Talk about some news you can use! Google Flights already lets you know whether current prices are low, typical, or high…but now you can catch when the cheapest time to book is. 9to5google.com reports that the app will tell you quote “when prices have typically been lowest to book your chosen dates and destination.” It will also let you know how long by date the cheapest price will stay that way. The new feature is rolling out this week. 

DoorDash is launching an AI powered voice ordering tech that will allow restaurants to answer all the calls they receive. Techcrunch.com says the tech will also provide customers with curated recommendations to complement their meal. According to the 2023 Restaurant Online Ordering Trends Report, up to 50% of calls have been going unanswered, which means less revenue for restaurants. Apparently DoorDash will even offer multiple languages with no missed calls or long wait times. TechCrunch does note that live agents will be available to jump in and support customers at any time…with some of the goofs AI has made, that might be a crucial feature.

New, more powerful iPad Pro models should be hitting the web and stores in 2024, along with a new Magic Keyboard. This according to Mark Gurman of Bloomberg in his Power On newsletter. There will be 2 models…an 11 incher and a 13 inch display, and both will switch to OLED tech for the screens. They will also be powered by the M3 chip, for a big boost in power…it will be the first big update for iPad Pros since 2018. Look for a new Magic Keyboard, too, which will hold the screen at a useable angle, and that will feature a bigger trackpad…more similar in size to the ones on the MacBook. Nothing firm on the date, but spring or early summer looks likely. 

Apple has always run a strong #2 behind Samsung in the smartphone wars. Now, in a report from noted analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, he notes that Samsung’s smartphone shipments have been cut to 220 million units this year. That said, if Apple keeps its orders for the new iPhone 15 line unchanged for the second semester, the iPhone shipments are expected to reach 220–225 million units in 2023, surpassing Samsung as the largest smartphone brand. With Apple’s outlook being optimistic for 2024, with a shipment target of 250 million units, Ming-Chi Kuo sees a 5-10% YoY increase. He also notes that Samsung’s internal view of 2024 market demand is “still conservative,” so it could also make Cupertino the largest smartphone brand next year.

I’m Clark Reid and you’re ‘Technified’ for now.