Qualcomm unveils Snapdragon 855 SoC

Qualcomm just opened its annual Technology Summit and one of the big announcements on the first day is its next-generation mobile platform, the Snapdragon 855. It’s the company’s first major 5G platform. Technically, the X50 modem works with the Snapdragon 845 and 835, this new processor will most likely power the upcoming 5G-ready smartphones. The chip also packs in Qualcomm’s fourth generation AI Engine, which promises up to three times better AI performance than previous chips. This means we could see improvements when it comes to smart assistants, biometric security, image processing, and object recognition. The Snapdragon 855 also comes with Qualcomm’s Computer Vision ISP, which is supposed to be a boon for computational photography and video capture capabilities.

Aside from the AI improvements, Qualcomm’s 3D Sonic Sensor is coming to the Snapdragon 855. Instead of using optical or capacitive technology, the sonic sensor will make use of ultrasound waves to get fingerprint details. It’s designed to work through multiple layers, including glass, for more discrete implementations.

Source: Android Authority

Bethesda will actually ship canvas bags for ‘Fallout 76’ Power Armor Edition buyers

Not as advertised, this was the bag Power Armor Edition buyers were getting

Buyers of the US $200 Power Armor Edition box for Fallout 76 were not happy when they received the bundle and found a rather cheaply-built nylon bag in place of what was promised to be a “West Tek Canvas Carrying Bag.” Last week, Bethesda tried to get back into the good graces of the players by giving them 500 atoms (in-game currency worth around US $5) to make up for it. But now it looks like they’re going to live up to their word. Bethesda announced on Twitter that it is “finalizing manufacturing plans for replacement canvas bags” and those who bought the Collector’s Edition should fill out a ticket by the end of January. The developer didn’t say when the bags will be shipping, but at the very least they’re living up to what was promised.

Source: Engadget

Principles and recommendations for ethical development of AI are unveiled in the official launch of the Montreal Declaration

Université de Montréal, in collaboration with the Fonds de recherche du Québec, unveils the Montréal Declaration for Responsible Development of Artificial Intelligence. This set of ethical guidelines for the development of artificial intelligence is the culmination of more than a year of work, research and consultations with citizens, experts, public policymakers and industry stakeholders, civil society organizations, and professional orders.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a major form of scientific and technological progress that can generate considerable social benefits. The development of AI, however, poses ethical challenges and social risks. It is incumbent on the various public and private stakeholders and policymakers, at the local, national and international levels, to ensure that the development and deployment of AI are compatible with the protection and fulfilment of fundamental human capacities and goals. 

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Instagram tests out new card-based interface

Looks like Instagram might want to try something new with its interface. WABetaInfo uncovered a new card-based interface for both its iOS and Android apps. Instead of scrolling down to see the posts, you swipe right or left to see the rest of your feed. It works similar to what you do with Stories but this time you see small thumbnails of the posts above the cards. You can see this in action below.

The Profile and Direct tabs have also switched places in this new UI. MSPoweruser points out this could be in response to the more gesture-based user interfaces of the new iPhones and Android Pie or it could also be the social network’s attempt to replicate the Stories experience in your feed. What do you think? Is this something you’d want to see?

New Instagram UI to view posts on your feed: presenting "Cards", for iOS and Android!
In this new UI, the Profile and Direct tabs will be inverted!
The new changes will be available in future. pic.twitter.com/RVDNuuLvTk

— WABetaInfo (@WABetaInfo) December 3, 2018