This significant upswing demonstrates a marked shift in attitudes toward Alphabet after the 2022 introduction of ChatGPT led certain investors to worry the firm had lost its AI advantage, despite having invented much of the foundational technology for generative AI. Alphabet recovered its momentum this year by making its cloud division a key contributor to growth, which attracted an investment from Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway, and its new Gemini 3 model is garnering excellent initial reviews.

The milestone, however, could intensify anxieties among some executives who caution that rising valuations have detached market trends from business reality, prompting concerns over an economic bubble reminiscent of the 1990s dot-com era. These bubble fears are also amplified by circular transactions involving OpenAI and Nvidia, two prominent firms in the AI sector. Analysts, nevertheless, maintain that Google is strongly positioned in the AI competition because of its ample cash reserves, its own in-house chip production offering an alternative to Nvidia's expensive processors, and its massive internet search operation, which is already experiencing benefits from AI incorporation.

In October, the moment of truth arrived for the AI tech titans as investors worldwide held their breath after Wall Street's close when Microsoft, Alphabet (Google), and Meta (Facebook) – collectively worth nearly 10 trillion dollars – began releasing their quarterly earnings reports in another attempt to beat forecasts.

Google (through its parent company Alphabet) beat forecasts by 26% ($2.87 per share compared to the $2.27 expected) with revenues of 100 billion dollars. Microsoft also beat forecasts by 14% ($3.72 per share compared to the $3.6 expected). Meta on the other hand had to pay 15 billions in a one-time payment, which resulted in a miss of 84% in the earnings.

Alphabet reported more than $100 Billion of revenue in a quarter for the first time ever. Google parent company Alphabet also reported strong third-quarter results, with revenue climbing 16% year-over-year. Google Search & Other grew 15%, while YouTube Ads increased 15% during the period. Google Cloud posted the strongest growth at 34%, though Google Network saw a 3% decline. The company's EBIT rose 9.5% with a margin of 31%, and earnings per share jumped 35%.

The head of Google's parent firm Alphabet, Sundar Pichai, has recently cautioned the BBC that every company would be impacted if the AI bubble were to burst. Speaking exclusively to BBC News, Pichai acknowledged that while AI investment growth is an "extraordinary moment," there is some "irrationality" in the current boom. Amid fears in Silicon Valley of soaring valuations, Pichai warned, "I think no company is going to be immune, including us."

His wide-ranging interview at Google's California headquarters, reported by the BBC, touched on energy needs, climate targets, UK investment, and AI's effect on jobs, coming as market scrutiny intensifies. Alphabet's shares have doubled in seven months to $3.5 trillion as market confidence in its ability to counter OpenAI grows. A specific focus remains on Alphabet's competition with Nvidia, run by Jensen Huang, which recently hit a $5 trillion valuation, even as analysts question the $1.4 trillion in deals surrounding OpenAI.

Pichai's remarks about "irrationality" echoed Alan Greenspan's 1996 "irrational exuberance" warning during the dotcom boom. Pichai told the BBC the industry can "overshoot" in such cycles. "We can look back at the internet right now. There was clearly a lot of excess investment, but none of us would question whether the internet was profound," he said. "I expect AI to be the same. So I think it's both rational and there are elements of irrationality through a moment like this." His comments follow a similar warning from JP Morgan's Jamie Dimon, who told the BBC some AI investments would "probably be lost." Pichai argued Google's "full stack" model provides a better position to handle turbulence.

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Bloomberg reveals that Apple is poised to redefine iPhone interaction with a powerful upgrade to Siri's App Intents, slated for release in spring 2026 alongside a comprehensive Siri revamp. This advancement will enable users to navigate apps entirely through voice commands, executing tasks like photo editing, social media engagement, or online shopping without touching the screen. Currently in testing with apps like Uber, YouTube, and Apple's own software, the feature aims to deliver precise, hands-free control – a vision Siri has promised since its inception. However, Bloomberg indicates that Apple may restrict Siri's functionality in sensitive areas like banking to ensure flawless performance.

