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AV2 Codec Final Version Reportedly Set for May 2026 Release

The next-generation AV2 codec standard is nearing its final release, with a leaked timeline indicating the official 1.0 version may launch in May 2026. The codec aims to succeed AV1 with improved compression efficiency.

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AV2 Codec Final Version Reportedly Set for May 2026 Release

The successor to the AV1 video codec, AV2, is approaching its final release. According to leaked information, the official 1.0 version of AV2 could be published in May 2026. The timeline suggests the codec is moving closer to standardization after years of development.

AV2 is being developed by the Alliance for Open Media (AOM), the same consortium behind AV1. The group includes major technology companies such as Google, Apple, Microsoft, Netflix, and Amazon. The new codec is designed to offer better compression efficiency than its predecessor, enabling higher quality video at lower bitrates.

Early development of AV2 began around 2018, with exploratory work on next-generation coding tools. The codec incorporates advanced techniques such as neural network-based coding and improved motion compensation. These features aim to reduce file sizes by up to 30% compared to AV1 while maintaining similar visual quality.

The leaked release date comes from a public AOM meeting agenda, which listed the AV2 1.0 specification as a target for May 2026. The agenda also included discussions on finalizing the bitstream format and reference software. AOM has not officially confirmed the date, but the document suggests the consortium is on track to meet that deadline.

AV2 is expected to be royalty-free, following the same licensing model as AV1. This approach has made AV1 popular among streaming services and web browsers, though adoption has been gradual due to encoding complexity. AV2 aims to address some of those challenges with more efficient encoding algorithms.

Streaming platforms and hardware manufacturers are likely to begin integrating AV2 support after the final specification is released. Software encoders and decoders are expected to follow, with hardware acceleration possibly arriving in later generations of GPUs and mobile chips. The transition from AV1 to AV2 is anticipated to take several years.

For now, the May 2026 target remains unofficial. AOM has not issued a public statement regarding the release schedule. The leaked agenda indicates the consortium is working toward that date, but delays are possible as the technical details are finalized.

If the timeline holds, AV2 will mark a significant step forward in video compression technology. The codec's improved efficiency could benefit streaming services, video conferencing, and other bandwidth-sensitive applications. The final specification is expected to be published on the AOM website upon release.

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Apple Registers genai.apple.com Subdomain Ahead of WWDC 2026

Apple has registered the subdomain genai.apple.com ahead of WWDC 2026, signaling potential generative AI announcements. The move suggests new Siri capabilities and AI-focused updates may be unveiled at the conference.

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Apple Registers genai.apple.com Subdomain Ahead of WWDC 2026

Apple has registered the subdomain genai.apple.com, a move that comes just before the company's Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2026. The registration was discovered through DNS records and indicates Apple's growing focus on generative artificial intelligence. The subdomain does not currently host any public content, but its creation suggests Apple is preparing to unveil AI-related features or services.

The registration of genai.apple.com aligns with industry speculation that Apple will introduce significant AI enhancements at WWDC 2026. Analysts expect the company to showcase new capabilities for Siri, its virtual assistant, potentially integrating large language models similar to those powering ChatGPT or Google's Gemini. Apple has been relatively quiet about its AI strategy compared to rivals, but this subdomain hints at a more aggressive push.

Siri, which has lagged behind competitors in natural language understanding and task completion, could receive a major overhaul. Sources familiar with Apple's plans suggest the company is developing a more conversational Siri that can handle complex queries, generate text, and even create images. These features would likely rely on on-device processing to address privacy concerns, a hallmark of Apple's approach.

Beyond Siri, Apple may introduce AI tools for developers and consumers. The genai.apple.com subdomain could host APIs for third-party apps to leverage Apple's AI models, similar to how OpenAI offers GPT access. Apple might also unveil AI-powered features for its operating systems, such as intelligent photo editing, advanced autocorrect, or personalized content recommendations.

