Latest news with #Apple-branded
Gulf Insider
a day ago
- Business
- Gulf Insider
Apple Plans AI Robots, Smarter Siri And Home Devices In Bid To Regain Momentum
Apple is preparing a sweeping lineup of new hardware as part of a broader push into artificial intelligence and the smart home, according to people familiar with the plans. The centerpiece is a tabletop robot, targeted for release in 2027, that is designed to act as a lifelike virtual companion. The company is also developing a smart speaker with a display for next year, as well as home-security cameras that would anchor a new Apple-branded security system. The projects, which have not been publicly announced, are part of a strategy to reinvigorate the company's product pipeline and expand into categories dominated by rivals like Amazon, Google and Samsung, Bloomberg reports. Chief Executive Tim Cook signaled the scope of the work in an all-hands meeting this month, telling employees: 'The product pipeline – which I can't talk about – it's amazing, guys. It's amazing. Some of it you'll see soon. Some of it will come later. But there's a lot to see.' The company has struggled to maintain momentum with recent projects. The Vision Pro mixed-reality headset, promoted as Apple's next big platform, has sold below expectations, while the design of its most popular devices has remained largely unchanged for years. The company has also been criticized for lagging in the generative AI race, even as OpenAI has signaled ambitions to move into hardware with former Apple design chief Jony Ive. Robotics as the Centerpiece The tabletop robot, code-named J595, is described as an iPad-size display mounted on a motorized arm that can pivot, extend and reposition itself to follow users in a room. It will feature an entirely new version of Siri, designed to engage in conversations, recall information and insert itself into group discussions. Apple has tested giving the assistant a visual personality under the codename Bubbles, with options ranging from an animated Finder face to Memoji-like characters. FaceTime will be a central function, with the ability to track people around a room during calls. Apple has also tested letting an iPhone act as a joystick to remotely reposition the robot during videoconferences. Designers are considering a final product that resembles the 'Pixar Lamp' — a reference to the animated studio's logo — and prototypes use a 7-inch display on a swiveling base. A New Operating System for the Home Both the robot and the smart display will run a new operating system called Charismatic, built for multiuser households. The interface combines elements of the Apple TV and Apple Watch software, with a focus on widgets, voice commands and facial recognition to personalize content as users approach. The smart display, code-named J490, will be a pared-down version of the robot, launching as soon as mid-2025. It will support home controls, music playback, browsing and videoconferencing, but initially without the robot's advanced conversational Siri. Apple's home push also includes cameras, starting with a battery-powered model, code-named J450, that uses facial recognition and infrared sensors. The system could automate functions like turning off lights when a room is empty or playing music for a specific family member. The company has explored a doorbell that can unlock doors using facial recognition. Siri Overhaul and AI Ambitions Underlying these devices is a major upgrade to Siri, developed under the codename Linwood and powered by large language models. Apple is also testing a parallel project, Glenwood, that could integrate outside AI models such as Anthropic's Claude. Engineers are working on a version code-named Linwood with an entirely new brain built around large language models — the foundation of generative AI. The goal is to tap into personal data to fulfill queries, an ability that was delayed due to hiccups with the current version. That new software, known internally as LLM Siri, is planned for release as early as next spring, Bloomberg News has reported. But work is going even further: Apple is preparing a visually redesigned assistant for iPhones and iPads that will also debut as early as next year. -Bloomberg Craig Federighi, Apple's senior vice president of software engineering, told employees this month that the overhaul has produced 'a much bigger upgrade than we envisioned' and that 'there is no project people are taking more seriously.' Engineers have used systems like ChatGPT and Google Gemini during development of the tabletop robot and other AI features. The new Siri is expected to debut as early as next spring on iPhones and iPads, with a redesigned visual interface and tighter integration with personal data. Beyond the Home Apple is also working on redesigned iPhones for this year, as well as longer-term projects such as smart glasses, a foldable phone, a large foldable MacBook–iPad hybrid, and a 20th-anniversary iPhone. The new hardware push comes as the company seeks fresh growth after scrapping high-profile initiatives like its self-driving car program. If successful, the products could help counter the perception that Apple no longer innovates at its former pace — and put the company in a stronger position to compete in the next era of AI-driven consumer technology.