The postponement of Siri's next-generation features, highlighted at the 2024 Worldwide Developers Conference, triggered significant internal changes at Apple, including leadership shifts, and exposed its AI shortcomings, according to Bloomberg. While the delayed personal context feature – enabling Siri to access texts or photos for tailored responses – garnered attention, the App Intents upgrade is the real breakthrough. It positions Siri as a seamless app controller, laying the foundation for Apple's voice-first ecosystem, including a smart display in 2026 and a future tabletop robot.

To perfect this feature, Apple's global data operations team is conducting extensive testing to ensure compatibility and accuracy across numerous apps, Bloomberg reports. Engineers are particularly cautious about its reliability in critical domains like health or finance, where mistakes could have serious consequences, potentially leading to limited or excluded functionality in these areas initially.

On another front, Bloomberg details Apple's strategic response to political pressures. Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook recently announced that all iPhone and Apple Watch cover glass will be made in the US through a $2.5 billion partnership with Corning. This shift, while symbolically significant, is minor compared to Apple's broader $600 billion US investment plan, as most glass processing occurs abroad. During a meeting with President Donald Trump, Cook presented a gold bar, aligning with Apple's exemption from new chip tariffs, though no explicit connection was confirmed.

Apple is also nearing completion of iOS 26, set to debut with the iPhone 17 in September, per Bloomberg. The latest beta offers improved performance, enhanced battery life, and subtle enhancements like a lively unlock animation and an updated Dynamic Island for battery alerts. Yet, the Dynamic Island's lack of significant updates since its introduction three years ago underscores Apple's tendency to sidelined promised innovations.

Bloomberg highlights ongoing challenges in Apple's AI division, with engineer Yun Zhu joining Meta's Superintelligence Labs, marking the fifth departure from the AI models team. These exits, amid high compensation offers from Meta and internal frustrations, suggest Apple's struggle to maintain its AI talent pool.

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The initiative comes as the tech giant faces potential disruption of its lucrative search partnership with Google, which generates approximately $20 billion annually for Apple through default search placement on its devices. Bloomberg detailed how the company's new direction contradicts recent public statements from top software and marketing executives who dismissed consumer interest in chatbot technology.

According to Bloomberg, when Apple introduced its artificial intelligence platform, it explicitly stated there would be no internally developed chatbot. The company instead partnered with OpenAI to integrate ChatGPT into the Siri voice assistant, allowing users to access what Apple termed "world knowledge" without creating an in-house product.

Apple's senior software and marketing leaders have consistently argued that consumer interest in chatbots remains limited, Bloomberg noted. These executives have also rejected suggestions that the absence of such technology demonstrates Apple falling behind in artificial intelligence development. Some leaders within the company's AI division have expressed skepticism about ChatGPT-style tools entirely.

However, products like ChatGPT serve hundreds of millions of users globally, with many relying on these tools for mathematical calculations, spreadsheet work, and brainstorming sessions, Bloomberg reported. Others utilize the technology for simpler functions like search capabilities.

Apple Intelligence currently lacks search functionality, focusing instead on notification summaries, text rewriting, Genmoji image generation, and photo cleanup features, according to Bloomberg. The system will soon include message and call translation capabilities but lacks the conversational, AI-powered search experiences available through ChatGPT or Google's Gemini.

Meanwhile, Siri continues to demonstrate inconsistent performance when answering questions, Bloomberg found. While it handles basic queries adequately, it frequently transfers other requests to ChatGPT through a limited interface. Often, it directs users to generic Google web searches, which proves particularly frustrating when using screen-less devices like the HomePod.

This situation places Apple in a precarious position, as the company has never developed its own search engine, Bloomberg reported. This stems partly from Google search's superior performance, but also because Alphabet pays Apple roughly $20 billion annually to maintain default status on Apple devices.

