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Side Splitters Comedy Club Takes Comedy to a New Level in Tampa, Florida

Florida – Side Splitters Comedy Club, Tampa Bay’s premier comedy showplace, has been giving laughter since 1992 and is now taking comedy to a new level by inviting headliners to perform at their location in the Grove in Wesley Chapel. Meet comedians such as AJ Finney, AJ Finney with feature act Ricky Hicken, Eleanor Kerrigan, Maija DiGiorgio, Jenny Zigrino, Kevin Farley, Trixx, Mike Menendez, Ben Brainard and more.

“We are excited to be able to bring some of the best comedy talent to our Wesley Chapel location,” said Brian Thompson, owner of Side Splitters Comedy Club. “We have a strong following at our Carrollwood Tampa location and we are thrilled to be able to expand our reach and give our fans even more opportunities to laugh and have a great time.”

Side Splitters has been recognized as one of the best comedy club in the country and has an award-winning open mic. With the help of digital platforms and technology, comedy clubs and comedians have been driven further towards pop culture and into the screens and lives of audiences.

The popularity of comedy clubs is expected to increase, and along with this is the projected annual increase in revenue. Initially, the expectation was that by 2023, comedy clubs would become more prolific due to the rise in fame. However, the pandemic hit and may have derailed the path laid out for comedy clubs.

Side Splitters Comedy Club can provide you a show that will nurture your kind of humor or comedy. Since there is nothing like a live comedic performance, Side Splitters can assure you that your visit will be worthwhile.

For more information about Side Splitters Comedy Club, visit https://sidesplitterscomedy.com/.

 About   

A comedy club is an excellent place to visit if you are a fan of stand-up comedians and improvisational comedies. Performers also do impersonations and other performance comedy in these types of showplaces. Although there are a lot of platforms that show videos of comedians performing their craft, an actual visit to a comedian’s live performance in a comedy showplace is a unique type of experience than just being glued to the screen.

Of course, there are many things to consider now that the world is experiencing a new type of crisis. The temporary closure or limited operations of comedy clubs has been difficult for owners and employees alike. This also resulted in some comedians maximizing their online presence now that physical stand-up is limited or temporarily out of the picture.

In 2018, the projected trend for the comedy club industry was expected to rise at 2.4 percent annually from 2018 to 2023. Multiple factors have set the stage for a rise in the popularity of comedy night out shows. For one, comedians have created a broader and more loyal fan base thanks to their increased popularity in pop culture, social media platforms, and video streaming sites.

Comedians and comedy clubs have been gaining more traction for the last couple of years, they are receiving better name-recall, and now have more following thanks to popular media.

 Are comedy clubs still a trend in this digital era? 

The popularity of comedy clubs is expected to increase, and along with this is the projected annual increase in revenue. Initially, the expectation was that by 2023, comedy clubs would become more prolific due to the rise in fame. However, the pandemic hit and may have derailed the path laid out for comedy clubs.

Interestingly, the digital era is responsible for the current popularity of comedy clubs. With the help of digital platforms and technology, comedy clubs and comedians were driven further towards pop culture and into the screens and lives of audiences.

Before the pandemic, loyal audiences and fans flock comedy bars or clubs to watch in Tampa, Florida. Their favorite performers live. However, most of the comedy clubs in Tampa and other US states have temporarily closed to avoid the spread of the disease. Nonetheless, this has not stopped audiences or comedy clubs from watching comedies online. Comedy has helped people manage stress and anxiety in a difficult time, such as the current pandemic and recession.

What is the best comedy club in Tampa, Florida

Tampa Bay’s premier comedy showplace, Side Splitters Comedy Club, has been giving laughter since 1992. Side Splitters bring in the best talents, whether nationally touring or local. The club’s open mic is also award-winning.

Treat yourself as soon as they open their events once again. Comedians may come and go, but each person regularly needs a good time and hearty laughter, even while physically distancing.

Side Splitters Comedy Club can provide you a show that will nurture your kind of humor or comedy. Since there is nothing like a live comedic performance, Side Splitters can assure you that your visit will be worthwhile.

