Apple’s AI Ascent: Unpacking the Innovative Shift in Intelligence at WWDC 2024

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Lauren Goode and Michael Calore

Reimagining Apple's AI Innovations

During the keynote speech at this year's WWDC developers conference, Apple leadership unveiled the upcoming AI features set to enhance iPhones, iPads, and Macs. They demonstrated the power of new generative technologies in assisting with email composition, improving iPhone photo quality, creating presentation graphics, and designing personalized emoji characters.

In 2024, integrating AI into every possible aspect has become a standard move, with every major tech firm incorporating comparable generative capabilities into their offerings. However, Apple has arrived somewhat late to this trend. It's widely viewed as trailing in the generative AI space, especially when compared to the advancements made by OpenAI, Microsoft, Google, and numerous emerging startups. Yet, the question remains: Is Apple truly lagging? And what sets its AI, playfully called Apple Intelligence, apart from the rest?

This week, the program is excited to have Will Knight, a senior writer at WIRED, joining us again to discuss the latest on Apple Intelligence, the revamped Siri, and Apple's strategies to stand out in the competition for AI dominance.

Episode Highlights

Explore Will’s latest narrative on the debut of Apple Intelligence, along with his examination of the crucial steps Apple must take to prevent its AI from frustrating, displeasing, or upsetting iPhone customers. Check out Boone Ashworth’s comprehensive summary of all the announcements made by Apple at WWDC. Lauren shares insights on why Apple’s venture into AI might be the ultimate strategy to encourage iPhone upgrades. Julian Chokkattu offers an in-depth analysis of the new AI capabilities that will be integrated into iOS. Dive into our complete coverage of WWDC.

Suggestions

Will suggests using the AutoGen multi-agent dialog system. Mike endorses the Klean Kanteen’s Rise Food Box for consideration. Lauren advocates for trying out the Lunya washable silk sleep mask.

You can locate Will Knight on X under the handle @willknight. Follow Lauren Goode at @LaurenGoode and Michael Calore at @snackfight. For the main contact, reach out to @GadgetLab. Boone Ashworth (@booneashworth) is the producer of the show. The soundtrack is courtesy of Solar Keys.

Tuning In

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Transcript Note:

Please be aware that this transcript was generated by an automated system and may include inaccuracies.

Lauren Goode: Mike.

Michael Calore: Lauren.

Authored by Christopher

Authored by Julian Chokkattu

Authored by Julian Chokkattu

Certainly! To proceed, I

Lauren Goode: Would you agree with the notion that Apple might not pioneer new features, but when they do introduce them, they frequently improve upon them significantly?

Michael Calore: Absolutely, it proved successful for both the iPod and the iPad. However, it might not have had the same effect with Vision Pro. They introduced the iPhone before anything else, but personally, I'm not completely convinced by iPhones. Actually, I prefer using a Pixel.

Lauren Goode: It appears they've managed to do something correctly with the iPhone, though you remain unconvinced.

Michael Calore: Absolutely. Generally speaking, Apple's strategy of observing first and then outperforming the rest has indeed proven to be highly successful.

Lauren Goode: How do you feel about artificial intelligence?

Michael Calore: Could you elaborate on that?

Lauren Goode: In your opinion, will Apple's AI surpass the technological advancements of its competitors?

Michael Calore expressed that while Apple Intelligence may appear attractive, it isn't enough to convince him to transition to an iPhone. He believes the functionalities it offers are quite similar to those he currently enjoys on his Pixel, noting that the showcased features didn't seem novel to him as an experienced user.

Lauren Goode: It's important we discuss this topic, not just focusing on smartphones, but on artificial intelligence as a whole.

Michael Calore: Alright, agreed.

Lauren Goode: Let's get started.

[The introduction music for Gadget Lab begins]

Lauren Goode: Hello, everyone. Thanks for joining us at Gadget Lab. My name's Lauren Goode, and I serve as a senior writer over at WIRED.

Michael Calore: And my name is Michael Calore. I oversee consumer technology and culture here at WIRED.

Lauren Goode: Quite the impressive designation you've got there. I can't quite get over your recent title upgrade. This week, we're also accompanied by Will Knight, a seasoned writer from WIRED, making a return to dive deep into discussions about AI with us. Will, it feels like you're both near yet distant. You're joining us remotely from a hotel room in Cupertino, roughly an hour's drive south from our location. Sadly, we couldn't have you in the studio with us, but it's great to have you on this side of the country.

Will Knight: Indeed, I appreciate the invitation. It's great to return.

Lauren Goode: Today's topic is all about Apple. Indeed, this week marked the occurrence of WWDC, Apple's yearly gathering for developers. We had correspondents like Will onsite in Cupertino, while many of us covered the event remotely from our offices. For those who keep up with technology news or are regular listeners of our podcast, you're likely familiar with the format of these developer conferences. They attract thousands of app creators to a single venue where various tech leaders take the stage to deliver keynotes, followed by sessions tailored specifically for developers. The focus is primarily on creating new things using the most recent software advancements.

Many everyday individuals are likely to tune into events such as Apple's WWDC, as these conferences often herald significant changes to how products like the iPhone function. However, this year's gathering took a distinct turn, placing an unprecedented focus on artificial intelligence (AI). This topic is a frequent subject of discussion on our program, yet this instance stands out as particularly noteworthy. There's a common narrative suggesting Apple is lagging in the race to develop generative AI, especially compared to giants like OpenAI, Microsoft, Google, and numerous emerging startups. But the question arises: Is Apple truly falling behind? Furthermore, what sets Apple's approach to AI apart, aside from the unique branding it receives?