The arrangement faces potential disruption as the US Justice Department is widely expected to force changes to the search agreement, potentially costing Apple billions in annual revenue, Bloomberg noted. During recent earnings calls, Apple's finance chief indicated that the company's services growth closely connects to the Google partnership.

Simultaneously, the search landscape undergoes rapid transformation due to generative AI, making the market more democratized, Bloomberg reported. Users increasingly turn to tools like ChatGPT for purposes extending far beyond traditional search queries. Apple's services head Eddy Cue testified in court that AI-based search represents the future, confirming that Apple explores partnerships, including with startup Perplexity, to advance toward more modern search experiences.

Despite philosophical reservations among certain Apple leaders, the company clearly moves in that direction, according to Bloomberg. Earlier this year, Apple quietly established a new team called Answers, Knowledge and Information, or AKI. This group explores various in-house AI services aimed at creating a new ChatGPT-like search experience.

The AKI team operates under Robby Walker, a senior director reporting to AI chief John Giannandrea, Bloomberg reported. Walker previously managed Siri but lost control following engineering delays. After that reorganization, he received assignment to the new Answers initiative and brought several key team members from his Siri tenure.

While still in developmental stages, the team constructs what it calls an "answer engine" – a system capable of web crawling to respond to general knowledge questions, Bloomberg found. A standalone application remains under exploration, alongside new backend infrastructure designed to power search capabilities in future versions of Siri, Spotlight, and Safari.

Apple recently began advertising job openings for the team on its careers website, stating according to Bloomberg: "Our work fuels intuitive information experiences across some of Apple's most iconic products, including Siri, Spotlight, Safari, Messages, Lookup, and more. Join us in shaping the future of how the world connects with information!"

Several job listings specifically mention experience with search algorithms and engine development, Bloomberg reported. While a finished product may remain distant, the direction appears unmistakable - something resembling a streamlined, Apple-built approach to ChatGPT-like search functionality is in development.

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@user9586420191789 My dad sent me this video this morning. He told me his friend noticed that when he used speech to text and said "racist," it briefly changed to "Trump" before changing back. Seems like subliminal messaging to me. I don't have an iPhone and my phone doesn't do it. #iphone #Trump #apple #elonmusk #fyp @Anna Matson @Aquarius_Waive @athena @David Gokhshtein @Doxielvr @Hello America @Jason Pargin, author @Jeffery Mead @Jeff Mead @Joe "Pags" Pagliarulo @J.D. Vance @Link Lauren @Tulsi Gabbard @user80861822781 ♬ original sound - Jess White2260

According to Fox News Digital, the outlet was able to replicate the problem multiple times, confirming that the dictation feature briefly shows "Trump" before correcting to "racist" – matching the behavior demonstrated in the widely shared social media post. However, Fox News Digital noted that the error doesn't occur consistently, with the system accurately transcribing "racist" in most instances.

An Apple spokesperson addressed the controversy in a statement to Fox News Digital, saying: "We are aware of an issue with the speech recognition model that powers Dictation, and we are rolling out a fix as soon as possible." The company explained that their speech recognition technology sometimes temporarily displays words with phonetic similarities before settling on the correct term, Fox News Digital reported.

The company further clarified that the bug affects various words containing the "r" consonant during dictation, not just this specific case. Apple indicated that these momentary misinterpretations are part of how the system processes speech before determining the intended word.

The viral TikTok video that exposed the issue shows a user demonstrating how speaking the word "racist" initially generates "Trump" on screen before switching to the correct word. The video's caption suggests this could be "subliminal messaging," though Apple attributes it to a technical error rather than intentional programming.

This incident marks the second recent controversy involving technology platforms and the portrayal of President Donald Trump. Last September, Amazon's Alexa virtual assistant faced scrutiny after users discovered it would provide reasons to vote for then-Vice President Kamala Harris while declining to offer similar information about Trump.

