You are here

Author: Adriana Marais

Adriana Marais is a ReturnByte journalist with a passion for technology and world affairs. Follow her on Twitter at @adrianamarais
Former Apple design chief Jony Ive and OpenAI's Sam Altman seek $1 billion for revolutionary AI devices. (AFP) AI 

Sam Altman and former Apple chief designer Jony Ive seek $1 billion for groundbreaking AI project, dubbed the “iPhone of AI”

Adriana Marais

Former Apple design guru Jony Ive and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman are teaming up to create the “iPhone of AI” in a groundbreaking collaboration. They are reportedly seeking $1 billion in funding to revolutionize personal technology. According to sources cited by The Information, the as-yet-unnamed startup is courting major venture capitalists, including heavyweights such as Thrive Capital and Emerson Collective. This move highlights industry anticipation around the project and hints at its potential to disrupt the technological landscape. Details of the nature of the AI device are still under wraps,…

Read More
Google is testing a new look for its Android app- Here’s what to expect (unsplash) News 

Google is experimenting with a new design for the search bar on Android, incorporating material 3 elements for a more consistent look.

Adriana Marais,

Google is once again making changes to the design of its app for Android users. The latest update includes a new bottom search bar redesign, which was first introduced in 2021 and then updated in late 2023. This time, Google is experimenting with a Material 3 bottom bar redesign that includes an integrated search field. A lucky user has come across this redesigned bottom bar while using Google Search on Android. This update includes Material 3 elements, including the pill-shaped tab indicator that was previously seen on the iOS version…

Read More
Tesla's Autopilot safety under scrutiny as it turns to Apple for help in a deadly crash lawsuit. (REUTERS) News 

Elon Musk seeks Apple’s assistance in Tesla crash lawsuit – More information provided

Adriana Marais

Tesla is seeking assistance from Apple to bolster its defense in a contentious lawsuit regarding the safety of its Autopilot system. The lawsuit, which arose from a deadly crash involving a Tesla Model X in 2018, has led to a legal dispute over the details of the incident. The incident occurred when a car operating on Autopilot crashed into a guardrail on US Highway 101 in Mountain View, California, killing Wei “Walter” Huang, a former Apple engineer. 9to5mac reports that Huang’s family filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Tesla, alleging…

Read More
Apple now permits retro game emulators on the App Store, opening new avenues for developers globally. (Apple) News 

Apple has revised App Store guidelines to allow retro game emulators worldwide: Get all the details

Adriana Marais

Apple has updated its App Store guidelines to allow retro game emulators to be available for download worldwide, marking a change in the company’s previous restrictions on emulation software. Apple policy change The updated regulations have a limitation: developers must ensure compliance with copyright laws, underscoring Apple’s commitment to intellectual property rights. While Android users have long enjoyed numerous emulators for vintage console games, Apple’s decision is meant to encourage developers to port their creations to the App Store platform, Techcrunch reports. Crucially, Apple mandates that emulator apps include an…

Read More
Elon Musk announced plans to unveil a ‘Tesla Robotaxi’ on August 8, refuting recent reports. (REUTERS) News 

Elon Musk to unveil Tesla robotaxi as company shifts focus away from low-cost EV manufacturing

Adriana Marais,

Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla, has revealed intentions to unveil a Tesla robotaxi on August 8, in response to recent speculation about the company’s shift away from a budget-friendly electric vehicle. Musk’s announcement comes after he refuted a Reuters report suggesting that Tesla was abandoning its $25,000 EV project to focus on the development of a robotaxi. A strategic change in the midst of sales difficulties Tesla’s decision stems from slow electric vehicle sales and declining profits, prompting Musk to look for alternative ways to bolster the company’s performance.…

Read More
Google Pixel users might soon get a new tool to identify unknown callers directly on their phones. (Pixabay) News 

Google is set to launch a new feature on the Pixel phone app that can identify unknown callers.

Adriana Marais

Google Pixel users may soon have a solution to the problem of missed calls from unknown numbers. Google is said to be developing a new tool called “Lookup” for its Phone app, which will allow users to identify unfamiliar callers before returning their calls. Currently, services like Truecaller offer similar features, but Google wants to integrate this feature directly into its phone app. Spotted by a tip called AssembleDebug (via PiunikaWeb), the tool was initially only available to Pixel users in Japan. However, it is now being tested in beta…

Read More
As AI adoption rises, industry leaders collaborate to understand its implications for workforce dynamics and job security. (REUTERS) News 

Major technology companies come together to study the impact of artificial intelligence on the tech industry workforce.

Adriana Marais

With the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) in the tech industry, concerns about its influence on jobs and the economy are growing. Google and Microsoft, key players in AI advancement, are teaming up to investigate the potential impact of AI on technology jobs. Growing concern about job displacement The consortium led by Cisco also includes industry giants such as IBM, Intel, SAP and Accenture. In addition, major unions such as the AFL-CIO and the CWA serve as advisors to the group. As generative AI technologies such as chatbots and image…

Read More
As AI adoption rises, industry leaders collaborate to understand its implications for workforce dynamics and job security. (Unsplash) News 

Major technology companies come together to study the impact of artificial intelligence on the tech job market.

