HeyWhatsNew: Tesla Has Recreated Designs from a 20 Year Old Movie, and Kindle Is Getting a Cute New Upgrade
What’s new, Heyuppers? It’s been an interesting week in the world of tech with big announcements and new releases to look forward to. Let’s take a look at what went down in the week beginning 14/10/2024.
Counting Down to the Release of the MacBook Pro M4
According to a report originally published by Bloomberg, Apple is planning to release a series of MacBooks at the end of October, marking a significant change in the company’s annual releases. The three new MacBook Pro models are expected to be released alongside the new Mac Mini and iPad Mini, and consumers should expect to see a lineup that features a 14-inch M4 Apple Silicon powered chipset, as well as 14-inch and 16-inch models equipped with either the M4 Pro or M4 Max chipsets.
It's clear that Apple will be placing a strong emphasis on generative AI in the new MacBook models. The awkwardly named "Apple Intelligence" was a key highlight during the iPhone 16 launch, even though the software has yet to be released. Apple's approach to AI feels more like an introduction rather than a full leap into AI dominance, ready to reshape the industry. However, with generative AI features already delayed on the iPhone, the late arrival on the MacBook seems to align with Apple's typical strategy for Apple Intelligence.
Android 15 Has Started Making Its Way to Pixel
While those with older devices may still be settling into the feel of the new Android 14 OS which made its global debut in early September, Google has started rolling out Android 15 to Google Pixel smartphones and tablets. The operating system will be compatible with Google Pixel 6 models and newer, including the latest Pixel 8 range.
Android 15 is expected to bring enhanced privacy features such as Theft Detection Lock and Remote Lock, as well as a new App Pairing feature that’ll allow users to multitask more seamlessly.
Tesla Has Replicated I, Robot Designs, According to the Film’s Director
Director Alex Proyas, known for the 2004 film I, Robot, has accused Elon Musk of copying designs from his movie for a recent event that Musk hosted, titled We, Robot. In a tongue-in-cheek public remark posted on the accused’s X platform, Proyas reportedly asked Musk, "Hey Elon, can I have my designs back please?" This accusation highlights the striking similarities between the aesthetics of the robots from I, Robot and those showcased at Musk's event. The "coincidental" naming of the event adds another layer to the controversy.
The similarities in design and the event’s name have fueled speculation about whether Tesla drew inspiration from the film I, Robot. To make matters worse, investors were left disappointed by the unveiling, which contributed to a significant drop in Tesla’s stock value. This has only added to the growing controversy, raising questions about both Tesla's innovation and the potential influence of the iconic sci-fi film on its designs.
Kindle Is Getting a New Color Version
In the past, Amazon traditionally focused on black-and-white displays for its Kindle e-readers, prioritizing an exceptional text-reading experience for their users. However, change appears to be on the horizon with the company’s recent announcement of its first color Kindle, the Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition. Curiously, Amazon quickly pulled the official announcement, leaving potential buyers in suspense as they wait for more information on this exciting new development, but it’s safe to say that we can expect the company to republish the announcement very soon.
The new Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition is set to bring a significant upgrade to Amazon's e-reader lineup, offering a “rich and paper-like color” for book covers and highlighted text. The waterproof Kindle features faster page turns, wireless charging, up to 8 weeks of battery life, and a new light guide with nitride LEDs for improved reading in various lighting conditions. According to information captured by The Verge before Amazon pulled the announcement from its site, the new Kindle is expected to ship from October 30.
More AI Tools Coming to Photoshop
Photoshop has long been a leader in AI-powered editing tools, and Adobe's latest updates continue to enhance the user experience. The new Generative Workspace is now available in Photoshop, featuring powerful tools like Generative Fill, Generative Expand, Generate Similar, Generate Background, and Generate Image, all powered by Adobe's Firefly Image 3 Model.
One of the most exciting additions is the Adobe Substance 3D Viewer app, which integrates 2D and 3D design. This allows users to import models created in Adobe Substance 3D directly into Photoshop for a more immersive and creative workflow.
The Ad Blocker uBlock Origin Is Being Phased Out of Chrome
One of the most annoying things about browsing the web is the constant flood of pop-up ads that you encounter. Unless, of course, you have an ad blocker like uBlock Origin. If so, you’ll need to start searching for a replacement ad blocker, because Google just announced its plans to disable one of the biggest ad blockers in the world on Chrome.
Earlier this year, Google announced that it would begin phasing out support for the Manifest V2 framework, which is troubling news for uBlock Origin because the change meant that uBlock Origin would eventually be disabled in the Chrome browser. Well, that process has already started and it will continue to roll out gradually.
That’s all for now, Heyup crew. Join us again next week when we’ll unpack the latest news and updates in the tech world.
