AllYouCanTech

Active Promotions: AirPods 4 priced at $99, $500 Discount on 1TB M4 iPad Pro, $450 Discount on 24GB M3 MacBook Air, Sony XM6 Headphones, plus additional offers.

### Ongoing Apple Promotions: AirPods, iPads, MacBooks, and More

In the newest edition of 9to5Toys Lunch Break, a variety of thrilling deals on Apple products have surfaced, making it an opportune moment for shoppers to enhance their technology. Below is a summary of the most significant offers currently accessible.

#### AirPods 4 Priced at $99

Amazon is presently featuring the **AirPods 4** for **$99**, which is just $10 higher than the lowest price recorded during Prime Day. This deal pertains to the base version without active noise cancellation (ANC). For those who missed the Prime Day price of $89, this deal provides a great chance to acquire a new pair of AirPods at a competitive rate. Discounts are also in effect for AirPods 4 with ANC, now listed at **$119**, and the AirPods Pro 2, priced at **$149**.

#### 24GB M3 MacBook Air Discounted by $450

Amazon has reduced the pricing of the **24GB M3 MacBook Air** by **$450**, lowering it to **$1,249**. This model is considerably less expensive than the newer M4 version, which generally sells for approximately **$1,599**. The M3 variant presents excellent value, particularly with its 24GB RAM, making it an appealing option for users needing performance without the expenditure of the latest model.

#### Exclusive 13-inch M2 iPad Air at $650

For **9to5** readers, there’s a special deal on the **13-inch M2 iPad Air** with Wi-Fi + Cellular, now going for **$650**, down from its usual price of **$949**. This offer is made possible through authorized Apple dealer Expercom and stands as one of the finest prices for this configuration online. Although the new M3 model has been released, it has not yet experienced similar discounts.

#### Apple Watch Series 10 Savings

Amazon is providing several configurations of the **Apple Watch Series 10** at **$100 off** regular retail prices. The smaller 42mm model begins at **$299**, while the 46mm version is offered for **$329**. These savings present an excellent opportunity for shoppers aiming to buy a new smartwatch at a lower cost.

#### Great Deals on Mac Mini Models

B&H is now presenting one of the best prices ever on the **24GB M4 Mac Mini**, priced at **$699**. This deal includes a unique configuration not found on Amazon, highlighting the importance of RAM over storage for many users. Additionally, higher-end models with improved RAM are also available at significant reductions, making them ideal for power users and creative professionals.

### Conclusion

These current promotions on Apple products offer outstanding opportunities for consumers eager to upgrade their devices. With price reductions on AirPods, iPads, MacBooks, and Apple Watches, there’s something for everyone. Whether you need audio accessories, tablets, laptops, or smartwatches, now is an excellent time to take advantage of these deals.

Amazon Cuts Wondery Podcast Staff as Firm Redirects Attention to Video Content, Five Years Following Apple’s $400 Million Interest

### The Progression of Podcasting: A Move Towards Video

Five years prior, Apple contemplated the acquisition of the podcast studio Wondery for around $400 million. At that juncture, Spotify and other rivals were heavily investing in exclusive podcast material to enhance their platforms and secure a more significant portion of the podcasting market. In the end, Wondery was purchased by Amazon, while Apple restructured its podcast subscription framework, introducing a monthly charge for exclusive benefits within its Podcasts app.

Apple’s approach emphasized equipping podcasters with the means to monetize their content and build listener loyalty. Although Apple has launched original podcast series, these initiatives have largely bolstered its Apple TV+ offerings rather than creating a distinct podcast identity.

Fast forward to now, and Amazon has reportedly terminated over one hundred positions at Wondery as part of a strategic realignment. This action signifies an acknowledgment of the shifting podcasting landscape, notably the growing significance of video content. As reported by Bloomberg, the layoffs include Wondery’s CEO Jen Sargent, and current series will either transition to Amazon’s Audible platform or be absorbed into a new “creator services” team, which will showcase personality-driven programming.

The reorganization suggests that Amazon’s ambitious entry into podcasting has not achieved the anticipated outcomes. Despite attracting prominent talent, the company is adjusting its strategy to more effectively compete with platforms like Spotify and YouTube, particularly as the industry pivots from audio-only formats to video-focused content.

The remaining narrative team at Wondery will be integrated into Amazon’s Audible division, indicating a sustained dedication to audio storytelling, although under a modified operational structure.

