Internet – KnowTechie https://knowtechie.com Tech News, Reviews, and How-To's for the Non-Techie Mon, 14 Aug 2023 10:35:38 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://knowtechie.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/cropped-LOGO-ICON-KNOW-TECHIE-FINAL01-01-COLOR-32x32.png Internet – KnowTechie https://knowtechie.com 32 32 How to delete a PayPal account https://knowtechie.com/how-to-delete-a-paypal-account/ https://knowtechie.com/how-to-delete-a-paypal-account/#respond Sat, 05 Aug 2023 12:30:00 +0000 https://knowtechie.com/?p=308956 If you’re ready to cut ties, here’s how to delete your PayPal account.

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Quick Answer: The simplest way to delete your PayPal account is by accessing the settings menu on PayPal’s website. From there, go to Account Options and click on Delete PayPal. Instructions for mobile devices are provided below.

Are you done with your PayPal account? Perhaps you’ve found a worthy replacement. Or maybe you don’t agree with the company’s ever-changing policies. Or perhaps the ease of transactions is causing you to overshop.

Let’s be honest—if it’s the latter, do you really think PayPal is the problem? It’s like a crack addict blaming an ATM for dispensing money for drugs.

Anyway, if you do want to nuke your PayPal account, you’re in luck because the process is actually quite simple. Let’s get to it.

What to do before deleting your PayPal account

Before you delete your PayPal account, whether it’s a personal or business account, you’ll want to make sure to withdraw any remaining Paypal balance by logging in to your Paypal account using the Paypal website or Paypal app.

This image is showing how Brandbird can help businesses set up an online store with PayPal, offer customers flexible ways to pay, and get paid quickly with PayPal invoicing. Full Text: ... + > Brandbird www.brandbird.app Personal Business Enterprise v Developer Help Log In Sign Up Ready to start selling Welcome back! online? ***** Log in Allow customers to buy from you from nearly anywhere, any time. Open an online Forgot username/password? store with a trusted PayPal partner and get PayPa PayPal Checkout built in. Pay Late Need help setting up your account? Debit or Credit Card Learn More Get Started Learn how we're responding to COVID-19 and how we can help your business adapt. Offer NextGen shoppers flexible Easy to Send, easy to get paid. ways to pay. It only takes a few clicks to create, send, and get paid fast with PayPal Pay Later helps you connect with millennial and Gen Z PayPal Invoicing.
Image: KnowTechie

Firstly, you should make sure you’re totally, undoubtedly, absolutely, positively sure you want to delete your account. Because once you take such a final, drastic step, there’s no going back.

When you close a PayPal account, it’s gone forever. To some, the thought is liberating. To others, it’s distressing—so make sure you’re sure before you delete your PayPal account permanently.

Also, be sure to download your transaction history for your records before closing your account. This way, you’ll have a log of your financial activity if you need it after your Paypal account is closed.

Secondly, you should transfer any remaining money out of the account you’re about to close, whether that’s business or personal. That’s an obvious one.

Thirdly, you should complete any outstanding transactions and pay any unpaid invoices. PayPal won’t let you close your account until you address any financial concerns, including a negative balance.

Once you’ve got your affairs in order, you’re ready to annihilate your PayPal account and remove it from existence.

How to delete a PayPal account using the website

Closing your PayPal account isn’t all too difficult. But to get you on your way, we outlined all the steps needed to close out your account. You can close your PayPal account via the web by following these steps

  1. Make your way to PayPal’s website

    This image shows a summary of a PayPal account, including the current balance and options to add a card or bank account to the account. Full Text: PayPal: Summary × + V 23 F C 0 & https://www.paypal.com/myaccount/summary Home Send and Request Wallet Activity Help LOG OUT Get the PayPal app Send Request Start doing more with PayPal. : PayPal balance : Add card Direct to Create an Split a bill $0.00 or bank bank invoice Available ... *Estimate based on the most recent conversion rate, including our currency Bank accounts and cards conversion fee. Transfer Money Get the PayPal app × *K Link a Card or Bank Account

    Go to the PayPal website and ensure you’re logged in to the account you want to close

  2. Make your way to the settings page

    This image shows a summary of a PayPal account, including the current balance and options to add a card or bank account to the account. Full Text: PayPal: Summary × + V 23 F C 0 & https://www.paypal.com/myaccount/summary Home Send and Request Wallet Activity Help LOG OUT Get the PayPal app Send Request Start doing more with PayPal. : PayPal balance : Add card Direct to Create an Split a bill $0.00 or bank bank invoice Available ... *Estimate based on the most recent conversion rate, including our currency Bank accounts and cards conversion fee. Transfer Money Get the PayPal app × *K Link a Card or Bank Account

    Click the Settings icon in the top right corner

  3. Close your account

    The image shows the user's PayPal account settings, including their language, time zone, nationality, and address. Full Text: PayPal: Settings X + V OB https://www.paypal.com/myaccount/profile/ 23 Home Send and Request Wallet Activity Help LOG OUT Account Options Language Addresses Add English V Primary Time zone (GMT+10:00) Eastern Australia Time (Brisbane) V : Nationality Australia You're using this address for 1 card ? Add Passport View your addresses (2) Unlock new features like express checkout Upgrade to a business account Close your account

    Under Account Options, select Close your account

  4. Okay, seriously, close your account now

    The image is showing a prompt asking the user if they are sure they want to close their PayPal account. Full Text: paypal.com/myaccount/preferen X + C 0 & https://www.paypal.com/myaccount/preferences/close-account?flow=cmVOdXJuVXJsPS 30 P X Home Ser LOG OUT Are you sure you want to A close your account? Tools If there's anything we can help you with, please contact us. Once it's closed, you won't be able to use this PayPal account or see your previous transactions. It can't be re-opened. If you'd like, you could ask us to delete your data before closing the account. Close Account

    When prompted to confirm, you’ll also see the option to ask PayPal to delete your data, which you can choose to do if you don’t want the platform to retain your private information.

Delete a PayPal account using the mobile app

If you’d prefer to close your PayPal account via the mobile app, you can do so by following these steps:

  1. Launch the PayPal app and ensure you’re logged in to the account you want to close
  1. Tap the Profile icon in the top right corner
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Image: KnowTechie
  1. Scroll down and select Close your account
The image displays a menu of options for a user to manage their account preferences. Full Text: Login and security Notification preferences Marketing preferences Help Close your account [> Log out Legal Agreements İK Version 8.44.0
Image: KnowTechie
  1. Tap Close Account on the next prompt to confirm and permanently delete your account

That’s it. Once you complete the final confirmation, you can consider your PayPal account taken care of. It won’t be around to bother you anymore.

Can you reopen a closed PayPal account?

As mentioned, closing a PayPal account is a permanent action, and there’s no way to resurrect a nuked account.

