Operators see a surge in eSIM adoption in North America due to 'digital-first' strategies.

While the MSRP should hold fast with the first batch of GPUs sold, it could jump after that initial (subsidized by AMD) quantity of graphics cards has been shifted.

Chinese tech giant Alibaba said its latest AI reasoning model, QwQ-32B, "rivals cutting-edge reasoning model, e.g., DeepSeek-R1."

The question came innocently enough: What do you want to be when you grow up? Lindsays daughter, after a brief pause, looked up and confidently replied, I want to be a client.The simplicity of the answer hid the complexity of what she had observed: The clients always seemed to get the very best version of her mother. In her daughters young mind, being a client meant holding a special placeone that commands focus, care, and an unwavering commitment.As two mothers navigating full-time legal careers, that moment was not lost on either of us. It reveals a truth that is often glossed over in the narratives about working women, especially those of us balancing professional intensity with parenting. Beneath the thin veneer of having it all, we know all too well the quiet sacrifices and compromises that characterize our balancing act. The spotlight may be on our professional accomplishments, but in the shadows our children wait patiently for our attention, often competing with the demands of a profession that do not easily relent.The Weight of ExpectationToo often the complexities of ambition, motherhood, and professional duty are distilled into stereotypes that seek to diminish rather than dignify. Its a familiar storythe notion that a woman with power and responsibility must inevitably be lacking elsewhere. Or that her identity as a mother or partner is somehow contrary to her professional persona. These narratives, however veiled, carry weight.But lets say what that really means. It means that the diligence and tenacity we bring to our careers and our clients are identical to the dedication we offer to our families. It means that the long hours spent advocating for clients are juxtaposed with the quiet moments at home, where the stakes are equally high, even if measured in hugs rather than verdicts. It means that, despite the portrayal of women in leadership as one-dimensional, we are more. We are multifaceted, resilient, and deeply invested in both our professions and our roles as mothers.Living with the TensionThe path of a working mother demands a constant recalibration of priorities where both career and family vie for equal attention and each carries its own form of guilt. The notion of balance is a fallacy. At least thats what weve learned from years of trying to juggle our careers and motherhood. Instead, its a constant series of trade-offs and compromises leading us to understand that each day is unique.Theres no neat division between work and life anymore. Mornings usually start early, working before the rest of the house wakes up. We often work with one eye on the clock, calculating the minutes until we sprint from the office to catch a school or sport event. Or days when theres a sick child and no available caregiver, the idea of balance seems laughable. This has forced us to rethink how we define successnot by perfection but by flexibility and resilience. Its about being okay with the days that feel like controlled chaos and accepting that sometimes one part of life will have to be put on pause for the other.When our daughters see us in actionthey dont just witness the power, grace, and poise required of our profession; they see the weight of that responsibility and the effort and dedication it takes to give both our clients and our children the best of us.The Lessons We TeachAs children we dreamed of becoming lawyers, mothers, or both, imagining these roles as ultimate markers of success and happiness. Our daughters, however, have grown up watching us navigate the realities of those choices and their dreams for us are different.If a child believes happiness comes from being in a position where others give their full attention, then maybe thats a mirror to our own internal narrativesthe idea that to be happy we must be fully attended to, in control, or on the receiving end of care. But our journey has taught us that happiness, real happiness, isnt about being a client. Its not about receivingits about the pursuit itself, the constant striving to give our best to both our careers and our children.So while our daughters might want to be clients today, we hope they understand, over time, that true fulfillment comes not from being at the center of attention, but from living and thriving with the tension.

