Month: July 2023
Intel says those rumors of a CPU price hike are false
Intel squashes rumors surrounding CPU price increase
Rumors have been swirling surrounding a potential price hike to Intel’s CPUs, which the tech company has directly addressed, dismissing the claims.
German media outlet PCGamesHardware ran a story that claimed Intel had explicitly told multiple German wholesalers that the company would be raising the pricing of its ‘Core’ processors.
The original report from PCGH originated from an unnamed forum member on the site, claiming that they had been informed by wholesalers that Intel would be hiking the prices of its CPUs in a matter of weeks, as well as stating that letters confirming this had been issued to wholesalers.
The individual noted the letters said Intel’s existing Core processors, like Alder Lake, Raptor Lake, and the upcoming Raptor Lake Refresh chips would be affected by this, including any future Core and Core Ultra chips – in case you’re out of the loop, it looks like Intel will be dropping its iconic ‘i’ branding for new generations of CPUs.
Tom’s Hardware actually reached out to Intel for more details, to which the company firmly squashed the rumors:
“Generally, Intel does not comment on speculation regarding price changes to its portfolio. However, we can confirm that Intel has not sent the letter described to customers or partners and has not initiated a price change to its CPU portfolio at this time. We have no further comment to share on the matter.”
Intel’s statement does eliminate speculation regarding this particular rumor, then, but doesn’t rule out any future potential price hikes – only that if they are coming, we won’t see any immediately.
Payday 3 is getting a closed beta next week – here’s how to sign up
Payday 3 is getting a closed beta before release, and you can register your interest if you own an Xbox Series X|S or PC.
Payday 3 is now just under two months away from its full release, but you can try the game as early as next week.
From August 2 – 7, you can play Payday 3 ahead of its September 21 release via a closed beta hosted on Xbox Series X|S and PC. According to Eurogamer, the beta will feature just one mission, No Rest for the Wicked, but will be fully playable in co-op and can be played as often as you liked across that five day period.
Level progression will also feature in the closed beta, but will cap at Infamy Level 22 and Weapon Level Progression 8. Payday 3’s Steam page also notes that beta progression will not carry over to the full game, no matter if you’re playing on Xbox or PC. If you don’t like the idea of your progress resetting, then, you may just want to hold off until the full September release.
If you’re interested in signing up for yourself, you can simply head to the game’s Steam page, scroll down to the ‘Join the Payday 3 Playtest’ section and click ‘Request Access.’ If chosen, you’ll receive an email from developer Starbreeze closer to the beta’s opening.
If you’re on Xbox Series X|S, you’ll need to download the Xbox Insider Hub app via the Store. Once you’re in the app, head over to the ‘Previews’ tab and select the Payday 3 closed beta option. Once again, the developer will notify you ahead of time if you’ve been selected for participation.
If you don’t manage to get into the closed beta on Xbox, there is a silver lining. Come release day on September 21, Payday 3 will be available day one on Xbox Game Pass. If you’re a subscriber, that means you can download and play the full game at no extra cost.
Excited for Payday 3? Be sure to read our interview with developer Starbreeze, during which we learned the team would love to create a collab event with either Batman or Die Hard’s John McClane. Or you can check out our Payday 3 preview.
Many workers say they don’t feel trusted at work
Build trust in your workforce to help build productivity, Slack survey finds.
A large number of workers do not feel trusted in the workplace, causing a significant knock-on effect that damages productivity, new research has found.
Findings from online collaboration giant Slack have shown that feeling trusted whilst at work has a major impact on employee productivity, but more than a quarter don’t feel they are given that respect.
This is despite trust between managers and workers appearing to boost both experience and performance in the workplace, highlighting a greater need for understanding at companies around the world.
Trust and productivity
The findings come from Slack’s survey of over 10,000 desk workers from across the globe, and found more than 1 in 4 employees stating they believed “my employer doesn’t trust me.” The attitude was spread across different markets and industries, as well as all ages and job levels, showing it is not a new issue.
“Companies across geographies and industries have been for years experiencing an erosion of trust,” said Christina Janzer, Head of Research and Analytics at Slack.
