Technology News

A former Google employee starts his AI, Reka Flash

Technology News / By Ashley Cornell, email: [email protected]

Dani Yogatama, a former Google employee, co-founded the startup Reka with three other AI experts (including a former Facebook employee). The San Francisco-based company has just deployed its artificial intelligence, a multimodal AI model designed to outperform existing large language models, including those from Google and OpenAI.

Reka Flash is designed to compete with ChatGPT and Gemini Pro

The startup Reka has just implemented Flash, and AI trains in over 32 languagespossessing 21 billion parameters. The Reka team said this model can outperform benchmark AIs on the market, including Google Gemini Pro and ChatGPT 3.5.

Reka is keeping up with the constantly changing AI landscape Reka Flash, a multimodal and multilingual model designed for efficiency and speed. The AI was trained from the start to expand the limits of AI capabilities, its developers explain.

After testing it appears that Reka Flash surpasses many larger models in speed and quality. This makes it a formidable competitor in the AI landscape. The startup wants to use this AI We push the boundaries of efficiency, performance and versatility.

Reka has also launched a more compact version of the AI. Baptized Reka EdgeThis iteration provides 7 billion parameters. This release brings advanced AI capabilities to low latency devices and applications. What expands access to the latest AI technologies.

An even more powerful tool announced

Beyond the tests conducted by the team, other AI experts subjected Reka Flash to a series of tests. Reka Flash achieved one in the MMLU (Massive Multitask Language Understanding) benchmark 73.5% accuracy for answers to knowledge-based questions.

Overall, AI shines in language benchmarks, competing (and sometimes outperforming) other models in knowledge, question-answer reasoning, and code generation. Flash performs just as well as Gemini Pro in image quality, video captions, and other vision tests.

Introducing Reka Flash, our efficient and high-performance multimodal language model.
Try it out for free today at the Reka Playground 🛝.
🧵 Thread, blog and links below 👇 pic.twitter.com/BFMrQoNr7S
– Reka (@RekaAILabs) February 12, 2024

Tests generally demonstrate the effectiveness of Flash. The developers present Reka Flash as a top-class model. However, they point out that this AI does not represent the pinnacle of innovation for the startup announces the upcoming release of an even more powerful model: Reka Core.

With Reka Core, the team promises a tool that surpasses Flash. While the public waits to test this model, they can enjoy the full potential of Reka Flash and Reka Edge. Available in beta version on the Reka Playground platform.

Our blog is reader-run. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

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Canada needs more visionaries, says astronaut Jeremy Hansen

Technology News / By Ashley Cornell, email: [email protected]

That's the question Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen is asking himself as he continues his training for the Artemis II mission that will take him around the moon.

Mr. Hansen says he finds his answer in the footsteps of his predecessors, who allowed Canada to take its place in lunar exploration.

The astronaut is a pioneer himself, as he will be the first Canadian to look so closely at the lunar surface.

Artemis II, organized by NASA, is the first lunar mission since 1972.

“We need to go back to the decisions that were made in Canada in the 1960s, when people realized that space could help improve life on our planet,” Mr. Hansen said in an interview with The Canadian Press.

Canada will be only the second country to send one of its astronauts so far into space.

Mr. Hansen, a big fan of science fiction stories, repeats it twice.

“How did we get to this point? The credit goes to visionaries. That's what happened. This is what we have achieved over decades to get to where we are.”

Mr. Hansen will accompany three other American astronauts when the Artemis II mission begins flight in September 2025.

Among them is Reid Wiseman. The Canadian has known him since 2009 because they completed the same training at NASA. The other two are Victor Glover and Christina Hammock Koch.

“I feel like I’ve known this crew for a long time. We are past the early stages of a relationship,” says Mr. Hansen.

The Canadian Space Agency and NASA have worked together since 1982. Still, there is no guarantee that Canada will maintain its privileged position for long.

“If Canada wants to remain an important partner, it must continue to make very visionary and very strategic investments,” emphasizes Hansen. We need to inspire ourselves and remind ourselves that we have achieved extraordinary things. We must not denigrate each other.”

