Author: Richard

Oakley and Meta Join Forces on Intelligent Eyewear Boasting 8-Hour Battery Duration and Improved Camera Features

Meta’s smart glasses initiative is advancing into its subsequent stage. Following an unexpected success with its Meta Ray-Ban smart glasses, the firm is now collaborating with Oakley to create a more robust, sport-oriented collection with notable tech enhancements. Here’s when you can expect them.

## What’s different here?

To begin with: battery performance and video clarity. The [Oakley Meta glasses](https://about.fb.com/news/2025/06/introducing-oakley-meta-glasses-a-new-category-of-performance-ai-glasses/) quadruple the usage time of the Meta Ray-Bans, providing up to 8 hours of uninterrupted operation, along with 48 hours using the included charging case. Video recording also sees a significant upgrade, increasing from 1080p to 3K resolution.

And while some [initial speculation](https://9to5mac.com/2025/06/16/oakley-and-meta-tease-new-smart-glasses/) indicated that Meta might try out a center-mounted camera for this sports-centric model, that isn’t the reality. The camera remains integrated into the temple, just like the Ray-Bans.

Similar to previous Meta eyewear, the Oakleys include open-ear speakers, integrated microphones, and complete Meta AI integration. This allows you to answer calls, play music, or receive real-time responses from Meta’s voice assistant, including visual inquiries about your surroundings.

The inaugural model in the new series is the [Oakley Meta HSTN](https://www.meta.com/ai-glasses/oakley-meta-hstn/). Preorders commence July 11 for $499 across 15 nations, with additional Oakley variations starting at $399 to be released later this summer.

Here’s the complete launch roster:
– Australia
– Austria
– Belgium
– Canada
– Denmark
– Finland
– France
– Germany
– Ireland
– Italy
– Norway
– Spain
– Sweden
– UK
– US

Meta also states it’s aiming to “introduce Oakley Meta HSTN to Mexico, India, and the United Arab Emirates later this year.”

## The primary change here is the intended audience

Meta is marketing these as its inaugural venture into the “performance” segment, featuring IPX4 water resistance for sweat and splashes, along with Oakley’s distinctive wraparound frame designs.

At launch, there will be five frame and lens selections, including transitions, with color choices that encompass black, brown smoke, clear, and warm grey (all available with prescriptions for an added charge). The $499 limited-edition launch variant includes gold accents and Oakley’s PRIZM gold lenses to highlight the special-edition nature.

## A Prada alliance is reportedly in development as well

The Oakley collaboration isn’t the sole brand expansion Meta has in store. As per a

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Oakley Unveils Meta AI Eyewear Slated for Summer Launch

On June 20, Meta’s CEO Mark Zuckerberg revealed a new collaboration with Oakley to launch AI sunglasses, enhancing Meta’s earlier partnership with Ray-Ban. The Oakley Meta AI sunglasses can be pre-ordered in a variety of colors, featuring an eye-catching white frame complemented by bold lenses. Those interested can sign up for early access on the websites of Oakley and Meta.

These cutting-edge sunglasses come equipped with a built-in camera by HTSN, enabling hands-free moment capturing. With integrated Bluetooth speakers, users can listen to music and podcasts from platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music. Additionally, the glasses support messaging on WhatsApp, Messenger, and other Meta platforms, allowing users to take calls directly through open-ear speakers for an uninterrupted experience.

The Oakley Meta AI sunglasses feature a 12MP ultra-wide camera capable of 3K video recording and a 5-mic system. Users can initiate functions by pressing a button or using the voice command “Hey Meta.” The glasses offer up to 8 hours of typical usage, featuring 5 hours of continuous audio playback or 19 hours on standby. The Meta AI app helps users manage and adjust their glasses settings.

To alleviate privacy worries, Meta has incorporated a Capture LED light that turns on when recording videos, taking photos, or live streaming, notifying those nearby. If the light is obstructed, the glasses will prompt users to remove the obstruction before proceeding.

Further information, including pricing updates, will be shared as additional details about the partnership come to light.

