MBW 924: Wireless Wired - Justin Long, M2 iPad Air Cores, Apple News+
Digest
The episode concludes with a series of announcements and updates from the hosts. Andy Ihnatko shares his upcoming appearance on WGBH News, a live show at the Boston Public Library, while Alex Lindsay discusses his involvement with Office Hours dot Global, a platform for answering tech-related questions. The hosts also mention the upcoming appearance of Ecam on the show, highlighting its support for Zoom and its integration with Dark Rock. The episode ends with a reminder of the show's schedule and availability on various platforms, including YouTube, Twit.tv, and podcast players.
Outlines
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Introduction
This Chapter introduces the Mac Break Weekly podcast and its esteemed panel of Apple experts, including Jason Snell, Alex Lindsay, and Andy Ihnatko. The hosts discuss the upcoming WWDC event and the lack of hardware announcements, setting the stage for a conversation about Apple's AI strategy.
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WWDC Speculation and AI
This Chapter delves into the speculation surrounding Apple's WWDC event, particularly focusing on the company's approach to AI. The hosts discuss rumors suggesting a lack of hardware announcements and a focus on software advancements. They explore the potential for Apple to leverage its vertical stack, encompassing hardware, operating systems, and software, to deliver unique AI experiences.
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Apple's AI Strategy
This Chapter examines Apple's AI strategy in the context of the growing competition from platforms like Windows and Android. The hosts discuss the importance of user-friendly AI features that seamlessly integrate into everyday workflows, emphasizing the need for Apple to address the growing capabilities of competing platforms. They explore the potential for Apple to utilize its neural engine and on-device processing power to create innovative AI-powered features, potentially revolutionizing app development and user experiences.
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Apple's Conservatism and AI
This Chapter explores Apple's conservatism and its potential impact on the company's ability to compete in the rapidly evolving AI landscape. The hosts discuss the challenges of balancing Apple's traditional approach with the need to deliver compelling AI features. They highlight the potential for Apple to leverage its strengths in privacy and security to differentiate itself in the AI market.
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WWDC Predictions
This Chapter focuses on predictions for Apple's WWDC event, particularly regarding the company's AI announcements. The hosts speculate on the potential for Apple to unveil new AI-powered features for its office suite and other applications, emphasizing the importance of user-friendly and practical AI solutions.
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Ufee Video Smart Lock
This Chapter is a commercial for the Ufee Video Smart Lock E330, highlighting its features and benefits. The hosts discuss the lock's ease of installation, fingerprint recognition, remote control capabilities, and privacy features.
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HomeKit and Apple's Approach to Home Automation
This Chapter delves into the discussion of HomeKit and Apple's approach to home automation. The hosts express their frustration with the current state of HomeKit and advocate for Apple to take a more proactive role in developing core home automation products, rather than relying on third-party partners.
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Secure Indicator Light (SIL) on the M4 iPad Pro
This Chapter discusses the Secure Indicator Light (SIL) feature on the new M4 iPad Pro, highlighting its importance for privacy and security. The hosts explain how the SIL mechanism, implemented in hardware, helps prevent unauthorized access to the device's camera and microphone.
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Fastmail Sponsor Segment
This Chapter is a commercial for Fastmail, an independent email provider. The hosts discuss the benefits of using Fastmail, including its focus on privacy, security, and open standards.
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Apple's Mislabeled GPU Cores
This Chapter discusses a recent incident where Apple mislabeled the GPU cores in its new M2 iPad Air. The hosts discuss the implications of this mistake and the importance of accurate marketing materials.
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Wired Lightning Adapters for Bluetooth Headphones
This Chapter discusses the strange phenomenon of wired lightning adapters being used to power Bluetooth headphones, highlighting the cost-cutting measures employed by some manufacturers. The hosts discuss the implications of this practice for consumers and the potential for Apple to address this issue.
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Apple Vision Pro for Travel
This Chapter explores the benefits and drawbacks of the Apple Vision Pro for travel. The hosts share their experiences using the device for immersive entertainment and discuss its potential for motion sickness. They also discuss the social implications of wearing the Vision Pro in public spaces, particularly on airplanes.
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Apple News+ Subscription Growth
This Chapter delves into the growing popularity of Apple News+ subscriptions, citing a report that Apple News+ subscriptions are growing four times faster than major publishers. The hosts discuss the implications of this trend for both Apple and traditional publishers, exploring the potential for Apple News+ to become a significant revenue source for publishers.
