Weekly Tech Wrap: iPhone 15 Heating Up, Meta Unveils New AI Offerings, More Top Technology News

From Google turning Android phones into mini earthquake detectors to Galaxy S23 FE getting leaked, here are the biggest tech news stories from the week that was.

iPhone 15 series went on sale starting October 22.

Source : Getty

The iPhone 15 series may just be the “hottest” phones out there right now, thanks to the Pro lineup’s head-scratching heating mystery. Google wants Android phones to be mini seismographs. OpenAI’s Sam Altman joins hands with legendary Apple designer Jony Ive. The world of tech news was dominated by these headlines and more over the last week. Check them out.

Why Are The New iPhones So ‘Hot’?

Renowned Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo from TF International Securities shed light on complaints from early adopters of iPhone 15 Pro models who reported overheating concerns. Kuo clarified that the overheating issues in the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max models cannot be attributed to Apple's A17 Pro chip but are likely due to compromises in Apple's design of the thermal system.

Numerous sources have circulated reports regarding overheating problems with the iPhone 15, including both the standard iPhone 15 and the iPhone 15 Plus models. Infrared camera readings have recorded temperatures reaching up to 116F, as disclosed by 9to5Mac. The core of the problem seems to lie in the thermal system design rather than the A17 Pro chip, which utilises TSMC's advanced 3nm node and appears to generate more heat than the device can effectively dissipate.

 

Zuck Announces New AI Products

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg unveiled a suite of novel AI products during the Meta Connect conference, the company's key annual event and its first in-person gathering since the onset of the pandemic. Among these breakthroughs are automated bots capable of crafting lifelike images and intelligent eyeglasses engineered to respond to user inquiries, complemented by an upgraded virtual reality headset.

Zuckerberg highlighted the seamless integration of these products into daily life, underscoring Meta's dedication to providing affordable or free AI solutions. He praised Meta's VR bestseller, Quest, as a top-value option in the VR sector, juxtaposing it with Apple's upcoming launch of a more costly headset.

Addressing the audience from Meta's expansive Silicon Valley headquarters, Zuckerberg revealed that the next iteration of Meta's Ray-Ban smart glasses would initiate shipments on October 17, retailing at $299. These glasses will introduce a new Meta AI assistant and facilitate live streaming directly to Facebook and Instagram, enhancing the previous model's photo-capture capabilities.

Google 'Shakes' Things Up

Google has introduced a novel earthquake warning system for Android users in India. This system leverages built-in features, such as the accelerometer, present in Android smartphones to detect seismic activity and deliver timely alerts. Collaborating with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and the National Seismology Center (NSC), Google has deployed the Android Earthquake Alerts System, already in operation in various countries globally, to enhance earthquake preparedness in India.

By utilising the accelerometer, Google's sophisticated system effectively repurposes a user's smartphone into a compact earthquake sensor. When the phone is stationary and connected to a charger, it can detect initial indications of an earthquake. In cases where multiple phones simultaneously detect movements resembling earthquake-like tremors, Google's server can pinpoint the earthquake's location and assess its intensity.

Upon detecting seismic activity, alerts are swiftly dispatched to nearby phones, differentiated based on the earthquake's magnitude. These alerts come in two categories depending on the magnitude: the 'Be Aware Alert' for users experiencing MMI 3 & 4 shaking during an earthquake of magnitude 4.5 or more, and the 'Take Action Alert' for users encountering MMI 5+ shaking during an earthquake with a magnitude of 4.5 or higher.

Galaxy S23 FE Leaked?

Samsung's Galaxy FE phones (the acronym stands for fan edition) distinguish themselves by offering top-tier chipsets albeit with slightly reduced specifications compared to its flagship counterparts. These models are also marketed as being relatively more "affordable" within Samsung's product lineup. Recent reports suggest that the company intends to introduce budget-friendly wireless earbuds, tablets, and an object tracker in conjunction with the launch of the Galaxy S23 FE.

Details from a leaked promotional video of the Galaxy S23 FE shed light on its camera and display features. The device is depicted with a triple rear camera setup and a vibrant Super AMOLED panel. The display will measure 6.4 inches and boast a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. The rear cameras are anticipated to offer a 3x zoom, with ultrawide and wide sensors. Powering the phone will be a robust 4,500mAh battery, supporting 25W charging and featuring 4.5W reverse wireless charging capabilities. The rear camera array is expected to include a 50MP primary sensor, a 12MP ultrawide sensor, and an 8MP telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom.

ChatGPT-Maker To Partner With Apple Legend

OpenAI, the AI research lab behind the widely known AI chatbot ChatGPT, is reportedly considering the development of an "AI equivalent of an iPhone" and is actively seeking a funding round of $1 billion from SoftBank, according to media reports. Early discussions are in progress to conceptualise and create this cutting-edge AI device, drawing inspiration from Apple's design expertise. OpenAI's CEO, Sam Altman, is exploring a collaboration with LoveFrom, the design firm led by former Apple designer Sir Jony Ive, to bring this innovative consumer product to life.

While OpenAI's venture into hardware is in its infancy, Altman and Ive have initiated conversations to explore potential hardware designs and functionalities for this revolutionary AI device.

These discussions have taken place at Ive's San Francisco studio, where ideas have been exchanged on the envisioned appearance and capabilities of the product. The shared aspiration is to craft an AI device that offers a seamless and natural user interface, ultimately enhancing the way people interact with artificial intelligence. This pursuit parallels the iPhone's impact on touchscreen technology, which played a pivotal role in democratising access to the mobile internet.

That’s it from the world of tech headlines this week. Stay tuned to this space for more top stories next week.

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