Connect with us
https://tickernews.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/AmEx-Thought-Leaders.jpg

Tech

Augmented reality could soon be trending on your TikTok #ForYou page

Published

on

TikTok taking users outside the box with new AR experience

Social media giant TikTok is testing an experimental set of developer tools for their proposed upcoming platform coined TikTok Effect Studio.

Currently in private beta testing, the proposed program could one day see TikTokenators building Augmented Reality (AR) effects simply from their PC or laptop. 

The trending video-sharing platform joins its rivals Snapchat and Facebook who have also developed their own AR initiatives.

Snapchat’s Lens and Facebook’s Spark AR studios entices users to create filters in which they can apply to their photos. 

Public service announcement for those keen on signing up!

Those yearning for the platform can submit an expression of interest through a sign-up page already available on the web. 

Those that do register will be asked for the user’s name, email, TikTok user account, the user’s level of AR experience as well as their intentions for the platform. 

There is very minimal information about the platform, with the site appearing to be in its early stages of development. 

“We’re always thinking about new ways to bring value to our community and enrich the TikTok experience,” a TikTok spokesperson told TechCrunch. 

“Currently, we’re experimenting with ways to give creators additional tools to bring their creative ideas to life for the TikTok community.”

Written by Rebecca Borg

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Tech

Apple’s upcoming product rumours and expectations

Apple to unveil new iPhone SE 4, possibly named iPhone 16E, along with other products this Wednesday.

Published

on

Apple to unveil new iPhone SE 4, possibly named iPhone 16E, along with other products this week.

In Short

Apple will launch its first major product of 2025 this Wednesday, likely the iPhone SE 4. Other products such as a refreshed MacBook Air and an iPad with upgraded chips may also be announced, while some anticipated releases are delayed.

CEO Tim Cook announced the event via Twitter last week. Industry speculation suggests that the new product could be the iPhone SE 4, possibly rebranded as the iPhone 16E.

Apple

Expectations include a 6.1-inch OLED display, USB-C charging, a 48MP rear camera, and Face ID. This model will reportedly feature Apple’s first in-house 5G modem.

Cook referred to the new release as “the newest member of the family,” fuelling speculation about its naming. Other products may be announced, including a refreshed MacBook Air with an M4 chip, and an iPad 11th generation featuring the A17 Pro chip.

An iPad Air with the M3 chip and a new Magic Keyboard is also possible, although these may launch later in the spring.

However, some anticipated products will not debut this week. AirTag 2 is expected in mid-2025 with enhanced features, and a new smart home hub, known as ‘HomePad’, may release later than initially planned.

Additionally, the M4 Ultra Mac Studio and Mac Pro are not expected until the WWDC this summer. For updated information and products, readers can explore items such as MagSafe wallets and wireless charging stands available on Amazon.

Continue Reading

Leaders

Meta initiates layoffs, prioritizing AI focus, efficiency

Meta begins layoffs targeting low performers, aiming to trim 5% of workforce for AI investment amidst industry-wide efficiency drive.

Published

on

Meta begins layoffs targeting low performers, aiming to trim 5% of workforce for AI investment amidst industry-wide efficiency drive.

In Short

Meta is laying off about 4,000 employees, or 5% of its workforce, as part of a shift towards AI and greater efficiency. This move, part of a broader trend in Big Tech, has raised employee fears about job security and a culture of fear under CEO Mark Zuckerberg.

Meta has initiated significant layoffs, impacting thousands as the company pivots towards AI investment and efficiency.

CEO Mark Zuckerberg aims to eliminate around 5% of the workforce, equating to nearly 4,000 employees. This decision aligns with a broader trend among Big Tech firms to streamline operations after extensive hiring during the pandemic.

Reports indicate employee anxiety regarding these changes, with some claiming a culture of fear under Zuckerberg’s leadership. Concerns include the potential reputational damage for employees laid off under performance-based criteria.

Affected workers in the US will receive severance packages, including 16 weeks of pay plus additional compensation based on service length. Nonetheless, some employees fear that innocent parties could face cuts to meet corporate quotas, hindering workplace morale.

The layoff strategy will target employees receiving low performance ratings, with management instructed to identify up to 15% eligible for cuts. Notifications will occur across different time zones to affected employees via email, with access to company systems revoked shortly thereafter.

European employees in specific countries will follow local regulations, which may alter the process.

As part of restructuring, Meta is consolidating teams, particularly merging Facebook and Messenger groups. The Reality Labs division is being realigned with the main business to reverse previous organizational changes.

Continue Reading

Leaders

Breakthrough app detects sleep issues in the blink of an eye

OptAlert launches free iPhone test for detecting sleep issues, utilising AI to screen for obstructive sleep apnea with high accuracy.

Published

on

Optalert launches free iPhone test for detecting sleep issues, utilising AI to screen for obstructive sleep apnea with high accuracy.

In Short

Australian company Optalert has launched a free iPhone app, Owl Eye, that detects sleep issues by analysing users’ blink patterns and screening for obstructive sleep apnea with 96.6% accuracy. The app is currently available in Australia and New Zealand, with plans for wider release.

Australian company Optalert has introduced a free iPhone test for detecting sleep issues.

The app differs from traditional sleep trackers by assessing users while awake, requiring only ten minutes to complete.

It focuses primarily on screening for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and is backed by data from leading Australian sleep laboratories.

An AI-based algorithm, developed from this data, classifies individuals with a remarkable 96.6% accuracy regarding OSA.

Optalert is currently pursuing regulatory certification to operate as a medical device across various regions, including the US, Europe, and China.

The app functions by analysing users’ blink patterns during a concentration task facilitated by the iPhone’s camera, disregarding video content to ensure privacy.

This technology helps identify impairment due to insufficient oxygen during sleep.

Those receiving a positive result can seek further diagnosis and treatment for their sleep issues.

The app, named Owl Eye, is currently available on the Apple App Store in Australia and New Zealand, with plans to expand its reach shortly.

Paul Zubrinich, Chief Marketing Officer of Optalert provides his involvement with the app and shares insights on the technology behind Owl Eye.

In the broader context of sleep technology, the trend indicates increasing accessibility to personal health data previously confined to clinical settings, promising advancements in sleep health.

Continue Reading

Trending Now