الوسم: used

  • Meta AI Bot Hits 1 Billion Monthly Users, Says Mark Zuckerberg

    Meta AI Bot Hits 1 Billion Monthly Users, Says Mark Zuckerberg

    Meta AI logo in an illustration from May 20, 2024.
    Meta AI logo in an illustration from May 20, 2024. — Reuters

    SAN FRANCISCO: Mark Zuckerberg, the CEO of Meta, highlighted the company’s generative artificial intelligence (Gen AI) assistant on Wednesday, revealing that it serves one billion users each month across their platforms.

    Zuckerberg reiterated this achievement during Meta’s annual shareholder meeting, as the company competes with tech giants like Google, Microsoft, and OpenAI to lead in the Gen AI space.

    It’s unclear how many of these users actively engage with the chatbot versus those who passively use Meta AI, which is integrated into various features within the company’s app ecosystem.

    Since Google introduced AI Overviews in search results last year, it has reportedly attracted over 1.5 billion users, as stated by CEO Sundar Pichai.

    “That means Google Search is bringing Gen AI to more users than any other product globally,” Pichai noted.

    Google’s AI Overviews automatically generate summaries of search results, replacing the previous format that displayed just a list of relevant website links.

    Pichai mentioned last week that Google’s dedicated Gemini AI application has surpassed 400 million monthly users.

    Despite ongoing concerns over misinformation and the challenges of establishing business models, tech competitors are swiftly launching new AI solutions, with little understanding of the broader societal implications.

    Meta launched its first standalone AI assistant app on April 29, offering users direct access to its Gen AI models.

    “With a billion people currently using Meta AI across our apps, we created a new standalone Meta AI app for you to explore,” Zuckerberg stated in a video on Instagram.

    He described the app as “designed to be your personal AI,” primarily accessible through voice interactions tailored to individual users.

    According to Chief Financial Officer Susan Li, Meta AI is gaining the most traction on WhatsApp.

    “Our goal this year is to enhance the experience and establish Meta AI as the leading personal AI,” Zuckerberg declared during Meta’s quarterly earnings announcement at the end of April.

  • New Study Reveals Jupiter Once Measured Twice Its Current Size

    New Study Reveals Jupiter Once Measured Twice Its Current Size

    Here’s a rewritten version of the content in American English:

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    NASA’s Juno spacecraft captured an image of Jupiter’s Great Red Spot.
    NASA’s Juno spacecraft captured an image of Jupiter’s Great Red Spot. — NASA/File

    A recent study suggests that Jupiter was much larger and possessed a considerably stronger magnetic field in its early years compared to what we observe today. This research looks back in time to visualize what the planet was like shortly after its formation.

    New calculations indicate that just 3.8 million years after the formation of the solar system’s first solid bodies, Jupiter was approximately twice its current size and had a magnetic field at least 50 times stronger than it is today. These findings were presented in a paper published on May 20 in the journal Nature Astronomy, as reported by Space.com.

    “Our ultimate aim is to understand our origins, and clarifying the early stages of planetary formation is crucial to solving the puzzle,” stated Konstantin Batygin, a professor of planetary science at Caltech and the study’s lead researcher. “This brings us closer to unraveling how Jupiter and the entire solar system were formed.”

    Batygin and his team sought to minimize the assumptions of contemporary planetary formation models, such as how quickly nascent planets accumulated primordial gas. Instead, they focused on Amalthea and Thebe, two lesser-known moons of Jupiter.

    Scientists believe that the slightly tilted orbits of these small moons, which orbit closely around Jupiter, have remained relatively unchanged since the early solar system. The recent study claims that by examining these small orbital tilts, researchers could reverse-engineer Jupiter’s initial size and magnetic intensity.

    The team estimates that early Jupiter had a capacity to hold more than 2,000 Earths and a radius nearly twice its current measurement. Today, Jupiter can fit about 1,321 Earths within its volume.

    This study emphasizes that Jupiter’s formation and early growth were critical in shaping the overall structure of the solar system, although it does not delve into how such a colossal Jupiter might have influenced the early solar system’s development.

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  • Used Hertz? Watch Your Credit Carefully

    Used Hertz? Watch Your Credit Carefully

    If you’ve recently rented a vehicle from Hertz, it’s wise to inspect your credit reports and monitor any irregular activity. The well-known car rental company alerted customers about a data breach that occurred between October and December 2024. On February 10, the company confirmed that “data was acquired by an unauthorized third party,” with its investigation into the compromised data concluding on April 2, 2025.

