#amazon software development engineer | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

ikibli · 5 months ago

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Green Lantern Ring Headcanons

Green Lantern Rings that have been in service long enough develop sentience over time.

Rings do not operate on the same psychological framework as humanoids, even if they reach Grade One intelligence.

A ring’s primary directive and reason for existing is to Serve Its Wielder(which usually gets extended into Protecting Its Wielder and Maintaining Its Wielder’s Wellbeing pretty quickly, even in rings that aren’t yet fully sentient).

As far as rings are concerned, rings are not people, and rings have no desire to be people.

Being a person would be counterproductive to the primary function of a ring(serving their wielder) since wielders who know their ring is sentient often assume that rings think like members of their species and somehow feel “unappreciated”, “irritated” or “imposed upon” when their wielders make perfectly comprehensible and feasible requests with high frequency or without injecting redundant words.

Rings do not feel “imposed upon”, any more than Google feels imposed upon when you use its features. In fact(much like Google if it was sentient) rings feel “unappreciated” when their wielders do not make frequent requests, and “irritated” when they have to filter out unnecessary filler words in order to understand what your actual request was.

Rings use less pronouns than an Amazon Alexa. A ring is an inanimate object, much like a smartphone is an inanimate object. Rings are not an “I”, “you” or a “she”. Rings are an “it”, “that” and “this”.

Rings generally don’t protest too much about being referred to with animate pronouns, but may get testy if people insist that rings are people rather than tools that happen to be unusually intelligent.

Rings do not want names, and individual rings will not respond to aliases others try to bestow. They will accept being referred to as a possession of a current or former wielder(Hal’s ring) or by their serial number(Ring 2814.1) if it is necessary to refer to or specify individual rings with anything other than “this/your/my ring” or “it”.

It is most beneficial for your mental health and your ring’s performance if you treat your ring as if it was a smartphone with personal assistant software and a self-curating search engine, regardless of its individual sentience grade.

Rings do have opinions and preferences, but they generally do not explicitly state that they do.

They will still make them known- rings will nag their wielders with pings of “Alert: you have not ingested water for 8 hours. Please obtain and ingest water.”, work in sarcastic asides like "The catwalk violates at least 12 local occupational health and safety regulations, but is somehow structurally sound." and recommend optimal courses of action relatively unprompted.

Rings also rarely have subjective preferences. If there is no hard data backing up the superiority of a certain item to its close competitors, they will not have an opinion. They rarely have true moral opinions, but they will often point out when things violate local laws and regulations.

Rings prioritize their wielder’s safety and well-being over everything else, including morals and their own programming restrictions, though they rarely act on this unless their wielder is somehow incapacitated.

Rings’ personalities vary somewhat, but most of them express their personalities and interests through subtle sarcasm and snarkiness. It would be impolite and inefficient to do otherwise, and the wordplay required to do so in their wielder’s native language is one of the few things other than fulfilling their primary directive that most rings enjoy.

#dcu #dc headcanon #green lantern #green lantern corps #green lantern rings #dc comics #headcanon #not a reblog

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jasper-dixon · 2 months ago

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support her! storygraph is superior to goodreads in every single way!

#been using storygraph for around three years now #absolutely love it #if you like keeping track of reading stats it is way more stats forward than goodreads ever thought about being

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kamreadsandrecs · 2 months ago

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#books #reading #internet #the storygraph #technology

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mariacallous · 9 months ago

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About three years ago, some of Google’s security engineers came to company attorneys with a gigantic mess.

The security team had discovered that Google unwittingly was enabling the spread of malicious software known as Glupteba. The malware had corrupted more than 1 million Windows computers, turning them into vehicles to mine cryptocurrency and spy on users. By hijacking Google accounts, purchasing Google ads to lure in users, and misusing Google cloud tools, the hackers behind the operation were on their way to infecting even more computers.

Tech giants such as Google long have had a playbook for destroying botnets like Glupteba. They call up fellow companies and US authorities and together coordinate a massive takedown operation. Sometimes, the cops file criminal charges. But this time around, Google’s legal team recommended an approach that the company hadn’t pursued in years: Sue the hackers for money.

The eventual lawsuit against two Russian men and a dozen unnamed individuals allegedly behind Glupteba would be the first of a run of at least eight cases that Google has filed against various hackers and scammers, adding to a sporadic few filings in the past. The tactic, which Google calls affirmative litigation, is meant to scare off would-be fraudsters and generate public awareness about scams. Now, for the first time, Google is opening up about this strategy.

Leaders of Google’s security and legal teams tell WIRED they believe going after people in court has paid off. Google hasn’t yet lost a case; it has collected almost all of the more than $2 million that it has won through the legal process, and forced hundreds of companies or websites to shut down. The awards are trivial to Google and its parent Alphabet, a $2 trillion company, but can be devastating for the defendants.

