Apple's iPhone 17 series, expected in 2025, is rumored to feature significant upgrades including a new "iPhone 17 Air" model with a thinner design, all-aluminum frames, and a rectangular camera bump. The lineup may also introduce new display sizes, 120Hz ProMotion for all models, an Apple-designed Wi-Fi 7 chip, and a 48MP telephoto lens for the Pro Max. Other anticipated features include a 24MP selfie camera, scratch-resistant anti-reflective displays, increased RAM, a smaller Dynamic Island, and the A19 processor built on a 3nm process.
An Osaka-based company, Science, has developed a 'human washing machine' called Mirai Ningen Sentakuki, which combines bathing with wellness technology by measuring biological data and projecting images for relaxation. Although currently limited to an expo in Osaka, a home-use version is being considered to enhance both physical and mental well-being.
NASA has announced the 2024 Phase I awardees for the NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) program, selecting 13 pioneering technology concepts from across the U.S. for funding. These early-stage studies, which received a maximum of $175,000 each, range from exploring Venus and Mars to sending a swarm of probes to Proxima Centauri. The awarded concepts include a fixed-wing craft for Mars, a sample return mission from Venus, and a novel approach to interstellar travel. While these studies are not official NASA missions, they represent the agency's commitment to pushing the boundaries of space exploration and technology development.
The year 2023 in tech was dominated by the AI revolution, with companies racing to integrate AI into their products following the success of ChatGPT. Smartphones saw incremental improvements with a focus on AI features and longer support lifespans. The computing industry faced a sales slump but was invigorated by new AI capabilities and Apple's M3 chips. In TVs, Samsung overtook LG in the OLED market, while audio saw a shift with solid-state earbuds and a dip in Sony's dominance. Cameras were heavily influenced by AI, with advancements in autofocus and image processing. Fitness tech saw a potential peak in smartwatches and a rise in smart rings. VR made strides with the Meta Quest 3 and the anticipation of Apple's Vision Pro. The entertainment industry grappled with streaming service changes, strikes, and a mix of box office successes and failures. Overall, 2023 was a year of AI integration and anticipation for future tech developments.
