iOS 18 public beta 3: Apple adds distraction control in Safari, enhances UI

iOS 18 public beta 3: Apple adds distraction control in Safari, enhances UI


Apple rolls out iOS 18 public beta 3


Apple has released iOS 18 public beta 3 to eligible iPhone users enrolled in its public beta testing programme. The public beta followed developer beta 5 release, and brought a similar set of enhancements in user interface and new set of features. Among the notable additions is a new “Distraction Control” feature in Safari browser that allows users to selectively hide unwanted content from webpages. Other changes include improvements to Photos app, app icon redesign, and more.


iOS 18 Public Beta 3: What is new


Distraction Control in Safari


Apple recently rolled out a new feature for its native web browser Safari that lets users remove certain elements from a webpage that the user might find distracting. After releasing it for users enrolled in Apple’s developer beta program, this feature is now available for eligible iPhone users who have signed up for the public beta.


Under the page menu interface on Safari, there is a now new “Hide Distracting Items” option available. Selecting the option will prompt the user to manually select each element from the webpage that they wish to remove. This includes webpage content such as sign-in pop ups and overlays. The feature also allows users to unhide previously hidden content by selecting the “Show Hidden Items” option from the same page menu interface.


According to a report by 9To5Mac, Apple said that the feature is not meant to be an ad-blocker. Although users can temporarily block ads using the Distraction Control feature, the ads will re-appear when the web page is refreshed.


Changes to Photos app


Apple has also made changes to the redesigned Photos app based on user feedback. Apple has now removed the carousel view that it introduced with the new operating system. Carousel view allowed users to swipe and view picture highlights that were updated every day.


Additionally, Apple has also improved the “All Photos” section which now displays more photos on the display at once. The new version also makes it easier to access photo albums.


Other changes


Other notable changes in the new version include new dark mode icons for select apps such as Maps and Find My. Design of multiple Control Center icons such as cellular data, screen mirroring has also been tweaked. The Stolen Device Protection feature is now also accessible from both “Privacy and Security” and “FaceID and Passcode” menus in the Settings app.


iOS 18 Public Beta 3: How to download and install


  • Sign up for the public beta on Apple’s website (https://beta.apple.com/sp/betaprogram/)

  • On iPhone, go to Settings-General-Software Update

  • Tap on the Beta Updates option and select iOS 18 Pubic Beta

  • Move back to Software Update page and wait for the download to appear

  • Agree to Apple terms and initiate download process

  • Installation will begin after download process


Note: Backup iPhone before installing the beta


iOS 18 Public Beta 3: Eligible iPhone models


  • iPhone 15

  • iPhone 15 Plus

  • iPhone 15 Pro

  • iPhone 15 Pro Max

  • iPhone 14

  • iPhone 14 Plus

  • iPhone 14 Pro

  • iPhone 14 Pro Max

  • iPhone 13

  • iPhone 13 mini

  • iPhone 13 Pro

  • iPhone 13 Pro Max

  • iPhone 12

  • iPhone 12 mini

  • iPhone 12 Pro

  • iPhone 12 Pro Max

  • iPhone 11

  • iPhone 11 Pro

  • iPhone 11 Pro Max

  • iPhone XS

  • iPhone XS Max

  • iPhone XR

  • iPhone SE (2nd generation or later)

First Published: Aug 07 2024 | 10:10 AM IST



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Samsung's 8-layer HBM3E chips clear Nvidia's tests for use in AI processors

Samsung's 8-layer HBM3E chips clear Nvidia's tests for use in AI processors


The company has since reworked its HBM3E design to address those issues, according to the sources who were briefed on the matter | (Photo: Reuters)


A version of Samsung Electronics’ fifth-generation high bandwidth memory (HBM) chips, or HBM3E, has passed Nvidia’s tests for use in its artificial intelligence (AI) processors, three sources briefed on the results said.

 


The qualification clears a major hurdle for the world’s biggest memory chipmaker which has been struggling to catch up with local rival SK Hynix in the race to supply the advanced memory chips capable of handling generative AI work.

