An open international contest is being held for a landmark MXN$100,000 pavilion in Mexico City (Deadline: 14 April)The anonymous, single-stage competition invites architects, designers, urban planners, sociologists and students to draw up concepts for a recyclable or reusable pavilion that activates public space and promotes reflection on key contemporary urban issues. The contest is the 27th of its kind to be held by Mexican research platform Arquine.Tobias Jimenez and Cory Mattheis of Miller Hull won the 2024 Mextrpoli Pavilion competition. The Mextrpoli Pavillion 2025 winning scheme will be constructed in time for the 12th Mextrpoli International Festival of Architecture, being held next year in Mexico City.Tobias Jimenez and Cory Mattheis of Miller Hull won the 2024 Mextrpoli Pavilion competitionCredit:Image by Axel Palacios and Cory MattheisAccording to the brief: Contestants must design a piece that meets the conditions specified in the rules of this competition in terms of time, costs and characteristics, considering the ability to provoke and attract citizens, which will be a fundamental part of the evaluation of the proposal.The Mextrpoli pavilion will be installed in the Alameda Central of Mexico City. The space is proposed in front of the mural Dream of a Sunday Afternoon in the Alameda Central by Diego Rivera, on one side of Doctor Mora Street.The pavilion will coexist with other ephemeral installations designed by national and international architects and students, which will be spread throughout this iconic park.With a population of 20.5 million, Mexico City is the largest metropolitan area in the western hemisphere and one of the most important settlements in the Americas. The Mextrpoli festival aims to generate conversations between visitors and experts, promoting creativity, critical thinking and participation in order to generate new ideas about architecture and urban design in Mexico.Since 1998 Arquine has hosted an international competition exploring issues relating to architecture and urbanisation in Mexico and encouraging greater dialogue with the public.In 2020, Sabrina Morreale and Lorenzo Perri of emerging practice Lemonot Studio, and Federico Fauli were selected as overall winners from more than 290 applications to the anonymous international competition.Tobias Jimenez and Cory Mattheis of Miller Hull won the 2024 Mextrpoli Pavilion competitionCredit:Image by Axel Palacios and Cory MattheisTheir winning scheme Gastronomic Palapa was ready to be assembled in the Alameda Central when the WHO declared a global pandemic and was therefore placed in storage for 2021 instead.The winner of the Mextrpoli Pavillion 2022 competition was Walled Garden by Daniel Daou, Carlos Galindo and Carlos Eduardo Moreno. The winner of the Mextrpoli Pavillion 2023 competition was Out of Place by Alvaro Martin Morales Reyes and Manuel Alejandro Alemn Rocha from Mexico and Rubn Aldair Bermdez Martnez from Spain.Submissions should include a 60 x 90cm display board featuring conceptual diagrams, plans, layouts, sections and a 250-word project description in either English or Spanish.The winning team to be announced on 28 April will receive MXN$100,000 to deliver their scheme. There will also be a second prize of MXN$50,000 and a third prize of MXN$25,000.How to applyDeadline: 14 April 2024Fee: $1,500 MXNCompetition funding source: The competition is financed by contestant entry fees which cover both the monetary prizes and part of the constructionProject funding source: In each edition, different allies are sought to build the pavilion. The organiser will look for companies that may be related to the materials proposed in the winning project and will invite them to participate as sponsors of the pavilionOwner of site(s): The pavilion is installed in Alameda Central, a public space of Mexico City and the oldest park in Latin AmericaContact details: concurso@arquine.comVisit the competition website for more information

If you're an iPhone user, you could probably use these trackers to monitor your keys, wallet, luggage, and more, especially with this rare $26 discount even before Black Friday.

The widely loved Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones are $150 off during Amazon's ongoing Black Friday sale.

