Latest news with #Knowledge
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Business Standard
a day ago
- Business
- Business Standard
Apple executives hold internal talks about buying AI startup Perplexity
Adrian Perica, the company's head of mergers and acquisitions, has weighed the idea with services chief Eddy Cue and top AI decision-makers Bloomberg Apple Inc. executives have held internal discussions about potentially bidding for artificial intelligence startup Perplexity AI, seeking to address the need for more AI talent and technology. Adrian Perica, the company's head of mergers and acquisitions, has weighed the idea with services chief Eddy Cue and top AI decision-makers, according to people with knowledge of the matter. The discussions are at an early stage and may not lead to an offer, said the people, who asked not to be identified because the matter is private. Such a deal would help Apple develop an AI-based search engine, part of efforts to cope with the potential loss of a longstanding arrangement with Google. That partnership, which involves making Google the default browser on devices, generates roughly $20 billion a year for Apple — and is now under threat from US antitrust enforcers. To date, Apple executives haven't discussed a bid with Perplexity management. Bloomberg News reported earlier Friday that Meta Platforms Inc. tried to buy Perplexity earlier this year. 'We have no knowledge of any current or future M&A discussions involving Perplexity,' the AI startup said in a statement. Apple declined to comment. The Perplexity service provides real-time answers to questions using the latest information from the web. If Apple were to engage in talks to buy the startup, such a move likely wouldn't happen until a decision is made in the Google antitrust trial. That's when Apple would know whether its lucrative Google agreement may have to be unwound. Perplexity recently completed an investment round that valued it at $14 billion. A deal anywhere near that level would be the largest acquisition in Apple's history. The company's biggest transaction until now remains the $3 billion takeover of Beats in 2014 — though Apple made more recent billion-dollar deals for Intel Corp.'s modem unit and a stake in Chinese ride-sharing company DiDi. After Meta failed to reach an agreement with Perplexity, it bought a 49 per cent slice of Scale AI for $14.3 billion. That deal is part of Meta's attempts to create a so-called superintelligence AI team, which will now include Scale co-founder Alexandr Wang. Apple and Meta have been waging a broader fight for talent. Meta recently engaged in discussions to hire Daniel Gross, the co-founder of AI company Safe Superintelligence Inc. While the discussions between Meta and Gross are advanced, Apple has attempted to persuade him to join it instead. In 2013, Gross sold a startup named Cue to Apple. That purchase helped form the basis of some early AI features in iOS, the operating system for the iPhone. And one of Gross' Cue co-founders, Robby Walker, oversaw the Siri voice assistant until this year. Walker is now leading an Apple project dubbed Knowledge with the goal of creating a rival to OpenAI's ChatGPT that can use data from the open web. Gross didn't immediately respond to a request for comment. Perica and Eddy Cue, who both report to Apple Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook, are leading the AI acquisition and recruiting efforts. The hunt for talent is part of a bid to catch up in generative AI. The company was slow to deliver its Apple Intelligence platform and still lags rivals in key features. A revamped Siri was delayed indefinitely this year, with the company now aiming to have it ready by next spring. Apple unveiled a relatively meager slate of new AI enhancements at its Worldwide Developers Conference earlier this month. The latest features include live translation capabilities and a deeper partnership with OpenAI on ChatGPT-based image generation. Buying Perplexity would give Apple an infusion of AI talent, a known brand in the AI space and a consumer product. A deal could also potentially assist with future recruiting efforts. Apple has also discussed an alternative plan: teaming up with Perplexity instead of buying it. A partnership would involve adding Perplexity as an AI search engine option in Apple's Safari web browser and integrating it into Siri. Apple has met multiple times in recent months with Perplexity, and its AI team has been actively evaluating the technology — a sign that it's at least considering a close relationship with the company. One major snag in the process could be an in-the-works deal between Perplexity and Samsung Electronics Co., which plans to announce a deep partnership with the startup. Samsung is Apple's biggest competitor in smartphones, and AI features have become a critical new arena for the two rivals. In its statement, Perplexity said it shouldn't be surprising that top manufacturers want to offer the 'best search and more accurate AI for their users.' 'That's Perplexity,' the startup said. Cue, whose department includes Apple's streaming services and iCloud, previously expressed an interest in Perplexity. While testifying at the Google antitrust trial in May, he told jurors that the industry is shifting away from standard internet searches to AI tools. He outlined a scenario in which AI search engines could quickly supersede Google's current offering. 'We've been pretty impressed with what Perplexity has done, so we've started some discussions with them about what they're doing,' he said.