 


Samsung and Nvidia have yet to sign a supply deal for the approved eight-layer HBM3E chips but will do so soon, the sources said, adding that they expect supplies would start by the fourth quarter of 2024.

 


The South Korean technology giant’s 12-layer version of HBM3E chips, however, has yet to pass Nvidia’s tests, the sources said, declining to be identified as the matter remains confidential.

 


Both Samsung and Nvidia declined to comment.

 


HBM is a type of dynamic random access memory or DRAM standard first produced in 2013 in which chips are vertically stacked to save space and reduce power consumption. A key component of graphics processing units (GPUs) for AI, it helps process massive amounts of data produced by complex applications.

 


Samsung has been seeking to pass Nvidia’s tests for HBM3E and preceding fourth-generation HBM3 models since last year but has struggled due to heat and power consumption issues, Reuters reported in May, citing sources.

 


The company has since reworked its HBM3E design to address those issues, according to the sources who were briefed on the matter.

 


Samsung said after the publication of the Reuters article in May that claims its chips had failed Nvidia’s tests due to heat and power consumption problems were untrue.

 


The latest test approval follows Nvidia’s recent certification of Samsung’s HBM3 chips for use in less sophisticated processors developed for the Chinese market, which Reuters reported last month.

 


Nvidia’s approval of Samsung’s latest HBM chips comes amid soaring demand for sophisticated GPUs created by the generative AI boom that Nvidia and other makers of AI chipsets are struggling to meet.

 


HBM3E chips are likely to become the mainstream HBM product in the market this year with shipments concentrated in the second half, according to research firm TrendForce. SK Hynix, the leading manufacturer, estimates demand for HBM memory chips in general could increase at an annual rate of 82% through 2027.

 


Samsung forecast in July that HBM3E chips would make up 60% of its HBM chip sales by the fourth-quarter, a target that many analysts say could be achieved if its latest HBM chips passed Nvidia’s final approval by the third quarter.

 


Samsung does not provide revenue breakdowns for specific chip products. Samsung’s total DRAM chip revenue was estimated at 22.5 trillion won ($16.4 billion) for the first six months of this year, according to a Reuters’ survey of 15 analysts, and some said about 10% of that could be from HBM sales.

 


There are only three main manufacturers of HBM – SK Hynix, Micron and Samsung.

 


SK Hynix has been the main supplier of HBM chips to Nvidia and supplied HBM3E chips in late March to a customer it declined to identify. Shipments went to Nvidia, sources had said earlier.

 


Micron has also said it will supply Nvidia with HBM3E chips.

 


(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

First Published: Aug 07 2024 | 8:43 AM IST



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Tech wrap Aug 6: iOS 18 dev beta 5, Lava Yuva Star, Pixel 9 series and more

Tech wrap Aug 6: iOS 18 dev beta 5, Lava Yuva Star, Pixel 9 series and more



Apple has released a new version of iOS 18 to iPhone users enrolled in its developer beta testing programme. In this release, Apple has enhanced the user interface with redesigned app icons and introduced new features. Among the notable additions is a “Distraction Control” feature, which allows users to selectively block content on webpages, such as sign-in pop-ups and overlays.


The Lava Yuva Star features a 6.75-inch display with HD+ resolution. It has a dual-camera setup on the back, with a 13-megapixel primary sensor. The budget smartphone is powered by the UNISOC 9863A processor and a 5000mAh battery. Additional features include a side-mounted fingerprint sensor and a face unlock feature. The smartphone runs on the Android 14 operating system. Priced at Rs 6,499, the smartphone is offered in 4GB RAM and 64GB on-board storage configuration.


Zoom Docs is an AI document editor for workplace users, powered by the company’s generative AI assistant called Zoom AI Companion. Aimed to enable collaboration and enhance workspace productivity, Zoom Docs will allow users to create and manage documents, wikis, and tables within Zoom Workplace. In addition, its AI Companion will assist in generating, synthesizing, and refining content, making it easier to transform meeting summaries and transcripts into actionable documents.


