This week Microsoft held their annual Build developers conference, Minnesota Governor signs right-to-repair law, and Sony held a PlayStation Showcase event. Also, Apple signs a deal with Broadcom for 5G tech, Google has been found to be infringing Sonos patents, the “Interesting Thing of the Week” and other noteworthy news in our “Other News” section.

Microsoft Build

Microsoft unveiled several updates at the recent Build event, including the introduction of an open plugin standard for AI plugins, expanded plugin support for Bing, integration of Microsoft 365 Copilot into the Edge browser, the announcement of Windows 11 with a redesigned Start menu and enhanced multitasking features, deep integration of Microsoft Teams in Windows 11, gaming enhancements, free upgrades to Windows 11 for eligible devices, Microsoft 365 Copilot plugins for ChatGPT and Bing, and the availability of customizable avatars for Microsoft Teams. These updates aim to enhance user experiences by providing seamless integration, improved search capabilities, efficient multitasking, and enhanced collaboration within the Microsoft ecosystem.

Minnesota Adopts Right-to-Repair Law

On Wednesday, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz signed the Digital Fair Repair Act into law. The law requires manufacturers to “fair and reasonable” access to repair equipment within 60 days. But the rules don’t apply to some notable categories, including farm equipment, game consoles, medical devices, and motor vehicles. The law comes into effect on July 1^st.

PlayStation Showcase

Sony’s PlayStation Showcase, held on Tuesday, generated significant excitement in the gaming community as it unveiled a multitude of captivating game announcements and intriguing hardware updates. The event showcased highly anticipated sequels such as Spider-Man 2 and Alan Wake 2, along with fresh titles like Fairgames and Ghostrunner 2. Additionally, Sony introduced exciting hardware enhancements, including the upcoming Project Q handheld device and PlayStation Earbuds. These announcements demonstrate Sony’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of gaming and delivering immersive experiences to players. The event has left fans eagerly looking forward to the future of gaming on the PlayStation platform.

Apple/Broadcom Deal

Apple and Broadcom have formed a partnership focused on 5G technology, according to Apple’s press release. The specifics of the deal, including the investment amount and terms, have not been disclosed. However, this collaboration is part of Apple’s commitment to invest $430 billion in the U.S. economy over five years. The partnership aims to leverage Broadcom’s expertise in semiconductor solutions, particularly in FBAR filters, to enhance Apple’s position in the 5G market. The agreement underscores Apple’s dedication to innovation and its contribution to the growth of the tech sector in the United States.

Google/Sonos Suit

In a decision announced on Friday, Google was found to be infringing on Sonos’ patents relating to smart speaker and voice control technology. The suit between the two companies resulted in a damages award of $32.5 million, which amounts to $2.30 for each of the more than 14 million devices sold. While Sonos succeeded in proving patent infringement, the jury also ruled that Google’s Home app did not violate a separate patent filed by Sonos. Therefore, while Sonos achieved a significant victory, it did not emerge completely successful in all aspects of the case.

Interesting Things of the Week

• Inside the fight for Kickstarter’s union – The Verge
• EU Antitrust chief details why the EU disagrees with the UK – Bloomberg

Other News

In other recent updates, Samsung unveiled its impressive 2023 smart monitor lineup, showcasing their commitment to cutting-edge display technology. Logitech made a significant impact with the introduction of Logi Dock Flex, a versatile docking solution designed to enhance hot-desking experiences. Bluesky also made waves by rolling out custom algorithms for their feeds, offering users a more personalized and tailored content experience. Ford made an exciting announcement, revealing that their upcoming electric vehicles will adopt Tesla’s charging plug, highlighting the industry’s collaboration towards a standardized charging infrastructure. Furthermore, Apple iCloud bid farewell to the My Photo Stream feature, marking a transition in their cloud service offerings. On the digital front, Google launched Search Labs, unveiling new features announced at their I/O conference this year, further enhancing the search experience. In cybersecurity news, Google also recently launched a bug bounty program for its Android applications, aiming to enhance the security of their mobile ecosystem. These developments demonstrate the continuous innovation and advancements across various sectors, from technology to entertainment.

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