All Things Apps and AI
Emerging Tech Roundup — October 6
The Quantious team’s top picks for timely trending news in the tech world.
This week in tech: Humane Shows Off Futuristic ‘Ai Pin’ Wearable, The NSA Announces New Artificial Intelligence Security Center, TikTok May Test $4.99 Ad-Free Subscription Tier, Spotify is Reportedly Developing AI-Generated Playlists Created With Prompts, Canva’s New AI Tools Automate Design Tasks, Google is Launching a Generative AI-Enhanced Version of Assistant, and Researchers Find Method to Deflect Lasers Using Only Air.
Humane Shows Off Its Futuristic ‘Ai Pin’ Wearable
(Engadget, October 2)
Humane has introduced the “Ai Pin” at a Paris fashion show, showcasing its innovative wearable AI assistant. Supermodel Naomi Campbell became the first public wearer of the device, which is described as a screenless, standalone AI platform featuring a Qualcomm Snapdragon platform, mini-projector, camera, and speaker. Promising privacy-first capabilities without always-on listening, it combines AI-powered optical recognition with a unique form factor, marking a significant step in wearable technology.
The Morning After: The NSA Announces New Artificial Intelligence Security Center
(Engadget, October 2)
The National Security Agency (NSA) has launched a dedicated AI security center. Following the increased government use of algorithms and AI systems, the center aims to safeguard their AI systems used in defense and intelligence operations, protecting them from theft and sabotage while defending at the same time. This new division will operate from within the existing Cybersecurity Collaboration Center.
TikTok Might Begin Testing $4.99 Ad-Free Subscription Tier
(Tech Crunch, October 2)
TikTok is reportedly considering testing an ad-free subscription tier in the U.S. for $4.99, according to code within the app. This potential subscription would provide users with an ad-free experience on TikTok, although it may not cover influencer marketing content or campaigns. Despite the possible introduction of an ad-free option, TikTok continues to thrive in the online advertising market with a growing share of spending from major companies like Pepsi, DoorDash, Amazon, and Apple.
Spotify Spotted Developing AI-Generated Playlists Created With Prompts
(Tech Crunch, October 2)
Spotify is reportedly exploring the development of AI-powered playlists, as suggested by references found in the app’s code. Users could generate these playlists using prompts, allowing for more personalized music experiences. The concept appears to build upon Spotify’s existing feature called Niche mixes, where users can create unique playlists based on descriptions like genre, vibe, or aesthetic.
Canva’s New AI Tools Automate Boring, Labor-Intensive Design Tasks
(The Verge, October 4)
Canva is launching Magic Studio, an AI-powered design suite aimed at making content creation accessible to all, regardless of design expertise. Magic Studio offers tools for automating tasks like design format conversion and image editing using generative AI. One standout feature, Magic Switch, enables users to effortlessly adapt designs to different formats, including translations into over 100 languages, streamlining multichannel campaigns and freeing up designers for more complex tasks.
Google is Launching a Generative AI-Enhanced Version of Assistant
(The Verge, October 4)
During the Made by Google event, Google unveiled new hardware including the Pixel 8 and Pixel Watch 2, alongside the announcement of Assistant with Bard. This AI-enhanced assistant utilizes generative AI to provide personalized assistance — helping users plan trips, organize email content, and create grocery lists. Integrated with apps like Gmail and Docs, users can interact with Assistant with Bard through text, voice, or images. The tool will retain key Assistant features such as sending text messages, while also offering creative solutions like generating captions for photos and relevant hashtags for social media posts.
No Mirrors: In a First, Lasers Deflected Using Only Air
(Interesting Engineering, October 4)
German researchers from various institutes have developed a pioneering method that utilizes sound waves to bend laser beams. High-intensity laser beams play a crucial role in scientific research, but traditional optical components like lenses and mirrors are inadequate for directing them due to potential damage and degradation. This breakthrough not only offers a solution to this problem but also opens up new possibilities for controlling high-power lasers without physical contact, potentially revolutionizing modern optics.
