Technology

Instagram starts letting people create AI versions of themselves

Published

2 hours ago

July 30, 2024

Instagram starts letting people create AI versions of themselves

Meta is opening up the ability for anyone in the US to create AI versions of themselves in Instagram or on the web, with a new tool called AI Studio.

The pitch is that creators and business owners will use these AI profiles to talk to their followers on their behalf. They’ll be able to talk directly with humans in chat threads and respond to comments on their author’s account. Meta says Instagram users in the US can get started with AI Studio via either its website or by starting a new “AI chat” directly in Instagram.

In a blog post on Monday, the company writes that “creators can customize their AI based on things like their Instagram content, topics to avoid and links they want it to share.” The post goes on to say that creators will be able to toggle things like auto-replies from their AI and dictate which specific accounts it’s allowed to interact with.

AI Studio also allows for the creation of totally new AI characters that can be deployed across Meta’s apps. Here, Meta is coming after startups like Character.AI and Replika, where people already talk to — and even fall in love with — themed chatbots. Like OpenAI’s custom GPT store, Meta will also surface the AI characters people make for others to try.

Meta’s first pass at this concept was having a handful of celebrities create AI versions of themselves with the same likeness but different names and personas. At the time, Meta said it took that approach because it worried about AI versions of celebrities saying problematic things on behalf of their human counterparts. (Even with the controls built into AI Studio, this is still bound to happen. It’s generative AI we’re dealing with, after all.)

Get ready for AIs everywhere in Instagram.

Technology

Customs agents need a warrant to search your phone now

Published

9 hours ago

July 29, 2024

Press Room

Customs agents need a warrant to search your phone now

A federal judge in New York ruled that Customs and Border Protection (CBP) can’t search travelers’ phones without a warrant. The ruling theoretically applies to land borders, seaports, and airports — but in practice, it only applies to New York’s Eastern District.

That’s not nothing, though, since the district includes John F. Kennedy Airport in Queens, the sixth-busiest airport in the country. Nationwide, CBP has conducted more than 230,000 searches of electronic devices between the 2018 and 2023 fiscal years at land borders, seaports, and airports, according to its publicly available enforcement statistics.

The ruling stems from a criminal case against Kurbonali Sultanov, a naturalized US citizen from Uzbekistan, who was ordered to hand his phone over to CBP after his name triggered an alert on the Treasury Enforcement Communications System identifying Sultanov as a potential purchaser or possessor of child sexual abuse material. Sultanov, who said the agents said he had no choice but to unlock his phone, handed it over and was then questioned by officers with Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) unit. The HSI agents read Sultanov his Miranda rights, which he said he understood “50/50,” before questioning him.

Government investigators later obtained a warrant for the phone CBP had searched at the airport, as well as another phone Sultanov had in his possession when he entered the country. During his criminal trial, Sultanov filed a motion to suppress the evidence that had been obtained from his phones, arguing that the initial search of his phone was illegal under the Fourth Amendment.

The judge, Nina R. Morrison of New York’s Eastern District, denied Sultanov’s motion to suppress evidence, saying the second forensic search of his phones was conducted in good faith and pursuant to a warrant. But Morrison ruled in favor of Sultanov on Fourth Amendment grounds, finding that the initial search of his phone was unconstitutional.

In 2021, a US appeals court ruled that CBP agents can search travelers’ phones and other devices without a warrant and without reasonable suspicion, overturning an earlier ruling that held that warrantless, suspicionless searches violated the Fourth Amendment.

Morrison cites the judge’s ruling in that case, Alasaad v. Mayorkas, as well as other cases in which judges held that forensic examinations of cell phones are nonroutine. In Alasaad, the court ruled that “basic border searches [of electronic devices] are routine searches” but did not determine whether forensic searches require reasonable suspicion.

“This Court respectfully concludes otherwise,” Morrison writes. “Particularly in light of the record before this Court regarding the vast potential scope of a so-called ‘manual’ search, the distinction between manual and forensic searches is too flimsy a hook own which to hang a categorical exemption to the Fourth Amendment’s warrant requirement. And it is one that may collapse altogether as technology evolves.”

