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UM Today | Information Services and Technology | Office to Microsoft 365 – What’s changing?

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November 10, 2022 — 

If you have gone to portal.office.com recently you may have noticed a banner informing you that the Office app is becoming the “new” Microsoft 365 app.

What does this mean for you?

In a nutshell, not much. Microsoft, which has been referring to its subscription services as Microsoft 365 for some time, is formally rebranding Office to Microsoft 365. While the icon and visual look when accessing portal.office.com will change, and some new features will be added, the core functionality and apps you are accustomed to accessing will not.

The Office app on your computer or mobile device will automatically change to the new icon and name. When accessing the UM Microsoft 365 portal at “portal.office.com” or “office.com,” you will be redirected to microsoft365.com – new URL, same functionality.

Look for the branding transition to start in November on the web and in January 2023 for the Office app on Windows and the Office mobile app.

For more information about Microsoft’s rebranding initiative, visit Introducing the new Microsoft 365 app.

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AWS director wants Canada’s AI legislation to mesh with other countries

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TORONTO – Amazon Web Services’ director of global artificial intelligence is encouraging Canada not to go it alone when it comes to regulating the technology.

Canada should settle on AI legislation that is “interoperable” with guardrails other countries will wind up using or many burgeoning companies could wind up having trouble, Nicole Foster warned Tuesday.

“A lot of our startups are wonderfully ambitious and have ambitions to be able to sell and do business around the world, but having bespoke, unique rules for Canada is going to be an extremely limiting factor,” Foster said during a talk at the Elevate tech conference in Toronto.

Canada is working on an Artificial Intelligence and Data Act that is meant to design how the country will design, develop and deploy the technology.

The legislation is still winding its way through the House of Commons and isn’t expected to come into effect until at least next year but is being watched intensely in the technology sector and beyond.

Many worry the legislation could curtail innovation and push companies to flee for other countries that are more hospitable toward AI, but most agree that the technology industry cannot be left to decide on its own guardrails.

They reason the sector needs some parameters to protect people from systems perpetuating bias, spreading misinformation and causing violence or harm.

With the European Union, Canada, the U.S. and several other countries all charting their own paths toward guardrails, some in the tech community have called for collaboration.

Foster says there’s some “really promising signs” it could come to fruition based on what she’s seen from the G7 countries.

“Everybody is saying the right things. Everybody thinks interoperability is important,” she said.

“But saying it’s important and doing it are two different things.”

Canada’s industry minister François-Philippe Champagne is largely responsible for whatever approach the country takes to AI.

Last summer, he told attendees at another tech conference in Toronto, Collision, that he feels Canada is “ahead of the curve” with its approach to artificial intelligence, beating even the European Union.

“Canada is likely to be the first country in the world to have a digital charter where we’re going to have a chapter on responsible AI because we want AI to happen here,” he said.

His government has said it would ban “reckless and malicious” AI use, establish oversight by a commissioner and the industry minister and impose financial penalties.

Whatever Canada settles on, Foster said it has to be “conscious of the cost of regulation” because asking companies to undergo evaluations to ensure their software is safe can often be time-consuming and much of that work is already being done.

She feels the best regulatory model will identify high-risk AI systems and ensure there are steps in place to mitigate any harms they could cause but won’t regulate things that shouldn’t be regulated.

Among the AI systems she thinks can go without regulation are “mundane” systems like those that get baggage to travellers at an airport faster.

“I think (it’s about) being focused on the risks that we need to address and then really kind of not getting in the way of really valuable technology that’s going to make our lives better,” Foster said.

In a separate panel, Adobe’s head of global AI strategy Emily McReynolds also mentioned that there’s a role for companies to play in the conversation around regulation, too.

Adobe, she said, has committed to not mining the web for data it uses in its AI systems and instead opted to license information. She positioned the move as one that brings transparency to the company’s work but also ensure it is “really respecting creators,” who tend to use the company’s software.

She said Adobe had chosen to take a proactive approach to issues like data and told other businesses “it’s really important to understand that building AI responsibly is not something that comes after.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 2, 2024.

The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.

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AI boom could spur large-scale investments in clean energy: Experts

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CALGARY – Market experts say the coming boom in artificial intelligence has the potential to spur large-scale investments in clean energy.

Much has been made of the negative impact AI could have on the climate, given the expected rapid rollout of energy-hungry data centres that will be needed.

The International Energy Agency says the world’s data centres consumed roughly 1.4 to 1.7 per cent of global electricity use in 2022, but projects data centre energy consumption will double by the end of 2026.

Ed Crooks, vice-chair for the Americas with international data and analytics firm Wood Mackenzie, said at a conference in Calgary in that the fastest way to meet AI’s growing electricity needs is to build new natural gas-fired power plants.

