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Dropbox CEO says RTO mandates are outdated in today's modern worldDrew Houston compares the rules to shopping malls and cinemasDropbox has promoted hybrid working for some timeDropbox CEO Drew Houston has hit out at companies forcing their employees to return to the office (RTO) instead of continuing to embrace hybrid working.Speaking on an episode of Fortune's "Leadership Next" podcast, Houston compared RTO orders to the likes of shopping malls and cinemas, where similar bids to force people back have proved less than successful."We can be a lot less dumb than forcing people back into a car three days a week or whatever, to literally be back on the same Zoom meeting they would have been at home," Houston said. "There's a better way to do this.""Trust over surveillance"Dropbox has long been at the forefront of encouraging hybrid working, as back in 2021 it introduced a "90/10" rule where employees were permitted to work remotely for most of the year, and asked to attend some off-site events to make up the remaining 10%."Forcing people back to the office is probably gonna be like trying to force people back into malls and movie theaters," Houston said. "Nothing wrong with the movie theater, but it's just a different world now."This is not the first time Houston has promoted the virtues of remote working - back in 2023, he noted remote work has given companies "the keys that unlock this whole future of work.""You need a different social contract and to let go of control," he added, "But if you trust people and treat them like adults, they'll behave like adults. Trust over surveillance."Houston's words come after several major technology firms revealed RTO mandates.This includes Google, which is reportedly enforcing a new hybrid work model whereby employees are being asked to come to the office at least three days per week, and those who fail to comply could face consequences.Dell also recently announced it would be ending its hybrid work policy, with any employees living within an hour's commute from an office now told to go in five days a week.Via Business InsiderYou might also likeHow Dropbox teamed up with the world’s fastest Formula 1 team to perfect its AI Dash toolGood news - AI might be changing how you feel about your jobFancy a change? These are the best job sites and best recruitment platforms around

JBL is reintroducing its immersive soundbar lineup with even more power, but thankfully, the convenient detachable side speakers aren't going anywhere. JBL refreshed the entire Bar lineup, with the Bar 1000 MK2 leading the charge. The soundbar still features a 10-inch wireless subwoofer along with removable speakers on each end that let you continue playing your music or movies even if you wander away from the TV.

For the 2025 refresh, JBL kept the Bar 1000 MK2 on a 7.1.4 channel setup, but pumped up the max power output to 960W for an even louder and more immersive listening experience. The detachable speakers still have a max battery life of up to 10 hours, where you can reattach them to the soundbar to recharge. Like its predecessor, the Bar 1000 MK2 features true Dolby Atmos, thanks to four upfiring drivers, along with DTS:X 3D surround sound and MultiBeam 3.0. You won't have to constantly adjust the volume when bouncing between dialogue scenes and loud action since the updated soundbar has PureVoice 2.0 that automatically optimizes the dialogue volume based on the scene's ambient sound.

The Bar 1000 MK2 can still use Bluetooth or Wi-Fi to connect to a device, but is also compatible with AirPlay 2 and Spotify Connect. Besides the Bar 1000 MK2, JBL will debut the refreshed Bar 700 MK2 that comes with detachable speakers too, but can only virtualize Dolby Atmos. The updated Bar 500 MK2 and Bar 300 MK2 also don't offer true Dolby Atmos, nor JBL's Night Listening mode that automatically reduces loud noises. If you're in need of a soundbar with a subwoofer, it's worth noting that the new Bar 300 MK2 still doesn't have one.

