Digital insights October 2024
Every month, our Human Digital colleagues keep you updated about the latest digital developments and news. This month: Meta introduces various new features, and Duolingo launches Lily, an AI avatar that helps you practice conversations.
New features from Meta
Meta has introduced a range of new features across its platforms:
- Talking to the AI assistant: Users can now speak aloud to the AI assistant on WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook, which mimics the voices of celebrities. Meta plans to expand the number of available voices in the future.
- Interacting via photos on WhatsApp: In WhatsApp, you can send photos to the AI assistant and ask questions about them. Unfortunately, this feature is not yet available in Europe due to ongoing discussions between Meta and EU regulators regarding the use of European users’ data.
- Automatic translation of Instagram Reels: Meta is currently testing a feature where videos are automatically translated, with the voice synced to the speaker’s lip movements.
- AI image generator ‘imagine’: Users can now generate images directly in their feed or stories by simply giving a text command to the AI image generator.
- Profile picture personalization: A new AI tool allows you to easily change the background of your profile picture.
Source: bright.nl
History month: “Fake for real”
In October, the History Month takes place, the largest historical event in the Netherlands, with hundreds of museums, bookstores, and libraries participating. This year’s theme is "Fake for real," focusing on topics like fake news, framing, and fact-checking. Modern technology plays a significant role in the activities. Some examples include:
- Virtual-reality (VR) experience at the Zuiderzee Museum: Experience the 1859 evacuation of Schokland as if you were there, through a combination of theater and VR.
- Augmented-reality (AR) tour in Zuiderpark: Join stork Hans on an AR tour to discover more about the first public park in the Netherlands.
- AI workshop: Learn about the possibilities and risks of artificial intelligence with the Gevangenismuseum and Visueel Verteld, and discover how modern techniques can give historical images new meanings.
With this innovative approach, History Month brings the past to life in a unique way.
Source: events.nl
Tesla’s Robotaxis
On October 10, Tesla officially launched its new robotaxi. The first photo of this self-driving taxi appeared in September, spotted at the Warner Bros lot in Los Angeles. However, many questions about the design remain. It is still unclear whether the robotaxi will have a steering wheel and pedals. If these are absent, the approval process for getting the taxi on the road may take longer. Nevertheless, Tesla CEO Elon Musk remains optimistic and expects the robotaxi to be road-ready by 2025.
Source: bright.nl
Video calling with a Duolingo character
During its virtual event, Duocon, Duolingo introduced a new feature: video calling with an AI avatar named Lily. This feature allows you to improve your language skills interactively. What does Lily offer?
- Spontaneous real-time conversations: Lily responds immediately to what you say, allowing you to practice natural conversations.
- Personalized conversation reminders: Lily remembers previously discussed topics, so she can later ask questions about things that interest you.
- Conversations tailored to your language level: Lily ensures that discussions remain challenging yet accessible, adjusted to your proficiency.
This feature not only helps improve your speaking skills but also enhances your listening and response abilities, which are essential for fluent conversations. Video calling with Lily is available for Duolingo Max users and currently supports English, Spanish, and French, with Portuguese, Italian, and German coming soon!
Source: duocon.duolingo.com