The timing of the subdomain registration is strategic, as WWDC 2026 is expected to take place in June. Apple traditionally uses the conference to preview upcoming software updates, including iOS 20, macOS 16, and other platform releases. The company has been hiring AI researchers and acquiring startups in the space, signaling a long-term commitment to generative AI.

Apple's focus on privacy could differentiate its AI offerings. Unlike cloud-dependent AI services, Apple may emphasize on-device processing to keep user data secure. This approach could limit some capabilities but appeal to privacy-conscious users. The company has already implemented on-device machine learning for features like Face ID and photo categorization.

The genai.apple.com subdomain is currently inactive, but it may go live during or after WWDC 2026. Apple has not officially commented on the registration or its AI plans. However, the move is consistent with the company's pattern of securing domain names before major product launches.

WWDC 2026 is scheduled to begin on June 8, 2026, with a keynote address by Apple CEO Tim Cook. Developers and consumers alike will be watching closely for AI announcements that could reshape Apple's ecosystem. The registration of genai.apple.com suggests that generative AI will be a central theme of this year's conference.

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Apple Watch and AirPods Pro Gain New Health Features in 160+ Countries

Apple has launched new health features for Apple Watch and AirPods Pro, including sleep apnea detection, hearing tests, and hypertension monitoring, across over 160 countries.

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Apple Watch and AirPods Pro Gain New Health Features in 160+ Countries

Apple has rolled out a suite of new health capabilities for its Apple Watch and AirPods Pro devices, expanding their functionality to over 160 countries. The update introduces sleep apnea detection, hearing assessments, and hypertension tracking, marking a significant expansion of the company's health-focused features.

The sleep apnea feature uses the Apple Watch's accelerometer and heart rate sensor to monitor breathing patterns during sleep. It can detect interruptions in breathing that may indicate sleep apnea, a condition that affects millions worldwide. Users receive notifications if the device identifies potential signs of the disorder.

For hearing health, the AirPods Pro now includes a built-in hearing test that evaluates hearing sensitivity across different frequencies. The test takes about five minutes and provides a detailed audiogram, which users can share with healthcare providers. This feature aims to make hearing screenings more accessible.

The hypertension monitoring feature, available on the Apple Watch, tracks blood pressure trends over time using the device's sensors. It does not provide real-time readings but offers insights into long-term patterns, helping users identify potential issues. Apple emphasized that this feature is not a replacement for medical-grade monitors.

These features are part of Apple's broader push into health technology, which has become a key differentiator for its wearable devices. The company has previously introduced ECG, blood oxygen monitoring, and fall detection. The new additions are designed to address common health concerns that often go undiagnosed.

Apple stated that the features were developed in collaboration with medical experts and validated through clinical studies. The sleep apnea detection, for instance, was tested in a study involving over 5,000 participants. The company also noted that all data is encrypted and stored securely on the device or in iCloud with user consent.

The update is available for Apple Watch Series 6 and later, as well as AirPods Pro (first and second generation). Users need to update their devices to the latest watchOS and iOS versions to access the new features. The rollout began this week and will continue globally over the next few days.

Apple's health features are available in over 160 countries, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, Japan, and Australia. The company plans to expand to additional regions in the coming months. Pricing for the features is included in the device cost, with no additional subscription fees.

"We believe that technology can play a vital role in helping people take charge of their health," said an Apple spokesperson. "These new features are designed to provide users with actionable insights while maintaining the highest standards of privacy and security."

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Beyond Teknoloji Unveils Bazna Kamikaze Drone at SAHA 2026

Beyond Teknoloji introduced the Bazna series of kamikaze drones at SAHA 2026, featuring anti-jamming capabilities, water resistance, and a 25-minute flight time. The drone is designed for all-weather operations including rain, sea, and mountainous terrain.

