TechPression

Tag: Apple

  • How NVIDIA surpassed Apple, Microsoft to become the world’s most valuable company at $3.34 trillion 

    How NVIDIA surpassed Apple, Microsoft to become the world’s most valuable company at $3.34 trillion 

    In 2024, NVIDIA surpassed tech giants like Apple and Microsoft, achieving a market valuation of $3.34 trillion. This historic feat highlights NVIDIA’s dominance in the tech space, driven by its revolutionary GPUs and strategic focus on artificial intelligence (AI).

    NVIDIA’s journey began in 1993 when Jensen Huang and his co-founders conceptualised the company at a Denny’s diner. The company’s name, inspired by the Latin Invidia, meaning envy, reflects its ambition to create groundbreaking technology that sets the standard for innovation.

    Read also: Nvidia stock: buy, hold, or sell?

    How NVIDIA’s GPUs revolutionised gaming and computing

    The launch of the GeForce 256 in 1999 introduced the world to the first GPU, transforming gaming and enabling parallel processing for complex tasks. This innovation revolutionised gaming and paved the way for video editing, financial modelling, and more advancements.

    In 2006, NVIDIA released CUDA, a software platform that unlocks GPUs’ full potential for non-graphics tasks. CUDA became the backbone of AI development, making NVIDIA the go-to choice for companies building and training AI models.

    NVIDIA’s GPUs are at the heart of AI advancements, powering Tesla’s autonomous vehicles, Amazon Web Services, and OpenAI’s AI tools. NVIDIA’s technology drives innovation in diverse sectors, from healthcare to cloud computing.

    Read also: Harnessing next-generation AI with Nvidia Blackwell

    The strategic stock split that made NVIDIA shares more accessible

    In 2024, NVIDIA executed a 10:1 stock split, making its shares affordable for investors during the AI boom. This move attracted new investors and solidified NVIDIA’s position as a market leader in the AI-driven tech revolution.

    As AI adoption continues to grow, NVIDIA remains central to the digital transformation of industries. From AI-powered simulations to digital twins in healthcare, NVIDIA’s GPUs drive the next wave of technological innovation.

  • Apple improves user awareness of AI-powered summaries

    Apple improves user awareness of AI-powered summaries

    On Monday, Apple announced a significant update to its notification system to clarify when notifications are generated by artificial intelligence (AI).

    Many users have raised concerns about mistakes in these AI-generated summaries, which sometimes led to confusion.

    Read also: Apple’s iPhone 16 debut event is scheduled for September

    Fixing mistakes

    The update comes after a serious error reported by the BBC. In that case, an AI summary incorrectly claimed that Luigi Mangione, who was accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, had taken his own life.

    Such errors have made people question how reliable these AI summaries are.

    Last year, in an interview with The Wall Street Journal, Apple’s SVP of software engineering, Craig Federighi, said Apple Intelligence doesn’t summarise notifications it deems sensitive.

    Apple has encouraged users to report any problems they see with notification summaries. They want to build trust and ensure that the information shared is correct.

    The new software update will clearly show which notifications are generated by AI, helping users tell the difference between those and notifications created by humans.

    Read also: Apple’s Mac Mini redesign might signal the end of USB-A

    Improving user experience

    This update is part of Apple’s effort to make notifications easier for users to understand. With many smartphone alerts, Apple designed its AI feature to combine information into shorter summaries.

    However, this has sometimes led to what experts call “AI hallucinations,” where the technology creates false information and presents it as accurate.

    Apple’s CEO, Tim Cook, has acknowledged the difficulties of using AI for content creation. He has emphasised that the company is dedicated to improving its systems based on user feedback.

    “Apple Intelligence features are currently in beta, and we are constantly enhancing them based on feedback,” he said.

  • Apple settles Siri privacy lawsuit for $95 million, agrees to delete old voice recordings

    Apple settles Siri privacy lawsuit for $95 million, agrees to delete old voice recordings

    Apple agreed to a $95 million settlement on Thursday to resolve a class-action lawsuit concerning its voice assistant, Siri. 

