In a new scientific breakthrough, Microsoft has unveiled a roadmap for building fault-tolerant quantum computers using a special kind of qubit (the fundamental unit of quantum computing) called a Majorana-based qubit. These qubits are many times more stable than conventional ones, paving the way for powerful, error-free quantum machines.

So, what’s the big deal? And how does it work? Let’s break it down.

Quantum Computers: The Supermachines of the Future

Before we dive into Microsoft’s innovation, let’s quickly understand why quantum computing is so revolutionary.

Unlike regular computers that process information in binary (0s and 1s), quantum computers use qubits, which can exist in a superposition of states—essentially being 0 and 1 at the same time. This allows quantum machines to process complex problems exponentially faster than traditional computers.

The problem? Qubits are notoriously unstable.
They need ultra-cold temperatures and even the slightest disturbance—like a stray electromagnetic wave—can cause errors, ruining calculations. Scientists have been searching for ways to build qubits that can resist errors while still performing complex computations.

Enter Majorana qubits—Microsoft’s ambitious approach to solving this issue.

Microsoft’s Breakthrough: The Majorana 1 Chip

Microsoft’s Majorana 1 chip is based on an exotic particle known as a Majorana Zero Mode (MZM). These particles behave differently from conventional quantum states and, when used in qubits, can naturally protect against errors.

The team at Microsoft has outlined a four-step roadmap to scaling up Majorana-based quantum computers:

1. Single-Qubit Device – A test qubit to benchmark performance.
2. Two-Qubit System – Enables more complex quantum logic operations.
3. Eight-Qubit Array – Demonstrates early error detection.
4. 27×13 Qubit Array – The ultimate goal: a fully functional quantum error-correcting machine.

Why This is a Big Deal

• Topological Qubits offer exponentially greater stability than conventional qubits.
• The system relies on interferometric measurements, meaning no direct contact is needed—reducing the chance of errors.
• Future quantum computers could be millions of times faster than today’s best supercomputers.

Quantum Computers That Can Fix Their Own Errors

One of the biggest challenges in quantum computing is quantum errors. Microsoft’s design includes error detection and correction mechanisms, meaning the quantum computer can find and fix errors in real time.

Their approach uses a “ladder code”—a system that groups qubits in a way that allows the computer to detect and correct mistakes before they accumulate.

Why does this matter?
Imagine trying to do a long division problem, but every few seconds someone randomly changes one of the numbers. Regular quantum computers have no way to catch these mistakes, making large calculations unreliable. Microsoft’s Majorana 1 chip changes that.

Scalability: The Future of Millions of Qubits

Right now, the world’s most advanced quantum computers have a few hundred qubits at best. Microsoft’s approach could lead to a design where millions of qubits fit on a single wafer, making practical quantum computing feasible for real-world applications.

What’s Next?

Microsoft’s Majorana 1 chip is a huge step toward scalable, fault-tolerant quantum computing, but there’s still work to do. The next steps involve:

• Refining qubit designs to reduce errors even further.
• Building larger arrays to test the full potential of these topological qubits.
• Creating practical quantum algorithms that could revolutionize AI, cryptography, and materials science.

What This Means for the World

If successful, this could lead to:

• New drugs and materials designed in minutes instead of years.
• Secure encryption that’s unbreakable even by future quantum hackers.
• Better AI models trained at unprecedented speeds.

Final Thoughts

Microsoft’s Majorana 1 chip might just be the missing piece in the quantum computing puzzle. With its unique error-resistant qubits, we could be looking at the foundation for the world’s first usable quantum computers.While we’re still a few years away from seeing this technology power the world, one thing is certain: the quantum revolution is closer than ever.

Scientific Publication Source: Aasen, D., Aghaee, M., Alam, Z., Andrzejczuk, M., Antipov, A., Astafev, M., Avilovas, L., Barzegar, A., Bauer, B., Becker, J. and Bello-Rivas, J.M., 2025. Roadmap to fault tolerant quantum computation using topological qubit arrays. arXiv preprint arXiv:2502.12252.

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The study, conducted at Mercu Buana University, focused on financial literacy, herding behavior, risk aversion, and risk perception—four key factors that shape investment decisions. The results provide valuable insights for anyone looking to understand how young people handle their money.

