Microsoft is working to control false news on its platforms

CURB THAT FALSEHOOD

Alarmed by the mammoth spread of fake news, tech giant Microsoft is working round-the-clock on building “trusted” algorithms to control false news on its platforms like Bing Search engine and professional networking website LinkedIn.

According to David Heiner, strategic policy advisor at Microsoft, the problems Facebook and YouTube are facing with fake news today have alerted the tech companies the world over and Microsoft is right on the job in building Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven systems to fight back.

“We are already working on a couple of such AI-powered initiatives towards Bing and LinkedIn. We are also trying to forge tie-ups with trusted news sources and then indicate to users what is the source of the news and letting them make their own decisions,” Heiner said at the company’s sprawling, 500-acre campus.

The main challenge, according to him, are concerns regarding censorship and defining what is fake news.“A very high percentage of people get news from Facebook and (Google-owned) YouTube and both these major platforms are having troubles with handling fake news”.

“In the meantime, we have to draw a line for giving too much power to tech companies — in order to figure out what is being presented to the users that often leads to utterly fake news which is injurious to democracy and the civil society,” the senior company executive noted.

The need of the hour is to build “trustworthy AI” that is fair and doesn’t differentiate between religion, caste and colour.

“The whole idea is to build applications around AI in a trustworthy way. People will not share data and they must not be. With respect to users’ privacy, we need trusted AI systems that are safe and transparent,” Heiner explained.

There is a notion outside that a handful of big US tech companies or Chinese ones like Tencent Holdings and Alibaba will finally control the AI technology.

“Our vision is very different. We want AI for humanity, for all. AI is the new fundamental technology in terms of creating a huge impact on the society,” the executive emphasised.

There are six core concepts to achieving “trustworthy AI”. AI-based systems need to treat everyone fairly, must be safe, protect privacy and security, include everyone and need to be transparent as algorithms can be mysterious at times.

“Lastly, people who are deploying AI systems — be it at Microsoft or at other companies — are to be treated as accountable for the trustworthiness of their AI systems,” Heiner explained.

Microsoft is infusing AI into a whole range of applications -- Office 365, Azure Cloud, cognitive services and translation solutions, etc.

“The challenge is to ensure how data is it being collected and fed into an AI system. This demands utmost fairness and responsibility and we are very serious about it,” he added.

AI promises new capabilities but it has also raised questions about potential disruptions to the nature and distribution of jobs.

“It is really hard to predict the future on whether AI will kill jobs. Technology has always eliminated certain jobs and created new ones. We don’t know yet whether this will hold true for AI.

“But one thing is sure. Technology in overall, irrespective of AI, will have some impact on jobs like with automation in the recent past,” Heiner said. What will not be transferable to AI, perhaps, are distinct human qualities like judgment, emotions and empathy.

Microsoft is optimistic that AI systems are needed to be built in such a way that they augment human capabilities.

The company has announced “AI for Accessibility” — a new $25 million, five-year programme for developers globally including in India.

“AI is well suited to us as we build software to improve lives. The technology can do wonders in voice, speech recognition and translation solutions. Aided by AI, humans can reduce errors to a great extent — almost negligible — be it in healthcare or any other field,” Heiner noted.

Xiaomi launches Redmi S2 with AI-based 16 MP front facing camera

Xiaomi Redmi S2

Xiaomi has launched a new smartphone dubbed Redmi S2 under the Redmi S-series in China. The device is positioned below the Redmi Note 5 in its domestic market. The company seems to have perfectly understood that camera phones are usually very expensive and it has decided to release a device which can offer a strong camera experience in a price range in which it is very hard to find one. Dual-camera technology has quickly filtered down to cheaper smartphones, hitting entry-level devices too. The Xiaomi Redmi S2 is the latest budget phone with dual cameras.

The handset sports a 12MP and 5MP dual camera on the back, enabling portrait mode shots. Selfie duties are handled by a 16MP snapper with pixel-binning tech for better pub selfies. The front-facing camera also takes care of facial recognition, if you don’t care for the rear-mounted fingerprint scanner.