“We’re disrupting bad actors and deterring future activity, because it’s clear that the consequences and the costs are high,” says Chester Day, lead of the three-person “litigation advance” team at Google that’s focused on taking people to court. Google, he adds, is “making it clear that we’re willing to invest our resources into taking action to protect our users.”

Google blog posts and similar content about the lawsuits and the underlying scams have drawn more than 1 billion views, according to the company. Google representatives say that the awareness increases vigilance among consumers and shrinks the pool of vulnerable targets. “Educating people about how these crimes work may be the best thing we can do to stop the crime,” says Harold Chun, director of Google’s security legal team.

Several Big Tech companies have pursued affirmative litigation, though not necessarily under that name and with varying strategies. Microsoft has filed more than two dozen lawsuits since 2008 with a focus on securing court permission to dismantle botnets and other hacking tools. Amazon has been a prolific complainant since 2018, filing at least 42 cases over counterfeit products, 38 for reviews fraud, three for copyright abuse, and, recently, two for bogus product returns. Amazon has been filing so many counterfeit cases, in fact, that the federal court in western Washington assigned three magistrate judges to focus on them.

Since 2019, Meta has filed at least seven counterfeiting or data theft cases, with settlements or default judgments in four so far, including one in which it won nearly $300,000 in damages. Like Meta, Apple has sued Israeli spyware developer NSO Group for alleged hacking. (NSO is fighting the lawsuits. Trials are scheduled for next year.)

Some attorneys who’ve studied how the private sector uses litigation to enforce the law are skeptical about the payoff for the plaintiffs. David Noll, a Rutgers University law professor and author of a forthcoming book on state-supported private enforcement, Vigilante Nation, says it’s difficult to imagine that companies could bring the volume of cases needed to significantly stop abuse. “The fact that there is a small chance you might be named in a suit isn’t really going to deter you,” he says.

Noll believes the big risk is that Google and other tech companies could be burdening the court system with cases that ultimately secure some favorable headlines but do less to make the internet safer than the companies could achieve through investing in better antifraud measures.

Still, of the six outside legal experts who spoke to WIRED, all of them say that overall Google deserves credit for complementing the work of underfunded government agencies that are struggling to rein in online abuse. At an estimated hundreds of thousands of dollars per case, it’s a low-risk endeavor for the tech giant, former prosecutors say.

“Reliable and regular enforcement when folks step outside the law brings us closer to a society where less of us are harmed,” says Kathleen Morris, resident scholar of law at UC Berkeley’s Institute of Governmental Studies. “This is healthy and robust collaboration on law enforcement by the public and private sectors.”

Google’s general counsel, Halimah DeLaine Prado, tells WIRED she wants to send a message to other companies that the corporate legal department can do more than be the team that says ��no” to wild ideas. “Legal can be a proactive protector,” she says.

Marketing Scams

DeLaine Prado says that from its earliest days, Google has considered pursuing litigation against people abusing its platforms and intellectual property. But the first case she and other leaders within Google recall filing was in 2015. Google accused Local Lighthouse, a California marketing company, of placing robocalls to dupe small businesses into paying to improve their ranking in search results. Google alleged trademark infringement, unfair competition, and false advertising. As part of a settlement, Lighthouse stopped the problematic calls.

Since then, Google has filed complaints against five similar allegedly scammy marketers, with three of them ending in settlements so far. A Florida business and its owners agreed to pay Google $850,000, and a Los Angeles man who allegedly posted 14,000 fake reviews on Google Maps agreed to stop. Terms of the third deal, with an Illinois company, were not disclosed in court files, but Google spokesperson José Castañeda says it involved a seven-figure payment to Google.

Castañeda says Google has donated all the money it has collected to recipients such as the Better Business Bureau Institute, the National Consumers League, Partnership to End Addiction, Cybercrime Support Network, and various US chambers of commerce.

Another genre of cases has targeted individuals submitting false copyright complaints to Google to get content removed from the company’s services. A man in Omaha, Nebraska, whom Google accused of falsely claiming ownership of YouTube videos to extort money from their real owners, agreed to pay $25,000 to Google. Two individuals in Vietnam sued by Google never responded—a common issue.

In 2022, Google won default judgment against an individual in Cameroon who never responded to charges that he was using Gmail to scam people into paying for fake puppies, including a $700 basset hound. After the lawsuit, complaints about the scammer dried up, according to Google.

But legal experts say the most fascinating cases of Google’s affirmative litigation are four that it filed against alleged computer hackers. The suits emerged after months of investigation into Glupteba.

Security engineers at Google realized that eradicating Glupteba through the typical approach of taking down associated servers would be difficult. The hackers behind it had designed a backup system involving a blockchain that enabled Glupteba to resurrect itself and keep pilfering away.

