Governance
Top tech stories today: December 29, 2023
More in your essential technology highlights for December 29, 2023.
Headline
More in your essential technology highlights for December 29, 2023.
Context
No need to sift through the web for crucial stories – we’ve got you covered. Here are the key global technology highlights for December 29, 2023. Surface Pro 10 and Surface Laptop 6 will debut as Microsoft’s first “AI PCs,” boasting a next-gen neural processing unit. Options include Arm models with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X chips and Intel versions with 14th-gen chips. Expect improved performance, battery life, and security. Release slated for next year, with potential design changes in 2025. (The Verge)
Evidence
Pending intelligence enrichment.
Analysis
Amazon teams up with Plug Power to install electrolyzers at its Colorado fulfillment center, aiming to manufacture hydrogen for vehicle power. This aligns with Amazon’s eco-friendly goals, utilizing hydrogen’s clean combustion and sidestepping environmental challenges in traditional hydrogen production. (Slashdot) Sales of the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 are back as a federal appeals court temporarily lifts the US ban. The court allows Apple to sell the watches while awaiting decisions on proposed modifications and the patent dispute, with a ruling expected on January 12th. (The Verge) Google agrees to settle a $5 billion consumer-privacy lawsuit alleging secret tracking of users, even in “Incognito” mode. Plaintiffs claim Google’s analytics, cookies, and apps collected data on friends, shopping habits, and potentially embarrassing searches. Settlement terms undisclosed, but formal approval expected by Feb. 24, 2024. (Market Watch) Baidu’s Ernie Bot, similar to ChatGPT, surpasses 100 million users after its public launch in August. Despite an underwhelming partial unveiling in March, it gained a first-mover advantage in a competitive market, with its score of 79.02 leading Chinese chatbots but trailing ChatGPT’s latest version by over 10 points. (The Business Times)
Key Points
- 1. Microsoft’s next surface laptops to introduce AI capabilities
- 2. Amazon to produce on-site hydrogen fuel
- 3. Apple resumes Apple Watch sales amid ban pause
- 4. Google settles $5 billion privacy lawsuit
- 5. Baidu’s Ernie Bot hits 100 million users
Actions
Pending intelligence enrichment.
