Google Chats now offers cross-messaging to Microsoft Teams, Slack and more

Google Chats now offers cross-messaging to Microsoft Teams, Slack and more


Cross-platform messaging from Google Chat


Google has partnered with cross-platform messaging service provider Mio to offer interoperability between Google Chat and other platforms including Microsoft Teams, Slack, Zoom Team Chat and more. The partnership will allow Google Workspace customers to remain on Google Chats while messaging users across different platforms in direct messages, spaces and group chats.


“Together with Mio, we can extend the reach of Google Chat and empower users to collaborate seamlessly across different platforms,” said Vice President of Product Management for Google Workspace, Ilya Brown.


Messaging across platforms supports files and media sharing, emojis, threaded messages and more. Additionally, there will be an option to edit and delete messages sent to users on other platforms.


Google announced interoperability between Google Chat, Microsoft Teams and Slack at Cloud Next 2023 event and the feature has been available to select Workspace customers through a beta program. However, the company is now rolling out the functionality for all businesses through Google Workspace subscription.


It should be noted that a separate Mio licence will be required to enable the interoperability between platforms. Organisations will need to install the Mio app onto their respective chat platforms in order to enable cross-platform communications.


Last month, Meta announced that it is opening its instant messaging platform WhatsApp and Messenger for interoperability with third-party apps to comply with the Digital Markets Act (DMA) in the EU. Meta said that it will soon allow users of third-party providers who choose to enable interoperability to send and receive messages with opted-in users of either Messenger or WhatsApp. However, unlike Google Chats, Meta is opening up its messaging platform for all users in the EU without any subscription.

First Published: Apr 22 2024 | 3:02 PM IST



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Japan's watchdog orders Google to fix ad search limits affecting Yahoo

Japan's watchdog orders Google to fix ad search limits affecting Yahoo


Google said in response that it’s working 24 hours a day to reduce misleading or false information on its platform, combining human and technological resources to delete fraudulent reviews | (Photo: Bloomberg)


Japan’s antitrust watchdog said Monday that US search giant Google must fix its advertising search restrictions affecting Yahoo in Japan.


The Japan Fair Trade Commission said in a statement that its recent study of Google’s practices showed it was undermining fair competition in the advertising market.


Google did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Yahoo has merged with Japanese social media platform Line, and Line Yahoo declined comment.


The alleged questionable practices by Google began about a decade ago and continued for more than seven years, according to the commission.


Google will be under review for the next three years, to ensure it carries out needed changes, the commission said. There is no immediate fine or other penalties for Google, which remains popular among Japanese.


The commission’s move follows another setback for Google in Japan. Last week, Japanese doctors filed a civil lawsuit against the company, demanding damages for what they claim are groundless derogatory and often false comments.


The Tokyo District Court suit demands 1.4 million yen ($9,400) in damages for 63 medical professionals, for reviews posted on Google Maps.


Google said in response that it’s working 24 hours a day to reduce misleading or false information on its platform, combining human and technological resources to delete fraudulent reviews.

(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: Apr 22 2024 | 2:55 PM IST



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Gemini AI assistant might soon let you play music with voice commands

Gemini AI assistant might soon let you play music with voice commands


Google Gemini app for Android


Google is reportedly working on a new feature for Gemini app which will allow the AI-powered virtual assistant to work with third-party music streaming platforms such as Spotify. According to a report by Android Authority, Google has added a new “Music” option within the Gemini Settings page that allows users to “select preferred services used to play music.” However, the option is not yet enabled for usage.


According to the report, the option to select a preferred music service appears within the settings menu on Gemini app for select Android devices. However, the option leads to a blank page suggesting that the feature is still being developed. Once the feature is integrated completely, it is likely that the Gemini AI assistant will gain the ability to play music from a third-party app such as Spotify or Amazon Music with voice commands.


Google Assistant, Gemini’s predecessor on Android devices, had the ability to play music from third party streaming platforms.


Google rolled out a dedicated Gemini app for Android in February to replace its existing virtual assistant. While Gemini brings generative AI features such as image and text generation, text summarization, and more, it lacks some functionality of Google Assistant. However, with the new Music feature Gemini could drop some of its limitations.


Currently, Google has not provided any details about the roll-out plan for the feature; however, it is expected to be available for users in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, Android smartphone users can switch to Google Assistant from within the Gemini app which still possesses the ability to play music from the likes of Spotify, YouTube Music and more on users command.

First Published: Apr 22 2024 | 2:49 PM IST



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Generative AI features on Apple's iOS 18 to run entirely on-device: Report

Generative AI features on Apple's iOS 18 to run entirely on-device: Report


Apple is reportedly developing its own large language model (LLM) to power on-device generative AI features for its upcoming iPhone series. According to a Bloomberg report, it is likely that Apple’s AI model will run entirely on-device. It essentially means Apple’s inaugural AI features would work offline, without necessitating internet connectivity.


