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In a context where artificial intelligence like ChatGPT is becoming increasingly popular, Europe is considering strengthening the GDPR to better regulate the use of personal data. These AIs, deployed in connected devices such as smartwatches and online platforms, can access sensitive information, often without users being aware of it. Given these risks, the European Union is proposing regulatory measures aimed at protecting personal data and informing users about the use of their information by AI.

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[EN VIDÉO] Interview: How was artificial intelligence born? Artificial intelligence aims to mimic the way the human brain works, or at least its logic…

While European Personal Data Protection Day aims to raise awareness among the population to take control of their private data online, the future of this data could well see a revolution. It is the thunderous arrival of powerful artificial intelligence (AI) like ChatGPT. If these AIs know how to convince with their rhetorical talent, they are increasingly being exploited to manage the numerous personal data that we often unknowingly make available to the platforms. From this perspective, AI is not without risks.

For this reason, Europe wants to supplement its General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). The institution plans to add a set of harmonized rules for the use of AI. It has to be said that this famous AI is now everywhere. We wear it on our wrist day and night with connected watches and bracelets that can collect health data and even detect certain pathologies. However, consumers do not always realize that asking personal questions, such as medical ones, to a conversational tool means providing the companies that manage this artificial intelligence with confidential information that could be used for commercial purposes. And that is not the only concern, because many actors are involved in artificial intelligence, be it the developer, the supplier, the importer, the dealer and the user. This set remains rather opaque for the consumer. Therefore, it is difficult to know who actually has access to personal data and who would be responsible in the event of problems.

Better information about AI algorithms

As the use of these AIs increases, the risk of data leaks or loss of control over personal data is also significant. Therefore, for their protection, consumers must inform themselves about the company that collects their data and its policies regarding the processing of that personal data. This is not always easy, even if some players in the industry are more virtuous than others. This is particularly true for Apple, which wants to promote data confidentiality by, for example, forcing application developers to automatically obtain consent for data collection.

To better protect users, the European Union has therefore proposed three texts: a regulatory framework for artificial intelligence, an AI liability directive and a product liability directive. With its additional regulations, the EU wants to force digital giants and other platforms and social networks to better inform users about their algorithms. And to oblige them, the text provides for significant sanctions. Failure to comply with these new obligations could amount to between 10 and 30 million euros, or 2 to 4% of turnover. It remains up to the institution to adopt these texts quickly enough before the AIs allow themselves even more freedom.

Microsoft is previewing some new features that will be available in build 26040 of Windows 11. In particular, an improved audio experience and better management of photos recently taken with the smartphone from the PC are planned.

While Windows 12 awaits Windows 12, Windows 11 continues to evolve to improve various aspects of its user experience. Microsoft announces the official launch of Insider Preview Build 26040 (Canary Channel). This is a release that only a limited number of people can initially test before rolling out the stable version to the general public. However, it's a nice preview of what's to come.

On the agenda: increased continuity between PC and smartphone, an interesting improvement in the audio quality of calls and innovations in USB-C ports.

Voice clarity

One of the big points highlighted in the changelog shared by Microsoft is bringing the Voice Clarity feature to a slightly larger number of people. This option was already available on the Redmond company's Surface products and aims to improve “your audio experience”. The promise is to eliminate echoes and echoes, remove background noise and reduce reverberation.

All this thanks to artificial intelligence models that can adapt in real time. No special hardware is required, Microsoft explains that it works on all machines with x64 and ARM64 processors. “This feature is enabled by default and can be used by applications that use audio signal processing modes, such as: E.g. Link with Windows and WhatsApp.”

Microsoft ensures that your voice is always heard very clearly in your meetings and other online communications.

Better manage your smartphone photos and screenshots

In this build 26040, Microsoft is also integrating a new feature that makes it easier and smoother for you to manage recent photos and screenshots taken with your smartphone from your computer. These images can be accessed directly from the Windows 11 Screen Capture Tool.

When you take a photo with your Android smartphone, you will receive a notification directly on your PC so that you can edit the image.

To enable this experience, go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Mobile devices (these settings were updated with build 26016 in the Canary Channel), select “Manage devices” and allow your PC to access your Android phone. Your PC will receive a Cross Device Experience Host update from the Microsoft Store, which is required for this experience to work.

The company says this feature will replace a very similar option presented in September 2023, but which relied on the Link with Windows – Mobile connected application.