1. Financial Literacy: The More You Know, The Better You Invest

One of the biggest takeaways from the study is that financial literacy has a direct and positive impact on investment decisions. In simple terms, the more you understand about money, the better your financial choices will be.

Key Number: People with higher financial literacy scores make significantly better investment decisions compared to those with little financial knowledge (p-value = 0.001, meaning a very strong correlation).

The lesson here? Financial education matters. If you want to make smart investment choices, take the time to learn about stocks, savings, and financial planning.

2. Herding Behavior: Are You Following the Crowd?

Another major factor influencing young investors is herding behavior—the tendency to follow what others are doing rather than making independent decisions.

Key Number: Investors who rely on herd behavior are more likely to make poor investment choices because they are influenced by trends rather than logic.

Why does this matter? Because following the crowd in investing—especially during market booms and crashes—can lead to big losses. Many young investors are investing simply because “everyone else is doing it,” which can be risky.

3. Risk Aversion: Playing It Safe

Not everyone is comfortable with high-risk investments, and this study found that risk-averse investors tend to make more cautious choices.

Key Number: Risk-averse investors will only invest if they believe the expected return is higher than the perceived risk (p-value = 0.007).

Contrary to the popular belief that Millennials and Gen Z are heavily invested in risky assets like cryptocurrency and speculative stocks, this study suggests that many young investors actually prefer safer investments. Risk-averse individuals from these generations tend to favor options like fixed deposits, mutual funds, and well-established stocks, carefully weighing potential risks before making financial decisions. While high-risk investments are often associated with younger investors, the data shows that risk perception plays a significant role in guiding their choices.

4. Risk Perception: Fear of Losing Money

Perhaps the most striking finding is that risk perception is the most influential factor in investment decisions.

Key Number: The fear of losing money plays the biggest role in whether young people invest or not (p-value = 0.000, meaning an extremely strong effect).

This tells us that Millennials and Gen Z carefully assess risks before investing, and many prefer safer, more predictable options. However, being too cautious can sometimes mean missing out on opportunities for higher returns.

What This Means for You

So, what can we learn from this study? Here are some key takeaways:
Education is everything – The more financial knowledge you have, the better your investment choices.
Don’t blindly follow trends – Just because your friends are investing in something doesn’t mean it’s a good idea.
Understand your risk tolerance – If you’re uncomfortable with risk, consider safer investment options.
Don’t let fear stop you – While caution is good, being too afraid to invest can mean missing out on financial growth.

For young people looking to build wealth, the best approach is to educate yourself, make informed decisions, and find a balance between risk and reward.

Want to improve your financial literacy? Start by reading books, taking online courses, and following expert advice—because knowledge is the most powerful investment you can make!

Scientific Publication Source: Rosdiana, R., 2020. Investment behavior in generation Z and millennial generation. Dinasti International Journal of Economics, Finance & Accounting, 1(5), pp.766-780.

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The Key to Survival: Innovation Meets Adaptability

The study highlights that businesses need more than just cutting-edge technology to succeed. While digital tools like artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain are game-changers, the secret sauce lies in balancing these with human elements, such as strong leadership and motivated teams.

To achieve business success in unpredictable times, companies must strike a balance between technology and human adaptability:

1. Leadership Matters More Than You Think
   During uncertain times, organizations with empathetic, flexible leaders fare better. Leaders who value communication, trust, and team empowerment are more likely to guide their businesses successfully through turbulent periods.
2. Employees Are the Secret Weapon
   Businesses with engaged, motivated, and skilled employees adapt more easily to challenges. According to the study, organizations that prioritize employee well-being and professional growth experience higher innovation rates.
3. Digital Transformation Isn’t Just a Buzzword
   Companies that embrace digital tools not only survive, but thrive. However, it’s not about jumping on every tech trend—it’s about integrating technology thoughtfully. For instance, businesses that use digital tools strategically saw an average increase of 39% in operational efficiency, according to survey data cited in this research.

