Latest news with #Apple-designed
Indian Express
7 days ago
- Business
- Indian Express
How Apple can make its smart glasses stand out from Meta's Ray-Bans
Not the looks or AI capabilities — it's the ecosystem that could set Apple's first smart glasses apart from others on the market and help Cupertino successfully break into the glasses space. This may sound like an exaggeration, but Apple still has the best ecosystem. It's the one factor that not only keeps people loyal to the brand but also demonstrates how seamlessly Apple products work together. That could be the key advantage, giving Apple a head start in the smart glasses segment — even though it's entering late, with Meta's Ray-Ban glasses having already become an unexpected hit with consumers. Apple's first smart glasses may not be too different from Meta's Ray-Bans — lightweight smart glasses equipped with a camera, based on a report from Bloomberg. This suggests that, for its debut in the category, Apple is taking a similar approach to Meta, which has successfully convinced consumers that smart glasses aren't just a gimmick with no practical use. Meta's strategy with its Ray-Ban glasses has worked remarkably well — the company has reportedly sold over two million units, an encouraging sign for a still-nascent and largely unexplored segment. Rather than promoting the glasses as futuristic AR glasses — a technology still in the experimental phase — Meta focused on delivering a simple, functional product. The Ray-Ban glasses allow users to take photos, record videos, and interact with AI. They are equipped with a camera, microphones, and AI tools, offering features that average consumers actually want to use — instead of incorporating augmented reality capabilities and a display, which would increase the price and potentially alienate mainstream users. Ray-Bans are sold for a starting price of $299 – no doubt a premium price but not overtly expensive. If Apple does follow in Meta's footsteps with its first smart glasses, which are rumoured to launch sometime next year, it would suggest that Meta got something right in how it pitched the glasses to mainstream consumers. For now, Apple has not officially indicated whether it is working on smart glasses, but Bloomberg's Mark Gurman believes that Cupertino's version will include cameras, microphones, and speakers. The glasses are expected to allow users to make phone calls, control music playback, get directions, and perform live translations. They will reportedly feature an Apple-designed in-house chip, similar to those used in the iPhone and Apple Watch, and are said to be 'better made.' However, to differentiate its smart glasses from existing offerings, Apple could introduce some unique tweaks and add its own spin. For example, Visual Intelligence could be a standout feature that enhances the usefulness of smart glasses. First launched in the iPhone 16 last year, the feature uses the smartphone's camera to identify objects — similar to how Google Lens works. By integrating Visual Intelligence into the glasses, the feature could become more smart and context-aware, offering a deeper understanding of the user's surroundings. The glasses form factor is better designed to support features like Visual Intelligence. And, of course, Apple will likely integrate Apple Intelligence into the glasses — but it remains to be seen how effectively Cupertino can bring its existing AI features to a device that may not include a display. Apple may need to rethink which AI features work best on smart glasses, focusing on those that can take full advantage of voice interaction. Early rumours about Cupertino's smart glasses may have shaped our expectations of what Apple's smart glasses could offer. However, Apple still has a chance to win the smart glasses segment and make it mainstream — just as it once did with the iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, and AirPods. Its secret weapon? The Apple ecosystem — something neither Meta nor Google nor Amazon truly has. The Apple ecosystem remain unmatched and how its products, be it hardware, software or service, interact with each other is something no one can replicate, even Meta. The Apple ecosystem is all about Apple. The iPhone is at the center and every product revolves around it…the Mac, Apple Watch, iPad, Apple TV and you name it. It is certain that the Apple smart glasses will be deeply integrated with other Apple products like the iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods. This could mean that the glasses will be a new 'accessory' that works with all of Apple products and be a part of the Apple ecosystem. Pairing the glasses to the iPhone would be seamless and captured content could be later viewed in 3D, for example, on the Apple Vision Pro. There is a huge opportunity for Apple to 'think different' and come out with features that offer a differentiated experience. Apple has a real chance to succeed, although pricing will be a crucial factor in gauging consumer interest in its smart glasses. Meta has set a benchmark with its Ray-Ban glasses, showing how much consumers are willing to pay for smart eye-wear. Apple can't afford to go wrong or repeat the mistake it made with the Vision Pro mixed-reality headset, which launched at $3500. With Meta's problematic track record on privacy — and Google not far behind — Apple stands out for its strong reputation and clear privacy policies. Unlike Meta, which is essentially an advertising company that monetises consumer