Technology
What’s next for tech in 2024?
Have you ever wondered what the future will look like? Well, you don’t have to wait too long, because 2024 is going to be a year full of amazing innovations that will blow your mind. Here are seven emerging trends and innovations in tech that will no doubt transform our lives over the next year.
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1) Artificial Intelligence continues to revolutionize our lives
AI is everywhere, from our daily gadgets like smartphones and smart speakers, to our smart homes that can adjust the temperature, lighting, and security according to our preferences. But AI is not just making our lives more convenient and comfortable, it’s also set to revolutionize healthcare and other industries with some groundbreaking innovations.
Neuralink’s revolutionary wireless device
N1 implant (Neuralink) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
One of the most anticipated and ambitious projects in this field of AI is Neuralink, a brain-computer interface company founded by Elon Musk, the visionary entrepreneur behind Tesla and SpaceX. Neuralink aims to create a wireless device that can be implanted in the brain and connect it to a computer or a smartphone, allowing users to control devices, access information, and communicate with others just by thinking. Imagine controlling prosthetic limbs or enhancing cognitive abilities just by thinking.
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Keep an eye on Kernel
Woman wearing “mind-reading” helmet (Kernel) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
Neuralink is not the only company working on brain-computer interfaces. Other ones to keep an eye on are Kernel, a neurotech company, which is creating a “mind-reading” helmet that uses sensors and lasers to gain information about the brain’s activity, blood oxygen levels, and more. By collecting detailed data on how the brain works and behaves, the hope is it could lead to new insights and breakthroughs in mental health, aging, cognition, and other aspects of brain health.
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Meta bets on AI and the Metaverse
Man wearing Meta Quest 3 headset (Meta) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
Meta, the company formerly known as Facebook, is leading the way with its two long-term bets on the future: AI and the metaverse. These two technologies are not only advancing rapidly, but also converging to create new possibilities for human interaction and creativity.
AI is becoming more accessible and powerful than ever, thanks to Meta’s open-source models like Llama and Llama 2, which have been adopted and improved by millions of developers around the world. AI is also becoming more integrated into the products we use every day, such as Instagram, WhatsApp, and Messenger, where you can generate images, chat with assistants, write better, and edit photos with ease.
The metaverse is also taking shape, with Meta’s Reality Labs developing new devices and platforms that enable immersive and social experiences in virtual and augmented reality. The Ray-Ban Meta glasses were the first step towards a future where AI can see the world from our perspective and help us navigate it.
Ray-Ban Meta glasses (Meta) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
The Meta AI assistant is a new kind of companion that will be launched in 2024. It can understand and respond to your voice, vision, and gestures. Since Meta is trying to play catch-up with ChatGPT, it hired a couple dozen big-name celebrities to be the look and voice of Meta’s new AI voice assistant. The celebs will embody the AI and play them.
Meta AI assistant (Meta) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
2) Augmented reality is taking us to new dimensions
Woman wearing Meta Quest 3 headset (Meta) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
Augmented reality, or AR, is the technology that overlays digital information and images on the real world, creating a mixed reality experience. AR is taking us to new dimensions, as companies like Apple, Meta, Snapchat, and Niantic are creating immersive and engaging experiences that enhance our perception and interaction with the world. But don’t think AR is just for gaming and entertainment, it’s also for education and learning. AR can make learning more fun and interactive, as it can bring subjects and concepts to life.
Girl wearing a Meta Quest 3 headset to learn to play the piano. (Meta) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
Augmented reality is bringing shopping to you
Virtual try-on feature uses AR. (Amazon) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
Another domain where AR is making a big impact is shopping. AR can help you make better and more informed decisions, as it can let you try on products, see how they look or fit, and compare different options. Amazon and Walmart are already leveraging AR to provide immersive shopping experiences with its virtual try-on feature. AR is reshaping our world, and we can expect to see more innovation and adoption in 2024 and beyond.
