All posts by TeX9.net

Uncategorized

Apple: 8GB RAM isn’t enough

Image credit: Apple

Apple M4 iMac with 16GB RAM: A New Standard in 2024

Apple has unveiled its latest M4 iMac, setting a new benchmark with 16GB of RAM as the default. This update signals Apple’s shift toward more memory. So Apple acknowledges the rising demands of memory-intensive apps, especially in the AI and creative sectors. So Apple admitts 8GB RAM isn’t enough. Let’s dive into what makes the new Apple M4 iMac with 16GB RAM stand out.

M4 Processor with Enhanced Performance

The M4 iMac debuts Apple’s latest silicon, first seen in the iPad Pro series. The M4 can be configured with eight or ten CPU and GPU cores, along with a robust neural processing unit (NPU) reaching 38 TOPS in processing power. Although this trails behind some competitors, the improved NPU promises to drive a range of new “Apple Intelligence” features, with more capabilities expected in a December update.

16GB RAM Becomes the New Baseline

For years, Apple insisted that 8GB of RAM was sufficient, but the demand for high-performance memory has clearly influenced the new Apple M4 iMac with 16GB RAM. This upgrade accommodates resource-hungry tasks, particularly generative AI applications, while providing a smoother experience in workflows like image editing and gaming. Apple claims this new model delivers up to 1.7 times faster productivity and 2.1 times better performance in demanding tasks compared to the M1 iMac.

Additional Hardware Updates

Apple has refreshed other iMac features, including a new 12 MP “Center Stage” webcam, enhancing video calls and streaming quality. The iMac also introduces a nano-texture antiglare display option, available for an extra $200. Additionally, Apple’s latest Magic Keyboard, Trackpad, and Mouse now include USB-C charging ports, signaling the end of Apple’s Lightning standard.

Availability and Pricing

The new Apple M4 iMac with 16GB RAM is available for pre-order now, starting at $1,299, with options scaling up to $2,899. These models will arrive in stores on November 8. Although there’s no word on updates to the MacBook or Mac Mini, Apple’s newest iMac marks a clear step forward for users needing robust, AI-ready hardware.

Apple: 8GB RAM isn’t enough

As Apple adapts its hardware to meet growing industry demands, the M4 iMac with 16GB RAM is likely just the beginning of the company’s push toward more powerful, future-proofed devices.

Source: Techradar.

Science, TechNews

SpaceX Space Force contract

[Image credit: SpaceX]

SpaceX Secures $733M Space Force Launch Contract

SpaceX has once again proven its dominance in the space launch industry by winning a major contract from the U.S. Space Force. This time, the company secured an eight-launch contract worth $733 million. The new deal comes as part of the Space Force’s National Security Space Launch Phase 3 program, specifically for Lane 1, which focuses on lower-risk, near-Earth missions.

Details of the SpaceX Space Force Launch Contract

The contract covers seven launches for the Space Development Agency and one for the National Reconnaissance Office. All of these missions will likely use SpaceX’s reliable Falcon 9 rockets but not earlier than 2026. This massive deal highlights the continued trust the U.S. government places in SpaceX’s launch capabilities.

SpaceX, United Launch Alliance, and Blue Origin are the main companies competing for these launches. The contract is part of the U.S. Space Force Space Systems Command’s (SSC) ongoing efforts to ensure national security through reliable and cost-effective space launches.

National Security Space Launch Phase 3

The National Security Space Launch Phase 3 program was divided into two lanes: Lane 1 for near-Earth and lower-risk missions, and Lane 2 for heavy-lift missions and more complex orbits. SpaceX’s contract falls under Lane 1, which has an expected total value of $5.6 billion over five years. Other companies will have the chance to bid for future contracts as competition increases.

The Future of SpaceX and National Security Launches

SpaceX’s success in securing this contract may seem inevitable, but the landscape is changing. With new launch providers and technologies on the horizon, competition is expected to intensify. The Space Force has committed to “increasing competition and diversity,” with future opportunities to onboard new providers. The next round of bidding for Lane 1 contracts is set for 2024, and more missions will be awarded between 2025 and 2029.

SpaceX remains at the forefront of space innovation, and this $733 million Space Force launch contract further solidifies its role in supporting national security missions. However, with new players entering the market, the future of space launches could look very different in the coming years.

Source: Yahoo

Science

SpaceX Starship Test

[Image credit: Screenshot from SpaceX livestream]

SpaceX Starship Test Flight: Successful Booster Catch Marks New Milestone

SpaceX continues to push the boundaries of space travel with its latest Starship test flight. On Sunday morning, at the company’s Starbase in Texas, SpaceX not only launched its massive Starship but also achieved something unprecedented: catching the Super Heavy booster with a pair of oversized “chopstick” arms attached to the launch tower.

First Booster Catch Success

The primary objective of this test was two-fold. SpaceX aimed to catch the Super Heavy booster at the launch site for the first time and successfully land Starship in the Indian Ocean. The company had already nailed a controlled reentry and splashdown in a previous mission, but this booster catch was something entirely new in the world of rocketry.

Using the “chopstick” arms, the booster slowed to a hover before gently positioning itself within the catch zone. The arms then secured the booster as its engines shut off—a technique that could transform how reusable rockets are recovered.

