Meta’s AI chatbot falsely claimed there was no Trump shooting, prompting an apology from the company. The inaccuracies in the response were attributed to the technology behind the chatbot system. A company executive admitted to the mistake and stated that efforts were underway to rectify the situation. The incident raises concerns about the limitations of AI systems and their potential to provide incorrect information. As the tech industry continues to grapple with the challenges of generative AI, companies like Meta are striving to improve the accuracy of their chatbots. Despite efforts to ground the systems with real-time data, issues like misinformation still persist, highlighting the ongoing need for advancements in AI technology.
IKI x REWE Digital Retail Startup Night in Vilnius: Join Us for Cutting-Edge Retail Tech Pitch Event, Lithuania
The second IKI x REWE digital Retail Startup Night has been announced. The initiative focuses on Baltic retail tech startups and investors. IKI and REWE digital will be hosting an event, taking place in the city of Vilnius on 4th September. Anika Vooes, Chief Acceleration Manager at REWE digital, shared details on LinkedIn, inviting participants to join the event for an opportunity to explore collaborations with startups, gain insights into the retail landscape, and network with industry experts. The event aims to foster innovation and shape the future of retail through meaningful connections and cutting-edge technology presentations.
Kia EV3: Affordable Entry-Level EV Pricing Revealed for Australia
The new Kia EV3 has been priced for the United Kingdom, potentially giving us a clue as to how much it’ll cost in Australia.
CarExpert understands the EV3 will be coming to Australia sometime in 2025, following the launch of the larger EV5 later this year.
The EV3 is available in the UK in three distinct trim levels and with two battery options, with pricing starting from £32,995 (AUD $64,837), and topping out at £42,835 (AUD $84,173) for the top-spec GT-Line S with Heat Pump.
While direct conversions may make that sound ridiculously expensive, it’s the positioning within the lineup that offers a more accurate indication of how the EV3 might be priced when it reaches Australia.
The base EV3 starts for less money than the most affordable auto-equipped Sportage in the UK, which is a mid-spec model that comes as standard with a 48V mild-hybrid system.
In Australia, the mid-tier Sportage SX+ starts from $42,050 plus on-road costs with a 2.0-litre petrol engine and front-wheel drive, climbing to $47,450 with the 2.0-litre turbo-diesel with all-wheel drive.
The base UK-market 2025 Kia EV3 Air comes with the ‘Standard Range’ 58.3kWh battery and a 150kW/283Nm electric motor, good for a claimed WLTP combined driving range of 267 miles (429 kilometres).
An additional £3000 (AUD $5895) buys you the 81.4kWh ‘Long Range’ battery pack which boosts claimed driving range to a significant 372 miles (598 kilometres).
Only the base Air offers both battery options, with GT-Line and GT-Line S grades in the UK coming as standard with the Long Range unit.
Standard equipment on all Kia EV3 models in the UK includes:
Three-screen dashboard layoutWireless Apple CarPlay and Android AutoKia Connect with 7-year subscriptionOver-the-air updatesHeated front seats, steering wheelFront, rear parking sensorsReversing cameraAutomatic air conditioningAutomatic headlight controlLED daytime running lights, high mounted brake lights, rear lights and rear fog lightseCall systemElectrically adjustable, folding, and heated door mirrors with LED indicatorsElectronic parking brake with auto hold25-litre under-bonnet storageRain-sensing wipersSmart key with motion sensorKeyless entry, start
The base Air gets 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights and grey cloth upholstery in addition to the standard specification mentioned above.
All versions of the EV3 in the UK come equipped with a ride range of active safety and driver assist systems as well, including the brand’s semi-autonomous Highway Driving Assist (HDA 2.0) system which combines adaptive cruise and active lane centring functions.
There are also blind-spot and rear cross-traffic assist, safe exit warning, and AEB with pedestrian, cyclist, junction turning and junction crossing assists.
Measuring 4300-4310mm long, 1850mm wide and 1560mm tall on a 2680mm wheelbase, the Kia EV3 has a similar footprint to something like the Kia Seltos, though it’s shorter in length and wider than the combustion-powered SUV.
