Apple alters Ultra chip strategy, skipping M4 Ultra

Photo: Apple

Apple has confirmed it will not release an M4 Ultra chip, deviating from its previous pattern of sequential Ultra chip upgrades. This decision, revealed after the launch of the M3 Ultra alongside the new M4 chip in the Mac Studio, signals a strategic shift in Apple's approach to high-performance computing. The company clarified that Ultra-tier chips will not be released for every Apple Silicon generation.

The M3 Ultra, built using Apple's UltraFusion architecture to connect two M3 Max chips, delivers significant performance gains over its predecessors. However, reports indicate the M4 Max lacks the necessary UltraFusion connectors, making an M4 Ultra impossible without a substantial redesign. Apple prioritized upgrading the Mac Studio with the M3 Ultra while simultaneously advancing its M4 lineup, suggesting a focus on strategic performance enhancements rather than automatic annual updates.

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Volvo unveils ES90: 800V EV with 700km range

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Volvo unveiled its latest electric vehicle, the ES90, a sedan-fastback-SUV hybrid boasting an 800-volt charging system for faster charging and potentially longer range. The ES90 is the automaker's first EV to feature this advanced charging technology. The 800-volt system, utilizing lighter components, aims to improve efficiency, contributing to the vehicle's impressive projected range.

The ES90 boasts a remarkable driving range of up to 700 kilometres. With a 350kW fast charger, the vehicle can gain 300 kilometres of range in just 10 minutes, and its 106kWh battery can be charged from 10 to 80 percent in a mere 20 minutes. Performance-wise, all variants achieve a top speed of 112 mph (180 km/h), with the Twin Motor Performance version accelerating from 0 to 60 mph (0 to 100 km/h) in 3.9 seconds.

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Apple CEO teases new 'Air' device launch this week

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Apple CEO Tim Cook ignited speculation about a new product launch, teasing "something in the air" in a recent post on X. The cryptic message, accompanied by a short video, indicates an announcement is expected this week.  

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Amazon CEO teases 'Beautiful' new Alexa hardware coming this fall

Amazon CEO Andy Jassy has revealed that a "brand new lineup of devices" is slated for release this fall, designed to complement the company's recently unveiled AI-upgraded Alexa. In a Bloomberg interview, Jassy described the upcoming hardware as "beautiful," hinting at a significant design focus. This announcement follows Amazon's unveiling of Alexa Plus, a more conversational and task-oriented version of its smart assistant, which will be compatible with most existing Echo devices.

The new hardware is expected to further emphasize display technology, a trend highlighted by Panos Panay, Amazon's head of devices and services. Panay expressed a strong belief in the importance of screens, a sentiment reflected in the recent launch of the 21-inch Echo Show. While specific details remain scarce, the company's strategic shift suggests a broader vision for AI-integrated devices.

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