The best US city to live in ranks outside the world's top 20
Other top U.S. cities include Atlanta (29th), Pittsburgh (30th), Seattle (34th), and Washington D.C. (38th), while major cities like New York (69th) and Los Angeles (57th) ranked lower.
U.S. cities generally performed well in education but faced challenges due to social unrest and gun violence, which undermined social cohesion.
The report's authors expressed concern that proposed policies by Donald Trump to cut public spending on education and healthcare could lead to further downgrades for U.S. cities in future reports.
Globally, Copenhagen took the top spot for liveability, replacing Vienna, while Damascus, Syria, ranked last due to ongoing civil war impacts.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Geeky Gadgets
7 minutes ago
- Geeky Gadgets
Apple's New Plan for Artificial Intelligence : Smarter Devices, Seamless Experiences
What if the devices you use every day didn't just respond to your commands but anticipated your needs, adapted to your habits, and seamlessly worked together to simplify your life? This is the bold vision Apple is pursuing with its new approach to artificial intelligence. While the company has long been synonymous with innovation, its latest strategy aims to make AI the backbone of its product ecosystem, from iPhones to smart home devices. But in a tech landscape where competitors like Google and Amazon are racing ahead, can Apple's AI ambitions truly set it apart? The stakes are high, and the potential rewards—transforming how we live, work, and connect—are even higher. Below Bloomberg provides more insights into Apple's ambitious plan to integrate AI-driven intelligence across its hardware and software, creating a more intuitive and interconnected experience for users. From reimagining Siri as a smarter, more responsive assistant to developing new devices like foldable iPhones and AI-powered home security systems, Apple's roadmap is as daring as it is forward-thinking. Yet, challenges such as reliance on third-party AI providers and the complexity of building proprietary systems loom large. As we unpack Apple's vision, you'll discover how the company plans to navigate these hurdles and redefine the future of technology—one AI-powered innovation at a time. Apple's AI-Driven Future AI-Centric Ecosystem: Seamless Integration Across Devices Apple is transitioning from its traditional device- and cloud-centered ecosystem to one that revolves around AI. This shift involves embedding AI capabilities across its entire product lineup, including iPhones, iPads, Macs, Apple Watches, and even future devices like smart glasses. The goal is to create a seamless, interconnected experience where AI enhances every interaction you have with Apple products. Key to this vision is the integration of AI into everyday devices. For example: Smart Home Devices: Products like the HomePod and upcoming security cameras will use AI to deliver personalized automation and enhanced security features, making your home smarter and safer. Products like the HomePod and upcoming security cameras will use AI to deliver personalized automation and enhanced security features, making your home smarter and safer. Wearable Technology: Devices such as the Apple Watch will use AI to provide more accurate health insights, predictive analytics, and tailored user experiences, improving your overall well-being. By embedding AI into its ecosystem, Apple aims to make its products more intuitive, adaptive, and indispensable in your daily life. This interconnected approach ensures that your devices work together seamlessly, creating a unified experience. Transforming Hardware with AI Integration Apple's hardware roadmap reflects its commitment to showcasing the potential of AI-driven technology. Several innovative products are in development, each designed to highlight the integration of AI: Tabletop Robot (2027): Featuring an iPad-like display, sensors, and a robotic arm, this device is designed to assist with tasks and interact with users in real time, offering a glimpse into the future of personal robotics. Featuring an iPad-like display, sensors, and a robotic arm, this device is designed to assist with tasks and interact with users in real time, offering a glimpse into the future of personal robotics. HomePod with Screen (2024): A smart home device combining a display with advanced AI capabilities, serving as a precursor to the tabletop robot and enhancing home automation. A smart home device combining a display with advanced AI capabilities, serving as a precursor to the tabletop robot and enhancing home automation. Foldable Devices: A foldable iPhone is expected in 2024, followed by a foldable iPad/Mac hybrid later in the decade, blending portability with innovative display technology for versatile use cases. A foldable iPhone is expected in 2024, followed by a foldable iPad/Mac hybrid later in the decade, blending portability with innovative display technology for versatile use cases. Satellite Connectivity: The iPhone 17 and Apple Watch Ultra will feature satellite connectivity, making sure reliable communication in remote areas where traditional networks may fail. These innovations demonstrate Apple's focus on blending AI with advanced hardware to create products that are both functional and forward-thinking. By integrating AI into its devices, Apple is setting the stage for a new era of technology that adapts to your needs. Apple's New AI Plan For Apple Intelligence Watch this video on YouTube. Below are more guides on Artificial Intelligence (AI) from our extensive range of articles. Expanding into Smart Home and Security Apple is making significant strides in the smart home and security market, aiming to compete with established players like Ring and Nest. The company is developing a comprehensive home security camera system, including a smart doorbell, that integrates seamlessly with its ecosystem. This allows you to monitor and control your home through your iPhone or other Apple devices. AI-powered sensors will play