Apple Unveils AI Tools for iPhones, Launching to Select Users

Published

3 months ago

October 29, 2024

RTX

Apple has officially launched its long-awaited artificial intelligence (AI) tools for iPhones, but access is currently limited to a select group of users. The new suite, dubbed Apple Intelligence, became available on Monday to owners of eligible devices following an update to iOS 18.1.

To access these AI features, users must join a waitlist after updating their devices. Apple states that once a user is on the waitlist, they should be able to activate the AI tools “within a few hours,” although wait times may vary. The tools include notification summaries, enhanced message-writing assistance, and an upgraded interface for the virtual assistant Siri.

However, the new features are only accessible to users of the latest iPhone models, including all iPhone 16 variants and the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Apple Intelligence will also be available on Mac computers and iPad tablets equipped with the company’s latest chips.

Despite the launch, some of Apple’s tools have been released later than similar features from competitors. Google and Samsung have already integrated AI capabilities into their devices, offering users functionalities like real-time conversation translation, automatic note organization, and visual search options. Samsung, for example, has expanded its Galaxy AI features beyond its latest models to include the Galaxy S22 series, with plans to make it available to over 100 million users by 2024.

Apple’s new Clean Up tool, which allows users to remove unwanted objects or people from images, mirrors a similar feature called Magic Eraser recently released by Google.

During the rollout, Apple CEO Tim Cook emphasized the significance of the AI tools, calling the release “a new era” for the company’s products. This announcement comes on the heels of Apple’s recent decision to reward ethical hackers with bounties of up to $1 million for identifying vulnerabilities in its AI software.

The AI features released on Monday are part of a broader set of tools previewed during Apple’s summer developer conference, with additional capabilities—such as generating images and emojis from text prompts—expected to be introduced later this year.

While the excitement surrounding these new features is palpable, Cook noted in an October interview with the Wall Street Journal that Apple is “perfectly fine with not being first” in the AI space, emphasizing that the company takes its time to ensure quality. As the tech landscape continues to evolve, Apple’s strategic approach may help it carve out a distinct identity in the competitive AI market.

Technology

Seven-Planet Alignment to Be Visible on February 28, Offering a Celestial Spectacle and Scientific Insights

Published

3 days ago

January 19, 2025

RTX

Stargazers will be treated to a rare sight on February 28, when a seven-planet alignment graces the night sky. The alignment will feature Mercury joining six other planets—Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune—in a spectacle visible from Earth. While these events are a visual treat, they also hold scientific significance for astronomers.

Currently, six planets are visible to the naked eye on clear nights in January and February, forming a planetary parade across the sky. On February 28, the alignment will be complete when Mercury, the closest planet to the Sun, becomes visible. The planets, while not perfectly aligned, will appear in an arc due to the flat plane of their orbits in the Solar System.

Jenifer Millard, an astronomer at Fifth Star Labs in the UK, emphasized the unique experience of witnessing such events firsthand. “There is something special about looking at the planets with your own eyes,” she said. “When you’re looking at these objects, these are photons that have traveled millions or even billions of miles through space to reach you.”

For scientists, planetary alignments like this one offer opportunities to explore the dynamics of our Solar System. The planets orbit the Sun at varying speeds, with Mercury completing an orbit in just 88 days, while Neptune takes about 165 years. These different speeds occasionally cause the planets to align in such a way that multiple planets appear in the night sky at once. While most of these alignments are visually striking, their potential to influence life on Earth remains a subject of debate.

In 2019, physicist Frank Stefani suggested that alignments of certain planets could impact solar activity, possibly influencing the Sun’s 11-year cycle. Stefani proposed that the gravitational pull of planets like Venus, Earth, and Jupiter could cause subtle internal rotations within the Sun, potentially driving solar events. However, not all scientists agree with this theory, with some arguing that solar cycles are primarily driven by internal processes within the Sun itself.

Regardless of their impact on solar activity, planetary alignments are valuable for space exploration. Alignments have been used to slingshot spacecraft to outer planets, dramatically reducing travel time. The Voyager spacecraft, for example, capitalized on a 1977 alignment of outer planets to visit Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune, cutting decades off the journey time.

Additionally, alignments are essential in the study of exoplanets. By observing the transit of planets across stars, astronomers can gather valuable data about planetary atmospheres, identifying gases like oxygen and carbon dioxide. These alignments, both in our Solar System and beyond, help deepen our understanding of the cosmos.

As February 28 approaches, this rare seven-planet alignment promises to captivate both amateur stargazers and seasoned scientists alike, offering a reminder of the intricate and awe-inspiring nature of our place in the universe.

