iMac Pro Appears to Include A10 Fusion Chip for Always-On 'Hey Siri'

[chucker23n1]

Seriously?

Microsoft was the leader with virtual touch screen keyboards for 3-4yrs prior to iPhone (PocketPC and PocketPC Phone Edition) - made by then OEM HTC for Vodafone, O2, Orange in Europe.
SonyEricsson has UIQ (Symbian based in china with minor league success.
Nokia had released 2 tablet like phones 7700/7710.
Motorola also used UIQ on a few phones and they had their 5th Java based phone as well.

Sure they all had styli but you could use finger for basic functions like phone, sms , and minor functions. They where smartphones ALL of them.

Where have you been?!

Apple brought multitouch THAT was the game changer in 2007, App Store took more than 1 yr to be released and with it the 3G model.

Multitouch was just one technology among several.

The game changer was that, unlike Windows Mobile (which largely just scaled down Windows Desktop) and UIQ (which just added some smartphone features to a dumbphone UI), iOS imagined a UI from scratch. It took inspiration from macOS, NewtonOS and others, sure, but it started from an assumption not of "how can we make Windows run on a small screen?" or "how can we add some non-phone functionality to a phone?" but rather "what's the best possible UI on a screen this size?". That's why it doesn't ship with a stylus or a keyboard, why it doesn't come with many macOS UI affordances such as menus or windows, why Phone is just one app among many, and so forth.

That's the game changer.

Android quickly understood this. Microsoft first tried to avoid this with Windows Mobile 6.5 and the canceled Windows Mobile 7; by the time Microsoft and Blackberry realized they needed a massive UI revamp, they were too late.
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Just checked the Mac Pro - page: https://www.apple.com/mac-pro/ = empty?

Amusingly, it works in Chrome.

 

[phren0logy]

I would bet that the A10 is for iOS development / testing without having to tether an iOS device.

 

[DeepIn2U]

Multitouch was just one technology among several.

The game changer was that, unlike Windows Mobile (which largely just scaled down Windows Desktop) and UIQ (which just added some smartphone features to a dumbphone UI), iOS imagined a UI from scratch. It took inspiration from macOS, NewtonOS and others, sure, but it started from an assumption not of "how can we make Windows run on a small screen?" or "how can we add some non-phone functionality to a phone?" but rather "what's the best possible UI on a screen this size?". That's why it doesn't ship with a stylus or a keyboard, why it doesn't come with many macOS UI affordances such as menus or windows, why Phone is just one app among many, and so forth.

That's the game changer.

Android quickly understood this. Microsoft first tried to avoid this with Windows Mobile 6.5 and the canceled Windows Mobile 7; by the time Microsoft and Blackberry realized they needed a massive UI revamp, they were too late.
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Amusingly, it works in Chrome.

You obviously never used UIQ or Windows PocketPC/PocketPC-PE (Phone Edition) ... I never said Windows Mobile (which is circa 2015 to 2017 death).

UIQ is Symbian based with a unique layer making it usable similar to a feature phone (not dumb-phone) for 1 handed usability. Symbian allows for full smartphone applications: SonyEricsson P800/900/910/990 is a great example since their UIQ allowed for a great feature phone layout if choosen via a flip-phone hardware component that could be removed.

PocketPC is a full kernel with a UI on it.

I specifically loathed the fluidity of each system and during that time prefered Nokia's Symbian (S60 2nd/3rd edition) because it replicated feature phone layouts in hardware design. But that in a nutshell is the history of smartphones that predate the OG iPhone.

Apple was keen to feature the phones readily available in the USA by carriers vs imports. They specifically chose the keyboard based units to exemplify their marketing points and strategies and did so with aplomb. Many that raved against it where die-hard belt-holster loving BlackBerry fans (I personally one of them at the time - just hated teh belt-holster), or that new alternatives already existed, and those that wanted a "smartphone" not a "phone" - which Apple was VERY careful to call the iPhone OG, 3G, and 3GS as 'phones' not smartphones.

Cheers

 

[c0ppo]

People keep echoing this nonsense. I wonder what the factors are that make Siri not work for some people? Maybe they tried once 3 years ago and gave up? I use Siri daily, from across the room, and she works great.

