Year: 2023

  • Samsung Could Dump Google for Bing: A Shocking Move?

     

    In recent news, it has been reported that Samsung is considering dropping Google as the default search engine on its smartphones in favor of Microsoft’s Bing. This potential move has sent shockwaves through the tech industry, as Google has long dominated the search engine market and is widely regarded as the default search engine for most people.

    According to the New York Times, Samsung’s potential switch to Bing is being driven by Microsoft’s AI-powered search technology, which promises more accurate and relevant search results. Samsung has already integrated Microsoft’s AI assistant, Cortana, into its devices, so it makes sense that the company would consider Bing as a replacement for Google.
    This news has no doubt caught Google off guard, as it has been working on its own AI-powered search technology to compete with rivals like Microsoft. In fact, Google has launched an initiative called “Magi,” which aims to protect its $162 billion search business from competitors that are leveraging AI chatbot technology. The company plans to eventually release an all-new search engine and make AI-related tweaks to its current search product in the meantime, according to internal documents seen by the New York Times.
    So, what would this move mean for Samsung users? Well, it’s hard to say for sure, but there are a few potential implications. For one, Bing may offer more accurate and relevant search results thanks to its AI technology. This could be a big selling point for Samsung, as users are always looking for ways to quickly and easily find what they’re looking for online.
    On the other hand, Bing is not as widely used as Google, and some users may be hesitant to switch to a new search engine. Additionally, there are concerns about privacy and data collection when it comes to search engines, so Samsung will need to reassure users that their data is being handled responsibly if they decide to make the switch to Bing.
    Overall, it’s still unclear whether Samsung will actually make the move to Bing or not. The company has not yet made an official statement on the matter, and it’s possible that negotiations are still ongoing. However, if Samsung does decide to make the switch, it could be a major shakeup in the search engine market, and it will be interesting to see how Google and Microsoft respond.

  • James Zhong Sentenced to One Year and One Day in Prison for Stealing 50,000 BTC

     

    The Silk Road marketplace was one of the largest online marketplaces for buying and selling illegal drugs and other contraband. In 2014, it was shut down by the authorities and its founder, Ross Ulbricht, was sentenced to life in prison. But before it was shut down, the marketplace had attracted a lot of attention from the media and the public, and it was also a target for hackers.

    One of those hackers was James Zhong, who managed to steal 50,000 BTC from the marketplace in 2012. Zhong successfully concealed the stolen Bitcoin for almost nine years, but he was finally caught and charged with one count of wire fraud last year.

    Now, Zhong has been sentenced to one year and one day in prison for his crime. This sentence may seem light given the magnitude of the theft, but it is important to note that Zhong pleaded guilty to the charge and cooperated with the authorities. Additionally, he has already spent almost $16 million of the stolen assets on real estate investments, luxury hotels, nightclubs and Lamborghinis, so he has already suffered a significant financial loss.

    This case is a reminder that even though cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin can be anonymous and difficult to trace, they are not completely immune to law enforcement. The authorities have become increasingly adept at tracking down and prosecuting those who use cryptocurrencies for illegal activities, and this case is just one example of their success.

    It is also a reminder that there are risks involved in investing in cryptocurrencies, especially if you do not take proper precautions to secure your assets. While the blockchain technology behind Bitcoin is secure, the exchanges and wallets used to buy, sell and store cryptocurrencies are vulnerable to hacking and theft.

    James Zhong’s sentencing is a reminder that crime doesn’t pay, especially in the world of cryptocurrencies. While Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies offer many benefits, they also come with risks that investors need to be aware of. It is important to take precautions to protect your assets and to only use cryptocurrencies for legal activities.

  • Hacking the Habit Loop: How to Break Bad Habits and Establish Good Ones

    Are you struggling to break a bad habit or establish a good one? Understanding the habit loop can be the key to making lasting change. The habit loop consists of three steps: cue, routine, and reward. By identifying the cue that prompts a particular habit, modifying the routine, and finding a new reward, you can establish a new habit and break the cycle of the old one.

