Author: sparta

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    • Comments Off on Leaked Performance Metrics Suggest Forthcoming Motorola ‘Ultra’ Flagship Featuring New Snapdragon Processor
    Leaked Performance Metrics Suggest Forthcoming Motorola ‘Ultra’ Flagship Featuring New Snapdragon Processor

    The Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 may not be as robust as previously assumed. Latest benchmarking results for the forthcoming Motorola Edge 70 Ultra, which is anticipated to incorporate the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5, indicate that the chipset’s performance could fall short of expectations. The device, probably the Chinese model, was observed featuring an Adreno 829 GPU and 16GB of RAM, operating on Android 16. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 is placed beneath the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, indicating it is meant for more cost-effective flagship models.

    Benchmark results reflect a single-core performance of 2,636 and a multi-core score of 7,475, both of which are inferior to those of the Snapdragon 8 Elite. The chipset’s layout comprises 2 × 3.65GHz and 6 × 3.32GHz cores, leveraging Qualcomm’s Oryon technology. While these figures signify a performance level that is beneath the Elite version, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 should still adeptly manage most tasks and enable on-device AI functionalities. This might lead to a more wallet-friendly price for the Motorola Edge 70 Ultra compared to devices powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5.

    Motorola’s choice to implement the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 in the Edge 70 Ultra underscores the firm’s strategy to deliver a flagship experience at a possibly reduced cost, even though the chipset’s performance does not reach the initially expected heights.

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    • Comments Off on Addressing Steve Jobs’ Critiques of the Macintosh Calculator Application: A Thoughtful Account
    Addressing Steve Jobs’ Critiques of the Macintosh Calculator Application: A Thoughtful Account

    **The Innovative Management of Upward: Chris Espinosa’s Tactics for Handling Steve Jobs’ Critiques**

    Steve Jobs, the co-founder of Apple, was renowned for his stringent standards and frequently blunt critiques of his team’s efforts. His evaluations, whether regarding hardware or software, were straightforward and uncompromising. This set up a distinctive challenge for Apple staff, especially for individuals like Chris Espinosa, who holds the title of the company’s longest-serving employee.

    Espinosa, who created the inaugural Macintosh calculator app, faced the intimidating challenge of fulfilling Jobs’ lofty demands. At first, Espinosa thought his calculator design was adequate, but Jobs had different opinions. As Andy Hertzfeld, a pivotal member of the original Macintosh team, noted, Jobs’ remarks were straightforward: “Well, it’s a start, but basically, it stinks.” He pointed out several shortcomings in the design, such as the background color, line thickness, and button dimensions.

    The iterative process that ensued was strenuous for Espinosa. Each day, he adjusted elements based on Jobs’ feedback, only to encounter new criticisms. To escape this loop of continual modifications, Espinosa came up with a smart solution. He developed a program that enabled Jobs to adjust every visual element of the calculator through drop-down menus. This included choices for line thickness, button dimensions, and background styles.

    When Jobs engaged with this program, he spent roughly ten minutes testing the settings until he landed on a combination that pleased him. This inventive tactic not only spared Espinosa from additional rounds of revisions but also led to a design that remained mostly unaffected for 17 years.

    Espinosa’s experience serves as a prime illustration of proficient upward management. By equipping Jobs with the means to convey his preferences explicitly, Espinosa turned a potentially aggravating scenario into a joint achievement.

    For those who yearn for the original Macintosh experience, a contemporary app exists that pays tribute to Espinosa’s calculator design.

    In summary, Chris Espinosa’s inventive approach to managing Steve Jobs’ critiques highlights the significance of flexibility and creativity in the professional environment, particularly when engaging with demanding leadership.

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    • Comments Off on Leaked Information about the Upcoming Group Chat Feature of ChatGPT and Its Possible Capabilities
    Leaked Information about the Upcoming Group Chat Feature of ChatGPT and Its Possible Capabilities

    **ChatGPT Group Chat Functionality Leaked – Here’s What It May Entail**

    The ChatGPT interface has consistently mirrored a conventional chat application, but instead of two individuals communicating through text messages, it features an AI addressing a user’s requests and executing tasks based on guidelines from earlier prompts. Since ChatGPT gained immense popularity in late 2022, OpenAI has refined the core models and introduced numerous enhancements to the ChatGPT environment, such as voice interaction capabilities. Nonetheless, at its core, ChatGPT continues to present and function like a standard chat application. It isn’t exactly the same as iMessage or WhatsApp, as ChatGPT lacks many functionalities typical of traditional chat apps. For instance, ChatGPT does not facilitate group chats, a capability that is common among non-AI chat applications. However, this situation may soon change, as the prospect of group chat functionality for ChatGPT has already been hinted at, giving us insight into its potential operation.