In that case, Fox News Digital reported that Amazon representatives briefed the House Judiciary Committee about the discrepancy, explaining that Alexa uses pre-programmed manual overrides for certain user prompts. The company had initially only created these overrides for then-President Joe Biden and Trump, neglecting to include Harris because few users had requested information about her candidacy.

Amazon reportedly identified and addressed the Alexa issue within hours of the video going viral on social media. According to sources familiar with the matter, the company apologized during the congressional briefing, acknowledging that while Amazon has a policy preventing Alexa from expressing political opinions or bias, "obviously we are here today because we did not meet that bar in this incident."

The source indicated that Amazon has since conducted a comprehensive audit of its system and implemented manual overrides for all candidates and numerous election-related queries, expanding beyond its previous focus on only presidential candidates.

Apple has not specified exactly when the fix for the dictation issue will be deployed to affected devices, but indicated it would be "as soon as possible," according to the company's statement to Fox News Digital.

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Apple is set to unveil its highly anticipated iPhone 16 lineup tonight, with four models expected: the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max. All devices will feature "Apple Intelligence," the company's cutting-edge artificial intelligence package introduced in June. To meet projected high demand, Apple's Chinese manufacturing partner has reportedly hired an additional 50,000 workers for its production facility.

Apple's headquarters in Cupertino, California, is set to host the company's event, featuring the intriguing tagline "It's Glowtime." The Apple logo, enveloped in a vibrant halo, hints at potential new color offerings for iPhones and other Apple devices.

The tech giant's autumn product unveiling has evolved into a cornerstone of its yearly calendar. This showcase typically introduces an array of new gadgets and sets the stage for the holiday shopping rush, which represents Apple's most lucrative and bustling period. These product launches consistently generate intense buzz and anticipation within the technology sector and among Apple enthusiasts – so what can we expect according to the latest rumors? 

Bigger screens

The iPhone 16 Pro models are poised for a significant display upgrade. Industry insiders suggest the iPhone 16 Pro will boast a 6.3-inch screen, while the Pro Max will feature an expansive 6.9-inch display. This marks a substantial increase from current models, potentially revolutionizing user experience and device functionality. The standard models, however, are expected to retain their existing dimensions. 

Introducing versatile controls

Apple plans to equip all iPhone 16 models with two innovative buttons. The first, already seen in iPhone 15 Pro models, will replace the traditional mute switch and offer customizable actions. The second, dubbed the "Capture button," will be positioned on the device's right side. This dedicated control will streamline photo and video capture, offering precise management of camera functions like autofocus and zoom.

Redefining mobile photography

The iPhone 16's camera system is slated for a major overhaul. Pro models are rumored to incorporate an advanced 48-megapixel ultra-wide sensor, significantly improving low-light photography. The 5x optical zoom capability, previously exclusive to Pro Max models, may now be available in the standard Pro version. For regular models, a vertical camera arrangement will replace the diagonal setup, potentially enabling spatial video recording compatible with Apple's Vision Pro device.

AI and performance

All iPhone 16 models are expected to feature Apple's latest A18 chip, promising enhanced performance and energy efficiency. Rumors suggest Pro models might receive an upgraded version with superior graphics capabilities. Apple is doubling down on artificial intelligence, potentially introducing AI-driven features such as a more capable Siri, smart playlist generation in Apple Music, and AI-assisted content creation tools in productivity apps.

Next-level connectivity

The iPhone 16 Pro is anticipated to support the cutting-edge Wi-Fi 7 standard, delivering unprecedented internet speeds. Reports also indicate the use of Qualcomm's latest 5G modem, ensuring faster and more efficient cellular connectivity. Apple is fine-tuning the device's microphones, which could elevate call quality and Siri interactions.

Enhanced charging capabilities

Apple is poised to introduce revolutionary battery technology in the iPhone 16, featuring a layered design that could boost capacity and longevity. Rumors point to enhanced charging capabilities, with up to 40W wired charging and 20W MagSafe wireless charging. The company is also refining the device's thermal management system to maintain optimal performance during intensive tasks.