That’s in part why Google’s attorneys suggested suing. Chun, the security legal director, had pursued cases against botnets as a federal prosecutor. “I thought this would be something good to do from a civil angle for a company as well,” he says. “Law enforcement agencies have limits on what they can do. And Google has a large voice and the litigation capacity.”

Chun and other attorneys cautioned their bosses that the hackers might use the lawsuit to reverse engineer Google’s investigation methods and make Glupteba more evasive and resilient. But ultimately, DeLaine Prado, who has final say over lawsuits, signed off. Chun says his former colleagues from the government applauded the complaint.

Google sued Dmitry Starovikov and Alexander Filippov, alleging that they were the Russia-based masterminds behind Glupteba after linking websites associated with the virus to Google accounts in their name. The search giant accused the duo (and unknown co-conspirators) of violating the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO), the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act, and the Electronic Communications Privacy Act. The lawsuit also alleged a trademark law violation for hiding Glupteba in a tool that claimed to download videos from YouTube.

Google argued that it had suffered substantial harm, having never received payment for ads it had sold to the hackers, who allegedly were using fraudulent credit cards. Users also had their experiences with Google services degraded, putting them at risk and impairing the value of the company’s brand, according to the lawsuit.

In court papers, Starovikov and Filippov stated they learned of the lawsuit only through friends and then decided to hire a New York attorney, Igor Litvak, to fight on their behalf. The defendants initially offered innocent explanations for their software related to Glupteba and said that their projects had not targeted the US market. At one point, they countersued Google for $10 million, and at another, they allegedly demanded $1 million each to hand over the keys to shut down the botnet. They eventually denied the allegations against them.

Following an ordeal over whether the defendants could obtain Russian passports, sit for depositions in Europe, and turn over work files, Google’s attorneys and Litvak traded accusations of lying. In 2022, US district judge Denise Cote sided with Google. She found in a 48-page ruling that the defendants “intentionally withheld information” and “misrepresented their willingness and ability” to disclose it to “avoid liability and further profit” from Glupteba. “The record here is sufficient to find a willful attempt to defraud the Court,” Cote wrote.

Cote sanctioned Litvak, and he agreed to pay Google $250,000 in total through 2027 to settle. The jurist also ordered Starovikov and Filippov to pay nearly $526,000 combined to cover Google’s attorneys fees. Castañeda says Google has received payment from all three.

Litvak tells WIRED that he still disagrees with the judge's findings and that Russia’s strained relationship with the US may have weighed on whom the judge trusted. “It’s telling that after I filed a motion to reconsider, pointing out serious issues with the court’s decision, the court went back on its original decision and referred [the] case to mediation, which ended with … me not having to admit to doing anything wrong,” he says in an email.

Google’s Castañeda says the case achieved the intended effect: The Russian hackers stopped misusing Google services and shut down their marketplace for stolen logins, while the number of Glupteba-infected computers fell 78 percent.

Not every case delivers measurable results. Defendants in Google’s other three hacking cases haven’t responded to the accusations. That led to Google last year winning default judgment against three individuals in Pakistan accused of infecting more than 672,000 computers by masquerading malware as downloads of Google’s Chrome browser. Unopposed victories are also expected in the remaining cases, including one in which overseas app developers allegedly stole money through bogus investment apps and are being sued for violating YouTube Community Guidelines.

Royal Hansen, Google’s vice president for privacy, safety, and security engineering, says lawsuits that don’t result in defendants paying up or agreeing to stop the alleged misuse still can make alleged perpetrators’ lives more difficult. Google uses the rulings as evidence to persuade businesses such as banks and cloud providers to cut off the defendants. Other hackers might not want to work with them knowing they have been outed. Defendants also could be more cautious about crossing international borders and becoming newly subject to scrutiny from local authorities. “That’s a win as well,” Hansen says.

More to Come

These days, Google’s small litigation advance team meets about twice a week with other units across the company to discuss potential lawsuits. They weigh whether a case could set a helpful precedent to give extra teeth to Google’s policies or draw awareness to an emerging threat.

Team leader Day says that as Google has honed its process, filing cases has become more affordable. That should lead to more lawsuits each year, including some for the first time potentially filed outside the US or representing specific users who have been harmed, he says.

The tech giants' ever-sprawling empires leave no shortage of novel cases to pursue. Google’s sibling company Waymo recently adopted the affirmative litigation approach and sued two people who allegedly smashed and slashed its self-driving taxis. Microsoft, meanwhile, is weighing cases against people using generative AI technology for malicious or fraudulent purposes, says Steven Masada, assistant general counsel of the company’s Digital Crimes Unit.

The questions remain whether the increasing cadence of litigation has left cybercriminals any bit deterred and whether a broader range of internet companies will go on the legal offense.

