Technology

Stability AI lays off roughly 10 percent of its workforce

Published

2 weeks ago

April 18, 2024

Stability AI lays off roughly 10 percent of its workforce

Stability AI laid off 20 employees just a day after announcing the expansion of access to its new flagship model. This comes after weeks of upheaval that saw its founding CEO leave the company.

CNBC reports that the layoffs at the UK-based AI company, which runs the Stable Diffusion text-to-image model, represent roughly 10 percent of its workforce. In a memo to staff, interim CEOs Shan Shan Wong and Christian LaForte say the decision to let go of employees is part of a “strategic plan to reduce our cost-base, strengthen support with our investors and partners, and enable teams to continue developing and releasing innovative products.”

The company did not say which departments were affected by layoffs, according to reports.

Stability has had a rocky few months, with several high-profile researchers and its founder and CEO, Emad Mostaque, leaving the company. Mostaque stepped down from his role and the company’s board in March, stating he wants to “pursue decentralized AI.”

But while the company continues to release AI models, it’s also been the subject of lawsuits alleging it used copyrighted material to train its models. Getty Images sued Stability last year. The case will go to trial in the UK soon.

Technology

Fox News AI Newsletter: Jobs AI can't take

Published

5 mins ago

May 1, 2024

Press Room

Mehmet Aytekin, 28, left, checks his cell phone while waiting to board his United Airlines flight to Newark, N.J. at O’Hare International Airport on Jan. 3, 2020. (Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)

Welcome to Fox News’ Artificial Intelligence newsletter with the latest AI technology advancements.

IN TODAY’S NEWSLETTER:

– Gen Zers are ‘catching the wave’ of blue-collar jobs that AI can’t take, tech CEO says
– Amazon sales surge as company trains focus on artificial intelligence
– Don’t use science fiction to inspire public policy on AI

An illustration of artificial intelligence (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

CATCHING THE BLUE WAVE? Amid high costs and controversies surrounding college education – coupled with the threat that artificial intelligence poses on certain white-collar jobs – much of Gen Z is leaning toward pursuing trade schools and blue-collar jobs with that tech gap in mind.

IN ITS ‘PRIME’: Amazon.com reported record first-quarter sales as the AI boom powered growth in its cloud-computing unit, helping the company continue to shake off last year’s post-pandemic slump.

Amazon Logo (Beata Zawrzel/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

FUTURE’S NOT SET: Policymakers should not reference or rely on fictional scenarios as reasons to regulate AI. Otherwise, America risks losing its global lead on AI and American citizens could never realize the full benefits of the technology.

WELCOME TO CLASS: Google rolled out a new course on Friday teaching people how to use artificial intelligence tools and announced its philanthropy arm is dedicating $75 million for 1 million Americans to take it for free as part of an initiative to make AI training more accessible.

The Google AI logo is being displayed on a smartphone with Gemini in the background in this photo illustration, taken in Brussels, Belgium, on February 8, 2024. (Jonathan Raa/NurPhoto via Getty Images / Getty Images) ((Jonathan Raa/NurPhoto via Getty Images / Getty Images)

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Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future with Fox News here.

This article was written by Fox News staff.

Technology

iOS 17.5 beta lets you keep Find My on during iPhone repairs

Published

7 hours ago

May 1, 2024

Press Room

iOS 17.5 beta lets you keep Find My on during iPhone repairs

Pretty soon, Apple might let you send your iPhone in for repair without disabling Find My and Activation Lock. In the fourth iOS 17.5 beta, 9to5Mac and MacRumors found that Apple is planning to introduce a new “Repair State” mode that keeps the anti-theft measures on while your iPhone is getting fixed.

Apple and many authorized repair providers currently ask you to turn off Find My when you’re getting your iPhone repaired. It has this requirement to “prevent anyone else from getting service for your device without your knowledge,” according to Apple’s support page.

But turning off Find My got a little more tricky with the introduction of Stolen Device Protection. When enabled, this feature forces you to wait one hour before performing certain actions, like turning off Find My. That isn’t too convenient if you forget to turn off Find My before you arrive at the Apple Store for a repair.

The new Repair State option should change this. As pointed out by 9to5Mac, it will let you confirm that your phone is getting repaired by entering your Apple ID and password. You can then continue to track your phone from other devices. The device will have a “Ready for Repair” in the Find My app when the option is enabled, along with a note that the “device remains fully functional,” 9to5Mac reports.

Technology

Repurposed Boeing 737 transforms into private jet villa soaring in luxury

Published

7 hours ago

May 1, 2024

Press Room

Repurposed Boeing 737 transforms into private jet villa soaring in luxury

If you are looking for a getaway that elevates your vacation to new heights, the Private Jet Villa in Bali turns that fantasy into reality.

