An anonymous reader quotes a report from Ars Technica: Owners of some Jeep Wrangler 4xe hybrids have been left stranded after installing an over-the-air software update this weekend. The automaker pushed out a telematics update for the Uconnect infotainment system that evidently wasn't ready, resulting in cars losing power while driving and then becoming stranded. Stranded Jeep owners have been detailing their experiences in forum and Reddit posts, as well as on YouTube. The buggy update doesn't appear to brick the car immediately. Instead, the failure appears to occur while driving -- a far more serious problem. For some, this happened close to home and at low speed, but others claim to have experienced a powertrain failure at highway speeds. Jeep pulled the update after reports of problems, but the software had already downloaded to many owners' cars by then. A member of Stellantis' social engagement team told 4xe owners at a Jeep forum to ignore the update pop-up if they haven't installed it yet. Owners were also advised to avoid using either hybrid or electric modes if they had updated their 4xe and not already suffered a powertrain failure. Yesterday, Jeep pushed out a fix.

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An anonymous reader quotes a report from The Verge: OpenAI is introducing a way to work with apps right inside ChatGPT. The idea is that, from within a conversation with the chatbot, you can essentially tag in apps to help you complete a task while ChatGPT offers context and advice. [...] Apps available inside ChatGPT starting today will include Booking.com, Canva, Coursera, Expedia, Figma, Spotify, and Zillow. In the "weeks ahead," OpenAI will add more apps, such as DoorDash, OpenTable, Target, and Uber. [...] Developers can access the SDK for making apps in preview starting today. Later this year, developers will be able to submit apps for review and publication, and OpenAI also plans to offer a directory for users to browse apps, according to OpenAI CEO Sam Altman. The company will share guidance about monetization "soon," Altman says. Last week, ChatGPT unveiled a new feature called "Instant Checkout" that lets users buy stuff directly through its chatbot -- "part of its overall push to integrate it with the rest of the web," reports The Verge.

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The pressure is mounting on business leaders to harness AI to make work faster, cheaper, and more efficient. That may thrill investors, but for employees, it could mean fewer jobs around the world. From a report: At the $320 billion software giant SAP, there will likely be a need for fewer engineers to deliver the same -- or even greater -- output, according to the company's CFO Dominik Asam. "There's more automation, simply," Asam told Business Insider. "There are certain tasks which are automated and for the same volume of output we can afford to have less people." As a C-suite exec at Europe's most valuable software company, Asam cautioned that this reality will only come true if the corporate world implements the technology properly. After all, a recent MIT study found that 95% of generative AI pilots have not met the mark. "I will be brutal. And I also say this internally. For SAP and any other software company, AI is a great catalyst. It can be either great or catastrophe," Asam warned. "It will be great if you do it well, if you are able to implement it and do it faster than others. If you are left behind, you will have a problem for sure. We work day and night to not fall behind."

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AI Background Removal: Professional Applications for Photographers

Capturing the picture is just half the job for professional photographers, and the rest comes when the camera shutter closes. Behind every professional photograph, there is plenty of time spent on editing, removing the background, and more. Traditionally, this meant spending long sessions in editing software, carefully cutting around subjects pixel by pixel.

Now, an AI background remover for photographers changes the process completely. Instead of manual effort, a photo can be cleaned up in seconds, with the subject isolated and ready for any professional use. 

AI has made product photoshoots, marketing visuals, and other shoots a lot easier. AI Background Remover for Photographers helps make the process simple, faster, and effortless. Let us understand how it works and why it has become an essential tool for photographers.

The Role of Background Editing in Professional Photography

Professional photographers are expected to deliver polished images, especially when the projects are fast-paced. For projects like E-commerce and marketing, every minute counts as they require quick photo delivery. Meeting the expectations can be somewhat challenging for the photographers. AI background remover helps resolve it by automating the tasks in photo editing, as it allows them to:

• Save Ample Time: What earlier took hours for the photographers to complete can now be seamlessly done within seconds. All credits to the X-Design AI-generated photo editing tool.

• Maintains Consistency: AI ensures that you can maintain consistency across all edits. It helps you deliver clean and accurate cutouts, no matter how many images you are editing.

• Boosts Productivity: The quick way of editing the pictures and removing background reduces the burden on the photographers, and they dont need to work for hours. The extra time can be used to plan shoots, communicate, and perform other vital and productive tasks.

• Meet Deadlines: For the client, both speed and quality matter, and with X-Design Free Background Remover Online, there is a quick turnaround that allows you to deliver refined images for commercial shoots, portraits, and more right on time. 