Did You Know? Numbers That Tell the Story

Here are some eye-catching stats from the study:

• 95% of businesses actively track the effectiveness of their digital transformation efforts, with many focusing on productivity, quality, and customer satisfaction.
• Small businesses are often left behind in the digital race: those with fewer than 20 employees were much less likely to innovate compared to larger firms.
• During the pandemic, agility proved vital—organizations that adapted quickly to remote work reported higher survival rates and a smoother path to recovery.

Lessons for Everyday Businesses

Whether you’re running a small coffee shop or leading a tech startup, the lessons from this study apply to you:

1. Focus on People: Invest in your team’s skills and mental well-being. A motivated workforce is more creative and adaptable.
2. Embrace Technology Thoughtfully: You don’t need the latest gadget; you need the right tools for your specific challenges.
3. Prepare for the Unexpected: Think long-term and build a culture of agility. A business that can pivot quickly will stand strong in the face of uncertainty.

Looking Ahead

As the world continues to evolve, businesses must embrace a mindset of continuous learning and flexibility. The study reminds us that success isn’t just about surviving—it’s about thriving by building a strong foundation of innovation, leadership, and resilience.

Scientific Publication Source: Florek-Paszkowska, A., Ujwary-Gil, A. and Godlewska-Dzioboń, B., 2021. Business innovation and critical success factors in the era of digital transformation and turbulent times. Journal of Entrepreneurship, Management and Innovation, 17(4), pp.7-28.

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What’s a Probiotic Sour Beer?

Probiotics are friendly bacteria that support gut health. This study used a special sour beer containing a probiotic called Lacticaseibacillus paracasei Lpc-37. The goal? To see if this beer could improve cholesterol, reduce inflammation, and promote a healthier gut.

How the Study Was Done

• Participants: 21 healthy men, aged 21–60.
• Timeline: Each participant drank a 330 mL can of either probiotic or regular sour beer daily for two weeks, with a week-long break in between.
• Measurements: Researchers analyzed blood and stool samples to assess cholesterol, gut bacteria, and inflammation.

Key Findings – Probiotic beer health benefits

Here are some of the highlights that stood out about probiotic beer health benefits:

1. Boosting Good Cholesterol

Participants who drank the probiotic beer saw a 7.6% increase in HDL cholesterol (the “good” cholesterol) over just two weeks! In comparison, the control beer (a regular sour beer without probiotics) didn’t show the same benefit. This could mean a healthier heart for probiotic beer drinkers.

2. A Healthier Gut Microbiome

While the control beer caused an increase in certain gut bacteria linked to poor health, like Proteobacteria (up by ~2%) and Bacteroides, the probiotic beer kept the gut microbiome stable. This suggests that probiotic beer might protect your gut health better than regular beer.

3. No Inflammatory Spike

Neither beer led to increased inflammation, which is good news. However, the probiotic beer also didn’t show significant changes in immune markers or inflammatory responses during this short study period.

Why This Matters

Many people love beer, but regular consumption can sometimes harm health. This study suggests probiotic beers might offer a healthier alternative, improving cholesterol levels and maintaining gut balance without sacrificing enjoyment.

What’s Next?

While these results are promising, more research is needed. This study focused on short-term effects and only included male participants. Future studies could explore long-term benefits and include women to see if the results hold true for everyone.

Takeaway

If you’re a beer lover, keep an eye out for probiotic options in the future. They might just be the drink that combines enjoyment with a health boost!

Ou, S.J.L., Yusri, H., Yang, D., Khoo, C.M. and Liu, M.H., 2024. Effects of Moderate Consumption of a Probiotic‐Fermented Sour Beer on the Inflammatory, Immunity, Lipid Profile, and Gut Microbiome of Healthy Men in a Participant‐Blinded, Randomized‐Controlled Within‐Subject Crossover Study. Food Science & Nutrition.

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That’s right—the same DNA that makes up all living things could hold the key to storing massive amounts of digital information. Researchers from the University of Washington and Microsoft are exploring ways to use synthetic DNA as a storage medium, and their findings could revolutionize how we archive data in the future.

Why DNA?

