Author: sparta

All iPhones and Apple Watches Available Globally to Include US-Made Cover Glass in the Near Future

**Apple Enhances Manufacturing Collaboration with Corning in Kentucky**

In a major step to strengthen domestic production, Apple has revealed an extension of its collaboration with Corning, allocating $2.5 billion to create 100% of the cover glass for iPhones and Apple Watches in Kentucky. This announcement was made during the inauguration of Apple’s American Manufacturing Program, which encompasses a broader $100 billion investment in U.S. manufacturing.

**An Unprecedented Alliance**

The alliance between Apple and Corning originated with the launch of the iPhone, when Steve Jobs convinced Corning’s CEO, Wendell Weeks, to produce the glass for the initial device. Over the years, this collaboration has progressed, and the recent investment signifies a crucial moment in their association, as it will guarantee that all cover glass for Apple’s premier products is manufactured domestically for the first time.

Apple CEO Tim Cook conveyed excitement regarding this development, emphasizing the importance of American manufacturing. He remarked, “Corning is a renowned American company, and we’re excited to collaborate in creating the largest and most advanced production line ever established for smartphone glass.” This venture not only highlights the excellence of American-made goods but also seeks to foster innovation within the manufacturing industry.

**Growth of Facilities and Workforce**

Corning’s new plant in Harrodsburg, Kentucky, will be wholly devoted to Apple, with aims to expand the local workforce by 50%. Furthermore, the investment will support the creation of an Apple-Corning Innovation Center at the facility. This center is anticipated to be instrumental in developing advanced materials and manufacturing platforms for upcoming Apple products.

**Schedule for Implementation**

Although the announcement is encouraging, specific dates for when the Kentucky-produced glass will be utilized in products remain vague. Unlike other initiatives, like the server manufacturing location in Houston, which is slated to begin mass production in 2026, the Corning partnership does not have a set timeline. Apple has merely mentioned that “soon” every iPhone and Apple Watch will incorporate cover glass manufactured in Kentucky.

**Final Thoughts**

Apple’s dedication to expanding its manufacturing capabilities in the U.S. through its partnership with Corning marks a substantial advancement towards improving domestic production and innovation. As the company continues to invest in American manufacturing, the collaboration is expected to provide advantages not only for Apple and Corning but also for the local economy and workforce in Kentucky. Anticipation regarding the timeline for these developments is high, as consumers and industry observers await more updates on this ambitious initiative.

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Google Unveils Functionality to Generate Illustrated AI Storybooks within the Gemini Application

open-source ChatGPT models while hinting at the significant GPT-5 enhancement. For instance, Google incorporated multiple AI agents into Google Cloud that assist app creators and businesses in developing applications more rapidly and intelligently. The organization also introduced an astonishing new AI world model named Genie 3, which enables interaction with AI-generated content. Lastly, Google presented a novel Storybook mode for Gemini, which allows users to craft illustrated stories for their children on any theme.

The prevailing AI models fall short of matching the creative capabilities of humans. They are capable of answering inquiries and addressing issues, but creativity is not their forte. When AI reaches that level, it will probably mark the beginning of artificial general intelligence (AGI), the forthcoming evolution of AI that will endow it with the creativity required to tackle any situation in a manner akin to a human.

Yet, the new Storybook mode in the Gemini app does not require the AI to exhibit particular creativity. It could be precisely what some parents seek to keep their kids occupied with a fresh bedtime story when they tire of their favorites. It can also serve as an excellent resource for generating new tales spontaneously when your child requests one, or to clarify more intricate concepts in a simpler way. Furthermore, Storybook not only crafts a distinctive digital book by adhering to a guideline but also supplies illustrated picture book visuals.

How Storybook operates in the Gemini app

<iframe class="gallery-image-video oembed" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TiYQadKvhGs?v=TiYQadKvhGs" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen data-slide-url="https://www.bgr.com/1933203/google-gemini-ai-illustrated-storybooks/" data-slide-num="1" data-post-id="1933203" data-slide-title="Google Now Lets You Create Illustrated AI Storybooks Inside The Gemini App: How Storybook works in

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Configuring and Operating OpenAI’s ‘gpt-oss-20b’ Open Weight Model Locally on macOS

# Getting Started with gpt-oss on Macs

This week, OpenAI unveiled its highly anticipated open weight model named gpt-oss. One of the key attractions of gpt-oss is its ability to run locally on your own hardware, including Macs equipped with Apple silicon. Here’s how to dive in and what you should anticipate.

## Models and Macs

gpt-oss is available in two versions: gpt-oss-20b and gpt-oss-120b. The former is characterized as a medium open weight model, while the latter is recognized as a heavy open weight model.

The medium model is what Macs with sufficient resources running on Apple silicon can plan to execute locally. What’s the difference? Anticipate the smaller model to generate more inaccuracies relative to the significantly larger model because of the difference in data set size. That’s the compromise for a faster model that can indeed run on high-end Macs.

Nonetheless, the smaller model is an impressive tool that’s freely accessible if you possess a Mac with adequate resources and a desire to run large language models locally.

