Quantum computing stands out as a frontier with immense potential to revolutionize how we process information and solve complex problems. At the forefront of this quantum revolution is Microsoft, leveraging its expertise to usher in a new era of computing that could tackle some of the world's most pressing challenges.

#### The Quantum Advantage
Quantum computing harnesses the principles of quantum mechanics, such as superposition and entanglement, to perform computations at speeds exponentially faster than classical computers. Unlike traditional bits, which can be either 0 or 1, quantum bits (qubits) can exist in multiple states simultaneously, allowing quantum computers to process vast amounts of information concurrently.

Microsoft's approach to quantum computing is unique and ambitious. The company is focusing on topological qubits, which are theoretically more stable and less error-prone than traditional qubits. This stability is crucial for building practical, scalable quantum computers that can maintain coherence for long-running computations.

#### Azure Quantum
Central to Microsoft's quantum strategy is Azure Quantum, a comprehensive cloud ecosystem that integrates quantum hardware, software, and solutions. Azure Quantum is designed to provide a unified and scalable environment for developing and running quantum applications, seamlessly combining the power of quantum computing with classical high-performance computing (HPC) and artificial intelligence (AI).

The platform offers access to various quantum hardware architectures through partnerships with companies like Quantinuum and Atom Computing. This multi-hardware approach allows developers and researchers to experiment with different qubit technologies and find the best fit for their specific problems.

#### Quantinuum Collaboration
Microsoft and Quantinuum demonstrated the creation and entanglement of 12 highly reliable logical qubits. This achievement represents the largest number of entangled logical qubits with the highest fidelity on record. The collaboration showcased a 22X improvement in circuit error rates compared to physical qubits, marking a significant step towards practical quantum error correction.
This advancement addresses one of the main challenges in quantum computing: the noise and error-prone nature of physical qubits. By creating more reliable logical qubits, Microsoft and Quantinuum are paving the way for longer and more complex quantum computations.

#### Atom Computing Partnership
Microsoft has also announced a collaboration with Atom Computing to build what they aim to be the world's most powerful quantum machine to integrate Atom Computing's neutral-atom hardware into the Azure Quantum compute platform. Neutral-atom technology offers unique advantages for quantum error correction, including large numbers of high-fidelity qubits, all-to-all connectivity, and long coherence times.

The goal is to scale up to over 1,200 physical qubits in the next generation of systems, with plans to increase the qubit count tenfold in subsequent generations. This scalability is crucial for achieving quantum advantage in real-world applications.

#### Q#: A Language for Quantum Programming
To make quantum computing more accessible to developers, Microsoft has created Q#, a domain-specific programming language for quantum algorithms. 

Q# is part of the Quantum Development Kit (QDK), which includes libraries, quantum simulators, and integration with classical programming environments like Visual Studio.

Q# allows developers to write quantum algorithms at a high level of abstraction, focusing on the logic rather than the underlying quantum mechanics. It supports both quantum and classical operations, enabling the development of hybrid quantum-classical algorithms.

Microsoft's vision is to Simulate molecular interactions and design new materials in Chemistry and materials science, Solve complex logistical and financial modelling problems accelerate AI training with quantum computing and develop new encryption methods.

While significant challenges remain, including maintaining qubit stability and scaling up quantum systems, Microsoft's multi-faceted approach positions the company at the edge of quantum research and development.

Microsoft's Quantum Computing Journey: Pioneering the Future of Computation

As we look to the future of search engine optimization (SEO), one thing is clear AI is set to be a game changer. The real question isn’t whether AI will influence SEO but how. From enhancing search algorithms to revolutionizing content strategies, AI is shaping a new landscape for digital marketing. To stay ahead, it’s crucial to understand how AI impacts SEO and how you can balance its benefits with human expertise.

#### The Impact of AI on SEO
AI has already begun to reshape SEO through the development of advanced algorithms like Google’s RankBrain. These AI-powered systems are designed to improve the accuracy and personalization of search results. Unlike traditional keyword matching, these algorithms use machine learning to understand the intent behind a user’s search, offering results that are more relevant and contextually accurate. This shift from keyword-based search to semantic search represents a significant evolution in how search engines process language, considering the context, cultural nuances, and intended meaning of words and phrases.

As AI continues to evolve, it will play an even more prominent role in shaping the future of SEO, making it essential for marketers to adapt their strategies accordingly.

#### AI in Content Creation and Optimization
Generative AI tools have revolutionized content creation and optimization, providing a faster and more efficient way to produce high-quality, relevant content that can improve SEO performance. However, while AI can automate many aspects of content creation, the human element remains irreplaceable. Content that resonates with audiences and stands out in a crowded market often requires a unique, creative touch that only human writers can provide. Therefore, balancing AI’s capabilities with human creativity is key to a successful SEO strategy.

#### Adapting SEO Strategies for the AI Era
AI tools can automate various SEO tasks, from conducting comprehensive site audits to uncovering high-potential keywords and monitoring backlinks. By leveraging AI, you can enhance your website’s search engine ranking and ensure your content remains relevant and high-quality.

A focus on user intent and personalization is also essential. AI tools excel at analyzing data to understand what users are looking for and how best to meet those needs. By prioritizing user intent and customizing content to address specific user preferences, you can improve your website’s rankings and attract more traffic.

#### The Continued Importance of Human Expertise
Despite the increasing role of AI in SEO, human expertise remains vital. Audiences still seek answers from real people, and content that reflects human experience, personality, and credibility will stand out in a sea of AI-generated material. In the coming years, we can expect a shift toward more personality-driven content, where brands emphasize the unique perspectives of their creators to differentiate their offerings from generic, AI-produced content.

To succeed in this new landscape, marketers must optimize their content strategies to highlight human expertise while also leveraging AI tools to enhance their reach and effectiveness. This might include writing for various platforms beyond their own blogs, collaborating with influencers, and engaging in thought leadership that showcases strong opinions and original research.

#### Preparing for Voice Search and Trustworthiness
As AI continues to integrate with search engines, optimizing for voice search will become increasingly important. Voice search is on the rise, and brands need to ensure their content is accessible and effective in this format. This includes using long-tail keywords and optimizing for mobile users to capture the growing number of voice search queries.

Trustworthiness is also becoming a critical ranking factor in search engine results. Google's E-E-A-T (Expertise, Experience, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness) guidelines emphasize the importance of trust in determining a website’s ranking. To build trust, it’s essential to source content from experts, provide accurate and well-researched information, and ensure your content offers real value to users.

The Future of SEO in the Age of AI: How to Adapt and Thrive

China is making significant progress in quantum computing with the development of the 504-qubit Xiaohong chip and the Origin Wukong quantum computer. These advancements are set to enhance global research and development in this cutting-edge field.

Xiaohong Chip: China's Largest Quantum Computing Chip
China's new 504-qubit quantum computing chip, Xiaohong, is the country's largest to date. Developed by the Chinese Academy of Sciences, this chip aims to improve the efficiency and capability of quantum computers. QuantumCTek, the first recipient of Xiaohong, plans to incorporate it into a new quantum computer. This system will be accessible to researchers worldwide through a cloud platform China Telecom Quantum Group developed.

The Xiaohong chip is designed to meet the standards of other cloud-based quantum platforms like IBM and AWS. It is intended to support the development of quantum computing measurement and control systems, which are essential for managing the behaviour and interactions of qubits, the basic units of quantum information.

Origin Wukong: A Milestone in Quantum Computing
China's third-generation superconducting quantum computer, Origin Wukong, has seen over 10 million remote visits from users across 124 countries. Powered by a 72-qubit chip, Origin Wukong has completed nearly 236,000 quantum computing tasks since its operation in January 2024 in Anhui Province. The computer's name, inspired by the mythical figure Sun Wukong, reflects its powerful and adaptable capabilities.

China's Quantum Computing Leap: Pioneering the Future of Technology

Neuralink Corp., the brain-computer interface (BCI) company founded by Elon Musk, has recently made significant strides in its mission to connect the human brain with digital devices. The company's latest achievement involves successfully implanting a second brain-computer interface in a human subject, a procedure that marks an important milestone in the ongoing development of this groundbreaking technology.

