Tesla Unveiled the “CaraokeMic” and Nothing Rolled Out the Phone (2a) Plus in This Week’s Tech Roundup
US senators also proposed the NO Fakes Act to govern generative AI.
This week, a group of US senators introduced a new bill that would govern the use of AI when it comes to replicating real peoplel, aiming to prevent the creation of content without the consent of individuals who may appear in the generated photos, videos or audio.
On the product side, UK tech company Nothing unveiled its latest phone, the Phone (2a) Plus, while Tesla launched karaoke microphones designed to pair with its cars. Dummy units of the iPhone 16 were also leaked, previewing a larger camera lens.
Nothing Announced the Phone (2a) Plus Smartphone
Nothing
Nothing has revamped its Nintendo-inspired Phone (2a) for a new deluxe edition. The Phone (2a) Plus has been updated with a MediaTek 7350 Pro 5G chip for greater speed, along with 50 MP cameras with stronger sensors and the capability to film in 4K resolution.
The cameras particularly stand out, as they’re inspired by the appearance of human eyes. Nothing offers metallic gray and black colorways for the new model.
Nothing’s $512 USD (£399 GBP) Phone (2a) Plus is available now in the UK and will launch in the US on August 7.
Tesla Now Sells Karaoke Microphones for Its Cars
Tesla
Tesla may be grappling with the recall of 1.8 million cars but that hasn’t stopped the company from putting out new accessories. After launching a $300 USD tailgate shield for the Cybertruck, Tesla has returned with the “CaraokeMic,” an in-car karaoke system.
The mics are sold as a set of two and connect with the new Caraoke app, using the in-car entertainment console. The mics operate wirelessly and can be used for ten continuous hours before they need to be recharged.
The CaraokeMic is currently up for grabs for $215 USD on Tesla’s website.
Senators Introduced the NO Fakes Act to Protect Artists From Deepfakes
Leon Bennett/Getty Images
A new bill called the NO Fakes Act has been proposed by a group of US senators, who aim to protect individuals who may have their likeness replicated using generative AI. Senators Chris Coons, Marsha Blackburn, Amy Klobuchar and Thom Tillis have formally introduced the Act following a year of discussions.
Serving as a national standard for AI-generated content, the Act would pertain to content in which individuals “never actually appeared in or otherwise approved” and hold those who made and distributed the content criminally responsible, including having to pay damages.
The bill arrives months after Scarlet Johansson accused OpenAI of replicating her voice for its ChatGPT bot, Sky, after she had declined a deal to voice the bot herself.
“Everyone deserves the right to own and protect their voice and likeness, no matter if you’re Taylor Swift or anyone else,” Senator Coons said. “Generative AI can be used as a tool to foster creativity, but that can’t come at the expense of the unauthorized exploitation of anyone’s voice or likeness.”
Leaked iPhone 16 Dummy Units Show Potential Design and Colors
Viva Tung/Celso Bulgatti/Getty Images
Dummy units of the iPhone 16 have surfaced online, offering a preview of Apple’s next smartphone. The units are non-functional and are typically sent out to case makers ahead of the phone’s release to get a feel for the size and shape.
— Sonny Dickson (@SonnyDickson) July 31, 2024
While the final design that launches in September is expected to look a bit different, the dummy units feature vertically-positioned lenses which could suggest the inclusion of the same Spatial Video capabilities that are offered in the Vision Pro. The model lineup also looks like it’ll contain black, white, pink, blue and teal colorways.
