Robot Peer Pressure
/in Gadgets / Tech /by billywrightAccording to a study published by the journal of Science Robotics, researchers from Germany and the UK demonstrated that children are susceptible to peer pressure by robots. Scarily the findings, say the researchers that as robots and AI’s become more and more intergrated into our lives, we as humans need to be careful how they influence us. Especially the young. As it can be stated that the AI and robots could change the way that we act. Our entire behaviour could be changed by Robot peer pressure.
Authors of the paper were asking:
“if robots recommend products, services, or preferences, will compliance […] be higher than with more traditional advertising methods?”
The researches made an effort to note that robots are being introduced to plenty of other places where social influence could be important. These social environments include places of health care, education and security.
The paper was a study of a social experiment on social conformity. It’s slightly been adjusted for the modern day robotics environment. It’s called the Asch experiment.
Asch Experiment:
The experiment was that there was no correct answer to the ambiguous autokinetic experiment. How could we be sure that a person conformed when there was no correct answer?
Asch (1951) devised what is now regarded as a classic experiment in social psychology, whereby there was an obvious answer to a line judgment task. If the participant gave an incorrect answer it would be clear that this was due to group pressure.
Aim: Solomon Asch (1951) conducted an experiment to investigate the extent to which social pressure from a majority group could affect a person to conform.
Procedure: Asch used a lab experiment to study conformity, whereby 50 male students from Swarthmore College in the USA participated in a ‘vision test.’ Using a line judgment task, Asch put a naive participant in a room with seven confederates. The confederates had agreed in advance what their responses would be when presented with the line task. The real participant did not know this and was led to believe that the other seven participants were also real participants like themselves.
Groupthink
Each person in the room had to state aloud which comparison line (A, B or C) was most like the target line. The answer was always obvious. The real participant sat at the end of the row and gave his or her answer last.
There were 18 trials in total, and the confederates gave the wrong answer on 12 trails (called the critical trials). Asch was interested to see if the real participant would conform to the majority view. Asch’s experiment also had a control condition where there were no confederates, only a “real participant.” (Simple Psychology)
The test is used to illustrate how humans can be influenced by groupthink. To the point where people will deny even the most obvious of facts.
One of the cards used in the original Asch test. Participants had to say which line on the right was closest in length to the line on the left.
Image: Creative Commons
Group Influence
In the experiment Asch invited 50 males students to take part in the line vision test. They were all asked to sit around a table. They were then shown a line on a chart next to a group of three other lines in varying lengths. Each labled A, B, Or C. They were then asked which line is the closest in length to the first. While the answer is obvious only one participant is ‘real’ the rest are actors.
The actors would all vote for an incorrect answer, the test was done to see if group responses can influence someone. In the test, the real one. The person who isn’t an actor would 1/3rd of the time cave to social pressure. Giving the same wrong answer as those before them. (The real participant, always would answer last) Over the course of 12 different tests 75% of participants conformed at least once while a quarter never conformed to social pressure.
Robot Peer Pressure
It is here where scientists wanted to see if it would work with Robots. Tony Belpaeme, a professor of robotics at the University of Plymouth, looked to repeat this experiment with humans/robots. With both adults and children to see what the outcome would be.
Somewhat unsurprisingly, Adults didn’t feel the need to follow the example of the robot peer pressure. However, when the children were involved with the test, they wre much more likely to cave to social pressure from the robots. “When the kids were alone in the room, they were quite good at the task, but when the robots took part and gave wrong answers, they just followed the robots,” said Belpaeme.
Images showing the robot used (A); the setup of the experiment (B and C); and the “vision test” as shown to participants (D).
Photo by Anna-Lisa Vollmer, Robin Read, Dries Trippas, and Tony Belpaeme
Results
The Verge are reporting that although robot peer pressure and the susceptibility of the children that’s most shocking, it’s also the fact that adults weren’t swayed which is also significant. As it goes against the theory in sociology known as “computer are social actors” (CASA) The theory deems that humans tend to interact with computers as if they are humans. The results of the 1996 study highlights that there are limits to this theory.
Belpaeme though was unswayed by this, as he stated that they were ‘expected’ as the robots that they used in the experiment were ‘too toylike’ to be influential to the adults. After the experiment the adults were quizzed and they informed researchers that they though the Robots were malfunctioning or weren’t intelligent enough to correctly answer.
As a result Belpaeme suggests that if they were to undertake the experiment again, with more impressive robots, the results may be different.