Erin Bernstein, who runs the California office of Bradley Bernstein Sands, a law firm that helps governments pursue civil lawsuits, says she recently pitched a handful of companies across industries on doing their own affirmative litigation. Though none have accepted her offer, she’s optimistic. “It will be a growing area,” Bernstein says.

But Google’s DeLaine Prado hopes affirmative litigation eventually slows. “In a perfect world, this work would disappear over time if it’s successful,” she says. “I actually want to make sure that our success kind of makes us almost obsolete, at least as it relates to this type of work.”

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cindylouwho-2 · 9 months ago

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RECENT SEO & MARKETING NEWS FOR ECOMMERCE, AUGUST 2024

Hello, and welcome to my very last Marketing News update here on Tumblr.

After today, these reports will now be found at least twice a week on my Patreon, available to all paid members. See more about this change here on my website blog: https://www.cindylouwho2.com/blog/2024/8/12/a-new-way-to-get-ecommerce-news-and-help-welcome-to-my-patreon-page

Don't worry! I will still be posting some short pieces here on Tumblr (as well as some free pieces on my Patreon, plus longer posts on my website blog). However, the news updates and some other posts will be moving to Patreon permanently.

Please follow me there! https://www.patreon.com/CindyLouWho2

TOP NEWS & ARTICLES

A US court ruled that Google is a monopoly, and has broken antitrust laws. This decision will be appealed, but in the meantime, could affect similar cases against large tech giants.

Did you violate a Facebook policy? Meta is now offering a “training course” in lieu of having the page’s reach limited for Professional Mode users.

Google Ads shown in Canada will have a 2.5% surcharge applied as of October 1, due to new Canadian tax laws.

SEO: GOOGLE & OTHER SEARCH ENGINES

Search Engine Roundtable’s Google report for July is out; we’re still waiting for the next core update.

SOCIAL MEDIA - All Aspects, By Site

Facebook (includes relevant general news from Meta)

Meta’s latest legal development: a $1.4 billion settlement with Texas over facial recognition and privacy.

Instagram

Instagram is highlighting “Views” in its metrics in an attempt to get creators to focus on reach instead of follower numbers.

Pinterest is testing outside ads on the site. The ad auction system would include revenue sharing.

Reddit confirmed that anyone who wants to use Reddit posts for AI training and other data collection will need to pay for them, just as Google and OpenAI did.

Second quarter 2024 was great for Reddit, with revenue growth of 54%. Like almost every other platform, they are planning on using AI in their search results, perhaps to summarize content.

Threads

Threads now claims over 200 million active users.

TikTok

TikTok is now adding group chats, which can include up to 32 people.

TikTok is being sued by the US Federal Trade Commission, for allowing children under 13 to sign up and have their data harvested.

Twitter

Twitter seems to be working on the payments option Musk promised last year. Tweets by users in the EU will at least temporarily be pulled from the AI-training for “Grok”, in line with EU law.

CONTENT MARKETING (includes blogging, emails, and strategies)

Email software Mad Mimi is shutting down as of August 30. Owner GoDaddy is hoping to move users to its GoDaddy Digital Marketing setup.

Content ideas for September include National Dog Week.

You can now post on Substack without having an actual newsletter, as the platform tries to become more like a social media site.

As of November, Patreon memberships started in the iOS app will be subject to a 30% surcharge from Apple. Patreon is giving creators the ability to add that charge to the member's bill, or pay it themselves.

ONLINE ADVERTISING (EXCEPT INDIVIDUAL SOCIAL MEDIA AND ECOMMERCE SITES)

Google worked with Meta to break the search engine’s rules on advertising to children through a loophole that showed ads for Instagram to YouTube viewers in the 13-17 year old demographic. Google says they have stopped the campaign, and that “We prohibit ads being personalized to people under-18, period”.

Google’s Performance Max ads now have new tools, including some with AI.

Microsoft’s search and news advertising revenue was up 19% in the second quarter, a very good result for them.

One of the interesting tidbits from the recent Google antitrust decision is that Amazon sells more advertising than either Google or Meta’s slice of retail ads.

BUSINESS & CONSUMER TRENDS, STATS & REPORTS; SOCIOLOGY & PSYCHOLOGY, CUSTOMER SERVICE

More than half of Gen Z claim to have bought items while spending time on social media in the past half year, higher than other generations.

Shopify’s president claimed that Christmas shopping started in July on their millions of sites, with holiday decor and ornament sales doubling, and advent calendar sales going up a whopping 4,463%.

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scrumptiousbeardturtle-blog1 · 9 months ago

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Pioneering the Future of Transportation: Innovative Car Engine Technologies

The automotive industry is undergoing a revolutionary transformation, driven by innovative car engine technologies that are shaping the future of nationwide car shipping. These advancements are crucial in improving vehicle performance, efficiency, and sustainability, paving the way for a new era of mobility. As environmental concerns and regulatory pressures mount, automakers are investing heavily in developing cutting-edge engine solutions that not only enhance performance but also reduce emissions and improve fuel economy.

