Author: admins

CEO Jamie Iannone’s announcement follows a tech workforce reduction post-pandemic hiring. eBay Inc, the online retailer, announced on Tuesday that it will reduce approximately 1,000 positions, constituting around 9% of its existing workforce. While progressing in our strategy, our workforce and expenses have surpassed business growth,” stated eBay CEO Jamie Iannone in a letter to employees. “To address this, we’re restructuring to enhance the end-to-end experience, align teams, and meet global customer needs.” These layoffs mirror tech industry cutbacks post-pandemic hiring, seen at giants like Amazon and Google. Alongside job cuts, eBay plans to reduce contracts in its “alternative workforce”…

The latest Galaxy S24 series introduces widespread AI photo editing, following the Pixel 8 and Android 14. Despite my disapproval of artificial enhancements, Samsung addresses potential criticism by ensuring all AI-edited Galaxy photos display watermarks and metadata, confirming manipulation. The concept is commendable, but it falters when you discover the watermark can be entirely eliminated, as demonstrated in tests with the device. Even if Samsung addresses the problem through a software update, this visual marker can still be circumvented. I’ve been critical of Google’s Magic Editor since its introduction last spring. While it’s impressive that generative AI allows photo manipulation…

The SEC accuses the crypto exchange of violating regulations by selling unregistered securities. On Wednesday, a federal judge in Manhattan questioned Coinbase and the US securities regulator about their contrasting perspectives on the classification of digital assets as securities. The cryptocurrency industry closely monitors this case. Coinbase contended that cryptocurrencies shouldn’t be labeled as securities, drawing a comparison to Beanie Babies. The argument emphasized that digital coins resemble collectibles rather than ownership stakes in a company. Coinbase lawyer William Savitt stated, “It’s the difference between buying Beanie Babies Inc and buying Beanie Babies. Coinbase has requested the court to dismiss…

Apple dethrones South Korean rival after 12 years; Xiaomi, Honor, and Google dominate Android market. Apple has surpassed Samsung in global smartphone sales, breaking the Korean company’s 12-year leadership. In 2023, iPhone claimed the top spot with 234.6 million units sold, outpacing Samsung’s 226.6 million, according to the International Data Corporation (IDC). IDC attributes Apple’s success, marked by the release of iPhone 15 in September, to trends such as the growing preference for high-end devices, constituting over 20% of the market. In 2010, a company other than Samsung last held the smartphone market’s pinnacle, and in 2023, that position now…

It offered companionship, enjoyment, and exploration, yet the social media’s dark side posed a threat to democracy long before Elon Musk. Last year marked the irreversible breakdown of Twitter, now named X. In 2023, engagement plummeted, advertisers retreated, and influential figures drastically reduced or ceased posting. What once was a bustling global platform now resembles a hostile wasteland filled with hate and rumors. On December 18, the European Commission initiated infringement proceedings against X for allegedly violating EU disinformation laws. It is crucial to engage in a broader conversation about the challenges social media presents to liberal democracy. However, comprehending…

In an era where travel is not just a leisurely activity but a way of life, choosing the right accommodation can make or break the entire experience. Among the plethora of online travel agencies, Hotel.com stands out as a reliable and user-friendly platform that has redefined the way we book our stays. Let’s delve into the world of Hotel.com and explore how it has become a go-to destination for travelers worldwide. User-Friendly Interface One of the key factors contributing to Hotel.com’s success is its intuitive and user-friendly interface. Navigating through the website or mobile app is a breeze, allowing users…

A mass user protest six months ago over technical tweaks had big downstream effects, and now the ‘front page of the internet’ is changed for ever In June, numerous Reddit communities went dark, rendering their pages inaccessible in a widespread protest against corporate policy changes. While users criticizing social networks is common, Reddit’s moderators staged an unprecedented rebellion. Six months on, users and researchers observe that reforms initiated by the movement continue to send ripples through the self-proclaimed “front page of the internet. Opinions on the alterations vary. While some argue that the quality of posts on the forum site…

From early next year, UK, Germany, and US customers can opt to pay extra for an ad-free service. Starting early next year, subscribers to Amazon’s Prime Video streaming service will encounter advertisements in films and TV shows unless they opt for an ad-free experience by paying an additional £2.99. The company has announced that customers in the UK and Germany will experience “limited advertisements” in streaming content after February 5, while Prime Video users in the US will start seeing ads from January 29. In an effort to attract cost-conscious consumers concerned about rising household expenses, competitors Netflix and Disney…

Crypto lost its crown, an AI leader spoke, and Apple joined the struggling VR market – the year’s significant stories. Happy Christmas! We’ve nearly navigated another year without succumbing to a super-intelligent AI, becoming Martian laborers for a mad billionaire, or being disconnected by a Carrington event. Despite the lack of world-altering events, it’s been a bustling year. The benefit of a leisurely week (hoping not to tempt fate) is the opportunity to ponder the past 12 months and recognize that, occasionally, only a handful of stories truly hold significance. In winter, the Guardian faces a ransomware assault. In December,…

Rights group reports routine Facebook and Instagram censorship of pro-Palestine content using ‘six key patterns.’ Since the onset of the Israel-Gaza conflict on October 7, Meta has systematically and globally censored pro-Palestinian content, states a Human Rights Watch (HRW) report. In a critical 51-page report, the organization extensively detailed over a thousand reported cases of Meta removing content and either suspending or permanently banning accounts across Facebook and Instagram. The company displayed “six key patterns of undue censorship” concerning content advocating for Palestine and Palestinians. These patterns encompassed the removal of posts, stories, and comments, the disabling of accounts, limitations…