Expert advice, in-depth device explanations and all the updates – everything you need to know about Apple’s latest product launch.
The new MacBook Pro among a series of new Apple releases
Apple’s freshest products are in, but there’s something quite different about the tech giant’s latest product release.
In the past, Apple fans have witnessed the tech company outdo themselves each year, with their much-loved devices advancing in technicality each model.
But after wrapping up their latest product showcase, Apple’s so-called “unleashed event” has turned user expectation on its head.
Rather than going out with the old and in with the new, the newest models of MacBook laptops and Airpods share similar features to much older models of their respective devices.
The latest release of devices will see SD card ports reintroduced to laptops and the next generation of Airpods share their design of their original model.
Apple has also taken aim at professional content developers opposed to general consumer leisure.
But first, here’s all you need to know about Apple’s new approach to their latest tech:
What exactly did Apple unveil at their latest event?
While many would say the third generation of Airpods and the release of the new MacBook Pro were the highlights of Apple’s events, the tech giant unveiled a series of new updates and features to some of their pre-existing products.
All-new MacBook Pro and Airpods aside, here’s some more changes coming to Apple devices that you need to be aware of.
The M1 Pro and M1 Max
The tech giant has introduced their most powerful chips built in-house, the M1 Pro and M1 Max.
Installed to power the all-new MacBook Pro, the new chips feature up to a 10-core CPU, 32-core GPU, 64GB of unified memory, ProRes acceleration and industry-leading power efficiency.
The new chips are up to two times faster and one-up the pre-existing M1 chip installed in earlier models of the MacBook Pro and Air, iPad and the latest iMac.
Additionally, memory bandwidth, graphics and battery life are enhanced, making it one of the most powerful chips built for a pro notebook.
M1 Pro and M1 Max feature an up to 10-core CPU that is up to 1.7x faster than the latest 8-core PC laptop chip at the same power level, and achieves the PC chip’s peak performance at up to 70 per cent less power. (Apple)
To all video editors, graphic designers and film makers – the tech giant hasn’t forgotten about you.
Loaded with advanced custom technologies, the M1 Pro and M1 Max chips can deal with intense workflows.
And if that still doesn’t convince you, both chips are 100 percent carbon neutral as Apple works towards their goal of net-zero by 2030.
M1 Pro features 33.7 billion transistors — more than 2x the amount in M1. The chip can be configured with up to 32GB of fast unified memory. (Apple)
The Apple Music Voice Plan
From just $5.99 a month, you can access the ultimate music experience designed exclusively for Siri.
The Apple Music Voice Plan exposes subscribers to a catalogue of 90 million songs, tens of thousands of playlists, personalised mixes and genre stations, as well as the award-winning Apple Music Radio.
To access all these features, plus more, all you have to do is call out to Siri.
“Apple Music and Siri are natural partners and already work seamlessly together.”
Oliver Schusser, Apple’s vice president of Apple Music and Beats..
“With Siri actively used on hundreds of millions of devices worldwide, we are thrilled to add this new plan that delivers an effortless music experience just by using your voice and makes Apple Music accessible to even more people around the world.”
The Apple Music Voice Plan is designed around the power of Siri, and will be available this spring in 17 countries and regions. (Apple)
Apple users can access the Apple Music Voice Plan across all Siri-enabled devices including HomePod mini, AirPods, iPhone or any other Apple device, and when using CarPlay.
It comes as competition ramps up in the music streaming world, with the Apple Music Voice Plan offering voice assistant technology that neither Spotify or Android’s Music Player have current access to.
Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro
Who needs access to a state-of-the-art editing suite when you can access studio-level features from your living room?
Apple’s update to their Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro programs is doing just that, thanks to powerful new features and optimisations from the M1 Pro and M1 Max chips.
Professional video editors are performing tasks never thought possible on a Mac, with the updates providing the ability to play seven streams of 8K ProRes or colour-grade 8K HDR video, among other features.
“The world’s most creative people use Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro and the Mac to make the memorable movies, TV shows, online videos, songs and soundtracks that we all enjoy,” Bob Borchers, Apple’s vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing, says.
“Pros will be able to push the limits of their creativity like never before.”
