Tech Buzz: Big Moves and New Gadgets

Snapchat Nears 1 Billion Users

Snapchat is approaching a significant milestone: 1 billion users. The majority of this growth is driven by regions like India and Pakistan, where TikTok is banned and Android phones are prevalent. However, in the U.S. and Europe, usage is declining. Despite the user growth, the company is still losing money, and its stock has seen a sharp decline.

Evan Spiegel, the CEO, claims they are at a turning point, focusing on AR ads and smart glasses to reverse the trend. It remains a mystery how they will monetize their vast user base more effectively.

Meta's WorldGen: Creating 3D Environments from Text

Meta has introduced WorldGen, a system that generates 3D environments from text descriptions. These environments can be used in games and VR, but they have limitations, such as no multi-floor spaces or smooth transitions between indoor and outdoor areas.

Meta emphasizes that this technology is currently for research and not yet integrated into their Horizon Worlds platform.

Warner Music Partners with AI Music Generator Suno

Warner Music has struck a deal with Suno, an AI music generator. This agreement is reminiscent of past deals involving sampling and blank tapes. Suno plans to launch licensed models in 2026, allowing Warner artists to opt in to have their names, voices, and compositions used in AI-generated songs.

Free users can stream and share, while paid users will have download limits.

OpenAI's First Hardware Device

Sam Altman and Jony Ive from OpenAI have unveiled a prototype of their first hardware device. Ive describes it as simple, beautiful, and playful, roughly the size of a phone and likely without a screen. They aim to ship the device in under two years.

Details about its functionality and pricing remain secret.

Apple Vision Pro Adds New Content

Apple is expanding the content library for its Vision Pro headset, including experiences from Real Madrid and Red Bull. This is a small but crucial step for a headset that currently lacks a robust content ecosystem.

The new experiences will be available through the Apple TV app.

Meta's Hyperscape: Virtual Spaces for Friends and Family

Meta has launched Hyperscape, an app that allows up to eight people to explore virtual spaces together. These spaces are scans of real locations and are designed for families and friends who cannot meet in person.

Meta is also working on improving rendering by shifting from cloud-based processing to local hardware.

Casio's Moflin: An AI Pet Companion

Casio has introduced Moflin, an AI pet that responds to touch, sound, and presence. Priced at around $429, it is positioned as a smart companion that develops a unique personality over time.

Pico's Upcoming Mixed Reality Headset

Pico, owned by ByteDance, is preparing a new mixed reality headset for 2026 to compete with Apple's Vision Pro. The device will feature a self-developed display chip, giving Pico more control over optics and power.

Details about price, resolution, and availability are still unavailable. The headset is expected to debut in China first.

William Chyr's New Game: Hotel Infinity

William Chyr, the creator of Manifold Garden, is working on a new game called Hotel Infinity. Set in an endless hotel that folds back on itself, the game features gravity-bending puzzles.

Chyr describes it as a long-term project focused on careful level design. There is no release date or platform list yet.

Google's Flow AI: Video Generation Workflow

Google has been testing its new Flow AI video generation workflow by assisting artists in creating short films using only its tools.