OpenAI announces new Mac app and improved ChatGPT-4o model for all
Macworld The AI race is in full swing, and OpenAI just fired its latest salvo with its “Spring Update” announcements. The most significant new part is a new model, ChatGPT-4o (the “o” stands for “omni”), which is faster and smarter with better multi-model capabilities, and importantly, available to all users, not just those who subscribe. In addition, there are new tools for developers, a new GPT Store to more easily find customized GPTs, and crucially, a new Mac app (a Windows app will come later this year). ChatGPT-4o The focus of GPT-4o seems to be on making it easier to use for more people, but it is still OpenAI’s most capable AI product yet. Benchmarks from the company show industry-leading performance on text evaluation, automatic speech recognition, visual understanding, and more. Voice generation is improved with a more natural sound, more emotion, and the ability to do things like sing, be sarcastic, make jokes, and more. ChatGPT-4o delivers slightly better benchmarks than earlier versions of ChatGPT 4. ChatGPT-4o delivers slightly better benchmarks than earlier versions of ChatGPT 4.OpenAI ChatGPT-4o delivers slightly better benchmarks than earlier versions of ChatGPT 4.OpenAI OpenAI ChatGPT now works in over 50 languages; the 4o model now processes text, vision, and audio inputs across a single model which makes it both faster and more easily able to combine data from various inputs in the same conversation. It can serve as an auto-translator between two languages or translate the image of a menu in a foreign language. OpenAI claims a big improvement in visual understanding and world-leading benchmark performance. OpenAI claims a big improvement in visual understanding and world-leading benchmark performance.OpenAI OpenAI claims a big improvement in visual understanding and world-leading benchmark performance.OpenAI OpenAI You can see more about the improvements and capabilities of ChatGPT-4o on OpenAI’s site. ChatGPT on your Mac Perhaps most interesting for Macworld readers is that OpenAI is finally moving its ChatGPT app beyond the iPhone and iPad. Starting today, the company is rolling out access to its new Mac app to Plus subscribers ($20 per month); free users will get access in the coming weeks, and a Windows app is coming later this year. The app will provide a simple keyboard shortcut (Option + Space) to summon ChatGPT and ask it a question, and you can quickly supply images or take screenshots of apps to have ChatGPT help you with what it “sees.” Voice conversations will be available using the existing Voice Mode, with the new audio and video capabilities of ChatGPT-4o coming shortly. The app also sports a streamlined interface with quicker access to past apps and a new ChatGPT Store that makes it easier to browse and find (free) customized GPTs that users and developers have built upon the ChatGPT platform. OpenAI OpenAI OpenAI The ChatGPT Mac app started to roll out today and is not yet available in the Mac App Store or on OpenAI’s site at the time of this writing. Mac, Mobile Apps

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M4 iPad Pro review: Well, now you’re just showing off
This tablet offers much more than you’ll actually need.

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M2 iPad Air review: The everything iPad
M2 Air won't draw new buyers in, but if you like iPads, these do all you need.

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iOS 17.5 Adds Cross-Platform Location Tracking Alerts
Apple has released a large set of operating system updates, including iOS 17.5, iPadOS 17.5, macOS 14.5 Sonoma, watchOS 10.5, tvOS 17.5, HomePod Software 17.5, macOS Ventura 13.6.7, macOS Monterey 12.7.5, iOS 16.7.8, and iPadOS 16.7.8. New features include alerts for Android-paired tracking devices moving with you and a new game and leaderboard for Apple News+ subscribers.

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iOS 17.5: Here’s how to find the new ‘Quartiles’ game
One of the updates with iOS 17.5 is a new, original word game from Apple called “Quartiles.” However, it’s not part of Apple Arcade and is actually found in the News app. Here’s how to find and play Quartiles in iOS 17.5. more…

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Vision Pro should go on sale outside US soon
The wait to get Apple Vision Pro is apparently nearly over for lucky consumers in Europe and Asia. Broader availability could come in summer. (via Cult of Mac - Apple news, rumors, reviews and how-tos)

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Apple releases macOS Sonoma 14.5, iPadOS 17.5, iPadOS 17.5, watchOS 10.5, tvOS 17.5, and HomePod Software 17.5
Apple on Monday released macOS Sonoma 14.5, iPadOS 17.5, iPadOS 17.5, watchOS 10.5, tvOS 17.5, and HomePod Software 17.5… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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Do You Use It? macOS Versioning Sees Low Awareness and Adoption
The results of our poll asking how often you use macOS’s versioning feature show that nearly three-quarters of TidBITS readers either never use versioning or don’t even know what it is. But versioning could save you from losing work—it’s worth trying.