### The Evolving Environment of Podcasting

Steve Boom, Amazon’s vice president of audio, emphasized the substantial change in the podcasting environment, remarking that the growth of video has merged the boundaries between conventional podcasting and video content production. Many listeners, including those who favor audio for its practicality, are increasingly engaging with podcasts that offer video formats or are predominantly video-driven, especially on platforms like YouTube.

While the announcement of job cuts is regrettable, it highlights the ongoing shift from audio-centric content to a more cohesive approach that encompasses video. This transformation is altering how creators interact with their audiences and how platforms evolve to address changing consumer demands.

### Final Thoughts

As the podcasting sector continues to advance, the incorporation of video content is becoming ever more essential. Companies like Amazon are modifying their strategies to align with these developments, reflecting a wider transition in how audiences consume media. The future of podcasting might indeed rest in a hybrid model that merges the strengths of both audio and video, catering to a variety of listener behaviors and preferences.

Apple Executive Declares Major Soon-to-Launch Enhancements for Siri

# Apple’s Siri Update: Progress and Future Enhancements

Apple’s Siri has encountered obstacles in recent months, yet the company remains hopeful about improving the situation. In a recent all-hands meeting, Craig Federighi, Apple’s head of software, offered an optimistic update regarding Siri’s advancements, highlighting a major overhaul of the virtual assistant.

## Craig Federighi’s Update on Siri

In light of Apple’s notable quarterly earnings, worries about the company’s AI projects were apparent among investors. This led to an unusual all-hands meeting at Apple Park, where Federighi spoke to the employees. He remarked, “The efforts we’ve invested in this comprehensive overhaul of Siri have provided us the results we were looking for. This has positioned us to not only deliver what we previously announced but also a significantly larger upgrade than we anticipated. No project is being taken more seriously.”

This comment follows last year’s unveiling of a more individualized version of Siri during the iOS 18 presentation at WWDC, which sought to enhance the assistant using AI technologies. However, Apple encountered challenges in achieving the expected quality, resulting in a shift towards a new architectural strategy for Siri’s development.

## Future Prospects for Siri

Federighi’s comments imply that the forthcoming features for Siri will not only satisfy expectations but also surpass them, indicating a thorough upgrade for the assistant. While Federighi is in charge of Siri’s trajectory, Mike Rockwell is diligently working on the enhancements to secure a resilient future for the assistant.

Current speculation indicates that the expected Siri upgrades are aimed for release alongside iOS 26.4 in the spring of 2026. Nonetheless, Apple has not officially set a definitive timeline, allowing for potential delays.

## Conclusion

The updates from Craig Federighi indicate a renewed dedication to Siri’s advancement, prioritizing the delivery of a more efficient and personalized assistant. As Apple addresses its AI obstacles, the imminent enhancements might be pivotal in reshaping Siri’s capabilities and user experience.

Google Pixel 10 Teaser Showcases Setbacks in iPhone’s Siri AI Features [Video]

### Google Hints at Pixel 10 with a Nudge at Apple’s Siri Hold-ups

As excitement mounts for the imminent reveal of the Pixel 10, Google has dropped a teaser that skillfully underscores Apple’s persistent challenges with its Siri AI enhancements for the iPhone 16. The 30-second spot, named “Google Pixel 10 | Soon,” was uploaded to the Made by Google YouTube channel and features an instrumental rendition of Dr. Dre’s “The Next Episode,” subtly alluding to Apple’s purchase of Beats by Dr. Dre.

The teaser highlights the Pixel 10 Pro in an elegant Moonstone hue, accompanied by a voiceover that amplifies the sentiment of waiting for features that have been promised but remain unfulfilled. This dig at Apple originates from the company’s announcement at WWDC 2024, where it unveiled major improvements to Siri, such as personal context capabilities and onscreen awareness. These enhancements were anticipated to boost Siri’s functionality by enabling it to access user data and execute in-app tasks. However, these upgrades have been postponed until 2026, causing discontent among users.

The advertisement ends with the slogan “Ask more of your phone,” implying that Google intends to market the Pixel 10 as a more proficient alternative to the iPhone 16. The concluding shot of the teaser displays the Pixel 10, with the event date of August 20, 2025, prominently featured alongside Google’s gradient ‘G’ logo and a link to GoogleStore.com.

This tactical marketing initiative not only highlights the Pixel 10 but also exploits the competitive dynamics between Google and Apple, especially in the field of artificial intelligence and smartphone functionality. As consumers await the formal launch, the Pixel 10 is set to make a notable impression in the smartphone arena, particularly for those in search of advanced AI features without the setbacks tied to Apple’s Siri upgrades.

