Sep 11, 2023

矽谷銀行倒閉的思考

矽谷銀行的倒閉對科技行業和金融市場都產生了重大影響。

從科技行業的角度來看,矽谷銀行是許多科技新創公司的重要融資來源。該行倒閉可能會導致新創公司融資更加困難,進而影響科技創新的發展。

從金融市場的角度來看,美國矽谷銀行是一家大型銀行,其倒閉可能會引發金融市場的波動。在過去,銀行倒閉往往會導致金融危機,因此矽谷銀行的倒閉也引起了市場的擔憂。

對於矽谷銀行倒閉的原因,有以下幾種說法:

投資策略不當:矽谷銀行在過去幾年大量投資於長期美國國債,但隨著美國利率上升,這些債券的價值大幅下降,導致矽谷銀行產生巨額虧損。

風險管理不力:矽谷銀行在風險管理方面存在漏洞,未能有效控制投資風險。這個問題是長久美國監管的問題,這件事也不是頭一次。

內部治理不完善:矽谷銀行在內部治理方面存在問題,導致公司運營出現混亂。

無論矽谷銀行倒閉的原因是什麼,都說明了美國銀行業面臨著巨大的挑戰。在全球經濟形勢不確定的背景下,銀行需要更加謹慎地投資和管理風險,以防範類似事件的發生。




How can Google Bard help me ?

 Google Bard can help you in a variety of ways, including:

Brainstorming ideas: If you're stuck on a creative project, Bard can help you brainstorm ideas by generating different possibilities. For example, if you're writing a story, Bard can help you come up with new characters, plot twists, or settings.

Developing a plan: If you need to create a plan for a project, Bard can help you by generating different options and outlining the steps involved. For example, if you're planning a party, Bard can help you come up with a budget, guest list, and menu.

Finding information: If you need to find information on a particular topic, Bard can help you by searching the web and summarizing the results. For example, if you're writing a research paper, Bard can help you find relevant sources and organize the information.

Writing content: Bard can help you write different types of content, such as emails, blog posts, and scripts. Bard can help you organize your thoughts, improve your grammar, and make your writing more engaging.

Translating languages: Bard can translate text from one language to another. This can be helpful if you need to communicate with someone who speaks a different language.

Creating different creative text formats: Bard can help you create different creative text formats, such as poems, code, scripts, musical pieces, email, letters, etc. This can be helpful if you need to express yourself creatively or if you need to write something that is specific to a particular format.

Bard is  still under development, but it is  learning new things every day. I wish it can be a good tool for me.

Will MacOS be a serious gaming platform ?

I asked Bard the question : 

    Will MacOS  be a serious gaming platform ?  

MacOS has the potential to be a serious gaming platform, but it has a long way to go to catch up to Windows and Linux.

Here are some of the challenges that MacOS faces in becoming a serious gaming platform:

Lack of market share: Windows is the dominant operating system for gaming, with over 75% of the market share. This means that most game developers focus their development efforts on Windows, and there are simply more games available for Windows than for any other platform.

Hardware limitations: Most Macs don't have dedicated graphics cards, which are essential for high-performance gaming. While there are some Macs with dedicated graphics cards, they are often more expensive than comparable Windows laptops.

Developer support: Not all game developers support MacOS. This is because the Mac market is relatively small, and it can be difficult to make a profit by developing games for MacOS only.

Despite these challenges, there are some things that Apple is doing to make MacOS a more attractive gaming platform. These include:

I ask Bard for the question : 

    Will MacOS  be a serious gaming platform ? 

Introducing Metal, a new graphics API that is designed to improve gaming performance on Macs.

Making it easier for developers to port games from Windows to MacOS.

Investing in exclusive games for the Mac, such as "Death Stranding Director's Cut" and "No Man's Sky."

If Apple continues to make these investments, it is possible that MacOS could become a more serious gaming platform in the future. However, it is still too early to say for sure.

Here are some of the things that Apple could do to make MacOS a more serious gaming platform:

Make it easier for developers to port games from Windows to MacOS. This could involve providing more documentation and tools to help developers with the porting process.

Invest in more exclusive games for the Mac. This would help to attract more gamers to the platform.

Work with game developers to optimize their games for MacOS. This could involve providing technical support and feedback to developers.

Lower the prices of Macs with dedicated graphics cards. This would make it more affordable for gamers to buy a Mac that can play the latest games.

Only time will tell if MacOS will ever become a serious gaming platform. However, Apple is taking some positive steps in that direction.

