Google starts rolling out Gemini AI-powered 'Ask Photos' feature in Photos: Technology news

Google starts rolling out Gemini AI-powered 'Ask Photos' feature in Photos: Technology news


Photos, Google Photos(Photo: Shutterstock)


Google is rolling out the “Ask Photos” feature to select users. The Gemini-powered feature is reportedly rolling out for users in the US as a server-side update and appearing in the Google Photos app, meaning it does not matter which version of Google Photos the user has. The American technology company opened the waitlist for access in September this year, allowing users to sign up on Google’s website. The feature was unveiled at Google I/O 2024 in May.


Ask Photos in Google Photos app: What is it

 


Ask Photos allows users to pose questions in natural language directly within Google Photos, utilising Google’s Gemini AI models. The app will display results based on the content of the photos, along with the image that best matches the answer. It also enables searches for people, pets, and more.


Ask Photos in Google Photos app: Availability


Once the feature is available on an account, it will be accessible on all devices, including Android and iOS apps. According to 9to5Google, it will appear as a new tab in the Photos app at the bottom, replacing the “Search” tab. Classic search will still be available but only after using the Ask Photos feature first.


It is not clear when the feature will be widely rolled out. However, if a user has signed up for the waitlist, they may soon see Ask Photos on their device.


Ask Photos in Google Photos app: How it works


Following the activation of Ask Photos, users will be prompted to learn how the feature works, what data it requires access to, and to confirm details, including verifying that the correct names are associated with people. Users will also need to set relationships for people and pets, arranged by how frequently they appear in the library. The feature is reportedly more effective at answering questions about people and places rather than events or objects, as stated by 9to5Google.

First Published: Oct 07 2024 | 12:47 PM IST



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iOS 18.1 with Apple Intelligence could arrive on eligible iPhones on Oct 28: Technology news

iOS 18.1 with Apple Intelligence could arrive on eligible iPhones on Oct 28: Technology news


Apple intelligence (Photo: Shutterstock)


Apple’s suite of artificial intelligence features, called Apple Intelligence, is expected to start rolling out to eligible iPhones by the end of this month. According to a Bloomberg report, Apple is expected to begin the rollout of the iOS 18.1 update packed with the first batch of Apple Intelligence on October 28.


The report indicates that the initial batch of Apple Intelligence features with the iOS 18.1 update will include functionalities like notification summaries, writing tools in native apps such as Mail, and more. Additionally, the dedicated Image Playground app for generating custom images using AI may arrive with the iOS 18.1 update. Subsequent iOS 18 platform updates will introduce more advanced features. The report stated that OpenAI’s ChatGPT integration into iPhone, along with the Genmoji feature for generating custom emojis, will be available with the iOS 18.2 update.

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In March 2025, with the iOS 18.4 update, Apple is likely to roll out an upgraded version of Siri, featuring more in-app control for handling complex tasks and improved contextual understanding to offer more personalised responses to users, according to a Bloomberg report.


iOS 18.1: First batch of Apple Intelligence features


  • Image Playground: This is Apple’s new image-generating tool, offered as a standalone app for generating images from text prompts. It will also be integrated into other apps such as Notes, Messages, and Mail.

  • Redesigned Siri: Siri will receive an updated interface and enhanced natural language processing, with integration of OpenAI’s ChatGPT planned for a future update.

  • Notification Summary: This feature compiles notifications from various apps, including third-party applications, into a concise overview.

  • Webpage Summary: Available in Safari’s Reader mode, this tool provides summaries of web pages for quicker reading.

  • Writing Tools: AI-powered tools for proofreading, rewriting, and summarising will be integrated into apps like Notes, Mail, and Messages.

  • Smart Reply: AI-generated reply suggestions will be available in the Messages and Mail apps.

  • Clean-up: An AI-based image editing tool in Photos that removes unwanted background elements from images.

  • Movie Memory: This feature uses AI to create videos from stored images and clips based on user descriptions.