    Renowned AI advocate Tibor Blaho regularly uncovers unreleased AI functionalities in ChatGPT and similar products. He posted on X the visuals above, which are snapshots of the ChatGPT interface showcasing the group chat feature activated. It remains uncertain when this group chat feature will be accessible to users, but OpenAI may roll it out sooner rather than later.

    **How the ChatGPT Group Chat Functionality Operates**

    Blaho’s snapshots provide an initial glimpse into how it could function. A new “Start a group chat” button will be positioned in the upper right corner of the web application. When clicked, it will create a link for sharing with others. Each group chat will have its own title and will be listed in the left sidebar under a fresh “Group chats” section. The link enables anyone to join the group, and newcomers will be able to view earlier messages within the chat.

    The individual creating the group chat can also establish Custom Instructions for the group. These will differ from the Custom Instructions that may have been defined for the standard ChatGPT experience. Additionally, individual ChatGPT memories will not be applicable to group chats. The creator will have the ability to adjust the chatbot’s responses. ChatGPT can either react automatically or only when mentioned by a participant in the group. The latter option allows for the AI’s presence in a group chat without excessive interruptions, ensuring the AI does not clutter discussions by responding to every message.

    Lastly, Blaho notes that ChatGPT group chats will enable reactions, replies to specific messages, a typing indicator, file sharing, image generation, and web searching. Users will also be able to report messages for safety reasons. It is unclear whether the group chat feature will be accessible to all ChatGPT users or just those on a premium ChatGPT subscription.

    **Sam Altman Critiques Slack**

    OpenAI CEO Sam Altman recently expressed his discontent with Slack, stating his suspicion that it may not be effective. “I think it does create a lot of fake work,” remarked the CEO, implying that OpenAI could offer a remedy to this issue. Slack is certainly one of the leading group chat applications for teams and organizations. Yet, Altman proposed the idea of having an AI incorporated into an application like Slack where “you are trusting your AI agent and my AI agent to resolve most matters and escalate to us when necessary” might be a more favorable alternative.

    Envisioning ChatGPT as that AI agent is likely what Altman was hinting at with his example. The leaked group chat functionality could represent a move towards that aspiration. However, the group chat experience that Blaho discovered does not align with the vision Sam Altman suggested during the “Conversations with Tyler” podcast episode last week. Nonetheless, the CEO admitted that OpenAI is “very far” from delivering the agent-like Slack experience he detailed, as the AI technology is not yet there.

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    • Comments Off on Google to Improve User Authority Over Pixel Home Screen
    Google to Improve User Authority Over Pixel Home Screen

    Google is evaluating a new feature that allows the removal of the At a Glance widget from Pixel home screens. This capability, located in the latest Android Canary build, presents a “Show on home screen” toggle option. While turning off the toggle currently has no impact, it implies that Google is internally working on the feature. The At a Glance widget delivers valuable information such as weather forecasts and calendar appointments but takes up considerable space on the home screen. Users have frequently asked for the option to delete it, and this progress could enhance customization possibilities. There is no set timeline for when the feature will be launched, but its inclusion in the Canary version suggests it may be available in the future.

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    • Comments Off on Google Drive Launches AI-Powered Audio Summaries for Seamless PDF Navigation
    Google Drive Launches AI-Powered Audio Summaries for Seamless PDF Navigation

    Gemini is now transforming extensive documents into audio summaries that last just 10 minutes.

    (Image credit: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)

    Essential information

    • A new option in the Google Drive toolbar allows you to create a summary and play it back immediately via the Gemini side panel or retrieve it later from a newly introduced “Audio overviews” folder.
    • This feature generates concise summaries of two to ten minutes highlighting the key aspects of your document, allowing you to skip reading lengthy texts.
    • Currently available only in English, it is being rolled out to select paid Workspace subscriptions.

    Notice

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    • Comments Off on Google Introduces Its Own Private Cloud Computing Service Comparable to Apple’s
    Google Introduces Its Own Private Cloud Computing Service Comparable to Apple’s

    the Private Cloud Compute framework is both secure and confidential. It remains invisible to everyone, including Apple. When Apple launched its secure AI cloud platform, none of its competitors possessed anything comparable, even though they had a head start in generative AI functionalities. As of late November 2025, Apple still trails its competitors in the AI landscape, but now one of them is finally poised to rival Private Cloud Compute. Google, on Tuesday, revealed Private AI Compute, its answer to Apple’s cloud AI platform.