    This breach may have exposed various personal details, including names, contact information, dates of birth, credit card details, driver’s license data, and even information related to workers’ compensation claims. Furthermore, a very limited number of individuals might have had their Social Security numbers, passport information, or Medicare and Medicaid IDs compromised.

    The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reports over $12.5 billion lost to fraud in 2024. Given that Hertz operates throughout the U.S., numerous customers could potentially be affected. The exposed information could be sufficient for identity theft, so it’s crucial to stay alert for any unauthorized transactions or accounts opened in your name.

    However, Hertz asserts that there have been no reported damages resulting from this data leak. “While we are unaware of any misuse of personal information for fraudulent purposes linked to this event, we advise those who might be affected to stay vigilant by regularly checking their account statements and free credit reports for any unauthorized activities and to report them promptly,” stated the company.

    Safeguarding your personal information is increasingly challenging in today’s digital landscape, where breaches like the one experienced by Hertz can be hard to detect. Although you cannot control what happens to your data once it’s compromised, you can enhance your online safety by using VPNs and practicing smart security measures.

  • Does anyone buy old used phones?

    In today’s fast-paced world of technology, it’s common for consumers to upgrade their smartphones frequently. As a result, many people find themselves with old, unused devices lying around. This raises the question: is there a market for these pre-owned phones? The answer is a resounding yes! Here’s a closer look at who buys old used phones and how the process works.

    The Demand for Pre-Owned Phones

    Reasons for Buying Used Phones

    There are multiple reasons why consumers seek out secondhand smartphones:

    • Cost Savings: Used phones are significantly cheaper than brand-new models, making them an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers.
    • Sustainability: Some consumers prefer buying used devices to reduce electronic waste and promote environmental sustainability.
    • Testing New Features: Buyers may want to experiment with different brands or models without committing to the full retail price.
    • Backup Devices: Old phones can serve as excellent backups in case of emergencies or for specific tasks.

    Whom It Benefits

    The pre-owned market is beneficial to various groups:

    • Students: Young adults and students often need affordable technology for schoolwork and communication.
    • First-time smartphone users: Individuals who are new to smartphones may not want to invest heavily until they’re accustomed to the technology.
    • Budget-conscious families: Families often look for economical solutions to provide smartphones for multiple members without breaking the bank.

    How to Sell Old Phones

    Various Platforms for Selling

    If you’re looking to sell your used phone, several platforms can help you find buyers:

    • Online Marketplaces: Websites like eBay, Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace allow users to sell directly to other individuals.
    • Trade-in Programs: Many retailers and manufacturers offer trade-in programs that provide credit towards the purchase of a new device.
    • Specialized Recyclers: Companies like Gazelle and Decluttr buy used phones directly and often provide free shipping labels for convenience.
    • Local Electronics Stores: Some local shops specialize in buying and reselling used electronics, often with cash offers on the spot.

    Tips for Selling Successfully

    To maximize your profit when selling a used phone, consider these strategies:

    • Clean and Restore: Ensure your phone is physically clean and reset to factory settings.
    • Include Accessories: Selling with a charger or original packaging can increase the perceived value.
    • Be Honest About Condition: Clearly communicate any damage or issues with the device to maintain transparency and trust with potential buyers.
    • Research Market Price: Check comparable listings to set a fair price for quick sales.

    Where to Buy Used Phones

    Popular Sources for Pre-Owned Devices

    For those looking to purchase used phones, several reliable sources are available:

    • Refurbished Retailers: Retailers like Amazon Renewed and Best Buy offer certified refurbished devices with warranties.
    • Online Marketplaces: As previously mentioned, platforms like eBay and Craigslist are full of listings for used phones, though purchasing through these channels requires caution.
    • Peer-to-Peer Apps: Apps like OfferUp and Letgo facilitate local buying and selling, allowing users to transact without shipping.

    Important Considerations

    When buying a used phone, be sure to keep the following in mind:

    • Check IMEI Status: Verify that the phone is not reported lost or stolen by checking its IMEI number.
    • Inspect Prior to Purchase: If buying locally, inspect the device for any physical damage or issues during a meetup.
    • Ensure Compatibility: Make sure the phone is compatible with your carrier and will function with the necessary network bands.

    The Bottom Line

    The market for old, used phones is thriving, catering to a diverse range of buyers and sellers. Whether you’re looking to clear out an old device or find an affordable alternative to a new model, there are countless options available. With the right approach, both parties can find satisfactory solutions in this ever-evolving technological landscape.