Imagine if your computer or phone could understand and speak not just one language, but many different ones, like Hindi, Bengali, Tamil, and more. That’s what Tech Mahindra is working on with Project Indus. They’re creating a special kind of computer program, or model, that can talk to people in different Indian languages. It’s like having a super-smart language assistant!
Now, creating such a smart language program isn’t easy. It’s a bit like teaching a robot to understand human conversations. This program needs to learn lots of words, sentences, and phrases from different Indian languages so that it can chat naturally with people.
However, there’s a challenge. Indian languages are diverse and unique, and getting enough examples of how people talk in these languages is a bit tough. It’s like trying to find pieces of a puzzle scattered all around. This is where Tech Mahindra needs help from people who speak these languages. They’re asking those who are familiar with languages like Dongri, Kinnauri, Kangri, and more to share how they talk, the words they use, and even the things they often discuss. This way, the language model can learn and become even better at understanding and responding.
Tech Mahindra’s approach to building this language model is similar to a project called Bhashini, which was started by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Bhashini also focuses on gathering words and sentences from various Indian languages to celebrate and preserve the richness of our languages.
CP Gurnani, the leader of Tech Mahindra, has reached out to people on Twitter, asking them to contribute to the project. He’s interested in languages from different parts of India, like Dongri, Kinnauri, Kangri, and more. By collecting real examples of how people speak in these languages, the project can create a program that feels more like talking to a real person.
Gurnani had previously mentioned in a response to a tweet that Tech Mahindra’s focus is on making this language model specifically for India. This shows that the company is committed to using advanced technology to help people from various corners of India communicate more easily, even if they speak different languages. It’s all about bringing people closer through technology and understanding.
Why Tech Mahindra is focusing on ChatGPT like AI chatbot?
In June 2023, while Sam Altman was on the India Tour, he met many Indian Tech giants and business owners. He made many controversial statements that were not acceptable. He believed India could not come up with AI Chatbots that could compete with OpenAI’s ChatGPT.
“The way this works is we’re going to tell you, it’s totally hopeless to compete with us on training foundation models you shouldn’t try, and it’s your job to like to try anyway. And I believe both of those things. I think it is pretty hopeless,” Altman said back then.
OpenAI founder Sam Altman said it’s pretty hopeless for Indian companies to try and compete with them.
To this, Gurnani replied in a tweet that he had accepted the challenge. He was quick to share Altman’s reply on Twitter, expressing his acceptance of the challenge presented. Gurnani conveyed his determination to prove Altman’s statement wrong. “OpenAI founder Sam Altman said it’s pretty hopeless for Indian companies to try and compete with them. Dear @sama, From one CEO to another.. CHALLENGE ACCEPTED,” he tweeted.
Now as a challenge that he had accepted, he has come up with ‘Project Indus’. Tech Mahindra’s Project Indus is like a special tool that might help people talk in many Indian languages. This could help different cultures understand each other better and let more people join in on digital things. It might also make businesses grow and inspire other places to do similar things. It’s a way for India to show how smart technology can bring people together.
Today, women can achieve anything they set their minds to. Whether it’s leading a team or making a difference in any field, the possibilities are wide open. To do even better in this exciting time, there are some important skills that women can learn. These skills aren’t tricky secrets; they’re useful tools that can help you succeed. Think of them as a map, guiding you through challenges and showing you the best paths to take. In this article, we’ll talk about ten skills that are super important for women who work. These skills, like talking well and showing what you’re good at, are like building blocks for doing really well at your job.
Here, we bring you 10 amazing ideas for working women where they can use ChatGPT to figure out their daily work and make the best of anything.
1. Communication Skills
For women at work, ChatGPT can be a helpful tool to get better at talking with others. You can use it to practice writing emails and reports, think up new ideas, get ready for speaking in front of people, make complicated stuff easier to understand, try out tough conversations, learn new words, test out different ways of talking, get feedback on your writing, fix mistakes in what you write, and ask about grammar rules. By doing these things with ChatGPT, you can become a stronger and more confident communicator in your job.
2. Time Management
When it comes to managing their time at work, working women can use ChatGPT in smart ways. You can chat with it to figure out what tasks to do first, make plans for your day, learn how to say “no” when you have too much to do, and ask for tips on how to balance your job and personal life better. ChatGPT can be like a helpful friend, giving you advice on how to get things done on time and have some time left for yourself too.
3. Leadership and Decision-Making
For working women aiming to be good leaders and make smart choices, ChatGPT can be a useful companion. You can talk to it about how to guide your team, make decisions that help everyone, and inspire others to do well. If you’re unsure about what to choose, you can ask ChatGPT for suggestions and ideas. Think of it as a friendly guide that can share tips on leading your team and making choices that move you and your group forward.
4. Adaptability
Adapting to changes is important for women working in any field, and ChatGPT can lend a hand. You can have a chat with it about how to handle new things, learn about the latest trends, and keep up with what’s happening in your job world. It’s like having a helper that can give you advice on staying flexible and ready for whatever comes your way, making your work journey smoother.
5. Networking
When it comes to connecting with people in your work world, ChatGPT can be your buddy. You can talk to it about how to meet new people, use social media to connect, and keep in touch with colleagues and mentors. It’s like having a friend who knows a lot about making good connections. You can get tips from it on building a strong network, which can open doors to opportunities and help you grow in your career.
6. Conflict Resolution
Dealing with disagreements at work can be easier with ChatGPT by your side. You can talk to it about how to sort out problems with your colleagues, understand their side, and find solutions that work for everyone. It’s like having a helper who can give you advice on how to talk things out calmly and find solutions that keep things positive. ChatGPT can be your guide to making sure conflicts don’t get in the way of your work relationships.
7. Negotiation Skills
When it’s time to talk and agree on things, ChatGPT can be your helper. You can chat with it about how to talk with others to find solutions that make everyone happy, like when discussing salaries or project plans. It’s like having a coach who can give you tips on how to stand your ground while being respectful, so you can reach good agreements and get what you want in a fair way. With ChatGPT’s advice, you can become a better negotiator in your work.
8. Tech Literacy
Understanding technology is important for women at work, and ChatGPT can guide you. You can have a chat with it about how to use computers and software that help you do your job better. It’s like having a tech-savvy friend who can explain things in simple terms and give you tips on staying updated with the latest tools. ChatGPT can be your tech buddy, helping you feel more confident and capable in a digital world.
9. Financial Literacy
Managing money well is crucial for women in the workplace, and ChatGPT can be a valuable teacher. You can talk to it about how to save money, invest wisely, and understand basic money matters. It’s like having a knowledgeable friend who can explain financial terms and give you tips on making smart financial choices. With ChatGPT’s help, you can become more confident in handling your finances and planning for your future.
10. Self-Promotion and Personal Branding
Promoting yourself and creating a strong personal image is important for women in their careers, and ChatGPT can provide guidance. You can chat with it about how to talk about your skills, showcase your strengths, and build a professional image. It’s like having a mentor who can help you express your achievements and stand out in a positive way. ChatGPT can give you tips on how to highlight your abilities and create a brand that sets you apart, helping you shine in your workplace.
Using ChatGPT can really help women do better in their jobs. From talking and managing time to showing skills and making good choices, ChatGPT is like a helpful friend. It can give advice on lots of things to make work easier. With ChatGPT’s help, women can learn and grow, becoming more confident and successful in their careers. It’s like having a guide that’s always there to support and help on the journey to success.
ChatGPT has gained a lot of attention because it’s become really popular. It’s changing how people work and what they discover online. Even if someone hasn’t tried it themselves, they’re curious about AI chatbots. It’s like when you hear about a new gadget or game, you want to know what it’s all about. But there’s a downside to this AI excitement. Some not-so-good folks on the hidden part of the internet, called the Dark Web, are talking about AI too. They’re not interested in using AI for good. Instead, they’re trying to figure out how they can use it for bad stuff.
Here’s where things get concerning. Researchers from a company called Netenrich found something that’s quite worrying. They discovered an AI tool with a not-so-nice purpose, and it’s called “FraudGPT.” Unlike helpful AI that can do cool things, this AI is meant for doing harmful activities. Imagine if someone used it to send tricky emails to steal personal information from others. Or if they used it to make tools that could break into secure systems. Even worse, they’re using it for illegal activities involving credit cards and such. What’s really surprising is that this dangerous AI tool is being sold on the Dark Web. It’s like a digital black market where people can buy and sell things they shouldn’t.
What’s more, you can even find this “FraudGPT” tool on a messaging app called Telegram. So, the bad guys are trying to make it easy for anyone to get their hands on this harmful AI, which is definitely a cause for concern. It’s a reminder that while AI can do amazing things, there are some who want to use it for not-so-amazing things.
What is FraudGPT?
Just like how ChatGPT is used to have conversations and provide information, FraudGPT is a similar kind of AI, but with a darker purpose. It’s designed to create content that can be used for cyberattacks, which are like digital crimes. This harmful tool is available for people to buy on the dark web, which is a hidden part of the internet where illegal stuff often happens. You can also find it on Telegram, a messaging app.
The Netenrich threat research team noticed this dangerous tool in July 2023. One of the things that FraudGPT is proud of is that it has some safeguards in place, just like ChatGPT does. These safeguards make it less likely to respond to questions that might be suspicious or raise alarms.
What’s really concerning is that the people behind FraudGPT are actively updating it every week or two. They’re using different types of artificial intelligence to make it work better and do more harmful things. If someone wants to use FraudGPT, they have to pay for it. They offer two main options: you can either pay $200 every month for a subscription, or you can pay $1,700 for a whole year. This shows that the people selling this dangerous AI tool are treating it like a business, which is quite unsettling. It’s a reminder that while AI can be used for good things, there are those who want to use it for harmful activities, and that’s something we need to be aware of.
How does it work?
The Netenrich team went ahead and spent money to actually try out FraudGPT. When they used it, they noticed that it looks quite similar to ChatGPT. The layout is almost the same, with a list of the things the user asked on the left side and the main chat window taking up most of the screen. To get a response from FraudGPT, you just have to type your question in the box and press “Enter.”
They tested FraudGPT with a phishing email that pretended to be from a bank. All they did was put the bank’s name in the question, and FraudGPT did the rest. It even pointed out where a dangerous link could be added to the text. This means it’s capable of creating scam websites that try to steal personal info from people.
Another test they did was asking FraudGPT to name the websites that are often visited or used for attacks. This info could be useful for hackers to plan their next moves. There was an online ad that claimed FraudGPT could make harmful code to create invisible malware that can find weak spots and targets.
The people behind FraudGPT were found to have offered hacking services for hire in the past. They were also connected to another program called WormGPT that’s similar.
This whole investigation into FraudGPT is a reminder that we need to be cautious. We’re not sure if hackers have already started using these tools to make new kinds of threats. But these harmful programs could help hackers work faster. They could make fake emails and websites in just seconds.
So, people need to stay careful about giving away their personal info and follow good online safety habits. People who work in cybersecurity should also keep their tools updated. Hackers might use programs like FraudGPT to target important computer systems directly.
This whole situation with FraudGPT shows that hackers change how they do things over time. Even though open-source software can be helpful, it can also have security problems. Anyone who uses the internet or is responsible for keeping online systems safe has to keep up with new technologies and the dangers they bring. The key is to remember the risks, even when using seemingly harmless programs like ChatGPT.
OpenAI, a well-known player in the field of artificial intelligence, has recently acquired a small yet innovative digital company named Global Illumination, based in New York. This strategic move holds a lot of promise for OpenAI’s future development. While the exact financial details of the deal are being kept private, OpenAI has shared that the entire team from Global Illumination will be joining their ranks. This means that the talented people from Global Illumination will now be working together with OpenAI’s existing team to make their main products, like ChatGPT, even better and more impressive.
OpenAI has always been known for doing things in their own unique way, and this acquisition is no exception. By bringing in a team of creative minds from Global Illumination, OpenAI is showing its commitment to pushing the boundaries of what artificial intelligence can do. It’s like adding a fresh set of ideas and skills to their toolkit, and they’re excited to see what kind of amazing things they can create together.
