OpenAI has unveiled its plans to expand in Asia. It has also proposed to establish an OpenAI new office for the company in Singapore. This comes after the company opened offices in Tokyo, Japan earlier this year. The Singapore office will be significant for the company as it will act as the headquarters for this part of the world. The adaptation of this technology will offer basic customer and partner care.
New office to improve OpenAI’s services in the Asia Pacific region. The company wants to create five to ten positions for new employees in Singapore. These positions will mainly report to these departments specializing in technology, communication, and operations. OpenAI understands that it requires local talent to effectively cater to the region’s demands.
Apart from Singapore, OpenAI will a new offices in more cities capable of hosting such facilities. New York City, Seattle, Paris, and Brussels have also been added to the list. This expansion proves that OpenAI has focused on its customers, across the world. The company is also expanding its presence in the technology sector and increasing its authority in the industry.
This means that having a base in Singapore will enable OpenAI to serve its markets there more effectively. These local offices will enhance the company’s position while working towards enhancing customer service and support. This has the benefit of enabling OpenAI to support its goal of improving usability on its Platform. Consequently, clients will experience enhanced responsiveness of their services in the Asia Pacific region.
Conferencing by video has become almost a norm but it consumes a lot of time. The celebration calls for a response from Zoom in the form of this new feature known as AI Companion. This feature enables the users to give a chance to the other members of the team and be in the video conference session instead of the other person.
All participants have to make a short video production and record a few seconds only. One more technology that AI will employ will be to create a realistic avatar from the user’s image. This avatar can present content in PowerPoint format with the texts given.
Any speech created through the creation suite will address the facial animations of the avatar. This makes it look as if the presentation is just a much more dynamic and engaging affair. Furthermore, Zoom encourages people to maintain a strong security system as well.
This security system is focused on blocking fraud during video conferencing meetings. They also noted that there have been incidents where this staff member was impersonated. Users can also get rather secure during the interactions in case they use the AI Companion feature.
Zoom AI Companion will be available in the initial half of 2025. Customers will need to subscribe to an additional fee of $12 (~RM 52) per month. When it comes to video conferencing, improvements will be seen through the use of the AI Companion.
The Malaysia version of Apple’s website offers the AirPods 4, AirPods Max USB-C charging case, and the Apple Watch Series 10. For some new products, you can already buy them on Apple’s website. But you have to make arrangements for delivery depending on the model.
For instance, the AirPods 4 and AirPods Max USB-C are available as soon as 14 October. However, the new Watch Series 10 will not be available for shipment until 4 November.
Furthermore, in in-store pickup, these products at Apple The Exchange TRX have not yet been enabled. There are many choices for Apple when it comes to final choices one can choose to buy AppleCare+ and installment plans. Furthermore, buyers of AirPods can personalize them by engraving, on the other hand, trade caused by Watch Series 10 only.
Pricing for the AirPods 4 is RM599 for the standard model and RM829 for the ANC model. The new AirPods Max USB-C is set at RM2,499, which comes with advanced audio functionalities. The Watch Series 10 comes in two models – Aluminium costs RM 1,799 and the Titanium version will be sold at RM3,299. It’s time to take a look at what new things Apple has to offer now.
Nothing has also released a beta version of the Nothing OS 3.90 to Nothing Phone (2a). Some of the new features are the lock screen widgets that are dynamic. They also can post others’ Widgets and even use emojis to react. However, the settings control panel is now cleaner and looks like the Control Center in iOS version 18.
The new app tray all looks like the iOS App Library. But it is smarter because it is backed by artificial intelligence. The AI that is in this context categorizes applications or in other words, arranges them in categories or taxes. It also recommends applications that will fit the user’s new schedule.
The beta version for Phone (2) is planned for the month of November. However, Phone (1), Phone (2a) Plus, and CMF Phone 1 will be able to access a beta version for testing come December. For those who were quite uncertain about following the beta version, Nothing OS 3.0 stable will be rolling in December.
This stable version will be released for Phone (2) Phone (2a). With this, users get to have new features they can exploit and also a better experience on the system. To utilize all the features do check for update.
The OnePlus is also getting ready to release the Nord Buds 3 in Malaysia. These earbuds are the Nord Buds 2 successors, and both the brand’s site and the SIRIM catalog list them. It is therefore a very strong signal of a forthcoming local release of this certification.
The Nord Buds 3 launched on October 8, 2024, is expected to be affordable, and accredited by SIRIM. For the new earbuds an estimated cost by the company of INR2,299 (~RM118). These new earbuds will be cheaper than the current RM329 price.
