Tech News_Weekly Round up #18 (15/8/24 to 23/8/24)

Balajibalu_techie Ranger

2024-08-23 17:50

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Hello iQOO fam!

We've got a roundup of the hottest tech news from the last week. Let's jump right in!

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1.D-ID introduces a voice cloning and lip-syncing AI video translation tool:

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  • Innovative AI Translation Tool: D-ID has launched an AI-powered video translation tool that not only translates videos into 30 languages but also incorporates voice cloning and lip-syncing technology, allowing creators to maintain the original speaker's voice and facial movements in the translatedcontent.
  • Cost-Effective Localization: The new tool aims to reduce localization costs for businesses looking to expand their global reach in marketing, entertainment, and social media, making advanced video translation accessible even to smallercreators.
  • Subscription Model and Accessibility: D-ID offers a free trial for its subscribers, with plans starting at $56 per year, providing an affordable entry point for users to leverage AI in video production and translation, competing with similar technologies from companies like Microsoft and Vimeo.

2.Chat Themes on WhatsApp Are Getting Colourful:

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  • Themes for private conversations on the app are now being developed by WhatsApp.
  • Ten vibrant themes will be available for users to choose from and apply to any kind of communication.
  • The feature is currently under development, but it may eventually be made public.
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  1. Go to the Contact info screen on WhatsApp by heading over to a chat and tapping on the contact’s name at the top.
  2. Here, tap on the Chat theme option.
  3. Select the theme you want to apply. You can also personalize this theme by choosing your preferred Message color and Wallpaper under “Customize”.
  4. When you select a theme, you will see a full-screen preview of it. Here, tap on Set at the top right to apply the theme.

3.WhatsApp is testing a major security boost for its username feature:

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  • Username PIN Authentication: The latest WhatsApp Beta for Android reveals a new security feature that will require users to enter a PIN to message someone for the first time on the platfor. This adds an extra layer of security to protect against spam and promotional texts
  • Option to Share Username or Phone Number: The feature also shows an option to only share your username or phone number to unknown or new contacts. This gives users more control over their privacy and who can contact them directy
  • Slowing Down Spam Texts: While the PIN requirement won't completely stop spam messages, it is expected to slow down the rate and randomness of business texts users receive each day. The feature is currently in beta testing and should be released in the upcoming months

4.ElevenLab's text-to-speech app Reader is now available globally:

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  • Global Launch of ElevenLabs Reader App: ElevenLabs has officially launched its Reader app worldwide, expanding its availability beyond the initial release in the U.S., U.K., and Canada. The app now supports 32 languages, allowing users to listen to uploaded text content in various voices.
  • Enhanced Features and Voice Library: The app includes hundreds of new voices tailored for different languages, leveraging ElevenLabs' Turbo v2.5 model for improved text-to-speech quality and reduced latency. Notably, the app features licensed voices from iconic actors like Judy Garland and James Dean.
  • Competitive Landscape: ElevenLabs Reader faces competition from apps like Speechify, which offers unique features such as document scanning and voice cloning. The company plans to introduce additional functionalities, including offline support and audio snippet sharing, to enhance user experience.

5.Gemini Live could use some more rehearsals:

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  • Gemini Live's Conversational Limitations: While Gemini Live aims to provide a more engaging chatbot experience with realistic voices, it struggles with reliability and consistency, often producing inaccurate information and exhibiting hallucinatons during interactions.
  • Technical Issues and User Experience: Users have reported various technical challenges, such as voice cutouts and dfficulty in activating the service. These issues detract from the overall experience, making it feel more like a prototype than a polished product.
  • Lack of Expressiveness and Utility: Compared to Google's Advanced Voice Mode, Gemini Live's responses tend to be dispassionate and generic, limiting its usefulness for tasks like job interview preparation. The bot's inability to provide detailed feedback or engage in meaningful conversation raises questions about its practical applications.

(Info Source: Tech Crunch,Open AI blog, Google, Tech Newsletters and SM)

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