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Step aside Android, Apple’s announced their most powerful devices yet

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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.

Written by Rebecca Borg

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OpenAI Unveils ChatGPT Atlas: The Future of Browsing?

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OpenAI has taken another giant leap forward with the launch of ChatGPT Atlas — an AI-powered web browser that could redefine how people search, explore, and interact online. Investors and competitors are watching closely as this new technology challenges the dominance of traditional browsers like Google Chrome.

With ChatGPT Atlas, users may soon experience a web that feels less like typing into a search box and more like conversing with an intelligent assistant. The integration of AI could make browsing faster, more intuitive, and more personalised than ever before — but it also raises serious questions about privacy and data use.

As AI becomes more deeply embedded in the digital world, ChatGPT Atlas could represent the next major step toward a fully AI-driven online experience. What does this mean for users — and for the tech giants trying to keep up?

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OpenAI limits deepfakes after Bryan Cranston’s concerns

OpenAI protects against deepfakes on Sora 2 after Bryan Cranston and SAG-AFTRA raise concerns over unauthorized AI-generated content

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OpenAI protects against deepfakes on Sora 2 after Bryan Cranston and SAG-AFTRA raise concerns over unauthorised AI-generated content

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In Short:
– OpenAI partners with Bryan Cranston and unions to combat deepfakes on its Sora app.
– The app now includes options for people to control their likenesses and voices.
OpenAI announced it will work with Bryan Cranston, SAG-AFTRA, and actor unions to combat deepfakes on its AI video app, Sora.Cranston voiced concerns after unauthorized AI-generated clips featuring his likeness emerged after Sora 2’s launch in late September. He showed gratitude to OpenAI for taking steps to safeguard actors’ rights to control their likenesses.

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The partnership aims to enhance protections against unauthorized AI content. The Creative Artists Agency and United Talent Agency had previously criticized OpenAI, citing risks to their clients’ intellectual property.

Last week, OpenAI blocked disrespectful videos of Martin Luther King Jr. at the request of his estate, following similar pressures. Zelda Williams also requested the public refrain from sending her AI-generated clips of her late father, Robin Williams.

Policy Changes

Following tensions post-launch, CEO Sam Altman revised Sora’s policy to give rights holders greater control of their likenesses.

The app now allows individuals to opt-out, reflecting OpenAI’s commitment to respond quickly to concerns from performers.

OpenAI backs the NO FAKES Act, supporting legislation that aims to protect individuals from unauthorized AI-generated representations.

OpenAI is focused on ensuring performers’ rights are respected regarding the misuse of their voices and likenesses. Altman reiterated the company’s dedication to these protections.


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Major apps down as AWS experiences global outage

AWS outage disrupts Fortnite, Snapchat and multiple services globally

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AWS outage disrupts Fortnite, Snapchat and multiple services globally

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In Short:
– AWS outage on Monday disrupted major apps like Fortnite, Snapchat, and affected several global companies.
– UK companies including Lloyds Bank and Vodafone reported issues due to the AWS outage.

Amazon’s AWS experienced a significant outage on Monday, impacting major apps including Fortnite and Snapchat. The disruption affected connectivity for numerous companies globally.AWS reported increased error rates and latencies across multiple services and is attempting to recover quickly.

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The outage marks the first significant internet disruption since a previous incident last year that impacted essential technology systems globally. AWS offers on-demand computing and storage services and is vital for many websites and platforms.

Multiple companies reported disruptions, including AI startup Perplexity, cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase, and trading app Robinhood. Perplexity’s CEO confirmed on X that the outages were linked to AWS issues.

Amazon’s shopping site, Prime Video, and Alexa services also faced difficulties, according to Downdetector. Other affected platforms included popular gaming applications like Clash Royale and financial services such as Venmo and Chime.

Uber competitor Lyft’s app was reported down for numerous users in the U.S. Messaging platform Signal also acknowledged connection problems stemming from the AWS outage.

British Companies

In the UK, Lloyds Bank, Bank of Scotland, and telecom services provider Vodafone were notably affected. The HMRC’s website also encountered issues during this outage.

Elon Musk stated that his platform, X, remained operational despite the widespread disruptions.


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