First Published: Oct 07 2024 | 11:13 AM IST



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After Android, Google rolls out Gemini-powered Q&A feature on Gmail for iOS: Technology news

After Android, Google rolls out Gemini-powered Q&A feature on Gmail for iOS: Technology news


Google rolls out Gemini-powered Q&A feature on Gmail for iOS


Google had previously announced that the Gmail Q&A feature was gradually being rolled out on Android and would soon be available on iOS. Now, Google is introducing iOS support for the Gmail Q&A feature.


Google initially launched the Gemini AI chatbot for the Gmail side panel on the web, and this feature is now available on mobile devices as well. The Q&A feature offers users an AI assistant powered by Gemini for the Gmail inbox.

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“Starting today, this feature is also available on iOS devices, enabling you to ask Gemini questions about your inbox. Gmail Q&A can help you answer specific questions about your emails, show you unread messages or messages from a specific sender, summarise emails about a topic in your inbox, and even answer general questions from search, all without having to leave your inbox,” said Google in its Workspace Updates blog.

 


Google has stated that to use Gmail Q&A on Android, users must have smart features and personalisation enabled. Users can access Gemini in the Gmail app by tapping the black Gemini star in the top right corner or using the “summarise this email” chip. Initially, Gmail Q&A can retrieve information from your inbox, but it will also be able to access information from your Drive in the future.


Similar to the web and Android versions, the Gmail Q&A feature on iOS is exclusively accessible to Google One AI Premium subscribers or Google Workspace accounts that include the Gemini Business, Enterprise, Education, or Education Premium add-ons. Google has stated that it is currently rolling out this feature to those groups, but it might take a few weeks for it to become available. The feature is only available in English as of now.

First Published: Oct 07 2024 | 11:07 AM IST



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Apple's next hardware launch event could be on October 28: What to expect: Technology news

Apple's next hardware launch event could be on October 28: What to expect: Technology news


Apple logo (Photo: Shutterstock)


Apple’s next major hardware launch event is expected towards the end of this month. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple plans to announce new products, including M4-powered Macs and new iPad models, around the end of October. Some of these products may be available by November 1. Gurman also detailed Apple’s 2025 launch schedule for additional products, such as the iPhone SE and updated AirTag.


Apple’s October launch event: What to expect


Apple is reportedly planning to commence its Mac and iPad update cycle later this month. The company is likely to launch a new M4 chip-powered MacBook Pro, Mac mini, iMac, and a refreshed iPad mini model.

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MacBook Pro


The Bloomberg report states that Apple is expected to unveil new 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models by the end of October, featuring different configurations of the M4 chip. The M4 MacBook Pro is expected to start with 16GB of RAM, an upgrade from the 8GB base variant of the M3 MacBook Pro. It will likely feature a 10-core CPU and GPU in its base configuration, a step up from the M3’s 8-core CPU. In terms of connectivity, the M4 model is anticipated to include three Thunderbolt 4 ports, compared to the current model’s two. Additionally, the base M4 MacBook Pro may come in Space Black, a colour previously exclusive to higher-end versions.


Mac mini


The Mac mini is expected to undergo a significant design change this year. Additionally, the report stated that the new Mac mini, featuring a more compact chassis, will be equipped with M4 and M4 Pro chips. The base M4 chip is expected to be similar to the one used in the iPad Pro, while the M4 Pro variant may offer additional GPU cores and higher memory options.


For connectivity, the Mac mini is anticipated to drop USB Type-A ports, offering up to five USB-C ports instead, along with an HDMI port, a headphone/microphone jack, and Ethernet. Despite its compact design, the power supply is still expected to remain internal.


iMac


Alongside the new MacBook Pro and Mac mini, Apple is expected to launch a new 24-inch iMac model with the standard M4 chip. However, no significant design changes are anticipated.


iPad mini


According to the report, a new iPad mini model, codenamed J410, is expected to launch alongside the M4 chip-powered Macs. The next-generation iPad mini is likely to feature a landscape-oriented front camera and support for the Apple Pencil Pro. Additionally, it could receive a performance upgrade with the latest Apple Silicon, possibly incorporating the A18 chip from the iPhone 16 series to support Apple Intelligence features.


