Amazon develops version of cashierless technology for clothing stores

Amazon develops version of cashierless technology for clothing stores



By Matt Day


Amazon.com Inc. has developed a new version of its cashierless shopping technology for clothing retailers — in an effort to expand the system beyond convenience and grocery stores.

 


The retail and cloud-computing giant on Tuesday said the latest iteration of its Just Walk Out technology uses radio frequency identification, or RFID, tags to keep track of apparel.


Previously, Amazon’s system has relied on ceiling-mounted cameras and shelf sensors to determine who grabs what. The technology automatically charges a swiped credit card upon exiting the store. But the system can struggle to distinguish goods that are similar in weight and appearance.


Enter RFID tags, which are affixed to individual items and monitored by fixed readers inside the store. The technology has been around for decades and is primarily used to track inventory and foil shoplifters. Avery Dennison Corp. provided the RFID gear, Amazon said in a blog post.


Read more: Amazon Kicks Off Biggest Grocery Reboot Since Buying Whole Foods


Amazon has deployed Just Walk Out technology at a few dozen Go convenience stores and Fresh grocery outlets, as well as stores operated by licensees – mostly sports concessions and airport shops. It’s unclear how many apparel retailers will use the RFID version for fear of relying on a fierce rival for crucial in-store technology.


Amazon has quietly piloted its RFID-enabled Just Walk Out technology at fan shops at two Seattle sports arenas: Lumen Field, home of the National Football League’s Seahawks, and Climate Pledge Arena, of the National Hockey League’s Kraken. Amazon Chief Executive Officer Andy Jassy is a minority owner of the hockey team.  

First Published: Sep 19 2023 | 8:24 PM IST



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Google makes Bard a one-stop AI solution adding Gmail, YouTube, and Maps

Google makes Bard a one-stop AI solution adding Gmail, YouTube, and Maps



Google on Tuesday enabled its artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot Bard to scan through user data of its popular apps like Gmail, Maps, YouTube, Docs, and Drive – based on consent – for more customised use cases. Though still at the experimental level, this is the biggest move so far to combine generative AI capabilities with the consumer services of the search giant.


The new features allow users to use Bard as a one-stop solution for purposes like double-checking its responses and summarising emails. It can also fetch relevant information from various apps like Maps, YouTube, Drive, Docs, as well as Google Flights and Hotels.

Google first announced the features at its annual developer conference in May. However, the company took around four months to roll out the update with a safe and trustworthy experience. Bard currently responds in more than 40 languages and over 230 countries and territories. But the new extension will be only available in English for the beginning.

Also Read: Google’s AI chatbot Bard now available for users with Workspace accounts


“Today we’re rolling out Bard’s most capable model yet. Bard now integrates with Google apps and services for more helpful responses. We have also improved the ‘Google it’ feature (in Bard) to double-check Bard’s answers, and expanded access to more places,” Yury Pinsky, director of product management at Bard, said in a blog post.


Launched in March this year, the conversational AI tool from Google was seen as a move to take on the popular tool ChatGPT by Microsoft-backed OpenAI. Close to 200 million users visited Bard, lagging far behind ChatGPT, according to data from Similarweb, a data analysis firm.


Microsoft in May rolled out its early access programme for Microsoft365 co-pilot tool to integrate OpenAI’s image generator tool DALL-E into PowerPoint to create custom images supporting their content among other features. The programme remains in the invitation-only paid preview version.


The new feature of Google Bard will also allow shared conversations. Users can create a public link to share Bard’s chat and let others continue the conversation and ask Bard additional questions about that topic or use it as a starting point for their ideas.


Some of the interesting use cases of the extensions shared by Google include that of organising a group trip. Users can ask Bard for available dates that work for everyone, as per the data in their apps and also look up real-time flight and hotel information. It can also access Google Maps to offer directions to the airport, and even informative YouTube videos on the same.


Google says the entire process will continue to happen in a privacy-preserving way.


“If you choose to use the Workspace extensions, your content from Gmail, Docs and Drive is not seen by human reviewers, used by Bard to show you ads or used to train the Bard model. And of course, you’re always in control of your privacy settings when deciding how you want to use these extensions, and you can turn them off at any time,” Pinsky added in his blog.


All of these new features will work on the latest version of Google’s foundation AI model PaLM 2. The company said it has been improving the system based on user feedback and new learning techniques to make it more intuitive and imaginative.



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PM Modi creates his WhatsApp Channels, says ‘Let’s stay connected’

PM Modi creates his WhatsApp Channels, says ‘Let’s stay connected’


PM Modi on Whatsapp Channels (Photo: Whatsapp)

Days after Mark Zuckerberg announced the rollout of the new WhatsApp “Channels” feature, Prime Minister Narendra Modi joined the community. On Tuesday, the Prime Minister shared a post on his WhatsApp channel with a picture of the new parliament building. This came after the first Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha sessions in the new building adjourned for the day.


