Technology Weekly News: Week 3, February 2024

The Google Pay app is shutting down in the US

Google's history of rebranding its mobile payment offerings has taken another turn with the announcement that the Google Pay app will be phased out in the US by June 4, 2024. Users will need to transition to the Google Wallet app, which will now encompass the features previously offered by Google Pay, including tap-to-pay functionality and the storage of cards, loyalty cards, passes, tickets, and digital IDs. However, peer-to-peer payment functionality will not be available in Google Wallet, and users are advised to transfer any remaining funds from Google Pay to their bank accounts before the deadline. Despite this change, Google Wallet usage has been dominant in the US, prompting the consolidation of services. While Google Pay will still be available in select countries, including the US, India, and Singapore, there are no plans to introduce Google Wallet in India.

Gboard’s AI proofreading tool is literally becoming more selective

Google is intensifying its integration of artificial intelligence (AI) across its products, including the Gboard keyboard app. An AI-powered proofreading tool for Gboard has already been introduced, and now, a new flag has been discovered, allowing users to apply AI proofreading to selected text portions. This feature offers more control over editing messages, enabling users to focus on specific words or phrases rather than proofreading entire texts. While Google may also integrate this AI feature into its Game Hub, details remain unclear. The AI enhancements in Gboard extend beyond proofreading to punctuation and spelling correction, with potential for more advanced capabilities like refining message tone in the future. However, Google has not confirmed these plans yet, as it continues to expand AI initiatives across various fronts.

Reddit strikes $60M deal allowing Google to train AI models on its posts, unveils IPO plans

Reddit and Google have inked a deal allowing Google to utilize Reddit posts to refine its AI models, enhancing services like Google Search. Valued at approximately $60 million, the agreement also grants Reddit access to Google AI models for enhancing its internal search and other features. Reddit, however, declined further comment. Concurrently, Reddit disclosed plans for its IPO, reporting $18.5 million in net income for the October-December quarter on $249.8 million revenue. The company aims to list its shares on the NYSE under the ticker symbol RDDT. Despite Reddit's reliance on volunteer moderators, the agreement with Google isn't expected to prompt data-driven changes. Unlike other platforms, Reddit doesn't use algorithms to curate content. Instead, users navigate discussion forums independently. Additionally, Google must adhere to Reddit's user terms and privacy policy, ensuring deleted content is permanently removed. The collaboration is pivotal for Google, augmenting its AI models' comprehension of human-written content. Google praised Reddit as a valuable repository of authentic conversations, emphasizing its intent to facilitate easier access to Reddit content through Google products. This involves presenting Reddit information in a more user-friendly manner, benefiting both Google's tools and Reddit users.

Google is killing Gmail’s basic HTML view (but not Gmail) in 2024

Gmail's basic HTML view is being discontinued in January 2024, with users automatically switched to the standard view. This simplified version lacks modern Gmail features but is handy for low-connectivity situations. Google's focus on AI integration in Gmail is evident, with recent updates including the Duet AI for email composition and integration of the Bard chatbot for email history queries.

Apple reveals new details about Spotify’s business as possible EU fine nears

The European Commission is expected to rule against Apple in Spotify's competition complaint regarding the streaming music market. This could result in a fine of approximately €500 million. Apple, however, contends that Spotify's claims of anticompetitive practices are unfounded, emphasizing its support for all developers, including Spotify. The disagreement centers on Apple's App Store policies and their impact on competition in the music streaming sector. While Spotify has grown significantly over the years, it argues that Apple's rules give it an unfair advantage. In response, Apple has introduced a new fee structure under the Digital Markets Act, which separates payment processing from other services. Despite ongoing discussions between Spotify and regulators, the investigation has yet to conclude. Both companies continue to defend their positions, awaiting the Commission's decision.

Threads starts testing in-app camera shortcut and drafts

Meta has begun testing two highly requested features on Instagram: drafts and an in-app camera. These features are currently available to a select group of users. The draft feature allows saving one post in the composer, with a unique icon indicating unsent drafts in the Threads app. Mark Zuckerberg showcased the new camera shortcut within the composer for quick photo posting to Threads, although editing functions like cropping are unclear. These updates align with X's exploration of Threads-style carousels for image display and efforts to enhance engagement with tools like trending topics and cross-posting tests from Facebook.

Armenia’s 10web brings AI website-building to WordPress

Generative AI has revolutionized website building, with Armenia-based 10web now offering simplified WordPress solutions. Despite WordPress's complexity, it powers 40% of websites globally. 10web integrates AI to enhance usability and is already profitable, with plans to expand revenue streams. Armenia's tech talent and strategic U.S. presence contribute to its success, aligning with the country's trend of targeting the U.S. market for growth and funding.

Microsoft is giving Windows Photos a boost with a generative AI-powered eraser

Microsoft has introduced a new generative-AI powered eraser for photos, offering an efficient way to eliminate unwanted elements from images. Unlike existing tools on mobile devices from Google and Samsung, Microsoft's version is accessible on desktop and laptop computers through the Windows Photos app. Currently available to Windows Insiders on Windows 10 and Windows 11 for Arm64 devices, the feature allows users to easily remove objects by creating a mask with the brush tool. Users can adjust brush size and erase multiple elements simultaneously for seamless editing.

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