Adriana Marais

With the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) in the tech sector, concerns about its influence on jobs and the economy are growing. Leading companies such as Google and Microsoft, key figures in AI advancement, are teaming up to investigate the potential impact of AI on technology-based jobs. Growing concern about job displacement The consortium led by Cisco also includes industry giants such as IBM, Intel, SAP and Accenture. In addition, major unions such as the AFL-CIO and the CWA serve as advisors to the group. As generative AI technologies such…

Read More
The OnePlus 12R is also the strongest phone OnePlus has ever made. (OnePlus) News 

OnePlus 12R Unveiled as OnePlus’ Most Powerful ‘R’ Model Featuring Aqua Touch Technology

Adriana Marais

With the arrival of summer, it’s time for refreshing drinks, beach trips, and swimming. However, trying to use your smartphone with wet fingers after a dip in the pool or holding a cold glass can be a challenge. Many screens become unresponsive, making it difficult to type messages accurately. OnePlus’ most powerful R model to date – the OnePlus 12R – promises to make this summer more bearable by introducing the revolutionary Aqua Touch feature. This latest revolution allows a smartphone to use its CPU to detect when its screen…

Read More
Tech enthusiasts eagerly await the unveiling of next-generation iPad Pro models and refreshed MacBook Air models. (Bloomberg) News 

Apple is set to unveil new color options for MacBook, iPad, and iPhone in major launch event

Adriana Marais,

Apple is preparing to make a major announcement about its newest products, generating excitement among tech enthusiasts. Instead of traditional live events, the company will reveal its latest innovations through press releases on its website. This change indicates a more efficient strategy for product launches, with online releases being supported by promotional videos and marketing efforts. Digital Showcase expectations According to Timesofoma via (Mashable), the upcoming releases include the expected updates to the MacBook, iPad, and iPhone color options. Sources suggest that new iPad Pro, iPad Air and MacBook Air…

Read More
Navigate smarter and smoother with these lesser-known features on Google Maps. (AP) News 

Essential hidden features on Google Maps for simplified navigation

Adriana Marais

Google Maps has transformed from a simple navigation tool to an essential aspect of our everyday routines. Its capabilities extend beyond just providing directions, offering a wide range of functions such as discovering new dining spots in your area and identifying optimal public transportation routes. Whether you are a novice user or a seasoned expert, there are ten secret features within Google Maps that are worth delving into. Gemini AI integration: Thanks to Google Maps and Gemini AI integration, you can now navigate to a specific location using voice commands,…

Read More
Device compatibility concerns arise as users anticipate the transformative features of iOS 18, limited to newer iPhone models with the A12 Bionic chip or above. (Apple) News 

Apple’s WWDC event scheduled for 2024

Adriana Marais

The highly anticipated iOS 18 update from Apple, scheduled to be revealed at the June 2024 Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), is creating a lot of excitement among iPhone users and technology enthusiasts. Featuring cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) integration, iOS 18 is expected to revolutionize the iPhone user experience. Expected features The highlight of iOS 18 lies in its AI-powered features, with reports suggesting the inclusion of four innovative features, including Large Language Models (LLMS) and a groundbreaking creative AI app called iWork. Apple CEO Tim Cook’s recent hints about the…

Read More
Google Gemini is testing AI-generated replies for the Gmail app. (Unsplash) AI 

Google is set to introduce Gemini AI features to Gmail, allowing users to utilize artificial intelligence for email responses – More information revealed

Adriana Marais, ,

Google is revolutionizing technology usage with its AI initiatives. The introduction of Gemini models to Google Workspace has enabled users to utilize generative AI features in various tools such as Gmail, Calendar, Meet, Chat, and Drive. The company is now looking to enhance the Gemini feature for Gmail by introducing AI-generated replies, making it easier for users to send quick responses without the need to type out a full reply. Stay tuned for more updates on Google’s plans for the Gmail app. AI-generated replies for Gmail A new AI-based feature…

Read More
Update your Google Chrome immediately! The government issues high-risk security warnings. (unsplash) News 

Government issues high-risk alert for updating Google Chrome browser on your computer immediately

Adriana Marais

The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) has issued a warning about high-security risks associated with multiple vulnerabilities found in Google Chrome desktop versions for Windows, Mac, and Linux. This marks the second such warning in the past 10 days, prompting Google to release an urgent update. Users are advised to take immediate action to address these vulnerabilities and ensure their systems are secure during this critical period. Google Chrome in great danger According to the CERT-in warning, Google Chrome desktop version 123.0.6312.105/.106/.107 for Windows and Mac and Google Chrome…

Read More
Google may start charging for advanced AI features in search, potentially reshaping its iconic free service. (AFP) News 

Possible changes to Google Search could result in users no longer having free access; Here’s what to expect from future searches on Google

Adriana Marais

Google, the dominant force in online search, is considering a departure from its traditional approach by contemplating the introduction of paid, AI-driven upgrades to its renowned search engine. As per sources mentioned in a recent Financial Times article reported by Android Authority, the company is investigating options to incorporate sophisticated AI features into its search function in exchange for a fee. Insiders familiar with Google’s strategies suggest that these premium AI-powered features could be incorporated into existing subscription services such as Gemini Advanced or Google One. It should be noted…

Read More
Apple is reportedly developing personal robots after discarding its Apple Car project, Mark Gurman says. (Unsplash) News 

Apple’s new focus post-Apple Car: Personal robots that accompany you everywhere

Adriana Marais

After more than ten years of striving to surpass Tesla and other car manufacturers in the automotive sector with its highly anticipated “Apple Car,” Apple has unexpectedly abandoned the project. The company had aimed to offer a fully autonomous driving experience, a feature not yet available in Tesla’s Full Self Driving (FSD) technology. This decision has raised questions about Apple’s future revenue streams, especially considering its recent success as the leading smartphone maker in the world in 2023. But in recent weeks, details have emerged about a number of interesting…

Read More