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Digital Trends
25-05-2025
- Digital Trends
I can't choose between Google and Apple, and it just got much harder
As I watched the Google I/O 2025 keynote, there were several product demonstrations which really stood out to me, not just because they were technically impressive and exciting, but also because none were ones I could ever imagine Apple showing off during a public presentation in the same way. It reignited an age-old battle within me. Which approach do I prefer? Google and its incredible 'moonshots' which may or may not actually be useful, or even become products I can buy, or Apple and its carefully considered demos firmly rooted in the real-world, benefits and all? Recommended Videos Beam me up, Sundar The demonstration which sparked my internal struggle most was Google Beam. In case you missed it, Beam is an 'AI-first video communication platform,' which has evolved from Google's Project Starline. At I/O, Google showed the hardware it has developed for Beam, which consists of cameras and sensors attached to a giant television, and together with cloud-based AI algorithms it creates a 3D version of the person on the other end of your call. It's made for businesses, and it's likely quite hard to see the full 3D effect on video, but that didn't matter. It's so futuristic, slightly crazy, and absolutely compelling. It really made me want to try it out. Video calls have been a fixture for me for years, and while they're perfectly fine as they are, they can't replicate the feeling of being in the same room with the other person. Google Beam is a product from the future. It's a step closer to Star Wars-like holograms and Star Trek-like Holo Decks, and it's why I love the concept. Google proudly showed it off, but because I can't buy it or even use it yet, it's a 'look what we can do' tech showcase and little more. I can't see Apple ever showing a product as visually jarring as Google Beam, with its thick bezels to hide cameras, sensor arrays, and massive room-dominating screen. Google has shown Beam off as Project Starline before, something Apple would never do with a new product. However, Apple's Beam competitor (should such a thing ever exist) would almost certainly be for consumers, and when it showed if off, it would probably have a release date and a price attached. Assuming I don't start working for one of the companies Google and Beam partner HP are working with, I may never even see it in real life. What's more, knowing how Google can abandon projects, it wouldn't surprise me if it never expanded beyond the initial few companies onboard, and certainly not to consumers. The thing is, I don't care. I'm happy to know it exists at all. Welcome to the future The concept of Google Beam seems ripe for Apple to adapt using the iPhone's cameras and LIDAR, Apple TV, and FaceTime though. Perhaps Apple is working on such a thing? I'll never know for sure until the company decides to show it off, and if it is working on something similar which doesn't make it past the prototype stage, I'll almost certainly never know about it. Apple's mystery is part of its appeal, but so is Google's willingness to show us its ideas. When Apple shows me a new product, I can be pretty certain that at some point in the not too distant future, I'll be able to buy it. AirPower is always brought up as an example of Apple's failure to deliver, but its the outlier. A better example of the way Apple handles its forward-thinking hardware is Apple Vision Pro, which was teased and subsequently released, and not once did I think it wouldn't come out, only that I knew I wouldn't be able to afford it when it did. For Apple's Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC) keynote this year, it's possible we'll learn about Apple Vision Pro 2, and even if it is another teaser, there's no question a full launch will happen later on. I can be fairly certain if it's on stage at WWDC 2025, it'll be a real product at the end of its development, and not a 'moonshot.' After the chaos of I/O 2025 it'll be refreshing, as while Google wrapped Android XR, its smart glasses, and Project Moohan headset into one, exciting segment at the end of its 2025 keynote presentation, it still felt distant and experimental. The Android XR experiment I don't mean experimental in a bad way, but in a 'we're still working all this out, but look at what we've already done,' way. It smart glasses were prototypes, at least one of the live demos didn't work as intended, and there's no final release date for any of it at all. It doesn't look like Google itself will release a pair of Pixel Glasses, leaving partners Warby Parker, Gentle Monster, and Kering Eyewear to work all that out. Project Moohan, an Android XR headset made with Samsung, is still really only a rendered photo on a screen aside from a few limited demos. But Android XR was demonstrated in various different ways, given us an early look at what the team is working on behind the scenes. It felt experimental because I got the impression the demos shown are the exact ones engineers are playing with in the office. This isn't a criticism, it's what I want to see. When, or if, Apple shows us a pair of smart glasses, it won't be a 'look at me' demo. It'll be because they're almost ready for sale. There are rumors about such a product, but that's all. We absolutely know Google will be behind a new wave of smart glasses coming, well, some time in the future. We've known it for a while, because it takes such pleasure in showing us what the future holds. Apple will let us know when the future has arrived, and not a moment before. Two different approaches While I don't think Apple cares about Google Beam-like devices at this stage, it really should be watching what Google is doing with Android XR, because I came away from the keynote wanting both a Project Moohan headset and a pair of Android XR smart glasses. I've never had the same feeling about the Apple Vision Pro, and it's all down to Apple's failure to build a compelling, accessible, and enticing XR platform and range of products like Google has teased. This is where Google's approach works better than Apple's. I can see what Google has planned, and while I don't really know if it will fully execute its plans (or even stick with it, long-term), I'm anticipating the future and excited to see how the early-stage products develop into devices I can buy. Google looks lithe and active, daring and ready to take risks, hang the consequences. I'm aware a chunk of what I see (and imagine) may not ever reach me, or that exciting projects may just fall away or be canceled. Project Jacquard comes to mind, as I never did get to try one of the Levi's jackets before the project ended. Less chaos, more predictable order Does Google's openness about its experiments sometimes lead to disappointment? Yes. Is that worse than being entirely unaware of what Apple's working on for the future, outside of some rumors? Yes, and no. Apple's product finality is preferable in many ways. I don't enjoy being be teased with no pay-off. I want to see something new and cool, then provided the knowledge of when I can buy it and how much I'll pay. But at the same time, I'd love to know what's going on deep inside Apple's headquarters, even if some of what I'm shown turns out to be a tech showcase and nothing more. Google I/O 2025's keynote was far more compelling than recent years, and it left me more conflicted than ever about whether I prefer its openness, with the caveat some of what I saw will never be seen again, or if Apple's no-nonsense, carefully curated previews are preferable because my expectations don't have to be kept in check. Less chaos, more predictable order. I simply can't choose between them, and ultimately, I expect I quite like both.
