The video discusses Microsoft’s abandonment of the Surface Duo 2 smartphone, which has left users without updates and support, prompting calls for compensation, while also covering significant legal challenges facing Google and a major leak of Apple’s upcoming M4 MacBook Pro. Additionally, it touches on Intel’s new CPUs, MediaTek’s flagship chip, and various tech news items, including Samsung’s profit crisis and Huawei’s Harmony OS beta release.
In this week’s video, the host discusses several significant tech news stories, starting with Microsoft’s decision to abandon its Surface Duo 2 smartphone. The device, which was priced at $1,500 and released in 2021, has received only one Android OS upgrade and will soon reach its end of support, leaving users stuck on Android 12 L. The lack of support and updates has led to disappointment among users, prompting the host to suggest that Microsoft should consider compensating affected customers, similar to how Google refunded users of the abandoned Stadia service.
The second story focuses on Google facing legal challenges following its loss to Epic Games. The ruling mandates that Google allow rival third-party app stores access to its full catalog of apps and stop requiring Google Play billing for apps distributed on its platform. This decision could significantly alter the app store model for Android. Additionally, the U.S. Department of Justice has proposed remedies for Google’s search monopoly, which could include breaking up the company and sharing search data with rivals. Google plans to appeal these decisions, indicating a tumultuous period ahead for the tech giant.
In a surprising turn of events, Apple experienced a major leak regarding its upcoming M4 MacBook Pro. Russian YouTubers showcased the device in an unboxing video, revealing details about the new M4 chip and improved specifications. This leak is particularly notable given Apple’s history of aggressively pursuing leakers, highlighting the company’s obsession with maintaining secrecy around its products. The leak raises questions about the effectiveness of Apple’s security measures, especially since the individuals involved may not fear legal repercussions due to the company’s withdrawal from the Russian market.
The video also touches on Intel’s launch of its next-generation desktop CPUs, known as AOL Lake, which reportedly show minimal performance improvements compared to the previous generation but offer better efficiency and lower power consumption. Meanwhile, MediaTek introduced its new flagship Dimensity 9,400 chip, boasting significant performance gains and reduced power usage. Additionally, Nintendo announced a quirky $100 alarm clock named Alarmo, which features motion sensing and plays music from popular games, although the host expresses skepticism about the concept.
Finally, the video covers various brief news items, including Samsung’s admission of a crisis due to missed profit targets, a hack linked to Chinese state actors targeting U.S. wireless systems, and the FBI’s creation of a cryptocurrency to investigate financial crimes. The segment also highlights Huawei’s Harmony OS reaching a public beta phase and the recent Nobel Prizes awarded for advancements in AI research. The host concludes by promoting Grammarly, an AI writing assistant that helps improve writing quality, emphasizing its usefulness for professionals.