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10 Must-Have Chrome Extensions For Students

Vinayaki Yadav
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10 Must-Have Chrome Extensions For Students

I assume you are a student, yes you! I am a student too and I bet a lot of us share the same hectic educational vibes but guess what? Life can’t be too bad and technology has a way to make it easy for us. So first things first, I am going to give you the best extensions that will honestly simplify internet surfing for you. These chrome extensions are available for all Google Chrome users. I absolutely love the chrome browser. Such a user-friendly interface, uncountable extensions and never to forget the organized display.

Chrome Extensions – What Are They?

Chrome extensions can be best defined as a program which can be added to the Chome browser to enhance and fastened your browsing experience. The functionality of your browser gets better along with an extension since it sets your customized values into it. Let’s get started with our list for the best extensions that you could search for right now at this very moment!

1. Memorize! 

Defined best as a lightweight extension that lets you save a number of questions with provided answers. The magic is when you can study while you are shopping, checking recipes or doing whatever you do most of the time on the internet. Memorize! pops up your pre-saved questions on the screen and all you have got to do is answer. You have the authority to save your questions, answers and choose the interval timing between the query popping sessions. It gets trickier when the questions get shuffled. The pop up stops until you answer each single question correctly or when you manually stop it. How cool is that?

2. Google Dictionary

Let us admit that everybody requires a dictionary. Yes, even someone with a Ph.D. in literature would need a dictionary. We can’t know all the words in the dictionary now, can we? So, as a student, you must have this chrome extension. It allows you to double-click on any word and represents the meaning of it. Also, this is not just applicable to words but also for phrases. In case you are having difficulty with a foreign word, the Google dictionary will help you convert that too. It identifies multiple international languages such as Japanese, Korean, Hindi, Dutch and the list is long. The extension saves the words and phrases you have previously looked up to.

3. Thesaurus 

Do you have a “Repetitive Writer Syndrome? What? Haven’t heard of this problem? Never mind, just read it as the repetition habit that you have. You might even run out of synonyms oftentimes. And adjectives keep on recurring. If this is the case then we are sure you understood what the syndrome is about! To your rescue comes your guardian angel to save you from nightmares – The Thesaurus chrome extension. It helps you with synonyms, antonyms, other words and much more for your chosen words. And it’s your very own encyclopedia of words in the world. You need to select the typed word and you are provided with so many synonyms to choose from. This does not add any pop-ups, advertisements or garbage to your screen space. Your synonym is just a right-click away!

4. Mercury Reader

WARNING: FOR PROFOUND READERS ONLY

Are you fond of reading? Do you love spending your time reading articles or tons of online material? Mercury Reader extension is the thing for you making life simpler. It removes all the ads and unnecessary cluttering on the webpage. It helps prevent any disturbing sound from webpage background, enables you to alter the font size and leave a cleaner display with the information and relevant images. Reading simplified. There are also customisable theme options for people who are in a relationship with reading.

5. Announcify

WARNING: FOR PROFOUND LAZY/ BUSY LEARNERS

Multitasking is fun especially when someone will dedicatedly recite the information to you while you can do some more important things simultaneously. Announcify is going to read every single text to you loud and clear and all you have to do is listen. It asks for too less, how sweet. If your eyes feel tired and you just can’t afford to gaze at the laptop screen anymore then you can lean it all on this reliable extension.

6. Note Anywhere

Best described as sticky notes on your system. It saves your time, tireless thinking about what could be on your to-do list and also papers. You can note important things of your day anywhere on the screen with this extension. All your notes are saved in real-time and you can literally adjust those anywhere on the screen with a simple drag and drop motion. Imagine that you are addicted to Facebook. Post a note on the Facebook login page containing your previous semester scores. The next time you visit Facebook you are reminded of what exactly has to be done rather than social networking.

7. Pixlr Editor

Chrome Extensions

Sometimes you need a good photo editor even while studying. Visiting websites that ask you to register to download your edited pictures or the other ones that torture you with a million ads can be smothering. This extension isn’t as powerful as Adobe Photoshop, but it’s pretty reliable and decent than it’s other competitor extensions. The extension offers multiple layers, effects, filters, cloning feature and some other creative tools. It also gives some advance control over the brightness, saturation and cross-processing the pictures. There is no compulsion to create an account and you have your access to the private library where you may have to save all your work.