It hasn't always been easy for Canadian astronauts to establish themselves among their American colleagues, agrees Hansen, who describes himself as “very integrated.”

The astronaut says he stands on the shoulders of giants like Marc Garneau, the first Canadian to go to space.

“Thanks to them we have a good reputation. When I arrived, I believed that all of our youthful problems were behind us,” he says.

According to him, creating a culture in which communication plays an essential role is the biggest challenge for the Artemis II crew.

We must even take the time to talk about the failures, fortunes, and deaths that may await us on the shadow side of the moon.

Astronauts must have complicated conversations to minimize the risk of losing a crew member, “but at the same time recognize that zero risk is unattainable.”

This month, Mr. Hansen says, the astronauts underwent strenuous training on the waves of the Pacific Ocean.

The goal was to stimulate the return of their capsule to Earth.

“I think I'll realize I'm going to the moon a few days before launch when I say goodbye to my family and make sure all my stuff is in order,” he says. Sometimes I’m scared.”

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Expert advice | The automobile in questions

Technology News / By Ashley Cornell, email: [email protected]

Our employee answers readers' questions.

Updated at 11:45 a.m.

Do not cut

I own a 2018 Volkswagen Beetle convertible that has almost 30,000 km on it. It remains reliable and I enjoy driving it, despite some issues with brake wear and the tightness of the rear seats. Given the interesting offering on the sales market, I'm taking a close look at the 2024 convertibles, even if the number of models is decreasing. My next car has to survive the next five years. Should I choose the new Mercedes Hybrid CLE? The BMW 3 Series? The Audi A5? The Ford Mustang? Very loud. I ruled out the MX5. I don't want a stiff suspension and have to pay attention to consumption, especially with high octane numbers. Should I wait for the new all-electric models in 2025?

Nancy R.

The spring season is a good time to sell your current vehicle at a very good price. Especially since the mileage is very low. However, you write, this gives you “great joy”. Why change it? Because of (premature?) brake wear? The narrowness of the back seats? While the convertible segment is in decline, your Volkswagen is becoming even more attractive to open-top driving enthusiasts. Especially because the cost of spare parts is reasonable compared to some sought-after vehicles. We recommend you keep it. However, if you now feel an irresistible desire to change, we recommend the Audi A5 based on your criteria. Today a proven model, different from the Mercedes CLE, and slightly more reliable than the BMW 3 Series. The idea of waiting for an electric vehicle (coupe or convertible) is not crazy. Mini's future Cooper (the convertible version will still be powered by a petrol engine, however) and the Tesla Roadster will undoubtedly be seen at dealers then. According to rumors, Genesis, Polestar and Alfa Romeo could launch an all-electric coupe or convertible in 2026-2027.

A worry

Expert advice The automobile in questions

PHOTO PROVIDED BY TOYOTA

Toyota Sienna

To meet the growing needs of our small family, we are considering purchasing a minivan. We vacillate between the Honda Odyssey, the Kia Carnival and the Toyota Sienna. The Sienna Hybrid's low fuel economy is tempting, but the now-known high-voltage wiring problems on newer Toyota RAV4 hybrids have us worried. What do you think ?

Emile D.

Of all your choices, the Sienna is the best. The cable problem was identified and confirmed by Toyota. With the Sienna, the problem currently affects the 2021 and 2022 model years. Toyota's Canadian management has already committed to replacing the defective cables and extending the warranty.

The right grip

1708189973 700 Expert advice The automobile in questions

PHOTO PROVIDED BY TOYOTA

Toyota Corolla

I own a 2013 Yaris LE in good condition with 85,000 km in 10 years. I would like to get a more modern car that is well equipped, offers more comfort and is easily accessible (it wouldn't be very difficult). I'm more environmentally friendly than performance oriented, but not ready for 100% electric, more hybrid or plug-in hybrid. If it is a used vehicle that is not older than two years and has low mileage. I have great confidence in Toyota. I'm particularly interested in the Corolla Cross. Do you have any further suggestions?

Denis B.

