This is a picture of a moose, with a landscape in the backround, the photo was altered to make the antlers glow, and the backround brightness was lowered to emphasize the green glow.
The photo was originally a side portrait of a woman with a plain backround, a picture of a starry night was inserted to the outline of the womans face/neck to provide a portal effect.
The photo started off as a stylish portrait of a man in a maroon sweater. The outline is a pink pen, with medium thickness. When gaussian blur is applied, it makes the pen have this glow effect.
Music Projects:
NEWS COMMENTARIES
Microsoft’s Recall Feature Is Even More Hackable Than You Thought A new discovery that the AI-enabled feature’s historical data can be accessed even by hackers without administrator privileges only contributes to the growing sense that the feature is a “dumpster fire.” Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella speaks on stage Photograph: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
Microsoft’s CEO Satya Nadella has hailed the company’s new Recall feature, which stores a history of your computer desktop and makes it available to AI for analysis, as “photographic memory” for your PC. Within the cybersecurity community, meanwhile, the notion of a tool that silently takes a screenshot of your desktop every five seconds has been hailed as a hacker’s dream come true and the worst product idea in recent memory.
Now, security researchers have pointed out that even the one remaining security safeguard meant to protect that feature from exploitation can be trivially defeated.
Since Recall was first announced last month, the cybersecurity world has pointed out that if a hacker can install malicious software to gain a foothold on a target machine with the feature enabled, they can quickly gain access to the user’s entire history stored by the function. The only barrier, it seemed, to that high-resolution view of a victim’s entire life at the keyboard was that accessing Recall’s data required administrator privileges on a user’s machine. That meant malware without that higher-level privilege would trigger a permission pop-up, allowing users to prevent access, and that malware would also likely be blocked by default from accessing the data on most corporate machines.
Then on Wednesday, James Forshaw, a researcher with Google’s Project Zero vulnerability research team, published an update to a blog post pointing out that he had found methods for accessing Recall data without administrator privileges—essentially stripping away even that last fig leaf of protection. “No admin required ;-)” the post concluded.
“Damn,” Forshaw added on Mastodon. “I really thought the Recall database security would at least be, you know, secure.”
Forshaw’s blog post described two different techniques to bypass the administrator privilege requirement, both of which exploit ways of defeating a basic security function in Windows known as access control lists that determine which elements on a computer require which privileges to read and alter. One of Forshaw’s methods exploits an exception to those control lists, temporarily impersonating a program on Windows machines called AIXHost.exe that can access even restricted databases. Another is even simpler: Forshaw points out that because the Recall data stored on a machine is considered to belong to the user, a hacker with the same privileges as the user could simply rewrite the access control lists on a target machine to grant themselves access to the full database.
That second, simpler bypass technique “is just mindblowing, to be honest,” says Alex Hagenah, a cybersecurity strategist and ethical hacker. Hagenah recently built a proof-of-concept hacker tool called TotalRecall designed to show that someone who gained access to a victim’s machine with Recall could immediately siphon out all the user’s history recorded by the feature. Hagenah’s tool, however, still required that hackers find another way to gain administrator privileges through a so-called “privilege escalation” technique before his tool would work.
With Forshaw’s technique, “you don’t need any privilege escalation, no pop-up, nothing,” says Hagenah. “This would make sense to implement in the tool for a bad guy.”
The article by Andy Greenberg in WIRED highlights critical security vulnerabilities in Microsoft’s new Recall feature, which is designed to capture and store screenshots of a user’s desktop every five seconds for AI analysis. Despite CEO Satya Nadella’s promotion of this feature as a “photographic memory” for PCs, the cybersecurity community views it as a significant security risk.
Key points from the article include:
Initial Security Concerns: From the outset, experts warned that if malware could gain a foothold on a machine with Recall enabled, it could access the entire history stored by this feature. Initially, this was mitigated by the requirement for administrator privileges to access the data.
Bypassing Admin Privileges: James Forshaw from Google’s Project Zero revealed methods to bypass the need for admin privileges, effectively removing the last security safeguard. These techniques exploit weaknesses in Windows’ access control lists, allowing hackers to access Recall data without elevated permissions.
Implications of the Vulnerability: The discovery simplifies the exploitation process, making it possible for hackers to retrieve all stored data without triggering security alerts or needing advanced privileges. This revelation has led to increased criticism, with experts like Alex Hagenah and Dave Aitel expressing alarm over the ease with which this data can be compromised.
Industry Reaction: Cybersecurity professionals argue that Microsoft’s security teams should have identified these vulnerabilities before the feature’s release. The consensus is that Recall, as it stands, poses a substantial threat to user privacy and enterprise security.
Microsoft’s Response: At the time of the article, Microsoft had not responded to the findings. The feature is still set to be integrated into compatible Copilot+ PCs by default, raising further concerns about the potential for widespread exploitation.
In summary, the article underscores the urgent need for Microsoft to address these security flaws before fully rolling out the Recall feature. The current vulnerabilities render it a “security dumpster fire,” posing severe risks to both individual and enterprise users.
Jeff Yang’s article on CNN, “Apple’s Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC) is just days away,” captures the high stakes and immense pressure facing Apple as it approaches another pivotal moment in its storied history. As the world waits with bated breath for the latest announcements from the tech giant, it’s clear that Apple stands at a crossroads, grappling with both past glories and present challenges.