Technology

Apple Suspends AI Feature After Criticism Over False News Summaries

Published

5 days ago

January 17, 2025

RTX

Apple has suspended a new artificial intelligence (AI) feature that had been generating incorrect news summaries, drawing widespread criticism for its repeated errors. The feature, which sent notifications that appeared to originate from news organizations’ apps, had sparked complaints from major media outlets, including the BBC.

The tech giant confirmed the suspension in a statement, with an Apple spokesperson saying, “We are working on improvements and will make them available in a future software update.” The company’s decision follows mounting pressure to withdraw the service, which many saw as contributing to the spread of misinformation.

Reporters Without Borders (RSF), a global journalism advocacy organization, voiced its concerns, stating that the feature underscored the dangers of rushing out new technology. “Innovation must never come at the expense of the right of citizens to receive reliable information,” said RSF’s Vincent Berthier, urging Apple to ensure that the feature would not return until it could guarantee the accuracy of the generated headlines.

One of the most notable incidents involved the BBC, which reported that the AI feature falsely summarized a story about the man accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. The summary inaccurately stated that the suspect had shot himself, raising serious concerns about the potential harm of such false reports. The feature also misrepresented headlines from Sky News, the New York Times, and the Washington Post.

Jonathan Bright, head of AI for public services at the Alan Turing Institute, explained that “hallucinations,” where AI models generate inaccurate or fabricated information, are a real concern. Bright noted that while human oversight can mitigate this issue, there is no guaranteed way to prevent AI systems from making such errors, especially as tech companies race to be the first to release new features.

The BBC had raised concerns with Apple in December, but the company did not respond until January, when it promised a software update to clarify the role of AI in the summary generation. This update, however, was criticized for not going far enough. In response, Apple decided to disable the feature entirely for news and entertainment apps, with the latest beta software releases of iOS 18.3, iPadOS 18.3, and macOS Sequoia 15.3. For other apps, AI-generated summaries will now appear in italicized text.

“We’re pleased that Apple has listened to our concerns and is pausing the summarization feature for news,” said a BBC spokesperson. “Our priority is the accuracy of the news we deliver to audiences, which is essential to building and maintaining trust.”

Apple’s quick reversal highlights the challenges tech companies face as they integrate AI into content creation and the importance of maintaining trust in news reporting. The company’s response is seen as a rare acknowledgment of the risks posed by AI in shaping public perceptions of the news.

Technology

Nintendo Unveils Switch 2, Successor to Blockbuster Console

Published

6 days ago

January 16, 2025

RTX

Nintendo has officially unveiled its next-generation gaming console, the Switch 2, following weeks of speculation and leaks about the successor to its wildly successful Switch.

The announcement came in the form of a short video showcasing the new console, confirming some previously rumored features while leaving other details to be revealed at a dedicated event on April 2.

Familiar Design with Upgrades

As predicted, the Switch 2 closely resembles its predecessor, retaining the hybrid design that allows it to function as both a portable gaming device and a docked home console. It features detachable controllers and boasts a larger screen.

The new console will be backward-compatible, enabling players to use existing Switch games. However, Nintendo issued a disclaimer that not all titles will work seamlessly on the new hardware.

The teaser also hinted at magnetic controller attachments and upgraded joysticks, aligning with earlier rumors. A glimpse of what appeared to be a new Mario Kart game further fueled excitement among fans.

No Price or Release Date Yet

While no pricing or release date was disclosed, Nintendo assured fans that more details will be provided during the April showcase.

The company emphasized that the Switch 2 aims to build on the success of the original, which has sold over 143 million units as of September 2024, making it one of the best-selling consoles in history.

A Proven Track Record

The original Switch marked a major turnaround for Nintendo after the disappointing performance of its predecessor, the Wii U. Its hybrid functionality and a strong lineup of first-party games, including The Legend of Zelda and Super Mario Odyssey, resonated with gamers worldwide.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Switch gained even greater popularity, with Animal Crossing: New Horizons becoming a cultural phenomenon.

Challenges Ahead for the Switch 2

Despite the original Switch’s massive success, analysts warn that the Switch 2 could face challenges. George Osborn, a video game industry consultant, noted that while many dedicated gamers are likely to adopt the new console quickly, casual audiences may hesitate.

“If the Switch 2 doesn’t offer a significant technological leap, families who are happy with their current consoles might not see a reason to upgrade,” Osborn explained.

The gaming market has also become more competitive since the Switch’s 2017 launch. Devices like Valve’s Steam Deck and reports of portable gaming initiatives from Sony and Microsoft have added pressure on Nintendo to stand out.

Matching the original Switch’s sales will be no small feat, but demand is expected to be high. Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa has assured investors that the company is prepared to meet launch-day demand, avoiding the supply chain issues that plagued the launches of the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series consoles.

Whether Nintendo can replicate the Switch’s blockbuster success remains to be seen, but anticipation is already building for the April showcase and beyond.