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- Wednesday June 05
- 35 mins agoApple is about the enter the world of AI–and nothing will ever be the same
Macworld WWDC24 is almost here and everyone expects it to be all about AI. As the eyes of the tech world turn back to Apple, there’s a lot of work to do. It’s got to establish that it’s been working on AI features for years, show off new features, catch up with AI features from competitors, and maybe even take the opportunity to show where it’s raising the bar. But this isn’t just Apple’s chance to show it’s doing AI right. It’s also an opportunity to redefine the conversation about AI to make it more substantive and results-oriented–and, of course, to make Apple look better while doing it. Adult in the room Let’s face it–for all its promise, the last few years of AI have also been kind of a disaster. Racism, bias, more bias caused by anti-bias training, recommendations to eat rocks or add glue to pizza–there is a constant drumbeat of stories about all the ways where AI fails spectacularly. This is, to put it bluntly, the fault of a tech industry that’s gotten way over its skis. In a rush to one-up one another, companies roll out features that seem like brilliant science fiction but fall apart into embarrassing and substandard functionality so immediately that the failures are often literally contained in the introduction of the product itself. But behind that wave of unreliable garbage, some amazing features emerge from using AI models. Apple has the chance to depict itself as the adult in the room, a company committed to using AI for features that make its customers’ lives better–not competing to do the best unreproducible magic trick on stage. In doing so, it risks being seen as dowdy and behind. But if Apple can see beyond the latest tech-industry hype cycle–and it’s generally good at doing that–it can bet on iPhone users being more interested in real features than impractical nonsense. Wrong way around Historically, Apple has been a company with a very strong philosophy about new technologies: they should be applied to solving the problems of real people. Most tech companies have historically had this backward: they take delivery of some whizzy new technology fresh off a manufacturer’s conveyor belt and shove it into a product. The result tends to be products that are solutions desperately searching for problems. The current AI hype gives off the whiff of that particular stink. This is an opportunity for Apple to focus on using AI technology to solve real problems and trump those solutions while, yeah, bragging that they used AI to solve them. Apple’s chips have had Neural Engines for years before other companies started having them. How many people really understand that it’s used for AI functions? Apple’s chips have had Neural Engines for years before other companies started having them. How many people really understand that it’s used for AI functions?Apple Apple’s chips have had Neural Engines for years before other companies started having them. How many people really understand that it’s used for AI functions?Apple Apple The truth is that Apple has been doing this for ages. It has used the phrase “machine learning,” recently discarded because AI is the catchphrase of the day, to analyze and process images in the Photos app for nearly a decade. AI features permeate Apple’s products already, and the company’s been shipping AI-enhanced Apple-designed processors–the Neural Engine, y’know–for years now. Given how long it takes to design and manufacture microprocessors, that means Apple has been planning for this moment for ages now. But now it needs to deliver. Careful to a fault The sign of Apple being “behind” in AI is that it entirely missed the boat on the AI chatbot and content generation craze. According to reliable reports, the company was taken aback by the rise of those tools and has rushed to catch up. That’s not the warning sign I’d point to, though. It’s more like a symptom of a larger problem within Apple, which is that the company can be incredibly conservative when it comes to certain kinds of technologies, including AI features. You may have noticed that Apple has a bit of a control freak streak: it really wants to have complete control over the user experience. The more you give an AI feature free rein, the more unpredictable it can be. This has led some corners of Apple to resist many AI technologies because they’re just not controllable. And I think that’s a good impulse, generally! Tech sites freak out when literally anything Apple ships has a problem, even if it’s a handful of defective iPhones that make weird noises or have green casts on their displays. By being conservative, Apple has saved itself lots of negative headlines about an “AI-gate” here or there. But… that careful approach also probably explains why Siri is generally considered to be lackluster at best and embarrassing at worst. More than five years ago, Apple hired away Google’s AI chief and put him in charge of Apple’s AI efforts. And yet here we are, five years later, and everyone’s clamoring for Apple to explain itself next week. I have to think that some of the reason Apple is in this spot is that it’s been reluctant to flip the switch on some AI features. By all accounts, there was a reckoning a year ago, and we’re about to see the result. Features matter I think Apple probably needed this kick in the pants from the rest of the tech world. The company operates at its best when it’s pressured by competition. It takes great pride in operating around the cutting edge–but with better approaches than its competitors. Siri was introduced 13 years ago and was the harbinger of Apple’s AI efforts. Instead, it symbolizes how lacking Apple’s efforts have been Siri was introduced 13 years ago and was the harbinger of