Human behaviour around robots
The Verge are reporting that while this experiment doesn’t prove the CASA theory, it does highlight human behaviour when it comes to robots. Previous studies have proved that we’re more likely to enjoy interacting with robots that are more human like. Or those that reflect the same personality as us.
We as humans even stereotype robots based on their perceived gender, as shown by the virtual assistant. (Which begs the question, why do nearly all of them have female names, Siri, Cortanta, Alexa?) Social instincts are also affecting our behaviour when talking to robots. It’s been said that we find it more difficult to turn off robots if they’re begging us not to. Another study even suggested that we are better at paying attention if we are being watched by a robot that we perceive as mean.
Children Vs Adults
The report means that it’s children whom are more likely to give in to robot peer pressure. While researchers warn that adults aren’t immune. The dynamic between us and robots is something that we need to pay attention to. Even more so as AI is getting highly sophisticated. A good example of how easily we can be swayed by social pressure is the personal data scandal from Cambridge Analytica. If combined with social AI, it could be very messy. Belpaeme states ‘This technoligy will be used as a channel to persuade us, probably for advertising’. However it could also be used in a merciless manner.
While robot peer pressure can be used for good, such as educational settings to in still good learning habits, furthermore there’s evidence that robots can help develop social skills in autistic children.
(Verge)
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Apple Health Improvements
/in Gadgets / Tech /by billywrightAccording to a new job listing Apple are working on improving their health data. Apple Health may soon be a lot more deeper than it is currently according to job listings that are undearthed by CNBC. It is said that Apple are working on a dedicated health chip. A dedicated health chip that will help improve the way that it processes biometric data from it’s array of devices. Apple currently design their own custom chops for iPhone and it’s rumoured to be doing the same for the Macs as early as 2020. That being said that Apple Watch is powered by a custom S3 chip. Yet if the report is to be believed future Apple Watches will include a specific special Apple Health chip to improve health data reporting.
Job Listings
CNBC are reporting that the new job listings will promote Apple’s indications towards health data. It could be that a chip that will be solely responsible for processing data for the heart rate for example, alongside helping to improve battery efficiency as there are two chips doing the work instead of one. Consequently it could be one better chip that simply helps share it’s workload better, thus, improving battery life.
The Verge are reporting that one listings read (before they were removed)
“We are looking for sensor ASIC architects to help develop ASICs for new sensors and sensing systems for future Apple products. We have openings for analog as well as digital ASIC architects.”
“Help develop health, wellness, and fitness sensors.”
How will it be used?
Verge are reporting that they aren’t aware if Apple are looking at integrating better health tracking and monitory features or sensors into its existing chip. Or if it’s interested in developing a custom chop that would work in tandem with other hardware components. Apple currently uses a custom optical sensor for measuring your ticker. Consequently a new chip could work with the existing sensor to help process the data more efficiently.
The A11 Bionic chop thats in both the iPhone X and 8, contain a special Neural Engine. This chip is dedicated to helping speed up AI related tasks such as Animoji and FaceID. A new Apple Health chop could work similarly. It could be responsible for the standard computing tasks in addition to health ones. When this new chip may come to fruition? It may not be for some time as the Verge are reporting that the listings are newer.
(Verge)
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Tv Streaming Boost!
/in Entertainment /by billywrightThis story is more US centric than most of the ones we feature here on How To Kill An Hour but it is a good insight into how people are consuming their Tv these days. It seems like a lot of people are turning to Tv streaming over traditional methods. There’s a lot more households whom are choosing to stream their favorite shows instead of watching them on cable. (US version of Sky)
Climbing Numbers
Comscore have released a new set of data that states that the number of people opting for Tv streaming in the United States has spiked by 58% to 4.9million people. 4.9 million people is a total of 5% of all US households that stream over Wi-Fi without traditional Tv’s headaches of ads and schedules.
Comscore looked at “pure play” systems that don’t offer their own original shows the same way that services like Netflix, Hulu and Amazon Prime do. Pure Players are things like Sling, DirectTv Now, Playstation Vue and YouTube Tv. A full 10% of streaming time across the US came from these services this past April. A 53% spike from the previous year.
According to analysts it’s not just the young who are using these streaming services. Older viewers are signing up in droves too! Only 21% of households using these services have a head under 35. An 8% drop according to Comscore.
If a household does have these services, Comscore adds that they’ll spend nearly half their time streaming programming from it. This past April each of those households streamed a total of 128hrs of content on average. Equal to on demand services like Netflix.