3) Expect advances in bioprinting artificial tissue and organs
Bioprinting research to create organs (MIT) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
Another exciting innovation in healthcare is bioprinting, which is the use of 3D printing to create artificial tissue and organs. Bioprinting could potentially solve the problem of organ shortage and transplant rejection, as well as enable personalized medicine and drug testing. Bioprinting is still in its early stages, but some companies and researchers like those at MIT have already made some impressive progress. AI is truly changing medicine as we know it, and we can expect to see more breakthroughs and applications in 2024 and beyond.
4) Autonomous electric taxi service becomes available
Autonomous electric taxi (Zoox) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
One of the most anticipated technologies in 2024 is the autonomous electric taxi service by Zoox, a subsidiary of Amazon. Their tag line is, “Built for riders – not for drivers.” Zoox has been developing and testing its self-driving vehicles in various cities since 2020, and plans to launch its service in 2024.
Zoox’s vehicles are designed to navigate complex urban environments with four-wheel steering, bidirectional driving, and a spacious cabin that can fit four passengers. Zoox’s taxis can be booked through an app or a kiosk, and offer a flat rate per mile. Zoox aims to provide a safer, more efficient, and more comfortable alternative to conventional taxis, and to reduce traffic and pollution.
5) More drone delivery services in the sky
Amazon’s Mk30 drone (Amazon) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
The year 2024 is expected to witness significant growth in the use of drone delivery services, especially in urban areas where traffic congestion and pollution are major challenges. Drone delivery services offer a fast, convenient, and eco-friendly way of transporting goods and services to customers, reducing the need for road vehicles and human labor.
One of the leading companies in this field is Amazon, which added a third U.S. city that will soon have the option to get their packages delivered by a drone beginning in late 2024. The company’s Prime Air has been using drones to safely deliver packages weighing up to five pounds in one hour or less, for almost a year. Prime Air is also unveiling the new MK30 drone design, which the company claims is quieter, smaller, and lighter than previous models.
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6) More 3D-printed houses will go up
3D printed houses (Icon) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
Forget about hiring an old-fashioned contractor to build your next home. Imagine having a house built by a 3D printer. More and more of these houses are going to be going up in 2024 as a cost-effective and eco-friendly way of constructing houses.
A company called ICON is a leader in 3D printing technology for construction, with a mission to revolutionize the way we build and live. They have developed a robotic system that can print an entire house layer by layer, using a durable material called Lavacrete, which is a type of concrete that can withstand extreme weather conditions and natural disasters while also reducing waste and emissions. ICON has already printed several houses around the world, including the first 3D-printed community in Austin, Texas. ICON’s vision is to make 3D printing accessible to everyone and to create homes that are beautiful, functional, and resilient.
3D robotic printing technology (Icon) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
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7) Increase in electric cars and car-sharing
Cybertruck (Tesla) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
2024 is going to be an exciting one for electric vehicles. According to some experts, electric vehicles (EVs) will account for more than 40% of new car sales in the US by 2024, thanks to the increasing affordability, performance, and environmental benefits of EVs. Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly Kia Niro, an all-American Ford F-150 Lightning, a futuristic Tesla Cybertruck, a lavish Rolls-Royce Spectre, or a sleek Hyundai IONIQ 6, there’s an EV for everyone.
Car sharing is also expected to grow significantly in 2024, as more people opt for convenient and cost-effective transportation solutions. Some of the leading car-sharing platforms, such as Zipcar, Turo, and Getaround, will offer more options for EV rentals, as well as innovative features such as peer-to-peer sharing, autonomous driving, and smart charging. With electric cars and car sharing, the future of transportation looks bright and green in 2024.
Zipcar app (Zipcar) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
Kurt’s key takeaways
As we look ahead to 2024 and beyond, it’s clear that the world of technology is poised for exciting transformations. Artificial Intelligence, augmented reality, bioprinting, autonomous electric taxis, drone delivery services, 3D printed houses, and electric cars are all shaping a future that promises greater convenience, sustainability, and innovation. These advancements are not just changing industries; they’re revolutionizing the way we live, work, and interact with the world. So, fasten your seatbelts, because the journey into the future of tech is bound to have some bumps in the road.
What technology are you most excited to see or experience and why? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.