Apple’s historical ability to reshape consumer expectations and habits is well-documented. From the iPod to the iPhone, the company has consistently managed to deliver products that not only succeed commercially but also redefine market standards. However, as Yang astutely observes, recent years have seen Apple struggling to recapture that same level of transformative impact. The closure of Project Titan and the lukewarm reception of the Vision Pro underscore the difficulties the company faces in maintaining its innovative edge.
The backdrop to this year’s WWDC is particularly fraught. Apple’s declining sales in China, legal battles over patent infringements, and allegations of anticompetitive practices threaten to overshadow the event. Despite these challenges, Apple’s stock remains robust, buoyed by the continued success of the iPhone and its thriving services business. This paradox of facing significant hurdles while still maintaining market dominance speaks to the complex nature of Apple’s current situation.
Yang highlights the speculative focus on Apple’s potential moves in artificial intelligence. Partnering with OpenAI, Google, or Anthropic would indeed be uncharacteristic for Apple, which typically favors in-house development. The rumored AI features—transcribing voice memos, summarizing chats, retouching photos, and creating custom emojis—while useful, lack the groundbreaking appeal that could redefine the market. This perception of Apple playing catch-up rather than leading innovation is a stark contrast to its previous era under Steve Jobs.
The article poignantly touches on Apple’s struggle to match the cultural impact of its earlier products. The Vision Pro, despite its advanced features, failed to resonate widely due to a lack of clear, compelling use cases that speak directly to consumer needs. This issue was vividly illustrated in the disconnection between the futuristic demo and the practical desires of potential users.
Yang’s comparison to past triumphs, such as the iPod’s simple yet powerful promise of “1,000 songs in your pocket,” underscores the challenge Apple faces: finding that simple, resonant message that captures the imagination of consumers. The iPod revolutionized music consumption not just through technology, but by meeting a fundamental desire in a straightforward way. The Vision Pro, and indeed many of Apple’s recent innovations, have yet to find that clear, compelling narrative.
Yet, it would be premature to count Apple out. The company’s unique position as a lifestyle brand and its history of redefining consumer expectations give it a foundation upon which to build. The mockery of EyeSight, a feature intended to integrate technology more seamlessly into social interactions, reflects the risks inherent in bold innovation. But it also highlights Apple’s willingness to address real user concerns, a trait that has been central to its past successes.
In conclusion, Apple’s upcoming WWDC is more than just another product launch; it’s a test of the company’s ability to navigate an increasingly complex technological landscape and recapture its innovative spirit. The stakes are high, and the path forward is fraught with challenges. But if Apple can channel the bold, user-centric innovation that defined its early years, it may yet reclaim its place as the arbiter of technological and cultural transformation. This WWDC could be a crucial step in that journey, and the world will be watching closely to see if Apple can once again think different.
Apple’s Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC) is just days away, and as usual, the technorati are buzzing about what might be unveiled at the company’s annual bleeding-edge technology event: An updated iPhone operating system with a heavy AI focus? New Mac hardware? A “One More Thing” wildcard?
Jeff Yang CNN
Naturally, Apple has locked down the details of the revelations it plans on releasing on Monday tighter than Fort Knox. But the sense among many observers is that whatever they are, they’d better be good. Because since the beginning of the year, there have been signs that the fruit factory’s future prospects could be souring.
The company’s sales in China dropped dramatically earlier this year, as the iPhone was met with strong competition from local offerings like the Huawei Mate, forcing Apple to offer aggressive discounts there. In 2023, the International Trade Commission ruled that Apple stepped on medical equipment manufacturer Masimo’s existing patents in building a pulse oximeter into its newest Apple Watches, leading the company to halt sales of those versions of its wearable in December, until the feature could be temporarily removed, pending appeal of the decision. And in March, the Justice Department filed a lawsuit against Apple, alleging that the company engages in a broad range of anticompetitive practices related to its dominance in the US smartphone market — litigation that threatens the very core of the company’s business. (Apple denied the allegations.)
Of course, by most measures, the gadget maker is still a gargantuan global success. After tumbling earlier in the year, the company’s stock now stands just short of its all-time high, bringing its valuation back to about $3 trillion dollars (just six years after it became the world’s first trillion-dollar company). Juicing Apple’s growth? The iPhone, of course, which commands a 17% share of the global smartphone market as measured by units sold, but a staggering 43% of global smartphone revenues. And Apple’s services business, mostly defined by sales of apps and content, continues to thrive, and is projected to make up a quarter of the company’s total revenues by 2025.
A tech company’s success isn’t just measured by the products it has on the market in the present however, but its ability to innovate and stay ahead of the curve. That means Apple will be challenged to come up with some announcements that feel like they recapture some of the company’s golden-age glory.
Early focus has been on what Apple is planning on doing with artificial intelligence. Some rumors suggest that Apple is partnering with OpenAI (and perhaps Google and AI company Anthropic as well), which might be an unusual move in a number of respects — running counter to the company’s preferences to keep its most vital technologies in house, while feeling at best like a catch-up move rather than a revolutionary breakthrough.
Others have pointed to Apple’s recent release of OpenELM, a set of four scaled-down open-source language models, as an indicator of the company going in a different direction: delivering efficient AI features “on handset” without the need to call on servers in the cloud.
