Tech

Apple to Discontinue Vision Pro Production

In an intriguing shift, Apple has reportedly scaled back production of its first-generation Vision Pro spatial computer only months after its launch. Originally priced at a hefty AED 12,856 ($3,499), the Vision Pro’s high cost has deterred many potential buyers, despite being Apple’s flagship mixed reality device. This strategic adjustment is seen as Apple’s response to market dynamics, with plans potentially underway for a more affordable mixed reality headset aimed at competing with companies like Meta, which offers lower-priced AR/VR devices. Apple to Discontinue Vision Pro Production is big news.

Apple to Discontinue Vision Pro Production

Scaling Back Production: Vision Pro’s Revised Output

A recent report from The Information reveals that Apple’s Vision Products Group has “sharply scaled back” production of the Vision Pro. Sources within Apple’s supply chain have disclosed that production output may even be cut in half by the end of the year. Components for up to 600,000 headsets were initially manufactured, but dwindling demand has led to reduced production levels. As a result, “tens of thousands of undelivered parts” are reportedly sitting in warehouses, reflecting a notable shift from Apple’s initial production ambitions.

This move follows an initial surge in component manufacturing, with a volume that has now exceeded current demand levels. Apple’s choice to limit production while satisfying the present market demand underscores its strategic pivot toward a more diversified product lineup within the mixed reality category.

Vision Pro’s Price Barrier and Market Position

At AED 12,856 ($3,499), the Vision Pro’s steep price has positioned it within a niche segment, accessible primarily to enterprise users or tech enthusiasts. By contrast, many AR/VR competitors, such as Meta’s Quest series, provide mixed reality experiences at significantly lower price points, making them more accessible to a broader consumer base. Apple’s high-end approach has established the Vision Pro as a premium option with robust capabilities, but the lack of mass-market adoption suggests a shift in Apple’s focus towards affordability.

Apple’s Vision for a More Affordable Headset

According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple’s Vision Products Group is now developing a new mixed reality device with a reduced price tag expected to be around AED 7,350 ($2,000). Scheduled for release as early as next year, this affordable version will likely lack certain high-end features—such as the Vision Pro’s unique EyeSight capability—allowing Apple to achieve the lower cost. The device is anticipated to balance high-quality features with cost-effective design choices, positioning it as a competitive option in the expanding AR/VR market.

While this lower-priced model aims to capture a wider audience, Apple remains committed to its premium segment with plans for a Vision Pro successor in 2026. This future version will likely feature a more advanced chip, enhancing performance while retaining its position as Apple’s flagship AR/VR offering.

Strategic Response to AR/VR Market Trends

Apple’s shift comes in response to a growing competitive landscape, with companies like Meta dominating the more affordable AR/VR headset market. While the Vision Pro introduced Apple’s cutting-edge approach to spatial computing, the industry’s competitive pricing has prompted Apple to adjust its product line to cater to a broader range of consumers. By introducing a mid-tier headset, Apple aims to secure a greater share of the rapidly evolving AR/VR market, making mixed reality experiences more accessible without sacrificing quality.

The shift to diversify its product range highlights Apple’s pragmatic approach to balancing technological innovation with market realities. With Meta’s Quest 3 expected to retail at around AED 1,650 ($449), Apple’s price adjustments reflect a strategic move to compete more effectively against lower-cost AR/VR headsets, while also reinforcing its premium status with plans for an advanced Vision Pro update in 2026.

Production and Component Adjustments

Feedback from three Apple suppliers indicates that while components for hundreds of thousands of Vision Pro units were initially produced, the company has scaled back due to decreasing demand. The current production output is aligned with the anticipated sales volume, with ample inventory to meet immediate demand without surplus manufacturing. This balance allows Apple to avoid overproduction while preparing for future expansions with newer, more competitively priced models.

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What’s Special About iOS 18.2? Apple’s Latest Features Unveiled

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Google Tackles Explicit Deepfakes

Tech

What’s Special About iOS 18.2? Apple’s Latest Features Unveiled

With the December 2024 release on the horizon, iOS 18.2 is set to bring Apple users a host of new features, upgrades, and customisation options. This latest update focuses on making Apple’s intelligence and user interface more versatile, efficient, and personal.

1. Apple Intelligence Enhancements: Siri Gets Smarter

Apple’s AI capabilities see major improvements, branded as “Apple Intelligence.” This includes:

Image Playground: A new tool for creating and editing visuals with AI support, transforming sketches into finished images, perfect for content creators and casual users alike.

