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Screenshots via Instagram Instagram has a fun little secret up its sleeve: a hidden mini-game accessible right within your direct messages. This game turns emojis into playable characters, offering a quick way to unwind while you wait for a response. Read full article

Screenshot via New York Times Games The New York Times Games’ Connections puzzle last Saturday caused a mini uproar among wordsmiths, prompting the newspaper to make a cheeky reference to the oversight on Monday. Read full article

Image generated on AI Got a niggling feeling that your artificially intelligent assistant might know more about you than it lets on? That may not be the program talking, but a worm. With the breakneck advances in technology, researchers are exploring this unsettling scenario and have developed ‘Morris II’, a self-replicating AI malware that targets generative applications like OpenAI’s ChatGPT, Google’s Gemini Pro, and the open-source LLaVA large language model. Read full article

Image via Wix Wix is known for its no-code website tools, but for those who are looking for more immediacy, the tech world has a new hero in its corner: the AI Website Builder. Leveraging artificial intelligence, this new text-to-site tool is designed to make building a portfolio or online store as easy as having a conversation, opening up the tech landscape to anyone, regardless of skills. Read full article

Images via 158459921 © John Poltrack | Dreamstime.com and President Joe Biden When President Joe Biden decided to tackle the sneaky issue of “drip pricing” head-on, little did he know that a peculiar phone graphic—truly putting the “oval” into the Oval Office—would steal the spotlight. Drip pricing, a tactic where the initial low price of a service gets unexpectedly bloated with added fees at the point of checkout, has been under the Biden-Harris Administration’s microscope. By curbing these “junk fees” that not only surprise consumers but also distort the true cost of services, the government is looking to ensure transparency and fairness. Read full article

Ever wonder why some countries drive on the right and others on the left? This seemingly simple question has deep historical roots and is tied to cultural customs and practical considerations, but here’s the long story short. In the early days, almost everyone traveled on the left side of the road. This was particularly convenient for medieval swordsmen on horseback, as it allowed their right arms to be closer to their opponents. However, things changed in the late 1700s with the advent of large wagons pulled by several pairs of horses in France and the United States. The driver, sitting on the rear left horse, preferred other wagons to pass on his left, leading to a shift towards right-side driving. Meanwhile, the British Government, refusing to abandon their left-hand driving ways, introduced the General Highways Act in 1773, encouraging driving on the left. This was later made law with The Highway Act of 1835. As these nations expanded their influence globally, they insisted that their colonies adopt the same driving conventions. This explains why former British colonies like Australia, New Zealand, and India drive on the left, while former French colonies drive on the right. The introduction of the Model T by Henry Ford in 1908, with its left-side driver’s seat, further solidified right-side driving in many countries. This allowed passengers to exit the car onto the curb, influencing a shift to right-side driving in countries like Canada, Italy, and Spain in the 1920s. This intriguing divergence in driving customs continues to be a topic of fascination, prompting discussions about cultural differences and historical influences. But here’s a question to ponder: If given the chance, would you prefer to drive on the left or the right side of the road, and why? Share your thoughts below! Read more: https://www.worldstandards.eu/cars/list-of-left-driving-countries/ https://www.nationalgeographic.com/culture/article/the-right-and-left-stuff-why-countries-drive-on-different-sides-of-the-road https://www.rd.com/article/why-drive-on-different-sides-of-the-road/ https://edition.cnn.com/2024/03/02/business/why-americans-drive-on-the-right-and-the-british-on-the-left/index.html

Image via Spotify Spotify is tuning into the universe’s frequencies with a Song Psychic, promising to answer life’s pressing questions through the mystical art of fortune-telling and the power of song. Whether you’re pondering your future, curious about life’s mysteries, or just wondering what to wear or eat today, Song Psychic is ready to spin the records of fate for you. To experience this musical oracle, users simply need to head to spotify.com/songpsychic on their mobile devices. Once there, they can pose their questions—ranging from romantic dilemmas like “Does my crush like me?” to everyday conundrums such as “What should I have for lunch?”—and wait for this magic eight ball of sorts to reveal the soundtrack to their query. Read full article