an adult woman shows strengthgettyAs someone who has spent years navigating the world of audiology, Ive realized that helping others embrace hearing health is about more than just telling them what to do yet meeting them where they are. As a lifelong hearing aid user spanning the evolution from clunky analog devices to todays sleek, high-tech digital models Ive learned firsthand that no one likes to be told they need something, especially regarding hearing loss.A saying resonates deeply with me: Tell me, Ill forget; show me, I may remember; involve me, and Ill understand. This philosophy has shaped how I approach conversations about hearing health. Instead of insisting, I share my journey openly. I show people that being hard of hearing doesnt define me, it is part of who I am and its nothing to shy away from.Whether Im wearing those early, bulky analog hearing aids or the sophisticated, Bluetooth-enabled models I use today, Ive always been proud to showcase the tech on my ears. My mission? To spark curiosity, break stigmas, and invite others to explore hearing health in an empowering, not intimidating way.The Role of Technology in Hearing HealthThe advancements in hearing aid technology over the years have been remarkablenot just for people like me, but for everyone. Much of the innovation in hearing aids has shaped the consumer audio devices we all use today, from earbuds to noise-canceling headphones. I like to think of myself as a guinea pig for the many promising techs, testing how they improve clarity in conversation, manage noise, and promote hearing health, thus, overall body wellness.MORE FROMFORBES VETTEDHearing aids have gone from simple amplifiers to highly personalized devices capable of filtering out specific types of noise, connecting seamlessly to smartphones, and even adjusting to different environments automatically. The technology inside most listening devices isnt just about making sounds louder its about making them more clear, helping people communicate effectively and experience the world more fully.My mission goes beyond my own experience. As someone who values hearing health, I am its ambassador, advocating why it's essential to all of us. On behalf of countless companies from startups to industry leaders Im here to meet you where you are, raising awareness and encouraging conversations about hearing health, no matter your age or level of hearing ability.The Unintended Consequences of NoiseNoise is unavoidable in modern life, affecting everyone in ways we often dont realize. While we might think of gaming, loud concerts, or construction sites as obvious sources of noise pollution, daily and persistent noise and sounds have harmful unintended consequences.Take, for example, the constant stream of alerts, notifications, and ringtones from our devices. These sounds are designed to grab our attention, often interrupting us with sharp, jarring tones. The average smartphone user hears dozensif not hundreds of these alerts daily, often at unnecessarily loud volumes. Over time, this exposure can contribute to hearing fatigue, stress, long-term damage and inability to focus.Another example is public spaces, like airports or shopping malls. While they may seem innocuous, these environments are filled with overlapping layers of sound from announcements to background music to the chatter of crowds. This constant noise can lead to sensory overload, making it difficult for our brains to process and filter what we hear leading to fatigue.Even something as seemingly harmless as the hum of appliances or the drone of traffic can have unintended consequences. Studies have shown that prolonged exposure to low-frequency noise can affect sleep quality, increase stress levels, and even impact cardiovascular health. What if there is a proactive way to manage and mitigate the conundrum of noise, sound, and hearing, like Lifelong Sound Health?Lifelong Sound Health Breaks Stigmas and Embraces Proactive Hearing HealthHearing issues often remain hidden despite the prevalence of noise in our lives. Its surprising how many people dont talk about hearing problems with their doctors or even know what an audiologist does. This silence stems from a lack of awareness, which we must change, like the classic stigmas of high cost and vanity. Hearing challenges are deeply personal and often hard to articulate, even to professionals. Thats why we need to reframe the conversation.At Akoio, their Lifelong Sound Health philosophy is aStart by asking yourself simple questions:What environments expose me to loud or harmful noise? Think about noisy commutes, busy workplaces, or recreational activities like concerts or sports events.How do my devicesheadphones, speakers, etc.affect my hearing? Are you listening at safe volumes, or raising the volume up too high?Am I protecting my ears at home, during my commute, work, or socializing? Do you use earplugs or noise-canceling headphones in loud environments?Are there situations where I am exposed to prolonged noise or sound levels that could cause damage over time? Consider daily habits like using power tools, attending fitness classes with loud music, or even the cumulative effect of city living.Breaking it down this way makes hearing health more approachable. By understanding your auditory habits, youre taking the first step toward better sound healthwithout the dreaded feeling of being told, You need a hearing aid.Reframing Hearing Health for EveryoneOne of the most significant barriers to addressing hearing loss is the stigma associated with it. For many, wearing a hearing aid feels like an admission of aging or vulnerability, this perspective needs to change. Hearing aids are excellent assistive devices that enhance our quality of life and help us engage more fully with the world. That is where awareness plays a crucial role. Education about hearing health should start early, just like lessons about dental care or protecting our skin from the sun. By normalizing conversations about hearing, we can empower people to take control of their hearing health.For example, schools could incorporate lessons about the dangers of excessive gaming noise and loud music and the importance of safe listening habits. Workplaces could provide noise protection resources and encourage employees to monitor their hearing health. For individuals, its about recognizing that hearing health is vital to overall wellnessnot something to ignore until a problem arises.A Call to AwarenessThe key to improving hearing health is awareness. Whether youre dealing with hearing loss, tinnitus, or other auditory challenges, its important to acknowledge the role sound plays in your overall well-being.Hearing is a deeply personal sense, yet its also one we all share. From the soothing sounds of nature to the voices of loved ones, hearing connects us to the world and to each other. Protecting that connection is worth the effort.So, lets embrace the tools, resources, and technology available to us. Lets talk openly about hearing health in a way thats thoughtful, accessible, and stigma-free. And most importantly, lets commit to a future where sound health is a priority for everyonebecause when we listen, we thrive.By thinking critically about how we interact with noise, sound, and hearing daily, we can all take steps toward better hearing health. After all, sound isnt just something we hearits something we live.