data, Apple does not sell user data. This could work in Apple's favour, especially as smart glasses are expected to feature multiple cameras and microphones. Given Meta's history and how it has handled consumer data in the past, it's hard to trust the company. Anuj Bhatia is a personal technology writer at who has been covering smartphones, personal computers, gaming, apps, and lifestyle tech actively since 2011. He specialises in writing longer-form feature articles and explainers on trending tech topics. His unique interests encompass delving into vintage tech, retro gaming and composing in-depth narratives on the intersection of history, technology, and popular culture. He covers major international tech conferences and product launches from the world's biggest and most valuable tech brands including Apple, Google and others. At the same time, he also extensively covers indie, home-grown tech startups. Prior to joining The Indian Express in late 2016, he served as a senior tech writer at My Mobile magazine and previously held roles as a reviewer and tech writer at Gizbot. Anuj holds a postgraduate degree from Banaras Hindu University. You can find Anuj on Linkedin. Email: ... Read More
Stuff.tv
23-05-2025
- Business
- Stuff.tv
Here's when Apple's AR glasses might be ready for launch – it's sooner than you think
We've heard rumours of Apple's AR smart glasses for years now – even before the Vision Pro headset hit the shelves. And since it arrived, we've heard that Apple's main focus is shrinking the tech down into a pair of smart specs. Now, it looks like Apple might be finally ready to make this device a reality. According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, Apple is aiming for a release by the end of 2026. The glasses are shaping up to be one of the most powerful offerings available. They're expected to come with built-in speakers, microphones and cameras, and powered by an Apple-designed chip. We're talking about a device that lets you take calls, listen to music, get directions and even use Siri without pulling out your phone. There's mention of live translation features too, though how well any of this will work is still very much up in the air. Especially given Siri's… reputation. But apparently this isn't Apple's big AR vision just yet. Gurman notes that proper augmented reality glasses are still 'years away.' Instead, this sounds more like Apple's answer to Meta's Ray-Ban smart glasses – albeit with better build quality, according to sources at Apple. Considering Meta has already sold over a million pairs and Google is now working with Xreal and others on a rival Android XR platform, this could prove to be a challenge. But there's one big question hanging over Apple's effort: AI. Or rather, Apple's shaky track record with it. There are said to be internal concerns that the company's ongoing struggles with AI could hold this product back. Meta and Google are already pairing their wearables with their advanced AI systems, like Llama and Gemini. Whereas right now, Apple leans on third parties – Google Lens and OpenAI – for its iPhone-based Visual Intelligence features. That might be fine for now, but a future product like this will need something more native, more integrated. There's a lot riding on the AI chops Apple announces at WWDC 2025 in a few weeks.
NZ Autocar
16-05-2025
- Automotive
- NZ Autocar
CarPlay Ultra debuts in Aston Martin
Apple has officially launched CarPlay Ultra , a next-generation upgrade of its in-car infotainment system, and it's set to change the way drivers interact with their vehicles. First seen in action inside the high-performance Aston Martin DBX 707, CarPlay Ultra goes far beyond simple phone mirroring to offer a fully integrated digital cockpit experience. And with several major manufacturers already lined up to implement the technology, this could mark a turning point in automotive software design. CarPlay, as we've known it, has essentially functioned as a mirrored smartphone interface, pulling selected apps and functions like navigation, music and messages onto the car's central screen. But CarPlay Ultra takes a leap forward. No longer just a phone-on-a-screen, the system blends Apple's intuitive design language with live vehicle data and native user-interface (UI) features to create a more unified digital experience across all the screens in a car, including the digital instrument cluster. The big shift comes in how CarPlay Ultra handles information. There are now three layers of content delivery. First, the familiar mirrored apps from your iPhone. Then, what Apple calls local UI , which integrates real-time data from the car (like fuel level, speed and climate settings) into the Apple interface. Finally, there's punch-through UI , which allows certain pages from the car's native system, such as the reversing camera or high-end audio settings, to appear within the CarPlay environment without alteration. In practice, it means no more jumping between two clashing interfaces. Everything from maps to media to seat heating can be accessed via the same clean, Apple-designed visual language. And it's fully responsive to your car's hardware. In the DBX 707, for instance, the system spans a 10.25-inch touchscreen and a digital instrument cluster, adapting dynamically to both. Read more 2022 Aston Martin DBX707 review One of the headline features is CarPlay Ultra's ability to take over the instrument cluster. Apple provides manufacturers with a design toolkit, which each car