Apple introduced new AI capabilities branded as Apple Intelligence at the annual WWDC event last week. These features are set to be incorporated into iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia for iPhones, iPads, and Macs, respectively. Although the new software versions will become available to the public later this year, they won’t come preloaded with all Apple Intelligence features. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the rollout will be gradual, extending into 2025.
Apple Intelligence’s Gradual Rollout
Gurman reports that Apple plans to introduce the new Intelligence features in phases over several months. The Cupertino-based tech giant aims to avoid the issues that have plagued other AI systems. Typically, Apple releases features announced at WWDC in September when the new iPhones are launched. However, this time, Apple has disclosed that the latest AI technology will not adhere to a strict schedule. During the recent keynote, the company outlined a roadmap for what will be available later this year and early next year.
Strategic Delays and Resource Management
Gurman points out that the delayed rollout of Apple Intelligence has its advantages. It allows Apple to manage its resources more effectively by not overwhelming its staff with the simultaneous release of all features. Initially, Apple will focus on American English, giving the company more time to train its AI models in other languages, a process that could take years. Additionally, the tech giant will take its time to bolster its cloud infrastructure to prevent server crashes due to high user demand. Apple also aims to improve the accuracy of information delivered by its AI services by starting with a smaller user base.
Some features of Apple Intelligence, including the enhanced Siri assistant capabilities showcased at WWDC—such as contextual searches and on-screen awareness—will not be available until next year. The ChatGPT integration is also slated for a 2025 release. On the plus side, the initial version of Apple Intelligence will include features like notification prioritization, webpage summarization, writing tools, image generation, and Genmoji.
Non-AI Features
Gurman also mentions that non-AI features, such as updates to the Mail app and the ability to edit spatial videos, will not be included in the initial software version updates.
A recent analysis by the International Data Corporation (IDC) has recognized Baidu as a leader in China’s AI sector. Baidu’s generative AI solutions, ERNIE Bot, and Wenxin Yige, excelled in all seven assessed categories, positioning Baidu as the sole company to achieve this distinction.
The IDC’s 2024 Large Model Evaluation Report emphasizes Baidu’s superiority in areas such as multimodality, security, and text style transfer. ERNIE demonstrated remarkable abilities in systematic, logical, and abstract thinking. Additionally, Baidu emerged as a top vendor in all six coding dimensions. Baidu Comate, an AI coding assistant driven by ERNIE, has seen significant uptake, contributing to 27% of the new code generated within Baidu.
ERNIE 4.0 Enhancements
Introduced in October 2023, ERNIE 4.0 brought significant improvements, boosting its capabilities in understanding, generation, reasoning, and memory. Currently, ERNIE Bot serves 200 million users and processes 200 million daily queries.
Broad Industry Impact
The evaluation covered large models from 11 vendors, including Baidu, OpenAI, Alibaba, and SenseTime. Baidu distinguished itself in question-answer comprehension, reasoning, creative expression, mathematics, and coding. Its Wenxin large model also excelled in office tasks, life assistant roles, and various industry applications like energy, finance, media, healthcare, and manufacturing.
Since its release, Baidu’s Wenxin Large Model 4.0 has had a notable impact, aided by Baidu Smart Cloud’s Qianfan large model platform, which provides enterprise-level development and services. The free availability of ERNIE Speed and ERNIE Lite models since May 2024 has further encouraged adoption. Major users and partners include State Grid, SPD Bank, China Aerospace, Geely, and Samsung.
IDC’s Predictions
Looking forward, IDC forecasts a surge of updates and advancements in the Chinese large model market beginning in Q2 2024. This period, dubbed the "Hundred Model Battle," is expected to heighten competition among AI vendors. IDC advises technology providers to focus on enhancing generation quality, speeding up generation processes, lowering usage costs, and promoting the application and popularization of large model technology.
Baidu’s success with ERNIE Bot and Wenxin Yige underscores its leading role in the AI industry. As the market progresses, Baidu’s ongoing innovation and extensive adoption of its AI technologies are likely to influence future sector developments.
