The Latest from the Apple Watch and Microsoft 360

Sep 23

Emerging Tech Roundup — September 20

The Quantious team’s top picks for timely trending news in the tech world.

This week in tech: Runway announces API for its video-generating AI models, Apple Watch sleep apnea detection gets FDA approval, Microsoft 365 Copilot users can collaborate with AI in BizChat Pages, Snap shares fifth-generation Spectacles, Instagram introduces built-in protections for teens, Workforce provider Magnit launches AI assistant to make finding talent easier, and ClickUp takes on Slack and Teams with its own AI-powered ‘everything’ chat.

Runway Announces an API for Its Video-Generating AI Models

(Tech Crunch, September 16)

Runway has introduced an API for developers and organizations to integrate its generative AI video models into third-party platforms. Currently available in limited access, the API offers two plans — Build and Enterprise — with pricing at one cent per credit. Runway faces competition from major players like OpenAI, Google, and Adobe, as the video generation space continues to evolve with new advancements.

Apple Watch Sleep Apnea Detection Gets FDA Approval

(Tech Crunch, September 16)

The FDA has approved sleep apnea detection for the Apple Watch Series 9, Series 10, and Watch Ultra 2, just ahead of the Series 10's release. This feature — arriving with watchOS 11 — uses sleep tracking data to assess the risk of sleep apnea, though it is not a diagnostic tool. Apple joins other companies like Withings and Samsung in offering this functionality, though its blood oxygen detection remains disabled in the U.S. due to a patent dispute.

Microsoft 365 Copilot Users Can Collaborate with AI and Each Other in BizChat Pages

(Engadget, September 16)

Microsoft 365 Copilot users can now collaborate with AI and coworkers in BizChat Pages, enhancing how AI-generated content is shared and edited within teams. Microsoft claims that businesses like Honeywell and Teladoc have seen significant time savings with Copilot, and that the tool is improving collaboration through features like Pages. Additionally, Microsoft is rolling out faster Copilot queries, new AI capabilities across MS 365 apps, and tools like Copilot Agents for more advanced business functions.

Snap’s New Spectacles Inch Closer to Compelling AR

(The Verge, September 17)

Snap's fifth-generation Spectacles offer improved hardware — including a more immersive display, faster performance, and longer battery life. However, the AR market remains underdeveloped, and Snap is targeting developers by renting these new Spectacles for $99 per month through its Lens Studio platform. Snap continues to pull in developers to create more compelling applications that will drive broader adoption.

Introducing Instagram Teen Accounts: Built-In Protections for Teens, Peace of Mind for Parents

(Meta Blog, September 17)

Instagram is introducing Teen Accounts, a new experience designed to provide built-in protections for teens, guided by parental controls. These accounts automatically limit interactions, restrict sensitive content, and allow parents to control whether teens under 16 can change these settings. Additional features include time limit reminders, sleep mode, and a new option for teens to customize their content preferences while ensuring safety and a positive experience on the platform.

Workforce Provider Magnit Launches AI Assistant Maggi to Make Finding Talent Easier, Faster

(Venture Beat, September 17)

Global staffing company Magnit has introduced an AI-powered Integrated Workforce Management Platform and assistant called "Maggi," aimed at streamlining the hiring process for seasonal and temp jobs. Built on OpenAI’s GPT-4, Maggi centralizes data and workforce management tools, simplifying tasks for hiring managers, suppliers, and workers. Key features include real-time data sharing, proactive alerts on local laws, and automation to enhance hiring efficiency and minimize inefficiencies across various labor sectors.

ClickUp Takes on Slack and Teams with Its Own AI-powered ‘Everything’ Chat

(Venture Beat, September 17)

ClickUp, a San Diego-based company, has launched ClickUp Chat, a new tool that integrates team communication directly into its existing project management platform with AI-powered features. Unlike rivals like Teams and Slack, ClickUp's approach aims to reduce inefficiencies by unifying communication and task management into one platform — offering AI-powered suggestions, summaries, and other tools to improve workplace productivity. Founder and CEO Zeb Evans emphasizes the goal of reducing "tool overload" by allowing teams to manage all communications and tasks in one place.