Stay in the loop with the buzzing world of tech by diving into our weekly tech news wrap-up. Instead of scouring the vast depths of the internet, we’ve got you covered with all the latest updates in the tech industry. Delve into the exciting developments taking place in the tech world, from PS5 to Horizon World Updates and more!
Microsoft Trials Enhanced Windows Ink: Write Anywhere You Type
Microsoft is releasing a new Windows 11 preview build for Insiders in the Dev Channel, introducing a feature that allows users to write directly into fields across the operating system. Previously, handwriting-to-text conversion was limited to specific software or handwritten text recognition boxes. The new Ink feature offers improved text recognition from handwriting and a scratch-out gesture for easy error correction. Although currently available only for US English, Microsoft plans to expand support to other languages. Additionally, for Windows 11 users outside of the preview channel, the recent Patch Tuesday update brings various enhancements, including updated Widgets Board layouts, Bluetooth LE support, smart 2FA code recognition in notifications, USB4 settings, and animated taskbar weather icons.
Meta Enhances Horizon Worlds with Public Text-Based Chat
Meta is introducing a public, text-based social feature called “world chat” to its Horizon Worlds VR platform. Similar to multiplayer games like World of Warcraft, this feature enables users to send messages to others within the same world session. Meta is currently rolling out world chat to a limited number of users, with plans to expand its availability later this summer. Users can view profiles, invite others to connect, and mention specific users with the “@” symbol. Quick replies will also be available to facilitate easier communication. These additions may be in preparation for web and mobile support, which Meta previously announced was in development and expected to be released soon. The upcoming Connect event on September 27th may provide further details on these developments, including the anticipated release of the Quest 3 VR headset.
Sony Begins Testing Cloud Streaming of PS5 Games
Sony has initiated testing of cloud streaming for PlayStation 5 (PS5) games. The company plans to introduce this feature to its PlayStation Plus Premium subscription. With the cloud streaming capability, users will no longer need to download games to their consoles in order to stream them to other devices. Presently, Sony supports streaming PS5 games to PCs, Macs, iOS, and Android devices, but users must utilize their PS5 as the host to download and stream titles to other devices. Nick Maguire, VP of global services, global sales, and business operations at Sony Interactive Entertainment, has confirmed that cloud game streaming for supported PS5 titles will be accessible directly on the PS5 console once the feature launches.
Google Shopping Introduces AI-Driven Clothing Modeling for Different Body Types
Google is introducing new features to enhance the online shopping experience, specifically focusing on clothing searches. Users in the US can now access a virtual try-on experience through Google Shopping, allowing them to see how clothing items will look on a diverse range of real human models with varying body types, skin tones, ethnicities, and hair types. Initially, this feature is available for women’s tops from brands like H&M, Anthropologie, Everlane, and Loft, with plans to expand to men’s tops and other apparel later on. The aim is to provide shoppers with a more accurate visualization of how the clothing will look on their bodies, reducing disappointment and improving representation. According to Google’s shopping data, a significant number of online shoppers (59%) have experienced disappointment with clothing purchases due to unrealistic expectations, while many (42%) feel underrepresented by existing online clothing models.
EcoFlow Makes Solar Power Accessible to All Homes, Including Apartments and Rentals
EcoFlow introduces PowerStream and PowerOcean, innovative solar solutions designed to cater to both homeowners and renters, providing energy cost reduction and emergency backup power. These systems are particularly valuable in the face of increasing climate change-related extreme weather events. While EcoFlow has already served the US market, these specific solutions are currently available exclusively in Europe. PowerStream stands out as the world’s first balcony solar system with a portable battery, empowering apartment dwellers and renters to harness solar energy and reduce their reliance on the grid. The rising popularity of balcony solar installations in Europe addresses the need for energy independence and cost management.