Sexism rules in voice assistant genders, show studies, but Siri stands out

Studies cited by the WSJ show that sexist attitudes are alive and well when it comes to preferences for gender in the voices of intelligent assistants.

An Indiana university study found that both men and women prefer a female voice, finding it welcoming, warm and nurturing. Microsoft and Amazon found the same thing in their own research. Even more tellingly, a Stanford University study reveals that preferences for male or female voices depend on the subject matter …

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Filed under: Apple

Keyboard inconsistencies & oddities plaguing some 2016 MacBook Pro users

After similar issues plagued the 12-inch MacBook, a growing number of MacBook Pro users are reporting issues with the new butterfly keyboard. The butterfly keyboard technology was first introduced with the 12-inch MacBook, but Apple announced a new version of it with the 2016 MacBook Pro models revealed late-last year.

Now, a growing number of users are suffering from issues with the keyboard…

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Filed under: Apple

As Apple fights Qualcomm, Intel reveals modem w/ 1Gbps & CDMA support likely headed to 2017 iPhone

Intel today took the wraps off of its new XMM7650 modem, which offers gigabit LTE performance and is the likely front-runner for the iPhone introduces later this year. As detailed by PC Mag, Intel’s new processor is a direct competitor to the Qualcomm Snapdragon X16. Apple, of course, is currently engaged in a legal battle with Qualcomm…

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Filed under: Apple