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Roblox

Roblox beta comes to Meta’s Quest VR headsets

In the next few weeks, an open beta for Roblox will be made accessible for Meta’s Quest virtual reality headsets. On Quest 2 as well as Quest Pro, you may test out this Quest edition of Roblox, and according to Meta, Roblox will also function on the upcoming Quest 3.

“Roblox is automatically publishing some experiences that use default player scripts to support VR devices,” Meta writes. “They’ve found that those experiences typically run well in VR without modifications, so they’re seeding the Roblox VR library with great content from day one.”

Source: theverge.com
Roblox
Image Source: thehindu.com

Since there are already over fifteen million engaged interactions available on the site, there ought to be a wide variety to pick from. Additionally, this Quest edition of Roblox will offer multi-platform play, allowing you to engage in interactions with others on Xbox, mobile devices, as well as desktop computers.

Roblox has continuously promoted virtual reality (VR) through PC-based headsets, allowing users to use systems like the HTC Vive, Oculus Rift, along with Valve Index. Through the connection of the headgear to your desktop or laptop, you may even play Roblox the moment on Quest 2.

Also Read: Meta now lets you make video calls using a cartoon avatar

However, the newly released Adventure-optimized edition ought to be simpler to set up and operate as it will ultimately only serve as an app that can be downloaded from the Meta Quest Store. This might lead to an increase in the number of people using Roblox in the realm of virtual reality.

Roblox is a website that lets you interact with games made by other people as well as create and share your games. Once you register, you may talk with other players and play an endless number of games absolutely free. You may pick from a variety of imaginative and enjoyable tasks that are always changing, like murder mysteries, sports, or even combat games.

The in-game money in Roblox is called a Robux. You can employ them for a variety of things, such as custom avatar attire or animations, one-of-a-kind gaming powers, and tools along with additional items. Robux may be acquired in a variety of ways, including through purchases, Premium subscription benefits, trades, and donations.

crypto

What makes a crypto asset a security in the US?

The recent legal actions taken by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) against prominent crypto platforms Coinbase and Binance have sparked a significant debate regarding the classification of digital tokens as securities.

Accusing these platforms of operating illegally and evading disclosure requirements, the SEC’s lawsuits seek to determine whether certain cryptocurrencies should have been registered as securities. As the United States leads the regulatory crackdown on cryptocurrencies, this case becomes a crucial test of the SEC’s jurisdiction over the industry.

Crypto
Image Source: zawya.com

The SEC alleges that Coinbase allowed users to trade at least 13 crypto assets that should have been registered as securities, including tokens like Solana, Cardano, and Polygon.

However, Coinbase and other industry players vehemently deny listing any securities, contending that most cryptocurrencies, which operate on blockchain networks, do not meet the definition of securities under U.S. law.

Industry participants argue that the SEC’s determination of whether digital assets are securities has been vague and inconsistent, making it challenging for market players to navigate regulatory requirements.

Also Read: How to install the macOS Sonoma public beta?

To determine whether crypto assets should be classified as securities, the SEC relies on the Howey Test. This test stems from a landmark 1946 U.S. Supreme Court case involving investors in Florida orange groves.

It established that an investment involving money in a common enterprise with profits derived solely from the efforts of others falls under the definition of an investment contract or security. This precedent empowers the SEC to intervene when investments resemble this type of arrangement, indicating the potential classification of certain cryptocurrencies as securities.

Previous Rulings and Settlements (approx. 120 words): In cases that have reached court, judges have generally sided with the SEC, determining that specific crypto assets are securities. These decisions have been based on developers’ statements linking the value of digital assets to the efforts of others, thereby establishing that investor profits depend on external factors.

Furthermore, courts have concluded that investors participate in a common enterprise when their funds are pooled by the token issuer and used for system development. Many crypto-related cases brought by the SEC have ended in settlements, with companies paying fines and committing to comply with U.S. securities laws, sometimes resulting in companies leaving the U.S. market or discontinuing their crypto projects.

The outcome of the SEC’s case against Ripple Labs over the cryptocurrency XRP holds substantial implications for the classification of crypto assets as securities. Ripple argues that there was no common enterprise involved since the associated blockchain was fully operational before XRP was ever sold.

In contrast, Bitcoin is generally not considered a security due to its anonymous and open-source origins, where investor profits are not dependent on the efforts of developers or managers. The Ripple case’s resolution will likely provide further clarity on the SEC’s stance regarding securities classification.

The ongoing legal battle between the SEC and major crypto platforms like Coinbase and Binance centers around the classification of cryptocurrencies as securities. As the industry calls for clearer regulations and guidance, the outcomes of current cases will significantly shape the regulatory landscape for the U.S. crypto industry.

macOS

How to install the macOS Sonoma public beta?