While final pricing remains unconfirmed, industry analysts speculate that Apple may implement modest price increases compared to the previous generation, primarily due to the integration of advanced components. 

In essence, the iPhone 16 lineup promises a series of refinements and upgrades over its predecessors, albeit with most changes appearing to be incremental rather than transformative. The most notable enhancements include larger displays for Pro models, the introduction of the Capture button, and potential advancements in camera technology and AI performance.

As per usual, the complete picture of the newest iPhone model's capabilities and innovations will only be revealed at the official launch event this evening.

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Apple is expected to release a redesigned Mac mini featuring the company's upcoming M4 chip, a more powerful version of the M3 with higher GPU speeds, additional cores, and enhanced AI capabilities, including a 16-core neural engine capable of 38 trillion operations per second.

The new Mac mini is described as "an iPad Pro in a small box" and may be closer in size to an Apple TV decoder, with a width of around 3.7 inches, less than half the size of the current model, but slightly taller when laid flat.

It is expected to feature an aluminum casing and at least three USB-C ports, a power cord, and an HDMI port. A more powerful M4 Pro version is also anticipated, potentially removing USB-A ports.

The new Mac mini is rumored to be available for purchase later this year, with a lower price than the current model.

Sources: PCMag, Gizmodo, Cult of Mac, El País, TechRadar, 9to5Mac, Mashable, CNET, TecMundo, Izvestia, La Nación, Canaltech.

This article was written in collaboration with Generative AI news company Alchemiq.

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Apple has introduced AI-powered features called Apple Intelligence in the iOS 18.1 and macOS 15.1 developer betas. Apple Intelligence leverages large language models and Apple silicon chips for capabilities image generation, editing, and writing tools.

The iOS 18.1 beta includes AI features like an updated Siri design, smart Mail features, natural language search in Photos, and the ability to record and transcribe phone calls in the Notes app. Larger AI features like Siri's overhaul may roll out in 2025.

To access Apple Intelligence in the iOS 18.1 beta, developers need to join the waitlist in Settings. Access is granted within a few hours. Specific devices like the iPhone 15 Pro or iPhone 15 Pro Max may be required for some features.

Expected features include text summarization, and custom emoji creation.

Apple unveiled its new AI features at WWDC in June, but not all are expected to be included in the initial rollout of iOS 18 alongside the iPhone 16 in September. Instead, Apple Intelligence is said to be introduced with iOS 18.1 in October for a successful rollout, with full functionality possibly coming in a later update, possibly in spring 2025.

iOS 18, expected in the fall, will bring features like RCS messaging, home screen customization, app grid customization, control center improvements, app hiding and locking, a redesigned Photos app, satellite messaging, a dedicated Passwords app, and iPhone mirroring to macOS Sequoia.

Apple plans to deliver personal context capability to Siri before the end of the year, potentially with ChatGPT integration. However, Siri's ability to use on-screen content for requests and perform in-app actions is still undated, with developers needing to implement various App Intents integrations.

iOS 18.1 is introducing a Call Recording feature to iPhone users, announced at WWDC 2024 and available in the iOS 18.1 developer beta. Recorded calls will be saved in the Notes app, allowing users to listen again, get a full transcript, or a short summary.

Apple plans to launch Apple Intelligence separately from the initial iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and MacOS Sequoia 15 release this fall, with all features initially available in beta.

Sources: Wired, Ars Technica, CNET, The Verge, Cult of Mac, Mashable, ZDNet, 9to5Mac, TechRadar.

This article was written in collaboration with Generative AI news company Alchemiq.

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The Apple Watch Series 9, released in September 2023, is discounted to $300 for the 41mm model and $330 for the 45mm model on Amazon Prime Day, with some color options requiring a coupon clip.

Amazon Prime Day is Amazon's massive annual sale for Prime members, and deals for this event are already starting.

The discounted model is the Midnight aluminum case with Midnight Sport Band.