 

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Business Marketing & Sales Media & Communications Professional Services U.S

Tammy Donnell, Founder of BRND Agency, Reveals Three Branding Mistakes That Can Kill a Business Before It Even Gets Started

A brand is considered to be one of a company’s most valuable assets and helps people instantly identify a company, product, or service. In addition, great branding helps ensure brand consistency so that a business is presented in a cohesive manner across all marketing channels and platforms. The primary goal of branding is to build trust, and credibility with customers and clients, which leads to brand loyalty.

“When business branding is done correctly, it will differentiate a company from the competition and connect emotionally with its customers so that a trusted relationship is formed that can stand the test of time,” according to Tammy Donnell, the founder of BRND Agency. She says there are three branding mistakes that can be the death of a business.

Mistake #1 – Failure to communicate the business’s origin story. Every business has an origin story and it is the foundation of a business that starts as a solution to a problem, an idea, a vision, or a new discovery. “Consider the origin story as a warm handshake, the kind of genuine handshake where the other person uses both hands, which creates a deep emotional connection with a person that becomes a friend for life,” Donnell advises, “People connect through stories since people buy from people. This origin story connects the business emotionally to its customers or clients and creates a loyal, trusting, long-term relationship.”

Mistake #2 – Failure to connect with authenticity. Every business has a set of values, a mission, and a message and if this is not communicated in the proper tone and with a unique selling proposition, the business will fail to connect with their ideal audience. Many businesses fail to share these authentic emotional connection points with customers and clients that are an important bridge that connects and creates community.

Mistake #3 – Failure to create a seamless brand consistency across all marketing channels and platforms. A well-crafted brand requires consistency in messaging and visuals starting with branding guidelines for websites, funnels, social media, and copywriting. Donnell says, “It’s like a well-tuned orchestra that requires each instrument to be played harmoniously and the continuity ensures that customers and clients not only recognize and identify a brand, but that they are happy to share it with their friends and family.”

Branding often seems overly complicated and it can be overwhelming for business owners. Tammy Donnell helps businesses of all sizes build their brand across every digital medium and expand their digital footprint with consistency and clarity in a way that seamlessly works together as a cohesive brand. She works with clients based in the U.S. and worldwide and you can connect with her at BRNDAgency.com to discuss business branding strategies.

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Business Finance Marketing & Sales Media & Communications U.S

Entrepreneur Angelina Lawton Continues to Drive Innovation and Success in the World of Sports Technology

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Edina, Minnesota / May 5 2023 – Angelina Lawton, founder and CEO of the groundbreaking sports technology company Sportsdigita, is continuing her successful journey in the competitive sports industry with a relentless passion for innovation and growth. Lawton has been recognized as a leader in her field, receiving numerous accolades and making significant strides in the world of sports technology.

Lawton’s brainchild, Sportsdigita, has transformed the way sports organizations communicate with their partners and fans, offering cutting-edge digital solutions to optimize fan engagement and sponsorship sales. The company’s flagship product, the Digideck platform, has already garnered significant success and is being used by over 400 organizations, including major sports leagues like the NFL, NBA, NHL, and MLB.

Angelina Lawton was recently invited as a guest speaker at the E-Fest event held at the University of St. Thomas. As a prominent figure in the world of sports and technology, she shared her knowledge and experience with budding entrepreneurs, providing valuable insights into the rapidly evolving industry. Her story of perseverance and dedication to her vision inspires many young professionals seeking to carve out their niche in the competitive business landscape.

Despite her success, Lawton remains grounded and focused on giving back to the community. She actively engages in mentoring programs for aspiring entrepreneurs and frequently contributes to charity events and fundraisers. Her commitment to nurturing the next generation of business leaders demonstrates her unwavering dedication to promoting a spirit of innovation and collaboration.

Under Angelina Lawton‘s leadership, Sportsdigita has grown exponentially, and its unique blend of sports and technology expertise positions the company at the forefront of the industry. As the sports world continues to evolve, Lawton’s visionary approach and dedication to excellence ensure that Sportsdigita remains a pioneering force in shaping the future of sports technology.

About Sportsdigita:

Sportsdigita is a leading sports technology company founded by Angelina Lawton. The company specializes in providing innovative digital solutions to sports organizations, with a focus on enhancing fan engagement and optimizing sponsorship sales. Sportsdigita’s flagship product, the Digideck platform, has garnered widespread success and is used by over 400 organizations, including major sports leagues like the NFL, NBA, NHL, and MLB. For more information, visit https://www.angelinalawton.com/.

