David Lidsky's Blog, page 384

Adobe’s top technologist on what makes an AI tool good enough to launch

Adobe CTO Ely Greenfield breaks down Adobe’s generative AI tools and the bar to shipping them.

Adobe entered the modern era of generative AI a full year behind others, and the company continues moving forward with Firefly at a conservative pace. It’s a strategy you could criticize—or argue is by design. Adobe needs to push the boundaries of media without breaking the tools used everyday by its creative customers like graphic designers and video editors.

While Adobe first debuted Firefly tools in Photoshop in 2023, it took about a year for them to be any good. Now, it’s upping the ante by going from generating still imagery to motion. 

After-hours work emails contribute to burnout and hostility, research shows

When the boundaries between home and work are eroded, it doesn’t just hurt people’s job and life satisfaction—it affects organizational performance.

Imagine it’s Friday evening. You’re about to watch a new Netflix drama, trying to unwind after a long week. Suddenly your phone pings with a work email marked “urgent.” Your heart sinks; your stress levels rise. Even if you choose not to respond immediately, the damage is done. Work has again encroached on your personal life.

Brain science called it: This is the best way to learn anything new. Here’s how

When done right, social learning activates crucial networks of the brain that deepen understanding and ease of recall, and enable the development of new behaviors.

The social side of work is in short supply these days.

Gut check: Can this company’s microbiome tests improve your health?

How much can Viome’s microbiome tests tell us about overall health?

Inside our bodies lies a flourishing ecosystem of microorganisms. This microbiome of bacteria and viruses has a powerful impact on our health, but the exact nuances of how are still being filled in.

These 5 new iPhone features will radically improve your work life

Here’s how to use your Notes app for math and live audio recording, schedule texts for later, synch Calendar with Reminders, and more.

iOS 18 is going to turn your iPhone into an AI phone with its flagship feature, Apple Intelligence. However, there are also a ton of other features coming to the iPhone on Monday with Apple’s latest operating system. Here are the top features in iOS 18 to make your workday more productive, and how to use them.

McDonald’s stock just got a boost after the burger giant agreed to keep the $5 meal deal going

The fast-food chain, which is fighting consumer perceptions that it has become too pricey, extended the high-profile value offer into December.

With fewer customers visiting the Golden Arches as diners cut back on restaurant spending, McDonald’s is now extending its $5 value meal deal through the fall and into December in most U.S. markets.

ChatGPT’s new AI thinks like us, and critics warn it comes with some dangers

New chatbot model is more ‘human’-like, can ‘think’ and ‘reason.’ Should we worry yet?

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasingly a part of our daily lives. It can analyze data, make a diagnosis, create and edit photos, and it’s a fundamental part of social media. But while AI’s many functions are undeniably impressive, it’s not without flaws. Chatbots can produce essays and come up with human-like responses to questions in seconds. But they struggle with math and science problems where there is only one correct answer. 

The future of construction is innovation and sustainability

There will never be a shortage of opportunity when sustainability is your goal.

In a world that produces “57 million tons of plastic waste every year” and in a nation with worsening home affordability for the past 20 years, millions of families are finding it increasingly difficult to achieve the dream of homeownership. Rising housing costs, coupled with high interest rates and limited inventory, have created an urgent need for innovative, sustainable, and affordable housing solutions that can reverse this troubling trend and provide relief for those struggling to find a place to call home.

Meta restarts plans to train AI using content from U.K. Facebook and Instagram users

Starting next week, users will be given in-app notifications of the social media giant’s plans, including links to access an objection form.

Meta said Friday it is reigniting plans to train its artificial intelligence systems on public Facebook and Instagram content shared by adult users in the U.K. over the coming months.

In-flight Wi-Fi goes free on United Airlines, thanks to SpaceX deal

United’s Wi-Fi will be powered by SpaceX’s Starlink service.

United Airlines announced today that it has signed an agreement with SpaceX to provide Starlink Wi-Fi services on its entire mainline and regional aircraft fleet. The service will deliver fast, reliable internet service to passengers, both in the air and on the ground—free.