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Siemens and Microsoft scale industrial AI – Robotics & Automation News

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Siemens says it is “revolutionizing” industrial automation with Microsoft. Through their collaboration, they have taken the Siemens Industrial Copilot to “the next level”, enabling it to handle the most demanding environments at scale.

Combining Siemens’ unique domain know-how across industries with Microsoft Azure OpenAI Service, the Copilot further improves handling of rigorous requirements in manufacturing and automation.

Over 100 companies, including Schaeffler and thyssenkrupp Automation Engineering, are currently using the Siemens Industrial Copilot to streamline processes, address labor shortages, and drive innovation.

With 120,000 users already leveraging the Siemens engineering software TIA Portal, they now have the opportunity to enhance their work with the genAI-powered assistant.

Co-creation partner thyssenkrupp Automation Engineering is now the first to plan to use the Copilot globally. Beginning in early 2025, their machines will be engineered with the assistant, fully unleashing its potential across their entire product range.

The rollout will take place globally. Siemens is pioneering the offering of gen AI for automation engineering in the industry and has made this capability easily accessible on the Siemens Xcelerator open digital business platform.

Judson Althoff, executive vice president and chief commercial officer at Microsoft, says: “The collaboration between Siemens and Microsoft marks a pivotal moment in the industrial sector; one where AI Transformation becomes a cornerstone for innovation and operational efficiency.

“By integrating Microsoft Azure OpenAI Service into Siemens’ industrial solutions, we are equipping companies with cloud-based AI tools to simplify complex challenges, drive productivity, and help them stay competitive in an increasingly dynamic environment.”

Cedrik Neike, CEO of Siemens Digital Industries, says: “Together with Microsoft we scale industrial AI, empowering our customers throughout the industry to become more resilient, competitive and sustainable.

“thyssenkrupp Automation Engineering shows how customers can use the Siemens Industrial Copilot even in highly demanding environments as a major efficiency boost.”

Since the product’s availability in July 2024, customers across various sectors have started using the Siemens Industrial Copilot for Engineering to boost efficiency.

Engineers can now create panel visualizations in 30 seconds and generate code that requires only 20 percent adaptation. This streamlines workflows, reducing manual effort and addressing the skilled labor shortage.

The chat function also provides instant, precise answers, eliminating the need for lengthy searches. By leveraging the Copilot, companies are driving productivity and innovation.

Transforming battery quality assurance with the Siemens Industrial Copilot

thyssenkrupp Automation Engineering exemplifies the Siemens Industrial Copilot’s transformative potential at scale, particularly in complex control, such as development of automated systems for the production of battery and hydrogen assembly lines.

One of their machines helps ensure quality of batteries for electric cars, a crucial factor in the sustainable energy transition and the industry’s reliance on 100 percent reliable batteries.

Sensors, cameras, and measurement systems are integrated to monitor battery cell quality across multiple stages, conducting complex evaluations to detect discharges beyond set thresholds.

The Siemens Industrial Copilot supercharges the development and operation of this battery machine by automating repetitive tasks like data management, sensor configuration, and the crucial reporting of each step necessary to meet strict battery inspection requirements.

Generally, the Copilot supports engineering by handling both routine and essential documentation tasks. This allows the engineers to focus on complex, value-added work, while its real-time problem-solving capabilities minimize downtime and ensure smooth production.

Dr Volkmar Dinstuhl, CEO of thyssenkrupp Automotive Technology, says: “The Siemens Industrial Copilot will prospectively ease our workload and address the pressing challenges of labor shortages and increasing complexity in battery testing.

“This AI-powered solution will be a game-changer for our industry, and we will actively roll it out across our machines.”

Audi’s New Branding Draws Jaguar Rebrand Comparisons

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It’s been an interesting month in the automotive industry. By now you’ve probably heard about Jaguar’s controversial rebrand, which has got everyone from design experts to Elon Musk talking. Indeed, Jaguargate has arguably overshadowed another notable car design story – but people are starting to notice Audi’s slightly baffling branding move from earlier this month.