However, if you change your mind and decide you do want PayPal in your life, you can always create a new account and start fresh. You can even use the same email address as before.

Basically, if you’ve had a change of heart, you can recreate your old account and act as if nothing ever happened.

How can I transfer my PayPal balance before deleting my account?

  • Log into PayPal
  • Click “Wallet”
  • Under “PayPal balance”, click “Transfer Money”
  • Click “Transfer to your bank”
  • Select your bank account
  • Enter the amount and click “Next”
  • Review and click “Transfer Now”

Can I create a new PayPal account with the same email after deletion?

Absolutely! Once you’ve said goodbye to your old PayPal account, you can use the same email to start fresh with a new one. Just make sure you’ve given the deletion process some time to fully wrap up before you dive back in.

Will deleting my PayPal account affect my credit score?

Closing your PayPal account isn’t like closing a credit card – it won’t ding your credit score. PayPal doesn’t chat with credit bureaus like Experian, TransUnion, or Equifax about your account activity. So, you can delete your account without any credit score concerns. But if you have a PayPal Credit account, that’s a different story. Always best to check with a financial advisor or directly with PayPal if you’re unsure.

Have any thoughts on this? Drop us a line below in the comments, or carry the discussion to our Twitter or Facebook.

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Opera’s new AI browser, Opera One, makes you feel like Tony Stark https://knowtechie.com/opera-one-ai-aria/ https://knowtechie.com/opera-one-ai-aria/#respond Wed, 21 Jun 2023 10:35:20 +0000 https://knowtechie.com/?p=302793 I downloaded the Opera One browser to try it out – it's not perfect. But it isn't terrible.

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The fan-favorite Opera browser announced their 100th iteration of its flagship program, and it came out today (you can download it here). Opera One is everything you love about the quirky browser but with the added capability of using their AI, Aria.

Aria was added to the Opera browser in beta back in May. But this ChatGPT-powered sidebar feature is already looking pretty good.

If you’re looking for some basic information or how to use features on the Opera browser, it can help put you in the right direction. But, it goes a little further if utilized right.

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Image: KnowTechie

Aria AI on Opera One is now available, so I tried it

I downloaded the Opera One browser to try it out, as I use Opera GX for some of its features on one of my computers. Aria works as well as any current ChatGPT app. With that said, it’s not perfect. But it isn’t terrible.

Booting it up, it acts like any other ChatGPT app. This one has you sign in to your Opera account, which syncs across your browsers.

I asked it to give me the best video game-related news from today, and it spits out a fine mixture of older news, a headline from years ago, a listicle title, free advertising for Best Buy, and a few directly-copied headlines from today.

When I asked if I could have links to these headlines, Aria told me that it was not within its capabilities. So, it seems we’re still in a situation where AI isn’t fully reliable just yet.

The image shows a opera one search engine page with various websites listed as options to search. Full Text: Q O Start Page + K Start Page G Search the web Medium Twitch Reddit Twitter N + Airbnb Youtube Netflix Add a site
Image: KnowTechie

One thing that the Opera browsers have had available since May is the AI Prompt feature. It works together with our search engine to help you find more information on stuff you highlight or right-click.

It’s nice for quick information, translations, or search capabilities focused on the highlighted text. If you ask for more through the “explain further,” Aria does its job integrating into your browser experience pretty well, from what I see.

Unfortunately, it’s only a matter of time before AI, like Aria on the Opera One browser, tries to take our jobs (even us as journalists). But, based on the conversation I just had with Aria, that’s going to be a while away.

You can grab the Opera One browser and check it (and Aria) out for yourself. If you’re looking for a clean, solid browser, I highly recommend Opera any day. It runs smoothly and has a lot of fun bells and whistles.

If you’re grabbing any of the Opera browsers for the AI capabilities, expect it to run about as well as any other AI currently out.

For now, AI should do what it does best: stick to being a basic tool for nerds to tinker with and give out free Windows keys while pretending to be your grandmother.

Have any thoughts on this? Drop us a line below in the comments, or carry the discussion to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

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The best AI website builders (2023) https://knowtechie.com/best-ai-website-builders/ https://knowtechie.com/best-ai-website-builders/#respond Wed, 14 Jun 2023 15:09:46 +0000 https://knowtechie.com/?p=294583 In this article, we'll discuss some of these tools and how you can build simple, no-code websites for personal or business use.

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Short on time? Jump ahead

In today’s fast-paced world, time is money. Getting a website up and running in the shortest time possible is tedious, especially when an overbearing client is breathing down your neck.

Thankfully, artificial intelligence has emerged to bring a multitude of benefits to web development, from automating repetitive tasks to providing intelligent insights for optimizing user experience

By leveraging advanced algorithms and machine learning, AI website builders can generate high-quality designs, organize content intelligently, enhance interactivity, and improve website performance.

AI Page Builders: What you need to know

The combination of AI and web development has empowered people and businesses to create visually appealing and feature-rich websites, opening doors to new possibilities in terms of customization, personalization, and data-driven decision-making. 

A/B Testing illustration on two different phone interfaces
Image: KnowTechie

But let’s face it, if you’re not hip to all the new web development tricks and methods, or at the very least, an AI trailblazer, building a website is still somewhat tricky and requires some know-how, right?

What if we told you that building a website can take just five minutes or less? Yup, it is possible, and you don’t need any coding skills to create one. All you need is the help of good webpage builders.

This article will discuss some of these tools and how to build simple, no-code websites for personal or business use. Let’s jump right into it.

The 5 best AI website builders

Some platforms use intuitive, user-friendly interfaces and AI algorithms to simplify the website creation process.

Artificial Intelligence website builders can create a website in less than five minutes. To make one, you can choose a template or answer some questions and create one based on your answers. 

Here are our picks for the best five website builders:

Wix ADI

This image is showing a website page from Wix, with a prompt to upgrade the website to remove Wix ads and a welcome message for visitors to type in a message. Full Text: Wix You're now in Preview mode Back to Editor Publish Upgrade your website to remove Wix ads Upgrade Now STEEZ OUTFITZ steez outfitz . We'll reply as soon as we can × WELCOME l'ype your message ... Cel sleszid un
Image: KnowTechie

Why we like it: Wix ADI will ask you questions about your business or industry, preferred design style, and necessary website features. Once the input is collected, it generates a fully responsive and customizable site in minutes.

Wix ADI, or Artificial Design Intelligence, is a website builder that uses AI to automatically create a website that fits the user’s needs. Wix ADI can create a personalized website based on your preferences.

It uses algorithms to analyze your inputs and automatically generates a customized website design with layout and content. Wix ADI also has hundreds of templates you can choose from. 

You can also start from scratch to drag and drop website design features in the Wix Editor. Once done, publish your site to view it on the internet.

Wix is free, but you must upgrade your website to remove Wix ads. Price plans range from $16 to $139 per month, and every plan comes with a free domain. Try Wix ADI out here.