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Custom GPT Development Now Accessible with Any OpenAI Model, Yet Certain Restrictions Apply

# OpenAI Upgrades Custom GPTs: A Detailed Summary

If you’ve been testing out custom GPTs within ChatGPT, there’s thrilling news: OpenAI now permits users to choose from all available models when constructing or operating a custom GPT, rather than just GPT-4o. This article explores what custom GPTs are, the new features offered, and some limitations to keep in mind.

## What are Custom GPTs?

Custom GPTs are personalized variations of ChatGPT that incorporate specific directives, additional knowledge, and a range of capabilities. OpenAI launched this feature in late 2023, with the goal of improving the user experience by facilitating more customized interactions.

For example, if you regularly utilize ChatGPT for social media SEO, you can develop a custom GPT that saves your specific prompts, settings, and behaviors. This means you won’t need to re-enter your instructions each time you use the model. Users have crafted custom GPTs for a myriad of purposes, including assisting students with studying or swiftly retrieving information from transcripts. Furthermore, there is a feature similar to an app store where users can browse and use GPTs developed by others.

## What’s New?

In the past, users were limited to building custom GPTs using GPT-4o. Now, the range has broadened to include several models: GPT-4o, o3, o4-mini, o4-mini-high, GPT-4.5, GPT-4.1, and GPT-4.1-mini.

OpenAI has also rolled out a “Recommended Model” option, which offers a default starting point for GPT creators while allowing them to switch models as required. According to OpenAI, “When the user initiates a new conversation with the GPT, the recommended model will be employed. If the model is not accessible to the user, a similar model may be automatically chosen.”

## Limitations to Consider

There are two prominent limitations with this new feature. First, users can only alternate between different models if their custom GPT does not utilize Actions (such as API calls, web browsing, or code interpreter features). If your GPT depends on Actions, you will be confined to a narrower selection of supported models. OpenAI has mentioned that they are addressing this limitation in the near future.

Second, the new model selection feature is at present accessible only to Pro, Plus, and Team users. OpenAI has indicated that Enterprise and EDU users will soon have access to these capabilities.

## Conclusion

The ability to select from a broader array of models when creating custom GPTs marks a considerable update since the feature’s introduction. Whether this improvement will result in heightened adoption of custom GPTs remains to be seen.

Have you been utilizing custom GPTs? Share your experiences or ideas for inventive applications in the comments.

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Apple Broadens Activities in India: Foxconn to Start Producing iPhone Enclosures Locally

**Foxconn’s Growth in India: A New Era in iPhone Production**

Foxconn, the Taiwanese contract manufacturing leader, is making notable advancements in its collaboration with Apple by broadening its production capabilities in India. Historically focused on assembling iPhones, Foxconn is now prepared to locally produce iPhone casings for the first time, a step that could influence both the firm and Apple’s wider manufacturing approach in the area.

### New Production Facility in Tamil Nadu

As reported by *The Economic Times*, Foxconn is setting up a new site at the ESR Industrial Park in Oragadam, Tamil Nadu, aimed at manufacturing metal casings for iPhones. This progress signifies an important transition as, until now, iPhone enclosures in India have mostly been manufactured by Tata Electronics, which has recently garnered attention as Apple’s authorized partner for iPhone and MacBook repairs in the nation.

### Strategic Significance of Domestic Production

This initiative marks Foxconn’s inaugural entry into the iPhone supply chain concerning casing production within India. Previously, Foxconn’s activities in the country were centered around iPhone assembly at its site in Sriperumbudur, along with newer ventures such as AirPods assembly in Hyderabad and an impending iPhone assembly facility near Bengaluru.

The local production of iPhone casings will lead to a modest rise in the percentage of iPhone production value generated within India. However, it is crucial to highlight that iPhone enclosures usually represent only 2–3% of the overall bill of materials for the device. Thus, even with this new capability, Foxconn’s total value addition in India is predicted to remain under 10%, as stated by Neil Shah, an industry analyst and co-founder of Counterpoint Research.

### Global Supply Chain Landscape

Apple presently procures enclosures from a variety of suppliers globally, including Foxconn in other areas. Extending this capability to India is a reasonable advancement for the company, as it aims to diversify its supply chain and lessen reliance on any single territory.