But he said that is extremely problematic given countries need to wean themselves off of natural gas usage in order to meet global climate targets.

Crooks says on the bright side, the electricity needs of AI could spur global tech giants to take a leading role in the energy transition. He pointed out tech companies are already investing in wind, solar, nuclear and geothermal and could become among the largest funders of clean electricity projects.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 2, 2024.

The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.

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How Puzzle Mechanics Are Changing the Way We Play Online Slots

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Online slots have long been a favorite for casual gamers and seasoned bettors alike, offering simple gameplay combined with the thrill of potential rewards. However, as the landscape of online gaming continues to evolve, a new wave of slot games is emerging—one that incorporates puzzle mechanics into the traditional reel-spinning experience. These puzzle-based slots are changing the way players engage with the game, offering more interactive and challenging gameplay that goes beyond the usual spin-and-win formula.

 

In this article, we’ll explore how puzzle mechanics are transforming the world of online slots, why they are gaining popularity, and what players can expect from this innovative trend.

The Evolution of Online Slots

A Brief History of Slot Games

Slots have come a long way since the days of mechanical machines with just three reels and a lever to pull. The digital transformation brought these games online, making them more accessible and varied. Early online slot games mimicked the physical versions, with similar symbols and basic gameplay. As technology advanced, developers began incorporating themes, storylines, and special features like bonus rounds and free spins, making online slots more immersive than ever before.

What Are Puzzle Mechanics?

Puzzle mechanics in games are features that require players to solve problems, think strategically, or perform certain actions in a specific sequence to progress. Popular in genres like adventure or mobile games, puzzle mechanics are now finding their way into online slots. Instead of relying solely on luck, players can now enjoy a more engaging and mentally stimulating experience by solving puzzles while they spin the reels.

 

In puzzle-based slots, players might be required to match symbols in a certain way, clear the board, or complete a specific objective to unlock rewards. These mechanics provide an added challenge, requiring not just chance but also skill and strategy.

How Puzzle Mechanics Enhance Online Slots?

Increased Player Engagement

One of the key reasons puzzle mechanics are gaining popularity in online slots is that they significantly increase player engagement. Slot gacor hari ini can become repetitive after a while, with players simply pressing a button and waiting for the outcome. Puzzle elements, on the other hand, give players more control and decision-making opportunities during gameplay.

 

By combining skill and chance, puzzle mechanics keep players invested longer. Each spin becomes part of a larger strategy to solve the puzzle, giving players a sense of accomplishment when they succeed.

More Rewarding Experiences

Puzzle mechanics also create a more rewarding experience. In many of these games, completing a puzzle or solving a problem leads to bigger bonuses, extra spins, or unlocking new levels within the game. This contrasts with traditional slots, where payouts are often random and disconnected from the player’s actions.

 

In puzzle-based slots, players may be able to unlock progressive rewards by completing various stages, making each win feel more earned. The satisfaction of solving a puzzle adds an extra layer of excitement, as it’s not just about hitting the jackpot but also about progressing through the game.

A Shift in Focus: From Luck to Strategy

While luck still plays a significant role in puzzle-based slots, the introduction of strategy adds a new dimension to the gameplay. In traditional slots, outcomes are purely based on chance, with random number generators (RNG) determining the result of each spin. Puzzle mechanics shift the focus by giving players more agency over the game’s outcome.

Examples of Puzzle-Based Slot Games

Popular Titles Leading the Way

Several puzzle-based slot games are already making waves in the industry. These games combine the familiar elements of online slots with puzzle-solving features, creating a unique and exciting experience for players.

 

  • Gonzo’s Quest: One of the most popular examples of a puzzle-based slot game, Gonzo’s Quest by NetEnt, incorporates cascading reels and multipliers that increase with each consecutive win. Players must clear symbols to uncover hidden treasures, and the puzzle-like gameplay makes each spin more strategic.
  • Finn and the Swirly Spin: Another example from NetEnt, this slot uses a spiral mechanic where symbols move in a swirl rather than traditional paylines. Players must clear symbols in a specific order to unlock features, creating a puzzle-like experience that requires more than just pressing spin.
  • Reactoonz: This game by Play’n GO features a grid layout rather than traditional reels, with symbols that explode and collapse to form winning combinations. Players must think ahead to trigger special bonuses by clearing enough symbols, making the gameplay highly interactive.

 

These titles are just a few examples of how puzzle mechanics are being incorporated into slot games, offering players more than just a reliance on luck.

Conclusion

Puzzle mechanics are changing the way we play online slots by adding a layer of complexity and interaction that wasn’t previously available. These games offer more engaging, rewarding, and strategic experiences, appealing to both casual players and those looking for a more involved gaming session. As the trend continues to grow, puzzle-based slots will likely become a staple in the world of online gaming, revolutionizing how we think about and play these classic games.

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