This Week in Tech: Apple Security Alert, Samsung’s Rollable Phone, AI-Powered Innovations, and IT Sector Surge

Sep16-22,2024:This week in tech has been full of exciting developments and important security alerts. From Apple users being warned of critical vulnerabilities to Samsung’s rumored rollable phone, the tech industry is brimming with news. YouTube and WhatsApp are pushing AI-driven features to enhance user experience and creativity, while Indian IT firms are seeing a surge in their valuations due to renewed demand. Here’s a look at the top five tech highlights that shaped the week.

Tech Highlights of the Week

1.Government Issues High-Severity Alert for iOS, iPadOS, and macOS Users Post iPhone 16 Launch Due to Multiple Vulnerabilities

CERT-In, India's cybersecurity agency, has issued a high-severity alert for users of Apple's iOS, iPadOS, and macOS following the release of iPhone 16. The warning highlights multiple vulnerabilities in Apple products, which could allow attackers to access sensitive information, execute malicious code, and bypass security measures. Affected versions include iOS versions prior to 18, macOS versions prior to 14.7, and more. CERT-In urges users to update their devices to the latest software to mitigate the risks.

2.Samsung Reportedly Developing Rollable Phone with Expanding 12.4-Inch Display

Samsung is reportedly preparing to launch a smartphone with a rollable display, potentially arriving next year. The device is expected to feature a flexible screen that can expand to a tablet-sized 12.4 inches, larger than Huawei’s 10.2-inch Mate XT Ultimate Design. While Samsung has not officially confirmed the product, the company is known for pioneering display innovations like foldable and sliding screens. If released, it will mark six years since Samsung introduced its first foldable phone.

3.YouTube Integrates Veo AI for Enhanced Video Creation on Shorts Platform

At the 2024 "Made on YouTube" event in New York, YouTube unveiled new AI-powered features to enhance creativity on its platform. At the forefront is the integration of Google DeepMind’s video-generating model, Veo, which will enable creators to generate six-second video clips for YouTube Shorts from simple text prompts via the Dream Screen tool. Veo’s AI-generated content will be watermarked to address authenticity concerns. Additionally, YouTube is expanding its auto-dubbing feature, allowing creators to automatically dub videos in multiple languages while preserving voice tone using AI-powered "expressive speech" technology.

Further AI tools include the Inspiration tab in YouTube Studio, offering creators AI-curated project ideas, thumbnails, and video outlines. Caspar Lee, a prominent YouTube creator, shared insights into how AI is revolutionizing content creation, making tasks like subtitling, thumbnail creation, and idea generation more efficient.

4.WhatsApp Introduces Channel Categories and Expands AI Voice Chat Features

WhatsApp has rolled out a new feature to enhance user experience by simplifying channel discovery. Users can now browse through seven distinct categories—People, Organizations, Lifestyle, Sports, Entertainment, Businesses, and News & Information—via the new "Explore" option in the "Updates" tab. With over 500 million people engaging with Channels monthly, the feature has already gained popularity, particularly in India, where celebrities like Kareena Kapoor Khan, Katrina Kaif, and the Indian Cricket Team have amassed large followings.

In addition to Channels, WhatsApp is advancing its AI features by introducing a two-way voice chat function powered by Meta AI. This feature will enable users to engage with a chatbot using various voices, including those of celebrities, offering a more personalized and interactive experience.

5.Hopes of Demand Revival Propel Indian IT Firms' Valuations Higher

Indian IT companies have experienced a valuation boost of nearly 20% over the past three months, driven by an expected revival in demand from key markets like the US and Europe. Despite slow revenue growth across the $250 billion Indian IT industry, top firms such as Tata Consultancy Services, Infosys, and HCLTech have delivered impressive returns, with stock prices rising by 13%, 26%, and 22% respectively. Wipro, despite lagging in earnings, saw a 10% rise in its stock.

Analysts credit recent deal wins, margin improvements, and expectations of discretionary demand recovery for the sector's resurgence. While the price/earnings-to-growth (PEG) ratio remains above its five-year average, experts anticipate normalization as earnings growth picks up. Key players are focusing on high-margin digital services, including cloud, AI, and cybersecurity, to offset challenges like wage inflation and talent shortages.A recent surge in contract renewals and new projects further signals potential earnings growth, with tech spending on the rise across sectors, particularly in banking and financial services.

From security alerts to cutting-edge innovations, this week’s tech landscape underscores the rapid pace of advancements and challenges in the industry. As AI continues to revolutionize platforms like YouTube and WhatsApp, and Indian IT firms ride a wave of renewed demand, it’s clear that technology will keep pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. Stay updated with the latest tech news, insights, and more on our ACM VVIT blog!