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News - page 78

Apple preps AI-focused data centers with servers running on its own chips

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Data Center
Some Apple AI tasks might be handled at data centers similar to this one.
Photo: Manuel Geissinger/Pexels

Some Apple artificial intelligence services reportedly will depend on data centers with servers running on the company’s own processors. Less-demanding AI functions will run locally, on users’ own computers.

This is all apparently part of bringing more AI features to iPhone, Mac, iPad, etc., in the coming months.

Could John Ternus equal Tim Cook and Steve Jobs as Apple CEO?

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John Ternus, Apple senior vice president of Hardware Engineering
This might be Apple's next CEO. Does he have what it takes?
Screenshot: Apple

John Ternus, Apple’s senior vice president of hardware engineering, reportedly sits at the top of the list to step into Tim Cook’s shoes when the current Apple CEO steps down.

But the real question is, does Ternus have what it takes to fill a role that Steve Jobs once did so brilliantly?

Apple apologizes over reviled ‘Crush!’ iPad Pro ad [Updated again]

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Apple video for iPad Pro - Crush
The lingering shot of this little guy giving up the ghost didn't help.
Photo: Apple

Apple Let Loose Event: Apple’s “Crush!” video advertising the new iPad Pro is rubbing a lot of people the wrong way with its graphic destruction of creative tools.

The video first aired during Apple’s “Let Loose” event Tuesday. And when CEO Tim Cook included the video in a post about iPad Pro on X, hundreds of people replied with irritation. You can see some of the strongest reactions, and the video itself, below.

Updates on Thursday: Later on Wednesday Hollywood names piled on with more criticism of the “Crush!” video. Actor Hugh Grant, for example, referred to it as, “the destruction of the human experience, courtesy of Silicon Valley.”

And filmmaker Rizo Sixo Safai made more of a splash when he told Apple he “fixed” the video by running it in reverse with some tweaks, resurrecting the creative tools. See that version below.

It also came to light that Apple’s “Crush!” ad closely resembles an LG Renoir phone ad from 2008, as pointed out in yet another X post (also below) and elsewhere. Some call Apple’s ad a rip-off.

And on Thursday, Apple issued an apology for the ad in a statement to Ad Age, saying the ad “missed the mark.”

“Creativity is in our DNA at Apple, and it’s incredibly important to us to design products that empower creatives all over the world,” Apple marketing VP Tor Myhren said. “Our goal is to always celebrate the myriad of ways users express themselves and bring their ideas to life through iPad. We missed the mark with this video, and we’re sorry.”

Features we expected but didn’t get in M4 iPad Pro

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Expected features we didn't get in M4 iPad Pro
Apple pulled one of the cameras out of the M4 iPad Pro. And that's not all.
Photo: Apple/Cult of Mac

Apple touts the beautiful OLED screen and speedy M4 processor in the latest iPad Pro, but some other features quietly disappeared.

And more that had been rumored or just hoped for simply never appeared.

Clever 6-port hub is also shelf for iMac

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Plugable AD-6IN1 hub cuts the clutter
Plugable's new iMac hub is also a small shelf.
Photo: Plugable

Plugable AD-6IN1 is a six-port hub designed specifically for iMac that connects to the desktop’s stand so it doesn’t clutter up the user’s desk. It can even be used as a small shelf.

In addition, Plugable introduced a small USB-C Ethernet adapter that can also supply power to a notebook or tablet.

Versatile new lightweight folio fits 2024 iPad Pro and Air

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Pitaka MagEZ Folio 2 as stand
The new Pitaka folio serves as a stand and case for a new 2024 iPad Pro or iPad Air.
Photo: Pitaka

The new Pitaka MagEZ Folio 2 serves as a case and holds the recently released M4 iPad Pro and M2 iPad Air in landscape and portrait orientations as a stand, the company said Wednesday. It provides an option for new tablet owners in search of an affordable case and stand.

“We are thrilled to introduce the Pitaka MagEZ Folio 2, the ultimate accessory for the new iPad Pro,” said Pitaka CEO James Zheng. “Designed with the modern professional in mind, this folio combines sleek design, premium materials, and innovative features to elevate the iPad Pro experience.”

Apple TV+ drama Fancy Dance brings back Oscar nominee Lily Gladstone

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Fancy Dance trailer
Lily Gladstone makes a dramatic return to the big and small screens with "Fancy Dance."
Photo: Apple TV+

Academy Award nominee Lily Gladstone will follow up Killers of the Flower Moon with a powerful new family drama on Apple TV+, if the trailer the streamer dropped Wednesday for Fancy Dance is any indication.

Fancy Dance premieres in select theaters June 21 and streams on Apple TV+ June 28.