“The data shows this widespread problem unlocks opportunities for businesses to focus on trust to achieve both cultural and worker productivity benefits.”
The study showed that those employees who say they feel trusted are significantly more likely to also say they put in more effort at work, as well as being much more likely to say they’re willing to go above and beyond than those that don’t feel trusted.
The issue also appears to affect inter-team relationships, as Slack found managers who don’t feel trusted by their employers are twice as likely to express doubts about the work ethic of their direct reports – and employees who don’t feel trusted are also more than twice as likely to look for a new job.
Slack suggests greater transparency could be a key tool to fixing these issues, as nearly a third (32%) of respondents said they lack information about workplace changes. Having the right technology in place can also be vital, with workers who lack the latest technology or hardware to do their job effectively unsurprisingly feeling left out or underappreciated.
“This research reveals a new path for leaders: to build trust in the workplace, focus on showing your employees that you trust them,” said Janzer. “Feeling trusted breeds hard work, which leads to more trust. This is a virtuous cycle all leaders can take advantage of to boost employee performance and wellbeing.”
Check out the best project management software around right now
‘Call of Duty’ adds Nicki Minaj, Snoop Dogg, and 21 Savage as playable characters
Call of Duty is adding Nicki Minaj, Snoop Dogg, and 21 Savage as playable characters. Publisher Activision has announced that the first-person shooter is celebrating 50 years of hip-hop by adding the three rappers to Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II and Call of Duty: Warzone. Unlike hero shooters such as Valorant or Apex Legends, the various player characters in Modern Warfare II and Warzone don’t have any specialised skills. The difference between them is purely cosmetic, so you probably won’t see Minaj beating her enemies with a pad-a-lock. Even so, you’ll still be able to put a glock in 21 Savage’s hands and make Snoop pop it like it’s hot.
Credit: Snoop Dogg in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II.
While the character models for Minaj and Snoop have been revealed, 21 Savage’s look is still being kept under wraps for now. More information will be released before Season 5 of Modern Warfare II and Warzone starts on Aug. 2. However, it’s likely that their releases will be somewhat spread out, with Snoop due to arrive during the launch window, 21 Savage mid-season, and Minaj in-season.This isn’t the first time the Call of Duty franchise has added real people to the game, or even real rappers. Snoop is already a playable character in Call of Duty: Mobile and Call of Duty: Vanguard, as well as the previous Warzone game which is being shut down on Sept. 21.
SEE ALSO:
‘Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II’ continues the franchise’s long history of courting controversy
Minaj’s inclusion will make her the first real female celebrity to be turned into a Call of Duty operator, though not the first one to be a playable character in the franchise. Actors Pam Grier and Cassandra “Elvira” Peterson previously appeared as secret unlockable characters in Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare’s Zombies maps Shaolin Shuffle and Attack of the Radioactive Thing, respectively. Sarah Michelle Gellar was also a playable character in Call of Duty: Black Ops’ Zombies map Call of the Dead. Even so, these appearances were restricted to their specific maps, whereas Minaj, Snoop, and 21 Savage will be free to fight across Modern Warfare II and Warzone’s various game modes.
SEE ALSO:
Nicolas Cage is coming to horror game ‘Dead by Daylight,’ because sure, why not
Modern Warfare II and Warzone are also getting three new War Tracks so you can blast some hip-hop as you drive around in-game. Players can claim Foundation (’80s), Golden Era (’90s), and Life After Y2K (’00s) for free by logging in on any three days between Aug. 7 and 16. Logging on for a fourth day will also grant players a special Weapon Blueprint for use in any online game mode.It’s an interesting time for celebrity collaborations in video games. Earlier this month horror game Dead by Daylight released Nicolas Cage as a playable character, complete with hammy voice lines recorded by the actor himself.
Call of Duty is adding Nicki Minaj, Snoop Dogg, and 21 Savage as playable characters.
Publisher Activision has announced that the first-person shooter is celebrating 50 years of hip-hop by adding the three rappers to Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II and Call of Duty: Warzone.