Audi’s New EV Brand: AUDI

When it comes to iconic logos, few are more famous than those four interlocking rings. So it’s somewhat surprising that the brand is ditching them for a new EV brand named, wait for it, AUDI. Yes, Audi has unveiled a new EV range in China, sporting, instead of one of the best logos ever, a new capitalised wordmark.

The new Audi wordmark
(Image credit: ThinkCar via X)

Audi’s Rationale

Audi says the new branding “signals both the connection to and differentiation from the sister brand. Based in and tailored for China, brand and car represent the best of both worlds – unmistakable Audi DNA meets China innovations… breaking new ground to tap into new and more tech-savvy customer segments.”

Reaction from Audi Fans

But after a slow start, perhaps because Jaguar came along and took all those column inches, the reactions are coming in – and it seems Audi fans aren’t impressed. “Honestly? This is hilarious. It’s one of those things that make you believe the simulation is real and the creator is going for maximum silliness,” one Redditor comments, while another adds, “Next week: Mercedes launches ‘MERCEDES’.”

Audi

(Image credit: Audi)

Audi’s CEO on the Branding Change

Audi CEO Gernot Döllner says the branding change is designed to meet the different expectations of Chinese customers. “Chinese premium customers are different from their international counterparts and have different expectations: they are younger than in the rest of the world. They are more tech-savvy. They expect leading connectivity as well as automated driving.”

Conclusion

While it makes sense that Audi is leaning into its EV partnership with SAIC in order to specifically target the Chinese market, it’s strange that it would deliberately omit such an iconic logo. Indeed, even the slightest tweaks to the tried-and-tested design have caused controversy in recent years, from the brand’s misjudged ‘socially distanced’ logo to the flattening of the rings, have proven, fans are particularly previous about the Audi logo. Surely getting rid of it, even for a specific range, is going to cause even more furore?

FAQs

Q: Why is Audi introducing a new brand?
A: Audi is introducing a new brand to specifically target the Chinese market and meet the different expectations of Chinese customers.

Q: What is the name of the new brand?
A: The name of the new brand is AUDI, without the four rings logo.

Q: Why is Audi omitting the iconic logo?
A: Audi is omitting the iconic logo to differentiate the new brand from the sister brand and to appeal to a younger, more tech-savvy audience in China.

Q: Will the new brand be available outside of China?
A: It’s unclear whether the new brand will be available outside of China at this time.

The Best Black Friday MacBook Deals

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MacBook Black Friday Deals

Things are Heating Up

Things are heating up with MacBooks this Black Friday – obviously not the laptops themselves. Everyone knows they run cool and quiet. What’s hot are all the chunky price reductions on all the new models, plus even more impressive savings on last year’s models. We’ve reviewed all of them, having spent hours upon hours using each MacBook for a variety of creative tasks, from photo editing to 3D modelling.

Top Pick: MacBook M3

As of right now, the best MacBook for the majority of digital creatives would be the MacBook M3, and that’s going for £1,099 £949 at Amazon in the UK. It’s also going for $1,099 $844 at Amazon in the US. I absolutely loved this beautifully-designed laptop when I used it.

And That’s Why

And that’s why it’s our top pick of the best MacBooks for students, and the best laptop for photo editing. If you want something more powerful, we also cover all the pros and souped up Airs below…

MacBook Black Friday Quick List: US

  • Amazon: offers on brand new M4 MacBook Pro and more
  • B&H Photo: up to $200 on M3 MacBook Air
  • MacBook Air (13-inch, M3): $1,099 $844 at Amazon
  • MacBook Air (15-inch, M3): $1,299 $1,044 at Amazon
  • MacBook Air (13-inch, M2): $999 $749 at Amazon
  • MacBook Pro (14-inch, M4): $1,599 $1,399 at Amazon
  • MacBook Pro (14-inch, M3): $1,599 $1,199 at Amazon

