Tag: mint – technology

  • OpenAI Unveils ‘Spud’: A New AI Model Aimed at Enhancing ChatGPT

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    OpenAI, a leader in artificial intelligence, is set to introduce its latest creation, ‘Spud’ – a new AI model designed to enhance the capabilities of ChatGPT. Greg Brockman, the President of OpenAI, revealed that ‘Spud’ is the result of two years of intensive research by the company, marking a significant step towards achieving artificial general intelligence (AGI).

    According to Brockman, who spoke on the Big Technology podcast, ‘Spud’ is not just an incremental upgrade but a foundational base model that will pave the way for future iterations of ChatGPT. This new model is expected to bring substantial improvements in performance and user experience.

    While specific details about ‘Spud’ are yet to be fully disclosed, reports suggest that it will offer enhanced problem-solving abilities, improved contextual understanding, and a more nuanced approach to instructions. The model is anticipated to set new benchmarks in AI capabilities, making tasks that were previously challenging for AI systems more manageable and user-friendly.

    The upcoming unveiling of ‘Spud’ has generated significant interest among tech enthusiasts and AI experts, as it promises to push the boundaries of what AI can achieve. As OpenAI prepares to showcase the potential of ‘Spud’ in the coming weeks, the tech community eagerly awaits further updates on this latest development.

    Source: mint – technology

  • Meta Warns iPhone Users of Italian Spyware Masquerading as WhatsApp

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    WhatsApp has issued a warning to approximately 200 users in Italy who inadvertently downloaded a malicious version of the app containing spyware. The spyware was developed by Italian surveillance company SIO, known for creating surveillance tools for governments through its subsidiary ASIGINT. These users fell victim to a social engineering ploy that led them to install the compromised WhatsApp variant.

    Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp, disclosed that the affected users, primarily in Italy, were identified and logged out as a precaution. The attack was orchestrated to persuade users to install a fake WhatsApp version, likely to compromise their devices. Meta plans to take legal action against the spyware firm to prevent any further malicious activities.

    While Meta did not divulge specifics about the impacted users or the extent of data breach, WhatsApp spokesperson Margarita Franklin reiterated the company’s commitment to safeguarding users who were deceived into downloading the counterfeit iOS app.

    The deceptive WhatsApp application was not disseminated through official channels like Google Play Store or Apple’s App Store but through unofficial sources. Victims were coerced into downloading the altered WhatsApp app under the guise of authenticity. Once installed, the rogue software enabled unauthorized entities to access the users’ device data.

    Source: mint – technology

  • ChatGPT Integration on Apple CarPlay Enhances In-Car Voice Interactions

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Apple CarPlay users can now engage with ChatGPT, a leading AI chatbot, directly from their vehicle’s dashboard. This integration marks a significant step in enhancing voice-based interactions while driving.

    Following the release of the iOS 26.4 update, Apple CarPlay now supports third-party voice-based conversational apps, allowing ChatGPT to offer its services seamlessly within the CarPlay environment.

    The CarPlay version of ChatGPT operates primarily through voice commands, adhering to Apple’s guidelines that restrict text or image displays on the platform. Users can engage with the chatbot, ask questions, and receive verbal responses, all while maintaining hands-free operation.

    The ChatGPT integration on CarPlay mirrors the functionality of its mobile counterpart, featuring voice-only interactions, an ‘End’ button for convenience, and a history log of past conversations. Despite the absence of tactile controls, users can navigate their interactions effectively through voice prompts.

    Although ChatGPT enables seamless communication within the vehicle, its current capabilities do not extend to controlling vehicle or iPhone functions. Users must initiate conversations by tapping the ChatGPT icon on the CarPlay display, as there is no dedicated wake word for activation.

    For Apple enthusiasts eager to experience the future of in-car AI interactions, updating to iOS 26.4 is the gateway to integrating ChatGPT into their CarPlay ecosystem.

    Source: mint – technology

  • Google Allows Gmail Users to Change Usernames

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Google has introduced a new feature that allows users to modify their Gmail usernames. This change enables individuals to update outdated or embarrassing email addresses, reflecting Google’s commitment to user flexibility and personalization. The feature, currently available only to users in the US, offers a straightforward process for updating usernames while preserving account data.

    According to Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai, this update frees users from being tethered to email addresses from years past. By navigating to their Google Account settings, individuals can select an available @gmail.com address of their choice, retaining access to their previous username and utilizing both interchangeably.

    With this update, users can change the section of their email address that precedes @gmail.com, while maintaining all account information intact. Google assures that despite the username alteration, users’ account content such as photos, messages, and emails will remain associated with the account. The former email address automatically converts into an alternative address, ensuring seamless email reception in a unified inbox.

    Although users can switch email addresses only once every 12 months and up to a maximum of three times, they have the flexibility to revert to their original email address at any point. This feature not only modernizes user accounts but also streamlines the email management experience for Gmail users.

    Source: mint – technology

  • Perplexity AI Faces Lawsuit Over Alleged Data Sharing with Tech Giants

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Perplexity AI, an AI search engine, is at the center of a proposed class-action lawsuit for allegedly sharing sensitive user data with Meta Platforms and Google, as reported by Bloomberg. The complaint accuses Perplexity of violating California privacy laws by embedding ‘undetectable’ trackers that transmit personal information to these tech giants.

    The lawsuit, initiated by a Utah resident known as John Doe, aims to represent a larger group of Perplexity users. It alleges that trackers are downloaded onto users’ devices upon visiting Perplexity’s website, granting Meta and Google full access to conversations with the AI system, even in ‘Incognito’ mode.