brand can customise to suit their models. Aston Martin has developed multiple cluster layouts, from classic twin roundels in racing green to a full-screen navigation view with minimal driver distraction. Swiping left or right on the steering wheel's thumb pad allows drivers to switch between these options, while up and down gestures change the data displayed in the centre such as tyre pressures, trip info, or media. Customisation doesn't stop there. Within the settings menu, users can tweak colours and some visual elements (though layout choices remain fixed, for now). CarPlay Ultra also supports full integration of climate controls, media, and other key functions. You can interact via the screen, physical buttons (if your car has them), or Siri, which is now linked directly to the voice command button on the wheel. From May 15, all new Aston Martins sold in the US will come pre-loaded with CarPlay Ultra. Customers with recent models can have it retrofitted at a dealership. A global rollout is expected within the next year. And it's not just Aston on board; brands like Porsche, Hyundai, Renault, Volvo and Ford have confirmed upcoming models with CarPlay Ultra support. To use CarPlay Ultra, drivers will need a car with a digital instrument cluster, iOS 18.4 or later, and an iPhone 12 or newer. The connection is entirely wireless after the first pairing, which is either via cable or wireless sync.
Mint
06-05-2025
- Business
- Mint
Trump tariffs are a victory against climate change
I recently attended a closed-door session with senior supply-chain and sustainability executives. The mood was visibly tense. Conversations quickly turned to rising tariffs, deglobalization and mounting geopolitical risk. But something surprising emerged from the anxiety: the possibility that President Trump's trade war might accelerate environmental progress. That may sound counterintuitive. The Trump administration is no champion of green policies. But if you care about emissions, overconsumption and waste, there's a case for optimism. I've spent more than a decade leading environmental initiatives and investments at the World Bank and Apple, and I now serve as chief sustainability officer at the University of California, Berkeley's Haas School of Business. While many of my peers are anxious about the future of sustainability, I see a different story unfolding, for three reasons. First, the reordering of global trade is forcing companies to rethink supply chains. Many supply-chain leaders are outlining an emerging strategy called 'manufacturing in region for region." This means producing goods in North America for North American consumers, in Europe for Europeans, and so on. That's good for stability and even better for the planet. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, transportation accounts for roughly 15% of global greenhouse-gas emissions. Fewer transoceanic journeys mean less emissions. Second, Mr. Trump's recent move to end the de minimis tax exemption for low-value imports from China could curb America's addiction to fast fashion and disposable goods supplied by retailers like Shein and Temu. This would result in fewer impulse buys and less landfill waste. Manufacturers may also respond by producing higher-quality, longer-lasting products. The effect won't be limited to cheap goods. Higher prices on electronics, appliances and vehicles will encourage consumers to extend the life of what they already own. The greenest car isn't a new electric vehicle; it's the one you don't replace. Third, the U.S. remains deeply dependent on China for critical minerals such as rare-earth elements. Rare earths are vital inputs for everything from smartphones and EVs to wind turbines and military systems. China accounts for more than two-thirds of global rare-earth production. The U.S. can mitigate this vulnerability by investing in domestic rare-earth recycling infrastructure. The technology to recover rare earths from discarded electronics already exists. Apple recently announced that it is more than 99% of the way toward its 2025 targets of using 100% recycled rare-earth elements in magnets and 100% recycled cobalt in Apple-designed batteries. Few companies have followed suit—not because the technology isn't available but because of economics. When rare earths are cheap, there's little incentive to recycle. If policymakers are serious about reducing dependence on China, they should start by reviewing America's junk drawers. None of this should be mistaken for a coordinated climate strategy. Under President Biden, climate was a top-tier priority. Under Mr. Trump, it isn't. But there's a difference between removing sustainability as a priority and actively opposing it. Energy Secretary Chris Wright has a consistent message on this subject. The Trump administration isn't against clean energy or EVs. It is for energy dominance and economic competition. As long as sustainability efforts don't conflict with Mr. Trump's key priorities, there's room for progress. Environmentalists shouldn't waste time hoping for a different political landscape. This is a moment for pragmatism. Mr. Trump's trade policies might do more for the planet than a thousand environmental, social and governance reports. It's rare for environmental objectives to align with the Trump administration's strategic interests. We shouldn't waste the opportunity to capitalize on it. Ms. Chan is chief sustainability officer at the University of California, Berkeley's Haas School of Business.
