Author: sparta

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    • Comments Off on Apple Research Shows Established Productivity Methods Boost LLM Effectiveness
    Apple Research Shows Established Productivity Methods Boost LLM Effectiveness

    ### Improving Language Model Performance Through Checklist Feedback

    In a recent investigation co-authored by Apple researchers, notable performance enhancements were recorded in an open-source large language model (LLM) when it was guided to review its own outputs using a simple productivity approach. This article explores the nuances of the study, its background, methodology, and future implications for AI-driven assistants.

    #### A Bit of Background

    Typically, LLMs undergo a refinement procedure after training known as reinforcement learning from human feedback (RLHF). During this stage, human annotators assess the model’s replies, providing positive or negative reinforcement that influences the model’s learning path. This step is essential for aligning the model’s actions with user expectations and guaranteeing it yields useful and safe responses.

    Misalignment may result in models producing seemingly correct answers that do not tackle the fundamental task. Various strategies are available to boost a model’s accuracy and alignment, but this investigation emphasizes RLHF specifically.

    #### Apple’s Research

    The research, titled

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    • Comments Off on Apple Introduces Public Beta 5 for tvOS 26 and Other Updates
    Apple Introduces Public Beta 5 for tvOS 26 and Other Updates

    **Apple Unveils Public Beta 5 for tvOS 26: What to Anticipate**

    Apple has just rolled out public beta 5 for tvOS 26, alongside updates for HomePod 26 and other forthcoming software. This release comes as Apple concludes its summer testing phase, representing a notable progress toward the official release of these updates.

    ### Public Beta 5 Makes Its Debut as Apple Concludes Summer Testing

    Earlier today, Apple also launched developer beta 8 updates for multiple platforms, including iOS 26, watchOS 26, and macOS Tahoe. Traditionally, public beta versions have been introduced several days after their developer equivalents. However, Apple has significantly shortened this interval to merely a few hours with the latest releases.

    Public beta 5 for tvOS 26 reflects the modifications seen in developer beta 8, primarily centering on improving stability and performance. Users can look forward to a more refined experience as Apple fine-tunes the software prior to its official rollout.

    The broad public availability of these updates is expected in mid-September, just a few weeks away. For those eager to try out the new features in advance, enrolling in Apple’s public beta program is available. Interested individuals can register at

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    • Comments Off on AI Might Raise Your Electricity Expenses Regardless of Individual Consumption
    AI Might Raise Your Electricity Expenses Regardless of Individual Consumption

    leading some corporations such as Google to put resources into nuclear energy. However, not every corporation has reached that stage, and with the rise in AI utilization, certain states are experiencing an uptick in their electricity expenses, even in cases where AI isn’t in use.

    As per a recent report by Bloomberg, the escalating need for AI data centers is exerting extra pressure on the U.S. electrical grid. Indeed, numerous states have already noted an increase in the amounts consumers are required to pay monthly for their electricity, with the uptick aimed at addressing the rising energy demand from AI.

    Bloomberg’s analysis indicates that in various states, many experienced above-average spikes in their yearly electricity costs. Residents in New Jersey faced a 13.3% hike, while New York’s surge was even more significant at 14.4%, and that was just up to May.

    Reasons for rising energy costs

    <source media="(max-width: 428px)" srcset="https://www.bgr.com/img/gallery/ai-might-make-your-power-bill-go-up-even-if-you-dont-use-it/why-energy-bills-are-rising-1756156164.sm

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    • Comments Off on Apple TV+ Reveals Its Most Remarkable Fall Schedule Ever: Full List of Upcoming Releases
    Apple TV+ Reveals Its Most Remarkable Fall Schedule Ever: Full List of Upcoming Releases

    Apple TV+ is having an extraordinary year, presenting an exhilarating fall schedule that features significant returning titles and captivating new programs. This piece outlines the forthcoming premieres on Apple TV+ for September, October, and November, highlighting a diverse array of genres, from suspenseful thrillers to poignant documentaries.

    ### September

    **Highest 2 Lowest**
    – **When:** September 5
    – **What:** Movie
    – **Genre:** Crime Thriller
    In “Highest 2 Lowest,” music executive Denzel Washington confronts a critical moral choice when he finds himself targeted in a ransom scheme, offering a contemporary take on Akira Kurosawa’s classic “High and Low,” set in present-day New York City.

