Welcome to TechCrunch’s Week in Review, where we recap the top tech stories of the week. In this edition, we dive into Brian’s review of the new Amazon Echo Frames, the intriguing and bizarre game show hosted by MrBeast, the recent ban on Apple Watch imports, and the highly anticipated release of Apple’s Vision Pro. We also cover the shutdown of Hyperloop One, Xiaomi’s entry into the EV market, The New York Times’ lawsuit against OpenAI, and the data breach at National Amusements. Stay informed with all the latest tech news in this comprehensive recap.
Amazon Echo Frames: A Review of the Latest AR Shades
Discover the features and performance of the new Amazon Echo Frames, as reviewed by Brian. Explore the upgraded sound quality, battery life, and compare them to other popular AR shades. Is the price tag worth it?
Brian test drove the new and improved Amazon Echo Frames, providing an in-depth review of their features and performance. He compares them to the Ray-Ban Metas and highlights the upgraded sound quality and 14-hour battery life. However, he also discusses the higher price tag and whether it justifies the investment.
MrBeast’s Bizarre Game Show: Endurance for Content
Dive into the intriguing world of MrBeast’s latest reality show. Learn about the unique concept where contestants endure 100 days in an asylum-like room for a chance to win a substantial cash prize. Explore the trade-off between suffering for content and financial gain.
Amanda delves into the world of MrBeast’s new reality show, where contestants agree to cohabitate in a bright, asylum-like room for 100 days in exchange for a chance to win $185,000 each. She explores the concept of enduring suffering for content and the potential payoff it offers, highlighting the trade-off that has become common on social media platforms.
Apple Watch Ban: A Temporary Setback
Get the latest update on the U.S. ban on Apple Watch imports and its subsequent reversal. Explore the trademark dispute and the impact it had on the availability of Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2. Discover the temporary reprieve and the ongoing legal battle.
The recent U.S. ban on Apple Watch imports, resulting from a trademark dispute with health tech company Masimo, caused uncertainty around the availability of the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2. However, an appeals court instituted a temporary pause, allowing Apple to resume sales while the legal battle continues. Jennifer provides an overview of the ban, its reversal, and the implications for Apple and Masimo.
Apple Vision Pro: Anticipated Release Date
Stay updated on the release date of Apple’s highly anticipated AR heads-up display, the Vision Pro. Learn about the insights from noted analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who predicts a late January or early February launch. Discover the expected shipment numbers and the potential impact on the AR market.
Noted analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has narrowed down the release window for Apple’s Vision Pro, an AR heads-up display. Jennifer shares the latest insights, revealing that the first wave of Vision Pros is expected to be shipped to Apple in about a month. With estimated total shipments of around 500,000 for the year, the release of the Vision Pro is highly anticipated and could have a significant impact on the AR market.
Hyperloop One: The End of an Ambitious Venture
Explore the shutdown of Hyperloop One, one of the pioneering hyperloop startups. Learn about its journey, from being backed by Richard Branson’s Virgin Group to its eventual closure. Discover the challenges faced by the hyperloop industry and the impact on the vision of high-speed transportation.
Sean covers the news of Hyperloop One, a prominent hyperloop startup, shutting down its operations. Once backed by Richard Branson’s Virgin Group, the company faced numerous challenges and was unable to sustain its ambitious vision. Jennifer provides insights into the hyperloop industry and the implications of Hyperloop One’s closure on the future of high-speed transportation.
Xiaomi’s Entry into the EV Market: Introducing the SU7
Discover Xiaomi’s foray into the electric vehicle market with the introduction of their first EV, the SU7. Learn about the features and design of this sleek sedan, set to roll out in China next year. Explore Xiaomi’s strategy to compete in the crowded EV market and its alignment with the tech-focused approach of the company.
Chinese smartphone giant Xiaomi has unveiled its first electric car, the SU7. Jennifer provides an overview of the sleek sedan’s features and design, highlighting Xiaomi’s entry into the increasingly competitive EV market. With its software-focused approach, Xiaomi aims to bring the same level of technology innovation found in their smartphones to the automotive industry.
The New York Times vs. OpenAI: Copyright and AI Technology
Explore the legal battle between The New York Times and OpenAI, focusing on copyright infringement. Learn about the allegations of OpenAI training generative AI models on Times’ content without permission. Discover the growing conflict between content creators and the use of generative AI technologies.
The New York Times has filed a lawsuit against OpenAI and its collaborator, Microsoft, alleging copyright infringement. Jennifer sheds light on the legal dispute, highlighting the claims that OpenAI trained generative AI models using Times’ content without proper authorization. This case underscores the ongoing conflict between content creators and the use of generative AI technologies for commercial purposes.
Data Breach at National Amusements: Paramount and CBS Affected
Learn about the data breach at National Amusements, the parent company of media giants Paramount and CBS. Explore the extent of the breach and the personal information stolen by hackers. Discover the delayed disclosure and the impact on the affected individuals.
National Amusements, the cinema chain and corporate parent of Paramount and CBS, confirmed a data breach that occurred in December. Jennifer provides details on the breach, including the theft of personal information belonging to tens of thousands of individuals. The delayed disclosure raises concerns about data security and the measures taken to protect sensitive information.
