Business
Everything Apple Announced At Today’s 2024 Hardware Event
APPLE STILL HAS NEW HARDWARE TO SHOW. The business unveiled its next-generation M3 chipsets, the M3, M3 Pro, and M3 Max, during a spooky-themed virtual event hosted the day before Halloween. In addition, Apple introduced new computers powered by these enhanced processors: a 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro, as well as a 24-inch iMac.
Since 2020, Apple has been manufacturing M-series processors. While the existing chips have been issued on a rather erratic schedule over the last three years, they have always been launched in the same order: the entry-level chips (M1 and M2) arrived first, followed by the high-end versions (the Pro, Max, and Ultra models) later on. However, Apple has revealed three tiers of its new chip simultaneously for the first time: the M3, M3 Pro, and M3 Max.
Unlike its predecessors, which were created on a 5-nanometer process, all three new chips are produced on a 3-nanometer process, which packs more transistors into a smaller space and improves the chip’s speed and power efficiency.
The M3 chips include a few new features to Apple silicon. The first, known as dynamic caching by Apple, allows the processor to dynamically allocate memory for each activity, dialing the allocation up or down as needed rather than cordoning off a specific amount of memory for the work to utilize, whether it needs it or not. As a result, resources are used more efficiently. Other new technologies, like ray tracing and mesh shading, are used in graphics-intensive games and apps. Ray tracing can be used by game creators to more realistically depict lighting aspects such as reflections and shadows. Meanwhile, hardware-accelerated mesh shading improves the appearance of visually elaborate scenes within games by making them appear smoother and without skips.
Everything Apple Announced At Today’s Hardware Event
Apple claims the M3 range outperforms preceding CPUs in graphics rendering, core CPU capabilities, and machine intelligence workloads. Of course, we’ll need to put each chip through its paces to see how visible these enhancements are.
What is the difference between the various next-generation chipset versions? The entry-level M3 is equipped with an 8-core CPU and up to a 10-core GPU, as well as up to 24 gigabytes of unified memory. The M3 Pro is the next step, with a 12-core CPU, 18-core GPU, and up to 36 GB of unified memory. The M3 Max is the most powerful, with a 16-core CPU, a monstrous 40-core GPU, and support for up to 128 GB of unified memory.
Given that Apple entirely redesigned the MacBook Pro’s outside two years ago, it’s hardly surprising that the company focused on the internals with these new models. Aside from the upgraded chipsets, there are a few small modifications, such as a brighter screen and longer battery life. Both MacBook Pro sizes have 20 percent brighter displays. Apple also claims a battery life of up to 22 hours, depending on configuration.
The one significant distinction worth mentioning is the ability to customize the 14-inch MacBook Pro with an M3 processor, which means you can now pair a base-level CPU with a pro-level chassis. This combo, according to Apple, is up to 60% faster than the M1-powered 13-inch MacBook Pro. However, the 14-inch MacBook Pro with M3 has only two USB-C Thunderbolt 4 ports rather than three. If you want the extra port, upgrade to a higher-powered model, such as the 14-inch or 16-inch one with the M3 Pro or M3 Max CPUs.
Everything Apple Announced At Today’s Hardware Event
There’s also a new body color. Apple added a space black option to the conventional silver and space grey. A unique treatment eliminates fingerprint smudges in the polish. However, it is yet to be determined whether it scratches easily.
The 14-inch MacBook Pro with M3 is $1,599, while the M3 Pro and M3 Max are $1,999. The 16-inch MacBook Pro is priced at USD 2,499. Preorders for the next-generation laptops are now available, and they will begin to appear on doorsteps and shelves on November 7.
It’s been three years since Apple introduced its candy-colored desktop lineup, and the colorful line of iMacs has now been revamped. The hardware remains the same on the outside. A 24-inch, 4.5K Retina display, a 1080p FaceTime camera, a six-speaker sound system, and great-sounding microphones are included. It also comes in the same colors: green, orange, pink, yellow, purple, blue, and silver. The base model also has two Thunderbolt ports, while the higher-end variants have two Thunderbolt ports and two additional USB 3 connections (as well as Gigabit Ethernet compatibility).