Final Cut Pro 10.6 and Logic Pro 10.7 are available from today as a free update for existing users, or for A$499.99 and A$319.99 including GST, respectively for new users on the Mac App Store.
HomePod Mini goes vibrant
In line with the release of the Apple Music Voice Plan, Apple’s HomePod Mini is getting a splash of colour, with fans now able to purchase the device in yellow, orange or blue.
These colours are in addition to the pre-existing options of white and space grey.
“HomePod mini sounds incredible, and with access to more than 90 million songs in the global Apple Music catalogue and deep integration with your Apple devices, it’s the must-have smart speaker for iPhone users.”
Bob Borchers, Apple’s vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing.
“With new vibrant colours, HomePod mini fits in even more places and delivers amazing sound, the power of Siri, and simple and secure smart home controls, all while protecting your privacy.”
HomePod mini works seamlessly with iPhone to hand off music or receive personalised listening suggestions when a device is nearby. (Apple)
In addition to the new colour palette, Apple is enlarging their list of available device features.
Expanding multi-user voice recognition, automatic Siri volume control and new ways to control smart devices are among some of the new features to be added to the device.
The HomePod mini also takes the environment into consideration.
Just under 100 per cent of the device is manufactured with recycled rare earth elements, while the neodymium magnet in the speaker driver utlises 100 per cent recycled rare earth elements.
HomePod mini consumes 75 per cent less energy than the stringent requirements for ENERGY STAR.
Old features on new products
Okay, so back to the stars of the show, it’s quite noticeable that the new generations of MacBook pro and AirPods share some similarities with their respective predecessors.
Some might question if it’s even worth purchasing them seeing that Apple has taken a step back to old times.
However, Apple has raised the bar in other aspects, taking their goal or working towards net-zero by 2030 into account.
MacBook Pro with M1 Pro and M1 Max
Available in 14 inch and 16 inch models, the new MacBook Pro features a 1080p camera, the best audio system in a notebook and the most advanced connectivity ever seen.
Developers, photographers, filmmakers, 3D artists, scientists and music producers are at the forefront of the latest MacBook release.
“We set out to create the world’s best pro notebook, and today we’re excited to introduce the all-new MacBook Pro with M1 Pro and M1 Max — a game-changing combination of phenomenal performance, unrivalled battery life and groundbreaking features.”
Greg Joswiak, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing.
“The all-new MacBook Pro adds a breathtaking XDR display, more ports like MagSafe 3, an advanced 1080p camera and a sensational six-speaker sound system, all in a stunning new design.”
“The new MacBook Pro simply has no equal and is by far the best pro notebook we’ve ever built.”
If you’re still not entirely convinced, lets compare the newest model to the previous Pro.
MacBook Pro 2020 M1 chip
8 core CPU
8 core GPU
Up to 16GB unified memory
Up to 2 TB storage
Up to 20 hours battery life
Touch bar and touch ID
720p FaceTime HD camera
Advanced image signal processor with computational video
Stereo speakers with high dynamic range
MacBook Pro 2021 M1 Pro or M1 Max
Up to 10-core CPU
Up to 32-core GPU
Up to 64GB unified memory
Up to 8 TB storage
Up to 17 hours battery life
Touch ID
1080p FaceTime HD camera
Advanced image signal processor with computational video
High-fidelity six-speaker sound system with force-cancelling woofers
In addition, the 2021 model of the MacBook pro comes with additional ports for an SD card, HDMI and three thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) ports.
Both models also come in silver and space grey.
Unlike other pro notebooks that lose performance when they are not plugged in, MacBook Pro delivers the same level of performance whether it is plugged in or using the battery.
Ultimately it’s designed for performance, with capabilities that go beyond the expectations of any other notebooks.
The new MacBook Pro models are available from today with a retail price from $2,999.
AirPods 3rd Generation
While the new AirPods feature spatial audio, industry-leading sound and longer battery life, they do share a similar design to their first generation relatives.
Additionally, the new AirPods are resistant to sweat and water.
Again, in line with the release of Apple Music Voice Plan, the new earphones feature a force sensor for easy and intuitive control of music and phone calls plus extended battery life.
