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NO.1 iOS 17.4 Official Version Released

On March 6, Apple pushed the iOS 17.4 update (internal version number: 21E219) to iPhone users. This update is 26 days after the last release.

The biggest highlight of iOS 17.4 is that it opens up the app market for the first time, bringing side-loading functionality to iPhone users in 27 EU member states, allowing them to install apps from third-party app stores other than the App Store. In addition to opening up app sideloading, iOS 17.4 also allows third-party payment.

Commentary: This is a major concession made by Apple in response to antitrust investigations and lawsuits in the EU, giving up its strict control over the iPhone app market and giving users and developers more choice and freedom.

NO.2 Microsoft to Release New Surface Devices

According to foreign media, Microsoft will soon release new Surface devices and will also bring new features to Windows 11. There are two new Surface devices, the Surface Pro 10 and the Surface Laptop 6, which are expected to be announced on March 21. Foreign media said that both devices will have two processor versions: the x86 version is equipped with Intel Core Ultra, and the Arm version is equipped with Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite.

Commentary: This shows that Microsoft is adapting to different user needs and scenarios, while also challenging the market share of Apple's iPad and MacBook.

NO.3 Google to Clean Up AI-Generated Junk Content in Search Results

On Tuesday, Eastern Time, Google announced a series of important updates aimed at cleaning up the rampant AI-generated junk information in search results, in an effort to help users find higher-quality content in search results. Senior search engine optimization experts say the new rules could trigger a "big earthquake" in the industry.

Commentary: This is a quality improvement for Google's search engine, aimed at filtering out those AI-generated, low-quality, meaningless or harmful content, ensuring that users can find more valuable information.

NO.4 KFC and Other Companies Use AI to Evaluate Employee Performance

According to Forbes, an artificial intelligence system called Riley can collect video and audio data streams to evaluate employee performance and then distribute bonuses to employees who are able to sell more products. Today, the system is used by about 100 restaurants nationwide, including KFC and Taco Bell franchises, and it can access data from employee conversations with customers and use artificial intelligence to detect whether and how long employees have tried to "upsell," "upsize," or get customers to join the loyalty program.

Commentary: This is an innovative practice of using AI technology to improve employee motivation and service quality, reflecting the application and exploration of AI in the catering industry.

NO.5 OpenAI Responds to Musk's Allegations

In response to the lawsuit filed by Tesla founder Elon Musk, OpenAI issued an official statement on its website on March 5, saying that the company strongly opposes all the false allegations made by Musk and will take legal means to protect its rights. OpenAI also revealed in the statement that both the company and Musk had wanted to build a for-profit entity, but the two sides failed to reach an agreement on terms such as control. On February 29, Musk filed a civil lawsuit in the Superior Court of San Francisco, California, accusing OpenAI of violating the company's original commitment to open source artificial general intelligence (AGI) by cooperating with Microsoft. He also criticized that OpenAI has become a subsidiary of Microsoft, the world's largest technology company.

Commentary: This is a battle for ideas and interests in artificial intelligence, reflecting the high level of competition and sensitivity in the field.

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