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Apple begins testing AI software to bring a smarter Siri to iPhone 16

Apple begins testing AI software to bring a smarter Siri to iPhone 16

by | Sep 20, 2024 | Technology


But the initial update doesn’t include other AI tricks still to come, such as the ability to create customised emojis on the fly or conjure other fanciful imagery upon request (Photo: Shutterstock)

4 min read Last Updated : Sep 20 2024 | 8:22 AM IST


Apple is giving more people the chance to test a software update that will implant artificial intelligence into its virtual assistant Siri and automate a variety of tedious tasks on the latest iPhone coming out Friday.


The free update was made available Thursday to an audience that has signed up to test Apple’s software before it’s released to all iPhone owners next month. As of Thursday, only two premium iPhones that came out last year contain the souped-up processor required to power the AI features included in the update, but that will change Friday when four new iPhone 16 models reach store shelves.

 


All iPhone 16 models, with starting prices ranging from $800 to $1,200, are equipped to handle the new technology, which the company is marketing as Apple Intelligence. That branding is part of an effort to distinguish the iPhone’s AI from similar technology already available in smartphones released earlier this year by Samsung and Google.

The AI features are being promoted as one of the main reasons to buy an iPhone 16, so releasing a test version of the software powering the technology now may prod more consumers to splurge on one of the new models as soon as possible

The AI technology is coming out in US English only for now, but will expand into localised English in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, and the UK in December. Apple plans to expand into other languages and countries next year. The testing of the AI software is beginning just a few days after Apple released its latest mobile operating system, iOS 18, to all its earlier iPhones.

 


Once the iOS 18.1 upgrade is installed, the often bumbling Siri is supposed to become more conversational, versatile and colourful, with a glowing light that will rotate around the iPhone’s screen as it responds to requests. While Apple is promising Siri will be able to perform more tasks and be less prone to becoming confused, it won’t be able to interact with other apps installed on the iPhone until another software update comes out at a still-unspecified date.


Other AI features in the software update will handle a variety of writing and proofreading tasks, summarise the content of emails and other documents. The AI also will provide a variety of editing tools to alter the appearance of photos and make it easier to find old pictures.


But the initial update doesn’t include other AI tricks still to come, such as the ability to create customised emojis on the fly or conjure other fanciful imagery upon request. Apple also plans to eventually enable its AI suite to get a helping hand from OpenAI’s ChatGPT when users want it.


Besides the new iPhone model, Apple’s AI features also will work last year’s iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max because they have the special computer chip that’s required. The update will also bring the ability to record spatial video on those two iPhone 15 models that can be watched on Apple’s $3,500 Vision Pro headset.


But the AI won’t work on hundreds of millions of other iPhones that are still in use, a drawback that investors are betting will juice Apple’s recently slumping sales of the ubiquitous device.


That expectation is the main reason that Apple’s stock price has climbed by more than 15 per cent since the company previewed its AI strategy in June, creating $500 billion in shareholder wealth. Some analysts believe the demand for new iPhones could propel Apple’s market value above $4 trillion for the first time within the next year.

First Published: Sep 20 2024 | 8:19 AM IST



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Apple iPhone 16 hits stores without its highly awaited AI features

Apple iPhone 16 hits stores without its highly awaited AI features

by | Sep 20, 2024 | Technology


Apple is launching the iPhone 16 lineup in almost 60 countries, including the US, China, India, Australia and South Korea today. Image: Bloomberg

4 min read Last Updated : Sep 20 2024 | 8:20 AM IST

By Mark Gurman

Apple Inc. is facing an unprecedented challenge: persuading customers to buy its latest iPhones without their biggest new feature.


On Friday, Apple is launching the iPhone 16 lineup in almost 60 countries, including the US, China, India, Australia and South Korea. But the device won’t come installed with Apple Intelligence — the much-anticipated AI software that the company has been touting since June. That means users will have to download the software features over time as they become available during the coming weeks and months. 

That’s put Apple in a tricky spot. It’s already marketing the AI features heavily, but some consumers may hold off on buying the new phones if they can’t enjoy the benefits right away. The new iPhone hardware, meanwhile, has only modest upgrades from prior models. A touch-sensitive Camera Control button that makes it easier to take pictures and video is the most notable change. 