Apple’s AI efforts. Instead, it symbolizes how lacking Apple’s efforts have beenApple Siri was introduced 13 years ago and was the harbinger of Apple’s AI efforts. Instead, it symbolizes how lacking Apple’s efforts have beenApple Apple That’s what Apple’s announcements should be. Instead of chasing ridiculous demos, it should remember that it’s building solutions to real problems. The features it builds matter because its customers don’t actually care about Apple checking the “has AI” box or keeping up with a tech industry leaderboard. They do care that they can remove something annoying from the background of a photo, get a clear summary of their notifications while in Focus mode, or ask Siri for something and get a clear and accurate answer without getting frustrated. As you watch the WWDC keynote and read reactions to the announcements here and around the web, keep this question in mind: Will this make iPhone, Mac, or iPad users happy? Or is it just happening to appease investors, journalists, and other tech-industry insiders? The more times Apple does the former, the better its announcements will be in the long run. Apple Inc43 mins agoDetroit has high hopes of getting its first Apple Store
Repeated rumors of Apple opening a store in downtown Detroit have taken on new life as construction begins on a prestigious but as yet unnamed retail site.Exterior of what is claimed to be a forthcoming Apple Store in Detroit (Source: Detroit Free Press)Detroit is already home to one of Apple's Developer Academy programs, which was made in partnership with local Gilbert Family Foundation in 2021. Separately, co-founder Dan Gilbert owns the building that is now seeing retail construction work.According to the Detroit Free Press, two unnamed local people say that construction workers have told them they are working on an Apple Store. There is certainly retail construction work underway, behind three covered-up storefronts between 1426 and 1434 Woodward. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums50 mins agoApple releases updated iOS 17.5.1 build, addresses bug associated with 10th-gen iPad
It’s something of a vague update, but if you just bought a 10th-generation iPad, you might want to get this. Apple has issued yet another update for iPadOS 17.5.1. The new build is intended to fix an as-yet-unspecified bug on the new iPad. On May 20, Apple released updates for iOS 17.5.1 and iPadOS 17.5.1 […] Source1 hour agoApple @ Work Podcast: WWDC preview
Apple @ Work is exclusively brought to you by Mosyle, the only Apple Unified Platform. Mosyle is the only solution that integrates in a single professional-grade platform all the solutions necessary to seamlessly and automatically deploy, manage & protect Apple devices at work. Over 45,000 organizations trust Mosyle to make millions of Apple devices work-ready with no effort and at an affordable cost. Request your EXTENDED TRIAL today and understand why Mosyle is everything you need to work with Apple. In this episode of Apple @ Work, I talk with Jason Dettbarn from Addigy about their new compliance tools and a WWDC preview discussion around platform SSO and on-device AI. more…1 hour agoFolium Nintendo 3DS emulator launches to the App Store
If you were hankering for game emulators to appear in the App Store, they’ve begun to arrive. Software developer Folium has released the first Nintendo 3DS emulator for the iPhone via the App Store, albeit with some caveats. First, the emulator retails for $4.99, making it the first to arrive with a price tag. Developer […] Source1 hour agoFor three days only, you can save an additional $50 on Babbel
Macworld Whether you’ve always wanted to master French or have a Positano Coast vacation scheduled this summer, there’s something you can’t forget to bring along with your walking shoes, sunscreen, or chargers: knowledge of the local language. Knowing a few phrases (and at least how to say “hello!”) in your destination’s native tongue could enhance your adventure, and the best way to learn a new language is with Babbel. For $149.97, you can get lifetime access to Babbel, but only until June 7. This platform offers 14 different languages, though you can only study one at a time. Lessons are designed to fit any busy schedule, ranging from 10 to 15 minutes long, and can be accessed on almost any device. Unlike the repetitive, boring language classes you took in high school, Babbel approaches language learning more practically. It provides lessons focused on developing conversational skills so you can ask for directions, call a cab, order food, etc. Thanks to Babbel’s speech recognition technology, you can impress the locals with your pronunciation. This technology ensures your accent is parfait (perfect!). Need to review a few items before getting on your flight? Babbel also offers personalized language review sessions. You only have June 5-7 at 11:59 PM Pacific to get your lifetime subscription to Babbel for $149.97. No coupon needed! Babbel Language Learning: Lifetime Subscription Only $149.97 at Macworld StackSocial prices subject to change. Accessories08:00 amFly high with $50 off this 4K obstacle-avoiding drone
Macworld Want to fly a drone, but worried that you’re going to crash it? This 4K dual-camera drone is built for novice flyers, complete with automatic obstacle avoidance, at a special low price through June 9th. This 4K drone has a suite of easy-fly features, starting with the one-button start and stop function. A three-way obstacle avoidance system ensures that you keep your drone safe, away from wires, poles, and other crash hazards. It also has optical flow positioning, which has the drone lock onto a subject and hover, so you can record smoother footage without riding the sticks. The front camera has a 90-degree view with a belly camera offering 120 degrees, so you can easily capture anything you’re looking for. Gesture control adds another ease of use feature, or connect your phone to the included controller. The included battery offers 15 minutes of flight time, more than enough to fit in practice sessions, and the unit folds up for easy storage, making it ideal for beginners and pilots in need of a backup. Get in the air with this beginner-friendly dual 4K camera drone for $69.97, $50 off the $119 MSRP now through 11:59PM PST June 9th. 4K Dual-Camera Drone for Beginners with Intelligent Obstacle Avoidance – $69.97 See Deal ccStackSocial prices subject to change. Drones05:34 amApple wants to bring Apple TV+ to China