MacBook Black Friday Quick List: UK

  • Amazon: Savings on a range of MacBooks, including M4
  • Very: Deals on M3 MacBook Pros and Airs. Trade in offers available
  • MacBook Air (13-inch, M3): £1,099 £949 at Amazon
  • MacBook Air (15-inch, M3): £1,699 £1,399 at Very
  • MacBook Air (13-inch, M2): £1,099 £849 at Amazon
  • MacBook Pro (16-inch, M4 Max): £3,499 £3,099 at Amazon
  • MacBook Pro (14-inch, M3 Pro): £1,899 £1,699 at Very

MacBook Black Friday Deals: US

  • [Insert deals here]

MacBook Black Friday Deals: UK

  • [Insert deals here]

You Might Also Like

  • [Insert related articles or links here]

Conclusion

This Black Friday, don’t miss out on the incredible deals on MacBooks. Whether you’re a student, a creative professional, or just someone who wants a powerful laptop, there’s something for everyone. Check out the quick lists above to find the best deals on the latest MacBook models.

FAQs

Q: What is the best MacBook for digital creatives?
A: The MacBook M3 is our top pick for digital creatives, offering a great balance of performance and price.

Q: Are there any deals on last year’s MacBook models?
A: Yes, many retailers are offering significant discounts on last year’s MacBook models, making them a great option for those on a budget.

Q: Can I trade in my old MacBook for a new one?
A: Yes, some retailers are offering trade-in programs for old MacBooks, which can help you save even more money on your new laptop.

4 Things to Prepare Your Organization for AI

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Pressure to Deliver on AI, but Infrastructures Not Ready

When it comes to artificial intelligence initiatives, business leaders are feeling pressure to act — and act fast. However, neither their organizations nor technology infrastructures are ready for the surge in AI applications.

Urgency to Deliver on AI

A survey of 7,985 senior business leaders, released by Cisco, finds 98% report increased urgency to deliver on AI and 85% believe they have less than 18 months to act. More than half (59%) give it only 12 months.

Readiness to Leverage AI

However, at this point, only 13% say they are fully ready to capture AI’s potential — no better than the paltry 14% reporting such readiness last year. They lack skilled staff, higher-capacity infrastructures, and AI-ready data.

Concerns about AI’s Ability to Deliver Returns

Doubts about AI’s ability to deliver returns remain on the list tool. While 50% of respondents cite pressure from the CEO and their leadership team to get moving with AI, there has been somewhat of a waning of enthusiasm about the transformative power of AI at this level. This year, 66% of respondents report that their organizations’ boards are “receptive” and 75% say their leadership teams are “receptive” — down from 82% for both last year, the survey shows.

Measuring AI’s Impact

“A large number of respondents in our survey noted that their AI investments have not yet delivered the gains they expected,” the survey’s authors report. Nearly 50% of respondents reported not seeing any gains or gains below expectations in areas such as assisting, augmenting, or automating a process or operation. The results highlight that while companies are keen to adopt and deploy AI, the ability and readiness to fully leverage it remains limited. The lack of visible results also may be due to organizations not having the right processes in place to accurately measure the impact of AI, with just over a third (38%) of respondents saying they have clearly defined metrics to do so.”

AI Skills and Talent Shortage

AI skills are a major concern for companies wanting to move forward with AI. Only 31% of organizations claim their talent is at a high state of readiness to fully leverage AI. Twenty-four percent say their organizations are under-resourced in terms of in-house talent necessary for successful AI deployment. This shortage has had another unintended consequence, the survey finds. Intensified competition for skilled talent is driving up costs, cited by 48% of respondents as a major challenge.

Infrastructure Readiness

Infrastructure readiness — or the lack thereof — for AI is another concern. Only 21% report having the necessary GPUs to meet current and future AI demands. Only 30% have the capabilities to protect data in AI models with end-to-end encryption, security audits, continuous monitoring, and instant threat response.