Construction of the new facility is already in progress and is being developed alongside another Foxconn plant that will concentrate on display module assembly for iPhones. This expansion demonstrates Foxconn’s dedication to strengthening its manufacturing presence in India and facilitating Apple’s growth in the region.

### Geopolitical Factors

The growth of Foxconn’s operations in India unfolds against a backdrop of geopolitical tensions and trade negotiations. Recently, former President Donald Trump made a statement urging Apple to manufacture iPhones in the United States rather than in India or elsewhere, threatening a possible 25% tariff on iPhones sold in the U.S. if his demands go unfulfilled. This political environment introduces complexity to Apple’s manufacturing strategy as it manages global supply chain hurdles.

### Conclusion

In spite of the geopolitical difficulties, Foxconn’s expansion in India indicates a strengthening partnership between the company and Apple. With new facilities dedicated to the production of iPhone enclosures and display modules, Foxconn is reinforcing its position within Apple’s manufacturing strategy in India. As the company continues to invest in local production capabilities, it is set to play an essential role in shaping the future of iPhone manufacturing in the region, irrespective of external challenges.

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Google’s At a Glance functionality might be getting a Gemini upgrade with improved intelligence.

Pixel smartphones might be taking inspiration from Samsung’s strategies.

(Image credit: Android Central)

Essential information

  • Google may be creating its unique iteration of Samsung’s Now Bar to display real-time data directly on your lock screen.
  • A report suggests that the enhanced version might be renamed Gemini Space, with aspirations to extend beyond mere weather and calendar notifications.
  • This forthcoming widget could provide live sports scores and market overviews.

Reports indicate that Google is developing its own take on Samsung’s Now Bar, which could significantly enhance the At a Glance feature. The concept revolves around delivering a lock screen rich in information that keeps real-time updates readily accessible.

Currently, your Pixel device offers two variations of At a Glance. There’s the basic version from the Google app, similar to what you’ll find on many Android devices. Additionally, there’s a Pixel-exclusive version embedded in the Pixel Launcher, which provides intelligent, context-sensitive information across multiple categories.

According to Android Authority, the Pixel 10 may undergo a significant At a Glance redesign, potentially rebranded as <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.androidcentral.com/tag/gemini" data-auto-tag-linker="true" data-before-rewrite-localise="https://www.androidcentral.com/tag/gemini

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WhatsApp Delays Advertising Rollout in the EU Because of Privacy Concerns

Meta has recently launched in-app advertising for WhatsApp users worldwide, representing a notable change in the platform’s monetization approach. However, users in the European Union will not experience this rollout until at least 2026, as confirmed by Ireland’s Data Protection Commission (DPC).

The DPC indicated that WhatsApp has informed them that the new advertising model will not be introduced in the EU until next year at the earliest. Des Hogan, Ireland’s Data Protection Commissioner, stressed the necessity for additional conversations with WhatsApp regarding the new advertising functionalities.

This postponement follows Meta’s declaration that ads would be featured in the WhatsApp “Updates” tab, notably within Status posts and the Channels list. The new advertising system aims to prioritize user privacy, depending on personal data such as location, language, and user interactions. For users associated with the Meta Accounts Center, ad preferences from Instagram and Facebook will also affect the ads shown.

The aspect of cross-platform data-sharing has sparked considerable worries among European privacy advocates and regulatory bodies. The DPC intends to collaborate with WhatsApp and other EU data protection authorities to evaluate the advertising model ahead of its possible introduction in the region.

This news emerges at a pivotal moment for Meta, which is facing an antitrust lawsuit in the United States that might influence its acquisitions of Instagram and WhatsApp. The company’s choice to launch an integrated advertising feature may reflect its assurance in the ongoing legal cases. Meta asserts that regulatory measures impacting its advertising operations could harm small businesses relying on its platforms for marketing, yet this integration could also be interpreted as a rationale for dismantling the company.

As the situation progresses, the DPC will persist in monitoring and evaluating the ramifications of WhatsApp’s advertising strategy within the EU framework.

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List of Upcoming Anime Launching on Crunchyroll in Summer 2025

Anime has entered the mainstream. For evidence, look no further than Sony’s $1.175 billion purchase of the anime streaming platform Crunchyroll in 2021. While Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video, and Max have broadened their collection of Japanese animation offerings, no other service truly rivals Crunchyroll in terms of the quantity of shows and films available. With that said, here’s what’s new on Crunchyroll for the summer 2025 season.

