In a week dominated by discussions of AI, the spotlight shone brightly on both established billionaires and aspiring millionaires in the tech space. The narrative was further enriched by Microsoft’s significant updates to Windows 11 and Office, alongside enticing early Prime Day deals and gadget reviews. Here’s a closer look at the most noteworthy tech developments from the past week.
<h2 class="article-bodysection” id=”section-art-is-dead-dude-it-s-over-ai-won-humans-lost”>“Art is dead, dude. It’s over. AI won. Humans lost”
Jason M. Allen, an artist who recently clinched victory in a digital art competition with a piece generated by Midjourney, has stirred a provocative debate by declaring that “art is dead.” Allen’s lament about losing millions due to the unauthorized use of his AI-generated creations has sparked discussions around the ownership and ethics of AI-generated artwork.
This week also marked the rollout of a major update for Windows 11, elevating the operating system to version 24H2. This update not only introduces a suite of new features but also enhances performance significantly. Users can expect a smoother experience with reduced lag, thanks to various optimizations made under the hood. Notably, the update improves the performance of Windows on Arm devices, allowing them to run emulated x86 applications more effectively, which is particularly beneficial for gaming.
Among the key enhancements in the Windows 11 2024 Update are:
- A revamped File Explorer home tab featuring an updated layout for shared documents.
- The ability to duplicate tabs via a simple right-click.
- An improved context menu layout for easier navigation.
- Support for creating .7z and .TAR archive formats.
- Direct access to your Android phone’s file system through File Explorer.
- A new Outlook app integrating email, calendar, and contacts.
- Updates to Microsoft Copilot as a standalone web application.
- AI-enhanced features in Photos for generative erase and background editing.
- Faster and less intrusive Windows updates with checkpoint support.
- Voice Clarity technology utilizing AI to minimize background noise in supported applications.
- New energy-saving configurations for both laptops and desktops.
- Support for Wi-Fi 7 hardware.
- Integration of Phone Link into the Start menu.
<h2 class="article-bodysection” id=”section-openai-raises-6-6-billion”>OpenAI raises .6 billion
OpenAI has secured a substantial .6 billion investment from tech giants NVIDIA and Microsoft, propelling its valuation to an impressive 7 billion. While there were rumors of Apple joining this investment round, the company ultimately opted out. Interestingly, OpenAI has requested its investors to refrain from supporting competing AI firms, including Anthropic and xAI, emphasizing the competitive landscape of the AI industry.
<h2 class="article-bodysection” id=”section-office-2024″>Office 2024
Microsoft also unveiled Office 2024, a standalone suite of applications including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, available for a one-time purchase ranging from 9.99 to 9.99. Unlike the subscription-based Microsoft 365, Office 2024 caters to users seeking a more traditional software model. This new version boasts a refreshed interface and several enhancements compared to Office 2021, aligning seamlessly with the aesthetics of Windows 11.
<h2 class="article-bodysection” id=”section-review-roundup”>Review Roundup
This week, our team evaluated a range of the latest laptops, accessories, and games, with all reviewed devices earning commendable ratings. The ASUS ProArt PX13 stood out for its innovative touchpad design, which integrates a dial for enhanced creative interactions. Similarly, the Razer Kraken V4 headset received accolades for its comfort and impressive sound quality, making it a top contender in the sub-0 market.
Meanwhile, the expansion for Starfield, titled Shattered Space, has garnered mixed reactions, with some players feeling that it did not live up to the hype. Our review highlighted both the enjoyment and the criticisms surrounding the expansion, reflecting the diverse opinions within the gaming community.
<h2 class="article-bodysection” id=”section-early-prime-day-deals”>Early Prime Day deals
As anticipation builds for Amazon’s Prime Big Deal Days event set to commence on October 8, 2024, savvy shoppers can already take advantage of early discounts on PCs and various gadgets. Retailers like Walmart, Target, and Best Buy are joining the fray with competitive pricing aimed at clearing inventory ahead of the holiday season. Our coverage includes a selection of the most enticing deals available now.
