Author: Kerem Gülen

{ "de-DE": "", "en-US": "Kerem from Turkey has an insatiable curiosity for the latest advancements in tech gadgets and a knack for innovative thinking. With 3 years of experience in editorship and a childhood dream of becoming a journalist, Kerem has always been curious about the latest tech gadgets and is constantly seeking new ways to create. As a Master's student in Strategic Communications, Kerem is eager to learn more about the ever-evolving world of technology. His primary focuses are artificial intelligence and digital inclusion, and he delves into the most current and accurate information on these topics. You can always reach Kerem from LinkedIn.", "es-ES": "Kerem, de Turquía, tiene una curiosidad insaciable por los últimos avances en aparatos tecnológicos y un don para el pensamiento innovador. Con tres años de experiencia como redactor y el sueño de su infancia de ser periodista, Kerem siempre ha sentido curiosidad por los últimos gadgets tecnológicos y busca constantemente nuevas formas de crear. Como estudiante de Máster en Comunicación Estratégica, Kerem está ansioso por aprender más sobre el mundo de la tecnología, en constante evolución. Sus principales intereses son la inteligencia artificial y la inclusión digital, y profundiza en la información más actual y precisa sobre estos temas. Siempre puedes contactar con Kerem desde LinkedIn.", "fr-FR": "", "it-IT": "", "ja-JP": "", "nl-NL": "", "pl-PL": "", "pt-BR": "", "social": { "email": "", "facebook": "", "twitter": "", "linkedin": "" } }

Google celebrates its 25th birthday with a surprise spinner

Today, on September 27, we’re raising a virtual toast to Google as it marks its illustrious 25th birthday. Now, if you’ve ever turned to the internet with a query (who hasn’t?), there’s a good chance you’ve interacted with Google. Boasting about 8.5 billion searches daily, that’s nearly a whopping 99,000 every fleeting second! But, Google‘s not just about the numbers.

When you punch in ‘Google 25th birthday’ into that familiar search bar, you’re greeted with a sprinkle of surprise spinner confetti cascading down your screen.

Speaking of celebrations, there’s a new doodle in town! Google’s newest doodle fittingly captures the essence of its 25-year journey. And if you’ve ever been a fan of spotting the “oo” in Google, today, it playfully gives way to the numbers two and five. A delightful nod to Google’s grand 25th birthday milestone.

Google DOWNLOAD

This doodle doesn’t just stop there – it’s a walk down memory lane, showcasing the Google logo’s evolution, right from its inception to the present day. Culminating with a distinctive 25th birthday emblem, it’s truly a testament to Google’s legacy.

But wait, did you know Google doodles have been sprinkling joy for nearly as long as Google itself has been around? Oh yes! The inaugural doodle was quite the charmer – picturing a modest stick figure atop Google’s logo. The fun backstory? That was back in 1998 when Google’s dynamic duo, co-founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin, decided to hit pause and join the revelries at the Burning Man Festival.

Following that initial whimsical doodle, Google hasn’t looked back, gracing us with nearly 5,000 delightful doodles. From romantic gestures on Valentine’s Day to raising a digital cone for the ice cream sundae’s anniversary in 2011, Google sure knows how to celebrate the little things! And guess what? There’s a passionate ensemble of engineers and illustrators, affectionately named the ‘doodlers’, breathing life into these doodles. Quite the dream team, we’d say!

Now, here’s a fun tidbit for those who relish tech trivia: Google officially came into existence on September 4, 1998. However, for reasons known best to them, they chose to throw their annual birthday bash on September 27. And let’s tip our hats to the brilliant minds behind this tech behemoth. Larry Page and Sergey Brin, while deep into their PhD endeavors at Stanford University in sunny California, envisioned and birthed Google.

Google Birthday surprise spinner explained

Back in 2017, to mark its 19th birthday, the tech giant introduced the Google Birthday surprise spinner. Think of it as an online wheel of fortune, but instead of cash, you’re treated to one of 19 quirky games or activities with every spin. So, next time you’re looking to add some zest to your day, give that spinner a whirl and let Google surprise you.