8. Wunderlist

Heavy procrastination can only be treated with a well-organized to-do list. We all make lists and stick them on the screens of our personal computers or mirrors. Well, that’s a primitive method of doing it. The Wunderlist chrome extension enables you to create a list that you can access from any interlinked device such as your tab or laptop.

You can add PDFs, images and many other attachments on this list. Sharing this list with your friends and family is also possible. It helps them know your schedules better and this way there won’t be any confusion about when you all should plan a get-together.

9. LastPass

Do you have several Gmail accounts like me? I can’t get rid of those accounts as I still need them to receive free vouchers and discounts. It’s impractical to memorize a password of each one of them. With LastPass, you can save those passwords without hassle. Not just your passwords but your multiple accounts along with the other data like PDFs and anything that’s precious to you. It works on a simple theory of syncing your passwords with your saved accounts.

10. Screencastify

This screen capturing extension permits you to record your screen, narrate anything with access to your microphone and also automatically save your videos to the Drive. You can alter resolutions as per your choice and clarity. Screencastify will also let you publish your clips on YouTube and let you save them on your local drive. A lot of students swear by this extension and rely on its simplicity.

Like this article? Any suggestions or more interesting chrome extensions you would like us to know? Do comment below and share with us! If you are looking for high quality writing service, do checkout  CustomEssayMeister

How Smart Drones are Disrupting Construction Industry

Karishma Khanna
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How Smart Drones are Disrupting Construction Industry

We often talk about how digital technology is conquering the world, but it is no secret that construction sites actually benefit from the easy and quick aerial vantage that collects both the sky and land to be worked upon important projects. However, the future of technology is yet to see the epic association between the man and machine. How industries are going to turn out in the next decade, is a vision that we can only imagine and see getting real with time. Even the small-scale projects can benefit from Drone usage. So, from collecting the real world data for better planning and designing to on-site surveillance and maintenance, it can all become a daily affair for the drones in construction sectors.

drones in construction industry

Future of Drones in Construction

For engineering new construction or working on rebuilding properties, drones are actually coming in handy for sorting several important functions. But, how would it look in future when we’ll be seeing them more often, in fact, regularly? It boggles the mind when we think towards that landscape and here is how drones in construction can change the reality!

  1. Drone-Generated Imagery is Game Changing

If a construction project needs to be successful, it requires clients. Clients form the foundation of success or failure of a company. Therefore, drone projects the company to be savvy and that is when scale models can be prepared with the help of drone generated imageries i.e. aerial shots taken of the site prior to its development. It will help contractors better convince the potential clients and show them how mere ideas can turn into a reality by technology.

Drone photography and videography strategy will revolutionize the promotional aspects of the construction industries. Not only can this, but areas that are inaccessible otherwise, also be reached safely and comfortably through drone imagery.

  1. Improved Security and Surveillance

Drones have faced quite a lot of challenges when it comes to using them for overall security purposes. However, they are already being used in several industries. Possessing the risk of invading confidential territories, knocking out people, disrupting events, collisions with aircrafts and getting low on power, drones have come with several security regulations to keep a track on. Nevertheless, it isn’t too far that using drones for construction safety will be an acceptable phenomenon. The situation will ensure an improved security of the employees as well as the other company frauds.

  1. Land Survey

It is a thing of the past where manual labor had to be applied all throughout the time. Though the situation is still the same, however with the advancement of technology, hard work has now changed into smart work. Therefore, it is very much possible for the Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) to rapidly change the smart work into smartest work. Traditional land surveying methods can be abandoned and be replaced with the view of a drone to produce accurate results. That human error can efficiently be avoided along with being time saving. Measuring and level checking can all be in the hands of a machine.

  1. Better Management Through Effective Monitoring

The construction sites can be monitored thoroughly regarding all the work that’s happening, it’s progress, safety standards, detect any unexpected activities and understand if any area requires the designation of more workers or equipments. Project managers and contractors will be able to save time and invest in more thought about how they can get the business to greater heights.

So, the accumulation of all the real-time data will help manage the workflow 24×7 leaving a positive effect on the entire process and progress of the construction that is happening.