I think : Apple is serious about generating revenue from gaming on MacOS. 


Mar 26, 2023

Unleashing Creativity: Using AI to Generate Images

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has evolved tremendously over the past few years, reshaping industries and transforming the way we live, work, and create. One particularly exciting application of AI is in the field of image generation. In this blog post, we will explore how AI can be used to generate images, discuss the technology behind it, and delve into some fascinating use cases that are revolutionizing the world of digital art and design.


The Technology: Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs)


At the heart of AI-generated images lies a powerful neural network architecture called Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs). Developed by Ian Goodfellow in 2014, GANs consist of two neural networks: a generator and a discriminator. The generator creates images, while the discriminator evaluates them. These two networks work together in a competitive environment, constantly improving and refining their skills.


The generator network starts by producing random images, which the discriminator then evaluates for authenticity. As the process continues, the generator learns to create more realistic images, while the discriminator becomes better at detecting fakes. Over time, the generator becomes capable of producing images that are almost indistinguishable from real ones.


Use Cases: Revolutionizing Art and Design


AI-generated images have a wide range of applications that are changing the way we approach art and design. Here are a few notable examples:

1. Digital Art: Artists can use AI-generated images as a starting point for their creative process, or even collaborate with AI to create entirely new, unique pieces of art. Platforms like RunwayML and Artbreeder allow artists to experiment with AI-generated imagery and use it to inspire their work.

2. Game Development: AI-generated images can be used to create textures, landscapes, and character designs in video games, significantly reducing development time and resources. This allows developers to focus on other aspects of game creation, such as storytelling and gameplay mechanics. Tools like NVIDIA's GauGAN and Promethean AI can generate realistic environments, objects, and characters with just a few clicks.

3. Advertising and Marketing: Advertisers and marketers can use AI-generated images to create unique and eye-catching visuals for their campaigns. These images can be customized to target specific demographics and appeal to a broader audience, increasing engagement and conversion rates.

4. Fashion and Product Design: AI-generated images can help fashion designers and product designers explore new styles, patterns, and materials. By using AI to generate various designs, creators can quickly iterate on their ideas and produce innovative products that stand out in the market.

5. Stock Photography: AI-generated images can be used to create diverse and inclusive stock photography collections. This helps to address the lack of representation in traditional stock photography and ensures that a wider range of people and situations are represented in digital media. 

6. Interior Design and Architecture: AI-generated images can assist architects and interior designers in visualizing spaces and exploring different design options. AI tools can quickly generate various layouts, color schemes, and furniture arrangements, enabling designers to make informed decisions and present their ideas effectively to clients.

7. Film and Animation: AI-generated images can be used to create realistic backgrounds, visual effects, and character designs in movies and animations. By streamlining the creative process, AI can help filmmakers and animators save time and resources while maintaining high-quality visuals.

8. Social Media Content Creation: AI-generated images can be used by social media influencers, businesses, and content creators to develop unique and engaging visuals for their posts. This can help them stand out in crowded social media feeds and attract more followers.

9. Education and Training: AI-generated images can be used to create educational materials and training simulations. For example, AI can generate realistic images of historical events, scientific phenomena, or medical conditions to enhance the learning experience.

10. Personalized User Experiences: AI-generated images can be utilized in apps and websites to create personalized user experiences. For instance, AI can generate custom avatars, backgrounds, or themes tailored to individual users' preferences and interests.

In summary, the potential applications of AI-generated images are vast and continue to grow as the technology advances. From art and design to education and personalized user experiences, AI is proving to be a powerful tool for revolutionizing the way we create and interact with visual content. As AI becomes more accessible and user-friendly, we can expect to see even more innovative uses of AI-generated images across various industries and fields. The future of creativity is being redefined, and AI is playing a significant role in shaping that landscape.

Mar 11, 2023

Experience of using AirPods Pro 2 for a month

 2022/12/2 It has been used for more than a month since I bought it, and I don’t think it is a suitable time to comment on the sound performance of the headphones in the first week. After all, from my point of view as an audio fan, it takes a period of time for this product to mature before the sound can enter the stage of stable performance. In the past month, in terms of functionality, I have been very satisfied with the convenience it brings to my commuting time and the performance of meetings at work. The power is long-lasting, and it can handle going out from 7:00 a.m. to company meetings, and listening to music or the radio during your quiet meal time during the lunch break. I don’t use it anymore when I get home at 8 o’clock after get off work. At the end of the day, there is a charging box to replenish the power of the earphones in the middle of the gap, so you don’t have to worry about the problem of insufficient power. The charging box itself is charged once in about two days, and it will not let its power drop below 30% when it is fully charged.