Biggest search engine before Google

Long before the term ‘Google it’ became second nature, there were other big players in the search engine world. Yahoo, for instance, wasn’t just a thing – it was THE thing! Initially leading the charge in web indexing, Yahoo was the go-to site for many netizens, and believe it or not, it still rakes in impressive traffic today. In fact, there was a time when it sat proudly atop the digital kingdom, nudging just a tad above Google. Quite the throwback, right?

But let’s rewind a bit more. The early 1990s were buzzing with around twenty different search engines, each with their unique flair. Names like WebCrawler, Lycos, AltaVista, and Yandex might evoke some nostalgia for the early web surfers among us. These weren’t your standard search boxes – they were curated digital catalogs. Drawing parallels with library directories, these engines sorted information based on topic, content, structure, and subject.

Starfield update 1.7.33 patch notes: What’s new

The much-anticipated Starfield update 1.7.33 is now available for both PC and Xbox gamers. Before its debut, there were whispers that Starfield would set the bar as Bethesda’s most-refined release. For the most part, Starfield has honored this expectation, even if a few glitches did pop up along the way.

Bethesda releasese Starfield update 1.7.33

While Starfield might arguably boast a smoother launch than its Bethesda predecessors, it hasn’t been without its technical hiccups. Thankfully, Bethesda’s proactive approach with updates, including the latest Starfield update 1.7.33, ensures continuous improvement and resolution for any persisting in-game challenges.

Bethesda Launcher DOWNLOAD

The recent Starfield update 1.7.33 ensures that characters remain in their designated places, eliminating the odd drifts seen previously. Moreover, the mislabeling of Star Stations as player-owned ships has been rectified. Bethesda has also patched a loophole that gave players unintended access to a vendor’s entire stockpile. Although not explicitly confirmed, it appears that the notorious puddle glitch may have been addressed in this update; however, players would need to confirm this post-update.

Graphics-wise, Starfield’s update offers solutions to issues like unclear textures. A significant component of this patch pertains to the game’s scanner; it previously exhibited lagging behavior after extended use, but this update aims to obliterate that hiccup. Players deeply invested in Starfield should now enjoy a smoother scanning experience devoid of previous glitches. Additionally, the update introduces several general stability and performance enhancements, aiming to minimize game crashes and freezes, thus providing a more fluid gaming experience for Starfield aficionados.

The latest Starfield update 1.7.33 has tackled issues concerning ships in the game. Notably, the update resolves the problem where items displayed on mannequins would vanish. Furthermore, items stored in Razorleaf Storage Containers and Weapon Racks that would mysteriously disappear upon taking over a different ship have now been addressed.

Moving forward, Bethesda plans to roll out more updates to enhance the Starfield gameplay experience. While many of these updates are anticipated to be bug-related fixes, there’s potential for more significant game-changing modifications. Many Starfield enthusiasts have voiced their wishlist of features for the expansive open world sci-fi RPG. Only time will unveil which of these desired elements, if any, make their way into the game.

Patch notes

Below you can see Starfield Update 1.7.33 patch notes shared by Bethesda:

GENERAL

  • Characters: Fixed an issue that could cause some characters to not be in their proper location.
  • Star Stations: Fixed an issue where Star Stations would be labeled as a player-owned ship.
  • Vendors: Addressed an issue that allowed for a vendor’s full inventory to be accessible.

GRAPHICS

  • AMD (PC): Resolved an issue that caused star lens flares not to appear correctly AMD GPUs.
  • Graphics: Addressed an upscaling issue that could cause textures to become blurry.
  • Graphics: Resolved an issue that could cause photosensitivity issues when scrolling through the inventory menu.

PERFORMANCE AND STABILITY

  • Hand Scanner: Addressed an issue where the Hand Scanner caused hitching.
  • Various stability and performance improvements to address crashing and freezes.

SHIPS

  • Displays: Fixed an issue that would cause displayed items to disappear when applied to in-ship mannequins.
  • Displays: Fixed an issue that would cause items stored in Razorleaf Storage Containers and Weapon Racks to disappear after commandeering another ship.