Everything Apple Announced At Today’s Hardware Event
Each iMac is delivered with color-coordinated peripherals. You can get either the conventional Magic Keyboard or the Touch ID version, a Magic Mouse, or a Magic Trackpad. Unfortunately, Apple did not replace the Lightning ports on the accessories above with USB-C ports. It’s an odd choice given that Apple is attempting to migrate all its products to the USB-C standard, as evidenced by this year’s iPhone 15. However, this is good news for users who prefer to continue utilizing their Lightning cables.
The M3 CPU under the hood is the only new feature. You’ll be able to choose between an 8-core and a 10-core GPU. The base models (with two ports) have 256 gigabytes of storage and may be upgraded to 1 terabyte. Higher-end variants (with four ports) can be designed to hold up to two terabytes of data. If you’re upgrading from an iMac with first-generation Apple silicon, the M3-powered version is said to be up to twice as quick. It also includes Wi-Fi 6E (rather than Wi-Fi 6) for download speeds that are said to be twice as fast.
The price of the 24-inch iMac starts at $1,299. It is now available for presale through Apple and will begin shipping on November 7.
SOURCE – (wired)
Business
Sonic the Hedgehog Dominates Christmas Wish Lists
Sonic the Hedgehog is dominating Christmas wish lists this year. The lovable blue hedgehog is back in the spotlight, from sonic the hedgehog toys and games to sonic the hedgehog coloring pages and movie hype.
Sonic-themed holiday merchandise is on fire, from quirky sweaters to action figures flying off shelves. Sonic the Hedgehog Christmas outfits for kids are selling out fast, making them a go-to gift option for festive fun.
Retailers have been quick to recognize Sonic’s holiday appeal. Special promotions and exclusive items, like the Sonic holiday t-shirts, are everywhere.
Everyone’s stocking up on Sonic merchandise, from big-box stores to boutique retailers.
Online shopping platforms are seeing a surge in searches for Sonic items. Whether it’s Sonic Christmas-themed tops or Sonic the Hedgehog coloring pages, Sonic the Hedgehog toys or Sonic and the Hedgehog 3, the demand is skyrocketing.
Retailers who tap into this trend are sure to see strong holiday sales.
Sonic has been around since the early 90s, but his popularity never wanes. With the release of Sonic 3, fans are more excited than ever.
Sonic the Hedgehog 4
Meanwhile, Paramount Pictures is preparing “Sonic the Hedgehog 4,” with the newest addition in the family-friendly genre set for a spring 2027 release.
The announcement comes as “Sonic 3” opens in theatres on Friday, estimated to gross $55 million to $60 million from 3,800 North American locations.
The sequel is shaping up to be a good holiday season blockbuster for Paramount, which explains the desire in future “Sonic” adventures. On the international front, the film will be released on Christmas Day in 52 markets.
On Rotten Tomatoes, critics gave “Sonic 3” an outstanding 87% fresh score.
The first two films grossed a total of $725.2 million at the global box office and generated over $180 million in global consumer expenditure through home entertainment rentals and digital purchases.
They also inspired a spinoff Paramount+ series, “Knuckles,” which premiered earlier this year.
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Business
Amazon Strike Called By Teamsters Union 10,000 Walkout
An Amazon strike has hit facilities in the United States in an effort by the Teamsters union to pressure the corporation for a labour agreement during a peak shopping season.
The Teamsters union told the Associated Press that Amazon delivery drivers at seven facilities in the United States walked off the job on Thursday after the firm failed to discuss a labour contract.
According to the union, Amazon employees in Teamsters union jackets were protesting at “hundreds” of additional Amazon facilities, which the union billed as the “largest strike” in US history involving the company.
The corporation, which employs over 800,000 people in its US delivery network, stated that its services will be unaffected.
It was unclear how many people, including members of Germany’s United Services Union, participated in Thursday’s demonstration. The Teamsters union reported that thousands of Amazon employees were implicated in the United States.
Amazon Strike at 10 Locations
Overall, the group claims to represent “nearly 10,000” Amazon strikers, having signed up thousands of people at roughly ten locations across the country, many of whom have joined in recent months.
The organization has claimed recognition from Amazon going on strike, claiming the firm illegally neglected its obligation to bargain collectively over salary and working conditions.
The Teamsters is a long-standing US union with nearly one million members. It is well-known for securing lucrative contracts for its members at companies like delivery behemoth UPS.
Most of the Teamsters’ Amazon campaigns have concerned drivers working for third-party delivery companies that partner with the tech behemoth.