Hans India
13-06-2025
- Business
- Hans India
Apple Gears Up for Smarter Siri by March 2026, Alongside Potential "Knowledge" Chatbot Launch
Apple is reportedly preparing for a major overhaul of Siri, with its next-generation AI assistant expected to debut by March 2026, according to a new report by Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. The update, anticipated with iOS 26.4, marks a significant leap in Apple's artificial intelligence ambitions, following months of delays and restructuring behind the scenes. The new Siri, powered by Apple's in-house large language models (LLMs), is said to be far more advanced than its current version. It promises improved contextual understanding and the ability to carry out complex, multi-step tasks based on on-screen content and user data. Internally, development has faced challenges, pushing the timeline back several times. Still, the company remains committed to getting it right—even if that means taking longer. While Apple hasn't given a firm release date, it has maintained that the new Siri will arrive "in the coming year." This ambiguous phrasing has sparked debate over whether the AI revamp would come by late 2025 or get pushed into early 2026. Gurman's report now suggests that March 2026 is the most likely timeframe, coinciding with the usual spring iOS update cycle. Apple initially unveiled the enhanced Siri during WWDC 2024, promising a much smarter assistant under the umbrella of "Apple Intelligence." The announcement created a buzz, especially among iPhone 16 buyers who expected the new features shortly after the launch. However, when Apple delayed the rollout earlier this March, it left many early adopters disappointed and confused. At WWDC 2025, Apple adopted a more grounded approach. Unlike prior years, the company avoided showcasing features that were not close to launch. Most of what was announced during the keynote is already live in the first developer beta, signaling a shift toward a more cautious product strategy. The delays reportedly stemmed from Apple's struggle to integrate a new AI system with Siri's existing architecture. Gurman notes that the hybrid model frequently failed in testing, with error rates climbing to around 33 percent. These technical issues led to internal changes, including the reassignment of John Giannandrea, Apple's AI chief, away from consumer products like Siri. Despite setbacks, Apple's vision for Siri remains ambitious. Gurman reports that the assistant's future will include a new 'app intent' framework and a more unified system architecture. Once this AI transformation is complete, Apple could also roll out a separate product currently known as 'Knowledge'—a web-connected chatbot. Though still in development, it is being led by Robby Walker, former head of Siri. Whether Knowledge becomes a standalone app remains unclear. Senior VP Greg Joswiak reportedly prefers Apple Intelligence to function as a seamless, integrated experience, rather than through a separate product. In addition, a third initiative, nicknamed Siri-Copilot, is said to be in the works. This version of Siri would act as a background assistant—offering real-time suggestions, completing tasks proactively, and mirroring features like the Workout Buddy introduced in watchOS 26. As Apple refines its AI ecosystem, these updates could mark a turning point in how users interact with their devices—smarter, more fluid, and deeply integrated.