Photography Scenarios That Need Background Editing

Saving time on repetitive tasks and quality matter the most when it comes to professional photography. There are countless uses offered by AI background cleanup. The tool is not only limited to creative work, but also supports the practical and business needs. Here are a few key applications of the AI background removal tool.

1. Product Photography for Online Stores and Catalogs

Selling products online is all about how they look. If the background is busy or messy, people often skip over the item without even noticing it. A simple white or transparent background maker does the opposite; it puts the focus on the product and makes the details pop. For photographers, cleaning up hundreds of photos by hand is tiring, and that’s where background tools help. They cut down the work, keep the look consistent across a whole catalog, and make the final images more trustworthy for shoppers.

2. Passport and ID Photos with Strict Background Standards

Passport photos, visas, or other government-approved documents have strict rules. In most of these documents, the background has to be plain. Manually removing the background can be time-consuming. Moreover, it can be prone to errors, which means a high chance of application rejection. With a background remover, the process is streamlined. A normal portrait can be turned into a photo that fits the requirements in seconds, which saves the photographer time and helps clients avoid rejections.

3. Marketing and Advertising Visuals for Brands and Campaigns

Marketing campaigns rely on strong and clear visuals. Banners, or social media ads, all need images that look professional. By removing a background or making the background white, the main subject can be dropped onto any design without extra effort. Photographers can hand over flexible images that brands can use across different platforms without repeating the editing work.

4. Social Media Content Creation

Social media feeds need to be updated regularly, and for a constant flow of engaging content, AI X-Design’s Free Background Remover comes to the rescue. It helps creators and photographers to give a clean and uniform look to the images and improve the brand identity. Maintaining neat and aesthetic photos helps the feed stand out, whether you are an influencer or using it for business promotion.

5. Event and Portrait Photography

Think about wedding albums or company heads hot. People don’t want clutter in the background; they want to see faces clearly. Taking out distractions helps the photo feel sharper, more personal. Background removal helps with image refinement, removes unwanted distractions, and more for a clear image focus. Pictures that look professional but still natural are something clients are proud to share or hang on a wall.

X-Design Background Remover: How to Use It

There are many editing tools available online, but X-Design AI Background Remover stands out as it is quite simple and efficient to use. Moreover, it is a web-based tool, which simply means you don’t need to install it. With basic skills, you can get started and navigate through the tool. The design is simple yet intuitive, which makes background removal and editing simple in a few clicks. Let us quickly understand how it works.

1. Upload Photo 

Upload or simply drag and drop the image to the tool. The tool supports formats like JPG and PNG. It is a versatile platform for professional photographers.

2. Automatic Background Cutout 

Once the image is uploaded, the tool identifies the subject, and AI removes the background from it. The tool also allows you to customize the background as per your choice. Also, you don’t need to trace the outlines manually or spend time on corrections. Within a few clicks, you get a clean cutout. 

3. Download or Edit Further

Because it’s lightweight and web-based, photographers can edit on the go and no longer install or configure complicated settings. It’s a practical option whether you’re handling a few images or a full project. The users can also use its AI background editor to create stunning background images.

Final Words 

Cleaning the background requires hours of hard work and manual effort. Whether it’s product photography, passport images, or more, background removal has become an essential part of professional editing. With the AI background remover for photographers, the process is streamlined.

The X-Design photo editing tool helps professional photographers to deliver consistent visuals and unlock opportunities to focus on creativity and client satisfaction.

The post AI Background Removal: Professional Applications for Photographers appeared first on Photo Rumors.

The Apache Software Foundation has unveiled a major branding overhaul that retires its three-decade-old feather logo after criticism from Native American activists. In its place is a new oak leaf design to symbolize endurance, resilience, and global reach. Along with the new visual identity, the group will emphasize "The ASF" as its shorthand name while keeping its full legal title intact. Apache.org explained: "The oak is one of the most enduring trees and is found around the world. It grows slowly but steadily, supporting vast ecosystems and lasting for centuries. In the same way, The ASF has served as a stable, resilient steward of open source for more than 25 years and is looking to the long future ahead. Choosing the oak leaf as our new logo represents the enduring power of our ethos: community over code."