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Computers & Software Media & Communications Technology Website & Blog

How Search Engine Optimisation Specialists Can Use AI and ChatGPT for Keyword Research and Analysis

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Since the release of ChatGPT, many digital marketers have been wondering if AI will kill SEO (search engine optimisation)? The answer seems to be a definite no for now, with the caveat that it will change the way websites are optimised for search.

Additionally, marketers should start focusing on AEO (answer engine optimisation) instead of SEO.

Of course, AI will become an integral part of the way the world operates. What one needs to remember is that it’s a tool. And just like any other tool, it can be used to make one’s life easier.

So, how can AI be used to enable better digital marketing?

Well, according to Search Engine Journal, it can help SEOs with keyword research.

Using ChatGPT for Keyword Research and Analysis

There is one school of thought that says AI-powered chatbots like ChatGPT are a threat to search engines. However, others believe that using ChatGPT for search is not the right way to use it. 

According to these people, in its current form, ChatGPT cannot be relied upon to give factually correct answers to certain questions. It can, however, be used as a tool for analysis.

Keyword research, of course, is one such avenue where this analysis can be handy.

SEJ is very clear that ChatGPT cannot be used as a replacement for keyword research tools. It can, however, be used to verify and refine the results.

Here are the prompts one might use to get great results in keyword research with ChatGPT.

ChatGPT Prompts for Keyword Ideas

The SEJ article uses “SEO” as an example in a series of prompts for keyword ideas. However, the formulas can be applied to any term one wants.

What Are the {Number} Most Popular Topics Related to {Topic}?

In the article, when replacing {Number} and {Topic} with “4” and “SEO”, the author got “Keyword Research”, “On-page SEO”, “Off-page SEO” and “Technical SEO” as suggestions.

Using this prompt, one can get an idea of the various niches within a topic.

Then, ChatGPT can be used to drill deeper into the sub-topic for more targeted ideas.

What Are the {Number} Most Popular Sub-Topics Related to {Sub-Topic}?

Again, sticking to the theme of both the article and the query, the author used the “Keyword research” suggestion from the previous prompt. Again, they replaced the {Number} with “4”.

The keyword suggestions thus generated were “Search Volume Analysis”, “Keyword Difficulty Assessment”, “Long-Tail Keywords”, and “Keyword Intent”.

In both of the above prompts, the keywords came with a short description. In order to get a list only, one could instruct the chatbot to provide a “list without description”.

For example…

List Without Description the Top {Number} Most Popular Keywords for the Topic of {Topic}

Using “5” instead of {Number} and “Keyword Intent” instead of {Topic}, the author got a list of the following keywords:

  • Keyword Intent Types
  • User Search Intent
  • Match Content with Intent
  • Understanding Keyword Intent
  • SEO and Search Intent

These keywords can then be used to generate long-tail keywords related to the topic.

List Without Description the Top {Number} Most Popular Keywords for the Topic of {Topic}

This prompt generated “5” long-tail keywords for the topic “Keyword Intent Types”:

  • Types of Keyword Intent in SEO
  • How to Identify Keyword Intent Types
  • Optimising Content for Different Keyword Intents
  • Strategies for Targeting Keyword Intent Categories
  • Understanding User Search Intent for SEO Success

In addition to long-tail keywords, ChatGPT could also be used to generate semantically related keywords.

List Without Description the Top Semantically Related Keywords and Entities for the Topic {Topic}

This prompt was used to generate semantically related keywords for “Types of Keyword Intent in SEO”:

  • Informational Intent
  • Navigational Intent
  • Transactional Intent
  • Commercial Investigation Intent
  • User Search Behaviour
  • Content Optimisation
  • SEO Strategies
  • Search Query Analysis
  • User Intent Targeting
  • Search Engine Ranking Factors

Finally, instead of using each of these as a separate prompt, the digital marketer could combine them into one query, which the article calls the “onion method”.

The article delves into other prompts for strategic keyword research, including generating keyword ideas based on user personas, generating ideas using the alphabet soup method, and generating keyword ideas using a question.

Of course, for technology companies and startups, keyword research might not be as straightforward. And, again, the article does state that ChatGPT is by no means a replacement for traditional keyword research tools.

So, if in doubt, technology businesses might need to stick with knowledgeable agencies like Geeky Tech.