Spotify Jam lets you give online music parties

Elevating the joy of sharing your beloved tunes with friends, Spotify Jam introduces a revolutionary way to connect through music. With Spotify Jam, music lovers around the globe can take their shared listening experiences to the next level by adding tracks that play in real time.

What is Spotify Jam?

Imagine hosting virtual music parties where you not only share songs but actively shape the soundtrack together. Spotify Jam makes it possible. By crafting collaborative playlists, you can invite friends and fellow music enthusiasts to become co-curators of a musical journey.

Spotify DOWNLOAD

This means that everyone’s favorite tracks find a place in the mix, resulting in a vibrant, ever-evolving playlist that beautifully captures the diverse musical tastes within the group.

Spotify Jam shines brightly in its unique capability to unite people through shared musical encounters. It’s not just about listening; it’s about creating connections. Whether you’re bonding over timeless classics or embarking on journeys to discover new artists and genres, this feature weaves a tapestry of community and connection among users who share an unbridled passion for music.

This tool opens doors for burgeoning DJs and music curators to flaunt their talents and cultivate a devoted following within the expansive user ecosystem of the platform. It’s a stage where music enthusiasts can evolve into tastemakers and enthusiasts can evolve into tastemakers and influencers, making their mark on the vibrant Spotify community.

How to start a Spotify Jam?

To kick off a Jam session on Spotify, Premium members can take the lead by sending out invitations to fellow Spotify users. These lucky participants can then join the musical journey and contribute tracks to the selected Jam.

While Free users also have the chance to partake, they need to be on the same Wi-Fi network for seamless synchronization. The feature is set to roll out to Spotify users starting on Tuesday, but there’s a catch – it necessitates a Premium membership alongside the latest version of the mobile app.

Starting your own Spotify Jam is a breeze, and here’s how you can get in on the action:

  • Launch your Spotify application.
  • Create a new playlist.
  • Navigate to the menu represented by three dots.
  • Click on the “Start a Jam” button.

From there, you have the power to invite your friends to your Spotify Jam using an invite link or a convenient QR code.

However, it’s worth noting that while Spotify still allows users to create regular playlists, any new tracks added after a user hits play won’t be recognized in the Jam session.

In recent news, Spotify made headlines by raising its Premium membership price by $1. Additionally, rumors abound regarding the imminent launch of its lossless Supremium service, which promises an enhanced audio experience for music aficionados.

Spotify Premium pricing

Unlocking the world of Spotify Jam requires a Premium subscription, and the pricing for Spotify Premium can vary depending on your location and the type of subscription you select.

As of today, here are the Spotify Premium prices for users in the United States:

  • Premium Individual: In the United States, Spotify Premium Individual is available at a monthly rate of $10.99. This plan is designed for individual users.
  • Premium Duo: For those who wish to share their musical journey, Spotify Premium Duo is priced at $14.99 per month in the United States. This plan caters to two individuals residing at the same address, each with their own Premium account.
  • Premium Family: Families can dive into the world of Premium with Spotify Premium Family, which comes at a cost of $16.99 per month in the United States. This plan allows multiple family members to enjoy their own individual Premium accounts, all bundled under a single subscription.

Please note that these prices are specific to the United States and may vary in different regions.

Reddit’s Contributor Program offers you a “golden” opportunity

Reddit introduced its new Contributor Program, marking its latest strategy to invigorate and expand its user base following the earlier debates surrounding its API modifications. This initiative is designed to incentivize those who enrich the Reddit community with valuable content.

Your karma count matters here. For instance, accounts boasting a karma range of 100 to 4,999 can expect to receive $0.90 for every gold they secure. However, the moment that karma crosses the 5,000 threshold, the rate bumps up to $1 for each gold. It’s worth noting: to reap these rewards, a user must accumulate a minimum of 10 gold within a month. If not, this tally simply extends to the succeeding month.

Reddit DOWNLOAD

How does Reddit’s Contributor Program work?