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Kevin Barry, founder and sole developer of Nova Launcher, has left parent company Branch Metrics after being told to stop work on both the launcher and an open-source release. While the app remains on Google Play, the launcher's website currently shows a 404 error. The Verge reports: Mobile analytics company Branch Metrics acquired Nova in 2022. The company's CEO at the time, co-founder Alex Austin, said on Reddit that if Barry were to leave Branch, "it's contracted that the code will be open-sourced and put in the hands of the community." Austin left Branch in 2023, and now with Barry officially gone from the company, too, it's unclear if the launcher will now actually be open-sourced. "I think the newer leadership since Alex Austin left has put a different focus on the company and Nova simply isn't part of that focus in any way at all," Cliff Wade, Nova's former customer relations lead who left as part of the 2024 layoffs, tells The Verge. "It's just some app that they own but no longer feel they need or want." Wade also said that "I don't believe Branch will do the right thing any time soon with regards to open-sourcing Nova. I think they simply just don't care and don't want to invest time, unless of course, they get enough pressure from the community and individuals who care." Users have started a change.org petition to ask for the project to be open-sourced, and Wade says it's a "great start" to apply that pressure. Wade said he hasn't personally seen Barry's contract, so couldn't corroborate the claim of a contractual obligation to open-source Nova. Still, he said that the community "deserves" for the launcher to be open-sourced. "Branch just simply needs to do the right thing here and honor what they as a company have stated as well as what then CEO Alex Austin has stated numerous times prior to him leaving Branch."

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samleecole shares a report from 404 Media: An app developer has jailbroken Echelon exercise bikes to restore functionality that the company put behind a paywall last month, but copyright laws prevent him from being allowed to legally release it. Last month, Peloton competitor Echelon pushed a firmware update to its exercise equipment that forces its machines to connect to the company's servers in order to work properly. Echelon was popular in part because it was possible to connect Echelon bikes, treadmills, and rowing machines to free or cheap third-party apps and collect information like pedaling power, distance traveled, and other basic functionality that one might want from a piece of exercise equipment. With the new firmware update, the machines work only with constant internet access and getting anything beyond extremely basic functionality requires an Echelon subscription, which can cost hundreds of dollars a year. App engineer Ricky Witherspoon, who makes an app called SyncSpin that used to work with Echelon bikes, told 404 Media that he successfully restored offline functionality to Echelon equipment and won the Fulu Foundation bounty. But he and the foundation said that he cannot open source or release it because doing so would run afoul of Section 1201 of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act, the wide-ranging copyright law that in part governs reverse engineering. There are various exemptions to Section 1201, but most of them allow for jailbreaks like the one Witherspoon developed to only be used for personal use. [...] "I don't feel like going down a legal rabbit hole, so for now it's just about spreading awareness that this is possible, and that there's another example of egregious behavior from a company like this [...] if one day releasing this was made legal, I would absolutely open source this. I can legally talk about how I did this to a certain degree, and if someone else wants to do this, they can open source it if they want to."

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Top Tools for Video and Image Editing with Vmake.ai

From marketers to influencers and businesses, visual content has become equivalent to credits. You can grab almost instant attention in the competition with some professional-looking visuals.

However, we no longer need to spend hours on manual editing of videos/images. Artificial intelligence has already transformed the world of visual editing. You’re missing too much to handle if you’re not catching up with the best tools.

That’s where Vmake.ai, an AI-powered platform, makes high-quality visual editing straight to the point. Dive into its intuitive video background remover and precise image text deletion features.

What’s a Video Background Remover?

Let’s start with video background removal. A video background remover is a tool to separate/isolate the primary subject while removing or replacing the background. You can summarize the entire process as –

• Frame-by-Frame Analysis: Scanning of each video frame to detect edges, contours, and motion patterns.
• Semantic Segmentation: Separation of the subject from the background using deep learning techniques.
• Background Replacement: You can replace backgrounds with solid colors, visuals, or leave them transparent.

What Makes Video Background Removal So Important?

• Emphasized Visual Quality: Let the subject stand out with no clutter and distractions. You can achieve high-resolution output, smooth edges, and natural transitions.
• Custom and Creative Freedom: Replace backgrounds with branded assets, logos, or thematic visuals. Adding overlays, gradients, emojis, or spotlight effects works well for marketing and social media posts.
• Well-Organized Performance: You can save expensive equipment or complex software. Crafting polished and quality content becomes time-saving for almost anyone.

Why Choose Vmake.ai for Video Background Removal?

Vmake.ai lies on an intuitive interface to support all skill levels. The integrated AI automatically detects subjects, removes backgrounds, and refines edges. You can expect pixel-level accuracy for every phase. 