    Understanding Habit Loops

    The habit loop is a three-step process that explains how habits are formed and maintained. The three steps are:

    Cue or Trigger: The first step is the cue or trigger, which is something that prompts you to start a particular behavior or habit. It can be anything from a specific time of day to a particular location, a person, an emotion, or a certain action.

    Routine: The second step is the routine, which is the actual behavior or habit that you engage in. It can be a physical action, a thought, or an emotion that you experience.

    Reward: The third step is the reward, which is the positive outcome or feeling that you get as a result of engaging in the routine. This positive outcome reinforces the habit loop, making it more likely that you will engage in the same behavior or habit in the future when you encounter the same cue or trigger.

    Hacking the habits

    Here are some habit hacks to help you break bad habits and establish new ones:

    Start small: Trying to change your entire routine all at once can be overwhelming. Start with a small change that you can easily incorporate into your daily life. Once that becomes a habit, gradually increase the difficulty.

    Starting small is one of the most important habit hacks when it comes to breaking bad habits and establishing new ones. When you try to change your entire routine all at once, it can be overwhelming and difficult to sustain. Starting small, on the other hand, allows you to make progress without feeling overwhelmed.

    So, how can you start small when it comes to breaking bad habits or establishing new ones? Here are a few tips:

    1. Identify your goal: Start by identifying the habit you want to break or the new habit you want to establish. Be specific about what you want to achieve.
    2. Break it down: Once you’ve identified your goal, break it down into smaller, more manageable steps. For example, if your goal is to exercise more, start by taking a short walk around the block each day instead of trying to run a 5K right away.
    3. Choose a small habit: Choose a small habit that you can easily incorporate into your daily routine. For example, if you want to establish a habit of meditating each day, start with just a few minutes of meditation each morning.
    4. Gradually increase difficulty: Once your small habit becomes a regular part of your routine, gradually increase the difficulty. This will help you avoid feeling overwhelmed and give you a sense of accomplishment as you make progress.
    5. Celebrate progress: Celebrate each small step along the way. Acknowledge the progress you’ve made and use it as motivation to keep going.

    Starting small can be a powerful habit hack when it comes to breaking bad habits and establishing new ones. It allows you to make progress without feeling overwhelmed, and it helps you build momentum over time. So, if you’re struggling to break a bad habit or establish a new one, try starting small and see where it takes you.

    Use positive affirmations: Reinforce the habit you want to establish by using positive affirmations. Repeat a mantra such as “I am a non-smoker” or “I love exercising” to yourself each day.

    One of the most effective ways to establish a new habit is to use positive affirmations. Positive affirmations are simple, positive statements that you repeat to yourself regularly to reinforce positive beliefs and behaviors.

    Positive affirmations work by changing the way you think and feel about yourself and your habits. When you repeat a positive affirmation, you are programming your subconscious mind to believe that it is true. This can help you establish a new habit and maintain it over time.

    To use positive affirmations, start by identifying the habit you want to establish. Then, create a positive affirmation that reinforces that habit. For example, if you want to establish a habit of regular exercise, you might create an affirmation such as “I love exercising and feel great after each workout.”

    Once you have your affirmation, repeat it to yourself several times each day. You can do this in the morning when you wake up, before bed, or anytime throughout the day when you need a reminder. The key is to repeat your affirmation regularly and consistently.

    When using positive affirmations, it’s important to make sure they are positive, present tense, and personal. For example, instead of saying “I will exercise more,” say “I love exercising.” This reinforces the positive behavior and makes it more likely that you will continue to engage in it.

    Using positive affirmations can be a powerful tool in establishing new habits and breaking bad ones. By consistently repeating a positive statement to yourself, you can change the way you think and feel about your habits, making it easier to establish and maintain new, positive behaviors.

    In addition to using positive affirmations, it can also be helpful to surround yourself with positive influences and supportive people who can encourage and motivate you to stick to your new habits. Together, these strategies can help you achieve your goals and make positive changes in your life.

    Eliminate triggers: Identify the cues or triggers that lead you to engage in a bad habit, and eliminate them as much as possible. For example, if you tend to snack on junk food while watching TV, remove the junk food from your home or avoid watching TV altogether.

