News Summary – December 17, 2024
Insta360 Connect: New AI Videobar for Hybrid Meetings
Publication Date: December 17, 2024
Insta360, known for its action and 360° cameras, has unveiled the „Insta360 Connect,“ a new videobar designed for hybrid meetings in small to medium conference rooms. The device features two 4K cameras, a 14-microphone array, and AI-based image and sound processing. Available now for €2,399, it offers automatic AI-framing, a gallery mode, and tracks speaking individuals using sound location and recognition technology.
Powerfox Avoids Bankruptcy by Restructuring
Publication Date: December 17, 2024
The company behind Powerfox, power42 GmbH, has overcome financial hardships and has its operations now managed by Powerfox Energy GmbH. Existing customers need to confirm data transfer via email, failing which their data will be deleted by year-end. Powerfox’s smart energy solutions, including PowerOpti and the delayed PowerFox Flow gas meter module, are set to resume development.
HomePod Users Face Sync Issues in Software Update 18.2
Publication Date: December 17, 2024
HomePod’s latest software update, version 18.2, fails to address issues with asynchronous playback in multiroom setups and stereosets. Users resort to workarounds like disabling „Audio Crossfade“ and „Lossless“ to mitigate the problem.
ChatGPT Search Now Free for All Users
Publication Date: December 17, 2024
OpenAI has announced that ChatGPT’s search feature will now be available for free to all users, removing the need for a subscription. Users must register for a free account to access this feature, which integrates into ChatGPT’s extended voice mode and can be set as a default search engine in Google Chrome.
Mac Photo Editing Software „Acorn“ Released in Version 8
Publication Date: December 17, 2024
Image editing software Acorn releases version 8, bringing AI tools for automatic subject recognition and background removal. The update includes new text tools and support for image format JPEG-XL. The software can be trialed for two weeks and is available for an introductory price of $19.99.
macOS 15.2 Screen Synchronization Icon Confuses Users
Publication Date: December 16, 2024
Users of macOS Sequoia 15.2 are experiencing a persistent blue icon indicating screen synchronization in the menu bar, even when inactive. The problem, confirmed as a bug, affects users connecting external monitors.
Apple Rumored to Be Redesigning the Magic Mouse
Publication Date: December 16, 2024
Apple is reportedly working on a redesign of the Magic Mouse, addressing long-standing user complaints about its charging port location. A release is not expected for at least a year or more as prototypes are still in development.
„LightsOut“ App Allows Mac Users to Disable Screens with a Click
Publication Date: December 16, 2024
LightsOut is a macOS application that lets users turn off displays via a simple menu bar click. Ideal for those using multiple monitors, it is available for free on GitHub and is notarized by Apple.
Indoor Cam E30: Eufy Introduces 4K Resolution for Indoor Cameras
Publication Date: December 16, 2024
Eufy has launched the Indoor Cam E30, featuring 4K video resolution, night vision, and auto-tracking capabilities. The camera supports local and cloud storage, with HomeKit compatibility reducing the resolution to 1080p.
Ireland Fines Meta $263 Million for 2018 View As Data Breach
Publication Date: December 17, 2024
Ireland’s Data Protection Committee fined Meta €251 million for the 2018 Facebook „View As“ data breach, which exposed personal data of millions of users. This follows a $31.7 million settlement in Australia related to the Cambridge Analytica scandal. Meta faces additional pending settlements worldwide.
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