You should also be mindful of the distinctions when operating a local model compared to, for instance, ChatGPT. Typically, the open weight local model lacks many of the contemporary chatbot functionalities that enhance ChatGPT’s usability. For instance, the responses do not take into account web results, which can frequently reduce inaccuracies.

OpenAI suggests having at least 16GB of RAM to run gpt-oss-20b, but Macs with greater RAM will indisputably yield better performance. According to initial user insights, 16GB of RAM is essentially the minimum required just to experiment.

## Setup and Use

Getting started is incredibly straightforward.

First, install Ollama on your Mac. This serves as the interface for interacting with gpt-oss-20b. The app can be found at [ollama.com/download](https://ollama.com/download), or you can download the Mac version from [this download link](https://ollama.com/download/Ollama.dmg).

Next, launch Terminal on your Mac and input the following command:

“`
ollama pull gpt-oss:20b
ollama run gpt-oss:20b
“`

This will prompt your Mac to retrieve gpt-oss-20b, which occupies approximately 15GB of disk space.

Lastly, you can start Ollama and choose gpt-oss-20b as your model. You can even toggle Ollama into airplane mode in the app settings to guarantee that everything operates locally. No sign-in is necessary.

To test out gpt-oss-20b, simply type a prompt into the text box and observe the model in action. Again, your hardware resources will determine model performance here. Ollama will utilize all available resources while running the model, meaning your Mac may become noticeably slower during processing.

My best Mac is a 15-inch M4 MacBook Air with 16GB of RAM. While the model works, it’s quite demanding even for experimental use on my device. Responding to ‘hello’ took just over five minutes. Answering ‘who was the 13th president’ took even longer, at roughly 43 minutes. You’ll definitely want more RAM if you intend to experiment for an extended period.

Thinking about removing the local model to free up disk space? Enter this terminal command:

“`
ollama rm gpt-oss:20b
“`

For further details on employing Ollama with gpt-oss-20b on your Mac, refer to this [official resource](https://cookbook.openai.com/articles/gpt-oss/run-locally-ollama). Alternatively, you might consider using

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iOS 26 Brings Improved Illumination System for AirPods Charging Case

### New Enhancements for AirPods in iOS 26: Improved Charging Case Indicators

With the launch of iOS 26, Apple continues to elevate the AirPods experience, especially for the AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4. This recent update not only adds new functionalities but also introduces a significant alteration to the AirPods charging case.

#### Improved Charging Alerts

A standout feature in iOS 26 is the enhancement in battery alerts. Users will now be notified when their AirPods require charging and when they are at full capacity. These alerts are meant to work alongside the existing Dynamic Island battery indicators, delivering a more user-friendly interface.

#### Updated Charging Case Indicator Colors

A noteworthy update relates to the charging case itself. As per a recent tweet by Minimal Nerd on X, a new popup in the iOS 26 beta 5 discloses an updated color scheme for the charging status indicators on the AirPods charging case. The new color indicators are:

– **Green**: Fully Charged
– **Yellow**: Currently Charging
– **Orange**: Charging Case Status

The distinction between yellow and orange is subtle, which may cause confusion for users. Previously, Apple’s support materials only indicated green and amber as the indicator colors.

The explanation accompanying the new indicator system implies that the AirPods charging case will now deliver clearer signals regarding its charging status. This update aims to improve user awareness of the battery levels for both the AirPods and the charging case.

#### Conclusion

As iOS 26 becomes available, users can look forward to a more intuitive experience with their AirPods, thanks to enhanced charging alerts and a newly color-coded system for the charging case. This update embodies Apple’s persistent dedication to refining user experience across its devices. Users are invited to share their insights about the new features in the comments section.

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Apple Unveils $100 Billion Pledge to the U.S. with Introduction of ‘American Manufacturing Initiative’

Apple has recently unveiled a substantial pledge to U.S. manufacturing, committing an additional $100 billion over the forthcoming four years, thereby increasing its total investment in the U.S. to $600 billion. This declaration was made by CEO Tim Cook during a meeting with President Donald Trump, underscoring Apple’s commitment to broadening its manufacturing presence in America.

A pivotal aspect of this investment is the transfer of all cover glass production for the iPhone and Apple Watch to the United States. Apple intends to strengthen its enduring collaboration with Corning, a premier glass manufacturer, by setting up a cutting-edge smartphone glass production line in Harrodsburg, Kentucky. This initiative implies that every iPhone and Apple Watch sold worldwide will incorporate cover glass fabricated in Kentucky.

Beyond cover glass production, the American Manufacturing Program (AMP) will concentrate on several other domains:

– Growing the silicon supply chain throughout all phases of chip production.
– A new partnership with Coherent, a producer of VSCEL lasers utilized in Face ID and various features of Apple devices.
– The erection of a 250,000-square-foot server facility in Houston to bolster Apple Intelligence and Private Cloud Compute.
– Initiatives to generate up to 20,000 direct jobs in areas such as artificial intelligence, silicon engineering, and software development.
– The enhancement of the ongoing data center in Maiden, North Carolina, along with active construction in Nevada, Iowa, and Oregon.
– The establishment of an Apple Manufacturing Academy in Detroit aimed at assisting small and midsize U.S. manufacturers.

