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Google Drive’s Upcoming 2025 Update: Auto-Enhanced Scans and the Whisk AI Too

In early January 2025, tech giant Google will roll out a significant update for its Google Drive mobile app users, introducing an automatic editing feature for the app’s built-in scanner. This update promises to streamline the process of capturing and enhancing digital copies of important documents, including bills, identification cards, and more.

At present, Google Drive users can scan documents using their mobile devices, but editing these scans requires manual adjustments, such as tweaking filters and adjusting image levels. With the new update, however, Google Drive will automatically optimize scanned images, eliminating the need for users to make manual enhancements. The new auto-filter feature will automatically improve scans, delivering sharper, brighter, and more readable document versions with minimal user input.

Using the feature is simple. Users just need to tap the “+ New” button located at the bottom-right of the screen, select “Scan,” and grant the app access to their camera. After scanning a document, a sparkle icon will appear in the preview mode, indicating that the auto-enhancer tool is ready. This tool will then adjust the white balance, eliminate shadows, boost contrast, sharpen details, and optimize lighting for a more polished final result.

Google has confirmed that this update will be available to all Google Drive users, including those with free personal accounts. The feature will first be available on Android devices starting January 6, 2025.

The goal of this update is to simplify document scanning while enhancing the overall user experience, making it easier to store clear, high-quality digital versions of important documents directly within Google Drive.

In other news, Google has also introduced a groundbreaking generative AI experiment called Whisk, designed to revolutionize creative workflows. Unlike traditional image generation tools that rely on text-based prompts, Whisk allows users to drag and drop images representing the subject, scene, and style they wish to create. By remixing these images, users can produce entirely original visuals.

Powered by Google’s Gemini model, Whisk automatically generates detailed captions based on the uploaded images. These captions are then processed by Google’s Imagen 3, the company’s latest image generation model. The focus of Whisk is on capturing the essence of the subject, rather than attempting to replicate it exactly, offering a fresh approach to creative expression.

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Slack Integrates Salesforce’s Agentforce AI to Transform Enterprise Workflows

Slack is taking a bold step forward in the AI agent market by integrating Salesforce’s Agentforce 2.0 AI agents directly into its workplace collaboration platform. This move emphasizes contextual intelligence as the game-changer for AI agents in enterprises, setting Slack apart in the crowded landscape of workplace automation tools.

Why Context Matters for Enterprise AI

As organizations navigate vast amounts of communication data, Slack’s channels act as a “searchable log of all communication and knowledge,” says Rob Seaman, Slack’s Chief Product Officer. In an exclusive interview with VentureBeat, Seaman explained how Slack’s organizational context will enable AI agents to reason, answer questions, and even take action based on the information flowing through its platform.

The integration, part of Salesforce’s Agentforce 2.0 launch on December 17th, aims to deliver three critical AI capabilities:

  1. Comprehensive Contextual Knowledge
  2. Reasoning and Decision-Making
  3. Action-Taking Power

Unlike standalone AI tools, Slack leverages its unique position as the central nervous system of modern enterprises to empower AI agents with organizational intelligence.

Inside Slack’s New AI Agent Library

Slack will introduce a library of customizable AI agents capable of automating a range of tasks, from employee onboarding to managing complex, cross-functional projects.

Seaman described the platform as a seamless collaboration environment where humans and AI agents coexist as team members. “It’s pretty magical to see humans and agents together,” he noted, emphasizing how agents will complement human work rather than replace it.

Key features include:

  • Customizable AI agents that integrate with workflows.
  • User Context Compliance, ensuring agents only access data within the user’s permission scope.
  • Salesforce’s Trust Layer, which ensures sensitive data governance and compliance.
  • Transparent Decision-Making, where users can observe and test the agents’ actions in real time.

How AI Agents Will Revolutionize Enterprise Software

For organizations grappling with fragmented software stacks and disjointed workflows, Slack’s new AI integration could streamline manual processes that currently span multiple systems.

Employee onboarding is one example highlighted by Seaman:

“Taking you from a new hire to productive… is something that the company cares about. From an end-user perspective, it’s also a lonely, scary experience during the first few months.”

AI agents can simplify this journey by automating onboarding workflows, providing answers, and helping new employees acclimate to their roles faster and with less stress.

By contextualizing information and workflows, these AI agents could also eliminate redundancies and manual tasks spread across disconnected tools—bringing efficiency to enterprise software infrastructures.