The Nord Buds 3 replaces the elongated oval form with a completely round form and removes 0.7 grams of weight. The upgrades make for a tighter and more secure while garnering an IP55 rating for protection from dust and water.
One of the new features of the earbuds is the improved ANC which can block up to 32 dB of sound. Furthermore, the transparency mode enables the user to find out what is happening around them if necessary.
Both the Nord Buds 3 have Bluetooth 5.4 support and have a low latency of just 94ms, ideal for gaming enthusiasts. Dual Connection and Google Fast Pair enable easy transitions between various audio streams and fast connection.
Splendid Blue
Splendid Blue
Metallic Gray
Metallic Gray
These new earbuds have also brought improvements with regard to the battery aspect as well. They can play for 12 hours when ANC is turned off, and 8 hours with ANC on. The Nord Buds 3 up to 43 hours with the charging case included.
Self-proclaimed ‘flagship killers’, the OnePlus Nord Buds 3 offers ordinary cost, enhanced features, and the best battery life. Which will capture the attention of Malaysians looking to save cash.
Currently, Adobe has released the Adobe Content Authenticity app to assist creators in safeguarding their rights. With this web app, many digital content creators are given the credit they deserve, enhancing content credibility.
The app makes use of Content Credentials, which work as a kind of ‘nutritional information label’ for the digital content. These credentials feature the creation and editing of information in a secure metadata format to assure the viewers.
Adobe initiated the Content Authenticity Initiative back in 2019 that concept is used for fighting against fake news and protecting the creations. Unlike some existing tools that scale from tens to hundreds of people or organizations, this one includes over 3700 individuals to assist consumers in evaluating the trustworthiness of the content.
Traditional Rights management prevents illicit use or AI misuse by appending reliable claims to the content assets. It is also possible to add some personal information such as name and/or social profiles in these credentials by creators.
Adobe Content Authenticity app is integrated with Photoshop and Lightroom to handle Content Credentials. They are, however, free for use to protect images, audio, and videos in addition to Adobe’s continued efforts in contended protection.
This way, the preferences for AI mean that creators can opt-in whether they want their work used for training AI. The beta version of the app rollout in early 2025 while the Chrome extension is live today.
Malaysia has proved its leadership role in the region by taking a great step. The first-ever ASEAN Change Management Conference was recently held. This event placed Malaysia as a strategic center of organizational transformation in the South East Asia region. Sponsored and hosted by K-Pintar Sdn Bhd, the ASEAN Change Management Conference was held at the Wyndham Grand Bangsar. It established a new record for creating a platform that brings together the world’s best thinkers.
Themed ‘Change is Accelerating: From the song ‘Are You Ready?’ presence of expertise from several countries was highlighted at the conferences. Speakers included academics and practitioners from Poland, the United Kingdom, India, Indonesia, Singapore, and Malaysia. This high-level platform fostered global cooperation and the exchange of ideas regarding change management.
Aligning Change Management with National Plans
YB Datuk Wilson Ugak Anak Kumbong river the event. He is the Deputy Minister at the Ministry of Digital. Based on his keynote speech, he emphasized the necessity for organizations to implement sound strategies for change management. “Managing change at a faster pace, is now, more than an essential,” he added. The Deputy Minister also took time to explain how change management could help organizations and societies to make transitions.
Additionally, he was very particular about the fact that the program should be in line with national plans. Last week he talked about the National Digital Transformation Plan and the MyDigital Blueprint. It also becomes important that this conference plays a central role in the establishment of readiness across sectors.
K-Pintar Sdn Bhd has been providing corporate learning solutions for over twenty years now. For the founder, RA Thiagaraja the conference was a turning point. He stands to witness that this event is very important in ensuring different leaders share and offer their ideas to come up with powerful strategies. In this process, as the change becomes faster and further, organizations have no other option but to survive and develop.
Topics covered in the conference included global trends and the competitiveness of nations. The audience received action approaches to tackle common issues such as resistance and sustainability. They also used others such as The ADKAR Advantage besides e-learning tools for continuous learning.
Future of the ASEAN Change Management Conference
In this regard, K-Pintar is looking at organizing this particular conference as a yearly affair going forward. This commitment increases cooperation in change management at the regional level. Achievement of this first-time occasion was due to the formation of cooperation. A partnership was made with Prosci US, PMI Malaysia Chapter, and other institutions. This joint approach shows the organizations’ desire to advance professionally and embrace digital change in the region in Southeast Asia.