Rux Robot introduces a new era in smart companionship. This innovative and practical desktop AI robot, driven by Chat-GPT and integrated with an Android system, aims to transform how you experience companionship and entertainment. Priced at $350 and available in a sleek white design, Rux comes with free worldwide shipping, making it accessible to everyone.
Limited Time Discount
For a limited period, enjoy a 10% discount at checkout with an additional automatic 15% discount upon subscription. This offer makes Rux Robot even more affordable, letting you experience the future of smart companionship at a lower cost. You can purchase this advanced AI companion at xiaomicrowdfunding.com.
World’s First Robot with Integrated Android System
Rux distinguishes itself as the world’s first robot featuring an integrated Android system, opening up a plethora of possibilities. The Android system is the core of Rux’s brilliance, offering a rich ecosystem of apps, connectivity, and customization options. This transforms Rux into an extension of your lifestyle, providing unparalleled convenience right at your fingertips. The open-source nature of Android ensures that Rux remains at the cutting edge of innovation, offering more than just a bot but a fully functional partner that continually evolves.
ChatGPT Integration for Natural Conversations
With ChatGPT integration, Rux connects to extensive language models, becoming an intuitive voice assistant. This allows for natural and meaningful conversations, making interactions with Rux a delightful experience. Through BotLife, Rux develops unique personalities, ensuring that no two Rux Robots are alike. Each Rux evolves a personality as unique as its owner, delivering a dynamic and truly one-of-a-kind experience.
Enhance Your Daily Routine
Rux Robot comes packed with features designed to enhance your daily routine. It helps you stay on track with its real-time clock display, ensuring you never miss a beat. Boost your productivity with Rux’s built-in Pomodoro timer, which helps you stay focused and manage tasks efficiently.
Rux also keeps you informed about upcoming anniversaries and events so you never miss special moments. Plan your day confidently with Rux’s Utility Screen, which provides instant weather updates. It helps keep your tasks organized by displaying your schedules, making your day easier to manage.
Stay seamlessly connected as Rux manages your incoming calls and messages, keeping you in the loop without disrupting your workflow. Stay informed and entertained with Rux’s content, showcasing trending topics to keep you updated on the latest buzz.
Interactive and Customizable
Rux is much more than a fixed set of responses; it’s a dynamic source of expressions and actions, ready to bring life to your desktop. Whether it’s delight, curiosity, or pure joy, Rux has a response for every moment. It can walk and explore your desktop, adding a sense of movement and curiosity to your workspace.
Engage with Rux like never before: talk to it, gesture, and watch as Rux responds charmingly and interactively.
Personalize Your Rux
Rux’s antenna, or “ear,” features a magnetic design, allowing for personalization through 3D printing. You can customize Rux’s expressions, actions, and sound effects to match your unique style and preferences. The possibilities are endless—make Rux truly yours.
Rux Home: Stylish and Functional
Rux Home features a sleek and futuristic design, resembling a rocket launch station. It serves as an elegant home for Rux, providing the robot with a stylish abode. Rux Home connects easily to the charging pad via a USB-C interface, ensuring convenient installation.
Efficiency and Entertainment
Rux’s Android backbone ensures seamless multitasking, whether you’re working, playing, or both. It offers the efficiency you’ve been waiting for on your desktop. Rux also explores emotional intelligence, offering personalized experiences tailored to your preferences. Whether it’s a post-workday chat or a burst of entertainment, Rux enhances your moments. With Android’s robust capabilities, Rux becomes a dynamic source of amusement, from interactive games to multimedia experiences, significantly upgrading your downtime.
Rux Robot is more than just a desktop assistant; it’s your intelligent sidekick, designed to bring joy, convenience, and efficiency to your day. With its blend of advanced technology and personalized interaction, Rux ensures that no two days are ever the same. Embrace the future of smart companionship with Rux Robot and transform your daily routine into an extraordinary experience.
