Is AI going through its difficult tween years? I know, it would be early given that the technology is barely a toddler in human years, but recent events make me think it’s on an accelerated timeline, and that it’s not having as much fun as it used to.
Take the sudden introduction of shopping in ChatGPT – many users are less than pleased, as the commercialization takes some of the blush off the widely embraced automation tool. People are also becoming so tired of the overly polite and cloying personality of AI that they’ve created prompt workarounds that strip it away; and meanwhile ChatGPT is already retiring a widely used model. So maybe AI is older than I thought.
Apple has had quite the week. I just finished listening to its latest earnings report, and while the results were good the tone was fraught at times because Apple's execs had to discuss tariffs, and the pressure they may eventually bring (they’re already costing Apple money). They also mentioned a major court case that is now forcing it to make some big changes to its App Store. In better news, I found my new favorite iOS feature thanks to my beloved Mets. Confused? You can find out more in the articles linked below.
Over in the world of Android, we’re about to enter a season of change. There will be the redesigned Android 16, which we’ll learn more about when Google I/O kicks off in a few weeks, and new tri-fold and ultra-thin phones are on their way. I, however, am still mourning former Android stalwart, LG. *sigh*
If you want to think about a technology moving into middle age, it might be smartphones, which could eventually be supplanted by young-upstart wearables like the new AR smart glasses Meta is planning.
Whatever generation you’re in yourself, I imagine you’re preparing to kick back and consume mass quantities of streaming content over the weekend. I’m intrigued by the new The Four Seasons, maybe because I’m of an old-enough generation to remember the original movie.
Have a good weekend!
Lance Ulanoff, Editor at Large
The week in AI
It's the end of the road for GPT-4 (Tada Images / Shutterstock)
OpenAI is retiring the ChatGPT-4 model in favor of newer updates, and we've taken a look back at how this major AI update has transformed the landscape of digital technology.
Apple has been hit by another court ruling that takes a scathing view of Apple's attitude to App Store fees – but the changes being forced on the company might hurt consumers.
The software on your Android phone might soon look very different, with a new leak pointing towards some major design updates in the next version of Google's mobile OS.
Mark Zuckberg has now confirmed what's long been rumored: that we'll get new Ray-Ban smart specs from Meta this year – and there are likely multiple pairs on the way.
From a new Netflix series inspired by an 80s cult classic, to the sequel to a hit thriller starring Blake Lively and Anna Kendrick, these streaming picks are well worth watching.