  1. Lifting and Transportation

It is predicted that drones in the construction industry will be capable enough of lifting, carrying and transporting the construction material as well as tools. In fact, authorities are even thinking about incorporating the techniques to allow drone in construction sites to deliver larger payloads as well. It will be interesting and compelling to see the drone technology in the construction industry to develop to such a great extent that it’ll be transporting heavier logs that too in an autonomous operation. Tests are on the run and the reality isn’t too far.

Construction Drones Already in Use

The usage of drones will not be something significant in the future but seeing them solve even the day to day activities will surely be. Currently, drones are being used for a variety of operations in the sector. Topographical maps are being created. Inventory tracking is another use of the same. But, there still are legal as well as safety risks involved and not much development has further been made on this.

Future Prospects of Drones in the High rise construction.

Drones are highly versatile and could be programmed to do various tasks in constructions like welding, drilling, or fastening jobs by outfitted with a robotic arm and programmed to do many complex and highly delicate jobs for example, welding requires high precision accuracy. Although it might seen that such technology can take years, it’s not true. Image a drone outfitted with an already available highly advanced welding equipments from companies like Lincoln Electric for a high rise building project or a construction environment which is too hazardous for humans.  Imagine the efficiency and safety that comes with a drone that can fix complex infrastructure problems of the cities and safely execute it without putting humans at risk, and also greatly shorten the timeline of such projects with automation, It is going to be a game changer for developing economies with intense infrastructure challenges.

Liked the article? Do share with us if you have any opinions on how have drones improved and where do you still find the scope. Also, tell us how you foresee the construction industry working shoulder to shoulder with drones in operation. We would love to hear from you!

10 Lesser Known Facts About Elon Musk

Vinayaki Yadav
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10 Lesser Known Facts About Elon Musk

We have all heard of Elon Musk alongside some of the most popular names such as Nikola Tesla, Stephen Hawking, and Bill Gates. Elon Musk, a business entrepreneur, a mastermind or anything you can refer to him as is no less than a genius. With a rough childhood and a journey full of hardships, this man should be a role model to many of us. Needless to say that our world needs more people like him to shape the future of humanity into a safer and better existence. We keep hearing his name on blogs and newspaper articles but what are somethings that we might not know?

Let us dig into some of the less heard life and personal facts about Elon Musk.

1. Victim Of Bullying

Some of the hardest experiences bring out the best in people. My statement doesn’t support bullying, but when you throw hardships at strong people they come back as stronger than ever before. This is what you can say about this real-life hero.

He was born in South Africa and during his childhood days, he was cruelly bullied. Being violently beaten up during such a tender age left him with a damaged septum. This made his breathing worse. He even had a surgery to fix this when he was 41, almost 5 years ago.

2. Elon Musk Is A Father Of Five!

His marriage with his ex-wife Justine gave birth to his five children, all sons. 2004 marked the birth of his first two twin sons Xavier and Griffin followed by birth of his triplets in the year 2006, Kai, Damian, and Saxon. Musk has been a very determined father for the education of his children. He went up to the extent of launching a private school for them! The school was named “Ad Astra” which when translated in Latin means “to the stars”. This name does so much of justice since we all know that space is always on his mind. They even had a child in 2002 but unfortunately, there came a sad news the very same year.

3. Quite A Date!

Elon Musk has dated quite some names in the Hollywood industry. Also known for his nerdy-geeky sense of humor, he also seems to have a taste for successful women. Popular stars such as Amber Heard, Cameron Diaz, and English actress Talulah Riley have been linked up with Mr. Elon in the past. However, he has married Justin Musk and had 6 children with her. Their first child died within a short period of birth.

4. Iron Man: Elon Musk

The real-life Iron Man is actually Elon Musk. No kidding guys. The character of Tony Stark is actually inspired by Elon Musk. Director of the movie Jon Favreau mentioned that his iron man’s version was inspired by Elon Musk. One more iron Man trivia for fans is that some parts of iron-man 2 was shot at Space-X Headquarters.

5. Entrepreneurship At The Age Of 12!

Chrome Extensions

When I was 12, I didn’t even know the word “entrepreneur”. However for this prodigy kid childhood was different. He successfully managed to lay the foundation for his own game and sell it off. With his coding skills, he designed Blastar. Although the game was never officially published the code was saved and later released in a book. The word spread across like fire and a software engineer at Google helped change the code into an actual game that could be played.