    **The Morning Show (Season 4)**
    – **When:** September 17
    – **What:** TV Show
    – **Genre:** Drama
    The fourth installment of “The Morning Show” explores the intricacies of truth amid a divided America, boasting an ensemble cast that includes Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon.

    **Slow Horses (Season 5)**
    – **When:** September 24
    – **What:** TV Show
    – **Genre:** Spy Thriller
    This spy drama continues to follow British intelligence operatives led by Gary Oldman’s character as they navigate the hurdles of their unusual department.

    **The Reluctant Traveler with Eugene Levy (Season 3)**
    – **When:** September 19
    – **What:** TV Show
    – **Genre:** Docuseries
    Eugene Levy sets off on a worldwide journey, piecing together his ultimate travel wish list in this fascinating docuseries.

    **All of You**
    – **When:** September 26
    – **What:** Movie
    – **Genre:** Romance
    This romantic feature delves into the unarticulated emotions between best friends Simon and Laura, as they traverse their lives and missed chances.

    **The Savant**
    – **When:** September 26
    – **What:** TV Show
    – **Genre:** Thriller
    Jessica Chastain stars as an undercover detective infiltrating hate groups to combat domestic extremism.

    ### October

    **The Lost Bus**
    – **When:** October 3
    – **What:** Movie
    – **Genre:** Drama
    Helmed by Paul Greengrass, this film centers on a school bus driver and a teacher fighting to protect children from a raging wildfire.

    **The Last Frontier**
    – **When:** October 10
    – **What:** TV Show
    – **Genre:** Crime Thriller
    Jason Clarke plays a U.S. marshal engulfed in turmoil when a prison transport plane crashes, setting loose violent inmates in the Alaskan wilderness.

    **Loot (Season 3)**
    – **When:** October 15
    – **What:** TV Show
    – **Genre:** Comedy
    Maya Rudolph reprises her role as Molly Wells, juggling her newfound riches and charitable pursuits post-divorce.

    **Mr. Scorsese**
    – **When:** October 17
    – **What:** TV Show
    – **Genre:** Docuseries
    This series provides a close-up view of Martin Scorsese’s life and career, featuring exclusive interviews and archival materials.

    **Stiller & Meara: Nothing is Lost**
    – **When:** October 24
    – **What:** Movie
    – **Genre:** Documentary
    Ben Stiller reminisces about the legacy of his parents, comedy legends Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara, intertwining family with creativity.

    **Down Cemetery Road**
    – **When:** October 29
    – **What:** TV Show
    – **Genre:** Drama
    A sudden explosion prompts Sarah Tucker to recruit a private investigator to reveal a conspiracy in her peaceful community.

    ### November

    **Pluribus**
    – **When:** November 7
    – **What:** TV Show
    – **Genre:** Sci-Fi Drama
    From the creator of “Breaking Bad,” Vince Gilligan, this series chronicles a downtrodden individual charged with the task of saving the world from happiness.

    **Palm Royale (Season 2)**
    – **When:** November 12
    – **What:** TV Show
    – **Genre:** Comedic Drama
    Maxine deals with her social standing after a public collapse, unveiling secrets within her town.

    **Come See Me in the Good Light**
    – **When:** November 14
    – **What:** Movie
    – **Genre:** Documentary
    This film narrates the love story of poets Andrea Gibson and Megan Falley as they grapple with an incurable cancer diagnosis.

    **Prehistoric Planet: Ice Age**
    – **When:** November 26
    – **What:** TV Show
    – **Genre:** Documentary
    This docuseries delves into prehistoric existence during the Ice Age, featuring stunning visuals and narration by Tom Hiddleston.

    ### TBD Fall

    Apple TV+ is anticipated to reveal more fall titles, including the eagerly awaited “F1 The Movie,” which chronicles a former racing prodigy’s return to the circuit.

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    • Comments Off on Upcoming Significant Apple TV+ Films and Series in September 2025
    Upcoming Significant Apple TV+ Films and Series in September 2025

    Apple TV+ is gearing up its September slate with several of the streamer’s most significant launches in recent times, featuring beloved returning shows and exciting new entries. Spike Lee begins the month with the streaming debut on September 5 of his new crime thriller “Highest 2 Lowest,” featuring Denzel Washington as a music tycoon.

