Where ChatGPT is Headed in 2024, Apple Vision Pro’s Launch, and More!
Emerging Tech Roundup — January 12
The Quantious team’s top picks for timely trending news in the tech world.
This week in tech: Samsung Shares AI Home Robot with a Projector, Fresco Signs Deal with Panasonic to Bring AI Assistant to the Kitchen, Volkswagen Brings ChatGPT into its Cars and SUVs, The Apple Vision Pro Launches in February, Waymo to Start Testing Robotaxis on Phoenix Highways, Xreal Expands Its Partnerships for Its AR Glasses, and Rabbit Sells Out 10,000 Units of its R1 Pocket AI Companion in One Day.
Samsung is Betting Your Home Needs an AI Robot with a Projector
(Washington Post, January 8)
Samsung is unveiling Ballie, a spherical home robot, integrating various functions such as controlling smart-home devices and projecting streaming shows. This marks Samsung’s serious foray into developing a home companion robot rather than just a motorized appliance. The company aims to release the bowling-ball-sized Ballie in 2024, assuring customers that progress is on track to meet the goal, with key details such as cost yet to be finalized.
Fresco Signs Deal with Panasonic to Bring AI Assistant to the Kitchen
(The Irish Times, January 8)
Irish smart kitchen company Fresco has partnered with Panasonic to integrate its AI-powered cooking assistant with Panasonic’s hardware, starting with the HomeChef 4-in-1 multi-oven showcased at CES. The collaborative smart assistant allows users to customize recipes in real time, adjusting serving sizes, substituting ingredients, and modifying cooking settings to suit their dietary preferences and lifestyle. Fresco’s CEO, Ben Harris, expressed excitement about building the future of the kitchen with Panasonic and delivering convenient, personalized cooking experiences to customers.
Volkswagen is Bringing ChatGPT into its Cars and SUVs
(Tech Crunch, January 8)
Volkswagen has revealed plans to incorporate an AI-powered chatbot into its vehicles — equipped with the IDA voice assistant, allowing drivers to have the chatbot read researched content aloud. The feature, set to roll out in Europe in the second quarter, will be included in Volkswagen’s EV lineup like ID.7, ID.4, ID.5, and ID.3, as well as Tiguan, Passat, and Golf models. While the United States models are not confirmed to receive the feature yet, the integration of ChatGPT follows Mercedes-Benz, which added a similar AI-bot to its MBUX infotainment system in June.
The Apple Vision Pro Will Launch in February
(The Verge, January 8)
Apple has officially announced the release date for its Vision Pro headset, set to start shipping on February 2nd in the United States. Priced at $3,499, the headset includes a 256GB storage capacity and offers additional features such as Zeiss prescription lenses, available for an extra $99 for readers and $149 for prescription lenses. The Vision Pro boasts a 4K display for each eye, supports both augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR), and features Apple’s M2 chip along with a dedicated R1 chip for processing data from built-in sensors, cameras, and microphones.
Waymo Will Start Testing Robotaxis on Phoenix Highways
(Tech Crunch, January 8)
Waymo is set to commence testing its driverless passenger vehicles on the highway later this month, a significant milestone that could pave the way for expanded commercial operations. The autonomous Jaguar I-Pace SUVs will initially transport employees on Phoenix, Arizona freeways before extending the driverless highway service to regular customers, although a specific timeline has not been provided. Waymo has been taking notable strides in the autonomous vehicle space, including offering curbside services at the Phoenix airport and integrating its vehicles into the Uber app in recent months.
Xreal Partners on Spatial Computing With Qualcomm, BMW, Nio and More
(Venture Beat, January 8)
Xreal has joined forces with Qualcomm, BMW Group, Nio, Quintar, and Forma Vision to expand the use of its augmented reality glasses, aiming to democratize AR across various sectors and audiences. The announcement follows the introduction of Xreal Air 2 Ultra AR glasses for developers and the sale of 350,000 units of previous AR glasses generations. Xreal and Qualcomm Technologies are collaborating on a multi-year effort to integrate AR, AI, and 5G, exploring applications in fitness, sports, and AI integrations, while the partnership with BMW Group focuses on introducing AR glasses into the driving experience, enhancing navigation, entertainment, hazard warnings, and more.
Rabbit Sells Out 10,000 Units of its R1 Pocket AI Companion in One Day
(The Verge, January 11)
The Rabbit R1, a pocket-sized AI gadget designed to use apps on behalf of users, has rapidly sold out its first two production batches of 10,000 units each. Originally anticipating selling 500 devices on launch day, the startup Rabbit exceeded expectations by 20 times, with the first batch expected to ship in March. The R1, introduced during CES, features a 2.88-inch touchscreen running on Rabbit OS, utilizing a “Large Action Model” as a universal controller for various apps, allowing users to perform tasks without using their phones.