    Private AI Compute fuses Google’s robust Gemini models with tailored cloud hardware to safeguard user data exchanged with servers, rendering it inaccessible to third parties, “not even Google.” The aim of Private AI Compute is to enable users to access more advanced AI functionalities that require processing power beyond what’s feasible on Pixel phones and similar devices. “AI is developing to be increasingly helpful, personalized, and proactive. It’s evolving from executing basic requests to AI that can foresee your needs with customized recommendations or manage tasks for you at opportune moments,” Google remarked in a blog entry. “This enhancement in capability demands sophisticated reasoning and computational strength that occasionally exceeds what’s achievable through on-device processing.”

    Private AI Compute will enhance Pixel functionalities

    Pixel 10 phones on display.

    VGV MEDIA/Shutterstock

    Google detailed that Private AI Compute operates on its proprietary Tensor Processing Units (TPUs) protected by “world-class privacy and security” achieved through Titanium Intelligence Enclaves (TIE). This architecture enables Google to deploy the latest Gemini models in the cloud “with our high standards for privacy and the same in-house computing infrastructure you already depend on for Gmail and Search.” You can visualize Private AI Compute as your personal and highly secure cloud environment on Google’s servers designed to execute more intricate tasks that Gemini is unable to carry out on-device using your phone’s hardware.

    That being said, it’s uncertain <a href="https://www.b

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    • Comments Off on Apple Intelligence Necessitates M2 Mac or Newer, as per Apple’s Site
    Apple Intelligence Necessitates M2 Mac or Newer, as per Apple’s Site

    Apple has recently revised its website to indicate that Apple Intelligence on a Mac necessitates a model with an M2 chip or newer, a departure from the earlier compatibility stipulation of an M1 chip or later. This alteration has sparked concerns among users of M1 Macs, although it is generally thought to be a mistake rather than an intentional revision to the criteria.

    A reader from MacRumors was the first to spot this inconsistency, which seems to be confined to the US version of the Apple website. Previously, all listings for Macs affirmed compatibility with “M1 and later,” but they have now been changed to “M2 and later.” This discrepancy is believed to have stemmed from an update concerning the Vision Pro, which originally required only an M2 chip. After the introduction of the M5 model, the requirement was modified to “M2 or later,” but it appears that the responsibility for updating the Mac listings was inadvertently given to someone who applied the same modification across all Mac models.

    Currently, the UK website has not shown this alteration, as the Vision Pro is still presented with the initial M2 requirement. This implies that the update may not have been implemented globally yet. Observers expect that this is merely an oversight, and more updates from Apple are anticipated to clarify the matter.

    In summary, while the recent modification on Apple’s website has caused some concern among M1 Mac users, it is probably just a minor mistake rather than a major overhaul in compatibility requirements.

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    • Comments Off on Nomad Unveils New Find My Tracking Card Pro Boasting Metal Credit Card Finish with Exclusive Launch Offer
    Nomad Unveils New Find My Tracking Card Pro Boasting Metal Credit Card Finish with Exclusive Launch Offer

    ### Nomad Tracking Card Pro: An Elite Wallet Tracker

    The Nomad Tracking Card Pro has just been introduced, representing a major advancement in the world of wallet trackers. Priced at **$39**, this innovative product is crafted to mirror a high-end credit card while offering state-of-the-art tracking capabilities via Apple’s Find My network. For those seeking a deal, there’s a limited-time offer of **10% off** when purchasing two cards.

    #### Key Features

    1. **Design and Construction**: The Tracking Card Pro boasts a sleek aluminum casing with a polycarbonate finish, imparting a sophisticated appearance that distinguishes it from standard wallet trackers. It comes in two colors: black and white.

    2. **Battery Performance**: A highlight of this product is its remarkable battery life, enduring up to **16 months** on one charge. This is **50% longer** than an AirTag and over three times the duration of various other wallet trackers.

    3. **Charging**: The card features **Qi wireless charging**, enabling users to conveniently recharge it on any compatible charger. This removes the inconvenience of battery replacements.

    4. **Size**: With dimensions of **85mm x 54mm x 2.5mm**, it is notably **one-third the thickness of an AirTag**, making it a slim addition to any wallet.

