A refresh of the MacBook Neo may currently be in testing and could tackle its main performance limitations.

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      The upcoming MacBook Neo may feature an A19 Pro chip, increased memory, and new color options.

      Apple is already developing an updated version of the MacBook Neo, just months after the release of its most affordable laptop.

      As reported by Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, Apple has been experimenting with a new MacBook Neo equipped with an A19 Pro chip and enhanced memory. This aligns with previous reports suggesting that a second-generation version could be released in 2027, offering improved multitasking capabilities and enhanced longevity.

      Increased memory might be the most significant enhancement

      The existing MacBook Neo operates with a downgraded A18 Pro chip and 8GB of unified memory. It performs adequately for browsing, streaming, and general productivity, but the restricted memory can become problematic when multiple applications and numerous browser tabs are open simultaneously.

      Bloomberg has not disclosed the precise memory specifications for the new model. Earlier reports indicated a potential upgrade to 12GB, which would provide additional space for multitasking and enable future features of macOS. Furthermore, 12GB of memory is necessary to run advanced Apple Intelligence functions locally.

      The A19 Pro, already included in the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, is expected to enhance CPU, graphics, and Neural Engine performance. Reports suggest that Apple intends to periodically refresh the laptop with new color options as well.

      The increase in memory may also raise the price

      The critical question remains how much Apple will charge for this new model. The MacBook Neo was initially priced at $599 when it launched in March, but the starting price increased to $699 in June due to rising memory costs affecting the Mac lineup. An upgrade to more unified memory might make it challenging to maintain the current price point, although the Neo would still be priced below the MacBook Air.

      Currently, there is no indication that Apple will address other shortcomings of the first model, such as the lack of a backlit keyboard, mechanical trackpad, and inconsistent USB speeds. The revamped model is anticipated to debut at a launch event in spring 2027, alongside the standard iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e.

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      Framework Desktop features Ryzen AI Max, up to 192GB of RAM, and local AI capabilities in a compact PC

      192GB of RAM in such a small desktop? Framework confirms it.

      Framework has gained a reputation for delivering products that other PC manufacturers typically shy away from, and its latest announcement continues that trend. At AMD's Advancing AI event, the company unveiled a new variant of its Framework Desktop, designed specifically for running large AI models locally on your device. If you've been looking for a way to utilize local AI, this could be the machine for you.

      So, what’s new?

      AI is becoming a source of emotional support, which raises concerns

      Chatbots are now learning to provide comfort.

      I expected artificial intelligence to be quicker at calculations or data analysis than humans. However, emotional support was the last area I thought AI could excel. New research led by the University of Manchester, in collaboration with Durham University, has discovered that leading AI chatbots can match or even surpass human responses to typical emotional issues. The researchers conducted five studies with 1,233 participants, testing responses from ChatGPT-4o, Claude 3.5 Sonnet, and Gemini 1.5 Pro. Participants evaluated replies to scenarios like being overlooked for a promotion or returning to a disorganized shared living space without initially knowing if the responses came from a person or an AI.

      You can now purchase a computer mouse that is operated entirely with your tongue

      Augmental has begun public sales of the MouthPad and introduced a new wearable that allows for hands-free typing.

      Augmental first showcased its tongue-controlled MouthPad as a novelty at CES 2024. Today, this device is available for purchase, with the company launching public sales in the US along with a beta version of Vox, a companion wearable designed to facilitate the typing aspect of Augmental's hands-free computing solution.

      A retainer that functions as a mouse.