This announcement arises during a period when relations between Apple and the Trump administration have been tense. Trump has previously criticized Apple for not producing iPhones in the U.S., and this new pledge seems to be a calculated effort to repair those connections. While the commitment does not encompass domestic iPhone manufacturing, it highlights sourcing materials and investing in U.S. labor, which may contribute to improving the rapport between Apple and the government.

In summary, Apple’s latest investment and the AMP represent a significant advance toward bolstering U.S. manufacturing capabilities and generating jobs while also addressing some criticisms aimed at the company regarding its production practices.

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Upcoming Price Hikes for Sonos Offerings

**Sonos Set to Hike Prices Due to Tariff Pressures**

Sonos, a prominent player in the high-end audio sector, is planning to raise prices on certain products later this year. This action is a reaction to the recent tariffs introduced by the United States on imports from Vietnam and Malaysia, where a majority of Sonos devices are produced. The announcement occurred during the company’s third-quarter earnings call, illustrating the persistent challenges the brand encounters in its recovery after a tough 2024.

Details on which products will face price hikes and the scale of these increases remain undisclosed. Nevertheless, the company’s decision to elevate prices signifies a notable effect from the tariffs, which have impacted various industries that depend on overseas production. Unlike larger firms such as Apple, Sonos does not possess the same leverage to negotiate against the repercussions of these tariffs, necessitating the price changes for the firm.

For buyers, this news implies that now might be a fitting time to acquire items from Sonos’ offerings before the expected price rises are implemented. As the company maneuvers through these financial challenges, it remains uncertain how the price adjustments will affect consumer habits and the wider market for premium audio goods.

In summary, Sonos’ forthcoming price increases mirror larger economic patterns and hurdles within the technology sector, especially for businesses that depend on global manufacturing. As the landscape shifts, consumers and market observers will be eager to see how Sonos responds to these developments.

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WhatsApp’s Approach to Draw in iMessage Users

features in iOS 26 aimed at competing with these applications – Meta is developing the ideal tool to encourage more users to experience WhatsApp; or at least avoid needing to download the app if someone intends to send them a message.

Building on the EU decision mandating WhatsApp to provide interoperability with other messaging platforms, which necessitates developers to construct a link between the services, the company is also creating a more streamlined Guest Mode. This innovative feature will enable individuals without a WhatsApp number to interact with a friend, family member, or business in a temporary conversation.

This means that, even if you prefer not to install WhatsApp, enter a number, or register on Meta’s platform, you can still communicate with those on WhatsApp. Below, you can discover more about how this feature is going to operate.

WhatsApp Guest Mode will simplify chatting with others

The Easiest Way to Improve Your ChatGPT Prompts

ChatGPT includes a wonderful function to assist you in completing sentences. Ironically, this function gets initiated by entering a blank line. For those beginning to ponder as they go through this, let’s delve into some practical applications for this handy AI tool to observe its operation in real time.

How to utilize ChatGPT’s blank line prompt

Delta Airlines Guarantees AI Will Not Utilize Customer Data for Fare Calculation, However Privacy Issues Remain

**Delta Will Not Utilize Your Data For AI Ticket Pricing, But Privacy Concerns Persist**

Delta Air Lines has recently disclosed its implementation of AI for determining ticket prices, igniting privacy apprehensions. In an earnings call, Delta reported “incredibly positive” outcomes from a trial program employing AI for 3% of fares, with ambitions to broaden this to 20% by the close of the year. This has led to worries about possible predatory pricing, with U.S. legislators voicing apprehensions regarding privacy and price manipulation.

Delta has guaranteed that personal information will not be leveraged to set prices, yet has not detailed how AI establishes dynamic pricing. Democratic Senators Ruben Gallego, Mark Warner, and Richard Blumenthal addressed a letter to Delta CEO Ed Bastian, underlining worries about data privacy and possible fare hikes influenced by individual consumer vulnerabilities.

Delta replied, affirming adherence to pricing regulations and refuting the use of personal data in AI pricing. The airline highlighted that dynamic pricing has been a norm in the industry for years, influenced by market dynamics, and that AI will improve data analysis and response times.

Regardless of Delta’s assurances, doubts linger regarding its AI methods. Legislators Greg Casar and Rashida Tlaib suggested legislation to ban AI-based pricing that utilizes personal data, specifically aimed at airlines. U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy expressed concerns regarding AI-driven customized pricing and cautioned about investigations should companies partake in such activities.

The potential abuse of AI in pricing is emphasized by a Federal Trade Commission report concerning retailers employing personal data for price determination. Legislators referenced instances of AI possibly taking advantage of personal situations, such as imposing higher fares on passengers in urgent circumstances. According to officials, Delta’s AI technology utilizes vast amounts of data to forecast consumer willingness to pay, prompting demands for transparency in its data utilization.

Delta’s AI-driven pricing approach remains under evaluation, with lawmakers and regulators vigilantly observing its execution to avert potential consumer exploitation.

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