HeyWhatsNew: Apple's Game-Changing 'Watch X' and Microsoft's Farewell to Xbox 360 Store
What’s up HeyUppers. Welcome to HeyWhatsNew – Your roundup of the latest tech news and developments impacting the world of tech for the week beginning 14/08/2023.
Apple’s Grand Plans for Apple Watch ‘X’ Anniversary Overhaul
Apple is gearing up for a major overhaul of its Apple Watch to commemorate the device's 10-year anniversary. The forthcoming "Watch X" model promises a significant transformation, including a thinner watch case and potential changes to band attachment mechanisms.
Apple aims to revamp the band attachment system to free up space within the watch for additional components like a larger battery. Additionally, the Watch X is rumored to feature a microLED display that outperforms current OLED screens, along with blood pressure monitoring technology. The new design and features mark a potential turning point for the iconic smartwatch series.
Read more: Apple Plans Major ‘Watch X’ Overhaul for Device’s 10-Year Anniversary
Microsoft’s Xbox 360 Store to Close in July 2024
Microsoft is bidding farewell to its Xbox 360 Store and Xbox 360 Marketplace. Starting July 29th, 2024, Xbox 360 owners will no longer be able to purchase new Xbox 360 games, DLC, and other content from the Xbox 360 Store. The closure also includes avatars and games in the Xbox 360 Marketplace. If you're an existing Xbox 360 digital games owner, don't fret – your games will still be playable.
However, the ability to purchase new games or DLC will be a thing of the past. Microsoft is also axing the Movies & TV app from Xbox 360, rendering TV and movie content unviewable on the console after July 29th, 2024. Fear not, though, as backward-compatible Xbox 360 games can still be purchased for Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox.com. Just make sure you're using a Windows 10 PC or a later version, or one of the newer Xbox consoles to enjoy your media.
Read more: Microsoft’s Xbox 360 Store to close in July 2024
Amazon Introduces AI-Generated Summaries of Customer Reviews
Amazon is harnessing the power of artificial intelligence to provide shoppers with quick summaries of customer reviews. This new feature, available to a subset of mobile shoppers in the U.S., lets users grasp the overall sentiment and key highlights of products before making a purchase.
As part of Amazon’s growing foray into generative AI, these summaries are designed to enhance the shopping experience and offer an alternative perspective on product feedback. This move comes in the wake of Amazon's recent AI-driven features, showcasing its prowess in AI alongside industry giants like Microsoft and Google.
Read more: Amazon rolls out AI-generated summaries of customer reviews
Leaked Images of Lenovo’s Revolutionary Legion Go Gaming Handheld
Lenovo is breaking new ground with its Legion Go gaming handheld. This innovative device is poised to bridge the gap between gaming PCs/consoles and mobile phones, delivering a gaming experience on the go. Leaked exclusive images reveal a sleek design that could make it a standout in the handheld gaming market.
With contenders like Valve’s Steam Deck and ASUS’ Rog Ally already vying for the same market, Lenovo’s Legion Go aims to address some of the shortcomings of its competitors. As streaming gains traction, this gaming handheld enters a landscape rife with possibilities and challenges.
Read more: Images leaked of Lenovo Legion Go Gaming Handheld
Apple Reverts ‘End Call’ Button Position in iPhone Software
Apple has decided to shift the "end call" button back to the center of the screen in the latest developer version of iOS 17. This move comes after Apple experimented with placing the button in the lower right-hand corner, sparking discussion around user interface changes.
While the change is still in beta testing and not yet final, it reflects Apple's ongoing efforts to refine the user experience. The upcoming iOS 17 is expected to launch alongside new iPhones this fall, offering a range of improvements and updates.
Read more: Apple reverses course, moves iPhone 'end call' button back to middle in latest beta
Epic Games Expands Crossplay Tools to Consoles
Epic Games is extending its crossplay tools to include PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch, broadening the scope for crossplay multiplayer in games. These tools, originally introduced for the Epic Games Store and Steam, offer simplified player authentication, friend management, and game invite functionality across platforms.
The move underscores Epic's commitment to crossplay, a stance that gained prominence with the success of Fortnite's cross-platform capabilities. With millions of Epic Games accounts, this expansion could lead to a surge in crossplay gaming through Epic Online Services.
Read more: Epic Games is bringing its crossplay tools for developers to consoles
Google Enhances AI-Powered Search Experience
Google is enhancing its Search Generative Experience with AI-powered summaries, definitions, and coding improvements. Hovering over unfamiliar terms will reveal definitions and related visuals, aimed at aiding users' understanding of complex topics.
Furthermore, Google is leveraging AI to facilitate coding information across languages, catering to a diverse range of developers. This update underscores Google's ongoing efforts to provide more comprehensive and accessible search results, enhancing the learning experience for users.
Read more: Google’s AI search experience adds AI-powered summaries, definitions and coding improvements
That's a wrap for this week's HeyWhatsNew. Stay tuned for more tech insights, updates, and innovations in the ever-evolving world of technology.
Remember, for more in-depth stories and detailed information, hit the Read More links above. Until next time, tech enthusiasts!