Overall the users using Tv streaming services spent twice as much time with those services when compared to those watching normal Tv.
(Verge)
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Netflix Promos (Ads?)
/in Entertainment /by billywrightSo Netflix Ads may be on their way! It seems that way anyway. For a while now Netflix have been playing trailers before and after some of their content. While some of these can be deemed promos, some of us may call them ads. Yet, those trailers have been skippable. While Gizmodo are reporting that they don’t show up that often. They’re reporting that if the latest round of testing gets approved the ads are going to be more noticeable.
Reports on Reddit are claiming that Netflix are indeed testing a new way of delivering ads to viewers. For example short trailers for Netflix Originals being shown between episodes. Are these Netflix ads or are they promos? It may be a bit harsh to call them ads. While we can see the benefit behind them. What’s better than seeing more top quality content that we wouldn’t have known existed otherwise?
Testing
Netflix confirmed the testing phase to Ars Technica:
“We are testing whether surfacing recommendations between episodes helps members discover stories they will enjoy faster.”
However, despite this Reddit users are claiming that the ads cannot be skipped. Netflix denied these claims and confirmed that they are entirely skippable. While the streaming giant also stressed that the ads are only for Netflix content and won’t open up third party ads. Makes sense seeing that Netflix is the place that people go to to get away from traditional content. Would be bad business if Netflix were to advertise things other than their own content.
Furthermore it’s not entirely clear how many people are seeing these ads, nor how long it will last, or if it will see the light of day for the rest of us. It does seem how much people engage with the ads to whether or not they get implemented. Therefore the more people clicking on these Netflix ads, the more likely it will be rolled out officially.
If you do see the ads, or if you don’t want to be apart of any new testing features that Netflix rolls out. You can opt out by heading over to this page.
(Gizmodo)
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Uefa Champions League Facebook Streaming!
/in Entertainment /by billywrightFacebook the social media giant are making giant moves in the video world. Facebook already have secured the rights to stream 2019/20 Premier League season of football in Asia in a £200M deal which was secured in July. This is leading on from Facebook’s previous foray into sports streaming. They’ve already live streamed MLS and La Liga matched previously. Consequently they are making more moves into making them more than just a social media giant. Facebook have secured the rights to stream the Uefa Champions League for free between 2018 and 2021.
While this sounds great and is a wonderful move in the right direction for the company, there is some limits. While this is groundbreaking Facebook will only broadcast 32 games per season. Yet the social media giant will share highlights and magazine programming each week.
Football fans in Latin America were able to view the UEFA Super Cup on August 15th and it will also include future Super Cups alongside the finals. Furthermore this deal will give Facebook Free-To-Air exclusivity, so you’ll need to pay for a TV service or similar to view. If you don’t have Facebook that is.
Facebook hired Eurosport chief Peter Hutton for this very reason, even if the deal isn’t as great as it looks on the outset. Yet it’s a step in the right direction. Facebook have successfully streamed live sports in the past and deals like this one prove that. Who would’ve thought you could watch sport on Facebook just 2-3 years ago. (Engadget)
Who knows, we may be seeing Premier League games or Uefa Champions League games in the UK on Facebook in the near future!?
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Huawei Faked It?!
/0 Comments/in Uncategorised /by billywrightAllegedly Huawei faked an advert for their latest smartphone the Nova 3. Instead it is said that a full sized DSLR was used to take photos. A shot in the company’s latest commercial for the Nova 3 shows a couple arguing and then stopping momentarily to take a ‘selfie’.
The aim was to show how Huawei’s AI and camera technology can make it so that the woman doesn’t need to put her make up on. Yet it can be said that it Huawei faked it as shown by a behind the scene’s photo which was discovered on instagram by reddit user AbdullahSab3.
Caught Out?
The photo, which has since been deleted was posted on instagram by Sarah Elshamy (whom is the actress in the scene) highlights that no phone is present in the scene. Yet allegedly Huawei faked it. The gentleman is putting his hand up to the lens of the DLSR as if he is holding a phone.
While it can be stated that the ad never explicitly stated that the picture was shot on the Nova 3. However, it is implied and you can be forgiven if you didn’t think otherwise.
Yet, Android Police have pointed out that Huawei have history doing this. They were once caught photoshopping out bezels on renderings of the P8. Furthermore Huawei posted a shot on its Google+ page taken from a P9. While the EXIF data revealed that the shot was taken on a Canon EOS 5D MarkIII.(Verge)
Allegedly faking photos is one thing, but people actually use Google+? Who ever used Google+?