New York Post
6 days ago
- New York Post
Frustrated woman innocently put a card inside her laptop before closing it — and was shocked at the havoc it caused: ‘Is that common knowledge?'
That's apparently a big no-no. A disappointed content creator took to TikTok to share how her Apple laptop screen shattered after innocently placing a piece of paper between the screen and keyboard before closing it. 'I just opened up my laptop to the biggest jumpscare of the century. I'm so confused,' a girl named Heidi (@classicheidi) said in her 59-second video. Advertisement 'I just brought it [the laptop] outside and put it on my bed. When I put it on my bed, it was cracked…I'm like looking it up.' The only 'unusual' thing Heidi did that could possibly explain why this mystery-cracking happened was that she placed a card inside her laptop before closing it. Advertisement 'Apparently the pressure from this piece of paper internally cracked my screen. I would have never thought that could happen…' she continued. Many others didn't realize that this minor thing can seriously damage a laptop's screen. PheelingsMedia – 'Am I an idiot? Is that common knowledge?' Based on the many just as confused comments on her video — which has garnered over 858,000 views — some skeptics weren't sold on the fact that a flimsy piece of paper could cause so much havoc. Advertisement 'I've used my computer as a folder a million times, there's no way.' 'I literally fell asleep once freshman year in college on my dorm bed while on my laptop and woke up when it slid off onto the ground. opened. it didn't crack or break, one side had the most minor dent possible. laptops shouldn't break that easy.' However, others argued that nothing should ever be sandwiched between the keyboard and screen because of how laptops — specifically Apple-branded ones — are made. The Post reached out to Apple for comment to confirm if this is true. Advertisement 'I've used my computer as a folder a million times, there's no way,' read one skeptical comment on the viral TikTok video. JLJ/ – 'You should never, ever put anything between the keyboard and the screen. Your screen might've also been defect from factory and the piece of paper was its 13th reason.' 'That's why most laptops have a little gap between the keyboard and screen when closed.' 'Yeah that's a common Macbook thing, they measured exactly the MacBooks to close exactly and perfectly without anything in between. A camera cover could also easily break the display. The tension of some millimeters difference could break this thing.' It seems that these knowledgeable commenters might be right. '…ensuring that there are no foreign objects like pens or headphones on the keyboard before closing the lid can help avoid accidental pressure points on the screen,' explained computer repair service, CSE.
Time of India
30-07-2025
- Time of India
Apple 'promotes' Samsung in China, accidentally shows Samsung foldable phone in ad; Watch full video
In an awkward slip-up, Apple 's official support account on Chinese social media platform — Weibo , accidentally posted a promotional video for Samsung's recently launched Galaxy Z Flip 7 smartphone. The smartphone is said to be a direct competition to Apple's rumoured foldable iPhone . The embarrassing incident, which saw a video for the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7 appear on an Apple-branded channel, has since been rectified, with the video promptly taken down. As reported by 9to5Mac, the post on Apple's support account was originally created to highlight Apple's parental control features for App Store downloads. However, instead of embedding an Apple-branded video, the account accidentally included a clip showcasing Samsung's latest foldable smartphone . Watch: Apple support account 'promotes' Samsung foldable phone As reported by 9to5Mac, the blunder happened when Apple's support account was promoting the parental controls the company offer for App Store downloads. Instead of adding the Apple related video, the post accidentally carried a commercial for the recently launched Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7. While the reason for the mixup is not known right now but two primary theories are circulating. The most probable explanation suggests a simple copy-paste error, where the individual managing the account may have intended to embed an Apple video but still had a link to the Samsung promotion in their paste buffer. Another possibility raised is that the account is managed by a local marketing agency in China that handles campaigns for both Apple and Samsung. Apple working on its foldable iPhone Apple is said to be working on its own foldable device. The Cupertino-based tech giant is expected to launch its first foldable iPhone in the second half of next year, according to JP Morgan. In a note to clients (via CNBC), JP Morgan analyst Samik Chatterjee said 'With the upgrades to the iPhone 17 series to be released this fall expected to be fairly limited, investor focus has already turned to the 2026 fall launches with Apple expected to launch its first foldable iPhone as part of the iPhone 18 lineup in September 2026', The note further stated that Apple foldable iPhone may feature a book-style fold similar to Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold series. AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
