Tech News Roundup: WhatsApp, Google Pixel 9, and AI Innovations

 

WhatsApp Introduces Like Button for Status Updates

WhatsApp is set to roll out a new feature that allows users to react to status updates with a like button. This feature, currently being tested by beta users on both Android and iOS, will enable users to instantly notify their contacts when they like a status update, streamlining the process of engagement. Unlike before, where users had to manually check who viewed their status, notifications will now be sent automatically whenever the like button is clicked. Positioned at the bottom left of the screen while viewing a status, this update aims to make WhatsApp’s status feature more interactive and user-friendly, akin to Instagram Stories. The feature is expected to be available globally in the coming weeks as part of a broader effort to enhance WhatsApp’s status functionality.

Google Pixel 9 Series: AI-Powered Camera and More

Google’s recent event unveiled the Pixel 9 series, showcasing how Android is evolving with the integration of its Gemini AI model. The Pixel 9 phones bring a host of new features, including the “Add Me” function, which ensures that no one is left out of group photos by making it easier to include everyone in the shot. Another standout feature is “Move Whatever, Wherever,” which lets users reposition people or objects within the frame to perfect their photos. The Pixel 9 series also introduces enhanced zoom capabilities, leveraging Gemini to maintain sharpness and detail even after significant zooming. Additionally, the new Pixel Studio allows users to create images on-device using Gemini, offering unprecedented creative possibilities. With the world’s first AI-powered camera, the Pixel 9 delivers superior HDR+, capturing accurate skin tones, textures, and shadows, and elevates video recording to 8K resolution with enhanced color and stabilization.

 

 

Elon Musk’s Grok AI Chatbot Sparks Controversy

Elon Musk’s AI chatbot, Grok, developed by his startup xAI, recently launched a feature on X (formerly Twitter) that allows users to create AI-generated images from text prompts. Almost immediately, the tool became the subject of controversy as users began flooding the platform with fake and potentially harmful images, including altered depictions of political figures in disturbing scenarios. Unlike other mainstream AI photo tools, Grok appears to have minimal content moderation, raising concerns about its potential to spread misinformation and create misleading content. For instance, Grok was used to generate images of politicians participating in false or exaggerated events, such as former President Donald Trump in fabricated scenarios, prompting widespread criticism. This lack of safeguards has sparked debate over the ethical implications of such powerful AI tools being made widely available with few restrictions.

Tune in every Tuesday, 9:30AM – 10:00AM, to get the latest tech gist only on Cosoro Radio.