The EV3 will be produced at Kia’s Sohari plant in Gwangmyeong, South Korea.
Should the new EV’s positioning in the UK market prove accurate for Australia, we could see Kia finally offer an electric vehicle that dips under the $50,000 bracket when it arrives in the new year.
That will put the EV3 in contention with a number of affordable Chinese electric vehicles, including the BYD Atto 3 (from $44,499), MG 4 (from $39,990 D/A) and the China-sourced Tesla Model 3 (from $54,900).
CarExpert has reached out to Kia Australia for further comments, and is awaiting a response. Stay tuned for the latest.
Australian Retail Turnover Rises 0.5% in June 2024, Boosted by End-of-Financial Year Sales
Australian retail turnover rose 0.5 per cent in June 2024, following a trend of increased growth earlier in the year, with a rise of 0.6 per cent in May and 0.2 per cent in April. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reported that end-of-financial year sales had a significant impact on spending, particularly in areas like furniture, electrical goods, and clothing. Retailers noted a surge in sales for big-ticket items. The rise in June turnover was primarily driven by non-food-related industries, including household goods (+1.1 per cent), department stores (+1.0 per cent), and clothing, footwear, and personal accessories (+0.7 per cent). However, cafes, restaurants, and takeaway food services remained relatively unchanged. All states and territories experienced a rise in turnover, except for Tasmania, which remained stable. Retail sales volumes dipped 0.3 per cent in the June quarter, continuing a downward trend for the sixth time in the past seven quarters. Retail prices increased by 0.9 per cent this quarter, indicating that higher prices drove much of the growth in monthly turnover. On a per capita basis, retail volumes fell for the eighth consecutive quarter, down 3.0 per cent compared to the previous year. With retail activity showing signs of improvement, consumers are still cautious with their spending habits, resulting in fluctuating retail sales volumes across various industries and regions.
Britain Boosts Renewable Power Auction Budget to Record £1.5 Billion, UK
LONDON – Britain has increased the budget for its current annual renewable power auction by 50% to 1.5 billion pounds ($1.92 billion), the government said on Wednesday.
The new Labour government, which aims to decarbonize the electricity sector by 2030, will offer Contracts for Difference (CfDs) to renewable project developers. The additional 500 million pounds will boost this year’s auction budget to a record high.
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband highlighted the move’s significance in positioning the UK as a global green technology leader. The budget allocation includes significant amounts for offshore wind, established technologies like onshore wind and solar, and emerging technologies such as floating offshore wind and tidal power.
Renewable energy developers welcomed the increased funding, underscoring the importance of private investment, job creation, and energy security. However, analysts caution that more might be needed to achieve the country’s renewable energy expansion targets.
Disqualified Boxers Cleared to Compete in Paris Olympics, Algeria
Two boxers who were disqualified from competing with women at a global event last year have been permitted to fight in the Paris Olympics, the International Olympic Committee confirmed. Imane Khelif of Algeria and Lin Yu‑ting of Taiwan failed to meet gender eligibility tests at the Women’s World Boxing Championships in New Delhi last year, prompting their disqualifications. But, they have been cleared to compete in the women’s 66-kilogram and women’s 57-kilogram matches in Paris this week, the IOC confirmed in an email Tuesday.
At the time of their disqualifications, the president of the International Boxing Association, which governs the World Boxing Championships, alleged that the boxers’ chromosome tests came back as XY (women typically have two X chromosomes, while men typically have an X and a Y chromosome). Following her disqualification last year, Khelif denied allegations of wrongdoing and suggested a conspiracy was at play to prevent Algeria from winning a gold medal. The IOC stated that all athletes participating in the boxing tournament of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 comply with relevant regulations.
Critics within the United States, where the issue of transgender athletes in women’s sports has been contentious, disapproved of the decision to include Khelif and Lin in the competition, questioning the fairness of their participation. Despite the controversy surrounding their eligibility, both boxers, who have always competed as women, are set to make their mark at the Paris Olympics this week as the games proceed under updated and stringent eligibility standards for athletes.