Tariffs have caused lots of headaches for business owners around the world, especially as theyve become a hot topic in the political landscape. Just this week, President Donald Trump enacted 25% import taxes on Mexican and Canadian goods, causing the S&P 500 to plummet.Businesses struggling with these complex tariffs may have a newfound appreciation for a tool that promises to simplify the process: Agentforce, Salesforces AI-powered agent platform that was launched in October 2024. Agentforce enables users to create AI agents that can analyze and make decisions based on the Harmonized Tariff Schedule, a 4,400-plus page document that sets tariff rates for over 20,000 imported items.Agentforce users can create an Import Specialist Agent that will analyze the lengthy schedule and will automatically adjust pricing or create business plans accordingly.What once took businesses months to adapt to can now be handled in minutes, according to Paul Tatum, Salesforces EVP of Solution Engineering.Tatum tells Fast Company that the Import Specialist Agent is one of the many ways that AI can make convoluted, labor-intensive tasks easier.Governments around the world are overworked and outstretched, says Tatum. Technology has helped with that over the years, but digital labor is going to transform the level of service and capabilities of the government.The Import Specialist Agent responds to each businesss unique data, taking into account the size of a business, what products it sells, and previous sales history. This technology is applicable across the board for small businesses, large businesses, and government employees, says Tatum.Since 2018, the schedule has been updated around 1130 times each year. Changing policies and pricing to align with each individual schedule change can be a laborious process without the help of AI, Tatum says. And although other AI software exists that can analyze the tariff schedule, Salesforces may be the only one that can automatically take action that fits a businesss specific needs, says Tatum.A lot of the AI technology focus has been around developing large language models, and you see those come out every day. Theyre an important part of the puzzle, Tatum says. But we believe that the most impactful part of the puzzle is making agents practical, like a digital employee working alongside and augmenting your human employee.Agentforce currently has about 3,000 paying customers who have created over 5,000 unique AI agents for different purposeswith the Import Specialist Agent being just one of the many. Customers pay $2 per conversation, but this pricing sometimes will vary based on the scale and complexity of the work being performed, according to Salesforce.The tariff schedule isnt the only lengthy government document that Tatum wants to see Agentforce tackle. He says these capabilities can be transferred to parse through dense language surrounding social security or Medicare.Government documentation is thorough, but often impenetrable, Tatum says. I open up the IRS website and say: What in the world is going on? he adds. This is where digital employees can help us.

