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Straits Times
5 days ago
- Business
- Straits Times
Apple plots ‘amazing' pipeline of AI robots, home security and smart displays
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox Apple is plotting its AI comeback with an ambitious slate of new devices, including robots and a lifelike version of Siri. SAN FRANCISCO - Apple is plotting its artificial intelligence comeback with an ambitious slate of new devices, including robots, a lifelike version of Siri, a smart speaker with a display and home-security cameras. It's all part of an effort to restore Apple's mojo. Its most recent moon-shot project, the Vision Pro headset, remains a sales flop, and the design of its bestselling devices has remained largely unchanged for years. At the same time, Apple has come under fire for missing the generative AI revolution. And OpenAI may even threaten the company's home turf by developing new AI-driven devices with the help of former Apple design chief Jony Ive. Though Apple is still in the early stages of turning around its AI software, executives see the pipeline of hardware as a key piece of its resurgence – helping it challenge Samsung Electronics, Meta Platforms and others in new categories. A spokesperson for Apple declined to comment. Because the products haven't been announced, the company's plans could still change or be scrapped. Chief executive officer Tim Cook told employees in an all-hands meeting in August that Apple must win in AI and hinted at the upcoming devices. 'The product pipeline – which I can't talk about – it's amazing, guys. It's amazing,' Mr Cook said. 'Some of it you'll see soon. Some of it will come later. But there's a lot to see.' Beyond the home devices, Apple is preparing thinner and redesigned iPhones for release this year. And further out, it aims to introduce smart glasses, a foldable phone, a 20-year anniversary iPhone and a revamped headset dubbed N100. It's also planning a large foldable device that melds a MacBook and an iPad. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Asia India, Singapore ministers discuss deeper tie-ups in digitalisation, skills, industrial parks Business More seniors remain employed after retirement and re-employment ages raised in 2022: MOM study Singapore askST: Will assets seized in $3b money laundering case be sold at public auctions? Business StarHub first-half profit falls 41.7% to $47.9m; telco eyes 'more aggressive stance' amid competition Business CapitaLand Investment first-half profit falls 13.3%, appoints new CEO of private funds Asia Malaysia's ex-economy minister says his son was jabbed with syringe in planned attack Life Taylor Swift's new album, The Life of a Showgirl, will release on Oct 3 Singapore 2 dead after fire in Jalan Bukit Merah flat, about 60 evacuated Apple is looking to boost sales after years of slowing growth for its flagship products. It also nixed some expansions into new areas, like self-driving cars, adding pressure to find other sources of revenue. Moreover, the new initiatives will help rebut the idea that the company is no longer innovating like it used to. Robots The tabletop robot resembles an iPad mounted on a movable limb that can swivel and reposition itself to follow users in a room. Like a human head, it can turn toward a person who is speaking or summoning it, and even seek to draw the attention of someone not facing it. The hope is to bring AI to life in ways that other hardware makers have yet to do. Apple imagines customers placing it on a desk or kitchen counter and using it to get work done, consume media and manage their day. FaceTime calls will also be a key function of the device. During videoconferencing, the display will be able to shift to lock on to people around a room. Apple is testing a feature that turns an iPhone screen into a joystick, letting users move around the robot to show different people or items in a room during video calls. But the hallmark of the device is an entirely new version of the Siri voice assistant that can inject itself into conversations between multiple people. It will be able to engage with users throughout the day and more easily recall information. The idea is for the device to act like a person in a room. It could interrupt a conversation between friends about dinner plans, say, and suggest nearby restaurants or relevant recipes. It's also being designed to engage in back-and-forth discussions for things like planning a trip or getting tasks done – similar to OpenAI's voice mode. Apple is planning to put Siri at the centre of the device operating system and give it a visual personality to make it feel lifelike. The approach, dubbed Bubbles, is vaguely reminiscent of Clippy, an animated paper clip from the 1990s that served as a virtual assistant in Microsoft Office. Some people familiar with the product call it the 'Pixar Lamp,' referring to the animated film company's famous logo. The technology giant is developing several other robots. It has teams exploring a mobile bot with wheels – something akin to Astro – and has loosely discussed humanoid models. Smart home push The smart-home push includes a standalone display poised to launch by