Latest news with #Opal
Indian Express
14 hours ago
- Business
- Indian Express
Meta will allow job candidates to use AI during coding tests
Meta will begin allowing candidates to use artificial intelligence during coding tests. The company has also asked existing employees to volunteer for a 'mock AI-enabled interview,' as first reported by 404 Media and later confirmed by Meta. The Silicon Valley heavyweight is among a handful of tech companies that have given the green light to candidates to use AI when applying for jobs. This makes LLM-based cheating less effective, and with that, Meta is signaling support for 'vibe coding,' which could become part of the company's engineering workflow going forward. 'Vibe coding,' as the name suggests, involves using fast-evolving AI chatbots and other artificial intelligence tools to write software programs. Traditionally, learning to code has been a prerequisite for landing a job at a tech company. However, since the concept of vibe coding was introduced, it has enabled anyone to prototype a product, write code, and bring that product to market at lightning speed. This shift could change the software engineering field and open the door for individuals who never learned to code or attended engineering school but have new product ideas. AI-powered coding tools have surged in popularity in recent months. Startups like Lovable and Cursor have suddenly gained attention, with investors pouring millions into these companies. These tools lower the entry barrier to software development, and tech companies are taking notice. Consider designers: instead of relying on software engineers, they can now experiment and bring ideas to life on their own using AI coding tools. While some question whether AI tools might make engineers redundant, others argue that automation will instead help developers by reducing their workload. Meta's decision to allow some candidates to use AI during coding interviews is a refreshing shift. Its peers, however, have not been as open to the idea. Amazon, for instance, recently instructed internal recruiters to disqualify candidates found using AI tools during interviews. Meanwhile, OpenAI rival Anthropic initially opposed the use of AI in job applications but later reversed its stance. No wonder all the leading tech companies have either launched AI chatbots or are working on them. Google, the company behind the Gemini AI chatbot and various other AI tools, is testing a vibe-coding tool called Opal. It's currently available in the US through Google Labs, the company's platform for testing experimental features. Opal allows users to build, edit, and share mini-apps using natural language. All you have to do is enter a description of the app you want to create, and the tool will use different Google models to generate it. Once the app is ready, you can navigate to an editor panel to view the visual workflow of inputs, outputs, and generation steps. You can click on each step to see the prompt that drives the process and edit it if needed. Anuj Bhatia is a personal technology writer at who has been covering smartphones, personal computers, gaming, apps, and lifestyle tech actively since 2011. He specialises in writing longer-form feature articles and explainers on trending tech topics. His unique interests encompass delving into vintage tech, retro gaming and composing in-depth narratives on the intersection of history, technology, and popular culture. He covers major international tech conferences and product launches from the world's biggest and most valuable tech brands including Apple, Google and others. At the same time, he also extensively covers indie, home-grown tech startups. Prior to joining The Indian Express in late 2016, he served as a senior tech writer at My Mobile magazine and previously held roles as a reviewer and tech writer at Gizbot. Anuj holds a postgraduate degree from Banaras Hindu University. You can find Anuj on Linkedin. Email: ... Read More
Geeky Gadgets
2 days ago
- Business
- Geeky Gadgets
Opal New Google Labs AI App Turns Your Ideas Into Reality
What if creating AI-powered workflows was as easy as sketching out your ideas on a napkin? Enter Opal, Google Labs' latest innovation, which promises to make that vision a reality. Designed to simplify the often complex world of large language model (LLM) automation, Opal combines innovative AI with an intuitive interface, empowering users of all skill levels to build and customize workflows with minimal coding. Whether you're a seasoned developer or someone just dipping their toes into AI, Opal positions itself as a fantastic option, offering tools that don't just automate tasks but unlock entirely new possibilities. With its seamless integration into Google's ecosystem and a focus on user-friendly design, Opal is poised to redefine how we think about productivity and creativity in the AI era. But what makes Opal truly stand out? This overview