Associated Press
19-05-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
EMEET Announces Major Breakthroughs in Webcam Innovation with New 4K Lineup for 2025
EMEET, a leading brand in audio and video communication technology, is proud to announce its latest innovation push in the webcam category with the launch of multiple 4K models. This milestone reflects EMEET's deep commitment to redefining the webcam experience for professionals, creators, educators, and remote workers around the world. Brand Positioning: Over 10 Years of Audio-Visual Expertise With over a decade of R&D and product development in the audio and video space, EMEET has built a reputation for delivering reliable, intuitive, and high-performance tools that empower modern communication. Brand Achievements: Leading Innovation, Broadest Reach EMEET has emerged as the top-selling webcam brand on Amazon after Logitech, currently commanding approximately 20% market share in the online webcam segment, the brand dominates the 4K webcam space with undisputed sales leadership. Its broad 4K portfolio—spanning use cases from office work and remote learning to livestreaming and content creation—represents the most comprehensive lineup by volume and performance on the platform. Setting a new benchmark for innovation, EMEET became the first brand globally to introduce a dual-camera design to 4K webcams with the launch of its Piko and Piko+ models, reinforcing its leadership in both market reach and technological advancement. 2025 Flagship 4K Products: Designed for Every Use Case EMEET's 2025 4K portfolio introduces targeted solutions tailored to creators, professionals, and casual users—offering class-leading performance and Amazon-proven appeal. 1. Piko Series – EMEET's Flagship 4K Webcam with DualCamera EMEET's flagship Piko series stands as the brand's hero lineup—anchored by the world's first dual-camera AI-powered 4K webcam, setting a new benchmark for the 4K webcam for streaming category. The Piko+ features a 1/2.55" Sony sensor, AI-assisted autofocus, and a panda-inspired magnetic privacy cover, combining premium design with professional-grade performance. The Piko offers the same innovative dual-lens architecture and ultra-portable form factor, delivering core 4K streaming capabilities with a minimalist matte finish. Both models include three built-in microphones with adjustable sound modes and ensure plug-and-play ease across major platforms such as OBS, Zoom, and Microsoft Teams. Whether for livestreaming, beauty content creation, or professional presentations, the Piko series is a top-tier choice in the 4K Webcam for Streaming market. 2. S800 – EMEET's Premium 4K Webcam for Professionals As EMEET's premium flagship, the S800 is a professional-grade 4K Webcam for Streaming featuring PDAF and TOF dual-focus technology with HDR imaging—delivering DSLR-comparable sharpness and lighting control in any environment. With phase detection autofocus (PDAF) ensuring lightning-fast subject locking, and time-of-flight (TOF) depth sensing for smoother transitions and real-time distance adjustment, the S800 maintains flawless focus even during movement. HDR support enhances contrast and detail in both bright and low-light scenes, while a 1/2'' SONY sensor and high-precision glass lenses deliver cinematic clarity. Whether for livestreaming, podcasting, or content creation, the S800 adapts to complex studio lighting and framing demands. 3. NOVA 4K and C960 4K – EMEET's 4K Webcams with BestValue Engineered as 4K upgrades to market's top-selling 1080P models, the NOVA 4K and C960 4K represent the brand's ultra-high value lineup—delivering premium clarity and core functionality at entry-level pricing. Ideal for conference room setups, remote learning environments, professional creators, and budget-conscious streamers, both models feature crisp 3840×2160 resolution with automatic light correction, plug-and-play setup, and wide software compatibility including Zoom, Teams, Skype, and OBS. The NOVA 4K emphasizes vibrant color balance and smooth detail, while the C960 4K maintains the classic design of EMEET's best-selling C960, now upgraded with 4K capability for enhanced clarity. These Webcam 4K models offer an accessible path to ultra-clear visuals without sacrificing reliability or ease of use. With this comprehensive 4K strategy, EMEET continues to lead the webcam industry with breakthrough innovations that combine cutting-edge technology and broad user appeal. From the flagship Piko Series with its world-first dual-camera design, to the high-end S800 built for studio-level creators, and the NOVA 4K and C960 4K delivering unmatched value—EMEET offers a solution for every user, scenario, and budget. Whether you're livestreaming, working remotely, or upgrading your everyday setup, EMEET invites you to experience the next generation of visual clarity. Media Contact Company Name: EMEET Contact Person: Chloe Zheng Email: Send Email Country: United States Website: Source: EMEET