    The lawsuit, spanning five years, claimed that Siri recorded private conversations without user consent when unintentionally activated. 

    Plaintiffs reported receiving targeted ads after discussing products privately, raising concerns about privacy violations.

    Read also: Apple TV+ offers free streaming access to kickstart new year

    Details of the settlement

    The proposed agreement, submitted to a federal court in Oakland, California, requires approval from U.S. District Judge Jeffrey White. 

    As part of the settlement, Apple denies any wrongdoing but commits to deleting Siri audio recordings made before October 2019 and will create a webpage to inform users about opting in to improve Siri’s functionality. 

    Eligible users who owned Siri-enabled devices from September 17, 2014, to December 31, 2024, may receive up to $20 per device.

    Apple’s commitment to privacy

    Deceased Apple’s founder, Steve Jobs, emphasised user privacy as a core value of the company. 

    This lawsuit contradicts Apple’s long-standing commitment to safeguarding user data, a principle CEO Tim Cook reiterates. 

    Read also: Apple’s automatic data sharing in iOS 18’s Visual Search stirs privacy concerns

    He has described privacy as “a fundamental human right,” highlighting the company’s dedication to protecting its customers.

    The case gained traction after a 2019 report revealed that Apple contractors often overheard sensitive conversations while reviewing Siri recordings for quality control.

    This settlement represents a small fraction of Apple’s substantial profits but reflects ongoing scrutiny over tech companies’ handling of user data. 

    As the situation evolves, Apple aims to reassure users about their privacy while enhancing Siri’s capabilities with new AI advancements expected in the coming years.

  • Apple’s automatic data sharing in iOS 18’s Visual Search stirs privacy concerns

    Apple’s automatic data sharing in iOS 18’s Visual Search stirs privacy concerns

    Apple‘s most recent update to iOS 18 has sparked privacy concerns, as it appears to share users’ photo data with the company automatically.

    This function, known as Enhanced Visual Search, was announced on December 28, 2024. While it recognises landmarks in images, it automatically transmits encrypted data to Apple’s servers without the user’s permission.

    Read also: Apple expands into home security: Facial recognition smart locks, doorbells in development

    Privacy under scrutiny

    Jeff Johnson, a developer and researcher, brought this issue to light in his blog, stating that the Enhanced Visual Search feature is enabled automatically on iPhones and Macs running the latest software.

    This functionality allows users to search for images by landmark names but requires data to be shared with Apple’s servers.

    Unlike the previous Visual Look Up feature, which operated entirely on-device, Enhanced Visual Search sends “vector embeddings” of image characteristics for analysis.

    Apple boasts of its privacy protocols across products and services. The company even launched a campaign in 2019 titled ‘Privacy.

    That’s Apple. This automatic data sharing raises questions about the company’s commitment to safeguarding user information.

    Users have reported finding the setting enabled on their devices without their knowledge, prompting concerns about how much control they have over their data.

    Read also: Apple faces legal scrutiny over alleged complicity in Congo’s human rights abuses

    How to turn off enhanced visual search

    For those concerned about privacy implications, turning off this feature is straightforward. Users can navigate to Settings > Apps > Photos on their iPhone or Mac and turn off the Enhanced Visual Search option.

    This action will prevent any further data sharing with Apple regarding photo content.

    While Apple has implemented encryption and other privacy measures, this feature’s default nature contrasts sharply with its usual practices, which require explicit opt-in for data collection.

    As users become increasingly aware of their digital footprint, this move by Apple may lead to a reevaluation of trust in the company’s privacy policies.

  • Apple expands into home security: Facial recognition smart locks, doorbells in development

    Apple expands into home security: Facial recognition smart locks, doorbells in development

    Apple is reportedly developing smart home locks with facial recognition technology, aiming to enter the home devices market. 