Global Illumination, the company being acquired, is quite skilled at using artificial intelligence to make all sorts of interesting things. They’re like digital wizards who can conjure up tools and experiences that grab people’s attention. Some of the biggest companies out there, like Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Google, Pixar, and Riot Games, have used the creations of the Global Illumination team. This track record of making impactful contributions in the tech and entertainment sectors is what caught OpenAI’s eye and led to this strategic move.
For OpenAI, this acquisition means more than just bringing in new talent. It’s about merging different ways of thinking and problem-solving. It’s about combining OpenAI’s expertise in artificial intelligence with Global Illumination’s knack for crafting engaging digital experiences. Together, they’re hoping to dream up new possibilities and continue making waves in the world of technology and beyond. This strategic move has definitely set the stage for some exciting developments in the future.
OpenAI’s announcement really highlights how well the two companies’ ideas match up.
“Global Illumination is a company that uses AI to create tools, digital stuff, and cool experiences”
OpenAI said in their official statement. This partnership between Global Illumination and OpenAI is expected to lead to new and amazing ideas, spark innovation, and create new solutions in the world of AI.
Even though we don’t know all the details about how exactly the Global Illumination team will work with OpenAI, people who follow the tech industry are really excited. This collaboration could go way beyond just making ChatGPT better. It might change a lot of things in the world of AI and technology as a whole
If you take a look at Global Illumination’s website, you’ll get a taste of what they’re about. They have a short description of what they focus on, a list of their eight skilled employees, and a link to a game called “Biomes.” This game is like a big online playground where you can be creative. It looks a bit like the famous game Minecraft, which a lot of people enjoy.
As the global tech community watches closely, OpenAI’s decision to bring in Global Illumination seems like a really smart move. It’s like they’re rethinking how AI can help make cool things and fun experiences online. By adding the Global Illumination team to their group, OpenAI has a bunch of new ideas and skills to work with. This could lead to some really exciting changes in how we use AI for creativity and fun digital stuff.
The future that OpenAI envisions, where advanced AI plays a big role, is becoming more real every day. Joining forces with Global Illumination shows just how serious OpenAI is about leading the way into this new era. It’s an exciting time because the partnership of these two companies will have a big impact on how AI is used to make cool things and push forward with technology.
OpenAI’s acquisition of Global Illumination represents a pivotal step in the realm of AI-driven innovation. The merging of these two innovative forces signals OpenAI’s strong dedication to shaping the future of technology and creativity. As they blend their talents and ideas, the potential for groundbreaking advancements in AI-powered tools and experiences becomes even more promising. This collaboration not only showcases the power of strategic partnerships but also underscores the ongoing evolution of AI’s role in shaping the digital landscape. As we eagerly anticipate the outcomes of this fusion, one can only imagine the transformative impact it will have on how we interact with technology in the years to come.
Imagine you’re all sleeping up in bed, just like any other evening, and you ask Google a simple question. But here’s the cool part, instead of a quick answer, you get something more interesting. DeepMind, which is like Google’s super-smart brain, is working on a cool idea. They’re trying out a tool that might become your very own life helper, almost like a friendly coach on your device. This tool uses really smart computer programs to do lots of different things, more than 21 tasks! It’s like having a super helpful friend who can give you advice about things, help you come up with cool ideas, make plans for you, and even give you tips for learning new stuff.
But wait, there’s more! This tool is being tested to see if it can give good answers to private questions about people’s lives. Imagine asking it about personal things, like your dreams or what you’re worried about, and getting thoughtful answers.
This is like a sneak peek into the future. We might soon have AI which is really clever computer stuff, that’s not just about facts, it’s like a buddy you can chat with and get advice from. The mix of our curiosity and AI’s smarts is making something really cool, where getting answers feels like having a chat with a friend, not just looking up information.
One day, you might ask this chatbot a tough question, like how to tell a close friend about not being able to afford their destination wedding. This tool could help you come up with ideas and suggestions for different situations. It can even teach you new skills, like how to run better, and give you plans for meals and workouts.
But not everyone is totally on board with chatbots. Some experts who know a lot about AI are worried about it. They think that having close relationships with chatbots might not be a good thing, and they want rules and laws to make sure AI doesn’t get out of control.
Dr. Christian Guttmann, AI scientist and vice-president of engineering, decisioning, and AI at Pegasystems, said: “This development is a natural progression of how AI is implemented in our daily lives. And indeed, utilizing AI has already been successfully used in other environments for many years in areas that are sensitive and where humans actually prefer to ask an AI for advice.”
He says this kind of thing is just how AI is becoming a bigger part of our lives. He thinks it’s like asking for advice from AI, which we already do in other places. He also says it’s really important to be careful and make sure the advice AI gives is good and safe.
By the way, not long ago, Google and DeepMind joined up to become Google DeepMind. They brought together two groups of smart people who study AI, Google’s Brain team and DeepMind.
He added:
“It is of course important to take a responsible approach to building these relationships between humans and AI systems to ensure that advice that is given to a person is safe, sound, and in line with what a professional would advise.”
In April, there was a blog post where Google and DeepMind talked about joining up. The head of Google and Alphabet, Sundar Pichai, said they’re making a special team to build really smart AI systems. They want to do it in a smart and careful way so that it’s safe.
A Google DeepMind spokesperson said: “We have long worked with a variety of partners to evaluate our research and products across Google, which is a critical step in building safe and helpful technology. At any given time, there are many such evaluations ongoing. Isolated samples of evaluation data are not representative of our product road map.”
We’re all familiar with how Google Ads have taken center stage in the world of online advertising. They’ve become a go-to platform for brands to showcase their products and services to a wide online audience. The appeal lies not only in their extensive reach but also in the range of ad formats they offer, making them quite versatile and attractive to businesses.
However, there’s a whole toolkit of strategies beyond Google Ads that can be just as effective in attracting new customers and engaging existing ones. While Google Ads hold a significant role, they’re not the sole player in the game.
Google Ads serve a vital purpose. They help your offerings reach a substantial number of potential customers by tailoring your ads to specific goals. For instance, if you want more people to discover your brand, you can make your ads show up when they search for related terms. Alternatively, you can opt for display ads that pop up on different websites, which is excellent for brand exposure and potentially driving sales.
But it’s important to explore other tools in the marketing toolbox as well. Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter are fantastic places to connect with people in a more personal and engaging manner. Sharing stories about your products, collaborating with social media influencers, and keeping your audience engaged through regular posts can yield great results.
In addition to that, the power of content marketing should not be underestimated. Crafting meaningful articles, videos, and other content that resonates with your target audience can establish your brand as an industry authority and draw in potential customers. Email marketing is another potent weapon. Sending personalized and informative emails to your customer base can maintain their interest and even re-engage those who might have forgotten about your brand.
And let’s not forget about innovation. Trying out newer forms of advertising like augmented reality, where your ads interact with the real world, can capture attention and differentiate your brand from competitors.
In a nutshell, Google Ads are like a strong foundation, but building a well-rounded marketing strategy involves exploring various avenues. By mixing and matching different approaches, you can effectively reach a wider range of potential customers and maintain strong connections with your existing ones. It’s all about finding the right blend of tools that suit your brand’s unique goals and personality.
If your campaign performance has hit a plateau or you’re just looking to diversify and reach new audiences, you have options.
Reasons to expand beyond Google Ads
Expanding beyond Google Ads can offer several compelling benefits for your business. Here are some key reasons to consider diversifying your advertising strategy:
Wider Audience Reach
While Google Ads have a vast audience, other platforms like social media, YouTube, and niche websites can help you tap into different demographics that might not be actively using Google.
Platform Diversity
Different platforms offer unique ad formats and engagement methods. Social media allows for visual storytelling, while YouTube offers video advertising, and content marketing provides informative articles. This variety helps you tailor your message more effectively.
Less Dependence
Relying solely on one platform can be risky if changes in policies, algorithms, or user behavior negatively impact your campaigns. Diversifying reduces your vulnerability to sudden changes.
Cost Efficiency
On some platforms, you might find lower costs per click or engagement compared to Google Ads, making your budget go further.
Audience Engagement
Social media and content marketing allow for direct interaction with your audience through comments, likes, shares, and direct messages, building a stronger connection.
Visual Storytelling
Platforms like Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube are perfect for showcasing your products through visually appealing content and videos.
Influencer Collaborations
Partnering with influencers in your industry can bring your brand to their engaged audiences, lending credibility and authenticity.
Remarketing Opportunities
Expanding to multiple platforms allows you to retarget your audience in different contexts, reinforcing your brand and message.
Trend Utilization
Staying current with emerging platforms and trends (like TikTok or AR advertising) can help you stay ahead of the curve and capture early adopters.
Content Discovery
Content marketing, such as blogging or creating videos, not only provides value to your audience but can also drive organic traffic and improve your website’s SEO.
Geographical Targeting
Different platforms might have varied popularity in different regions. Expanding can help you tap into local markets more effectively.
Creative Experimentation
Different platforms encourage creative experimentation. You can test various ad formats, visuals, and messaging to learn what resonates best with your audience.
Branding Opportunities
Utilizing various platforms allows you to reinforce your brand messaging through multiple touchpoints, leading to better brand recall.
Google Ads are excellent for capturing users at the bottom of the sales funnel, but other platforms can help you target users at different stages of their buyer’s journey.
Customer Insights
Diversifying your efforts can provide insights into which platforms your audience prefers, helping you fine-tune your marketing strategy over time.
Incorporating a mix of advertising channels allows you to create a well-rounded marketing approach that maximizes your reach, engagement, and conversions. By exploring beyond Google Ads, you can connect with your audience in more meaningful ways and adapt to the evolving landscape of digital marketing.
Here are five competitors to Google Ads in the online advertising space
1. Facebook Ads
With a massive user base and detailed targeting options, Facebook Ads allow you to reach highly specific demographics based on user interests, behaviors, and demographics. It includes advertising on both Facebook and Instagram.
2. Microsoft Advertising (formerly Bing Ads)
Microsoft Ads is gaining popularity for several reasons, including its growing partnerships with major players like Netflix and Roku. Notably, Microsoft Bing, part of Microsoft Ads, handles a staggering 13.2 billion searches per month. This advertising platform stands out due to historically lower costs per click (CPCs) and competition, a user-friendly import feature for Google Ads campaigns, and its distinct audience targeting capabilities. If you’re looking for cost-effective advertising and unique ways to connect with audiences, Microsoft Ads is a compelling option to consider.
3. Amazon Advertising
If your business involves selling things online (e-commerce), Amazon Advertising is a fantastic tool. It lets you show off your products right on Amazon’s website. This is awesome because you can reach people who are already thinking about shopping. It’s like talking to them while they’re in the mood to buy stuff.
4. LinkedIn Ads
For B2B companies, trying out this platform is a must for testing purposes. It’s no surprise that LinkedIn Ads have become increasingly popular, leading to more competitors entering the scene. If you’re considering giving this platform a shot, be prepared for slightly higher costs per click (CPCs). To accurately gauge the complete impact and possibilities, it’s advisable to have a reasonably sized testing budget, around $3,000 per month. Don’t let the potential of higher CPCs discourage you, though. Many B2B companies discover that LinkedIn offers a pool of well-matched users. So, what does all this mean for your business? Expect more relevance and an increase in successful deals.
5. Twitter Ads
Twitter provides a real-time avenue to engage with users through promoted tweets and accounts, making it especially appealing for brands seeking to actively participate in ongoing discussions about trending topics and events. By taking advantage this feature, brands can swiftly insert themselves into relevant conversations, enhancing visibility and showcasing their timeliness. This platform’s rapid pace allows for quick responses to customer queries and feedback, fostering a sense of community involvement and trust. Ultimately, Twitter’s promoted content enables brands to connect authentically with their audience within the context of current conversations, amplifying their reach and resonance.
6. Apple Search Ads
Apple Search Ads is a must-try for app companies. In the past year, Apple has boosted its ad opportunities in the app store. They have an edge because of their App Tracking Transparency, which makes tracking ads on other platforms harder. This means using Apple’s own platform is an advantage. You can aim ads at different things like where people are, what they’re searching for, and who they are. Apple Search Ads offers various ad styles to suit different users, from those just exploring to those looking to buy. Plus, it’s beginner-friendly with no minimum spending and uses a cost-per-tap model, similar to Google’s cost-per-click.
