RADAR MOBILISSIMO 08.07.2024 – Topics of the Day: Google Photos surpasses 10 billion downloads, AI feature in YouTube Music, antitrust investigation for Apple and Google

Today we discuss the impressive milestone reached by Google Photos with 10 billion downloads, the innovative AI feature from YouTube Music, and the antitrust investigation targeting the agreement between Apple and Google. Read on for all the details.

Radar Mobilissimo 08.07.2024 – Topics of the Day:

1. Researchers at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne have developed a cooling system for quantum computers that is colder than space. It reaches 100 millikelvin, equivalent to -273°C, while the temperature of space is 2.7 Kelvin. Extreme cooling is necessary for the proper functioning of “qubits,” the basic elements of quantum computing, as heat can disturb them. The efficient system, built from existing components, paves the way for significant advancements in quantum computing (XDA Developers).

2. Shanghai has published China’s first guidelines for governing humanoid robots, emphasizing risk control and international collaboration. The document, presented at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference, requires robots not to threaten human safety and to protect human dignity. It also calls for risk warning procedures and emergency response systems. Additionally, global cooperation in this sector is promoted (SCMP).

3. Microsoft has backtracked and restored the guide for switching from a Microsoft account to a local account for Windows users. The guide, initially published and then removed, has been reinstated on the company’s official website, now including a section on password reset. Microsoft recommends using a Microsoft account for seamless service integration and enhanced security, but now offers clear options for local accounts as well (Neowin).

4. Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice president, explains why you should choose Apple Music over Spotify, highlighting innovations in music quality. In an interview on the SuperSaf YouTube channel, Cue emphasized that Apple Music has revolutionized surround sound, offering an immersive listening experience with AirPods. He also stressed the importance of human involvement in creating playlists and live radio shows. Apple has also acknowledged the need to improve its handling of classical music (iMore).

5. Huawei is following Nvidia’s model to develop an AI supply chain in China. The Chinese company draws inspiration from Nvidia’s success to create its own AI infrastructure, focusing on AI chip production. This move aims to reduce dependency on external suppliers and stimulate domestic technological innovation. Huawei aims to become a leader in AI, following Nvidia’s vertical integration strategy (Digitimes).

6. Two Georgian twins, declared dead at birth, found each other after 19 years with the help of TikTok. Elene and Anna were victims of a child trafficking network involving hospitals and adoption agencies. After Elene discovered a TikTok user who looked very similar to her, the two girls became friends and found out they were adopted. A DNA test confirmed they are identical twins. The case highlights the problem of child trafficking in Georgia (PCWplus).

7. Apple has filed a patent for smartglasses with a dual gaze tracking system. This system, supported by the frame of the glasses, will monitor the user’s gaze direction to properly align projected holographic images in the real environment. The patent describes the use of an image sensor-based tracking system and a low-power gaze tracking system. The systems will operate in different modes to provide accurate information about the user’s gaze (Patently Apple).

8. The agreement between Apple and Google is in doubt due to an antitrust lawsuit in the US. The Department of Justice is investigating the deal that makes Google’s search engine the default on Apple’s Safari browser. In 2022, this deal brought Apple over $20 billion. If Google loses, it could lose access to 70% of iPhone searches, significantly impacting Google’s mobile ad revenue (Gizchina).

9. YouTube Music is testing an AI-powered radio feature, similar to Spotify’s AI DJ. Users can input their music preferences, and YouTube Music generates a personalized AI radio station. The feature is in an experimental stage and not yet widely available. Google notes that “quality and accuracy may vary.” The feature was discovered in a recent teardown of the YouTube Music Android app (Android Police).

10. Google Photos has surpassed the 10 billion downloads mark on the Play Store, becoming the latest Google app to reach this milestone. Launched in 2015, the app quickly gained popularity due to its user-friendly interface and cloud integration. It is the 10th Google app to achieve this milestone, joining others like Chrome, Gmail, and YouTube. AI-powered features like Magic Editor and Magic Eraser contribute to its continued popularity (Android Headlines).