the middle of 2026. That device, code-named J490, is a stripped-down variant of the robot, lacking the arm and conversational Siri – at least to start. It will still have home control, music playback, note taking, web browsing and videoconferencing. It may also include the new Siri visual interface. Both the smart display and tabletop robot will run a new operating system dubbed Charismatic, which is designed to be used by multiple people. Charismatic blends the approach of the Apple TV and Apple Watch operating systems. It offers features like multiuser modes and clock-face themes, such as one based on Snoopy, the beagle from the Peanuts comic strip. The devices are meant to be easily shared: They include a front-facing camera that can scan users' faces as they walk toward it and then automatically change the layout, features and content to the preferences of that person. Though the device will have a touch screen, the primary input method will be Siri and an upcoming upgrade to a feature dubbed App Intents. That software lets users precisely control the interface and applications via voice. The hardware itself looks similar to a Google Nest Hub but is shaped like a square, with thin black or white bezels and rounded corners. The non-robotic 7-inch display sits on a half-dome-shaped base, which includes some of the electronics and is perforated around the bottom edges for speakers and microphones. It can also be mounted on a wall. The launch will mark the first time Apple is making a serious push into the smart home and comes nearly a decade after Amazon and Alphabet Inc.'s Google started shipping smart speakers with screens. The home is a critical space for Apple to target, especially as more users consume content from the living room and automate household functions. Siri overhaul Core to the new home devices – and current products like iPhones and iPads – is an overhaul to the underpinnings of Siri. 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. Linwood is based on technology developed by the Apple Foundation Models team, but the company has a competing project dubbed Glenwood as well that would power Siri with outside technology. A final decision hasn't been made on which models will be used, but Apple has been testing Anthropic PBC's Claude for this purpose. Ring competitor Apple is working on a camera, code-named J450, designed for home security, detecting people and automating tasks. The device will be battery-powered and could last from several months to a year on a single charge, on par with rival products. The device has facial recognition and infrared sensors to determine who is in a room. Apple believes users will place cameras throughout their home to help with automation. That could mean turning lights off when someone leaves a room or automatically playing music liked by a particular family member. Apple is planning to develop multiple types of cameras and home-security products as part of an entirely new hardware and software lineup. The goal is to compete with Amazon Ring, Google Nest and Roku, capitalising on its customer loyalty to sell more products. It has also tested a doorbell that uses facial recognition technology to unlock a door. Apple already sells iCloud+ subscriptions with online storage for security footage, but they're aimed at third-party cameras. BLOOMBERG
Geeky Gadgets
22-07-2025
- Geeky Gadgets
Orthrus Duo Dual-Screen Laptop Review : Redefines Multitasking for Everyday Use
What if your laptop could do more than just sit there with a single screen, demanding constant tab-switching and window juggling? Enter the Orthrus Duo—a device that challenges the traditional laptop design by introducing a secondary touchscreen alongside its primary display. Imagine editing a document on the main screen while keeping your emails or reference materials visible on a smaller, touch-enabled display. It's a bold attempt to redefine multitasking, but does this innovation truly deliver on its promise, or does it fall short of its potential? With its sleek dual-screen setup and lightweight productivity focus, the Orthrus Duo sparks curiosity and raises questions about how we interact with technology. In this breakdown, ETA Prime explores how the Orthrus Duo's dual-screen innovation aims to simplify workflows and enhance multitasking. From its 15-inch Full HD primary display to the compact 7-inch secondary touchscreen, the laptop offers a unique design that could appeal to casual users and multitaskers alike. However, its Intel N100 processor and limited software optimization may leave power users wanting more. Is this an innovative tool for productivity or a niche experiment with untapped potential? Let's unpack its features, limitations, and the kind of user it's truly built for. Sometimes, innovation is about more than just adding a screen—it's about how well it integrates into your life. Orthrus Duo Overview Display Features: A Dual-Screen Innovation The standout feature of the Orthrus Duo is its dual-screen setup, which offers a new dimension to multitasking. The primary 15-inch display delivers a sharp 1080p resolution, making it well-suited for tasks such as document editing, web browsing, and streaming. This main