Author: Mobile Syrup

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Mobile Syrup

Snapchat’s new AI chatbot exposed for using slurs, gaslighting users

If you haven’t heard already, Snapchat is getting in on the recent AI chatbot craze with its own model known as “My AI.” Now, users are reporting some bizarre and inappropriate behaviour from the chatbot, including its use of racial slurs and even instances of it pleading with users to turn themselves in to the authorities.

Screenshots were posted to Twitter showing My AI responding with an anti-Black slur when asked to create an acronym with the first letter of the user’s corresponding sentence. The chatbot then tried to backtrack by stating that its own answer was against the company’s policy towards hateful content.

Although concerning, this looks more like a case of users baiting My AI into saying something controversial rather than a genuine problem with the chatbot. Many similar instances have surfaced online, with cases of Snapchat’s AI ‘gaslighting’ users.

The first time that the “My AI” conversation is opened, users must acknowledge a disclaimer about the bot’s capabilities and limitations. It reads, “My AI may use information you share to improve Snap’s products and to personalize your experience, including ads. My AI is designed to avoid biased, incorrect, harmful, or misleading responses, but it may not always be successful, so don’t rely on its advice.” 

The strange responses from the bot have taken over the internet, with cases of My AI pleading with users to turn themselves in when they confess to murders and even reacting harshly to bomb threats.

Snapchat’s My AI was developed using OpenAI’s ChatGPT, which has been known to get facts wrong regularly and spread misinformation accidentally. OpenAI founder Sam Altman went on record to say that ChatGPT is a “horrible product.”

While the chatbot’s legitimacy is concerning, Snapchat is being questioned on why it would bring the product to its audience, which often consists of minors. In most of the above cases, inappropriate and fake prompts are given to the bot in order to elicit a similar response.

A Snapchat spokesperson said that users who intentionally misuse the service could be temporarily restricted from using the bot.

Image credit: Shutterstock

Source: @tracedontmiss Via: Vice

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Mobile Syrup

OnePlus Pad costs $649 in Canada

Leading up to the full release of its much-hyped tablet, OnePlus has shared pricing for the new device and its accessories.

The tablet starts at $649 CAD, which is roughly a direct conversion from the $479 USD price. Alongside the tablet, there are several add-ons, like a Magnetic keyboard ($209 CAD), a stylus ($139) and a folio case ($57).

The company already offers some pre-order bonuses, with more to follow on April 28th. OnePlus will also have a few deals with the new tablet, including 50 percent off the OnePlus Buds Pro 2 earbuds or extra discounts if you trade in an older device.

The price of the OnePlus Pad isn’t astronomically high, but it’s a bit more than both base model iPads in Canada and a little less than most modern Samsung tablets. The base iPad with a home button still costs $449, and the new colourful iPad is $599, both undercutting OnePlus. On the flip side, the Samsung Galaxy Tab 7 FE costs $699.

As always, we don’t recommend pre-ordering devices ad instead waiting until the reviews drop to help you get a complete picture of what you’re buying.

Beyond that, the OnePlus has shared that the tablet comes in a new green colour called ‘Halo Green.’ The high-resolution screen has a 7:5 aspect ratio, giving it a squarer shape than most other Android tablets. Like many other OnePlus devices, this tablet also supports fast charging.

As we get closer to Google I/O, where the search giant has all but promised we’ll see the new Pixel Tablet, it’s shaping up to be a very exciting year for big-screen Android users.

Source: OnePlus

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Mobile Syrup

Motorola’s upcoming Razr to have the largest flip phone cover display

While renders of a Lite model have been previously leaked, Motorola has now officially confirmed that its upcoming Razr flip phone will house a 3.5-inch external display, the largest of any flip phone to date.

In a post on the Chinese blog site Weibo, an executive of Lenovo China’s mobile business department confirmed the external display size for the Razr. This would see the upcoming phone’s display overtake the Oppo N2 Flip’s 3.26-inch panel for the largest cover display on a flip phone.