“AirPods forever changed wireless headphones with their groundbreaking design, incredible sound and magical experience.”
Greg Joswiak, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing.
“We are excited to introduce the next generation of AirPods, featuring unrivalled sound through Adaptive EQ and spatial audio with dynamic head tracking, along with seamless interaction between Apple devices — making the world’s best-selling headphones even better.”
While the third generation does share similarities with the first generation, the device’s stem is shorter with the goal of having a more subtle appearance.
Sound quality is also improved and microphone quality is also taken into account, covered by an acoustic mesh to block the sound of wind, all part of Apple’s intentions of creating a magical experience.
So how does this compare to the second generation of AirPod Pro?
AirPods 3rd Generation 2021
Spatial audio with dynamic head tracking
Sweat and water resistant
H1 chip
6 hours of listening time on charge
Up to 30 hours of listening time with charging case
Automatic switching
MagSafe charging
AirPods Pro
Spatial audio with dynamic head tracking
Sweat and water resistant
H1 chip
4.5 hours of listening time on charge
More than 24 hours of listening time with charging case
Automatic switching
MagSafe charging
While the AirPods pro do have the active noise cancellation feature, if you’re after a cheaper and longer-charging alternative, the AirPods 3rd Generation may be the option for you.
AirPods 3rd Generation are available to order from today, with their debut in store to occur from the 26th of October this year.
They start at a retail price of $279, therefore reducing the price of AirPods 2nd Generation to $219.
And to personalise your new AirPods even more, Apple offers free engraving for free if you order online.
And that’s a wrap
There you have it, you’re now up to date on Apple’s latest product release.
Stay tuned with ticker news and ticker tech for all the information on what’s to come from the Apple empire.
Video game publisher Electronic Arts (EA), one of the biggest video game companies in the world behind games such as The Sims and Battlefield, has been sold to a consortium of buyers for US$55 billion (about A$83 billion). It is potentially the largest-ever buyout funded by private equity firms. Not AI, nor mining or banking, but video games.
The members of the consortium include: Silver Lake Partners, an American private global equity firm focusing on technology; the Public Investment Fund (PIF), Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund; and the investment firm Affinity Partners, run by Jared Kushner, son-in-law of American President Donald Trump.
The consortium will purchase all of the publicly traded company’s shares, making it private. But while the consortium and EA’s shareholders will likely be celebrating – each share was valued at US$210, representing a 25% premium – it’s not all good news.
PIF acquiring EA raises concerns about possible “game-washing”, and less than ideal future business practices.
EA’s poor reputation
Video games are big business. The global video game industry is worth more than the film and music industries combined. But why would these buyers specifically want to buy EA, an entity that has won The Worst Company in America award twice?
It has been criticised for alleged poor labour practices, a focus on online gaming (even when it’s not ideal, such as in single-player stories), and a history of acquiring popular game studios and franchises and running theminto the ground.
Players of some of EA’s most beloved franchises, such as The Sims, Dragon Age and Star Wars Battlefront II, believe the games have been negatively impacted due to the company meddling in production, and wanting to focus on online play and micro-transactions.
Microtransactions are small amounts of money paid to access, or potentially access, in-game items or currency. Over time, they can add up to a lot of money, and have even been linked to the creation of problem gambling behaviours. Unsurprisingly, they are not popular among players.
Current global economic stresses have affected video games and other high-tech industries. The development costs of a video game can be hundreds of millions of dollars. EA has reacted to its slowing growth by cancelling games and laying-offclose to2,000 workers since 2023. So a US$55 billion offer probably looked enticing.
Saudi Arabia’s investment spree
In recent years, the Saudi wealth fund has been on an entertainment investment splurge. Before this latest acquisition, PIF invested heavily in both golf and tennis.
It is a sponsor and official naming rights partner of both the Women’s Tennis Association rankings and the Association of Tennis Professionals rankings.
The wealth fund also helped establish the LIV Golf tour in 2022, in opposition to the Professional Golf Association (PGA). By offering huge sums of money, it was able to attract players away from the PGA. One player was reportedly offered US$125 million (A$189 million). This tactic worked; a merger was announced between LIV, the DPA (European golf tour) and the PGA (North American golf tour) in 2023, with PIF as the main funder.
