AllYouCanTech

Apple May Represent Intel’s Last Chance in the Foundry Sector

**Intel’s 14A Process: A Possible Collaboration with Apple**

In a recent analysis, analyst Jeff Pu suggested that Apple might be looking into Intel’s forthcoming 14A process for its upcoming M-series chips. This conjecture follows Intel’s Q2 results, which provided essential insights into the company’s future trajectory.

### Stagnant Results, Dropping Stock

Intel has encountered major obstacles in recent years, with its stock falling 8.5% after a disappointing Q2 report, which marks the inaugural complete quarter under the new CEO Lip-Bu Tan. Since his accession in April, Tan has been reorganizing the various roadmaps and operations of the company in an attempt to rejuvenate its activities and reclaim its competitive edge.

A central priority for Intel is its upcoming 14A node, primarily developed internally, which could be crucial for the company’s future in chip production. Reports indicate that Tan underscored the importance of securing at least one significant client for the 14A process, cautioning that failing to achieve this might result in the closure of Intel’s advanced foundry services.

### The Significance of Customer Alliances

Tan emphasized the collaborative aspect of the 14A development, asserting that Intel’s financial commitment to this technology will depend on guaranteed engagements from customers. The objective is to develop products specifically designed to meet customer requirements, ensuring reliability and trust through consistent performance.

### Jeff Pu’s Observations on Potential Clients

Jeff Pu pointed out that Intel has started to distribute early 14A process design kits (PDKs) to its partners, with Apple standing out as a possible client. The 14A process is anticipated to feature cutting-edge technologies such as second-generation RibbonFET and PowerDirect, aimed at AI and edge applications. Pu expects that both Apple and NVIDIA will be among the initial users of the 14A process, likely for entry-level gaming GPUs and future M-series chips, respectively.

Apple’s interest in Intel’s 14A process is particularly significant, considering that TSMC has exclusively manufactured its M-series chips. Collaborating with Intel could offer Apple a crucial second supply source for chips, especially amidst escalating geopolitical tensions and trade uncertainties.

### Conclusion

As Intel maneuvers through its restructuring and strives to form essential partnerships for its 14A process, a potential alliance with Apple could signify a notable change in the semiconductor arena. The developments surrounding this situation will be keenly monitored by industry analysts and stakeholders alike.

New Enhancements and Improvements for Apple Maps in iOS 16

# Apple Maps in iOS 26: Innovative Features and Liquid Glass Aesthetic

iOS 26, the forthcoming major update for iPhone, brings a remarkable Liquid Glass redesign coupled with substantial improvements to Apple Maps. Following last year’s extensive updates, this iteration promises additional features that seek to enhance user experience. Here’s an in-depth look at the new capabilities in Apple Maps set to launch with iOS 26.

## Liquid Glass Aesthetic and Revamped User Interface

The most prominent modification in Apple Maps with iOS 26 is the incorporation of the Liquid Glass aesthetic, which rejuvenates the appearance of buttons and other interface elements. This visual enhancement boosts the attractiveness of place listings, guides, and various interactive features within the application.

## Major New Features

Apple Maps in iOS 26 emphasizes two main functionalities that utilize user behavior to deliver a more customized navigation experience:

### 1. Preferred Routes

Apple Maps will now adapt to users’ everyday patterns, recognizing the paths they commonly take for commutes or other routine activities. By grasping these favored routes, the app can proactively inform users about possible delays, helping to sidestep unexpected interruptions during their journeys.

Moreover, users will gain access to important route information via the ‘Suggestions’ widget on their iPhone’s Home Screen, enabling quick glimpses of traffic conditions and estimated travel durations.

### 2. Visited Places

The Visited Places feature automatically records locations users have frequented, such as restaurants or stores, without any manual entry needed. This feature offers a handy way to maintain a log of visited spots, accessible through the new ‘Visits’ menu located in the app’s Library.

While these features improve usability, they do raise privacy issues. Apple assures users that the preferred routes feature operates locally on the device, safeguarding commuting habits. Likewise, the Visited Places data is protected with end-to-end encryption, preventing Apple’s access and allowing users to easily erase their history.

## Conclusion

iOS 26 is presently undergoing beta testing and is anticipated to be available to all users this fall. With its Liquid Glass aesthetic and intelligent new features, Apple Maps is set to deliver a more intuitive and personalized navigation experience. Users are invited to share their feedback on these updates as the release approaches.

Perplexity for Mac Unveils MCP Support: A Functionality to Discover

The Perplexity application for macOS improves user interaction by providing a keyboard shortcut for instant access to a search prompt. Recently, it has incorporated support for MCP, or Model Context Protocol, introduced by Anthropic, which is gaining traction as a standard interface for AI systems. MCP is designed to create a universal pathway for AI assistants to interface with different APIs and data sources, akin to how HTTP operates for the internet.

With the incorporation of MCP support, users can leverage the Perplexity application to interact with common applications like Apple Notes, reminders, and Google Drive files. Nevertheless, to activate this capability, users must install the Perplexity Helper App due to the sandboxing limitations of Mac App Store applications.

To configure MCP with Perplexity, execute the following steps:

1. Access account settings and go to **Connectors**.
2. Install the PerplexityXPC helper application to establish secure connections to local MCP servers.
3. Once installation is complete, go back to the Connectors settings and select **Add Connector**.
4. On the **Add Connector** page, enter an MCP Connector under the **Simple** tab:
– Designate a name for the “Server Name” (e.g., `MCP for AppleScript`).
– Input the command to run the MCP server, which can be located in the README of the MCP server.
5. Click **Save** and verify that the MCP server displays a **Running** status in the Connectors list.
6. Activate your MCP under **Sources** on the Perplexity homepage.
7. Validate the MCP server by executing a command in Perplexity that references it, such as “check my mac calendar”.

Perplexity has also published tutorial videos showing how to add connectors and use MCP integration. Users are encouraged to investigate different integrations but should proceed with caution when engaging with open-source projects, making sure they comprehend the ramifications of granting access to their data.

For those utilizing MCP servers, sharing preferred integrations in community discussions can be advantageous.