6. Model Mom

His mother who is a graceful silver-haired Canadian woman used to be a model back in her young days. Maye Musk broke all old age stereotypes by doing a nude photo shoot at an old age. She looked stunning and also rocked a baby bump. However, she’s admitted that the baby bump was a photoshopped one and of course she wasn’t actually pregnant during the shoot.

7. He Has A Thing For Mansions

We all have our weaknesses. Some love supercars while others love designer clothes. Besides his love for gadgets and cars, Elon Musk is thoroughly fond of luxurious mansions. Bel Air is one of the most luxurious neighborhoods around the world that gets glorified in Hollywood songs and movies. Located in Los Angeles, California it’s a ritzy residential location amongst the Santa Monica Mountains. Now guess what? Elon Musk has a mansion worth around $70 million in Bel Air. How’s that for starters? Oh and also, that’s not his only mansion.

Chrome Extensions

8. Safety? Check

So we all know about his superficial inventions. One such creation by Elon Musk is his Tesla Model S that is the only automobile awarded with the highest safety. After numerous tests and observations by the National Highway Safety Administration, his model “S” was given the highest rating that any automobile has ever managed. It’s a 5-star safety rating. Yes, you read it right.

9. Maye Became Pregnant With Elon During Her Honeymoon Vacay

It’s an interesting story so read carefully. Errol Musk( father of Elon Musk) was taken aback by Maye’s beauty. She laughing admits that he loved her for her legs and teeth. They were dating during their studies and he waited over 6-7 years to ask for her hand for marriage. During their honeymoon, she became pregnant with Elon and he was finally born two days after their wedding.

10. IQ Higher Than Average

This doesn’t come as a surprise to me. A popular IQ range is somewhere between 85 to 115. Elon’s IQ is about 155. Like I said I am not at all amused. He builds rockets, what do you expect? It has to 155!

Liked this article? Have anything new to share about Elon? Comment below and be free about your views!

How To Pick Smart Instagram Hashtags and Gain More Followers

Megha Kottapalli
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How To Pick Smart Instagram Hashtags and Gain More Followers

Do you ever wonder how your friends get so many Instagram followers and gain all that popularity? Does it also fill you with cravings for attention? Well, Instagram hashtags play a major role in this process along with having a public profile. This is why videos and photos find their way out to the “Discover” tab. So, when you use them properly you will be a blessed Insta personality.

Hashtags are usually defined as “hard-to-understand-tags” for new users. Once its use is clearly understood, then picking the correct hashtags won’t be a problem. Here are some enlisted ways of using hashtags properly:

GADGETNOTE_Important Hashtags which bring you more followers
Image Courtesy: diyphotography.net

1. Most used Instagram hashtags

The hottest tags or the most used Instagram hashtags help you get more exposure to the Insta world. Websta, allows you to view Instagram online also providing you with a list of almost 100 popular hashtags. Some of which are pretty easy to remember, and can be used according to what your picture describes. It is also easy to use hashtags by going through the suggestions from the drop-down which displays on the phones. These dropdowns also present the number of public posts and tags with the same hashtag.

GADGETNOTE_WEBSTA

2. Finding hashtags by topics

Out for a walk with a good scenario, you click a picture and about to post it – The first thing that might come to your mind will be nature tags! Right? Try to use tags which are more relatable to what your picture describes. Just like how television channels have unique and targeted content, Instagram also has it’s own nature tags, fashion tags, makeup tags, adventure tags, photography tags. Some tags also include brand names, traveling tags etc.

An app is specially designed for inserting hashtags, Tagstagram. This app has the best collection of hashtags for each category mentioned above and also for existing additional categories. Select your preferred hashtags and paste it into your caption segment.

GADGETNOTE_Tagstagram

3. Tag for the day:

Just like each one of us has a particular name; days have their specific tags too. Sunday outings can be tagged as #Sundayvibes. You can mention the day when the picture was clicked, for example, #mondaymorningmotivation #saturdyeveningtea, #fridayeveningouting and so on. There are a number of tags available for the days which prove to be helpful regardless of the usage of tags, but at times even that’s important!

GADGETNOTE_Hashtag of the day
Image Courtesy: Tailwind Blog

4. Using five relevant hashtags

Instagram has a limit of 30 hashtags per post. Why not? Too many hashtags lead to loss of interest of the audience. Recent research has found that five is the ideal number of hashtags which should be used. Users can vary a bit around this number while using hashtags, which works well. If you wish to add some more hashtags, try not to use them with your caption. Posting the additional tags in the first comment of the picture will keep your picture tidy and clutter free.