Well, I'm not a native english speaking person. And I don't live in an english speaking country. Siri doesn't work in my native language. There are just about dozen languages, right? So, for most countries, siri is useless. Pretty useless.

And despite that, with every major iOS upgrade, I try to use Siri. Just to find out that there were no advancements at all. Siri hasn't changed much since introduction. It's 5 years behind google assistant. And even google assistant isn't that great. So how good is Siri then?

Here is one video:

So please, explain to me, what is so great about Siri? I'm asking politely. I don't want to write that you are 'echoing nonsense' and similar stuff. I would rather that we keep this civilised.

 

[DeepIn2U]

Nope. That was your interpretation so you could reply with a snarky comeback. Next time, simply read what I typed.

I have read and replied accordingly:

Yeah... Just like when the first iPhone was introduced with a touch screen keyboard, instead of mechanical keyboard like the others. I remember all the outrage when that was announced.

my reply was specific to your recollection at the 2007 intro of the iphone and the threads shown here. most of the outrage was not simply against the touch-screen vs keyboard but as many of the Apple fans here believed it was the only touchscreen phone then. Look at others that quoted my reply you'll see they're aware as well not ever stating my reply to YOU was snarky. You need to chill and READ as you stated to replies and think beyond recollection how the reply is apt to your posting.

Perception isn't just yours to claim and wield.
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I never said iOS boots instantly.

yes, you never said iOS boots instantly. I felt your post implied that the cpu / iOS does or can boot instantly. The kernel alone, I believe, is too complex for instant boot application in what you're hoping for below - then there is the UI on top of that. That is why I presumed you implied that iOS boots instantly.

That's an incredibly powerful CPU to run just a "Hey Siri" interface. It would be nice if they also allowed the A10 to run iOS. They could use for an "internet appliance" mode that boots instantly and lets you run Safari without concern for viruses. Throw in App store compatibility and you'd have a killer iOS/Mac OS convergence device.

 

[chucker23n1]

You obviously never used UIQ or Windows PocketPC/PocketPC-PE (Phone Edition) ... I never said Windows Mobile (which is circa 2015 to 2017 death).

Um, no. Windows Mobile was the branding from 2003 to 2010.

You're thinking of Windows Phone 7 / Windows Phone 8 / Windows 10 Mobile. That's a completely different OS.

UIQ is Symbian based with a unique layer making it usable similar to a feature phone (not dumb-phone) for 1 handed usability.

That's great. It was also utter junk.

UIQ, Series 60, Blackberry, Palm OS, Cobalt, Windows Mobile, Pocket PC, …: none of those ever made it to the mass market, because they suuuuuuuuucked to use.

Symbian allows for full smartphone applications: SonyEricsson P800/900/910/990 is a great example since their UIQ allowed for a great feature phone layout if choosen via a flip-phone hardware component that could be removed.

Wonderful.

And you could run Snake on your Nokia.

I specifically loathed the fluidity of each system and during that time prefered Nokia's Symbian (S60 2nd/3rd edition) because it replicated feature phone layouts in hardware design. But that in a nutshell is the history of smartphones that predate the OG iPhone.

You forgot that IBM shipped a smartphone in the early 90s. Or that Alan Kay demonstrated a tablet in 1972.

You also forgot to mock that the iPhone lacked 3G, that it didn't have copy & paste until 3.0, or that it didn't even have a hardware keyboard.

And all of that misses the point, which is that all smartphones that came before the iPhone weren't accepted by the market. Because they sucked.

 

[Bacillus]

Two different CPU architectures in a single appliance signal a series of bad strategy decisions (to be forgiven by cheap silicon)
There is no reason to merge iOS and MacOS devices - other than making a touchscreen Mac, which they bluntly refuse...

 

[nt5672]

A separate processor that has access to your microphone even when your compuer is off isnt creepy in the slightest.

Which is why Apple will insist that the macOS become a secure enclave with only approved Apple apps. You know, to save the children and others that are not as bright as Apple management.

