A recent study of black hole jets from NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory has identified bright formations or “knots” in these jets, with each showing unexpected variations in speed. This analysis, led by David Bogensberger, an astrophysicist at the University of Michigan, examined decades-old Chandra data on the supermassive black hole at the heart of the Centaurus A galaxy, located around 12 million light-years from Earth.

Observations of Bright ‘Knots’ Moving at Variable Speeds

The findings, which was published in The Astrophysical Journal, reveal that the knots within these jets, which emit energy from the black hole, are moving faster in X-ray observations compared to radio wavelengths. For instance, some knots recorded speeds of 94 per cent of light in the X-ray band, which exceeded the 80 per cent speed of light observed in radio wavelengths. As per the study, these discoveries provide a unique view of black hole jet mechanics, as the X-ray wavelengths reveal elements unseen in other spectral bands.

Funding Challenges for NASA’s X-ray Programme

This research arises as NASA faces potential budget cuts that could affect the Chandra Observatory’s operations. With the U.S. presidential election and government budget discussions ongoing, Chandra’s funding future remains uncertain. Despite these challenges, the telescope—currently operating with 2024 funding levels—continues to provide crucial insights, highlighting its role in studying distant cosmic phenomena.

Centaurus A Galaxy and Black Hole Jet Mechanics

First detected in the 1800s, Centaurus A’s jets were later mapped with radio telescopes in the 20th century. Of these, one jet points towards Earth, while the fainter “counterjet” extends away from it. The movement and brightness changes in Centaurus A’s knots echo findings from previous observations of M87 galaxy jets, where brightness increased before dimming over time.

The study brings new insights into how magnetic fields and spin near black holes influence jet formation, offering astronomers fresh approaches for understanding such mechanisms across different galaxies. Future studies may further clarify whether the knot behaviour is due to internal jet dynamics or external forces such as interstellar materials.

Microsoft on Tuesday started making available to users a host of AI upgrades, including to ChatGPT, its search engine Bing as well as to cloud services – an expansive launch that seeks to narrow the gap with Alphabet‘s Google.

Among key changes is the rollout of live search results from Bing to ChatGPT, the viral chatbot from its partner OpenAI whose answers originally were limited to information as of 2021.

Now, ChatGPT can pull from Bing web results for paid subscribers and will do so soon for free users, the company said at its annual Microsoft Build conference.

The company also is expanding so-called plug-ins for Bing, using a standard embraced by OpenAI and letting businesses transact more easily with consumers in its search engine.

For instance, one such tool can help a web surfer looking for dinner ideas with a suggested recipe and ingredients that could then be ordered from Instacart in a single click, said Yusuf Mehdi, Microsoft’s consumer chief marketing officer.

“This is a profound change to how people will use the web,” he said in an interview.

Asked if Microsoft could sell ad placements related to the plug-ins, Mehdi said the company hasn’t gotten to that point but that “the model for how people acquire customers is changing.”

The updates to Bing are part of Microsoft’s effort to capture more of the estimated $286 billion (roughly Rs. 23,65,700 crore) market for search advertising globally.

Like Microsoft, Google has also recently showcased generative AI upgrades for its search engine, learning from past data how to respond to open-ended queries where no clear answers exist on the web.

Which updated search engine consumers prefer remains unclear, as Google has yet to roll out its changes widely. However, its standalone competitor to ChatGPT, a chatbot known as Bard, is available and already includes answers informed by Google’s search results.

Asked if ChatGPT will supplant Microsoft’s Bing now that it includes recent information from the web, Mehdi said the programs offer different experiences but that Microsoft would benefit either way, with citations in ChatGPT driving traffic to Bing.

New cloud service features include allowing businesses to build plug-ins connecting to Microsoft 365 Copilot, its AI assistant for enterprises.

A plug-in could let a staffer in plain language ask the AI to book travel or explain legal issues with vendor contracts, Microsoft said. Microsoft aims to let companies configure their own AI copilots more broadly.

The company also said it will make an AI assistant, or copilot, available as a preview for some users of its widespread Windows operating system starting in June. It also announced ways it is helping consumers determine if its AI generated an image or video, similar to an announcement by Google.

© Thomson Reuters 2023

(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

Google reportedly sent a notification to some Android devices between Saturday and Sunday. This unique notification was shared via Google Play services and was titled “Your Android Has New Features”. The notification reportedly opened in a full-screen interface and showcased the recently added features to Android devices. Some of these included Circle to Search, Google Lens, Google Photos, and more. Notably, users could reportedly open the notification and check all the new features in a carousel-style layout.

Google Reportedly Sent an Android Notification About New Features

According to a 9to5Google report, the Mountain View-based tech giant sent out a notification to some Android devices highlighting the new features Android has shipped to users recently. So far, such notifications have only been sent to Pixel smartphones via the Tips app. The app would showcase the quarterly Feature Drops, helping users learn more information about the new features.

Google Android notification
Photo Credit: 9to5Google

However, some Android users have spotted seeing a similar notification on non-Pixel devices, as per the report. Once a user clicks on the notification, a full-screen interface is said to open, highlighting the recently released features on Android. Users can reportedly swipe through multiple screens in carousel style, going through one feature at a time.

