X Brings Long-Form Videos to TV Screens — plus other product news

• X Brings Long-Form Videos to TV Screens with New Video Service
• WhatsApp Rolls Out End-to-End Encryption Indicator
• Apple Begins Work on Entry-Level Version of its Vision Pro
• XAI Announces Open Sourcing of Grok Chatbot
• Rivian Unveils the R2 Electric SUV Alongside Siblings R3 and R3X

X Brings Long-Form Videos to TV Screens

Elon Musk's X is venturing into television screens with its upcoming video streaming service that would make long-form videos accessible on SmartTVs.This comes as X sets the stage for competition with Google-owned YouTube.

To facilitate this transition, X will launch a dedicated app compatible with Amazon and Samsung smart TVs, providing users with seamless access to long-form content. This is part of Musk vision's for X as an "everything app," with plans to explore video games, podcasts, and long-form writing in addition to streaming services.

This shift accompanies efforts to attract creators and advertisers, including tools for running ads against premium content. As X adapts to changing user preferences, its move into video streaming signals a strategic pivot towards multimedia content.

WhatsApp Rolls Out End-to-End Encryption Indicator

Messaging platform WhatsApp is introducing a new feature aimed at bolstering users' confidence in their chat security.

The platform is adding a discreet caption within individual chats and group chats to help users identify end-to-end encrypted chats. With a disappearing visual cue positioned beneath the contact or group name, users can easily identify which chats are securely encrypted without disrupting the flow of their conversations.

As per reports from WaBetaInfo, the new feature is rolling out with WhatsApp's new update version, labelled 2.24.6.11, through the Google Play Beta Program. The feature is expected to become available to a broader user base over the upcoming weeks.

Apple Begins Work on Entry-Level Version of its Vision Pro

An entry-level version of the Apple Vision Pro is reportedly in the works as Apple moves to slash its headset's hefty $3,500 price tag down to as low as $1,500, offering an accessible entry point into Apple's mixed reality ecosystem.

The iPhone maker is reportedly discussing downgrading some of the Vision Pro's tech and functionality to cut costs as well. These options include fewer cameras, lower resolution screens than its current 4K micro-OLED displays (the headset’s most expensive component) and a downgrade to an iPhone-grade chip instead of the MacBook-grade chip found in the current model.

Despite the anticipation, industry insiders foresee a wait until 2025 or 2026 before the entry-level Apple Vision Pro hits the shelves. However, when it finally arrives, consumers can expect a slightly stripped-down version of the flagship Vision Pro, possibly named something like Apple Vision or Apple Vision One.

XAI Announces Open Sourcing of Grok Chatbot

XAI, the brainchild of Elon Musk, has revealed plans to make its Grok chatbot open source, effective this week. This move mirrors the company's commitment to fostering collaboration and innovation within the AI community.

Following in the footsteps of Tesla's decision to open source its patents years ago, XAI aims to democratize access to its AI technology. By making Grok's code available to developers and researchers, XAI hopes to spur advancements in conversational AI while inviting valuable feedback for improvement.

This decision comes amid ongoing discussions surrounding AI ethics and control, positioning XAI as a champion of transparency and inclusivity in the AI landscape. As Grok enters the open source arena, the stage is set for a new chapter in AI exploration and development.

Rivian Unveils the R2 Electric SUV Alongside Siblings R3 and R3X

Pioneering US EV Brand, Rivian has officially lifted the veil on its latest creation, the R2 electric SUV, during a recent livestream event. This follows its first generation launch of the R1T and R1s.

The R2, a compact SUV, promises a range of at least 300 miles per charge, powered by innovative technology including a newly-designed 4695 cell and an expansive battery pack. The vehicle offers various motor layouts, including a tri-motor version capable of reaching zero to 60 in just three seconds.

In addition to the R2, Rivian introduced sibling models; the R3 and R3X. The R3, with its sleek design and compact build, shares similar open-air features with the R2 and offers single, dual, and tri-motor options. Meanwhile, the R3X boasts a dune buggy-inspired design and is exclusively offered with a tri-motor configuration. The R2 is set to hit the market with a starting price of $45,000, meanwhile, Rivian has not disclosed pricing or availability details for the R3 and R3X.

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