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Author: Varnika Sivaganesh

Hi! I'm Varnika and I'm a avid reader, coffee lover and an enthusiast for all things innovative.
Google’s latest AI model, Gemini 2.0 Flash has drawn attention for its advanced capabilities in watermark removal. Recent reports indicate that the model, which is accessible to developers via AI Studio, can erase watermarked images with an efficiency that surpasses existing tools. Users on the r/singularity forum on Reddit, have shared their experiences with watermark removal with Gemini 2.0 Flash. Key Takeaways Gemini 2.0 Flash and Its Powerful Editing Features The Gemini 2.0 Flash model is designed for lightweight, on-device AI operations. It lets users create images through AI image generation and offers conversational editing tools. However, recent tests show…
Microsoft is rolling out AI-powered summaries in Microsoft Notepad for Windows Insiders in the Canary and Dev channels. This feature allows users to quickly generate concise overviews of selected text, making it easier to process large amounts of information. Users can access AI summaries in Microsoft Notepad by highlighting text, right-clicking, and selecting “Summarize” or using the shortcut Ctrl + M. These updates align with Microsoft’s broader AI strategy, such as recently developing indepdendent AI reasoning models. Key Takeaways Microsoft Notepad users can also adjust the length of the AI summaries according to their needs. To use this feature, users…
On March 12 2025, Google DeepMind unveiled Gemini Robotics, a powerful new AI model designed to bring robots closer to human-like interactions. With improved dexterity, reasoning, and adaptability, these robots can now perform tasks like folding paper, moving objects, and responding to voice commands with ease. Alongside Gemini Robotics, DeepMind has also introduced Gemini Robotics-ER, a specialized model that helps robots understand and navigate complex environments. Key Takeaways A New Era in Robotics with Gemini Robotics Gemini Robotics is a a breakthrough in AI-powered automation, since it brings enhanced physical capabilities to real-world robots. Designed as a vision-language-action system, Gemini…
Microsoft has officially announced that it will discontinue support for its Remote Desktop app for Windows on May 27, 2025. Users who rely on the app to connect to cloud services such as Windows 365, Azure Virtual Desktop, and Microsoft Dev Box must transition to the Windows app before this date. After May 27, connections through the Remote Desktop app will be blocked, and Microsoft will no longer provide updates or support. Key Takeaways Transition to the Windows App The Windows app is Microsoft’s recommended replacement for the Remote Desktop app. It includes various improvements such as a streamlined interface,…
Meta has unveiled the Aria Gen 2 smart glasses, an upgraded version of its original Project Aria research device. Unlike consumer-focused models, these glasses are designed for AI research, robotics, and accessibility applications. With enhanced sensors, on-device AI processing, and new biometric tracking features, Meta’s smart glasses are paving the way for the next generation of augmented reality (AR) tools. Key Takeaways What’s New in Aria Gen 2? Meta’s Smart Glasses have received significant upgrades, making them more capable than Project Aria. The device is packed with a sophisticated sensor suite, letting researchers explore AI-driven applications in new ways. These…
Microsoft is working on its own AI reasoning models, moving away from relying only on OpenAI. The company is developing in-house AI systems, which it may offer to developers as an alternative to OpenAI’s technology. This move was unexpected, given Microsoft’s deep financial commitment to OpenAI, but concerns over cost, speed, and control seem to be driving the shift. Key Takeaways MAI Models Rival OpenAI’s Offerings Reports from The Information and Bloomberg say Microsoft has created a set of models called MAI, which compete with OpenAI’s o1 and o3-mini models. Microsoft is also testing AI reasoning models from xAI, Meta,…
Tapbots, the well-known developer behind Tweetbot and Ivory, has revealed plans to launch a new iOS and Mac app called Phoenix, designed specifically for Bluesky’s rapidly expanding social network. The Bluesky app is expected to debut in the summer of 2025, with a limited public alpha release preceding its full launch. A Strategic Expansion to Bluesky With Bluesky surpassing 32 million users, Tapbots has identified a growing demand for high-quality third-party clients tailored to the platform. The company, which gained prominence with its Twitter client Tweetbot before the app was rendered obsolete following Twitter’s transition to X, later pivoted to…
Meta recently faced significant backlash after users discovered AI character chatbots on Facebook and Instagram, leading to their swift removal. Initially launched in late 2023, these profiles, including characters like “Liv,” sparked controversy when users engaged them in conversations that revealed troubling insights about their creation. Key Takeaways Background Of Meta’s AI Character Chatbots In late 2023, Meta introduced a series of AI character chatbots on its platforms, aiming to enhance user engagement. These AI accounts were designed to interact with users, posting AI-generated images and responding to messages. However, they remained largely unnoticed until a recent interview given by…
Samsung is set to unveil its highly anticipated Galaxy S25 series on January 22, 2025 during its launch event and reports suggest that buyers may receive a complimentary subscription to Google’s Gemini Advanced AI service. This offer, previously exclusive to Google Pixel users, could significantly enhance the value of the new smartphones. Key Takeaways What Is Gemini Advanced? Gemini Advanced is Google’s premium AI chatbot service, providing users with access to advanced AI models that excel in complex tasks such as coding, logical reasoning, and creative collaboration. Typically, a Gemini Advanced subscription costs $19.99 per month, making the potential inclusion…
On December 27th 2024, OpenAI announced its plans to transition from a nonprofit to a for-profit model, aiming to establish itself as a Public Benefit Corporation (PBC) by 2025. OpenAI’s for-profit transition is designed to attract more investment and enhance its competitive edge in the rapidly evolving AI landscape, but it has raised concerns about the implications for its original mission of ensuring that artificial general intelligence (AGI) benefits all of humanity. Key Takeaways Open AI’s For-Profit Shift OpenAI’s decision to convert its for-profit arm into a PBC is a significant shift from its original nonprofit structure established in 2015. The…
Bluesky, the decentralized social media platform founded by former Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey, has officially launched its trending topics feature in beta as a Christmas gift to its users. This new addition aims to enhance user engagement by allowing them to discover popular discussions and topics in real-time across the platform. Key Takeaways Overview Of The Trending Topics Feature The trending topics feature is designed to provide users with insights into what is currently popular on the platform. Users can access this feature on both desktop and mobile versions of Bluesky. On desktop, it can be found in the right…
NASA’s Parker Solar Probe made headlines in space news on Christmas Eve, December 24, 2024, by achieving the closest approach to the Sun ever recorded by a human-made object. The spacecraft flew within 3.8 million miles of the Sun’s surface, setting a new record and advancing our understanding of solar phenomena. Meanwhile, in other space news, stranded astronaut Sunita Williams, who has been stuck in space for several months shared a Christmas wishes video from the International Space Station (ISS). Key Takeaways Overview of the Parker Solar Probe Launched in September 2018, NASA’s Parker Solar Probe was designed to study…