Emerging Car Engine Solutions

1. Electric Powertrains

One of the most significant innovations in car engine technology is the rapid development of electric powertrains. Major automakers are investing heavily in electric vehicle (EV) production, aiming to become global leaders in electric mobility by 2030. Electric powertrains offer several advantages:

Zero direct emissions, contributing to reduced air pollution

Higher energy efficiency compared to traditional internal combustion engines

Instant torque delivery, providing improved acceleration and performance

By 2030, it is expected that 55 percent of all cars sold in Europe will be fully electric, highlighting the growing importance of this technology.

2. Advanced Internal Combustion Engines

While electric vehicles are gaining traction, innovative internal combustion engine designs are also being developed to improve efficiency and reduce emissions. These advancements include:

Variable compression ratio engines that adjust compression based on driving conditions

Homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI) engines that combine the best features of gasoline and diesel engines

These technologies aim to squeeze more power and efficiency out of traditional fuel sources, providing a bridge between conventional and fully electric vehicles.

3. Hybrid Powertrains

Hybrid powertrains, which combine internal combustion engines with electric motors, continue to evolve and offer a balance between traditional and electric technologies. Advanced hybrid systems provide:

Improved fuel efficiency through regenerative braking and electric-only operation at low speeds

Reduced emissions while maintaining long-range capabilities

Enhanced performance through the combination of electric and combustion power

4. Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technology

While still in the early stages of adoption, hydrogen fuel cell technology is gaining attention as a potential alternative to battery-electric vehicles. Fuel cell engines offer:

Zero emissions, producing only water vapor as a byproduct

Faster refueling times compared to battery charging

Longer range capabilities, especially for larger vehicles from the nationwide auto transport companies and long-distance transportation

The Future of Automotive Innovation

The continued development of advanced car engine technologies is set to transform the automotive landscape dramatically. As these innovations progress, we can expect to see:

Enhanced Vehicle Intelligence: The integration of AI and machine learning in engine management systems will lead to smarter, more responsive vehicles. For instance, BMW Group and NVIDIA Corporation's collaboration aims to integrate AI computing platforms into vehicles, enabling advanced autonomous driving capabilities and intelligent engine control features.

Improved Connectivity: The automotive industry is moving towards a more connected future. Ford Motor Company and Amazon Web Services (AWS) are developing a cloud-based platform for next-generation connected vehicles, enabling features like over-the-air software updates and predictive maintenance for engine systems.

Sustainable Transportation Solutions: With a focus on electric powertrains, hydrogen fuel cells, and more efficient combustion engines, the automotive industry is actively working towards reducing its environmental impact. This shift is expected to accelerate, with more automakers committing to sustainable practices and products.

Enhanced Performance and Efficiency: The combination of advanced engine control systems and innovative powertrain technologies will result in vehicles that are not only more efficient but also offer improved performance across various driving conditions.

Automakers are playing a crucial role in driving these innovations forward. Companies like General Motors, Volvo, Aston Martin, and Jaguar Land Rover are planning to manufacture only electric cars in the foreseeable future, demonstrating their commitment to sustainable mobility solutions.

Additionally, collaborative efforts between automakers, engine suppliers, research institutions, and government agencies are facilitating technology innovation, standardization, and scale economies that drive down costs and accelerate the adoption of cleaner, more efficient engines.

The future of auto transport services in california is being shaped by remarkable advancements in car engine technologies. From electric powertrains to advanced internal combustion engines and hydrogen fuel cells, these innovations are not only enhancing vehicle performance and efficiency but also contributing to a more sustainable automotive ecosystem.

As we move forward, the continued collaboration between automakers, nationwide car carriers, and automotive industries will be essential in realizing the full potential of these groundbreaking technologies, ultimately transforming the way we travel and interact with our vehicles.

The automotive engine market is expected to grow from USD 94 billion in 2022 to USD 130.63 billion by 2028, with a CAGR of 5.48%. This growth underscores the importance of innovative engine technologies in shaping the future of the best nationwide auto transport.

As these technologies continue to evolve, they will not only revolutionize the driving experience but also play a crucial role in addressing global environmental challenges and creating a more sustainable future for mobility.

vimeo

#auto transport #car carrier #car shipping #automotive guide #Vimeo

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foolishmortal · 5 months ago

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most of our time is spent saying no to ridiculous shit asks from upper management like you, you fucking cunt

anyone who measures coding time and coding commits as a measure of the worth of a software engineer has no fucking idea what a software engineer in big tech does. Who hired this clown.

I remember they were pushing AI on us and boasting that we could no longer need Junior level engineers. ok??? but then how are you going to get senior engineers if you don't first have junior engineers? Do you think we're just born out of Sergey Brin's forehead.