Updated Nov. 24 with further details of pricing and availability of Pixels on Amazon.Its no surprise that the Google Pixel phone is on offer now that Black Friday is upon us. The companys own store has just launched price cuts of $150 of the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro. But if youre in the market for a new phone from Google, Amazons prices match or outdo Googles, including for higher-capacity models.Google Pixel 9.Getty ImagesThe deals highlighted within this post were independently selected by the Contributor and do not contain affiliate links.Take the Pixel 9, currently available from Google with $150 off, that is reduced from the list price of $799 to $649. Thats good, but Amazon, which matches this price for the 128GB storage model in obsidian and wintergreen, beats it for the peony colorway only. In peony, you can save an extra $100, making for a $250 savings as the price drops to $548.98. Thats a 31% discount.Note that the porcelain color isnt currently available at Amazon, though its there on the Google store ($649).Google Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL. 2024 Bloomberg Finance LPThe Pixel 9 is also available with 256GB storage, with a list price of $899. Currently, thats reduced at Google to $749, a 17% or $150 price drop. Right now, Amazon is matching this exactly, in all colors.If youve set your heart on the porcelain finish, you could snap up the Google Pixel 9 Pro atAmazon for $799, a full $200 or 20% off the list price of $999. The same price is available for the obsidian finish, while the hazel color costs $50 more, $849. For comparison, Googles Black Friday price is $849 across three colors: porcelain, hazel and obsidian. Theres a fourth color, rose quartz, but you need to step up to 256GB to get that. At Google, its reduced from the list price of $1,099 by $150 to $949. Amazon matches this price for the hazel finish, doesnt have rose quartz, but has knocked the price of porcelain and obsidian down by an extra $50, thats $200 off altogether, to $899.Read More: Apples EU iPhone Transformation Could Spread Further, Report HintsThe larger sized Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is also reduced, from $1,099 to $934.13 at Amazon for all colors, a 15% discount that knocks $164.87 off the list price. Thats a little more than Googles $150 price cut. The 256GB models are available in hazel and obsidian at Amazon for $1,049, a $150 discount, while porcelain has almost another $40 offits selling for $1,019.13. Google has all four colors, including rose quartz, for $1,049 at this storage level.Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold. 2024 Bloomberg Finance LPThe biggest price cut of the season is for the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold, reduced by $300, or 17%, from $1,799 to $1,499. Thats the Amazon price, but Google matches it and has the porcelain finish, where Amazon is focused on the obsidian one. By the way, theres only one storage level, 256GB available on the Pixel 9 Pro Fold.Finally, the other Pixel of 2024, Pixel 8a, is reduced by $100 at Amazon from $499 to $399, a 20% price cut, in all four colors. Googles price? Its identical. Those prices are for the 128GB storage, but both Google and Amazon have the obsidian finish with 256GB, for $100: $459 instead of $559.

