It's been a wild week in the tech world! we saw some major developments in artificial intelligence, cloud gaming, social media, and wearable technology. From exciting new product releases to major industry announcements, here are the top ten tech news stories from this week:

Microsoft to invest $10 billion more in OpenAI

Microsoft is reportedly in talks to invest another $10 billion in OpenAI, the research company that aims to create artificial general intelligence (AGI), a level of AI that can perform any task that a human can. Microsoft invested $1 billion in OpenAI in 2019 and became its exclusive cloud provider. The new investment would give Microsoft more access to OpenAI’s technologies and talent. The new investment would give Microsoft more access to OpenAI’s technologies and talent

Apple may launch new MacBook Air with 15-inch display

Apple is rumored to launch a new MacBook Air with a 15-inch display and an M2 chip in April this year. The M2 chip is expected to be faster and more power-efficient than the M1 chip that powers the current MacBook Air models. According to Apple, the 13-inch MacBook Air with the M1 chip lasts up to 18 hours per charge 2, so perhaps the 15-inch model could offer even longer battery life.

Amazon’s cloud gaming platform ‘Luna’ may add Fortnite

Amazon’s cloud gaming platform ‘Luna’, which is currently available only by invitation in the US, may soon add one of the most popular games in the world: Fortnite. According to a report by Protocol, Amazon has been working with Epic Games, the developer of Fortnite, to bring the game to Luna 2. Fortnite is currently not available on Google’s cloud gaming service ‘Stadia’ or Apple’s App Store due to a legal dispute over revenue sharing.

NATO develops life-saving wearable technology

NATO has developed a new wearable technology that can monitor vital signs and alert medics when soldiers are injured on the battlefield. The technology consists of sensors embedded in clothing or accessories that can measure heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, body temperature, and location. The data is transmitted wirelessly to a central hub where medics can monitor and prioritize casualties.

Facebook launches new app ‘Bars’ for aspiring rappers

Facebook has launched a new app called ‘Bars’ that lets users create and share rap videos with professionally produced beats. The app also provides tools such as auto-rhyme and auto-tune to help users craft their lyrics and vocals. The app is currently available only in the US as a closed beta test1.

SpaceX successfully lands Starship prototype for the first time

SpaceX has achieved a major milestone in its quest to develop a reusable rocket that can carry humans and cargo to Mars. The company successfully landed its Starship prototype SN10 after a high-altitude flight test on Wednesday. The rocket performed a controlled descent and touched down softly on a landing pad near Boca Chica, Texas2. However, minutes later, the rocket exploded due to a fire at its base.

Google Maps adds new features for drivers and public transit users

Google Maps has rolled out some new features to make navigation easier and safer for drivers and public transit users. For drivers, Google Maps now shows live traffic information such as speed traps, accidents, road closures, and congestion levels on routes. For public transit users, Google Maps now shows occupancy levels of buses and trains based on real-time feedback from other riders3. This can help users avoid crowded vehicles and maintain social distancing.

Samsung unveils new foldable phone ‘Galaxy Z Fold 3’

Samsung has unveiled its latest foldable phone ‘Galaxy Z Fold 3’ at its Unpacked event on Thursday. The phone features a 7.6-inch main display that folds inward like a book, and a 6.2-inch cover display that can be used when folded. The phone also supports an S Pen stylus that can be used on both screens4. The phone comes with a triple rear camera setup, a dual selfie camera setup, an under-display fingerprint scanner, and wireless charging.

Microsoft Announces Xbox Series X

Microsoft unveiled their next-gen gaming console this week – Xbox Series X! It promises faster loading times and improved graphics for gamers everywhere as well as compatibility for thousands of existing games across generations. Plus it comes with a sleek design that looks great in any living room setup!

TikTok agreed to greater transparency

TikTok agreed to greater transparency and accountability after facing scrutiny from regulators and lawmakers over its data privacy and content moderation practices. The popular video-sharing app will join the Global Internet Forum to Counter Terrorism (GIFCT), a coalition of tech companies that works to prevent online extremism and violence4. TikTok will also share its quarterly transparency reports with GIFCT members and participate in joint initiatives such as hash-sharing databases and crisis protocols5. Additionally, TikTok will allow users to send gifts to their favorite creators using coins that can be purchased within the app. The gifts range from roses (worth 1 coin) to drama queens (worth 5,000 coins) and can be converted into diamonds that can be cashed out by creators

India Today Technology reported on various smartphone launches, reviews and news from India’s tech sector this week. Some of them include:

NoiseFit Halo Smartwatch with over 150 watch faces and Bluetooth calling launched in India for Rs 3,999.
Infosys founder NR Narayana Murthy warned against moonlighting while speaking at the Asia Economic Dialogue.
Airtel Xstream Fiber plan offering 100 mbps speed and added benefits for Rs 499 per month.
Realme GT 5G flagship phone with Snapdragon 888 processor launched in China for CNY 2,799 (around Rs 31,400).
Samsung Galaxy A32 with quad rear cameras launched in India for Rs 21,999.