The Race for Enterprise AI Dominance

Slack and Salesforce’s integration positions them at the forefront of enterprise AI adoption. While companies like Anthropic and OpenAI have entered the AI agent market, Slack’s advantage lies in its deep integration with enterprise workflows and its unique access to organizational context.

The timing is significant as organizations seek AI tools that balance effectiveness with security and trust. Salesforce and Slack are betting that contextually aware agents—integrated directly into daily operations—will deliver more value than standalone solutions.

Will Enterprises Embrace AI as Teammates?

The success of this vision will depend on how organizations adopt AI agents as collaborators within their teams. Given Slack’s widespread usage in modern workplaces, the platform is well-positioned to drive this transformation.

As Seaman put it:

“We’re pretty lucky, frankly, that we’re in this moment, and we have a lot of the primitives that are required to make this possible.”

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Blackmagic Unveils $30,000 Camera for Vision Pro: Immersive Video Like Never Before

Apple‘s Vision Pro has garnered attention for its immersive video capabilities, yet the availability of compatible content remains limited. Addressing this gap, Blackmagic Design has introduced the URSA Cine Immersive, the first camera engineered to capture footage in Apple’s Immersive Video format.

Key Features of the URSA Cine Immersive

  • High-Resolution 3D Capture: The camera records stereoscopic 3D video at 90 frames per second, delivering a resolution of 8160 x 7200 pixels per eye. This surpasses the Vision Pro’s display capabilities, ensuring exceptionally detailed and immersive content. 
  • Custom Lenses and Large Format Sensor: Equipped with lenses tailored for its large-format image sensor, the URSA Cine Immersive provides precise positional data, enhancing the depth and realism of the captured footage. 
  • Integrated High-Capacity Storage: Featuring 8TB of built-in storage, the camera records directly to the included Blackmagic Media Module. This setup facilitates efficient data management during extensive shoots. 
  • Seamless Post-Production Workflow: The URSA Cine Immersive integrates with DaVinci Resolve Studio, allowing real-time syncing of footage to a media bin. This enables editors to access and work on content remotely, streamlining the post-production process. 

Blackmagic Design’s CEO, Grant Petty, has expressed enthusiasm for collaborating with filmmakers to explore the creative possibilities this technology offers. The introduction of the URSA Cine Immersive is poised to significantly expand the library of immersive content available for the Vision Pro, enhancing the device’s appeal to both creators and consumers. 

The camera is currently available for pre-order at $29,995, with shipments expected to commence in late Q1 2025. 

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Google Whisk: Redefining Image Creation by Capturing Your Image’s Essence

Google has launched Whisk, its latest experimental AI image generator. Unlike traditional image generators, Whisk captures only the “essence” of an uploaded image, making it a valuable tool for brainstorming and generating creative concepts quickly. With two interactive modes and a simple interface, Whisk is perfect for visualizing ideas rather than editing images with precision.
In this article, we’ll explore Whisk’s features, how it works, its limitations, and what sets it apart from other AI tools.

What is Whisk?

Whisk is Google’s experimental AI tool, housed under Google Labs. The company describes it as “a new type of creative tool”, primarily designed for brainstorming and rapid visualizations.
Unlike other AI tools that focus on editing or replicating existing images, Whisk works to recreate your image’s “essence”. It simplifies visuals and outputs rough, creative ideas perfect for inspiration.

A Creative Tool for Brainstorming

Whisk isn’t meant for professional photo editing or detailed outputs. Instead, it provides users with quick, imaginative renderings, making it ideal for:

  • Creative concept ideation
  • Rapid brainstorming sessions
  • Exploring multiple visual styles in seconds

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How Whisk Works

Whisk operates under a two-part technological process:

1. The Gemini Language Model

When you upload an image to Whisk, Google’s Gemini language model analyzes it and generates a detailed text caption describing the visual. This description serves as a textual interpretation of your uploaded image.

2. Imagen 3 Image Generator

Once Gemini creates the caption, Google feeds it into Imagen 3, Google’s advanced AI image generator. Imagen 3 uses Gemini’s description, rather than the original image, to produce a new output.
This process ensures Whisk’s result captures only key elements of your input, creating an image that feels inspired by — but not identical to — the original.

The Core Features of Google Whisk

Whisk is designed to be simple, intuitive, and experimental. It offers two primary ways to generate creative outputs:

1. Starter Interface (Basic Mode)

The starter interface is straightforward, with inputs for style and subject.
Style Options: Whisk currently offers three predefined styles:

  • Sticker
  • Enamel Pin
  • Plushie

Google chose these styles as they align with the tool’s focus on delivering simplified, creative visualizations.

