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Search results for: “AI”

  • Apple talks about ads on X again

    Apple talks about ads on X again

    The Wall Street Journal reports that Apple has been in discussions with X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, about bringing their ads back to the site. These talks happened just recently.

    In the past, Apple decided to stop its advertising on X back in 2023 after Elon Musk, X’s owner, made some controversial remarks that were seen as antisemitic. There were also concerns because Apple’s ads were appearing next to posts that supported Hitler.

    The situation got more complicated when Musk did something at Donald Trump’s inauguration that many thought looked like a Nazi salute. This has made some people question if Apple should even think about advertising on X again.

    However, Musk is very close to Trump and has a big influence in his administration. This might make it easier for Apple to decide to advertise on X again since Apple’s CEO, Tim Cook, gave a significant donation to Trump’s inauguration and was there in person. Other tech leaders have also been making financial moves to stay in good graces with the new administration.

    According to the Wall Street Journal, other big companies are also rethinking their advertising strategies on X. Amazon, for instance, is planning to increase its ad budget on the platform, which could help X manage its financial issues. Musk himself has admitted that X isn’t doing great; he’s said user numbers aren’t growing, and the site’s income isn’t much to brag about.

    Given the political and social aspects of this topic, we’ve placed the discussion in our Political News forum. Everyone can read the thread, but you need at least 100 posts to join in the conversation.

  • Apple named world’s most admired company again

    Apple named world’s most admired company again

    For the 18th year in a row, Apple has been named the World’s Most Admired Company by Fortune magazine.

    Apple Logo

    The Fortune survey involves 3,380 business leaders from various sectors. They rate companies on nine different aspects such as innovation, how good they are for investors, how responsible they are towards society, and how well they attract new employees. Apple came out on top, with Microsoft and Amazon right behind, continuing their tradition of being among the best.

    This year’s 2025 rankings show that tech companies are still leading the pack. Nvidia has climbed to fourth place, a first for them, thanks to their big role in the world of artificial intelligence and making graphics processing units. Nvidia’s chips are key in the AI models created by companies like OpenAI, Google, and Microsoft.

    However, it’s not just tech; other types of companies are also doing well. Berkshire Hathaway, Costco, and JPMorgan Chase are also in the top seven. New entries this year in the top 50 include ServiceNow, Taiwan Semiconductor, and Novo Nordisk. An interesting point from this year’s list is that all ten of the highest-ranked companies are from the United States, showing a strong American presence at the top for the second year running.

  • Confusing iOS 18.3 Update: Why entertainment apps lost AI summary features

    Confusing iOS 18.3 Update: Why entertainment apps lost AI summary features

    This week, Apple released iOS 18.3, bringing new features but also taking one away. Specifically, they turned off AI-generated summaries for notifications in two types of apps, and one of these choices has left me puzzled.

    Why News Apps Lost Summaries

    It’s unusual for Apple to take away features in iPhone updates, but they did just that with iOS 18.3. The AI summaries for news apps were disabled because they were giving out incorrect information, which caused a stir. This made sense since people were complaining about misleading news alerts.

    The Mystery of Entertainment Apps

    The summaries for entertainment apps have also been turned off, and this is what’s confusing. If you check your iPhone settings under Notifications > Summarize Notifications, you’ll see apps like Disney+, Max, and YouTube marked as ‘Temporarily Unavailable’ for summaries.

    I looked at the App Store’s Entertainment section, which now is easy to find at the top of the Apps tab. It’s mostly streaming services, along with some music, podcast, and even drawing apps. I can’t figure out why these would need their summaries disabled unless there was some issue with podcast titles that sound like news.

    What’s Next?

    Apple has promised that these features will come back once they fix the problems with the AI. I hope they do this soon, as it would be great to have those useful summaries back. Until then, the absence of these features in entertainment apps remains a bit of a puzzle to me.

