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Apple’s Newest Model Incorporates Vision Comprehension and Image Creation for Improved Performance

Apple researchers have released a study on Manzano, a multimodal framework that combines visual comprehension and text-to-image generation while reducing the performance and quality trade-offs evident in existing models. The study, titled [MANZANO: A Simple and Scalable Unified Multimodal Model with a Hybrid Vision Tokenizer](https://machinelearning.apple.com/research/manzano), introduces a cohesive method that enables both image comprehension and creation within a singular framework.

Present-day multimodal models frequently encounter difficulties in reconciling visual comprehension with generative capabilities. Generally, these models either emphasize autoregressive image generation at the cost of visual understanding or the other way around. This challenge stems from the conflicting needs of visual tokenization, where autoregressive generation thrives on discrete image tokens, whereas understanding necessitates continuous embeddings. Numerous current models adopt a dual-tokenizer approach, resulting in inefficiencies and task conflicts.

Manzano resolves these challenges by utilizing an autoregressive language model (LLM) to anticipate the semantic meaning of an image, which is subsequently processed by a diffusion decoder to generate the actual pixels. The structure of Manzano consists of three essential elements:

1. A hybrid vision tokenizer that produces both continuous and discrete visual representations.
2. An LLM decoder that forecasts the subsequent discrete image or text tokens from a combined vocabulary.
3. An image decoder that translates the anticipated image tokens into pixel data.

This groundbreaking architecture enables Manzano to adeptly manage intricate prompts, achieving performance on par with top models like GPT-4o and Nano Banana. Across various benchmarks, both the 3B and 30B parameter versions of Manzano displayed superior or competitive outcomes compared to other leading unified multimodal LLMs.

The researchers evaluated Manzano with a spectrum of model sizes, ranging from 300 million parameters to 30 billion parameters, to analyze how performance scales with increased model size. Furthermore, Manzano excels in image editing tasks, including instruction-guided editing, style transfer, inpainting/outpainting, and depth estimation.

For a detailed examination of Manzano’s architecture, tokenizer training, diffusion decoder design, and evaluation findings, the complete study can be accessed [here](https://machinelearning.apple.com/research/manzano). This research highlights Apple’s ongoing endeavors to improve image generation capabilities, with potential future applications in their products.

Mint Mobile Provides T-Mobile-Enabled Unlimited Plan at $15/Month for Verizon Users

There’s no time like the present to make the switch

(Image credit: Mint Mobile)

Android 17 Leak Unveils Major Quick Settings Revamp for Improved Usability

Android 17 may reverse one of Google’s most aggravating UI choices.

What you should know

– Android 17 might finally refresh Quick Settings after years of the same chaotic pull-down interface.
– Standard Pixel devices could receive this as an option, allowing users to pick between the traditional combined view and the new split format.
– Tablets and foldables probably won’t have a choice — split view might be obligatory on larger displays such as the Pixel Fold.
– Wi-Fi and mobile data toggles might be divided again, reversing Android 12’s debated unified Internet toggle.

The Quick Settings panel in Android has remained unchanged for years, and it seems Google may finally address that flaw.

Recent leaks regarding Android 17 indicate that Google is preparing for a significant update in how notifications and system toggles function. According to Mystic Leaks on Telegram, Android may soon feature a tidier, more structured split instead of a single wide pull-down for everything.

Presently, Android’s notification shade and Quick Settings occupy the same congested area on stock devices like Pixel phones. Pull down once for notifications, and pull down again for toggles. It functions, but it’s cluttered, particularly on larger phones where everything seems piled together.

The latest leak mentions that Google is evaluating a genuine split layout in Android 17. This means that swiping from the left edge would display only notifications, while swiping from the right would showcase Quick Settings.

If this rings a bell, it’s because brands like Samsung and Xiaomi already implement a similar method. The distinctiveness is that Google would make this official within Android itself, instead of relegating it to custom skins.

For regular Pixel users, this alteration appears to be optional. You’ll likely be able to navigate to Settings > Notifications and toggle between the traditional “Combined” view and the newly proposed “Separate” layout, as reported earlier by Android Authority.

However, for those with a tablet or a foldable, options may be limited. The leak specifies that split-view mode will be mandatory on larger-screen devices. On a Pixel Fold, you could switch to split view on the inner display, while only the outer screen might permit reverting to the traditional merged look. This approach is sensible for larger screens, but compelling power users to adapt their workflow carries some risk.

Wi-Fi and mobile data toggles may finally become less bothersome

The second enhancement is more nuanced and, according to some, long overdue.

Android 12 introduced the combined Internet toggle, which required a mini menu to alternate between Wi-Fi and mobile data. Google claimed this helped avoid accidental disconnects, but users believed it complicated matters. That discussion continues.