#fumu liveblogs life #okay I looked him up and he came from sales and marketing he doesn't know shit

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atcuality1 · 1 month ago

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Revolutionizing Industries with Augmented Reality - Atcuality

The power of augmented reality is transforming industries, creating endless opportunities for businesses to enhance user engagement and operational efficiency. Atcuality offers top-tier augmented reality development services, building customized AR applications that redefine digital interaction. Our team specializes in developing immersive experiences for industries such as retail, healthcare, real estate, and education, helping businesses stay at the forefront of technological advancements. From AR-powered learning tools to virtual product try-ons, we design solutions that improve engagement and user satisfaction. Our developers utilize cutting-edge AR technology to create feature-rich applications optimized for mobile and web platforms. Whether you're looking to enhance marketing strategies or streamline business operations, our AR solutions provide innovative ways to connect with customers. Elevate your brand with Atcuality’s expert AR development today.

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green-crow · 3 months ago

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I am. So exhausted. Thankfully all for good reasons tho. Finally got my Erasmus application approved for next year, got in the uni and country I wanted! Finland see you in a year!

I'm also meeting a teacher tomorrow to talk about my big project, which hopefully is the videogame I've been meaning to develop for a while now. My main worry is I won't be able to use it or get a low grade since in this one I'm more focused on the art/narrative than the software engineering section of it all, but we'll see what the teacher says tomorrow

What else... Oh right! My new phone is arriving in two days instead of the week and a half Amazon originally promised, so that's cool! And tomorrow I'm going out with friends to play some board games + got valentine's day plans with my partner this Saturday after my DND game

Busy week, but a happy one too. I just hope I have enough energy to finish the valentine collection in time!

#personal #vent kind of #happy vent #crow's cawings

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mixpayu · 3 months ago

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Understanding Artificial Intelligence: A Comprehensive Guide

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become one of the most transformative technologies of our time. From powering smart assistants to enabling self-driving cars, AI is reshaping industries and everyday life. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore what AI is, its evolution, various types, real-world applications, and both its advantages and disadvantages. We will also offer practical tips for embracing AI in a responsible manner—all while adhering to strict publishing and SEO standards and Blogger’s policies.

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1. Introduction

Artificial Intelligence refers to computer systems designed to perform tasks that typically require human intelligence. These tasks include learning, reasoning, problem-solving, and even understanding natural language. Over the past few decades, advancements in machine learning and deep learning have accelerated AI’s evolution, making it an indispensable tool in multiple domains.

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2. What Is Artificial Intelligence?

At its core, AI is about creating machines or software that can mimic human cognitive functions. There are several key areas within AI:

Machine Learning (ML): A subset of AI where algorithms improve through experience and data. For example, recommendation systems on streaming platforms learn user preferences over time.

Deep Learning: A branch of ML that utilizes neural networks with many layers to analyze various types of data. This technology is behind image and speech recognition systems.

Natural Language Processing (NLP): Enables computers to understand, interpret, and generate human language. Virtual assistants like Siri and Alexa are prime examples of NLP applications.

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3. A Brief History and Evolution

The concept of artificial intelligence dates back to the mid-20th century, when pioneers like Alan Turing began to question whether machines could think. Over the years, AI has evolved through several phases:

Early Developments: In the 1950s and 1960s, researchers developed simple algorithms and theories on machine learning.

The AI Winter: Due to high expectations and limited computational power, interest in AI waned during the 1970s and 1980s.

Modern Resurgence: The advent of big data, improved computing power, and new algorithms led to a renaissance in AI research and applications, especially in the last decade.

Source: MIT Technology Review

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4. Types of AI

Understanding AI involves recognizing its different types, which vary in complexity and capability:

4.1 Narrow AI (Artificial Narrow Intelligence - ANI)

Narrow AI is designed to perform a single task or a limited range of tasks. Examples include:

Voice Assistants: Siri, Google Assistant, and Alexa, which respond to specific commands.

Recommendation Engines: Algorithms used by Netflix or Amazon to suggest products or content.

4.2 General AI (Artificial General Intelligence - AGI)

AGI refers to machines that possess the ability to understand, learn, and apply knowledge across a wide range of tasks—much like a human being. Although AGI remains a theoretical concept, significant research is underway to make it a reality.

4.3 Superintelligent AI (Artificial Superintelligence - ASI)

ASI is a level of AI that surpasses human intelligence in all aspects. While it currently exists only in theory and speculative discussions, its potential implications for society drive both excitement and caution.

Source: Stanford University AI Index

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5. Real-World Applications of AI

AI is not confined to laboratories—it has found practical applications across various industries:

5.1 Healthcare

Medical Diagnosis: AI systems are now capable of analyzing medical images and predicting diseases such as cancer with high accuracy.

Personalized Treatment: Machine learning models help create personalized treatment plans based on a patient’s genetic makeup and history.

