5 Things You Need to Know This Week: A Return to Calm

WhatsApp has become an indispensable tool for personal communication and professional networking alike. Among its various features, the voice message function has sparked debate among users. Some embrace it as a convenient way to communicate, while others view it as a frustrating time-consuming option. Fortunately, WhatsApp has addressed this issue with an innovative technical solution that promises to benefit all users.

WhatsApp Transcribes Voice Messages for You

WhatsApp is rolling out a new functionality that allows users to bypass the need to listen to voice messages. The app now enables users to transcribe voice messages into text format easily. This transformation is conducted through end-to-end encryption and takes place directly on the user’s device, ensuring privacy and security. To activate this feature, users must enable it in the chat settings. Afterward, a long press on a voice message will reveal the option to “Transcribe.” Currently, this transcription capability is available for iOS users, with Android support expected soon.

Top Paying Countries for IT Professionals in 2024

In 2024, the salaries for IT professionals have seen a significant decrease in several countries. Last year, six countries offered an average salary exceeding $100,000 for IT specialists, but this number has dropped to five this year. Germany, which previously ranked high with an average salary of nearly $143,000, has slipped to eighth place, with salaries now approximately $81,000. Leading the list is Switzerland, where IT professionals earn around $138,000. Following closely are Luxembourg, Austria, the Netherlands, and Denmark. According to the Skillsoft salary report, the decline in salaries is attributed to hiring freezes and mass layoffs that have particularly impacted the German startup sector. Nevertheless, professionals skilled in cloud computing, cybersecurity, and AI continue to command good salaries.

Can AI Replace Traditional Search Engines Like Google?

AI-driven search engines, such as ChatGPT Search, Perplexity, and You.com, aim to redefine our online search experience by offering an alternative to traditional search engines like Google. In a recent practical test, we compared these various services. When it came to current news topics, ChatGPT and You.com showcased their strengths by accessing up-to-date news sources, while Perplexity lagged behind. However, it’s worth noting that these AI tools still exhibit a tendency to generate inaccuracies. The selection of sources used can also lead to errors, as demonstrated during our trials when we inquired about countries starting with the letter ‘V’. The results varied significantly across AI search engines. For now, these tools should be regarded as supplements to conventional web searches rather than replacements.

Identifying Fake Online Shops

Approximately 301,000 consumers in Germany fell victim to fraudulent online shops last year, resulting in an estimated loss of around €94 million. These counterfeit shops often lure customers with incredibly low prices or hard-to-find items. In addition to traditional SEO tactics, these operators are increasingly turning to social media marketing and fake contests to attract unsuspecting victims. Key indicators of such scams include missing legal disclosures, spelling mistakes, and questionable payment methods. Those who have already been deceived should take prompt action: besides reporting the incident to the police, funds may often be recovered through their bank or payment service provider.

In conclusion, as WhatsApp enhances its features and AI tools continue to evolve, staying informed and discerning will be crucial for users navigating the digital landscape.