Good morning, Tech Squad! As we bid farewell to the holiday season, let's dive into the realm of technological wonders and innovations. Today, we explore how the Apple Vision Pro is right around the corner, see how AI is transforming healthcare through the eyes of Bill Gates, and take a peek at Chevrolet's bumpy road with its Blazer EV. But first, let's start with Apple's latest buzz – the Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 got banned from being sold in the US. Will this be the new crown jewel in your tech collection, or just another gadget to pass on? Let’s talk about it.

Apple Watch Sales Halted Amid Patent Dispute

In a striking turn of events, Apple has paused sales of its latest Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 in U.S. stores. The move follows a patent infringement ruling by the International Trade Commission (ITC) favoring Masimo, a medical device company. The dispute centers on the blood oxygen sensor technology used in these models.

A Timely Decision?

The sales suspension coincides with the end of the 60-day Presidential Review Period post-ITC ruling. Although there's a window for potential intervention by President Biden, no action has been taken yet. The ban effectively begins after December 25, with Apple preemptively removing these models from both its online and physical stores.

• Starting December 26, customers won't find these models in Apple Stores.

• Apple is directing its marketing focus to the Apple Watch SE, which doesn’t feature the disputed technology.

What's Next for Apple? Apple plans to appeal the ITC's decision on December 26. Meanwhile, the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 remain available through other retailers like Amazon and Best Buy, until stocks last. The duration of the sales halt remains uncertain, but Apple assures efforts to bring these models back to U.S. customers soon.

I’ve been testing the Lenovo Legion Go. It’s a handheld gaming PC (literally - it runs Windows 11) that uses some software tricks to make it feel like a dedicated gaming device. The controllers are even detachable like the Nintendo Switch. Here’s my video review!

Bill Gates: AI is The New Frontier in Medicine

Bill Gates, Microsoft's co-founder and an iconic figure in technology, envisions a bright future for artificial intelligence (AI), especially in its application to healthcare. His optimism is fueled by the rapid advancements and mainstreaming of AI, highlighted by the emergence of tools like ChatGPT.

AI in Global Health: A Game Changer

Gates, a longtime advocate for global health through his foundation, sees AI playing a critical role in healthcare in 2024. He identifies several key areas where AI could make a significant impact:

• Fighting Antibiotic Resistance: AI tools are being developed to assist in prescribing antibiotics effectively, reducing the risk of antimicrobial resistance.

• Improving Maternal Health: AI-powered ultrasounds and large language models could aid in identifying and managing high-risk pregnancies.

• Assessing HIV Risk: AI chatbots like Your Choice offer a nonjudgmental platform for sensitive health discussions, improving access to crucial health information.

• Streamlining Medical Records: In regions with limited medical history documentation, AI can facilitate the creation of comprehensive patient records.

Beyond Health: AI's Broader Implications

Gates' enthusiasm extends beyond healthcare. He is excited about AI's potential in education, where it can provide tailored learning experiences. However, he remains vigilant about challenges such as misinformation, exemplified by AI's tendency to "hallucinate" false information.

Gates' Evolution of Thought on AI Once skeptical, Gates experienced a paradigm shift in his views on AI after witnessing the capabilities of OpenAI's GPT-4. He now actively supports Microsoft's integration of AI across its services, including the recent addition of Microsoft Copilot to Windows 11.

A Revolution akin to the Internet

Gates likens the rise of AI to the advent of the internet, foreseeing a similar transformation in its ubiquity and impact on daily life. Despite the potential challenges, he remains optimistic about AI's role in addressing global issues like healthcare and climate change.

The iMessage on Android battle may be over. Quinn Nelson of Snazzy Labs joined us on the latest episode of Geared Up to talk about Beeper’s battle with Apple, the Tesla Cybertruck, and more. Check out the episode here!

Chevrolet Blazer EV Hits a Software Snag

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV's journey has hit a rough patch, mirroring a scene straight out of a thriller movie. Edmunds' experience with the vehicle has been less than stellar, facing what they describe as "the single longest list of major faults" ever seen on a new car. This led to a two-week (and counting) stay at the dealer within the first six weeks of ownership.

Software Glitches Galore

Inside EVs first reported issues with their Blazer EV press vehicle, which malfunctioned within 28 hours of a week-long test. Following this, similar accounts from owners of GM’s Ultium-based EVs, including the Blazer EV, Cadillac Lyriq, and GMC Hummer EV, surfaced. These instances, though few compared to the nearly 10,000 units sold, have cast a shadow over GM’s new mass-market EV.

GM's Response Acknowledging the software-related quality issues affecting a "limited number" of Blazer EVs, GM has issued a stop-sale. Chevrolet's Global VP, Scott Bell, emphasized customer satisfaction and a commitment to resolving these issues swiftly. However, owners must visit dealers for software updates, as over-the-air (OTA) updates are not feasible for this fix.

The Dealer Dilemma Amidst this technological turmoil, the gap in understanding and communication between dealers and both the automaker and customers has become painfully apparent. Many owners have expressed frustration over the service departments' lack of clarity on the nature of the problems and the solutions.

EV Revolution’s Growing Pains As the automotive world transitions to electric vehicles, such challenges are inevitable. The Chevrolet Blazer EV's situation underscores the complexities of this shift and the importance of robust software in modern automobiles.

Apple's Vision Pro: The Next Big Thing in Tech?

Apple is gearing up to launch its much-anticipated Vision Pro, with industry expert Ming-Chi Kuo predicting its arrival in stores by February. According to Kuo, mass production is already underway, and around 500,000 units are expected to ship in 2024.

A High-Tech Addition to Your Gadget Collection

The Vision Pro, priced at a hefty $3,500, has stirred significant interest among tech enthusiasts and Apple fans alike. Reports from Bloomberg indicate that Apple's factories in China are operating at full capacity to meet the end-of-January deadline for customer-ready units.

Consumer Sentiment: Mixed Feelings A recent poll by 9to5Mac reveals a divided audience: while 66% of the 9,800 participants expressed no intention to buy the Vision Pro, 19% are eager to make the purchase, and 15% are still undecided.

The Waiting Game The anticipation for the Vision Pro is building, with consumers eagerly waiting to see what new technological marvel Apple has in store. Whether it becomes a must-have gadget or not, the Vision Pro is poised to make waves in the tech world.