  • Apple’s AI will boost iPhone sales, but not right away

    Apple’s AI will boost iPhone sales, but not right away

    Apple is gearing up to share its holiday sales figures, and everyone’s curious if its new AI features will spike iPhone sales. Here’s the deal: while the AI boost isn’t here yet, it’s definitely on its way.

    The iPhone 16 is Doing Well, But AI’s Big Moment is Coming

    Back in June, when Apple rolled out its AI features, experts predicted a boom in iPhone sales. They thought AI would push people to upgrade their phones faster than usual.

    When Apple last announced its earnings, the iPhone 16 had just hit the market, and the AI features weren’t fully live yet. Sales went up by 5%, which is good but not the massive jump some were hoping for.

    This Week’s Earnings Will Give Us a Better Look

    This week, we’ll get a clearer picture of how AI might be influencing sales. While Apple is set to report a solid quarter, iPhone sales are expected to be good but not groundbreaking. Remember, the iPhone is Apple’s star product. However, what investors really want to see is growth, and it might be a while before AI truly drives that.

    Hardware Upgrades Are Setting the Stage for AI

    Apple’s AI features need strong hardware to work well. Here’s what Apple has been doing:

    • All iPhone 16 models now come with 8GB of RAM, a feature once only in Pro models.
    • The next iPhone SE will have an AI-friendly chip and more RAM.
    • All new Macs now start with 16GB of RAM, likely due to AI demands.
    • Even the cheapest iPads are getting chips that support AI.

    Rumors are swirling about even better hardware for the iPhone 17, including 12GB of RAM and enhanced cooling systems. The upcoming A19 chip will probably bring some significant AI enhancements.

    Looking Forward to a Supercycle

    Right now, the current AI features aren’t pushing a massive wave of upgrades. But give it 2-3 years, and AI will likely be a major reason for people to switch to newer models. The advantages of Apple’s AI will become too compelling to ignore.

    In short, while we’re not seeing an AI-driven supercycle yet, it’s brewing. The combination of new hardware and software will soon make older iPhones feel outdated, setting the stage for a big sales surge.

  • iPhone 17 Air: What we know about the new Slim model

    iPhone 17 Air: What we know about the new Slim model

    Apple is rumored to replace the iPhone “Plus” with a new model called the iPhone “Air” in the iPhone 17 lineup. Here’s what we’ve learned from various sources about this upcoming slim phone.

    The Name “Air”

    The term “Air” has been floated by tech experts like Jon Prosser and Mark Gurman, suggesting that this new phone will be thinner than previous models. This iPhone 17 Air aims to fill the gap between the standard iPhone 17 and the Pro versions, offering a sleek alternative to the less popular Plus model.

    How Thin Will It Be?

    Rumors suggest the iPhone 17 Air could be the thinnest iPhone yet, with a possible thickness of just 5.5mm, even thinner than the iPhone 6 at 6.9mm. It’s expected to feature an aluminum body instead of the titanium used in Pro models, which contributes to its slim profile. However, there’s talk that it might only have one speaker due to space constraints.

    Screen Size

    The screen might be around 6.6 inches, according to analyst Jeff Pu, although another source, Ross Young, mentions a slightly smaller 6.55-inch display. This would make it smaller than the current iPhone 16 Plus’s 6.7-inch screen.

    Display Features

    All iPhone 17 models, including the Air, are rumored to get ProMotion, meaning a smooth 120Hz refresh rate for better scrolling and viewing. This would also allow for an always-on display, showing time and notifications when the phone is locked.

    Camera Changes

    The camera layout might shift to the top center of the phone, a departure from the traditional top-left corner placement. Additionally, the iPhone 17 Air might only have one rear camera, according to leaks.

    Durability and Camera Upgrades

    The screen is expected to be more durable with an anti-reflective coating. The front-facing camera could see an upgrade to 24 megapixels, promising better selfies with more detail and clarity.

    Memory and Processing Power

    The new model is likely to come with 8GB of RAM, matching the current iPhone 16 lineup. It’s also expected to run on the A19 chip, potentially offering better performance and efficiency.

