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News
Apple is reportedly bringing live translation to AirPods
Apple plans to introduce live translation to AirPods with iOS 19, allowing real-time conversation translation through the earbuds. For instance, a Spanish sentence will be translated and played in English via AirPods, and vice versa using the iPhone’s speakers. This move follows Google’s 2017 introduction of live translation in Pixel Buds, later enhanced in 2022 with Pixel Buds Pro. Other companies like Meta and Humane have also experimented with live translation in their wearables, although with mixed success. Additionally, Apple is planning a major redesign of iOS, iPadOS, and macOS this year.
AI search engines cite incorrect sources at an alarming 60% rate, study says
A recent study by Columbia Journalism Review’s Tow Center for Digital Journalism found that AI search engines often provide incorrect information. The research tested eight AI-driven search tools and discovered that they gave wrong answers to over 60% of news-related questions. This raises concerns about the reliability of AI in delivering accurate news.
Meta’s Response to Explosive Tell-All Is Ripped From a Familiar PR Playbook
Former Facebook executive Sarah Wynn-Williams has released a memoir titled “Careless People,” alleging misconduct by top Meta leaders, including CEO Mark Zuckerberg and former COO Sheryl Sandberg. Meta has dismissed these claims as false and outdated, labeling Wynn-Williams a disgruntled ex-employee terminated for poor performance. The company secured an emergency ruling to halt the book’s promotion, citing a nondisparagement agreement Wynn-Williams signed upon her 2017 departure. Despite this, publisher Macmillan plans to continue supporting the book, which has already sold over 200,000 copies and ranks among Amazon’s top 10 bestsellers.
China’s AI frenzy: DeepSeek is already everywhere — cars, phones, even hospitals
China is rapidly integrating DeepSeek’s R1 AI model across various sectors, including automobiles, healthcare, and government services. Over 20 Chinese car brands are enhancing features like voice control and mapping using DeepSeek. Government agencies are adopting it for tasks such as document writing and policy analysis.
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Reads
The “Asian Conglomerate Series” delves into the vast influence of conglomerates in Asia, where a few powerful companies, led by notable tycoons, dominate many products and services. This series aims to understand these business giants from an insider’s perspective, considering their unique histories and political environments. It challenges Western viewpoints and seeks to provide a clearer picture of how these conglomerates operate within their specific contexts.
9 tactics to get your first 50 SaaS customers in 2025
Alexander Estner shares strategies for early-stage SaaS startups to acquire initial customers. He emphasizes leveraging personal networks, seeking warm introductions from investors and advisors, and requesting referrals from early users. Additional tactics include engaging in founder-led sales, participating in online communities, and offering limited-time promotions to attract interest. Estner also highlights the importance of understanding your ideal customer profile and tailoring approaches accordingly.
A look back on the funniest thing I ever did…. AKA “How To Make $100K From A Dick Joke.”
An amusing story about turning a crude joke into a significant profit.