Latest news with #Lumo
Arabian Post
21 hours ago
- Business
- Arabian Post
Proton Lumo AI Offers New Private ChatGPT Alternative
Proton's new Lumo AI tool is setting a bold example for privacy-conscious users seeking an alternative to mainstream AI services like ChatGPT. The tool promises to offer the powerful capabilities of conversational AI without compromising user data security, a key differentiator in a crowded market. Lumo AI, developed by Proton, a company known for its privacy-first approach with services like Proton Mail, integrates advanced natural language processing features while adhering to a strict privacy policy. Unlike other AI tools, Lumo ensures that conversations remain secure by processing all data locally on the user's device, eliminating concerns over cloud-based storage vulnerabilities or the risk of third-party data harvesting. Proton's decision to focus on data privacy comes at a time when growing concerns over AI ethics and security are prevalent. Many users are increasingly wary of how their personal information is used, especially as large tech companies utilise AI to create profiles and mine sensitive data. Proton Lumo aims to address these fears by offering a solution that sidesteps the typical trade-offs between convenience and security that most other AI services require. ADVERTISEMENT The Lumo AI platform is powered by a robust machine learning model that rivals its more widely recognised competitors. It can engage in natural conversations, complete tasks, and assist with research, all while keeping data encrypted and local. While the tool doesn't yet match the full range of features found in models like ChatGPT, its privacy-focused approach offers a compelling reason for users to consider it as a viable alternative, especially for those with heightened privacy concerns. Proton has maintained its reputation for privacy by ensuring that Lumo AI does not collect or retain personal data after conversations. This stands in stark contrast to many other platforms, where user input is often logged, stored, and used to improve algorithms or create targeted advertising profiles. Lumo's commitment to decentralisation is one of its strongest selling points, catering to an emerging market segment of users who prioritize security over the convenience of cloud-based services. The growing appeal of privacy-conscious AI tools, like Proton Lumo, reflects a broader trend in tech, where data protection is becoming as important as technological capabilities. As users become more informed about the risks associated with cloud-based AI platforms, the demand for secure alternatives is expected to rise. Proton, leveraging its established privacy credentials, is well-positioned to meet this demand and further expand its user base in the coming months. Despite the privacy-centric focus, Proton Lumo AI faces challenges in competing with the established giants of AI. Models like ChatGPT, developed by OpenAI, have garnered widespread attention and use, thanks to their deep integration with various apps and platforms. As of now, Proton Lumo lacks the same level of integration and ecosystem support. Its current user base, however, seems to be driven by those with specific privacy concerns or a distrust of traditional, centralised AI platforms. The shift towards privacy-focused alternatives could spark a broader movement in AI development. While companies like OpenAI continue to enhance their models with vast data collections, smaller companies like Proton are making privacy a competitive advantage. The success of Proton Lumo AI could challenge the status quo and inspire other tech firms to rethink how they handle user data and build their AI models.
The Independent
21 hours ago
- Business
- The Independent
Three operators given green light to run extra train services across the UK
East Coast Main Line passengers are set to benefit from additional train services starting in December, after the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) approved timetable enhancements. The regulator granted permission to open access operators Lumo, Grand Central, and Hull Trains for some new routes. However, other proposed services were rejected due to concerns over insufficient capacity, potential performance impacts, and the effect on government revenue. Approved changes include Lumo extending London King's Cross-Edinburgh services to Glasgow, and adding more routes between London King's Cross and Newcastle. Hull Trains will run an additional train from London King's Cross to Hull on weekdays and Saturdays, while Grand Central will increase its regional operation, including a new link to Seaham on the County Durham coast. Stephanie Tobyn, ORR's director of strategy, policy and reform, said: 'Approving these additional open access services will increase connectivity on the East Coast Main Line. 'Importantly, we have ensured the approval of these services can be accommodated alongside the major service uplifts by other operators, which have been planned into the December 2025 timetable, so together passengers and freight customers can benefit from more direct connections and greater choice from December.' Among the rejected proposals was a plan from Hull Trains for new services between London King's Cross and Sheffield. Owner FirstGroup said it was 'disappointed' by the decision, as the plan would have provided Sheffield with its first regular service from London King's Cross since 1968, and introduced a direct service to the capital for 'an estimated 350,000 people in the Worksop and Woodhouse catchment areas'. Open access operators set their own fares, take on all revenue risk and receive no taxpayer-funded subsidies. They are excluded from the Government's ongoing nationalisation of Britain's train services. In January, Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander wrote to the ORR expressing concerns that the open access model can cause 'potential congestion' and result in taxpayers being 'left to fill shortfalls' in maintenance costs. She stated that she expects 'the impacts on the taxpayer and on overall performance' to be 'given primacy' by the regulator when it analyses open access proposals. Government-owned LNER, which runs services on the East Coast Main Line, is planning a major timetable change in December, with up to 37 daily services and quicker journeys between London King's Cross and Edinburgh. It has previously described the overhaul as 'transformational' and 'the biggest change in a generation'.
