Weekly Tech Dose💊
#WEEK19 (1710067200)
A wise man once said, “Great things take time” and I believe it took for this newsletter. (Art of Samalification #1)
JK! Would be there in your inbox twice a week for sure. No more ghosting. Got some juicy news for you, my fellow humans.
Tech
Instagram's Secret Emoji Game🎇
Instagram has quietly introduced a new secret emoji game within Direct Messages. Players use their fingers to maneuver an emoji, reminiscent of classic phone games like Breakout. Accessing the game is simple: send an emoji in a DM, click on it, and get ready for the excitement as the emoji speeds up and the background darkens. Your high score is saved, but remember, this gaming adventure remains a secret from your chat companion.
Linux Market Share Shows Growth📈
Linux has reached 4.03 percent of the global market share, surpassing its 3 percent milestone in June 2023. Statcounter data reveals a 31.3 percent increase since then, with February's desktop market share being the highest recorded. When including ChromeOS as a Linux OS, the combined market share totals 6.34 percent. Despite Windows and macOS still dominating at 87.59 percent, Linux's gradual growth, especially in countries like India, reflects a notable trend toward the open-source OS.
Bezos Reclaims Top Spot as World's Richest😎
Amazon founder Jeff Bezos has reclaimed the title of the world's richest person with a net worth of $200 billion, surpassing Elon Musk's $198 billion. Bezos' wealth has grown by $23 billion in 2024, while Musk saw a decline due to Tesla's stock drop. Bernard Arnault ranks third at $197 billion, followed by Mark Zuckerberg at $179 billion and Bill Gates at $150 billion.
Apple Rumored to Develop 20-Inch Foldable MacBook💻
Apple is reportedly working on a groundbreaking 20-inch foldable MacBook, as hinted by noted analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. This potential device, set for a 2027 launch, could revolutionize Apple's product line. Currently, the largest MacBook stands at 16 inches, leaving room for speculation on the innovative features of this rumored release.
X Platform to Introduce Long-Form Videos on Smart TVs
Billionaire Elon Musk announced that long-form videos will soon be available on smart TVs through his platform X, following reports of an upcoming TV app for Amazon and Samsung. This move aligns with X's goal to become a "video-first platform", aiming to compete with YouTube. Musk's vision for the app, set to offer diverse services from messaging to peer-to-peer payments, signals a strategic push into the realm of television content.
AWS Buys Carbon-Free Energy Data Center Near Nuclear Plant👀
Amazon Web Services (AWS) has purchased a Pennsylvania data center near a nuclear power plant, aiming to meet its emission goals with carbon-free energy. The $650 million deal marks a surge in data center demand driven by AI growth. AWS plans to expand the site to 960 megawatts, supporting its commitment to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2040. This move aligns with the global trend of investing in data centers, known for their significant power needs and innovative sustainability solutions.
Instagram Surpasses TikTok in Downloads, Driven by 'Reels'🥇
Instagram has become the world's most downloaded app, with 767 million downloads in 2023, thanks to the popularity of its 'Reels' feature mimicking TikTok's format. Meta's platform also reached 1.47 billion monthly active users by 2023's end, gaining 13 million in Q4. In contrast, TikTok slightly dropped to 1.12 billion users, shedding 12 million. While Instagram's downloads surged, TikTok maintains higher user engagement, with an average session time of 95 minutes versus Instagram's 62 minutes.
iOS 17.4: Apple's Unusual Release and Controversy🤐
iOS 17.4 has arrived, complying with the European Union's Digital Markets Act (DMA). This update allows developers to offer their own app stores and alternative payment options, raising concerns about phone security. While Apple argues the changes compromise security, it also enables worldwide streaming gaming apps and introduces new emojis and podcast transcripts. Additionally, the update includes PQ3, Apple's new security tools against potential quantum computing threats.
Apple Blocks Epic Games Marketplace in Europe🚫
In the ongoing feud with Epic Games, Apple has blocked the gaming firm from launching its own marketplace on iPhones and iPads in Europe. The move comes as Epic Games attempted to leverage EU's Digital Markets Act, posing a threat to Apple's profits and control. Apple cited past breaches of contract and terminated Epic Games' developer account, sparking accusations of stifling competition. Epic Games claims Apple's actions violate the DMA, highlighting the escalating battle over app distribution on iOS devices.
