From a New Beatles Song to Threads updates and more! Exciting developments are constantly on the horizon in the ever-evolving world of technology and entertainment. Today, we dive into a captivating mix of tech and pop culture updates. Join us on this journey to discover the intersection of innovation and creativity!
Apple Prepares for a Lightning-Fast Product Event Right Before Halloween
Apple is set to host a product launch event called “Scary Fast” on October 30th, sparking rumors of new Mac updates. The event invites viewers to tune in on Apple.com and YouTube, featuring an Apple logo transforming into the Finder icon. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman hinted at a “Mac-centered product launch.” Speculation points to a refreshed 24-inch iMac and a new MacBook Pro, potentially featuring Apple’s M3 chip for enhanced performance. While Apple typically unveils new iPads in October, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo suggests updates may come in the following year. The event follows Apple’s recent “Wonderlust” event, which introduced the iPhone 15 lineup, Apple Watch updates, and more. Excitement builds as Apple’s event draws closer, promising surprises.
Boston Dynamics Transforms Its Robot Dog into a Verbal Tour Guide with ChatGPT
Boston Dynamics has given its robot dog, Spot, the ability to talk and act as a tour guide. In a quirky video, Spot wears a top hat and mustache while speaking in a British accent and guiding viewers through the company’s facilities. Using OpenAI’s ChatGPT API and text-to-speech capabilities, Spot responds to questions and mimics speech movements. The robot even takes on various personas, including a 1920s archaeologist and a sarcastic character. While the video showcases Spot’s playful side, it raises questions about the capabilities of a robot widely used by police and the military. Boston Dynamics sees potential in combining AI and robotics for various applications.
Threads Introduces Polls and GIFs Features
Meta is introducing the ability to create polls and insert GIFs directly within the Threads post composer. CEO Mark Zuckerberg showcased these features with a poll, which includes real-time countdown timers for voting. To view poll results, you’ll need to participate, and Threads will notify you when it concludes. Additionally, a new GIF icon allows for easy GIF searches from Giphy, offering trending options or specific GIF searches. While these are relatively minor additions, they bring Threads closer in line with features available on other platforms like X (formerly Twitter). Threads, launched in July, has already amassed “just under” 100 million monthly active users, as disclosed by Zuckerberg during an earnings call.
The Beatles’ Last Song Reconstructed with the Aid of Artificial Intelligence
WingNut Films’ AI technology, initially used for Peter Jackson’s 2021 Beatles documentary, has enabled the release of the group’s final song, “Now and Then.” John Lennon’s vocals were recovered from an old cassette of the unfinished track, recorded in the 1970s, using this technology. The song will be accompanied by a 12-minute documentary titled “Now and Then – The Last Beatles Song,” directed by Oliver Murray. Both the song and the documentary will be available for streaming and download, with a vinyl release of “Now and Then” paired with “Love Me Do.” The documentary debuts on November 1st, the song on November 2nd, and the music video on November 3rd. Paul McCartney expressed his emotion upon hearing Lennon’s voice on a genuine Beatles recording in 2023, and Ringo Starr described the experience as the closest they’ll ever come to having Lennon back in the room.
Tesla Secures Landmark $100 Million Supercharger Deal with BP
BP is set to buy $100 million worth of Supercharger equipment from Tesla. This marks the first time Tesla has provided DC fast-charging hardware for a third-party network. BP Pulse, BP’s EV charging business, will utilize this equipment to expand its charging network, with plans to invest up to $1 billion by 2030. Tesla’s hardware can provide fast charging up to 250kW and supports multiple EV types. These chargers will be deployed at BP-affiliated locations and third-party sites, initially in cities like Houston, Phoenix, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Washington, DC, starting next year. BP Pulse’s Superchargers will run on the Omega software, offering user-friendly Plug-and-Charge capabilities.