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China's Robots vs Tesla's Robots

Plus: Apple Introduces AI-Powered Photo Editing

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Good Morning Techies, This week in tech was hectic, with Apple constantly making advancements, a new player in the Humanoid Robot race, and more.

Let’s get into it.

TODAY IN TECH:

  • Apple’s New AI-Powered Photo Editing

  • China's Robots challenge Tesla's Optimus

  • Telegram CEO Arrested

  • The Return of Transparent Tech

TOPIC

China's Robots challenge Tesla's Optimus

Image source: South China Morning Post

At the 2024 World Robot Conference in Beijing, China showcased its ambition in the robotics sector with over two dozen homegrown humanoid robots, highlighting the country's aim to lead in this technology, much like it does in smartphones and EVs. Tesla's Optimus was there too, but it's China's push for innovation and affordability in robotics that stole the show.

The Details:

  • 27 new Chinese humanoid robots were displayed, indicating a significant push towards mass production by 2025.

  • Tesla showcased its Optimus robot, which stood out as the only foreign model, with plans to deploy 1,000 units in its factories next year.

  • Despite the enthusiasm, Chinese manufacturers face hurdles like high production costs and the need for better AI training data to make these robots more practical and affordable.

  • Beijing and Shanghai have launched billion-dollar funds to support robotics, showing strong government backing for the industry.

  • Robots at the expo demonstrated capabilities from industrial tasks to cultural activities like playing traditional instruments, suggesting diverse future applications.

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APPLE

Apple’s New AI-Powered Photo Editing

Image source: TechBooky

Apple's latest developer betas for iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, and macOS 15.1 introduce an AI feature called "Clean Up," allowing users to effortlessly remove unwanted objects from photos.

The Details:

  • "Clean Up" uses AI to erase objects from photos, intelligently filling in backgrounds.

  • Similar to Google's Magic Eraser, available in Google Photos.

  • Part of Apple's wider AI feature set in iOS 18.1, including writing tools and smart replies.

  • Currently for developers, limited to U.S. English settings.

APPS

Telegram CEO Arrested

Image source: Al Jazeera

Pavel Durov, the CEO of Telegram, has been formally charged in France for allegedly allowing criminal activities on his messaging app, including the distribution of child sexual abuse material and other illicit content.

The Details:

  • Durov faces charges for complicity in the spread of sexual images of children, among other violations related to drug trafficking, fraud, and calls for violence.

  • He was released on a €5 million bail, must stay in France, and report to the police twice a week.

  • Durov, a billionaire with French citizenship, was arrested at Le Bourget airport. His platform, Telegram, is popular for its minimal moderation policies, attracting scrutiny from global law enforcement.

  • The company claims to adhere to EU laws and argues that it's unreasonable to hold the platform or its owner liable for user abuses.

  • The arrest has sparked discussions on free speech versus government censorship, with Russian officials suggesting political motivations, a claim denied by French President Emmanuel Macron.

COOL TECH

The Transparent Tech Comeback!

5 NEW transparent gadgets:

Enjoy!

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