Though the geographical scope of the ruling is limited, the case has implications that reach far beyond Sultanov’s case. The Knight First Amendment Institute at Columbia University and the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press filed amici briefs in the case, arguing that letting CBP conduct warrantless searches of travelers’ phones at ports of entry imperiled freedom of the press. In her ruling, Morrison wrote that journalists, as well as “the targets of political opposition (or their colleagues, friends, or families) would only need to travel once through an international airport for the government to gain unfettered access to the most ‘intimate window into a person’s life.’”

(The “intimate window” quote comes from the Supreme Court ruling in Carpenter v. United States, in which the justices ruled that police must obtain warrants to seize cellphone tower location records.)

“As the court recognizes, warrantless searches of electronic devices at the border are an unjustified intrusion into travelers’ private expressions, personal associations, and journalistic endeavors—activities the First and Fourth Amendments were designed to protect,” Scott Wilkens, senior counsel at the Knight First Amendment Institute, said in a statement.

A CBP spokesperson contacted by The Verge said the agency can’t comment on pending criminal cases.

CBP’s ability to search travelers’ phones has received increased scrutiny in recent months. In April, a bipartisan group of senators sent a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas asking for information on what data the government retains from these searches and how the data is used. “We are concerned that the current policies and practices governing the search of electronic devices at the border constitute a departure from the intended scope and application of border search authority,” Sens. Gary Peters (D-MI), Rand Paul (R-KY), Ron Wyden (D-OR), and Mike Crapo (R-ID) wrote.

Technology

Humanoid robot gets to work in BMW assembly plant

Published

9 hours ago

July 29, 2024

Press Room

Humanoid robot gets to work in BMW assembly plant

Nearly six months after announcing its partnership with BMW, Figure’s gleaming silver humanoid robot is making significant progress in its training for manufacturing tasks. A recently released video shows off the robot’s evolving capabilities, highlighting the potential future of AI-powered humanoids in industrial settings. This development marks a crucial step forward in integrating advanced robotics into real-world manufacturing environments.

GET SECURITY ALERTS, EXPERT TIPS – SIGN UP FOR KURT’S NEWSLETTER – THE CYBERGUY REPORT HERE

Humanoid robot working in BMW assembly plant (Figure) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

The rise of AI-powered humanoid robots

The field of AI-powered humanoid robots is currently experiencing a surge in development, with numerous companies working towards creating versatile machines capable of performing a wide array of physical tasks typically done by humans. These robots aim to provide a more cost-effective and consistent labor source, potentially revolutionizing economic growth and labor markets. The ultimate goal is to create a workforce that can adapt to various tasks, potentially decoupling economic growth from population figures and unlocking a source of labor limited only by resources.

Humanoid robot working in BMW assembly plant (Figure) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

CHINA UNVEILS ITS FIRST FULL-SIZE ELECTRIC RUNNING HUMANOID ROBOT

Figure’s humanoid: Key features and capabilities

Figure’s humanoid robot stands at 5 feet 6 inches tall, weighs approximately 132 pounds and can carry a payload of up to 44 pounds. It operates on an electric system and can run continuously for five hours, reaching a maximum speed of about 2.7 mph. These specifications place it in a range that allows for meaningful work in manufacturing settings while still maintaining a form factor similar to human workers.

Humanoid robot working in BMW assembly plant (Figure) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

ELECTRIC HUMANOID ROBOT POISED TO SHAKE UP THE JOB MARKET

BMW partnership: A milestone for Figure

The partnership between Figure and BMW represents a significant milestone for the robotics startup. This collaboration marks Figure’s first commercial deal since its founding in 2022, demonstrating the industry’s growing interest in humanoid robotic solutions.

The humanoid robots will be deployed at BMW’s manufacturing facility in Spartanburg, South Carolina, which is currently the largest automotive exporter in the United States, employing 11,000 people. Over the next 12 to 24 months, these robots will be integrated into various processes, including the body shop, sheet metal work and warehouse operations.

Humanoid robot working in BMW assembly plant (Figure) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

HOW 1X’S HUMANOID ROBOT IS PUTTING A STOP TO YOU HAVING TO FOLD LAUNDRY

Training progress: The ‘BMW Full Use Case’

The latest video demonstration, titled the “BMW Full Use Case,” showcases the Figure robot’s advancements in several key areas. The machine now demonstrates improved capabilities in grasping complex shapes, navigating and avoiding obstacles, precision placement of parts and even error correction and fine-tuning.