The new leak proposes that Android 17 could reintroduce separate toggles for Wi-Fi and mobile data. Mystic Leaks suggests that Google is testing layouts that load more quickly and offer one-tap access.

This approach reduces accidental taps for casual users while delivering faster control for power users. It’s a rare win-win for Android’s interface.

Of course, none of these modifications are yet guaranteed. They remain concealed in early Android 17 builds, meaning Google could revise, postpone, or even scrap them entirely prior to launch.

Netflix Debuts Its Inaugural Original Podcasts: Future Launches and Information

Netflix is officially making its entrance into the podcasting world, representing a major extension of its content repertoire. Following the recent debut of video podcasts through a collaboration with Spotify, Netflix is now poised to launch its first original podcasts featuring well-known figures.

### Launch of Netflix Original Podcasts with Pete Davidson and Michael Irvin

Podcasting has experienced a dramatic rise in popularity, fueled by platforms such as YouTube and Spotify, with Apple Podcasts also witnessing a revival. The medium has become essential to political campaigns and promotional efforts for films and television, underscored by the Golden Globes’ establishment of an award for ‘Best Podcast.’

Acknowledging the increasing impact of podcasts, Netflix, the foremost global streaming service, has opted to embrace the movement. The company has secured partnerships with Spotify and iHeartRadio for exclusive video podcasts, while also introducing its own original content.

Netflix has revealed its first two in-house podcasts:

– **The Pete Davidson Show**, debuting on Friday, January 30
– **The White House with Michael Irvin**, launching on Monday, January 19

#### Show Descriptions

**The Pete Davidson Show**: This podcast showcases the former *Saturday Night Live* star in a relaxed atmosphere, engaging in open discussions with friends. The show guarantees an unfiltered approach to conversations.

**The White House with Michael Irvin**: This sports-themed podcast will address current sports headlines, game evaluations, and commentary. It will present two episodes weekly and will feature a rotating cast of co-hosts, including former NFL All-Pro wide receiver Brandon Marshall, who is also engaged in the show’s production.

New episodes of *The Pete Davidson Show* will be published every Friday, whereas *The White House with Michael Irvin* will deliver two episodes each week. Both podcasts will be available to anyone with a Netflix subscription, fitting with the platform’s goal to assimilate various types of content.

As Netflix broadens its podcast offerings, it prompts the inquiry of how audiences will interact with this novel format. The fusion of video and audio content could transform the podcasting landscape, creating an exhilarating advancement for both the platform and its subscribers.

Three Key Gemini-Enhanced Siri Functions That Android Misses

Google’s Gemini will drive the new Siri. The Information released a report detailing this collaboration, highlighting some prospective capabilities of Apple’s virtual assistant. As per the report, Apple will have the ability to incorporate even more functionalities than what was pledged at WWDC 2024.

The updated Siri will finally eliminate the “I can’t help you with that” reply and will instead provide factual information, narrate stories, function as an effective assistant, and even deliver emotional support. According to a source close to the situation, The Information states that Siri will assist you in planning your next travel arrangements. Future features, which may be disclosed during the WWDC 2026 keynote, could encompass the ability to recall previous discussions and propose actions based on app information.

However, the most intriguing aspect of these speculated features (enabled by Gemini) is that even Android users do not have access to similar functionalities, given the present capabilities of Google Gemini. This raises the question of whether the rumored functions of the new Siri expansion are developments made by Apple itself — or if Google might reveal some of them at its upcoming I/O conference to level the playing field.

These are the speculated distinctions between Google Gemini and a Gemini-enhanced Siri

“Uncover the Overlooked ’90s Sci-Fi Techno-Thriller from James Cameron”

Elon Musk’s Neuralink captures memories, enabling the user to experience them again. Yet, when Lenny acquires a memory detailing a murder, it entangles him and Bassett’s character in a conspiracy he strives to reveal.

In a movie centered on clinging to the past and the cherished memories we possess, there’s a poignant irony in “Strange Days” that eludes easy grasp. This may be due to the film not reaching the same success as Cameron’s other productions. Grossing nearly $8 million at the box office against a $42 million budget, it turned out to be a commercial disappointment, evolving into a cult classic now absent from any streaming platform. However, even if you haven’t stumbled upon this overlooked Cameron-written film, you may very well have caught a snippet of it in one of the biggest hits of the late ’90s.

Strange Days found a renewed presence in a Fatboy Slim track

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Gemini’s ‘Personal Insight’ Employs Google Apps for Pertinent Responses

Gemini familiarizes itself with your personal information to assist you in your daily activities.