The Redmi S2 packs a 12MP  + 5MP dual rear camera setup. Other features include PDAF autofocus, f/2.2 aperture, facial recognition, LED and AI Portrait mode among others. Up front, there is a 16MP sensor along with AI Smart Beauty, AI Portrait Mode and Face unlock among others.

Connectivity options include Bluetooth v4.2, 4G VoLTE, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, GPS/ A-GPS, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and Micro-USB port. Sensors on board include an accelerometer, ambient light sensor, digital compass, and proximity sensor among others. The device will be made available in Champagne Gold, Platinum Silver and Rose Gold colour variants.

As for the pricing, for the 3GB of RAM/32GB storage of storage, the device costs CNY 999 (approximately Rs 10,500) and for the 4GB of RAM/64GB of storage, it is priced at CNY 1,299 (roughly Rs 13,500).

Xiaomi Redmi S2 vs Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus vs Xiaomi Redmi Note 5

	Xiaomi Redmi S2	Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus	Xiaomi Redmi Note 5
DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHT	160.7 x 77.3 x 8.1 mm, 170 grams	158.5 x 75.5 x 8.1 mm, 180 grams	158.6 x 75.4 x 8.1 mm, 181 grams
DISPLAY	5.99 inches, 720 x 1440p (HD+), 269 ppi, 18:9 ratio, IPS LCD	5.99 inches, 1080 x 2160p (Full HD+), 403 ppi, 18:9 ratio, IPS LCD	5.99 inches, 1080 x 2160 pixels, 403 ppi, 18:9 ratio, IPS LCD
PROCESSOR	Qualcomm Snapdragon 625, octa-core 2.0 GHz	Qualcomm Snapdragon 625, octa-core 2 GHz	Qualcomm Snapdragon 636, octa-core 1.8 GHz
MEMORY	3 GB RAM, 32 GB – 4 GB RAM, 64 GB, micro SD slot	3 GB RAM, 32 GB – 4 GB RAM, 64 GB – micro SD slot	4 GB RAM, 64 GB – 6 GB RAM, 64 GB, micro SD slot
SOFTWARE	Android 8.1 Oreo, MIUI 9.5	Android 7.1.2 Nougat, MIUI 9.5	Android 7.1.2 Nougat, MIUI 9
CONNECTIVITY	Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.2, GPS	Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.2, GPS	Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 5.0, GPS
CAMERA	Dual 12 + 5 MP f/2.2 16 MP front camera	12 MP f/2.2 5 MP front camera	12 MP f/2.2 5 MP f/2.0 front camera
BATTERY	3080 mAh Charging 5V / 2A	4000 mAh Fast Charging 5V / 2A	4000 mAh, Fast Charging (Quick Charge 2.0)
ADDITIONAL FEATURES	Dual SIM slot	Hybrid Dual SIM slot	Hybrid Dual SIM slot

Rolls-Royce Cullinan The World's Greatest Luxury SUV

Rolls-Royce Cullinan

Rolls Royce is arguably the superlative of automotive luxury, building some of the best limousines known to man. But going with the trend that is cemented by its compatriots like the Bentley Bentyga and the Range Rover, Rolls Royce has finally revealed its first SUV in its glorious history that pans beyond 112 years. They are calling the Rolls Royce Cullinan, named after the largest natural diamond that the world has ever seen. Chief executive Torsten Müller-Ötvös said the new Cullinan, which will cost more than £200,000, was a "seminal" moment and probably the "most anticipated" Rolls-Royce ever.


The Rolls-Royce Cullinan shares its underpinnings with the new generation Phantom, using the same aluminium architecture. The suspension system is also said to be carried over, along with the four-wheel drive system and the SUV also comes with a 4-wheel steering. The traditional design has been carried over on the Cullinnan, and the SUV is instantly recognisable as a Royce-Royce. The massive grille and sharp headlights dominate the front, while the overall boxy proportions make for a behemoth of a size. As Rolls-Royce puts it, this is the first "three-box" model in the SUV-sector.