In its hybrid configuration, the Corolla Cross is currently unrivaled. This is a good choice because this model meets your criteria. Given the low mileage over the last 10 years and your willingness to connect a vehicle (plug-in hybrid), you should still consider a fully electric vehicle. With the help of government programs, this won't actually cost you more (to purchase) than a well-equipped Corolla Cross. Since you trust Toyota, you might consider the BZ4X or, among competitors, Hyundai's Kona EV or Chevrolet's Bolt and Equinox EV.

Problems on the horizon

1708189975 281 Expert advice The automobile in questions

PHOTO PROVIDED BY AUDI

Audi SQ5 Sportback

I am currently leasing a 2021 Audi SQ5 Sportback and has 54,000 km on it. My lease expires in a few months. I'm hesitant to buy it for about $43,000 (including taxes) or simply return the keys and start the rental again with a different vehicle. Do you have any recommendations?

Anne Marie D.

Your hesitation is understandable. According to consumer associations and our readers, the reliability is not guaranteed. Problems related to the on-board electronics and the chassis (suspension elements and steering) are among the most frequently cited problems. Better return the keys.

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Xbox cloud gaming on iPhone? It is dead ! here is the reason

Technology News / By Ashley Cornell, email: [email protected]

For fans of the apple brand, it's a cold shower. XboX's cloud gaming platform couldn't see the light of day on iOS. Another breakthrough that will be immediately forgotten.

Who doesn't dream about it? Play streaming Xbox games on your smartphone? All gamers, of course. And non-gaming experts can also get started in this area. This is, in a sense, the goal of Xbox Cloud Gaming. This platform will soon be available on your smartphone. Everything works fine on Android. But Microsoft will not incorporate this innovation into Apple products .

DMA takes center stage

The Digital Markets Act (DMA) will soon regulate the digital market in Europe. This law will come into force on 7th Marchnext. Of course she will opens doors for collaborations between high-tech giants . Apple, for example, will allow access to third-party applications on its platform. There will also be other payment methods.

However, Apple will flex its strategic mind. The company has been studying DMA for weeks. She therefore found several loopholes to exploit to her advantage. Now there is a tax on downloads via thatApp Store.

And this trend is not seen at some companies like Microsoft. It has been decided that Apple will not integrate its cloud gaming platform with Apple.

A difficult decision for Microsoft

“We don’t have the ability to monetize Xbox Cloud Gaming on iOS” Phil Spencer.

And this specialist agreed with Sarah Bond from Microsoft. According to the two professionals, Apple wants to keep the competition away as much as possible. And that's a barrier to innovation in smartphone gaming.

However, several companies will join forces to raise their voice against Apple. Epic gamesSpotify and Microsoftare at the top of the list.

“We will continue to work with regulators as well as Apple and Google to create an alternative storefront area” Phil Spencer.

He mentioned that How it works Windows . On this system Users have access to Steam and the Epic Games Store.This trend then takes into account the needs of gamers.

“There are alternatives, and I think alternative ways of buying things bring benefits for consumers and creators. I think the biggest platform for gamers, which is mobile, should have the same thing,” Phil Spencer.

Our blog is reader-run. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

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These malicious apps secretly take photos of you

Technology News / By Ashley Cornell, email: [email protected]

Be careful if you have these applications installed on your phone! You are infected with malicious spyware that records your every conversation and discreetly takes photos of you.

We can never say it enough, but be very careful with the applications you install on your smartphone! What you think is harmless photo editing software or a simple mobile game can wreak havoc on your life. Cybercriminals will stop at nothing to steal your personal information, and some of their methods are particularly intrusive. Eset cybersecurity researchers had further proof of this when they discovered the VajraSpy Trojan used by the Patchwork APT hacking group. Hidden within instant messaging or messaging applications, it is able to take control of your device to start audio recordings in the background and, even worse, take secret photos of you!

Researchers have discovered twelve apps infected with this malware, some of which are even sold directly in the Play Store, Google's app store for Android. For others, cybercriminals have developed malicious strategies to spread them, such as romance scams. To put it simply, they contact their victims via legitimate messaging services such as Messenger or WhatsApp. Once the conversation is established, they feign romantic or sexual interest and ask her to download another messaging app that corrupted. And then the trap closes.