Key Features of Vmake

• Subject Detection: Isolation upon post-identification of the subject in each frame.
• HD Export: Up to 4K resolution with smooth transitions and crystal-clear visuals.
• Multi-Format Video: Compatible with .mp4, .mov, .avi, .3gp, .m4v, and many more.
• Custom: Swap backgrounds with solid colors, branded visuals, or transparent layers.

Applications Across Industries

• YouTube Creators: Polished videos with clean backgrounds and branded overlays.
• Ad Creators: Scroll-stopping visuals for Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube campaigns.
• Professionals: Replacing cluttered environments with sleek and branded visuals.
• Virtual Meetings + Webinars: Professional appearance without physical backdrops.

Cancellation and Refunds

Some users may face hurdles while trying to cancel Vmake subscriptions or obtain refunds. Non-functional buttons, unresponsive support, unauthorized charges, and no refunds can occur.

• Document: Take screenshots of failed cancellation attempts, charges, and support messages.
• Chargeback Services: Consider filing a chargeback through your bank.
• Act Quickly: Chances of refunds are good when you report issues within a few days.

Vmake.ai as a Stand Out Choice

• Superfast processing without green screens. Upload your video and let AI handle the rest.
• Existing customers (creators, professionals, and businesses) can enjoy “magical” outcomes.
• Satisfied clients shed light on how Vmake.ai transforms raw footage into polished content.
• AI templates and replacement features have boosted engagement and sales by up to 300%.
• Users reported 80% less time for superior working efficiency, thanks to the batch processing.

Some Other Popular Alternatives

• CapCut

ByteDance (TikTok’s parent company) developed the highly popular mobile app. The featured editing tools require minimal learning even for novices. Key features include –

• One-Click Background Removal: Auto-detection and removal of backgrounds from videos.
• Custom Removal Tool: Manual refinement using brush and eraser tools for precise edits.
• Auto Chroma Key: Availability of green screen effects for advanced (pro-level) users.
• Multi-layer Editing: A combo of overlaying, transitions, and effects for dynamic storytelling.

Users prefer CapCut for TikTok and Instagram reels. It’s equally applicable for product demos and influencer content. Further uses revolve around mobile ads and visual storytelling.

• Unscreen

The web-based platform specializes in automatic video background removal. There are no downloads, no green screens, and no manual masking. Notable features are –

• Automatic AI Detection: Removal of backgrounds from videos/GIFs with zero input.
• Custom Replacement: Implying solid colors, images, or even virtual environments.
• Plugin Support: Integration with Adobe Premiere Pro and After Effects from the Pro.
• Free and Paid: Free clips up to 60 seconds (720p); Pro offers full HD without watermarks.

Unscreen has become the go-to option for social media content, educational videos, and explainer clips. It’s also possible to make remote team presentations and virtual events.

Deleting Text from Images: What Does It Mean?

It denotes the process of removing unwanted textual elements from an image. You may want to get rid of annoying captions, watermarks, logos, or annotations. Only skilled graphic designers with complex software were capable of doing so.

AI-driven object detection with filtering/synthesis algorithms can erase text from an image. The process features the following steps –

• Uploading an image in suitable formats (like JPG, PNG, or WEBP).
• AI scans the image to locate text regions through pattern recognition and semantic segmentation.
• The text gets removed, and the system uses content-aware fill or deep learning inpainting.
• Background reconstruction makes the area blend naturally with surrounding textures and colors.

What Makes Text Deletion So Important for Images?

A clean picture without unnecessary texts/wording can incorporate –

• Brand consistency.
• Improved engagement.
• Visual storytelling.
• Save time on manual edits.

AI watermark removers may use edge-aware reconstruction and texture synthesis. It maintains image clarity even on complex backgrounds.

Vmake.ai for Text Removal

It’s built-in ‘delete text from image’ can withdraw text from images upon appropriate detection. It also reconstructs the background naturally. Key features include 

• One-Click Text Removal: Upload and click; let AI do the deletion of texts instantly.
• High-Resolution Results: Receive the output in HD (up to 1080p) with intact clarity.
• No Leftover Artifacts: Intelligent background reconstruction leaves no blur, ghosting, or distortion.
• Bulk Editing: Process multiple images (up to 10 for free) simultaneously to boost your overall productivity.
• Smart Detection: Capable of working on complex backgrounds, including textures and gradients.

Real-World Application Scenarios

• E-commerce: Discard suppliers’ logos or overlays from images for Amazon, Etsy, or Shopify listings.
• Social Media Reuse: Remove watermarks from previous content; repurpose them for new campaigns.
• Document Republishing: Edit scanned docs by erasing annotations or invalid texts for clean reprints.