    To break a bad habit, it’s essential to identify the triggers that lead you to engage in that habit and eliminate them as much as possible. Here are some strategies for eliminating triggers:

    1. Avoid or remove the trigger: If you know that a particular food, object, or situation triggers a particular habit, try to avoid or remove it as much as possible. For example, if you tend to snack on junk food while watching TV, try watching TV in a different room or avoid keeping junk food in the house.
    2. Change the environment: Sometimes, changing the environment can be an effective way to eliminate triggers. For example, if you tend to smoke when you’re out with friends who smoke, try to find different activities to do together that don’t involve smoking.
    3. Replace the trigger with a positive one: Sometimes, it’s not possible to completely eliminate a trigger. In those cases, try to replace the trigger with a positive one. For example, if you tend to snack on junk food when you’re stressed, try going for a walk or doing some other activity that helps you relax instead.
    4. Identify alternative responses: If you know that you’re likely to encounter a particular trigger, think about alternative responses that you can use to avoid engaging in the habit. For example, if you know that you’re likely to encounter a lot of stress at work, plan ahead by bringing healthy snacks to work and taking short breaks to do some deep breathing exercises or other stress-relieving activities.

    By eliminating triggers, you can make it easier to break bad habits and establish good ones. It’s important to remember that this process takes time and effort, and that it’s okay to slip up occasionally. The important thing is to keep trying and to celebrate your progress along the way. With patience, persistence, and the right strategies, you can successfully hack the habit loop and make lasting positive changes in your life.

    Use a habit tracker: Monitor your progress and hold yourself accountable by using a habit tracker app or tool. This can help you see your progress and stay motivated.

    Using a habit tracker to monitor your progress and hold yourself accountable is one of the most effective ways to establish a new habit or break a bad one. A habit tracker is a tool or app that allows you to track your progress and measure your success. It can help you stay motivated, focused, and consistent, even when the going gets tough.

    Here are some ways in which using a habit tracker can help you establish a new habit or break a bad one:

    1. It helps you set goals: A habit tracker allows you to set specific, measurable goals for yourself. By breaking your habit into smaller, more achievable steps, you can stay motivated and see progress more easily.
    2. It provides immediate feedback: A habit tracker provides immediate feedback on your progress, allowing you to see how far you’ve come and what areas you need to focus on.
    3. It helps you identify patterns: A habit tracker allows you to identify patterns in your behavior and understand what triggers your bad habits. This can help you make adjustments and find more effective ways to establish new habits.
    4. It increases accountability: By tracking your progress with a habit tracker, you are holding yourself accountable for your actions. This can be a powerful motivator and help you stay on track.
    5. It celebrates your success: A habit tracker allows you to celebrate your successes and see the progress you’ve made. This can help you stay motivated and inspired to continue making positive changes.

    When choosing a habit tracker, look for one that is easy to use, customizable, and offers the features you need. There are many habit trackers available, both online and as mobile apps, so take some time to find one that works best for you.

    Using a habit tracker can be a powerful tool in establishing new habits and breaking bad ones. By providing immediate feedback, identifying patterns, increasing accountability, and celebrating your successes, a habit tracker can help you stay motivated and on track toward your goals. Give it a try and see how it can transform your habits and your life.

    Practice mindfulness: Become more aware of your habits and the triggers that prompt them through mindfulness meditation. This can help you become more intentional about your behavior and more aware of the choices you’re making.

    Mindfulness is a powerful tool for breaking bad habits and establishing new ones. By becoming more aware of your habits and the triggers that prompt them, you can become more intentional about your behavior and more aware of the choices you’re making.

    One way to practice mindfulness is through meditation. Meditation can help you cultivate awareness of your thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations. This awareness can help you identify the triggers that lead you to engage in a bad habit and become more aware of the choices you’re making in the moment.

    To practice mindfulness meditation, find a quiet place where you won’t be disturbed. Sit comfortably with your back straight and your eyes closed. Bring your attention to your breath, noticing the sensation of the air entering and leaving your body. When your mind wanders, gently bring it back to your breath.

