Step into the Future: Snapchat’s Snap Street Brings Augmented Reality to Life!

Welcome to this week's edition of the ACMVVIT Tech Blog, where we bring you the latest developments in the tech world. From innovative augmented reality experiences to significant legal rulings in corporate branding, this week has been packed with noteworthy news. We’ll explore Snapchat's immersive Snap Street event in East London, a key ruling from the National Company Law Tribunal regarding the Reliance brand, Huawei's upcoming HarmonyOS NEXT, Apple's powerful new iPad mini, and a game-changing feature from Google Chrome for Android users. Join us as we delve into these stories and uncover how they shape the landscape of technology today.

TOP TECHNEWS OF WEEK:

NCLT Dismisses Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Ventures’ Plea to Block Hinduja Group’s Use of 'Reliance' Brand

The National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) has dismissed a plea by Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Ventures Pvt Ltd (ADAVL) that sought to block the Hinduja Group from using the "Reliance" brand. The dispute arose from a 2014 brand licensing agreement, which was terminated by ADAVL in 2021. However, NCLT's February 2024 order allowed IndusInd International Holdings (IIHL), the Hinduja Group's bidding entity, to use the brand for three years as part of the approved ₹9,681 crore resolution plan for the takeover of Reliance Capital. Despite this approval, the takeover has not been fully implemented due to ongoing disputes between IIHL and Reliance Capital’s lenders.

Huawei to Launch Android-Free HarmonyOS NEXT, Debuting on Mate 60 and Other Devices

Huawei is set to introduce its new HarmonyOS NEXT operating system, which will be entirely free from Android, starting October 15. The OS will first be available on the Mate 60, Mate X5, and MatePad Pro. However, it's unclear if the Mate XT tri-fold smartphone will receive the update.

This new operating system marks a significant shift for Huawei, which has been transitioning away from Android in favor of developing its own ecosystem. HarmonyOS NEXT is reported to support 10,000 apps and aims to fulfill the usage needs of 99.9% of consumers, despite not supporting Android apps. Huawei has been preparing for this move by ensuring the OS will still cater to the essential app requirements of its users, though Google apps and services like the Play Store will remain unavailable.

Apple Unveils New iPad Mini with A17 Pro Chipset and Enhanced Performance

Apple has introduced the latest iPad mini, featuring the powerful A17 Pro chipset, which offers a 30% faster CPU and 25% improved graphics compared to its predecessor. This marks the first significant upgrade to Apple's smallest tablet since 2021. With the same chipset as the iPhone 15 Pro models, the new iPad mini will support Apple Intelligence, which is set to arrive with iPadOS 18.1.

Out of the box, the tablet runs on iPadOS 18 and boasts an 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display. It includes a 12MP rear camera with Smart HDR 4 for enhanced photography. Pricing starts at ₹49,900 for the Wi-Fi-only version and ₹64,900 for the Wi-Fi + Cellular option, with pre-orders now available.

Snapchat Launches Snap Street: An Immersive AR Experience in East London

Snapchat has announced the launch of an immersive augmented reality (AR) experience called Snap Street, set to take place in East London from October 19 to 20. The event will transform the Ely’s Yard building on Brick Lane into an indoor high street featuring shop-fronts that showcase various AR experiences curated by brands such as Depop, Boots, and Cosmopolitan.

The event is free to attend and will introduce The Depop Claw Machine, where visitors can win circular fashion items, including streetwear, designer styles, and exclusive merchandise from Depop. Snap Street aims to envision the future of high streets through innovative AR technology.

Google Chrome on Android now reads aloud your webpages in 10 different voices

Google Chrome has rolled out a major update for its Android app, allowing users to listen to webpages with the new "Listen to this page" feature. This accessibility boost lets users multitask while listening to articles being read aloud in 10 customizable voices. The update, part of Chrome 130, also includes playback controls such as adjusting speed (from 0.5x to 4x) and skipping forward or backward by 10 seconds. The feature, which continues playing even when users switch apps, makes Chrome a strong competitor to Safari’s similar functionality, offering an enhanced experience for users who prefer audio content.

As we wrap up this week’s tech highlights, it’s clear that innovation continues to drive the industry forward. From the rise of augmented reality experiences like Snap Street to advancements in operating systems and mobile devices, the tech world is abuzz with exciting developments. The legal landscapes around major brands also remind us of the complexities within corporate strategies. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to monitor these evolving stories and their impact on our digital lives. Thank you for reading, and we look forward to sharing more insights next week!