Here is the top trending news from the world of technology. News that every tech enthusiast should keep a tab on.
1)
Microsoft unveils Copilot+ PCs – Powered by Generative AI Capabilities
Describing it as a “new class of Windows PCs” by Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, Microsoft’s new Copilot+PCs contain hardware that has been designed to handle generative AI processes locally instead of depending on the cloud. These PCs will be powered by Qualcomm’s powerful Snapdragon X series chips. it comes with many useful AI features like a Cocreator function that can help with photo editing, restoration, and even creating new images. It can also look at your screen and offer real-time guidance. Additionally, these PCs will be integrated with be AI powered search capability feature called ‘Recall’ that can navigate through all your computer activities for deep search capabilities. The pre-order for Copilot+PCs has already started and it will be officially launched into the market on June 18th.
2)
OpenAI withdraws Sky Voice from ChatGPT
OpenAI has decided to pause the use of “Sky voice” in ChatGPT following the complains from users that ‘Sky voice’ resembled the voice of famous Hollywood actress Scarlett Johansson. In its defense, OpenAI claimed that the voice used in ‘Sky’ belonged to another actress and not Johansson. OpenAI may have paused the use of Sky to avoid any confusion or potential legal issues regarding impersonating of celebrity’s voice. By the way, it still offers other voice options for ChatGPT users, such as “Breeze,” “Cove,” and “Ember.” OpenAI had launched these voice functionalities way back in September 2023, offering users a new way to interact with the AI.
3)
LG ends XR partnership with Meta
In late February 2024, LG and Meta announced a collaboration to develop next-generation XR or Extended Reality devices, which encompasses virtual reality and augmented reality. However, latest unconfirmed news claims that both companies have decided to end the partnership. Although they haven’t given any official reason but sourced claim that there might have been disagreements regarding the functionalities or target market for the XR devices. Technical Challenges could have also caused the split, with difficulties in integrating Meta’s software like Horizon OS with LG’s hardware. LG is now reportedly looking for a new partner to collaborate with for the software and operating system aspects of their XR device. Amazon has been mentioned as a potential candidate.
4)
Huawei forces Apple to cut iPhone prices in China
Apple has decided to resort to aggressive discounting strategy to spice up the sales of iPhone in the Chinese market. New discounts range up to 2,300 yuan or around $318 on select iPhone models on their official Tmall store. The steepest discount applies to the 1TB iPhone 15 Pro Max model while other models have also witnessed significant price reeducation. Apple has been forced to cut the price due to intense competition especially from Huawei, which has been offering strong competition with feature-rich smartphones at highly competitive prices. Due to this intense competition, reports suggest that iPhone sales in China have been declining, particularly for the iPhone 15 series compared to previous models.
5)
Neuralink will perform Brain Implant in another patient
In exciting news for the field of brain-computer interfaces, Neuralink – a company led by Elon Musk – has received approval to implant its brain chip in a second person. The name and identity of this second patient has not been revealed. The first human trial with participant Noland Arbaugh encountered some challenges with the device’s electrodes becoming loose nearly a month after the operation. However, according to reports, Neuralink has addressed this issue by proposing to embed the new implant’s threads deeper into the brain. The aim is to see if the implant can allow the patient to control devices like phones and computers purely through his thought alone, similar to how it benefitted Arbaugh. The surgery for the second patient is expected to take place in June 2024.