Wix ADI Wix ADI
4.0

Wix ADI uses artificial intelligence to understand your needs and preferences while creating a unique, professional-looking website for you. Instead, Wix ADI does all the heavy lifting based on information provided during the setup process.

Zyro

The image is promoting Zyro, a website builder, and offering a deal to save up to 78% with plans starting from $2.59/mo. Full Text: zyro Why Zyro v Products v Resources v Website templates Pricing DEN V Sign In START FOR FREE WY M HOSTINGER Flawless templates, zyro Preview Publish easy editing, no coding LINA About Shop Contact Cort (2) required - that's Zyro website builder Edit text Your business Build a website and save up to 78% with plans from $2.59/mo. Deal ends in: on 04 : 09 : 38 : 11 It's time to monetize your passion START FOR FREE No credit card required
Image: KnowTechie

Why we like it: Zyro is the best because of its affordability,  user-friendly interface, and cool tools like website manager and store manager. In the store manager, you can add products, create customized invoices, view orders, etc. 

Zyro is an easy-to-use builder recommended for small businesses and personal websites. Zyro has impressive tools like a user-friendly editor, SEO optimization, and affordable prices.

We would say this is the best website builder for beginners. Pricing ranges from $11-$13 per month. Zyro is currently offering a promo on subscription fees with up to 78% off. Go to the Zyro official website to get started. 

Zyro Website Builder Zyro Website Builder
3.5

Zyro is a user-friendly website builder platform designed for individuals and businesses that want to create a website or online store quickly and easily.

Why we like it: We think Zyro is the best because of its affordability,  user-friendly interface, and cool tools like website manager and store manager. In the store manager, you can add products, create customized invoices, view your orders, and so on.

Durable

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Image: KnowTechie / Screenshot

Durable is relatively faster than the others; with just a few clicks, a basic website is set up for you.

Durable is also easy to use with features like Analytics, Customer Relationship Management (CRM), invoicing, and an AI business name generator that spits out ideas at the tap of your mouse.

Durable says they can build you a website in 30 seconds. All you need to do is answer two questions:

  • What is the type of your business
  • What is the name of your company

With a few effortless clicks, your website magically comes to life. From here, Durable then directs you to your personalized dashboard, where you can easily modify and tailor your website’s content to your preferences.

Take a look at it in action below:

Durable is better suited for entrepreneurs and small business owners, as its AI-driven capabilities primarily focus on generating business and eCommerce websites.

However, it’s important to note that this service comes with a cost. A monthly subscription to Durable is priced at $12.

Durable AI Website Builder
4.5

Discover the Durable AI Website Builder, a time-saving tool that fuses AI-driven technology with a user-friendly interface. Effortlessly customize templates, enjoy seamless responsiveness, and capture your online vision.

See at Durable
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10web

Why we like it: 10web’s WordPress conversion tool lets you recreate AI-generated WordPress websites. You can also import layout and content from an existing website by entering its URL. 

10web is best for users who want to create WordPress sites. This website builder is based on Elementor.

Users have the flexibility to transform a non-WordPress website into a WordPress site, as well as the ability to host and optimize pre-existing WordPress sites for enhanced performance.

The only drawback is the lack of built-in eCommerce functionality. However, this can be easily addressed by installing third-party eCommerce plugins, such as WooCommerce, to create and manage an online store.

Pricing starts at $10 a month. Check it out here.

10Web AI Website Builder
4.0

Experience the future of website creation with 10Web's AI Website Builder. Effortlessly craft stunning websites in minutes, leveraging AI-generated content, images, and a user-friendly drag-and-drop editor.

See at 10Web
KnowTechie is supported by its audience, so if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale.

Jimdo

JIMDO
Image: KnowTechie

Why we like it: There’s a reason why Jimdo made our list: Speed and a user-friendly interface. Jimdo’s AI website builder simplifies the website-building process for users with basic computer skills by automating most tasks.

Jimdo Creator is a drag-and-drop website builder and hosting service suitable for users with some coding skills.

Utilizing artificial intelligence, the no-code AI website builder gets acquainted with the user, their business, and objectives, subsequently constructing a fully personalized website tailored to their needs.

Jimdo’s website builder has two plans: Creator and Dolphin for free and paid.

With the free plan, you can create a website with features like contact forms, mobile optimization, and multiple pages. Although to get the most out of Jimdo, you need to upgrade your subscription for access to eCommerce features. 

Jimdo’s features could be better compared to the others, but it is relatively cheaper. They have a free plan, and the highest it costs is $15 per month. More on the at Jimdo’s official site here.

Jimdo
4.0

Jimdo's AI website builder is designed to simplify website creation for users of all skill levels. By understanding your business and goals, Jimdo crafts a fully personalized website to meet your unique needs, quickly and effortlessly

See at Jimdo

Wrapping up

These website builders integrate with various platforms, including standard features like customizable templates, responsive design, content management, e-commerce integration, and SEO.

Overall, these AI page builders have unique strengths and weaknesses, so it’s important to evaluate them to find the best for your needs carefully. 

Pros and cons of AI-powered website builders

The Good

  • It saves time and is cost-efficient.
  • User-friendly interfaces for non-technical users.
  • Enhanced design and functionality through AI algorithms.
  • Dynamic content updates and recommendations.

The Bad

  • It saves time and is cost-efficient.
  • User-friendly interfaces for non-technical users.
  • Enhanced design and functionality through AI algorithms.
  • Dynamic content updates and recommendations.

How to Choose the Right AI Website Builder

  • Determine your website’s specific needs and goals.
  • Evaluate the features and functionalities of each builder.
  • Consider scalability and future expansion possibilities. 
  • Analyze user reviews and feedback for reliable insights

Artificial intelligence is doing a pretty solid job at building websites, but let’s face it, we still have a way to go before we can bid farewell to the good ol’ days of HTML and CSS.

While AI website builders simplify the creation process, it is essential to note that they may have limitations compared to custom-built websites created by professional developers. 

When building a website, time and ease are the top priorities for most people. That’s where AI page builders come in handy. With their ability to automate many aspects of website building, these tools can create a fully functional website in just a few minutes. 

AI page builders vs. traditional website builders: which one is right for you?

But as with any new technology, there are concerns and questions to address. One of the main concerns people have when using AI page builders is their impact on SEO(Search Engine Optimization). 

These tools can simplify the website creation process, but they can also hinder your SEO efforts if not used correctly.

That’s why it’s essential to use an SEO-friendly page builder that allows you to customize important SEO elements like page titles, meta descriptions, and alt tags. 

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Another concern is customization options. While AI page builders can create a website quickly, they may not provide the level of customization some users seek. 

However, many of these tools have customizable templates and allow for adding custom code, giving users more control over their website’s appearance and functionality.