2. Advanced Editor (Start From Scratch)

In the advanced mode, users gain access to:

  • Inputs for Subject, Scene, and Style
  • Customizable text prompts

However, as of now, the advanced controls may not yield outputs that exactly align with your expectations — a limitation Google acknowledges.

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Understanding the Limitations of Whisk

Whisk is not designed for precision image editing. Instead, it’s focused on:

  • Simplifying concepts
  • Capturing rough outlines
  • Providing visual inspiration

Google openly acknowledges its tool’s limitations, including:

  • Outputs may feature different heights, weights, hairstyles, or skin tones.
  • Results often vary because Whisk relies on textual interpretations, not pixel-for-pixel image recreation.

Ideal Use Cases for Google Whisk

Whisk is most effective for:

  • Brainstorming Creative Ideas: Quickly visualize ideas with basic outlines.
  • Concept Inspiration: Test how an idea looks across styles (e.g., sticker or plushie).
  • Simplified Visual Outputs: Perfect for artists, designers, and creative teams.

How to Access Google Whisk

Currently, Whisk is only available to users in the United States. You can try it by visiting the project’s page on Google Labs.
Steps to Access Whisk:

  • Visit the Google Labs site.
  • Click on the Whisk project.
  • Choose between Basic Mode or Advanced Editor.
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Apple to Discontinue iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, and iPhone SE in the EU Due to New USB-C Regulation

A recent report from France has revealed that Apple will cease sales of the iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, and iPhone SE models in the European Union. The affected devices will be removed from both Apple’s online and offline stores by December 28, with Apple Authorized Retailers in the EU allowed to continue selling the remaining inventory until it is exhausted.

This move is in response to a new EU regulation that mandates all newly sold smartphones with wired charging to adopt USB-C ports. The iPhone 14 series and iPhone SE are the last models still available in the EU that utilize the Lightning port, which is incompatible with the new regulation. As a result, Apple is required to phase out these devices to comply with the updated standards.

In addition to the iPhones, Apple will also halt the sale of other products featuring the Lightning port, such as the Magic Keyboard without Touch ID. Notably, this change will extend to Northern Ireland, despite the United Kingdom having left the EU in 2020, due to Northern Ireland’s adherence to EU regulations as part of the Brexit agreement.

The same regulation will affect Switzerland, where the iPhones and other Lightning-equipped products will be removed from sale by December 20, even earlier than in the EU. This decision comes after internal communications from Apple, which have been reported to detail these changes.

Typically, Apple would have phased out the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus models next September, as part of its usual product refresh cycle. However, the new regulation has expedited the process. As for the iPhone SE, while its discontinuation is noteworthy, it is expected to be replaced by a new model in the coming year, so its removal is not anticipated to be a significant loss for Apple or its customers.

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Samsung Set to Release Two New Sizes of Galaxy Ring

A reliable source on X has recently revealed that Samsung is preparing to launch two new sizes of its Galaxy Ring wearable next month. This move is expected to address a common concern among users with larger fingers, as Samsung will now offer sizes 14 and 15, set to become available for purchase in January.

The Galaxy Ring size 14 will feature an inner diameter of 23mm, with the model number SM-Q514. The size 15 variant will have a slightly larger inner diameter of 23.8mm, and will be identified by the model number SM-Q515. Both versions will weigh approximately 3.2g, ensuring that they remain lightweight and comfortable to wear, regardless of their size.

The rumors surrounding the introduction of these additional sizes first emerged in September, with initial speculation suggesting an imminent launch. However, it appears that Samsung has taken some additional time to finalize the product. While it remains unclear whether these delays were part of the original development timeline, the imminent release of the new sizes is now confirmed.

For consumers who had previously refrained from purchasing the Galaxy Ring due to sizing concerns, the upcoming availability of sizes 14 and 15 presents an ideal opportunity to reconsider. With these new size options, it is anticipated that many users who previously struggled to find a comfortable fit will be eager to explore this innovative smart wearable.

As the new sizes approach market availability, it is expected that the extended sizing options will cater to a broader audience, further bolstering the popularity of the Galaxy Ring. Those who had been waiting for the right fit will likely be quick to embrace the added choice, cementing the Galaxy Ring’s place in the expanding wearable market.