About Xiaomi Crowdfunding
Xiaomi has a reputation for offering not just smartphones but a diverse range of innovative gadgets and home accessories, such as Segway Gokarts and scooters. Xiaomicrowdfunding.com is a new cross-border e-commerce platform by Xiaomi. It aims to provide users outside the Chinese mainland with a convenient and cost-effective way to purchase ecosystem products previously available only in China through the YouPin platform.
Samsung has recently showcased its newest foundry advancements and shared its vision for the AI era at an event held at their Device Solutions America headquarters in San Jose, California.
To compete in the AI industry, Samsung has been focusing on developing future process nodes and has reportedly achieved some milestones. The company is introducing three new process nodes – SF2Z, SF1.4, and SF4U. As inferred from their names, these are Samsung’s most advanced 2nm, 1.4nm, and 4nm process nodes to date. These nodes will be integrated into the Samsung AI Solutions platform.
GAA Process and Co-Packaged Optics
In addition to the GAA process, which the company claims is ideal for AI accelerators, Samsung plans to introduce integrated, co-packaged optics (CPO) technology aimed at high-speed, low-power data processing. This was revealed by Dr. Siyoung Choi, President and Head of Foundry Business at Samsung Electronics.
The Latest 2nm Process – SF2Z
Samsung’s latest 2nm process, SF2Z, includes optimized backside power delivery network (BSPDN) technology. The new process places power rails on the backside of the wafer to eliminate bottlenecks between power and signal lines.
Thanks to the BSPDN technology, SF2Z offers better performance compared to SE2, the first-generation 2nm process node. Additionally, SF2Z significantly reduces voltage drop (IR drop), boosting the performance of HPC designs. Samsung mentioned that mass production for the SF2Z process node would begin in 2027.
New 4nm and 1.4nm Nodes
“SF4U is a high-value 4nm variant that provides PPA improvements by incorporating optical shrink,” noted the company. Mass production for this node is scheduled for 2025.
Furthermore, a 1.4nm node (SF1.4) is also under development, with progress moving “smoothly.” This smallest of the three nodes is also set for mass production by 2027.
Just before the WWDC24 event, industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo shares his insights about iOS 18 and Apple’s forthcoming announcements. There have been ongoing discussions about Apple integrating AI features into its future devices. Kuo confirms that the company is set to reveal several AI advancements. The WWDC24 keynote session is scheduled to begin at 10:30 PM IST on June 10 (today).
AI Integration in iOS 18
Kuo anticipates that Apple will embed robust functionalities throughout iOS 18 and its system applications. Siri, Apple’s AI assistant, is expected to receive a significant upgrade, as previously reported. However, Kuo points out that the capabilities of on-device AI functions will be constrained by the 8GB memory size, which is insufficient for the large language model. To address this, Apple plans to merge local and server-side LLMs for its AI features.
Phased Rollout of Server-Side AI
Interestingly, Kuo does not view Apple’s AI advancements as a breakthrough in the field. Nonetheless, he predicts that Apple’s substantial investment in machine learning and artificial intelligence over recent years will yield benefits in the long run. His research indicates that the shipment volume of the iPhone 16 series in Q2 2024 might be slightly lower compared to the same period last year.
The server-side LLMs require more time to train compared to smaller on-device models. Kuo suggests that the more sophisticated server-dependent features may be introduced in phases rather than being fully launched with the iPhone 16 series. Advanced AI features are expected to be available on the iPhone 15 Pro models and newer, alongside the iPhone 16 series.
Apple's AI Partnerships
There have been reports about Apple’s collaborations with OpenAI and Google for server-side AI features. However, Kuo downplays the significance of these partnerships. He believes that Apple’s cooperation will primarily focus on the “encapsulation model” for user and application interaction.
In conclusion, Kuo asserts that post-WWDC24, Apple will no longer be viewed as a company lagging behind in the AI race.
DuckDuckGo, the search engine known for its strong emphasis on user privacy, has introduced DuckDuckGo AI Chat. This innovative service enables users to interact with advanced generative AI chatbots completely anonymously and at no cost.