Newsweek
11-06-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
Map and List of Cities Hosting 'No Kings' Protest Against Trump on June 14
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. "No Kings" rallies will be held in cities across the country to protest President Donald Trump and his policies on his birthday, June 14. Why It Matters The 50501 Movement (50 protests, 50 states, one movement) and other groups are protesting a military parade scheduled to take place in the nation's capital on June 14, coinciding with Trump's 79th birthday, the U.S. Army's 250th anniversary, and Flag Day. 'No Kings' Anti-Trump Protest Locations on June 14 Multiple protests are being held in various cities in each state, but no events are being planned for Washington, D.C. Organizers say that a major march and rally will take place in Philadelphia to "draw a clear contrast between our people-powered movement and the costly, wasteful, and un-American birthday parade in Washington." "No Kings" protests against President Donald Trump and his policies are set to take place across the country on June 14—the president's birthday. "No Kings" protests against President Donald Trump and his policies are set to take place across the country on June 14—the president's birthday. No Kings website Here's a look at one event happening in each state. To see all the events taking place, visit the "No Kings" website. Montgomery, Alabama: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Alabama Department of Archives and History, 624 Washington Ave. 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Alabama Department of Archives and History, 624 Washington Ave. Homer, Alaska: 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. at WKFL (Wisdom, Knowledge, Faith & Love) Park, 580 E Pioneer Ave 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. at WKFL (Wisdom, Knowledge, Faith & Love) Park, 580 E Pioneer Ave Phoenix, Arizona: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Arizona State Capitol, 1700 W Washington St, Wesley Bolin Plaza 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Arizona State Capitol, 1700 W Washington St, Wesley Bolin Plaza Little Rock, Arkansas: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Broadway Bridge 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Broadway Bridge San Diego, California: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Civic Center Plaza, 1200 Third Ave. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Civic Center Plaza, 1200 Third Ave. Boulder, Colorado: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the grassy area along Canyon between the Boulder Library and Municipal Building, 1777 Broadway 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the grassy area along Canyon between the Boulder Library and Municipal Building, 1777 Broadway New Haven, Connecticut: 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. at New Haven Green, Church St. and Chapel St. 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. at New Haven Green, Church St. and Chapel St. Wilmington, Delaware: 9 a.m. to 10:20 a.m. at North Bancroft Parkway & Pennsylvania Avenue 9 a.m. to 10:20 a.m. at North Bancroft Parkway & Pennsylvania Avenue Tallahassee, Florida: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Florida Historic Capitol, 400 S Monroe St 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Florida Historic Capitol, 400 S Monroe St Atlanta, Georgia: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Liberty Plaza, Capitol Ave SW 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Liberty Plaza, Capitol Ave SW Honolulu, Hawaii: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Hawaii State Capitol, 415 S Beretania St. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Hawaii State Capitol, 415 S Beretania St. Boise, Idaho: 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Idaho State Capitol, 700 W Jefferson St. Chicago, Illinois: 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. at Daley Plaza, 50 W Washington St. 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. at Daley Plaza, 50 W Washington St. Indianapolis, Indiana: 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Indiana Statehouse, 200 W Washington St. 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Indiana Statehouse, 200 W Washington St. Davenport, Iowa: 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. at MLK Interpretive Center, 501 N Brady St. 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. at MLK Interpretive Center, 501 N Brady St. Wichita, Kansas: 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. at East Douglas Ave. and North Broadway St. 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. at East Douglas Ave. and North Broadway St. Louisville, Kentucky: 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Metro City Hall, 527 W Jefferson St. 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Metro City Hall, 527 W Jefferson St. New Orleans, Louisiana: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at 2400 Decatur St. 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at 2400 Decatur St. Portland, Maine: 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Lincoln Park, Pearl St. 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Lincoln Park, Pearl St. Annapolis, Maryland: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Maryland State House, 100 State Cir 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Maryland State House, 100 State Cir Brookline, Massachusetts: 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Beacon St. and Harvard St. 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Beacon St. and Harvard St. Detroit, Michigan: 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Clark Park, 1130 Clark Ave. 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Clark Park, 1130 Clark Ave. St. Cloud, Minnesota: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Courthouse Square 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Courthouse Square Jackson, Mississippi: 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. at Southside, 400 High St. 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. at Southside, 400 High St. St. Louis, Missouri: 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Kiener Plaza Park, 500 Chestnut St. 