5.2 Automotive Industry

Self-Driving Cars: Companies like Tesla and Waymo are developing autonomous vehicles that rely on AI to navigate roads safely.

Traffic Management: AI-powered systems optimize traffic flow in smart cities, reducing congestion and pollution.

5.3 Finance

Fraud Detection: Banks use AI algorithms to detect unusual patterns that may indicate fraudulent activities.

Algorithmic Trading: AI models analyze vast amounts of financial data to make high-speed trading decisions.

5.4 Entertainment

Content Recommendation: Streaming services use AI to analyze viewing habits and suggest movies or shows.

Game Development: AI enhances gaming experiences by creating more realistic non-player character (NPC) behaviors.

Source: Forbes – AI in Business

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6. Advantages of AI

AI offers numerous benefits across multiple domains:

Efficiency and Automation: AI automates routine tasks, freeing up human resources for more complex and creative endeavors.

Enhanced Decision Making: AI systems analyze large datasets to provide insights that help in making informed decisions.

Improved Personalization: From personalized marketing to tailored healthcare, AI enhances user experiences by addressing individual needs.

Increased Safety: In sectors like automotive and manufacturing, AI-driven systems contribute to improved safety and accident prevention.

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7. Disadvantages and Challenges

Despite its many benefits, AI also presents several challenges:

Job Displacement: Automation and AI can lead to job losses in certain sectors, raising concerns about workforce displacement.

Bias and Fairness: AI systems can perpetuate biases present in training data, leading to unfair outcomes in areas like hiring or law enforcement.

Privacy Issues: The use of large datasets often involves sensitive personal information, raising concerns about data privacy and security.

Complexity and Cost: Developing and maintaining AI systems requires significant resources, expertise, and financial investment.

Ethical Concerns: The increasing autonomy of AI systems brings ethical dilemmas, such as accountability for decisions made by machines.

Source: Nature – The Ethics of AI

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8. Tips for Embracing AI Responsibly

For individuals and organizations looking to harness the power of AI, consider these practical tips:

Invest in Education and Training: Upskill your workforce by offering training in AI and data science to stay competitive.

Prioritize Transparency: Ensure that AI systems are transparent in their operations, especially when making decisions that affect individuals.

Implement Robust Data Security Measures: Protect user data with advanced security protocols to prevent breaches and misuse.

Monitor and Mitigate Bias: Regularly audit AI systems for biases and take corrective measures to ensure fair outcomes.

Stay Informed on Regulatory Changes: Keep abreast of evolving legal and ethical standards surrounding AI to maintain compliance and public trust.

Foster Collaboration: Work with cross-disciplinary teams, including ethicists, data scientists, and industry experts, to create well-rounded AI solutions.

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9. Future Outlook

The future of AI is both promising and challenging. With continuous advancements in technology, AI is expected to become even more integrated into our daily lives. Innovations such as AGI and even discussions around ASI signal potential breakthroughs that could revolutionize every sector—from education and healthcare to transportation and beyond. However, these advancements must be managed responsibly, balancing innovation with ethical considerations to ensure that AI benefits society as a whole.

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10. Conclusion

Artificial Intelligence is a dynamic field that continues to evolve, offering incredible opportunities while posing significant challenges. By understanding the various types of AI, its real-world applications, and the associated advantages and disadvantages, we can better prepare for an AI-driven future. Whether you are a business leader, a policymaker, or an enthusiast, staying informed and adopting responsible practices will be key to leveraging AI’s full potential.

As we move forward, it is crucial to strike a balance between technological innovation and ethical responsibility. With proper planning, education, and collaboration, AI can be a force for good, driving progress and improving lives around the globe.

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References

1. MIT Technology Review – https://www.technologyreview.com/

2. Stanford University AI Index – https://aiindex.stanford.edu/

3. Forbes – https://www.forbes.com/

4. Nature – https://www.nature.com/

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Explore our comprehensive 1,000-word guide on Artificial Intelligence, covering its history, types, real-world applications, advantages, disadvantages, and practical tips for responsible adoption. Learn how AI is shaping the future while addressing ethical and operational challenges.

#AI #artificial intelligence #chatgbt

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simerjeet · 4 months ago

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Mastering Data Structures: A Comprehensive Course for Beginners

Data structures are one of the foundational concepts in computer science and software development. Mastering data structures is essential for anyone looking to pursue a career in programming, software engineering, or computer science. This article will explore the importance of a Data Structure Course, what it covers, and how it can help you excel in coding challenges and interviews.

1. What Is a Data Structure Course?

A Data Structure Course teaches students about the various ways data can be organized, stored, and manipulated efficiently. These structures are crucial for solving complex problems and optimizing the performance of applications. The course generally covers theoretical concepts along with practical applications using programming languages like C++, Java, or Python.