Removing Personal Information
This AI Chat functions as an intermediary between users and chatbots. When you ask questions or provide prompts, DuckDuckGo AI Chat forwards them to the appropriate chatbot (such as OpenAI GPT-3.5 Turbo or Anthropic’s Claude 3 Haiku) while stripping any personal information from your queries. The chatbots will only see DuckDuckGo’s IP address, not your own, ensuring your anonymity is preserved.
Although some chatbots may temporarily store your conversations, DuckDuckGo assures users that this data is deleted within 30 days and won’t be used to train or enhance the AI models.
Usage Limits and Future Plans
The service is free to use, but there’s a daily cap on the number of interactions to prevent misuse. Regular users are unlikely to hit this limit during typical usage. DuckDuckGo aims to expand the range of available chatbots in the future, providing more options for users to explore the capabilities of sophisticated AI and engage in anonymous conversations.
China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology recently organized a forum to celebrate five years of 5G commercial use in the country. The event highlighted China’s achievements in 5G development, showcasing the world’s largest 5G network, which includes over 3.7 million base stations and 889 million users.
5G-A: The Next Step in Mobile Communication
A key focus was on 5G-A, also referred to as 5.5G, marking the next evolution in mobile communication. Huawei’s Cao Jibin stressed 5G-A’s potential to significantly enhance network capabilities, including speed, latency, and positioning.
This advancement is driven by the increasing need for faster and more stable connections to support technologies like AI assistants and extensive data processing. 5G-A aims to deliver a tenfold increase in both bandwidth and latency, as well as sub-meter perception and centimeter-level positioning.
Future Demand and Industry Collaboration
Looking forward, Cao Jibin anticipates a surge in computing power requirements, especially for AI applications. He suggests integrating computing, storage, and networking to convert data centers into AI supercomputers. Despite challenges in chip manufacturing, he sees potential in optimizing network infrastructure through sector-wide collaboration.
The forum wrapped up with a call for industry-wide cooperation to fully harness the potential of 5G-A. This includes policy support, ongoing innovation, and fostering partnerships across the technology chain.
Achieving Full Connectivity
The goal is to achieve “full connectivity” across various scenarios, potentially creating a trillion-dollar industry through applications in smart factories, connected cars, and the low-altitude economy. With numerous opportunities and challenges ahead, China’s 5G program appears robust. The coming years will be crucial in determining the country’s progress.
Apple has been developing a range of AI features for the upcoming iPhone 16 series and beyond, which were anticipated to be available to older models with the iOS 18 update. However, according to Mark Gurman, the more sophisticated AI features will only be accessible on the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max.
Limited AI Features for Older iPhones
Mark Gurman suggests that while the basic AI functions in iOS 18 will operate on-device, the more advanced features will necessitate more processing power and will depend on Apple’s servers.
Previous reports indicate that Apple is also creating chips for its servers to manage these advanced AI features. Additionally, there are mentions of the company’s plans to utilize its M series chips in servers to process AI tasks.
The restriction of cloud-based AI features to fewer iPhones could be due to the current limited infrastructure. Similar strategies have been adopted by Samsung and Google, who have also reserved many of their advanced AI capabilities for newer models.
iOS 18 AI Features
The iOS 18 update is expected to incorporate AI features such as notification summarization (termed Greymatter Catch Up), object removal from photos, an overhauled notes app with speech-to-text and summarization capabilities, among others. Siri will also gain new abilities, like opening specific documents, deleting emails, and summarizing articles.
AI Features for Older Models
Most text-based AI functionalities are likely to be considered basic features that can run on-device. Therefore, recent iPhone models eligible for iOS 18 (including the iPhone 11 series and above, iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR, iPhone SE 2nd and 3rd generations) might receive these features. However, it remains unclear which specific features will be available on-device.
Moreover, Gurman indicates that there could be some on-device AI features that only the iPhone 15 Pro models and later are capable of handling. These functionalities might not be available on older models and the non-Pro iPhone 15 models equipped with the A16 Bionic chip.
