In the tech world this week, Google unveiled its unified Gemini AI, previously called Bard, and launched a new Android app, meanwhile, Paramount Plus removed a bunch of popular programs and we reviewed Apple Vision Pro.
To help you catch up on the week's biggest tech news, we've gathered it here in this roundup. You'll also find links to the full stories for more context and analysis.
There are still a few weeks to go but MWC is on its way. From February 26 to 29, we expect to see big advancements in the world of phones, computers, and artificial intelligence, so be sure to check back here for the latest updates as MWC begins.
8. Paramount Plus removed even more original content
First, we saw Max reduce its content library, then Disney Plus, and now the latest streamer to do the same is Paramount Plus. At the start of the week, subscribers logged into the platform only to discover that a dozen movies and shows had disappeared overnight, including The Hot Girls, One Night, The Killer, The Serial Killer's Wife, The Doll Factory, The Shared Apartment and Chemistry of death.
The move is part of a broader effort in the streaming world to optimize content and save money. The idea is that by freeing up their portfolios, these services can focus on investing in Hollywood's biggest hits, licensing content to other platforms, and generally improving their profitability. Paramount Plus will reportedly announce a new round of layoffs soon.
7. LG's new G4 OLED TV brought brightness
We had the chance to spend some quality time with the new LG G4 OLED TV at the recent CES 20224, and if first impressions count, the future looks bright for LG's new OLED flagship.
According to LG, a Brightness Booster Max feature on the G4 enables 70% brighter images than on conventional OLED TVs. Another advancement is the Dolby Vision Filmmaker mode, which brings the image quality benefits of that mode to high dynamic range content. Audio and gaming also get a boost on the new G4, with support for 11.1.2 channel Dolby Atmos sound and a '144Hz Validated' certification from Nvidia.
LG's flagship OLEDs have traditionally been designed for wall mounting, but the 65- and 55-inch G4 models will come with stands. The new G4 OLED is expensive, but based on our brief time with it at CES, it's potentially worth it.
Goodbye, Google Bard. It was nice meeting you. This week, Google renamed its chatbot and gathered all of its artificial intelligence tools under a new umbrella called Gemini. This has made things simpler and more complicated because Gemini has a lot of AI stuff.
First of all, it's Google's free chatbot for your browser and smartphone, which means we now have a new Gemini app dedicated to Android. This will now roll out to the US and other regions “in the coming weeks.” You have an Iphone? It will also soon be available in the Google app on iOS.
Gemini is effectively replacing Google Assistant on Android, but there's more. Google also announced its most capable large language model yet, Gemini Ultra 1.0, which you can try now if you're willing to pay. It's part of the Google One AI Premium plan, which costs $20 / £18.99 per month (around AU$30 per month). It seems the AI revolution is just beginning.
5. We review the Apple Vision Pro
That's right, we put the Apple Vision Pro through our tests and it surprised us.
A pair of powerful processors, an unmatched virtual reality visual experience thanks to its dual 4K-OLED displays, and intuitive hand-tracking controls make the machine fantastic. But what makes Vision Pro magical is spatial video. If you can try it using Vision Pro or Meta Quest 3 (if you have an iPhone), we highly recommend it.
However, not everything was perfect. Obviously, the price is very high, but unfortunately, when it's packed with high-end hardware, that's to be expected. The battery was also a bit annoying (we wish it was built into the headset) and was also a bit heavy to use (even without the battery).
4. We said goodbye to Windows PC clutter
A powerful system cleaning tool created by Microsoft itself, PC Cleaner, will now be available to download for free from the Microsoft Store, making it easily accessible to Windows 10 and Windows 11 users. This tool is similar to the existing system cleaners like CCleaner and aims to improve PC performance and security by removing the clutter of unnecessary and potentially harmful files from system folders.
PC Cleaner comes with a variety of features like PC Boost, deep cleaning, process management, large file management, and more. Microsoft assures users that it has worked to prevent the deletion of vital system files and that it is a malware-free tool that includes tools that are typically offered at a higher price in other applications.
3. Our enthusiasm for the MCU got real
It's been a busy week for Disney, and that includes its largest subsidiary, Marvel. Not only has the comic giant introduced three new MCU timelines on Disney Plus, but it's also given us a lot to get excited about. Deadpool 3 and Daredevil: Born Again.
About him deadpool front, revealed Marvel president Kevin Feige Deadpool 3The official logo the only way you know how (aka via a baseball cap). We're also hoping to get a first trailer for the only Marvel movie of 2024 during Sunday's Super Bowl, and you won't want to miss it, from what we've heard.
as for Recklessfragments of born again Footage has been leaking online all week, and one of those scenes has MCU fans fearing for the fate of a loved one. Reckless character. To that we say: don't even think about killing them in the Disney Plus series, Marvel.
2. Affordable binoculars promised full-color 4K night vision
Yashica's latest Kickstarter project moves away from its analog roots; Yashica night vision binoculars. With a sensitivity of 0.0037 lux, a 3-level 850nm IR (infrared) illuminator and an f/1.0 aperture lens, the new binos for night explorers can display a color image in complete darkness, record 4K video and 58 MP photos, with clear viewing up to 600 meters.
Not new per se, the Sigweis night vision binoculars have a similar watertight design and a 4-inch TFT screen, but Yashica promises improved performance by using AI that improves image quality and upscales the HD image to 4K.
Currently in the production phase, the crowdfunded kit is close to production and available at a disturbingly low price. Could they be too good to be true? Hopefully, we won't have to wait long to find out.
1. The Discman returned… sort of
In the space of a month, people who miss the pre-iPod days of playing music on the go got two lovely new releases.
After affordable high-quality audio brand Fiio announced a beautiful new tape player, we now have a new portable CD player called DiscDream, created in part by an engineer on Sony's original Discman. The new player has much more sophisticated technology than older portable CD players and is designed for audiophiles, with an imposing square design and a matching metal finish.
If you don't want to lug around your entire CD collection to change albums, it also has an SD card slot and can play all types of high-resolution music files.