However, if the company has an experienced digital marketer working in-house, these tips could help them generate better ideas for both keyword focus and content.

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Business Marketing & Sales Media & Communications News & Current Affairs U.S

Reputn Agency Introduces Innovative Service to Improve Negative Wikipedia Pages

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Are you tired of being haunted by negative Wikipedia content that’s tarnishing your image or your business’s reputation? Reputn Agency, a leading online reputation management firm, proudly announces the launch of its groundbreaking new service: Negative Wikipedia Page Improvement. This cutting-edge solution is designed to help individuals and businesses transform their negative Wikipedia content into more balanced, accurate, and positive representations of their public image.

A negative online presence can significantly impact a person’s or company’s reputation, leading to a loss of credibility, trust, and revenue. Recognizing the need for a proactive approach to address this issue, Reputn Agency has developed an effective strategy that adheres to Wikipedia’s strict guidelines, ensuring the updated content is accurate, verifiable, and unbiased.

“We understand the importance of a positive online presence, and our team of experts is committed to helping our clients improve their Wikipedia pages,” said TJ, Reputn Agency’s spokesperson. “Our new service aims to provide a fair and balanced representation of our client’s accomplishments, contributions, and achievements while maintaining the integrity and reliability of Wikipedia as an information source.”

The Negative Wikipedia Page Improvement service encompasses a comprehensive range of activities, including:

  1. Thorough research and analysis of the client’s current Wikipedia page to identify areas for improvement.
  2. Gathering accurate and verifiable information from reliable sources to update the negative content.
  3. Collaborating with the client to create a more balanced and positive narrative.
  4. Ensuring all changes adhere to Wikipedia’s guidelines and editorial policies.
  5. Monitoring the Wikipedia page for any future edits or updates, maintaining a consistent and positive online presence.

With the launch of this unique service, Reputn Agency reaffirms its commitment to empowering its clients by helping them take control of their online reputation. Interested parties can visit the Reputn Agency website to learn more about the Negative Wikipedia Page Improvement service and schedule a consultation.

About Reputn Agency

Reputn Agency is a premier online reputation management firm that specializes in helping individuals and businesses protect and enhance their digital footprint. With a team of experienced professionals, Reputn Agency offers a wide range of services including Online Reputation Management, Digital PR, Wikipedia creation and management, Google Knowledge Panel and others, tailored to meet clients’ unique needs, ensuring they are portrayed positively and accurately online.

For more information, please contact:

Jane Hudis

Reputn Agency

Email: info@reputn.com

Website: reputn.com

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Employment Media & Communications Services Technology

Introducing “I Background Check U” App: Revolutionizing Background Checks Through Mobile Access

I Background Check U: A Comprehensive Solution for Instant Background Checks and Enhanced Personal Security

[Ohio, 04.21.2023] – Today marks the official launch of I Background Check U, a groundbreaking new app that provides users with a comprehensive solution for conducting instant background checks and enhancing their personal security. Now available for download on the Google Play Store, the app caters to individuals, businesses, and organizations seeking a reliable and user-friendly platform for verifying identities, performing background checks, and ensuring the safety and security of themselves and others.

I Background Check U arrives as a timely response to the growing need for accessible and transparent background check services in a world where personal safety and privacy are increasingly vital. Featuring an intuitive design and user-friendly interface, the app aims to transform the background check process, enabling users to access crucial information about individuals and businesses quickly and securely.

Key Features of I Background Check U

1. Comprehensive Background Check Database

I Background Check U provides access to an extensive database of records and information, including criminal records, employment history, education records, and more. This comprehensive database enables users to conduct thorough background checks on individuals and businesses, ensuring accurate and up-to-date information.

2. Streamlined Search Process

The app streamlines the background check search process by allowing users to perform searches using only a name, phone number, or email address. This user-friendly search functionality eliminates the need for extensive information about the subject of the background check, making the process more accessible and efficient.

3. Instant Results

Upon submitting a search query, I Background Check U uses advanced algorithms to analyze and present relevant information from its extensive database. Users receive instant results, allowing them to access crucial background information quickly and efficiently.

4. Secure and Confidential Searches

I Background Check U prioritizes user privacy and security by employing industry-standard security measures, such as SSL encryption, to protect user data and guarantee secure and confidential searches. The app’s developers have worked diligently to ensure that user information remains confidential and that the app adheres to strict privacy guidelines and regulations.

