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IBM And Red Hat to Launch New Services Unleashing the Power of Ai and 5g

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The evolution of computer programming has promised a better world for us with cutting edge technology. Today, the applications of machine learning and artificial intelligence are in great demand. They have opened a huge opportunity for every aspect of our world to grow. Not only they are useful to computer scientists but they can also help your business grow by understanding growth patterns.

With 5G network marching its way to the 21st century, the tech giants are looking for great inventions. Currently, 5G edge and AI are the two promising tools that can make a significant contribution to enterprise computing. So, the big companies are looking out for ways to capitalize on this by launching new products. Because, at the end of the day, driving customers towards the latest invention is the goal.

IBM’s collaboration with Red Hat

Today, at the Think Digital Conference, IBM and Red Hat have announced new services that will be jointly launched. The two companies backed by enormous investors will help enterprises step into the 5G era with edge computing. IBM has always focused on the working of enterprises and how to make it better with multi-cloud systems. On the other hand, Red Hat’s potential goes deep down in the open-source technology.

Together, IBM is planning to launch and make more efficient hybrid cloud technologies ditching the idea of the homogenous cloud. Many software solution companies provide homogenous cloud as a solution, but IBM wants to develop a much-differentiated service. Because the company thinks the working system of an enterprise should have hybrid cloud weaving all the sectors together.

A huge scope of development

With the advent of 5G telecommunication networks, there will be an increase in the speed of connectivity, reduction of latency, minimization of transmission delays, etc. So, IBM will be able to unlock its potential in many ways including emergency response, robotic surgery, road safety, etc. And, this will take place only because there will be no need to send the data to a centralized cloud.

What do the clients want?

James Whitehurst, President of IBM has explained to the media why their clients are better off without a homogenous cloud system. He has also said why the hybrid cloud is better than the homogenous cloud. Whitehurst sets a basic example of how one runs an entire factory. There is generally a mainframe that runs a set of transactional workloads. Now, every enterprise has a software sector, hardware sector, finance, etc.

So, there will be a certain set of applications that need to be run in a distributed environment. For doing so, data from one sector should be accessed by every other sector. For this purpose, a centralized cloud was used with showed latency. And, this problem can only be overcome by a hybrid cloud system. There will be no need to fit the workloads anymore in the public cloud.

Clients are looking for a more efficient and innovative user experience that is continuously available. With IBM’s multi-cloud hybrid offerings blended with Red Hat OpenShift, IBM will master edge computing and 5G network.

IBM’s new products

IBM is planning to launch new products to automate business planning, budgeting, and forecasting. With the implementation of AI, IBM is planning to build applications that will automatically run some routine tasks in an enterprise. It might minimize human labor as well. The company is also planning to develop tools for call-center automation. Precisely, IBM will launch IBM Edge Application Manager. It will be able to manage 10,000 edge nodes simultaneously. It will require only one administrator for this job.

IBM Telco Network Cloud Manager will be also released which runs on Red Hat OpenShift. Other AI-based applications include IBM Visual Insights, IBM Production Optimization, IBM Connected Manufacturing, IBM Asset Optimization, and many more. Apart from all these products, IBM will also be launching IBM Edge System. Through this platform, a set of ISVs and GSIs will help and support enterprises to understand and grab opportunities for edge computing.

Another important product of IBM in the series is IBM Telco Network Cloud Ecosystem. This will bring together a group of partners that will help the providers make use of their cloud system. These sets of partners include Cisco, Dell Technologies, Juniper Technologies, Intel, NVIDIA, Samsung, F5 Networks, etc.

Apple Macbookpro

Apple Releases New MacBook Pro with a Magic Keyboard

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Much earlier than expected, Apple has come out with the price and release date of their new MacBook Pro. The 13-inch Pro will come with a Magic Keyboard, to the delight of fans from around the world. The new MacBook Pro functions with an Intel 10th Gen processor, and the latest tech will set you back by $1,299.  When you look at the specs of the new MacBook, it isn’t a significant leap from the older version. Let us take a look at the latest release and what it will offer loyal fans around the world.