Neuralink's second implant surgery was deemed successful, with the patient, identified only as Alex, now able to design 3D objects and play video games like Counter-Strike 2. This success follows the challenges faced with the first patient, Noland Arbaugh, whose implant experienced complications when the electrode threads retracted from his brain. To address this, Neuralink implemented several improvements in the second surgery, including reducing brain movement during the procedure and minimizing the gap between the implant and the brain's surface.

These modifications seem to have succeeded, as Alex's implant is performing efficiently, with around 400 out of its 1,024 electrodes actively transmitting brain signals. This information is wirelessly sent to external devices through Bluetooth, allowing Alex to utilize computer-aided design software to craft a personalized mount for his Neuralink charger, demonstrating the technology's practical uses.

Neuralink's brain-computer interface, dubbed "Telepathy," represents the third commercial BCI to undergo long-term human testing. Unlike other BCIs that are either attached to the inside of a cerebral blood vessel or sit atop the brain, Telepathy is unique in that it features a coin-sized electronics hub implanted directly into a hole in the skull. From this hub, 64 flexible threads extend into the brain's cortex, where they record neural activity.

A specialized surgical robot developed by Neuralink is responsible for inserting these threads, a process that takes between 20 to 40 minutes. Each thread is equipped with 16 recording sites, collectively forming 1,024 electrodes that track brain activity. Although the technology is highly advanced, the first implant encountered significant issues—85% of the threads retracted from Arbaugh's brain within a month, diminishing the device's effectiveness. In response, Neuralink engineers swiftly adjusted the recording algorithm to focus on the average activity of neurons around each electrode, which, while offering lower resolution, produced more consistent outcomes.

The improvements made to the surgical process for the second implant included altering the way the hole in the skull was sculpted to prevent air pockets, which had previously dislodged the electrodes. These refinements were crucial in enhancing the implant's stability and ensuring that the flexible electrodes could better withstand the natural movement of the brain.

Despite these advancements, concerns remain about the long-term stability and durability of the implant. The brain is not a static organ; it moves slightly as a person breathes and moves, raising questions about the longevity of the electrode threads that extend from the skull into the brain. Additionally, the materials used in the electrodes will need to be tested over extended periods to ensure they can withstand the environment inside the human body.

Looking ahead, Musk has ambitious plans for Neuralink's technology. He envisions future BCIs that not only restore digital autonomy for individuals with severe movement limitations but also enable humans to achieve symbiosis with artificial intelligence. Such devices could potentially help treat conditions like psychosis, seizures, and memory loss, although these applications present far greater challenges than the current goal of enabling users to control computer cursors

Neuralink's Second Successful BCI Implant

A revolutionary brain-computer interface (BCI) developed at the University of California, Davis has enabled a man with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) to communicate his thoughts out loud using his own voice. The innovative technology, which interprets brain signals and translates them into speech in real-time, has achieved an unprecedented 97% accuracy rate.

Casey Harrell, a 45-year-old man diagnosed with ALS, was implanted with a brain chip in July 2023. The chip, consisting of 256 electrodes, records brain activity in the left precentral gyrus, the region responsible for speech. The recorded signals are then translated into text and read aloud by a computerized voice assistant, designed to sound like Harrell's voice before the onset of ALS.

This groundbreaking BCI technology has empowered Harrell to communicate effectively with his loved ones, overcoming the barriers of his severely impaired speech. The system's accuracy and natural speech flow have been hailed as a significant improvement over previous devices, which often struggled with word errors and slow translation.

The UC Davis research team, led by neurosurgeon David Brandman and neuroscientist Sergey Stavisky, has made tremendous strides in developing a system that enables seamless communication for individuals with paralysis or neurological conditions like ALS. The technology has the potential to transform the lives of those who have lost the ability to speak, offering hope for restored communication and connection with others.

#### Key Features of the BCI Technology:
- Interprets brain signals and translates them into speech in real-time
- Achieves an unprecedented 97% accuracy rate
- Employs a voice assistant designed to sound like the user's pre-disease voice
- Enables continuous communication through self-paced conversations
- Has the potential to restore communication for individuals with paralysis or neurological conditions like ALS

#### The Future of Communication:
This innovative BCI technology marks a significant breakthrough in the field of neuroprosthetics, offering new possibilities for individuals with severe communication impairments. As the technology continues to evolve, it is expected to have a profound impact on the lives of those who have lost the ability to speak, providing a renewed sense of connection and community.

Breakthrough Brain-Computer Interface Restores Communication for Man with ALS

In a significant legal victory for the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), a federal judge has ruled that Google has illegally monopolized the online search market. This decision marks the first major antitrust case against a tech giant in over two decades. Judge Amit Mehta, presiding in Washington, found that Google’s $26 billion in payments to make its search engine the default option on smartphones and web browsers effectively blocked competitors from gaining a foothold in the market.

Judge Mehta’s 286-page ruling stated that Google’s distribution agreements, which make its search engine the default on various platforms, have significantly hindered competitors' ability to compete. He noted that these agreements have allowed Google to maintain its monopoly power and consistently raise prices for online advertising without facing meaningful competitive constraints. This monopoly has enabled Google to increase the prices of its text ads, which appear at the top of search results, driving significant revenue for the company.

The DOJ and a group of states had argued that Google’s monopolistic practices involved paying billions of dollars to companies like Apple and Samsung for prime placement on their devices. This strategy has helped Google build the world’s most-used search engine, generating over $300 billion in annual revenue primarily through search ads.

While the ruling confirmed Google’s monopoly over search text ads, Mehta did not agree with all government arguments, specifically rejecting the claim that Google monopolizes general search advertising. He pointed out that competitors like Amazon and Walmart are also significant players in the advertising space on their own platforms.

This ruling solely addresses Google’s liability, with a separate trial to determine the appropriate remedies scheduled for a later date. Potential remedies could range from requiring Google to alter its business practices to the more drastic measure of breaking up its search business from other products like Android and Chrome. This would be the most significant forced breakup of a U.S. company since AT&T’s dismantling in 1984.

In another pending case, the DOJ has accused Google of monopolizing the technology used to buy, sell, and serve online display advertising. This case, set for trial in Virginia, seeks to force Google to sell some of its advertising technology products.

Throughout the trial, Google argued that its dominant market position is a result of superior products that consumers prefer. The company contended that its business practices are not exclusionary and that it competes with a broad range of platforms, including those not indexing the web, like Amazon.

One of the most notable revelations during the trial was the extent of Google’s payments to Apple, amounting to $20 billion in 2022 alone, to secure its position as the default search engine on iPhone browsers. This arrangement highlighted the financial barriers competitors face in displacing Google’s dominant position.

Judge Mehta’s decision underscores the durable nature of Google’s monopoly, noting its market share in general search increased from 80% in 2009 to 90% by 2020, with Bing holding less than 6%. He emphasized that the lack of genuine competition in the market for general search is evident through stable market shares and the absence of new entrants.

As the first in a series of tech monopoly cases brought by the U.S. government, this ruling sets a precedent for how antitrust laws may be applied to modern digital markets. The outcome of Google’s next trial in September, which will focus on its digital advertising technology, could further shape the landscape of antitrust enforcement in the tech industry.

*Developing story...*

Federal Court Declares Google an Illegal Monopoly in Search Antitrust Case

Intel has announced a significant restructuring plan, which includes laying off over 15,000 employees—more than 15% of its workforce. This decision aims to reduce costs by $10 billion by 2025, following disappointing financial results and a challenging outlook for the second half of 2024.

Intel reported a 1% decline in second-quarter revenues compared to the same period last year, primarily due to gross margin pressures related to its AI PC products. Despite some profitable products, the company's Foundry business has incurred substantial losses—$7 billion in 2023 and another $2.8 billion this quarter—due to heavy investments in new factories and advanced technologies like extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography.

Intel has struggled to capitalize on the AI boom, unlike competitors such as Nvidia. CEO Pat Gelsinger highlighted that while Intel revolutionized the CPU chip market 25 years ago, it has been slow to adapt to newer computing trends. The company’s annual revenues dropped by $24 billion from 2020 to 2023, despite a 10% workforce increase. In contrast, other chipmakers have seen significant revenue and valuation increases during the AI surge.

To address its financial challenges, Intel is implementing aggressive cost-cutting measures. These include reducing R&D and marketing expenses by billions annually through 2026 and cutting capital expenditures by more than 20% this year. Intel will also eliminate non-essential work and scrutinize all active projects to ensure efficient spending.