Apple and China Mobile were in talks in 2023 to bring Apple TV+ and Apple Arcade to China, but it's unclear if they have finalized a deal. (via Cult of Mac - Apple news, rumors, reviews and how-tos)03:59 amNow Qualcomm Went Long
The core genius at the heart of the original “Get a Mac” campaign is that while Long’s Mac character was likable, John Hodgman’s PC — ostensibly the foil — was lovable.03:33 amHow to extract audio from video on Mac with built-in tools
Whether you need the soundtrack for a project or want to enjoy music without visuals, extracting audio from video on a Mac is easy with built-in tools.Extracting audio allows for detailed edits, improved sound quality, and integration into multimedia projects. Various people can use extracted audio, such as teachers using audio clips in the classroom or those wanting to add to their music collections.Two built-in Mac apps — QuickTime Player and iMovie — provide efficient methods for extracting audio. QuickTime Player is ideal for quick, straightforward tasks with a simple export function. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums03:04 amPopular Mac app ‘Bartender’ acquired by new unknown developer
Bartender is a popular Mac app that lets users customize and add new functions to the macOS Menu Bar. However, the app was recently acquired by new and unknown developers without disclosure, which raised concerns among current Bartender users. more…01:47 amApple Vision Pro demo coming to Lowe’s home improvement retail locations
Want to try Apple Vision Pro? In-store demos have only been offered at Apple retail locations so far. However, a popular home improvement retailer will let shoppers try Apple Vision Pro starting this weekend. Lowe’s is testing Apple Vision Pro demos for customers in select locations this month. The experience will focus on the Lowe’s Style Studio app on Apple Vision Pro, giving customers hands-on experience with the headset. more…01:03 amHow to find your lost Apple TV remote with your iPhone
Need to locate a missing clicker? A handy feature in iOS 17 and tvOS 17 lets you find your lost Apple TV remote with just your iPhone. (via Cult of Mac - Apple news, rumors, reviews and how-tos)Tuesday June 0411:10 pmThis 6-in-1 multiple charging cable can charge practically anything
Reduce clutter with this 5-foot, six-in-one multiple charging cable, which includes Lightning, USB-C, USB-A and mini-USB. (via Cult of Mac - Apple news, rumors, reviews and how-tos)10:56 pmApple will give up to $200 for Apple Card Family sign ups
A returning Apple Card Family promotion can provide a user up to $100 and a family unit up to $200 in rewards for bringing new users to a family group.Apple Card Family promoApple runs various incentive programs to attract new users to the Apple Card. Oddly, the incentives generally involve existing users bringing new members, and those new members get the reward, not the original user.The latest promotion is a returning one that was last run in August 2023. An Apple Card holder can invite new participants or a co-owner to take advantage of the promotion. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums10:07 pmFlash sale: learn a new language on your iPhone or Mac with a lifetime of Babbel for $149.97 | AppleInsiderFlash sale: learn a new language on your iPhone or Mac with a lifetime of Babbel for $149.97
The flash deal knocks $450 off a lifetime Babbel subscription for 72 hours only, with access to all 14 languages.Save $450 on Babbel for 3 days only.Babbel is a leader in the language-learning sector and for three days only, AppleInsider readers can save $450 on the lifetime subscription through StackSocial. Get access to all languages offered by Babbel for just $149.97.Buy for $149.97 Continue Reading on AppleInsider09:18 pmApple shares turn positive for 2024 ahead of WWDC
Apple (AAPL) shares on Monday closed in positive territory for 2024. Further gains came Tuesday after its quarterly report in early May eased… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.08:54 pmOpenAI employees warn of serious risks posed by advanced AI
We are current and former employees at frontier AI companies, and we believe in the potential of AI technology to deliver unprecedented… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.08:43 pmUlysses writing app for Mac, iPad, and iPhone gets internal linking, history navigation, more | 9 to 5 MacUlysses writing app for Mac, iPad, and iPhone gets internal linking, history navigation, more
Popular markdown-based writing app Ulysses has received a valuable update today that brings internal links for headings, history navigation, dark mode for WordPress publishing preview, and more. Here’s what’s new with Ulysses version 35 for Mac, iPad, and iPhone. more…08:38 pm9to5Mac Daily: June 4, 2024 – M2 iPad Air spec changes, iOS 18’s non-AI features
Listen to a recap of the top stories of the day from 9to5Mac. 9to5Mac Daily is available on iTunes and Apple’s Podcasts app, Stitcher, TuneIn, Google Play, or through our dedicated RSS feed for Overcast and other podcast players. Supported by Setapp: Get access to 240+ apps on your Mac for just $9.99. Sign up today for a free 7-day trial. more…