Recommendations to Bridge the Gap

  1. Invest in scalable, adaptive, and secure infrastructure: Scalability and security are the watchwords to successful AI planning. “As generative AI tools become more accessible, companies should have technology and policies in place to ensure they safeguard themselves from unauthorized data sharing and loss, and are able to defend against prompt injection, data and model poisoning, and other AI-specific attacks.”
  2. Enhance data management, integration, and governance: There are two key aspects that organizations need to look at: data quality and governance. “Implement comprehensive governance frameworks to ensure that data flows across the organization, as needed, are in compliance with relevant regulations.
  3. Focus on talent development and retention: “The hype around AI is creating a shortage of talent with the right skill sets, and increasing the cost to hire.” The Cisco authors urge investing in existing talent pools. “This includes creating continuous learning opportunities for staff, encouraging cross-functional teams to collaborate and share knowledge on AI projects, and most importantly, looking for skills that can be transferred from an existing role to one focused on AI, to expand the available talent pool.”
  4. Foster a supportive organizational culture and AI vision: Periodically revisit and reassess the AI strategy to ensure it aligns with the company’s overarching business goals. In addition, “organizations should ensure that as they adopt and deploy AI across areas of their business, they not only highlight its potential benefits but also acknowledge any concerns employees might have on the impact on their jobs and roles. Encourage employees ‘to push boundaries and contribute to the company’s AI-driven goals, ensuring sustained growth and competitive advantage.”

Conclusion

The report highlights the need for organizations to prioritize investments in infrastructure, talent, and data management to ensure successful AI deployment. It also underscores the importance of fostering a supportive organizational culture and AI vision to drive sustained growth and competitive advantage.

FAQs

Q: What is the primary concern for companies wanting to move forward with AI?
A: AI skills and talent shortage.

Q: How many organizations report having the necessary GPUs to meet current and future AI demands?
A: Only 21%.

Q: What percentage of respondents report not seeing any gains or gains below expectations in areas such as assisting, augmenting, or automating a process or operation?
A: Nearly 50%.

Q: What is the recommended approach to address the talent shortage?
A: Investing in existing talent pools, creating continuous learning opportunities, and encouraging cross-functional teams to collaborate and share knowledge on AI projects.

Q: What is the key to successful AI planning?
A: Scalability, security, and adaptability.

B&R introduces new coding environment with cloud collaboration and AI assistant – Robotics & Automation News

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Industrial automation specialist, B&R, part of the ABB Group, has released a “major update” to its suite of engineering and runtime software.

The company showcased the upgrade at this year’s SPS exhibition in Nuremberg, Germany.

With Automation Studio Code, B&R says it has introduced an entirely new engineering experience. It incorporates an array of advanced editing functions, drawing from the latest the software industry has to offer.

With flexible local or cloud-based access, it supports seamless collaborative engineering. Fully integrated in this new environment is Automation Studio Copilot, a generative AI coding assistant developed in cooperation with Microsoft.

Among the numerous upgrades in the new release, these standout additions promise a dramatic impact on the software development experience for machine builders and system integrators.

Elevating the engineering experience in machine automation

Florian Schneeberger, B&R chief technology officer, says: “Bringing state-of-the-art software engineering into the world of machine automation is crucial to helping our customers stay a step ahead of rapid changes in today’s markets.

“With a productivity boost from modern development tools and generative AI, together with the flexibility of cloud collaboration, we help them develop faster with more agile teamwork and get innovative machines to market fast.”

In Version 6 of B&R’s engineering software, Automation Studio Code adds powerful new engineering capabilities, while offering full flexibility to open the same projects in either the new environment or the familiar Automation Studio interface.

Among the new capabilities are rich syntax highlighting, which makes code easier to read, and object-oriented programming in Structured Text, which helps engineers organize their code more logically and work more efficiently.