DNA is incredibly dense and durable, which makes it a fantastic candidate for long-term data storage. Consider this: one cubic millimeter of DNA (about the size of a grain of sand) can store 1 billion gigabytes (1 exabyte) of data. To put that in perspective, if you tried to store the same amount of data on today’s densest storage media, like magnetic tapes, it would take up millions of units and huge amounts of physical space.

Even more impressively, DNA is durable. In harsh environments, it can last over 500 years without degrading—far longer than any hard drive, flash drive, or even optical disc.

How Does It Work?

Storing data in DNA involves converting digital information into the four building blocks of DNA: A, C, G, and T. The process starts by translating the ones and zeros of digital data into sequences of these letters. Then, synthetic DNA strands are created with those sequences.

Reading the data back is like reading DNA in biological research—scientists use special techniques to decode the sequences and convert them back into digital data.

The big challenge, though, has been finding a way to access specific data quickly. DNA doesn’t work like a hard drive or USB stick where you can jump to a specific file right away. Instead, scientists developed a method using a process called PCR (polymerase chain reaction) to “amplify” or highlight only the parts of the DNA that contain the data you want, making it much easier to retrieve.

Eye-Catching Numbers

• 1 billion gigabytes of data (1 exabyte) can be stored in a single cubic millimeter of DNA.
• The DNA-based system demonstrated in this study stored 151 kilobytes of data across 45,652 DNA sequences, including four images—one of which was a photo of the Sydney Opera House.
• DNA can last 500 years in tough environments, making it perfect for long-term archival storage, far beyond the lifespan of today’s storage technologies like hard drives, which typically last only 3 to 5 years.

Why Should We Care?

Every year, humanity produces more digital data than ever before—think about all the photos, videos, documents, and social media posts we generate daily. The researchers believe that DNA-based storage could be the solution to handling all this data, especially the stuff we don’t need to access very often but want to keep for a long time.

This is especially important for archives, like historical records, or massive libraries of data from companies like Facebook, Google, and other tech giants. DNA could provide a storage method that doesn’t take up physical space or degrade over time.

The Future

While DNA storage is still in its early stages, costs and efficiency are improving fast. The researchers are confident that as technology continues to advance, DNA-based storage will become more practical and accessible, potentially changing the way we store data forever.

Imagine a future where entire data centers are replaced by tiny containers of DNA, storing the sum of human knowledge in something that could fit in the palm of your hand. It’s not science fiction—it could soon be reality.

Scientific Publication Source: Bornholt, J., Lopez, R., Carmean, D.M., Ceze, L., Seelig, G. and Strauss, K., 2016, March. A DNA-based archival storage system. In Proceedings of the twenty-first international conference on architectural support for programming languages and operating systems (pp. 637-649).

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Let’s dive into the digital rabbit hole and unearth the treasures and traps that NFTs bring to the contemporary art scene.

The Revolutionary Brush Strokes

1. The Golden Ticket to Financial Wonderland:

Remember the stir Beeple caused with his $69 million digital collage?. It wasn’t just a jaw-dropping moment for the art realm, but a wake-up call to artists about the gold mine awaiting in the digital domain. The NFT craze has empowered artists with a new avenue to monetize their creativity, seemingly offering a financial wonderland. The sky’s the limit, and Beeple is the living testament to that.

2. A New Dawn of Digital Art Appreciation:

The beauty of NFTs lies in their ability to bestow uniqueness upon digital art, a realm traditionally plagued by infinite reproducibility. Now, each digital artwork shimmers with a unique digital signature on the blockchain, making every pixel priceless.

3. Mingling with Emerging Tech:

NFTs aren’t shy to mingle with other buzzworthy tech trends. They’ve cozied up to virtual reality and social media, expanding the horizon for digital artistry and creating immersive and interactive art experiences.

The Thorny Side

1. Riding the Rollercoaster of Market Volatility:

The NFT market is nothing short of a rollercoaster. A spike in sales one month, a dip the next. The fluctuating sales figures from April 2021 to April 2023 highlight a volatile market that could potentially sour the NFT and art romance.

2. The Navigational Nightmare:

With the rapid growth of the NFT space, artists face the Herculean task of navigating a market as complex as a cubist painting. New entrants might find themselves lost in the digital labyrinth, struggling to grasp the ropes of this new-age art commerce.

