Amanda Newman on LinkedIn: #vr #picog3 #businessstore #sdk (2024)

Target announced that starting July 15, 2024, they will cease accepting personal checks as a form of payment across their US stores due to extremely low usage. The decision aims to streamline checkout processes and align with changing consumer preferences towards digital payment methods like Venmo, Zelle®, and PayPal. Despite the shift away from checks, #Target has expanded digital payment options in recent years. Some customers have expressed concerns about the short notice provided for the change, suggesting it could lead to inconvenience at checkout. Other major retailers like Walgreens, Best Buy, Costco Wholesale, and Walmart continue to accept #personalchecks as a payment option.Follow Amanda Newman to stay up to date with technology.https://lnkd.in/dRKf9TK9

Google Maps is introducing a speedometer and speed limit indicators for #iOS and #CarPlay, following their availability on #Android since 2019 and on Waze since 2016. iPhone users can now monitor their driving speed directly within #GoogleMaps by enabling these features in the Settings under Navigation. The #speedometer appears in the bottom left corner of the screen and changes color if you exceed the speed limit, serving as a reminder to slow down. Google emphasizes that the speedometer is for informational use only and should not replace your car’s actual speedometer, as actual driving speeds can differ. These features were first seen in use by #iPhone users in India and will be rolled out globally in the coming weeks.Follow Amanda Newman to stay up to date with technology.https://lnkd.in/dfZ9DvDu

Microsoft is implementing significant changes to Xbox Game Pass, including price increases on some tiers, discontinuation of others, and introduction of new options, leading to confusion among subscribers. Starting in September, Xbox #GamePassUltimate in the US will rise from $17 to $20 per month. The Game Pass for #Console tier will be replaced by Game Pass #Standard, priced at $15 per month, lacking day-one game releases. Existing subscribers won't be affected immediately. #Xbox also limits stacking of pre-paid cards beyond 13 months from September 2024. #PCGamePass increases to $12 monthly, retaining day-one game access. Xbox #LiveGold annual cost rises to $75 while monthly remains at $10, included in Game Pass Standard. These changes make Game Pass complex, akin to recent PS Plus reshuffling.Follow Amanda Newman to stay up to date with technology.https://lnkd.in/dAm6cS5D

Microsoft has relinquished its observer seat on OpenAI's board just 8 months after securing it, as reported by the Financial Times. Initially, Apple was also set to join but has now opted out. #OpenAI confirmed #Microsoft's decision, noting a new approach to engagement with strategic partners like Microsoft and #Apple under CFO Sarah Friar's leadership. These changes coincide with increasing #antitrust scrutiny over Microsoft's $10 billion investment in OpenAI, which grants Microsoft exclusivity in powering OpenAI's #AI models through its #cloud services.Follow Amanda Newman to stay up to date with technology.https://lnkd.in/daPxqrQD

The Up-Mobile, a new smartphone project, integrates Web3, AI, and blockchain technology into its design. It aims to create an ecosystem separate from traditional app stores like Google Play and the App Store, which it considers unfriendly to #Web3 apps. Partnering with Movement Labs, Up Mobile plans to utilize Meta’s Move programming language for Web3 applications, promoting accessibility and marking a consumer Web3 revolution.In addition to #blockchain, the #UpMobile incorporates AI features, enhancing security for face and fingerprint recognition with AI algorithms. It also employs large language models (#LLMs) locally on the device to improve productivity and organization while prioritizing privacy and reliability. Specifications include a 6.95-inch screen with a 144Hz refresh rate, MediaTek Dimensity 8200 processor, 12GB RAM, and a triple-camera setup with a 100MP main sensor.Set for release in October 2024 at $699, preorders for the Up Mobile will start on July 24 via the UP NETWORKS website.Follow Amanda Newman to stay up to date with technology.https://lnkd.in/exkZztnC

The OBSBOT Tiny 2 Lite offers impressive webcam quality and functionality at a more affordable price point of $179, compared to its predecessor's $329. It features 4K support with a 1/2” CMOS sensor for crisp visuals, although it sacrifices some detail in darker areas for a richer overall image. Despite being labeled "Lite," it includes Auto Tracking, Auto Zoom, and Gesture Control 2.0, catering to users who need to move within the frame while recording. The dual omnidirectional mics provide decent audio, though dedicated solutions may offer better quality. Overall, the #Tiny2Lite delivers excellent value with its blend of features and performance, making it a recommended upgrade for #webcam users on a budget.Follow Amanda Newman to stay up to date with technology.https://lnkd.in/eDXjNcFE

ŌURA Ring has introduced a new #AI-powered feature called Oura Advisor, positioned as a personalized wellness coach accessible via the Oura Labs section of their app. This feature, currently in beta, distinguishes itself by focusing not only on exercise but also on overall lifestyle improvements. Users can set personal goals and choose the tone of interaction—supportive, goal-oriented, or as a mentor. #OuraAdvisor uses data collected by the #OuraRing to deliver tailored recommendations and notifications aligned with user goals, which can be scheduled daily, weekly, or as desired. The AI learns from user interactions and considers factors like injuries or preferences when offering guidance. Oura has emphasized user control over stored data, ensuring old information like healed injuries can be removed. The announcement coincides with the impending launch of competitors like Samsung Electronics’s Galaxy Ring, underscoring a growing market for AI-enhanced wearable health technologies.Follow Amanda Newman to stay up to date with technology.https://lnkd.in/eTtkPGSB

AMD's upcoming Ryzen 9 9950X processor has had its rendering performance leaked ahead of its expected July launch. The processor, part of the Zen 5 generation, promises impressive benchmarks in BLENDER tests, showcasing a peak frequency of 5.85 GHz. It is noted to match Intel Corporation's Core i9-12900K's performance while operating at a significantly lower power draw of 65W, which can be boosted to 200W with #AMD's Precision Boost Overdrive. This efficiency allows the #Ryzen 9 9950X to deliver comparable performance to its #Intel counterpart while consuming only a quarter of the power. The Ryzen 9000 series, including the #9950X, is rumored to hit the market on July 31, offering enterprise-level performance potential that could appeal to users seeking high processing power with reduced energy consumption.Follow Amanda Newman to stay up to date with technology.https://lnkd.in/eg_VgjnA

Nokia has entered a multi-year 5G RAN (Radio Access Network) contract with MEO, a leading mobile operator in Portugal. As part of the agreement, #Nokia will deploy its 5G #AirScale portfolio, featuring energy-efficient #ReefShark System-on-Chip technology, including Massive MIMO and baseband solutions. #MEO will also utilize Nokia’s #MantaRay SON for network optimization and benefit from Nokia's Global Delivery Center and #5G R&D center in Portugal. This deal marks Nokia's re-entry into Portugal's #RAN market, challenging Huawei's dominance as MEO's primary RAN supplier. Follow Amanda Newman to stay up to date with technology.https://lnkd.in/emxWuU_Z

Roga, led by neuroscientist Alison Smith and former Google PM Ami Lebendiker, aims to combat workplace stress with its innovative wearable technology. Recently securing $1.7 million CAD in pre-seed funding, #Roga plans to launch a next-generation device this fall. Their current wearable uses discreet, over-ear stimulation to reduce stress, complemented by #AI-driven guided meditations. With a B2B focus targeting industries with high-stress levels, Roga has achieved significant engagement rates among initial corporate clients. Future goals include expanding into health insurance packages and obtaining regulatory approval for anxiety treatment.

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