Real-time error detection eliminates repetitive compiling and correction loops, and the ability to adapt the theme to dark mode helps prevent developer fatigue.

Productivity boost with generative AI

One of the most significant contributions to accelerated machine development comes in the form of Automation Studio Copilot, the AI companion embedded in the new coding environment.

Copilot allows developers to generate executable machine code simply by entering prompts in natural language. It also helps optimize and annotate existing code, making it easier to share and reuse.

Complex applications can be quickly summarized to facilitate discussions with non-technical stakeholders.

Describing what typical project workflow might look like, Manuel Sanchez-Marchan, B&R’s software strategy manager, says: “You might start by setting up a project in the familiar, feature-rich Automation Studio environment.

“Then you can jump over to Automation Studio Code to develop your application and share it with your team – using all the modern editing features and enjoying all the advantages of cloud collaboration and seamless source control.

“Every step of the way, you have Automation Studio Copilot at your side – whether you get stuck on a tricky problem or just want a faster way to get things done.”

Seamless flexibility with cloud collaboration

Automation Studio Code offers a seamless experience for developers, whether they choose to open projects on their desktop or in a web browser.

Sanchez-Marchan says: “It’s a lot like the tools we all use to collaborate on documents, spreadsheets and presentations.

“Considering how dramatically those tools have transformed office work, it’s easy to imagine what it means to bring the same level of collaboration to software development processes in the automation industry.”

With teams collaborating in real-time from different locations, topics like source control become more important than ever.

Sanchez-Marchan says: “B&R has always been a step ahead with easy source control thanks to the file-based nature of Automation Studio projects.

“With Automation Studio Code, we’re now taking that a step further. By building source control tasks right into the development environment, we remove distractions and allow developers to focus on their creative work.”

Connection of git repositories enables integration of third-party tools like GitHub or Azure DevOps.

These version control and collaboration tools make it easy to merge contributions from different team members, keep track of changes, and ensure that everyone is always working from the latest version.

Streamlined development with cloud-based engineering

A cloud-based engineering solution eliminates the need to install the development environment locally. This prevents challenges in version management and dependencies from becoming bottlenecks for team efficiency.

Development teams frequently face long hardware lifecycles and multiple tool versions across different machines, adding complexity to their processes.

Moreover, IT restrictions on local software management can further hinder productivity, requiring virtual machines or specialized development setups to support different versions of the environment.

Cloud-based engineering eliminates these obstacles, streamlining setup and maintenance.

With a project dashboard offering a clear overview of their projects all in one place, engineers can easily see what is in progress and what needs attention.

Sanchez-Marchan says: “You spend less time searching for files or trying to remember where you left off, and more time actually developing and refining your code.”

Projects can be shared by sending a link – which a teammate or client can open directly in their browser without needing to install any additional software.

Breathtaking iPad Black Friday Deal

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A Life-Changing Black Friday Deal: Can’t Breathe, But Will Survive

As somebody who has been writing about Black Friday deals for nearly five years, I like to think I am impervious to their powers. But when I saw this iPad deal, which sees the 10th generation model reduced by $90, down from $349 to $259, it took my breath away. Quite literally.

A Shocking Reaction

I tried calling out to my wife Sharon, but then remembered I she left me yesterday because of my reaction to another deal. With time running out, I needed to call an ambulance – but I also needed to take advantage of this deal before it was too late. It was a bit of a conundrum.

A Critical Decision

I eventually managed to call an ambulance, after ordering the iPad. I hope it arrives quickly (the ambulance), as I can’t – and I can’t stress this enough – breathe.

An Ambulance Update

UPDATE: I am now in the ambulance, where the crew have given me some oxygen, restoring my ability to breathe. However, unfortunately there has been another complication. When they asked what had happened to me, I told them about the deal, and they all lost the ability to breathe too. Now nobody is driving the ambulance, and we are approaching the edge of a cliff. But there’s some good news too – I just checked, and not only is the deal still live, but there are also more deals to be found in Creative Bloq’s iPad Black Friday deals roundup.