Image generated on AI Adobe is hitting high notes with generative artificial intelligence, and not just with the text-to-image Firefly. Its research team, in collaboration with researchers from the University of California, San Diego, has just introduced Project Music GenAI Control, tuning up to streamline audio and music creation. Read full article

Screenshot via Particle News A new player, Particle News, is stepping into the digital media ring, fresh from the minds of some of Twitter’s former engineers. This startup plans to rewrite the rules of news consumption with the help of artificial intelligence. Its surprising inception comes right on the heels of Artifact News—an AI-driven news app by Instagram’s founders—announcing it would shutter in February, just a year after its launch. Read full article

Image courtesy of Adobe Adobe, the brains behind the ubiquitous PDF, is hoping to change the way we interact with documents with AI Assistant, which is coming first to Reader and Acrobat. Read full article

Video screenshot via OpenAI After conquering art with DALL-E and language with ChatGPT, OpenAI is taking on animation and footage with its latest artificially intelligent brainchild, Sora. Borrowing its name from the Japanese word for sky, Sora translates text prompts into videos that last up to 60 seconds. Read full article

Images via Duolingo Duolingo is learning the language of Gen Z and using humor to get them curious about education… as well as to have them dig deep into their pockets. Read full article

Image via Nvidia Nvidia wants to turbocharge the way we interact with artificial intelligence with the introduction of Chat with RTX, a demo app that brings the power of smart chatbots directly to your desktop. This tool, designed for Windows PCs equipped with NVIDIA RTX, allows for local, speedy, and customized generative AI interactions, moving beyond the cloud servers to offer a more personal and immediate AI experience. Read full article

Image courtesy of Adobe Adobe and TikTok have teamed up to make creating cool TikTok videos a whole lot easier, adding the social media giant’s Creative Assistant right into Adobe Express. With the help of artificial intelligence, anyone looking to make their videos pop can use this tool to get their ideas rolling, create the content, and even fine-tune it to catch more eyes. Read full article

Fortnite's "Guardian Lin Skin" is surging online for a few reasons: Year of the Dragon celebration: Released just ahead of the Lunar New Year (Year of the Dragon), this skin resonates with cultural significance, drawing attention from players celebrating the holiday. Unique design: Featuring intricate gold, emerald, and black details with a majestic dragon accessory, the skin stands out aesthetically, sparking discussions and admiration among fashion-conscious players. Rarity and demand: As a "Rare" rarity skin, Guardian Lin offers a balance of affordability and exclusivity, further driving its desirability and online presence. Promotional timing: Epic Games released the skin strategically alongside other Year of the Dragon cosmetics, generating a cohesive themed collection and amplifying overall buzz. Social media engagement: Content creators are showcasing the skin in gameplay videos and images, fueling social media conversations and sharing its appeal with wider audiences. Whether celebrating the Lunar New Year or simply seeking a stylish addition to their collection, players are gravitating towards the Guardian Lin Skin, making it a hot topic in the Fortnite community. Check out the top search results on Epic Games: Fortnite's "Guardian Lin Skin"

The curtain just closed on the drama and dazzling vocals of the 2024 Sanremo Music Festival, leaving Italy and the Eurovision community abuzz. #Sanremo2024 trended heavily as Marco Mengoni's ballad "Due Vite" stole the hearts of voters, securing victory and the right to represent Italy at Eurovision. However, controversy simmered alongside celebration, with discussions sparking about voting irregularities, surprise twists, and the performance of fan favorites like Annalisa and Giorgia. Social media is flooded with analysis, reactions, and memes, solidifying Sanremo's place as a cultural phenomenon and launching Mengoni towards Eurovision glory. #Eurovision #Italy #MusicFestival #Mengoni #Controversy #Voters #Annalisa #Giorgia Check out top search results on Sanremo Music Festival 2024.

