Are Apple glasses too little, too late?

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APPLE TO DEVELOP NEW SMART GLASSES 👓

Q: What do you call a potato who wears glasses?

A: A spec-tater. 🥔

What’s up? Apple is reportedly developing AI-powered smart glasses, aiming for a 2027 release.

Want the details? These new glasses, inspired by the technology in Apple’s Vision Pro headset, would directly compete with Meta’s popular Ray-Ban smart glasses, with multiple models priced at under $300. Unlike the $3,500 Vision Pro, which remains a niche product, Apple’s smart glasses aim to attract a wider audience by leveraging its billion-dollar investment in visual intelligence. There’s also a plan to launch a lower-priced Vision Pro model with a simpler chip, aiming to make mixed reality more affordable. Additionally, Apple is exploring new AirPods with outward-facing cameras, experimenting with more immersive experiences.

What does this mean? The Apple Vision Pro was a major bust. It is too expensive, and the market indicates that nobody wants it except for a few tech bros. As a result, Apple is forced to adjust. However, with a release of smart glasses not slated until 2027, Meta is years ahead in this space.

LYFT JOINS UBER IN AV IMPLEMENTATION 🚘

I gave away my old car battery, free of charge. 🪫

What’s up? Lyft, the popular rideshare company, is taking a big step toward autonomous transportation, joining forces with three robotaxi companies.

Want the details? Lyft is partnering with three tech innovators: Mobileye, May Mobility, and Nexar. These partnerships aim to keep Lyft competitive with Uber, which has already teamed up with several autonomous vehicle (AV) companies. This will allow owners of AVs to put their car to work and also give riders the option to choose autonomous transportation. It will begin with singular car-types in a few big cities, like Atlanta, but will likely expand if initial efforts go well. This move underscores Lyft’s determination to stay relevant as self-driving technology transforms ridesharing.

GOOGLE’S SAUDI ARABIAN EFFORTS STIR CONTROVERSY 🙃

Why doesn’t Google just Google the solution to all its problems? 😅

What’s going on? Google has expanded into Saudi Arabia with a new AI-focused data center, highlighting global ambitions but stirring environmental controversy.

What’s the point of the data center? The AI hub will aid in developing Arabic-language AI models and create “Saudi-specific” applications aligned with local needs, marking a step forward in Arabic AI capabilities. Preliminary research commissioned by Google Cloud and conducted by Access Partnership, a global tech policy advisory firm, estimates the new AI hub could add a cumulative $71 billion to Saudi Arabia’s GDP over eight years.

What’s the problem? Saudi Arabia, through its Vision 2030 plan, aims to reduce its dependence on oil by fostering AI advancements, with significant investments and partnerships like this one with Google. However, Saudi Arabia is home to Aramco, a state-owned major player in global oil production. Google’s support in Saudi Arabia raises concerns that its AI technology might ultimately help Aramco optimize its operations. This may indirectly support projects that could increase fossil fuel efficiency and usage, which conflicts with Google’s own climate commitments.

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