Some of the notable anime TV series making a return in summer 2025 consist of Dan Da Dan, Kaiju No. 8, Rent-a-Girlfriend, and The Rising of the Shield Hero.

One of the most thrilling debuts this season is Bones Film’s Gachiakuta. Adapted from a manga by Kei Urana, Gachiakuta is a dark fantasy series that follows an orphan named Rudo who must battle for survival in the slums located under a floating city.

Numerous TV shows are also continuing from spring 2025, such as One Piece, Case Closed, Witch Watch, To Be Hero X, and Summer Pockets.

New on Crunchyroll in Summer 2025:

Available June 28:
– Takopi’s Original Sin
– Lord of Mysteries

Available July 1:
– Detectives These Days Are Crazy!
– Necronomico and the Cosmic Horror Show
– Rent-a-Girlfriend Season 4

Available July 2:
– Clevatess
– Onmyo Kaiten Re:Birth Verse
– New Saga
– Reborn as a Vending Machine, I Now Wander the Dungeon Season 2

Available July 3:
– DAN DA DAN Season 2
– The Water Magician
– Welcome to the Outcast’s Restaurant!
– KAMITSUBAKI CITY UNDER CONSTRUCTION

Available July 4:
– Secrets of the Silent Witch
– Arknights: RISE FROM EMBER
– Watari-kun’s ****** Is About to Collapse
– Betrothed to My Sister’s Ex

Available July 5:
– My Dress-Up Darling Season 2
– Rascal Does Not Dream of Santa Claus
– With You and the Rain
– The Shy Hero and the Assassin Princesses
– Scooped Up By an S-Ranked Adventurer
– Private Tutor to the Duke’s Daughter
– Hoshina’s Day Off

Available July 6:
– Gachiakuta
– Nyaight of the Living Cat
– Toilet-bound Hanako-kun Season 2
– Hotel Inhumans
– Apocalypse Bringer Mynoghra: World Conquest Starts with the Civilization of Ruin
– Cultural Exchange with a Game Centre Girl
– Ruri Rocks

Available July 7:
– Grand Blue Dreaming Season 2
– Dekin no Mogura: The Earthbound Mole

Available July 8:
– Turkey! Time to Strike
– A Couple of Cuckoos Season 2

Available July 9:
– The Rising of the Shield Hero Season 4
– I Was Reincarnated as the 7th Prince So I Can Take My Time Perfecting My Magical Ability Season 2
– Dealing with Mikadono Sisters Is a Breeze

Available July 10:
– Dr. STONE SCIENCE FUTURE Cour 2
– Solo Camping for Two

Available July 19:
– Kaiju No. 8 Season 2

Available July 24:
– Let’s Go Karaoke!

Available August 20:
– Captivated, By You

Coming Soon:
– See You Tomorrow at the Food Court

Series Continuing from Spring 2025:
– Summer Pockets
– TO BE HERO X
– Anne Shirley
– Case Closed (Detective Conan)
– You and Idol Precure
– WITCH WATCH
– One Piece

Stay tuned for additional new anime releases on Crunchyroll in the upcoming seasons.

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Adobe Unveils New iPhone Camera Application with Extensive Manual Controls

**Adobe’s Project Indigo: A New Chapter in Mobile Photography**

For avid photographers, the prosumer camera application market has experienced an influx of groundbreaking choices, with well-known favorites such as Halide at the forefront. Recently, Adobe has made its entrance into this competitive realm with Project Indigo, a complimentary experimental app crafted by the team responsible for the original Google Pixel camera.

**Reduced “Smartphone Aesthetic”**

Project Indigo seeks to tackle prevalent grievances regarding smartphone photography, including excessively bright images, insufficient contrast, and high color saturation. The application is structured to deliver a more organic, SLR-like appearance, appealing to both casual photographers and advanced users in pursuit of superior quality images. Adobe envisions a unified mobile camera and editing interface that capitalizes on the most recent developments in computational photography and AI.