Very fast USB-C

Microsoft also announces “support for the latest generation USB standard, USB 80 Gbit/s, in this version” for Windows 11. This new feature will initially be reserved for PCs equipped with Intel Core (14th Generation) HX series processors. Special mention goes to the Razer Blade 18, which has already been made official but will be released later this year.

The program for this “first major update of the USB4 version” includes bidirectional transfer speeds of 80 Gbit/s instead of 40.

Quickly shut down your computer without having to manually close all applications or click through multiple menus using a special shortcut.

Do you let your PC sleep at the end of the day instead of turning it off, even on weekends when you're not using it? If this is often due to sheer laziness, know that there is a solution to shut down your PC quickly and with just one click. To do this, you need to create a shortcut from the operating system desktop, which you can then pin to the taskbar. Thanks to this, you are just one click away from liberation and therefore do not have to manually close all open applications and save yourself the three clicks that are currently required to turn off your computer. Find out how to do it.

1. Create a new shortcut

Go to the Windows desktop, right-click on it and then inside Newchoose to create one abbreviation.

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2. Configure the shortcut

In the window How to create a shortcut This opens under the heading Enter the location of the itemcopy and paste the following line:

%windir%\System32\shutdown.exe /s /t 0

The zero displayed at the end of the line represents the waiting time in seconds before the PC needs to shut down. If you leave the value at zero, your PC will shut down immediately. However, you can change this value to display a countdown before turning off the machine.

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Then click on the button Belowgive your shortcut a name and click the button Finish.

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3. Customize the shortcut icon

Now that you abbreviation is visible on the Windows desktop, do the following: Right-click on it and meet in the Characteristics.

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Basically the window Characteristics opens in the tab by default abbreviation. If not, select it. Then click on the button Change icon.

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A warning window should appear indicating that the file does not contain any symbols. Click on OK to close it, then in the window Change icon From the icon that appears, select the icon you want to assign to your shortcut.

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Click on OK To save your changes, then click Applyand finally further OK to close the window.

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4. Pin the shortcut

Your shortcut icon is now easy to see. Place it where it will be most useful to you, namely the taskbar. Do one Right-click the shortcutand choosePin it to the taskbar.

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By default, your shortcut will be positioned to the far right of the icons that are already pinned to the taskbar. However, you can change its position by simply dragging and dropping if you want to display it further to the left of it.

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Now all you have to do is click on this button and your device will turn off immediately.

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Opera One – AI-powered web browser

From: Opera

These free apps make it easy to share files with your loved ones nearby, wirelessly and on any device.

Sharing files between all your nearby devices is not an easy task. If you use Apple devices, AirDrop will work for you. If you use Android, be sure to use Google's Nearby Share. Unfortunately, neither solution is universal. AirDrop only works on Apple devices, while Google's proximity sharing only works between Android devices and, more recently, Windows devices.

There is no official solution from Apple or Google to easily share files between all devices, whether they run iOS, Android, macOS or Windows. To be able to share files as easily as with AirDrop or Nearby Sharing, you have no choice but to resort to third-party solutions.

Even if that means you have to choose an alternative, you might as well choose one that fills the biggest gap in AirDrop and Google Nearby Sharing: interoperability between all operating systems. There are a wealth of options in this game. Not all are equally effective or easy to use. Sorting is required between applications full of promotional videos or premium subscriptions and applications that don't work the first time. After several tests, we have selected the three that we believe meet all your requirements.

Also read: WhatsApp is preparing a file sharing function similar to AirDrop

LocalSend is undoubtedly one of the most effective local file sharing apps. It is free, open source and available on all platforms (Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS) and uses your home's local network to operate. In other words, all devices you want to transfer files between must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network. No connection to the internet is required.

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To transfer files, the application relies on a communication protocol that allows each device to communicate with each other. All shared data is secure and uses the HTTPS protocol, while a TLS/SSL certificate is generated on any device in an instant.

The process for transferring files between multiple devices couldn't be simpler. Simply open the app on any device, choose whether you want to send or receive content on each device, and choose what you want to share before selecting the recipient.

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All detected machines are identified by a unique name, which is sometimes quite exotic. The transfer can be instant if you have previously configured the option. Note that you can share individual files, but also entire directories, texts or even your computer's clipboard.