The Bar 1000 MK2 is due to hit the shelves first at $1,199 later this month. The release of the $899 Bar 700 MK2, the $649 Bar 500 MK2 and the $449 Bar 300 MK2 will follow shortly after. The most expensive of JBL's Bar lineup, an 11.1.4-channel follow-up to the Bar 1300X, will release in the fall and start at $1,699. While it's much more expensive, it will come with detachable speakers that have standalone Bluetooth capabilities.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/audio/speakers/jbl-refreshes-its-2025-soundbars-with-a-serious-power-up-120014177.html?src=rss

WWDC 2025 is almost here, and you can follow all of the last-minute rumors on our WWDC liveblog. But I’ve also got a last-minute prediction to slide under the wire – or, more accurately, an anti-prediction, because there’s one thing I’m practically convinced we’re not getting at Apple’s big event.Where’s the gaming content, Apple? It feels like every few years, you take a big swing at the gaming arena – with stuff like Apple Arcade, the new Metal 3 developer kit, or, uh… Death Stranding coming to macOS four years late? – but frankly, it’s starting to feel like an afterthought.Let me be clear about this: the games industry is worth more than the music and film industries combined. You like money, right, Apple? There’s a deep well of untapped potential here, but I’m afraid it’s going to take more than simply bringing a handful of triple-A titles to Mac. Oh, and you probably shouldn’t have tried to stop one of the world’s most popular games from being played on your hardware.Apple and gaming: oil and water?It’s a strange thing; Apple products are everywhere, from the seemingly omnipresent iPhone to the best MacBooks and Macs. Hell, Apple makes a pretty big deal about the MacBook Air being the ‘world’s best-selling laptop’ (this claim requires a little fudging of the data to ring true, but I’ll give it to Apple just this once).But despite the no-doubt massive Venn diagram overlap between Apple users and gamers, the company seems largely disinterested in pushing gaming as a major feature of its products.And those products are perfectly capable of gaming. The new M4 chips – which can be found in the latest 2025 MacBook Air, amongst other products – are actually pretty beastly. Even the older M2 chip offered some admirable performance in our own Roland Moore-Colyer’s recent gaming tests. The hardware is not the problem here.At WWDC 2022, Apple made a pretty big deal about gaming on Mac. But has it gone anywhere? Nope. (Image credit: Apple)So, perhaps the software is the issue? It’s a fair claim: macOS is not the operating system of choice for most non-console gamers, with Windows holding a mammoth 95.45% of the user share in the most recent Steam Hardware Survey, split mostly between Windows 10 and 11. For comparison, all the combined macOS versions totaled up to a measly 1.85%.It’s hard to deny that gamers simply don’t see macOS as a viable platform for gaming, and by extension, developers don’t see macOS as a viable platform for developing games. But here’s the thing: that’s Apple’s fault.Making a commitmentSee, for all its faults, Microsoft has never shied away from the gaming space. The Xbox 360 was arguably one of the most iconic consoles of recent decades, the increasingly popular Game Pass is now available across console and PC, and Microsoft has long included gaming-related features in Windows. Hell, the company even has its fingers in the game development pie, with Xbox Game Studios hoovering up multiple smaller dev teams over the years.This is what Apple needs to do, if it has any designs whatsoever on making itself relevant within the gaming market. My lovely colleague Isaiah Williams posited that Apple should make a gaming handheld earlier this year – and while I agree, I don’t think that’ll solve the problem here. No amount of new hardware will make people want to game on Apple products; the excellent gaming performance of the M4 chip proves that, frankly.Yes, Cyberpunk is going to be on Mac. At some point. Don't ask when. (Image credit: CD PROJEKT RED / Apple)I've said it before, and I'll say it again: what Apple needs to do is actually make games. You’re running one of the world’s richest companies here, Tim Cook; time to put some of those iPhone billions behind an established dev studio, create a macOS game publishing division, and deliver the killer app that makes gamers want to buy a Mac. If Apple wants people to believe that it’s serious about gaming, we need to see big titles coming to Mac on day one – or better yet, completely exclusive.We’re not going to get this commitment at WWDC 2025, of that I have zero doubt. Perhaps Cyberpunk 2077 will finally get its long-awaited Mac release (after it came to the Nintendo Switch 2), but that’s just about all I’m expecting here. I’m not losing hope, though. It’s never too late to put your money where your mouth is, Tim. I’m sure we can afford to lose a few Apple TV originals.You might also like...The 7 biggest things to expect at WWDC 2025 – according to Apple expertsI hope Apple does more than just redesign iOS 18 at WWDC 2025 – here's whyGood news, Apple TV fans: the big tvOS free upgrade at WWDC today is claimed to work on all models going back 10 years