But the new capabilities being discussed as a result hardly feel earth-shattering: Transcribing voice memos? Summarizing chats and websites? Retouching photos? Uh…custom emojis? None of these are likely to have the impact of Open AI’s demo of GPT-4o, its voice-enabled latest large language model.
The reality is that for all of Apple’s profitability and streamlined commercial prowess under Tim Cook, it has yet to recapture the unique ability that it had under cofounder and iconic CEO Steve Jobs to control the cultural narrative — to make people feel that the company is still capable of changing the way people think about technology and how it intersects with their lives.
It’s a tougher argument to make now, given that Apple’s most hotly anticipated bets on its own innovation have either crashed and burned. In February, the company finally shut down Project Titan, the codename for its decade-long, $10 billion internal initiative to design an Apple-branded electric car. And Apple’s unveiling last year of its mixed reality “headtop” computer, the Vision Pro, generated initial buzz with its undoubtedly groundbreaking feature set and performance specs, but failed to catch immediate fire with consumers upon release.
Apple CEO Tim Cook introduces Apple Vision Pro, a mixed reality headset, at Apple Park in Cupertino, CA, on June 5, 2023.Brooks Kraft/Apple Inc.
The seeds of Vision Pro’s problem were visible in the WWDC unveiling itself. The dazzling computer-simulated demo, which showed visor-wearing users meditating in front of giant virtual mandalas, wandering around floating windows scattered across different rooms of their homes, and doing work while seated, surrounded by a swarm of apps, felt disconnected from things that people actually wanted to do.
By contrast, when Jobs pulled the curtains back on the first iPod in 2001, he held it up and said a single phrase that summed up its user promise: “1,000 songs, and it goes right in my pocket.” All the music you love, when you want it, at your fingertips. The iPod was dragged by some as overpriced and unnecessary, but the core benefit it provided was irresistible to actual consumers, and it brought an entirely new category of portable consumer electronics into the mainstream as a result.
What’s the songs-in-your-pocket equivalent for Vision Pro? Spreadsheets on your face? That’s certainly not a benefit capable of luring any but the earliest of adopters into spending $3,500 for the privilege of “spatial computing.” No one should count Vision Pro out — the iPad, Apple Watch and even the original iPhone all needed a little time and iteration to find their footing. But so far, if Apple is looking to reclaim its real-world relevance, Vision Pro isn’t it — yet. The device’s power consumption requires it to be tethered to an awkward waist-mounted external battery that gives it just a few hours of unplugged usage. Its most distinctive feature, EyeSight, which uses an outward-facing screen to present a ghostly image of the wearer’s eyes to the world in an attempt to remove the sense of the gadget as a barrier between users and the world around them, has been the subject of much mockery.
Still, Apple occupies a unique strategic space: The world sees it as one of the few true lifestyle brands in consumer tech, with products whose impact isn’t expressed in benchmarks, but in values shifts and behavior modification. And that’s because the seeds of Apple’s extraordinary success lie in the company’s ability to motivate people to reimagine their worlds around their products.
While the 1998 all-in-one iMac specs fell short of comparable Intel hardware, its interior decor-savvy sensibility led people to use it as a living room computer that was flaunted rather than hidden behind partitions, in turn opening the door for ever-deeper integration of consumer computing devices into our media consumption, home control and family interactions.
A decade later, the MacBook Air, famously demo’d in 2008 as the world’s thinnest notebook, thin enough to fit in a standard manila envelope, became the first laptop to really feel like a fashion accessory — a “purse PC,” if you will. Even the original iPhone, introduced the year before, forced users to re-envision their relationship with both handheld devices and screen-based communications, taking away most physical buttons and inviting people to tap icons on a minimalist touchscreen instead. The end result has been transformative.
What’s important to note is that all of these cultural revolutions are fundamentally rooted in design choices, not technological breakthroughs — changes in form factor and user interface based on extraordinary insights into how people want to interact with their digital stuff and with one another.
In the 13 years since Cook took the reins, and especially in the half decade since Jony Ive, former chief design director, left Apple, the company hasn’t yet managed to deliver the same kind of dent in the human universe. But in order to make cosmic dents, you have to take big swings. And while this may sound paradoxical, the thing that should make Apple fans feel optimistic that the company can get its mojo back is also what generated widespread derision at WWDC in 2023. EyeSight in its present form is goofy and creepy — but it’s an authentic attempt to address one of the critical concerns that people have about head-mounted devices.
Leaning into unexpected methods to socially integrate new technology is an encouraging echo of Jobs and Ive’s native focus on the intersection of technology and the liberal arts, of computing and humanity, even when their solutions fall short. Let’s hope that at this WWDC, the company defiantly ignores last year’s laughter and continues to look, and think, different.
For this Audio Mix, I kept the musical elements of “Answer” by Tyler the Creator but removed the vocals. Then I took the isolated vocals from “Bound 2” by Kanye West and added them to “Answer”.
Original Songs Used
Audio Mix 2
Jingle bell rock x It’s Beginning to look a lot like Christmas
In this audio mix, I put the vocals of It’s Beginning to look a lot like Christmas by Michael Bublé over the beat of Jingle Bell Rock by Bobby Helms. For this remix, I wanted to do something in the theme of Christmas, as this project was assigned around the end of Term 1.
Original Songs Used
Audio Mix 3
Magnolia x It was a good day
For my third audio remix, I chose the two songs It was a good day by Ice Cube and Magnolia by Playboi Carti. I took the isolated vocals from Magnolia and placed them over the beat of It was a good day. I chose these two songs for this project because they are upbeat, and well-made musical songs.
