From Google’s quantum computing breakthrough to OpenAI’s text-to-video tool and Apple’s intelligent new features. Samsung and Google are challenging Apple in the mixed-reality space, Spotify is bidding farewell to its Car Thing device, and the gaming world celebrated PlayStation’s Astro Bot as Game of the Year. All this and more in our weekly round up of tech news
Suchir Balaji, OpenAI whistleblower, found dead at his apartment
Suchir Balaji, a 26-year-old Indian American researcher who spent four years at OpenAI, who had recently left the company and raised significant concerns about its practices, was found dead in his San Francisco apartment.
Google’s says its new chip cracked quantum computing’s ‘30-year challenge’
Google unveiled Willow, quantum chip that chip demonstrates two key achievements in quantum computing: exponential error reduction as the number of qubits increases (a 30-year challenge in quantum error correction) and the ability to complete a computation in under five minutes that would take a classical supercomputer 10 septillion years. With 105 qubits and improved performance metrics, Willow represents a major step towards developing a useful, large-scale quantum computer that could potentially revolutionize fields like AI, medicine, energy, and scientific discovery by solving complex problems beyond the capabilities of classical computers.
OpenAI finally brings its Sora text-to-video AI tool
OpenAI has launched Sora, its AI video generation model, which is now available to paid ChatGPT subscribers. Sora can generate videos up to 20 seconds long in 1080p resolution, using a diffusion model with a transformer architecture. The platform allows users to create videos from text prompts, upload and remix existing content, and offers features like a storyboard interface. To address potential misuse, OpenAI has implemented safety measures including watermarking, metadata standards, and restrictions on generating harmful content. Currently, the service is limited to ChatGPT Plus and Pro subscribers, with varying usage limits based on the subscription tier.
Apple releases Image Playground and more new Apple Intelligence features
Apple has announced the expansion of Apple Intelligence introducing several new features like Image Playground for creating unique images, Genmoji for personalized emojis, enhanced Writing Tools, and seamless ChatGPT integration. The update brings visual intelligence capabilities to iPhone 16 devices, allows users to create and customize images and emojis, and offers more flexible writing tools.
iOS 18.2, iPadOS 18.2, macOS 15.2, and more software updates released for Apple devices
Apple has released the iOS 18.2, iPadOS 18.2, and macOS Sequoia 15.2 with new Apple Intelligence features, including Image Playground, Genmoji and more. Asides that, watchOS 10.2 and tvOS 18.2, were also being released.
Gemini 2.0 arrives with Agents
Google has introduced Gemini 2.0, a new AI model focused on creating more agentic and interactive AI experiences. The release includes Gemini 2.0 Flash, an experimental model with enhanced multimodal capabilities that can generate images, audio, and text while natively using tools like Google Search. The company is showcasing several research prototypes, including Project Astra (a universal AI assistant), Project Mariner (a browser-based agent), and Jules (a code development agent). The model is currently available to developers and select users, with plans to expand its integration into Google products in early 2025.
Redmi Note 14 series launches in India
Xiaomi has launched three Redmi Note 14 series smartphones in India: the Redmi Note 14 5G, Note 14 Pro, and Note 14 Pro+. The Note 14 5G starts at Rs. 18,999, featuring a 6.67-inch OLED display, Dimensity 7025-Ultra chip, and 5110mAh battery. The Note 14 Pro (priced from Rs. 24,999) comes with a Dimensity 7300-Ultra processor and 5500mAh battery, while the Note 14 Pro+ (starting at Rs. 30,999) boasts a Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 chip, 6200mAh battery with 90W charging, and a unique 50MP 2.5X telephoto camera. All three phones run Android 14 with HyperOS, offer multiple RAM/storage configurations, and come with AI-enhanced features and IP-rated water resistance.
Swiggy launches Scenes, as it takes on Zomato’s
Swiggy has launched ‘Scenes’, a new feature in its app for purchasing tickets to restaurant-hosted events, initially introduced in Bengaluru. This move directly challenges Zomato’s District platform, focusing exclusively on live dining and entertainment experiences like New Year’s Eve parties and music performances.
Google and Samsung announces their Apple Vision Pro rival
Google and Samsung are collaborating on Project Moohan, an Android XR mixed-reality headset set to launch next year as a direct competitor to Apple’s Vision Pro. Running on a custom Android platform and powered by Gemini AI, the headset promises immersive spatial computing experiences with multimodal interactions like voice commands and hand gestures. Designed to be more sophisticated than Google’s previous attempts in virtual/augmented reality, Project Moohan will feature state-of-the-art displays, passthrough capabilities, and be powered by a Qualcomm chip.
Spotify Car Thing is finally dead
Spotify has officially discontinued its Car Thing streaming device, with all units disabled as of December 9, 2024. Launched in February 2022 to improve music control in cars without built-in infotainment systems, the device was discontinued less than a year after its release due to low demand and supply chain issues. Customers who purchased the $90 device have until January 14, 2025, to contact customer service and provide proof of purchase for a refund. Spotify recommends users reset the device to factory settings and dispose of it according to local electronic waste guidelines.
PlayStation’s Astro Bot wins Game of the Year
At The Game Awards 2024, PlayStation’s Astro Bot, developed by Team Asobi, won Game of the Year, along with three additional awards: Best Family Game, Best Game Direction, and Best Action/Adventure Game. The critically acclaimed PlayStation 5 exclusive platformer, which has a 95/100 rating on OpenCritic, beat out strong competitors like Final Fantasy VII Rebirth and Black Myth: Wukong. Studio head Nicolas Doucet accepted the awards, praising his team and acknowledging the game’s roots in classic platformer design.