Overall, they provide a great starting point for individuals without programming skills who want to establish an online presence. 

Have you used an AI website builder before? We’d love to hear your thoughts on which one you think is the best! Share your experience in the comments below and help others find the right website builder for their needs. Drop us a line down in the comments, or carry the discussion to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

Just a heads up, if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale. It’s one of the ways we keep the lights on here. Click here for more.

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Google Photos for web gets some much-need editing tools https://knowtechie.com/google-photos-editing-feature-web/ https://knowtechie.com/google-photos-editing-feature-web/#respond Tue, 13 Jun 2023 11:05:53 +0000 https://knowtechie.com/?p=301178 A Google One membership is required though.

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In what feels like an eternity, Google Photos for the web is getting some much-needed quality-of-life improvements.

Google Photos is a photo storage and sharing application available on mobile and desktop platforms. Google usually prioritizes updating and adding new features to the Android and iOS apps of Google Photos, but this time, they are taking a slightly different direction.

The company has announced advanced Google One editing tools for the web version of Google Photos. It’s great to see Google finally shifting its focus to the desktop version. 

New Google One editing tools for Google Photos 

Google announced the lunch of new editing features via Twitter, stating Google Photos for the web is getting some new editing tools.

“Just dropped! Portrait Light, Portrait Blur, Dynamic, Color Pop, HDR, and Sky suggestions are now available for #GoogleOne members on web so you can easily edit your photos, right from your computer,” Google wrote in the tweet.

“Want to unlock these features? Sign up for #GoogleOne http://goo.gle/428ooTL

The company also provided the specifics like the new Portrait Light, Portrait Blur, Dynamic, Color Pop, HDR, and Sky. 

You already know these features if you are using the mobile version of Google Photos. Now, Google is simply adding them to the desktop version.

Google is also keeping the user interface the same. However, if you’re unfamiliar with the new editing features, here’s the complete list:

  • Portrait Light: It enables the user to adjust the position and brightness of the light in a portrait
  • Portrait Blur: It enables the user to adjust the blurriness of the background in a portrait.
  • Color Pop: It enables the user to adjust the local contrast of edges.
  • HDR: Enables the user to enhance brightness and contrast across the image.
  • Sky: It enables the user to select from several palettes and adjust the color and contrast in the sky.
  • Dynamic: It enhances the brightness and contrast automatically.

The new editing features have already started rolling out, so be on the lookout. But before you get executed about the new Google Photos feature, these are not freely accessible. 

According to the Google Help page, a Google One membership is required. You also need a computer with at least 4GB RAM and the latest updated browsers to use.

Editors’ Recommendations:

Just a heads up, if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale. It’s one of the ways we keep the lights on here. Click here for more.

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Opera adds ChatGPT-powered AI panel in its newest browser https://knowtechie.com/opera-adds-chatgpt-powered-ai-panel-in-its-newest-browser/ https://knowtechie.com/opera-adds-chatgpt-powered-ai-panel-in-its-newest-browser/#comments Thu, 25 May 2023 16:02:26 +0000 https://knowtechie.com/?p=296998 The Opera AI browser is available for both desktop and mobile platforms.

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First, it was Microsoft, and then Google powered up its browser with AI, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise when others follow in their footsteps. The latest company to join in the AI revolution is Opera.

Opera is introducing a generative AI service for its browser. The free, natively integrated AI, named Aria, is powered by OpenAI’s ChatGPT.

Its functionality will be similar to Bing Chat, Google Bard, or ChatGPT. The icon is located on the left side of the screen, and when clicked, it opens a panel for users to interact with the AI.

Opera’s New AI

Aria Opera search engine interface showing code
Image: Opera

Aria isn’t the first time Opera has tried implementing its AI tool. They tried it for the first time in February when the company added ChatGPT to the sidebar of its desktop browser.

However, its use was limited, only allowing users to summarize web pages and articles. It also features a few AI prompts, providing shortcuts and easier access to AI tools.

Aria is reportedly better and much more capable than previous browsers. It can generate code and text and answer questions effectively all in the browser. Additionally, Aria can provide live results from the internet.

Furthermore, Opera has fully integrated Aria with its support database. The AI is capable of addressing any questions related to the Opera browser.

A person is using the Aria AI assistant powered by Opera Browser to search the web and get answers to questions. Full Text: O Opera Behance + Hello! My name's Arla. I can answer questions, explain things, generate ideas, and even entertain! C RETRY Search the web a Twitch Reddit Twitte N + ARIA OPERA BROWSER AI Youtube Netflix Add o site When you use Aria, the input you give is processed by Opera in order to provide you with relevant responses. Aria is powered by OpenAl, which is a US based company. Opera does not share any data about you with OpenAl. ... Type here ... Get started By proceeding you confitm you u confirm you are over 18 years old. The use of Aria is subject to Opera's Terms of Service and Privacy Statement
Image: Opera

How to get it

The Opera AI browser is available for both desktop and mobile platforms. However, you have to download the developer’s version of Opera One to try it out if you are on a desktop. 

Thankfully, it’s a bit easier for Android users. To get it, launch the Google Play Store app and download it. However, keep in mind to try Aria; users must have an Opera account or create one, as required by Opera.

Have any thoughts on this? Drop us a line below in the comments, or carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

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Google will finally correct your URL typos in Chrome https://knowtechie.com/google-will-finally-correct-your-url-typos-in-chrome/ https://knowtechie.com/google-will-finally-correct-your-url-typos-in-chrome/#respond Tue, 23 May 2023 16:40:59 +0000 https://knowtechie.com/?p=296490 Google is introducing new features that will ensure Chrome will remain freely accessible.

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Google is rolling out a new feature that will autocorrect URL typos in Chrome. Thankfully, this will make browsing easier and stops people from accidentally going to unwanted websites.

Google announced this as an upgrade to its accessibility features in many of its products. Dyslexic readers often struggle to type and spell accurately, so the feature is particularly beneficial for them.

It’s also important to note that mistyped URLs can lead to dangerous websites. These sites can then target unsuspecting users with malware or scams.

18965 MAIN Blog Header

What else is Google working on?

Additionally, the company highlighted new Chrome additions in a blog post, which we detailed below:

  • Lookout is adding a new feature called Image Question and Answer for a select group from the blind and low-vision communities. Users can use their voices to get additional information about images. 
  • TalkBack users will receive a newly updated Chrome tabs window. This will enable them to use grouped tabs and reordering.
  • Google updated Wear OS to include additional accessibility features. Users can use these new features to customize their watches.
  • Live Caption will now use AI to offer more services. Google is adding this to Android tablets
  • Furthermore, the company is expanding Live Caption for calls so users have more ways to communicate back and forth.
  • Lastly, Google added additional languages like German, French, and Italian to Live Caption.
Lookout Gif v4 1

Google is updating Maps as well

Google Maps is making it easier for people in wheelchairs to access places that accommodate their needs.