Key TakeawaysEquinox, a health service provider, has confirmed the leak of personal data of 21,000 users.Leaked data includes names, addresses, SSNs, and personal medical records.Lockbit, the gang that was neutralized in February, is responsible for this attack.Equinox, a health service organization based in New York, has sent a notice to nearly 21,000 patients and staff informing them of a data breach incident that occurred nearly seven months ago.Equinox faced issues accessing parts of its network resources on April 29, 2024, which turned out to be a security breach. Investigations began almost immediately and the company took all measures possible to re-secure their infrastructure.A well-known cybersecurity firm was also hired (not named in the notice) to investigate the issue. The company then launched a detailed review of the files that were suspected of being affected.After some intense and long investigation, Equinox concluded on September 16, 2024, that the personal health information of some of its customers and staff had been compromised. Breached information includes the following:However, Equinox has said that this list is not exhaustive and the details breached may differ from individual to individual.Whos Responsible For the Attack?Whats more embarrassing for security and law enforcement agencies around the world is that the notorious ransomware gang Lockbit is responsible for this data leak.Now, Lockbit was neutralized in February 2024 through a joint operation of the FBI, Europols European Cybercrime Center, and the Interpol led by Britains National Crime Agency. This operation was also supported by countries like France, Japan, Australia, Germany, and others.After such a huge operation, the National Crime Agency said that the site was under their control and that the gang was disrupted successfully.So, in April, when the Equinox incident occurred, Lockbit shouldnt have been active. However, that isnt the case two months after their supposed disruption, Lockbit was successful in executing another data breach.The LockBit 3.0 ransomware group listed Equinox on its data leak site on May 18, claiming to have 49GB of crucial data. This listing was updated on August 11, which gave Equinox time till August 25 to comply with the gangs request. Post this, Lockbit went on to leak 31.8 GB worth of personal information online.However, Equinox has not yet confirmed whether it was a ransomware attack or the amount demanded by the gang, if any.What Can Equinox Customers Do Now?Well, now that personal customer data has already been leaked, theres not much users can do about it. However, Equinox has listed a few measures people can take to ensure this leaked data is not misused.You can review your credit reports and account statements and if you notice anything suspicious, you should immediately contact your financial institution.You can place a fraud alert on your credit report doing so is absolutely free and it stays on your credit file for one year at least. This will notify you of any fraudulent activity on your report. Plus, perpetrators will not be able to open any new accounts in your name, as the financial institution will contact you before doing so.You can also put a security freeze on your credit file, which prevents any new credits from being opened against your name without a PIN number. This way, no one will be able to access your credit reports without your permission.Equinox takes the security and privacy of information in its possession very seriously and is taking steps to prevent a similar event from occurring in the future. EquinoxEquinox has also set up a toll-free number for any security queries customers might have. You can contact them on (866) 531-3185, Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Eastern Time.Add Techreport to Your Google News Feed Get the latest updates, trends, and insights delivered straight to your fingertips. Subscribe now! Subscribe now Krishi is an eager Tech Journalist and content writer for both B2B and B2C, with a focus on making the process of purchasing software easier for businesses and enhancing their online presence and SEO.Krishi has a special skill set in writing about technology news, creating educational content on customer relationship management (CRM) software, and recommending project management tools that can help small businesses increase their revenue.Alongside his writing and blogging work, Krishi's other hobbies include studying the financial markets and cricket. View all articles by Krishi Chowdhary Our editorial processThe Tech Reporteditorial policyis centered on providing helpful, accurate content that offers real value to our readers. We only work with experienced writers who have specific knowledge in the topics they cover, including latest developments in technology, online privacy, cryptocurrencies, software, and more. Our editorial policy ensures that each topic is researched and curated by our in-house editors. We maintain rigorous journalistic standards, and every article is 100% written byreal authors.

Maze mayhem: Few games have managed to ingrain themselves in the minds of people the way Pac-Man has. The iconic maze game will soon jump out of the screen and become a physical experience. Launching in Manchester, England, the new game will have players running around a giant Pac-Man board, eating dots and dodging ghosts. Pac-Man is coming to life thanks to a collaboration between Bandai Namco and Little Lion Entertainment. Set to open on March 22, the "Pac-Man Live Experience" aims to transport fans into the neon-drenched world of Pac-Man. We're not talking about a virtual reality game. Players will physically become the yellow chomper, dashing through life-size maze projections.The centerpiece is the massive "Arcade Arena" with two gigantic Pac-Man courts displayed on the floor. The surrounding walls will be covered in dynamic visuals, immersing participants in the pixelated universe.The key component is the "Pac-Vest," a wearable that lets players control their Pac-Man with body movement. These vests use advanced trackers to blend reality with augmented graphics. As players navigate the neon maze, the vests provide haptic feedback and lighting effects to sell the illusion of being shrunken down into a life-sized game.It's akin to the feel of the Tron movies, with all those radiant neon lights and a virtual audience seated around the arena scrutinizing your moves, except instead of battling the MCP, players will evade the colorful and iconic Pac-Man. The Live Experience stays faithful to the original game, with Blinky, Pinky, Inky, and Clyde all present to chase players. The only variance is that the game adds exclusive new bonus levels and power-ups for a refreshing spin.The game will also have a "Pac-Master" host who doubles as commentator and referee while helping to guide the group through the experience. The Pac-Master will explain the rules, offer tips, and provide commentary as the participants play. Top-scoring players will have their performance immortalized on leaderboards.It's certainly a trip down the nostalgia lane for long-time fans. However, Bandai Namco emphasizes the multi-generational appeal, calling it the perfect occasion "to create lasting memories together in Pac-Man!" // Related StoriesTickets are available now in 30-minute slots at an enticing "Early Bird" pricing. Adults and kids as young as eight enjoy the attraction for 25 apiece. Little Lion has no word on standard ticket prices after the early bird window closes.

