
AI Browsers : The Future of Productivity or Privacy Nightmare?
This overview Creator Magic explores the growing role of AI-powered browser tools and their potential to transform how we interact with the web. You'll discover how these technologies can streamline your online activities, from summarizing articles to automating creative tasks, while also grappling with the ethical and security challenges they introduce. Whether you're curious about enhancing your productivity or concerned about the implications of granting AI access to sensitive data, this discussion will shed light on the opportunities and trade-offs of this rapidly evolving landscape. As we navigate this new frontier, one question lingers: can we truly embrace the future of AI without compromising our digital autonomy? AI Tools Transforming Browsing OpenDia: Redefining Productivity in Browsing
OpenDia is an open source Chrome extension designed to optimize your browsing experience through AI. It can summarize lengthy articles, analyze Reddit threads, and even review your browser history to provide actionable insights. By automating these tasks, OpenDia enhances productivity and helps you process large volumes of information more efficiently.
However, this convenience comes with significant trade-offs. OpenDia requires access to sensitive data, such as your browsing history, cookies, and saved passwords. While these permissions enable its functionality, they also raise valid concerns about data security and privacy. To use tools like OpenDia responsibly, it is crucial to understand what data they access and ensure they have robust privacy safeguards in place. Being proactive about reviewing permissions and understanding the tool's privacy policy can help you strike a balance between utility and security. Perplexity's Comet: Streamlining Web Navigation
Perplexity's Comet is another AI-powered tool designed to simplify your online activities. Using natural language processing (NLP), Comet allows you to interact with the web conversationally. You can summarize web pages, organize research, and collaborate on projects—all through intuitive, AI-driven commands that reduce the need for manual effort.
Despite its advanced features, Comet has limitations. Accessing its full capabilities requires a subscription to the Perplexity Max plan, priced at $200 per month. While this cost may not be feasible for everyone, it reflects the growing trend of premium AI tools aimed at enhancing productivity. For those who can invest, Comet offers a glimpse into the future of seamless and intelligent web navigation. However, for users on a budget, exploring alternative tools or free versions may still provide valuable functionality without the financial commitment. AI Reads your Browser History
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Here are additional guides from our expansive article library that you may find useful on AI-powered browser tools. Grok 4: Automating Creativity and Resource Management
Grok 4 represents a new frontier in AI tools, focusing on automating resource-intensive tasks to enhance creativity. For instance, it can autonomously source graphics and sound assets to create a space-themed game, eliminating the need for manual input. This capability demonstrates how AI can handle time-consuming processes, freeing you to focus on more strategic and creative aspects of your projects.
Additionally, Grok 4 integrates seamlessly with Python, a widely used programming language in AI development. By learning Python, you can unlock the full potential of tools like Grok 4, allowing you to create, test, and refine projects with greater efficiency. This integration highlights the importance of acquiring foundational technical skills to fully use the capabilities of advanced AI tools. Python: A Key to Unlocking AI Innovation
Python has become a cornerstone of AI development, offering a user-friendly platform for both beginners and experienced developers. Many AI tools, such as Cursor, rely on Python to provide features like auto-completions and agent-based assistance, streamlining the coding process and reducing development time.
By learning Python, you gain the ability to not only use AI tools but also contribute to their development. This skill enables you to innovate in a rapidly evolving field, making sure you remain competitive as AI continues to transform industries. Whether you are a developer or a casual user, understanding Python opens doors to deeper engagement with AI technologies and their applications. Addressing Privacy and Ethical Concerns
While AI-powered tools offer significant advantages, they also pose privacy risks. Tools like OpenDia and Comet require access to sensitive browser data, including your browsing history and saved credentials. This raises important ethical questions about data security and user consent.
To safeguard your privacy, it is essential to stay informed about the data practices of the tools you use. Consider the following steps to protect your personal information: Review the privacy policies of AI tools to understand how your data is collected and used.
Limit the permissions you grant to browser extensions, allowing access only to what is necessary.
Regularly update your browser's security settings to ensure optimal protection.
By taking these precautions, you can enjoy the benefits of AI tools while minimizing potential risks to your privacy. Engaging with AI Communities for Growth
The rise of AI tools has fostered vibrant online communities where users and developers can share insights, discuss advancements, and collaborate on projects. These forums connect you with like-minded individuals, providing a platform to exchange ideas and stay updated on the latest developments in AI.