    5. **Durability**: Rated at **IPX7**, the Tracking Card Pro is both waterproof and dustproof, ensuring it can endure daily use.

    6. **Weight**: At a mere **15 grams**, it is lightweight and will not add bulk to your wallet.

    #### Availability

    The Nomad Tracking Card Pro is now available for **pre-order** and is scheduled to start shipping on **December 19**. Considering the popularity of Nomad’s earlier tracking products, this new card is expected to sell out quickly.

    #### Conclusion

    The Nomad Tracking Card Pro is an outstanding choice for anyone wanting to elevate their wallet’s utility with a chic and dependable tracking solution. With its premium design, extended battery life, and sturdy features, it shines in the competitive market of wallet trackers. Whether you’re a frequent traveler or just want to monitor your belongings, this card is a valuable investment.

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    • Comments Off on Fiio FT7: The Premier Contender of Planar Headphones with Outstanding Sound Quality and Comfort
    Fiio FT7: The Premier Contender of Planar Headphones with Outstanding Sound Quality and Comfort

    Fiio’s FT7 stands as the brand’s supreme over-ear headset thus far, and it ranks among the top choices under $1,000 currently available.

    For the past 18 months, Fiio has consistently been releasing products, with over-ear headsets being one area where it excels. I evaluated all models in this series, beginning with the FT1, FT1 Pro, FT3, FT5, and now the FT7. As suggested by the naming, the FT7 occupies the top tier, with its design and planar drivers clearly reflecting that.

    The FT7 is now accessible worldwide, priced at $699 on Amazon U.S. at the time of this writing. Naturally, this is more expensive than the FT5’s $499 retail price and twice that of the budget-oriented FT3 and FT1 variants, but as is typical with Fiio, the value offered is remarkable.

    Focusing on design, the FT7 shares a similar look to its predecessors, yet it features distinct changes. The headset is built with a carbon-reinforced chassis, which noticeably impacts its weight, making the FT7 weigh in at 427g, 29g lighter than the FT5’s 456g. Despite the figures indicating its lightweight nature, it feels lighter than its dimensions would lead you to believe; this contrasts with the issue often encountered with products from Audeze.

    The craftsmanship is exceptional, and the FT7 undoubtedly resembles a premium headset. It is significantly larger than the FT5, largely owing to the size of the planar drivers. Consequently, this headset isn’t intended for outdoor use — it is designed for indoor listening experiences.

    The design exudes elegance, with the exterior of the earcups adorned in wood, which enhances its aesthetic appeal. The sizable grilles effectively showcase the planar drivers contained within, and in line with the chassis, the headband is crafted from carbon. The headband offers a versatile range of adjustability — though it can feel somewhat stiff at times — and the leather padding is similarly firm straight out of the box.

    While I had initial concerns regarding the fit given the headset’s size, those worries were unfounded. The lightweight design ensures there is no discomfort during prolonged use, as clamping force is minimal. In fact, the FT7 fits snugly against your head, making it seem less cumbersome than the design suggests. For reference, I compared the FT7 with Audeze’s new LCD-S20, and Fiio has made strides in enhancing comfort with this headset.

    Leather ear pads come standard, and Fiio also includes fabric pads within the packaging. Both types of pads feature an angled design that contributes to overall comfort, and although the fabric pads offer better airflow, I opted to use the leather ones during my evaluation.

    Additionally, the included cable measures three meters in length — twice that of the FT5. I found the cable length satisfactory, but I would have preferred Fiio to provide a shorter cable as well. As it stands, only one cable is included, and instead of interchangeable connectors, you receive a standard 4.4mm connector with extenders for XLR or 6.35mm plugs as needed.

    The cable itself is of high quality, and after four months of regular usage, I encountered no issues whatsoever. The outer sheath adds to its durability, and I have complete confidence in its robustness. Similarly, the hard shell case ranks among the best available, providing excellent protection for the FT7 when it’s not in use.

    Featuring a 106mm planar driver, the large size of the driver accounts for the increase in dimensions over the FT5. Notably, Fiio mentions employing a multi-layer coating system that utilizes PET as the diaphragm substrate, incorporating 24k gold and silver.

    Remarkably, the diaphragm is extremely thin at merely 1µm, and it is produced on a 28nm node. While that may appear outdated compared to devices like the Find X9 Pro, which operates on a 3nm node, it is groundbreaking within the audio industry.