In a nutshell: After leaving the smartphone business three years ago, LG is now apparently scheming a flashy return thanks to an AI-focused partnership with Samsung. The two Korean companies are developing some "revolutionary" AI tech based on the newly introduced ixi-O digital assistant for LG Uplus customers. Next year's Mobile World Congress could see the introduction of the first "real AI phone," a project Samsung and LG are now secretly working on. Unnamed industry sources told KED Global that this new smartphone will include a highly advanced digital assistant, with AI technology designed to go beyond the simplistic integration of some third-party AI assistant service in a pre-existing mobile device.LG Uplus, a South Korean mobile network operator, introduced its ixi-O AI call assistant technology earlier this month. The ixi-O agent can provide AI services such as answering and summarizing phone calls, converting audio into text, and detecting scam attempts. The technology works entirely on-device and is LG's attempt to enter the burgeoning AI business.Despite being part of the LG conglomerate, LG Uplus will not make new smartphones. Instead, the company will provide its ixi-O agent to Samsung to integrate into select Galaxy devices. According to the insiders, the two companies are working on a tighter knit between AI capabilities and smartphones.With Samsung's powerful Galaxy hardware, ixi-O will provide end customers with a "revolutionary" AI experience. LG Uplus, South Korea's smallest mobile carrier, is making the new AI phone exclusive to its subscribers. The current version of ixi-O is available on Apple iPhone 14 devices.Even if LG Uplus plans to manage its jointly developed AI phone as a strictly Korean affair, Samsung could have broader plans. The manufacturing giant might be interested in bringing the "Galaxy ixi-O" digital assistant to other models, working in partnership with more mobile carriers to offer the new AI tech outside South Korea. // Related StoriesLG Uplus is investing heavily in AI ventures. According to Chief Executive Hwang Hyeon-sik, the company plans to sink up to 3 trillion won (or $2.1 billion) into AI tech while seeking high-profile partnerships with Google, Amazon, and other major technology corporations.

Qualcomms Snapdragon 8 Elite is an exciting new mobile platform thats destined to power many of next years flagship smartphones. The improvements Qualcomm has made in this years chip are highlighted by the fact that the chipmaker has dropped its traditional Gen designations to give the fourth-generation chip an identity all its own.While the Snapdragon 8 Elite has already started showing up in some more niche flagships like the Realme GT 7 Pro, we likely wont really get a taste of what it can do until more mainstream players like OnePlus and Samsung bring it to their phones. The OnePlus 13 has already been announced and will probably hit North American shores early next year. Theres also little doubt that the new chip will also be at the core of Samsungs Galaxy S25 lineup, likely powering new Galaxy AI features and bringing the S25 Ultras cameras to new heights.Recommended VideosOn the other side of the ring, Apple continues to flex its chipmaking muscles with the A18 Pro, which is at the heart of this yearsiPhone 16 Pro. We dont have to wait to see what that chip is capable of, however, as Apple has already (mostly) put its best foot forward with Apple Intelligence and new computational photography features.RelatedWhile its hard to compare the Snapdragon 8 Elite and A18 Pro on equal footing since both are used in fundamentally different mobile platforms, their differences raise some interesting questions. Most notably, does either piece of silicon give one platform a significant advantage over the other, or is it more about what phone makers do with the capabilities that are available to them? Lets dig in and find out.SpecsSnapdragon 8 EliteApple A18 ProPart numberSM8750-ABA18 ProProcess3nm (N3E)3nm (N3E)CPUQualcomm Oryon CPU64-bit Architecture2 prime cores, up to 4.32GHz6 performance cores, up to 3.53GHzApple CPU64-bit Architecture2 High-Performance cores, up to 4.04GHz4 Efficiency Cores, up to 2.2GHzGPUAdreno 830 GPUSupport for Unreal Engine 5.3 NaniteAdreno Frame Motion Engine 2.1Snapdragon Game Super ResolutionSnapdragon Game Post-Processing AcceleratorHDR gaming (10-bit color depth, Rec. 2020 color gamut)Snapdragon Shadow DenoiserAPI support: OpenGL ES 3.2, OpenCL 3.0 FP, Vulkan 1.3Hardware-accelerated H.265, VP9, AV1 decoderHDR Playback Codec support for HDR10+, HDR10, HLG, and Dolby VisionSnapdragon Adaptive Game ConfigurationSupport for Unreal Engine Chaos Physics EngineApple GPU6 GPU Cores, up to 1.45GHzSupport for Hardware-Accelerated Ray Tracing, Dynamic Caching, Mesh Shading,Hardware-accelerated HEVC, H.264, AV1, and ProResPlayback Codec support for HDR with Dolby Vision, HDR10+/HDR10, and HLGNPUQualcomm Hexagon6-core vector accelerator8-core scalar acceleratorApple Neural Engine16 