By Christopher Solomon

Authored by Julian Chokkattu

By Julian Chokkattu

Authored by Boone Ashworth

So, Will, given your profound expertise, how does Apple's generative AI stand out from the rest?

Will Knight: Essentially, they haven't introduced a groundbreaking language model or anything that rivals ChatGPT in terms of capabilities. Instead, they're focusing on narrowing the scope of their AI's functions. Part of their strategy is to highlight the ability to operate AI directly on devices, aligning with their emphasis on privacy and security. So, while it might seem they're lagging behind because they haven't released a product as advanced as ChatGPT, it's worth considering that their approach to device-based AI development is quite remarkable in its own right. The differences between their AI technology and the more potent models might not be significantly noticeable to many users.

Lauren Goode: They've named it Apple Intelligence. And as you pointed out, they're not following in ChatGPT's footsteps since they haven't introduced a distinct chatbot or search engine. Instead, everything operates directly on your iPhone or other Apple gadgets. From the demonstrations you witnessed, could you detail its functionality and appearance? What sets this AI apart from the usual activities we've been performing on our phones?

Will Knight shared his experience, saying, "Absolutely. Today's demonstrations revealed how Apple's AI technology is seamlessly woven into various applications, unlike standalone offerings like Gemini or ChatGPT. It's evident that much of this technology mirrors innovations by Google, yet Apple's execution appears more smooth and thoughtfully amalgamated into its devices. For instance, within macOS or iOS on advanced devices, users can select text in emails or any app to either summarize it or alter its style. Moreover, the technology enables the transformation of sketches into AI-generated images. Another intriguing feature is 'Genmoji,' which designs custom emojis. Knight speculates this could unexpectedly become the most popular application."

The array of tools available doesn't strike me as particularly advanced in their functionality. ChatGPT, for instance, showcases far more complex capabilities in generating text. It appears as though there's a deliberate focus on product development, which seems like a wise strategy amidst the frenzy of competition over AI superiority. It's evident that there's been a conscious effort to limit their capabilities, likely a prudent move given the technology's tendency to produce unexpected and sometimes problematic outcomes. Even as people start to create their own emojis, and despite the implementation of numerous safety measures, it's almost inevitable that we'll encounter inappropriate content sooner rather than later.

Authored by Christopher

Authored by Julian Chokkattu

Authored by Julian Chokkattu

Certainly! To rewrite the text

Michael Calore: Absolutely, you've probably hit the nail on the head. That's likely to be the game-changing application.

Lauren Goode: Siri will start engaging in flirtatious behavior with us.

Will Knight: The reason I brought this up is due to the fact that OpenAI's latest ChatGPT iteration is famously flirtatious, and it's clear they've intentionally avoided giving Siri similar qualities. They had the opportunity to imbue Siri with a greater level of emotional expression and vocal nuance. The newly revealed Siri, powered by Apple Intelligence, has significantly improved in managing conversations. Like the updated ChatGPT, it adeptly navigates through pauses and corrections, enhancing its capability to follow commands. However, they've made a deliberate choice to not endow it with excessive emotional or social human-like traits. They've assured us that it certainly won't act in a flirtatious manner.

Michael Calore highlights the significant strides voice-activated chatbots are making towards understanding context, noting continual improvements in this area. He points out that the demonstrations Apple showcased, which were pre-recorded rather than live, hinted at these advancements. Calore expresses curiosity about real-world interactions with Siri, emphasizing the major leap forward being the device's ability to grasp context. This evolution allows users to ask a follow-up question without needing to reiterate previously mentioned details, like a movie's name or a specific time. Such a feature, which has long been present in Alexa and Google's assistant, marks a pivotal improvement in how Siri operates, enhancing its user-friendliness and efficiency in handling requests.

Lauren Goode: In essence, what Mike is suggesting is that crafting an impressive AI demonstration is quite straightforward.

Michael Calore: Indeed.

Lauren Goode: Is it functional?

Will Knight: They provided demos to me and a few others, though they refrained from allowing us to interact directly with it. It appeared to demonstrate improved functionality, but it remains to be seen just how significantly better it is.

Another aspect they highlighted was the customization feature, which they consider a core element. They suggested, "It's going to be significantly more beneficial as it leverages your personal data." Siri appears to have the capability to integrate with a multitude of applications, not only accessing them but also utilizing existing iPhone automations to perform helpful tasks. However, in my observation, there was a lack of features for summarizing or editing emails or any Siri interactions that appeared genuinely tailored. It seems there's a restriction on the extent to which the models can learn from user data. Nothing presented struck me as particularly groundbreaking or as an enhancement that substantially increases its usefulness. Although, if one could deeply engage with those applications and execute actions, it might prove valuable, but this potential was not evident in the demonstrations.

Authored by Christopher

Authored by Julian Chokkattu

Authored by Julian Chokkattu

Certainly, I can help with

Lauren Goode: Will, earlier you brought up the topic of privacy. Apple has made a move in this area by establishing a private cloud infrastructure. This ensures that if an AI task cannot be processed locally on the device, it is transferred to the cloud. However, Apple emphasizes that this occurs within its own secure servers, which are powered by Apple's proprietary silicon.

Michael Calore: This is the beneficial cloud.

Will Knight: Indeed.

Lauren Goode: Can you describe the functioning of this?