Perhaps readers of this conference will find it informative. To do this, they need to be knowledgeable in change management strategies in order to be ready for future tasks. Professionals need to be updated on events within the region to improve their performance as well as strengthen their organization.
Tesla lovers prepare yourself for a bright spectacle. On Thursday, the manufacturer of electric vehicles will present the long-awaited Tesla Robotaxi at Warner Bros. Discovery studio in Burbank, California. Gates are at 5 PM PT with the main event starting at 7 PM PT.
Global Livestream of the Robotaxi Event
As usual, Tesla is going further, with the event to be live-streamed on YouTube and X. This will enable viewers worldwide to get involved in the event and see what new invention Tesla brought to the market. Elon Musk first hinted at the Robotaxi event in April and excitedly announced it at the top of the month. The reveal was set to occur on August 8th. However, it delayed it, claiming important front-end design changes.
The fact that Robotaxi is quite central at the launch event underlines the self-driving agenda for Tesla and margins other developments such as the $25000 electric car. Musk has been an advocate of self-driving and the FSD package is one of its major offerings. However, FSD still needs a human driver to be in control and take action when necessary owing to the name.
Musk’s Vision of Autonomous Robotaxis
Initially, Musk’s vision required cars on the road today to simply update from cars that needed drivers to robotaxis. This would allow owners to make some cash when they are not using the car to drive. Nonetheless, we are still not there with millions of robotaxis still waiting to be deployed on the roads. He also said that if required, Tesla might offer a dedicated fleet too.
This reveal appears more like the car because of the Hollywood studio backdrop. Musk unveiled the Isovat hinting at a Robotaxi design that would not have a steering wheel or pedals. Some of the images below are from Elon Musk’s biography 2023, depicting a small two-door and two-seater looking like the Cybertruck.
Google Drive has recently released new smart filters as features to the search tool. With the help of the new functional search, users can sort files by type or modification date right in the search line. This update on the Workspace Updates Blog where it said that these filters offer auto-suggestions as individuals type. For instance, typing “pdf.” or “doc” automatically sets filters to appear and therefore helps in sorting out the files quicker.
Enhanced Search Tool for Google Drive
Next to the search bar, which already offers Type, People, and Modified filters, these will be easy to find. Google says that those changes make it easier to search for files, though some may consider them confusing. Users may be asked from the list if they improve speed because some of the options were already stated before.
The changes are being deployed progressively on a two-week rolling cycle that will conclude on the 22nd of October. Still, I see that Google Drive continues to innovate and ascend to the better user experience of its services. However, it should be noted that the practical applicability of these filters is highly subjective. Some may like having more choices, others may think that choice is unnecessary.
Gemini-Powered Smart Reply in Gmail
There are also new summary cards in addition to Drive updates. Such cards are displayed above the emails and give a brief on the packages, trips, or bills. These features have already been seen in Android, with iOS devices following this up closely, within weeks.
With these new changes, Google would like to solve the problem of task management while increasing efficiency. Smart Reply suggestions in emails powered by Gemini also show that Google wants to make the interactions easier for users. These changes are in line with Google’s attempts to change the direction of Drive and Gmail as products and services received from users.
The Apple MacBook Pro M4 unveiling was shown online, before it hit the market, through a YouTube video from Russia. Looking at the video it can be seen that there has been design continuity with changes that are slightly different than MacBook Pro M3.
First, the variant of MacBook Pro M4 they released this year now comes with the new Apple M4 chip. Initially seen only in the new iPad Pro. This M4 chip incorporates a 10-core CPU, providing as much as 25% improvement in performance over the M3 chip.
Further, the base model has increased RAM to 16GB from the previous 8GB. In response to criticism that the iPhone X’s 3GB RAM is insufficient for current computing.
These are for the support of Apple Intelligence enabling the MacBook to perform more tasks on the device itself. There are other enhancements in this regard. The availability of three Thunderbolt 4 ports instead of two Thunderbolt 3 ports in previous versions.
With this, the users can extend the connection to more devices in addition to benefiting from faster data transfer rates. The MacBook Pro M4 looks like its previous models, including the boxy frame and the Apple logo on the cover.
Apple is widely rumored to release the new MacBook, Mac Mini, and iPad Mini in early November. That is why the enhancements presented in the MacBook Pro M4, create a great opportunity for users who need a reliable and highly productive laptop.