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Intel's Lunar Lake AI Chip
This Chapter examines Intel's announcement of its Lunar Lake chip, which ditches memory sticks and boasts impressive performance. The hosts discuss the implications of this development for Apple and the broader AI chip market.
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Qualcomm's Snapdragon Chips in PCs
This Chapter discusses Qualcomm's Snapdragon chips, which are being integrated into PCs and laptops, and the potential for these chips to challenge Apple's dominance in the mobile computing space. The hosts also discuss the growing popularity of Linux on Snapdragon devices, highlighting the potential for this platform to become a viable alternative to macOS.
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Picks of the Week
This Chapter features the hosts' picks of the week, including bioluminescent petunias, the Ulysses writing app, Zoom's Tiles feature, and a green screen for video calls.
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Upcoming Appearances and Projects
This Chapter focuses on the hosts' upcoming appearances and projects, including Andy Ihnatko's live show on WGBH News and Alex Lindsay's involvement with Office Hours dot Global. The hosts also discuss the upcoming appearance of Ecam on the show, highlighting its support for Zoom and its integration with Dark Rock.
Keywords
Apple Vision Pro
The Apple Vision Pro is a mixed-reality headset that was announced by Apple in June 2023. It features a high-resolution display, advanced spatial audio, and a variety of features for immersive entertainment, productivity, and communication. The Vision Pro is designed to be used with a variety of apps and services, including Apple's own apps and third-party apps. It is expected to be released in early 2024.
Apple News+
Apple News+ is a subscription service that provides access to a curated selection of magazines, newspapers, and digital content. It was launched by Apple in March 2019 and is available in several countries around the world. Apple News+ is integrated with Apple's News app and offers a variety of features, including offline reading, personalized recommendations, and audio playback.
Intel Lunar Lake
Intel Lunar Lake is a new generation of AI-optimized laptop chips that was announced by Intel in May 2023. It features a redesigned architecture that is optimized for AI workloads, as well as a number of other improvements, including support for DDR5 memory and PCIe 5.0. Lunar Lake is expected to be released in late 2023 or early 2024.
Qualcomm Snapdragon
Qualcomm Snapdragon is a series of system-on-a-chip (SoC) processors that are used in a wide range of devices, including smartphones, tablets, laptops, and PCs. Snapdragon chips are known for their power efficiency and performance, and they are increasingly being used in devices that require both high performance and long battery life. Qualcomm is a major competitor to Apple in the mobile computing space.
TSMC
TSMC (Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company) is the world's largest semiconductor foundry. It manufactures chips for a wide range of companies, including Apple, Qualcomm, and Nvidia. TSMC is known for its advanced manufacturing processes and its ability to produce high-performance chips. TSMC is a major player in the global semiconductor industry and is critical to the supply chain for many electronic devices.
Ambisonic
Ambisonic is a surround sound technology that captures and reproduces sound in a three-dimensional space. It is often used in immersive audio experiences, such as virtual reality and video games. Ambisonic recordings can be played back on a variety of speaker setups, including headphones, and they can create a realistic and immersive listening experience.
Computex
Computex is a major technology trade show that is held annually in Taipei, Taiwan. It is one of the largest and most important technology events in the world, and it features a wide range of products and technologies, including computers, peripherals, and software. Computex is a major platform for technology companies to showcase their latest products and innovations.
Ulysses
Ulysses is a writing app that is available for macOS, iOS, and iPadOS. It is known for its clean and distraction-free interface, as well as its powerful features for writing, editing, and publishing. Ulysses supports a variety of file formats, including Markdown, and it offers a number of features for organizing and managing writing projects. Ulysses is a popular choice for writers who are looking for a powerful and flexible writing app.
Zoom Tiles
Zoom Tiles is a new feature that is available in Zoom Events. It allows users to create custom layouts for their video galleries, with the ability to display different tiles for different participants, such as hosts, co-hosts, or favorites. Zoom Tiles is a powerful tool for creating engaging and professional video experiences for events and broadcasts.
Unreal Engine
Unreal Engine is a game engine that is used to create video games, simulations, and other interactive experiences. It is known for its powerful graphics capabilities and its ability to create realistic and immersive environments. Unreal Engine is used by a wide range of developers, including game studios, film studios, and architectural firms. It is a major player in the game development industry and is used to create some of the most popular and critically acclaimed video games.
