Poynter Institute's new WhatsApp chatbot helps debunk COVID-19 hoaxes

Here's one debunked hoax from Poynter's WhatsApp chatbot

Poynter Institute, a non-profit organization that supports journalism, recently introduced a new chatbot on WhatsApp to debunk thousands of hoaxes about COVID-19. The bot relies on information from over 100 independent fact-checkers in over 70 countries, making it the largest database to debunk falsehoods about the pandemic (at least according to Poynter). At the moment, it is only available in English, but support for languages like Spanish, Hindi, and Portuguese is in the works.

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Ontario govt. extends virtual mental health services during COVID-19

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The Ontario government hopes to help out those experiencing anxiety and depression during the COVID-19 pandemic with access to virtual mental health services. The provincial government committed a $12 million fund to allow relevant agencies to hire and train more staff, obtain the equipment they need, as well as support the improvement of virtual support offered. 

They're rolling out an internet-based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (iCBT) programs to allow people to find the support they need. The initiative was developed with MindBeacon and Morneau Shepell and is supported by therapists. It's available in English and French, and it comes at no extra cost for Ontarians.

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Microsoft launches Surface Go 2 and Surface Book 3, introduces new headphones

Microsoft updated the low-end and the top of the line Surface devices today and added a sprinkling of headphone products into the mix. Updated today is the Surface Go 2 now with a wider range of processors as well as a slighly larger display. Microsoft’s new Surface Go 2 will be available May 12, starting at US$399.

The Surface Book 3 brings updated processor and graphics card updates that give this flagship 2-in-1 up to 50% more performance where it counts. Surface Book 3 now also has a higher RAM ceiling. Equally important to the performance uptick is battery life. According to Microsoft,  the 13.5-inch variant will offer 15.5 hours of battery life, while the 15-inch variant will now offer 17.5-hours of battery life.Surface Book 3 starts at US$1,599 and will be available starting May 21.

Microsoft also announced new Surface Headphones as well as Surface Earbuds but Canadian availability of these products is still in question.

Source: Thurrott

Outlook for iOS now has an 'Ignore Conversation' option

Microsoft Outlook is bringing its "Ignore Conversation" feature to both its iPhone and iPad apps, helping those who want to mute and remove irrelevant email threads from their inboxes. Desktop users of Outlook are familiar with this feature, and now if you're on iOS, you gain access to this, too. Microsoft seems to be rolling this out bit by bit, so just be patient if it hasn't made its way to you yet. Unfortunately, it doesn't seem to be available for Android users right now.

Source: 9to5Mac