The Importance of Apple’s Answers Team: More Influential Than It Seems

**Apple’s New Knowledge, Information, and Answers Team: A Strategic Initiative to Revive Siri**

A recent report from Bloomberg has disclosed that Apple has created a new internal team called the Knowledge, Information, and Answers team. This initiative forms part of Apple’s wider Apple Intelligence strategy aimed at improving its digital assistant, Siri, and tackling its persistent issues.

### The Ongoing Siri Dilemma

Earlier this year, Apple admitted to setbacks in the launch of three major Siri features that were anticipated to enhance its performance. These features comprise:

– **Personal Context**: Allowing Siri to grasp specific user queries, like “When is my mom’s flight landing?”
– **On-Screen Awareness**: Empowering Siri to carry out tasks such as adding an address to a contact card.
– **In-App Actions**: Enabling functions within applications, like editing a photo and integrating it into a note.

The company encountered criticism after it was compelled to retract an advertisement promoting these features, which had not yet been released, and added disclaimers on its website concerning the postponed functionalities. Detractors, including well-known tech commentator John Gruber, voiced their discontent regarding Apple’s management of Siri’s features.

### Apple’s Knowledge, Information, and Answers Team

Headed by Robbie Walker, an executive from the Siri division, the newly created Knowledge, Information, and Answers team is assigned with investigating various internal AI services. The aim is to produce a search experience similar to ChatGPT, which could greatly enhance Siri’s capability to respond to user inquiries.

This initiative is vital as Siri has faced criticism for its constrained ability to provide answers to common questions users face in their everyday lives. For example, many users perceive Siri as insufficient when it comes to delivering simple answers to frequent queries.

### Why This Matters

Siri’s image has been tarnished due to its perceived incompetence in managing fundamental questions. Common inquiries that users may pose include:

– **Shopping & Services**: Questions about return policies, product comparisons, and subscription management.
– **Cleaning & Household**: Queries regarding stain removal, appliance maintenance, and household chores.
– **Life Admin & Organisation**: Requests for document necessities, meal planning, and medication reminders.
– **Tech Tips**: Inquiries related to device management, data recovery, and online security.

Although Siri can respond to some of these questions, its effectiveness often falls short when compared to rivals like ChatGPT and even older models of Alexa. If the Answers team can boost Siri’s capacity to manage these everyday questions, it could greatly enhance user perceptions and satisfaction.

### Conclusion

Apple’s establishment of the Knowledge, Information, and Answers team signifies a strategic move to rejuvenate Siri and restore its standing as a competent digital assistant. By concentrating on delivering precise and relevant answers to typical user inquiries, Apple aspires to elevate Siri’s performance and significance in a progressively competitive market. If successful, this initiative could signify a pivotal moment for Siri, transforming it from a source of annoyance into a beneficial tool for users.

New Apple TV+ Crime Thriller Starring Denzel Washington Set in NYC: Check Out the Trailer Here

Apple TV+ is preparing for an exhilarating fall season, showcasing a slate of eagerly awaited film premieres. One of the highlight films is “Highest 2 Lowest,” which has recently unveiled its trailer, giving a sneak peek into this Denzel Washington-led crime thriller.

### Highest 2 Lowest: The Upcoming Film Arriving on Apple TV+

Denzel Washington collaborates once again with renowned director Spike Lee for “Highest 2 Lowest,” scheduled to start streaming for Apple TV+ subscribers on **Friday, September 5**. Before its streaming debut, the film will undergo a limited theatrical release beginning August 15, aimed at securing award eligibility.

In “Highest 2 Lowest,” Washington takes on the role of a dominant music mogul whose son is abducted, resulting in a harrowing ransom scenario that prompts ethical dilemmas. The movie draws inspiration from Akira Kurosawa’s timeless crime thriller “High and Low,” but is reinterpreted in a modern New York City backdrop.

The recently released trailer highlights the film’s intense vibe and compelling narrative, increasing excitement among audiences.

After “Highest 2 Lowest,” Apple TV+ will also roll out “The Lost Bus,” starring Matthew McConaughey, just a month later. Moreover, Brad Pitt’s “F1 The Movie” is anticipated to arrive soon thereafter.

Apple TV+ is priced at $9.99 per month and features a rich selection of beloved shows and films, including “Ted Lasso,” “Severance,” “The Morning Show,” “Silo,” and “Shrinking.”