**Computational Photography Focused on Imagery**

One of the notable attributes of Project Indigo is its method of multi-frame image capture. The application can amalgamate up to 32 underexposed frames to produce a singular shot, effectively diminishing noise and retaining highlight details. Although this method resembles HDR or Night mode found in standard smartphone cameras, Project Indigo affords enhanced control and employs more frames, yielding clearer shadows and an improved dynamic range. Importantly, this multi-frame processing is applicable even when shooting RAW/DNG files, a rarity in smartphone camera applications.

**Comprehensive Manual Controls and Beyond**

Project Indigo offers comprehensive manual controls, enabling users to modify focus, ISO, shutter speed, white balance, and exposure compensation. Furthermore, it grants control over the number of frames taken in a burst, allowing photographers to balance capture time against noise levels. The application also includes a Long Exposure mode, ideal for producing creative motion blur effects.

**Digital Zoom Without Sacrifice**

The application enhances digital zoom quality through multi-frame super-resolution. When zooming past 2x, Project Indigo captures several slightly displaced frames, utilizing natural hand movements to improve image sharpness. This approach circumvents the drawbacks of AI-enhanced super-resolution, which may at times create artificial details, ensuring a more genuine outcome.

**Designed for Lightroom Users**

As an Adobe creation, Project Indigo easily integrates with Lightroom Mobile. Users can conveniently transfer images for editing, whether in JPEG or DNG format. The app features profile and metadata support, enabling Lightroom to distinguish between Project Indigo’s SDR and HDR styles during the editing phase.

**Experimental Features Included**

Project Indigo serves as a platform for testing potential features that may be incorporated into Adobe’s wider ecosystem. One noteworthy initial feature is an AI-driven “Remove Reflections” mode, aimed at enhancing photos captured through glass or windows.

**Availability and Recommendations**

Project Indigo is compatible with all iPhone Pro and Pro Max models beginning with the iPhone 12, as well as non-Pro iPhones from the iPhone 14 onward. The app is free and does not necessitate an Adobe account. However, given the app’s demanding image processing needs, Adobe advises using it on newer iPhone models for optimal performance.

For those eager to delve into Project Indigo, it can be downloaded from the App Store, and users are encouraged to view sample images on the Project Indigo website to appreciate its features.

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Apple Wins Grand Prix Award at Cannes for ‘Shot on iPhone’ Campaign

Apple’s renowned “Shot on iPhone” advertising series has just received one of the pinnacle accolades in the advertising world: the Grand Prix in the Creative Effectiveness Lions category at this year’s Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity. Quite impressive for a campaign that originated ten years ago.

The Creative Effectiveness Lions are particularly aimed at recognizing campaigns that demonstrate long-term business success through creativity. This year saw the fourth consecutive increase in submissions for this category, rising by 6.5% compared to 2024.

Nevertheless, out of over 300 entries received, only 17 were honored: three Gold, six Silver, seven Bronze, and the sole Grand Prix, which was awarded to Apple and its agency TBWAMedia Arts Lab.

### Apple’s most enduring campaign receives Cannes’ highest accolade

“Shot on iPhone,” which launched ten years ago, has evolved into one of Apple’s most recognized marketing initiatives, capitalizing on one of the iPhone’s essential selling features. As highlighted in Cannes’ official press release featuring the winners, Counterpoint Research data from 2025 reinforces the camera’s significance in propelling the iPhone to its status as the world’s best-selling smartphone.

Andrea Diquez, Global CEO of GUT and this year’s Jury President for the category, commended the campaign’s ability to merge art with everyday experiences:

> “‘Shot on iPhone’ was granted the Grand Prix for its revolutionary capacity to democratize creativity, transforming ordinary moments into artistic expressions. The campaign distinguished itself as a masterclass in enhancing user-generated content to establish a long-term platform with remarkable execution. When a client dedicates themselves to a long-term initiative rooted in highly creative work that resonates both globally and locally, it becomes magic – this exceptional combination makes it truly worthy of the industry’s highest accolade.”

For Apple, this recognition marks the culmination of a decade of innovative efforts inviting everyday users to demonstrate the potential of the iPhone camera, transforming simple snapshots into a worldwide advertising platform.

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