After a month of using the headphones for an average of more than five hours a day, when listening to music at home this holiday, I feel that the headphones have reached a certain standard in all aspects. I know that a lot of people on the Internet compare it with SONY or other brands, especially in terms of music playback performance. Indeed, the audio performance may be a bit inferior, but if you add the convenience of use and the good integration with iPhone or MacBook Air, this product is really great. Maybe, after two to three years, the next generation will come out and I will start with new products.

     If you are a supporter of wired headphones like me before, you firmly believe that the sound quality of wired headphones must be better than wireless. Then there is really nothing to argue about this point, but under the release of the shackles of the cable, this difference in sound quality is really not important at all, and what is more important is that many times, under the interference of surrounding sounds, this difference is really negligible.


In terms of wearing comfort, individuals have been using in-ear wired headphones (ear canal type) before. The previous earbuds were a bit uncomfortable for the ear canal in terms of comfort, but AirPods Pro 2 uses very thin rubber, which is much better in this respect, but the disadvantage is that the earplugs are often turned over when taking them off. It is a bit inconvenient to turn it back manually, but it does not affect the function.

    In terms of cleaning and hygiene: the ear canal earphones used in the past are a bit troublesome in terms of cleaning, because the holes for sound output are generally small, and it is easy to get stuck in the earwax. You need to use a thinner or pointed stick to remove it. But for AirPods Pro 2, I only need a cotton swab dipped in alcohol to clean it, which is relatively easy, or simply disassembled for easier cleaning.


After 2023/01/19, I encountered a long Spring Festival holiday and went back to the south for the New Year. There is almost no chance to take out the AirPods Pro 2 and use it. Instead, I use the MacBook Air M2 to surf the Internet every night and play music directly through the laptop speakers. And the AirPods have not been charged for days. I really can't find the time to use it, and I can't use it until I return to Taipei on 1/30. The biggest confusion is how to dispose of it if it has not been used for more than a week?

2023/03/09 It has been three months since I bought it, and I am very satisfied with it when I use it for commuting to work and online meetings at work every day. It's just that I had already received the pocket before I went home and entered the door this day, but accidentally bent down and the entire charging box fell off, and fell to the ground and spread it all on the ground. I thought it was miserable, would it be broken, but it turned out to be all right.

Aug 9, 2020

Google Translate and the AI results

 2020 開始我發現Google 翻譯已經有大的進步,利用它來寫英文blog會是很好的輔助工具。

Starting in 2020, I found that Google Translate has made great progress. Using it to write English blogs would be a good auxiliary tool.

接下來我會實驗先用一段中文來寫,再附上它的英文翻譯,大家可以幫我看看它翻的如何。

Next, I will experiment to write a paragraph in Chinese first, and then attach its English translation. You can help me see how it translates.

今年開始我每天都每花五鐘看一段CNN 新聞,用來增加閱讀能力。

Since the beginning of this year, I have spent five minutes every day watching a piece of CNN news to increase my reading ability.

以上這句似乎翻的怪怪的!

另外,還利用YouTube 來訓練自己的聽力,特別是在練習聽各種不同的口音及速度。

In addition, I also use YouTube to train my listening, especially in practicing listening to various accents and speeds.

在我上下班坐公車時,也利用廣播來練聽力。

When I take the bus to and from get off work, I also use the radio to practice listening.

以上這句似乎也是照中文字面上翻而己。

所以AI 應用在翻譯上有一個很嚴重的問題,那就是它沒有人類語言學習的經驗及知識累積,所以翻譯結果看似正確但似乎少了那麼一點人味。

Therefore, there is a serious problem in the application of AI in translation, that is, it does not have the experience and accumulated knowledge of human language learning, so the translation results seem to be correct but seem to be less human.







Apr 8, 2012

Boring Sunday !

   Why I could not play on Sunday ? Why I need to study every day ? If there is no time to play , what damn life it is ? I am not a student now. After working days, I need to relax. 
   When they went out in the afternoon, I started playing computer game. It's a RPG , I love it very much. I had played it over 200 hours. I defeated the dragon king on the cyber world . Today, I leveled up. Main quests had completed , but the game progress is just 24 percents. I think I can play this game for a long time.