 

Even so, Wall Street remains bullish that Apple can accelerate growth during the all-important holiday season. Analysts estimate that revenue will increase 8 per cent in the December quarter — the best showing for that period since the end of calendar 2021.  

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The new lineup includes two standard models — the 16 and 16 Plus — as well as the higher-end Pro and Pro Max. Preorders of the devices began last week, with shipments to stores and customers getting underway Friday.


It’s rare to see huge crowds of iPhone shoppers at Apple stores these days, but some diehard fans have lined up at locations around the world. The big question will be whether ordinary consumers snap up the new model as well. 


The initial units going on sale will run iOS 18 operating system, but Apple Intelligence will require an over-the-air update to the iOS 18.1 software, which is launching in October.


Apple Intelligence was announced in June at the company’s Worldwide Developers Conference and has been available in a limited beta test for developers for the past several weeks.


On Thursday, Apple released a public beta version of Apple Intelligence — one aimed at a wider audience — though most customers won’t access it until the suite of features is released in its final form next month. Additional capabilities won’t be ready until later, part of a staggered launch that will stretch into next year.

When the technology titan introduced the iPhone 16 line, it said that the devices were the first to be built “from the ground up” for Apple Intelligence. But some iPhones from last year — the 15 Pro and Pro Max — will be able to support the features as well. 


The look of the new phones is little changed from the iPhone 12 design from 2020. But they feature noticeable battery-life improvements and camera advancements — beyond the new button. Prices start at $799 for the standard iPhone, ranging up to $1,199 for the Pro Max. 


In past years, consumers ordering phones from Apple’s online store have seen major shipping delays — a sign that supply wasn’t meeting demand. That’s been less of an issue this year, either because orders are slower or Apple just has more phones on hand.


New orders of the regular iPhone 16 models will be delivered by early October, while the Pro versions will arrive around the middle of the month.


Apple also unveiled lower-end AirPods this month and updated watches. The new earbuds — dubbed AirPods 4 — are available in a $129 and $179 versions, with the latter model including noise cancellation. That feature had previously been reserved for the upscale AirPods Pro, which cost $249. 


Apple’s latest smartwatches, meanwhile, don’t offer a major reason to upgrade. The new Series 10 has a larger display and thinner design, but otherwise looks similar to the Series 9. The company’s only change to the higher-end Ultra model, meanwhile, is a black color option. Still, the products could attract customers who have older Apple Watches or are new to the category.


The iPhone, watches and AirPods won’t be the last new Apple products of 2024. The company also is planning a major Mac computer overhaul later this year. 


Apple will bring its AI-focused M4 processor from the iPad to the MacBook Pro laptops and iMac desktop. It’s also preparing the most significant overhaul to the Mac mini in the product’s two-decade history, complete with a smaller design and new chips.

First Published: Sep 20 2024 | 8:14 AM IST



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EU moves to compel Apple to open up operating system to rival tech

EU moves to compel Apple to open up operating system to rival tech

by | Sep 19, 2024 | Technology



The European Union said Thursday it will outline steps to compel Apple to open up its iPhone and iPad operating systems to competing technologies under the bloc’s tough new digital rulebook, which threatens hefty fines for breaches.


The EU’s executive branch, the European Commission, said it has opened two specification proceedings that will spell out what Apple needs to do under the 27-nation bloc’s Digital Markets Act.


The DMA is designed to prevent Big Tech gatekeepers from dominating digital markets, including by breaking up closed tech ecosystems. It requires tech companies to make their systems operate with rivals, allowing consumers to switch more easily between platforms.


One proceeding will focus on how connected devices like smartwatches and headphones will have effective interoperability with Apple’s operating system. The other will look at how Apple deals with interoperability requests from software developers for iOS and IPadOS, which should be done in a “transparent, timely and fair” way, the commission said.


During this process, which will take up to six months, the commission will send its findings to Apple. It’s the first time the commission has used this process since the DMA took effect earlier this year. The bloc is already investigating Apple over its App Store rules for developers.


The commission’s executive vice president in charge of competition policy, Margrethe Vestager, said in a press release that the process will provide clarity for developers and Apple.