    Just weeks after, Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon are returning to the anchor desk when “The Morning Show” premieres its fourth season on September 17. The momentum carries on September 24 with the much-anticipated fifth season of “Slow Horses” — the acclaimed espionage drama fronted by Gary Oldman that has become one of Apple’s hallmark series.

    And as the month wraps up, Apple will be releasing not one but two brand-new projects on September 26: The romantic drama “All of You” and “The Savant,” a limited series featuring Jessica Chastain. We’ll delve deeper into each of the forthcoming titles below.

    All the new arrivals on Apple TV+ this September

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    • Comments Off on Google Emphasizes AI with Unveiling of Pixel 11 Design; No Intentions for Pixel Flip or Tablets
    Google Emphasizes AI with Unveiling of Pixel 11 Design; No Intentions for Pixel Flip or Tablets

    Without any intentions to unveil the upcoming Pixel Tablet, a flip phone, or a smart ring.

    (Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

    Essential information

    • Interpretations from Google’s high-ranking officials revealed that significant design modifications occur approximately every two to three years. The firm is already in the process of envisioning new designs for the Pixel models set to launch in 2026 and 2027.
    • Google is concentrating heavily on software and artificial intelligence as the leading force of innovation, instead of aesthetic design transformations.
    • The technology powerhouse asserts that the future of its hardware offerings lies in gadgets such as XR Glasses and foldable devices, which will be seamlessly integrated with artificial intelligence.
    • The Vice President of devices and services at Google has confirmed that the company is not actively developing a flip phone or a smart ring at this time.
    • Moreover, Google has “paused” any developments on forthcoming tablets (specifically Pixel Tablet 2) until they can establish a clear vision for the product.

    Last week, Google concluded its yearly Pixel launch event, and while there was no significant alteration in the design of the phones, Rick Osterloh, Google’s Senior VP of Devices and Services, noted that this shouldn’t be surprising, considering the Pixel’s design does not undergo drastic changes every single year.

    This year celebrates a decade since the first Pixel was introduced, and although we anticipated seeing a design evolution, we were met with merely a few fresh colors and phones that look quite similar. In an extensive interview with <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2025-08-21/google-pixel-10-future-of-pixel-google-glasses-interview-with-rick-osterloh" data-url="https://www.bloomberg

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    • Comments Off on Google’s Messages Beta Launches QR Code Security for Conversations
    Google’s Messages Beta Launches QR Code Security for Conversations

    This was noticed towards the end of last year, and it’s a development that could enhance the security of your chats.

    What you need to know:
    – A report indicates that a new Google Messages beta has introduced the company’s QR code-based verification keys on Android devices.
    – The Android System Key Verifier serves as the foundation for this, allowing users to scan a QR code on each other’s devices to confirm that their texts remain private between them.
    – This capability was previously mentioned in November 2024 and was described as a way to further secure users’ RCS chats, ensuring that their messages are exclusive to them and their contacts.

    Google has been reportedly developing a fresh approach for users to protect their RCS chats, and it seems that progress is emerging in beta.

    A post from 9to5Google emphasizes the presence of a new Google Messages beta, which purportedly includes the company’s latest QR code-based key verification feature. While the backbone of this is the Android System Key Verifier, 9to5 highlights that beta testers should locate a “Security & Privacy” sub-menu when selecting “verify encryption” within one of their RCS messaging threads.

    While attempting verification, the post mentions that users should see a pop-up for “verify keys for this contact,” which literally contains the key to enhanced RCS chat security. A prominent “Your QR Code” button is positioned in the middle of this sub-menu, indicating which app/phone number the code will help verify and secure. The QR code functions reciprocally, requiring users to have their contacts scan their code and vice versa.

    Alternatively, users can compare verification codes, which is essentially the sole function you’d currently discover in the Messages app if you were to verify chats.

    The publication’s testing has also revealed that the Android System Key Verifier will initiate the scanning process, complete with a colorful viewfinder.

    Ensure it’s the right individual

    We initially learned about Google allegedly developing an enhanced method for verifying your RCS chats back in November. The Android System Key Verifier acts as the driving force behind this, appearing as an app (that should already exist on your device) that can secure your RCS chats with encryption keys. As noted by 9to5, Google’s explanation regarding these keys states that they “help ensure only you and your contact can read the RCS messages you send each other.”

    These keys are then exchanged through the QR codes that you and your friend or family member scan on each other’s phones.

