Technology News: Tech Innovations and Discoveries: Snapchat AR, Google Pixel 9, Sennheiser Accentum, Kaspersky Ban, Marsquakes, SpaceX Starlink Mini, Dot AI

Snapchat is beefing up its augmented reality features with generative AI that turns descriptions into 3D images in real time. This technology provides them with a dead-simple way of making friends with realistic and sophisticated lenses with the same effect as easily creators can do. The compact model for real-time rendering was announced Tuesday at the Augmented World Expo in California and will soon be available on smartphones. Moreover, new AI tools in Lens Studio will make it easy to create one-of-a-kind AR effects, including custom face effects. The GenAI feature is expected to launch in the coming months.

In addition to this, Google will release an added Creative Assistant app with the Pixel 9 series for heightened creativity on a smartphone. This is in the nature of AI-generated stickers and emojis that are personalized by nature. The said app, according to the code for Google's Tensor chip and the latest Google Markup app, will reportedly be available only on Pixel devices. According to this tipster, the Pixel 9 series consists of a Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, and Pixel 9 XL, all of which are coming with a major upgrade in the Tensor G4 SoC to support better AI capabilities and come with an AMOLED display and a refresh rate of 120Hz. An official announcement is slated soon.

Sennheiser has launched its Accentum True Wireless Earbuds with ANC and up to 28 hours of battery life in the country. Globally, these earbuds were launched in March with an ergonomic design along with four ear tip sizes. Besides, it would have 7mm dynamic drivers to deliver punchy bass and clear audio. Hybrid ANC and Transparency mode will be included with a 5-band equalizer for adjusting the sound according to personal preference. They support USB Type-C and Qi wireless charging, Bluetooth 5.3 with LE Audio and Auracast, and are IP54-rated. The earbuds are going to cost Rs 12,990; they will also come with a 2-year warranty and be available online.

The US is going to criminalize the sale of Kaspersky antivirus software, citing national security risks due to probable influence on the company by the Russian government. The ban will officially take effect on July 20, although updates of the said software are still permitted up until September 29. The Department of Commerce is warning users to switch to alternative products since Russia can easily exploit a company like Kaspersky Lab for sensitive information. Kaspersky, banned from US government devices since 2017, has rejected any links with the Russian Government, saying its products are safe.

The Indian government is on the way to make USB-C a compulsory charging port for mobile devices by June 2025, taking guidance from the European Union. This measure is tailored to cut e-waste, and it is going to apply not only to smartphones and tablets but also to laptops, excluding wearables and hearables by the end of 2026. So, it won't be a big problem as most smartphone brands, including Apple, have already moved to USB-C. It could consider exemptions for the feature phone segment to keep its cost down for low-income users. This now allows consumers to charge multiple devices with just one charger.

A research team from Penn State University postulates that Marsquakes could furnish clues to liquid water on Mars. Mars, often referred to as Earth's twin, has been the focus for many researchers working on its habitability. Where ancient oceans might have existed on Mars millions of years ago, today scientists are searching for liquid water underground. Water underground eludes easy detection because it is too deep. Insight into Martian seismic activity might bring about an understanding of these subsurface water reservoirs, which will unwrap many secrets about the past on Mars and its habitability.

SpaceX announced a compact version of its satellite internet dish, called Starlink Mini, for $599—$100 higher than the regular one. The Mini would fit in a backpack and has inbuilt Wi-Fi. This is to stay connected to the internet while moving. Targeted at furthering connectivity options with this so-called portable design—its being a new milestone in the satellite internet project from SpaceX itself—it is available initially to existing Starlink subscribers.

What separates Dot AI from other AI chatbots, such as Gemini, ChatGPT, and Copilot, and even the team that built her at New Computer, is a focus on what the former neuroscientist calls human-like speech patterns and empathy. Other tools are centered on work and task, but Dot AI is a sort of digital companion that brings forward a distinct personal experience due to the ability to remember conversations. Dot AI: it is the very first AI chatbot application on the Apple App Store to be provided for free. It has set the bar for making the user experience as human-like as possible.