    Apple is reportedly venturing into the smart home devices market, with plans to introduce facial recognition technology in smart locks and doorbells.

    This initiative, announced in a Boomerang report on December 22, 2024, positions Apple to compete with established players like Google’s Nest and Amazon’s Ring in the home security sector.

    Read also: Apple faces legal scrutiny over alleged complicity in Congo’s human rights abuses

    Smart lock and doorbell features

    According to a Bloomberg report, Apple’s new smart lock and doorbell system will allow users to unlock their doors by scanning their faces. This technology is still in the early stages, with a potential release date set for late 2025 at the earliest.

    The doorbell might be sold as a complete package in partnership with specific lock manufacturers, or the doorbell could be compatible with existing third-party locks. 

    Expanding Apple’s home device ecosystem

    This development aligns with Apple’s growing interest in smart home technology. Recently, Bloomberg reported that Apple is also working on an AI-powered wall-mounted tablet that could function as an intercom and control various home appliances. Additionally, the company is exploring home robots. However, these projects might never see the light of day, as seen with Apple’s recent decision to scrap its car project and halt efforts on a subscription model for the iPhone.

    Introducing smart locks and doorbells could allow Apple to cross-sell existing products like the iPhone and Apple Watch, enhancing the overall user experience within its ecosystem.

    Privacy considerations

    Apple’s strong commitment to user privacy is a key advantage in this market. The company has built a reputation for prioritising customer data protection, which could make consumers more comfortable adopting its smart home devices. This focus on privacy contrasts with competitors facing scrutiny over their handling of user data and law enforcement requests.

    For instance, Amazon’s Ring has been criticised for allowing police departments to access video footage without homeowner consent. In contrast, Apple CEO Tim Cook has publicly refused to unlock iPhones for government investigations, reinforcing the company’s stance on privacy.

    Read also: Apple offers $1 million prize to anyone who can hack its intelligence servers

    Future developments in smart home security

    In addition to the smart lock and doorbell, Apple is reportedly developing an in-home security camera designed to rival similar products from Google and Amazon. This camera is expected to integrate seamlessly with Apple’s rumoured smart home hub, managing connected devices throughout the household. Introducing such security cameras could drive subscriptions to iCloud services, where video footage from these devices would be stored.

    Apple’s entry into smart-home locks and security devices represents a strategic expansion into a competitive market. By leveraging its commitment to privacy and integrating these products into its ecosystem, Apple aims to enhance user convenience while addressing security and data protection concerns in smart home technology.

    As these developments unfold, they are likely to reshape the landscape of home security solutions in the coming years.

  • Apple faces legal scrutiny over alleged complicity in Congo’s human rights abuses

    Apple faces legal scrutiny over alleged complicity in Congo’s human rights abuses

    While many people were awestruck by the newest iPhone 16, and iPhone 16 Pro Max some aggrieved citizens in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) face a different reality. 

    They have accused Apple of fanning the flames of human rights violations by sourcing “blood minerals” —tin, tantalum, and tungsten—from armed groups known for causing violence and violating human rights.

    The minerals, often known as 3T, are key ingredients in the production of smart phones and other electronic gadgets.

    Given that the mineral resources were mostly found in DRC, the region has become a hotspot for uncontrolled small-scale mining, which has had devastating consequences on nearby populations, plaintiffs claimed.

    Read also: Apple offers $1 million prize to anyone who can hack its intelligence servers

    Apple, Google, and Dell’s alleged involvement in unethical mining practices

    Citizens have, for years, called for the “cancellation” of businesses engaged in unethical mining in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. International Advocates, a human rights organisation, filed a lawsuit against tech companies Apple, Google, and Dell in May 2024 for allegedly making money off of child exploitation in their supply chains. 

    The Congolese government has now filed criminal accusations against Apple over the company’s alleged involvement in exploitation and is seeking justice. 