Great news if you're looking for a pair of AirPods! The AirPods Pro 2 are currently just $169 at Amazon, a saving of $80. If that's too much, the AirPods 4 are down from $129 to just $99, saving you $30. Or in the middle, the AirPods 4 with ANC are down from $179 to $148.99, also a saving of $30.One of the side benefits of today's Apple WWDC 2025 event is that we know that buying AirPods 4 or AirPods Pro 2 is a smart and safe thing to do: Apple is expected to announce new features coming to both models in iOS 26 later this year.The AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 2 are both excellent audio options for iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple TV owners, and right now they're also excellent buys thanks to some decent discounts.Today's best AirPods dealsApple's best earbuds are superb, and this deal cuts the price considerably. It's not a record-low price – they've fallen to $154 briefly in the past – but this price is still excellent value. You're getting all of Apple's best audio features including active noise cancellation, transparency mode, personalized spatial audio, hearing health features, and really great sound. There's also a Find My Case feature that literally points you towards your lost earbuds.View DealBoth versions of the AirPods 4 are discounted by $30, and that means the biggest saving is on the non-ANC model: that's down from $129 to just $99. They're sweat and water resistant, deliver Apple's excellent personalized spatial audio, offer good battery life, automatic switching between your Apple devices, and have Find My support so they're hard to lose.View DealWhy these buds are wise buysThese are very, very good earbuds that work brilliantly across all of Apple's devices – not just iPhone and iPad but Mac, Watch and Apple TV too.The AirPods 4 are ideal if you don't like in-ear tips, and the spatial audio in movies is particularly great. Just remember that there are two versions, one with ANC and one without. If you're going to be listening to music or podcasts on a commute or in busy places you might want to get the AirPods 4 with ANC, so you can hear what's going on a little better here.As for the AirPods Pro 2, here's the ultimate recommendation: while I get sent lots of headphones and earbuds to review, these are the buds I bought with my own money. They sound spectacular, which is important, and their noise cancellation is really effective.Apple has kept updating them since their 2022 arrival, adding new features, so they're even better value now than when they launched – and for $169, they're a ridiculous bargain, matching or beating earbuds that cost more.

The wait is nearly over for Apple's WWDC keynote. The livestream, which starts today at 1PM ET / 10AM PT, kicks off Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference, the company's annual showcase for the new features coming to all of its hardware devices over the next year. This year, the company has a lot to answer for, after falling short of the original goals of its debut Apple Intelligence initiatives that dominated last year's show — including recently announced delays to some of its key features. You can tune in right here once the livestream kicks off to see that and lots of announcements tied to macOS, iOS, iPadOS and all the company's other platforms.

To find out what Apple has planned for yourself, you can watch the WWDC 2025 keynote on its website, its YouTube channel and right here (embedded above) once the livestream is up. Apple will also host developer sessions online for more in-depth, technical overviews of the new software features it announces.

And for even deeper analysis of everything that gets announced at WWDC 2025, Engadget will be on-the-ground liveblogging Apple's keynote and learning more about its operating systems updates before they roll out later this year.

WWDC 2025: What to expect (and final rumors)

One way Apple could reportedly smooth over any ill feelings about AI is by completely redesigning its operating systems to make them more cohesive, easier to use and reminiscent of visionOS. The company is said to be planning the debut of its "Liquid Glass" interface redesign, which will come with "see-through visuals," for WWDC. The iPad could also receive some attention, with reports suggesting Apple will introduce yet another approach to multitasking and window management in an effort to make the tablet Mac-like. Add in new battery management feature and a "virtual health coach," and the company may have a raft of updates not immediately Apple Intelligence-related to get excited about.