Also Read: This Universal App Brings AirDrop-Inspired File Sharing to All Your Devices

With a name like that, it's hard not to think of the Apple solution that the tool is reminiscent of. Also open source – it is based on Snapdrop – PairDrop offers more options when it comes to file sharing. It is accessible from any web browser and allows you to quickly transfer files over an internet connection. The devices must then be connected to the same local network. But PairDrop, available in French, goes much further. The utility offers a system that allows you to maintain pairing between your devices (thanks to a connection established via a 6-digit code or a QR code) so that after you close and reopen PairDrop, they find each other automatically .

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Importantly, the utility offers a system of “public temporary spaces” that devices can access via a six-digit code or QR code. The devices located in these virtual “rooms” can recognize each other in order to authorize file exchange (i.e. over the Internet). Once this “temporary virtual room” is empty, PairDrop will automatically delete it.

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For the rest, using PairDrop is trivial. All you have to do is select a visible device, select the item to share and you're done. The recipient simply needs to accept the sharing request to receive the file. Simple, quick and effective. To access it more quickly from your smartphone, you can save the web app directly to the home screen.

Similar to PairDrop, ShareDrop is establishing itself as a universal platform for sharing files regardless of your devices. And for good reason: the application is accessible via a web browser, both on desktop and mobile devices. Sharedrop allows you to transfer files directly between multiple devices without using a third-party server. The system is based on a secure peer-to-peer transmission system.

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The application can therefore be used to exchange files between multiple devices connected to the same local network without requiring any configuration on your part. The devices usually automatically recognize each other and are ready to send or receive files. It is also possible to transfer files between multiple devices that are not on the same local network. To do this, you need to create a “room” with a unique URL by clicking the “+” button at the top right of the window. The recipient then only needs to flash the displayed QR code to access this unique virtual space in their web browser from which they can exchange files.

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Once this formality is completed, all you have to do is select the recipient, select a file and click the “Send” button to share it. The recipient will then receive a notification that they must accept to receive the shared item.

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Opera One – AI-powered web browser

From: Opera

To ensure detection and neutralization of drones, this prototype armored vehicle is equipped with a turret equipped with sophisticated sensors and cannons. Its performance was recently successfully demonstrated in tests in the USA.

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[EN VIDÉO] Military Drones: What different types of military drones are used?

There are plenty of drones on the Ukrainian battlefields. Many of these are commercially available quadcopters. They are primarily used to observe and adjust artillery fire or to check whether an FPV drone loaded with explosives has reached its target.

The use of these drones has raised awareness among armies around the world due to their interest but also their dangers. Therefore, many defense companies are developing solutions to neutralize them. In addition to jammers, systems such as laser cannons are also in development. Other more traditional solutions are being tested with machine guns.

The armored vehicle has a modular design and can be equipped with around thirty different gun turrets. The prototype of this prototype is designed for the acquisition and destruction of drones. © BAE Systems

Impressive precision

That's exactly what BAE Systems is offering with its AMPV C-UAS armored vehicle prototype. It has a tower designed to neutralize drones. The machine is based on an AMPV armored vehicle that the American army has equipped for four years and has the advantage of being modular. It is thus capable of supporting 30 different interchangeable turrets for as many specific missions. The one used is Moog (RIwP). This is a short-range air defense tower.

To identify and capture targets, the armored vehicle is also equipped with radars with 360° coverage, cameras and other sensors. As for armament, the turret is equipped with Stinger missiles, a machine gun and a 30mm Northrop Grumman XM914 cannon. As shown in the video, the company has just successfully tested this weapon system's ability to accurately detect, track, identify and destroy ground targets and drones at a firing range in Kingman, Arizona. It remains to be seen whether the United States intends to supply this type of equipment to Ukraine to ensure its air defense.

To ensure detection and elimination of drones, this prototype armored vehicle is equipped with a turret equipped with advanced sensors and cannons. Its effectiveness has been demonstrated in recent trials in the United States

This will also interest you

[EN VIDÉO] Military Drones: What different types of military drones are used?

There are plenty of drones on the Ukrainian battlefields. Many of these are commercially available quadcopters. They are primarily used to observe and adjust artillery fire or to check whether an FPV drone loaded with explosives has reached its target.

The use of these drones has raised awareness among armies around the world due to their interest but also their dangers. Therefore, many defense companies are developing solutions to neutralize them. In addition to jammers, systems such as laser cannons are also in development. Other more traditional solutions are being tested with machine guns.

