Autor: Alex

## A Rundown of What’s New and Improved in Android 15 — So Far  *Illustration by Samar Haddad / The Verge* The annual tech extravaganza that is Google I/O 2024 has come and gone, leaving us with an eagerly anticipated glimpse into the future of Android. Now that the second beta release of Android 15 is available, it's time to explore the new features and enhancements that Google has in store for us. Here's a sneak peek at everything the latest Android OS promises: ### How to Get Involved in the Beta Testing Before we dive into the new features, you might want to experience them firsthand. Google is currently allowing Pixel owners to sign up for beta testing, with selected handsets from manufacturers like OnePlus and…

**Apple's Epic Time Travel Series "Time Bandits" Set to Debut in July** *Image: Apple* You won't need a time machine to witness Apple TV Plus' next great adventure. The streaming service recently announced exciting news for TV enthusiasts and fans of classic comedy alike: *Time Bandits*, based on the iconic 1981 Terry Gilliam film, is slated to premiere on July 24th. This much-anticipated adaptation promises a thrilling journey through time, crafted into a 10-episode series. According to Apple, the plot follows an "unpredictable journey through time and space with a ragtag group of thieves and their latest recruit: an 11-year-old history buff named Kevin." This intriguing setup not only captures the essence of the original film but also introduces a fresh narrative dimension perfect for a serialized format. **A Stellar…

**Google CEO Sundar Pichai on AI-Powered Search and the Future of the Web** *Photo illustration by The Verge* In a recent in-depth conversation with Decoder, Sundar Pichai, the CEO of Google, shared key insights on the revolutionary advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and their implications for the future of Google Search and the broader web. ## Unveiling AI's Potential in Search As AI continues to evolve, its potential to transform search engines becomes increasingly clear. Pichai delved into how AI is enabling Google to deliver more efficient, accurate, and intuitive search results. The incorporation of machine learning models, natural language processing, and other AI advancements has revolutionized the way users interact with search engines. "AI is fundamentally changing how we understand and respond to search queries," Pichai noted, highlighting that…

# Apple’s Next AirTag: The Future of Bluetooth Tracking Arrives in 2025  ## The Evolution of AirTags If you’re like many Apple users, you might not have given much thought to replacing your trusty AirTag yet. These tiny, clever devices have become an essential part of our daily lives, helping to keep track of everything from keys to luggage. But as technology races forward, so too must our gadgets. According to a recent report from Bloomberg, Apple is already working on a new generation of AirTags, slated for release in mid-2025. ## What to Expect from the New AirTag So, what can we anticipate from this next-gen AirTag? One of the standout features in development is an updated chip boasting enhanced location tracking…

# OpenAI Pulls Its Scarlett Johansson-esque Voice from ChatGPT In a recent turn of events, OpenAI has decided to pause the use of a ChatGPT voice that bears a striking resemblance to Scarlett Johansson. This move comes after widespread attention from various media outlets and even a spoof on *Saturday Night Live* that noted the uncanny similarity. The voice in question, known as Sky, will no longer be actively used for the time being. ## The Official Statement OpenAI has made it clear that it does not endorse the deliberate mimicry of any celebrity’s voice. In a recent announcement, OpenAI stated: > "We believe that AI voices should not deliberately mimic a celebrity’s distinctive voice— Sky’s voice is not an imitation of Scarlett Johansson but belongs to a different professional…

**What to Expect from Microsoft’s Surface Event Today** *Photo by Amelia Holowaty Krales / The Verge* One of Microsoft’s most consequential hardware events in years is about to take place. While it's not the company's renowned developer conference, Microsoft Build, which starts on Tuesday, today's smaller event on May 20th promises to be momentous in its own right. Microsoft is set to unveil the next generation of its Surface devices. **What’s on the Horizon?** At this event, we anticipate Microsoft to introduce new versions of the Surface Pro 10 and the Surface Laptop 6. And there's a significant twist: both devices are expected to run on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite processors. This move is Microsoft's latest, and perhaps most determined, attempt to transition to Arm architecture. The company is optimistic…

**Meta and LG’s Headset Partnership Hits Turbulence: What We Know So Far** It appears that Meta and LG’s ambitious collaboration to develop an extended reality (XR) device is facing significant challenges. This joint venture aimed to create a competitor to Apple’s Vision Pro headset. However, recent developments suggest that the partnership may be experiencing a rough patch.  ## A Promising Start In February of this year, LG CEO William Cho and LG Home Entertainment president Park Hyoung-sei sat down with Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg to discuss a groundbreaking XR project. Both firms were looking to leverage their strengths—Meta’s Horizon Worlds mixed reality platform and LG's robust content and service capabilities from its TV business—to create a cutting-edge device. Excitement mounted as the partnership was announced,…

**Securing Democracy: Election Officials Battle AI Threats in Arizona** **Introduction** In an era where technological advancements constantly evolve, the threats to democratic processes have taken a new and alarming turn. Artificial Intelligence (AI), once lauded for its potential to transform industries positively, now poses significant challenges to election integrity. Recognizing this, Arizona’s Secretary of State, Adrian Fontes, took proactive measures to educate and prepare those on the front lines of democracy. **A Unique Tabletop Exercise** Understanding the gravity and immediacy of AI threats, Secretary Fontes organized a distinctive tabletop exercise designed specifically for journalists. Held against the backdrop of Arizona’s vast political landscape, this exercise wasn’t just a traditional simulation. Instead, it invited journalists to step into the shoes of election officials, providing them an immersive experience of the speed…

# Two Students Uncover Security Flaw in Internet-Connected Washing Machines: Millions Could Do Laundry for Free ## Introduction In an unexpected turn of events highlighting the vulnerabilities in modern technology, two University of California, Santa Cruz students have discovered a significant security lapse in internet-connected washing machines. This flaw could potentially allow millions of college students and others to do their laundry for free, according to a recent report by TechCrunch.  ## The Discovery Alexander Sherbrooke and Iakov Taranenko, the two students who made this groundbreaking discovery, uncovered the security vulnerability within the machines' API (Application Programming Interface). The exploited API permits the manipulation of the machines' app, which is intended for remote laundry management. ## Implications of the Vulnerability The severity of…