October has been a significant month in tech, with groundbreaking developments across AI, cybersecurity, and sustainable energy. Here’s a roundup of the most impactful tech stories that grabbed the spotlight.
The tech world is abuzz with the latest leaks about Google’s Pixel 9
and Meta’s next-generation VR headset1.
These leaks have sparked excitement and
speculation among tech enthusiasts and industry experts alike.
A 13-second video leak of the Pixel 9 was posted on X by user @hanibioud, showing the phone in bright pink. The video was apparently from Algeria.
Google’s Pixel 9 series is rumored to feature a range of new devices, including a small Pixel 9, a Pixel 9 Pro, a Pixel 9 Pro XL, and a foldable Pixel 9 Pro Fold2. The design of the Pixel 9 series marks a departure from previous generations, with a more angular and modern look2. The devices are expected to have uniform bezels around the screens and a new camera bar design that protrudes from the back2.
The Pixel 9 series is also rumored to come in vibrant colors such as Porcelain, Obsidian, Rose, and Green2. The devices are expected to feature a 6.2-inch OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, providing smooth and vibrant visuals2. The Pixel 9 is set to have a 4,700mAh battery, slightly larger than its predecessor2.
Meta’s next-generation VR headset, tentatively named the Meta Quest Pro, is generating a lot of buzz1. Leaks suggest that the headset will feature better movement tracking, higher-quality displays, and more advanced AI capabilities1. The design of the headset includes three cameras on the front and new controllers with a different design from previous models1.
Meta is also rumored to be working on a budget-friendly version of the VR headset, called the Meta Quest 3 Lite or Meta Quest 3s3. This budget headset is expected to launch later this year and will feature older Quest 2 lenses to save costs3.
The sudden sacking of Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, set off huge outrage and debate over tech leadership and governance. Many threatened to quit unless the board reinstated him-a testament to the importance of Altman not only to the company but also to the AI sector in general. The attention it has drawn across industries is huge as OpenAI navigates the challenge of balancing innovation and executive decisions
TECHRADAR
HYPEBEAST.
Apple launched new devices powered by M4, including updated iMacs, Mac minis, and MacBook Pros. Thus, this upgrade brings performance improvements; specially, the compact yet powerful design of the Mac mini takes it to the next level. This whole new series is designed to further strengthen Apple’s position as the performance leader in personal computing
TECHRADAR.
Satya Nadella’s compensation jumped by 63% in 2024 to $79.1 million,
Despite his request to take a cut, the pay of Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella is up 63% from the past fiscal year. The news raises debates on the pay of executives at big tech amid the financial struggles of the broader tech industry and Microsoft’s leading role in the development of AI.
Read More https://hypebeast.com/2023/11/weekly-tech-roundup-google-notes-nothing-imessage-android
Ultra-high-end soundbar Sonos Arc Ultra is finally here. Early reviewers say the audio quality is topnotch, with great bass and super smooth setup. This soundbar is supposed to go head to head against the best sound systems available for home entertainment.
Tesla announced a software update for its Full Self-Driving Beta program that will significantly improve the autonomous driving capabilities of the cars. Although this will be released to only a few users, it is a huge step forward for self-driving technology
TECHSPOT
Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) Beta 12.2.1 update, also known as update 2023.44.30.20, includes the following features:
Automatic speed offset: An undocumented change
Auto parking: FSD Beta v12.2.1 can automatically park
U-turns: FSD Beta v12.2.1 can complete U-turns
Over-the-air recall: A new feature with telltale text size
Removal of TACC with FSD Beta: An undocumented change
These stories are shaping discussions across the tech world and beyond, influencing everything from leadership dynamics inside corporations to advancements in consumer electronics and AI.
Both Google’s Pixel 9 and Meta’s Quest VR headset are expected to leverage advanced AI technologies to enhance user experience1. The Pixel 9 is rumored to have improved AI-driven camera features, while the Meta Quest Pro will likely incorporate AI for better movement tracking and immersive virtual reality experiences.
The tech community is eagerly awaiting the official announcements and releases of these devices, as they promise to bring significant advancements in smartphone and virtual reality technology.
Google has inked a groundbreaking agreement with Kairos Power to supply its AI processes with energy from small modular nuclear reactors. This is the first deal of its kind, intended to help Google meet its high energy demand fueled by AI without turning to fossil fuels. By securing energy from nuclear reactors, Google seeks to increase its overall sustainability while ensuring reliability in its power supply as AI applications increase. This development represents an important milestone for Big Tech’s investment in renewable and carbon-free energy solutions, a move observers note may set the stage for other major firms.
Nvidia jumped to an all-time high as ongoing demand for its graphics-processing units used to power AI applications at companies like Microsoft Corp., Meta Platforms Inc., and Google-parent Alphabet Inc. stoked growth. Nvidia’s stock is up 180% this year, thanks in large part to the company’s progress on AI-infused applications and enduring investor enthusiasm. With the release of Blackwell AI GPU imminent, Nvidia will maintain its tight grasp of the market, positioned for even further growth in quarter four.
The growing trends of AI and quantum computing are going to completely change the face of cybersecurity strategies. At this month’s TED Conference, industry leaders called for a switch in emphasis towards cyber resilience over defense. Experts believe that with cyberattacks increasing in their aggressiveness and frequency, companies should be investing in sustaining operations during a breach, proactive threat detection, and solid relationships. This would help companies take more measures against this rising tide-as now, one weakness rapidly can spiral out of control in today’s world of artificial intelligence integration.
Microsoft also is furthering AI with its recent launch of autonomous agents-aka “virtual employees”-that will carry out repetitive tasks, such as customer service and supply chain management. The thinking here with this artificial intelligence agent is that it will free up business processes and increase productivity similar to how personal computers have done in past decades. Early adopters of this technology include major consulting firms like McKinsey-a signal of heightened demand on the business side for automated solutions that can improve efficiency.
GE HealthCare announced the launching of a new AI tool, CareIntellect for Oncology; it will provide oncologists with insights on patient data summaries, will observe the progression of a disease, and will look for clinical trials that could be applicable for the patients. It is expected to launch in 2025. Basically, the tool helps the doctors offload their workload and then concentrate on treating the patients more effectively for better outcomes. This goes in line with the ongoing trend within healthcare, whereby AI streamlines operations and diagnostics in an effort to ensure better outcomes for the patients.
Each of these stories develops the meeting point of technology through industries as different as energy, finance, healthcare, and AI-driven automation. From Google’s nuclear energy strategy to the market success of Nvidia, these updates give insight into how companies continue to innovate to meet new challenges and take advantage of emerging opportunities in this digital era.
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