Saturday, December 23, 2023 at 8:58AM 
Screenshots: 9to5Google
Google introduced Magic Compose, a feature that helps users write better messages, at I/O 2023. It was first available only in the US. But now, it looks like it has expanded to other countries. It's been reported to be available in France and the UK.
Friday, December 22, 2023 at 10:37AM 
Image: LG
LG will showcase its new UltraGear OLED gaming monitors at CES 2024, including the 32GS95UE with a unique Dual-Hz feature. This lets you choose between two modes: a 4K mode with up to 240Hz refresh rate or a FullHD mode with up to 480Hz refresh rate. The user can switch modes with a hotkey or a joystick on the monitor.
The 32GS95UE also boasts high colour accuracy (DCI-P3 coverage of 98.5%), fast response times (0.03ms GtG), DisplayHDR True Black 400 support, and dual HDMI 2.1 ports. However, it only has a DisplayPort 1.4 port, so you'll rely on Display Stream Compression to access the full resolution and refresh rates.
Additionally, the 32GS95UE has a speaker system with dual woofers behind the OLED panel and uses the front surface to emanate the sound. LG calls this technology Pixel Sound. It also supports DTS Virtual:X for surround sound and comes with a built-in headphone jack.
LG is expected to reveal the price and availability of the 32GS95UE during or after CES.
Friday, December 22, 2023 at 4:54AM 
Image: Microsoft
Microsoft has announced that it will shut down its Windows Mixed Reality platform, which was launched in 2017 as a competitor in the virtual reality market. The platform, which includes the Windows Mixed Reality software, the Mixed Reality Portal app, and the Steam VR app, will be removed from Windows in a future update.
Windows Mixed Reality was compatible with several VR headsets from different manufacturers, such as HP, Acer, Asus, and Samsung. The platform enabled users to access various games, experiences, and productivity apps in VR. However, the platform failed to gain enough popularity and support, as evidenced by the recent news.
The closure of Windows Mixed Reality does not affect Microsoft’s other mixed-reality product, the HoloLens 2. The HoloLens 2 is a business-oriented headset that runs on Windows 11. (Recently, Microsoft started shipping them out to the Army for combat training.) Microsoft has also confirmed its commitment to HoloLens and its future development, despite rumours of a halt in the HoloLens 3 project and a potential collaboration with Samsung on a new mixed-reality device.
Microsoft has also restructured its VR division, resulting in layoffs and the discontinuation of the AltspaceVR app. The company is still working on its own Mesh app, which allows users to interact in a virtual space without a headset.
Friday, December 22, 2023 at 1:27AM 
Image: Apple
Apple faces import and sales ban on its latest smartwatches in the US. The US International Trade Commission (ITC) rejected Apple’s request to postpone the ban while it appeals an earlier ruling. The ITC found that Apple’s Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 violated Masimo’s patents on SpO2 sensors, which measure blood oxygen levels.
Apple will stop selling the affected watches in its stores by December 24, before the ban takes effect on December 26. The company is looking for ways to bypass the ban, such as making software updates. The ban only applies to the US market. Other retailers can still sell the watches until they run out of stock. Apple could still reverse the ban if President Joe Biden intervenes. But as The Verge noted, it is very unlikely to happen.