In a recently released poster for WWDC, Apple included a tagline with the two words "Sleek peek." While previous versions of these have been endlessly speculated over to see if any clues could be found, the ones for the last few years have proven to be vaguely related. The invitation for the iPhone event last year said "It's Glowtime," which on hindsight could be in reference to the glowing edges of the new Siri interface, but that was first unveiled at WWDC 2024. Ultimately, "It's Glowtime" had little to do with the iPhone 16 series, which were most notable for their new Camera Control buttons.

In perhaps less significant news, Apple might also be renaming its operating systems, unifying them under a number designating the upcoming year — so we could see iOS 26, not iOS 19. It'll be a nice bit of unity given that we currently have everything from visionOS 2 to iPadOS 18 and everything in between.

Update, June 3 2025, 11:30AM ET: This story has been updated to include details on the event's tagline, which was revealed yesterday by Apple.

Update, June 8 2025, 8PM ET: This story has been updated to include rumored details on the software redesign Apple is expected to debut at WWDC.

Update, June 9 2025, 8:05AM ET: This story has been updated to reflect that the WWDC keynote is imminent (today).This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/how-to-watch-todays-apple-wwdc-2025-keynote-184227551.html?src=rss

Google is officially letting you prioritize certain people in your life. The company has launched Pixel VIPs, an update that allows Google Pixel owners to "stay connected to the people who matter most and never miss a moment from them." It expands on Google's existing favorite contacts option, 9To5Google reports.

Pixel VIPs includes features such as placing your "VIPs" at the top of your contact list and letting them bypass your device's do not disturb. If you click on a specific person then you can see their real-time location, weather and time. It also shows the last time you two connected. Plus, Google will suggest things for the two of you to do together based on your preferences.

You also have the option of adding notes to their contact page. These tidbits might include their new dog's name, when they're traveling or a reminder of your plans together.

The possibility that Google was working on this update first arose last summer under the name "besties," rather than "VIP." Reports from 9To5Google showed it replacing the favorite contacts option but didn't reveal much else. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/google-pixels-new-vip-contacts-lets-your-favorite-people-bypass-do-not-disturb-123053232.html?src=rss