cores, 35 trillion operations per secondMemorySupport for dual-channel LP-DDR5x memory, up to 5.3GbpsUnified Memory, 8 GB LPDDR5XDisplayOn-Device Display Support:4K @ 60HzQHD+ @ 240HzApple Display Engine120Hz ProMotion and Always-On Display SupportCameraQualcomm Spectra AI Triple 18-bit ISPLimitless real-time Semantic SegmentationUp to 48MP triple camera at 30 fpsUp to 108MP single camera at 30 fpsUp to 320MP photo captureZero Shutter LagSlo-mo video capture at 1080p @ 480 fpsMassive Multi-Frame Noise Reduction with AIReal-time AI skin and sky tone adjustments in 4K60 fpsApple Image Signal Processor with Photonic Engine, Deep Fusion, and Smart HDR 5ProRes and HEVC Video Recording in Dolby Vision 4KHardware Video Encoder (ProRes, HEVC)Cinematic Slow Motion video capture at 4K @ 120 fpsConnectivityQualcomm FastConnect 7900Wi-Fi 7X80 5G Modem-RF SystemBluetooth 6.0Integrated Ultra Wideband (UWB)USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 2Integrated Ultra Wideband (UWB)QualcommQualcomms Snapdragon 8 Elite marks a significant jump over its predecessor when compared to Apples A18 Pro, as its the companys first chip to move to TSMCs 3-nanometer (3nm) fabrication process. Apple was the first to make the 3nm transition with its 2023 A17 Pro used in the iPhone 15 Pro lineup. However, it used an earlier version of TSMCs process, dubbed N3B, which was beset by manufacturing problems that resulted in lower yields. It may also be the reason for the binned A17 Pro chips that have found their way into this years iPad mini 7 theres a good chance these are leftover chips from the N3B process that didnt make the cut for the iPhone 15 Pro.N3B wasnt ready for prime time, which is likely why Qualcomm skipped that early 3nm process until it evolved into this years N3E. Thats not to say that the N3B process made the A17 Pro inferior in any way. The problems with it were related to production, but those chips that did come off the line successfully were still powerful enough to usher in a new era of mobile gaming and prepare Apples iPhone 15 Pro models for the new AI capabilities that would become the foundation of Apple Intelligence.QualcommNow that N3E is ready, the Snapdragon 8 Elite and Apples A18 Pro have adopted that more stable process. This puts them on the same core technology baseline, but thats where their similarities end, as Apple and Qualcomm have each taken their silicon in different directions.Unlike Apple, Qualcomm builds chips for third-party platforms, ranging from smartphones and tablets to ARM-based Windows PCs. Its this last category thats inspired the Snapdragon 8 Elite, which brings its new Oryon core technology that debuted in the Snapdragon X processors in last years AI PCs to the mobile space. However, this is a second generation of that core that boasts better performance and power efficiency than the ones found in its X chips and promise a 45% increase in performance. The two prime cores offer clock speeds of up to 4.32GHz versus 3.4GHz in last years chip. Six performance cores supplement that with 3.53GHz peak speeds, placing them ahead of even last years Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Cortex-X4 prime core.AppleApples A18 Pro takes a different approach, using a combination of performance and efficiency cores similar to Qualcomms previous silicon. A pair of high-performance cores deliver clock speeds of up to 4.04GHz, while the four efficiency cores only clock in at 2.2GHz.While you might expect those differences would make the Snapdragon 8 Elite the better performer with eight cores and faster clock speeds across the board, benchmarks surprisingly place both chips roughly on par. The A18 Pro edges out the Snapdragon 8 Elite in single-core performance, while Qualcomms chip offers slightly better multicore performance, but theyre very close in both areas, proving that clock speeds and the number of cores dont tell the whole story. Both chips are extremely powerful in their own right, and theres no clear winner in raw CPU performance.AppleIn 2023, Apple announced it had developed a breakthrough new GPU for its A17 Pro, and touted it as the biggest redesign in its history. Features like an Apple-designed shader architecture, hardware-accelerated ray tracing, and Metal effect upscaling that works in conjunction with Apples Neural Engine (NPU) made the iPhone 15 Pro the first smartphone capable of handling full-quality AAA console games. The A18 Pro uses the same Apple-designed GPU, boosting overall performance by 20% and doubling the ray tracing performance.However, its also fair to say that Apples move into AAA gaming was more of an indictment of the state of the Android gaming landscape than it was of Qualcomms Snapdragon chips. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3s Adreno GPU was still a match for the A17 Pro in raw specs, and the Snapdragon 8 Elite has taken that to a new level. Qualcomm says its the first-ever Adreno GPU with sliced architecture, and it delivers a 40% performance gain over the Gen 3 while adding support for Unreal Engine 5.3 Nanite.Screenshot QualcommThe practical upshot of these improvements is a more realistic gaming experience with film-quality 3D environments for total immersion and support for the Unreal Chaos Physics Engine, which provides a whole new and more immersive level of realism for gaming.Its a significant push ahead for Qualcomm silicon. Apples advantage in this area has come from its ability to woo game developers and convince them to embrace its MetalFX engine. Last years A17 Pro delivered impressive results, and those are continuing with the A18 Pro, turning Apples iPhones into gaming powerhouses. Qualcomm hopes that if they build it, game developers will come, and its telling that the extremely gaming-focused ROG Phone 9 Pro is one of the first phones to pack in the Snapdragon 8 Elite.QualcommWith generative AI becoming a much bigger deal, theres a third important aspect of modern silicon: the Neural Processing Unit (NPU). Apple calls this its Neural Engine, and its been packing these into its A-series chips since the A11 Bionic in 2017.Qualcomm wasnt far behind. While it didnt make as much noise about NPUs in those days, the 2018 Snapdragon 845 introduced its first Hexagon Tensor Accelerator. In those days, NPUs were used primarily for under-the-hood features like computational photography. The Hexagon chip was originally a digital signal processor (DSP) that evolved into an NPU, and Apples early Neural Engine was primarily used to support then-nascent features like Face ID and Animoji on that years iPhone X.Weve come a long way since then. The Hexagon has evolved into a full-featured NPU with 14 cores in the Snapdragon 8 Elite, and Apples Neural Engine has grown from its humble dual-core beginnings to a 16-core subsystem that can handle up to 35 trillion operations per second (TOPS). Both are key to powering their respective platforms AI and other machine-learning features, including Galaxy AI on Samsungs smartphones, Gemini Nano, and Apple Intelligence.AppleApple is heavily pushing on-device generative AI as a privacy feature, so its built its Neural Engine in the A18 Pro and other recent A-series and M-series chips with that in mind. Qualcomm has been a bit slower in getting there; the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 took the first steps into this arena, but the Snapdragon 8 Elite may have the first NPU that can effectively deliver on this thanks to an enhanced token limit that will support more complex and longer inputs without the need to send those requests to cloud servers.NPUs also go deeper than merely consumer-facing AI features. They also drive things like camera enhancements, better power efficiency, and wireless communications. These things are much harder to quantify, but suffice it to say that the Snapdragon 8 Elite and A18 Pro should both be more than up to those tasks.QualcommDespite all these performance gains, its impressive that both chips promise increased power efficiency. Qualcomm gains more over its predecessor, thanks to the shift to a 3nm process. Still, its second-generation Oryon CPU cores and the sliced architecture of its Adreno 830 GPU result in energy efficiency that matches the performance improvements 40% faster gaming performance and 40% greater efficiency.Qualcomm says this should translate to an extra 2.5 hours of gaming over its predecessor, all other things being equal. However, the reality of this is somewhat more complex, as things are seldom equal. The smartphones that the Snapdragon 8 Elite go into will have many other things drawing power, notably large high-refresh screens. The chip may be more efficient, but handset makers will have to work on using other components that dont detract from that.Joe Maring / Digital TrendsApple gets a theoretical advantage here as it owns all the pieces, allowing us to see more measurable real-world results. The A18 Pro is only used in two smartphones, the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max, both of which show noticeable, but modest improvements over their A17 Pro-equipped predecessors. Apple typically considers all-day battery life good enough, so the efficiency gains from its new chips are often poured into delivering more power to other aspects of the iPhone, such as the larger displays on this years models and the new Apple Intelligence features in iOS 18.Some Android manufacturers may choose to do the same with Qualcomms Snapdragon 8 Elite, but the variety of platforms that will incorporate the new chip should result in at least some devices focusing more heavily on improving overall battery life.QualcommOnce we get past the core components, the two platforms diverge significantly. Qualcomm bakes much more into its silicon, while Apple still relies on third-party chips (some of which are Qualcomms, ironically) to handle things like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and 5G connectivity.The Snapdragon 8 Elite incorporates Qualcomms FastConnect 