Motorola is already one of the leading providers of quality flip phones, with the Moto Razr 2022 going as far as rivalling the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4. The Lenovo subsidiary is currently working on a Lite and Plus model from its Razr lineup.

For comparison, the alleged 3.5-inch display would be the same size as the first iPhone. Motorola could also have already outdone Samsung’s 2023 offering, with leaks of the Galaxy Z Flip 5 showing a 3.4-inch cover display.

The question becomes, what’s the upcoming Razr going to do with all that space? Hopefully, Motorola is planning some big things to get the most out of the 3.5-inch display, whether it be running apps or increased resolution. Without proper optimization, the record-breaking display could become nothing more than a marketing grab.

There is currently no word on when the upcoming 2023 Razr will release, if at all, in Canada. The second-gen Razr never made its way to Canada, meaning Lenovo could choose to do the same with the 2023 model. The phone will most likely debut in China before arriving in Europe and the US.

For more Motorola news, check out the latest additions to its budget-tier phone lineup.

Image credit: Motorola

Source: Weibo Via: Android Police

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Mobile Syrup

Google might soon let you search Chrome tabs from Pixel home screen

New flags suggest Chrome tabs and bookmarks might soon be searchable directly from your Pixel home screen. First uncovered by LanceAdams on Telegram, the update would make finding and managing websites less of a headache.

The new search capability is likely to make its way to third party launchers and skins as well, according to Twitter user Mishaal Rahman. “AppSearch” is part of a Project Mainline module, which means it can be implemented independent of major Android OS updates.

Google’s Pixel launcher has had a search bar perched at the bottom of the screen for a number of years now. Over time, the search giant has added functionality to make Android search a more robust and useful experience.

For those of us with far too many tabs open at any given time, let’s hope this feature makes its way into a stable release in the near future.

Source: @MishaalRahman Via: Android Police

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Mobile Syrup

OPP says Androids could be behind 911 hang-ups

The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) says it has seen a “significant increase” in 911 calls being hung up, and it might be due to Android’s inclusion of Emergency SOS.

The feature allows Android users to contact emergency services when they press the power button five times.

But now, the OPP is asking Android users to turn the feature off, stating people “could easily dial 911 without knowing.”

This isn’t the first incident that has seen a smartphone mistakenly call 911 services. Several reports show that Apple’s crash detection feature has led to false calls to emergency services. In some cases, the feature was triggered when people were riding roller coasters.

Android users can turn Emergency SOS off by going to Settings> Safety & emergency> turn off the toggle next to Emergency SOS.

Source: OPP Via: Android Police 

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Mobile Syrup

Razer announces new Roblox-branded keyboard, mouse, and headset

Global gaming peripheral brand Razer is teaming up with the online virtual universe Roblox to release the platform’s first co-branded peripherals.

The two are teaming up to bring Roblox-branded Razer BlackWidow V3, Razer Orochi V2 and Razer Barracuda X. In addition to the Roblox-branded peripherals, the collab also gives Roblox players exclusive in-game items along with their purchases.

Each peripheral in the co-branded collection features Roblox‘s logo and comes with an exclusive virtual item that can be redeemed through a code on Roblox.

  • The Razer Orochi V2 – Roblox Edition comes with a virtual Razer Cyberpack
  • The Razer BlackWidow V3 – Roblox Edition comes with a pair of virtual Razer Cyber Wings
  • The Razer Barracuda X Roblox Edition comes with a virtual Razer Cyber Helmet

The new Roblox-branded Razer peripherals will be available starting April 28th at Razer.com, Razer stores and select retailers.

  • The Razer Orochi V2 – Roblox Edition costs $89.99 USD (roughly $122 CAD)
  • The Razer BlackWidow V3 – Roblox Edition costs $179.99 USD (roughly $245 CAD)
  • Razer Barracuda X – Roblox Edition costs $129.99 USD (roughly $177 CAD)

MobileSyrup has reached out to Razer regarding Canadian availability and pricing.

