Author: sparta

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    • Comments Off on Steve Jobs to Be Honored on the 2026 American Innovation $1 Coin
    Steve Jobs to Be Honored on the 2026 American Innovation $1 Coin

    The US Mint has declared that Steve Jobs, Apple’s co-founder, will appear on one of the coins in the forthcoming American Innovation $1 Coin Program for 2026. This program, which started in 2018, is designed to honor American innovation by releasing $1 coins that symbolize significant contributions from individuals or groups throughout the United States, encompassing all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and five U.S. territories.

    In earlier years, the initiative has recognized remarkable inventions and personalities, including the lightbulb from New Jersey, the Hubble Space Telescope from Maryland, and George Washington Carver from Missouri. For 2026, the Mint has unveiled four new designs, with Jobs representing California.

    The coin depicting Steve Jobs was crafted by Elana Hagler and sculpted by Phebe Hemphill. The design features a young Jobs in a contemplative stance against the backdrop of northern California’s oak-dotted rolling hills, symbolizing how his surroundings shaped his vision to create complex technology that is more intuitive and accessible. The inscriptions on the coin encompass “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “CALIFORNIA,” “STEVE JOBS,” and the phrase “MAKE SOMETHING WONDERFUL.”

    Besides Steve Jobs, the other coins in the 2026 collection will pay tribute to Dr. Norman Borlaug from Iowa, the Cray-1 Supercomputer from Wisconsin, and mobile refrigeration from Minnesota.

    For further details regarding the American Innovation $1 Coin Program, you can visit the US Mint’s official website.

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    • Comments Off on Comparison between M5 MacBook Pro and M4 MacBook Air: Assessing the Top Entry-Level Mac Acquisition
    Comparison between M5 MacBook Pro and M4 MacBook Air: Assessing the Top Entry-Level Mac Acquisition

    **Apple Reveals New 14-Inch MacBook Pro Featuring M5 Chip: An In-Depth Review**

    Today, Apple launched its newest entry-level 14-inch MacBook Pro, equipped with the M5 chip, retailing at $1599. This version comes in close proximity to the MacBook Air, particularly when similarly equipped. As the MacBook Air is released with older Apple Silicon, those considering a purchase might question its ongoing relevance.

    ### M5 vs M4 Chip

    For many, the chip choice is paramount. The M5 chip presents numerous upgrades over the M4:

    – **15% improved multithreaded CPU capabilities**
    – **45% enhanced GPU performance**
    – **30% boost in unified memory bandwidth**
    – **4x peak GPU compute capability for AI**

    These upgrades signify a notable advancement in GPU performance, which could be vital as Apple emphasizes local AI systems. Nevertheless, the M4 chip still provides sufficient performance for typical users, and selections shouldn’t be based exclusively on impending AI advancements.

    ### Air vs Pro: Is the Extra Cost Justified?

    The 14-inch MacBook Pro brings forth various benefits over the MacBook Air, justifying its elevated price. Key advantages include:

    – **Extra Ports**: The MacBook Pro offers three Thunderbolt/USB-C ports, an HDMI port, and an SD card slot, while the Air has only two Thunderbolt/USB-C ports.
    – **Cooling Mechanism**: The Pro is equipped with an active cooling system, vital for demanding CPU/GPU operations, whereas the Air depends on passive cooling that may result in thermal throttling under sustained heavy use.
    – **Display Excellence**: The MacBook Pro’s miniLED display accommodates HDR content, providing superior color fidelity and brightness (1000 nits) compared to the Air’s conventional display (500 nits).

    ### Conclusion

    Generally, the price disparity between the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro is approximately $400 when similarly configured. The Air begins at $1199 with 256GB of storage, while the Pro comes with 512GB. Considering this price difference, potential purchasers should deliberate their choices thoroughly.

    While the new 14-inch MacBook Pro is attractive, it may be prudent to hold off for potential deals, as new MacBooks frequently experience price drops soon after launch. The M4 MacBook Air is often discounted, with current deals making it substantially less expensive than the new Pro variant.

    Ultimately, the choice should depend on whether the user requires the Pro’s superior thermal management, display quality, or extra ports instead of merely the M5 chip’s features.

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    • Comments Off on Investigating Apple’s M5 Chip: Enhanced Graphics and Artificial Intelligence Features
    Investigating Apple’s M5 Chip: Enhanced Graphics and Artificial Intelligence Features

    Apple has recently introduced three new products equipped with the innovative M5 chip: a standard MacBook Pro, an iPad Pro featuring improved connectivity via the N1 and C1X modems, and a refreshed Apple Vision Pro headset. These launches align with Apple’s goal to highlight the third iteration of its 3-nanometer technology chip, underlining enhanced graphics capabilities and advanced AI functions that can operate on devices locally.

