Don’t miss out on all the major buzz happening in the world of tech! This week we’re covering major headlines from Netflix DVDs to the EV Lamborghini and more. Read on and stay connected with today’s top tech news nuggets to know.
Lamborghini Previews Its Debut All-Electric Supercar Before August 18th Unveiling
Lamborghini is set to unveil an electric supercar concept at Monterey Car Week on August 18th. The teaser image shared on social media suggests the vehicle maintains the iconic Lamborghini design. This unveiling comes two years after Lamborghini’s announcement of its two-phase electrification plans. By 2024, hybrid versions of the Aventador, Huracán, Urus, and the limited-production Sián roadsters are expected, with a completely new all-electric model to be launched by 2030. The 2024 Lamborghini Revuelto, a hybrid with an impressive 1,001hp, showcases the brand’s initial steps toward electrification, indicating a shift in the supercar industry.
Chrome to Soon Explain the Disappearance of Extensions
In an upcoming Chrome update, Google will introduce a feature alerting users when an extension isn’t available in the Chrome Web Store, ensuring users are informed about extensions removed due to policy violations or malware concerns. Within Chrome’s settings, users can access a “Safety Check” section to review such extensions and decide whether to retain or remove them. Furthermore, Google aims to enhance browser security by automatically converting all http:// URLs to the more secure https://, although it will revert to http:// if the upgrade fails. Another security enhancement slated for mid-September will warn users attempting to download high-risk files on insecure connections.
WhatsApp to Introduce ‘HD’ Photo Sharing Capability
WhatsApp is introducing an option for users to send “HD” images within the messaging app, as announced by Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg. Rolling out globally in the coming weeks, this feature will allow users across Android, iOS, and web platforms to send enhanced-quality photos. When users access this feature, they’ll notice an “HD” gear icon; selecting it will provide two resolution choices, standard and HD. While the specifics of compression are yet to be detailed by Meta, these high-resolution photos will still be safeguarded by WhatsApp’s standard end-to-end encryption. Additionally, given connectivity or storage concerns, users can choose between standard and HD quality during transmission or reception.
GM Funds AI-Powered Battery Startup Aiming for Cost-Effective EVs
GM has spearheaded a $60 million investment in the California-based battery research firm, Mitra Chem. This startup harnesses AI to rapidly test various cathode designs. Likewise, this potentially speeds up the development process for battery cells, notably the lithium iron phosphate (LFP) ones. GM aims to enhance its Ultium battery with Mitra Chem’s ongoing lithium manganese iron phosphate (LMFP) chemistry. Some carmakers, like Tesla and Ford, utilize LFP-based cells due to their reduced complexity and independence from the controversial cobalt. Likewise, these batteries are less energy dense compared to the nickel cobalt manganese (NCM) variants that GM uses.
Netflix Offers Up to 10 Additional Discs to DVD Subscribers for Its Final Farewell
Its the end of an era. Netflix will be concluding its 25-year-old DVD-by-mail rental service. As such, the company is offering subscribers up to 10 additional discs in their final shipment. This gesture, set for September 29th, is a thank-you to members who have remained loyal to this traditional service. Likewise, this is an even bigger feat, especially in the age of streaming. Subscribers can opt into this offer by clicking a link provided in a recent Netflix email by August 29th. The additional discs will be a surprise selection from users’ movie queues. Other DVDs are expected to be returned to Netflix by October 27th, 2023.