Unlike hero shooters such as Valorant or Apex Legends, the various player characters in Modern Warfare II and Warzone don’t have any specialised skills. The difference between them is purely cosmetic, so you probably won’t see Minaj beating her enemies with a pad-a-lock. Even so, you’ll still be able to put a glock in 21 Savage’s hands and make Snoop pop it like it’s hot.
Credit: Snoop Dogg in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II.
While the character models for Minaj and Snoop have been revealed, 21 Savage’s look is still being kept under wraps for now. More information will be released before Season 5 of Modern Warfare II and Warzone starts on Aug. 2. However, it’s likely that their releases will be somewhat spread out, with Snoop due to arrive during the launch window, 21 Savage mid-season, and Minaj in-season.
This isn’t the first time the Call of Duty franchise has added real people to the game, or even real rappers. Snoop is already a playable character in Call of Duty: Mobile and Call of Duty: Vanguard, as well as the previous Warzone game which is being shut down on Sept. 21.
‘Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II’ continues the franchise’s long history of courting controversy
Minaj’s inclusion will make her the first real female celebrity to be turned into a Call of Duty operator, though not the first one to be a playable character in the franchise. Actors Pam Grier and Cassandra “Elvira” Peterson previously appeared as secret unlockable characters in Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare‘s Zombies maps Shaolin Shuffle and Attack of the Radioactive Thing, respectively. Sarah Michelle Gellar was also a playable character in Call of Duty: Black Ops‘ Zombies map Call of the Dead.
Even so, these appearances were restricted to their specific maps, whereas Minaj, Snoop, and 21 Savage will be free to fight across Modern Warfare II and Warzone‘s various game modes.
Modern Warfare II and Warzone are also getting three new War Tracks so you can blast some hip-hop as you drive around in-game. Players can claim Foundation (’80s), Golden Era (’90s), and Life After Y2K (’00s) for free by logging in on any three days between Aug. 7 and 16. Logging on for a fourth day will also grant players a special Weapon Blueprint for use in any online game mode.
It’s an interesting time for celebrity collaborations in video games. Earlier this month horror game Dead by Daylight released Nicolas Cage as a playable character, complete with hammy voice lines recorded by the actor himself.
How Law Firms Are Adopting Strategies for Generative AI Tool Implementation
The rapid evolution of technology and data processing capabilities is paving the way for more advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools
The post How Law Firms Are Adopting Strategies for Generative AI Tool Implementation appeared first on ReadWrite.
The rapid evolution of technology and data processing capabilities is paving the way for more advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools in Law firms. While there are tangible benefits associated with generating AI applications in various legal tasks, it must be done with a prudent approach to ensure responsible implementation and regulation adherence.
Generative AI tools evolved from highly advanced data processing provisions that enable formatively instructed computers to spotlight future and likely trends analogous to human-exhibited alternate ways of decision-making and pattern identification.
This blog reviews the compensations, and defenses, followed by points of caution before moving towards how foresighted strategies stand to advantage in efficiently managing appropriate Uses for Artificial Intelligence as applied in the Legal service territory.
Benefits and Challenges of Generative AI Tools
Advantages of using generative AI in legal practices
Generative AI tools — defined as AI algorithms that automatically generate, understand, manipulate and implement fixed-data input from real-world events- are proving valuable to legal professionals by enabling them to keep pace with vital developments.
Studies show that using generative AI in legal practice can significantly reduce costs associated with sifting through case law evidence and creating briefs, arbitration documents and expert opinions.
In addition, technology is socially advantageous by making the judicial system more accessible by generating natural language that’s better and faster for decisions rather than manual rulings.
Additionally, the predictive capabilities of such tools have enabled lawyers to obtain more insight into estimating odds of winning cases; something extremely useful for evaluating how cases should be viewed towards trial.
Potential risks and ethical considerations associated with AI implementation
Generative AI tools offer great efficiency improvements in the legal field, but they can potentially introduce ethical considerations and risks. For one, AI-driven software can discriminate against certain minority categories inadvertently if the data used to build it contains biases. One concern is when low-quality or biased data sets are used to generate predictions or make decisions.