Apple regularly releases beta versions of its operating systems to allow users to test new features and provide feedback before the official release. If you’re eager to try out the latest macOS Sonoma public beta, follow these steps to install it on your Mac. However, keep in mind that beta software may contain bugs and compatibility issues, so it’s advisable to back up your data before proceeding.

Before installing any beta software, it’s crucial to create a backup of your data using Time Machine. This ensures that you can revert to a stable version if any issues arise during the beta installation process.

macOS
Image Source: 9to5mac.com

Ensure that you have approximately 20GB of free space on your storage drive before attempting to install the beta. This ensures that you have enough room for the installation process.

Open Safari and navigate to Apple’s beta software portal. If you haven’t previously installed a public beta, you’ll need to sign up for access using your Apple ID. If you have already enrolled, click “Enroll Your Devices” in the top-right corner of the webpage. On the beta software portal, click on the macOS option, which is located in the center of the page.

Also Read: What is Netflix’s new ‘Profile Transfer” feature?

Scroll down the page until you find a button that says “Download the macOS Public Beta Access Utility.” Click on it to download a .DMG file. Once the download is complete, run the .PKG file within the disk image to sign up for receiving beta updates. After launching the installer, it will check for a Time Machine backup. If no backup is detected, a prompt will appear reminding you to perform a backup before proceeding.

Once you have completed the above steps, open the System Preferences app and navigate to Software Update. If it doesn’t open automatically, manually open it.

If you’re enrolled in the beta program, you should see a message stating, “This Mac is enrolled in the Apple Beta Software Program” below the Software Update icon. Note that the download may not be immediately available, and you’ll receive a notification once it is ready.

The updated file will take some time to download. Once the download is complete, click on “Upgrade Now” and follow the on-screen instructions to install the macOS Sonoma public beta on your Mac.

Remember, beta software is still in development, and unexpected issues may arise. It’s advisable to install the beta on a secondary machine or create a separate partition on your primary machine to keep your stable macOS installation unaffected. This allows you to test the new features without compromising your daily workflow.

By following these steps, you’ll be able to install the macOS Sonoma public beta and explore the latest features and improvements Apple has to offer. Enjoy testing the beta and providing valuable feedback to contribute to the development process!

Eduardo Saverin

Inspiration Journey of New Age Entrepreneur Eduardo Saverin

Investor Eduardo Saverin is the new-age internet entrepreneur among the five founding partners of the popular social networking site Facebook, alongside Dustin Moskovitz, Andrew McCollum, Chris Hughes, and the website’s inventor Mark Zuckerberg. 

Eduardo is considered one of the leaders in the online entrepreneurship sector with an estimated worth of nine billion dollars, which is made up of a staggering 100 million stocks of Facebook.

Eduardo Saverin
Image Source: independent.co.uk

In his junior year at Harvard, Eduardo encountered Mark. To build his proposal for a social media platform and online guide for students at Harvard, Mark required funding.

Eduardo decided to help Mark because he thought he had a great concept that was worthwhile to invest in.

Mark never considered Facebook to be a means of making money. Furthermore, Mark, the sole goal was to develop a cutting-edge online platform that could unite individuals.

The co-founder of Facebook sought to grow the company after successfully establishing it at Harvard. So, they decided to relocate to Palo Alto, California. Additionally, in 2004 Saverin traveled to New York to do an apprenticeship at Lehman Brothers.

Also Read: Dustin Moskovitz: Facebook Co-founder turned Billionaire

Throughout his internship, Saverin was expected to focus on raising money, establishing a firm, and developing a business plan. Saverin thus became Facebook’s first CFO.

Additionally, it was discovered that Eduardo Saverin had advertised illegally on Facebook outside Mark’s knowing. He even created the online employment board known as Joboozle.

As a result, Saverin and Mark had a very difficult time getting along, and after Eduardo was unable to provide Facebook with the necessary cash, Mark was forced to look for new investors.

Sean replaced Eduardo to raise money for Facebook. Another financier who met Mark via Sean, Peter Thiel, assisted Mark in severing ties with Eduardo.

Mark created an entirely new company called Facebook which was a Delaware Corporation and then gave its new stocks to everybody except Saverin to cut him off.

The contract that Mark became Facebook’s sole director was one that Eduardo was required to sign.

Aporta was founded together by Eduardo and a Mexican journalist named Aldo in 2010. It functions as a charitable website gateway.

Saverin started his venture capital business, B Capital, in 2015 and makes investments in India & Southeast Asia.