Will Knight: Indeed. So, they've discussed and released a white paper illustrating that whenever a request is sent to the cloud, the data is stored securely within a specific portion of the chip. They have designed an architecture that is intended to be secure and verifiable, ensuring that all data is encrypted from start to finish. This theoretically gives users peace of mind that their information is not being mishandled or at risk of being exposed. However, during the demonstrations they provided, it appeared that the model never actually transferred data to the cloud, but rather, they emphasized processing information directly on the device. It's unclear when they would need to utilize cloud processing. Perhaps they are anticipating future scenarios where they develop significantly more advanced models.

Discussions are currently centered on integrating this functionality with the iPhone Pro in the realm of smartphones, as well as across all M1-powered laptops. This integration, however, restricts the number of compatible devices. For instance, your HomePod won't support some of these features, and it doesn't appear that there will be a shift towards cloud-based enhancements to improve capability. This raises some concerns about the practical value of such features. It's clear that emphasizing privacy and security is a significant aspect of their marketing strategy, especially in an era where using generative AI can mean entrusting your personal data to unknown parties. While prioritizing privacy and security is understandable, its effectiveness remains to be seen. The effort to marry these concepts with technology isn't something widely adopted or explored by others, yet it could prove to be fascinating if it enhances functionality and operates smoothly without excessive delays in cloud communication.

Lauren Goode: Will, as you describe how these demos were so meticulously orchestrated in a single room, and it appeared all processes were managed by the device itself, it leads me to speculate that perhaps they were secretly delegating any additional requests to Willy Wonka's Oompa Loompas hidden away, who might have been, for all we know, manipulating various punched or mathematical cards to operate their system. That must be their version of a private cloud.

Will Knight: Essentially, it's only people.

Lauren Goode: Absolutely, it's simply a group of people, but they're all dressed in white jumpsuits. It's incredibly reminiscent of Apple.

By [Your Name

Authored by Julian Chokkattu

Authored by Julian Chokkattu

Unfortunately, you haven't provided

Michael Calore: The Automaton Chess Player.

Lauren Goode: Precisely.

Will Knight: That's possible. I didn't inquire about that.

Michael Calore mentioned, "Lauren, I believe you've covered a story on the necessity of having the most recent smartphone, correct? Only the latest models like the iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, or the upcoming iPhones this autumn will receive specific updates upon their release. These updates will initially be available in a beta version on iOS 18, before being fully integrated into iOS 18 through a subsequent update, expected mostly in 2025. Consequently, individuals with the newest or previous year's top model will be able to access these features. However, those with an iPhone 15 or iPhone 14 will be excluded, leading to criticism towards Apple. Many see this as an unfair tactic, pushing customers towards frequent hardware upgrades."

Typically, my skepticism aligns with yours, as I often view these scenarios as tactics by corporations to encourage consumers to splurge on unnecessary high-end smartphones. A budget-friendly phone suffices in many cases. However, Apple's track record of emphasizing superior user experiences cannot be ignored. The company strives for a flawless, swift interaction with its devices. Yet, there might be instances, perhaps with the iPhone 15 or iPhone 14, where performance dips, feeling a bit sluggish and less stellar. Consequently, Apple appears to be setting restrictions to prevent such subpar experiences from occurring.

Lauren Goode expressed her desire for Apple to provide clarity, reflecting on a conversation with Will about why certain features are restricted to only the top-tier devices equipped with the latest processors. She speculated whether this approach is merely a tactic to encourage consumers to upgrade to the upcoming iPhone 15 Pro or even the iPhone 16 model expected in September. According to some analysts she consulted, this strategy might boost iPhone sales, which have been experiencing a downturn. However, she also mentioned that any significant impact on sales might not be immediate, since the AI technology involved is still relatively new and might not attract immediate widespread interest.

I believe there will be a significant number of users who feel that a mid-tier or older model smartphone meets their needs perfectly. They might think that they don't require the latest Genmoji feature, have no use for Siri to sift through their multitude of notifications, or see the need for the newest technology just yet. Over time, however, the prevalence of these advanced features could encourage more people to upgrade their devices. Understanding precisely why there's a necessity for the A17 Pro chip, or the M1 or M2 Ultra chips, would indeed be beneficial. Hopefully, detailed explanations regarding this will be made available in the future.

Authored by Christopher

Authored by Julian Chokkattu

Unfortunately, you didn't provide the specific text you

Unfortunately, you didn't provide

Will Knight: Indeed, I wasn't provided with a straightforward explanation. I had a conversation with Brenda Stolyar, a fellow team member, who mentioned it might relate to the device's RAM capacity, adding to the confusion. Honestly, the rationale behind their decision isn't very clear to me. Moreover, I was under the impression that the concept of this private compute cloud was designed to facilitate older devices by offloading tasks. So, it's puzzling…

Michael Calore: Indeed, that seems logical.

Will Knight: … somewhat perplexing.

Lauren Goode: Absolutely.

Will Knight suggests that the demonstrated capabilities do not represent the pinnacle of AI advancements. He notes from his own experience that comparable functionalities can be executed on outdated equipment. Knight speculates that the underlying motive might be to boost iPhone sales.

Lauren Goode highlights a key distinction, noting that Apple incorporates its intelligence technology directly within its products, rather than developing an independent chatbot or search engine. This approach, she explains, emphasizes privacy by processing data on the device itself whenever possible, or alternatively, on Apple's highly secure cloud. Unlike other companies, Apple has not unveiled any large-scale language models akin to those seen with ChatGPT, Gemini, or others like Bard, which are making waves in the tech industry.