    As you become more comfortable with this practice, you can begin to bring mindfulness to other areas of your life. When you notice yourself engaging in a bad habit, pause and take a few deep breaths. Notice the sensations in your body and the thoughts and emotions that arise. This awareness can help you make a more intentional choice about how to respond in the moment.

    Another way to practice mindfulness is to bring more awareness to your daily activities. For example, when you’re eating, take the time to savor each bite and notice the flavors and textures of the food. When you’re walking, notice the sensations in your feet and the environment around you. These small moments of mindfulness can help you cultivate a greater sense of presence and awareness in your life.

    Mindfulness is a practice, and it takes time and effort to develop. Be patient with yourself and approach each moment with a sense of curiosity and openness. Over time, you may find that mindfulness becomes a natural part of your daily life, helping you break bad habits and establish new, more positive ones.

    Remember that breaking a habit or establishing a new one takes time and effort. Be patient with yourself and celebrate your progress along the way. Use the hashtag #HabitHacking to share your success with others and inspire them to make positive changes too.

  • nfinity.io Revolutionizes Creator Economy with Cross-Platform Monetization and Fan Engagement

    nfinity.io is changing the game for creators and fans alike by offering a comprehensive platform that seamlessly integrates various social media platforms. This platform aims to foster a thriving creator economy by providing an environment that enables creators to monetize their content effectively, while offering fans a more meaningful way to engage with their favorite influencers.

    One of nfinity.io most notable features is its ability to support seamless cross-platform interaction. This means that users can easily connect with their favorite influencers on popular platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Twitter, making content discovery and fan engagement much easier.

    The integrated approach to content aggregation that Nfinity.io offers helps creators to reach a wider audience. This allows them to monetize their content more effectively, while providing their fans with an effortless way to follow their favorite influencers without the need to switch between platforms.

    nfinity.io mission to revolutionize the creator economy is quickly gaining momentum, and it’s easy to see why. With its cross-platform support and innovative approach to content aggregation, this platform is changing the way creators and fans interact with each other.

  • The Last Kingdom: Seven Kings Must Die on Netflix

    If you’re a fan of historical dramas, then you’ll definitely want to check out The Last Kingdom Seven Kings Must Die – a standalone feature film and final capstone in Netflix’s British-made TV series. Based on novels by Bernard Cornwell and set in the 10th century, just before the Norman invasion, this epic saga unfolds over six seasons, with each episode packed full of drama, action, and suspense.

    Despite its vast scope and complex plot, The Last Kingdom Seven Kings Must Die manages to keep audiences gripped from start to finish, thanks in large part to its thoughtful and nuanced portrayal of a society composed of pagan Danes and Christian Saxons – and folks who are a bit of both – trying with some difficulty to all get along. The main character, Uhtred, is a mixed-heritage chap who was born a Saxon but raised by Vikings and believes in the Norse gods. As the leader of a community in Northumbria, he must navigate a complex web of alliances and rivalries to protect his people and preserve their way of life.

    One of the strengths of The Last Kingdom Seven Kings Must Die is its attention to historical accuracy and detail. The series does an excellent job of recreating the world of Dark Age Britain, with its complex social hierarchies, political intrigues, and bloody battles. The director, Edward Bazalgette, manages the storytelling efficiently, helped by the display of place names at the beginning of each scene explaining which castle we’re at now, as well as how it was known in the 900s, and the name it goes by now. If you’re a fan of historical accuracy and attention to detail, you’ll love this series – it’s essential viewing for LARP enthusiasts and battle recreators.

    But what really sets The Last Kingdom Seven Kings Must Die apart is its deep and nuanced portrayal of its characters. From Uhtred’s complex mix of loyalties and allegiances to the fanatical convert to Christianity, Ingilmundr, the series presents a rich tapestry of human emotions and motivations. It doesn’t shy away from the darker aspects of Dark Age society, including the treatment of women and conquered enemies with about an equal amount of contempt. The battle scenes, while not quite on the scale of the Lord of the Rings or Game of Thrones franchises, are still pretty spicy and well-staged for something that clearly has a far smaller budget.

