May 3, 2024
Tech News
Threads, Meta’s new social platform, has surpassed Elon Musk’s X (formerly Twitter) in daily active users. As of April 2024, Threads boasts 28 million daily users compared to X’s 22 million, marking a significant growth since its launch in July 2023. Despite X’s larger monthly user base in the US, Threads’ monthly active users globally have reached over 150 million.
Tesla has introduced its first V4 Supercharging stations in Southeast Asia at IOI City Mall in Putrajaya and IOI Mall Puchong, Malaysia. These stations offer faster charging capabilities, with the Tesla Model 3 Long Range gaining up to 282km of range in 15 minutes. The V4 Superchargers are part of Tesla’s expansion in Malaysia, contributing to the company’s commitment to deploy 50 Superchargers by 2026.
A bipartisan group of US senators is advocating for restrictions on the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) use of facial recognition technology at airports. Concerned about privacy and civil liberties, the senators are urging for oversight before further deployment. The TSA’s pilot project for facial recognition aims to verify travelers’ identities more accurately, but has raised questions about data security and potential biases.
Ahead of its iPad hardware event, Apple’s Q2 2024 earnings revealed a 17% year-over-year decline in iPad revenue, underscoring the need for updated models. While iPhone sales also saw a decrease, Apple’s services business continued to grow. The company is also focusing on AI advancements and is expected to introduce new iPad Pros and iPad Airs with OLED displays.
BMW Malaysia has introduced the iX1 eDrive20 M Sport, its most affordable fully electric SUV, priced at RM249,800. Offering up to 475km of range, this model is part of BMW’s effort to expand its electric vehicle lineup in the country. The iX1 eDrive20 M Sport features a single motor, M Sport Kit, and supports fast charging, highlighting BMW’s commitment to sustainable mobility.
Tech Explained
Facial Recognition Technology – Facial recognition technology is a biometric software application capable of identifying or verifying a person from a digital image or a video frame from a video source. It uses facial features for identification purposes.
Superchargers – Superchargers are devices that pressurize air intake to above atmospheric pressure, increasing the engine’s power output. In the context of electric vehicles, superchargers refer to charging stations that provide rapid charging capabilities for EVs.
OLED Displays – OLED displays are a type of display technology that uses organic compounds to produce light when an electric current is passed through them. They offer high contrast ratios, faster response times, and better color reproduction compared to traditional LCD displays.