Michael Calore: Shakespeare belongs to the Gemini zodiac sign.

Lauren Goode: Right. Is that accurate, Will?

Will Knight: Absolutely, indeed.

Lauren Goode: Regarding the cloud, yes.

Will Knight mentioned that the company has yet to reveal something of that nature. Moreover, he found it noteworthy that during the demonstration he inquired about the copyright status of the data utilized. From what he understood, particularly concerning the creation of images, the company was not relying on traditional copyrighted content. Instead, they were either compensating artists or using original content created by their own artists. Knight suggests that this strategy could potentially restrict the scope of what can be produced and might reduce the need for a larger model. However, he also believes that their unique approach to handling copyright issues during the training process could prove to be quite intriguing.

Lauren Goode: That's fascinating. It's reassuring to hear that they're compensating artists. Obviously, they need to be mindful of their financial health and the risk of bankruptcy, but it's positive to hear that.

Okay, let's pause for a moment, and upon returning, we'll explore how Apple's artificial intelligence aligns with various AI solutions we've frequently discussed here. Following that, we might delve into additional revelations from WWDC. Stay tuned for more after this intermission.

—

[Pause]

Lauren Goode: Alright. We've touched on how Apple aims to set itself apart from other AI-centric tech firms by unveiling Apple Intelligence. However, we're curious about the aspects of Apple AI that appear to be more of the usual, essentially the activities we're already accustomed to on our smartphones. Additionally, Will, we're eager to hear your thoughts on some of the other highlights from WWDC that were announced swiftly.

Authored by Christopher

Authored by Julian Chokkattu

By [Your Name]

I'm sorry, but you

Alright. To begin, can you share instances where you observed Apple Intelligence and realized, "Indeed, we have the capability to accomplish that already?"

Will Knight expressed his opinion that the functionalities demonstrated are essentially capabilities that one could already achieve using ChatGPT or other similar platforms. He noted that many of the features added to email and note-taking applications mirror those that Google has previously introduced in its Docs and Gmail services. Interestingly, what seemed to garner the most enthusiastic response from the audience, to Knight's surprise, was the introduction of the calculator app to the iPad.

Lauren Goode: It was quite astonishing. Watching the livestream, I genuinely thought I was mistaken. It reminded me of those classic sitcoms where they play canned laughter and applause. I found myself wondering, "Have they added a pre-recorded cheer from the audience?" And then, the calculator.

Will Knight shared his experience, stating, "I'm telling the truth. Someone beside me exclaimed, 'Oh my god,' when it was revealed, which was quite the moment. They demonstrated solving equations and sketching a small diagram, along with the capability to analyze and convert that into an actual graph, which was both smooth and noteworthy. This involves a multimodal approach, integrating the processing of images, deciphering handwritten text, and understanding previous language inputs. However, this seems to echo what has already been presented by companies like OpenAI and Google at their respective gatherings recently. Therefore, I believe there wasn't anything groundbreaking shown. On the contrary, it appeared to be quite standard. However, I do think there's a strategic aspect to this, as they're likely aiming to steer clear of the mishaps that can occur with this technology. They're being cautious. Apple likely wants to distance itself from the controversies that frequently surround generative AI technologies. So, it seems they are intentionally keeping their advancements under wraps to some extent."

Michael Calore highlights a fundamental expectation from Apple's recent announcement of its partnership with OpenAI, integrating ChatGPT directly into its interface. Now, when Siri or a manual search fails to provide an answer, users are prompted to redirect their query to ChatGPT. This process, however, introduces an extra step which Calore finds awkward and cumbersome. He notes the intention behind this design choice: to make it abundantly clear to users when they're transitioning from an Apple service to an external one, essentially absolving Apple of responsibility should the user experience be less than satisfactory. Additionally, Calore mentions that Apple has teased the future availability of various models, suggesting that users might soon have the flexibility to choose their preferred digital assistant, much like selecting a web browser.

Authored by Christopher

Authored by Julian Chokkattu

Authored by Julian Chokkattu

Certainly! To rewrite the text

Lauren Goode: Absolutely. The avatar bears a resemblance to Sam Altman, who, incidentally, was present. He's destined to be remembered as one of the leading figures passionately involved with AI, given his collaborations with both Microsoft and Apple. Truly, Sam Altman's ventures could fill an entire podcast episode on their own. What an achievement.

Michael Calore: You've coined a new term.

Lauren Goode: Infatuated with AI, wasn't that a terrible pun?

Michael Calore: Absolutely, it was exceptional. The AI was outstanding—

Lauren Goode: Absolutely. However, Mike, addressing what you mentioned, it seems the other choice we have is ChatGPT, which is accessible to all of us on our smartphones as well.

Will Knight: Indeed, it appears their actions are primarily aimed at satisfying or mollifying investors and regulatory authorities. They're attempting to demonstrate—

Michael Calore: In what way?

Will Knight: Essentially, Apple aims to position itself at the forefront of technology by introducing these features. However, they seem to be encountering issues, especially with Google being the default search engine, and their discussions on offering various AI models to users. From the demonstrations provided, I'm left questioning if their approach has inadvertently diminished ChatGPT's effectiveness. For instance, they've showcased scenarios where users take photos of vegetables to get dinner suggestions from ChatGPT. Honestly, it's hard to imagine that being a common use case. It strikes me as somewhat bizarre, to say the least.

Honestly, I'm not sure. It appears to be an amusing evasion, really.

Lauren Goode: Will, did you catch any news at the event that wasn't about Apple Intelligence that grabbed your attention and made you think, "That's quite cool. I'm interested in that?"

