Tech Brew Ride Home
Fri. 09/20 – MacOS 15 Sequoia Is Breaking Things
· Summarized
Key takeaways
- Users should consider delaying updates to macOS 15 Sequoia due to compatibility issues with security tools.
- The EU is pushing for Apple to improve interoperability for connected devices under new regulations.
- The revival of Three Mile Island illustrates the growing reliance on nuclear power to meet the energy demand of AI technologies.
- NVIDIA's AI-RAN seeks to mitigate the bandwidth strain caused by AI applications on 5G networks.
- Huawei’s Mate XT tri-fold phone has seen unprecedented pre-order demand, surpassing any other foldable.
- Weekend long reads offer deeper insights into tech innovation and cultural shifts.
Summary
Concern Over macOS 15 Sequoia
In this episode, it was highlighted that updating to macOS 15 Sequoia may not be advisable due to reports of broken security tools. Major cybersecurity firms, including CrowdStrike and Sentinel 1, announced that they would delay support for the new OS version, citing compatibility issues. Experts expressed frustration, emphasizing that rather than users blaming their tools, a better focus on Apple’s testing practices could prevent these issues.
EU's Regulatory Pressure on Apple
The discussion turned towards new regulatory proceedings initiated by the European Union, which seek to ensure that Apple provides effective interoperability features for iOS connected devices. The EU expects Apple to clarify how it will handle requests for interoperability to aid app developers. Apple's response emphasized its commitment to user privacy while conforming to the new regulations, underlining the ongoing tension between tech giants and regulatory bodies.
The AI Energy Crunch and Nuclear Power
The episode revealed that, in response to the increasing energy demand from AI advancements, Constellation Energy plans to invest $1.6 billion to revive the Three Mile Island nuclear plant, primarily to supply carbon-free energy to Microsoft. This strategic move reflects the growing dependence on nuclear energy amid surging electricity needs driven by AI and data centers, highlighting a significant shift back towards nuclear infrastructure.
5G Capacity Strain and NVIDIA's Solutions
Discussion also focused on NVIDIA’s launch of AI-RAN, a platform designed to integrate AI within telecommunications networks to help alleviate the pressure that AI applications are putting on 5G capacities. By enabling smarter network management, it aims to keep pace with the rapidly growing demand for wireless connectivity needed by AI-driven technologies.
Huawei's Tri-Fold Phone Popularity
The episode wrapped up with a mention of the remarkable pre-order success of Huawei’s $2,800 Mate XT tri-fold phone. With over 6.5 million pre-orders, it vastly outperformed all other foldables this quarter, stirring excitement and disappointment among fans who struggled to purchase the device at launch.
Weekend Longreads Suggestions
For the weekend, listeners were recommended intriguing long reads, including profiles on Palmer Luckey’s ventures into virtual reality and defense industries, and an exploration of the minivan's decline in popularity with ascending SUV trends.
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Show notes
You might want to hold off on updating to macOS 15 Sequoia. What, exactly, is Europe trying to get Apple to do? The AI energy crunch means they’re turning Three Mile Island back on. Could AI usage mean we use up all our 5G capacity? And, of course, the Weekend Longreads Suggestions.
Sponsors:
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Links:
Apple’s new macOS Sequoia update is breaking some cybersecurity tools (TechCrunch)
EU to tell Apple how to do interoperability, DMA style (TechCrunch)
Microsoft AI Needs So Much Power It's Restarting Site of US Nuclear Meltdown (Bloomberg)
AI is stressing networks out - Nvidia thinks AI can help (Fierce Network)
Huawei 'super fans' fuming as left empty handed by $2,800 phone launch (Reuters)
Weekend Longreads Suggestions:
American Vulcan - Palmer Luckey (TabletMag)
The Death of the Minivan (The Atlantic)
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