DeepSeek Double-Timing Next-Gen R2 AI Model, Set to Shake Up the Industry 🤖
- DeepSeek is expediting the launch of its R2 AI model, following the successful release of its R1 reasoning model in January.
- The R2 model is expected to refine its programming skills and broaden its reasoning abilities to languages beyond English, enhancing accessibility for users worldwide.
- The launch of R2 could significantly disrupt the AI sector, potentially challenging the dominance of AI powerhouses like OpenAI and Google.
OpenAI expands Deep Research to all paying ChatGPT users 💻
- OpenAI has expanded Deep Research to all paying ChatGPT users, allowing them to conduct in-depth, multi-step research on the internet.
- The feature, initially available only to ChatGPT Pro users, can now be accessed by Plus, Team, Edu, and Enterprise users, with varying query limits per month.
- This expansion is expected to significantly boost productivity for knowledge workers and researchers, but users should be aware of the feature’s limitations, including potential inaccuracies and context issues.
Apple’s folding iPhone crease issue reportedly solved 📱
- The biggest problem with a folding iPhone, a visible crease in the centre of the display, has been solved according to a new report.
- Apple was dissatisfied with early samples from its display suppliers, including Samsung, and told them to go back to the drawing board around a year ago to minimise the crease’s visibility.
- The solution, achieved through close cooperation between Samsung and Apple hinge supplier Amphenol, paves the way for a potential 2026 launch of the first folding iPhone.
Indonesia to lift iPhone 16 ban after Apple agrees to $1 billion investment 💸
- Indonesia is set to lift its five-month ban on iPhone 16 sales after Apple agreed to invest $1 billion in the country.
- The ban was imposed in October 2024 due to Apple’s failure to meet Indonesia’s domestic manufacturing requirements, which include sourcing 35-40% of smartphone components locally.
- The deal is expected to boost Apple’s presence in Indonesia’s lucrative market of 278 million people, with the company also committing to establish research and development facilities and train local talent.
Microsoft Edge gets a boost to prevent slowing down PCs 💻
- Microsoft has introduced a new feature in Edge that optimises performance by reducing system resource usage, making it more efficient.
- The feature, known as Efficiency mode, allows users to enable settings that put inactive tabs to sleep, saving memory and CPU resources.
- This update could tempt users to switch from Google Chrome, especially those who value a seamless and responsive browsing experience on Windows devices.
Adobe Photoshop app to debut on Android ‘soon’ after iPhone and web launch 📸
- Adobe Photoshop is expanding its reach with a new mobile app, initially available on iPhone and the web, with an Android version to follow.
- The mobile app includes key features like layers, blending modes, and selection tools, as well as support for Adobe’s PSD format and integration with other Adobe apps.
- The release is expected to significantly enhance mobile editing capabilities for photographers and creators, offering professional-level post-processing tools on the go.
Trump seeks tighter AI chip export restrictions, faces potential hurdles 🚫
- The Trump administration is looking to tighten restrictions on exports of advanced AI processors, aiming to limit China’s access to cutting-edge technology.
- The proposed changes include reducing the number of AI chips that can be exported without government approval, affecting companies like Nvidia and AMD.
- The move could lead to a more competitive AI chip market, but may also harm US business interests and encourage Chinese firms to develop domestic alternatives faster.
Swedish AI startup Lovable secures $16 million funding after rapid growth 💻
- Lovable, a Swedish AI platform, has raised $16 million in funding after experiencing spectacular growth and capturing the attention of the tech community.
- The platform allows users to create applications without coding knowledge, using natural language prompts to guide AI in building functional software solutions.
- This funding will enable Lovable to expand its third-party integrations, scale its infrastructure, and grow its team to further innovate in the AI app-building space.
YouTube Changes Mid-Roll Ads for a Better Viewer Experience 📺
- YouTube is updating its mid-roll ads to show fewer interruptions and increase creator revenue by placing ads at natural break points.
- The change aims to improve the viewer experience by reducing ads in crucial moments, such as mid-sentence or during action sequences, and providing tools for creators to optimize ad placements.
- The update, set to roll out on May 12, could lead to increased revenue for channels and fewer frustrated viewers, but it remains to be seen how users will react to the changes.
Warner Bros. slashes gaming business, closing three studios 🚫
- Warner Bros. Discovery is shutting down three gaming studios, Monolith Productions, Player First Games, and WB Games San Diego, due to a disappointing 2024.
- The closures are part of a broader strategy to focus on fewer but bigger franchises, including Harry Potter, Mortal Kombat, DC, and Game of Thrones.
- The move will likely result in significant job losses and the cancellation of several game projects, including a highly anticipated Wonder Woman title.
K-pop Chart Sees IVE’s “REBEL HEART” Hold Top Spot for Fourth Week 🎶
- IVE’s “REBEL HEART” remains at number one on the K-pop music chart for the fourth consecutive week, maintaining its lead.
- The chart combines rankings from various major music charts in Korea and reflects the hottest trending artists, providing a comprehensive view of the K-pop scene.
- This consistent performance by IVE underscores the group’s strong fan base and the enduring popularity of their music, setting a high bar for other K-pop acts.
Netflix to Release “American Manhunt: Osama bin Laden” Docuseries 📺
- Netflix is set to release a three-part docuseries titled “American Manhunt: Osama bin Laden” on March 10, 2025.
- The series, directed by Mor Loushy and Daniel Sivan, delves into the decade-long mission to capture Osama bin Laden following the 9/11 attacks.
- The docuseries offers a unique perspective on the global chase, featuring interviews with key US government officials who played crucial roles in the hunt.
Tekken 8 Reaches 3 Million Sales Milestone Faster Than Tekken 7 🎮
- Tekken 8 has sold over 3 million copies worldwide, achieving this milestone in just over a year since its launch.
- This sales figure surpasses the pace of Tekken 7, which took longer to reach the same milestone, indicating a strong market reception for the latest installment.
- The success of Tekken 8 suggests a continued interest in the fighting game genre and sets a positive precedent for future releases in the series.
New Platformer Combines Theatre and Puzzle-Solving in Unique Adventure ðŸŽ
- A new platformer titled Once Upon A Puppet is set to release in 2025, blending theatre-inspired settings with puzzle-platforming gameplay.
- Developed by Flatter Than Earth, the game follows the story of Nieve, a stagehand, and Drev, a puppet, as they navigate the backstage world of a theatre, overcoming obstacles and uncovering dark secrets.
- The game’s unique blend of theatre and puzzle-solving could offer a fresh take on the platformer genre, appealing to fans of creative and artistic games like Little Big Planet and Lies of P.
Lego Unveils Massive 3-Foot Long Jurassic Park T-Rex Skeleton Kit 🦖
- Lego has announced a new Jurassic Park T-Rex skeleton kit, featuring a massive 3-foot long model with articulated joints.
- The kit includes 3,145 pieces and comes with a display stand, information plaque, and hidden franchise Easter eggs, along with Dr. Ellie Sattler and Dr. Alan Grant minifigures.
- This new kit is expected to be a centrepiece for fans of Jurassic Park, offering a unique and detailed model that showcases Lego’s attention to detail and commitment to creating immersive experiences.