Hans India
29-07-2025
- Hans India
Hyderabad: City police bust fake Apple products racket; goods worth Rs 3 crore seized
Hyderabad: Detectives from the Hyderabad Commissioner's Task Force, Central Zone Team, working in coordination with authorised copyright representatives of Apple Inc, have conducted a raid near Hari Masjid, Miralam Mandi, apprehending three individuals for illegally procuring, stocking, and selling counterfeit Apple-branded mobile accessories. Police seized counterfeit Apple products with a total estimated value of Rs 3 crore. The arrested persons have been identified as Mohd Shahid Ali, 48, a resident of Miralam Mandi, who allegedly procured the fake Apple accessories from agents and stored them at his residence; Irfan Ali, 49, of L.B Nagar, who purchased the counterfeit accessories from Shahid Ali and distributed them further; and Santosh Rajpurohit, 39, Proprietor of PM Mobiles, Gujrathi Galli, Koti, who sold the fake items at his retail store. Both Mohd Shahid Ali and Irfan Ali are natives of Uttar Pradesh. According to police, the accused were found to be selling fake accessories packaged with replicated Apple logos, MRP stickers, security seals, and outer covers, meticulously imitating original Apple packaging. These items were then misrepresented as genuine products and sold to unsuspecting customers, resulting in financial loss for buyers and brand damage to Apple Inc. Police seized a total of 2,761 products, including 28 watches, 1,145 AirPods, 52 cables, 14 adapters, 4 MagSafe power banks, 260 watch box covers, 480 watch SKU stickers, 428 MRP stickers, and 350 accessories security seals. YVS Sudheendra, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Task Force, stated that the accused, who are involved in the sale of mobile phones and cell phone accessories in Hyderabad, were found to be purchasing counterfeit Apple-branded products from marketing agents based in Mumbai. 'These items bore duplicate logos and labels resembling original Apple Inc. The accused repackaged these products with fake Apple-branded packaging and sold them to customers as original Apple accessories, thereby cheating the public and gaining illegal profits,' the DCP raid, conducted on July 25, saw police, alongside Apple's authorised copyright representatives, apprehend the individuals and seize the fake and duplicate Apple products. The arrested individuals, along with the seized material, have been handed over to Mirchowk police for further action.
The Hindu
28-07-2025
- The Hindu
Counterfeit Apple accessories worth ₹3 crore seized from three in Hyderabad
Three individuals were nabbed by the Central Zone Task Force team for allegedly procuring and selling counterfeit Apple-branded mobile accessories. The raid was conducted near Hari Masjid, Mir Alam Mandi, Mirchowk, based on credible information and in coordination with authorised copyright representatives of Apple Inc. The accused were found to be stocking and selling fake accessories designed to closely imitate genuine Apple products, said an officer from the Task Force. The seized lot, worth ₹3 crore, included Apple watches, AirPods, USB cables, chargers, and MagSafe power banks, all bearing replicated logos, MRP stickers, security seals, and outer packaging resembling original Apple branding. The arrested individuals have been identified as Mohd Shahid Ali, 48, a resident of Mir Alam Mandi, who allegedly sourced counterfeit accessories from agents and stored them at his home; Irfan Ali, 49, from Masjid Lane, LB Nagar, who purchased the fake items from Shahid and sold them; and Santosh Rajpurohit, 39, proprietor of PM Mobiles in Gujarati Galli, Koti, who sold the items in his retail store. A total of 2,761 counterfeit items were recovered during the raid, including 28 fake Apple watches, 1,145 pairs of fake AirPods, 52 USB cables, 14 chargers, four MagSafe power banks, and hundreds of outer box covers, SKU stickers, MRP stickers, and security seals. 'The accused were part of a network sourcing counterfeit products from marketing agents based in Mumbai. These items were repackaged and sold to unsuspecting customers as original Apple accessories, resulting in financial loss to consumers and brand damage to Apple,' added the officer. The raid was carried out by the Central Zone Task Force team along with Apple's authorised representatives. The three accused and the seized items were handed over to the Station House Officer of Mirchowk police for further investigation.
