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This Week’s Top Stories
Apple Adds Support for Rich Communication Services (RCS) to Messages
Apple has finally added support for Rich Communication Services (RCS) to Messages as part of the second developer beta of iOS 18. This means iPhone users can now share high-quality images and receive read receipts and typing indicators while messaging with Android users – a feature that was previously only available on Android devices.
Until now, iPhone users could only send SMS or MMS messages from the Messages app to people who didn’t have an Apple device. With RCS support, users will be able to enjoy more advanced features like group chats, file sharing, and end-to-end encryption. However, it’s worth noting that text bubbles are still green.
OpenAI Delays Release of Advanced Voice Mode
OpenAI has delayed the release of its new Voice Mode due to lingering issues. The company had planned to start rolling out advanced Voice Mode in alpha to a small group of ChatGPT Plus users in late June, but it’s now expected to launch sometime in July.
Depending on internal safety and reliability checks, Advanced Voice Mode might not launch for all ChatGPT Plus customers until the fall, OpenAI says. This delay is likely due to the complexities involved in developing AI-powered voice assistants that can understand human language and respond accordingly.
FCC Proposes Easier Phone Unlocking
The FCC has proposed an easier way for consumers to unlock their phones from their carriers. The new rule would require all devices to be unlockable just 60 days after purchase, which could potentially allow phones to work with different mobile networks after that time period.
However, this proposal may run afoul of today’s phone and wireless markets, where device manufacturers and carriers have a strong interest in maintaining control over their respective ecosystems. We’ll have to wait and see how this proposal develops.
News Briefs
OpenAI Releases ChatGPT for Mac
OpenAI has released ChatGPT for Mac, making it available to all macOS users via a new app. Mac users can now enjoy the same conversational AI experience as their Windows counterparts, with the ability to ask questions and receive answers in a more natural language.
Meta to Cut Roughly 5% of Its Workforce
Meta has announced plans to cut roughly 5% of its workforce based on performance. This move comes amidst growing concerns about the company’s profitability and efficiency, particularly in light of increased competition from other tech giants like Google and Amazon.
We’ll continue to monitor this story as it develops.
DOJ Confirms FBI Operation that Mass-Deleted Chinese Malware
The DOJ has confirmed an FBI operation that mass-deleted Chinese malware from thousands of US computers. This move is part of a broader effort to combat cyber threats and protect national security, particularly in the face of increasing tensions with China.
Industry Insights
TikTok Users’ Attempted Migration to RedNote Not Going Too Well
TikTok users who attempted to migrate to the Chinese app RedNote are facing difficulties due to issues with account transfers and content compatibility. This setback highlights the challenges faced by social media platforms in maintaining user loyalty and attracting new customers.
China Reportedly Open to Elon Musk Acquiring TikTok US
China has reportedly expressed willingness to allow Elon Musk to acquire TikTok US, a move that would likely be met with significant regulatory scrutiny. We’ll have to wait and see how this story develops.
Related Content
- ChatGPT: Everything You Need to Know About the AI-Powered Chatbot by Kyle Wiggers
- Meta Execs Obsessed Over Beating OpenAI’s GPT-4 Internally, Court Filings Reveal by Maxwell Zeff
- Google’s NotebookLM Had to Teach Its AI Podcast Hosts Not to Act Annoyed at Humans by Charles Rollet
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