by Sam Witteveen explores how its features, such as pre-built templates and prompt chaining—can transform everything from content creation to research and prototyping. You'll discover how Opal's adaptability allows you to craft workflows tailored to your unique needs, whether you're generating blog posts, summarizing complex data, or designing niche tools for specialized industries. And while competitors exist, Opal's deep integration with Google's advanced AI capabilities gives it a distinct edge. As we unpack its potential, you might find yourself rethinking how automation fits into your daily life—and wondering just how far this technology can take you. Google Opal Overview Opal is a workflow automation platform that uses the power of LLMs to streamline and optimize tasks. Whether you are a novice or an experienced developer, Opal provides an intuitive interface to design workflows that chain prompts, integrate tools, and automate repetitive processes. Its primary objective is to make LLM-based application development more accessible, allowing you to focus on creativity and functionality rather than technical complexities. By reducing the barriers to entry, Opal opens the door for a wide range of users to explore the possibilities of AI-driven solutions. Core Features and Capabilities Opal offers a comprehensive suite of features designed to enhance productivity, flexibility, and ease of use. These include: Pre-built Templates: Get started quickly with templates tailored for tasks such as content creation, research, and image generation. These templates provide a foundation that can be customized to suit your specific needs. Get started quickly with templates tailored for tasks such as content creation, research, and image generation. These templates provide a foundation that can be customized to suit your specific needs. Google Tools Integration: Seamlessly connect with Google's ecosystem, including search, Gemini models, and advanced image generation tools, to enhance your workflows with powerful capabilities. Seamlessly connect with Google's ecosystem, including search, Gemini models, and advanced image generation tools, to enhance your workflows with powerful capabilities. Prompt Chaining: Create dynamic workflows by linking multiple prompts to achieve complex, multi-step outcomes, allowing you to tackle intricate tasks with ease. Create dynamic workflows by linking multiple prompts to achieve complex, multi-step outcomes, allowing you to tackle intricate tasks with ease. User-defined Inputs: Customize workflows with specific inputs to ensure they align with your unique requirements and objectives. Customize workflows with specific inputs to ensure they align with your unique requirements and objectives. Persona-based Customization: Tailor workflows to align with specific user personas or target audiences, making sure relevance and effectiveness. These features make Opal a versatile tool for automating tasks across industries, from content creation and marketing to data analysis and beyond. Opal by Google Labs : Sketch, Automate and Create Watch this video on YouTube. Dive deeper into Large Language Models (LLMs) with other articles and guides we have written below. Customization and Prototyping A key strength of Opal lies in its emphasis on customization and prototyping. The platform allows you to modify workflows, adjust prompts, and add new nodes to refine your applications. This flexibility enables you to create proof-of-concept solutions that can evolve into fully functional tools. For instance, you could prototype a workflow for generating blog posts and later adapt it for creating social media content, conducting academic research, or even automating customer support responses. This adaptability ensures that Opal can grow alongside your needs, making it a valuable resource for both individuals and organizations. How Opal Stacks Up Against Competitors While other workflow automation tools like N8N and Lindy offer similar functionalities, Opal distinguishes itself through its seamless integration with Google's ecosystem. Features such as advanced image generation and Google search integration provide unique advantages that competitors may lack. Furthermore, Opal's focus on LLM-driven workflows makes it particularly effective for tasks requiring natural language understanding and generation. This specialization positions Opal as a leading solution in the rapidly evolving field of AI-powered automation, offering capabilities that are both robust and user-friendly. Practical Applications of Opal Opal's versatility enables it to address a wide range of use cases, making it a valuable tool for professionals across various industries. Here are some practical applications: Content Creation: Automate the generation of blog posts, social media updates, or podcast scripts, significantly reducing the time and effort required for manual content production. Automate