    Furthermore, the complaint claims that this backdoor access enables Meta and Google to utilize the data for targeted advertising and potentially resell it to third parties. Perplexity is accused of including hidden tracking software in its search engine code to facilitate the transmission of user conversations to these tech companies.

    In response to the lawsuit, a Meta spokesperson referenced Facebook’s policy against advertisers sending sensitive information, emphasizing their stance on data privacy. Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Perplexity has yet to provide a formal statement regarding the allegations.

    Source: mint – technology

  • New York City Lifts TikTok Ban, Implements Security Measures

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    The New York City government, led by Mayor Zohran Mamdani, has announced the reversal of its ban on TikTok. Agencies can now resume posting on the platform after security concerns prompted the initial prohibition three years ago. The decision follows a set of security precautions outlined by city cybersecurity officials to mitigate risks associated with the Chinese social media platform.

    The ban, implemented in 2023 by Mamdani’s predecessor Eric Adams, aligned with federal and state actions restricting TikTok over data-sharing apprehensions with the Chinese government. NYC Cyber Command emphasized that the move aims to enhance the city’s communication outreach during crucial times, providing information on services, emergencies, events, and more to New Yorkers.

    The security measures include using separate devices for TikTok, prohibiting sensitive data on those devices, creating TikTok accounts using agency credentials, and assigning specific staff members for TikTok usage. This shift signifies the Mamdani administration’s commitment to leveraging diverse communication tools to engage with the public effectively.

    Source: mint – technology

  • Anthropic’s Claude Code AI Tool Accidentally Exposes Source Code

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Anthropic, a San Francisco-based AI company, has inadvertently disclosed the complete source code of its AI coding tool, Claude Code. The exposure was a result of a packaging error, as reported by NDTV.

    Security researcher Chaofan Shau discovered that a 60MB source file map bundled within Claude Code’s npm package allowed the recreation of the original TypeScript code. This incident, considered unusual for a finalized software product, occurred on Tuesday, according to the report.

    The leaked source code unveiled the inner mechanisms of the AI platform, granting developers insights into its features and internal architecture, previously known only to Anthropic’s engineers. While the breach did not compromise user data or the core AI systems, it raised concerns about the tool’s security practices.

    Although the exposed code does not directly jeopardize user privacy, it reveals details about the tool’s construction, operational processes, and security protocols. This incident underscores the importance of robust security measures in AI development and software packaging.

    Source: mint – technology

  • India’s 5G Surge: Mobile Data Consumption Skyrockets, 5G Traffic Jumps 70%

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    According to Nokia’s Mobile Broadband Index (MBiT) 2026, India has experienced significant growth in mobile data consumption and 5G traffic. The country’s average monthly mobile data usage per user exceeded 31 GB, with 5G traffic surging over 70% year-on-year. India now boasts the world’s second-largest 5G subscriber base, with 5G contributing about 47% to total mobile broadband traffic.

    The report highlights the rapid expansion of enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB) and the increasing demand for data-intensive applications like AI, 4K video streaming, and cloud gaming. Overall data traffic in 2025 surpassed 27 EB per month, driven by expanding 5G coverage and the availability of affordable 5G smartphones.

    Metro circles lead in 5G adoption, constituting 58% of total mobile data traffic. Growth is observed across various circles, indicating wider 5G penetration nationwide. The report projects India’s 5G subscriber base could exceed 1 billion by 2031, showcasing the country’s growing global leadership in 5G connectivity.

    Source: mint – technology

  • AI-Powered CCTNS 2.0 Enhances Crime Prediction and Criminal Profiling

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    The Ministry of Home Affairs has announced the integration of artificial intelligence tools into the upcoming version of the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network & Systems (CCTNS) in India. The CCTNS, which links 17,000 police stations nationwide to a centralized online platform, will leverage AI for advanced functionalities.

    The National Crime Records Bureau envisions AI applications in CCTNS 2.0, including entity resolution and criminal profiling. Through AI, the system can consolidate cases to identify common suspects and generate comprehensive criminal profiles based on First Information Report (FIR) data from various police stations.

    Additionally, an automatic prediction tool is being considered for integration, capable of identifying specific acts and sections from FIR content using a custom-trained AI-LLM model. This AI implementation will enable predictive analytics for preempting potential crime hotspots and optimizing beat planning.

    The AI tools will further contribute to identifying repeat offenders, enhancing traffic management through automatic number plate recognition, and utilizing AI-powered facial recognition for identifying wanted criminals via CCTV surveillance. Moreover, AI aids security agencies in bolstering intelligence gathering and counter-terrorism efforts by swiftly analyzing extensive datasets, identifying anomalies, and predicting patterns.

    Source: mint – technology

  • Apple Accidentally Releases AI Update to Chinese iPhone Users, Quickly Retracts It

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Apple inadvertently made its Apple Intelligence update available to iPhone users in China, surprising many before the company swiftly removed it. The update, which had not been officially launched in China, was noticed by users after the iOS 26.4 rollout. However, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman clarified that this release was an ‘error’ due to a lack of regulatory approval, leading to its removal. Apple’s delay in launching AI features in China is attributed to the government’s requirement for partnerships with local AI providers to comply with regulations. Since Apple’s Intelligence uses Google for ‘Visual Intelligence,’ which is inaccessible in China, navigating approval processes becomes crucial. Despite the mishap, Apple has not provided an official statement regarding the incident, focusing instead on its recent iOS 26.5 developer beta update. The absence of Apple Intelligence in China underscores the complexities tech companies face in aligning with local laws and regulations.

    Source: mint – technology