Once your device is infected, the Trojan has access to your contacts, your call logs, your SMS messages, the location of your smartphone and the list of installed applications, which it steals with great care. Some of the infected apps are also able to intercept WhatsApp and Signal messages despite their encryption. One of the applications (Wave Chat) goes so far as to record your phone conversations, the words you type on the keyboard and ambient sounds by activating the microphone of your smartphone, as well as taking photos by activating the cameras. The Messages app asks for your phone number to sign in and can intercept contacts and certain files. The six applications distributed in the Play Store have been downloaded several thousand times – for the others it is impossible to know. Here is the list of compromised applications:

Private conversation
meet me
let us write
Quick chat
Rafaqat
Chit Cat
YohooTalk
Tick tock
Hello Cat
Nidus
GlowChat
Wave Chat

Fortunately, the apps available in the Play Store have now been removed. However, if you already have one of them installed on your smartphone, remove it immediately. Avoid downloading apps outside of official stores, and even then this isn't a complete guarantee of security – despite Google's best efforts, the Play Store regularly hosts fraudulent applications. The wisest thing to do is to only install applications that you really need and delete the ones that you no longer use. Before each download, pay attention to small details that might give you away, such as: Such as the number of downloads, negative reviews, the developer's name, other apps they developed, approval requests, etc. Don't forget to use a background antivirus program to counter any malicious behavior that may be at work in the background.

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Are you suffering from early shipping? How to cancel an email that was accidentally sent too quickly

Technology News / By Ashley Cornell, email: [email protected]

Did you just send an email a little too quickly with spelling mistakes, no attachments, or to the wrong recipient? Don't panic, you can still catch him…as long as you react very quickly!

Oh, the dumpling! You just accidentally sent an email to one of your contacts who wasn't the recipient. Or you copied a whole series of recipients even though you only wanted to write to one. Mistakes that we all make in our professional or private lives. Like messages that are sent without the promised document and are inevitably followed by a second email saying: “Oops, it’s better with the attachment!” Not to mention the messages that are written in a hurry and sent without proofreading and are full of spelling mistakes… In short, there are so many variations of the famous “Early Dispatch” syndrome that can land you in embarrassing situations!

It must be said that it is very easy to send an email without taking the time to review the content: a simple, quick click on the “Send” button and your message will be in the inbox in a few seconds Your correspondent found Even if he is on the other side of the planet, the data moves practically at the speed of light! A real time saver in everyday life, but also a real trap for forgetful people.

Luckily, some messaging services give you a second chance to correct your mistake by intercepting your message before it reaches the recipient. Provided, however, that you are responsive and, above all, use an email service that offers this option. Because not everyone is the same.

The cancel send option in Gmail, Google's messaging service, long remained an experimental feature and is now enabled by default. Depending on your selection, you can use a delay between 5 and 30 seconds once you click the Send button. This gives you time to react. You can access the option from the Gmail settings open in your browser. So as soon as you click on the submit button, an option will appear at the bottom left of the window. All you have to do is click on “Cancel Send” to prevent it from being sent. The feature is also present in the mobile application, with a delay of less than 10 seconds applied by default when sending an email.

If you use Yahoo Mail, things are different. It is impossible to delay sending a message via a web browser. On the other hand, if you use the Yahoo application on iPhone or Android, it is quite possible. The option is in the app settings under the name Cancel Send. By activating it, you will benefit from a delay of approximately 5 seconds after you click send to reconsider your decision.

If you use the Mail app on iPhone, you will get the same result, with a delay of about ten seconds to correct the situation after pressing the send button, regardless of the messaging system used.