Genmoji: Personalise your emoji with AI-generated options, letting users add their personal touch to emojis across messaging and social media.
ChatGPT-Enabled Siri: Integrating ChatGPT’s language model makes Siri’s responses more detailed and contextual, catering better to individual user questions.

Visual Intelligence: Available on iPhone 16 models, the camera now recognises objects and scenes more accurately for added depth to your photography experience.

2. Revamped Mail App

The Mail app has been completely redesigned, enhancing functionality with an on-device categorisation feature that auto-sorts emails into Primary, Updates, Promotions, and more. Bigger contact images and a digest view for business emails improve the overall look and make it easier to organise and find messages at a glance.

3. New Customisation: Default Apps

With iOS 18.2, Apple introduces more flexibility with the option to set default apps for messaging, email, and calling. This customisation means users can choose their favourite apps as default, streamlining access to frequently used services.

4. Volume Limit Control for Safer Listening

In the Sound and Haptics settings, users can now set a volume limit, restricting maximum playback levels for headphones and speakers to help protect hearing and manage sound levels for a safer, healthier listening experience.

5. Regional-Specific Updates for the EU

To meet recent EU regulations, iOS 18.2 allows EU-based users to delete core apps such as the App Store, Safari, Messages, and Camera. Third-party browsers can also now create web apps for iPhone’s Home screen with their own engines, making iOS more adaptable to new regional requirements.

6. Enhanced Voice Memos Functionality

The Voice Memos app now allows layering of two audio tracks for editing, making it ideal for recording and mixing, whether for business, education, or personal projects.

Final Thoughts on iOS 18.2

iOS 18.2 is a feature-rich update, bringing personalised customisation, advanced AI integration, and EU-specific flexibility. Expect these updates to enhance the overall Apple experience, giving users new ways to make their iPhones smarter, safer, and even more versatile.

Tech

Google Tackles Explicit Deepfakes

In response to the growing issue of nonconsensual deepfake imagery, particularly targeting female celebrities, Google Tackles Explicit Deepfakes in new measures to address this problem. Over the past year, the proliferation of explicit deepfake content online has become a significant challenge for search engines, as users may come across such material even when not actively seeking it.

To tackle this, Google has implemented an update to its ranking systems, aiming to reduce the visibility of fake explicit images and videos in search results. In a blog post, Google product manager Emma Higham announced that the ranking updates are intended to lower the amount of explicit fake content that appears during searches.

New Ranking System to Combat Deepfake Content

Google’s new approach focuses on how the search engine responds when users search for terms that could yield nonconsensual deepfakes of specific individuals. Instead of showing pages with explicit fake content, the updated ranking system will prioritise high-quality, non-explicit content, such as news articles, where available.

Higham explained that this change allows users to learn about the societal impact of deepfakes rather than encounter the harmful content itself. According to Higham, these updates have already reduced exposure to explicit image results on deepfake-related searches by 70 percent.

Addressing the Complexity of Distinguishing Real from Fake

One of the key challenges Google faces is differentiating between real, consensual content—such as actors in nude scenes—and AI-generated deepfake imagery without consent. To address this, Google has begun factoring in whether a site has had pages removed under Google’s policies on nonconsensual deepfakes. Sites with a high volume of removals for this kind of content will be downranked in search results, making it harder for explicit deepfakes to reach a wide audience.

Easier Removal Requests for Victims of Deepfakes

In addition to improving search rankings, Google is also enhancing the process for victims of nonconsensual deepfakes to request removals. These updates are aimed at making the request process simpler and more efficient. Once a deepfake is removed from Google Search, the company’s systems will try to filter out similar results and remove any duplicate images.

Higham acknowledged that there is “more work to do” in addressing the spread of nonconsensual deepfakes but affirmed that Google will continue developing new solutions to support victims. We’re seeing in real time how Google tackles explicit deepfakes.

Google’s Response to Wider Tech Industry Pressure

Google’s announcement comes just two months after the White House called on tech companies to take stronger action against the spread of explicit deepfake imagery. As the issue continues to grow, Google’s updated tactics are a step toward protecting individuals from the harmful effects of AI-generated fake content.

