• Tech Times
  • Posts
  • Apple's AI Pivot, New App from TikTok Alums, and Mid-Summer Gaming Drops

Apple's AI Pivot, New App from TikTok Alums, and Mid-Summer Gaming Drops

Your briefing on Apple's potential Siri overhaul with OpenAI, a new screen-free city tour app, and major updates for Nintendo Switch and Monster Hunter fans.

Apple Might Ditch Its Own AI for Siri as OpenAI and Anthropic Enter the Mix

(Photo: Miguel Tomás from Unsplash)

A recent report suggests that Apple is considering a significant change in its strategy for revamping Siri. The company is reportedly in discussions with AI developers like OpenAI and Anthropic to use their technology for the next generation of its virtual assistant. This potential partnership would mean that Apple's own internal AI development efforts would be put on the back burner. This news has reportedly caused some internal strife at Apple, with some employees leaving the company. The highly anticipated Siri update, which was expected with iOS 18, has now been pushed back to 2027, leading to some consumer frustration. The new Siri is expected to be a more "contextually aware" AI assistant, capable of understanding and executing complex voice commands to control your smartphone.

9 Nintendo Switch Games Coming in July You Don’t Want to Miss (Yes, Patapon Is Back)

PATAPON 1+2 REPLAY brings the cult-classic rhythm strategy series to Nintendo Switch with updated visuals and both full games in one bundle. (Photo: Sony Interactive Entertainment / Nintendo)

Nintendo Switch users have a lot to look forward to in July, with nine new game releases. Highlights include the return of the classic rhythm strategy game "Patapon 1 + 2" on July 11th and "Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 + 4" with cross-platform online multiplayer. Other notable releases include "Donkey Kong Bananza" and the city-builder "Wandering Village" on July 17th, followed by the 2D action platformer "Shadow Labyrinth" featuring Pac-Man on July 18th. "Super Mario Party Jamboree" will be released for the Switch 2 with new motion controls on July 24th, and the month wraps up with "No Sleep for Kaname Date," "Wild Hearts S," and the cozy "Tales of the Shire: A Lord of the Rings Game."

READ MORE ON OUR DEEP DIVE HERE →

I Installed TCL’s D1 Smart Lock Without Swearing and It Actually Works

The TCL D1 Smart Lock offers fingerprint, keypad, and key access—all in one compact design (Photo: Rob LeFebvre/TechTimes)

A review of the TCL D1 Smart Lock finds it to be a user-friendly and effective device, even for those with little to no home improvement experience. The reviewer found the installation process to be straightforward, though they would have preferred a static guide over the video tutorial. The smart lock offers multiple unlocking methods, including a fast and accurate fingerprint scanner, a keypad, and traditional keys. All user data is stored locally on the device for enhanced privacy. While the reviewer was not a fan of the autolock feature, they appreciated that it could be adjusted or disabled. Overall, the TCL D1 Smart Lock is recommended as a great value for its price, offering a good mix of features and ease of use.

READ MORE ON OUR DEEP DIVE HERE →

Former TikTok Team Launches a Screen-Free City Tour App That Talks to You

Ami’s GPS-based audio tours let users explore cities like Paris through immersive storytelling—shown here with Jay Swanson’s street art walk. (Photo: ROUTES AI, INC)

A team of former TikTok employees has launched a new app called Ami, which offers screen-free, audio-based city tours. The app, which officially launches on June 30th with Paris as its first city, uses GPS to trigger audio narration, guiding users through walking tours with stories about local history and hidden gems. The goal is to provide an immersive, self-guided experience that feels like a private tour. Since its beta release in February, Ami has been downloaded over 50,000 times and is averaging more than 1,000 tours per week. The app is currently free and available on iOS, with an Android version planned for the future.

READ MORE ON OUR DEEP DIVE HERE →

Monster Hunter Wilds Steam Reviews Crash After Surprise Update Announcement

Monster Hunter Wilds continues to suffer from negative reviews.

Capcom is set to release a free update for "Monster Hunter Wilds" on June 30th, but the game is already facing a wave of negative reviews on Steam. The primary complaints from players are focused on persistent performance issues and a lack of substantial updates, which has led to a decline in active players.

The new update, titled "Title Update 2," aims to address these concerns. It will reintroduce two popular monsters from previous games: Lagiacrus and Seregios. A new monster, Uth Duna, will also be available through a limited-time event. The update also includes new layered weapons, the ability to choose support hunters, and new challenges. Fans are hopeful that these additions will improve the game and win back players.

READ MORE ON OUR DEEP DIVE HERE →

Until next time,

AI EXPLAINED team