    In-House Tech

    Apple might introduce its own 5G modem in this model, alongside a Wi-Fi chip, aiming for better connectivity and power efficiency. The phone will reportedly go SIM-less, using only eSIM technology globally.

    Price

    There’s some debate on pricing; it could either be priced like the iPhone 16 Plus at around $899 or might even be more expensive than the Pro Max if it’s positioned as a premium device.

    With these rumors, the iPhone 17 Air sounds like it could be a significant shift in Apple’s strategy, focusing on sleek design while maintaining high performance. However, these are still leaks and subject to change as we approach the expected September 2025 release.

  • MacBook Pro ruined in car crash, AppleCare+ claim rejected

    MacBook Pro ruined in car crash, AppleCare+ claim rejected

    A MacBook Pro owner shared a frustrating experience on Reddit after his laptop was wrecked in a car accident. Despite having an AppleCare+ plan for accidental damage, Apple declined to replace or repair the device.

    The user explained on the platform that his MacBook was severely damaged in the crash. He was shocked to learn that Apple wouldn’t cover the repair or replacement because the damage was considered too extensive.

    “I thought I was safe with AppleCare+ for accidents,” he lamented. “But they won’t replace my MacBook because it’s too broken. It feels like my money was spent for nothing.”

    Apple’s AppleCare+ policy clearly states that it covers accidental damage from handling, which includes unexpected events like drops or spills. The policy specifies that Apple can either repair the damage using genuine parts or replace the device with one that meets their standards.

    However, the policy also lists several exclusions. Two might apply here:

    • Natural Disasters: The policy does not cover damages from events like fire, floods, or earthquakes. Interestingly, it also mentions “similar external causes,” which might be interpreted to include a car crash, although this seems like a stretch.
    • Reckless Behavior: Damage resulting from reckless, abusive, or intentional actions is also not covered. Since the driver admitted the crash was his fault, one could argue that his driving might qualify as reckless, though this interpretation seems harsh.

    The situation raises eyebrows about the application of these policy terms. Accidental damage insurance is supposed to protect against, well, accidents. Excluding coverage because the damage is “too severe” or interpreting a car accident as “reckless behavior” seems to miss the point of such insurance.

    In conclusion, this case illustrates a potential gap between consumer expectations and the fine print of insurance policies. It’s a reminder for all of us to read and understand the specifics of our coverage, especially when it comes to high-value items like electronics.

    Source

  • What’s new in iOS 18.3: Apple’s latest update details

    What’s new in iOS 18.3: Apple’s latest update details

    Apple has just released iOS 18.3 for everyone to download. We’ve already covered the new features, but here’s a simple breakdown of what’s new according to Apple’s official notes:

    Visual Intelligence with Camera Control (For all iPhone 16 models):

    • Add Events to Calendar: Now you can add an event to your Calendar just by snapping a picture of a poster or flyer.
    • Identify Plants and Animals: Your camera can now help you learn about nature by identifying different plants and animals.

    Notification Summaries (For iPhone 16, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max):

    • Manage Summaries Easily: You can now control your notification summary settings right from the lock screen.
    • New Look for Summaries: Notifications that are summarized now show up in italics and with a special icon, making them easy to spot.
    • Temporary Hold on Some Apps: Summaries for News and Entertainment apps are paused for now, but you can choose to get them back when they’re ready.

    Other Updates and Fixes:

    • Calculator: If you press equals again, it will repeat your last calculation, making quick math easier.
    • Siri: No more issues with the keyboard disappearing when you start typing a command.
    • Apple Music: Fixed a problem where music would keep playing even after you close the app.

    This update aims to make your iPhone experience smoother and more intuitive. Whether you’re organizing your schedule or just exploring the outdoors, iOS 18.3 has something to make daily tasks a bit easier.