Foundation season 3: key information- Set to be released in mid-July- Comprises 10 episodes that'll launch weekly on Apple TV+- Only trailer unveiled in mid-May- Key cast members all set to return- Other actors confirmed to have joined the cast- Plot synopsis revealed- Likely to draw from Isaac Asimov's 'Foundation and Empire' and 'Second Foundation' books- Fourth season reportedly in development with a new showrunnerFoundation season 3 is almost here. Following its surprise release date announcement in May, the Apple TV+ sci-fi show is set to return on July 11. So, there's no time like the present (or should that be the future?) to find out everything we know about it so far.In this guide, I'll walk you through the biggest and latest news about Foundation's third season. Indeed, you'll learn more about its episodic release schedule, trailer, confirmed cast, plot specifics, and the Apple TV Original's future from here on out.Be advised, though, that major spoilers follow for Foundation season 2. Potential spoilers are also discussed for the forthcoming season and Isaac Asimov's book series namesake.Foundation season 3 release dateA post shared by Apple TV (@appletv)A photo posted by on Foundation season 3 will make its debut on Apple TV+ on Friday, July 11. The tech giant confirmed this would be the case on its social media channels in mid-May.Initially, former showrunner David S Goyer and some of the show's cast declined to comment on the sci-fi series' season 3 renewal when I asked them about this rumor ahead of its forebear's July 2023 launch. Months later, Foundation season 3 was confirmed to be in the works.This season's development didn't always go as planned, though. Last February, Foundation season 3 faced an agonizing filming delay amid multiple issues, including apparent disputes over its budget. Less than two weeks later, things seemed rosy again, with principal photography starting up again on Foundation's next installment.But, more issues would spoil its filming schedule. Just one week after principal photography re-commenced, rumors quickly spread that Goyer had stepped back from the Apple TV+ sci-fi series, with fellow executive producer Bill Bost reportedly stepping in to fill the gap. Then, in late March, a new report suggested Game of Thrones' Pilou Asbaek had replaced Mikael Persbrandt as The Mule, aka this season's primary villain.Suffice it to say, season 3 has faced its fair share of problems. With Foundation's next chapter set to arrive shortly, we'll see how much of an impact all of this upheaval has had on its story and production quality.Foundation season 3 trailerThe first trailer for Foundation season 3 arrived in mid-May. It gave us our first official look at Asbaek's take on The Mule, teased plenty more in the way of mind-boggling sci-fi and explosive action, and suggested that the titular organization and the Empire will need to form an uneasy alliance to deal with galactic threat that The Mule poses.Foundation season 3 confirmed castNew versions of Brother Dawn, Brother Day, and Brother Dusk will appear in season 3 (Image credit: Apple TV+)Major spoilers follow for Foundation season 2.Here's who we'll see in Foundation season 3:Jared Harris as Hari SeldonLee Pace as Brother DayLou Llobell as Gaal DornickLaura Birn as DemerzelCassian Bilton as Brother DawnTerrence Mann as Brother DuskCassian Bilton as Brother DawnAlexander Siddig as Doctor Ebling MisTroy Kotsur as Preem PalverPilou Asbaek as The MuleCherry Jones as Foundation Ambassador QuentSynnøve Karlsen as Bayta MallowCody Fern as Toran MallowBrandon P Bell as Han PritcherTómas Lemarquis as Magnifico GiganticusYootha Wong-Loi-Sing as SongLeo Bill as Mayor IndburThe first seven actors return from Foundation's first two seasons, while the rest are all newcomers for the show's latest 10-episode installment.Flashback sequences notwithstanding, it's incredibly unlikely that we'll see any other actors return from season 2. Its follow-up is set over 150 years after the series' sophomore outing, so the likes of Ella Rae Smith's Queen Sareth and Kulvinder Ghir's Poly are surely dead by this point.One major character who definitely won't return is Leah Harvey's Salvor Hardin. She sacrificed herself to save Gaal in 'Creation Myths', aka season 2's final episode. Foundation's universe has the potential to bring people back from the dead – we're looking at you, Hari – but, considering Salvor was cremated, she's officially dead and gone.Foundation season 3 story synopsis and rumorsGaal has been in cryosleep for 150-plus years by the time season 3 begins (Image credit: Apple TV+)Major spoilers follow for Foundation season 2.Here's the official plot brief for Foundation season 3: "Set 152 years after the events of season 2, The Foundation has become increasingly established far beyond its humble beginnings while the Cleonic Dynasty’s Empire has dwindled."As both of these galactic powers forge an uneasy alliance, a threat to the entire galaxy appears in the fearsome form of a warlord known as The Mule whose sights are set on ruling the universe by use of physical and military force, as well as mind control. It’s anyone’s guess who'll win, who'll lose, who'll live, and who'll die as Hari, Gaal, the Cleons, and Demerzel play a potentially deadly game of intergalactic chess."That's just enough to go on for the time being. But, if you want more of an idea where this season could go narratively, my Foundation season 2 ending explainer looks at the possible storylines and subplots that could make up its successor's narrative, so read that article for more on what the season 2 finale might have set up. If you don't want to click away from this page, though, I'll give you an in-depth, spoiler-filled breakdown from this point on.In season 2 episode 9, we learned more about Demerzel's backstory and how she's the Empire's shadow ruler (Image credit: Apple TV+)Let's start with the Galactic Empire. Season 2's incarnations of its three Emperors – Dawn, Day, and