    Last fall, it was speculated that these QR codes assist in identifying one another, guaranteeing that only you and the person you are texting have access to those messages. It was also mentioned that this feature would only function on devices operating on Android 10 or newer. Furthermore, the genuine possibility of someone acquiring a new phone was highlighted.

    In such an event, it is likely that the verification keys would no longer match, requiring users to repeat the QR code scanning procedure. Since this feature has just been identified in beta, we may be a few months away from its official release. The Android 16’s QPR2 Beta 1 has just been issued; perhaps we can anticipate this Messages feature to launch around then, likely toward December.

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    • Comments Off on iPadOS 26 Beta 8 Launched Prior to Imminent Release
    iPadOS 26 Beta 8 Launched Prior to Imminent Release

    Apple has launched iPadOS 26 beta 8 for developers, likely the penultimate beta prior to the release candidate (RC) arriving next month. The testing phase for iPadOS 26 is approaching its conclusion, with the software update accessible to beta testers since early June. With September on the horizon, the software is nearly primed for public release.

    The arrival of beta 8 may indicate the final beta before the RC version is revealed, mirroring a pattern observed with last year’s iPadOS 18. In that case, beta 8 was issued in the last week of August, with no further betas until the RC was presented following Apple’s September event. This year is predicted to mirror that path.

    The most recent beta is expected to be the most stable version yet, as Apple has focused on rectifying bugs and enhancing stability in the latest betas. Nevertheless, there are always further fixes that could be applied. If Apple sticks to its typical timeline, the iPadOS 26 RC will be disclosed shortly after the company’s September event, anticipated to feature the iPhone 17 lineup, Apple Watch Ultra 3, Series 11, AirPods Pro 3, and possibly the M5 iPad Pro.

    Invitations for the event are expected to be dispatched soon, and September 9 is currently anticipated as the keynote date.

    In summary, the iPadOS 26 beta has demonstrated encouraging stability and performance, and users are urged to share their feedback in the comments.

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    • Comments Off on iPhone 17 Air Anticipated to Resurrect iPhone 4 Era Design Approach
    iPhone 17 Air Anticipated to Resurrect iPhone 4 Era Design Approach

    The anticipated iPhone 17 Air from Apple is said to have a thickness of 5.5mm. However, such a device will require protective accessories, including a screen protector and a case. While both components will safeguard the device, they will also increase the overall thickness of the phone, which somewhat undermines the aim. Opting for a bumper case akin to the notorious protective accessory of the iPhone 4 may prove to be more effective than a standard case, particularly if produced by Apple. In fact, reports suggest that the iPhone manufacturer has contemplated crafting bumper cases for the iPhone 17 Air, albeit it remains uncertain whether Apple will proceed with production.

    “I think Apple has at least explored/tested a new case for the thinner iPhone this year that encloses the edges without covering the back,” Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman mentioned on X on Sunday. “It’s a concept akin to the iPhone 4 Bumpers from 2010.”

    In reaction to the Antennagate issue, Apple produced bumper cases for the iPhone 4. Grasping the iPhone 4 could sometimes obstruct the cellular signal from the exposed antenna lines located on the sides of the metal shell. This resulted in connectivity problems and dropped calls. Apple addressed the dilemma by offering complimentary bumper cases to purchasers of the iPhone 4. The vibrant cases remained for sale in stores even after that.

    Why bumper cases are a wise choice for the iPhone 17 Air

    <source media="(min-width: 429px)" src

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    • Comments Off on Pixel 10 Unveils Satellite WhatsApp Audio and Video Calling Capabilities
    Pixel 10 Unveils Satellite WhatsApp Audio and Video Calling Capabilities

    the Pixel 10 series was unveiled last week, but it appears a significant feature went unannounced, one that’s unique to this device. Google confirmed on Friday via X that the Pixel 10 smartphones will be capable of supporting WhatsApp audio and video calls via satellite. No other Android smartphone or iPhone offers satellite data connection calls.

    Although it came as a surprise, Google’s revelation wasn’t completely unforeseen. Last week, Google shared other satellite communication updates, including another intriguing milestone. The Pixel Watch 4, revealed during the Made by Google event on Wednesday, stands as the first smartwatch globally to provide two-way satellite communications.

    Additionally, Google’s satellite service partner Skylo announced on Wednesday that it will facilitate <a href="https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/google-and-skylo-expand-satellite-connectivity-to-pixel-10

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