    As stated by Johny Srouji, Apple’s senior vice president of Hardware Technologies, the M5 chip signifies a notable leap in AI performance for Apple silicon. The integration of Neural Accelerators within the GPU provides a considerable enhancement to AI tasks. Alongside upgraded graphics capabilities, the fastest CPU core in the world, a swifter Neural Engine, and expanded unified memory bandwidth, the M5 chip remarkably advances the efficiency and features of the MacBook Pro, iPad Pro, and Apple Vision Pro.

    Apple has achieved significant advancements in GPU and AI capabilities with the M5 chip. The new 10-core GPU, incorporating a dedicated Neural Accelerator for each core, delivers over four times the peak GPU computational power when compared to the M4. This results in performance that is up to 30% faster and an upgraded ray-tracing engine. The 16-core Neural Engine stands out as well, optimizing AI processing. For example, the upgraded Vision Pro can quickly convert 2D images into spatial scenes or create enhanced Personas.

    The M5 chip is also equipped with a unified memory bandwidth of 153GB/s, offering nearly a 30% enhancement over the M4, which makes it exceptionally efficient for executing LLM models locally. This progress establishes Apple as a frontrunner in AI-ready hardware, aiding users across various activities such as studying, coding, video and photo editing, and object rendering. Expectations are high for the forthcoming M5 Pro and M5 Max, which are anticipated to further elevate these specifications, rendering future models of the MacBook Pro even more adept for intricate tasks.

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    • Comments Off on Comparison of Samsung Galaxy S26 Edge and iPhone Air: Emphasizing Ultra-Slim Design
    Comparison of Samsung Galaxy S26 Edge and iPhone Air: Emphasizing Ultra-Slim Design

    Samsung is poised to take on Apple’s iPhone Air with its forthcoming Galaxy S26 Edge, which is anticipated to feature a more expansive camera island and a sleeker body. The Galaxy S26 Edge is projected to be even more streamlined than the iPhone Air, with a thickness of merely 5.5mm at its most slender area. This latest iteration will showcase a larger battery, a revamped processor, and an ultrawide camera, establishing it as a strong contender in the smartphone arena.

    The Galaxy S26 Edge is said to come with 16GB of memory and enhanced storage options, employing a dual-chip approach with Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 and Exynos 2600 variants, in addition to a bigger 4,200mAh battery capacity. It is also rumored to feature Qi2 wireless charging with internal magnets for MagSafe-like capabilities. Nevertheless, the device is expected to have an enlarged camera bump, increasing its thickness by 5.3mm, and will provide 25W charging speeds, which could be less rapid than those of the iPhone Air.

    In contrast, the iPhone Air showcases a more refined design with a reduced camera platform, operating on the A19 Pro with 12GB RAM. It packs in elements such as MagSafe, an Action button, and Camera Control, along with a refreshed 18MP selfie camera. Even with its stylish look, the iPhone Air has a lower-resolution primary camera, lacks stereo speakers, and depends exclusively on eSIM globally.

    The Galaxy S26 Edge is anticipated to retail for $1,099, while the iPhone Air is priced at $999. Both devices present distinct features and design aspects, making the decision between them reliant on individual user preferences regarding design, functionality, and operating system.

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    • Comments Off on Receive Up to $400 Discount on Last Year’s Motorola Edge at Best Buy’s Outlet Sale
    Receive Up to $400 Discount on Last Year’s Motorola Edge at Best Buy’s Outlet Sale

    The Motorola Edge 2024 might not be flawless, but it is quite appealing at just $150.

    (Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

    If you are searching for an incredibly affordable phone deal, you might have arrived at the right spot, as Best Buy is providing up to $400 off last year’s Motorola Edge as part of an outlet and clearance event running until this weekend. Although the 2024 Edge won’t deliver top-tier performance, it will suffice for the majority of casual users. Moreover, at $150 when activated by Best Buy (or $250 for self-activation), it appears more competitive even for a 2024 model.

    The 2024 Motorola Edge still features the premium-feeling, anti-slip vegan leather back, a very pleasing pOLED display that is gentle on the eyes, and the intuitive Hello UI that customers appreciate. It comes with 256GB

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    • Comments Off on Galaxy S23 FE Launches Significant One UI 8 Upgrade with Improved Lock Screen Personalization and Extra Capabilities
    Galaxy S23 FE Launches Significant One UI 8 Upgrade with Improved Lock Screen Personalization and Extra Capabilities

    US users are first to receive the new software update.

    Samsung has initiated the rollout of its newest One UI 8 update to Galaxy S23 FE users in the United States. This update offers a range of new features and improvements, aimed at enhancing user experience and device security.

    Key Features of One UI 8 Update:

    1. **Enhanced User Interface**: The update brings new lock screen customization options, enabling users to alter the clock design to correspond with their wallpaper. Users can modify the font’s thickness, size, and color, ensuring perfect harmony with the lock screen image.

