Trending in Tech & What You Need to Know About Alexa+

Feb 28

Emerging Tech Roundup — February 28, 2025

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

This week in tech: Vimeo CEO Philip Moyer is betting on the human touch, Google is replacing Gmail’s SMS authentication with QR codes, Lock screen platform launches AI-powered shopping experience, Google makes it easier to delete personal info from Search results, Nintendo DS’ PictoChat lives on in an iMessage app, Alexa+ is a smarter AI version of Amazon's digital assistant, and Nvidia sales grow 78% on AI demand.

Vimeo CEO Philip Moyer is Betting on The Human Touch — and AI

(The Verge, February 24)

Vimeo CEO Philip Moyer is steering the company toward becoming the largest private video distribution platform, emphasizing control, privacy, and direct audience engagement over algorithm-driven models. He sees growing demand from organizations that want to share videos without intrusive ads or data tracking, as well as filmmakers seeking better monetization options outside major platforms like YouTube. Moyer believes Vimeo’s blend of human creativity and AI-powered tools will provide a viable alternative to traditional, ad-supported video ecosystems.

Google is Replacing Gmail’s SMS Authentication with QR Codes

(The Verge, February 24)

Google is phasing out six-digit SMS authentication codes for Gmail and replacing them with QR codes over the next few months to combat widespread SMS abuse. While SMS-based two-factor authentication helps verify users and deter spam account creation, it remains vulnerable to fraud, phishing, and carrier security weaknesses. The shift to QR codes aims to enhance security by reducing reliance on SMS, which can be intercepted or exploited by attackers.

Lock Screen Platform Glance Launches AI-Powered Shopping Experience, Gets Fresh Backing from Google

(Tech Crunch, February 26)

Glance is launching a generative AI-powered shopping experience that personalizes outfit suggestions by creating an AI-generated avatar based on user selfies. Partnering with Google and leveraging Gemini models and Vertex AI, the experience will roll out in the U.S. and India through the Glance AI app, allowing users to explore fashion trends and shop directly from their lock screens. With 400 e-commerce partners at launch, Glance earns a commission from affiliate purchases and plans to enhance personalization with user feedback and chat-based styling inspiration.

Google Makes it Easier to Delete Personal Info from Search Results

(Tech Crunch, February 26)

Google has updated its "Results about you" tool, making it easier for users to remove personal information like phone numbers, emails, and addresses from Search. Now, users can request removals directly from Google Search by clicking the three-dot menu next to a result, eliminating the need to navigate account settings. Additionally, users can request a refresh to ensure outdated personal information is removed, with an option to receive notifications if Google detects new instances of their data online.

The Dream of PictoChat on the Nintendo DS Lives on in This iMessage App

(Engadget, February 26)

The PicoChat app, developed by Idrees Hassan, brings the nostalgic PictoChat experience to iMessage, complete with stylus-like drawing, emoji keyboards, and customizable line weights. While it can’t fully replicate the DS’s local peer-to-peer messaging, it captures the whimsical, tactile feel of PictoChat within a modern messaging environment. For those who miss the playful, stylus-based chats of the Nintendo DS era, PicoChat offers a fun dose of nostalgia on the iPhone.

Alexa+ is a Smarter, More Conversational AI Version of Amazon's Digital Assistant

(Engadget, February 26)

Amazon has unveiled Alexa+, featuring improved contextual awareness, tone detection, and a more natural-sounding voice. The assistant now follows conversations without repeated wake words and can handle complex commands, such as adjusting music playback based on room location or ensuring it doesn’t wake a baby. Additionally, Alexa+ integrates deeply with Amazon services, allowing users to jump to specific Prime Video scenes or search Ring footage using natural language queries.

Nvidia Sales Grow 78% on AI Demand, Company Gives Strong Guidance

(CNBC, February 26)

Nvidia reported a 78% revenue increase in Q4, with full-year revenue surging 114% to $130.5 billion — surpassing Wall Street expectations. The company projected $43 billion in Q1 revenue, indicating 65% year-over-year growth, though slowing from the prior year's explosive 262% increase. CFO Colette Kress highlighted the upcoming Blackwell AI chip as a key driver for continued strong sales momentum in 2025.