HeyWhatsNew: Apple to verge into VR and Chat GPT comes to mobile
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 14/05/2023.
OpenAI Unveils Free ChatGPT App for iOS in the US
OpenAI made waves on Thursday with the much-anticipated launch of its ChatGPT app for iPhone users in the United States. This bold move marks the official foray of ChatGPT into the realm of mobile devices, accompanied by an array of cutting-edge features that are set to transform the way we interact with artificial intelligence.
The ChatGPT app introduces a breakthrough innovation in the form of voice input support, seamlessly integrated through OpenAI's Whisper AI speech recognition model. With this remarkable capability, users can engage in natural and fluid conversations with the AI assistant.
EU regulators approve Microsoft's $69B deal for Activision Blizzard
The European Union has given the green light to Microsoft's proposed takeover of the renowned video game company Activision Blizzard, valued at a staggering £55 billion ($69 billion).
The deal seeks to unite Microsoft, the mastermind behind the popular Xbox console, with Activision Blizzard, the creator of blockbuster titles including Call of Duty, World of Warcraft, Hearthstone, Candy Crush Saga, and Overwatch.
The move from the EU comes after the UK originally blocked the takeover.
Apple expected to unveil VR headset at WWDC 2023
Rumors are swirling regarding Apple's highly anticipated headset, which reportedly bears the name "Reality Pro,". This would be a departure from the company's usual naming conventions as it usually doesn’t create a ‘Pro’ until after it has created a non-pro version first.
Industry insiders suggest that Apple's forthcoming headset aims to go beyond conventional virtual reality, incorporating elements of augmented reality to create an immersive mixed environment blending AR and VR experiences.
With Apple's WWDC 2023 fast approaching, we could finally get an official glimpse at this device, rumored to be shipping later this year.
Governor signs bill that bans TikTok in Montana, set to go into effect on January 1, 2024
The bill not only targets the popular social media platform but also takes aim at major app stores, including industry giants Google and Apple, by forbidding them from offering TikTok for download within the Treasure State.
Under this proposed law, both TikTok and app stores would face substantial financial penalties of $10,000 per day for non-compliance. But, individual TikTok users themselves would be spared from any action outlined in this legislation.
OpenAI boss expresses concern over AI's capacity to manipulate views
Speaking before US lawmakers, the CEO of OpenAI, the startup behind the development of ChatGPT and other transformative AI technologies, highlighted the importance of regulation to curb the potential risks associated with artificial intelligence (AI). The CEO emphasized the need for measures to address the unique challenges posed by large-language models (LLMs), such as generative AI.
WhatsApp introduces Chat Lock, which lets users hide chats
Locked chats will now be stored in a highly secure folder, accessible only through password or biometric authentication, thus ensuring maximum privacy for users. Notifications from these conversations will also no longer disclose the sender's identity or reveal any message content, fostering a confidential messaging experience reminiscent of Apple's concealed photos feature.
Apple unveils new cognitive, vision, and speech accessibility features for iOS, iPadOS, and macOS
Apple says that the "new software features for cognitive, speech, and vision accessibility are coming later this year," which strongly suggests that they will be part of iOS 17, iPadOS 17, and macOS 14. The new operating systems are expected to be previewed at WWDC in early June before launching in the fall.
One of the most interesting features would allow users at risk of losing their ability to speak to create a digital voice that sounds like them. Users simply need to read along with a randomized set of text prompts to record 15 minutes of audio on an iPhone or iPad. Their voice will then be turned into a digital voice to send audio messages.