 

[jlseattle]

Underwhelmed by this feature. Siri sucks compared to Alexa (and I'm a huge Apple fan). I try to use Siri and I literally want to throw my phone out the window. I think if I wanted to live my life in frustration I would have "hey siri" always enabled. Siri is generally useless with answers like "sorry, I don't understand".

 

[DevNull0]

I don't understand this logic: "Siri shouldn't be on a 'pro' machine because pros want everything to be harder."

No, pros want to make things easier for themselves. Siri is not a part of that.

Even if Siri worked flawlessly, the things Siri does don't make anything easier for people who are using their computer. When I'm editing video, saying "Hey Siri, remind me to stock up on booze for the next Apple keynote" just don't make anything easier.

On your cell phone or facebook browsing laptop, sure for some people. But when you're actually trying to get stuff done, Siri is worse than useless.

 

[waqas]

May be this A10 chip can allow HomeKit to be enabled and use iMac as a Hub?

 

[Peperino]

Siri? Useless on iPhone, so why would I use it on a 'pro' machine?

Maybe we should ask Siri, when Apple is going to do an iMac with touchscreen...?

 

[sawah]

Does anyone have that wallpaper? gorgeous!

 

[chucker23n1]

Does anyone have that wallpaper? gorgeous!

Here you go:

Didn't read the ten pages but people who want the iMac pro marketing wallpaper:

http://media.idownloadblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/iMac-Pro-Wallpaper-2767-x-1556-AR72014.jpg

 

[Peperino]

iMac Pro $5000.00

No Touchscreen
Almost same outside 10 years old design. (look at Surface studio)
Can you upgrade any of the components (internal HD, etc)?
Maybe they ship the keyboard with a strip in order to justify the expensive price.

$5000.00 really?

No thanks

 

[sdwaltz]

I will never understand why a Mac needs siri.

I'm still working on figuring out why our phones need siri.

 

[springsup]

That's just the way the iPhone and iPad work.
For a Mac, a secure pairing mechanism between keyboard and Mac would be needed.
That's not exactly inconceivable.

Apple explicitly added this safeguard, even though it massively complicates iOS device repairs. I don’t see them dropping that requirement for the Mac, especially since they’re now doing FaceID. They may need to wait until the next refresh (or even the one after that) to add it, but it’s a better overall solution.

 

[JamesMay82]

I just hope that all these people who've been complaining for the last few years all rush out to buy this machine...

Put your money where your mouth is folks!

 

[PickUrPoison]

I just hope that all these people who've been complaining for the last few years all rush out to buy this machine...

Put your money where your mouth is folks!

The iMac Pro is only attractive to a subset of Pro buyers. Those who need something more modular/upgradable would likely prefer the upcoming Mac Pro refresh.

 

[kevslatt]

remove post

 

[Rob_2811]

I would bet that the A10 is for iOS development / testing without having to tether an iOS device.

That is what the simulator is for? Wireless debugging was introduced in Xcode 9

 

[scoobs69]

Cool. I'd rather talk to my computer rather than co-workers, family or friends.

 

[MrUNIMOG]

Not a "Pro" when it comes to using a Mac for my business, but a pro in engineering, I was wondering if they are going to use the A10 to re-direct the hot air which is going down according to their "air-flow-movie"?View attachment 737095

Did you see those two huge round things? They're called fans. They can make hot air go down, impressive huh?

 

[phren0logy]

That is what the simulator is for? Wireless debugging was introduced in Xcode 9

Sure, but with an A10 on board why not run it native? Save those intel cores for something else, and get a more accurate picture of performance on an ARM chip.

 

[Apple Knowledge Navigator]

I just can’t understand the cynicism and snark that’s being directed towards Siri on the Mac.

It’s not a new feature, and it’s not unique to iMac Pro. If you don’t like it, turn it off (like many of us do). Simple.

Siri will only be one task for the A10 to work with. It seems very likely that Power Nap would make good use of the chip if it enabled more enhanced system management, especially while the computer is asleep.

Also, we don’t know what other features are in store until the product is offiially unveiled. This is just a wild example; but the A10 could drive functionality between the iMac and a nearby iPad, which could deliver a second screen or graphics tablet functionality. Who knows?