Goodbye Butterfly

The most significant change with this launch is that Apple has finally moved away from their disappointing butterfly keyboard. The keyboard which was met with a lukewarm response on release has been cut from their lineup quite quickly. The announcement for the MacBook Pro with a 16-inch screen came out in November 2019. The last March also saw the release of a new MacBook Air with the Magic Keyboard. Within just six months, the company has switched up their keyboards, replacing the butterfly with the newer scissor-switch consoles. The butterfly came out initially in 2015, as a part of the MacBook.

Changes in Spec

Like with the previous MacBook Pro, the new release also uses four Thunderbolt 3 USB-C connectors, with a headphone jack. Furthermore, the older design model has pulled through as the Touch Bar remains with the Touch ID fingerprint sensor. However, they have added a physical Esc key, which fans desperately found lacking in the older design.

The RAM may go up to 32GB, whereas storage can expand up to 4TB. Also, as per Apple, the 10th Gen processor works at 4.1Ghz, and the Intel Iris supports the Pro Display at 6K resolution. The new screen has a resolution of 2560 x 1600 pixels, which supports True Tone technology. Reports state that the base model comes with an 8th gen Intel i5 chipset. The laptop will come out equipped with the macOS Catalina out-of-the-box.

Storage Capacity Upgrade

The $1,299 model contains 256GB storage, which is 128GB higher than the older models. However, this model does not have the 10th Gen processor and comes with 8GB of RAM. To upgrade to 16GB RAM, users have to pay only $100, which is half of the $200 they charged previously. While there were rumors that the display would be made more prominent, that turned out to be false. The 13-inch screen can go up to 500 units of brightness and also supports the P3 gamut.

Keyboard Switch-Up

The upgraded SSDs have a reading speed of up to 3.0GB/s, which is quite fast. However, as per fans, the most significant change is the fact that Apple has now regularised the new scissor keyboard. All the newer launches of the company now come with this new keyboard. The butterfly keyboard had met with criticism as it was less dust resistant. In the scissor-switch console, keys are linked through interlocking plastic pieces that move like a scissor when pressed. Meanwhile, butterfly keyboards used a hinge to activate the keys. While the Magic Keyboard requires more travel than the older model, it will have less dust stuck in between the keys.

The new model is available for order via the company’s official website as of now. Within a week, it will reach select stores and resellers around the world. Students also get the option of saving $100 on the base model. As per Apple, the new 10th gen processor will provide 80% faster graphics performance, when compared to older models. However, the India sale date has not yet been announced. Furthermore, since the country has entered the third phase 3 of the lockdown, non-essentials may now be delivered in green and orange zones. Therefore, soon enough, the sale of the new MacBook Pro can begin with delivery, having started in some areas.

wwdc

APPLE’S REVENUE ACHIEVES A POSITIVE SLOPE DESPITE THE GLOBAL PANDEMIC

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Big businesses are hit and rupturing drastically during the pandemic. The outbreak of novel coronavirus has suppressed the hope for future recovery for the economy. Every nation is facing a big dilemma as saving people’s lives and planning the post-pandemic survival strategy are equally important. All of a sudden everything in this world has hit a pause, yet some companies are still emerging successfully. While every big business companies are strategizing about how to save their business, Apple’s second-quarter earning shows positive results. It is quite impossible to believe that amongst the crisis, Apple still managed to keep its business on track. Although the sale of the iPhone declined, Apple’s revenue in the past quarter slightly increased.

Revenue Growth

Yesterday, Tim Cook, CEO of Apple, in a press release said that the company is proud to report the growth of revenue in the past quarter. It is a great achievement for the company given that the world is facing a current serious crisis. The quarterly revenue of the company that ended on 28th March turns out to be $58.3 billion. This shows an increase of 1% as compared to the quarterly revenue of the previous year. Earnings per diluted share are up by 4%. Analysts said that they expected the revenue to be around $53.8 billion and diluted earnings per share of $2.23. Tim also said that the company is glad that customers are choosing their products to stay connected during this pandemic. But, the sale of Apple’s products in the Great China region has decreased to $9.46 billion from $10.22 billion.

Though the sale of iPhone has plummeted in the quarter last year, Apple’s Wearables and accessories have pushed up the revenue slightly. The company confirmed that Apple Watch and AirPods have led to a growth of 22.4% than last year. The cash dividend per share witnessed an increase of 6% of the company’s common stock.

