Here is the top trending stories from the world of technology. Stories that every tech enthusiast should keep a tab on.
1)
Apple officially Unveils its Mixed Reality Headset Vision Pro
After years of endless anticipation and rumours, Apple finally disclosed long-awaited mixed-reality headset on Monday at WWDC 2023 keynote. Officially named as Vision Pro, the headset is a high-end device that combines augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) capabilities. It will be available for purchase in early 2023 for $3,499. The headset boosts number of features including a powerful processor cameras, motion sensors, and a LiDAR scanner. The tech giant said that the headset could be used for gaming, entertainment, and productivity purposes. Apple’s Vision Pro will directly compete with Meta’s VR headset Quest 2.
2)
Binance and its founder sued by U.S. Regulator
The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filed a lawsuit against Binance and its founder Changpeng Zhao, alleging that the world’s largest crypto exchange is engaged in a “web of deception” to mislead investors about its business practices. Binance operated an unregistered securities exchange and failed to register with the SEC as a broker-dealer. Meanwhile, Binance has denied the SEC’s allegations. In a blog post, Binance said that it will defend the crypto exchange vigorously. The SEC’s lawsuit is the latest in a series of regulatory challenges facing Binance. Binance is currently facing regulatory challenges Japan, U.K and Australia.
3)
Elon Musk’s Neuralink now valued at about $5 bln
According to Reuters, Elon Musk’s brain implant startup ‘Neuralink’ is now valued at around $5 billion. This is up from its previous valuation of close to $2 billion in 2021, when the company raised funds from private investors. The increase in Neuralink’s valuation comes closely on the heels of its announcement that it has secured first-ever clinical trail from FDA for brain implant. Neuralink is essentially developing a brain-computer interface (BCI) that could be used to treat a variety of neurological conditions. Although Musk’s company has made significant progress in BCI technology, it will probably take many years before the company releases its first-ever commercial product into the market.
4)
Microsoft to pay $20 Mln for Violating Children’s Privacy
Microsoft has agreed to pay $20 million to settle charges from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) that it violated the Children’s online privacy by collecting personal information from children without parental consent. The FTC alleged that Microsoft collected personal information from children under the age of 13 through its Xbox Live gaming service, including their names, email addresses, and home addresses. The tech giant allegedly used this information to send children marketing emails and to target them with advertising. Under the terms of the settlement, Microsoft will pay $20 million to the FTC and mandatorily implement a number of changes to its Xbox Live service to upgrade its children privacy.
5)
Apple’s Safari gets a major privacy update
Apple announced a major privacy update for its web browser Safari at its ongoing WWDC 2023. These updates has brought forth several new privacy features including upgraded privacy control, encryption features and the ability to create apps from any web page. These privacy updates won’t just be applicable on MacOS but also IOS17 and iPadOS 17. Although Safari’s isn’t exactly among the most popular web browser, the latest privacy updates are testimony to the fact that Apple isn’t giving up on its web browser.