Furthermore, generative AI raises questions of privacy that lawyers must consider when transferring huge quantities of data retained needed by AI tools. In addition, malware and hacking efforts placed into artificial intelligence systems can target many protective aspects researched for lawyers’ benefit and those of their clients.
Thus, developers must pay special attention to cybersecurity threats posed by the implementation of artificial intelligence tools in legal practices.
Shift towards Cautious Approaches
Notable cases of AI-related errors or biases in the legal field
In recent years, there have been multiple notable cases of AI-related errors or biases in the legal field.
Notably, consumers were led astray by an algorithmically generated predictive guide specifying their criminal representation rights which charged them as must-choose fees after promising free services.
Moreover, an AI system used to determine risk levels of prisoners was proved bias towards people who are African American leading to unequal opportunities available to them while hearing sentencing outcomes.
Awareness of potential pitfalls leading to a cautious mindset
Law firms have started realizing the need for cautious implementation of generative AI tools in order to avoid errors and comply with regulatory frameworks. Instances of mistakes and biases related to AI usage in the legal quarters have reminded them about the long-term consequences that AI can leave upon them for unaccounted risk exposure.
As a result, law firms are increasingly adopting a hunker-down skepticism which means approaching future implementations and the whole process of testing with much rigor and diligence in order to mitigate potential liabilities.
This more careful strategy gives them an advantage as it eliminates possible errors from emerging trends, helps concentrate resources on meaningful use cases along with unlocking long-term effects due to process improvement.
Factors Influencing Cautious Adoption
Regulatory concerns and compliance issues
The legal field is highly regulated, and there is uncertainty surrounding the scope of regulatory oversight when AI tools are implemented. Compliance issues can pose risks in terms of liability and breach of laws or regulations.
Implementing AI often means moving or transferring information from a physical to an electronic format — which raises data protection compliance risks due to difficulties ensuring confidentiality agreements or assessment of privacy risks associated with data processing.
Uncertainty about AI’s long-term impact on legal practice
There is still a degree of uncertainty regarding the full potential of Artificial Intelligence to disrupt key aspects of legal practice. With no proven models on AI ethics yet in place, many firms are thus taking a cautious approach to preventing any surprises down the line.
Questions have also arisen from experts and practitioners in related fields about how AI may impact employment opportunities within legal spheres and regulators alike have begun developing specific policies on generative AI development, all adding fuel to anticipation.
Above all, the need for diligence as technology evolves has led fearlessly innovative law firms to push for careful strategizing when it comes to procedural use and implementation.
Implementing Prudent Strategies
Conducting thorough AI tool evaluations and testing
Law firms are recognizing the importance of conducting thorough evaluations prior to implementing generative AI tools.
Such tests help identify legal risks that need to be addressed in the technology, including delineating how it makes decisions and defending its data management processes, key factors towards considering whether the software is fit for usae.
Firms also assess practical considerations which that can aid integration with existing IT systems and future scalability.
By testing AI tool capabilities and potential pitfalls, law firms are prioritizing risk mitigation over instant gratification about being early adopters of innovative legal tech.
Training legal professionals on AI ethics and responsible use
In order to ensure that AI technology is implemented in the most responsible way on behalf of law firms, prudent strategies need to be adopted.
One such measure involves training legal professionals on not only the efficiency and clinical aspects of the new AI tools but also ensuring that they are well-informed on ethical codes and regulations regarding AI utilization for safety.
Well-trained professionals in conjunction with customized solutions from collaborators provide an entry point into wider adoption without taking unnecessary risks.
Collaboration with AI Developers
Working closely with AI developers to address concerns
Collaboration with AI developers is increasingly becoming a key component of prudent strategies for generative AI tool implementation. Working closely with experts allows law firms to raise any queries – and discuss potential issues – while exploring possible AI implementations.
This helps organizations develop team-specific knowledge and familiarity when it comes to understanding how to use an even acutely complex generative AI technology. By forming close partnerships, law firms can access developers’ expertise to further ensure ongoing compliance, responsibility, accountability and accuracy of the systems used.
Through this work conducted one-on-one with developers; legal teams become mindful about addressing risks appropriately throughout every decision making step.