Peering into the Crystal Ball

1. The Green Brushstroke:

As the NFT market matures, whispers of sustainability are growing louder. The art world is yearning for eco-friendly blockchain solutions to alleviate the environmental guilt tied to NFTs.

2. Digitalization: A Lasting Trend or a Passing Cloud?:

The march towards digitalization in the art realm is undeniable. But will NFTs remain the flagbearers, or will they fade away, making room for the next big thing? Only time will paint the full picture.

In the colorful canvas of the art world, NFTs have undoubtedly etched a significant mark. They’ve opened new horizons, yet brought along a set of challenges that can’t be brushed under the rug. Whether NFTs and the art world will continue to paint a pretty picture together or part ways as fleeting lovers, remains a narrative yet to be fully illustrated.

The discourse around NFTs and art continues to evolve, much like a piece of art in the making. And as we stand at the crossroads of a digital revolution, the brushstrokes of NFTs in the art world are indeed painting a narrative full of intrigue, hope, and an array of hues yet to be deciphered.

So, is the partnership between NFTs and the art world a revolutionary masterpiece or merely a passing trend? The jury’s still out, but one thing’s for sure, the narrative is as captivating as a Picasso, and we’re here for every stroke of it.

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Mirrorless Cameras

Because of their features, mirrorless cameras are considered a lighter and cheaper alternative to DSLRs. As the name suggests, these cameras work without an optical reflex mirror. The light instead passes through the lens straight to the sensor, which then shows the image on the camera’s LCD screen or through the electronic viewfinder. This allows you to adjust the settings and preview the image before it is even shot.

Moreover, mirrorless cameras have larger sensors than most camcorders, making them the perfect choice in low-light settings and for creative shallow-focus shots. Many models are available on the market, but new filmmakers can start with a Sony Alpha a7R V or a Canon EOS R7; these provide versatile features and capabilities for both image and video. With a mirrorless camera, you can ensure your story will be told in high quality.

Action Cameras

Perhaps you have already encountered a GoPro or a DJI Pocket 2. Both of these are action cameras. Action cameras are suitable for outdoor filming since they are weather-, water-, and shockproof, earning them the nickname “adventure cameras.” They are durable enough to withstand getting dropped, worn, or thrown. The smaller action cameras also have enormous, protected sensors that can shoot high-resolution videos. Most have built-in stabilization that guarantees good output despite the rough conditions.

Plus, action cameras, in general, are naturally built to be compact and lightweight so that you can bring them to remote shooting locations.

Traditional Film Cameras

Despite advancements in the filmmaking industry, there is a particular flair for using traditional film cameras. They offer a “softer” image and video resolution. These cameras also have a higher dynamic range, making them better at capturing detail in whites and blacks. Film cameras are also a favorite of many indie filmmakers, as they give the film a certain old-school charm that isn’t as evident with modern digital equipment. Up to now, indie movies are still using film cameras despite the advent and accessibility of contemporary tech. Movies like Past Lives and Asteroid City were released in 2023, yet were still shot on film cameras for certain parts of the film.

There’s just one catch, however: because of the limited number of exposures on a roll of film, you need to plan your shoots carefully so you don’t waste a lot of them. If you wish to use one in your movie, the Canon AE-1 35mm Film Camera is an excellent entry-level model to own. Its controls are easy to learn.

Drone Cameras

Finally, if you are looking for a camera that will cater to your aerial filming needs, you will want to add a drone to the list. Some notable drone cameras, like the DJI Mini 2 and Parrot ANAFI, are environment-proof, allowing you to film in unsafe or hard-to-navigate locations like forests. If you are filming overwater scenes, there are waterproof drones, like the Swellpro SplashDrone 4.

However, before operating drone cameras, secure a permit from the Federal Aviation Administration first. You should also check your state’s rules on drone flying, as you may need to submit additional requirements.

As the industry advances, filmmakers need better equipment to produce high-quality movies that produce truly memorable scenes. And it all starts with the right kind of camera.

The post Types of Cameras You Should Have: A Guide for Indie Filmmakers appeared first on BadFive.