    Apple and its subsidiaries in France and Belgium are specifically targeted for allegedly sourcing blood minerals from armed groups that exploit child labour and that the tech giant’s supply chain contains conflict minerals.

    The plaintiffs argue that by sourcing 3T minerals from these groups, Apple effectively endorses the use of child labour in horrific working conditions. Around 40,000 children are reportedly forced to work in mines, suffering in dangerous environments. The government claims this exploitation has resulted in significant losses for the Congolese economy.

    Apple’s response to allegations of unethical sourcing

    Apple strongly debunked the claims, asserting that the company is committed to ethical sourcing, which it based on its annual conflict minerals report and supplier checks.

    Read also: Apple to build its own Bluetooth, Wi-Fi chips

    “As conflict in the region escalated earlier this year we notified our suppliers that their smelters and refiners must suspend sourcing tin, tantalum, tungsten, and gold from the DRC and Rwanda,” Reuters cited Apple as saying in a statement, adopting DRC as an abridged version for Congo.

    “We took this action because we were concerned it was no longer possible for independent auditors or industry certification mechanisms to perform the due diligence required to meet our high standards.”

    Congo’s lawyers accused Apple of engaging in human rights violations as it profits from minerals that are taken from the country through illicit mining activities and then launders them through intricate international supply networks.

    What role does Apple play in this? International rules mandate due diligence for companies such as Apple. To avoid these costs, Apple must provide evidence of the minerals’ provenance and demonstrate that it does not buy minerals that have been unlawfully harvested in Congo and then laundered through legitimate supply networks.

  • Clash of the giants: Meta, Apple battle over privacy, interoperability in Europe

    Clash of the giants: Meta, Apple battle over privacy, interoperability in Europe

    Tech giants Apple and Meta are at odds in Europe in a showdown bordering on the implementation of EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) over privacy and interoperability concerns.

    The (DMA) is a competition law that forbids designated gatekeepers, such as Apple and Meta, from denying competitors access to core platform services. This includes Safari, the App Store, iOS, and iPadOS for Apple. However, iOS is the primary target of this dispute.

    Read also: Irish government slams Meta with €251 million fine for data breach

    Apple’s concerns about Meta’s requests

    The iPhone manufacturer has declared its dislike since EU regulators are actively determining how the DMA interoperability rules should apply to Apple. However, its most recent attacks target Meta rather than the pan-EU regulation.

    Apple disclosed on Wednesday that Meta has submitted more interoperability requests (15) than any other business, indicating that it is attempting to get extensive access that may be detrimental to customer security and privacy.

    Read also: Apple offers $1 million prize to anyone who can hack its intelligence servers

    Implications for regulation

    Apple cautioned that if it granted all of the requests, Meta could “read on a user’s device all of their messages and emails, see every phone call they make or receive, track every app that they use, scan all of their photos, look at their files and calendar events, log all of their passwords, and more” through its apps, Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, Threads, and WhatsApp.

    Meta countered the claims and accused Apple of fabricating privacy concerns that  “have no basis in reality” in order to limit its access in the region.

  • Apple offers $1 million prize to anyone who can hack its intelligence servers

    Apple offers $1 million prize to anyone who can hack its intelligence servers

    Apple introduced a $1 million bounty to ethical hackers who can successfully breach its Apple Intelligence servers on October 24, 2024, and no one has been able to break into its systems to date.

    This challenge, part of Apple’s Security Bounty Program, targets vulnerabilities in its cloud-based AI infrastructure, specifically Private Cloud Compute (PCC). 

    The initiative reflects Apple’s confidence in its cutting-edge security architecture while reinforcing its commitment to transparency and privacy.

    Read also: Apple to build its own Bluetooth, Wi-Fi chips

    Why Apple is Offering $1 million

    Apple’s Private Cloud Compute is the backbone of its AI operations, securely handling intensive computations while protecting user data. The company aims to showcase PCC’s resilience by inviting security researchers to identify flaws. The maximum reward of $1 million will be awarded for remote code execution vulnerabilities with arbitrary system entitlements, the most critical type of exploit. 