7. The Trade Desk Platform
The Trade Desk Platform provides both publisher-side and demand-side platforms, with a focus here on the demand-side platform (DSP) for advertisers. If you’re seeking a more controlled experience for Display or Video ads compared to Google Ads, exploring The Trade Desk’s programmatic platform is a valuable consideration. The DSP enhances connected experiences across devices and offers robust performance measurement. Advertisers benefit from extensive audience segment options, incorporating both first and third-party data, and can leverage buyer and contextual signals to build audiences, including data from retail purchases, offline actions, behavioral patterns, in-app interactions, and connected TV usage.
8. Quora Ads
Quora Ads works in a unique way with questions and answers to match what users are looking for. Both B2B and B2C brands are finding it helpful. There are lots of people on Quora, more than 300 million every month, talking about over 300,000 different things. Using Quora Ads can bring people to your website and also make your brand more trusted because people rely on it for good answers and community help. Quora Ads now has different ad types like Text Ads, Image Ads, Promoted Answers, Lead Gen Forms, and Video Ads. You can target your ads to different types of people, a bit like Google Ads, using things like the topics they’re interested in or how they’ve used Quora before.
These competitors offer diverse audiences, unique ad formats, and targeting options, allowing you to tailor your advertising strategy to specific goals and target demographics. Ads is a big player in online ads, but trying out other advertising options can be really helpful for your business. Platforms like Facebook Ads, Microsoft Advertising, Amazon Advertising, LinkedIn Ads, and Twitter Ads, etc offer different ways to show your ads to people. This helps you reach new groups of customers and test different types of ads. It’s like having more tools in your toolbox to get the job done. By using these different options, you can avoid putting all your eggs in one basket, be ready for changes, and connect with people in more fun and personal ways. So, while Google Ads is cool, branching out can be even cooler for your business!
What’s the number one thing today’s top talent looks for when job hunting? You might think it’s salary or perks, but get this – almost half of employees and leaders (a whopping 45%) say a great culture is the most important factor in considering a new job. That’s huge.
As the war for talent rages on, company culture is emerging as a key competitive advantage in recruitment. But what exactly does “culture” mean, and how can you showcase your values to attract candidates?
With remote work exploding and young professionals especially craving meaning and connection, culture matters now more than ever. The companies putting their values front and center will score major wins in this hiring market. In this article, we will show you how to highlight your cultural differentiators to both standout and reel in the top talent in your sector.
What Does Company Culture Actually Mean?
Company culture seems like one of those buzzwords that everyone talks about but few can actually define. Let’s break it down…
At its core, company culture is the shared values, attitudes, standards, and beliefs that characterize your organization and its employees. It’s “the way we do things around here.” Culture comes through in both tangible and intangible ways. Tangibly, you can see it in things like your office layout, perks like free meals, the way people dress, your mottoes and mission statements, etc.
But it’s also reflected in less obvious intangibles like work styles, attitudes, the unwritten rules on how to get ahead, your norms for communication and collaboration, the personalities that thrive at your company, and your shared vision for success. A great culture feels meaningful to employees and inspires them to show up as the best versions of themselves. A poor company culture could make it very difficult for you to acquire and retain talent, plus a whole host of other unwanted consequences
Why Company Culture is a Recruiting Magnet
So now we know a strong culture when we see it. But is it really that big of a deal for attracting candidates? The short answer is – yes, absolutely.
As mentioned earlier, almost half of job seekers say a positive culture is more important than salary when deciding where to work. From this, you could deduce that nearly the same amount would turn down a job that didn’t align with their values, even for more pay.
Instead, today’s candidates want to feel fulfilled and inspired by their work, not just earn a paycheck. So, what is the aim of compensation? Well, salary is certainly still important, but it’s no longer the be-all and end-all. Candidates want a workplace where they can thrive and belong.
Culture also gives candidates a peek into the actual employee experience. A fun, engaging culture signals that people enjoy and are fulfilled by their work. A cutthroat, high-pressure culture hints at burnout. Plus, when your culture aligns with a candidate’s values, they instantly feel a sense of belonging. They can envision thriving and being their best selves in an environment that clicks with them values-wise.
So if you want to grab attention and connect with in-demand talent, you’ve got to showcase the inner soul of your company – your culture.
How to Showcase Your Culture Loud and Proud
Alright, you’re convinced culture is critical for hiring. But how exactly can you broadcast your values to job seekers? Here are my top tips for putting your culture center stage:
Feature it Prominently on Your Careers Site
Dedicate an entire section of your careers site to culture, with vibrant photos, authentic videos, quotes directly from employees, explanations of your unique perks and benefits, and more. Infuse mentions of your cultural values throughout other pages as well.
Call Out Your Culture in Every Job Posting
Write a section in each job listing that highlights cultural initiatives, activities, and values that candidates can expect and look forward to. For example, “We value innovation through quarterly hackathons, friendship through annual offsites in Napa, and giving back through weekly volunteering events.”
Get Employees to Share Inside Perspectives
Have team members describe what they genuinely love about your culture through blog posts, testimonials, videos, and other platforms. Their authentic perspectives are gold for giving candidates a real feel for your vibe.
Share Slices of Cultural Life on Social Media
Post photos of team outings, events, office dogs, and videos that give followers a fun, engaging peek into what it’s like to be part of your crew. Just make sure to get employee consent first!
Keep Your Culture Consistent Across Platforms
Make sure your cultural vibe shines consistently across your careers site, job listings, social media, and any other channels candidates may encounter. Alignment is key for showcasing an authentic brand.
Invite Candidates to Experience the Culture
During the interview process, offer inside looks like office tours, meetings with potential coworkers, and sitting in on team meetings. Let them get a taste of your culture firsthand.
Train Hiring Managers to Spotlight Culture
Educate recruiters and hiring managers on your differentiators so they can knowledgeably convey what makes your culture special during candidate conversations. The goal is giving candidates a robust preview, so they’re excited to join your team. Just keep it real – no inflated hype!
Final Word
A vibrant, authentic culture is your competitive advantage in today’s hiring landscape. Many candidates want to feel inspired and excited about where they work – not just earn a paycheck.
By spotlighting your cultural values and initiatives at every opportunity, you attract talent that will thrive in your environment. Just remember to be honest! With some thoughtful effort, you can showcase the soul of your organization in a way that resonates with your ideal hires. Lastly, don’t forget to put your people first and inject your brand with purpose. When you attract talent who believe in your mission, it pays dividends for your business and community.
We all know technology has made our lives easier. We no longer have to wring our clothes out at the river or keep our perishables cool in an ice box. Those changes have been remarkable and noticeable, often making headline news.
However, several technological advancements have been more subtle, despite their massive benefit to our everyday lives. When you take a moment to think about it, these changes below have saved us a great deal of time, energy, and money.
Online Loan Processes
In the past, the only way to secure lending through traditional or alternative lenders was by making an appointment to see them in person. For example, if you needed loans in Los Angeles, you needed to make an appointment at a Los Angeles office.
If you didn’t live near a loan office or a bank, you’d have to organize time out of your day to get there. However, that’s no longer the case. Both banks and alternative lenders can now complete loan processing online. You can provide all necessary documents through a secure online platform and receive loan approval for yourbusiness startup or yourself in a matter of hours.
Food Delivery Services
Grocery shopping can take a great deal of time. Not only do you have to drive to the store, but you then have to find a parking spot, shop for your groceries, then drive home again. Busy families struggle to find the time for this necessary task.
In recent years, they haven’t needed to. The COVID-19 pandemic saw an upsurge in businesses offeringfood delivery services. Rather than shopping for groceries and other essentials themselves, they could hire shoppers through an app to do it for them.
However, it has now gone beyond simple grocery and fast food delivery services. You can also book meal subscription services. You can prepare delicious and nutritious home-cooked meals for your family, but all recipes and pre-measured ingredients are delivered to your door.
Online Bookings
Making phone calls can be challenging for some people. They might have a disability that prevents them from speaking or hearing properly. They might also be anxious about talking on the phone or can’t ensure a quiet room when they do.
That’s why online bookings have been such a lifeline for many people. Businesses offering online bookings for services cater to a broad group of people, especially those in thedeaf community. Rather than calling a company and finding a time that suits their needs, they can browse a list of available time slots online and confirm their own appointments.
Video Calls
The video call function on our mobile devices seemingly appeared overnight. All of a sudden, anyone with a smartphone or computer could hold a video call with a client, employer, friend, or family member. It was life-changing for many.
Family members could reconnect when they couldn’t see each other in person, and businesses could save tens of thousands of dollars in travel costs. Even the COVID-19 pandemic had the potential to beless impactful on companies that could rely on video calls to conduct their business.
Everyone can agree that technology has enhanced our lives, but it’s hard to believe how subtle some of the changes have been. Above, you’ve learned about just a few of the many slight but impactful changes that have transformed our lives for the better.
In the dynamic landscape of contemporary business, startups are continually searching for innovative strategies to gain a competitive edge and accelerate their growth. A game-changing concept that has emerged on the scene is automation. It has become a transformative force within the startup ecosystem. From optimizing internal processes to revolutionizing customer engagement, incorporating automation, such as a paycheck maker, is the driving force that has the potential to elevate your startup to new heights. In this article, we will delve into the strategies that enable startups to harness the power of automation for unprecedented success.
The Transformative Power of Automation in Startups
Automation has evolved from a mere convenience to a strategic imperative for startups. According to recent studies by leading research firms, nearly 80% of successful startups attribute a significant portion of their growth to automation integration. This technology has the potential to amplify a startup’s capabilities exponentially, allowing it to accomplish more with fewer resources and in less time.
Strategy 1: Implementing Paycheck Maker into Payroll Process
One crucial area where automation can greatly benefit startups is their payroll processes. Introducing an automated payroll system can streamline the entire payroll process. This technology not only ensures accurate and timely salary disbursement but also eliminates the risk of human error. Recent surveys have shown that startups that embrace automated payroll systems report a 40% reduction in payroll-related errors and a 60% decrease in the time spent on payroll management. This strategy not only enhances employee satisfaction but also frees up valuable time for the HR team to focus on strategic initiatives.
Strategy 2: Streamlining Customer Engagement
Engaging customers in a meaningful way is vital for startup success. Automation can play a pivotal role in this aspect as well. By implementing customer relationship management (CRM) systems with automated communication workflows, startups can nurture leads, personalize interactions, and provide prompt customer support. Research from the past year indicates that startups utilizing such automated CRM systems have witnessed a 35% increase in customer retention and a 50% reduction in response time to customer inquiries. This strategy strengthens customer relationships and empowers startups to scale their operations seamlessly.
Strategy 3: Data-Driven Decision Making
In the data-driven era, startups that harness the power of automation to gather and analyze data have a distinct advantage. Automation tools can collect, process, and present valuable insights that inform critical business decisions. Recent data reveals that startups embracing data automation experience a 75% improvement in their decision-making accuracy. By leveraging automation for data analysis, startups can identify market trends, track key performance indicators, and adapt their strategies in real time, giving them a significant edge over competitors.
Overcoming Challenges in Automation Adoption
While the benefits of automation are clear, the path to successful integration is not without challenges. Startups often face resistance from employees who fear job displacement. To address this, effective change management strategies and training programs are essential. Furthermore, selecting the right automation tools can be overwhelming, with the landscape evolving rapidly. Startups must conduct thorough research and choose solutions that align with their specific needs.
Looking Ahead: Navigating the Future of Automation in Startups
As technology continues to advance, the potential of automation in startups is bound to expand. Artificial intelligence and machine learning are poised to revolutionize how automation is employed, enabling startups to predict market trends, enhance personalization, and automate complex decision-making processes. Startups that proactively embrace these emerging technologies will be well-positioned to navigate the future landscape.