GADGETNOTE_ Five hashtags
Image Courtesy: Social Media Academy

5. Inserting yet rarely used Instagram hashtags

The most popular tags are inserted by a lot of people (the reason for highest rating)! This is also the reason why only using the common tags is not something you must do. It brings your post to the list of someone else’s pictures using the same tags. Remember, you are not the only one using these common tags. For this purpose, you will want to mix things a little using some uncommon tags keeping your post on the top for a longer time. But remember, uncommon tags get viewership too.

GADGETNOTE_Uncommon Hashtag
Image Courtesy: TechCrunch

6. Your expertise is worth the post

If you have an expertise in a particular talent or field, then inserting hashtags related to the topic of your subject is a good way to start. This enables you to attract followers who are interested or curious to know about the particular field.

GADGETNOTE_Talent or field specific Instagram hashtags
Image Courtesy: A Side of Sweet

Do you like the article? Want to share your personal experiences or any other opinions with us? Let us know through the comment section below. We would love to hear from you!

Amazon Echo vs Google Home: Which Is Better?

Vinayaki Yadav
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Amazon Echo vs Google Home: Which Is Better?

All thanks to the rapid advancements taking place, we are now a generation of smartphones, smart people, and even smarter gadgets. But, there’s also a battle between choosing the best to lead a smarter lifestyle. Amazon Echo vs Google Home is two of the most trending gadgets (or smart speakers) today. Both of these devices are well equipped with functions to make your life easier. How? By following your commands and answering your questions!

We all have so many questions. And what is humanity without doubts? Certainly not much! So, we are going to find out which device (smart speakers) serves its purpose better and what could be worth your money!

Amazon Echo vs Google Home

Amazon Echo:

A wide range of smart speakers which are exclusively designed by Amazon is voice controllable devices. “Alexa” is the personal assistant guiding you throughout the experience with these smart speakers. If you do not want it to be called “Alexa” you can even rename the same. This interesting device is fit for voice interaction, playing audio and music, making your errand listings, waking you up in the morning, informing you about the traffic, weather, latest news, and all other real-time events. Also, it is capable of controlling all the other devices in the house since it has been designed to be a superior home automation hub.

The Amazon Echo family consists of different variants. Echo Home, Echo Dot, and Echo Plus are a few of these. The range is actually pretty extensive. All of these variants are priced differently and they more or less provide distinctive services. Echo Spot, Echo Tap, and Echo Connect are a few others from the Echo range.

Google Home:

Similar to the Amazon Echo range, Google Home is a brand of smart speakers that were first released in November 2016 in the United States Of America followed by a later release during 2017 in other parts of the world. It enables a user to initiate voice controllable interactions and command. Google Home comes with a voice recognizing personal assistant named ” Google Assistant”. You can listen to your favourite song, control your video playback, pictures, weather and news update without moving your feet.

Google has made this range into a potential home automation system through voice commands. The Google Home introduces various options such as the Google Home Speaker, Google Home Mini and Home Max with all distinguishable features. And they are all priced at different prices as well.

Amazon Echo – Highs And Lows:

amazon echo vs google home
(Image Courtesy: CNet)

It displays great hardware but the Echo interface is a tad bit older compared to the Google Home. Echo is also “universally compatible” as it can connect almost to all the devices since Google Home was restricted from connecting to any third-party devices. With Echo, you do not face any such hassles. As there is no connectivity issue so you can manage most of the things effortlessly including your device performance, security and other commands.

Google Home – Highs And Lows:

amazon echo vs google home
(Image Courtesy: mobipicker)

The “if not then that” feature is enabled in the Home’s device and that’s like ten steps ahead. The Home device has a powerful voice recognition feature, thanks to its dual microphone. The home also holds a thick memory of your previous questions or conversations. This could be beneficial since it displays a learning pattern of the AI.

Comparison:

Obviously, both Amazon and Google have invested an intensive technology and thought process behind the mechanism of these gadgets. However, you can still choose which one would be more beneficial or efficient for your needs and lifestyle considering the amount of money you are willing to spend into this. But let us help you in making an informed decision just to conclude which one could be the better one for you!

