TECHWU #115

In a compelling clash between technology and tradition, Pueblo West artist Jason M. Allen is challenging the U.

S. Copyright Office's denial of his copyright request for art created with AI assistance.

His award-winning piece, "Theatre d'Opera Spatial," was born from a two-week journey of creative experimentation using the AI tool Midjourney. While Allen asserts his role as the creator, critics argue that the computer is the true artist.

This ongoing debate reflects broader questions about the essence of creativity in an age increasingly influenced by technology. With his appeal now in federal court, Allen and his attorney remind us of historical precedents where technology, like photography, once faced similar scrutiny.

As the art world grapples with the implications of AI, Allen's case could set crucial precedents for the future of artistic ownership. The outcome of this intriguing legal battle awaits, inviting us to rethink what it means to be an artist today.

In the fast-paced world of hospitality, IT leaders play a pivotal role in driving hotels and resorts toward success. Embracing technology can make all the difference, especially as the industry evolves post-pandemic.

This article highlights the urgent need for hoteliers to move beyond outdated legacy systems and adopt innovative solutions, like centralized data systems and cloud-based management. Not only do these tools enhance operations and profitability, but they also empower staff with real-time insights to create tailored guest experiences.

Moreover, as cybersecurity threats loom larger, IT leaders must prioritize data protection to build customer trust. With the right mindset and strategic focus, today’s IT leaders can transform their properties into tech-savvy havens, ensuring they stay competitive and thrive in future markets.

In the rapidly evolving landscape of AI in education, many tools remain blind to the unique needs of students with disabilities. A recent report from the Consortium for School Networking and CAST highlights that most AI systems overlook these learners, potentially disadvantaging them academically as technology integration expands.

While AI has enhanced assistive technologies and can alleviate teacher burnout through task automation, the tools often lack support for diverse learning needs. Concerns include biased grading systems that penalize students with conditions like dyslexia, and the risk of exposing sensitive student data.

The report calls for school districts to prioritize accessibility and inclusivity in AI planning, emphasizing ongoing education for educators, expert guidance, and a culture that values the effective use of technology for all students. Embracing this opportunity ensures that advancements in AI benefit every learner, paving the way for an equitable educational environment.

In the realm of luxury technology, the Falcon Supernova iPhone 6 Pink Diamond Edition reigns supreme as the world’s most expensive smartphone, boasting a jaw-dropping price of $48.5 million.

Crafted by the elite luxury brand Falcon, this phone isn't just for calling—it's a dazzling status symbol. Wrapped in solid gold and featuring a stunning pink diamond, it's a masterpiece that combines artistry with cutting-edge tech.

While it runs on standard iOS, upgrades like top-notch security features make it appealing to privacy-conscious elites. The Falcon Supernova exemplifies a growing trend where high-net-worth individuals pursue extravagant gadgets that flaunt wealth and exclusivity.

While this phone is unattainable for most, it inspires a wealth of ideas on how to incorporate touches of luxury into everyday life, proving that luxury can be appreciated in many forms, no matter your budget.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the world of sports, enhancing athlete performance and ensuring health and safety. From football to boxing, AI tools analyze data on injuries, fatigue, and movement, helping teams design tactical strategies and prevent injuries.

However, this shift has sparked vital discussions on privacy and data rights, as athletes express concerns over how their performance data could be misused during contract negotiations. Unions like the NBA Players Association are leading the charge for transparency and ethical data use, paving the way for workers across industries to advocate for their rights in an increasingly automated world.

The mobilization of elite athletes to safeguard their rights embodies the potential for collective action, serving as a strong example for workers everywhere to demand fairness and accountability in the age of AI. As technology permeates various fields, the lessons from sports can inspire broader movements for ethical practices and worker protection.

Get ready, tech enthusiasts! The Lava Agni 3 is launching on October 4, and it’s making waves with some thrilling features reminiscent of the iPhone. Priced under ₹30,000, this smartphone boasts a sleek design with two AMOLED displays—a stunning 6.

78-inch front and a handy 1.74-inch secondary display on the back.

One standout feature is its customizable Action button, allowing users to set shortcuts at their fingertips. On the photography front, expect a powerful 64-megapixel main camera, alongside ultra-wide and macro lenses.

Powering this device is the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 processor, paired with 8GB of RAM for seamless multitasking. With Dolby Atmos audio and a stylish glass finish, the Lava Agni 3 is set to be a formidable competitor in the mid-range market.

The OnePlus Pad is now more accessible than ever, with a fantastic Rs 6,000 discount during Amazon's Great Indian Festival Sale! Originally priced at Rs 37,999, savvy shoppers can snag this impressive tablet for just Rs 31,990. Packed with a powerful MediaTek Dimensity 9000 chipset and a stunning 11.

