Wed. 09/18 – New Messages, New Headsets

Sep 18, 2024 16m

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Episode Description

Messages between Android and iOS are about to be encrypted. A new XR headset from HTC and new Spectacles from Snap. A big movie studio has signed up to use AI. Neuralink has implants for blindness. And why I’m kinda NOT gonna do a review roundup of the new iPhones. Sponsors: Ramp.com/techmeme Links: RCS texts on the iPhone aren’t encrypted now, but that could change (The Verge) Here’s how green bubbles are getting upgraded in iOS (The Verge) HTC Vive's Focus Vision is a $999 stab at high-end VR and mixed reality (Engadget) Snap’s new Spectacles inch closer to compelling AR (The Verge) Instagram, Facing Pressure Over Child Safety Online, Unveils Sweeping Changes (NYTimes) Lionsgate, Studio Behind ‘John Wick,’ Signs Deal With AI Startup Runway (WSJ) Musk's Neuralink gets FDA's breakthrough device tag for 'Blindsight' implant (Reuters) Apple iPhone 16 Pro review: small camera update, big difference (The Verge)

AI-Generated Summary

End-to-End Encryption for Messages

The GSM Association is set to enable end-to-end encryption (E2EE) for messages between Android and iOS, closing the gap in interoperability of RCS chats. Google's ongoing efforts seek to implement this feature in RCS chats as soon as possible, enhancing the messaging experience, particularly for iOS 18 users. The updates bring improvements like high-resolution media sharing and read receipts, although E2EE is still not universally offered across RCS providers.

HTC's New VR Headset

HTC has launched the Vive Focus Vision, a high-end standalone VR headset priced at $999. It boasts impressive features, including built-in eye-tracking and 16-megapixel stereo-color cameras, enhancing its mixed reality capabilities. The headset is designed for both consumer and organizational use, with additional options for connecting to PCs for more advanced VR experiences.

Snap Introduces New Spectacles

Snap unveiled new Spectacles aimed at AR developers. These spectacles are available for lease rather than sale, with an appeal to enhance the AR development toolkit. The new model reportedly offers improved display quality, longer battery life, and a more comfortable design, although it has drawn mixed reactions regarding aesthetics.

Instagram's Teen Accounts Privacy Updates

Instagram announced a series of privacy updates for teen users, including making accounts private by default for under-18 users and restricting notifications during nighttime hours. These changes aim to enhance user safety amid increasing scrutiny over social media impacts on young people.

AI in Entertainment: Lionsgate's New Partnership

Lionsgate Entertainment has entered a partnership with Runway to utilize generative AI in film production, initially for storyboarding and visual effects. This shift is part of a broader trend in the entertainment industry towards leveraging AI technology, although caution remains about potential impacts on creative jobs.

Neuralink's Breakthrough in Vision Restoration

Neuralink has received breakthrough device designation from the FDA for its Blindsight implant, which aims to restore vision even in patients who have lost both eyes. This significant advancement represents another step forward in brain-computer interface technology, promising major implications for those with disabilities.

iPhone 16 Review Roundup and Expectations

The latest iPhone 16 features were discussed, with Brian remarking that the device feels incomplete due to missing Apple Intelligence features. While highlighting some interesting ideas in smartphone photography, he suggests potential buyers may want to wait until the promised updates are rolled out.