And what about the giant Microsoft with its Outlook emails? It's complicated. There is no solution for Outlook.com online email. No option to cancel messages is provided. No more so than with the free application of the same name on Mac and PC. On the other hand, if you have Microsoft 365 and the (i.e. paid) Outlook application and you cannot cancel the sending of an email, you can recall it after it has been sent. The maneuver consists in retrieving the message stored in the correspondent's inbox as if he or she had never or almost never received it. However, in order to achieve this, several criteria must be taken into account. Your correspondent must also be using Outlook and must not have already opened the message. In addition, the recipient is informed that they have received an email and that they have been called back.

For professionals who use Exchange email, the principle used for Outlook also applies. It is possible to return a message that was sent in error, provided the same criteria are followed.

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6 new iPhone video game gems you can sink your teeth into without batting an eyelid

Technology News / By Ashley Cornell, email: [email protected]

Like new films, which are usually released on Wednesdays in France, new iOS games usually appear in the App Store on Thursdays. So it's like every week, on this day that we offer you Our pick of the best new iPhone and iPad games.

There are definitely some beautiful gems in the package to sink your teeth into, like those in the previous list, like Runes of Ardun available for download here, Gears Forever available here or even Oberty here in the App Store.

We present to you what we think is of the highest quality. In any case, some of the games are free and can be easily tested. So don't wait to form your own opinion! Don't hesitate to read us regularly so you don't miss any gaming news on iOS, among other things.

Our selection

Wytchwood

Description : Excellent adventure game with great graphics. Possibly one of the best games of the first quarter of 2024
We love : his great poetry
Download link: available here

Atlas Fury

Description : a simple and effective game that we like. In the old style, you control a spaceship and have to face hordes of enemies coming from all directions. As the adventure progresses, upgrade your weapons to do even more damage
We love : Fireworks style visual effects
Download link: available here

decoherence game

Description : Excellent team fighting game. It's up to you to build your robot heroes and put together the best team capable of defeating opposing clans
We love : Performance at a high level
Download link: available here

Galaxy Swirl: Hexa Endless Run

Description : Original Space Runner with a masterful soundtrack
We love : the immediate fun and letting off steam
Download link: available here in the App Store

Level Devil – NOT a troll game

Description : Difficult platform game where you need many attempts on each level to achieve your goals
We love : when it's so difficult that it's addictive
Download link : available here in the App Store

Minabo – A walk through life

Description : Social simulation game in which you can discover the lives of funny creatures and an extraordinary environment
We love : the beauty of the images
Download link: available here in the App Store

You've tested new features, whether you like them or not. Don't hesitate to share your feedback with the community in the comments!

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An Inexhaustible source of energy for cells and batteries?

Technology News / By Ashley Cornell, email: [email protected]

A “super battery” powered by energy from microbes in the soil. Mamy Nirina Rolland Randrianarivelo 02/17/2024 12:00 9 min

By exploiting theMicrobial energy in the ground for Generate electricityopened researchers from Northwestern University in the United States new perspectives in different areas like precision farming.

It's not from yesterday!

The history of microbial fuel cells dates back to First discoveries in the 1910s, when scientists observed that bacteria could generate electricity by breaking down organic matter in anaerobic environments. However, theirs are Development was limited for many years because of low power output and high manufacturing costs.

Discover how researchers are reinventing global governance to protect our planet!

It's just in the 2000s that MFCs triggered one new attention, Thanks to technological advances et al.growing interest in renewable energies. Since then, research has focused onImproving their efficiency, power delivery and durabilityResearch into new manufacturing and design methods as well their potential applications in areas such as environmental monitoring, medical devices, pollution cleanup and energy production in remote or hard-to-reach locations.

Significant progress is in sight!

TodayMicrobial fuel cells (MFCs) represent one promising technology in the field of sustainable energy and the environmentand offers significant potential for a variety of applications.

By harnessing the power of microorganisms to convert organic waste into electricity, MFCs could play a crucial role in the transition to a greener and more sustainable economythereby offering a solution to the energy and environmental challenges of the 21st century.

Why trust MFCs?

The need to contact MFCs arises from two big challenges Contemporaries:

THE Climate change induced by human activity;
the exponential growth of Electronic waste.

These problems prompted the computer community to do so fundamentally rethink There how we power our electronic devices. THE Battery-powered devices are ubiquitous, However, they need to be constantly replaced and charged, contributing to the proliferation of e-waste and a significant carbon footprint.

