Tech. Tech is an ever-evolving industry that never seems to stay still. With exciting new gadgets releasing every day, it can be a struggle to keep up with the constant flurry of updates. To help you stay in the loop, we have compiled the seven most important tech stories of the last seven days in this article.
1. We launched a new podcast!
The biggest tech news of the week is the launch of our new podcast, aptly named the TechRadar Podcast. This podcast takes the insightful, first-person experiential content that we provide on our site and presents it in an audio-and-video-based format. In the first episode, we recap the year in tech so far, discussing highlights from CES 2024 and advancements in AI. Hosted by our Editor at Large Lance Ulanoff, the podcast features various experts from our team sharing their expertise and insights. We were also joined by Tom, The Tech Chap. The podcast is available on YouTube and Spotify.
2. Windows 11 gets an upgrade
Microsoft is pushing for users to upgrade to Windows 11 with intrusive warning screens appearing on Windows 10 machines. To entice users to make the switch, a new Windows update has been released with exciting new features. The Photos app now features a version of Google’s AI-powered Magic Eraser, while Nearby Share has received speed and reliability upgrades. Copilot, a helpful AI assistant, has also received improvements including plug-in support for third-party services. However, some users have reported frustration with Copilot automatically launching on startup in Windows 11 preview builds.
3. Smartphones capture the eclipse
Editor at Large Lance Ulanoff decided to put flagship smartphones to the ultimate celestial test by capturing the recent US Solar Eclipse. Without relying on digital zoom, Ulanoff used the optical zoom capabilities of the iPhone 15 Pro Max, Google Pixel 8 Pro, and Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra. The results were impressive, with the photos far exceeding expectations. It’s worth noting that the tripod and eclipse glasses lens were key to obtaining these stunning shots.
4. Spotify introduces playlist-making AI
Spotify has integrated more AI into its music streaming platform by launching a playlist-making bot for all Premium subscribers in the UK and Australia. This beta feature allows users to provide prompts such as specific moods or genres, and the AI will generate a selection of tracks accordingly. Although the feature is still a work in progress, users can fine-tune the AI’s selections by adding follow-up prompts. It’s a fun tool that adds an element of discovery to the music streaming experience.
5. Google offers free access to its Magic Editor
Google’s impressive AI image editing software, Magic Editor, has been exclusive to paying Google One subscribers and Google Pixel 8 owners. However, starting May 15, all Google Photos users will have access to this powerful tool for free. Magic Editor allows users to erase imperfections, adjust lighting, reposition subjects, and unblur photos. There is a monthly limit of 10 edited images for free users, but restrictions can be removed by subscribing to Google One or purchasing a Pixel phone.
6. Fallout TV show receives positive reviews
The highly anticipated Fallout TV show was released on Prime Video this week. This adaptation of the popular video game franchise is part of a golden age of video game adaptations that we have been witnessing in recent years. The show has received positive feedback, with a satisfying blend of staying true to the source material while bringing original elements to the narrative. Despite some minor flaws, it is yet another fantastic video game-to-TV adaptation that fans can enjoy.
7. Google launches its take on Apple’s Find My network
After more than a year of anticipation, Google has finally launched its version of Apple’s Find My network. This feature works similarly to its Apple counterpart by leveraging millions of Android devices worldwide to help locate lost phones, even when they are offline. Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro users also benefit from the ability to find their phones when they are powered off. Additionally, the first Find My Device-compatible trackers are now available, allowing users to attach them to their belongings for easy tracking.
In conclusion, the tech world is constantly evolving with new updates and advancements. It’s essential to stay informed about the latest happenings in the industry. From podcast launches to software updates, smartphone photography, AI advancements, and exciting TV show releases, there is always something new and noteworthy in the tech space. Stay tuned for more updates and insights from the ever-changing world of tech.
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