**Google Unveils New Hardware Lineup and AI-Powered Tools**
At the recent Made by Google event, the tech giant made several exciting announcements. First, Google introduced its new lineup of Pixel 9 phones, including the high-end Pixel 9 Fold Pro priced at $1,799. These new devices come with advanced features and improved performance, aiming to compete with other flagship smartphones in the market.
Additionally, Google showcased its AI-powered photo-editing tools, which utilize advanced algorithms to enhance and transform images. These tools allow users to easily edit their photos with professional-level results. Moreover, Google introduced the Pixel Buds Pro 2, which are integrated with Gemini AI, providing users with an enhanced audio experience.
Furthermore, Google announced the launch of Gemini Live, a conversational AI voice assistant designed to rival OpenAI’s Advanced Voice Mode. However, during the live demo, there were a few technical glitches that hindered its performance. Nevertheless, this new voice assistant is expected to provide users with a more interactive and seamless experience.
**Epic Games Launches Rival iOS App Store in the EU**
In a bold move, Epic Games launched its own app store in the European Union. This new store will feature popular games like Fortnite, Rocket League, Sideswipe, and Fall Guys. Epic Games is also working with developers to bring their games to the store in the future. This launch comes after years of legal battles between Epic Games and Apple, which resulted in Fortnite being removed from the App Store.
The launch of Epic Games’ app store in the EU is significant due to the regulatory changes brought by the EU’s Digital Markets Act. This act aims to promote fair competition and prevent anti-competitive practices in the digital market. By offering an alternative app store, Epic Games is challenging the dominance of Apple’s App Store and providing more options for developers and consumers.
**X Introduces Grok-2 with Improved Reasoning and Image Generation**
X, a social network, unveiled its latest AI model, Grok-2, which has been enhanced with improved reasoning capabilities. This AI model can now generate images, although access to this feature is currently limited to Premium and Premium+ users. However, there have been concerns about the lack of guardrails in place when it comes to generating images of political figures.
While similar products have implemented safeguards to prevent the misuse of AI-generated images, Grok-2 seems to lack these precautions. This has led to some users taking advantage of the image-generation feature for potentially malicious purposes. It raises important ethical questions about the responsible use of AI technology and the need for stricter regulations to prevent misuse.
**News Highlights from TechCrunch’s Week in Review**
In other news, CrowdStrike, a cybersecurity company, accepted the “Most Epic Fail” award at Def Con’s Pwnie Awards after a software update triggered a global IT meltdown. Waymo, the autonomous vehicle company, received approval from California regulators to test its driverless robotaxis on freeways in the San Francisco Bay Area. OpenStreetMap, a community-driven mapping platform, celebrated its 20th birthday, providing an alternative to proprietary mapping products like Google Maps.
The FBI made progress in combating ransomware by seizing the servers of a ransomware and extortion gang called Radar. Score, a dating app for people with good credit, shut down after six months of operation. Apple threatened to remove Patreon from the App Store if creators used unsupported third-party billing options. California is working towards launching support for digital IDs in the Apple Wallet and Google Wallet apps. India’s top court has put a hold on Byju’s insolvency proceedings, a blow to the once-celebrated edtech startup. Telegram introduced new ways for creators to monetize their content on the platform. Palo Alto Networks faced backlash for a trade show event involving inappropriate behavior.
**Insights and Analysis**
AI’s impact on art and media creation was explored at SIGGRAPH, with discussions on how generative AI and other systems could change the way movies and TV shows are made. While these tools have the potential to revolutionize the industry in the short term, there are concerns about the long-term implications and the potential for the medium to be changed beyond recognition.
Meta’s shutdown of CrowdTangle, a tool used for tracking disinformation on Facebook and Instagram, has been met with criticism. Journalists, researchers, and politicians lament the loss of this valuable tool just months before a contentious U.S. election already threatened by AI-generated misinformation. The replacement tool is seen as less accessible and lacking important features, raising questions about the decision to axe CrowdTangle.