Image credit: Razer

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Mobile Syrup

Spotify reaches 515 million monthly active users

Spotify CEO Daniel Ek has taken to Twitter to announce the latest metrics from the popular streaming company. According to the infographic shared, this past quarter was the most successful one yet for the company in terms of monthly active users (MAU). Clocking in at 515 million, the MAU base grew by 22 percent year-over-year.

Ek also revealed that 210 million users of the platform are now paid subscribers, an increase of 15 percent year-over-year. The quarter, which ended on March 31st, is the strongest Q1 since Spotify went public in 2018.

Spotify doesn’t appear to be resting on its laurels, either. Back in March, the company began the rollout of a new TikTok-inspired interface. And before that, in February, we saw the debut of a new AI DJ to its premium users.

While this is all good news for Spotify, it hasn’t been immune to the layoffs and cost-cutting measures that have characterized tech companies in recent months. Back in January, the company announced a layoff of six percent of its workforce.

Just how effective these cost-cutting measures prove to be in the long run remains unclear.

Source: Daniel Ek

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Mobile Syrup

New on Prime Video Canada: May 2023

Amazon has revealed the full list of movies and TV shows coming to its Prime Video service in Canada in May.

Highlights include Women Talking from Toronto writer-director Sarah Polley, The Whale starring Toronto’s Brendan Frazer and horror fan-favourite M3GAN.

Read on for the full list, including what’s landing on Prime Video’s paid channels.

May 1st

  • Jodi

May 2nd

  • Jimmy O. Yang: Guess How Much? [Amazon Original]

May 5th

  • Hasta La Madre Del Día De Las Madres [Amazon Original]
  • Poker Face
  • Triangle Of Sadness [Exclusive Content]

May 6th

  • M3GAN [Exclusive Content]
  • ONEFC: ONE Fight Night 10: Johnson vs. Moraes III

May 7th

  • Collide

May 10th

  • Bowie: Moonage Daydream [Exclusive Content]
  • Hello Kitty: Super Style! (Season 3) [Amazon Original]
  • La Vida Despues Del Reality [Exclusive Content]

May 11th

Dahaad (Season 1) [Amazon Original]
Ride on Time (Season 5)

May 12th

  • De Viaje Con Los Derbez (Season 3) [Amazon Original]
  • The Enforcer
  • The Legend & Butterfly
  • The Men’s Club Next Chapter [Exclusive Content]

May 13th

  • Igor Guimaraes Comedy Special [Exclusive Content]

May 15th

  • Veeran

May 16th

  • Zarna Garg: One in A Billion [Amazon Original]

May 17th

  • Modern Love Chennai [Amazon Original]

May 18th

  • The Ferragnez (Season 2) [Amazon Original]
  • The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug
  • Neelavelicham
  • Shrek the Third

May 19th

  • The Whale [Exclusive Content]

May 20th

  • Ram

May 24th

  • Bhola
  • James May: Oh Cook (Season 2) [Amazon Original]

May 25th

  • A+ [Exclusive Content]
  • Cold Pursuit
  • Serenity

May 26th

  • Battle On Buka Street
  • The Gryphon [Amazon Original]
  • Libre De Reír [Amazon Original]
  • The Offering

May 28th

  • Women Talking [Exclusive Content]

May 30th

  • Desecration
  • Hustle
  • In Bed with The Pedros
  • Rodeo
  • Sista
  • Tiger’s Tail

Prime Video Channels

  • Bachelor in Paradise Canada (Season 2) on Citytv+ (May 9th)
  • Fear the Walking Dead (Season 8) on AMC+ (May 11th)
  • Prey for the Devil on Starz (May 12th)
  • The Family Stallone on Paramount+ (May 17th)
  • Happy Valley (Season 3) on AMC+ and Acorn TV (May 22nd)
  • Mayans MC (Season 5) on Citytv+ (May 25th)
  • Bupkis (Season 1) on StackTV (May 26th)

Leaving Prime Video in May

  • Wayne (May 5th)
  • Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway (May 7th)
  • Commando 2: The Black Money Trail (May 19th)
  • Naked Singularity (May 24th)
  • Wrong Turn (May 29th)
  • Noor (May 30th)

Find out what came to Prime Video Canada in April here.