For instance, the robot can now handle large, complex shapes with its rubber-tipped fingers and place them accurately on jigs, even when the robot’s view of the locating pegs is obstructed. When it notices that parts are not sitting properly, it can tap them into place with the back of its hand, showcasing an ability to correct its own errors.

Humanoid robot working in BMW assembly plant (Figure) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Challenges and competition

Figure’s humanoid robot is entering a competitive field, with several other companies developing similar technologies. Apptronik, for example, has partnered with Mercedes to trial its Apollo robot, while the well-established Boston Dynamics continues to develop its Atlas robot for various applications, including auto-manufacturing tasks. Tesla, with its vast car production facilities, is also in the race with its Optimus robot.

Each company is taking a slightly different approach to development and real-world implementation, creating a diverse and rapidly evolving landscape in the humanoid robotics industry.

HOW TO REMOVE YOUR PRIVATE DATA FROM THE INTERNET

Humanoid robot working in BMW assembly plant (Figure) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

The future of humanoid robots in manufacturing

As AI behavior models continue to develop, we can expect to see significant advancements in the capabilities of these humanoid robots. Their motions are likely to become faster and smoother, and their ability to acquire new skills will accelerate. The integration of these robots into real-world manufacturing environments is expected to increase, potentially transforming production processes across various industries.

However, as we move forward, it will be crucial to monitor the economic, ethical and societal implications of widespread humanoid robot adoption. The integration of these advanced machines into the workforce raises important questions about the future of human labor, job displacement and the need for new skills in the workforce. The coming years will likely see continued rapid advancements in this field, potentially reshaping our understanding of work and automation. As these technologies progress, it will be essential to strike a balance between technological innovation and the preservation of human employment and well-being.

Humanoid robot working in BMW assembly plant (Figure) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Kurt’s key takeaways

The development of general-purpose humanoid robots represents a potentially transformative technology for the manufacturing industry and beyond. While Figure’s robot is still in its early stages, the progress demonstrated in the BMW partnership is promising and indicative of the rapid advancements in this field. However, for these robots to truly revolutionize the workforce, they will need to prove a clear economic advantage over human workers. This includes not only performing tasks efficiently but also adapting to new situations and working safely alongside humans.

How do you think the widespread adoption of humanoid robots in manufacturing and other industries will impact the future of human workers in those facilities? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter.

Ask Kurt a question or let us know what stories you’d like us to cover.

Follow Kurt on his social channels:

Answers to the most asked CyberGuy questions:

Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

Technology

Indie studio opens up to share canceled Magic School project

Published

16 hours ago

July 29, 2024

Press Room

Indie studio opens up to share canceled Magic School project

Canceled video games are typically shrouded in secrecy, the kind of thing we only learn about via leaks well after the fact. But Dinosaur Polo Club, the indie studio behind the minimalist strategy games Mini Metro and Mini Motorways, has revealed a recently canceled project in a refreshing bout of transparency.

The game was codenamed Magic School, and it was an attempt for the studio to branch out from the clean, streamlined experiences it has become known for. The problem? As the concept grew in scope, it became clear to the studio that a much bigger team would be needed, which led them to abandon it.

You can get a sense of what it would’ve been like in the footage above as well as from the concept images in the gallery below. (There’s even more over on ArtStation.)

“Ultimately, we simply did not see a path forward for Magic School,” studio CEO Amie Wolken said in a statement. “However, we still wanted to share the amazing work the team had produced over the course of prototyping.”

One silver lining: none of the team members working on the game are being let go. Instead, the studio says that the plan is “to redirect their skills to the new projects within their celebrated Mini series.”

While it may be disappointing that Magic School won’t ever launch — it sure sounds cool to me — it’s wonderful to see a studio be so open in such a tight-lipped industry. And for those who worked on the game, it’s a big bonus to be able to actually share the work they did on it, even if there’s no final product for people to play.

“So much great game development never sees the light of day because studios are often shy about sharing when things don’t go as planned,” added Wolken. “Instead, we are choosing to celebrate what we learned along the way and the incredible work from our team.”