Amazon denies that it is liable as an employer in those circumstances, which is a point of legal contention. In at least one case, labour officials have taken a preliminary stance in favour of the union.
Stalled Contract Negotiations
Amazon employees at a major warehouse on Staten Island in New York have also chosen to join the Teamsters. Their warehouse is the only Amazon facility in the United States where labour officials have formally recognized a union win.
However, the Amazon strike is because contract negotiations have not progressed since the 2022 vote. It was not one of the areas scheduled to go on strike on Thursday.
Amazon, one of the largest employers in the United States, has long received criticism for its working conditions and has been the target of activists seeking to gain traction among its employees.
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Business
Amazon Encounters Numerous Strikes As Unions Aim At The Holiday Shopping Surge.
(VOR News) – Thousands of Amazon employees at various sites across the country were scheduled to go on strike on Thursday in an effort by the Teamsters union to pressure the retail behemoth to acknowledge its unionised workers in the United States.
The walkout is expected to concentrate on seven Amazon locations across the country during the holiday purchasing surge and may be the most significant union action against Amazon in the nation’s history.
The business announced on Thursday morning that there had been no effect on operations. It also stated that it is “continuing to concentrate on fulfilling customers’ holiday orders.”
The International Brotherhood of Teamsters maintains that it represents more than 10,000 Amazon employees and contractors in aviation centres, warehouses, and delivery centres.
Amazon has refused to acknowledge the union for many years.
The retail giant, which employs approximately 1.5 million individuals, excludes contractors and part-timers. A strike has been initiated by delivery couriers and warehouse employees at seven distinct locations in order to exert pressure on the company to negotiate a collective bargaining agreement that would encompass modifications to compensation, amenities, and working conditions.
Picketing was intended for New York, Atlanta, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Skokie, Illinois.
Also, the Teamsters assert that they are establishing picket lines at “hundreds” of additional warehouses and delivery centres by encouraging non-unionized workers to picket under U.S. labour law, which protects workers’ ability to take collective action to further their interests.
“Amazon workers are exercising their power,” Randy Korgan stated to NPR.
“They now realise there is a pathway to take on a corporate giant like this – and that they hold the power.” Amazon responds by accusing the Teamsters of fabricating information regarding the strikes, asserting that the participants are “entirely” outsiders rather than employees or subcontractors of the corporation.
Amazon spokesperson Kelly Nantel stated that “the reality is that they were unable to secure sufficient support from our employees and partners and have invited external parties to harass and intimidate our team.” For more than a year, the Teamsters have been intentionally misleading the public by claiming to represent “thousands of employees and drivers.” They do not.
The Teamsters did not provide a specific duration for the strike; however, they informed NPR that it would extend beyond one day. Workers would receive $1,000 per week in strike money, as per the union.
Teamsters President Sean O’Brien issued a statement in which he stated, “If your package is delayed during the holidays, you can attribute it to Amazon’s insatiable greed.” We established a firm deadline for Amazon to attend the meeting and treat our members equitably. They disregarded it.
The Teamsters granted until December 15 to convene with its unionised employees and develop a collective bargaining agreement.
Amazon has opposed all unionisation efforts in court, asserting that unions were not advantageous to its employees and emphasising the compensation and benefits that the organisation currently provides.
Amazon has been accused of discriminatory labour practices on numerous occasions, including the termination of labour organisers. Furthermore, it has disputed its official status as a contract employer.
Teamsters organize Amazon delivery couriers and other employees.
In June, Amazon established its first unionised warehouse in Staten Island, New York, two years after making history by voting to join the fledgling Amazon Labour Union, which is also affiliated with the Teamsters.
The union is one of the most influential in the United States and Canada, with 1.3 million members. On Thursday, the German United Services Union declared that Amazon employees in Germany would participate in a strike in conjunction with their American counterparts.
In the past, Amazon has experienced demonstrations in Germany and Spain that were related to the holiday season in order to advocate for improved wages and working conditions.
“The holiday season has arrived.” Delivery is anticipated. Patricia Campos-Medina, the executive director of Cornell University’s Worker Institute, asserts that “this is the moment in which workers have control over the supply chain.”
The Teamsters have reported that Amazon’s profits have increased both during and after the pandemic. The corporation is currently valued at over $2.3 trillion, with net income of $15 billion in the most recent quarter alone. It is the second-largest private employer in the United States, following Walmart.
SOURCE: NPR
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