Original Songs Used
Technology News Stories
News Story 1 – Top 10 Anticipated Tech Innovations of 2024
Summary
This youtube video created by the channel WatchMojo.com, talks and lists the top ten most anticipated tech products emerging this year. The first product listed at number 10 is OLED iPads. Apple plans to input OLED screens into their new iPads to possess better visuals when taking dark-mode photos. The OLED program overall achieves better visuals on photo-taking, especially in dark-mode. The next product, coming in at number nine, is LG’s Zero Labor Robot. The robot is designed to help manage small jobs around the house, such as air quality detection, if any windows or lights are left on or open, and it can connect to smart appliances. Additionally, it has built-in AI, where it can read your facial expressions and play suitable music for the scenario. Number eight is Autonomous Construction Vehicles. These machines are primarily built by the company HD Hyundai with the vehicles operating completely by themselves, so that workers won’t have to go near dangerous construction sites. The seventh product listed is Ventura. Ventura, created by Meta, is the newest VR headset which is very accessible with an enticing price (around $200). Number six listed in the video is the Gyroglove. This product is aimed at people who suffer with hand tremors, such as Parkinson’s disease. The glove uses technological engineering to stabilize sudden hand movements (hand tremors). Although the glove has reportedly been working wonders, it comes at a significantly large cost (around $6000). The fifth product stated in the video is the Nintendo Switch 2. Since the Nintendo Switch was such a massive success, Nintendo hopes to capitalize on their triumph and create a second console that is just as big as the first. The fourth item is MBUX Virtual Assistance. This product is essentially a built in form of AI in the vehicles in the popular car brand Mercedes. The company’s hope is to create a more intuitive relationship between the driver and the car. Coming in at number three, Transparent TVs. These TVs unveil the normal black background on all TVs and leave certain widgets floating in mid-air. When one wants to watch a movie, the black background folds back up, for a more regular look. The second product on the list are Rollable Phones. Motorola is currently the front-running brand for this innovation, with the phones uniquely shrinking and expanding. Number one on the list is the Apple Vision Pro. This product uses outstanding technology to create a blended viewpoint of the real world, and the virtual. It has many unique features and has one-of-a-kind technology.
Personal Opinion
In my personal opinion, I think about half of these innovative products coming out this year will be quite useful and a success, and the other half will be the opposite. I feel that the OLED iPads, LG’s Zero Labor Robot, Autonomous Construction Vehicles, and the MBUX Virtual Assistant are unnecessary and a waste of one’s money. Most of these products involve doing some sort of activity (construction working, cleaning around the house, and driving a car). However, when these new inventions are more popularized, a large population of people will lose their jobs. With the OLED iPads, I think it is a useless design and product, as it is only improving one part of the device (photo taking). The products I think will be useful and successful is the Gyroglove, the Ventura VR headset, the Nintendo Switch 2, Transparent TVs, Rollable Phones, and the Apple Vision Pro. These products are either useful for certain complications (Gyroglove), or are solely for aesthetic, fun, and leisure time. I believe that the Nintendo Switch 2, Ventura, Apple Vision Pro, Rollable Phones, and Transparent TVs will be huge successes as they are new, never before seen products that will fascinate consumers. I also believe that the Gyroglove will be a very successful product as there is a significantly large population of elderly people in the world, that are susceptible to Parkinson’s disease that leads to hand tremors.
News Story 2 – 10 Best New Things for Gamers at CES Vegas 2024
Summary
This video made by the channel gameranx, talks about what the top 10 most anticipated, new products for gamers in 2024 are. The first product they talk about (number 10) is Samsung’s new 3D Gaming Monitor. This one-of-a-kind gaming monitor has eye-tracking features, so you will not have to wear glasses to see the same 3D effect. The system uses AI, and eye-tracking tools to enhance your gameplay to the 3D world. Number 9 of the list is the unique light company Govee. The company is planning to release the Govee Light Sync Box 2, which is a light system that uses AI to coordinate what colours are going on on screen, and what colours the lights will show. The Sync Box 2 will essentially be a more updated and faster-running version of the first Sync Box by Govee. Moving on to number 8, the new computer mouse by Targus. This product is special in the sense as the mouse can convert from right-hand player use, to left-hand player use. It is also created with eco-sustainable materials, that will limit more eco-waste in entering our environment. Number 7 on the list is the RYZEN 7 8700G processing chip created AMD. This desktop processor is said to have the fastest built-in graphics on the market. Coming in at number 6, NVIDIA released a series of ‘super’ chips, which enhance the gaming practice and give players an overall, better experience with these cards. Number 5 is also created by NVIDIA, but it is an app: the RTX Remix App. This app will be extremely useful to technologically inclined users such as modders, as it is made to help enhance older games. Moving on to number 4 is HP’s gaming brand named Omen. The brand recently just announced the HP Omen Transcend 14 gaming laptop. This laptop will be world’s lightest, and coolest 14-inch gaming laptop with outstanding screen modifications and guaranteed fast gameplay. Number 3 listed in the video is the NUC created by ASUS. These NUC’s will be an all-in-one, compact, complete system for your gaming PC. The product listed at number 2 is MSI’s Claw. This handheld gaming peripheral has a 53-watt gaming hour battery, which is the biggest in class for their competitors. Lastly, number 1 is Razer’s Project Esther, which is a gaming cushion being engineered to possess HD Haptics that you can feel in your butt and back. The cushion goes onto your chair with ease and sends more precise signals of what is happening in your game, goes to your chair.