Will Knight: It's intriguing how your Apple Watch offers instant translation capabilities.

Lauren Goode: Do you wear an Apple Watch?

Will Knight: Yes, I own an Apple Watch. Additionally, I've traveled extensively. Once, during my travels in China, I encountered devices marketed for their ability to translate spoken language using early deep learning technologies. However, these were before the advent of advanced language models, resulting in often confusing and inaccurate translations. You would speak into the device, it would translate, and the local people would be perplexed by what was said. The replies would then become even more muddled when translated back. Despite these issues, the concept itself was intriguing to me. I believe that modern tools like the latest version of ChatGPT, which can perform translations, are quite remarkable in comparison. I've found such technology could be very handy. Also, having a calculator has significantly impacted me.

Lauren Goode: Wow, I can't believe it.

Will Knight: My initial experience at WWDC left me astonished by the audience's reactions. It was my first time, and the excitement over the unveiling of new widgets or icons, no matter how minor, was very striking.

Authored by Christopher

Authored by Julian Chokkattu

Authored by Julian Chokkattu

By Boone Ashworth

Lauren Goode: So, the NIPS Conference is different from that?

Will Knight: Which conference are you referring to?

Lauren Goode: The Neural Information Processing Systems Conference. NIPS.

Will Knight: AI Conference.

Lauren Goode: Ah, NeurIPS. It was originally named NIPS, right?

Will Knight: Previously, they were known by that name, but it became necessary for them to alter it.

Lauren Goode: And it underwent a transformation.

Will Knight: Affirmative.

Lauren Goode: Could you share your thoughts on how NeurIPS stands out?

Will Knight: NeurIPS tends to be slightly more—

Michael Calore suggests considering a redo.

Lauren Goode: That's fine, keep it there. So, you're indicating it's not the same as the NeurIPS Conference.

Will Knight: Indeed, it varies. NeurIPS stands as the top conference for AI, which has grown astonishingly due to the vast amount of AI research being conducted. The focus is intensely detailed, delving into the newest models, their capabilities, training materials, and more. So, it's a stark contrast for me. Attending was an enjoyable experience. I found it surprising how they gathered everyone only to present a video. It felt absurd, almost like a scene out of Silicon Valley.

Lauren Goode: Essentially, you traveled coast to coast just for that, Will.

Will Knight: Indeed, I was curious about the unfolding events.

Lauren Goode: Let's delve into the topic of messaging. It's crucial to discuss it, given it's among the most significant revelations.

Michael Calore is eager to discuss the topic of communication, particularly the intriguing possibility of using satellite messaging for non-urgent matters. While specifics are scarce and many are curious about the logistics, the basic premise allows individuals without a data connection to send and receive texts through a satellite link. Apple has previously offered two years of complimentary satellite messaging for emergencies on iPhones, but it remains unclear if this service will expand to cover non-emergency scenarios. It might necessitate a subscription or perhaps a pay-as-you-go model, yet the public is keen to understand its applicability—whether it's limited to remote areas or could also be beneficial in situations where traditional network services fail, such as crowded events where network congestion makes communication nearly impossible.

Lauren Goode: Or while flying.

Michael Calore: Or while flying. Is it possible to use it then? There's a lot of curiosity surrounding it. The excitement is palpable as people are eager to learn all there is about satellite messaging. However, it seems they might not receive the answers they're hoping for.

Lauren Goode: I believe it will indeed involve a financial expense.

Michael Calore: Absolutely. Plus…

Authored by Christopher

Authored by Julian Chokkattu

Authored by Julian Chokkattu

Unfortunately, you haven't provided

Lauren Goode: That's what I believe.

Michael Calore: … It would surprise me if they permitted its use on flights.

Lauren Goode: In my opinion, using it for two-factor authentication on airplanes would be incredibly beneficial.

Michael Calore: Affirmative.

Lauren Goode: Do you often encounter this situation? Whenever I try to access my Condé email while flying, I end up getting … Mike is nodding in disagreement.

Michael Calore: Absolutely not.

Lauren Goode: And since I'm not signed in, I'm thinking, "Alright, I need to sign in," but then I have to go through the authentication process. I'm stuck waiting for the two-factor authentication code, which doesn't arrive because it's supposed to come through a text message.

Michael Calore: Certainly not.

Lauren Goode: What's the reason for your refusal? Has this never occurred to you?

Michael Calore: Actually, I don't handle airplane duties. For me, airplanes provide personal time.

Lauren Goode: Identify yourself. What actions have you taken regarding Michael?

Michael Calore: I'm someone who hasn't operated in an aerial environment … I've never been employed in relation to an aircraft.

Lauren Goode: How do you spend your time on flights?

Michael Calore: I engage in reading, find rest in sleep, enjoy listening to podcasts, and spend time gazing out the window.

Lauren Goode recommends watching B-grade films.

Michael Calore: Absolutely, I indulge in great films.

Lauren Goode: Have you ever shed tears?

Michael Calore: Occasionally.

Lauren Goode: Are you asking in a broad sense or specifically about films?

Michael Calore: Experiencing the weight of the Apple Vision Pro against my face.

Lauren Goode: Fair point. At times, I find myself working… Okay, there are moments when I'd rather not work and prefer to dedicate my time to organizing my email inbox.

Michael Calore: Indeed, that remains a task.

Lauren Goode: Yes, it is, but it’s essentially effortless. It involves simply grouping together, tagging as junk, and then removing.