Participating in these communities not only enhances your understanding of AI but also allows you to contribute to its ethical and innovative growth. Collaboration is essential for addressing challenges and unlocking the full potential of emerging technologies. By engaging with these networks, you can stay informed, learn from others, and play an active role in shaping the future of AI. Maximizing the Potential of AI Tools
AI-powered browser tools like OpenDia, Perplexity's Comet, and Grok 4 are transforming how you interact with the web. They offer powerful features that boost productivity, simplify tasks, and inspire creativity. However, these advancements come with significant privacy and ethical considerations. By staying informed, learning foundational skills like Python, and engaging with AI-focused communities, you can maximize the benefits of these tools while navigating their challenges responsibly. As AI continues to evolve, its integration into web browsing promises to unlock new possibilities—provided you approach it with care and awareness.
Media Credit: Creator Magic Filed Under: AI, Top News
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The Sun
25 minutes ago
- The Sun
I'm finally ditching iPhone after 10 years for Android – Samsung's new handset has convinced me to switch in three ways
YES, you read the headline right - a long-time iPhone user is ready to switch to Android. It's a move few people are prepared to make and it's understandable. 4 4 4 Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 - buy from £1,049 Companies ring-fence their tech so some only work with their own gadgets or at the very least perform better with their own. Prime example, I love my Apple Watch but it doesn't work with an Android phone. It's frustrating, so ultimately we're all forced to pick a side. And if you dare to switch over, well, there's a whole lot of headache making that work too, backing everything up and signing into all your apps all over again is just the beginning. As The Sun's principle smartphone reviewer I'm very used to this process by now and have tested countless Android devices, many of which are great bits of kit. But iPhone has remained my main handset for a good ten years or so now. Suddenly, I've found the urge to switch and it's because of Samsung's Galaxy Z Flip 7. Find out why in my full review below. Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7: Look and feel My first reason for switching is quite simple - the Galaxy Z Flip 7 is just so pretty. I've had a try of all the previous Galaxy Z Flip handsets, as well as other clam shell-style flip phones on the market. But the Galaxy Z Flip 7 feels like it's finally got it right. The colour I have is blue shadow, with an aluminium frame and glass back that feels premium. Samsung has drastically improved the smaller external display you can use when closed - known officially as the FlexWindow. I feel like the Flip 7 has injected a bit of much needed fun into mobiles again, all within a stylish body The FlexWindow display now wraps around the two cameras so it blends in, rather than cutting a box around them. You can show slick animations like falling confetti which adds to the beautiful charm of the Flip 7 that makes me want to use it as my main smartphone. And when you flip open the handset the display is ever so slightly bigger than the Flip 6, measuring in at 6.9-inches with that unavoidable crease along the middle only really visible at certain angles. It weighs only 188g, so the Flip 7 feels mega light in my hands and even more so in my pocket. 4 Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7: Performance and features The Galaxy Z Flip 7 runs on Samsung 's own take on Android 16, known as One UI 8 - and it's one of my favourites around. While there are some Samsung apps I don't really want - such as Samsung's own web browser - others like gallery and calendar are much simpler than Google 's own. But the beauty of it is the choice is yours, whether you prefer Samsung's, Google's or some other from the Google Play Store. I love how vibrant the FlexWindow is - I notice people giving it a stare on the train Features haven't changed a great deal from all the AI we've seen on recent Galaxy phones but you can use Gemini, Google's powerful AI chatbot, on the cover screen. One really neat addition is support for Samsung Dex, which allows you to plug your phone into a computer display and it will run like a PC computer alongside a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse. It's the first time Samsung has introduced this on its foldables, so you literally have a PC-like experience ready to use in your pocket. Samsung continues to offer seven years of security and operating system updates, so you won't have to pay for an expensive upgrade anytime soon as long as you keep the phone in good physical condition. Who offers free updates longest? The longer you receive updates, the longer you can safely continue using your smartphone - with the latest features thrown in too for free. Samsung For the Galaxy S25 series, Samsung said it would provide at least seven generations of OS updates and seven years of security updates. OnePlus At the launch of the OnePlus 13, OnePlus committed to at least four years of Android updates and six years of security updates. Xiaomi Xiaomi offers four years off Android updates and five years security updates. Google For the Pixel 9 series, Google said that devices would receive at least seven years of support. The chip that keeps things running is the Exynos 2500. This is Samsung's own chip instead of the leading Snapdragon 8 Elite found on the Galaxy Z Fold 7 counterpart. However, most people won't notice any real difference. This bit of kit runs smoothly through any app I throw at it. Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7: Battery Samsung has given the Flip 7 a battery boost compared to last year's Flip 6. It's bigger - 4300mAh - without making the overall phone physically bulkier. Having used the Flip 7 as my main phone for a week, the battery just about gets me through the day with general use of emails, WhatsApp, web browsing, YouTube and Spotify. However, the battery charging speeds haven't been upgrade from its predecessor, sticking to 25W wired and 15W wireless. It took just under half an hour to get the battery to 50 per cent. Sun's tech editor shows NEW 4mm thin folding Samsung – & teases 'flip iPhone' too Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7: Camera The camera department hasn't really changed at all since the Flip 6. While the Fold 7 gets a mighty 200-megapixel main snapper, the Flip 7 is only 50-megapixel. Alongside that is a 12-megapixel ultrawide and 10 megapixel selfie. That said, I don't have any complaints about the results with some detailed, vibrant pictures produced. And obviously you have the added bonus of being able to turn the Flip 7 into a stand, so you can easily take group photos without using the lower quality selfie camera (and awkward angles of the person taking the selfie). Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7: Price The Galaxy Z Flip 7 starts from £1,049. If you get in fast, Samsung are offering a free storage increase, with the 512GB model selling for the same price as the 256GB model. Don't forget, if you trade in an old phone you can reduce the price tag further, knocking off up to £453. There's also the new Galaxy Club which allows you to spread the cost and get 50 per cent of the price back when you upgrade between months 12 and 15. There are four colours options available. Buy on Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7: Verdict By Jamie Harris, Assistant Technology and Science Editor at The Sun So, why am I prepared to switch from iPhone after all this time? I feel like the Flip 7 has injected a bit of much needed fun into mobiles again, all within a stylish body. I love how vibrant the FlexWindow is - I notice people giving it a stare on the train. It's also great to see Dex support now so I can use it as a PC-like experience, I might even use it at work. However, with a radical overhaul of iOS expected later this year, Samsung - and others - will have to make sure I'm not tempted back if Apple steps up big time. Rating: 4.5 / 5


Daily Mail
10 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Democrat mayor slammed for spending tens of thousands of taxpayer money on AI to do city employees' jobs
A California politician is slammed after spending tens of thousands of taxpayer money on AI to do his employees' jobs. San Jose Mayor, Matt Mahan, spent more than $35,000 to purchase 89 ChatGPT licenses - at $400 per account - for city workers to use. By next year, the city intends to have 1,000, or about 15 percent of its workers, trained to use AI tools for a variety of tasks, including pothole complaint response, bus routing, and using vehicle-tracking surveillance cameras to solve crimes. Mahan staff even used it to help draft talking points before a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new business, and he used it to help write a $5.6billion budget for the new fiscal year. Mahan is now pushing a growing number of the nearly 7,000 government workers running Silicon Valley's biggest city to embrace artificial intelligence technology. 'The idea is to try things, be really transparent, look for problems, flag them, share them across different government agencies, and then work with vendors and internal teams to problem solve,' Mahan said in an interview. 'It's always bumpy with new technologies.' Mahan said adopting AI tools will eliminate drudge work and help the city better serve its roughly 1million residents, but some residents are angry he's spending money on the program when the city is already in a deficit. He is not the only public or private sector executive directing an AI-or-bust strategy, though in some cases, workers have found that the costly technology can add hassles or mistakes. While some government agencies have been secretive about when they turn to chatbots for help, Mahan is open about his ChatGPT-written background memos that he turns to when making speeches. 'Historically, that would have taken hours of phone calls and reading, and you just never would have been able to get those insights,' he said. 'You can knock out these tasks at a similar or better level of quality in a lot less time.' However he added that 'you still need a human being in the loop. You can't just kind of press a couple of buttons and trust the output. You still have to do some independent verification. You have to have logic and common sense and ask questions.' However, not everyone is happy about his purchase. 'Here's a real idea for AI that works: Replace Matt Mahan with AI,' one wrote on X. 