The armored vehicle has a modular design and can be equipped with around thirty different gun turrets. The prototype of this prototype is designed for the acquisition and destruction of drones. © BAE Systems

Impressive precision

That's exactly what BAE Systems is offering with its AMPV C-UAS armored vehicle prototype. It has a tower designed to neutralize drones. The machine is based on an AMPV armored vehicle that the American army has equipped for four years and has the advantage of being modular. It is thus capable of supporting 30 different interchangeable turrets for as many specific missions. The one used is Moog (RIwP). This is a short-range air defense tower.

To identify and capture targets, the armored vehicle is also equipped with radars with 360° coverage, cameras and other sensors. As for armament, the turret is equipped with Stinger missiles, a machine gun and a 30mm Northrop Grumman XM914 cannon. As shown in the video, the company has just successfully tested this weapon system's ability to accurately detect, track, identify and destroy ground targets and drones at a firing range in Kingman, Arizona. It remains to be seen whether the United States intends to supply this type of equipment to Ukraine to ensure its air defense.

Doogee now offers a new rugged smartphone, the S41 Plus, on Amazon. The model is not sold directly by Amazon, but through a third party. However, shipping takes place via the shipping giant and should therefore be particularly quick. The asking price is currently just under $180.

The smartphone is equipped with a Unisoc Tiger T606, which isn't the fastest SoC – instead, Doogee is aimed at users looking for a second phone for use outdoors or in dirty environments. The RAM is 4 GB, which is also not very good. The screen is relatively compact at 5.5 inches with a resolution of 720 x 1440.

As a robust smartphone with IP68, IP69K and MIL-STD-810H certification, the model should not be damaged if it falls into water and should be easy to use even in dusty environments. The smartphone has the plastic housing typical of rugged devices, which should also withstand falls without suffering permanent damage, for example in the form of a cracked housing.

The use of two SIM cards is possible, but only in 4G networks. At 16.2 millimeters, the smartphone is not particularly thin and at 262 grams it is not particularly light either, although it has a fairly large 6,300 mAh battery. Android 13 is installed. The Sony IMX278 sensor in the main camera has a resolution of 13 MP.

Browser market. Image: DALL-E3.

Google Chrome continues to be the leader in the browser market with a global market share of around 64.7% at the end of 2023. Microsoft Edge, with a market share of nearly 5%, leverages the Chromium engine to deliver a Chrome-like experience while integrating its own features to stand out.

Mozilla Firefox, with a global market share of around 3.3%, and Opera, with 2.9%, are trying to resist the supremacy of Chrome, whose dominance does not appear to be weakening despite the efforts of its competitors to offer innovations and attract users to this one Wikipedia and Statcounter page.

Firefox recently updated its data import capabilities from other browsers, as detailed here, while Opera is betting on integrating AI with its Aria chatbot to provide an enriched user experience. Too bad you have to create an Opera account to benefit from these features.

Safari and Samsung Internet: major players

Safari, developed by Apple, has a market share of around 19%. It is particularly popular on mobile devices with a market share of around 30% in this segment. Samsung Internet, on the other hand, has a market share of almost 3% and more than 6% in mobile, making it a significant player in the browser ecosystem.

Browsers are constantly looking for innovations to attract users. Opera, for example, has integrated AI to answer user questions and generate content in real time. Firefox, in turn, has stopped supporting older versions of Windows and macOS and is focusing on newer operating systems –

Undeniable problems; blurred perspectives

The browser wars are certainly driven by market share, but we cannot ignore the ability of smaller players to innovate, as we recently saw again with Arc. In this sense, despite having more modest market shares, Opera and Firefox continue to offer unique features to attract loyal audiences.

Chrome maintains its leadership position thanks to its speed and extensive ecosystem, while Edge benefits from its connection to the Chromium engine to remain competitive. This dominance of Google raises questions given the essential role these browsers play in accessing the Internet.

What is the role of the regulatory authority?

Although Firefox and Opera are further behind, they continue to innovate to stay relevant in this technological competition. However, because they lack the clout of Google, Apple and Microsoft, which market peripherals, they cannot establish themselves directly with users.

In this very specific market, one might ask whether the regulator should not intervene as with search engines. To what extent should devices not be offered with a screen that allows the user to select their default browser before system boot?

Xavier Studer with Perplexity.ai

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