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Technology
Microsoft’s Edge Copilot update uses AI to pull information from across your tabs
Microsoft Edge is adding a new feature that will allow its Copilot AI chatbot to gather information from all of your open tabs. When you start a conversation with Copilot, you can ask the chatbot questions about what’s in your tabs, compare the products you’re looking at, summarize your open articles, and more.
In its announcement, Microsoft says you can “select which experiences you want or leave off the ones you don’t.” The company is retiring Copilot Mode as well, which could similarly draw information from your tabs but offered some agentic features, like the ability to book a reservation on your behalf. Microsoft has since folded these agentic capabilities into its “Browse with Copilot” tool.
Several other AI features are coming to Edge, including an AI-powered “Study and Learn” mode that can turn the article you’re looking at into a study session or interactive quiz. There’s a new tool that turns your tabs into AI-powered podcasts as well, similar to what you’d find on NotebookLM, and an AI writing assistant that will pop up when you start entering text on a webpage.
You can also give Copilot permission to access your browsing history to provide more “relevant, high-quality answers,” according to Microsoft. Copilot in Edge on desktop and mobile will come with “long-term memory” as well, which can tailor its responses based on your previous conversations. And, when you open up a new tab, you’ll see a redesigned page that combines chat, search, and web navigation, along with the Journeys feature, which uses AI to organize your browsing history into categories that you can revisit.
Meanwhile, an update to Edge’s mobile app will allow you to share your screen with Copilot and talk through the questions about what you’re seeing. Microsoft says you’ll see “clear visual cues” when Copilot is active, “so you know when it’s taking an action, helping, listening, or viewing.”
Technology
Apple’s $250M Siri settlement: Are you owed cash?
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If you bought a newer iPhone because Apple made Siri sound like it was about to become your personal artificial intelligence sidekick, you may want to pay attention.
Apple has agreed to pay $250 million to settle a class-action lawsuit over claims that it misled customers about new Apple Intelligence and Siri features. The case centers on the iPhone 16 launch and certain iPhone 15 models that were marketed as ready for Apple’s next wave of AI. The settlement still needs court approval, and Apple denies wrongdoing.
The lawsuit argues that Apple promoted a smarter, more personal Siri before those features were actually available. For some buyers, that was a big deal. A new iPhone can cost hundreds of dollars, and many people upgrade only when they think they are getting something meaningfully new.
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WHY IPHONE USERS ARE THE NEW PRIME SCAM TARGETS
U.S. buyers of certain iPhone 16 and iPhone 15 Pro models may qualify for payments if a judge approves Apple’s proposed settlement. (Getty Images)
What Apple is accused of promising
Apple introduced Apple Intelligence in June 2024 and promoted it as a major step forward for iPhone, iPad and Mac. A key part of that pitch was a more personalized Siri that could understand context, work across apps and help with everyday tasks in a more useful way.
The lawsuit claims Apple’s marketing made consumers believe those advanced Siri features would arrive with the iPhone 16 or soon after. Instead, buyers received phones that had some Apple Intelligence tools, but not the full Siri overhaul that many expected.
That gap is the heart of the case. Plaintiffs say customers bought or upgraded devices based on AI features that were not ready. Apple says it has rolled out many Apple Intelligence features and settled the case, so it can stay focused on its products.
How much money could iPhone owners get?
The proposed settlement creates a $250 million fund. Eligible customers who file approved claims are expected to receive at least $25 per eligible device. That amount could rise to as much as $95 per device, depending on how many people file claims and other settlement factors.
That means this will not be a huge payday for most people. Still, if you bought one of the covered phones, it may be worth watching for a claim notice. A few minutes of paperwork could put some money back in your pocket.
Which iPhones may qualify?
The proposed settlement covers U.S. buyers who purchased any iPhone 16 model, iPhone 15 Pro or iPhone 15 Pro Max between June 10, 2024, and March 29, 2025.
Covered iPhone 16 models include the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max and iPhone 16e. The settlement also includes the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, but not every iPhone 15 model.
The key details are the device model, the purchase date and whether the phone was bought in the United States.