Response Speed as an Issue

Some users may experience delays or non-responses, like email delays, no ticket tracking, and limited support hours. However, they aren’t exactly anything serious as –

• Vmake offers in-app guides and automated AI assistance to resolve common issues as soon as possible.
• Timely response when contacting support about payment or subscription through the correct channel.

Vmake.ai as the Stand Out Option

• You don’t have to own any technical skills anymore. The accessible interface perfectly suits everyone.
• Vmake.ai sees increasing use by e-commerce sellers, social media marketers, and small businesses.
• The platform features rather flexible pricing. You can choose from free trials and credit-based plans.

Alternative Choices for Text Removal

• PhotoDirector

The comprehensive photo editing suite integrates AI-based text and object removal. Additionally, you can benefit from its many enhancement tools. Foremost features include –

• AI Object Removal: Auto removal of unwanted elements (text, logos, or content-aware fill).
• Content-Aware Brush: Users can manually refine specific areas for further cleanups.  
• AI Enhance + Denoise: Improvement of the image clarity with reduced post-edit noises.
• Generative AI: Inclusion of background replacement, sketch effects, and anime-style transitions.

PhotoDirector is rather good at removing distractions from travel/event photos. You can clean product shots for e-commerce. Creating styled content for social media or marketing is also simple.

• Cleanup.pictures

The browser-based tool provides intuitive brush-based editing. It’s a free platform with great speed that suits beginners and casual users. Top features are –

• Quick Brush: Simple painting over unwanted text or objects for removal.
• AI Inpainting: Automatic filling in the background with realistic textures.
• Before/After Preview: Users can immediately compare edits in real time.
• Unlimited Usage: The free version allows unlimited edits at 720p resolution.

You can discard watermarks/timestamps from personal photos. Cleaning up clutter in real estate or product images seems easy. It can even erase words from scanned docs or social media visuals.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• How does Vmake.ai remove video backgrounds?

Vmake.ai uses deep learning to detect + isolate the subject in each video frame. Then it removes or replaces the background without requiring a green screen.

• Can I delete text from an image using Vmake.ai?

Yes. Vmake.ai’s Image Object Remover allows users to erase unwanted text, watermarks, or logos. It even reconstructs the background naturally for quality.

• Is Vmake.ai suitable for beginners?

Absolutely. Vmake.ai features a user-friendly interface with one-click tools. That’s why it’s accessible for users of all skill levels without any design or editing experience.

• What file formats does Vmake.ai support?

Vmake.ai supports popular formats including .mp4, .mov, .avi, .m4v for videos. It’s compatible with .jpg, .jpeg, .png, and .webp for images.

• Can I use Vmake.ai for commercial projects?

Yes. Vmake.ai offers commercial use rights with its Pro plans. It’s an excellent choice for businesses, agencies, and professional creators.

• Is Vmake.ai web-based or does it require installation?

Vmake.ai is fully web-based. Therefore, you can access it from any browser without downloading or installing software.

Conclusion

Expelling video background and/or image texts can redefine your visuals in a captivating way. Precise focus on the subject without distractions can make your edits stand out.

You can accomplish such objectives without the slightest error with the platform. That’s what makes Vmake.ai a potent platform for convenient yet straightforward editing.

The post Top Tools for Video and Image Editing with Vmake.ai appeared first on Photo Rumors.

Starting September 1st, Russia will require all smartphones and tablets sold in the country to come with MAX, a state-backed messaging app seen as a rival to WhatsApp and Telegram. Critics say the app could be used to track users. Reuters reports: The Russian government said in a statement that MAX, which will be integrated with government services, would be on a list of mandatory pre-installed apps on all "gadgets," including mobile phones and tablets, sold in Russia from September 1. State media says accusations from Kremlin critics that MAX is a spying app are false and that it has fewer permissions to access user data than rivals WhatsApp and Telegram. It will also be mandatory that from September 1, Russia's domestic app store, RuStore, which is pre-installed on all Android devices, will be pre-installed on Apple devices. A Russian-language TV app called LIME HD TV, which allows people to watch state TV channels for free, will be pre-installed on all smart TVs sold in Russia from January 1, the government added. [...] MAX said this week that 18 million users had downloaded its app, parts of which are still in a testing phase. Russia's interior ministry said on Wednesday that MAX was safer than foreign rivals, but that it had arrested a suspect in the first fraud case using the new messenger.

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