Starting in the fourth quarter of 2024, Intel will suspend its shareholder dividend. The company will also offer a voluntary departure program and enhanced retirement packages for eligible employees, aiming to reduce headcount without solely relying on involuntary layoffs.

Despite the current challenges, Intel is committed to innovation. The company will receive up to $8.5 billion from the US government's CHIPS Act to support domestic semiconductor manufacturing. Intel's upcoming AI laptop chip, Lunar Lake, is expected to see significant production increases next year. However, it will rely on wafers produced by TSMC. The follow-up product, Panther Lake, will be internally sourced and is anticipated to have a much-improved cost structure by 2026.

In the server chip market, Intel's Granite Rapids Xeon processors are performing well, but the company faces stiff competition from AI chipmakers. Gelsinger acknowledged that Intel is "fighting to win sockets" in this competitive market.

Intel to Lay Off 15,000 Employees in $10 Billion Cost-Cutting Plan

Elon Musk announced that he will be relocating the headquarters of his companies, SpaceX and X, from California to Texas. This decision, shared by [Musk on X](https://x.com/elonmusk/status/1813290895334383820), is driven by various factors including new legislation in California that Musk perceives as detrimental to both families and businesses.

Musk's announcement comes on the heels of California Governor Gavin Newsom signing a bill that prohibits public schools from enforcing policies that require parental notification if a child changes their name, pronouns, or gender identity. Musk, who has been vocal about his disapproval of such measures, cited this new law as "the last straw," expressing concerns that families might need to leave California to protect their children. This sentiment echoes his past statements, where he has criticized California's policies and linked them to broader socio-political issues.

Additionally, Musk pointed to the increasing difficulties he faces in San Francisco, where X's headquarters are currently located. He described the challenges of navigating through the city, citing "gangs of violent drug addicts" as a significant concern. This dissatisfaction has likely been brewing for some time, as evidenced by recent reports from the San Francisco Chronicle indicating that X was seeking to sublease its current headquarters.

This isn't the first time Musk has decided to move one of his companies to Texas. In the past, he relocated Tesla's headquarters to the Lone Star State and has previously considered moving SpaceX's business incorporation from Delaware to Texas. The billionaire CEO's actions are part of a broader trend of tech companies reconsidering their base of operations due to various state policies and living conditions.

Musk's decision also reflects his personal experiences and political views. He has had a public falling out with one of his children over gender identity issues, which has likely influenced his stance on related legislative matters. Moreover, Musk has made controversial statements about gender-affirming care for transgender youth, adding another layer to his reasons for the relocation.

The practical implications of these moves are still unfolding. While SpaceX and X's headquarters will shift to Texas, it remains unclear how this will affect the workforce and facilities currently based in California. Notably, despite Tesla's official move to Texas, the company maintains a significant presence in California, underscored by Governor Newsom's appearance at a recent Tesla event in the state.

A push for in-person work has also marked Musk's operational strategies. After acquiring X, he mandated a return to office for most employees, emphasizing a "hardcore" work culture. This move and the recent decision to sublease the San Francisco office space indicate a significant shift in how Musk's companies will function.

Elon Musk Relocates SpaceX and X Headquarters to Texas Over California Policies

AT&T, a leading U.S. telecommunications giant, has disclosed a data breach affecting millions of its customers. The breach, which occurred between May 1, 2022, and October 31, 2022, involved the unauthorized access and theft of call and text-message records. This article provides a detailed analysis of the breach, its implications, and the steps AT&T and Snowflake, the cloud platform involved, are taking in response.

#### Details of the Breach
AT&T confirmed that the breach compromised the phone records of "nearly all" its customers, including both cellular and landline users. The compromised data includes phone numbers, call and text message logs, and cell site IDs. Notably, the content of the calls and texts was not accessed, but metadata such as who contacted whom, the duration of calls, and the total number of calls and texts were included. This metadata can reveal significant information about user interactions and approximate locations.

The breach also affected customers of other carriers that rely on AT&T's network. In total, approximately 110 million AT&T customers will be notified about the breach. Some of the compromised records are more recent, dating from January 2, 2023, although the exact number of these cases is unspecified.

#### Source of the Breach: Snowflake
The breach was linked to Snowflake, a cloud data platform that AT&T and other companies use to analyze large amounts of customer data. The breach was part of a broader spate of data thefts targeting Snowflake's customers. The data was stolen due to the absence of enforced multi-factor authentication (MFA) on Snowflake accounts, a security lapse that Snowflake attributed to its customers.

Snowflake's Chief Information Officer, Brad Jones, stated that investigations by cybersecurity firms Mandiant and CrowdStrike found no evidence of a vulnerability, misconfiguration, or breach of Snowflake’s platform itself. Mandiant identified the cybercriminal group UNC5537 as the perpetrator, describing them as financially motivated with members in North America and Turkey.

#### Response and Mitigation Efforts
Upon discovering the breach on April 19, AT&T reported the incident to the FBI and the Department of Justice (DOJ). The authorities agreed to delay public notification twice due to potential national security and public safety risks. The FBI verified that it is working with AT&T to enhance investigative efforts and manage the incident response. At least one individual has been apprehended in connection with the breach, though they were not an AT&T employee.

AT&T has taken additional cybersecurity measures to close off the point of unlawful access and is working closely with law enforcement to apprehend the cybercriminals involved. The company has assured customers that their names, Social Security numbers, and credit card information were not compromised. However, AT&T cautioned that phone numbers could be linked to individuals through online tools.

#### Previous Incidents and Broader Implications
This breach marks AT&T's second significant security incident this year. In March, the company had to reset the account passcodes of millions of customers after encrypted passcodes were leaked on a cybercrime forum. In February, a technical malfunction led to a significant cellphone outage, impacting over 1.7 million customers.

The recurring security issues highlight the challenges and responsibilities that come with being one of America's leading wireless carriers. AT&T's network supports approximately 127 million connected devices, including 87 million postpaid wireless subscribers, making it a prime target for cyberattacks.

Massive Breach Exposes Call and Text Records of Nearly All AT&T Cell Customers

Reports from industry analysts suggest that by 2026, Apple will introduce AirPods equipped with infrared (IR) camera modules. While it may seem unconventional for a device primarily designed to deliver audio, there are compelling reasons behind this development, rooted in enhancing spatial experiences.

Apple has consistently emphasized spatial audio in its audio products, including Apple Music. Spatial audio provides a three-dimensional sound experience, making users feel as if the sound is coming from various directions around them. 

According to [Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo](https://medium.com/@mingchikuo/%E9%85%8D%E5%82%99ir%E7%9B%B8%E6%A9%9F%E7%9A%84%E6%96%B0%E6%AC%BEairpods%E5%8F%AF%E6%9C%9B%E6%8F%90%E5%8D%87%E4%BA%BA%E6%A9%9F%E4%BA%A4%E4%BA%92%E9%AB%94%E9%A9%97%E8%88%87%E5%BC%B7%E5%8C%96apple%E7%A9%BA%E9%96%93%E9%9F%B3%E8%A8%8A-%E7%A9%BA%E9%96%93%E9%81%8B%E7%AE%97%E7%94%9F%E6%85%8B-new-ir-camera-equipped-airpods-to-enhance-2daa96913d7f), the IR cameras in the new AirPods will detect environmental image changes, enabling more precise head movement tracking. This would allow for richer spatial audio experiences. For instance, when watching a video with the Vision Pro headset and AirPods, if the user turns their head towards a specific direction, the sound from that direction could be amplified, enhancing the realism of the experience.

In addition to improving spatial audio, the built-in cameras will support new features such as in-air gesture control. This means users could interact with their AirPods without physically touching them, simply by using gestures like nodding or shaking their heads. These gestures could be used for various functions, such as answering or declining calls.

Furthermore, Apple plans to introduce Personalized Spatial Audio with head tracking for gaming. This feature will be available to users with the latest AirPods, AirPods Pro, or AirPods Max, and is set to roll out with iOS 18 this fall.

The new AirPods with IR cameras will likely integrate seamlessly with Apple's broader ecosystem, particularly in the realm of spatial computing and augmented reality (AR). By combining these AirPods with devices like the Vision Pro headset, users will experience an enhanced interaction between audio and visual content in physical space. 

