VW-Billions to Rivian to Use Software & Electronics; Google Tests Face Recognition Building Entry; Samsung Unpacked July 10th; AI Version of Al Michaels for Personalized Olympic Recaps

Volkswagen is putting up to $5 billion into young EV maker Rivian…with a billion of it immediately, and the other $4 billion over time. Arstechnica.com reports that the companies are forming a joint venture. Not only will VW use Rivian’s software and ‘zonal electronics platform’ in VW, Porsche, Audi, Lamborghini, and Ducati vehicles, but they plan to make Rivian’s drive engineering and display software available to other brands for a price. Ford and Amazon have previously invested in Rivian. 

Google is testing out facial recognition for building security, “to help prevent unauthorized individuals from gaining access to our campuses,” according to CNBC. The first test is at an Alphabet site in Kirkland, Washington. A rather chilling note…it won’t be optional. Interior security cameras have been collecting facial data and comparing it to images stored from employee badge images, which includes the extended workforce, to help determine if there are unauthorized people on the premises. Google does say the data is for immediate use and won’t be stored. Eventually, ID badges won’t be used going forward for the facial recognition. 

Samsung has announced that the next Galaxy Unpacked event will be July 10th. Androidpolice.com says we can expect to see the next generation of foldables and wearables from Samsung…although as usual, a lot has leaked already. One leak has both the Flip and Fold going up $150 each…a hefty price increase. Still, it is exciting to see the latest…Galaxy Z Fold 6, Z Flip 6, Watch & and Ultra…as well as the latest ear buds. The two folders are expected to feature less pronounced creases, which will be nice to have…even with a price bump. 

Tech and broadcasting, as well as TV and film, have been all over trying to use AI to clone voices and bodies…that’s one of the main things the SAG-AFTRA actors and voice folks were on strike last year. Now, NBC Has announced ‘Your Daily Olympic Recap’ on the Peacock App…voiced by an AI clone of Al Michaels. Theverge.com says to protect against AI hallucinations, “a team of NBCU editors will review all content, including audio and clips, for quality assurance and accuracy before recaps are made available to users.” Let’s hope so…and I hope that they are paying the almost 80 year old sports announcing legend appropriately for cloning his voice. NBC estimates that there could be as many as 7 million personalized variations during the games…I’m not seeing how a team of people will be able to review all those clips! Let’s hope Al doesn’t become a second ‘Weird Al!’

I’m Clark Reid and you’re ‘Technified’ for now.