screen ensures clarity and precision for everyday use. The secondary 7-inch 800p touchscreen adds a layer of flexibility, allowing users to manage secondary workflows. It can be used for displaying reference materials, running communication apps, or monitoring notifications without interrupting the primary task. While the concept is innovative, the lack of custom software to optimize the secondary screen's functionality limits its potential. Although touch-enabled, its integration with the primary display feels underdeveloped, leaving room for improvement in usability and workflow efficiency. Hardware Specifications: Balancing Capacity and Constraints The Orthrus Duo is powered by the Intel N100 processor, a quad-core chip with a clock speed of up to 3.4 GHz. This processor is designed for energy efficiency and handles basic tasks effectively. However, it struggles with resource-intensive applications, making it less suitable for users who require high-performance computing. The integrated Intel iGPU, featuring 24 execution units, supports light gaming and emulation but falls short when it comes to modern, graphically demanding games. The laptop is equipped with 32 GB of DDR4 RAM running at 3200 MHz, making sure smooth multitasking for lightweight applications. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5.0, providing reliable wireless performance for everyday use. However, the device's portability is hindered by its 29Wh battery, which requires frequent recharging during extended sessions. This limitation makes it less practical for users who prioritize mobility. ORTHRUS DUO Dual Screen Laptop Review Watch this video on YouTube. Check out more relevant guides from our extensive collection on dual-screen laptops that you might find useful. Performance and Usability: Best for Basic Tasks The Orthrus Duo is optimized for basic productivity tasks such as web browsing, email management, and document editing. Benchmark tests highlight its modest capabilities, with Geekbench 6 scores of 1,183 for single-core and 315 for multi-core performance. In 3DMark Night Raid, the laptop achieves a score of 4,681, reflecting its limited potential for gaming and graphics-intensive applications. For gaming and emulation, the device performs adequately with older titles or lightweight games at low settings. It can emulate platforms like PSP and GameCube at native resolutions, but modern games or demanding software exceed its capabilities. This positions the Orthrus Duo as a device better suited for casual users rather than gamers or professionals requiring robust performance. Cooling and Power Management The Orthrus Duo incorporates an enhanced cooling system designed to manage its 15W thermal design power (TDP). This ensures stable performance during extended use, but the system's efficiency is tested under heavier workloads. While the cooling system prevents overheating, it does not significantly improve performance under demanding conditions. Battery life is another area where the Orthrus Duo faces challenges. The 29Wh battery struggles to support prolonged mobility, requiring frequent recharging. This limits its practicality for users who need a device capable of extended unplugged sessions, making it more suitable for stationary use or short periods of portability. Software and Multitasking Potential Running on Windows 11, the Orthrus Duo provides a familiar and user-friendly operating environment. The secondary touchscreen enhances multitasking by allowing users to manage multiple applications simultaneously. For example, you can monitor notifications, access quick tools, or display supplementary content on the secondary screen while working on the primary display. However, the lack of dedicated software to fully exploit the dual-screen setup limits its overall utility. While the secondary display is helpful for specific tasks, it does not feel fully integrated into the workflow. This reduces its appeal for users seeking a seamless multitasking experience, as the potential of the dual-screen design remains underutilized. Limitations and Target Audience Despite its innovative design, the Orthrus Duo comes with several limitations. The Intel N100 processor, while energy-efficient, is underpowered for a dual-screen configuration. The absence of higher-performance CPU options, such as the Intel N305, further restricts its appeal for users with more demanding requirements. Additionally, the secondary screen's potential remains untapped due to the lack of tailored software that could enhance its integration with the primary display. The Orthrus Duo is best suited for users who prioritize light productivity and occasional multitasking. Its unique dual-screen setup offers a fresh perspective on laptop design, but its limited processing power and software optimization make it a niche device. For casual users seeking a lightweight solution for basic tasks, the Orthrus Duo provides an intriguing option. However, those with higher performance needs may find its capabilities insufficient. Media Credit: ETA PRIME Filed Under: Hardware, Laptops, 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.
Yahoo
10-07-2025
- Yahoo
Can a Mini PC Replace Your Desktop PC?