AI models demand serious horsepower. Training a large language model, running Stable Diffusion, or processing high-res video with machine learning usually means turning to high-end PC workstations loaded with power-hungry GPUs. Macs havent exactly been the first choice for that kind of work, but Apple seems determined to change that. The new Mac Studio, powered by the M4 Max and M3 Ultra, brings enough computing muscle to handle AI workloads locallywithout the bulk or noise of a traditional workstation.These chips arent just about raw speed. Apples Neural Engine is now pushing over 60 trillion operations per second, while the Unified Memory Architecture keeps AI models running efficiently without data bottlenecks. This means machine learning developers, creative professionals, and anyone experimenting with AI tools might finally have a Mac that can keep up. And unlike the power-hungry setups AI tasks typically require, the Mac Studio stays impressively compact, quiet, and energy-efficientwithout compromising on performance.Designer: AppleM4 Max and M3 Ultra Silicon Built for AISpearheading the new Mac Studio are Apples two silicon juggernauts: the M4 Max and the M3 Ultra. These processors bring significant performance jumps over their predecessors, with a focus on AI acceleration, memory bandwidth, and GPU compute power. The M4 Max features a 14-core CPU, up to 40 GPU cores, and Apples most advanced Neural Engine, capable of handling impressive AI performance. That makes it ideal for AI-powered workflows like large language models, machine learning-based automation, and real-time video processing.The M3 Ultra takes things even further. By fusing two M3 Max chips together, Apple has created a silicon giant with 32 CPU cores, 80 GPU cores, and up to 512GB of unified memory. This is Apples most powerful chip yet, built to handle extreme multitasking and high-performance AI workloads. Thanks to Apples Unified Memory Architecture (UMA), both chips allow the CPU, GPU, and Neural Engine to access the same high-speed memory pool, eliminating bottlenecks and making AI inference, 3D rendering, and high-resolution video editing incredibly efficient.AI Workloads on a Mac A New RealityUntil recently, running advanced AI models on macOS was an uphill battle. Macs lacked CUDA support, making them an afterthought for AI developers. Thats changing. Apples Metal framework and its Unified Memory Architecture (UMA) are optimizing AI tasks in ways traditional setups cant match. Instead of shuffling data between CPU, GPU, and RAM, everything shares a single, high-speed memory poolup to 512GB on the M3 Ultra.For AI developers, this means working with massive datasets without bottlenecks. Local AI inference, video upscaling, and machine learning-based automation become seamless. The TensorFlow and PyTorch ecosystems are slowly adapting to Apple Silicon, and new on-device AI applications like Stable Diffusion, Whisper transcription, and even local LLMs (large language models) are running impressively well on Mac hardware. The M3 Ultra can run large language models with over 600 billion parameters entirely in-memory. Apple isnt just optimizing for AI-heavy apps like Final Cut Pro and Logic Proits carving a space for Mac in machine learning and development.Designed for Power and EfficiencyWorkstation-class performance usually comes at the cost of bulk, heat, and fan noise, but Apple has managed to avoid that. The Mac Studio retains its ultra-compact design, standing just 3.7 inches tall with a footprint slightly larger than a Mac mini. This isnt a desktop that dominates your workspaceit blends in, despite housing some of the most powerful hardware Apple has ever produced.Apples thermal system is a key part of this efficiency. Dual centrifugal fans pull cool air in from the base and push warm air out through the back, keeping the machine silent even under heavy workloads. Unlike traditional PC workstations, which rely on massive air or liquid cooling systems, the Mac Studio remains whisper-quiet, even when maxing out AI workloads or rendering 8K video.A Workstation Built for ConnectivityFor all its compactness, the Mac Studio doesnt compromise on connectivity. On the front, it features two USB-C ports with the M4 Max or two Thunderbolt 4/USB-C ports with the M3 Ultra, along with an SDXC card slot for quick file transfers. Around the back, Apple includes four Thunderbolt 5 ports on M3 Ultra models, two USB-A ports for legacy devices, an HDMI port supporting 8K resolution, a 10Gb Ethernet port for high-speed networking, and a 3.5mm headphone jack capable of driving high-impedance headphones.This setup allows for up to eight 6K displays to be connected at once, making it an ideal choice for professionals who need extensive screen real estate. AI researchers working with large datasets, 3D artists rendering complex environments, and video editors handling multiple 8K streams will find the Mac Studios connectivity a major advantage. The inclusion of 10Gb Ethernet ensures lightning-fast data transfer speeds, making cloud-based collaboration and file-sharing effortless.AI and Creative Workflows A Machine Built for the FutureApple has been doubling down on AI, and the Mac Studio reflects that shift. Whether youre a developer training machine learning models, a video editor working with AI-enhanced footage, or a musician using AI-powered mastering tools, the Mac Studio is built to accelerate your workflow.AI Development & Research: With optimized support for TensorFlow, PyTorch, and Apples Metal framework, machine learning models can now be trained and fine-tuned locally, rather than relying on cloud-based computing. LLMs, diffusion models, and video-based AI can run faster than ever before.Video & Image Processing: AI-assisted tools in Final Cut Pro, Adobe Premiere, and Photoshop can now process tasks in real time, such as object tracking, background removal, and upscaling.Music Production & Audio Engineering: Logic Pros AI-powered mixing and mastering tools are more responsive, reducing production time for musicians and engineers.With Apple optimizing macOS for AI-heavy tasks, the Mac Studio is bridging the gap between traditional content creation and AI-powered workflows.Why This Matters for Apples AI StrategyThe Mac Studio signals a larger shift in Apples approach to AI. While much of the industry is focused on cloud-based AI solutions, Apple is doubling down on on-device AI processing. This shift aligns with Apples privacy-first approach, ensuring that AI-driven computations happen locally rather than being sent to external servers. Faster inference speeds, lower latency, and complete control over data are all major benefits of keeping AI processing within the machine itself.Apples focus on power efficiency is another factor setting it apart. Most AI-capable desktops rely on discrete GPUs that draw enormous amounts of power. The Mac Studio delivers competitive performance while remaining highly energy-efficient, a crucial advantage for users who need sustained power without excessive heat and energy consumption.Beyond the Mac Studio itself, this release raises bigger questions about where Apple is heading next. If the M3 Ultra is already capable of handling AI workloads at this level, an M4 Ultra could push things even further. The future of Mac Pro, traditionally Apples most powerful desktop, now looks more intriguing as Apple continues refining its AI strategy.A Compact Powerhouse That Redefines AI on MacApple has spent years refining its silicon to compete with traditional workstation hardware, and the Mac Studio is proof that those efforts are paying off. It delivers AI-ready performance, an advanced cooling system, and extensive connectivity, all within a design that remains compact and nearly silent. The days of needing a tower-sized PC with a liquid-cooled GPU to run AI models may be numbered.For developers, creatives, and AI researchers looking for a machine that handles serious computational workloads without the footprint of a traditional workstation, the Mac Studio is proving that raw power doesnt have to come at the cost of efficiency. This is where Apples AI ambitions become tangiblewhere hardware, software, and machine learning converge into a desktop that quietly pushes the boundaries of whats possible.The post Apples AI Future Begins With The M4 Mac Studio Not With Apple Intelligence first appeared on Yanko Design.