Prime Video is included with an Amazon Prime membership, which costs $89/year.

Image credit: Blumhouse

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Mobile Syrup

Surprise! Freedom Mobile is already increasing prices

Much ado has been made about Vidéotron acquiring Freedom Mobile as part of the Rogers-Shaw merger.

Despite all the talk of a fourth national carrier and lower prices for Canadians, Freedom has already logged a price increase since the ownership change.

As spotted by Ben Klass, a researcher for the Canadian Media Concentration Project, Freedom’s 20GB ‘Big Gig Unlimited’ plan went from $40/mo in March to $45/mo in April. On a closer look, it appears what’s actually changed here is the associated credit for customers who bring their own phone, dropping from $10/mo for 24 months to $5/mo for 24 months.

While not technically a price increase, the cost of Freedom plans has effectively increased by $5/mo for new customers who bring their own devices, at least compared to before the acquisition. This increase would impact any Freedom plan with the $10/mo BYOP credit.

Thankfully Freedom’s plans still cost significantly less than the competition (for now). It costs $67/mo or more to get 20GB of data from flanker brands like Koodo, Virgin, or Fido, and the Big Three charge $85/mo for 25GB — Freedom’s 25GB plan costs $50/mo for BYOP customers.

Of course, that leaves room for further price increases. Freedom Mobile’s new owner, Pierre Karl Péladeau, was praised for coming out swinging with plans to undercut the Big Three’s prices by 20 percent — something that Péladeau is bound to do by the agreement he signed with Innovation Minister François-Philippe Champagne. Another part of the agreement is that Freedom must maintain prices for existing customers for at least five years and increase their data by 10 percent.

But that doesn’t stop Freedom from changing prices for new customers, and with the 20 percent rule, Freedom can actually increase prices and still meet the terms of the agreement. For example, the Big Three charge $85/mo for 25GB of data, which means Freedom could charge about $68/mo for a similar plan under the rules of the agreement — an $8/mo increase over the provider’s current plan, not including the Digital Discount or BYOP credits. Klass actually makes this exact point on his blog. And while plan prices are the focus of the agreement, as we’ve already seen, other bonuses and credits are free game.

Source: @BenKlass

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Mobile Syrup

Nearly half of refurbished smartphone sales in 2022 were iPhones

Apple has seen a substantial increase in its refurbished iPhone sales since last year, with the company holding a 49 percent share of the market.

According to research firm Counterpoint, the tech giant’s refurbished iPhone sales grew 16 percent last year, up a staggering 44 percent from 2021. Rival Samsung lagged behind, holding only a 26 percent market share, down from 28 percent the previous year.

Apple has done exceptionally well with keeping its refurbished iPhones a serious option for customers. The iPhones are outfitted with a new USB-C to Lightning cable, an outer shell and even new batteries. The phones also come unlocked and can be used with any carrier, giving users an option that’s close to brand new without having to pay full price.

The popularity of refurbished iPhones is also due in part to Apple’s warranty policy, allowing customers to take advantage of a full year of AppleCare+, which covers batteries and outer shell repairs.

Statistically, India became the leading refurbished smartphone market in 2022, with China taking a backseat due to a 17 percent decline in sales. Emerging markets saw a limited supply of refurbished devices, with consumers allegedly holding on to new smartphones for longer.

The increase could stem from rising component prices and globally high inflation, which impacted the sale of smartphones and created a demand for lower-priced models. However, Counterpoint suggests that the increase could be the start of a trend over the coming years, with trade-in programs becoming a staple choice for customers looking to get more for less.

For more iPhone news, Apple may be testing out a journaling app.

Source: Counterpoint Via: MacRumors