The Major Siri Upgrade Just Got Delayed

Siri’s big AI upgrade is running late, but Apple promises it’ll be worth the wait. Meanwhile, the NBA is bringing AR to your coffee table, and Meta wants to build the brains behind humanoid robots.

Author

Andru Edwards
February 16, 2025

In partnership with

Good afternoon. If you’ve ever dreamed of a world where AI-powered assistants actually work, AR basketball games play out on your coffee table, and humanoid robots tackle your laundry, well…you’re not alone.

This week, Apple’s Siri upgrade is running late (shocking), Meta’s smart glasses are selling like crazy, and the NBA’s new AR feature makes watching games feel like a sci-fi flick. Oh, and Meta wants to build the brains behind future humanoid robots. No big deal.

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Siri’s AI Glow-Up Might Take a Rain Check

Apple’s much-hyped Siri upgrade might not land with iOS 18.4 as planned, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. Software bugs could push the rollout to iOS 18.5, meaning Apple’s AI-powered assistant may need a little more time in the oven.

ICYMI, Apple teased some serious Siri upgrades at WWDC last year, including:

• Personal Context Understanding: Siri will use on-device AI to recall emails, messages, and even dig up that movie recommendation your friend sent last week.

• Onscreen Awareness: Ask Siri for directions to that coffee shop your friend just texted you about, and it’ll actually get what you mean.

• In-App Actions: Siri will edit photos, manage notes, and move between apps like a personal assistant that finally listens.

These features were supposed to drop in April with iOS 18.4, but now? We might have to wait until May—or later. For now, at least there’s a new Siri animation. 🎉

The NBA’s Vision Pro Court-Side Seats Are Here, Kind Of!

The NBA just dropped a wild new feature for its Vision Pro app, and it’s straight out of the future. Dubbed Tabletop, this AR-powered upgrade lets you plop a live, 3D basketball court into your living room, complete with digital avatars mimicking real-time player movements.

• Live tracking in AR: Watch a floating render of the court with avatars moving, passing, and shooting just like their real-life counterparts.

• Local games unlocked: Even if your market blocks live video, you can still track the game play-by-play.

• Syncing isn’t perfect: Some users report a delay of 45 seconds, though a built-in sync tool helps cut it down to half a second.

• Not available for all games: Right now, only certain NBA League Pass games support the feature.

The tech is surprisingly smooth for an early release. The NBA hasn’t confirmed if it’ll work for All-Star Weekend, but if this is where sports streaming is headed, we’re all in.

Meta Wants to Build the Brains Behind Humanoid Robots

Meta is taking a step into robotics, and no, this isn’t another metaverse pivot. According to Bloomberg, the company is forming a team within Reality Labs to develop humanoid robot hardware designed to handle household chores.

• Meta isn’t building its own robots (yet) – Instead, it wants to develop AI, sensors, and software that other companies can use.

• Talks are already happening – Meta is reportedly in discussions with robotics companies like Unitree Robotics and Figure AI about potential partnerships.

• They’ve got experience – Meta’s tech investments in AI, AR, and mixed reality could give them an edge in robotics development.

• New leadership – The team will be led by Marc Whitten, former CEO of Cruise, GM’s now-shuttered robotaxi company.

With Tesla, Nvidia, and even Apple dipping their toes into robotics, it’s no surprise Meta is joining the race. Whether this leads to a future of AI-powered butlers or just smarter smart homes, Meta clearly wants in on the action.

Meta’s Smart Glasses Are Selling Faster Than Expected

Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses are flying off the shelves—way faster than expected. While CEO Mark Zuckerberg recently predicted 1 million sales in 2024, eyewear giant EssilorLuxottica just revealed they’ve already sold 2 million pairs since the October 2023 launch (you should grab a pair - they’re great!) And they’re thinking way bigger.

• 10 million units per year: EssilorLuxottica aims to ramp up production to 10 million Meta glasses annually by 2026.

• Not just Ray-Bans: The company hinted at new partnerships, including Oakley-branded smart glasses in the future.

• AI-powered future: Meta wants its glasses to become the “main digital platform” for daily needs, integrating AI and even potential subscription services.

Meta is pouring money into making this a hit—two Super Bowl ads, a limited-edition release, and a new VP of retail for wearables. But to truly challenge smartphones, they’ll need to scale up dramatically. With a display-equipped version coming in 2025, Meta’s AR ambitions are just getting started.