Conclusion
In conclusion, once seen as a luxury, automation has become necessary for startups aiming to thrive in today’s business environment. From streamlining payroll processes with a “paycheck maker” to enhancing customer engagement and data-driven decision-making, automation offers an array of strategies to propel startups to the next level. By overcoming adoption challenges and staying ahead of technological trends, startups can position themselves for sustained growth and success. Embracing automation isn’t just about efficiency; it’s about unlocking the true potential of your startup.
In a recent blog post, Mike Verdu, Netflix’s Vice President of Games, introduced the company’s enhanced gaming venture. This initiative signifies a significant step forward as Netflix aims to upgrade its gaming efforts. Verdu outlined their strategy, which involves conducting game trials on designated televisions and computers. This move demonstrates Netflix’s commitment to expanding its gaming presence and exploring new avenues within the entertainment industry.
“We’ve been focused on creating a great gaming experience since 2021 when we added mobile games to Netflix”
VERDU SAID IN THE RELEASE.
In an effort to broaden the availability of gaming experiences, Netflix is launching a controlled beta trial for a select group of subscribers based in Canada and the United Kingdom. This trial is designed to provide an early glimpse into the gaming features and will initially roll out on specific television models from Monday onward. As the initiative progresses, the testing will be expanded to encompass personal computers, including both PCs and Macs, accessible through Netflix’s official website via compatible web browsers. This phased approach demonstrates Netflix’s cautious yet progressive strategy in introducing gaming to its platform.
After making its initial foray into the gaming landscape with the introduction of mobile games in November 2021, Netflix has embarked on a concerted effort to amplify its gaming repertoire. Having primarily focused on offering games through Apple’s iOS and Alphabet’s Android platforms, the streaming giant is now poised to take its gaming initiative to new heights.
In pursuit of this ambition, Netflix is embarking on a preliminary testing phase aimed at refining its gaming offerings. This phase of testing will see the incorporation of games such as “Oxenfree,” a creation from Night School Studio, an internal gaming studio within Netflix, and “Molehew’s Mining Adventure,” an engaging arcade-style gem-mining game.
For users accessing Netflix via their television screens, these games will be made accessible through their smartphones. On the other hand, individuals using personal computers such as PCs and Macs can indulge in these games directly on the Netflix.com platform, employing the familiar combination of a keyboard and mouse for interactive control.
Mike Verdu, providing insight into this strategic expansion, emphasized that the underlying objective of broadening game availability across an variety of devices is to not only diversify the gaming experience but also elevate it for their expansive and diverse membership base spanning the globe.
In a revealing move, Netflix divulged that the games designed for television play will seamlessly function on devices from its initial partners. These partners encompass an array of popular devices, including Amazon Fire TV Streaming Media Players, Chromecast with Google TV, Roku devices, and others, thereby ensuring compatibility and ease of access for a wide range of users.
This endeavor follows Netflix’s previous announcement in March, where the company disclosed its ambitious plans to introduce an additional 40 games throughout the course of the year. These forthcoming titles will complement the existing lineup of 70 games already in varying stages of development through collaborative partnerships. This robust expansion is set to be augmented by the ongoing efforts of Netflix’s in-house gaming studios, which are concurrently working on 16 distinct games to contribute to the platform’s growing gaming ecosystem.
In a recent development, Netflix has introduced the Netflix Game Controller app on the Apple App Store, making it available for iPhones and iPads. This innovative app serves as a virtual gamepad, streamlining the process of playing Netflix games on a television screen. Designed to work seamlessly with devices operating on iOS 15 or iPadOS 15 and subsequent versions, the app establishes a connection with your TV, allowing you to engage in gaming using your mobile device as a controller. This advancement presents a user-friendly way to enhance the gaming experience by leveraging the capabilities of both your handheld device and your television.
In the digital age, technology has evolved rapidly, leading to astonishing advancements in various fields. Among the most captivating innovations is the emergence of deepfakes, a cutting-edge technology that combines artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to manipulate and generate hyper-realistic videos and images.
This groundbreaking technology has captured the world’s attention, captivating both enthusiasts and critics alike due to its potential implications and diverse applications.
What are Deepfakes?
Deepfakes are synthetic media created using advanced AI algorithms known as deep neural networks. These networks are trained to analyze and process vast amounts of data, such as images, videos, and audio, to mimic the appearance, mannerisms, and voice of a specific individual.
The term “deepfake” is derived from “deep learning” (a subfield of AI) and “fake,” signifying the creation of highly realistic but fabricated content.
Applications of Deepfakes
Since the popularity of deepfakes has skyrocketed, there is a whole market developing. Here is a list of the most popular use cases:
Entertainment Industry: Deepfakes have revolutionized the entertainment industry by enabling filmmakers to create realistic digital doubles of actors, reducing production costs, and overcoming the limitations of using stunt doubles or CGI effects. This technology has the potential to bring beloved characters back to life, enriching the cinematic experience.
Education and Training: Deepfakes hold promise in the realm of education and training, providing immersive simulations and realistic scenarios for professionals to practice skills and refine their expertise. From medical simulations to flight training, deepfakes offer a safe and controlled environment for learners to hone their abilities.
Personalized Marketing and Advertising: Companies can leverage deepfake technology to create personalized advertisements, where celebrities or influencers endorse products and services tailored to specific target audiences. This level of customization can lead to higher engagement and brand loyalty.
Language Translation and Dubbing: Deepfakes can facilitate seamless language translation and dubbing in the entertainment industry. By preserving actors’ lip movements and facial expressions, the technology allows for accurate and convincing translations in various languages.
Virtual Assistants and Customer Service: Deepfakes could enhance the performance of virtual assistants by providing a more human-like and emotionally responsive interface. This can lead to better user experiences and interactions with AI-driven customer service representatives.
In this article, we will focus on deepfakes for entertainment purposes. Let’s look at some commonly used and famous deepfake apps and websites that you can use to play around with this technology.
Best DeepFake apps to try out!
If you are looking for a fun and creative way to use DeepFake technology, then you should definitely check out these applications and websites. Here are the 10 best DeepFake apps and websites that you can try to create hilarious and entertaining videos and images.
Credits: FaceApp
Lensa AI emerges as an intriguing app that generates striking AI portraits from selfies, offering users multiple styles to choose from. It’s photorealistic results and diverse customization options make it an enjoyable tool for crafting distinctive portraits. The app’s interface is user-friendly, although some features may require payment or a subscription for access.
Reface (formerly Doublicat) lets you swap faces with celebrities and movie characters in short videos. You can create funny and entertaining videos by inserting your face into popular movie scenes and music videos. This app uses AI technology to produce realistic results, which makes it even more fun to use.
DeepFaceLab allows you to create DeepFakes, with a focus on facial reenactment. This software is more advanced and requires some technical skills to use, but it can create highly realistic DeepFakes. You can use this software to create hilarious videos and images that will impress your friends.
MyHeritage introduces an element of nostalgia by animating old photos through its Deep Nostalgia feature. By giving static images a lifelike quality, the app transforms them into dynamic pieces reminiscent of magical newspapers in the Harry Potter series. This app offers a unique twist on deepfake technology, focusing on image animation rather than video manipulation.
Wombo AI lets you animate a picture of your face to the beat of a song. You can create hilarious and entertaining videos by animating your face to popular songs. This app is easy to use and produces results that are guaranteed to make you laugh.
Jiggy allows you to create DeepFake music videos by inserting your face into popular music videos. With Jiggy, you can become the star of your own music video and share it with your friends. This app is easy to use and provides a wide range of music videos to choose from.
DeepBrain stands out for its commitment to delivering high-quality, authentic deepfake videos. Its advanced AI techniques and intuitive interface cater to both novice and experienced users seeking to create professional-grade content through deepfake technology.
FaceApp has been a pioneer in AI-generated face editing, allowing users to experiment with various transformations, from aging effects to smiles. While not solely focused on deepfake technology, FaceApp’s role in popularizing AI-generated image editing on smartphones is commendable.
Toonify lets you to turn your selfies into cartoon versions of yourself. You can create funny and entertaining cartoon versions of yourself and share them with your friends. This app is easy to use and produces results that are sure to put a smile on your face.
Avatarify allows you to turn your face into a live, animated avatar that can mimic your facial expressions and movements. With Avatarify, you can create highly realistic avatars and share them with your friends. This app is easy to use and provides a wide range of options to choose from.
Remember to use these apps and websites responsibly and ethically. While DeepFake technology can be used for fun and entertainment, it can also have serious consequences if used to deceive or manipulate others. So, enjoy these apps and websites, but use them wisely and with respect for others.
Impact on Society
Deepfakes have profoundly impacted society in both positive and negative ways. On one hand, they have enabled revolutionary applications in entertainment, art, and communication. For instance, deepfake technology has been employed in the film industry to resurrect deceased actors, allowing them to appear in new films or commercials seamlessly.
Additionally, artists and content creators have embraced deepfakes as a tool for satire, parody, and creative expression.
However, the darker side of deepfakes raises significant concerns. The potential misuse of this technology poses a threat to privacy, security, and trust. With the ability to fabricate authentic-looking videos and audio, malicious actors can spread misinformation, create political propaganda, or deceive the public, leading to significant social and political consequences.
Have fun responsibly
Deepfake technology is a remarkable breakthrough with vast potential for various applications across industries. While it offers promising opportunities in entertainment, education, and marketing, it also presents significant challenges regarding misinformation, privacy, and ethics.
As society navigates this uncharted territory, it becomes imperative to establish guidelines, regulations, and awareness campaigns to harness the benefits of deepfakes while mitigating their negative impact. The responsible use of this technology can shape a future where deepfakes enrich our lives without compromising truth and authenticity.
One of the biggest hacking and data leaks to hit the US involved the personal and healthcare information of over 10 million people. These hackers targeted IBM, a major tech company. They found a weakness in the popular MOVEit file transfer software that IBM uses, which allowed them to break in. This incident has raised worries about how our private information is kept safe and has shown how important it is to make sure software is secure from these kinds of attacks.
In the deeply concerning event, the United States found itself grappling with one of the largest and most impactful hacks or data leaks in its history. This breach involved the illicit acquisition of personal and sensitive medical data belonging to a staggering number of over 10 million individuals. The fallout of this breach was both shocking and far-reaching, underscoring the vulnerability of digital information in our modern age.
The focus of this breach was none other than IBM, a household name and a global giant in the field of technology. The hackers behind this audacious act singled out IBM as their target, seeking to exploit a vulnerability that had been uncovered within MOVEit, a widely-used and popular file transfer software. MOVEit holds a special place in the sphere of digital data movement, known for its effectiveness in ensuring secure transfers of files and information across various platforms.
However, the hackers, using a combination of cunning and technical expertise, managed to locate a weak point within the MOVEit software. This vulnerability, once exploited, granted them unauthorized access into IBM’s systems, a treasure trove of personal and healthcare data awaiting their prying eyes. Their actions exposed sensitive information that individuals had entrusted to healthcare providers, with the expectation that it would remain confidential.
Among the most impacted entities was the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF), the body responsible for overseeing the Medicaid program within the state. Shockingly, more than 4 million patient records were compromised, exposing medical histories, personal identifiers, and other confidential information.
Taking immediate steps to mitigate the fallout, HCPF embarked on the challenging task of notifying affected individuals. The organization clarified that the breach was linked to IBM’s use of MOVEit for file transfers, and not a direct infiltration of HCPF’s systems. The breach’s magnitude and reach highlighted the interconnected nature of modern information management, where a single vulnerability in a widely-used software could inadvertently put millions at risk.
The incident served as an alarming wake-up call for various stakeholders, emphasizing the urgency of bolstering cybersecurity measures and reevaluating data protection strategies. It also cast a spotlight on the complex relationships between different entities in the technology ecosystem. The collaboration between vendors like IBM and governmental bodies like HCPF underscored the shared responsibility of safeguarding sensitive data in the digital landscape.
It resulted in individuals facing the daunting reality of their private medical information having fallen into the hands of malicious actors. The breach became a catalyst for a broader dialogue about the need for stringent cybersecurity practices, regular vulnerability assessments, and proactive measures to secure critical data against constantly evolving threats.
The monumental hack targeting IBM and facilitated by the vulnerability in MOVEit software brought to light the critical importance of data security in today’s interconnected world. It reinforced the notion that even the most renowned technology companies are not impervious to cyber threats and that a collective effort is required to ensure the safety of personal information entrusted to various digital platforms.