Personal Opinion
I personally think that these products will be very useful to gamers aruond the world, as each of them pose a unique feature that is unlike the last. Weather it’s just enhancing your gameplay to run faster, or completely new features that have never been seen before. I personally love gaming and I find some of these would be helpful tools, or just for aesthetics. Nonetheless, most of these seem insightful and enticing. The Govee Light sync box sounds like it would beautifully enhance aesthetic of when I’m gaming. Additionally, the 3D monitor sounds appealing as it is a never before seen type of technology mixed with widespread gaming.
Passion Projects
Project 1 – Vancouver Aquarium Cinematic Video
For my first Passion Project, I chose my cinematic video that features the Vancouver Aquarium. I photographed, and filmed all the videos on my personal camera. Then, I put them all together in Premiere Pro with the song Doomsday by MF DOOM playing in the background. Finally, I colour coded all the short videos through a separate computer program. Unfortunately, if was unable to submit the full minute-long video on this portfolio, as the file size only goes up to 100 MB. I will submit the full video with my final portfolio submission on Google Classroom.
Project 2 – Maui, HI Cinematic Video
In my second Passion Project for my final portfolio, I decided to do another cinematic video, however, with content I filmed from my trip to Maui, HI over winter break. With the same process, I filmed the videos, then put everything into Premiere Pro and added the background song Weird Fishes/Arpeggi by Radiohead. Lastly, I colour-graded all the videos and saved the final product. Again, I was unable to submit the entire video on this portfolio, so I will submit the full, finalized video on Google Classroom.
Flavour Fiesta (group website)
Click here to visit our group website: Flavour Fiesta!
Used vocals from “Bent” by 41 and used “IYKYK” instrumental by B-Lovee.
Tech Commentary #1
ChatGPT-4o’s New Voice Feature
OpenAI made a breakthrough in November 2022, with the releasing GPT-3.5. It was a major hit, and ever since then, they’ve been making news headlines after news headlines.
ChatGPT basically revolutionized AI, and was made a huge success. It has been the backbone to new search engines, personalized results on social media feeds, etc.
With the very recent release of GPT-4o, a lot of new things have came to the chatbot. For example, you can now have a AI voice speak to answer your questions, which sounds very human like. If you’re lonely, you can literally make it your friend.
You may be asking, “Won’t the time for a whole new audio and response take a lot longer?” The answer to that is: No. It has a response time as little as 232 miliseconds which is crazy to think about.
It is completely free and all you need is an account. It has a limit of 10 messages every 4 hours, so make good use of them!
Tech Commentary #2
Microsoft’s upcoming “Recall” Feature changed to Opt-In only
Microsoft just announced a new feature named “recall.” It faced a LOT of backlash.
Recall is a feature specific to Windows users. Basically it takes a screenshot of whatever is on your screen every 3 seconds and adds it to a data-base.
Seems useful, right? You can go back and find tabs you accidentally closed, screenshots you need, proof of what you buy, and other things.
But then you realize that anybody could hack your computer, and get dirt onto you, such as: Passwords, Cards, Bank, Accounts, etc.
For a while, Microsoft was thinking on making it mandatory, but due to the amount of backlash they made it Opt-in so it is no longer required.
Who knows? Maybe you’ll find a good use out of this, but having all your information displayed on your computer is not a good idea. Be careful when having this feature enabled.
In the YouTube video “Must-Have Tech to Kick Off Summer”, we are informed on several must-have tech gadgets and apps for summer entertainment. Winston, a tech influencer, starts the video off by telling the audience about the Pluto TV app, which offers free access to multiple original streaming channels; which is ideal for keeping people entertained during long travels, ex. plane rides, road trips, etc. After this, he introduces Maple, which is a subscription-based healthcare app that allows for virtual meetings with licensed healthcare professionals over text or video calling. This is good for when you are away from home and may need medical advice on the go. He next informs us about the Google Pixel 8 Pro, which includes many great elements that are perfect for photographing memories of the summer. He also talks about the Apple Watch Series 9 and Sonos RS wireless speaker for their helpful outdoor abilities, like being able to send an emergency SOS and access to many different playlists and radio stations. Finally, he mentions the JBL Flip 5 Portable Bluetooth Speaker, Anker PowerCore 10000 PD Power Bank, and Instant Pot Duo Nova 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker as a few must-have essentials for when you’re holding outdoor gatherings, attending long trips, and want to have overall summer enjoyment.
Personal Opinion
In my personal opinion, I find this video very educational and useful. Because I’m staying in Vancouver during the summer, it’s important for me to find things that will keep things interesting. I know that I will definitely have to check out the Pluto TV app, as I think it would be useful for me when I want to start a new show during the summer. While I don’t plan on using the Maple subscription, I do think that it would be very helpful for a lot of people when they are travelling away from home. All of these gadgets would make summer a lot more enjoyable for me, like the Google Pixel 8 Pro and the Sonos RS wireless speaker, because it would give me the ability to capture all the memories that I create and help me create a more fun environment.