The post reads, “Thrilled to join Whatsapp community! It is yet another step closer in our journey of continued interactions.”


Under the HD image of the Prime Minister sitting in the office, he added, “Let’s stay connected here! Here’s a picture from the new Parliament building…”


Many Whatsapp users have shared their reactions to the post by PM Modi.


WhatsApp Channels are a one-way broadcast tool to receive updates about celebrities and organisations. It is a searchable directory where users can follow “Channels” related to their hobbies, sports teams, updates from local officials, and more. Channel admin can invite people to follow through invite links sent in chats, e-mail, or posted online.


Personal information such as the channel admin’s phone number will not be shown to followers, and following a channel will not show that to the admin or others following the channel either. Channel updates will be available for 30 days with no permanent record.


Channels can be found in a new tab called Updates – where users can discover the status and channels they choose to follow.

As Whatsapp rolls out the new feature globally, more updates are expected to follow.

 

First Published: Sep 19 2023 | 5:31 PM IST



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USB-C on iPhone 15 series: What else can it do besides charging, data sync

USB-C on iPhone 15 series: What else can it do besides charging, data sync


According to a support document, all models in the iPhone 15 series will be able to charge Apple Watch, AirPods case, and other accessories that support power delivery through USB-C


One of the most notable changes in the iPhone 15 series is the USB-C connector. The baseline iPhone 15 models, the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus, have USB 2.0, and the Pro models get the USB 3.2. Ahead of the iPhone 15 series availability, Apple has released a document detailing capabilities that the universally accepted standard brings to iPhones.

According to a support document, all models in the iPhone 15 series will be able to charge Apple Watch, AirPods case, and other accessories that support power delivery through USB-C. The USB-C connectors on the iPhone 15 models can pass through power at up to 4.5W to charge connected devices. This is a huge improvement compared to 0.3W power output available on its proprietary Lightning port.

Also Read: iPhone 15 series: Benefits to buy from Apple platforms; online and in-store


The document also states that the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max support USB 3.2 Gen 2 for data transfer speeds of up to 10GBps. The USB-C cable included with the iPhone, however, only supports USB 2.0 protocol. Meaning, you will have to purchase a USB 3.2 Gen 2 compatible cable to get the best out of the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max.

The document further states that all iPhone 15 models support 4K HDR video mirroring to an external display through DisplayPort. This means that the content on the new iPhone 15 series can be mirrored to an external monitor or TV using a USB-C to DisplayPort cable. Using a USB-C to HDMI adapter, users will also be able to mirror HDR10 or Dolby Vision contents.

Also Read: Apple iPhone 15 series: Delivery times of some models slip to Nov in India


Apple at the September 12 event announced that the iPhone 15 Pro models support recording ProRes video directly to an external storage in 4K at up to 60 FPS. Apple has also permitted connecting the iPhone to a vehicle that supports CarPlay using a USB Type-C to USB Type-A connector.

First Published: Sep 19 2023 | 5:16 PM IST



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Reliance Jio launches Jio AirFiber in eight cities, plans start at Rs 599

Reliance Jio launches Jio AirFiber in eight cities, plans start at Rs 599



Reliance Jio on September 19 launched the Jio AirFiber and its related services in eight metro cities – Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Pune. Reliance Jio is offering its home devices together with the Jio AirFiber at no extra cost. These devices include a Wi-Fi router, a 4K smart set top box, and a voice-enabled remote. Reliance Jio is offering access to 550+ digital channels and subscription to more than 14 over-the-top platforms with monthly tariff plans starting at Rs 599.


“With JioAirFiber, we are expanding our addressable market to rapidly cover every home in our country with similar quality of service. JioAirFiber will enable millions of homes with world-class digital entertainment, smart home services and broadband, through its solutions across education, health, surveillance and smart home,” said Akash Ambani, Chairman, Reliance Jio Infocomm Limited.