(Image credit: Google)

Verizon Declares Nationwide Service Disruption: Information on Which Services Are Still Functioning

Extensive Verizon Service Disruption Disrupts Calls and Data Nationwide

Verizon has encountered a major nationwide service disruption, impacting hundreds of thousands of customers who found themselves with SOS-only connectivity instead of normal signal strength. The incident commenced late morning on January 14 and rapidly intensified, with over 170,000 outage reports recorded on DownDetector by early afternoon.

Key U.S. cities, such as New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Boston, and Washington, D.C., faced the greatest impact, with calls, texts, and mobile data all failing. During the peak of the outage, users in regions including New York, Nevada, Florida, Las Vegas, and Texas were unable to make calls, send texts, or access mobile data on Verizon’s network. Even Verizon’s network status webpage reportedly struggled to load.

On social media platforms like X and Reddit, exasperated customers recounted experiences of dropped calls, unreachable contacts, and devices stuck in SOS mode for extended periods. Verizon released a statement on its official X account, confirming the issue and stating that engineers are actively working to pinpoint and resolve the problem swiftly. The company expressed regret for the disruption but has not revealed the cause of the outage or when services will be completely restored.

Notably, mobile virtual network operators relying on Verizon’s infrastructure, such as Visible, appeared to escape the worst of the outage and continued to operate normally even while Verizon’s primary network was down.

Verizon Acknowledges Extensive Service Disruption Impacting iPhones Showing ‘SOS’ Signal

### Verizon Outage Impacts Numerous Customers

If you’re encountering difficulties with your mobile service today, you’re not the only one. Verizon is currently undergoing a major outage, which is also leading to secondary issues for T-Mobile and AT&T users, even though those networks remain functional.

#### Extensive Issues Reported

Data from Downdetector indicates that the troubles started shortly after 12 p.m. ET on Wednesday. Users across various social media channels have mentioned connectivity challenges involving all three providers. The Verizon outage seems to be widespread, affecting clients across the country from both the eastern and western coasts.

Impacted iPhone users on Verizon are displaying “SOS” in their status bar, signifying a complete absence of cellular connectivity. As Apple clarifies, this status indicates that while the device is not linked to a cellular network, emergency calls remain possible.

#### Comprehending the Outage

It appears that Verizon is the main carrier facing the outage, while AT&T and T-Mobile customers are dealing with related issues due to cross-network communication. There’s no indication that AT&T and T-Mobile networks are down.

Verizon has acknowledged the outage on social media, stating:

> “We are aware of an issue impacting wireless voice and data services for some customers. Our engineers are engaged and are working to identify and solve the issue quickly. We understand how important reliable connectivity is and apologize for the inconvenience.”

#### Community Responses

Are you encountering issues with your Verizon, AT&T, or T-Mobile service today? Please share your thoughts in the comments.

*Last updated January 14, 2025, at 1:27 p.m. ET*

Apple Creative Studio Icons Are Unique and Not For Sale as Individual App Purchases

### Apple Creative Studio: A New Dawn for Professional Applications

Apple has unveiled the introduction of Apple Creative Studio, a subscription-based service that provides a remarkable collection of professional applications. This venture has sparked a blend of enthusiasm and discussion among users, especially concerning the newly designed app icons linked to the subscription service. Nonetheless, Apple has made it clear that users are not obligated to transition to these new icons, as both standalone and subscription options for the apps will be accessible.

#### Subscription vs. Standalone Options

In an official support document, Apple assured that users have the choice between the standalone purchase options of widely-used applications such as Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro, among others, or the subscription variants incorporated in Apple Creative Studio. This adaptability enables users to preserve their preferred workflow without feeling pressured to move to the subscription format.

The subscription edition will incorporate exclusive AI functionalities, enhancing the applications’ capabilities. Still, users who have already bought the standalone versions will retain access to those apps and can install both options on their Macs. This dual offering is a pivotal development from Apple, addressing a diverse user demographic with varying preferences and requirements.

#### Unique App Icons

One of the most striking adjustments with the launch of Apple Creative Studio is the new selection of app icons. These icons function as a visual cue for the subscription editions of the applications. For example, apps such as Final Cut Pro, Motion, and Logic Pro will feature distinctive icons that set them apart from their standalone versions. This design decision aims to assist users in quickly recognizing which edition of the app they are utilizing.

Apple’s support document highlights that installing both versions is allowed, enabling users to alternate between them as necessary. This strategy not only improves user satisfaction but also provides a clear differentiation between the features offered by each version.

#### Release Date and Additional Information

Apple Creative Studio is scheduled to debut on January 28. For those keen on discovering more about the subscription service and its features, further information can be found in Apple’s official announcements and reporting from various tech news sources.

In summary, Apple Creative Studio signifies a major advancement in the domain of professional applications, offering users versatility and enhanced functionalities while retaining the option for conventional standalone purchases. As the launch date draws nearer, users are excited to delve into the new opportunities that this subscription service will present for their creative processes.