'After all, AI has been writing Mahon's speeches & possibly X posts & replies! An 'authentic' mayor, indeed.' 'If AI is being used in San José government, the results are invisible to the taxpayers footing the bill. Mahan's obsession with tech gimmicks is just a distraction from his failure to lead on the issues that matter: public safety, housing, and restoring pride in our neighborhoods,' another wrote. 'San José doesn't need more tech talk. It needs results.' Another complained of the deficient the city is in. However, not everyone is happy about his purchase. 'Here's a real idea for AI that works: Replace Matt Mahan with AI,' one wrote 'Matt, pass that good stuff you are smoking. SJC is in a recession, a $43 million SJ budget deficit & all factors blamed r Sanctuary/ DEI related,' they wrote. One of San Jose's early adopters was Andrea Arjona Amador, who leads electric mobility programs at the city's transportation department. She has already used ChatGPT to secure a $12million grant for electric vehicle chargers. Arjona Amador set up a customized 'AI agent' to review the correspondence she was receiving about various grant proposals and asked it to help organize the incoming information, including due dates. Then, she had it help draft the 20-page document. Arjona Amado started using it to help save time. 'The way it used to work, before I started using this, we spent a lot of evenings and weekends trying to get grants to the finish line,' she said. The Trump administration later rescinded the funding, so she pitched a similar proposal to a regional funder not tied to the federal government. Arjona Amador, who learned Spanish and French before she learned English, also created another customized chatbot to edit the tone and language of her professional writings. With close relationships to some of the tech industry's biggest players, including San Francisco-based OpenAI and Mountain View-based Google, the mayors of the Bay Area's biggest cities are helping to promote AI adoption. San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie announced a plan Monday to give nearly 30,000 city workers, including nurses and social workers, access to Microsoft's Copilot chatbot, which is based on the same technology that powers ChatGPT. San Francisco's plan says it comes with 'robust privacy and bias safeguards, and clear guidelines to ensure technology enhances - not replaces - human judgment.' San Jose has similar guidelines and hasn't yet reported any major mishaps with its pilot projects. Such problems have attracted attention elsewhere because of the technology's propensity to spew false information, known as hallucinations. ChatGPT's digital fingerprints were found on an error-filled document published in May by US Health Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr.'s 'Make America Healthy Again' commission. In Fresno, California, a school official was forced to resign after saying she was too trusting of an AI chatbot that fabricated information in a document. Earlier this year, when OpenAI introduced a new pilot product called Operator, it promised a new kind of tool that went beyond a chatbot's capabilities. Instead of just analyzing documents and producing passages of text, it could also access a computer system and schedule calendars or perform tasks on a person's behalf. Developing and selling such 'AI agents' is now a key focus for the tech industry. More than an hour's drive east of Silicon Valley, where the Bay Area merges into Central Valley farm country, Jamil Niazi, director of information technology at the city of Stockton, had big visions for what he could do with such an agent. These include allowing the parks and recreation department to use an AI agent to help residents book amenities or check how busy they are before visiting. Six months later, however, after completing a proof-of-concept phase, the city didn't buy a full license for the technology due to the cost. The market research group Gartner recently predicted that over 40 percent of 'agentic AI' projects will be canceled before the end of 2027, 'due to escalating costs, unclear business value or inadequate risk controls.' San Jose's mayor remains bullish about the potential for these AI tools to help workers 'in the bowels of bureaucracy' to rapidly speed up their digital paperwork. 'There's just an amazing amount of bureaucracy that large organizations have to have,' Mahan said. 'Whether it's finance, accounting, HR or grant writing, those are the kinds of roles where we think our employees can be 20 [to] 50 percent more productive - quickly.'


Reuters
17 hours ago
- Reuters
Nvidia's China restart faces production obstacles, The Information reports
July 19 (Reuters) - Nvidia (NVDA.O), opens new tab has told its Chinese customers it has limited supplies of H20 chips, the most powerful AI chip it had been allowed to sell to China under U.S. export restrictions, and that it doesn't plan to restart production, The Information reported on Saturday. The U.S. government's April ban on sales of the H20 chips forced Nvidia to void customer orders and cancel manufacturing capacity it had booked at Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing ( opens new tab which makes the chips, the report said, citing two people with knowledge of the matter. Nvidia said this week that it was planning to resume sales of the H20 chips to China.