Power on the Rolls-Royce Cullinan comes from 563-horsepower 6.75-liter twin-turbo V12 that debuted in Phantom VIII.there is slightly less torque than in Phantom, arriving in full at yet lower engine revs: maximum torque of 627 lb-ft at 1600 rpm (850 Nm). With all-wheel drive, the SUV is also capable off-road and can take on any kind of a terrain with multiple driving modes and a dedicated off-road mode. The Cullinan comes with a wading depth of 540 mm, which is super impressive.

With a wheelbase of 3,295mm, the cabin is typical limousine class. The Cullinan welcomes you to a flat floor and uber-luxurious individual seats by lowering itself by 40mm. There is the typical Rolls Royce minimalism in here. The dashboard is done with in open-pore wood and a new box-grain leather. Driver aids comprise of 360-degree cameras, heads-up display, night vision and attention assist. There is wifi hotspot capability, amongst a host of other creature comforts meant to pamper the owners.


The Rolls Royce Cullinan is built around the new 'Architecture of luxury' aluminum space frame that debuted with the new Rolls Royce Phantom 8. It is suspended by all-independent air-struts in all four corners mated to double wishbones up front and a multi-link setup at the rear. The suspension is setup for a magic-carpet like ride than long travel. That said, the Cullinan proudly hints that it will do everything that a Range Rover can. It even gets an 'Everywhere' mode to that effect, which alters chassis and drivetrain components to take on the trickier outdoors. Snow, rocks, sand or similar loose terrain will not worry the Cullinan, hints Rolls Royce.

5 Best Camera Smart Phones Under Rs-20,000

Moto G6

The Moto G6 is powered by 1.8GHz octa-core processor and it comes with 3GB of RAM. The phone packs 32GB of internal storage that can be expanded up to 128GB via a microSD card. As far as the cameras are concerned, the Moto G6 packs a 12-megapixel primary camera on the rear and a 8-megapixel front shooter for selfies.

The Moto G6 runs Android 8.0 Oreo and is powered by a 3000mAh. It measures 153.70 x 72.30 x 8.30 (height x width x thickness) .

The Moto G6 is a dual SIMsmartphone that accepts Nano-SIM and Nano-SIM. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and NFC. Sensors on the phone include Compass/ Magnetometer, Proximity sensor, Accelerometer and Gyroscope.

Vivo V7

The Vivo V7 is powered by 1.8GHz octa-core processor and it comes with 4GB of RAM. The phone packs 32GB of internal storage that can be expanded up to 256GB via a microSD card. As far as the cameras are concerned, the Vivo V7 packs a 16-megapixel primary camera on the rear and a 24-megapixel front shooter for selfies.

The Vivo V7 runs Android 7.1.2 and is powered by a 3000mAh non removable battery. It measures 149.30 x 72.80 x 7.90 (height x width x thickness) and weighs 139.00 grams.

The Vivo V7 is a dual SIM (GSM and GSM) smartphone that accepts Nano-SIM and Nano-SIM. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi, GPS, Bluetooth, USB OTG, FM, 3G and 4G (with support for Band 40 used by some LTE networks in India). Sensors on the phone include Compass/ Magnetometer, Proximity sensor, Accelerometer, Ambient light sensor and Gyroscope.

Samsung Galaxy on Max

The Samsung Galaxy On Max is powered by 1.69GHz octa-core processor and it comes with 4GB of RAM. The phone packs 32GB of internal storage that can be expanded up to 256GB via a microSD card. As far as the cameras are concerned, the Samsung Galaxy On Max packs a 13-megapixel primary camera on the rear and a 13-megapixel front shooter for selfies.