Apple might also launch the 11th-generation model of its entry-level iPad. While not much is expected to change in terms of design, it could also be equipped with the latest Apple Silicon to feature Apple Intelligence.


Apple products expected in the first half of 2025


The Bloomberg report stated that Apple could kick off 2025 with several new products across segments. While the Mac and iPad update cycle is expected to continue next year, the company could launch an updated iPhone SE, new AirTag, and refreshed Mac and iPad accessories in the first half of 2025.


These are the products expected to launch in the first half of 2025:


  • 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Air with M4 chip

  • New iPhone SE

  • 11-inch and 13-inch iPad Air

  • New Magic Keyboard for iPad Air

  • New AirTag

First Published: Oct 07 2024 | 10:44 AM IST



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Google brings in new anti-theft, remote locking features for Android users

Google brings in new anti-theft, remote locking features for Android users


Meanwhile, the Remote Lock functionality allows users to lock their phones (Photo: Shutterstock)


Google is enhancing security for Android users by introducing new anti-theft features aimed at protecting personal data in the event of a stolen device.


According to GSM Arena, the updates include the Theft Detection Lock, Offline Device Lock, and an improved Remote Lock function, with the first two being new functionalities announced earlier this year.

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The Theft Detection Lock utilizes artificial intelligence along with the device’s sensors to identify common theft-related motions.


For instance, if someone snatches the phone from a user’s hand and attempts to flee, the feature will automatically lock the device, restricting access to all applications and data.

 


Additionally, it can recognize movements typically associated with theft while riding a bike or in a car, as per GSM Arena.


The Offline Device Lock feature further enhances security by locking the device if a thief tries to keep it disconnected from the internet for an extended period.


This ensures that even in offline scenarios, the device remains secure.


Meanwhile, the Remote Lock functionality allows users to lock their phones remotely using their phone number, especially useful if the Find My Device option is disabled or if they cannot access their Google account.


While it remains unclear which specific Android devices will receive these updates, users are advised to check that they have the latest version of Google Play Services installed to take advantage of these new security measures, as per GSM Arena.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

First Published: Oct 07 2024 | 6:50 AM IST



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Major Uttarakhand govt websites impacted by malware attack restored

Major Uttarakhand govt websites impacted by malware attack restored



The websites of major government departments in Uttarakhand which were temporarily closed due to a malware attack in the ‘State Data Center’ were restored on Sunday.


Nitika Khandelwal, Director of Information Technology Development Agency (ITDA), said that major websites like ‘Apni Sarkar’, ‘E-Office’, ‘E-Ravanna portal and Chardham registration have been restored while the CM Helpline and ‘State Portal’ were restored on Saturday.

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The cyber attack took place on Wednesday, on a government holiday. Due to the shutdown of the online system, some of the work was done manually. Other works including verification of ration card holders were closed.

 


Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami held a high-level meeting reviewing the recent malware attack that temporarily closed down the state’s data centre.


Taking stock of the situation, he directed the officials to complete the scanning of the state’s data centre and restore all the important websites and online services by Monday.


Khandelwal said that there was no case of data loss in the cyber attack.


He said that out of about 2,034 calls in the CM Helpline in the last two days, 1,879 have been returned and more than 600 complaints have also been registered.


Malware is a type of computer virus used to steal data.


During the meeting with the chief minister, State Information Technology Secretary Nitesh Jha said that out of 1,378 machines, 11 were affected by malware. The data centre has been scanned several times in the last two days. Many websites, including e-office and CM helpline, have been restored.


Dhami said that with the help of the best agencies of the Government of India working in the field of Information Technology, the security system of the State Data Centre should be improvised.


Dhami also directed the officials to conduct a security audit of the ‘State Data Centre’ and the website.


He asked the officials to set up a Disaster Recovery Centre for the security of online forums and retrieval of online data related to various departments.


He directed the officials to review the company doing technical work in the Information Technology Development Agency (ITDA) and said that if any kind of negligence is found, action should be taken against the company.


Dhami asked the ITDA to ensure that the ‘anti-virus system’ is updated in every government office so that such incidents can be avoided.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

First Published: Oct 06 2024 | 11:04 PM IST



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