Apple had announced next-gen CarPlay, which would take over entire car dashboards, including speedometers, with a debut expected in 2024. However, as of January 2025, no car models have been released with this feature. Apple has not provided a clear explanation for the delay, and the webpage still lists 2024 as the expected release year.
OpenAI's board has stated that they need 'unimaginable sums of money' to continue advancing their AI technology. Despite being one of the best AI chatbot providers, the company is still transitioning to a for-profit model and faces lawsuits, including one from Elon Musk. The high costs of training models, such as $20 per query for the advanced O3 model, raise concerns about sustainability, leading to comparisons with past tech bubbles like Netscape.
A Cybertruck exploded in front of Trump's International Hotel in Las Vegas. The explosion was not due to a mechanical failure but was caused by fireworks, gasoline canisters, and a detonation system found in the truck bed. One person died, and several were injured. The FBI is investigating it as a potential act of terrorism.
There is hope that Siri will receive a semantic index update in 2025, enabling contextual awareness and interaction with app intents and user data. While some features, like third-party app integrations, may come later, Apple is expected to enhance Siri's ability to handle first-party tasks, such as accessing calendars, messages, and photos, to improve user experience.
Rumors suggest Apple will release a HomePod with a screen in 2025. However, it may disappoint users if it includes overly complex features like a robotic arm instead of focusing on practical uses such as displaying recipes, timers, and family photos. The device is expected to come with updates to Apple's smart home ecosystem.
Former President Trump has petitioned the Supreme Court to stay the TikTok ban, which is set to take effect on January 19, 2025. Trump claims he is uniquely positioned to negotiate a deal with ByteDance to avoid the ban. However, it is uncertain whether the Supreme Court will intervene, and the ban could still proceed as scheduled.
The world's first undersea roundabout is located in the Faroe Islands, connecting underwater tunnels between islands. It is a unique engineering feat designed to improve transportation between the islands, which were previously only accessible by boat. The roundabout is both functional and visually striking, with a design that includes a toll collector figure reminiscent of a troll from folklore.
Netflix successfully streamed NFL games and a Beyoncé concert on Christmas Day 2024. Despite initial concerns about technical issues, the live stream was smooth, with only minor glitches at the start of the first game. The Beyoncé performance, which debuted songs from her new country album, was particularly well-received and compared to a Super Bowl halftime show in terms of impact.
Can Apple actually make Siri useful this year? Plus, their missed next-gen CarPlay deadline, OpenAI's financial ambitions, our CES preview, and our tech predictions for the next year.
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Links from the show
Gurman: Voice Control for Next Magic Mouse 'Makes Sense' - MacRumors)
Apple promised next-gen CarPlay in 2024, so where is it? - The Verge)
Aston Martin, Porsche Preview Bespoke Apple CarPlay Interfaces)
Trump asks Supreme Court to let him rescue TikTok from US ban - The Verge)
US Treasury says Chinese hackers stole documents in 'major incident' | Reuters)
One dead, seven injured as Cybertruck explodes outside Trump’s hotel in Las Vegas - The Verge)
Netflix, The NFL, and Beyoncé Just Pulled Off a Christmas Miracle)
The 1 Thing Apple Needs to Get Right in 2025 Has Nothing to Do with the Next iPhone)
(00:00) - Intro
(05:58) - Magic Mouse with Siri
(08:07) - Next-Gen CarPlay Miss
(10:15) - OpenAI Investment Bubble
(14:23) - Trump Trying to Stop TikTok Ban
(18:55) - Sponsor: Notion
(21:19) - U.S. Treasury Hacked
(24:03) - Las Vegas Cybertruck Explosion
(30:57) - Undersea Roundabout
(32:49) - Netflix Christmas Live Stream
(38:44) - 2025 Tech Predictions
(01:05:55) - CES 2025 Preview
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