New Instagram Feature Allows You Control Over Your Reels Algorithm

Instagram has quietly begun rolling out a new “Your Algorithm,” control panel for Reels that allows users to utilizes an AI based interface to control which topics and subjects show up most often in their reels — and lets you tweak them in real time.

When you’re watching Reels, look for the icon in the upper right corner (two lines with hearts). Tap it to open Your Algorithm. You can see what topics we think you’re interested in, tell us which topics you want to see more or less of, and your recommendations will adapt.

1. See your top interests: View a summary of the topics Instagram thinks you care about most, right at the top.
2. Tune your preferences: Type in the topics you want to see more or less of, and your Reels will reflect your choices.
3. Share your algorithm: If you’d like, you can share your interests to your Story, so friends and followers can see what you’re into.

After a few weeks of testing on our @TechSweepstakes page I'll say I haven't noticed much difference. However, our content consumption on that page is rather limited and  restricted to mostly tech related content anyways. Still the feature is nice to have as it learns I'm assuming it will become more intuitive and will allow me to restrict some content that I simply don't care to see!  

Google Begins Using AI to Scan Websites In Real-time For Scams

 Google is now utilizing a new version of the company's Gemini AI model to check websites in real-time for scams and potential hazards. The new on-device model, called Gemini Nano, runs directly from within Chrome on your desktop to protects users’ privacy and data by scanning web pages and on-site ads for 'scammy' language and code to warn users of potentially unsafe sites.

As with Chrome’s existing safe browsing mode, if a user attempts to access a potentially unsafe site, they’ll see a warning before being given the option to continue to the page. Dubbed Enhanced Protection mode,  Google says the new tool offers the highest level of protection, to keep users twice as safe from phishing and other scams versus their Standard Protection mode. The on-device approach provides instant insight on risky websites and allows Chrome to offer protection, even against scams that haven't been seen before. 

In their update Google states that Gemini Nano's LLM is perfect for this use because of its ability to distill the varied, complex nature of websites, helping then to adapt to new scam tactics more quickly. Although Google has long used machine learning to protect its services, newer AI advancements have led to improved language understanding and pattern recognition, enabling the tech to identify scams faster and more effectively.

Alongside the updates to the desktop version of Chrome is also launching new AI-powered warnings for Chrome on Android meant to help users in fighting scams, spam and unwanted notifications. When Chrome’s on-device machine learning model flags a notification, you’ll receive a warning with the option to either unsubscribe or view the content that was blocked. And if you decide the warning was shown incorrectly, you can choose to allow future notifications from that website.

For more details read Google's update here.

AI Use Increases in Healthcare

 

AI: The Doctor Will See You Now (Virtually)

The Rise of Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare

We're living in an age where technology is rapidly changing every aspect of our lives, and healthcare is no exception. Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer a futuristic fantasy; it's actively reshaping the medical landscape, offering innovative solutions to age-old challenges. From diagnosing diseases to developing new drugs, AI is proving to be a powerful tool in the hands of healthcare professionals.

How is AI Transforming Healthcare?

• Early and Accurate Diagnosis: AI algorithms can analyze medical images (like X-rays and MRIs) with incredible accuracy, often detecting subtle anomalies that might be missed by the human eye. This leads to earlier diagnoses, faster treatment, and improved patient outcomes.

• Personalized Treatment Plans: AI can sift through vast amounts of patient data, including medical history, genetic information, and lifestyle factors, to create tailored treatment plans. This personalized approach ensures that patients receive the most effective care possible.

• Drug Discovery and Development: AI is accelerating the process of drug discovery by analyzing complex biological data and identifying potential drug candidates. This not only speeds up the development of new medications but also reduces the costs associated with research.

• Robotic Surgery: AI-powered robots are assisting surgeons in performing complex procedures with greater precision and minimally invasive techniques. This leads to faster recovery times, reduced complications, and improved patient satisfaction.

• Virtual Assistants and Chatbots: AI-powered virtual assistants and chatbots are being used to provide patients with 24/7 access to medical information, schedule appointments, and even offer basic medical advice. This improves patient engagement and reduces the burden on healthcare providers.

The Future of AI in Healthcare

The potential of AI in healthcare is truly vast. As technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see even more innovative applications emerge. AI could play a crucial role in:

• Predictive Healthcare: AI algorithms could analyze patient data to predict future health risks, allowing for proactive interventions and preventive care.

• Remote Patient Monitoring: AI-powered devices could monitor patients' vital signs and health conditions remotely, providing real-time data to healthcare providers and enabling early detection of potential problems.

• Mental Health Support: AI-powered chatbots and virtual therapists could provide mental health support and counseling to individuals who may not have access to traditional therapy.

Challenges and Ethical Considerations

While the benefits of AI in healthcare are undeniable, there are also challenges and ethical considerations that need to be addressed. These include:

• Data Privacy and Security: Ensuring the privacy and security of patient data is paramount. Robust security measures must be in place to protect sensitive information from unauthorized access.

• Bias and Fairness: AI algorithms are only as good as the data they are trained on. It's crucial to ensure that these algorithms are free from bias and that they provide fair and equitable healthcare to all patients.

• Job Displacement: The automation of certain tasks may lead to job displacement in the healthcare sector. It's important to address these concerns and ensure that healthcare professionals are adequately trained to work alongside AI systems.

Conclusion

AI is revolutionizing healthcare in ways we could only have imagined a few years ago. By embracing this technology responsibly and addressing the associated challenges, we can unlock its full potential to improve patient care, accelerate medical advancements, and create a healthier future for all.