Cases, keyboards and screen protectors are ready for 2024 iPad Pro and iPad Air

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ESR Rebound Magnetic Keyboard Case 360
Apple isn't the only option for a cool iPad Pro or iPad Air keyboard case. Like this one from ESR.
Image: ESR

Apple unveiled the 2024 iPad Pro and iPad Air on Tuesday, and third-party accessory-makers were prepared. Logitech, Otterbox, Zagg, Pitaka and ESR have all already unveiled peripherals for the new tablets.

There are keyboard cases, cases, screen protectors ands more.

A top microphone needs a great audio interface [Setups]

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Shure SM7B microphone setup
The Shure SM7B microphone and Focusrite Vocaster Two audio interface are crucial to the user's work on YouTube.
Photo: [email protected]

A prolific YouTuber runs today’s featured MacBook Pro setup. And you can tell it’s the pride and joy of a streamer or podcaster just by some of the crucial equipment. Namely, an excellent Shure SM7DB microphone run through a Focusrite Vocaster Two audio interface to ensure high-quality audio recording.

New Sennheiser Accentum noise-canceling earbuds won’t break the bank

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Sennheiser Accentum earbuds
Sennheiser's new Accentum earbuds use photos and an app to map your ears.
Photo: Sennheiser

The sleek new Sennheiser Accentum True Wireless noise-canceling earbuds seem destined to compete with top buds like AirPods Pro 2 and the best from the likes of Sony and Bose. Yet they cost just under $200, the German audio brand said Monday, opening preorders with shipping to commence May 21.

So what else sets the buds apart, other than moderate pricing? Accentum earbuds feature Sennheiser’s TrueResponse wavefront sculpting, which analyzes the unique anatomy of your outer ears to create a precise sound projection tailored to you.

Watch Apple’s ‘Let Loose’ event in just 90 seconds

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90 Seconds.
Watch the event in just 3.95% of the time.
Photo: Apple

Apple Let Loose Event:Today’s “Let Loose” Apple event overhauled the iPad lineup. Apple unleashed a new iPad Pro and iPad Air, the refreshed Apple Pencil Pro, a sleek new Magic Keyboard, and lowered the price of the regular iPad. The iPad mini was acknowledged, too.

If you don’t have time to sit through the 38-minute presentation, here it is in just 90 seconds.

Bummer! New iPads won’t work with old Apple Pencil.

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iPad comparison with Apple Pencil Support
Comparing Apple Pencil support on new M4 iPad Pro and M2 iPad Air with an older iPad Pro (3rd Generation)
Screenshot: Apple.com

When Apple unveiled the Apple Pencil Pro during Tuesday’s “Let Loose” event, the company seemingly bid adieu to the second-generation Apple Pencil. An Apple tool reveals that unspecified Apple Pencil 2 compatibility issues mean the older stylus won’t work with 2024 iPad Pro and iPad Air models.

So, if you’re an artist buying a new iPad, or someone who takes lots of handwritten notes, you probably need to budget an extra $129 for a new Apple Pencil Pro.

Top-tier 2024 iPad Pros get faster chip, more RAM, hefty price tags

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2024 OLED iPad Pro games
Gaming is better with more RAM and a faster processor.
Screenshot: Apple

Apple Let Loose Event:Those who want the most powerful 2024 iPad Pro available need to choose one with at least 1TB of storage. Going with lots of capacity brings a faster version of the new M4 processor and twice as much RAM.

The high-storage versions also have the option of a nano-texture display glass.

Getting all these adds considerably to the price tag, though.

Apple Pencil Pro adds ‘squeeze’ gesture, haptic feedback, Find My and more

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John Ternus shows off Apple Pencil Pro.
Apple gives the world its first look at the Apple Pencil Pro.
Photo: Apple

Apple Let Loose Event:Apple introduced a new third-generation “pro” Apple Pencil at its “Let Loose” iPad event Tuesday alongside new iPad Pro and iPad Air models. The first Apple Pencil Pro brings a new “squeeze” gesture, an internal gyroscope, haptic feedback and Find My support, making it the most capable iPad stylus yet.

Available to order today for $129 — the same price as the second-generation Apple Pencil — the Apple Pencil Pro gains features normally found on styluses for dedicated drawing tablets, like a new “squeeze” gesture and a “Barrel Roll” gyroscope for precise tool controls.

“The new features in Apple Pencil Pro are simply revolutionary,” said John Ternus, Apple’s senior vice president of hardware engineering, in the introductory “Let Loose” video. “And we’re also excited that Apple Pencil Pro works with the new iPad Air as well, giving air users yet another pro feature to push their creativity.”

iPad 10 gets a much-deserved price cut

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iPad 10 launch: The 10th-generation iPad comes in five colors and brings a top-to-bottom redesign to Apple's entry-level tablet.
Apple's price cut makes the iPad 10 a lot more affordable.
Photo: Apple

Apple Let Loose Event:Alongside the M4 iPad Pros and M2 iPad Air, Apple announced a price drop for the 10th-generation iPad. The tablet now costs $349, making it $100 cheaper than before.