Apple said it has created ways for apps in the European Union to request additional interoperability with iOS and iPadOS while protecting our users.


Undermining the protections we’ve built over time would put European consumers at risk,” the company said, adding it will continue to work constructively with commission.



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Govt may allow more compute capacity based on requirement: IT secretary

Govt may allow more compute capacity based on requirement: IT secretary

by | Sep 19, 2024 | Technology


AI, Artificial intelligence(Photo: Shutterstock)

2 min read Last Updated : Sep 19 2024 | 11:43 PM IST


The government may look at creating more “compute capacity” through viability gap funding after building high-tech capability under the Rs 10,372-crore India AI mission, Electronics and IT Secretary S Krishnan said on Thursday.


Addressing a Deloitte India event, Krishnan said that India AI Mission has an outlay of about 10,372 crore of which more than Rs 4,500 crore is intended for compute capacity.


“Later on, there is a possibility, and we will decide based on how much compute capacity actually gets created in the country. There is a possibility that we would actually support more compute capacity being created on the viability gap funding,” Krishnan said.

 


The government has invited bids for the empanelment of entities for providing artificial intelligence services on the cloud under the India AI mission. Under the IndiaAI Mission, supercomputing capacity, comprising over 10,000 GPUs, will be made available to various stakeholders for creating an artificial intelligence (AI) ecosystem.


The rapid development of AI across the globe has led to an increase in demand for GPU-based servers, as they can process data at a higher speed compared to CPU-based servers.


Krishnan said the vision is to create capacity in a public-private partnership model.


“There are two models that we are attempting. The first one has already launched the RFPs out there, and that is more a voucher base approach where we are asking people who have already created AI compute capacity to make it available to innovators, startups and MSMEs and academic institutions at a subsidised price,” He said.


Under the India AI mission, the government has proposed to pay up to 50 per cent of the cost by giving vouchers to various institutions and others.


He said that the compute capacity is also being created under National Supercomputer Mission (NSM) that will mainly meet public sector requirements.

(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: Sep 19 2024 | 11:43 PM IST



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Apple to begin selling iPhone 16 from Sep 20; Pro model at Rs 119,900

Apple to begin selling iPhone 16 from Sep 20; Pro model at Rs 119,900

by | Sep 19, 2024 | Technology


3 min read Last Updated : Sep 19 2024 | 9:49 PM IST


Premium mobile device maker Apple will start selling iPhone 16 series smartphones from September 20 onwards, sources aware of the development said.


The company for the first time has plans to start assembling iPhone Pro Series in India but those models will start selling at a later date, the source said.


“The entire iPhone 16 lineup will be available across the country tomorrow,” an Apple India spokesperson said.


The company, however, did not offer any comment on the availability of assembled in India iPhone Pro series.


This is the first time the company is selling the iPhone Pro series at lower price than the previous version mainly on account of import duty cut in the recent budget.

 


“iPhone 16 Pro starts at Rs 119,900 and iPhone 16 Pro Max starts at Rs 144,900,” the company had said in a statement.


iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max were launched at starting price of Rs 134,900 and Rs 159,900 about a year ago.


iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max will be available in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB storage capacities with largest ever display size of 6.3 inches and 6.9 inches in iPhone series.


However, there is no price change in the assembled in India iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus..


“iPhone 16 starts at Rs 79,900 and iPhone 16 Plus starts at Rs 89,900,” Apple had said.


iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus will be available in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB storage capacities.


The company will roll out the US English version of Apple Intelligence feature on the iPhone 16 series devices next month through software update. The Apple Intelligence will enable users can rewrite, proofread, and summarise text..


In the Notes and Phone apps, users can also record, transcribe, and summarise audio with the help of Apple Intelligence.


When a user will initiate recording while on a call in the Phone app, participants on the call will be automatically notified about it and Apple Intelligence will generate a summary to recall key points.


The iPhone 16 Pro series will come with the A18 Pro chip with 6-core GPU chipset–important to handle artificial intelligence features in the phone. Apple claims A18 Pro chip is up to 20 per cent faster than the previous generation, and 6-core CPU that can run the same workload as the previous generation is 15 per cent faster.