Google is scheduled to host its Made by Google launch event on August 13, with a primary focus on unveiling new hardware products. The event’s highlight will be the introduction of the Pixel 9 series smartphones with a new design and models. The Pixel 9 series is expected to feature improvements across various aspects, including enhanced camera sensors, new display panels, and exclusive AI features.


Google is hosting an event on August 13 where it will unveil smartphones in the Pixel 9 series. However, there is more in the pipeline besides smartphones. The US-based technology giant is anticipated to introduce new ecosystem devices such as next-generation Pixel Buds, Pixel Watch, and Chromecast streaming device. Moreover, Google is likely to debut the Android 15 operating system, which has been available in beta for some time now.


Samsung is reportedly planning to expand the Galaxy AI to more smartphones, including mid-range models in the Galaxy A-series launched in 2024. The rollout is expected to commence with the One UI 6.1.1 update, which is anticipated in September or October. As for the smartphones, the Galaxy AI is expected to arrive on the Galaxy A35 and the Galaxy A55, according to a news report by SamMobile.


Apple is reportedly working on a “rigid plastic” body for the next-generation Apple Watch SE model. According to a report by 9To5Mac, citing Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, it is “increasingly likely” that Apple would shift to a rigid plastic body for the next Apple Watch SE model “for a better array of colours.”


Google could bring its artificial intelligence-powered Gemini assistant to wireless earbuds as it continues to work towards expansion of Gemini. Launched on smartphones in February with a dedicated app, Gemini has been speculated to make way to headphones and earphones, too. Now, 9to5Google has spotted Gemini on earbuds branding in the latest version of Google app.


Worries over a delay in the launch of Nvidia’s upcoming artificial-intelligence chips may be exaggerated, analysts said, as they do not expect the setback to have a big impact on the chip giant’s revenue or demand.


Elon Musk filed a lawsuit on Monday against OpenAI and two of its founders, Sam Altman and Greg Brockman, renewing claims that the ChatGPT-maker betrayed its founding aims of benefiting the public good rather than pursuing profits.


CrowdStrike’s legal troubles from last month’s massive global computer outage deepened on Monday, as the cybersecurity company was sued by air travelers whose flights were delayed or canceled.


Google illegally monopolised the search market through exclusive deals, a judge ruled Monday, handing the government a win in its first major antitrust case against a tech giant in more than two decades.  


Meta Platforms apologised on Tuesday for erroneously removing Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s social media posts in which he expressed condolences to a Hamas official about the assassination of the group’s leader Ismail Haniyeh.


Chinese tech giants including Huawei and Baidu as well as startups are stockpiling high bandwidth memory (HBM) semiconductors from Samsung Electronics in anticipation of US curbs on exports of the chips to China, three sources said.


Google has withdrawn its latest Olympics advertisement featuring its Gemini chatbot after widespread criticism of its portrayal of artificial intelligence (AI) in the creative process of a child.

First Published: Aug 06 2024 | 8:03 PM IST



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GenAI adoption to add extra 5 bn to India's economy by 2038: Accenture

GenAI adoption to add extra $675 bn to India's economy by 2038: Accenture



Adopting a people-centric approach to generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) could potentially add an additional $675 billion to India’s economy by 2038, according to a study released by Accenture on Tuesday.


The research also revealed that because of the deployment of GenAI, around 31 per cent of working hours in India will be automated, contributing to a 0.6 percentage point increase in the annual gross domestic product (GDP) growth of the country.


“The scaled and responsible deployment of generative AI can not only drive revenue growth, but also act as a force of change that can reinvent almost all functions across industries. To unlock its real value, businesses need to have a bold vision for reinvention anchored in a strong data and technology foundation. This, coupled with an intentional approach to skilling, is crucial to succeed in the age of generative AI,” said Saurabh Kumar Sahu, lead, India business at Accenture.

The research is based on economic modelling conducted for four of Asia Pacific’s largest economies, including Australia, China, India, and Japan, and a CXO survey in these countries and Singapore.