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Planet Alpha: Team17’s 100th Game!
/in Entertainment /by billywrightPLANET ALPHA launches next month and it will mark Team17’s 100th game release!
Team17 are an incredible games label and they’ve teamed up with Denmark based independent developer Adrian Lazar of Planet Alpha ApS game studio to create a truly wonderful and beautiful game in PLANET ALPHA. Consequently, Team17 are incredibly proud of the work that’s gone into this game so much that they’re marking their landmark 100th game release with it!
Team17 began as a publisher when it was founded in 1990. Working on games such as Housemarque on Super Stardust and Epic on Silverball. However what made Team17 famous in the gaming industry is their work with the Worms series which launched in 1995. Consequently in 2013 Team17 set up their games label and brought to the masses games such as The Escapists, an How To Kill An Hour favourite Overcooked and Yooka-Laylee. Now 27 years on Team17 are shortly releasing (Sept 4th) PLANET ALPHA on Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch™ and PC.
Plot
PLANET ALPHA is an atmospheric side-scrolling platform adventure game. Combining fast platforming, creative puzzles, stealth mechanics and a unique art style to create an unforgettable experience.
“The 100th game marks an incredible milestone for Team17 as we move closer towards our 30th year in this diverse and creative industry. Team17 started life as an indie publisher in 1990; the release of PLANET ALPHA in 2018 is a poignant moment for us all in that we have come full circle in bringing our expertise, perspective and values from our time as an independent developer to games publishing in this exciting modern era of indie games…..I’d like to pay tribute to employees of Team17, both past and present, as we celebrate the release of a multitude of titles across many game systems from 16-bit and beyond and in countries far and wide. I’m appreciative, humbled and honoured to work with talented developers in bringing their wonderful creations to fans everywhere. We’re just as passionate and excited for the next 100 games!” Debbie Bestwick MBE, CEO of Team17.
So, check out our PLANET ALPHA gameplay video from E3 below:
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Check out our exclusive play through when we got our hands on it here!
PicDrift: Bringing a new lease of life to photos!
/in Gadgets / Tech /by billywrightPicDrift are an amazing company that do absolutely amazing things with photos. They bring a whole new look on what we believe photos to be and blends them with video to make truly amazing pieces of content. Blending together videos and pictures to make breathtaking pieces of art. It’s not a gif though! Far from it. The pieces of content that they make are high quality animations to bring your ideas and creations to life!
They cater to everyone too, videographers who want to breathe a new lease of life into their video projects. Wedding Photographers who want to bring something different to their work. Website designers who want to draw people into their content and make themselves stand out from the rest. PicDrift also create social media posts for yourselves or influencers who want to wow their followers.
Simply send them your photo(s) and they will do the rest. They can make animations from almost any still photo! They then build layers from your image(s) and create custom animations that can last from 5-20seconds long. Then it’s delivered to you in whatever format you wish. Be that if you want them to be ready for social media posts, any size web banner or broadcast quality videos for content as high as 4K video projects!
We think that they’re absolutely incredible and think that you’ll love them!
So, purchase your own PicDrift by clicking here!
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Detroit Become Human
/in Entertainment /by billywrightDeveloped by Quantic Dream, the gaming heavyweights that are responsible for games such as Heavy Rain and Beyond:Two Souls. Detroit Become Human follows the same feature premise as Heavy Rain, a movie like game.
Players navigate around a futuristic world where you follow the lives of three androids, Kara, Conor and Markus. Kara has just escaped the owner that she was serving, her new mission in life is to protect a young girl that she encounters. Conor’s mission is to hunt down sentient androids. While Markus is devoted to releasing other androids from servitude. It is your role to follow these androids and their fate is dependant upon what dialogue you choose to shape the story. If a character dies, you take control of another character, as the story evolves further, so therefore there is no traditional ‘game over’ in this game. (Wiki)
Plot: Detroit Become Human
Enter the near-future metropolis of Detroit in 2038 – a city rejuvenated by the introduction of highly advanced androids that exist only to serve mankind. But that’s all about to change…
Step into the shoes of three distinct android characters as this brave new world teeters on the brink of chaos. Your decisions dramatically alter how the game’s intense, branching narrative plays out. With thousands of choices and dozens of endings, how will you affect the future of Detroit? (Amazon)
So, listen to Marcus and Julia chatting about this on the show by clicking here!
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