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Beyond Teknoloji Unveils Bazna Kamikaze Drone at SAHA 2026

Beyond Teknoloji presented its new Bazna series of kamikaze drones at the SAHA 2026 exhibition. The platform is engineered to operate in challenging environmental conditions, including rain, sea spray, and high-altitude terrain. Company representatives highlighted the drone's resilience against adverse weather during the unveiling.

The Bazna drone incorporates anti-jamming technology to maintain control in contested electromagnetic environments. It is built with water-resistant materials, allowing it to function in wet conditions and over maritime areas. The system offers a flight time of up to 25 minutes per mission.

Designed as a loitering munition, the Bazna can loiter over a target area before engaging. The drone's compact form factor enables rapid deployment from various platforms. Beyond Teknoloji emphasized the system's ease of use and portability for field operations.

The drone's navigation suite includes GPS and inertial guidance, with the anti-jam feature ensuring reliable operation even when GPS signals are disrupted. The water-resistant design protects internal components from moisture and saltwater exposure.

Beyond Teknoloji stated that the Bazna series is intended for military and security applications requiring persistent surveillance and precision strike capabilities. The drone can be integrated with existing command and control systems.

Pricing and specific technical specifications were not disclosed at the event. The company confirmed that the Bazna is available for order and will be delivered to customers following testing and certification.

The SAHA 2026 exhibition, held in Istanbul, serves as a platform for defense and aerospace companies to showcase new technologies. Beyond Teknoloji's Bazna drone attracted attention from international delegations attending the fair.

Beyond Teknoloji officials said the Bazna represents a new category of all-weather kamikaze drones designed for modern battlefield requirements. The company plans to demonstrate the system's capabilities in live-fire exercises later this year.

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Huawei Unveils 61 TB and 122 TB SSD Storage Units Despite Sanctions

Huawei announced new SSD storage units with capacities of 61 TB and 122 TB, leveraging proprietary packaging technology to achieve high density. The launch comes amid ongoing U.S. sanctions against the company.

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Huawei Unveils 61 TB and 122 TB SSD Storage Units Despite Sanctions

Huawei has introduced two new solid-state drive storage units, offering 61 TB and 122 TB capacities. The announcement was made despite the company continuing to face U.S. sanctions that restrict its access to certain technologies. Huawei stated that the new SSDs utilize a proprietary packaging technology to achieve these high storage densities.

The 61 TB and 122 TB drives are designed for enterprise data centers and large-scale storage applications. Huawei claims the packaging method allows for more NAND flash chips to be stacked in a compact form factor, increasing capacity without expanding physical size. The company did not disclose the specific NAND type or controller used in the drives.

Huawei has been developing its own storage solutions to reduce reliance on foreign suppliers amid trade restrictions. The new SSDs are part of the company's broader strategy to strengthen its data center infrastructure offerings. Huawei's storage division has been investing heavily in research and development to create competitive products.

The 61 TB model is expected to target mid-range enterprise storage needs, while the 122 TB version aims at high-capacity applications such as big data analytics and cloud storage. Huawei emphasized that the drives meet industry standards for reliability and performance, though specific read/write speeds and endurance ratings were not provided.

Analysts note that achieving such high capacities is technically challenging, especially under the constraints of U.S. export controls. Huawei's ability to produce these SSDs suggests progress in its domestic supply chain efforts. However, the company may face hurdles in mass production and market adoption due to ongoing geopolitical tensions.

Pricing and availability details for the new SSDs have not been announced. Huawei indicated that the drives are currently being sampled to select customers and will enter volume production later this year. The company plans to showcase the products at upcoming industry events.

Huawei's storage business has been a bright spot amid declining smartphone sales. The company reported growth in its enterprise segment, driven by demand for data center solutions. The new SSDs are expected to strengthen Huawei's position in the global storage market, though competition from established players like Samsung and Western Digital remains intense.

Huawei stated that the 61 TB and 122 TB SSDs represent a milestone in its storage technology development. The company reaffirmed its commitment to innovation despite external challenges, and said it will continue to invest in next-generation storage solutions.

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