Summarizing: the 7 main tech news of the week, from the launch of the Apple iPad Mini 7 to the important Amazon Kindle update.
Here is the firmware update for October 19, 2024.
This week has been quite active in the tech realm. A review of the new Oura Ring 4 smart ring was conducted, Amazon launched four new Kindle models, and LG offered a free update for its 2023 televisions.
Here are the key events of the week:
The iPad mini 7 has arrived after a long wait, marking the first release of this model in over three years. This new device features an 8.3-inch display and is powered by the A17 Pro chip, along with 4GB of RAM. The base storage capacity has increased to 128GB, and it is now compatible with the Apple Pencil Pro. However, it lacks a ProMotion display, and EU users will not receive a charger in the box. Still, it is a solid option for those looking for a compact tablet.
The review of the Meta Quest 3S has been positive, earning four and a half stars. While it provides an excellent virtual reality experience, its screen resolution of 1832 x 1920 per eye is not as sharp as that of the Quest 3, which boasts a resolution of 2064 x 2208. Although the Quest 3 is more expensive, it offers significant visual improvements that justify the price.
A new ChatGPT prompt went viral this week after Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, recommended it on his X.com account. It encouraged users to ask ChatGPT something about themselves that they didn’t know, revealing many deep aspects of their personality, resulting in positive feedback about how inspiring the experience was.
DJI also launched the Air 3S, an update to the Air 3 drone, which includes an improved main camera with a 1-inch sensor and a 3x telephoto lens. This new model is notable for its omnidirectional obstacle detection capability and advanced features for video recording, making it an excellent choice for aerial photographers.
Amazon surprised everyone by presenting the long-awaited Kindle Colorsoft, which incorporates an E Ink filter to offer color in comics and magazines. Additionally, it launched the new 12th-generation Kindle Paperwhite, which stands out for its fast page-turning speed. The base model of Kindle was also updated, now available in an attractive green color, perfect for carrying in a pocket.
Regarding streaming devices, Amazon simplified its Fire TV Stick lineup with the new Fire TV Stick HD, which replaces previous models and now includes an Alexa voice remote, maintaining streaming quality up to 1080p.
Finally, LG surprised with a software update for some of its 2023 OLED televisions, enhancing the webOS 23 platform to version 24, with new features and an improved design. This move reaffirms the company's commitment to providing updates to its devices.