With the introduction of the new Reddit Gold system, it takes a central stage in the broader context of the Contributor Program.

The revamped gold mechanism allows users to purchase gold by long-pressing the upvote button on mobile devices or hovering over it on the desktop. Reddit has rolled out six varied options for gold purchases, ranging from a single gold purchase at $1.99 to a bundle of 25 gold for $49. Once you bestow gold, the comment or post will feature what’s termed a “golden upvote.”

In contrast, the old system offered a myriad of awards alongside Reddit gold, with some tailored specifically for particular subreddits. However, as of September 12th, Reddit Coins have been phased out, rendering them obsolete for gold awards in this updated framework.

Importantly, bagging a golden upvote might boost your prospects in the Contributor Program. Upon meeting the program’s eligibility and undergoing the verification steps, your monthly compensation will hinge on the accumulated gold and karma from qualified contributions.

Here’s the rundown:

  • Kickstart by checking your eligibility and applying to be a part of this novel program.
  • Shower gold on those standout posts, remarks, or any contribution that resonates with you.
  • Once you’ve gathered ample karma and gold, eligible members can cash in on their Reddit fame.
  • Scale the heights of contribution. As you amass more karma and gold, your financial rewards escalate.

How to learn if you are eligible?

Want in? It’s not an open house. Only those who align with the Contributor Terms and Contributor Monetization Policy make the cut.

  • Consistent gold and karma accumulation is key.
  • You need to be 18 or above and reside in the U.S.
  • Submit essential verification details.
  • Ensure your contributions are Safe for Work.
  • Your Reddit account should be at least a month old.

Every month, participants in the program will receive their earnings in U.S. Dollars. To facilitate this, all participants must complete the requisite tax forms to obtain payments for their Reddit posts submitted under this initiative.

Moreover, to receive these payments, Reddit mandates users to have a verified Stripe account, their selected payment partner. However, Reddit holds the right to modify this choice at its own discretion.

Starting Monday, the Contributor Program is set to launch, and it will be accessible both via the web and through Reddit’s mobile applications. By taking a look at your profile, you can easily determine whether you meet the criteria to undergo verification for this initiative.

For $499, Tinder offers matches with top-tier profiles

Tinder’s just unveiled their elite membership tier, cheekily named “Tinder Select.” And yep, it comes with a posh price tag of $499 a month. But what’s the buzz about? Well, this isn’t just about swiping right. It’s about swiping right in style.

With “Tinder Select,” you’re not just another face in the crowd. You get to rub virtual shoulders with Tinder‘s crème de la crème profiles. Slide into DMs without the usual match routine? Check. Plus, other swanky VIP perks that’ll make your friends green with envy.

Tinder DOWNLOAD

Bloomberg was the first to report the news, and it’s all part of Match Group’s grand plan to woo the Gen Z crowd this season. But here’s the real catch: it’s not just the features that make “Tinder Select” the talk of the town. It’s the allure of being in that exclusive 1% club. And for those who love a little extra sparkle, there’s a shiny “Select” badge to flaunt on your profile.

Inspired by “The League”

Remember Match’s acquisition of the ritzy dating app, The League, back in July 2022? You know, the one that had some folks shelling out a whopping $1,000 weekly? Well, that move got Tinder’s gears turning. During a Q2 2023 chinwag, Tinder’s CPO, Mark Van Ryswyk, hinted that The League’s success showed there’s a crowd hungry for top-tier dating experiences, even if it means loosening the purse strings.

Enter “Tinder Select.” But before you imagine a personal cupid or matchmaker, pump the brakes. This isn’t about human touch; it’s about algorithmic allure. And while the $500 monthly tag might raise eyebrows, it’s not just about the features—it’s the status.

Diving into the perks: “Select” members can slide into DMs without the match dance, but there’s a catch. You can only pull this move twice a week, and no, you can’t sprinkle in a Super Like. Some folks can even dodge these DMs if they choose, as per Tinder’s fine print. But here’s a fun twist: “Select” profiles get the spotlight in the app’s “Like You” grid for a whole week, no need for those Gold or Platinum upgrades.

