Google to Hold I/O Conference on May 14th
On March 15, Google announced that the Google I/O 2024 developer conference will be held on May 14th. This year’s I/O conference is also expected to have a select audience in person and will continue to be available for live streaming online.Google I/O 2024 is expected to continue to focus on artificial intelligence, especially after Google’s recent launch of its new flagship AI model, Gemini, and its simplified version, Gemma. Earlier this year, Gemini’s image generator caused a bit of controversy for the tool due to some unintended consequences when attempting to display diversity images. Despite Google’s significant progress in AI, Google Bard’s release blunder could also be a point of discussion at this I/O conference, so Google still needs to articulate how it will stand out against the likes of Microsoft, OpenAI, Anthropic, and others. The Google I/O 2024 developer conference is also expected to announce new features for Android 15 and updates to existing services like Gmail and Google Photos. Moreover, considering the release of the Pixel 7A phone at last year’s I/O conference, there is a high probability that the 8A smartphone will be released at this year’s I/O conference, and Google may popularize the AI features of the Pixel 8 Pro at a lower price.
Sony Announces Portable Wireless Speaker SRS-XB100
YooCare reported that Sony launched the new portable wireless speaker SRS-XB100, which is available in four colors: black, grey, orange and blue, weighs 274 grams, has a non-slip silicone bottom design and comes with a removable dual suspension hand strap. Users can either place the speaker vertically or hang it from a backpack or bicycle. The speaker is equipped with Sony’s self-developed off-center design diaphragm with sound diffusion technology and Sony’s unique DSP tuning, resulting in enhanced sound pressure in the 100-200Hz frequency response range. The SRS-XB100 supports Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity, is compatible with the Music Center app, has an IP67 dust and waterproof rating, and has a battery life of about 16 hours. The SRS-XB100 is currently available for pre-order and will go on sale on April 1.
Linux 6.8 Kernel Release
On March 10th, Linus Torvalds sent out an email announcing the release of the Linux 6.8 kernel. Linux 6.8 updates include an experimental Intel Xe DRM driver, the addition of further support for AMD Zen 5 and future AMD hardware, the introduction of AMD RFI RFI mitigations, and the addition of initial code for Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and other SoC support. code, etc.; added Raspberry Pi 5 support for V3D DRM drivers; added support for Nintendo Switch Online grips, Lenovo Legion Go grips, etc.; and added Rust kernel support for Longchip CPUs. Linus Torvalds also wrote in the update that the Linux kernel currently has 9,996,000 git objects and is about to pass the 10 million object mark.
Musk Says xAI will Open Source Grok This Week
On March 11, Musk posted on X that xAI will open source its AI chatbot Grok this week. grok is currently available to X’s Premium+ subscribers. Musk’s move was seen as a dig at OpenAI. The Washington Post noted that Musk may be hoping to open-source the model to get its usage up while getting feedback from the developer community.
Apple Releases macOS 14.4 and More
Apple has released macOS 14.4, watchOS 10.4, and visionOS 1.1. macOS 14.4 includes a series of emoji updates, transcription support for the Podcast app, and fixes for a number of security vulnerabilities. watchOS 10.4 includes emoji updates, support for double-tap extended notifications, support for Apple Pay confirmation by entering a passcode, and fixes for a number of security vulnerabilities. visionOS 1.1 includes updates to the MDM visionOS 1.1 features updates to MDM, Persona improvements, the ability to remove system apps from the main view, and security updates and bug fixes.
Samsung Announces Galaxy A55/A35
Samsung unveiled the Galaxy A55 and A35 entry-level models on March 11, both featuring 6.6-inch FHD+ SuperAMOLED displays and built-in 5000mAh batteries. In terms of imaging, the A55 features a 50MP primary camera, complemented by a 12MP ultra-wide-angle camera and a 5MP macro camera, while the A35 features a 50MP primary camera, complemented by an 8MP ultra-wide-angle lens and a 5MP macro lens. In terms of storage, the A55 features 8GB of RAM and 128GB and 256GB of optional storage, while the A35 comes with a minimum of 6GB of RAM and 128GB/256GB of optional storage. Performance-wise Samsung hasn’t given specific configurations yet, but it’s expected that the A55 will be powered by the Exynos 1480, while the A35 will come with the Exynos 1380. both models ship with Android 14, and Samsung will provide four years of major Android updates and five years of security updates.