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Apple is Quietly Making AI Moves. VR Headset Sales Skyrocket. Rivian is Finally Making Waves.

Read time: 8 min

Apple is quietly navigating the AI frontier, led by visionaries like Greg Joswiak and John Giannandrea, marking its territory with the M3 MacBook Air—hailed as the pinnacle of AI-capable laptops. Amidst anticipations, CEO Tim Cook teases an AI reveal set to redefine productivity.

Meta, not to be outshined, forecasts a digital connection evolution, while the metaverse's fate hangs in balance. AR/VR headsets see an unexpected surge, and as Rivian disrupts the EV scene with its R2, Unity and Mazda pledge to revolutionize driving.

Amidst this tech tumult, Doroni Aerospace ascends with its H1 eVTOL, promising a new era of urban air mobility. Hold tight; we're on the brink of a technological renaissance.

Artificial Intelligence

Apple Makes its Entry into AI

Apple is actively enhancing its generative AI efforts, with senior VP Greg Joswiak expressing excitement about AI's potential in Apple products during his visit to India. Highlighted by the M3 MacBook Air's designation as the top AI laptop, Apple is set to integrate AI more deeply across its apps and services. Under John Giannandrea's leadership, projects like "Apple GPT" and the "Ajax" framework aim to elevate Siri and other functionalities, promising transformative user experiences. 

CEO Tim Cook anticipates revealing more about Apple's AI plans, focusing on productivity and problem-solving enhancements. Apple's commitment to AI innovation is evident in its substantial investments and exploration of on-device processing for greater privacy and efficiency.

Greg Joswiak, Apple's senior vice-president of worldwide marketing, expressed optimism about generative AI and its role in Apple products during his visit to India for the India Art Fair 2024. Highlighting the creative applications showcased by artists using iPads and MacBooks, Joswiak emphasized Apple's alignment with generative aspirations to improve the world. 

He mentioned the importance of AI and machine learning in Apple products since the introduction of the neural engine, acknowledging the potential of generative AI despite its early development stage and existing challenges like bias and copyright issues. Joswiak also discussed Apple's growing presence in India, its investment in local manufacturing, and the introduction of retail stores, which contribute to Apple's significant growth in the region.

More details:

The article discusses expectations that Apple's Vision Pro might not be its major focus in 2024, instead, suggesting significant advancements in Siri through generative AI. 

This move aims to transform Siri into a more conversational, intelligent assistant, leveraging large language models for enhanced user interaction. This development could significantly shift Apple's AI strategy, emphasizing Siri's evolution over hardware innovations like Vision Pro.

Here’s a job listing as a potential signal for growth in resources being allocated to LLMs and Generative AI at Apple.

This job posting for a Software Engineer at Apple focuses on developing systems utilizing Large Language Models and Generative AI, contributing to services like Siri, Photos, and Music. The role involves building software for both on-device and server operations, essential for deploying AI models. 

Candidates should be proficient in programming languages, have experience in software system development, and be familiar with cloud computing and machine learning integration. The position emphasizes collaboration with machine learning engineers and participation in the software development lifecycle, aiming to enhance user experiences through AI advancements.

Apple isn’t the Only Name in AI This Week

Meta predicts that advancements in AI will redefine digital connectivity, leading to more immersive and personalized online experiences. As AI becomes more integrated into social platforms, users can expect enhanced content discovery, streamlined interactions, and innovative ways to express creativity. 

They emphasize the potential for AI to bridge the gap between virtual and physical worlds, offering new opportunities for connection and engagement across its network of services.

Cognition, an AI startup, has introduced "Devin," a fully autonomous AI software engineer capable of handling full development projects, from coding to execution. Backed by notable names like Peter Thiel's Founders Fund, Devin distinguishes itself by its comprehensive project management capabilities, unlike other coding assistants that offer more limited support. 

While access to Devin is currently restricted to select customers, its introduction signals a significant advancement in AI-assisted development, potentially revolutionizing how software development and broader computer-based work are approached in the future.

The Metaverse and Spatial Computing

The metaverse has experienced a cooling of initial excitement, with companies like Meta facing challenges in realizing its full potential. The vision of a fully immersive, interconnected digital world has proven complex and costly, leading to scaled-back investments and a pivot towards more achievable goals.

Despite these setbacks, the concept of the metaverse remains alive, with ongoing projects and a focus on developing practical applications in areas like remote work, education, and entertainment. The future of the metaverse is evolving, reflecting a shift towards realistic and incremental progress.

The AR/VR headset market saw a significant increase of 130.4% in Q4 2023, influenced by easing macroeconomic pressures and new product launches. Despite Meta losing market share to Pico and Sony previously, its strategy of hardware subsidization and the Quest 3 launch has helped it regain and likely maintain its lead. 

Overall, 2023 experienced a 23.5% decrease in AR/VR headset shipments from 2022, attributed to economic uncertainties and reliance on older products. The latter part of the year showed recovery signs, setting a positive outlook for 2024.

For all you sneakerheads out there, StockX is pioneering an immersive shopping experience for Apple Vision Pro users, leveraging augmented reality to redefine online sneaker and streetwear purchases. This innovative approach, one of the first for Vision Pro, aims to transform how consumers interact with and buy products, offering a more engaging and interactive shopping journey.

See ya later Hololens, welcome Vision Pro (for surgery?!)

Transportation

Unity is collaborating with Mazda to revolutionize the in-cabin car experience by leveraging Unity's real-time 3D technology. This partnership aims to enhance the digital features within Mazda vehicles, providing drivers with an advanced, immersive driving experience. 

The initiative underscores Unity's expansion beyond gaming into automotive innovations, signaling a significant step towards more interactive and enriched vehicle environments.

Doroni Aerospace revealed the production-intent version of its H1 eVTOL, targeting personal air travel. The H1 eVTOL, distinguished by a safer design with enclosed rotors, aims for a user-friendly piloting experience, facilitated by a simplified control system that requires minimal training. 

With specifications promising a 60-mile range and a 140 mph top speed, Doroni plans for the H1 to bridge the gap in short to medium-distance transportation, enhancing accessibility and efficiency in urban mobility.

Rivian's newly unveiled R2 electric SUV is positioned as a smaller, more affordable alternative to its existing models, designed for both urban driving and off-road adventures. While specific pricing details were not disclosed in the article, the R2 aims to attract a broader audience by offering a competitive price point, potentially challenging Tesla's Model Y in the electric SUV market. 

The R2's unique design and shorter wheelbase highlight Rivian's commitment to expanding its electric vehicle offerings and making sustainable transportation accessible to more consumers.

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