the generation of blog posts, social media updates, or podcast scripts, significantly reducing the time and effort required for manual content production. Research and Summarization: Conduct literature reviews, summarize lengthy articles, or extract key insights from large datasets, streamlining the research process. Conduct literature reviews, summarize lengthy articles, or extract key insights from large datasets, streamlining the research process. Image Generation: Create custom visuals for presentations, marketing campaigns, or creative projects, using Google's advanced image generation tools. Create custom visuals for presentations, marketing campaigns, or creative projects, using Google's advanced image generation tools. Prototyping Specialized Tools: Develop niche applications, such as tools for educators, healthcare professionals, or workflows tailored to specific industries, allowing for targeted solutions. These examples highlight how Opal can transform both routine and complex tasks, allowing you to achieve greater efficiency and effectiveness in your work. Availability and Future Developments Opal is currently in public preview and available exclusively in the U.S., with access for users outside the region possible via VPN. As the platform evolves, Google plans to introduce additional features and enhancements to further expand its capabilities. These updates are expected to include improved integrations, advanced customization options, and new templates to address emerging user needs. With Google's commitment to innovation, Opal is poised to remain a valuable tool for years to come, adapting to the changing demands of its users and the broader technological landscape. Media Credit: Sam Witteveen Filed Under: AI, Top News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
Perth Now
2 days ago
- Business
- Perth Now
Free trains boost for Aus city
Trains and metro services will be fee-free into the early hours of Saturday in Sydney, after months of disruption and industrial action. Originally planned for Thursday and Friday, the period has been extended with Opal gates at train and metro stations now remaining open or turned off from 12.01am Thursday 31 July until 6am on Saturday 2 August. The fare-free travel period is an acknowledgment of the disruption that occurred before the Sydney Trains and NSW TrainLink Enterprise Agreement was agreed with the rail workforce earlier this month. Transport Minister John Graham said the announcement came as an admission the disruptions were unacceptable but also an invitation 'to support those businesses who had some lean days'. The fare-free period is from Thursday until 6am Saturday. Photo: NewsWire/ Gaye Gerard Credit: NewsWire The fare free period is predicted to amount to at least $6.4m in lost revenue for Transport NSW, with 2.2 million people forecast to make use of the free window. Minister for Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison added the fare-free days included regional routes to locations like Melbourne and Brisbane. 'We encourage our regional passengers to use the rail network over these two days to explore regional NSW. 'You will need to book in advance, but this is a fantastic opportunity to get out and explore this state and beyond.' Fare-free travel does not extend to buses, ferries or light rail. NewsWire / Nikki Short Credit: NewsWire Not everyone is pleased with the move however, regular commuter Joe Carrozzo said it comes 'too little too late'. '(The disruptions) earlier this year really messed me around so much, Sydney trains are slow and smelly at the best of times but paying what we do and receiving that kind of treatment just isn't on. 'The fare-free period is a nice gesture but as commuters what we want isn't gestures, it's better transport.' The free travel will not extend to buses, ferries or light rail which will charge fares as normal however Business Sydney Executive Director Paul Nicolaou said it was a good opportunity to support business around train stations affected by the disruptions. Transport Minister John Graham said the government was working 'overtime' to restore public faith in the service. NewsWire / Damian Shaw Credit: NewsWire 'Fare-free travel on Thursday and Friday is a terrific initiative that sends a strong signal of confidence in Sydney and Parramatta's CBDs. It's not just a win for commuters — it's a much-needed boost for food, hospitality and retail businesses that have faced enormous pressure over recent months.' 'Encouraging people to return to the office and explore the city at no cost helps revitalise our commercial centres and reconnects workers with the vibrant, dynamic experiences our CBDs are known for.' 'This thoughtful initiative is expected to benefit more than a million passengers, but its impact will ripple far beyond the trains and buses — it will support jobs, stimulate spending, and re-energise the heart of our economy.'