Michael Calore: That's the purpose of using Uber.

Lauren Goode: Actually, I start feeling queasy in the rear seat of an Uber if I attempt that. Moving on. I'm truly looking forward to this satellite communication being functional on airplanes, though I'm aware it's likely to be misused, don't you think? I mean, it’s not exactly misuse, but you get what I’m saying, right?

Michael Calore: Absolutely.

Lauren Goode: … what is considered necessary varies from person to person.

Michael Calore: Absolutely.

Lauren Goode: An individual is in a serious argument with their partner and they say, "I just received a text," instead of, "I have to place an urgent call."

Michael Calore: Haven't we all experienced the moment when we're either firing off a last-minute text or on the receiving end, just as we're instructed to switch to airplane mode? Then, we're left to stew in our thoughts for the duration of the flight. Picture a world where that's no longer a concern. Imagine not having to stress over it at all. You could simply—

Lauren Goode: It's premature.

By Christopher Solomon

Authored by Julian Chokkattu

Authored by Julian Chokkattu

Authored by Boone Ashworth

Michael Calore suggests simply sending a text message.

Lauren Goode: Genmoji.

Michael Calore: Genmoji doesn't catch my attention. Let's shift the conversation to RCS.

Lauren Goode: Indeed, we ought to discuss it briefly, say around four seconds, mirroring the brief mention it received at Apple's presentation, even though it's among the top interests for many. RCS stands for Rich Communication Service, which is, uh… I'm struggling to find the right term at the moment. What is it again? Not a platform, but a…

Michael Calore: Approach.

Lauren Goode: … basic concept … It's a communication standard, thank you. It reminds me of a conversation we had with Will some time ago. This standard aims to unify the messaging experience between iPhone's blue bubble messages and Android's messaging system. Interestingly, the majority of people globally use Android devices and depend on various messaging applications for communication. However, iMessage holds a significant appeal for iPhone users due to its use of Apple's data network, offering numerous exclusive features for messages sent between iPhones, which unfortunately, aren't available to Android users marked by the green bubble. RCS (Rich Communication Services) was envisioned as a solution to balance these disparities. It's a protocol that Google strongly supported, managing to bring wireless carriers into agreement.

In a previous year, Apple announced their decision to adopt RCS technology. This move was widely interpreted as Apple's way of addressing regulatory pressures from the European Union targeting tech corporations, as well as responding to calls within the United States for Apple to adopt more equitable practices in messaging. However, they briefly mentioned it, essentially saying, "We're adding RCS support," before swiftly changing the subject.

Michael Calore: Absolutely.

Lauren Goode: There was also this small symbol among the list of features coming with the new iOS update.

Michael Calore: Indeed. I'm not overly optimistic about Apple's execution being top-notch, though I'm open to being pleasantly surprised. The key aspect is the secure, end-to-end encrypted messaging between devices. However, there's a notable issue when Android users communicate with iPhone users in group messages – texts malfunction, and videos are received as heavily pixelated messes, hardly resembling actual videos. It's quite frustrating. If they could just address these minor irritations to improve compatibility between the two platforms, then everyone would be satisfied. It would lead to a sort of global harmony, allowing us to all proceed with our lives.

Lauren Goode: It's simply the most basic requirement. Additionally, it's safe.

Michael Calore: Indeed.

Lauren Goode: And that's all.

Michael Calore believes that individuals prioritize convenience over safety. According to him, the trade-off between security and functionality has been ongoing for a long time. He suggests that for most people, as long as something functions properly, its security isn't a major concern. Even though technologies like RCS offer security, Calore posits that this isn't the primary worry for users; instead, their focus lies elsewhere.

Authored by Christopher

Authored by Julian Chokkattu

Certainly! However, there seems to be a misunderstanding

Authored by Boone Ashworth

Lauren Goode: Do you believe it's only the journalism enthusiasts who are interested in this matter?

Michael Calore: I'm eager to view the picture of your cat.

Lauren Goode: Yes, or perhaps another option.

Michael Calore: Or perhaps I simply don't want to feel excluded.

Lauren Goode: Exactly. Exactly. Or I don't want to be labeled as the one in the group chat who's blamed for complicating things because I use an Android device.

Michael Calore: Indeed, because the responsibility lies with Apple, not me. I apologize for taking this personally.

Lauren Goode: No, I believe that's fine.

Michael Calore: On the topic of tailored experiences.

Lauren Goode: I believe that's a reasonable assessment. Will, surely you're part of group chats, right? Given you're from the UK, it seems likely. Our producer is indicating we're over time, yet now I'm curious, Will, given your UK background. You must have numerous friends back there. So, are you in any group chats that include Android users?

Will Knight: Honestly, they mostly use WhatsApp.

Michael Calore: Affirmative.

Lauren Goode: That's precisely my point.

Michael Calore: And there you have it.

Will Knight: In England, WhatsApp has gained immense popularity. Absolutely.

Michael Calore: Indeed.

Lauren Goode: Plus, WhatsApp offers all those entertaining features as well. You have the ability to send voice recordings, use tap backs, emojis, and more. Absolutely.

Will Knight: Hold on until you receive your initial Genmoji, and you'll find yourself hurrying to upgrade your device.

Lauren Goode: Indeed. I'm currently using an iPhone 15. The interesting part about no longer critiquing smartphones, something I spent ten years doing, is that I don't feel any pressure to upgrade to the latest model anymore.

Michael Calore: You need to purchase them like any ordinary person. Oh, you're indicating you're fine with that.