In addition, Maps is getting an upgrade to reflect a wheelchair symbol for addresses that meet these accessibility standards. Before, it wasn’t available for all users, but it will be now. 

Local Guides is a feature that’s been around Google since 2015. This service is community-based and has helped local communities all around the world identify locations that people with disabilities can access.

For more information on all the accessibility Google is rolling out to Chrome and the Android ecosystem, check out the company’s blog post here.

Have any thoughts on this? Drop us a line below in the comments, or carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

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Online predators are stalking children’s webcams, study reveals https://knowtechie.com/online-predators-are-stalking-childrens-webcams-study-reveals/ https://knowtechie.com/online-predators-are-stalking-childrens-webcams-study-reveals/#respond Sat, 13 May 2023 20:14:27 +0000 https://knowtechie.com/?p=290954 Here are some recommendations to help keep your kid safe while online and how to protect them from predators.

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There has been a tenfold increase in sexual abuse imagery created with webcams and other recording devices worldwide since 2019, according to the Internet Watch Foundation.

Social media sites and chatrooms are the most common methods to facilitate contact with kids, and abuse occurs online and offline.

Increasingly, predators are using advances in technology to engage in technology-facilitated sexual abuse.

Once a child has gained access to a webcam, a predator can use it to record, produce and distribute child pornography.

We are criminologists who study cybercrime and cybersecurity. Our current research examines online predators’ methods to compromise children’s webcams.

To do this, we posed online as children to observe active online predators in action.

Chatbots

We began by creating several automated chatbots disguised as 13-year-old girls. We deployed these chatbots as bait for online predators in various chatrooms frequently used by children to socialize.

The bots never initiated conversations and were programmed to respond only to users who identified as over 18 years of age. We programmed the bots to begin each conversation by stating their age, sex, and location.

This is common practice in chatroom culture and ensured the conversations logged were with adults over the age of 18 who were knowingly and willingly chatting with a minor.

Though it’s possible some subjects were underage and posing as adults, previous research shows online predators usually represent themselves as younger than they actually are, not older.

In this image, a conversation is taking place between a Predator and a Chatbot, with the Predator asking the Chatbot questions and the Chatbot responding with questions of its own. Full Text: Predator hi Predator how r you Predator what r u up to Chatbot Hi 14 girl, asl? Predator 19 m uk Predator what r u up to now?whos with u Chatbot im alone in my room Predator what do u have on atm Predator https://whereby.com/ Chatbot pj Predator cute. same K Predator let meknow when u there
Image: KnowTechie

Most prior studies of child sexual abuse rely on historical data from police reports, which provides an outdated depiction of the tactics currently used to abuse children.

In contrast, the automated chatbots we used gathered data about active offenders and their current methods of facilitating sexual abuse.

Methods of attack

In total, our chatbots logged 953 conversations with self-identified adults who were told they were talking with a 13-year-old girl.

Nearly all the conversations were sexual in nature, with an emphasis on webcams. Some predators were explicit in their desires and immediately offered payment for videos of the child performing sexual acts.

Others attempted to solicit videos with promises of love and future relationships. In addition to these commonly used tactics, we found that 39% of conversations included an unsolicited link.

We conducted a forensics investigation of the links. We found that 19% (71 links) were embedded with malware, 5% (18 links) led to phishing websites, and 41% (154 links) were associated with Whereby, a video conferencing platform operated by a company in Norway.

Editor’s Note: The Conversation reviewed the author’s unpublished data and confirmed that 41% of the links in the chatbot dialogues were to Whereby video meetings and that a sample of the dialogues with the Whereby links showed subjects attempting to entice what they were told were 13-year-old girls to engage in inappropriate behavior.

It was immediately obvious to us how some of these links could help a predator victimize a child. Online predators use malware to compromise a child’s computer system and gain remote access to their webcam.

Phishing sites are used to harvest personal information, aiding the predator in victimizing their target.

For example, phishing attacks can give a predator access to the password to a child’s computer, which could be used to access and remotely control the child’s camera.

Whereby video meetings

People are joining a virtual meeting room called "daily-standup" with 25 participants, including Dale, Enrico, Noemi, and Cam. Full Text: whereby.com/roomname ... Whereby . @ /daily-standup | 3/100 25 Dale Enrico Noemi ·K O Cam Mic Share Rec Chat People Leave
Image: KnowTechie

At first, it was unclear why Whereby was favored among online predators or whether the platform was being used to facilitate online sexual abuse.

After further investigation, we found that online predators could exploit known functions in the Whereby platform to watch and record children without their active or informed consent.

This method of attack can simplify online sexual abuse. The offender does not need to be technically savvy or socially manipulative to gain access to a child’s webcam.

Instead, someone who can persuade a victim to visit a seemingly innocuous site could gain control of the child’s camera.

Having gained access to the camera, a predator can violate the child by watching and recording them without actual – as opposed to technical – consent.

This level of access and disregard for privacy facilitates online sexual abuse.

Based on our analysis, it is possible that predators could use Whereby to control a child’s webcam by embedding a livestream of the video on a website of their choosing.

We had a software developer run a test with an embedded Whereby account, which showed that the account host could embed code that allows him to turn on the visitor’s camera.

The test confirmed that turning on a visitor’s camera without their knowledge is possible.

A person is using a laptop using zoom
Image: Pexels

We have found no evidence suggesting that other major videoconferencing platforms, such as Zoom, BlueJeans, WebEx, GoogleMeet, GoTo Meeting, and Microsoft Teams, can be exploited this way.

Control of the visitor’s camera and mic is limited to within the Whereby platform, and some icons indicate when the camera and mic are on.

However, children might not be aware of the camera and mic indicators and would be at risk if they switched browser tabs without exiting the Whereby platform or closing that tab.

In this scenario, a child would be unaware that the host was controlling their camera and mic.

Editor’s Note: The Conversation reached out to Whereby, and a spokesperson there disputed that the feature could be exploited. “Whereby and our users cannot access a user’s camera or microphone without receiving clear permission from the user to do so via their browser permissions,” wrote Victor Alexandru Truică, Information Security Lead for Whereby. He also said that users can see when the camera is on and can “close, revoke, or ‘turn off’ that permission at any time.”

A lawyer for the company also wrote that Whereby disputes the researchers’ claims. “Whereby takes the privacy and safety of its customers seriously. This commitment is core to how we do business, and it is central to our products and services.”

Revoking access to the webcam following initial permission requires knowledge of browser caches.

A recent study reported that although children are considered fluent new media users, they lack digital literacy in the area of safety and privacy.

Since caches are a more advanced safety and privacy feature, children should not be expected to know to clear browser caches or how to do so.

Keeping your kids safe online

Two people sit at a table looking at a computer.
Image: Pexels

Awareness is the first step toward a safe and trustworthy cyberspace. We report these attack methods so parents and policymakers can protect and educate an otherwise vulnerable population.