The market opened for Apple

Taking care of the medical guidelines regarding social distancing due to the pandemic, Apple has decided to open some stores. But, the decisions will have a different impact on different places as Apple will go through the condition of every city and every county. Tim Cook is planning to reopen the retail stores in Austria and Australia within the next couple of weeks. Tim also said that a few of the many retail stores in the U.S will also reopen in early May. The stores in the U.S are closed since mid-March. And, a few of them already opened maintaining the social distancing guidelines. But, the mainland of China and South Korea the exceptions to the reopening of retail stores. Cook has already said that the campus in Cupertino won’t be opening at least for the next month.

New Products

Apple is not only cherishing the revenue growth during this pandemic but also launching new products in the market. Since customers are buying more Apple Wearables and Home in this crisis, why should Apple stop from giving them something extra?

Some of the new products that have hit the market in recent weeks are MacBook Air, iPad Pro, and a $399 second-generation iPhone SE. The company is also planning to conduct an online version of its annual Worldwide Developers Conference next month. In this conference, the next upcoming features of Apple’s existing products will be revealed to the world. But, rumors have spread that there might be a little delay in shipping this year’s iPhone lineup due to the infected disease.

Joint Venture of Apple and Google

In response to fighting COVID-19, Apple and Google are planning to create a system that will be helpful for contact tracing. This tech will be available both for iOS and Android users. The companies have decided to build such a system as in many regions people are revolting against the lockdown. So, this might help in tracking new cases of coronavirus. It will allow the users to share data through Bluetooth Low Energy transmissions and from apps approved by health organizations.

The official apps approved by the public health authorities can access this data. This is very beneficial as the users can easily report and alert people if they are diagnosed with COVID-19. The system will also help the user known if he or she was near an infected person.

Smartphones

Global Demand for Smartphones Fall Due to the COVID-19

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The COVID-19 continues to grow, expand, and take lives around the world. As major nations come to terms with lockdowns and the road ahead, the global economy is reeling in the aftermath. Most parts of the economy have been facing the brunt of the pandemic, as it shut down stores and production centers. Everything from traditional schooling to tourism has undergone massive changes due to the COVID-19. One of the most noticeable effects of the pandemic may be felt in all company’s smartphones sales. Here’s a look at what impact the novel coronavirus has had on the smartphone industry globally.

Decline in Smartphones Sale

Studies show that due to the pandemic, smartphone markets to suffer witnessed a first-quarter year-on-year decline. As per studies done by firms Canalys and Counterpoint Research, there has been a 13% drop in global shipments. Furthermore, Counterpoint estimates a dip of 27% in China, while Canalys’s calculations show 18% for the same. However, whichever number you choose to look it, experts agree that there has been a global slowdown. Ever since 2014, this is the first time, global shipments have fallen below 300 million. All these changes have been brought forth by the falling demand for phones and the abrupt collapse in China.

First-Quarter Slowdown

Close to the end of the first quarter, the COVID-19 had spread around the world, leading to mass lockdowns. At this juncture, disruption spread from the supply chain to the demand curve, and the industry slowed down. As lockdowns of differing severity came into place around the world, the demand for smartphones fell drastically. Samsung, Apple, and Huawei, still hold their position as the world’s most prominent smartphone vendors. Out of the three, Apple has witnessed the least decline in shipments this year. Furthermore, Xiaomi is growing within the space, capturing 10% of the market share for the first time. 

However, these restrictions and bans have crushed new demand, leading to a massive slowdown. During February, when the pandemic was at its peak in China, manufacturing centers were shutting down. Most vendors were concerned about getting access to hardware parts. Many of them ordered in bulk and tried to ensure that they build enough of these smartphones. However, a month later, the entire situation flipped wholly on its head. As the COVID-19 spread aggressively to the west, affecting the US and the whole of Europe, demand began to fall. While manufacturing centers are back on, the rest of the world is in lockdown, leading to a plummet in demand. 

New Releases

Apple, for instance, has the iPhone 12 to release, and it is a big one as it is the first to make use of 5G technology. Several media houses have come out with news stating that Apple is considering delaying the launch to gain a better impact. The same could hold true for the new releases of Samsung and Huawei smartphones. Since most manufacturers rely on hardware components from China and South Korea, production took a hit last month.