OpenAI Partners with Figure for Humanoid Robots Development🤖
OpenAI has teamed up with AI robotics startup Figure to advance humanoid robot technology. Leveraging Microsoft Azure for AI infrastructure, OpenAI aims to enhance Figure's autonomous humanoid robots for commercial use. The partnership, driven by OpenAI's expertise in AI models, seeks to accelerate Figure's deployment in real-world applications. Figure's recent agreement with BMW Manufacturing signals a step toward integrating humanoid robots into automotive manufacturing, showcasing the potential for AI and robotics to transform industries.
Crypto
Bitcoin Hits ATH of $70,000📈📈
Bitcoin soared to a new all-time high, surpassing $70,000 for the first time, with a current value of around $69,304.84 according to Coin Metrics. The cryptocurrency's surge, up 2% and peaking at $70,170.00, coincided with the U.S. stock market opening. The introduction of spot bitcoin exchange-traded funds in the U.S. has aligned crypto movements with traditional trading hours. Despite volatility, including a recent 10% tumble followed by recovery, experts like Antoni Trenchev of Nexo anticipate further gains in 2024, emphasizing Bitcoin's characteristic market fluctuations.
Binance.US Faces Challenges Amid SEC Freeze🫠
Following the SEC's Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) last year, Binance.US experienced a significant loss of $1 billion in assets and a subsequent 75% drop in revenue. This led to mass layoffs, with 200 employees let go, severely impacting the exchange's ability to handle SEC requests. The loss of banking relationships further hindered operations, preventing customers from depositing or withdrawing fiat. Despite efforts, Binance.US has struggled to find new banking partners, adding to its ongoing challenges.
OpenAI - Musk
Elon Musk and Sam Altman, who once worked together to create OpenAI, are now in a big fight. Musk is suing OpenAI, saying Altman and others broke their promise to use AI for good and made the company all about making money instead. Musk also thinks OpenAI has made a dangerous form of AI and has become too secretive, especially since they got money from Microsoft.
Altman and OpenAI are fighting back, saying Musk supported the idea of making money with the company before. They shared emails showing Musk was okay with keeping their AI technology a secret. This fight shows a big split in their ideas about the future of AI and who should control it. Musk says Altman is making dangerous AI, while Altman criticizes Musk's actions since he left OpenAI. Experts are not sure if Musk's lawsuit will hold up because there isn't a clear agreement, and the technology is still changing a lot.
Gadget
Nothing Phone 2a💥
The Nothing Phone 2a debuts with its distinctive transparent design and minimalist Nothing OS UI, offering a unique experience in the smartphone market. With a MediaTek Dimensity 7200 Pro chipset, up to 12 GB RAM, and a 5,000 mAh battery, it promises smooth performance and endurance. Priced from Rs 21,999, the Phone 2a provides a balance of specifications, delivering impressive camera capabilities with its dual 50-megapixel setup. Despite lacking wireless charging, its 40W wired charging ensures quick replenishment, making it a compelling choice for users invested in the Nothing ecosystem.
[I can foresee that Nothing will be the Apple Killer in the future, a detailed newsletter on it soon!!]
Motorola Edge 50 Pro: A Flagship Powerhouse😶🌫️
Motorola's Edge 50 Pro packs a punch with a 6.7-inch Curved OLED Display at 165Hz, Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC, and 12GB RAM for seamless performance. Its versatile camera setup includes a 50MP main with OIS and a 73mm Telephoto Camera. With a 4500mAh battery and 125W wired + 50W wireless charging, power is never an issue. The metal frame and Vegan Leather back add style. Launching on 3rd April in China, it's set to impress globally as the Motorola Edge 50 Pro and Motorola Edge+ 2024 in the US. India launch not expected.
AI Corner
Musicfy AI - Create music with your voice with ease.
Polywork - Create stunning portfolios with just a LinkedIn URL.