But buying a home is much more than just a massive financial commitment. It’s also about making a decision that will shape your future and that of your family. It’s about choosing where you will make a life with the people you love most. It’s about determining the kind of life you want with your dearest ones.

And that’s by no means an easy process. It takes both courage and creativity because when you are searching for your perfect home, you have to be able to see beyond what is to what may be. You have to have the imagination to envision the life your family could lead between those four walls.

But the good news is that you don’t have to go it alone when you’re making one of the most important decisions of your life. Thanks to today’s augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies, you don’t have to rely on your mind’s eye alone to picture your prospective home as it might be with you and your loved ones in it.

Enhancing Architecture and Design

A particularly exciting aspect of the use of AR/VR in home construction, remodeling, and marketing is that it equips engineers, architects, contractors, and realtors with powerful new tools to bring their work to the next level.

For example, for architects and contractors, AR/VR technologies are increasingly being used to aid in design and visualization, making the construction process more efficient and the finished constructions of an even higher quality than many homes and buildings developed through traditional means. Similarly, AR/VR technologies provide realtors with the tools they need to present a full inventory of prospective homes to their clients without the time and expense required to travel to each physical location.

A Glimpse of Things to Come

In addition to the remarkable opportunities that these technologies offer to professionals in home architecture, construction, and marketing, there are also enormous perks for home buyers. Among the greatest benefits of AR/VR technologies is their remarkable capacity to present a highly realistic and deeply immersive experience of a construction project that isn’t even completed yet. With virtual reality tools, such as VR goggles, you can conjure a 3D-scaled image of the home as it will be once constructed is completed.

Best of all, you can virtually “place” yourself right there, in the middle of the future house. You can “walk through” the rooms and, in essence, experience what it would be like to live there someday.

But the possibilities don’t end there. With augmented reality, you can add virtual landscaping to transform a barren construction site into a lush outdoor oasis, allowing you to envision what your prospective home might look like in this neighborhood, on this street, greeting you as you pull into the driveway at the end of a long day.

Feathering the Nest

AR and VR aren’t just great for homes under construction, though. You can also use these tools to imagine how you might customize your future home to your family’s particular needs, taste, and style.

This is especially important if you find yourself getting cold feet when you think about making a final decision on a home. The simple truth is that the perfect home just doesn’t exist, and if you find yourself endlessly nitpicking prospective houses or turning time and again to new listings, then it’s a good idea to make the conscious decision to stop fretting over what’s wrong or deficient with your potential home and start thinking about opportunities for making it right.

AR and VR can be your very best friends in this challenging process! For example, you can use AR to play with easier, more cosmetic modifications to the house, from changing paint colors to experimenting with furnishings and decor.

And if you’re still not feeling quite satisfied with the prospects, use these technologies to take your home customization strategies to the next level. With AR/VR, you don’t have to settle just for envisioning what a completed construction will look like or what effect a change of pain and decor might have.

You can even play with more ambitious renovation strategies, such as tearing down a wall, opening up the floorplan, or even building a new addition. These are construction projects you will almost assuredly want to hire a licensed and bonded professional for, of course. But before you go searching for contractors and committing to the time and costs of such a project, you will be able to use AR/VR to ensure that, when the project is finished, you will truly have at last the home of your dreams!

The Takeaway

Virtual and augmented reality technologies are increasingly transforming the ways that people both work and play. One of the more surprising industries to be impacted by the advent of these technologies, however, is the real estate industry. From home design and construction to marketing, virtual and augmented reality can help builders and buyers alike envision not only what is but what may be. Prospective homeowners, in particular, can use these powerful tools to imagine how a house might be tailormade to make the perfect home for themselves and the ones they love most.

Luke Smith is a writer and researcher turned blogger. Since finishing college he is trying his hand at being a freelance writer. He enjoys writing on a variety of topics but technology and entertainment topics are his favorite. When he isn’t writing you can find him traveling, hiking, or gaming. You can find Luke on Twitter @lukesmithwrites

The post How Augmented Reality Can Help You Find a New Home appeared first on BadFive.

