HeyWhatsNew: Unfolding the Future with Honor's Magic V2 and Diving into the Nothing Phone 2
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 10/07/2023.
Google's Bard AI Chatbot Adds More Languages
Google is expanding its AI chatbot, Bard, to include 43 additional languages, from Arabic to Vietnamese. This move is part of Google's strategy to commercialize generative AI and compete with ChatGPT. The new version of Bard will be available across Europe and Brazil, reaching hundreds of millions of people. The update also includes privacy features requested by EU regulators.
Sony's PS5 Accessibility-Focused Controller
Sony has announced the release of its new accessibility-focused controller for the PlayStation 5. The Access controller, available worldwide on December 6th, is highly customizable and comes with four 3.5mm aux ports for connecting external buttons, switches, and other accessories. Preorders open on July 21st.
Apple Launches Tap to Pay on iPhone in the UK
Apple has introduced Tap to Pay on iPhone in the UK, allowing independent sellers, small merchants, and large retailers to use iPhones as a payment terminal. The feature uses NFC technology to securely authenticate contactless payments and supports PIN entry, including accessibility options.
Honor Unveils Magic V2, a Foldable Phone
Honor has launched Magic V2, a foldable phone that is thinner and lighter than its competitors. The phone, which is 9.9mm thick when folded and weighs 231 grams, is launching in China and is expected to compete with Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 4, Google's Pixel Fold, and Huawei's Mate X3.
Nothing Phone 2 Review
The Phone 2's design is a refreshing departure from the usual metal and glass slabs. It features a bright, smooth 6.7-inch OLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate and a peak brightness of 1600 NITS. The Phone 2's Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chip is faster than Google’s Pixel 7 and 80% faster than the Phone 1.
Elon Musk Forms xAI
Elon Musk has announced the formation of xAI, a company with a mission to “understand the true nature of the universe.” The team will be led by Musk and staffed by executives who have worked at a broad range of companies at the forefront of artificial intelligence.
Huawei's Return to the 5G Smartphone Market
Huawei is planning a return to the 5G smartphone industry by the end of this year, according to research firms. The company will be able to procure 5G chips domestically using its own advances in semiconductor design tools along with chipmaking from Semiconductor Manufacturing International Co (SMIC).
