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Facebook is paying users to delete their accounts

To research their effect on politics

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As proven in the years following certain political events, Facebook has caused weird effects on democracy as we know it. In what was known as the Cambridge Analytica scandal, the social media platform severely influenced the results of the 2016 presidential elections. That said, the company is starting to take responsibility and research its effects on upcoming elections. In an effort to do so, Facebook is paying users to delete their accounts.

In a new research project, Facebook has announced a swathing survey on its effect in the upcoming US presidential elections. Spotted by The Washington Post, the platform (and its sister platform, Instagram) started asking users how much money they’d want to shut down their accounts for up to six weeks starting sometime in late September.

The survey lists potential payment schemes ranging from US$ 10 to US$ 20 per week. Further, the survey directly mentions an upcoming survey sometime in November after the US Presidential Elections.

Further, The Verge reports that Facebook will truly ask users to deactivate their accounts as part of the research project. “Anyone who chooses to opt in — whether it’s completing surveys or deactivating FB or IG for a period of time — will be compensated,” Facebook said.

Currently, the research affects the US at this time. However, Facebook might also research its effect in the Philippine elections within two years. The social media platform has already announced its active role in curbing any untoward effect towards political elections in the past. That said, Facebook’s role in politics is still questionable at best. Still, the research project is a step in the right direction.

Facebook hopes to release the results of the project sometime next year.

SEE ALSO: Facebook threatens to block news distribution in Australia

News

vivo X300 Ultra goes global with ZEISS Master Lenses

Pro imaging flagship debuts globally

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vivo has officially announced the global launch of the X300 Ultra, marking the first international debut of its top-tier imaging flagship.

The device introduces the ZEISS Master Lenses Collection, featuring triple prime focal lengths at 14mm, 35mm, and 85mm. It supports up to 200MP output across key focal lengths and can extend reach to 200mm and 400mm using optional telephoto extenders.

A 200MP 85mm telephoto camera with gimbal-level stabilization and 60fps AF tracking enables detailed long-range shots. Meanwhile, the 35mm camera uses a large Sony LYTIA sensor for natural perspective and improved low-light performance.

vivo X300 Ultra

Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

For video, the X300 Ultra supports multi-focal 4K 120fps recording in both 10-bit Log and Dolby Vision formats. It also introduces Pro Video mode with LUT support and compatibility with ACES workflows for advanced color grading.

The phone runs on Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, paired with a dedicated imaging chip. It packs a 6600mAh battery with 100W wired and 40W wireless charging.

Other features include a 2K ZEISS Master Color Display, quad-mic audio recording system, IP68/IP69 durability, and up to five years of OS updates.

Pricing and availability will depend on the region.

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Enterprise

Allbirds suddenly turns into an AI company

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Allbirds is an odd shoe company. Though it already enjoyed a cult following in some circles around the world, the brand suddenly expanded its reach everywhere, offering a lighter and more environment-friendly alternative to the usual suspects of the shoe world. Now, getting even odder, Allbirds is ditching the shoes and going barefoot into the world of AI.

It’s one of the oddest transitions in the corporate world. In an official statement, Allbirds has confirmed that it will pivot fully into a “fully integrated GPU-as-a-Service and AI-native cloud solutions provider.” From Allbirds, it will be known as NewBird AI.

It’s not an incredibly abrupt change, though. The shoe brand and its stores won’t disappear overnight. The company will still hold a shareholder vote on May 18. If approved, they will transition into the new brand gradually.

The transition to AI, itself a gremlin of a keyword in today’s financial world, has resulted in the company’s stock value rising up. However, its long-term viability is in question, especially for a company with no experience in a world already drowning in AI.

From last year to today, AI has been the darling child of investors and a plague to consumers. While the former salivates over the short-term gain of AI adoption, the latter ruminates on the technology’s projected effects on the world.

SEE ALSO: Lenovo accelerates production-ready enterprise AI with NVIDIA

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vivo X300 FE launches with ZEISS telephoto system

Compact phone with pro zoom

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vivo X300 FE
Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

vivo has announced the vivo X300 FE, a compact flagship built around pro-grade imaging, long battery life, and extended software support.

The device features a ZEISS co-engineered camera system, led by a 50MP Super Telephoto camera with up to 200mm equivalent focal length via the all-new Telephoto Extender Gen 2. It also includes a 50MP main camera alongside a 110° ultra-wide lens.

This camera system is designed for flexible shooting across travel, concerts, and street photography.

Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

AI imaging powers much of the experience, with features like AI True Clarity Engine, Stage Mode for low-light concerts, and AI editing tools such as AI Erase and AI Image Expander. Video capabilities go up to 8K at 30fps and 4K at 120fps.

The X300 FE adopts a compact flat design with a 6.31-inch display, weighing 191g and measuring 7.99mm thin. It comes in Mist Purple, Glow White, Luxe Black, and Urban Olive colorways.

vivo X300 FE

Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

Powering the device is the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5. You should not confuse it though with the more superior Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5.

Moreover, it has a 6500mAh battery paired with 90W wired charging plus 40W wireless charging that the newer V70 series lacks.. It also features a vapor chamber cooling system for sustained performance.

vivo X300 FE

Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

The phone runs OriginOS 6 with cross-device features and promises five years of OS updates, seven years of security patches, and long-term smooth performance.

The vivo X300 FE also carries IP68 and IP69 ratings for dust and water resistance.

Pricing and availability will depend on the region.

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