6-inch 2.8K display, this device promises a fantastic viewing experience, complete with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos support.

With narrow bezels, a 13 MP camera, and a robust 9,500mAh battery, it’s a standout choice for anyone looking for a high-quality Android tablet in the Rs 30,000 bracket. While the exact end date of the sale remains uncertain, it's expected to last throughout the Diwali festivities.

Get ready for a fresh twist on the entrepreneurial pitch! Amazon Prime is set to unveil "Buy It Now," a new game show inspired by the beloved Shark Tank format. Premiering on October 30, 2024, this exciting series invites budding entrepreneurs to showcase their innovative products to a panel of celebrity judges and an enthusiastic live audience.

If they make a splash, their creations could land a spot in a new Amazon store! With the charismatic JB Smoove at the helm, "Buy It Now" promises a thrilling blend of entertainment and insightful pitches.

Get ready for a connectivity revolution—Wi-Fi 7 is on its way to the UK! This next-generation Wi-Fi promises to boost your internet experience with super-fast speeds of up to 46 Gbps and significantly improved responsiveness. Say goodbye to buffering during your binge-watching sessions, as Wi-Fi 7 will enhance streaming quality, support cloud gaming, and better manage congestion with multiple devices.

Companies like EE and Netgear are already offering routers designed for this new technology, making it accessible for eager adopters. Plus, you'll be happy to know that Wi-Fi 7 is backward compatible, so your existing devices can still connect, albeit without the shiny new features.

Exciting news from Epic Games! The creator of Fortnite is shaking up the mobile gaming world by planning to launch its popular free games program on mobile devices before the end of 2024. During a recent roundtable at Unreal Fest, Epic's General Manager Steve Allison revealed that up to 50 games, including the much-anticipated "Ark: Ultimate Mobile Edition," will soon be available on their new mobile app store.

The store aims to rival giants like Google Play, incorporating built-in social features for interactions across platforms. Although they’re still working out a payment solution, the move signals a bold new chapter for mobile gaming.

As Epic also pursues antitrust lawsuits against Google and Samsung, it’s clear they are committed to giving mobile gamers more choices and accessing a wider array of games.

In a surprising turn of events, Microsoft has announced it will cease production of the HoloLens 2 headset, signaling a shift in its mixed reality strategy. As competition heats up with tech giants like Apple and Meta rolling out impressive alternatives, Microsoft is re-evaluating its approach to MR hardware.

The HoloLens 2, once hailed as a groundbreaking innovation, will no longer receive production support, leaving fans and developers speculating on the future of mixed reality at Microsoft. This move highlights the intensifying race in the tech landscape, leaving many to wonder how Microsoft's next chapter will unfold in a rapidly evolving market.

In a tech landscape increasingly aware of privacy, the Ray-Ban Meta glasses have sparked concern with their integration of facial recognition capabilities. A project by ambitious college students, I-XRAY, showcases a chilling potential: pairing these stylish frames with facial recognition software could enable users to stream personal information—such as addresses and phone numbers—of those around them in real-time.

While the creators emphasize that their initiative is merely a cautionary demonstration rather than a product for market launch, the implications are staggering. The inclusion of a recording light aims to alleviate privacy worries, yet this tech could open the floodgates for doxxing, resembling a "Terminator vision" scenario.

As consumer technology evolves, the need for ethical considerations and boundaries becomes more pressing than ever.

At the recent AI CyberCon, excitement buzzed among over 100 attendees eager to explore AI's future. The key takeaway? We're far from peak AI development.

With government and industry leaders pushing boundaries, our technological landscape is just gearing up for what's next! The conference highlighted pressing concerns about political deep fakes and the risks of democratized AI creativity. Yet, amidst these challenges, innovations like ChatGPT are evolving—now capable of advanced reasoning.

This accelerates AI's journey from merely responding to potentially proactive problem-solving. As we navigate this transformative landscape, one provocative question arises: Is humanity at its peak? The moral obligation lies with us to ensure AI develops responsibly.

As we approach a politically charged era, it’s crucial to reflect on our actions and character, lest we become our own worst enemies in a world increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence.

Google is revolutionizing your Gmail experience with exciting new features aimed at helping you save time and manage emails more effectively! The tech giant is enhancing its AI-driven summary cards, which will now provide quick snapshots for purchases, events, bills, and travel. Imagine receiving instant updates on your parcel deliveries or upcoming events—all consolidated into user-friendly cards displayed right in your inbox!

A standout addition is the “Happening Soon” section, conveniently positioned at the top of your inbox.

This feature alerts you to urgent tasks and deadlines, eliminating the hassle of digging through emails for critical updates. With just a click, you can pay bills or track orders, making email management smoother than ever.