a pivotal role in this initiative. These sensors will enable advanced home automation features, such as: Adjusting lighting and temperature based on your preferences and routines. Enhancing security by detecting unusual activity and notifying you in real time. Streamlining daily tasks through personalized automation. With AI at the core, Apple's smart home solutions aim to make your living space more secure, efficient, and tailored to your lifestyle. This focus on integration ensures that your devices work together to create a cohesive and user-friendly experience. Siri's Transformation: A Smarter Voice Assistant Siri, Apple's voice assistant, is undergoing a significant overhaul to keep pace with advancements in AI. The revamped Siri will feature enhanced visual and functional updates across devices like the iPhone, iPad, Mac, and HomePod. Apple is pursuing two parallel approaches to improve Siri's capabilities: Lynnwood: An internal initiative focused on upgrading Apple's foundational AI models to make Siri smarter, more responsive, and capable of handling complex queries. An internal initiative focused on upgrading Apple's foundational AI models to make Siri smarter, more responsive, and capable of handling complex queries. Glenwood: A collaborative effort with third-party AI providers, including Anthropic, OpenAI, and Google, to integrate advanced AI technologies into Siri for enhanced performance. These updates aim to make Siri more intuitive, allowing it to provide context-aware, accurate responses and handle more sophisticated tasks. The goal is to transform Siri into a more capable and reliable digital assistant, making sure it remains competitive in the rapidly evolving AI landscape. Challenges and Opportunities in AI Development Despite its ambitious plans, Apple faces significant challenges in AI development. The company has struggled to match the rapid advancements made by competitors in the AI space. To address these hurdles, Apple is exploring partnerships with external AI providers as a temporary solution while it works to strengthen its internal capabilities. This reliance on third-party AI models highlights the complexity of developing innovative AI technologies. However, Apple remains committed to building a proprietary AI ecosystem in the long term, making sure greater control, innovation, and security. By investing in research and development, Apple aims to overcome these challenges and solidify its position as a leader in AI-driven technology. The Future of Apple's AI Strategy Apple's ultimate vision is to make AI the foundation of its next-generation ecosystem. Prototypes and plans for advanced AI-driven hardware and software extend well into the 2030s, signaling a commitment to long-term innovation. By integrating AI into every aspect of its product lineup, Apple aims to create a future where technology anticipates your needs and adapts to your lifestyle. This AI-driven strategy represents a bold step toward redefining the role of artificial intelligence in consumer technology. While challenges remain, Apple's focus on innovation promises to deliver fantastic experiences that will shape the way you interact with technology for years to come. Media Credit: Bloomberg Filed Under: AI, Apple, Top News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
.jpeg%3Ftrim%3D0%2C0%2C0%2C0%26width%3D1200%26height%3D800%26crop%3D1200%3A800&w=3840&q=100)
The Independent
8 minutes ago
- The Independent
‘I have been fighting with Ukrainian soldiers for two years. Trump and Putin can't bring peace overnight'
A British volunteer fighting alongside Ukrainian forces against Russia has said that soldiers on the ground feel that Friday's summit between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin in Alaska is 'a joke' and will not lead to peace. Drew Scott, a former British soldier who joined Ukraine's International Legion in 2023, told The Independent that Ukrainian soldiers were 'in it for the long haul' and not anticipating an imminent resolution to the conflict. Trump and Putin will meet face to face for the first time in seven years on Friday at a summit in Alaska, but Ukraine's president Volodymyr Zelensky will not be present. Kyiv maintains that it will not cede any occupied land to Russia as part of a peace agreement. 'We know what ceasefires look like from the Russian side. Their mentality is to just keep on hammering a country with missiles until the will of the people is eradicated,' Scott said. 'But the stamina of the people over here is strong and that's why I love this country. There's only one way that peace will be restored here and that is when Russia pulls its troops from Ukraine.' An estimated 8,000 foreign volunteers, including hundreds of Britons, have joined the Ukrainian International Legion and other units within the Ukrainian military. Scott's call sign is 'Caesar' but he quickly points out that this was chosen by his comrades - not himself. He used his real name in this interview because the Russians identified him long ago. Pro-Kremlin websites have accused him of being a mercenary and offered a bounty for him, dead or alive. But speaking near a safe house his unit uses during rests from frontline duty, he refuted the allegation completely. 'I'm not a mercenary and those I care about know I'm not here for money. I came here because when I see women, children, innocent civilians being killed, injured and maimed, I just can't sit back and watch.' Scott was born in Newcastle in 1967, into a family with a history of military service. He was taken into Britain's elite Parachute regiment aged 20, and spent nine years with the their Third Battalion, including 30 months in Northern Ireland during 'The Troubles' and a spell with peace-keeping forces in Iraq. He became aware of Ukraine after Russia's 2014 annexation of Crimea and decided to volunteer his military skills after Putin's 2022 full-blown invasion. He compared Russia's act of aggression to 'something from the age of Genghis Khan that shouldn't be happening in this day and age.' 