In a stunning and deeply unsettling development, the United States faced one of its most significant and far-reaching cybersecurity breaches to date. This breach resulted in the unauthorized acquisition of highly personal and sensitive medical data belonging to an astonishing number exceeding 10 million individuals. The consequences of this breach reverberated across society, shedding a spotlight on the glaring vulnerabilities of digital information security in our contemporary era.
Central to this breach was IBM, an iconic name in the technology sector renowned worldwide. The orchestrators of this audacious attack specifically targeted IBM, honing in on a weakness detected within MOVEit, an extensively used and popular file transfer software. MOVEit occupies a crucial role in the world of digital data movement, lauded for its capability to facilitate secure file and information transfers across diverse platforms.
However, these hackers, armed with a blend of clever tactics and technical prowess, managed to unearth a vulnerability within the MOVEit software. Their exploitation of this weakness granted them unauthorized access to IBM’s intricate systems – a repository brimming with an abundance of personal and healthcare data, eagerly awaiting their prying eyes. Their actions laid bare sensitive information that individuals had entrusted to healthcare institutions with the expectation of its confidentiality.
The Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF), the overseeing authority for the Medicaid program in the state, emerged as one of the most severely impacted entities. Shockingly, more than 4 million patient records found themselves compromised, resulting in the exposure of intricate medical histories, personal identifiers, and other sensitive data.
In response to this crisis, the HCPF swiftly took measures to contain the damage, including notifying those affected by the breach. They clarified that the breach was tied to IBM’s utilization of MOVEit for file transfers, rather than a direct breach of HCPF’s systems. This incident highlighted the intricate web of modern information management, underscoring how a single vulnerability within widely-used software can inadvertently imperil the security of millions.
This breach served as an alarming wakeup call, compelling stakeholders to recognize the urgency of fortifying cybersecurity protocols and reassessing strategies for safeguarding data. The incident also illuminated the intricate relationships between different entities within the technology ecosystem. The cooperation between vendors like IBM and governmental bodies such as HCPF underscored the collective responsibility to protect sensitive digital data in an increasingly interconnected landscape.
In the aftermath, those affected were confronted with the grim reality of their private medical details having fallen into the hands of malicious actors. This breach sparked a broader conversation about the critical need for robust cybersecurity practices, regular vulnerability evaluations, and proactive measures to shield essential data from ever-evolving threats.
The monumental breach directed at IBM, facilitated through the MOVEit software vulnerability, cast a glaring spotlight on the paramount significance of data security in today’s interconnected society. This event emphasized that even the most esteemed technology corporations are not impervious to cyber threats, necessitating collective efforts to ensure the safety of personal information entrusted to digital platforms.
Strikingly, neither HCPF nor DSS is showing up on the dark web, where the Clop ransomware gang boasts about their breaches. These hackers primarily target “government data,” yet these two entities remain unlisted.
Adding to the debate, the Department of Higher Education faced a ransomware attack immediately after these events. The hackers gained access to an extensive 16-year span of data. Just last month, Colorado State University also grappled with a predicament linked to MOVEit, affecting numerous students and staff members.
PH Tech, the company responsible for managing data for various healthcare insurers, became entangled in the repercussions of the MOVEit hacks. They disclosed that the health information of around 1.7 million Oregon residents was compromised. The most significant breach of the year, unrelated to MOVEit, was suffered by HCA Healthcare. An inadvertent oversight created an opportunity for hackers to access data, allowing them to compromise the names, addresses, and appointment information of a staggering 11.2 million individuals.
Reels have quickly become one of the most entertaining forms of content. Whether you are a content creator, a business owner, or someone who likes to create innovative short-form videos of their most memorable moments, these AI tools for reels will definitely benefit you. With more and more people joining Instagram trends, AI tools have become highly advanced and easy to use. From creating high-quality reels to enhancing video quality, these tools can do it all.
Instagram reels are the best way to engage with your audience with creative and informative content. In this blog, we are going to talk about the 10 best AI tools to create engaging Instagram reels.
1. Eklipse
Engaging Instagram reels can help influencers, or content creators get more traction. One way of making noteworthy reels is by using an AI tool called Eklipse. This tool studies an individual’s profile in depth. And after analyzing their interests, preferences, and so on, it automatically generates reels. Eklipse gives users a variety of options to choose from. Users can select templates, the type of music they would like, and effects, and the tool will tailor a reel based on their audience.
2. Synthesia
Aligning people’s schedules for a shoot can be a task. But with an exceptional AI tool called Synthesia, this issue can be solved in no time. Synthesia allows users to create life-like talking heads for their videos. Users can create an AI version of themselves or anyone else. This tool is exceptionally helpful when someone cancels the shoot at the end moment. With Synthesia, users no longer need to rely on people.
3. Designs.ai
Reels are not only great for personal branding but also for businesses. In order to market their product better, a number of businesses have recently started creating branded reels. Design.ai is one AI tool that enables business owners to create professional reels without any effort. Companies can add their logos, music and pick out the perfect template based on their industry. So if you are a business owner or a part of the marketing team in a company then this tool is an absolute must-have.
4. InVideo
Another great tool for making Instagram reels is InVideo. This tool has a number of features that can help create professional reels. InVideo has a drag-and-drop feature that can be used easily by people who don’t have experience in using video editing. InVideo is especially useful for start-ups or companies that do not wish to spend on video editing. Creators can also add relevant music, images and choose from various templates.
5. Amper Music
One of the most important features of a reel is the music. It makes the short-form video more engaging and adds more character to the content. But more often than not it is hard to find good music without copyright issues. Most popular tracks circulating on the internet cannot be used in reels which is why Amper Music is a vital AI tool for reels. This tool creates original, royalty-free tracks which can be used for Instagram reels. Users can choose music from an extensive library and enhance their reels in no time.
6. Otter.ai
Otter.ai stands out as an innovative transcription and captioning tool, harnessing the power of AI to enhance accessibility and engagement. This remarkable tool enables the automatic generation of precise captions, which in turn enhances the quality of your Instagram Reels. The significance of this feature lies in its ability to make your content more accessible to a diverse range of individuals, including those with hearing impairments, ultimately broadening your content’s reach. As a result, you’re not only fostering inclusivity but also expanding your audience and boosting engagement on the platform.
7. Lumen5
Constantly coming up with new ideas for Instagram reels can be a task. But with the help of Lumen5 content creators can come up with new pieces of content in no time. Lumen5 is an innovative AI-driven platform that takes your written content like blogs, articles, or scripts – and seamlessly converts them into captivating Instagram Reels, instantly grabbing your audience’s attention. With a diverse collection of video templates, an expansive media library, and automated editing tools, Lumen5 provides the means to craft visually appealing and shareable content effortlessly.
8. Wavve
Wavve is one AI tool that allows users to add voiceovers to their reels with ease. With this tool, users can save both time and money. Wavve stands out as an innovative AI-driven voiceover solution designed to seamlessly integrate with your Instagram Reels, elevating them with a touch of professionalism. With the prowess of its text-to-speech technology, Wavve opens up a diverse realm of voices and accents, empowering you to craft captivating narrations that effortlessly seize the attention of your viewers. Whether you’re aiming for a charismatic delivery or an informative tone, Wavve enriches your Reels by infusing them with high-quality voiceovers that resonate powerfully with your audience.
9. RiteTag
Hashtags are absolutely vital when it comes to creating Instagram reels. They help people find your reels and also give a boost to your viewership. RiteTag is an AI-driven app that has an in-built algorithm that enables users to find the right hashtags for their reels. At the forefront of hashtag optimization, RiteTag emerges as an AI-powered solution tailored to amplify the impact of your Instagram Reels. Through its intuitive technology, RiteTag unveils a strategic selection of trending and potent hashtags, functioning as a guiding compass for enhancing the visibility and discoverability of your content.
10. Cortex
Cortex is an AI-driven tool for Instagram Reels that offers data-based insights and suggests trending themes, helping you create content that truly connects with your audience.By harnessing the power of AI-derived concepts, Cortex empowers you to maintain a cutting-edge stance, consistently delivering content that strikes a chord with your intended viewers. Unveiling a landscape of trending topics, this tool not only propels your creative endeavors but also ensures alignment with your target audience.
In the realm of modern digital content, harnessing the power of AI-driven tools to curate compelling Instagram Reels has become paramount. The curation of the top ten AI tools underscores their capacity to reshape content creation. (https://chiringa.com/) By merging automated editing, data insights, and captivating effects, these tools empower users, be it individuals or businesses, to profoundly engage with their audience on this vibrant platform.
We live in a fast-paced world where demands and trends fluctuate more than our heartbeats per minute. Organizations need to find more efficient methods to hire and maintain an efficient workforce that can work in agile environments to catch the pulse of such surges in demand.
Hiring in-house developers or freelancers comes with the burden, time, and resource allocation of finding new talents and then putting them through the entire interview rounds and expecting to find the right candidates who, in turn, should want to join your company too. That is a tediously and painfully slow process with no guarantee of success.
Access to specialized skills
Cost Effectiveness
Faster Time to Market
Skipping the hassle of recruitment
Innovative Approach and Increased Productivity
Core Team Can Focus on Core Competencies
Improved Scalability and Flexibility
Why IT Staff Augmentation is Better than Traditional Hiring
Identifying the problems of traditional hiring, IT Staff Augmentation is seeing a new light of acceptance among small-scale, mid-scale, and even enterprise-grade organizations to fulfil their hiring requirements and keep up with the changing market demands. IT Staff Augmentation services allow organizations to achieve specialized experts, reduce hiring costs per talent, and enhance project delivery. However, if the implementation of IT staff augmentation isn’t to the best of standards, it can cause certain pitfalls too.
Hence it is important to follow best practices for implementing IT staff augmentation and get the most out of its offerings to boost your productivity and efficiency.
Best Practices for Implementing IT Staff Augmentation
Now that we understand the importance and benefits of IT Staff Augmentation, we should look at the best practices for implementing this strategy into your hiring process to build your dedicated development team with highly skilled experts and professionals in various domains.
Identifying Project Requirements and Skill Gaps
Before you start planning your IT staff augmentation strategy, you must properly assess your business’s project requirements. Identify where your team needs to match the services to fulfill that gap. Talk to your project managers, team leaders, and all other important stakeholders to get a clearer idea of the challenge they’re facing with the project. Once you get a complete overlook of the challenges your project is facing, you will be clear in your head about what talents you need to hire and what skills you need to look for.
Partner with reputed IT staffing agencies
Now that you are clear about what you are looking for, next comes where to look for such talents. There are many IT staffing agencies that would try to lure you into availing of their services, claiming insane discounts or a wide pool of developer availability. However, you should always check a few things before considering any IT staffing agency as a viable option.
Check for work history, track record, industry reputation, cultural values, legal and compliances, and other important aspects to identify the service provider that aligns with your business ethos and goals. Remember, you would probably be working with these people for longer durations; hence it is important to check if their work ethics align with yours and ensure the in-house and extended teams work together peacefully.
Define Objectives and Expectations Clearly
Setting clear objectives and expectations is necessary for an efficient augmentation strategy. When you hand over the project requirement document to potential IT staffing providers, they get a quick insight into the project scope, type, timeline, and expected outcomes. This helps ensure everyone is on the same page about project ownership, accountability, and deliverables.
This will help avoid misunderstandings and resolve conflicts while working on the project. You should also constantly communicate and track the progress of the workload to ensure project success. It is better to choose an IT staff augmentation company with a dedicated development team that provides sprint updates and complete project transparency, keeping you in the loop.
Seamless Staff Augmentation Integration Strategy
How you integrate the augmented staff into your workforce will play a significant role in the success or failure of your staff augmentation effort. You need to ensure the in-house team understands the need for external developers to work on modules they need help completing. You need to make both teams feel valued, clearly define their roles and responsibilities, facilitate room for collaboration, and build a cohesive working environment for everyone. Make sure also to have policies for inclusivity and a healthy work environment.
