Apple’s much-anticipated AI-driven features, Genmoji and Image Playground, have reportedly been delayed and are now expected to launch with iOS 18.2, likely in December 2024. Initially showcased at Apple’s June 2024 event, these tools were set to debut with iOS 18.1, which is expected to roll out in October. However, the latest reports suggest that users will have to wait a bit longer to experience these advanced image-generation features.

What Are Genmoji and Image Playground?

Apple’s Genmoji is a cutting-edge tool that allows users to create custom emojis based on text prompts or even from photos of real people. The tool offers a fun and personalized way for users to design their own emojis, bringing a new level of creativity to Apple’s ecosystem. Image Playground, on the other hand, provides a more advanced image-generation platform, offering styles like Animation, Illustration, and Sketch. These features were particularly well-received during their initial demonstration.

Both tools are part of Apple’s broader Apple Intelligence initiative, which aims to integrate AI-driven features deeply into the iPhone experience. They will be accessible through various apps, including Messages, and Image Playground will also be available as a standalone app.

Reasons for the Delay

According to reports, Apple delayed these features to ensure they are fully polished before release. The company appears to be focusing on perfecting the user experience and adding necessary safeguards, likely after observing issues with similar AI tools from other companies. This strategic delay also aligns with Apple’s philosophy of releasing features that “just work” rather than rushing them to market.

While iPhone 16 models will be unveiled soon, the absence of Genmoji and Image Playground in the initial iOS 18 release may be disappointing for users eagerly awaiting these creative tools. The iPhone 16 is set to include several other AI-powered features as part of Apple Intelligence, such as enhanced Siri capabilities and message summarization. However, those hoping to experiment with custom emojis and AI-generated images will have to wait until later in the year.

Apple’s decision to delay these features reflects the challenges tech companies face when integrating AI responsibly into consumer devices. Nonetheless, the wait for Genmoji and Image Playground will likely be worth it, as Apple aims to ensure the tools meet user expectations for reliability and creativity.

With the delay until iOS 18.2, iPhone users will have to wait a little longer to try out Apple’s new image-generation features. This decision highlights Apple’s commitment to delivering high-quality, functional tools rather than rushing incomplete software. For now, the focus will shift to other aspects of the iPhone 16 launch and iOS 18.1, but come December, Genmoji and Image Playground are expected to make a big splash in the world of AI-driven personalization and creativity.

Meta is making a groundbreaking change to WhatsApp and Messenger by allowing them to interact with third-party messaging services, but only for users in the European Union (EU). This change, driven by the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), aims to create interoperability between Meta’s messaging platforms and external apps, enabling users to communicate seamlessly across different services.

Meta has started implementing new features in WhatsApp and Messenger that will allow users to send and receive messages from third-party apps, an update that will roll out over the coming months. These changes are designed to comply with the DMA, which requires large platforms, or “gatekeepers,” like Meta, to support third-party integrations.

For now, these features will be limited to the EU, where users will have the option to enable this cross-platform communication. Notifications will inform users when a third-party service becomes available, and users will have the option to either keep those messages in a separate inbox or combine them with their existing WhatsApp or Messenger chats.

Meta has designed a straightforward onboarding process for users. Once a third-party app becomes compatible, users can select which apps they want to receive messages from. They will also be given control over how to manage their inbox. For instance, users can choose to keep third-party chats in a dedicated folder or merge them into their primary chat list. This flexibility gives users more control over their messaging experience.

Not only will Meta ensure basic interoperability, but the company is also planning to offer *rich messaging features* for third-party chats. These include typing indicators, reactions, direct replies, and read receipts, enhancing the experience beyond simple text messaging. These rich features make third-party chats feel integrated and seamless with the existing user interface.

Meta’s roadmap for this initiative is ambitious. While messaging will come first, the company plans to expand the third-party features to include group chats by 2025. This means users will be able to create cross-platform group chats, allowing participants from different messaging apps to communicate together. Even more exciting is the plan for voice and video calling, which will be available by 2027.

This move by Meta is largely driven by regulatory pressure from the EU. The DMA, which came into effect earlier this year, mandates that large digital platforms like Meta must open up their services to competitors. The goal is to prevent these companies from monopolizing communication networks and ensure that users have more flexibility and choice in how they communicate.

For now, these changes will only affect users in the EU. However, the successful implementation of this initiative could prompt Meta to consider expanding third-party interoperability to other regions. Over the coming years, Meta plans to collaborate with more third-party messaging services to build out these features and make cross-platform communication as smooth and secure as possible.

In short, Meta’s updates to WhatsApp and Messenger mark a significant step toward a more interconnected digital ecosystem. While it may take a few years for all the promised features to fully roll out, users in the EU are set to benefit from a new level of flexibility and control over their messaging platforms.

Tecno is gearing up to launch the Pova 6 Neo 5G on September 11, 2024. This smartphone offers a feature-rich experience, combining a 108MP camera, powerful performance, and a host of advanced AI capabilities that make it stand out in its category.

AI Features

The Tecno Pova 6 Neo 5G comes equipped with several AI-driven tools to enhance user creativity and efficiency:

1. AI Magic Eraser

Enables users to easily remove unwanted objects from photos, simplifying the editing process.

2. AI Cut Out

Allows users to isolate elements from images and create custom stickers.

3. AI Artboard

Converts simple doodles into high-quality digital artwork, catering to creative users.

4. ASK AI

Assists with content creation by offering grammar corrections and improving overall text quality.

5. AIGC Portrait

Creates personalized avatars from photos, offering a fun and interactive way to engage with your device.

6. AI Wallpaper

Offers customizable, AI-driven wallpapers that can be tailored to the user’s preferences.

These features, combined with the phone’s camera system, provide a highly personalized and creative experience.

Display and Design

The Pova 6 Neo 5G is expected to feature a 6.78-inch FHD+ display with a 120Hz refresh rate, ensuring smooth visuals during gaming, streaming, and regular use. The punch-hole design provides a modern, premium feel, and the phone will come in Starry Silver, Speed Black, and Comet Green color options.

Camera and AI Integration

One of the phone’s standout features is its 108MP primary camera, which delivers high-resolution photos with impressive detail. The camera also integrates AI-powered features like AI Magic Eraser and AI Cut Out, making it easier for users to edit and personalize their images. The camera also supports 3x Lossless In-Sensor Zoom, ensuring high-quality images even when zooming in.

Performance and Battery

The Tecno Pova 6 Neo 5G will be powered by the MediaTek Helio G99 Ultimate processor, providing efficient and reliable performance for multitasking, gaming, and other demanding applications. It will come with 8GB of RAM and up to 256GB of internal storage, giving users plenty of space for apps, files, and media.

The device will also pack a 7,000mAh battery, ensuring extended usage time for gaming, streaming, and daily tasks without constantly needing to charge.

Software and Connectivity

The Pova 6 Neo 5G will run on Android 14, offering the latest features from the Android ecosystem. The phone also supports 5G connectivity, delivering faster internet speeds and improved network reliability for smoother streaming, gaming, and browsing experiences.

With its blend of AI features, a 108MP camera, powerful performance, and a large battery, the Tecno Pova 6 Neo 5G is poised to make a significant impact in the budget smartphone market. The official launch on September 11, 2024, is eagerly anticipated by consumers looking for an affordable yet innovative device.