Apple plans to start mass production of these innovative AirPods by 2026, with major supplier Foxconn expected to produce the IR camera modules.

Apple AirPods: The Future of Spatial Audio with Built-In Cameras

Who would have thought that Raspberry Pi, the maker of tiny, affordable single-board computers, would become a public company? Yet, this is exactly what’s happening. On Tuesday morning, Raspberry Pi priced its initial public offering (IPO) on the London Stock Exchange at £2.80 per share, valuing the company at £542 million ($690 million). Following the announcement, shares surged 32% to £3.70, indicating that Raspberry Pi could raise over $200 million during its IPO process.

For now, only certain institutional shareholders can trade Raspberry Pi shares, but retail investors will have access starting on Friday. This listing marks a significant win for the London stock market, which has seen companies like Deliveroo and Wise choose it over the more liquid U.S. stock markets.

Raspberry Pi is renowned for its versatile, ARM-based computers, which have found favor among tech enthusiasts for creating media servers, retro game consoles, interactive dashboards, robotics projects, and more. The company's offerings, the cheapest of which is just $15, provide powerful, programmable solutions that are both cost-effective and energy-efficient.

Beyond the hobbyist market, Raspberry Pi has seen significant uptake in the industrial sector. Many companies now integrate Raspberry Pi units into their devices and facilities, with the industrial and embedded segment accounting for 72% of the company’s sales. Since its inception, Raspberry Pi has sold 60 million units, generating $266 million in revenue and $66 million in gross profit in 2023 alone.

The IPO will provide Raspberry Pi with the capital needed to expand its talent pool and enhance its product offerings. Plans include paying more engineers, bringing aspects of semiconductor design in-house, and introducing new, more expensive products to better serve customer needs. A 2023 fundraising round led by UK chip maker Arm Holdings previously valued Raspberry Pi at around £444 million ($561 million), with estimates now rising to roughly £500 million ($630 million).

Raspberry Pi Ltd is the commercial subsidiary of the Raspberry Pi Foundation, which aims to make coding accessible through low-cost, programmable computers. The Foundation remains the majority shareholder of Raspberry Pi Ltd. Other key shareholders include ARM and Sony Semiconductor Solutions Corporation, with ARM planning to increase its stake via the public listing.

"When we released our first product in 2012, our goal was to provide a computer that was affordable enough for young people to own and explore with confidence," said Eben Upton, Raspberry Pi CEO and founder. With its IPO and expanded resources, Raspberry Pi now has the "technology roadmap to play an increasingly significant role" in the computing industry.

Raspberry Pi: From Hobbyist Favorite to Public Company

In a viral moment at Computex, Jensen Huang, CEO of Nvidia, signed a woman's chest in a crowded booth, solidifying his rockstar status. [A video](https://www.threads.net/@__199504__/post/C7yvRsqpA90) shows Huang asking if it's a good idea before signing, then returning to signing more traditional items, however, that video is no longer available. This unconventional move is a testament to his unique public image, often donning leather jackets and defying traditional CEO attire.

![Jensen Huang signed a woman's chest](https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/saks-test.appspot.com/o/uploads%2F3pSAcKD69pYhIdjDD4hooYQZIx13%2F20240605173437588.jpeg?alt=media&token=21c091a2-21b1-477d-8ce0-2470c431cfa9)
source: chinlun319/threads

Huang's popularity has skyrocketed alongside Nvidia's success, with the company becoming the third most valuable on the S&P 500. His fashion sense, including his signature black leather jacket and glasses, has drawn attention, with some comparing him to a cool CEO version of a rockstar. While other CEOs, like Tim Cook and Sundar Pichai, maintain a more traditional image, Huang's bold style has captured the spotlight.

![a women feeling proud and showing Jensen Huang sign](https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/saks-test.appspot.com/o/uploads%2F3pSAcKD69pYhIdjDD4hooYQZIx13%2F20240605173632145.jpeg?alt=media&token=2bb84126-943b-4e4a-b03a-7f31551167a8)
source: chinlun319/threads

At the Taiwanese tech conference, Huang discussed the robot revolution and Nvidia's next-generation chip, further cementing his status as a leader in the industry. His autograph signing spree, including a woman's top, has sparked both amusement and scrutiny, with some questioning whether this behavior is suitable for a CEO. Nevertheless, Huang's rockstar status shows no signs of fading, as he continues to push boundaries and make waves in the tech world.

Jensen Huang signed a woman's chest. Yes, that really happened.

As the tech world buzzes with anticipation for Intel's next-generation Arrow Lake processors, another significant advancement in the pipeline is Intel's Lunar Lake, a mobile-first architectural marvel. This innovative design promises to redefine efficiency and performance standards in mobile computing, marking one of Intel's most thrilling product launches in years. 

#### Lunar Lake Specifications

Intel unveiled Lunar Lake's architecture and design details in May 2024, highlighting its focus on efficiency. At Computex 2024, further revelations showed that Lunar Lake processors could achieve a 30% reduction in power draw while maintaining competitive performance levels. Central to this achievement is the new Skymont architecture, which powers the efficiency (E) cores responsible for handling most of the workload.

Lunar Lake features a mix of four Lion Cove performance (P) cores and four Skymont E cores. These configurations are scalable, though specific models are yet to be announced. Each chip will also include a new neural processor capable of 48 trillion operations per second (TOPS), four times the capacity of Meteor Lake’s neural processor, significantly enhancing AI performance.

![Intel Unveils Lunar Lake CPUs to Compete with AMD, Qualcomm, and Apple
](https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/saks-test.appspot.com/o/uploads%2F3pSAcKD69pYhIdjDD4hooYQZIx13%2F20240605025929962.jpeg?alt=media&token=903c2f52-83d1-4154-826d-5d2dd73f2f22)
source: intel

Graphics performance gets a boost with integrated Xe2 graphics, designed for gaming and capable of delivering up to 60 TOPS. These GPUs are expected to eventually power Intel’s Battlemage graphics cards but for now, provide impressive performance for casual gaming, potentially eliminating the need for entry-level GPUs. This leap is attributed to native support for the ExecuteIndirect command common in DX12 games, new compression techniques, and faster cache clearing for overall efficiency.

Lunar Lake drops hyper-threading, opting instead for a TSMC N3 processor for the compute tile and the N6 node for the platform tile. This decision marks a departure from Intel's in-house fabrication, as it gears up to leapfrog to the 18A node.

In terms of features, Lunar Lake supports PCI-Express 5, Thunderbolt 4, USB4, HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 2.1, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, and Gigabit Ethernet. The chips will also support up to 32GB of LPDDR5X memory for enhanced performance.


#### Availability of Lunar Lake

Lunar Lake is slated for an end-of-2024 release alongside Arrow Lake for desktops. Although no specific models have been announced, Intel has demonstrated working silicon at trade shows, suggesting a feasible timeline. Initially, availability might be limited, ramping up to mass production in early 2025.

#### Performance and Efficiency

Lunar Lake represents Intel's first complete architectural overhaul in generations, leveraging Foveros technology for a mix of performance and efficiency cores. The new design promises up to 1.5 times the performance of Meteor Lake processors with similar power consumption. Computex 2024 showcased over a 50% performance-per-watt improvement in Lion Cove P cores and a 20-80% generational improvement in Skymont E cores. Compared to Meteor Lake E cores, Skymont can deliver double the performance or match Meteor Lake’s performance at a third of the power, enhancing battery life significantly.

![intel lunar lake vs meteor lake performance](https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/saks-test.appspot.com/o/uploads%2F3pSAcKD69pYhIdjDD4hooYQZIx13%2F20240605030237895.jpeg?alt=media&token=ff5e2c07-af2a-4af5-8206-67ed21c1f04c)
source: intel

The E cores in Lunar Lake are particularly noteworthy. They provide more performance per clock than previous P cores, thanks to added cache, a new process node, and architectural enhancements. This improvement allows the new Skymont E cores to outperform Raptor Cove P cores by 2% in instructions per clock.

AI performance is another highlight, with the redesigned neural processor handling up to 45 TOPS, competitive with Snapdragon X Elite’s NPU. Combined with the Xe2 GPU’s 60 TOPS, Lunar Lake chips achieve over 100 TOPS in total, driving local AI capabilities to new heights.

