meetings and discussions and make sure everyone’s opinions and ideas are heard.
Establish accountability
When working in a virtual environment, establishing accountability is crucial. Make sure everyone knows what their responsibilities are and what they need to do to contribute to the team’s success. Use project management tools to track progress and hold team members accountable for their work.
Be flexible
Virtual collaboration can be challenging, and things may not always go as planned. Be flexible and adjust your approach as needed to ensure the team is working effectively. For example, if virtual meetings don’t work, try a different method, such as email or instant messaging.
Transfer to the virtual world
Collaborating in practice can be challenging, but maintaining a positive attitude is important. Encourage your team members to be respectful and professional and lead by example. With a combination of the right processes, systems and technology, your virtual team can thrive in any situation.
(Original photo: Freepik)
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Google just confirmed that the Android 13 QPR3 beta 1 update is coming next week (“the week of March 13”), so we have to assume that the QPR2 beta program is coming to an end. If we go by their own words from this afternoon, that means the big March update that didn’t arrive earlier this week should be here next week.
We’ll have more on that soon, as this post is more of a PSA for those on beta builds The Android beta program is changing a bit And you need to know if you’re in the program, yet want to switch back to stable updates.
On Reddit, Google explained that they were “changing our beta release process.” Going forward and starting with the “Upcoming March QPR2 Stable Release”, devices currently enrolled in the beta program will need to opt-out to receive that stable release.
If you don’t opt-out, you won’t get the stable QPR2 build and will get the new Android 13 QPR3 beta 1 update instead. If you get the QPR3 beta 1 update and later decide to go back to stable and opt-out, you need to completely factory wipe your phone.
Of course, there’s nothing wrong with getting the QPR3 beta update, but first and early in the program, there may be bugs or annoying issues to deal with. As a new QPR beta program, it won’t be stable until June, although there will be several updates until that point that will make it more stable.
To recap, if you are in the Android 13 QPR2 beta program and want to leave the beta program to receive the stable March QPR2 update next week, you need to opt-out now. If you want to stay in the Android Beta program and get the Android 13 QPR3 Beta 1 update next week, you don’t have to do anything.
If you want to opt-out, you can visit the Android Beta Program site and click the “Opt Out” button under your device.
Here are some of UGREEN’s best accessories that are must-haves for PC and AR users.
UGREEN has been one of our accessory manufacturers for a long time and right now they are offering some big discounts on some of their products that you won’t want to miss out on.
We’re going to list two products below, but remember that you don’t need to do anything special other than click on the links and place your order. There are no discount codes, but keep in mind that these deals may not last long.
With that said, let’s get to it.
UGREEN USB 3.0 4-Port Switch with 2 Pack USB Male Cable: $24.59 | Original price is $41
This device can allow two people to connect up to four different USB-A devices at the same time, perfect for switching between systems without having to swap cables.
Supports ultra-fast USB 3.0 data transfer rates up to 5Gb/s.
Works flawlessly with high-bandwidth USB 3.0 devices.
Easily switch between systems in a second.
UGREEN 16FT VR Link Headset Link Cable: $20.99 | Original price is $35
This headset cable is designed for use with the Oculus Quest and is nice and long so you can keep playing while standing and moving around. It also promises excellent link performance.
Designed for Oculus Quest 2/1 accessories
16 FT long and right angle and double magic strap design
Excellent link performance
Ultra-durable material: This VR link is made of only tinned copper, aluminum foil, metal braid and covered with high quality aluminum shell, which can withstand 2000+ turns
universal compatibility
Keep in mind that any of these deals could end at any moment, so act now to make sure you don’t miss out.
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