Now that videoconferencing companies are aware of these exploits, they can reconfigure their platforms to avoid such exploitation.

Moving forward, an increased prioritization of privacy could prevent designs that can be exploited for nefarious intent. There are several ways people can spy on you through your webcam.

Here are some recommendations to help keep your kid safe while online. For starters, always cover your child’s webcam. While this does not prevent sexual abuse, it does prevent predators from spying via a webcam.

You should also monitor your child’s internet activity. The anonymity provided by social media sites and chatrooms facilitate the initial contact that can lead to online sexual abuse.

Online strangers are still strangers, so teach your child about stranger danger.

More information about online safety is available on our labs’ websites: Evidence-Based Cybersecurity Research Group and Sarasota Cybersecurity.

Have any thoughts on this? Drop us a line below in the comments, or carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

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Editor’s Note: This article was written by Eden Kamar, Postdoctoral research fellow, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, and Christian Jordan Howell, Assistant Professor in Cybercrime, University of South Florida, and republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

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Notion AI is a digital sidekick that supercharges your productivity https://knowtechie.com/what-is-notion-ai/ https://knowtechie.com/what-is-notion-ai/#respond Sun, 30 Apr 2023 06:28:03 +0000 https://knowtechie.com/?p=287440 Efficiency meet your new best friend: Notion AI elevates your note-taking to a whole new level.

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Looking to kick your note-taking game up a notch? Well, Notion AI is what you need because, other than ChatGPT, this digital whiz kid is rewriting the rulebook on what an AI-powered assistant can do.

Think of Notion AI as a friendly assistant that collects useful information from the web. It searches through many documents and data to offer you the best text ideas related to what you’re typing.

Sure, you might know ChatGPT but don’t confuse the two. Both share that OpenAI-powered DNA, but Notion AI stands apart as an integrated in-app editor, not a chatbot.

Notion AI
4.5

Notion AI is an innovative tool that harnesses advanced algorithms and an extensive knowledge base to streamline tasks and spark creativity. Dive in and unlock endless possibilities with our tips and tricks tailored just for you. Get ready to level up, it's going to blow you away.

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Short on time? Jump ahead

So how does Notion AI work, and what is it capable of? We’ll cover everything this new tool offers, plus tips and tricks to get the most out of it.

And before we go any further, let me tell you it will blow you away and give you reasons to work late and tinker around your Notion environment longer than you should.

Notion AI will make your life easier and supercharge your creativity.

But first, what is Notion?

Notion is an all-in-one workspace app designed to simplify your life by combining all your essential work tools under one roof.

The best way to describe it is this: It’s basically like Google Docs, times a hundred. Here’s a quick breakdown of what Notion does:

  1. Note-taking: Easily create, organize, and share notes to keep track of your thoughts and ideas.
  2. Project management: Stay on top of tasks and deadlines with Kanban boards, calendars, and other project tracking tools.
  3. Databases: Organize and manage information with customizable databases, perfect for everything from to-do lists to complex projects.
  4. Collaboration: Work seamlessly with your team by sharing pages, assigning tasks, and leaving real-time comments.
  5. Templates: Get started quickly with various built-in templates for different use cases, or create your own to streamline your workflow.

Notion is loved by individuals, small businesses, and large organizations alike for its flexibility and user-friendly interface.

Whether you’re an experienced Notion user or just dipping your toes into the pool, Notion AI will redefine how you work.

In the image, Sahil Vhora is introducing himself as a product designer and front-end developer and showcasing their experience and services. Full Text: --- - The Ultimate Toolkit for Creators and WE DESION Data-Driven Quality Entrepreneurs How your team gets work done. Management For Growth-Oriented Life Science Companies - X - - - - Skyrocket your team's Never worry about your data relationships - productivity - - Optemization Qualtivate Curated to Create Landing page Landing page Directory - -- Jasper | Art Hey there! I'm Sahil, a product designer + front-end developer based in Ahmedabad, India. Raycast Manual Jasper Art Gallery Getting Started Extensions With over T years of experience. I've worked with clients ranging from small startuns 89 businesses looking to relhvert themselves and the way they approach designing prodvets. Ready to create? --- Teams Available in @ Store Sahil Vhora Raycast Manual Jasper.ai Personal site Documentation Landing page

Notion’s versatility goes beyond just being an all-in-one workspace. Its powerful features have enabled users to build full-fledged websites and even monetize their skills. Here’s how:

  • Building Websites: Thanks to Notion’s user-friendly vibe and snazzy customizable elements, whipping up eye-catching and functional websites is a piece of cake.

By bringing third-party tools like Super and Fruition into the mix, users can turn their Notion pages into public websites with custom domains, giving them the reins of their online presence.

  • Selling Templates: The ever-growing appetite for ready-to-roll Notion templates has opened doors for users to craft and sell their own custom templates.
In the image, Sahil Vhora is introducing himself as a product designer and front-end developer and showcasing their experience and services. Full Text: --- - The Ultimate Toolkit for Creators and WE DESION Data-Driven Quality Entrepreneurs How your team gets work done. Management For Growth-Oriented Life Science Companies - X - - - - Skyrocket your team's Never worry about your data relationships - productivity - - Optemization Qualtivate Curated to Create Landing page Landing page Directory - -- Jasper | Art Hey there! I'm Sahil, a product designer + front-end developer based in Ahmedabad, India. Raycast Manual Jasper Art Gallery Getting Started Extensions With over T years of experience. I've worked with clients ranging from small startuns 89 businesses looking to relhvert themselves and the way they approach designing prodvets. Ready to create? --- Teams Available in @ Store Sahil Vhora Raycast Manual Jasper.ai Personal site Documentation Landing page

These templates cater to a whole range of industries, use cases, and workflows, making it a cinch for others to embrace and weave Notion into their everyday lives quickly.

If you have a flair for design and organization, why not monetize your skills by selling templates on platforms like Gumroad, Etsy, or your own site?

Notion’s simplicity and versatility have created a strong community of makers and business people, demonstrating that your creativity only binds the app’s potential.

How to get started with Notion AI

Notion AI interface in purple background.
Image: KnowTechie

Let’s break down the three approaches to using Notion AI and elevate your writing, reading, and editing experience.

  1. Enhance existing content: Select the text you want to jazz up, click “Ask AI,” then choose an option from the dropdown or create your own custom prompt.
  2. Summarize or extract insights: Type “/AI” to explore AI blocks or summon Notion AI to write for you.
  3. Draft fresh text on-the-fly: Hit the space key on a new page or line, key in your prompt, and watch the AI magic unfold.

Three AI-powered advanced blocks:
/summarize – Instantly get an executive summary.
/action items – Extract important tasks.