    With a 25Ω impedance and a sensitivity of 94dB/mW, a solid source is essential to unlock the full potential of this headset. I paired the FT7 with my Fiio K19 and K17 DAC, with the K19 being the perfect match for this headset. Regarding the audio performance, the FT7 delivers a distinctive Fiio tonal quality with a neutral character and a touch of brightness.

    The bass is extraordinarily detailed —

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    • Comments Off on Greatest New MacBook Offers for November Beginning at $599
    Greatest New MacBook Offers for November Beginning at $599

    # The Present Landscape of MacBooks in the Apple Silicon Era

    During the Apple Silicon period, MacBooks have become more budget-friendly than ever, with brand new models starting at just $599. With potential global tariffs on the horizon, these appealing prices might be short-lived. If you’re looking to buy a new MacBook, now could be an ideal moment to do so.

    Apple’s recent macOS Tahoe update has also ceased support for nearly all Intel Macs, with a few exceptions. If you want to take advantage of the latest Apple software, this is an opportune moment to upgrade.

    ## M1 MacBook Air

    Apple has released four MacBook Air models since the start of the Apple Silicon period: M1, M2, M3, and M4 chips. The M1 MacBook Air continues to feature a recognizable wedge design from the Intel days, which many users may favor.

    Even though it’s four years old, the M1 MacBook Air is still a fantastic laptop for its cost. It offers speedy performance due to the M1 chip, an impressive retina display (albeit with thicker bezels than newer models), an excellent keyboard, and up to 18 hours of battery life. It operates quietly, making it ideal for use in public spaces.

    The M1 MacBook Air is the most affordable choice on this list, though finding new ones with more than 256GB of storage may prove more challenging. Still, it is the only Apple Silicon MacBook available in a classic Gold color.

    You can acquire the M1 MacBook Air for as little as $599 at Walmart in all three colors: Silver, Space Gray, and Gold.

    – **13-inch MacBook Air (M1) with 256GB of storage, 8GB of memory:** $599 at Walmart

    ## M3 MacBook Air

    In 2022, Apple unveiled a revamped MacBook Air featuring a slimmer design, a larger screen with narrower bezels, and the return of MagSafe. It became available in new Starlight and Midnight hues, along with Silver and Space Gray, although Gold was phased out. This new design debuted with the M2 chip and has carried on with the M3.

    M2 MacBook Air models have largely sold out, and a similar trend is occurring with M3 models, though a few remain in stock, especially the 15-inch MacBook Air.

    – **15-inch MacBook Air with M3 chip, 512GB of storage, 24GB of memory:** $1199 at Amazon ($500 off!)

    This MacBook is a fantastic choice if you’re seeking additional unified memory, which is advantageous for multitasking.

    ## M4 MacBook Air

    In March, Apple introduced an updated MacBook Air featuring the M4 chip. This version resembles the previous model but includes a new Center Stage webcam and a fresh Sky Blue color that replaces Space Gray.

    At the moment, you can save at least $100 on the newest MacBook Air models. Apple is said to be developing a new entry-level MacBook with an A18 Pro chip expected to be released in the upcoming year, but at these prices, the MacBook Air remains an excellent option.

    – **13-inch MacBook Air with M4 chip:**
    – 256GB of storage, 16GB of memory: $899 at Amazon
    – 512GB of storage, 16GB of memory: $1065 at Amazon
    – 512GB of storage, 24GB of memory: $1199 at Amazon

    – **15-inch MacBook Air with M4 chip:**
    – 256GB of storage, 16GB of memory: $999 at Amazon
    – 512GB of storage, 16GB of memory: $1199 at Amazon
    – 512GB of storage, 24GB of memory: $1429 at Amazon

    Even as the latest model, there are amazing offers available for the M4 MacBook Air, thanks to its more accessible starting price.

    ## M4 MacBook Pro

    Apple revamped the MacBook Pro in 2021, incorporating a miniLED display with ProMotion, increased ports (including HDMI and an SD card reader), larger batteries, and improved thermals. It now also includes a 1080p webcam.

    While the MacBook Pro isn’t as economically priced as the MacBook Airs listed, good deals can still be found. All models listed below feature M4 and M4 Pro chips, delivering the latest performance and features.

    Inventory for baseline M4 models will likely reduce in the coming months due to the impending release of the new M5 MacBook Pro.

    – **14-inch models:** (Pricing varies)

    – **16-inch models:**
    – M4 Pro MacBook Pro with 512GB of storage, 24GB of memory: $2216 on Amazon
    – M4 Pro MacBook Pro with 512GB of storage, 48GB of

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