Story 2 – The Rise of AI: Predicting the Top Tech Trends of 2024
Summary
In the YouTube video “The Rise of AI: Predicting the Top Tech Trends of 2024,” Duncan Stewart mentions the rapid-growing use of ChatGPT and other AI innovations. He dives into the fast rise of AI technology, and predicts its use across multiple industries in the 2024. He highlights the expansion of streaming options in the US entertainment industry, and expresses longing for ‘the early day’ cable TV. Stewart also predicts a rise in safety precautions through our cellphones, like the invention of passkeys, which allows you to access your phone through face ID or fingerprints. These can also unlock your car, your apartment building, and in the future, things like drivers licenses and passports through your phone. Lastly, he predicts that AI, which gained major ‘fame’ through ChatGPT in 2023, is anticipated to continue its large impact across the world in 2024.
Personal Opinion
In my opinion, the YouTube video “The Rise of Ai: Predicting the Top Tech Trends of 2024” is intriguing but very unsettling. Stewart’s thoughts on the rise of passkeys is quite concerning to me. The idea of using facial ID or fingerprints to unlock phones is not knew to me, but what surprised me was that you are able to unlock your cars, apartment buildings, and potentially digital versions of driver’s licenses and passports includes very risky privacy and security breaches. If information of such sensitive nature were to be leaked or stolen by others, it could possibly be exploited. I think that our world’s dependency on technology is going overboard, and if these systems were hacked or failed, everyone using those systems would be at risk of their personal sensitive information being used for things like impersonation, robbery, a various amount of crimes, etc.
Adobe Photoshop, the industry standard for image editing, has embraced the power of artificial intelligence (AI). This integration, called Generative AI, offers exciting new possibilities for both professional and casual users. Let’s delve into how Photoshop AI is transforming the way we create and manipulate images.
The core feature of Photoshop AI is Generative Fill. Powered by Adobe Sensei, a machine learning framework, Generative Fill allows you to add, remove, or alter parts of your image using simple text prompts. Imagine wanting to replace a dull sky in a landscape photo. With Generative Fill, you simply select the sky area, type “dramatic clouds” in the prompt bar, and Photoshop uses its AI magic to generate a realistic, new sky that blends seamlessly with the rest of the image.
This content-aware editing extends beyond basic replacements. You can use Generative Fill to expand your canvas, adding realistic content to the edges. Need more space for a wider beach scene? Extend the shoreline with a prompt like “sandy beach with gentle waves.” Generative Fill analyzes the existing image and extends it in a way that maintains style and perspective.
The power doesn’t stop there. Photoshop AI is constantly evolving. The beta version offers even more possibilities. You can use text prompts to generate entirely new scenes from scratch. Imagine typing “futuristic city skyline at night” and getting a photorealistic image to use as a base for your next creative project.
However, Photoshop AI isn’t meant to replace traditional editing tools. It’s a powerful assistant. You can use Generative Fill to generate multiple variations based on your prompts, allowing you to choose the one that best suits your vision. Then, you can fine-tune the results using the familiar editing tools in Photoshop, adjusting colors, lighting, and other details for a perfect finish.
The integration of AI in Photoshop opens doors for a wider range of users. Beginners can leverage Generative Fill to achieve complex edits that would normally require advanced skills. Professionals can use it to streamline their workflow, saving them time and effort.
Of course, there are limitations. Generative Fill is still under development, and the quality of the results depends on the clarity and detail of your prompts. Complex objects or scenes might require more refinement. Additionally, ethical considerations around manipulating images with AI require careful thought.
Despite these limitations, Photoshop AI represents a significant leap forward in image editing. It empowers users to create and edit images in innovative ways, blurring the lines between reality and creative possibility. As AI technology continues to develop, we can expect even more powerful and versatile tools within Photoshop, shaping the future of visual creation.
Nvidia AI
NVIDIA, a leader in graphics processing units (GPUs), has emerged as a powerhouse in the realm of artificial intelligence (AI). Their NVIDIA AI platform offers a comprehensive suite of tools and technologies designed to accelerate the development, deployment, and utilization of AI across various industries.
At the heart of NVIDIA AI lies the hardware advantage. Traditional CPUs struggle with the massive parallel processing demands of AI algorithms. NVIDIA’s GPUs, with their thousands of cores specifically designed for parallel processing, excel at handling these complex computations, significantly speeding up AI training and inference.
The NVIDIA AI platform goes beyond just hardware. It offers a comprehensive software stack, NVIDIA AI Enterprise, to streamline the entire AI workflow. This includes tools for:
Training: NVIDIA offers frameworks like cuDNN and TensorRT that optimize deep learning frameworks like TensorFlow and PyTorch for running on NVIDIA GPUs. These tools significantly reduce training times, allowing developers to experiment and iterate faster.
Inference: Once trained, AI models need to be deployed to make real-world predictions. NVIDIA provides tools like Triton Inference Server that optimize models for deployment on various platforms, from cloud data centers to edge devices. This ensures efficient and accurate use of the trained model.
Generative AI: A rapidly growing area, generative AI focuses on creating entirely new content, like images or text. NVIDIA offers tools and pre-trained models specifically designed for tasks like image inpainting, text generation, and code generation, enabling developers to create novel applications.
Data Analytics: RAPIDS, a suite of data science libraries built on top of NVIDIA GPUs, accelerates data analysis tasks like data loading, cleaning, and manipulation. This allows data scientists to work with massive datasets more efficiently and extract valuable insights faster.