5. Access to Public Records

Users of I Background Check U can access a wide range of public records, including court documents, arrest records, and marriage licenses. This feature provides users with a wealth of information to aid in their background check searches and promote transparency and accountability.

6. Customizable Search Filters

The app allows users to customize their search queries by applying filters, such as location and date range, to focus their background check results. These customizable search filters provide users with the flexibility to tailor their searches to specific criteria and obtain the most relevant information for their needs.

7. User-Friendly Interface and Design

I Background Check U features an intuitive design and user-friendly interface, making it easy for users of all experience levels to navigate the app and conduct background checks efficiently and effectively.

8. Responsive Customer Support

Committed to providing exceptional customer support, the I Background Check U team ensures users have access to timely assistance and guidance throughout the search process. Users can reach out to the customer support team via in-app chat or email.

9. Free Download and Usage

I Background Check U is available for free download on the Google Play Store, granting users access to its extensive range of features and services at no cost.

Transforming the Background Check Industry

I Background Check U is set to revolutionize the background check industry by making it more accessible, secure, and convenient for individuals and businesses in need of comprehensive background information. The app empowers users to make informed decisions about their personal safety, business relationships, and other aspects of their lives that require trust and transparency.

As the demand for accessible and transparent background check services continues to grow, I Background Check U is poised to become a game-changer in the industry. The app’s development team is committed to continuously improving and expanding the range of services and features offered, ensuring that users have access to the most cutting-edge background check solutions available.

I Background Check U is not only a platform for conducting background checks but also a powerful tool for promoting personal safety and security. The app offers educational resources, including informative articles and expert tips, to help users better understand the background check process and make the most of the services provided.

Upcoming Features and Services

In the coming months, the I Background Check U team plans to roll out additional features and services, including integration with other popular security and safety apps, as well as continuous updates to the database to ensure the most accurate and up-to-date information is available to users. These updates will further enhance the user experience and solidify the app’s position as a leader in the background check industry.

For more information on I Background Check U or to download the app, visit the Google Play Store today. Join the thousands of satisfied users who have already discovered the convenience and security of conducting background checks through I Background Check U.

Contact Information

For media inquiries, please contact:

Steve Erwin
Public Relations Manager
I Background Check U
Email: contact@ibackgroundchecku.com
Phone: 587-4589-6589
Website: www.ibackgroundchecku.com

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Computers & Software Media & Communications Technology Telecom

Reverse Number Lookup App: Innovative Solution for Instant Caller Identification and Enhanced Phone Privacy

Introducing the Revolutionary Reverse Number Lookup App: A Groundbreaking Solution for Instant Phone Number Identification and Enhanced Privacy

[City, Date] – Today marks the official launch of the game-changing Reverse Number Lookup App, a state-of-the-art solution designed to instantly identify unknown phone numbers and safeguard user privacy. Now available for download on the Google Play Store, this revolutionary app harnesses cutting-edge technology and a vast database of phone numbers to provide users with unparalleled insights into the identity of unknown callers, telemarketers, and potential scammers.

In an era where unsolicited calls and privacy invasions are rampant, the Reverse Number Lookup App offers a much-needed solution for individuals seeking to protect their personal information and avoid unwanted communication. The app boasts a user-friendly interface and innovative features, ensuring a seamless and efficient user experience.

A Powerful Tool for Identifying Unknown Callers

The Reverse Number Lookup App leverages its extensive database and advanced algorithms to provide users with real-time identification of unknown callers. By simply entering the phone number in question, users can access detailed information about the caller, including their name, location, and possible affiliations. This feature empowers users to make informed decisions about whether to answer or ignore incoming calls, significantly reducing the risk of falling prey to scams or unsolicited marketing efforts.

Key Features of the Reverse Number Lookup App

1. Comprehensive Database and Accurate Results

The app’s extensive database includes millions of phone numbers from various sources, ensuring accurate and up-to-date information for users. The advanced search algorithms employed by the Reverse Number Lookup App guarantee precise and reliable results, enabling users to confidently identify unknown callers and maintain their privacy.

2. User-Friendly Interface and Seamless Experience

Designed with user experience in mind, the Reverse Number Lookup App features an intuitive and easy-to-navigate interface. Users can effortlessly input phone numbers and receive instant results, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free experience when identifying unknown callers.