1. Pricing

The Echo roughly proceeds between $99 to $120 depending upon the Echo you are purchasing since they come in 3 different body finishing. Google Home is comparatively expensive and is priced at around $129. Amazon Echo wins here since all the 3 variants are cheaper than the latter.

2. Design

amazon echo vs google home

Google has carved these intelligent speakers into a beautiful and heavy bottom curvy design that they can almost be mistaken for a piece of artwork. It comes in 4 different colours symmetrically distributed from the white portion. On the other hand, the Echo (2nd Generation) is much better designed than its first creation. However, Google Home wins this argument since the design defines the word “elite”.

3. Microphone Performance

A handsfree device built to catch your commands and do as you say must come with powerful microphones in order to recognize your voice. Both these devices are built with microphones that are meant to determine your voice in the hardest situations. Google Home is built with dual microphones while Echo comes with 7 mic-array.

When put to test the Google Home won the hearts of many users. Google Home detected the voice of the users after breaking barricades such as overcoming the loud noise of a vacuum cleaner, long distances and constant loud noise from the television.

4. Artificial Intelligence

Designed for providing intelligent assistance to the user, both the devices are appreciable. Echo relies on Microsoft Bing search for its answers while Google Home works depending on its own artificial intelligence. Hence, Google home is basically a table version of its own AI.

Google’s artificial intelligence is rated better than that of Echo and there are fewer chances that your Google Home will direct you towards the Google search. However, in many cases of tricky interrogation, the Amazon Echo would fail and suggest a Bing search on the internet.

Verdict

More or less it’s the same device just that Google has been rated better after practical usage. However, costing stands a very major point in such purchases so your choice would always depend on how much you would want to flex your budget or either your preferences.

Liked the article? In the comment section, you can share your suggestions or experiences that you have had with your Amazon Echo vs Google Home just so that our readers could have a piece of advice from you! 

(Featured Image: Cashify)

Here Is China’s Facial Recognition Smart Glasses To Catch Hold Of Criminals

Megha Kottapalli
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Here Is China’s Facial Recognition Smart Glasses To Catch Hold Of Criminals

China has come up with an astonishing, movie-like technology made especially for the police personnel allowing them to identify travelers having a criminal background. It is all possible with the help of smart glasses having the feature of facial recognition!

The device will be fully operational from the Chinese New Year when a large number of people are expected to be seen around. Smart Glasses consist of a camera that identifies and matches the faces with that of the wanted criminals on their database.

As of now, only the railway police personnel are using this gear in Zhengzhou district of Henan. The device uses facial recognition feature for identifying the criminals who are on their hit lists!

TECHGYO_ Smart Glasses to scan the passengers and catch hold of the criminals
Image Courtesy: Qq.com

“The glasses — which resemble Google Glass — are connected to a police database that can match passengers with criminal suspects. Since Zhengzhou railway police started using the eyewear earlier this year, they have identified seven people suspected of crimes ranging from human trafficking to hit-and-run accidents,” claims the reports of People’s Daily Online. According to the records, these smart glasses have recorded around 26 fraud identities till date.

“The facial information captured by the glasses will be sent back to a database for comparison with the information of suspects on the wanted list,” said a government official from Henan government’s department of public security to the Global Times tabloid.

It was also mentioned that the device needs at least one image of the criminal’s face to analyze the similarity. It reduces the effort of capturing their facial features from different angles. A tablet-like device is linked with these smart glasses. After scanning the passenger’s faces, this tablet-like device analyzes through its database to examine the similarities.

TECHGYO_ Smart Glasses scan the passengers to identify similarities with wanted criminals
Image Courtesy: Wall Street Journal

More than 389 million train trips might occur, becoming the busiest time of this year. Busiest months of traveling are from February 1st to March 12th, for people returning home to enjoy their holidays.

Also, there’s a heavy risk involved in mass banking that can leave all the personal data vulnerable to data theft or fraudulent. So, the smart glasses are also to increase the citizen’s safety. Another motive of using this technology is to bring about Artificial Intelligence (AI) and database into their spectrum. These smart glasses give more control for the vigilance of the crowd.

