Apple acquires AI voice startup PullString

Apple just acquired San Francisco-based artificial intelligence startup called PullString, which helps other companies create conversational voice apps. PullString is known within the industry for creating the software backbone for voice systems behind popular toys (like Mattel's talking Hello Barbie doll). But the company has also helped companies build skills and apps for Amazon's Alexa platform and Google Assistant. It isn't clear what Apple will gain from the deal. But from the looks of it, the most obvious one is to help Siri catch up with its competition. PullString was founded back in 2011 by former Pixar employees. Its CEO Oren Jacob was Pixar's chief technology officer for a time.

Source: The Verge

Samsung unveils first Android Pie tablet, the Galaxy Tab S5e

Ahead of the launch of the Galaxy S10 line, Samsung just unveiled its latest tablet: the Galaxy Tab S5e. Its first tablet to run on Android Pie alongside the new OneUI interface and Bixby 2.0. It is also Samsung's thinnest tablet to date at 5.1mm thin and 400 grams light. The Galaxy Tab S5e introduces a new Call & Message Continuity feature that will let you answer calls and texts from a tethered phone.

It has an 81.8 percent screen-to-body ratio and a 10.5-inch WQXGA Super AMOLED display with 2,560 x 1,600 resolution. This tablet runs on Qualcomm Snapdragon 670 processor, 4GB or 6GB of RAM, 64GB or 128GB internal storage (which is expandable via microSD), and a 7,040mAh battery with fast charging. In case you're wondering, the tablet also comes with a 13-megapixel rear camera and 8-megapixel front camera. Retail price starts at US$399 for the 4GB/64GB variant. It'll launch in the second quarter of the year in black, grey, or limited edition gold. There will be cellular models that will be launched later this year.

Source: The Verge

Hasbro launches new 'Fortnite' Nerf guns

Here's something for you Fortnite fans. Hasbro, the owner of the Nerf brand, just unveiled its full lineup of Fortnite-themed Nerf toys. These include the previously announced AR-L Elite blaster, SP-L Elite, TS-R Super Soaker, HC-E Super Soaker, and RL Super Soaker. These toys have been modeled after weapons you can use in the game. Pricing ranges from US$9.99 for products like Llama Nerf MicroShots Dart-Firing Blaster to $49.99 for the AR-L Elite. Pre-orders start now with shipping starting on March 22.

Source: The Verge

General Motors launches pre-orders for its first e-bikes

Last November, General Motors announced its plans to launch electric bicycles. It wanted the public's opinion on what the brand should be called, so it announced a crowdsourcing campaign. GM has since announced the name—ARĪV, which is pronounced like "arrive"—and has started taking pre-orders in select European countries.

GM will be releasing two models under the ARĪV brand. One is called Meld, a compact e-bike; while the other is called Merge, a folding e-bike. The Merge can be folded easily so you can roll it along on its two wheels when folded.

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