A Special Offer

We curate the best offers on creative kit and give our expert recommendations to save you time this Black Friday. Upgrade your setup for less with Creative Bloq.

Conclusion

While my experience was certainly unique, it’s clear that this Black Friday deal has had a profound impact on me – and perhaps others. If you’re looking to upgrade your creative workflow, don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity. Remember to take a breath before reacting to any deals, and stay safe while shopping.

FAQs
Q: Is this deal still available?

A: Yes, at the time of writing, the deal is still live.

Q: What are some other deals available during Black Friday?

A: Creative Bloq has curated a range of iPad Black Friday deals, which can be found in our roundup.

Q: Should I prioritize my breathing before shopping for deals?

A: While I learned the hard way, it’s essential to prioritize your physical and mental well-being during the shopping experience. Take breaks, stay hydrated, and remember to breathe!

Statham as Santa

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The Best Christmas Ads of All Time: Wargaming’s Holiday Ops 2025 Campaign

Jason Statham as Santa: The Ultimate Tank Driver

The best Christmas ads of all time tend to have certain key ingredients. A healthy dose of nostalgia, a little light humour, and a pinch of excitement. Wargaming’s Holiday Ops 2025 campaign has all of these and more, as it introduces Jason Statham as Santa, riding a tank instead of a sleigh.

The Unlikely Santa

In the latest Holiday Ops 2025 campaign, Wargaming has surprised us with its star-studded lineup. Last year’s star was Vinnie Jones. This year, the brand has invited fans to guess who will be joining the campaign, with suggestions ranging from Rowan Atkinson to J. K. Simmons and Snoop Dogg. The wait is finally over, as the Russian video game developer has revealed that Jason Statham, known for his roles in The Meg, The Transporter, and Fast & Furious, will be joining the campaign.

Brutal, Stylish, and Ready to Take Charge

The live-action ad begins with Santa being surrounded by a gang of bad guys, but things take a turn when Father Christmas gets punched in the face during the fight scene. Enter Statham as Santa’s stunt double, who is "brutal, stylish, and ready to take charge" and "transform an average holiday movie into a full-throttle epic."

Behind-the-Scenes Fun

Wargaming has shared some behind-the-scenes shots and the beautiful festive hangar, showcasing the fun and excitement of the campaign. The hangar is designed to resemble a winter wonderland, complete with snow-covered trees, twinkling lights, and festive decorations.

What Does Statham Have to Say?

When asked about the experience, Statham said, "I have driven almost every type of vehicle in my career, but blasting around in a tank is the most exhilarating. That is why I’ve teamed up with Wargaming to be World of Tanks’ newest Holiday Ops Ambassador, and I’m more than up for the challenge. It’s a great opportunity to bring some festive fun and a bit of high-stakes action to players all over the world."

What’s Next?

Wargaming’s annual World of Tanks Holiday Ops 2025 will run from 6 December to 13 January. This year, players will be given special assignments and battle missions to earn rewards from Statham himself. The festivities will take place in a newly updated festive hangar, designed to bring the magic of the holiday season to life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is Wargaming’s Holiday Ops 2025 campaign?
A: Wargaming’s Holiday Ops 2025 campaign is an annual event that offers special assignments and battle missions to players, with rewards from the brand’s newest Holiday Ops Ambassador, Jason Statham.

Q: Who is the star of Wargaming’s Holiday Ops 2025 campaign?
A: Jason Statham, known for his roles in The Meg, The Transporter, and Fast & Furious, is the star of Wargaming’s Holiday Ops 2025 campaign.

Q: What is the theme of Wargaming’s Holiday Ops 2025 campaign?
A: The theme of Wargaming’s Holiday Ops 2025 campaign is a fun and action-packed holiday experience, with a mix of nostalgia, excitement, and high-stakes action.