![intel lunar lake performance](https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/saks-test.appspot.com/o/uploads%2F3pSAcKD69pYhIdjDD4hooYQZIx13%2F20240605030338319.jpeg?alt=media&token=f6088155-bede-4c47-ba39-1c5b222d23ac)
source: intel

#### Design Innovations

Lunar Lake introduces several design changes aimed at boosting efficiency and performance. By integrating 16 or 32GB of LPDDR5X memory into the package itself, the system reduces power consumption for data transfer by 40%. This integrated memory approach also means that Lunar Lake laptops won't have separate memory sticks or chips.

![intel lunar lake design innovation](https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/saks-test.appspot.com/o/uploads%2F3pSAcKD69pYhIdjDD4hooYQZIx13%2F20240605030504557.jpeg?alt=media&token=5a595978-5c1c-4ac9-b82c-5a00f60540c5)
source: intel

Moreover, Lunar Lake supports native H.266 VVC video for better file size reduction without compromising quality. It incorporates Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4, promising 55% faster wake-up times for wireless connections. The new Partner Security Engine, akin to Microsoft Pluton, adds a layer of security with its dedicated processor, fuse, and crypto portion.

In the realm of graphics, Lunar Lake’s Xe2 GPU stands out with a 1.5x performance increase over Meteor Lake, which was already twice as powerful as its predecessor. This performance gain comes from a combination of efficiency improvements and enhanced functionality, ensuring robust graphics capabilities across various laptop models. The Xe2 GPU also brings 67 TOPS of AI performance, complementing the tripled NPU hardware for enhanced AI tasks.

Intel’s commitment to AI is evident as Lunar Lake triples the NPU hardware on the die, doubles memory bandwidth, and boosts clock speed. This enhancement results in up to 48 TOPS of AI acceleration, and significantly faster processing times for tasks like Stable Diffusion while maintaining reasonable power consumption.

Intel aims to launch a significant wave of Lunar Lake laptops later this year, with designs from over 20 hardware partners. Despite the competitive landscape, especially with Qualcomm’s rising prominence in AI PCs, Intel is confident in Lunar Lake’s ability to deliver exceptional user experiences.

Intel Unveils Lunar Lake CPUs to Compete with AMD, Qualcomm, and Apple

Recently, I noticed a new feature on YouTube: Playables. This exciting addition, found below the Shorts, currently offers 85 games, with [Google planning to expand the library soon](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/14328604).

This feature is being rolled out gradually and may not be available to everyone yet. You can check its availability [here](https://www.youtube.com/playables).

The best part about these games is that they are web-based, meaning no additional hardware is required. All you need is a browser to start playing.

![youtube playables](https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/saks-test.appspot.com/o/uploads%2F3pSAcKD69pYhIdjDD4hooYQZIx13%2F20240530193232870.jpeg?alt=media&token=5784aa50-665b-4ebe-9721-da9ee4ca21b8)

YouTube continually works to enhance its platform, aiming to provide educational and entertaining content. With the introduction of Playables, alongside its vast array of videos and Shorts, YouTube is dedicated to delivering a more engaging and diverse user experience.

Youtube Playables: play games on Youtube

For years, Google's search algorithm has been a mysterious entity, with only hints and clues available to the public. But a recent leak of internal documents has shed unprecedented light on how Google ranks websites, contradicting previous statements from the company. The leak, which includes thousands of pages of documentation, reveals a complex system with numerous signals and attributes that influence search results.

#### Ranking System
[The leaked documents](https://sparktoro.com/blog/an-anonymous-source-shared-thousands-of-leaked-google-search-api-documents-with-me-everyone-in-seo-should-see-them/) outline 2,596 modules with 14,014 attributes related to ranking web content, YouTube videos, Google Assistant results, and more. This suggests that Google's ranking is based on a vast number of signals, including site authority, click data from Chrome, and author information. The system also uses "twiddlers" - re-ranking functions that adjust results before display - and applies demotions for issues like anchor text mismatch and SERP dissatisfaction.

#### Google's Public Statements
The leak reveals that Google measures "siteAuthority" and uses click data from Chrome to influence rankings, contradicting previous public statements. The company has also been accused of whitelisting certain domains related to elections and COVID-19, giving them more weight in search results. Additionally, the documents suggest that authorship is a key ranking factor, with author information explicitly stored.

The leak provides a rare glimpse into Google's secretive world, where the company's main product, Search, has been tightly guarded. The US government's antitrust case against Google has also led to internal documentation becoming public, offering further insights into how the company's main product works.
Implications for SEO and Online Marketing

The leak has significant implications for SEO and online marketing. The pervasive, often annoying tactics used by marketers to outsmart Google may no longer be effective. Instead, website operators may need to focus on creating high-quality content that meets Google's complex ranking criteria. The leak also calls into question the accuracy of Google's public statements regarding how Search works, highlighting the need for further analysis and scrutiny.

Although Google has yet to verify the leak's legitimacy, the exposed documents offer an unparalleled glimpse into the company's tightly guarded search algorithms. The disclosures starkly contrast with Google's previous public claims about its search functionality, shedding new light on the intricacies of its closely guarded technology."



Google ranking algorithm reportedly leaked

In a pivotal effort to boost global connectivity, [Google is launching an innovative project](https://cloud.google.com/blog/products/infrastructure/investing-in-connectivity-and-growth-for-africa/) to build the first subsea fiber-optic cable connecting Africa and Australia. This venture emerges amid intense competition among leading cloud services providers like AWS and Microsoft Azure, with Google aiming to strengthen its position in the market.

The announcement follows a series of connectivity issues across Africa, primarily caused by faulty undersea cables. Recognizing the critical need for resilient internet infrastructure, Google aims to provide a robust solution with its new cable, aptly named "Umoja."

Starting in Kenya, the Umoja cable will traverse several African nations, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. The cable’s land journey will culminate in South Africa, where Google established its first African data centre in Johannesburg earlier this year. From there, the cable will continue across the Indian Ocean, reaching Perth, Australia. This ambitious project, once completed, will forge a direct and dependable link between the two continents.

The terrestrial segment of the Umoja route is already completed, thanks to Google’s collaboration with Liquid Intelligent Technologies. The subsea portion is currently under development, though a specific completion date has not been set. Typically, such submarine cable projects take about three years from inception to operation, suggesting that Umoja might be ready by 2026.

Brian Quigley, Google Cloud’s VP for global network infrastructure, emphasized the importance of this new route. He stated, “Umoja will enable African countries to more reliably connect with each other and the rest of the world. Establishing a new route distinct from existing connectivity routes is critical to maintaining a resilient network for a region that has historically experienced high-impact outages.”

The new cable will not only enhance connectivity within Africa but also offer a diversified path for internet traffic, reducing the reliance on existing routes. This is crucial for a continent that has frequently faced significant connectivity disruptions.

Google’s investment in the Umoja cable is part of a broader strategy to bolster its global infrastructure. The company has previously invested in other cabling projects around Africa, such as the Equiano cable, which links Portugal to Nigeria and South Africa. Additionally, Google has announced plans to build one of the first subsea cables connecting South America to the Asia-Pacific region, stretching from Chile to Australia via French Polynesia.

With hundreds of cables crisscrossing the world's oceans, the involvement of tech giants like Amazon, Google, Meta, and Microsoft in these infrastructure projects is increasing. These investments are driven by the need to provide higher quality services, from low-latency YouTube streams to faster data transfers for cloud-based enterprises.

The Umoja cable represents a significant infrastructure investment by Google, promising to improve internet connectivity and resilience across multiple continents. As the project progresses, it will pave the way for enhanced digital integration, benefiting both Africa and Australia with a reliable and diverse internet connection.

Google’s Plan: Connecting Africa and Australia with the First Subsea Fiber-Optic Cable

The digital world is about to lose one of its pioneering instant messaging services. ICQ, which was launched in November 1996 by Israeli company Mirabilis, is set to shut down on June 26, 2024. This iconic service, recognized for its unique user identification numbers and real-time chat capabilities, has been a part of Internet history for nearly 28 years.