Domain-Specific Solutions: NVIDIA recognizes that different industries have unique AI needs. They provide pre-built solutions like Clara for healthcare, DRIVE for autonomous vehicles, and Maxine for cloud-based video streaming. These solutions offer pre-trained models and optimized workflows specific to each domain, enabling faster development and deployment of AI applications.
The impact of NVIDIA AI extends beyond the development process. Their focus on accelerated computing allows for deploying powerful AI models at the edge, on devices with limited resources. This opens doors for applications like real-time image recognition in smart cameras, on-device voice assistants in smartphones, and autonomous robots in warehouses.
However, there are challenges to consider. The complexity of the NVIDIA AI platform can have a steep learning curve for beginners. Additionally, the high-performance nature often comes at a cost, with NVIDIA GPUs requiring significant investment.
Despite these challenges, NVIDIA AI presents a powerful and versatile platform for developers and businesses to leverage the power of AI. By offering a combination of high-performance hardware, optimized software tools, and domain-specific solutions, NVIDIA is shaping the future of AI, accelerating innovation across various fields.
Introducing Ray-Ban Stories, the latest innovation in wearable tech that seamlessly blends style and functionality. These sleek, iconic Ray-Ban sunglasses come equipped with dual integrated 5 MP cameras, allowing you to capture photos and videos hands-free from your unique perspective. With built-in speakers and microphones, you can make calls, listen to music, and even interact with voice assistants on the go. The glasses connect effortlessly to the Facebook View app, making it easy to share your moments instantly on social media. Experience the future of eyewear with Ray-Ban Stories, where timeless design meets cutting-edge technology.
Editorial:
From watching videos about these smart glasses, it is easy to say that this tech has completely transformed how we can capture and share moments. The convenience of snapping photos and recording videos with just a touch of a button, all while wearing stylish, classic sunglasses, is incredible. From what I’ve heard, the audio quality for calls and music is surprisingly good, and the built-in voice assistant is handy for quick commands on the go. There is such a great convenience on how it feels futuristic to make calls or listen to music directly through their sunglasses. By integrating with the Facebook View app, the tech is seamless, making it easy to share experiences instantly. The idea of combining iconic Ray-Ban style with high-tech features like built-in cameras, speakers, and microphones, these glasses are the perfect blend of fashion and functionality.
Eskter Parliament Smart Wallet
Summary:
Introducing the Ekster Parliament Smart Wallet, the perfect blend of sophistication and modern technology. This premium leather wallet features a sleek, slim design that fits comfortably in your pocket while offering maximum functionality. Equipped with a quick card access mechanism, you can effortlessly retrieve your cards with a single motion. The built-in RFID protection ensures your information remains secure from electronic theft. Plus, with the optional solar-powered tracker card, you’ll never lose your wallet again, as it can be tracked via your smartphone. Experience the future of wallets with the Ekster Parliament Smart Wallet—where style meets innovation.
Editorial:
The reason why I chose to do a commentary on this wallet is because my dad owns one of this sort. Recently, my dad has been in a craze with these “sleek and sophisticated” wallets and owns many. Mind you, Eskter is not at all the only company that produces this product, however, through the stock-ordered Amazon wallets, to the hand-made, Italian leather ones purchased in Florence, none of the wallets my dad owns offers this “RFID protection.”
“RFID protection refers to a feature in wallets, bags, and other accessories designed to block radio frequency identification (RFID) signals. RFID technology is used in many modern credit cards, debit cards, and ID cards for contactless communication. However, it also exposes these cards to potential electronic theft, known as “skimming,” where unauthorized individuals can wirelessly access your card information without physical contact.”
I like how these wallet companies, producing a product that has been around for centuries, are continuously adapting to current issues surrounding their industry.
This is a QR code to access my audio track project. This is a project where I took 3 songs and modified them with some of the most special hockey moments such as, “the golden goal” in Vancouver in 2010.
A supernova is type of star explosion. The largest explosion humans have ever seen.
(The Crab Nebula: A remanent of a star’s supernova explosion.)
Type 1
The first type of supernovae occur only in binary star systems. A type 1a supernova explosion happens when a white dwarf reaches the Chandrasekhar limit (1.44x the mass of the sun). This either happens when two white dwarves merge or when a white dwarf orbiting a larger star pulls enough material. Once the star reaches the limit the gravity will be too strong and the star will collapse and cause a massive explosion.
(Red Giant and White Dwarf Type 1a Supernova)
Type 2
The second type of supernovae are when the cores of supermassive stars collapse. In the last stage of life of the star if it is around 8x the size of the sun the core will collapse due to the balance between heat and pressure in the core.
NASA 1114 80.6F
(The Hubble Space Telescope, used to see and study supernovae billions of lightyears away.)
Application
Currently the most important use in science for supernovae is measuring. Type 1a supernova are the most used standard candle in science because they are extremely bright and emit a relatively consistent luminosity. Those two very important properties make them ideal for measuring distances even billions of lightyears away. The use of supernovae were essential in finding the age of the universe and its rate of expansion.
(Brief explanation of the importance of type 1a supernovae as standard candles.)
Mysteries Involving Type 1a Supernova
Supernovae are still of contemporary use in modern science leaving many more questions to be answered.
(Short video displaying the relationship between red shift and phenomena such as dark energy.)