3. Caller Identification and Spam Protection

The app’s caller identification feature not only provides information about the caller’s identity but also identifies potential spam calls. By detecting and flagging potential spam callers, the Reverse Number Lookup App helps users avoid time-consuming and potentially dangerous interactions with scammers or unsolicited marketers.

4. Call Blocking and Customized Blacklists

The Reverse Number Lookup App allows users to block unwanted calls directly within the app, creating a personalized blacklist of unwanted phone numbers. This feature enables users to maintain their privacy and avoid unwanted communication more effectively.

5. Regular Database Updates and Maintenance

The app’s development team is dedicated to ensuring that the Reverse Number Lookup App’s database is regularly updated and maintained. This commitment guarantees that users receive the most accurate and up-to-date information when identifying unknown callers.

6. Responsive Customer Support

Committed to providing exceptional customer support, the Reverse Number Lookup App team ensures users have access to timely assistance and guidance throughout their experience. Users can reach out to the customer support team via in-app chat or email for prompt and professional support.

Privacy and Security at the Forefront

The Reverse Number Lookup App prioritizes user privacy and security by employing industry-standard security measures, such as SSL encryption, to protect user data and guarantee secure transactions. The app’s developers have worked diligently to ensure that user information remains confidential and that the app adheres to strict privacy guidelines and regulations.

Transforming the Phone Number Lookup Experience

The Reverse Number Lookup App is set to revolutionize the way users identify unknown callers and protect their privacy. By offering an all-in-one solution for instant phone number identification and advanced privacy features, the app empowers users to take control of their communication and maintain a secure and private phone experience.

As the demand for accessible and transparent phone number identification services continues to grow, the Reverse Number Lookup App is poised to become a game-changer in the industry. The app’s development team is committed to continuously improving and expanding the range of services and features offered, ensuring that users have access to the most cutting-edge phone number lookup solutions available.

The Reverse Number Lookup App is not only a platform for identifying unknown callers but also a powerful tool for promoting privacy and security. The app offers educational resources, including informative articles and expert tips, to help users better understand the importance of privacy protection and make the most of the services provided.

Upcoming Features and Services

In the coming months, the Reverse Number Lookup App team plans to roll out additional features and services, including integration with other popular communication apps and enhanced spam call filtering options. These updates will further enhance the user experience and solidify the app’s position as a leader in the phone number lookup industry.

For more information on the Reverse Number Lookup App or to download the app, visit the Google Play Store today. Join the thousands of satisfied users who have already discovered the convenience and security of managing their phone privacy through the Reverse Number Lookup App.

Contact Information

For media inquiries, please contact:

JBrad Otman
Public Relations Manager
Reverse Number Lookup App
Email: contact@reversenumberlookup.com
Phone: 235-8749-6524
Website: Reverse Number Lookup App

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Computers & Software Human Resources Media & Communications Technology

Microsoft Announces 365 Copilot Integration with AI-Powered Features; Aims to Streamline Complex Excel Tasks

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On 16th March, Microsoft announced the debut of Microsoft 365 Copilot as part of its effort to integrate generative AI capabilities into all of its productivity apps, reported MAKE USE OF.

“Today marks the next major step in the evolution of how we interact with computing, which will fundamentally change the way we work and unlock a new wave of productivity growth,” explained Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft. “With our new copilot for work, we’re giving people more agency and making technology more accessible through the most universal interface — natural language.” 

What Is Microsoft 365 Copilot?

Microsoft 365 Copilot is a sophisticated orchestration and processing engine that is powered by OpenAI’s GPT4 — OpenAI’s multi-modal large language model (LLM).

GPT-4 is considered a more reliable and creative language model, capable enough to process nuanced instructions more efficiently compared to GPT-3.5. 

Microsoft claims its Copilot System is capable of responding to images and writing descriptions while also processing around 2500 words—eight times more than ChatGPT. 

Built on Microsoft Corp’s patented approach to security, the permissions model of Microsoft’s Copilot System can prevent data leaks and automatically sync with a company’s inherent privacy and compliance policies.

This AI assistant can leverage massive troves of business data in the Microsoft Graph and other Microsoft Office apps data to help organisations get actionable insights in a fraction of the time. 

