HeyWhatsNew: Xbox Wants to Make Games for PlayStation, and Chromebooks Could be Banned in Denmark
What’s up, HeyUppers? Welcome back to HeyWhatsNew. Here is your weekly roundup of the latest tech news and developments impacting the world for the week beginning 5/02/2024.
Meta Will Be Adding a Label to AI-generated Images
Meta is on a mission to identify and label AI-generated images on its platforms to address concerns about spreading misleading content during the 2024 election season. The company will add "AI generated" labels to images created by third-party tools such as Google, Microsoft, OpenAI, Adobe, Midjourney, and Shutterstock.
To achieve this, Meta is collaborating with AI tool developers to establish common technical standards for identifying AI-generated images. The “AI-generated” label will be implemented in different languages on Facebook, Instagram, and Threads. The move comes amid fears that realistic AI-generated images combined with social media reach could spread misinformation.
Microsoft May Soon Make Cross-Platform Games for Xbox and PlayStation
Microsoft is reportedly considering publishing one of its highly anticipated Xbox games, "Indiana Jones and the Grand Circle," on Sony's PlayStation 5, marking a potential shift towards cross-platform releases. Rumors have circulated about Microsoft bringing other exclusive games like "Hi-Fi Rush" to competitors like PS5 and Nintendo Switch.
While Microsoft has not officially confirmed the reports, this move aligns with its current strategy which saw the company making Minecraft available across various platforms since 2014. Given Microsoft's growing presence in the gaming sector and its emphasis on expanding the gaming ecosystem, the move also suggests a departure from the traditional idea of console wars, which will play a huge role in reaching a broader audience.
Rumored iPhone 16 Design Leaks
Rumor has it that Apple might change things up with the design of the upcoming entry-level iPhone 16. According to leaked information, Apple is considering changing the camera layout from a diagonal to a vertical setup, similar to what we saw on the iPhone 12 back in 2020. It’s reported that they're rearranging the cameras so the iPhone 16 can record spatial video, which sounds futuristic.
Renders and design schematics have emerged online showing a pill-shaped camera island with two sensors on the back. The leaks also suggest the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus will have a 60Hz screen refresh rate, an Action Button, an А18 chipset, 8GB RAM, and Wi-Fi 6E connectivity.
Chromebooks Could Be Banned from Danish Schools to Protect Student Data
The privacy regulator of Denmark, Datatilsynet, has found that Google utilizes student data from Chromebooks and Google Workplace for Education for personal use, which goes against European privacy law. The regulator ruled that Danish cities need more knowledge about data privacy before using Google services that might expose children's data, a ruling that suggests a potential phase-out of Chromebooks from Danish schools.
The ruling emphasizes that cities didn't adequately assess the risks of using Google Workplace for Education before approving their use in local schools. Datatilsynet prohibits municipalities from sending data to Google unless laws change, or Google offers a way to filter out students' information. Municipalities are required to elaborate their compliance plans by March 1st and cease data transfers to Google by August 1st.
Google Bard Rebranding to Google Gemini
Google Bard is undergoing a rebrand to Gemini. The rebranding trend follows Microsoft's renaming of Bing Chat to Copilot, as both companies aim to integrate AI assistants seamlessly into various applications. The rebranding also comes with updates, including a new subscription tier called Gemini Advanced that offers early access to new Google's AI advancements.
The rebranded Bard will also introduce a Gemini app for on-the-go AI assistance, integrated with Google apps like Gmail and Maps. The app will be available on the Google Play Store, with an option for iOS users to access it through the Google app.
Counting Down to the Release of the Galaxy Fit 3
Samsung is set to launch the Galaxy Fit 3, targeting users seeking a simpler alternative to smartwatches. The device features a rectangular 1.6-inch display that resembles the Apple Watch. While it lacks some sensors found in Samsung's smartwatches, like the optical heart rate sensor, it still offers health and fitness tracking including heart rate, blood oxygen levels, and exercise tracking.
The Galaxy Fit 3's leaked user manual confirms these features and suggests a release is imminent. Pictures of the packaging have also surfaced, indicating a rectangular design and two color options, black and white. The device has reportedly already arrived in Tanzania with an alleged price of $98. The Galaxy Fit 3 is highlighted for its more stylish appearance, larger display, and enhanced fitness tracking capabilities compared to its predecessors.
WhatsApp Will Begin Rolling Out Third-party Chat Support
WhatsApp is gearing up to introduce interoperability features with other messaging networks ahead of the Digital Markets Act (DMA) deadline. The DMA mandates platforms like WhatsApp to allow integration with other chat apps. Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp, is also working on enabling other chat apps on Messenger. The feature will focus on one-on-one chats for text, audio, video, images, and files.
Users can opt-in to participate to avoid spam and scams. Companies must sign agreements to be interoperable with Meta's system, and WhatsApp will require end-to-end encryption. However, achieving feature parity between third-party and native chats may pose privacy and security challenges. Other messaging operators' plans for interoperability with WhatsApp, such as Telegram, Viber, and Google, remain unclear.
That concludes this week's edition of HeyWhatsNew – your go-to for the latest news and insights influencing the tech world this week. Join us again next week for more captivating updates.