Today, consumers have a wide variety of SVOD service providers to choose from, and each platform wants to attract and retain as many customers as possible. As such, the tech behind popular streaming platforms is constantly evolving to better meet consumer demand, and individual user experience is of paramount importance. Streaming services in 2021, including relative newcomers Disney+ and HBO Max, are utilizing powerful artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning algorithms to keep users coming back for more.

But how does tech such as machine learning give users a highly personalized experience? The answer lies in big data and continued innovation into these promising technological advancements. Here’s what you need to know about how various streaming giants use AI, machine learning, and big data to retain customers and improve their overall journey.

Defining AI and Machine Learning: What’s in a Name?

Netflix, the kingpin of the U.S. streaming market, has been at the forefront of machine learning and AI for several years. According to Wired, the platform’s recommendation system was responsible for 80% of viewer choices in 2017 alone. That system, using AI, analyzes a viewer’s chosen content based on content tags as well as user behavior data ranging from how long one watches a particular show to time of day, and even cultural context.

Netflix collects so much user data that software intervention is necessary to make sense of it all, much less tailor recommendations based on the information. That’s where machine learning comes in. Machine learning expands on the concept of artificial intelligence to help an algorithm or software, whether used by a streaming platform or in some other capacity, effectively make its own decisions.

For its part, the Netflix research team is heavily invested in machine learning and uses the tech in various ways. Personalization is arguably the most well-known, but Netflix also utilizes machine learning when developing original shows and content. In recent years, Netflix has become a force to be reckoned with in the movie industry, and the company couldn’t have gotten there without machine learning.

The Role of Big Data in Streaming Platforms

Despite its ability to effectively think for itself, however, machine learning can’t do it alone; along with daily intervention from humans, AI tech gets a major boost from big data as well. And when used by streaming platforms, the machine learning-big data partnership creates a competitive advantage over other companies. The massive amounts of data collected by Netflix, Hulu, and other streaming platforms are typically too complex for traditional data processing software to handle, and big data is up to the task.

Additionally, big data helps identify frivolous data and subsequently discard it from the machine learning process. For users of streaming services, the veracity of data can further refine recommendations for even better personalization. And when customers don’t have to continuously scroll through haphazard options to find interesting and/or relevant content, they’re more likely to stay loyal to a particular platform.

It’s important to note, however, that even the most advanced machine learning processes aren’t infallible. For example, Netflix’s machine learning algorithms came under fire in 2017, accused of providing “biased and discriminatory outcomes.” The increase of original programming on the streaming platform in recent years has also raised concerns that user recommendations skew towards Netflix originals.

Driving the Consumer Journey in 2021 and Beyond

Once a fringe element of the entertainment industry, streaming platforms have become an integral part of everyday life, and a big business, to boot. As of 2020, researchers determined that the global streaming market was valued at $50 billion. What’s more, the streaming industry is expected to grow at least into 2028, thanks in large part to continued advancements in AI technology. The personal nature of streaming is one of its strongest selling points, so much so that personalization is now an expectation of the customer journey in numerous other industries in addition to entertainment.

Increasingly, companies of all sizes are creating customer journey maps that aim to capture the entire user experience in a single, usable image. Yet the word “map” in this context is a bit of an oversimplification, as the customer journey diagram contains an extensive amount of data, including user motivation, needs, and overall experience. The AI utilized by streaming services effectively creates its own version of the customer journey map. Then, it takes that map to further personalize the customer experience and identify any gaps or customer pain points that need to be addressed.

Key Takeaways

In our rapidly changing modern world, machine learning is crucial to the modern customer journey, and streaming services are leading the charge. AI and machine learning create personalized recommendations that subsequently allow customers to create their own experience with streaming platforms, dismissing what doesn’t work and emphasizing the features and programs that do.

And it’s a win-win situation for both parties: Users cultivate a sense of control over their entertainment while streaming companies (from Netflix and Hulu to Disney+ and Amazon Prime) gain greater insight into what drives their customer base, further elevating the user experience.

Luke Smith is a writer and researcher turned blogger. Since finishing college he is trying his hand at being a freelance writer. He enjoys writing on a variety of topics but technology and entertainment topics are his favorite. When he isn’t writing you can find him traveling, hiking, or gaming. You can find Luke on Twitter @lukesmithwrites

The post How Streaming Giants Like Netflix and Hulu Utilize AI and Machine Learning appeared first on BadFive.