“Microsoft 365 Copilot has real-time access to both your content and context in the Microsoft Graph. This means it generates answers anchored in your business content — your documents, emails, calendar, chats, meetings, contacts, and other business data — and combines them with your working context — the meeting you’re in now, the email exchanges you’ve had on a topic, the chat conversations you had last week — to deliver accurate, relevant, contextual responses,” explained Microsoft Corp.

Besides Excel, Copilot is embedded in other Microsoft 365 apps: Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, and more.

How Can Copilot Revolutionise Excel?

Leveraging Excel’s built-in data systems (e.g. Power Query) and functions, Excel helps users speed up calculations.

By integrating this high-end assistive AI into Excel, Microsoft is committed to helping users significantly bolster their productivity. 

The Copilot System by Microsoft is expected to provide users with formula suggestions to help accurately write complex functions.

While Copilot’s Formula debugging functionality will enable users to track down errors efficiently and with ease, the formatting assistance using this AI assistant is expected to make data formatting as effortless as possible.

According to Microsoft, the data analysis functionality with its Copilot System will facilitate data visualisation by offering suggestions of relevant charts and graphs.

Copilot in Excel will allow users to ask questions about their data sets in natural language and will create visualisation based on these queries.

Microsoft is committed to enhancing the Copilot functionality by introducing the new Business Chat feature.

Powered by Bing, Business Chat integrates LLM with all Microsoft 365 apps to surface essential data and insights whenever a user requires.

Even though Microsoft is contemplating equipping Excel with AI, the built-in functionalities with some Excel charts are still overwhelming to deal with. 

On top of that, building charts in Excel requires a lot of clicks and manual effort, which make the process of creating professional-looking PowerPoint presentations really arduous. For professionals looking to impress the audience with stunning presentations, investing in a high-end PowerPoint add-in such as think-cell is a sensible business decision. 

With fewer clicks, these add-ins enable users to create professional-looking PowerPoint presentations as quickly and as seamlessly as possible. 

Wrapping Up

Microsoft 365 Copilot is currently only available to Microsoft Office Insiders. 

This AI-powered LLM-bases system is being rolled out focusing on boosting user productivity, with 20 initial testers as of 16th March.

Microsoft Corp expects to make this high-end system soon available for mass use. 

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Computers & Software Media & Communications Professional Services Technology

The Massive Data Breach at LastPass Tied to Hack of Senior DevOps Engineer’s Home Computer; Users Urged to Change their Passwords

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On the 28th of February, the password manager maker LastPass revealed that the massive data breach it encountered last November involved the compromise of a DevOps engineer’s home computer.

The breach was the result of one of the engineer’s forgetting to upgrade Plex on their home computer, which put a decrypted vault available to only a handful of developers into a hacker’s hands. The vault allowed the threat actor to hold sway over a shared cloud-storage environment among others and ultimately, exfiltrate Amazon S3 vault backup encryption keys, reported The Hacker News.

Breaking Down the Breach at LastPass

Before this massive hacking at LastPass, the company experienced a security incident disclosed last August. In this incident, an unauthorised third-party exploited a developer’s compromised account to steal source code and “proprietary LastPass technical information”.

On 22nd December, the password manager service detailed that the threat actor infiltrated the company’s system during the second incident by exploiting data stolen from the first incident. The backup of partially encrypted user vault information that the hacker managed to copy included passwords, website URLs, and usernames. 

“The second incident saw the threat actor quickly make use of information exfiltrated during the first incident, prior to the reset completed by our teams, to enumerate and ultimately exfiltrate data from the cloud storage resources,” LastPass said.

Now, in Monday’s update, the company said that even though the first incident ended on 12th August, the hacker “was actively engaged in a new series of reconnaissance, enumeration, and exfiltration activity” up to 26th October.

According to the company, during this time, the hacker managed to execute the second attack. 

This second intrusion particularly singled out one of the four senior DevOps engineers with access to the corporate data vault executing a keystroke logger malware on their computer. The target was to steal the master password as it was entered by the hacked engineer to access the corporate vault. 

The threat actor exploited a three-year-old, now-patched security vulnerability on Plex Media Server software to gain code execution on the engineer’s computer.

“This was accomplished by targeting the DevOps engineer’s home computer and exploiting a vulnerable third-party media software package, which enabled remote code execution capability and allowed the threat actor to implant keylogger malware,” explained LastPass officials. “The threat actor was able to capture the employee’s master password as it was entered after the employee authenticated with MFA and gained access to the DevOps engineer’s LastPass corporate vault.”