Ground-mounted microbial fuel cells (SMFCs). @Bill Yen/Northwestern University

Given this reality Soil Microbial Fuel Cells (SMFC) presents itself as renewable, biocompatible and viable energy sourceespecially in environments where traditional resources such as batteries and solar panels reach their limits.

To understand better

To fully understand how MFCs work, it is important to note how they work fundamental difference compared to conventional fuel cells. This technology uses the Potential of natural bacteria to provide a renewable energy sourceunlike traditional fuel cells that use Chemicals.

A little return to college…

Remember those Cathodes and anodes ? These are two key elements when operating electrochemical devices such as Cells and batteries. For the At the cathode, the electrons react with the ions present in the electrolyte solutionwhile'At the anode, the ions react with the electrons released by the chemical reaction.

The cathode and anode are two key elements in the operation of electrochemical devices such as cells and batteries.

The load difference A occurs between the cathode and the anode electromotive force that creates a constant flow of electrons via the external circuit. And that's how it happened cathode and thatanode play complementary roles in the Generation and maintenance of electrical current in a cell or battery.

…plus a touch of technology!

Researchers have successfully developed one innovative, cartridge-shaped battery model : deep in the ground a horizontal anode effectively captures electrons from microorganisms while a vertical cathode Positioning close to the surface ensures optimal operation.

This revolutionary design overcomes challenges related to water supply, oxygen supply and performance limitations due to lack of humiditythereby paving the way for the widespread use of microbial batteries in various applications.

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To achieve this goal, scientists used a methodical approach based on the analysis of nine months of deployment data, from four SMFC experiments exploring different cell geometries. This analysis made it possible“Significantly improve the performance of SMFCs, thereby expanding their energy efficiency range.” over a wide range of soil moisture contents.

Researchers have succeeded in developing an innovative, cartridge-shaped battery model. @Bill Yen/Northwestern University

These remarkable developments position the Microbial batteries as a promising energy solution offering renewable and reliable source of electricity, independent of climatic and environmental conditions.

What benefits can we get from it?

In the area ofPrecision agricultureoffers this innovation sustainable energy source for the sensors usedand thus ensures continuous and reliable operation. In addition, the advanced battery design enables effective adaptation to different soil moisture levelsproducing on average 68 times more energy than is required to power the sensors.

A sudden warming of the stratosphere in the Arctic could lead to major climate changes

With a 120% more performance than comparable technologiesturns out this solution extremely effective for the specific requirements of precision agriculture. In addition, researchers have a tiny antenna integrated into the battery-operated sensors, and thus makes it easier Real-time transmission of collected data to a base station.

This technology therefore offers the possibility of precisely monitoring soil elements. such as moisture, pollutants and nutrients sustainably and thus open up new perspectives for the optimized management of agricultural resources.

How about a large-scale expansion?

Availability of necessary components in the production of this microbial fuel cell will enable large-scale production in the near futurepaving the way for widespread adoption of this revolutionary technology.

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However, Despite these encouraging advances, challenges remain in powering practical computer systems with SMFCs at this stage of development. Nevertheless, it is SMFCs hold promise as a renewable and potentially biodegradable energy source. able to generate enough long-term electricity to power analog wireless sensors.

This research therefore opens the door to new investigations strive for This allows SMFC-powered sensors to meet the growing needs of the computing community with regard to sustainable and autonomous IoT devices.

reference : Bill Yen, Laura Jaliff, Louis Gutierrez, Philothei Sahinidis, Sadie Bernstein, John Madden, Stephen Taylor, Colleen Josephson, Pat Pannuto, Weitao Shuai, George Wells, Nivedita Arora and Josiah Hester. 2024. Soil-Powered Computing: The Engineer's Guide to the Practical Design of Soil Microbial Fuel Cells. Proc. ACM Interaction. Mob. Wearable, ubiquitous technology. 7, 4, Article 196 (December 2023), 40 pages. https://doi.org/10.1145/3631410

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