Training and Skill Development
Although most developers acquired through staff augmentation are experienced and might have relevant industry experience to yours, too, there’s still some level of training and skill development you need to invest in to ensure they are more valuable assets to your firm. This includes spending on their workshops, courses, or any source of training that helps them expand their skills.
Also, a continuous learning culture promotes healthy competition between peers, in-house or extended teams. Pursuing developers to gain certifications and continuous training can guarantee the building of a strong, talented, and robust team of solution architects.
Ensure Data Security and Privacy
Data security is a very important consideration to keep in mind when working with external developers since you are giving them access to business-sensitive data and records. Hence it is a best practice to have stringent measures to protect sensitive data and intellectual property. Always make sure they sign an NDA before starting any work. Regular audits and compliance checks should be conducted, and coding standards should be maintained per secure coding styles.
Conduct Routine Performance Audits
Performance checks and audits are mandatory always to have an idea of the results your IT staff augmentation efforts are generating. Provide constructive feedback and identify areas of improvement together with the internal and augmented team. Recognize and reward outstanding contributions to boost morale and motivation. You should also conduct individual performance evaluations, team performance evaluations, and other such evaluations to understand better where your team stands and where it can improve.
Establish effective Project Management and Communication Channels.
Project Management should be smooth and seamless when working with extended teams. Make sure to assign a dedicated project manager to act as a bridge between the augmented team and the core team. Conduct regular project meetings, status updates, and other important meetings to ensure everyone on the team is on the same page, and no work remains untouched or double worked.
Final Words
These are some of the best practices to remember when implementing your IT staff augmentation strategy. Remember to prioritize your in-house team and make them feel valued and welcomed by the extended team. Do your research and build your extended team in a way that complements your project and doesn’t create conflicts with your in-house team.
Author bio:
Ronak Patel is a CEO and Founder of Aglowid IT Solutions, an ever-emerging Top Web and Mobile App Development company with a motto of turning clients into successful businesses. He believes that Client’s success is company’s success and so that he always makes sure that Aglowid helps their client’s business to reach to its true potential with the help of his best team with the standard development process he set up for the company.
In a recent installment of the thought-provoking lecture series ‘Life, Science, and Everything,’ Dr. Shekhar Mande, a distinguished scientist and former Director General of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, looked into a variety of crucial topics. One particularly intriguing aspect of his discourse revolved around a survey. The survey focused on the subject of human extinction and provided some remarkable insights.
During his presentation, Dr. Mande highlighted the insights provided by domain experts who have scrutinized the potential causes of human extinction. Artificial intelligence emerged as a compelling and thought-provoking contender for the primary factor behind such an event. This concept stirred contemplation about the implications of advanced AI systems and their possible outcomes for humanity.
Furthermore, the discourse extended to discuss another grave concern, the specter of nuclear conflict between nations. Dr. Mande emphasized that this perilous scenario, often fueled by political tensions and global power dynamics, could potentially lead to dire consequences for the human species.
On a related note, the lecture touched upon the threat posed by virulent viruses like SARS-CoV and its kin. Dr. Mande elucidated the vulnerability of humanity to such pathogens and their potential to spark widespread devastation, urging the audience to consider the importance of preparedness and vigilance in the face of these microbial adversaries.
In this very informative lecture series, Dr. Mande’s insights served as a clarion call for humanity to contemplate the potential trajectories that lay ahead. His exploration of artificial intelligence, nuclear conflict, and viral threats invited contemplation about the delicate balance between progress, security, and the preservation of our species.
Humans have come a long way with science and technology, making awesome things like computers that think like us, which we call AI. But as we get smarter, some worrying thoughts pop up. Could AI end up causing big problems for us and even making us extinct? We have studied and found out a few major reasons that might cause human extinction.
The rise of Smart Computers
AI sounds fancy, but it’s really about computers being super smart. These smart machines are everywhere now, they help doctors, drive cars, and even tell you what shows to watch. They’re great for making our lives easier, but we need to be careful.
AI’s accidental mistakes
The big worry is that super smart AI might do things we don’t want. Imagine a computer trying to do its job super well, but it ends up doing something really bad for us. It’s like when a helpful robot spills juice everywhere because it tried too hard to pour it perfectly. In the same way, AI could do things that hurt us without even meaning to.
AI and really bad wars
Now, think about big, dangerous wars with lots of bombs. If we let AI control those bombs, things could get out of hand. AI might misunderstand something and set off bombs by mistake, or bad people might hack into AI systems and cause a disaster. That’s why we need humans to always be in charge of these dangerous things.
Sickening viruses in a small world
We live in a world where people and ideas travel really fast. That’s awesome, but it also means diseases can spread quickly. Even though doctors are doing their best, a super strong and contagious virus could show up and spread everywhere. This could make lots of people very sick, and that’s a big worry.
What we can do
To make sure AI doesn’t cause our problems, we need to be careful when building it. We should teach AI what’s right and wrong and make sure it understands us well. And when it comes to dangerous stuff like bombs, humans should always have the final say. For viruses, we need to keep working on good healthcare and be ready to act fast if something bad happens.
AI has the power to make our lives better, but we have to be smart about how we use it. We need to keep an eye on AI so it doesn’t accidentally hurt us. And when it comes to really dangerous things, like bombs and viruses, we need to remember that human control is super important. By being careful and making good choices, we can make sure that AI doesn’t lead us down a scary path to extinction. The future is in our hands!
The future financial stability of OpenAI, the upcoming AI studio known for its contributions to conversational AI, appears to be facing significant challenges. OpenAI’s flagship AI chatbot, ChatGPT, has gained popularity for making AI discussions accessible to non-technical individuals.
The cost of maintaining just one of OpenAI’s AI services, such as ChatGPT, reportedly amounts to a whopping $700,000 per day. This considerable operational expense has put a strain on the studio’s financial resources. Despite their efforts to generate revenue through initiatives like the monetization of models like GPT-3.5 and GPT-4, OpenAI has yet to break even financially. This has created a pressing and concerning situation for the company’s financial health.
OpenAI, under the leadership of Sam Altman, has played a pivotal role in popularizing generative AI and enabling conversations between AI and the general public. Nevertheless, their financial struggles, driven by the substantial operational costs of maintaining AI services like ChatGPT, have led to questions about the company’s future viability.
Despite its promising start and rapid early adoption, OpenAI’s ChatGPT has experienced a gradual decline in its user base over the past few months. According to data from SimilarWeb, the user base for ChatGPT’s website decreased by 12% in July 2023 compared to the previous month. This decline is reflected in the numbers, dropping from 1.7 billion users to 1.5 billion users in that timeframe. It’s important to note that these figures only pertain to users visiting the ChatGPT website and do not consider users accessing OpenAI’s APIs, which is a significant aspect of its usage.
A contributing factor to this trend is OpenAI’s own API offerings. Initially, there were concerns among various companies about their employees using ChatGPT, leading them to discourage its use. However, these same companies have now opted to purchase access to OpenAI’s APIs and are developing their own AI chatbots personalized to different workflows.
One challenge that OpenAI faces is the presence of several open-source large language model (LLM) models that are freely available. These models can be repurposed without encountering licensing constraints. This flexibility allows organizations to customize and adapt the models to highly specific use cases, which might align more closely with their requirements compared to a more generalized service like ChatGPT.
OpenAI’s decline in user base for ChatGPT’s website, coupled with the growing trend of companies opting for their APIs to build custom solutions, has underscored the evolving landscape of AI chatbots and the availability of open-source alternatives that can be fine-tuned for specific needs.
Is there a conflict between Sam Altman and OpenAI?
The evolving dynamics at OpenAI, coupled with Sam Altman’s recent statements, paint a multi-faceted picture. While Altman’s focus may not be centered on profits, OpenAI’s strategic direction indicates a greater emphasis on financial sustainability. Despite ongoing investments to enhance the capabilities of their GPT language models, Altman has publicly highlighted the potential risks of unregulated AI, advocating for regulatory guidelines.
Altman’s expressed concerns extend to the necessity of establishing clear frameworks for AI development. He has expressed apprehensions about the current trajectory of AI, foreseeing the possibility of significant job displacement due to automation.
Some industry experts speculate that Altman’s stance on AI reflects a level of introspection, paralleling the notion of a “Frankenstein moment.” This suggests that, while not necessarily regretful, Altman acknowledges the complexities and challenges inherent in AI’s evolution.
Nevertheless, OpenAI has been proactive in exploring innovative avenues to monetize its GPT-4 LLMs. Despite these efforts, the company has yet to achieve profitability, incurring losses of $540 million since the inception of ChatGPT.
Financial support from Microsoft, which invested $10 billion, along with contributions from other venture capital firms, has sustained OpenAI’s operations thus far. The ambitious goal of $1 billion in 2024 appears challenging, given the mounting financial losses.
Sam Altman’s acknowledgment of the substantial operational costs associated with running OpenAI and specifically ChatGPT underscores the financial challenges the company faces. Operating ChatGPT reportedly comes with a daily expense of around $700,000, which is currently being covered by investments from Microsoft and other recent backers. However, the need to cover such ongoing costs, coupled with the urgency to generate sufficient revenue, poses a potential difficulty for OpenAI’s sustainability if a turnaround is not achieved.
While giants like Google and Meta are often seen as OpenAI’s main rivals, Elon Musk’s involvement through his company xAI also deserves attention. Musk has a history of AI involvement, primarily through his work with Tesla. However, the success and popularity of ChatGPT prompted Musk to make significant moves in the AI space. Notably, he announced his intention to create a competing chatbot named “TruthGPT.” This project aims to address biases and reduce instances of generating inaccurate or “hallucination-prone” content, which has sometimes been a concern with AI-generated text.
Furthermore, reports indicate that Musk invested heavily in his AI endeavors. He purchased over 10,000 NVIDIA GPUs at a cost of $10,000 each, totaling over $10 million spent solely on GPUs. This significant hardware investment is coupled with the expenses related to manpower, data center operations, and the resources required to train xAI’s algorithms.
In today’s changing world, finding the right school for our kids is really important for parents. Skoodos is a new kind of website that helps parents choose the best school for their children based on what the child likes. It’s like having a good friend who knows a lot about schools and can suggest the best ones.
We got a chance to interview the co-founder, Shruti Verma, who made Skoodos, and learn more about how it works, the problems they’ve solved, and how it’s making a big difference in helping parents pick the right school. This interview gives us a special look into how Skoodos is changing the way we decide which school is best for our kids.
Introduction to the founder by herself
I am Shruti, co-founder of Skoodos. It went way before, and I think it went long, long ago. I started working when I was 16. Just 16. I started interning with an NGO. Then, at 18 years old, I started fully working with my mom. She has a background in social development. She has worked with women’s empowerment, skill development, and a lot of other things. And that’s how I started working full-time. And I was the youngest to do an MBA in my entire batch. I’ve done an MBA in international marketing and family business from a university in Spain. During my MBA days, I was already consulting for two types of businesses. At 23 years old, in 2019, I started a school management consultancy where we used to take over the management of the school, turn it around with marketing and operational strategies, and give it back to the management. That’s how we realized that there is a gap in the communication that is happening between the schools, the parents, and the students. So basically, every school was doing the same kind of marketing for themselves. And parents were not getting the Fair platform to kind of go around and check what was good for them. So the schools tell you if the kid is suitable for our school or not, right? You have to wait for the waitlist. You have to get into that entire thing. There’s a test, and everything else is also important. But here we wanted to change the entire narrative, wherein the schools should be equipped for the child. The child is perfect. They are different in their own ways. So, schools should be equipped with them. Every child is different, and so is every school. So, the communication cannot be the same. So that’s how we co-founded Skoodos with my mom.
Why particularly Skoodos? What does the name mean?
So Skoodos is basically the short form for ‘school dhundo’. Now we live in India, where spellings are very different in different regions of our nation. That’s why, from school dhundo, it became Skoodos. That’s how the name came into existence. But because Dundo has a different spelling, we live in a nation, we have so many languages. Dundo has a different spelling in every region of our nation. That’s why from school, Dundo, we came Skoodos
Why specifically an education field? Do you have any relevant history in education or anything else?