The Apple Watch Series 9 introduced a new hands-free gesture called Double Tap. It is powered by the S9 chip for faster performance and offers advanced features like activity tracking, heart rate monitoring, environmental sound levels, and various health sensors.

Other Prime Day deals include discounts on Apple AirPods Pro 2 ($169), Beats Studio Buds+ ($130), Level Lock+ Connect smart lock ($297), Apple Pencil Pro ($112 open-box, $119 new), M4 iPad Pro Wi-Fi + Cell models (up to $110 off), Journey's MOTION Apple Watch Sport band ($37.50), Lexar's 1TB portable SSD for iPhone ($89), and the official Apple Magic Keyboard for M2 iPad Air ($100 off).

The anticipated Apple Watch 10 is said to have Apple Intelligence features, with prices likely not to see discounts like the current Series 9.

Sources: ZDNet, Engadget , 9to5Mac, ETOnline, Analytics Insight, Pocket-lint

This article was written in collaboration with Generative AI news company Alchemiq.

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Apple is developing a new technology called "electrically induced adhesive debonding" to make iPhone batteries easier to replace, potentially starting with the iPhone 16 series in 2024, according to multiple reports. The technology may use a low-voltage electrical burst to remove the battery from the chassis, simplifying the process compared to the current method of removing adhesive strips with tools.

Apple is also exploring encasing iPhone batteries in metal instead of foil, with analysts suggesting the iPhone 16 Pro's battery could be the first to feature this new design. This move aims to comply with upcoming EU regulations that require smartphone batteries to meet set design and recycling rules by 2027 or potentially as early as 2025.

Apple is also expected to be easing restrictions on third-party repairs for iPhones, allowing software support for third-party replacement batteries and displays.

The True Tone feature, which adjusts display white balance, will be enabled for third-party replacement screens, but users can choose to disable it if the display does not meet expectations. Apple will display health metrics for third-party replacement batteries, but cannot verify them due to potential manipulation of metrics.

While the new technology aims to improve repairability, many users may not have the skills or desire to perform battery swaps involving screen removal, and most would prefer to pay for repairs. Apple's white paper discusses balancing phone durability and repairability, citing a 44% drop in repair rates with waterproofing on the iPhone 7 series.

Sources: Forbes, TechRadar, Times of India, India TV News, Gadgets 360, TechSpot, Jagran, The Valley Post, Supercar Blondie, TechnoSports, News9Live, Deccan Chronicle, Android Authority, Interesting Engineering, AppleMagazine, iDropNews, MobileSyrup.

This article was written in collaboration with Generative AI news company Alchemiq.

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Apple released critical firmware updates (AirPods Firmware Update 6A326, AirPods Firmware Update 6F8, and Beats Firmware Update 6F8) to address a serious Bluetooth vulnerability that could allow hackers to gain unauthorized access to AirPods, AirPods Pro, AirPods Max, Powerbeats Pro, and Beats Fit Pro within Bluetooth range.

The vulnerability, discovered by Jonas Dreßler, occurred when the headphones tried to connect to a previously paired device, allowing an attacker within Bluetooth range to potentially spoof the connection, access the device's microphone, intercept audio streams, inject malicious audio, and collect unauthorized data.

Apple fixed the issue by enhancing state management for better connection request authenticity verification, mitigating the risks of spoofing and unauthorized access. The firmware updates are essential to safeguard against potential exploits.

While Apple prioritizes privacy and security, setting high standards for the tech industry, some Apple apps on iOS devices have been reported to collect user data, impacting privacy. The company doesn't disclose security issues until patches are available for customer protection.

The updates are automatically installed when the headphones are paired with an iPhone, iPad, or Mac within Bluetooth range. Users can also manually update the firmware through device settings.

Apple recommends keeping devices up to date for security and performance, and follows a policy of not disclosing security issues until after a thorough investigation and patch availability.

Sources: Cybersecurity News, News18, Quartz, The Hacker News

This article was written in collaboration with Generative AI news company Alchemiq.

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