Apple unveils M3 MacBook Air aimed at consumer AI applications

Apple today unveiled new M3-powered MacBook Air 13 and 15-inch models. The new Airs are up to 60 percent faster than the model with the M1 chip and up to 13x faster than the fastest Intel-based MacBook Air. Pricing The 13-inch MacBook Air with M3 starts at $1,449 (CAD) and $1,299 (CAD) for education, and the 15‑inch MacBook Air with M3 starts at $1,749 (CAD) and $1,599 (CAD) for education. Both are available in midnight, starlight, silver, and space grey. The models are available for preorder now for shipping and in-store availability on March 8.

Apple is finally using AI in their marketing for these laptops in anticipation of huge AI software update in June. The consumer focus of the MacBook Air positions it as a strong choice considering the entire PC market is pivoting ot on-device AI in forthcoming PCs, ostensibly at a higher cost.

Click to read more ...

Possible new Chromecast with Google TV device spotted in Google Home app

Photo: Google

Google might be working on a new Chromecast with Google TV device, according to a recent discovery in the Google Home app. 9to5Google found that Google added a mysterious device, codenamed "YTD," to the list of Google Cast-compatible devices in the app. The device is treated as a Chromecast, not a Google TV device from another brand. This implies that "YTD" could be a new Chromecast with Google TV device that Google is developing. It is listed next to the current HD and 4K models of Chromecast with Google TV.

Earlier this year, another device, codenamed "YTC," was spotted in the app's code. It was clearly labelled as a "Chromecast with Google TV," but it never launched. The original model was codenamed "YTV," and the HD model was "YTB."

Click to read more ...

Report: Apple won't host event to announce New iPad Pro, iPad Air, and MacBook Air

Photo: Apple

While Apple has a wave of new iPad and Mac hardware on the horizon, including potential releases this month, the company won't be hosting a dedicated launch event.

According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, Apple will instead announce the new iPad Pro, iPad Air, and MacBook Air via press releases and online marketing materials, including website updates, videos, and campaigns.

Click to read more ...

Qualcomm confirms Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 launch date, teases features

Image: Qualcomm

Qualcomm's next flagship chip, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4, is on the horizon. It's slated for an October 2024 release at the Snapdragon Summit, following the established pattern, as the Gen 2 and Gen 3 launched in October of the previous years.

Rumours suggest the Gen 4 will boast TSMC's 3nm process and upgraded performance cores. Don McGuire, Qualcomm's chief marketing officer, confirmed it will get Qualcomm's custom Oryon CPU (as seen in the Snapdragon X Elite). And he hints at a significant Neural Processing Unit (NPU) upgrade.

Leaks point to a potential 4GHz clock speed, exceeding the Gen 3's 3.30GHz. While specific details remain under wraps, history suggests performance and efficiency improvements are likely. On-device generative AI capabilities, a highlight of the Gen 3, are also expected to see enhancements.

Source