Month: August 2024
16GB of RAM Could Be the New Minimum in Apple’s Upcoming M4 Macs
All of Apple’s upcoming new Macs this year are likely to have at least 16GB of RAM pre-installed as standard, breaking a years-long tradition of Apple offering just 8GB of RAM in most of its base Macs and forcing customers to pay out an extra $200+ for additional memory.
The adequacy of 8GB of RAM in Macs has been a contentious issue for over a decade. The debate traces back to 2012 when Apple introduced the first Retina MacBook Pro with 8GB RAM as standard. Remarkably, Apple still continues to offer 8GB as the base memory configuration for several models, including the M3 14-inch MacBook Pro, M3 iMac, and M3 MacBook Airs.
However, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reports that Apple is testing four new Mac models equipped with an M4 chip, and all of them have either 16GB or 32GB of unified memory. Gurman previously reported that Apple is planning to refresh the MacBook Pro, Mac mini, and iMac with M4 chips this year. One possibility is that Apple has deemed that 16GB of RAM should be the new workable minimum for future AI features introduced under the Apple Intelligence banner, but that is merely speculation at this point.
Last year, Apple introduced a base 14-inch MacBook Pro with M3 chip, which replaced the discontinued M2 13-inch MacBook Pro in Apple’s Mac lineup. Starting at $1,599, the 14-inch M3 MacBook Pro comes with 8GB of unified memory. Users can opt for 16GB or 24GB at checkout, but these configuration options cost an extra $200 and $400 at purchase, respectively, and cannot be upgraded at a later date because of Apple’s unified memory architecture.
Is 8GB of RAM Enough for a Mac in 2024?
This has left Apple open to criticism from users who believe that 8GB is not a sufficient amount of RAM for most creative professional workflows, and that 16GB should be the bare minimum for a machine that is marketed as “Pro,” rather than an additional several hundred dollar outlay. Apple previously argued that 8GB on an M3 MacBook Pro is probably analogous to 16GB on other computers because of the efficiency gains of using unified architecture. Needless to say, that argument failed to resonate with many creative professionals, and so the news that 16GB is likely to be the new minimum will surely be a welcome development.Related Roundups: iMac, MacBook Pro 14 & 16″ , Mac miniBuyer’s Guide: iMac (Neutral), 14″ & 16″ MacBook Pro (Caution), Mac Mini (Caution)Related Forums: iMac, MacBook Pro, Mac miniThis article, “16GB of RAM Could Be the New Minimum in Apple’s Upcoming M4 Macs” first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
All of Apple’s upcoming new Macs this year are likely to have at least 16GB of RAM pre-installed as standard, breaking a years-long tradition of Apple offering just 8GB of RAM in most of its base Macs and forcing customers to pay out an extra $200+ for additional memory.
The adequacy of 8GB of RAM in Macs has been a contentious issue for over a decade. The debate traces back to 2012 when Apple introduced the first Retina MacBook Pro with 8GB RAM as standard. Remarkably, Apple still continues to offer 8GB as the base memory configuration for several models, including the M3 14-inch MacBook Pro, M3 iMac, and M3 MacBook Airs.
However, Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman reports that Apple is testing four new Mac models equipped with an M4 chip, and all of them have either 16GB or 32GB of unified memory. Gurman previously reported that Apple is planning to refresh the MacBook Pro, Mac mini, and iMac with M4 chips this year. One possibility is that Apple has deemed that 16GB of RAM should be the new workable minimum for future AI features introduced under the Apple Intelligence banner, but that is merely speculation at this point.
Last year, Apple introduced a base 14-inch MacBook Pro with M3 chip, which replaced the discontinued M2 13-inch MacBook Pro in Apple’s Mac lineup. Starting at $1,599, the 14-inch M3 MacBook Pro comes with 8GB of unified memory. Users can opt for 16GB or 24GB at checkout, but these configuration options cost an extra $200 and $400 at purchase, respectively, and cannot be upgraded at a later date because of Apple’s unified memory architecture.
Is 8GB of RAM Enough for a Mac in 2024?
This has left Apple open to criticism from users who believe that 8GB is not a sufficient amount of RAM for most creative professional workflows, and that 16GB should be the bare minimum for a machine that is marketed as “Pro,” rather than an additional several hundred dollar outlay. Apple previously argued that 8GB on an M3 MacBook Pro is probably analogous to 16GB on other computers because of the efficiency gains of using unified architecture. Needless to say, that argument failed to resonate with many creative professionals, and so the news that 16GB is likely to be the new minimum will surely be a welcome development.
This article, “16GB of RAM Could Be the New Minimum in Apple’s Upcoming M4 Macs” first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
There are now even more free TV channels to watch on Google TV in the US
Another 10 free channels have been spotted on Google TV, ahead of a rebranding for the FAST service.