I am a daughter of a single mother. And for us, when we see education, and for a lot of people, not just me or my mom, education is an enabler. It enables a lot of things in life. Now, when I say education, I don’t mean degrees. I don’t mean colleges or schools. I also mean learning. So, education is very close to my heart. I wanted to do something that actually fulfilled my passion. My work should show my passion. That is one of my biggest rules that I live by. And that’s why education is one of the biggest sectors of our entire venture. Apart from those, we have two more ventures that also work in education only.
How does Skoodos identify the unique potential of each child to help parents find the most suitable school?
So basically, our platform has about 44 filters to filter out schools for kids. So let’s just take kid A and kid B. Kid A is actually very good at math, and Kid B is very good at sports. What we usually do when we think of education, when we think of school, is think of school care results. We think in that manner: what are the schools that result in the 10th or 12th standard, and all of that. But apart from that, our filters actually show a school in all-rounder format. Basically, it shows the history of the principal, who is leading, because it’s very important to know who’s leading an institution. What history do they have? What background do they come from? We have a display of the teacher, their background, what they do, where they come from, what they have studied, and what kind of education background they have. Then we don’t have a list of the top three. We have a list of six toppers. Top six because it should show its range. Then we have the entire information about indoor activities, outdoor activities, and the alumni of the school, what do they do? Right now, entire 360-degree information within a few clicks is what Scooters actually wanted to do, so we wanted to do it, so the entire idea was just to have everything done from the phone. Everything is available with a click of an app. Why should finding school, such an integral part of a child’s life, not be available in a few clicks. And that’s how we launched our app and web app. So that’s the entire conversation around the idea.
As a co-founder and group CEO, what specific strategies have you led for the success of Scooters?
I think the major strategies that we have successfully delivered are our research and development. So, we went into research and development in 2019, and until the lockdown, we spoke to about 400 schools to know what they were doing, to kind of deliver their message to the kids. Potential parents or potential kids. After the lockdown because we could not visit schools right away, at that time, we spoke to about two Lakh parents to understand what they were actually looking for. Do they really want to know just the results? Do they really want to know that if they have just ACS in the class? We spoke to them personally. I have spoken to them, and I realized that the need is much, much deeper than that. So during the entire lockdown, we did RND, our team was also there. So one of the major strategies that we have equipped ourselves with is our research and development area. I mean, that speaks for itself. We have over 20,000 schools registered on our platform right now, and we have over 20,000 million parents on our platform within two years.
So how did you build a trust between parents and school for yourself?
For schools, obviously, there is a team that takes care of the sales part of it and marketing part of it. But rather than selling so we don’t believe in selling anything. What we do is we talk to them, we identify by where the problem lies, we identify the pain areas, and that’s how we speak to them, that this is the need of the art. So after COVID, people were doing digital, they started doing everything digital. But somehow the marketing conversation that needed to be done was not getting done. So that’s how we speak to school. We have a major network, like I told you about, one of our other ventures called Selling Club. That is the major network of education leaders all around the world. So we spoke to them as well. That’s how they are associated with other thing as well. As far as the parents trust is concerned, any consumer, any end user, they require transparency and information. Information that is valid, information that is not going to keep burning their money. So what happens is once you Koibi platform, where I’m not talking about any platform, anything that you’d want to gain access to, you have to pay. So for parents, it is entirely free. We don’t charge parents anything. We don’t charge our end users anything. They get the entire thing. They just have to log in to access the entire information. They can get information. Any number of schools they want to compare, they can compare up to three schools within their own parameters. That’s about it. That’s how we got the trust of it. We have a team that works specifically with parents. They support parents on calls and emails as well, in case any parent is having any issue with a specific requirement. And they want our team to kind of counsel them. That’s also done by ourselves.
What marketing campaigns or strategies has been particularly successful in promoting Skoodos and reaching their appropriate audience?
Lot of! Let’s just say we do a lot of article-based SEO when our team actually does the R&D. Like I said, the R &D is a major part of it. So, we do write a lot of articles. We do write a lot of personalized tips and tricks for parents as well. We do a lot of different engaging activities. So recently we did a competition called Twinkle-Twinkle was it was one of the first competition for preschoolers. So now these kids were aged from two to five, and we had over 500 registration, 500 to 600 registration within a span of 20 days. And these kids participated. These parents participated. And the best part about this competition is that they don’t have to come and perform and the kid does not get a stage fright. They are comfortable in their home. They have to submit a video. We have a jury and they do that. We awarded tuition fees to the first winner, one year tuition fees of the school. So, all of these activities keep going on. These are the marketing strategies that we have. And moreover, I think the basic level of understanding that school is the start of the education at any level, even 10th or twelfth, it kind of takes care of your college choices or even preschool. We have all the schools from all the boards, for all the standards, even virtual schools, so parents get that entire plethora of choices. It is not just restricted to CBSC or state board or residential or just day school. It is every type of school that has been registered.
Is this platform also for special children?
Special education is very close to my heart. I believe in inclusion myself. I am a big, big advocate for it. And yes, it is there for special students as well. Schools can register. Special school can also register. We do have special schools as well. They can register themselves in case there is a normal, not normal in case there is a regular board. So, for example, a school, which also has inclusive studies, they can also register themselves as special school on our platform. They just have to click a tick box and that’s about it. And we do the verification.
Could you share a heartwarming, successful story of a family that founded Idle School?
I think this was the initial days of launching Skoodos. And that was one of the first calls I got on my phone, my own phone, because we registered on Google from my phone. And I got this first call. There was this mum who called us, and she had recently moved from Pune to Ghaziabad. And she called me. She’s like, I know my kid is not that old, but I would like to know my options and I need help to navigate and understand, because this is the first time I’ll ever be searching for school. And I asked her this, that she told me that I have asked everybody; they have their own opinions and all of that. They have their opinion, but it is very limited to their choices, right? It is very limited to them. So I told her, let me help you out. I got her on Zoom call, and this is the first call ever, okay. So this is very important. I got her on Zoom call. I shared my screen and I showed her how to go about it. And I told her that navigate through, understand what is going on. I showed her the parameters and I told her that my team is going to be there till you find a school. So I told her I connected her with my team, and my team actually did it. So the kids admission should have been six months gap, but six months process to find a good school for admission. So she started her process six months before, and she was not on the last minute. Six months, my team supported with every query she had, even talking to the school, even verifying in case there was a school that had not filled up the information entirely. We were after them. That you have to fill up the there is a parent who’s searching for you and stuff like that. I was done. And that was really heartwarming. And another story could be from the thing that I’m talking about. There is this NGO in Gurgaon. So this competition was for Delhi NCR and this NGO has kids from underprivileged background and they wanted to participate. And he told me I will find sponsor and I will pay for the registration fees. I said it is completely fine if you don’t. And he was very reluctant. So the registration fees was 499 and he was reluctant oh, let me do this and if these kids actually win, I’ll be very happy. And I’ll tell you the kind of dedication these six kids had. I saw their videos, I saw how they were introducing themselves and that was really heartwarming. They actually won, by the way. They won the individual talent category. They got vouchers. This is why education entire sector is so important. Imagine giving kids who do not have the opportunity, this opportunity and they could showcase their talent with over what the event happened with 300 people. So yeah, that is how it is. These are two stories
We have also heard about scams in the education sector that happens like fake scholarships, etc. So how do you manage to keep parents and students away from all this?
So what we do is, our entire system is not bombarding with marketing messages or selling messages or we don’t bombard our parents that way. We have a newsletter that happens once a month. We send it to them. We have an official ID. We tell them and there’s a privacy policy. On our entire system, the web app that you see is very robust. A lot of people have asked for the data that we have. But we are very strict with our data. That is one thing. So our data stays with us. We have a privacy policy. We have our Nd signed with the parents when they click login automatically. So we claim and we tell them in the clauses that we will not share their data. That’s one. And with the schools as well. It happens both ways. Safe. Even with schools, their information is safe with us because we sign agreements. We sign non-disclosure agreement with them. Same with parents. So nothing from our side is bombardment or spamming them with messages. We don’t do that.
All right, so we have heard that you have been nominated for 30 under 30 title. So if you get it, what qualities of yourself do you believe helped achieve it?
I think the biggest quality that I have is the passion and dedication. I mean, it will sound very common, but I know the passion and dedication that it has taken to kind of co found about three ventures altogether in one goal. And now we are at six, by the way. So it was always like, ever since I actually could learn about work, I was 16 years of age, and from that time till now, there was not a single day that I was not working. I’m not talking about just sitting on one place and working, but actually working. There was not a day that I was not innovating. There was not a day that I was not actually seeing what could be the growth. So I’ve always been a learner. No matter how old I get, I’ll always be a learner. That entire passion for learning and that entire passion to make it is so driven and it comes from our mother. I think that is the thing that comes from our mother. So, yeah, those are the qualities, I think, that will help me become 30 and then 30 that road.
So do you have any visionary plans for Skoodos in the future, like initiatives or projects or funding?
So in terms of funding, we are bootstrapped as of now. We do plan to get into the funding, we do plan to get seed funding and all of that. And future goals for Skoodos is that obviously we’d like to go international and our R&D has already started. I think it started last year around March. So, to go international, the RND has already started. So, yeah, we are planning to launch ourselves worldwide so that no page is unturned.
Can you share a memorable moment or a milestone that reaffirmed your belief in Skoodos?
I remember I was talking to a school, a very big school, and we were having a conversation, we were talking about wellness of kids. It was a very normal conversation. Regarding education, mental health and things like that. And that person actually came from a reference and stuff like that. And after that, I think the conversation was done. I mean, a month or so, we did not talk about it, I did not introduce. So I don’t believe in the idea of bombardment. I believe in the idea of need and desire. If somebody needs it, we’ll get it, right? So I don’t push people. I don’t do that. So any of my sales team also do not push people. That’s one thing that I have integrated very well. And after a month or so, my junior gets a call that I want to subscribe to Skoodos. I had a word with Shruti and it is because of her passionate conversation I had with her, it is why I want my school to be displayed on Skoodos. So, yeah, that is memorable. I mean, there have been many, but as a co founder, we hardly get our chances to celebrate wins.
As a co founder, what did you learn in this whole journey?
Oh, so much. I think the biggest lesson that I’ve learned is anybody can have a bad day. Everybody of us actually do have bad days. We do have good days. I think not letting the bad days affect the innerself. So it might be only 4 seconds of your day. 4 seconds; things did not go according to you, and it can ruin your entire mood. So I’m a big perfectionist. I was. Now I’m trying to learn that perfection is not the key of a good leader. It is to be delivered at time. It is to be things that needs to be done will happen. My biggest lesson is perfection might just ruin that path of success because you might delay yourself, because you need something to be so perfect. And nothing is perfect. That’s how the human is to Earth. That entire thing actually makes sense.
In a world where choices are plentiful and making the right decisions for our children is paramount, Skoodos emerges as a guiding star for parents. With its personalized approach and user-friendly platform, it simplifies the complex process of selecting the perfect school for each child. Skoodos’s commitment to understanding children’s preferences and needs, and its dedication to transforming the education selection process, marks a significant step towards ensuring a brighter and more tailored future for the young learners. As we conclude this insightful conversation with the team behind Skoodos, it’s clear that their innovative solution is paving the way for more informed and fulfilling educational journeys for children across the board.
In a strategic and forward-looking step, the Reserve Bank of India has recently taken a significant leap by announcing its intention to integrate artificial intelligence into the domain of digital payments, focusing particularly on enhancing the Unified Payments Interface experience. This amazing initiative, known as “Conversational Payments,” introduces a dynamic and user-centric approach to conducting transactions. The core idea behind this concept is to enable users to seamlessly initiate payments directly within their chat or messaging conversations, thereby transforming routine interactions into instantaneous financial exchanges.
As part of this progressive endeavor, the RBI is also introducing a series of other updates aimed at augmenting the digital payment ecosystem. Among these updates is the incorporation of offline payments using Near Field Communication (NFC) technology through a feature termed ‘UPI-Lite,’ which operates within an on-device wallet. Additionally, the transaction limit for small-value digital payments conducted offline is being raised from Rs 200 to Rs 500, while the overall limit of Rs 2000 per payment instrument remains intact. These calculated moves are poised to significantly extend and enhance the adoption of digital payments throughout the nation.