Additionally, Apple discontinued the iPad 9 from its lineup for good, which retailed for $329. This makes the iPad 10 the entry-level tablet in its lineup.

New iPad Pro with beautiful OLED display and M4 chip is ‘thinnest Apple product ever’

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2024 OLED iPad Pro
2024 iPad Pro breaks ground with OLED screen and Apple M4 processor.
Photo: Apple/Cult of Mac

Apple Let Loose Event:Apple just took the wraps off the 2024 iPad Pro, the first with an OLED screen rather than a traditional LCD. If that wasn’t enough, a brand-new Apple M4 processor powers the tablet, which Cupertino says is the “thinnest Apple product ever.”

“We’ve always envisioned iPad as a magical sheet of glass,” said John Ternus, Apple’s senior vice president of hardware engineering, during Tuesday’s prerecorded “Let Loose” event. “And with this new design, that vision is brought to life more than ever.”

Logic Pro updates bring powerful new tools for music-makers

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Logic Pro allows users to make music whether they’re in the studio or on the go.
The new Logic Pro 2 for iPad means more powerful tools for making music outside the recording studio.
Photo: Apple

Apple Let Loose Event: Upgraded versions of Logic Pro for iPad and Mac will give musicians and music producers new tools for crafting killer tracks.

New features in Apple’s pro audio software — Logic Pro for iPad 2 and Logic Pro for Mac 11 — include:

  • Session Players, which puts virtual musicians in the mix.
  • Stem Splitter, which producers extract drums, bass, vocals and other instruments from audio files.
  • ChromaGlow, a processing tool designed to bring analog “warmth” to digital tracks.

“Logic Pro for iPad turns things up for music producers,” said Will Hui, Apple’s product manager for creative apps, in a prerecorded video Tuesday. “Designed for everyone from emerging to established artists, Logic Pro for iPad has delivered the entire studio experience with the simplicity of touch. Logic Pro 2 is so exciting — and it’s smarter than ever.”

Apple leaps to next-generation M4 in just seven months

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John Ternus unveils Apple M4 chip
Apple's new M4 chip powers the 2024 iPad Pro lineup.
Photo: Apple

Apple Let Loose Event:Just seven months after the M3 chip debuted, Apple shocked expectations by unveiling the new iPad Pro with the introduction of the brand-new M4 chip. The M4 chip is built on second-generation three-nanometer technology that’s even more power efficient.

Tim Millet, Apple’s vice president of platform architecture and hardware technologies, says the M4 chip was “essential to deliver incredible performance” in the new iPad Pro, which is now “the most powerful device of its kind.”

The M4 chip was a last-minute rumor broken by Mark Gurman, which was dismissed by some as being unfeasible only half a year after M3 rolled out in last year’s MacBook Pro.

New Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro features a bigger glass trackpad with haptic feedback

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Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro M4
The new Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro packs some big upgrades.
Photo: Apple

Apple Let Loose Event:Apple has finally given the Magic Keyboard for iPad the revamp it deserves. The new keyboard accessory includes an aluminum palm rest, a larger trackpad and a row of function keys.

Given the big redesign, the new Magic Keyboard for iPad is only compatible with the M4 iPad Pros.

Apple supersizes iPad Air with 13-inch model

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The 2024 iPad Air lineup comes in two new colors, blue and purple, in addition to silver and space gray.
The 2024 iPad Air lineup comes in two new colors, blue and purple, in addition to silver and space gray.
Photo: Apple

Apple Let Loose Event: Apple gave the iPad Air a significant size increase at its “Let Loose” event Tuesday. You can get the new 2024 model with a 13-inch display in addition to the familiar smaller size, now 11 inches instead of 10.9. But no matter the size, the tablet runs an Apple M2 processor and features a front-facing Ultra Wide 12MP camera on the landscape edge and beefed-up speakers.

“Inspired by iPad Pro, where about half the users choose a larger screen, we created a 13-inch model of the new iPad Air, as well,” said Melody Kuna, Apple’s director of iPad Product Design. “[It] has 30% more screen real estate than the 11-inch Air.”

Sonos’ first wireless headphones and AirPods Max rival leaks

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Sonos logo on a Sonos speaker
Sonos Ace headphones are around the corner.
Photo: Jako Janse van Rensburg/Unsplash

Sonos’ first headphones and its AirPods Max competitor, the upcoming Sonos Ace, have leaked online. The slip-up revealed the headphones’ design and the array of buttons on both earcups.

Like other Sonos products, the Ace also appears to have a premium design, which should help it stand out.