'We each have a responsibility to fight against dictatorship and evil,' he added. 'And humanity has lost something when you can brush these horrors aside as if they're nothing.' Scott was 55 years old when he enlisted in the legion in 2023, leading some younger comrades to jokingly refer to him as 'grandad'. His experience from the British Army led to his swift promotion to lead a mortar platoon in the legion. Since, he has seen action in many of the war's most vicious battles in the east and southeast. 'All the nightmare places.' Typically, he said, the platoon digs trenches and bunkers in their new positions and the mortars are covered by camouflaged sliding roofs that open only to fire a salvo. In 2023 they could hope that these would remain concealed for long periods. Not anymore. 'Drones have changed everything, even in the last few months,' he said. 'There are swarms of attack drones in the sky and surveillance drones high up watching everything to identify our positions. Once they spot you they throw everything at you.' Recently his mortar post, comprising a bunker and tunnels, was spotted and attacked by Russian artillery and FPV (First Person View) suicide drones. 'An explosive drone came through the roof where we had our 82mm mortar in the tunnel……we were getting hammered by heavy artillery for about two hours….. then more FPVs came in. The soil was caving in on us. And then, boom, a great big cloud of smoke came through the tunnels into the bunker. And then another explosion came in and it just blew me off my feet.' Eventually, he said they managed to evacuate with only one man seriously injured while Scott only suffered a concussion. He is proud that nobody under his command has been killed although four have been injured. He said Russian drones have taken a terrible toll in deaths and injuries, including psychological scars. Scott said: 'It's a type of warfare that I wouldn't wish on anybody. You can see where a lot of the guys are going to suffer with mental health issues like PTSD. The buzzing sound of a drone is there at the front all the time. It gets to you and you think 'is this my time?'' He said that the sound of drones haunts soldiers even in peaceful settings. 'The sound of a blender in a kitchen, a lawnmower, an air-conditioner can freak you out.' Scott thinks the war is unlikely to end soon. 'What you have to remember is that Putin's a psychotic f****** maniac who'll do anything to remain in power.' Some believe Trump will try to strong arm Ukraine into permanently giving up territory to Russia. Scott said he and his comrades think 'that would be a total betrayal of the armed forces, of the guys who've paid the ultimate price and of families who have suffered over the years.' But he said 'the morale of the guys in our platoon, our battalion, is awesome.' 'We're in for the long haul. Until the Russians get their troops out.'
The Independent
8 minutes ago
- The Independent
UK exports to US plummet in wake of Trump tariffs
British exports to the US have plummeted to their lowest level in three years in the wake of Donald Trump's swingeing tariffs. The 13.5 per cent fall comes despite a much-lauded US-UK trade agreement, designed to protect businesses from the worst of the added costs. Ministers are now facing calls to secure part of the deal that is still outstanding, on steel and aluminium, which still have a 25 per cent levy imposed on exports to the US. The wider tariffs have seen an extra 10 per cent slapped on goods from most UK sectors, ranging from food and drink to chemicals, the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) said. Comparing the goods exported in the three months to June with the same quarter a year ago, the BCC said sales were £2bn lower, a drop of 13.5 per cent year-on-year. The findings come as new official figures also show that the uncertainty caused by the tariffs, as well as other factors such as tax increases, mean that overall UK economic growth slowed in the second quarter of this year. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 0.3 per cent for the quarter, after 0.7 per cent growth in the first three months of the year. However, the figure was stronger than the 0.1 per cent level widely expected by economists. William Bain, head of trade policy at the BCC, said the effects of tariffs were 'clearly being felt by companies exporting to the US'. 'This was the first full quarter of the 'reciprocal' US tariffs, which add an extra 10 per cent to most UK sectors, from food and drink to chemicals. The effect of these higher costs is becoming clear, with the lowest levels of goods exports to the US for 3 years. 'Implementation of the UK's trade deal with the US in full is now needed to improve prospects, particularly for steel and aluminium goods,' he said. 'The agreement should be a platform to discuss further tariff reform with the US, especially in goods sectors where there is little competition on production. He also called on ministers to focus on implementing those areas of the Trade Strategy which can boost goods export sales and growth at pace, while sustaining the rate of progress in services trade.' President Trump and the PM finally signed off on a US-UK agreement to slash trade barriers on goods when they met at the G7 in Canada in June. But the deal failed to include carve-outs for the steel industry, which still faces levies of a whopping 25 per cent on goods entering the US. Industry experts and unions have called for these to be scrapped as soon as possible, amid warnings they are a threat to jobs and livelihoods. But there are fears negotiations could drag on into the autumn after the transport secretary said work to get tariffs removed would continue over 'days, weeks and months'. In April, parliament gave the government emergency powers to take control of British Steel and continue production after Chinese owners, Jingye, proposed shutting the Scunthorpe site's two blast furnaces and other key steelmaking operations. But its future is still uncertain. The Treasury had been approached for comment.