ICQ gained immense popularity in its early years, reaching over 100 million registered users at its peak in 2001. Unlike other early messaging platforms such as AOL Instant Messenger and MSN Messenger, ICQ assigned users a distinctive number for connecting with others, a feature that set it apart from the crowd. It also introduced innovative features like SMS messaging and the ability to send messages to offline users, along with the memorable "Uh oh!" alert sound that notified users of incoming messages.

In 1998, AOL acquired Mirabilis for $407 million, further boosting ICQ's growth. However, the service changed hands multiple times over the years. In 2010, it was sold to Russian company Digital Sky Technologies, now known as VK. Under VK's ownership, ICQ transitioned into a mobile-focused messaging app, striving to compete with modern giants like WhatsApp and Telegram.

Despite these efforts, ICQ's user base has steadily declined, overshadowed by newer and more versatile messaging platforms. On May 24, 2024, VK announced that ICQ would cease operations on June 26, 2024, and encouraged users to switch to its other chat solutions, VK Messenger and VK WorkSpace.

The shutdown of ICQ marks the end of an era for a service that played a significant role in the evolution of digital communication. While its user numbers may have dwindled in recent years, ICQ remains a nostalgic memory for many who experienced the dawn of instant messaging. The distinctive "Uh oh!" alert and the unique user numbers are iconic relics of a bygone internet era. As we bid farewell to ICQ, we remember its contribution to shaping the landscape of modern chat applications and the fond memories it leaves behind.

ICQ shuts down after 28 years

On Thursday, May 23, 2024, Microsoft experienced a significant global outage that disrupted several of its key services, including the Bing search engine, the Copilot AI tool, and ChatGPT. This outage also affected third-party services dependent on Microsoft's infrastructure, such as the DuckDuckGo search engine.

The disruption was extensive, with users from major cities worldwide reporting difficulties accessing Microsoft's services. Data from Downdetector revealed that 57% of users had trouble accessing the Bing website, 34% encountered issues with search functionality, and 9% faced login problems.

Microsoft acknowledged the situation and indicated that efforts were underway to identify the root cause. By early morning Eastern Time, Bing service had been restored for many users, though some continued to experience errors. Other services, such as Bing Create and Copilot Designer, remained inaccessible for a longer period.

The outage, which began at 1:37 am ET, persisted for several hours, potentially costing Microsoft millions of dollars in lost revenue for each hour their search services were down. The company has not provided an official explanation for the outage's cause.

This incident underscores the risks associated with centralizing data on a limited number of servers and highlights the importance of maintaining local backups of critical files. Global outages of major service providers can have profound financial and operational consequences for businesses dependent on these services

Microsoft Faces Worldwide Outage: Bing, Copilot AI, and ChatGPT Affected

New insights have emerged regarding Apple's anticipated foldable MacBook, hinting at a significant shift in the tech giant's product lineup. According to Apple supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple could potentially ship over 1 million units featuring a 20-inch folding display by 2026, revising his earlier estimate of a 2027 release. 

#### Display Specifications and Design

While initial reports suggested a 20-inch display, Kuo now indicates that Apple is also considering an 18.8-inch option. The 20-inch version is expected to resemble a 14- to 15-inch MacBook when folded, whereas the 18.8-inch model would look similar to a 13- to 14-inch MacBook. This design aims to blend the portability of a standard laptop with the expansive screen space offered by foldable technology.

#### Collaboration and Technology

Apple is reportedly collaborating with LG Display to develop a folding screen that minimizes creasing, a common issue with current foldable devices. The foldable MacBook is anticipated to feature Apple's upcoming M5 processor, with production potentially beginning as early as the end of next year. 

#### Historical Context and Related Rumors

The concept of a 20-inch foldable from Apple first gained traction in 2022, with analysts like Ross Young and Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman supporting the claims. Gurman suggested that this device might be an iPad/MacBook hybrid featuring a dual-screen display without a physical keyboard and trackpad. Similarly, The Elec reported that Apple would likely advance its foldable technology following the introduction of OLED displays to its iPad and MacBook lines, a milestone that has already been achieved with the OLED iPad Pro.

#### Other Foldable Apple Devices

In addition to the foldable MacBook, Apple is rumored to be developing other foldable devices. Reports from February indicate that Apple is working on at least two folding iPhone prototypes that fold horizontally. Furthermore, a folding iPad is also in the works, though it is still in its early development stages, with Apple focusing on eliminating visible creases in the display.

#### Key Features and Price Expectations

The foldable MacBook is expected to debut in late 2025 or early 2026. It will likely feature a large, crease-free foldable display, achieved through Apple's partnership with LG Display. When folded, the device will have a compact form factor similar to current MacBooks but will offer a much larger screen when unfolded, enhancing productivity and entertainment experiences.

This innovative device will probably forego a physical keyboard in favor of a virtual, haptic-enabled on-screen keyboard. This design would allow the foldable MacBook to function as both a laptop and a large tablet or monitor when used with an external keyboard. Analysts estimate the foldable MacBook could be priced around $3,500, aligning it with Apple's high-end Vision Pro headset.

Apple’s foldable MacBook represents the company's next significant leap in laptop innovation, merging the portability of a traditional MacBook with the versatility of a large, foldable display. With advancements in display technology and a powerful new processor, this device could set a new standard in the foldable device market.

Insights into the Rumored Apple Foldable MacBook

In a world saturated with screen time and constant notifications, the Daylight DC1 stands out as a 10.5-inch tablet designed to foster a calmer, more focused digital experience. Here’s what makes it special:

#### "LivePaper" Display
The Daylight DC1 features an innovative "LivePaper" display, which merges the advantages of e-ink and LCD technology. This display boasts a matte finish, is non-emissive, and filters out blue light, helping to reduce eye strain and prevent sleep disruption. With a 60Hz refresh rate, it ensures smooth scrolling and responsiveness, making it perfect for reading and productivity.

#### Distraction-Free SolOS
Running on a custom Android 13-based operating system named SolOS, the Daylight DC1 is built to minimize distractions. Notifications are disabled by default, allowing users to focus on their tasks without interruptions.

#### Performance
the tablet is powered by a MediaTek Helio-G99 processor, paired with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. This configuration can handle productivity apps and typical Android software with ease.

#### Enhanced Usability Features
The Daylight DC1 includes a Wacom EMR passive stylus, making it ideal for note-taking and sketching. It also supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0, providing fast and reliable connectivity. Despite its robust features, it weighs only 1.2 lbs, making it highly portable.

#### Impressive Battery Life
Thanks to its non-backlit display, the tablet houses a substantial 8000mAh battery that can last several days on a single charge, making it a reliable companion for long work sessions and travel.

#### Availability and Pricing
Priced at $729, the Daylight DC1 has already seen its first batch of pre-orders sell out, with shipping slated to begin in June 2024.

#### A New Paradigm in Tech Usage
The Daylight DC1 is more than just a tablet; it’s a step towards redefining our interaction with technology. By focusing on reducing eye strain and encouraging healthier tech habits, it offers a unique blend of functionality and well-being.

Whether you’re looking for a device to help you concentrate better or simply want a healthier way to engage with your digital tasks, the Daylight DC1 promises to deliver a superior, distraction-free experience.

Daylight DC-1 Quick Overview

On Wednesday, May 22, 2024, the [@AiBreakfast](https://x.com/AiBreakfast) Twitter account posted a [tweet](https://x.com/AiBreakfast/status/1793034917607096505) "Scarlet Johansson Is All You Need" with a screenshot of a research paper published on arXiv. The tweet gained significant attention, with over 243,000 users viewing it and even receiving a reaction from notable accounts such as [@elonmusk](https://x.com/elonmusk).

![scarlet-johansson-is-all-you-need](https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/saks-test.appspot.com/o/uploads%2F3pSAcKD69pYhIdjDD4hooYQZIx13%2F20240524104814803.jpeg?alt=media&token=477d9987-a7d2-47b9-90e5-bb455af21bd7)

As people began to believe the paper's claims, I searched and discovered that the paper was false. Surprisingly, the X community notes still hadn't flagged the tweet.

![jill-watson-a-virtual-teaching-assistant-powered-by-chatgpt](https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/saks-test.appspot.com/o/uploads%2F3pSAcKD69pYhIdjDD4hooYQZIx13%2F20240524104904014.jpeg?alt=media&token=9188e7f7-ed09-4909-91fa-89de18654a82)

I found that only the paper's title had been modified.[Here is the original paper](https://arxiv.org/abs/2405.11070). This incident highlights the growing concern that internet rumours and misinformation in this digital era increasingly target famous personalities.