    Mark your calendars for April 14, 2023, when the highly anticipated release of The Seven Kings Must Die will make its debut exclusively on Netflix. With its richly drawn characters, attention to historical detail, and thrilling action sequences, this British-made series is a must-watch for fans of the genre. So why not dive in and experience the world of Dark Age Britain for yourself? You won’t be disappointed.

  • ChatGPT: Your Personalized Virtual Assistant Powered by AI

     

    In today’s digital age, having quick and easy access to information is more important than ever before. That’s where ChatGPT comes in – a cutting-edge AI-powered virtual assistant designed to provide personalized responses to a wide range of queries and tasks.

    One of the key benefits of using ChatGPT is its ability to provide fast and accurate answers to virtually any question you might have. Whether you’re looking for the latest news headlines, trying to solve a complex math problem, or just want to know what the weather will be like tomorrow, ChatGPT can help. With its advanced natural language processing capabilities, ChatGPT can understand and respond to your queries in a way that feels almost like chatting with a real person.

    But that’s not all – ChatGPT can also adapt its responses to your specific needs and preferences. By learning from your past interactions, ChatGPT can provide a more personalized experience, tailored to your unique interests and preferences. And because it’s available 24/7, you can access ChatGPT anytime, anywhere – making it a convenient resource for busy professionals, students, and anyone else who needs quick and easy access to information.

    So how can you get started with ChatGPT? It’s simple – just look for the chat interface on websites or messaging platforms that have integrated it. Once you’ve accessed ChatGPT, you can start typing in your questions or queries, and ChatGPT will provide a response based on its vast knowledge and training data.

    If you’re looking for a powerful and personalized virtual assistant that can help you stay informed and up-to-date on virtually any topic, look no further than ChatGPT. With its advanced AI-powered capabilities and 24/7 availability, ChatGPT is the ultimate tool for anyone who wants fast and easy access to information. So why not give it a try today?

  • Transform your Sleeping Money with Versa, the Digital Cash Management Platform

     

    Are you tired of letting your money sleep in a traditional savings account with low returns and restrictive lock-in periods? Look no further than Versa, the digital cash management platform designed to help you achieve financial wellness and grow your savings effortlessly.

    At Versa, we believe in offering our users the flexibility to withdraw their savings at any time without penalties. Plus, with our latest promotional offer, you can earn a net return rate of 4.0%* p.a. on your savings in Versa Cash and/or Versa Cash-i, up to a balance of RM30,000.

    Our platform connects you to globally renowned fund managers who invest and save for you, allowing you to enjoy higher returns without the stress and hassle of managing your finances alone. Whether you’re saving for emergencies or short-term goals, Versa has got you covered.

    Ready to start your journey to financial wellness? Sign up now with my referral code GJU7TDDR, make your first deposit of RM100, and receive a RM10 welcome gift. Download the app at https://download.versa.com.my/1bAf/referral?deep_link_value=GJU7TDDR and start ‘duit-ing’ your way towards a more prosperous future with Versa!

    Don’t wait, this promotion ends on June 30, 2023. Join us now and watch your savings grow!

  • Get Ready to Save Big with Apple’s High-Yield Savings Account

    Apple may soon launch a new Savings account service that will allow users to direct their Daily Cash rewards earned from Apple Card in Apple Wallet into a high-yield account. The service is already active on the backend, and the company is now taking the final steps to launch the service for users. The exact launch date of the Savings account is currently unknown, but it is expected that Apple may follow a similar pattern to the short testing period that it did with Apple Pay Later.

    The Savings account, provided by Goldman Sachs, is one of the last features announced in 2022 that has yet to release. Apple has not provided any official statement regarding the launch, but the fact that the service is active on the backend suggests that it is coming soon. The new service is expected to be seamlessly integrated with the Apple Card and Wallet, offering a convenient and user-friendly experience for customers.