The real cherry on top? Being showcased to Tinder’s A-listers, the profiles everyone’s swiping right on. While Tinder’s playing coy about the tech magic behind these “exceptional connections,” we’re betting it’s a mix of other “Select” members and the app’s most-loved profiles.

Early access perks

For those who like to be ahead of the curve, “Tinder Select” members get the golden ticket to try out Tinder’s shiny new features before the rest of the crowd. And if ads cramp your style, worry not! You can blissfully swipe without those pesky interruptions. Plus, for the forgetful romantics, you can revisit the Likes you’ve sent over the past week. Handy, right?

Thinking of going all out? You can layer your “Select” membership with Plus, Gold, or Platinum for an even richer experience, as Tinder cheekily points out.

Now, if you’re eyeing that “Select” badge, there’s a checklist to tick off. A quartet of photos, a handful of interests, a snappy bio, clear relationship goals, and a verified photo are your tickets in. Oh, and a wallet that’s, well, pretty generous when it comes to dating app splurges. Lucky applicants will get a digital drumroll in the form of an in-app message and an email with a special key to the “Select” kingdom.

While “Tinder Select” might not be everyone’s cup of tea, its luxe price tag could be a silver lining for Tinder. Especially since the company’s been feeling the pinch with a dip in paying users, as they shared in their August report.

Clear your Gmail inbox faster with Android’s new tool

Ever felt like taming your Gmail inbox on-the-go was like herding cats? Well, good news is on the horizon.

Gmail‘s latest update for its Android app is about to be your new best friend. They’re rolling out a “Select All” button, letting you swiftly pick up to 50 emails, whether they’re just lounging in your inbox or hiding after a search.

The folks at Gmail believe this addition will simplify the inbox-cleaning process for mobile users.

Where to download the update?

The much-anticipated update is making its grand entrance.

Gmail DOWNLOAD

Although the function has been available on desktop for a long time, this is the first time it has come to mobile devices. The decision to limit selection to a maximum of 50 emails is the same as the desktop version, which might sound like a shortcoming, but it’s definitely a tool we use all the time.

Now, while our desktop pals have been enjoying the “Select All” magic for a while, it’s the mobile brigade’s turn to join the party. And sure, the 50-email cap might seem like they’re keeping the reins tight, but trust us, it’s a feature we find ourselves tapping into quite often.

This past June, Google spilled the beans about their AI-driven “Help Me Write” feature for Gmail, and guess what? It’s not just for the desktop elite anymore.

This handy tool, once a VIP perk for Workspace testers, is now set to grace both Android and iOS. Whether you’ve got a draft that’s feeling a bit “meh” or you’re staring at a blank slate, “Help Me Write” jumps in, crafting snazzy emails and letting you fine-tune to your heart’s content.

But, hold up! It’s not all smooth sailing. Some folks have given Gmail a side-eye for sneaking ads into our mobile inboxes. And, oh boy, the chatter about the vanishing red notification icon on Android? Let’s just say, people noticed.

iPhone 15 Pro Titanium alters color with fingerprints

Guess what? The iPhone 15 Pro and its big sibling, the iPhone 15 Pro Max, have made their grand entrance. But, oh boy, there’s a tiny hiccup. Some users have noticed a little color change on those shiny new titanium frames. Apple, being the good sport they are, didn’t shy away from this. In a recent document (hat tip to MacRumors for the scoop), Apple mentioned:

“For iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, the oil from your skin might temporarily alter the color of the outside band. Wiping your iPhone with a soft, slightly damp, lint-free cloth will restore the original look.”

Apple Store DOWNLOAD

Before you start imagining your brand-new iPhone 15 Pro or Pro Max looking like it’s been through a color run, take a deep breath. A simple swipe with a “soft, slightly damp, lint-free cloth” and voilà! Your phone’s back to its dazzling self. But, if you’re anything like us and want to keep things pristine, maybe it’s time to shop for a snazzy case.