Laptop buyers are in a weird spot right now. Windows ultrabooks keep getting pricier without major leaps in performance, and Apples MacBook Pro lineup, while powerful, starts at $1,599. The new M4 MacBook Air lands right in the middle, delivering serious upgrades without the Pros premium price tag. Faster, more efficient, and now capable of supporting dual external displays, this could be the perfect balance of power and portability for most people.Design-wise, the Air keeps its familiar ultra-thin form factor but introduces a new Sky Blue color (joining Midnight, Starlight, and Silver). Its a subtle metallic shade that shifts depending on the lighting. Small touches like color-matched MagSafe charging cables continue to show Apples attention to detail. Even in a crowded field of premium laptops, the Air remains one of the most refined-looking machines out there. But lets be honest: were all here for the M4, arent we?Designer: AppleApples M4 chip is this machines crown jewel. Built on a second-generation 3nm process, it features a 10-core GPU, improved efficiency cores, and an upgraded 16-core Neural Engine capable of 38 trillion operations per second (TOPS) for AI workflows. Real-world tasks feel smoother, whether thats scrubbing through 4K video timelines, batch-editing photos in Lightroom, or working with complex spreadsheets. Compared to the M1 Air, performance is up to twice as fast. For anyone still using an Intel-based Air, the gap is up to 23 times faster in specific tasks like video rendering.Apple claims up to 18 hours of video playback on a charge, translating to ~1516 hours for typical productivity use. The fanless design keeps everything silent, even under load. Whether youre deep into a video editing session or juggling a dozen browser tabs, the laptop stays cool and efficient without any distracting noise.The display remains one of the best in its class. The 13.6-inch and 15.3-inch Liquid Retina screens deliver sharp visuals, up to 500 nits of brightness, and support for a billion colors. Text looks crisp, HDR content pops, and color accuracy makes it great for creative work. Even without mini-LED or ProMotion, its a display that holds its own against higher-end competitors.Previous Air models were limited to a single external monitor, but the M4 version allows two external displays: one 6K (60Hz) via Thunderbolt and one 5K/4K (60Hz/144Hz) via HDMI. For professionals who need a multi-screen setup but dont want to pay for a MacBook Pro, this is a major upgrade. Whether youre coding, video editing, or working in finance, the Air now fits into workflows that previously required pricier hardware.Port selection remains simpletwo Thunderbolt ports, MagSafe for charging, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. Its not overloaded with I/O, but for most users, its enough. Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 ensure solid wireless performance, whether youre connecting to high-speed internet or syncing peripherals.The 12MP Center Stage camera now supports Desk View, which automatically frames both your face and workspace during calls. Video calls on older MacBooks always felt like an afterthought, but this new camera makes remote work and virtual meetings feel much more polished. Apple seems to be acknowledging that people rely on their laptops for communication as much as for work, and the changes here make a real difference.macOS Sequoia enhances the experience with deeper Apple Intelligence integration. AI-powered features like real-time text summarization, image generation, and enhanced Siri capabilities now run more efficiently, thanks to the M4s upgraded 38 TOPS Neural Engine. Apple is betting big on on-device AI, and this MacBook Air is positioned to take full advantage of future macOS updates that will lean even further into machine learning and automation.For anyone considering a MacBook Pro, the M4 Air raises an interesting questiondo you really need the extra power? With a lower $999 starting price (now with 16GB RAM and 256GB SSD base), long battery life, and now real support for multi-display setups, this Air is creeping into Pro territory. Unless your work requires sustained high-performance computing, the M4 Air might be the smarter buy.At $999, this MacBook Air redefines what a mainstream laptop should be. Its fast, efficient, and capable of handling demanding workloads while maintaining the portability that made the Air famous. Whether youre coming from an older Mac, switching from Windows, or just looking for a reliable everyday laptop, this might be the upgrade worth making.The post This $999 M4 MacBook Air Might Be The Best Reason To Upgrade Your Laptop first appeared on Yanko Design.

Aesthetics aren't everything.

A game developer suggests UE5 could need a Nvidia RTX 6000 series GPU to run well.

The release of OpenAIs biggest model ever exposes the tension between building artificial general intelligence and making ChatGPT into a truly useful utility.