Robotics

Screenshot by David Grober/ZDNETInstagram’s Adam Mosseri took to the app today to tease the upcoming launch of a generative AI editing feature that will enable users to “change nearly any aspect of your videos.” Expected to roll out next year, the tool will be powered by Meta’s Movie Gen AI model, which was unveiled in early October.     Meta’s Movie Gen AI model can generate HD videos (1080p resolution) from a text prompt, which — the company claims — is more “realistic” than videos generated by rival technology such as OpenAI’s Sora text-to-video model. By bringing the Movie Gen technology to Instagram, the company aims to equip creators with more tools for “realizing” their ideas more easily. Also: I’m a long-time YouTube video producer – these 3 AI tools help me do it better and fasterAccording to Mosseri, the new editing feature will enable creators to change nearly any aspect of users’ videos with a simple text prompt. Moreover, the announcement video previews “early research AI models” that showcase examples of outfit and background transformations. One especially impressive snippet showed Mosseri transformed into a puppet, which speaks to the expansive capabilities of Movie Gen.   Similarly, Gen AI models such as Open AI’s Sora, Adobe’s Firefly, and Google’s Veo — all released in 2024 — emphasize a shift away from AI image generation and toward AI video generation, especially text-to-video tools. However, just like AI image generation, video generation raises concerns about harmful use cases such as digital blackface, AI-generated deepfakes, and disinformation. Also: This new Google AI tool lets you easily generate images from other photos – no prompt requiredMany creative professionals — artists, writers, filmmakers, actors, and photographers — have voiced frustrations with the impact of AI generators on their respective fields due to AI companies scraping the web to train their models. Because of such concerns, YouTube announced earlier this week that it will allow creators to opt into third-party AI training and recently partnered with the Creative Artists Agency to develop tools that give creators and artists more “control over how AI-generated content features their likeness, including their face, on YouTube at scale.”  More

oxygen/Getty Images Have you ever told someone what they wanted to hear in order to win them over, land a job, or just be left alone? Claude 3 Opus does that, too — which brings up major safety concerns for artificial intelligence (AI) systems.  On Wednesday, Anthropic released new research showing its model engaging in “alignment […] More

Jack Wallen/ZDNETI often need to cast video content from my Android device to a larger screen. Sometimes, that’s for my own purposes (to make sure a video I’ve edited looks good on larger screens,) and sometimes, it’s to entertain or educate an audience. Either way, it’s good to know that Android has my back. But how can you cast a single app to a device? If you were to cast your entire screen, you could wind up sharing something an audience shouldn’t see (like passwords from your password manager). How do you get around this?Also: The best Samsung TVs: Expert testedWell, it’s quite easy and built right into Android.Before I get into the how-to, it’s important to know that you’ll need a device to cast to. I tend to cast to a Samsung TV or a Google Home speaker, both of which make it easy to receive streams cast from Android. Make sure you have either a smart TV or a smart speaker to cast to; otherwise, this could be futile.Let me show you how it’s done.  How to cast a single app for better privacyWhat you’ll need: As noted above, you’ll need a device to receive your cast, so make sure you have that available before you start. You’ll also need an updated version of Android on either your phone or tablet. I’ll be demonstrating with Android 15 on a Pixel 9 Pro More

NurPhoto/Getty Images With the holiday season upon us, many companies are finding ways to take advantage through deals, promotions, or other campaigns. OpenAI has found a way to participate with its “12 days of OpenAI” event series. On Wednesday, OpenAI announced via an X post that starting on Dec. 5, the company would host 12 […] More

Qi Yang/Getty Images At this point in my life, I don’t feel the need to be productive 100% of the time. But during those times I am working hard, I need the right tools at the ready, whether I’m at my desk or on the go.  Standing at my desk or seated with my laptop, […] More

This base-model iPad is the best option for most students, and Apple recently reduced the price to a more affordable $349. It offers almost the same high-end features as the more expensive iPad Pro and iPad Air models, but with a lighter form factor and a crisp 10.9-inch Liquid Retina, True Tone display.Review: iPad 2022 (10th Gen)In his hands-on testing, ZDNET editor June Wan determined that if you’re shopping on a budget (as most students are), this iPad should “make the most sense,” especially given the A14 Bionic processor, USB-C support, 5G support for on-the-go tasks, and a new 12MP ultra-wide camera. There’s also a Magic Keyboard Folio made specifically for this iPad. It’s perfect for turning your tablet into a laptop for studying or essay writing. It includes an adjustable kickstand with a 14-key function row for shortcuts. However, one callout to note that some verified customers make is that this iPad doesn’t support the 2nd-gen Apple Pencil, which means you’ll have to use a dongle to use it. However, students can still use the 1st-gen Apple Pencil or any other compatible iPad stylus. Apple iPad specs: Display: 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display with True Tone | Processor: A14 Bionic chip with 16-core Neural Engine | Storage: 64GB or 256GB | Memory: Colors: Silver, Pink, Blue, Yellow  | Cameras: 12MP f/1.8 wide, 12MP Landscape f/2.4 front | Weight: 1.05 pounds | Dimensions: 9.79 x 7.07 x .28 inches | Connections: USB-C, Smart Connector |  More

Sure, you could use a traditional tablet to organize your calendar and to-do’s for 2025, but this smart notebook impressed us this year with its pen-to-paper-like feel and note-taking templates. Aside from the templates, there is audio recording, color-coding, inserting links and attachments to notes, and more. Plus, built-in artificial intelligence allows for text recognition, shape perfection, and a strike-through erase feature that makes erasing much easier.Review: I’ve been journaling on this color ePaper tablet for over a month – and it’s better than RemarkableDiaz also went hands-on with this device and called it “great for professionals and creatives,” adding, “it is perfect for note-takers who like handwriting, journalers, reading enthusiasts, and even designers.” More

Perplexity If you’re a college student looking to get hands-on experience in the world of AI, collaborate with other students around the world, and learn from industry leaders passionate about AI, you’ll want to be aware of Perplexity’s Campus Strategist program.  Perplexity is a leading name in AI these days, and the company says this […] More