    Lesser but significant vulnerabilities, such as unauthorised access to user request data or network-based attacks, are also eligible for substantial rewards.

    For example, researchers who uncover unauthorised access to sensitive user data outside PCC’s secure trust boundary could receive up to $250,000. Attacks that exploit privileged network positions to compromise request data are eligible for rewards up to $150,000. Accidental data disclosures due to deployment or configuration issues can earn up to $50,000. 

    Apple has also clarified that vulnerabilities outside these predefined categories will still be considered if they significantly impact PCC’s privacy or security guarantees.

    The role of Private Cloud Compute in Apple security

    Private Cloud Compute brings Apple’s hardware-driven security model to the cloud, ensuring that AI requests are processed securely and privately. PCC uses advanced encryption, hardware-based attestations, and verifiable transparency to protect user data, even when computations occur beyond their devices. By encouraging independent verification, Apple demonstrates its commitment to building trust while reinforcing the strength of PCC’s architecture.

    Apple’s transparency through research tools

    Apple’s commitment to security transparency goes beyond the bounty program. Researchers can analyze PCC’s systems using the Virtual Research Environment (VRE), a virtualized testing tool available on macOS. This environment allows researchers to inspect PCC software, verify its transparency logs, and test inference models in a secure, controlled setup. 

    Additionally, Apple has released the source code for critical PCC components, such as CloudAttestation, which validates PCC node security, and Thimble, which enforces verifiable transparency. These tools ensure researchers can thoroughly evaluate PCC’s architecture and test for weaknesses.

    Read also: Apple’s iOS 18.2 gets a ChatGPT upgrade

    Apple’s commitment to privacy and security

    Apple’s $1 million bounty highlights its determination to maintain the highest privacy and security standards for its AI systems. By opening its infrastructure to ethical hackers and security researchers, Apple aims to identify and address vulnerabilities before they can be exploited maliciously.

    This initiative strengthens PCC’s defences and reaffirms Apple’s position as a leader in secure, cloud-based AI solutions.

    Apple’s decision to offer a $1 million reward for breaches to its AI servers underscores its confidence in the robustness of Private Cloud Compute. By combining transparency, independent verification, and substantial incentives for ethical research, Apple is setting a new benchmark for security in cloud-based AI.

    This bold move reflects the company’s unwavering commitment to protecting user privacy while advancing the future of secure AI technology.

  • Apple to build its own Bluetooth, Wi-Fi chips

    Apple to build its own Bluetooth, Wi-Fi chips

    Apple announced on Friday its plan to develop in-house Bluetooth and Wi-Fi chips, marking a significant step toward technology self-reliance. 

    This initiative, known internally as Proxima, aims to replace components currently supplied by Broadcom, reducing Apple’s dependence on third-party suppliers.

    The move aligns with Apple’s broader strategy of integrating its hardware for better performance and energy efficiency.

    Read also: Apple’s iOS 18.2 gets a ChatGPT upgrade

    The Vision behind Proxima

    The Proxima chip has been under development for several years and is expected to launch in 2025. It will first appear in devices like the iPhone 17, Apple TV, and HomePod mini, with plans to expand to iPads and Macs later. 

    Apple aims to create a seamless wireless experience across its devices, enhance battery life, and enable thinner designs.

    As Mark Gurman from Bloomberg News noted, “Apple wants to develop an end-to-end wireless approach tightly integrated with its other components.” 

    This shift is separate from Apple’s anticipated transition to its cellular modem chips, but both technologies are expected to work together. By designing its chips, Apple aims to improve product performance and support advanced features such as artificial intelligence.

