Microsoft’s latest research in text-to-speech AI centers on a new AI model, VALL-E. While there are already multiple services that can create copies of your voice, they usually demand substantial input. Microsoft claims its model can simulate someone’s…
Apple Watch ruled to have infringed Masimo’s pulse oximeter patent by US judge
In mid-2021, medical technology company Masimo sued Apple over the Watch Series 6’s blood oxygen monitoring capabilities. Masimo accused the tech giant of infringing on five of its pulse oximeter patents after introducing a device that has the ability to measure blood oxygen saturation. Now, a US International Trade Commission (ITC) judge has ruled that Apple did indeed infringe on one of Masimo’s pulse oximeter patents.
While the judge has also concluded that the tech giant did not infringe on the other four patents involved in the case, the ITC will now reportedly examine whether to impose an import ban on Apple Watches with the feature, as Masimo had requested when it filed the lawsuit. Newer Apple Watches, namely the Series 7 and 8, Ultra and SE, have blood oxygen monitoring features, so the ITC’s decision will also affect them.
Masimo CEO Joe Kiani told MD+DI in a statement that his company is happy that the judge “took this critical first step toward accountability.” Kiani continued by saying that “Apple has similarly infringed on other companies’ technologies” and that the “ruling exposes Apple as a company that takes other companies’ innovations and repackages them.”
Meanwhile, Apple accused Masimo of being the one that copied its intellectual property in its statement to the publication. “At Apple, our teams work tirelessly to create products and services that empower users with industry-leading health, wellness, and safety features. Masimo is attempting to take advantage of these many innovations by introducing a device that copies Apple Watch and infringes on our intellectual property, while also trying to eliminate competition from the market. We respectfully disagree with today’s decision, and look forward to a full review by the commission,” a spokesperson said.
The judge’s decision was only an initial ruling that reflects the ITC’s findings during its investigation, and the final ruling for the case won’t be handed down until May 10th.
Twitter begins forcing its TikTok-like ‘For You’ timeline on iOS
Twitter has started to roll out a big change on iOS by replacing the “sparkle” button that switches between the algorithmic and reverse chronological feeds. Now, you swipe between two tabs called “For You” and “Following,” to change your timeline, and you’ll always see the For You tab first when you open the app.
The company more or less stole the For You name from TikTok, rather than using the Home moniker it had before. As with Home (and TikTok), it shows tweets from accounts you follow out of order, along with algorithmically-selected tweets from others you may like.
Engadget
In fact, Twitter introduced a very similar feature earlier this year, letting you swipe between “Home” and “Latest Tweets” to switch timelines. However, it abandoned the idea days later after a chorus of complaints from users who didn’t like the fact that Home was basically foisted on them.
The company seems set on implementing it again anyway with a different name, and it may generate the same gripes, judging by the replies to Twitter Support. On the web or current Android app, selecting the chronological feed is a permanent choice, and stays even if you close the app. With the new iOS version, however, For You always appears when you close and reopen the app, so you’ll have to switch your timeline to Following every single time.
Elon Musk promised to make this change late last year, tweeting that “main timeline should allow for an easy sideways swipe between the top, latest, trending and topics that you follow.” With two of those now implemented, we could see further changes down the road .
Apple will reportedly start using in-house displays for its watches by 2024
Apple will begin replacing its mobile devices’ displays with its in-house screen technology as soon as next year, according to Bloomberg. The tech giant will reportedly start with its highest-end Apple Watches in late 2024 and will swap the devices’ current OLED screens with its own microLED technology. Bloomberg says Apple’s homegrown display tech will also make its way to its other devices, including the iPhone. The new display is brighter with more vibrant colors and will reportedly make it seem as if watchfaces and other content are painted on top of the glass. Plus, it can be viewed better at an angle.
The publication first reported about Apple’s efforts to develop its own display way back in 2018. Apparently, Apple was originally working to introduce its technology in 2020, but it was hampered by the costs and technical challenges associated with the development. Those same concerns also prevented the company from including larger displays in its plans and had prompted it to focus on making the Watch the first device with its in-house screen.