Scotsman
2 days ago
- Business
- Scotsman
Lumo given green light to expand London King's Cross-Edinburgh train services from December
Lumo is one of three East Coast Main Line train operators that will benefit from the Office of Rail and Road's decision. Sign up for the latest news and analysis about Scottish transport Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Train operator Lumo has been granted permission to extend its services further into Scotland. The company is one of three East Coast Main Line train operators that have been given the green light to run additional services from December. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Regulator the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) said it approved some proposals from open access operators Lumo, Grand Central and Hull Trains to enhance their timetables. Lumo operates a service from Edinburgh Waverley to London King's Cross - and it is set to be extended | John Devlin/The Scotsman The regulator rejected some proposed services, citing concerns over insufficient capacity, the potential impact on performance, and the effect on the UK government's revenue. The approvals include Lumo extending some of its existing London King's Cross-Edinburgh services to Glasgow, and additional services between London King's Cross and Newcastle. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Hull Trains will run an additional train from London King's Cross to Hull on weekdays and Saturdays, while Grand Central will increase its regional operation, including a new link to Seaham on the County Durham coast. Stephanie Tobyn, ORR's director of strategy, policy and reform, said: 'Approving these additional open access services will increase connectivity on the East Coast Main Line. 'Importantly, we have ensured the approval of these services can be accommodated alongside the major service uplifts by other operators, which have been planned into the December 2025 timetable, so together passengers and freight customers can benefit from more direct connections and greater choice from December.' Among the rejected proposals was a plan from Hull Trains for new services between London King's Cross and Sheffield. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Owner FirstGroup said it was 'disappointed' by the decision, as the plan would have provided Sheffield with its first regular service from London King's Cross since 1968, and introduced a direct service to the capital for 'an estimated 350,000 people in the Worksop and Woodhouse catchment areas'. Open access operators set their own fares, take on all revenue risk and receive no taxpayer-funded subsidies. They are excluded from the Government's ongoing nationalisation of Britain's train services. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad In January, UK transport secretary Heidi Alexander wrote to the ORR expressing concerns the open access model could cause 'potential congestion' and result in taxpayers being 'left to fill shortfalls' in maintenance costs. She said she expected 'the impacts on the taxpayer and on overall performance' to be 'given primacy' by the regulator when it analyses open access proposals. The ASLEF union has announced fresh strike action affecting LNER services | AFP via Getty Images Government-owned LNER, which runs services on the East Coast Main Line, is planning a major timetable change in December, with up to 37 daily services and quicker journeys between London King's Cross and Edinburgh. It has previously described the overhaul as 'transformational' and 'the biggest change in a generation'.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Three train operators given go ahead to run extra East Coast services
Three East Coast Main Line train operators have been granted permission to run additional services from December. Regulator the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) said it approved some proposals from open access operators Lumo, Grand Central and Hull Trains to enhance their timetables. It rejected some proposed services, citing concerns over insufficient capacity, the potential impact on performance, and the effect on the Government's revenue. The approvals include Lumo extending some of its existing London King's Cross-Edinburgh services to Glasgow, and additional services between London King's Cross and Newcastle. Hull Trains will run an additional train from London King's Cross to Hull on weekdays and Saturdays, while Grand Central will increase its regional operation, including a new link to Seaham on the County Durham coast. Among the rejected proposals was a plan from Hull Trains for new services between London King's Cross and Sheffield. Stephanie Tobyn, ORR's director of strategy, policy and reform, said: 'Approving these additional open access services will increase connectivity on the East Coast Main Line. 'Importantly, we have ensured the approval of these services can be accommodated alongside the major service uplifts by other operators, which have been planned into the December 2025 timetable, so together passengers and freight customers can benefit from more direct connections and greater choice from December.' Open access operators set their own fares, take on all revenue risk and receive no taxpayer-funded subsidies. They are excluded from the Government's ongoing nationalisation of Britain's train services. In January, Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander wrote to the ORR expressing concerns that the open access model can cause 'potential congestion' and result in taxpayers being 'left to fill shortfalls' in maintenance costs. She stated that she expects 'the impacts on the taxpayer and on overall performance' to be 'given primacy' by the regulator when it analyses open access proposals. Government-owned LNER, which runs services on the East Coast Main Line, is planning a major timetable change in December, with up to 37 daily services and quicker journeys between London King's Cross and Edinburgh. It has previously described the overhaul as 'transformational' and 'the biggest change in a generation'.
The Independent
2 days ago
- Business
- The Independent
Three train operators given go ahead to run extra East Coast services
Three East Coast Main Line train operators have been granted permission to run additional services from December. Regulator the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) said it approved some proposals from open access operators Lumo, Grand Central and Hull Trains to enhance their timetables. It rejected some proposed services, citing concerns over insufficient capacity, the potential impact on performance, and the effect on the Government's revenue. The approvals include Lumo extending some of its existing London King's Cross-Edinburgh services to Glasgow, and additional services between London King's Cross and Newcastle. Hull Trains will run an additional train from London King's Cross to Hull on weekdays and Saturdays, while Grand Central will increase its regional operation, including a new link to Seaham on the County Durham coast. Among the rejected proposals was a plan from Hull Trains for new services between London King's Cross and Sheffield. Stephanie Tobyn, ORR's director of strategy, policy and reform, said: 'Approving these additional open access services will increase connectivity on the East Coast Main Line. 'Importantly, we have ensured the approval of these services can be accommodated alongside the major service uplifts by other operators, which have been planned into the December 2025 timetable, so together passengers and freight customers can benefit from more direct connections and greater choice from December.' Open access operators set their own fares, take on all revenue risk and receive no taxpayer-funded subsidies. They are excluded from the Government's ongoing nationalisation of Britain's train services. In January, Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander wrote to the ORR expressing concerns that the open access model can cause 'potential congestion' and result in taxpayers being 'left to fill shortfalls' in maintenance costs. She stated that she expects 'the impacts on the taxpayer and on overall performance' to be 'given primacy' by the regulator when it analyses open access proposals. Government-owned LNER, which runs services on the East Coast Main Line, is planning a major timetable change in December, with up to 37 daily services and quicker journeys between London King's Cross and Edinburgh. It has previously described the overhaul as 'transformational' and 'the biggest change in a generation'.