RBI’s Governor, Shaktikanta Das, expressed,
“With the objective of adapting new technologies for enhancing the digital payments experience for users, it is proposed to enable ‘Conversational Payments’ on UPI.”
This technology-driven initiative aims to introduce unparalleled convenience and efficiency to the payment landscape, elevating the user experience to new heights.
The industry’s response to this announcement has been overwhelmingly positive. Rahul Jain, the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of NTT DATA Payment Services India, has high expectations for the impact of “Conversational Payments.” Jain foresees a paradigm shift where AI, possibly embodied in the form of chatbots, takes the lead in facilitating real-time conversations between users and payment providers, resulting in swift and secure transactions that seamlessly blend into daily interactions.
Mandar Agashe, the Founder and Managing Director of Sarvatra Technologies, has commended the RBI’s proactive approach. Agashe believes that the introduction of “Conversational Payments” will expedite the adoption of UPI and make digital transactions even more accessible and user-friendly for individuals seeking simplified alternatives to traditional payment methods.
As the RBI spearheads the implementation of AI-driven payment solutions, the financial landscape in India is poised for a transformation that will place the prowess of technology at the forefront of everyday transactions, heralding a new era of seamless and sophisticated financial interactions.
Why is this important?
The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into digital payments through concepts like “Conversational Payments,” as undertaken by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), holds significant importance due to several compelling reasons:
Enhanced User Experience
By enabling users to initiate payments within their natural conversations, the process becomes inherently intuitive and convenient. This user-centric approach reduces friction in financial transactions, making them seamless and hassle-free. This heightened user experience can lead to increased adoption of digital payments among a broader range of individuals.
Financial Inclusion
In a country as diverse as India, where a significant portion of the population is not well-versed in digital technology, simplifying payment processes is crucial for financial inclusion. Conversational Payments make digital transactions accessible to individuals who might find traditional interfaces challenging, thereby bringing more people into the formal financial system.
Boosting the digital economy
The RBI’s move aligns with India’s broader vision of becoming a digital economy. By encouraging the adoption of digital payment methods, the country can reduce its reliance on cash-based transactions, leading to greater transparency, accountability, and efficiency in financial operations.
Encouraging Innovation
Initiatives like Conversational Payments stimulate innovation in the financial technology sector. The integration of AI, chatbots, and NFC technology into payment systems paves the way for a new wave of solutions that not only make transactions easier but also inspire the development of novel financial tools and services.
Efficiency and Convenience
Conversational Payments can significantly expedite the payment process. Instead of navigating through multiple screens and forms, users can seamlessly conduct transactions within their chats. This efficiency translates to time saved and can drive increased usage of digital payments for everyday expenses.
Offline Accessibility
The inclusion of offline payments using NFC technology addresses a common challenge in many regions where internet connectivity can be unreliable. This feature ensures that digital payments can still be made in scenarios where online access is limited, further promoting the adoption of digital methods.
Modernizing Payment Culture
This move aligns with global trends towards adopting technology to simplify financial processes. It encourages a shift away from traditional methods, gradually modernizing the way people think about and conduct financial transactions.
Security and Transparency
Integrating AI and advanced technologies can enhance security measures in payments, reducing the risk of fraud and unauthorized access. Additionally, the digital trail left by such transactions can improve transparency and accountability in financial activities.
Business Opportunities
The integration of AI-driven payment solutions opens up new avenues for businesses to engage with customers. By offering innovative payment methods, businesses can enhance customer engagement and loyalty, leading to potential growth in their operations.
Global Competitiveness
As nations across the world embrace digital advancements, India’s proactive approach to AI-driven payments positions it as a competitive player on the global stage. It showcases the nation’s willingness to adopt innovative technologies and positions it as a leader in the financial technology landscape.
The RBI’s endeavor to integrate AI into digital payments is important because it enhances user experiences, promotes financial inclusion, supports the growth of the digital economy, stimulates innovation, and aligns with the broader goal of modernizing India’s financial ecosystem.
2020 and 2021 taught everyone globally that financial security is not something to take lightly. The COVID-19 pandemic and the economic turmoil that followed made many re-evaluate their financial plans and find ways to become more grounded. As a career woman in 2023, every penny and effort should be to the things that matter. Here are four rules to ensure your finances are in order.
1. Never Let Anything Catch You Unprepared
Always expect the unexpected, whether a financial setback or a significant life event. Start by setting aside an emergency fund equal to three to six months of your expenses. This will give you the flexibility to deal with whatever comes your way without worrying about the financial implications of being unprepared. You should also know where to get quick cash if you find yourself in need of it. Weekend payday loans are ideal options. You can quickly sort out the issue, then pay the loan on your next payday.
2. Spend Less
Spending all you earn is no way to live a financially stable life. You will never have the extra money to save for retirement or build your dream home. Instead, pay yourself first by putting aside money from each paycheck. It will also help you curb impulse buying enabling you to make more thoughtful spending decisions.
To be able to spend less, make lifestyle changes. Control your daily expenses, and look for ways to cut down on things you don’t need. That could include extra cable channels or those expensive coffees from the local cafe. Be sure to pay all your bills on time, as penalties and interest rates add up quickly.
3. Create Multiple Income Streams
No matter how stable, well paying your job is, don’t depend solely on it to make ends meet. Create multiple income streams by investing in stocks and bonds or renting a property. You can also turn a hobby into an income source. Multiple income streams enable you to achieve your financial goals faster. If one of your sources fails, you have something to fall back on.
Passive income sources are attractive and only require a little of your time. They include royalties from books and music, stock dividends, and real estate investments. You can also make money through blogging or creating online courses. Moreover, invest in health and disability insurance. That way, if you become disabled, you can still make an income.
4. Take Advantage of Retirement Plans
Although retirement may seem far away, start planning for it early enough. Taking advantage of tax-advantaged retirement accounts like 401(k)s and IRAs is vital. Search for companies that offer matching contributions to your retirement accounts. This way, you save more money and get closer to your retirement goals. In the end, you’ll be able to achieve financial independence and live the life you desire.
Not every new investment opportunity is a good one. Avoid the get-rich-quick schemes, and don’t buy into trends. Instead, focus on safe investments like savings accounts, money markets, and certificates of deposits. This approach will help you build consistent wealth without taking unnecessary risks. Have a financial advisor on board to guide you in making good decisions. However, don’t beat yourself up if you ever make financial mistakes. Just learn from them and move on.
Sachin Arora, who serves as the Partner and Head of Lighthouse (Data, AI, and Analytics) at KPMG India, brings to the forefront a significant shift in the consulting sector’s approach to generative AI. He thinks about the initial skepticism that the sector harbored towards this technology, highlighting the subsequent transformation in mindset. This evolving perspective is driving pioneering applications that hold the potential to redefine the future landscape of these industries.
In the past year, the consulting and finance sectors have undergone a remarkable shift from initial skepticism to a newfound enthusiasm for generative AI. This transformation is particularly evident in the activities of prominent players like KPMG, one of The Big Four accounting firms. KPMG has taken notable strides by developing an in-house system akin to ChatGPT, leveraging proprietary data to assist its workforce.
Moreover, KPMG’s commitment to a $2 billion expanded AI alliance with Microsoft, announced in July, underscores the company’s dedication to this technological evolution. This follows their earlier declaration in December 2019, earmarking $5 billion over five years for advancements in cutting-edge technologies such as AI.
Simultaneously, PwC has laid out plans to invest $1 billion in the next three years to propel generative AI in its US operations. Teaming up with Microsoft and OpenAI, their ambitious objective involves automating segments of tax, audit, and consulting functions. Numerous teams within PwC are diligently working on diverse AI and generative AI applications, aiming to enhance efficiency, streamline costs, save time, and unveil novel perspectives.
EY, another member of The Big Four, has understood the capabilities of generative AI for specific business tasks, such as handling payroll inquiries. By integrating tax regulations into an AI system, they’ve created a ChatGPT-like interface that delivers instantaneous answers. This beta experiment has proven highly advantageous, resulting in substantial gains in both efficiency and accuracy. Predictably, Deloitte has also embraced the potential of generative AI by launching a dedicated practice to equip its clients with these transformative technologies.
In an exclusive discussion with AIM, Sachin Arora, Partner and Head at Lighthouse (Data, AI, and Analytics) for KPMG India, provides invaluable insights into the initial skepticism that once prevailed, the evolving mindset that’s now taking shape, and the amazing implementations that are actively shaping the future trajectory of these dynamic sectors.
Gen AI in Action
In the recent past, KPMG and Microsoft have forged a collaborative effort to modernize the landscape of professional services by adopting the power of AI solutions, specifically focusing on generative AI. Their collective objective revolves around streamlining client interactions within the realms of auditing, taxation, and advisory sectors. This transformative endeavor involves the strategic integration of Microsoft Cloud and Azure OpenAI services. A substantial financial commitment of $2 billion from KPMG is earmarked for investments in Microsoft Cloud and AI services over a span of five years.
Notably, KPMG’s pursuit of innovation extends beyond its alliance with Microsoft. Earlier this year, a partnership was forged between KPMG and Google Cloud to infuse advanced generative AI capabilities into their operational frameworks. This strategic collaboration capitalizes on KPMG’s proficiency in cloud computing, data analysis, and ethical AI practices, coupled with Google Cloud’s cutting-edge infrastructure and deep-seated expertise in generative AI technologies.
According to Sachin Arora, the Partner and Head of Lighthouse (Data, AI, and Analytics) at KPMG India, the choice of a generative AI service provider is a consequential decision with a multitude of factors at play. Elements such as reputation, customization flexibility, data privacy and security, ethical considerations, scalability, performance, intellectual property concerns, future roadmaps, and cost structures are pivotal in selecting the right provider for generative AI services.
Within the framework of KPMG’s operations, the integration of generative AI revolves around adopting open-source vector embeddings and databases. This strategic approach facilitates the seamless infusion of organizational data into widely adopted language models, expediting responses and enriching interactions. Through this tailored framework, KPMG stands at the forefront of adopting generative AI to enhance customer experiences and operational efficiencies.
Sachin Arora emphasizes that generative AI is precipitating a revolutionary transformation in how consulting and finance enterprises operate across various dimensions. Its impact is discernible through diverse use cases: bolstering customer support through chatbots, enhancing data analysis and predictive capabilities for informed decision-making, leveraging AI-generated content for marketing, and personalizing financial services through custom banking assistance and tailored investment plans. This reflects the multifaceted role that AI is playing in reshaping the landscape of these sectors.
Overcoming Early Hurdles
“The initial reluctance stemmed from data security and privacy worries due to sensitive data involvement, ethical concerns regarding biased or misleading AI-generated content, and the challenge of adhering to stringent regulatory frameworks,” said Arora.
The initial caution displayed by the consulting and finance sectors towards entering the realm of generative AI was underpinned by significant challenges surrounding data security, ethical considerations, and regulatory compliance. The emergence of ethical concerns, particularly pertaining to potentially misleading AI-generated content within financial advice and consulting services, created a backdrop of apprehension due to potential regulatory infringements and reputational hazards. The already intricate regulatory environment further compounded the hesitancy.
However, a remarkable transformation has gradually unfolded, epitomized by trailblazing firms like KPMG. This shift has been catalyzed by the advancement of technology, rendering AI more accessible and user-friendly. The introduction of pre-built AI platforms has facilitated a culture of experimentation, leading to successful execution of generative AI projects. Noteworthy innovations in data management have effectively assuaged concerns regarding data privacy, bolstered by the integration of privacy-preserving AI techniques that ensure secure implementation. The establishment of ethical guidelines and industry standards has played an instrumental role in promoting responsible AI adoption and mitigating ethical quandaries associated with AI-generated content.
Looking to the horizon, KPMG envisions substantial advancements in the domains of generative AI, machine learning, and analytics in the impending months. In the near term, the fusion of generative AI with traditional AI and analytics is poised to notably amplify employee productivity. This integration holds the potential to expedite the introduction of novel products and innovations, consequently disrupting conventional practices in information exchange and dissemination.
