Apple Unveils New iPhones With Built-In Artificial Intelligence.
Apple introduced the iPhone 16, its first iPhone featuring AI, which can sort messages, offer writing suggestions, and an advanced Siri with more technological capabilities. The event also unveiled the Apple Watch Series with a thin, brighter display and the new Air Pods Pro with noise reduction and hearing aid capabilities. Despite initial limitations, analysts predict AI integration could significantly increase sales, while challenges include region-specific AI demands and data localization. The tech industry hopes Apple can popularize AI, as it has done in the past with other technologies.
Date published: September 9, 2024
Microsoft hosts cybersecurity summit after global IT outage
Microsoft held a summit to address cybersecurity improvements because of a global IT outage in July caused by a faulty CrowdStrike software update, which affected around 8.5 million Windows devices and disrupted various industries. The Microsoft headquarters event underscored the necessity for improved contingency plans and highlighted the risks associated with relying on single vendors for security solutions. Microsoft executive David Weston emphasized the importance of collaboration within the Windows security ecosystem. Delta Air Lines announced legal claims against CrowdStrike and Microsoft due to the outage’s significant impact on their operations.
Date published: September 10, 2024
YouTube Shorts to integrate Veo, Google’s AI video model
At the YouTube Made On YouTube event, the main highlight was integrating Google DeepMind’s AI video generation model, Veo, into YouTube Shorts, allowing creators to generate high-quality backgrounds and six-second clips. YouTube also announced new features like “Jewels,” gifts for live streams, and expanded Community hubs. Additionally, creators can now use AI in YouTube Studio to brainstorm video ideas, produce AI-generated thumbnails, and respond to followers with AI-assisted comments.
Date published: September 18, 2024
AI increased tech layoffs
The tech industry continues to experience significant layoffs in 2024, with 60,000 job cuts across 254 companies. Major firms like Tesla, Amazon, Google, TikTok, Snap, and Microsoft have all made substantial reductions. Smaller startups have also been affected, with some shutting down entirely. Notable layoffs include Qualcomm’s 226 job cuts in San Diego, Udemy’s restructuring impacting 280 employees, Amperity reducing its workforce by 13%, and Cisco cutting 7% of its staff, affecting around 5,600 employees. These layoffs highlight the ongoing impact of AI and automation on the job market and how AI is replacing human tasks.
Date published: September 20, 2024
Why aren’t humanoid robots in our homes yet with all the advancements in AI?
Despite significant advancements in AI, developing multipurpose domestic robots faces technical and safety challenges. Boston Dynamics’ Atlas, unveiled in 2013, displayed impressive capabilities, raising hopes for robots handling everyday tasks. However, physical robots remain confined to specific roles in factories and warehouses. Companies like Boston Dynamics and Tesla are pushing forward with new humanoid robots like Atlas and Optimus expected to enter the commercial market soon. Jenny Read, director of the robotics program at the Advanced Research and Invention Agency (Aria) emphasizes that physical capabilities are crucial for many tasks, and while robotics is essential for achieving artificial general intelligence (AGI), versatile robots for home use or elderly care are still far from practical solutions.
Date published: September 22, 2024
Conclusion
This week’s tech digest dives into how artificial intelligence and technological advancements are changing our daily lives, from AI-powered iPhones to enhanced content creation tools. However, technological advancements, such as the latest in robotics, cybersecurity systems, and AI-driven mobile devices, come with significant challenges. Key issues include technical malfunctions, safety concerns, and meeting region-specific requirements such as data localization. Overcoming these obstacles is critical to reducing cybersecurity risks, improving device functionality, and unlocking the full potential of AI to streamline everyday tasks and boost productivity. Addressing these challenges will provide more reliable and effective tech solutions.
References
Forristal, L. (2024, September 18). YouTube shorts to integrate Veo, Google’s AI Video model. TechCrunch. https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/18/youtube-shorts-to-integrate-veo-google-ai-video-model/
Mickle, T. (2024, September 9). Apple unveils new iphones with built-in Artificial Intelligence. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/09/09/technology/apple-event-iphone-16-watch.html
Reuters. (2024, September 10). Microsoft hosts Cybersecurity Summit after global it outage | Reuters. Microsoft hosts cybersecurity summit after global IT outage. https://www.reuters.com/technology/cybersecurity/microsoft-hosting-cybersecurity-summit-after-global-it-outage-2024-09-10/
Stringer, A., & Corrall, C. (2024, September 20). A comprehensive list of 2024 tech layoffs. TechCrunch. https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/20/tech-layoffs-2024-list/
Torun, E. (2024, September 24). Top 10 in Tech – September 2024. Digitopia. https://digitopia.co/blog/top-10-in-tech-september-2024/
Turk, V. (2024, September 22). It’s the robot we were all expecting – like C3PO’: why aren’t humanoids in our homes yet? The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/science/2024/sep/22/its-the-robot-we-were-all-expecting-like-c3po-why-arent-humanoids-in-our-homes-yet
Thumbnail image by Google DeepMind