Switching gears, Apple decided to jazz things up this year. Instead of the usual stainless steel, they’ve gone with a brushed titanium finish for the Pro models. Fancy, right? But here’s the catch: this might be why those pesky fingerprints are crashing the party. If you’re the laid-back type, a few smudges here and there might not ruffle your feathers.

Below you can see the image shared via MacRumors:

And let’s not forget, the critics are in love! They can’t stop raving about the iPhone 15’s top-tier build quality. Holding it feels like a dream, and the fingerprint fiasco? Barely a blip on their radar. So, go on, embrace the tech and the tiny quirks that come with it!

Apple’s switcheroo to titanium for the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max is like giving them a mini workout regimen. They’ve shed some weight compared to their older siblings, and they’re flexing their anti-corrosion muscles. But, just like that friend who never skips leg day, they’re a tad bulkier.

Now, if you’re eyeing the iPhone 15 or iPhone 15 Plus, they’re rocking the classic aluminum frame. So, no unexpected color-changing magic tricks there. And yes, all four of these iPhone 15 stars come with a sleek glass front and back. Talk about looking sharp!

When it comes to keeping these beauties clean, the drill remains the same. Grab that trusty soft, slightly damp, lint-free cloth. And remember, no fancy cleaning potions or compressed air. We know it’s tempting, but keep moisture away from those tiny openings. After all, we want our tech to shine, not swim!

MW3 Zombies reveal: Everything you need to know

The MW3 Zombies reveal is just around the corner, and the excitement is palpable. While the mode was announced some time ago, specifics have been sparse. Even the official Call of Duty blog offered only a brief overview, leaving zombie aficionados wanting more. But hang tight, because the Call of Duty Next event is set to unveil gameplay and a slew of additional details in just a few weeks.

This installment marks a first for the franchise: MW3 will be the inaugural title in both the original and rebooted Modern Warfare series to include a Zombies mode. The COD blog states that this mode will introduce players to an expansive open-world setting, boasting the largest zombie map to date.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 DOWNLOAD

When it comes to the narrative, information remains scant. However, the storyline is said to revolve around the Dark Aether Zombies within the Modern Warfare universe. Given what’s been revealed so far, the MW3 Zombies mode is shaping up to offer an unprecedented experience in the lineage of the series.

When is the MW3 Zombies reveal?

The big day for the MW3 Zombies reveal is set for October 5, 2023, during the much-anticipated Call of Duty Next event. Fans around the globe can tune into the live stream to get the full scoop without missing a beat. What’s more, reports suggest that the community will have the opportunity to beta-test the mode ahead of its official launch on November 10, 2023.

Call of Duty Next serves as the main stage for unveiling all things Modern Warfare 3. From multiplayer features to the Zombies mode and Campaign, this event promises to offer a comprehensive look at what’s in store.

But the excitement doesn’t stop with MW3. The Next event will also spotlight the latest updates on Warzone 2, including a potential first glimpse at the new Battle Royale map of Las Almas, as well as developments in Warzone Mobile.

How to watch MW3 Zombies reveal?

For those eager to witness the MW3 Zombies reveal, you’ll want to keep an eye on the official Call of Duty YouTube and Twitch channels. While the precise schedule hasn’t been confirmed, last year’s Call of Duty Next event started streaming at 9 am PT, so it’s a good bet this year might follow suit.

But wait, there’s more! The day after the big reveal, Modern Warfare 3 will enter its Multiplayer beta testing phase. This gives gamers a golden opportunity to get hands-on experience with the title before its official release. So mark your calendars and get ready for an action-packed couple of days!

How to collect Birthday Presents in Fortnite

As Fortnite turns six, the buzz is all about one thing: Birthday Presents. Epic Games is rolling out the red carpet on September 19 for Chapter 4, Season 4, complete with birthday quests that are as exciting as a llama pinata full of loot. The third quest on the list? You guessed it, it’s all about hunting down those elusive Birthday Presents.

Epic Games is pulling out all the stops for this year’s Battle Royale birthday bonanza. They’re decking out the game with all sorts of celebratory swag—think Birthday Cakes, Balloons, and a whole lot more.