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Kiener Plaza Park, 500 Chestnut St. Helena, Montana: 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Montana State Capitol, 1301 E 6th Ave. 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Montana State Capitol, 1301 E 6th Ave. Omaha, Nebraska: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on May 1 at Tom Hanafan River's Edge Park, 4200 Avenue B 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on May 1 at Tom Hanafan River's Edge Park, 4200 Avenue B Las Vegas, Nevada: 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Federal Courthouse at 333 S Las Vegas Blvd 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Federal Courthouse at 333 S Las Vegas Blvd Concord, New Hampshire: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at New Hampshire State House, 107 N Main St. 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at New Hampshire State House, 107 N Main St. Trenton, New Jersey: 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. at State House Annex, 125 W. State St. 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. at State House Annex, 125 W. State St. Albuquerque, New Mexico: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Mariposa Basin Park, 4900 Kachina St. NW 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Mariposa Basin Park, 4900 Kachina St. NW New York, New York: 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Bryant Park, 5th Ave. and East 41st St. 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Bryant Park, 5th Ave. and East 41st St. Durham, North Carolina: 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. at CCB Plaza, 201 Corcoran St. 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. at CCB Plaza, 201 Corcoran St. Bismarck, North Dakota: 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Bismarck State Capitol grounds, North 6th St. and East Boulevard Ave. 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Bismarck State Capitol grounds, North 6th St. and East Boulevard Ave. Akron, Ohio: 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at John F. Seiberling Federal Building and United States Courthouse, 2 S Main St. 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at John F. Seiberling Federal Building and United States Courthouse, 2 S Main St. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at City Hall Park, 109 N Hudson Ave. 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at City Hall Park, 109 N Hudson Ave. Portland, Oregon: 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Battleship Oregon Memorial in Tom McCall Waterfront Park, 221 SW Naito Pkwy and SW Pine St. 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Battleship Oregon Memorial in Tom McCall Waterfront Park, 221 SW Naito Pkwy and SW Pine St. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Love Park, Arch St. and North 16th St., marching to the Philadelphia Museum of Art 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Love Park, Arch St. and North 16th St., marching to the Philadelphia Museum of Art Providence, Rhode Island: 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. at Rhode Island State House, 82 Smith St. 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. at Rhode Island State House, 82 Smith St. Charleston, South Carolina: 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Hampton Park, 30 Mary Murray Dr. 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Hampton Park, 30 Mary Murray Dr. Sioux Falls, South Dakota: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 300 N Minnesota Ave. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 300 N Minnesota Ave. Memphis, Tennessee: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at North East corner, Poplar Ave. and South Highland St. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at North East corner, Poplar Ave. and South Highland St. Houston, Texas: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Houston City Hall, 901 Bagby St. 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Houston City Hall, 901 Bagby St. Salt Lake City, Utah: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Pioneer Park, 350 W Broadway 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Pioneer Park, 350 W Broadway Montpelier, Vermont: 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Vermont State House, 115 State St. 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Vermont State House, 115 State St. Charlottesville, Virginia: 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. at The Shops at Stonefield, 2025 Bond St. 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. at The Shops at Stonefield, 2025 Bond St. Seattle, Washington: 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Cal Anderson Park, 1635 11th Ave. 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Cal Anderson Park, 1635 11th Ave. Huntington, West Virginia: 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Heritage Station, 210 11th St. 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Heritage Station, 210 11th St. Milwaukee, Wisconsin: 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. at Cathedral Square Park, 520 East Wells 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. at Cathedral Square Park, 520 East Wells Cheyenne, Wyoming: 12 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at 200 W 24th St. What People Are Saying Organizers of the protests say on the "No Kings" website: "On June 14—Flag Day—Donald Trump wants tanks in the street and a made-for-TV display of dominance for his birthday. A spectacle meant to look like strength. But real power isn't staged in Washington. It rises up everywhere else. "Instead of allowing this birthday parade to be the center of gravity, we will make action everywhere else the story of America that day: people coming together in communities across the country to reject strongman politics and corruption." President Donald Trump said on Meet the Press in May about the parade: "I view it for Flag Day, not necessarily my birthday. Somebody put it together. But no, I think we're going to do something on June 14, maybe or somewhere around there. But I think June 14—it's a very important day." What Happens Next Organizers are calling for people to attend demonstrations being held across the country or to organize their own event.