The report suggests that Apple will leverage the Neural Processing Unit (NPU) of the Apple Silicon that powers its iPhones to offer new AI capabilities. However, it is likely that Apple’s AI tools may be slightly less powerful and knowledgeable, a gap that Apple could fill by teaming up with the likes of Google and Microsoft-backed OpenAI. Unlike Apple’s proprietary AI tools, features offered by such third-party service providers could be processed on the cloud.


Bloomberg earlier reported that the Cupertino-based technology giant has been in contact with multiple companies, including Google, Microsoft-backed Open AI, and China’s Baidu over a potential partnership to bring AI tools and features to Apple’s next generation operating system.


According to the report, Apple is also planning on taking a slightly different approach on marketing its upcoming AI features. Rather than focusing on the speed and power of its AI-model, Apple will show how its features can help users in managing their daily routine.


Apple will be hosting its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) from June 10 through June 14, where it will be unveiling the next-generation iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and other platforms.


Apple has repeatedly confirmed that it has been working on AI features, which would likely be integrated into the upcoming platforms. Apple will likely add generative AI capabilities to its virtual assistant Siri and Messages app for features such as text summarisation, suggestions and more. Other apps across Apple’s platform, such as Apple Music, Pages and Keynotes, will likely get the AI treatment, too.

First Published: Apr 22 2024 | 2:29 PM IST



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Scammer gives online security advice to man on WhatsApp; Paytm MD reacts

Scammer gives online security advice to man on WhatsApp; Paytm MD reacts


Screenshots shared by on X by user @ChettyArun

“Sab digital India ka kamal h [This is all thanks to digital India],” a scammer told a man from Bengaluru in a WhatsApp conversation that has now gone viral on X (formerly Twitter). The scammer also advised the man on how to avoid online frauds.


Chetty Arun, a resident of Bengaluru, shared screenshots of his WhatsApp conversation with a scammer on X last week.


Arun, who had grown frustrated with persistent scam attempts on WhatsApp, decided to confront one of the fraudsters. However, instead of resorting to anger, he opted for a playful approach, leading to an unexpected and entertaining exchange between the two parties. The scammer, initially taken aback by Arun’s response, eventually opened up about their tactics and even offered insights into their operations, leading to a light-hearted exchange between the two.


The conversation began when Arun received a suspicious APK file from the scammer, labelled: CSC Government.Official. The name under the number also read “CSC Government Group” and was listed as a business account.


Sensing foul play, Arun engaged the scammer in conversation. He first wrote, “I am on an iPhone. APK android ka hota hai [APK are for android phones]. Go scam an android person.”


Arun tried to call the fraudster on the number but they did not respond. He then began asking whether people fell for these scams and what would happen if he tried to download the file.


The scammer admitted that the number they used to contact Arun belonged to a different victim. They said downloading the file would give the scammer access to all messages received by the victim on their number, including one-time passwords (OTPs).


The fraudster admitted to using OTPs obtained from victims to sign up for e-commerce platforms to steal money. Similarly, if people saved their cards on site, they could make transactions up till a certain amount without the need of the CVV number.


The scammer also told Arun that these scams have been going on for 10-12 years. The fraudster themself, however, had only been engaging in these for the last 15 days or so. They then went on a rant about how digital platforms lacked security.


The conversation took an unexpected turn when the scammer asked about Arun’s personal life, congratulated him on his upcoming wedding, and even attempted to find him on Facebook.


The scammer told Arun to warn his friends against online scams and to not download or click links sent by unknown numbers.


The post quickly went viral on social media, amassing nearly three million views. The post started many discussions on online threats and cybersecurity.


Reacting to the post, a user added, “Terrific ability to converse Chetty Arun and thanks for posting the informative thread.”


It even caught the attention of Paytm founder Vijay Shekhar Sharma, who shared the post with the caption: “You won’t stop till you read this full thread.”

First Published: Apr 22 2024 | 12:07 PM IST





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Generative AI features on Apple's iOS 18 to run entirely on-device: Report

Apple may employ over 500,000 people in India over the next 3 years



iPhone maker Apple through its vendors is expected to employ over 500,000 people in India over the next three years, according to government sources.


At present Apple’s vendors and suppliers employ 150,000 people in India. Tata Electronics, which runs two plants for Apple, is the biggest job generator.


“Apple is accelerating hiring in India. At a conservative estimate, it is going to employ five lakh people in the next three years through its vendors and components suppliers,” a senior government officer told PTI.


When contacted, Apple declined to comment on the projection.

 


Apple has plans to scale up production in India by over five-fold to around $40 billion (about 3.32 lakh crore) in the next 4-5 years.


According to market research firm Counterpoint Research, Apple led the India market with the highest revenue in 2023 for the first time, while Samsung topped the chart in terms of volume sales.


The firm in its recent report said Apple surpassed the 10-million-unit mark in shipments and captured the top position in revenue in a calendar year for the first time.


Apple’s iPhone exports from India rose sharply to $12.1 billion in 2023-24 from $6.27 billion in 2022-23, representing a massive surge of nearly 100 per cent, according to trade intelligence platform The Trade Vision.

(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: Apr 21 2024 | 7:01 PM IST



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