Dusk, all clones of Cleon I – no longer sit on the throne (or thrones, if you will). Day suffocated in space, Dusk was killed by Demerzel, and Dawn fled with Queen Sareth after Demerzel threatened to execute Sareth for her alleged failed assassination attempt on Day in season 2's opening episode.Indeed, it was Demerzel who hired the Blind Angels to murder Day. He wanted to marry Sareth and father his own children, which would've ended the Cleonic dynasty. This plan went against the directives Cleon I gave Demerzel – remember, she's a robot – centuries earlier, which included maintaining that blood line. Long story short: Demerzel planned to set up Sareth as Day's would-be murderer and execute her to preserve the status quo.With season 2's Emperors deceased or on the run, Demerzel has been forced to decant new versions of all three clones – something she's never had to do before. With season 3 set over a century later, these new iterations may not be the current incumbents on the throne, though, so it'll be interesting to see a) if they are and b) how much power they actually wield in light of season 2's revelations about Demerzel.That's not the only wildcard Demerzel has at her disposal. In season 2 episode 9, aka 'Long Ago, Not Far Away', the Vault-based version of Hari Seldon – you didn't forget there were two of him, did you? – tried to show Demerzel how to operate the Prime Radiant. Essentially a data storage device, the Prime Radiant contains all of Hari's psychohistory-based math, which is being used to help guide humanity through its darkest age yet.The Prime Radiant also exists in a state of supposition, allowing it to exist in two places at once. That means the living Hari (the one working with Gaal) possesses one and, unfortunately for The Foundation, the other is in Demerzel's hands. Once she can read Hari's math, she'll be able to manipulate it and use it for her (and the Empire's) own nefarious means.A post shared by Apple TV (@appletv)A photo posted by on Speaking of the Vault, 'Creation Myths' revealed that the mysterious 4D structure survived the destruction of Terminus. I'm unsure when we'll see the Vault again, but I fully expect it to continue playing a big role in Foundation's overarching plot.The Foundation's survival isn't the only thing the Empire has to contend with.For starters, Dawn and Sareth's absconsion is a worrying prospect – Sareth is pregnant with Dawn's child, meaning their firstborn has a claim to the Empire's throne. With Foundation season 3 featuring a major time jump, we could see their child's next of kin make a play for the royal seat if this particular narrative is followed up on. After all, in the second half of 'Foundation and Empire', the second novel in Asismov's Foundation book trilogy, the Empire is engulfed by civil war. This plot point could be adapted for a showdown between Dawn and Sareth's bloodline and the Cleonic dynasty.Elsewhere, Gaal and Hari's successful recruitment of the Mentalics, a race with psychic abilities, means The Foundation is stronger than ever. Add the Mentalics to the Foundation's seven planetary bodies, plus the Empire losing the ability to hyperjump – the genetically engineered Spacers are no longer enslaved by them – and, as this season's story synopsis points out, the playing field is more level than ever before.Ignis is our home: a world worth saving. We’ll fight for its future. Will you do the same for yours? pic.twitter.com/MFVqs5DJwlJune 5, 2025Hari, Gaal, and company shouldn't expect to walk all over the Empire now, however. The emergence of The Mule – a powerful Mentalic who begins conquering worlds in Asmiov's book series – will surely give rise to the Third Seldon Crisis.These crises are fixed points in humanity's existence that determine whether The Foundation succeeds or fails. So far, The Foundation has navigated two potential calamities: surviving in the galaxy's outer reaches and bypassing a full-blown war with the Empire.The Mule, though, looks like he'll pose the biggest threat – and that's saying something – to The Foundation's existence yet. To combat him, Gaal and Hari have entered cryosleep on the Mentalics' sanctuary of Ignis. That way, they can be reawakened when The Mule shows up and help lead the fight against him. The rest of the Mentalics will hone their abilities and learn about psychohistory in the interim 150-year period so they're ready to battle The Mule and his forces when the time comes.Is Foundation season 4 in the works?The Mule isn't likely to be recurring villain in future seasons of Foundation (Image credit: Apple TV+)Not officially. However, a fourth season is reportedly in the works with a new showrunner in Fear the Walking Dead alumnus Ian Goldberg.By the time season 3 ends, Foundation will have only covered the first two main novels in Asimov's book series – 'Foundation' and 'Foundation & Empire', plus the first half of the third novel titled 'Second Foundation'. There are two prequel novels and two sequel books that expand on Foundation's unique universe, too, so there's plenty more storytelling ground to cover.Ahead of the first season's launch, Goyer (per Decider) revealed he had an eight-season outline for the series. It's deviated somewhat from the story told in Asimov's books so, alongside adapting parts from the wider source material, a more complete narrative could be told in the seasons to come.As long as Foundation continues to draw in a big enough audience to justify its financial outlay, Apple should continue to bankroll its development. If this season struggles to draw in fans new and old alike, though, the tech titan has shown it isn't afraid to cancel shows before their time. The jury is very much out on whether Foundation season 3 will be the show's latest or final chapter, then.For more Apple TV Plus-based coverage, read our Apple TV+ review. Alternatively, check out our guides on the best Apple TV+ movies, Severance season 3, Ted Lasso season 4, and Slow Horses season 5.