Perched like a crown jewel atop the Nyang Nyang Beach cliff, this Indonesian villa epitomizes luxury and innovation.

The aircraft, a Boeing 737 that previously operated in Indonesia, was transported to the location via truck and crane following its decommissioning. Subsequently, it underwent an expert renovation right at the site.

CLICK TO GET KURT’S FREE CYBERGUY NEWSLETTER WITH SECURITY ALERTS, QUICK VIDEO TIPS, TECH REVIEWS AND EASY HOW-TO’S TO MAKE YOU SMARTER

Private Jet Villa (Geometrium Studio team)

A fusion of flight and comfort

The Geometrium Studio team achieved a world first with the Private Jet Villa. It’s not just a place to stay; it’s an experience. Imagine waking up in a converted Boeing 737, approximately 492 feet above the sea, with the Indian Ocean as your backdrop.

Private Jet Villa (Geometrium Studio team)

Inside the fuselage

Guests access the interior of the villa via a floating staircase. The villa, encompassing an area of approximately 1,076 square feet, features a kitchen-living room, two bedrooms, one with a jacuzzi in the cockpit that’s surrounded by panoramic windows and two bathrooms.

Private Jet Villa (Geometrium Studio team)

In the villa’s design, the strategic placement of mirrors creates an illusion of a more expansive space. The incorporation of relief glass inserts in several rooms not only enhances the natural light coming in, but also fosters a seamless visual flow between the areas.

Private Jet Villa (Geometrium Studio team)

MORE: THE BEST TRAVEL GEAR FOR 2024

Custom crafting for curved spaces

Because the aircraft’s body is all curves and no flat spots, the designers couldn’t just use off-the-shelf furniture and finishes. Everything had to be custom-made.

The dining area in the Private Jet Villa (Geometrium Studio team)

The extras outside the villa

But it’s the extras outside the villa that make it that much more special, including a bonfire area.

The Private Jet Villa’s exterior (Geometrium Studio team)

Guests arrive either by road or air using a helicopter landing pad that is only steps away from the villa.

View from above the Private Jet Villa (Geometrium Studio team)

But the big bonus is a unique terrace situated on the aircraft’s wing and a cantilever swimming pool with a hot tub floating in midair. It was designed with a special support system that spreads out the weight of the water evenly. Additionally, the pool features a glass section along its edge, allowing swimmers to submerge themselves and gaze out at the ocean from beneath the water’s surface.

MORE: UNFORGETTABLE MOTHER’S DAY GIFTS 2024

Private Jet Villa pool (Geometrium Studio team)

MORE: A BIRDHOUSE-INSPIRED TINY HOUSE NESTLED IN NATURE THAT RUNS ON SOLAR POWER

Picture-perfect moments

Every corner of the Private Jet Villa is a photo opportunity. From the bathroom with ocean views to the terrace that feels like you’re soaring, it’s a social media dream come true. The villa is designed to stir emotions and create memories. It’s a playground for the senses, with interactive zones that make you feel like you’re flying without ever leaving the ground.

Private Jet Villa deck (Geometrium Studio team)

Balancing beauty and function

Despite the challenges of converting a plane into a living space, the design team has crafted a villa that feels open and inviting. They’ve used light tones, natural textures and clever engineering to make the most of the unique space.

CHILDREN FLYING ALONE WILL NEED EMERGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION, CHECKLISTS AND MORE FROM PARENTS

Private Jet Villa bathroom (Geometrium Studio team)

Privacy with a pattern

The design team also added a touch of privacy without building a fortress, designing a nifty fencing system. It’s got a checkerboard vibe that hides the aircraft from nosy passersby but still keeps things airy. And for a little extra separation from the neighbors, they put up a concrete wall and planted what’s going to be a lush, green living hedge.

Engineering ingenuity belowdecks

Down below, in what used to be the cargo hold, is where the air conditioning, electrical infrastructure and pipe distribution to the bathrooms are all housed.

Private Jet Villa entrance (Geometrium Studio team)

How to experience the Private Jet Villa

For those interested in experiencing the Private Jet Villa firsthand, it is listed on Airbnb for vacation rentals. The rental cost fluctuates based on the season and duration of the stay. Preliminary quotes range from approximately $2,000 to upwards of $5,000 per night, positioning it as a premium accommodation choice.

Private Jet Villa exterior (Geometrium Studio team)

Kurt’s key takeaways

The Private Jet Villa is more than just a place to stay. It’s a sanctuary that offers a taste of the high life, quite literally. However, it’s also a true testament to human creativity and the pursuit of creating extraordinary spaces.

What do you think about the concept of transforming aircraft into luxury living spaces? Would you like to spend a night in the Private Jet Villa? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

For more of my tech tips & 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.

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.