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Apple plans redesign of Magic Mouse to address user complaints

The Magic Mouse has remained relatively unchanged for a long time, with only incremental updates such as the removal of AA batteries and the addition of a USB-C port. However, Apple is reportedly preparing for a significant redesign of its iconic mouse. In his Power On newsletter, Mark Gurman reveals that Apple has begun working on prototypes for a more modern version of the Magic Mouse, which originally debuted back in 2009.

Over the years, the Magic Mouse has garnered praise, particularly for its innovative gesture controls, which allow users to swipe and scroll in an intuitive way. Despite this, the design has been a frequent subject of criticism, especially for its lack of ergonomic support and the inconvenient placement of the charging port on the underside of the mouse. These issues have left many users hoping for a more comfortable and functional version.

Though the details of the redesign remain unclear, it seems Apple is finally addressing these long-standing concerns. According to Gurman, the company is focused on making the new version “more relevant,” while also “fixing longstanding complaints”—most notably the controversial charging port issue, which has been a point of contention ever since the mouse’s release. Users have long found it frustrating to charge the device while it’s in use, given that the charging port is located on the bottom of the mouse, making it essentially unusable while charging.

Despite these promising updates, we may still be a ways off from seeing the new Magic Mouse on store shelves. Gurman suggests that it could take anywhere from a year to 18 months for the revamped version to reach the market. In the meantime, users will have to make do with the current model, though it’s clear that Apple is committed to refining and improving the design based on user feedback.

If the new Magic Mouse addresses these key pain points, it could mark a major improvement for users who have been waiting for a more comfortable, practical, and modern version of Apple’s mouse.

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Pika 2.0: Empowering Creators with Lifelike AI Video Generation

Pika, the Palo Alto-based startup that has emerged as a leader in lifelike AI video generation tools, has unveiled its latest update—Pika 2.0. This new version promises to provide users with significantly more control and customization options for creating AI-generated video clips.

The announcement comes just weeks after the successful release of Pika 1.5, which saw widespread adoption and high user engagement, establishing Pika as a frontrunner in the creative AI space. It also follows the release of Sora, OpenAI’s own AI video generator, which has recently become available to the public after being previewed ten months ago.

Pika 2.0 introduces a variety of enhancements that streamline the video generation process. Key among these is improved text alignment, making it easier to turn detailed prompts into cohesive, imaginative video clips. The update also improves motion rendering, creating more natural movements and realistic, fantastical physics—areas where previous generative AI tools have often struggled.

This update underscores Pika’s commitment to making AI video creation accessible, affordable, and user-friendly, whether for individuals or businesses.

Pika 2.0: A Tool for Creators and Brands Alike

Unlike competitors such as OpenAI’s Sora, which caters primarily to Hollywood studios, Pika 2.0 is designed for individuals, small creators, and brands looking to produce high-quality videos without the complexity or cost of traditional production.

Building on the success of its predecessor, Pika 2.0 introduces several new features designed to make video creation easier and more engaging for all users. Central to the update is the new “Scene Ingredients” feature, which allows users to upload and customize individual elements like characters, objects, and settings. This feature, powered by advanced image recognition technology, ensures that these components are seamlessly integrated into scenes, giving users more control over the final result.

These improvements position Pika as an ideal platform for creators looking to make playful, shareable videos for social media, or for brands aiming to produce high-quality advertising content at a fraction of the cost of traditional production methods.

Impressive Growth and Widespread Adoption

Pika’s growth has been nothing short of impressive. Following the release of Pika 1.5, more than five million new users joined the platform in just one month, bringing the total user base to over 11 million. Viral features like “Squish It,” “Melt It,” and “Explode It” have fueled this growth, with videos generated on the platform collectively amassing over two billion views.

High-profile brands, including Balenciaga, Fenty, and Vogue, have leveraged Pika’s tools to create innovative social media advertisements, boosting the platform’s visibility even further. As Pika 2.0 rolls out, the company anticipates even greater adoption from influencers, advertisers, and everyday users.

Innovation Without Breaking the Bank

Pika 2.0 positions itself as an affordable alternative to other AI video solutions. While specific pricing details haven’t been disclosed, the platform is designed to be accessible to non-professionals, making it an attractive option for users without deep pockets. This combination of affordability and powerful new features is expected to encourage even more creators to explore the world of AI-generated content.

With its rapid growth and constant innovation, Pika is poised to play a leading role in the broader adoption of AI video technology. Its user-first approach, which focuses on creators and brands instead of professional filmmakers, gives it a distinct edge in attracting a broad and diverse audience.