Lauren Goode: Just me here. Yes, I'm fine. I currently have the 15, not the Pros, so I'll need to sort that situation. I'm slightly unsure… particularly about Genmoji versus tapbacks. I'm pretty sure nowadays entire relationships are maintained through tapbacks, and I'm fine with that.

Will Knight: Is it possible to incorporate a Genmoji in your tapback-enabled device? Can you—

Lauren Goode: I believe it's possible.

Will Knight: Indeed.

Lauren Goode: I believe it's possible. It should be, don't you think?

Will Knight: That's the aspiration.

Lauren Goode: Exactly, yes.

Will Knight: It's the creative vision.

Lauren Goode: Absolutely, it's great to have that cleared up, Will. After all the extensive research and development in artificial intelligence, it appears that creating Genmoji as a quick response feature is the pinnacle of our desires. Will, I really appreciate your insights. Don't go anywhere. We'll take a short pause, and upon our return, we'll dive into our top picks.

Authored by Christopher

Authored by Julian Chokkattu

Authored by Julian Chokkattu

Authored by Boone Ashworth

—

—

Lauren Goode: Okay. Will, since you're our special guest today, what do you suggest we check out this week?

Will Knight: Alright, I've got a software framework suggestion for you called AutoGen. This tool, developed by Microsoft, is quite user-friendly. It enables various AI models, or distinct personalities within a language model, to collaborate on solving tasks. What's fascinating here is the growing body of research presented at various conferences illustrating that collaboration among models can tackle challenges that might stump a single model, often leading to more dependable outcomes. Plus, there's an entertaining aspect to it. Setting up these models with unique personas and observing their interactions and debates is something I personally find quite amusing, even if it doesn't amuse everyone.

Michael Calore: Cataclysmic.

Will Knight: Yes, somewhat.

Michael Calore: Essentially, it boils down to collaboration. Working together is what turns aspirations into reality.

Will Knight: Absolutely, that's precisely the point. It's fascinating because, at its core, it's less about human collaboration and more about a smart strategy for enhancing the prompts fed into a model. It raises the question of whether the focus should be on having multiple models collaborate like a team or on finding significantly improved methods to interact with these models, which is what this approach facilitates. Nonetheless, it's intriguing… The fact that people are exploring these varied tools is quite captivating. Perhaps, the future of Artificial Intelligence might involve various AI systems debating dinner recommendations or collaborating in some manner.

Lauren Goode: Representatives. "Representatives."

Will Knight: Agreed.

Lauren Goode: And what's the way for someone to locate AutoGen?

Will Knight suggests searching for AutoGen online since his memory on the subject is unclear.

Lauren Goode: Could you tell me the correct spelling of that?

Will Knight: Look up A-U-T-O-G-E-N on GitHub. There, you'll be able to access and experiment with the software by downloading it.

Michael Calore: Ah, compressed archives.

Lauren Goode: Entertaining.

Michael Calore: Excellent.

Lauren Goode: Absolutely.

Will Knight: Without a doubt.

Lauren Goode: So, there's no cost involved, Will?

Will Knight: Yes, it's available at no cost.

Lauren Goode: It's available on GitHub. Yes.

Will Knight: Indeed.

Lauren Goode: Alright, I appreciate it. Mike, what do you suggest?

Michael Calore suggests trying out the Klean Kanteen Rise Food Box.

Lauren Goode: It seems like you simply used a random word creator and threw out a variety of terms.

Michael Calore: Indeed.

Lauren Goode: Alright. Explain to our audience what this is all about.

Michael Calore: So, Klean Kanteen, spelled with a K for both 'Clean' and 'Canteen,' is known for producing water bottles.

Lauren Goode: Absolutely.

Michael Calore: In addition, they produce various items such as portable coffee cups and small drinking vessels, among others.

Lauren Goode: Yes, it's linked to the Kardashians, correct? They're known for the K theme, all the Ks involved.

By Christopher Solomon

By Julian Chokkattu

Authored by Julian Chokkattu

As per your request, please

Michael Calore expresses uncertainty.

Lauren Goode: Just joking around. That was completely fabricated.

Michael Calore: Understood.

Lauren Goode: That's related to the K aspect, correct? Alright, go on.

Michael Calore: Okay. So, there are these meal containers, quite similar to Japanese bento boxes, designed for carrying your lunch, particularly handy for those of us heading back to the office at WIRED. It seems a lot of us are returning to office environments where the pre-pandemic meal services might not be available anymore, making these containers a practical solution for anyone needing to eat during the workday. They're crafted from metal, which is a great feature. Plus, they're compatible with microwaves for warming up your meals, just remember to remove the cover since it's not meant for microwave use. What really stands out to me, though, is the robust rubber seal they come with. This includes a silicone band around the lid for a tight seal, complemented by flaps that press down to secure it in place.

Currently, I commute to work by bicycle, which means I always pack my lunch in my bike bag. In the past, using various containers, I've often faced issues with my meals leaking. However, this particular food box has solved that problem completely. Its sealing capability is outstanding. Despite initially seeming somewhat fragile, it has proven to be incredibly reliable over several months of use, with not a single incident of leakage. This is a remarkable change for me, as my bag no longer carries the lingering scent of kimchi but simply smells like any normal cycling bag. Therefore, I highly recommend the Klean Kanteen Rise Food Box. It's worth mentioning that Klean Kanteen has produced other food containers prior to this one, which didn't feature the impressive sealing quality. They were decent, but this latest version is a game-changer.

Lauren Goode: However, you wouldn't prefer to cycle while wearing them.