He executed agreements in Asia totalling over 150 million dollars in 2016, including those for the company Ninja Van.

Profile Transfer

What is Netflix’s new ‘Profile Transfer” feature?

Netflix has announced an update to its Profile Transfer feature, allowing users to transfer their profile preferences to an existing account instead of creating a new one.

In a recent blog post, Netflix stated that the updated feature is now available and no longer requires the creation of a new account. The company described the update as a “much-requested feature” and confirmed that it would be rolling out globally to all members. Users can easily transfer their profile preferences by selecting the profile icon and choosing the “Profile Transfer” option.

Profile Transfer
Image Source: technosports.co.in

From there, they can select “An Existing Account” and enter the email address and password for the account they wish to transfer their profile. Once the transfer is complete, the member will receive an email notification informing them that a profile has been moved over to their account.

This feature was initially launched in October 2022 and encouraged members to create new accounts to transfer their personal data, including customized recommendations, viewing history, and favorites list.

This feature served as a precursor to Netflix’s recent crackdown on password sharing, where users outside the account holder’s household are required to pay an additional monthly fee of $7.99 for their own membership.

Also Read: Could AI robots play future roles as companions in care homes?

This update is particularly beneficial for users who are transitioning from living with their parents to sharing an account with a significant other or roommates. However, it’s important to note that if a user wants to transfer their profile to an account in a different household, they will be added as an extra member and will be charged the monthly fee.

Despite some online backlash regarding the new paid-sharing initiative, Netflix experienced a significant increase in daily sign-ups shortly after announcing the password-sharing rules. According to research firm Antenna, the streaming giant witnessed nearly 100,000 daily sign-ups within three days of the announcement.

In conclusion, Netflix’s update to the Profile Transfer feature allows users to easily transfer their profile preferences to an existing account, eliminating the need to create a new one. This feature enhances convenience for users transitioning between households while also reinforcing the company’s efforts to crack down on password sharing.

The update to Netflix’s new feature not only provides convenience for users transitioning between households, but it also strengthens the company’s commitment to ensuring fair usage of its services.

Despite initial concerns, the surge in daily sign-ups following the announcement suggests that many users are willing to embrace the changes. By offering this feature, Netflix aims to strike a balance between user convenience and maintaining the integrity of its membership policies.

AI

Could AI robots play future roles as companions in care homes?

AI-powered robots, such as Nadine, with human-like gestures and expressions, are being hailed as potential companions for the sick and elderly.

Nadia Magnenat Thalmann, a robot expert from the University of Geneva and a creator of Nadine, believes that these robots could surpass human carers in terms of effectiveness. With a global shortage of caregivers, particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic, humanoid robots in care homes offer a promising solution.

AI
Image Source: science.org

AI robots like Nadine have the advantage of being available 24/7, providing constant companionship and assistance to care home residents. Unlike human carers who face time constraints, social robots can offer undivided attention, ensuring that residents receive support whenever needed. This round-the-clock care is crucial, given the increasing demand for caregiving services and the growing aging population.

Also Read: Meta’s Threads Is Here. What It Is and How to Use It

Nadine’s conversational skills and interactive capabilities make her an invaluable companion. By engaging in conversations, playing games, and even singing, Nadine establishes emotional connections with care home residents, promoting their well-being. Upgrades like the AI model GPT-3 have further improved Nadine’s ability to express complex concepts, enhancing her interaction with residents and addressing their cognitive and emotional needs.

The integration of AI robots does not seek to replace human carers but rather complement their efforts. Social robots and human carers can work collaboratively to provide optimal care. While human carers offer empathy, compassion, and critical decision-making skills, robots can provide consistent care, perform routine tasks, and enhance social interactions.

This collaboration allows human carers to focus on personalized care, while robots handle repetitive or time-consuming tasks.

AI robots like Nadine can significantly enhance the well-being of care home residents. Loneliness and social isolation are prevalent among the elderly, but robots can fill the void by providing companionship, stimulation, and emotional support.

Moreover, as the demand for caregivers exceeds the available supply, robots can help bridge the staffing gap. By delegating certain responsibilities to robots, human carers can allocate their time more efficiently and provide individualized care.

AI robots as companions in care homes hold immense potential for the future of caregiving. With their round-the-clock availability, enhanced conversational abilities, and the ability to address staffing challenges, robots like Nadine can play a pivotal role in supporting the well-being of the elderly.

By combining the strengths of human carers and social robots, care homes can provide comprehensive care that meets residents’ physical, emotional, and social needs. While challenges and ethical considerations remain, exploring and embracing the possibilities offered by AI robots in elderly care is imperative.