    Read also: Microsoft expands Phone Link: iPhone-to-PC file sharing

    A new era for Apple

    Founded by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Wayne in 1976, Apple has consistently pushed the boundaries of technology. The decision to create its Bluetooth and Wi-Fi chips reflects a long-standing commitment to innovation and quality. By controlling more of its hardware production, Apple seeks to enhance user experience and streamline its supply chain.

    This strategic move comes as Apple remains one of Broadcom’s largest customers, accounting for around 20% of its revenue. 

    With Proxima, Apple aims to reduce this reliance while fostering a more integrated ecosystem of devices. As technology evolves rapidly, this initiative positions Apple at the forefront of innovation in wireless communications.

  • Apple’s iOS 18.2 gets a ChatGPT upgrade

    Apple’s iOS 18.2 gets a ChatGPT upgrade

    Apple made a prominent announcement on Wednesday about iOS 18.2, its most recent software version. This version incorporates ChatGPT from OpenAI into its ecosystem.

    This move marks a pivotal moment in the company’s ongoing efforts to enhance user experience through artificial intelligence. The integration allows users to interact with ChatGPT directly through Siri, making it easier to access advanced AI capabilities without switching between applications.

    Read also: Microsoft expands Phone Link: iPhone-to-PC file sharing

    A new era of interaction

    Imagine asking your smartphone a complex question and receiving a tailored response that feels almost conversational. With the new ChatGPT integration, Apple transforms how users interact with their devices. 

    The feature activates when Siri encounters a question it cannot answer directly; it will then seek user permission to connect to ChatGPT for assistance. This seamless interaction is designed to provide users with more accurate and detailed responses, enhancing Siri’s overall functionality.

    Apple has emphasised that privacy remains a top priority. Users can feel secure knowing OpenAI will not retain their requests, reinforcing Apple’s commitment to safeguarding user data.

    As Apple CEO Tim Cook stated during the announcement, “With ChatGPT integrated into Writing Tools and Siri, users can tap into ChatGPT’s expertise without having to switch between apps, helping them get things done faster and easier than ever before.”

    This integration is not just about convenience; it represents a leap forward in how artificial intelligence can assist in daily tasks.

    Innovative features beyond ChatGPT

    In addition to the ChatGPT integration, iOS 18.2 introduces several other exciting features under “Apple Intelligence.” 

    One notable addition is Image Playground, which allows users to create images based on prompts or suggestions. 

    This feature encourages creativity by enabling users to generate cartoonish or stylistic visuals rather than photorealistic images, potentially reducing misuse risks. 

    The Image Playground is accessible as a standalone application and can be integrated into various platforms, such as Messages and Keynote.

    Another innovative tool is Genmoji, which lets users design personalised emoji-like stickers for use in chats. This feature is expected to resonate well with younger audiences who enjoy expressing themselves through unique digital stickers. 

    Furthermore, enhancements to the Writing Tools allow users to generate text based on prompts, making writing tasks more dynamic and engaging.

    The release of iOS 18.2 also expands language support for Apple Intelligence features, now including localised English for countries like Canada and Ireland and additional languages such as Chinese and Spanish. This broadening of language support aims to make Apple’s services more accessible to a global audience.

    Read also: ChatGPT and Sora suffer major outage amid high demand

    Founder’s vision

    The vision behind these advancements can be traced back to Apple’s commitment to innovation and user-centric design. 

    Founded by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Wayne in 1976, Apple has consistently pushed the boundaries of technology while prioritising user experience. Today, under Tim Cook’s leadership, the company continues this legacy by integrating cutting-edge technology like AI into everyday devices.

    The partnership with OpenAI represents a significant step forward for Apple as it seeks to redefine personal computing through artificial intelligence. Apple uses OpenAI’s natural language processing and machine learning expertise to improve its products while prioritising privacy.

    As users explore these new features in iOS 18.2, they will likely find that the integration of ChatGPT streamlines their interactions with Siri and enriches their overall experience with Apple devices. Whether generating creative content or obtaining quick answers to complex questions, the future looks promising for Apple’s AI initiatives.