Michael Calore: I've experienced leaks with those before.

Lauren Goode: Understood.

Michael Calore: The latest release, the one from 2024, is the superior version.

Lauren Goode: What's the approximate price of that?

Michael Calore: I possess the one that's of average size, and I believe it cost $35.

Lauren Goode: Alright.

Michael Calore: That seems like quite a bit.

Lauren Goode believes it's valuable.

Michael Calore: But absolutely justified.

Lauren Goode: Absolutely. That's an excellent suggestion.

Michael Calore: I appreciate it. Lauren, what do you suggest?

Lauren Goode suggests opting for the Lunya silk sleep mask that can be washed.

Michael Calore: Ah.

Lauren Goode: Oh, my apologies for coming off like a TV ad. Let me present it to you, prompting you to say, "Oh, do share more details."

Michael Calore: Could you elaborate on that?

Lauren Goode: You were involved in the conversation when I acquired the Lunya, recall that?

Authored by Christopher

Authored by Julian Chokkattu

Authored by Julian Chokkattu

Authored by Boone Ashworth

Michael Calore: Indeed, I do.

Lauren Goode: Ah, let me start with the sleep mask. For those considering a sleep mask or already using one, there's a plethora of choices out there. But from my experience, this particular one tops them all. Now, I haven't tested a wide variety, but this one stands out. It's incredibly soft and fluffy, fits comfortably without being too snug, and is made of silk which feels luxurious and smooth against the skin. Plus, it's easy to clean. Honestly, it's the most comfortable sleep mask I've ever tried and it has completely transformed my sleep routine. I wasn't much of a sleep mask user until recently. On my birthday, I had a small dinner celebration and mentioned it in a conversation with friends over a group text, which, by the way, turned green because Mike uses a Pixel. During the dinner, I asked my friends if they used sleep masks and which ones they preferred. Everyone seemed to be in favor of them. So, I decided to treat myself to one for my birthday.

Exhaustion had completely overtaken me. It wasn't alcohol-induced; merely fatigue. In the midst of searching online for sleep masks, I nodded off. The following day, an alert popped up on my phone: "Your Lunya package is en route." That moment made me realize just how out of touch I was. Apparently, in my sleepy stupor, I had treated myself to a sleep mask. I even boasted about it to my friends in our chat, saying, "Guys, I can't believe it. I was half-asleep last night and ended up buying something from Lunya." When the package finally arrived, I found a card inside from a close friend wishing me a happy birthday and mentioning I had wanted a sleep mask. It turned out that one of my friends from our conversation had made the purchase for me, and in my dazed state, I assumed I had done it myself. It felt like I was embodying the stereotype of a 'wine mom' without having touched a single drop of wine.

Michael Calore: They then convinced you that you had ordered it in your sleep.

Lauren Goode: Indeed, and the highlight for me was the element of surprise. She kept up the act for several days, allowing me to believe I was the one responsible.

Michael Calore: Absolutely.

Lauren Goode: Absolutely. I'm a big fan of my Lunya. I would definitely suggest it if you're in the market for a sleep mask. Although it is a bit on the pricey side, around $50, I believe.

Michael Calore: That's amazing.

Lauren Goode: Priced high for a sleeping mask.

Michael Calore genuinely shows concern for your well-being.

Lauren Goode: Certainly, though, some models are nearly $35, as far as I know. So, it's really a difficult choice between the Klean Kanteen and the Lunya sleep mask. What's more important, uninterrupted sleep or a Kanteen that doesn't leak?

By Christopher Solomon

By Julian Chokkattu

Authored by Julian Chokkattu

Certainly, please provide the text

Michael Calore: Warm Meal.

Lauren Goode: A warm meal, folks. It all seems like veiled language at this moment. Alright, time to conclude our program. Boone is on his last legs. Our dear producer, unfortunate Boone. We're grateful to you, Will, for being with us and putting up with our antics. It was truly enjoyable.

Will Knight: It’s my pleasure. Appreciate the invitation.

Lauren Goode: We appreciate everyone tuning in. Should you wish to share your thoughts, leaving a review would be great. If the show wasn't to your liking, feel free to mention that, but consider rating us five stars regardless, as it aids in boosting our show's profile. For additional comments, we're accessible on social media and quite active in responding. Our contact details can be found in the show notes, where we'll list our social media handles. The production of the show is expertly handled by Boone Ashworth. We're signing off for now, but look forward to rejoining you next week.

[Outro music for Gadget Lab plays]

Will Knight: I stumbled upon an application that claims it can convert human speech into cat language.

Lauren Goode: Interested in cats?

Will Knight: Absolutely.

Lauren Goode: Is it only purring, purring, purring, purring?

Will Knight: It requires a payment. I haven't made that payment. Is it still possible for me to endorse it?

Michael Calore: Affirmative.

Boone Ashworth: Could it be CatGPT?

Lauren Goode: Could this be CatGPT?

Will Knight: It's not named Cat… I need to check its actual name. I've already installed it, but then I thought, "Oh no, do I really have to pay for this?"

Lauren Goode: I'm happy to do it without charge. What do you need to know, Mike? Let me know your query, I'm CatGPT, ready for your question.

Michael Calore: May I utter a directive?

Lauren Goode: Absolutely, happy to.

Michael Calore: Okay. Return to slumber.

Lauren Goode: Pur, pur, pur, pur. Pur, pur, pur, pur, pur, pur. And there it is.

Will Knight: It wasn't what we expected… It was entirely unique.

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