Founder and CEO Demi Guo envisions Pika not just as a tool for video production, but as a platform that fosters creativity and storytelling in engaging and enjoyable ways. As more individuals and brands turn to AI for content creation, platforms like Pika could pave the way for a new era of accessible, dynamic, and user-driven media.

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Breaking Boundaries: The Top 3 Highlights of the Huawei Mate X6

Huawei is elevating its foldable lineup with the global debut of the Mate X6, the latest addition to its series of book-style foldable phones. As the sixth-generation model in a flagship lineup that began in 2019, the Mate X6 is brimming with cutting-edge features and a bold design that embodies innovation.

A Bold Design with Stellar Inspiration

Richard Yu, Chairman of Huawei Consumer Business Group, described the Mate X6 as “a breakthrough technology from the inside to out.” True to his words, the phone delivers a fresh and immersive experience, blending unique design elements with advanced functionality.

Staying true to the cosmic themes that define the Mate X series, the Mate X6 features a “Space-Age Orbit” camera layout inspired by planetary orbits, symbolizing infinite possibilities. Available in Nebula Gray, Nebula Red, and Black, the phone combines style with durability. The Nebula Gray, crafted using Vegan Fiber and Micro-Nano 3D Topography, offers a unique texture and a radiant finish. Meanwhile, Kunlun Glass and an aviation-grade aluminum frame ensure it’s robust enough to handle daily wear and tear.

Immersive Screens and Multitasking Excellence

The Mate X6 delivers an impressive visual experience. Its 6.45-inch OLED external screen boasts a crisp 2440×1080 resolution, while the 7.93-inch OLED internal display unfolds to a stunning 2440×2240 resolution. Huawei X-True™ Display technology enhances the visuals with vibrant colors and sharp clarity, making it ideal for watching movies, gaming, or multitasking.

But the Mate X6 isn’t just about bigger screens—it’s about smarter functionality. The Live Multi-task feature allows users to run three apps simultaneously, streamlining work, communication, and entertainment. To handle demanding tasks like gaming and video calls, the phone integrates a 30% larger heat dissipation area, ultra-high thermal conductivity graphene, and separated heat sources, ensuring efficient cooling and reliable performance.

For a playful touch, Huawei has also introduced creative lock screen themes like Emoji Crush and Air Hoop, adding a bit of fun every time you unlock the device.

Revolutionary Camera System for Foldables

Huawei redefines smartphone photography with its Ultra Aperture XMAGE Camera System.

The 50 MP main camera features 10 adjustable apertures, enabling precise control over lighting for a variety of settings. This is complemented by a 40 MP ultra-wide-angle lens and a 48 MP telephoto lens with 4x optical zoom, offering the versatility to capture everything from expansive landscapes to intricate macro details.

The Moving Picture mode enhances creative potential with features like multiple exposures and long exposures, enabling users to craft truly stunning photos with ease.

The Huawei Mate X6 combines innovative design, immersive displays, and a revolutionary camera system to set a new benchmark for foldable smartphones. Whether you’re looking for a device that seamlessly blends style and functionality or one that redefines what a phone camera can do, the Mate X6 delivers on every front.

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Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis to Integrate Google Maps Data for Enhanced Navigation

Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis vehicles will soon feature enhanced navigation capabilities powered by Google Maps, providing access to updated information on over 250 million places worldwide. According to the official announcement, this integration will improve navigation accuracy by leveraging Google Maps’ vast database, which includes details such as business hours, contact information, ratings, reviews, and more.

The first rollout of this feature will be for Kia drivers in North America, with plans to expand globally across Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis models. 

In addition to integrating Google Maps, Hyundai Motor Group, which oversees all three brands, is adopting the Android Automotive OS for its future models. This move is expected to position the group as a leader in software-defined vehicle (SDV) technology and the broader future mobility market.

Chang Song, President and Head of Hyundai Motor Group’s Advanced Vehicle Platform Division, emphasized the importance of customer-focused innovation, stating:

“Our partnership with Google, who helps people find a lot of useful information around the world, will serve as an opportunity for Hyundai Motor Group, broadening our coverage of technology in the mobility market and providing greater value to customers.”

Jorgen Behrens, Vice President and General Manager of Google Maps Automotive, echoed the sentiment, highlighting Google Maps’ capability to provide over 100 million updates daily. He remarked:

“By integrating our extensive database of places into Hyundai Motor Group vehicles through the Places API, we’re empowering drivers with the knowledge they need to navigate confidently – and we look forward to working with Hyundai Motor Group to bring more innovation to the fleet in the future.”