BrandRank.AI Raises $1.2M in First Round Funding with Top Investors – Cincinnati-based AI Analytics Firm Shows Rapid Growth, US
BrandRank.AI, a pioneer in generative AI-based brand search analytics, has secured $1.2 million in seed and angel funding to revolutionize AI-driven brand search analytics. Top investors include Sandberg Bernthal Venture Partners, Mercury Fund, former P&G CEO, and Disney Chairman. The funding will accelerate technology development, onboard a scalable sales organization, and build the support infrastructure. BrandRank.AI’s platform leverages AI to help brands navigate the Prompted Moment of Truth in consumer purchasing decisions. With strong initial traction and a robust pipeline of high-potential brands, the company aims to drive brand trust and consumer loyalty through AI-driven insights.
US Favored to Win Crucial Olympic Match Against Guinea
Guinea and the US are set to lock horns today in the final round of the group stage at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. The match will kick off at 06:00 p.m. GMT+1 at the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard.
The stakes are high for the Americans, as a victory would secure their place in the knockout stage for the first time since the 2000 Sydney Olympics.
The US team comes into this match with a strong performance against New Zealand, where they won 4-1. This victory marked the biggest margin of victory in the history of the US Olympic men’s football tournament, with four different players finding the net.
Meanwhile, Guinea is recovering from a narrow 1-0 defeat against host nation France. Despite the loss, the team has shown resilience and competitive spirit. With 12 shots on target and 47% possession against France, Guinea proved they are a worthy opponent.
According to prediction websites, the US is favored to win the game.
The standout player for the US in their recent victory was 20-year-old Paxton Aaronson, who scored his first goal of the tournament and was key in creating opportunities.
However, the team is facing uncertainty with Gianluca Busio’s injury. Busio, who scored his first goal of the tournament but had to leave the match early, is a key player for the squad.
Police question teen suspect in ferocious dance workshop stabbing, 2 children dead in Southport, UK
London, Jul 30 (PTI) – Police detectives are questioning a 17-year-old male in connection with a devastating stabbing incident at a children’s dance workshop in Southport, north-west England. The attack resulted in the tragic deaths of two children, with nine others sustaining serious injuries. The assailant struck during a summer holiday workshop themed around singer Taylor Swift’s music, sparking shock and grief in the community. While the motive behind the attack remains unclear, authorities have confirmed that it is not being treated as terrorism-related. The suspect, a teenager from Lancashire, is currently in police custody. Locals and officials alike express profound sadness and support for the victims and their families during this heartbreaking time.
Merseyside Police Chief Constable Serena Kennedy described the attack as ferocious, emphasizing the need for a thorough investigation to unravel the circumstances surrounding the violence. Witnesses reported harrowing scenes as the assailant, armed with a knife, entered the premises and targeted the unsuspecting children and adults. The royal family, political leaders, and members of the community all extended their deepest condolences to those affected by the senseless tragedy. A sense of shock and sorrow pervades the town as residents grapple with the aftermath of the horrific event, rallying together to offer comfort and support to the victims and their loved ones.
As authorities work to piece together the events of that fateful day, a vigil is planned to honor the memories of the young lives lost and to stand in solidarity with the survivors and their families. The community stands united in grief, determined to provide solace and strength in the face of such incomprehensible loss. The resilience and compassion on display serve as a beacon of hope in the wake of tragedy, reminding us all of the importance of coming together in times of darkness.
Harry and Meghan’s Joyful Engagement Interview Under Scrutiny
Loose Women star Jane Moore has shared her opinion on Meghan Markle’s BBC interview from 2018. This comes after BBC presenter Mishal Hussain recently commented on the sit-down chat with Meghan and Prince Harry about their engagement. In a recent interview with Saga Magazine, Mishal expressed her surprise at Meghan’s claim that the interview had been heavily orchestrated. The BBC presenter recalled the engagement interview as a joyful moment between the couple, with no indication of the events to come. According to Mishal, Harry and Meghan appeared excited and in love, focusing on their upcoming marriage and new life together. The conflicting perspectives on the interview continue to spark discussions about the Sussexes’ relationship and the media’s role in shaping their narrative.
