HeyWhatsNew: “Glow in the Dark” Is Now a New Feature for Smartphones, and Elon Musk Lands in Court for Attempting to Influence Elections
What’s good, Heyuppers? Welcome back to this week’s edition of HeyWhatsNew! We’ve got some exciting highlights lined up in the latest tech, entertainment, and innovation news. From thrilling game updates to intriguing industry news, let’s jump right in!
Meta Is Working to Bring AI into Public Service
On Meta’s Q3 earnings call on October 25, Mark Zuckerberg shared that Meta is teaming up with public institutions to explore how its AI model, Llama, could support important government projects. This statement alone raises a few red flags for some people who want to know, “what exactly can AI bring to the government?”
Meta spokesperson Faith Eischen explained that they’re already working with several government agencies, like the Department of Education, to see how Llama might help tackle big societal issues. Some ideas on the table include using AI to improve access to clean water and reliable electricity in developing areas, and even simplifying the often confusing financial aid process for students, making it easier for them to get the support they need.
Elon Musk’s $1 Million Giveaway to Voters Has Landed Him in Court
Elon Musk, founder of Tesla and SpaceX, has recently made headlines for his vocal support of Donald Trump’s bid for a second term as president. About two weeks ago, Musk pledged to give away $1 million a day until Election Day on November 5 to voters who sign his PAC's petition supporting the First and Second Amendments.
However, CBS News reports that Musk now faces legal action as Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner has sued him, alleging that Musk and his super PAC are attempting to influence voter behavior in the upcoming election between Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris. A judge has ordered Musk to appear in Philadelphia court this Thursday in connection with the lawsuit.
Call of Duty: Black Ops 6
Call of Duty is a massive franchise that’s been around for many years, but in all of those years, the franchise has never seen the level of success it experienced this week. Activision Blizzard, now a subsidiary of Xbox, has announced that the Call of Duty franchise has surpassed an incredible 500 million units sold, a milestone driven by the massive success of Black Ops 6.
According to Activision Blizzard's statement to The Washington Post, Black Ops 6 set records for the franchise, boasting the highest player numbers, hours played, and total matches during its opening weekend. Pre-launch forecasts had analysts predicting a boost of 2.5 to 4 million new Game Pass subscribers as a result, though they also anticipated a potential trade-off of up to six million lost game sales due to the Game Pass effect.
Gmail’s Help Me Write Feature Is Also Getting an AI Upgrade
In August, Google rolled out its 'Help Me Write' and 'Refine My Draft' features, aiming to make email composition smoother. Now, the company has added even more AI power to these tools with a new ‘Polish’ shortcut, designed to refine emails more quickly. This shortcut is available across web, Android, and iOS.
According to Techlusive, the 'Polish' feature can be found directly within the body of an email draft, suggesting an improved version of your text when the draft is empty or simply by pressing Ctrl+H, which will instantly offer a polished suggestion with over 12 words. This new addition is set to elevate email writing by saving time and ensuring clarity.
The Nothing Phone 2a Plus Is a Glow in the Dark Phone
Nothing has just unveiled the Phone (2a) Plus Community Edition, a special release shaped by fan contributions and featuring eye-catching designs that glow in the dark. This limited-edition phone keeps the internal specs of the original model, but its unique, glow-in-the-dark back emits a striking green hue that stands out from the standard version. The release also includes exclusive wallpapers and refreshed packaging that elevate the experience.
Android Central reports that the Nothing Community Edition Project brought this device to life over a six-month period, during which over 900 community members submitted their designs. Selected winners had the chance to collaborate directly with Nothing’s design team, making the Phone (2a) Plus Community Edition a true community-driven project.
That wraps up this week’s tech news update. As always, stay tuned and join us again next week for more exciting updates and insights in the world of tech and beyond. Bye for now.
