Tech Boys

Floppy disks may seem like a relic from an ancient time of computers but there are still places and even governments in the world that still use them to run its most basic functions. Japan is no longer one of those countries. Japan’s Digital Agency announced on Wednesday it has rid its use of outdated floppy disks to operate its government computer systems. The only system still in place that requires the use of floppy disks is an environmental system that monitors vehicle recycling, according to Reuters . Digital Minister Taro Kono declared in a statement to the news agency, “We have won the war on floppy disks on June 28!” Presumably, the statement wasn’t printed on that annoying dot matrix printer paper with the edges that never tear straight. Kono’s agency started his crusade against ‘90s era computer technology in 2022 shortly after his appointment to the Digital Agency. Around 1,900 of Japan’s government procedures used floppy disks and other outdated technology such as fax

As Apple prepares to launch its suite of AI features (i.e., Apple Intelligence ), the iPhone maker has been meeting with a number of companies in the AI space. One company Apple might ink a deal with is Google, one of its biggest competitors in the mobile space. According to a new report from Bloomberg 's Apple insider Mark Gurman, Apple will announce the addition of Google Gemini on iPhones at its annual event in September.  SEE ALSO: Apple reportedly paid OpenAI zero dollars for its ChatGPT partnership Apple chooses Google over Meta for AI? This year's fall Apple event will see not only the introduction of the new iPhone 16, but also the launch of Apple Intelligence built into the new iOS 18 . Apple already announced a partnership with OpenAI at its annual WWDC event in June . Genmoji, one of the Apple Intelligence features, was announced at WWDC 2024. Credit: Apple However, Apple is reportedly looking to provide users with a choice of multiple AI models in

A three-mile stretch of Interstate 94 in Michigan will be converted into America’s first smart highway. Axios reports that the Alphabet-backed startup Cavnue has started constructing the smart highway as part of a new pilot project that could spur other construction projects across the country. Two more highways are in the works for Austin, Texas and somewhere else in the Southwest, according to Cavnue’s website . The new smart road is big, long car tracking system for Michigan’s Department of Transportation (MDOT) and for drivers on the highway. The smart highway is designed to send data like traffic updates, weather conditions, driving conditions and stranded vehicles in the hopes of relieving traffic congestion, preventing accidents and providing efficient responses to roadway emergencies. The pilot program of the highway is located between Ann Arbor and Detroit, Michigan. There are future plans to extend the smart highway to 40 miles into six more phases that would connect to

Self-care looks different for everyone, so it can be a little difficult to find just the right gift for someone with this goal in mind. There is no one-size-fits-all here. As with any type of present, keep your recipient's specific priorities and interests in mind as you search. If they're into art, you might get them an art kit or coloring book . Or maybe they're a dedicated homebody and would prefer an air purifier , essential oil diffuser , or plant . We've found more than 40 gifts ideal for anyone into self-care, whether that's your boyfriend , girlfriend , mom , dad , or anyone else on your list. (Hey, it could even be yourself. That's the beauty of self-care, baby.) from Mashable https://ift.tt/7YtepkQ via IFTTT

Jesse Plemons, Willem Dafoe, Joe Alwyn and Mamoudou Athie describe what separates Yorgos Lanthimos from other directors. from Mashable https://ift.tt/x15FhyJ via IFTTT

YouTube quietly added a new policy last month that lets you request the removal of AI-generated content featuring your likeness. The new privacy violation policy, first spotted by TechCrunch ’s Sarah Perez, allows you to flag videos that “used AI to alter or create synthetic content that looks or sounds like you.” YouTube says several factors will determine whether it considers a removal, including whether the content is altered or synthetic (and whether it’s disclosed as such), easily identifiable as the person in question or realistic. The company will also weigh whether it could be considered a parody or satire. Another factor is whether it includes a public figure (or other well-known individual) “engaging in a sensitive behavior,” like crime, violence or endorsing a product or political candidate. TechCrunch notes the paramount importance of the latter during this pivotal election year. The new policy falls under YouTube’s privacy violations, not misleading content . The co

House of the Dragon Season 2, episode 3, "The Burning Mill," brings viewers back to one of Westeros' most notorious castles: Harrenhal. And what a return it is! The episode sees Daemon Targaryen (Matt Smith) swoop into Harrenhal with his dragon Caraxes, but this is far from the triumphant conquest he envisioned. Castellan Simon Strong (Sir Simon Russell Beale) is all too ready to turn the castle over to Team Black, no fight needed. On top of all that, Harrenhal is supremely spooky, its melted ruins exposing anyone within to the elements. SEE ALSO: 'House of the Dragon' director Geeta Vasant Patel breaks down Rhaenyra and Alicent's pivotal meeting "The Burning Mill" uses this spookiness to its fullest extent as Daemon first steps foot in Harrenhal. He prowls down long, empty corridors and staircases. Rain and thunder crash in from above, bats burst from the rafters. In the hands of director Geeta Vasant Patel , the castle becomes a maze that