Scarlett Johansson Is All You Need

The next Windows 11 update, version 24H2, is now available in the Release Preview Channel. This update includes several new features, such as HDR background support, which allows users to use JXR images as their wallpaper background, with per-display adaptation for multiple monitors.

The update also includes a reworked energy saving mode, which reduces energy consumption by reducing system performance, saving battery life on laptops and reducing power usage on desktop PCs. Additionally, a built-in sudo command has been added for developers, allowing them to run elevated tools directly from an unelevated console session, configurable in three modes.

File Explorer has also been updated, with the ability to create 7-zip and TAR archives, and a scrollable view of the Quick Settings flyout. Furthermore, an AI-powered Voice Clarity feature has been added, which removes background noise during calls and audio recordings, are no longer limited to devices with NPU chips.

The built-in Copilot assistant has also been updated, with a dedicated button on the system tray, and more commands for changing settings and turning on Windows features.


The update will be officially rolled out through Windows Update later this year, but Windows Insiders in the Release Preview Channel can install it now. Note that new AI features require a Copilot+ PC, which will be available starting June 18th at $999.

Windows 11's Next big update is available to install

Microsoft has announced Recall, a groundbreaking feature for Windows 11 that tracks and remembers everything you do on your computer. In return, it offers a powerful search function to retrieve anything you've done on the device. This tool is part of the Copilot Plus PC package and is exclusively available on devices powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon X Elite chips.

### How Recall works
Recall keeps a record of your activities, including App usage, Live meeting communications, Websites visited for research, And more

You can access this information through a timeline interface, where you can scroll through and search for specific events. Live Captions also allow you to search and transcribe live meetings and videos.

### A Familiar Concept, but More Powerful
Microsoft previously introduced Timeline in Windows 10, but it was discontinued in 2021. Recall is a more advanced version, offering deeper integration into Windows. There's also a similar app for Mac called Rewind, but Recall provides native integration and more features.

### System Requirements
To use Recall, you'll need a Copilot Plus PC with a Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite chip and at least 256 GB of storage space. The feature requires 50 GB of available space and allocates 25 GB by default, which can store around three months of snapshots.

### Privacy and Security
Microsoft ensures that the Recall index remains local and private on your device. You can control what's captured, pause or delete content, and exclude specific apps or websites. Recall also respects your privacy by not taking snapshots of InPrivate browsing sessions or DRM-protected content.

Overall, Recall is a powerful tool that helps you keep track of your activities and retrieve information quickly, and It has a major advantage over your productivity like you don't have to remember what you watched yesterday.


Microsoft introduced Recall: A Powerful New Tool for Windows 11

Microsoft's Build 2024 keynote was packed with exciting announcements about Windows and AI, with a hint of custom emoji. The company is joining the industry-wide trend of integrating AI into every aspect of its services. Here are the highlights

### AI Agents for Menial Tasks
Microsoft Copilot AI agents will soon be available as virtual employees for businesses, automating tasks like email monitoring, data entry, and employee onboarding. This feature will be available in Copilot Studio later this year and aims to free up human employees from mundane tasks.

### Mini-Multimodal AI Model
Microsoft introduced Phi-3-vision, a compact AI model that can read text and analyze images, making it perfect for mobile devices. This multimodal model is part of the Phi-3 family and is available in preview now.

### Real-Time Video Translation
Microsoft Edge is getting an AI-powered video translation feature that can dub videos from YouTube, LinkedIn, and more in real-time. This feature will initially support a few languages, with more to be added soon.

### Custom Emoji for Microsoft Teams
Microsoft Teams is getting a new feature that allows users to add their own custom emojis, similar to Slack. Admins can control who can add emojis, and they will only be visible within the organization's domain.

### Tiny Snapdragon PC
Qualcomm unveiled a compact PC, the Snapdragon Dev Kit for Windows, priced at $899. This Mac Mini-sized device packs a Snapdragon X Elite chip, 32GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD.

### File Explorer as a Git Repository
Microsoft is integrating Git into File Explorer, allowing developers to track their coding projects more efficiently. This feature will be available soon.

### AI-Powered Clipboard Features
Microsoft's PowerToys suite for Windows 11 now includes an Advanced Paste feature that uses AI to convert clipboard contents to various formats like plaintext, markdown, or JSON.

These announcements showcase Microsoft's focus on AI integration and its commitment to making its services more efficient and user-friendly.

Everything announced at Microsoft Build 2024

On Wednesday, Reddit set the price of its stock at $34 per share, which is at the high end of the expected range. This indicates that investors are highly interested in the company's initial public offering (IPO) happening on Thursday. Through the offering, the popular social media platform managed to raise nearly $500 million.

Without taking into account employee stock options, the company, which is 19 years old, will have a starting valuation of $5.4 billion. This is significantly lower than its previous private market value of $10 billion, which was recorded in August 2021 during the peak of the previous technology market boom.

The stock, which is currentlyReddit has priced its shares at $34 each, which is the highest point in the expected range. This suggests that investors are enthusiastic about the company's upcoming initial public offering (IPO) on Thursday. In the offering, the social media giant raised close to $500 million.

When excluding employee stock options, the company, which has been around for 19 years, will have a starting valuation of $5.4 billion. This is a significant decrease from its previous private market value of $10 billion, which was reached in August 2021 during the peak of the previous technology market boom.

Investors have been eagerly awaiting the stock debut of Reddit, which is set to take place on Thursday at the New York Stock Exchange. The stock has garnered significant anticipation and will be traded under the ticker symbol "RDDT."

If Reddit's stock performs well on its first day of trading, other venture capital-backed companies that have been waiting in the wings will likely start their IPO processes soon after.

Astera Labs, a company that provides hardware for connecting data centers, saw a 72% increase in its stock price on its first day of trading on Wednesday. This indicates that the public markets are ready for new publicly traded companies.

Despite being profitable based on EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization), Instacart and Klaviyo, which were the main IPOs of 2023, received lukewarm receptions on Wall Street last year.

However, Reddit is still experiencing net losses of over $90 million, which could negatively impact the company's stock as there is a strong push for newly traded companies to achieve profitability.

Nevertheless, investors may find Reddit's involvement in the AI (artificial intelligence) industry appealing. The company has recently started selling its data to Google for training AI models, and there may be more similar licensing agreements in the works. This could potentially become a significant source of revenue growth for the business. In January, the company sold contracts worth $203 million to AI companies for access to its data, as stated in a recent filing.

Reddit's Stock Market Debut A Look at the Anticipated IPO on NYSE

Apple Vision Pro heralds a new era for health app developers, introducing ground-breaking opportunities to revolutionize healthcare delivery. By harnessing the infinite canvas of vision OS, developers can create immersive spatial experiences that benefit users both in clinical settings and at home.

With a legacy of innovation, Apple's products have long been embraced by medical institutions and developers seeking to enhance patient outcomes, increase efficiency, and drive meaningful change. Now, with the introduction of Apple Vision Pro, these opportunities are exponentially expanded.

Through the seamless integration of digital content with the physical world, VisionOS empowers developers to craft apps that were previously unimaginable. From surgical planning and education to training programs and medical imaging, the possibilities for transformative impact are limitless.

Leading healthcare institutions and developers are already leveraging Apple Vision Pro to develop innovative solutions. Stryker's Mako app enables surgeons to access intricate surgical plans in a dynamic 3D-native environment, while Boston Children's Hospital's Cyrano Health offers immersive training experiences for frontline workers.

In addition to advancements in surgical planning and education, productivity and collaboration are also enhanced through apps like Siemens Healthineers' Cinematic Reality and Epic Systems' Spatial Computing Concept. These tools allow clinicians to interact with patient data in new, immersive ways, fostering collaboration and efficiency in healthcare delivery.

As Apple Vision Pro continues to evolve, it promises to redefine the healthcare landscape, empowering developers to create solutions that improve procedural planning, education, and outcomes. With its transformative capabilities and boundless potential, Apple Vision Pro is poised to drive innovation and reshape the future of healthcare.