Tracked as CVE-2020-5741 (CVSS score: 7.2), the vulnerability was patched by Plex in version 1.19.3.2764 released in May 2020. 

“Unfortunately, the LastPass employee never upgraded their software to activate the patch,” Plex said in a statement. “For reference, the version that addressed this exploit was roughly 75 versions ago.”

In Monday’s update, the password manager company said that the tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) used to execute the first breach were different from those used in the second one, making it tough for the investigators to correlate these two incidents. 

Educating Employees on Cyber Behavior Can Help Dodge Breaches

Ensuring employees have access to essential tools and providing them with training on cyber behaviour is critical to minimising the risk of cyber threats. 

For organisations looking to develop a security culture improvement program to ensure no cybercriminal can hold sway over sensitive business information, leveraging a human risk management solution such as CultureAI is a sensible decision. 

Wrapping Up

LastPass detailed the steps it has taken as part of the company’s effort to investigate and respond to the security incident. The company also suggested its customers reset their passwords as an additional security measure.

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How AI and Cloud-Based Filmmaking Could Redefine the Way Videos & Films Are Made

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Social media users and visitors on image and meme-sharing sites must have seen the image of the pope in a fancy jacket that’s been doing the rounds. The image is fake, of course. It was created by the artificial intelligence (AI) image generator, Midjourney.

The platform has since discontinued its free trial, citing “extraordinary demand and trial abuse” as the reason.

The thing is, AI–generated images are not the only thing taking the content world by storm. AI and the cloud are also changing the way videos are being made and edited.

In an article by Forbes, the author discusses how film and TV show production is being transformed by AI and camera-to-cloud technology.

Using AI in Film Production

AI technology has been used to change the appearance of actors, going as far as to make them look younger. This can be seen in the Miramax feature, Here, starring Tom Hanks and Robin Wright. Both actors start as younger versions of themselves and age through the course of the film.

For agencies, this can be a good thing as their best-selling actors can be made to “last longer” and be suitable for a larger variety of roles. 

However, creatives are insisting that technology can only support human creativity, not replace it.

AI can be very useful for sifting through information that might be tedious for humans to go through—like finding a scene from a longer piece of footage. This feature then frees up human creators to focus on other, less “automatable” tasks.

Camera-to-Cloud in Film Production

Michael Cioni, Adobe’s senior director of global innovation, claims that by 2030, all electronic assets in the media and entertainment industry would be “generated in the cloud, by the cloud.”

According to Cioni, edits and effects would be added to pre-shot scenes simply by telling the computer to do so, using text-based commands. For example, he said, one could shoot a scene and then add rain to it simply by typing “make it rain”.

Filmmakers would be able to create a rough “assembly” with basic visual effects, colour correction, and sound design. That would then be passed on to specialists to be refined.

Cloud-based filmmaking would also mean directors could collaborate with each other, even when they aren’t in the same physical location. It could also speed up short projects like music videos and advertisements.

In short, AI and cloud-based tools are being touted as a way to enhance productivity by delegating mundane tasks to them.

Legal Implications of AI in Filmmaking

However, lawyers are advising that contracts with “language that purports to control the right to simulate an actor’s performance are void and unenforceable until the terms have been negotiated with the union.”

This fact can be quite divisive as some actors might want to take advantage of technology to extend their “viability”. However, there is a concern that it might be used as a way to avoid paying for digital performances since they technically aren’t being played by the artist.

Content generation using AI has led to an authenticity concern, especially with deep fakes that seem extremely realistic.

Actor Keanu Reeves, who has been quoted as saying he finds the idea of deep fakes “scary” often has a clause in his contracts that forbid digital manipulation of his performance. Interestingly, this clause dates back several years—decades, even—when a production added a virtual tear on his face. 

According to the actor, any performer might expect the footage to be edited with their consent. However, deep fake is different, as it has no input from the performer.

Of course, this technology is still mostly limited to films and television productions. Corporate videos still require the services of video production companies, like Bold Content. (Check out Bold Content’s contribution to encourage girls into STEM studies.)

However, with AI taking over so many tasks, it remains to be seen whether it will help enhance filmmaking or “take away jobs” in yet another industry.

Originally published in Geeky News