PIF, via its subsidiaries, has also been acquiring stakes in other video game companies. For example, it is one of the largest shareholders in Nintendo, the developer behind Mario, and purchased Niantic (the company behind Pokémon Go) earlier this year for US$3.5 billion (A$5.3 billion)
Why does PIF want video game companies?
Live sport and video games have a few things in common: they are fun, engaging and entertaining. And being known for entertainment is good PR for a country that has been accused of human rights abuses.
PIF’s investment in sport has been called “sportswashing”: using an association with sport to counteract bad publicity and a tarnished moral reputation. Video games, with their interactivity and entertainment value, represent an opportunity for game-washing.
The fact EA owns many sports games’ franchises would also be a bonus, potentially allowing for further video game and sport collaboration. And the fact the video game industry is projected to keep growing globally makes it a good investment for an oil-rich nation looking to economically diversify.
Beyond game-washing concerns, we also need to pay attention to the type of buyout happening here. This is a “leveraged” buyout, meaning part of the purchase price – in this case US$20 billion (A$30 billion) – is funded as debt taken on by the company. So once the acquisition is complete, EA will have US$20 billion of new debt.
With all that new debt to service, it would only be natural to have concerns about more lay-offs, cost-cutting and increasing monetisation via strategies such as microtransactions. Ultimately, this would result in a poorer experience for players. It seems the more things change, the more they stay the same.
In Short:
– Cyber attacks increasingly target businesses, with 80% of ransomware victims opting to pay ransoms.
– SMEs are often affected, with only 60% recovering data after paying ransoms amidst rising cyber insurance costs.
Cyber attacks are increasingly targeting sensitive business data, with many companies paying ransoms. A report from Hiscox indicates that 80% of businesses affected by ransomware over the past year opted to pay.The annual Cyber Readiness Report highlights a concerning trend in ransomware attacks against well-known companies, including Marks and Spencer, the Co-op, and Jaguar Land Rover.
The latter recently received a £1.5bn government loan guarantee aimed at protecting its supply chain, which includes numerous small firms.
Many victims of cyber attacks are small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which often require assistance to recover. Hiscox reported that while 27% of the surveyed 5,750 SMEs faced ransomware attacks, only 60% that paid the ransom managed to recover their data.
Impact on Firms
The broader findings revealed that nearly 60% experienced some form of cyber attack, with numerous businesses attributing their vulnerabilities to artificial intelligence.
Companies face not only financial repercussions, including fines and lost revenue, but also damage to their reputations. Eddie Lamb of Hiscox warned against underestimating the severe consequences of cyber attacks on all business sizes.
Jaguar Land Rover was reportedly finalising cyber insurance when it was attacked, incurring significant losses. Industry experts note that the rising costs of comprehensive cyber insurance policies may leave many firms unprotected. The cyber insurance market is growing, responding to the high-profile impacts experienced by businesses like M&S, which anticipates recovering losses through insurance after its own ransomware incident.
In Short:
– OpenAI is launching Sora 2, a social media app with AI-generated videos, competing with TikTok.
– The app features a unique identity verification system and provides short video content without uploads.
OpenAI is set to unveil Sora 2, a new social media app that imitates TikTok by offering AI-generated video content. The strategy positions OpenAI to directly challenge established platforms in the AI video market.The platform has begun internal testing. Employees have reacted positively, raising productivity concerns among managers. Sora 2 features swipe-to-scroll navigation and offers personalized video recommendations.
A unique identity verification system allows users to authenticate their likeness for use in AI-generated videos. Users will be notified when their likeness is used in videos, regardless of whether these are published. Video lengths are capped at 10 seconds, with no capability to upload personal content.
The app includes typical social media features like likes and comments, with a user interface that resembles TikTok’s “For You” page.
Strategic Launch
OpenAI’s timing for this launch is strategic, coinciding with uncertainties surrounding TikTok’s U.S. operations. Recent deals aim to transfer majority control of TikTok’s American business to U.S. investors while permitting ByteDance a minority stake.
OpenAI perceives the current turbulence as a unique opportunity to introduce a competitive platform for short-form videos, appealing to users seeking alternatives during this period of regulatory scrutiny.