Scientific American
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scientific American
Stories by Aviva Dove-Viebahn
Aviva Dove-Viebahn is an associate professor of film and media studies at Arizona State University. She has a Ph.D. in visual and cultural studies from the University of Rochester and is a contributing editor for Ms. magazine. She is the author of There She Goes Again: Gender, Knowledge, and Power in Contemporary Film and Television Franchises and is currently working on an edited collection about representations of precarity in contemporary youth television.
The Courier
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Courier
'Other Murray brother' Duncan's 5 favourite places in Dunblane
Duncan Murray has lived in Dunblane all his life and knows his hometown like the back of his hand. No gallivanting across the globe (say to France, Australia or Wimbledon) for Duncan. He's Dunblane through and through. He's also fictional – the unfortunate 'other Murray brother' who couldn't play tennis, made up by Scottish comedian Chris Forbes. Judy Murray, mother of Sir Andy and Jamie, got in on the joke in 2019, and the result was so convincing, lots of people still don't realise it's a joke. 'Duncan' has gone on to perform live with Judy and become beloved in his own right. He may be a character but he's larger than life, so we at The Courier asked him to choose his five favourite places in Dunblane and tell us why he loves them. Duncan's first tip is to visit a certain postbox in Dunblane town centre. 'Just to be clear – no, I don't mean my brother's gold postbox on the High Street,' he says. 'To be honest I think the colour of that one makes it look a bit tacky. 'Andy's box gets enough attention as it is. I feel bad for the overlooked classic red wall box, which is just as valuable and just as useful as its golden counterpart. 'Sure, no one wants their photo with the older box, and it might not be as exciting. But I think we are both worthy of love. 'The postboxes are both worthy, I mean. I'm definitely just talking about postboxes.' A well-known lover of the arts and performing, Duncan has a special place in his heart for Rubber Chicken Theatre on the High Street. He calls it 'one of the most culturally and artistically important performing arts centres, not just in Dunblane, but in the whole world.' Duncan explains: 'Mum and I rehearsed here for our live shows. 'I think, in time, people from all around the globe will travel here like a pilgrimage, in the same way people visit Abbey Road or the Globe theatre, keen to get a glimpse of where such an iconic duo like me and Mum once graced the humble floorboards.' Yards away from Dunblane Sports Club, where Andy and Jamie first played tennis, Duncan forged his own legacy – at the Scout hall. 'I always loved my time here, even though being a Cub was much more challenging than I expected,' he admits. 'Some of the badges were practically impossible to earn. 'I managed to get my Home Help, Hobbies, and Collector badges, but I'm actually still trying to earn my Athletics, Community Impact, and Local Knowledge awards. 'Maybe this article will help me with that last one. 'Technically, as I'm still active in my quest for badges, I am the longest serving Cub in Dunblane history.' The lush, green Ochlochy Park is a hidden gem, particularly on a sunny day. 'I spent a lot of time in this park as a kid,' says Duncan. 'Mostly because my mum would drop me off here on her way to the tennis centre with Andy and Jamie. 'At first, they would bring me along to act as a ball boy. But once it became clear that I had no talent at catching, throwing, or even holding the balls (they're all fuzzy and feel funny), Ochlochy Park became my daily hangout. 'I loved wandering aimlessly, feeding the ducks, and chasing squirrels. 'I'd play my own games, like hide-and-seek and tig. Admittedly, harder to play by yourself, but at least no one was yelling about double faults and forearm smashes.' If you're a local, you've probably spotted Duncan in his final favourite Dunblane spot before. And if you're an M&S staff member, you've probably tactfully tried to get him to leave a few times. 'Sometimes I spend hours and hours in here and I don't even like tea or coffee,' he reveals. 'But if I wait in here long enough, sometimes I get lucky and see my mum pop in for her shopping, and then I can plead with her to come and join me for a catch-up. 'She often refuses at first, but eventually I wear her down with the promise of cake.'
