ICYMI: The 8 biggest tech news stories of the week, from the Galaxy Z Fold 6 to OpenAI SearchGPT
Every week is a busy week in the tech world, so it’s no surprise that the past seven days have been packed with news and leaks: we’ve seen major stories about ChatGPT, Spotify, Apple, Google, and many more.
Here at TechRadar we’ve also found the time to publish two important reviews: for the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 and for Deadpool and WolverineMarvel’s latest film (which could mark a turning point in his fate).
We understand that you might not have time to check TechRadar throughout the day, with all our busy lives. So, in case you missed it, here’s our round-up of all the important tech news from the past week.
8. We tested the Galaxy Z Fold 6 – and were very impressed
The Galaxy Z Fold 6 is Samsung’s new flagship foldable for 2024, and while we didn’t get a huge upgrade in every area, the overall improvement over the Galaxy Z Fold 5 is noticeable. It’s, quite simply, the best foldable Samsung has ever released.
As always, our full Galaxy Z Fold 6 review is as comprehensive as possible – find out how the foldable phone scores in all the key areas, including performance, battery life and durability (a crucial consideration with any foldable phone).
7. OpenAI told us when ChatGPT’s new voice mode will finally launch
A new Voice Mode for ChatGPT was announced to a flurry of hype in May, but a number of issues – including a feud with Scarlett Johansson – delayed the launch. Now, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has said that an early test version will launch sometime next week.
ChatGPT can already talk to users, but the new Voice Mode means “real-time, natural conversations with AI” – so it’ll be almost exactly the same as talking to a human, minus the pauses, interruptions, and all the inconsistencies of everyday conversation. In theory, at least – and it’ll likely only be available to a small group of Plus subscribers to start, ahead of a full launch later this year.
6. Spotify announced a new ‘Deluxe’ tier with better sound quality
While ChatGPT’s new Voice Mode has been delayed, it’s still a far cry from Spotify’s lossless audio subscription, which was announced back in February 2021. More than three years later, it appears that this new, additional premium streaming subscription is still in the works.
During Spotify’s latest earnings call, CEO Daniel Ek hinted at a “deluxe” version of Spotify coming with a higher price tag. However, he didn’t say when we’d be able to sign up for it, so prepare to wait a while for the upgrade.
5. We called Deadpool and Wolverine ‘the best Marvel movie in years’
The stakes are high for the new Deadpool and Wolverine movie from Marvel, featuring two of the most bankable characters teaming up. And based on our full review of the film, fans of both franchises (and the MCU in general) will have a lot of fun with this film.
Though “overly chaotic” at times, the film is a “gloriously bloody, hilarious, cameo-filled, and surprisingly endearing film” – though it may not be enough to completely turn the fortunes of the MCU around. Be warned, our review contains mild spoilers.
4. A new Google Nest thermostat was discovered in a new leak
It’s been a while since we’ve gotten a new Google Nest thermostat, but based on a new leak, a new model could be on the way soon. And it looks like the familiar Nest thermostat interface we’re used to is getting a major overhaul.
If this leak is accurate, the upcoming Nest thermostat will feature a rounded rather than flat glass front and could potentially feature touchscreen controls for the first time in the series. It also seems like a long-awaited update to the Nest temperature sensor is on the way.
3. CrowdStrike Told Us What Caused the Great Computer Crash of 2024
The Windows IT outage caused by a faulty CrowdStrike software update was one of the largest in history. While most systems are now back up and running, lessons must be learned to prevent similar disasters in the future.
CrowdStrike published an initial assessment of the incident this week, which confirms what we already knew: a content configuration update, ironically intended to better protect computers, subsequently led to a massive crash of the Windows ecosystem.
2. Apple Maps hit the web to tempt us away from Google Maps
Apple Maps has finally hit the web, albeit in beta form, causing even more trouble for Google Maps. The update is especially good for Windows users, as they can now easily access most of Apple Maps functionality in any standard browser window.
You can now get walking or driving directions on Apple Maps on the web, switch between three map styles (standard, satellite or hybrid), look up details about businesses and explore curated guides to specific places from the Apple Maps team. There are a lot of missing features, including Look Around, but it’s a solid first step.
1. OpenAI took on Google with new AI-powered search engine
We can expect quite a shake-up in how we find information on the web. Bing began prioritizing its AI results on search pages this week, and we also got our first look at ChatGPT developer OpenAI’s new search engine: SearchGPT.
Currently, you have to join a waiting list to use SearchGPT, and it has been described by OpenAI as a “temporary prototype.” But if the service catches on, it could disrupt more than two decades of tradition in terms of how we search the web.
