It’s time for our weekly wrap-up of the latest tech news. From Apple VR to Waymo and more, we have you covered. Check out this week’s blog of tech news from around the globe.
Warner Bros. Discovery and Paramount Consider Potential Mega-Merger
Warner Bros. Discovery is considering a merger with Paramount, as reported by Axios. David Zaslav, CEO of Warner Bros. Discovery, and Paramount CEO Bob Bakish recently met at Paramount’s Times Square headquarters to discuss how their companies could synergize, potentially combining streaming services Max and Paramount Plus to better compete with Netflix and Disney Plus. Discussions also involved Shari Redstone, head of Paramount’s parent company, National Amusements. It’s unclear if Warner Bros. Discovery might acquire Paramount or National Amusements, with both possibilities open. The Federal Trade Commission has not commented on this potential merger. If realized, this merger would further consolidate the entertainment and streaming market, following Warner Bros. Discovery’s major merger with Discovery last year.
Apple Allegedly Set to Unveil Vision Pro by February
Apple’s Vision Pro headset, announced for an early next year release, may launch as soon as February, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. This high-end device, priced at $3,499 and likely available in limited supply, won’t have a separate launch event. Preparing for its market debut involves training Apple Store employees to assist with user guidance, fit adjustments, and prescription lens options. The launch marks the introduction of a new hardware platform and the accompanying visionOS software, with an update expected in 2024 alongside other Apple software releases. Significantly, the recent iOS 17.2 release enables the iPhone 15 Pro to record 3D spatial videos, viewable in full detail only with a compatible headset like the Vision Pro.
How Does Waymo’s 7.1 Million Miles of Driverless Driving Measure Up Against Human Drivers?
Waymo’s analysis of 7.13 million fully autonomous miles driven indicates that its driverless cars are significantly safer than human drivers, being 6.7 times less likely to be involved in injury-causing crashes and 2.3 times less likely in police-reported crashes. This data comes amid skepticism and safety concerns in the autonomous vehicle (AV) industry, highlighted by recent incidents involving competitors like Cruise. Waymo’s approach, including adjustments for driving conditions and comprehensive safety analysis, positions it distinctively in the AV field. The company emphasizes the role of driverless cars in reducing traffic fatalities, supported by data showing a drastic reduction in bodily injury claims compared to human drivers. Despite these findings, experts caution that more extensive data is needed for a conclusive safety comparison between AVs and human drivers.
PlayStation 5 Sales Exceed 50 Million Units
Sony announced a significant milestone for the PlayStation 5, revealing that 50 million units have been sold since its launch in late 2020. This rapid increase in sales, up from 40 million units reported in July, can be attributed to improved availability following earlier supply chain issues. Jim Ryan, President and CEO of Sony Interactive Entertainment expressed gratitude towards the PlayStation community and highlighted that this is the first holiday season since the PS5’s launch with a full supply of consoles. This positions Sony well on its path to achieving its target of shipping 25 million consoles by March 2024.
Apple Introduces Roadside Assistance Feature for iPhone’s Satellite System
Apple has expanded its satellite connectivity services for iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 users. The service now includes access to Verizon’s roadside assistance service. This service, run by Allstate’s Signature Motor Club, provides various car trouble solutions. Likewise, this includes towing, winching, fuel delivery, and more. This addition complements Apple’s existing satellite roadside assistance collaboration with AAA. The inclusion of Verizon’s service provides additional options for users needing assistance in remote areas or without AAA membership.
Volkswagen, Porsche, and Audi Announce the Adoption of Tesla’s EV Charging Plug Standard
Volkswagen Group, which includes Audi, Porsche, and Scout Motors, has announced its plan to adopt Tesla’s EV charging standard. VW is exploring adapter solutions to allow its current EV owners access to Tesla’s Supercharger network. Rollout is expected by 2025. From that year, new VW electric vehicles will be equipped with Tesla’s charging port. This move grants VW customers access to 15,000 Supercharger locations in North America. Tesla began opening its Superchargers to non-Tesla EVs in Europe and later in the U.S. Tesla’s Supercharger network is known for its reliability, boasting a 99.95 percent uptime last year.