March 22, 2025
Tech News
GM has halted a dealership’s service that offered a third-party Apple CarPlay upgrade kit for its EVs, citing concerns about potential impacts on critical safety features. This follows GM’s earlier decision to remove smartphone mirroring capabilities from its electric models, angering customers.
Amid GM’s action, White Automotive and Media Services (WAMS) had introduced a kit to restore phone mirroring features in Chevy and GMC EVs. However, GM’s directive has left WAMS’s product listed as “discontinued,” leaving both customers and the company in uncertainty about the future of these kits.
In a significant development, Bigscreen has launched its Beyond 2 virtual-reality headset, weighing just 107 grams and offering a remarkable 116-degree field of view, eclipsing both the Meta Quest 3 and Valve Index. The headset’s starting price is $1,019, with optional eye-tracking functionality available for an extra fee.
Equipped with micro-OLED displays and enhanced optics, the Beyond 2 promises edge-to-edge clarity and improved brightness. The headset can also be customized using a 3D face scan from an iPhone, while a universal-fit version is available for those without an iPhone.
In another notable announcement, Microsoft is set to launch its first cloud region in Malaysia in Q2 this year. This initiative is a part of the Bersama Malaysia plan, with an investment that has now reached USD2.2 billion to support local data centers and AI initiatives.
The new cloud region, situated within the Greater Kuala Lumpur area, will consist of several data centers linked via a high-performance network, ensuring reduced downtimes due to localized issues. It is expected to enhance data residency compliance and foster economic growth through new job creation.
Tech Explained
Apple CarPlay – A software platform developed by Apple that allows car infotainment systems to interface with iOS devices, enabling features such as navigation, music, and hands-free communication through the car’s display.
Virtual-Reality Headset – A head-mounted device that provides immersive visual and auditory experiences, often utilized in gaming and simulations, allowing users to interact with 3D environments.
Field of View – Refers to the extent of the observable environment at any given moment, usually expressed in degrees. In VR headsets, a wider field of view enhances immersion by providing a more natural visual experience.
Cloud Region – A collection of data centers located in close proximity, linked through high-speed networks, enabling services like data storage and computing power to be delivered more efficiently and reliably.
AI (Artificial Intelligence) – The simulation of human intelligence processes by machines, particularly computer systems, which includes learning, reasoning, and self-correction. Microsoft’s investment in AI initiatives aims to enhance technological capabilities within Malaysia.