Transforming Healthcare The Evolution of Apple Vision Pro in Revolutionizing Health App Development

Apple recently faced substantial challenges, including a €1.8 billion fine from the European Union for impeding streaming services from informing users about cheaper alternatives outside the App Store. The company also experienced an $80 billion loss in market capitalization, prompting a reassessment of their approach. However, Apple remained assertive by exerting its power over Epic Games, a company it considers bothersome.

The European Union's Digital Markets Act (DMA), which came into effect on March 8th, 2024, aims to prevent abuse of power by gatekeepers like app stores and cloud providers. It affects companies with a market capitalization exceeding €75 billion and introduces requirements such as data portability and sideloading of third-party app stores. Apple and Google face challenges in monetizing their in-app purchases due to the DMA.

Apple announced a complex fee structure for developers distributing apps outside the App Store, which received criticism from major companies like Microsoft, Meta, Spotify, and Epic Games. The ongoing dispute between Apple and Epic Games escalated when Apple approved and then revoked Epic's developer account, potentially violating the DMA. Authorities in Belgium are investigating the matter.

In a surprising turn, Apple reversed its decision to revoke Epic Games' developer license following an inquiry from the European Commission. Epic Games will open its iOS app store in the European Union, allowing Fortnite to return to iOS. Apple confirmed the decision, stating that Epic Games committed to following the rules outlined in the Digital Markets Act.

Apple's recent challenges and regulatory actions demonstrate the evolving landscape of the tech industry. The European Union's Digital Markets Act poses significant challenges for Apple and other tech giants. The reinstatement of Epic Games' developer license highlights the influence of the European Commission. As the industry evolves, Apple and other companies will need to navigate regulatory changes and maintain relationships with developers.

Apple enforces a ban on Epic Games following a controversial tweet

For over a decade, Apple's secret and ambitious project codenamed Project Titan, aimed to revolutionize the automotive industry with an electric, self-driving car. However, despite substantial efforts and investments, Apple ultimately abandoned its dream of building a physical car. In this article, we will delve into the fascinating journey of Project Titan, exploring its evolution, challenges, and the ultimate decision to shut it down.

Project Titan's genesis can be traced back to the early 2010s when Apple began exploring the possibility of entering the electric car market. Initially considering the acquisition of Tesla, the tech giant later shifted its focus towards designing and manufacturing its electric vehicle. The project underwent numerous iterations, contemplating radical ideas like touchscreen controls and even a car without a traditional steering wheel.

With an influx of automotive engineers and designers, Apple embarked on the challenging path of creating its electric car. However, internal leadership and focus issues caused significant setbacks, leading to the layoff of hundreds of engineers at one point. These challenges highlighted the complexities of venturing into a new industry, especially one as intricate as automotive manufacturing.

By 2019, facing difficulties in achieving breakthroughs in self-driving technology and ride-sharing, Apple decided to refocus on building an electric car to compete with the likes of Tesla. However, new challenges emerged, including the struggle to acquire necessary automotive manufacturing experience and the realization of thin profit margins in the highly competitive electric car market.

As advances in artificial intelligence (AI) continued to reshape industries, Apple found itself at a crossroads. In 2022, the company made the surprising announcement to shut down Project Titan entirely, signaling a departure from the electric car venture. This decision was driven by a reassessment of priorities and the need to allocate AI resources elsewhere.

The shutdown of Project Titan raised questions about the profitability of electric vehicles, as the tech giant acknowledged that the expected returns may not have lived up to initial hopes. Furthermore, the elusive dream of achieving fully self-driving cars, a key aspect of the project, remained a distant goal due to persistent technological challenges.



what happened to apple car project?

Google is adjusting its products to comply with the European Union's Digital Markets Act (DMA) by the March 7 deadline. The DMA, applicable to Alphabet, Google's parent company, seeks to foster fairness and competition in digital markets. Violating the rules could lead to penalties up to 10% of global annual turnover.

To adhere to DMA guidelines, Google is introducing new browser and search choice screens for Android phones and Chrome on desktop and iOS devices. These changes, informed by user research and industry feedback, will be visible by March 6. Google has also halted default-linking of personal data across user accounts for certain products, aligning with DMA restrictions on using people's data for advertising without consent.

Despite these adjustments, Google may subtly encourage users to re-enable tracking, which contradicts DMA rules against manipulative designs. As the primary DMA gatekeeper overseeing eight regulated platforms, Google is implementing various changes across its products.

Concerning data for ads, Google is entrusting advertisers with managing targetable user data, making upgrades to its advertising products. The DMA requires Google to provide more information about ads to advertisers and publishers in the European Economic Area (EEA), ensuring user privacy and safeguarding commercially-sensitive information.

A DMA-driven change allows Android developers to direct users outside the app to promote offers, potentially increasing profitability by avoiding Google's app store commission fees.

In response to DMA data portability requirements, Google plans to launch a data portability API for EEA developers. However, some of the announced changes seem to reiterate previously introduced features.

On March 7, the DMA enforcement era begins, with compliance reports made public and the European Commission conducting workshops for feedback. As the sole enforcer, the Commission has the authority to investigate and take interim measures, aiming for robust enforcement to fulfill the flagship digital reform.

Google makes changes for users and app developers in response to impending EU tech regulations.


Apple recently unveiled two new MacBook Air models equipped with the M3 chip. These laptops, available in 13- and 15-inch sizes, claim to be "up to 60 percent faster" than the previous M1 MacBook Air. With a promising battery life of up to 18 hours, both models are open for preorders starting today, and shipping begins on Friday, March 8th.

The 13-inch MacBook Air is priced at $1,099, while the 15-inch model comes in at $1,299. Featuring a Liquid Retina display with up to 500 nits of brightness, the laptops support up to two external displays when closed. They also boast an upgrade to Wi-Fi 6E for faster download speeds and include MagSafe charging and two Thunderbolt ports.

The 13-inch M2 version of the laptop remains available at a lower price of $999.

Powered by the M3 chip, these laptops offer a boosted 16-core Neural Engine for optimized AI models and a built-in GPU for mesh shading and ray tracing. Notably, they feature a 1080p FaceTime camera, three microphones, and support spatial audio and Dolby Atmos. Despite their advanced features, both devices maintain a sleek design, being less than half an inch thick.

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*Apple*

The base 13-inch MacBooks come with a 30W USB-C power adapter, while upgraded versions offer either a 35W dual-port charger or a 70W adapter. For an additional $20, the 256GB storage version can be upgraded to include a 35W dual-port adapter or a 70W adapter. (Choosing a more powerful adapter was found to be worthwhile in our experience, compared to the 2022 13-inch model with a 67W charger option.)

Both models start with 8GB of RAM, and additional RAM upgrades are available at $200 for 16GB and $400 for 24GB. Storage can also be increased, with options like upgrading the base 256GB SSD to 512GB for $200, 1TB for $400, and 2TB for $800.

Similar to the M2 MacBook Air released in 2022, the M3 models feature a Magic Keyboard with a full-height function row and Touch ID. These new MacBook Airs are available in four colors: starlight, space gray, silver, and midnight. The midnight color boasts an anodization seal to reduce fingerprints, addressing a common issue with the previous midnight option.

Apple unveils the new 13- and 15‑inch MacBook Air with the M3 chip

Ex-CEO Parag Agrawal and other high-up folks from Twitter are suing Elon Musk, asking for over $128 million in unpaid severance. They filed the case in a San Francisco court on Monday, saying Musk fired them without a good reason and didn't take his money responsibilities seriously.

In the 39-page lawsuit, they claim Twitter, under Musk's control, is not playing fair and isn't paying its bills to employees, landlords, vendors, and others. They accuse Musk of thinking he's above the rules and using his wealth and power to push people around.

The former executives, which include ex-CFO Ned Segal, ex-chief legal officer Vijaya Gadde, and former General Counsel Sean Edgett, say they're owed a year's salary and stock options. Musk fired them in October 2022 after buying Twitter (now called X) for $44 billion.

The executives say Musk made up a "fake" reason to avoid paying them severance – claiming Twitter paid fees to outside lawyers improperly. They argue that if Musk had a problem with the payments, he should have tried to cancel the deal, not withhold their severance.

X is already dealing with three other lawsuits from ex-workers seeking big severance packages, including class action suits saying regular employees are owed at least $500 million. The social media company is also facing lawsuits for allegedly not paying a former PR firm, landlords, vendors, and consultants