Compared to the same time the previous year, China’s shipment of smartphones fell by 40%, as per IDC. Their research also states that the Chinese buyers will buy 33 million fewer phones, due to the COVID-19. The firm believes that the same will hold true for most of Western Europe and the US. Since smartphones may contain hardware from over 40 countries, their supply and demand cycles are hard to quantify. With millions out of work, buying new smartphones has become a luxury that people cannot afford. Unless they need to replace a broken phone, no one is considering a new purchase.

Therefore, replacement cycles for smartphones have grown longer, with most opting to use their old ones as far as possible. However, experts believe that the real impact of the pandemic will only be felt next quarter. Q2 will face the main brunt of the COVID-19, and its actual effect on the smartphone industry may be seen then. Not only will the COVID-19 test the strength of several companies, but small retailers will not survive without support from the government. While there is a lot we do not know about the novel coronavirus, one thing we are sure of is that it will have a lasting effect on the global economy. It will also most likely have a long-lasting effect on the smartphone market.

THEATRICAL

TROLLS WORLD TOUR’S DIRECT JUMP TO VOD PLATFORMS QUESTIONS THE RESPECT OF THEATRICAL WINDOW

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Movie theatres are the conventional and most authentic ways of releasing movies. The advent of Netflix has brought a tad bit of changes in how the entertainment industry works nowadays. But, irrespective of all the VOD platforms, the impact of a theatrical release hits the market with unbound thrust. Unfortunately, some of the renowned film studios are failing to respect the principles of the cinematic world. According to Regal Cinemas (owned by Cineworld), Universal has shown disrespect to the theatrical window. The release of the Trolls World Tour directly on digitally exclusive platforms skipping the theatrical window has raised many questions. Cineworld warned Universal of its desperate actions without paying hit to the customary theatrical release. On the other hand, infuriated AMC theatres decided to bar all the Universal movies for their unapologetic attitude.

Reaching customers directly

The decision of reaching directly to the customers has caused tension and sour relationship between film studios and movie theatres. But, it seems like the Universal haven’t taken the warning much seriously and justified their decision. Jeff Shell, CEO of NBCUniversal, said that the company didn’t consider theatrical release. They directly decided to reach out to the customers through VOD platforms. The consequence of this act might cost beyond prediction during the post-pandemic phase.

trolls world tour 2020
Image Source: Google

 Odeon Cinemas, a part of the AMC Company in the United Kingdom has also banned Universal. Movies are supposed to remain within the boundaries of theatres for 90 days. But, Universal bypassing the procedure of movie theatre release streamed it in the digital window. It is natural to growing concern among the film studios due to the shutdown of cinema halls due to the outbreak of COVID-19. But, while the other film studios wanted to negotiate about shortening the time of 90 days, Universal responded differently.

Trolls World Tour made millions without theatres

The other film studios have asked to shorten the period due to the crisis. But, they will be again back to following the normal policies when everything becomes normal. The response of Universal was different though. It is planning to carry out both theatrical release and direct-to-consumer distribution models. They said their action will take courses depending on what is better for the company and its audience.

Universal has got a strong point to make as the recent release of the Trolls World Tour brought almost $100 million in house. And, the company was able to make such a large amount of money without any theatrical release. The film made this much money within the last three weeks through digital sales. It has brought a serious threat to the movie theatres and their existence. The largest cinema chain in the United States, AMC Theatres are standing bereft of any revenue generation currently. Moreover, with people locked up in their houses, Netflix and Disney Plus have turned out to be strong rivals.

Importance of theatrical release

Though the digital era has come upon us, the primitive way of movie screening is still appreciated. The movie theatres have witnessed a lot of changes during the past century. But, that doesn’t mean eradicating the movie theatres from the face of the entertainment industry. And, during this crisis, both the film studios and cinema chain should cooperate and try to maintain peace. Companies are so tensed about the economic condition, that they are making desperate moves.

Universal has said that they believe in the authentic theatrical experience and have no statements on the contrary. But, seeing the great demand and enthusiasm for the movie among the audience, they released it digitally. They also believe that they made the right move and consider it in the future as well. But, with movies going straight to digital platforms, they are losing money and respect.