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Free trains boost for Aus city
Trains and metro services will be fee-free into the early hours of Saturday in Sydney, after months of disruption and industrial action. Originally planned for Thursday and Friday, the period has been extended with Opal gates at train and metro stations now remaining open or turned off from 12.01am Thursday 31 July until 6am on Saturday 2 August. The fare-free travel period is an acknowledgment of the disruption that occurred before the Sydney Trains and NSW TrainLink Enterprise Agreement was agreed with the rail workforce earlier this month. Transport Minister John Graham said the announcement came as an admission the disruptions were unacceptable but also an invitation 'to support those businesses who had some lean days'. The fare free period is predicted to amount to at least $6.4m in lost revenue for Transport NSW, with 2.2 million people forecast to make use of the free window. Minister for Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison added the fare-free days included regional routes to locations like Melbourne and Brisbane. 'We encourage our regional passengers to use the rail network over these two days to explore regional NSW. 'You will need to book in advance, but this is a fantastic opportunity to get out and explore this state and beyond.' Not everyone is pleased with the move however, regular commuter Joe Carrozzo said it comes 'too little too late'. '(The disruptions) earlier this year really messed me around so much, Sydney trains are slow and smelly at the best of times but paying what we do and receiving that kind of treatment just isn't on. 'The fare-free period is a nice gesture but as commuters what we want isn't gestures, it's better transport.' The free travel will not extend to buses, ferries or light rail which will charge fares as normal however Business Sydney Executive Director Paul Nicolaou said it was a good opportunity to support business around train stations affected by the disruptions. 'Fare-free travel on Thursday and Friday is a terrific initiative that sends a strong signal of confidence in Sydney and Parramatta's CBDs. It's not just a win for commuters — it's a much-needed boost for food, hospitality and retail businesses that have faced enormous pressure over recent months.' 'Encouraging people to return to the office and explore the city at no cost helps revitalise our commercial centres and reconnects workers with the vibrant, dynamic experiences our CBDs are known for.' 'This thoughtful initiative is expected to benefit more than a million passengers, but its impact will ripple far beyond the trains and buses — it will support jobs, stimulate spending, and re-energise the heart of our economy.'
News.com.au
2 days ago
- Business
- News.com.au
Fare-free hours extended on Sydney public transport
Trains and metro services will be fee-free into the early hours of Saturday in Sydney, after months of disruption and industrial action. Originally planned for Thursday and Friday, the period has been extended with Opal gates at train and metro stations now remaining open or turned off from 12.01am Thursday 31 July until 6am on Saturday 2 August. The fare-free travel period is an acknowledgment of the disruption that occurred before the Sydney Trains and NSW TrainLink Enterprise Agreement was agreed with the rail workforce earlier this month. Transport Minister John Graham said the announcement came as an admission the disruptions were unacceptable but also an invitation 'to support those businesses who had some lean days'. The fare free period is predicted to amount to at least $6.4m in lost revenue for Transport NSW, with 2.2 million people forecast to make use of the free window. Minister for Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison added the fare-free days included regional routes to locations like Melbourne and Brisbane. 'We encourage our regional passengers to use the rail network over these two days to explore regional NSW. 'You will need to book in advance, but this is a fantastic opportunity to get out and explore this state and beyond.' Not everyone is pleased with the move however, regular commuter Joe Carrozzo said it comes 'too little too late'. '(The disruptions) earlier this year really messed me around so much, Sydney trains are slow and smelly at the best of times but paying what we do and receiving that kind of treatment just isn't on. 'The fare-free period is a nice gesture but as commuters what we want isn't gestures, it's better transport.' The free travel will not extend to buses, ferries or light rail which will charge fares as normal however Business Sydney Executive Director Paul Nicolaou said it was a good opportunity to support business around train stations affected by the disruptions. 'Fare-free travel on Thursday and Friday is a terrific initiative that sends a strong signal of confidence in Sydney and Parramatta's CBDs. It's not just a win for commuters — it's a much-needed boost for food, hospitality and retail businesses that have faced enormous pressure over recent months.' 'Encouraging people to return to the office and explore the city at no cost helps revitalise our commercial centres and reconnects workers with the vibrant, dynamic experiences our CBDs are known for.' 'This thoughtful initiative is expected to benefit more than a million passengers, but its impact will ripple far beyond the trains and buses — it will support jobs, stimulate spending, and re-energise the heart of our economy.'
