Reliability is Key
Reliability may not be the most exciting aspect of a product, but it is crucial in maintaining customer satisfaction. Puget Systems recently reported a higher failure rate with 13th and 14th Gen Intel Core processors. As a result, they have decided to extend the warranty for affected buyers to three years, a significant increase from the usual one-year warranty period. While Puget Systems has taken this proactive step, it remains unclear if Intel will assist other PC makers in extending their warranties as well. Currently, Intel has only extended the warranty for its own retail chips.
According to reports from CNBC, Microsoft made updates to its risk factors with the SEC this week. These updates are typically made to protect companies against potential shareholder lawsuits and are known to be conservative in nature. The reported changes hint at a possible drift between OpenAI and its largest investor, a significant development in the tech industry.
Delay in Launch Dates
In other news, Microsoft's highly anticipated RPG, the Obsidian, is facing a delay in its launch. Originally slated for release in 2024, the game will now be launched on February 18th, 2025, according to an announcement from the Xbox X account. Fans are also eagerly awaiting official 2024 release dates for games such as Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, Starfield's Shattered Space expansion, and Towerborne. It is speculated that Microsoft may make these announcements during Gamescom later this month.
Additionally, Mark Kalman, X's engineering lead of media, along with his second-in-command, Melissa Merencillo, announced their resignations recently. This abrupt departure has raised concerns within the company, as Kalman was a key figure in X's media infrastructure and played a significant role in managing relationships, including that with Elon Musk.
Product Reviews and Updates
The Galaxy Watch Ultra seems to take inspiration from Apple's design philosophy, focusing on functionality rather than innovation. On the other hand, the Acemagic X1, known for its dual-screen display, offers a unique blend of performance and affordability. The laptop also features Stewart Brand's iconic quote from the Whole Earth Catalog, engraved elegantly above the keyboard.
If you're looking for Matter-compatible devices, there is a wide range of options available from major tech giants like Apple, Amazon, Google, and Samsung. Bloomberg recently published a detailed report on Bungie following the studio's decision to lay off 220 employees. The report sheds light on the canceled project "Payback" and its ties to popular games like Warframe and Genshin Impact.
Evolving Policies in the Tech Industry
Apple has made notable changes in its app review guidelines, particularly concerning retro game console and PC emulator apps. Developers seeking notarization for third-party app stores are now required to adhere to specific guidelines set by Apple. This shift in policy reflects Apple's evolving stance on PC emulator apps, as seen in their recent decisions to approve or reject certain applications.