Forbes
26-04-2025
- Forbes
How To Use Apple's AirPods Pro 2 To Protect Your Hearing At Concerts
Apple AirPods Pro 2 I go to a fair number of concerts and hearing damage is something that I have become increasingly concerned about. I love listening to music. I have music playing in the background all day at work, I spend a lot of my spare time evaluating audio systems and the onboard stereo system is a major consideration any time I buy a new car. And I enjoy having conversations with my wife and family. The last thing I want to do is jeopardize my hearing. A few years ago, I started wearing Loop protective earplugs to concerts and they worked so well that I bought sets for everyone in my family. However, if you own a pair of Apple's AirPods Pro 2, you have the option of using these to protect your hearing at a concert. Here's how. Inside the AirPods Pro 2 is the Apple-designed H2 chip. Working with the earbuds' built-in microphones in Transparency mode, Apple says the H2 samples and reduces noise at the rate of 48,000 times per second. According to the company's documentation, with an environmental noise level of 110 dB (ballpark average for a rock concert) Transparency mode reduces sound levels by 15 to 18 dB. Powered by the H2 chip The real magic happens when you engage the AirPods Pro2's Adaptive Audio Mode. This is a combination of active noise cancellation and the Transparency mode, so it cuts harmful noise levels while still allowing background noise to get through. You still hear the music clearly, but Apple says Adaptive Audio mode shaves a much more impressive 25 to 30 dB off of environmental sound. In this mode you also have Conversation Awareness, so you can still talk to (and hear) anyone who is actively speaking to you. Setup is easy, just select the Adaptive mode The 'how to' for this is very simple. Pop your AirPods Pro 2 into your ears. They power on when you open their case. Assuming they are paired with your iPhone, the easiest way to ensure they are in the correct mode is to choose the AirPods in Settings and make certain Adaptive is selected. Or, you can squeeze the AirPod's stem to cycle through modes. That's it. Don't play music, just leave them in your ears. Make certain they fit properly and are firmly in place. Dwayne Gretzky isn't The Who when it comes to volume, but a concert will still leave unprotected ... More ears ringing I tried this out at a recent concert and it went well. Music was crisp and clear, and no ringing ears after the show. I was wearing my Apple Watch, which has a Sound Level app that integrates nicely with the AirPods. Before putting on the AirPods Pro 2, the music was showing up in the 90-92 dB range, with an orange warning screen. Pop in the AirPods, the app recognized them and displayed a revised dB level, while turning from orange to green. I saw indicated reductions of about 15 dB on the app, to an average of 75 dB. That's less reduction than what Apple said to expect at this background noise level (around 22 to 28 dB), but still good enough to make a real difference. The AirPods Pro 2 brought the noise level down to a much more reasonable 75 dB The downside? People can be confused (really, are you listening to Spotify at this concert?) and there is the risk that you might drop one. Finding a lost AirPod intact in a dark concert venue where people are crammed together and jumping around, beer is sloshing, and there is no hope of hearing the 'Play Sound' chime is not a task I'd relish undertaking. If you really want to protect your hearing–especially at a very loud concert–you probably don't want to rely on the AirPods Pro 2. After all, they are not designed specifically to protect your hearing, especially in extremes. But they are definitely better than nothing and if you already have a pair it definitely wouldn't hurt to try them out the next time you catch a band According to Apple, the hearing protection feature is currently available only with AirPods Pro 2 running the latest firmware, when paired with an Apple device running the latest OS, in the U.S. and Canada. Not suitable for extremely loud impulse sounds such as jackhammers or gunfire, or against sustained sounds louder than 110 dBA.