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Our favorite new covers and keyboard cases for Apple’s M4 iPad Pro and M2 iPad Air
Some of the best M4 iPad Pro and M2 iPad Air cases have arrived and we are here to take a closer look. Apple’s M4 iPad Pro and M2 iPad Air are just days away from being loaded up and shipped across the country, and now it’s time to look at some accessories for them. Pre-order deals have already arrived on both the M4 Pro and Apple’s latest-generation iPad Air, not to mention a slight price drop on its new for the M4 pro-grade tablet, but some of our favorite brands have now unleashed their latest offerings as well. From the best leather M4 iPad Pro covers (Burton Goods we are looking at you), to the latest premium DODOcase models, keyboard models from Logitech, and the first first-party magnetic Smart Folios, some of the best cases, covers, and keyboards are here with more to come soon. Head below for our roundup of the best M4 iPad Pro and M2 iPad Air cases.  more…

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Save up to $50 on new M4 iPad Pro and M2 iPad Air
Don't miss these deals on the newest iPads: Save big on the M4 iPad Pro and M2 iPad Air with discounts on various configurations. (via Cult of Mac - Apple news, rumors, reviews and how-tos)

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Apple asks U.S. court to dismiss ‘implausible’ lawsuit alleging iCloud monopoly
Apple is asking a San Jose, California federal judge on Friday to dismiss a proposed consumer class-action lawsuit claiming the company… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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iOS 17.5 is now available: Here’s everything you need to know
9to5Mac is supported by Incogni: Keep Your Private Data Off The Dark Web with Incogni. Help protect yourself from identity theft, scams, and spam calls. Use the code “Apple55” for -55% off the annual plan. Apple has officially released iOS 17.5 with developers to the general public. The update brings a handful of new features and changes for iPhone users. Head below for everything we know right now. more…

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Here’s how the new Cross-Platform Tracking Detection works in iOS 17.5 works
Apple on Monday released iOS 17.5 to iPhone users. The update brings some new features to Apple News+ and also introduces Cross-Platform Tracking Detection – an anti-stalking feature announced last year in partnership with Google. Read on as we detail what this means and what changes now. more…

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Denon speakers can now invoke Siri, but only if you have a HomePod too
When it comes to smart assistant availability, Apple has taken a vastly different approach with Siri than Amazon has with Alexa. Whereas the latter assistant can come baked into a variety of non-Amazon smart devices, Apple has largely restricted Siri to its own first-party products. One exception came in late 2021 when ecobee added support for Siri in its SmartThermostat. Now, three years later, a second product has received Siri integration. more…

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Here’s what’s new in the macOS 14.5 update for your Mac
Macworld Less than a month ahead of WWDC, Apple has released macOS Sonoma 14.5 update to all compatible Macs, likely the last update before we get our first look at macOS 15. There are a few new features in the update but it’s mainly filled with performance and security fixes. macOS 14.5: Release notes Apple’s release notes for macOS Sonoma 14.5 state that the update includes the following improvements and bug fixes: Quartiles is a new and original daily word game that is now available in Apple News+ Scoreboard in News+ Puzzles gives you access to new player data for Crossword, Mini Crossword and Quartiles, including stats and streaks Apple notes that some features may not be available for all regions or Macs. macOS 14.5: New features The only known new features for macOS 14.5 are for News+ subscribers. There is a new game called Quartiles that joins the Crossword and Crossword mini games in the Puzzles section. The iOS 17.5 update also includes a new Scoreboard that shows stats and streaks as well as an offline mode that still gives you access to the Today feed and News+ tab when you don’t have an internet connection, so it’s likely the macOS update 14.5 includes those features as well. macOS 14.5: Bug fixes and security updates The Sonoma 14.5 update includes nearly two dozen security patches, including several that may lead to arbitrary code execution. Additionally, Apple has also fixed the following issues that affected some users: Users might not be able to approve or decline a FaceTime link call because notifications might not be received on the caller side for them to accept or decline the call. macOS might launch the wrong version for (Designed for iPad) apps after double clicking the icon or after building from Xcode. macOS 14.5: How to install the update Here’s how to install the update on your Mac: Go to System Settings Go to the General tab, then Software Update. Tap Update Now next to macOS 14.5 Follow the onscreen prompts Restart your Mac MacOS

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Denon adds Siri functionality to its lineup of smart speakers
You can now use Siri on select Denon Home Series speakers — provided you already have a HomePod in your house.The Denon Home Sound Bar 550Denon, a company known for its wireless receivers and smart speakers, has quietly rolled out a feature that allows you to control Siri on select smart speakers. This includes the Denon Home Soundbar 550, which also features support for Dolby Atmos.Like the EcoBee Smart Thermostat lineup, you still need to have a HomePod or HomePod mini added to your Home network. Because Siri is only available on first-party Apple devices, Denon's speakers are only relaying the information to the Apple speakers. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Meta unveils travel mode for using Quest headsets during flights like Vision Pro
Update: Three weeks later, Meta has announced the feature alongside a new partnership with an airline. Original coverage from April 18 below… Today I learned two things. First, apparently Meta Quest headsets don’t work on planes? I guess Apple knew to prioritize that feature for Vision Pro. And second, support is reportedly on the way. Add this to the list of ways competition from Vision Pro is making a better product. more…

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9to5Mac Daily: May 13, 2024 – Will the new M4 iPad Pro have a bending problem?
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. Subscribe to support Chance directly with 9to5Mac Daily Plus and unlock: Ad-free versions of every episode Monthly bonus episodes  more…

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iOS 17.5 helps detect unwanted Bluetooth tracking tags
iOS 17.5 updates bring cross-platform tracking notifications for pesky Bluetooth trackers plus new Apple News+ features for subscribers. (via Cult of Mac - Apple news, rumors, reviews and how-tos)

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OpenAI launches GPT-4o just in time for rumored iOS 18 partnership with Apple
Today OpenAI held a spring update event, where it outlined some of its latest work on the ChatGPT platform. One key announcement was the arrival of a new Mac desktop app, but the larger focus was on a new flagship model of ChatGPT. This new model, GPT-4o, arrives just in time for a rumored deep integration into iOS 18 at WWDC. more…

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