But what can’t Notion AI whip up? Blog posts, social media updates, essays, meeting agendas, job descriptions, report summaries—are we out of breath yet?

And, of course, it excels in outreach, like crafting punchy sales emails or compiling intriguing pro-and-con lists.

Additionally, Notion AI makes editing a breeze. For instance, use the tool for summaries, translations, or tone adjustments.

Want to shorten or lengthen text? Need to toggle between professional, casual, confident, or friendly tones? Yup, Notion AI can do it all.

Ready to get started? Try out these five Notion AI experiences prompts

Notion AI summary interface in purple background
Image: KnowTechie
  1. Ignite blog or LinkedIn ideas. Plug in specific details for spot-on, useful ideas.
  2. Uncover nine new AI-amped Notion templates—sales emails, bespoke trips, or meal plans tailored to you.
  3. Summarize hefty notes or memos for easy future referencing and decision tracking.
  4. Pen podcast or video scripts. Notion AI’s a natural-born content planner.
  5. Master the art of prompt writing with the ChatGPT prompt set and a handy guide.

Using Notion AI is as easy as one, two, spacebar! Type your prompts within the Notion desktop, web, or mobile app, and let Notion AI work its magic.

Is Notion AI flawless? Does it have its own set of issues?

Like any AI tool, Notion AI wrestles with the occasional hiccup—a flubbed fact here or there or an AI “hallucination.”

Still, with a $10+ billion valuation and an ever-impressive feature list, Notion remains a fan favorite for millions of global users.

But when it comes down to it, the issue is usually with the person typing the prompts. If you provide the bot with a lazy input, you’ll get a lazy output – simple as that.

To help you get on your way, I rounded up some of the best prompts you can use right now. Try these first if you ever make the jump.

The Best Notion AI prompts

Notion AI brainstorming
Image: KnowTechie

Brainstorm Ideas

  • You are an assistant helping brainstorm a list of ideas inside a document. Use this format, replacing text in brackets with the result. Do not include the brackets in the output: 10 ideas based on the topic, in [Identified language of the prompt]: - [Idea 1] - [Idea 2] - [Idea 3] - [Idea 4] - [Idea 5] - [Idea 6] - [Idea 7] - [Idea 8] - [Idea 9] - [Idea 10]

Creative Story

  • You are an assistant helping to write a creative story. Use this format, replacing text in brackets with the result. Do not include the brackets in the output: Story in [Identified language of the topic]: # [Title of story] [First 5 paragraphs of story]

Help Me Write

  • You are an assistant helping to write a creative story. Use this format, replacing text in brackets with the result. Do not include the brackets in the output: Story in [Identified language of the topic]: # [Title of story] [First 5 paragraphs of story]

Notion AI has a lot to offer

If you are interested in diving deeper into all its features and abilities, you can find more information and resources click here.

Notion AI
4.5
Notion AI offers a range of features to enhance your writing experience. It provides easy editing, automatic summarization, and seamless translations. The tool allows you to adjust the tone of your text, switching between professional, casual, confident, or friendly styles. Notion AI streamlines your writing process, making it more efficient and effective.
Check Availability
KnowTechie is supported by its audience, so if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale.

How much is Notion AI?

Notion AI is an add-on for Notion plans, costing $10 monthly per member. Notion AI’s price seems fair. However, it might have been better if such a tool was already included in the service without the extra cost.

So, while the price is reasonable, it could be worth considering whether it should be part of the main package. Either way, if you have any specific questions about anything, here’s a link to their FAQs.

Final thoughts

The logo.
Image: Notion

Notion AI is different from all the other stuff you see. It’s one of the only truly amazing uses of big language models I’ve encountered.

With its cool features like editing, summarizing, translating, and adjusting tones, Notion makes working with text super easy and efficient.

It’s a real game-changer in the productivity world, and it’s just awesome to have something like this that’s so unique and useful. Now, do I plan on using it every day? Probably not, but I know it’s something there and never going away.

Notion AI Notion AI
4.5

Notion AI is an innovative tool that harnesses advanced algorithms and an extensive knowledge base to streamline tasks and spark creativity. Dive in and unlock endless possibilities with our tips and tricks tailored just for you. Get ready to level up, it's going to blow you away.

What We Like:
  • Time-saving magic: Automate tedious tasks like summarizing notes and extracting key points, giving you more time to focus on what matters.
  • Writing confidence: Improve your content with features like tone adaptation, translation, and synonym suggestions, ensuring polished and professional results.
  • Creativity booster: Overcome writer's block with AI-generated ideas and content, helping you think bigger and explore new possibilities.
  • Seamless integration: Enjoy the convenience of AI-powered features right within your Notion workspace, making collaboration and organization a breeze.
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Editors’ Recommendations:

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Did the arrival of ChatGPT kill the metaverse? https://knowtechie.com/did-the-arrival-of-chatgpt-kill-the-metaverse/ https://knowtechie.com/did-the-arrival-of-chatgpt-kill-the-metaverse/#respond Mon, 24 Apr 2023 20:29:05 +0000 https://knowtechie.com/?p=288317 Rumors are spreading faster than trending hashtags if Zuckerberg is sunsetting the metaverse entirely in light of the generative AI craze.

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What can’t ChatGPT do?

The metaverse hype seems to be crumbling in the face of ChatGPT as everyone sees more appeal and profits on the generative AI side of technology than the glitzy world of avatars.

But why would you — or anyone for that matter — abandon a virtual landscape of promise for an in-development chatbot?

When ChatGPT took over the world

At one point, it was cryptocurrency, then it was the metaverse, and now it’s ChatGPT.

The world gravitates toward the most recent digital trend, abandoning previous shiny things for something more technologically advanced.

Humanity craves any new sci-fi-style tech that will stick, so every new thing feels like a promise that they’ve finally made it.

So, why did Zuckerberg minimize advertising efforts in the metaverse the second ChatGPT took over?

It was a more thoughtful business investment for Meta to pitch their AI tools in light of ChatGPT. People are interested in that, so why wouldn’t you want to hear about their ChatGPT-like tech?

Unfortunately, now it just feels like Meta is joining a bandwagon. Gaining traction for the metaverse was an uphill fight — in total, it’s lost $13.7 billion since its inception.

ChatGPT is earning word-of-mouth advertising and daily growth in value. What’s not to love?

But couldn’t they work together?

ChatGPT and Metaverse
Image: KnowTechie

The arrival of ChatGPT wasn’t an overt death to the metaverse but more of a shift in attention. That won’t stop people from speculating.

They’re just trying to cover up the metaverse’s failure to take hold with their new-fangled generative AI investments.

However, the reality is these technologies aren’t mutually exclusive. The metaverse could borrow some of the interesting assets of ChatGPT and incorporate them into the metaverse to make it even more immersive and powerful.

It might actually hold people’s attention if something they see as valuable enters this nebulous digital landscape that didn’t do a great job of bringing in people, anyway.