We typically see desktop PCs as powerful, zero-compromise machines that easily trump mini PCs in every single aspect. But is this really the case? While nothing can fully replace a desktop for certain tasks, mini PCs can serve as excellent desktop alternatives with few, if any, compromises for most people. If you're using your desktop PC for relatively non-demanding work, like working in Google Workspace or Microsoft Office apps, light photo and video editing, maybe some hobbyist-level programming and such, a mini PC can definitely replace it, and it doesn't have to entail compromises. Mini PCs have come a long way during this decade. Instead of feeble machines powered by lackluster processors and insufficient memory, modern mini PCs are excellent as everyday work machines, including budget models that sell for just a couple of hundred dollars. Thanks to Intel's recent focus on designing CPUs that combine performance and efficient cores (P-cores and E-cores), we've gotten a number of power-sipping, efficient core-only processors that pack surprisingly high amounts of power. CPUs such as the Core i3-1220P, N100, and N150 can match any budget desktop PC while being power-efficient and able to tackle any type of aforementioned workload without breaking a sweat. Couple said CPUs with at least 16GB of memory, and you've got yourself a capable everyday computing machine that can fit the palm of your hand and feel as snappy as any modern desktop and laptop. The best thing is that these CPUs are found in mini PC machines that cost anywhere from less than $150 to about $250, meaning you can get a worthy desktop replacement without paying the prebuilt and small form factor PC taxes. If you're willing to spend more, you can snag machines powered by the latest and greatest AMD and Intel mobile CPUs that come with surprisingly powerful iGPUs you can use for demanding tasks such as video editing in resolutions higher than 1080p, batch photo editing in Adobe Lightroom, working in CAD software (just make sure you get enough memory), music production, as well as professional-level coding and programming. In a nutshell, a mini PC can do everything a desktop PC can, unless we're talking about workloads that require powerful desktop-class GPUs (such as 3D rendering) or workstation-class CPUs, like an AMD Threadripper processor. PC gamers, on the other hand, should stick to their desktops. While it's true that mini PCs powered by AMD's newer mobile chips that include beefy iGPUs are capable of running even newer AAA titles at 1080p with decent performance (higher than 30FPS), they're still pretty limited compared to even budget gaming PCs. While they certainly can match desktop CPUs in power (the CPU found inside my ASUS ROG Ally outperforms my previous desktop CPU, an AMD Ryzen 5600X), the GPU part of the equation is lacking. A budget gaming GPU from a few generations ago, such as the RTX 2060, runs circles around even the most powerful integrated graphics you can find in a mini PC. Now, you can certainly pair an OCuLink-equipped mini PC with an external GPU, but the catch is that said setup will cost more than what you'd pay for an equivalent gaming PC you'd build yourself. Furthermore, dealing with external GPUs is an entire can of worms that entails lots of troubleshooting issues. If you're not particularly tech savvy, it's better to even get a prebuilt gaming PC than attempting to make a mini PC and an eGPU combo work. Truth be told, there are certain mini PCs, such as the Beelink Gti12 Ultra and Gti14 Ultra, that come with a full-sized PCIe 4.0 x8 slot, allowing you to pair them with an appropriate eGPU dock and get yourself a hassle-free gaming PC setup that won't limit the GPU performance due to the lack of bandwidth like other solutions (Thunderbolt and OcuLink) do. However, they're more expensive than building a comparable gaming PC, so I don't recommend them over building the PC yourself unless you have specific needs and demands that require this kind of solution. Lastly, there's a number of gaming-oriented mini PCs, such as the ASUS ROG NUC lineup or MINISFORUM AtomMan series, but they're prohibitively expensive and usually not worth it unless you really want a tiny gaming PC and aren't ready to build an SFF gaming desktop yourself. If you're a professional, I recommend sticking to your desktop. While high-end mini PCs can match high-end laptops in terms of CPU power, their integrated graphics leave much to be desired. If you need a high-end dedicated GPU for your work, you shouldn't even think about getting a mini PC. Also, you won't find a Threadripper-equivalent mini PC offering similar amounts of processing power. While you certainly can use a mini PC for CPU-intensive workloads, the amount of time you'll save by using an HEDT CPU is priceless in situations where time is money. If you like the idea of a compact desktop machine that excels at demanding workloads, think about building an SFF PC based on a flagship desktop-class CPU like an AMD Ryzen 9950X or Intel Core Ultra 9 285K, or consider getting an M4 Pro Mac Mini or Mac Studio if you're okay with using macOS. An M4 Pro-powered Mac Mini can be an outstanding 4K video editing or coding machine—for coding, you can get away even with the base M4 Mac Mini. At the same time, a Mac Studio can be a perfect choice for running large local LLMs and other AI-related workloads due to being available with up to 512GB of lighting-fast unified memory. A mini PC can definitely replace a desktop PC; the only question is what you're using said desktop PC for. If the answer is everyday office work, music production, hobbyist or semi-professional video or photo editing, programming, and similar workloads that don't require powerful GPUs, then yes, you can get an equivalent experience out of a mini PC. But if you're a PC gamer, someone who can't do their work without a desktop-level GPU, or a professional who needs their work completed as quickly as possible, I recommend sticking to the desktop form factor.