Technological advancements and New Findings
In recent years, state of the art telescopes, such as the James Webb Space Telescope (launched in 2021), have been able to spot and photograph the remnants of supernovae explosions in incredible detail.
(A high quality image of the supernova remnant Cassiopeia A, captured by the James Webb telescope on December 10th, 2023.)
On October 5th, 2023, the Bright Transient Survey Bot (BTSbot), a fully automated AI program developed by NorthWestern University researchers, made history by detecting its first supernova, classified as a type 1A. Trained on 1.4 million images from 16,000 astronomical sources, BTSbot can identify celestial objects with unprecedented accuracy, eliminating human intervention in the initial detection process. This innovation accelerates supernova detection, enhances accuracy, and reduces human error, freeing scientists to focus on in-depth studies of newly discovered objects. The BTSbot is poised to revolutionize astronomy, streamlining large-scale supernova studies and paving the way for future breakthroughs.
(A deep-space image of the galaxy where the supernova occurred.)
Anticipated Supernovae
Betelgeuse, a nearby supergiant star located around 700 light years away, is currently one of the leading candidates for a future supernova event. While scientists predict that it will explode as a supernova within the next 100,000 years, recent findings suggest that it could occur much sooner, potentially within the next few decades. In 2019, astronomers observed a sudden dimming in Betelgeuse’s brightness, causing speculation about its imminent explosion. However, this dimming was later attributed to other causes. A supernova explosion from Betelgeuse would not pose a threat to life on Earth, but it would be a spectacular astronomical event visible to the naked eye. If it were to occur, it would likely be the most significant astronomical event of the millennium.
(Betelgeuse: One of the largest stars in our galaxy.)
Issues and Indigenous perspective.
While there are no confirmed accounts of supernovae in indigenous traditions or culture, scientists have theorized that a group of first peoples may have observed and recorded a supernovae centuries ago. Although it cannot be confirmed, there is evidence to suggest that a first nations community in Arizona carved a supernova explosion into a rock which occurred around 1006 AD.
References:
Chen, P. (2024, January 11). Astronomers find direct link that supernovae give rise to black holes or neutron stars. Phys.org. https://phys.org/news/2024-01-astronomers-link-supernovae-black-holes.html
Davis, T. (2024, January 8). Dark energy survey publishes definitive results from largest, deepest, most uniform supernova sample – dark energy camera at noirlab’s CTIO provides unique insights into the acceleration of the universe. www.noirlab.edu. https://noirlab.edu/public/news/noirlab2401/
DeGeurin, M. (2023, October 16). Ai detected a supernova all on its own. Gizmodo. https://gizmodo.com/ai-supernova-detection-btsbot-astronomy-1850926685
Gohd, C. (2024, February 27). What is Betelgeuse? inside the strange, Volatile star – nasa science. NASA. https://science.nasa.gov/universe/what-is-betelgeuse-inside-the-strange-volatile-star/
Nowakowski, T. (2024, February 8). Astronomers discover new supernova remnant. Phys.org. https://phys.org/news/2024-02-astronomers-supernova-remnant.html
Park, C. (2011, October 4). 2011 Nobel prize in physics for the accelerating expansion of the universe. 2011 Nobel Prize in Physics for the Accelerating Expansion of the Universe | American Institute of Physics. https://www.aip.org/news/2011-nobel-prize-physics-accelerating-expansion-universe
Sullivan, W. (2023, December 13). James Webb telescope captures image of supernova that “absolutely shattered” A star. Smithsonian.com. https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/james-webb-telescope-captures-image-of-supernova-that-absolutely-shattered-a-star
“Type I Supernova.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 10 Dec. 2017, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Type_I_supernova.Young, K., & Merali, Z. (2019, August 1). Native Americans recorded supernova explosion. New Scientist. https://www.newscientist.com/article/dn9273-native-americans-recorded-supernova-explosion/
The TechLinked video “Microsoft gave up already” discusses Microsoft’s recent strategic shifts and setbacks. The video covers topics such as Microsoft’s challenges in the gaming industry, including difficulties with their game streaming service and competition from other tech giants. It highlights how Microsoft’s attempts to innovate and dominate new tech areas haven’t always been successful, leading to perceptions that they are “giving up” on certain initiatives. The video blends humour and critical analysis, providing insights into Microsoft’s current position in the tech landscape.
Story 2: iPhone 16 – HANDS-ON with Case Models
Summary
The video offers a hands-on look at case models purportedly designed for the iPhone 16. It showcases various case designs, giving viewers an idea of the potential size, shape, and features of the upcoming iPhone model. Throughout the video, the presenter discusses rumoured specifications and improvements over previous iPhone versions, such as enhanced camera capabilities, a sleeker design, and potential new features. Overall, the video provides viewers a speculative glimpse into what the iPhone 16 might offer based on leaked case designs.
Music Projects
Project #1 pug licking ice cream
This is one of my prized projects that I created in Adobe Photoshop. It displays a pug licking strawberry ice cream with his cartoon-like tongue. The background of this project is a nice colourful sky. It shows how the pug can rest anywhere because it’s all-powerful, whether it’s in the sky, a house, etc. Overall this is a masterpiece that I have created.
Project #2 poppy war image
This image symbolizes the pain and stress the soldiers had to go through during the war. The poppies on the side show how we are grateful that they have done that. I created the poppy by adding a bunch of shaping and arranging them to make one shape like the black inside and the red outside.