Adversarial Robust Neural Style Transfer

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A Connection Between Adversarial Transferability and Non-Robust Features

A figure in Ilyas, et al. (2019) that struck me as particularly interesting was the following graph showing a correlation between adversarial transferability between architectures and their tendency to learn similar non-robust features.

Understanding the Graph

One way to interpret this graph is that it shows how well a particular architecture is able to capture non-robust features in an image. The non-robust features are defined by the non-robust features ResNet-50 captures, NRF_resnet. This graph really shows how well an architecture captures NRF_resnet.

Applying the Insight to Style Transfer

Notice how far back VGG is compared to the other models. This phenomenon is discussed at length in this Reddit thread. The above interpretation of the graph provides an alternative explanation for this phenomenon. Since VGG is unable to capture non-robust features as well as other architectures, the outputs for style transfer actually look more correct to humans!

A Quick Experiment

Testing our hypothesis is fairly straightforward: Use an adversarially robust classifier for neural style transfer (Gatys et al., 2015) and see what happens.

Evaluating the Results

I evaluated a regularly trained (non-robust) ResNet-50 with a robustly trained ResNet-50 from Engstrom, et al. (2019) on their performance on neural style transfer (Gatys et al., 2015). For comparison, I performed the same algorithm with a regular VGG-19 (Simonyan et al., 2014).

A Surprising Result

Here, it becomes clear that, the first few layers of VGG and AlexNet are actually almost as robust as the first few layers of the robust ResNet! This is perhaps a more convincing indication that robustness might have something to do with VGG’s success in style transfer after all.

Style Transfer and Robustness

Suppose we restrict style transfer to only use a single layer of the network when computing the style loss. Again, the more robust layers seem to indeed work better for style transfer! Since all of the layers in the robust ResNet are robust, style transfer yields non-trivial results even using the last layer alone. Conversely, VGG and AlexNet seem to excel in the earlier layers (where they are non-trivially robust) but fail when using exclusively later (non-robust) layers:

Conclusion

Of course, there is much more work to be done here, but we are excited to see further work into understanding the role of both robustness and VGG in network-based image manipulation.

FAQs

Q: What is the relationship between adversarial transferability and non-robust features?

A: The graph shows a correlation between adversarial transferability and the tendency to learn similar non-robust features.

Q: Why does VGG perform well in style transfer?

A: VGG’s ability to capture non-robust features may be a contributing factor to its success in style transfer.

Q: How do robust layers perform in style transfer?

A: Robust layers, such as those in the robust ResNet, tend to work well for style transfer, even when used individually.

Q: What is the implication of these findings?

A: These findings suggest that robustness may play a role in the success of certain architectures, such as VGG, in style transfer.

iPad Black Friday deals have arrived, as low as $199

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The Big Day is Finally Here: Black Friday iPad Deals

Black Friday: A Day of Exciting Discounts

The big day is finally here. It’s Black Friday! This is my seventh year covering Black Friday deals, and this year we’re seeing some exciting discounts across the iPad range, with the lowest price ever being hit across several types of iPad.

Recommended Deal: iPad Air (M2, 2024)

If I had to choose just one iPad deal to recommend, I’d probably go for the $100 off the iPad Air (M2, 2024) at Amazon, which is a great offer, considering this iPad is so new, bringing the price down to $799 for the 256GB version.

UK Deals

In the UK, the deals aren’t quite as dramatic, but I wouldn’t say no to £31 off the brand new iPad mini at Amazon, which is now £467.97.