Business Insider
09-05-2025
- Business
- Business Insider
From court battles to cooperation: Dangote and NNPC seem to have called for a truce
In what could be the start of a critical shift in Nigeria's oil and gas sector, Aliko Dangote, President/CEO of the Dangote Group, recently paid a high-level courtesy visit to the new Group CEO of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), Mr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, at the NNPC Towers in Abuja. Dangote and NNPC's new GCEO meet to mend ties and boost collaboration. Past clashes included lawsuits, failed crude deals, and investment disputes. The meeting signals hope for improved fuel supply and energy security. The meeting, historic in its timing and significance, represents an attempt by two oil powerhouses to repair frayed ties and pave the way for a more cooperative and mutually profitable future. Dangote vs NNPC The relationship between Dangote Group and NNPCL has been strained in recent years. Disputes arose over several issues, including the contentious Naira-for-Crude deal, which was inconsistent under the previous NNPCL leadership. Designed to boost local refining, the program failed amid misunderstanding, lack of commitment, and claims by NNPC that it had "forward-sold all of its crude." Further straining ties, NNPCL first proposed a $1 billion investment for a 20% interest in the Dangote Refinery. However, this was eventually cut to 7%, along with attempts to recoup some of the funds. Dangote Petroleum Refinery, the world's largest single-train refinery, last year also sued the NNPC and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) over the issuance of fuel import licenses. Dangote contended that the ongoing acceptance of such permits weakens indigenous refining capability, especially as his $19 billion refinery approaches full output. A recent Federal High Court verdict in Abuja permitted the Dangote Group's N100 billion lawsuit to proceed, rejecting NNPCL's bid to halt the case. This emphasized the rising institutional friction between both parties, even as Nigerians continue to face high gasoline costs. NNPC and Dangote unite for the national interest Dangote and Ojulari's meeting on Thursday is the first official interaction since the previous NNPC chief, Mele Kyari, was removed in April. Both sides highlighted a common goal: to encourage healthy competition, boost Nigeria's energy security, and speed up the country's economic growth, as reported by the Punch. Ordinary Nigerians face tremendous stakes. The country has long battled with fuel imports, irregular supplies, and rising prices. If given the right conditions, Dangote has noted that his refinery can handle all of Nigeria's fuel needs. However, the NNPC continues to play an important role in domestic petroleum distribution and national energy policy. Recent public sentiment appears to be in favor of Dangote's output. In February, a viral video experiment contrasted petrol from an NNPC station to fuel from an MRS station that sold Dangote fuel. The Dangote-powered generator lasted roughly 13 minutes longer, provoking public arguments about quality and efficiency. If Thursday's meeting is any indication, both Dangote and NNPC may finally see that partnership, not hostility, is what Nigeria needs.
BBC News
08-04-2025
- BBC News
Man wey spray and abuse naira for im wedding chop prison sentence
One Federal High Court for Kano don sentence one makeup artist to six months in prison sake of naira abuse. Justice S.M Shuaibu jail Abdullahi Musa Huseini afta im plead guilty to one-count charge bordering on abuse and mutilation of di naira. For one statement by di Economic Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), court find Huseini guilty say im mutilate money wey im spray during im wedding. Di charge read: "Dat you, Abdullahi Musa Huseini, on di 6th day of December, 2024, at Ali Jita Event Centre, Kano, within di jurisdiction of di Honourable Court whilst dancing during a social event tamper wit di sum N100,000.00 (One Hundred Thousand Naira) in 1000 notes denomination wey di Central Bank of Nigeria issue by spraying in di said occasion and you thereby commit offence contrary to and punishable under Section 21(1) of di Central Bank Act, 2007" "Di convict bin chop arrest afta credible intelligence on im involvement in di deliberate mutilation of di Nigerian currency as e spray am for im own wedding celebration. "Investigations reveal say Huseini willfully deface and abuse di naira notes in defiance of warning and campaigns against di practice by di EFCC," di anti-graft agency tok. Wen dem arraign am, Huseini bin plead guilty to di charge, and dis prompt di prosecution counsel, Zarami Mohammed, to present di facts of di case and tender evidence bifor di court. Delivering judgment, Justice Shuaibu found am guilty as charged and sentence am to six months imprisonment witout option of fine.