With a robust assortment of films and series, Apple TV+ keeps broadening its range, making it an enticing choice for streaming fans.

Paid Subreddits Project on Hold as Company Concentrates on Search Engine Advancement

**Reddit’s Paid Subreddits Initiative: Present Situation and Future Outlook**

Reddit, the widely-used social media site, has been considering the idea of paid subreddits, a strategy that could fundamentally alter user interaction with the platform’s content. CEO Steve Huffman confirmed earlier this year that plans for this initiative were underway, but recent comments suggest that the project has been temporarily sidelined.

### Paid Subreddits Scheme

Huffman first hinted at the possibility of paid subreddits last year, though details were limited. He proposed that the launch of paid subreddits could create new use cases and foster the development of exclusive content or private segments on the platform. This notion was broadly seen as a precursor to a paywall for certain subreddit communities.

In a subsequent conversation, Huffman stated that the advancement of paid subreddits is ongoing, remarking, “It’s a work in progress right now, so that one’s coming.” He assured that paid subreddits are among the new features anticipated for future rollout.

### Plans Paused for the Time Being

In spite of the initial excitement around paid subreddits, Huffman has indicated that the initiative is not a current priority for the company. As stated by Engadget, he mentioned that resources are being redirected from various sectors, including the user economy, to reinforce Reddit’s core product. Huffman highlighted the necessity of transforming Reddit into the premier platform for search and enhancing international growth, implying that while paid subreddits remain a viable opportunity, immediate focus will be directed elsewhere.

### Reddit Answers: A Higher Priority

Instead of pursuing paid subreddits, Reddit is emphasizing the development of Reddit Answers, a feature aimed at boosting user engagement and search capabilities. Reports indicate that Reddit Answers has experienced considerable growth, with weekly users rising from 1 million to 6 million within just one quarter. The company intends to broaden this feature globally and integrate it more fully into the core search experience, establishing it as a vital component of the platform.

Huffman pointed out that each week, hundreds of millions of users visit Reddit in search of advice, and the company strives to transform this interest into active participation in its native search. Marketing strategies are also being devised to enhance awareness and adoption of Reddit Answers on a global scale.

### Conclusion

Although the notion of paid subreddits may currently be on hiatus, Reddit’s management remains hopeful about its future. The present focus on improving the core product and expanding features like Reddit Answers signifies a strategic shift aimed at reinforcing the platform’s user base and functionality. As the social media landscape continuously transforms, Reddit’s strategy regarding monetization and user engagement will be closely monitored by both users and industry experts alike.

Apple Set to Launch Ultra Retina XDR Display for iPhone, Based on Report

### Tandem OLED from M4 iPad Pro in Plans for Future iPhone

As excitement rises for the reveal of Apple’s upcoming iPhone 17 series, a new report from *The Elec* highlights thrilling advancements in display technology for future iPhone iterations. Apple is said to be considering the incorporation of tandem OLED technology, first seen in the M4 iPad Pro, in its next iPhones.

#### The Progression of Display Technology

The M4 iPad Pro was introduced with Apple’s inaugural Ultra Retina XDR display, which Apple described as “the world’s most advanced display.” This technology employs tandem OLED, utilizing two OLED panels to significantly boost brightness and color accuracy.

According to *The Elec*, Apple is presently in talks with display manufacturers LG and Samsung to create these tandem OLED screens for forthcoming iPhones. Although no contracts have been signed yet, Apple intends to commence mass production within the next two years, indicating that the first iPhone equipped with this sophisticated display technology might not arrive until 2028.

#### Advantages of Ultra Retina XDR Display

The Ultra Retina XDR display brings several benefits, including:

1. **Brightness**: The display can achieve up to 1000 nits of full-screen brightness for both SDR and HDR media, with a peak brightness of 1600 nits for HDR.

2. **Color Accuracy**: Tandem OLED technology enables precise management of color and luminance at the pixel level, elevating the overall visual experience.

3. **Responsiveness**: The technology offers sub-millisecond control, leading to improved responsiveness to dynamic content.

These characteristics result in a display that excels not only in brightness and color richness but also in providing enhanced detail in shadows and low-light environments. The prospect of a brighter, more vibrant, and fluid display in future iPhones could transform user engagement and content viewing.

#### Conclusion

Though existing iPhone displays are already remarkable, the advent of tandem OLED technology is set to enhance the visual experience even further. As Apple persists in its innovation, users can anticipate considerable progress in display technology in the upcoming years. What features are you excited to see in the next generation of iPhone displays?