HeyWhatsNew: Alibaba's European Expansion & Epic's iPhone-Powered Animation Revolution

 

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 16/06/2023.

 

Alibaba's T Takes on Europe: Expanding E-Commerce Horizons

Alibaba is launching its e-commerce site Tmall in Europe, starting with a pilot in Spain. This marks a significant step in the company's international expansion, as it seeks to tap into the European market and compete with local and global e-commerce giants.

The move is expected to bring a wide range of Chinese products to European consumers, while also providing a platform for European brands to reach Chinese customers.

 

Epic's MetaHuman Animator Revolutionizes Facial Capture: iPhone-Powered Animation

Epic has released MetaHuman Animator, a groundbreaking tool that allows Unreal Engine users to capture facial performances using an iPhone and apply the animation to a character in just minutes.

This innovative technology has the potential to revolutionize the way animators and game developers create realistic facial expressions and emotions for their characters, making the process faster, more accessible, and cost-effective.

 

Galaxy Watch Update Adds Irregular Heart Rhythm Notifications: Health Monitoring on Your Wrist

Samsung announces a Galaxy Watch update coming this summer, which will add an Irregular Heart Rhythm Notifications feature in 13 markets, including the US and South Korea.

This new feature aims to help users monitor their heart health more effectively and detect potential issues early on. By leveraging advanced algorithms and sensors, the Galaxy Watch will be able to provide users with timely notifications and insights into their heart health.

 

Google Lens Introduces Visual Skin Condition Search: AI-Powered Dermatology

Google Lens now features a search function for skin conditions that are visually similar to what users see on their skin, while warning that the results are "not a diagnosis."

This innovative feature uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to analyze images of skin conditions and provide users with information on possible causes and treatments. Although not a substitute for professional medical advice, this tool can help users better understand their skin concerns and seek appropriate care.

 

Google Search Results Suffer as 8,000+ Subreddits Go Dark: The Impact of Online Protests

As over 8,000 subreddits go dark, Google's search results, which often rely on human-sounding information from appending "reddit" to a query, have taken a hit.

The blackout protests have highlighted the importance of user-generated content in shaping search results and providing valuable insights on various topics. As a result, users may experience a temporary decline in the quality and relevance of search results until the situation is resolved.

 

Amazon Fire Max 11 Review: A Mixed Bag of Features and Limitations

The Amazon Fire Max 11 offers a cheap price, nice screen, and decent stylus, but suffers from an anemic app store, limited multitasking, a cramped aspect ratio, and a poor trackpad.

While the tablet may be suitable for basic tasks and media consumption, its limitations make it less appealing for productivity and multitasking. Users looking for a more versatile tablet experience may want to consider other options in the market.

Google's June 2023 Pixel Update Brings New Features: Enhancing Safety and Convenience

Google rolls out its June 2023 Pixel update, adding new safety features, a hands-free photo capture gesture, Pixel Watch oxygen saturation monitoring, and more.

These updates aim to improve the overall user experience by providing additional tools for personal safety, health monitoring, and convenience. With these enhancements, Google continues to demonstrate its commitment to delivering a comprehensive and user-friendly ecosystem for its Pixel devices.

 

Nothing Phone 2 Set for July 11 Release: Upgraded Specs and Wider Availability

Nothing plans to release the Nothing Phone 2 on July 11, featuring a Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 and a bigger battery, with wider availability in the US compared to the Phone 1.

The upgraded specs and improved availability signal the company's ambition to compete with established smartphone brands and offer a compelling alternative to consumers. The Nothing Phone 2 is expected to generate significant interest among tech enthusiasts and early adopters.

 

M2 Ultra Mac Studio Review: A Better Deal Than the Mac Pro for Most Users

The M2 Ultra Mac Studio is a small, fast, efficient, and quiet desktop with a good port selection, offering a better deal for most users than the new Mac Pro. Its impressive performance and compact design make it an attractive option for professionals and creatives who require powerful computing capabilities without the need for a full-fledged workstation.

The M2 Ultra Mac Studio demonstrates Apple's continued commitment to delivering high-performance computing solutions for a wide range of users.