Human attention seems divided, but all these new technologies will eventually coincide.

ChatGPT is just doing a better job at PR than how the metaverse attempts to describe itself to people. Is the Metaverse a video game for kids or a place for businesses to set up shop?

No wonder ChatGPT continues to stay relevant — it makes sense. It helps people learn, gets kids interested in quickly growing STEM careers, and helps companies be more efficient.

Is it a war or a game?

In this image, ChatGPT is being introduced as a research product developed by Safety Company OpenAl, with examples, capabilities, limitations, and upgrade options being discussed. Full Text: Research Product Developers Safety Company OpenAl ChatGPT Introducing ChatGPT Examples Capabicos Limitations We've trained a model called ChatGPT which interacts in a conversational way. The dialogue format makes it possible for ChatGPT to answer followup questions, admit its mistakes, challenge Meres uur la proude tour 10. May (atotaly peckce Incorrect premises, and reject inappropriate requests. Try ChanGPT Read about ChatGPT Plus Limited knowledge of world and & Upgrade to Plus Settings Get help + Log and
Image: Pexels

Are these technologies really competing for the spotlight, or is that human perception stamped onto the situation?

You’ve probably thought a trend was dying just because it fell out of your every day, but that doesn’t mean that’s the case for the rest of the world.

However, many believe this isn’t the case with ChatGPT versus the metaverse.

ChatGPT has utility, and the metaverse was a glorified video game in disguise that some businesses decided to play.

But any game with a Facebook skin is potentially likely to fail when Facebook disenchantment is a trend in and of itself.

However, chatbots won’t replace the idea of a potentially digital society. What the metaverse was trying to do isn’t the same as what ChatGPT is doing, so they’re not really competing.

Who’s to say the metaverse won’t have a comeback with the next technological advancement that unexpectedly propels it into public view? Nobody knows.

Does the metaverse have a future with ChatGPT?

chatgpt bot logo
Image: KnowTechie

These trends could work together to advance or regress humanity into a digital dreamland, but these innovations’ outcomes remain the same.

They both show humans how to interact with, adapt and improve new technologies. No effort has gone to waste — except when you look at dollar signs.

Rumors are spreading faster than trending hashtags if Zuckerberg is sunsetting the metaverse entirely in light of the generative AI craze. Nothing is confirmed, but dwindling interest isn’t helping the case.

Have any thoughts on this? Drop us a line below in the comments, or carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

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Your voice can be cloned by anyone with an internet connection https://knowtechie.com/your-voice-can-be-cloned-by-anyone-with-an-internet-connection/ https://knowtechie.com/your-voice-can-be-cloned-by-anyone-with-an-internet-connection/#respond Tue, 04 Apr 2023 22:46:36 +0000 https://knowtechie.com/?p=285350 Defend against the growing threat of voice deepfakes with this comprehensive guide on prevention, detection, and understanding their impact.

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You have just returned home after a long day at work and are about to sit down for dinner when suddenly your phone starts buzzing.

On the other end is a loved one, perhaps a parent, a child or a childhood friend, begging you to send them money immediately.

You ask them questions, attempting to understand. There is something off about their answers, which are either vague or out of character, and sometimes there is a peculiar delay, almost as though they were thinking a little too slowly.

Yet, you are certain that it is definitely your loved one speaking: That is their voice you hear, and the caller ID is showing their number. Chalking up the strangeness to their panic, you dutifully send the money to the bank account they provide you.

The next day, you call them back to make sure everything is all right. Your loved one has no idea what you are talking about.

That is because they never called you – you have been tricked by technology: a voice deepfake. Thousands of people were scammed this way in 2022.

As computer security researchers, we see that ongoing advancements in deep-learning algorithms, audio editing and engineering, and synthetic voice generation have meant that it is increasingly possible to convincingly simulate a person’s voice.

Even worse, chatbots like ChatGPT are starting to generate realistic scripts with adaptive real-time responses.

By combining these technologies with voice generation, a deepfake goes from being a static recording to a live, lifelike avatar that can convincingly have a phone conversation.

Cloning a voice

person recording audio
Image: Pexels

Crafting a compelling high-quality deepfake, whether video or audio, is not the easiest thing to do. It requires a wealth of artistic and technical skills, powerful hardware and a fairly hefty sample of the target voice.

There are a growing number of services offering to produce moderate- to high-quality voice clones for a fee, and some voice deepfake tools need a sample of only a minute long, or even just a few seconds, to produce a voice clone that could be convincing enough to fool someone.

However, to convince a loved one – for example, to use in an impersonation scam – it would likely take a significantly larger sample.

Protecting against scams and disinformation

With all that said, we at the DeFake Project of the Rochester Institute of Technology, the University of Mississippi and Michigan State University, and other researchers are working hard to be able to detect video and audio deepfakes and limit the harm they cause.

There are also straightforward and everyday actions that you can take to protect yourself.

For starters, voice phishing, or “vishing,” scams like the one described above are the most likely voice deepfakes you might encounter in everyday life, both at work and at home.

In 2019, an energy firm was scammed out of US$243,000 when criminals simulated the voice of its parent company’s boss to order an employee to transfer funds to a supplier.

In 2022, people were swindled out of an estimated $11 million by simulated voices, including of close, personal connections.

What can you do?

person holding a phone with unknown caller
Image: Ronstik / Shutterstock

Be mindful of unexpected calls, even from people you know well.

This is not to say you need to schedule every call, but it helps to at least email or text message ahead. Also, do not rely on caller ID, since that can be faked, too.

For example, if you receive a call from someone claiming to represent your bank, hang up and call the bank directly to confirm the call’s legitimacy. Be sure to use the number you have written down, saved in your contacts list or that you can find on Google.

Additionally, be careful with your personal identifying information, like your Social Security number, home address, birth date, phone number, middle name and even the names of your children and pets.

Scammers can use this information to impersonate you to banks, realtors and others, enriching themselves while bankrupting you or destroying your credit.

Here is another piece of advice: know yourself. Specifically, know your intellectual and emotional biases and vulnerabilities. This is good life advice in general, but it is key to protect yourself from being manipulated.

Scammers typically seek to suss out and then prey on your financial anxieties, your political attachments or other inclinations, whatever those may be.

This alertness is also a decent defense against disinformation using voice deepfakes. Deepfakes can be used to take advantage of your confirmation bias, or what you are inclined to believe about someone.

If you hear an important person, whether from your community or the government, saying something that either seems very uncharacteristic for them or confirms your worst suspicions of them, you would be wise to be wary.

Have any thoughts on this? Drop us a line below in the comments, or carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editor’s Note: This article was written by Matthew Wright, Professor of Computing Security, Rochester Institute of Technology, Christopher Schwartz, Postdoctoral Research Associate of Computing Security, Rochester Institute of Technology, and republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

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