A REAL new search engine is born!

Summary

In this week's tech roundup, LG unveils a groundbreaking stretchable micro-LED display that offers full 3D movement, but with a low pixel density that limits its application for high-res devices. Meanwhile, European search engines Eosa and Quant aim to challenge Google and Bing with an independent search index. Social media platforms like BlueSky and Meta’s Threads continue to gain momentum as alternatives to Twitter. Other notable updates include new gaming phones, AI-focused product releases, and partnerships like Volkswagen and Rivian. Plus, a look at some amusing tech blunders and new sustainable backpacks.

Takeaways

• 😀 LG has unveiled a new super stretchy micro LED display that can stretch up to 50%, offering impressive flexibility for future tech applications like wearable devices and car dashboards.
• 😀 The stretchy display is made from a material similar to human skin, making it soft and flexible, while also using micro LEDs that are 40 micrometers in size for lighting.
• 😀 This display can survive over 10,000 stretches, extreme temperatures, and external shocks, although its 100 pixels per inch resolution may limit its use in high-res devices like phones.
• 😀 Google and Bing face increasing competition from smaller search engines like eosa and Quant, which are building their own independent search index to reduce reliance on big tech.
• 😀 Eosa and Quant are motivated by rising API costs, European Union regulations, and political concerns regarding reliance on US-based tech companies.
• 😀 The new search engine index is expected to roll out in Europe first, starting in France, and aims to differentiate through generative AI, though challenges remain in scaling up against giants like Google.
• 😀 Blue Sky, a Twitter alternative, has seen rapid user growth, with over 16 million active users, while Meta's Threads has also gained momentum, surpassing 275 million monthly active users.
• 😀 The rise of decentralized networks like Mastodon, Blue Sky, and Threads marks an ongoing shift away from centralized social media, with features like Blue Sky’s ‘starter packs’ helping users find relevant accounts to follow.
• 😀 New releases in tech include the Red Magic 10 Pro gaming phone with cutting-edge Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, and a $199 RISC-V motherboard for framework 13 laptops aimed at developers.
• 😀 Notable product rumors include the Galaxy S25 launching on January 23 with exclusive Qualcomm chips and Apple's AI-powered wall tablet, priced at $250 for smart home control and video calls.
• 😀 In a surprising turn of events, The Onion purchased Infowars, with plans to use it as a platform for satire, alongside a notable story about Mattel printing the wrong URL on their 'Wicked' movie toy packaging.

Q & A

What makes LG's new stretchable micro-LED display innovative?

LG's stretchable micro-LED display can expand up to 50% in any direction, offering new possibilities for flexible screen designs. It's made from a material typically found in contact lenses for flexibility and is durable enough to withstand 10,000 stretches, though its low pixel density of 100 PPI limits its suitability for high-resolution applications like smartphones.

How does LG's stretchable display compare to foldable screens?

While foldable screens typically survive 100,000 to 500,000 folds, LG’s stretchable display is rated for 10,000 stretches. Though fewer in number, it offers flexibility in any direction and can potentially be used for applications like wearables, cars, and TVs.

What is the new search engine initiative launched by eosa and Quant?

eosa and Quant, two European search engine companies, have joined forces to create an independent search index. They aim to build a competitive search engine by crawling the web themselves, rather than relying on Google or Bing, leveraging changes in EU regulation and the rise of generative AI.

Why is the partnership between eosa and Quant important?

The partnership between eosa and Quant is significant because it marks a move towards creating a more autonomous and competitive search engine, less reliant on U.S. tech giants like Google and Bing. This is driven by rising API costs, regulatory changes, and the potential of generative AI to alter search engine dynamics.

What role does generative AI play in the future of search engines?

Generative AI is expected to play a key role in differentiating search engines. As search engines evolve, AI could change how results are generated and presented, offering more personalized, relevant, and dynamic search experiences.

What factors are contributing to the Exodus from X (formerly Twitter)?

The Exodus from X is fueled by dissatisfaction with the platform's direction, as users are migrating to alternative social media sites like Blue Sky and Meta's Threads. These new platforms offer innovative features and a fresh take on user engagement, making them appealing to users seeking change.

How is Blue Sky performing in comparison to Meta’s Threads?

Blue Sky has seen rapid user growth, particularly among early adopters, and offers unique features like 'starter packs' to help users discover new accounts. Meanwhile, Meta’s Threads has a larger user base, but concerns about user engagement and accidental sign-ups have been raised, despite its impressive growth.

What is the significance of the Red Magic 10 Pro gaming phone release?

The Red Magic 10 Pro series, featuring the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Elite and a massive 7,500 mAh battery, is aimed at mobile gamers seeking high-performance devices. It also includes advanced cooling systems, making it a strong contender in the gaming smartphone market.

What makes the new Risk 5 motherboard for the Framework 13 laptop noteworthy?

The Risk 5 motherboard for the Framework 13 laptop is a significant step in open-source hardware development, offering customization and flexibility for developers. It presents an opportunity for innovation in computing by providing an alternative to traditional, proprietary hardware solutions.

What is Apple's rumored AI wall tablet and how does it compare to Amazon's Echo Show?

Apple’s rumored AI wall tablet, designed for home control and video calls, is similar to Amazon’s Echo Show but features a 6-inch screen. Priced at $250, it aims to compete in the smart home market with AI integration and a sleek, compact design.

What are some of the key tech updates mentioned in the script?

Key updates include Nvidia’s launch of a new app that eliminates the need for a login, and Volkswagen’s joint venture with Rivian to develop electric vehicles with improved software. Additionally, Mattel’s toy packaging error that led to a NSFW URL and AMD’s workforce reduction were notable developments.