What’s Popping in Science & Tech?
In the ever-evolving world of science and technology, there’s always something new on the horizon. This week, we’ve got some juicy updates that could change how you interact with AI, VR, and video chats. Grab your favorite drink, and let’s dive in!
Google Gemini’s Limitations Revealed
If you’ve been curious about Google’s Gemini, the wait is over. Recently, Google published specific usage limits for Gemini at various tiers, lifting the cloud of confusion surrounding “limited access” disclaimers. Free users can now send up to 100 images and five prompts per day, while those willing to pay for Google AI Ultra can send 1,000 images and 500 prompts. So, whether you’re just dipping your toes into AI or jumping in headfirst, knowing these limits can help you plan your usage wisely!
WMR Headsets Make a Comeback
Do you remember when Microsoft discontinued its Windows Mixed Reality (WMR) headsets, turning them into glorified paperweights? Well, good news! An Xbox engineer, Matthieu Bucchianeri, has introduced the Oasis Driver for WMR on Steam. This driver allows users to bypass the lagging Mixed Reality Portal and jump directly into SteamVR. Early tests show positive feedback from users, offering a new lease on life for those WMR headsets gathering dust!
OpenAI’s Animated Film: Critterz
In a uniquely ambitious move, OpenAI has decided to create a full-length animated film titled Critterz, utilizing AI models for animation. While it sounds like a futuristic utopia, there’s still a human touch involved, with artists contributing sketches and voiceovers. It’s interesting to see how AI can streamline creative processes, isn’t it? Until we have fully functioning androids, at least we’ll still have artists to collaborate with.
Custom AI Backgrounds on WhatsApp
If you’ve ever thought that your video calls could use a little spicing up, WhatsApp has rolled out a fun feature: the ability to generate custom AI backgrounds. Boring presets? No more! Now, you can have anything from a serene beach scene to a whimsical purple dog munching on chicken tikka behind you. Not only is this a fun personal touch, but it also caters to privacy concerns, allowing you to blur or change your background entirely.
Google Photos + Veo: A Match Made in Tech Heaven?
In the realm of photo editing, Google is making waves with its upgraded video-generation model, Veo 3, now available on Google Photos. This feature takes yourstill images and magically transforms them into short video clips. While the regular “Photo to Video” feature is already there, Google promises that Veo 3 will elevate the quality. But how much of a difference will it make for the average user, and what about those of us living outside the U.S.? It’s definitely something to keep an eye on!
Snapchat’s Imagine Lens: Dream Big!
Snapchat is also getting in on the action with their Imagine Lens feature. This allows you to create AI-generated images based on text prompts. Want to see yourself as a cowboy riding a dragon? Just type it in and let the AI handle the rest. However, it’s not completely free; you’ll need a Snapchat+ or Lens+ subscription, which costs around $9 a month. Will this be a hit among users, or will it fade into obscurity, like so many fleeting trends?
Wrapping Up
As we continue to see innovation across various platforms, it’s clear that technology is reshaping our interactions in many ways. Whether it’s through AI-driven films, enhanced video calls, or reviving old hardware, the possibilities are exciting. If you’re keen to stay updated on the latest trends and tools in tech, consider exploring what companies like Pro21st are diving into. They’re at the forefront of discussions around tech advancements that matter. Let’s keep the conversation going!