For anyone who doesn’t like to be tied down, this is an exciting prospect, but there are some considerations to be made before going freelance. When you are essentially hired at-will, planning will be key as you will need to consider the need for insurance, how you will market yourself, and how this change will affect your finances. With that said, there are some exciting prospects in freelance tech that we will discover below.

The Tech Industry is Turning to Freelancers

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit American shores, it made a major impact on our economy and how we do business. Companies that couldn’t transition to a remote workforce were forced to let go of essential employees. While things are starting to look up, many industries have stuck with the remote routine and many are hiring freelancers. This isn’t just a fluke either, as it is estimated that by 2028, 45% of tech roles will be freelance.

Freelance workers are desired for many reasons. For one, technology is always changing, and companies never know when a new issue will come up that their existing IT team is unfamiliar with. In these situations, a freelancer with specific expertise can swoop in and assist until the problem is solved. Freelance work is also good for companies that are starting a project that has an end date. They can hire who they need until the project is complete.

For companies that are just getting off the ground but don’t have the funds to hire a full-time tech pro, freelance is a no-brainer. They can hire someone for the short term to set up their infrastructure, employee profiles, and verify that all systems are ready to go. For current freelancers, this could be a good way to show off your skills and get your foot in the door for future work with that organization.

Considerations for Freelancers

Another major advantage that tech companies achieve by hiring freelance workers is saving money by not providing the benefits and perks that they pay to their permanent employees. Unless stated otherwise, freelance workers won’t receive health insurance, sick and vacation time, or other expenses that we often take for granted when working out of the office. Because you will only essentially be receiving a paycheck and nothing more, you will need to look at other ways to get health insurance, which may be through the employer of your significant other or an insurance exchange.

As a freelancer, you will need to work twice as hard as a regular applicant to find work. To find steady employment, you will need to market yourself by creating a website, sending out emails to potential companies, and joining social media sites like LinkedIn to network with those you know and have worked with before. You will also need to make time to create and send out billing invoices, follow up with those who have yet to pay and file your taxes as an independent contractor.

Another consideration you will have to make is how your career as a freelancer will affect your credit. Many lenders may consider the fact that you are a freelancer before approving credit or a loan, with the primary reason being that you cannot guarantee that you will always be employed to pay back what you owe. If you currently have a low credit score, you may be turned down when it comes time to buy a house, so if you are planning to do so in the future, you may want to wait until your credit improves before going freelance. When you have your finances in order, take the plunge.

High-Paying Prospects

While you may have to pay a bit more for insurance and put more money away in savings, many tech jobs pay handsomely and make up for those costs if you have the skills. Some of the most sought after and highly paid tech skills in the freelance market are on this list and include experience with image object recognition, virtual machines, and Google Adsense API, among others. Freelancers with experience and knowledge of one or several of these areas would be wise to add them to their resumes immediately.

One of the most highly sought after skills on the list is bitcoin, and those experienced in this area, along with blockchain technology, can make upwards of $215 per hour. There are many career opportunities available for those with knowledge as tech companies are looking for everything from blockchain developers and project managers to quality engineers to make sure the process is done right. This is just the tip of the iceberg as many see blockchain to be the future as it will soon be used in the finance, healthcare, and gaming industries. 

As hackers and cybercriminals evolve, there is an increased need for security experts and consultants to backup and protect systems against cyberattacks. Security experts can earn over $100,000 a year or more as they jump from company to company. There are multiple positions under the cybersecurity umbrella, including the role of a security architect, malware analyst, IT engineer, and more. All of these positions are challenging and constantly changing but are also very rewarding.

If you ever wanted to become a freelancer within the tech industry, this is the time to do it. With many opportunities and plenty of money to be made, it might be the best career choice you ever made.

Luke Smith is a writer and researcher turned blogger. Since finishing college he is trying his hand at being a freelance writer. He enjoys writing on a variety of topics but technology and entertainment topics are his favorite. When he isn’t writing you can find him traveling, hiking, or gaming. You can find Luke on Twitter @lukesmithwrites

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