Game Tech News

I've just described is an AI-generated trailer, designed to show the capabilities of AI-created content. It is, in no uncertain terms, an abomination. It's also extremely funny.
Over the past week or so, I've been seeing a lot of this type of content. AI-generated trailers for made-up businesses or ideas for movies. It's unclear if these are designed to be taken seriously or exist as parodies designed to highlight the limits of AI.

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Google's Pixel 6A was my favorite Android phone under $500 last year, which means Google has a lot to live up to for its rumored Pixel 7A. That new phone might get its announcement as early as Wednesday's Google I/O developer conference, although at this time Google has not officially teased a Pixel 7A. Should a new midrange Pixel phone get its debut, that device faces more competition in the budget phone space from Samsung, which has the $450 Galaxy A54 5G.

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For better or worse, Android users are frequently treated to the bleeding edge of mobile technology. Whether it's improved charging, new camera tech or sharing audio with multiple Bluetooth headphones, you usually see it on Android first. The greatest single example of this right now is foldable displays, and with the new Pixel Fold offering what looks like an appealing new option, Google is hoping it can lure in curious iPhone owners by offering much larger payouts than usual if you trade in.

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Microsoft has begun building an AI chat interface straight into its single most important software product, the company said Tuesday. The tool will perform tasks like summarizing documents, suggesting music, offering tech support for your PC and answering questions you might ask a search engine or AI chatbot.

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Nothing Phone 2, the next version of Nothing's phone, will launch July 11, the company said in a teaser posted Tuesday on Twitter. The teaser invites people to "come to the bright side" and points to Nothing's website.

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Nintendo held a Nintendo Direct online event Wednesday, announcing a mix of new games and remakes featuring its mascot Mario that are coming to the Nintendo Switch.
Super Mario Bros. Wonder is a new 2D game starring Mario and other characters from the long-running franchise, including Luigi, Yoshi, Princess Peach, Toad and Daisy. Wonder features a changing world and new power-ups, including one that turns Mario into an elephant. Super Mario Bros. Wonder comes out on the Nintendo Switch on Oct. 20.

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Meta has a new reason for you to create an avatar: answering "video" calls when you don't want to show your own face to someone.
You can use now your Meta avatar to answer calls on Messenger and Instagram on both Android phones and iOS devices.

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Apple has created its own generative artificial intelligence tools to compete with ChatGPT, according to a Bloomberg report Wednesday.
Apple built its own framework that can create large language models, called "Ajax," as well as a chatbot service that internal engineers are calling Apple GPT, according to Bloomberg citing unnamed sources.

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Zoom announced updates Tuesday to its generative artificial intelligence tool, which it's now calling Zoom AI Companion, that will "significantly expand" its capabilities beginning this fall. AI Companion will be available at no additional cost if you already pay for the video-meeting service.
The company said that customers can expect to see the AI tool throughout Zoom, including in Team Chat, Meetings, Phone, Email, Whiteboard and "additional features on the roadmap." Some features will be available immediately, while others will launch over the coming months, according to Zoom's announcement.

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Baldur's Gate 3 is the RPG to play on the Steam Deck. I've spent time playing the game on both desktop and the portable PC gaming device and what makes Baldur's Gate 3 a great game for Steam Deck is the option to play an hour here and there wherever you are, whether you're on the go or just away from your desk, as the game is so vast and time-consuming.

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