Nine great industry news stories from this week you may have missed.

Alexa, are you invading my privacy?

Via CPO Magazine

As Amazon continues to roll out new variations of their Echo devices, there are a few products raising concerns when it comes to privacy. The new Echo Frames smart glasses and Echo Loop smart ring are enabling users to bring Alexa wherever they go. But, is having "her" with you at all times too much? In CPO Magazine's recent article, they discuss the new products and the blurred lines between wearable devices and surveillance gear. 

Betting on the Legal Industry

Via Forbes

Law has been a big business for ages, but only recently has significant venture capital, private equity and entrepreneur dollars been funding the sector. Last year, there was a 718 per cent increase in legal industry investments. This year's total has already exceeded the $1 billion total of 2018 by its third quarter. Find out what's changed and what you can expect for the end of this year in Forbe's article from earlier this week. 

Cyber Security Threats

VIa Wired

How does one get hacked? According to Wired, there are seven cyber security threats that can sneak up on you. From rogue USB sticks and browser extensions to malicious charging cables and smart home snooping, the list is an eye opener. Take a look at the full list and stay safe online. 

LSAT 

Via Above the Law

The legal field is evolving and its entrance exam is following suit. First, it was announced that the LSAT exam would be going completely digital. Now, the analytical reasoning section (otherwise known as the "logic games"), which for many has been a pass-or-fail determent, is soon to be a thing of the past. Thanks to a legally blind aspiring law student's fight against the Law School Admission Council, students can look forward to the option of a test that assesses their analytical reasoning abilities in an alternative way. While the new method has yet to be determined, the changes are expected to come into effect in the next four years. Read Above the Law's article to learn all the details. 

Unwritten Rules

Via Harvard Business Review

What are your company's expectations? According to Harvard Business Review, unwritten norms don't exist anywhere but in people's minds and according to them, that's a major problem. Whether you work in IT, legal services or corporate, there are some big takeaways to consider when defining what is and isn't acceptable in the workplace.  

How AI is Shaking Up Legal Practice 

Via Canadian Lawyer

It's no secret that the age of artificial intelligence (AI) in the legal industry is here. Now, technology can effectively analyze information in an instant, slashing the amount of billable review hours that were once required. But, who is it affecting the most? A recent article by Canadian Lawyer claims that AI will eliminate tasks that junior lawyers do at big law firms do (if it hasn't already). Read the full article to learn why articling students may be looking to smaller firms to build the foundational legal skills needed for their careers. 

AI-Based Grammar Coach

Via Tech Crunch

How does AI work when it comes to writing? Grammarly's machine learning is constantly synthesizing new words, phrases and writing styles to improve the help it provides to users. That means not only is it catching your typos, but it's recommending the right tone of voice to use for each communication. For many, the AI-based grammar tool is a professional lifesaver as it proofreads every. single. word. 

Already 20 million people have signed up for the service since it was created ten years ago and the business has a valuation of over a billion dollars. Learn more about the virtual writing coach and its future in Tech Crunch's article. 

Lawyer Technologists

Via Relativity

What is a "lawyer technologist" you ask? According to Relativity, it's a term for those who are "combining their legal and technology backgrounds to work effectively and stand out among their peers." As more tech-savvy lawyers and paralegals enter the workforce, a hybrid role has been created to allow firms to bridge the gap between law and tech. Learn more about the emerging role and how you can apply it in your workplace in the article How Lawyer Technologists Can Traverse Two Worlds.

Where Will Predictive Text Take Us?

Via New Yorker

Could a machine learn to write for The New Yorker? The publication put one to the test. In The Next Word, John Seabrook explores the idea of using the program Smart Compose as his co-author. The result? You'll have to see for yourself in this interactive article. At the end of each section, you can read the text that the AI program predicted would come next.