Other upcoming movies

While AMC banned the Universal, it isn’t only Trolls World Tour that escaped the theatrical release. Scoob, a Warner Bros movie is also being released on video on demand before it is streamed on HBO max. Disney has also moved Artemis Fowl to a Disney Plus exclusive without considering playing it at the theatres. If gradually all the blockbusters get shifted to the digital platform, the cinema chains will be in serious threat.

The biggest upcoming movies during the next couple of years, F9 and the third installment of the Jurassic World franchise have a ray of hope for theatres. But, both of them are Universal movies. So, it would be a loss for the theatres if they don’t allow them for theatrical release.

Elon Musk

Elon Musk Calls Lockdown and Shelter-in-Place Norms Fascist Actions

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The world is facing a significant crisis in the form of COVID-19. The deadly pandemic is continuing to spread aggressively through Europe and North America. As countries struggle to grapple with the epidemic and deal with the aftermath of the viral disease, most economies are facing strict sanctions. For instance, most of the world’s schools and colleges have been shut. In the US, several states still have a lockdown in place, which bans public gatherings and the functioning of non-essential services. While some states have eased lockdown regulations owing to pressure from the public, certain others are maintaining social distancing norms to prevent further spread of the disease. Meanwhile, Tesla CEO Elon Musk has come out in favour of the easing of such lockdowns. In a statement released yesterday, Elon Musk called all shelter-in-place orders within the San Francisco Bay area and the US in general actions that are “fascist”. Here’s a look at what Musk said, and what implications his words might have.

Freedom at Risk

Elon Musk believes that asking people to stay-at-home as a part of the lockdown measures are fascist in nature, as they strip people of their rights. Musk stated that curbing people’s freedom isn’t how nations should handle such an issue. While announcing Tesla’s earnings call on Wednesday, Musk reiterated his belief in easing the lockdown measures, to much criticism from the public. A day earlier, he had faced flak for a remark he made on Twitter, wherein he echoed President Trump. The tweet was simple, having the words Free America Now, in all caps, much like how the President expresses himself online.

Production Worries or Safety?

Musk started talking about the repercussions that such a lockdown could have on the economy and ranted about not being able to meet production demands. He stated that issues in the Bay Area were seriously going to affect their production, and is hence a severe risk. The rant came as a result of the Six Bay Area counties extending their lockdown orders until May 31st. The recent changes in the lockdown order will affect Fremont, San Francisco, and other similar cities. Musk has called the shelter-in-place a way of forcibly imprisoning people within their homes, and that this was against their constitutional rights. Musk went on with his rant and stated that such practices were against American principles and that curbing people’s freedom this was just wrong.

Musk continued by stating that people who wished to stay home could, while others should be allowed to go out and do as they please. He believes that it is fascist to force people to stay at home and that the government should start acting democratic and give people their rights back.

Unwilling to Listen

All of this seems to come from the fact that Tesla’s main factory is located in Fremont. When the initial order asking all non-essential services to shut down came out, he stopped production and shut his factory down. Furthermore, Musk also closed his Buffalo plant that specializes in making solar panels. However, Musk was not wholly compliant and shut his factor five days after the order came out. Also, he defied orders last week by asking workers in Freemont to return to work. Furthermore, Tesla’s Gigafactory in Nevada never shut, defying lockdown orders put in place by the state’s governor.

Elon Musk believes that while Tesla will make it out fine once the COVID-19 crisis subsides, other small companies would not. Therefore, he has called the order to shut non-essential services a threat to everything that people have worked for, and that this would make people angry. Throughout the COVID-19 crisis, Musk has been critical of the safety measures the administration has taken. However, Musk’s criticism has been quite frustrating at times, as he has questioned science many a time, and even made incorrect predictions regarding the virus’s severity. In the early stages of the lockdown, Musk had said that the US would only have a few cases of the COVID-19 by the end of April. However, the US is grappling with over 25,000 new cases every single day! Since the beginning, Musk’s stand has been troublesome, with people criticizing him for the way he has behaved during this crisis. The public is shocked that someone with such scientific knowledge is being so irresponsible during such a dire situation. During such difficult times, the country needs people who can lead the initiative against the COVID-19, and not someone who refers to it as ‘dumb’