Seeking customized AI solutions that align with the firm’s values
As legal practitioners move forwards with the adoption of generative AI tools amidst various concerns, one way to assure a successful implementation while keeping risks at bay is to collaborate with experienced AI developers already adept in the field.
As a result, firms gain access to customized software that aligns their values and business model closely because of thorough evaluation and testing, leaving room for valuable discussions during problem-solving phases should new challenges arise during program usage.
Ultimately, attentive engagement mitigates worries about irreconcilable deviations of values or interests relative to gaining product efficacy enabled by the firm’s closely hewed working style. Close collaboration ensures success!
Conclusion
Are In summation, AI technology is being increasingly embraced by law firms for professional success on various industry levels. Gaining these potential benefits necessitates care and caution when it comes to forming generative AI implementation plans. Organized steps should be taken to avoid potential errors and biases caused by AI tools, often including evaluations and tests.
Additionally, organizations require assistance tailored to their operations such as HR monitors or procedural review systems to ensure alignment with the legal firm’s values.
Realizing complete benefits comes from pursuing secure incorporation of tools while also making sure risks are minimized through an orderly balance between automation and human management of tech compliments. Prudentities shared today permit successful utilizations of underlying advantages to yield become overly relying advances.
The post How Law Firms Are Adopting Strategies for Generative AI Tool Implementation appeared first on ReadWrite.
Sony’s first PS5 sale brings steep price drops to UK, Germany, India, and beyond
Photo by Vjeran Pavic / The Verge
Sony is running a PS5 sale in the UK, India, Ireland, and Germany where the price of a standard console is dropping by around 16 percent. In the UK the PS5 can now be found for £399.99, below its regular £479.99 price and even far below the £449.99 price at launch, before a PS5 price hike outside the US last year.
The UK £75 off promotion is available immediately and runs until August 10th. In Germany Sony is also taking €75 off the PS5, with Amazon Germany selling a PS5 for even less at €459.99, down from the regular €549.99 pricing until August 7th. You can also find €75 off the PS5 in Ireland and Austria and ₹7,500 off in India.
The price drop promotions come just as Sony has announced it has sold 40 million PS5s since the console’s launch in 2020. PS5 shipments have increased this year, after Sony revealed it has tripled the number of consoles it shipped from January to March at 6.3 million units compared to 2 million in the same period last year.
A temporary PS5 price drop is also in place just before Sony is expected to announce a PS5 Slim model. Insider Gaming reported last year that Sony was preparing for a PS5 with a detachable disc drive for September 2023.
Microsoft referenced the rumors in the FTC v. Microsoft hearing recently, predicting that the PS5 Slim could be priced at $399.99. If such pricing is accurate the PS5 Slim would maintain the same price point as the Digital Edition of the PS5, but potentially offer consumers the choice to add a disc drive at a later date.
Photo by Vjeran Pavic / The Verge
Sony is running a PS5 sale in the UK, India, Ireland, and Germany where the price of a standard console is dropping by around 16 percent. In the UK the PS5 can now be found for £399.99, below its regular £479.99 price and even far below the £449.99 price at launch, before a PS5 price hike outside the US last year.
The UK £75 off promotion is available immediately and runs until August 10th. In Germany Sony is also taking €75 off the PS5, with Amazon Germany selling a PS5 for even less at €459.99, down from the regular €549.99 pricing until August 7th. You can also find €75 off the PS5 in Ireland and Austria and ₹7,500 off in India.
The price drop promotions come just as Sony has announced it has sold 40 million PS5s since the console’s launch in 2020. PS5 shipments have increased this year, after Sony revealed it has tripled the number of consoles it shipped from January to March at 6.3 million units compared to 2 million in the same period last year.
A temporary PS5 price drop is also in place just before Sony is expected to announce a PS5 Slim model. Insider Gaming reported last year that Sony was preparing for a PS5 with a detachable disc drive for September 2023.
Microsoft referenced the rumors in the FTC v. Microsoft hearing recently, predicting that the PS5 Slim could be priced at $399.99. If such pricing is accurate the PS5 Slim would maintain the same price point as the Digital Edition of the PS5, but potentially offer consumers the choice to add a disc drive at a later date.