Despite the delay and potential future delays — Apple might push back the display’s debut to 2025, Bloomberg’s sources said — the technology is one of the company’s most critical projects. The tech giant has reportedly spent several billion dollars on its development and is already testing the new screen on an update to the Apple Watch Ultra. It’s also test manufacturing the screens in its facility in Santa Clara, California, though it may ultimately outsource its mass production.
As Bloomberg notes, Apple’s shift to its own displays could be a big blow to its suppliers, mainly Samsung and LG. But the manufacturers may have been bracing for it for quite some time now: After all, it’s no secret that Apple has been developing its own components in a bid to lessen reliance on third-party companies. It had previously moved away from Intel processors to its own chips for Mac computers and its reportedly planning to use its own wireless chipsets in iPhones by 2025.
Parler has reportedly cut ‘majority’ of staff in recent weeks
Parler parent company Parlement Technologies has cut the “majority” of its staff in recent weeks, according to a new report. The Verge reports that the company has slashed close to 75 percent of staff, including several executives, in recent weeks with…
Samsung’s first Unpacked event of 2023 takes place February 1st
The rumors were true, apparently. Samsung has announced that its first Galaxy Unpacked event of 2023 will take place February 1st at 1PM Eastern. And unlike last year’s events, the company is comfortable with an in-person presentation — it’s inviting …
‘Madden NFL 23’ will drop CPR touchdown celebrations after Damar Hamlin cardiac arrest
Madden NFL 23 developer EA Sports says it will remove CPR touchdown celebrations from the game in light of Damar Hamlin’s recent life-threatening injury. Hamlin, a second-year safety with the Buffalo Bills, suffered an on-the-field cardiac ar…
Maker of the Stem Player drops Ye, builds a portable projector
Kano Computing is back with another oddball puck device with a creative but somewhat hazy premise. The Stem Projector is a spin-off of the Stem Player, the audio remixing gadget launched in 2021 in collaboration with the artist formerly known as Kanye …
Former Forza Horizon leaders open ‘AAA’ studio Maverick Games
Yet more video game veterans are forming a new studio after leaving an industry heavyweight. Key leaders from Forza Horizon creator Playground Games have established Maverick Games, a Leamington Spak, UK development house devoted to ‘AAA’ titles. Gamesindustry.biznotes the studio is headed by former Horizon creative director Mike Brown, while executive producer Tom Butcher, technical chief Matt Craven, content director Gareth Harwood and audio lead Fraser Strachan.
The 10-person team’s art director is Ben Penrose, who most recently worked at Vampire the Masquerade: Blood Hunt developer Sharkmob but also has experience at Playground. Former EA experience director Elly Marshall is in charge of experience and interface development. Sega and Sumo veteran Harinder Sangha is the operations chief.
Maverick hasn’t shared much about its first project, but does say it will be an open-world title for consoles and PCs. Brown suggests the game will be a response to how people entertain themselves in the modern era — think subscription services and TikTok. That means games that are continuously involving without being repetitive, Brown explains.
As with similar launches, Maverick is hoping to veer away from ‘safe’ projects. Brown tells GI.biz he wants to encourage “creative risks,” but also wants to keep out “toxic” egos that can damage the team. Sangha hopes the company can help improve diversity in the game industry. This is about shaking up the existing formula which, while reliable, doesn’t allow for much variety.
Brown and Sangha stressed that they left their respective former employers on good terms. However, they and Maverick are part of a broader trend of high-profile game devs going independent after dealing with creative frustration (or simply boredom) at major studios. Simply speaking, big-name brands can’t assume their top talent will stick around.
‘TMNT: Shredder’s Revenge’ hits iOS and Android as a Netflix mobile exclusive
If you’re looking for a game to play right now and you have a Netflix subscription, it’s worth checking out Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge. It just hit iOS and Android mobile as a mobile exclusive for Netflix members.Shredder’s Reveng…