    2. **Proactive Tips and AI Features**: One UI 8 utilizes AI to deliver personalized recommendations, simplify tasks, and foster creativity. Features such as Drawing Assist and Writing Assist aid users in generating new ideas and improving their work.

    3. **Security Enhancements**: The update incorporates Knox Enhanced Encrypted Protection (KEEP) for safe app-specific AI storage and the Personal Data Engine (PDE) for increased security. Knox Matrix further fortifies device security by logging users out of high-risk devices and offering data protection guidance.

    4. **Improved Core Apps**: Numerous Samsung core apps, including Samsung Health, Reminders, Routines, Internet, Calendar, and Contacts, receive updates for an enhanced user experience.

    5. **Now Bar**: This feature showcases real-time app activity and media player progress directly on the lock screen, granting users quick access to vital information.

    The update is available for carrier-locked Galaxy S23 FE devices on select networks in the US. Users can check for the update by going to Settings > Software update > Download and install. The update is about 3GB in size and comes with firmware version S711USQU6EYIF.

    With this update, Samsung continues to improve the functionality and security of its devices, ensuring users have access to the latest features and enhancements. Galaxy S23 FE owners can anticipate more updates in the future, as Samsung stays dedicated to providing ongoing support for its devices.

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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on Meta Employs Apple’s Recently Assigned Leader for AI Search Initiative
    Meta Employs Apple’s Recently Assigned Leader for AI Search Initiative

    Meta has maintained its pattern of enticing elite talent from Apple’s AI sector, with the recent onboarding of Ke Yang, who previously was assigned to spearhead Apple’s new AI search initiative aimed at improving Siri’s functions. This development is part of a wider trend of significant exits from Apple, as the firm contends with rising competition in the AI domain.

    Recently, numerous prominent members of Apple’s machine learning division have departed for competitor firms, such as Anthropic and OpenAI, with Meta notably benefiting from this outflow of talent. Key exits include Jian Zhang, Apple’s past Lead AI Researcher for Robotics, Ruoming Pang, who managed the foundation models team, and Frank Chu, who directed cloud infrastructure and search for Apple AI.

    Yang’s latest appointment to lead the Answers, Knowledge, and Information (AKI) team was regarded as a tactical decision for Apple, as the team was charged with crafting features to enhance Siri’s competitiveness against AI models like ChatGPT. The AKI team was created to develop a new search experience that would utilize web information, aiming to improve Siri’s capabilities.

    Nonetheless, Yang’s move to Meta brings up uncertainties regarding the future leadership of the AKI team. He took charge of the group after the departure of Robby Walker, who was previously overseeing the Siri overhaul. With Yang’s exit, it remains unclear who will succeed him, particularly as John Giannandrea, Apple’s senior vice president of AI, has experienced a reduction in his influence due to hurdles in deploying new AI features.

    As Apple navigates this talent exodus and strives to strengthen its AI efforts, competition in the technology sector continues to escalate, with Meta positioning itself as a significant contender in the AI arena.

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    • Comments Off on Sonos Improves Trueplay Functionality to Accommodate iPhone 17 Series
    Sonos Improves Trueplay Functionality to Accommodate iPhone 17 Series

    **Sonos Enhances Trueplay Feature with iPhone 17 Compatibility**

    Sonos has recently upgraded its Trueplay feature, which now includes support for the iPhone 17, allowing users to improve the sound quality of select speakers. This enhancement is important for both audiophiles and casual listeners, as it facilitates the adjustment of audio performance based on specific room acoustics.

    ### What is Trueplay?

    Trueplay is a distinctive feature found on Sonos speakers, such as the Sonos Arc Ultra, Era 100, and Era 300. It provides two tuning modes: quick tuning and advanced tuning. Quick tuning uses the built-in microphone of the speakers to modify sound according to how it bounces off different surfaces in a room. Conversely, advanced tuning leverages the microphone of the iPhone for even more accurate adjustments.

    Sonos characterizes Trueplay as a technology that assesses how sound interacts with walls, furnishings, and other surfaces, ensuring that the speaker delivers optimal sound quality irrespective of its position in the room.

    ### Swift Adoption of iPhone 17 Compatibility

    Traditionally, Sonos has been slow to implement Trueplay support for new iPhone models soon after their debut. However, the company has provided a quick update this time, with Trueplay compatibility for the iPhone 17 becoming available less than a month post-launch. This quick action has been positively acknowledged by users, with one Reddit user expressing gratitude for the prompt update, recalling prior delays that lasted into the holiday period.

    ### Availability and Deployment

    Although the feature is reported to be accessible, it has not been extensively highlighted in recent release notes, suggesting that the rollout might still be underway. Users who do not see the feature right away should anticipate its availability soon.

    ### Conclusion

    The enhancement of Sonos’ Trueplay feature to accommodate the iPhone 17 represents a notable advancement in user experience, providing improved audio calibration functionalities. As Sonos continues to evolve and meet user demands, the integration of cutting-edge technology into their products remains a vital priority.

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