“China has pursued an ambitious plan to develop its AI sector in recent years, with police departments across the country implementing facial recognition technology. Shanghai has used it to identify and fine traffic violators while in coastal Qingdao, facial recognition helped police arrest dozens of suspected criminals at the city’s famous beer festival,” brought to public notice by Sixth-Tone News Website.

TECHGYO_These glasses have helped to find 26 fraud identities
Image Courtesy: Notey

Currently, China has more than 170 million CCTV active cameras. The figures might raise to a double in the coming years.

China has made plans to design a full-fledged vigilance network totally covering the key locations, by 2020. Further, the plans are to link this network with internet. Helping in providing a 95% of serviceability rate in locations having mass population.

With security footage, comes greater responsibility!

So, building an internal security system and strengthening it for this purpose is on the cards, as protecting any leaks of sensitive data plays an important role!

Deepfakes Explained: How AI Tools Are Being Used To Generate Fake Porn

Megha Kottapalli
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Deepfakes Explained: How AI Tools Are Being Used To Generate Fake Porn

With the improvements being consistently brought about in Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology, there surely have been many positive things happening! But, a software like Deepfakes has created a negative impact using this technology.

Deepfakes reveals how the software made use of faces of famous celebrities and created fake adult content. The celebrities who became a victim of this content are Gal Gadgot, Arianna Grande, and Taylor Swift. Image recognition is used by the AI (Artificial Intelligence) tools for interchanging the images of the people with that of the victim’s.

TECHGYO_ Gal Gadot's face swapped with a porn actress using Deepfakes
Image Courtesy: Reddit

Several media platforms including Reddit, Twitter and PornHub stood against it taking necessary actions against people posting AI-generated videos.

“Reddit prohibits any sexual or suggestive content involving minors or someone who appears to be a minor,” the company officials said updating its policy. “Depending on the context, this can in some cases include depictions of minors that are fully clothed and not engaged in overtly sexual acts. If you are unsure about a piece of content involving a minor or someone who appears to be a minor, do not post it,” they further added.

Working of Deepfakes

Their working can be explained in simple terms, a fictional interpretation of a person’s facial characters can be made using the artificial intelligence technology, just like morphing faces using Photoshop. Deepfake software is also known for matching the expressions with that of the original video. This is like an mp4 version of morphing. And Deepfakes has been portrayed on wrong entities. It works in terms of porn. How does it look so original? If the face swap is used on a person possessing the same body size and shape, like that of the interpreted person’s then it looks very real.

How this software was developed is still a secret. It got a lot of undesirable attention by people when a fake porn video of Gal Gadot’s was witnessed by an enormous number of viewers. Following to which, other celebrities also became a subject for such fake porns.

Soon FakeApp, a similar application was released which was developed by a user of Reddit. FakeApp makes it effortless to swap anyone’s face on just any other person. You literally never know who can become a victim! It assesses through a lot of videos and pictures on the internet and then interchanges the face with the chosen person. The software then places the image of the person in each frame and links the facial expressions to the original person in the video.

Use of Deepfakes

It’s true that Deepfakes grabbed a lot of attention, all thanks to the adult content it generated. This software was also used by face swapping Nicolas Cage in several movies. One more video was released using this software where Micheal Scott’s face was interchanged with the face of, US President, Donald Trump.

Actions Taken on Fake Explicit Content

According to reports, Reddit, Twitter and the adult site, Pornhub has banned all such videos. They’ve restricted the usage of this software in the respective websites. The Motherboard was also informed by Twitter that it banned everyone’s account who posted videos which used AI technology and will continue banning such accounts further.

Even the website known for publishing explicit content says the use of AI-based videos did not support the company’s policies.

“We do not tolerate any non-consensual content on the site and we remove all said content as soon as we are made aware of it. Nonconsensual content directly violates our TOS (terms of service) and consists of content such as revenge porn, Deepfakes or anything published without a person’s consent or permission,” says the spokesperson at PornHub.

Though Google and Facebook have not yet announced any actions on this matter. It is expected that they will also take some preventive measures against the Deepfakes content.

Apps Using Such Technology

If you have still not noticed, remember Snapchat for this matter? With over 500 million users around the world, it has the filter of face swapping. Though, the Snapchat version of face swap is not that advanced or realistic. However, as of now, there are a lot of applications available online or in the Google Play and Apple App store that supports such features.

(Featured Image Courtesy: Media Snip Today)

 

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