Every week in tech is a busy week, 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 more.
Here at TechRadar, we've also found time to publish two important reviews: the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 and the Deadpool and WolverineMarvel's latest film (which could mark a turning point in its fortunes).
We understand you might not have time to check TechRadar all day every day (we all live busy lives), so here's our round-up (in case you missed it) of everything important that happened in tech over the past week.
8. We reviewed the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and were very impressed
The Galaxy Z Fold 6 is Samsung’s new flagship foldable device for 2024, and while it’s not a huge improvement in every aspect, the overall improvement over the Galaxy Z Fold 5 is noticeable. It is, quite simply, the best foldable device Samsung has ever released.
As always, our full Galaxy Z Fold 6 review is as comprehensive as it gets – find out how the foldable scores in all the areas that matter, including performance, battery life, and durability (a crucial consideration in a foldable phone).
7. OpenAI told us when ChatGPT's new voice mode will finally be released
A new voice mode for ChatGPT was announced amid a flurry of hype in May, but a few issues (including a run-in with Scarlett Johansson) delayed the launch. Now, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has said that a pre-release version will be released sometime next week.
ChatGPT can already talk to users, but the new voice mode involves “natural, real-time conversations powered by AI,” so it will be almost exactly like talking to a human being, with pauses, interruptions, and all the inconsistencies of everyday conversation. At least in theory, and it will likely only be available to a small group of Plus subscribers, before 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 can’t compare to Spotify’s lossless audio tier, which was first announced in February 2021. More than three years later, it seems this new extra-premium streaming plan is still in the works.
On Spotify's latest earnings call, CEO Daniel Ek referenced a “deluxe” version of Spotify being on the way, with a higher price tag, but he didn't say when we'll be able to subscribe to it, so be prepared to keep waiting for the upgrade.
5. We said Deadpool and Wolverine were “the best Marvel movie in years”
There is a lot at stake in the new Deadpool and Wolverine Marvel movie, in which two of its most bankable characters team up, and according to our full review of the film, fans of both franchises (and the MCU in general) will really enjoy this film.
While at times “too chaotic,” the film is “gloriously gory, riotously funny, packed with cameos and surprisingly endearing,” though it may not be enough to completely reverse the MCU’s fortunes. Please note that our review includes minor spoilers.
4. New Google Nest Thermostat Spotted in New Leak
It’s been a while since we’ve been treated to a new Google Nest Thermostat, but another model could be imminent, according to a new leak, and it looks like the familiar Nest Thermostat interface we’ve grown accustomed to is set for a substantial revamp.
If this leak is true, the next Nest Thermostat will have a rounded glass face rather than a flat one and could adopt touchscreen controls for the first time in the series. It also looks like a long-overdue update to the Nest temperature sensor is on the way.
3. CrowdStrike told us what caused the great computer meltdown of 2024
The Windows computer system outage caused by a faulty CrowdStrike software update was one of the largest in history, and while most systems are now back up and running, lessons will need to be learned to avoid similar catastrophes in the future.
CrowdStrike published its first review of the incident this week, telling us more or less what we already knew: that a content settings update, ironically designed to keep computers better protected, led to a massive collapse of the Windows ecosystem.
2. Apple Maps came to the web to tempt us with Google Maps
Apple Maps has finally arrived on the web, albeit in beta, giving Google Maps even more reason to worry. The update benefits Windows users in particular, as they can now easily access most of Apple Maps' features within any standard browser window.
You can now get walking or driving directions in Apple Maps on the web, as well as 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 plenty of features missing, including Look Around, but it's a good first step.
1. OpenAI took on Google with a new AI-powered search engine
We could be on the cusp of a big change in the way we search for information on the web. Bing started giving more priority to 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, using SearchGPT requires signing up for a waiting list, and OpenAI has described it as a “temporary prototype.” Still, if the service takes off, it could upend more than two decades of tradition in how we search the web.