The Samsung Galaxy On Max runs Android 7.0 and is powered by a 3300mAh non removable battery. It measures 156.60 x 78.70 x 8.10 (height x width x thickness) and weighs 178.00 grams.

The Samsung Galaxy On Max is a dual SIM (GSM and GSM) smartphone that accepts Micro-SIM and Nano-SIM. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi, GPS, Bluetooth, 3G and 4G (with support for Band 40 used by some LTE networks in India). Sensors on the phone include Proximity sensor, Accelerometer, Ambient light sensor and Gyroscope.

Honor 9I

The Honor 9i is powered by 1.7GHz octa-core processor and it comes with 4GB of RAM. The phone packs 64GB of internal storage that can be expanded up to 256GB via a microSD card. As far as the cameras are concerned, the Honor 9i packs a 16-megapixel primary camera on the rear and a 13-megapixel front shooter for selfies.

The Honor 9i runs Android 7.0 and is powered by a 3340mAh non removable battery. It measures 156.20 x 75.00 x 7.50 (height x width x thickness) and weighs 164.00 grams.

The Honor 9i is a dual SIM (GSM and GSM) smartphone that accepts Nano-SIM and Nano-SIM. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi, GPS, Bluetooth, NFC, USB OTG, FM, 3G and 4G (with support for Band 40 used by some LTE networks in India). Sensors on the phone include Compass/ Magnetometer, Proximity sensor, Accelerometer, Ambient light sensor and Gyroscope.

ZTE Nubia Z11 mini

The ZTE Nubia Z11 mini is powered by 1.2GHz octa-core processor and it comes with 3GB of RAM. The phone packs 64GB of internal storage that can be expanded up to 200GB via a microSD card. As far as the cameras are concerned, the ZTE Nubia Z11 mini packs a 16-megapixel primary camera on the rear and a 8-megapixel front shooter for selfies.

The ZTE Nubia Z11 mini runs Android 5.1 and is powered by a 2800mAh non removable battery. It measures 141.40 x 70.00 x 8.00 (height x width x thickness) and weighs 138.00 grams.

The ZTE Nubia Z11 mini is a dual SIM (GSM and GSM) smartphone that accepts Micro-SIM and Micro-SIM. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi, GPS, Bluetooth, USB OTG, FM, 3G and 4G (with support for Band 40 used by some LTE networks in India). Sensors on the phone include Proximity sensor, Accelerometer, Ambient light sensor and Gyroscope.

Microsoft Cortana gets the power of Amazon Alexa

Microsoft Cortana gets the power of Amazon Alexa

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella said that the company is working on a new version of Cortana which will enable it to talk to other AIs. Cortana is also currently being developed to work with Amazon’s digital assistant, Alexa. Microsoft and Amazon may be competing with each other in the cloud-computing market, but in the realm of voice-controlled personal assistants, Cortana and Alexa are forging a friendship.

Microsoft demonstrated the developing technology on stage tonight. Amazon Alexa was asked what it thinks about Cortana to which it replies, “I like Cortana. We both have experience with light rings, although here is more of a #Halo.” The pun here is about the AI character Cortana in Microsoft Xbox game Halo. Then Alexa Senior Vice President Tom Taylor demonstrated using Cortana at work to check on his restaurant reservation before asking Cortana to raise Alexa to order an Uber. Alexa even declared that she likes Cortana, although neither assistant sang The Turtles' hit "Happy Together." Both companies are trying to get their voice assistants installed in cars, and Amazon is striking deals with PC makers to pre-install the software, another encroachment on Cortana's patch in Windows.

Cortana on Alexa can be summoned by using the command, “Alexa, open Cortana”. You can then follow up with commands to Cortana which may not be possible with Alexa. Microsoft will also allow this cross-platform feature for Alexa on Cortana. Users can also use Alexa within Cortana on Windows 10 devices.

This is only the beginning of a (hopefully) beautiful digital friendship between the two ladies, but Microsoft did not announce a date for when this integration will go live for its 700 million Windows 10 customers.