As per the screenshots shared by the publication, each interface came with an image highlighting a visual cue on how to use the feature as well as a text description of the feature. A separate “How to get started” section was reportedly added where users could learn exactly how to use the feature. At the bottom of the screen, Google also shared the availability details of the feature.

The new features showcased in the notification reportedly include the QR code and translation feature of Circle to Search, short video recordings in Google Lens, Magic Editor features expansion to non-Pixel devices in Google Photos, as well as QR code and barcode passes feature in Google Wallet.

Additionally, the full-screen effects in Google Messages and the green shield icon indicating safe browsing mode were also highlighted in the Android notification.

Lies of P, the Pinocchio-inspired soulslike title, is getting a DLC expansion and a separate sequel. Publisher Neowiz dropped a Director’s Letter video, in which game director Ji Won Choi confirmed the plans and revealed two pieces of concept art from the in-development DLC. The first one appears to be a laboratory frozen all over, which could presumably be the location where the human citizens of Krat were experimented on and turned into puppets. There’s no labelling on them, so for now, we can simply guess what these images could mean for future content. The second art sees our puppet protagonist strutting along an abandoned, almost ghostly ship, which could indicate some Peter Pan influence.

Currently, there is no release window for the DLC or the sequel, which is expected to bring in characters from The Wizard of Oz, but director Choi dropped details for a set of new updates coming later this month. In case you missed it, Lies of P sold 1 million copies worldwide as of October, prompting the developer to return the favour, starting with a patch that tweaks weapon and handle balance, so players can experiment with more armaments instead of sticking to an overpowered one throughout the run. Whenever FromSoftware drops a new game or any Souls clone makes its way into the wild, conversation about its high difficulty level always flares up. Lies of P has been part of that discussion as well, with several of its bosses being nerfed last month.

A tease for what to expect in the Lies of P DLC
Photo Credit: Neowiz

This time, however, the protagonist Pinocchio will have the Rising Dodge ability unlocked as a default skill, reducing the amount of damage taken when dodging. Some cosmetic updates were also promised, with the merchant Alidoro’s costume and wolf mask being made available to all owners of the game, ‘as a token of gratitude.’ Furthermore, a new slot is being added to Lies of P’s outfit menu, separating facial accessories and headgear, allowing players to pick separate hats and glasses for their character. Previously, these wearables were clubbed under the same slot, providing the option to only pick one of them. Of course, a more detailed description of the weapon balance and other tiny tweaks will be released closer to the November patch launch.

Neowiz also has plans to release the long-requested soundtrack for Lies of P, which would total more than 60 tracks. As development on the DLC has commenced, the studio is looking for new developers to join the team, which is ideal for the unfortunate ones who’ve been recently getting laid off across the larger video game industry. “Even after the launch, our commitment remains unwavering in providing players with a compelling and unforgettable story,” Choi said in his closing remarks about the future of the game. “I love seeing players speculating and discussing various aspects as they wait for the DLC.”

Lies of P is out now on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series S/X.

Stellar Blade is set to wear its inspirations on its sleeve. The hack-and-slash action-adventure title is getting a Nier: Automata DLC on November 20, developer Shift Up has announced. The game will get special items from the world of Nier Automata and an in-game shop as part of the collaboration. The update will also add a photo mode, new outfits and more features.

Stellar Blade Update

Shift Up announced the free update on the PlayStation Blog Monday, detailing the Nier: Automata collaboration and other new additions to the game. “Nier: Automata significantly inspired Stellar Blade. The collaboration between Director Kim Hyung Tae and Director Yoko Taro, marked by mutual respect and creativity, led to this successful outcome,” the developer said.

“In the center of all this is Emil (voiced by Maii Kadowaki), the strange character from Nier:Automata. Emil’s Shop makes a surprise appearance in the world of Stellar Blade where eleven different collaboration-special items will be available. Items that intertwine the best of both games, leading you to a more enriched world,” Shift up added.

The update also adds a photo mode to Stellar Blade
Photo Credit: Shift Up

Stellar Blade Gets Photo Mode

As part of the new update, Stellar Blade is also getting a much-requested photo mode. Players will be able to select different poses for Eve and her friends in the mode. The patch will also add four new costumes and a new ‘Symbol of Legacy’ accessory, that alters the appearance and presentation of the Tachy Mode when equipped.

Additionally, Stellar Blade will add lip-sync support for more languages (French, Spanish, Italian, German, Portuguese, and Latin American Spanish).

There are some minor gameplay additions, too, like the ability to select a specific song to listen to at camps and a new “No Ponytail” character customisation option in the “Ponytail Length” setting. Finally, in combat, auto-targeting and ballistics correction features will be applied to the enemy insta-kill skills as part of the update, Shift Up said.

Stellar Blade released exclusively on the PS5 on April 26. In June, Shift Up confirmed that game had sold over one million copies. The studio is planning to launch the game on PC sometime in the future. Stellar Blade follows the story of Eve, a super soldier sent to rescue planet Earth that has been overrun with monsters.

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