Jio AirFiber is offered in AirFiber and AirFiber Max tariff plans. In the AirFiber, Reliance Jio is offering three tariff plans with base plan starting at Rs 599. In the AirFiber Max, there are three tariff plans with base plan starting at Rs 1,499. Below are the details:


Jio AirFiber: Tariff plans


Rs 599: Unlimited data at speeds up to 30Mbps, 550+ digital channels, and 14 OTT apps subscription


Rs 899: Unlimited data at speeds up to 100Mbps, 550+ digital channels, and 14 OTT apps subscription


Rs 1,199: Unlimited data at speeds up to 100Mbps, 550+ digital channels, and Netflix, Amazon Prime, JioCinema Premium subscription on top of 14 OTT apps


Jio AirFiber Max: Tariff plans


Rs 1,499: Unlimited data at speeds up to 300Mbps, 550+ digital channels, and Netflix, Amazon Prime, JioCinema Premium subscription on top of 14 OTT apps


Rs 2,499: Unlimited data at speeds up to 500Mbps, 550+ digital channels, and Netflix, Amazon Prime, JioCinema Premium subscription on top of 14 OTT apps


Rs 3,999: Unlimited data at speeds up to 1000Mbps, 550+ digital channels, and Netflix, Amazon Prime, JioCinema Premium subscription on top of 14 OTT apps


Important to note, the Jio AirFiber Max will be available only in select areas in eight metro cities listed above. All plans are on monthly basis.


How to get Jio AirFiber


Step 1: Reach Jio 


  • Give a missed call on 60008-60008 to start booking on WhatsApp, or

  • Visit www.jio.com, or

  • Visit your nearest Jio Store


Step 2: Book your Jio AirFiber connection


Step 3: Get confirmation — Jio will get in touch as soon as services is ready in your area/building



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Apple releases iOS 17: What is new in the free platform upgrade for iPhone

Apple releases iOS 17: What is new in the free platform upgrade for iPhone


Apple commenced the global rollout of iOS 17 for supported iPhones on September 19. This free platform upgrade is available for iPhone XR and later models, including the iPhone SE (second-generation and later). iOS 17 introduces new features enabled through new apps, a redesigned interface, and customisable widgets. Below are the details:


Messages

iOS 17 introduces a fresh iMessage app design with a single drawer for all iMessage-related services, including the camera, photos, stickers, and more, consolidated in one place. Additionally, iMessage now features a catch-up arrow to allow users to swiftly navigate to the first message in a conversation. Other enhancements include search filters for contextual searches, audio message transcription, a swipe-right gesture for quick replies, and auto check-in notifications. iOS 17 has also integrated Apple’s visual animations, such as live stickers, emojis, and memoji, under the Stickers banner. Furthermore, iOS 17 enables users to turn their live photos into Live Stickers.

Also Read: iPhone 15 series: Benefits to buy from Apple platforms; online and in-store


Widgets and StandBy


iOS 17 makes iPhone widgets more interactive. Users can now use widgets to access connected devices, receive real-time updates from supported apps on the lock screen, and manage music on the go. Additionally, Apple has introduced a new lock screen experience called StandBy, which utilises the iPhone’s always-on display mode to provide glanceable information. Designed to be viewed from a distance, the StandBy mode is accessible when the iPhone is in a horizontal orientation and while charging.


Phone and FaceTime


The Phone and FaceTime apps on the iPhone have undergone a redesign and include new features. The Phone app now incorporates a contact poster, a new feature introduced with iOS 17. The contact poster can be a photo or a memoji that you add to your contact card on the iPhone. It is displayed in full screen on the recipient’s Phone app. The Phone app also offers a live voicemail feature, allowing users to answer calls even if they have been redirected to voicemail.


As for FaceTime, it now supports video messages, similar to voicemails in the Phone app. This feature enables callers to record a video or audio message for the recipient in case the recipient misses a FaceTime call.


AirDrop


Expanding the capabilities of AirDrop, iOS 17 introduces the NameDrop feature. This feature allows users to share contact information by bringing two iOS 17-based iPhones close to each other. You can choose specific phone numbers or email addresses to share, along with contact posters, instantly.


Keyboard


The keyboard now displays autocorrected words with an underline, and users can revert to the original word with a tap. The new keyboard also includes the inline prediction feature, which suggests words to complete sentences.


Safari Browser


The Safari browser has received updates, including the option to separate user profiles with distinct histories, extensions, and cookies. The browser now supports autofilling one-time verification codes received in the Mail app. The iOS 17 update also enables users to share passwords and passkeys directly with contacts from the browser.


Maps


iOS 17 allows users to download maps for offline use, supporting turn-by-turn directions and place ratings.


Visual Look Up


Visual Look Up is a new feature that enables users to identify plants, animals, landmarks, and more from a video or an image. It can even find recipes for similar dishes from a photo. To use it, long-press on the object in the video or photo and tap “look up” in the pop-up menu to retrieve details related to the selected object.


Features not yet available


iOS 17 introduces collaborative playlists in the Music app and a new Journal app. These features are not available in the initial release but are expected to arrive in subsequent iOS 17 updates. Lastly, the Spatial Video recording feature for the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max is slated to come later this year in conjunction with subsequent iOS 17 updates.



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