Remember those Birthday Presents from yesteryears? Good news, they’re making a comeback! And we’re here to spill the beans on how to grab ’em with ease.

Fortnite DOWNLOAD

So, without further ado, here’s your ultimate guide to collecting Birthday Presents in Chapter 4, Season 4. We’ve even got a handy-dandy map to show you where to find each present on the Fortnite island.

Collecting Birthday Presents in Fortnite Chapter 4 Season 4

You’re not just partying for the sake of partying; you’re also on a quest for some serious XP. Each birthday quest you knock out will net you a cool 20,000 XP. And the third quest on the list? That’s right, it’s called “Collect Birthday Presents!”

So, what’s the deal with these presents? First off, you’ve got to snag three of them from around the island. You’ll find these Birthday Presents either as Legendary floor loot or tucked away in chests scattered across the Battle Royale map. Once you spot them, go ahead and add them to your inventory.

Now, for the fun part: smashing them open! Just toss those presents on the ground and give them a good whack with your Pickaxe. Inside, you’ll find either Epic or Legendary loot waiting just for you.

But wait, where exactly are these presents hiding? Good question! You’ll find them at named Points of Interest (POIs) around the island. Pro tip: they tend to spawn more frequently near Birthday Cakes. So, keep an eye on the map above to pinpoint their locations.

And there you have it, folks! That’s the lowdown on how to collect Birthday Presents in Fortnite Chapter 4, Season 4. Now go forth and conquer those quests!

Google’s AI gadget could detect cancer

So, guess what? Google has teamed up with none other than the Department of Defense to cook up something that sounds straight out of a sci-fi movie—an “Augmented Reality Microscope” (ARM). Imagine this: You’re peering through the lens, and voila! Artificial intelligence jazzes up your view with real-time visual cues like heatmaps or even object boundaries.

Why does this matter, you ask? Well, these AI-powered extras are more than just eye candy. They’re designed to make your life easier when it comes to classifying samples. We’re talking about a game-changer in spotting cancer cells or pathogens.

Abstract of the patent:

“A microscope of the type used by a pathologist to view slides containing biological samples such as tissue or blood is provided with the projection of enhancements to the field of view, such as a heatmap, border, or annotations, substantially in real time as the slide is moved to new locations or changes in magnification or focus occur. The enhancements assist the pathologist in characterizing or classifying the sample, such as being positive for the presence of cancer cells or pathogens.”

Prototype progress

First unveiled to the public in 2018, the ARM isn’t diagnosing patients just yet. But don’t let that dampen your spirits! There are already 13 prototypes out there, each undergoing rigorous testing to make sure they’re ready to give clinicians a helping hand.

The best part? Google has plans to make this tech easily accessible. They aim to design the ARM so it can be “retrofitted into existing light microscopes found in hospitals and clinics,” Google says. Imagine the possibilities! From text and arrows to heat maps and even animations, these ARM-enhanced microscopes could offer a smorgasbord of visual aids, each customized to meet specific assessment needs

Now, here’s where it gets interesting. The Department of Defense’s Defense Innovation Unit is already in talks with Google. Their goal? To roll out the ARM through military channels, as CNBC reports. But hold onto your wallets, folks.

With a price tag ranging from $90,000 to $100,000, this high-tech wonder is probably not going to be a staple at your local clinic anytime soon. We’ve reached out to Google for more deets on when we might see this tech in action and will keep you posted as soon as we hear back.

Long-term vision

Google Health has been playing the long game, investing in AI-powered tools designed to not just make diagnostics more accurate but also to plug those pesky gaps in healthcare where there just aren’t enough skilled hands on deck.

Google Health Studies DOWNLOAD

The company si teaming up with startups that are equally jazzed about using AI to “improve healthcare.” And we’re not talking chump change here. Google is projected to have poured a staggering $200 billion into AI investments over the past decade, as per Reuters.

Well, consider this: The World Health Organization has sounded the alarm, warning that we could be short by a whopping 15 million healthcare workers globally by 2030. So, Google’s investments aren’t just about cool tech; they’re about addressing a very real, very urgent need.