HeyWhatsNew: All Things Apple and Boeing’s Starliner Touches Down in New Mexico
Welcome back, Heyuppers! This week started with a bang with the Apple event, let’s dive into what else was in the headlines in the week beginning 09/09/2024.
Sony Unveils the Power-Packed PS5 Pro
Sony has officially announced the PlayStation 5 Pro, a mid-generation upgrade to the PS5, launching on November 7, 2024, at $699.99. The PS5 Pro features significant hardware upgrades, including a larger GPU with 67% more Compute Units, advanced ray tracing capabilities, and AI-driven upscaling with PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution for enhanced image clarity. The console does not include a disc drive, but users can purchase one separately. It also supports Wi-Fi 7 in applicable regions and includes a vertical stand sold separately.
The PS5 Pro will support the same user interface, multiplayer gaming, and network services as the original PS5, and it is compatible with existing PS5 accessories, including PlayStation VR2 and various controllers and headsets. A range of upcoming games, including titles like "Alan Wake 2," "Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth," and "Marvel’s Spider-Man 2," will carry a 'PS5 Pro Enhanced' label to showcase their optimization for the upgraded console. The PS5 Pro also introduces Game Boost, which aims to improve the performance and resolution of over 8,500 backward-compatible PS4 games. Pre-orders begin on September 26, 2024, through the official Playstation website and other retailers starting October 10, 2024.
Starliner Returns as Boeing’s Spacecraft Lands Back on Earth
Boeing’s Starliner capsule successfully returned to Earth from the International Space Station, landing at White Sands Space Harbor in New Mexico just after midnight on Saturday. Although the mission was nearly flawless, the capsule returned without its two intended crew members, NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, who will remain aboard the station until next February.
Due to technical issues earlier in the mission, NASA decided the astronauts will return on a SpaceX Dragon capsule instead. NASA’s commercial crew program manager, Steve Stich, expressed mixed feelings at the post-flight press conference, noting the success of the landing but also the deviation from the original plan to have the astronauts return on Starliner.
Audible Teams Up with Narrators to Train AI Voices for Faster Audiobook Production
Audible is expanding its AI audiobook production by involving human narrators to train AI voices for faster and more natural-sounding narrations. The initiative invites select US-based audiobook professionals to create AI "voice clones" of themselves, which will be used to produce new audiobooks. Narrators will oversee quality control and can earn royalties based on sales, maintaining control over the use of their AI voices.
This approach aims to address the high demand for audiobooks, as 96% of Kindle titles still lack audio versions. By integrating AI with human expertise, Audible hopes to boost audiobook availability while ensuring quality.
Big Reveals and Game Changers from the Apple Event
Apple’s recent "It’s Glowtime" event showcased a series of major announcements, headlined by the iPhone 16 lineup. The new iPhone 16 and 16 Plus feature two additional buttons, including a DSLR-like button for capturing photos and adjusting settings, along with an upgraded A18 processor for advanced AI features. The Pro models have larger displays, enhanced cameras, and improved battery life. Visual Intelligence, a new feature, will allow users to identify objects and take actions directly from photos. The devices will be available in various colors and are set to ship on September 20th, with the base iPhone 16 starting at $799.
Apple also introduced the Watch Series 10 with a thinner profile, a larger display, and new health monitoring capabilities like sleep apnea detection. The Watch Ultra received a sleek satin black finish. On the audio front, Apple revealed the AirPods 4 with better sound quality, active noise cancellation, and a more comfortable open-ear design, alongside the updated AirPods Max with USB-C charging. Additionally, the AirPods Pro 2 will soon double as a hearing aid, complete with features to protect hearing and conduct clinical-grade hearing tests, available through a software update later this year.
Flappy Bird Takes Flight Again
Flappy Bird, the viral mobile game that was abruptly pulled from app stores by its creator Dong Nguyen in 2014, is set to return a decade later. A new team called "The Flappy Bird Foundation," composed of passionate fans, has acquired the rights and trademark from Gametech Holdings LLC and plans to release an expanded version by the end of October 2024 on multiple platforms, including web browsers and mobile apps for iOS and Android in 2025.
The revived game will feature new modes, characters, and multiplayer challenges, aiming to build on the original’s success while introducing fresh experiences to keep players engaged. Though the game's original creator, Dong Nguyen, is not involved in the new project, the team behind the comeback emphasizes their dedication to preserving Flappy Bird’s legacy and delivering innovative updates. The developer of "Piou Piou vs. Cactus," which inspired the original Flappy Bird character, is also involved, celebrating the lasting impact of the game on the industry.
Huawei Unveils Tri-Fold Phone as Rivalry with Apple in China Heats Up
Huawei has unveiled its new tri-fold smartphone, the Mate XT, aiming to solidify its lead in the Chinese market and challenge Apple’s dominance. The launch event closely followed Apple's iPhone 16 announcement, with the Mate XT set to go on sale on September 20, the same day as Apple's latest model. Huawei’s website reported over 3.6 million pre-orders for the Mate XT, highlighting the growing popularity of foldable phones in China.
Huawei has managed to navigate U.S. sanctions and outpace competitors, becoming the third-largest smartphone vendor in China and surpassing Samsung in foldable sales globally. As Apple’s AI offerings lag behind in China, Huawei continues to leverage its advanced features to attract Chinese consumers.
And that brings us to a close of all the exciting tech news for this week. Meet us here at the same place, same time next week for even more game-changing tech news.