Best Black Friday iPad Deals

Below, you’ll see my roundup of the best Black Friday iPad deals I’ve found so far this sales period. I’ll be checking in on these regularly to check they’re still live and will also be keeping an eye out for any extra ones that appear as the day goes on.

iPad Deals US

  • $100 off iPad Air (M2, 2024) at Amazon, $799 for 256GB
  • $50 off iPad Pro (11-inch, 2021) at Best Buy, $749 for 256GB
  • $30 off iPad (7th Generation) at Walmart, $299 for 32GB

iPad Deals UK

  • £31 off iPad mini (2021) at Amazon, £467.97
  • £20 off iPad (7th Generation) at Currys, £249 for 32GB
  • £15 off iPad (6th Generation) at Apple, £399 for 128GB

How Do I Find the Best Deals?

To find the best deals for you, I use our dedicated price checker, scour various retailers across the US and UK, and make sure I compare prices across retailers to find the best offers available. I also use tools like CamelCamelCamel to check price history, which I use to predict whether this is the lowest an iPad will fall or whether it may drop further.

Still Not Sure Which iPad is Right for You?

If you’re still not sure which iPad is right for you, I recommend checking out our iPad generations guide. And if you want more Apple kit, then don’t miss our MacBook Black Friday blog.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is Black Friday?
A: Black Friday is a major shopping event that takes place on the day after Thanksgiving in the United States, traditionally considered the beginning of the holiday shopping season.

Q: What are the best Black Friday iPad deals?
A: The best Black Friday iPad deals are those that offer the lowest prices for the newest and latest iPads, often with discounts of $100 or more.

Q: How do I find the best Black Friday deals?
A: To find the best Black Friday deals, use a price comparison tool, such as CamelCamelCamel, to check price history, and compare prices across retailers to find the best offers available.

Q: Are Black Friday deals only available in the US?
A: No, Black Friday deals are available in the US and the UK, with some retailers offering exclusive deals to international customers.

Zoom Shifts Focus: No Longer a Video Company

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Zoom’s Shift: From Video Calls to AI-Powered Workday Solutions

A New Era for Zoom: Emphasis on AI and Collaboration

Zoom, the video communication service that rose to prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic, is rebranding itself as a company focused on more than just video meetings. In a recent announcement, Zoom revealed that it is shifting its focus to artificial intelligence (AI) and collaboration tools to enhance the workday.

The End of Video Calls, But Not Really

While video calls will still be part of Zoom’s offerings, the company is rebranding itself as simply "Zoom Communications." This change reflects its new emphasis on AI-powered tools and features that go beyond video meetings.

The Role of AI in Zoom’s Future

Zoom has already introduced its Zoom AI Companion, which provides features such as catching users up on meetings, composing messages, and more. The company plans to further develop its AI capabilities, potentially even creating a "fully customizable digital twin" that can learn an individual’s work habits and free up their workday.

A Four-Day Workweek in the Future?

According to Zoom, the standard workweek used to be 48 hours until Henry Ford revolutionized manufacturing. With the help of AI, Zoom envisions a future where people can work just four days a week, giving them more time off and a better work-life balance.

Collaboration Tools: The New Focus

Zoom’s new focus is on providing tools that enhance collaboration and productivity throughout the workday. Its existing features, such as Zoom Docs and Team Chat, allow users to work collaboratively on documents and stay connected with colleagues.

Conclusion

In summary, Zoom’s shift from video calls to AI-powered workday solutions is a significant change for the company. While video meetings will still be part of its offerings, the company is now focused on providing a range of tools that can make the workday more efficient and collaborative.

FAQs

Q: What is Zoom’s new focus?
A: Zoom is shifting its focus to artificial intelligence (AI) and collaboration tools to enhance the workday.

Q: Will video calls still be available?
A: Yes, video calls will still be part of Zoom’s offerings, but they will not be the main focus of the company.

Q: What are some examples of Zoom’s AI-powered tools?
A: Examples include the Zoom AI Companion, which provides features such as catching users up on meetings, composing messages, and more.

Q: Can I expect a four-day workweek in the future?
A: According to Zoom, with the help of AI, people may be able to work just four days a week in the future, giving them more time off and a better work-life balance.