WhatsApp users worldwide are buzzing about a brand new feature: blocking spam directly from their lock screen! This long-awaited addition empowers users to combat unwanted messages without even unlocking their phones. Simply long-press a spammy notification, and boom – you can block the sender or report them as spam with a tap. This news has sparked excitement across social media, with users praising the increased control and applauding WhatsApp's efforts to combat the growing issue of email spam infiltrating messaging platforms. Search terms like "WhatsApp block spam," "lock screen spam blocker," and "WhatsApp update" are surging as users share their experiences and celebrate the enhanced security. #whatsapp #spam #lockscreen #update #security #messaging #antispam #emailspam #usersexcited Check out top search results on WhatsApp • Lock screen • Email spam.

The internet is abuzz with discussions surrounding Uber Eats' latest Super Bowl commercial, but not for the lighthearted reasons intended. The ad, highlighting forgetfulness through celebrity cameos, sparked controversy with a scene depicting a man mistaking peanut butter for peanut-free spread, triggering a visible allergic reaction. Food allergy advocacy groups, including FARE, denounced the commercial for trivializing a life-threatening condition, urging the company to edit the scene. Following widespread criticism, Uber Eats swiftly removed the allergy segment, acknowledging the insensitivity and pledging to be more mindful in future portrayals. This incident highlights the evolving landscape of humor and social responsibility in advertising, reminding brands to navigate sensitive topics with respect and accuracy. #ubereats #superbowl #peanutallergy #FARE #commercial #controversy #sensitivity #advertising Check out the top search results for Uber Eats peanut allergy commercial.

The 2024 Lunar New Year, Year of the Dragon, has ignited excitement for Lego's celebratory sets, propelling the iconic brand and mythical creature into online trends. "Lego Lunar New Year Dragon" searches are soaring, driven by the release of several enchanting sets designed for all ages, as well a giant sculpture it constructed with 8,000 bricks in Canada. The vibrant "Auspicious Dragon" captures the zodiac animal's spirit with a poseable body and festive base, while larger models like "Festival Calendar" depict traditional gatherings with dragon decorations. Check out top search results for LEGO • Lunar New Year • Dragon.

Football fans and snack enthusiasts are buzzing online ahead of Super Bowl LVIII, with Frito-Lay, PepsiCo's snack powerhouse, taking center stage. Their "Taste of the Super Bowl" campaign is fueling the excitement, featuring specially marked chip bags with confetti and a chance to launch the real confetti at the game. Iconic brands like Lay's, Cheetos, and Doritos are featured in the campaign, tapping into fans' nostalgia and love for classic game-day pairings. The "Frito-Lay Chip Strip" experience in Las Vegas adds another layer of buzz, offering immersive activities and photo opportunities tied to their beloved snacks. This strategic marketing blitz leverages the Super Bowl's massive reach to solidify Frito-Lay's position as the go-to snack provider for America's biggest sporting event, driving online discussions and sales of their iconic FRITOS and other popular brands. Check out the top search results for Frito-Lay • Super Bowl • PepsiCo, Inc • Snack • FRITOS.

With the Super Bowl fast approaching, excitement is spiking online as fans gear up for the gridiron showdown. A key element to any Super Bowl party is the food spread, and this year, dipping sauces are taking center stage. Searches for "Super Bowl dips" and "game day sauces" are skyrocketing, with recipe blogs, food influencers, and even major retailers sharing innovative and mouthwatering concoctions. Whether it's classic favorites like queso and spinach artichoke dip, or trendy twists like Korean BBQ pulled pork dip or vegan buffalo cauliflower bites, there's a dip for every taste bud. The focus on dipping sauces reflects the desire for interactive party snacks that encourage socializing and sharing the festive spirit, making the Super Bowl a memorable culinary experience alongside the thrilling game itself. Check out the top search results for Super Bowl • Dipping sauce.

