Technology News: Tech Updates: Pixel 9, Meta AI, YouTube Timer, ICICI UPI Scam, Apple Offer, Microsoft Fine, Alexa Fee, OpenAI Delay

The event is also expected to bring the Pixel 9 series well before its schedule, being scheduled around August 13, 2024. Design leaks recently revealed that show four models of the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro may be joined by a Pixel 9 Pro XL with a possibly curved corner and rounded camera setups. It will also introduce an Assistant app, called Creative Assistant, that will supposedly use AI in personalizing stickers—in competition with Apple's Genmoji. This strategic turn of events heralds re-emphasis for Google on innovating AI in flagship devices.

It also remains under flak for slapping real images with "Made by AI" tags, which should be seen only on AI-generated content. TechCrunch chronicled the worries of photographers regarding this case that plainly exposed the deficiencies of Meta's AI detection methods. On its part, Meta recognises that something has gone wrong and intends to collaborate with AI tool providers on rectifying errors—topics of clear significance as it accelerates the integrating of AI race across WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook in front of upcoming elections.

YouTube is rolling out a new sleep timer feature for its Android app, allowing users to set a duration for video playback after which it will automatically stop. This feature, discovered in a beta version of the app, lets users specify hours and minutes for playback duration, with options to reset or continue watching. YouTube aims to enhance user experience by preventing prolonged playback, similar to features seen in music apps and TV sets. This update follows recent efforts to integrate server-side ads to counter ad blockers, potentially transforming video viewing on the platform.

ICICI Bank warns of rising UPI payment frauds where fraudsters have the ability to manipulate the recipient for sending more money, implying that the received amount is less than what was transferred. It is one of the frequent ways in which swindlers trick the users with misleading amounts that take advantage of hurried transactions and/or overlooked details such as a misplaced decimal. Notwithstanding basic precautions like verification of the received amount and details of the transactions, many become victims of these tactics, including QR code frauds. Basically, UPI payments are very secure; still, one has to be alert and aware to avoid losses due to frauds.

Apple on Friday announced a "Back to School" sale in India with special discounts on a host of products for students and teachers till September 30. Available across Apple BKC, Apple Saket, and online, discounts are applicable on MacBooks, iPads, and attachments like the Apple Pencil and the Magic Keyboard. Free AirPods or the Apple Pencil could be availed by people buying a Mac or iPad, respectively. Other perks include 20% off AppleCare Plus and three months free on Apple TV Plus and Apple Music. To redeem it, students need to verify their status through UNiDAYS.

The European Commission charged Microsoft with an antitrust offense for bundling its Teams app with its Office suite after 2020 complaints by Slack. The move has been alleged to give Microsoft an unfair advantage, which may attract fines of up to 10 percent of its global turnover. While Microsoft had already asked to unbundle Teams, the EU is trying to go even further under the veil of ensuring fair competition. Her competitors, including Salesforce, have been dancing to the Commission's tune in an effort to get a fast and easy settlement.

Amazon is going to charge up to $10 per month for its AI-injected new-generation Alexa and has branded it Remarkable Alexa. Even as these GenAI tools were showcased in September 2023, the final release was delayed. Curiously, the premium model will be launched when most of the users are still awaiting the final release. That's a little surprising, because that's not the path most of the other competitors have taken: OpenAI's ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, and Google's Gemini AI aren't charged off their first models. More recently, computing and data challenges immaturely posed a question of value for the subscription of AI developers at Amazon.

Technical problems delay OpenAI's "Voice Mode" from ChatGPT until July. What was initially slated off for a small number of users of ChatGPT Plus has been delayed to enhance detection and user experience. It will be launched with a small audience for feedback and, assuming it passes safety checks, will be generally available this fall. Apart from that, OpenAI is currently developing new video and screen-sharing capabilities related to its upcoming GPT-4o model.