Google isn’t stopping when it comes to adding more viewing options to the free, ad-supported TV (FAST) channels built into Google TV for its US viewers: 10 new channels have now been made available on the platform.
This fresh list is a combination of channels spotted this week by 9to5Google and back in March by Streaming Better, which seemed to go under the radar at the time. We’ve previously reported on a batch of additional channels added earlier this year.
The new channels are Cheaters, CBC News and Explore, Court TV Legendary Trials, Family Feud Classic, FilmRise Horror, FilmRise True Crime, Grit Xtra, Heartland, Laff More, Rig TV – with some coming from channel operators that already have a Google TV presence.
We’re now up to a total of 136 free channels on Google TV, as long as you’re living in the US. You can find them by heading to the Live tab on the main Google TV interface on a smart TV or a Chromecast with Google TV.
Continuing expansion
The Google TV Streamer goes on sale soon (Image credit: Google)
It’s likely that the selection will continue to grow in the future – though we’ve heard nothing about an international expansion of FAST channels on Google TV, which is most likely dependent on agreeing new licensing deals with the parties involved.
International viewers (as well as those in the US) do have access to a selection of third-party FAST services on Google TV, including the likes of Plex and Tubi. These services add another few hundred channels that can be watched for free, with ads.
Another update is expected when the new $99 / £99 / AU$159 Google TV Streamer box goes on sale on September 24. The free channels will apparently come under a Google TV Freeplay heading on that particular device.
With more content than ever before to get through, you may be wondering where to start, but we’ve got you covered: check out the best Netflix movies, the best Prime Video movies, and the best Apple TV Plus movies for starters.
You might also like
The upcoming Google TV picture-in-picture mode may disappointGoogle TV Streamer vs Apple TV 4KThe new Google TV Streamer means the end for Chromecast
Will A.I. Ruin the Planet or Save the Planet?
It’s a notorious energy hog. But artificial intelligence can also foster innovation and discovery, and it could speed the global transition to cleaner power.
It’s a notorious energy hog. But artificial intelligence can also foster innovation and discovery, and it could speed the global transition to cleaner power.
VW is bringing casual multiplayer games to EVs and other cars
Several Volkswagen EVs and other models will soon have access to a range of casual multiplayer games that you can play using your phone as the controller. VW teamed up with AirConsole to bring its gaming platform to the ID.7, ID.5, ID.4 and ID.3 product lines, as well as the new Passat, Tiguan, Golf and Golf Estate. VW expects to roll AirConsole out to vehicles in some European markets by mid-September ahead of a broader expansion with more games and territories.
After firing up the AirConsole app on the VW Active Info Display, you’ll just need to scan a QR code to connect a smartphone. Passengers in the rear will be able to join the multiplayer games too. Bear in mind that AirConsole will only work when the vehicle is in park, so it’s primarily intended as a way to help everyone pass the time while waiting at an EV charging station or otherwise idling.
VW isn’t the first automaker to incorporate AirConsole into its vehicles as BMW started doing so last year. The platform is also available on a desktop web browser as well as Android TV, Google TV and Amazon Fire TV.
Offering games in cars has become a bit of a trend over the last few years, with Tesla even offering access to Steam in some models (at least until it ended support for that earlier this year). Personally, I’m more interested in installing a PS5 in an ID.Buzz, Pimp My Ride-style.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/transportation/vw-is-bringing-casual-multiplayer-games-to-evs-and-other-cars-090034594.html?src=rss
Several Volkswagen EVs and other models will soon have access to a range of casual multiplayer games that you can play using your phone as the controller. VW teamed up with AirConsole to bring its gaming platform to the ID.7, ID.5, ID.4 and ID.3 product lines, as well as the new Passat, Tiguan, Golf and Golf Estate. VW expects to roll AirConsole out to vehicles in some European markets by mid-September ahead of a broader expansion with more games and territories.
After firing up the AirConsole app on the VW Active Info Display, you’ll just need to scan a QR code to connect a smartphone. Passengers in the rear will be able to join the multiplayer games too. Bear in mind that AirConsole will only work when the vehicle is in park, so it’s primarily intended as a way to help everyone pass the time while waiting at an EV charging station or otherwise idling.
VW isn’t the first automaker to incorporate AirConsole into its vehicles as BMW started doing so last year. The platform is also available on a desktop web browser as well as Android TV, Google TV and Amazon Fire TV.
Offering games in cars has become a bit of a trend over the last few years, with Tesla even offering access to Steam in some models (at least until it ended support for that earlier this year). Personally, I’m more interested in installing a PS5 in an ID.Buzz, Pimp My Ride-style.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/transportation/vw-is-bringing-casual-multiplayer-games-to-evs-and-other-cars-090034594.html?src=rss
Best Savings Rates Today — Don’t Let APYs as High as 5.25% Pass You By, August 26, 2024
The Fed could begin cutting rates in September, so now’s the time to take advantage of high APYs.