The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus will come with A18 chip which will have 6-core CPU, which the company claims is 30 per cent faster than the A16 Bionic chip and faster than all the competition. These devices will have 5-core GPU up to 40 per cent faster and 35 per cent more efficient than A16 Bionic 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: Sep 19 2024 | 9:49 PM IST



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Tech wrap Sep 19: iPhone 16, Gemini Live on Android, Honor 200 Lite, more

Tech wrap Sep 19: iPhone 16, Gemini Live on Android, Honor 200 Lite, more

by | Sep 19, 2024 | Technology


5 min read Last Updated : Sep 19 2024 | 8:03 PM IST


Google has reportedly begun rolling out Gemini Live for free users on Android devices. The company announced last week that Gemini Live is now accessible to free users, and since then, many have noticed the voice options in the Gemini Settings. There are ten voice options available for all responses within the Gemini app.


Honor has launched the Honor 200 Lite, its third smartphone in the 200 series in India. The smartphone boasts an SGS 5-star Drop Resistance certification for overall durability and features 3240Hz risk-free PWM dimming, recognised by TUV Rheinland certification, to offer smooth brightness transitions – according to Honor.

 


Taiwan-based virtual reality manufacturer HTC has announced the launch of its new VR headset, the HTC Vive Focus Vision. This headset builds on the HTC Vive Focus 3, which was released in 2021, and offers features like colour passthrough and enhanced PC tethering support.


Apple has reportedly made it easier to remove and replace various components of the new iPhone 16 models, improving their repairability compared to earlier generations. According to a report by Engadget, the company has enhanced the process for replacing the battery and the TrueDepth camera for FaceID in the iPhone 16.


Taiwanese electronics brand ASUS has started pre-bookings for the new ASUS Zenbook S 14 laptop. Equipped with Intel Core Ultra processors (Series 2) and a dedicated neural processing unit (NPU) for AI tasks, the laptop will include Microsoft’s Copilot Plus AI tools and features. Additionally, ASUS has introduced the ExpertBook P5405 laptop for business, also powered by the same Intel Core Ultra 2 processors. Both laptops are set to be available later this year.


Samsung has announced that the Galaxy M55s 5G smartphone will launch in India on September 23. In advance of the release, the company has shared key details about the device, including its display specifications and camera features. The Samsung Galaxy M55s will be available on Samsung’s website, Amazon, and select retail outlets.


Motorola has announced discount offers and new colour variants for its Edge 50-series and G-series smartphones in anticipation of the upcoming Big Billion Days Sale on Flipkart. The Edge 50 Pro smartphone will see discounts of up to Rs 8,000, including bank offers. Additionally, Motorola will launch its new Edge 50 Neo smartphone during the sale period.


Google’s video streaming platform YouTube announced several updates and features during its Made on YouTube event on September 18. The changes include a redesigned channel page for the YouTube app on smart TVs, a new Community hub for creators, a “Hype” option for videos, and more. Additionally, YouTube has reportedly begun displaying ads on the pause screen of videos.


In addition to India, Apple is reportedly assembling iPhone 16 models in Brazil and China. According to a report by 9To5Mac, citing MacMagazine, regulatory filings for the iPhone 16 in Brazil confirm that Apple is manufacturing the device in India, China, and Brazil.


LinkedIn has reportedly enrolled accounts in training its generative AI models before updating its Terms of Service. According to 404Media, the platform is using user data to improve its generative AI products but has not yet revised its terms to reflect this change. The company has stated that it will update its terms soon.


The discontinued iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max are now available at discounted prices on e-commerce platforms like Flipkart and Reliance Digital. Following the launch of the iPhone 16 series, Apple reduced prices for the previous generation base iPhone models. Despite the discontinuation of last year’s iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max, they can still be found on retail platforms with discounts and offers.


Grand Theft Auto V (GTA V) is now listed as unsupported by Valve. The action-adventure game has consistently ranked among the top twenty games on the Steam Deck for at least two years. According to The Verge, it was one of the top ten most played games on Valve’s Steam Deck handheld this past week. The unsupported status is due to Rockstar reportedly disrupting compatibility with Valve’s handheld for the game’s online modes.

First Published: Sep 19 2024 | 8:03 PM IST



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