GenAI’s impact on working hours (APAC region)


Countries

Working hours to get automated by GenAI

Australia

45%

Japan

44%

China

33%

India

31%



GenAI’s impact on working hours (across industries)



Sector

Impact (automation of working hours)

Capital Markets

71%

Software and Platforms

66%

Banking

64%

Insurance

62%

Retail

49%


First Published: Aug 06 2024 | 5:54 PM IST



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Samsung may bring Galaxy AI features to these A-series smartphones: Report

Samsung may bring Galaxy AI features to these A-series smartphones: Report



Samsung is reportedly planning to expand the Galaxy AI to more smartphones, including mid-range models in the Galaxy A-series launched in 2024. The rollout is expected to commence with the One UI 6.1.1 update, which is anticipated in September or October. As for the smartphones, the Galaxy AI is expected to arrive on the Galaxy A35 and the Galaxy A55, according to a news report by SamMobile.


SamMobile has reported that older-generation models will not receive the Galaxy AI features, but the select A-series smartphones, including the Galaxy A35 and the Galaxy A55, will. It noted in the report that all the Galaxy AI features will not be available on these two Galaxy A devices.


According to the report, Samsung might skip those features which necessitate on-device processing power because A-series smartphones lack a chipset with dedicated NPU. For example, the Instant Slow-Mo feature requires strong NPU and GPU abilities to work with minimum processing speed of 16.6 milliseconds for 60fps videos. This is the reason Samsung Galaxy S23 FE missed out on this feature despite getting Galaxy AI.


The Galaxy AI features were introduced on Samsung Galaxy S24 series and have expanded to Galaxy S23 FE and last year’s flagship devices by Samsung. Galaxy AI has been recently upgraded with more AI features with the launch of the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Galaxy Z Flip 6.

First Published: Aug 06 2024 | 4:32 PM IST



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OpenAI co-founder quits, to join rival Anthropic; CEO Sam Altman responds

OpenAI co-founder quits, to join rival Anthropic; CEO Sam Altman responds


OpenAI said that in all of the operations it identified, AI-generated material was used alongside more traditional formats. Photographer: Bloomberg


John Schulman, a co-founder of OpenAI, announced his exit from the company on Tuesday (August 6). He is set to join OpenAI’s rival Anthropic.


In a post on social media platform X, Schulman said that he is making this move “to deepen his focus on AI alignment and return to hands-on technical work in a new chapter of his career”.


OpenAI CEO Sam Altman also commented on the post, showing his gratitude. He said, “Thank you for everything you’ve done for OpenAI!”


Additionally, OpenAI’s president and co-founder, Greg Brockman, shared in a post on X that he will be taking a sabbatical until the end of the year. “I’m taking a sabbatical through the end of the year. First time to relax since co-founding OpenAI nine years ago. The mission is far from complete; we still have a safe AGI to build,” he said in a post.

 


Who is John Schulman?


Schulman joined OpenAI in December 2015, just before completing his PhD in electrical engineering and computer sciences at UC Berkeley. During his stint at OpenAI, Schulman led the reinforcement learning team that developed ChatGPT, a chatbot based on the company’s generative pre-trained (GPT) language models.


With Schulman’s departure, only three of OpenAI’s 11 original founders remain — OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, Brockman, and Wojciech Zaremba, lead of language and code generation.


OpenAI: High attrition rate


Another co-founder and chief scientist, Ilya Sutskever, left the company in May. Additionally, Andrej Karpathy, also a founding member, departed in February to start an AI-integrated education platform in July.


Peter Deng, a product manager who joined OpenAI last year after leading products at Meta, Uber, and Airtable, also exited some time ago. The most talked-about exit was of Elon Musk, also a co-founder of OpenAI, who has filed a lawsuit against the company and CEO Sam Altman. Musk has alleged that the firm prioritises profits and commercial interests over the public good.

First Published: Aug 06 2024 | 4:31 PM IST





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