  • How to easily update your AirPods and AirPods Max

    How to easily update your AirPods and AirPods Max

    Apple regularly updates the software inside your AirPods, making them work better. Usually, these updates happen automatically, but now, Apple has shown us how to start the update ourselves if we want to. Here’s how you can do it with easy steps:

    Updating AirPods and AirPods Pro

    • Ensure your AirPods are close to your iPhone, iPad, or Mac – Make sure they can connect through Bluetooth and that your device is connected to Wi-Fi.
    • Place your AirPods in their case and close it – This helps start the update process.
    • Connect the charger – Plug the charger into the case and then into a power source.
    • Wait with the case closed – Keep the lid shut for at least 30 minutes to give the update time to install.
    • Open the case – After waiting, open the lid to reconnect your AirPods to your device.
    • Check the firmware version – See if the update was successful.

    If it doesn’t update, Apple suggests resetting your AirPods and trying again.

    Updating AirPods Max

    • Make sure your AirPods Max are near your device – It should be within Bluetooth range, and your device should be on Wi-Fi.
    • Charge them – Plug the charger into the right earphone of your AirPods Max.
    • Give it time – Let them charge and update for at least 30 minutes.
    • Reconnect – After updating, connect them back to your device.
    • Check the version – Verify if the firmware has been updated.

    The way firmware updates work hasn’t changed much; they’ll still happen automatically for most people. But now, if you’re eager to get the latest features or fixes, you can manually update your AirPods or AirPods Max whenever Apple releases new software. This gives you a bit more control over your gadgets.

  • How Apple gains from DeepSeek’s AI breakthrough

    How Apple gains from DeepSeek’s AI breakthrough

    DeepSeek is rapidly changing the AI scene in the U.S. Still, while many of Apple’s rivals face challenges, Apple seems to be gaining advantages from DeepSeek’s early achievements in three key areas.

    Becoming the Top Company Again

    Apple has long been in a race to be known as the world’s richest company by market value. Recently, it lost its crown to NVIDIA, thanks to the AI boom. However, with DeepSeek’s influence on the market, the stocks of many tech giants, including NVIDIA, have dropped, while Apple’s have gone up. Right now, Apple is once again the leading company worldwide, largely thanks to DeepSeek.

    Boost from App Store Popularity

    Over the weekend, DeepSeek’s app became the most downloaded on Apple’s iPhone App Store, a clear sign of its growing fame. This is significant, particularly for an app that was relatively unknown before. At a time when Apple is dealing with legal issues about its App Store, DeepSeek’s success shows how important the App Store rankings are in today’s culture.

    Steering Clear of AI Investment Pitfalls

    Apple is pouring money into AI development but isn’t suffering like its competitors from DeepSeek’s strategy of doing more with less. While others push for huge AI investments, DeepSeek proves that big budgets aren’t always necessary for success. Apple, with its quiet, internal development strategy, avoids the tough questions others face and strengthens its commitment to processing AI directly on devices, which they see as the future.

    In Conclusion

    It’s too soon to say how DeepSeek will shape the AI world in the long run. However, it’s currently stirring things up, causing unease among U.S. tech firms. Apple might be feeling this too, but for now, it’s also reaping the benefits of DeepSeek’s early triumphs.

  • New update for Apple TV: tvOS 18.3 now available

    New update for Apple TV: tvOS 18.3 now available

    Apple has just rolled out tvOS 18.3, the latest update for the tvOS 18 series which was first launched in September. This update comes about a month after the release of tvOS 18.2 and is compatible with both Apple TV 4K and Apple TV HD.

    To install tvOS 18.3, go to the Settings app on your Apple TV. Navigate to System, then Software Update, and follow the prompts to download and install the update. If you have automatic updates turned on, your Apple TV will update to tvOS 18.3 without any extra steps from you.

    During the beta phase of tvOS 18.3, there weren’t any big new features added, but this update does include a new alert regarding the purchase of digital movies and TV shows.

    For detailed release notes, check out Apple’s support document for tvOS, which gets updated with each new version release.

    Additionally, Apple has released HomePod Software 18.3 for both the HomePod and HomePod mini. Since HomePod software shares its roots with tvOS, this update aligns with the tvOS update in terms of version numbering and some underlying system improvements.

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