    Apple’s high-yield Savings account is expected to provide customers with competitive interest rates that will allow them to earn more on their savings. With the growing popularity of digital wallets and mobile banking services, the new service is expected to attract a significant number of users who prefer to manage their finances through their mobile devices.

    The Savings account is not expected to be tied to a specific version of iOS, which means that Apple could launch it at any time. Once launched, users will be able to take advantage of the service by directing their Daily Cash rewards into the high-yield account, providing them with a seamless way to grow their savings.

    The upcoming launch of Apple’s high-yield Savings account is expected to be a game-changer in the mobile banking space. The new service is expected to offer customers a convenient and user-friendly experience while providing competitive interest rates. With the increasing adoption of digital wallets and mobile banking services, Apple’s Savings account is likely to be well received by customers looking to manage their finances through their mobile devices.

  • The Digital Payment Landscape in Asia: Thailand, Japan, and Vietnam Struggle to Keep Up

    The push towards a cashless society is happening globally, and Asia is leading the way. However, the region still faces challenges in fully embracing digital payments, with Thailand, Japan, and Vietnam lagging behind other countries in the adoption of cashless transactions.

    According to a recent report, in 2022, Thailand had the highest share of cash in in-person transactions, accounting for 56%, followed by Japan at 51% and Vietnam at 47%. Digital wallet usage in these countries was also relatively low, with Thailand leading the way at just 23%.

    Despite these challenges, the Asia-Pacific region is projected to lead in the use of digital wallets for in-person transactions by 2026, accounting for 59% of the total $36.7 trillion regional point-of-sales market. This is higher than other regions such as the Middle East and Africa, Europe, and North America.

    Japan, however, is expected to have the highest cash rate in the region by 2026 at 37%. This highlights the need for countries to continue to embrace digital payments and for businesses to offer more options for cashless transactions, especially as other economies in the region more quickly adopt digital wallets through superapps.

    The share of digital wallets used in online transactions is also expected to expand in the region, reaching 73% by 2026. This presents a significant opportunity for businesses to adapt to the changing landscape and cater to the growing demand for digital payments.

    As the world becomes more digital, the need for cashless transactions is only going to increase. While some countries in Asia are lagging behind in the adoption of digital payments, there is still significant growth potential in the region. It is up to businesses and governments to continue to work together to make digital payments more accessible, secure, and convenient for consumers.

  • TNG eWallet Kini Boleh Digunakan di China Tanpa Perlu Aplikasi Tambahan

    Lebih daripada 10 juta peniaga Alipay di China kini menerima kod QR Alipay+ daripada TNG eWallet, membolehkan rakyat Malaysia membuat transaksi tanpa wang tunai di China seperti orang tempatan. Ini adalah berita baik kerana anda tidak perlu memuat turun aplikasi tambahan dan cukup memastikan baki mencukupi di dalam TNG eWallet anda.

    Namun, terdapat beberapa kekangan kerana sesetengah peniaga kecil di China mungkin menggunakan kod QR peribadi mereka untuk menerima pembayaran dan kod QR Alipay+ mungkin tidak diterima oleh peniaga Alipay lama. Pada masa ini, pembayaran Alipay+ melalui Touch ‘n Go eWallet tidak menyokong pemindahan peer-to-peer. Kod QR bukan peniaga pada masa ini tidak disokong oleh dompet luar negeri disebabkan oleh sekatan peraturan.

    Untuk menggunakan TNG eWallet anda di China, cukup tekan Bayar dan kemudian geser ke atas untuk menunjukkan kod QR Alipay+ anda seperti yang ditunjukkan di atas. Kemudian pilih China Daratan dan tunjukkan kod QR anda kepada peniaga Alipay. Aplikasi TNG eWallet akan memaparkan kadar pertukaran mata wang asing semasa kod QR dipaparkan.

    Pengguna Touch ‘n Go eWallet kini boleh bertransaksi di China tanpa perlu memuat turun aplikasi tambahan. Walau bagaimanapun, terdapat beberapa kekangan yang perlu diambil kira sebelum membuat transaksi menggunakan TNG eWallet.