AI Features in iPadOS 18 and macOS 15
iPadOS 18 and macOS 15 are also set to receive some AI features. Gurman notes that the minimum requirement for macOS and iPadOS devices will be an M1 chip or later. Consequently, Intel-powered Mac devices will not support these features, which is understandable given that Intel chips and older iPhone Bionic chips lack the necessary NPU to run on-device LLMs.
At the 2024 Taipei International Computer Show, Kneron, an AI chip startup, introduced its latest edge AI offerings: the KNEO 330 server and PCs featuring their new KL830 NPU chip.
Founded in 2015, Kneron specializes in edge computing AI technology. The company has attracted investment from prominent names such as Horizons Ventures, Qualcomm, and Alibaba. Kneron’s primary goal is to provide an alternative to the cloud-based AI solutions offered by major tech companies. Their technology enables businesses to build internal servers for specific AI applications, addressing data privacy and security issues. This approach could make AI solutions more appealing to companies wary of relying on external cloud services.
Showcased Products
Kneron highlighted two key products at the event:
KNEO 330 server: This server delivers 48TOPS of AI computing power, supports up to 8 users at once, and is compatible with applications like LLM and Stable Diffusion. According to Kneron, it can offer cloud-like performance for RAG (Generative Adversarial Networks) but at a lower cost, potentially reducing AI expenses for small businesses by 30-40%.
KL830 NPU-equipped PC: While specific details were not disclosed, a demo HP device showcased the chip’s capabilities. Kneron is collaborating with leading PC manufacturers to make them the initial customers for this chip.
Additional Features
The KL830 is a neural processing unit (NPU) designed to complement CPUs and GPUs in executing AI tasks. It provides substantial computing power (10eTOPS@8bit) with low energy consumption (2W) and efficiently manages various large language models.
Kneron also revealed a USB AI accelerator stick powered by the KL830. This device could convert any equipment, such as routers, IoT cameras, or even traditional computers, into an edge AI device.
A recent disruption of OpenAI’s ChatGPT chatbot led to a notable increase in interest for Google’s conversational AI rival, Gemini. According to data from QR Code Generator, global searches for "Gemini" soared by nearly 60% on June 4th, coinciding exactly with ChatGPT’s reported downtime. Normally, daily searches for "Gemini" are around 204,991, but this number surged to 327,058 during the ChatGPT outage, indicating that users were actively seeking alternatives when their preferred chatbot was unavailable.
The ChatGPT Outage and Its Impact
The ChatGPT outage occurred around 8:00 AM London time on June 4th. This spike in Gemini searches mirrored the rise in searches for "ChatGPT down" at the same time, illustrating a clear correlation. DownDetector reports confirm that the ChatGPT outage began around 8:00 AM London time on June 4th.
While Gemini became the most sought-after alternative, other searches like "Microsoft Copilot" and "ChatGPT Alternative" also saw an uptick. Daily searches for "Microsoft Copilot" usually average around 11,090, but on June 4th, they increased to 16,677, a 50% rise. Similarly, searches for "ChatGPT Alternative" spiked to 11,000 within the first few hours of the outage, compared to a typical daily average of 898. However, these alternative searches were minor compared to the surge in interest for Gemini.
Validation for Google’s Efforts
Marc Porcar, CEO of QR Code Generator, views this as a validation of Google’s endeavor to establish itself as a major player in generative AI. “The clear parallel trend between the ChatGPT outage and the surge in Gemini searches suggests that people see Gemini as an obvious alternative,” commented Porcar. He further noted that in the absence of ChatGPT, users quickly turned to Gemini, indicating its potential as a significant competitor.
ChatGPT’s Dominance and Gemini’s Opportunity
It’s noteworthy that OpenAI’s ChatGPT has around 180 million active users globally, securing its position as a leader in generative AI chatbots. Launched in late 2023 as the successor to LaMDA and PaLM 2, Google’s Gemini entered the market with Alphabet claiming that its "Gemini Ultra" outperformed OpenAI’s GPT-V4 in various text and multimodal functionalities. The recent ChatGPT outage gave Gemini an unexpected chance to gain traction among users looking for alternatives. It remains to be seen if this will translate into sustained growth for Google’s conversational AI platform.