7900 platform, which includes Wi-Fi 7 support with peak speeds of 5.8Gbps, the X80 5G Modem-RF system, Bluetooth 6.0, and integrated Ultra Wideband. Apple mixes this up more, using Qualcomms Snapdragon X75 to handle its 5G connectivity and a Broadcom chip for Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.3 in the iPhone 16 Pro models.Similarly, Qualcomm promotes the camera capabilities of the image signal processor in its Snapdragon 8 Elite, which promises more NPU-powered computational photography features for things like multiframe noise reduction and enhancing lower-light video capture. The image signal processor can now handle 320-megapixel photos, 1080p slo-mo video at 480 frames per second (fps), zero shutter lag, and AI-powered skin and sky tone adjustments. However, it feels slightly disingenuous to focus too much on camera specs in a chip since these are simply maximum capabilities that may have little bearing on what we end up with in smartphones equipped with Qualcomms latest chip. Its nice to know its raised the bar, but dont expect to see too many phones with 480-fps slo-mo and the ability to capture 320MP photos.Apple doesnt tout the same for its A18 Pro because its simply part of the iPhone 16 Pro experience. Apples silicon is undoubtedly responsible for its new Photographic Styles and 4K/120 fps Cinematic Slow Motion, just like previous generations empowered real-time color grading for Dolby Vision video capture.QualcommIts always been difficult to compare Apples A-series chips with anything else on the market in any meaningful way. Beyond benchmarks that fail to tell the whole story, Qualcomms Snapdragon 8 Elite and Apples A18 Pro live in entirely different worlds. Youll never find a Qualcomm chip running iOS or an A-series chip running Android.Apple uses its chips exclusively in its own devices, running its own operating systems, which means it controls all the pieces. The A18 Pro was designed with only two devices in mind, the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max, and is unlikely to be used anywhere else. Meanwhile, Qualcomm has engineered its Snapdragon 8 Elite to power a broad range of Android smartphones across different disciplines, from gaming-focused phones like Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro to more general-purpose premium flagships like Samsungs Galaxy S25 series (which are undoubtedly slated to use the new chipset). Each of those companies will use the Snapdragon 8 Elite in different ways, and Qualcomm has to design a chip thats ready to address them all.That makes the Snapdragon 8 Elite a more versatile chip, but that only matters because it needs to be. Apple can get away with a more single-minded approach for its A18 Pro. While this years Apple chip only gets modest improvements over its predecessor, thats because it already leapt ahead last year when it moved to the early N3B 3nm process for the A17 Pro. Qualcomm has to play a bit of catch-up here, but its done so admirably with the Snapdragon 8 Elite, and theres no doubt its ready to power new Android headsets that will take on this years Apple flagships. Now, its up to Android manufacturers to take that ball and run with it.Editors Recommendations

With Kia just getting started with the expansion of its U.S.-made electric-vehicle (EV) lineup, the automaker may have a good perspective on what losing tax incentives on EVs could mean for the industry and the economy.The transition team of the incoming Trump administration is reportedly planning to end the federal $7,500 tax credit on the purchase or lease of an EV. Under the Biden administrations Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), an EV made in North America is eligible for the incentive.Recommended VideosAccording to Kia America COO Steve Center, the move to end the credit would have a negative impact on U.S. jobs and the whole auto industry.RelatedIt would just be dumb, Center told InsideEVs on the sideline of the Los Angeles Auto Show. [The government has] steered the industry in a direction, and I think you need to allow the industry to recover its investments and then let it float.Kia and parent company Hyundai have made large investments to bring the manufacturing of EVs, such as the EV6,the EV9, and thenew Ioniq 9, to the state of Georgia, partly to comply with the incentives requirements.Many analysts predict that ending the tax incentives would be a hit to EV sales, with some expecting this would lead to an immediate drop of 27% in demand for EVs.Youre pulling the rug out from under the whole industry. And quite frankly, it isnt just Kia and the import brands, Center says. A lot of other companies have spent a lot of money trying to comply with the regulations.Similarly, the Zero Emission Transportation Association (ZETA), a trade group with members including the likes of Tesla, Waymo, Rivian, and Uber, has come out in support of existing federal tax incentives for both the production and sale of EVs.Editors Recommendations