Tech

Teenage Engineering: Knockout with the KO II

In recent years, Teenage Engineering has cemented its place as a trendsetter in the world of high-end, design-forward music equipment. Known for their modernist designs and top-tier functionality, their products have become must-haves for music producers, musicians, and gearheads alike. Amid the excitement around flagship products like the OP-1 Field and TX-6 mixer, it’s easy to overlook their more budget-friendly offerings—the quirky, fun, and affordable Pocket Operators. Teenage Engineering: Knockout with the KO II.

Teenage Engineering: Knockout with the KO II

Now, Teenage Engineering is back with an exciting evolution: the EP-133 K.O. II, an upgrade to the popular PO-33 K.O! sampler. This new model builds on the original’s charm, but with bigger and better features. From enhanced connectivity to a sleek new form factor, the KO II is more than just a playful gadget—it’s a powerful music-making tool ready for professional use.

From Pocket-Sized to Production Powerhouse

The original PO-33 K.O! sampler was a marvel of compact design, offering impressive functionality in a device no larger than a credit card. With the ability to sample audio via its built-in microphone or an external input, it was an on-the-go musician’s dream. However, its small size sometimes limited its use in serious production settings.

Enter the KO II—a bigger, more refined version of the original. About the size of an iPad, the KO II solves many of the usability issues that came with its smaller predecessor. The added size allows for more precise control, making it easier to use the KO II as a production tool rather than just a fun noise-maker.

This increase in size doesn’t detract from the KO II’s portability. Teenage Engineering has kept the device lightweight and battery-operated (with four AAs), allowing musicians to take their setup wherever they go. It also retains the built-in speaker and microphone, staying true to the Pocket Operator’s signature on-the-go sampling capabilities.

A Bold New Look

The KO II doesn’t just get bigger—it also gets a design overhaul. The open-circuit, DIY aesthetic of the original Pocket Operators has been replaced with a refined plastic chassis. The new design feels sturdy and polished, making it ready for the demands of both studio work and live performances. Its retro-futuristic look has earned comparisons to something you might find on a space station in 2001: A Space Odyssey, giving it a unique aesthetic appeal.

One of the standout features is the mechanical keys, which are pressure-sensitive and durable, providing a satisfying tactile feel. These clicky keys are perfect for beat-making or live performances, and their vintage design is a nod to classic hardware while still fitting seamlessly with the KO II’s modern look.

Enhanced Connectivity for Pro-Level Use

One of the biggest improvements in the KO II is its enhanced connectivity. On the top of the device, you’ll find six mini-jack ports that offer a variety of input/output options, including audio in/out and sync ports for connecting other devices. There’s also MIDI in/out support (with a 3.5mm to MIDI adapter, sold separately), making it easier than ever to integrate the KO II into a professional studio setup.

The addition of a USB-C port further modernizes the device, allowing for easy firmware updates, MIDI control, sample management, and power. This makes the KO II much more versatile and user-friendly for musicians who want to integrate it with modern DAWs and other devices.

For UAE musicians, this added connectivity and portability make the KO II a versatile tool, whether you’re crafting beats in the studio or taking your production setup on the road.

Pricing and Availability in the UAE

While official pricing for the Teenage Engineering KO II in the UAE has yet to be confirmed, estimates suggest it will retail between AED 1,500 and AED 2,000. This makes it a competitive option for musicians seeking a high-quality, portable production tool. Be sure to check local retailers and online distributors for the latest pricing and availability.

In Use: Fun Meets Functionality

When it comes to actually using the KO II, the device remains true to its Pocket Operator roots. The larger size makes it easier to generate and manipulate sounds, offering a more fluid workflow than its smaller predecessors. Users can sample audio, chop it up, and assign sounds to different pads for live performances or real-time creation.

However, the device does have a few quirks. For instance, the single fader on the left-hand side of the interface, which is used to adjust parameter levels, feels a bit stiff and wobbly. While this is a minor issue, it’s worth noting for users who require precision in live performances or intricate studio work.

A Knockout in Every Way

In the world of music production, versatility is key, and the KO II delivers in every way. Its combination of portability, design, and professional-grade features makes it a standout tool for musicians at any level. Whether you’re an amateur looking to experiment with sounds or a seasoned producer seeking a new creative tool, the KO II offers something for everyone.

With its retro-futuristic design, improved functionality, and enhanced connectivity, the KO II is poised to be a must-have for UAE musicians and producers alike. Whether you’re using it in the studio, on stage, or on the go, the Teenage Engineering KO II is truly a knockout addition to any setup.