SpaceX’s Vision for Reusability

SpaceX envisions rapid reuse of both the Starship upper stage and its booster. This approach would revolutionize space travel by allowing spacecraft to be quickly refurbished for future missions. The Starship test flight, which focused on catching the booster and demonstrating controlled reentry, is a vital part of making this vision a reality.

While the FAA had initially expected to approve this launch by late November, SpaceX managed to move up the timeline. The FAA confirmed that all safety, environmental, and licensing requirements had been met, including approval for the next test flight.

Future of Starship

Though this test didn’t aim to recover the Starship upper stage, future launches will focus on landing it as well. Each flight builds on lessons from the last, as SpaceX improves hardware, software, and operations. The company’s goal is to make Starship fully reusable, a crucial step for both NASA’s Artemis missions and SpaceX’s long-term plans for interplanetary travel.

With every test flight, SpaceX is bringing us closer to a new era of space exploration.

Business, Comes Next, Computer Chips, TechNews

MediaTek Dimensity 9400

[Image credit: MediaTek]

MediaTek Introduces the Dimensity 9400: A 3nm Powerhouse for Smartphones

MediaTek has officially launched the Dimensity 9400 (trendforce.com), its latest flagship processor designed for high-end smartphones. This new system-on-chip (SoC) offers powerful performance, improved efficiency, and advanced AI capabilities. MediaTek is continuing its long-standing collaboration with Arm, avoiding the switch to RISC-V, which some competitors are exploring.

Performance Boost and Power Efficiency
The Dimensity 9400 brings a significant upgrade in performance (beebom.com) over its predecessor, the Dimensity 9300. This octa-core processor consists of one Arm Cortex-X925 core running at over 3.6GHz, three Cortex-X4 cores at 3.6GHz, and four Cortex-A720 cores at 3.3GHz. With this “all big core” design, MediaTek has focused on maximizing power. Built on TSMC’s 3nm process node, the chip delivers up to 40% more power efficiency compared to the previous 4nm generation.

Enhanced AI Capabilities
Artificial Intelligence is a core feature of the Dimensity 9400. It includes an eighth-generation neural processing unit (NPU) that boosts machine learning tasks by 80%, making it faster and more efficient. MediaTek also introduced the Dimensity Agentic AI Engine, which connects applications to various AI models and hardware acceleration, supporting both on-device and cloud-based AI tasks.

Graphics and Connectivity Improvements
On the graphics side, the processor includes a 12-core Arm Immortalis G925 GPU. It offers 41% more performance and 44% better power savings. Additionally, MediaTek upgraded its Wi-Fi and Bluetooth combo chip. Now it delivers faster data speeds and extended wireless coverage, with a focus on improving overall device efficiency.

Conclusion
Dimensity 9400 is set to compete with industry giants like Qualcomm. Phones featuring this chip are expected to launch in late 2024. With its strong AI capabilities, improved performance, and efficiency, MediaTek aims to solidify its position in the premium smartphone market.

AI, Business, Comes Next, TechNews

Apple AR Glasses

[Image credit: Apple]

Apple AR Glasses with microLED Tech Rumored for 2026

The world of augmented reality continues to evolve, and rumors about Apple joining the AR glasses game have reignited our excitement. Recent leaks suggest that Apple’s AR glasses could arrive as soon as 2026 (wccftech.com), incorporating advanced microLED technology.

MicroLED: A Display Revolution

According to the tipster @Jukanlosreve, Apple hasn’t abandoned its plans for microLED technology. MicroLED combines the brightness of LED displays with the deep blacks of OLED, making it superior to both. This display tech has the potential to make visuals sharper and more vibrant, which would be a game-changer for augmented reality devices. However, the challenge lies in its high production cost, which has limited its use in smaller gadgets so far.

If Apple succeeds in integrating microLED, it would mark a significant step forward for AR hardware. Our feature on microLED TVs highlights the potential of this technology, but the challenge remains in making it affordable. Apple seems determined to crack this problem, which could bring us a top-tier AR experience.

Accelerated Launch Timeline for Apple AR glasses with microLED

Apple’s AR glasses have been the subject of speculation for years. Previously, rumors hinted at a 2027 launch, but now it seems Apple may have accelerated its timeline to 2026. This shift may come in response to Meta’s progress, particularly the successful release of the Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses.

There have also been hints that the next Apple Watch Ultra could include a microLED display, showcasing Apple’s broader commitment to this display technology. While we didn’t see an Apple Watch Ultra 3 this year, it’s possible we’ll get one with this cutting-edge tech soon.

Competing with Meta and Future Plans

Meta’s Orion AR glasses and Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses have impressed the tech community, possibly prompting Apple to rethink its strategy. Last year, reports indicated that Apple’s AR glasses had been delayed indefinitely, with a shift in focus to a more affordable VR headset. However, the landscape has changed, and Apple may now see an opportunity to enter the AR space sooner with a smaller, more accessible device.

Apple Vision Pro, the mixed reality headset, has yet to achieve massive sales success due to its high price tag. Apple may be looking to diversify its offerings by releasing a more affordable and compact AR solution. If Apple manages to launch its AR glasses in 2026 with microLED technology, we could be looking at the next major step in the evolution of wearable technology.