Technology News for Thursday 18th April 2024

1. Meta's AI apparently thinks it has a child.

404 Media reports that a parent soliciting advice in a Facebook group got something unexpected when Meta's AI chatbot chimed in with some thoughts. The reply starts with “I have a child who is also 2e,” which refers to a child who is both academically ...

2. After chip breakthrough, Huawei launches fresh lineup of phones to challenge Apple in China

Huawei launched the Pura 70 series of smartphones on Thursday in a bid to continue its resurgence in China and ramp up its regional challenge to Apple. It's the latest sign of growing confidence from Huawei, after the company last year quietly launched ...

3. TikTok Notes is the new competitor to Instagram. What is the app and how does it work?

TikTok quietly launched its Instagram rival, Notes, in Australia and Canada on Thursday, testing out a new app dedicated to still images and text. What is it? A TikTok spokesperson said Notes is “a dedicated space” for photo and text content, ...

4. TikTok Notes starts rolling out as a new rival to Instagram

TikTok has started rolling out its Instagram rival, TikTok Notes, to select Android and iOS users “for download and limited testing in Australia and Canada.” A tweet announcing the launch, as well as the App Store and Google Play listings, ...

5. Nothing Ear Noise-Canceling Earbuds (2024) Review: Upgraded on the Inside

Nothing's ANC earbuds are still a translucent take on Apple's AirPods Pro, but improvements abound for this third go-round.

6. Humane's ambient computing vision is a dead-end

The idea is that technology will recede into the background, and our smartphones will be supplanted by all-knowing virtual assistants that are just a voice command or gesture away. It's a tantalizing vision for anyone ...

7. We Used to Make Fun of Fool's Gold. Now, It Might Fuel Our Future.

Lithium is steadily becoming the most important element for the future, as its found in smartphones, laptops, electric cars, and is even central to future tech like nuclear fusion reactors. However, extracting lithium has many costs—both financial and ...

8. Galaxy A35 5G Hands-On: Samsung's New Budget Phone Doesn't Feel Cheap

The Galaxy S24 may have taken the spotlight earlier this year, but Samsung hasn't neglected its wallet-friendly A-series line. The new Galaxy A35 5G, which launches on April 18 in the US at $400, feels like a promising option for those seeking an ...

9. Review: Nothing Ear and Nothing Ear (a)

The third generation of Nothing's clear-plastic AirPod clones is here, and they're some of the best wireless earbuds for Android.

10. Nothing's new earbuds prove that it can (mostly) hang with the heavyweights

The Nothing Ear and Ear (a) both preserve the design that debuted in 2021, with the improvements again focused on day-to-day performance. On the flagship Ear buds, the sound profile was tweaked once more and includes new personalization options, and their ...

11. YouTube Issues New Ad Blocker Warning As Crackdown Ramps Up

Now, YouTube has issued a new warning to anyone using a third party app on the video streaming platform. “We're strengthening our enforcement on third party apps that violate YouTube's Terms of Service, specifically ad blocking apps,” Google said in an ...

12. The Humane AI Pin is lost in translation

Chaudhri replies in English. Again, the AI Pin translates his words back into Spanish. There are notable pauses when the AI is processing, but it's a powerful concept. Unlike with Google Translate, there was solid eye contact between both people. The AI ...

13. The Xbox Mastercard, issued by Barclays, now available in the US with more value

No annual fee card converges virtual experiences and everyday purchases, allowing cardmembers to earn points on purchases in the Microsoft Store, dining delivery, streaming services, and more. In September 2023, Xbox Insiders received early access to ...

14. Google is combining its Android and hardware teams — and it's all about AI

Google CEO Sundar Pichai announced substantial internal reorganizations on Thursday, including the creation of a new team called “Platforms and Devices” that will oversee all of Google's Pixel products, all of Android, Chrome, ChromeOS, Photos, and more.

15. Gaming furniture levels up to a more decorative aesthetic

Among the offerings are ergonomic chairs, throws and rugs that may be more fitting of a living room than a basement. Still no word yet if they're offering a Playstation you have to assemble yourself.

16. Eyeing the Apple Vision Pro? From the Apple Card to BNPL, Here Are Your Best Financing Options

The Apple Card* is a no-annual-fee rewards card offering 3% Daily Cash on all Apple purchases, including the Apple Vision Pro. Its 0% APR monthly installment plan lets you pay for the device over 12 months (then 19.24% to 29.49% variable), giving you more ...

17. Meta steps up AI battle with OpenAI and Google with release of Llama 3

Meta Platforms on Thursday released early versions of its latest large language model, Llama 3, and an image generator that updates pictures in real time while users type prompts, as it races to catch up to generative AI market leader OpenAI.

18. Meta says Llama 3 beats most other models, including Gemini

(It is perhaps notable that Meta's 2,700-word post does not mention GPT-4, OpenAI's flagship model.) It should also be noted that benchmark testing AI models, though helpful in ...