Tech Week Recap: Samsung Galaxy A06 Leaks, Microsoft Empowers Rural Women, and AI Transforms Storytelling
- ACM Tech Pulse: Breakthroughs and Challenges in Tech Weekly Insights
July20-27,2024:Welcome to our weekly tech blog, your go-to destination for all things ACM (Association for Computing Machinery) and the latest updates from the tech world. Whether you're seeking career advice, staying updated on ACM events, exploring trending tech news, or getting to know prominent figures in the ACM community, we've got you covered. Join us on this weekly journey as we delve into the dynamic realm of computing, providing you with valuable insights and information to fuel your passion for technology.
Tech Highlights of the Week
1.Samsung Galaxy A06 Design and Specifications Leaked Ahead of Imminent Launch
The Samsung Galaxy A06, expected to launch soon, has had design and specification details leaked by tipster Steve Hemmerstoffer (@OnLeaks). The phone features a flat display with a waterdrop-style cutout, large bezels, and flat edges. The right edge houses the power and volume buttons on a Key Island, with an integrated fingerprint scanner. The glossy rear panel includes a vertically aligned dual camera setup and an LED flash. It also has a 3.5mm headphone jack, a USB Type-C port, and a speaker grille on the bottom edge. Specifications include a 6.7-inch LCD screen, MediaTek Helio G85 chipset, 6GB of RAM, Android 14, and a 5,000mAh battery with 15W charging. A support page suggests an imminent launch in India..
2.How Microsoft is Empowering Rural Women Entrepreneurs in India with AI
Microsoft’s Women In Digital Business initiative, launched in 2022, aims to impart digital literacy and AI skills to rural women entrepreneurs. The program, supported by partnerships with organizations like Collective Good Foundation and Tata Trusts, provides training in basic digital skills, design education, financial literacy, and AI fluency.
Success stories include Jyotsna Kalita from Assam, who started Alok Handlooms, and Rekha from Delhi, who improved her sewing business. Despite challenges like limited internet access, Microsoft's offline tools help bridge the digital divide and empower women entrepreneurs in remote areas.
3.Generative AI Creates Personalized Storybooks for Child Language Learning
Researchers at POSTECH have created a system that generates personalized storybooks using generative AI and home IoT technology to enhance child language learning. The "Open Sesame? Open Salami!" system profiles each child’s language environment and produces custom stories incorporating target vocabulary based on speech pathology principles. This approach, recognized at the ACM CHI Conference, overcomes traditional methods' limitations by adapting to each child's unique background. Testing with nine families showed successful vocabulary learning, proving the system’s effectiveness in real-world settings.
4.OpenAI to Challenge Google with New Search Functionality
OpenAI is testing a new "SearchGPT" prototype designed to integrate AI with online search capabilities. This feature, aimed at enhancing ChatGPT, allows users to interact with conversational queries and receive relevant sources. Currently available to a select group for feedback, SearchGPT's refined features will be incorporated into ChatGPT. This move comes as Google introduces AI-generated "Overviews" in its search results. OpenAI emphasizes the importance of respecting journalism and publishers in the development of its AI search technology.
CAREER CORNER:
Budget Boost to Internships Could Address Labour Shortages
The recent budget includes a proposal to offer internships to 10 million youths across top companies over the next five years. This initiative aims to upskill young people, enhance their employability, and tackle the significant labour shortages faced by various industries, including manufacturing and construction. The scheme involves an internship allowance of Rs 5,000 per month and a one-time assistance of Rs 6,000, with companies covering part of the training costs through CSR funds. Industry leaders believe this will bridge the skills gap and drive economic growth by making youth job-ready.
Budget 2024 Highlights: Internship Scheme for Youth
In the Union Budget 2024-25, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced a significant internship scheme aimed at benefiting one crore youth over five years. Here's a summary of the key details:
Internship Scheme: The government will facilitate internships in the top 500 companies.
Allowance: Interns will receive ₹5,000 per month.
One-Time Assistance: A one-time payment of ₹6,000 will be provided.
Company Contributions: Companies will cover training costs and 10% of internship costs using CSR funds.
ACM Learning Center Bulletin - July 2024
Welcome to the July Bulletin! Here’s what’s new:
ACM ByteCast: Listen to Ramón Cáceres discuss Google's Zanzibar.
Upcoming TechTalk: Register for "Software Product Management: From Opinions to Data-Driven Experimentation" by Jan Bosch on August 20.
On-Demand Talks: Available now - "From ML Engineering to AI Engineering" by Chip Huyen, "Understanding the LLM Development Cycle" by Sebastian Raschka, and "Design Is Testability" by Titus Winters.
Featured Learning:
Course: Azure Security Engineer Associate (AZ-500): Secure Networking.
Book: Our Next Reality - Insights on AI-powered Metaverse.
Resources: Update Management for On-Premises Systems and Kubernetes Administration.
Interview: Purvi Sankhla, CEO of Yopla, on integrating sustainability with tech.
News:
ACM Queue: Article on effective AI support for developers.
ACM Selects: Curated learning resources for professionals.
Volunteer Opportunity: Join SocialCoder to apply your skills for social good.
For more details, visit the ACM Learning Center.
Stay tuned for more exciting updates, events, and insights from the ACM VVIT Student Chapter. Remember to subscribe to our blog to never miss a beat in the dynamic world of technology.