The gaming world buzzes with a curious combination of names: Xbox, Nintendo, Epic Games, and Donkey Kong. This unlikely foursome is trending due to several intriguing developments: Xbox Game Pass rumors: Whispers of Donkey Kong potentially joining the ever-expanding Xbox Game Pass library ignite fan excitement. #XboxDKong and #GamePassDreams flood social media with speculation about licensing deals and the iconic ape's future. Epic Games' desire for Nintendo collaboration: Recent interviews reveal Epic Games' long-standing wish to bring Nintendo characters, including Donkey Kong, to Fortnite. #FortniteNintendo and #EpicWantsDKong spark discussions about potential crossovers and the challenges of such collaborations. Nintendo's enduring popularity: Donkey Kong's timeless appeal fuels online conversations, with #DonkeyKong trending organically as fans share memes, artwork, and nostalgic memories of the beloved character. This convergence of rumors, aspirations, and enduring affection positions Xbox, Nintendo, Epic Games, and Donkey Kong at the forefront of online gaming discussions, leaving gamers eagerly awaiting further developments. Check out the top search results for Xbox • Nintendo • Epic Games • Donkey Kong

The "Taylor Swift • Super Bowl • Travis Kelce" conversation continues to heat up online. Here's why: 1. Kelce's big win and Swift's potential attendance: Despite conflicting reports about her presence, fans remain captivated by the possibility of Swift cheering on Kelce and the Kansas City Chiefs to victory. Speculation swirls, fueled by #SuperBowlSundayTaylorsVersion and #KelceSwiftBowl. 2. Swifties celebrate the "Taygate" phenomenon: Fans who hosted "Taygate" parties, blending football festivities with Swift's music, share photos and stories online, showcasing their unique blend of fandom. #Taygate trends as Swifties celebrate the crossover phenomenon. 3. Romance rumors fuel social media buzz: The couple's low-key relationship continues to draw interest, with fans analyzing every interaction and searching for clues about their Super Bowl experience. Hashtags like #KelceSwift and #CoupleGoals keep the chatter alive. 4. Anticipation for Swift's new album: With rumors of a new album release swirling, fans weave connections between Swift's music and the Super Bowl, adding another layer to the already multifaceted online discussion. Overall, the "Taylor Swift • Super Bowl • Travis Kelce" topic remains trending due to a combination of ongoing speculation, fan-driven celebrations, and a dash of romantic intrigue, keeping both Swifties and football fans engaged. Check out the top search results for Taylor Swift • Super Bowl • Travis Kelce.

The "Apple • Super Bowl" topic surges online as the dust settles on Super Bowl LVIII, fueled by two key developments: Usher's electrifying Halftime Show, sponsored by Apple Music: Fans are dissecting the performance, praising Usher's energy and setlist, with #AppleMusicHalftimeShow and #Usher trending. Speculation about the 2025 Halftime Show: With Apple Music securing naming rights for multiple years, rumors fly about potential future performers, igniting fan theories and discussions under #SuperBowlLIX and #HalftimeShow. This combined buzz keeps "Apple • Super Bowl" trending, showcasing the brand's successful integration into the NFL's biggest stage. Check out the top search results for Apple • Super Bowl.

As Lunar New Year festivities approach, a unique collaboration between messaging giant WhatsApp and renowned Feng Shui master Thierry Chow sparks online buzz. Seeking to enhance communication and fortune in the year ahead, Chow offers personalized WhatsApp usage tips for each of the 12 zodiac animals. This #CNY-themed partnership ignites interest, blending Eastern tradition with modern technology. Users share the #Zodiac-specific advice, sparking discussions about communication styles, cultural practices, and the potential influence of Feng Shui on their digital interactions. Whether seeking deeper connections or simply intrigued by the unconventional approach, netizens keep the #WhatsApp and #FengShui conversation flowing, making this collaboration a trending topic. Check out the top search results for Feng shui • WhatsApp • Dragon • Chinese Zodiac • Thierry Chow.