At WWDC 2024, Apple failed its customers. When the company announced the new, more personal Siri last year, it showed a product that was nowhere near ready. You can point to many different places where Apple Intelligence failed to meet expectations, but with WWDC 2025 fast approaching, the company owes its users an explanation of how it intends to win back their trust.

If you didn't watch last year's conference, here's a recap. At the heart of Apple’s promise of a better digital assistant was App Intents, a feature that would give Siri the ability to understand all the personal information stored on your iPhone. During the presentation's most memorable moment, Apple demoed Siri responding to a request from Kelsey Peterson, the company’s director of machine learning and AI, for an update on her mom’s flight. The assistant not only understood the prompt, but provided real-time flight tracking information in the process.

In short, the demo promised – after years of neglect – that Siri would finally be useful.

It should have been obvious in hindsight that Apple was overselling its progress on Siri, and AI more broadly. At WWDC 2024, the company did not let press and other attendees try the new version of the assistant. There wasn't even an opportunity to watch the company's employees use Siri. In fact, according to reporting The Information later published, it’s probably more accurate to describe what Apple showed last June not as a demo but as an elaborate concept video.

If Apple had only faked the WWDC demo, that would have been bad enough, but the company did something worse. As you may recall, the tech giant began rolling out Apple Intelligence features piecemeal in September. Rather than a public statement explaining the lack of progress, the company only admitted it was delaying the upgrade to sometime "in the coming year" after Daring Fireball's John Gruber sought answers. That same day, as if the company had only just realized its error, Apple pulled a TV commercial that showed The Last of Us star Bella Ramsey using the new Siri in the way it had demoed at WWDC 2024.

It’s going to take a lot for Apple to fix Apple Intelligence, but the best place the company can start is by being honest with its customers. Corporations, especially ones as big as Apple, rarely show humility, but in this case, an acknowledgement from the company that it promised the moon and missed the mark would go a long way towards righting some of the sins of WWDC 2024.

This applies to other aspects of Apple Intelligence just as much as it does with Siri. Look at the damage notification summaries did to Apple’s reputation. Apple Intelligence was so bad at aggregating the news, the company ended up pausing the notifications in the iOS 18.3 beta. When it released 18.3 to the public a couple of weeks later, it began labeling the alerts to give users a warning they may include errors.

As for other Apple Intelligence features like Image Playground and Genmoji, they’re forgettable because they offer little utility and see Apple following trends rather than offering something that truly enhances the usefulness of its devices. There too the company can tell its users it missed the mark and it plans to do better.

There’s no reason Apple can’t make Apple Intelligence great, but any effort to do so has to start with the company being honest: about what its roadmap of features can actually do, and to own up to when its promises can't be fulfilled.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/to-fix-apple-intelligence-apple-needs-to-be-honest-about-its-capabilities-130046256.html?src=rss