The Fed could begin cutting rates in September, so now’s the time to take advantage of high APYs.
Migration versus transformation: When hybrid may be preferable to full cloud
Capture incremental gains in a “step-migration” fashion with a hybrid cloud approach.
The pressure to stay up to date has never been greater, with the hype of AI reaching its peak in a business climate that has been marked by consistently high inflation and business costs. The sense of urgency to completely restructure when confronted with advances in technology that are perceived to be competitive, can increase pressure to adopt a complete, end-to-end solution.
However, a complete overhaul of IT infrastructure and core business operation systems poses significant risks. These include disruption to operations, losses on existing infrastructure investment as well as regulatory and security concerns for data. When considering cloud versus on-premises as an all-or-nothing decision, these uncertainties can stop consideration of the cloud in its tracks.
Risks of full cloud transformation
A wholesale cloud migration can be complicated and requires a complete assessment of existing privacy and data configurations including where the data is stored, if it crosses borders and the quality of a cloud service provider’s assurances about security and governance. This is further complicated if enterprises have customers in one part of the world, data in another, and contact center operations in a third.
Larger enterprises operating in multiple industries may see variations in security and privacy requirements depending on the field. Regulations and compliance practices that cover even a portion of operations can be seen as a hindrance to a full-scale migration.
Most contact centers have existing investments with certain features, particularly voice, that work just fine and a “rip-and-replace” move to the cloud would be disruptive.
Of course, none of these challenges are insurmountable, and a full-cloud transformation may still be the preferred option in some cases, but the risks are worth bearing in mind. For those who aren’t ready to move entirely to the cloud, though, there is a middle ground – a hybrid model that gives enterprises access to innovative features without the disruption of throwing away what works.
Realizing the advantages of a hybrid model
With a hybrid model, existing investments can be enhanced with new cloud capabilities at a measured pace, according to organizational preferences. That allows an enterprise to capture incremental gains in a “step-migration” fashion, accelerating time-to-value. It also minimises the negative impacts of change management processes. In essence, a hybrid deployment can be seen as a migration, rather than a transformation.
Hybrid deployments provide a balanced approach to dealing with issues of control, performance and scale in a way that can be customized to an enterprise’s specific situation and needs. With a hybrid approach, an enterprise can harness new and future technology advances that have growth-related impacts on employee and customer experiences. It becomes possible to future-proof without causing disruption.
Many companies have a serious investment in existing on-premises processes, often developed at great expense over time. A hybrid approach lets an organization preserve what works while still experimenting with new ideas. The enterprise retains control over key systems, and resources are dedicated to the organization rather than shared among many companies, as in a public cloud.
Dividing capabilities among cloud and on-premises or private cloud can improve reliability by distributing services across different data centers and systems. IT teams can maximize the value of existing investments by managing technology until it legitimately reaches the end of its useful life span or plan a staged transition over a longer period of time. On-premises systems are often customized and configured with details that are unique to an organization’s business situation. Hybridizing preserves these customizations in existing call flows, processes, and staff training. Existing voice infrastructure can remain in place while integrated digital channels are added to the mix. These new channels can then be tested in the customer base without fear of abandoning them if they prove ineffective.
By using the cloud to run a proof of concept or test a new technology or process in the cloud, an enterprise avoids incurring the capital expense of adding the process to an on-premises system or ditching the on-premises system altogether. It becomes possible to run a short-term campaign testing a new offer, service or promotion where customers use voice or digital to contact the hybrid system for agent handling. This flexibility also allows enterprises to utilize tools and technologies that have a limited life cycle or do not meet requirements for capital expenses, such as deploying an AI chatbot or analytics applications.
The case for a gradual migration via hybrid cloud deployment
The cloud is not a monolithic entity that provides only one option. By incorporating a hybrid element, an enterprise retains control while leaving the door open to full-scale migration on its own terms and at its own pace.
A hybrid model affords the opportunity to be innovative without being disruptive. Enterprises should look at it as a project to move business forward, but at a pace that fits best with objectives and culture. Keep what works, innovate where possible, and use key business goals as critical mileposts along your journey. Enterprises can migrate without having to completely transform and gain the benefits of the cloud without losing existing investments.
We list the best Interactive Voice Response service.
This article was produced as part of TechRadarPro’s Expert Insights channel where we feature the best and brightest minds in the technology industry today. The views expressed here are those of the author and are not necessarily those of TechRadarPro or Future plc. If you are interested in contributing find out more here: https://www.techradar.com/news/submit-your-story-to-techradar-pro
China robots conference spotlights the changing face of humanoids
submitted by /u/Adventurous-Trifle34 [link] [comments]
submitted by /u/Adventurous-Trifle34
[link] [comments]