WGBH News
WGBH News is a public radio and television station based in Boston, Massachusetts. It is known for its award-winning news and public affairs programming, including its flagship radio program, "The World." WGBH News is a major source of news and information for the Boston area and beyond.
Office Hours dot Global
Office Hours dot Global is a platform that allows users to ask questions and get answers from experts in a variety of fields. It is a popular resource for people who are looking for help with technical issues, business advice, or other topics. Office Hours dot Global is a valuable tool for anyone who wants to learn from experts and connect with other people who share their interests.
Ecam
Ecam is a company that develops software for video conferencing and live streaming. Its products are designed to make it easy for users to create professional-quality video content. Ecam's software is used by a wide range of organizations, including businesses, schools, and government agencies. Ecam is a leading provider of video conferencing and live streaming solutions.
Dark Rock
Dark Rock is a brand of CPU coolers that are known for their high performance and quiet operation. Dark Rock coolers are popular among gamers and enthusiasts who are looking for the best possible cooling performance for their CPUs. Dark Rock coolers are manufactured by be quiet!, a German company that specializes in computer hardware.
Q&A
What is the strange phenomenon discussed in the podcast regarding wired lightning adapters?
The podcast discusses the use of wired lightning adapters to power Bluetooth headphones, which is a cost-cutting measure employed by some manufacturers. This practice is unusual because it requires the headphones to use Bluetooth even though they are wired.
What are the benefits and drawbacks of using the Apple Vision Pro for travel?
The hosts discuss the benefits of using the Vision Pro for immersive entertainment on airplanes, but also acknowledge the potential for motion sickness. They also discuss the social implications of wearing the Vision Pro in public spaces, particularly on airplanes.
How is Apple News+ subscription growth compared to major publishers?
According to a report cited in the podcast, Apple News+ subscriptions are growing four times faster than major publishers, suggesting that Apple News+ is becoming a significant source of revenue for publishers.
What is Intel's Lunar Lake chip and what are its implications?
Intel's Lunar Lake is a new generation of AI-optimized laptop chips that ditches memory sticks and boasts impressive performance. This development could challenge Apple's dominance in the AI chip market.
What is Qualcomm's Snapdragon chip and how is it being used in PCs?
Qualcomm's Snapdragon chips are being integrated into PCs and laptops, potentially challenging Apple's dominance in the mobile computing space. The hosts also discuss the growing popularity of Linux on Snapdragon devices, highlighting the potential for this platform to become a viable alternative to macOS.
What are some of the upcoming appearances and projects discussed by the hosts?
Andy Ihnatko will be appearing on WGBH News, a live show at the Boston Public Library, while Alex Lindsay will be on Office Hours dot Global, a platform for answering tech-related questions. The hosts also mention the upcoming appearance of Ecam on the show, highlighting its support for Zoom and its integration with Dark Rock.
Show Notes
A new 3D 'Floor Plan' feature has been shipped with the latest HomeKit update. Apple mislabeled the number of GPU cores on the M2 iPad Air. You too can design your kitchen with the Apple Vision Pro & Lowe's. Plus, do cheap lightning-connected earbuds actually use Bluetooth even though it's a wired connection?
- Qualcomm uses 'I'm a Mac' actor Justin Long to promote ARM PC.
- Controller for HomeKit updated with new 3D 'Floor Plan' feature.
- M4 iPad Pro uses Secure Indicator Light for mic/camera access.
- Apple mislabeled GPU cores on M2 iPad Air; speed claims unaffected.
- Cheap lightning earbuds use Bluetooth?!
- Review: "What If?" shows off the Vision Pro's strengths.
- This is the best look yet at Apple's immersive video cameras.
- Apple Vision Pro Mindfulness App may get 'Respiration Tracking' feature.
- Lowe's wants you to use the Apple Vision Pro to design your kitchen.
- Apple News+ subscriptions growing 4x faster than major publishers, says report.
- This is Lunar Lake — Intel's utterly overhauled AI laptop chip that ditches memory sticks.
- TSMC says it has discussed moving fabs out of Taiwan but such a move impossible.
- Qualcomm: Snapdragon coming to "all PC form factors," including desktops.
Picks of the Week:
- Leo's Pick: Bioluminescent Petunias
- Andy's Pick: Ulysses
- Alex's Picks: Zoom Tiles Beta
- Jason's Pick: Webaround Big Shot 5
Hosts: Leo Laporte, Alex Lindsay, Andy Ihnatko, and Jason Snell
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