Don’t miss out on what’s happening in the world of tech! From the rebrand of Jaguar to Vizio and more, we have you covered. Stay connected with the top tech news headlines in this week’s blog!
Walmart Acquires Vizio to Expand Advertising Business
Vizio has been officially acquired by Walmart in a $2.3 billion deal, aiming to enhance its advertising capabilities through Vizio’s Platform Plus, the TV-maker’s advertising and data division that generates all of its gross profit. Walmart plans to leverage Vizio’s data to bolster its advertising efforts, including targeted ads on platforms like Disney Plus and Hulu, while potentially expanding ad placements on Vizio TVs both in stores and in consumers’ homes. Despite Vizio’s past privacy issues, including a $2.2 million FTC fine in 2017 for unauthorized data tracking, the acquisition positions Vizio to compete with budget-friendly TV brands like Roku, Amazon’s Fire TVs, and emerging platforms like The Trade Desk. Both companies will operate independently for now, with Vizio CEO William Wang staying in his role. Walmart’s Seth Dallaire praised Vizio’s profitable advertising shift, noting the partnership will drive further growth for Walmart Connect.
Amazon Introduces “Nova” AI Models to Expand AWS Offerings
Amazon unveiled a new suite of AI foundation models under the “Nova” brand at its AWS re:Invent conference. This announcement adds the models to the Amazon Bedrock model library. The initial lineup includes three text and multimodal models—Nova Micro, Lite, and Pro. The models are optimized for varying capabilities, cost, and speed. A more advanced Nova Premier model for complex reasoning tasks is slated for release in early 2025. Amazon is also launching generative AI models. The AI models are Nova Canvas for image creation and Nova Reel for video generation, both equipped with watermarking to ensure responsible use. The company is leveraging its trusted AWS infrastructure to compete in the rapidly evolving AI space.
Eve Systems Launches First Android App with Limited Features
Eve Systems, previously exclusive to Apple, has launched its first Android app, Eve for Matter, on the Google Play Store, enabling Android users to access features previously available only on iOS. Initially compatible with Google Home and the new Eve Thermo smart radiator valve (€79.99), the app supports Matter-over-Thread technology for seamless integration. While future updates will expand compatibility to more devices and platforms, the current app offers basic controls and enhanced features like autonomous schedules for the Eve Thermo. Eve’s pivot to Android was driven by the privacy-focused Matter smart home standard, allowing the company to maintain local control and avoid cloud dependencies. While Android users can now use Eve’s Matter devices, such as smart plugs and blinds, full functionality remains exclusive to iOS users via the HomeKit app. Support for platforms like Amazon Alexa and Samsung SmartThings is planned for future app updates.
DOE Approves $7.54 Billion Loan for Stellantis-Samsung EV Battery Plants
The Department of Energy (DOE) has conditionally approved a $7.54 billion loan to StarPlus Energy LLC. Likewise, this is a joint venture between Stellantis and Samsung SDI, to fund two electric vehicle (EV) battery factories in Kokomo, Indiana. The deal is expected to generate 3,200 construction jobs and 2,800 operational roles. In addition, the plants will produce 67 GWh of batteries annually, enough to power approximately 670,000 vehicles. The loan follows previous commitments to Rivian, General Motors, Ford, and others. This coincides with a broader effort to secure U.S. leadership in EV production.
Apple Music Replay 2024 Introduces In-App Recap and New Stats
Apple Music Replay 2024 is now available directly in the app for iPhones running iOS 18.1 or later. New features include insights like whether you rank among the top 500 or 1,000 listeners of a specific genre or artist, your longest streak of consecutive listening days, and detailed monthly breakdowns of your top artists, albums, and songs. Users can also learn the specific dates they first streamed their top tracks or artists. For artists, Replay now offers stats such as total listening minutes, listener counts, top cities, and most-Shazamed songs. As music recap season begins, Apple’s enhancements compete with upcoming features from Spotify Wrapped and Amazon Music. Tips are available to help users clean up unwanted tracks from their stats caused by shared accounts.
Jaguar Unveils Bold Concept Car as Part of Its “Copy Nothing” Era
Jaguar has debuted the Type 00 concept car, embodying its new “copy nothing” design ethos. The striking two-door coupe features a long hood, low roofline, and a fastback rear profile that omits a rear window. Showcased at Miami Art Week in “Miami pink” and “London blue,” the car certainly has standout features. This includes features like 23-inch wheels, butterfly doors and a unique cabin design with brass accents and a stone plinth. A thin display embedded in the windshield remains visible even when interior screens retract. Serving as a design preview, this concept sets the stage for Jaguar’s upcoming electric four-door GT. Expected next year, the Jaguar vehicle promises up to 430 miles of range and rapid charging. Jaguar’s creative officer, Gerry McGovern, calls it a return to the brand’s disruptive roots.