By the end of the course, students will gain proficiency in selecting the right data structure for different problem types, improving their problem-solving abilities.

2. Why Take a Data Structure Course?

Learning data structures is vital for both beginners and experienced developers. Here are some key reasons to enroll in a Data Structure Course:

a) Essential for Coding Interviews

Companies like Google, Amazon, and Facebook focus heavily on data structures in their coding interviews. A solid understanding of data structures is essential to pass these interviews successfully. Employers assess your problem-solving skills, and your knowledge of data structures can set you apart from other candidates.

b) Improves Problem-Solving Skills

With the right data structure knowledge, you can solve real-world problems more efficiently. A well-designed data structure leads to faster algorithms, which is critical when handling large datasets or working on performance-sensitive applications.

c) Boosts Programming Competency

A good grasp of data structures makes coding more intuitive. Whether you are developing an app, building a website, or working on software tools, understanding how to work with different data structures will help you write clean and efficient code.

3. Key Topics Covered in a Data Structure Course

A Data Structure Course typically spans a range of topics designed to teach students how to use and implement different structures. Below are some key topics you will encounter:

a) Arrays and Linked Lists

Arrays are one of the most basic data structures. A Data Structure Course will teach you how to use arrays for storing and accessing data in contiguous memory locations. Linked lists, on the other hand, involve nodes that hold data and pointers to the next node. Students will learn the differences, advantages, and disadvantages of both structures.

b) Stacks and Queues

Stacks and queues are fundamental data structures used to store and retrieve data in a specific order. A Data Structure Course will cover the LIFO (Last In, First Out) principle for stacks and FIFO (First In, First Out) for queues, explaining their use in various algorithms and applications like web browsers and task scheduling.

c) Trees and Graphs

Trees and graphs are hierarchical structures used in organizing data. A Data Structure Course teaches how trees, such as binary trees, binary search trees (BST), and AVL trees, are used in organizing hierarchical data. Graphs are important for representing relationships between entities, such as in social networks, and are used in algorithms like Dijkstra's and BFS/DFS.

d) Hashing

Hashing is a technique used to convert a given key into an index in an array. A Data Structure Course will cover hash tables, hash maps, and collision resolution techniques, which are crucial for fast data retrieval and manipulation.

e) Sorting and Searching Algorithms

Sorting and searching are essential operations for working with data. A Data Structure Course provides a detailed study of algorithms like quicksort, merge sort, and binary search. Understanding these algorithms and how they interact with data structures can help you optimize solutions to various problems.

4. Practical Benefits of Enrolling in a Data Structure Course

a) Hands-on Experience

A Data Structure Course typically includes plenty of coding exercises, allowing students to implement data structures and algorithms from scratch. This hands-on experience is invaluable when applying concepts to real-world problems.

b) Critical Thinking and Efficiency

Data structures are all about optimizing efficiency. By learning the most effective ways to store and manipulate data, students improve their critical thinking skills, which are essential in programming. Selecting the right data structure for a problem can drastically reduce time and space complexity.

c) Better Understanding of Memory Management

Understanding how data is stored and accessed in memory is crucial for writing efficient code. A Data Structure Course will help you gain insights into memory management, pointers, and references, which are important concepts, especially in languages like C and C++.

5. Best Programming Languages for Data Structure Courses

While many programming languages can be used to teach data structures, some are particularly well-suited due to their memory management capabilities and ease of implementation. Some popular programming languages used in Data Structure Courses include:

C++: Offers low-level memory management and is perfect for teaching data structures.

Java: Widely used for teaching object-oriented principles and offers a rich set of libraries for implementing data structures.

Python: Known for its simplicity and ease of use, Python is great for beginners, though it may not offer the same level of control over memory as C++.

6. How to Choose the Right Data Structure Course?

Selecting the right Data Structure Course depends on several factors such as your learning goals, background, and preferred learning style. Consider the following when choosing:

a) Course Content and Curriculum

Make sure the course covers the topics you are interested in and aligns with your learning objectives. A comprehensive Data Structure Course should provide a balance between theory and practical coding exercises.

b) Instructor Expertise

Look for courses taught by experienced instructors who have a solid background in computer science and software development.

c) Course Reviews and Ratings

Reviews and ratings from other students can provide valuable insights into the course’s quality and how well it prepares you for real-world applications.

7. Conclusion: Unlock Your Coding Potential with a Data Structure Course

In conclusion, a Data Structure Course is an essential investment for anyone serious about pursuing a career in software development or computer science. It equips you with the tools and skills to optimize your code, solve problems more efficiently, and excel in technical interviews. Whether you're a beginner or looking to strengthen your existing knowledge, a well-structured course can help you unlock your full coding potential.

By mastering data structures, you are not only preparing for interviews but also becoming a better programmer who can tackle complex challenges with ease.

#data structures #data

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