HOW YOU CAN GET A SLICE OF APPLE’S $250M IPHONE SETTLEMENT
Apple has agreed to pay $250 million to settle claims it misled customers about Apple Intelligence and Siri features on newer iPhones. (Michael Nagle/Bloomberg)
How will you file a claim?
You do not need to do anything immediately. The settlement still needs a judge’s approval. Once the claims process opens, eligible customers are expected to receive a notice by email or mail with instructions on how to file through a settlement website.
That notice matters because scammers love moments like this. A real settlement notice should not ask for your Apple ID password, bank login or payment to claim your money. If you receive a message about this settlement, do not click blindly. Go slowly, check the sender and look for the official settlement administrator details once they are available.
Why this case matters beyond one Siri feature
This case hits a bigger nerve. Tech companies are racing to sell AI as the next must-have feature. That creates a problem for shoppers. You are often asked to buy now based on what a company says will arrive later.
That can be frustrating when the feature is the reason you upgraded. A smarter Siri sounds useful. A phone that can understand your personal context, search across apps and help with daily tasks could save time. But if those tools are delayed, limited or missing, the value of the upgrade changes.
This settlement also sends a message about AI marketing. Companies can talk about future features, but consumers need clear timing and plain explanations. “Coming soon” can mean very different things when you are spending $800, $1,000 or more.
We reached out to Apple for comment, but did not hear back before our deadline.
FIRST 15 THINGS TO DO OR TRY FIRST WHEN YOU GET A NEW IPHONE
Apple denies wrongdoing but agreed to settle claims tied to its marketing of Apple Intelligence and Siri features. (Qilai Shen/Bloomberg)
What this means to you
If you bought a covered iPhone during the settlement period, keep an eye on your email and regular mail. You may qualify for a payment if the court approves the deal.
You should also keep your receipt or proof of purchase if you have it. Your Apple purchase history, carrier account or retailer receipt may help if the claim process asks for details.
More broadly, this is a reminder to treat AI features like any other big tech promise. Before you upgrade, ask one simple question: Can the feature do what is being advertised today, or is the company asking me to wait?
That question can save you from buying a device for a future feature that may arrive much later than expected.
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Kurt’s key takeaways
Apple has built its brand on making technology feel polished, personal and easy to use. That is why this Siri settlement hits a nerve. People were buying phones they use every day for texts, photos, directions, reminders and everything in between. Many expected AI to make those everyday tasks easier, which is why the delay felt frustrating. The proposed payout may be modest, but the bigger issue is trust. When a company sells AI as a reason to upgrade, customers deserve to know what actually works now and what is still coming later.
Would you still buy a new phone for promised AI features, or would you wait until they actually show up? Let us know by writing to us at CyberGuy.com.
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Technology
Instagram hits the copy button again with new disappearing Instants photos
Instagram is once again cribbing from competitors like Snapchat and BeReal with a new photo-sharing format it calls “Instants,” which are ephemeral photos that you can’t edit and that you can only share with your close friends or followers that follow you back. Instants are available globally beginning on Wednesday as a feature in the inbox in the Instagram app and as a separate app that’s now in testing in select countries.
To access Instants from the Instagram app, go to your DM inbox and look in the bottom-right corner for an icon or a stack of photos. After you post a photo, your friends can emoji react to it and send a reply to your DMs, but after they see it, the photo disappears for them. Instants also disappear after 24 hours, and they can’t be captured in screenshots or screen recordings.
However, your Instants will remain in an archive for you for up to a year, and you can reshare them as a recap to your Instagram Stories if you’d like. You can also undo sending an Instant right after you post it or delete it from your archive.
The Instants mobile app, which popped up in Italy and Spain in April, gives you “immediate access to the camera” and only requires an Instagram account, Instagram says. “Instants you share on the separate app will show up for friends on Instagram and vice versa. We’re trying this separate app out to see how our community uses it, and we’ll continue to evolve it as we learn more.”
Instagram, in its testing, has seen that people “tend to use Instants to share much more casual, much more authentic moments about their day,” according to Instagram boss Adam Mosseri. “And we know that this type of sharing of personal moments with friends is a core part of what makes Instagram Instagram, but we also know that a lot of people don’t really share a lot to their profile grids anymore.”
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